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Spielberg 1980s · Ranked

Best Spielberg Films of the 1980s, Ranked by IQ Score

The decade Spielberg's commercial peak aligned with his initial prestige work. Every 1980s Spielberg film, ranked.

The 1980s is the decade Steven Spielberg's commercial peak (Raiders, E.T., Indiana Jones) aligned with his first major prestige work (The Color Purple, Empire of the Sun). The transition from blockbuster-only director to prestige-and-blockbuster director happens within this decade.

Anchor picks: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981). E.T. (1982). The Color Purple (1985). Empire of the Sun (1987).

2 titles · ranked by IQ Score

  1. 1
    E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial poster — IQ Score 150/200 — Stimulating tier

    E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

    Stimulating adventure, family, sci-fi

    Spielberg's alien friendship narrative captures childhood wonder and suburban alienation through a boy's connection with a stranded extraterrestrial. The film's emotional authenticity regarding loss and communication pro…

    150/200
  2. 2
    Raiders of the Lost Ark poster — IQ Score 147/200 — Stimulating tier

    Raiders of the Lost Ark

    Stimulating action, adventure

    Spielberg and Lucas's adventure template follows archaeologist Indiana Jones through exotic locations and Nazi opposition in pursuit of biblical relics. The film's exuberant pastiche of 1930s adventure serials provides e…

    147/200

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