The best science fiction films by Steven Spielberg
12 june 2026 в 21:13
Steven Spielberg remains one of the most respected and well-known directors in Hollywood. The humble director, producer, and screenwriter recently released his latest science fiction film «The Day of Disclosure», - which is expected to become another box office hit. But are you a true cinephile who knows all of Spielberg’s science fiction works?
Let’s find out! Hollywood Life has compiled the most popular science fiction films from Spielberg’s portfolio.
If you’re not familiar with this film, don’t be upset. «Firelights» is Spielberg’s directorial debut, and he was only 17 years old when it was released. Written and directed by the then-young filmmaker, «Firelights» tells the story of a group of scientists who discover a series of mysterious lights in the sky. Abductions occur, and a horrifying twist is revealed: aliens want to take the fictional town of Freeport, Arizona, to their planet Altaris to create a zoo for humans.
Unfortunately, only about 3 minutes of «Firelights» are available online. The premiere took place at the Phoenix Little Theatre, where around 500 people came to support Spielberg’s first major project as a teenager.
The director is famous for calling his debut «one of the five worst films ever made», - but true fans may disagree with the genius if they have the chance to watch the film.
Written and directed by Spielberg, «Close Encounters of the Third Kind» became a critical and financial success after its release in 1977. The film tells the story of power line worker Roy, who becomes obsessed with unidentified flying objects (UFOs) that he sees.
Spielberg wanted the film to inspire hope about the unknown rather than fear. «Close Encounters» ends with Roy voluntarily joining the alien mothership to explore the cosmos, and one of the aliens smiles, bidding farewell to humans more warmly than the usual ominous Hollywood ending.
Viewers can rent or purchase the film on some streaming platforms.
«E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial» is perhaps the film for which Spielberg is most famous. Released in 1982, the iconic shot of the friendly alien riding a bicycle across the sky became the logo of Spielberg’s production company, Amblin Entertainment. Written by Melissa Mathison, Spielberg directed and co-produced this award-winning box office hit.
«E.T». also marked a breakthrough for the then-young actress Drew Barrymore. The concept of the film was based on Spielberg’s imaginary friend from childhood after his parents' divorce.
Today, fans can buy or rent the film on some streaming services. It is currently not available for free viewing.
Spielberg’s live-action adaptation of H.G. Wells' 1898 novel has a more horrifying twist with aliens than his previous science fiction films. «War of the Worlds», - starring Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning as a father and daughter, was released in 2005 and became another box office hit for Spielberg.
«War of the Worlds» tells the story of a truck driver, Ray (Cruise), who reunites with his two children for the weekend just as aliens begin their invasion of Earth. The film shows that the aliens intend to harvest human blood and tissue to fertilize vegetation, but it turns out that the invaders were not prepared for the countless microbes and bacteria that humanity is accustomed to.
Paramount+, PlutoTV, and STARZ offer subscribers the opportunity to stream «War of the Worlds»
Let’s find out! Hollywood Life has compiled the most popular science fiction films from Spielberg’s portfolio.
If you’re not familiar with this film, don’t be upset. «Firelights» is Spielberg’s directorial debut, and he was only 17 years old when it was released. Written and directed by the then-young filmmaker, «Firelights» tells the story of a group of scientists who discover a series of mysterious lights in the sky. Abductions occur, and a horrifying twist is revealed: aliens want to take the fictional town of Freeport, Arizona, to their planet Altaris to create a zoo for humans.
Unfortunately, only about 3 minutes of «Firelights» are available online. The premiere took place at the Phoenix Little Theatre, where around 500 people came to support Spielberg’s first major project as a teenager.
The director is famous for calling his debut «one of the five worst films ever made», - but true fans may disagree with the genius if they have the chance to watch the film.
Written and directed by Spielberg, «Close Encounters of the Third Kind» became a critical and financial success after its release in 1977. The film tells the story of power line worker Roy, who becomes obsessed with unidentified flying objects (UFOs) that he sees.
Spielberg wanted the film to inspire hope about the unknown rather than fear. «Close Encounters» ends with Roy voluntarily joining the alien mothership to explore the cosmos, and one of the aliens smiles, bidding farewell to humans more warmly than the usual ominous Hollywood ending.
Viewers can rent or purchase the film on some streaming platforms.
«E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial» is perhaps the film for which Spielberg is most famous. Released in 1982, the iconic shot of the friendly alien riding a bicycle across the sky became the logo of Spielberg’s production company, Amblin Entertainment. Written by Melissa Mathison, Spielberg directed and co-produced this award-winning box office hit.
«E.T». also marked a breakthrough for the then-young actress Drew Barrymore. The concept of the film was based on Spielberg’s imaginary friend from childhood after his parents' divorce.
Today, fans can buy or rent the film on some streaming services. It is currently not available for free viewing.
Spielberg’s live-action adaptation of H.G. Wells' 1898 novel has a more horrifying twist with aliens than his previous science fiction films. «War of the Worlds», - starring Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning as a father and daughter, was released in 2005 and became another box office hit for Spielberg.
«War of the Worlds» tells the story of a truck driver, Ray (Cruise), who reunites with his two children for the weekend just as aliens begin their invasion of Earth. The film shows that the aliens intend to harvest human blood and tissue to fertilize vegetation, but it turns out that the invaders were not prepared for the countless microbes and bacteria that humanity is accustomed to.
Paramount+, PlutoTV, and STARZ offer subscribers the opportunity to stream «War of the Worlds»
© Kolganov Andrey
