With so many choices available, we look at the Best Movies by Steven Spielberg (according to us!).
Steven Spielberg is a name that is synonymous with blockbuster movies. For over 40 years, Spielberg has been wowing his audiences, bringing a variety of genres to the big screen.
From action, adventures, animation, fantasy, and Sci-fi to biographies, drama, and even thrillers. Spielberg has a blockbuster to suit just about everyone’s taste!
Best movies by Steven Spielberg ranked
#10. Empire of the Sun
Director: Steven Spielberg
Year of release: 1987
Certification: PG (US)
Genre: War, History, Drama
Duration: 2h 33m
Starring: Christian Bale, John Malkovich
With the invasion of China in World War II, a wealthy British family finds themselves having to evacuate Shanghai.
Once the Graham family attempts to flee, Jamie “Jim” Graham (Christian Bale) finds himself separated from his family and living independently until two Americans find him: Basie (John Malkovich) and Frank (Joe Pantoliano), after his failed attempts at surrendering to the Japanese.
Although Basie and Frank have ulterior motives for helping Jim at first, Basie does, in a way, show him the ropes once they reach the POW camps.
While living in the camp, Jim keeps himself very busy to cope with the terrible events around him.
Even at over 30 years old, this film is a gem.
#9. The Terminal
Director: Steven Spielberg
Year of release: 2004
Certification: PG-13 (US)
Genre: Romance, Drama, Comedy
Duration: 2h 8m
Starring: Tom Hanks, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Chi McBride, Stanley Tucci
Light-hearted with a touch of romance best describes the Terminal. Viktor Navorski (Tom Hanks), a man from the fictional Krakozhia, finds himself unable to pass through immigration into New York.
Viktor discovers that there has been a coup in Krakozhia, and with the new government, the United States no longer sees his passport as valid. Until the coup resolves, immigration must seize his passport and ticket home. Viktor is then essentially forced to live in the airport until further notice.
During his stay at the airport, Viktor bumps into Amelia Warren (Catherine Zeta-Jones), an air hostess that is unlucky in love. Viktor and Amelia’s frequent unplanned rendezvous leads to an unlikely romance between the two.
This movie isn’t just about a guy sleeping in an airport but a story that develops around overcoming obstacles in life and love.
#8. War of the Worlds
Director: Steven Spielberg
Year of release: 2005
Certification: PG-13 (US)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action
Duration: 1h 56m
Starring: Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning
H.G. Wells’ classic novel War of the Worlds comes to life in this thrilling science fiction movie adaptation.
Ray Ferrier (Tom Cruise) is a divorced dockworker living with his two kids, Rachel and Robbie (Dakota Fanning and Justin Chatwin), who has to face his worst nightmare when alien invaders descend upon New Jersey.
As he struggles to find safety for himself and his family, Ray must learn how to become the provider and protector he never was as a husband to save them from terrifying alien forces.
Armed with determination, courage, and hope, this ordinary man is forced into making extraordinary decisions that could mean the fate of his family!
#7. Ready Player One
Director: Steven Spielberg
Year of release: 2018
Certification: PG-13 (US)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Action
Duration: 2h 20m
Starring: Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn
Ready Player One is a sci-fi adventure film starring Tye Sheridan and Mark Rylance, set in 2045 when much of the world’s population spends their days in an immersive virtual universe to escape their mundane lives.
This universe, known as OASIS, was created by the late James Halliday (Rylance), who leaves behind his fortune and control of OASIS to whoever can solve a three-part contest.
When Wade Watts (Sheridan) beats the first challenge, he teams up with his friends to embark on a thrilling mission inside the OASIS, conquering challenges and discovering secrets, all to save this fantastical world from destruction.
#6. Bridge of Spies
Director: Steven Spielberg
Year of release: 2015
Certification: PG-13 (US)
Genre: History, Thriller
Duration: 2h 22m
Starring: Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Alan Alda, Amy Ryan
Are you looking for an action-packed thriller? Look elsewhere. Bridge of Spies is a historical/legal drama based on actual events surrounding the Cold War-era negotiation that allowed the exchange of prisoners between the United States and the Soviet Union.
Lawyer James B. Donovan (Tom Hanks) is asked to defend Rudolph Abel (Mark Rylance), who is charged with being a spy for the Soviet Union. Although Abel is convicted, he is spared the death sentence thanks to the efforts of Donovan.
When the CIA’s spy plane is shot down over the USSR, the pilot Francis Gary Powers (Austin Stowell) is captured and becomes a prisoner of the Soviet Union.
Donovan eventually brokers a “spy swap,” trading Abel for Powers and an American student imprisoned in East Germany.
Though it is embellished for Hollywood, it follows its facts closely and pays special attention to detail. It may be slow at times, but history buffs will likely appreciate this film. For those seeking thrills, you’re better off watching a Mission Impossible movie instead.
#5. Catch Me If You Can
Director: Steven Spielberg
Year of release: 2002
Certification: PG-13 (US)
Genre: Biography, Drama, Crime
Duration: 2h 21m
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken
If you’re looking for a fun, lighthearted movie to watch with friends or family, ‘Catch Me If You Can’ is a great option.
The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks as Frank W. Abagnale Jr. and FBI agent Carl Hanratty, two roles both actors brilliantly portray.
The story follows the hustles of young Abagnale as he continuously evades capture after running away from home following his parents’ divorce, pretending to be a pilot, lawyer, doctor, teacher – you name it!
Much of the plot is based on actual events and watching Frank make all his mischief was a real treat. If you are in need of some quality entertainment time, this film will not let you down.
#4. Indian Jones and the Last Crusade
Director: Steven Spielberg
Year of release: 1989
Certification: PG-13 (US)
Genre: Adventure, Action
Duration: 2h 7m
Starring: Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Alison Doody
For any fan of the Indiana Jones franchise, Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade stands out as one of the best installments.
In this movie, we get a look at Indy’s life before he became Indiana Jones, including his relationship with his father, Henry (Sean Connery). We also follow him through Italy, where he meets Dr. Elsa Schneider (Alison Doody), and Nazi Germany, where Hitler searches for the Holy Grail.
The chemistry on screen between Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) and Henry works well as a father and son duo, and although there’s some banter between the two, ultimately, they share a bond in their own way.
Along his adventure, our hero runs into plenty of danger and excitement. This classic still has some great effects despite being made in 1989; it shows that special effects don’t make or break an action flick! Definitely worth a watch if you haven’t already seen it.
#3. Jurassic Park
Director: Steven Spielberg
Year of release: 1993
Certification: PG-13 (US)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure
Duration: 2h 7m
Starring: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum
Jurassic Park is a classic sci-fi adventure film that centers around an island with genetically engineered dinosaurs.
The movie’s premise revolves around resurrecting modern-day dinosaurs by extracting ancient DNA from mosquitoes preserved in sap. Unfortunately, the dinosaurs escape their enclosures and cause chaos due to human error/selfishness.
Jurassic Park has become iconic for its thrilling and unforgettable scenes, making it perfect for family movie night! So dim the lights, put on the surround sound, and get ready to be enthralled with suspense as you jump out of your seat at every thrilling turn!
Spoiler alert: the first T-rex scene is guaranteed to scare the crap out of the kids!
#2. Saving Private Ryan
Director: Steven Spielberg
Year of release: 1998
Certification: R (US)
Genre: War, Drama
Duration: 2h 49m
Starring: Tom Hanks, Edward Burns, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore
Saving Private Ryan is an iconic war film directed by Steven Spielberg. It tells the story of a group of U.S. Army soldiers tasked with rescuing Private James Ryan (Matt Damon), the last surviving brother of a family who lost two sons to the war effort.
Led by Captain Miller (Tom Hanks), the team must face grueling action and intense emotions as they grapple with the gravity of their mission and its possible consequences.
The film grips its audience throughout, leaving them on the edge of their seats both in suspense and admiration for those brave enough to risk their lives for one man’s survival.
#1. Schindler’s List
Director: Steven Spielberg
Year of release: 1993
Certification: R (US)
Genre: Biography, History, Drama
Duration: 3h 15m
Starring: Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley
Schindler’s List is the story of German industrialist and Nazi party member Oskar Schindler, played by Liam Neeson. Set in Poland during World War II while German-occupied, Schindler first sets about profiteering from military contracts and cheap Jewish labor.
Once Schindler begins to bear witness to the atrocities committed against the Jewish population, he then sets about using all at his disposal to save the lives of his Jewish workers.
Shot entirely in black and white, it intensifies the brutal nature of the film, with many scenes being hard to watch without feeling something toward the people suffering in front of your eyes.
Everyone should see Schindler’s List so that people never forget what can happen from tyranny.
When did Steven Spielberg start directing?
Spielberg had been dabbling in directing since he was 13 years of age, and by 1975 he had a number of TV movies, series, and short films under his belt, around 16 in total. It was in 1975 that the movie Jaws put his name on the map.
Which Steven Spielberg movie won an Oscar for Best Director?
Surprisingly Steven Spielberg has only won two Oscars for best director, the first was for the 1993 film Schindler’s List, and the second was for Saving Private Ryan, which was released in 1998.
How many Steven Spielberg films are there?
Amazingly, Spielberg has directed over 38 films, although, including all of his tv series, shorts, and music videos, Spielberg has a total of 58 credits to his name.
How many awards has Steven Spielberg won?
Between 1975 and today, Steven Spielberg has amassed Over 190 various awards.
So there you have it; the best movies by Steven Spielberg (according to us!) if you enjoyed this article, checkout out our Best Movies By Martin Scorsese article.
