So iconic is this scene, in fact, that Steven Spielberg used it as the logo for his production company, Amblin' - no wonder, given that it is arguably the most iconic moment in all of his film canon (but let's face it: there are so many, and the man really, really knows how to construct an iconic image that transcends the medium). We all know the associated sequence by heart, of course: young Elliot, desperate to help his alien buddy E.T. to get home, finds himself riding through the sky on his bicycle. Writing this list, it's amazing to see just how many billion dollar movies are backed by John Williams musical scores - and indeed, this happens to be another one. As Elliot and E.T. soar into the sky, their silhouette is superimposed over a great white moon. It's hard to imagine another image quite as iconic as this one - especially given its tendency to resonate with movie-goers of all ages, from adults to small children. It's a truly magical moment, and one that - undoubtably - will remain a cultural touchstone forever and ever (and ever?).
Sam Hill is an ardent cinephile and has been writing about film professionally since 2008. He harbours a particular fondness for western and sci-fi movies.
