# 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?

*By YPB Team · Published April 16, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/what-is-the-best-super-mario-character-of-all-time*

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## Current results (no votes yet)

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.

Tags: games, nintendo, super mario, characters