The essential viewing guide to prepare for Spielberg's UFO epic
EssentialSpielberg's UFO Trilogy
'77
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Dir. Steven Spielberg
The foundation. Spielberg's first UFO masterpiece established his visual language for first contact — the lights, the wonder, the obsession. The five-note motif is cinema history.
Must Watch
'82
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Dir. Steven Spielberg
Spielberg's most emotional alien story. Where Close Encounters is about seeking, E.T. is about connection. The suburban setting echoes what we've seen in Disclosure Day's trailer.
Must Watch
'05
War of the Worlds
Dir. Steven Spielberg
Spielberg's dark take on alien invasion. Post-9/11 terror, family survival, visceral dread. If Disclosure Day has horror elements, this is the template.
Must Watch
RecommendedModern Alien Cinema
'16
Arrival
Dir. Denis Villeneuve
The modern benchmark for thoughtful first contact. Linguistics, time, communication barriers. If Disclosure Day is cerebral, Arrival is the closest recent comparison.
'18
A Quiet Place
Dir. John Krasinski
Emily Blunt faces aliens in survival horror. Her performance here shows why she's perfect for Disclosure Day's mix of terror and humanity.
Emily Blunt
'14
Edge of Tomorrow
Dir. Doug Liman
Another Blunt alien epic. Her action chops and intensity on display. She can do both vulnerable and fierce.
Emily Blunt
'97
Contact
Dir. Robert Zemeckis
Scientists receive alien signal. Government involvement, public reaction, faith vs. science. Thematic overlaps with Disclosure Day's premise.
BonusCast Deep Cuts
'23
Challengers
Dir. Luca Guadagnino
Josh O'Connor's star-making performance. The intensity and charisma he brings will likely translate to Disclosure Day.
Josh O'Connor
'10
The King's Speech
Dir. Tom Hooper
Colin Firth's Oscar-winning performance. The gravitas and emotional depth he brings to every role.
Colin Firth
'23
Rustin
Dir. George C. Wolfe
Colman Domingo's commanding lead performance. His presence elevates everything.