Bart Simpson (Nancy Cartwright) and Milhouse (Pamela Hayden) play video games in The Simpsons Season 36 premiere, "Bart's Birthday."Image via FOX
By
Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck
Published 32 minutes ago
Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck is a writer for Collider. He grew up creating lists, stories, and worlds, which led to his love of anime and video games. He attended Sheridan College where he earned an Honours Bachelor of Game Design. Lucas and his group won 1st place for technical innovation at LevelUp Toronto 2023, and he was also an intern for the Oakville Film Festival of Arts.
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There are plenty of incredible adult animation series, such as Arcane and South Park, but nothing has topped the legacy and influence of The Simpsons. At a time when video games are becoming more ingrained in our collective pop culture, The Simpsons is at the forefront, delivering a steady stream of fun games for fans to play, from platformers to party games to arcade classics.
The Simpsons is one of the most illustrious TV franchises that has also broken out into the gaming industry, and with its recent Fortnite collaboration, now is the perfect time to reflect on the series’ ten best video games. Based on fan opinion, critical acclaim, gameplay, originality, entertainment value, and how closely they represent the franchise, these ten games are all must-play experiences.
10 ‘The Simpsons: Minutes to Meltdown’ (2007)
simpsons-minutes-to-meltdownImage via EA
Not every game on this list is a certified hit, as many of the lower entries are simply decent, such as The Simpsons: Minutes to Meltdown. This 2.5D mobile game follows Homer rushing to the power plant after news reveals it will soon melt down. Avoiding obstacles and angry citizens, players must work within a time limit to stop the disaster.
The Simpsons: Minutes to Meltdown is hindered by its app format, but for its limited hardware, it is inventive enough and fits well. The premise is fun, and the time limit adds tension, suspense, and fun mechanics. It may not be the best Simpsons game of all time, but The Simpsons: Minutes to Meltdown is still a solid mobile experience.
9 ‘The Simpsons: Bart Vs. The Space Mutants’ (1991)
simpsons-bart-vs-space-mutantsImage via Acclaim Entertainment
After the rapid success of the shorts in 1989, they enlisted a studio to make the first Simpsons game. While delays pushed The Simpsons: Bart vs. the Space Mutants to 1991, it was still an extremely successful first video game for the franchise on the NES. The game is a side-scrolling platformer in which Bart attempts to expose the aliens' plans to take over the world.
NES games are known for being difficult, and Bart vs. The Space Mutants is no exception, offering challenging gameplay that many fans found too demanding. Mixed reviews aside, this game deserves to be on this list solely because it paved the way for future games, thanks to its fun gameplay and financial success. Testing skill and patience, Bart vs. the Space Mutants is a fast-paced and thrilling experience.
8 ‘Krusty’s Fun House’ (1992)
krustys-super-fun-houseImage via Audiogenic
Most of the games on this list feature either the entire cast or mainly Bart, but one of the earlier games took a chance on everyone’s favorite clown, Krusty. Krusty’s Fun House follows the titular character in his new fun house, overrun by rats. He must lead them to the extermination device to get rid of them, but there are plenty of obstacles, such as flying pigs, snakes, and aliens that Krusty needs to defeat by throwing pies at them.
Krusty’s Fun House is one of the best SNES games ever, according to multiple gaming journals, and while there are a lot, this one is a simple yet entertaining experience, especially for Simpsons fans. However, this game is also very strategic, offering numerous possible solutions that are rewarding to discover. Krusty’s Fun House isn’t the most mainstream title, but it's a worthy entry in The Simpsons gaming franchise that fans should check out for something different.
7 ‘Bart Simpson’s Escape From Camp Deadly’ (1991)
bart-simpsons-escape-from-camp-deadlyImage via Imagineering
The Simpsons were producing games in the 1990s, coinciding with the show's popularity. As the most well-known character, especially among young boys, Bart was the leading figure in the games. Bart Simpson’s Escape From Camp Deadly is a Game Boy game featuring the titular protagonist attempting to escape a ruthless summer camp. It coincidentally features a similar plot to the episode “Kamp Krusty,” even though the game came out a year before it.
This game feels like a classic episode of The Simpsons, and perhaps that's why it inspired a similar episode. Either way, it is an excellent time that older fans will love. The controls feel a lot smoother than other previous Simpsons platformers, and while there isn’t enough content in this game, that only proves that fans loved it so much they wanted more. Bart is arguably the most popular Simpsons character, and fans of his will love this game.
6 ‘The Simpsons: Night of the Living Treehouse of Horror’ (2001)
simpsons-treehouse-gameImage via Fox Interactive
Every season, fans are treated to one of the best annual specials, specifically The Simpsons' Treehouse of Horror episodes. These specials are anticipated every year, blending horror with comedy and weirdness, making them a staple of the franchise. So it was only a matter of time before it got a spin-off game, The Simpsons: Night of the Living Treehouse of Horror. Players control all the members of The Simpsons family in this side-scrolling adventure, each featuring their own level, taking on spooky enemies.
