The 13 Best Board Games for the Ultimate Game Night
A good board game can liven up even the lamest party. Whether you’re hosting family game night or throwing the ultimate rager, these are the best board games to have on-hand.
1. Cards Against Humanity
Card Against Humanity is hands-down the best game to play at any party. It’s the only game I’ve played at a party where I end up laughing so hard I cry with complete strangers. Plus, they have a ton of expansion packs, like ‘90s Nostalgia Pack, Geek Pack, The Period Pack (which comes with an actual pad), Weed Pack, Sci-Fi Pack, and various Holiday Packs.
2. Apples to Apples
If Cards Against Humanity is too dirty for you (or if your party is a bit more family-oriented), then Apples to Apples is an equally fun option. It’s the exact same concept (the rotating judge lays down a card, everyone lays down a funny answer, etc.), without the crude humor. (And if it’s really a family game night, aka kids are involved, there’s Apples to Apples Junior.)
3. Red Flags
Red Flags is similar to Cards Against Humanity, except the goal is to convince your friends to go on terrible dates. Basically, one player is “single,” and the other players have to try to hook them up with brain surgeons that like to cuddle and punch baristas, olympic gymnasts that love video games and wears diapers, etc.
4. Twister
You no doubt played Twister when you were little; who says you can’t play it as an adult? Chances are it’ll be way more fun tipsy.
5. Candyland
You’re also never too old to play Candyland; I literally asked for Candyland for Christmas a couple of years ago. It’s a classic for a reason!
6. Heads Up
It’s like charades for the 21st century. Plus, it’s available as an app on your phone, where it will record everyone trying to act out the words on the screen for you.
7. What Do You Meme?
If you love memes (and who tf doesn’t), you’ll love What Do You Meme? Basically, you pair ridiculous caption cards with the photo card you draw; a rotating judge will pick the funniest combination each round. Just maybe don’t play with olds who don’t know what a “meme” is. Or do. It might be funnier that way.
8. Catch Phrase
Catch Phrase has been a favorite of mine since middle school sleepovers—but it’s even more fun as an adult, because you know what more of the categories and words actually mean. Plus, now there’s Catch Phrase: Uncensored.
9. Jenga GIANT
Jenga GIANT literally stacks up to 5+ feet. There are 54 blocks total, each one nearly 15 times the size of the Classic Jenga block. So basically the stakes are 15 times higher.
10. Monopoly
When you think of the best board games, Monopoly is most likely the first game to come to mind. It’s a classic for a reason: It’s fun, and it lasts quite literally forever. While we have listed “The Classic Edition” here, there’s about a billion different “editions” of Monopoly. My personal favorite is Hello Kitty, but there’s also Dragon Ball Z, Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Wars, Junior, Game of Thrones, etc.
11. DRINK-A-PALOOZA
If you’re looking to get lit at your party, DRINK-A-PALOOZA is the perfect game. It includes Beer Pong, Flip Cup, Kings Cup, and more. (Although the makers thought it important to mention that DRINK-A-PALOOZA can be played with “any type of drink such as soda, water, and juice.”
12. Mad Gab
You know the drill: You split into two teams, try to sound out the words on the card, people yell at you, and you look like an idiot in the process. It makes for a ridiculously loud party.
13. Fact or Crap
If you’re more into trivia, you’ll love Fact or Crap. You’ll be surprised by how hard it is to actually decipher reality from crap (or not, after the year America has had).
Did we miss any of the best board games? Tell us in the comments below!
*Prices as of 10/29/18
Last modified on December 18th, 2018
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