Steven Spielberg's Blockbuster Era (1974-1993)

1. The Sugarland Express launches his theatrical career

   Mar 31, 1974Labels: The Sugarland, John Williams

   • Sugarland

2. Spielberg signs a major Universal directing deal

   Jul 14, 1974Labels: Universal Pictures, Duel

   • Amblin
   • Duel

3. Jaws opens and reshapes wide-release marketing

   Jun 20, 1975Labels: Jaws, summer blockbuster

   • Britannica
   • History
   • AP News

4. Close Encounters premieres, expanding blockbuster sci-fi

   Nov 16, 1977Labels: Close Encounters, science fiction

   • Close Encounters

5. Amblin Productions forms to scale Spielberg’s output

   Jan 1, 1980Labels: Amblin Productions

   • Amblin

6. Raiders of the Lost Ark opens, launching Indiana Jones

   Jun 12, 1981Labels: Raiders of, Indiana Jones

   • Raiders

7. E.T. premieres and becomes a record-setting hit

   Jun 11, 1982Labels: E T

   • History
   • E T

8. Twilight Zone: The Movie releases amid controversy

   Jun 24, 1983Labels: Twilight Zone

   • Twilight Zone

9. Temple of Doom opens as a darker franchise sequel

   May 23, 1984Labels: Temple of, Indiana Jones

   • RottenTomatoes

10. The Color Purple signals a shift toward prestige drama

    Dec 18, 1985Labels: The Color

    • Color Purple

11. Empire of the Sun opens, blending spectacle with history

    Dec 11, 1987Labels: Empire of

    • Empire Sun

12. Last Crusade opens, returning Indiana Jones to lighter tone

    May 24, 1989Labels: The Last, Indiana Jones

    • Last Crusade

13. Always releases as a smaller, romantic fantasy experiment

    Dec 22, 1989Labels: Always

    • Always

14. Hook opens, showing blockbuster scale could still divide critics

    Dec 11, 1991Labels: Hook

    • Hook

15. Jurassic Park premieres, redefining effects-driven blockbuster cinema

    Jun 9, 1993Labels: Jurassic Park

    • Jurassic Park

16. Schindler’s List releases, closing the era with a prestige landmark

    Dec 15, 1993Labels: Schindler s

    • Schindler