7.9
Where can I stream E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial legally?
You can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
1982·Movie
·1h 55min·PG·
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial fingerprint
Stunning style, big heart.
Energy
Spectacular
- Spectacle7
- Tension6
- Fast Pace6
Heart
Nostalgic and awe-inspiring
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Nostalgia10
- Wonder10
- Wholesome9
Humor
Some situational comedy and sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Situational Comedy6
- Wit & Wordplay5
- Physical Comedy4
World
The future, family, and pop culture
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion9
- Rewatchability9
- Novelty8
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
- Direction10
- Acting9
- Narrative Structure9
Style
Standout score, cinematography, and editing
- Music Composition10
- Cinematography9
- Music Centrality9
Energy
MediumSpectacular
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is spectacular.
All energy traits
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Uncanny6Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
Heart
HighNostalgic and awe-inspiring
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's nostalgic, awe-inspiring, and heartwarming. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia10Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder10Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome9Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness9Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Melancholy4Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
MediumSome situational comedy and sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some situational comedy and sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Situational Comedy6Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Physical Comedy4Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Wholesome9Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighThe future, family, and pop culture
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around the future, family, and pop culture. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability9Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity1Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Futuristic8Speculative tech and future worlds.
- Pop Culture8References and cultural commentary.
- Tech & Humanity7Human stories in a tech world.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction10Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure9Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity4Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
Very highStandout score, cinematography, and editing
Look and sound: the score, cinematography, and editing stand out.
All style traits
- Music Composition10Score and musical identity.
- Cinematography9Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Centrality9The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightParty VibeIntergenerationalKidsPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchPure EscapismThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
He is afraid. He is totally alone. He is 3,000,000 light years from home.
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.
Heartwarming Sci-Fi ClassicChildlike WonderIconic John Williams ScoreEmotional BondingSuburban AmericanaMagical RealismNostalgic 80s CinemaFriendship Across WorldsCinematic Masterpiece
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial worth watching?
86
ExcellentGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 86/100 (IMDb 7.9, Rotten Tomatoes 99%, and Metacritic 92). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial rated?
PGDisturbing imagery
It's rated PG in the United States. Content advisories: disturbing imagery.
How long is E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial?
1 h 55 min
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial runs 1 h 55 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial?
Critics96
Audiences78
Not quite. Critics rate E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial higher (96) than audiences (78). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial a box office hit?
Budget$11 million
Box office$797 million
Yes, a big one. It cost about $11 million to make and earned $797 million worldwide, 75.9 times its budget.
What language is E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial?
138
+124
+124GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in 138 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial use?
Halloween EpisodeVan in BlackSwiss-Cheese SecurityFamilial ChidingThe Big Damn KissIn Space, Everyone Can See Your FaceShout-OutKids Driving CarsLonging LookBatman in My BasementNeedle in a Stack of NeedlesShipper on Deckand 125 more
TV Tropes lists 137 storytelling tropes for E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, including Halloween Episode, Van in Black, Swiss-Cheese Security.