Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Performance & Direction: Close Encounters of the Third Kind Review
Last updated: January 31, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Science Fiction.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Science Fiction is often anchored by its ensemble, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind features a noteworthy lineup led by Richard Dreyfuss . Supported by the likes of François Truffaut and Teri Garr , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Quick Plot Summary: Close Encounters of the Third Kind is a Science Fiction, Drama film that explores futuristic concepts and technological possibilities while examining humanity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. 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. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Thematic Depth
The sci-fi elements serve as a lens to examine contemporary issues such as technology's impact on humanity, the nature of consciousness, and our place in the universe.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Solid execution of genre conventions
- Engaging moments that showcase the creators' vision
- Competent performances from the cast
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Some narrative choices that feel predictable
- Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act
Ending Explained: Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Ending Breakdown: Close Encounters of the Third Kind resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to science fiction resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the science fiction themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Close Encounters of the Third Kind reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Close Encounters of the Third Kind?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Science Fiction films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Close Encounters of the Third Kind
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $20.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $306.9M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Close Encounters of the Third Kind Budget
The estimated production budget for Close Encounters of the Third Kind is $20.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Close Encounters of the Third Kind
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Where to Watch Close Encounters of the Third Kind Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
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Zee5Close Encounters of the Third Kind Parents Guide & Age Rating
1977 AdvisoryWondering about Close Encounters of the Third Kind age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Close Encounters of the Third Kind is 137 minutes (2h 17m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.4/10, and global performance metrics, Close Encounters of the Third Kind is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1977 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Close Encounters of the Third Kind worth watching?
Close Encounters of the Third Kind is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Science Fiction movies. It has a verified rating of 7.4/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Close Encounters of the Third Kind parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Close Encounters of the Third Kind identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Close Encounters of the Third Kind?
The total duration of Close Encounters of the Third Kind is 137 minutes, which is approximately 2h 17m long.
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Critic Reviews for Close Encounters of the Third Kind
**Do the mashed potato!** Roy Neely is a gas repair man who has a close encounter with an alien craft and begins having strange visions of mashed potatoes, shaving cream and mud mountains. This all leads to Needy's marriage breaking up and he sets out to find the truth about his mashed potato visions. The climax at a mountain is breathtaking when Neely comes face to face with his destiny. One of Spielberg's best with a nice cameo by French director Francois Truffaut.
I always remember as a child hoping/praying that if extra terrestrials ever did come to visit us, that they wouldn't arrive in America. Think "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (1951) or most other sci-fi stories: the first things they would see when they opened their door would be guns, tanks, missiles, soldiers... This film takes a far more sophisticated approach to how we might engage with an alien species, and together with some super effects and a far more nuanced storyline leaves us with room for optimism that we might not just try to shoot first and ask questions afterwards - should anyone ever do arrive. Spielberg was still, in my view anyway, learning his craft when he wrote/directed this and that shows in the real paucity of pace for the first hour. Richard Dreyfuss is adequate, but the constantly amazed/perplexed looks on his face start to become annoying after a while. François Truffaut features now and again - largely as part of a parallel storyline - but really, this only begins to engage in the last thirty minutes when the threads all knit together giving us a clever denouement as the scientists discover an innovative, musical, way to communicate that doesn't involved threats and bullets. Oddly enough, even when I first saw this at the age of 9, I never got any sense of menace from our travellers and the absence of any substantial physical form for us to identify with seems to help keep the magic working. Not John Williams' finest work, I thought the score suffered from the slow rate of progress with the plot but the symbolism and curiosity of spirit this film engenders makes it still, just about, worth sticking though...
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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