Super Mario Bros. Villains, Ranked

Super Mario Bros. Villains, Ranked

Erin Maxwell
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1.0K votes
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Vote up your favorite video game villains in the Super Mario universe.

The Super Mario Bros. franchise has entertained gamers for decades with its vibrant worlds and memorable characters. Among the heroes and allies, it's the villains who often steal the show with their cunning schemes and relentless pursuit of chaos. When discussing the most evil Super Mario Bros. villains of all time, a few names immediately come to mind, standing out for their menacing presence and iconic battles against Mario and his friends.

Take King Boo, for instance. As the spectral ruler of the Boos, King Boo has haunted Mario through various games, utilizing his ghostly powers and cunning tactics to create spine-chilling encounters. Then there's Bowser, the Koopa King himself, whose persistent kidnappings of Princess Peach and grandiose plans of domination have made him the quintessential Mario antagonist. Together, these villains embody the essence of evil in the Mushroom Kingdom, challenging our favorite plumber time and time again.

Now it's your turn to weigh in. Which evil Mario villains do you think are the most nefarious? We've gathered a list of the most notorious characters from the Super Mario universe, and we need your votes to determine who reigns supreme in malevolence. Cast your vote and let us know which villain has left the most significant impact on your gaming adventures.

  • 1

    Bowser

    Bowser

    Also Known As: Kuppa, Koopa, King Koopa, King Bowser

    First Appearance: Super Mario Bros. (1985)

    King of the Koopas, Bowser is Mario and Luigi's most fierce and dreaded enemy. A large fire-breathing bipedal reptilian ruffian with the ability to breathe fire and a penchant for kidnapping princesses, Bowser has been a nuisance to Mario ever since his introduction as a big bad back in 1985. Quick to anger, selfish and arrogant, Bowser commands an army of thousands and has his mind set on capturing the heart of Princess Peach and ruling the Mushroom Kingdom. 

    142 votes
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  • 2

    King Boo

    King Boo

    Also Known As: Ghost King, King Fright

    First Appearance: Luigi's Mansion (2001)

    The arch-nemesis of Luigi and the final boss of Luigi's Mansion, King Boo is a cruel and vicious enemy who prefers to play with his victims first, mocking and tricking them whenever he can. He can be seen doing this throughout the Luigi's Mansion series by parodying Luigi's accent, creating hallucinations, and setting traps for Luigi's friends. He also has a whole host of paranormal powers that he uses for nefarious means, such as imprisoning poor Toad in a painting, shapeshifting, or creating Spirit Balls. He commands the Boos and is a powerful ally to Bowser. 

    123 votes
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  • 3

    Bowser Jr.

    Bowser Jr.

    Also Known As: Junior, Lord Jr., Lord Bowser Jr., Kiddo, Son, Prince of the Koopas

    First Appearance: Super Mario Sunshine (2002)

    The spoiled and entitled son of Bowser and the brat prince of the Koopas, he's been helping his dear ole' dad kidnap Princess Peach since his introduction in Super Mario Sunshine. Bearing all the charm of a mischievous little imp, Bowser Jr. is a chip off the old block in every way, following in his father's footstep, causing mayhem wherever he goes in hopes of making dad proud. Because of this, he deeply despises Mario and Luigi, as seen in several games, such as Super Mario Sunshine where he helps frame Mario by vandalizing Isle Delfino. 

    87 votes
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  • 4

    Shy Guys

    Shy Guys
    • Photo:

    Also Known As: Fly Guys (when they are airborne)

    First Appearance: Super Mario Bros. 2 (1988)

    Just because this little guys might seem timid, that doesn't meet they aren't trouble. In their first appearance in Super Mario Bros. 2, Mario and the gang make quick work out of the mask-wearing minions by picking them up and throwing them, but every sighting after they become a little harder to defeat as they become a little craftier, taking pride in their hiding skills. In Super Mario 64 they take to the air and throw firebombs, while in Paper Mario, they overrun the town. Like Goombas and Troopas, their power comes from their numbers and their ability to annoy the player. 

