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There is a part of me that will always have affection for a movie like "Journey to the Center of the Earth." It is a small part and steadily shrinking, but once I put on the 3-D glasses and settled in my seat, it started perking up. This is a fairly bad movie, and yet at the same time maybe about as good as it could be. There may not be an 8-year-old alive who would not love it. If I had seen it when I was 8, I would have remembered it with deep affection for all these years, until I saw it again and realized how little I really knew at that age.

You are already familiar with the premise, that there is another land inside of our globe. You are familiar because the Jules Verne novel has inspired more than a dozen movies and countless TV productions, including a series, and has been ripped off by such as Edgar Rice Burroughs , who called it Pellucidar, and imagined that the Earth was hollow and there was another world on the inside surface. (You didn't ask, but yes, I own a copy of Tarzan at the Earth's Core with the original dust jacket.)

In this version, Brendan Fraser stars as a geologist named Trevor, who defends the memory of his late brother, Max, who believed the center of the Earth could be reached through "volcanic tubes." Max disappeared on a mysterious expedition, which, if it involved volcanic tubes, should have been no surprise to him. Now Trevor has been asked to spend some time with his nephew, Max's son, who is named Sean ( Josh Hutcherson ). What with one thing and another, wouldn't you know they find themselves in Iceland, and peering down a volcanic tube. They are joined in this enterprise by Hannah ( Anita Briem ), who they find living in Max's former research headquarters near the volcano he was investigating.

Now begins a series of adventures, in which the operative principle is: No matter how frequently or how far they fall, they will land without injury. They fall very frequently, and very far. The first drop lands them at the bottom of a deep cave, from which they cannot possibly climb, but they remain remarkably optimistic: "There must be a way out of here!" Sure enough, they find an abandoned mine shaft and climb aboard three cars of its miniature railway for a scene that will make you swear the filmmakers must have seen " Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom ."

Just like in that movie, they hurtle down the tracks at breakneck speeds; they're in three cars, on three more or less parallel tracks, leading you to wonder why three parallel tracks were constructed at great expense and bother, but just when such questions are forming, they have to (1) leap a chasm, (2) jump from one car to another, and (3) crash. It's a funny thing about that little railway: After all these years, it still has lamps hanging over the rails, and the electricity is still on.

The problem of lighting an unlit world is solved in the next cave they enter, which is inhabited by cute little birds that glow in the dark. One of them makes friends with Sean, and leads them on to the big attraction -- a world bounded by a great interior sea. This world must be a terrible place to inhabit; it has man-eating and man-strangling plants, its waters harbor giant-fanged fish and fearsome sea snakes that eat them, and on the further shore is a Tyrannosaurus rex.

So do the characters despair? Would you despair, if you were trapped miles below the surface in a cave and being chased by its hungry inhabitants? Of course not. There isn't a moment in the movie when anyone seems frightened, not even during a fall straight down for thousands of feet, during which they link hands like sky-divers and carry on a conversation. Trevor gets the ball rolling: "We're still falling!"

I mentioned 3-D glasses earlier in the review. Yes, the movie is available in 3-D in "selected theaters." Select those theaters to avoid. With a few exceptions (such as the authentic IMAX process), 3-D remains underwhelming to me -- a distraction, a disappointment and more often than not offering a dingy picture. I guess setting your story inside the Earth is one way to explain why it always seems to need more lighting.

The movie is being shown in 2-D in most theaters, and that's how I wish I had seen it. Since there's that part of me with a certain weakness for movies like this, it's possible I would have liked it more. It would have looked brighter and clearer, and the photography wouldn't have been cluttered up with all the leaping and gnashing of teeth. Then I could have appreciated the work of the plucky actors, who do a lot of things right in this movie, of which the most heroic is keeping a straight face.

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

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Film Credits

Journey to the Center of the Earth (2007)

Rated PG for intense adventure action and some scary moments

Brendan Fraser as Trevor

Josh Hutcherson as Sean

Anita Briem as Hannah

Seth Meyers as Prof. Kitzens

Michel Pare as Max

Jane Wheeler as Elizabeth

Directed by

• Eric Brevig
• Michael Weiss
• Jennifer Flackett

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• DVD & Streaming

Journey to the Center of the Earth

• Action/Adventure , Drama

Content Caution

In Theaters

• Brendan Fraser as Professor Trevor Anderson; Josh Hutcherson as Sean Anderson; Anita Briem as Hannah Asgeirsson; Jean Michel Pare as Max Anderson

Home Release Date

• Eric Brevig

Distributor

• New Line Cinema

Movie Review

It’s not just that Trevor Anderson is fascinated by rocks, lava and seismic activity. He also feels that he owes it to his brother Max to carry on the “progressive volcanology” research Max began before his disappearance a decade previously. But a scientific breakthrough proves elusive, and the powers that be are about to shut down Trevor’s lab. Distracted by these tribulations, Trevor nearly forgets that his nephew Sean—Max’s son—is about to arrive for a 10-day visit.

At first the two don’t know what to do with each other. But after a few awkward moments, their painful lack of common ground is upstaged by some strange rumblings underground. Despite years of inactivity, one of Max’s seismic monitors suddenly starts uploading data. It seems that the tectonic plates have arranged themselves in precisely the same configuration they were in when Max disappeared.

Trevor and Sean join forces with a cute mountain guide named Hannah, and the three embark on a quest to unlock the mystery of Max’s departure. Perhaps they’ll even uncover a passageway that will allow them to Journey to the Center of the Earth .

Positive Elements

Sean is a boy desperately in need of a father—or at least a father figure. Hesitantly at first, then more intentionally, Trevor assumes that role in Sean’s life. He also fills in some blanks that Sean has in his mind about his dad. Trevor lauds Max’s talent in front of the boy, telling him about Max’s hobbies and interests. Together, they sort through some of Max’s belongings. In the process, Sean receives affirmation regarding the man he’s meant to be. He also learns that his dad loved him immensely.

Trevor puts his own life in jeopardy twice in order to save Sean and Hannah.

Journey is a summer action flick aimed at kids that advocates action. Sean is persuaded to turn off his video games and put away his cell phone in favor of a good book or an outdoor adventure. Though he’s initially an unwilling explorer, Sean winds up having the time of his life. To his surprise, there are no video game controllers involved.

Sexual Content

Trevor and Sean repeatedly joke about having “dibs” on Hannah, who appears in the last half of the movie in a snug-fitting shirt and shorts. Especially when it gets wet, her top shows a bit too much.

Violent Content

Journey to the Center of the Earth earned its PG rating for “intense adventure action and some scary moments.” That’s pretty accurate. I’ll add that such content permeates about 90 percent of its screen time.

