In the 1970s, Hollywood transitioned to a summer blockbuster approach. Since the mid-1970s, a series of progressively larger-budget films had taken control of the box office. Titles such as Star Wars, Jaws, and Raiders of the Lost Ark reigned supreme until the early 1980s. Subsequently, an unconventional director revolutionized the industry by producing a children's film with a modest budget, which surprisingly outperformed the major contenders.

The children's film that beat Star Wars and The Godfather

ET the Extra-Terrestrial, directed by Steven Spielberg, premiered in 1982. The narrative centres on the extraordinary bond formed between a young American boy and an alien who finds himself stranded on Earth. Notably, the film featured no prominent stars and was led by three child actors, making it a distinctive entry into cinema. Spielberg opted for practical effects over extensive visual effects, which contributed to a modest production budget of $10 million.

In contrast, Star Wars Episode II: The Empire Strikes Back had a budget of $30 million, while Raiders of the Lost Ark was produced for $20 million. Despite its limited budget, ET achieved monumental success, becoming the first film to surpass $300 million in North America and enjoying significant international acclaim. By the conclusion of its initial release, ET grossed over $797 million, establishing itself as the highest-grossing film of all time, surpassing Star Wars ($775 million), Jaws ($445 million), and The Godfather ($287 million).

ET's impressive box office feat

ET nearly reached $800 million in global box office revenue, a remarkable achievement that seemed unimaginable just a few years prior. For a decade, ET maintained the title of the highest-grossing film in history until it was surpassed by another Spielberg production, Jurassic Park, which earned $912 million in 1993. ET continued to hold the record for the highest-grossing children's film for several more years until Toy Story eventually claimed that title as well.

All about ET

Featuring 11-year-old Henry Thomas, 15-year-old Robert MacNaughton, and 7-year-old Drew Barrymore, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was penned by Melissa Mathison. This film, directed by Steven Spielberg, achieved remarkable success both commercially and critically. At the 55th Academy Awards, it received nine nominations and secured four Oscars. Its influence has led to the creation of numerous similar-themed works globally, including the Indian film Koi Mil Gaya.

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