AFI (1998) • AFI-064
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
1977 • Steven Spielberg
AVAILABLE EDITIONS
Physical
Digital
You May Also Like
No related films listed.
No editions listed.
ABOUT THIS FILM
RUNTIME
135 minutes
FAMOUS QUOTE
“This means something.”
Steven Spielberg’s science fiction drama explores humanity’s first contact with extraterrestrial life through the experiences of ordinary people drawn toward mysterious sightings and unexplained signals. Roy Neary, an electrical worker who witnesses a UFO encounter, becomes obsessed with deciphering the meaning behind recurring visions of a strange mountain formation. As scientists around the world attempt to communicate with the visitors, Roy’s personal journey leads him toward a monumental meeting between humans and aliens. Spielberg balances wonder and suspense with emotional storytelling. The film’s groundbreaking visual effects and memorable musical communication sequence helped redefine science fiction cinema.
Why it matters
- It endures because its core tensions (wyoming, usa; indiana, usa; flying saucer) still feel modern, and the emotional turns land hard.
- It’s a masterclass in Science Fiction, Drama storytelling—efficient scene work, memorable set-pieces, and choices that keep the tone confident.
- As a time-capsule and an influence engine, it’s a key snapshot of 1977—and you can feel its DNA in countless films that followed.
Watch for
- Recurring motifs and touchpoints (wyoming, usa, indiana, usa, flying saucer, obsession, evacuation)—notice how they show up, evolve, or get subverted scene-to-scene.
- How information is revealed (or withheld): pay attention to what you learn first, and what you only understand in hindsight.
- Performance details in close-ups—pauses, glances, and timing often do more than the lines.
- Transitions and visual rhymes: watch how the film connects scenes through matching images, sound bridges, or repeated blocking.
Vibe
Sci-Fi WonderCosmic CommunicationObsessive QuestSuburban AweUFO MysticismTranscendent SpectacleContact with the UnknownFamily FractureSpiritual Science FictionDream of Encounter
AFI RANK
1998: #64
2007: —