E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

99%

Tomatometer

146 Reviews

72%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

After a gentle alien becomes stranded on Earth, the being is discovered and befriended by a young boy named Elliott (Henry Thomas). Bringing the extraterrestrial into his suburban California house, Elliott introduces E.T., as the alien is dubbed, to his brother and his little sister, Gertie (Drew Barrymore), and the children decide to keep its existence a secret. Soon, however, E.T. falls ill, resulting in government intervention and a dire situation for both Elliott and the alien.

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Critics Consensus

Playing as both an exciting sci-fi adventure and a remarkable portrait of childhood, Steven Spielberg's touching tale of a homesick alien remains a piece of movie magic for young and old.

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Critics Reviews

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E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial | Rotten Tomatoes (1)

Pauline Kael

The New Yorker

Steven Spielberg’s E. T The Extra-Terrestrial envelops you in the way that his Close Encounters of the Third Kind did. It’s a dream of a movie -- a bliss-out.

Sep 12, 2023

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E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial | Rotten Tomatoes (2)

Scott Cain

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Don't be intimidated by those long lines. E.T. is worth standing in line for. Steven Spielberg's story is the essence of fairy-tale simplicity.

Rated: 5/5

Nov 9, 2021

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E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial | Rotten Tomatoes (3)

Bob Thomas

Associated Press

This is a real movie, with all those elements that have proved sure-fire through history; Laughter, tears, involvement, thrills, wonderment. Steven Spielberg also adds a message: Human beings and spacelings should learn to co-exist.

Nov 12, 2018

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E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial | Rotten Tomatoes (4)

Claire Fulton

Loud and Clear Reviews

Even forty years after its original release, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial still holds up as a special, emotional and heart-warming family film upon first viewing.

Rated: 4/5

Nov 24, 2024

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E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial | Rotten Tomatoes (5)

Kristy Strouse

Cinematic Lovelies

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial is a spellbinding foray that reminds us of human compassion and the eternal joy of cinema.

Mar 1, 2023

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E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial | Rotten Tomatoes (6)

William Jones

CBR

Steven Spielberg has given audiences dozens of great films over the years, but no movie has captured childlike wonder quite like E.T.

Jan 9, 2023

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Audience Reviews

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Frank E.T. changed my life. After rediscovering this film from my childhood, it was like a religious experience. I thank God, the filmmakers, and my guardian angel for guiding me back to this greatest film of all time. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/31/23 Full Review LaShonda B I loved it! It was how I remembered it in the 80's and it still made me tear up! Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/14/23 Full Review lauren I loved being able to see E.T. with my 5 year old son in the theater. We both had a great time! Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/27/22 Full Review john Movie started 20 minutes after it was supposed to! Missed my kids soccer game. Rated 0.5/5 Stars • Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 08/23/22 Full Review shmlohnathin Amazing!!!!!!!!! Way better in the theater Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/21/22 Full Review Nancy G. It was a beautiful family movie. Great acting by the kids especially. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/20/22 Full Review Read all reviews

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

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Cast & Crew

Steven Spielberg Director Henry Thomas Elliott Dee Wallace Mary Peter Coyote Keys Drew Barrymore Gertie C. Thomas Howell Tyler

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E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Movieclips: John Williams: 11 Incredible Themes