Everybody loves Charades! On any get-together or game night, a good game of Charades can be the perfect icebreaker. It’s fun for all ages and keeps people entertained for hours!
This party staple will surely get your guests laughing and having a good time. It’s an easy game to play that requires no props or preparation, and all you need is a few friends, some creativity, and an endless list of Charades ideas.
How to play Charades
Playing Charades is easy! First, gather your friends and divide your group into two teams. Then, prepare a list of words, phrases, or movies for each team to act out.
Each team selects the “actor” who acts out the first word or phrase. The actor receives the word or phrase and cannot speak. A one-minute timer begins, and the actor acts out the word or phrase without making any sound.
Using gestures and facial expressions, the actor conveys what the word is before the time runs out. The team can ask questions to get more clues, but the actor only answers using gestures and expressions. They receive a point if the team correctly guesses the word or phrase.
After the timer runs out, the other team takes turns acting out the word or phrase. This cycle continues until all words or phrases are acted out — or until all players have played as actors! The team with the most points wins!
Best Charades word generator
Skip the hassle of coming up with fun words and keeping track of time and score! Our free Charades app, “Kabuki”, does it all for you. All you need to do is gather your friends and let the fun begin.
Choose from categories like movies, animals, occupations, and more to spice up your Charades game. Our extensive word list ensures that you won’t run out of ideas anytime soon.
Download “Kabuki” now from the App Store or Google Play Store, or use our online word generator by clicking the button below.
Fun Charades ideas
Let the games begin! Here are some fun Charades ideas for your next game night:
1. Pirate
Arr, matey! Set sail for adventure on the high seas.
2. Popcorn
A movie night essential snack.
3. Elvis Presley
The King of Rock and Roll.
4. Scuba diving
Dive into the depths and discover a world beneath the waves.
5. Beyoncé
The Queen B of pop music.
6. Superhero
Don your cape and save the day!
7. Pancake
A delicious breakfast treat.
8. Michael Jackson
The King of Pop himself.
9. Surfing
Ride the waves and feel the thrill.
10. Vampire
Sink your teeth into this classic creature of the night.
11. Rollercoaster
Hold on tight for a wild ride!
12. Sherlock Holmes
The brilliant detective with a knack for solving mysteries.
13. Ice cream
Everyone’s favorite frozen dessert.
14. Spider-Man
Web-slinging hero with extraordinary powers.
15. Guitar
Strum your way to musical bliss.
16. Astronaut
Explore the vastness of space.
17. Statue of Liberty
A symbol of freedom and hope.
18. Ballet dancer
Graceful movements and stunning performances.
19. Harry Potter
The boy who lived and battled dark magic.
20. Soccer
Show off your footwork and pretend to score a goal like a soccer superstar.
Prepare for an exciting and engaging charades experience with our collection of fun Charades ideas! Perfect for parties, family game nights, and more!
Hard Charades ideas
Ready to take your game of Charades up a notch? Try these more complex ideas to challenge your friends and family!
1. Mona Lisa
The iconic masterpiece of Renaissance painter Leonardo da Vinci.
2. Rubik’s Cube
A colorful challenge!
3. A piece of cake
This a popular idiom that is usually an easy task for all players.
4. Apollo 11
The historic mission that made man’s first lunar landing possible.
5. Quantum physics
The mind-boggling realm of subatomic particles and wave-particle duality.
6. Hieroglyphics
The ancient Egyptian writing system of pictorial symbols.
7. Sistine Chapel
Michelangelo’s breathtaking frescoes adorn this iconic Vatican City chapel.
8. Sudoku
A numbers puzzle that tests your logical thinking.
9. The Great Wall of China
An architectural marvel spanning thousands of miles.
10. Fibonacci sequence
A mathematical sequence where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones.
11. Mount Everest
The world’s highest peak, challenging even the most experienced climbers.
12. Binary code
The fundamental language of computers uses only 0s and 1s.
13. The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Victor Hugo’s tragic tale of Quasimodo and his love for Esmeralda.
