The Best 30 Platformer Games

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**

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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 0 0

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., a game that arguably birthed the entire platformer genre. Its record-breaking sales and iconic plumber protagonist, Mario, cemented its place in gaming history. While countless Mario games have followed, the original remains a cherished classic for millions.

Ninja Gaiden

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

A late 80s NES sensation, Ninja Gaiden captivated players with its stunning graphics and animations (including anime-style cutscenes!), memorable music, and challenging gameplay. Though the series later diverged from platforming roots, the upcoming 2025 release, *Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound*, promises a 2D return to its origins.

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. Aladdin, based on the beloved animated film, delivered top-notch animation, graphics, memorable locations, and engaging gameplay for its time. Its 4 million copies sold remain impressive.

Contra

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

The Contra series is a platforming legend. The original 1987 game, released across 10 platforms, remains a classic, offering intense action, hordes of enemies, and diverse levels. Whether solo or with a friend, players battle 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 vibrant visuals, bizarre challenges, and unforgettable bosses. The diverse and unique levels remain a highlight even decades later.

Gex

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

Gex, the gecko, is unexpectedly pulled into the world of television. He explores diverse levels, utilizing his unique abilities to overcome obstacles. 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, and more. An HD remaster was released for 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 while rescuing his fellow creatures. The gameplay focuses on puzzle-solving and timely actions.

Spyro Reignited Trilogy

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

This remastered collection features improved graphics and gameplay, allowing players to revisit the classic Spyro trilogy.

Rayman Legends

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

Magical cartoon graphics and captivating gameplay combine in this memorable platformer, also featuring 40 levels from Rayman Origins.

Super Meat Boy

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

Brutally difficult yet uniquely stylish, Super Meat Boy challenges players with its precise platforming and perilous levels.

Sonic Mania

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

A love letter to classic Sonic games, Sonic Mania blends nostalgia with fresh levels and gameplay.

Psychonauts

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

Explore the minds of various characters in this unique platformer, with a sequel, Psychonauts 2, released in 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 and humor.

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, confronting both environmental challenges and her inner demons.

Super Mario Odyssey

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

A modern classic, Super Mario Odyssey builds upon the legacy of Super Mario 64 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 platformer.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time

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

Crash and Coco return to save the multiverse in this visually stunning installment.

GRIS

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

A visually stunning and emotionally resonant platformer about a girl journeying through her inner world.

Katana ZERO

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

Fast-paced action and a gripping neo-noir story combine in this challenging platformer.

DuckTales Remastered

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

A remastered version of the classic DuckTales game, featuring updated graphics 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.

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 gameplay mechanics.

Astro Bot

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

A critically acclaimed 3D platformer featuring over 80 levels and innovative use of the DualSense controller.

Owlboy

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

A charming platformer with adventure elements, focusing on flight and exploration.

The Messenger

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

A humorous homage to classic platformers, featuring a transition between 8-bit and 16-bit graphics.

Huntdown

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

A brutal cyberpunk action platformer with intense shootouts and pixel art visuals.

Little Nightmares

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

A chilling platformer with puzzle elements and a disturbing atmosphere.

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove

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

A collection of Shovel Knight games, paying homage to classic 8-bit platformers.

This diverse selection of 30 platformers offers something for every player, from retro classics to modern masterpieces. We hope this list inspires you to embark on your next platforming adventure!