E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

He is afraid. He is totally alone. He is 3,000,000 light years from home.

1982 • 115 min • Adventure · Science Fiction · Family

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Synopsis

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

Our family guide

Best from age 7

Movie Knight Score

12154 reviews

100 Reviewers · 4 · 60%
75 Audience · 12150 · 40%

An alien is accidentally left on Earth and forms a deep bond with 10-year-old Elliott. With his siblings, Elliott tries to help his new friend escape government pursuit and return to his home planet. It's a heartfelt story about friendship, belonging, and letting go.

Violence & peril: 3/10
Language: 1/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 1/10
Romance & sensuality: 1/10
Scary moments: 4/10

Heads up

Children may be scared by E.T.'s initial appearance and the pursuit by government agents.
Characters drink beer during a scene.
Some mild bullying by older kids.

What it models well

Compassion for others
The power of friendship
Courage in the face of fear
Empathy for outsiders

Talk about it after

What makes someone "alien" or different?
The meaning of true friendship and loyalty.
Why do people sometimes fear what they don't understand?
Saying goodbye to someone you love.

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.

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Top billed cast

Director: Steven Spielberg • Crew: Melissa Mathison

Trailers & clips

Adam Savage Discovers E.T.’s Terrifying Skeleton!

The First Contact - Extended Preview

The Bike Ride 4K HDR

Steven Spielberg Reflects on Creating E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

Universal Truths - What's Your Favorite Scene From E.T.?

E.T. Phone Home in 4K HDR

2022 40th Anniversary IMAX Release

Original Theatrical Trailer #2

Reviewer notes

Recommended
Some aliens stop by to collect some plant samples. They are spooked by people, flashing lights and dogs investigating the noise and flee - but they accidentally leave one of their number behind. This youngster takes refuge in the shed of a local family where he is discovered by the young "Elliott" (Henry Thomas) and soon the two have a special bond.…
CinemaSerf, TMDB Community

Recommended
**A RARE MAGICAL GEM** E.T. The Extraterrestrial is a rare, unique once-in-a-lifetime experience you'll never forget. It will be one of those movies that will stick with you forever. Spielberg's direction, the cinematography, the visual effects, the acting, and last but not least John William's sweeping score when all combined conjure magic and strong feelings deep inside. You won't want to miss this masterpiece.…
MovieDudeFiend56214, TMDB Community

RecommendedTrusted family reviewers
Dream work indeed. An alien is stranded on Earth and a bunch of suburban kids attempt to help him get home. It's amazing to think that such a simple and standard story would go on to become a global phenomenon. E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, directed by Steven Spielberg, blasted its way into pop culture and simultaneously became one of the most cherished films of all time. It's not hard to see why, for E.T.…
John Chard, TMDB Community

RecommendedTrusted family reviewers
Watched with my wife, the 7th grader, and the kindergartner. I only kind of half watched... It's been a long week. I really wanted to check out my youngest's reactions. Watching this with my 5 y.o. involved answering a lot of questions, but she LOVED it: wide eyed amazement, tears at the appropriate places, and shouts of "YEAH!!!" during the bike scenes.…
jeremiah, TMDB Community