Finding the best Mario games can feel overwhelming with dozens of titles spanning four decades. From groundbreaking 3D platformers to classic 2D side-scrollers, Mario’s library includes some of gaming’s most beloved experiences.
Some games introduced industry-changing mechanics, while others perfected formulas that still feel fresh. Fans passionately debate which titles deserve the top spots, blending nostalgia with gameplay excellence.
By examining fan polls, expert opinions, and lasting influence on the industry, certain Mario games clearly stand above the rest. Here’s what makes these particular titles essential for any gaming fan.
What Makes a Mario Game Truly Great?
A truly great Mario game needs more than just fun levels and colorful graphics. The best titles bring something new to gaming, whether that’s a fresh mechanic or a creative twist on platforming.
These games stand the test of time because people want to replay them over and over, finding new secrets and challenges each time. Critical reviews matter, but so does the passion of longtime fans who keep these games alive through speedruns, fan art, and community discussions.
When a Mario game influences other developers and inspires future titles, it’s a clear sign of greatness. Innovation, lasting appeal, and cultural impact distinguish good Mario games from legendary ones.
Best Mario Games of All Time
Mario has been a favorite character for gamers for decades. Fans love his games because of the fun levels, exciting challenges, and creative ways to play. Some Mario games are 2D, some are 3D, and some even mix in role-playing elements.
1. Super Mario Odyssey (2017)
Super Mario Odyssey is a modern 3D platformer where Mario can throw his hat, called Cappy, to take control of enemies and objects. This key feature lets players solve puzzles and move in new ways.
Fans love the game because each kingdom has unique challenges and hidden secrets to find. It is best for players who enjoy open-ended levels, creative gameplay, and experimenting with new mechanics.
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Fun Fact: Won multiple “Game of the Year” awards
2. Super Mario 64 (1996)
Super Mario 64 was one of the first 3D Mario games and is still praised for changing how platformers are made. Its key feature is the open castle hub, where players collect Power Stars to unlock new areas.
Fans love it for the freedom to move in 3D and the clever level designs. It is best for players who enjoy exploring levels and want to experience the early days of 3D Mario gameplay.
- Platform: N64
- Fun Fact: Critically acclaimed and revolutionary
3. Super Mario Galaxy (2007)
Super Mario Galaxy takes Mario into space, where he can jump between minor planets with different gravity. This key feature makes the levels feel very different from other platformers.
Fans love the game because of its creative levels, exciting challenges, and beautiful music. It is best for players who enjoy unique 3D gameplay and levels that change how they think about movement and jumping.
- Platform: Wii
- Fun Fact: Often considered one of the most innovative 3D Mario games
4. Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010)
Super Mario Galaxy 2 builds on the first Galaxy game with even more creative and challenging levels. Players can use new power-ups, ride Yoshi, and explore planets with unique gravity and obstacles.
Fans love the game for its clever designs, surprising twists, and fast-paced fun. It is best for players who enjoyed the first Galaxy and want even more inventive 3D platforming challenges.
- Platform: Wii
- Fun Fact: Many players consider it even better than the first Galaxy
5. Super Mario World (1990)
Super Mario World introduces Yoshi and a large, layered world map full of secrets. The game’s levels are smooth and carefully designed, making it fun for both new and experienced players.
Fans love the creativity of the hidden paths and the classic power-ups like the Cape Feather. It is best for players who enjoy classic 2D platforming with exploration and finding secret areas.
- Platform: SNES
- Fun Fact: Long-time fan favorite
6. Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988)
Super Mario Bros. 3 is famous for its inventive levels, iconic power-ups like the Raccoon Tail, and the challenging Bowser’s Koopalings bosses. Fans love the mix of simple platforming and clever surprises that keep each level exciting.
It is best for players who enjoy 2D Mario games with creative worlds, fun power-ups, and increasing difficulty that tests skill and timing.
- Platform: NES
- Fun Fact: Considered one of the greatest 2D platformers ever
7. Super Mario Bros. (1985)
Super Mario Bros. is the original classic that started it all, with simple but fun platforming that players still enjoy today. The key feature is straightforward jumping and running through levels while avoiding enemies.
Fans love it for its simplicity, clear goals, and iconic music. It is best for players who want to experience the game that shaped the entire Mario series and early video games in general.
- Platform: NES
- Fun Fact: Defined early video game design
8. Super Mario Sunshine (2002)
Super Mario Sunshine gives Mario a water-jet tool called FLUDD, which lets him hover, spray water, and solve puzzles in creative ways.
Fans enjoy the game’s bright tropical setting, playful levels, and unique challenges, making it ideal for players who like experimenting with movement and tackling levels with platforming and puzzles.
