Top 10 Best Video Game Trailers of All Time
#10: “Super Mario Odyssey” (2017)
Super Mario Bros. Trivia
“Mario” games are a staple of video gaming and game trailers, and this is arguably the plumber’s best of the latter (if not the former too)! Big 3D “Mario” games are few and far between, and this one made everyone take notice! As Pauline serenades us with the instant classic song “Jump Up, Super Star!,” we’re treated to visions of all the new worlds to explore. But more importantly, the trailer reveals “Odyssey”’s signature mechanic - Mario’s new ability to throw his hat at his foes to possess them! It’s so wacky and inventive that it fired all of our imaginations and had everyone wondering what was possible!
#9: “Dead Island” (2011)
10 Video Game Characters Who Were DEAD The Whole Time
While the game itself failed to make a big splash, its initial trailer is widely regarded as one of the best. Beginning in the eye of a zombified child, the action is told in reverse. We see the girl running from zombies in real time, as we’re slowly taken through an attack by the infected girl and other zombies on her parents. And then, after both timelines catch up to one another at the most heartbreaking moment, we see home video of the happy family arriving at their hotel room before the disaster. The unique presentation, haunting piano score, and emotional storytelling help make this a striking and beautifully made trailer.
#8: “Red Dead Redemption 2” (2018)
Top 20 Greatest Video Game Endings of All Time
When it comes to trailers, it can be difficult to balance building anticipation and revealing too much. “Red Dead Redemption 2” goes for a subdued approach, yet it’s also quite fitting. The camera pans over beautiful, barren Western landscapes, showcasing the incredible graphics in several different lighting conditions. The trains, townspeople, and animals are all rendered with the in-game engine, and building hype over what’s over the next horizon. It’s all closed out with Arthur Morgan’s narration. This announcement trailer calls to mind the simplicity and excitement of Western movie trailers. “Red Dead Redemption 2” ran away with our expectations - and never looked back.
#7: “Halo 3” (2007)
Halo Was Almost A Strategy Game for Mac! History of the Halo Franchise
Most of us associate the “Halo” franchise with epic space battles, sweeping orchestral music, and unparalleled hype. However, this trailer is made even more memorable by quieting things down. The camera follows a diorama of human and Covenant soldiers in the middle of a battle. Explosions are stuck in time. Faces are permanently contorted in anger or agony. The soft piano tune is haunting as we see our hero Master Chief seemingly captured by the enemy and presented like a trophy. But then - he moves. And we have hope again! It’s a stirring and contemplative trailer that proves that a great idea can sometimes be the best way to make everyone believe in your game.
#6: “Elden Ring” (2022)
Malenia Blade of Miquella's Origin Story | Elden Ring
Even if information about this game was leaked prior to this trailer, it still got everyone foaming at the mouth when it premiered! The echoing hammering echoed the feelings in our own hearts when we saw Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R. R. Martin’s names come on screen together. And while the following cinematics give little away, their striking beauty, along with the mysterious narration instill the very accurate impression that “Elden Ring” will be an epic and unforgettable adventure! It also got us excited enough that it made the wait for it to come out almost as painful as one of the game’s boss fights! Almost.
#5: “Grand Theft Auto VI” (2025)
History of Grand Theft Auto: From the PS1 to Worldwide Phenomenon
This trailer may be hot off the presses, but it has lit the world on fire! Fans have clamored for a full decade for information on the next “Grand Theft Auto” title - and this trailer finally delivered! Against the backdrop of a Tom Petty song, we’re treated to a look at “GTA 6”’s new engine. Although it’s scarce on plot and gameplay details, it does hint at more advanced social media features, as well as a sort of Bonnie and Clyde storyline. Additionally, we get a look at the series’ familiar location of Vice City. It seems that since the 1980s this Miami-like city has become even more…Florida. “Love is a long, long road,” but it’s worth the wait.
#4: “Gears of War” (2006)
Gears 5 Review | MojoPlays
One of the most iconic trailers out there, this TV spot sees protagonist Marcus Fenix running through the ruined streets of his world. With Gary Jules’ cover of the Tears for Fears song “Mad World” playing in the background, Marcus explores the devastation and encounters the monstrous Locus erupting from the streets. The haunting song and rainswept, crumbling environment perfectly convey the grim setting and draws the viewer in. Not only did the commercial cause the song’s popularity to soar, we’d argue that it basically sold the game to most of those who bought it! Well, this and the chainsaw gun!
#3: “Final Fantasy VII Remake” (2020)
The HARDEST Boss In Every Final Fantasy Game
What you have to understand is that for literal decades after its release, fans of “Final Fantasy VII” had been clamoring for a remaster of this classic RPG. So when this trailer dropped at E3 2015, “Final Fantasy” fans lost their freaking minds! It’s merely a succession of cutscenes showing a futuristic looking city at first. But, whether you recognize it as Midgar right away, or it isn’t until you see Barret’s gun arm or Cloud’s massive Buster Sword, eventually the nostalgia hits, the goosebumps run down your body and the hype begins all over again! “The promise has been made” - and, while it took a while, they kept it!
#2: “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” (2017)
The Most Difficult Dungeon In Video Game History
Here it comes! It was honestly pretty close between this and its sequel, “Tears of the Kingdom”’s final trailer. But, despite featuring the most epic use of a saxophone, it couldn’t quite match “Breath of the Wild.” The trailer’s orchestral music is sweeping, grandiose, and moving. The visuals showcase how massive and beautiful the game’s open world truly is. Meanwhile, it teases bits of the story, while featuring familiar elements from previous entries in the franchise. All of this blends together into an amazing crescendo of a trailer that still has us on the edge of our seats and cheering years later!
#1: “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” (2018)
The Complete History of Super Smash Bros.
Video game trailers are meant to get you hyped, and the first major trailer for this Nintendo crossover fighting game got everyone hyped beyond belief! Sure, it starts off pretty simply, showing us fighters who have returned from previous games…but as the music swells, you realize how many characters are coming back! Not just some, not just most - ALL of them! It’s not just the biggest crossover in video games, it’s one of the biggest in all media! Add in detailed explanations of character changes, mechanical updates, and a few new character drops, and the hype surrounding this trailer reaches unprecedented levels! Given the millions of reactions, memes, and general fan excitement this trailer induced, it’s fair to say that everyone is here for it! What awesome trailer got you most excited for a game? Give us a preview of your favorites in the comments!