Steven Spielberg's 1975 thriller 'Jaws' didn't just make audiences afraid to go in the water—it fundamentally altered the Hollywood landscape, birthing the modern summer blockbuster and announcing a directorial force who would dominate cinema for decades. For most filmmakers, creating such a cultural landmark would be a career-defining peak. For Spielberg, it was merely the opening act.
While 'Jaws' remains a masterpiece of suspense and technical innovation, Spielberg's unparalleled filmography contains works that delve deeper into human emotion, personal vision, and cinematic artistry. Here, we examine three films that arguably surpass even that iconic shark tale, showcasing the director's evolution from blockbuster maestro to profound storyteller.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
Released just two years after 'Jaws,' this sci-fi epic reveals a more personal and philosophical side of Spielberg. The film follows ordinary people, led by a mesmerizing Richard Dreyfuss, who become obsessed after UFO encounters, culminating in a breathtaking convergence at Devil's Tower. Unlike the primal fear of 'Jaws,' this film trades terror for wonder, exploring themes of obsession, faith, and cosmic connection.
Often cited as one of Spielberg's most autobiographical works (until 2022's 'The Fabelmans'), the story sprang from childhood memories of watching meteor showers with his father. The film's majestic visual language and revolutionary use of John Williams' score didn't just create iconic moments—it influenced a generation of filmmakers, from Denis Villeneuve to J.J. Abrams, and cemented itself as a cornerstone of 20th-century science fiction.
Schindler's List (1993)
This harrowing historical drama represents Spielberg's most mature and devastating work. It chronicles the true story of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), a German businessman who initially profits from Jewish labor in Nazi-occupied Poland before undergoing a profound moral awakening, ultimately saving over a thousand lives.
Filmed in stark black and white, the movie confronts the Holocaust with unflinching gravity and remarkable restraint. The performances, particularly Liam Neeson's transformative turn and Ralph Fiennes' chilling portrayal of the monstrous Amon Göth, are career-defining. The film earned Spielberg his first Best Director Oscar, along with six other Academy Awards including Best Picture. Its release in the same year as 'Jurassic Park' spectacularly demonstrated the director's unparalleled range, proving he could craft both epoch-defining entertainment and searing historical drama.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Perhaps Spielberg's most universally beloved creation, 'E.T.' transcends simple genre classification. The story of a lonely boy named Elliott who befriends a stranded alien is a perfect alchemy of childhood wonder, suburban adventure, and profound emotional connection. It redefined the alien encounter narrative, presenting its visitor not as a threat, but as a vulnerable, empathetic being.
The film's magic lies in its authentic performances from its young cast—Henry Thomas and a scene-stealing Drew Barrymore—and its deeply personal core. Spielberg himself described E.T. as "a vegetable," emphasizing the character's gentle, inoffensive nature. It became a cultural phenomenon, the highest-grossing film of its era, and won four Oscars, including one for John Williams' unforgettable score. Its legacy is that of pure, timeless cinematic comfort food, a story that continues to soothe souls across generations.
While 'Jaws' will forever be celebrated for how it reshaped the industry, these three films highlight the breadth of Spielberg's genius. They move beyond spectacle to explore the human condition with nuance, courage, and heart—the true hallmarks of a master filmmaker. For more explorations of directorial peaks, check out our piece on Martin Scorsese masterpieces that surpass 'Raging Bull' or our list of movies to soothe your soul.
