My Favourite Steven Spielberg Films

Not many directors in Hollywood are as celebrated as Steven Spielberg. Following his rise to stardom during the 1970’s, Spielberg has directed memorable movies. Whether its stories of gruesome mass genocide tragedies, dinosaurs causing catastrophes or jaw-dropping sharks evoking fear, Spielberg has made unforgettable movies throughout his successful career. Spielberg’s greatest strength as a filmmaker has always been his versatility. A legendary icon of Cinema, Spielberg has proven that he can movies in nearly every genre. There’s literally no film in the world that he can’t make. Given the sheer number of classic movies Spielberg has made, creating a top 10 list is challenging. It’s difficult to pick just ten films that define the director. Nevertheless, listed below are my personal picks for the greatest movies made by Steven Spielberg.

1. Schindler’s List

The Holocaust is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has struggled to capture a genocide in history that’s misunderstood. No matter how hard they have tried, filmmakers have struggled to depict a genocide in which people died. However, “Schindler’s List” remains an exception. In the greatest film of his career, Steven Spielberg captured the painful burden of a mass genocide in history that caused despair. Drawing from his own personal experience as a Jew affected with ties to the Holocaust, Spielberg painted a portrait of the genocide that’s compelling. Boasting breathtaking production-design, symbolic storytelling and phenomenal performances, it’s a magnificent historical masterpiece. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance by Ralph Fiennes, who transforms into a merciless Nazi commander. Ultimately, though, what makes “Schindler’s List” Spielberg’s greatest film is its meaningful message. It delivers a powerful message about hope that would resonate with everyone facing trauma at an early age. Nearly 90 years after a mass genocide in which people died, it’s a beautiful tribute to a historical event that changed the world from a filmmaker timeless movies give audiences pride.

2. Jaws

Sharks are scary creatures that have always terrified me. Ever since I was a young child, I have always been terrified of sharks with jaws that are wild. With their sharp jaws, empty eyes and threatening bodies, sharks have always been a source of fear for me. I’ve often avoided visiting beaches in the fear that I would stumble across sharks that are frightening. This fear of sharks began when I first saw Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws”. Released in 1975, Steven Spielberg’s movie forever changed the world through its depiction of jaw-dropping sharks that are hard to survive. It was the first ever blockbuster that depicted sharks putting people’s lives in danger. A jaw-dropping achievement, it remains an iconic piece of entertainment made by a filmmaker with intense commitment. Sharp, scary and frightening, it’s a horror movie that works on every level. At the centre of it all is a frightening shark that never fails to scare movie-goers. Nearly 40 years after the release of a groundbreaking film about sharks with jaws that are frightening, it’s a rousing reminder of a filmmaker whose timeless movies are definitely worth celebrating.

3. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark

Few heroes with whip-smart charisma are as celebrated as Indiana Jones. Created in the 1980’s, Jones is an iconic hero that has appeared in memorable movies. Personally speaking, the hero had a huge impact on my life. I grew up watching Indiana Jones movies during childhood with my grandpa. He would often speak fondly of an inspiring hero that shaped his identity. The hero with with a whip has since become a strong symbol of my bond with a grandfather I worship. I adore all the movies made about the iconic hero with a bright spark, but my favourite film in the franchise remains “Raiders of the Lost Ark”. Released in 1981, Steven Spielberg’s movie introduced the iconic hero with the whip on the big-screen for the first time. A timeless adventure classic, it celebrated the legacy of a character that has stood the test of time as iconic. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance by Harrison Ford who truly created a powerful character in pop culture. As precious as the ark of the covenant, it has become a timeless reminder of my bond with a grandfather that has reached an age of retirement who gave me a lifelong love for entertainment.

4. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

Divorce is a common theme that Spielberg has often repeatedly explored in his movies. As a child of divorce whose parents separated at a young age, Spielberg has often been drawn to movies about crumbling marriage. This theme is beautifully depicted in the classic film “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial”. Released in 1982, Steven Spielberg’s movie painted a powerful portrait of divorce leading lives of families to disintegrate. Spielberg’s film forever changed Cinema through its depiction of childhood nostalgia. The main highlight of the movie remains the breathtaking special effects bringing to life an alien that’s compelling. E.T. remains one of the most memorable aliens ever created in cinematic history. However, what makes “E.T.” a special film for me is its powerful message about childhood. The film delivers a strong message about struggles faced by children that endure divorce at an early age. Nearly 40 years after the release of a commemorated classic about aliens from extra-terrestrial galaxies, it’s a powerful reminder of a filmmaker known for his timeless movies that have played a powerful role in impacting children’s identities.

5. Saving Private Ryan

War is a sensitive subject rarely depicted respectfully in movies. Over the past decade, the war movie genre has faced a decline in quality. Hollywood has often struggled to tell stories of WWII soldiers from a realistic point-of-view. With loud spectacle, wooden characters and clumsy storytelling, most war movies have become a chore to sit through. In this regard, “Saving Private Ryan” stands out as an exception. Released in 1998, Steven Spielberg’s movie achieved its goal to educate the public about a war that led lives to disintegrate. Boasting breathtaking war sequences, engaging storytelling and phenomenal performances, it has stood the test of time as one of the greatest war movies ever made. Ultimately, what makes it stand out from other films in the genre is its dedication to realism. Spielberg doesn’t shy away from depicting a war that came with a painful price to pay. Nearly 80 years after the Battle of Normandy, it’s a soul-stirring reminder towards soldiers that fought in a gruesome war whose stories deserve to be told in movies.

