Every Steven Spielberg Alien Movie, Ranked (#1 Is an Underrated Sci-Fi Masterpiece)

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Over a nearly fifty-year career, Steven Spielberg has consistently demonstrated his skill as a filmmaker across a wide range of genres. Whether it’s the animated fun of The Adventures of Tintin or his reimagining of the classic musical West Side Story, Spielberg has proven he can connect with audiences and deliver box office hits. It’s hard to imagine anyone better at visual storytelling.

Steven Spielberg is gearing up to release his latest film, Disclosure Day, a new science fiction thriller focusing on aliens – a genre he’s known for. Universal Pictures has been very secretive about the project, and while the trailer offered some clues, many fans are speculating about how it connects to his earlier alien movies. To help you remember, we’ve compiled a list of all of Spielberg’s films featuring extraterrestrials – though be warned, not all of them are as friendly as the famous E.T.

4
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)


Paramount Pictures

Despite being part of the action-adventure series featuring Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull takes a surprising turn into science fiction. The movie reveals that an artifact initially believed to be from an ancient culture is actually alien in origin, and the story ends with a centuries-old temple concealing a flying saucer. While some might find it a bit over-the-top, it was a daring move to introduce such an unusual element to the Indiana Jones world.

While it might seem a bit unusual given the film isn’t primarily science fiction, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull actually follows many of the familiar patterns seen in alien movies. This is one of the few things the sequel gets right, even though many people consider it a bad film and a low point in Spielberg’s career. Despite some dated special effects – yes, the monkeys haven’t aged well – the movie still delivers excitement with its fantastic action scenes and Spielberg’s distinctive visual flair.

3
War of the Worlds (2005)


Paramount Pictures

In War of the Worlds, Tom Cruise plays Ray Ferrier, an ordinary father who must protect his children during a frightening alien attack. When giant alien machines appear and begin destroying everything, Ray and his family escape the city, only to discover the invasion is happening all over the world. This 2005 movie is a new take on the famous story by H.G. Wells, which has been adapted for film and television many times before.

Spielberg’s take on War of the Worlds is a surprisingly scary and often overlooked film from his later career. It’s reminiscent of his earlier blockbuster thrills like Jaws and Jurassic Park, particularly in its grand scope and suspenseful atmosphere. The movie delivers a thrilling experience thanks to strong performances from Tom Cruise, and his on-screen children, Justin Chatwin and Dakota Fanning. While the story is driven by impressive action sequences, the most iconic moment is undoubtedly the first appearance of the alien tripods. The visual effects are stunning, and Spielberg masterfully uses his filmmaking techniques to create a truly terrifying and epic alien invasion.

2
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)


Universal Pictures

A scared alien crash-lands on Earth when its team quickly escapes, fearing pursuit by the U.S. government. The alien finds its way to the home of Elliott, a young boy whose family is struggling. Elliott discovers the alien hiding in his shed and, driven by curiosity, coaxes it out. He names the creature “E.T.” and a close friendship develops. Eventually, E.T. asks Elliott for help contacting its home planet, desperate to return.

Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is considered a landmark film – not just one of his best science fiction movies, but one of the most important and beloved films in the genre. It’s an unusual adventure story that uses a sci-fi setting to explore powerful themes of friendship and family. E.T. was also a massive commercial success, earning $619 million in its initial release and becoming the highest-grossing movie ever at the time. Spielberg held this record for over ten years, until his own film Jurassic Park surpassed it in 1993.

1
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)


Columbia Pictures

Though many consider E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial to be Spielberg’s greatest science fiction film, his most impactful work in the genre actually came earlier. This earlier film was a deeply personal story focused on its characters, and it explored a profound question: are we meant for something beyond Earth?

Roy Neary learns this firsthand. After seeing a UFO, he becomes fixated on discovering what really happened. At the same time, a mother frantically searches for her son who disappeared after the sighting, and government scientists work to understand how to communicate with potential extraterrestrial life.

Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind, a rare film he wrote himself, builds to a grand and deeply moving climax. The film’s various plot threads come together as the aliens finally make contact. While they return some of those they’ve taken, they ask for something in exchange. This final act is among Spielberg’s most daring, and though it’s often remembered for the iconic communication scene, it’s truly a powerfully emotional moment where science fiction and heartfelt drama combine, allowing Roy to discover his life’s calling.




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2026-03-14 03:36