Greatest Pinball Machines (Community Consensus)
Determining the greatest pinball machines is subjective, but major sources like Pinside's Top 100 (updated November 9, 2025, with 189,608 ratings from 9,326 users) and IPDB's Top 300 consistently highlight a top tier.
1. Medieval Madness (Williams, 1997)
Frequently ranked #1. Known for its hilarious medieval theme, castle-destroying mechanics, pop-up trolls, and deep, replayable ruleset—often called "the perfect pinball machine." A 2015 remake by Chicago Gaming Company increased its popularity.
2. Twilight Zone (Bally, 1993)
IPDB's #1 (8.40/10 from 772 ratings). Pat Lawlor’s masterpiece with innovative toys: powerball, clock, bumper car, gumball machine, and Rod Serling narration. Complex, rewarding, and iconic.
3. The Addams Family (Bally, 1992)
Best-selling pinball machine ever (over 20,000 units). Nearly "killed" the industry as operators waited for it. Features Thing multiball, perfect theme integration, and voice lines from Raul Julia and Anjelica Huston.
4. Godzilla (Stern, 2021)
Modern standout, often #1 on dealer and player lists. Keith Elwin’s design includes kaiju battles, building destruction, magnetic ball effects, and fluid shots. Over 10,000 units sold—huge hit.
5. Monster Bash (Williams, 1998)
Consistent top-5 favorite. Features a monster rock band (Frankenstein, Dracula, Wolfman) with great flow, multiballs, and humor. Only 1,000 units made—highly collectible.
Other Legendary Titles Frequently Ranked High:
- Attack from Mars (Bally, 1995): Alien invasion with saucer bash toy and "Rule the Earth" mode—fun and accessible.
- Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Stern, 2018): Keith Elwin’s debut; won Stern’s "greatest ever" fan vote. Deep code, metal theme.
- Theatre of Magic (Bally, 1995): Levitating ball, rotating trunk, illusions—consistently in IPDB top 5.
- Star Trek: The Next Generation (Williams, 1993): Time rifts, saucer crush, excellent flow—timeless.
Pinside leans toward newer Stern and Jersey Jack titles due to active raters, while IPDB favors 1990s Williams/Bally classics. Sales and rarity don’t always equal greatness—it’s about fun, shots, and lasting appeal. Visit a major arcade like Next Level Pinball Museum (300+ machines) to play and decide for yourself.