If you are a fan of adventure movies, you have probably seen at least one of the “Jumanji” movies. The franchise started in 1995 with the first movie’s release and has since released two sequels.
Jumanji films are based on the children’s books Jumanji (1981) and its sequel Zathura (2002), by Chris Van Allsburg.
The “Jumanji” franchise has been a favorite of children and adults for over 25 years. The original movie, released in 1995, told the story of a board game that came to life, trapping its players in a dangerous jungle adventure. The film was hugely successful, leading to two sequels and a recent reboot.
With heart-pounding thrills and laugh-out-loud moments, these films will surely entertain audiences of all ages.
For starters, the “Jumanji” movies are action-packed adventure films that are perfect for families. They mix elements of comedy and suspense, which keeps viewers of all ages entertained.
Additionally, the movies feature an all-star cast, including Robin Williams, Dwayne Johnson, and Jack Black. Each actor brings a unique style to the franchise, making it even more enjoyable to watch.
If you’re looking for a fun-filled movie series to watch with your family, check out the “Jumanji” films. You won’t be disappointed!
So, let’s look at each of the films released to date.
Jumanji Movies in Order of the Release Date
- Jumanji (1995)
- Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
- Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)
Jumanji (1995)
The first movie in the series was released in 1995, directed by Joe Johnston; the movie is based on the book “Jumanji” by Chris Van Allsburg. The film stars Robin Williams, Bonnie Hunt, Kirsten Dunst, Jonathan Hyde, and David Alan Grier.
The story of the movie Jumanji depicts events in 1969 when Alan Parrish becomes trapped inside a supernatural board game while playing with his friend Sarah Whittle. Twenty-six years later, siblings Judy and Peter Shepherd find the board game and begin playing it. They unwittingly release the now-adult Alan from the game, and the quartet resolves to finish the board game to reverse all of its destruction.
The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $262 million worldwide. It received positive reviews from critics, with Williams’ performance being praised.
“Jumanji” is an exciting and suspenseful film that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The film’s special effects are also impressive, and the acting is top-notch.
Overall, “Jumanji” is a great film that will entertain viewers of all ages.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
The next part was released almost 22 years after the original in December 2017. “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” is a spiritual sequel, not a direct one. The film was directed by Jake Kasdan and starred Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, and Nick Jonas.
Jake Kasdan directed this American fantasy adventure comedy film based on the Chris Van Allsburg book of the same name.
Although the characters in “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” is similar to those from “Jumanji” (1995), many new characters were not present in the original film.
The story begins when four teenagers in 2017 find themselves trapped inside the Jumanji video game, where enchanted game avatars must complete the adventure and save Jumanji.
The VFX of the film is outstanding, making it look like an actual video game. The action sequences are also very well done and exciting to watch.
Critics praised the film’s acting, humor, and action. “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” was a box office success, grossing over $962 million worldwide.
If you have watched the old film, you’ll enjoy this one as well. You don’t need to have seen the original movie to watch “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.”
This film has way better effects, acting, story, and humor and is one of the best films of 2017.
Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)
The third and final movie was released two years after the last one in 2019. “Jumanji: The Next Level” was directed by Jake Kasdan and starred Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, and Awkwafina.
The friends return to Jumanji to save one of their own, Spencer Gilpin, Anthony “Fridge” Johnson, Martha Kaply, and Bethany Walker will meet over Christmas break in 2019 to discuss their first year of school.
The night before, Spencer, feeling down that his life isn’t as exciting as his friends’, gets out of Jumanji. He had secretly rebuilt the console after its destruction in the previous film.
When he is late for the meeting, his friends pay a visit to his mother and are greeted by Spencer’s grandfather, Eddie, and Eddie’s estranged friend and former business partner, Milo Walker (who came for a visit).
Fridge, Martha, and Bethany realize he has entered the dangerous game; they follow Spencer. While Bethany is left behind due to this, she seeks assistance from Alex Vreeke (the other Jumanji player) to survive.
The movie is as good as its predecessor and is an exciting, funny, and action-packed adventure that will entertain audiences of all ages.
The film grossed over $800 million worldwide and received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the film for its humor and acting, while others criticized it for being too similar to the previous movie. Whatever the case, “Jumanji: The Next Level” is a worthy addition to the franchise and is sure to entertain viewers.
If you enjoyed the previous two films, you must watch this one. It is a fun and exciting adventure that will leave you wanting more.
Rock and Kevin Hart are the perfect duos, making the “Jumanji” franchise worth watching. The movies are fun, exciting, and full of adventure, the work of VFX is outstanding, and the humor is on point. You should watch Jumanji movies.
So, these are the three “Jumanji” movies in order of release date. If you have not seen them yet, I highly recommend you do so. They are a great watch, and you will not be disappointed.
Let’s look at some FAQs related to the movie “Jumanji.”
FAQs About Jumanji Movies
How many Jumanji movies are there?
There are four films in the Jumanji movie series. The first film is “Jumanji” (1995), “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” (2017), and “Jumanji: The Next Level” (2019). The Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005) was a part of the series but with a different story and title.
Who are the actors in the Jumanji movies?
The main actors in the Jumanji movies are Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, and Awkwafina.
Apart from four Jumanji movies, is there any Video Game?
Yes, there are video games inspired by the movie.
Is there any animated television series about Jumanji?
The movie of the same name inspired the Jumanji animated series. The original 1995 film was based on a children’s book from 1981.
Is Jumanji 4 coming out?
Jumanji 4 is still early in development, but all evidence suggests Sony wants to keep the franchise alive. This was confirmed by Seven Bucks Production president Hiram Garcia, who said conversations about a fourth film are “100%”.
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