Zathura

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Zathura

PG

Released Nov 11, 2005

1h 41m

Kids & Family

Adventure

Sci-Fi

Fantasy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

77%

Tomatometer

159 Reviews

51%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

After their father (Tim Robbins) is called into work, two young boys, Walter (Josh Hutcherson) and Danny (Jonah Bobo), are left in the care of their teenage sister, Lisa (Kristen Stewart), and told they must stay inside. Walter and Danny, who anticipate a boring day, are shocked when they begin playing Zathura, a space-themed board game, which they realize has mystical powers when their house is shot into space. With the help of an astronaut (Dax Shepard), the boys attempt to return home.

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Critics Consensus

Dazzling special effects for the kids + well-crafted storytelling for the 'rents = cinematic satisfaction for the whole family.

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James Dyer

Empire Magazine

Charming children's adventure with some superb performances from the young cast.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 30, 2006

Full Review

David Jenkins

Time Out

Favreau gratifyingly prevents the film from becoming a mere maelstrom of CG effects by pushing the brothers' amusing bickering to the fore...

Jun 24, 2006

Full Review

Richard Jinman

Sydney Morning Herald

Despite its peculiar name and the fact it bears a strong resemblance to Jumanji -- another film inspired by a book by children's author Van Allsburg -- it's hard not to like Zathura.

Mar 31, 2006

Full Review

Shannon Gramas

Spectrum Culture

Though many millennials may not have even heard of the film, Zathura is a classic family adventure film that deserves much better than the poor critical reception and box office receipts it received at the time.

Apr 1, 2022

Full Review

Grant Watson

Fiction Machine

A charming small-scale adventure film for kids.

Rated: 7/10

Jan 24, 2022

Full Review

Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

An engaging, family-friendly, fantasy adventure.

Rated: 7/10

Nov 9, 2020

Full Review

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Richard

Clean fun and a great movie for a family with young siblings to watch together!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/20/21

Full Review

N P

"Zathura" is a fun-filled and imaginative kid space adventure that is all about caring about and loving your family, despite the occasional squabbles and fights any sibling can get into. The score was absolutely fantastical, the script was thoroughly thought out, the child actors felt like actual kids, the all practical visuals were genuinely amazing with the set somehow all taking place in one house, and the directing was out of this world immersive. Definitely worth a watch for a wild ride!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/06/24

Full Review

Sean G

Zathura was my childhood movies and I loved everything about it the brothers are very relatable and Kristin Stewart was great in this movie she should definitely think about doing more comedy and voice acting in animation someday and this is definitely an underrated Jumanji spinoff movie 👏 10/10 and the robot did scared me as a kid 😅 the aliens were a bit scary and I love the in space setting as well

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/02/24

Full Review

Marlon W

This film continues to have the same quality as when I was a child, I will keep it in my memory

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/27/24

Full Review

Jace E

I don't think that I had re-watched this movie in the nearly 20 years since it was released. I decided to show Zathura to my two older kids and it was a fun experience. The whole "Jumanji in Space" concept is enjoyable, the child actors are strong and there is a bit of an emotional pull in there. The mute and malicious Zorgons are terrifying and I loved seeing all the destruction to the house. There were moments that seemed underdeveloped and others that dragged on longer than they should have, but for a movie that takes place 95% inside of the house, it kept my attention. Best Character: Danny Best Quote: "Dude. You're meat." - The Astronaut Best Scene: The Meteor Shower

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

09/16/24

Full Review

Thaddis R

This just feels like better Jumanji. Every teenager need to see this!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/14/24

Full Review

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Jon Favreau

Director

Josh Hutcherson

Walter Budwing

Jonah Bobo

Danny Budwing

Dax Shepard

Astronaut

Kristen Stewart

Lisa Budwing

Tim Robbins

Dad

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Zathura: Official Clip - Meteor Shower

1:41

Zathura: Official Clip - Cryonic Sleeping Sister

3:04

Zathura: Official Clip - Reprogramming the Killer Robot

2:13

Zathura: Official Clip - Chased by Zorgons

2:13

Zathura: Official Clip - Caught Cheating

3:13

Zathura: Official Clip - The Stranded Astronaut

2:59

Zathura: Official Clip - Wishing Star

3:15

Zathura: Official Clip - Time Sphincter

2:42

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Synopsis

After their father (Tim Robbins) is called into work, two young boys, Walter (Josh Hutcherson) and Danny (Jonah Bobo), are left in the care of their teenage sister, Lisa (Kristen Stewart), and told they must stay inside. Walter and Danny, who anticipate a boring day, are shocked when they begin playing Zathura, a space-themed board game, which they realize has mystical powers when their house is shot into space. With the help of an astronaut (Dax Shepard), the boys attempt to return home.

Director: Jon Favreau
Producer: William Teitler, Scott Kroopf, Michael De Luca
Screenwriter: David Koepp, John Kamps
Distributor: Sony Pictures Entertainment
Production Co: Columbia Pictures
Rating: PG (Peril|Fantasy Action|Some Language)
Genre: Kids & Family, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 11, 2005, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 16, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $28.0M
Runtime: 1h 41m
Sound Mix: Surround

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