10 Best Movies Steven Spielberg Produced But Didn’t Direct

Steven Spielberg is an acclaimed director who has made many of the most famous movies of all time, but many fans do not know that he was also the producer behind many incredible films that he did not direct. Steven Spielberg’s filmography is huge, and although it is full of films that he directed and wrote, there is also a large number of works that he produces and executive. Spielberg has been producing movies for decades nowAnd these 10 are the best he produced while another filmmaker was directing.

Steven Spielberg directed dozens of feature-length filmsWith him getting his start in the 1960s and continuing to make movies in the 2020s, with his most recently released work in 2022 The Fableman. Movies and franchises like Jaws, Indiana JonesAnd et the extra-terrestrial Defined the director’s early career, with him going to direct movies like Schindler’s List, Saving Private RyanAnd these West Side Story Remake. During his time directing films, he has amassed a number of producing credits, with 10 being his best.

10

Twister

Directed by Jan de Bont

Directed by Jan de Bont, 1996 Twisters is one of the most famous disaster movies in recent decades, with it being so popular that it even got a sequel in the form of 2024 Twisters. Since its release, Twister Hailed as an outstanding work of its genre, with its cutting-edge special effects and tense action scenes bring the horror of the titular weather event to the big screen.

interesting, Steven Spielberg was originally meant to direct TwisterAlthough he ended up leaving the project for unknown reasons. Despite Jan de Bont stepping up to replace him, Steven Spielberg stayed on as an executive producer, with Amblin Entertainment being one of the film’s production companies. Spielberg even returned to produce 2024’s TwistersHighlighting his importance to the franchise.

9

Arachnophobia

Directed by Frank Marshall

Although Arachnophobia May not be as well known as some of the other horror classics of the 1990s, its fantastic critical reception has caused it to continue to be relevant decades after it was initially released. Arachnophobia Tried to do for spiders what Spielberg’s Jaws Made for sharks, the film follows a California town as they deal with an infestation of deadly spiders from Venezuela.

interesting, Arachnophobia Director Frank Marshall actually started out as a producer for Steven SpielbergWith the duo working together on Spielberg-directed films like Raiders of the Lost Ark. however, Arachnophobia was Frank Marshall’s first time directing a feature film, with Spielberg deciding to become a producer in order to swap positions with his long-term partner. While Marshall directed more films, he more often continued to produce Spielberg’s later movies like Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull And The BFG.

8

Poltergeist

Directed by Tobe Hooper

One of the movies that Steven Spielberg is more famous for producing is PoltergeistWith many fans having the misconception that he actually directed the film. Poltergeist is a classic 1982 horror film directed by The Texas chain saw massacre Legend Tobe HooperIt follows a normal California family who discovers that the spirits are communicating with them through their television.

Steven Spielberg did not direct the film, and although he was not an executive producer this time, he is credited as a producer on the film. Spielberg also came up with the story for Poltergeist and wrote the screenplay together with Michael Grass and Mark Victor. Spielberg’s involvement in Poltergeist Undoubtedly had a huge hand in leading to it being considered one of the greatest and most iconic horror movies of all time.

7

The Mask of Zorro

Directed by Martin Campbell

Steven Spielberg also has a massive involvement in the Antonio Banderas Zorro franchise, with him being the executive producer of The Mask of Zorro. Directed by Martin Campbell, the 1998 action film is often considered to be the definitive incarnation of the titular character, with Antonio Banderas’ version of ​​the character being the one that comes to the minds of many when they hear the name”Zorro.” The film was a massive critical and commercial success, with it even getting a sequel in 2005.

Spielberg participated in the development of a Zorro Movie back in 1992, with him working on the iconic film during its development. Spielberg recommended several actors who ended up in the final filmAnd there was even a point where he thought of directing the film. Spielberg returned as an executive producer for the 2005 sequel The Legend of ZorroContinue his involvement in the franchise.

