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Steven Spielberg's Best Films

by luke-eberhardt • Created 13 years ago • Modified 2 years ago
The Worlds most popular and most successful director's career ranked.
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  • 34 titles
  • Susan Backlinie and Bruce in Jaws (1975)

    1. Jaws

    19752h 4mPG87Metascore
    8.1 (695K)
    When a massive killer shark unleashes chaos on a beach community off Long Island, it's up to a local sheriff, a marine biologist, and an old seafarer to hunt the beast down.
    DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsRoy ScheiderRobert ShawRichard Dreyfuss
    5/5

    A True Classic; How has the most insane shoot become the most amazing film? Jaws never gets old, its still as fearful and suspeneful as the day it came out. Nothing could ever beat Jaws! it'll stay with the viewer forever!
  • Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, Wolf Kahler, Ronald Lacey, and Terry Richards in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

    2. Raiders of the Lost Ark

    19811h 55mPG86Metascore
    8.4 (1.1M)
    In 1936, archaeologist Indiana Jones is tasked by Army Intelligence to help locate a legendary ancient power, the Ark of Covenant, before the Nazis get it first.
    DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsHarrison FordKaren AllenPaul Freeman
    5/5

    In a new decade Spielberg joined forces with his friend George Lucas to bring us the greatest adventure of all time. Incredibly defining in its genre, its really a tribute to Saturday night adventure tales. But no matter what age you are Raiders still packs a punch, cracks a whip and sores its way until the very end you don't want to stop seeing.
  • Schindler's List (1993)

    3. Schindler's List

    19933h 15mR95Metascore
    9.0 (1.5M)
    In German-occupied Poland during World War II, industrialist Oskar Schindler gradually becomes concerned for his Jewish workforce after witnessing their persecution by the Nazis.
    DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsLiam NeesonRalph FiennesBen Kingsley
    5/5

    A Masterpiece from 1993, this is the bigger one. No other film has portrayed the horrors of Nazi Germany and the journey of one man's test of humanity to save lives. Liam Neeson has never had a better role along side Sir Ben Kingsleys and Ralph Fiennes. Steven Spielberg finally got a deservingly Best Director and Best Picture win after many years of have one or two nominations.
  • Henry Thomas and Pat Welsh in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

    4. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

    19821h 55mPG92Metascore
    7.9 (454K)
    A troubled child summons the courage to help a friendly alien escape from Earth and return to his home planet.
    DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsHenry ThomasDrew BarrymorePeter Coyote
    5/5

    What if a being was left behind after the events of the idea of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind", This is the result "E.T. The Extra Terrestial" It beat the Box Office Success of both Star Wars and Jaws to be the Highest grosing film ever then! Its a touching tale of boy meets alien makes friends, also the exciting adventure of finding his way back home, truly marvellous.
  • Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough, Laura Dern, Sam Neill, Ariana Richards, BD Wong, Joseph Mazzello, Martin Ferrero, and Bob Peck in Jurassic Park (1993)

    5. Jurassic Park

    19932h 7mPG-1368Metascore
    8.2 (1.1M)
    An industrialist invites some experts to visit his theme park of cloned dinosaurs. After a power failure, the creatures run loose, putting everyone's lives, including his grandchildren's, in danger.
    DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsSam NeillLaura DernJeff Goldblum
    5/5

    Another Unforgettable blockbuster, Its about Dinosaurs coming back, They look amazing and very real with CGI. Not only is the science radical, the highpoint is the suspense and adventure encountering dangerous and amazing dinosaurs. Its the T-rex thats the star of the show, raptors are the villains, everything else make this film one of the greatest popcorn movies next to Jaws from Spielberg's phenominal success.
  • Whoopi Goldberg in The Color Purple (1985)

    6. The Color Purple

    19852h 34mPG-1378Metascore
    7.7 (101K)
    A tale spanning forty years in the life of Celie, an African-American woman living in the South who survives incredible abuse and bigotry.
    DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsDanny GloverWhoopi GoldbergOprah Winfrey
    5/5

    This was the first time Spielberg made a serious picture about serious issues of American History. Everything about this film is wonderful, production design, script acting, cast, direction; It just captures your heart! It was first film for Whoopi Goldberg whoose performace is direct stardom. Its a shame this got No Academy Awards, then again theres plenty of films that have that result, but this will always remain a classic!
  • Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)

