If you loved the thrilling adventure, fantastical elements, and heartfelt humor of the classic 1995 film Jumanji, you’re probably on the hunt for more movies that can deliver the same exciting viewing experience. Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the 20 best movies like Jumanji that are sure to transport you to incredible new worlds filled with action, laughs, and a touch of magic. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable cinematic journey.
1. Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005)
Zathura: A Space Adventure is the perfect companion piece to Jumanji. Based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg, who also wrote Jumanji, this sci-fi adventure follows two brothers who discover a mysterious board game that launches their house into outer space. With the help of an astronaut, they must finish the game to return home, facing challenges like meteor showers, hostile aliens, and malfunctioning robots along the way. Directed by Jon Favreau, Zathura captures the same sense of wonder and danger as Jumanji while putting a unique spin on the concept.
2. Night at the Museum (2006)
In Night at the Museum, Ben Stiller stars as Larry Daley, a down-on-his-luck dad who takes a job as a night watchman at the American Museum of Natural History. Little does he know that an ancient Egyptian spell brings all the exhibits to life after dark! Larry must navigate a world where dinosaur skeletons, wax figures, and miniature dioramas come alive, all while trying to keep the magic hidden from the outside world. With a star-studded cast including Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, and Ricky Gervais, Night at the Museum is a hilarious and heartwarming adventure that will delight the whole family.
3. Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)
Loosely based on the classic Jules Verne novel, Journey to the Center of the Earth stars Brendan Fraser as Trevor Anderson, a science professor who discovers that his missing brother may have found a way to travel to the Earth’s core. Along with his nephew Sean (Josh Hutcherson) and their Icelandic guide Hannah (Anita Briem), Trevor embarks on a thrilling subterranean adventure filled with stunning landscapes, prehistoric creatures, and pulse-pounding peril. Shot in 3D, the film immerses viewers in a visually stunning world hidden beneath our feet.
4. The Goonies (1985)
A classic of the adventure genre, The Goonies follows a group of misfit kids who discover an ancient treasure map and set out on a quest to find the legendary pirate One-Eyed Willy’s hidden fortune. Along the way, they must outwit a family of criminals, navigate treacherous underground caverns, and evade deadly booby traps. With a memorable cast of young actors, including Sean Astin, Corey Feldman, and Josh Brolin, The Goonies is a beloved coming-of-age tale that captures the spirit of childhood adventure and the unbreakable bonds of friendship.
5. Spy Kids (2001)
In Spy Kids, writer-director Robert Rodriguez puts a family-friendly spin on the spy genre. When secret agents Gregorio and Ingrid Cortez (Antonio Banderas and Carla Gugino) are kidnapped by an evil mastermind, their children Carmen and Juni (Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara) must step up to rescue them. Armed with an array of high-tech gadgets and their own ingenuity, the siblings embark on a globe-trotting mission filled with colorful characters, inventive set pieces, and plenty of heart. Spy Kids is a fun and imaginative romp that celebrates the power of family.
6. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
Based on the beloved novel by C.S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe transports viewers to the magical realm of Narnia. When four siblings discover a wardrobe that leads to a fantastical world, they find themselves caught in an epic battle between good and evil. With the guidance of the majestic lion Aslan, they must defeat the tyrannical White Witch and restore peace to Narnia. Boasting stunning visual effects, thrilling action sequences, and timeless themes of courage and sacrifice, this film is a must-see for fans of fantasy adventures.
7. Inkheart (2008)
In Inkheart, Brendan Fraser stars as Mo Folchart, a “silvertongue” with the ability to bring characters from books to life simply by reading aloud. When he accidentally summons villains from a fantasy novel years ago, Mo must track down the book’s author to send them back. Joined by his daughter Meggie (Eliza Bennett) and an eccentric cast of literary characters, Mo embarks on a thrilling journey that blurs the line between reality and fiction. Inkheart is a love letter to the power of storytelling and the magic of the written word.