    72 votes
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  • 5

    Dry Bones

    Dry Bones

    Also Known As: Skeleton Koopa

    First Appearance: Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988)

    The undead, resurrected skeletal remains of Koopa Troopas that come back to life when either Mario or Luigi venture into a spooky or scary environment such as a castle, dungeon, or underground lair, but also the occasional tennis court or go-kart track. Almost impossible to kill as they are already undead, the bones collapse when attacked, but reassemble after a few moments and resume their barrage on the intruder. There are also “Dry” version of Beetles and Bowser to contend with in these areas as well, with the same results. 

    66 votes
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  • 6

    Dimentio

    Dimentio

    Also Known As: Super Dimentio

    First Appearance: Super Paper Mario (2007)

    A master manipulator of dimensions, Dimentio is the final boss of Super Paper Mario and commands Dimension D. Initially thought to be a lackey of Count Bleck, one of the big bads of Super Paper Mario, Dimentio is revealed to be the central villain, as he uses his former master as a cover while he attempts to nab the powerful Chaos Heart. At first, Dimentio comes off as a more whimsical rival, but as the character develops, it is revealed that the character is a maniac and master manipulator with no real respect for life in any form. This is proven when Dimentio sends Mario, Princess Peach and Bowser to the Underworld just for giggles. 

    80 votes
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  • 7

    Goomba

    Goomba

    Also Known As: Little Goomba

    First Appearance: Super Mario Bros. (1985)

    The most iconic and prolific enemy of the Super Mario franchise, Goombas are sentient mushrooms that seem to plague all of the Mushroom Kingdom no matter where Mario and Luigi may roam. Small little 'shrooms with no arms or legs, they might just seem annoying at first but the sheer number of them and their ability to pop up at the most bothersome times is aggravating. As a new development to the character, the Goombas were given the ability to bite in Super Mario Bros. Wonder, making them 10x more annoying. 

    67 votes
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  • 8

    Bullet Bill

    Bullet Bill

    Also Known As: “King of Speed," Homing Bullet Bill, Killer

    First Appearance: Super Mario Bros. (1985)

    An anthropomorphic bullet with rage issues, Bullet Bill is a one of the franchise's most well known malcontents. With his little balled up fists and his beady eyes filled with determination, Bill had one thing on his mind and only one thing: hit his target. Which is usually Mario or Luigi. Either shot from Bill Blasters or just appearing from off screen, Bullet Bills are an annoyance to our heroes, especially in the games where they can home in on their targets like little smiling, evil missiles. 

    72 votes
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  • 9

    Waluigi

    Waluigi

    Also Known As: Waruīji, Dark Luigi

    First Appearance: Mario Tennis (2000)

    Wario's partner-in-crime and rival to Luigi, this spindly yet sinister character in the Mario universe might not be known as a wordsmith, but what he lacks in communication skills he makes up for in misconduct. Clad in purple attire and overalls, Waluigi is an exaggerated version of Luigi: a little too tall, too skinny, and with features that are little too sharp. Waluigi assists Wario in all his wrongdoing and is best known for his poor sportsmanship, awful decision making abilities, and a general sense of malice when dealing with Mario and Luigi.

    64 votes
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  • 10

    Petey Piranha

    Petey Piranha

    Also Known As: Piranha Plant Boss, Boss Piranha

    First Appearance: Super Mario Sunshine (2002)

    A mutant Piranha Plant big boss who has evolved beyond just emerging from the occasional pipe and spitting fireballs. Petey is a goop spewing, veggie monstrosity with arms and legs who can occasionally fly and cause tornadoes. At times, he has displayed fetes of super strength that can place Petey on the same big bad level as Bowser. Unlike his other evil peers, Pete is a bit more laid back when it comes to his dealings with Mario and Luigi and takes his losses in stride. While he does throw the occasional temper tantrum, Pete is less anger, more sass than other characters. 

