Top 10 Best Super Mario Bros. Characters

Mario Bros. is a Nintendo video game franchise featuring its iconic character, Mario. The series' first installment was Mario Bros., but its successor, Super Mario Bros., is credited with launching the franchise to global success.

Since then, the series has introduced a variety of beloved characters, each with unique abilities and personalities. This list will highlight some of the most iconic characters from the Super Mario Bros. universe.

The Top Ten

Yoshi

Yoshi, once romanized as Yossy, is a fictional anthropomorphic dinosaur featured in video games published by Nintendo. He often appears as a sidekick and helper to Mario, playing key roles in many of Nintendo's most popular titles. Yoshi is especially well known for his appearances in the Yoshi's Island... read more

Yoshi! I absolutely love Yoshi. He's genuinely one of the cutest characters from Mario. Plus, not to mention the fact that he's a great friend to Mario. He's literally been there since day one when Mario and Luigi were babies.

I LOVE Yoshi!!! He is, by far, the greatest character in all of the Super Mario Bros. franchise! Not only is he really cute, but he has been helping Mario and Luigi since they were babies. Why? Because Yoshi is a kind, caring, and overall brave person.
I love him and I really hope he is in the second Super Mario Bros. movie. I know he will be, but I'm just hoping that they don't ruin his character. I mean, I really liked the first movie, but they can either make the sequel good or bad, or pick the wrong actor to play Yoshi, you know? But I am hopeful.
I love ya, Yoshi!
Luigi

Luigi is a major character in video games and related media produced by Nintendo. He was originally introduced as a green-colored palette swap of Mario and is portrayed as Mario's younger, taller fraternal twin brother.
Created by legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, Luigi appears in many... read more

He is one of the best-developed characters in the series and one of the only characters to earn his own official video game. He is also a genuinely nice guy and a hero in his own right, ready to help others whenever he can. This is despite often being perceived as a coward or overshadowed by others.
Luigi is easily unnerved compared to other characters and is a bit of a daydreamer. However, it's the fact that he can surpass these aspects of himself that makes him one of the most admirable characters in the series. Clumsily lovable, he has a big heart and always tries to do the right thing.
He's actually really overpowered, though you wouldn't think it. He is more skilled in power and athletics than his older brother, jumping higher and manipulating fire and electricity. Plus, with Luigi, his goals are often accomplished without much effort on his part. He's just that awesome.
If you still aren't convinced, just check out his Mario Strikers theme. Come back here after that and say he doesn't deserve his place on this list. You must be a really devoted hater, or you just know nothing about Luigi. In any case, he'll always be number one in my heart!
Mario

Mario, originally named Jumpman, is the main character of the Super Mario Bros. franchise and was created by Nintendo of Japan's game designer Shigeru Miyamoto. Mario appears in nearly every game in the series, including many spin-off titles, with a few exceptions such as New Super Luigi U, the Luigi's... read more

Mario is always the best video game icon. He makes video games fun. I think girls like him. It's so cool when he uses power-ups. He's also a classic character.
I've been playing his games since I was six or seven. He's always really good at saving the princess, the Mushroom Kingdom, and stopping Bowser, both in the main Mario games and the spin-offs.
I would play any Mario game in the bedroom, and Super Mario 64, Mario Kart 64, and Mario Party in the living room, and sometimes downstairs. I kept playing Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario World.
Back in 1992, I played Super Mario Kart as a rental. I also played Dr. Mario, Paper Mario, Super Mario Land 1 and 2, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy.
I played other Mario spin-offs like Yoshi's Crafted World, Super Princess Peach, and Princess Peach: Showtime. All the Mario games I've played are the best.
Bowser

Bowser is the main antagonist of the Mario Bros. franchise. From kidnapping Princess Peach to disrupting games in the Mario Party spinoff series, this king of the Koopas has become a recurring enemy in the series. He first appeared in the 1985 video game Super Mario Bros., in which he kidnapped Princess... read more

