To this day, Steven Spielberg is one of the most celebrated and distinguished film producers and directors of the 20th and 21st centuries. After his breakthrough into the film industry with his directorial debut, Jaws, Spielberg went on to direct classics such as the Indian Jones franchise in the '80s and more contemporary films in the 21st century, such as The Post.
His contributions to the film industry are endless, and where he has been successful with action and adventure films, he has made wonderful contributions to the coming-of-age genre both as a director and as an executive producer.
The BFG (2016) - 6.4
Based on Roald Dahl's famous children's books, The BFG is a beautiful coming-of-age story about a young girl who befriends a gentle giant and embarks on a quest to convince the Queen of England to help rid the country of bad giants once and for all. The BFG was not one of Spielberg's most acclaimed works, receiving only fair reviews online and in print. The film has its moments of wonder and beauty, but even though Spielburg lightened up the original work of Dahl, some believed the story wasn't magical enough. However, at its core, it is a visually gorgeous fantasy story, filled with messages of imagination and resilience, and enjoyed by young children seeking adventure and growth.
Hook (1991) - 6.8
As one of Spielberg's best fantasy films, and nominated for five Academy Awards, Hook is a classic many remember fondly from their childhood. An adaptation of the classic Peter Pan story, Robin Williams takes viewers on an epic adventure filled with pixie dust, nasty pirates, and the hope that they will never grow up. Although not at the very top of this list, Hook is a tale of heroism, love, and humanity just beckoning the next viewer to be struck by its story of vulnerability, childhood memories, and growth. Many have claimed that when re-watching the film as an adult, they are still warmed by this story of courage and surprised by how well the story supports both kids and adults making their way through life. It certainly makes viewers want to stay young forever.
War Horse (2011) - 7.2
At its core, War Horse is a war adventure, but it reflects a beautiful story about the determination of a young boy and the ways that animals can teach humanity. Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, the film is about a boy's beloved horse being sold to the British cavalry in WWI. It follows this boy as he sets out on a journey to search the battlefields until he can bring his horse home. Nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, War Horse is considered to be a huge milestone in Spielberg's personal film career. He pays homage to traditional Hollywood films with his filmic style and the uplifting storylines, beloved by all audiences.
The Adventures of Tintin (2011) - 7.3
The Adventures of Tintin is the first animated feature to be directed by Spielberg, and critics agree that it is some of his finest work. In fact, the film won an Oscar for the best-animated feature. The story follows young reporter Tintin and his dog as they embark on an adventure filled with ships, hidden treasure, and drunken captains.
Viewers see Tintin grow in front of a backdrop of beautiful imagery and cinematography that people of all ages can enjoy. The animation is so life-like it resembles the real world, and gives life to the characters who take viewers with them along every discovery within the film.
Ready Player One (2018) - 7.4
The futuristic world Spielburg created in Ready Player One is eerily similar to the one viewers are living in today. In order to escape a crumbling planet, people find adventure when they put on their virtual reality headsets and live in a simulation free of destruction. Viewers follow a young boy on a quest to find a hidden easter egg within the game. Spielberg's adaptation of the book by the same name is visually captivating, full of outstanding musical choices, and provides viewers with nostalgic nods to past video games and pop culture. Although some critics were disappointed by the differences between the beloved book and the film, they've called it one of Spielberg's best films of the 21st century, and it received mostly positive reviews regarding its stunning action and ode to kids who grew up watching his earlier works.
Empire of the Sun (1987) - 7.7
This film is hailed as a beautiful tale of young struggle, and how children survive the horrors they are sometimes incapable of understanding. Empire of the Sun follows a young Christian Bale who is living in Shanghai when the Japanese invade. He is separated from his parents and sent to a prison camp where the majority of the film takes place. It is a beautiful coming-of-age story set in the backdrop of war, and viewers are captivated by the young boy's youthful spirit and the hope he shares with the people he is in the camp with. Although it wasn't a box office hit, it got several Academy Award nods, and some critics say it is one of the best films of its decade. With a beautiful score, an amazing story, and a beautiful backdrop of Shanghai in the 80s, this film is one to remember.
West Side Story (2021) - 7.8
West Side Story is Spielberg's most recent project, a remake of the original '60s West Side Story, and one that critics are raving about. This coming-of-age Romeo and Juliet love story musical was a classic then, and Speilburg has made it a classic all over again. If the mix of broadway dance routines and Hollywood talent wasn't enough, Spielberg managed to make the story relevant again and bring in elements of modern-day struggle that weren't as apparent in the original. He stayed true to the elements that made the original a classic but created a fresh and vibrant re-make that people will be talking about for years to come.
The Goonies (1985) - 7.8
When people think 'coming-of-age' they often go straight for this '80s classic. The Goonies is based on a story by Spielberg himself, and although he didn't direct it, he was the executive producer and mastermind behind the film. An adventure about lost treasure and dedication to friends, this film is filled with tricks and trap doors, love, and sentiment that appeals to kids and nostalgic adults alike.
Viewers are reminded of the days they spent as children running around their neighborhood fighting pirates and following maps. The Goonies take them right back to those days, and although far-fetched, their adventures are exciting and rich with classic Spielberg storytelling.
E.T. The Extra-Terrestiral (1982) - 7.8
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial isn't just a film with great product placement, some of the best child actors in movie history, or animatronic aliens, it's a film about childhood, homesickness, and compassion. When a gentle alien befriends a young boy to find his way back home, viewers witness a cinematic experience of innocence and wonderment. E.T. is one of Spielberg's most endearing works and equipt with an outstanding cast and crew, he was able to steal the hearts of viewers aged 8 to 88. It was a box-office hit and nominated for several Academy Awards, eliciting emotional responses from small-town families to the President.
Back to the Future (1985) - 8.5
For several years in the late eighties, Spielburg mainly worked as a producer. He was the executive producer on many films during this time, including blockbuster hit and long-time fan favorite coming-of-age sci-fi, Back to the Future. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, this film follows teen Marty McFly as he is booted into the past and must navigate life as a student alongside younger versions of his parents. This film is one of the greatest pieces of cinematic imagination to find its way on screen. It is clever, one-of-a-kind, and gives viewers a sense of excitement and lighthearted fun. Watching Marty navigate the love between his father and mother is certainly a unique perspective and brings a little twisted comedy to the blockbuster. It's the perfect coming-of-age story, full of drama, heart, and out-of-this-world experiences.