Tonight on Netflix: Between The Goonies and Jumanji, This Forgotten Sci-Fi Film from 20 Years Ago Deserves a Second Chance

If you're looking for a good family movie to watch tonight on Netflix, we recommend this unjustly forgotten sci-fi work featuring Josh Hutcherson, the future star of Hunger Games.

Three years before laying the first brick of the Marvel edifice with Iron Man, Jon Favreau gifted us this unjustly forgotten family sci-fi film: Zathura.

Suitable for Ages 8 and Up

Led by future stars Kristen Stewart and Josh Hutcherson, Zathura introduces us to a certain Danny, accompanied by his brother Walter (Jonah Bobo). In the depths of their basement, they stumble upon a mysterious board game named Zathura. But from the very first moves, the adventure takes a turn!

Their entire house is ripped from the Earth and projected into the heart of a wild and unknown universe. A rule is imposed upon them: the game will not stop until the last move is played.

Lost in the vastness of space, the two brothers must face increasingly spectacular dangers: meteor showers, uncontrollable robots, and terrifying Zorgons whose ships track their every move. To hope to survive and find their way back home, they have no choice but to put aside their quarrels and join forces.

Columbia Films

As the game reveals its secrets, each card opens the door to a new challenge, more unpredictable and grand than the last. In this cosmic odyssey where anything can happen, Danny and Walter will discover that the real challenge is not just to win the game, but to become a team.

Because in Zathura, every roll of the dice can change fate… and there are no second chances. A sort of spiritual sequel to Jumanji, but in space, Zathura reconnects with the Joe Dante spirit of the 80s, reminding us of Explorers, with a touch of The Goonies.

Moreover, unlike many films of its time that heavily relied on digital effects, Zathura utilizes numerous real sets, miniatures, and practical effects. This gives the scenes a sense of reality that surprisingly ages well.

What They Will Love:

• The super endearing trio of heroes: Josh Hutcherson, Jonah Bobo, and Kristen Stewart
• The funny and well-paced action scenes
• The coming-of-age narrative, which will provide them with keys to understand the world and ignite their imagination

What Might Worry Them

• Some sequences may be a bit difficult to follow for younger viewers, therefore, we recommend this film for ages 8 and up.

It should be noted that Zathura has long suffered from comparisons to Jumanji, even though it possesses its own identity. Many viewers rediscovering it today consider it one of the best family sci-fi adventures of the 2000s. If you’ve never seen it, don’t hesitate any longer!

Zathura is available on Netflix.