Scary Movie Drinking Game: Thrills from Netflix and Beyond

Grab your drinks and get ready to turn your horror movie night into a legendary experience! Whether you’re watching a slasher, a supernatural thriller, or the hilarious Scary Movie franchise, our drinking game rules will add extra fun to every jump scare and horror cliché. Let’s dive in!

How to Play the Scary Movie Drinking Game

Pick Your Horror Movie

Start by selecting your movie of choice. For a guaranteed good time, you can’t go wrong with the Scary Movie franchise—those films were practically made for drinking games. Looking for something more traditional? Any slasher, ghost story, or supernatural horror will work. Classics like Scream, Halloween, or even The Conjuring will have you holding onto your drink in suspense.

Prepare the Drinks and Set the Rules

Let’s keep it simple. Drink whenever a classic horror movie trope appears: a jump scare, a creepy doll, or when someone clearly makes a bad decision (you know, the “don’t go in there!” moments). If you want to make things even more exciting, add extra rules for specific characters or famous one-liners. And most importantly, pace yourself—no need to get haunted by the hangover the next morning.

Gather Friends for a Horror Movie Marathon

A scary movie drinking game is always better with friends. Set up a movie marathon, prepare some spooky snacks, and get ready to scream, laugh, and sip together. Plus, it’s way more fun when you all jump at the same time during those inevitable scares!

Scary Movie Franchise Drinking Game Rules

Scary Movie (2000) Drinking Game Rules

The Scary Movie franchise is practically made for drinking games, turning every horror cliché into a laugh-out-loud moment. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• “Cindy!” Rule: Every time someone shouts “Cindy,” take a drink. If two characters shout her name back-to-back, take two drinks—it’s a must!
• Horror Trope Sip: Drink whenever a classic horror movie trope is hilariously mocked—like when a character makes an obviously bad choice, such as running upstairs instead of out the door.
• The Over-the-Top Ending: When the movie ramps up into its chaotic, anything-goes finale, everyone must finish their drink as you ride the absurdity all the way to the credits.

Scary Movie 2 & 3 Drinking Game

Things get even crazier in Scary Movie 2 and 3, so naturally, the drinking rules need to level up:

• Paranormal Sips: Take a drink every time there’s a supernatural moment—whether it’s a ghost, a possessed object, or something spooky happening for no logical reason.
• Slapstick Deaths: Whenever a character dies in a ridiculous, slapstick fashion (think falling pianos or absurd accidents), take a long sip to honor the absurdity.
• Villain’s Demise: When the villain is finally defeated in a hilariously exaggerated way, raise your glass and take a big drink—extra points if the ending is so over-the-top you can’t stop laughing!

Scary Movie 4 (2006) Drinking Game Rules

Scary Movie 4 spoofs movies like War of the Worlds and The Grudge—here’s how to play:

• Take a Sip for Every Horror Spoof: Every time you catch a reference to a famous horror film, take a sip. Bonus if it’s The Grudge or Saw.
• Aliens & Invasions: Drink whenever there’s a reference to alien invasions or a parody of War of the Worlds.
• Finish Your Drink if You Can’t Stop Laughing at a Gag: If a joke or gag is so ridiculous you can’t stop laughing, finish your drink in honor of the absurdity.

Scary Movie 5 (2013) Drinking Game Rules

The final installment parodies Paranormal Activity and Black Swan—here’s how to drink along:

• Paranormal Activity Sip: Every time the movie makes fun of paranormal horror (like found footage or creepy shadows), take a drink.
• Bizarre Ballet Moments: When Black Swan gets parodied, sip along with the strangeness. Double up for any over-the-top ballet sequence.
• Celebrity Cameos: Every time a celebrity cameo happens, take a shot! You’ll be surprised at how many show up in Scary Movie 5.

Top Netflix Horror Movies for Drinking Games

Once you’ve exhausted the Scary Movie franchise, why not switch things up with some Netflix drinking games? There are plenty of spine-chilling titles on the platform that are perfect for a drinking game night.

1. Bird Box (2018)

Bird Box, a tense post-apocalyptic thriller where people must remain blindfolded to avoid seeing mysterious creatures that cause madness.

