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Steven Spielberg is one of the film industry's greatest minds. Known as a director, producer, and screenwriter, he's had quite an illustrious career. Have you seen all of his greatest works?
Jaws
One of Steven Spielberg's best films is about a group of fishermen taking on a great white shark, but this shark is like no other. Terrorizing a simple small town beach during their busiest season, this is a beast that is going to take more than a hook to take down. Not everyone will make it out alive...
Fighting Fish
Against all odds, the team manages to defeat the monster...or do they? With several spin-off movies, this is considered Spielberg's first big success story. He wrote this film but did not direct or produce it. The people of Amity Island likely don't go back in the water for quite some time!
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Written and directed by the man himself, Close Encounters of the Third Kind follows the life of character Roy Neary, a typical average-joe in Indiana, whose world gets turned upside down after he discovers an unidentified flying object (better known as a UFO). It's a story that will leave you uneasy...
UFO Frenzy
Spielberg considered this film to be his passion project, as it was developed in 1973 and released in 1977. The United States Library of Congress has described the work as "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" and thus it will be preserved in the National Film Registry. This film is out of this world!
E.T. the Extra Terrestrial
If you haven't seen this iconic movie, you've definitely seen the references. A group of kids on bikes, with an alien in the basket, flying up and over the house in the silhouette of the moon. This movie defined an entire generation, and for good reason!
Family Ties
The story follows a young boy who discovers an alien that must find a way to get home. The two help each other along their journeys. The idea for the film came from an imaginary friend that the director formulated after his parents officially separated.
Schindler's List
Spielberg's most moving film is possibly Schindler's List, which follows Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist responsible for saving hundreds of Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. The film was based on a real story. Spielberg directed the film, though he was reportedly deeply nervous to do so.
Black, White, and Red
One of the most interesting aspects of this film is the choice to film in black and white. The only time anything is in color is when a little girl in a red jacket appears onscreen. Of the choice, Spielberg once said "It was as obvious as a little girl wearing a red coat, walking down the street, and yet nothing was done to bomb the German rail lines."
Jurassic Park
The movie that many people associate Spielberg with to this very day is Jurassic Park. The story follows a theme park that has inexplicably brought dinosaurs back to Earth. Naturally, things go awry when the animals start taking over...
Money Maker
Jurassic Park at the time of release became the highest-grossing film ever worldwide. It replaced E.T. the Extraterrestrial (1982) in this spot. It was wonderfully rated by critics and viewers alike. This movie remains one of the best performing box office hits of all time!
Saving Private Ryan
In 1998, an American war picture directed by Steven Spielberg was released to much acclaim. The movie is also well known for its horrifying, gritty, and especially gory portrayal of warfare. A group of soldiers searches for a lost soldier, Private Ryan (played by Matt Damon).
Star Cast
The picture shows an all-star cast and is often thought of as one of the greatest films ever made. It is a defining piece of film for the genre. With stars like Matt Damon, Tom Hanks, Vin Diesel, Ted Danson, Paul Giamatti, Nathan Fillion, and more, this cast is one people will always remember.
Hook
Spielberg has had his hands, or in this case hooks, in a lot of different genres. In this case, he took on children's filmography by chronicling the story of Captain Hook and the Neverland Lost Boys. Robin Williams even took on a role in this adaption of the popular tale!
Older Peter
The story picks up where the classic tale left off. Peter is now grown-up and a lawyer, though he misses when things were good with the boys of his childhood. As an adult, he returns to Neverland and must save his old friends, as well as himself.
The Color Purple
Steven Spielberg's adaptation of the novel The Color Purple has been praised for its acting, direction, screenplay, music, and overall production. The film stars actors Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg, and Oprah Winfrey during the 20th century. The story is really what sells this movie...
Hard Lives
The plot follows some of the hard lives young Black women faced in the early 1900s, especially in terms of domestic violence, assault, poverty, racism, and sexism. Celie, the main character, finds her home in two young women who help her through, but the road is never easy.
The Goonies
The Goonies are the subject of every 90s kid's nostalgia. This treasure hunting movie is one of Spielberg's most recognizable and fun-loving works. Once a group of kids come across an ancient treasure map, they set their sights on gold, and go through quite an adventure in the process.
Chasing Pavements
These kids aren't the only ones after the treasure. Another family is on their way underground in search of the mythical treasure. Over the years, this film has become a cult classic and is saved for posterity in the Library of Congress to be remembered as being culturally significant.
Poltergeist
A master of every genre, Spielberg of course had to try his hand at horror. Though Spielberg was unable to direct due to his contract with E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, he did have a hand in the making of this movie. He also wrote it based on his original idea alongside Michael Grais and Mark Victor.
Spooky Scary
Often thought of as one of the scariest movies ever made, the plot follows a young girl and her family communicate with ghosts and spirits through their television set. Kind and fun at first, the underworld soon begins to show its true colors....the color of blood that is!
