Is 'Disclosure Day' a Sequel? Which Steven Spielberg Movies You Need To Watch Before the 2026 Sci-Fi Flick?

Published 06/09/2026, 11:24 PM CDT

Credits: Universal

Steven Spielberg is known for his sci-fi films that transform the unknown into unforgettable stories filled with mystery and discovery. He is now returning with yet another sci-fi movie, Disclosure Day, which brings extraterrestrial life into focus while exploring the impact such a revelation could have on humanity. Although Spielberg’s alien-focused films have never been connected, Disclosure Day is connected to one of his earlier works.

A few glimpses of the movie have sparked plenty of conversations and theories.

Is Disclosure Day part of a larger Steven Spielberg story?

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As seen in the trailer, Disclosure Day is not connected to any of Steven Spielberg’s previous films or projects. However, a few moments in the trailer have reminded fans of Spielberg’s 1977 classic, Close Encounters of the Third Kind. It is possible that the director drew inspiration from his earlier work while creating the world of Disclosure Day

While there is no confirmed connection between the two films, their visuals and themes appear strikingly similar. From glowing UFOs and mysterious encounters with humans to the involvement of a government agency, several elements may evoke memories of Close Encounters of the Third Kind. 

Whether or not the films are connected, the 1977 classic is worth watching, or revisiting, to understand Spielberg’s approach to science-fiction storytelling. Written and directed by Steven Spielberg, Close Encounters of the Third Kind follows the interconnected stories of three individuals whose lives are touched by extraterrestrial encounters. 

The film focuses on an ordinary man whose life is transformed after witnessing a UFO, a mother searching for her abducted son, and a scientist investigating unexplained phenomena occurring across the globe. It is an excellent watch ahead of Spielberg’s latest film, Disclosure Day. 

Steven Spielberg Reveals He Wrote ‘Disclosure Day’ Using the Notes App on His iPad

And when it comes to understanding and appreciating Spielberg’s cinematic world, there are three other films that are also worth watching or revisiting.

3 movies to watch before Disclosure Day

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is another classic movie from Steven Spielberg. Released in 1982, the film follows a young boy who befriends an alien and helps it find its way back home. Another is Spielberg’s most recent film, The Fabelmans, which is loosely based on the director’s own life and early career.

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  Both films can be rented on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. While not directly connected to Disclosure DayA.I. Artificial Intelligence, set in a futuristic society, also shares thematic similarities with Spielberg’s latest project. Although none of these films are connected to Disclosure Day, they all have elements of Spielberg’s distinctive storytelling style. Watching them can offer valuable insight into the filmmaker’s creative vision before the release of Disclosure Day.

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Have you watched Disclosure Day? Let us know in the comments.

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Pritha Debroy

783 articles

Pritha Debroy is an Entertainment writer at NetflixJunkie who can seamlessly switch between breaking down an NBA play and obsessing over the latest K-drama twist. She has written over 3,400 NBA and NFL articles, but her true joy lies in diving into Netflix’s trendiest shows—unpacking themes, stories, and yes, the occasional celebrity chaos. When she is not writing, you’ll find her devouring thrillers (anything by Freida McFadden is an instant yes), revisiting comfort classics like 10 Things I Hate About You and 27 Dresses, or hunting for her next binge-worthy series.

Edited By: Itti Mahajan

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