You know that feeling—you’re on your fifth episode of some show you kinda-sorta like, and suddenly, you find yourself less intrigued by the plot and more by the patterns on your ceiling.
Boredom during a binge session? Sounds like a paradox, right?
Thankfully, Netflix has a hidden solution: free games that are included with your subscription, games that can shake things up when you need a break from watching yet another cliffhanger.
The Best Netflix Games for When You’re Bored
Netflix mobile games are surprisingly fun and accessible. If you thought Netflix was just for watching, you’re in for a treat.
With an array of mobile games available, Netflix is now a playground for those moments when you’re not quite ready to commit to another episode, but also not ready to get off the couch.
Here are some of the best picks to play when boredom strikes:
Poinpy
Imagine Doodle Jump, but on a sugar rush. You’re endlessly hopping upwards, collecting fruits, and feeding an adorable yet ravenous monster below.
It’s cute, chaotic, and strangely addicting—ideal for shaking off that streaming fatigue. (Play on Apple or Android.)
Too Hot to Handle: Love Is a Game
If you’re into reality TV drama, this game takes the chaos of the show and makes it interactive.
Guide contestants, resist temptation, and maybe even find true (virtual) love, or at least have some laughs trying.
Oxenfree
For a narrative escape that still has some supernatural mystery, Oxenfree is the perfect blend of adventure and eerie vibes.
The dialogues are snappy, the storyline is rich, and it’s a great way to switch gears from watching to actually being part of a story. (Play on Apple or Android.)
Stranger Things: Puzzle Tales
Love Stranger Things? This match-3 RPG lets you form your own Hawkins dream team with characters like Eleven and Hopper.
Solve puzzles, fight baddies from the Upside Down, and take on Vecna. It’s perfect for when you need a little more Hawkins magic.(Play on Apple or Android.)
Twelve Minutes
Get ready to be thrown into a time loop thriller featuring voice acting from James McAvoy, Daisy Ridley, and Willem Dafoe.
Twelve Minutes is a tense, mind-bending narrative that keeps you guessing, ideal for those moments when you want more of a psychological thrill than another episode. (Play on Apple or Android.)
Moonlighter
Ever wondered what it’s like to be both a dungeon-crawling hero and a shopkeeper?
In Moonlighter, you dive into mysterious dungeons for treasure and then run your own shop during the day.
It’s a satisfying blend of action and management that will keep you engaged for hours. (Play on Apple or Android.)
Into the Breach
If you enjoy strategy games, Into the Breach is perfect for scratching that tactical itch.
Direct futuristic mechs in turn-based battles that challenge you to think ahead.
With short, intense sessions, it’s a great pick for in-between episodes. (Play on Apple or Android.)
Wonderputt Forever
Mini-golf, but make it whimsical. Wonderputt Forever takes you through inventive courses filled with flying golf balls, futuristic zoos, and even nuclear explosions.
It’s mini-golf like you’ve never seen before—quick, fun, and perfect for passing time. (Play on Apple or Android.)
Quick Fixes and Longer Adventures
Whether you’re playing on mobile or figuring out how to play Netflix games on TV, there’s an adventure waiting for you.
Not all boredom requires the same cure. Sometimes you need a quick hit of dopamine, and sometimes you want to sink into something deeper. Netflix’s games offer a bit of both:
Hades
Feeling restless and need to blow off steam? Hades is the dungeon-crawler that gives you an outlet for all that pent-up energy.
With short yet intense sessions, it’s easy to pick up and put down, making it perfect for that between-episodes lull.
The Queen’s Gambit Chess
Ready to feel smart? Dive into the chess challenges inspired by The Queen’s Gambit.
It’s strategic and surprisingly engaging, especially if you’ve just finished rewatching Beth Harmon dominate the board and you want a piece of the action.
Valiant Hearts: Coming Home
For history buffs, Valiant Hearts: Coming Home offers a touching narrative set during World War I.
Follow the Harlem Hellfighters through puzzles and action sequences while learning about their inspiring story. It’s a great mix of education and entertainment.
Multiplayer Fun: Games to Play with Friends
Why not rope a friend into your boredom-busting adventure? Netflix has a few multiplayer options that can make your evening a little more competitive:
Triviaverse
This trivia game is perfect for testing how much useless knowledge you and your friends can collectively recall.
Plus, nothing brings people closer than arguing over which answer was right or who hit the buzzer first.
Heads Up!
A classic party game, Heads Up! on Netflix comes with a bunch of categories based on popular Netflix shows.
Hold up your phone, let your friends shout clues, and try to guess the word.
It’s chaotic, loud, and the perfect way to spend an evening laughing together. (Play on Apple or Android.)
Why Netflix Games Are the Ultimate Boredom Cure
Unlike scrolling endlessly through the “Are You Still Watching?” screen, Netflix games offer a much-needed change of pace.
And yes, they’re included at no extra cost with your Netflix subscription—so no need to wonder, ‘Are Netflix games free?’
They’re simple to access—just open the Netflix app on your mobile device, pick a game, and you’re set.
No need for extra consoles or controllers. It’s gaming, Netflix-style: easy, immersive, and always just a tap away.
Wrap-Up: Get More Out of Netflix
If you’re also looking for fun games you can play directly in your browser, check out our article on Games to Play When Bored on Google.
It’s full of quick, entertaining options to pass the time without even leaving your web tab.
So, next time you’re staring at the screen wondering whether you’re truly invested in that mid-season twist, why not take a detour and try a game instead?
Netflix’s gaming collection is here to make sure boredom is never on the agenda, whether you’re waiting for your next show to buffer or just need a different kind of break.
Who knows—you might even find that your favourite thing on Netflix isn’t a show at all, but a game that turns those boring moments into something a little more exciting.
