'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial' opened in theaters across North America on this day in 1982. Steven Spielberg's classic science fiction movie, which tells the story of a young boy called Elliott (Henry Thomas) who befriends a friendly alien stranded on earth, was based on an imaginary friend Spielberg created when his parents divorced during his childhood.

The film was a huge hit at the box office and by 1983 had surpassed 'Star Wars' as the highest-grossing film of all-time.