• Drink Every Time Someone Puts on a Blindfold: Whenever a character shields their eyes, take a drink.
• Sip for Every Death: Each time someone succumbs to the creatures, raise your glass and take a sip.
• Finish Your Drink for the Final Escape: If the survivors make it through without seeing the creatures, down the rest of your drink in relief.

2. Fear Street (2021)

The Fear Street trilogy is a series of slasher films set in the cursed town of Shadyside, spanning three distinct time periods: 1994, 1978, and 1666.

• Take a Sip for Every Kill: With slasher-style horror, each kill deserves a drink.
• Drink for Every Time Period Shift: Whenever the movie jumps to a different time period, take a sip.
• Finish Your Drink for a Major Plot Twist: There are plenty of twists—when you’re surprised, it’s time to finish your drink.

3. His House (2020)

His House is a powerful and haunting film about a refugee couple who experience terrifying events in their new home.

• Drink Every Time Something Creepy Happens in the House: Each time a supernatural event occurs inside their home, take a drink.
• Sip for Flashbacks: Drink whenever the movie flashes back to their past.
• Finish Your Drink for the Final Revelation: When the film reveals its terrifying secrets, it’s time to finish your drink.

4. Cam (2018)

Cam is a psychological horror film about a webcam model whose online identity is stolen by an unexplainable doppelgänger.

• Take a Sip for Every Cam Show: Each time the main character starts a cam session, take a sip.
• Drink Whenever She Loses Control: When the main character starts losing control of her online life, take a drink.
• Finish Your Drink if You’re Confused by the Ending: If the film’s mind-bending conclusion leaves you baffled, finish your drink!

5. The Perfection (2018)

The Perfection is a twisted psychological horror about two cello prodigies whose lives spiral into horror after they reunite.

• Sip for Every Cello Performance: Whenever there’s a tense musical performance, take a sip.
• Drink for Every Major Plot Twist: There are several shocking moments—each one deserves a drink.
• Finish Your Drink for the Final Scene: The movie’s last scene is unforgettable. When it hits, finish your drink!

6. The Ritual (2017)

In The Ritual, four friends on a hiking trip through the Scandinavian wilderness encounter an ancient evil lurking in the woods.

• Take a Sip for Every Tense Moment in the Woods: Every time the group gets uneasy or hears something strange, take a sip.
• Drink Whenever Someone Makes a Bad Decision: When a character makes a mistake that worsens their situation, it’s time to drink.
• Finish Your Drink for the Monster Reveal: When the horrifying creature finally appears, finish your drink in fear.

7. The Babysitter (2017)

The Babysitter is a horror-comedy follows a young boy who discovers that his babysitter is part of a satanic cult. What follows is a bloody, fun, and outrageous ride.

• Sip for Every Horror Trope: Anytime the movie pokes fun at a horror cliché, take a drink.
• Drink for Every Kill: Each over-the-top death scene deserves a sip.
• Finish Your Drink for the Final Showdown: When the final confrontation with the babysitter occurs, finish your drink as the chaos unfolds.

8. The Platform (2019)

The Platform is set in a prison where inmates are fed via a platform that descends through the floors, leaving those on the lower levels with little to no food. This dark, thought-provoking horror keeps you on edge with its tense atmosphere and sharp social commentary.

• Drink Every Time the Platform Moves: Every time the platform descends or ascends, take a sip.
• Sip for Every Moment of Desperation: When characters resort to desperate measures, it’s time to drink.
• Finish Your Drink for the Brutal Ending: The film’s shocking conclusion deserves a final, long gulp.

Best Horror Movies from IMDb

The following movies are handpicked as the best scary films from IMDb, all with Metascores over 50. These iconic films span from suspense-filled slashers to creature features, providing the perfect backdrop for a thrilling drinking game. 

1. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) – Metascore: 76

In this iconic Wes Craven film, a group of teenagers is terrorized by Freddy Krueger, a demonic figure who haunts them in their dreams. If Freddy kills them in the dream world, they die in real life, making every night’s sleep a deadly risk. Nancy Thompson, the lead character, must uncover Freddy’s dark past to survive.

