Top 10 Steven Spielberg Movies in 2027

1. Schindler's List

Schindler's List ranks first because it is Spielberg's most profound and essential work, a black-and-white Holocaust masterpiece that won seven Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director. The film tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, who saved over a thousand Jewish workers, anchored by powerful performances from Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, and Ben Kingsley. Its stark cinematography and harrowing subject matter create a devastating, vital piece of historical cinema.

This film is for viewers seeking a serious, emotionally heavy historical drama, not light entertainment. It trades away the accessible thrills of Spielberg's blockbusters for a demanding three-hour-plus runtime and unflinching content. Compared to Jaws at rank two, Schindler's List offers greater cultural and moral weight but is far less rewatchable as casual viewing. It requires commitment and delivers a profound, unforgettable experience that transcends typical movie rankings.

2. Jaws

Jaws ranks second because it is the original summer blockbuster, a flawless thriller that invented a new era of filmmaking and remains endlessly rewatchable fifty years later. The film pits a small-town police chief against a great white shark, with Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss forming an iconic trio. The malfunctioning mechanical shark forced Spielberg to suggest the threat rather than show it, a happy accident that made the film scarier.

This movie is for viewers who want a masterclass in suspense and a perfect blend of character and terror. It trades away the profound historical weight of Schindler's List for pure, gripping entertainment that is highly accessible. Compared to the number one pick, Jaws is much easier to revisit and offers a more straightforward thrill ride, though it lacks the same cultural and moral significance. It is the best-value pick, delivering a perfect blockbuster experience that still terrifies.

3. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial ranks third because it is the warmest film Spielberg ever made, a definitive family adventure that defined wonder for a generation. The film follows a lonely boy named Elliott who befriends a stranded alien and helps him phone home, with Henry Thomas leading and a young Drew Barrymore as his sister. Its blend of suburban wonder and aching emotion made it the highest-grossing film of its time, and John Williams' soaring score won an Oscar.

This movie is for families and anyone seeking a deeply moving, sentimental story about friendship and home. It trades away the suspense and terror of Jaws for a more gentle, emotionally generous experience, though some early-'80s effects look dated. Compared to the number two pick, E.T. is more emotionally resonant and family-friendly but less of a relentless thriller. It is a perfect family film that showcases Spielberg's gift for wonder and heart.

4. Raiders of the Lost Ark

Raiders of the Lost Ark ranks fourth because it is the greatest adventure film ever made, setting the gold standard for action filmmaking that endures today. Created with George Lucas, it introduced Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones, racing the Nazis to the Ark of the Covenant in a breathless homage to old serials. The film is packed with iconic set pieces like the boulder chase and the truck stunt, with Karen Allen as the fiery Marion.

This movie is for viewers who want pure, accessible adventure and spectacle, with relentless, perfectly staged action. It trades away the emotional depth and sentimentality of E.T. for a more straightforward, thrilling ride, though some effects feel dated. Compared to the number three pick, Raiders is more exciting and action-packed but less emotionally moving. It is the gold standard for the action genre, a film every action movie since has tried to match.

5. Jurassic Park

Jurassic Park ranks fifth because it is a landmark of visual effects that brought dinosaurs back to life and changed Hollywood forever. The film's groundbreaking blend of CGI and animatronics, including the T. rex attack and kitchen raptors, still holds up and won three Academy Awards for sound and effects. Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, and Richard Attenborough star as visitors to an island theme park where the attractions break loose.

This movie is for audiences seeking a thrilling, awe-inspiring blockbuster with revolutionary effects and a sense of wonder. It trades away the character-driven adventure of Raiders of the Lost Ark for a more spectacle-focused experience, with thinner characters than his dramas. Compared to the number four pick, Jurassic Park is more visually groundbreaking but less of a pure adventure classic.

6. Saving Private Ryan

Saving Private Ryan ranks sixth because it is the most visceral war film of its era, redefining how movies depict combat with its harrowing 27-minute D-Day landing at Omaha Beach. The film follows a squad sent to bring one soldier home, led by Tom Hanks, with Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore, and Barry Pepper. Its handheld, desaturated combat photography earned Spielberg his second Best Director Oscar among five Academy Awards.

This movie is for viewers who want a devastating, realistic portrayal of war, not a glorified action film. It trades away the family-friendly wonder of Jurassic Park for graphic violence and intense, unflinching realism. Compared to the number five pick, Saving Private Ryan is more emotionally and historically significant but far less rewatchable as casual entertainment. It is a monumental war film that is devastating and impossible to forget, though its sentimental framing device divides critics.

7. Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Close Encounters of the Third Kind ranks seventh because it is Spielberg's purest expression of wonder, a hopeful and spiritual science-fiction landmark. The film follows an ordinary lineman, played by Richard Dreyfuss, obsessed with a vision after a UFO sighting, building toward a transcendent first contact. Teri Garr and François Truffaut co-star, and the famous five-note musical greeting and the mothership finale remain awe-inspiring.

This movie is for viewers who appreciate a slow, deliberate build and a hopeful, awe-inspiring vision of first contact. It trades away the visceral intensity of Saving Private Ryan for a more meditative and spiritual experience. Compared to the number six pick, Close Encounters is less brutal but more deliberately paced, which may unsettle some viewers. It is a spellbinding sci-fi classic that showcases Spielberg's ability to inspire awe and wonder.

8. Minority Report

Minority Report ranks eighth because it is a smart, stylish science-fiction thriller whose predictive-policing themes proved strikingly prophetic. Adapted from a Philip K. Dick story, the film imagines a future where police arrest people for murders before they happen, with Tom Cruise starring as a cop accused of a future crime. Its gesture-based interfaces and future tech aged remarkably well, and Roger Ebert named it among the year's best.

This movie is for viewers who enjoy a thinking-person's thriller with a sharp, prophetic premise and a satisfying mystery structure. It trades away the pure wonder of Close Encounters for a darker, more cynical vision of the future. Compared to the number seven pick, Minority Report is more action-packed and intellectually stimulating but less emotionally resonant.

9. Catch Me If You Can

Catch Me If You Can ranks ninth because it is a breezy, irresistible change of pace that proves Spielberg can be light on his feet as easily as he can be epic. The film tells the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., a teenage con artist who passed as a pilot, doctor, and lawyer while forging millions in checks.

This movie is for viewers seeking a delightful, purely fun cat-and-mouse caper with lighter stakes than his major dramas. It trades away the intellectual heft of Minority Report for a more charming and accessible story, though it romanticizes its real-life con man. Compared to the number eight pick, Catch Me If You Can is more joyful and rewatchable but less thought-provoking. It is a slick, stylish caper that's easy to love, showcasing Spielberg's versatility and range.

10. Lincoln

Lincoln ranks tenth because it is a masterful historical drama that showcases Spielberg's enduring late-career command and features a towering, Oscar-winning performance by Daniel Day-Lewis. The film focuses on the final months of the president's life as he fights to pass the Thirteenth Amendment abolishing slavery, with Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones, and David Strathairn in a deep ensemble. Written by Tony Kushner, it turns political maneuvering into gripping drama and earned twelve Academy Award nominations.

This movie is for viewers who appreciate a dignified, dialogue-heavy historical drama with superb acting, not action. It trades away the breezy charm of Catch Me If You Can for a dense, deliberately paced political story. Compared to the number nine pick, Lincoln is more intellectually and historically significant but far less rewatchable as pure entertainment. It is a superbly acted history lesson that proves Spielberg's range, though its dense dialogue may not appeal to all viewers.

How we ranked these

We measured each film against six weighted criteria: story and screenplay (25%), direction and craft (20%), performances (20%), rewatchability (15%), cultural impact (10%), and where-to-watch access (10%). Scores were synthesized from IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic, Letterboxd, and critical reviews from Variety and Roger Ebert's site. Films that faded after a single viewing dropped; the top picks continue to grip audiences decades later.

We deliberately ignored box office grosses, personal nostalgia, and genre bias. A film's financial success does not equal artistic merit, and Spielberg's blockbusters often overshadow his quieter dramas. We also set aside the director's own stated preferences and any political or moral judgments about the films' content. The goal was to rank purely on enduring cinematic quality and emotional impact, not on hype or historical accident.

What to look for

When choosing between these films, what matters is your mood and the experience you want. For a profound, emotionally devastating historical drama, Schindler's List is unmatched. For pure suspense and rewatchability, Jaws delivers every time. If you want family wonder, E.T. or Jurassic Park. For action-adventure, Raiders. Consider runtime and tone: Schindler's List demands commitment, while Jaws is a lean thriller. Also check streaming availability, as some titles rotate between Peacock, Disney+, and Paramount+.

The mistake most buyers make is assuming all Spielberg films are interchangeable. They are not. His range is vast, from intimate character studies to epic blockbusters. Another error is prioritizing the most famous title over the one that fits the occasion. For example, choosing Schindler's List for a casual movie night would be a mismatch. Instead, match the film to the viewer's tolerance for darkness, violence, and pacing.

A first-time viewer might start with Raiders or Jurassic Park, not the Holocaust drama.

Related questions

What is the best Steven Spielberg movie to watch with kids?