Duel
Duel is one of Spielberg's most forgotten movies, but it's also one of his first. A business commuter finds himself being chased by a truck for seemingly no reason. On the run for his life, this everyday guy must uncover the mystery while driving at 90 miles per hour!
Ace Eli and Rodger of the Skies
Released in 1973, this comedy adventure flick is based on a tale by the one and only Steven Spielberg. The film follows a pilot played by Cliff Robertson who flys around the USA with his son during the 1920s. Along the way, they have adventures, love stories, and the time of their lives!
Sugarland Express
What sounds like a stop on the Candyland board game is actually a gripping crime drama following a woman and her husband as they chase through the streets. Before their child can be placed in foster care, this married couple attempts to outrun the law after taking a police officer hostage on the run across Texas!
1941
This 1979 American period war action comedy film is one that has lasted well over the years. Starring celebs Dan Aykroyd, Ned Beatty, and John Belushi, this movie is certainly a comedy powerhouse for the ages. Have you managed to see this long-lost gem yet?
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Indiana Jones is a fan favorite Western star thanks to his clever puzzle-solving quick wit and action hero status. This is the first of many films that feature the beloved George Lucas character on the big screen. Harrison Ford portrays the heartthrob hero.
Twilight Zone: The Movie
This movie is cursed in more ways than one. After hiring two child actors illegally, the kids Myca Dinh Le and Renee Shin-Yi Chen were killed by a stunt helicopter crash which also took the life of actor Vic Morrow. The movie led to a high-profile court case surrounding the issue.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
The Temple of Doom is the next installment of the Indiana Jones franchise. However technically, in typical George Lucas fashion, this flick is a prequel to the other IJ movie. Spielberg again returned to direct the movie, and he still had so much more up his sleeve...
Empire of the Sun
In this 1987 coming-of-age war film, a young boy moves from a luxurious life in England to Shanghai, where he becomes a prisoner of war during WWII. Directed by Steven Spielberg this film has actors like Christian Bale, John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson, and Nigel Havers to name a few.
Always
This is one of Spielberg's most forgotten works, but it should not be! The ghost of a recently deceased pilot helps out a younger replacement pilot on his journey. Along the way, the dead man must suffer and watch his new friend find love with the one he left behind...
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
The third installment of the Indiana Jones franchise is Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Spielberg wanted to tone down the darker themes and intense violence after the critics had mixed reviews of Temple of Doom. There were better reactions for this one...
The Lost World: Jurassic Park
The Lost World: Jurassic Park is the second installment of Spielberg's wildly famous Jurassic Park series. The team goes back to the island four years after narrowly escaping with their lives. Some dark legends still live on the island, can they take them down?
Amistad
Based on the true events of 1839 on the slave ship titled La Amistad. Though lesser known of Spielberg's works, the cast list is incredible. Stars like Morgan Freeman, Anthony Hopkins, Djimon Hounsou, and Matthew McConaughey had leading roles. Not so bad for a film you've never heard of...
A.I. Artificial Intelligence
Loosely based on the short story from 1969, "Supertoys Last All Summer Long", a young boy is also an android with one distinct aspect. He has the ability to love. How does it play out when a robot is more than just a machine, but a boy with a heart?
Minority Report
Police in this society utilize a rare and unique technology to arrest and convict murderers before they even know they're committing their crime. Tom Cruise has the role of head of his police unit and is accused of murdering a man he hasn't even seen before. Who could it be?
Catch Me If You Can
A man on the run, this version of Leonardo DiCaprio is full of deception. He takes on a lot of unique jobs thanks to his impeccable forging skills. The film is based on the real-life of Frank Abagnale, a master of deception. What does it take to take him downtown?
The Terminal
An Eastern European tourist shows up in New York City right as war erupts in his country. Trapped at JFK, the Department of Homeland Security doesn't want him leaving for an indefinite amount of time. While there, a flight attendant (Catherine Zeta-Jones) captures his attention...
War of the Worlds
This movie was filmed in 73 days at five different sound stages. The set was also in locations from California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia. No one knew much about the film before its release and that was purposeful. No one could get a glimpse behind Spielberg's directorial curtain...
Munich
Following the brutal killings of 11 Israeli athletes as well as their coach during the 1972 Olympics, tensions are high between the East and the West. The Israeli government selects Avner Kaufman (played by Eric Bana) to target 11 individuals and take them down. An assassination story for the ages...
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is the last Indy movie that Spielberg was ever involved in. Though it was received pretty well by critics, it received poor reviews from fans of the series. Many people who have watched the franchise think that this film either made or broke the lore...
The Adventures of Tintin
Tintin is not your average boy next door. A young reporter by the name of Tintin (played by Jamie Bell), is approached by Sakharine (Daniel Craig) who tries to buy Tintin's new model shop from him. He refuses after learning that the ship contains a map to a secret treasure, certainly an adventure worthy of Tintin...