6

First person

Directed by Damien Chazelle

One of the last movies that Steven Spielberg produced is also one of the bestWith this being 2018’s First person. Directed by La La Land And Whiplash legend Damien Chazelle, First person Chronicles the story of astronaut Neil Armstrong, with Ryan Gosling playing the first man to land on the moon. First person was critically acclaimed upon its release, with it being nominated for four Academy Awards. First person is often considered an underrated film in Chazelle’s filmography, despite being a critical darling.

Although Steven Spielberg executive produced the film, very little is known about his involvement with First person. However, his massive role in the film means that the movie would undoubtedly not have taken off if it wasn’t for his involvement, with it being one of the best movies he has ever produced.

5

Men in Black

Directed by Barry Sunenfeld

It seems as if anything Steven Spielberg touches turns to franchise gold, as he is also the producer behind the first Men in Black Movie. The iconic 1997 Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones movie was directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, with him following Will Smith’s Agent J as he joins the titular organization and learns about the government’s secret task force that tackles alien encounters. Men in Black was a huge critical and box office success, with it spawning sequels and spinoffs that continued into 2021 with Men in Black: International.

Steven Spielberg wasn’t just a producer on the first one Men in Black, But also a producer on the two sequels of the film and his Men in Black: International Spinoff. Spielberg was the one who was able to convince Tommy Lee Jones to sign on to the film, leading to one of his most iconic roles.

4

Gremlins

Directed by Joe Dante

Directed by Joe Dante, 1984 Gremlins is another film that was graced by Steven Spielberg’s producing skills, leading to the massive franchise that was spawned from this movie. Gremlins Tells the story of ​​a child who receives a mogwai named Gizmo for Christmas, but after disobeying the strict rules laid out, Gizmo spawns a massive army of gremlins that violently overrun the city. Gremlins is one of the most beloved movies of the 1980sWith it being cited as one of the best dark comedies, Christmas movies and intros to horror films of all time.

Steven Spielberg was an executive producer on GremlinsWith him being one of the driving forces behind the film getting made. The director was in love with the concept, and after Steven Spielberg made some changes to Gremlins‘ story, he decided to find a director to make it. Spielberg even cameos in the film, showing how heavily involved he was.

3

True size

Directed by the Coen Brothers

Steven Spielberg does not only produce original properties, as he is also involved with the 2010 True size Remake. True size is one of the most acclaimed films directed by the Coen brothers, with it being considered one of the best westerns of the modern day. Many have even claimed that the True size Remake is much better than the original film, highlighting how highly regarded the iconic movie is.

Steven Spielberg was an executive producer on True size, One of the film’s production companies is the studio Spielberg helped found: DreamWorks Pictures. Although Steven Spielberg has yet to direct a Western, he seems to have always been interested in the genre, possibly explaining his role in True size.

2

Who Framed Roger Rabbit

Directed by Robert Zemeckis

Steven Spielberg collaborated with Robert Zemeckis several times during his career, with him as the executive producer on the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Zemeckis directed the beloved 1988 mixed-genre film, which tells the story of a gritty noir detective who lives in a world where cartoon characters are real. Along with the titular murder suspect, Who Framed Roger Rabbit Features Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny and a variety of other icons that have never appeared on screen together since.

Steven Spielberg’s involvement in Who Framed Roger Rabbit meant that the film was a rare collaboration between Disney and AmblinWith this being one of the reasons that the movie was so great. Steven Spielberg has a tremendous amount of creative control over the project, with his prestigious reputation allowing him to convince all kinds of different animation studios to collaborate on the project.

1

Back to the future

Directed by Robert Zemeckis

Of all the films that Steven Spielberg has produced but not directed, there is none better than this masterpiece. Back to the future. Robert Zemeckis’ classic 1985 film is often regarded as one of the best movies ever made, with it being considered the definitive time travel movie. Back to the future is still watched by tons of viewers today, with its critical reception only getting better and better as time goes on.

At the time of Back to the futures development, Bob Gale and Robert Zemeckis were emerging from a string of flops, with only one person having enough confidence to make the movie: Steven Spielberg. Steven Spielberg Defended Back to the future Of changes in his development, with his role in the iconic film leading to him coming back as an executive producer for both sequels.