
Explorers
1985 · Movie · PG · 109 min · ★ 6.3 · 65% critics
A middle school sci-fi fan dreams up technology, and his best friend brings it to life, building a working spacecraft. With a third friend, they launch into outer space and soon run into bizarre extraterrestrial life, testing their imagination and teamwork as their adventure unfolds.
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Details
- Years
- 1985
- Release date
- 1985-07-12
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG
- Runtime
- 109 min
- Critic score
- 65/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.3/10 (503 votes)
- Budget
- $25,000,000
About
You’ll likely enjoy Explorers if you love 80s kid-centric sci-fi adventures that begin with big dreams and playful invention, but Not for you if you want a consistently satisfying alien storyline or prefer straightforward plotting like Zathura: A Space Adventure or Flight of the Navigator.
Pros: kid wonder; fun sci-fi energy; imaginative premise | Cons: uneven third act; awkward climax; alien scenes divisive
Themes
- spacecraft
- dreams
- washington dc, usa
- space travel
- bullying
- alien
- best friend
- middle school
- extraterrestrial life form
- young love
- circuit board
Cast & crew

Ethan Hawke
as Ben Crandall

River Phoenix
as Wolfgang Müller

Jason Presson
as Darren Woods

Amanda Peterson
as Lori Swenson

Bobby Fite
as Steve Jackson

Dana Ivey
as Mrs. Müller

James Cromwell
as Mr. Müller

Dick Miller
as Charlie Drake

Bradley Gregg
as Steve Jackson's Gang
- GO
Georg Olden
as Steve Jackson's Gang
Directed by Joe Dante