Is Jumanji Too Wild? Decoding the Deaths, Dangers, and Laughs for Families
You plan to dive into the fun of Jumanji with your family? Good choice! These movies are entertaining. But as a parent, you might think, “Is this too much for my kids?”
Let’s break down Jumanji. We will focus on deaths, violence, and how scary it gets. This way, you can decide if it’s a family movie or one for when the kids are asleep.
Decoding Deaths and Mayhem in Jumanji
First, let’s address dying in Jumanji. It’s a video game world. Respawns are part of the game. In
Don’t relax too much. Bethany gets eaten by a hippo. Martha gets shot multiple times. Someone is keeping count of Jumanji deaths because the internet does not forget.
Regarding violence, Jumanji does not hold back. Think action movie violence, not horror movie gore. We see weapons—guns and blades—used to injure or kill. Jungle creatures aim to eat our heroes. Lions, gators, and aggressive plants create near-death experiences. As if that weren’t enough, add a monsoon and flash floods.
If you wonder about the “gross-out” factor, consider this: there’s a scene where unpleasant meat chunks are pulled from a bag and fed to hyenas. Yes, that’s ex-master meat.
Scary Bits and Bumps in the Night (Jungle)
Jumanji has its share of scary moments too. We encounter disturbing scenes and creatures that go bump in the night. Those jungle animals and killer plants appear as jump scares more than once.
the original Jumanji? The moment Alan Parrish gets sucked into the game is terrifying. His scream and struggle into the board are shocking. And those bats? A swarm erupts from a fireplace, terrifying for young Sarah and anyone afraid of bats.
Death Has Consequences? Kind Of.
If you die in the game, what happens next? You lose a life token. Typical. But in classic board game rules, your piece gets pushed back. It’s quite the setback. The stakes are high in Jumanji. Run out of lives as a team, and everyone loses. Survivors need teamwork.
Meet the (Almost) Departed: Jumanji’s Brush with Mortality
Let’s mention some characters who had close calls or checked out (mostly in-game).
- Alan Parrish: Poor Alan, played by Robin Williams. He was trapped for 26 years! Imagine that jungle cabin fever! He entered as a child and escaped only when two kids rolled the dice decades later. Talk about a long game.
- Milo Walker: Spoiler for
Jumanji: The Next Level . Milo was on his way out already. In the game, he selflessly stays behind to protect Jumanji. - Alex Vreeke: Another Jumanji long-timer. He got sucked into the game 20 years before
Welcome to the Jungle . A real missing person case. - Jurgen the Brutal: Bad guy alert! Jurgen brutally killed Dr. Smolder Bravestone’s parents. Talk about backstory drama.
Is Jumanji Kid-Friendly Jungle Gym or Jungle Gym of Nightmares?
The big question: can you take little adventurers? Jumanji movies are rated PG. The MPAA rated the first one PG, and that continued for sequels. But PG covers a lot, right?
For younger kids, maybe wait a bit. Reviews note it’s better for kids 9 and up, with an adult present for younger viewers. Why? While it entertains, it can be genuinely frightening for little ones. The violence can feel intense even if it’s game-based.
Some suggest it fits better for families with older kids due to violence and “sexual references.” Yes, Jumanji sneaks in mild language and suggestive moments along with action. While both
Content Concerns: Swears, Suggestion, and Scary Stuff
Let’s explore content concerns. MPAA mentions “adventure action, suggestive content, and some language.” “Suggestive content” refers to a few kissing scenes, anatomical jokes, and outfits showing some cleavage. Nothing extreme but worth noting.
Expect some mild swearing too. Think “s–t” and “ass.”
We can’t forget the dying plots either. Characters get eaten, shot, or endangered by jungle elements. It’s all part of a video game theme. Yet for sensitive kids, seeing characters “die” often could be unsettling.
Bad Guys and Bad Games: Meet the Evil Elements
A good adventure always needs a villain, right? Jumanji has several antagonists.
- Professor Van Pelt: The OG villain. A corrupt archaeologist who steals the magical “Jaguar’s Eye.” He becomes Jumanji’s major problem.
- The Jumanji Game Itself: Surprisingly, the game acts as an antagonist. It desires to be played even if it risks players’ lives—talk about dedication.
- Jurgen the Brutal (Again): Because murdering Bravestone’s parents wasn’t enough. Jurgen is just purely evil.
Violence: How Intense Is Too Intense?
We covered violence but let’s check its intensity. Jumanji is action-packed. There are chases, weapons, and total jungle chaos. Main characters die multiple times but respawn quickly. This softens the blow for younger viewers but still features constant near-death experiences.
Expect high-speed motorcycle chases involving armed people pursuing heroes. Intensity rises as thrills ensue throughout the film. It aims for excitement but may overwhelm very young or sensitive children with its relentless action.
Beyond the Bang-Bang: Other “Inappropriate” Stuff
Beyond violence and scares, what else may not suit little kids? We mentioned mild language and suggestive themes as main concerns.
However, there’s a note of positivity in
Is Jumanji too wild? It depends on your kids. For older kids and teens, it’s probably an entertaining adventure. For younger ones, preview it or wait a bit longer. Good news for fans! Jumanji 3 drops in December 2026. Get ready to roll those dice again!
