10 Greatest Films Directed by Robert Zemeckis

Robert Zemeckis was born in Chicago in 1952. He graduated from the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, in 1973. He wrote and directed his first feature film, I Wanna Hold Your Hand, in 1978.

Although he has a fairly diverse range of films, he is known for his willingness or maybe even exuberance for utilizing the bleeding edge of technology as tools for telling his narrative.

10. The Polar Express (2004) — Some viewers are bothered by the “dead look” in the eyes of the CGI characters. But, if you can get past that, this is a charming and gorgeous Christmas movie starring Tom Hanks.

“At one time most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed it fell silent for all of them. Even Sarah found one Christmas that she could no longer hear its sweet sound. Though I’ve grown old the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe.” — boy

9. Contact (1997) — adapted from the novel by Carl Sagan, the film holds true to the ideas of science and faith that so interested Sagan. Director Robert Zemeckis teams well with actors Jodie Foster and Matthew McConaughey.

“For as long as I can remember, I’ve been searching for something, some reason why we’re here. What are we doing here? Who are we? If this is a chance to find out even just a little part of that answer… I don’t know, I think it’s worth a human life. Don’t you?” — Ellie Arroway

8. Used Cars (1980) — Kurt Russell and Jack Warden star in this black comedy about competing used car salesmen.

“Manuel, this is a picture of 250 cars. I can’t make a deal on a picture. Take these around back and I’ll think of something.” — Rudy

7. The Walk (2015) — Zemeckis gave audiences a reason to pay extra for the 3D showings in this telling of the true story of a man that walked a wire between two skyscrapers.

“I’m going to hang a high wire between the World Trade Center Towers… And walk on it.” — Philippe Petit

6. Flight (2012) — Robert Zemeckis directed this compelling character study about an alcoholic pilot. The movie begins with a harrowing near disaster aboard a passenger aircraft. The passengers survive thanks the skill and focus of the pilot. We are shown how capable this man is, and then we are shown that he is a functioning alcoholic on a self-destructive course. As the film proceeds, the audience is forced into making judgements and deciding what is right and what is best and are they the same.

“I choose to drink! And I blame myself! I am happy to! And you know why? Because I choose to drink! I got an ex-wife and a son I never talk to! And you know why? Because I choose to drink!” — Whip

5. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) — I remember watching this in the theater and feeling like I was seeing something I’d never seen before and might not again. This is a project that should have failed but Zemeckis pulled it off, years before the technology was really ready for it.

“P-p-please, Eddie! Don’t throw me out. Don’t you realize you’re making a big mistake? I didn’t kill anybody. I swear! The whole thing’s a set up. A scam, a frame job. Ow! Eddie, I could never hurt anybody. Oow! My whole purpose in life is to make… people… laugh!” — Roger Rabbit

4. Romancing the Stone (1984) — Robert Zemeckis directed Douglas and Kathleen Turner in this adventure story. Turner plays an author whose sister is being held hostage in Colombia. Douglas plays a soldier of fortune. Together they have a series of adventures in search of a treasure and trying to stay ahead of villain Danny DeVito.

“What did you do, wake up this morning and say, “Today, I’m going to ruin a man’s life”?” — Jack Colton

3. Cast Away (2000) — Imagine you’re an actor and you get a script and it says that you will have to lose 55 lbs and spend most of the movie reacting to a volleyball. I think a lot of actors would have passed on the role. Hanks received his fifth Best Actor nomination for this film.

“We might just make it. Did that thought ever cross your brain? Well, regardless, I would rather take my chance out there on the ocean than to stay here and die on this shithole island, spending the rest of my life talking… TO A GODDAMN VOLLEYBALL!” — Chuck Noland

2. Forrest Gump (1994) — A classic. It’s hard not to have a smile on one’s face while watching Forrest’s journey through life. A year after winning the Best Actor Oscar for Philadelphia, Hanks won it again for Gump. Only five people have won back to back Oscars for acting.

“Oh, yes sir. Bit me right in the buttocks. They said it was a million dollar wound, but the army must keep that money ’cause I still haven’t seen a nickel of that million dollars.” — Forrest Gump

1. Back to the Future (1985) — Back to the Future converted Michael J. Fox from a television star to a movie star and cemented Robert Zemeckis as a top tier director.

Marty McFly (Fox) is accidentally sent back in time 30 years, where he inadvertently prevents his parents from getting together. In a rush against time, he must correct the mess he’s made and return home to 1985.

“If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits 88 miles per hour… you’re gonna see some serious shit.” — Dr. Emmett Brown

Also considered for this list were I Wanna Hold Your Hand, Beowulf, and Death Becomes Her. What would make your list?