Bowser is one of the most misunderstood characters in Mario history. He's a man who has to control the army of the Koopa Kingdom and possibly does not even want to capture the Princess because he never specifies a reason why he does it. Another point is how he has befriended Mario, Luigi, and the other characters. This is evident when he joins them for a ride in Mario Kart or Mario Party.
He also is one of the very few characters who actually has feelings. He cares for his son and wants him to have a mother, as seen in Mario Sunshine. This dragon has feelings, a son, and is one of the most compassionate people in the Mushroom Kingdom, even if he sometimes doesn't show it.
Toad

Toad, known in Japan as Kinopio, is a major character in the Mario Bros. franchise. He assists Princess Peach in the Mushroom Kingdom and first appeared in Super Mario Bros. (1985). Toad is a recurring character in many Mario games, including New Super Mario Bros., Super Mario 3D World, Captain Toad... read more

How is Toad this low? I seriously don't understand why he's somewhat hated by some people. I mean, come on. What's there to hate about him?
Is it because he tells you that the princess is in another castle while giving the finger? First, that's not Toad. His first appearance was in Super Mario Bros 2 according to the Mario wiki. Second, even if he was, it just makes the game harder and more fun. Without multiple worlds, the game can be boring or not as fun at least.
Because he has an annoying voice? Are you kidding me? Sure, his voice can be childish, but that's just what Toad's personality is.

I've always liked Toad. He's fun, he's loyal, and I love playing as him in Mario Kart and Mario Party. Sure, his voice can be a big pain at times, but it hasn't always sounded like that. Try playing Mario Kart: Super Circuit and the Nintendo 64 games.
It's such a shame that he doesn't have his own color scheme in MK8, unlike Yoshi, Shy Guy, and the Inklings.
Both Blue Toad and Yellow Toad have major roles in the console platformers, so they could fit perfectly as Toad's recolors, along with Green Toad and Purple Toad. I don't care what people say about him. He will always remain my favorite Mario character, regardless of what others think.
Rosalina

Rosalina, known as Rosetta in Japan, is a major character in the Mario franchise created by Nintendo. She first appeared in the 2007 game Super Mario Galaxy for the Nintendo Wii and later returned in its sequel, Super Mario Galaxy 2, in 2010. Since then, she has been featured in many main-series Mario... read more

Rosalina is one of the most amazing and majestic Mario characters in existence. She can be seen as a motherly figure, surrounded by cute little Lumas. Attractive, with a nice, calm, and mature voice, she wears a unique teal dress.
Rosalina also has a wand, which grants her magical powers. These powers allow her to perform abilities such as levitation, force fields, and even control a large, beautiful comet observatory as a spaceship.
She is one of those rare gem characters representing the modern era. She originated in a main game, Super Mario Galaxy, and actually has a backstory. In her beautiful story, due to her loving and caring nature, she assisted a strange creature, now known as a Luma, in an attempt to find its mama, even at the expense of her own family. Doesn't this say a lot about her character?
Even though Rosalina is still a relatively new character, she is beginning to appear in many more games. She even made an entire playable appearance in a small roster of five in one of the most critically acclaimed games of 2013, Super Mario 3D World. How awesome is that? Rosalina adds much variety to any roster, being a tall, strong, and powerful female figure. It is because of all of these reasons and more that I view Rosalina as a top-tier Mario character, and she definitely deserves the popularity she receives. Hopefully, you'll agree!
Wario

Wario is a character in Nintendo's Mario series who was originally designed as an antagonist to Mario. His motives are driven by greed, and he will often side with whoever offers him the greatest reward. Although typically portrayed as selfish and mischievous, Wario has become a central figure in his... read more

Wario is the best when you look at his Wario Land character. In WarioWare, things take a turn for the worse, and that's where we get disgusting Wario. I always hear kids saying, "Oh, but he is fat."
First off, Mario is overweight, but I don't see anyone annoying him except myself. Second, there's more to him. He's a horrible man. Heck, in Wario Land 3, he helps a clown trying to enslave the whole Earth (though he defeats him). I love how he is in the original Wario Land, where instead of saving the princess, he tries to extort money from her so he can buy a castle.
After Mario Party, he went down the drain, and now he is Mr. Unhygienic. I want another Wario Land, in the Wario Land II style, so we can see who the real Wario is.
If you read all that, then I am impressed, and I hope my words leave an impact on you.
Bowser Jr.

