TheSuper Mario Bros.series has undergone many changes over the years, transforming from its 8-bit platforming debut intothe 3D juggernaut it is today. While some things have stayed the same, such as Mario constantly having to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser, the level designs and the cast of characters around Mario have changed. One major element of this is the boss battles.
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It has been a long time sinceMario’sboss battles revolved around hitting an ax at the end of each castle to drop Bowser into a pool of lava. These battles have grown more complex, with multiple stages and sometimes various methods to defeat the massive enemies. Here are the 10 best bosses in series history, ranked by how satisfying it is to defeat them.
10Knucklotec (Super Mario Odyssey)
While in the Sand Kingdom inSuper Mario Odyssey, players may come across what looks like a glass pyramid. After falling underground later in the level, they will find out that this was the head of Knucklotec. Based off of Olmec civilization sculpted heads, this boss uses his hands to attempt to smash Mario.
The fun aspect of this battle is being able to use Cappy to become one of Knucklotec’s hands and using it to punch him in the face. It’s not a terribly hard battle, but it’s one that uses the stereotypical “giant hands” trope well.
9Wart (Super Mario Bros. 2)
Super Mario Bros. 2is just a reskinned version of a different video game that came out in Japan,Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic. Because of this, the gameplay is quite different from any otherSuper Mariogame. Wart is the final boss and requires a lot of patience and good timing to beat.
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The player must wait until he stops shooting bubbles to attack him with vegetables, but his mouth must be open, leaving a very small window to get an attack in. Getting through it is more satisfying than most other battles in the series.
8Phantamanta (Super Mario Sunshine)
Many of those who have playedSuper Mario Sunshinewill never be able to think about Sirena Beach without thinking of an electric string ray named Phantamanta.
In order to deal with this giant creature, Mario must spray the sting ray long enough so that it splits in two. As the player continues to spray these multiple rays, they will continue to shrink while multiplying until they are so small that they cease to exist. This is one of the more challenging bosses in the game, if not the hardest.
7Kingfish (Super Mario Galaxy)
Underwater battles are not fun, usually. But when traveling to Bonefin Galaxy inSuper Mario Galaxy, players may be pleasantly surprised at how fun the boss of this level is. The bony Kingfish swims around shooting missile sharks at Mario, which can be difficult to dodge.
The player must be able to swim with Koopa shells and then shoot them at Kingfish in order to defeat him. The ability to use the environment, combined with the difficulty of the fight, makes it a very satisfying experience when complete.
6Bowser In The Sky (Super Mario 64)
As fun asSuper Mario 64is, its bosses are lackluster overall. The Bowser fights are the only exceptions, and the final battle helps put the cherry on top of the adventure.
For the most part, battling Bowser includes having to grab him by the tail and launching him into a spikey ball. However, what’s been added to this fight is falling platforms and a sonic wave that will stun Mario. Successfully doing this not only results in getting the last star but also Princess Peach out of Bowser’s clutches.
5Big Baby Bowser (Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island)
The onlySuper Mariogame to feature Yoshi as the main hero/protagonist, many of the boss mechanics used throughoutSuper Mario World 2: Yoshi’s IslandinvolveYoshithrowing an egg or other object at enemies in order to defeat them.
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Big Baby Bowser is no different, but the intensity of the battle makes players feel like they do not have much time to take him down. As Big Baby Bowser approaches from the distance, Yoshi’s job is to hit him with enough giant eggs to hold him back. Shutting that annoying baby up is worth every shot.
4The Final Battle (New Super Mario Bros. U)
Continuing the run on Bowser mentions, theNew Super Mario Bros.series had a love for the fakeout ending. InNew Super Mario Bros. U, after beating Bowser the classic way (opening a bridge from under him), Mario will meet Bowser outside as Peach watches from the castle in the distance. This time, Bowser is huge thanks to Magikoopa’s magic.
This battle’s fun mechanic is hijacking Bowser Jr.’s clown car and using it to get on top of Bowser in order to deal damage. Doing this three times gives players a rewarding ending of Bowser falling into the lava and his son jumping in after him.
3Super Bowser (New Super Mario Bros. Wii)
Prior toNew Super Mario Bros. U, the other epic battle of this series came inNew Super Mario Bros. Wiiwhen, after dealing with another fake Bowser fight, Magikoopa once again turns Bowser huge. This time, however, the player is not trying to defeat Bowser by attacking him.
Instead, they must run away from him through platforming and abilities. It’s one of the more exciting ways to end a Mario game, butthe difficultyof navigating that chase is what really makes finishing it off fulfilling.
2Bouldergeist (Super Mario Galaxy)
ManyMariofans put facing Bouldergeist up there among thehardest battlesin the entire series. InSuper Mario Galaxy, this rocky creature is similar to Eyerok and Knucklotec in that its hands are a significant part of the battle.
Mario must use Bomb Boos to break apart Bouldergeist and hit a red bubble that appears with another Bomb Boo. This battle requires a lot of dodging and good timing to avoid dying. Now imagine going for 120 stars and having to face it again after beating it, only without taking damage once?
1Ruined Dragon (Super Mario Odyssey)
The best boss comes from the most recentMariogame, and it’s different from anything else in the series. InSuper Mario Odyssey, there is one world that is not very lively known as the Ruined Kingdom. There, Mario meets the Ruined Dragon, or Lord of Lightning, who uses an electrifying attack to go after the hero.
Players must be able to dodge various attacks and slowly remove pins that are keeping a Bowser-shaped crown on the dragon’s head. Once removed, Mario is able to ground-pound his head until he is defeated. Considering how epic the dragon looks and the battle’s unconventional nature, the Ruined Dragon is the most memorable, fun, and satisfying boss inSuper Mariohistory.
