10 Best Castlevania Games of All Time, Ranked

The Castlevania series has been around for a long time, giving us some of the best vampire-hunting adventures in gaming. Castlevania has made history from the classic days of the NES to the huge, open-world castle explorations the console. Over the years, Castlevania has evolved from simple platformers to rich, exploration-heavy adventures. Some games focus on classic, linear stages, while others embrace the Metroidvania style, where you slowly unlock new areas and abilities. That said, let’s check out the Best Castlevania Games of All Time.

10. Castlevania (NES)

This is where it all started. Released in 1986, Castlevania introduced Simon Belmont and his famous whip. You battle through Dracula’s castle, fighting monsters and dodging tricky platforming sections. The game is tough, but the music and atmosphere are unforgettable. The stiff controls might feel dated now, but back then, this game set the standard for action-platformers. Without it, we wouldn’t have the rest of the series.

9. Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse

This game took the original and made it way better. You play as Trevor Belmont, but this time, you can also recruit three other characters: Sypha, Grant, and Alucard. Each one has unique abilities, making the game feel fresh every time you play. The branching paths and deep storyline make it one of the best NES games, even if it’s super challenging.

Additionally, the graphics and music took a huge leap forward from the first game. The soundtrack is incredible, and the backgrounds look more detailed than ever. Furthermore, the challenge is brutal, but Dracula’s Curse gives players so many different ways to tackle levels. If you want classic Castlevania action at its peak, this is the one to play.

8. Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia

One of the last great Castlevania games before the series went quiet for a while. Instead of the usual Belmont family, you play as Shanoa, a warrior who uses magic glyphs instead of weapons. The combat is super fun and the music is top-notch. This game feels different from others in the series. It has a mission-based structure instead of just a big castle to explore. The story is deeper than most Castlevania games, and Shanoa is one of the coolest protagonists in the series. It’s also one of the hardest Castlevania games, so be ready for a tough fight.

7. Super Castlevania IV

When Castlevania hit the Super Nintendo, it leveled up in every way. Simon Belmont’s whip could now move in eight directions, making combat smoother. The stages were more creative, with rotating rooms and crazy platforming. And the music? Easily one of the best soundtracks in gaming. This game took the classic Castlevania formula and polished it to perfection.

The atmosphere is what makes this game special. The detailed backgrounds and eerie sound effects make Dracula’s castle feel alive. Every level has something new, from swinging chandeliers to giant, Mode-7 rotating hallways. Even though it sticks to the classic Castlevania formula, everything feels smoother and more refined.

6. Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow

This game proved that Castlevania could be just as awesome on handheld consoles. Instead of a Belmont, you play as Soma Cruz, a guy who can absorb enemy souls and use their abilities. This makes combat super fun and customizable. The story is engaging, the gameplay is thrilling, and the castle is full of secrets to explore.

This is one of the best Metroidvania games ever made. The soul system gives you so many ways to play, from summoning monsters to gaining new attacks. The story also has a fun twist that makes it stand out. It’s fast-paced, packed with great boss fights, and perfect for multiple playthroughs.

5. Castlevania: Circle of the Moon

A launch title for the Game Boy Advance, this game showed that Castlevania was right at home on handhelds. The DSS card system lets players mix and match abilities, making battles feel unique. The game’s darker tone and limited color palette make this game feel like a true horror experience. It plays a little stiff, but the huge amount of customization keeps it interesting. The soundtrack is also fantastic, proving once again that Castlevania’s music never misses.

4. Castlevania: Lords of Shadow

This game took a big risk by changing the usual Castlevania style. Instead of a 2D platformer, it became a full 3D action game. The combat feels like God of War, but it still keeps that gothic Castlevania vibe. Some fans didn’t like the changes, but the story, graphics, and epic boss fights made it a solid entry in the series.

The game looks stunning, with huge landscapes and dramatic cutscenes. Similarly, the bosses are massive and intense, making every fight feel cinematic. While it’s different from the older games, it still delivers the dark, gothic atmosphere that makes Castlevania special.

3. Castlevania: Bloodlines

Sega Genesis players got their own Castlevania game, and it did not disappoint. You can play as John Morris, who uses a whip, or Eric Lecarde, who fights with a spear. The game’s international setting takes you to spooky locations outside Dracula’s castle, keeping things fresh. The fast-paced action and incredible soundtrack make this one of the most underrated Castlevania games.

2. Castlevania: Rondo of Blood

For years, this was the Castlevania game that Western fans could only dream of. Stuck on a Japan-only console, Rondo of Blood finally became available worldwide, and it was worth the wait. The animations are smooth, the gameplay is polished, and the branching paths make each playthrough different. Richter Belmont is a beast, but Maria steals the show with her fun attacks. It’s one of the best classic Castlevania games ever made.

1. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

This is the one. The game that changed everything. Symphony of the Night introduced the Metroidvania style, where you explore a huge, connected castle instead of moving through levels. The mix of RPG elements, smooth combat, and deep exploration make this game endlessly replayable. The soundtrack is legendary, the atmosphere is perfect, and it’s hands down the best Castlevania game ever.