8 Steven Spielberg Favorite Movies to Watch While Waiting for 'Disclosure Day'
From the classical masterpieces that shaped his taste to movies that echo his favorite topic of cosmic mysteries.
The whole world is eagerly awaiting the unexpected upcoming premiere from the modern classic, Steven Spielberg – Disclosure Day, which will be released on June 12, 2026.
In the meantime, check out the list of films that inspire and delight Spielberg himself.
1. 'Guardians of the Galaxy', 2014
IMDb Score: 8.0/10
The bold space adventurer Peter Quill becomes the target of ruthless bounty hunters when he steals an orb coveted by Ronan, a radical Kree warlord.
In order to evade Ronan, Quill is forced to form an uneasy alliance with four misfits: the heavily armed raccoon Rocket, the tree-like humanoid Groot, the mysterious Gamora, and the vengeful Drax.
However, when Quill discovers the orb's true power and the threat it poses to the galaxy, he must rally his ragtag group to save the universe.
2. 'Citizen Kane', 1941
IMDb Score: 8.2/10
A reporter is tasked with deciphering the dying words of newspaper magnate Charles Foster Kane. His investigation gradually uncovers a gripping portrait of a complex man who rose from obscurity to great heights.
Although Kane's friend Leland and his lover Susan shed light on his life, the reporter fears he will never understand the meaning of Kane's final words: "Rosebud."
3. 'Lawrence of Arabia', 1962
IMDb Score: 8.3/10
Thanks to his knowledge of the Bedouin tribes, British Lieutenant T.E. Lawrence was sent to Arabia to find Prince Faisal and serve as a liaison between the Arabs and the British in their fight against the Turks.
With the help of the local sheriff, Lawrence defies his superior officer's orders and embarks on a daring camel ride across the harsh desert to attack a well-guarded Turkish port.
4. 'It's a Wonderful Life', 1946
IMDb Score: 8.6/10
George Bailey never had the opportunity to fulfill his lifelong ambitions of exploring the world and constructing skyscrapers.
While watching his friends and family achieve success, he struggled to manage his father's construction and lending business while competing with the grumpy old Mr. Potter.
After his uncle makes a financial misstep that leaves George in dire straits, his guardian angel, Clarence, shows him what life would have been like if he had never been born.
5. '2001: A Space Odyssey', 1968
IMDb Score: 8.3/10
The Monoliths have always watched us. They provided the evolutionary boost that allowed humanity to survive the Dawn of Time. In 1999, humans discovered a second monolith on the moon.
In an attempt to uncover the secrets of this mysterious artifact, an expedition aboard the spacecraft Discovery was sent to Jupiter in 2001. The crew, captains David Bowman and Frank Poole and the onboard computer HAL 9000, were tasked with discovering the alien force observing Earth.
Steven Spielberg admitted that the first time he had a religious experience at a movie was when he watched Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey.
6. 'The Searchers', 1956
IMDb Score: 7.8/10
This celebrated Western tells the story of Ethan Edwards, who returns home to Texas after the Civil War. After members of his brother's family are killed or kidnapped by the Comanche, he vows to find his surviving relatives and bring them home.
Edwards eventually learns that his niece, Debbie, is alive. Along with her adoptive brother, Martin Pawley, he embarks on a dangerous mission to find her, traveling deep into Comanche territory.
Spielberg has admitted that he watches one or two John Ford films before beginning every project because they inspire him.
7. 'Seven Samurai', 1954
IMDb Score: 8.6/10
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The peaceful farmers of a small sixth-century Japanese community were tired of the annual raids by ferocious bandits. They decided to take matters into their own hands and hire a warrior to deal with the robbers.
Seven battle-worn ronin answered the call. They became the new protectors of the defenseless village and were entrusted with the difficult task of teaching the inexperienced peasants to fight in exchange for rice and shelter.
Would seven samurai and a few peasants be able to achieve victory?
8. 'The Shining', 1980
IMDb Score: 8.4/10
Jack Torrance accepts a position as the winter caretaker at the secluded Overlook Hotel in Colorado, hoping it will help him overcome his writer's block.
He moves in with his wife, Wendy, and their son, Danny, who is plagued by psychic premonitions. When his writing stalls, Jack uncovers the hotel's dark secrets and begins to transform into a maniac.
Steven Spielberg didn't immediately embrace the film adaptation of Stephen King's famous novel. He was initially irritated by Jack Nicholson's performance. However, he changed his mind after watching it multiple times.
