Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
Kernel Score: 81% · 4,559 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Science Fiction, Drama
Released: 1977-12-14
Runtime: 137 minutes
Is Close Encounters of the Third Kind worth watching?
Worth watching. Spielberg's wonder-filled UFO story is more about obsession and awe than aliens. The pacing is slow, but the final sequence still lands.
Watch it if you
- love sci-fi built on wonder
- enjoy 70s Spielberg
- like slow-burn mysteries
Skip it if you
- want fast action
- dislike slow pacing
Best for: Quiet sci-fi night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Close Encounters of the Third Kind
- Stream: Peacock
- Free with ads: YouTube Free, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
After an encounter with UFOs, an electricity linesman feels undeniably drawn to an isolated area in the wilderness where something spectacular is about to happen.
Movies like Close Encounters of the Third Kind
If you liked Close Encounters of the Third Kind, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) — 79%: Spielberg's other sci-fi about wonder and loss
- Jurassic Park (1993) — 94%: Spielberg's big adventure
- Interstellar (2014) — 95%: Space epic about awe
- The Abyss (1989) — 83%: Underwater story of first contact
- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) — 94%: Spielberg adventure
Director
Cast
- Richard Dreyfuss as Roy Neary
- François Truffaut as Claude Lacombe
- Teri Garr as Ronnie Neary
- Melinda Dillon as Jillian Guiler
- Bob Balaban as David Laughlin
- J. Patrick McNamara as Project Leader
- Warren J. Kemmerling as Wild Bill
- Roberts Blossom as Farmer
- Phil Dodds as ARP Musician
- Cary Guffey as Barry Guiler
Close Encounters of the Third Kind FAQ
Is Close Encounters of the Third Kind worth watching?
Worth watching. Spielberg's wonder-filled UFO story is more about obsession and awe than aliens. The pacing is slow, but the final sequence still lands.
Where can I watch Close Encounters of the Third Kind?
In the US you can stream Close Encounters of the Third Kind on Peacock, watch it free with ads on YouTube Free and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
What is Close Encounters of the Third Kind rated?
Close Encounters of the Third Kind is rated PG.
What movies are like Close Encounters of the Third Kind?
If you liked Close Encounters of the Third Kind, try A.I. Artificial Intelligence, Jurassic Park, Interstellar and The Abyss.