35 Best Movies like Night at the Museum (2006)

Jumanji takes the concept of ordinary life disrupted by extraordinary forces to wild new heights, as a magical board game's unpredictable chaos unfolds in the real world. Its blend of high-stakes fun and fantastical mayhem would absolutely appeal to anyone seeking spirited, imagination-driven adventures.

When siblings Judy and Peter discover an enchanted board game that opens the door to a magical world, they unwittingly invite Alan -- an adult who's been trapped inside the game for 26 years -- into their living room. Alan's only hope for freedom is to finish the game, which proves risky as all three find themselves running from giant rhinoceroses, evil monkeys and other terrifying creatures. Jumanji is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 44m runtime, released in 1995 with an average rating of 7.2 by 11,436 people. The movie made an estimated total of $262,821,940 in the box office.

Paddington gently weaves warmth and whimsy into every scene, following the charming bear as he navigates unexpected challenges in a new city. Watching him bring joy and change to those around him makes for a deeply uplifting journey that bursts with heart and delightful humor.

A young Peruvian bear travels to London in search of a home. Finding himself lost and alone at Paddington Station, he meets the kindly Brown family, who offer him a temporary haven. Paddington is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 1h 35m runtime, released in 2014 with an average rating of 7.1 by 4,298 people. The movie made an estimated total of $333,960,862 in the box office.

Zathura: A Space Adventure propels its young protagonists into an intergalactic board game that transforms their home into a wild, unpredictable battleground. The inventive premise promises a thrilling pace and boundless energy for anyone who relishes stories fueled by pure escapist spectacle.

After their father is called into work, two young boys, Walter and Danny, are left in the care of their teenage sister, Lisa, and told they must stay inside. Walter and Danny, who anticipate a boring day, are shocked when they begin playing Zathura, a space-themed board game, which they realize has mystical powers when their house is shot into space. With the help of an astronaut, the boys attempt to return home. Zathura: A Space Adventure is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 41m runtime, released in 2005 with an average rating of 6.5 by 3,657 people. The movie made an estimated total of $65,079,104 in the box office.

The Indian in the Cupboard captures imagination sparking to life when childhood objects become unexpectedly real. Its premise of magical transformations offers the kind of wonder-filled perspective that would appeal to those endlessly fascinated by stories where the mundane becomes extraordinary.

A nine-year-old boy gets a plastic Indian and a cupboard for his birthday and finds himself involved in adventure when the Indian comes to life and befriends him. The Indian in the Cupboard is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 36m runtime, released in 1995 with an average rating of 6.5 by 700 people. The movie made an estimated total of $35,700,000 in the box office.

Goosebumps draws you in with its playful chaos as beloved creatures and stories erupt from the pages into the real world. This film charms thanks to its irreverent humor and the unpredictable fun of the fantastic intruding on everyday reality.

After moving to a small town, Zach Cooper finds a silver lining when he meets next door neighbor Hannah, the daughter of bestselling Goosebumps series author R.L. Stine. When Zach unintentionally unleashes real monsters from their manuscripts and they begin to terrorize the town, it’s suddenly up to Stine, Zach and Hannah to get all of them back in the books where they belong. Goosebumps is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 43m runtime, released in 2015 with an average rating of 6.3 by 4,024 people. The movie made an estimated total of $158,952,243 in the box office.

The Spiderwick Chronicles conjures a secret world brimming with mystical creatures and dangers just out of sight. Its mix of mystery and fantasy adventure gives the viewer the same sense of discovery and awe that elevates tales where the impossible feels just around the corner.

Upon moving into the run-down Spiderwick Estate with their mother, twin brothers Jared and Simon Grace, along with their sister Mallory, find themselves pulled into an alternate world full of faeries and other creatures. The Spiderwick Chronicles is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 35m runtime, released in 2008 with an average rating of 6.7 by 2,916 people. The movie made an estimated total of $164,200,000 in the box office.

Alice in Wonderland plunges you into a surreal, visually lavish domain where logic takes a back seat and surprises lurk with every turn. The off-kilter sense of adventure and dreamlike encounters make it irresistible for anyone craving fantastical escapism and imaginative storytelling.

Alice, now 19 years old, returns to the whimsical world she first entered as a child and embarks on a journey to discover her true destiny. Alice in Wonderland is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 48m runtime, released in 2010 with an average rating of 6.6 by 14,954 people. The movie made an estimated total of $1,025,467,110 in the box office.