For starters, one could hardly reach the center of the earth in any sort of reasonable time frame without first falling a long way. That’s exactly what happens to the story’s heroes, and the water landing at the end of their fall results in Hannah almost being drowned. Sean, Trevor and Hannah dodge lightning bolts and hot magma, set off explosions in a confined space and take a wild handcart ride on a track that looks like it was built for Six Flags rather than for a mining operation. Broken and missing sections make for even more terrifying and body-battering moments.

The heroes also battle vicious carnivorous plants, run from an angry Tyrannosaurus Rex and fend off ferocious prehistoric fish (one of which tries to take a large bite out of Hannah’s posterior). They are nearly crushed by falling rocks and are catapulted forcefully out the top of an erupting volcano while riding in the overturned skull of a T-Rex. When they land, they crash hard.

Once, it seems to the audience that Hannah is about to intentionally make Trevor fall to his death, but it turns out he’s only a few feet from the bottom of the cliff they’re rappelling down when she cuts his rope. Hannah is almost strangled by a vine with a mind of its own. Reference is made to the deaths of 81 people in a mining accident. In a dream sequence, a man is shown falling into a fiery lava pit.

[ Spoiler Warning ] Once they reach the center of the earth, Hannah and Trevor discover Max’s body. We don’t see the corpse, but we can put the clues together and infer that he died by being baked to death as temperatures rose to unbearable levels—a pretty gruesome thought. The scene in which Trevor breaks the news to Sean may be difficult for sympathetic younger viewers to handle.

Crude or Profane Language

Shortly after Trevor, Sean and Hannah enter their underground fantasyland, Trevor comments on how much schist (a type of metamorphic rock) there is in the cavern walls around them. This gives Sean a later opportunity to exclaim that the trio is in “deep schist.”

Drug and Alcohol Content

Other negative elements.

Though the connection is not explicitly made, the phraseology surrounding Trevor’s teaching and research will strike many viewers as being related to the evolutionary-minded Big Bang Theory. An old-earth view is unquestioningly assumed.

Sean makes a positive reference to the lowbrow TV comedy The Family Guy . He is occasionally disrespectful toward his uncle.

At the earth’s core, Sean is shown eating trilobites for dinner—and they make a rather nasty-looking entrée.

What if the 1846 novel titled Journey to the Center of the Earth was not a creation of Jules Verne’s imagination, but a record of his scientific discoveries? Of course, that’s completely impossible, but that’s the point. Using this big what if as the premise for a PG action flick affords filmmakers the perfect opportunity to string together a series of fantastical—and sometimes harrowing—underground adventures without giving much thought to plot development.

There’s nothing new under, uh, the earth’s crust here, but the fact that the film is being shown in 3-D in many theaters adds enough wow-factor to fully engage and entertain tweens, if not their adult chaperones. The squeals and shouts throughout the young audience in the screening I attended were proof of that. Parents should cautiously consider the film’s few lapses in judgment, content-wise, as well as the potential effects of intense action scenes on their littlest adventurers. But without hesitation I can say that at its Center —very much in the same vein as the Spy Kids movies—this Journey at least has some good things to say about the importance of male bonding, family-style.

Lindy Keffer

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Journey To The Center Of The Earth Review

05 Jul 2018

132 minutes

Journey To The Center Of The Earth

An excellent science fiction fable from the Verne-adaptation school of wonder over paranoia, plain storytelling over satire.  You don’t become entranced by this whimsical fable of adventurers discovering an incredible world below the surface, complete with lost cities, prehistoric creature, and an underground ocean, for any clever-clever commentary, but for the transporting power of old-fashioned fantasy. It’s what use to be deemed a ‘family adventure” but that sounds too detrimental now.

While deviating from the original Verne text considerably, Henry Levin’s tale still carries that spirit of credible connection. It wants us to believe in its science. Having the redoubtable tone of James Mason helps, he’s the brainiac geologist Lindenbrook at the head of the mission who with shades of Scott’s race to the South Pole, finds his best friend Goetaborg has ploughed on ahead of him alone. Lindenbrook, sensibly with a sturdy team behind — including crooner Pat Boone as young hero sort Alec McEwen and a fetching goose—also discovers traces of another explorer who may have ventured this way centuries before. There’s a small murder plot, and a cool spike of scientific rivalry, but the film is essentially an underground picaresque through a series of vivid sets stunning lit to give the effect of the vast and subterranean.

It has dated a fair bit, but it’s a film that takes its far-fetchedness seriously, and delivers a thrilling adventure that untrammelled by cheese, melodrama or ludicrous tribes of extras shabbily dressed bird-beings or lizard men.

Lolo Loves Films

Tuesday, may 24, 2016, movie review: "journey to the center of the earth" (2008), 2 comments:.

Man you’re the biggest hater I’ve ever seen. It’s a good movie when you don’t have a stick up your ass the whole time

We found it to be very bad, but we're glad you enjoyed it! We've given it more than one chance to change our minds. That's the beauty of commentary: we don't all have to feel the same! Doesn't mean we have sticks up our asses, it just means we'd rather watch Brendan Fraser in "The Mummy" instead.

Journey to the Center of the Earth Blu-ray Review

3-d looks great in blu-ray, but should we care.

Video and Presentation Both the 2-D and 3-D versions of the film are included here on a single dual-layer disc (minus the fullscreen version that appeared on the two-sided standard-definition release) and are presented in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1. You know you're already going to get a pretty well-defined picture with Blu-ray, and the 3-D version takes that even further. Every square inch of the screen comes to life before your eyes in startling color, contrast and sharpness, but the novelty wears off quickly. It's actually kind of a pain to sit through the entire film wearing the uncomfortable cardboard glasses included in the package. As for the 2-D version, the one that most people are likely to spend the most time with, the image is pristine without a hint of digital flaws. It also handles the bright color palette -- ranging from nearly fluorescent purples to neon blue, green and pink -- with no problems. On the downside, the CGI sequences look even more cartoonish and obviously fake in high-definition, and they're not well integrated into the live action. The overall look of the film in 2-D is a bit softer and flatter than can be expected from this level of technically advanced filmmaking, but that could be due to the process of converting the film from the original 3-D. Score: 7 out of 10 Languages and Audio The same Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack offered on the standard-definition disc is included here as well. It's a bit of a disappointment that New Line didn't feel the need to provide an HD track to go along with the improved picture. At least the audio well constructed, with the rear speakers coming alive through the majority of the second half of the film. The moments when Trevor screams through the cavernous underground come across without a hitch, as does the score by first-time feature composer Andrew Lockington. The bass gets a good workout as well, rumbling to life most notably in the trio's escape. English and Spanish subtitles are also included. Score: 7 out of 10