14. Formula 1 racing
High-speed adrenaline-fueled competition on the racetrack.
15. Macbeth
Shakespeare’s dark tragedy of ambition and the consequences of power.
16. Taj Mahal
An exquisite marble mausoleum symbolizes eternal love.
17. Schrödinger’s cat
A thought experiment in quantum physics that explores the concept of superposition and the uncertain state of a cat inside a sealed box.
18. Theory of relativity
Albert Einstein’s groundbreaking concept of the ‘Theory of relativity’ explains the relationship between space, time, and gravity.
19. Cirque du Soleil
A mesmerizing spectacle of acrobatics, music, and visual artistry.
20. The Phantom of the Opera
Gesture mysteriously and dramatically as if you’re the enigmatic character from this famous musical.
Ready for a challenge? Our list of hard Charades ideas will keep you on your toes with puzzling prompts that require creativity, quick thinking, and teamwork to decipher.
Kids Charades ideas
Playing Charades with kids? Here are some ideas to keep the little ones entertained and engaged.
1. Lion
King of the jungle!
2. Puppy
Who could resist their adorable faces?
3. Carousel
A ride that always stays in style.
4. Princess
A royal character from fairy tales.
5. Astronaut
Blast off to outer space!
6. Dinosaur
Roar like a T-Rex!
7. Robot
Beep boop! Can you imitate a mechanical friend?
8. Rainbow
A colorful arc across the sky.
9. Pirate
Search for hidden treasure on a high-seas adventure!
10. Mermaid
Half-human, half-fish enchanting creature.
11. Superhero
Use your superpowers to save the day!
12. Butterfly
Flit and flutter like these delicate creatures.
13. Teddy bear
Cuddly and comforting friend.
14. Ice cream cone
A delicious treat to cool off with.
15. Firefighter
Brave heroes who protect and serve.
16. Fairy
Sprinkle magic dust and grant wishes!
17. Clown
Make everyone laugh with silly antics.
18. Ballerina
Graceful dancer in a tutu.
19. Cowboy
Yeehaw!
20. Wizard
Wield your wand and cast spells of wonder.
From animals to favorite characters, these kids Charades ideas will bring laughter and joy to any playtime.
Adults Charades ideas
For grown-up game night, here are some Charades ideas that will add a bit of fun and complexity to the game. These words require a different level of thinking and are more challenging than they may first appear.
1. Stock market
The volatile world of investing and trading!
2. A fish out of water
This idiom describes someone unable to adapt to their new surroundings.
3. The Great Gatsby
Aristocrats, lavish parties, and tragedy in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel.
4. The Eiffel Tower
A monumental iron structure!
5. Wine tasting
Savor the flavors and aromas of fine wines.
6. Game of Thrones
Intrigue, power struggles, and dragons in the epic fantasy series.
7. Salsa dancing
Move your hips to the vibrant rhythms of Latin music.
8. Poker face
Master the art of hiding your emotions during a game of cards.
9. Champagne toast
Raise a glass and celebrate with bubbles!
10. Casino Royale
James Bond’s high-stakes adventure in the world of gambling and espionage.
11. Art auction
Bid on masterpieces and appreciate the beauty of fine art.
12. Oktoberfest
Raise your beer stein and join the world’s largest beer festival!
13. Moulin Rouge
A cabaret of love, passion, and grand performances in Paris.
14. Jazz music
Improvise and swing to the smooth sounds of this genre.
15. Trivia night
Challenge friends with board games, trivia, and charades!
16. Masquerade ball
Dress up in elegant masks and indulge in a night of mystery and allure.
17. Cooking show
Whip up culinary delights while racing against the clock.
18. James Bond
A secret agent with a taste for adventure, gadgets, and martinis.
19. Burlesque
Sultry and glamorous performances blend sensuality and comedy.
20. Stand-up comedy
Bring the laughs with your best jokes and comedic timing.
Whether you’re looking for a challenge or want to have a good time, these adult Charades ideas will keep everyone entertained and guessing.
