This curated list showcases 30 of the best platformer video games ever created, blending timeless classics with modern masterpieces. Prepare for a journey through gaming history, featuring titles that have defined the genre and continue to captivate players.
Explore our other genre selections as well: **Survival Horror, Simulators, Shooters**
Table of Contents ---
Super Mario Bros. Ninja Gaiden Disney’s Aladdin Contra Earthworm Jim 2 Gex Donkey Kong Country Returns Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty Spyro Reignited Trilogy Rayman Legends Super Meat Boy Sonic Mania Psychonauts Metal Slug Anthology Kirby and the Forgotten Land Celeste Super Mario Odyssey Cuphead Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time GRIS Katana ZERO DuckTales Remastered Pizza Tower Mega Man 11 Astro Bot Owlboy The Messenger Huntdown Little Nightmares Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Super Mario Bros.
Image: neox.atresmedia.com
Metascore: tbd Release date: September 13, 1985 Developer: Nintendo R&D4
Kicking off our top 30 is the legendary Super Mario Bros., the game that arguably birthed the entire platformer genre. A household name for gamers worldwide, its record-breaking sales and iconic plumber, Mario, cemented its place in gaming history. While countless Mario games have followed, the original remains a cherished experience for millions.
Ninja Gaiden
Image: linclogames.com
Metascore: tbd Release date: December 9, 1988 Developer: Tecmo
Ninja Gaiden dominated the NES scene in the late 80s, captivating players with its high-quality graphics and animations (including anime-style cutscenes!), memorable music, and challenging gameplay. Though the series later branched out, the upcoming Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound (2025) promises a return to 2D platforming, delighting longtime fans. Experience this classic before the new game arrives!
Disney’s Aladdin
Image: imdb.com
Metascore: 59 User Score: 7.8 Release date: November 11, 1993 Developer: Virgin Interactive
No best-of platformer list is complete without a Disney title, and Aladdin delivers. Based on the beloved animated film, it boasts impressive animations, graphics, memorable locations, and engaging gameplay mechanics for its time. Run through the streets of Agrabah and relive childhood memories, remembering its impressive 4 million copies sold.
Contra
Image: kotaku.com
Metascore: tbd Release date: February 20, 1987 Developer: Konami
The Contra series is a platforming legend, and the original 1987 game remains a standout. Released across 10 platforms, Contra offers intense action, hordes of enemies, and diverse levels. Team up with a friend or go solo to thwart the Red Falcon organization's sinister plans.
Earthworm Jim 2
Image: store.epicgames.com
Metascore: tbd Download: Steam Release date: September 18, 1995 Developer: Shiny Entertainment
A Sega Genesis standout, Earthworm Jim 2 is remembered for its vibrant visuals and wildly inventive levels. Each stage presents unique challenges and unforgettable bosses, making for a truly unforgettable experience even three decades later.
Gex
Image: gog.com
Metascore: tbd Download: GOG Release date: April 7, 1995 Developer: Crystal Dynamics
Gex, the gecko, is unexpectedly pulled into the world of television! Explore diverse levels, utilize Gex's unique abilities (wall climbing, sticky tongue), and enjoy the hero's charisma in this iconic title. A remake of the Gex trilogy is currently in development.
Donkey Kong Country Returns
Image: wired.com
Metascore: 87 Release date: November 21, 2010 Developer: Retro Studios
Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong embark on a banana-retrieving adventure filled with jungle exploration, minecart races, pirate ships, and more! This game is packed with secrets and challenges for all skill levels, and an HD remaster was released on the Nintendo Switch in 2025.
Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 84 Download: Steam Release date: July 22, 2014 Developer: Just Add Water (Developments), Ltd.
Abe must escape a meat processing plant and rescue his fellow creatures from becoming alien food. This remake of the 1997 classic features puzzle-solving, timely actions, and varied character control.
Spyro Reignited Trilogy
Image: gamekult.com
Metascore: 82 Download: Steam Release date: November 13, 2018 Developers: Toys For Bob, Iron Galaxy Studios
This remastered collection features improved graphics and gameplay for the first three Spyro games. Join the purple dragon on his adventures, battling enemies, finding hidden items, and enjoying the updated visuals and music.
Rayman Legends
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 92 Download: Steam Release date: August 20, 2013 Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
Rayman Legends combines magical cartoon graphics with captivating gameplay. While similar to its predecessor, this game is memorable for its inclusion of 40 levels from Rayman Origins and is perfect for cooperative play.
Super Meat Boy
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Metascore: 90 Download: Steam Release date: October 20, 2010 Developer: Team Meat
Super Meat Boy's brutal difficulty, unique art style, and critical acclaim make it a standout. Rescue your beloved by navigating treacherous levels filled with deadly traps.
Sonic Mania
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 86 Download: Steam Release date: August 15, 2017 Developers: Christian Whitehead, Headcannon, PagodaWest Games
A fan-made tribute to classic Sonic, Sonic Mania recreates the high-speed thrills of the Mega Drive/Genesis era with updated visuals and new levels.
Psychonauts
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 88 Download: Steam Release date: April 19, 2005 Developer: Double Fine Productions
Explore the minds of various characters at Whispering Rock summer camp as a Psychonaut agent. Journey through puzzle-like worlds, battle inner demons, and uncover hidden memories. Consider also playing Psychonauts 2 (2024).
Metal Slug Anthology
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Metascore: 73 Download: PlayStation Store Release date: December 14, 2006 Developer: Terminal Reality
This anthology features six Metal Slug games, showcasing the series' signature blend of straightforward gameplay, beautiful graphics, smooth animations, and humor.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Image: nintendo.com
Metascore: 85 Download: Nintendo Store Release date: March 25, 2022 Developer: HAL Laboratory
Kirby explores a 3D post-apocalyptic world, utilizing his signature power-copying abilities and transforming into a car. This game features challenging trials and an epic finale.
Celeste
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 92 Download: Steam Release date: January 25, 2018 Developers: Matt Makes Games, Extremely OK Games, Ltd.
Madeline climbs a mountain, confronting both physical and emotional challenges. Celeste's gripping story, beautiful soundtrack, and challenging mechanics make it a standout.
Super Mario Odyssey
Image: nintendo.com
Metascore: 97 Download: Nintendo Store Release date: October 27, 2017 Developer: Nintendo EPD
Super Mario Odyssey builds upon the legacy of Super Mario 64, offering stunning graphics, innovative gameplay, and mind-bending puzzles.
Cuphead
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 86 Download: Steam Release date: September 29, 2017 Developer: Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc.
Cuphead's stunning 1930s cartoon art style is matched by challenging, fast-paced gameplay.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 85 Download: Steam Release date: October 2, 2020 Developer: Toys For Bob
Crash Bandicoot 4 retains the spirit of the originals while adding new features and stunning visuals.
GRIS
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 83 Download: Steam Release date: December 13, 2018 Developer: Nomada Studio
GRIS tells a story of a girl's journey through her inner world, captivating players with its stunning visuals and profound symbolism.
Katana ZERO
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 83 Download: Steam Release date: April 18, 2019 Developer: Askiisoft
This fast-paced neo-noir action platformer demands precise timing and strategic thinking.
DuckTales Remastered
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 70 Download: Steam Release date: August 13, 2013 Developer: WayForward Technologies
A remastered version of the 1989 classic, featuring improved graphics, additional levels, and updated features.
Pizza Tower
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 89 Download: Steam Release date: January 26, 2023 Developer: Tour De Pizza
This frantic platformer features a unique gameplay mechanic involving a race back to the start of each level.
Mega Man 11
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 82 Download: Steam Release date: October 2, 2018 Developer: Capcom
Mega Man 11 blends classic gameplay with modern visuals and the innovative Double Gear system.
Astro Bot
Image: playstation.com
Metascore: 94 Download: Steam Release date: September 6, 2024 Developer: Team Asobi
This 3D platformer features over 80 levels and utilizes the DualSense controller's features.
Owlboy
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 88 Download: Steam Release date: November 1, 2016 Developer: D-Pad Studio
Owlboy offers a unique flying mechanic and a charming fairytale story.
The Messenger
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 86 Download: Steam Release date: August 30, 2018 Developer: Sabotage
The Messenger is a homage to classic platformers, featuring a transition from 8-bit to 16-bit graphics and Metroidvania-style backtracking.
Huntdown
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 82 Download: Steam Release date: May 12, 2020 Developer: Easy Trigger Games
Huntdown is a brutal cyberpunk action platformer with diverse weapons, cool music, and intense boss fights.
Little Nightmares
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 78 Download: Steam Release date: April 28, 2017 Developer: Tarsier Studios
Little Nightmares blends platforming, puzzles, and a disturbing atmosphere of horror.
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 91 Download: Steam Release date: June 26, 2014 Developer: Yacht Club Games
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is a collection of games featuring a knight who uses a shovel as his primary weapon.
This diverse selection of platformers, encompassing both classic and modern titles, offers something for every gamer. We hope this list inspires you to explore these fantastic worlds!
