5 Movies with a Board Game Theme (That Bring Game Night to Life)
There’s something about board games that never gets old. Whether it’s a tense round of Monopoly where everyone’s fighting over Park Place, a giggly game of Codenames that ends in nonsense clues, or a strategic showdown in Settlers of Catan, board games have a way of turning regular evenings into legendary memories.
And let’s be honest—nothing beats an Indian board game night. Between someone sneakily cheating in Raja Mantri Chor Sipahi, your cousin getting too intense in Desi Feud, and your mom refusing to admit she doesn’t know the rules to Bollywood Rummy, it’s always entertaining.
At Desi Board Games Co., we’re all about that fun. And when we’re not playing, we’re watching movies that give us the same thrill. So if you’re looking for a movie that captures the excitement, strategy, and absolute chaos of game night, here’s a list that’s perfect for you.
These are 5 movies with a board game theme that will make you laugh, gasp, and maybe even shout, “I call a rematch!”
1. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
This reboot of the classic Jumanji gives the original board game a video game twist—but the heart of it remains the same: once you start playing, there’s no turning back. A group of teenagers gets sucked into a wild jungle adventure where every level is a life-or-death challenge.
Why it hits: It’s like playing Cricket Champions with overly competitive cousins—unexpected, dramatic, and full of surprises.
2. Clue (1985)
Inspired by the board game Clue (aka Cluedo), this cult classic has everything—suspicious characters, a spooky mansion, and one very dead host. With over-the-top performances and multiple endings, it's the perfect pick for mystery lovers.
Why it’s relatable: If you’ve ever played Codenames and guessed the absolute worst word possible, this one’s for you.
3. Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005)
What do you get when two brothers find a mysterious board game in their basement? Space. As in, their entire house gets launched into the galaxy. With killer robots, time loops, and rogue astronauts, every roll of the dice takes them further from home.
Why we love it: It’s giving “first time trying a new board game” vibes. Confused but excited, chaotic but fun—kind of like your first round of Settlers of Catan.
4. Game Night (2018)
A group of friends meets up for what they think is a regular game night—but things take a wild turn when one of them gets “kidnapped”… for real. Or is it still part of the game? Fast, funny, and filled with twists, this one keeps you guessing till the end.
Why it’s so relatable: We’ve all had game nights that spiralled out of control. (Desi Feud players, you know exactly what we’re talking about.)
5. The Imitation Game (2014) – Bonus Pick
Not technically a board game movie, but stick with us. The Imitation Game is all about cracking codes, solving puzzles, and using your brain to win under pressure. That’s basically a cerebral version of Scrabble, right?
Why it deserves a spot: Perfect for players who love games that make you think—whether it’s cracking clues in Codenames or pulling off the perfect word in Scrabble.
So, Why Do Board Game Movies Work So Well?
Because they capture everything we love about game nights. The stakes. The laughter. The “I swear I wasn’t cheating” energy. Whether it’s a jungle adventure or a murder mystery, these movies remind us that a game is never just a game—it’s a story waiting to unfold.
And honestly, if your board game night doesn’t have at least one argument, one plot twist, and one person yelling “I win,” did you even play?
The next time you're planning a game night, pair it with one of these movies. Play a round of Desi Feud, watch Game Night, and let the fun roll from table to screen. Because sometimes, the best kind of drama starts with a dice roll.
Ready to add more spice to your shelf?
👉 Explore now at DesiBoardGames.com
