Are you a fan of the 2005 sci-fi adventure film Zathura: A Space Adventure? This exciting movie follows two young brothers who find a mysterious board game that transports their house into outer space, leading to an epic journey filled with danger, aliens, and plenty of sibling rivalry. If you loved the imaginative storyline, captivating visuals, and thrilling space escapades of Zathura, you’ll definitely want to check out these 15 movies that capture a similar sense of wonder and adventure.
1. Jumanji (1995)
One of the most obvious films to watch after Zathura is Jumanji, another movie about a magical board game that pulls players into a perilous fantasy world. Starring Robin Williams, Kirsten Dunst, and Bonnie Hunt, this classic follows two kids who unleash a man trapped in the game for decades, along with numerous dangers from the jungle-themed game world. Jumanji delivers a similar blend of excitement, humor, and high-stakes adventure as the players try to finish the game.
2. Flight of the Navigator (1986)
For a space adventure geared towards a younger audience, Flight of the Navigator is a great pick. The film centers on a 12-year-old boy who mysteriously disappears in 1978 and reappears eight years later without having aged, soon discovering that he was abducted by an alien spaceship. With the help of the ship’s robotic commander, he must find his way home while evading NASA and government agents. Flight of the Navigator offers a fun, family-friendly sci-fi romp through time and space.
3. Explorers (1985)
Another 80s sci-fi gem, Explorers follows a trio of kids who build a homemade spaceship based on one of the boys’ dreams and end up on a wild intergalactic journey. Starring a young Ethan Hawke and River Phoenix, the movie captures the wonder of childhood imagination becoming reality. While not without flaws, Explorers delivers an entertaining adventure with relatable characters and an endearing depiction of loyal friendship.
4. The Last Mimzy (2007)
Based on a classic sci-fi short story, The Last Mimzy tells the story of two siblings who gain remarkable abilities after finding a mysterious box of toys, soon realizing that the objects are actually from the distant future. As the brother and sister learn to harness their new powers, they must also figure out how to help the strange toys complete an important mission to save humanity. Like Zathura, The Last Mimzy combines coming-of-age themes with science fiction wonder.
5. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
No list of movies like Zathura would be complete without mentioning E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Steven Spielberg’s timeless classic about a lonely boy who befriends a stranded alien and helps him find his way home. Filled with iconic moments, a soaring score, and plenty of heart, E.T. captures the childhood wish fulfillment of going on a secret adventure and forging a powerful bond. It’s a must-watch for any fan of heartwarming sci-fi.
6. Sky High (2005)
For a superhero twist on the “teen discovers their powers” genre, check out Sky High. The movie follows the son of two famous superheroes as he starts his freshman year at a high school for superpowered kids, only to be placed in the “sidekick” class due to his apparent lack of abilities. But as a mysterious villain emerges, it’s up to the underdog hero to save the day. With plenty of humor, action, and charming characters, Sky High is a fun and fresh take on the superhero origin story.
7. Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over (2003)
The third installment in Robert Rodriguez’s Spy Kids franchise, Game Over sends preteen siblings Juni and Carmen into a virtual reality video game designed by an evil mastermind. With the help of their grandfather and a host of other allies, the spy kids must beat the game’s challenges and stop the villain’s plan for world domination. Featuring imaginative visuals, over-the-top gadgets, and a message about the power of family, Spy Kids 3-D is a lively romp for adventure-loving kids.
8. Super 8 (2011)
A loving homage to Spielberg-style sci-fi adventures, J.J. Abrams’ Super 8 follows a group of young friends in 1979 who witness a train crash while making a Super 8 movie, inadvertently capturing footage of a dangerous presence in their town. As strange occurrences and disappearances mount, the kids take it upon themselves to uncover the truth. Super 8 perfectly captures the wonder and terror of an extraordinary event unfolding in an ordinary town, anchored by authentic performances from its young cast.
9. City of Ember (2008)
Based on the popular YA novel, City of Ember takes place in an underground city powered by a massive generator, built to shelter humanity from an unknown apocalypse. When two young citizens stumble upon an ancient box containing clues to a way out of the city, they must race against time to solve the mystery before the generator fails. With stunning visuals of the crumbling city and a suspenseful plot, City of Ember is a gripping adventure story about the power of curiosity and hope.
10. Tomorrowland (2015)
For a more optimistic take on the future, Tomorrowland follows a teenage girl and a former boy genius inventor who embark on a mission to unearth the secrets of a mysterious place known only as “Tomorrowland,” a futuristic utopia that exists in an alternate dimension. As they uncover a conspiracy to destroy our world, the unlikely duo must find a way to save both Tomorrowland and Earth. With dazzling visual effects and a sense of wonder inspired by Walt Disney’s vision of the future, Tomorrowland is an exciting sci-fi adventure with a positive message.
11. Interstellar (2014)
For a more grounded and scientifically rigorous space adventure, look no further than Christopher Nolan’s epic Interstellar. Set in a dystopian future where humanity is on the brink of extinction, the film follows a group of astronauts who journey through a wormhole to find a new home for mankind. With stunning visuals, mind-bending physics, and emotional performances from Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, and Jessica Chastain, Interstellar is a thought-provoking and deeply moving exploration of love, sacrifice, and the indomitable human spirit.
12. The Iron Giant (1999)
While not strictly a space adventure, The Iron Giant shares Zathura’s themes of friendship, courage, and the wonders of the unknown. Set during the Cold War, the film tells the story of a young boy who discovers a giant alien robot in the woods and forms an unlikely friendship with it, all while trying to protect it from a paranoid government agent. With stunning animation, a witty script, and a poignant message about choosing one’s own destiny, The Iron Giant is a modern animated classic that will resonate with viewers of all ages.
13. The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
Based on the popular fantasy book series, The Spiderwick Chronicles follows three siblings who move into an old house and discover a mysterious book that reveals the existence of magical creatures living all around them. As they explore this hidden world, the siblings must protect the book from falling into the hands of an evil ogre who seeks to use its secrets for nefarious purposes. Like Zathura, The Spiderwick Chronicles combines family dynamics with fantastical adventure in a way that will delight young viewers.
14. The Neverending Story (1984)
A beloved classic of children’s cinema, The Neverending Story tells the tale of a lonely boy named Bastian who discovers a magical book that transports him into the world of Fantasia, a realm threatened by a dark force called “The Nothing.” As Bastian reads on, he becomes increasingly drawn into the story, eventually realizing that he has a crucial role to play in saving Fantasia. With imaginative creatures, unforgettable music, and a powerful message about the importance of dreams and storytelling, The Neverending Story is a timeless adventure that captures the wonder of childhood.
15. The Goonies (1985)
Another quintessential 80s adventure, The Goonies follows a group of misfit kids who discover an ancient treasure map and set out on a perilous quest to find the legendary pirate treasure of One-Eyed Willy, all while outwitting a family of criminals who are hot on their trail. With a memorable cast of young actors, quotable dialogue, and a genuine sense of camaraderie and heart, The Goonies embodies the spirit of childhood adventure and the unbreakable bonds of friendship.
Whether you’re in the mood for a nostalgic trip back to your own childhood or looking for an exciting new adventure to share with your kids, these 15 movies like Zathura offer something for everyone. From heartwarming alien encounters to perilous quests in fantastical realms, each of these films captures the wonder, humor, and thrills that made Zathura such a beloved family classic. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready to blast off on an unforgettable journey through the magic of movies.
