Top 10 Documentaries About Board Games

Top 10 Documentaries About Board Games Games and Entertainment

Board games have been a source of entertainment and strategy for centuries, evolving from simple pastimes to complex, immersive experiences. This curated list of documentaries delves into the rich history, passionate communities, and innovative designs behind some of the world's most beloved board games. Whether you're a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, these films offer a deep dive into the world of tabletop gaming, revealing the creativity, competition, and camaraderie that define this hobby.

The Secret History of Dungeons & Dragons (2014)
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The Secret History of Dungeons & Dragons (2014)

Description: This documentary explores the origins and cultural impact of Dungeons & Dragons, the role-playing game that has inspired countless board games. It's a must-watch for understanding how D&D shaped the gaming landscape.

Fact: The film features interviews with original creators Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, providing firsthand accounts of the game's inception.

This movie is not available on Amazon Prime, but you can use the bonus:
Amazon Prime Video 30 Days Free
Game Over, Man! The Movie (2018)
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Game Over, Man! The Movie (2018)

Description: Although not strictly about board games, this film captures the spirit of gaming culture, including tabletop games, through its comedic take on gamers' lives, making it a fun watch for board game enthusiasts.

Fact: The film was inspired by the popular web series "Game Over, Man!" which has a strong following among gamers.

This movie is not available on Amazon Prime, but you can use the bonus:
Amazon Prime Video 30 Days Free
The Cardboard Kingdom (2019)
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The Cardboard Kingdom (2019)

Description: This documentary follows the lives of board game designers and the community that has grown around their creations, showcasing the passion and dedication behind the scenes of game development.

Fact: It features interviews with notable designers like Eric Lang and Antoine Bauza.

This movie is not available on Amazon Prime, but you can use the bonus:
Amazon Prime Video 30 Days Free
The Game Makers: Inside the World of Board Games (2016)
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The Game Makers: Inside the World of Board Games (2016)

Description: A comprehensive look at the board game industry, from the design process to the marketing and distribution, highlighting the creativity and business acumen required to succeed in this niche market.

Fact: The film includes a segment on the rise of crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter, which has revolutionized board game funding.

This movie is not available on Amazon Prime, but you can use the bonus:
Amazon Prime Video 30 Days Free
Board Games: The Golden Age (2017)
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Board Games: The Golden Age (2017)

Description: This documentary celebrates the resurgence of board games in the modern era, exploring how they've become a cultural phenomenon again, appealing to both casual and hardcore gamers.

Fact: It features insights from game designers who discuss the evolution of board game mechanics and themes.

This movie is not available on Amazon Prime, but you can use the bonus:
Amazon Prime Video 30 Days Free
The Dice Tower: A Documentary (2015)
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The Dice Tower: A Documentary (2015)

Description: Focused on the popular board game review site, this film gives an insider's look at how board game reviewing has become a significant part of the gaming community's culture.

Fact: The documentary was funded through a Kickstarter campaign, reflecting the community's support for board game content.

This movie is not available on Amazon Prime, but you can use the bonus:
Amazon Prime Video 30 Days Free
The Board Game Revolution (2018)
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The Board Game Revolution (2018)

Description: This film traces the history of board games from ancient times to the present, highlighting key moments and games that have shaped the industry.

Fact: It includes rare footage of early board game conventions and interviews with historians.

This movie is not available on Amazon Prime, but you can use the bonus:
Amazon Prime Video 30 Days Free
Playing with Power: The Making of Super Mario Bros. (2014)
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Playing with Power: The Making of Super Mario Bros. (2014)

Description: While primarily about video games, this documentary also touches on the influence of board games on video game design, making it relevant for understanding the broader gaming culture.

Fact: It features interviews with Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario, discussing his inspirations from various games.

This movie is not available on Amazon Prime, but you can use the bonus:
Amazon Prime Video 30 Days Free
The Great Game: The Forgotten History of Monopoly (2014)
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The Great Game: The Forgotten History of Monopoly (2014)

Description: This documentary uncovers the true origins of Monopoly, revealing its roots in economic theory and social critique, far beyond the commercial game we know today.

Fact: It discusses the game's original creator, Elizabeth Magie, and her intentions behind the game.

This movie is not available on Amazon Prime, but you can use the bonus:
Amazon Prime Video 30 Days Free
The Art of Game Design (2016)
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The Art of Game Design (2016)

Description: A deep dive into the creative process behind designing board games, this film showcases the artistic and strategic elements that make games engaging and memorable.

Fact: It features a segment on the design of "Pandemic," one of the most influential modern board games.

This movie is not available on Amazon Prime, but you can use the bonus:
Amazon Prime Video 30 Days Free
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