Where to Watch E.T.: Streaming, Rental & Purchase Options
Few films have crossed generational lines the way E.T. the Extra‑Terrestrial has. Nearly 45 years after its release, Steven Spielberg’s story of a stranded alien and a boy named Elliott still draws viewers back, but finding where to stream or rent the movie in 2025 isn’t as straightforward as it once was, according to JustWatch UK (streaming aggregator), which notes the film is currently available on multiple UK platforms, though availability shifts regularly by region.
Release year: 1982 · Director: Steven Spielberg · Runtime: 115 minutes · IMDb rating: 7.9/10 · Rotten Tomatoes score: 99% critics, 91% audience · MPAA rating: PG
Quick snapshot
- E.T. is currently streaming on Disney+ in the US, UK, and Ireland as of early 2025 (JustWatch UK)
- E.T. left Netflix in October 2023 in multiple regions (Collider (entertainment news))
- Available for rent/purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube (JustWatch UK) (JustWatch UK)
- Exact end date on Disney+ has not been announced
- Future return to Netflix after licensing changes is uncertain
- Free ad‑supported streaming availability outside the UK is not confirmed
- E.T. left Netflix in October 2023
- Streaming rights now held by Disney in most English‑speaking markets
- No further rights changes reported as of early 2025
- Monitor Disney+ for potential removal if rights are reviewed (Apple TV US (digital store))
- Possible return to Netflix if licensing deals shift again (Apple TV US (digital store))
- Digital purchase remains the most permanent option (Apple TV US (digital store))
One pattern across all regions: Disney+ is the only subscription service that currently streams E.T. in the US, UK, and Ireland, while rental options are widely available on competing platforms.
| Service | United States | United Kingdom | Ireland |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disney+ | Streaming | Streaming | Streaming |
| Netflix | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| Amazon Prime Video | Rental $3.99+ | Rental from £3.49 | Rental from €3.99 |
| Apple TV | Rental $3.99+ / Purchase from $14.99 | Rental from £3.49 | Rental from €3.99 |
| ITVX (UK only) | N/A | Free with ads / Premium | N/A |
Bottom line: UK viewers have the widest range of options, from ad‑supported ITVX to subscription on Amazon Prime. US and Irish viewers are limited to Disney+ for subscription streaming but can always rent or buy digitally.
Is ET on Disney or Netflix?
Current streaming platform breakdown
As of early 2025, E.T. is not on Netflix in the US, UK, or Ireland. The film left Netflix in October 2023, and no return has been announced. Instead, Disney+ holds the streaming rights in those regions. According to JustWatch UK, the only subscription services carrying E.T. in the UK are Amazon Prime Video, Sky Go, NOW TV Cinema, and ITVX Premium.
The implication: if you only have Netflix, you cannot watch E.T. without switching to a rental or another subscription.
Why E.T. moves between services
Streaming rights for classic catalog titles like E.T. are typically licensed for fixed terms. When Disney acquired 20th Century Fox in 2019, it gained the rights to many Fox‑distributed films, which eventually led to Disney+ becoming the primary subscription home. As Collider (entertainment news) reports, rights can change within a short window, so current availability should always be verified.
Disney has not announced an end date for E.T. on Disney+. If the rights are reviewed, the film could leave the platform with little warning, leaving only rental and purchase options.
Bottom line: Disney+ is the only subscription option for now, but check regularly as rights shift.
The pattern: classic films often rotate between services, so viewers should verify availability before planning a watch.
Where can I watch ET in the UK?
Streaming services in the UK
- Amazon Prime Video – stream with subscription (included with Prime) – JustWatch UK
- Sky Go – available to Sky Cinema subscribers
- NOW TV Cinema – available with Cinema membership
- ITVX Premium – stream with premium subscription or free with ads on ITVX – JustWatch UK
Rental and purchase options for UK viewers
If you prefer not to subscribe, you can rent or buy E.T. from most digital stores. According to JustWatch UK, rental is available on Apple TV (£3.49), Amazon Video, Rakuten TV, and Sky Store. Purchase prices start around £7.99.
UK viewers can watch E.T. without paying anything extra if they already have Amazon Prime or ITVX. For those without a subscription, a one‑time rental is cheaper than a month of streaming.
Bottom line: UK viewers have the most flexible options, from free ad‑supported to subscription to rental.
The catch: free ad‑supported streaming is only available on ITVX, and only within the UK.
Is E.T. on Disney Plus?
Disney+ availability by region
Yes, E.T. is streaming on Disney+ in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, and many other regions. Disney licensed the streaming rights from Universal in 2023 after the film left Netflix. The film is presented in 4K HDR with the original theatrical cut on Disney+.
How long will E.T. stay on Disney+?
No official end date has been announced. Streaming rights for legacy titles are typically reviewed every 12‑24 months. TV Guide (TV listings database) tracks the film but does not list an expected removal date. The pattern: classic films often rotate between services every one to three years.
“E.T. remains one of the most beloved sci‑fi movies of all time, but its availability on streaming platforms is never permanent.”
Bottom line: Disney+ is the current home, but no fixed end date has been set. Rent or buy for permanent access.
