E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, one of the most beloved films of all time, turns 30 today. This warm tale of friendship between a lonely boy and a lost extraterrestrial instantly became a universally appealing story line after its release on June 11, 1982, grossing $200 million during its first 66 days alone.
With his four famous syllables—”E.T. phone home”—the wrinkly, Reese’s Piece-loving alien captured our hearts. His wide-eyed innocence and quest to return home made E.T. the perfect hero. The shenanigans that ensue as he and Elliot outrun the authorities to safely return E.T. to his mother ship have made this movie an American classic.
Directed by Steven Spielberg, E.T. won four Academy Awards and held the record as the top-grossing film for 15 years. We can certainly understand why. Just look at that face!
When was the last time you saw “E.T. phone home”?
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