E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
The 46% headline for E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is unremarkable. The gap between its semifinal performance and its finals record is not — something changes when the bracket reaches the last round. Spielberg's purest emotional instrument, calibrated to make audiences weep across generations. The challenge is that each new generation brings its own touchstones to the ballot. Decisions come fast at 1.2s average. This is a film people have opinions about before the matchup asks for one.
Synopsis
An alien is left behind on Earth and saved by the 10-year-old Elliott who decides to keep him hidden in his home. While a task force hunts for the extra-terrestrial, Elliott, his brother, and his little sister Gertie form an emotional bond with their new friend, and try to help him find his way home.
Competitive at every stage — 41% opening, 65% semis, 39% finals — but the decline is real. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial loses ground when the field narrows to the best.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial beats Taxi Driver (100%) and Saving Private Ryan (77%) convincingly. Jurassic Park at 14% is where the dominance ends.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial handles Saving Private Ryan in the semis but can't get past Jurassic Park in the final (14%). The tournament nemesis is clear.
Steven Spielberg's 6 films span a wide range: Jurassic Park at 69% to Schindler's List at 42%. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial sits at #4.
#5 of 8 in Spielberg vs. Scorsese.
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