Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
In a brand-new Jumanji adventure, four high-school kids discover an old video-game console and are drawn into the game's jungle setting, literally becoming the adult avatars they chose. What they discover is that you don't just play Jumanji--you must survive it. To beat the game and return to the real world, they must go on the most dangerous adventure of their lives, discover what Alan Parrish left 20 years ago, and change the way they think about themselves --or they'll be stuck in the game forever, to be played by others without break.
Despite a significant budget of $90.0M, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle became a runaway success, earning $995.3M worldwide—a remarkable 1006% return.
5 wins & 15 nominations
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) exhibits meticulously timed story structure, characteristic of Jake Kasdan's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 10-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 59 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.4, the film takes an unconventional approach to traditional narrative frameworks.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Four high school students in detention: Spencer (nerdy gamer), Fridge (jock), Bethany (popular girl), and Martha (awkward introvert). Each isolated in their own world, embodying teenage stereotypes and disconnection.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 14 minutes when The four teens select their avatars and start the Jumanji video game. They are suddenly sucked into the game world, transforming into their avatar bodies and transported to the jungle.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The Collapse moment at 88 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Alex loses his last life and dies, disappearing from the game. The team is devastated, having lost their friend. This "death" moment is the lowest point—they've failed to protect Alex and Van Pelt has the jewel., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 95 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. The finale: Coordinated team assault on Van Pelt's camp. Bethany sacrifices her life to distract guards. Martha uses combat skills. Fridge operates the helicopter. Spencer retrieves the jewel and returns it to the jaguar statue, defeating Van Pelt and winning the game., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 10 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle against these established plot points, we can identify how Jake Kasdan utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle within the action genre.
Jake Kasdan's Structural Approach
Among the 6 Jake Kasdan films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.0, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Jake Kasdan filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Jake Kasdan analyses, see Sex Tape, Bad Teacher and Orange County.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Four high school students in detention: Spencer (nerdy gamer), Fridge (jock), Bethany (popular girl), and Martha (awkward introvert). Each isolated in their own world, embodying teenage stereotypes and disconnection.
Theme
The detention supervisor tells them they need to work together to clean the basement, stating "You're going to have to communicate and collaborate." Theme: teamwork and discovering strength through others.
Worldbuilding
Establishing the four protagonists in their ordinary high school world: Spencer loses his phone helping Fridge cheat, Bethany is obsessed with social media, Martha refuses to participate in gym, all serving detention. The old Jumanji game cartridge is discovered in the basement.
Disruption
The four teens select their avatars and start the Jumanji video game. They are suddenly sucked into the game world, transforming into their avatar bodies and transported to the jungle.
Resistance
The teens wake up in adult avatar bodies (Dr. Bravestone, Moose Finbar, Professor Oberon, Ruby Roundhouse) and struggle to understand the game rules. They discover their three lives, strengths, weaknesses, and the mission to return the Jaguar's Eye jewel. Nigel the guide NPC explains their quest.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
The fun of the premise: the teens learn to use their avatar abilities, navigate jungle dangers, discover each other's hidden strengths, and work through various game challenges. Includes the marketplace scene, transportation shed escape, and bonding around the campfire where they open up about their insecurities.
Opposition
Van Pelt's forces close in. The team faces increasingly difficult challenges including helicopter attacks, motorcycle chases, and internal conflicts. Spencer's ego and recklessness causes friction. The pressure intensifies as they lose lives and Van Pelt gains ground, capturing the jewel.
Collapse
Alex loses his last life and dies, disappearing from the game. The team is devastated, having lost their friend. This "death" moment is the lowest point—they've failed to protect Alex and Van Pelt has the jewel.
Crisis
The group processes Alex's death and their failure. They debate giving up but realize they can't quit. Spencer admits his flaws and need for others. They discover they can use Alex's spare life to bring him back and formulate a final plan.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
The finale: Coordinated team assault on Van Pelt's camp. Bethany sacrifices her life to distract guards. Martha uses combat skills. Fridge operates the helicopter. Spencer retrieves the jewel and returns it to the jaguar statue, defeating Van Pelt and winning the game.