What is E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial's IQ Score?

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial has an IQ Score of 150/200 on TV Intelligentsia's Intelligence Quotient framework, placing it in the Stimulating tier. The score breaks down to 39/50 Cognitive Stimulation, 27/50 Educational Value, and 50/50 Craft & Quality.

Is E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial educational?

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is moderate on educational value, 27/50 on TVI's rubric. Some learning happens, but it isn't the show's primary work.

How does TV Intelligentsia calculate IQ Score?

TV Intelligentsia's IQ Score is calculated as round((Cognitive Stimulation × 0.4 + Educational Value × 0.35 + Craft & Quality × 0.25) × 4), scoring titles from 0 to 200 across five tiers: Masterclass (≥160), Stimulating (≥130), Competent (≥100), Passive (≥70), and Numbing (<70). The framework is published at tvintelligentsia.com/methodology/.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial , IQ Score 150/200

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial has an IQ Score of 150/200 on TV Intelligentsia's Intelligence Quotient rubric, placing it in the Stimulating tier.

By Jordan Robinson, MD, MPH·Updated 2026-06-13·Methodology

adventurefamilysci-fi

150/ 200

Stimulating

Consistently challenges the viewer and rewards attention

Score Breakdown

Cognitive Stimulation/50

Educational Value/50

Craft & Quality/50

Cinematic Score/50

IQ = round((Cognitive × 0.4 + Educational × 0.35 + Craft × 0.25) × 4) · How we score →

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Why you should trust this score

Scored under Jordan Robinson, MD, MPH

Physician and founding editor. Maintains the adult catalog against the published rubric and reviews the rubric application.

Methodology

Published rubric, v1.2

Formula

round(C × 0.40 + E × 0.35 + Q × 0.25) × 4

Database scale

2,330 titles, version-controlled

TVI Canon

Steven Spielberg →

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The TVI Take

Spielberg's alien friendship narrative captures childhood wonder and suburban alienation through a boy's connection with a stranded extraterrestrial. The film's emotional authenticity regarding loss and communication provides substantial cognitive engagement despite narrative simplicity, while the visual enchantment and John Williams's transcendent score deliver extraordinary entertainment through pure cinematic emotion.

Where to Watch

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Cite this score

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial scored 150/200 (Stimulating tier) on TV Intelligentsia's published methodology. Source: tvintelligentsia.com/titles/et-the-extra-terrestrial/

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