8. Goosebumps (2015)
Based on the popular children’s horror book series by R.L. Stine, Goosebumps follows teenager Zach Cooper (Dylan Minnette) as he discovers that his new neighbor is none other than the famous author himself (played by Jack Black). When Zach accidentally unleashes the monsters from Stine’s books, he must team up with the writer’s daughter Hannah (Odeya Rush) to capture the creatures and save their town. Filled with humor, heart, and plenty of spooky fun, Goosebumps is a delightful tribute to the beloved franchise that will appeal to fans old and new.
9. The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
The Spiderwick Chronicles tells the story of the Grace family, who move into an old estate and discover a hidden world of fairies, goblins, and other magical creatures. When Jared Grace (Freddie Highmore) finds a mysterious field guide, he and his siblings become entangled in a centuries-old conflict between the fantastical inhabitants of the estate. With stunning visuals, thrilling action, and a talented cast that includes Mary-Louise Parker and Nick Nolte, The Spiderwick Chronicles is an enchanting adventure that celebrates the wonder and danger of the unseen world around us.
10. Escape to Witch Mountain (1975)
A classic of the Disney live-action canon, Escape to Witch Mountain follows two orphaned siblings, Tia and Tony, who possess extraordinary psychic abilities. When a greedy millionaire seeks to exploit their powers, the children must flee with the help of a kind widower named Jason O’Day (Eddie Albert). As they search for clues to their mysterious past, Tia and Tony discover that their abilities may be the key to unlocking an ancient extraterrestrial secret. Escape to Witch Mountain is a timeless tale of adventure, friendship, and the power of believing in oneself.
11. The Neverending Story (1984)
Based on the novel by Michael Ende, The Neverending Story is a beloved fantasy classic that follows young Bastian Balthazar Bux (Barret Oliver) as he discovers a magical book that transports him to the world of Fantasia. There, he meets the brave warrior Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) and the luck dragon Falkor, who are on a quest to save Fantasia from the Nothing, a dark force that threatens to destroy the realm. As Bastian becomes more engrossed in the story, he realizes that he has a crucial role to play in the fate of Fantasia. With its imaginative world-building, unforgettable characters, and timeless themes, The Neverending Story is a must-see for any fan of fantasy adventures.
12. Labyrinth (1986)
Directed by Jim Henson and starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly, Labyrinth is a mesmerizing blend of fantasy, adventure, and musical elements. When teenage Sarah (Connelly) wishes for her baby brother to be taken away by the goblins, she must navigate a treacherous labyrinth to rescue him from the clutches of the Goblin King Jareth (Bowie). Along the way, she encounters a colorful cast of creatures and learns valuable lessons about growing up and taking responsibility. With its stunning practical effects, memorable soundtrack, and Bowie’s iconic performance, Labyrinth is a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience.
13. The Indian in the Cupboard (1995)
Based on the children’s novel by Lynne Reid Banks, The Indian in the Cupboard tells the story of Omri (Hal Scardino), a young boy who discovers that his old wooden cupboard has the power to bring his toys to life. When he places a plastic Native American figure named Little Bear (Litefoot) in the cupboard, Omri finds himself responsible for a real, miniature person with thoughts and feelings of his own. As Omri navigates this newfound power and the challenges it brings, he learns valuable lessons about friendship, responsibility, and the consequences of our actions. The Indian in the Cupboard is a heartwarming and thought-provoking tale that celebrates the power of imagination.
14. Bridge to Terabithia (2007)
Bridge to Terabithia, based on the novel by Katherine Paterson, follows the friendship between two outsiders, Jess Aarons (Josh Hutcherson) and Leslie Burke (AnnaSophia Robb). Together, they create a magical kingdom called Terabithia in the woods near their homes, a place where they can escape the troubles of their everyday lives and let their imaginations run wild. As Jess and Leslie’s friendship deepens, they learn to confront their fears and support each other through life’s challenges. Bridge to Terabithia is a poignant and beautifully crafted film that explores the transformative power of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit.
