Flight of the Navigator

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Flight of the Navigator

PG,

1986,

1h 29m,

Kids & Family/

Sci-Fi/

Adventure

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85%

33 Reviews

Tomatometer

75%

50,000+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

85%

Tomatometer

33 Reviews

75%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

This 1978 Disney adventure tells the story of 12-year-old David (Joey Cramer) who lives with his family in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. When he awakens from being accidentally knocked out in the forest near his home, he finds that eight years have passed. His family is overjoyed to have him back, but just as perplexed as he is by the fact that he hasn't aged. When a NASA scientist (Howard Hesseman) discovers a UFO nearby, David gets the chance to unravel the mystery and recover the life he lost.

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Critics Consensus

Bolstered by impressive special effects and a charming performance from its young star, Flight of the Navigator holds up as a solidly entertaining bit of family-friendly sci-fi.

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Victoria Mather

Daily Telegraph (UK)

Jan 22, 2025

It is good, cheery stuff and stimulating in a healthy Boy's Own tradition.

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Lee Siegel

Associated Press

Oct 25, 2018

Flight of the Navigator won't earn a place among Disney's classics. but it's a perfectly entertaining sci-fi movie that does a creditable job with the stale human-meets-alien theme.

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Dave Kehr

Chicago Tribune

Apr 1, 2014

3/4

When the film shifts into the action mode in its second half -- the flying saucer returns to aid in David`s rescue -- it becomes quite bright and lively.

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Philip French

Observer (UK)

Jan 22, 2025

The junior Rip Van Winkle part of the film is amusing and genuinely touching. The rest is less so, though it interestingly combines two recurrent themes in recent American cinema.

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Kelechi Ehenulo

VultureHound

Jul 15, 2020

4/5

When you add up all the evidence, Flight of the Navigator remains one of the most underrated pinnacles of the sci-fi genre, a euphoric mix of pop culture nostalgia and feel-good entertainment.

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William Wolf

Gannett News Service

Nov 6, 2019

Flight of the Navigator, the Disney studio's new movie aimed at children, has the warmed-over feeling of other time-travel yarns. But the story is snappily told and is sure to keep youngsters enthralled.

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Han R

Mar 16, 2019

Saw this quote by an anti-American.... âEnjoyable rip-off of ET.â? Not even close to ripping off ET. Not even the same type of movie. This movie is fantastic-even as an adult. Also, get out if you donâ(TM)t like the country! Or maybe help fix it tool.

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Rey W

Oct 16, 2018

cute movie, bet they remake it.

Han S

Sep 13, 2018

My favorite film of all time. Over 30 years on it's still a very relevant film, deeply poignant and a total blast.

Harry S

Jul 4, 2018

First half; wonderful build up. Second half; fun kids film.

Albus P

Feb 8, 2018

An 80s sci-fi family film that has aged remarkably well. Look out for a young Sarah Jessica Parker.

Han R

Dec 5, 2017

Flight of the Navigator is at times a bit too goofy, but mostly a remarkable family science fiction tale. Max and David are memorable characters, the flight sequences are wondrous in their quality and the ending is very sweet. Thanks to its imaginative plot, beautiful score and simply outstanding CGI (certainly some of the best of the 80s), this flick remains endearing and moving today just as it was back then.

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Randal Kleiser

Director

Joey Cramer

David Freeman

Veronica Cartwright

Helen Freeman

Cliff DeYoung

Bill Freeman

Sarah Jessica Parker

Carolyn McAdams

Matt Adler

Jeff (16 years)

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Synopsis

This 1978 Disney adventure tells the story of 12-year-old David (Joey Cramer) who lives with his family in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. When he awakens from being accidentally knocked out in the forest near his home, he finds that eight years have passed. His family is overjoyed to have him back, but just as perplexed as he is by the fact that he hasn't aged. When a NASA scientist (Howard Hesseman) discovers a UFO nearby, David gets the chance to unravel the mystery and recover the life he lost.

Director: Randal Kleiser
Producer: Robert Wald, Dmitri Villard
Screenwriter: Michael Burton, Matt McManus
Production Co: Viking Film, Producers Sales Organization, Walt Disney Pictures
Rating: PG
Genre: Kids & Family, Sci-Fi, Adventure
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 30, 1986, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 25, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $17.2M
Runtime: 1h 29m
Sound Mix: Surround

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