Widely considered one of the greatest films ever made, one 1981 fast-paced, adventurous, and visually striking action film set the standard for the modern blockbuster.

In the early 1970s, George Lucas was inspired by the adventure serials of the 1930s and ’40s, and envisioned a modern tribute to those episodic cliffhangers – now featuring an adventurous archaeologist in the lead role.

He developed the idea further with screenwriter Philip Kaufman, who suggested the Ark of the Covenant – a legendary biblical artifact – as the central object of the story.

Lucas paused work on the project to focus on his groundbreaking 1977 classic Star Wars. After Star Wars became a worldwide success, he revisited the previous concept and pitched it to Steven Spielberg, who was interested in making a film in the style of a James Bond adventure.

Then, in 1981, Raiders of the Lost Ark introduced the world to Indiana Jones – the fedora-wearing archaeologist who became one of cinema’s most remarkable characters – with the help of screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan and actor Harrison Ford, who had previously played Han Solo in Star Wars.

Set in 1936, Raiders of the Lost Ark follows Dr. Indiana Jones, who is recruited by the U.S. government to find the Ark of the Covenant before it falls into the hands of the Nazis.

The film opens in the jungles of South America, where Jones retrieves a golden idol from a heavily booby-trapped temple, only to be betrayed by a guide and outwitted by his rival, French archaeologist René Belloq.

Back in the U.S., he is briefed by Army intelligence officials who inform him that the Nazis are searching for the lost city of Tanis in Egypt, believed to contain the Ark – a sacred chest said to house the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments.

To find the Ark, Jones must track down an artifact known as the headpiece to the Staff of Ra, which is in the possession of Marion Ravenwood, the daughter of his former mentor – and his former lover.

The middle of the film is packed with action scenes, including fights, chases, shootouts, and a memorable sequence involving a pit of snakes in the Well of Souls, the burial place of the Ark.

Raiders of the Lost Ark was an immediate commercial and critical success upon its release in June 1981, and became the highest-grossing film of the year, earning more than $300 million worldwide.

It was nominated for nine Academy Awards and won five, including Best Art Direction, Best Film Editing, Best Sound, Best Visual Effects, and a Special Achievement Award for sound effects editing.

It was also audiences’ introduction to the franchise that would follow, which includes The Temple of Doom (1984), The Last Crusade (1989), The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008), and The Dial of Destiny (2023), as well as books, video games, and merchandise.

The first Indiana Jones movie has been consistently ranked among the greatest films of all time by critics, filmmakers, and audiences alike. In 1999, the film was selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry by the Library of Congress, being deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”, and its influence can be seen in action-adventure films for decades afterward, and it helped shape the format for many Hollywood blockbusters that followed.

Raiders of the Lost Ark is now available to stream on Netflix.

Studio chiefs at Warner Brothers believe costs for the lavish production – which will be shot entirely in Britain – are likely to soar as high as a record-breaking £75million per episode. With plans for seven seasons – one for each of JK Rowling’s beloved books – of six episodes each, that would send the overall total to a mind-boggling £3.15billion, making it the most expensive show in television history.

Producers have revealed stars John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. Luke Thallon will portray Quirinus Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse will be Argus Filch. They have also watched 32,000 audition tapes after an open casting call for the roles of Harry, Ron and Hermione, played by Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson in the film series.

They are expected to announce their choices next month. A senior Hollywood production source confirmed: “There’s no question Harry Potter will become the biggest TV show the world has ever seen – as well as providing an enormous windfall for the UK.” Shooting is due to start this summer at the 200-acre Warner Bros studio complex at Leavesden, Hertfordshire.

The TV adaptation is expected to launch next year across HBO cable and streaming platforms. The source added: “It’s going to generate well-paid jobs for several years as well as ensuring Britain remains one of the world’s most important filming hubs.”

As the Sunday Express revealed in February, so many filmmakers and TV productions are heading to the UK – due to tax incentives and spiralling costs in the US – that it is now dubbed “Hollywood East” in industry circles. Harry Potter on TV, however, will easily be the biggest ever financial juggernaut, with executives believing profits may eclipse the £7.4billion made by the eight films and the Fantastic Beasts spin-offs.

Dexter fans have been told to check out an ‘over the top’ crime thriller that is now available for streaming.

Trap is accessible for those with a Sky or NOW Cinema membership.

This suspenseful film was released last year and is the latest creation from the controversial filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan, known for unforgettable films like The Sixth Sense.

Shyamalan, who also wrote and directed other notable movies such as Unbreakable, Split, Signs and The Knock at the Cabin, cast his own daughter in this ensemble piece.

The film stars Josh Hartnett, recognised for his roles in Lucky Number Slevin and 30 Days of Night.

The plot of this gripping thriller revolves around Cooper (Hartnett), a father who takes his teenage daughter to a concert, only to find themselves caught up in a sinister scheme. The authorities have chosen this music event as the perfect opportunity to apprehend an infamous serial killer known as The Butcher, who they believe will be attending.

Armed officers are stationed at every exit of the arena, and cameras are set up to ensnare the criminal. However, the twist is that Cooper, who initially seems to be a doting father, is actually the killer being pursued, and he must devise a plan to evade capture, reports Surrey Live.

Upon its initial release, the film received a mixed reception, with Josh Hartnett’s performance earning accolades but it overall failed to captivate even the most ardent Shyamalan enthusiast.

Now, as it becomes available for streaming in the UK, there are high hopes it will entice a fresh cohort of viewers.

Despite its imperfections, some aficionados have lauded the film, with one enthusiast drawing parallels to the beloved series Dexter, featuring a serial killer protagonist. They took to social media to express their thoughts: “For all you Dexter fans out there, couple the overtones from this critically acclaimed series with the creative intrigue and genius of M. Night Shyamalan and what do you have? You’ve got a winning combination. This combination is precisely what you get in the movie, Trap.”

Another viewer characterised the movie as “Ludicrous, in the best way. Good fun thriller, over the top, a little like Split in that respect.”

However, they also hinted that Shyamalan casting his daughter may not have been the wisest move.

They remarked: “Third act is weaker, including the let down acting of Shyamalan’s daughter, Saleka, which threatens to derail the whole film when the time comes for her to act (rather than sing, as Lady Raven), but that’s M Night Shyamalan all over and, besides, it sort of redeems itself at the end. Josh Hartnett is a treat to watch, as is the young actress, Ariel Donoghue, who plays his daughter, very natural. Don’t take it seriously, have no specific expectations, own a get-in-free card and it’s a joy to ride this coaster. I will come back to it again and again.”

Yet, Trap is unlikely to clinch the title of Shyamalan’s best work, often known for his signature twist endings. One viewer expressed their disappointment: “Possibly one of the worst movies I’ve ever had the displeasure of watching. The twist is that I wasted nearly 3 hours of my life.”

Nonetheless, the film has its champions, with one fan asserting: “Although the plot can be a bit ridiculous at times, this film is entertaining and interesting enough to be worth a watch. Josh Hartnett is AMAZING in his role and really carries the film.”

One viewer heaped praise on the film’s tense portrayal, stating: “Do not sleep on this movie. Josh Hartnett absolutely delivers a chilling performance in this film. From beginning to the very end, you’re sitting with an uncomfortable outside perspective that keeps you on the edge of your seat. In typical Shyamalan style, just when you think you know what’s going to happen next – You’re dead wrong.”

Trap is streaming on Sky Cinema and NOW.