Steven Soderbergh has firmly established himself as a pioneering filmmaker over the past 30 years, continually reshaping his craft. With Presence, his foray into horror, released in 2025, he demonstrated his versatility yet again. Whether it’s the experimental style of Schizopolis, the grand scope of Che, or the commercial success of Ocean’s Eleven, Soderbergh has consistently delivered unique cinematic experiences. He first burst onto the film scene as the youngest solo director to win the Palme d’Or at the age of 26 with his groundbreaking debut Sex, Lies, and Videotape in 1989, which ignited an independent film revolution.
This initial success catapulted him into mainstream Hollywood, where he directed the hugely popular Ocean’s Eleven and set a record as one of the rare filmmakers to receive two Best Director nominations in the same year, ultimately securing the Oscar for Traffic against his own film Erin Brockovich. With every film, Soderbergh manages to reinvent himself while maximizing entertainment value, making his entire filmography essential viewing for cinephiles.
35 Full Frontal (2002)
A Day in the Life of Hollywood Players
After clinching the Academy Award for Best Director with Traffic, Soderbergh opted for an ultra-low-budget production approach with Full Frontal. This comedy-drama provides a peek into the lives of various Hollywood figures over the span of a single day, featuring an impressive cast that included David Duchovny, Julia Roberts, and Brad Pitt. Despite its limited release, the film managed to recover its production costs, though it was initially met with negative reviews criticizing its narrative and visual style. Over time, however, Full Frontal has seen a resurgence in critical appreciation for its unconventional approach.
34 The Underneath (1995)
A Man Returns Home & Is Sucked Into a Heist
Following the remarkable success of Sex, Lies, and Videotape, Soderbergh ventured into neo-noir territory with The Underneath, reuniting with actor Peter Gallagher. This film, a contemporary remake of the 1949 classic Criss Cross, tells the story of a man who, after returning home due to his mother’s remarriage, becomes embroiled in a perilous scheme to rescue his former lover. While visually striking, critics panned it for lacking the emotional resonance often expected in noir films. Soderbergh himself critiqued the film as “sleepy, ” highlighting the mixed reception it faced.
33 The Laundromat (2019)
Three Stories Surrounding the Panama Papers Scandal
Soderbergh tackled the intricate narratives of the Panama Papers in The Laundromat, adapting the book Secrecy World into a dark comedy featuring an ensemble cast including Meryl Streep and Antonio Banderas. The film intertwines three separate tales, revealing the repercussions faced by individuals worldwide due to the scandal. Critically polarizing, it earned a 41% Rotten Tomatoes rating, with mixed reviews praising its cast but criticizing its lack of focus on real-world issues. Others, however, commended Soderbergh’s innovative take, appreciating the film’s playful approach to serious subject matter.
32 Kafka (1991)
Franz Kafka Joins an Underground Group While Working as a Writer
Kafka, a biographical film with surreal elements, immerses the audience in the life and mind of the iconic author as he delves into a dark underground movement following the murder of a colleague. Shot in striking black-and-white, the film exhibits Soderbergh’s bold narrative choices, although it ultimately was perceived as a complex failure, garnering a mere 62% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite its shortcomings, it remains a point of intrigue for Soderbergh completists and has garnered a cult following.
31 Bubble (2005)
Three Doll Factory Employees Become Involved in a Murder Case
Soderbergh’s Bubble made history as the first film to debut in theaters and simultaneously on DVD and On Demand. Featuring non-professional actors, the film explores a murder case in a small town. Despite mixed reviews for its understated style, critics noted its unique approach to storytelling and the eerie atmosphere it generates.
30 Magic Mike’s Last Dance (2023)
Mike Returns to Bartending After the Pandemic & Finds His Place in the World
In the concluding chapter of the Magic Mike series, Channing Tatum’s character faces the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic by returning to bartending. His life takes an exciting turn when he meets Maxandra “Max”Mendoza, portrayed by Salma Hayek, who invites him to London to choreograph a new stage play. While the film attempts to innovate the dance sequences within a theatrical context, it received a lukewarm response from critics, reflected in its 48% Rotten Tomatoes score, although Tatum’s performance was praised.
29 The Good German (2006)
A Neo-Noir Film Set After World War II
Soderbergh’s The Good German creatively marries the aesthetics of classic noir with a post-war backdrop. Shot in black and white, the film pays homage to cinematic icons while tackling complex themes of morality and history. Despite featuring heavyweight stars like George Clooney and Cate Blanchett, the film struggled at the box office and received a largely negative reception, primarily due to its stylistic risks. Nevertheless, it was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Score by Thomas Newman.
28 Ocean’s Thirteen (2007)
Danny Ocean Sets Out to Ruin a Man’s Casino in a Revenge Tale
In this installment of the beloved franchise, Danny Ocean assembles his team again to take vengeance against Willy Bank (Al Pacino), whose actions led to the heart attack of their friend Reuben. Though it offers more spectacle than the previous films, it managed to retain the franchise’s playful charm. Despite its box office success and generally favorable reviews, it was perceived as a slight letdown, concluding the franchise for nearly a decade.
