Our team compiled the best Steven Spielberg movies and here is what they came up with
Steven Spielberg is a household name and one of the most iconic and influential directors in the history of cinema. With a career spanning over four decades, Spielberg has directed some of the most memorable and beloved films of all time. From heart-pounding action-adventures to poignant dramas, Spielberg has proven himself to be a master of many genres. In this article, we will take a look at 28 of the best Steven Spielberg movies and explore why he is so highly regarded in the film industry.
Here are the 20 best Steven Spielberg movies to check out on the streaming service.
1. Jaws (1975)
This classic action-thriller tells the story of a small beach town terrorized by a great white shark. With its iconic score and nail-biting suspense, Jaws became an instant classic and launched Spielberg’s career into the stratosphere. MPAA Rating: PG. Box Office: $470 million. Year of Release: 1975. Why Spielberg was appreciated for it: Jaws was the first film to ever surpass $100 million at the box office, and its groundbreaking special effects and innovative storytelling helped to establish Spielberg as a major player in Hollywood.
2. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
This heartwarming science fiction film follows a group of young friends who help an alien stranded on Earth return home. E.T. became an instant classic and is still beloved by audiences today. MPAA Rating: PG. Box Office: $792 million. Year of Release: 1982. Why Spielberg was appreciated for it: E.T. is a masterclass in storytelling and is noted for its ability to blend sci-fi elements with emotionally resonant character development. Its impact on popular culture is still felt today.
3. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
This exciting action-adventure follows Indiana Jones, an archaeologist on a quest to find the Ark of the Covenant. With its thrilling set pieces and memorable characters, Raiders of the Lost Ark is a classic of the genre. MPAA Rating: PG. Box Office: $389 million. Year of Release: 1981. Why Spielberg was appreciated for it: Raiders of the Lost Ark introduced the world to the character of Indiana Jones and established him as one of the most iconic heroes in film history. Its blend of action, humor, and adventure has made it a timeless classic.
4. Jurassic Park (1993)
This groundbreaking science fiction film brings to life the story of a group of scientists who are invited to a remote island where they encounter genetically engineered dinosaurs. Jurassic Park was a game-changer in the world of special effects and is still a fan-favorite today. MPAA Rating: PG-13. Box Office: $1.029 billion. Year of Release: 1993. Why Spielberg was appreciated for it: Jurassic Park was a technical marvel that revolutionized the use of CGI in film. Its attention to detail and immersive world-building has made it a fan-favorite for decades.
5. Schindler’s List (1993)
This powerful historical drama tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of over 1,100 Jewish people during the Holocaust. Schindler’s List is a poignant and important film that has had a lasting impact on audiences. MPAA Rating: R. Box Office: $321 million. Year of Release: 1993. Why Spielberg was appreciated for it: Schindler’s List is a harrowing and emotionally charged film that stands as a testament to the horrors of the Holocaust. Its powerful performances and technical prowess have made it a modern classic.
6. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
This intense war drama follows a group of soldiers on a mission to bring home a soldier whose brothers have all been killed in action. Saving Private Ryan is a powerful and emotionally charged film that has had a lasting impact on audiences. MPAA Rating: R. Box Office: $481 million. Year of Release: 1998. Why Spielberg was appreciated for it: Saving Private Ryan is a technical masterpiece that puts the viewer in the midst of the action. Its immersive and realistic portrayal of the horrors of war earned it numerous awards and accolades.
7. A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)
This science fiction drama tells the story of a young android who is programmed to love and seeks to become a real boy. A.I. is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that explores themes of love, identity, and what it means to be human. MPAA Rating: PG-13. Box Office: $235 million. Year of Release: 2001. Why Spielberg was appreciated for it: A.I. is a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating film that delves deep into complex philosophical questions. Its exploration of artificial intelligence and the nature of love is both poignant and thought-provoking.
8. Catch Me If You Can (2002)
This crime drama tells the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., a young con artist who successfully posed as a pilot, doctor, and lawyer before being caught by the FBI. Catch Me If You Can is a fast-paced and entertaining film that tells a remarkable true story. MPAA Rating: PG-13. Box Office: $352 million. Year of Release: 2002. Why Spielberg was appreciated for it: Catch Me If You Can is a stylish and engaging film that tells a fascinating true story. Its strong performances and clever storytelling have made it a fan-favorite.
9. Minority Report (2002)
This science fiction thriller is set in a future where crime can be predicted and prevented by a team of “precogs.” Minority Report is a visually stunning and thought-provoking film that explores themes of free will and the consequences of technological advancement. MPAA Rating: PG-13. Box Office: $358 million. Year of Release: 2002. Why Spielberg was appreciated for it: Minority Report is a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating film that explores complex themes in a compelling and thought-provoking way. Its innovative use of technology and strong performances make it a standout in the science fiction genre.
10. War of the Worlds (2005)
This science fiction action-thriller follows a man and his children as they struggle to survive an alien invasion. War of the Worlds is a fast-paced and suspenseful film that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. MPAA Rating: PG-13. Box Office: $591 million. Year of Release: 2005. Why Spielberg was appreciated for it: War of the Worlds is a thrilling and suspenseful film that masterfully balances action and drama. Its immersive world-building and strong performances make it a standout in the science fiction genre.
