Indy — and his whip and hat — return to theaters on Thursday with "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," the fourth film in the action series. Here are five other films where a whip makes an important appearance:

1 "Glory" (1989) — In a riveting scene, Oscar winner Denzel Washington receives lashes for alleged military desertion.

2 "The Legend of Zoro" (2005) — Our hero has a sword ... and a whip, too.

3 "Out of Africa" (1985) — Not exactly "Kitten With a Whip," but Meryl Streep uses one to try and fend off a lion.

4 "The Magic Christian" (1969) — Raquel Welch plays the aptly named character Priestess of the Whip and hooks Ringo Starr with her device.

5 "Starship Troopers" (1997) — Hot dog Johnny Rico (Casper Van Dien) is punished with a public lashing.

— Bob Longino

Featured

This container has soil created from human remains, a process known as "human composting." (Courtesy of Return Home)

Credit: Return Home