E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Steven Spielberg's timeless tale of friendship, wonder, and the universal longing for home — one of cinema's most beloved films.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial - Movie Information
- Original Title: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
- Release Year: 1982
- Directed by: Steven Spielberg
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Family, Fantasy
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 1h 55m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 11, 1982 (Canada - 14A), June 11, 1982 (United States - PG), December 9, 1982 (United Kingdom - U), December 9, 1982 (Germany - 6), December 1, 1982 (France - TP), May 9, 1986 (India), March 28, 2002 (New Zealand), November 26, 1982 (Australia - G), December 25, 1982 (Brazil - L), March 28, 2002 (Mexico - B-15), December 7, 1982 (Italy), December 6, 1982 (Spain - APTA), June 23, 1984 (South Korea - All), November 26, 1982 (Nigeria)
- Alternative Titles: E.T. (JP), 이티 (KR), E.T. en Zijn Avontuur op Aarde (NL), E.T. (US), ET എക്സ്ട്രാ-ടെറസ്ട്രിയൽ (IN), אי טי (IL), ET外星人 (CN), Извънземното (BG)
- Production Companies: Universal Pictures, Amblin Entertainment
- Production Countries: United States of America
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial - Plot
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.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and experience the magic of Spielberg's extraordinary adventure:
He is afraid. He is totally alone. He is 3,000,000 light years from home.
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E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Steven Spielberg
Main Cast
- Henry Thomas
- Drew Barrymore
- Robert MacNaughton
- Peter Coyote
- Dee Wallace
- Erika Eleniak
- K.C. Martel
- C. Thomas Howell
- Sean Frye
- David M. O'Dell
Writers
- Melissa Mathison
Producers
- Kathleen Kennedy
- Steven Spielberg
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial - FAQs
Where can you watch E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial?
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It is also available with ads on The Roku Channel. Check JustWatch for the most current streaming options in your region.
Is E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial based on a true story?
No, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is not based on a true story. However, director Steven Spielberg drew on deeply personal experiences — the film was inspired partly by an imaginary friend he invented as a child to cope with his parents' divorce, giving the story genuine emotional authenticity.
Who are the main actors in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial?
The film stars Henry Thomas as Elliott, Drew Barrymore as his little sister Gertie, Robert MacNaughton as older brother Michael, Dee Wallace as their mother Mary, and Peter Coyote as the government agent known as Keys. The cast was largely composed of young, relatively unknown performers at the time.
What is E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial about?
A gentle alien accidentally left behind on Earth is discovered and sheltered by 10-year-old Elliott. As a government task force closes in, Elliott and his siblings forge a profound bond with their extraterrestrial friend and race to help him return home. Critics widely regard it as one of cinema's most emotionally resonant films.
What is the age rating for E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial?
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is rated PG in the United States. While the film is a beloved family adventure, it contains some mild peril and emotionally intense scenes — particularly near the film's climax — that may be upsetting for very young children.
Did E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial win any awards?
Yes. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial won four Academy Awards at the 1983 Oscars, including Best Original Score for John Williams, Best Sound, Best Sound Editing, and Best Visual Effects. It was also nominated for Best Picture and Best Director, among other categories, and swept numerous other industry awards.
How long is E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial?
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial has a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes (115 minutes). The film's pacing moves from wonder-filled discovery through escalating tension to its iconic, emotionally charged farewell sequence, making the runtime feel both immersive and perfectly calibrated.
What does the ending of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial mean?
The ending, in which E.T. departs on his spacecraft after telling Elliott 'I'll always be right here,' is widely interpreted as a meditation on loss, love, and letting go. Spielberg intended it as an emotional parallel to childhood's end — the bittersweet acceptance that some connections transcend physical presence.
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