Movie Drinking Game Rules

Movie drinking games are a fun way to add an extra layer of excitement to watching your favorite films or TV shows. The rules are simple: you drink when specific events, lines, or tropes occur during the movie.

Here’s how to play:

What You Need:

1. A Movie or TV Show: Pick a movie or show with recognizable patterns, catchphrases, or recurring themes (e.g., action films, romantic comedies, or classic series).
2. Drinks: Choose your beverage of choice, whether it’s beer, cocktails, or non-alcoholic drinks.
3. Friends: It’s more fun with a group, but you can play solo too.
4. Rules List: Set a list of specific triggers that will prompt drinking. You can make your own or find pre-made rules for popular movies online.

How to Play:

1. Pick a Movie: Choose a movie everyone in the group wants to watch. Some genres, like comedies, action movies, or cheesy horror films, are popular for drinking games because of their predictable and exaggerated moments.
2. Set the Rules: Establish a list of cues that will make everyone drink. These can include:
   • Lines of Dialogue: Drink every time a character says a catchphrase or a common word or phrase (e.g., “wizard” in Harry Potter).
   • Actions: Drink when a character does something typical (e.g., an explosion in an action movie, a kiss in a romance, or a jump scare in a horror film).
   • Plot Tropes: Drink for repeated plot devices, like a training montage, a love triangle, or a dramatic slow-motion scene.
   • Character Traits: Drink when a specific character appears or acts in a certain way (e.g., whenever a superhero uses their power or the villain gives a monologue).
3. Types of Drinking Cues: You can decide different drinking amounts for each cue:
   • 1 sip for smaller actions (e.g., a character raising an eyebrow).
   • 2 sips for common tropes (e.g., a love confession).
   • A big drink or a shot for big events (e.g., a major plot twist or a character’s dramatic death).
4. Start Watching: Begin the movie, and whenever a rule is triggered, everyone drinks according to the cue.

Example Rules for a Movie Drinking Game:

For a movie like Harry Potter:

• Drink when:
  • Someone says “wizard” or “magic.”
  • A spell is cast.
  • Harry’s scar is shown.
  • A Quidditch match begins.
  • Dumbledore says something wise.
  • Someone mentions “He Who Must Not Be Named.”

For an action film like Die Hard:

• Drink when:
  • John McClane says “Yippee Ki-Yay.”
  • There’s an explosion.
  • Someone walks through broken glass.
  • A villain appears on screen.
  • A hostage situation unfolds.

Popular Movie Drinking Game Choices:

• Action movies like Die Hard or John Wick (drink for every fight or explosion).
• Comedies like Superbad or Anchorman (drink for catchphrases and jokes).
• Horror movies like Scream or The Conjuring (drink for every jump scare or when someone dies).
• Franchises like Star Wars or Harry Potter (drink for iconic lines and tropes).

Tips for Movie Drinking Games:

1. Choose Movies with Repeated Themes: Pick films with recognizable tropes, catchphrases, and repetitive moments (e.g., action movies, rom-coms, superhero films).
2. Set Different Drink Levels: Use different types of drinking cues, like a sip for common events and a big drink for major scenes.
3. Pace Yourself: Some rules trigger drinks frequently, so it’s important to take breaks and drink water if needed.

Here are some of the best movies for drinking games, along with example rules to get your movie night started:

1. Harry Potter Series

Why: The Harry Potter films are filled with magic, memorable characters, and recurring tropes, making them perfect for drinking games.

Example Rules:

• Drink when:
  • Someone says “wizard,” “magic,” or “Muggle.”
  • A spell is cast (double drink if it’s “Expelliarmus”).
  • Harry’s scar is shown.
  • Dobby or any house-elf appears on screen.
  • Dumbledore gives wise advice.
  • Malfoy says “Potter.”

2. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Why: These epic films are packed with iconic lines, battles, and an ensemble of characters to drink to.

