Top 10 Steven Spielberg Movies - 10 Best Movies of Steven Spielberg
by Krishika M
Updated Mar 13, 2023
Steven Spielberg movies
Steven Spielberg is a highly acclaimed American film director, producer, and screenwriter. Born in 1946 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Spielberg grew up in Arizona and California and developed an early interest in making movies. He began making short films as a teenager and went on to study film at California State University. Spielberg's career took off in the 1970s, with the release of his blockbuster hit Jaws in 1975, which became the highest-grossing film of all time until it was surpassed by Star Wars in 1977. He went on to direct a string of successful films, including Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and Jurassic Park.
Spielberg has won numerous awards throughout his career, including three Academy Awards for Best Director (for Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, and The Bridge of Spies), and he has been nominated for several others. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, and his films have had a significant impact on popular culture. His movies have separate fan base and had made milestones in the history of cinema.
Top 10 Steven Spielberg Movies
We have provided you with the top 10 Steven Spielberg movies in the table provided below:
1
Schindler's List
1993
2
Saving Private Ryan
1998
3
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
1981
4
Jurassic Park
1993
5
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
1989
6
Catch Me If You Can
2002
7
Jaws
1975
8
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
1982
9
The Color Purple
1985
10
Empire of the Sun
1987
S.No.
Movies
Year
Schindler's List
Steven Spielberg's acclaimed film, "Schindler's List," is widely considered to be his magnum opus. The movie, shot primarily in black and white and lasting over three hours, received seven Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Picture. The poignant story follows Oskar Schindler, an industrialist who becomes increasingly concerned about the well-being of his Jewish employees in Poland during Germany's occupation. As the war progresses and the horrors of the Holocaust become apparent, Schindler's moral compass leads him to risk his own safety and expend his personal fortune to protect his workers and save them from certain death. "Schindler's List" is a powerful tribute to the resilience and humanity of those who suffered during this dark chapter in history, and a testament to the courage of those who stood up against the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime.
Saving Private Ryan
Regarded as one of Steven Spielberg's greatest films, "Saving Private Ryan" is widely considered to be the most realistic and accurate portrayal of World War II on the big screen. The movie opens with a gripping and gut-wrenching sequence depicting the Allied invasion of Normandy, immersing the audience in the devastating horrors that occurred during that historic battle.
At its core, "Saving Private Ryan" is a poignant exploration of the bonds of humanity and how people will go to extraordinary lengths to protect and care for their fellow man, even in the midst of unimaginable adversity. The film earned five Academy Awards, including the prestigious Best Director award for Spielberg. With its emotionally charged narrative, intense action scenes, and exceptional performances from the cast, it's no wonder that "Saving Private Ryan" is considered a cinematic masterpiece.
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
"Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark" marked the birth of an iconic character who remains cool and captivating even after four decades. The film's enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal. The upcoming release of the fifth Indiana Jones adventure, more than 40 years after the character first hit the big screen, is highly anticipated by fans worldwide, despite the absence of Spielberg as director.
The movie follows the adventures of Indiana Jones, a respected archaeology professor, as he embarks on a quest to find the Ark of the Covenant before a group of Nazis can obtain it. "Raiders of the Lost Ark" is a thrilling and exhilarating cinematic experience, packed with awe-inspiring set pieces, clever humor, and an unforgettable ensemble of supporting characters.
From the iconic boulder chase scene to the unforgettable face-melting climax, "Raiders of the Lost Ark" is a joyride from start to finish. The film's enduring popularity is a testament to its enduring legacy as a beloved classic of adventure cinema, a thrilling tale that continues to captivate audiences of all ages.
Jurassic Park
Steven Spielberg's directorial prowess is perhaps best exemplified by his ability to bring prehistoric dinosaurs to life on the big screen, expertly balancing both their awe-inspiring magnificence and the heart-pounding terror of being in their presence. In "Jurassic Park," Spielberg seamlessly blends thrilling action sequences with richly developed characters, creating a movie that is both emotionally engaging and visually stunning.
