30+ Running Charades Ideas: Korean Style & Special Events

Running Charades is the perfect recipe for unforgettable fun. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a family get-together, or organizing a team-building activity, this lively twist on traditional Charades guarantees to entertain all ages. 

What is Running Charades?

Running Charades is an action-packed variation of the classic Charades game. Instead of staying in one spot, players literally run back and forth to communicate clues, adding a dynamic element of physical excitement. It’s a fantastic choice for those who love games that combine mental quickness with a bit of cardio. Perfect for large groups, this game thrives on energy, creativity, and friendly competition, making it a hit at any gathering.

How to Play Running Charades

Setting Up the Game

Here’s what you need to get started:

• A large playing area (indoors or outdoors).
• A list of charades prompts (movies, books, famous people, etc.).
• At least six players divided into two or more teams.
• Paper and pens or a digital timer for tracking scores.

Clear an area with ample space for running and designate zones for each team. Ensure everyone knows where to start and where to deliver their clues.

Basic Rules of Running Charades

1. Divide the Teams: Each team selects one “runner” who conveys clues between the clue-giver and guessers.
2. Set the Prompts: Prepare a mix of easy and challenging prompts for variety.
3. Gameplay:
   • The clue-giver acts out the phrase silently while the runner watches.
   • The runner then rushes back to their team and mimics the actions.
   • Team members shout out guesses until they get it right or the time runs out.
4. Winning: The team with the most correct guesses within the time limit wins!

Korean Running Charades Ideas

Add a dose of Korean entertainment to your charades night with themes inspired by Running Man and Run BTS. Whether you’re a casual fan or a full-fledged stan, these games let you live out your K-Drama dreams or BTS fandom fantasies!

Running Man Charades

If you’re a fan of the legendary Korean variety show Running Man, why not bring its energy into your charades game? Running Man Charades takes cues from the show’s hilarious missions and antics, making your game night a thrilling, laughter-packed experience.

How to Play Running Man Charades:

• Players split into teams, each taking turns as the actor and guesser.
• Incorporate Running Man-style elements, such as:
  • Name Tag Ripping: The clue-giver must “fight off” another player trying to rip off their name tag while acting.
  • Obstacle Course Relay: Set up hurdles, ropes, or chairs that players must navigate before delivering their clues.

Running Man Style Rules:

1. “Escaping a haunted house while holding an umbrella.”
2. “Balancing on one leg while eating spicy noodles.”
3. “Wearing oven mitts while acting or balancing a balloon on your head.”
4. “losing your shoe while running back to your team.”

The fast-paced, unpredictable nature of Running Man Charades captures the chaotic charm of the show, ensuring everyone has a blast—especially fans of Yoo Jae-suk, Song Ji-hyo, and the gang!

Run BTS Charades

ARMYs, this one’s for you! Run BTS Charades takes inspiration from the wildly popular BTS variety show where the members’ comedic antics never fail to entertain. This variation is perfect for K-Pop lovers who want to combine their love for BTS with some interactive fun.

How to Play Run BTS Charades:

• Teams compete to guess prompts related to BTS’s music, moments, and iconic gags.
• Add BTS-style punishments for extra laughs, such as:
  • Performing aegyo (cute gestures) if the team fails to guess.
  • Dancing to a random BTS song as a penalty for a wrong answer.
  • Acting out iconic choreography (like Dynamite or Mic Drop).
  • Reenacting funny Run BTS moments (like Jin’s Worldwide Handsome gag or Jungkook’s chaotic cooking).
  • Mimicking V’s deep-voiced “I’m sorry” or Suga’s savage one-liners.

BTS Charades Prompts:

• “Jin cooking ramen… disastrously.”
• “Jungkook flexing his muscles while playing video games.”
• “RM explaining the rules of a game—no one understands.”
• “Suga sleeping in the middle of a concert.”

With its focus on BTS’s humor, music, and unforgettable personalities, Run BTS Charades is a surefire way to unite ARMYs and make unforgettable memories.

32 Running Charades Ideas for Every Occasion

For Friends Gatherings

Keep it fun and unique with these creative themes:

1. Pop Culture Favorites: Act out iconic moments from “Marvel Movies,” “Disney Classics,” or “90s Sitcoms.”
2. Meme Madness: Mime popular internet memes like “Distracted Boyfriend,” “Grumpy Cat,” or “Charlie Bit My Finger.”
3. Movie Tropes: Perform clichés like “hero walking away from an explosion,” “dramatic slow-motion run,” or “evil villain monologue.”
4. Viral TikTok Trends: Act out dances or skits like “Renegade,” “The Floor is Lava,” or “The Tortilla Slap Challenge.”
5. Foodie Fun: Mime cooking or eating scenarios like “burning toast,” “failed cake decorating,” or “eating spicy noodles.”
6. Everyday Awkwardness: Act out relatable moments like “tripping in public,” “waving to the wrong person,” or “answering a call from a scammer.”
7. Famous Characters: Reenact gestures or scenes from fan-favorite characters like Harry Potter, Darth Vader, or Pikachu.