Journey to the Center of the Earth comes housed in a standard Blu-ray case within a lenticular slipcase with identical art as the standard-definition release, showcasing Trevor and Sean climbing down a mountainside. Four sets of 3-D cardboard glasses are packed inside the keepcase. An insert with a code for a digital copy of the film compatible with Windows Media and iTunes, although you must be running Windows XP or Vista, so Mac users are out of luck (other studios are able to offer Mac-compatible digital copies, so why can't Warner Bros.?). The special features offered on the Blu-ray release are the same as on the standard-definition version, minus the "Adventure at the Center of the Earth" challenge, but that's no big loss since the games were too frustrating anyway. There is no exclusive Blu-ray content here. The full list of features includes:

• Commentary by Brendan Fraser and Director Eric Brevig
• A World Within Our World
• How to Make Dinosaur Drool

The Bottom Line The whole point of developing 3-D technology in the first place was to offer something in movie theaters that couldn't be matched on a television in your living room, and despite the attempt at recreating that experience here, that's still very much the case.

In This Article

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Journey to the Center of the Earth Movie Review

"Journey to the Center of the Earth" isn't a straight-jacket adaptation of the Jules Verne classic, but a vague photocopy that eschews daring adventure for cheap, plastic thrills, tarted up with a sickly glaze of 3-D to help prop up the anemic screenplay. It's a gimmick-driven movie and it's shocking how much the final product lacks the source material's intrinsic magic.

Taking care of his distracted nephew Sean (Josh Hutcherson), scientific researcher Trevor (Brendan Fraser) is stunned to discover clues to the whereabouts of his lost brother in a copy of the book "Journey to the Center of the Earth." Taking Sean with him to Iceland for further study, Trevor meets up with Hannah (Anita Briem), a tracker and daughter of a dead scientist who held faith in a land located beneath the planet's crust. Trekking through the mountains to further unravel the mystery, the trio stumbles upon the doorway to the center of the Earth, and once arrived in this dangerous place, they plan immediately for their escape before they become permanent residents.

"Journey" is a passive experience at the movies; a woeful synthetic creation that's powered by sophisticated thrill-ride mechanics and Crayola screenwriting aspirations. Director Eric Brevig is a longtime special-effects master with a host of Oscars and ornamental accolades under his belt, but he's at a loss when it comes down to nurturing even a tuft of human interface. "Journey" relentlessly dishes out the action and offers the bespectacled audience plenty of goopy, grabby 3-D jolts, but it all resembles a run of the mill video game. Brevig can't shake the material loose from its unbridled artificiality.

It's one thing to use CGI to further layer fantasy worlds beyond the reach of the human hand, it's another to bathe a motion picture in computer embellishment to cut corners. "Journey" strikes me as the latter. While the 3-D keeps the overall image muted and muddy, it's perhaps a better alternative to actually accepting Brevig's vision: a smothering, limited buffet of overactive CGI and cold studio environments that provide little to no depth. It's not that the computer work is shoddy, but more that Brevig doesn't grasp how to direct the actors to respond naturally to the astonishing sights they should be seeing. There's a frustrating disconnect between reaction and bejeweled visual in "Journey" that's distracting, and the more the film pumps in cartoonish action set-pieces (flying fish attacking a raft, a T-Rex encounter, a mine cart race), the more phony "Journey" becomes, further accented by the piercingly earnest performances, which grow more and more aggravating with each passing minute.

If Jules Verne could extract the wonder of visiting alien landscapes while remaining on Earth, "Journey" slowly sucks away that awe by twisting everything into lifeless arcade aesthetics. The film does have a few genuinely effective moments, but you have to keep your eyes peeled to find them underneath the ungodly amount of visual malarkey thrown at the screen to keep the impatient invested.

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Journey to the Center of the Earth Reviews

Journey to the Center of the Earth makes a mess of Verne’s text, losing every sense of imagination and wonder that the writer is famous for.

Full Review | Original Score: 1.5/4 | Aug 18, 2023

Often feels like an excuse to exploit a famous title rather than present a sincere adaptation.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/10 | Nov 28, 2020

Fraser has very much become a go to actor for lighthearted family fare.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4.0 | Sep 13, 2020

...the movie's watchable vibe comes as a fairly pronounced surprise...

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | May 31, 2020

The rookie director, Erik Brevig, has an armful of credits working in the visual effects department but he shows absolutely no skill at directing actors.

Full Review | May 14, 2018

Despite being constantly upstaged by special effects, the actors are all very watchable.

Full Review | Dec 16, 2017

This latest adaptation of Journey to the Centre of the Earth is clean cut entertainment recommended for a family night out, although some scenes may frighten the little ones.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jul 22, 2015

Full Review | Original Score: B+ | Feb 18, 2012

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Nov 17, 2011

Brendan Fraser's physical dexterity and comic timing are laid out in good order here, and "Journey" is pretty much a Frasermobile. Without him, it just doesn't go anywhere.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Jul 5, 2011

Full Review | Original Score: C+ | May 6, 2011

Journey relentlessly dishes out the action and offers the bespectacled audience plenty of goopy, grabby 3-D jolts, but it all resembles a run of the mill video game. Brevig can't shake the material loose from its unbridled artificiality."

Full Review | Original Score: D | Jun 2, 2010

Whilst 3D glasses might mask this lapse of originality by putting it all in your face, from a standard visual plane, the creative potential of Verne's novel appears to be inexcusably wasted.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/5 | Aug 2, 2009

Overall, everyone involved does well, but no one besides the 3D is doing much to drop your jaw.

Full Review | Original Score: B- | Feb 11, 2009

...rather juvenile...with many of its shots intended more to show off the 3-D process than to further its story line.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/10 | Oct 20, 2008

Brendan Fraser's playful force of personality rules, 3D or no 3D, one of the few funny guys who could grab attention away from a dinosaur in assault mode, in the center of the earth or anywhere else on the planet.

Full Review | Oct 18, 2008

The movie proves the perfect showcase for 3D. I can't say that it does the same for Fraser.

Full Review | Oct 3, 2008

It's all good clean fun: a rattling good yarn, in fact, with mostly nicely modulated performances from Fraser, Hutcherson and Bream, emphasising confidence, growth, solidarity and self-reliance.

Full Review | Sep 26, 2008

Fraser salvages his reputation as a solid, matinee-style action hero in this family-oriented fantasy.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Sep 26, 2008

Brevig does a barely competent job of imitating the Indiana Jones movies, and seems more hindered than helped by his chosen format...

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/5 | Sep 26, 2008

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Journey to the center of the earth (1989), common sense media reviewers.

