The Best 30 Platformer Games

This article showcases the 30 best platformer video games of all time, a blend of modern hits and timeless classics. Explore both new and retro titles – genre staples that deserve recognition. We also suggest checking our curated lists for other game 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 list is the legendary Super Mario Bros., a genre-defining game known to virtually every gamer. Its record-breaking sales and iconic plumber protagonist, Mario, cemented its place in gaming history. While countless Mario iterations followed, the original remains cherished by millions.

Ninja Gaiden

Image: linclogames.com

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

Ninja Gaiden dominated NES consoles in the late 80s, lauded for its high-quality graphics, animation (including anime-style cutscenes!), memorable soundtrack, and challenging gameplay. Though the series later diverged from platforming, the upcoming Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound (2025) returns to 2D, promising a treat for longtime fans.

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. Aladdin, based on the animated film, boasts impressive animation, graphics, engaging locations, and innovative gameplay mechanics for its time. Its 4 million sales (physical media only) are a testament to its popularity.

Contra

Image: kotaku.com

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

The Contra series is a platforming cornerstone. The original 1987 game, released across 10 platforms, remains a favorite, featuring intense action, hordes of enemies, and diverse levels. Players, solo or in co-op, battle the Red Falcon organization.

Earthworm Jim 2

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

A vibrant and zany Sega Genesis title, Earthworm Jim 2 is fondly remembered for its unusual challenges, memorable bosses, and diverse, unique levels. Even today, it offers a distinctive and unforgettable experience.

Gex

Image: gog.com

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

Gex, the gecko, is unexpectedly thrust into the world of television. He explores five diverse worlds, utilizing his climbing abilities, sticky tongue, and springy tail. His charm and the game's secrets contributed to its iconic status; a Gex trilogy remake 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-retrieval quest, facing jungle adventures, minecart races, pirate ships, and more. The game is packed with secrets and challenges, appealing to both casual and hardcore players. An HD remaster was released on 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 while saving his brethren from becoming alien food. The gameplay focuses on puzzle-solving and timely actions, controlling various characters. A remake of the 1997 Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus.

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 features improved graphics and gameplay for the first three Spyro games. Spyro battles enemies, finds hidden items, all set to a great soundtrack and enhanced visuals.

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, it's memorable for its nostalgic elements, including 40 levels from Rayman Origins, and is great for co-op 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 captivated players. The protagonist rescues his beloved through increasingly challenging 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, Sonic Mania revisits the classic Mega Drive/Genesis era with improved zones and new levels. It offers thrilling high-speed action for both newcomers and longtime fans.

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. This game features captivating stories, puzzle-like worlds, and battles against inner demons. Consider also 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, starting with the first. The straightforward gameplay, beautiful graphics, smooth animation, and humor set it apart.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Image: nintendo.com

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

A top-tier Kirby game, featuring a 3D post-apocalyptic world. Kirby's power-copying abilities and transformations make for engaging gameplay, with 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's mountain climb is a metaphor for overcoming inner demons. The game's gripping story, soundtrack, and challenging mechanics make it a standout, with adjustable difficulty settings.

Super Mario Odyssey

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

A successor to Super Mario 64's 3D platforming revolution, Super Mario Odyssey boasts stunning graphics, innovative gameplay (possessing enemies), and challenging puzzles.

Cuphead

Image: steam.com

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

Cuphead's 1930s cartoon art style and challenging, fast-paced gameplay are its hallmarks. It's a stylish platformer perfect for fans of vintage animation.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time

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

Building on the 2017 remaster, Crash Bandicoot 4 retains the original's spirit while adding new features and stunning visuals. Players switch between Crash, Coco, and even Dr. Neo Cortex.

GRIS

Image: steam.com

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

GRIS, a visually stunning platformer, tells the story of a girl's journey through her inner world. Its beautiful visuals and profound symbolism make it a work of art.

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 strategy. Players must master katana strikes and dodges to survive and unravel the intriguing story.

DuckTales Remastered

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

A remastered version of the 1989 classic, DuckTales Remastered features improved graphics, expanded levels, and added features.

Pizza Tower

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

This fast-paced platformer features a unique two-stage level design: reaching the goal and then a frantic race back.

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 2.5D visuals and the innovative Double Gear system.

Astro Bot

Image: playstation.com

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

A critically acclaimed 3D platformer featuring a little robot and over 80 levels across 50 planets. It 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 charming story and unique flying mechanics, setting it apart from typical platformers.

The Messenger

Image: steam.com

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

The Messenger is a homage to classic platformers, transitioning from 8-bit to 16-bit graphics and incorporating Metroidvania elements.

Huntdown

Image: steam.com

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

Huntdown is a brutal 2D cyberpunk action game with diverse weapons, pixel art, 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 with puzzle elements and a horror atmosphere.

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 in the series, featuring retro 8-bit style and unique shovel-based gameplay.

This Top 30 list includes both modern and classic platformers, along with remasters, offering a diverse range of experiences for players of all levels. We hope this inspires you to start your next platforming adventure!