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Close Encounters of the Third Kind

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Suspenseful, thoughtful alien-encounter classic.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Sends a message of tolerance on an interplanetary level.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Some scary moments when the human characters have their first encounters with the aliens, and when Roy and Jillian are making their way to the tower.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Parents need to know that the arrival of the spaceships is suspenseful and can be scary. There are tense moments as Roy and Jillian approach Devil's Tower. Smaller children may be scared when Barry is taken by the aliens, and by his mother's distress. Older children may be upset when Roy's family leaves him.

Read our full review by Nell Minow

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the idea of life beyond our solar system. Do you think there are other intelligent beings out there? Why or why not? If so, what do you think they're like, and do you think they'll ever come to Earth? In this movie, why was music a good way for the aliens to communicate with the people on Earth? And what did the scientist mean when he said it was the first day of school? Families can also discuss what might happen in a sequel to this movie. What do you think happened next?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    good

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title iffy for age 9 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    Great Movie but people say bad words a lot.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 5.0

    I Saw This Movie When I Was Six, I Was Blown Away

    This movie is great. Anyone can see it. No violence.No harsh language. I don't usually care about those things though. But anyways don't listen to anyone, just watch it! And by the way, batteries not included is a movie, they just haven't reviewed it lol

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    You *DO* know what I'm trying to say, right?

    The funny thing is "batteries not included"!

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Classic.

    I love this Sci-Fi flick. It epitomizes everything good about sci-fi: the childlike awe at the amazing effects and events, the mystery, and an overall good story. Two thumbs up!

  6. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    Excellent Sci-Fi Film.

  7. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0

    Great Sci-Fi Family Adventure Drama

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