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.

Adventure
Science Fiction
Family
115 minutes
Released

Bara says...

Ages 7+, but every child is different

The emotional intensity of the illness and separation themes, combined with tense government pursuit scenes, requires a level of emotional maturity typically found in early elementary-aged children. Younger viewers may find the depiction of a creature in distress or the threat to the children's safety distressing.

Content Safety Breakdown

Detailed breakdown of potentially concerning content

Sex & Nudity

0/5

There is no sexual content or nudity in this film, focusing entirely on themes of friendship and family.

Violence & Gore

2/5

The violence is limited to non-graphic scuffles and government officials conducting a high-stakes search, though some scenes involve guns pointed at children.

Profanity

2/5

The dialogue includes very mild language such as 'p*ss' (used once), 'h*ll' (used twice), and 'sh*t' (used twice), primarily by children in moments of frustration or surprise.

Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking

2/5

Adults are shown drinking beer at home and smoking cigarettes in several scenes, which was reflective of the time period the movie was released.

Frightening Scenes

3/5

The film features emotionally intense moments, including E.T. appearing to die and a high-stress medical sequence where he is hooked up to machines in a bubble, which can be very saddening for younger viewers.

Key Insights

Quick summary and important considerations

A story about the strong connection between friends who are very different from each other and how they help one another find home.

Content Warnings

Depiction of illness
Intense government pursuit
Emotional separation

Detailed Analysis

In-depth insights for parents and educators

What Parents Need to Know

Key concerns include intense scenes of a medical emergency and pursuit by government authorities, which may alarm sensitive viewers. The central premise revolves around keeping secrets from adults and dealing with complex emotions regarding family separation.

What Kids Can Learn

Children observe the value of keeping promises, the nuances of cross-cultural (or cross-planetary) understanding, and the importance of advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Key Topics Discussed

Interpersonal connection
Courage
Secrecy

Why Parents Might Like It

The film succeeds as a poignant exploration of childhood wonder and the bittersweet nature of letting go, while maintaining high production values and timeless storytelling.

Positives & Learning

What makes this content valuable for children

Positive Messages

5/5

The narrative emphasizes the power of empathy, the importance of protecting the vulnerable, and the depth of unconditional friendship that transcends appearance and origin.

Positive Role Models

5/5

Elliot and his siblings display remarkable courage, loyalty, and compassion; they consistently prioritize the well-being of their guest over their own fear or self-interest.

Diverse Representations

1/5

No significant diverse representation indicated in available information.

Educational Value

3/5

Promotes sophisticated social-emotional learning by exploring themes of grief, non-verbal communication, and the responsibility of caring for another living entity.

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