It's a big day for cinema lovers as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, widely regarded as one of the greatest movies of all time, has reached its 40th anniversary. The milestone anniversary has been getting the film a lot of attention on social media, given the global appreciation for E.T., and even some of the cast is getting involved with the festivities.
"Happy 40th Anniversary E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial," Drew Barrymore, who appeared in the movie as a child, posted to Instagram, including a screenshot of herself and the titular alien.
Dee Wallace, who played Barrymore's mother in the film, also posted a cast photo and tweeted, "40 years later & still touching peoples lives."
The official Universal Pictures account on Twitter added, "40 magical years of E.T."
"40 years ago today, a very special visitor from beyond the stars first enchanted audiences around the world in E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL," reads another tweet from Amblin. "Happy birthday, E.T. You've kept our heartlights full of love all these years."
E.T.: the Extra-Terrestrial Returns to Theaters This Summer
Steven Spielberg directed E.T. using a screenplay by Melissa Mathison. The iconic sci-fi flick follows a young boy named Elliott (Henry Thomas) who befriends an extraterrestrial, nicknamed E.T., after the lonely alien is left stranded on Earth. When he realizes that all E.T. wants to do is phone home, Elliott enlists the help of his friends and family to reunite E.T. with his family.
It was just recently announced that E.T. would also be coming to IMAX theaters this summer alongside fellow Spielberg classic Jaws. E.T. will hit IMAX screens starting on Aug. 12 giving fans the opportunity to celebrate 40 years of the Extra-Terrestrial by watching the celebrated movie on the big screen.
"Steven Spielberg redefined modern cinema and ushered in a new era of bold, swing-for-the-fences filmmaking, and the IMAX experience has expanded around the world because of the trail blazed by films like E.T. and Jaws," Megan Colligan, President of IMAX Entertainment, said in a statement.
Jim Orr, President of domestic theatrical distribution for Universal Pictures, added: "Universal is honored to have been a part of so many extraordinary, unforgettable Steven Spielberg films over the past 47 years, including Jaws in 1975, E.T. in 1982, and Jurassic Park in 1993."
You can check out some of the E.T. celebration posts by fans below.