The director’s last project was The Fabelmans in 2022

One of the finest directors to grace the big screen, American filmmaker Steven Spielberg is hailed as the pioneer of modern blockbusters and a major figure in the New Hollywood Era. The director, who began his career with Firelight in 1964, gave us several films, ranging from a look at the Mesozoic Era to World War II. And even though in the 80s and 90s India did not have many multiplexes, Spielberg’s films reached our nation, educating us about several unknown topics throughout childhood and adolescence.

As the director turns 79 this December, here’s a list of Spielberg movies that are our absolute favourites, and in case you haven’t watched them yet, on Spielberg’s birthday, you should.

Jaws

(Credit- The Times)

One of the first films in Spielberg’s filmography to woo is Jaws. Jaws marked Hollywood’s long history of films pitting humans against violent animals. The film won three Academy Awards, but it also sparked some controversy. For example, stereotyping shark behaviour as likely to attack humans, or the fact that the film made it harder for conservation groups to convince the general public to protect sharks. Spielberg regretted making the film, saying, “the decimation of the shark population because of the book and the film”.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

(Credit- IMDb)

Whether the world agrees or not, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial from Spielberg was special for Indian cinephiles who knew that the film wouldn’t have been possible without mimeographed copies of The Alien by Satyajit Ray. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was one of the first films to show human interaction with an extraterrestrial life form through the lens of children, in a light-hearted manner. In 2003, Rakesh Roshan directed Koi…Mil Gaya felt like a copy of E.T. but had more parallel elements from Ray’s The Alien.

Jurassic Park

(Credit- Britannica)

We would like to believe that Jurassic Park isn’t merely our favourite but has a place in the hearts of every cinephile around the world. After all, it was our first step into the world of dinosaurs, creatures that went extinct millions of years ago but were brought to life on screen by Spielberg. Yes, the film wasn’t factually on point, but it was a cinematic experience that cannot be experienced in words. Can’t imagine our childhood without dinosaurs, can we?!

Saving Private Ryan

(Credit- Britannica)

Spielberg wasn’t all about fictional stories or manipulated science; he also showed his ability to bring the brutality of war in its rawest form to the big screen. Saving Private Ryan gave us a glimpse of WWII from close quarters into the chaos that soldiers lived through. From graphic injuries to brotherhood and the question of what is morally correct or incorrect, Saving Private Ryan put us right into the battlefield on the beach of Normandy.

Schindler’s List

(Credit- Britannica)

There are only a handful of films that have left an immense impact on us, and out of those handful, Schindler’s List stands on top. When millions chose not to stand up for the weak and oppressed, one man had a change of heart and saved 1,200 souls. “Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire” – these words from actor Ben Kingsley will forever echo in our ears, whereas Liam Neeson’s emotions when he says, “I could have got more out. I could have got more. I don't know. If I'd just... I could have got more,” will remain vivid in our minds. In our book of thoughts, Schindler’s List is the best of Spielberg to date.

On the director’s birthday, we pray for his long and healthy life and hope that he makes a few more unique films that will remain unparalleled for ages to come.