The Best Scene In 19 Different Steven Spielberg Movies

As a cinephile with over three decades of film-watching under my belt, I must say that these scenes are indeed a testament to the masterful storytelling and cinematic prowess of Steven Spielberg. From the thrilling escapades of Indiana Jones to the poignant speeches of John Adams, each scene offers a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of human experience.

It’s hard to argue against the fact that Steven Spielberg is among, if not the top, director of the past half-century. His films have consistently been blockbusters, and even decades later, they continue to captivate audiences and spark lively conversations. Spielberg excels at crafting movies with impeccable pacing and some of the most memorable scenes that continue to be discussed today, much like those on this list.

The Rolling Boulder – Raiders Of The Lost Ark

Instead of saying “There are opening scenes, and then there is the opening scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark,” you could rephrase it as “The opening scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark stands out among other opening sequences.” This opening scene, featuring Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) alongside his partner, Alfred Molina, brilliantly introduces the character that would win our hearts for decades. Moreover, it boasts one of the most thrilling action sequences ever filmed. The climax, involving a massive rolling boulder, continues to take our breath away.

Quint’s Speech – Jaws

The classic movie “Jaws,” directed by Spielberg, is commonly recognized as the first major “summer blockbuster” despite the director’s initial hesitation about making it. This is primarily due to the fearsome shark, but if you delve a bit deeper, it’s the human characters that truly give the movie its lasting appeal. For instance, Robert Shaw’s portrayal of Quint stands out as he narrates one of cinema’s most memorable stories, recounting his harrowing experience on the sunken USS Indianapolis during World War II.

The Red Dress – Schindler’s List

In my critique, I’d express it this way: One of Spielberg’s masterful feats in his Academy Award-winning masterpiece, Schindler’s List, lies in humanizing an event as colossal and numbers-heavy as the Holocaust – a task that often feels insurmountable due to its sheer magnitude. He achieves this poignantly by introducing a solitary girl in a red dress, a vivid splash of color amidst the monochrome palette of the film until the climax. This striking red dress reappears later, symbolizing the victims’ clothing, delivering an emotional wallop that leaves a lasting impact on the movie – already one of the most challenging films to endure more than once.

Biking Past The Moon – E.T. The Extra Terrestrial

Before the release of Titanic, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial held the record for the highest-grossing movie ever, and it’s still understandable why that is the case today. The film is exceptionally well-crafted and beautifully filmed. One shot that has stood the test of time is the scene where the children are seen flying in front of the moon while being chased by the authorities.

The Opening Scene – Saving Private Ryan

The initial scene in “Saving Private Ryan” revolutionized the way war films are crafted, particularly those focused on World War II. The intense battle sequence where soldiers storm Normandy’s beaches on D-Day provokes a physical response from viewers and has been acclaimed for its authentic portrayal of that historic day in June 1944. This powerful scene is a major factor contributing to the film being considered one of the greatest war movies ever produced.

Playing The Music For The First Time – Close Encounters Of The Third Kind

One lesser-discussed film by Steven Spielberg is “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” but a scene that remains etched in memory is where humans and aliens exchange musical notes as an effort to establish communication. The tune, remarkably, sticks in your head even now, making you hum it involuntarily.

The First Time Everyone Sees The Dinos – Jurassic Park

Back in 1993, during the summer, the movie “Jurassic Park” made an enormous impact in cinemas, and it’s challenging to convey this to someone who didn’t live back then. The main factors behind its success were its exceptional special effects, particularly the portrayal of dinosaurs. When the characters first laid their eyes on these long-extinct creatures, the experience was nothing short of enchanting.

Saluting The Kamikazes – Empire Of The Sun

The film Empire of the Sun, directed by Steven Spielberg, is often overlooked as one of his masterpieces. Despite its initial release, it didn’t receive the attention it deserved. The movie portrays a harrowing journey experienced by Christian Bale’s character, and the scene where he witnesses Japanese kamikaze pilots taking flight as the war concludes is incredibly moving for both him and the viewers, stirring deep emotions in us all.