    7. Close Encounters of the Third Kind

    19772h 18mPG90Metascore
    7.6 (225K)
    An Indiana electric lineman finds his quiet and ordinary daily life turned upside down after a close encounter with a UFO, spurring him to an obsessed cross-country quest for answers as a momentous event approaches.
    DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsRichard DreyfussFrançois TruffautTeri Garr
    5/5

    An intriguing mystery full of fun and adventure and wonder until the very end. Spielberg's dreams were beginning to be realised all this time, the special effects are great along with the sound track and effects. It may be wierd but in a very masterful way you'll never forget.
  • Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore, and Edward Burns in Saving Private Ryan (1998)

    8. Saving Private Ryan

    19982h 49mR91Metascore
    8.6 (1.6M)
    Following the Normandy Landings, a group of U.S. soldiers go behind enemy lines to retrieve a paratrooper whose brothers have been killed in action.
    DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsTom HanksMatt DamonTom Sizemore
    5/5

    This may go down as one of the most successful war films of all time. Genuinely defining in its genre, the main strong point is the story an incredible story of survival, and taking it to the very end, Performances from actors are also fantastic. It also goes down as one of the most violent films ever made but thats really the horror of war. Spielberg has done it again and got another Ocsar for Direction.
  • Eric Bana in Munich (2005)

    9. Munich

    20052h 44mR74Metascore
    7.5 (247K)
    After the Black September capture and massacre of Israeli athletes at the 1972 Olympics, five men are chosen to eliminate the people responsible for that fateful day.
    DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsEric BanaDaniel CraigMarie-Josée Croze
    5/5

    This is Spielberg's 'Noughties Masterpiece'. I love it!!! as much as previous films had a noirish look this is great. He's done it once again; Great cast, beautifully written script, amazing direction. It makes you question a lot about Jewish Mossad and the possibilities of the operation, as spy films go, this one of the most serious. Some parts of the film are incredibly fascinating and has some very compelling ideas connected to main plot. Once again you just gotta see this to believe it, it also make you think; what happened to the kid inside everyone? this is a more adult film, not for long.
  • Steven Spielberg, Judd Hirsch, Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, Michelle Williams, Keeley Karsten, Tony Kushner, Birdie Borria, Alina Brace, Sophia Kopera, Mateo Zoryan, Gabriel LaBelle, Chloe East, and Julia Butters in The Fabelmans (2022)

    10. The Fabelmans

    20222h 31mPG-1385Metascore
    7.5 (128K)
    Growing up in post-World War II era Arizona, young Sammy Fabelman aspires to become a filmmaker as he reaches adolescence, but soon discovers a shattering family secret and explores how the power of films can help him see the truth.
    DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsMichelle WilliamsGabriel LaBellePaul Dano
    5/5

    In what seems to be a very uncanny account that seems to appear almost more real and authentic than a theatrical or autobigraphical story full of heart and incredibly deep and profound themes of family, coming-of-age, passions and life purpose. Spielberg has used his own story to convey some truly impactful life lessons with the most skilled artful and old style direction and powerful acting that any film in it's genre or from the director's legacy could ever produce. The pursuit of dreams vs. Familal expectations that keeps on growing as the film prgresses and will likely stay with the viewer for years and years to come.
  • Daniel Day-Lewis in Lincoln (2012)

    11. Lincoln

    20122h 30mPG-1387Metascore
    7.3 (279K)
    As the Civil War rages on, U.S President Abraham Lincoln struggles with continuing carnage on the battlefield as he fights with many inside his own cabinet on his decision to emancipate the slaves.
    DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsDaniel Day-LewisSally FieldDavid Strathairn
    5/5

    As near perfect as any film can get for Spielberg to define, "Lincoln" is really up there as one of his greatest efforts. Really examining Abe Lincoln's final months in office, among the many people he worked with to get the 13th amendment to abolish slavery and the ending of the bloody civil war. Fueled by Tony Kushner's beautifully written script and Spielberg's bold direction and driven by the outstanding cast lead by Daniel Day-Lewis; 'Lincoln' is the inspiring, bold, immersive and defining portrait of America's legendary 16th President ever performed on film. Spielberg has done it again a deep meaningful epic political journey the doesn't set itself up as a biopic but more a central focus on one man's legacy and his most costly fighting chance ever touched upon in his life. I could say more or less this film is a spiritual successor to Spielberg's 1997 'Amistad' where action against the abolition of slavery was pushed forward to the next level. Highly recommended to everyone even if you don't know much about Abraham Lincoln.
  • Empire of the Sun (1987)

