E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
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Watch-outs
What this film brings
Content barometer
Violence
2/5
Moderate
Fear
2/5
A few scenes
Sexuality
1/5
Allusions
Language
1/5
Mild
Narrative complexity
2/5
Moderate
Adult themes
2/5
Present
Expert review
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a family science fiction adventure told very much from a child's point of view, with a warm sense of wonder but also several tense scenes and strong emotional weight. The main sensitive elements involve separation, pursuit by unsettling adults, the unusual look of the alien, and scenes where both E.T. and Elliott appear seriously weakened, which can make younger viewers fear death. The intensity is moderate and there is no graphic violence, yet some darker sequences last long enough to unsettle children under about 8, especially because the story builds a deep attachment before putting that bond under stress. There is also a brief alcohol related scene involving beer, plus a mild innocent kiss. For many children, this film is more sad and suspenseful than truly scary, so it usually works best from around age 8 with a parent ready to reassure and talk through the illness imagery, separation, and emotional stakes.
Synopsis
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.
Difficult scenes
The opening may already unsettle younger viewers. E.T. is alone at night, startled by adults searching for him in the forest, and the scene relies on fear, noise, and confusion rather than direct violence, which can create real tension for sensitive children. E.T.'s first appearance inside the house can be disturbing. His look is unusual, he appears in what should feel like a safe home space, and Elliott's startled reaction is likely to be shared by children who do not yet know whether the creature is friendly. In the middle part of the film, E.T. drinks beer at home while Elliott feels the effects through their bond. The scene is played somewhat comically, but it still shows alcohol consumption clearly and leads to odd behavior at school, so some parents may want to add context. The most sensitive section involves E.T. becoming very weak and Elliott sharing that distress. Several scenes show intense sadness, crying, a strong medical atmosphere, and a clear fear that a beloved character may die, which can be especially upsetting for children under about 8 or 9.
Where to watch
Availability checked on Apr 03, 2026
About this title
- Format
- Feature film
- Year
- 1982
- Runtime
- 1h 55m
- Countries
- United States of America
- Original language
- EN
- Directed by
- Steven Spielberg
- Main cast
- Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Robert MacNaughton, Peter Coyote, Dee Wallace, Erika Eleniak, K.C. Martel, C. Thomas Howell, Sean Frye, David M. O'Dell
- Studios
- Universal Pictures, Amblin Entertainment
Content barometer
Violence
2/5
Moderate
Fear
2/5
A few scenes
Sexuality
1/5
Allusions
Language
1/5
Mild
Narrative complexity
2/5
Moderate
Adult themes
2/5
Present
Expert review
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a family science fiction adventure told very much from a child's point of view, with a warm sense of wonder but also several tense scenes and strong emotional weight. The main sensitive elements involve separation, pursuit by unsettling adults, the unusual look of the alien, and scenes where both E.T. and Elliott appear seriously weakened, which can make younger viewers fear death. The intensity is moderate and there is no graphic violence, yet some darker sequences last long enough to unsettle children under about 8, especially because the story builds a deep attachment before putting that bond under stress. There is also a brief alcohol related scene involving beer, plus a mild innocent kiss. For many children, this film is more sad and suspenseful than truly scary, so it usually works best from around age 8 with a parent ready to reassure and talk through the illness imagery, separation, and emotional stakes.
Synopsis
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.
Difficult scenes
The opening may already unsettle younger viewers. E.T. is alone at night, startled by adults searching for him in the forest, and the scene relies on fear, noise, and confusion rather than direct violence, which can create real tension for sensitive children. E.T.'s first appearance inside the house can be disturbing. His look is unusual, he appears in what should feel like a safe home space, and Elliott's startled reaction is likely to be shared by children who do not yet know whether the creature is friendly. In the middle part of the film, E.T. drinks beer at home while Elliott feels the effects through their bond. The scene is played somewhat comically, but it still shows alcohol consumption clearly and leads to odd behavior at school, so some parents may want to add context. The most sensitive section involves E.T. becoming very weak and Elliott sharing that distress. Several scenes show intense sadness, crying, a strong medical atmosphere, and a clear fear that a beloved character may die, which can be especially upsetting for children under about 8 or 9.