Anyone who’s ever been a kid and loved something you believed was extraordinary will relate to this film. And who among us hasn’t been through that? In the end, this film is a classic valentine to that kind of connection. – Sarcasto

Instead of stretching himself as an actor, however, E.T. opted to cash in on his screen image. In the 90s, he moved to London to reprise his most famous role in a string of “phone home” adverts for British Telecom. E.T. made millions, but the over-exposure alienated his fan-base and his reputation was damaged by reports of frequent visits to Soho lap-dancing clubs. The cuddly space-man is now rumoured to be living in semi-retirement in Boca Raton, where he has gained weight and been treated for an addiction to prescribed medication. Unnamed friends claim that he has found lasting happiness with wife number four, a 21-year-old model who he plucked from the line-up while serving on the judging panel of a wet T-shirt competition. – Xan Brooks