Christmas Charades
The holidays are a time for fun and family. Here are some Christmas-themed Charades ideas to get into the festive spirit.
1. Santa Claus
A jolly man with a bag full of presents!
2. Reindeer
Help guide Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve.
3. Snowman
Bring a smile to your face with this seasonal staple.
4. North pole
Santa Claus’ home!
5. Christmas tree
Decorate with ornaments and lights for a festive centerpiece.
6. Gingerbread House
A sweet and delicious holiday tradition.
7. Caroling
Spread holiday cheer with joyful songs.
8. Stocking
Hang it by the chimney with care in hopes of goodies.
9. Mistletoe
A festive plant for stealing kisses.
10. Candy cane
A striped peppermint treats that brings a taste of the season.
11. Nutcracker
A beloved ballet and a decorative holiday figure.
12. Snowball fight
Bundle up and engage in a playful battle with friends.
13. Christmas lights
Illuminate the season with twinkling displays.
14. Hot chocolate
Warm up with a cozy cup of this chocolaty delight.
15. Christmas present
Unwrap the joy of giving and receiving gifts.
16. Nativity scene
Depicting the birth of Jesus, a symbolic display of the Christmas story.
17. Sleigh ride
Dash through the snow on a horse-drawn sleigh.
18. Elf
Santa’s helpers are known for their mischievousness and toy-making skills.
19. Christmas cookies
Bake and decorate sweet treats for Santa and loved ones.
20. Fireplace
Gather around the crackling fire for warmth and holiday ambiance.
Get into the Christmas spirit with our handpicked charades ideas that capture the magic of the holiday season! From iconic symbols to beloved movies, these Christmas Charades ideas will keep the cheer alive and create memorable moments with family and friends.
Charades movie ideas
Playing with film buffs? Here are some Charades ideas based on popular movies.
1. Star Wars
Epic space opera filled with intergalactic battles and heroic heroes.
2. The Godfather
Classic mafia movie, anyone?
3. The Wizard of Oz
Follow the yellow brick road to an unforgettable fantasy.
4. Jurassic Park
Dinosaurs come alive in this thrilling adventure.
5. Titanic
A tragic love story set aboard the ill-fated ship.
6. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
This movie is an magical journey of a young wizard at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
7. The Avengers
Superheroes unite to save the world from evil.
8. The Shawshank Redemption
A tale of hope and redemption set in a prison.
9. The Lion King
An animated Disney classic about a lion prince reclaiming his throne.
10. The Matrix
A mind-bending sci-fi action film exploring the nature of reality.
11. Forrest Gump
Life is like a box of chocolates in this heartwarming drama.
12. Jaws
A suspenseful thriller about a giant man-eating shark.
13. The Dark Knight
Gotham City’s caped crusader battles against the Joker’s chaos.
14. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
A fantasy epic of a quest to destroy a powerful ring and save Middle-earth.
15. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
A heartwarming story of a young boy and his alien friend.
16. Grease
Grease is a musical romance set in the 1950s with catchy songs and vibrant characters.
17. The Shining
A psychological horror film based on Stephen King’s novel.
18. Back to the Future
Time-traveling adventure with Marty McFly and Doc Brown.
19. The Hunger Games
A dystopian tale of survival and rebellion in a post-apocalyptic world.
20. Pulp Fiction
Mimic the cool dance moves from this iconic film.
Lights, laughter, charades! Act out your favorite films with our ultimate list of movie Charades ideas.
Family Charades ideas
Gather the family and get ready to have fun! Here are some Charades ideas that everyone in the house can enjoy.
1. Turtle
The slowest of creatures, but so adorable!
2. Balloon
A cheerful sight that never fails to bring a smile.
3. Ferris wheel
Take a ride for an aerial view of the city.
4. Picnic
Spread out a blanket and enjoy a sunny day with food al fresco.
5. Hula hoop
Swirl and twirl your hips with this classic toy.
6. Camping
Pitch a tent and embrace the great outdoors.
