In the small town of Brantford, four high school students – shy bookworm Spencer, football jock Fridge, socially awkward Martha, and self-absorbed Bethany – stumble upon an old video game console while serving detention. Curiosity leads them to boot up the game, choosing avatars to play. Unexpectedly, the game transports them into a dangerous and exotic jungle, where they physically transform into their chosen game characters. Spencer becomes a brawny adventurer, Fridge is a diminutive zoologist, Martha turns into a fierce commando, and Bethany is shocked to find herself in the body of a male cartographer.

Within the jungle, they learn that the only way to escape is to complete the game’s quest: to restore a jewel to the eye of a massive jaguar statue and call out "Jumanji." They also discover that each of their avatars comes with unique skills and three lives. The four must navigate a treacherous land filled with peril, including stampedes, deadly traps, and a relentless hunter. Along the way, they must learn to work together, overcome their personal issues, and play to their new strengths to survive the challenges and return to their normal lives.