Movies like Midnight Special

Another Spielberg film, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial tells the story of a gentle alien stranded on Earth and the children who work to protect and help him return home. Its blend of heartfelt drama and science-fiction elements resonate with the story and tone of Midnight Special.

James Cameron’s The Abyss takes a deep dive into science fiction with a story about a civilian diving team that encounters an underwater alien species. The film’s intense suspense and interaction with the unknown echo the themes found in Midnight Special.

Also directed by Jeff Nichols, Take Shelter delves into the psyche of a man plagued by apocalyptic visions, compelling him to protect his family at all costs. Viewers who appreciate Nichols' subtle storytelling and tension-building in Midnight Special will likely find the same engrossing qualities in Take Shelter.

A science fiction classic by Steven Spielberg, Close Encounters of the Third Kind explores humans' first contact with extraterrestrial beings. Like Midnight Special, it combines mystery and awe while following a protagonist driven to an unknown destiny entwined with alien life.

The Iron Giant, an animated feature directed by Brad Bird, is about a young boy who befriends a giant robot from outer space. Similar to Midnight Special, it’s a tale of friendship, government intervention, and the extraordinary, focusing on a misunderstood entity with powers beyond understanding.

Super 8 shares the theme of children in possession of a supernatural secret around which the plot revolves, much like the young protagonist in Midnight Special. Directed by J.J. Abrams, the film delivers a nostalgic lens into the world of government conspiracy and extraterrestrial phenomena, set against a small-town backdrop.

Directed by John Carpenter, Starman is about an alien who takes the form of a young widow's husband and asks her to drive him to a pickup location. This sci-fi romance focuses on connection and understanding between species, offering a compassionate look at its non-human character as seen in Midnight Special.