How to Play This Icebreaker Game
- 1Split the group into two or more small teams (2-5 people each).
- 2One team selects a representative to read a quote from the card (or play a short audio clip).
- 3Opposing teams race to guess the source (Movie, Book, or Song).
- 4award 1 point for the correct source; bonus 1 point for specific character/author/year.
- 5Rotate turns until all prompts are used or time runs out. Highest score wins.
Materials Needed
- Quote Cards (with answers)
- Scoreboard or paper/pen
- Timer (optional, for speed rounds)
- Buzzer or 'raise hand' prop (optional)
Variations
Speed Round: Only 3 seconds to guess after reading.
Reverse: Give the movie title, teams must shout a quote from it.
Themed: Only '90s songs' or 'Sci-Fi Movies'.
Facilitator Guide
Opening Script:
Welcome to the Quotes Game! We all carry libraries of movie lines and lyrics in our heads. Today, we find out who the true pop-culture encyclopedia is. The rules are simple: hear the quote, guess the source. Bonus points if you know who said it! Ready?
Closing Script:
That was intense! It seems we have some serious movie buffs and bookworms here. Hopefully, these quotes sparked some good memories—or at least gave us a laugh!
Why This Works
Why this icebreaker game works: Trivia and shared cultural references instantly break the ice. It’s competitive but low-stakes, allowing team members to bond over shared knowledge.
Important Notes
- Select quotes that match the general age/culture of the group to avoid silence.
- Ensure everyone gets a chance to guess (rotate speakers).
- Have a few 'tie-breaker' hard quotes ready just in case.
Ideas & Prompts
Movies
I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse. (The Godfather)
May the Force be with you. (Star Wars)
Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get. (Forrest Gump)
Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn. (Gone with the Wind)
Here's looking at you, kid. (Casablanca)
To infinity and beyond! (Toy Story)
I'll be back. (The Terminator)
Books
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. (A Tale of Two Cities - Dickens)
To be, or not to be, that is the question. (Hamlet - Shakespeare)
All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. (Anna Karenina - Tolstoy)
Big Brother is watching you. (1984 - Orwell)
Call me Ishmael. (Moby Dick - Melville)
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. (Pride and Prejudice - Austen)
Songs
Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? (Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen)
Hello, it's me. (Hello - Adele)
I will always love you. (Whitney Houston / Dolly Parton)
Just a small town girl, livin' in a lonely world. (Don't Stop Believin' - Journey)
Imagine all the people, living life in peace. (Imagine - John Lennon)
Oops!... I did it again. (Britney Spears)
Game FAQ
What if no one guesses correctly?
Give hints! Actor names, release decades, or plot summaries usually help. If they still don't get it, reveal the answer and move on quickly to keep the energy up.
What if no one guesses correctly?
Give hints! Actor names, release decades, or plot summaries usually help. If they still don't get it, reveal the answer and move on quickly to keep the energy up.
Can we play with remote teams?
Absolutely. Use the chat box for guessing to avoid audio chaos, or have teams use 'breakout rooms' to deliberate before answering.
Can we play with remote teams?
Absolutely. Use the chat box for guessing to avoid audio chaos, or have teams use 'breakout rooms' to deliberate before answering.