For fans of the TV specials, Night of the Living Treehouse of Horror is a must-play, creating an immaculate atmosphere that perfectly encapsulates the Halloween episodes. The animation is smooth, the artwork is gorgeous, and the difficulty is there, resulting in an above-average platformer. It is also nice that players can control every member of the family, ensuring none are left without their time in the spotlight.
5 ‘The Simpsons: Tapped Out’ (2012)
simpsons-tapped-outImage via EA
Mobile games are extremely popular, as anyone with a phone can download these games for free or at a relatively low cost, which means The Simpsons had to get in on the success. The Simpsons: Tapped Out is their most recent video game, but unfortunately, it was removed from the App Store in 2025. Players must build and maintain Springfield with nostalgic buildings, familiar characters, and bizarre events to manage.
City-builder games are a common type of mobile game, with many other adult animations featuring them, but none were better than Tapped Out. With plenty of Simpsons references and attention to detail, there isn’t a Simpsons game that gives players more agency than this one, truly immersing themselves in their ideal version of Springfield. Some technical issues and blatant money-making schemes hinder its enjoyability, but it was an entertaining game that players would love to come back.
4 ‘The Simpsons: Road Rage’ (2001)
simpsons-road-rageImage via Radical Entertainment
There is something about The Simpsons and driving that just works, and game developers realized that, delivering two standout titles in the same year, with the first being The Simpsons: Road Rage. Players control members of The Simpsons family, needing to pick up and drop off familiar faces at different destinations. However, due to its similarities to Crazy Taxi, SEGA sued the company, but the matter was resolved before it went to court.
Crazy Taxi is a beloved video game, which many fans believe The Simpsons: Road Rage ripped off, and it's not too far off. Because Road Rage is a clone of Crazy Taxi, it can’t be higher on this list, but it is still an exceptional game. Critics may not be too keen on it, but fans love it, disregarding its similarities and instead enjoying the chaotic driving in Springfield, which features plenty of humor, amusing situations, slippery controls, and challenging gameplay.
3 ‘The Simpsons Arcade Game’ (1991)
'The Simpsons Arcade' game, showing Marge with her vaccuum.Image via Konami
Remember the good old days when most video games were played in arcades, where friends and strangers would get together to share gaming experiences in a time of unparalleled nostalgia and simpler times? Those days may be gone, but the games aren’t, including The Simpsons Arcade Game. With up to four players, this side-scrolling beat-em-up follows the Simpsons family fending off hired goons from Mr. Burns, as Maggie accidentally ate his stolen diamond.
Although initially designed for arcade systems, versions for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and mobile devices were also released, giving everyone the opportunity to experience the game. The Simpsons Arcade Game is one of the greatest and most profitable arcade games, but its appeal extends far beyond that. The graphics are excellent, the sound clips are right from the show, and the gameplay is engrossing, resulting in a game with excellent replay value and a certified Simpsons classic.
2 ‘The Simpsons Game’ (2007)
the-simpsons-gameImage via EA
The Simpsons had a legendary run of games in the early to mid-2000s, and one of the most defining entries was The Simpsons Game. Released on every central platform from that time, including Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, and PS3, everyone and their mother had a copy of this game. When the Simpsons family learn they are in a video game, they use their newfound superpowers to infiltrate parodies of other games, looking for key cards to break into their creator’s mansion and reverse the generations-old ban on video games.
Written by actual writers from the show, this game capitalized on the success of The Simpsons Movie, increasing sales and popularity. Metacritic scores may not be too favorable, but fans of the franchise know that this is one of their best games, ripe with references, creativity, engaging mechanics, and magnificent writing. Hopefully, with the announcement of the new Simpsons movie, another Simpsons game will be released in tandem with it.
1 ‘The Simpsons: Hit & Run’ (2003)
A screenshot from The Simpsons: Hit & RunImage via Radical Entertainment
If Road Rage were a Crazy Taxi clone, The Simpsons: Hit & Run is a Grand Theft Auto clone, except it is more inventive and different. When strange occurrences pop up around Springfield, the Simpsons family and Apu take matters into their own hands, revealing an alien conspiracy that they must race around the town to stop.
Hit & Run is the definitive Simpsons game, full of riveting gameplay, a spectacular open world, plenty of missions, and graphics that still hold up. The transportation system is surprisingly adept and fun to drive around, and simply cruising around Springfield is fun enough. The parodical elements and referential jokes are hilarious, creating a humorous game that can make fans laugh while being engaged in the gameplay. Hit & Run is a detailed game, and the Simpsons experience that fans need to play.
The Simpsons
TV-PG
Family
Animation
Comedy
Release Date
December 17, 1989
Network
FOX
Cast
Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria, Harry Shearer, Pamela Hayden, Tress MacNeille, Gillian Anderson, Johnny Cash, Ed Asner, Betty White, Alex Rocco, Christina Ricci, Bret Hart, Joe Frazier, Ed Begley Jr., Helen Hunt, Bob Denver, Buzz Aldrin, Tom Kite, John Waters, Jack Lemmon
Showrunner
Al Jean
Seasons
37
Genres
Family, Animation, Comedy
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