10 Best Castlevania Games of All Time, Ranked

Castlevania has been around since 1986, and it somehow nails that spooky vibe while keeping the action fast and fun. You’re dodging flying Medusa heads and facing off against Death itself, definitely intense, but that’s part of the thrill. Plus, the music and tough boss fights make every victory feel awesome. Even after all these years, the series doesn’t feel outdated. Over time, it’s changed quite a bit, with over 30 games across tons of consoles. So, to keep things simple, here’s a look at the best Castlevania games that still hold up today.

10. Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin

Portrait of Ruin shook up the Castlevania formula in some pretty cool ways. Instead of just one hero, players get to control two vampire hunters, Jonathan and Charlotte, each with their own unique strengths. On top of that, the game introduces clever portraits that act as different worlds where you can finally put monsters to rest for good. Add in satisfying combo attacks. Konami blends sharp 2D art with smooth 3D effects. The result is a Castlevania game that feels both familiar and fresh. 

9. Castlevania: Bloodlines

Castlevania: Bloodlines is a unique entry in the series, being the only one made for SEGA’s 16-bit console. What really sets it apart is its thrilling journey across Europe during World War I, taking you from Greece to France and finally to England. Along the way, it mixes classic Castlevania action with this fresh historical setting, giving the game a distinct vibe. On top of that, it introduces Michiru Yamane’s amazing soundtrack work, which delivers some of the best music in the series.

8. Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance

Harmony of Dissonance really sticks out on the Game Boy Advance. The bright colors make Dracula’s castle feel alive and way more fun to explore. Plus, the different powers you get to mess around with keep the fights from getting boring. With Koji Igarashi running things and Ayami Kojima designing the characters, there’s a lot of charm here, especially with Juste Belmont, who looks pretty cool and familiar. All in all, it’s a solid Metroidvania game that sets the stage for even better stuff on the GBA.

7. Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse

Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse takes the classic stage-by-stage gameplay and spices it up with a cool twist. Instead of just playing as Trevor Belmont, you can switch between three other characters: Sypha the sorceress, Grant the pirate, and Alucard, Dracula’s half-vampire son. This makes the game way more interesting and lets you try out different playstyles. Plus, the story branches off in different directions, giving you a reason to play through it more than once. With some of the best music and graphics on the NES, it’s no wonder this game is a favorite among Castlevania fans.

6. Castlevania: Circle of the Moon

In Circle of the Moon, you take on the role of Nathan Graves in a castle crawling with monsters. You gather the best weapons and power-ups along the way. What really spices up the gameplay is the Dual Setup System; it changes how battles feel, keeping things fresh. As a GBA launch title, it played a big part in bringing the Metroidvania style. It might lean a bit more old-school than later games, but its tight controls and eerie mood made it a fan favorite almost instantly.

5. Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia

Out of all the Castlevania games on the DS, few shook things up quite like Order of Ecclesia. For starters, instead of just wandering through one big castle, you move through a bunch of different areas. You play as Shanoa, who doesn’t use the usual whip; instead, she absorbs magical characters and uses them as weapons. As a result, you get tons of options in combat. Along the way, you return to Wygol Village to rescue folks and take on side quests. Visually, the game looks great; gameplay-wise, it plays tight, and overall, it stands out as one of the strongest entries on the DS.

4. Super Castlevania IV

Super Castlevania IV on the Super Nintendo really showed off what the series could do with better hardware. You’re back as Simon Belmont, running through Dracula’s castle in a straightforward adventure of just pure, classic Castlevania action. What makes it stand out is how smooth and flexible the whip feels now. In addition, you can swing your whip in any direction, so fighting feels way more fun. Likewise, the graphics are sharper, and the music nails the spooky vibe. On top of that, cool visual effects give each stage its style. Honestly, it’s one of the best Castlevania games around.

3. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night really shook things up. Instead of the usual linear levels, you get to explore a huge castle with tons of freedom, thanks to its Metroid-inspired design. Plus, it sticks to beautiful 2D graphics and an amazing soundtrack. You play as Alucard, diving into Dracula’s castle to take him down and find Richter Belmont along the way. Plus, with a ton of gear to find and plenty of ways to level up, there’s always a reason to dive back in. As a result, it’s still one of the most memorable and loved games in the entire Castlevania series.

2. Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow

The final Castlevania on the Game Boy Advance, Aria of Sorrow, didn’t just wrap things up; it actually opened up a whole new chapter. While Dracula’s shadow lingers in the background, the story takes a fresh turn away from the usual Belmont saga. This time, you step into the shoes of Soma Cruz, who later makes a comeback in Dawn of Sorrow. Although the game is set in the future, it still keeps those strong gothic vibes. Plus, it introduced the game-changing Soul System, where you collect monster souls to unlock new skills. 

1. Castlevania: Rondo of Blood

Rondo of Blood hit the PC Engine and quickly made waves with its crisp visuals and smooth animation. Because it used a CD-ROM, the game featured anime-style cutscenes and a standout soundtrack that nailed the gothic mood. You play as Richter Belmont, trying to rescue villagers from Dracula’s grip, including Maria, who later becomes a playable character. Along the way, secret paths and hidden bosses keep things interesting. All said and done, it’s a polished, well-balanced Castlevania that still feels fresh and delivers a classic experience worth revisiting.