Example Rules:

• Drink when:
  • Someone says “The Ring” or “Sauron.”
  • Gollum says “precious.”
  • There’s a battle scene (finish your drink for Helm’s Deep).
  • Aragorn gives a motivational speech.
  • Frodo gets into trouble (again).
  • Legolas does something superhuman (e.g., shoot multiple arrows or perform an impossible feat).

3. Anchorman

Why: This comedy is packed with quotable lines, ridiculous situations, and over-the-top humor.

Example Rules:

• Drink when:
  • Ron Burgundy says, “Stay classy, San Diego.”
  • Someone drinks scotch or mentions it.
  • Veronica Corningstone is insulted.
  • Brick says something completely nonsensical.
  • There’s a news team battle.
  • A song or musical moment breaks out.

4. Star Wars (Original Trilogy)

Why: Star Wars is a cultural icon with a galaxy full of catchphrases, action scenes, and memorable characters.

Example Rules:

• Drink when:
  • Someone says “The Force.”
  • A lightsaber is ignited.
  • Yoda speaks in riddles or backward sentences.
  • Han Solo and Leia argue (double drink if they end up flirting).
  • Darth Vader uses the Force choke.
  • A ship jumps to lightspeed.

5. Marvel Movies (MCU)

Why: The Marvel Cinematic Universe is filled with superheroes, action, and humorous moments that keep everyone entertained.

Example Rules:

• Drink when:
  • Someone says “Avengers” or mentions a superhero’s name.
  • Tony Stark makes a sarcastic remark.
  • A fight scene lasts more than 30 seconds.
  • Someone does something superhuman.
  • Captain America says, “I can do this all day.”
  • A post-credits scene begins (finish your drink for each one).

6. Mean Girls

Why: This cult classic is full of iconic lines, high school drama, and hilarious moments.

Example Rules:

• Drink when:
  • Regina George gives someone a dirty look.
  • Cady narrates a thought.
  • Someone says “fetch” (finish your drink if Gretchen succeeds in making it happen).
  • The Burn Book is mentioned.
  • Janis makes a snarky comment.
  • Someone mentions Africa.

7. Pirates of the Caribbean

Why: Adventure, sword fights, and Jack Sparrow’s antics make this series a great choice.

Example Rules:

• Drink when:
  • Jack Sparrow says something witty or slurs his speech.
  • Someone drinks rum.
  • There’s a sword fight.
  • A ship battle begins.
  • Anyone says “Captain Jack Sparrow.”
  • Someone betrays another character.

8. The Fast and the Furious Series

Why: With fast cars, family, and action-packed sequences, this franchise is a prime pick for drinking games.

Example Rules:

• Drink when:
  • Someone says “family.”
  • There’s a car race.
  • A car jumps or does an impossible stunt.
  • Dom says something about loyalty or family.
  • Vin Diesel’s character doesn’t flinch in an explosion.
  • There’s a scene of high-speed chases.

9. Shrek

Why: The blend of fairytale humor and quotable lines makes Shrek a fun and nostalgic choice.

Example Rules:

• Drink when:
  • Donkey says something annoying or funny.
  • Shrek grumbles or gets angry.
  • Lord Farquaad says something condescending.
  • A fairytale character appears on screen.
  • There’s a musical number.
  • Someone talks about onions (double drink if it’s Shrek).

10. Die Hard

Why: With plenty of action, Bruce Willis’s one-liners, and a high-stakes plot, Die Hard is a classic drinking game movie.

Example Rules:

• Drink when:
  • John McClane says “Yippee Ki-Yay.”
  • There’s an explosion.
  • McClane talks to himself or on the radio.
  • A bad guy is eliminated.
  • A hostage situation occurs.
  • Someone says “Nakatomi.”

Play Responsibly:

While movie drinking games are meant to be fun, it’s important to drink responsibly. Set limits, take breaks, and make sure everyone is comfortable. Consider using non-alcoholic drinks if you prefer!

In short, movie drinking games are an easy way to make movie night a little more interactive and entertaining. Choose your film, set your drinking cues, and enjoy the fun—but always remember to play safe!