E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

An alien is left behind on Earth and saved by the 10-year-old Elliott who decides to keep him hidden in his home. While a task force hunts for the extra-terrestrial, Elliott, his brother, and his little sister Gertie form an emotional bond with their new friend, and try to help him find his way home.

One of the most universally praised films of its era, E.T. works simultaneously as science fiction, adventure, and an unusually honest portrait of childhood — critics noted that Spielberg's technical mastery was finally fully matched by emotional sincerity. Dissenting voices were rare, though not entirely absent: at least one prominent critic found the film's vision of childhood quietly subversive rather than heartwarming.