Top 10 Best Super Mario Games of All Time

Mario is the most popular and well-known video game icon of all time, but which games are his best?

The Top Ten

  1. Super Mario Galaxy

    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.

  2. Super Mario 64

    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.

    Simply the best. I love the fact that this game allows you to explore levels at your own pace in order to complete it. To make it better, there is no hand-holding. You start outside the castle, find stars, and claim victory. Simple enough, yet there is so much more to beating it.

    Talking to characters and navigating every inch of every world is required. While the Galaxy games may have perfected the mechanics of Mario's 3D platforming, no game before or since Super Mario 64 has done such a good job of embodying the platforming experience as a whole.

    Best of all, if anyone wanted to know what a good game is, I could just start up Super Mario 64. After maybe ten minutes, it becomes evident that this game is just fun. Not too easy, but not too cruel. Its accessibility, gameplay, soundtrack, and lack of hints are just a few reasons why this is the perfect video game for literally anybody.

  3. Super Mario World

    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.

  4. Super Mario Galaxy 2

    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.

  5. Super Mario Bros. 3

    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.

  6. Super Mario Sunshine

    This game was the BEST! I loved every element about it. It's really creative, with all the little features like the fruits. The scenery is actually gorgeous, the people are fun to interact with, and the story is decent. Overall, it's quite an enjoyable game.

    There's something about it that I liked more than any other game in my life. Maybe the fact that the vacation theme made me feel like I was on vacation, or the cool, welcoming, and brilliant setting. Whatever it is, I latched on and never let go of this game. I hope they make a sequel. Something about this game gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling. I hope that next time there's more interaction with primary non-playable characters and that there is a more detailed storyline. 100 out of 100, no doubt, the Mona Lisa of gaming in my eyes.

  7. Super Mario 3D World

    I really love Super Mario 3D World! The music is great in this game, as is the storyline. Basically, in every other Super Mario game, the same thing happened: Bowser kidnapped Peach for no reason whatsoever, and it's up to Mario and Luigi to save her. I like how they changed up the story in this version.

    Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad are taking a stroll down a path and come across a broken pipe. Mario and Luigi fix the pipe, and a pixie flies out. Seconds later, Bowser comes out and captures the pixie. It is up to the Mushroom Kingdom heroes to save the pixie.

    See, it's so much more creative! I also love the levels and new power-ups. Each playable character also has their own unique abilities. I don't know how you could say this isn't the best Mario game!

  8. Super Mario Odyssey

    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.

  9. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

    This, in my opinion, is the greatest RPG ever. From the highly intriguing story to the vast diversity of characters, this game is up there with all-time greats, not just for Mario but for any game, ever. The game runs smoothly yet is challenging at times, but you won't be able to stop playing it.

    I love the turn-based battles and how you must adapt to the enemies you encounter, as only certain strategies work. Even though many characters in this game are not common in other Mario games, it just fits in so well that it doesn't even matter. It actually introduces characters for future Mario games to come. The relationship with your partners and enemies only fuels the fire that keeps you playing. This game is downright amazing in every way possible, and since 2004, I've been waiting for a sequel or a Paper Mario game that reaches the potential this game has set for future Mario games.

  10. New Super Mario Bros. Wii

    The only flaw is that the game doesn't have enough content in it. If you've beaten Story Mode and you only have one Wii remote, there's nothing to do. Then, Free for All was just seemingly pointless, and Coin Rush mode got dry because you got no reward for winning.

    That aside, this could have been as nostalgic for anyone born from the late '90s to 2005 as Gen 1 Pokemon was for '90s kids.

    The best game in the "New" series. It expands on the DS version, adding all-new levels and a way to enjoy the game with four people at once.

    This game is designed for multiplayer, so go play it with your friends and family. This is top-tier Wii gaming.

    11. The Newcomers
  11. ?

    Super Mario Party Jamboree

    This is what happens when you take Super Mario Party and you put it on steroids. WHY IS THIS NUMBER 145??? This game has so many modes, and I love all of them. The main mario party mode now has 7 boards, there are 112 minigames, there's another rhythm mode- everything about this game is pure joy.

    Amazing. Stop hating on this game, people.

  12. ?

    Super Mario Bros. Wonder

    The best and freshest Mario game in years! Nintendo has finally ditched the "New" formula, which was very outdated.

    Instead, it's replaced with a brand-new, beautiful experience full of new characters, hidden secrets, and pixel-perfect animations. If you have to play one 2D Mario game, make it this one.

    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.

    13. The Contenders

  13. Super Mario Bros.

    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.

  14. Mario Kart Wii

    This is definitely the best Mario Kart. I've had this game since it came out and it still continues to be fun even today. Mario Kart 8 might have better graphics, but almost everything else about this game is better. I love how there are so many secret shortcuts and how some of them are actually really difficult to master.

    MK8 has a few shortcuts too, but not as many, and they're also not as wild or difficult. Then there are also different tricks to master that are missing from MK8, like wheelies, POW jumps, etc. All of this makes it such that there's so much more depth and skill to becoming good at the game. Also, it's amazing that even after 17 years this game still has a thriving online community.

  15. Mario Kart: Double Dash!!

    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.

  16. New Super Mario Bros.

    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.

  17. Super Paper Mario

    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!

    My first Paper Mario, Super Paper Mario, has pretty good gameplay, fun exploration, and interesting character design, but its story is the best in the series. Coincidentally, it is the darkest in the series. In one moment, you turn a child into one of the main collectibles permanently. Her parents are there and are in tears, and you have no choice but to take her. That is just one moment. If you don't want to play it, you need to watch a playthrough.

  18. Mario Kart 8

    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.

    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.

  19. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars

    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.

  20. Super Mario 3D Land

    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!

  21. Paper Mario

    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.

    Everything great about TTYD, but more lighthearted and simpler.

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

  22. Luigi's Mansion

    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.

  23. New Super Mario Bros. U

    One of the best games I've ever played. If you don't have a Wii U, then you don't know what you're missing out on.

    Nintendo, a big hats off to you for making this game. It is my favorite game of all time, and we finally get to see Mario in high definition!

    I think this is the best game ever because you can never get bored with the story mode, challenges, Boost Rush, and Coin Battle. I don't know why this is number 22. It should be number 1!

    This isn't the best Mario game to me, but it should at least be in the top 10. This is the best New Super Mario Bros. game in my opinion. It has great imagery and levels and is fun.

  24. Super Smash Bros. Brawl

    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.

  25. Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story

    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.

  26. Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island

    This might be Nintendo's best platformer. It isn't technically a Mario game, but the art style, music, and level design are Nintendo's best.

    And then there's Yoshi. How can you beat Yoshi?

    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.

  27. Super Mario Maker

    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.

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