Small Soldiers runs with a gleefully wild idea; action figures breaking free in the real world, causing chaos and forcing their young owners to think on their feet. The high-energy spectacle and satirical vibe make it a wildly inventive ride for those seeking unconventional adventures.

When missile technology is used to enhance toy action figures, the toys soon begin to take their battle programming too seriously. Small Soldiers is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 50m runtime, released in 1998 with an average rating of 6.6 by 2,370 people. The movie made an estimated total of $54,682,547 in the box office.

The Mummy stands out thanks to its heady mix of supernatural spectacle and rollicking action. The release of ancient curses and forgotten threats injects a pulse-pounding sense of adventure perfectly suited for those eager for grand scale and a touch of suspense.

Dashing legionnaire Rick O'Connell stumbles upon the hidden ruins of Hamunaptra while in the midst of a battle to claim the area in 1920s Egypt. It has been over three thousand years since former High Priest Imhotep suffered a fate worse than death as a punishment for a forbidden love—along with a curse that guarantees eternal doom upon the world if he is ever awoken. The Mummy is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 4m runtime, released in 1999 with an average rating of 7.0 by 10,235 people. The movie made an estimated total of $415,885,488 in the box office.

Enchanted puts storybook characters into a fish-out-of-water situation in modern-day New York, leading to comedic misadventures and heartwarming moments. This film’s whimsical blend of fairy tale charm and real-world surprise creates a delightful, feel-good atmosphere from start to finish.

The beautiful princess Giselle is banished by an evil queen from her magical, musical animated land and finds herself in the gritty reality of the streets of modern-day Manhattan. Shocked by this strange new environment that doesn't operate on a "happily ever after" basis, Giselle is now adrift in a chaotic world badly in need of enchantment. But when Giselle begins to fall in love with a charmingly flawed divorce lawyer who has come to her aid - even though she is already promised to a perfect fairy tale prince back home - she has to wonder: Can a storybook view of romance survive in the real world? Enchanted is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 47m runtime, released in 2007 with an average rating of 6.8 by 5,770 people. The movie made an estimated total of $340,487,652 in the box office.

The House with a Clock in Its Walls radiates an enchanting atmosphere, pulling viewers into a mysterious setting bursting with secrets and magical surprises. The film’s playful tone and supernatural intrigue make it absolutely enticing for anyone craving mischievous wonders and curious discoveries.

When ten-year-old Lewis is suddenly orphaned, he is sent to live with his Uncle Jonathan in a creaky (and creepy) old mansion with a mysterious ticking noise that emanates from the walls. Upon discovering that his uncle is a warlock, Lewis begins learning magic, but when he rebelliously resurrects an evil warlock he must find the secret of the house and save the world from destruction. The House with a Clock in Its Walls is a movie from Canada in English, with a total 1h 45m runtime, released in 2018 with an average rating of 6.3 by 2,330 people. The movie made an estimated total of $131,523,093 in the box office.

Inkheart surrounds its characters with the exhilarating danger and delight of fictional stories coming to life. By exploring the collision between literature and reality, it provides a uniquely bookish angle to the mystery and magic found in tales that blur the line between the real and the fantastic.

The adventures of a father and his young daughter, in their search for a long lost book that will help reunite a missing, close relative. Inkheart is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 46m runtime, released in 2008 with an average rating of 6.3 by 2,304 people. The movie made an estimated total of $62,803,180 in the box office.

Stuart Little delights with a plucky, adventurous protagonist who, despite his small stature, undertakes big-hearted escapades alongside his human family. The gentle humor and warmth throughout offer a comforting, entertaining journey for audiences drawn to spirited family tales.

When the Littles adopt Stuart, the mouse, George is initially unwelcoming to his new brother, and the family cat, Snowbell, is even less enthusiastic. Stuart resolves to face these difficulties with as much pluck and courage as he can muster. Stuart Little is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 24m runtime, released in 1999 with an average rating of 6.1 by 4,712 people. The movie made an estimated total of $300,135,367 in the box office.

Journey to the Center of the Earth draws viewers into a whirlwind expedition far beneath the surface, where lost worlds and breathtaking landscapes await. With its relentless sense of discovery, this film is a joyride for those eager for pulse-pounding exploration and dazzling spectacle.

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. Journey to the Center of the Earth is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 33m runtime, released in 2008 with an average rating of 6.1 by 5,230 people. The movie made an estimated total of $101,702,060 in the box office.

