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Jumanji

Jumanji is a 1995 American fantasy adventure film about a magical board game that releases jungle hazards into the real world and traps a boy inside the game for years.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jumanji is a 1995 American fantasy adventure film directed by Joe Johnston. It is based on Chris Van Allsburg's 1981 children's picture book and follows a magical board game that releases jungle hazards into the real world. The film stars Robin Williams, Kirsten Dunst, Bonnie Hunt, and others, and launched a media franchise.

Plot

The story begins with a magical board game that unleashes dangerous jungle creatures and events whenever it is played. The players must finish the game to stop the chaos and free anyone trapped inside it. Its central plot involves Alan Parrish, who is trapped inside the game until other players finish it.

Cast

The film's main cast includes Robin Williams as Alan Parrish, Kirsten Dunst and Bradley Pierce as the children who find the game, Bonnie Hunt as Sarah, and supporting performances from David Alan Grier and Jonathan Hyde.

Adaptation and franchise

Jumanji is based on Chris Van Allsburg's 1981 picture book of the same name. The film became the basis for a larger franchise that includes sequels, a spin-off, and an animated series. The franchise continued with sequels including Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) and Jumanji: The Next Level (2019). Sources also describe a further sequel, Jumanji: Open World, as planned for 2026.

Release and reception

The film premiered in December 1995 and went into general release on December 15, 1995. It has remained the best-known entry in the franchise and is often cited for its family-adventure tone and visual effects.

Key facts

  • The film follows a supernatural board game that causes jungle-themed dangers to appear in the real world.
  • Its central plot involves Alan Parrish, who is trapped inside the game until other players finish it.
  • The film stars Robin Williams alongside Kirsten Dunst, Bonnie Hunt, Bradley Pierce, David Alan Grier, and Jonathan Hyde.
  • It is loosely based on Chris Van Allsburg's 1981 children's book, which won the Caldecott Medal.
  • The franchise continued with sequels including Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) and Jumanji: The Next Level (2019).
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Canadian context

The film and later Jumanji entries have been widely distributed in Canada and are familiar to Canadian audiences through theatrical release, television, and home entertainment.

Frequently asked questions

What is Jumanji about?
Jumanji is about a magical board game that unleashes real jungle dangers into the world and traps a boy inside the game until the players finish it.
How many Jumanji movies are there?
There are four released Jumanji films if counted as the 1995 film plus Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017), Jumanji: The Next Level (2019), and the spin-off Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005). Some sources also note a planned sequel for 2026.
Who stars in Jumanji?
The 1995 film stars Robin Williams, Kirsten Dunst, Bonnie Hunt, Bradley Pierce, David Alan Grier, Jonathan Hyde, and Bebe Neuwirth.
Is Jumanji based on a book?
Yes. The film is loosely based on Chris Van Allsburg's 1981 children's picture book Jumanji, which won the Caldecott Medal.
What is the order of Jumanji movies?
The release order is Jumanji (1995), Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005), Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017), and Jumanji: The Next Level (2019).

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jumanji_(film)
    Supports: Plot, release date, sequel information, and general film details.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113497/
    Supports: Cast and the fact that the film is loosely based on Chris Van Allsburg’s book.
  3. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/jumanji
    Supports: Cast, release date, and plot description.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jumanji
    Supports: Franchise overview, film count context, and sequel/spin-off information.