E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial broke new ground by grossing $792.9 million on a mere $10.5 million budget — a 75.5x multiplier that outperforms #7’s box-office efficiency. It became the highest-grossing film of 1982 and held the all-time record until 1993, winning four Oscars. Its emotional warmth, however, contrasts sharply with The Matrix’s cold dystopian tone, and its Saturn Award win underscores a family appeal no other entry here rivals.