There have been four official Jumanji movies released in theaters. These films, spanning from 1995 to 2019, tell interconnected stories centered around the dangerous and captivating game of Jumanji, evolving from a board game to a video game and back again.
A Chronological Journey Through the Jumanji Universe
Understanding the Jumanji franchise requires a chronological understanding of its theatrical releases. Each film builds upon the lore established in its predecessor, albeit with significant variations in style and narrative approach. Let’s delve into each movie individually.
Jumanji (1995)
The film that started it all. Jumanji, released in 1995, stars Robin Williams as Alan Parrish, a man trapped in the Jumanji board game for 26 years. When Judy (Kirsten Dunst) and Peter Shepherd (Bradley Pierce) find the game in their new attic, they inadvertently release Alan and unleash the dangers of Jumanji on their small town. This film established the core concept: the game brings the jungle to you, with terrifying creatures and environmental hazards escaping into the real world. The success of the film rested not only on its innovative special effects but also on the captivating performance of Williams, who brought both humor and pathos to the role of Alan Parrish. It was a groundbreaking film for its time, blending adventure, comedy, and a touch of horror in a way that resonated with audiences.
Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005)
While officially a standalone film, Zathura: A Space Adventure is considered a spiritual successor to Jumanji due to its similar premise. Two young brothers, Walter and Danny, discover a vintage board game in their basement. Upon playing, they are transported into outer space, facing a series of perilous challenges. Though the board game’s name is different and the setting is extraterrestrial, the core concept of a game bringing its dangers into reality remains consistent. It’s worth noting that Zathura is based on a book by Chris Van Allsburg, the same author who wrote the Jumanji book.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
A significant departure from the original, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle reimagined the game as a video game. Four teenagers—Spencer Gilpin (Alex Wolff), Bethany Walker (Madison Iseman), Anthony “Fridge” Johnson (Ser’Darius Blain), and Martha Kaply (Morgan Turner)—are sucked into the Jumanji video game and transformed into their chosen avatars: Dr. Smolder Bravestone (Dwayne Johnson), Professor Shelly Oberon (Jack Black), Franklin “Mouse” Finbar (Kevin Hart), and Ruby Roundhouse (Karen Gillan). They must work together to complete the game and return to the real world. This film emphasized comedy and action, leveraging the star power of its cast and updating the franchise for a modern audience.
Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)
Jumanji: The Next Level continues the adventures of the teens from Welcome to the Jungle. This time, however, things get more complicated when Spencer disappears back into the game. Martha, Fridge, and Bethany, along with Spencer’s grandfather, Eddie Gilpin (Danny DeVito), and Eddie’s estranged friend, Milo Walker (Danny Glover), re-enter the game to rescue him. The characters’ avatars get mixed up, leading to hilarious and unexpected scenarios. The film expanded the Jumanji universe with new locations, challenges, and characters, solidifying the modern iteration of the franchise’s appeal.
FAQs: Unveiling the Jumanji Secrets
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Jumanji universe, providing further clarity and enriching your understanding of the franchise:
FAQ 1: Is Zathura officially part of the Jumanji series?
No, Zathura: A Space Adventure is officially a standalone film, though it is often considered a spiritual successor to Jumanji due to the similar concept and the connection to author Chris Van Allsburg. Sony, however, owns both franchises and has alluded to them being in the same universe.
FAQ 2: Will there be another Jumanji movie?
As of late 2023, there are no confirmed plans for a fifth Jumanji movie. However, the cast and crew, including Dwayne Johnson, have expressed interest in returning for another installment. The success of the previous two films makes a continuation likely, but no official announcement has been made.
FAQ 3: What order should I watch the Jumanji movies in?
The best viewing order is by release date:
- Jumanji (1995)
- Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005)
- Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
- Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)
This order allows you to follow the evolution of the franchise and understand the references made in later films.
FAQ 4: What makes the Jumanji movies so popular?
The popularity of the Jumanji movies stems from a combination of factors: the nostalgia associated with the original film, the innovative concept of a game bringing its dangers into reality, the blend of action, comedy, and adventure, and the strong performances of the cast, particularly Robin Williams in the original and Dwayne Johnson and his co-stars in the modern installments.
FAQ 5: Is there a Jumanji TV show?
Yes, there is an animated Jumanji television series that aired from 1996 to 1999. The series followed the adventures of Peter and Judy Shepherd as they attempted to rescue Alan Parrish, who remained trapped within the game. The show is considered canon by some fans, though the films do not directly reference it.
FAQ 6: Are the Jumanji movies suitable for children?
The Jumanji movies are generally considered family-friendly, but they contain scenes of peril, action, and some potentially frightening creatures. The original Jumanji may be more intense for very young children due to its darker tone. Welcome to the Jungle and The Next Level lean more heavily into comedy, making them more accessible for a wider age range. Parental guidance is advised.
FAQ 7: What is the underlying theme of the Jumanji movies?
The Jumanji movies explore themes of facing your fears, overcoming challenges through teamwork, and the importance of family and friendship. The characters are often forced to confront their weaknesses and learn to rely on each other to survive. The newer films also touch on themes of self-acceptance and embracing individuality.
FAQ 8: How did they update Jumanji from a board game to a video game?
The shift from a board game to a video game in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle was a conscious decision to modernize the franchise and appeal to a new generation of audiences. The video game format allowed for more dynamic action sequences, diverse environments, and the introduction of avatar characters, adding a fresh and exciting element to the Jumanji universe.
FAQ 9: Who owns the rights to the Jumanji franchise?
Sony Pictures Entertainment owns the rights to the Jumanji film franchise.
FAQ 10: Where can I watch the Jumanji movies?
The Jumanji movies are typically available for streaming on various platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and through digital rentals or purchases on platforms like Apple TV and Google Play Movies. Availability may vary depending on your region and streaming service subscriptions. Check your local listings.
FAQ 11: Was Robin Williams involved in the newer Jumanji movies?
Robin Williams passed away in 2014, prior to the release of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. However, the film pays homage to his character, Alan Parrish, with subtle references and Easter eggs that acknowledge his contribution to the franchise.
FAQ 12: What is the significance of the Jumanji drumbeat?
The distinctive drumbeat is a signature element of the Jumanji franchise. It serves as a warning signal, indicating that the game is active and its dangers are about to manifest. The drumbeat creates a sense of suspense and anticipation, becoming synonymous with the Jumanji experience.