What is the best Super Mario character of all time?

From the iconic red-hatted hero himself to beloved sidekicks, scheming rivals, and fan-favorite enemies, the Mushroom Kingdom cast is packed with unforgettable personalities spanning decades of Nintendo history. Who gets your vote?

1

Mario

Nintendo's iconic red-hatted plumber and the face of gaming who has saved the Mushroom Kingdom countless times across 40 years of adventures.

2

Luigi

Mario's taller, green-clad brother who overcomes his timid nature to prove he's a hero in his own right.

3

Princess Peach

The beloved ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom whose grace and surprising power have made her an enduring fan favorite.

4

Bowser

The fearsome King of the Koopas whose relentless pursuit of Peach and rivalry with Mario defines the entire franchise.

5

Yoshi

Mario's loyal dinosaur companion whose fluttering jumps, egg-throwing, and boundless charm have earned him a franchise of his own.

6

Toad

The eternally cheerful Mushroom Kingdom resident who serves as Peach's loyal retainer and a surprisingly speedy racer.

7

Donkey Kong

The barrel-throwing ape who started as Mario's original nemesis before becoming a beloved hero of his own Kong-sized adventures.

8

Wario

Mario's greedy, garlic-obsessed rival whose selfish personality and brute strength have made him one of gaming's most entertaining antiheroes.

9

Waluigi

The lanky, scheming rival of Luigi who thrives in spin-off chaos and has become a cult icon despite never starring in his own game.

10

Rosalina

The mysterious cosmic guardian of the Lumas whose melancholy backstory and ethereal power elevated her instantly to fan-favorite status.

11

Daisy

The spirited princess of Sarasaland whose fierce competitive energy and tomboy personality make her a standout in every spin-off.

12

Koopa Troopa

Bowser's quintessential foot soldiers whose shells have been used as weapons against them by Mario for decades.

13

Birdo

The egg-spitting pink dinosaur with a bow who debuted as a boss but charmed her way into the roster of nearly every Mario spin-off.

14

Shy Guy

The masked, mysterious minion whose unseen face and surprisingly broad range of roles have made them a beloved franchise staple.

15

Boo

The bashful ghost who freezes when looked at but relentlessly pursues Mario the moment he turns away.

16

Piranha Plant

The snapping Venus flytrap lurking in pipes who became so iconic it earned a spot as a playable fighter in Super Smash Bros.

17

King Boo

The crown-wearing leader of all Boos whose menacing intellect and icy power make him the most formidable ghost in the Mario universe.

18

Kamek

Bowser's scheming Magikoopa caretaker who has meddled with Mario and Yoshi since their earliest adventures.

19

Toadette

Toad's cheerful female counterpart whose pink pigtails, warm personality, and the Peachette power-up made her a star.

20

Diddy Kong

Donkey Kong's energetic nephew whose red cap, peanut popgun, and jetpack make him one of the most dynamic sidekicks in Nintendo history.

21

Pauline

Mario's original damsel-in-distress from Donkey Kong who reinvented herself as New Donk City's charismatic mayor and jazz singer.

22

Goomba

The humble mushroom-shaped minion who is the very first enemy Mario ever faces — and the easiest to defeat with a single stomp.

23

Chain Chomp

The ferocious chained ball with snapping jaws whose barely-contained aggression has terrified Mario players since Super Mario Bros. 3.

24

Lakitu

The cloud-riding Koopa who rains Spinies down on Mario — and moonlights as the helpful cameraman in Mario Kart.