5. Jurassic Park

When it comes to the greatest movies ever made about dinosaurs, it’s worth discussing “Jurassic Park”. Released in 1993, Steven Spielberg’s movie forever changed the film industry through its depiction of dinosaurs causing catastrophe. Spielberg’s film marked a groundbreaking technical achievement since it was the first time that audiences saw live-action dinosaurs on the big-screen. From the moment Alan Grant first witnesses the dinosaurs in the theme park to the thrilling action-packed finale, “Jurassic Park” is one of those movies that simply inspires feelings of awe. One can’t help but marvel in astonishment at the breathtaking special effects bringing to life frightening dinosaurs that forever changed the world of entertainment. Although it may not be Spielberg’s most meaningful film, it’s definitely his greatest technical achievement. As powerful as dinosaurs’ roar, it remains a rousing reminder about the power of a filmmaker that has always poured his soul into making movies whose timeless films audiences will forever adore.

6. Catch Me if You Can

Not many actors that achieved fame years ago are as beloved as Leonardo DiCaprio. Following his rise to stardom in the 1990’s, DiCaprio has starred in several unforgettable movies. With his larger-than-life presence, leading man looks and charisma, DiCaprio has always been one of those actors that seems perfect for a Steven Spielberg movie. In 2002, DiCaprio collaborated with Spielberg for the first time on the film “Catch Me if You Can”. Spielberg’s most underrated movie tells the true story of a real-life con-artist that committed shocking felonies. Fun, fast-paced and entertaining, it finds the filmmaker at the top of his game. At the centre of it all is a fantastic performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, who embodies the personality of a real-life con-artist that committed felonies years ago. As clever as cons that Frank Abagnale has committed, it’s a captivating reminder of a filmmaker that hasn’t lost his abilities to entertain audiences by telling compelling stories of characters that are conflicted whose movies definitely deserve to be celebrated.

7. The Colour Purple

Few books ever written about African-American women are as powerful as “The Colour Purple”. Published by Alice Walker, the book has stood the test of time as an iconic piece of literature. With its larger-than-life characters, timely themes of racism and feminist message, the book has gained a huge fan following. In 1985, Steven Spielberg beautifully adapted the book to the big-screen in his film “The Colour Purple”. Spielberg did an extraordinary job of adapting a complex novel about racism to the big-screen. At the centre of it all is a towering performance from Whoopi Goldberg, who embodies the larger-than-life personality of Celie. As bright as the colour purple, it’s a powerful reminder of a filmmaker that has always excelled at adapting complex books that are successful whose timeless movies regarded classics remain special.

8. Lincoln

When it comes to the greatest presidents in American history that deserve appreciation, it’s worth discussing Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln guided the country during the troublesome time period of slavery. With his larger-than-life presence, wisdom and strong leadership, Lincoln became a symbol of hope for America. His inspirational life story was beautifully brought to the big-screen by Steven Spielberg in “Lincoln”. Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-winning biopic did an outstanding job of celebrating the legacy of an American president that’s iconic. Spielberg turned what could have been a potentially dry history lesson into an engaging celebration of a larger-than-life president. At the centre of it all is Daniel Day-Lewis, who literally transforms into Lincoln in front of your eyes. An awe-inspiring achievement, it’s a powerful tribute to a legendary president that forever changed America whose life story deserves to be honoured in entertainment.

9. The Terminal

Airports are settings that I have always hated. As someone that has always hated travelling, airports are places that I find unappealing. With their massive crowds of people, strict rules and commonly delayed flights, I have never been fond of visiting an airport. Few films I have ever seen have captured the painful feeling of being stranded in an airport as powerfully as “The Terminal”. Released in 2004, Steven Spielberg’s underrated film tells the story of an immigrant stranded in an airport far from his home. Tom Hanks is hilarious, showcasing a comedic side to his acting that audiences rarely get to see these days. It’s a realistic film with a relatable message that would resonate with anyone facing struggles of being stuck in an airport. It’s a poignant reminder that Spielberg is one of those filmmakers that can excel tackling any subject matter.

10. The Fabelmans

As far back as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be a filmmaker. At an early age, I developed a lifelong love for the moving image. Movies became a way for me to escape harsh realities of the real world. As someone that loves and breathes movies, “The Fabelmans” is a film that seems like it was made for me. Steven Spielberg’s autobiographical drama tells the true story of how the famous filmmaker developed his lifelong love for Cinema. Spielberg creates a passionate love letter to filmmaking that any movie-buff will be able to relate to. Nearly 40 years after Steven Spielberg first picked up the camera to become a renowned filmmaker, it’s a soul-stirring reminder of a director whose timeless movies I will forever treasure.