27 Schizopolis (1996)
A Man Becomes Lost in a Cult-Like Religious Group
In Schizopolis, Soderbergh paired personal discontent with a bold experiment, utilizing his hometown as a backdrop for this unconventional narrative about identity and self-exploration. The film, rich in absurdism, attempts to present the same story from multiple viewpoints, challenging traditional storytelling methods. Though it was met with a lukewarm reception initially, it has since gained a cult following and is recognized for its innovative spirit.
26 Gray’s Anatomy (1996)
A Monologue Film with Spalding Gray
In Gray’s Anatomy, Soderbergh collaborated with Spalding Gray to bring to life a poignant monologue focused on the artist’s struggles with his health. Despite mixed reviews, with some appreciating the presentation of Gray’s neurotic mind while others deemed it insincere, it remains a distinctive entry in Soderbergh’s filmography.
25 Let Them All Talk (2020)
A Renowned Author Makes a Transatlantic Trip
Soderbergh’s Let Them All Talk features a predominantly improvised narrative on a cruise ship with Meryl Streep’s character navigating personal and professional turmoil. Critics praised the film with an 88% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes, lauding the performances of the ensemble cast led by Streep, who delivers a charming interpretation of a writer’s journey and relationships.
24 Unsane (2018)
A Woman Is Involuntarily Committed to a Mental Health Facility
After a brief retirement, Soderbergh returned to filmmaking with Unsane, shot entirely on an iPhone. The film follows a woman trapped in a mental health facility plagued by the anxiety of a stalking threat. Although it received mixed audience reactions regarding its visual quality, it became a box office success and earned acclaim for its innovative approach to psychological horror.
23 High Flying Bird (2019)
An NBA Star’s Agent Comes Up with a New Deal During a Lockout
Set against the backdrop of an NBA lockout, High Flying Bird features Andre Holland as an agent devising a bold business strategy. Filmed on an iPhone, the film garnered a high 91% Rotten Tomatoes score, although audience reactions were lukewarm. It exemplifies Soderbergh’s ability to innovate within the sports drama genre, generating captivating narratives set against real-world events.
22 Behind the Candelabra (2013)
A Biopic About Liberace & His Love Affair with Scott Thorson
Reinventing the biopic format, Behind the Candelabra explores the relationship between Liberace and his young lover Scott Thorson, portrayed by Michael Douglas and Matt Damon respectively. Praised for its heartfelt performances and unique emotional depth, the film diverged from Soderbergh’s traditional storytelling, delivering a blend of nostalgia and intimacy that resonated with audiences, despite its premiere directly on HBO.
21 King of the Hill (1993)
A Boy Struggles for Survival During the Depression
King of the Hill, a tale of resilience during the Great Depression, showcases a young boy’s struggles to survive in a world fraught with challenges. While it underperformed at the box office, it received critical acclaim for its nuanced storytelling and uplifting themes, maintaining a solid 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This film highlights Soderbergh’s early promise as an adept storyteller capable of addressing complex human experiences.
20 And Everything Is Going Fine (2010)
A Documentary About Spalding Gray
Soderbergh’s documentary on Spalding Gray posthumously honors the acclaimed writer’s legacy, creatively assembling a collage of Gray’s work to provide insight into his existential struggles. Critics commended the film for avoiding typical interview formats, opting instead for a poignant reflection on Gray’s life and artistry. The soundtrack by Gray’s son further enriched this poignant homage, leading to its inclusion in the Criterion Collection.
19 Presence (2024)
A Horror Movie About Supernatural Entities Haunting a Home
With Presence, Soderbergh delves deep into the horror genre, presenting a supernatural narrative centered around a poltergeist complicating the lives of a family. This unique perspective—framed through the eyes of the haunting entity—offers audiences a fresh take on themes of grief and mystery. Critics responded positively, granting the film an impressive 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, hailing it as a “slow burn thriller”that cleverly experiments within the horror landscape.
18 The Girlfriend Experience (2009)
A Slice-of-Life Tale of a Manhattan Escort
Upon its initial release, The Girlfriend Experience was seen as a mere gimmick for casting porn star Sasha Grey in the titular role. However, a contemporary viewing reveals a layered narrative examining transactional relationships amid the backdrop of the 2008 presidential election. While it received a lukewarm reception initially, with a 67% rating, it has since been reevaluated as a profound exploration of emotional voids in lifestyle choices, leading to a successful television adaptation.
17 Like (2022)
A Woman Finds Her Life in Danger Following a Murder Discovery
Set against the backdrop of cutting-edge technology, Soderbergh’s film Kimi revolves around a woman who inadvertently uncovers a murder through recordings from her AI assistant. Portrayed by Zoë Kravitz, her character maliciously navigates corporate interests and personal peril in her quest for truth. Critics responded favorably, awarding the film a remarkable 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, praising its modern themes and Kravitz’s compelling performance.
16 Logan Lucky (2017)
A Heist Movie Where a Crew Tries to Rob the Charlotte Motor Speedway
Marking Soderbergh’s engaging return after retirement, Logan Lucky showcases a clever heist narrative set against the backdrop of a NASCAR event. The film, characterized by its sharp humor and tight storytelling, became a hit, receiving a commendable 92% on Rotten Tomatoes. With an ensemble cast including Channing Tatum and Daniel Craig, this film not only reunited Soderbergh with the heist genre but also reaffirmed his talent for blending entertainment with substantive narrative.
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