Movie

Explorers

“The adventure begins in your own back yard.”

★ 6.3(503)19851h 49m

Explorers is available to rent or buy on Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Amazon Video in Canada. It isn't on a subscription streaming service there yet. Availability checked 9 June 2026.

Where to watch Explorers

🇨🇦 Canada

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Good to know

Director: Joe Dante
Release date: 1985-07-12
Runtime: 1h 49m
Language: German
Box office: $9,900,000
Budget: $25,000,000
Status: Released
Country: United States of America
Studio: Paramount Pictures

Explorers — trailer

About Explorers

Explorers is a 1985 movie in the Science Fiction, Adventure and Family genres, directed by Joe Dante, starring Ethan Hawke, River Phoenix and Jason Presson. It has a runtime of 1 hour 49 minutes. It holds an average rating of 6.3/10 from 503 viewers. Below you can see where to watch Explorers in Canada — across streaming, rental and purchase options — along with the full cast, trailer and viewer reviews.

Synopsis

Middle schooler Ben spends his free time watching sci-fi films, playing video games and reading comic books. Surprisingly, his affinity for all things fantastical yields a real result – when he has a vivid dream about technology, his prodigy best friend Wolfgang manages to create a working spacecraft. Joined by their buddy Darren, the boys take off into outer space and encounter some very odd extraterrestrial life.

Cast

Ethan Hawke

Ben Crandall

River Phoenix

Wolfgang Müller

Jason Presson

Darren Woods

Amanda Peterson

Lori Swenson

Bobby Fite

Steve Jackson

Dana Ivey

Mrs. Müller

James Cromwell

Mr. Müller

Dick Miller

Charlie Drake

Bradley Gregg

Steve Jackson's Gang

Georg Olden

Steve Jackson's Gang

Chance Schwass

Steve Jackson's Gang

Meshach Taylor

Gordon Miller

Themes & keywords

spacecraftdreamswashington dc, usaspace travelbullyingalienbest friendmiddle schoolextraterrestrial life formyoung lovecircuit board

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch Explorers in Canada?+

In Canada, Explorers is available to rent or buy on Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Amazon Video. It isn't on a subscription streaming service there right now.

Is Explorers on Netflix?+

Explorers is not on Netflix in Canada right now.

How long is Explorers?+

Explorers has a runtime of 1 hour 49 minutes (109 minutes).

Who stars in Explorers?+

Explorers stars Ethan Hawke, River Phoenix, Jason Presson, Amanda Peterson and Bobby Fite.

When did Explorers come out?+

Explorers is a 1985 movie directed by Joe Dante.

What genre is Explorers?+

Explorers is Science Fiction, Adventure and Family film.

Who directed Explorers?+

Explorers was directed by Joe Dante.