TOP 100 SHOOT-'EM-UP GAMES

Shoot-'em-up games are like a wild ride on a roller coaster. You've got your finger on the trigger, dodging bullets and blasting your way through hordes of enemies. It's like a workout for your thumbs, and players love the adrenaline rush it brings. They get hooked on the feeling of power as they mow down enemy after enemy, unlocking new weapons and upgrading their ship. It's like a virtual playground where you can blow stuff up and feel like a boss doing it. And if you're looking for the top games in this genre, you've come to the right place. We've carefully curated a list of the best shoot-'em-up games out there, so you can spend less time scrolling and more time blasting. Don't worry, we won't judge if you start acting like a superhero after playing these games.

#01
Games like Velocity 2X

Velocity 2X

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PS4, PC, Switch, Xbox One
  • Release: 2015
  • Rating: 9/10

#02
Games like Gundam Space Assault

Gundam Space Assault

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: Browser
  • Release: 2003
  • Rating: 8.9/10

#03
Games like Radiant Silvergun

Radiant Silvergun

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: Xbox 360, Switch, Xbox One
  • Release: 1998
  • Rating: 8.5/10

#04
Games like Space Invaders Infinity Gene

Space Invaders Infinity Gene

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: Xbox 360, Console, iPhone / iPad, Android, PS3
  • Release: 2008
  • Rating: 8.4/10

#05
Games like Cuphead

Cuphead

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Mac, Switch, PS4
  • Release: 2017
  • Rating: 8.4/10

#06
Games like Sine Mora

Sine Mora

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PC, PS Vita, Xbox 360, Console, iPhone / iPad, Android, PS3, Switch, PS4, Xbox One
  • Release: 2012
  • Rating: 8.3/10

#07
Games like Rayman Origins

Rayman Origins

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PC, PS Vita, Xbox 360, 3DS, Wii, PS3, Mac
  • Release: 2011
  • Rating: 8.3/10

#08
Games like Thunder Force V

Thunder Force V

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: Console
  • Release: 1998
  • Rating: 8.2/10

#09
Games like Ikaruga

Ikaruga

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: Xbox 360, Android, PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox One
  • Release: 2001
  • Rating: 8.2/10

#10
Games like Gradius V

Gradius V

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PS2, Console, PS3
  • Release: 2004
  • Rating: 8.1/10

#11
Games like Metal Slug X

Metal Slug X

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: Console, iPhone / iPad, Android, PC, Switch, PS4, PS3, Wii, Xbox One
  • Release: 1999
  • Rating: 8.1/10

#12
Games like Jamestown: Legend of the Lost Colony

Jamestown: Legend of the Lost Colony

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PC, Mac, PS4, Switch
  • Release: 2011
  • Rating: 8/10

#13
Games like Descent

Descent

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PC, Console, Mac
  • Release: 1995
  • Rating: 8/10

#14
Games like Zeit Squared

Zeit Squared

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, Console
  • Release: 2011
  • Rating: 8/10

#15
Games like Crash Commando

Crash Commando

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: Console, PS3
  • Release: 2008
  • Rating: 8/10

#16
Games like Bangai-O Spirits

Bangai-O Spirits

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: DS
  • Release: 2008
  • Rating: 8/10

#17
Games like Fatal Force

Fatal Force

  • License: commercial
  • Platforms: Console
  • Release: 2004
  • Rating: 8/10

#18
Games like Blazing Star

Blazing Star

  • License: commercial
  • Platforms: Console, iPhone / iPad, Android, Switch, PS4, PC, Mac, Wii, Xbox One
  • Release: 1998
  • Rating: 8/10

#19
Games like Remote Life

Remote Life

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PC, Switch, PS4, PS5, XSX, Xbox One
  • Release: 2019
  • Rating: 8/10

#20
Games like Drainus

Drainus

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PC, Switch
  • Release: 2022
  • Rating: 8/10

#21
Games like Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime

Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PC, Mac, PS4, Switch, Xbox One
  • Release: 2015
  • Rating: 8/10

#22
Games like Blazing Chrome

Blazing Chrome

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox One
  • Release: 2019
  • Rating: 8/10