- Platform: GameCube
- Fun Fact: Cult classic despite mixed reviews
9. New Super Mario Bros. (2006)
New Super Mario Bros. brought back classic 2D platforming with updated graphics and smoother gameplay. Fans love it for the multiplayer fun and the nostalgic vibe that reminds them of earlier Mario games.
It is best for players who enjoy running, jumping, and collecting power-ups in a modernized 2D world while playing alone or with friends.
- Platform: DS
- Fun Fact: Helped revive interest in 2D Mario games
10. New Super Mario Bros. Wii (2009)
New Super Mario Bros. Wii allows up to four players to play together, running and jumping through creative 2D levels.
Fans love it for the family-friendly multiplayer experience and the fun of coordinating moves with friends. It is best for players who like cooperative gameplay and want a Mario game that is easy to pick up but still challenging.
- Platform: Wii
- Fun Fact: Sold over 30 million copies
11. Super Mario 3D Land (2011)
Super Mario 3D Land mixes 3D platforming with classic 2D simplicity on the 3DS. Players move through creative levels that are short but clever, making the game feel fast and exciting.
Fans love it for its balance between modern 3D movement and easy-to-learn gameplay. It is best for handheld players who enjoy short, satisfying levels that still offer surprises and challenges.
- Platform: 3DS
- Fun Fact: Introduced the Tanooki Suit in 3D for the first time
12. New Super Mario Bros. 2 (2012)
New Super Mario Bros. 2 focuses on collecting coins while running through 2D levels filled with obstacles and enemies.
Fans love it for its fast-paced gameplay, challenging platforming, and playful levels that keep things exciting. It is best for players who enjoy trying to get high scores and completing levels with careful timing and strategy.
- Platform: 3DS
- Fun Fact: Set a record for most coins collected in the series
13. New Super Mario Bros. U (2012)
New Super Mario Bros. U brings HD graphics and smooth gameplay to the 2D Mario series. Players can enjoy running, jumping, and collecting power-ups alone or with friends in multiplayer mode.
Fans love the game for its variety of levels, clever platforming, and co-op opportunities. It is best for players who want straightforward, fast gameplay with both solo and team challenges.
- Platform: Wii U
- Fun Fact: First 2D Mario game in full HD
14. Super Mario 3D World (2013)
Super Mario 3D World offers creative 3D levels that are fun to play alone or with friends. Players can run, jump, and use unique power-ups like the Cat Suit to reach new areas.
Fans love it for its co-op gameplay, clever level design, and the way it mixes 3D movement with classic platforming. It is best for players who enjoy teamwork and playful, imaginative stages.
- Platform: Wii U
- Fun Fact: Introduced four-player co-op in a 3D Mario platformer
15. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury (2021)
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury combines the 3D World levels with a new open-style Bowser challenge. Players can jump, run, and use power-ups in the colorful 3D levels, while the Fury mode adds bigger objectives.
Fans love it for offering two types of gameplay in one package. It is best for players who want both classic 3D platforming and a more open, dynamic challenge.
- Platform: Switch
- Fun Fact: Bowser’s Fury is the first major open-ended Mario platformer on Switch
16. Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island (1995)
Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island features hand-drawn art and gameplay focused on guiding baby Mario on Yoshi’s back. Players can throw eggs, float, and solve small puzzles throughout imaginative levels.
Fans love it for its creative stages, charming visuals, and clever level design. It is best for players who enjoy platforming with unique mechanics and colorful environments that make each stage feel lively and engaging.
- Platform: SNES
- Fun Fact: Introduced Yoshi’s flutter jump and egg-throwing mechanics
17. Super Mario Land (1989)
Super Mario Land brought Mario to a handheld console for the first time. Players run, jump, and defeat enemies across trim but engaging levels.
Fans love it because it made Mario portable while keeping the platforming challenges of home consoles. It is best for players who want a quick, fun experience and the chance to play Mario anywhere.
- Platform: Game Boy
- Fun Fact: The first Mario game was released on a handheld system.
18. Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins (1992)
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins expanded the original game with larger levels, new bosses, and an open-world feel. Players collect coins, defeat enemies, and explore multiple stages.
Fans love it for introducing Wario as a villain and for adding more variety to the handheld Mario experience. It is best for players who enjoy creative level layouts and fun challenges on the Game Boy.
- Platform: Game Boy
- Fun Fact: Marked the first appearance of Wario
19. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars (1996)
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars mixes Mario platforming with turn-based RPG mechanics. Players explore towns, fight enemies in battles, and follow a story full of humor and surprises.
Fans love it for its unique gameplay, fun dialogue, and memorable characters. It is best for players who enjoy role-playing games with familiar Mario charm and creative ways to combine strategy with platforming.
