Today in History is a daily newsletter from Britannica. (more) Today in History—June 11: E.T.’s Otherworldly Success Written by Will Gosner Will Gosner is an associate editor covering general interest topics, including film, television, and sports. He has a B.A. from the University of Chicago. He joined Britannica in 2014. Will Gosner Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated June 8, 2026 •History On this day in 1982, American movie fans were introduced to the lovable, long-fingered star of Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Audiences flocked to the tear-jerking science fiction film, propelling it to an opening weekend haul of $11.8 million. Today in History is a daily newsletter from Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Want to learn more about what happened on June 11, or any other day of the year? Sign up to receive the newsletter in...

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