Amblin Entertainment

The Story Behind Spielberg’s Magic-Making Movie Studio

If you've ever watched a movie filled with wonder, adventure, and heart—there’s a good chance Amblin Entertainment had something to do with it. From childhood classics to Oscar-winning dramas, this studio has been quietly shaping Hollywood for over four decades.

Let’s dive into the story of Amblin Entertainment, its iconic logo (yes, the one with E.T. and the bike!), and the incredible legacy it's built since the early 1980s.

What Is Amblin Entertainment?

Amblin Entertainment is an American film and television production company founded by Steven Spielberg, Kathleen Kennedy, and Frank Marshall in 1981. The company name and logo were inspired by one of Spielberg’s earliest short films, Amblin’ (1968)—a 26-minute coming-of-age story that helped launch his directing career.

From the beginning, Amblin has been the creative playground where Spielberg and his team bring emotionally rich, character-driven stories to life—often blending fantasy, science fiction, and real human connection.

The Iconic Logo: A Tribute to E.T.

Let’s talk about that logo. You’ve seen it: the silhouette of a boy flying across the moon on a bike with an alien in the basket. It’s an image pulled straight from Spielberg’s beloved 1982 film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial—and it perfectly captures the spirit of Amblin: magic, wonder, and childlike curiosity.

The Movies That Defined a Generation

Amblin isn’t just a behind-the-scenes name in the credits—it’s the brand behind some of the most unforgettable movies of the '80s, '90s, and beyond. Here's just a taste of what they’ve given us:

The Goonies (1985)

Produced by Spielberg and written by Chris Columbus (Home Alone), this treasure-hunting adventure remains a cult favourite.

Gremlins (1984)

A holiday movie turned horror-comedy cult classic—produced by Amblin and directed by Joe Dante.

Back to the Future Trilogy (1985–1990)

In partnership with director Robert Zemeckis, Amblin helped bring time travel to the mainstream with Marty McFly and Doc Brown.

Jurassic Park (1993)

A Spielberg-directed mega-hit that redefined visual effects and became a global phenomenon. While it was technically released under Universal, Amblin was a key production partner.

Schindler’s List (1993)

One of the most important films of the 20th century, Spielberg's heart-wrenching Holocaust drama earned Amblin a Best Picture Oscar.

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Another Spielberg-Amblin masterpiece, this World War II epic set new standards for war films and storytelling realism.

Amblin on the Small Screen

Amblin has also been behind some ground breaking television projects:

Animaniacs and Tiny Toon Adventures – beloved animated shows that raised a generation of kids in the '90s.

ER – the long-running hospital drama created by Michael Crichton, produced with Amblin Television.

The Americans, The Haunting of Hill House, and more – showing the studio’s shift into prestige and streaming-era television.

Amblin Television continues to be a creative force, working on content for platforms like Netflix, Apple TV+, and Amazon Prime.

Amblin Today: The New Era

In 2015, Spielberg launched Amblin Partners, a rebranded and restructured version of the company. It includes:

Amblin Entertainment – for more mainstream films.

DreamWorks Pictures – focused on prestige films.

Amblin Television – their growing TV arm.

The company works closely with Universal Pictures, and Spielberg continues to produce both personal projects (The Fabelmans, West Side Story) and blockbuster hits.

Notably, in 2021, Amblin struck a deal with Netflix to produce multiple films a year—blending Spielberg’s storytelling roots with the future of digital streaming.

Why Amblin Still Matters

Amblin isn’t just a company—it’s a symbol of heartfelt storytelling. Whether it’s a kid befriending an alien, a scientist cloning dinosaurs, or a soldier storming the beaches of Normandy, Amblin movies remind us what great cinema can do: make us feel, dream, and believe.

Even as the industry changes, Amblin stays true to its core: stories with soul, crafted by people who care about the magic of moviemaking.

Final Thoughts

In a Hollywood landscape dominated by franchises, sequels, and streaming wars, Amblin stands out as a studio with a heart. Its history is rich, its impact undeniable, and its future still full of promise.

So next time you see that glowing moon and the silhouette of E.T. and Elliott riding through the sky, know that you're in for something special—something Amblin.