Over the years, Steven Spielberg has become one of the most popular filmmakers in the world. Having directed films about dinosaurs, sharks, aliens, and the human tale, Spielberg has become a director who’s able to elicit a strong emotional response from the audience. And part of that success has been possible because of John Williams, his frequent music collaborator.
Together, the duo has made some of the most unforgettable movie moments in history. In fact, of all the Oscars Williams has received for Best Original Score, 3 of them are for Spielberg movies. So today, in this list, we look at the 10 best times Steven Spielberg and John Williams worked together and created pure movie magic. Get ready to relive some legendary moments!
10. Munich (2005)
When it comes to Steven Spielberg’s historical thriller Munich, it evokes a sense of dread and fear, since it’s a powerful and serious movie based on real events. It follows a team of Mossad agents assigned to investigate after the tragic 1972 Munich Olympics terrorist attacks. And somehow, the director managed to tell the story with great care and emotion, especially when combined with John Williams’ haunting and intense score.
MovieMunich (2005)Rotten Tomatoes Score79%Runtime 2h 44mWhere to WatchPrime Video, Apple TV
The use of soft strings, sad voices, and sudden loud moments in his music created fear, pain, and tension. And that’s what made the soundtrack so beautiful and emotional, exhibiting Williams’ true talent. However, compared to other Spielberg–Williams classics, Munich ranks lowest on our list. Well, that’s because the music score, although memorable, doesn’t pull the same heartstrings like Jaws, E.T., or Jurassic Park.
It is brilliant, just quieter and more serious than the others.
Related: Steven Spielberg Left Arnold Schwarzenegger Crying After One Movie That’s Now a Cult-Classic
9. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
A still from Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan | image: Paramount Pictures
Yet another thriller from Spielberg, Saving Private Ryan turned into one of the most powerful war movies ever made. It begins with the brutal D-Day landing, showing the terrible reality of World War II. And herein, the director created a raw and emotional story about soldiers trying to save one man, Private James Ryan, after his brothers die in battle.
MovieSaving Private Ryan (1998)Rotten Tomatoes Score94%Runtime 2h 49mWhere to WatchParamount+
But like always, the film was brought to its high standard by Williams’ calm, sad, and respectful musical score. He chooses to stay quiet in the battle scenes, letting the sounds of war speak for themselves. While at other times, when he made musical scores, he made them feel gentle, emotional, and full of honor. And for such a balance, his music was also nominated for an Academy Award.
However, even though the score is beautiful and touching, it ranks lower because it is not as big or memorable as Williams’ other famous themes. While it’s perfect for the film, it’s more subtle than iconic.
8. Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Leonardo DiCaprio in Catch Me If You Can (2002) | image: Amblin
Steven Spielberg showed his versatility as a director when he took on the challenge to make a true crime drama, Catch Me If You Can (2002). It tells the real story of Frank Abagnale Jr., a young genius who fooled airlines, banks, and even hospitals by pretending to be a pilot, doctor, and lawyer. Why? Because he loved to travel and enjoy the lavish lifestyle, while staying one step ahead of the law.
MovieCatch Me If You Can (2002)Rotten Tomatoes Score96%Runtime 2h 20mWhere to WatchParamount+
But of course, throughout the film, FBI agent Carl Hanratty keeps chasing him, leading to a fun and emotional cat-and-mouse friendship. And so, for such a dramatic crime thriller, Williams chooses a playful, jazzy sound that matches the smooth, clever, and full of mystery theme of the film, and Frank’s smart tricks and fast life. Even for this film’s signature score, Williams was nominated for an Academy Award.
However, despite the epic collaboration that birthed the light, stylish, and exciting musical score for the memorable film, this one ranks lower because it fails to shine bright when compared to the rest of the scores on our list.
7. The Fabelmans (2022)
A still from Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans (2022) | image: Universal Pictures
A biographical film based on the early life of Steven Spielberg himself? That’s The Fabelmans (2022), ladies and gentlemen. The movie follows Sammy Fabelman, a young boy who falls in love with making movies. As he gets older, he becomes better and starts dreaming of a future in filmmaking.
MovieThe Fabelmans (2022)Rotten Tomatoes Score92%Runtime 2h 31mWhere to WatchPrime Video, Apple TV
But life at home is not happy, where his parents’ marriage slowly falls apart, and Sammy must deal with pain and confusion while still chasing his passion. Naturally, movies become his escape and his way to understand the world. Now, for this emotional story, John Williams does not use big drums or loud horns.
Instead, he relies heavily on gentle piano music. This musical score not only earned Williams his mandatory Academy Award nomination but also broke his own record for the most-nominated living person. Even then, it’s not that grand Williams-style music we’re accustomed to. Instead, it’s deeply touching and unforgettable in its own way.
Related: Every Steven Spielberg Movie Poster by Drew Struzan, Ranked
6. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
Melina Dillon and Cary Guffey in Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind | image: Sony Pictures
With Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Spielberg presented audiences with an idea. It’s a classic sci-fi movie about a man, Roy Neary, who feels a mysterious pull toward something in the sky and becomes obsessed with finding the truth about the lights up there. And then, his journey leads to a huge life-changing moment when humans finally meet visitors from another world.
