This list showcases the 30 best platformer video games of all time, blending modern hits with timeless classics. Explore both new and nostalgic titles, each a testament to the genre's enduring appeal. We also invite you to explore our curated selections of games from other genres:

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., a genre-defining title familiar to virtually every gamer. Its record-breaking sales and iconic plumber protagonist, Mario, cemented its place in gaming history. While countless Mario sequels have followed, the original remains cherished for its groundbreaking impact.

Ninja Gaiden

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

Ninja Gaiden dominated the NES landscape in the late 80s, praised for its high-quality visuals, memorable music, and challenging gameplay. Though the series later diverged from its platforming roots, the upcoming Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound (2025) promises a 2D return. 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 adaptation, and Aladdin delivers. Based on the beloved animated film, it boasts impressive animation, visuals, and engaging gameplay for its time. Its 4 million sales are a testament to its enduring popularity.

Contra

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

The Contra series is a platforming cornerstone. The original 1987 entry remains a favorite, released across 10 platforms. Its intense action, diverse levels, and hordes of enemies provide a classic, thrilling experience, playable solo or cooperatively.

Earthworm Jim 2

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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, unique challenges, and memorable bosses. Its diverse and imaginative levels offer a truly unforgettable platforming experience, even decades later.

Gex

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

Gex, the gecko, is unexpectedly thrust into the world of television. Explore expansive levels, utilizing Gex's unique abilities, and enjoy the charismatic hero's journey through diverse worlds. A remake of the trilogy is currently in development.

Donkey Kong Country Returns

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

Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong embark on a banana-retrieval adventure filled with jungle perils, minecart races, and pirate ships. This title offers a blend of challenging gameplay and vibrant visuals, and an HD remaster was released for the Nintendo Switch in 2025.

Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty

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

Abe's escape from a meat processing plant involves puzzle-solving and strategic character control. While the pace might feel deliberate by modern standards, it's a rewarding experience for puzzle enthusiasts. This is a remake of the 1997 original.

Spyro Reignited Trilogy

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

This remastered collection breathes new life into the original Spyro trilogy, featuring enhanced graphics and gameplay. Join Spyro on his adventures, battling enemies and uncovering hidden treasures.

Rayman Legends

Image: steam.com

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

Rayman Legends' charming visuals and captivating gameplay make it a top-tier platformer. While similar to its predecessor, it's memorable for its cooperative mode and nostalgic inclusion of levels from Rayman Origins.

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 obstacles, demanding precision and timing.

Sonic Mania

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

A fan-made tribute to classic Sonic, Sonic Mania masterfully recreates the Mega Drive/Genesis era, blending nostalgia with fresh content. Experience thrilling high-speed action for both longtime fans and newcomers.

Psychonauts

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

Explore the minds of various characters at Whispering Rock summer camp. Psychonauts offers captivating storytelling, puzzle-solving, and battles against inner demons. Consider Psychonauts 2 (2021) for a modern take.

Metal Slug Anthology

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

This compilation features six Metal Slug games, showcasing the series' signature blend of action, humor, and distinctive visuals.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Image: nintendo.com

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

Kirby's 3D adventure in a post-apocalyptic world is a standout entry. Utilize Kirby's power-copying abilities and enjoy the unique gameplay mechanics.

Celeste

Image: steam.com

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

Madeline's mountain climb is a compelling narrative interwoven with challenging platforming. Celeste's beautiful soundtrack and adjustable difficulty make it accessible to a wide range of players.

Super Mario Odyssey

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

A modern classic, Super Mario Odyssey builds on the legacy of Super Mario 64, offering stunning visuals, innovative gameplay, and challenging puzzles.

Cuphead

Image: steam.com

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

Cuphead's stunning 1930s cartoon aesthetic is matched by its challenging, fast-paced gameplay.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time

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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 updated visuals.

GRIS

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

GRIS is a visually stunning platformer with a poignant story about a girl's journey through her inner world.

Katana ZERO

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

This neo-noir action platformer demands precise timing and strategic thinking.

DuckTales Remastered

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

A modernized take on the 1989 classic, featuring updated visuals and gameplay enhancements.

Pizza Tower

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

Pizza Tower's unique gameplay mechanics and frantic pace offer a thrilling and intense experience.

Mega Man 11

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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

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

Astro Bot's charming visuals and innovative use of the DualSense controller make it a standout 3D platformer.

Owlboy

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

Owlboy offers a unique take on platforming with its emphasis on flight and its charming narrative.

The Messenger

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

A clever blend of 8-bit and 16-bit visuals, with Metroidvania elements and witty humor.

Huntdown

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

Huntdown delivers brutal action in a cyberpunk setting, featuring stylish pixel art and intense boss battles.

Little Nightmares

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

Little Nightmares combines platforming and puzzle elements with a chilling atmosphere.

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove

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

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is a collection of games that pays homage to classic 8-bit platformers.

This compilation spans decades of platforming excellence, showcasing both genre-defining classics and modern masterpieces. We hope this selection inspires you to embark on countless platforming adventures!