Every Steven Spielberg Movie, Ranked By Fans

Every Steven Spielberg Movie, Ranked By Fans

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Updated April 26, 2024 153.2K views 35 items
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48 reranks
Voting Rules
Only feature films directed by Steven Spielberg. No TV episodes.

Over 5,000 movie fans have voted to shape this ranking of every film directed by Steven Spielberg. From his iconic adventure films like Raiders of the Lost Ark, or family favorites such as E.T., Spielberg has built a reputation for creating cinematic masterpieces that are beloved by both critics and audiences alike. His ability to create unforgettable characters and suspenseful stories make him one of the most influential directors in history.

Spielberg's resume is filled with classics, from Saving Private Ryan and Jurassic Park, to Catch Me If You Can and Minority Report. He continues to craft timeless stories that will certainly be enjoyed for years to come. Of course, there are some less successful efforts in his impressive catalog as well; but even those serve as an example of how much he challenges himself with each new project he takes on – something only a true genius can do.

So whether you're looking for a classic adventure story or an intense drama, these rankings provide insight into what makes each Steven Spielberg-directed film special - all while helping you pick out which ones should be at the top of your watch list. Vote up your favorite movies directed by Steven Spielberg below so others know which ones stand apart from the rest.

Most divisive: A.I. Artificial Intelligence
Over 5.1K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Every Steven Spielberg Movie, Ranked By Fans
  • Jurassic Park
    1

    Jurassic Park

    Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum
    2,875 votes
    In the thrilling film, Jurassic Park, eccentric billionaire John Hammond (Richard Attenborough) invites a team of experts to visit an island theme park populated by dinosaurs created from prehistoric DNA. The team comprises of paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill), paleobotanist Dr. Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern), and mathematician Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum). When the park's security system fails, these prehistoric creatures start roaming free, causing chaos for the visitors. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this groundbreaking sci-fi adventure won three Academy Awards for its stunning visual effects and sound design.
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  • Jaws
    2

    Jaws

    Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss
    2,677 votes
    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.
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  • Raiders of the Lost Ark
    3

    Raiders of the Lost Ark

    Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman
    2,841 votes
    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.
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  • Saving Private Ryan
    4

    Saving Private Ryan

    Tom Hanks, Edward Burns, Tom Sizemore
    2,647 votes

    Awards: Academy Award for Best Directing, Golden Globe Award for Best Director of a Motion Picture, Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture Drama

    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.
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  • E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
    5

    E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

    Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace, Peter Coyote
    2,459 votes
    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.
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  • Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
    6

    Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

    Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Denholm Elliott
    2,089 votes
    In the action-adventure flick Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Harrison Ford dons the iconic fedora once more as archaeologist Indiana Jones. This time, he embarks on a daring quest to rescue his father, Dr. Henry Jones (Sean Connery), who's been kidnapped due to his research on the Holy Grail. Teaming up with museum curator Marcus Brody (Denholm Elliott) and feisty love interest Elsa Schneider (Alison Doody), Indiana faces off against Nazi forces in a globetrotting race against time. The film, directed by Steven Spielberg, won an Academy Award for Best Sound Editing, underscoring its pulse-pounding thrill sequences.
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  • Schindler's List
    7

    Schindler's List

    Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes
    2,657 votes

    Awards: Academy Award for Best Directing, Academy Award for Best Picture, Golden Globe Award for Best Director of a Motion Picture

    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.
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  • Close Encounters of the Third Kind
    8

    Close Encounters of the Third Kind

    Richard Dreyfuss, François Truffaut, Teri Garr
    1,806 votes
    In the gripping science fiction classic, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, everyday man Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfuss) experiences a close encounter with an unidentified flying object. This encounter triggers an obsessive quest for answers, pushing him towards the inexplicable. Parallel to his journey, government scientists led by enigmatic Lacombe (François Truffaut) grapple with their own bewildering experiences. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this film won an Oscar for Best Cinematography and was nominated for seven others including Best Director. A tale of intrigue and discovery, it weaves a narrative that is as mysterious as it is compelling.
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  • Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
    9

    Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

    Harrison Ford, Kate Capshaw, Ke Huy Quan
    1,896 votes
    Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) is a high-stakes action-adventure film, directed by Steven Spielberg. The title character, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), finds himself in India, where he's asked to find a mystical stone. Accompanied by Willie Scott (Kate Capshaw) and Short Round (Jonathan Ke Quan), Jones stumbles upon a secret cult committing enslavement and human sacrifices in the catacombs of an ancient palace. Amidst danger and dark magic, our hero confronts his adversaries head-on in a bid to stop their sinister plans. This movie won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.
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  • Catch Me If You Can
    10

    Catch Me If You Can

    Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken
    1,818 votes
    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.
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  • Minority Report
    11

    Minority Report

    Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell, Samantha Morton
    1,548 votes
    Based on a story by famed science fiction writer Philip K. Dick, "Minority Report" is an action-detective thriller set in Washington D.C. in 2054, where police utilize a psychic technology to arrest and convict murderers before they commit their crime. Tom Cruise plays the head of this Precrime unit and is himself accused of the future murder of a man he hasn't even met.
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  • Lincoln
    12

    Lincoln

    Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David Strathairn
    1,241 votes
    Lincoln, a historical drama directed by Steven Spielberg, stars Daniel Day-Lewis as Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Set during the Civil War era, the film focuses on Lincoln's monumental struggle to pass the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery nationwide. Sally Field portrays Mary Todd Lincoln, his emotionally volatile wife, while Tommy Lee Jones plays Thaddeus Stevens, a fervent abolitionist congressman. The movie is a compelling exploration of political maneuvering and moral dilemmas. It won two Oscars including Best Actor for Day-Lewis's riveting portrayal of this iconic leader.
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  • The Lost World: Jurassic Park
    13

    The Lost World: Jurassic Park

    Jeff Goldblum, Julianne Moore, Pete Postlethwaite
    1,349 votes
    In The Lost World: Jurassic Park, chaos reigns supreme. Four years after the disastrous Jurassic Park incident, John Hammond (Richard Attenborough) reveals a second site - Site B on Isla Sorna. He sends a research team headed by Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum), a survivor of the original event, to document the dinosaurs in their natural habitat. Unbeknownst to them, an opposing group plans to capture and bring the prehistoric creatures back to the mainland, igniting a battle for survival. The film, directed by Steven Spielberg, is packed with thrilling action and groundbreaking visual effects, making it an unforgettable sequel in the Jurassic franchise.
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  • The Color Purple
    14

    The Color Purple

    Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Margaret Avery
    1,190 votes
    The Color Purple is a period drama, steeped in the southern atmosphere of rural Georgia. It follows the life of Celie (Whoopi Goldberg), a young African-American woman, from her childhood to adulthood. Born into poverty and subjected to severe abuse, Celie's journey is one of resilience and survival. The film is directed by Steven Spielberg and features an exceptional cast including Danny Glover and Oprah Winfrey. This poignant narrative swept the 1986 Academy Awards with eleven nominations, testifying to its cinematic brilliance. Its vivid portrayal of racial and gender issues remains relevant even today.
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  • Empire of the Sun
    15

    Empire of the Sun

    Christian Bale, John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson
    1,095 votes
    Set amidst the turmoil of World War II, Empire of the Sun is a captivating tale of survival and resilience. The film features young Jim 'Jamie' Graham (Christian Bale in an early role), a British boy living in Shanghai, who becomes separated from his parents when Japan invades China. Struggling to survive in an alien land, Jamie faces the harsh realities of war, imprisonment in internment camps, and the loss of innocence. Directed by Steven Spielberg and based on J.G. Ballard's semi-autobiographical novel, this movie is a unique fusion of history and drama that explores human endurance against overwhelming odds. Despite not winning any major awards, Empire of the Sun remains an important entry in Spielberg's filmography for its compelling narrative and Bale's memorable performance.
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  • Hook
    16

    Hook

    Dustin Hoffman, Robin Williams, Julia Roberts
    1,416 votes
    In the fantastical adventure film Hook, Peter Banning (Robin Williams), a high-powered corporate lawyer, grapples with a world beyond his comprehension. Unbeknownst to him, he is actually the grown-up Peter Pan, a fact revealed by the eccentric Tinkerbell (Julia Roberts). When his children are kidnapped by the nefarious Captain Hook (Dustin Hoffman), Banning must rediscover his playful and courageous past life in Neverland to save them. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this whimsical twist on J.M. Barrie's classic tale won an Oscar for Best Visual Effects, showcasing magical landscapes and swashbuckling pirate battles.
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  • Ready Player One
    17

