The Best Movies Directed by Steven Spielberg

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Reference reranked 6 of 35 total items on Every Steven Spielberg Movie, Ranked By Fans. Check out the original list to vote on it yourself!
  • Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
    1
    12 votes

    Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark

    Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman
    In the adventurous roller-coaster ride, Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, we follow Dr. Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), a renowned archaeologist and obtainer of rare antiquities. Set in 1936, Jones is thrust into a perilous mission to outwit his Nazi competitors who are bent on harnessing the power of the mystical Ark of the Covenant. Alongside former lover Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), Jones navigates treacherous terrains and relentless enemies. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this movie bagged four Academy Awards, solidifying its status as a classic action-adventure film that combines history, mysticism, and heart-stopping sequences with aplomb.
  • Jaws
    2
    12 votes

    Jaws

    Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss
    In the classic thriller Jaws, the quiet summer resort of Amity Island is thrown into chaos by a deadly great white shark. Police Chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) must team up with oceanographer Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) and grizzled shark hunter Quint (Robert Shaw) to stop it. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this film redefined the horror genre, creating the concept of a summer blockbuster. The film's tension-filled plot and iconic score won it three Academy Awards, including Best Original Score for John Williams. Despite its simple premise, Jaws remains an enduring masterpiece of suspense and fear.
  • Schindler's List
    3
    13 votes

    Schindler's List

    Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes
    Schindler's List, a poignant war drama directed by Steven Spielberg, unfolds through the life of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), an unlikely hero during the Holocaust. In Nazi-occupied Poland, businessman Schindler becomes an unexpected savior, employing Jews in his factories to spare them from concentration camps. Stern (Ben Kingsley), his accountant, and Goeth (Ralph Fiennes), a sadistic camp commandant, play significant roles in this stark narrative. The film won seven Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director. It's a gripping account of humanity's resilience amidst the darkest times.
  • Saving Private Ryan
    4
    12 votes

    Saving Private Ryan

    Tom Hanks, Edward Burns, Tom Sizemore
    Saving Private Ryan, a war film directed by Steven Spielberg, is a harrowing depiction of World War II. Captain John H. Miller (Tom Hanks), a hardened yet compassionate soldier, leads a group of eight men from the 2nd Ranger Battalion of the United States Army through enemy lines. Their mission? Find and safely return paratrooper Private James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon), whose three brothers have been killed in combat. Set against the backdrop of the brutal Normandy invasion, this gripping tale won five Academy Awards, including Best Director for Spielberg. It explores themes of sacrifice and duty, leaving its mark as an unforgettable cinematic experience.
  • E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
    5
    14 votes

    E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

    Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace, Peter Coyote
    E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a mesmerizing blend of science fiction and family drama directed by Steven Spielberg. The story revolves around Elliott (Henry Thomas), a lonely boy who befriends an extraterrestrial, dubbed 'E.T.', stranded on Earth. E.T.'s health declines while government agents close in on his location. With help from his older brother Michael (Robert MacNaughton) and younger sister Gertie (Drew Barrymore), Elliott must help E.T. escape Earth and return to his home planet. This film won four Academy Awards, including Best Original Score, and remains a beloved classic in the realm of cinema.
  • Catch Me If You Can
    6
    9 votes

    Catch Me If You Can

    Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken
    In the thrilling film Catch Me If You Can, we follow the intriguing escapades of Frank Abagnale Jr. (Leonardo DiCaprio), a master of deception and a skilled forger. With his cunning, he successfully poses as a pilot, doctor, and lawyer, all while cashing millions in fraudulent checks. Hot on his heels is seasoned FBI agent Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks), who's made it his mission to capture him. Navigating through this cat-and-mouse game, the movie explores themes of identity and deception. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this biographical crime film was nominated for two Academy Awards.