Looking for the best murder mystery game for your next party? The perfect pick comes down to three things: how many people you’re hosting, the age range, and the theme that fits your vibe.
In this article we’re going to help you match group size, difficulty/energy level, and family-friendly vs. adults-only—using real examples from our extensive murder mystery game catalogue (think 1920s speakeasies, Broadway backstages, holiday capers, Halloween haunts, and more).
Quick Pick: Match a Game to Your Group Size
We make planning your murder mystery party easy and flexible.
All Broadway Murder Mysteries titles include 20 scripted characters and can add extra “detectives” (non-suspect players) to scale well past 20; plan about 1–2 hours total playtime. All our games are meant to be flexible and allow for last minute additions and cancellations.
Family-Friendly vs. Adult Murder Mystery Games: What to Choose
We have a range of themes available, all with age suggestions based on the content of the game materials. Some of our games are meant for kids and teens, while other are NSFW (not safe for work).
Best for families & mixed ages (10–13+):
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Operation Save Santa • North Pole whodunnit • 10+ (kid-forward characters like elves & reindeer).
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The Mystery of the Missing Golden Egg • magical Easter caper • 10+ (mermaids, unicorns, legends).
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Camp Moss-Keto: Mystery of the Missing Trophy • summer-camp romp • 10+.
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Murder at the Roller Rink • 80s teen night • 12+ (great for tweens/teens + adults).
Best for adults & 16+:
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Bullets on Broadway • backstage on opening night • 16+.
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80s Mall Murder Madness • big-hair and bigger drama • 16+.
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Masquerade & Murder • haunted manor masquerade • 16+.
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Drama at Drag Brunch • drag brunch and bachelorette parties • 16+.
Teen-friendly (13+):
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Roaring 20’s: Death By Bathtub Gin • speakeasy mystery • 13+.
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Horror on the Haunted House Tour • Halloween crowd-pleaser • 13+.
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Murder at the Renaissance Faire • knights, squires & jesters • 13+.
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Murder By Midnight • bubbly New Year’s intrigue • 13+.
- PromScream: A 90s Murder Mystery • set at a prom • 15+
Tip: Each product page lists an age rating plus light content warnings (e.g., alcohol references). Skim these if you’re inviting teens or a conservative crowd.
Pick a Murder Mystery Theme That Sets the Tone
One of the most important parts of any killer murder mystery party is the theme. You want to choose a theme that’s fun for your group to dress up and get into character. That’s why all of our games include costume suggestions and even links to purchase costume pieces directly on Amazon!
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Decade nights: 80s Mall Murder Madness, Roaring 20s: Death By Bathtub Gin, Murder at the Roller Rink, Disaster at the 50s Diner Dance Off. High-energy costumes; easy crowd buy-in.
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Glam & theatrical: Bullets on Broadway (showbiz), Masquerade & Murder (elegant & eerie), Terror in Tinseltown (old Hollywood glam of the 1920s). Great for adults who love drama and roleplay.
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Vintage/History: Roaring 20’s: Death By Bathtub Gin (speakeasy), Murder at the Renaissance Faire (ren faire fun). Works for teens and up.
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Seasonal & holiday:
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Fall/Halloween: Horror on the Haunted House Tour.
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Christmas: Holiday Horror: Murder at the Ugly Sweater Holiday Party
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New Year’s: Murder By Midnight.
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St. Patrick’s Day: Green with Envy.
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Easter/Spring: The Missing Golden Egg.
Difficulty & Play Style (What to Expect)
Broadway Murder Mysteries are built for theatrical, social deduction rather than brain-melting puzzles. Every game runs in three acts with revealable evidence and guided question rounds; the murderer is assigned at random each time, so the same murder mystery game is replayable. Hosts can play, and kits include character booklets, host guides (virtual + in-person), evidence files, and even Zoom backgrounds.
How long will it take? Plan 1–2 hours (a quick rule of thumb is ~10 minutes per player).
Virtual or In-Person? Both Work.
Every game is designed for both formats, with a random murderer assignment tool for virtual play and clear instructions for live hosting. That makes these titles perfect for office events, remote teams, and living-room soirees alike.
FAQ: Getting the “Best Fit” Right
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“We have 24 people—can we still play?” Yes. Cast 20 as characters and the rest as detectives who interrogate and vote.
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“Light prep, please?” Choose upbeat themes (80s, 50s diner) where costumes are easy—denim, leather jackets, neon, or poodle skirts—then follow the included host guide.
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“Can kids play?” Look for 10+ family titles like Operation Save Santa, Camp Moss-Keto, and Missing Golden Egg; check the age note on each product page.
Final Picks by Scenario
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Corporate team-building (mixed experience): Death & Taxes, Horror on the Haunted House Tour (13+) or Bullets on Broadway (16+). Easy to split into departments/teams.
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Birthday bash for teens: Murder at the Roller Rink (12+) or Renaissance Faire (13+).
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Holiday parties: Operation Save Santa (10+), Murder By Midnight (13+), or Green with Envy (16+). Holiday Horror: Murder at the Ugly Sweater Office Holiday Party.
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Costume-loving adults: 80s Mall Murder Madness, Masquerade & Murder (16+) or Roaring 20’s (13+).
Ready to choose?
Browse the full collection and pick the murder mystery game that matches your headcount, age range, and theme. Search all our murder mystery games here.
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Broadway Murder Mysteries, where YOU are the show! Broadway Murder Mysteries was created in March of 2020 when many Broadway performers, writers, and talent were out of work. The Broadway shut down had a huge impact on the theater community, and Broadway Murder Mysteries was created to give jobs to out of work talent, while creating something inherently theatrical that theater and mystery fans would love.
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