Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

E.T. is objectively one of the most important family films ever made—it's tender, imaginative, and emotionally rich. The themes of empathy, friendship, and protecting the vulnerable are timeless and genuinely valuable.

BUT. And this is a big but. It's 1982. The pacing is glacial by today's standards. The special effects that wowed audiences 40+ years ago look like a rubber puppet to kids raised on Guardians of the Galaxy. The long, quiet scenes that built emotional resonance for Gen X will have Gen Alpha asking "when does something happen?"

If you have a patient, emotionally mature kid who can appreciate slower storytelling, this is still a beautiful watch. If your kid needs constant stimulation or gets scared easily, this will either bore or traumatize them (or both). The government chase and E.T.'s near-death are legitimately intense.

It's a film worth showing for cultural literacy and genuine heart, but set expectations: this is a museum piece that requires engagement, not a Marvel movie.

Age Fit

Best for ages 8-12 who can handle emotional intensity and slower storytelling. Younger kids may find it scary or boring; teens will likely find it dated unless they're into film history.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

88

Models profound themes of friendship, empathy, and loyalty across species. Elliott and his siblings demonstrate cooperation, compassion, and courage in protecting E.T. The family dynamics show realistic sibling relationships and a single-parent household navigating challenges. Emotional tone is tender and age-appropriate, though some scary government chase sequences create tension. Pacing is deliberate by 1982 standards, which may feel slow to modern viewers.

Imaginative

92

Groundbreaking sci-fi concept that sparked decades of alien-friendship stories. The idea of a child befriending and hiding an extraterrestrial is inherently imaginative and has inspired countless creative works. E.T.'s abilities (glowing finger, telepathic connection, making bikes fly) invite wonder. The film encourages viewers to imagine life beyond Earth and consider how we'd respond to the unknown with curiosity rather than fear.

Safe

72

Generally safe for family viewing but contains several potentially frightening elements: government agents in hazmat suits invading the home, E.T. appearing dead/dying (intense emotional scenes), Elliott's drunken behavior when psychically linked to E.T., and chase sequences with armed authorities. Brief mild language. No gore, nudity, or graphic violence, but the medical/quarantine scenes and E.T.'s near-death can be genuinely scary for sensitive younger children. Not 'surprise' content per se—it's a known classic—but emotionally heavy.

Enriching

85

Explores themes of empathy, acceptance of difference, loss, and saying goodbye. Shows children taking moral stands against authority when protecting a vulnerable being. Encourages discussions about loneliness, belonging, and what it means to help someone find home. The telepathic bond demonstrates deep emotional connection. Culturally significant film that shaped a generation's view of sci-fi and storytelling. However, entertainment value has diminished due to slow pacing and dated special effects.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Teaches profound empathy and compassion for beings who are different—E.T. is vulnerable, scared, and just wants to go home
Shows kids standing up for what's right even when adults (and the government) are wrong
The emotional bond between Elliott and E.T. demonstrates deep friendship and the pain of saying goodbye to someone you love
Culturally iconic—the bike-flying-across-the-moon scene is part of cinema history
Explores complex themes like loneliness, belonging, and chosen family in accessible ways

⚠

What to Watch For

The government invasion/quarantine scenes are genuinely scary—hazmat suits, medical equipment, and armed agents can frighten younger or sensitive kids
E.T.'s near-death sequence is emotionally devastating and may require comfort/discussion
Elliott gets drunk (via psychic link) in a scene played for laughs but might confuse younger viewers
Pacing is SLOW by 2025 standards—lots of quiet moments, long scenes, minimal action. Many modern kids will struggle to stay engaged
Special effects are charming-vintage to adults, potentially fake-looking and boring to kids raised on Marvel

Conversation Starters

"If you found an alien in your backyard, what would you do? Would you tell anyone?"
"Why do you think the government wanted to capture E.T.? Were they the bad guys, or just scared?"
"Elliott had to say goodbye to his best friend. Have you ever had to say goodbye to someone important?"
"What would it feel like to be E.T.—stuck on a strange planet where you don't belong?"
"The kids lied to their mom to protect E.T. When is it okay to break rules to help someone?"

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E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial