Writing about the best Mario games isn’t work; it’s an absolute pleasure. There are so many amazing titles featuring everyone’s favourite red-hatted-hero that some people might find it daunting, but not this nerd.
I grew up with Mario, fighting Bowser at every turn and racing laps around Wario whenever I got the chance.
It’s fair to say from the off that Mario is an institution. Mention Mazza, and everyone thinks of Nintendo. He’s an instantly recognisable mascot and one that symbolises good, honest fun that can be enjoyed by all the family.
Mario titles define generations; I bet all of you can remember the first time you played one or all of the titles below. They stick with you and are accessible to everyone.
Not bad for a guy who spends more time saving Peach than fulfilling his actual plumbing job. How does he keep his contract?!
So, without further ado, let’s kick off and check out the best Mario titles of all time!
1. Super Mario 64 (1996)
The results are in, and Super Mario 64 takes the top spot in our list of the best Mario games of all time!
(Trumpet fanfare please!)
Yes folks, Mario 64 rightfully takes the Number 1 position in our best Mario titles of all time because it’s still an absolute classic as I write this today!
This game has everything, and I mean everything. From the very first encounter with King Bob-Omb to navigating those insanely difficult dungeons to reach Bowser, Mario 64 is the ultimate Mario adventure title.
There’s a reason it ranked so highly in our list of the best N64 games… but what beat him to the top?
This title had little secrets hidden everywhere in it. How many readers found the secret short cut on Bob-omb mountain or the teleportation spot in Snowman’s Land?
Whether racing Koopa the Quick or battling King Boo, this game is a treasure trove of Nintendo goodness. Soaring through the sky or navigating the depths of the castle with the Metal Cap; that’s the stuff of legends
Some people believe Super Mario Sunshine to be the best of the bunch, but this N64 classic does it for me. I still can’t enter a castle without hearing Bowser’s ‘Gwa-ha-ha-ha’ ringing around my head, and why can’t we all jump into paintings too? It’s just not fair!
2. Mario Kart 64 (1996)
Walk up to any stranger and ask if they’ve played Mario Kart 64. 99.87% will say yes, they’ve taken Mazza around Moo Moo farm a few times alright!
What’s not to love about Mario Kart 64? Get from A to B without crashing into other opponents or bananas. It’s a game that doesn’t need a degree in neuroscience to figure out and remains a right of passage into the world of Nintendo gaming.
Is a gamer truly a gamer without achieving gold in all four cups? Sure, people might be able to play Dragonforce on Guitar Hero, but does it even matter if successfully navigating Rainbow Road on 150cc remains out of reach?
I think we all know where I’m going with this one.
My favourite weapon was always the trio of red shells, that impenetrable barrier that stopped anyone from driving anywhere near me. Of course, the blue shell usually got me in the end, but I felt like a king with those bad boys circling around my kart.
Listen; the Switch version with its flying cars and upside down tracks is great, but there is something so satisfying about the simplicity of Mario Kart 64. One car with no extra fiddly bits cruising down the open road. That’s what it’s all about.
I’m going to pause here and go play a few rounds myself before carrying on. DK, don’t let me down!
3. Super Mario RPG (1985/2023)
I bet a lot of you never knew that Super Mario RPG even existed until the remake came out for the Switch, but it’s one of best Mario titles ever made, in my opinion!
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars is an RPG title that would later go on to influence both the GBA Mario & Luigi series and the Paper Mario series. It’s basically Final Fantasy with Nintendo characters… which makes it the ultimate turn-based battle game!
The isometric 3D graphics allow for a whole new viewing angle and type of gameplay. Mario battles enemies with a party of up to three people, taking it in turns to fight just like in any RPG you’ve ever played.
Just like the Mario & Luigi series, this game is comical and features lots of funny moments for players to enjoy. Critics went crazy for it, and it proved a huge success with Mazza fans too.
The game recently received a boost thanks to the SNES mini classic console and of course the incredible remake. Save Peach, defeat Bowser, job done.
Read our official review: Super Mario RPG review
4. Super Mario Odyssey (2017)
Super Mario Odyssey was Mario’s first adventure for the Switch and one that I soaked up like a sponge.
