E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

6/11/1982
115 minutes
8

An alien is left behind on Earth and saved by the 10-year-old Elliot who decides to keep him hidden in his home. While a task force hunts for the extra-terrestrial, Elliot, his brother, and his little sister Gertie form an emotional bond with their new friend, and try to help him find his way home.

Revenue: $792,965,500

Details

Budget

$10,500,000

Rating

8/10 (11331 votes)

Status

Released

Production Companies

Universal Pictures, Amblin Entertainment

About E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Released in 1982, "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" combines elements of science fiction, adventure, family drama, and fantasy. The film centers on the unexpected friendship between a 10-year-old boy, Elliot, and an alien left behind on Earth. As a government task force actively hunts for the extraterrestrial, Elliot and his siblings work to keep their new friend hidden and help him return home.

The film explores themes of homesickness, empathy, and the unique bond formed between children and the alien. The story is largely presented from a child's perspective, highlighting the emotional journey and efforts of Elliot, his brother, and his sister Gertie as they navigate secrecy and danger to protect E.T. Its narrative of alien contact and friendship with a child protagonist has contributed to its enduring appeal across generations.

"E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" has received high critical acclaim, reflected in its Rotten Tomatoes score of 99% and a Metacritic score of 92/100. It also holds a strong IMDb rating of 7.9, based on nearly half a million votes, and a TMDB average vote of 8 from over eleven thousand reviews. These scores indicate a consistently positive reception from both critics and general audiences since its release.

Rotten Tomatoes 99%
Metacritic 92/100
IMDb 7.9/10

Why you might be searching for E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

People often search for "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" due to its iconic status as a family sci-fi adventure, specifically remembering scenes like the bicycle chase or the phrase "phone home." The film's depiction of a child's bond with an alien and its exploration of themes like homesickness and empathy also make it a memorable title. Specific searches sometimes relate to details like a "pink bicycle" or children trying to "find a way home."

What reviewers are saying

jeremiah 8/10

One reviewer noted that watching the film with their own young child led to wide-eyed amazement and emotional reactions, despite some dated animatronics, with the child still finding certain scenes realistic.

Read the full review
John Chard 9/10

A reviewer described the film as a global phenomenon that appeals to all family members through its joyful setup and Spielberg's use of magic, also noting subtexts relating to divorce and government paranoia.

Read the full review
MovieDudeFiend56214 10/10

Another review praised the film as a unique and memorable experience, highlighting how Spielberg's direction, the cinematography, visual effects, acting, and John Williams' score combine to create a powerful emotional impact.

Read the full review
CinemaSerf 8/10

A critic found the film genuinely timeless, calling it a love story, sci-fi adventure, and tale of family and loyalty, enhanced by John Williams' score, and noted the strong performances from the child actors.

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about finding and identifying movies