Steven Spielberg is returning to familiar territory with Disclosure Day, a UFO conspiracy thriller that has already sparked comparisons to some of his most beloved science-fiction classics. As anticipation builds ahead of the film’s June 12, 2026 release, many viewers are wondering whether revisiting one particular Spielberg masterpiece is necessary before heading to theaters.

The connection between Disclosure Day and Close Encounters of the Third Kind has become a major talking point among fans. While the two films share thematic DNA, their relationship may not be quite what audiences expect.

Should viewers watch Close Encounters of the Third Kind before seeing Disclosure Day?

Watching Close Encounters of the Third Kind is not necessary before seeing Disclosure Day. Steven Spielberg’s upcoming UFO thriller is not a direct sequel to the 1977 classic and tells a completely original story with new characters, conflicts, and mysteries. As a result, audiences can follow the film without any prior knowledge of Spielberg’s earlier extraterrestrial-themed work.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind remains highly relevant to the conversation surrounding Disclosure Day. Both films explore themes of alien phenomena, government secrecy, and humanity’s relationship with the unknown. Because of these shared ideas, many fans and critics have viewed the new release as a spiritual companion piece to Spielberg’s landmark sci-fi classic rather than a continuation of its story.

For viewers interested in exploring similar themes before Disclosure Day arrives in theaters, several UFO conspiracy thrillers offer the perfect introduction to the mysteries, paranoia, and extraterrestrial intrigue that have long captivated audiences.

UFO thrillers worth watching before Steven Spielberg’s new mystery

Few filmmakers have shaped our fascination with extraterrestrial life quite like Steven Spielberg. Through classics like Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T., and War of the Worlds, he turned UFO stories into cinematic events that balanced wonder, fear, and the unknown. Now, Spielberg returns to alien territory with Disclosure Day, his highly anticipated UFO conspiracy thriller arriving in theaters on June 12, 2026.

If one is looking to get into the right mindset before the film arrives, standout choices include Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Men in Black (1997), Fire in the Sky (1993), Nope (2022), The Fourth Kind (2009), Dark Skies (2013), and Communion (1989). Together, these films explore everything from government cover-ups and alien encounters to paranoia, obsession, and the search for truth.

While Disclosure Day does not require any homework beforehand, revisiting Close Encounters of the Third Kind can enrich the experience. Whether one is a longtime Spielberg fan or simply curious about his latest sci-fi mystery, both films offer intriguing perspectives on the enduring question of whether we’re truly alone.

Are you planning to watch Disclosure Day opening weekend? Let us know in the comments!