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Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Close Encounters of the Third Kind is a 1977 American science-fiction film written and directed by Steven Spielberg.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Close Encounters of the Third Kind is a 1977 American science-fiction film written and directed by Steven Spielberg. It follows ordinary people and government scientists whose lives intersect after UFO encounters lead toward a climactic meeting at Devil’s Tower, Wyoming. The film is widely known for its depiction of alien contact and its influential special effects.

Plot

The film centers on Roy Neary, a utility worker whose life changes after a UFO encounter. Jillian Guiler searches for her young son after he is abducted during the same extraterrestrial events. French scientist Claude Lacombe leads an international scientific effort to understand the phenomena. The story culminates in a contact sequence at Devil’s Tower, Wyoming.

Production and release

Close Encounters of the Third Kind was released in 1977 and was directed and written by Steven Spielberg. It became one of the best-known science-fiction films of the era. The film is noted for its special effects and its portrayal of aliens as non-hostile.

Themes and reception

The film explores contact with extraterrestrial intelligence, obsession, and wonder. The title refers to J. Allen Hynek’s classification of UFO encounters. It is also recognized for its influential visual effects and for presenting aliens in a more benevolent light than many earlier science-fiction films. The film has been widely distributed in Canada and remains a notable reference point in film studies and popular culture for Canadian audiences.

Key facts

  • Close Encounters of the Third Kind is a 1977 American science-fiction film directed and written by Steven Spielberg.
  • The film follows characters drawn together by UFO encounters leading to contact at Devil’s Tower.
  • The title refers to J. Allen Hynek’s classification of UFO encounters.
  • The film is noted for its special effects and portrayal of aliens as non-hostile.
  • It became one of the best-known science-fiction films of the era.
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Canadian context

The film has long been widely distributed and shown in Canada as part of mainstream English-language cinema, and it remains a notable reference point in film studies and popular culture for Canadian audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What is Close Encounters of the Third Kind?
It is a 1977 American science-fiction film directed and written by Steven Spielberg about UFO encounters and first contact with aliens.
Who stars in the film?
The cast includes Richard Dreyfuss, Melinda Dillon, François Truffaut, Teri Garr, Bob Balaban, and Cary Guffey.
What is the film about?
It follows a utility worker, a mother whose son is abducted, and scientists who are drawn toward an alien contact event at Devil’s Tower.
What does the title mean?
It refers to the third category of UFO encounter, meaning direct contact with extraterrestrials.
Where does the story end?
The story culminates at Devil’s Tower in Wyoming, where humans and aliens make contact.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Close_Encounters_of_the_Third_Kind
    Supports: Plot outline, main characters, and basic film identification.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075860/
    Supports: Release year, plot summary, cast, and alternate language title.
  3. Metacritic — https://www.metacritic.com/movie/close-encounters-of-the-third-kind/details/
    Supports: Story synopsis, role of Roy Neary, Jillian, and Claude Lacombe, and Devil’s Tower climax.
  4. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/close-encounters-of-the-third-kind
    Supports: Director, cast, release context, genre, and Devil’s Tower setting.
  5. EBSCO — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/film/close-encounters-third-kind-film
    Supports: Title meaning, J. Allen Hynek reference, and awards/reception.