Close Encounters of the Third Kind

"Close Encounters of the Third Kind" (1977)

The moment: A darkened family home is invaded by intense blasts of light: The aliens have come for the boy.

Why it's great: The child (Cary Guffey) giggles in delight, running to the light with a naïve, innocent trust, while his ... moremother (Melinda Dillon) sees only a threat in the searing violation of her house.

Why it has lasted: While "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" is ultimately a benevolent vision of hope, the scene is a troubling mix of innocent wonder and the adult horror of a parent's worst nightmare come to life with an almost supernatural force. Spielberg plays on the mystery of the unseen invaders with a brilliant ambiguity. We have to wait for the climax to bridge the communication gap and discover their real intentions.

(Columbia Pictures / Everett Collection)