5 Best Super Mario Video Games Of All Time, Ranked

After helping Nintendo gain traction in the global gaming industry as the protagonist of its breakout hit "Donkey Kong," Mario went on to become the company's enduring mascot. This was only elevated with the landmark 1985 title "Super Mario Bros.," a tremendous hit for the Nintendo Entertainment System and a retro game everyone needs to play. This spawned the "Super Mario" series, a franchise of games starring Mario and his usual cast of supporting characters, typically up against Bowser and his latest scheme to kidnap Princess Peach. The series successfully made the leap to 3D in 1996 with "Super Mario 64" and has featured a mix of 3D and 2D platforming ever since.

To clarify, this list focuses on the "Super Mario" series, not just any video game that happens to star Mario and his friends as playable characters. That means series like "Mario Kart" or "Paper Mario" are not included in this specific article. A "Super Mario" game is a title that emphasizes platforming, whether it be from a side-scrolling or 3D perspective. These are the five best "Super Mario" video games of all time, ranked, featuring Nintendo's flagship character at the height of his powers.

For as long as the Switch was Nintendo's premier home console, it only got a single 3D "Super Mario" game, not counting remasters and re-releases. This title is 2017's "Super Mario Odyssey," which presents its own twist on the familiar Mario out to rescue Peach from Bowser premise. Mario teams up with Cappy, a sentient hat, which he can use in a variety of different ways, including temporarily possessing the different creatures that he flings it onto. Mario collects Power Moons to fuel his airship and pursue Bowser in time to stop him from forcibly marrying Peach.

"Super Mario Odyssey" is a game that justifies the price of the Switch, reminding fans that the series still thrills in 3D, rather than just being a hallmark of its resurgent line of 2D platformers. The 3D platforming is as intuitive as ever and, for an early Switch title, the game still looks great. The game also marks a shift back to wider worlds with multiple objectives and collectibles rather than a more self-contained level format, which it utilizes to fantastic effect. Nearly a decade on, there still isn't a proper sequel to "Super Mario Odyssey," making the game the most recent 3D platformer in the series to date.

When it comes to classic side-scrolling "Super Mario" games on the series' original platform, there's no topping "Super Mario Bros. 3." Released in 1988, the game uses the usual 2D platforming that made its predecessors so memorably enjoyable. But the title also pushes the NES hardware as far as it can go, with more detailed sprites and environments, along with a whole assortment of power-ups. The game also doubles down on its secrets, including numerous hidden exits and warps for players to discover.

Producer, co-director, and co-designer Shigeru Miyamoto was embarrassed by "Super Mario Bros. 3" reportedly, feeling it had aged poorly in comparison to its counterparts. We have to respectfully disagree, with the game's ambitions still admirable and largely effective, with imaginative level design and improved handling. This is all elevated by a lush soundtrack composed by Koji Kondo, solidifying the game's distinctly playful personality. One of the best NES games ever made, "Super Mario Bros. 3" showcases how far the series had grown since its roots only three years prior.

Nintendo put its best foot forward when it released the Nintendo 64 in 1996, with its standout launch title "Super Mario 64" by its side. The first official 3D platforming title in the series, the game uses Peach's castle as its central hub, connecting it to the various worlds that Mario explores. More than just running and jumping in multiple directions, Mario has a list of attacks and acrobatic moves that he can pull off. The game also gives Mario a selection of power-up caps temporarily transforming him; most notably including a winged cap that lets him glide and soar in the sky.

It's hard to overstate how revolutionary "Super Mario 64" looked compared to the rest of the console industry in 1996, especially as far as platforming games were concerned. The title went on to become the best-selling N64 game of all time, and a lot of that success comes from its enduring appeal. Though there are some dated elements to the game, most specifically the camera controls, that continued quality remains, with a surprisingly spry Mario and immersive level designs to explore. Heralding a new era for the franchise and Nintendo overall, "Super Mario 64" is worth the legendary status that it's received.

Another console that Nintendo kicked off with a masterclass "Super Mario" launch title is 1990's "Super Mario World." A direct sequel to "Super Mario Bros. 3," the game has Mario, Luigi, and Peach vacationing in Dinosaur Land only to learn that Bowser and the Koopalings have conquered the region. After rescuing the captive dinosaur Yoshi, the brothers move to drive out the Koopalings and save Peach from Bowser once again. The game also offers even more secrets than its predecessors, with dozens of levels containing secret exits and paths to the elusive Star Road.

"Super Mario World" is a 1990 game that set the tone for the decade, taking side-scrolling platformers into the era of 16-bit presentation. The sprites and environments are significantly improved from the NES titles and the game runs incredibly smoothly, even as players race through levels. And it's that level design that sets the game apart from subsequent 2D platformers, offering robust variety and challenge compared to titles like the "New Super Mario Bros." sub-series. When it comes to side-scrolling platformers in the "Super Mario" series, "Super Mario World" still reigns supreme.

The "Super Mario" series launched itself into astronomical heights with the 2007 Wii game "Super Mario Galaxy." The game opens with Bowser launching his boldest attack on the Mushroom Kingdom yet, blasting off deep into outer space after kidnapping Peach. Mario is assisted by Princess Rosalina and her Lumas, sentient star sprites, pursuing Bowser while powering up their spaceship. Reflecting the game's cosmic scope, the game's levels often play around with gravitational effects and often involve Mario flying from planet to planet.

From its celestial setting to its soaring symphonic soundtrack composed by Koji Kondo, "Super Mario Galaxy" feels singular in its achievement for the wider gaming franchise. Every level is immaculately designed, flying through the cosmos feels like a genuine joy, and the boss fights are appropriately epic. The 2007 title is also much more accessible than its 2010 sequel, even if "Super Mario Galaxy 2" has Yoshi. One of the best Nintendo Wii games ever made, let alone the pinnacle of the "Super Mario" series to date, "Super Mario Galaxy" is an extraordinary achievement for the medium.