Top 10 Best Video Game Franchises of All Time

In this list, you'll find franchises that have become household names, some spanning decades and evolving with the times, while others burst onto the scene more recently and changed the landscape in their own way.

Each of these series has contributed something unique to gaming culture, whether through their characters, storytelling, gameplay mechanics, or even how they've pushed the boundaries of technology. They've grown with their audiences, introduced new generations to the joys of gaming, and for many players, represent entire chapters of their lives.

1. Super Mario Bros.

   

   If there was no Mario, I bet most home console video games wouldn't be a reality. Everyone looks at how good or original a game is, and while that is incredibly important, you also must consider the history and their impact on the world.

   Mario's face is more recognizable than Mickey Mouse's. He has appeared in over 200 games and defined a generation. He helped build Nintendo's empire that probably won't ever fall. All of his games are at least 8/10s, though his movie leaves much to be desired.

   He has TV shows, comic books, movies, and all other forms of merchandise. He may not have the greatest games, but he certainly has the most recognizable.

2. The Legend of Zelda

   

   Nothing will ever shake this. All of you talking about how Grand Theft Auto and Skyrim are better, you're welcome for having Zelda CREATE THAT GENRE. Since the 80s, Zelda has been creating high-quality and critically acclaimed games that have interesting, well-paced stories, fun characters, great dungeons, awesome boss fights, great music, amazing atmosphere, and beautiful open worlds. The list goes on.

   The series has managed to create so many amazing games that one could get lost in forever, exploring for treasure, helping civilians, getting to know the world better, and finishing sidequests. There's just so much to do! An amazing series that never gets old and will always keep everyone entertained.

3. Pokemon

   

   Pokemon is for a wide range of audiences. There is a Pokemon for everyone (girls and boys alike). Adults can also enjoy this game. It has strategy, story, lore, awesome Pokemon, etc. In some ways, it has a more mature storyline than many other games considered 'more mature', with it exploring themes like animal rights (Pokemon Black and White) and the balance of nature (Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire and ORAS).

   I don't play Pokemon games, watch the anime, or play the Trading Card Game. But the sheer immensity of this franchise keeps me interested. There are so many Pokemon and Pokemon types.

   There is also a great fan art and fan fiction community which will keep you interested for a long time. So basically, this franchise will keep you interested for as long as possible.

4. Super Smash Bros.

   

   What happens when you take Nintendo's all-stars and put them in a battle for the ages? Epicness. This game took Mario, Link, Samus, and tons of others in a fighting game that's one of a kind. Awesome characters, bonus features, and "trophies" that describe Nintendo's history, plus addicting fighting, great stages, and items, and you've got yourself the greatest fighting game ever.

   I love this series so much! It's a masterpiece.

   Sakurai also created the Kirby series, which is another great series. This series is so much fun. Anybody can play it, and there's a character for every skill level and play style!

5. Sonic the Hedgehog

   

   Man, Sonic the Hedgehog is my favorite one.

   Sure, there are definitely bad games out there, but there are so many good things that people forget. The character designs, levels, music, (mostly) good stories, and six masterpiece games like the classic games and the Adventure games.

   The characters and nostalgia are what keep me loving this franchise even after 16 years.

   Now, is he the best one objectively? No, but he is my favorite and always will be.

   I still like the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, as I was absolutely obsessed with it during my childhood. However, now that I am older, I now prefer the Mario franchise. The Sonic games I played were mostly mediocre to bad, with examples being Shadow the Hedgehog and the Game Boy Advance port of Sonic 1.

   I greatly regret playing those games as a child. So, during my late childhood, when I got a Wii, I got my first Mario game, New Super Mario Bros. Wii. I loved that game, so I went out to buy more Mario games, such as Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Mario Party 9. After playing all those games, I went out to buy Nintendo consoles in order to play more Mario games.

   In conclusion, while I still do enjoy some Sonic games, it doesn't compare to how much I like Mario over the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. This is all I have to say. Goodbye.

6. Grand Theft Auto

   

   The Big 3 Nintendo franchises are at the top, and will probably stay there, but at least keep Grand Theft Auto at 4. It is one of the most critically acclaimed series of all time.

   The only series more critically acclaimed than this is probably Zelda.

   Come on, everyone. Get over the classics and appreciate something which is next level. Grand Theft Auto is the best franchise currently, and you know it, even if you don't agree.

   The Grand Theft Auto fans have no problem because Trevor Philips will take care of you.

7. Halo

   

   Halo is a story that defines adventure and action in a first-person shooter. Back in the days when it was young and made by Bungie (before Call of Duty in 2003), it was a breakthrough, providing the first action multiplayer experience.

