The Best Board Games of All Time

By Betsy Cribb

Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

Skip gallery slides

Credit: Amazon

We haven’t met a game we don’t like. From engaging TV games like “Quiplash” to crowd-pleasing (and inexpensive) cell phone apps like “Heads Up,” these days, there’s no shortage of ways to play. But sometimes, you need to stow away the screens in favor of some old-school analog fun. For rainy summer afternoons and low-key (or hyper-competitive) Saturday nights, there’s no better entertainment for a crowd than a classic board game. Here are the 15 best board games (in alphabetical order) for your next game night, whether you’re teaching the little ones to play your childhood favorites or challenging your neighbors to a showdown of epic proportions.

Start Slideshow

1 of 15

Balderdash

Credit: Amazon

The wacky word is real, but the definitions you and your fellow competitors make up are a bunch of baloney. This one’s perfect for word lovers and good bluffers.

Buy it now: $15; amazon.com

2 of 15

Blokus

Credit: Walmart

Tetris, but make it a board game—and add three other players working against you. Blokus is all about strategy.

Buy it now: $12; walmart.com

3 of 15

Candy Land

Credit: Amazon

Calling all nostalgic parents! There’s no better way to teach your children how to win or lose graciously than this sugary sweet game.

Buy it now: $13; amazon.com

4 of 15

Checkers

Credit: Amazon

Win game night with this three-for-one set, which includes a double-sided gameboard and pieces to play checkers, chess, and backgammon.

Buy it now: $9; amazon.com

5 of 15

Chutes and Ladders

Credit: Walmart

Transport yourself back to your childhood with this retro 1978 edition of the up-and-down adventure.

Buy it now: $20; walmart.com

6 of 15

Clue

Credit: Amazon

Before real-crime podcasts and chilling Netflix documentaries caught our attention, we had this murder mystery game to satisfy our inner detectives. My money’s on Colonel Mustard in the ballroom with a candlestick.

Buy it now: $15; amazon.com