Jumanji (1995)
Jumanji is a thrilling fantasy adventure centered around a mystical board game that brings jungle dangers to life. The story begins in 1969, when a young boy named Alan Parrish discovers an ancient, mysterious board game called Jumanji buried near a construction site. After a difficult day dealing with bullies and pressure from his strict father, Alan shows the game to his friend Sarah Whittle. Curious, they begin to play—unaware of the supernatural forces within it. On Alan’s first roll, he is sucked into the game’s jungle world, disappearing before Sarah’s eyes, leaving her traumatized.
Twenty-six years later, in 1995, siblings Judy and Peter Shepherd move into the now-abandoned Parrish mansion with their aunt after the tragic death of their parents. While exploring the house, the children discover the dusty Jumanji game in the attic and decide to play it. Their first rolls unleash giant bats and mischievous monkeys into the real world. But the biggest shock comes when Peter rolls a specific number that frees Alan Parrish—now an adult man who has survived decades alone in the perilous Jumanji jungle.
Alan, played by Robin Williams, is overwhelmed by how much the world has changed, and the children convince him to finish the game to reverse all its chaos. To proceed, they must find Sarah Whittle, who is still scarred by what happened long ago. Reluctantly, she joins the group.
As the four players continue rolling the dice, each turn releases a new disaster: rampaging animals, a stampede of rhinos and elephants, man-eating plants, quicksand, and a violent monsoon. The most dangerous threat, however, is Van Pelt, a relentless hunter who emerges from the game determined to kill Alan. Amid the chaos, Alan confronts his deep-rooted fears, especially the complicated relationship he had with his father.
The stakes escalate with every turn, pushing the group into one dangerous situation after another. Despite their fear, misunderstandings, and disagreements, the players grow closer and learn to rely on each other. The only way to restore the world is to finish the game—no matter the cost.
In the climax, Alan finally reaches the last space on the board and shouts “Jumanji!” instantly sucking all the unleashed disasters back into the game. Time rewinds to 1969, giving Alan and Sarah the chance to relive their past with new wisdom. They grow up together and later meet Judy and Peter again—now alive and well, with no memory of the chaos that was erased.
Jumanji concludes with a warning: the game is found washed up on a beach, its drumming sound calling to new potential players.
