I watched this several times as a kid, the last time I was probably about Elliot's age. I have brief memories but I remember watching it in awe.

Like most Spielbergs I think it aged well visually, the effects don't look too dated except maybe when they fly on their bikes. The E.T. suit looks pretty good and while the movements aren't always fluid it's passable because I believe an alien that looks like E.T. would totally move weird like that. The heart of this movie is of course the link between E.T. and the kids, it's all very cute and heartwarming. It nails the nostalgia element with the pov of being a kid and doing secret plans behind your parent's back. The acting is hit and miss, the actor playing Elliot is perhaps too young but he was still half believable (minus the crocodile tears). My favorite part is when we see E.T. for the first time, jumping out of a bush—quite the jumpscare and what an odd sound!

All that said though, I was bored a few times especially in the middle. It's too predictable, simple, childish and the story doesn't have enough going on to keep me fully invested as an adult. The third act and ending got me slightly emotional which is disappointing. I think the acting didn't help maybe? Overall this was a bit of a mixed bag, goes to show that childhood classics are sometimes better to stay in your childhood only.