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Steven Spielberg continues to be recognized as one of Hollywood’s most esteemed and celebrated filmmakers. The unassuming director, producer, and screenwriter has recently unveiled his latest science-fiction creation, Disclosure Day, which is anticipated to be another blockbuster success for him. However, are you a devoted film enthusiast who is knowledgeable about all of Spielberg’s science-fiction endeavors?
Let’s put your knowledge to the test! Here, Hollywood Life has compiled a list of the most popular science-fiction films from Spielberg’s filmography.
Firelight
If you are unfamiliar with this particular work, do not feel bad. Firelight represents Spielberg’s initial directorial effort, and he was merely 17 years old when it was released. Penned and helmed by the filmmaker who was then on the rise, Firelight centers on a group of scientists who detect a series of peculiar lights in the sky. Abductions occur, leading to a startling revelation: the extraterrestrials intend to transport the fictional town of Freeport, Arizona, to their home planet, Altaris, to establish a human exhibit.
Regrettably, only approximately 3 minutes of Firelight have been made accessible to the public. It premiered at the Phoenix Little Theatre, drawing an audience of about 500 individuals who came to support the teenage Spielberg’s inaugural significant project.
The filmmaker has candidly described his directorial debut as “one of the five worst films ever made,” yet devoted admirers might respectfully disagree with the genius if granted the opportunity to view the movie.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Authored and directed by Spielberg, Close Encounters of the Third Kind achieved both critical acclaim and financial prosperity upon its debut in 1977. The narrative follows Roy, an electric utility lineman, who becomes preoccupied with the unidentified flying objects (UFOs) he encounters.
Spielberg’s intention was for the film to evoke a sense of optimism regarding the unknown, rather than instilling fear. Close Encounters famously concludes with Roy willingly ascending to the aliens’ mothership to embark on an exploration of the cosmos, and one of the extraterrestrials offers a benevolent gesture, bidding humanity a warm farewell instead of the typical ominous Hollywood conclusion.
Viewers have the option to rent or acquire the film on select digital streaming services.
E.T. The Extra Terrestrial
E.T. The Extra Terrestrial is arguably the cinematic work for which Spielberg is most widely recognized. Released in 1982, a still image from the iconic film depicting the friendly alien silhouetted against the sky became the emblem for Spielberg’s production company, Amblin Entertainment. The screenplay was penned by Melissa Mathison, while Spielberg took the helm as director and co-producer of the award-winning, commercially successful production.
E.T. also marked a significant breakthrough for the then-young actress Drew Barrymore. The premise of the film was inspired by Spielberg’s childhood imaginary companion, developed after his parents’ separation.
Currently, audiences can purchase or rent the film through various digital platforms. It is not available for complimentary streaming at this time.
War of the Worlds
Spielberg’s live-action interpretation of H.G. Wells’ seminal 1898 novel presents a more menacing depiction of alien invasion compared to his earlier science-fiction works. War of the Worlds, featuring Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning as a father and daughter, was released in 2005 and stands as another of Spielberg’s significant box office achievements.
War of the Worlds chronicles the story of Ray (Cruise), a divorced longshoreman who reconnects with his two children for a weekend visit just as extraterrestrial forces commence their assault on Earth. The film reveals the aliens’ objective to harvest human blood and tissue for agricultural purposes, but it ultimately demonstrates that the invaders were unprepared for the vast array of microbes and bacteria that human civilization has adapted to.
Subscription services such as Paramount+, PlutoTV, and STARZ provide patrons with the opportunity to stream War of the Worlds.