The original Jumanji movie was actually based on a book, not a board game. But once the movie became a blockbuster, a real Jumanji game hit the market and became a family favorite. If you're looking for more games like Jumanji, with cooperative play and a sense of adventure, here are a few worth rolling the dice on!
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Disney Jungle Cruise
Loosely based on the ride at Disney World, Jungle Cruise is an adventurous board game that feels a lot like Jumanji. Travel down the river, trying to get your passengers and cargo to the end while avoiding dangers along the way. Draw a card to see what challenge you're facing, then roll the dice to see just how dangerous it really is. Higher rolls can cause you to lose passengers or cargo, but you'll be able to pick up more as you go if you're lucky. Expect a game to take up to an hour. (2-4 players, ages 8+)
Escape: The Curse of the Temple
If you like cooperative gameplay, this one belongs on your shelf. Play as a team of explorers who've made their way to the heart of an ancient temple, but now must work together to get out alive. Everyone plays at the same time, rolling dice and laying out cards to open up the escape route. Pick up gems along the way, which help you in your final moves. This fast-paced game takes only minutes to play, but the adventure is different every time. (1-5 players, ages 8+)
Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island
Here's another cooperative game, but this one's a little more complex. Just like Crusoe, you're stranded on a desert island. Work together to build shelter and avoid danger. The game includes a variety of missions to solve, from raising a family to fighting against cannibals. Reviewers note this game is often fiendishly difficult, so settle in for the long haul. (1-4 players, ages 14+)
Forbidden Island
Arrange the tiles the create a new game board each time, then work together with other players to escape the island. One by one, each tile card will "sink," cutting off that path. One of the great strengths of this game is the ability to differentiate it for different ages, interests, and skill levels. This is one the whole family can really get in on. A game takes about half an hour. (2-4 players, ages 10+)
Jurassic Park Danger!
Just like the movie, it's humans versus dinosaurs here, with one player controlling the dinos while the others are humans working to escape. The humans must coordinate their actions, completing tasks like restoring the power, while the dinosaurs attack whenever they get the chance. Reviewers like that this one is simple to learn, but complex enough to keep you interested. Gameplay takes about an hour. (2-5 players, ages 10+)
The Oregon Trail Card Game
Take a nostalgic trip back to pioneer times (and the 1980s!) with a card-based version of The Oregon Trail. Players work together to survive the dangers of the trail (snakebite, starvation, and even the dreaded dysentery) and make it to their new home, though it's likely not everyone will survive. There's not a lot of strategy involved here, since the game is more about luck. It's good for a quick laugh, especially with younger players. (2-6 players, ages 10+)
Jumanji Escape Room: The Game
There are a few games like Jumanji with the same theme but different mechanics, and this is one of the best. It combines the plot of the movie with an escape room concept. There's a 15-minute simple intro game to teach you how it works. Then, there are 2 one-hour escape room stories, where you work with your fellow players to solve puzzles and break free! (3-5 players, ages 10+)
Plus, if you like adventure, we hope you'll check out our own adventure game: Trekking the World!
