Spielberg Didn't Direct These?! MIND-BLOWING! 🤯

It’s not unexpected that many movies share the distinctive flair and charm reminiscent of Steven Spielberg, as these films were directed by others. Recognized as a legendary figure in American cinema, Spielberg’s signature style, characterized by breathtaking visuals, thrilling action sequences, and deeply moving characters within genre-blending stories, is often referred to as “Spielbergian.” Consequently, numerous movies exhibit similar sensibilities, emulating the Spielberg touch even when he wasn’t the director.

Some of the most iconic films were produced under the auspices of Steven Spielberg’s company, Amblin Entertainment, contributing to some of the most successful cinematic masterpieces ever made. Moreover, numerous other movies have been influenced by Spielberg’s work, even if he wasn’t directly involved in their creation. Given his significant impact on Hollywood blockbusters, it appears that many filmmakers have taken the wise advice to emulate the great when they choose to imitate.

10. Time Bandits (1981)

Directed by Terry Gilliam

In contrast to the usual lighthearted and structured narrative found in Steven Spielberg’s films, Terry Gilliam’s Time Bandits carried a more rebellious and ominous atmosphere. However, it retained a magical allure reminiscent of Spielberg’s family-oriented movies like Hook. By combining elements of fantasy and history, and featuring a child as the main character, Time Bandits shares similarities with Elliott’s adventure in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and the escapades of Indiana Jones.

Although Spielberg’s stories often blend darkness with a sense of optimism, the film “Time Bandits” carries a more skeptical tone, reflecting a distinctly British perspective that can be attributed to its Monty Python screenwriters, Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin. This entertaining time-travel tale, featuring advanced special effects for its era, seemed like a quintessentially British counterpart to the nostalgic and fantastical productions of Spielberg.

9. Hugo (2011)

Directed by Martin Scorsese

Among American directors alive today, Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese are often considered the top contenders for the title of greatest living filmmaker. Although their styles are usually quite different, in 2011, Scorsese ventured out of his usual territory to create the child-friendly, Spielberg-esque adventure film titled “Hugo.” This movie served as a tribute to cinema itself, focusing on the tale of a young boy in 1930s Paris who becomes entangled in a mystery involving his deceased father and the filmmaker Georges Méliès.

Using imaginative camera techniques, breathtaking panoramas, and stunning visual effects, Hugo shared the same spellbinding sense of amazement as some of Spielberg’s most famous films. As an ode to the magic lurking beneath our daily routines, Hugo also touched upon recurring Spielberg themes such as fractured families and substitute relationships. Despite the presence of many Scorsese-esque traits, Hugo was arguably the closest Martin Scorsese came to directing a film in the style of Steven Spielberg.

8. Attack The Block (2011)

Directed by Joe Cornish

In his debut directorial work, “Attack the Block,” British writer and director Joe Cornish drew significantly from the storytelling techniques of Steven Spielberg, as evidenced by his collaboration on “The Adventures of Tintin” that same year. Essentially, Cornish adopted some of Spielberg’s narrative styles while crafting his own unique child-focused sci-fi adventure. The film follows a group of teenagers living in a South London council estate who must band together to protect themselves from extraterrestrial invaders on Guy Fawkes Night. By merging the alien invasion theme from “War of the Worlds” with the youthful bravery portrayed in “E.T.,” Cornish created a captivating blend in “Attack the Block.

Although Attack the Block didn’t reach the box office heights of Steven Spielberg’s classics, it’s a British action-adventure that’s been unfairly overlooked and deserves broader recognition. Boasting an early appearance by John Boyega, who later starred in Star Wars, as well as Jodie Whittaker, the Thirteenth Doctor, this film showcased many talented actors who went on to fame.

7. Apollo 13 (1995)

Directed by Ron Howard

In a way that recalls Steven Spielberg’s style, Ron Howard’s movie “Apollo 13” combines an impressive scale with a deeply emotional impact. The narrative of the aborted 1970 lunar mission, where astronauts faced an onboard explosion, oxygen shortage, and power issues, is both exciting and nerve-wracking. Additionally, as a portrayal of American heroism, “Apollo 13” resonates with classic Spielberg themes such as family, fear, hope, and determination.

In terms of Spielberg’s work, it was Apollo 13 that mirrored his style the most due to its underlying theme of optimism. This film portrayed ordinary individuals facing an extremely dire situation, yet they persevered against all odds, maintaining hope that they could overcome their challenges. With nine Academy Award nominations, not only did Apollo 13 provide a thrilling viewing experience, but it was also highly acclaimed for its accurate depiction of historical events.

6. The Mummy (1999)

Directed by Stephen Sommers

Stephen Sommers’ film, “The Mummy,” possesses a thrilling, pulp-style adventure vibe that seems as if it could have been plucked from an Indiana Jones movie. Given its character-focused storyline blending the supernatural with distant exotic settings, it’s reasonable to assume that Spielberg films like Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Temple of Doom significantly influenced Sommers when crafting this contemporary retelling of the classic Universal Monsters film.