Not only does this game play like a classic Mario title, but it looks superb. Just check out the world of New Donk City in the still below, the textures of the road and buildings, the attention to detail in the trees and cars. Nintendo really aced this one, and giving Mario a sidekick that isn’t Luigi for a change was a nice touch.
Cappy is a talking hat that Mario can use to hit enemies and reach difficult places. It ties into the different costumes Mario collects, some of which gain entry into previously inaccessible areas.
Bowser’s trying to Marry Peach on the moon, and Mario must stop the wedding from happening. His spaceship, the Odyssey, needs power moons to run, however. More power moons equals new planets to explore.
Mario interacts with the worlds in this game like never before. Stop by a radio will see him do a jig, and Cappy allows Mario to take over certain objects and enemies too. Make a goomba tower, become a tank; the possibilities are endless!
5. Super Mario Galaxy (2007)
Mazza fans can put down the pitchforks and call off the angry mob; Super Mario Galaxy has finally arrived and takes the fifth spot in this list!
I know many people consider the second Galaxy title as the better of the two, but I guess I’m just different. I didn’t find the first game as insanely difficult, and it felt a lot more enjoyable to play while being so much different to Super Mario Sunshine.
Super Mario Galaxy was new and fresh; the idea just wasn’t as impactful on the second game. The original title knocked my Nintendo-themed socks off (currently wearing now), and it was like a trip down memory lane when I played it again on the Switch!
It’s weird to think that this was only the third 3D Mario game to come out for home consoles. It had to bring the thunder after the success of Super Mario Sunshine, and it didn’t disappoint. Plus, while I liked the brief change of having Baby Bowser as the antagonist in Sunshine, it was nice to see big daddy Bowser back on the scene again.
So what’s the deal with Super Mario Galaxy? Well, Mario must once again save Princess Peach, though this time he’s doing it in space. Collect power stars while trying to figure out what’s going on with the gravity, running around planets and sometimes battling upside down!
The planets, enemies, and scenery are all beautifully created, and Mario’s looks feel finished in this title. He could have just stepped off the Odyssey, in fact! Players with enough power stars can also use Luigi too.
This is the game that keeps on giving!
Find out more in our Super Mario 3D All-Stars Review – Super Mario 3D All-Stars review
6. Super Mario Land (1989)
This was the first Mario game I ever owned.
I remember getting a grey Game Boy DMG and Super Mario Land, playing through the Desert levels and dodging fire breathing Sphinxes while trying to save Daisy.
The Submarine levels were fantastic too; everything about this game opened my eyes to the world of Nintendo. I guess it’s safe to say that this game started everything for me.
The DMG launched with this title, and the game sold over 18 million copies. The graphics might look simple and the game is pretty short, but this is the game that cemented Nintendo as the king of handhelds.
How many more reasons do we need to put this game in our list?
At just 12 pixels high, Mario still packs a punch in the game that saw Daisy’s debut and eventually led to the Wario Land spin off series.
What would the world be like without Super Mario Land? You might not have me writing these articles for a start… hopefully you think that would be a bad thing… right?
7. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2017)
Not only is this one of the best Mario Multiplayer games, but it’s also massively addictive in solo-player mode. We’ve already discussed in how it’s the most accessible game series ever, but seriously, MK 8 Deluxe is a joy to play.
My Grandma used to have a go at racing with DK back in the 64 days, but I think flying cars might have been a bit too much for her!
Finally having the chance to play Mario Kart on a on a plane, on a train, or in a hot air balloon with such stunning graphics still feels like some sort of Voodoo magic. I even challenged some Polish campers in the Italian mountains to a few laps around Hyrule circuit once!
The deluxe version of the Wii-U game boasts all the Wii-U tracks as well as providing additional DLC tracks and characters. Splatoon’s famous Inklings drop by for a race, and the game looks crisp and glorious in 1080p HD.
New gamers not used to playing in the big leagues benefit from smart steering functions and auto accelerate. Honestly, it’s impossible to fall off with these things turned on! With the hard stuff catered for, all that remains is blasting opponents sky high with red shells.
Compete online against kids across the globe that make you feel rubbish and old, or play mates in the same room on the big screen. This game continues to draw in new players every month, proving itself as a worthy addition to our list!
8. Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010)
Super Mario Galaxy 2 marked Mario’s second intergalactic adventure for the Wii, and boy was it an action packed rollercoaster ride.
