On This Day: June 11, 1982 - E.T. the Extra Terrestrial Premieres in Theaters

Hey!

Welcome to We love the Eighties Community!

Thanks for visiting our 80s paradise. At We Love the Eighties we celebrate everything that made the 1980s unforgettable, from classic music and blockbuster movies to retro TV shows, vintage video games, pop culture icons, and bold fashion trends. Take a trip down memory lane with our Retro Rewind flashbacks, join in on nostalgic forum discussions, and share your favorite memories from the greatest decade ever. Guests can browse a few threads, but full access requires registration. Ready to relive the magic of the 80s? Sign up today and become part of our passionate eighties community.

Overview Discussion (2)

On This Day: June 11, 1982 - E.T. the Extra Terrestrial Premieres in Theaters
On this day June 11, 1982, E.T. the Extra Terrestrial premiered in theaters and forever changed the landscape of cinema. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film told the deeply emotional story of a stranded alien and the young boy who befriends him. Featuring standout performances from Dee Wallace, Peter Coyote, Henry Thomas, C. Thomas Howell, and a young Drew Barrymore, E.T. became more than just a movie—it became a cultural moment.

The story of E.T. captured audiences with its heartfelt themes of friendship, innocence, and longing for home. Supported by John Williams’ unforgettable score and Spielberg’s masterful direction, it resonated across generations and continents. E.T. the Extra Terrestrial went on to become the highest grossing film of the 1980s, bringing in over $700 million worldwide and holding the title of highest grossing film of all time until Jurassic Park in 1993.

Beyond the box office, E.T. influenced everything from toys and merchandise to Halloween costumes and schoolyard conversations. The image of a bicycle flying across the moon became an iconic symbol of movie magic. The film’s impact on pop culture is still felt today and remains a beloved classic that represents the emotional core of 80s storytelling.

80s insight: E.T. was written during the filming of Raiders of the Lost Ark by Melissa Mathison, who was Harrison Ford’s wife at the time.

Comments

There are no comments to display
Back
Top