Question: What was the highest grossing movie of the 1980s?
Show answer
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial.
The highest-grossing movie of the 1980s was “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” directed by Steven Spielberg.
“E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” released in 1982, is an iconic science fiction film that tells the touching story of a friendship between a young boy named Elliott and an alien called E.T., who is accidentally left behind on Earth by his own kind. Elliott, with the help of his siblings, hides E.T. from their mother and the government, while they all try to help E.T. find a way back to his home planet. The film beautifully explores themes of friendship, innocence, childhood, and the idea of being an outsider.
The movie’s success can be attributed to its universal appeal. Spielberg masterfully blended the science fiction genre with a heartfelt family drama, creating a film that resonated with both children and adults alike. The timeless nature of its story, the memorable performances (especially by the young Henry Thomas and Drew Barrymore), and the emotional depth are among the many reasons for its enormous box office success and critical acclaim.
John Williams’ iconic score for the movie, especially the theme for E.T., has become synonymous with the film and is instantly recognizable to audiences around the world. The flying bicycle scene, illuminated by the moon, is one of the most iconic images in cinematic history.
“E.T.” was not just a commercial success, but it also received critical acclaim, earning nine Academy Award nominations and winning four for Best Original Score, Best Sound, Best Sound Effects Editing, and Best Visual Effects.
By the end of the decade, and for several years afterward, “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” held the title of the highest-grossing film of all time until it was eventually surpassed. However, its legacy remains intact as one of the most beloved films in cinema history.