   Halo might have gradually lost its touch over the years due to online competition, but Halo 2 (my personal favorite of the franchise) started the definition of online multiplayer and featured a stunning, elaborate story of friendship and betrayal. It also had great music composed by Martin O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori. The game is much more user-friendly and doesn't have many eight-year-olds using profanity.

8. Call of Duty

   

   I really enjoy Call of Duty. Yes, I know it's full of unloved kids whose parents bought them the game to get them out of their hair, but I still enjoy the campaign and zombies. I have been a Call of Duty fan for a long time and I know the series won't last forever, but I still enjoy it.

   I will agree, though, that it doesn't take much skill. That's why I've been playing a lot of Battlefield and Rainbow Six Siege. But still, Call of Duty is a classic I grew up with, and the new Modern Warfare is really good, so I have some hope. However, we need to ban those annoying kids.

   The game, as a first-person shooter, is great, but like in every game, there's always the try-hardship that takes the fun out of it. The stories are good and take place in various time periods.

9. Kirby

   

   Kirby is not my favorite franchise, but all of the franchises that I like more than Kirby are already in the top 10. Therefore, I just had to give my vote to Kirby. It is such an amazing franchise with much to see and do.

   To all of those who say it is too easy, complete Super Star or Super Star Ultra. I dare you.

   As a completionist, I can admit that some Kirby games are, in fact, quite easy. But it's not just difficulty that makes a franchise great. Kirby games are, in my opinion, the culmination of fun in its purest form. It is extremely fun to use a variety of items to defeat innocent victims. The gameplay, story, bosses, music, and replayability are all great.

   If you think Kirby is for kids, just give it a chance. I am not a kid and I have loved Kirby games most of my life. Not only are there plenty of classics to play, but there are still amazing installments being released.

10. Mega Man

    

    Probably the second-best side-scroller non-Metroidvania game franchise after Mario. I mean, you can copy other robots' abilities, beat a mad scientist (and never capture him), summon Rush to do shortcuts, try doing a buster-only run (excluding the mandatory usages on the Wily stages), and attempt a perfect run on robot masters. This franchise is challenging and fun, and almost never frustrating (unless you want to do a buster-only perfect run on the Doc Robot in MM3).

    Best video game franchise ever. It is also a huge influence on modern shooter games today, like Halo and Call of Duty. I will never get tired of the Mega Man games. Of course, the classic series is the best.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Mario & Luigi

    
12. ?

    Deception

    
The Contenders

13. Assassin's Creed

    

    Recently, Assassin's Creed has become one of the greatest combat games, with the most intriguing story plots deeply tied within great periods and events in history. This game should be at least above the Call of Duty franchise and Pokemon in the top three.

    I just LOVE this game. The historical periods, story, and combat are just great. It is undoubtedly one of the best franchises ever, although it's only a decade old. Definitely deserves to be there in the top 5.

    There are bad games on the list about which I have not heard. This is what we call a game, now. Not that blue hedgehog or those bros, and what in the world is that Kirby? Follow the Creed!

14. The Elder Scrolls

    

    Honestly, I'm surprised that this series didn't crack the top 5. The Elder Scrolls is a series in which anyone can become whoever they want to be, and make whatever decisions they see fit. These games are extraordinarily extensive, easily allowing players to clock hundreds, if not thousands, of hours.

    The Elder Scrolls is my favorite series next to the Legend of Zelda. Come on, this deserves to be in a higher spot.

    All the games have their pros and cons. Morrowind is my favorite, though. It has very deep RPG mechanics. Everything you do levels up.

    Skyrim has the smoothest combat system, but its RPG mechanics aren't as deep as Morrowind's. It feels more like an action game than an RPG. And Oblivion feels like it's more in between the two.

15. Metroid

    

    Metroid is a fun, original experience with darkness around the corner. But in a positive way! This series is one of the best, if not the best, cult classic. Then, there is Federation Force...

    This series should be higher on the list! It's immersive, it's dark, it's symbolic, it's mysterious, and it's got the most badass female protagonist in history. It's... well... it's Metroid!

    I wish Metroid sold better. I don't expect massive Mario, Pokémon, or Zelda-esque blockbuster hits, but it would be nice to see a Metroid game dish out 5 million units.

16. Mario Kart

    

    Mario Kart has extremely high sales, and even though it is a sub-series, I believe it should be very high on the list.

    I enjoy Mario Kart 8 Deluxe the most because you can use your own Miis to race.

    The only racing game I need, plus Burnout Revenge if EA could make it come to the Switch. But mostly, just Mario Kart.