Awful effects, bad acting, and ridiculous plot.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Brief footage of war.

Some profanity.

Parents need to know that despite the title, JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH is, at best, only vaguely related to the Jules Verne book of the same name. Other than some implied violence in the form of war and a few instances of profanity, there is nothing inherently inappropriate about this movie. There is also not…

Violence & Scariness

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that despite the title, JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH is, at best, only vaguely related to the Jules Verne book of the same name. Other than some implied violence in the form of war and a few instances of profanity, there is nothing inherently inappropriate about this movie. There is also not really anything to recommend this version of JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH -- the plot is absurd and at times hard to follow, the acting is bad, and the film overall looks very low-budget. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

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Community Reviews

• Parents say (2)
• Kids say (2)

Based on 2 parent reviews

This is for young Kids maybe preteens.

Stuning film is amazing, what's the story.

JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH follows Bryan, his brother Richard, and Crystina, a young British nanny they meet the same day, as they make their way underground via an opening in a Hawaiian cave. Although Richard is eventually rescued by his parents and the National Guard, Bryan and Crystina make their way to the underground city of Atlantis. The citizens of Atlantis are ruled by a fascist government that controls their knowledge of the outside world. To prepare for their planned takeover of the surface world, Atlantis's government is making clones of the first surface-dweller to wander into Atlantis. Bryan meets Shank, a citizen of Atlantis who dreams of life on the outside. Together, they set out to foil General Rykov's plan to take over the surface by violent means.

Is It Any Good?

Even at only 80 minutes long, this journey is tiresome, laughable, and confusing. Journey to the Center of the Earth bears little resemblance to the Jules Verne book on which it's supposedly based. Instead, the film is actually a sequel to the forgettable Kathy Ireland film, Alien In LA . Poorly acted and featuring a ridiculous plot with a blink-and-you'll-miss-it conclusion, the film might have some appeal to younger viewers, but it will certainly have their parents' eyes rolling.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about fascist governments, like the one in Atlantis. How did the underground government try to control the information their citizens got? Why is it important for people to have access to information?

Movie Details

• In theaters : October 31, 1989
• On DVD or streaming : October 31, 1989
• Cast : Debra Monk , Emo Philips , Kathy Ireland
• Director : Rusty Lemorande
• Inclusion Information : Female actors
• Studio : Warner Home Video
• Genre : Science Fiction
• Topics : Magic and Fantasy , Adventures , Book Characters
• Run time : 80 minutes
• MPAA rating : PG
• MPAA explanation : some profanity
• Last updated : June 20, 2023

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Journey to the Center of the Earth Parent Guide

Trevor's (Brendan Fraser) professional credibility is in question after the scientist proposes some radical new theories. But hope for restoring his reputation comes after he and his nephew Sean (Josh Hutcherson) discover an incredible deep and uncharted cave in the Icelandic wilderness. Hiring a local guide (Anita Briem), the small expedition begins an adventurous Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Release date July 10, 2008

Run Time: 93 minutes

Get Content Details

The guide to our grades, parent movie review by kerry bennett.

Journey to the Center of the Earth is an eye-popping experience. As the first full-length, live-action film shot in digital 3D, it offers in-your-face entertainment for those able to view it in this new format. Gnashing prehistoric fish and drooling dinosaurs seem to jump off the screen and into the seat beside you. Luckily, during the passage of Jules Verne’s novel into a new era of computer animation, the classic story manages to maintain it’s good, old-fashioned monster movie appeal.

Brendan Fraser stars as scientist Trevor Anderson, whose brother Max (Jean Michel ParŽ) went missing a decade earlier while conducting fieldwork during a spree of unusual seismic activity. Now the lab, set up in honor of the lost explorer, is being shut down due to lack of funds. To make things worse, Trevor’s unhappy and disinterested nephew, Sean (Josh Hutcherson), is arriving for a 10-day visit while his mother (Jane Wheeler) is out of town.

Moments of peril and several jump scenes (that may scare very young viewers) accompany them as they encounter carnivorous plants, petrified mushrooms and magnesium explosions. Relying on a copy of Jules Verne’s novel and notes scribbled in it by another scientist, the threesome navigate across a underground ocean, through magnetic fields and over bubbling lava in an attempt to return to the surface.

Donning a pair of 3D glasses and settling down with a big bag of popcorn, audiences will have to suspend all scientific reality and to put up with some points of the story that dawdle along at a ponderous pace. Yet overall, Journey to the Center of the Earth is a voyage with plenty of action adventure and limited concerns for almost all family viewers, as they are whisked away on a subterranean venture to the center of the earth

About author

Kerry Bennett

Journey to the center of the earth rating & content info.

Why is Journey to the Center of the Earth rated PG? Journey to the Center of the Earth is rated PG by the MPAA The MPAA has rated Journey to the Center of the Earth PG for intense adventure action and some scary moments.

Devoid of any inappropriate language, this film contains two brief kisses between consenting adults. The only other concerns for parents will be some scary, jump scenes and moments of intense, perilous action as the characters encounter dinosaurs, flesh-eating plants, and prehistoric fish. As well, they experience a wild, rollercoaster ride in an old mine shaft, fall through a thin layer of earth and are carried off by a kite. The explorers are also exposed to an explosion, boiling water, hot lava and a careening slide down the side of a mountain.

Page last updated January 17, 2012

Journey to the Center of the Earth Parents' Guide

What events in Sean’s life may contribute to his attitude when he arrives at his uncle’s house? What experiences change his outlook?

What impact can sci-fi writing have on real science? What inventions do we enjoy now that might have been considered science fiction years ago?

Jules Verne wrote a number of novels during his lifetime. To learn more about his author and his work, visit: http://www.online-literature.com/verne/

The most recent home video release of Journey to the Center of the Earth movie is October 28, 2008. Here are some details…

On January 17, 2012, New Line Cinema is releasing Journey to the Center of the Earth in 3D on Blu-ray.

DVD Release Date: 28 October 2008

Journey to the Center of the Earth with the DVD release of this movie. The excursion comes equipped with an audio commentary by actor Brendan Fraser, featurettes and the interactive Adventures at the Center of the Earth Challenge.

You can also Journey to the Center of the Earth on Blu-ray Disc. In addition to the aforementioned extras, this version offers a digital download of the 2D movie.

Audio tracks are avialable in Dolby Digital 5.1 (English and Spanish), with subtitles in English and Spanish.

Related home video titles:

During the 1950s, two of Jules Verne’s novels, Journey to the Center of the Earth and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea , were made into motion pictures. Older viewers may enjoy Dante’s Peak , a disaster movie about a volcano that rains down ash and lava on an unsuspecting community. Josh Hutcherson also plays a 10-year-old who is blasted into an outer space adventure when he and his younger brother begin playing a mysterious board game in Zathura.

