Simultaneously the best-loved and most-hated board game of all time, no tabletop activity elicits more euphoric joy and destructive despair than Monopoly.
According to a poll of 2,000 people conducted by Holiday Cottages, Monopoly has been voted the nation’s favourite ever game. The property-themed boardgame took home 51 per cent of the vote, while Scrabble had 36 per cent, Snakes and Ladders had 27 per cent, Connect 4 had 26 per cent and finally, Cluedo had 24 per cent.
Since its invention in 1935, "Rich Uncle" Pennybags has been the face of numerous iterations of the famous family game. From boards which are themed around iconic TV shows and movies, to a life-sized game on Tottenham Court Road, Hasbro Games has certainly made the most of the iconic empire-building game geared towards budding moguls.
Recently, however, Monopoly has garnered the attention of Hollywood’s childhood game-hopping movie producer, Margot Robbie. First came Barbie, followed by The Sims, then Minecraft and now, Robbie’s production company Lucky Chap is set to produce a Monopoly movie.
What exactly this film is set to entail, we couldn’t possibly guess. A high-stakes heist? The capture of Mr Monopoly? The story of the game’s invention by an out-of-work salesman during the Great Depression? Either way, we’re getting into the Monopoly spirit just thinking about it.
Stacks of board games were part of the furniture in many of our childhood homes. Yet as adults, we seem to neglect the purchase of such an essential form of entertainment. If, like us, you’ve developed an itch to play the relationship-testing game with friends and family but haven’t a board in sight, we’ve got you covered. Keep scrolling for the best Monopoly games on the market.
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Monopoly Deal Card Game
Carting a board around when you’re on the road isn’t always possible, but Hasbro has found a way to turn the popular property-buying game into a travel-friendly version. Monopoly Deal sees up to five players make property sets out of London’s best-known landmarks, making deals, trades and treacherous swipes along the way. As a total novice, it took me a round to get the hang of it, and then I was addicted.
Buy now £9.20, Amazon
Monopoly: Barbie Edition Board Game
Come on Barbie, let’s go party. Perfectly pretty in pink, this Mattel-theme board game features Barbie-themed game pieces including a bust of the woman herself, a puppy, a speedboat, Barbie’s sportscar, a high heel and, of course, a roller skate. Instead of hotels, you’ll collect Dream Houses and instead of properties, you’ll develop a unique career path for your very own Barbie.
Buy now £24.96, Amazon
Monopoly Longest Game Ever
For those who simply can’t get enough of the game, try this extra-large board complete with adorable hare and tortoise figurines. Filled to the brim with a whopping 66 properties, not even bankruptcy will end a round of extra-long Monopoly.
Buy now £26.99, Amazon
Winning Moves Mega Monopoly
The classic game, 12 properties bigger. In Mega Monopoly, you’ll be able to invest in hotels, skyscrapers and depots to trade your way to winning.
Buy now £23.99, Amazon
Monopoly Lifesized Immersive Experience for Two
The family game we all know and love (or hate if you’re a sore loser), has had a mega revamp and is now lifesized! Playable in groups of up to six, you’ll take on the monopoly board across 80 minutes where there’ll be challenges, forfeits and tons of laughter.
There are a variety of boards - luxury, classic and city - to play across and as your fate is determined by the dice, no two games are the same. Upon entering you’ll come face-to-face with Mr Monopoly himself who will guide you through the game. Behind every property door on the gigantic board, there are mini escape room puzzles that really put teamwork to the test.
If you’re after even more monopoly-themed treats, there’s a Top Hat bar and restaurant attached that serve food including Com-moo-nity Chest burgers and Cheesy Super Tax potato croquettes.
Buy now £103.00, Virgin Experience Days
Monopoly Crooked Cash
Another twist on the classic Monopoly game. This time round, a crooked someone has planted fake cash and fake Chance cards into the mix.
Using the decoder, players are able to find the fakes and make their fortune. Challenge each other with the accusation coins (you only have a few coins to play so use them wisely!). The player with the most money at the end - whether real or fake - wins.
Buy now £25.00, Argos
Monopoly for Sore Losers
Age: 8+
Players: 4
Many a family feud has begun over an innocent game of Monopoly. Hasbro has revised the game especially for those who don’t take losing well. The twist is that you win by doing all the things that would traditionally see you lose - going to Jail, paying rent on a property, or the ultimate clanger, declaring yourself bankrupt! Designed to turn the much-loved game on its head and tickle your funny bone in the process.
Buy now £16.99, Amazon
Hasbro Gaming Monopoly Game: Cheaters Edition Board Game
The Sneaky Pete among us will rejoice for the chance to ‘legally’ cheat in this Cheater’s Edition board game. Attempt to get away with as many cheats as possible to come out on top. Those who are caught will be handcuffed in jail thanks to some mock plastic cuffs.
Buy now £25.50, Amazon
Hasbro Gaming Monopoly Game: Ultimate Banking Edition
In perhaps the most realistic edition of Monopoly thus far, the Ultimate Banking Edition makes use of electronic bank cards. House prices will rise and fall while players enjoy instant cashless transactions.
Buy now £29.99, Amazon
Christmas Monopoly
Players: 2-6
The all-time favourite game of Monopoly has had a festive glow-up in this Christmas edition – hop around the board with the choice of six special tokens including Rudolph and Santa.
Instead of London landmarks like Bond Street and Mayfair, there are reindeer, festive treats and Christmas shopping, while hotels and houses have been swapped for grottos and workshops. But be careful – jail, taxes and bankruptcy still very much exist in this competitive trading game.
Buy now £26.77, Amazon
Monopoly Board Game - Mulberry Edition
A very special version of Monopoly by luxury brand Mulberry. The game has been given a makeover in line with the British accessory label with a limited-edition bespoke board that celebrates the iconic British brand’s London origins. It even has a Bayswater bag token!
Buy now £250.00, eBay
