Top 10 Best Super Mario Games of All Time

Exceptional in every regard: music, gameplay, graphics, controls, and story (Rosalina's storybook!). It far exceeds what anyone could expect from a game.

A classic for all time.

IMO, Galaxy 2 is better, but this is still an amazing game.

And this is the only 3D Mario game to get a sequel. That should speak to how good it is. The galaxies are all very creative, the Comet Observatory is amazing, and it's all great stuff through and through.

It's my favorite game of all time. It was the first game ever to incorporate gravity in such an innovative way, and this was great work by Nintendo. Some missions can be played over and over again. The storyline and music were both excellent. This game felt better than any other 3D experience I've ever played.

Sonic Adventure 2 came close, but the gravity system in Galaxy is a game changer for me. Also, there are many hidden missions, similar to other Mario games, and these were difficult to find. Nintendo will never be able to match this game, nor will anyone else. The only thing that could have made it better would have been incorporating multiplayer.

The game that started it all, at least for 3D Mario. And it still holds up.

120 stars is a lot for the first 3D Mario platformer. The controls feel amazing. It's so fun to sling Mario around!

I think most people vote for the Mario game that they grew up with. I grew up with this one, but even if I put that aside, this is still the best one, and here's why. I recently played Super Mario World for the first time ever (I never got around to playing it), and to think that this game came after that is seriously impressive. The leap that Nintendo made with this game will never be done again.

Sunshine and Galaxy were clones of Mario 64. It is the original and the best. People are going to hate me for this, but I actually disliked Galaxy. The hub world was really bad, and the levels seemed small compared to 64 and Sunshine.

Super Mario World is the greatest Mario game ever created. With precise controls, excellent graphics, a multitude of cool secrets, an expansive world map to travel on from level to level, innovative power-ups (the cape being a prime example of amazing game design), and levels with design so perfect it's hard to comprehend, it offers several new bosses, challenging gameplay, and memorable music. All of these elements contribute to the overall sense that it is one of the greatest games of all time.

Super Mario World is the best, easily. It's a good, old day-one classic and is what makes Mario iconic. Sure, the Super Smash Bros series and Mario are classics, and I don't have a problem with them. However, the reason Super Mario World is better than all the other Mario games combined is its iconic status. Super Mario World is not only the best of the franchise, but it might also be one of the greatest video games ever made.

Why is this one number 4? This game is by far the best game I have ever played!

The levels are more compact than its predecessor, allowing for more unique gimmicks. The power-ups are better, and there's Yoshi. Like, come on! How can you beat Yoshi?

If only this game had the same atmosphere and presentation as the first. Compared to other Mario games, this is the second-best video game. However, when you consider how it falls short in atmosphere and level design compared to the first game, it really detracts from the experience. I don't understand why this game isn't atmospherically and in terms of level design similar to the first game.

Only two-star galaxies do help sometimes, but otherwise, in normal situations, they really don't. There are very few exploratory galaxies here, but even still, this game is brilliant. Gameplay-wise, this is on par with the first game. But comparing it to the first game and saying it is better is rather nonsensical. This is a direct sequel, so it should follow in the footsteps of the first game. It only does that with the gameplay. Still, it's brilliant.

My first game was on my NES, and I never finished it :( The game never had a save feature, so I had to keep the console on for weeks. Then, when I was on World 8 (one of the first stages), my dog walked past and stepped on the reset button. Needless to say, I never played that game again until a couple of years back on an emulator. I found a cheat to warp straight to World 8.

I played a couple of stages, but it was honestly just way too hard, and I didn't have the time, will, or motivation to battle through it. However, the first time I played up to World 8 was one of the best gaming experiences I've ever had. I used to wake up early on school days just so I could get an hour or so of game time.

This is the second main 3D Mario entry, and it's actually even harder than its predecessor. I literally wanted to snap my controller in half playing through the secret missions and the final level, Corona Mountain, making the game feel unusually lengthy. It's one vacation that I wasn't expecting. It's like being on a trip overseas, then getting kidnapped for no reason... I think I'm going too far into this.

