The Super Nintendo was a beat ’em up paradise. Massive sprites, hard-hitting sound effects, and couch co-op chaos made SNES brawlers unforgettable. While the genre thrived in arcades, these games proved the SNES could deliver knuckle-cracking action at home — and sometimes even do it better.

To keep things fresh, this list features one game per franchise. No repeats. No filler. Just the best of the best.

Let’s start the countdown.

10. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie

Licensed games were usually hit-or-miss in the 16-bit era, but Power Rangers: The Movie delivered a surprisingly solid beat ’em up. The combat is simple, but responsive, and the character sprites are chunky and satisfying.

Each Ranger feels distinct enough to keep co-op fun, and the game perfectly captures the colorful, over-the-top tone of the franchise. It’s not the deepest brawler on SNES, but it’s a blast from start to finish.

Why it earns its spot:
Straightforward fun, smooth combat, and excellent co-op energy.

9. The Combatribes

The Combatribes leans hard into gritty street brawling, stripping away flashy mechanics in favor of raw punches, throws, and crowd control. It’s slower than most SNES beat ’em ups, but intentionally so.

Positioning matters here. You can’t just mash your way through mobs. While it lacks co-op, its atmosphere and brutal pacing make it stand out from the pack.

Why it earns its spot:
A tougher, more grounded take on the genre with serious attitude.

8. Captain Commando

Pure Capcom chaos. Captain Commando is colorful, weird, and packed with personality. From baby-commandos to ninja captains, every character feels ripped straight from an arcade fever dream.

The stages are imaginative, the enemy variety is strong, and the action never slows down. It’s not as iconic as some Capcom titles, but it’s wildly entertaining and often overlooked.

Why it earns its spot:
Creative characters, nonstop action, and classic Capcom polish.

7. Batman Returns

This game proves licensed beat ’em ups could be top-tier. Batman Returns is dark, aggressive, and visually stunning for its time. Every punch feels heavy, and Batman’s animations are among the best on the system.

The enemy AI is relentless, and the game demands precision rather than button-mashing. It’s challenging, stylish, and perfectly captures the tone of Gotham City.

Why it earns its spot:
Atmosphere, weighty combat, and one of the best licensed brawlers ever made.

6. Battletoads & Double Dragon

A crossover that somehow works. Battletoads & Double Dragon throws absurd humor, brutal difficulty, and over-the-top animations into one unforgettable package.

It’s chaotic, punishing, and occasionally unfair — but it’s also insanely memorable. Few SNES beat ’em ups swing this hard and leave such a lasting impression.

Why it earns its spot:
Wild creativity, co-op madness, and legendary difficulty.

5. The Peace Keepers

Often overlooked, The Peace Keepers is one of the deepest beat ’em ups on the system. With branching paths, multiple endings, and customizable difficulty, it offers serious replay value.

The combat system is fast and flexible, letting skilled players experiment with throws and combos in ways most SNES brawlers don’t allow.

Why it earns its spot:
Depth, replayability, and mechanics that reward mastery.

4. The King of Dragons

Fantasy and beat ’em ups collide beautifully here. The King of Dragons blends classic brawling with RPG elements like leveling, magic, and character classes.

Every stage feels like a tabletop campaign brought to life, and co-op play adds strategic depth as players balance melee and magic attacks.

Why it earns its spot:
A perfect mix of fantasy RPG flavor and arcade brawling.

3. Knights of the Round

This game evolves as you play — literally. Characters gain armor, weapons, and new abilities as they level up, giving Knights of the Round a sense of progression rarely seen in the genre.

The medieval setting, powerful animations, and satisfying combat make it one of Capcom’s most ambitious SNES beat ’em ups.

Why it earns its spot:
RPG progression that changes how the game looks and feels.

2. Final Fight 3

The most refined version of the Final Fight experience on SNES. Final Fight 3 introduces branching paths, new characters, sprint mechanics, and expanded combo systems.

It’s faster, deeper, and far more replayable than its predecessors, making it the definitive Final Fight entry on the system.

Why it earns its spot:
Polished mechanics, multiple routes, and peak street-brawler design.

1. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time

There was never any doubt. Turtles in Time is the SNES beat ’em up. Perfect pacing, unforgettable levels, incredible music, and some of the most satisfying combat ever put on a 16-bit console.

Every Turtle feels great to control, co-op is flawless, and throwing enemies into the screen never gets old. Decades later, it’s still the benchmark.

Why it’s number one:
Timeless design, flawless co-op, and pure arcade perfection.

SNES beat ’em ups weren’t just button mashers — they were social experiences, skill tests, and genre-defining classics. Whether you preferred gritty street fights, fantasy adventures, or licensed chaos, the Super Nintendo delivered something unforgettable.