    Ready Player One

    Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn
    724 votes
    In Ready Player One, a science fiction adventure film, the future is a dystopian world where people escape their grim reality through a virtual universe known as the OASIS. The central character, Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan), is an orphan and avid gamer who embarks on a treasure hunt within this digital realm. This high-stakes quest was left behind by the late creator of OASIS, James Halliday (Mark Rylance). With his fellow 'gunters' (egg hunters), Wade navigates through puzzles steeped in pop culture references and battles corporate villains to unlock Halliday's ultimate Easter Egg. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this movie won the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film in 2018.
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  • Bridge of Spies
    18

    Bridge of Spies

    Tom Hanks, Amy Ryan, Alan Alda
    699 votes
    During the Cold War, the Soviet Union captures U.S. pilot Francis Gary Powers after shooting down his U-2 spy plane. Sentenced to 10 years in prison, Powers' only hope is New York lawyer James Donovan (Tom Hanks), recruited by a CIA operative to negotiate his release. Donovan boards a plane to Berlin, hoping to win the young man's freedom through a prisoner exchange. If all goes well, the Russians would get Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance), the convicted spy who Donovan defended in court.
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  • The Terminal
    19

    The Terminal

    Tom Hanks, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Stanley Tucci
    1,135 votes
    When Viktor Navorski (Tom Hanks), an Eastern European tourist, arrives at JFK in New York, war breaks out in his country and he finds himself caught up in international politics. Because of the war, the Department of Homeland Security won't let him enter or exit the United States. He's trapped at JFK -- indefinitely. While living at the airport, Viktor falls for a flight attendant (Catherine Zeta-Jones). She may have feelings for him too. But what good is love if Viktor can't leave the terminal?
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  • War of the Worlds
    20

    War of the Worlds

    Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Miranda Otto
    1,314 votes
    In Steven Spielberg's sci-fi thriller War of the Worlds, Ray Ferrier (Tom Cruise) finds himself in a desperate race for survival when Earth is invaded by alien tripods. The film charts the chaos and devastation caused by these towering extraterrestrial machines, focusing on Ray's attempts to protect his children, Rachel (Dakota Fanning) and Robbie (Justin Chatwin). As they navigate through post-apocalyptic landscapes and face life-threatening challenges, their journey becomes as much about familial bonds as it is about survival. This movie is an intriguing blend of suspense, action and human drama, grounded by Spielberg's deft direction and impressive performances from the cast.
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  • Munich
    21

    Munich

    Eric Bana, Daniel Craig, Geoffrey Rush
    1,084 votes
    Set against the backdrop of the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre, Munich is a gripping historical drama directed by Steven Spielberg. The movie follows the covert operations of Avner Kaufman (Eric Bana), a Mossad agent, who leads an Israeli government-sanctioned team to hunt down and assassinate eleven Palestinians purportedly involved in the massacre. Laden with moral ambiguity, the film paints a stark picture of revenge and its devastating consequences. Despite its gritty content, Munich was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
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  • War Horse
    22

    War Horse

    Emily Watson, David Thewlis, Jeremy Irvine
    860 votes
    An epic war drama, War Horse is a cinematic journey directed by the acclaimed Steven Spielberg. The film revolves around a horse named Joey (voiced by David Thewlis) and his young trainer Albert Narracott (Jeremy Irvine). Set against the backdrop of rural England and Europe during World War I, the movie explores their bond amidst the chaos of war. As Joey is sold to the cavalry and sent into battle, Albert embarks on a mission to find him and bring him home. Despite being nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture, it didn't bag any wins.
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  • A.I. Artificial Intelligence
    23

    A.I. Artificial Intelligence

    Haley Joel Osment, Jude Law, Frances O'Connor
    1,180 votes
    In A.I. Artificial Intelligence, a unique blend of science fiction and drama, David (Haley Joel Osment), a highly advanced robotic boy, yearns to become real so he can regain the love of his human mother. He embarks on a journey filled with adventure and discovery. Alongside David is Gigolo Joe (Jude Law), a robot designed for pleasure, who helps navigate this complex future world. The film, directed by Steven Spielberg, elegantly explores themes of humanity and artificiality, posing profound questions about technology's role in society. It was nominated for two Academy Awards including Best Visual Effects.
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  • The Adventures of Tintin
    24

