Flight of the Navigator (1986)
Kernel Score: 76% · 925 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Family, Science Fiction, Adventure
Released: 1986-07-30
Runtime: 90 minutes
Where to watch Flight of the Navigator
- Stream: Disney+
- Buy: Apple TV, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
12-year-old David is accidentally knocked out in the forest near his home, but when he awakens eight years have passed. His family is overjoyed to have him back, but is just as perplexed as he is that he hasn't aged. When a NASA scientist discovers a UFO nearby, David gets the chance to unravel the mystery and recover the life he lost.
Flight of the Navigator parents' guide: ages 6+
Parents need to know that this PG sci-fi adventure follows a boy who returns home after eight mysterious missing years and gets caught up with NASA and an alien ship.
- Violence & scariness: A little — Mild peril typical of a PG family sci-fi adventure; no significant violence noted.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Flight of the Navigator
If you liked Flight of the Navigator, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) — 85%
- Interstellar (2014) — 95%
- A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) — 79%
- Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993) — 76%
- The Creator (2023) — 80%
- The Adam Project (2022) — 79%
- Just Another Christmas (2020) — 82%
- Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor (2013) — 90%
Director
Randal Kleiser
Cast
- Joey Cramer as David Scott Freeman
- Paul Reubens as Max (voice)
- Veronica Cartwright as Helen Freeman
- Cliff DeYoung as Bill Freeman
- Sarah Jessica Parker as Carolyn McAdams
- Matt Adler as Jeff (16 years)
- Howard Hesseman as Dr. Louis Faraday
- Robert Small as Troy
- Jonathan Sanger as Dr. Carr
- Richard Liberty as Mr. Howard
Flight of the Navigator FAQ
Is Flight of the Navigator good?
Flight of the Navigator has a 76% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 925 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Flight of the Navigator?
In the US you can stream Flight of the Navigator on Disney+ and buy it from Apple TV and Fandango At Home.
Is Flight of the Navigator OK for kids?
Flight of the Navigator is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 6+. Parents need to know that this PG sci-fi adventure follows a boy who returns home after eight mysterious missing years and gets caught up with NASA and an alien ship.
What movies are like Flight of the Navigator?
If you liked Flight of the Navigator, try E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Interstellar, A.I. Artificial Intelligence and Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey.