![150+ Best Charades Ideas & Words [Funny, Hard & Kids] 2026](https://cdn.icebreaker-games.org/public/images/games/charades.webp)
How to Play This Icebreaker Game
- 1Split into two teams (or play all together).
- 2One player draws a prompt (movie, action, object, etc.) and acts it out without speaking or spelling.
- 3Teammates guess within the time limit (usually 60–90 seconds).
- 4Rotate players so everyone gets a turn. Keep score if playing in teams.
Variations
Themed Packs: Use only prompts related to your project, company values, or meeting topic.
Reverse Charades: One person guesses while the rest of the team acts together.
Telephone Charades: Line up teams. The first person acts to the second, who acts to the third. The last person guesses.
Speed Round: 30 seconds per turn for high-pressure fun.
Virtual Mode: Use chat to DM prompts and act on camera.
Facilitator Guide
Opening Script:
We're playing Charades! You'll silently act out a word or phrase, and others will guess. Use gestures, mime, and creativity—no words, no lip-syncing, and definitely no props!
Closing Script:
Great acting and guessing! It's amazing how much we can communicate without saying a word. Let's give a round of applause to our best actors.
Why This Works
Why this icebreaker game works: Zero-prep, high-energy, and universally familiar. It quickly breaks the ice, encourages creativity, and levels the playing field since titles don't matter when you're acting out a chicken.
Best For
Ideal icebreaker situations for this game include:
- Medium to large groups
- 5–15 minute energizers
- In-person or hybrid sessions
- After-lunch energy boost
Important Notes
- Ensure prompts are work-appropriate.
- Be mindful of accessibility—offer lighter prompts or alternative roles for participants who prefer not to act.
- Set clear rules about 'passing' if a prompt is too hard.
Ideas & Prompts
Movies
Titanic
Harry Potter
The Matrix
Star Wars
Jurassic Park
Frozen
Spider-Man
The Lion King
Avatar
Toy Story
Finding Nemo
The Avengers
Shrek
Home Alone
Back to the Future
Forrest Gump
Inception
Coco
The Godfather
Black Panther
Up
Moana
Jaws
Ghostbusters
E.T.
Indiana Jones
Rocky
Gladiator
Iron Man
Wonder Woman
Actions
Cooking
Fishing
Brushing Teeth
Driving
Swimming
Playing Guitar
Taking a Selfie
Walking a Dog
Yoga
Gardening
Ironing a Shirt
Mowing the Lawn
Painting a Picture
Changing a Diaper
Building a Sandcastle
Riding a Bike
Playing Tennis
Eating Spaghetti
Showering
Typing
Rock Climbing
Skiing
Surfing
Blow Drying Hair
Tying Shoelaces
Hailing a Taxi
Vacuuming
Directing Traffic
Milking a Cow
Applying Makeup
Animals
Elephant
Monkey
Penguin
Snake
Kangaroo
Giraffe
Chicken
Cat
T-Rex
Frog
Lion
Bear
Rabbit
Dolphin
Eagle
Sloth
Gorilla
Shark
Bat
Owl
Flamingo
Horse
Pig
Spider
Octopus
Crab
Turtle
Peacock
Wolf
Butterfly
Objects
Umbrella
Scissors
Laptop
Banana
Toothbrush
Microphone
Camera
Shoe
Book
Glasses
Toaster
Lamp
Chair
Bicycle
Headphones
Alarm Clock
Pizza
Wallet
Keys
Backpack
Guitar
Piano
Trumpet
Telescope
Microscope
Ladder
Bucket
Balloon
Candle
Mirror
Jobs
Doctor
Firefighter
Teacher
Chef
Police Officer
Artist
Astronaut
Pilot
Clown
Detective
Plumber
Dentist
Farmer
Waiter
Magician
Photographer
Scientist
Soldier
Judge
Librarian
Carpenter
Mechanic
Hairdresser
Reporter
Lifeguard
Architect
Electrician
Baker
Actor
Bus Driver
Hard & Abstract
Time Travel
Love at First Sight
Writer's Block
Climate Change
Winning the Lottery
Heartbreak
Deja Vu
The Internet
Silence
Gravity
Evolution
Friendship
Jealousy
Politics
Inflation
Artificial Intelligence
Freedom
Nightmare
Ambition
Nostalgia
Game FAQ
What prompts should we use?
Start with categories like movies, actions, animals, or tools. Keep a simple prompt list ready.
What prompts should we use?
Start with categories like movies, actions, animals, or tools. Keep a simple prompt list ready.
How long per round?
60–90 seconds keeps energy high. For a harder challenge, try 45 seconds.
How long per round?
60–90 seconds keeps energy high. For a harder challenge, try 45 seconds.
What if a player is too shy?
Never force acting. Allow them to be a dedicated 'guesser', scorekeeper, or judge.
What if a player is too shy?
Never force acting. Allow them to be a dedicated 'guesser', scorekeeper, or judge.
Can we use props?
Strictly no props! Only your body and imagination are allowed.
Can we use props?
Strictly no props! Only your body and imagination are allowed.