#23
Games like Rolling Gunner

Rolling Gunner

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: Switch, PS4, PC
  • Release: 2018
  • Rating: 8/10

#24
Games like Heavy Weapon: Atomic Tank

Heavy Weapon: Atomic Tank

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: Xbox 360, PS3
  • Release: 2007
  • Rating: 7.9/10

#25
Games like Metal Slug 3

Metal Slug 3

  • License: commercial
  • Platforms: Console, iPhone / iPad, Android, PC, Mac, PS4, Switch, PS2, PS Vita, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii, PS3
  • Release: 2000
  • Rating: 7.8/10

#26
Games like Big Bang Mini

Big Bang Mini

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: DS
  • Release: 2009
  • Rating: 7.8/10

#27
Games like Bangai-O

Bangai-O

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms:
  • Release: 1999
  • Rating: 7.8/10

#28
Games like R-Type

R-Type

  • License: commercial
  • Platforms: Console, iPhone / iPad, Android, Switch, Wii U, Wii
  • Release: 1987
  • Rating: 7.7/10

#29
Games like Cannon Fodder (Kuju Entertainment)

Cannon Fodder (Kuju Entertainment)

  • License: commercial
  • Platforms: PC, Browser
  • Release: 2005
  • Rating: 7.6/10

#30
Games like R-Type Dimensions

R-Type Dimensions

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: Xbox 360, PS3, Switch, PC, PS4, iPhone / iPad
  • Release: 2009
  • Rating: 7.6/10

#31
Games like Gradius Collection

Gradius Collection

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms:
  • Release: 2006
  • Rating: 7.6/10

#32
Games like Iridion II

Iridion II

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PC
  • Release: 2003
  • Rating: 7.6/10

#33
Games like R-Type Delta

R-Type Delta

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: Console, PS3
  • Release: 1998
  • Rating: 7.6/10

#34
Games like The Red Star

The Red Star

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PS2, Console, iPhone / iPad, Wii, PS3
  • Release: 2007
  • Rating: 7.6/10

#35
Games like R-Type Final

R-Type Final

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PS2, Console
  • Release: 2003
  • Rating: 7.6/10

#36
Games like Alien Hominid

Alien Hominid

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: Console, PS2, PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, XSX, Switch
  • Release: 2004
  • Rating: 7.5/10

#37
Games like Cybernator

Cybernator

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PS2, Switch, Wii U, Wii
  • Release: 1992
  • Rating: 7.5/10

#38
Games like Resogun

Resogun

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PS4, PS3
  • Release: 2013
  • Rating: 7.5/10

#39
Games like Bangai-O HD: Missile Fury

Bangai-O HD: Missile Fury

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: Xbox 360
  • Release: 2011
  • Rating: 7.5/10

#40
Games like Super Stardust HD

Super Stardust HD

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PS3
  • Release: 2007
  • Rating: 7.5/10

#41
Games like Blazing Lazers

Blazing Lazers

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: Wii U, Wii, PS3
  • Release: 1989
  • Rating: 7.5/10

#42
Games like Deathsmiles

Deathsmiles

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: Xbox 360, Console, Android, iPhone / iPad, PC
  • Release: 2007
  • Rating: 7.5/10

#43
Games like Akai Katana

Akai Katana

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: Xbox 360, Console, Switch, PS4, PC, Xbox One
  • Release: 2011
  • Rating: 7.5/10

#44
Games like Platypus

Platypus

  • License: commercial
  • Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, Console, iPhone / iPad
  • Release: 2002
  • Rating: 7.5/10

#45
Games like Metal Slug Advance

Metal Slug Advance

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms:
  • Release: 2004
  • Rating: 7.5/10

#46
Games like Assault Heroes

Assault Heroes

  • License: commercial
  • Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, Console, PS3
  • Release: 2006
  • Rating: 7.5/10

#47
Games like Einhander

Einhander

  • License: commercial
  • Platforms: Console, PS3
  • Release: 1997
  • Rating: 7.5/10

#48
Games like Gradius Gaiden

Gradius Gaiden

  • License: commercial
  • Platforms: Console
  • Release: 1997
  • Rating: 7.5/10

