The Big Picture · Review · Rankings
November 23, 2022/ 83 min/ Sean Fennessey · Amanda Dobbins · Joanna Robinson
Sean, Amanda, and Joanna dig into Spielberg's most nakedly autobiographical film, then argue their way through all 35 features he's directed, from Jaws at No. 1 down to the BFG at the bottom.
36 films across 2 segments.
AI-generated This episode was transcribed and analyzed with AI models. The matches aren't perfect — expect the occasional misheard title or a link to the wrong film.
The FabelmansSpielberg's autobiographical coming-of-age film about young Sammy Fabelman
The most plainly autobiographical thing Spielberg has ever made, co-written with Tony Kushner. Michelle Williams and Paul Dano play stand-ins for his parents; Judd Hirsch has an eight-minute scene generating real Best Supporting Actor buzz.
The Steven Spielberg Rankingsall 35 feature films, worst to best
Amanda fought hard to keep it out of the bottom half of the top five.
Not rewatched often given its subject, but agreed to be a major achievement.
Bumped up late in the recording once they remembered the Coen brothers co-wrote it.
Where he met Kate Capshaw. "Bad vibes," per Amanda.
Joanna's most contested placement. She rates it far higher than the others expected.
Jumped several spots late after the group reconsidered its placement below Duel.
Counted for the segment Spielberg directed, "Kick the Can," and for curating Miller, Landis, and Dante.
Also mentioned raised along the way
In the 'Fabelmans' conversation The Greatest Show on EarthLicorice PizzaBardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of TruthsWildlifeManchester by the SeaBlue Valentine
This year's Oscar conversation CODATop Gun: MaverickThe Banshees of InisherinEverything Everywhere All at OnceWomen TalkingTárThe WhaleShe SaidAvatar: The Way of WaterElvisThe Woman KingBabylonNomadland
Not films filtered out: TV, games, ads
TV ColumboNight GalleryHappy DaysFosse/Verdon
Podcasts 22 GoalsTrial by ContentThe Rewatchables
Games FIFA World Cup Launch Edition
Ads Boar's HeadFanDuelWhite Claw