The Best Horror Movie Board Games (And Why We Love Them)

There’s something irresistible about stepping into your favourite horror film — especially when it's through the medium of tabletop games. Whether you're surviving an alien in deep space or screaming your way through a slasher whodunnit, these board games based on classic horror movies capture everything we love about film, fear, and fun.

At Terror Toad, we’re artists, performers, and lifelong cinephiles. Chris studied film as part of his degree, and our love of cinema bleeds (sometimes literally) into the games we design and play. So today, we’re celebrating some of our favourite board games inspired by horror films — all perfect for your next game night.

🎲 1. The Thing: The Boardgame

🧊 Based on: John Carpenter’s The Thing (1982)

👥Player Count: 1–8

🎯Why We Love It:

This game nails the paranoia and mistrust of the film. You and your fellow players are trapped at an Antarctic outpost, and one (or more) of you is infected. The tension builds fast as you argue over who to trust and who to leave behind.

It’s a masterclass in hidden roles, social deduction, and thematic immersion. Every game feels like your own version of the film — with new betrayals and breakdowns each time.

🔪 2. Scream: The Game

🫦 Based on: Scream (1996)

👥 Player Count: 3–8

🎯Why We Love It:

Short, sharp, and full of tension. You download an app that makes Ghostface call you (very fun), and you have to work fast to succeed on your missions – will Ghostface target you next?

This game thrives on group dynamics and quick, chaotic rounds. It’s party-friendly and perfect for fans of meta horror and teenage mayhem.

👽 3. Alien: Fate of the Nostromo

🚀 Based on: Ridley Scott’s Alien (1979)

👥 Player Count: 1–5

🎯 Why We Love It:

This cooperative game captures the creeping dread of the original Alien film. You play as the Nostromo’s crew, gathering gear and trying to survive as the alien stalks the ship.

What sets this one apart is its pacing — it’s quiet, careful, and escalating. You can feel the tension build, and the design rewards strategy, teamwork, and just a little bit of panic.

🦈 4. Jaws: The Board Game

🌊 Based on: Steven Spielberg’s Jaws (1975)

👥 Player Count: 2–4

🎯 Why We Love It:

The second one on our list from the publisher Ravensburger. This one’s clever. The game plays in two acts — one on the beach, one on the boat — just like the movie. One player is the shark, hidden at first, while others try to stop the attacks before heading out to sea for the final showdown.

It's thematic, theatrical, and genuinely fun. Plus, the asymmetrical gameplay means it stays fresh across multiple sessions.

🪓 5. Evil Dead 2: The Board Game

🪵 Based on: Evil Dead II (1987)

👥 Player Count: 2–6

🎯 Why We Love It:

Evil Dead 2: The Board Game is a chaotic, semi-cooperative romp through the cult horror classic. Search the cabin, battle Deadites, and seal the portal — but beware: one of you may secretly serve evil.

The rules are a tad messy in this game, but the chaos of it all, sort of made the game? If you want to play Ash Williams scrambling for pages while Deadites swarm, this is the opportunity!

🎬 Why We Love Film-Based Games

As artists who care deeply about performance, visuals, and group dynamics, we’re drawn to games that feel like interactive cinema. Great movie-based games:

• Capture the tone and tension of their source material

• Use creative mechanics to reflect story themes

• Let players become characters in their favourite worlds

  
  

At Terror Toad, we make weird, joyful, offbeat games — but our design brains are always learning from games like these.

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