Bowser Jr., sometimes simply called Jr., is a video game character in Nintendo's Mario franchise. He is depicted as the son of Bowser, the primary antagonist of the series. Bowser Jr. first appeared in Super Mario Sunshine in 2002 and has since become a recurring character in both mainline and spin-off... read more

Bowser Jr., being the son of Bowser, truly shows how the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. In every game he appears in, he genuinely shows that, besides being the mischievous squirt he is, he also seems to deeply care about his father. One of the best examples is Bowser's Fury.

It's interesting how Bowser Jr. is one of the few Mario characters to receive ongoing character focus and development.
The most recent example is in Brothership. Here, he wasn't an enemy or a boss. Jr. had his own situation involving his evolving relationship with Buddy.
Waluigi

Waluigi is a tall, self-centered, and rough-around-the-edges character who is often portrayed as Luigi's rival. He frequently causes chaos in various Mario spinoff games, usually paired with Wario. While he acts antagonistically, Waluigi is not truly evil and often shows loyalty and affection, especially... read more

Nintendo misses out when they don't utilize Waluigi. Honestly, Waluigi has so much potential, and it's a pity no one even notices it. He could be a star and an actual complex character if they chose to explore who Waluigi is.
I know this will probably get thumbed down, but what is the appeal for Rosalina? Her backstory? Personality? To me, Rosalina seems bland compared to Waluigi. Waluigi simply radiates personality.
Of all the characters on this list, all the comments have either low upvotes or negative votes. Waluigi may not be some noble archetype, but that's what I think makes him so lovable. He is mean and revels in others' misery. Even when he is in the midst of cheating, he will accuse someone else of cheating. Waluigi's cornerstone personality trait is self-pity, and he would step on anyone's toes to win.
We can all personally relate to anti-hero/villain characters simply because they are the underdogs. We see the struggles they go through, and perhaps can even relate. Waluigi is that underdog. He is extremely underappreciated, and I think maybe all he wants is some recognition. All I'm saying is, give Waluigi a chance!
Donkey Kong

Donkey Kong is an arcade game released by Nintendo in 1981. It is an early example of the platform game genre, as the gameplay focuses on maneuvering the main character across a series of platforms while dodging and jumping over obstacles. The game marked the debut of both Donkey Kong and Mario (originally... read more

Donkey Kong is the coolest Mario character ever! Sure, Mario and Bowser are the main conflict throughout the series, but Donkey Kong can dab in Mario Kart 8. He is also one of the first characters introduced into the Mario franchise. In my opinion, Donkey Kong is the best character ever!

He's the leader of the bunch, you know him well. He's finally back to kick some tail. His coconut gun can fire in spurts. If he shoots ya, it's gonna hurt.
He's bigger, faster, and stronger too. He's the first member of the DK Crew.

The Newcomers

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Polterpup

He's a cute little puppy, and he's Luigi's pet. He's nice, friendly, and an amazing companion.
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Cappy

He's so cute & kind and smart! And the Odyssey should belong to him, by the way! No offense to Mario, but cappy was the one who knew about it, how to power it up, & was the one who operated it the majority of the time. Besides, why would Mario need it? If he needed to go somewhere, peach would more than likely let him borrow her plane, or they most likely travel to the same places anyways. So stop saying 'peach stole Mario's ship! ' She didn't steal. Cappy was with her, & might of been the one who operated it. Cappy wouldn't leave Mario behind ether just because peach was upset with him. The ship was probably started up to give Mario a fun challenge to cheer him up, because peach didn't like seeing Mario sad.