#49
Games like Gradius Galaxies

Gradius Galaxies

  • License: commercial
  • Platforms:
  • Release: 2001
  • Rating: 7.4/10

#50
Games like RayStorm

RayStorm

  • License: commercial
  • Platforms: PC, Console, iPhone / iPad, Android
  • Release: 1996
  • Rating: 7.4/10

#51
Games like Galaga Legions DX

Galaga Legions DX

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: Xbox 360, Console, PS3
  • Release: 2011
  • Rating: 7.4/10

#52
Games like Blast Works: Build, Trade, Destroy

Blast Works: Build, Trade, Destroy

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: Wii
  • Release: 2008
  • Rating: 7.4/10

#53
Games like Dariusburst: Chronicle Saviours

Dariusburst: Chronicle Saviours

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PC, PS4, PS Vita
  • Release: 2015
  • Rating: 7.4/10

#54
Games like Galaga Legions

Galaga Legions

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: Xbox 360, Console
  • Release: 2008
  • Rating: 7.4/10

#55
Games like Nanostray 2

Nanostray 2

  • License: commercial
  • Platforms: DS
  • Release: 2008
  • Rating: 7.4/10

#56
Games like Galaga

Galaga

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PC, Console, PS4, Switch, iPhone / iPad, Wii U, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii
  • Release: 1981
  • Rating: 7.4/10

#57
Games like Gradius

Gradius

  • License: commercial
  • Platforms: PC, PS4, Switch, Wii U, Wii
  • Release: 1985
  • Rating: 7.4/10

#58
Games like Star Wars: Battle Above Coruscant (2005)

Star Wars: Battle Above Coruscant (2005)

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms:
  • Release: 2005
  • Rating: 7.3/10

#59
Games like Spy Hunter

Spy Hunter

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PC, PS2, Xbox 360, Mac, PS Vita
  • Release: 1983
  • Rating: 7.3/10

#60
Games like Phalanx

Phalanx

  • License: commercial
  • Platforms: Wii
  • Release: 1991
  • Rating: 7.3/10

#61
Games like Asteroids

Asteroids

  • License: commercial
  • Platforms: PC, Mac, Xbox 360
  • Release: 1979
  • Rating: 7.3/10

#62
Games like Gatling Gears

Gatling Gears

  • License: commercial
  • Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, Console, PS3
  • Release: 2011
  • Rating: 7.3/10

#63
Games like Liberation Maiden

Liberation Maiden

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: iPhone / iPad, 3DS
  • Release: 2012
  • Rating: 7.3/10

#64
Games like Metal Slug 7

Metal Slug 7

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: DS
  • Release: 2008
  • Rating: 7.3/10

#65
Games like Assault Heroes 2

Assault Heroes 2

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One
  • Release: 2008
  • Rating: 7.3/10

#66
Games like Space Giraffe

Space Giraffe

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One
  • Release: 2007
  • Rating: 7.3/10

#67
Games like Air Zonk

Air Zonk

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: Wii U, Wii
  • Release: 1992
  • Rating: 7.2/10

#68
Games like Retro Game Challenge

Retro Game Challenge

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: DS
  • Release: 2007
  • Rating: 7.2/10

#69
Games like Axelay

Axelay

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: Wii U, Wii
  • Release: 1992
  • Rating: 7.2/10

#70
Games like Glory Days 2

Glory Days 2

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: DS
  • Release: 2007
  • Rating: 7.2/10

#71
Games like Zanac

Zanac

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: iPhone / iPad, Switch, Wii
  • Release: 1986
  • Rating: 7.2/10

#72
Games like Affordable Space Adventures

Affordable Space Adventures

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: Wii U
  • Release: 2015
  • Rating: 7.1/10

#73
Games like Bio-Hazard Battle

Bio-Hazard Battle

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PC, Mac, Wii
  • Release: 1992
  • Rating: 7.1/10

#74
Games like Xevious

Xevious

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: Xbox 360, Wii, 3DS, Switch, PS4, iPhone / iPad, Android, Wii U, PC
  • Release: 1982
  • Rating: 7.1/10

