The Best 30 Platformer Games

This list showcases 30 of the best platformer video games ever created, blending timeless classics with modern masterpieces. Prepare for a journey through gaming history, encompassing both retro favorites and cutting-edge titles.

Explore our other genre selections: **Survival Horror, Simulators, Shooters**

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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 arguably birthed the entire platformer genre. A household name for gamers worldwide, Super Mario Bros. holds a Guinness World Record as the best-selling video game ever, with Mario himself becoming a global icon. While countless Mario games have followed, the original remains a cherished experience for millions.

Ninja Gaiden

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

Ninja Gaiden dominated the NES scene in the late 80s, captivating players and critics alike with its stunning anime-style cutscenes, memorable music, and challenging gameplay. Though the series later diverged from its platforming roots, the upcoming Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound (2025) promises a 2D return for longtime fans. Experience this classic before the new game arrives.

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, this game boasts impressive animation, beautiful visuals, and engaging gameplay for its time. Run through the streets of Agrabah and relive the magic—this title sold an impressive 4 million copies.

Contra

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

The Contra series is a platforming legend, and the original 1987 entry remains the best for many. Released across 10 platforms, Contra delivers intense action, hordes of enemies, and diverse levels. Team up with a friend or go solo to thwart the Red Falcon organization.

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 and unforgettable levels. Each stage presents unique challenges and memorable bosses, creating a truly unforgettable platforming experience.

Gex

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 (climbing, sticky tongue, springy tail), and enjoy the charismatic hero's journey. A remake of the Gex trilogy is 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-retrieval quest filled with jungle adventures, minecart races, pirate ships, and more. This game offers a blend of challenge and fun, suitable for players of all skill levels. 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 must escape a meat processing plant and rescue his fellow creatures from becoming alien food. This remake of the 1997 classic features puzzle-solving and strategic gameplay.

Spyro Reignited Trilogy

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

This remastered collection of the first three Spyro games features improved graphics and gameplay. Experience the classic trilogy with a modern twist.

Rayman Legends

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

Magical cartoon graphics and captivating gameplay make Rayman Legends a must-play. This game includes 40 levels from Rayman Origins, offering a nostalgic experience.

Super Meat Boy

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

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

A fan-made love letter to the classic Sonic games, Sonic Mania recreates the high-speed thrills of the Mega Drive/Genesis era with updated visuals and new levels.

Psychonauts

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, challenging puzzles, and memorable characters. Consider also playing Psychonauts 2 (2024).

Metal Slug Anthology

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 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 ability to swallow enemies and gain their powers.

Celeste

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

Madeline climbs a mountain, facing both environmental challenges and her inner demons. This game features a gripping story, beautiful soundtrack, and challenging gameplay.

Super Mario Odyssey

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

Super Mario Odyssey builds upon the legacy of Super Mario 64, delivering stunning graphics, innovative gameplay, and challenging puzzles.

Cuphead

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

Cuphead's stunning 1930s cartoon art style and challenging gameplay make it a unique and memorable platformer.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time

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

Crash and Coco save the multiverse in this visually stunning installment of the Crash Bandicoot series.

GRIS

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

GRIS is a visually stunning game about a girl journeying through her inner world. This game features beautiful visuals and profound symbolism.

Katana ZERO

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

This neo-noir action platformer demands precise timing and quick reflexes. The game features a captivating story and challenging gameplay.

DuckTales Remastered

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

This remastered version of the 1989 classic features updated graphics, additional levels, and new features.

Pizza Tower

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

Chef Peppino's frantic dash to save his pizza tower features unique gameplay and intense time-based challenges.

Mega Man 11

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

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 for an immersive experience.

Owlboy

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

Owlboy is a charming platformer with adventure elements, featuring a captivating story and unique flying mechanics.

The Messenger

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

The Messenger is a humorous homage to classic platformers, featuring a transition from 8-bit to 16-bit graphics and Metroidvania-style backtracking.

Huntdown

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

Huntdown is a cyberpunk-themed action platformer featuring intense shootouts and stylish pixel art.

Little Nightmares

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

Little Nightmares blends platforming and puzzle elements with a disturbing horror atmosphere.

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove

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

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is a collection of games featuring the titular hero and his trusty shovel.

This concludes our list of the top 30 platformer games, a blend of classic and modern titles. We hope you enjoy your next platforming adventure!