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The 25 most inspiring movies of all time

What are the most inspiring movies ever made? Check out our full list.

6. 'E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial'

Universal Studios
'E.T.' stars Henry Thomas (l.).

  • By Molly Driscoll Staff Writer

The 1982 movie directed by Steven Spielberg is the story of an alien who arrives on Earth with his fellow creatures but is left behind when the ship leaves. A young boy named Elliott (Henry Thomas) discovers E.T., as he calls the alien, in his backyard and must protect E.T. from a curious world.

Actress Drew Barrymore stars in the film as Henry's younger sister, Gertie, who comes to love E.T. and puts him in costumes and makeup.

Dee Wallace Stone, who portrayed Henry and Gertie's mother, told Entertainment Weekly, "At 6 years old, children cannot determine what's real and what's fantasy. And so we would find Drew between takes talking to E.T., whom somebody had stood against a wall. Telling him secrets and stuff. Everybody was aware that Drew thought E.T. was real. So whenever they found her over there talking to him they would try and sneak behind the hydraulic place so that they could make him come alive for her."

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Mark Sappenfield
Editor

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