I know it’s controversial, but as I’ve said above, I still prefer the first Mario Galaxy title to the sequel. I may be the only person who thinks this, but it’s my list, so back off, capish?
Don’t get me wrong, Super Mario Galaxy 2 is still a cracking game, made all the better by having Yoshi in it!
When playing the ‘Galaxy’ series, it’s not hard to see where Nintendo got the idea for Odyssey from. The format is a brilliant one and a nice change from the usual Mushroom Kingdom scene of yesteryear.
Don’t worry, Mario still has to save Peach from Bowser. The only difference is that this time it’s happening in space! Mario glides through galaxies and planet hops while collecting Power Stars, saving the universe from Bowser’s evil claws.
What is it with King Koopa; can’t he take a day off for once?
9. Super Mario Sunshine (2002)
Super Mario Sunshine takes the 9th spot in our list. It also marks Mazza’s debut Gamecube adventure, which makes it a huge deal!
While taking a well deserved break from Bowser bashing, Mario makes a trip to Isle Delfino with Peach and a bunch of Toads. But who’s that; ‘Shadow Mario’? What’s he up to? Why can’t a plumber take a break! MAMMA MIA!
After Mario finds a water-jetpack called FLUDD (once a plumber, always a plumber) he must clean up Shadow Mario’s graffiti from Isle Delfino and find 120 shine sprites to bring light back to the grubby island.
The gameplay in Super Mario Sunshine follows Super Mario 64 very closely, though the power of the Gamecube makes for some neat differences. For starters, the graphics are ten-times better. Mario has a round nose now, and he can move much more freely.
Features such as racing on bloopers and the vast height of the levels make exploration more fun too, though the same collectible action that we know and love from these games remains a prominent part of the story.
Isle Delfino makes a nice change from the usual setting of the Mushroom Kingdom too. This game proved that we don’t need Peach’s castle to feel at home with a Mazza title, and the islanders are all very jolly and fun to watch.
When things get tough, Mario can call Yoshi into the fray to help out. FLUDD nozzle upgrades remain hidden throughout the levels for gamers to find too. It’s a classic, and it’s one of my favourite Mario outings!
Discover more in our Super Mario 3D All-Stars Review – Super Mario 3D All-Stars review
10. Super Mario Wonder (2023)
Mario side-scrollers have been pretty similar in their general make-up for a while now, but Super Mario Bros. Wonder took the mixture and shook it up, adding in powerups and graphics that make us feel like we’re all sat around listening to The Grateful Dead in the late 60s!
Wonder is the epitome of a family-friendly game, albeit one that makes your eyes tingle from all of the mad, vibrant stuff that’s going on in the background. Use Wonder Flowers to get new abilities, transform in to cool characters (you know we’re talking about Elephant Mario), and team up with your friends in four player mode!
The gameplay is fast-paced, but that’s both good and bad. You see, the game is great and there’s no time to be bored, but that’s also because it’s so short! We made our way through it a little bit to quickly for our liking, and that’s with getting 100% completion too.
I know we play games a lot, but I don’t think that it’s necessarily because we’re ‘good at gaming’; it just felt like we could have done with more content!
Still, there are so many good plus points that you can read about in our review below, and the soundtrack is one that you’ll be humming on your third and fourth play through (gotta’ get your money’s worth!)
Read our official review: Super Mario Bros Wonder review
11. Super Mario: 3D World + Bowser’s Fury (2021)
Fed up of fire plants and star power-ups? No worries; just find yourself a Super Bell and and become a cat for a bit instead! Super bells give players cat-like abilities, allowing for climbing up blockages and scratching enemies into dust.
Super Mario 3D World is a vibrant and immersive adventure that up to four people can play. That means everyone in the same household can have a go, or you can play with mates online.
Gamers choose from Mario, Toad, Peach, or Luigi while aiming for that all important high score at the end of each level. Stomp Goombas, collect coins, travel through warp pipes – that’s a Mario game alright!
And, shock horror, Bowser isn’t trying to capture Peach in this game. I know, who would have thought it.
Peach is part of the gang in Super Mario 3D world and can finally taste the action. I guess it beats being locked up in a fiery chasm of doom or being carted off to the moon, right?
