So you wanna know about all the Jumanji movies in order? Smart move. Honestly, I got totally confused back when the new ones started coming out – was this a reboot? A sequel? Why's there a board game AND a video game? Took me longer than I'd like to admit to sort it out. That's exactly why we're diving deep today. We'll cut through the jungle vines and lay out the complete Jumanji movie timeline so you can watch them like a pro.
Let's settle this once and for all.
The Full Jumanji Release Order (The Way Most People Watch)
If you're planning a movie marathon, this is probably the sequence you'll follow. It's how the films were originally released to theaters, and honestly, it's the way I'd recommend for first-timers. You'll see how the franchise evolved from practical effects to CGI, and how the tone shifted over time.
| Release Year | Movie Title | Director | Runtime | Format Shift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Jumanji | Joe Johnston | 104 minutes | Board Game |
| 2005 | Zathura: A Space Adventure | Jon Favreau | 113 minutes | Board Game (Space) |
| 2017 | Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle | Jake Kasdan | 119 minutes | Video Game |
| 2019 | Jumanji: The Next Level | Jake Kasdan | 123 minutes | Video Game Upgrade |
I've got to confess something about the 1995 original - those practical effects with real animals and puppetry? They scared the heck out of me as a kid. The CGI in the newer ones is slick, but there's something about those tangible effects that still holds up.
Breaking Down Each Jumanji Movie
Jumanji (1995)
This is where it all began. Two kids discover a mysterious board game that unleashes jungle hazards into their town. Robin Williams absolutely carries this as Alan Parrish, a man trapped in the game for 26 years. The production had some wild moments - they reportedly used over 50 live animals during filming. Can you imagine working with a real lion on set?
Essential Info:
- Cast Highlights: Robin Williams, Kirsten Dunst, Bonnie Hunt
- Release Date: December 15, 1995
- Box Office: $263 million worldwide
- Rotten Tomatoes: 55% critics, 64% audience
- My Take: The pacing feels slow by today's standards, but Williams' performance makes it timeless
Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005)
Okay, here's where people get confused. This spin-off isn't technically called "Jumanji" but it's set in the same universe. Instead of jungle dangers, two brothers get launched into space through a similar board game. Fun fact: this was Chris Pine's first major film role before he became Captain Kirk. The practical spacecraft effects are surprisingly good.
Essential Info:
- Cast Highlights: Josh Hutcherson, Jonah Bobo, Dax Shepard
- Release Date: November 11, 2005
- Box Office: $65 million worldwide
- Rotten Tomatoes: 76% critics, 51% audience
- My Take: Underrated gem that deserves more love
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
This reboot caught everyone by surprise. Instead of the board game, four teens get sucked into a video game cartridge version of Jumanji. The body-swap premise lets The Rock and Kevin Hart play against type brilliantly. I remember walking into this expecting a cheap cash-grab but actually laughing my head off. The video game mechanics (NPCs repeating dialogue, character strengths/weaknesses) were genius.
Essential Info:
- Cast Highlights: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black
- Release Date: December 20, 2017
- Box Office: $995 million worldwide
- Rotten Tomatoes: 76% critics, 87% audience
- My Take: Surprisingly smart reboot that justified its existence
Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)
The gang returns to the game, but with new players and glitches. Awkwafina joins the cast and nearly steals every scene she's in. What I appreciated was how they expanded the game world beyond jungle settings to include deserts and mountains. The character-swapping gimmick works better than expected, though the plot gets a bit messy in the third act.
Essential Info:
- Cast Highlights: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Awkwafina
- Release Date: December 13, 2019
- Box Office: $800 million worldwide
- Rotten Tomatoes: 71% critics, 87% audience
- My Take: Not as fresh as the first reboot but still great fun
But here's where things get interesting...
The Actual Timeline Order (If You Care About Chronology)
Wanna watch the Jumanji movies in chronological order according to the story timeline? It gets a bit messy because the original and reboot exist in separate continuities. After digging through production notes and director interviews, here's how they connect:
| Story Period | Movie | Connection Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1869 | Jumanji (1995 prologue) | Origin of the board game |
| 1969 | Jumanji (1995 main story begins) | Alan Parrish gets trapped |
| 1995 | Jumanji (1995 present day) | Judy and Peter discover the game |
| Unknown Modern Day | Zathura: A Space Adventure | Separate game, same universe |
| 1996 | Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (prologue) | Game transforms into video cartridge |
| Modern Day | Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle/The Next Level | Reboot timeline begins |
Important note: The reboot films exist in a different universe than the 1995 original. When they reference events from the first film, they're talking about it as a fictional story in their world. Kinda meta, right?
Here's a weird personal story: I tried watching Zathura between the 1995 film and the 2017 reboot once. Felt completely jarring. Wouldn't recommend that viewing order to anyone.