#75
Games like Soldier Blade

Soldier Blade

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: Wii U, Wii, PS3
  • Release: 1992
  • Rating: 7.1/10

#76
Games like Xyanide

Xyanide

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: Xbox 360, Console
  • Release: 2006
  • Rating: 7.1/10

#77
Games like Thunder Wolves

Thunder Wolves

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, PS3
  • Release: 2013
  • Rating: 7/10

#78
Games like Space Invaders Extreme 2

Space Invaders Extreme 2

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: DS
  • Release: 2009
  • Rating: 7/10

#79
Games like Mamorukun Curse!

Mamorukun Curse!

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: Xbox 360, PS3
  • Release: 2009
  • Rating: 7/10

#80
Games like Velocity

Velocity

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PC, PS3
  • Release: 2012
  • Rating: 7/10

#81
Games like Super Stardust Delta

Super Stardust Delta

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PS Vita
  • Release: 2012
  • Rating: 7/10

#82
Games like Gradius III

Gradius III

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PS2, Switch, PS4, Wii
  • Release: 1989
  • Rating: 7/10

#83
Games like Galak-Z: The Dimensional

Galak-Z: The Dimensional

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PC, PS4, Switch
  • Release: 2015
  • Rating: 7/10

#84
Games like Downwell

Downwell

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PC, Android, iPhone / iPad, PS4, Switch, Mac
  • Release: 2015
  • Rating: 7/10

#85
Games like Burn Zombie Burn

Burn Zombie Burn

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PC, Mac, PS3, iPhone / iPad, Android
  • Release: 2009
  • Rating: 7/10

#86
Games like Axiom Verge 2

Axiom Verge 2

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: Switch, PC, PS5, PS4
  • Release: 2021
  • Rating: 7/10

#87
Games like Not A Hero

Not A Hero

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PS4, PC, Switch, Xbox One, Mac, Android
  • Release: 2015
  • Rating: 7/10

#88
Games like R-Type DX

R-Type DX

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms:
  • Release: 1999
  • Rating: 7/10

#89
Games like Space Invaders Extreme

Space Invaders Extreme

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: Xbox 360, DS, PC
  • Release: 2008
  • Rating: 7/10

#90
Games like Burn, Zombie Burn!

Burn, Zombie Burn!

  • License: commercial
  • Platforms: PC, Console, Android, Mac, iPhone / iPad, PS3
  • Release: 2009
  • Rating: 7/10

#91
Games like Battle Squadron

Battle Squadron

  • License: commercial
  • Platforms: iPhone / iPad, Android, PC, Mac
  • Release: 1989
  • Rating: 7/10

#92
Games like Star Defender 4

Star Defender 4

  • License: commercial
  • Platforms: PC, Android, Mac, iPhone / iPad
  • Release: 2007
  • Rating: 7/10

#93
Games like Air Attack

Air Attack

  • License: commercial
  • Platforms: iPhone / iPad, Android, Mac, PC
  • Release: 2010
  • Rating: 7/10

#94
Games like MiniSquadron

MiniSquadron

  • License: commercial
  • Platforms: PC, Console, iPhone / iPad, Android, PS3
  • Release: 2009
  • Rating: 7/10

#95
Games like Zoids

Zoids

  • License: commercial
  • Platforms:
  • Release: 1985
  • Rating: 7/10

#96
Games like SATAZIUS

SATAZIUS

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PC, Switch
  • Release: 2011
  • Rating: 7/10

#97
Games like Ion Assault

Ion Assault

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, PS3
  • Release: 2009
  • Rating: 7/10

#98
Games like Gate of Thunder

Gate of Thunder

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: Wii
  • Release: 1992
  • Rating: 7/10

#99
Games like Akka Arrh

Akka Arrh

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: XSX, PC, PS4, Switch, PS5, Xbox One
  • Release: 2023
  • Rating: 7/10

#100
Games like Pocky & Rocky Reshrined

Pocky & Rocky Reshrined

  • License: n/a
  • Platforms: Switch, PS4, PC
  • Release: 2022
  • Rating: 7/10