Hugo creates a sense of wonder within the intricate corridors of a train station, where mystery, invention, and the magic of discovery intertwine. The story’s emotional depth and imaginative setting evoke a sense of awe, making it an absorbing experience for dreamers and romantics alike.

Orphaned and alone except for an uncle, Hugo Cabret lives in the walls of a train station in 1930s Paris. Hugo's job is to oil and maintain the station's clocks, but to him, his more important task is to protect a broken automaton and notebook left to him by his late father. Accompanied by the goddaughter of an embittered toy merchant, Hugo embarks on a quest to solve the mystery of the automaton and find a place he can call home. Hugo is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 6m runtime, released in 2011 with an average rating of 7.2 by 7,745 people. The movie made an estimated total of $185,770,160 in the box office.

Ghostbusters weaves supernatural mischief into urban life, as an unlikely team contends with ghosts, ghouls, and heaps of comic chaos. Mixing irreverent humor with energetic set pieces, it’s a blast for anyone who enjoys lively, larger-than-life ensembles tackling impossible odds in style.

After losing their university jobs, three parapsychologists start a ghost-catching business in New York City and uncover a supernatural threat that could destroy the world. Ghostbusters is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 45m runtime, released in 1984 with an average rating of 7.5 by 9,865 people. The movie made an estimated total of $296,640,120 in the box office.

Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events entices with its delightfully dark sense of humor and off-kilter world. The inventive misadventures of the Baudelaire children offer a uniquely stylish mix of wit, peril, and oddball charm that stands out among family-friendly tales.

Three wealthy children's parents are killed in a fire. When they are sent to a distant relative, they find out that he is plotting to kill them and seize their fortune. Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 48m runtime, released in 2004 with an average rating of 6.8 by 5,346 people. The movie made an estimated total of $209,073,645 in the box office.

Bedtime Stories transforms ordinary tales into wild realities, giving its protagonist’s wildest imaginings the power to reshape his actual life. The playful premise and magical comedic moments would intrigue anyone who enjoys narratives built around unexpected consequences.

Skeeter Bronson is a down-on-his-luck guy who's always telling bedtime stories to his niece and nephew. But his life is turned upside down when the fantastical stories he makes up for entertainment inexplicably turn into reality. Can a bewildered Skeeter manage his own unruly fantasies now that the outrageous characters and situations from his mind have morphed into actual people and events? Bedtime Stories is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 39m runtime, released in 2008 with an average rating of 6.2 by 3,012 people. The movie made an estimated total of $212,874,864 in the box office.

Peter Rabbit offers mischievous fun through the lively antics of its rambunctious title character and his woodland companions. The adaptation’s brisk humor and high-spirited action make it an excellent pick for those seeking animated shenanigans and lighthearted laughter.

Peter Rabbit's feud with Mr. McGregor escalates to greater heights than ever before as they rival for the affections of the warm-hearted animal lover who lives next door. Peter Rabbit is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 33m runtime, released in 2018 with an average rating of 6.7 by 1,950 people. The movie made an estimated total of $351,266,433 in the box office.

Museum Hours slows the pace and immerses you in the tranquil beauty of art and quiet observation. For viewers intrigued by the contemplative side of museums and how they spark reflection, this movie offers a sophisticated, meditative detour from adventure-driven fare.

A security guard working at an art museum in Vienna crosses paths with a Canadian woman in town to visit her ailing cousin. Museum Hours is a movie from Austria in English, with a total 1h 47m runtime, released in 2012 with an average rating of 6.7 by 53 people.

The Kid Who Would Be King updates classic Arthurian legends for a new generation with a contemporary twist. Watching young heroes rise to unexpected occasions provides a stirring sense of empowerment; themes sure to resonate with anyone drawn to stories about ordinary people facing extraordinary events.

Old-school magic meets the modern world when young Alex stumbles upon the mythical sword Excalibur. He soon unites his friends and enemies, and they become knights who join forces with the legendary wizard Merlin. Together, they must save mankind from the wicked enchantress Morgana and her army of supernatural warriors. The Kid Who Would Be King is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 0m runtime, released in 2019 with an average rating of 6.2 by 851 people. The movie made an estimated total of $32,140,970 in the box office.

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms surrounds its young protagonist with a vibrant, magical world brimming with adventure and visual splendor. The film’s immersive, fantastical setting and sense of enchantment deliver a strong dose of holiday wonder for those enchanted by stories of epic journeys.

