Films about first contact explore the theme of humans encountering extraterrestrial life for the first time. These movies often delve into the suspense, wonder, and potential fear of the unknown associated with meeting a different intelligent species. The narratives can range from thrilling and action-packed to reflective and philosophical. Below is a list of films that explore this intriguing concept:
“Close Encounters of the Third Kind”, 1977
Director: Steven Spielberg
Directed by Steven Spielberg, this classic film follows an everyday man whose life changes after an encounter with a UFO. As he seeks answers, he becomes drawn into a government operation aiming to communicate with extraterrestrial beings.
Starring: Richard Dreyfuss, François Truffaut, Teri Garr, Melinda Dillon, Bob Balaban, J. Patrick McNamara, Warren J. Kemmerling, Roberts Blossom, Philip Dodds, Cary Guffey;
Production year: 1977;
Genre: science fiction, adventure, drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 138 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” on the website imdb.com
“Contact”, 1997
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Based on Carl Sagan's novel, this film follows Dr. Ellie Arroway, a SETI scientist who finds strong evidence of extraterrestrial life and is chosen to make first contact. It delves into the scientific and spiritual implications of such a discovery.
Starring: Jodie Foster, Matthew McConaughey, Tom Skerritt, James Woods, Angela Bassett, William Fichtner, John Hurt, David Morse, Jena Malone, Jake Busey;
Production year: 1997;
Genre: science fiction, thriller, drama, detective;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 150 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Contact” on the website imdb.com
“Arrival”, 2016
Director: Denis Villeneuve
This thought-provoking film directed by Denis Villeneuve focuses on a linguist who is recruited by the military to communicate with alien lifeforms after twelve mysterious spacecraft appear around the world. It explores themes of communication, time, and the human response to the unknown.
Starring: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg, Mark O'Brien, Ma Tzi, Abigail Pniowsky, Julia Scarlett Dan, Jadyn Malone, Frank Schorpion;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: science fiction, drama, detective;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 116 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
“The Day the Earth Stood Still”, 2008
Director: Scott Derrickson
In this classic sci-fi film, an alien named Klaatu and his powerful robot land on Earth to deliver an important message that will affect the entire human race. The film is revered for its pacifist theme and its reflection on humanity's propensity for violence.
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, Kathy Bates, Jaden Smith, John Cleese, Jon Hamm, Kyle Chandler, Robert Knepper, James Hong, John Rothman;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: science fiction, thriller, drama, adventure;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,5;
More information about the film “The Day the Earth Stood Still” on the website imdb.com
“District 9”, 2009
Director: Neill Blomkamp
Directed by Neill Blomkamp, this film presents a scenario where aliens have been stranded on Earth and live in appalling conditions. A government agent exposed to their biotechnology becomes entwined in their struggle for survival, showcasing themes of xenophobia and social segregation.
Starring: Sharlto Copley, Jason Cope, Nathalie Boltt, Sylvaine Strike, Elizabeth Mkandawie, John Sumner, William Allen Young, Greg Melvill-Smith, Nick Blake, Morena Busa Sesatsa, David James, Vanessa Haywood, Mandla Gaduka, Kenneth Nkosi, Eugene Khumbanyiwa, Louis Minnaar;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: science fiction, thriller, action, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 112 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
More information about the film “District 9” on the website imdb.com
These films not only entertain but also challenge viewers to ponder profound questions about life, intelligence, and our place in the universe.
In the realm of cinema, films about first contact artfully navigate the fragile boundary between the unknown and the familiar, evoking a broad spectrum of human emotions—from fear and suspicion to wonder and hope. They serve as a mirror, reflecting our deepest existential queries and our collective yearnings for connection and significance in the vast, uncharted cosmos. Whether through the lens of tension-filled encounters or the hopeful stretch for interstellar camaraderie, these narratives challenge audiences to reconsider not only what lies beyond the stars but also the very essence of humanity. As filmmakers continue to explore this rich thematic terrain, the enduring allure of first contact films promises to captivate and inspire, pushing the boundaries of imagination and inviting us to ponder our place in the universe and the potential for encounters that might redefine it.
