Steven Spielberg

As of |2025, Steven Spielberg's net worth is estimated to be a staggering $5.3 Billion. Spielberg's wealth primarily stems from his prolific career as a director, producer, and screenwriter, with iconic films such as "Jaws," "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," and "Jurassic Park" contributing significantly to his financial standings.

Additionally, his co-founding of DreamWorks and Amblin Entertainment has boasted his earnings. He also benefits from a percentage of ticket sales at Universal Studios theme parks, further contributing to his net worth. Let's take a close look at how one of the richest filmmakers has built such an incredible net worth.

What Is Steven Spielberg’s Net Worth?

As of February 2025, Forbes estimates Steven Spielberg's net worth at $5.3 Billion.

Steven Spielberg is ranked as the richest celebrity in the world. Just ahead of his close friend and fellow filmmaker, George Lucas, who has a net worth of approximately $5.2 Billion.He is one of the highest-earning filmmakers of all time, thanks to his work as a director, producer, and screenwriter. 

The director's extensive filmography, consisting of more than 100 feature films, has collectively grossed more than $28 Billion at the box office, including iconic hits like Jaws, Jurassic Park, and Saving Private Ryan.

According to an Bloomberg analysis of Steven Spielberg’s film and TV deals estimates that he has earned over $2.7 billion in fees and profit participation from his projects since 1974, the year before Jaws was released, through August 2023.

The 78-year-old director often takes a lower upfront salary, around $10 Million, in exchange for backend points on gross revenue. Spielberg received an upfront payment of $1.5 Million along with a percentage of the film's profits, for Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981).

Compared to that, he earned $250 million for Jurassic Park (1993), equivalent to about $360 Million today. According to some sources, he made at least $150 Million from the sequel and $72 Million from the third installment, despite not directing it.For Schindler's List, Spielberg declined a salary, calling any money earned "blood money," and instead directed all proceeds to fund the USC Shoah Foundation.

In 1993, Spielberg struck a lucrative deal with Universal’s parent company, MCA, after Warner Brothers made a tempting offer. MCA, struggling financially, had to get creative to keep him, resulting in a contract that gave him 2% of all Universal park gross ticket sales, paid annually in perpetuity. Details of this deal surfaced during a 2009 legal battle between DreamWorks and Disney, revealing that Spielberg’s 2% stake had earned him $30 Million per year, referred to as "consulting fees.”

By 2015, Universal was owned by Comcast, which operated multiple theme parks worldwide, all of which paid Spielberg a share of ticket sales. In a 2015 filing, Comcast disclosed that it might owe Spielberg up to $535 Million in 2017 due to a buyout clause in his contract. However, he didn't activate the clause. Instead, Comcast and Spielberg struck a new deal, where Comcast acquired an ownership stake in his film studio, Amblin Partners, a deal potentially worth more than $1 Billion. How much Spielberg earned from this deal is unknown, but its safe to assume that it would have added greatly to his fortune.

In addition to directing, Spielberg has made significant wealth as a producer. His production company, Amblin Entertainment, founded in 1984, was behind many successful films, such as Back to the Future and The Goonies. In 1989, he co-founded DreamWorks, a multimedia company that not only produced films but also ventured into television, animation, and music. DreamWorks produced blockbuster films like Saving Private Ryan, Gladiator (2000), Shrek (2001), and American Beauty (1999). His share in DreamWorks is also a major factor in his income.

Beyond his direct work in film, Spielberg, through his production company, has engaged in various lucrative deals, including partnerships with major brands and companies for promotional and licensing purposes. These all have significantly contributed to his wealth, making him one of the most financially successful figures in the entertainment industry.

What is Steven Spielberg’s Claim to Fame?

The three-time Academy Award-winning director is renowned as one of the most influential and successful filmmakers in Hollywood history. Let's take a closer look at the significant events and milestones that helped Spielberg gain fame.