When Clara’s mother leaves her a mysterious gift, she embarks on a journey to four secret realms—where she discovers her greatest strength could change the world. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 39m runtime, released in 2018 with an average rating of 6.1 by 2,257 people. The movie made an estimated total of $173,961,069 in the box office.

Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb expands the source movie’s formula with fresh chaos and new ancient wonders, reuniting favorite characters for another round of lively, magical adventures. Fans seeking more of the same spirit and inventiveness will appreciate this energetic sequel.

When the magic powers of The Tablet of Ahkmenrah begin to die out, Larry Daley spans the globe, uniting favorite and new characters while embarking on an epic quest to save the magic before it is gone forever. Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 38m runtime, released in 2014 with an average rating of 6.2 by 6,280 people. The movie made an estimated total of $363,204,635 in the box office.

Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium draws you into a magical store where the impossible feels commonplace. Overflowing with inventive surprises and heartfelt lessons about belief, this film is tailor-made for viewers who delight in whimsical stories that celebrate childlike curiosity.

Molly Mahoney is the awkward and insecure manager of Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium—the strangest, most fantastic and most wonderful toy store in the world. After Mr. Magorium bequeaths the store to her, a dark and ominous change begins to take over the once-remarkable Emporium. Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium is a movie from Canada in English, with a total 1h 33m runtime, released in 2007 with an average rating of 6.3 by 1,327 people. The movie made an estimated total of $69,500,000 in the box office.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children invites you into a secretive world brimming with fantastical abilities and eccentric characters. The film’s offbeat blend of suspense and wonder creates an experience tinged with the delight of finding a place where being different is a superpower.

A teenager finds himself transported to an island where he must help protect a group of orphans with special powers from creatures intent on destroying them. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 7m runtime, released in 2016 with an average rating of 6.8 by 10,562 people. The movie made an estimated total of $296,482,446 in the box office.

Ella Enchanted reimagines the fairy tale genre with a protagonist determined to challenge the bounds of her own magical curse. The story’s playful irreverence and empowering message bring a fresh spin to familiar ideas about destiny and choice.

Ella lives in a magical world in which each child, at the moment of their birth, is given a virtuous "gift" from a fairy godmother. Ella's so-called gift, however, is obedience. This birthright proves itself to be quite the curse once Ella finds herself in the hands of several unscrupulous characters whom she quite literally cannot disobey. Determined to gain control of her life and decisions, Ella sets off on a journey to find her fairy godmother who she hopes will lift the curse. The path, however, isn't easy -- Ella must outwit a slew of unpleasant obstacles including ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, elves and Prince Charmont's evil uncle, who wants to take over the crown and rule the kingdom. Ella Enchanted is a movie from Ireland in English, with a total 1h 36m runtime, released in 2004 with an average rating of 6.5 by 1,994 people. The movie made an estimated total of $27,400,000 in the box office.

Night at the Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again continues the lively, after-hours spectacle of the source film, introducing new museum hijinks for a fresh audience. Those caught up in the original’s comedic charm will enjoy the return of favorite magical mayhem and inventive humor.

Nick Daley is following in his father's footsteps as night watchman at the American Museum of Natural History, so he knows what happens when the sun goes down. But when the maniacal ruler Kahmunrah escapes, it is up to Nick to save the museum once and for all. Night at the Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 17m runtime, released in 2022 with an average rating of 6.3 by 290 people.

The Borrowers thrives on the concept of a hidden world lurking just out of sight. The imaginative adventures of its tiny protagonists, maneuvering through a world designed for much larger folk, transform the ordinary into a playground of wonder and clever challenges.

The four-inch-tall Clock family secretly share a house with the normal-sized Lender family, "borrowing" such items as thread, safety pins, batteries and scraps of food. However, their peaceful co-existence is disturbed when evil lawyer Ocious P. Potter steals the will granting title to the house, which he plans to demolish in order to build apartments. The Lenders are forced to move, and the Clocks face the risk of being exposed to the normal-sized world. The Borrowers is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 27m runtime, released in 1997 with an average rating of 6.1 by 532 people. The movie made an estimated total of $22,619,699 in the box office.

The Adventures of Tintin whisks viewers off on globe-trotting escapades led by its determined young reporter hero. If you enjoy stories that balance thrilling action with clever problem-solving, Tintin’s visually dynamic journey is a compelling showcase of classic adventure with a modern twist.

