It was 43 years ago today, on June 11th, 1982, that young Elliot discovered something extraordinary in the shed out back. Steven Spielberg captured the world’s hearts and imagination with the release of E.T.: The Extraterrestrial in theaters. With its original release, it set box office records, hitting 359 million domestically. Everyone was watching the movie! You may even have had older siblings who would tease you with an E.T. doll because you were young and scared of the unearthly creature. But luckily for you, Mom stepped in and hid the doll, but I digress. Other than that scared little kid, Elliot and his newly found friend stole the hearts of millions.

E.T. Hits Audience With All the Feels

Steven Spielberg knew exactly what he was doing when directing this blockbuster hit. The wide reach of this film allowed audiences to laugh, cry, and experience everything in between. Young Elliot, played by Henry Thomas, discovers a unique being in his shed in the backyard one evening. After enticing the creature out of the shed with the peanut butter goodness of some Reese’s Pieces, Elliot finds out that we are not alone in the Universe.

E.T. is introduced to the world as a slightly ugly but kind of cute alien from outer space. Of course, Elliot tries to hide his new pal from his parents and siblings, but that doesn’t last long. We also get introduced to a young Drew Barrymore, who plays Elliot’s younger sister, Gertie. Gertie, who, originally, like me, was terrified of E.T. until she got to see his sweet, innocent side.

E.T. has plenty of fun while spending his time on Earth. Whether he was eating candy, checking out the guacamole in the fridge, or finishing off a six-pack, leaving him alone caused quite a bit of mischief. We discover that the bond between the child and the extraterrestrial is closer than we realize when Elliot begins to experience what his friend feels.

We then find out that E.T. must find his way back home before he becomes ill. The word gets out about the UFO landing and a possible lifeform. A group of scientists then invades the home, doing tests on the being and the little boy. They must find a plan to get E.T. home safe and sound.

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Accolades and Awards

At the time, this Steven Spielberg blockbuster was the highest-grossing movie of all time. The little non-green guy known as E.T. won the fight of the universe, surpassing Star Wars at the box office. Here are some of the accolades and awards that made it an instant classic:

• Nominated for nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Cinematography
• Won four Academy Awards, including Best Original Score, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound, and Best Sound Effects Editing
• Won the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Original Score
• Nominated for Global Globe Awards Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best New Star of the Year

Final Thoughts

No matter what it was, if it was playing on the Speak N’ Spell, hiding in the stuffed animals in the closet, pigging out in the fridge, or riding the bike across the moon, E.T. stole the hearts of millions. Not many movies stand the test of time, and this one remains a classic 43 years later. No matter what planet we’re from, we all get homesick from time to time.

The innocence of a child teaches us all a great lesson about helping others in need. I think I can also speak for all of us when I say; please don’t ever remake this classic movie. As I point to you with my glowing crooked finger and screech out, “Elliot,” we will always “phone home!”