The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl (2005)
Robert Rodriguez's imaginative family adventure brings a child's wildest dreams to vivid, action-packed life on the big screen.
The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl
- Release Year: 2005
- Directed by: Robert Rodriguez
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Adventure, Family, Sci-Fi
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 1h 32m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 10, 2005 (Australia - PG), June 10, 2005 (United States - PG), June 10, 2005 (Canada), August 26, 2005 (United Kingdom), October 5, 2005 (Germany - 0), August 17, 2005 (France - U), July 22, 2005 (Brazil - L), July 21, 2005 (South Korea - All)
- Alternative Titles: The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D (US), 샤크 보이와 라바 걸의 모험 (KR), Die Abenteuer von Sharkboy und Lavagirl in 3-D (DE), הרפתקאות שראקבוי ולבהגירל (IL), As Aventuras de Sharkboy e Lavagirl em 3D (BR), Las aventuras del niño Tiburon y la niña de fuego en 3-D (VE)
- Production Companies: Troublemaker Studios
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl - Plot
Everyone always knew that Max had a wild imagination, but no one believed that his wildest creations -- a boy raised by watchful great white sharks and a girl with the force of a volcano -- were real. Now, these two pint-sized action masters will show Max that even an ordinary kid has what it takes to be extraordinary.
The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the adventure unfold:
Smaller heroes. Just as super.
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The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Robert Rodriguez
Main Cast
- Taylor Lautner
- Taylor Dooley
- Cayden Boyd
- David Arquette
- Kristin Davis
- Jacob Davich
- Sasha Pieterse
- George López
- Rico Torres
- Marc Musso
Writers
- Robert Rodriguez
- Marcel Rodriguez
- Racer Rodriguez
Producers
- Elizabeth Avellan
The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl - FAQs
What is The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl about?
The film follows Max, a daydreaming kid whose imaginative creations — Sharkboy, raised by great white sharks, and Lavagirl, who commands volcanic fire — turn out to be real. Together, the trio embarks on a wild journey through Max's dream world, Planet Drool, to save it from darkness and help Max discover his own inner strength.
Is The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl connected to We Can Be Heroes?
Yes! Robert Rodriguez's 2020 Netflix film We Can Be Heroes serves as a spiritual sequel. Sharkboy and Lavagirl appear as adult superheroes, now parents to a daughter named Guppy. It's a fun reunion for fans of the original, though the tone skews even younger.
Where can you stream The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl?
You can catch it for free on Hoopla or stream it with an Amazon Prime Video subscription. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home — plenty of options for a family movie night.
Did Taylor Lautner reprise his role as Sharkboy?
No — by the time We Can Be Heroes arrived in 2020, Taylor Lautner did not return as the adult Sharkboy. The role was recast with J.J. Dashnaw playing the character. Lautner has spoken warmly about the original film in interviews, but scheduling and other factors kept him from reprising the part.
Who are the main cast members in this film?
Taylor Lautner and Taylor Dooley lead the cast as Sharkboy and Lavagirl, with Cayden Boyd as the imaginative Max. David Arquette and Kristin Davis play Max's parents, while George López takes on a triple role as Mr. Electricidad, Tobor, and the Ice Guardian.
Is The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl based on a true story?
Not a true story, but it has a genuinely personal origin. Director Robert Rodriguez developed the concept from bedtime stories his young son Racer invented — Sharkboy was entirely Racer's creation. That real-life imaginative spark gives the film a heartfelt, homemade quality that sets it apart from typical studio fare.
What is the age rating for The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl?
It's rated PG, making it a great pick for younger kids and families. The action is fantastical and cartoonish rather than intense, and the themes — imagination, friendship, believing in yourself — are squarely aimed at a family audience. Very little here will concern parents of younger viewers.
How was The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl received by critics?
Critics were largely mixed, with many finding the visuals inventive but the story thin. That said, the film connected strongly with young audiences at the time and has since earned a nostalgic cult following. It grossed around $72 million worldwide against a $50 million budget, making it a modest theatrical success.
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