Released in 1982, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is one of the most beloved films in the history of American cinema.

Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film tells the story of an extraordinary friendship between a young boy and a stranded alien visitor.

A story about loneliness, family, friendship and the desire to find a place where you belong, E.T. became a worldwide phenomenon and remains one of the most emotionally powerful films ever made.

At Lynn’s American Diner, E.T. represents something timeless:

The importance of connection.

The importance of kindness.

And the belief that every person deserves somewhere to feel at home.

Quick Facts

Release Date: June 11, 1982

Director: Steven Spielberg

Written By: Melissa Mathison

Produced By:

Steven Spielberg

Kathleen Kennedy

Starring:

Henry Thomas

Drew Barrymore

Dee Wallace

Peter Coyote

Music By: John Williams

Genre: Science Fiction / Family / Adventure

Running Time: 115 minutes

Studio: Universal Pictures

Story

E.T. follows Elliott, a lonely young boy living in California who discovers an alien creature left behind on Earth.

After finding E.T. hiding in his family's garden, Elliott forms an incredible bond with him.

Together, they create a secret friendship while trying to help E.T. return home.

The story explores:

Friendship

Family

Childhood imagination

Courage

Belonging

Steven Spielberg

The Director Who Captured Childhood Wonder

Steven Spielberg is one of the most influential filmmakers in cinema history.

His career includes some of the greatest films ever made, including:

Jaws (1975)

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Jurassic Park (1993)

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Spielberg became famous for combining spectacular filmmaking with deeply emotional human stories.

E.T. and Spielberg’s Vision

Unlike many science fiction films that focus on danger or conflict, Spielberg created a story about compassion.

The alien is not a monster.

He is a vulnerable character searching for friendship and a way home.

Spielberg turned a science fiction idea into a deeply human story.

Henry Thomas as Elliott

Henry Thomas delivered one of the most memorable child performances in film history as Elliott.

His portrayal of a lonely boy who discovers friendship with E.T. created an emotional connection with audiences around the world.

The famous audition scene, where Thomas performed opposite Spielberg, became legendary.

Drew Barrymore as Gertie

Drew Barrymore made her breakthrough performance as Gertie, Elliott’s younger sister.

Her natural charm and humour made her one of the most memorable child actors of the era.

She would later become one of Hollywood’s most successful actresses and producers.

The Bicycle Scene

The image of Elliott and E.T. flying across the moon on a bicycle became one of the most iconic images in cinema history.

It represents:

Freedom

Imagination

Adventure

The magic of childhood

The scene became the symbol of Spielberg’s ability to make audiences believe anything is possible.

John Williams’ Legendary Music

The emotional power of E.T. was amplified by the unforgettable score created by John Williams.

Williams is one of the greatest film composers in history, creating music for:

Star Wars

Jaws

Indiana Jones

Jurassic Park

His music became one of the defining elements of Spielberg’s films.

E.T. and American Family Life

One of the reasons E.T. remains so loved is because it feels real.

The film captures:

Suburban America

Family relationships

Childhood friendships

The excitement of discovering something extraordinary

It shows that even the biggest adventures can happen in ordinary places.

The 1980s Golden Age of American Cinema

E.T. was released during one of the most successful periods in American filmmaking.

The 1980s produced many films that became cultural landmarks:

Back to the Future

The Blues Brothers

Indiana Jones

Ghostbusters

This era combined imagination, technology and unforgettable characters.

A Connection to Lynn’s American Diner

At its heart, E.T. is about belonging.

A diner has always been more than a place to eat.

It is somewhere people meet.

Somewhere friendships begin.

Somewhere memories are created.

That idea connects directly with the spirit of Lynn’s American Diner.

Cultural Impact

E.T. became a global cultural phenomenon.

It influenced:

Filmmaking

Special effects

Family entertainment

Popular culture

The film remains loved by audiences of all ages because its message is universal.

Why We Love E.T.

Some films impress us.

Some films entertain us.

A rare few touch us.

E.T. is one of those films.

It reminds us that friendship can come from the most unexpected places.

E.T. at Lynn’s American Diner

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial belongs in the Lynn’s American Diner Movie Archive because it celebrates:

🌎 Connection

🚲 Adventure

❤️ Friendship

👨‍👩‍👧 Family

🎬 Great storytelling

It represents the idea that everyone is searching for somewhere they belong.

Related Archive Pages

Steven Spielberg

John Williams

Henry Thomas

Drew Barrymore

Jaws (1975)

Indiana Jones

Back to the Future (1985)

The Blues Brothers (1980)

George Lucas

Universal Pictures

1980s American Cinema

Did You Know?

Steven Spielberg based parts of the story on feelings of loneliness he experienced as a child.

The voice of E.T. was created using a combination of several performers.

Drew Barrymore was only six years old during filming.

The film became one of the highest-grossing movies of all time.

John Williams won an Academy Award for his score.

Lynn’s American Diner Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 10/10

Why It’s On Our Wall

The greatest stories are not always about the biggest events.

Sometimes they are about the smallest moments:

A friendship.

A connection.

A place that feels like home.

E.T. reminds us that kindness and belonging are universal.

That is why E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial earns its place in the Lynn’s American Diner Movie Archive.

"Home is not always where you are from. Sometimes it is where you are understood."

The Lynn’s American Diner Movie Archive celebrates the films, filmmakers and stories that continue to define the rich history of American culture.