When it comes to video game icons, no character looms larger than Mario. For over three decades, Nintendo's mustachioed plumber has defined the platforming genre, delivering countless hours of joy and innovation. From the pixel-perfect 2D classics to the gravity-defying 3D adventures, Mario's library is a treasure trove of gaming excellence. But which titles truly stand above the rest? We've ranked the greatest Mario games of all time, celebrating the ones that shaped the franchise and the industry itself.
10. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury (2021)
Originally released on the underappreciated Wii U, Super Mario 3D World finally got its due on the Switch with the addition of Bowser's Fury. This package combines the best of both worlds: the classic, level-based 3D platforming of the original, and an ambitious open-world experiment that hints at the future of the series. Bowser's Fury is a short but sweet taste of what a fully open Mario game could be, and it's a must-play for any fan.
9. Super Mario Bros. Wonder (2023)
After years of the samey New Super Mario Bros. entries, Wonder burst onto the scene with a riot of color and creativity. It's a love letter to the series' past and a bold step forward, with each level offering a surprise—whether it's the hilarious Elephant Mario power-up or the game-changing Wonder Flowers. This is 2D Mario at its most inventive and joyful.
8. Super Mario Sunshine (2002)
Often considered the black sheep of 3D Mario, Sunshine has aged into a fan favorite. Set on the tropical Isle Delfino, Mario is framed for polluting the island and must use the water-spraying F.L.U.D.D. to clean up and collect Shine Sprites. The game's unique mechanics and sunny vibe make it a standout, even if some of its platforming challenges can be frustrating.
7. Super Mario Bros. (1985)
The game that started it all—and saved the industry. Super Mario Bros. is a timeless masterpiece that introduced the world to side-scrolling perfection. Its influence is immeasurable, and while later games have expanded on its formula, this original remains a landmark in gaming history.
6. Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010)
More of the same, but when the same is this good, who's complaining? Galaxy 2 delivers another cosmic adventure with even more inventive galaxies and power-ups. It's a direct sequel that doesn't reinvent the wheel but polishes it to a shine, offering some of the most memorable levels in the series.
5. Super Mario Odyssey (2017)
With its sandbox kingdoms and the transformative Cappy, Odyssey redefined what a 3D Mario could be. It's a globe-trotting adventure that celebrates the series' history while pushing forward with new mechanics. The game's sheer creativity and charm make it a modern classic.
4. Super Mario World (1990)
The SNES classic that perfected the 2D formula. Super Mario World introduced Yoshi, secret exits, and a sprawling map that rewarded exploration. It's a game that still feels fresh today, and its influence can be seen in countless platformers that followed.
3. Super Mario 64 (1996)
The game that brought Mario into 3D and changed everything. Super Mario 64 set the template for 3D platforming, with its open-ended levels and precise controls. It's a revolutionary title that remains a joy to play, and its impact on the industry is undeniable.
2. Super Mario Galaxy (2007)
Taking Mario to the stars, Galaxy is a masterpiece of level design and atmosphere. The gravity-defying gameplay is a stroke of genius, and the orchestral score is among the best in gaming. It's a game that feels both epic and intimate, and it's widely considered one of the greatest games ever made.
1. Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988)
The pinnacle of 2D Mario. Super Mario Bros. 3 took everything great about the original and expanded it into a near-perfect adventure. With its inventive power-ups, memorable levels, and a sense of wonder that still resonates, it's the definitive Mario experience. For many, this is the game that defines the franchise—and for good reason.
From the NES to the Switch, Mario has remained a constant source of innovation and joy. Whether you're a fan of the classic 2D entries or the modern 3D epics, there's a Mario game for everyone. And if you're looking for more gaming nostalgia, check out our list of forgotten gems that aged like fine wine. For a different kind of ranking, see our picks for the best thrillers of the last five years or the top animated movies since 2010.