The Contenders

Princess Daisy

Princess Daisy is a fictional character in the Mario series of video games, where she is the princess of the fictional region of Sarasaland.
Daisy debuted in Super Mario Land in 1989. After a few other appearances, she disappeared for nine years until she was brought back in Mario Tennis (2000).... read more

I grew up playing Super Mario Land on GameBoy with my mom. At first, I thought it was weird that it's Daisy, the princess to be rescued, and not Peach. After that, we didn't hear from her for a while until I played Mario Tennis on the N64, and she was alright.
Then Mario Kart Double Dash appeared, and Daisy became my all-time favorite character. Rosalina was a close second. I like Daisy more because she looks like a very fun character, and I love her tomboyish personality. She seems like the kind of girl who is very energetic and loves to run around and be competitive. She's always my main in the Mario Kart games, as well as other games where she's featured. I hope Nintendo can bring her back in a game of her own.
Shy Guy

Shy Guys are recurring enemies in the Mario and Yoshi video game series. They are known for wearing masks, which they use to hide their faces due to their shyness. These characters have appeared in various games, often acting in different roles such as enemies, racers, and sports players.

He is so cute, and he is my second favorite Mario character ever. I picked him because my favorite is already at #1. Why would anyone hate him? He's also my sister's favorite Mario character. The only bad thing about him is his voice, but it's easy to get around once you play him enough in 7 and 8.

The person who said Shy Guy was a penguin... THANK YOU! Somebody else agrees with me. I think he's a penguin too, due to his shape and the way he waddles around. And in that mask is a beak! Oh, and he sounds British. It sounds like he says Tallyho. He's an adorable British penguin.
Toadette

Toadette is a character in the Mario series. She is a female Toad who first appeared in the Nintendo GameCube game Mario Kart: Double Dash!! in 2003. Since then, she has appeared in multiple Mario titles, often as a playable character.

Even with Toadette being there just to assist Toad, she has become more than that, gaining a pretty funny personality. And come on, you had to chuckle at the voice at least once. She will forever be my favorite.
She may not be the best pickaxing character, but her boo-shining character is pretty good when doubled with Toad. Stand-alone, she is still good. Toadette is #1.

I will be getting a Toadette plush since I love Toadette and feel bad for her because she was on the list of the YouTube video called My Top 20 Worst Mario Characters, uploaded by Boofan.
I don't know if I should like or dislike his video. I'm glad he hates Toad, yet upset he doesn't like Toadette.
Koopa Troopa

Koopa Troopas, or simply Koopas, known in Japan as Nokonoko, are a fictional race of turtle-like creatures from the Mario series and its sister Yoshi series. They most often appear as common ground enemies. Over time, Koopa Troopas have become one of the most recognizable and recurring enemy types in... read more

Let's face it. Koopa Troopa will always be the cutest thing to walk the fictional Earth. He's a friendly, huggable, adorable-as-heck, captivating character. And who doesn't love that?
Why is Koopa Troopa at No. 15?! It should be at number one.
Koopa Troopa is boss. Koopa Troopa is love. Koopa Troopa is life.

Koopa Troopa is the most kawaii Mario character ever! I don't know why he has to be a bad guy.
He's obviously the cutest of them all, and he's the only one who won't sit around and whine all day like Peach and Toad. I am a little disappointed that he chose to work for Bowser, but he is still my favorite.
Fawful

Fawful, known in Japan as Gerakobits, is a fictional character from the Mario and Luigi series of role-playing video games developed by AlphaDream. He first appeared in Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga in 2003. Known for his eccentric speech and memorable quotes, he became a recurring villain in the series... read more

Fawful is awesome. Everyone who hates him should get a life. If you compare him to Plankton or say he doesn't have arms, you obviously haven't played the game. If you had played the game, you would know these are traits he does not have.
Fawful is not a cheap idiot or loser. Sure, he laughs weirdly, talks weirdly, and makes weird food metaphors, but that adds to his character, not takes away from it. He is a valuable henchman to Cackletta in the first game, carrying out her orders successfully and efficiently until he is defeated by Mario and Luigi. He is also a tactical genius who manages to take over the Mushroom Kingdom without a scratch. This is before Bowser stops him, but hey, it's Bowser. He captures the Dark Star and almost becomes the essence of dark power.
If you aren't a fan of the RPGs and haven't actually bothered to play the games, do not judge the characters. Don't say that a character is a failure who doesn't deserve to be on this list just because you think his glasses have swirls. Sorry for ranting.
Princess Peach

