14 Board Games Inspired by Iconic Movies and TV Series

Can't decide between a game night or a Netflix marathon? These board games, inspired by top-rated blockbuster franchises and TV shows, offer the perfect blend. From lighthearted trivia challenges to intricate strategy games that demand hours of focus, there's a game to match every level of enthusiasm.

1. Die Hard: The Nakatomi Heist; $49

For fans who still feel the tension of Die Hard, the action-packed classic can now be brought to your tabletop with Nakatomi Heist. Inspired by the movie’s intense battles in the Los Angeles skyscraper, this game features a one-versus-many setup. One player embodies John McClane, while others team up to take him down within the Plaza. Designed for two to four players, each session lasts between 60 to 90 minutes.

2. Monopoly: The Lord of The Rings Edition; $45

While a Tolkien-themed version of Monopoly would already be appealing, this special The Lord of the Rings edition takes it further by adding unique elements that immerse you in Middle-earth. Alongside traditional tokens like Gandalf, Frodo, and Sam, as well as properties and currency, players can wield the Ring of Power and guide it to Mount Doom. However, holding the Ring increases the danger, making your quest more treacherous.

3. Dune; $40

Originally launched in 1979 and inspired by the Dune novel, this board game was reissued alongside the new film adaptation. In this strategic game, players must outmaneuver rival factions to control the flow of melange and dominate the planet. More intricate than many other games, sessions typically last two to three hours.

4. Risk: Star Wars; $50

This Star Wars-inspired edition of Risk brings the Battle of Endor from 1983's Return of the Jedi to life. Players lead either the light or dark side in a quest to dominate the galaxy. The game board is shaped like a TIE fighter, and gameplay spans three simultaneous battle phases: the shield generator assault, the Death Star attack, and Luke Skywalker's lightsaber duel with Darth Vader.

5. Alien: Fate of the Nostromo; $30

Can you survive alongside Ripley and her feline companion Jonesy aboard the Nostromo? Drawing inspiration from the 1979 sci-fi horror masterpiece, Alien: Fate of the Nostromo is a collaborative strategy game that immerses you in the chaos. Assume the role of one of the crew members on the commercial tug cruiser, working with others to collect essential resources, navigate the ship, and, crucially, evade the acid-blooded alien stowaway at all costs.

6. Planet of The Apes; $23

Step into the shoes of Taylor (Charlton Heston from the original film) as you navigate a perilous, ape-dominated wasteland in this cooperative card-and-dice game. Play solo or with up to four players, each controlling a distinct facet of Taylor’s personality: “commander,” “cynical,” “defiant,” and “explorer.” Balancing these traits is key as Taylor relives iconic moments from the 1968 classic. The standout feature is the stunning artwork on the scenario cards and the miniature token figures, including the legendary war-torn Statue of Liberty.

7. Stranger Things: Dungeons & Dragons; $23

Netflix’s Stranger Things pays homage to numerous 1980s pop culture icons, with Dungeons & Dragons being one of the most prominent. This collaboration feels inevitable. In this adaptation of the legendary roleplaying game, you step into the shoes of one of the show’s central characters to battle the Demogorgon.

8. Clue: The Golden Girls; $36

The timeless mystery game gets a Golden Girls twist. Dive in to uncover who devoured the last slice of cheesecake, the location of the indulgence, and the clues they left behind—like a robe, lipstick, or a shoe.

9. The Shining; $31

Turn your next weekend getaway into an unforgettable experience with this board game inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 supernatural horror film. You and your fellow players assume the roles of winter caretakers at the ominous Overlook Hotel, working together to survive the season. Those lacking sufficient willpower tokens risk temporary possession, turning against others, while one player secretly embodies the hotel’s malevolent spirit, plotting against the group from the start.

10. Friends: Wheel of Mayhem; $17

Recall the episode where Joey auditioned for a nonsensical game show? Now, it’s a real game that challenges even the most devoted Friends enthusiasts. Featuring a motorized spinning wheel and 150 trivia cards, this game supports up to four players. Much like the episode it’s inspired by, Wheel of Mayhem is delightfully chaotic and unpredictable—exactly how fans would want it.

11. The Warriors: Come Out to Play; $25

If you can survive the gritty streets of New York as one of the Warriors, the legendary gang from the 1979 action-thriller, you can conquer anything—including this Funko board game, recently launched in February. The goal mirrors the film: clear your crew’s name with the Gramercy Riffs, who accuse you of their leader’s murder. Along the way, you’ll dodge rival gangs, navigate the perilous subway system, and stay vigilant at every turn.

12. Happy Festivus; $21

In one of Seinfeld's most iconic episodes, George’s father rebels against Christmas commercialization by creating Festivus. Now, you can host this quirky holiday at home with a board game for four players. Featuring eight Festivus poles and 42 cards, you can vent your grievances to loved ones while aiming for victory.

13. Assistant to The Regional Manager; $13

In Assistant to the Regional Manager, channel your inner Dwight Schrute to dominate the Dunder Mifflin office. Earn tokens by pranking other players, but watch out for HR Strike cards that could derail your path to victory. The objective is to control the most office sections, including the annex, sales, Michael's office, and more.

14. The Thing: Infection at Outpost 31; $75

Keep a sharp eye on Clark—or rather, every player in The Thing: Infection at Outpost 31. This board game is a must-have for fans of John Carpenter’s 1982 cult classic, featuring stunning original artwork by Phantom City Creative, a Mondo favorite. Play as one of 12 characters, including MacReady, Blair, and Palmer, but beware—some may not be who they seem.

This article was originally published in 2021. It has been updated for 2022.