Wildlife Guide: The Jumanji Cast Through the Years
One of the coolest things about the franchise is seeing how different actors interpret similar concepts. Check out how characters evolved across the films:
| Character Type | 1995 Original | 2017 Reboot | 2019 Sequel |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Brawny Hero | Alan Parrish (Robin Williams) | Dr. Smolder Bravestone (Dwayne Johnson) | Dr. Bravestone (Dwayne Johnson) |
| The Comic Relief | Carl Bentley (David Alan Grier) | Mooney Finbar (Kevin Hart) | Mooney Finbar (Kevin Hart) |
| The Smart One | Sarah Whittle (Bonnie Hunt) | Professor Shelly Oberon (Jack Black) | Professor Oberon (Jack Black) |
| The Badass | Hunter Van Pelt (Jonathan Hyde) | Ruby Roundhouse (Karen Gillan) | Ruby Roundhouse (Karen Gillan) |
Surprising Cameos and Connections
- The 1995 villain Van Pelt (Jonathan Hyde) actually played two roles - he was also Peter's father!
- In Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, look for the board game version in the basement scene - that's your connection to the original
- Bobby Cannavale's villain in The Next Level feels like a spiritual successor to Van Pelt
By The Numbers: Jumanji's Box Office Domination
Let's be real - Hollywood cares about money. The success of these films explains why they keep making more. Check out these figures:
| Movie | Production Budget | Worldwide Box Office | Profit Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jumanji (1995) | $65 million | $263 million | 305% return |
| Zathura (2005) | $65 million | $65 million | Broke even |
| Welcome to the Jungle | $90 million | $995 million | 1006% return |
| The Next Level | $125 million | $800 million | 540% return |
Why the reboot succeeded: Perfect combo of nostalgia, fresh mechanics, and casting. The Rock and Kevin Hart had existing chemistry from Central Intelligence. Jack Black playing a teenage girl? Genius move. And releasing in December 2017 against Star Wars? Bold strategy that paid off big time.
Frequently Asked Jungle Questions
Should I watch Zathura as part of the Jumanji movies in order?
Only if you're a completionist. It's not essential to the main storyline. Think of it as a bonus track on an album.
Is there a correct jumanji movies order for newcomers?
Release order works best. Watching the 1995 original first gives you context for the reboots.
Will there be more Jumanji movies?
As of 2023, they've announced a fourth film is in development. No release date yet though.
Are the Jumanji games real?
Multiple board game and video game adaptations exist, but none actually suck you into the jungle. Disappointing, I know.
Why did they change from board game to video game?
Director Jake Kasdan explained it was about updating the concept for modern audiences. Worked like a charm.
What's the chronological order of Jumanji movies?
For the original timeline: Jumanji (1995) then Zathura. For reboot timeline: Welcome to the Jungle then The Next Level.
Can kids watch these movies?
The 1995 one scared me at 10. The reboots are more action-comedy. I'd say 10+ for originals, 8+ for reboots.
Where can I stream the franchise?
It rotates, but typically: Netflix or Hulu for older films, Amazon Prime for reboots. Always check JustWatch.com for current locations.
Controversial Takes: My Personal Rankings
After rewatching all four films for this guide, here's my personal ranking from best to worst:
- Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) - Just the most pure fun
- Jumanji (1995) - Nostalgia plus Williams' magic
- Jumanji: The Next Level (2019) - Great moments but tries too hard
- Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005) - Good film, just not essential
I'll probably get hate for putting Zathura last. Look, it's a perfectly good movie! Just doesn't have that special Jumanji magic for me. The lack of Robin Williams or The Rock-level charisma hurts it.
Where to Watch the Jumanji Movies in Order Right Now
Streaming services change constantly, but here's the typical availability pattern:
- Jumanji (1995): Usually on Hulu or available for rental
- Zathura: Harder to find - often requires rental/purchase
- Welcome to the Jungle: Frequently on Netflix or Amazon Prime
- The Next Level: Rotates between HBO Max and rental services
Pro tip: Check your local library! I've borrowed the entire series on Blu-ray multiple times for marathon nights.
Physical Media Advantage: The 4-film collection often goes on sale for under $30. Worth it since you'll revisit these.
The Future of the Franchise
With the massive success of the reboot films, Sony's definitely planning more. Rumors suggest:
- A third video game installment possibly set in multiple game worlds
- Potential spin-off focusing on Karen Gillan's Ruby Roundhouse
- Animated series in development for Netflix
Honestly? I hope they don't milk it too hard. The magic could wear thin. But if they maintain the clever game mechanics and chemistry between leads, I'll keep showing up.
The game isn't over yet.
Final Thoughts on the Jumanji Movies Order
Whether you're revisiting these or introducing them to a new generation, the Jumanji journey remains incredibly satisfying. For the optimal experience:
- Start with the 1995 classic to appreciate the original vision
- Watch Zathura if you're curious but don't stress if you skip it
- Then dive into the 2017 reboot and its 2019 sequel
What surprises me most? How each era captured something special. The practical-effects wonder of the 90s version. The clever video-game twist of the modern ones. And Zathura's... well, space robots.
Getting the jumanji movies in order right makes all the difference. So grab some popcorn, avoid any mysterious board games you find in the attic, and enjoy the adventure in the sequence that works best for you.