    73 votes
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  • 11

    Bouldergeist

    Bouldergeist

    Also Known As: Poruta, Polta

    First Appearance: Super Mario Galaxy (2007)

    Part boulder, part poltergeist, Bouldergeist is the big boss of the Ghostly Galaxy level in Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2. A huge mount of rock in the shape of a monster face with yellow eyes and a red tongue, the creature spawns Bomb Boos when the player tries to fight it, making its defense all the more powerful. If Mario gets far enough into the battle, Bouldergeist develops large hands that it uses to try to crush the little plumber. 

    65 votes
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  • 12

    Koopa Troopa

    Koopa Troopa

    Also Known As: Koopas, Turtle Soldiers

    First Appearance: Super Mario Bros. (1985), though an early version known as a Shellcreeper can be found in Mario Bros. (1983)

    Mostly known for their sheer numbers and their annoying presence rather than their fierce abilities in battle, the archetypal Koopa Troopa is a key figure in the Super Mario universe and comes in a few forms, including flying. Found throughout the franchise, Koopa Troopas are Bowsers most loyal foot soldiers, much like the Goombas. Though not overtly threatening, Koopa Troopas must be monitored and can easily take down Mario or Luigi as they can come back to life if their shells are not disposed of correctly, or worse, if their shells are disposed of too quickly and bounce back at an alarming rate, knocking the poor plumbers off their feet. 

    59 votes
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  • 13

    Wario

    Wario

    Also Known As: Vario, Dark Mario

    First Appearance: Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins (1992) 

    Before he would go on to become the main character in his own line of games, Wario was the hot-tempered, overbearing arch-rival to Mario. Known for his love of garlic and his zig-zag mustache, Wario is incredibly greedy and vain, often motivated by his love of gold and the many, many statues he has of himself in various games. An exaggeration of Mario, he is a larger version of the plumber with over-embellished features. According to his character lore, he's been frenemies with Mario since childhood and has always harbored resentment towards the little plumber for his fame and success. His battle moves include a charging move called the Dash Attack, causing small earthquakes with the Ground Pound, occasionally biting, and using his flatulence to create an explosion, called the Wario Waft. He also exhibits superhuman strength at times.

    76 votes
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  • 14

    Shadow Mario

    Shadow Mario
    • Photo:

    Also Known As: “?,” Fake Mario, Dark Mario, Mario Clone 

    First Appearance: Super Mario Sunshine (2002)

    This evil doppelgänger of Mario is a copy of the hero plumber, but appears as a sheen of translucent blue with red glowing eyes. Originally appearing in Super Mario Sunshine in 2002, Shadow Mario wielded a Magic Paintbrush that he used with glee to muck up Isle Delfino, for which Mario took the blame, and create minions from globs of goo that would appear from the brush. Though players can easily tell the difference between Mario and his evil counterpart, NPC in the game are unable to tell the difference, allowing the rapscallion to wreak havoc on Isle Delfino and let Mario take the blame. Also obsessed with Princess Peach, Shadow Mario has a tendency to kidnap the mushroom monarch between his mischief making and bouts of paint-related mayhem. 

    83 votes
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  • 15

    Hellen Gravely

    Hellen Gravely

    Also Known As: Paudanesu Kona

    First Appearance: Luigi's Mansion 3 (2019)

    Hellen is the ghostly remains of the owner of The Last Resort, the hotel that acts as the main location for Luigi's Mansion 3. While calm and collective, Hellen is a bit of an undead beauty, but the minute she loses control of her temper, her true self peaks through: a terrifying crone who has seen better centuries. A big fan of the work of King Boo, she'll do anything for the evil specter to make him happy. Her ultimate goal is to trap the enemies of King Boo in paintings in hopes of making him happy. Quick to anger and filled with murderous intent, Hellen is the most belligerent and violent ghost In all of the Luigi's Mansion.

    76 votes
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  • 16

    Cackletta (With An Assist From Fawful)

    Cackletta (With An Assist From Fawful)
    • Photo:

    Also Known As: Bowletta, when she takes over Bowser's body 

    First Appearance: Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

    An evil witch and her henchman from the Beanbean Kingdom who makes their introduction in the Super Mario franchise when the hag steals Princess Peach's voice in an effort to activate the powers of the Beanstar. After she fails her attack and is defeated, her assistant Fawful bears her ghost in his headset, doing her bidding. Thanks to an assist by her minion, Cackletta is able to possess Bowser and becomes Bowletta. Cackletta has powers of both pyrokinesis and electrokinesis, as well as the ability to create clones that can split into bats. Fawful is also a powerful adversary thanks to his Vacuum Helmet, which he uses to assist Cackletta. 

    77 votes
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  • 17

    The Shadow Queen

    The Shadow Queen
    • Photo:
      • Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
      • Nintendo

    Also Known As: Queen of Shadows, Queen of Darkness

    First Appearance: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (2004)

    A millennia before the events in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (2004), the Shadow Queen appeared with a yen to wage war on the peaceful city of Rogueport. She took hold of the town with the help of her three Shadow Sirens and her dragons Hooktail, Gloomtail, and Bonetail. But a Toad, a Goomba, a Koopa Troopa and a Boo combined their powers to stop her and sealed her away in the Palace of Shadow. After a Beldam resurrects the Shadow Queen one thousand years later, she once again plans to enslave the world, possessing Princess Peach in the process. A demon who is only motivated by her own desires and pride, the Shadow Queen is a shadowy figure of pure evil with no love or loyalty to anything but her own agenda. 

    67 votes
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  • 18

    Antasma

    Antasma
    • Photo:

    Also Known As: Called “????” during the first battle

    First Appearance: Mario & Luigi: Dream Team (2013)

    An evil bat king from Mario & Luigi: Dream Team who wishes to annihilate the Pi'illo Folk. He was once a normal bat, but a steady diet of nightmares morphed the winged mammal into a monster. He attempted to steal the Dark Stone, but only managed to shatter it when the Pi'illo Folk tried to imprison him in the Dream World. The destruction of the Dark Stone caused the downfall of the Pi'illo civilization, turning them into petrified pillows, which led to the events of Dream Team. Antasma's abilities include morphing from either demon to bat form, an ability to screech ultrasonic waves that can petrify a foe, replicating clones of himself, and teleportation. 

    69 votes
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  • 19

    King Kaliente

    King Kaliente

    Also Known As: Ota King, Octopus King 

    First Appearance: Super Mario Galaxy

    One of the most difficult bosses in Super Mario Galaxy, this lava-dwelling octopus shoots fireballs from its kisser while trying to guard a Grand Star. Of the species Roctos, the oversized mollusk is feisty and dangerous, spouting a constant and seemingly neverending source of fireballs as it lies in a pool of lava, making both Mario and Luigi's goal seemingly unattainable. With big red eyes, a handlebar mustache, and a jaunty little crown, King Kaliente is a boss that takes a few tries to conquer. 

    56 votes
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  • 20

    Elder Princess Shroob

    Elder Princess Shroob
    • Photo:

    Also Known As: Gedonko-hime

    First Appearance: Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time (2005)

    One of the leaders of the Shroob alien race that invaded the Mushroom Kingdom, Elder Princess Shroob is an enemy of intergalactic origin whose main power appears to be her condescending attitude. The final boss of the game, Elder Princess Shroob is Princess Shroob's older sister, both of whom lorded over the Shroob alien race. When their homeworld began to die, they sought to take over the Mushroom Kingdom and find a new population to conquer. Her powers include great strength, firing purple energy balls, and summoning an alien armada with a simple shriek.

    55 votes
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