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Summarize
How 'E.T.' became a landmark in cinema history
The making of 'E.T.' took careful planning and creative techniques

How 'E.T.' became a landmark in cinema history

Sep 10, 2025
04:17 pm

What's the story

For those unaware, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is an iconic 1982 American film directed by Steven Spielberg. It tells the story of a young boy who befriends an alien stuck on Earth. The film became a cultural phenomenon, enthralling viewers with its heartwarming story and stunning special effects. Its influence on cinema and pop culture still lingers, making it an integral part of film history.

#1

The making of 'E.T.'

The making of E.T. was no easy feat and involved some meticulous planning and innovative techniques. Spielberg worked with the screenwriter Melissa Mathison to create a script that balanced emotion and adventure perfectly. Special effects played an important role, with Carlo Rambaldi designing E.T.'s animatronic puppet, a revolutionary step at the time. The film's score, composed by John Williams, added depth to its emotional resonance.

#2

Box office success

E.T. was a remarkable box office success when it was released. It grossed upwards of $792 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing film at the time until it was dethroned by another Spielberg film years later. Its commercial success proved what the combination of storytelling and technological innovation can do to lure audiences around the world.

#3

Cultural impact

The cultural impact of E.T. went far beyond its box office achievements. It influenced countless filmmakers and inspired several forms of media, from video games to merchandise. The phrase E.T., phone home became iconic, a testament to how deeply rooted the movie became in popular culture.

#4

Legacy inthe  film industry

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial redefined the genre of family-oriented science fiction films, establishing a new benchmark for future cinema. It demonstrated how blending heartwarming narratives with the latest technological advancements could captivate audiences worldwide. Its enduring legacy is visible in contemporary filmmaking, where directors prioritize emotional engagement with the audience through both compelling storytelling and visual innovation, effectively drawing viewers into their cinematic worlds.