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Stream It Or Skip It: ‘Journey To The Center Of The Earth’, Where A Group Of Kids Follow Jules Verne’s Geological Path To Help Save Earth’s Magnetic Field

Where to stream:.

• Journey to the Center of the Earth
• Stream It Or Skip It

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In a new adaptation of Jules Verne’s Journey To The Center Of The Earth , a group of kids in a Mexican adventure camp take the journey that Verne did, with the goal of finding the group leader’s grandmother and trying to restore the Earth’s magnetic balance. Not a small feat, right?

JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH : STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?

Opening Shot: An older man in the past, supposedly Jules Verne (Gabriel Goity), writes about his adventures in parallel dimensions, and leaves instructions to his future generations about using the portal to those dimensions.

The Gist: Diego (Sebastián García) is an adventurous kid and an inventor just like his brother Martin (Yankel Stevan), his parents, and his grandmother Pola (Margarita Rosa de Francisco). In fact, the boys and their little sister Violeta (Camila Núñez) are being cared for by Pola as their parents are on a polar expedition.

Diego, along with his buddies Pedro (Manuel Márquez) and Ana (Paola Miguel), is going to an adventure camp for a month. Violeta is also going, as is Martin, who will be there as a counselor to fulfill his university community service requirement. The camp is owned by Pompilio Calderón (Óscar Jaenada), a famous and eccentric adventurer who walks around with a robot bird named Claudio (Santiago Alonso) on his shoulder.

Pola, who’s noticing that the microwave oven is going haywire and magnets are falling off the refrigerator door and crows are gathering outside, calls up her daughter and son-in-law to see what they’re seeing at their research station. She thinks she has to go into the dimensional portal to figure things out. She goes into a cave and opens the portal, and she’s followed there by Pompilio and Claudio; Pompilio has wanted to get into that portal for years. A dog runs out of the portal as it closes and takes the medallion Pola used to open it.

As camp opens, the group meets the shy but equally adventurous Laura (Valery Sais). Martin finds out that Andrea (Carla Adell), an old crush of his, is also a counselor. Pompiloo’s nephew Antonio (Luigi Cerrada) tries to bigfoot Diego and his group by bullying them and playing pranks.

The first night, though, Diego and his group find the dog, who Violeta names “Soup”. As they follow the dog through the woods, into an area Pompilio says is a “no go” for the campers, they find Pola’s medallion. When Pompilio finds them, he sees it as his chance to finally go through the portal. But he doesn’t realize that there are going to be people diving in behind him.

What Shows Will It Remind You Of? Journey To The Center Of The Earth , besides being an adaptation of Jules Verne’s novel that has been made into two feature films (not to mention a string of hokey straight-to-video imaginings) reminds us a bit of the modern-set adventure series Theodosia . Our Take: José Luis Gutiérrez Arias and Lavia Atencio adapted Verne’s 1864 novel, and they took it in an interesting direction, making the journey center around a group of 21st-century kids. These kids aren’t your typical Roblox or Minecraft obsessives; even the VR games Diego and his buddies play are based on Verne’s adventures. That’s obviously a good thing; instead of showing preteens staring at phones and/or doing the usual coming-of-age stuff, they’re exploring multiple dimensions.

The series has its fantastical, Verne-like elements, even in the present-day setting. It’s most evident in the person of Pompilio and his steampunk bird companion Claudio. He wants to find a rock named Tungsten, and we’re not sure if he’s pure evil or just a sneaky guy. He’s certainly quirky, mixing French in with his Spanish, and Jaenada plays him well, making him just over-the-top enough to not make adults roll their eyes when watching him.

But there’s also the usual “kids at camp” story, with the kid who’s the leader of his/her group, the adventurous girl or girls, the bully who is eventually going to get his or her comeuppance, and likely lots of competitions to get everyone’s juices flowing. That aspect of the story will likely be the weakest, but for the most part, it serves as a way to ground the fantasy aspects of the series.

What Age Group Is This For?: Kids of all ages who like adventure should like Journey To The Center Of The Earth .

Parting Shot: After Pompilio dives into the portal, Soup the dog goes in, too. Violeta has no problem jumping in as the portal starts to close. Will the rest of the group go after her?

Sleeper Star: How could we not cite Santiago Alonso as the wise acre Claudio? The robot bird might be our favorite character in the whole show.

Most Pilot-y Line: We had an issue with how the show transitioned from Episode 1 to Episode 2, but we’ll leave those questions to the viewer as they see each episode. There’s an assumption that’s made at that point, but it’s a big one, and one we hope is addressed properly at some point.

Our Call: STREAM IT. Journey To The Center Of The Earth is a little goofy, but it looks great and the performances of the kids and adults make the show worth watching.

Joel Keller ( @joelkeller ) writes about food, entertainment, parenting and tech, but he doesn’t kid himself: he’s a TV junkie. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, Slate, Salon, RollingStone.com , VanityFair.com , Fast Company and elsewhere.

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Journey to the Center of the Earth

