Best Characters in the Super Mario Franchise Who Aren't Human

Highlights

Petey Piranha stands as a much-loved returning villain, offering players a unique character to control in various Mario titles.
King Boo, the leader of mischievous ghosts, remains a mysterious and iconic character in the Mario franchise loved by fans.
Birdo, an openly trans icon in the franchise, has been a controversial but beloved character since her debut in 1988.

As a long-time fan and connoisseur of the Mario universe, I must say that the characters in this franchise are as diverse and engaging as they come. Each one has their unique charm, backstory, and role to play, making the world of Mario an absolute delight to explore.

Over time, Nintendo’s beloved Mario series has introduced a multitude of characters for players to engage with. These range from recurring adversaries in different games to an array of characters players can select to play as in the team-based games within the Mario franchise. Players have had ample opportunity to develop their preferences and express their allegiances by choosing their favorite characters.

In the fanbase for the Mario series, both human and non-human characters have their share of popularity, with figures like Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach being well-known. However, it’s important to note that the non-human characters are equally cherished. These standout non-human characters, ranging from playable ones in Mario games to various antagonists, have earned their top spots in the rankings.

8 Petey Piranha

A Much-Loved Returning Villain

Best Characters in the Super Mario Franchise Who Aren't Human

First Appearance:Super Mario Sunshine (2002)

Kicking off our discussion about memorable non-human characters in the Mario series, let’s talk about Petey Piranha, who first appeared as a recurring boss in Mario games back in 2002, during his debut as an enemy in Super Mario Sunshine. Since then, this mutated Piranha Plant has made multiple comebacks, not only serving as a challenging boss for players to conquer across various Mario games, but also offering the player the chance to control him in several Mario Sports and spin-off titles.

Standing tall and mighty, he shares a comparable presence with characters like Bowser and Donkey Kong. Yet, what sets him apart from other Mario characters is his short, sluggish legs, which slow him down considerably compared to them.

7 King Boo

One Of The Greatest Ghosts

First Appearance:Luigi’s Mansion (2001)

Not only do some remarkable non-animal characters hail from the world of Mario, but ghostly personalities like King Boo also make a significant impact. As the head of the mischievous ghost gang, King Boo is notorious for causing trouble primarily for Luigi within the Mario series.

King Boo, the largest of his Boo kindred and adorned with a royal crown, is one of the antagonists from the popular video game series, Mario. Despite being shrouded in mystery, he’s gained popularity in numerous spin-off games where he’s playable. His enigmatic nature has only added to his allure among gamers.

6 Birdo

The Pink Dinosaur Icon

First Super Mario Appearance:Super Mario Bros. 2 (1988)

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but reminisce about Birdo, a legendary figure in the Mario universe who’s no stranger to stirring up conversations. Since her debut in Super Mario Bros 2, Birdo has been at the heart of many debates, with discussions surrounding her identity as a pink, dinosaur-esque character. The instruction manual for that game even hinted that Birdo identifies as female.

Due to this, numerous individuals view Birdo as a transparently transgender woman whom many fans adore. While more contemporary installments of the series merely call her a woman, she remains an influential symbol of transgender representation for many.

5 Donkey Kong

A Title As Old As Mario With His Very Own Franchise

First Appearance:Donkey Kong Country (1984)

In the Super Mario universe, Donkey Kong and Mario are about the same age. The initial games featuring Mario depicted Donkey Kong as Mario’s adversary instead of Bowser. However, that original Donkey Kong has evolved into Cranky Kong over time. Yet, the young, tie-wearing Donkey Kong has achieved fame for himself, with a variety of spin-off games under his belt, such as “Donkey Kong Country.”

In these games, Donkey Kong is portrayed as a strong leader who values his family above all and strives to safeguard them. This endearing trait has earned him immense respect from players worldwide, leading many to choose to play as this Kong character in other popular series like Mario Kart or Mario Party.

4 Bowser

One Of The Most Loved Villains In Gaming

First Appearance:Super Mario Bros. (1985)

In the Mario franchise, although Donkey Kong was initially Mario’s adversary, it’s Bowser who has been a recurring antagonist for the longest time. This massive Koopa character consistently manages to either snatch Princess Peach away or attempt to conquer other kingdoms.

Despite his history of despicable actions, fans remain captivated by him, continuing to include him in their gaming roster across different games within the series. As a villain, players relish engaging with Bowser and eagerly anticipate seeing how he will maintain his iconic status as one of the franchise’s most formidable antagonists.

3 Kamek

The Biggest Menace Of The Mario Franchise

First Appearance:Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island (1995)

Although it’s often Bowser who seems responsible for the troubles in both the Toadstool Kingdom and the broader Mario universe, much of the mischief can be traced back to Kamek’s magical manipulations. In fact, far from merely being an advisor to Bowser, Kamek has frequently been the instigator of problems himself in various scenarios.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but admire Kamek, the Magikoopa, who stands out among his peers. Some players even prefer him over Bowser himself! This is because Kamek shows an unexpected level of care towards King Koopa that is truly heartwarming. Moreover, he has been instrumental in caring for Bowser Jr., a role he fulfills diligently and compassionately.

2 Bowser Jr.

Small Yet Deadly

First Appearance:Super Mario Sunshine (2002)

It’s often found that Bowser’s son is preferred over Bowser himself by many, mainly because of the tiny, mischievous Koopa who plays the endearing role of a trickster while attempting to emulate his father.

In instances when Bowser Jr. isn’t aiding his father in kidnapping Princess Peach, he instead becomes a villain on his own by causing just as much trouble for Mario. Regardless of what actions Bowser Jr. takes, fans of the franchise continue to adore this Koopa with a bandanna and his mischievous chuckle.

1 Yoshi

The Unrivaled Favorite Of The Franchise

First Appearance:Super Mario World (1990)

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve got to say that it’s no shocker to me how much I love Yoshi from the iconic Mario series. This cute, green dinosaur has a fan base that rivals, and in some instances even surpasses, the legendary plumber himself, Mario.

As a gamer, I can’t help but adore Yoshi – not just for his charming looks and endearing sounds, but also because he’s an incredibly dependable ally in the Mario universe. This feathery friend is always ready to let Mario hop on his back for thrilling escapades, and even showed remarkable bravery when rescuing Baby Mario in Yoshi’s Island.

2024-08-01 13:33

Best Characters in the Super Mario Franchise Who Aren’t Human