Steven Spielberg Reveals the One Movie He Calls the Greatest American Film of All Time

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Steven Spielberg, one of the top filmmakers still active in Hollywood, kicked off his career with the blockbuster hit “Jaws” (1975). From there, he went on to create a string of successful movies like “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981), “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1982), and two more “Indiana Jones” installments. The ’90s saw Spielberg continuing his streak with several critically-acclaimed and beloved films.

1993’s Jurassic Park remains one of the most legendary blockbusters to date, and following this hit, Steven Spielberg produced films such as Schindler’s List (also in 1993), The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997), and Saving Private Ryan (1998). Since then, Spielberg has maintained his high standards with movies like Minority Report (2002), War of the Worlds (2005), Lincoln (2012), and The Fabelmans (2022). The director is now planning a UFO-themed blockbuster featuring Emily Blunt, Colin Firth, Wyatt Russell, and Josh O’Connor, with a projected release in 2026.

Steven Spielberg Names The Godfather The Best American Movie Ever

The Director Shares His Praise For The Francis Ford Coppola Crime Epic

Steven Spielberg labels The Godfather as the greatest American movie ever made. Released in 1972, this film was directed by Francis Ford Coppola and features an impressive cast including Al Pacino, Marlon Brando, James Caan, and Robert Duvall. The story revolves around an aging mafia boss passing control of his criminal empire to his unwilling son. Often regarded as one of the most influential films in Hollywood history, The Godfather was succeeded by two sequels: The Godfather Part II (1974) and The Godfather Part III (1990).

At a recent American Film Institute event, as detailed by Variety, Spielberg and George Lucas bestowed Coppola with the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award. These esteemed directors offered heartfelt tributes for the renowned filmmaker, with Spielberg describing him as “brave” and a “champion of independent artists.” Reflecting on an encounter regarding an early, five-hour edit of Apocalypse Now (1979), Spielberg admits that he considers The Godfather to be the “most exceptional American film ever produced.” You can read his full statement below:

For me, “The Godfather” stands out as the finest American movie ever produced. While numerous artists can and do receive recognition for their contributions on a page, a canvas, or a screen, our admiration for you, Francis, transcends that of typical audiences.

As youngsters, we aspire to make our parents proud; then it’s our friends, colleagues, and eventually our peers. However, you are unparalleled. You have not only built upon what came before but have redefined the standard for American cinema, thereby inspiring a multitude of future storytellers who aim to make us all, including you, proud of their work – and I am no exception, always striving to earn your approval for my own contributions.

The following post from Jazz Tangcay, an editor at Variety, is featured below, capturing the instant when Spielberg made his speech.

What This Means For The Godfather

The Film’s Legacy Explained

Steven Spielberg’s remarks about The Godfather often resonate, as many regard Coppola’s crime saga as an extraordinary milestone in cinematography. The film was a multiple Oscar nominee, winning two prestigious awards – Best Picture and Best Actor. Marlon Brando famously declined the award by sending Sacheen Littlefeather instead, due to the mistreatment of Native Americans within the entertainment industry. On Rotten Tomatoes, The Godfather‘s critical praise resulted in a 97% rating from critics, with the audience-based Popcornmeter score reaching an impressive 98%.

The movie “The Godfather” played a significant role in kick-starting Al Pacino’s acting journey, opening doors to notable roles in films such as “Dog Day Afternoon” (1975) and “Scarface” (1983). Similarly, for Marlon Brando, the film represented one of the most impactful performances in his later career, alongside his work in “Last Tango in Paris” (1972) and “Apocalypse Now”. Steven Spielberg’s assertion that “The Godfather” is the greatest American film ever made doesn’t come across as an unusual or extreme viewpoint; instead, it underscores the film’s enduring legacy.

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2025-04-29 19:37