Top 25 Outdoor Movie: Flight of the Navigator

Flight of the Navigator is a 1986 Disney film about a young boy in Fort Lauderdale, Florida who embarks on an adventure of space and time, and is a film the entire family will enjoy. The film is one of the last on our Top 25 Outdoor Movies of All Time, but before we tell you why, here is the theatrical release trailer for the film:

Flight of the navigator is a film the entire family will enjoy under the stars. It's vintage status will no doubt bring back fond memories for parents, and will create fresh ones for younger generations. The film is set in 1978 and stars Joey Cramer as David Scott Freeman - a young 12-year-old boy who falls into a ditch behind his house, and discovers himself 8 years into the future in 1986.

Through a series of confusing events, David is taken into the custody of NASA, as they discover an alien spaceship and suspect his involvement. While being held by NASA, David is guided to the spaceship and is able to enter and control the mysterious object. As David communicates with the ship, and discovers his role as "navigator", he sets out on a journey through space and time that will have your entire community on the edge of their seats!

When looked at in today's standards, the special effects in the film can be somewhat disappointing. But we think this is exactly what gives the Flight of the Navigator it's charm. The story is appropriate for all ages, and will truly entertain everyone.

There are a variety of ways you could really engage your community with this film. First, you could have everyone dress up in styles 8 years into the future, and have a costume contest for the best guess (to be decided by a panel of judges). Or, you could have alien slime (green jello) snacks, or any number of themed concession items.

This always makes for a great event! As with any Disney movie, you'll need to get your outdoor movie license for screening the work through Swank Motion Pictures Inc. And don't forget that there are only certain dates when you can screen any Disney movie to an outdoor movie group, so make sure to be in touch with Swank to plan your event well in advance.

Please post a comment if you've screened this film in your community! We'd love to hear about your story, and to have the rest of the Open Air Community see what you're up to.