Verdict:E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 7.5/10, it has delivered a compelling experience for fans of the Science Fiction, Adventure, Family, Fantasy genre.
Answer: Yes, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Science Fiction movies.
It features a runtime of 115 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Last updated: January 10, 2026
Released in 1982, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial enters the Science Fiction genre with a narrative focused on An alien is left behind on Earth and saved by the 10-year-old Elliott who decides to keep him hidden in his home. Under the direction of Steven Spielberg, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
The film is anchored by performances from Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Robert MacNaughton. The chemistry between the leads drives the emotional core of the movie, making the stakes feel genuine.
From a technical standpoint, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Beyond the narrative, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial resonates with current cultural themes in the Science Fiction space. It effectively mirrors local sentiment while maintaining a global appeal, a rare feat in recent releases.
As of January 2026, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.
The plot of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial centers on a unique premise within the Science Fiction landscape. 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. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1982 cinema will find satisfying and robust.
The ending of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the triumph of the protagonist over internal conflicts. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final verdict for E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982): with an audience rating of 7.5/10, the reception has been generally positive. It is a must-watch for fans of Science Fiction, Adventure, Family, Fantasy cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $10,500,000 |
| Worldwide Gross | $797,307,407 |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The estimated production budget for E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is $10,500,000. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.5/10, and global collection metrics, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1982 cinematic year.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.5/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Science Fiction, Adventure, Family movies.
Yes, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Science Fiction, Adventure, Family cinema.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a Science Fiction, Adventure, Family movie that 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 ext...
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.5/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Science Fiction, Adventure, Family movies.
Yes, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Science Fiction, Adventure, Family cinema.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a Science Fiction, Adventure, Family movie that 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 ext...
Yes, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is suitable for family viewing as it falls under the Science Fiction, Adventure, Family genre.
You can find streaming options and availability for E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.
The runtime and duration of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
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. Some of the animatronics are definitely dated, but it's weird seeing these older movies with kids so used to everything being CGI... Even my 7th grader said that some scenes seemed really realistic, which surprised me.
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. appeals to every member of the family, from the joyous set ups as E.T. stumbles around middle America suburbia, to the doses of magic so gleefully constructed by Spielberg's inner child. Those wishing to scratch away at the surface (and there are many who have previously) will find Spielberg affecting his picture with divorce subtexts (his parents divorce was known to upset him deeply), whilst the government "villains" show an astute aside to paranoia of the times and suspicions of political operatives. Dee Wallace, Henry Thomas, Robert MacNaughton, Drew Barrymore and Peter Coyote star. The score, now famous and likely to bring about goose bumps with at the opening bars, is from John Williams, with cinematography coming from Allen Daviau. Shown in the main from a child's perspective, the film is still a wonder that charms and informs on repeat viewings. So much so that as it approaches its 40th birthday, its longevity and all encompassing appeal shows no sign of abating. Something that Spielberg and his crew can rightly feel very proud about. 9/10
**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. So, watch this movie immediately if you haven't seen it or put this movie in your watchlist and see it ASAP!!!
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. Gradually the rest of his family are introduced, and they try to figure out how to get him home. Can they succeed before the ever vigilant authorities cotton on? This is just one of these films that is genuinely timeless. It's a love story, a sci-fi adventure, a tale of family, longing and loyalty - all set to superb John Williams score. The chase on the bikes is the stuff of cinema legend, as is "phone home" and the sight of the little creature all dragged-up. The acting from the human youngsters is great, with Drew Barrymore's ("Gertie") and Robert MacNaughton as their elder brother ("Michael") all contributing well to a charming story that even now, 40 years later, is still one of the best cinema has to offer. It works OK on telly, but for best effect seek it out on a big screen - it's still well worth that.