Princess Peach is a major character in the Mario Bros. franchise. She is the lead female character in the series. She is usually the character who needs to be rescued in most Mario games, but she has also appeared as a playable character in main-series Mario games, including Super Mario 3D World, Super... read more

Okay, why do people hate Peach? In my view, she is way better than Rosalina, who, I don't know about you guys, is wrongfully put before DK - Donkey F'ing Kong! People hate on her for having too little power, charisma, or personality, or just for being a damsel in distress. They're mostly right, but come on! She's likely the greatest Mario Kart and Party character of all time. She's fast, good with items, and she hits the block before anyone else.
I like Peach, and if you've seen her in the Mario Nintendo Power comics, she is way more assertive and fun than that boring, toothpaste-flavored Rosalina.
Sorry for the ugly rant, everyone.

Why is she so low on the list? If it weren't for her getting kidnapped, Mario wouldn't be going on epic adventures. I just don't get it.
I really don't. Why does everybody hate her? She's kind, a great cook, can be pretty helpful for Mario at times, and she's a very good Smash Bros character. She's also attractive.
I love Peach, and it's not only because of her appearance. There are a lot of Rosalina fanboys who only like her because she is hot. Anyway, Peach is probably a very underrated Mario character, if not the most underrated character.
King Boo

In the Super Mario series, King Boo is the leader of the Boos and serves as a recurring antagonist. He is a ghostly figure depicted as a large white Boo wearing a crown, resembling the one worn by Princess Peach. King Boo often allies with King Bowser in attempts to thwart Mario and his friends.... read more

Though there are many other actors out there who could also do the job well, Mark Hamill would be an excellent fit for King Boo if we ever get a Luigi's Mansion spinoff movie.

He captured Mario and almost captured Luigi, if it wasn't for the ghost dog (I hate the ghost dog so much). I really wanted Luigi to be captured by King Boo because the villains would finally win, but then the Mario Bros would probably find a way out of the picture frame.

I was looking for King Boo in the Top 5, but I didn't find him. He just rocks! Please vote and send him to the top five. Play as him in any heavyweight vehicle in Mario Kart Wii, and he will dominate with his huge speed.
Dry Bones

Dry Bones is a recurring enemy species in the Super Mario series of video games, first appearing in Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988). He made his debut as a playable character in Mario Superstar Baseball (2005).
Since then, Dry Bones has become a fan favorite and appeared as a playable character in... read more

Dry Bones is indeed pretty cute. It's no wonder he replaced Koopa Troopa in Mario Kart DS, especially considering that Paratroopa got completely ditched. Dry Bones actually looks cute if you see the ending screen on Mario Kart Wii.

Dry Bones doesn't have a big role, but I still consider him one of my favorite Mario characters. I love how he was made a boss in Mario Party 9, and I think Nintendo could do great things with Dry Bones!

Come on, people! Dry Bones is the best! He could have an amazing personality, but Nintendo never gave him one. I don't really know why I love him so much - I just do!
Vivian

This is the Nintendo character that Hunter Schafer should get cast as, especially since she's sadly already too old to be Zelda at this point.

How can Vivian be lower than Peach? I am sick of those Peach fanboys who go, "Oh, Peach is hot and Peach is pink, which is my favorite color." In this case, NO! Peach sucks and made Mario Party 9 even worse.

Actually a very well-written character in the Mario franchise, so she really stands out.
Ludwig von Koopa

Ludwig Von Koopa is a villain in the Super Mario franchise. He is the self-proclaimed leader of the Koopalings and is known for his pompous and arrogant personality. He is said to possess all the powers of the other six Koopalings, including cloning, causing earthquakes, teleportation, and shooting lightning... read more

Ludwig is my third favorite Mario character because, where do I begin? He's the leader of the Koopalings, smartest too, and the oldest.