• Sip Every Time Freddy Appears in a Dream: Every time Freddy makes an appearance in a nightmare, take a sip.
• Take a Drink Whenever Someone Falls Asleep: Since falling asleep is a bad idea in this film, it’s a perfect excuse for a drink.
• Finish Your Drink for Each Glove Slash: Freddy’s signature glove slash deserves a big gulp.
• Freddy’s One-Liners: When Freddy delivers a creepy joke or pun, it’s time to finish your drink.

2. Scream (1996) – Metascore: 66

Scream is a meta-horror classic directed by Wes Craven, where a masked killer, Ghostface, terrorizes high school students. Using horror movie rules as his blueprint, Ghostface torments his victims through phone calls before striking. Sidney Prescott, the heroine, must outsmart the killer, who knows all the clichés.

• Sip for Every Mention of Horror Movie Rules: Characters often talk about the “rules” of horror movies—perfect moments to take a drink.
• Take a Drink Every Time Ghostface Calls: Prepare for multiple calls—each one is a chance to sip.
• Double Drink for Every Horror Cliché: Drink when characters make classic mistakes like running upstairs or splitting up.
• Finish Your Drink for the Twist Ending: Once the movie reveals its twist, down the rest of your drink.

3. Halloween (1978) – Metascore: 90

John Carpenter’s Halloween is the quintessential slasher film. Michael Myers, a masked killer, escapes from a mental institution and returns to his hometown of Haddonfield to continue his killing spree. Laurie Strode, played by Jamie Lee Curtis, becomes his primary target as she tries to survive Halloween night.

• Drink for Every Michael Myers Appearance: Whenever Michael lurks in the background, take a sip.
• Take a Sip Whenever the Halloween Theme Plays: John Carpenter’s haunting piano score signals time for a sip.
• Big Gulp for Every Death Scene: Each kill by Michael calls for a long drink.
• Finish Your Drink if Michael Survives: At the film’s end, if Michael somehow lives (again), finish your drink in disbelief.

4. The Thing (1982) – Metascore: 57

Set in Antarctica, a research team discovers a terrifying alien that can shapeshift into any form, mimicking humans and animals. Paranoia runs high as the team begins to question who among them is still human and who is the alien. Directed by John Carpenter, this is a suspenseful, body horror classic.

• Sip for Every Transformation Scene: Whenever the alien reveals its true form, it’s time to drink.
• Take a Drink Every Time Someone Is Accused of Being the Thing: Paranoia drives the group—every accusation calls for a sip.
• Finish Your Drink if a Jump Scare Gets You: If one of the film’s intense moments makes you jump, finish your drink!

5. Army of Darkness (1992) – Metascore: 59

In this comedy-horror hybrid, Ash Williams is accidentally transported back to 1300 A.D., where he must retrieve the Necronomicon (Book of the Dead) to defeat an army of undead and return home. Filled with slapstick humor, memorable one-liners, and wild action sequences, Army of Darkness is a fan favorite.

• Take a Sip Whenever Ash Says a One-Liner: Ash’s snappy dialogue makes for frequent drinking.
• Drink Every Time a Deadite Is Defeated: Each victory over the undead deserves a sip.
• Finish Your Drink for the Final Battle: During the epic showdown with the army of the dead, finish your drink.

6. The Descent (2005) – Metascore: 71

A group of adventurous women embarks on a caving expedition deep in the Appalachian Mountains. When the group becomes trapped, they soon realize they aren’t alone. A strange breed of predators hunts them in the dark, turning their adventure into a terrifying fight for survival.

• Take a Sip Every Time the Characters Go Deeper into the Cave: With every descent into the cave, it’s time to sip.
• Sip for Every Bad Decision: Whether it’s taking a dangerous route or ignoring warnings, drink for every mistake.
• Finish Your Drink When the Creatures Appear: When the film’s terrifying creatures finally show up, it’s time to finish your drink.

7. The Cabin in the Woods (2012) – Metascore: 72

Five friends go on a weekend trip to a remote cabin in the woods, where they unknowingly become pawns in a larger conspiracy. As horror movie clichés unfold, the truth behind their ordeal slowly comes to light in this genre-bending film, mixing horror, satire, and humor.

