All Jumanji Movies By Their Release Year

Welcome to the world of Jumanji, where the boundaries of reality are shattered, and adventure awaits at every turn. In this captivating film franchise, we are transported into a realm where a mystical board game holds the power to unleash unimaginable wonders and perils. The Jumanji movies’ unique blend of fantasy, comedy, and action has captivated fans worldwide. From the first film released in 1995 to the most recent sequels, the series has taken audiences on thrilling journeys through exotic jungles and alluring virtual worlds. Each installment has introduced fascinating characters and presented them with terrifying challenges. The films’ compelling narratives, stellar performances, and fascinating development over time have made the Jumanji franchise a cultural classic.

The Jumanji franchise, inspired by the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. This thrilling adventure series delves into a mystical realm where players are transported into a treacherous jungle through an enchanted board game. With a desire for freedom and an appreciation for cinematic excellence, this introduction aims to provide a professional overview of the movies without resorting to exaggerated exclamations.

In this short exploration, we will navigate the Jumanji movies chronologically, shedding light on the exciting storylines, remarkable characters, and the evolution of this fantastical universe. So, join us as we embark on an enthralling journey through the extraordinary world of Jumanji.

Jumanji Movies In Order

1. Jumanji

   Director: Joe Johnston

   Writers: Jonathan Hensleigh, Greg Taylor, Jim Strain

   Stars: Robin Williams, Kirsten Dunst, Bonnie Hunt

   Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy

   

   Jumanji is a fantasy adventure film released in 1995 based on the 1981 children’s book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg. The plot revolves around a magical board game that brings the jungle to life with every dice roll. The film begins in 1869 when two boys bury a mysterious board game, Jumanji, in the woods. When played, the game has magical powers that bring the jungle and its creatures to life.

   Jumping to the present day, we meet a young boy named Alan Parrish, who discovers the buried game and starts playing it with his friend Sarah Whittle. However, their first roll of the dice triggers a series of supernatural events, including Alan getting sucked into the game.

   Twenty-six years later, siblings Judy and Peter Shepherd move into the now-abandoned Parrish house. They find the Jumanji game and start playing, inadvertently releasing adult Alan Parrish from the game. The trio realizes that they must finish the game to reverse its unleashed chaos.

   As they roll the dice and encounter various challenges, the jungle’s dangers, including stampedes, monsoons, and wild animals, come to life. They also encounter a mysterious hunter named Van Pelt, who is a manifestation of the game’s magic and serves as the main antagonist.

   Throughout their journey, Alan, Sarah, Judy, and Peter must work together to overcome the challenges and ultimately finish the game. Along the way, they learn valuable lessons about courage, friendship, and facing one’s fears.

2. Zathura: A Space Adventure

   Director: Jon Favreau

   Writers: Chris Van Allsburg, David Koepp, John Kamps

   Stars: Josh Hutcherson, Jonah Bobo, Dax Shepard

   Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Sci-Fi

   

   Zathura: A Space Adventure is a science fiction adventure film released in 2005. It is loosely based on the children’s book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg, who also wrote Jumanji. Similar to Jumanji, the story involves a magical and interactive board game, but in this case, the game takes the players on a space-themed adventure.

   The film follows two brothers, Walter and Danny Budwing, who are constantly at odds with each other due to their parents’ recent divorce. Their father is away for work, and they are left in the care of their older sister, Lisa. While exploring the basement of their father’s house, the boys discover an old and mysterious board game called Zathura.

   As they begin to play the game, they realize that it has a space theme, and with each move, the game causes their house to be transported into outer space. The brothers soon find themselves in the midst of a cosmic adventure, complete with a malfunctioning robot, a stranded astronaut, and encounters with various alien creatures.

   The game presents the brothers with challenges that they must overcome, including a malfunctioning gravity field, a destructive meteor shower, and the appearance of a menacing Zorgon race. Along the way, they reluctantly team up with the astronaut, a previous game player who has been stuck in its effects for years.

   As they progress through the game, the brothers learn to work together, reconcile their differences, and face their fears. The ultimate goal is to reach the end of the game and return home safely. The journey is filled with suspense, humor, and moments of self-discovery.

   In the end, the brothers complete the game, and the house returns to Earth. However, there’s a twist when they discover that only a few moments have passed in real-time despite their extended space adventure. The film concludes with the brothers having a renewed appreciation for each other and their relationship with their sister and father improving.

3. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

   Director: Jake Kasdan

   Writers: Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Scott Rosenberg

   Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Karen Gillan, Kevin Hart

   Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy

   

   Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is a 2017 fantasy adventure film and is a standalone sequel to the 1995 film Jumanji and loosely based on Chris Van Allsburg’s 1981 children’s book. The movie features a unique twist on the classic Jumanji story by transporting the game into a video game console.

