Apple TV’s Chart Features a Nostalgic Surprise for Spielberg Fans

Streaming charts often serve as time capsules, and this week’s lineup on Apple TV is no exception. Amidst newer releases and contemporary hits, a familiar classic has reemerged, showcasing the powerful grip of nostalgia on viewers.

That classic is none other than Steven Spielberg’s cherished alien film, which has unexpectedly found its way back into the Top 10, catching many fans by surprise. It’s not every day that such a title resurfaces alongside fresh comedies and recent blockbusters, yet here it is, maintaining its position on the chart.

Leading the charge this week is ‘The Dink,’ a pickleball comedy from Josh Greenbaum featuring Jake Johnson as Dustin “Dusty” Boyd, a former tennis prodigy whose career didn’t quite meet expectations. Produced by Ben Stiller and penned by Sean Clements, the film presents itself as a hilarious underdog tale, boasting a cast that includes Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris, Chloe Fineman, Patton Oswalt, and Andy Roddick. Its strong performance at the top of the chart has likely contributed to the resurgence of older titles alongside it.

Critical reception for ‘The Dink’ has been somewhat mixed. Reviews on Rotten Tomatoes have described the film as meandering and pleasant but lacking in humor, with one critic labeling it boring and unfunny, arguing that the jokes fail to develop. However, not all feedback has been negative; at least one reviewer acknowledged that the film delivers some genuine laughs and exceeds expectations.

Amid the buzz surrounding ‘The Dink,’ the presence of ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’ in the Top 10 has genuinely astonished viewers browsing the list. The 1982 Spielberg classic about a boy who befriends a stranded alien is a staple of family cinema, but seeing it compete with 2026 theatrical releases and Apple originals is a rare occurrence. Currently available for streaming on Apple TV and other platforms, its presence on the chart is notable, though eligibility alone typically doesn’t guarantee a strong showing.

Whether this resurgence is due to a slow week for new content, parents introducing the film to their children, or mere coincidence, the outcome remains the same. This over four-decade-old tale of a boy, his bike, and a homesick alien is quietly holding its ground against films that debuted this year. It speaks volumes about the lasting impact of Spielberg’s storytelling that ‘E.T.’ doesn’t require a marketing push to remind audiences of its existence.

For now, ‘The Dink’ continues to reign at the top of Apple’s chart while ‘E.T.’ lingers nearby as a surprising reminder of cinematic history. Did you anticipate seeing ‘E.T.’ sneak back into a Top 10 list this week, or does this suggest that Elliott and his alien friend are here to stay?