11. Munich (2005)
This historical drama tells the true story of the aftermath of the 1972 Munich Olympics, where 11 Israeli athletes were taken hostage and killed by Palestinian terrorists. Munich is a tense and emotionally charged film that explores themes of revenge and the consequences of violence. MPAA Rating: R. Box Office: $130 million. Year of Release: 2005. Why Spielberg was appreciated for it: Munich is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that tackles complex themes in a powerful and nuanced way. Its strong performances and technical prowess have made it a modern classic.
12. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
This action-adventure follows Indiana Jones on a quest to find the mysterious Crystal Skull of Akator. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is a thrilling and entertaining entry in the Indiana Jones franchise that is sure to please fans of the series. MPAA Rating: PG-13. Box Office: $786 million. Year of Release: 2008. Why Spielberg was appreciated for it: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is a thrilling and entertaining adventure that brings back the iconic character of Indiana Jones in grand fashion. Its blend of action, humor, and mystery has made it a fan-favorite.
13. The Adventures of Tintin (2011)
This animated action-adventure follows the young journalist Tintin as he sets out on a quest to find the legendary treasure of the Unicorn. The Adventures of Tintin is a visually stunning and exciting film that is sure to delight audiences of all ages. MPAA Rating: PG. Box Office: $374 million. Year of Release: 2011. Why Spielberg was appreciated for it: The Adventures of Tintin is a visually stunning and exciting film that brings the beloved comic book character to life in thrilling fashion. Its blend of action, humor, and adventure has made it a fan-favorite.
14. War Horse (2011)
This historical drama tells the story of a young man and his horse as they are separated and journey through the horrors of World War I. War Horse is a powerful and emotional film that explores themes of love, loyalty, and the horrors of war. MPAA Rating: PG-13. Box Office: $177 million. Year of Release: 2011. Why Spielberg was appreciated for it: War Horse is a beautiful and emotionally charged film that explores the bond between a man and his horse in a poignant and powerful way. Its strong performances and technical prowess have made it a modern classic.
15. Lincoln (2012)
This historical drama tells the story of President Abraham Lincoln as he navigates the challenges of the Civil War and works to pass the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. Lincoln is a powerful and emotionally resonant film that explores themes of leadership, morality, and the cost of progress. MPAA Rating: PG-13. Box Office: $275 million. Year of Release: 2012. Why Spielberg was appreciated for it: Lincoln is a beautifully crafted and emotionally charged film that brings one of the most iconic figures in American history to life in powerful fashion. Its strong performances and attention to detail make it a standout in the historical drama genre.
16. Bridge of Spies (2015)
This historical drama tells the true story of James Donovan, a lawyer who is tasked with negotiating the release of a captured U.S. pilot during the Cold War. Bridge of Spies is a tense and engaging film that explores themes of loyalty, morality, and the complexities of international relations. MPAA Rating: PG-13. Box Office: $165 million. Year of Release: 2015. Why Spielberg was appreciated for it: Bridge of Spies is a beautifully crafted and emotionally charged film that tells a fascinating true story in a compelling and thought-provoking way. Its strong performances and attention to detail make it a standout in the historical drama genre.
17. The BFG (2016)
This fantasy adventure follows a young girl and a giant known as the “Big Friendly Giant” as they set out on a journey to stop other giants from eating children. The BFG is a heartwarming and visually stunning film that is sure to delight audiences of all ages. MPAA Rating: PG. Box Office: $178 million. Year of Release: 2016. Why Spielberg was appreciated for it: The BFG is a beautifully crafted and heartwarming film that brings the beloved children’s book to life in stunning fashion. Its blend of fantasy, adventure, and heart has made it a fan-favorite.
18. Ready Player One (2018)
This science fiction adventure is set in a virtual reality world called the OASIS and follows a group of young people as they compete in a treasure hunt to find a hidden Easter egg left by the OASIS creator. Ready Player One is a visually stunning and exciting film that explores themes of nostalgia, escapism, and the power of imagination. MPAA Rating: PG-13. Box Office: $582 million. Year of Release: 2018. Why Spielberg was appreciated for it: Ready Player One is a visually stunning and exciting film that explores complex themes in a fun and entertaining way. Its immersive world-building and clever storytelling make it a standout in the science fiction genre.
19. The Post (2018)
This historical drama tells the true story of The Washington Post’s decision to publish the Pentagon Papers, a classified report on the Vietnam War. The Post is a tense and timely film that explores themes of freedom of the press, government accountability, and the importance of truth. MPAA Rating: PG-13. Box Office: $182 million. Year of Release: 2018. Why Spielberg was appreciated for it: The Post is a beautifully crafted and timely film that tells a fascinating true story in a compelling and thought-provoking way. Its strong performances and attention to detail make it a standout in the historical drama genre.
20. West Side Story (2021)
This musical adaptation of the classic stage play tells the story of rival gangs in New York City and the forbidden love between a member of the Jets and a member of the Sharks. West Side Story is a visually stunning and emotionally charged film that features memorable performances and iconic songs. MPAA Rating: PG-13. Box Office: $355 million. Year of Release: 2021. Why Spielberg was appreciated for it: West Side Story is a beautifully crafted and emotionally charged film that brings the beloved stage play to life in stunning fashion. Its strong performances, iconic songs, and breathtaking visuals make it a standout in the musical genre.