For Kids’ Birthdays

Make it magical for younger players with these themes:

8. Superhero Showdown: Act out heroes like Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, or Batman, with scenarios such as “saving a cat from a tree” or “battling a supervillain.”
9. Fairy Tale Adventures: Perform classics like “Cinderella losing her shoe,” “Jack climbing the beanstalk,” or “The Three Little Pigs building houses.”
10. Cartoon Chaos: Mime beloved characters like “Mickey Mouse dancing,” “SpongeBob blowing bubbles,” or “Peppa Pig jumping in puddles.”
11. Animal Antics: Act out “a lion roaring,” “a penguin sliding on ice,” or “a monkey swinging on vines.”
12. Magical Moments: Recreate “casting a magic spell,” “flying on a broomstick,” or “finding a treasure chest.”

For Corporate Events

Break the ice or foster teamwork with work-friendly prompts:

13. Office Humor: Mime scenarios like “replying to endless emails,” “awkward Zoom meetings,” or “fixing the office printer.”
14. Motivational Slogans in Action: Act out phrases like “thinking outside the box,” “teamwork makes the dream work,” or “climbing the corporate ladder.”
15. Industry Trends: Perform prompts like “launching a new product,” “handling a PR disaster,” or “pitching a groundbreaking idea.”
16. Everyday Workplace Drama: Act out relatable moments such as “spilling coffee on important documents,” “missing a deadline,” or “celebrating a coworker’s promotion.”
17. Team-Building Fun: Include prompts like “surviving a trust fall,” “solving a team puzzle,” or “leading a brainstorming session.”

For Holidays

Capture the festive spirit with seasonal themes:

18. Christmas Traditions: Act out “decorating the Christmas tree,” “Santa stuck in a chimney,” or “wrapping presents in a hurry.”
19. Spooky Halloween Themes: Mime “carving a pumpkin,” “running from a ghost,” or “dressing up as a vampire.”
20. Thanksgiving Chaos: Perform scenarios like “burning the turkey,” “arguing over the last slice of pie,” or “falling asleep during the parade.”
21. Valentine’s Day Romance: Reenact romantic moments such as “a proposal at a fancy dinner,” “awkward blind dates,” or “a chocolate gift gone wrong.”
22. New Year’s Eve Fun: Act out “counting down to midnight,” “popping champagne,” or “failing a New Year’s resolution.”

For Family Gatherings

Strengthen family bonds with these heartwarming ideas:

23. Family Memories: Act out scenarios like “Grandpa’s fishing trip,” “Uncle Bob’s BBQ mishap,” or “cousins playing hide-and-seek.”
24. Cultural Traditions: Celebrate family heritage with prompts like “dancing at a wedding,” “preparing a holiday feast,” or “lighting fireworks during a festival.”
25. Everyday Family Life: Mime relatable moments such as “mom finding a lost sock,” “dad fixing a leaky faucet,” or “siblings arguing over the TV remote.”
26. Generational Favorites: Include prompts from different eras, like “Grandma’s favorite TV show,” “dad’s high school dance,” or “mom’s go-to karaoke song.”
27. Holiday Highlights: Act out family holiday staples like “hanging ornaments on the Christmas tree,” “searching for Easter eggs,” or “carving a pumpkin.”

For Bachelor or Bachelorette Parties

Turn up the fun with cheeky or celebratory themes:

28. Wedding Prep Chaos: Act out scenarios like “losing the wedding ring,” “fitting into a tux,” or “the cake collapsing at the last minute.”
29. Party Icons: Mime legendary party personalities or moments, like “Gatsby-style dancing,” “karaoke night gone wrong,” or “Vegas adventures.”
30. Rom-Com Scenarios: Reenact classic romantic comedy clichés like “a proposal in a crowded restaurant” or “an accidental first kiss.”
31. Bridal Challenges: Perform prompts like “running in heels,” “fixing a ripped veil,” or “posing for awkward wedding photos.”
32. Travel Mishaps: Act out bachelorette or bachelor trip tropes, such as “missing the flight,” “getting lost in a foreign city,” or “trying a local dance move.”

Tips for Hosting the Perfect Running Charades 

Planning and Setup

• Choose the Right Space: Ensure enough room for running and acting.
• Prep the Prompts: Mix difficulty levels to keep everyone engaged.
• Snacks and Breaks: Provide refreshments to keep energy levels high.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Confusing Prompts: Use clear and straightforward phrases.
• Small Spaces: Crowded areas can lead to mishaps.
• Imbalanced Teams: Evenly distribute skill levels for fairness.

FAQs About Running Charades