    12. Empire of the Sun

    19872h 33mPG62Metascore
    7.7 (139K)
    A young English boy struggles to survive under Japanese occupation of China during World War II.
    DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsChristian BaleJohn MalkovichMiranda Richardson
    4.5/5

    A Triumph all in all!! Empire of the Sun is a great film sympathysing the human spirit and survival in a war torn country. Christian Bale was great when he was a young boy, already a rising star. Compared to 'The Color Purple' I find this a little more family friendly even though its still a serious film and should be watched by everyone. Some even consider it Spielberg's most underatted film.
  • Tom Hanks in Bridge of Spies (2015)

    13. Bridge of Spies

    20152h 22mPG-1381Metascore
    7.6 (337K)
    During the Cold War, an American lawyer is recruited to defend an arrested Soviet spy in court, and then help the CIA facilitate an exchange of the spy for the Soviet captured American U2 spy plane pilot, Francis Gary Powers.
    DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsTom HanksMark RylanceAlan Alda
    4.5/5

    Steven Spielberg once again proves he can do no wrong, especially with real world material. Following the grand traditions of Amistad and Munich, Bridge of Spies is an incredibly fine, concise and versatile Cold War drama/thriller. With an impressively written script contributed oddly by the two and only Cohen Brothers, add to that under Spielberg's bold direction the film shines as one of his most finest films to date. Another big credit added towards the casting, with another impressive collaboration with Tom Hanks, alongside the likes of other incredibly talented actors, particularly Mark Rylance, and the gorgeously looking cinematography. The film itself, also tells it's story really well with minimal music by Thomas Newman, making this the third Spielberg film to be scored without John Williams. Overall, the film really challenges the rights of prisoners and country's laws and constitution in a time of great conflict where almost anything could happen. Lastly, it's a highly recommended film in which it's Oscar changes might be big.
  • Sean Connery, Harrison Ford, Denholm Elliott, Michael Byrne, Alison Doody, and John Rhys-Davies in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

    14. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

    19892h 7mPG-1365Metascore
    8.2 (839K)
    In 1938, after his father goes missing while pursuing the Holy Grail, Indiana Jones finds himself up against the Nazis again to stop them from obtaining its powers.
    DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsHarrison FordSean ConneryAlison Doody
    4.5/5

    The most triumphant entry in the Indy franchise, Most fans like this the best. Always kept close to its predecessors. More adventure with Sean Connery as Indy's dad make quite a humorous father and son relationship. Its a film that will never stop moving until the very end. Was it really Indy's conclusion well we'll have to wait long years for that.
  • Tom Cruise in Minority Report (2002)

    15. Minority Report

    20022h 25mPG-1380Metascore
    7.6 (603K)
    John works with the PreCrime police which stop crimes before they take place, with the help of three 'PreCogs' who can foresee crimes. Events ensue when John finds himself framed for a future murder.
    DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsTom CruiseColin FarrellSamantha Morton
    4.5/5

    This is one of 3 best films adapted from the work of sci-fi legend, Philip K Dick. Spielberg Aced it!!! The Sci-Fi Neo Noir film is intelligent and visually imaginative that marks Spielberg's return to his blockbuster days. The Action is fantastic along with Tom Cruise actually not so cocky and has never been better. You may even consider this to be Spielberg's 'Blade Runner', makes up for a great sci-fi action entertainment.
  • Rachel Zegler and Ansel Elgort in West Side Story (2021)

    16. West Side Story

    20212h 36mPG-1385Metascore
    7.1 (102K)
    When young Tony and Maria fall in love in 1957 New York City, their romance helps to fuel the fire between the warring Jets and Sharks, two rival gangs vying for control of the streets.
    DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsAnsel ElgortRachel ZeglerAriana DeBose
    4.5/5

    There is aye no way modern musicals will fit Spielberg's bill. Revitalizing a classic musical happen to be right up his ally and he more than succeeds giving this update a much more polished, vibrant, estatic and authentic look and feel that the late and great Stephen Sondheim would be absolutely proud about. Add to that some much needed appropriate casting decisions to fit in line with the cultural context and the modern magic of cinematography to make it look more real than ever, and you have a film that (almost blasphomously as this sounds) surpasses the quality of it's oscar winning predecessor.
  • Jeremy Irvine in War Horse (2011)

