In 2035 AD, humans were attacked by a virus developed by the 12 Monkeys Army. Most humans died in this virus disaster. Only a few people escaped by chance, but they could only live in the dark underground. Scientists decided to send people to travel through time back to 1996 to track down the origins of the 12 Monkeys Army. Prisoner James Cole (Bruce Willis) was selected as a volunteer. By mistake, Cole returned to 1990. When he described the future disaster to the people at that time, he was caught as a mental patient and diagnosed with schizophrenia by doctor Catherine Shirley (Madeleine Stowe). Cole escaped with the help of his patient Jeffrey Goines and returned to the future. Because the origins of the 12 Monkeys Army were not found out, Cole was sent back to 1996 again. This time, Cole discovered that the origin of the 12 Monkeys Army was in Philadelphia. He found Doctor Catherine, and the two embarked on an adventure to track down the 12 Monkeys Army!