7.6
Where can I stream Close Encounters of the Third Kind legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
1977·Movie
Close Encounters of the Third Kind fingerprint
Stunning style, high energy, no humor.
Energy
Epic and tense
- Spectacle9
- Tension7
- Adrenaline6
Heart
Awe-inspiring and uplifting
- Wonder10
- Hopefulness9
- Wholesome7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Absurdist Humor2
- Situational Comedy1
World
Mystery, the mind, and faith and meaning
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion9
- Rewatchability8
- Novelty8
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
- Direction9
- Acting8
- Narrative Structure8
Style
Standout score, cinematography, and sound design
A distinctive visual signature.
- Music Composition10
- Music Centrality10
- Cinematography9
Energy
HighEpic and tense
Close Encounters of the Third Kind is epic and tense.
All energy traits
- Spectacle9Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny5Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
Heart
MediumAwe-inspiring and uplifting
Emotionally, it's awe-inspiring, uplifting, and wholesome.
All heart traits
- Wonder10Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Hopefulness9Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy4Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
Related traits
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighMystery, the mind, and faith and meaning
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around mystery, the mind, and faith and meaning. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Tech & Humanity6Human stories in a tech world.
- Fantasy5Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Contemporary Realism5Modern, grounded storytelling.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
- Educational5Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Style
Very highStandout score, cinematography, and sound design
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the score, cinematography, and sound design stand out.
All style traits
- Music Composition10Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality10The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Cinematography9Visual composition and camera work.
- Sound Centrality9Sound design as core element.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization8Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Spectacle9Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightParty VibeIntergenerationalKidsPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure EscapismThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
We are not alone.
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.
Science FictionUFO MysterySpielberg ClassicAwe and WonderHuman ConnectionHopeful EndingIconic ScoreVisually StunningFamily Drama
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Close Encounters of the Third Kind worth watching?
84
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 85/100 (IMDb 7.6, Rotten Tomatoes 91%, and Metacritic 90). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Close Encounters of the Third Kind rated?
PG
It's rated PG in the United States.
How long is Close Encounters of the Third Kind?
2 h 17 min
Close Encounters of the Third Kind runs 2 h 17 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Close Encounters of the Third Kind?
Critics91
Audiences80
Not quite. Critics rate Close Encounters of the Third Kind higher (91) than audiences (80). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was Close Encounters of the Third Kind a box office hit?
Budget$20 million
Box office$307 million
Yes, a big one. It cost about $20 million to make and earned $307 million worldwide, 15.3 times its budget.
What language is Close Encounters of the Third Kind in?
EnglishHindiFrenchSpanish
It was made in English, with some Hindi, French, Spanish. Produced in United Kingdom, United States.
In how many countries can I watch Close Encounters of the Third Kind?
100
+86
+86GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Close Encounters of the Third Kind in 100 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Close Encounters of the Third Kind use?
Hypno RayFaster-Than-Light TravelCelebrity ParadoxFirst-Contact MathFirst Contact TeamCreepily Long ArmsOminous Floating SpaceshipOut of Job, Into the PlotUncanny ValleyNot Drawn to ScaleDeathly Dies IraeTechno Babbleand 105 more
TV Tropes lists 117 storytelling tropes for Close Encounters of the Third Kind, including Hypno Ray, Faster-Than-Light Travel, Celebrity Paradox.