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E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
1982 115 min United States of America PG 6+
★8.8
Adventure, Science Fiction, Family
Director: Steven Spielberg
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Description
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.
Budget:
$10.5M
US Gross:
$439.45M
Worldwide:
$797.31M
Starring
Henry Thomas
Actor
Drew Barrymore
Actor
Peter Coyote
Actor
Awards
Academy Awards 1983
— Best Visual Effects
Saturn Awards 1983
— Best Science Fiction Film
Saturn Awards 1983
— Best Visual Effects
Saturn Awards 1983
— Best Science Fiction Film
Saturn Awards 1983
— Best Visual Effects
Academy Awards 1983
— Best Cinematography
Academy Awards 1983
— Best Picture
BAFTA 1983
— Best Visual Effects
BAFTA 1983
— Best Cinematography
BAFTA 1983
— Most Promising Lead Debut
BAFTA 1983
— Best Sound
Saturn Awards 1983
— Best Director
BAFTA 1983
— Best Original Score
Saturn Awards 1983
— Best Supporting Actress
Academy Awards 1983
— Best Original Score
Golden Globe 1983
— Best Screenplay
Saturn Awards 1983
— Best Original Score
BAFTA 1983
— Best Director
BAFTA 1983
— Best Film Editing
Academy Awards 1983
— Best Sound
Academy Awards 1983
— Best Sound Editing
Academy Awards 1983
— Best Director
Academy Awards 1983
— Best Film Editing
Golden Globe 1983
— Best Picture (Drama)
Golden Globe 1983
— Breakthrough of the Year
Saturn Awards 1983
— Best Screenplay
Saturn Awards 1983
— Best Poster
Saturn Awards 1983
— Best Actor
BAFTA 1983
— Best Picture
BAFTA 1983
— Best Production Design
César Awards 1983
— Best International Feature Film
BAFTA 1983
— Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Golden Globe 1983
— Best Director
Golden Globe 1983
— Best Original Score
Saturn Awards 2003
— Best DVD Edition of a Classic Film
Key opinion
Steven Spielberg's E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is widely regarded as a quintessential family classic that successfully subverted 1980s tropes of hostile aliens. While some modern viewers note the limitations of dated practical effects and a simplistic narrative, the film remains celebrated for its emotional resonance and nuanced performances by its young cast.
| Acting | Henry Thomas provides an authentic, nuanced anchor for the film that grounds the fantastical elements in believable human emotion. | |
| Score | John Williams' iconic score creates a powerful, atmospheric soundscape that is essential to the film's lasting emotional impact. | |
| Originality | The film effectively inverts standard science fiction tropes by replacing hostile alien narratives with a poignant story of empathy and friendship. | |
| Production | The practical effects, while technically impressive for their time, elicit mixed reactions today as some find them charmingly realistic while others view them as clearly dated. | |
| Screenplay | Opinions on the screenplay are divided: some praise its simple, heartfelt storytelling, while others argue that its stark good-versus-evil dichotomy and predictable plot feel simplistic. |