In 1995, fantasy adventure movie, Jumanji, burst onto the big screen. The film – based on the book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg – followed the story of Alan Parrish – a young boy who is sucked into a jungle-themed board game in 1969, before being released from the game in 1995 as an adult.
Upon release, Jumanji was a big hit with audiences. The central premise delighted adults and children alike, while the lead performance from actor Robin Williams (as adult Alan) became a firm favourite.
As a result of the popularity of Jumanji, more movies soon followed, including a spin-off film based around a space-themed game. But if you’re new to the Jumanji movie series, how many movies are there and what is the viewing order?
For all the details, keep reading.
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The Jumanji movies

Jumanji (1995)
As noted above, the Jumanji movie series began in 1995 with the release of Jumanji. The film followed the story of Alan Parrish, who becomes trapped in a board game.
In the movie, the year is 1969 and Alan is playing a jungle-themed board game with his friend Sarah. Upon taking a turn, Alan is transported into the game, where he remains for the next 26 years.
In 1995, two children, Judy and Peter, play the game, releasing a now-adult Alan from his jungle imprisonment. However, elements of the deadly jungle are also unleashed, including wild animals and deadly plants.
In order to return things to normal. the game must be completed. This requires Judy, Peter, Alan, and Sarah to finish the game and call out the magic word ‘Jumanji.’ (104 mins)
Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005)
Ten years after the release of Jumanji, another movie based on a book by Chris Van Allsburg made its debut. This next movie was titled Zathura: A Space Adventure, and focused on two young brothers who play a space-themed game.
In the movie, Walter and Danny play the intergalactic board game, Zathura. However, what should be an innocent bit of fun soon turns into a fight for survival as the pair encounter dangers from space. (101 mins)
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
Following the release of Zathura: A Space Adventure, the movie series went on hiatus until 2017, when it returned with a soft reboot. This reboot dropped the board game angle and instead focused on a Jumanji computer game.
In the film, four teenagers are transported into a magical, jungle-themed video game. Taking on the appearance and characteristics of video game avatars, the teens must work together to complete the game and return home. (119 mins)
Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)
Continuing the story from Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, the direct sequel, Jumanji: The Next Level saw the teens trapped in the Jumanji video game once again. However, this time they are joined by new, unwitting players. (123 mins)
Jumanji: Open World (2026)
Due to the popularity of Welcome to the Jungle and The Next Level, another Jumanji movie, titled Jumanji: Open World was put into production, to continue and complete the story of the video game-playing friends. More jungle antics followed.
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The Jumanji movies in order

Should you wish to watch the Jumanji movies in order, follow this list:
- Jumanji (1995)
- Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005)
- Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
- Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)
- Jumanji: Open World (2026)
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Who are the cast of the Jumanji movies and are the films the work of the same director?

Notable cast members in the Jumanji movies include Robin Williams, Bonnie Hunt, Kirsten Dunst, Bradley Pierce, Jonathan Hyde, Bebe Neuwirth, David Alan Grier, Patricia Clarkson, Josh Hutcherson, Jonah Bobo, Dax Shepard, Kristen Stewart, Tim Robbins, Frank Oz, Derek Mears, Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Jack Black, Rhys Darby, Bobby Cannavale, Nick Jonas, Alex Wolff, Awkwafina, Morgan Turner, Madison Iseman, Ser’Darius Blain, Danny DeVito, Danny Glover, Colin Hanks, and Burn Gorman.
In terms of directors, the Jumanji movies are the work of the following:
- Joe Johnston directed Jumanji
- Jon Favreau directed Zathura: A Space Adventure
- Jake Kasdan directed Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Jumanji: The Next Level, and Jumanji: Open World
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And finally, which is the best Jumanji movie?

According to IMDb, the Jumanji movies are rated as follows:
- Jumanji (1995) – 7.1/10
- Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005) – 6.3/10
- Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) – 6.9/10
- Jumanji: The Next Level (2019) – 6.6/10
- Jumanji: Open World (2026) – Not Yet Rated
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