From Close Encounters to E.T. to Disclosure Day - the definitive ranking of the master's science fiction works
Steven Spielberg didn't just make sci-fi films - he defined what mainstream science fiction could be. His alien contact films in particular have shaped how generations imagine first contact: filled with wonder, emotion, and humanity.
With Disclosure Day arriving in 2026, let's look at where it might fit among his sci-fi masterworks.
The gold standard of alien contact films. E.T. proved that sci-fi could be deeply personal, telling a universal story of childhood loneliness and friendship through the lens of the extraordinary. Its emotional power remains unmatched.
Spielberg's first alien masterpiece treated first contact with awe rather than terror. The five-note communication motif, Devils Tower, and the wonder of the finale created a template that Disclosure Day will inevitably be compared against.
Revolutionized VFX and proved Spielberg could balance spectacle with genuine terror. The dinosaurs felt alive in ways that still hold up, and the film's influence on blockbuster filmmaking is immeasurable.
Spielberg's darkest, most cerebral sci-fi work. Based on Philip K. Dick's story, it explores free will and surveillance with stunning visual imagination. Many of its tech predictions have come true.
Spielberg completing Kubrick's vision resulted in a divisive but haunting film. Its meditation on consciousness, love, and what it means to be "real" has grown in critical estimation over time.
Spielberg's aliens as hostile invaders. Relentlessly intense and post-9/11 paranoid, it's a masterclass in sustained terror even if the ending falters. The tripod attack sequence is unforgettable.
Spielberg's virtual reality adventure is packed with pop culture references and impressive action, though it lacks the emotional depth of his best work. Still, a visually inventive crowd-pleaser.
Diminishing returns from the original, but still delivers dinosaur thrills. The San Diego sequence is fun, but the film feels more like a theme park ride than the original's genuine wonder.
Spielberg's return to alien contact filmmaking. With Emily Blunt leading and David Koepp's script, expectations are sky-high. Will it join E.T. and Close Encounters at the top, or fall somewhere in the middle?
Disclosure Day faces enormous expectations. Here's what it needs to rank among the best:
To reach #1-2 (E.T./Close Encounters tier): An emotional core that transcends the genre, memorable visuals and moments that enter pop culture, and that Spielberg magic that makes you believe.
To reach #3-4 (Jurassic Park/Minority Report tier): Technical excellence, gripping entertainment value, and smart sci-fi concepts executed with craft.
To avoid the lower tier: Needs to be more than spectacle - requires the human touch that elevates Spielberg's best work above mere blockbusters.
Given Spielberg's return to the alien well after 20 years, the personal nature of the project, and the A-list cast, smart money says Disclosure Day will land in the top 4. But only time will tell if it can reach the heights of his 1977-1982 golden era.