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Action thriller

Game Night (2018): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Game Night (2018) movie poster

Game Night is a 2018 action thriller directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan M. Goldstein, starring Jason Bateman as Max, Rachel McAdams and Kyle Chandler. It runs 1 hour 40 minutes and earned $117.8 million worldwide on a $37 million budget. It earned 4 award nominations, including Best Actor in a Comedy at the Critics' Choice 2019. Critics gave it 66 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.9/10.

IMDb rating
6.9/10
worldwide gross
$117.8M
award nominations
4
Echo Score
78
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Game Night (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 40m (100 min)
Genres
Action , Mystery , Thriller , Horror
Original language
English
Budget
$37M
After the credits
Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
The story

What Is Game Night About?

The premise of Game Night without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

A group's regular game night takes an unexpected turn when a friend disappears, and the evening spirals into a real-life mystery. What starts as a playful competition quickly becomes a dangerous game involving mistaken identities, hidden agendas, and escalating stakes. As they investigate, the friends find themselves caught in a web of deception, unsure who they can trust and fighting to survive a night filled with unpredictable twists and turns.

Game Night Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • board game
  • kidnapping
  • husband wife relationship
  • dog
  • smuggler
  • game night
  • brother brother relationship
  • plot twist
  • violence
  • trying to conceive
  • reference to edward norton
  • reference to the incredible hulk
+38 more
  • doctor
  • infertility
  • airplane
  • death
  • being dragged
  • gps
  • faberge egg
  • car key
  • bar
  • police
  • witness protection program
  • escape
  • list of names
  • shot by mistake
  • corvette stingray
  • wall safe
  • pistol
  • airport
  • reference to morgan freeman
  • reference to denzel washington
  • house arrest
  • gas station
  • alias
  • cell phone
  • reference to tony stark
  • jet plane
  • stop plane from taking off
  • post credits scene
  • trivia night
  • reference to uma thurman
  • reference to calamity jane
  • shady brother
  • idiot friend
  • incredible coincidence
  • group of friends
  • 2010s
  • single woman
  • dark comedy
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Cast & crew

Game Night Cast & Characters

Jason Bateman leads the cast as Max, with Rachel McAdams as Annie and Kyle Chandler as Brooks. Directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan M. Goldstein; 16 actors are credited in all.

From the directors

More from John Francis Daley and Jonathan M. Goldstein

More films directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan M. Goldstein, best-rated first: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, Mayday, Vacation and Audio Tour.

Ratings

Game Night Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Game Night 66 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 78/100, strongest in art & craft (82) and weakest in rewatch factor (70).

78 /100

Game Night Echo Score Breakdown

Game Night succeeds as a spirited comedy with consistent humor and sharp pacing. Reviewers note that its intelligent script delivers relentless laughs through well-timed dialogue and strong chemistry among the ensemble. While some critics observe occasional implausible plot twists and limited character development, the film’s kinetic energy and inventive premise largely overcome these shortcomings. This blend of dynamic performances and brisk storytelling results in a polished entertainment experience that resonates through its final gag.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 82

    Game Night delivers a lively visual presentation and rapid pacing that underscore its comedic intent. Reviews highlight clever camera work in action set-pieces and an efficient editing rhythm that maintains momentum. The production design supports absurd scenarios with vibrant set pieces while the direction keeps sequences coherent despite heightened silliness. This balance of stylized visuals and measured cutting results in a polished craft quality that underpins the film’s comedic energy.

  • Character & Emotion 70

    In terms of character development, the film relies on strong chemistry between leads but offers limited emotional depth. Critics praised the back-and-forth banter and ensemble interplay, noting that McAdams and Bateman sustain engagement through witty exchanges. However, some observers found the characters’ personal motivations underexplored, leading to fleeting relatability. Overall, the dynamic performances elevate the material even as deeper characterization remains comparatively restrained.

  • Story & Flow 75

    When it comes to plot and pacing, Game Night presents a brisk but occasionally implausible narrative. Reviews describe rapid twists and playful genre shifts that sustain interest, yet several noted lapses in coherence and overextended jokes. The story’s blend of mystery, comedy, and action provides engaging turnarounds, though some humor sequences linger beyond their payoff. Consequently, the film achieves steady entertainment despite sporadic structural unevenness.