The aesthetics and world design are still some of the best in the series, obviously taking cues from Italy, Greece, and probably some Balkan countries. (As a part-Croatian, the cities of Dubrovnik and Split come to mind while you're exploring Delfino Plaza.) There are also some interesting locales like a haunted hotel and a deadly amusement park.

This game has certainly shown its age compared to others like Galaxy, but it's one that I wouldn't mind revisiting thanks to its nostalgic value.

What a game. What. A. Game.

While it's not my absolute favorite, Odyssey is a special game that holds a place in my heart. The controls are the best they've ever been, there are 880 moons, and it's open-world.

Granted, I think that's too many moons, but this game is still amazing.

This game is a masterpiece. The graphics are fantastic, the controls are smooth, and the music is great. Super Mario 64 may have set the standard, but in my opinion, this game raised the bar even higher. There are so many moons, purple coins, and costumes to collect that completing this game 100% will take even the most skilled gamer a long time.

As for the moons themselves, they feel rewarding when you collect them. Out of the 999 you can earn, only one felt unfair to obtain (hitting the volleyball 100 times in a row). Having 998 out of 999 moons that are fair to obtain is a great ratio. Overall, if you own a Switch, this game is essential for your library. It's my favorite Mario game of all time and also one of my overall favorite video games, period.

I love this game! I didn't vote for it, as it is probably my second or third favorite Mario game, besides Thousand Year Door. But it was finally an innovative, creative Mario platformer that wasn't in Super Mario 64 form. Awesome bosses, levels, and power-ups make this the best standard-form Mario game by far.

Now we just need Nintendo to call it quits on these 2D-3D hybrids. Not that they're bad, but solely because we need more games that focus on collecting stars or shines. Also, if it seems like this list is flooded with Thousand Year Door comments, that's because the same person is obsessing over that game no matter where I go.

Best RPG ever. Best game ever?

Battles are very interesting, using turn-based combat, action commands, and BADGES! Using BP to equip badges opens up tons of possibilities for strategy. Use only items? Partner power? Star power? Super appeal? Loads of possibilities.

The story is great, with fantastic chapters that are atmospheric and beautiful. Through gameplay, sound, graphics, and presentation, it succeeds wholeheartedly.

Easily the best RPG that I have ever played. The game makes you feel like you are watching a fantastic anime at the same time. The Thousand-Year Door succeeds on every level: unique and interesting characters that develop over time, some of the best turn-based combat in any game out there, and graphics that have aged incredibly well.

A complex story filled with comedy, drama, and action draws you in every time you play the game. This is one of the very few examples where a sequel is better than the original. If you ever get the chance, PLAY THIS GAME! You won't regret it.

Greatest 2D platformer in the Mario series, constantly reinventing ways to play while remaining optimistic, bright, and fun.

It does reuse some themes a little too much, riding on the success of previous titles a bit too often.

This game revived the whole 2D Mario series. It got rid of the boring gameplay the New Sups had and gave us a game with beautiful graphics, revolutionary gameplay, and wonder effects.

It is a wonderful game right to the core. I like the perk system, where you get different abilities. I also love the art style of this game, and the power-ups are really good, especially the drill mushroom.

This game is easily a 10/10 and is up there as one of the best Mario games of all time.

The game seems so simple, yet it is chock-full of hidden secrets. This is the first game to offer power-ups to upgrade your character. It's also the first game to offer warp zones to skip levels. It has hidden blocks and secret beanstalks.

I still remember the first time I managed to enter the minus world. Although I've never done it myself, I'm impressed with the people who can pull off infinite lives by jumping on a turtle shell on a staircase.

It's actually very underrated compared to Super Mario Galaxy. I love both games for how innovative they are, and they're unbelievably motivational. According to GameTrailers' list of top 10 Mario games, there are comments like "Super Mario 64 is overrated."

In the past, I didn't see many positive opinions on Super Mario 64, but they were not top-positive, meaning at least a 9.5 rating. I am a hardcore fan of Classic Mario.

Best Mario Kart game. Frantic items, Baby Park, two racers in a kart!

Special Items should return. So should having two racers per kart. So should the slippery handling. Chaotic, brilliant fun for everyone!

This isn't just the best Mario game in my opinion. It's also my favorite video game! The idea of using two characters at once is really creative. More players mean more items on the track, so be ready to get hit a lot.

