Video games have become one of the most dominant forms of entertainment, with blockbuster titles like Elden Ring and Red Dead Redemption 2 pushing the boundaries of immersive 3D worlds. But not everyone craves hyperrealistic graphics. For many, the charm of 2D side-scrolling games is unmatched—a style that prioritizes tight mechanics, creative level design, and pure, unadulterated fun.
These games aren't just nostalgic relics; they represent a unique gameplay philosophy that continues to thrive. To celebrate the genre, we've ranked the ten greatest side-scrolling games of all time, considering design, gameplay, visuals, narrative, originality, and lasting impact. Note that pure fighting games like Street Fighter are excluded, as they don't rely on continuous side-scrolling motion.
10. Streets of Rage 4 (2020)
Side-scrolling isn't just about platforming—it's also the home of the beat 'em up. Streets of Rage 4 proves that modern revivals can capture the magic of the 16-bit era while adding contemporary polish. Set in Wood Oak City, a new crime syndicate has taken control, and a mix of veteran and rookie fighters must reclaim the streets. With hand-drawn art, fluid combat, and a soundtrack that pays homage to the original, this is a masterclass in franchise revival.
9. Cuphead (2017)
If you think side-scrollers are easy, Cuphead will set you straight. This visually stunning game features hand-drawn animation that mimics 1930s cartoons, creating an aesthetic unlike anything else. Players control Cuphead and his brother Mugman as they battle the devil's debtors to save their souls. The game is brutally difficult, blending run-and-gun shooting with platforming challenges that demand precision and patience. It's a beautiful, punishing experience that has earned its place among the greats.
8. Katana ZERO (2019)
For those who want a modern side-scroller with a cinematic edge, Katana ZERO delivers. You play as Subject Zero, an amnesiac assassin who uses a time-manipulating drug called Chronos to slow down time and slice through enemies in a neon-lit metropolis. The gameplay is a blend of puzzle-solving and action, with each level feeling like a choreographed dance of death. The narrative is equally gripping, weaving a conspiracy that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
7. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (2014)
Nintendo has a long history of excellent side-scrollers, and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is one of their finest. When the Snowmads invade Donkey Kong Island, DK and his friends must traverse a series of beautifully designed levels to reclaim their home. The game is known for its tight platforming, clever level design, and a difficulty curve that rewards skilled play. Despite being originally released on the Wii U, it has since found a wider audience on the Switch, cementing its status as a modern classic.
6. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992)
When it comes to speed, no one does it better than Sonic. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 refined the formula of the original, introducing Tails as a sidekick and delivering some of the most exhilarating momentum-based platforming ever created. The game's fast-paced levels, catchy music, and iconic boss battles make it a standout in the franchise and a benchmark for the genre. It's no wonder this title remains a favorite among fans.
5. Hollow Knight (2017)
Metroidvanias are a subgenre of side-scrollers, and Hollow Knight is the modern pinnacle. Set in the sprawling, insect-filled kingdom of Hallownest, players control a silent knight armed with a needle, exploring a vast interconnected world filled with secrets, challenging bosses, and a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. The game's fluid movement, deep combat, and intricate lore have made it a critical darling and a fan favorite. It's a masterpiece that shows the genre's potential for depth and storytelling.
4. Super Mario World (1990)
No list of side-scrollers would be complete without the game that defined the genre. Super Mario World took everything great about Super Mario Bros. and expanded it into a sprawling adventure. With Yoshi, secret exits, and a world map that encouraged exploration, it set a new standard for platforming. Its level design is still studied today, and it remains a beloved classic that has influenced countless games since.
3. Celeste (2018)
While Celeste is often praised for its touching story about mental health, its gameplay is equally exceptional. This indie gem features tight, precise platforming that is challenging but fair, with a difficulty curve that feels rewarding rather than punishing. The game's pixel art, chiptune soundtrack, and emotional narrative combine to create an unforgettable experience. It's a modern masterpiece that proves side-scrollers can be both deeply personal and mechanically brilliant.
2. Rayman Legends (2013)
Ubisoft's Rayman Legends is a visual and auditory feast. With its hand-drawn art style, imaginative levels, and rhythmic gameplay, it's a joy to play from start to finish. The game features a variety of levels, including musical stages that sync with the soundtrack, and co-op play that adds to the fun. It's a celebration of everything that makes side-scrollers great, and it's often cited as one of the best platformers of its generation.
1. Super Metroid (1994)
At the top of our list is Super Metroid, the game that defined the Metroidvania genre. This SNES classic combines exploration, action, and atmosphere in a way that was revolutionary for its time. Players guide Samus Aran through the alien planet Zebes, uncovering secrets and gaining new abilities that open up previously inaccessible areas. The game's sense of isolation, its iconic boss fights, and its non-linear design have made it a timeless masterpiece. It's not just a great side-scroller; it's one of the greatest games ever made.
These ten titles represent the best of what side-scrolling games have to offer, from the golden age of 16-bit to the modern indie renaissance. Whether you're a fan of fast-paced action, thoughtful exploration, or pure platforming perfection, there's something here for everyone. For more rankings, check out our lists of the best sci-fi novels or historical epics.