• On a quest to find out what happened to his missing brother, a scientist, his nephew and their mountain guide discover a fantastic and dangerous lost world in the center of the earth.
• Professor Trevor Anderson receives his teenager nephew Sean Anderson. He will spend ten days with his uncle while his mother, Elizabeth, prepares to move to Canada. She gives a box to Trevor that belonged to his missing brother, Max, and Trevor find a book with references to the last journey of his brother. He decides to follow the steps of Max with Sean and they travel to Iceland, where they meet the guide Hannah Ásgeirsson. While climbing a mountain, there is a thunderstorm and they protect themselves in a cave. However, lightening collapses the entrance and the trio is trapped in the cave. They seek an exit and fall in a hole, discovering a lost world in the center of the Earth. — Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Science professor Trevor Anderson wasn't prepared to mind his teen nephew Sean ten days, while the kid's mother prepares their move to Canada. She stumbled across a box belonging to the knave's father, Trevor's brother Max, who went missing years ago. It contains a journal documenting his last journey, which happens to go to the very volcanic region in Iceland which Trevor's research, set up with Max, flashes as most notable. he decides to travel there and Sean insists to come along. They need a local guide and hire Hannah Ásgeirsson, who proves quite practical, while the Andersons provide ingenuity and bravado. Seeking shelter for a storm in a collapsing cave, they descend trough a volcanic exit into a road to the center of the world, and find it has its distinct fauna and flora, partially dinosaur-ancient, which adds to the dangers posed by the elements as they must seek a way out, which seems hopeless. — KGF Vissers
• A scientist, his nephew, and a travel guide travel to explore the discoveries and mysteries that are in the centre of the Earth. Through their adventure, they begin to learn all the secrets that are hidden in the world and gain more understanding of the sciences. — RECB3
• Journey to the Centre of the Earth is a science fantasy action-adventure movie. In this movie, the main characters are Trevor Anderson, Sean Anderson, Max Anderson, Hannah, Elizabeth. So, the synopsis of this movie is as follows. Trevor Anderson is a volcanologist and teaches the student in the university also. At the work, Trevor found that his brother's lab is being shut down because of a lack of funding. So, he comes home and sits in a chair to relax and found some messages on the answering machine. When he plays that recording, he found that the messages are from Liz (Max's wife and Sean's mother). He is forgotten that his nephew Sean is coming to spend some days with him. When Liz drops Sean, she leaves Trevor with a box of items that belonged to Max (Trevor's brother and Sean's father) who disappeared years before. Sean takes interest when Trevor says about his father, whom he never really had a chance to meet. Inside the box, Trevor discovers a couple of things. In that, he found the novel Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne. Inside the book, he finds notes written by his brother. So, he goes to his laboratory to find out more information on the notes. There he decides that he must go to Iceland to investigate further. He decides to send Sean back to his mother, but Sean protest it, so he decides to bring Sean with him. They started looking for another volcanologist. When they get to that scientist, they meet his daughter Hannah, who informs them he is dead. She tells them that both her father and Max believed in that book. After some discussion, she offers to help them climb up to the instrument which suddenly started sending data. While hiking the mountain a lightning storm arrives and forces three of them into a cave. Because the lightning storm hit the cave, its entrance got collapses and trapping them inside the cave. So, they do not have any alternative way except to go deeper into the cave, which turns out in an abandoned mine. So, the three of them decide to go deeper into the cave to investigate for Hannah farther and Max into the mine. Suddenly they found a hole in a wall after hitting a trolly on the dead-end of the mine. While investigating the fall into a deep pit, taking them to the "Centre of the Earth". They all continue the travel until they discover a cave that Max lived in. They found some old journal of Max, meanwhile, Hannah discovers Max's dead body. So, they all bury him. At that point, Trevor reads a message from the journal that was written by Max on Sean's 3rd birthday. While reading Max's journal they realize that they must quickly leave, as the temperature is continuously increasing. Trevor figures out that they must find a steam power that can send them to the surface, and it must be done in 48 hours, or all of the water which creates the steam will be gone. Also, must do this before the temperature rises past 135 degrees. They begin by crossing the underground ocean, and suddenly the Trevor and Hannah got separated from Sean. So now Sean's guide is a little bird who has been present since the three of them entered the Centre. After Sean comes closer to the river, he encounters a Tyrannosaurus. Trevor who is searching for him saves by digging a hole in the wall and putting the Tyrannosaurus in a big hole. When they arrive at the river, they found it is dried up and all the water is on the other side of a wall. Trevor uses a flare to fire the magnesium in the wall and take out the water to create a powerful steam pressure to shoot them outside that place. When they throw out from that pit and destroy the home of an Italian man, they found that it was Italy where they have landed. Sean gives him a diamond (which he had found earlier in the caves) for the penalty of the destroyed house. Trevor founds that Sean has many more in his backpack, and they can be used for funding his brother's laboratory. At the end of this movie, Trevor hand over a book titled "Atlantis" on the final day of Sean's visit with him (and Hannah), suggesting they could hang out during Christmas break.

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49 facts about the movie journey to the center of the earth.

Written by Oriana Favors

Modified & Updated: 05 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Sherman Smith

The movie “Journey to the Center of the Earth” is an exciting adventure film that has captivated audiences since its release. Directed by Eric Brevig, this 2008 blockbuster is based on the classic science fiction novel by Jules Verne. The story follows a group of explorers who embark on a perilous journey to the earth’s core, encountering breathtaking landscapes, prehistoric creatures, and unexpected hazards along the way.

In this article, we will explore 49 fascinating facts about the making of this iconic movie. From behind-the-scenes trivia to interesting tidbits about the cast and crew, you’ll get an insider’s look at the creation of this thrilling cinematic experience. So, strap yourself in and get ready to dive beneath the earth’s surface as we uncover the secrets behind “Journey to the Center of the Earth”!

Key Takeaways:

• “Journey to the Center of the Earth” is a thrilling adventure movie released in 2008, featuring stunning visuals, exciting action, and a hidden world beneath the Earth’s surface. It’s a must-see for all adventure enthusiasts!
• “Journey to the Center of the Earth” captivates audiences with its immersive 3D experience, heartwarming family bonds, and the enduring spirit of exploration. Get ready for a roller coaster ride into the unknown depths of the Earth!

The movie “Journey to the Center of the Earth” was released in 2008.

The film, based on Jules Verne’s 1864 novel of the same name, was directed by Eric Brevig.

Brendan Fraser plays the lead role of Professor Trevor Anderson.

Fraser’s portrayal of the adventurous and determined professor captivated audiences worldwide.

The movie introduces the concept of a hidden world beneath the Earth’s surface.

As the characters embark on their journey, they discover a secret realm filled with breathtaking landscapes and incredible creatures.

The film combines elements of action, adventure, and fantasy.

With its thrilling chase sequences, dangerous obstacles, and fantastical creatures, “Journey to the Center of the Earth” offers a truly immersive viewing experience.

The movie was shot in various stunning locations around the world.

From Iceland’s volcanic landscapes to the breathtaking caves in New Mexico, the film showcases the beauty and diversity of our planet.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” received positive reviews from critics.

Critics praised the film for its exciting storyline, impressive visual effects, and the chemistry between the cast members.

The movie grossed over $240 million worldwide.

Its box office success cemented its place as a beloved adventure film among audiences of all ages.

The film’s screenplay was written by Michael D. Weiss, Jennifer Flackett, and Mark Levin.

The writers crafted a compelling narrative that captures the spirit of Verne’s original story while adding modern twists.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” was released in 3D.

The use of 3D technology enhanced the immersive experience, allowing viewers to feel like they were journeying alongside the characters.

The movie’s soundtrack, composed by Andrew Lockington, adds depth to the story.

Lockington’s score perfectly complements the action-packed sequences and brings the emotions of the characters to life.

The film was primarily shot using digital cameras.

This allowed for greater flexibility during the filming process and enabled the creation of stunning visual effects.

The movie includes thrilling action sequences and narrow escapes.

From escaping collapsing caves to outrunning dangerous creatures, the characters are constantly facing high-stakes situations.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” was released in multiple languages.