• Breakthrough with Jaws: In 1975, Steven Spielberg achieved his breakthrough with his 4th movie, Jaws. The film was a massive success, becoming the highest-grossing movie of all time at that point, earning more than $470 Million worldwide and with more than 67% of Americans having seen it. Jaws won three Academy Awards for Best Film Editing, Best Original Dramatic Score, and Best Sound. The film launched Spielberg’s career as one of the most influential directors in cinema history.
• Close Encounters of the Third Kind: Following the success of Jaws, Spielberg worked on a film about UFOs, Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), which he both wrote and directed. The film was very popular with audiences and became a major box office success. The film received critical acclaim and won two Academy Awards for Best Cinematography and Best Sound Effects Editing. Its success established Spielberg’s status as a leading director in Hollywood.
• E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial: In 1982, Spielberg directed E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.. The film was a massive box office success, grossing $700 Million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing movie of all time until Jurassic Park (1993). E.T. captivated audiences with its emotional storytelling, groundbreaking special effects, and John Williams’ iconic musical score. The film won four Academy Awards for Best Original Score, Best Sound, Best Sound Editing, and Best Visual Effects.
• Indiana Jones Series: Spielberg, in collaboration with George Lucas, launched the Indiana Jones series, one of the most iconic adventure franchises in film history. The series began with Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), followed by Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008), and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023). The franchise was a box office powerhouse, with Raiders of the Lost Ark alone earning nearly $390 Million worldwide and receiving nine Academy Award nominations, winning four (Best Art Direction, Best Film Editing, Best Sound, and a Special Achievement Award for Sound Effects Editing). The Indiana Jones films remain legendary for their thrilling action sequences, practical effects, and enduring cultural impact.
• Jurassic Park: In 1993, Spielberg directed Jurassic Park, a groundbreaking sci-fi adventure that became the highest-grossing film of all time at the time, surpassing E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982). The film revolutionized visual effects with its seamless blend of CGI and animatronics to bring dinosaurs to life, setting a new industry standard. Jurassic Park won three Academy Awards for Best Sound, Best Sound Effects Editing, and Best Visual Effects, cementing its place as a technical masterpiece. The film’s dominance at the box office, combined with Spielberg’s unprecedented $250 Million salary.
• Schindler’s List: In 1993, Spielberg directed Schindler's List, a profoundly impactful historical drama about the Holocaust, based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved over a thousand Jewish lives. The film was critically acclaimed and won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Spielberg's first Best Director Oscar. It also earned seven BAFTAs and three Golden Globes. Schindler's List is regarded as one of the AFI's 100 best American films ever made. Beyond the film’s success, Spielberg used his percentage of the profits to establish the Shoah Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the testimonies of Holocaust survivors, ensuring that their stories would never be forgotten.
• Saving Private Ryan: In 1998, Spielberg directed the World War II epic Saving Private Ryan. The film was a massive success, grossing $481 Million worldwide, and it earned Spielberg his second Academy Award for Best Director. The film was praised for its realistic portrayal of war, particularly the opening D-Day sequence, which is regarded as one of the most intense and realistic scenes in cinematic history. In recognition of the film’s impact and his contributions to promoting the history of World War II, Spielberg and actor Tom Hanks were awarded the Distinguished Public Service Medal in August 1999 by Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen.

What Businesses does Steven Spielberg own?

The director of The Fabelmans earns significant wealth through various business ventures. Let's take a look at some of the most impressive details of the Lincoln director's business ventures.