   The film begins with four high school students serving detention: Spencer Gilpin, a nerdy gamer; Fridge, a football player; Bethany, a self-absorbed cheerleader; and Martha, a shy and intelligent girl. While cleaning out a storage room, they discover an old video game console & a game cartridge for a game called Jumanji.

   The four students decide to play the game, each selecting a character. To their surprise, they are transported into the game world and inhabit the bodies of their chosen avatars:

   1. Spencer becomes Dr. Smolder Bravestone (Dwayne Johnson) – an archaeologist and adventurer with strengths in strength and courage.
   2. Fridge becomes Franklin “Mouse” Finbar (Kevin Hart) – a zoologist and weapons specialist whose weakness is cake.
   3. Bethany becomes Professor Shelly Oberon (Jack Black) – a cartographer and paleontologist, played by a girl in the real world.
   4. Martha becomes Ruby Roundhouse (Karen Gillan) – a skilled martial artist and dancer.

   The characters discover that they must complete the game to return home. To do so, they must find a magical jewel called the Jaguar’s Eye and return it to its rightful place. Along the way, they encounter various challenges, dangerous wildlife, and a villain named Russel Van Pelt, who seeks to steal the jewel’s powers.

   The characters learn important lessons about teamwork, friendship, and self-discovery throughout their adventure. As they navigate the jungle environment, they face obstacles that force them to overcome their weaknesses and use their unique strengths to succeed. Along the way, they encounter another player, Alex, who has been trapped in the game for years.

   In the end, the characters complete the game, restoring balance to Jumanji and returning to the real world. The experience transforms them, and they emerge from the game with a newfound appreciation for each other and a greater sense of self-confidence.

4. Jumanji: The Next Level

   Director: Jake Kasdan

   Writers: Jake Kasdan, Jeff Pinkner, Scott Rosenberg

   Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart

   Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy

   

   Jumanji: The Next Level follows the adventures of a group of friends who enter the fantastical world of the Jumanji video game to rescue their friend Spencer. The film begins with Spencer feeling discontent in the real world and deciding to re-enter the Jumanji game to find purpose and excitement. Concerned for his safety, his friends, Martha, Fridge, and Bethany, decide to go after him.

   Upon entering the game, the group realizes that things are different this time. The avatars get mixed up, with Spencer’s grandfather, Eddie, becoming Dr. Smolder Bravestone, Eddie’s estranged friend Milo, becoming Franklin Mouse Finbar, Fridge returning as his previous avatar, Mouse Finbar, and Martha becoming Ruby Roundhouse again. The group also encounters new challenges and regions within Jumanji, making their quest perilous.

   As they navigate through the diverse landscapes of Jumanji, including deserts, mountains, and jungles, the characters must adapt to their new avatars, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. They encounter old friends like Alex and new characters, including Ming Fleetfoot, who takes on the role of Spencer’s avatar.

   The central plot revolves around the characters quest to retrieve the magical Falcon Jewel and restore balance to Jumanji. Along the way, they face numerous obstacles, including treacherous terrains, dangerous creatures, and the formidable villain Jurgen the Brutal. The film incorporates humor, action, and self-discovery as the characters learn to work together, appreciate their strengths, and confront personal issues.

   The storyline also explores the dynamics between the real-world characters and their in-game avatars, providing comedic moments as the mismatched personalities try to cooperate. The addition of a malfunctioning game element introduces a non-player character named Switchblade, further complicating the adventure.

   Ultimately, the characters complete the game, defeat Jurgen the Brutal, and return to the real world. The experience fosters personal growth, strengthens friendships, and gives the characters a deeper appreciation for their lives outside Jumanji.

Conclusion

The Jumanji franchise has proven to be a timeless and captivating series, captivating audiences with its thrilling adventures and unique blend of action, humor, and heart. Through the evolution of technology and a star-studded cast, these films have achieved critical acclaim and commercial success. The Jumanji universe is an allegory for life’s unpredictability and excitement, reminding us to embrace the unknown and embark on our thrilling journeys.

All Jumanji Movies According To IMDb Ratings

• Jumanji – 7.1 with 368K Votes
• Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle – 6.9 with 412K Votes
• Jumanji: The Next Level – 6.7 with 274K Votes
• Zathura: A Space Adventure – 6.2 with 113K Votes

All Jumanji Movies Box Office Collection

• Jumanji – $262.8 million
• Zathura: A Space Adventure – $65.1 million
• Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle – $995.3 million
• Jumanji: The Next Level – $801.7 million

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