Zathura | Rotten Tomatoes

Zathura

PG

Released Nov 11, 2005

1h 41m

Kids & Family

Adventure

Sci-Fi

Fantasy

List

76%

Tomatometer

161 Reviews

51%

Audience Score

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

Jameson K

I may be a little bias to this movie, but I think Zathura is better than Jumanji. Pretty good movie to say the least.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/23/24

Full Review

Breno G

Special Effects: 1,0/Sound Effects: 0,5/Acting: 0,5/Story: 1,0

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/20/24

Full Review

Georgan G

A fun-filled adventure with morals that bring a tear to my eye. Many siblings fight, and this film will challenge them to love their family. A heartwarming movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/16/23

Full Review

Adam

It has no right to be nearly as fun and comedic it is, it's better than Jumanji, Zathura is a shockingly fun time, with good acting, some good comedic moments, etc

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

11/16/23

Full Review

Luke R

I used to like this movie, but it's dumb. I don't like the protagonists, they are annoying. Terrible writing. Also, kinda made a copyright infringement. The dvd menu copied a soundtrack from 1998's Godzilla.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

01/24/24

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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