    17. War Horse

    20112h 26mPG-1372Metascore
    7.2 (170K)
    A young farm boy enlists to serve in World War I after his beloved horse is sold to the cavalry. His hopeful journey takes him out of England and onto the front lines as the war rages on.
    DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsJeremy IrvineEmily WatsonDavid Thewlis
    4.5/5

    'War Horse' is an emotionally drawn in story with unforgettable characters and thrilling sequences and moral emotions. Its a shame you don't get many WW1 films these days, 'War Horse' fills in the gap. It reminded me a little of 'Empire of the Sun' with the concept of the naivity of war also thebeauty of the relationships with human and animals. Like always every frame stands out, a fantastic cast, beautifully crafted, I think everyone needs to see this once.
  • Jamie Bell and Joe Starr in The Adventures of Tintin (2011)

    18. The Adventures of Tintin

    20111h 47mPG68Metascore
    7.3 (249K)
    Intrepid reporter Tintin and Captain Haddock set off on a treasure hunt for a sunken ship commanded by Haddock's ancestor.
    DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsJamie BellAndy SerkisDaniel Craig
    4.5/5

    After many years in Development, Great Snakes! Blistering Banacles!!! Tintin is finally here! and Its soooooo much fun. It looks and feels a lot like the comics, No matter what age you are this film is for you. Its got a lot of classic elements that make it feel like a Hitchcock, Lean or very Spielberg film, all things old made new again in a new film medium for a modern time, its a great combination. I was delighted with the cameo of Herge and other of his easter eggs. A great Rolla costa ride from start to finnish I just didn't want it to stop. I'm so looking forward to the sequels!
  • Haley Joel Osment in A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

    19. A.I. Artificial Intelligence

    20012h 26mPG-1365Metascore
    7.2 (331K)
    A highly advanced robotic boy longs to become "real" so that he can regain the love of his human mother.
    DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsHaley Joel OsmentJude LawFrances O'Connor
    4/5

    New Decade, Spielberg takes over one of Stanley Kubrick's last film ideas. He wrote and directed a facinating futuristic portrait of the bleak future concerning robots, one particular creation is 'David' programed for love. The film is his journey to find out whats the meaning of love, life and loss. Its a lot like E.T. in a way will all the warm hearted charm. I love the casting, he's always casted well, visually spectacular and moving. I should consider this a cult classic.
  • Djimon Hounsou in Amistad (1997)

    20. Amistad

    19972h 35mR64Metascore
    7.3 (85K)
    In 1839, the revolt of Mende captives aboard a Spanish owned ship causes a major controversy in the United States when the ship is captured off the coast of Long Island. The courts must decide whether the Mende are slaves or legally free.
    DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsDjimon HounsouMatthew McConaugheyAnthony Hopkins
    4/5

    Another 1997 release saw Spielberg take on american history, Amistad follows the journey of a mutiny on a slave ship and the court trials after. Like his other dramatic film before almost every character plays a single significan ad rememberable role in this incredible story. It actually give the slaves a voice to tlk and a victory that didn't need any sort of physical force. You need to see this to believe it.
  • Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks in Catch Me If You Can (2002)

    21. Catch Me If You Can

    20022h 21mPG-1375Metascore
    8.1 (1.2M)
    Barely 17 yet, Frank is a skilled forger who has passed as a doctor, lawyer and pilot. FBI agent Carl becomes obsessed with tracking down the con man, who only revels in the pursuit.
    DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsLeonardo DiCaprioTom HanksChristopher Walken
    4/5

    Spielberg hits it again. This has more of a classic feel, Strong Performance from DiCaprio for a smart, charming and surprisingly film about an Identity theif artist like Fank Abagnale himself. I think it has more of a Hitchcock or Hawks vibe to it, it proves Spielberg can alway be classy than revolutionary.
  • Steven Spielberg, Ben Mendelsohn, George Michael, Simon Pegg, Mark Rylance, Perdita Weeks, Kamara Benjamin Barnett, Mandy June Turpin, T.J. Miller, Lena Waithe, Stephen Mitchell, Neet Mohan, Win Morisaki, Elliot Barnes-Worrell, Kae Alexander, Sarah Sharman, Robert Gilbert, Raed Abbas, Letitia Wright, Tye Sheridan, Asan N'Jie, Hannah John-Kamen, Cara Theobold, Olivia Cooke, Alphonso Austin, Amy Clare Beales, Jane Leaney, Kathryn Wilder, and Philip Zhao in Ready Player One (2018)