15. Holes (2003)
Based on the Newbery Medal-winning novel by Louis Sachar, Holes follows Stanley Yelnats IV (Shia LaBeouf), a teenager wrongfully sent to a juvenile detention camp in the Texas desert. As part of their punishment, the inmates are forced to dig holes in the scorching heat, supposedly to build character. However, Stanley soon discovers that the warden (Sigourney Weaver) is searching for something hidden in the desert, and his fate may be tied to the mystery of the camp. With a stellar cast that includes Jon Voight, Patricia Arquette, and Tim Blake Nelson, Holes is a clever and heartfelt adventure that interweaves multiple storylines across generations.
16. The Pagemaster (1994)
In The Pagemaster, Macaulay Culkin stars as Richard Tyler, a timid boy who takes refuge in a library during a storm. When he is knocked unconscious by a falling bookshelf, Richard finds himself transported into the world of the Pagemaster (Christopher Lloyd), where literary characters come to life. Guided by three anthropomorphic books – Adventure (Patrick Stewart), Fantasy (Whoopi Goldberg), and Horror (Frank Welker) – Richard must conquer his fears and find his way back home. The Pagemaster is a visually stunning and imaginative film that celebrates the power of literature to inspire and transform us.
17. The Borrowers (1997)
Based on the classic children’s novel by Mary Norton, The Borrowers tells the story of the Clock family, a group of tiny people who live beneath the floorboards of a human house and “borrow” the things they need to survive. When young Arrietty Clock (Flora Newbigin) is discovered by the human boy who lives above, she and her family must find a way to coexist with their new friend while avoiding the dangers of the outside world. With its charming characters, inventive set design, and themes of tolerance and understanding, The Borrowers is a delightful adventure that celebrates the little things in life.
18. The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl (2005)
From the imaginative mind of director Robert Rodriguez comes The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl, a colorful and energetic superhero adventure. When young Max (Cayden Boyd) dreams up two superhero friends, Sharkboy (Taylor Lautner) and Lavagirl (Taylor Dooley), he never expects them to show up in the real world. Together, the trio must save Planet Drool from the evil Mr. Electric (George Lopez) and his army of nightmares. With its vibrant visual style, catchy songs, and message of the power of dreams, The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl is a fun and fanciful romp that will delight young audiences.
19. The Last Mimzy (2007)
The Last Mimzy tells the story of siblings Noah (Chris O’Neil) and Emma Wilder (Rhiannon Leigh Wryn), who discover a mysterious box of toys that seem to have strange powers. As they explore the toys’ abilities, Noah and Emma find themselves at the center of a time-traveling mission to save humanity from a bleak future. With the help of their parents (Timothy Hutton and Joely Richardson) and a quirky science teacher (Rainn Wilson), the children must unravel the secrets of the toys and their connection to the enigmatic Mimzy. The Last Mimzy is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant sci-fi adventure that explores the potential of the human mind and the importance of preserving our world for future generations.
20. The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising (2007)
Based on the classic young adult novel by Susan Cooper, The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising follows Will Stanton (Alexander Ludwig), a seemingly ordinary teenager who discovers that he is the last of the Old Ones, a group of immortal warriors dedicated to protecting the world from the forces of darkness. As Will comes to terms with his newfound powers and destiny, he must join forces with the other Old Ones to find the six magical Signs that will help them defeat the evil Rider (Christopher Eccleston). The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising is a thrilling and atmospheric fantasy adventure that explores the eternal battle between light and darkness.
These 20 movies like Jumanji offer a wide range of adventures, from fantastical quests and time-traveling missions to superhero feats and journeys of self-discovery. Whether you’re in the mood for a lighthearted romp or a thought-provoking exploration of the human experience, these films are sure to captivate and entertain you. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable cinematic adventure!
