Ranking of Popular Party Game Ideas
Based on feedback from our readers so far, we researched popular themes and gathered easy, casual games that seem especially suitable for lighthearted party atmospheres.
There may be people at your company who always look busy and are hard to approach, or those with whom you’ve only ever discussed work.
That person who’s usually serious about their job, and this person, too…
These are party games that everyone can enjoy together and really liven things up—even with people you don’t usually interact with much.
In this article, we’ll introduce them in a ranking format.
Enjoy!
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- A simple punishment game you can do anywhere without any props—even at school or outdoors.
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Ranking of Popular Entertainment/Game Ideas (21–30)
princess carry22rank/position
Princess carries are something every couple wants to try at least once—or has already tried.
If your girlfriend hasn’t experienced it yet, you could even have her ask for it as a penalty in a game! It might be easier to nudge a broad-shouldered, athletic boyfriend, but if he’s on the slender side, it really amps up the “penalty game” vibe.
Doing it at home cuts the embarrassment in half, so set rules like going outside and covering a certain number of meters in a princess carry—you’ll really get that penalty-game atmosphere!
Blow softly into (someone’s) ear23rank/position
When an unexpected external stimulus is applied, anyone will be startled—and the less familiar the stimulus, the greater the surprise.
As a simple external stimulus, this penalty game involves blowing air into someone’s ear.
If the person knows what’s coming and when, they’ll brace themselves and their reaction will be muted, so use tricks like having them close their eyes so they can’t anticipate the timing.
A key point is to blow as slowly as possible to create a tickling sensation.
NG word game24rank/position
The “NG Word Game” is fun both for the people playing and for those watching.
It’s apparently such a hit that the morning variety show “Love it!” has featured it multiple times.
All you need to prepare are business card–sized pieces of cardstock and some double-sided tape—maybe that simplicity is part of its appeal.
For the NG words, pick ones you’re likely to say at a farewell party, such as “thank you,” “appreciation,” “got scolded,” or “senpai.” Be sure to designate a referee in advance to keep the game running smoothly!
How do you call your partner? And how do they call you?25rank/position
Let’s have them reveal the special names they only use for each other as a forfeit! The classic is dropping honorifics and calling each other by first name, but sometimes they actually use “-chan” or “-kun,” or even nicknames no one else knows.
For many people, that’s something they’d never want others to find out, which makes it perfect for a penalty game! If there’s a couple there, you could have them call each other by those names, too.
It might be embarrassing for them, but for everyone else it’s a forfeit that shares a bit of their happiness!
Teacher impersonation26rank/position
The teachers who usually give us classes—many of you have probably tried imitating them before, right? Still, performing it in front of a large group can feel a bit embarrassing.
That’s why I’d like to introduce a fun penalty game: doing an impression of a teacher.
In fact, with this game, it’s not only important whose impression you do, but also what situation you choose to imitate.
Try recalling funny anecdotes or memorable catchphrases and give it a go!
rubber band to the face27rank/position
Face Rubber Bands is a penalty game everyone can join.
The idea is to stretch thick rubber bands onto the face of the person taking the penalty.
Decide on a number per person—say, two each—and take turns.
The fun part is watching the face change, like when someone puts on a stocking.
It’s also entertaining to chat and decide where to place them next—“Okay, let’s put the next one on the cheek,” and so on.
One caution: avoid placing bands around the jaw or neck area, as there’s a risk of constriction.
air chair28rank/position
It’s a simple yet punishing forfeit where you drop your hips low and hold a position as if sitting on an invisible chair.
Because it looks plain despite how tough it feels, you don’t get much attention while doing it, which only makes the suffering stand out more.
You could have just one person endure the wall sit as a penalty, but it would also be exciting to start a game from the wall-sit position and let players “graduate” from it as they win in a knockout format.
It’s the kind of forfeit that puts real strain on the entire body—so much so that it’s even used in training.