It has amazing tracks. My ratings in order are:

16. Peach Beach
15. Dry Dry Desert
14. Mario Circuit
13. Luigi Circuit
12. Sherbet Land
11. Mushroom City
10. Shroom Bridge
9. Waluigi Stadium
8. Dino Dino Jungle
7. Bowser Castle
6. Daisy Cruiser
5. Baby Park
4. Rainbow Road
3. Wario Coliseum
2. DK Mountain
1. Yoshi Circuit.

Another creative feature is the special items. My ratings in order are:

9. Fireballs
8. Triple shells of any kind
7. Giant banana
6. Hearts
5. Yoshi egg
4. Bob-omb
3. Golden Mushroom
2. Bowser Shell
1. Chain Chomp.

This is what I have to say about this unique game.

I have been playing this game for 8 1/2 years, almost 9! This is truly where I belong, and it is my heart and soul. I recently just finished the game all by myself because in 2016 our data was erased. I was super young, so I didn't know that I could search online for how to finish it.

Every playable character in this game is like my child! I love all of them with all my heart. Yoshi is my favorite, with Bowser Jr. not far behind. I love the design in this game, and I easily burn myself out on it. Though I do have to say that Rainbow Road in this game will forever be the hardest track in Mario history. I recommend this game to all the Mario players out there.

This was my last New Super Mario Bros game, and I love it. It is absolutely the most unique New Super Mario Bros game, but I'm not a huge fan of the power-ups and bosses. People only love the bosses because they are not the Koopalings. They are even easier than the Koopalings.

Literally hit them with six fireballs or ground pound them, and they are dead in like 10 seconds. The Bowser Jr. and Bowser fights are so easy that they take barely any effort to beat. Also, I don't like the Mini Mushroom and Shell Power-up. The Shell Power-up is annoying because it causes me to die so much. I lose control of Mario.

The Mega Mushroom is cool, but it only lasts for about 10 seconds and appears in like four levels. Despite these problems, I loved this game. I love all the New Super Mario Bros games, and they get way too much hate.

Best story in a Mario game. Some of the best music in any game.

Dimentio, Count Bleck, Tippi, Francis, O'Chunks, Mimi, Mr. L, Flopside, Flipside, Gloam Valley, the Bitlands, Outer Space, Sammer Guy's Kingdom, the Underwhere!

This game is seared into my soul. It's fun, creative, invents new areas and characters all over the place, and shows why the Paper Mario series triumphs in a whole new way.

This game is so underrated. Sure, the title is misleading, but I can say from the bottom of my heart that this is the best Mario game. The gameplay is tough and amazing. The boss battles are not lame and easy, like in the Super Mario Bros series. They are challenging, unique, and tough. The 3D-2D dimensions add a lot of great puzzles.

Last but not least, the story is absolutely beautiful. It is unlike any other Mario game story. You don't have Bowser kidnapping Princess Peach. In fact, it is nothing like the classic one, and it is very well-written!

I got this game on my virtual console about a year or two ago, and I have to say, it was awesome. It was also kind of easy since I was a little over-leveled. In fact, I thought Smithy was harder than Culex, but I was at level 30.

I couldn't stop playing this game for about a week or two. I got to Smithy and beat him on my first try. Then the credits rolled, and it said THE END. I left for a little while and got mad, so I turned off the game. I backtracked all the way to Culex, took him on, thought of the Final Fantasy IV reference, and took him down without using the Frying Pan. I think this game needs more attention. It's in my top 5 favorite Mario games, maybe even top 3.

Everything great about TTYD, but more lighthearted and simpler.

Oh, and the music is actually better. If nothing else, one must respect Chapter 7.

I think the first game I ever played was Megaman X6. Obviously, that didn't go well for me when I was 6, so I gave this game a try. It's still my favorite Nintendo game for a multitude of reasons. I could go on and on about this game, but I'm sure the comment bar wouldn't fit it all.

I have beaten this game too many times to count, and it never gets old. I have a tradition of playing through this game every summer, and I have to say it's one of my favorite games of all time, no matter how old I get.