7. Pancakes
Start the day with a stack of fluffy goodness.
8. Treasure hunt
Search for hidden treasures and solve clues together.
9. Monopoly
A classic board game.
10. Dance party
Move and groove to your favorite tunes as a family.
11. Movie marathon
Snuggle up and enjoy a series of films for a cozy evening.
12. Gardening
Get your hands dirty and grow beautiful plants together.
13. Ice cream
What a delicious treat!
14. Beach
Build sandcastles, splash in the waves, and soak up the sun.
15. Cookies
Whip up a batch of homemade goodies for a sweet treat.
16. Mini Golf
Put your way through a fun-filled course for all ages.
17. DIY crafts
Get creative with art projects and make lasting memories.
18. Storytelling
Take turns spinning tales and letting your imagination soar.
19. Puppet show
Put on a whimsical performance with handmade puppets.
20. Photoshoot
Strike a pose and flash your best smile as if you’re the star of a glamorous photoshoot.
Looking for a game that everyone in the family can enjoy? Get ready for a night of excitement and entertainment with family Charades ideas!
Animal Charades
Animal lovers, this one’s for you! Here are some Charades ideas based on our furry, four-legged friends.
1. Panda
A beloved black-and-white bear that is native to China.
2. Elephant
That’s a long trunk!
3. Giraffe
A graceful creature with a long neck and spotted coat.
4. Dolphin
Graceful swimmers of the sea.
5. Penguin
Waddle and slide like these adorable birds.
6. Lion
The king of the jungle, known for its majestic mane.
7. Kangaroo
Hop around like this unique marsupial.
8. Cheetah
The fastest land animal, with spots and incredible speed.
9. Octopus
A sea creature with multiple arms and a knack for camouflage.
10. Koala
Cute and cuddly, known for its eucalyptus diet.
11. Snake
Slither and hiss like this reptile.
12. Owl
Turn your head and hoot like this wise bird of prey.
13. Gorilla
Pound your chest and imitate the strength of these powerful primates.
14. Flamingo
Stand tall on one leg and mimic the elegant movements of this pink bird.
15. Sloth
Move slowly and hang from imaginary trees like this relaxed, tree-dwelling mammal.
16. Zebra
Show off your stripes like this African equid.
17. Polar bear
Pretend to swim in icy waters like this Arctic predator.
18. Chimpanzee
Let’s swing from imaginary vines and imitate the playful behavior of these primates.
19. Tiger
Roar like this fierce and striped big cat.
20. Hummingbird
Flutter your arms as if they’re tiny wings and dart around like this vibrant, nectar-loving bird.
Take your charades game to the wild side with our curated collection of animal Charades ideas. Mimic your favorite creatures and have a howling good time with friends and family.
Emoji Charades
Express yourself with fun emojis! Here are some Charades ideas based on popular and funny emojis.
1. 🤣
Get ready to roll on the floor!
2. 👑
Hail the queen!
3. 🤸
Think you can do a cartwheel?
4. 🥊
Put up your dukes and show what you got!
5. 🎉
Celebrate with confetti and streamers!
6. 🌞
Shine bright like the sun!
7. 🎭
Time to put on a mask and act!
8. 🚀
Blast off into space!
9. 🏆
You’re a winner!
10. 🍕
Delicious pizza time!
11. 🎶
Sing your heart out!
12. 🐠
Swim like a fish in the sea.
13. 🎥
Get ready for some movie magic!
14. 🚗
Make your engines ready for a race!
15. 🌈
Embrace the beauty of a rainbow.
16. 🎸
Rock and roll with a guitar solo!
17. 🏝️
Imagine yourself on a tropical island.
18. 📚
Time to read and learn something new!
19. 🍔
Enjoy a tasty burger!
20. 🌺
Pretend to blossom and sway like a beautiful, fragrant flower.
Express yourself with more emoji Charades ideas here! Laugh, guess, and act out your favorite emojis as you compete with friends and family in this entertaining and engaging game!