Top 10 Recurring Bosses in Video Games

“Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain” (2015)

As soon as their mist fills the air you know you’re in for the fight of your life. They are able to jump around the battlefield at high speeds, they can also create large metal spikes and boulders that can be used as projectiles. But perhaps most frightening of all: any nearby soldiers who come into contact of their metallic archaea are turned into Zombie-like puppet soldiers. In battle they can easily overwhelm The Player if they’re not cautious enough around them, sometimes the best strategy is to run away from them.

“Monster Hunter 4: Ultimate” (2015)

This 6 limbed Elder Dragon, is certainly one beast that will give your caravan a hard time. Turning up during key plot moments in the game’s story mode, The Gore Magala’s makes its presence known to its prey by darkening the skies before moving in for the kill. Even worse is that its attacks are infected by what’s known as the frenzy virus, which if left unchecked can leave the players severely weakened. Eventually it’ll shed it’s skin and become it’s adulthood form the Shagaru Magala, serving as the final boss for the low ranked quests, in quite a climactic showdown.

“Super Mario Bros.” (1985)

If you’re wondering why this classic boss isn’t higher on our list, it’s because...well, he’s honestly kind of a pushover in his first appearance. Still, he’s an iconic boss that is faced eight times, and seven of those eight time, if you defeat him with fireballs you’ll find out you were fighting a doppelganger. Mario faces off against Bowser in order to save Princess Peach, who he has kidnapped, in the original, quintessential Mario plot. Even in 1985 graphics, this is one intimidating Koopa.

“Pokémon Red, Blue & Yellow” (1998-99)

Seriously, screw this guy. The rival is trope of the “Pokémon” games, but we had to choose this one. After all, he’s the grandson of Professor Oak. At the game’s beginning, he will always choose the Pokémon that’s strongest against the one the player chooses, and he ends up beating all the gym leaders before the player does, occasionally challenging him or her to a fight. Arguably the main antagonist of the game, you just can’t help but let his cocky attitude get on your nerves. But don’t worry, at least you get to change his name...

“Silent Hill 2” (2001)

Arguably the most enduring icon of the “Silent Hill” franchise, Pyramid Head has appeared in several games, but he’s most prominently featured in “Silent Hill 2” as one of the main antagonists. He stalks James throughout the titular town, popping up every so often to terrorize him and challenge him to battle. Very little is known about this creature, besides his affinity for violence and mutilation, not only for James, but for fellow Silent Hill residents and creatures. Play PH’s intro. Ugh...that is downright disturbing.

“Dark Souls II” (2014)

This boss lives up to his name in this notoriously difficult video game. This huge figure is surprisingly quick for his size, wielding an enormous sword that can toss the player around like a ragdoll. The Pursuer himself is an immortal, cursed knight who continues his duty of hunting down and destroying rogue hollows even after becoming hollow himself. Relentlessly, ehem, 'pursuing' the player throughout the game, he is fought multiple times throughout the player’s adventure. Just make sure to dodge right instead of left and don’t let him out of your sight.

“Sonic the Hedgehog 2” (1992)

Every iconic video game character has an iconic rival, and so it is with Sonic’s rival, Dr. Eggman. Each “zone” closes with a boss battle, each one utilizing a different crazy machine. In order to defeat him, the player has to face giant drills, razors, mines, fire, and more. While Eggman it’s a recurring boss in all 3 of the Sonic games on the Genesis, the 2nd one gets the nod, mostly because of its final encounter with the mad scientist.

“Bayonetta 2” (2014)

In a game series full of remarkable bosses, the Masked Lumen is arguably responsible for some of its most epic battles. Initially shrouded in mystery, this character acts as Bayonetta’s main rival for the 2nd game, he’s able to use her Witch Time ability and doesn’t hesitate to summon angelic beasts just to set the stage. We considered Jeanne from the original “Bayonetta” for this list, but her battles don’t even come close to the scope and scale this guy brings. And that’s saying a lot considering her final battle was on top of a flying missile.

“Bioshock” (2007)

Many of these bosses just show up a few times in their respective games, but there are a total of twenty-one Big Daddies in “Bioshock.” One of the most acclaimed aspects of a highly-praised game, the Big Daddies protect Little Sisters, who provide ADAM to the player, which can be used for various upgrades. So theoretically, you could go through the game without fighting any, but good luck with that. These genetically enhanced humans provide some of the game’s biggest challenges, but also some of the biggest payoffs, which guaranteed them a spot on this list.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

The Warden Eternal
“Halo 5: Guardians” (2015)
Ghirahim
“The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword” (2011)
Seymour
“Final Fantasy X” (2001)
Solt and Peppor (The Shaker Brothers)
“Chrono Cross” (1999)

“Resident Evil 3: Nemesis” (1999)

How fitting that the #1 entry on this list ends up having a whole game named after him. Nemesis is an experiment of the Umbrella Corporation, an attempt to create an intelligent version of the standard Tyrant enemy. The result is this terrifying surprisingly swift stalker who seems to be undefeatable. Not one to be redundant, he develops new attacks later in the game, including a rocket launcher, tentacles, and...uh...whatever this thing is. Show final boss. This relentless monster is still scary as hell today, and it’s no wonder he took our top spot.

Do you agree with our list? Which reoccurring boss fight is your favourite? For more reoccurring top 10s published everyday, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.