The Greatest Video Game Franchises of the 20th Century, Ranked
A ranking of the 20th century’s most influential video game franchises highlights their cultural and industry impact across platforms and genres.
Electronic Arts’ *John Madden Football*, released in 1988, introduced sports gaming to mainstream audiences through a partnership with the NFL, blending real-world athletics with digital play. The franchise expanded rapidly in the 1990s, offering fans digital recreations of their favorite athletes and leagues, while its cultural footprint extended beyond gaming into film with an upcoming movie adaptation.
Capcom’s *Mega Man* series, particularly *Mega Man 2*, established a formula of action-platforming perfection that dominated the late 20th century. The franchise spawned multiple sequels, spin-offs like *Mega Man X*, and cross-media appearances, including cartoons and Nintendo’s *Super Smash Bros.* games, with a new title, *Mega Man: Dual Override*, slated for 2027.
Konami’s *Castlevania* franchise, including the 1997 PlayStation release *Symphony of the Night*, pioneered the Metroidvania subgenre and inspired adaptations like a Netflix anime. The series has seen a revival with *Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse*, arriving in October for multiple platforms, continuing its legacy from earlier hardware like the NES and Genesis.
Nintendo’s *Donkey Kong*, initially a single arcade title, evolved into a multi-game franchise that introduced characters like Donkey Kong Jr. and later Rare’s *Donkey Kong Country* trilogy. The series contributed to the Super Nintendo’s success and has seen modern revivals, including *Donkey Kong Bananza* near the Nintendo Switch 2 launch, demonstrating its enduring appeal.