The movie’s popularity transcended borders, captivating audiences around the globe.

The film’s cast includes Anita Briem as Hannah Ásgeirsson.

Briem’s portrayal of the adventurous guide adds depth to the story and sparks a connection with the other characters.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” was praised for its visual effects.

The seamless integration of CGI and practical effects creates a believable and awe-inspiring world beneath the Earth’s surface.

The movie showcases the wonders of geology and the Earth’s unique underground ecosystem.

Through stunning visuals and engaging storytelling, viewers gain a newfound appreciation for the planet’s hidden depths.

The film’s fast-paced narrative keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

From the opening scene to the final moments, “Journey to the Center of the Earth ” is a thrilling roller coaster ride.

The movie’s success led to a sequel titled “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” in 2012.

The sequel further explores the fascinating world introduced in the first film and continues the characters’ adventures.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” inspired a 2008 video game adaptation.

The game allows players to embark on their own virtual journey into the depths of the Earth.

The film’s production team went to great lengths to recreate the Earth’s inner world.

From creating intricate cave systems to designing unique creatures, no detail was overlooked in bringing Verne’s vision to life.

The movie’s release coincided with the resurgence of 3D films in the late 2000s.

Viewers were treated to a visually stunning experience that brought the story to life like never before.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” pays homage to Jules Verne’s original novel.

Throughout the film, there are nods to Verne’s work and his influence on the adventure genre.

The movie’s success contributed to the popularity of the 3D format in the following years.

Many studios began investing in 3D technology for their films, thanks in part to the positive response to “Journey to the Center of the Earth.”

The film’s tagline, “Same Planet. Different World,” captures the essence of the story.

As the characters venture into the hidden world beneath the Earth’s surface, they discover a realm unlike anything they’ve ever experienced.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” features stunning cinematography.

The film’s visuals are not only impressive in 3D but also showcase the beauty of the Earth’s landscapes in a unique way.

The movie’s strong emphasis on family bonds resonates with audiences.

As the characters navigate through the perils of the hidden world, their connection strengthens, providing a heartwarming aspect to the story.

The film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Achievement in Visual Effects.

The impressive visual effects work in “Journey to the Center of the Earth” was recognized by the industry.

The movie’s Director of Photography, Chuck Shuman, skillfully captures the beauty of the natural landscapes.

Shuman’s work adds a layer of realism and grandeur to the film.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” takes audiences on an exciting, larger-than-life adventure.

From starting on a seemingly ordinary expedition to embarking on a journey of a lifetime, the film offers a thrilling escape from reality.

The movie’s original score received critical acclaim.

Andrew Lockington’s music perfectly complements the on-screen action and adds an emotional depth to the story.

The film’s script underwent several revisions before the final version was approved.

The writing team worked tirelessly to ensure that the story was engaging, coherent, and faithful to Verne’s original vision.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” includes exciting discoveries and unexpected plot twists.

The movie keeps viewers guessing as the characters face new challenges and unravel the mysteries of the hidden world.

The film’s visual effects team won a Visual Effects Society Award for Outstanding Animated Character in a Live Action Feature.

The team’s dedication and talent are evident in the detailed and lifelike creatures that inhabit the Earth’s inner realm.

The movie’s universal themes of exploration and discovery resonate with audiences of all ages.

Whether you’re a fan of adventure, science fiction, or simply love a thrilling story, “Journey to the Center of the Earth” offers something for everyone.

The film’s stunning visuals were achieved through a combination of practical effects and CGI.

This seamless blending of techniques creates a visually immersive experience.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” is a testament to the power of imagination and the wonders that can be found within.

The film inspires viewers to embrace their sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them.

The movie’s success led to the creation of themed attractions at various amusement parks.

Visitors can now experience their own adventure inspired by “Journey to the Center of the Earth.”

The film’s production was a collaborative effort between multiple countries and production companies.

From funding to location scouting, “Journey to the Center of the Earth” brought together talent from around the world.

The movie features breathtaking underground landscapes that are visually striking.

The attention to detail in creating these environments adds depth and richness to the film.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” underscores the importance of bravery and perseverance.

The characters’ courage in the face of danger serves as a reminder that one must take risks to achieve extraordinary things.

The film’s marketing campaign highlighted the thrilling and immersive 3D experience.

Audiences were encouraged to “dive in” and join the characters on their extraordinary journey.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” was released in multiple formats, including DVD and Blu-ray.

This allowed viewers to experience the film’s stunning visuals and captivating story from the comfort of their own homes.

The movie’s opening weekend was a commercial success.

Its box office performance surpassed expectations, solidifying its place as a must-see adventure film.

The film’s central theme revolves around the idea that there is much more to the world than meets the eye.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” encourages viewers to embrace the unknown and embark on their own personal journeys of exploration.

The movie’s success led to the creation of a 4D attraction at Universal Studios Theme Park.

Visitors can embark on a thrilling virtual adventure, experiencing the wonders of the Earth’s hidden realm.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” is a testament to the enduring appeal of adventure stories.

From Verne’s original novel to the film adaptations, audiences continue to be captivated by the allure of the unknown.

The film features stunning set designs that bring the underground world to life.

The attention to detail and the blend of practical and digital effects create a visually immersive experience.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” was a critical and commercial success.

The film’s captivating story, strong performances, and breathtaking visuals resonated with audiences worldwide.

The movie’s legacy lives on, inspiring future generations of filmmakers and adventure enthusiasts.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” serves as a reminder of the power of imagination and the thrill of exploration.

In conclusion, “Journey to the Center of the Earth” is a captivating movie that takes audiences on a thrilling adventure to the unknown depths of our planet. With stunning visual effects, a compelling storyline, and memorable characters, this film has garnered a special place in the hearts of moviegoers. Whether you’re a fan of action-packed adventures or simply fascinated by the mysteries of the Earth, “Journey to the Center of the Earth” is a must-watch.With its rich history, behind-the-scenes trivia, and spectacular cinematography, this film continues to captivate audiences and inspire a sense of wonder. So grab your popcorn, sit back, and embark on a journey like no other with “Journey to the Center of the Earth.”

1. Who directed the movie “Journey to the Center of the Earth”?

The movie “Journey to the Center of the Earth” was directed by Eric Brevig.

2. Is “Journey to the Center of the Earth” based on a book?

Yes, the movie is loosely based on the novel of the same name written by Jules Verne.

3. When was the movie released?

“Journey to the Center of the Earth” was released on July 11, 2008.

4. Who are the main characters in the movie?

The main characters in the movie are played by Brendan Fraser , Josh Hutcherson, and Anita Briem.

5. Are there any sequels to the movie?

Yes, there is a sequel titled “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” released in 2012.

