Performance & Direction: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial 20th Anniversary Special Review
Last updated: February 2, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial 20th Anniversary Special (2002) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Documentary.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Documentary is often anchored by its ensemble, and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial 20th Anniversary Special features a noteworthy lineup led by James Naughton . Supported by the likes of Henry Thomas and Drew Barrymore , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial 20th Anniversary Special
Quick Plot Summary: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial 20th Anniversary Special is a Documentary, Science Fiction, Family film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial 20th Anniversary Special
Ending Breakdown: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial 20th Anniversary Special resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to documentary resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the documentary themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial 20th Anniversary Special reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial 20th Anniversary Special?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Documentaries films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Top Cast: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial 20th Anniversary Special
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E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial 20th Anniversary Special Parents Guide & Age Rating
2002 AdvisoryWondering about E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial 20th Anniversary Special age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial 20th Anniversary Special is 44 minutes (44m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.3/10, and global performance metrics, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial 20th Anniversary Special is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2002 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial 20th Anniversary Special worth watching?
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial 20th Anniversary Special is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Documentary movies. It has a verified rating of 7.3/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial 20th Anniversary Special parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial 20th Anniversary Special identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial 20th Anniversary Special?
The total duration of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial 20th Anniversary Special is 44 minutes, which is approximately 0h 44m long.
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This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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