Ranking the Five Best 2D Mario Adventures

September 27, 2026 - 13:25

Mario has jumped through many dimensions over the decades, from blocky 8-bit worlds to sprawling 3D kingdoms. Yet his side-scrolling adventures remain the most beloved entries in the franchise. Narrowing them down to five is no easy task, but some titles simply stand above the rest.

Super Mario Bros. 3 sits near the top for many fans. It introduced the overworld map, raccoon suit, and a level of creative variety that still feels fresh. Super Mario World refined that formula with Yoshi, secret exits, and tight level design that rewards exploration.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder brought the series into new territory with the Wonder Flower, which transforms stages in unpredictable ways. The game proved that 2D Mario can still surprise players after forty years.

Super Mario Bros. 2 took a different path, letting players pick between four characters with unique abilities. Its dreamlike setting and unusual enemies gave it a distinct identity. Finally, the original Super Mario Bros. laid the foundation for everything that followed, and its precise platforming still holds up today.

Each of these games earned its place through innovation, charm, and gameplay that keeps players returning long after the credits roll.