My cat died my first year away from college, afraid to watch the film again- because having gone through something similar... would probably be more emotional.
The end of the film got to me... once, again the loss of a 'pet'.
Saying goodbye to the life once lead- friends, family, home.
ET going away.
Both deal with a father and son story with the same ending, the father dies just as the son finally gets to know and bond with his father.
Another father and son movie.
Also, on a side note, if you actually want to see Hayden Christenson as an actor- watch THIS film. Not Star Wars.