Steven Spielberg has kept himself pretty busy these past few decades.
The Hollywood maestro has released 12 movies since 2000, and he’s got two more due for release in 2018.
The greatest male movie friendships
His critically acclaimed political thriller The Post hits cinemas this week, while sci-fi actioner Ready Player One follows in the spring.
The dozen movies Spielberg has directed in the 21st century thus far have seen him tackle everything from blockbuster sci-fi and historical biographies, to family adventures and Cold War thrillers.
As well as these movies covering a wide range of genres, however, they also cover a broad spectrum in terms of quality.
With that in mind, here’s our official ranking of every Steven Spielberg’s movie of the 21st century, from worst to best.
12. Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull (2008)
The fourth Indy outing is a thoroughly dull affair, lacking any of the thrills that defined the original trilogy.
Shia LaBeouf’s character Mutt is a huge misstep and the unimaginative plot isn’t helped by the presence of some truly woeful CGI.
Crystal Skull felt very much like Spielberg phoning it in and remains a rare dud on his impressive CV.
11. The Adventures Of Tintin (2011)
While far from his finest work, Spielberg’s first foray into 3D motion-capture still looks thoroughly impressive and does feature some neat action set-pieces.
It does suffer a little from style-over-substance syndrome and lacks an engaging plot to match its hyperactive visuals.
10. The BFG (2016)
Spielberg’s adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved book is extremely loyal to the source material and does possess a fair amount of charm.
It can be a little too cutesy in places and drags a little towards the end.
It may have been a box-office failure, but there’s still much to enjoy, especially for a younger audience.
9. The Terminal (2004)
Heartwarming in places but a little stretched and tonally uneven in others, The Terminal gets by thanks to a typically charming turn by Tom Hanks.
Spielberg isn’t particularly known for his comedy chops and the film’s fish-out-of-water schtick does soon become a little stale.
A thoroughly inoffensive but fairly unremarkable Spielberg outing.
8. Munich (2005)
A gritty spy thriller here from Spielberg with a timely message on the cyclical nature of violence and revenge.
Terrific to look at and undeniably powerful, Munich doesn’t quite sustain its early pace and occasionally feels a little heavy-handed.
It’s a flawed but nevertheless admirable piece of historical drama.
7. War Horse (2011)
Extremely melodramatic and unashamedly schmaltzy, War Horse is still incredibly effective.
A solid piece of war cinema, it features some particularly vivid depictions of the horrors of the trenches.
It may be a little saccharine for some, but there’s plenty to enjoy in this beautifully shot drama.
6. War Of The Worlds (2005)
Spielberg’s take on H. G. Wells’ classic tale is a gripping sci-fi thrill-ride that effortlessly immerses the viewer into its dangerous, apocalyptic landscape.
It’s a surprisingly dark blockbuster from the director who delivers an intense alien-invasion story that’s only let down by a slightly lacklustre ending.
5. Bridge Of Spies (2015)
Spielberg’s Cold War thriller is a wonderfully tense period piece that captures the request sense of paranoia and uncertainty perfectly.
Tom Hanks is perfect as a Capra-esque voice of reason, and Mark Rylance likewise as the imprisoned Soviet spy he is tasked with defending.
It’s a gloriously designed thriller buoyed by a typically wry script from the Coen Brothers.
4. A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)
This thoughtful and intelligent sci-fi epic was handed to Spielberg by Stanley Kubrick and remains a remarkable blend of their two styles.
Cold and unnerving, like many of Kubrick’s outings, it also has plenty of Spielbergian heart to go with it.
Divisive and not without its flaws, the film is still a fascinatingly inventive look at one boy’s quest for humanity.
3. Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Complete with an effervescent sense of fun and a slick 1960s style, Catch Me If You Can is a wonderfully entertaining romp that also packed a poignant message.
Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio are both in great form throughout, the latter in particular doing great work as affable con man Frank Abagnale Jr.
It’s an unashamedly feel-good, cat-and-mouse crime caper.
2. Lincoln (2012)
Lincoln is a riveting political biopic that also benefits from an incredible central performance from Daniel Day-Lewis.
Masterfully shot and with an impeccable eye for period detail, Spielberg’s film brings a pivotal era of American history to life in sensational fashion.
It’s a thought-provoking and powerful movie, with a vital message that still resonates today.
1. Minority Report (2002)
Spielberg’s re-telling of Philip K Dick’s short story is dark and innovative sci-fi at its best.
The director delivers a drab and dystopian future, bathed in paranoia and melancholy.
At its heart is a wonderfully inventive concept and a neatly woven whodunit.
Spielberg’s neo-noir not only looks superb but also has plenty of gripping action sequences, as well as Tom Cruise in particularly charismatic form.
MORE: 8 of the best TV and movie marathons to get you through cold, rainy days and nights
MORE: 7 of the best Stephen King movie adaptations
MORE: The best gangster movies of the 21st century
[contf] [contfnew] 
METRO
[contfnewc] [contfnewc]
