Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Spielberg's family classic is still one of the best.
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E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 90 parent reviews
Parents say that while the film is considered a classic, many express concern about the strong language, smoking, and drinking depicted, which they feel are inappropriate for younger viewers, particularly those under 10. Despite the mixed reviews on its suitability for children, the emotional depth, themes of friendship, and nostalgic appeal resonate well with many families who remember it fondly from their childhoods.
- strong language
- not for young kids
- emotional depth
- nostalgic classic
- parenting discussions
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 196 kid reviews
What's the Story?
In E.T.: THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL, a young boy named Elliott (Henry Thomas) discovers an extraterrestrial being who was left behind when his spaceship departed without him. After Elliott brings E.T. home, it becomes clear that the benevolent otherworldly creature can't survive in Earth's environment and must return to his home planet. While hiding E.T., Elliott develops a close friendship with the alien and a connection that binds them to each other. With the help of Elliott, his siblings, and their pals, E.T. sends a rescue message to his planet, but they must face government scientists who want to capture and study E.T. instead of allowing him to return home.
Is It Any Good?
This iconic film is a beautiful exploration of the unique friendship between Elliott and the little extraterrestrial. Although kids may no longer quote E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial or dress as E.T. for Halloween, the kind character remains one of the most recognizable creatures in movie history, and that's due to director Steven Spielberg's genius. Not only is the movie a fantastic sci-fi adventure with unforgettable images (the flying bicycle scene alone is worth watching), but it's also a touching family drama (a divorced mother trying to raise three kids without her ex's help; children who are wary of trusting adults).
The performances, especially from the kids -- Thomas, 6-year-old Drew Barrymore as Elliott's baby sister Gertie, and Robert Macnaughton as his older brother Michael -- are exceptional and genuine. Dee Wallace perfectly captures the frustration and chaos of single parenting, which in the early 1980s was an unconventional family structure to see in movies. John Williams' score soars, and the special effects are still dazzling, even if younger audiences are used to much slicker digital imagery.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way that the adults and the kids in E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial see things differently and have a hard time understanding one another's perspective. Why do Elliott and his siblings understand E.T. in a way the adults can't?
How does the movie portray parent-child relationships? Could Elliott have talked to his mother about E.T.? Is it OK to keep secrets from your parents when you're a child?
Compare E.T. to other movies featuring aliens. Why do you think aliens are usually portrayed as scary and dangerous rather than friendly?
How do the characters in E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial demonstrate communication, perseverance, and teamwork? What about compassion and empathy? Why are those important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 11, 1982
- On DVD or streaming : October 9, 2012
- Cast : Dee Wallace , Drew Barrymore , Henry Thomas
- Director : Steven Spielberg
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Bisexual Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 115 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and mild thematic elements
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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