Celebrating 40 years of E.T. - Our Favourite memorable moments!

Can you believe that it's been 40 years since E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial first landed in cinemas and in the hearts of generations of audiences?!

Whether you first saw it at the cinema, on VHS tape, DVD, TV or on a streaming service, E.T certainly hasn't lost its magic after all these years. I'm sure you can agree, it's one of the most beloved science fiction movies ever. Whether someone has seen it or not, everybody at least knows who E.T is.

E.T is such an iconic movie that it's still remembered, talked about and celebrated 40 years on. It still remains a cinematic classic and is one of the most popular and highest-grossing movies of all time. Pretty impressive right? It's also still the ultimate family film.

Now we have all lived to see movies become hits but E.T wasn't just a "big" movie, it was a phenomenon. By the end of its cinema run (which lasted a whole year), the movie had grossed $619 million worldwide and ranked up $1 billion on E.T merchandise, ranging from action figures and duvet covers to backpacks and lunchboxes.

For many people (like us), watching E.T was a staple of our childhood and can still remember the experience of watching the movie for the first time. 

And when you really think about it, it's such a simply story. Kid finds alien, kid gets alien back home. With such a simple storyline, E.T. captures so much about being a child and the possibilities you feel at such a young age.

To celebrate 40 years of everyone's favourite alien and in celebration of its milestone anniversary, we wanted to share with you some of favourite moments.

From Elliott and his buddy riding a BMX across the face of a full moon to "E.T. phone home", here are some of our favourite memorable moments from the ICONIC movie that is E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial.

The bond between Elliott and E.T.

What kid wouldn't want to create a beautiful bond with an extra terrestrial? We love an unlikely friendship and Elliott and E.T are exactly that. Who would've thought that their souls would be so similar? With them both pining for the home that they have lost, E.T. for his physical home and Elliott for his emotional home that was damaged by his dad's departure. They both become committed to helping each other find their way back home. They understand each other in a personal and unique way. Watching their friendship blossom throughout the movie will always be a stand out moment for us.

"E.T. phone home"

From dressing up E.T as a woman to the cuteness of Drew Barrymore's character, this scene has to be included as one of our favourites! It also includes one of the most famous quotes in cinematic history. With his famous plea to contact his people, the babbling alien managed to make history with one of the most iconic lines in movie history... "E.T. phone home...!"

E.T's moon cycle

The scene of Elliott and his pals escaping the government officials with E.T in the basket of his bike will forever be one of our favourite movie moments ever. I'm sure you can agree with us when we say that you can't not think about this scene when thinking about E.T. This scene is THAT iconic that it's even been named the most memorable scene ever.

Reese's Pieces

We absolutely loved when the kids used Reese's Pieces to lure E.T to them. Who knew Reese's Pieces would make a great ice breaker?! With the film being such a success, the brand saw a huge surge in sales for months to come, which doesn't surprise us in the slightest. 

E.T. "meets" Yoda

As huge Star Wars fans, we absolutely love this encounter. When E.T is walking down the street with Elliott he sees a kid dressed as Yoda and appears to recognise him and starts yelling "Home" repeatedly and tries to follow him. Did you know that the Star Wars crossover was on purpose too?! It was done as an inside joke between Spielberg and his friend/fellow director George Lucas!

E.T playing dress up 

And the winner for the best dressed in this movie goes to...

Only Gertie could get away with dressing E.T up as a woman! 40 years on and we still can't unsee E.T in a dress, hat, and a blonde wig! 

Even though it has been 40 years since its release, E.T. will always remain one of the greatest movies of all time and will forever be known as a movie filled with so much magic and heart.

What is your most memorable moment from the movie? Let us know in the comments below!