Top 25 Outdoor Movie: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a classic for the whole family and community—one that brings back old memories and creates new ones (even for those who weren’t around in the ’80s). The triple-Oscar-winning film was directed by Steven Spielberg, and on release it surpassed Star Wars as the most financially successful film up to that point (1982).

A Rotten Tomatoes survey even ranked it among the greatest science-fiction films ever made. Awards aside, it’s a truly spectacular movie and a wonderful pick for your next outdoor movie event.

Set in California, the movie follows a young boy, Elliott (Henry Thomas), who discovers E.T. after the alien is left behind by his fellow botanists when they flee government officials. Elliott famously lures E.T. home with Reese’s Pieces and hides him with the aid of his little sister, Gertie (the debut of Drew Barrymore). The film brilliantly captures Elliott and E.T.’s journey of discovery and adventure—a classic the whole family will enjoy.

Has anyone shown E.T. as an outdoor movie? Tell us your story—we’d love to share it with the rest of the Open Air community.