War Horse
Albert (played by Jeremy Irvine) lives on a farm in the country with his horse Joey. The two-part during the war when Albert's dad gives the horse to the British army. Joey becomes the set piece for the brutality of war while Albert searches for his friend in the fields. Reunion is a gift that never comes easy...
Lincoln
Lincoln tells the infamous story of Abraham Lincoln, America's 16th president best known for his emancipation of slaves during the time. He is also well known for his death at the hands of John Wilkes Booth during a play. Spielberg excellently captures the turmoil of this tall President's time in office.
Bridge of Spies
Bridge of Spies is a story of a man tasked with negotiating the release of a prisoner named Francis Gary Powers. His plane had been shot down over the Soviet Union and they had taken him into custody. The gripping drama is one of Spielberg's least famous but possibly best works...
The BFG
The BFG is an acronym for The Big Friendly Giant, which is exactly what this movie is about! A young orphaned girl by the name of Sophie finds a kind-hearted giant, who takes on a journey to stop the evil giants from entering the human world. If you want a feel-good movie, this is the one to beat!
The Post
The first female publisher of a major American newspaper Katherine Graham of The Washington Post. She and her editor race against The New York Times to expose a giant cover-up that consists of presidential secrets that span over 30 years. It won't be easy, but with each other, they manage to get through...
Ready Player One
In the year 2045, planet Earth is about to collapse, but the OASIS video game is an escape for many. When Halliday dies, he promises his lifetime of riches to whoever finds his hidden easter egg in the game. Wade Watts finds himself searching in all the right (or wrong) places...
Amblin'
Before it was the name of his production company, Amblin' was a short film by Spielberg shot on 35 mm. It follows a couple who meet in the desert. Set during the 60s, the two attempt to hitchhike and later become friends (and then, even more...). Eventually, they part ways, but what a story for the ages!
Letters from Iwo Jima
Technically, this is not a Spielberg film, but he did complete some production on the set. The film demonstrates the Japanese soldier's perspective of the legendary Battle of Iwo Jima. It received four Oscar nominations and was highly praised by critics and viewers alike.
Super 8
Spielberg served as producer on this film starring Joel Courtney, Elle Fanning, and Kyle Chandler. The monster thriller film follows a group of young teens who are filming a video when a dangerous presence finds its way into their small city. What unveils is no laughing matter...
Gremlins
This nightmare fuel was executively produced by Spielberg himself! What seems to be a cute new pet quickly becomes a collection of small, destructive, evil monsters that destroy an entire town during one haunted Christmas Eve. How will the locals escape this burden of cute turned cruel?
Back to the Future
Marty McFly would have been nothing without the executive production help of Steven Spielberg! When a boy and his old man scientist best friend go back in time, Marty must make sure his parents end up together before time runs out and he makes everything worse!
Who Framed Roger Rabbit
This animated mystery is like nothing you've ever seen before. A private investigator must work to expose and exonerate Roger Rabbit, a cartoon accused of killing a rich businessman. It makes absolutely no sense, but for some reason, is a beloved cult classic!
The Land Before Time
Okay, imagine Jurassic Park but cute and not deadly? Spielberg tried his hand at the softer side of cinematography when he came on as the EP of this film. A dinosaur named Littlefoot flees his destroyed homeland to search for the place known as the Great Valley, where devastation never hit. Can he make it?
The Flintstones
The movie, not the TV show of course. Spielberg was an Executive Producer for this live-action film of the classic animated series. The famous family must stop Cliff Vandercave and secretary Sharon Stone before they kill the company. It won't be easy, but it'll surely rock the movie industry...
Casper
Ghosts don't always have to be creepy, like Casper for instance. This friendly ghost makes his way onto the scene with this Speilberg-produced film. With a darker story and humor than other Casper films, this movie received mixed reviews. However, it's still a Halloween classic!
Twister
Twister was executively produced by Spielberg, but the real stars were the movies marketing department. Prior to this film, May was the lowest month for movie ticket sales. Once this movie was released though, it became the second-highest-grossing box office hit of 1996. Not too shabby...
Men in Black
Men in Black is a movie that almost everyone has seen, and for good reason. With Spielberg as EP, this movie was bound to be a success. The film follows government spies who watch out for extraterrestrial beings who reside on Earth, hiding their true appearance from everyday humans...
Paranormal Activity
Prepare to scare! This movie was a hit during release and in the years since thanks to its gripping portrayal of really scary moments. Some people reported being scared out of the theater! Spielberg as EP is a guarantee for spooks and frights...
The Legend of Zorro
The Legend of Zorro follows a secret society, trying to shield the United States from achieving manifest destiny. Zorro (Antonio Banderas) is the only hero who can stop them. Zorro struggles with fatherhood and his own heroism to save the world and his family.
Monster House
Who said horror movies can't be for kids? Not EP Steven Spielberg! The movie follows a group of young kids who dare to step inside the haunted old house across the street. The only weird part is that there isn't a monster inside the house. The monster is the house!