Top 10 Greatest Video Game Bosses

Number 10: General M. Bison (Street Fighter)

This would-be dictator of the Street Fighter franchise is the final boss in Street Fighter II and the Alpha series. Head of the Shadaloo crime syndicate, this tournament host is unique for wielding an evil energy attack known as “Psycho Power.” Also, for sparking personal vendettas with the other characters.

Number 9: Shang Tsung (Mortal Kombat)

A deadly wizard and shape shifter, Shang Tsung absorbs the souls of those he slays to maintain his youth and power. The head of the Mortal Kombat tournament, and servant of outlord ruler Shao Khan, he has remained in charge of its proceedings for over 500 years.

Number 8: Shredder and Krang (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)

Hailing from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics and cartoons, Shredder and his alien pal Krang are one of gaming’s most famous villainous duos. The brain-like alien Krang is armed in a robotic suit, and usually butters gamers up for the final battle. Unlike Krang, Shredder doesn’t pull any punches and often clones himself (TMNT 2), teleports, uses Katanas, de-mutates the turtles, and mutates himself into a hulking Super Shredder.

Number 7: K. Rool (Donkey Kong)

An obese crocodile, the king of the Kremlings is a constant thorn in the side of the Kongs. Always out to steal their banana horde, he has changed things up over the years by taking on the persona of a pirate (DK Country 2), mad scientist (DK Country 3) and that of a boxer (Donkey Kong 64). Sure, Donkey Kong himself is a reformed bad guy, but he's made good with Mario since his old arcade days.

Number 6: Andross (Star Fox)

The arch enemy of the Star Fox team, this evil scientist used his knowledge to pursue an intergalactic lust for power. Experimenting on himself to become insanely powerful and frightening, he was banished from his home world of Corneria to the waste planet Venom. There, he built an army to conquer the Lylat system.

Number 5: Mother Brain (Metroid)

A large brain with one eye that sits in a jar, Mother Brain is the leader of the Space Pirates. Based on the planet Zebes, she is a true monster of incredible intelligence. Not only causing considerable trouble for bounty hunter Samas Aran, she is also easily the ugliest baddie on this list.

Number 4: Dr. Robotnik (Sonic The Hedgehog)

Ignoring the fact that Dr. Robotnik has come to be known by his Japanese name, Dr.Eggman, this evil scientist is one of gaming’s most recognizable villains. Robotnik is especially notable for trying to turn all of the animals of the forest into machines, and for regularly building contraptions to take on Sonic The Hedgehog.

Number 3: Dr. Wily (Megaman)

Originally the partner of Dr. Light, he once created robots for the benefit of mankind. However, when the world ignored his contribution, he reprogrammed the robots to help him take over the world. A brilliant scientist, Wily controls his army from a skull-like fortress, and isn’t afraid to take on the blue bomber in his own devilishly elaborate contraptions.

Number 2: Ganondorf/Ganon (The Legend of Zelda)

Making the short list is the arch-nemesis of Link and Zelda. Focused on the domination of Hyrule, this leader of a group of desert thieves (Zelda: Ocarina of Time) has used the Triforce of Power to become the King of Evil. Taking evil’s true form, that of a pig wielding a trident, he seeks out the other pieces of the Triforce to become invincible.

Number 1: Bowser (Mario Bros.)

Rounding out our list is the King of the Koopas! Easily the most recognizable and popular bad guy for over twenty-five years, he has made a career out of kidnapping the princess, and trying to take over the Mushroom Kingdom.

Always thwarted by a pair of plumbers, he continues to send out his koopas, goombas and even his own children to cause havoc across the land.

Originally envisioned as an Ox, and mistaken for a dragon, this fierce turtle has shown more flexibility than most video game bosses. He has teamed up with Mario several times, driven a go-kart, played sports, and even shown a humorous side in the Paper Mario series.