- Platform: SNES
- Fun Fact: First Mario game to feature a full RPG style
20. Paper Mario (2000)
Paper Mario turns Mario’s world into a paper-like universe with RPG mechanics and funny dialogue. Players fight enemies in turn-based combat and meet quirky characters while progressing through the story.
Fans love it for its humor, engaging story, and playful visuals. It is best for players who enjoy a mix of platforming and role-playing with clever storytelling and creative combat systems.
- Platform: N64
- Fun Fact: Introduced the paper-style visual design for Mario games
21. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (2004)
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door expands on the original with more complex turn-based combat and a deep, charming story. Players travel through imaginative locations, solve puzzles, and battle enemies strategically.
Fans love it for its humor, creative levels, and strong narrative. It is best for players who want a fun mix of RPG elements and Mario-style platforming in a colorful, story-driven game.
- Platform: GameCube
- Fun Fact: One of the most critically acclaimed Paper Mario games
22. Super Paper Mario (2007)
Super Paper Mario adds a twist by letting players flip between 2D and 3D dimensions to solve puzzles and move through levels. Fans love it for the clever mechanics and unique way it combines different perspectives in gameplay.
It is best for players who enjoy experimenting with how levels are designed and like a mix of story, puzzles, and platforming that is different from other Mario games.
- Platform: Wii
- Fun Fact: Introduced dimension-flipping in the Paper Mario series
23. Paper Mario: Sticker Star (2012)
Paper Mario: Sticker Star uses a sticker-based combat system where players collect and use stickers to fight enemies. Levels are designed around collecting items and solving challenges in creative ways.
Fans love it for its playful mechanics and the way combat feels different from previous Mario RPGs. It is best for players who enjoy experimenting with items and strategies while progressing through a lighthearted, colorful story.
- Platform: 3DS
- Fun Fact: First Paper Mario game with stickers as the primary combat tool
24. Paper Mario: The Origami King (2020)
Paper Mario: The Origami King brings a world folded from paper, where Mario faces origami enemies and puzzles. Players use a ring-based battle system that requires strategy and timing.
Fans love it for its humor, colorful visuals, and clever combat mechanics. It is best for players who enjoy playful RPG elements with creative designs and a story full of jokes and fun moments.
- Platform: Switch
- Fun Fact: Introduces King Olly as a new main villain
25. Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (2003)
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga is a turn-based RPG where players control both brothers in battles and platforming challenges. Players can perform combos, use items, and solve puzzles throughout the game.
Fans love it for its clever humor, engaging dialogue, and inventive battle system. It is best for players who enjoy lighthearted RPGs with strategic combat and a Mario-style story full of funny characters.
- Platform: GBA
- Fun Fact: First game in the Mario & Luigi RPG series
26. Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time (2005)
Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time lets players control both adult and baby Marios to solve puzzles and fight enemies. Players switch between characters and use special moves to progress through creative levels.
Fans love it for its fun time-travel story, engaging dialogue, and inventive gameplay. It is best for players who enjoy teamwork mechanics and RPG battles with clever puzzles and entertaining interactions.
- Platform: DS
- Fun Fact: Introduced baby Mario and baby Luigi as playable characters
27. Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story (2009)
Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story allows players to control Mario and Luigi as well as Bowser, switching between them to solve puzzles and fight enemies.
Fans love it for the innovative gameplay, humorous story, and dual gameplay style. It is best for players who enjoy unique RPG experiences and want to try controlling both the heroes and the villain in the same game.
- Platform: DS
- Fun Fact: Considered one of the most creative Mario & Luigi RPGs
How Do Fans Around the World Rank Mario Games?
Mario fans have strong opinions about which games deserve the top spots. Super Mario 64, Galaxy, and Odyssey regularly dominate fan polls across gaming forums and social media.
World and Bros. 3 also earn consistent praise from players who grew up with the NES and SNES era.
The biggest debates happen between Galaxy and Odyssey supporters, with each side defending their favorite’s approach to 3D platforming.
Some fans argue that older 2D titles like World offer tighter level design than modern games, while others believe the open-world freedom of Odyssey represents the series at its peak.
Final Thoughts
The best Mario games represent milestones in gaming history, each bringing something special to the table.
From the revolutionary jump to 3D with Mario 64 to the creative freedom of Odyssey, these titles pushed boundaries and delighted millions of players.
Some offer tight platforming challenges, while others focus on exploration and experimentation.
Mario’s catalog appeals to diverse players, and your favorite depends on when you started gaming. What’s important is that these games keep bringing joy to new generations.
Which Mario game holds the top spot for you? Share your rankings and favorite memories in the comments below!