Adapted from Michael Crichton's novel of the same name, the film follows a group of experts on a tour of a cutting-edge theme park that houses cloned dinosaurs. However, when a power failure allows the massive creatures to break free from their enclosures, the visitors find themselves fighting for survival. With its groundbreaking special effects and iconic set pieces, "Jurassic Park" remains one of Spielberg's most revered films, defining the blockbuster movie experience of the 1990s.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Steven Spielberg concluded the beloved Indiana Jones trilogy in style with "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," which introduced audiences to the endearingly cantankerous Henry Jones Sr. The film is an action-packed adventure that delights audiences with the perfect chemistry between its two lead characters, portrayed brilliantly by a perfectly cast duo.
Harrison Ford returns to the role of Indiana Jones with effortless charm, brandishing his signature whip and fedora with a level of mastery that is unrivaled. "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" is widely regarded as the funniest installment in the franchise, with Spielberg expertly playing the characters' stoicism off of each other for maximum comedic effect.
From thrilling chase scenes to heart-stopping action sequences, "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" is a perfect blend of adventure, humor, and heart. The film's enduring appeal is a testament to Spielberg's unparalleled ability to craft timeless cinematic experiences that continue to captivate audiences for generations.
Catch Me If You Can
Steven Spielberg's "Catch Me If You Can" is a wildly entertaining film that brings to life the incredible true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., a young and talented forger who manages to impersonate a doctor, a lawyer, and a pilot, all while being hunted down by the FBI. This film is a testament to Spielberg's ability to craft a thrilling cinematic experience that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
What truly elevates "Catch Me If You Can" are the exceptional performances of Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio, who bring a palpable energy and chemistry to their roles. Hanks shines as the determined FBI agent Carl Hanratty, who refuses to let Frank slip through his fingers, while DiCaprio delivers a captivating performance as the charming and charismatic Frank, whose ability to charm his way out of any situation is both impressive and unsettling.
The film is a masterclass in pacing and storytelling, effortlessly balancing humor and tension throughout. As the audience watches Frank navigate his way through various situations and outsmart the FBI at every turn, it's impossible not to be swept up in the sheer fun of it all. With "Catch Me If You Can," Spielberg proves that he can deliver a film that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant, showcasing his unparalleled talent as a filmmaker.
Jaws
Steven Spielberg made a remarkable debut with the release of Jaws. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a mechanical shark that frequently malfunctioned and a director who went over budget and behind schedule, Spielberg managed to create a film that would become a cultural phenomenon. Jaws won three Academy Awards and is still widely considered to be one of the greatest movies ever made.
The plot of the film revolves around a massive great white shark that terrorizes a small coastal community. The local sheriff, a marine biologist, and an old seafarer must band together to hunt down the deadly creature before it claims any more lives. The tension and suspense build steadily throughout the film, culminating in a thrilling climax that has become a hallmark of Spielberg's style.
Jaws also features a talented cast of actors who deliver exceptional performances. Roy Scheider plays the role of Chief Brody, the determined and resourceful sheriff, while Richard Dreyfus portrays the enthusiastic and determined marine biologist, Matt Hooper. Robert Shaw gives a memorable performance as Quint, the grizzled old seafarer who joins the hunt for the shark.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
In the 1980s, Steven Spielberg delighted audiences with a number of beloved family-friendly films, including The Goonies and Karate Kid. However, his most memorable and enduring movie from that era is undoubtedly E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. The movie follows the touching story of a young boy named Elliott who befriends a gentle alien stranded on Earth, and must help him evade government agents and return to his home planet.
E.T. was a critical and commercial success upon its release, breaking box office records and receiving critical acclaim. The film's impact on popular culture was immense, with its iconic imagery and memorable score by John Williams still resonating with audiences today. The movie's themes of friendship, acceptance, and adventure continue to resonate with viewers of all ages, making it one of Spielberg's most rewatchable films.
