Mario stands as a towering icon in the realms of gaming and pop culture. His presence spans hundreds of games across numerous platforms, along with appearances in TV shows and films, most notably the 2023 Super Mario Bros. Movie. Despite his extensive history, Mario's journey seems far from over, with exciting new projects on the horizon.
Yet, it's the core Mario platformer games that have consistently drawn fans back over the decades. As we approach the Super Mario series' 40th anniversary in September 2025—marking the release of the original Super Mario Bros. in 1985—we celebrate Nintendo's beloved hero and his significant milestone. In honor of this occasion, we've compiled a list of the top Super Mario platformer games, as chosen by IGN.
Top 10 Super Mario Games
Selecting the best from such a storied franchise was no small feat, but IGN has meticulously curated this list to highlight the ten most exceptional Super Mario games of all time. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, this list promises to showcase the pinnacle of Mario's platforming adventures.