The Best 30 Platformer Games

Prepare for a thrilling journey through gaming history with our curated list of the 30 best platformers of all time! This selection blends timeless classics with modern masterpieces, ensuring an unforgettable experience for every gamer. We've also included handy links to other genre selections: **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.

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 defined the platformer genre. A Guinness World Record holder for best-selling video game, Mario's iconic status transcends Nintendo itself. While countless sequels have followed, the original remains a cherished classic for millions.

Ninja Gaiden

Metascore: TBD Release Date: December 9, 1988 Developer: Tecmo

An NES superstar of the late 80s, Ninja Gaiden boasted stunning graphics and animation (including anime-style cutscenes!), memorable music, and incredibly challenging gameplay. Though the series later diverged from its platforming roots, the upcoming Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound (2025) promises a 2D return to form.

Disney’s Aladdin

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 features superb animation, beautiful locations, and engaging gameplay mechanics for its time. With 4 million copies sold, its success speaks for itself.

Contra

Metascore: TBD Release Date: February 20, 1987 Developer: Konami

The Contra series is a platforming legend, and the original 1987 entry remains a high point. Its intense gameplay, hordes of enemies, and diverse levels have captivated players for decades, whether solo or in co-op.

Earthworm Jim 2

Metascore: TBD Download: Steam Release Date: September 18, 1995 Developer: Shiny Entertainment

A Sega Genesis standout, Earthworm Jim 2 is remembered for its bizarre humor, challenging levels, and unforgettable bosses. Its unique and varied environments remain a testament to its creativity.

Gex

Metascore: TBD Download: GOG Release Date: April 7, 1995 Developer: Crystal Dynamics

Gex, the wisecracking gecko, finds himself flung into the world of television. Explore diverse levels, utilize Gex's unique abilities, and enjoy the charismatic hero in this iconic title, with a trilogy remake currently in development.

Donkey Kong Country Returns

Metascore: 87 Release Date: November 21, 2010 Developer: Retro Studios

Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong embark on a banana-retrieving adventure filled with jungle challenges, minecart races, and pirate ship encounters. An HD remaster was released on Nintendo Switch in 2025.

Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty

Metascore: 84 Download: Steam Release Date: July 22, 2014 Developer: Just Add Water (Developments), Ltd.

Abe's quest to save his fellow Mudokons from becoming canned meat is a puzzle-solving adventure that rewards patience and strategic thinking. A remake of the 1997 original.

Spyro Reignited Trilogy

Metascore: 82 Download: Steam Release Date: November 13, 2018 Developers: Toys For Bob, Iron Galaxy Studios

This remastered collection breathes new life into the classic Spyro trilogy, offering improved graphics and gameplay while retaining the charm of the originals.

Rayman Legends

Metascore: 92 Download: Steam Release Date: August 20, 2013 Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier

Stunning cartoon visuals meet captivating gameplay in this highly-rated platformer. A nostalgic trip for fans of Rayman Origins, also featuring 40 levels from that game.

Super Meat Boy

Metascore: 90 Download: Steam Release Date: October 20, 2010 Developer: Team Meat

Brutal difficulty meets unique visual style in this award-winning platformer. Rescue your beloved by navigating treacherous levels filled with deadly obstacles.

Sonic Mania

Metascore: 86 Download: Steam Release Date: August 15, 2017 Developers: Christian Whitehead, Headcannon, PagodaWest Games

A love letter to classic Sonic, Sonic Mania blends nostalgia with fresh content, offering thrilling high-speed gameplay for both veterans and newcomers.

Psychonauts

Metascore: 88 Download: Steam Release Date: April 19, 2005 Developer: Double Fine Productions

Explore the minds of various characters in this unique platformer, battling inner demons and uncovering hidden memories. Consider also Psychonauts 2 (2024).

Metal Slug Anthology

Metascore: 73 Download: PlayStation Store Release Date: December 14, 2006 Developer: Terminal Reality

This anthology provides access to six Metal Slug games, showcasing the series' signature blend of action, humor, and beautiful graphics.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Metascore: 85 Download: Nintendo Store Release Date: March 25, 2022 Developer: HAL Laboratory

Kirby explores a 3D post-apocalyptic world, utilizing his signature abilities to overcome challenges and defeat enemies.

Celeste

Metascore: 92 Download: Steam Release Date: January 25, 2018 Developers: Matt Makes Games, Extremely OK Games, Ltd.

Madeline's climb up Celeste Mountain is a challenging but rewarding journey, both literally and metaphorically.

Super Mario Odyssey

Metascore: 97 Download: Nintendo Store Release Date: October 27, 2017 Developer: Nintendo EPD

A modern masterpiece that continues Mario's legacy as the king of platformers, with stunning graphics and innovative gameplay.

Cuphead

Metascore: 86 Download: Steam Release Date: September 29, 2017 Developer: Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc.

Stunning 1930s cartoon visuals meet challenging, fast-paced gameplay in this stylish and unforgettable title.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time

Metascore: 85 Download: Steam Release Date: October 2, 2020 Developer: Toys For Bob

A worthy successor to the classic trilogy, featuring updated visuals and gameplay mechanics.

GRIS

Metascore: 83 Download: Steam Release Date: December 13, 2018 Developer: Nomada Studio

A visually stunning and emotionally resonant platformer about a girl's journey through her inner world.

Katana ZERO

Metascore: 83 Download: Steam Release Date: April 18, 2019 Developer: Askiisoft

A fast-paced neo-noir action platformer that demands precise timing and strategic thinking.

DuckTales Remastered

Metascore: 70 Download: Steam Release Date: August 13, 2013 Developer: WayForward Technologies

A modernized take on the classic DuckTales, featuring enhanced visuals and gameplay.

Pizza Tower

Metascore: 89 Download: Steam Release Date: January 26, 2023 Developer: Tour De Pizza

A frantic and unique platformer with a time-based dash mechanic that will test your reflexes.

Mega Man 11

Metascore: 82 Download: Steam Release Date: October 2, 2018 Developer: Capcom

A modern entry in the Mega Man series, featuring updated visuals and the innovative Double Gear system.

Astro Bot

Metascore: 94 Download: Steam Release Date: September 6, 2024 Developer: Team Asobi

A critically acclaimed 3D platformer that makes excellent use of the PS5's DualSense controller.

Owlboy

Metascore: 88 Download: Steam Release Date: November 1, 2016 Developer: D-Pad Studio

A charming and atmospheric platformer with a focus on exploration and storytelling.

The Messenger

Metascore: 86 Download: Steam Release Date: August 30, 2018 Developer: Sabotage

A witty and engaging platformer that cleverly blends 8-bit and 16-bit graphics.

Huntdown

Metascore: 82 Download: Steam Release Date: May 12, 2020 Developer: Easy Trigger Games

A brutal and stylish cyberpunk action platformer with intense gunplay and memorable boss fights.

Little Nightmares

Metascore: 78 Download: Steam Release Date: April 28, 2017 Developer: Tarsier Studios

A chilling and atmospheric platformer with puzzle elements and a disturbingly memorable aesthetic.

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove

Metascore: 91 Download: Steam Release Date: June 26, 2014 Developer: Yacht Club Games

A love letter to classic 8-bit platformers, featuring tight controls and charming visuals.

This diverse collection of platformers, spanning decades and styles, offers something for everyone. Grab your controller and get ready to jump into adventure!