The implication: treat Disney+ as a temporary option and consider digital purchase if you want to keep the film.
Can I watch ET on Prime?
Rental vs. subscription on Amazon Prime
E.T. is not included free with an Amazon Prime membership in the US or UK. It is available to rent starting at $3.99 (£3.49 in the UK) or to purchase starting at $14.99. The same terms apply on Apple TV, YouTube, and Google Play – rental only, no subscription inclusion.
Price to rent or buy E.T. on Prime Video
Current rental prices per JustWatch UK:
- US: rent $3.99 (SD/HD), buy $14.99 (HD)
- UK: rent £3.49 (SD/HD), buy £7.99 (HD)
- Ireland: rent €3.99, buy €9.99
Renting is the cheapest way to watch E.T. if you only want one viewing. But if you think you’ll rewatch, buying is cheaper than multiple rentals.
Bottom line: Prime Video does not offer E.T. as a free subscriber perk; renting or buying is required.
The pattern: all major digital stores offer the same rental model, so compare prices before purchasing.
Is ET still on Netflix?
When E.T. left Netflix
E.T. left Netflix in multiple regions around October 2023. As of early 2025, the film is not available on Netflix in the US, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand. The departure followed the expiration of a licensing agreement between Netflix and Universal.
Why E.T. left and likelihood of return
When Disney acquired Fox, it became the primary distributor for many titles, steering them toward Disney+. According to Collider, “rights are now held by Disney in most English‑speaking markets,” making a return to Netflix unlikely while Disney+ is growing its catalog. However, if Disney decides to license the film out again – as it has done occasionally – Netflix could regain it.
Bottom line: Netflix no longer carries E.T. in key markets, and a return is unlikely in the near term. Use Disney+ or rent instead.
The implication: Netflix subscribers who want to watch E.T. will need to look elsewhere.
Where to watch ET in Ireland?
Streaming platforms available in Ireland
In Ireland, E.T. is streaming on Disney+. It is not available on Netflix. Other streaming options are limited to rental. JustWatch UK (which also covers Ireland) lists rental availability on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube at prices starting from €3.99.
Rental and purchase options in Ireland
- Amazon Prime Video – rent from €3.99
- Apple TV – rent from €3.99, buy from €9.99
- Google Play – rent from €3.99
- YouTube – rent from €3.99
“In the UK, E.T. is accessible through both subscription services and ad‑supported streaming.”
JustWatch UK
For Irish viewers, the trade‑off is simpler: Disney+ is the only subscription option, but rental prices are similar to the UK and US.
Bottom line: Ireland mirrors the US pattern: Disney+ for subscription, rental from multiple platforms. No free ad‑supported option is available.
The catch: Irish viewers cannot access ITVX, so free streaming is not an option.
Can I watch E.T. the Extra‑Terrestrial for free?
Free streaming offers and trials
There is no permanent free streaming of E.T. as of early 2025. However, you can watch it for free through limited‑time trials. Disney+ offers a 7‑day free trial for new subscribers in many countries, which gives access to E.T. ITVX in the UK offers the film free with ads (no subscription needed).
Legitimate free viewing options outside trials
If you have a library card, some public libraries offer digital borrowing via Kanopy or Hoopla, but E.T. is not currently confirmed on those platforms. Ad‑supported platforms like Pluto TV do not list the film. The only guaranteed free option is the ITVX ad‑supported stream in the UK.
Beware of unofficial streaming sites claiming to offer E.T. for free – these often violate copyright and may host malware. Stick to the legitimate services above.
For viewers outside the UK, the most practical free option is a Disney+ free trial. After that, renting remains the lowest‑cost legal path.
Bottom line: Free options are limited to UK ad‑supported ITVX or a Disney+ trial. Rent if you want guaranteed access without commitment.
The pattern: permanent free streaming is not available, so trials or rentals are the only cost‑effective routes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a digital copy of E.T. permanently?
Yes. You can purchase E.T. in HD from Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube for around $14.99 (US) or £7.99 (UK). The purchase is permanent and not subject to streaming rights changes.
Is E.T. available in 4K on streaming services?
Yes. Disney+ streams E.T. in 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Most rental and purchase platforms also offer HD, though 4K is not always included with rentals.
What is the age rating for E.T. the Extra‑Terrestrial?
E.T. is rated PG by the MPAA (parental guidance suggested). It contains mild language and some intense scenes, but is generally considered suitable for children aged 7 and up.
Does Amazon Prime Video include E.T. with a subscription?
No. E.T. is not included with an Amazon Prime subscription in any region. It is available for rent or purchase, but not as part of the Prime Video library.
Are there any bonus features on streaming versions of E.T.?
Disney+ includes a few bonus features such as deleted scenes and the theatrical trailer. Rental/purchase versions typically only include the feature film.
Bottom line: For UK viewers, the choice is clear: Disney+ for subscription, ITVX for free ad‑supported, or a one‑time rental from Prime Video. For US and Irish viewers, Disney+ is the only subscription option. If you want permanent access, buying the digital copy is the safest bet.
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