Ok, you kind of have to get some facts. 3D Land was for 3DS, and 3D World is for Wii U. I have both, and I have to say this is a good game and all, but there are some pros and cons for both games. For one, 3D World is much easier than Land. But World has better gameplay, graphics, etc.

You can play as Mario, Luigi, Toad, Peach, Rosalina, and Captain Toad. They are all unique. New power-ups, and the Bowser fight is super weird and unique. Love it!

This is the first 3D Mario game to play like a classic 2D Mario game. In the first few, you could drown and you had power. Now it works like a classic 2D Mario in 3D!

Let's make something clear. In my opinion, Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 are great, and Super Mario Odyssey will be even better. But they can't stand the fact that being able to create our own levels is the best thing ever.

So why is Super Mario Maker only number 25? I mean, even my sister plays that game, and she almost never plays video games! I would be so excited if they announced Super Mario 3D Maker.

If only I had a Wii U, I could play this great game.

It's like Super Mario ROM hacks, where you get to make your own levels. But now you don't need to buy all those flash carts or get illegal emulators and ROMs to play them.

Bowser's Inside Story was truly an epic for the ages. An amazing, layered story is topped with hilarious, over-the-top characters that have solid backstories. And come on - playable Bowser for the win! Bowser plays much differently than the Bros, and it gives a nice shift in gameplay whenever you change sides to start a new chapter.

The boss battles in this game are insanely well-designed, with a good progression of difficulty (except they're kind of easy when you've played the game as many times as me). Also, the music is truly something to behold. All Mario RPGs have amazing soundtracks, so it's no surprise that this awesome adventure is backed with sweet tunes. All of this is on a handheld! AlphaDream outdid themselves, and it's the best Mario game, in my opinion.

I love Luigi, and getting to play a game with this much personality with him is such a fun experience. You must play this game at least once. Also, the button that allows you to yell "Mario!" was just such a genius inclusion.

I really like this game, as there is a protagonist besides Mario this time. I've always liked Luigi's facial features (mustache, for example). The only problem is that he's more easily startled, but that's okay.

So much better than Dark Moon. Although Mario is not in it, Luigi is a lot better than Mario and makes this game awesome. If it were Mario's mansion, it would not be good.

This is my favorite Mario game. Or should I say it's a Yoshi game? I don't know. Either way, it's my favorite game. Yoshi is so cute! I even have a picture of Yoshi from this game as my phone screen. I think the bosses are creative, even if they are a bit on the easy side. Not to mention, the art style and level design are great.

This game is wow. One of the finest SNES masterpieces to date. It's my fourth favorite SNES game (after F-Zero, Mario RPG, and Mario World) and a true masterpiece as well. The level design and music are way ahead of its time. 10/10.

Although not the best Mario game in my opinion, the graphics and controls are extremely easy to learn and give the true feeling of a brawl game. It is very fun, even if you are playing by yourself, and the randomness of battling a new character makes it even better. Four-star game in my opinion and probably one of the best fighting games created.

Why is this game only number 15 and not number 1? This epic video game is not only the best Mario game. It is also the best Wii game and one of the best games ever to date. This needs to be number one. This is my favorite fighting game and is also the best fighting game ever! Only Super Smash Bros Universe can beat this.

Best one ever! Better item balance, better controls, better everything! Except for the battle mode. Vote for Mario Kart Wii if you only like overpowered items, really annoying character voices, and crappy controls. Mario Kart 8 is a refreshed version of Mario Kart Wii and Mario Kart 7, just better.

The only problem with this game is that unlike in Mario Kart Wii, you can't earn characters or tracks from racing. In Mario Kart 8, you actually have to purchase them. Selling for $12.00, gamers could choose to buy a $7.99 version which gave them half the stuff. That's right. You would have to get half of it to subsidize the cost.

Wow. Nintendo went all out with this port.

There are 48 more tracks than the original, there's an actual battle mode, and you can hold two items. It's just amazing.

I think the game is awesome compared to the vanilla version, and I can't wait for more DLC tracks. However, I do have some issues with it. First, I dislike the coin item. Second, like in MK8, even when you are in first place for most of the race, you could get RNG'd into a lower placement on the last lap. Third, they didn't add new characters for the updated platform.

Overall, though, it deserves the money spent.