Sci-fi and fantasy seem to be the order of the weekend, as three films that fit into those genres open wide. Eddie Murphy’s Meet Dave, Brendan Fraser’s Journey to the Center of the Earth 3-D, and director Guillermo del Toro’s Hellboy II: The Golden Army all feature fantastic, otherworldly creatures for just about every taste.

Probably the most anticipated is Hellboy II: The Golden Army, appropriately enough premiering in more theaters than any of the others, 3,204. This is Guillermo del Toro’s second turn as writer and director of the comic book adaptation about a demon fighting to defend humanity, and the creator of Pan’s Labyrinth spares nothing when it comes to imagination. Selma Blair is back as Hellboy’s love interest, and Ron Pearlman returns as the cranky red guy himself.

Opening in 3,011 theaters is Meet Dave, with Eddie Murphy doubling as both the human-shaped space ship and the tiny captain inside. Expectations are low for this film, judging by trailer reactions, but some critics are saying it’s better than you might think. There are worse things for your children to watch on a hot summer afternoon than this sci-fi family comedy.

Journey to the Center of the Earth also has decent family entertainment potential, especially if you heed the insider advice to see it in 3D if at all possible. It features a new technology never before utilized that some people claim is quite spectacular. Brendan Fraser stars in the film based on the Jules Verne classic, about a scientist on a quest to find his missing brother, who stumbles upon a strange world in the center of the earth. It’s opening in 2,811 theaters.