Arguing In The Fire – Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade

Among the original Indiana Jones trilogy, Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade stands out as the most entertaining. What truly sets this film apart is the captivating dynamic between Indy and his father, portrayed by Sean Connery. One of the most enchanting scenes occurs when they are both bound by their captors. In a clever twist, they manage to set the room ablaze and miraculously escape by moving into a seemingly ordinary fireplace, which turns out to be more than it appears.

The Stairwell Argument – Munich

In the film “Munich,” characters Ali (Omar Metwally), a PLO representative, and Avner (Eric Bana), a Mossad operative, have a deep, significant conversation about the destiny of Palestine and Israel, debating who might hold power in both the immediate and distant future. The scene is beautifully framed with plumes of smoke from their cigarettes hovering in the atmosphere, mirroring the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Palestinians and Israelis.

Defiance – The Color Purple

In a straightforward and engaging manner: Oprah Winfrey’s portrayal in “The Color Purple” is deeply moving, intense, and evocative. The sequence where she stands up to the white men she meets on the street encapsulates her character and the film’s underlying theme beautifully.

Lincoln’s Discussion With Grant – Lincoln

Whenever Daniel Day-Lewis plays a character, you can expect an exceptional performance. Among his numerous award-winning roles, none surpass the brilliance of his portrayal as President Abraham Lincoln in Lincoln. A subdued scene featuring his dialogue with General U.S. Grant (portrayed by Jared Harris) following the Siege of Petersburg is a subtle yet profound moment in the film that reveals much about both characters.

The Car Race – Ready Player One

One of the biggest changes between the book Ready Player One and the movie is the addition of a car chase for the first key. It’s a smart decision as it plays perfectly in the movie and the action sequence is the kind of chase you can watch over and over, and it’s chock full of easter eggs, just like the rest of the movie.

The Subway Ride – Bridge Of Spies

As someone who spent their formative years during the ’60s, ’70s, or ’80s, the Cold War remains a vivid part of my memories, particularly the Berlin Wall. In the movie “Bridge of Spies,” the scene where Tom Hanks’ character rides the subway from West Berlin to East, traversing what would later become the wall’s location, is an awe-inspiring sequence that underscores the importance and impact of his mission.

Short Round’s Getaway – Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom

Although Indiana Jones And The Temple of Doom may not be as cherished as the other films in the original trilogy, it still exudes the distinctive charm of Steven Spielberg. The moment when Ke Huy Quan’s character, Short Round, dashes in to save Indy and drives away in a car he can hardly reach the pedals on, encapsulates everything delightful about such scenes.

Frank Getting Away From The Hotel – Catch Me If You Can

Among numerous entertaining and unforgettable moments in Catch Me If You Can, one that truly stands out is when Tom Hanks’ character and Leonardo DiCaprio’s first encounter each other face-to-face. This scene is filled with excitement as Frank Abagnale (DiCaprio) manages to deceive Hanratty (Hanks), narrowly escaping capture in a thrilling manner.

The T-Rex Skips Customs – The Lost World: Jurassic Park

It’s undeniable that The Lost World: Jurassic Park doesn’t quite match its original, yet there’s an exceptional moment when the T-Rex breaks free from the boat at San Diego’s port and unleashes a rampage reminiscent of Godzilla. Granted, it may be a bit corny, but who cares? It’s still an enjoyable spectacle.

The Burning Train – War Of The Worlds

In the 2005 film adaptation of “War of the Worlds,” directed by Steven Spielberg, one particularly chilling moment is the blazing train scene. As this spectral train glides past with fire erupting from every door and window, onlookers are left speechless, much like the viewers themselves.

John Adams Speech – Amistad

Sir Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal of John Adams in the film Amistad is widely regarded as one of the most remarkable depictions of a U.S. President on screen. The speech he delivers at the trial’s conclusion is both moving and uplifting, and it undoubtedly ranks among the best scenes in a challenging movie to watch. However, despite its emotional intensity, it makes Amistad an effort worth loving.

2024-12-24 01:37