As much as I enjoy a classic arcade cabinet, nothing gets me excited like a classic game of pinball.
Sure, they may eat my quarters every time I visit the local barcade (shout out to Arcade Legacy in Cincinnati, Ohio), but it’s all money well spent.
There have been countless pinball machines released over the years, but they aren’t all created equal. Here are 12 of the best pinball games in history.
Attack from Mars (Bally, 1995)
The Attack from Mars cabinet is an enjoyable play on the sci-fi invasion trope.
One of the things that immediately stood out to me when I first played was how forgiving the game can be; it understands when you lose an early ball due to bad luck, so it’s eager to get you back into the action.
While gimmicky, the angle of attacking the alien mothership is something I can’t resist, even if it’s an incredibly risky maneuver.
Godzilla (Stern, 2001)
Yes, the theme in Godzilla is on point, but what makes it a beloved pinball game is how it offers something to everyone, regardless of skill level.
Newcomers enjoy the fancy bells and whistles that grab their interest, while veterans enjoy the deep, strategic gameplay.
Combined, these two elements make for a beloved game that’s always worth a play or two at your local arcade.
Medieval Madness (Williams, 1997)
What’s not to love about Medieval Madness? First of all, it offers one of the best themes in any pinball machine. That fully fleshed-out castle is what drew me in the first time I played it as a kid.
Second of all, Medieval Madness‘s gameplay shows that the game is surprisingly addictive. The novelty of storming a castle never wears off, but it’s the satisfying feeling of hitting those ramps that has made this game timeless.
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The Addams Family (Bally, 1992)
What is there to say about The Addams Family pinball that hasn’t been said before?
Raul Julia’s voiceover is iconic, and the multiball cinematic still gives me goosebumps. Best of all is the fact that there are so many different ways to play the game.
As much fun as it is to lock in the multiball, playing through the mansion rooms is equally as satisfying.
Twilight Zone (Bally, 1993)
Like The Addams Family, Twilight Zone‘s pinball machine features excellent theming, but its gameplay is far more strategic.
Every game feels different; the flow of a game will dictate how you play it. The game is all about making shots and demands execution from the player. There’s no one to blame but yourself here; put the practice in, execute, and you’ll do well.
Deadpool (Stern, 2018)
I’ve already touched on the importance of themes in pinball machines several times, but it’s impossible to bring up Deadpool without continuing that trend.
This machine looks and feels like Deadpool, but the gameplay, believe it or not, overshadows its style. This is an incredibly fun machine that combines accessible gameplay with surprisingly deep mechanics that transcend a typical game of pinball.
Jurassic Park (Stern, 2019)
It feels weird to say that Jurassic Park of all pinball machines doesn’t do a good job of theming, but it’s true.
Despite that shortcoming, Stern makes up for it by delivering an incredible gameplay experience. Yes, the T-Rex will be the first thing you notice, but the wide variety of shots and mechanics is what keeps you coming back for more.
Jaws (Stern, 2024)
As the newness to Jaws has worn off, the hype has died down. Still, Jaws is an enjoyable pinball machine.
The game has a great flow to it, even if it sometimes slows down your momentum, but I’d argue that plays straight into the machine’s theme.
It lacks the “wow” factor other machines on this list deliver, but it’s still an incredibly solid experience.
Metallica Remastered (Stern, 2024)
The original Metallica pinball machine is exactly what you’d expect: loud, intense, and a good time.
2024’s remaster is the same game you know and love, complete with modern bells and whistles.
Did it need a remaster? No, the original machine is a great game and you’ll be singing along to Metallica’s greatest hits before you know it. Having said that, this is an example of a remaster we didn’t know we wanted, but we’re glad we have.
Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Stern, 2018)
Speaking of pinball machines based on metal bands, Legacy of the Beast is a dream come true.
Like with Metallica, you’re going to be singing along as you pull off a wide variety of shots.
I’m a sucker for ramps and loops, and that’s the main attraction of the gameplay here. Am I being a bit biased? Sure, but it’s my list, and this game is great.
Tales of the Arabian Nights (Williams, 1996)
We go from modern gems back to an old-school classic.
Tales of the Arabian Nights holds up surprisingly well to newer layouts and machines. Impressively, it does this without iconic theming.
The gameplay flows extremely well thanks to its easy to comprehend playing field.
Monster Bash (Williams, 1996)
This machine is a real graveyard smash, if you know what I mean.
Like Arabian Nights, this old-school classic offers an easy-to-understand playing field and impressive flow to each game. It’s that flow that helps put Monser Bash over the top. Success breeds more success, and raking up a high score breeds more confidence.
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