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Close Encounters of the Third Kind poster
7.4 / 10(4,882 votes)IMDbPG19772h 17m$306.9M Worldwide GrossUnited Kingdom, United States of America

Close Encounters of the Third Kind

“We are not alone.”

Synopsis

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.

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Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes

Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.

Official TrailerOfficial

Type: Trailer • Published 2017-07-25

Release History & Theatrical Window

World Premiere

Berlin International Film Festival

Festival / Special Debut

Theatrical Premiere

December 14, 1977

Wide Cinema Exhibition

4K UHD / Blu-ray Debut

January 1, 1993

Physical Home Media

Financials & Box Office Performance

ReleasedBlockbuster Success (15.34x ROI)

Production Budget

$20M

Filming & production cost

Worldwide Gross

$306.9M

Total global ticket sales

Box Office Return

15.34x

+$286.9M net gain

Theatrical Status

Mega Hit

Box office tier

Budget: $20MWorldwide: $306.9M

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director
Steven Spielberg
Screenplay & Story
Steven Spielberg
Original Score
John Williams
Original Title
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Country of Origin
United Kingdom, United States of America
Spoken Languages
Hindi, English, French, Spanish
Runtime
2h 17m
Production Budget
$20M
Worldwide Gross
$306.9M
Production Studios
Julia Phillips and Michael Phillips Productions, Columbia Pictures, EMI Films

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

Steven Spielberg

Screenplay & Story

Steven Spielberg

Original Score & Music

John Williams

Director of Photography

Vilmos Zsigmond, William A. Fraker, Douglas Slocombe, John A. Alonzo, László Kovács, Steven Poster

Film Editing

Michael Kahn

Producers

Julia Phillips, Michael Phillips

Department Leadership Roster

Steven Spielberg

Steven Spielberg

Director

Julia Phillips

Producer

Michael Phillips

Michael Phillips

Producer

John Williams

John Williams

Original Music Composer

Vilmos Zsigmond

Vilmos Zsigmond

Director of Photography

Michael Kahn

Michael Kahn

Editor

Joe Alves

Joe Alves

Production Design

Steven Spielberg

Steven Spielberg

Writer

Buddy Joe Hooker

Buddy Joe Hooker

Stunt Coordinator

Douglas Trumbull

Douglas Trumbull

Visual Effects Supervisor

William A. Fraker

William A. Fraker

Director of Photography

Douglas Slocombe

Douglas Slocombe

Director of Photography

Age Classification & Content Advisories

Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.

Primary: PG

PG: Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.

International Certification Matrix

Australia (ACB)PG

Parental Guidance — Recommended for mature viewers.

CanadaPG

Parental Guidance Suggested.

Germany (FSK)12

FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.

France (CNC)U

Tous publics — Universal audience.

United Kingdom (BBFC)PG

Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.

United States (MPAA)PG

Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.

Official cinematic photography and background stills for Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.

What is Close Encounters of the Third Kind about?

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.

Who directed Close Encounters of the Third Kind?

Close Encounters of the Third Kind was directed by Steven Spielberg.

Who stars in Close Encounters of the Third Kind?

The principal cast of Close Encounters of the Third Kind includes Richard Dreyfuss, François Truffaut, Teri Garr, Melinda Dillon, Bob Balaban.

When was Close Encounters of the Third Kind released and how long is it?

Close Encounters of the Third Kind was released in 1977 with a total runtime of 2h 17m.

What was the box office and production budget of Close Encounters of the Third Kind?

Close Encounters of the Third Kind had a reported production budget of $20M and grossed $306.9M at the worldwide box office (15.34 return on budget, classified as a blockbuster success).

Who composed the musical score for Close Encounters of the Third Kind?

The original motion picture soundtrack for Close Encounters of the Third Kind was composed by John Williams.

What is the age rating and content advisory for Close Encounters of the Third Kind?

Close Encounters of the Third Kind holds official age classifications: AU: PG (Parental Guidance — Recommended for mature viewers.); CA: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested.); DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); FR: U (Tous publics — Universal audience.); GB: PG (Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.); US: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.).