Top 10 Video Games With The Best Boss Fights

Script Written by Nick Spake

Top 10 Video Games with the Best Boss Fights

If you’re a gamer, nothing’s more satisfying than taking down a roster of baddies. Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Video Game with the Best Boss Fights.

We’re currently preparing a series on the Best singular Boss battles throughout the decades, but for this list, we’re not just ranking these games based on one of 2 memorable fights, but rather ALL of its battles. Only one game per franchise is allowed, and we decided to rule out the Pokemon games, since the Gym Leader Pokemon can also be seen in standard trainer battles.

#10: “Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater” (2004)

Some boss fights are all about blindly charging into combat and simply mashing buttons. The bosses in the “Metal Gear Solid” franchise, though, require a little more strategy and finesse to defeat. “Snake Eater” brings together some of our hero’s most commendable foes with the strangest names; such as The Pain, The Fear, and the End. Hell, the main antagonist in the game is literally nicknamed The Boss. How fitting is that? Snake must put his stealth skills to the test and take advantage of his environment. Being a true soldier, Snake can adapt to any situation to take down any enemy…even those closest to him.

#9: “Batman: Arkham City” (2011)

The “Batman: Akrham” franchise has received universal praise for making the player feel like they’re really the Dark Knight. Part of the Batman experience naturally includes facing off with a colorful rogue gallery. “Arkham City” features some of this franchise’s most creative boss fights based around Batman’s greatest foes, like Solomon Grundy, Ra’s al Ghul, and Clayface. Two-Face is also there, although he kind of goes down like a wuss. Of course the standout opponent here is Mr. Freeze, who you’ll have to overthrow using multiple inventive tactics. He requires the player to think outside the box, demonstrating that Batman is a detective above all else.

#8: “Castlevania: Symphony of the Night” (1997)

The “Castlevania” games are reminiscent of the classic Universal monster pictures, but with their own unique signature. “Symphony of the Night” will put you in the shoes of a true monster hunter, challenging several fiends that scream gothic horror. There are familiar faces, such as a mummy and a Frankenstein-like creature. There are also beasts out of Greek mythology, like Cerberus. Even Death himself makes an appearance. Oh, and you can’t have a “Castlevania” game without Dracula, who only becomes more badass with each new form he assumes. The boss fights are so phenomenal that it’s easy to forgive the admittedly hokey voice acting.

#7: “Mega Man X” (1994)

When people think of the “Mega Man” games, the first image that typically comes to mind is the stage select screen. This franchise has given us some unforgettable bosses…and a few laughable ones we’d like to forget. There isn’t a weak link in “Mega Man X,” however. In this triumphant game, we go from challenging Robot Masters to creatively designed animal androids. Every boss, from Chill Penguin and Flame Mammoth, is ingeniously designed with an arsenal of slick moves. With every victory, X earns himself a shiny new toy.

#6: “Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate” (2015)

“Monster Hunter 4” has quickly become the most addictive game on the Nintendo 3DS and for good reason. As its over-the-top title suggests, this action RPG is all about slaying monsters. Whether you prefer teaming up with your friends on multiplayer or the road of a lone hunter, there’s no shortage of awesome beasts to seek out. The game boasts over 70 large monsters for the players to face, ranging the horse sized Kirin to the awe inspiring behemoth that is the Dah’ren Mohran. In fact you can clock over a hundred hours into this game and still not have seen all the monsters this game has to offer.

#5: “Dark Souls” (2011)

"Dark Souls" and the souls series in general has a well earned reputation for difficulty. Much of that controller chucking frustration stems from the boss battles which are varied, intense and guaranteed to push the skills and patience of even the most seasoned gamer to the limits. A memorable game and often considered the best in the series, "Dark Souls' boss battle are one of it's greatest highlights. The game forces players to recognize patters, adapt to changing situations and above all learn that no matter how intimidating an enemy may look, there is always a way to bring it down." Victory achieved", and well earned.

#4: “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” (1998)

“The Legend of Zelda” series has given us an assortment of boss fights throughout the years, And yet even with Skyward Sword and Twilight Princess having incredible battles, Link’s initial leap into 3D territory is still arguably his most epic adventure. These are some of the most distinctive and inventive bosses you’ll ever see in an action adventure. No two bosses here look the same…assuming you count Twinrovaas one. “Ocarina of Time” also notably introduced us to Ganon’s humanoid form, Ganondorf, who has solidified his place as one of the all time great video game villains.

#3: “God of War 3” (2010)

The first 2 two God of War already had incredible boss fights, but the extra power of the PS3 allow for God of War 3 to create boss fights one would find in a cinematic blockbuster. This third game in this trilogy finds our favorite Spartan fighting up the Olympian ladder to Zeus. All of these mythological icons are beyond kickass, but our favorite just might be Cronos. A mounting titan, he’s like a boss and a level rolled into one. If Cronos thinks he can just crush Kratos with his thumb, though, he’s got anything thing coming.

#2: “Bayonetta 2” (2014)

You know the saying, “go big or go home?” “Bayonetta 2” takes that phrase to the max! Everything about this sequel is extreme and insane with the boss battles being no exception. Want proof? A grandiose demonic monster fighting you on the side of The Empire State Building, that’s the prologue. How about this enormous Manta Ray underwater? Believe it or not this is a sub-boss. Because of their sheer scope, Almost every boss in this game could be any other game’s final boss, and thanks to Bayonetta 2 excellent combat system, you’re guaranteed to be on the edge of your seat well until the final battle.

Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

“Kingdom Hearts II” (2006)
“Devil May Cry 4” (2008)
“Final Fantasy X” (2001)
“No More Heroes” (2007)
“Conker’s Bad Fur Day” (2001)

#1: “Shadow of the Colossus” (2005)

Most games follow a basic formula: complete a level and then face the boss. In “Shadow of the Colossus,” though, the bosses ARE the levels. On a quest to resurrect a fallen loved one, Wander must defeat a total of 16 colossi. Majestic while also being intimidating, each of these juggernauts require a different tactic to take down. Figuring out how to slay every colossi can be frustrating, but it’s just as rewarding once the deed is done. And yet at the same time, however, the player will begin to contemplate whether these creatures deserve to perish and the consequences your actions will ultimately have.

Do you agree with our list? What video game do you think has the best boss fights? For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.