Top 10 Steven Spielberg Movies

One of my favourite directors of all time is Steven Spielberg. Although his movies always seem to have aliens in them, he is extremely versatile and has produced and directed some of the greatest films of all time.  The first Steven Spielberg film I ever watched was Jurassic Park. I remember that when I saw it in the cinema, I forced my parents to let us leave after the first fifteen minutes. To try to keep it in perspective, I was five or six at the time, and it was pretty terrifying. I still get afraid of it! So, although it wasn’t a great start for me, overtime I learned to appreciate Spielberg’s talent as a cinematic genius. This is a list of Spielberg’s Top Ten spellbinding and spectacular films.

10. Lincoln (2012)

Lincoln is a biopic period drama, presenting the struggles of Abraham Lincoln’s presidency and fight to abolish slavery. The overall cinematic experience is breathtaking; Spielberg is able to catapult the audience seamlessly into the 19^th century, with period setting, costume and colour perfectly chosen. What makes this film particularly special is Daniel Day Lewis’ portrayal of Lincoln, with his passion and humbleness as a character effortlessly translated through his gesture, posture and voice, despite the difficulty of numerous hefty monologues, e.g. “Back when I rode the legal circuit in Illinois, I defended a woman from Metmora named Melissa Goings, 77 years-old…” etc., etc., etc., Lincoln highlights Spielberg’s skill as a director, and although a very long and intense film, it is still picturesque and incredibly moving.

9. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

The original Indiana Jones had to make one to Spielberg’s Top Ten films. Indiana Jones, played by the wonderful Harrison Ford, is a charming and adventurous character, acting before necessarily thinking. The partnering of his attractive character and the exciting plot makes for a hell of an action film. Still today, action sequences are mimicked, such as Jones running through passageways away from a massive rolling ball and swinging from ledge to ledge. Jones is also human, unable to do everything, and it is comforting watching him deal with his biggest fear: snakes! An action tale that still lives on, it is definitely a top Spielberg movie.

8. Hook (1991)

Hook is a wonderfully reimagined sequel to follow the tale of Peter Pan. I watch it every year as it is always on at Christmas, without fail. Robin Williams plays the nervous, on-edge adult Peter Pan who must journey back to Neverland to rescue his children from the evil Hook. Dustin Hoffman acts as Hook and is one of his best performances I have ever seen. Surprisingly, he is able to create an element of empathy for the character, appearing to truly develop some connection with Pan’s son Jack, subverting from the traditional one-dimensional villainous Hook we all know so well. A family classic, not one to be missed!

7. Jaws (1975)

Jaws is a movie classic, and it tends to be a regular turn up in listings of films to see before you die. If you think about the story, it seems a bit far fetched (having a killer shark roam about the ocean waters), but there is an underlying satirical tone, which is what makes the film so fantastic. The soundtrack is also universally recognizable and can still instill fear into anyone who hears it. Part of the charm of the film is the great tension that is built up over the whole movie because of the complimenting imagery, dialogue and soundtrack.

6. E.T: The Extra Terrestrial (1982)

One of the most famous and coveted family films of all time, E.T The Extra Terrestrial is one of Spielberg’s top movies. “Phone home” is all one needs to think to remember that oddly cute and lovable alien. The film however deals with more mature issues, such as the absence of a father and blame. Also, the ending is not what some would say is fully uplifting as E.T must leave despite discovering love and touching so many people’s lives. It is memorable on so many levels, and it is able to appeal to children and adults alike.

5. Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Saving Private Ryan is an open, honest and gritty portrayal of a group of US soldiers hoping to save a fellow soldier after the Normandy landings during World War Two in 1944. With a both uplifting and extremely sad ending with the death of determined and kind Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks), the movie is a great example of presenting our troubling history whilst being able to emotionally connect with it. And not to forget to mention the outstanding performances from Tom Hanks and Matt Damon, and with Spielberg’s beautiful direction and cinematography, it is one pretty amazing movie.

4. Jurassic Park (1993)

Whoever could bring to the screen a world where genetically reborn dinosaurs roam free is a genius. Jurassic Park is terrifying and hilarious at the same time. Watching this as a child, I was genuinely terrified. The infamous kitchen scene when the children hide in the cupboards is a great scene, able to build up enormous tension and fear. It also does propose a relevant question to the science of today, about how far is too far with genetic mutations? This film is not only entertaining but comments on modern day concerns, making it a highly intellectual as well as a thriller/comedy.

3. The Colour Purple (1985)

The Colour Purple is a gritty and honest depiction of the a young woman Celie Johnson and her struggles. The story is really about friendship and family, with Celie’s journey to reunite with those lost. It also honestly portrays the hate and violence African-Americans faced living in the USA in the 1900s. For instance, when Sophia exclaims “hell, no”, she is slapped in the face and jarred at by a crowd in the street. This harsh sense of reality is never lost in the film, but ultimately, the film highlights the optimism and final fulfillment of the characters.

2. Catch Me If You Can (2002)

One of Spielberg’s less known movies, Catch Me If You Can is a quick-paced, alternative comedy featuring the talents of Tom Hanks and Leonardo Dicaprio. Based on a true story, the film plays out as one huge cat-and-mouse chase, with quick-witted characters that give the film a unique charm. Hank’s character, Carl Hanratty, is hilariously driven and ruthless in his search for the young criminal Frank Abagnale Jr. He exclaims: “For the last six months, he's gone to Harvard and Berkeley. I'm betting he can get a passport.” The levels of status and intelligence between the two characters change constantly, and this is part of what makes this movie particularly entertaining. It's definitely a film worth watching!

1. Schindler’s List (1993)

You couldn’t have a more contrasting first and second listings for a Top Ten list. Schindler’s List is a heart-breakingly honest and brutal portrayal of The Holocaust, following the story of Oskar Schindler and the Schindler Jews. It is an epic film, standing at approximately three and a half hours in length, and is a emotionally draining tale. However, it is so well-done artistically that you never once lose attention, especially in terms of the colouring and symbolic techniques Spielberg uses. For example, the use of the little girl in the red coat against the black/white colour grading draws attention to how many innocent children were lost in the horrific event. Also, the repeated imagery of the candles pays homage to the Jews lost in the Holocaust. Not to mention the phenomenal performances by Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley and Embeth Davidtz. Heartbreaking and beautiful, Schindler’s List is by far Spielberg’s finest work.