Discover 11 Boardgames Inspired by Series, Books and Movies

Board games aren’t just inspired by video games. Literary classics, film sagas, and even TV series have made their way to the table. These versions give players the chance to experience familiar stories in a completely different format, where choices can change the course of the narrative.

A Truly Unique Experience!

Around the World in 80 Days

- 2 to 6 players

- Playtime: 45 - 60 min

- Age: 10+

Each player travels different routes trying to circle the globe faster than their rivals. Cards represent transportation, resources, and unexpected events, which can speed up or delay the journey.

Inspired by Jules Verne’s classic, Around the World in 80 Days is light and accessible, perfect for families and casual groups. The spirit of the race against time comes to life at the table in a fun and relaxed way.

The original book, published in 1872, follows the eccentric Phileas Fogg and his loyal Passepartout on a global adventure full of challenges. The board game translates that sense of urgency into quick, competitive rounds. Check out a full game guide click here!

War of the Ring

- 2 to 4 players

- Playtime: 120 - 240 min

- Age: 13+

One player controls Sauron’s forces while the other represents the Free Peoples. The board spans the entire Middle-earth, and victory can be achieved through military domination or the destruction of the One Ring.

One of the most ambitious games ever made, War of the Ring is practically a reenactment of Tolkien’s trilogy. Epic battles, political dilemmas, and the Fellowship’s journey are recreated in detail, with sessions that can last for hours.

In literature, The Lord of the Rings is a cornerstone of modern fantasy, and Peter Jackson’s adaptations cemented its cinematic legacy. The board game is considered by many to be the definitive adaptation.

Star Wars: Rebellion

- 2 to 4 players

- Playtime: 180 - 240 min

- Age: 14+

The Empire commands a massive fleet and must locate the hidden Rebel base, while the Rebels rely on sabotage and diplomacy to survive and gain galactic support.

Called “the ultimate Star Wars board experience,” Rebellion mixes military strategy with epic storytelling. Playing the Empire feels like wielding the crushing power of the Death Star, while playing the Rebels is living on the edge.

George Lucas’ saga from 1977 is a cultural phenomenon. The board game captures the clash between a colossal army and a fragile resistance, turning each session into an alternate version of the story.

Alien: Fate of the Nostromo

- 1 to 5 players

- Playtime: 45 - 60 min

- Age: 10+

The board replicates the Nostromo ship. Players complete tasks while the Alien moves unpredictably. It cannot be defeated: survival is key.

The game captures the claustrophobic suspense of Ridley Scott’s classic. Every corridor could hide danger, and the constant sense of pursuit keeps everyone on edge.

In film, Alien (1979) redefined sci-fi by blending suspense and horror. The board game honors that atmosphere, delivering a tense yet accessible experience.

Legendary Encounters: The Matrix

- 1 to 5 players

- Playtime: 30 - 60 min

- Age: 14+

Players build decks of heroes and abilities to face agents and machines. Progression mimics the trilogy’s battles, where teamwork and card timing are critical.

The “Legendary” system has adapted Marvel and Alien, but in Matrix, it takes on a cyberpunk twist: Neo, Trinity, and Morpheus lead missions against the Matrix.

The 1999–2003 trilogy redefined cinematic sci-fi, blending philosophy, cyberpunk, and action. The game captures cinematic combat, leaving philosophy aside to focus on pure card-driven action.

Dune: Imperium

- 1 to 4 players

- Playtime: 60 - 120 min

- Age: 14+

A hybrid of deck-building and worker placement. Players compete for control of Arrakis, balancing diplomacy, intrigue, and war.

Dune: Imperium faithfully recreates the tension between the Great Houses, fragile alliances, and epic battles. Each game turns the spice planet into a battlefield of power struggles.

Frank Herbert’s Dune (1965) is a sci-fi landmark, exploring ecology, religion, and politics. Denis Villeneuve’s recent film revived its popularity, and the board game captures that atmosphere of conspiracy.

Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle

- 2 to 4 players

- Playtime: 30 - 60 min per book

- Age: 11+

A cooperative deck-building game divided into seven “books.” Challenges increase with each book as new villains appear.

Hogwarts Battle lets players experience the school years alongside Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Neville. The gradual progression mirrors the saga, creating a step-by-step journey.

J.K. Rowling’s book series became a global phenomenon, captivating millions of readers and viewers. The board game honors character growth with well-adapted mechanics.

Jaws: The Game

- 2 to 4 players

- Playtime: 60 - 90 min

- Age: 12+

Divided into two phases: first, the shark attacks swimmers undetected; second, the final showdown occurs on the Orca boat.

The game is tense and straightforward, recreating both the invisible threat of the shark and the climactic hunt. Every round delivers suspense and drama.

Steven Spielberg’s Jaws (1975) launched the blockbuster era and became a marine horror icon. The board game captures the primal fear of an unseen predator striking at any moment.

Stranger Things: Upside Down

- 2 to 4 players

- Playtime: 60 min

- Age: 12+

Players work together to save Hawkins, facing event cards, enemies, and the Demogorgon. The board alternates between the real world and the Upside Down.

This cooperative game recreates key moments from the series, emphasizing growing tension and team-based problem-solving.

Stranger Things, released by Netflix in 2016, blends sci-fi, horror, and ‘80s nostalgia. The board game immerses fans in the group’s adventures against dark forces.

Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective

- 1 to 8 players

- Playtime: 60 - 120 min

- Age: 13+

Players receive a case and consult newspapers, maps, and witnesses. The goal is to gather clues and solve the mystery before (or better than) Sherlock Holmes.

More narrative experience than competitive game, Consulting Detective is a classic for mystery lovers. Each case is a complex puzzle requiring logical reasoning.

Sherlock Holmes, created by Arthur Conan Doyle, is the most famous detective in literature. The board game honors his legacy with immersive cases that challenge even the sharpest players.

A Game of Thrones: The Board Game

- 3 to 6 players

- Playtime: 120 - 240 min

- Age: 14+

Players control one of Westeros’ Great Houses, vying for the Iron Throne. Negotiation, alliances, and betrayals are as important as armies and battles.

It’s one of the most intense intrigue games on the market, where diplomacy often outweighs brute force. Each session is filled with negotiation, promises, and inevitable betrayals.

George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire saga and its HBO adaptation are known for political intrigue and grand battles. The board game captures that essence like few others.

Board games inspired by movies, books, and series prove that great stories can be experienced in very different ways. While cinema and literature make us spectators, the table turns us into protagonists!

Hope you’ve found your next board game. See you in the next article!