E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

An unforgettable journey of friendship that transcends the stars.

Critics broadly regard the film as a landmark family science-fiction classic, praising Spielberg's emotional direction, memorable practical effects, and ability to turn a simple alien premise into deeply affecting wonder.

• Elliott secretly befriends E.T. and develops an unusually intimate emotional connection with the stranded extraterrestrial.
• Ordinary California homes, streets, and neighborhoods become sites of alien discovery, secrecy, and magical escape.
• E.T.'s homesickness and the children's fear of losing him give the adventure a sustained atmosphere of tenderness and impending separation.
• E.T. is realized through expressive animatronic and practical effects that keep the alien physically present within family spaces.

• Close Encounters of the Third Kindshared family-friendly science fiction, child protagonists, wonder, and an emotionally warm encounter with the unknown
• The Gooniesshared suburban childhood adventure, imaginative friendship, nostalgic warmth, and heightened visual wonder
• The Iron Giantshared gentle extraterrestrial premise, homesickness, empathy, and heartfelt family-oriented storytelling
• The Last Starfightershared child-centered fantasy adventure, secret friendship, and bittersweet emotional stakes

Director

Steven Spielberg

Release Date

1982-06-11

Runtime

115 min

Rating

7.5 / 10 (12375)

What is E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial about?

A lonely suburban boy hides and protects a stranded alien whose friendship turns an ordinary childhood into a luminous adventure of empathy and goodbye.

What is E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.

What did critics think of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial?

Critics broadly regard the film as a landmark family science-fiction classic, praising Spielberg's emotional direction, memorable practical effects, and ability to turn a simple alien premise into deeply affecting wonder.

Which films are like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial?

Films with a similar feel include Close Encounters of the Third Kind, The Goonies, The Iron Giant, and The Last Starfighter.

How long is E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial?

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial runs 115 minutes.

Where can I watch E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial?

In United States, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial streams on Philo, Starz Amazon Channel, Starz, Starz Apple TV channel, Starz Roku Premium Channel.