    22. Ready Player One

    20182h 20mPG-1364Metascore
    7.4 (517K)
    When the creator of a virtual reality called the OASIS dies, he makes a posthumous challenge to all OASIS users to find his Easter Egg, which will give the finder his fortune and control of his world.
    DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsTye SheridanOlivia CookeBen Mendelsohn
    4/5

    Who better to adapt Ernest Cline's best selling novel than the man who inspired it, that being the one and only; Steven Spielberg. Off the bat, it's easy to say this blockbuster of a video game inspired pop-culture extravaganza is a hell of a lot different to it's source material, mainly due to what might work in a book, doesn't in a film. This film however is what it is, a hugely fun nostalgic thrill ride from beginning to end, fast paced in all it's pop-culture filled referenced glory and great casting of such talented actors who play the most with what they get from their characters. While it can be jarring as to how 'geeky' this film may appear, it's still a solid blockbuster with the right amount of charm and excitement you would come to expect from a Spielberg film. It's technical handling on real world dystopia and video game surrealism is expertly brought to life, especially when jumping from setting to setting. Regardless of whether you're the target audience for this type of film or are unable to point out any of the references shown, you will enjoy this film for what Spielberg has made it out to be.
  • Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep in The Post (2017)

    23. The Post

    20171h 56mPG-1383Metascore
    7.2 (168K)
    A cover-up spanning four U.S. Presidents pushes the country's first female newspaper publisher and her editor to join an unprecedented battle between press and government.
    DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsMeryl StreepTom HanksSarah Paulson
    4/5

    While not the finest effort Steven Spielberg has directed especially when compared to the brilliance of 'Bridge of Spies' and 'Lincoln'. Though since it's the awards season, 'The Post' is an ideal film to catch this summer due to the engrossing adult drama it brings to the table of 'compelling 20th Century period films'. Eloquently brought to life with such vibrancy in a top form production, 'The Post' tells the tale of a shocking discovery that through it's compelling chain of events brings about the controversial nature of the then political landscape of America in the early 70s. Spielberg is once again in top form, able to bring the setting and drama to life, aided by a fantastic ensemble cast led by both Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep. If political disaster doesn't pose a risk to 'us' now, then 'The Post' will shed some light to viewers on how it can happen when the facts are put out there, it's up to the desperate need for the press to expose these matters to the public eye. Overall, the film is utterly compelling and executed in top form to show how scandals can be exposed, especially within the most pivotal moments in modern history.
  • Mark Rylance and Ruby Barnhill in The BFG (2016)

    24. The BFG

    20161h 57mPG66Metascore
    6.3 (97K)
    An orphan little girl befriends a benevolent giant who takes her to Giant Country, where they attempt to stop the man-eating giants that are invading the human world.
    DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsMark RylanceRuby BarnhillPenelope Wilton
    4/5

    Even while adapting novels tends to big one of Spielberg's biggest attributes, you can't expect anything more from such a fantastic director. 'The BFG' is an incredibly faithful rendition of Roald Dahl's classic novel, even with many of the darker elements of the book used very little, Spielberg's signatory style and themes seem to match up to the greatness of the source material. Outstanding casting ahead as Ruby Barnhill is a fantastic lead as the young; Sophie, while Academy-Award Winner Mark Rylance is pitch perfect as the title role able to carry the character's physicality and charming witty intellect to such an iconic Roald Dahl character. Other minor castings are excellent within their own place occurring throughout the narrative. The film is also a visual wonder for viewers to experience on the big screen, places like Giant Country and Dream Country are true places of fantasy and imagination that really make you believe it could almost be real. I'd also like to pay great tribute to Melissa Mathison, who wrote the screenplay for this film adaptation and 'E.T.' it's this film that once again brings Spielberg back to his youthful and child-like wonders, almost as if he read Roald Dahl's book(s) to his kids many years ago. He's done it once again, made an incredibly, thrilling, entertaining, visually stunning and virtually satisfying adaptation of one of Roald Dahl's great works.
  • Goldie Hawn and William Atherton in The Sugarland Express (1974)

    25. The Sugarland Express

    19741h 50mPG65Metascore
    6.7 (21K)
    A woman attempts to reunite her family by helping her husband escape prison and together kidnapping their son. But things don't go as planned when they are forced to take a police hostage on the road.
    DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsGoldie HawnBen JohnsonMichael Sacks
    4/5

    This is an Underated classic as Steven's first "Theatrical" feature. Its an interesting story about how criminals can become folk heroes. Its very tragic too! Also was the beginning of a great friendship with composer; John Williams.

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