The end of the month is almost here, and Netflix is set to lose a number great films when November gives way to December.
But among the Oscar-winning Netflix movies, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is the one you need to watch before it leaves in December 2025.
This 1982 sci-fi story was nominated for Best Picture and Best Director for Steven Spielberg at the Oscars. It didn’t win those two, but it took home four other Academy Awards.
Before E.T. phones home to another streamer, Watch With Us is sharing the reasons to watch it.
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E.T. Is a Very Convincing Alien
The vast majority of modern movies would have left the creation of E.T. to CGI artists. Some of those special effects artisans can do incredible work, but Spielberg didn’t have that technology on hand when he made this film. Instead, E.T. is a practical effects creation that was brought to life in numerous ways. Puppetry and animatronics were used to bring E.T.’s expressive face to life, and there were also performers in a suit whenever E.T. had to move or walk among the children.
In the camera, the blending of anamtronics and performers is so seamless that you’ll only really notice it if you actively look for the signs. The character of E.T. is so engrossing and believably alien that the audience buys into the illusion for the duration of the film. The late Pat Welsh provided the raspy voice for E.T., and that was the finishing touch the character needed.
‘E.T.’ Has Some of the Best Child Acting in Movie History
Spielberg struck gold when he cast Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore and Robert MacNaughton as the Taylor siblings. This movie could have withered and died with the wrong children in those roles, but all three of the young performers are engaging and believable.
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This is Thomas’ movie more than anyone else’s, since Elliott is the first human to befriend E.T. and form a bond with him. Of the three actors, it’s Barrymore who has gone on to a long career as an A-list star and talk show host. She’s very funny in the scenes where she has E.T. join her for a tea party, and yet she was also great at conveying deeper emotions when it was time to say goodbye. MacNaughton didn’t have a long career as an actor, but he was terrific as the oldest brother, Michael. Collectively, this trio carried the human side of the movie.
‘E.T.’ Is a Timeless Sci-Fi Story
Oscar voters may not have recognized that E.T. was the Best Movie of 1982, but we did. Over time, E.T.‘s reputation has only grown, and there aren’t many who remember Gandhi beat it for the big prize. Over 43 years later, E.T. is still the film that we’re talking about.
The video above features a moment from the movie that’s so iconic that Spielberg has adapted it as his logo for his Amblin Entertainment movies. Once this film gathers momentum, the story’s stakes rise exponentially as the Taylor siblings try to help E.T. contact his people and go home. There’s a sense of wonder and joy to the entire film that never completely goes away, even during the scenes that have some heavy emotional moments. It’s a masterpiece, and if you still haven’t seen it, now’s your chance.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is streaming on Netflix until December 1.