• DreamWorks Pictures: In 1994, Spielberg along with Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen co-founded DreamWorks Pictures, an American film studio and distribution label of Amblin Partners. The company was a significant player in Hollywood, producing iconic films like Saving Private Ryan, American Beauty, and Gladiator. In February 2006, DreamWorks Pictures was sold to Viacom, parent of Paramount Pictures.
• DreamWorks Animation: DreamWorks Animation is a leading animation studio founded as a division of DreamWorks SKG in 1994 by Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and David Geffen. The studio has produced 50 feature films, including some of the highest-grossing animated films ever. Shrek 2 (2004) held the record as the highest-grossing animated film at the time of its release. In 2004, it was spun off as a publicly traded company, and by 2012, Spielberg and DreamWorks SKG had sold their remaining stake. In 2016, NBCUniversal acquired DreamWorks Animation for $3.8 Billion.
• Amblin Entertainment: In 1980, Spielberg, Kathleen Kennedy, and Frank Marshall founded Amblin Productions, an American film production company. The company's headquarters are located in Bungalow 477 of the Universal Studios backlot in Universal City, California. Over the years, Amblin has been responsible for producing and co-producing a vast number of iconic films that have shaped Hollywood. It distributes all of the films from Amblin Partners under the Amblin Entertainment banner. Some of its most well-known productions include Gremlins (1984), Back to the Future (1985), Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), and Men in Black.
• Amblin Partners: Amblin Partners is an American independent entertainment production company founded in 2015 by Steven Spielberg, in partnership with Universal Pictures, Reliance Entertainment, Entertainment One (eOne), and Alibaba Pictures. The company established as a successor to DreamWorks Studios produces films under the Amblin Entertainment and DreamWorks Pictures banners, as well as television series through Amblin Television. In 2020, Universal extended its distribution deal with Amblin, reinforcing their collaboration, and in 2021, Amblin Partners signed a multi-year deal to produce "multiple new feature films per year" for Netflix.

What Brands Does Steven Spielberg Endorse?

Unlike many figures in the entertainment industry, Spielberg largely keeps his public persona focused on filmmaking, rarely appearing in commercials or lending his name to promote products.

Spielberg, through his production company, Amblin Entertainment, has engaged in partnerships and product placements within his films, making him indirectly associated with a few major brands over the years. Some notable associations include:

• Apple: In 2017, Spielberg's Amblin Television partnered with Apple and NBCUniversal to reboot the anthology series Amazing Stories, marking a key collaboration between Spielberg and Apple in the field of digital content.
• Pepsi: Spielberg has had a long-standing relationship with Pepsi. In the 1980s, his production company, Amblin Entertainment, collaborated with Pepsi on commercials and promotions. The brand was also prominently featured in the 1982 film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, further solidifying his connection with the brand.
• Chrysler: Spielberg's films, including The Terminal (2004), have been part of strategic campaigns and partnerships with major brands like Chrysler. His collaboration with Chrysler, particularly in the early 2000s, saw the brand's vehicles prominently featured in the film, along with promotional tie-ins where Chrysler showcased their cars in advertisements tied to the movie's release.

How does Steven Spielberg spend his Billions?

The writer and director of the film “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” spends his billions in a relatively low-key yet impactful manner, allocating his wealth across a mix of real estate, business ventures, charitable contributions, and personal indulgences. He invests heavily in real estate, owning luxurious properties such as a massive estate in Pacific Palisades and a beach house in Malibu. 

He also owns a private jet, a Gulfstream G650, valued at around $50 Million, and an expensive yacht, the Seven Seas, which cost him $182 Million.

Spielberg's wealth fuels significant philanthropic efforts through his Righteous Persons Foundation, which supports Jewish causes and a variety of charitable initiatives. His business ventures, including his work with Amblin Entertainment and DreamWorks, further highlight his entrepreneurial spirit.

An avid art collector, Spielberg has acquired iconic works from renowned artists like Pablo Picasso, Edward Hopper, and Norman Rockwell. One of the most notable pieces in his collection is Hopper's 1961 painting Hotel by a Railroad. Spielberg is also known to own several of Norman Rockwell's iconic paintings, including Saying Grace, which he reportedly purchased for $46 Million in 2013.

Overall, Spielberg maintains a lifestyle centered on family, privacy, and fine living. While not overtly extravagant, his spending reflects his personal tastes, business acumen, and commitment to giving back.