Come at me, haters, but Ludwig is my second favorite character.
"He does the same thing in all the games."
In Paper Jam, he actually got character development, a personality, and comic relief.
Also, Ludwig always provides something different in every fight. Sorry, Larry fans, but Larry doesn't do anything special and neither does Roy. Ludwig is awesome. Screw all of the haters in this comment section.
Iggy Koopa

Iggy is the only one on my list who really deserves it because he is the best in the franchise. Koopalings shouldn't get hated for "ruining" original bosses because they really didn't. Luckily, Iggy isn't the least popular of the Koopalings (sorry to Wendy), and being 21st isn't even bad because he somehow outranked Diddy Kong.
Iggy may be the seventh guy in the Koopa troop on this list, but Iggy Koopa deserves to be respected - literally and figuratively. He may start the robot war.

Iggy is a crazy weirdo that smacks his butt and screams, but I love him for that. He's my favorite Mario character. Koopalings haters better not say I'm an idiot for having a Koopaling as my favorite Mario character.
It's just my opinion. I think this palm tree-haired guy is awesome.
Diddy Kong

Diddy Kong is a fictional character in the Donkey Kong Country video game series. He first appeared in the 1994 game developed by Rare and published by Nintendo. Diddy Kong is known as Donkey Kong's sidekick and is a playable character in several games.

He's back again and about time too. And this time, he's in the mood. Fly real high with his jetpack on and his pistols out. He's one cool Kong.

I'm glad Diddy's above all seven of those garbage Koopalings. It's annoying how those stupid seven stole the monkey's spot in Mario Kart 8.

Diddy Kong vs. Kirby. Why would that be a great Death Battle? If you ask me why, it's because both are extremely cute.
Dimentio

Dimentio is a sinister, jester-like magician and the main antagonist of the 2007 Nintendo Wii game Super Paper Mario. He is known for his deceptive nature and reality-bending powers.
One of his key abilities is the creation of Dimension D, a realm he controls. He manipulates events throughout... read more

Dimentio should be in the top ten on this list.
Dimentio is a chessmaster who cunningly uses Count Bleck, the Pure Hearts, and the four heroes to advance his goal: to destroy the universe and recreate it with him acting as God. He comes so close to achieving his ultimate goal, but when he doesn't get there, he still goes out with a bang (pun intended).

Dimentio is probably one of the best Mario RPG villains to date, right up there with Fawful and Antasma. Just when you think the game is over, Dimentio comes in and steals the show. Not to mention, he is cool. Easy top 10 material.
Lemmy Koopa

Lemmy Koopa is the youngest of the seven original children of Bowser, the Koopa King. Fascinated by the circus and acrobatic acts, he has made performing his life's calling. Lemmy dreams of showcasing his physical feats and never misses a chance to captivate an audience.... read more

Lemmy is adorable. He isn't like the other Koopalings, and I think he doesn't really have a strong hatred like Roy or Morton.
He's also true to himself and stays childish. He's just so happy and fun.

He's my favorite Mario character of all time, my main in Mario Kart 8, and he's adorable. He has awesome hair, and he's just like me.

Lemmy has better acceleration than Toad, so if you get hit by a pesky Boomerang Flower or Blue Shell, you'll recover in no time!
Hammer Bro

The Hammer Bro is a recurring enemy in the Mario video game series. It is a type of Koopa that walks upright and attacks by throwing hammers at the player. First appearing in Super Mario Bros. in 1985, the character has become one of the franchise's most recognizable enemies.

His hammers are awesome, and he, along with Lakitu, is one of Bowser's minions.

In my opinion, they are some of the best enemies in the Mario series, especially Fire Bros. and Boomerang Bros.

When you can't play as him, meh. When you CAN play as him, I so rock. I kick your butts with my eyes closed.