(Credit: Universal Pictures)
We’ve ranked five alien movies that the award-winning filmmaker Steven Spielberg has ever directed. The rankings are based on each film’s Tomatometer ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. This comes ahead of the June 12 release of Spielberg’s highly anticipated sci-fi movie Disclosure Day, which is also included on this list.

All Steven Spielberg alien movies ranked by RT score

5) War of the Worlds (2005)

2005’s sci-fi action drama War of the Worlds is taking the fifth spot with a current 76% Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie starred Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Miranda Otto, Tim Robbins, Lisa Ann Walter, Justin Chatwin, Rick Gonzalez, and Yul Vazquez, with Morgan Freeman narrating. Despite receiving positive reviews from critics for its thrilling action, gritty elements, and visual effects, the film actually divided moviegoers. Compared to its Tomatometer rating, it received a significantly lower Popcornmeter score at 42%. Most of the general audience felt underwhelmed by its unrealistic ending.

4) Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)

Next up on the list is 2008’s action-adventure movie Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. It served as the fourth installment of Harrison Ford’s iconic franchise. Following its debut, it received a 77% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Just like War of the Worlds, the 2008 film also received a polarizing reception. Many critics praised its cast, particularly Ford’s effortless return as the fan-favorite hero and Cate Blanchett’s villainous performance. However, a lot of fans were disappointed by its heavy reliance on CGI effects. Despite this, it still became the franchise’s highest-grossing installment to date with a worldwide gross of over $790 million.

3) Disclosure Day (2026)

Ranking third is the upcoming sci-fi mystery movie Disclosure Day, which currently has a Fresh score of 83% on Rotten Tomatoes. So far, Spielberg’s latest alien movie has been an instant hit among critics, who are praising Emily Blunt’s brilliant performance as a TV meteorologist. Many critics are also impressed with its fast-paced and emotional story, while pointing out Spielberg’s astonishing ability to deliver wonder and heart into a conspiracy thriller like this one.

2) Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)

Coming in second is 1977’s sci-fi drama film Close Encounters of the Third Kind, which received a high rating of 91% on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie starred Richard Dreyfuss, François Truffaut, Teri Garr, Melinda Dillon, Bob Balaban, and more. It is widely considered a sci-fi masterpiece known for its exploration of cosmic mysticism and human obsession. The film was also praised for its groundbreaking visual effects and creative musical score.

1) E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Claiming the top spot is considered one of the greatest movies of all time. 1982’s coming-of-age sci-fi adventure movie E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial has a near-perfect Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, making it the highest-rated movie that Spielberg has ever directed. Its timeless story of wonder and friendship has remained influential to different generations of audiences. The film is universally praised for its remarkable visuals and memorable performances from Henry Thomas and Drew Barrymore.

Originally written by Maggie Dela Paz at Coming Soon