E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

Year: 1982

Runtime: 115 min

Language: English

Director: Steven Spielberg

AdventureSci-FiDramaFantasyFamily

A lonely boy named Elliott discovers an extraterrestrial stranded on Earth. They form a heartwarming friendship, and Elliott, along with his siblings, works to hide the alien from government agents determined to capture it. Elliott embarks on a perilous journey to help E.T. contact his home planet and ensure his safe return, learning the true meaning of friendship and courage along the way.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Explore the full timeline and setting of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The time period is modern-day, reflecting the late 20th century when the film was released. This era was characterized by a growing fascination with science fiction, technology, and the exploration of space, which is central to the film's storyline involving an extra-terrestrial being. The suburban setting adds to the relatability of the narrative, grounding the fantastical elements in a familiar environment.

Location

Suburban Neighborhood, Forest

The movie is set in a serene forest that borders a vast suburban neighborhood, showcasing a blend of nature and human habitation. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife and provides a hidden escape for the characters, while the suburban neighborhood represents the everyday life and challenges faced by its residents. This juxtaposition serves as a backdrop for the extraordinary events that unfold.

🌲 Forest 🏘️ Suburb

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:07

Main Characters – E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Meet the key characters of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Elliot (Henry Thomas)

Elliot is a young boy who discovers E.T. and becomes his closest friend and protector. He is curious, imaginative, and empathetic, which allows him to connect with the alien on a deep emotional level. Throughout the film, Elliot learns important lessons about love, loss, and the value of friendship as he fights to keep E.T. safe.

👦 Boy 🌟 Empathy

Gertie (Drew Barrymore)

Gertie is Elliot's younger sister, known for her innocent charm and loving nature. She quickly becomes fond of E.T. and showcases her caring side by nurturing the alien and helping keep him hidden. Gertie's playful spirit adds a light-hearted element to the film, contrasting with the more serious themes at play.

👧 Girl 🎈 Innocence

E.T. (Peter Coyote)

E.T. is the gentle alien protagonist who is stranded on Earth. With abilities that defy human understanding, he embodies themes of wonder and exploration. E.T. communicates through emotional connection, illustrating the struggle of being an outsider while also reflecting hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

👽 Alien 🌌 Otherworldly

Michael (Unnamed Actor)

Michael is Elliot's older brother, who initially struggles to believe in his brother's extraordinary tale. As the story progresses, he becomes more understanding and supportive, working alongside Elliot to help E.T. Their sibling bond highlights themes of loyalty and family unity amidst chaos.

👨 Brother 🤝 Supportive

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:07

Major Themes – E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Explore the central themes of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌌 Friendship

The theme of friendship is at the heart of the story, emphasizing the bond formed between Elliot and E.T. Despite their differences, they develop a deep connection that transcends species. Their relationship showcases the importance of empathy, companionship, and the willingness to help one another, regardless of the challenges faced.

🚀 Isolation

Isolation is a significant theme explored through E.T.'s longing to return home and Elliot's feelings of being misunderstood by his family. E.T.'s predicament highlights the loneliness of being different and far from one's home, while Elliot's struggle with his family dynamics reflects the emotional isolation experienced during childhood. Together, they find solace in each other.

💔 Love and Sacrifice

The theme of love and sacrifice is poignantly illustrated through Elliot's journey with E.T. As he risks everything to help the alien return home, Elliot learns the true meaning of love, not just in terms of companionship but also in selflessness. The emotional farewell at the end underscores the sacrifices made for those we care about.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:07

Unlock the Full Story of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

Don't stop at just watching — explore E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Summary

Read a complete plot summary of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Summary

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Timeline

Track the full timeline of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Timeline

More About E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

Similar Movies to E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

Discover movies like E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.