The top 25 sidescrolling platformers (misc) of all time
From thecrankyhermit
'Sidescrolling platformers' specifically refers to the action-oriented class of platformers that emphasize challenging jump maneuvers, parabolic physics, structure based on non-repetitive silos of flowing, semi-linear gameplay, and a tendency towards intuitive controls, mechanics, and level design. This list excludes run & gun and hop & bop platformers, as those have their own lists. See GUTCH for information on this genre and its place on the genre hierarchy.
The top 5:
1: Super Mario Bros. 2 (1988) NES
2: Castlevania (1986) NES
3: Super Castlevania IV (1991) SNES
4: Commander Keen: Invasion of the Vorticons (1990) PC
5: Ninja Gaiden (1988) NES
The rest, in alphabetical order:
ActRaiser (1990) SNES
Alex Kidd in Miracle World (1986) Sega Master System
Batman: The Video Game (1989) NES
Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse (1989) NES
Castlevania: Rondo of Blood (1993) Turbografx CD
Castlevania Bloodlines (1994) Genesis
Chip 'N Dale: Rescue Rangers (1990) NES
Disney's Aladdin (1993) Genesis
Dynamite Headdy (1994) Genesis
Kirby's Dream Land (1992) Gameboy
Kirby's Adventure (1993) NES
Kirby Super Star (1996) SNES
LittleBigPlanet (2008) PS3
Rayman (1995) PC, Jaguar, Playstation, Saturn
Ristar (1995) Genesis
Rocket Knight Adventures (1993) Genesis
Strider (1989) Arcade
Super Meat Boy (2010) PC, XBox 360
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1989) NES
World of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck (1992) Genesis