E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Kernel Score: 85% · 11,847 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Family, Fantasy
Released: 1982-06-11
Runtime: 115 minutes
Is E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial worth watching?
Must-watch. A gentle, wondrous story of a lonely boy who befriends a stranded alien. Spielberg tells it from a child's-eye view with real feeling. It is tender, funny and still moving.
Watch it if you
- love classic family adventure
- enjoy stories about friendship
- want a film that works for kids and adults
Skip it if you
- dislike sentimentality
- want fast action
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
- Stream: Philo, Starz
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
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 parents' guide: all ages
Parents need to know that E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a beloved PG family classic with mild peril and heartfelt themes.
- Violence & scariness: A little — Contains mild peril from government pursuit of the alien, typical of a PG family adventure.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
If you liked E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Flight of the Navigator (1986) — 76%: 1980s family adventure about a boy and a visitor from space.
- CJ7 (2008) — 83%: Sweet story of a boy and a strange creature.
- Jurassic Park (1993) — 94%: Spielberg's other sense-of-wonder adventure.
- Interstellar (2014) — 95%: Emotional space story about family and love.
- The Princess Bride (1987) — 85%: Classic family adventure with heart and humour.
- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) — 94%: Spielberg's rousing adventure with a father-son theme.
Director
Cast
- Henry Thomas as Elliott
- Drew Barrymore as Gertie
- Robert MacNaughton as Michael
- Peter Coyote as Keys
- Dee Wallace as Mary
- Erika Eleniak as Pretty Girl
- K.C. Martel as Greg
- C. Thomas Howell as Tyler
- Sean Frye as Steve
- David M. O'Dell as Schoolboy
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial FAQ
Is E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial worth watching?
Must-watch. A gentle, wondrous story of a lonely boy who befriends a stranded alien. Spielberg tells it from a child's-eye view with real feeling. It is tender, funny and still moving.
Where can I watch E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial?
In the US you can stream E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial on Philo and Starz and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial OK for kids?
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests all ages. Parents need to know that E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a beloved PG family classic with mild peril and heartfelt themes.
What movies are like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial?
If you liked E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, try Flight of the Navigator, CJ7, Jurassic Park and Interstellar.