Steven Spielberg is one of (if not the) best directors in Hollywood history. He’s been nominated for a lofty 22 Oscars and has won three. On top of that, he’s directed some of the biggest blockbusters ever that have grossed billions upon billions of dollars and become cultural landmarks that have shaped not just entertainment, but our daily lives. So, what are the filmmaker’s best movies? Use our guide below to discover the best Steven Spielberg movies and where to stream them.
You can’t talk about Spielberg without talking about Jaws. Centered around a New England town that’s battling a man-eating shark, Jaws is so terrifying that many horror fans even consider it a horror movie. The shark animatronic was a modern marvel at the time and some scenes still look downright terrifying to this day. But what makes the movie even more impressive is that it was Spielberg’s first major film. He was just 26 years old when he directed the feature. The movie was so powerful that it actually fueled society’s paranoia about sharks and led to a massive increase in the killings of great whites. Spielberg regrets the impact his film had on wildlife, but creating such an evocative story is impressive nonetheless.
Spielberg is also credited with reinvigorating society’s interest in dinosaurs thanks to Jurassic Park. The movie centers around an island theme park where resurrected dinosaurs are the main attraction. Naturally, it all goes to hell and the dinos break out of their cages, causing absolute chaos. With great actors, a great story, and great special and practical effects, Jurassic Park continues to be a beloved movie that fans watch over and over again. A new film in the franchise is also currently in the pre-production stage, so more dino chaos is on the way!
On top of his blockbuster hits, Spielberg is also known for his award-winning masterpieces (many of which also became blockbuster hits). His first Oscar nomination came in 1978 for Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The film shows what humanity’s first encounter with extraterrestrials might be like, and it’s filled with a great sense of wonder… and suspense. That combination makes Close Encounters a unique entry in the alien genre because it isn’t about the horror of an alien takeover, but instead focuses on the mix of fear, curiosity, and excitement that people would likely have.
Spielberg’s most lauded film though is 1994’s Schindler’s List. The film tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a man who saved over a thousand Jewish people during the holocaust by bribing Nazi leaders to assure their safety. The movie was met with universal praise and received 12 Oscar nominations. Schindler’s List went on to win seven awards, including Best Picture and Best Director - both for Spielberg since he directed and produced the film.
Where to watch the best Steven Spielberg movies
While almost every Steven Spielberg movie is fantastic in its own right, here are 15 you absolutely need to watch, from E.T. to Indiana Jones, and more. Find out where to watch Steven Spielberg’s best movies using our guide below.
