E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

Synopsis of Movie

The children’s sci-fi fantasy that captured the hearts of the world. More than a movie, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial became a cultural phenomenon, a must-see on the grade school set that blossomed into a global hit.

At the start of the film, a group of extra-terrestrial botanists make a visit to earth, accidentally leaving behind one of their party. The E.T. makes its way to the home of ten-year-old Elliot, the middle child in a single parent home. Fearful at first, Elliot befriends the stranded visitor, luring him back to the family home with a trail of Reese’s Pieces.

The boy adopts the alien as his personal playmate, eventually letting older brother Michael and kid sister Gertie in on the secret. As E.T. adjusts to his new surroundings (learning English, sampling Earth brew), he and Elliot develop a symbiotic relationship, feeling each other’s pain and emotions. And when E.T. gets homesick (literally), the two work together to contact E.T.’s planet, avoid the suspicious government officials looking for E.T., and ride off into the sunset (again literally).

Filled with magic, wonder and unapologetic sentimentality, E.T. became the top-grossing film to that date, winning audiences back for second, third and tenth viewings. Featuring confident, natural performances from the young leads, the film won Oscars for its sound, special effects, sound effects editing and John Williams’ stirring score.

In 2002, E.T. got a digital facelift and a few restored scenes for a 20th Anniversary theatrical release, introducing a new generation of kids to the big-eyed alien with the glowing heart.

Movie Release History

1982 - E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

Movie Sub Categories

live-action
sci-fi/fantasy
drama

Movie Studio

Universal

Cast

Mary Dee Wallace-Stone
Elliott Henry Thomas
Keys Peter Coyote
Michael Robert MacNaughton
Gertie Drew Barrymore
Greg K.C. Martel
Steve Sean Frye
Tyler C. Thomas Howell
Pretty Girl Erika Eleniak
Schoolboy David M. O'Dell
Science Teacher Richard Swingler
Policeman Frank Toth
Ultra Sound Man Robert Barton
Van Man Michael Durrell
Medic David Berkson

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