Let’s swing through the jungle and crown the ultimate king of Kong!
Since his debut in 1981, Donkey Kong has gone from throwing barrels at Mario to headlining his own top-tier platformers. He’s been a villain, a hero, a dad, a drummer even a racer on rocket-powered barrels. But let’s be real: not every DK game is a smash hit. Some are ripe for retirement.
In this ultimate jungle journey, we rank every major Donkey Kong game from the downright rotten to the brilliantly banana-blessed. Oh, and if you’re a 2D animation company, take notes these games have inspired generations with their iconic sprite work and visual charm.
19. Donkey Kong Jr. Math (1983)
Genre: Educational
This one’s more “homework” than “hit.” Nintendo tried to sneak arithmetic into DK’s jungle gym, but the results were tedious, confusing, and not much fun. Even kids knew to avoid it.
Why it’s ranked low: No rhythm, no replay value, no fun.
18. Donkey Kong Barrel Blast (2007 – Wii)
Genre: Racer
It could have been DK’s Mario Kart moment, but sluggish controls and forgettable track design grounded this racer. Even playable Kremlings couldn’t save the fun.
Highlight: Barrel-powered racing sounds cooler than it actually was.
17. Donkey Kong Jr. (1982)
Genre: Platformer
A classic arcade follow-up that flipped the script this time, DK Jr. is the hero rescuing his dad from Mario. A cool twist, but stiff mechanics have aged this one poorly.
Cool factor: Mario’s the villain?! What a plot twist.
16. Donkey Kong (Game Boy – 1994)
Genre: Puzzle-platformer
What starts as a simple arcade remake quickly evolves into a meaty, 100-level puzzle platformer with tight mechanics. Criminally underrated.
Why it’s great: Smart design and portable perfection.
15. Donkey Kong 3 (1983)
Genre: Shooter
Stanley the bug man replaces Mario in this weird entry where you blast DK with pesticide. It’s bizarre but still oddly addictive.
Odd duck: The only DK game where extermination is the goal.
14. Mario vs. Donkey Kong Series (2004–2015)
Genre: Puzzle
A whole lineup of brainy titles where mini-Marios do the dirty work. It’s clever, if not exactly traditional.
Best entry: Minis March Again! brought a lot of charm to the DS.
13. DK: King of Swing (2005 – GBA)
Genre: Puzzle-action
You swing from pegs using L/R buttons it’s different, quirky, and surprisingly fun… in short bursts. Feels more like a minigame than a full DK title.
Unique twist: DK meets Clu Clu Land.
12. DK: Jungle Climber (2007 – DS)
Genre: Puzzle-platformer
Takes the King of Swing formula and makes it shine with polished mechanics, smoother gameplay, and better level design.
Underrated gem: Great for rhythm lovers and timing pros.
11. Donkey Kong Country Returns (2010 – Wii)
Genre: Platformer
Retro Studios revived the Country series with jaw-dropping visuals, nostalgic tunes, and brutal difficulty. A new-gen classic.
Challenge level: Like slipping on every banana peel in the jungle.
10. Donkey Konga Series (2003–2005)
Genre: Rhythm
Who gave DK bongos? Doesn’t matter it rocks. This party rhythm game is silly, chaotic fun and an unexpected hit.
DK’s party side: You haven’t lived until you’ve clapped your way through the jungle.
9. Donkey Kong (Arcade – 1981)
Genre: Platformer
The OG. The legend. The game that started it all. Simple, addictive, and immortalized in gaming history.
Historical gold: In the Video Game Hall of Fame, where it belongs.
8. Donkey Kong Land Series (1995–1997 – Game Boy)
Genre: Platformer
These portable spin-offs of the Country series packed an impressive punch despite technical limitations.
Impressive: 8-bit DK action done right.
7. Donkey Kong Country
Genre: Platformer
Retro outdid themselves here. This game is gorgeous, intense, and bursting with personality plus David Wise’s music is phenomenal.
Why revisit it on Switch? Funky Mode makes it accessible to all.
6. Donkey Kong Country 3
Genre: Platformer
Often overshadowed by its predecessors, this entry stars Dixie and newcomer Kiddy Kong in a whimsical world packed with secrets.
Most underrated: Don’t sleep on the clever level variety.
5. Donkey Kong Country 2
Genre: Platformer
Dark, pirate-themed levels. Killer soundtrack. Flawless platforming. For many, this is the real king of the jungle.
Fan favorite: Atmospheric perfection.
4. Donkey Kong Country (1994 – SNES)
Genre: Platformer
When this launched, it looked like nothing else on consoles. Pre-rendered graphics? Jungle jams? Diddy Kong?! A true revolution.
Tech marvel: The visuals pushed the SNES to its limits.
3. Mario vs. Donkey Kong (GBA – 2004)
Genre: Puzzle-platformer
A spiritual sequel to the 1994 Game Boy title, this one blends classic platforming with inventive puzzles and vibrant 2D animation.
A delight: Crisp visuals and charming animation 2D animation companies, take note!
2. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Switch Version)
Genre: Platformer
Yes, again but the Switch version deserves its own recognition. With added Funky Mode and portability, it’s a polished experience for all skill levels.
Tons of replay value: Fun for both speedrunners and casual fans.
1. Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest
Genre: Platformer
Yes, it’s on the list twice. And it deserves it. With its moody tone, unforgettable music, razor-sharp gameplay, and perfect pacing, DKC2 is the ultimate banana-slamma.
Why #1? It’s the total package tight mechanics, lush visuals, and emotional storytelling wrapped in 2D animation magic.
Final Thoughts
From pixelated platforms to rhythmic bongo beats, Donkey Kong’s legacy spans genres and generations. Whether you’re into twitch reflex platformers or puzzle-heavy brain teasers, there’s a DK title for you. It’s also a masterclass in 2D animation, especially during the SNES and GBA eras making it a valuable reference point for any 2D animation company looking for inspiration in character design, movement, and visual storytelling.
So whether you’re revisiting your childhood favorite or discovering Donkey Kong for the first time, one thing’s certain: this ape still rules the jungle.
BANANA SLAMMA! 🐵🍌
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