Close Encounters of the Third Kind

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Close Encounters of the Third Kind

PG

1977

2h 15m

Sci-Fi

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

91%

Tomatometer

118 Reviews

85%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

Science fiction adventure about a group of people who attempt to contact alien intelligence. Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfuss) witnesses an unidentified flying object, and even has a "sunburn" from its bright lights to prove it. Roy refuses to accept an explanation for what he saw and is prepared to give up his life to pursue the truth about UFOs.

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Critics Consensus

Close Encounters of the Third Kind is deeply humane sci-fi exploring male obsession, cosmic mysticism, and music.

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Bruce McCabe

Boston Globe

Apr 3, 2024

This is a revolutionary film. It's revolutionary in the sense that it suggests, as few films have, the extraordinary sensory potential of the medium.

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Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

Apr 3, 2024

3.5/4

["Close Encounters"] attempts to conquer fear of the unknown with love. Maybe the movies will begin to lead us away from their early '70s nightmare visions to a new, more benign fantasy world. As a filmgoer sated with violence, I'm ready.

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Andrew Sarris

Village Voice

Apr 3, 2024

Simply a thoughtless exercise in instant self-gratification. Actually, I felt sorry for this muddled movie with its childlike vulnerability.

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Stephen A. Russell

ScreenHub

Jun 15, 2026

The magnificent film’s enduring place in cinematic history is surely down to Spielberg’s canny reckoning that third kind encounters work best viewed ... through everyday folks caught up in the starry-eyed spectacle.

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Sebastian Zavala Kahn

Me gusta el cine

Jun 8, 2026

4/5

It is a unique experience; somewhat strange, quite cold, at times disturbing, but generally optimistic about what might happen if we were to make contact with extraterrestrials. [Full review in Spanish].

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Patrick Cavanaugh

The Wolfman Cometh

Sep 12, 2025

4/5

Leave it to Stephen Spielberg to deliver a movie about aliens where the aliens themselves are the least interesting part of the experience.

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Chris T

Jun 23, 2026

After almost 50 years it stands up so well

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Sarah

Sep 27, 2025

Have always loved this movie. Richard Dreyfuss is the best.

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REBECCA KAISER

Apr 14, 2022

Forgot how much I liked that movie! Speilberg at his best!! I took my grandkids 11 and 6 they both fell asleep for the last 10 minutes!!! I tried to wake them but they were out!! I promised them we would find the movie and watch it again so they could see the ending! EPIC

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Ann B

Apr 12, 2022

I hope you show more classics.

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John K

@scott30575 Oct 6, 2026

I am watching it right now, Director’s Cut — probably for the 50th time!! Or more! One of the best ever! I love it!

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Ryland C

@Rycordes1 Oct 4, 2026

I think this might be my favorite alien invasion movie.

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Steven Spielberg

Director

Richard Dreyfuss

Roy Neary

François Truffaut

Claude Lacombe

Teri Garr

Ronnie Neary

Melinda Dillon

Jillian Guiler

Cary Guffey

Barry Guiler

Close Encounters of the Third Kind: Official Clip - Roy's Mashed Potatoes

2:13

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Close Encounters of the Third Kind: Official Clip - Roy Leaves

1:42

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Close Encounters of the Third Kind: Official Clip - Communicating with the Mothership

2:11

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Close Encounters of the Third Kind: Official Clip - Who Are You People?

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Close Encounters of the Third Kind: Official Clip - Contact

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Close Encounters of the Third Kind: Official Clip - Roy's First UFO Encounter

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Close Encounters of the Third Kind: Official Clip - Chasing the UFOs

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Close Encounters of the Third Kind: Official Clip - The UFOs Surround the House

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Close Encounters of the Third Kind: Trailer 1

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Close Encounters of the Third Kind: 40th Anniversary Trailer

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Synopsis

Science fiction adventure about a group of people who attempt to contact alien intelligence. Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfuss) witnesses an unidentified flying object, and even has a "sunburn" from its bright lights to prove it. Roy refuses to accept an explanation for what he saw and is prepared to give up his life to pursue the truth about UFOs.

Director: Steven Spielberg
Producer: Julia Phillips, Michael Phillips
Screenwriter: Steven Spielberg
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Production Co: Columbia Pictures, Julia Phillips and Michael Phillips Productions, EMI Films
Rating: PG
Genre: Sci-Fi
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 16, 1977, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Jul 7, 2024
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 1, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $3.1M
Runtime: 2h 15m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby Stereo
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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