Five Reasons Steven Spielberg is the Greatest Director of All-Time

He Excels in Multiple Genres

A quick look at his career and you'll notice most of his classic films are all of different genres.

• Jaws
• Close Encounters of the Third Kind
• Raiders of the Lost Ark
• ET
• Jurassic Park
• Schindler's List
• Minority Report
• Lincoln

The only two major genres he hasn't conquered are comedy and horror. 

He's Made Very Few Bad Movies

Even the best make a few mistakes.  In his 40 year directing career, he's only had 3 movies with a negative Tomato Rating.

• 1941 - 32%
• Hook - 31%
• The Lost World - 52%

He's Career has Never had a Lull

While not all of his films have performed as well as they hoped.  He's always quickly bounced back quickly.   He's stayed at the top for nearly 40 years. The closest thing to a lull was in the mid-80's.  Some were disappointed with Temple of Doom, and The Color Purple as well as Empire of the Sun are some of Spielberg's often over-looked films.  The reality is that Temple of Doom was still a hit, and all three films have a Tomato Rating in the 80's.  

Critics, Film Snobs and Movie Goers All Respect Him...and most love him

I'm sure I've met someone who hates Steven Spielberg, but I doubt it.  Everyone loves at least one of his movies, and all normal people love many of his films.  He knows how to pick good stories. He knows how to tell them well, and he knows how to entertain people.

He's Stood the Test of Time 

Lots of directors have a season of success. Other directors diversify as their career progresses. While many others settle into a pattern with age.  Spielberg has always had both quality and diversity.

BONUS - He's Not Pretentious 

If you've ever seen an interview with him, you know just how unassuming he comes off.   He's extremely rich and powerful, but he just comes off like someone who loves movies. Maybe this doesn't make him a great director, but it sure does make him more likable.