Steven Spielberg’s Real Estate Portfolio

The director of Jurassic Park has a real estate portfolio that includes a sprawling mansion in Pacific Palisades, California, a beachfront house in Malibu, and a ranch in Colorado. Let's take a look at some of the most impressive details of his luxurious residences and properties.

• Malibu Beach House: Spielberg owns a stunning beachfront house situated on a 3.5-acre lot in the exclusive Broad Beach community of Malibu, California. Spanning over 7,000 square-feet, the beachfront estate features five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and multiple living areas, including a spacious great room with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning ocean views. In July 2015, Spielberg sold the house for $26 Million to an unidentified buyer. Several other A-list celebrities who have homes in Malibu include Miley Cyrus, Kourtney Kardashian and Leonardo Dicaprio.
• Mansion in Pacific Palisades: In the early 2000s, Spielberg acquired a sprawling mansion in Pacific Palisades, valued at approximately $26 Million. The mansion, situated on a 2.5-acre lot, includes a 14,000 square-feet main house, along with several guest houses and staff quarters. The mansion features seven bedrooms and ten bathrooms, including an opulent master suite with a sitting area, fireplace, and a luxurious spa-like bathroom. 
• Estate in East Hampton, New York: In the early 2000s, Spielberg purchased a stunning 7-acre property in the exclusive Georgica Pond neighborhood of East Hampton, New York, for $20 Million. The estate features a 10,000 square-feet main house, along with guest houses and staff quarters. The main house, designed in a traditional style, includes a spacious living room, formal dining room, gourmet kitchen, family room, game room, and home theater. The estate has a total of 12 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms, with a luxurious master suite spanning over 1,500 square feet, offering a sitting area, fireplace, and private balcony with breathtaking views. Over the years, Spielberg has made several upgrades and renovations to the estate, further enhancing its luxury and appeal.
• Mansion in Beverly Hills: In the early 1980's, Spielberg purchased a stunning mansion located in one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Los Angeles. The mansion sits on a sprawling 3.5-acre estate, featuring a 20,000 square-feet main house and several guest houses. Designed in a Mediterranean style, the main house includes a grand entry hall, a spacious living room, a formal dining room, a gourmet kitchen, as well as a family room, game room, gym, and home theater. 
• Ranch in Colorado: Spielberg owns a ranch near Telluride, Colorado, known as the "Spielberg Ranch," estimated to be worth around $22 Million. The property features a large main house designed in a rustic style, with a spacious living room complete with a stone fireplace, a gourmet kitchen, a formal dining room, a home theater, a game room, and a wine cellar. 

Vehicles Owned By Steven Spielberg Over The Years

Over the years, the director of E.T has owned a variety of vehicles, including luxury classic cars, a mega-yacht and a private jet. The one car that Spielberg is confirmed to have is the Aston Martin BD9.

• Aston Martin DB9: Spielberg owns a grey Aston Martin DB9 as part of his car collection. He is often spotted driving it around.

Additionally, Spielberg is rumoured to have a collection of classic American cars, including a 1956 Ford Thunderbird, a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, and a 1961 Jaguar E-Type, along with luxury cars such as a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, a Porsche 911 Turbo, and a Ferrari California. He is also said to own several cars featured in his own films, including the DeLorean time machine from Back to the Future and the Jeep from Jurassic Park.

Other Vehicles

• Yacht: Spielberg is a passionate boating enthusiast and in 2013, he purchased a 282-foot mega-yacht named Seven Seas for $182 Million. Built by the Dutch shipyard Oceanco in 2010, the yacht is equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Spielberg listed Seven Seas for $160 Million in spring 2021 and sold it several months later for a reported $150 Million to billionaire steel magnate Barry Zekelman. He then upgraded to a larger 300-foot yacht, which came with a staggering $250 Million price tag.
• Private jet: Spielberg owns a Gulfstream G650 private jet, valued at approximately $50 Million. This luxurious aircraft can seat up to 18 passengers and is equipped with comfortable seating, an entertainment system, and a full-service galley. 

