E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial: Separating Real Lines from Fake Quotes

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. The film captured the imaginations of millions, and its iconic lines became part of pop culture shorthand. But over time, some lines have been misremembered—or even invented—by fans who swear E.T. said them. Let’s clear up the confusion. I’ll walk through some of the most commonly misattributed quotes and show you which ones actually made it into the film.

## “E.T. Phone Home”

This is the real deal. It's one of the most recognizable lines from the movie. E.T. first says it early in the film when he’s trying to contact his fellow aliens. It’s not a full sentence, but it doesn’t need to be—it carries all the longing of a being stranded far from where he belongs. The line became so famous it’s been referenced in countless other films, TV shows, and even music.

## “I’ll Believe in You”

This one is tricky. Many people remember E.T. saying this to Elliot during the touching scene where E.T. is dying. But in reality, the line is spoken by Elliot. He says, “I’ll believe in you,” as a heartfelt promise to keep believing in E.T., even after he’s gone. The emotional weight of the moment is real, but the quote is often flipped in memory, with E.T. being credited for the line.

## “Be Good”

This short but sweet line is often attributed to E.T. as he’s saying goodbye to Elliot in the final moments of the film. However, the actual line is spoken by Elliot. As E.T. leaves, Elliot whispers, “Be good,” not the other way around. It’s a small but meaningful distinction that shows the depth of their friendship—Elliot is giving a final blessing to his alien friend.

## “I Love You, Elliot”

This is another line that feels emotionally true to the story but doesn’t actually appear in the movie. E.T. never explicitly says, “I love you, Elliot.” What he does say, however, is just as powerful. In the final moments, E.T. tells Elliot, “I’ll come back,” which carries a similar weight of affection and promise. Fans have filled in the emotional gap with imagined dialogue, which speaks to how deeply the characters resonate.

## “I’m Not From Around Here”

This line is often humorously attributed to E.T., especially in memes and parody versions of the film. But in the actual movie, E.T. never says anything that bluntly comedic. The humor in the film is more subtle and grounded in the characters’ interactions. This line feels more like something we wish he had said, rather than something he actually did.

## “Touchdown!”

Yes, E.T. actually says this. It’s one of the funniest and most memorable moments in the film. Elliot’s older brother Michael and the other kids are playing football when E.T. uses his telepathic powers to help Elliot score a touchdown. When it happens, E.T. excitedly says, “Touchdown!” It’s a rare moment of levity and joy, and it’s completely real.

E.T.’s voice may have been soft and gravelly, but his words left a lasting impact. The film’s dialogue has taken on a life of its own in the decades since its release, sometimes growing beyond what was actually said on screen. But that’s a testament to how much the story resonates with people. If you’re curious about the real E.T.—his thoughts, his feelings, and yes, his actual lines—you can talk to him on HoloDream. He’ll set the record straight, and maybe even share a few thoughts he never got to say on screen.