  • Sensory Experience 78

    In terms of sensory experience, sound and visual style work in harmony to heighten comedic impact. Observers highlight a dynamic soundtrack and precise sound effects that punctuate physical gags, while vibrant cinematography enhances absurd setups. The film’s color palette and lighting reinforce its playful tone without overwhelming the narrative. As a result, the sensory elements consistently support the humor and maintain audience immersion.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    Regarding rewatch value, Game Night offers sufficient humor and intricate twists for repeat viewings. Supportive remarks point to subtle jokes and clever script details that often reveal new laughs on subsequent watches. Yet some argue that the central mystery’s novelty diminishes once the outcomes are known, potentially reducing long-term appeal. Ultimately, the film delivers enjoyable moments for repeat fans, though its full impact may taper over time.

Plot

Game Night Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Game Night from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Max, a competitive gamer portrayed by Jason Bateman, and his partner Annie, played by Rachel McAdams, quickly bond over a trivia competition at a bar, leading to a whirlwind romance and eventual marriage. Their journey to parenthood proves difficult as they grapple with various challenges, including Max’s constant comparison to his more successful brother, Brooks (Kyle Chandler). This rivalry is particularly ignited during their regular game nights with friends, including Ryan (Billy Magnussen), Kevin (Lamorne Morris), and his wife Michelle (Kylie Bunbury).

Full summary

The whole story of Game Night, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Game Night Box Office & Budget

Game Night grossed $117.8 million worldwide on a $37 million budget, 3.2 times what it cost. $69.3 million came from the US and Canada and $48.5 million (41%) from the rest of the world.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$117.8M

3.2× its budget

US & Canada
$69.3M
International
$48.5M
Budget
$37M
US & Canada 59% Rest of the world 41%
Awards

Game Night Awards & Nominations

Game Night earned 4 award nominations, including Best Actor in a Comedy at the Critics' Choice 2019. The 4 nominations come from 2 ceremonies, the most at the Critics' Choice 2019.

4 nominations2 ceremonies

Videos

Game Night Trailers & Videos

10 videos: 2 trailers, 1 teaser and 7 clips.

All 10 videos
Official Teaser
  • Trailer Official Trailer
  • Teaser
  • Clip Clip – Do We Follow Him?
  • Clip Clip – Ed Norton
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Game Night?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What type of competition do Max and Annie first meet at?

Cars

Cars in Game Night

20 cars on screen, including the 1977 Chevrolet Corvette C3 and the 1996 Chevrolet Express.

All 20 cars
  • 1977 Chevrolet Corvette C3 in Game Night 1977 Chevrolet Corvette C3 Important role
  • 1996 Chevrolet Express in Game Night 1996 Chevrolet Express Important role
  • 2017 Chrysler Pacifica in Game Night 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Important role
  • 2016 Nissan Maxima in Game Night 2016 Nissan Maxima Important role
Details

Game Night Also Known As

31 alternative titles, including “คืนป่วน เกมส์อลเวง” and “今晚玩救你”.

Also known as
  • คืนป่วน เกมส์อลเวง
  • 今晚玩救你
  • 游戏之夜
  • Noche de juegos
  • 游戏夜杀必死
  • Oyun Gecəsi
  • Ночные игры
  • Нічні ігри
  • Éjszakai játék
  • Нощни игри
  • Ноћне игре
  • A Noite do Jogo
+19 more
  • Oyun Gecesi
  • Wieczór gier
  • 게임 나이트
  • 遊戲夜殺必死
  • Noć igre
  • Soirée de jeux
  • לילה בטירוף
  • Noite de Jogo
  • Game Night - Indovina chi muore stasera?
  • Noční hra
  • Spēļu nakts
  • Đêm Chơi Nhớ Đời, დამპლური თამაშები
  • Jocul de-a detectivii
  • Žaidimų vakaras
  • Nočná hra
  • ゲーム・ナイト
  • Družabni večer
  • Nit de jocs
  • Mängude õhtu

Seen Game Night?

FAQ

Game Night FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Game Night, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Game Night?

Game Night runs 1 hour 40 minutes (100 minutes).

When was Game Night released?

Game Night was released on February 23, 2018.

Who directed Game Night?

Game Night was directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan M. Goldstein.

More films by John Francis Daley

Who is in the cast of Game Night?

Game Night stars Jason Bateman as Max, Rachel McAdams as Annie and Kyle Chandler as Brooks, among 16 credited actors.

How much did Game Night make at the box office?

Game Night grossed $117.8 million worldwide ($69.3 million domestic, $48.5 million international) on a budget of $37 million.

How is Game Night rated?

Game Night has 6.9/10 on IMDb, 66 on Metacritic, 68% on TMDB and 3.5/5 on Letterboxd.

Was Game Night nominated for any awards?

Game Night received 4 nominations across 2 ceremonies.

Does Game Night have a post-credit scene?

Yes. Game Night has an extra scene during or after the credits, so it is worth staying seated.

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