E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Movie • 1982

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.

Science Fiction
Adventure
Family
Fantasy
115 minutes
Released
8+

Suggested Age

Every child is different — this is guidance, not a rule.

This film's emotional depth and themes of loss and separation require a developmental maturity beyond younger children. Some suspenseful moments and mild peril are present, necessitating a slightly older audience.

Content Safety Breakdown

Detailed breakdown of potentially concerning content

Sex & Nudity

0/5

There is no sexual content, nudity, or suggestive themes in this film. The focus is entirely on friendship and adventure.

Violence & Gore

2/5

While there are scenes of conflict and mild peril as authorities try to capture E.T., there is no graphic violence or gore. The most intense moments involve medical procedures and the threat of separation, rather than physical harm.

Profanity

1/5

There is very infrequent mild language, with one instance of 'sh*t' used in frustration by a character. The overall language is clean and suitable for young audiences.

Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking

0/5

There are no depictions of alcohol, drug use, or smoking in this movie.

Frightening Scenes

3/5

Some scenes can be intense for younger children, particularly those involving the government agents' pursuit of E.T., medical examinations, and E.T.'s declining health. There are moments of suspense and sadness that might cause mild distress.

Key Insights

Quick summary and important considerations

A lonely boy finds a lost alien and helps him hide from grown-ups while trying to send him home. They become best friends, but it's a race against time!

Content Warnings

Alien peril
Separation anxiety
Mild peril

Detailed Analysis

In-depth insights for parents and educators

What Parents Need to Know

The film explores themes of abandonment and illness with a focus on emotional bonding. There is peril as authorities search for E.T., leading to some suspenseful sequences and a life-threatening situation for the alien. Violence is minimal and non-graphic.

What Kids Can Learn

Children can learn about empathy, the importance of protecting those who are different, and the universal need for connection and belonging. It also teaches about courage and facing difficult situations.

Key Topics Discussed

Interspecies friendship
Childhood loneliness
Government intrusion
Home and belonging

Why Parents Might Like It

This classic film offers a deeply emotional and nostalgic experience, celebrating themes of childhood wonder and the enduring power of friendship that resonates across generations.

Positives & Learning

What makes this content valuable for children

Positive Messages

4/5

Champions empathy, showcasing profound interspecies friendship and the importance of protecting vulnerable beings. It highlights bravery in the face of fear and the transformative power of kindness.

Positive Role Models

4/5

Elliot embodies fierce loyalty and compassion, demonstrating how children can act with courage and responsibility to protect a friend. His siblings also show teamwork and growing maturity.

Diverse Representations

1/5

No diverse representations indicated in available information.

Educational Value

3/5

Fosters social-emotional learning through themes of friendship, communication barriers, and understanding differences. It can spark curiosity about science and space.

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