What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedE.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Steven Spielberg · Film · 1982
If you loved E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, start with Stranger Things (Ross Duffer, 2016) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 2 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial across media.
What hooked you in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was the profound, tender bond between an ordinary child and a mysterious, otherworldly presence.
Books on the same thread
Ender's Game
Orson Scott Card · Book · 2013
Explores: Child Soldiers, Alien Invasion, Moral Ambiguity.
Much like the bond in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, this story centers on a young hero navigating the complexities of an alien encounter that changes their life forever.
The Little Prince
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry · Book · 1943
Explores: Friendship, Loss of innocence, Spiritual journey.
If the emotional intimacy of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial resonated with you, this tale offers a similarly poignant exploration of friendship and the innocence found in other worlds.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
J. K. Rowling · Book · 1997
Explores: Good vs. Evil, Orphanhood, Friendship.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial captured the wonder of a child discovering a hidden world, a theme that drives the heart and sense of belonging found in this story.
The Martian
Andy Weir · Book · 2015
Explores: Resourcefulness, Human Ingenuity, Isolation.
While E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial focused on an alien visitor, both stories share a deep commitment to the resourcefulness and ingenuity required when one is stranded far from home.
Series on the same thread
Stranger Things
Ross Duffer · Series · 2016
Explores: Government Experiments, Telekinesis, Monsters.
This series mirrors the government conspiracies and suburban mystery that defined the atmosphere of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, centering on children protecting an otherworldly visitor from dark forces.
ALF
Paul Fusco · Series · 1986
Explores: Alien Integration, Culture Clash, Secret Identity.
This comedy highlights the domestic challenges of housing an alien guest, echoing the secret living arrangements and family dynamics that made E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial so memorable and fun.
Podcasts on the same thread
Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend
Team Coco & Earwolf · Podcast · 2026
Explores: parasocial relationships, professional intimacy, self-deprecating humor.
The core of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is the search for a true, lasting connection; this podcast explores that same human yearning for authentic friendship in a modern world.
The Truth
The Truth · Podcast · 2026
Explores: human condition, experimental storytelling, moral ambiguity.
Like the cinematic wonder of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, these audio dramas deliver short, immersive stories that capture the same sense of curiosity and imaginative exploration of humanity.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial a movie about an alien stranded on Earth?
Yes, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a 1982 film directed by Steven Spielberg that centers on an alien stranded on Earth. The plot follows a young boy who befriends the visitor and works to help him return to his home planet while avoiding government agents.
What is the main conflict in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial?
The primary conflict in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial involves a young boy attempting to help a stranded alien return home. Throughout this process, they must successfully evade government agents who are actively searching for the visitor after he is left behind on Earth.
Who directed E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial?
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was directed by Steven Spielberg. Released in 1982, the film tells the story of a young boy who forms a bond with an alien stranded on Earth and assists him in his journey to return home while evading government agents.
When was E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial released?
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was released in 1982. This film, directed by Steven Spielberg, depicts the journey of a young boy who befriends an alien stranded on Earth and helps him return home while hiding him from government agents.