And don’t forget the inclusion of Bowser’s Fury too on this Switch port of the game – Nintendo really are the gift that keeps on giving!
12. New Super Mario Bros U (2012)
New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe takes us back to the Wii U, with a game that some of you might recognise from the Nintendo Switch Deluxe release.
It’s such a shame that the Wii U didn’t sell as it had some amazing titles under its belt. Super Mario Bros U remains one of the best Mario adventures in existence, and while the Deluxe Nintendo Switch port makes it even more enjoyable to play, we still love grabbing our Wii U gamepad and tackling the original.
Like Super Mario 3D World, up to four players can take part in the action. Five characters take to the field this time with the inclusion of Nabbit and Toadette! Nabbit is impervious to enemy attacks too, which can prove mighty useful in hairy situations!
With Toadette becoming Peachette and Bowser creating crazy obstacles along the way, there are plenty of surprises to uncover throughout the 164 courses.
For those wanting a ‘tamer’ version of Super Mario Bros. Wonder, then look no further!
13. Super Mario Bros. (1985)
We couldn’t have a list of the best Super Mario titles ever made without paying homage to this classic title now, could we? It’s one of the most recognisable titles of all time, and although Mario is no longer hanging around in such simple settings, it’s nice to go back to his roots.
Super Mario Bros. is very simple in design but packs a powerful punch. It’s also a bit of a legendary title too, with may critics saying that it helped to turn the tide of the video game crash back in 1983.
Super Mario by name, Super Mario by nature.
Ok, it’s not super challenging, but it is addictive and incredibly nostalgic. We love just putting this game on when winding down a little and when we want to play something that doesn’t require too much thought.
It’s come out on pretty much every Nintendo console in some form too, as an add on or a download, making it incredibly accessible to everyone. Nintendo know how to keep their important classics alive!
14. Mario Party Superstars (2022)
For a long time, it was Super Mario Party that took the top spot as my favourite Mario Party game, but this remaster of some of the best Mario Party courses of all time has since taken the crown.
And, as you’ll no doubt know if you’ve read our my other articles, that’s because of the fact that you can solely choose to play just GameCube minigames!
N64 boards revamped with GameCube minigames – it’s the ultimate Mario Party experience, and now that the convoluted character dice aren’t a main feature, I can play as Donkey Kong again like the good old days!
For anyone new to Mario Party, let me explain. Players move around an interactive board in turn-based gameplay. Chose a favourite Nintendo character, collect coins, dodge obstacles, and purchase stars to win.
Items help you along the way and can be either bought from a shop or won by landing on an item space and completing a little minigame.
There are surprises around every corner, and you better hope you don’t get caught in Bowser’s coin beam or land on one of his space!
15. Super Mario Bros. 3 (1990)
No matter how young you feel, just remember that Super Mario Bros. 3 came out in 1988. Take a second out from this list to think about that… It came out before I was even born!
This Mazza title was like looking into the future of gaming, a snapshot of what was to come. It released around the middle of the NES’s life and mentally prepared us for the glory of the SNES.
It’s fair to say that Super Mario Bros. 3 prepared the floor for Super Mario World, and it’s one of my favourite side-scrolling adventures for the NES. Heck, it made our best NES games list for a reason, after all!
What do you think to Mario’s look? Reckon he looks the same today? Many gamers cite Mazza’s appearance here as the quintessential look, though he looks a little sunburnt to me.
Gamers play as either Mario or Luigi in this NES classic. I always love seeing Luigi helping to save Princess Toadstool; he’s just as good as his more famous brother.
This was the first time players met the Koopalings too, all the weird characters on Mario Kart 8 Deluxe that no one ever uses. I’ve never seen a Mrs Bowser… weird that…
16. Super Mario Maker (2015)
Next up is Super Mario Maker, one of the best games for getting downright creative and playing your own way.
Taking homage from the level creation feature in Little Big Planet, players finally have the chance to create their own Super Mario Bros side-scrolling levels.
The game dropped on the Wii U and instantly gained critical acclaim (unlike the Wii U), and gamers loved the ability to upload courses for others to play. What’s more, players can download other courses and play an endless stream of ever-changing levels!
Super Mario Maker released in September 2015. Eight months later in May of the following year, over seven-million courses existed on the internet. Imagine how many there are floating around there now!