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) is the ideal family pick, with its themes of friendship and wonder. Jurassic Park (1993) is also great for older kids, but the dinosaur attacks may scare younger ones. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) is PG but has intense action and some violence, so it's better for tweens and up.

Which Spielberg movie has the most Oscars?

Schindler's List (1993) won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. Saving Private Ryan (1998) won five, including Spielberg's second Best Director. No other Spielberg film has won more than four Oscars.

What is Spielberg's most underrated movie?

Minority Report (2002) is often cited as his most underrated. It's a smart, visually inventive sci-fi thriller that predicted predictive policing and gesture-based interfaces. Despite strong reviews, it's less discussed than his other hits, but it holds up remarkably well.

Which Spielberg movie should I watch first?

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) or Jurassic Park (1993) are perfect starting points. They're pure, accessible blockbuster thrills that showcase his gift for spectacle and pacing. Both are endlessly rewatchable and give a great sense of his style without the heavy emotional weight of his dramas.

What is the scariest Spielberg movie?

Jaws (1975) is widely considered his scariest film. The suspense is masterfully built, and the shark attacks are terrifying even today. The film's use of suggestion rather than explicit gore makes it a classic horror-thriller that still works flawlessly.

Which Spielberg movie has the best soundtrack?

John Williams' score for Jaws (1975) is iconic, but the soaring themes for E.T. (1982) and Jurassic Park (1993) are equally beloved. Schindler's List (1993) features a haunting violin theme that is emotionally devastating. It's a tough call, but many consider E.T.'s score his most memorable.

Are there any Spielberg movies that are not worth watching?

Even Spielberg's lesser works, like 1941 (1979) or The BFG (2016), have moments of charm, but they are not essential. His weakest films are often those where the story is thin or the tone is off. However, his top ten are all masterpieces, so you can't go wrong with any of them.

What is the longest Steven Spielberg movie?

Schindler's List (1993) is his longest at 195 minutes (3 hours 15 minutes). Saving Private Ryan (1998) is 169 minutes, and Lincoln (2012) is 150 minutes. These are his most epic films, requiring a significant time commitment.

FAQ

What is the best Steven Spielberg movie?

Schindler's List (1993) is our top pick — a devastating, essential Holocaust drama that won seven Academy Awards and stands as the peak of his career. It is a profound and emotionally overwhelming experience.

Which Spielberg movie should I watch first?

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) or Jurassic Park (1993) are ideal starting points — pure, accessible blockbuster thrills that show off his gift for spectacle and pacing. Both are endlessly rewatchable and introduce his signature style.

Which Steven Spielberg movie won the most Oscars?

Schindler's List (1993) won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Spielberg's first Best Director. He won Best Director again for Saving Private Ryan (1998). No other Spielberg film has won more than four Oscars.

What is Spielberg's most underrated movie?

Minority Report (2002) is the hidden gem — a smart, visually inventive sci-fi thriller whose predictive-policing themes proved strikingly prophetic. It's a thinking-person's thriller that has aged remarkably well.

Which Spielberg movies are good for families?

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) and Jurassic Park (1993) are the best family picks, alongside the PG-rated Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) for older kids. E.T. is gentle and heartwarming, while Jurassic Park has thrilling dinosaur action.

How many Oscars has Steven Spielberg won for directing?

Spielberg has won two Best Director Academy Awards — for Schindler's List (1993) and Saving Private Ryan (1998) — across a long career of nominations. He has also won Best Picture for Schindler's List.

What is the best value Spielberg movie to stream?

Jaws (1975) is the best value pick. It's almost always available to rent cheaply or stream on Peacock, and its rewatchability is unmatched. It's a perfect thriller that never gets old.

Which Spielberg movie has the best special effects?

Jurassic Park (1993) revolutionized visual effects with its blend of CGI and animatronics. The dinosaurs still look convincing today. Minority Report (2002) also features impressive and prophetic future tech.

What is Spielberg's most emotional movie?

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) is often cited as his most emotional film, with its themes of loneliness and friendship. Schindler's List (1993) is also deeply moving, but in a much more harrowing way.

Is there a Spielberg movie that is a good date night pick?

Catch Me If You Can (2002) is a charming, stylish, and fun film that's perfect for a date night. It's light, entertaining, and features great performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks.

Sources

• https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000229/
• https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/steven_spielberg
• https://www.metacritic.com/person/steven-spielberg/
• https://letterboxd.com/director/steven-spielberg/
• https://www.rogerebert.com/cast-and-crew/steven-spielberg
• https://variety.com/t/steven-spielberg/
• https://www.criterion.com/
• https://www.peacocktv.com/
• https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies

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