What Are Steven Spielberg Charitable Contributions?
 

The director of Close Encounters of the Third Kind and his wife, Kate Capshaw, have made charitable contributions to various causes, including the arts, humanitarian relief, and racial and economic justice. Here's a detailed look at the director's most significant philanthropic ventures.

• Entertainment Community Fund: In September 2023, during the dual strikes by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA, Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw donated $1.5 Million to support striking writers and actors. Their contribution was directed to the Entertainment Community Fund and the SAG-AFTRA Foundation's Emergency Financial Assistance Program, providing financial relief to those affected by the work stoppages.
• Ukraine humanitarian organizations: In March 2022, Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw donated $1 Million to support humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine following Russia's unprovoked invasion. Through their Hearthland Foundation, the couple allocated funds to several organizations, including the Polish Red Cross, Polish Humanitarian Action, World Central Kitchen, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, and Urgent Action Fund. This donation is part of a broader response from the entertainment industry to the crisis in Ukraine. For instance, actress Mila Kunis and her husband, Ashton Kutcher, launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $30 Million to assist Ukrainian families.
• Righteous Persons Foundation: Deeply moved by the profound experience of directing Schindler’s List, Spielberg donated his portion of the film's profits to help establish the Righteous Persons Foundation (RPF) alongside Kate Capshaw, with the goal of strengthening and supporting a meaningful Jewish community. The foundation has awarded over $100 Million in grants, supported further by profits from Munich and Lincoln.
• Starlight Children's Foundation: In 1991, Spielberg and Randy Aduana co-founded Starbright, a foundation aimed at enhancing the lives of sick children through technology-driven programs focused on entertainment and education. In 2002, Starbright merged with the Starlight Foundation to create what is now known as the Starlight Children's Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. The foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses, as well as life-altering injuries, by offering entertainment, educational resources, and family activities to help them cope with the pain, fear, and isolation that come with prolonged illness.
• The USC Shoah Foundation Institute: In 1994, Spielberg established the USC Shoah Foundation Institute with $10 Million to collect and preserve the testimonies of Holocaust survivors and other witnesses. The institute houses one of the largest video digital libraries in the world, with nearly 52,000 testimonies in 32 languages from 56 countries. As part of the Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences at the University of Southern California, the foundation's mission is to combat prejudice, intolerance, and bigotry by using its visual history testimonies for educational purposes.
• Motion Picture and Television Fund: In 2021, Spielberg and Kate Capshaw donated $30 Million to the Motion Picture and Television Fund (MPTF) to provide healthcare and assistance to older individuals who have worked in the film and television industry.
  Apart from these charitable contributions, Spielberg and Kate Capshaw have also made significant donations to various relief efforts over the years. They contributed $750,000 to support Hurricane Katrina relief in 2005, aiding communities devastated by the storm. In addition, they donated $500,000 to March for Our Lives, a gun control initiative advocating for stronger laws to prevent gun violence. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, they also donated $500,000 to support relief efforts in the Los Angeles area, aiding those impacted by the health crisis. These donations reflect their ongoing commitment to addressing urgent social and humanitarian issues.

What’s Next For Steven Spielberg?

Steven Spielberg's upcoming film, tentatively titled The Dish, is scheduled for theatrical release on May 15, 2026. This original event film, produced by Universal Pictures, is based on a story conceived by Spielberg and written by screenwriter David Koepp, marking Spielberg's return to the genre.

While specific plot details remain under wraps, the film is described as a "two-hander" involving UFOs, with Emily Blunt cast in a leading role. Other confirmed cast members include Josh O'Connor and Colman Domingo. Production is slated to begin in February 2025, with filming taking place in locations like Atlanta, Georgia, and Cape May County, New Jersey. The film’s storyline and further details will likely be revealed as it progresses toward its summer blockbuster debut in 2026.