Charades
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Charades Categories & Ideas

All 15 charades categories in the game, from Easy and Medium to Animals, Movies, Famous People, and For Kids — 633 prompts in total, with examples and who each set suits.

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Mix any of these into one deck

At setup you choose any combination of the 15 categories below. Every word from the sets you pick is shuffled together into a single deck for the match, so a round can jump from an animal to a movie to an emotion. There are 633 prompts in all, and they are family-friendly throughout.

Not sure where to start? Easy, Animals, and Movies is a reliable first mix. Add For Kids and switch to a 90-second round for younger players, or pick Hard on its own for an abstract, high-difficulty game.

Play with these categories

  • Easy

    44 prompts

    Everyday things almost anyone can act out in seconds.

    Best for: Warm-ups, younger players, and getting a new group comfortable.

    SleepingEatingRunningSwimmingCryingLaughingDancingBrushing teeth

  • Medium

    41 prompts

    A step up — a scene or an idea rather than a single move.

    Best for: The default mix for a group that has played a round or two.

    Roller coasterScuba divingChanging a tireMilking a cowConducting an orchestraBuilding a sandcastleGetting a haircutLosing your keys

  • Hard

    41 prompts

    Abstract concepts and phrases that take real creativity.

    Best for: Experienced players who want abstract prompts and longer round timers.

    Deja vuGravityInflationTime travelPeer pressureWriter’s blockDemocracyPhotosynthesis

  • Actions

    44 prompts

    Pure verbs and physical bits — great for warming a group up.

    Best for: Fast, physical rounds and breaking the ice with a new group.

    TiptoeSprintCrawlLimpSkipStumbleTwirlMarch

  • Animals

    45 prompts

    From house pets to the whole zoo. A family favourite.

    Best for: Families and mixed-age groups — a reliable crowd-pleaser.

    ElephantKangarooPenguinGiraffeOctopusCrocodileChickenGorilla

  • Movies

    44 prompts

    Blockbusters and classics — act the title, not the plot.

    Best for: Film buffs; pairs well with the “sounds like” and movie signals.

    TitanicJawsThe Lion KingFrozenStar WarsJurassic ParkUpFinding Nemo

  • Famous People

    40 prompts

    Icons past and present. Mannerisms are your friend.

    Best for: Groups who enjoy impressions and signature poses.

    Charlie ChaplinAlbert EinsteinElvis PresleyMichael JacksonCleopatraAbraham LincolnMarilyn MonroeWilliam Shakespeare

  • Jobs

    44 prompts

    Occupations and the tools of the trade.

    Best for: All ages — plenty of clear tools and mimeable routines.

    FirefighterSurgeonChefPilotAstronautFarmerPlumberElectrician

  • Sports & Hobbies

    45 prompts

    Games, workouts, and weekend pastimes.

    Best for: Active groups and anyone who likes acting out a full motion.

    BasketballTennisGolfBowlingBoxingFencingArcherySurfing

  • Food & Drink

    43 prompts

    Meals, snacks, and the act of eating them.

    Best for: Family games and lighter, sillier rounds.

    SpaghettiPizzaHamburgerHot dogIce cream conePopcornPretzelCorn on the cob

  • Around the House

    43 prompts

    Objects and chores from every room.

    Best for: Mixed ages — everyday objects everyone recognises.

    Vacuum cleanerToasterMicrowaveBlenderKettleIronHairdryerUmbrella

  • Emotions

    40 prompts

    Feelings and moods — all face and body, no words.

    Best for: Expressive players; strong with the drama-club crowd.

    EcstaticFuriousTerrifiedBoredConfusedSuspiciousEmbarrassedJealous

  • Places & Travel

    40 prompts

    Landmarks, destinations, and getting there.

    Best for: Travellers and trivia fans; landmarks reward a bold pose.

    Eiffel TowerGreat Wall of ChinaPyramids of GizaStatue of LibertyLeaning Tower of PisaBig BenMount EverestNiagara Falls

  • For Kids

    40 prompts

    Simple, friendly prompts for younger players.

    Best for: Children and family game nights, ideally with a 90-second timer.

    DinosaurRobotSuperheroPrincessWizardDragonMermaidGhost

  • Holidays & Events

    39 prompts

    Celebrations, seasons, and special occasions.

    Best for: Seasonal parties and get-togethers.

    Blowing out birthday candlesOpening presentsTrick-or-treatingCarving a pumpkinDecorating a treeHanging stockingsBuilding a snowmanA snowball fight

Need more ideas?

The game only draws from the built-in sets, but charades is easy to extend at the table: write your own prompts on paper and mix them in for an actor to draw between screen words. For the acting rules and clue signals, see how to play charades.