How to Watch Jumanji Universe Movies in Order

The Jumanji franchise has captivated audiences for decades, evolving from Chris Van Allsburg's beloved children's book to a series of thrilling adventure films. Let's explore how each installment in the Jumanji series has contributed to this ever-expanding world of magic and mayhem.

Jumanji (1995)

The adventure began with the original Jumanji film in 1995, directed by Joe Johnston. This movie introduced us to the concept of a supernatural board game that comes to life, bringing a host of dangers from the jungle into the real world. When young Alan Parrish becomes trapped in the game for 26 years, it falls to Judy (Kirsten Dunst) and Peter Shepherd (Bradley Pierce) to finish what he started and restore order to their town.

Robin Williams brought his comedic genius to the role of the adult Alan, while Bonnie Hunt and David Alan Grier rounded out the cast. Jonathan Hyde's portrayal of the villainous Van Pelt added a menacing presence to the magical world of Jumanji. The film's groundbreaking special effects helped establish Jumanji as a classic family adventure, offering complete joy for the whole family while respecting the audience's intelligence.

Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005)

While not officially part of the Jumanji movies, "Zathura: A Space Adventure" is based on another book by Chris Van Allsburg and shares similar themes. This sequel to Jumanji takes the concept into the realm of science fiction, following two brothers who find themselves launched into an intergalactic adventure when they play a mysterious board game. Although it takes place in space rather than a jungle, "Zathura" expands on the idea of games coming to life and posing real dangers to their players.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)

After a long hiatus, the Jumanji franchise roared back to life with "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle." This soft reboot, directed by Jake Kasdan, cleverly updated the concept for the digital age. Instead of a board game, four teenagers are sucked into a Jumanji video game, inhabiting the bodies of their chosen avatars.

Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, and Jack Black starred as the in-game characters, bringing new energy to the franchise. The film introduced us to Spencer Gilpin (Alex Wolff), Martha Kaply (Morgan Turner), Bethany Walker (Madison Iseman), and Anthony "Fridge" Johnson (Ser'Darius Blain) as they navigate the perilous world of Jumanji. Nick Jonas also joined the cast as Alex Vreeke, a player who had been trapped in the game for years.

The movie maintained the spirit of the original while adding elements of body-swapping comedy and video game tropes. Dwayne Johnson's Dr. Smolder Bravestone and Karen Gillan's Ruby Roundhouse became instant fan favorites, while Jack Black's portrayal of a teenage girl trapped in an middle-aged man's body provided some of the film's biggest laughs.

Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)

Building on the success of its predecessor, "Jumanji: The Next Level" brought back the main cast while expanding the game's world and mechanics. This time, the team must rescue one of their own, facing new challenges across varied terrains including arid deserts and snowy mountains.

The sequel introduced new characters and dynamics, with Danny DeVito and Danny Glover joining the cast. Their personas inhabited the familiar avatars, allowing for even more comedic possibilities. The film deepened the lore of Jumanji, introducing new environments beyond the jungle and hinting at the game's ability to evolve and adapt.

"The Next Level" also paid homage to the original film with a clever reference to Bebe Neuwirth's character from the 1995 movie, connecting the new films to the original Jumanji in a satisfying way for long-time fans.

The Future of Jumanji

As of 2024, plans for the next installment in the Jumanji films are still in development. The success of the recent movies has ensured that audiences haven't seen the last of this magical world. Rumors and speculation abound about where the franchise might go next, with possibilities ranging from further exploration of the game's origins to a full-scale invasion of our world by Jumanji's creatures and challenges.

The Evolution of a Franchise

What makes the Jumanji Universe so enduring is its ability to adapt while maintaining its core essence. From practical effects to CGI, from board games to video games, each iteration has found new ways to explore the central concept of an immersive game world that poses real dangers and teaches valuable life lessons.

The franchise has consistently delivered a mix of humor, heart, and spectacle that appeals to audiences of all ages. Whether it's Robin Williams' manic energy in the original or the chemistry between the ensemble cast in the newer films, Jumanji has always put character development at the forefront, ensuring that viewers are invested in more than just the special effects.

As we look to the future of the Jumanji franchise, one thing is certain: the game is far from over. With each new installment, filmmakers have found innovative ways to expand the world and raise the stakes. Whatever comes next, it's sure to be an adventure that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats, ready to take on whatever challenges the world's most dangerous game has in store.