Jumanji

Jumanji

Year: 1995

Runtime: 104 min

Language: English

Director: Joe Johnston

Budget: $65M

AdventureThrillerFantasyFamily

While cleaning out their attic, two siblings discover an intriguing board game called Jumanji. Upon playing, they inadvertently release Alan Parrish, a man who has been mysteriously trapped within the game for years. To restore order and free Alan, the children must face a series of dangerous challenges presented by Jumanji, including giant insects, playful monkeys, and perilous stampedes, embarking on a wild and imaginative quest.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Jumanji yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Jumanji (1995)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Jumanji (1995). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1869, 1995

The story unfolds between the years 1869 and 1995, highlighting a century of change and the impact of time on the characters. The late 19th century represents a simpler, yet tumultuous era in Alan's childhood, while the 1990s reflect more modern challenges and the resurgence of magic in the form of the Jumanji game.

Location

Brantford, New Hampshire, Parrish mansion

Brantford, New Hampshire, is a small town where the adventures of Jumanji begin. Known for its serene surroundings, the woods nearby play a crucial role in the childhood of Alan Parrish as he races through them in his youth. The Parrish mansion, an imposing structure, serves as both a home and a battleground for the wild events unleashed by the Jumanji game.

🏡 Home 🌳 Forest

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:49

Main Characters – Jumanji (1995)

Meet the key characters of Jumanji (1995), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Alan Parrish

Alan Parrish is a brave and adventurous character who faces his fears head-on after being trapped in the Jumanji game for decades. His journey reveals his growth from a scared boy to a confident man determined to mend his past relationships, particularly with his father. Alan's trials within the game teach him valuable lessons about courage and responsibility.

🧗‍♂️ Adventurous 👦 Childhood trauma

Nora Shepherd

Nora Shepherd is a caring and resourceful adult who becomes a guardian figure for her niece and nephew. Following the tragic loss of their parents, Nora seeks to provide stability and support during their difficult transition. She is portrayed as determined to maintain her family's integrity while navigating the untamed chaos that Jumanji brings.

👩‍👧‍👦 Family 💪 Strength

Judy Shepherd

Judy is one of the young protagonists who, filled with creativity and bravery, is one of the first to interact with the Jumanji game. Her imaginative nature allows her to unravel the mysteries of the game, and she plays a key role in the adventure that ensues. Judy's resilience is tested as she faces bizarre creatures and life-threatening situations.

🧠 Imaginative 🧒 Courageous

Peter Shepherd

Peter is Judy's brother, who initially withdraws into silence after their parents' death but showcases bravery as the adventure unfolds. Despite his inner turmoil, he displays protective instincts toward his sister and Alan. Throughout the movie, Peter learns to confront his fears and takes on the challenges brought by Jumanji.

👦 Protective 🌟 Growth

Sarah Whittle

Sarah Whittle is a determined character who, despite initial skepticism, plays a pivotal role in helping Alan confront his past. Her connection to Alan adds complexity to the narrative, as she grapples with her memories and perceptions of reality. Sarah's journey represents rediscovery and the power of belief.

👩‍❤️‍👩 Love 💭 Haunting memories

Sam Parrish

Sam Parrish, Alan's father, represents the parental figure whose relationships are strained by misunderstandings and expectations. His character illustrates the importance of communication and emotional connection within a family as he reconciles with Alan after the adventures of Jumanji.

👨‍👦 Father-son relationship 🔄 Redemption

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:49

Major Themes – Jumanji (1995)

Explore the central themes of Jumanji (1995), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕰️ Time and Consequences

Time plays a pivotal role in Jumanji, illustrating how the past can shape one's future. Alan's childhood choices and the consequences of being trapped in the game for decades affect not only his life but also the lives of Peter and Judy. The theme emphasizes the importance of facing one's fears and the opportunity for redemption through time.

🐒 Adventure and Chaos

The film captures the essence of adventure through the chaos unleashed by the Jumanji game. Each turn in the game brings new and thrilling challenges, from wild animals to menacing villains. The excitement of unpredictability is a central theme, revealing how adventure can lead to personal growth and resilience.

💔 Family and Relationships

The dynamics of family and relationships are crucial in Jumanji, especially regarding Alan's relationship with his father and the bond between Judy and Peter after their parents' loss. The film illustrates how love and connection can help heal emotional wounds and how confronting fears can strengthen relationships.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:49

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies with chaotic magical games like Jumanji

Stories where ordinary people are forced to play a dangerous, reality-warping game.If you liked the high-stakes, game-like peril of Jumanji, you'll enjoy these movies where characters are thrust into a dangerous supernatural contest. These films feature similar themes of survival, unpredictable magical forces, and a fast-paced, tense adventure that blends family-friendly thrills with fantastical danger.

chaotictenseperilousmagicaladventurousunpredictablehigh-stakes

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically begins with an ordinary discovery that triggers an extraordinary and dangerous situation. The plot is driven by a series of escalating, game-like challenges that the protagonists must overcome, often with immediate consequences for failure. The structure is highly episodic and relentless, building towards a climactic final challenge that determines the fate of the characters and the world.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their core premise of a 'magical game' that dictates the plot. They share a high-intensity, fast-paced tone where the threat is constant and the rules of reality are bent. The mood is consistently tense, adventurous, and chaotic, creating a unique blend of family adventure and genuine peril.

Movies about healing childhood trauma through adventure like Jumanji

Journeys where confronting a supernatural threat leads to healing deep childhood scars.Fans of Jumanji's emotional core will appreciate these movies where a wild adventure serves to heal old wounds. These similar stories explore themes of facing childhood fears, trauma, and loss through a supernatural lens, culminating in a hopeful and emotionally satisfying conclusion that mends the past.

cathartichopefulfearfulemotionalmagicaladventurousheartfelt

Narrative Summary

The narrative intertwines a present-day supernatural crisis with unresolved events from the characters' pasts. The protagonist's journey through the external danger forces them to emotionally revisit and confront their trauma. The climax often involves a symbolic victory over both the magical threat and the internal pain, leading to a restorative and happy ending that corrects the past.

Why These Movies?

This thread groups movies that share a specific character arc: using fantasy as a tool for psychological healing. They balance medium emotional weight with high-intensity action, resulting in a cathartic experience. The tone mixes genuine peril with heartfelt resolution, creating a distinct vibe of hopefulness earned through confronting darkness.

Unlock the Full Story of Jumanji

Don't stop at just watching — explore Jumanji in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Jumanji is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Jumanji Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Jumanji, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Jumanji Summary

Jumanji Timeline

Track the full timeline of Jumanji with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Jumanji Timeline

Jumanji Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Jumanji that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Jumanji Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Jumanji

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Jumanji: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Jumanji

Similar Movies to Jumanji

Discover movies like Jumanji that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.