10 Best TV Shows Based On Nintendo Games, Ranked

May 3, 2026 - 21:28

Nintendo has a long history of turning its iconic video games into television shows, with results ranging from beloved classics to forgettable failures. While some adaptations managed to capture the magic of the source material, others missed the mark entirely. Here is a look at the ten best TV shows based on Nintendo games, ranked by how well they honored the originals.

Topping the list is "Pokemon: The Series," which became a global phenomenon by faithfully translating the monster-catching adventure into a long-running anime. It gave us Ash, Pikachu, and a world that felt alive. Close behind is "Kirby: Right Back at Ya!," a surprisingly witty and action-packed series that perfectly balanced the cute character design with clever humor and solid storytelling.

"The Legend of Zelda" cartoon from the late 1980s earns a spot for its nostalgic value, even if its infamous "Well, excuuuuse me, princess!" line dates it badly. "Super Mario Bros. Super Show" also ranks high for its cheesy charm and live-action segments, though it strayed far from the games. More recent entries like "Sonic X" and "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" (though a film, not a series) showed that modern animation can finally do justice to Nintendo's worlds.

Shows like "Donkey Kong Country" and "Captain N: The Game Master" are lower on the list due to their dated animation and loose interpretations. The worst adaptations, such as the live-action "Super Mario Bros." movie, failed because they ignored the simple joy of the games. the best Nintendo TV shows are those that respect the source material while adding their own creative flair, proving that a good adaptation can make players feel like they are still holding the controller.