Before Jon Favreau became the mastermind behind The Mandalorian and a key player in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he directed a lesser-known sci-fi gem that's about to get a new lease on life. Zathura: A Space Adventure, the 2005 film starring a young Josh Hutcherson and Kristen Stewart, is heading to Tubi for free streaming in June 2026.
Based on Chris Van Allsburg's children's book—the same author who gave us Jumanji—the movie follows brothers Walter (Hutcherson) and Danny (Jonah Bobo) as they stumble upon a mysterious board game that literally launches their house into outer space. To survive and return home, they must play through the game, facing alien attacks, a malfunctioning robot, and a stranded astronaut. It's Jumanji with a cosmic twist, and Favreau brings his signature blend of heart and spectacle to the 101-minute runtime.
While Favreau is now synonymous with blockbuster franchises like Star Wars and the MCU, Zathura was an early showcase of his ability to balance family-friendly adventure with genuine stakes. The film also features a pre-Twilight Kristen Stewart as the brothers' older sister, and a script co-written by John Kamps and Jurassic Park's David Koepp.
Upon release, Zathura earned a 77% Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, who praised it as a charming children's adventure, though some dismissed it as Jumanji in space. Audiences gave it a 52% score, but many have since rediscovered it as a nostalgic favorite. On Letterboxd, it holds a 3.3-star rating. Despite a modest box office—grossing just over $65 million against a $65 million budget—the film has found a cult following.
Interestingly, Jumanji: The Next Level star Jack Black once declared that Zathura counts as the sequel to the 1995 Jumanji, linking the two board game universes. Whether you buy that or not, the film remains a fun, family-friendly sci-fi romp that deserves a second look.
Tubi's June 2026 lineup also includes other sci-fi staples like Independence Day, Deep Impact, and Spaceballs, making it a great month for genre fans. For more underrated adventure picks, check out our list of 6 Adventure Gems That Deserve Way More Love Than They Get.
If you're in the mood for something completely different, Tubi also offers a wealth of other genres. For instance, you can explore K-Pop Meets Demon Hunters: The Best New Netflix Movies to Stream This Week for a fresh take on streaming options.
So mark your calendars: Zathura: A Space Adventure lands on Tubi in June 2026, and it's the perfect excuse to revisit a pre-Star Wars Favreau or introduce a new generation to this cosmic board game journey.
