The Super Mario series has come a long way since Mario first rescued Peach from Bowser’s clutches on the Nintendo Entertainment System. Mario has cleaned up an island with a sentient hose, launched himself through the stars alongside Rosalina, and possessed innocent bystanders with the help of a living hat. It’s Mario Day (March 10), so what better time than now to look back at years of Super Mario history and determine the best and worst part of each of our second-favorite Italian plumber’s adventures. (He gets second place because Luigi will always be #1 in our hearts.)
This piece was originally published on April 20, 2023. We are re-publishing it today with the addition of Super Mario Bros. Wonder for Mar10 Day 2025
