Year: 1977
Runtime: 135 min
Language: English
Director: Steven Spielberg
Budget: $20M
Roy Neary, a power line repairman, experiences a life-changing encounter with an unidentified flying object. Haunted by recurring visions of a mysterious mountain, he embarks on a quest for answers, joined by Jillian, who has also experienced an alien abduction. They connect with French expert Claude Lacombe and an international team, all searching for a deeper understanding of the encounter. Their journey leads them to Wyoming for a pivotal moment that could redefine humanity's place in the universe.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Close Encounters of the Third Kind yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Explore the full timeline and setting of Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.
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Meet the key characters of Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.
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Explore the central themes of Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.
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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Stories of first contact that inspire wonder rather than fear.If you liked the uplifting and wondrous tone of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, explore more movies about positive first contact. These similar sci-fi stories focus on hope, communication, and awe rather than fear, perfect for viewers looking for inspiring encounters.
Narratives in this thread typically follow characters—often ordinary people or dedicated scientists—as they experience, investigate, and ultimately communicate with a mysterious alien presence. The journey is one of obsessive discovery, leading to a climactic, uplifting event that redefines humanity's perspective.
These films are grouped together because they share a core optimistic tone and a focus on the wonder of the unknown. They prioritize emotional and spiritual connection over action, featuring steady pacing, medium intensity, and a focus on awe-inspiring visuals and sounds.
Characters consumed by a singular, life-altering vision.Fans of Roy Neary's driven journey in Close Encounters of the Third Kind will enjoy these movies about characters consumed by a vision. Discover similar stories of obsession, personal sacrifice, and the search for meaning beyond everyday life.
The narrative pattern involves a triggering, mysterious event that implants a powerful vision or compulsion in the protagonist. They abandon their normal life to follow this thread, facing skepticism and personal cost, until their obsession leads them to a hidden truth that validates their journey.
These movies share a central theme of an individual's transformative obsession. They balance the anxiety and disruption of the quest with a ultimately rewarding or enlightening outcome, creating a specific emotional mix of tension, mystery, and catharsis.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Close Encounters of the Third Kind in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Close Encounters of the Third Kind is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of Close Encounters of the Third Kind with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Close Encounters of the Third Kind that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Close Encounters of the Third Kind: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like Close Encounters of the Third Kind that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) Plot Summary & Movie Recap
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