Getting together with friends to play games on the TV is a classic way to share some laughs, spark friendly competition, and make lasting memories. Whether it’s a laid-back night or a special occasion, having the right game can turn your living room into a lively hotspot. Since there are countless options out there, I’ve put together a fun list of 15 fantastic games to play on the TV with friends. Each game has been tried and tested, and I’ve included some personal stories to give you an idea of the excitement that awaits. Let’s jump into these entertaining picks!
Game Night Elevated: The Ultimate List of Games to Play on TV with Friends
1. Jackbox Party Pack – A Party Essential
Jackbox Party Pack really is the pinnacle of gaming fun with friends. Every pack features an assortment of games, ranging from trivia to creative drawing challenges. I’ll never forget that night my friends and I dove into “Fibbage,” where we took turns trying to trick each other with ridiculous fake answers. We couldn’t stop laughing, and the game’s funny prompts ensured we stayed entertained all night long.
Jackbox Party Pack on shop.jackboxgames
2. Overcooked! All You Can Eat – Culinary Chaos
In Overcooked! All You Can Eat, you and your buddies turn into frantic chefs, racing to fulfill orders in some truly crazy kitchens. I first stumbled upon this game during a rainy weekend trip. The kitchen challenges were all over the place, from eerie haunted houses to bouncing trucks, and the non-stop shouting of commands mixed with laughable blunders made it a memorable adventure. It’s a fantastic way to really put your teamwork and patience to the ultimate test, while having a blast!
3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – A Racing Delight
No lineup of games to enjoy with friends is truly complete without Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and it is one of the best games to play on the tv with friends. It really captures the essence of competitive enjoyment. I can still recall the hilarious laughter and excited shouts from my birthday when we threw a Mario Kart tournament. The classic tracks, awesome power-ups, and fierce matchups made it such a memorable event, packed with victories and friendly rivalries.
4. Among Us – Who’s The Impostor?
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Typically a mobile game, Among Us truly shines on the big screen, pulling everyone into the unfolding mystery of figuring out who the impostor is. When I first introduced it to my friends during our game night, the accusations soared, and every emergency meeting turned into a lively mix of wild theories and big laughs. It’s a game that promises both suspense and a sense of togetherness.
5. Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes – Diffuse the Tension
In Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes, one person works on defusing a bomb while their friends provide the instructions. The challenge of communicating effectively is incredibly exciting. There was one nail-biting session where our heart rates went through the roof as the countdown clock raced down. The urgency to communicate clearly and pay attention closely created a strangely rewarding experience in teamwork, even though we met with some spectacular failures along the way.
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes on keeptalkinggame
6. Just Dance 2022 – Dance Party Extravaganza
Get ready to shake it and have a blast with Just Dance 2022, one of the best games to play on the TV with friends. It’s great for lively get-togethers, as the game keeps track of your dance moves and gives you a score based on your performance. When we pulled out Just Dance at our New Year’s Eve party, it really changed the vibe. Our living room turned into a mini-disco, and we had a blast competing for the highest scores, dancing to everything from the latest chart-toppers to beloved classics. Even the shyest dance partners ended up joining in, laughing the whole time.
7. Rocket League – Soccer with Cars
Rocket League fuses cars and soccer into a fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping experience. I introduced it to my friends one weekend, and we ended up having hours of competitive fun and unforgettable moments. The game offers straightforward controls that are easy to grasp, yet the gameplay itself can be quite challenging, which means that everyone—from beginners to seasoned pros—can jump right in and enjoy. The surprises in every match kept our excitement levels soaring.
8. Gang Beasts – Hilarious Brawls
If you’re on the lookout for a game that’s both ridiculous and a blast, Gang Beasts is where it’s at. Watching those squishy characters flop around during fights had us all in stitches at our latest casual gathering. The wild physics and vibrant arenas made every round feel totally different, transforming friendly jabs into uproarious laughter.
9. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – Ultimate Showdown
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Super Smash Bros. Ultimate unites beloved characters from a variety of franchises for some thrilling battles and truly one of the best games to play on the TV with friends. This game was the highlight of our latest game night. We set up a mini-tournament, and the tension was palpable as players showcased their signature moves from Mario, Zelda, and Pikachu. The fast-paced action and strategic gameplay made for an exhilarating vibe.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on smashbros
10. Pummel Party – Party Game Mayhem
Pummel Party offers a fantastic combination of mini-games and board game mechanics, making for a gameplay experience that’s both hilarious and strategic. During an impromptu game night, we kicked things off with Pummel Party and quickly found ourselves engrossed. Rolling dice, taking part in silly mini-games, and using power-ups to sabotage each other’s strategies led to unpredictable and thrilling gaming sessions.
11. Worms W.M.D. – Strategic Destruction
Worms W.M.D. mixes action and strategy with a good dose of humor, letting players control teams of worms equipped with wacky weapons. During one of our game nights, the living room quickly turned into a battlefield as we moved our worms for tactical edges and unleashed absurd firepower on each other. The blend of friendly rivalry and teamwork made every gaming session unforgettable.
12. Human: Fall Flat – Puzzling Physics
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Human: Fall Flat mixes problem-solving with a wonderfully awkward physics engine, making it among the best games to play on the TV with friends. One Friday evening, after a long week, this game turned out to be the perfect way to unwind. The laughter from our silly mishaps—whether we were struggling to scale a wall or tumbling off ledges—was contagious. It’s a game that really drives home the idea that the journey can often be more enjoyable than reaching the goal.
13. Castle Crashers – Co-op Beat ‘Em Up
Castle Crashers is a fantastic side-scrolling beat’em up that’s ideal for playing with friends. One chilly night, my friends and I came together to tackle vibrant yet challenging stages. With its captivating visuals and fun combat, Castle Crashers delivers a great gaming experience that’s perfect for both hardcore gamers and casual players alike.
Castle Crashers on steampowered
14. Trivia Murder Party – Dark Humor Trivia
As a part of the Jackbox series, Trivia Murder Party mixes trivia with some delightfully dark mini-games. One Halloween, we decided to play this game to create that perfect blend of spooky and fun for the evening. Answering questions right meant you got to stick around while getting them wrong brought on some playful consequences. It was the perfect way to bring together our love for trivia with a quirky, slightly eerie angle.
Trivia Murder Party on jackboxgames
15. Heave Ho – Cooperative Chaos
Heave Ho truly shines as a game that emphasizes teamwork, where players harness their characters’ extendable arms to tackle tricky levels. One lazy Sunday, we spent hours trying to swing and fling each other toward our goals, usually ending up in some pretty spectacular misses. Even with all the falls and fails, the cooperative spirit of the game really drew us closer together, both in a figurative sense and physically!
Conclusion
Having friends over for a game night is such a delightful way to reconnect and relax. With this varied selection of games to play on the tv with friends, spanning from cooperative to competitive—you’re sure to find something that fits any group’s vibe. Here’s to countless nights filled with laughter, lighthearted competition, and unforgettable digital escapades!
1. What type of TV is best for multiplayer gaming?
A large screen HDTV or a 4K TV with a good refresh rate (60Hz or higher) is ideal for multiplayer gaming. It enhances visual clarity and ensures a more immersive experience, especially in games with fast-paced action.
2. Do I need additional equipment for these games?
Many of these games require extra controllers, so having a few extra gamepads on hand is advisable. Additionally, games like Just Dance may require motion-sensing devices like the Kinect or PS Move.
3. Are there any free games I can play with friends on TV?
Yes, there are several free-to-play games suitable for TV gaming. Games like Fortnite and Brawlhalla are excellent choices, providing a full-fledged gaming experience without the cost.