    The Adventures of Tintin

    Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig
    878 votes
    In the animated adventure film, The Adventures of Tintin, young reporter Tintin (Jamie Bell) and his loyal dog, Snowy, are thrown into a world of high adventure. When they discover a ship carrying an explosive secret, they find themselves in the crosshairs of Ivan Ivanovitch Sakharine (Daniel Craig), a diabolical villain. With the help of salty sea captain, Haddock (Andy Serkis), Tintin must race against time to prevent Sakharine from unleashing an age-old curse. Directed by Steven Spielberg and based on the iconic comic series by Hergé, this movie is packed with humour, action and intrigue.
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  • Amistad
    25

    Amistad

    Morgan Freeman, Anthony Hopkins, Matthew McConaughey
    887 votes
    In the historical drama Amistad, Steven Spielberg transports us to 1839. The film revolves around a mutiny aboard La Amistad, a slave ship traveling towards America. Cinqué (Djimon Hounsou), a Mende tribesman, leads the revolt. The uprising sets in motion a court case that challenges the very foundation of American legal system and questions the country's stance on slavery. The movie also showcases notable performances by Anthony Hopkins, portraying former President John Quincy Adams, and Matthew McConaughey as the idealistic lawyer Roger Sherman Baldwin. Garnering multiple award nominations, Amistad weaves together threads of law, freedom, and humanity in an unforgettable narrative.
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  • The Fabelmans
    26

    The Fabelmans

    Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Seth Rogen
    92 votes
    The Fabelmans is a semi-autobiographical drama directed by Steven Spielberg that paints an intimate portrait of a young man's coming-of-age journey and his burgeoning love for filmmaking. The film centers around the Spielberg-inspired protagonist, Sammy Fabelman (Gabriel LaBelle), mother (Michelle Williams), and father (Paul Dano); the film also stars Judd Hirsch and Seth Rogen. Set against the backdrop of post-World War II America, the film examines the dynamics of family life, the bittersweet pains of growing up, and the relentless pursuit of a cinematic dream. The film has garnered critical acclaim, including accolades for its direction, screenplay, and performances.
  • West Side Story
    27

    West Side Story

    Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose
    70 votes
    Love at first sight strikes when young Tony spots Maria at a high school dance in 1957 New York City. Their burgeoning romance helps to fuel the fire between the warring Jets and Sharks -- two rival gangs vying for control of the streets.
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  • The Post
    28

    The Post

    Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Bruce Greenwood
    348 votes
    Katharine Graham is the first female publisher of a major American newspaper -- The Washington Post. With help from editor Ben Bradlee, Graham races to catch up with The New York Times to expose a massive cover-up of government secrets that spans three decades and four U.S. presidents. Together, they must overcome their differences as they risk their careers -- and very freedom -- to help bring long-buried truths to light.
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  • Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
    29

    Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

    Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Shia LaBeouf
    1,281 votes
    In the movie Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, archaeologist Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is pulled back into action. This time, it's the 1950s during the Cold War, and he's up against Soviet agents led by the ruthless Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett). They're after a mysterious artifact - a crystal skull from Peru, believed to hold extraordinary powers. Aided by his former lover Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen) and a young greaser named Mutt Williams (Shia LaBeouf), Indy embarks on a globe-trotting quest to uncover the secrets of the skull. The adventure unfolds in Steven Spielberg's signature style, blending elements of action, adventure, and historical fantasy.
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  • The BFG
    30

    The BFG

    Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill, Penelope Wilton
    365 votes
    Ten-year-old Sophie is in for the adventure of a lifetime when she meets the Big Friendly Giant (Mark Rylance). Naturally scared at first, the young girl soon realizes that the 24-foot behemoth is actually quite gentle and charming. As their friendship grows, Sophie's presence attracts the unwanted attention of Bloodbottler, Fleshlumpeater and other giants. After traveling to London, Sophie and the BFG must convince Queen Victoria to help them get rid of all the bad giants once and for all.
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