Chariots of the Gods (film)

The 1974 film ''Chariots of the Gods?'' is a documentary-style film directed by J. Irwin Shapiro. It is based on Erich von Däniken's controversial 1968 book of the same name. The film explores von Däniken's theories proposing that ancient human civilizations received assistance from extraterrestrial visitors, citing various archaeological and historical anomalies as evidence.

The film uses a combination of narration, dramatic recreations, and interviews with experts (some supportive of von Däniken's theories, others critical). Many of the presented arguments focus on alleged similarities between ancient structures and technologies and supposed evidence of advanced extraterrestrial knowledge. Key examples discussed often include the Nazca Lines, the pyramids of Egypt, and Easter Island statues.

While visually striking and impactful for its time, the film's scientific validity has been widely disputed. Critics point to a lack of rigorous scientific methodology, misinterpretations of archaeological evidence, and the selective use of data to support von Däniken's claims. Many of the theories presented are considered pseudoscience and fringe theories within the academic community. Despite its controversial nature and lack of scientific backing, the film remains a significant cultural artifact, having popularized the ancient astronaut theory and influencing subsequent works of science fiction and speculative non-fiction. The film's impact lies primarily in its role in sparking public interest and debate regarding the possibility of extraterrestrial influence on ancient human history, even if the film's methodology and conclusions are generally rejected by mainstream science.