Boasting an exceptional cast and outstanding performances by Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, “The Mummy” kept audiences hooked throughout its duration, mirroring the crowd-pleasing victories Spielberg was renowned for. The film’s playful, campy vibe has managed to withstand the test of time, becoming a cherished cult classic among cinephiles. As the inaugural installment in a series that includes sequels, spin-offs, and an animated show, “The Mummy” shares a kinship with the spirit of “Indiana Jones.

5. The Iron Giant (1999)

Directed by Brad Bird

Speaking about Brad Bird’s “The Iron Giant” and Steven Spielberg’s “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” there are many shared characteristics. Both stories revolve around a young boy forming a profound bond with an alien entity, while also showcasing a sense of wonder and emotional depth. The backdrop of the Cold War and the moral complexity in “The Iron Giant” bear resemblance to Spielberg’s work. This similarity becomes even more apparent as Spielberg tackled similar themes once again in his 2016 adaptation of Roald Dahl’s “The BFG.

Despite being one of the most cherished animated films from the 1990s, The Iron Giant didn’t fare well financially upon its release. It earned only $31.7 million against a production budget of $50 million, making it a box office flop. This setback in the film’s initial run had an impact on director Brad Bird’s career, as he didn’t achieve another significant success until five years later with the undisputed hit The Incredibles. In hindsight, the failure of The Iron Giant seems puzzling given its potential to become a Spielberg-esque kids’ classic. Unfortunately, it was marred by ineffective marketing at the time.

4. Poltergeist (1982)

Directed by Tobe Hooper

Although Tobe Hooper directed Poltergeist, the film has a distinct Spielberg feel. This is because Steven Spielberg was not only the producer but also a co-writer of the movie, and it was based on an idea he had conceived, much like his work on Jaws. Interestingly, if not for his commitment to E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Spielberg himself would have been at the helm of Poltergeist. Instead, due to Hooper’s success in horror films, he was recruited to direct.

In the role of a chilling ghost tale that sparked an entire series, Steven Spielberg played a significant part in the creation of the movie titled “Poltergeist“. He was not only deeply involved but also present on set during most of its shooting. The film narrates the tale of a peaceful suburban family whose child gets taken by wicked spirits. “Poltergeist” certainly delivered on the fright factor and has since been acclaimed as one of the top horror movies from the 1980s.

3. Super 8 (2011)

Directed by J.J. Abrams

J.J. Abrams’ movie, Super 8, shares a clear resemblance to Steven Spielberg’s works, which is why it was logical for him to be involved as a producer in this sci-fi thriller. The film follows a group of teens who happen upon a train crash while shooting footage with their Super 8 cameras in 1979. This captivating narrative carries a nostalgic charm reminiscent of Spielberg’s style, much like the series Stranger Things later did when it brought those same Spielbergian sensibilities to life.

As a movie enthusiast who’s always had a soft spot for Steven Spielberg’s family-oriented films, watching “Super 8” felt like a nostalgic trip down memory lane. However, beneath its familiar veneer, the film carried an undercurrent of darkness and suspense that gave it a modern twist on classic storytelling tropes. In many ways, “Super 8” served as a tribute to a bygone era of filmmaking, proving that there’s still an audience for these timeless adventures.

Some might argue that the movie was too much like Spielberg, but when you view it as a heartfelt homage, it all comes together beautifully. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of grand cinematic journeys that captivate our hearts and minds.

2. Back To The Future (1985)

Directed by Robert Zemeckis

Among the timeless family-oriented masterpieces of the 1980s, none can truly compete with Steven Spielberg’s iconic movies like “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial”. However, one series that comes extremely close is Robert Zemeckis’ “Back to the Future”, especially given that Spielberg served as an executive producer through his company Amblin Entertainment. As Spielberg provided guidance during the early stages of Zemeckis’ career, it’s not surprising that there are many similarities between their works, with “Back to the Future” reflecting some of Spielberg’s signature style.

In a fusion of gripping 80’s sci-fi excitement and lovable character development, the time-traveling teenager Marty McFly and the quirky inventor prodigy Doc Brown remain among the most captivating original characters from the 1980s. Although Back to the Future is now renowned as an ageless masterpiece, its production might not have occurred without Spielberg’s intervention, as he took on the role of supporter for the film following Disney’s rejection (as reported by Box Office Mojo). They deemed the scenes featuring Marty resisting his future mother’s advances as too risqué for their image.

1. The Goonies (1985)

Directed by Richard Donner

It’s commonly thought that Steven Spielberg directed the movie “The Goonies”, but that’s not entirely accurate. While Spielberg did write the story and produce the film, it was actually Richard Donner of “Superman” fame who directed it, with Chris Columbus, later known for “Home Alone” and “Harry Potter”, handling the screenplay. Given the impressive team behind this production, it’s no wonder that “The Goonies” has remained a beloved cult classic over time.

The narrative revolves around a band of imaginative children who set off on an exciting journey following a treasure map discovery. Remarkably, the enchanting atmosphere of The Goonies stands out as one of the rare films that seems to surpass even the brilliance of Steven Spielberg himself. Boasting a stellar child cast featuring young Josh Brolin and Ke Huy Quan, it was nearly impossible not to get carried away by the thrill of these kids’ quest to uncover the legendary riches of One-Eyed Willy.

2025-05-03 13:29

Spielberg Didn’t Direct These?! MIND-BLOWING! 🤯