Call of Duty has been a juggernaut in the first-person shooter genre since its debut in 2003. Developed by a rotating trio of studios—Infinity Ward, Treyarch, and Sledgehammer—the franchise has churned out annual releases with mixed results. While recent entries have sometimes felt rushed or repetitive, there was a golden era when Call of Duty delivered not only thrilling multiplayer but also compelling narratives. With more than 20 installments to choose from, we've ranked the 10 best Call of Duty games that truly stand out.
10. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019)
The 2019 reboot of Modern Warfare was a bold overhaul that initially paid off. Its campaign took a grounded, realistic approach, depicting a conflict in a fictional Middle Eastern country with intense missions like the acclaimed "Clean House" raid. The multiplayer was revamped alongside the launch of Warzone, a free-to-play battle royale that became a cultural phenomenon. Spec Ops also returned, offering challenging co-op missions. While the game's momentum faded over time, it remains a high point for the series.
9. Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (2016)
Despite a disastrous announcement trailer, Infinite Warfare is a hidden gem. Its campaign—set in an interplanetary war between Earth and Mars—is surprisingly emotional and features seamless transitions between space dogfights and ground combat. Players can customize both weapons and starfighters, and the game includes side missions and hardcore permadeath modes. The zombies and multiplayer are standard fare, but the story alone makes this worth revisiting.
8. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2011)
Initially criticized for feeling incomplete, Modern Warfare 3 has aged well. Its World War III campaign is dramatic and satisfying, wrapping up the original trilogy with emotional beats. Spec Ops improved with a new Survival mode, and the multiplayer, while familiar, remains fun. In hindsight, it's a nostalgic treat that holds up better than many later entries.
7. Call of Duty: Black Ops II (2012)
Black Ops II pushed the series into a futuristic setting (2025) with a narrative that jumps between the 1980s and the future, following Alex Mason and his son David. It introduced branching storylines and multiple endings, along with strategy-based "Strike Force" missions. The zombies maps are legendary, and the multiplayer still has a dedicated player base. It's an experimental and memorable entry.
6. Call of Duty (2003)
The original Call of Duty is a classic that feels different from its successors. With no regenerating health and a higher difficulty, it offers a challenging but rewarding experience. Its World War II setting and hokey charm are impossible to dislike, and it laid the foundation for everything that followed.
5. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)
The game that revolutionized the franchise, Modern Warfare brought the series into a contemporary setting with iconic missions like "All Ghillied Up." Its multiplayer set the standard for online shooters, introducing killstreaks and create-a-class. The campaign is a masterclass in storytelling, and the game remains a benchmark for the genre.
4. Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010)
Treyarch's Black Ops delivered a Cold War-era conspiracy thriller with a mind-bending narrative. The zombies mode became a phenomenon, and the multiplayer was tight and addictive. The campaign's twists and memorable characters make it one of the most beloved entries.
3. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009)
Modern Warfare 2 is a cultural touchstone, known for its controversial "No Russian" mission and a multiplayer that defined a generation. The campaign is action-packed and emotional, while Spec Ops offered co-op challenges. It's a game that still feels fresh and influential.
2. Call of Duty: World at War (2008)
Returning to World War II, World at War is gritty and brutal, with a campaign that doesn't shy away from the horrors of war. It introduced the iconic Nazi Zombies mode, which became a staple of the series. The multiplayer is solid, but the atmosphere and storytelling set it apart.
1. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (2020)
The best Call of Duty game combines a gripping Cold War narrative with modern gameplay. Its campaign offers player choice and multiple endings, while the zombies mode is a return to form. The multiplayer is polished and balanced, making it the definitive entry in the series. For more on gaming masterpieces, check out our list of 50 Years of Gaming: The Greatest Video Game Masterpieces Ranked.
