The Lists: In Contention's Top 10 Steven Spielberg Films

With 'War Horse' and 'Tintin' in theaters, we rank the director's best

By Kristopher Tapley Tuesday, Dec 27, 2011 2:56 PM

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2. "Jaws" (1975)

2. "Jaws" (1975)

In truth, the top two films on my list should share the #1 spot. But a decision had to be made, and while they are both masterpieces, I settled on the willful masterpiece for the top spot and the accidental one here. "Jaws" was a runaway train that somehow, miraculously, became the sterling piece of cinema it is today. It was the most famous trial by fire in film history and the lessons learned on that set no doubt forged Spielberg into the filmmaking machine he is today. Many artists crank out their best work under the gun and amid chaos. And here, Spielberg delivered the ultimate game changer of all time…

Photo Credit: Universal Pictures