Top 30 Must-Play Platformer Games

Prepare for a pixelated plunge into platforming paradise! This curated list showcases 30 of the best platformers ever crafted, blending timeless classics with modern marvels. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or a curious newcomer, get ready to jump, run, and conquer your way through unforgettable adventures. We've also included handy links to other genre selections: **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.

Metascore: tbd Release Date: September 13, 1985 Developer: Nintendo R&D4

Let's begin our journey with the legendary Super Mario Bros., the game that arguably birthed the entire platforming genre. A global phenomenon, Super Mario Bros. holds a Guinness World Record as the best-selling video game, solidifying Mario's iconic status. While countless Mario games followed, the original remains a cherished classic, a nostalgic trip 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 with its stunning anime-style cutscenes, memorable music, and challenging gameplay. Though the series later branched out, the upcoming Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound (2025) promises a return to 2D platforming roots, delighting long-time fans. Experience the classic that started it all!

Disney’s Aladdin

Metascore: 59 User Score: 7.8 Release Date: November 11, 1993 Developer: Virgin Interactive

No platformer list is complete without a Disney gem, and Aladdin delivers. Based on the beloved animated film, this title boasts impressive animation, beautiful environments, and engaging gameplay mechanics for its time. Run through Agrabah, relive childhood memories, and enjoy a title that sold an impressive 4 million copies.

Contra

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

Contra is a timeless action-platformer classic, known for its intense gameplay, relentless enemies, and diverse levels. Whether solo or with a friend, players face the Red Falcon organization in an unforgettable battle for survival.

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, unique level designs, and unforgettable bosses. Even decades later, this platformer offers a wildly imaginative and unforgettable experience.

Gex

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

Gex, the gecko, is unexpectedly sucked into the world of television! Explore diverse levels, utilize unique abilities, and enjoy the charisma of this iconic character. 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-retrieving adventure filled with jungle escapades, minecart races, and challenging encounters. 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 while saving his fellow creatures. 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

Remastered with improved graphics and gameplay, the Spyro Reignited Trilogy offers a fresh take on this classic purple dragon adventure.

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 platformer, featuring 40 levels from Rayman Origins.

Super Meat Boy

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

Brutal difficulty, unique visuals, and award-winning design make Super Meat Boy a challenging yet rewarding experience.

Sonic Mania

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

A love letter to classic Sonic, Sonic Mania blends nostalgia with fresh levels and improved 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 captivating story and puzzle-solving elements. 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 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 abilities in this acclaimed adventure.

Celeste

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

Madeline climbs a mountain, both literally and metaphorically, in this challenging yet rewarding platformer.

Super Mario Odyssey

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

A modern masterpiece, Super Mario Odyssey builds upon the legacy of Super Mario 64 with stunning visuals and innovative gameplay.

Cuphead

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

Stunning 1930s-inspired visuals and challenging gameplay make Cuphead a stylish and unforgettable 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 in this modern installment, featuring new characters, abilities, and stunning visuals.

GRIS

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

A visually stunning and emotionally resonant platformer about a girl's journey 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 and rewarding platformer.

DuckTales Remastered

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

A remastered version of the 1989 classic, featuring improved 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 classic gameplay with updated visuals.

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 and unique flying mechanics.

The Messenger

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

A witty homage to classic platformers, featuring a transition from 8-bit to 16-bit graphics.

Huntdown

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

A cyberpunk-themed action platformer with brutal shootouts and stylish pixel art.

Little Nightmares

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

A dark and atmospheric platformer with puzzle elements and a disturbing storyline.

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove

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

A collection of games in the Shovel Knight series, a love letter to retro 8-bit platformers.

This top 30 list showcases the breadth and depth of the platforming genre, from nostalgic classics to modern masterpieces. Grab your controller and get ready to jump into adventure!