One of the most influential and prominent directors in the history of cinema, not only is Ready Player One.
In his long time directing movies, popular characters in pop culture. Here are his 10 best movies, according to IMDb.
The Color Purple (1985) - 7.8
Based on the prize-winning novel of the same name by author Alice Walker, the plot of the film follows the story of an African-American girl Celie Harris and highlights many social and controversial problems faced by black women during the early 1900s, such as domestic violence, poverty, racism, and sexism.
Although the film was criticized by some for being “stereotypical”, it was praised by most for its outstanding acting and screenplay. The film went on to receive eleven Academy Award nominations, but not winning any. It also received four Golden Globe nominations, one of which was won by the lead actress Whoopi Goldberg.
Empire of the Sun (1987) - 7.8
Taking place in a time of great peril and unrest in the middle of Japan's invasion of China during the second world war, the story follows Jamie Graham, a young schoolboy who is separated from his family amid the chaos of the war and how he struggles to make his way in a world stranger to him, deformed by conflict. Christian Bale was brilliantly cast in the role, who, despite his young age was able to bring the character to life on-screen with his virtuoso.
The film was unable to win any but was nominated for six Academy Awards and "Best Motion Picture" at the Golden Globe Awards.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) - 7.8
A childhood classic for millions, a timeless masterpiece for the ages. one of the greatest films of all time, and not without good reason.
The alluring plot, inspired by Spielberg’s very own imaginary friend whom he created following the divorce of his parents in his childhood, follows the story of an alien lifeform stranded on Earth and how he befriends a young boy, who with his friend’s attempt to return the extra-terrestrial to its home planet. It was a smashing success at the box office upon release and even went on to win four Academy Awards.
Jaws (1975) - 8.0
Although first summer blockbuster in cinematic history and was the first to earn over $100 million at the box office. The sheer success of the movie paved the way for future action blockbusters and was the first of many masterpieces that the world would come to see from Steven Spielberg.
Unfortunately, the successors of this timeless gem weren't able to hold a candle to the original, which many agree was due to Spielberg’s absence.
Catch Me If You Can (2002) - 8.1
Based on the real-life story of expert con artist Frank Abagnale, the film stars Leonardo DiCaprio in the eponymous role alongside Tom Hanks. The film was a critical and financial success upon release and was praised by critics and fans alike for its entertaining theme and outstanding acting.
Thehad executed cons worth millions by posing as a pilot, doctor, and parish prosecutor. His paramount criminal act was check fraud, and he was deemed so skilled at this that he was later on recruited by the FBI.
Jurassic Park (1993) - 8.1
Perhaps the most iconic and successful entry in this list, considering it kick-started a multi-billion-dollar franchise that is spawning films even 27 years later, Jurassic Park is still as good a masterpiece as it was in 1993. The film took the world by storm, featuring levels of special effects and dino animatronics and it is no surprise that to this day it remains Spielberg’s highest-grossing film.
Standing strong even almost three decades later, the success of the recent giant prehistoric reptiles on a rampage.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) - 8.2
The third installment in the Harrison Ford return in the role of the titular character Indiana Jones, alongside Sean Connery who was cast as Indiana Jones’s father.
The plot was of generic action-adventure style and saw Indiana Jones once again go up against Nazi’s and even Hitler himself in a race to obtain the holy grail. The film was a financial success on release and went on to win an Academy Award for Best Sound Editing.
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) - 8.4
The first film in the famous Indiana Jones franchise, and as of yet the most critically acclaimed movie in the series, Raiders of the Lost Ark is considered to be the defining American action-adventure movie by many. It follows the adventures of archaeologist Indiana Jones in the search for an ancient artifact, the Ark of the Covenant with the Nazis on his tail.
The film and its success were revolutionary for its time, winning four Academy awards and it is no surprise that there are still sequels in development to this day starring Harrison Ford, despite his old age.
Saving Private Ryan (1998) - 8.6
The film that defines the "war drama" genre to this day, Steven Spielberg’s Tom Hanks in the role of Captain John H. Miller, a role for which he received critical praise due to his outstanding performance, as he leads his squad to search for a fellow paratrooper into the depths of Normandy straight in the middle of the second world war.
RELATED: 10 Most Thought-Provoking Quotes from Saving Private Ryan
Schindler's List (1993) - 8.9
Very few films have more than a 1000 Jewish lives during the Second World War by providing them refugee in his factory.
Upon release, the film received humongous praise from both critics and audiences alike and was also a commercial success. It went to receive a multitude of awards including but not limited to seven Academy Awards and three Golden Globes.