Intrepid young reporter, Tintin, and his loyal dog, Snowy, are thrust into a world of high adventure when they discover a ship carrying an explosive secret. As Tintin is drawn into a centuries-old mystery, Ivan Ivanovitch Sakharine suspects him of stealing a priceless treasure. Tintin and Snowy, with the help of salty, cantankerous Captain Haddock and bumbling detectives, Thompson and Thomson, travel half the world, one step ahead of their enemies, as Tintin endeavors to find the Unicorn, a sunken ship that may hold a vast fortune, but also an ancient curse. The Adventures of Tintin is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 47m runtime, released in 2011 with an average rating of 6.9 by 5,901 people. The movie made an estimated total of $373,993,951 in the box office.

Around the World in 80 Days entices with its whirlwind tour of global locales and outrageous escapades. Madcap antics and bold pursuits keep the story in motion, delivering a sense of lighthearted adventure for those in the mood for a globe-spanning, comedic race against time.

A bet pits a British inventor, a Chinese thief and a French artist on a worldwide adventure that they can circle the globe in 80 days. Around the World in 80 Days is a movie from Ireland in English, with a total 2h 0m runtime, released in 2004 with an average rating of 6.0 by 2,755 people. The movie made an estimated total of $72,178,895 in the box office.

The Sorcerer's Apprentice infuses its story with kinetic energy and supernatural spectacle as a young trainee learns to harness newfound power. The film’s lively action and sense of magical possibility make it a treat for those excited by the prospect of ordinary people swept into incredible circumstances.

Balthazar Blake is a master sorcerer in modern-day Manhattan trying to defend the city from his arch-nemesis, Maxim Horvath. Balthazar can't do it alone, so he recruits Dave Stutler, a seemingly average guy who demonstrates hidden potential, as his reluctant protégé. The sorcerer gives his unwilling accomplice a crash course in the art and science of magic, and together, these unlikely partners work to stop the forces of darkness. The Sorcerer's Apprentice is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 49m runtime, released in 2010 with an average rating of 6.1 by 5,333 people. The movie made an estimated total of $215,300,000 in the box office.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory delivers zany, imaginative escapades within a world where anything seems possible. It’s the sense of awe and the unexpected around every turn that makes this film ideal for viewers who crave inventive settings and eccentric, larger-than-life characters.

A young boy wins a tour through the most magnificent chocolate factory in the world, led by the world's most unusual candy maker. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 55m runtime, released in 2005 with an average rating of 7.0 by 16,263 people. The movie made an estimated total of $475,000,000 in the box office.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe plunges its young heroes into a mythical landscape filled with danger and wonder. The film’s scaled-up sense of epic adventure and timeless themes make it enthralling for anyone who loves to get lost in transformative new worlds.

Four kids travel through a wardrobe to the land of Narnia and learn of their destiny to free it with the guidance of a mystical lion. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 23m runtime, released in 2005 with an average rating of 7.1 by 11,654 people. The movie made an estimated total of $745,013,115 in the box office.

Labyrinth distinguishes itself with its surreal landscapes and inventive creatures, as its young heroine navigates dreamlike challenges at the whim of an enigmatic ruler. This film’s distinct blend of visual fantasy and coming-of-age self-discovery creates a truly mesmerizing viewing experience.

Frustrated with babysitting on yet another weekend night, Sarah, a teenager with an active imagination, summons the Goblins to take her baby stepbrother away. When little Toby actually disappears, Sarah must follow him into a fantastical world to rescue him from the Goblin King. Guarding his castle is the labyrinth itself, a twisted maze of deception, populated with outrageous characters and unknown dangers. Labyrinth is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 41m runtime, released in 1986 with an average rating of 7.3 by 2,802 people. The movie made an estimated total of $12,729,917 in the box office.

Bridge to Terabithia explores the power of imagination as a means of escaping and coping with life’s challenges. The film’s emotional resonance and bittersweet storytelling are especially rewarding for viewers drawn to tales blending fantastical worlds with deeply felt, real-life struggles.

Jesse Aarons trained all summer to become the fastest runner in school. So he's very upset when newcomer Leslie Burke outruns him and everyone else. Despite this and other differences including that she's rich, he's poor, she's a city girl, and he's a country boy the two become fast friends. Together they create Terabithia, a land of monsters, trolls, ogres, and giants where they rule as king and queen. Bridge to Terabithia is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 35m runtime, released in 2007 with an average rating of 7.3 by 5,387 people. The movie made an estimated total of $137,587,063 in the box office.