If you're looking for more family-friendly content on Netflix, be sure to check out our recommendations for the best kids' movies and TV shows on the platform. Who knows, you might just discover a new favorite!

When Zathura hit theaters in 2005, it made only $65 million against a $65 million budget—a technical flop. Critics liked it (73% on Rotten Tomatoes), but audiences were confused. Was it a kids' movie? A horror movie? A sci-fi epic?

Unlike CGI-heavy films of the mid-2000s that look like video game cutscenes, Zathura relied heavily on practical animatronics. The Zorgons are terrifying men in suits (in the best way). The broken-down robot (voiced by Frank Oz) is a physical puppet. This gives the film a tactile, Star Wars original trilogy feel that modern CGI often lacks.

"Zathura: A Space Adventure" is based on the 2002 children's book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg. The story follows two brothers, Walter (Joshua Jackson) and Danny Budwing (Elias Koteas' son, Derek), who find an old board game called Zathura in their basement. As they begin to play, they're transported into a fantastical world filled with aliens, space travel, and thrilling adventures.

Science Fiction, Family, Adventure

86 minutes

Zathura A Space Adventure Netflix

If you're looking for more family-friendly content on Netflix, be sure to check out our recommendations for the best kids' movies and TV shows on the platform. Who knows, you might just discover a new favorite!

When Zathura hit theaters in 2005, it made only $65 million against a $65 million budget—a technical flop. Critics liked it (73% on Rotten Tomatoes), but audiences were confused. Was it a kids' movie? A horror movie? A sci-fi epic? zathura a space adventure netflix

Unlike CGI-heavy films of the mid-2000s that look like video game cutscenes, Zathura relied heavily on practical animatronics. The Zorgons are terrifying men in suits (in the best way). The broken-down robot (voiced by Frank Oz) is a physical puppet. This gives the film a tactile, Star Wars original trilogy feel that modern CGI often lacks. If you're looking for more family-friendly content on

"Zathura: A Space Adventure" is based on the 2002 children's book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg. The story follows two brothers, Walter (Joshua Jackson) and Danny Budwing (Elias Koteas' son, Derek), who find an old board game called Zathura in their basement. As they begin to play, they're transported into a fantastical world filled with aliens, space travel, and thrilling adventures. Critics liked it (73% on Rotten Tomatoes), but

Science Fiction, Family, Adventure

86 minutes