Dickens & Rumi
Cover of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

film

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

1982

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.

Ages 8+Source checked

Why this age? Most children can follow its friendship and adventure, but frightening pursuit, quarantine, a weakened alien, temporary death, separation, and emotionally intense farewell scenes may distress younger viewers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age8+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character3/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Alcohol or drugs2/5

Strongest positives

  • Kindness & empathy5/5
  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising2/5
Why this rating?

Reese's Pieces are prominently used to lure E.T.; brand-name food appears, but the film is not primarily a sales message.

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

E.T. appears to die, prompting grief and a goodbye, but is revived; the emotional treatment is intense rather than graphic.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Brief scene of a bloody cut on a finger being healed, but not graphic.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild swearing and name-calling typical of school-aged children.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Spiritual and resurrection-like parallels are present thematically, but explicit religious practice is not central to the story.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

There is a brief child kiss and a movie-kiss imitation; romance is incidental, not a major storyline.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

The stranded alien, nighttime encounters, government agents, quarantine, pursuit, and a visibly weakened E.T. can be frightening.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Very minor instances, such as a child mimicking a kissing scene from a film.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

E.T. drinks beer, and Elliott becomes intoxicated through their shared connection; this is comic and not presented as a model behavior.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Pursuit, capture, roadblocks, and escape create peril; violence is limited and largely fantastical or off-screen.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Children face fear, separation, authorities, and danger to help E.T.; their bravery is grounded in loyalty and compassion.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Imaginative alien friendship, telekinesis, communication across worlds, improvised inventions, and inventive escapes strongly encourage imagination.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

A single mother and an empathetically portrayed alien outsider broaden the story, but the human cast has limited representation of varied backgrounds and identities.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

The film may spark interest in space, biology, communication, and science, but teaching factual knowledge is not its main purpose.

Kindness & empathy5/5
Why this rating?

Kindness and empathy are the core driving forces of the narrative.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong messages support empathy, friendship, protecting vulnerable beings, courage, family care, and respecting someone who is different.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

The children show loyalty, ingenuity, empathy, and courage, though they also hide E.T., deceive adults, and take risky actions.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. Where did a character show kindness or empathy, and what changed because of it?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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