MovieClose Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) Rotten Tomatoes Score91%Runtime 2h 12mWhere to WatchApple TV, Roku
Naturally, released in 1977, the movie felt magical, scary, and full of wonder, and Spielberg made every moment feel big and mysterious. Not to mention, a huge thanks to Williams’ beautiful music that made the film dream-like and emotional. Which is why the famous five-note alien theme became a simple yet unforgettable one. The overall score builds mystery, excitement, and awe as the story grows.
5. Jurassic Park (1993)
Jurassic Park (1993) is literally that film from Spielberg that changed movies forever by bringing dinosaurs back to life in the most thrilling way. In the movie, what begins as a fun visit to a new theme park quickly turns into a fight for survival when the power fails and giant, dangerous dinosaurs break free.
MovieJurassic Park (1993)Rotten Tomatoes Score91%Runtime 2h 7mWhere to WatchPeacock, Netflix
Spielberg mixes adventure, fear, and wonder perfectly, and the film still feels amazing today. And to support that, Williams adds one of his most magical and exciting scores. The music feels big, hopeful, and full of mystery, just like seeing dinosaurs for the first time. It’s particularly the main theme that feels gentle and grand, making us feel small in a world full of giant creatures.
Naturally, such a legendary score managed to earn fifth place. After all, this collaboration between Williams and Spielberg scores happens to be one of the most iconic and emotional in movie history.
4. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
A still from Steven Spielberg’s Raiders of the Lost Ark | image: Paramount Pictures
After losing the opportunity to direct a James Bond movie, Spielberg collaborated with George Lucas for Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981). This film introduced the world to Indiana Jones, the brave, clever, and adventurous archaeologist who never gives up (his adventures were pretty similar to those of 007).
MovieRaiders of the Lost Ark (1981)Rotten Tomatoes Score94%Runtime 1h 55mWhere to WatchParamount+
The film is pure action and excitement from start to finish, filled with treasure hunts, ancient secrets, narrow escapes, and villains chasing Indy across the globe. And guess what made this movie a classic and timeless piece of cinema? Well, of course, it’s John Williams’ energetic score that matched the greatest adventure theme.
The music is bold, heroic, and full of spirit, embodying Indiana Jones’ racing adventure. Naturally, this score ranks fourth because it is not just great, it is legendary. It shaped the sound of adventure movies forever and still makes hearts race today.
Related: Kevin Costner Could’ve Avoided His Biggest Flop if He Had Listened to Steven Spielberg
3. Jaws (1975)
A still from Jaws | image: Universal Pictures
The 1975 horror adventure, Jaws, literally made everyone afraid to get back in the water. In this thrilling story, a giant shark attacks a peaceful island town, and three brave men, Chief Brody, Hooper, and Quint, set out to stop it. With Jaws, Spielberg used fear, suspense, and mystery in a way that keeps audiences on edge from the very start.
MovieJaws (1975)Rotten Tomatoes Score97%Runtime 2h 4mWhere to WatchNetflix, AMC+
Additionally, John Williams created one of the most famous pieces of music in film history for Jaws. The score is simple, just two notes rising again and again, but it builds tension like nothing else. The moment you hear “da-dum… da-dum,” you feel danger coming. And rightfully so, the score for this film earned Williams one of his 5 Oscars.
So, considering how it defined suspense in cinema and became a sound everyone in the world recognizes, the musical score for Jaws stands in third place in this list.
2. Schindler’s List (1993)
A still from Schindler’s List (1993) | image: Universal Pictures
Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List (1993) is, by far, the most emotional and powerful film ever made. It tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a businessman who saved thousands of Jewish people from the Holocaust during World War II by giving them work in his factory. With this film, Spielberg not only showed the horrors of humanity and war, but also the courage and kindness of one man who chose to do the right thing.
MovieSchindler’s List (1993)Rotten Tomatoes Score98%Runtime 3h 15mWhere to WatchPrime Video
Spielberg handles this painful history with deep respect and honesty. And John Williams’ score makes the film even more heartbreaking. The violin theme is gentle, sad, and full of pain, making it feel like the voice of every life lost and every life saved. Once again, Williams scored an Oscar win for this emotional and unforgettable work, and naturally landed in 2nd place in our list.
1. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Drew Barrymore in Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial | image: Universal Pictures
Okay, we couldn’t help but place E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) in the first place because this one is literally the best collaboration between Steven Spielberg and John Williams. The movie tells a beautiful and emotional story about friendship, childhood, and believing in the impossible.
The film follows Elliot, a lonely boy who discovers a gentle alien hiding near his home. Now, instead of being afraid, Elliot becomes E.T.’s best friend. They share feelings, protect each other, and try to help E.T. return to his planet before scientists capture him. If the story doesn’t make you cry, wait till you watch it with Williams’ score playing in the background.
MovieE.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)Rotten Tomatoes Score99%Runtime 1h 55mWhere to WatchNetflix
While Spielberg fills the movie with heart, wonder, and innocence, Williams’ score makes this magic even stronger. His music is warm, emotional, and filled with wonder. It rises when the kids ride their bikes into the sky and softens during quiet, heartfelt moments. Naturally, it scored Williams yet another Oscar for his collaboration with Spielberg.
So, hands down, this is the absolute best Spielberg-Williams collaboration. It captures pure emotion, adventure, and childhood dreams better than anything else.
Let us know in the comments which is your favorite Steven Spielberg-John Williams collaboration.
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