17. Mortal Kombat

    

    The word that explains how you feel during this game is BAD ASS. You tear out a person's spine? No problem - there aren't any cops in this game, so feel free to tear heads off. (I am not a terrorist, please don't sue me.)

    But to put it simply, this game takes stress out. Have a guy break up with you? Post a pic of him on the screen and go all out!

    Definitely the most influential franchise of the 90s, but this game is still very popular and addictive. MK rules! Finish Him!

    Sub Zero is the best, and all Scorpion fans know deep down that Sub Zero is just way better.

18. Final Fantasy

    

    The undisputed king of video game music, and the best storytelling franchise. Final Fantasy 6, 7, 10, and 15 are amazing. Definitely worthy of the top 3.

    Why is this not in the top 10?! Other than Pokémon, Final Fantasy is the best RPG. I have never played a Final Fantasy game, but they look good.

    I only think the Zelda franchise is better. FF7 is my third favorite game. How is this so low?

19. Uncharted

    

    These games have been consistently great, unlike many of the other higher-voted franchises. The trilogy is great, but that 4th game sealed the deal.

    This is hands down one of the greatest video game franchises of all time, and it deserves a spot on the top 10 list.

    Has one of the greatest lineups of characters, and the storyline behind each game is fantastic! Deserves to be in the top 10!

    Best all-around game of all time, and no other game tells the story the way it does.

20. God of War

    

    The best ever game franchise. The coolest, mind-blowing games ever. God of War has defined what a real game should be like. The God of War games are the best and should be played.

    They should be number 1, but I know players other than PlayStation cannot vote for this because it only works on PS systems. To experience the real gaming experience and powerful story and gameplay, one should have to buy PlayStations.

    God of War is still an underrated franchise and it's only carried by graphics.

    This series should be in the top ten!

21. Tekken

    

    Best fighting game series ever made.

    Best fighting game franchise.

22. Need for Speed

    

    Greatest racing franchise of all time. Should be top 5. I even still love playing Most Wanted!

    It's the best-selling racing game franchise. It should be at least in the top ten.

    At least top 10 in my opinion. NFS Heat and Unbound revived the franchise!

23. Battlefield

    

    Developers listen to their fans and have been providing great entertaining games for many years, which make the fans extremely happy.

    This franchise has produced almost ten games already. It should replace Call of Duty!

    It's Battlefield, so what can I say that isn't already said?

24. Crash Bandicoot

    

    I've completed the first game. It was kind of generic and boring. The only level that posed a real challenge for me was the bonus level they scrapped from the first game because it was "too difficult."

    But honestly, they need to make more levels like that because it makes the game fun.

25. Resident Evil

    

    This is the franchise that established survival horror as a genre. It later created the third-person over-the-shoulder perspective, becoming the father of modern-day shooters, and has reinvented itself again. Taking inspiration from other games like Silent Hill and Outlast, it now outshines the horror and survival genre more than ever! And still, it has a long way to go.

    If there is a franchise that definitely isn't afraid to try new things, can make mistakes but learn from them, and appeal to its fans, it's Resident Evil!

    As someone who usually doesn't care about shooting games, I like this franchise a lot because it has great gameplay, a great story, and great characters. By good gameplay, I mean you don't just mindlessly shoot zombies. There's strategy you have to use.

    The bosses are unique and fun to fight. It also has puzzles, and puzzle is my favorite genre. I don't like Call of Duty because it's boring, but this franchise never bores me. I assure you, you will have fun, especially if you play with a friend.

26. Kingdom Hearts

    

    For a new game, this is awesome! It really deserves the hype it gets. I wanted to know why everyone was talking about this, and I'm glad I checked this game out! It's definitely up there with Zelda and Final Fantasy.

    It has so much emotion and stories that it beats novels, not to mention kick-ass playing. Plus, it has Disney characters and Final Fantasy characters. I haven't done Final Fantasy yet, and I know the top two should be Grand Theft Auto under Kingdom Hearts. Mario can be third.

    Amazing! So much nostalgia, and it is all about the power of friendship and love.

27. Metal Gear

    

    If you've played a single game in the franchise, you'd vote for this guaranteed. I played Sons of Liberty first, and even not knowing a single thing that was going on, it immediately made me know that the Metal Gear Solid series would be the best franchise I'd ever play. The stories can make you cry in each and every game. They're like movies.

    Why is Metal Gear so low? The games are frequently listed as some of the best of all time. The stories are great (except MGS5) and somehow still relevant decades after they were released. This is an injustice of the highest caliber. Unite, fellow MGS fans, and let us beat out Call of Duty at least!