There is no denying thatSteven Spielberghas made quite an impact in the cinema world. He’s been a part of some of the most iconic movies of all time, filled with their share of epic stories and recognizable characters. FromIndiana JonestoWest Side Story, the movie legend has a track record that very few can compete with. Particularly, when it comes to the sci-fi genre, Spielberg is one ofthe most influential directorsof all time. He’s responsible for creating, directing and producing some great installments.
Triggering amazing franchises and literal out-of-this-world standalones, Spielberg’s work has inspired so much of Hollywood with movies that challenged audiences and critics. Considered by many a sci-fi pioneer in cinema, his best work within science fiction brings out his different assets, impacting the world of entertainment in vastly different ways.
As far as alien invasions go,War of the Worldsis one of the most recognizable disaster movies. It’s a thrill ride that captures H.G. Wells' novel wonderfully. Even though many see this movie as a simple blockbuster, this is also the reason it thrives.
Spielberg captures fear and horror on a blockbuster scale, showcasing a devastating alien invasion that only gets more bleak by the minute. Even though it is not the director’s best work, it is still an entertaining watch, especially in terms of the frightful repercussions of an alien invasion.
6A.I. Artificial Intelligence
IMdB Score: 7.2
It is hard to talk about sci-fi and not address the threats that artifical intelligence poses to humans. Many popular movies have addressed the concept of AI taking over the world. Yet, Spielberg’s movieA.I. Artificial Intelligencetook a more positive approach to it all, showcasing an AI that can love.
As one of the fewsci-fi movies that demonstrate the benefits of AI,A.I. Artificial Intelligencetells a heartwarming story in a devastating context, where Earth is ruined by global warming. Framing AI as a reason for hope, this sci-fi story illustrates how broad Spielberg’s grasp on the genre is.
5Ready Player One
IMdB Score: 7.4
As an already popular book, theReady Player Onemovie adaptation felt like Spielberg’slove letter to gamers, portraying the thin line between reality and gaming. In 2045, virtual reality becomes a popular way to escape reality, at least in this sci-fi universe.
A race to find all the clues in a reality world, will give the winner control over this universe. It’s a beautiful adaptation, and Spielberg includes plenty of Easter eggs for gamers and sci-fi fans through an epic adventure.
4Minority Report
IMdB Score: 7.6
Another artificial intelligence sci-fi movie by Steven Spielberg, this time he shows that the endless possibilities of AI come with many downfalls. Although the film praises the AI’s ability to accurately predict crime,Minority Reportalso demonstrates the risk of having such a powerful machine.
As one ofTom Cruise’s best sci-fi movies, the installment manages to portray the subtle line between good and bad when it comes to AI. This thriller comes charged with psychological tension and action, showcasing Spielberg’s abilities at depicting complexity in sci-fi narratives.
3Close Encounters of the Third Kind
ScoringSpielberg his first Oscar nomination,Close Encounters of the Third Kinddeserves all the praise it gets as a classic alien movie. Exploring humankind’s fascination with extraterrestrial life and the extraordinary as a whole, this film has stunning visuals and an emotional narrative that makes for a great extraterrestrial flick.
Spielberg’s fixation with UFOs and aliens is at its best in this feature. It shows off his prowess at recounting alien stories about humanity like very few others could, solidifyingClose Encounters of the Third Kindas a reference point in the genre.
2E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
IMdB Score: 7.9
Despite being released in the 80s, there are very few people today who do not know this endearing narrative about an alien stuck on Earth. Spielberg’s complex yet positive take on a topic that is usually regarded with skepticism and violence — aliens — depicts a creature that feels more human than any other.
“E.T. phone home” is not only one of themost famous catchphrases in sci-fi, but also symbolizes Spielberg’s narrative ingenuity in alien portrayals. Sad, cute, heartbreaking, and emotional,E.T. The Extraterrestrialsurvived the time test with flying colors and a flying bike.
1Jurassic Park
IMdB Score: 8.2
When it comes to dinosaur movies,Jurassic Parkis the film that first comes into mind. It brought Michael Crichton’s novel to life and the dinosaurs back to life in a 90s blockbuster. Mixing terrifying moments with character development, the movie not only kickstarted thedinosaur horror movie genre, but it also became a 90s sci-fi classic for a reason.
Jurassic Parksums up Spielberg’s work, which combines breathtaking visuals, a compelling narrative, and epic scenes. It might not be the most scientifically accurate, but it is an entertaining ride and overall influential movie, especially with its groundbreaking CGI and technical innovations. It not only set up sequels, but successful spin-offs as well.
