Introduction
Jumanji is a franchise that has entertained generations since its inception. The idea of a mystical board game wreaking havoc on the world was an instant hit, leading to multiple adaptations over the years. There has been some confusion surrounding how many Jumanji movies there are, and in this article, we will clear it up. We will explore how the franchise has grown over time, analyze each of the movies, rank them by their thrills, discuss their production processes, and offer our opinion on the best one. This is your complete guide to Jumanji movies, and by the end, you will have a better understanding of the entire franchise.
Jumanji: How the Franchise Has Grown to Include X Number of Films
When Jumanji first came out in 1995, it was an instant success, grossing over $260 million worldwide. The film starred the late Robin Williams and directed by Joe Johnston. The 2005 spin-off animated series was also successful.
In 2017, the franchise was reignited with the release of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. The movie featured a new cast lead by Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan. The film was a box office success, grossing over $962 million worldwide and quickly led to a sequel.
In 2019, Jumanji: The Next Level came out, and it was equally successful, grossing over $796 million worldwide. The film joined the staple of sequels that delighted audiences worldwide and put the franchise back on the map.
So how many Jumanji movies are there? There are four Jumanji movies to date, with a fifth movie reportedly in development.
The Evolution of Jumanji: A Deep Dive into Its X Movies
Following the success of the first movie, the animated series premiered in 1996. It was set within the Jumanji universe, but it followed a different storyline. The series aired for three seasons, featuring Peter Kays as the main character.
The next iteration of the Jumanji franchise came out in 2017, titled Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, starring Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, and Kevin Hart. This movie took on a different approach, where instead of bringing the jungle to the real world, the game transported four high schoolers into the jungle in the form of four avatars.
The sequel, Jumanji: The Next Level came out in 2019, where the game evolves again and modifies the game rules in unique ways that create more obstacles and puzzles. This movie also introduced new characters and an epic showdown between the players and the evil game conqueror.
A Look Back on X Jumanji Films: Which One is the Best?
Each Jumanji movie has had its unique plot, themes, and characters. The 1995 original still remains a classic movie and set the standard for the franchise. The 2017 and 2019 reboots were both financially successful and breathed new life into the franchise.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle delves into the challenges faced by four high schoolers who are transported into the bodies of their avatars. The film combines humor with adventure, and the charismatic cast offers a refreshing approach to the franchise.
While Jumanji: The Next Level doesn’t necessarily innovate as much as Welcome to the Jungle, it still offers entertainment, humor, and action. The new cast additions helped keep things fresh, and the action sequences help make it a thrilling adventure.
As for the 1995 original, it continues to be the classic that launched the franchise. The themes of family, loss, and overcoming fear resonated then as they do today.
Ultimately, your choice of which is the best Jumanji movie depends on your personal preference.
Inside Jumanji: The Making of X Movies
The production process for Jumanji movies involves an interesting mix of live-action visuals and CGI animation. The movies blend the real-world with the game board’s virtual world seamlessly and offer a balance of practical and digital effects.
The movies also require the filmmakers to craft effective action scenes, puzzles, and stunts to keep the players engaged. They shoot in beautiful locales and employ experienced stunt teams, offering a visually stunning experience for viewers.
Director Jake Kasdan also shared that the creative team had to ensure that the new movies respected the original 1995 film with its tone and world-building abilities. This helps make the franchise universally appealing while still attracting a new audience who has not seen the original film before.
Which Jumanji Movie Offers the Most Thrills? Our Ranking Revealed
When ranking the Jumanji movies, it’s not an easy feat because each movie offers something unique to the audience. While some may love the original for its classic appeal, others may prefer the newer movies with their updated visuals.
In terms of thrills and action, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle provides the most thrilling moments. The film carries on the spirit of the classic but modernizes it with new tech and action sequences. The high-stakes adventure leaves you on the edge of your seat, and the comedic performances help make the viewing experience even more enjoyable.
Coming in second place is Jumanji: The Next Level, which takes the action and adventure up a notch. The sequel has a more complex plot that allows for more elaborate set pieces and stunts that offer a nail-biting experience. The film also features some suspenseful moments that further add to the excitement.
Jumanji: A Comprehensive Guide to All X Films in the Saga
To summarize, Jumanji movies are a significant part of cinema history, with four films to date. The franchise has effectively transitioned from a traditional movie to an animated series to modern reboots.
The films explore adventure, humor, and action and offer stunning visuals. They provide an experience that can entertain audiences of all ages while also maintaining a classic feel.
If you’re looking to watch or rewatch the films, follow this guide:
- Jumanji (1995)
- Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
- Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)
- Jumanji: Animated Series (1996-1999)
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Jumanji franchise has grown over the years, bringing both old and new audiences on board. The franchise has been able to adapt to the changing times and provide thrilling experiences with each release.
There are four movies in the franchise to date, and while each movie has its unique style and plot, all are worth a watch.
If you haven’t seen the Jumanji movies yet, we highly recommend it.