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10 Best Movies Based On Jules Verne Books, Ranked

• Jules Verne's work has inspired numerous movie adaptations and is the foundation for some of the earliest science fiction films.
• Some Jules Verne adaptations are entertaining and enjoyable, while others are outdated and not required viewing.
• The film "Journey to the Center of the Earth" (2008) successfully updates Verne's classic story with modern special effects and remains fun to watch.

Jules Verne is undoubtedly one of the most prominent authors in science fiction , and its no wonder that his works have inspired countless movie adaptations. One of the most translated writers in human history, the French author has written legendary tales like 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, Journey to the Center of the Earth, and Around the World in 80 Days . Verne's daring imagination put him far ahead of his time, and it's no surprise that movie studios have sought to replicate his sense of wonder with multiple live-action adaptations of Jules Verne stories .

Jules Verne's work has become the foundation for some of the earliest films in the science fiction genre , some of which even hold up today remarkably well as enjoyable, adventurous romps through the imagination. The mid-to-late 2000s saw a resurgence of Jules Verne films as well, to varying degrees of success, with studios hoping to recapture the joy and nostalgia of the earliest films to adapt Verne's books for a new generation. With so many familiar titles, it's a difficult task to distinguish the very best depictions of Jules Verne's novels over the years.

Journey To The Center Of The Earth

An easily-overlooked made-for-TV movie, the two-part Journey to the Center of the Earth special was a solid attempt at getting to the center of what made Verne's original story so memorable. The film is decidedly slow-moving and low-budgeted, with some creature effects occasionally bordering the precipice of acceptable for a shoestring budget, but the C-List actors can often bring in decent performances amid the campy set-dressing. Despite it's many flaws, the two-part film is an entertaining, knowingly campy jog through Verne's beloved tale of subterranean exploration.

Master Of The World

Master of the World is the sole film to adapt Jules Verne's novel of the same name, and when compared to his other, more well-known stories, it's easy to see why. The narrative of a rich maniac dedicated to the idea of threatening the world's governments into laying down their arms isn't quite as whimsical as Verne's other premises. As for the film, despite rich talent from the likes of a young Charles Bronson and the legendary Vincent Price , the special effects are especially outdated, even for the time period . Master of the World is fun, but not required viewing.

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

Journey 2: the mysterious island.

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is the follow-up to 2008's Journey to the Center of the Earth. The film takes place four years after the original, showing Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson teaming up with Hank, his stepfather, to find his lost grandfather. Due to scheduling issues, Brendan Fraser wasn't able to return as Trevor Anderson but was replaced by Dwayne Johnson as the film's lead.

Release Date 2012-02-12

Director Brad Peyton

Cast Josh Hutcherson, Michael Caine, Vanessa Hudgens, Dwayne Johnson

This semi-adaptation picks up where 2008's Journey to the Center of the Earth left off, replacing Brendan Fraser with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. As the passable action adventure delves into the incredible isle, the tone rides a strange line, at once too scary for younger viewers and too subdued for older ones. Amid mediocre CGI and all-too subdued performances, the best thing that can be said about Journey 2: The Mysterious Island was how it pioneered the art of throwing Johnson into a jungle, later done better in films like Jungle Cruise and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle .

Around The World In 80 Days

Though the idea of circumnavigating the globe in the span of 80 days is now a triviality, in Verne's time, such a time was the stuff of science fiction. The 1956 take on the story is an incredibly grand adventure comedy with a runtime that feels nearly as long as the titular journey itself. The international cast is crammed with stars of Hollywood's Golden Age , who had enough charisma between them to earn the film an early Academy Award for Best Picture. Today, the spectacle and aged humor can be best appreciated as a museum of 50s stardom.

Starring a young Josh Hutcherson and Brendan Fraser, still hot off the success of The Mummy trilogy , 2008's Journey To The Center Of The Earth had all the makings of an action-adventure hit. Being the first to truly update one of Verne's classic stories with modern special effects, the film still looks great 15 years later, even if it is marred by several obvious moments clearly meant to be enjoyed in the context of a 3-D theater. Adapting the classic adventure about as well as it could have, Journey To The Center Of The Earth isn't revolutionary, but undeniably fun.

While most adaptations of Verne's work make at least some departures from the source material, 2004's Around The World In 80 Days completely re-imagines the story as a raucous action-comedy. Though critically-panned at the time, the film is endlessly re-watchable today , with eye-popping action choreography courtesy of Jackie Chan's Passepartout and deadpan comedic timing from Steve Coogan's Phineas Fogg. If the anachronisms and deviations from Verne's novel can be forgiven, Around The World In 80 Days is a creative globe-trotting adventure that doesn't get the respect it deserves.

There's simply no replicating the cheesy fun of the original Journey To The Center Of The Earth , an earnest science fiction adventure movie that wears its heart on its sleeve. The special effects are certainly dated, but it's hard not to wring a certain level of charm out of the delicately hand-painted backgrounds and practical lizardman costumes. Beyond the addition of the deliciously dastardly villain, Count Saknussemm, the film is also one of the most faithful to Verne's work, a commendable effort in and of itself.

The Mysterious Island

The Mysterious Island is one of Jules Verne's lesser-known stories, but the 1961 film of the same name takes every advantage of the novel's conceits. Following a group of Union soldiers in the Civil War who escape prison in a hot air balloon only to wash up on a bizarre uncharted island, the film's sense of tension only ever dials up, as the heroes contend with grimy human pirates and giant fauna rendered by the talent of stop-motion legend Ray Harryhausen . Not the deepest narrative, this thrilling tale of danger holds up decades later remarkably well as a harrowing odyssey.

20,000 Leagues Under The Sea

One of Disney's earliest forays into live-action storytelling, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea presented the aquatic crew of the Nautilus with untold dangers then-undreamed of by 50s audiences. Beyond the great creature and sci-fi technology designs that still hold up today, the film offers substantially more heart than most other Verne adaptations, taking the time to acclimate the viewer with its intrepid adventurers. It's no wonder that 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea was influential enough to earn a spot as a Disneyland mainstay even seven decades after its original release.

A Trip To The Moon

It's only fitting that the world's first science fiction movie sprung from the mind of one of the genre's most influential authors. Presenting early audiences with a dizzying idea of space travel long before the first astronaut was born, A Trip To The Moon 's hypnotic, almost feverish visuals and brisk 14-minute run time assaults the imagination with a yet-unmatched spectacle of dreamlike reality. From the Moon's incredulous face to the dancing insectoid aliens that vanish in a literal puff of smoke, A Trip To The Moon is by far the most influential science fiction film courtesy of Jules Verne.