• Sip for Every Horror Trope: Drink whenever the movie mocks a horror cliché, like the dumb jock or the spooky gas station attendant.
• Drink Every Time the Scientists Control the Characters: Every time the technicians monitor or manipulate the group, take a sip.
• Finish Your Drink for the Final Creature Reveal: When the monsters are unleashed, down your drink in awe of the chaos.

8. 30 Days of Night (2007) – Metascore: 53

In the small town of Barrow, Alaska, darkness falls for 30 days during winter, leaving the town isolated and vulnerable. Soon, a gang of vampires takes advantage of the eternal night to hunt the town’s residents. The survivors must outlast the bloodthirsty predators until daylight returns.

• Take a Sip Every Time the Vampires Attack: Every brutal vampire assault calls for a sip.
• Drink for Every Clever Escape: If a character narrowly escapes a deadly encounter, take a drink to celebrate.
• Finish Your Drink if the Sun Rises: If the survivors make it to sunrise, it’s time to finish your drink!

9. Sleepy Hollow (1999) – Metascore: 65

Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow is a gothic horror tale about Ichabod Crane, a New York detective sent to the eerie town of Sleepy Hollow to investigate a series of decapitations. The culprit? The legendary Headless Horseman. As the mystery unfolds, Ichabod must confront the supernatural terror.

• Sip Every Time the Headless Horseman Appears: Whenever the Horseman rides, take a sip.
• Drink Every Time Ichabod Faints: Ichabod’s squeamish nature makes for frequent drinking.
• Finish Your Drink for the Final Confrontation: When Ichabod faces off with the Horseman, finish your drink for a dramatic end.

Horror Movie Drinking Games by Tropes

Jump Scare Drinking Rules

Jump scares are a horror movie staple, and they’re perfect for adding a little suspense to your drinking game. Here’s how to make each surprise even more fun:

• Take a Sip for Every Jump Scare: Anytime something jumps out of nowhere, take a sip. Whether it’s a cat leaping out of the shadows or a villain suddenly attacking, you’ll be sipping often.
• Group Reaction Rule: If the entire room jumps or screams during a jump scare, everyone must take an additional drink.
• Spill Your Drink, Pay the Price: If someone gets so startled that they spill their drink, they owe the group a shot or finish what’s left in their glass.
• Slow-Build Scare Bonus: If the jump scare is set up with a long, tension-building scene (think quiet music, slow camera zoom), take two drinks for surviving the suspense.

Creepy Dolls and Ghosts Drinking Rules

There’s nothing like a haunted doll or a spectral figure to keep you reaching for your drink. Whether it’s a possessed object or a spooky spirit, here are the rules:

• Sip for Every Movement: Take a drink every time a doll like Annabelle moves on its own or a ghost makes an appearance.
• Interacting with the Haunted: If a character actually touches the creepy object (because they always think that’s a smart move), it’s time for a group shot.
• Ghostly Conversations: Take two drinks whenever a character talks to a ghost, thinking it’s a real person or child.
• “It’s Probably Nothing” Rule: If someone downplays the supernatural by saying, “It’s probably nothing,” everyone drinks. Double up if the scene immediately escalates into chaos.

Horror Movie Clichés Drinking Rules

Horror movies are filled with predictable but fun-to-watch clichés. These tropes make for some of the best drinking game moments:

• The “Is Anyone There?” Rule: Drink every time a character calls out something painfully obvious like, “Is anyone there?” when they know full well no one should be.
• Bad Decision, Big Sip: If a character makes a classically terrible decision—like running upstairs, splitting from the group, or entering a creepy basement—take a big sip. If the entire group groans at the character’s stupidity, take an extra drink.
• Unnecessary Survival Toast: If a character somehow survives a situation they absolutely should not have (like dodging the killer by pure luck), everyone must raise their glasses and toast to their improbable survival with a long drink.
• The Phone Doesn’t Work Rule: Whenever the movie’s phone line is conveniently cut or a character’s cell phone loses signal, take a drink. If someone actually says, “My phone’s dead,” finish your drink.

The “Don’t Look Behind You!” Rule

In almost every horror film, there’s that moment when a character should definitely look behind them—but doesn’t. Here’s how to play:

• Drink Whenever a Character Fails to Look: If a character hears a noise or senses something behind them but decides to ignore it, take a drink.
• Look and Jump, Double Up: If they actually do look behind them and a jump scare immediately follows, take two drinks for the thrill.
• False Alarm Sip: If they look behind them and it’s just a false alarm (like a harmless friend or a cat), everyone drinks in relief.

Slashers: Classic Horror, Classic Rules

Slashers are a horror fan’s dream for drinking games, here’s how to keep the drinks flowing during your next slasher flick:

• Take a Drink for Every Killer Stalking Scene: Whenever the killer shows up behind a clueless victim, take a sip. If the victim doesn’t notice the killer, double the drink.
• Trip and Fall Rule: Every time someone (predictably) trips while trying to run away, take a drink. If it’s followed by slow-motion running, add a bonus shot!
• Killer’s Comeback Gulp: If the killer seemingly comes back to life after being defeated (because they always do), take a long gulp. Double up if it happens more than once in the same movie!
• Final Girl Toast: When the “final girl” finally defeats the killer, raise your glass and toast to her victory with a celebratory drink.

Supernatural Horror: Drinks for the Eerie and Unexplained

If you’re in the mood for something that will keep you on edge, supernatural horror is the way to go:

• Possession Sip: Anytime a character gets possessed or controlled by a supernatural force, take a drink. If they speak in a creepy, distorted voice, make it two!
• Creepy Symbol Rule: Drink whenever a mysterious symbol, rune, or occult marking appears on screen. If the characters can’t figure out its meaning, take an extra sip for their confusion.
• Whispers in the Dark: When you hear creepy, unexplained whispers in the background, take a long sip. If a character actually responds to the voices, it’s time for a group shot.
• Haunting Escalation: As the supernatural events in the movie escalate (think moving objects or poltergeist activity), sip along with the chaos. The more intense the haunting, the longer the drink!

Horror-Comedies: A Killer Laugh with a Side of Drinks

For those who like a mix of scares and laughs, horror-comedies are a perfect choice for an all-around fun drinking experience. Movies like Hocus Pocus blend lighthearted moments with spooky elements, making it ideal for a drinking game where you can sip along to the witches’ antics.

• Punchline Sip: Whenever someone cracks a joke right after a kill, take a drink. Bonus: if the joke is so cheesy that everyone groans, double up!
• Comedic Kill Rule: If a death scene is exaggerated to the point of absurdity (think over-the-top blood splatter or a ridiculous weapon), everyone takes two drinks and laughs through the gore.
• Breaking the Fourth Wall: Anytime a character breaks the fourth wall by talking directly to the audience or acknowledging a horror trope, take a shot. If it happens multiple times in the same scene, sip each time for maximum fun!
• Horror Trope Twists: When the movie flips a classic horror trope on its head (like making the killer clumsy or turning the hero into a bumbling fool), raise your glass and take a long drink to the unexpected humor.

More Fun Ideas for the Ultimate Horror Night

There’s nothing quite like the mix of fear and fun that a scary movie drinking game brings to the table. Whether you’re tackling Netflix’s creepiest offerings or reliving the hilarity of the Scary Movie franchise, the rules are simple: drink, scream, and laugh. Want to amp up the fun? Try adding spooky online games to make your movie night even more thrilling.

Paranoia Drinking Game: Face the Fear Questions

For an extra layer of excitement, add the paranoia card game to the mix. In this game, players ask each other spooky, sometimes silly, questions. Drink if the person who received the question refuses to answer or if the room erupts into laughter after a reveal. This game adds tension and laughter, perfect for keeping the fun going between movie scenes.

Ghostly Grapple – Ghost Hunting Game 

Boost your horror night with an online ghost hunting game, a fast-paced online ghost-hunting game. Click on floating ghosts to score points, avoid red evil spirits, and level up by catching ghosts before the timer runs out. Watch out for the hidden black ghost shadow, or you’ll lose lives! Play while enjoying your favorite drinks for the perfect spooky challenge!