Explorers.

Name: Explorers
Genre: Family, Adventure, Science Fiction, Comedy
Released: 1985-07-12
Duration: 109 min
Cast: Ethan Hawke, River Phoenix, Jason Presson, Amanda Peterson, Dick Miller

A backyard build. A very long flight.

Three friends turn a shared dream and a homemade computer program into a spacecraft, then set off to meet whoever has been sending the mysterious plans.

49%Tomatometer105 critics · Rotten Tomatoes

Checked Oct 21, 2026. About these scores

Why it’s a little special

A scrappy celebration of making things with friends, with Joe Dante's oddball aliens waiting at the end of the experiment.

BEFORE YOU PRESS PLAY

Know the story.
Know your little people.

Parental guidance suggested

US film rating

Bullying, mild language, scary alien appearances and children taking dangerous risks without adults.

Our notes are a starting point, not an age recommendation. G and PG films can still include intense moments. You know your family best.

BEHIND THE SCENES

The little details.

Directed by: Joe Dante
Starring: Ethan Hawke, River Phoenix, Jason Presson, Amanda Peterson, Dick Miller, Robert Picardo, Dana Ivey, Meshach Taylor, James Cromwell
Written by: Eric Luke
Produced by: Michael Finnell, Edward S. Feldman, David Bombyk
Release date: July 12, 1985
Runtime: 109 minutes
Genre: Family, Adventure, Science Fiction, Comedy
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Language: English