The part I love the most about Super Mario Maker is having the option to choose a specific ‘Mazza style’. Levels can be anything from old school stages like the Super Mario Bros. arcade days to new, richly textured scenes on New Super Mario Bros U.
Make enemies appear from power-up blocks, stack 20 goombas on top of one-another, or make Monty Mole ginormous. The power is in your hands, along with a chance to see if you have what it takes to become a Nintendo developer!
17. Super Mario Kart (1992)
Super Mario Kart is one of the best racers ever made; surely I don’t need to talk about this one?
The tried and tested Mario Kart format started right here on the SNES. It’s a formula that is not only used by Nintendo to this day, but one that every other company copied from there on out!
Fire weapons, steer, fire weapons, drift, and try not to brake while firing weapons. That’s basically everything gamers need to know to play Mario Kart. It’s the most accessible franchise of all time, and while a certain 64 title may have ranked higher in my list, Super Mario Kart will always have a special place in my heart.
Tattooed steampunks who play Dark Souls and pampered pups who participate in Nintendogs competitions all love Mario Kart. It’s one of those games that’s hard not to love, and the SNES version of Rainbow Road still gives me goosebumps to this day!
So the graphics are a little dated and Yoshi looks more like a frog than a lizard, but none of that matters. The gameplay is the same, and this timeless classic is one that I will be forcing my future kids to play.
If you’re reading this, future kids, then you’re welcome.
18. Super Mario 3D Land (2011)
Next up on our list is Super Mario 3D Land, a 3DS marvel that has Mario popping out of your screen.
Well, not literally… he’s just 3D; you can’t grab his hat and put it on or anything!
Mr Miyamoto himself said that this game is a title that feels like a 2D title while remaining 3D. In essence, it’s perfect for both 2D side-scroller fans and fans of the sandbox Mario adventures. For me, it’s the perfect mix and a game that has such great depth for a portable plumber title.
So what’s the story here then? Well, Mazza is on a mission to save Peach (go figure) and has to restore all of the leaves of a Tail Tree that Bowser has ransacked. He’s also got to save Luigi too, so it’s not exactly a quiet day for Signor Moustache!
If only Super Mario Bros. Wonder has as much content as Super Mario 3D Land – the combo would have been unstoppable, although I can’t imagine the psychedelic graphics of Wonder popping out of my 3DS screen… that would feel like wearing the Virtual Boy all over again!
19. Mario Party 4 (2002)
Mario Party 4 isn’t just one of the best GameCube Games ever made, it’s also one of the best party games on any Nintendo console.
I know, that’s pretty high praise. Still, I’m sticking with it. It’s the first Mazza board game extravaganza I ever played and I loved the gameplay mechanics and all the crazy mini games. The shop system works flawlessly, and the magic lantern and genie who looked a lot like my uncle felt so exciting to use.
I reckon paying 20 coins for a star is still one of the best deals I ever made.
Minigames that pit players against each other and occasionally require them to work together end each round. Play Party Mode with friends or Story Mode to unlock a sixth level, Bowser’s Castle! That place would have made even the devil feel hot and frightened!
My mum and I used to play this when I was younger. Nintendo games are all about making memories, and I’ve certainly got some incredible ones from battling against Yoshi, DK and the gang. It’s a perfect multiplayer and guaranteed to bring laughter to any gathering.
20. Mario Strikers Battle League Football (2022)
I love Mario Strikers with a passion, and getting to write lots of articles about this game on release day was a dream come true for me. Note that when I’m writing about this Switch game, I’m also thinking fondly of the very first GameCube title too, Super Mario Strikers.
Fifa isn’t for me; it’s too… normal. I don’t want to see Chelsea vs Barcelona, I want to see Bowser power sliding into Mario and sending him flying before Yoshi sends home a super strike that tears a hole in the back of the net.
Customising characters and upgrading them with cool new gear to give them an edge over the competition adds an extra slice of excitement into the mix too, something that I didn’t think I’d ever get to do back on the original GC title.
I’ve put more hours into this game than I’ve had hot dinners; it’s so addictive, and the league mode sees me coming back time and time again to try and beat players from all over the globe (often unsuccessfully, but it’s all character building!).
Get new items for your home arena, pick a team name, and become the best 4-person team that the Mushroom Kingdom has ever seen!