The film's influence can also be seen in numerous other works, from TV shows like Stranger Things to movies such as Super 8. E.T. has become a pop culture phenomenon, with many fans clamoring for a continuation of the story. Even decades after its initial release, the movie remains a beloved classic that continues to capture the imaginations of new generations of viewers.
The Color Purple
The Color Purple, directed by Steven Spielberg, is an emotionally charged and poignant film based on the critically acclaimed novel of the same name by Alice Walker. The movie follows the journey of Celie Harris Johnson, a young African American woman who endures an unimaginable amount of physical and emotional abuse in rural Georgia during the early 20th century. The story is a powerful exploration of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity and the importance of personal growth and self-discovery.
Spielberg's direction is both sensitive and bold, as he masterfully weaves together themes of race, gender, and sexuality. The film showcases a phenomenal cast of actors, including Whoopi Goldberg in a career-defining role as Celie, as well as Danny Glover and Oprah Winfrey in supporting roles that are just as powerful. The Color Purple was a turning point in Spielberg's career, showing that he was not just a master of spectacle, but also a sensitive storyteller who could tackle difficult and complex themes with grace and nuance. The movie was nominated for eleven Academy Awards, cementing its place as a timeless classic in the canon of American cinema.
Empire of the Sun
Empire of the Sun is a poignant and powerful film that tells the story of a young boy's journey through adversity and survival in a time of war. Based on J.G. Ballard's autobiographical novel, the movie is set against the backdrop of the Japanese invasion of Shanghai in 1941. As the young protagonist, Jamie, becomes separated from his parents and is taken to a confinement camp, he must learn to navigate the harsh realities of war, all while struggling to maintain his own identity and sense of self.
The film is elevated by a haunting and beautiful score by John Williams, who is well known for his frequent collaborations with Spielberg. It received six Academy Award nominations and showcases Spielberg's mastery of the craft of filmmaking.
Empire of the Sun is perhaps most remembered for the remarkable performance of Christian Bale, who plays Jamie with a depth and nuance that belies his young age. The film marked the beginning of Bale's illustrious career and announced him as a rising star to watch. Beyond its critical acclaim, Empire of the Sun is a testament to the power of human resilience in the face of unimaginable circumstances.
What is Spielberg best movie?
Schindler's List is a 1993 American historical drama film directed and co-produced by Steven Spielberg and written by Steven Zaillian. It is based on the novel Schindler's Ark by Australian author Thomas Keneally, which tells the story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. The film stars Liam Neeson as Schindler, with Ralph Fiennes as his nemesis Amon Göth, and Ben Kingsley as his accountant Itzhak Stern.
The movie is shot entirely in black and white, and the decision to do so was a deliberate choice by Spielberg to make the film feel more like a documentary, as well as to emphasize the stark reality of the Holocaust. Schindler's List received widespread critical acclaim upon its release and went on to win seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
The film is considered one of the greatest movies ever made, and it remains a powerful and moving portrayal of one of the darkest periods in human history. Schindler's List is also notable for its impact on the public's awareness of the Holocaust, with many survivors coming forward to share their stories after the movie's release.
Top 10 Steven Spielberg Movies - FAQs
Some of Spielberg's most successful and critically acclaimed movies include Jaws, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jurassic Park, Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, and Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, among others.
Spielberg first became involved in the film industry when he directed his first feature-length film, "Firelight," at the age of 21. He went on to direct a few more TV movies before breaking through with the release of "Jaws" in 1975.
Yes, Spielberg has won multiple Academy Awards throughout his career. He won Best Director Oscars for "Schindler's List" and "Saving Private Ryan," and has been nominated several other times for various films.
Spielberg's movies are often praised for their combination of thrilling action and emotional depth, as well as their masterful storytelling and groundbreaking special effects. Many of his films have also had a lasting impact on popular culture.
As of 2023, Spielberg is currently attached to several upcoming projects, including a new film adaptation of "West Side Story," a remake of the classic film "The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara," and a biopic about Ulysses S. Grant, among others.