Nothing beats gathering with friends and family for a game night full of laughter, competition, and maybe a little friendly trash talk. The best games bring everyone together, no matter their age, gaming experience, or taste. Whether you’re looking for classic board games, fast-paced card games, or fun team-based challenges, here are some fantastic choices to make your next game night a hit.

1. Codenames

Type: Word / Strategy

Best For: Large groups

Codenames is an easy-to-learn word game that’s equal parts strategy and guesswork. Players split into two teams, each with a designated “spymaster” who gives one-word clues to help their teammates guess specific words on the board. But it’s not so simple: there’s a hidden “assassin” word that, if chosen, makes the team lose instantly. This game is a blast for large groups and offers plenty of excitement as teams try to outsmart each other while keeping things vague enough to avoid disaster.

2. Exploding Kittens

Type: Card game

Best For: Quick rounds with any group size

With a title like Exploding Kittens, this game is bound to grab some attention. Players take turns drawing cards, hoping not to pick an “Exploding Kitten” card that will eliminate them from the game—unless they have a defuse card to save them. With quirky illustrations and simple gameplay, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s great for groups who want quick rounds. Bonus: Exploding Kittens also has expansions that add new twists for replayability.

3. Uno

Type: Card game

Best For: Kids, adults, and everyone in between

Uno is a timeless classic for a reason: it’s simple, portable, and competitive. The goal is to be the first to discard all of your cards by matching them with the color or number of the top card on the pile. Special cards like Reverse, Skip, and Draw Two add fun surprises, and the ever-dreaded Draw Four Wild card can turn the game around in an instant. Uno is always an easy, quick setup game that brings out everyone’s competitive side.

4. Jackbox Party Pack

Type: Digital party games

Best For: Tech-savvy groups

For a more modern game night, look no further than the Jackbox Party Pack series. These collections of digital party games range from trivia to drawing challenges, with something for everyone. Players can join in using their smartphones, making setup a breeze. With favorites like Quiplash and Trivia Murder Party, Jackbox games let everyone’s creativity and humor shine. You only need one person to own the game, and it can even be streamed, making it perfect for virtual get-togethers too.

5. Ticket to Ride

Type: Board game / Strategy

Best For: Groups who enjoy strategy

Ticket to Ride is a strategic board game where players collect cards to claim railway routes across a map, aiming to complete specific paths between cities. The longer the route, the more points earned. The game is easy enough for beginners to understand but has enough depth to keep seasoned gamers engaged. With various versions set in different regions (USA, Europe, Asia, and more), Ticket to Ride is a fantastic choice for family gatherings and adds a global twist to your game night.

6. Sushi Go!

Type: Card game / Drafting

Best For: Quick rounds, food lovers

Sushi Go! is a fast-paced card game where players pass hands around, trying to collect the best sushi combinations for points. With cute illustrations and easy-to-grasp rules, this game is ideal for a wide range of ages. Rounds are quick, so there’s little downtime, and the drafting element keeps it competitive. Plus, who doesn’t love sushi—even in card form?

7. Telestrations

Type: Drawing / Party game

Best For: Groups who love to laugh

Think of Telestrations as a combination of Pictionary and the classic telephone game. Players start by drawing a picture of a word or phrase, then pass their drawing to the next player, who has to guess what it is. This guess is then passed on to be drawn by the next person, and so on. By the end, the final result is often hilariously different from the original word. This game is a blast for any group size and will have everyone in stitches.

8. Catan

Type: Board game / Strategy

Best For: Families who enjoy longer games

For those who want a more immersive experience, Catan (formerly Settlers of Catan) is a modern classic that never disappoints. Players compete to collect resources and build settlements on the island of Catan, aiming to earn 10 victory points first. Trading with other players and strategizing are key to success, but the unpredictable dice rolls add a fun twist. It’s a fantastic game for families with older kids or friends who enjoy strategy.

9. Werewolf

Type: Social deduction game

Best For: Large groups

Werewolf is a social deduction game perfect for groups, especially if you’re outdoors or have a large space. Players are assigned roles as either villagers or werewolves, and the werewolves try to eliminate villagers secretly each night. The villagers have to deduce who the werewolves are before it’s too late. This game is all about bluffing and intuition, and it always leads to plenty of laughs and surprising reveals.

10. Taboo

Type: Word game

Best For: Groups who love a challenge

Taboo challenges players to get their teammates to guess a word without using any of the forbidden “taboo” words listed on the card. The time pressure adds excitement, and it’s always funny to watch people get creative with their descriptions. This game is great for family gatherings and brings out a lot of energy and laughter.

Wrapping Up the Game Night

From classics like Uno and Taboo to modern hits like Jackbox and Codenames, there’s no shortage of fantastic games to make your next game night unforgettable. These games are versatile, fun, and accessible, so everyone can jump in and enjoy. Just bring a good attitude, maybe some snacks, and get ready to make some epic memories with friends and family.