List of Mario franchise enemies

{{sources exist|date=May 2026}} {{Short description|None}} {{Italic title|string=Mario}} {{Use American English|date=November 2022}} {{Use mdy dates|date=November 2022}} {{Infobox character |name=''Mario'' franchise enemies |caption=The ''Mario'' franchise has featured many enemies across its series, often commanded by series antagonist Bowser (upper right) to capture Princess Peach. Several have seen variations in different titles, such as the ghost-like Boo, pictured here with a tanuki tail. |image=SuperMario-FranchiseEnemies.png |image_upright= 1.5 |first=''Mario Bros.'' (1983) |lbl1=Company |data1=Nintendo }} The ''Mario'' franchise is a media franchise created by Nintendo. Nintendo is usually the developer and publisher of the franchise's games, but various games are developed by third-party companies such as Intelligent Systems and Nintendo Cube. Games in the ''Mario'' franchise primarily revolve around the main protagonist Mario and often involve the trope of Bowser as the main antagonist kidnapping Princess Peach, with Mario then rescuing her. Many characters have goals or plot arcs that vary between series; for example, the ''Luigi's Mansion'' games focus on Luigi ridding a haunted building of ghost-like creatures known as Boos, and Wario stars in games that center around his greed and desire for money and treasure.

== Conception and development== After the release and success of the arcade game ''Donkey Kong'' (1981), Nintendo began work on a follow-up game more prominently focusing on the character of Mario, which released as ''Mario Bros.'' (1983).<ref name="KTorigins">{{cite web | url=https://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/wii/nsmb/0/1/ | title=Iwata Asks - New Super Mario Bros: Volume 1 - Page 2 | access-date=August 28, 2023 | archive-date=August 28, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828211919/https://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/wii/nsmb/0/1/ | url-status=live }}</ref> The idea of creating a turtle enemy came as a result of developing its core gameplay mechanics. After designers Gunpei Yokoi and Shigeru Miyamoto established that the game would revolve around Mario possessing superhuman jumping abilities that were to be used to jump between different floors or platforms, they approached how enemies would be attacked.<ref name="KTorigins"/> While the Koopa Troopa was first introduced, in the follow-up game, ''Super Mario Bros.'' (1985), playtesters found that because it was the only enemy gameplay became quite difficult.<ref name="KTSMB">{{cite web |title=Iwata Asks: New Super Mario Bros. Wii - Applying A Single Idea To Both Land And Sky |url=http://us.wii.com/iwata_asks/nsmb/vol2_page5.jsp |website=Nintendo Wii |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091217145506/http://us.wii.com/iwata_asks/nsmb/vol2_page5.jsp |archive-date=17 December 2009}}</ref> As a result they introduced an additional enemies such as the Goomba.<ref name="KTSMB"/> Developer Takashi Tezuka meanwhile found that due to memory restrictions of the Nintendo Entertainment System hardware he was unable to add a new character that could fly.<ref name="KPT"/> Instead, to save on memory he decided to build off of the established Koopa Troopa design by adding wings to the top of his shell.<ref name="KPT"/> While Miyamoto expressed hesitation at first, he was convinced when he saw the final design, and thus, the Koopa Paratroopa was implemented into the game.<ref name="KPT">{{cite web |url=http://us.wii.com/iwata_asks/nsmb/vol2_page1.jsp |title=Iwata Asks: New Super Mario Bros. Wii |publisher=Nintendo Wii |access-date=April 8, 2010 |archive-date=December 17, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091217145552/http://us.wii.com/iwata_asks/nsmb/vol2_page1.jsp |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== Characters == * '''Biddybud''' – A ladybug-like enemy introduced in ''Super Mario 3D Land''. They usually come in groups of four (one red, one blue, one green, and one yellow) and can be defeated by jumping on top of them. Para-Biddybud is a winged variant of Biddybud. They behave mostly the same, but they fly close to the ground instead of walking.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/love-weird-lil-guys-mario-kart-world-is-the-game-for-you/1100-6532028/ |title=Love Weird Lil Guys? Mario Kart World Is The Game For You |publisher=GameSpot |date=2025-06-03 |access-date=2025-10-20}}</ref> * '''Blooper''' – A sentry-like squid that chases after the player, debuting in ''Super Mario Bros.'' Blooper Nannies, a variation of the Blooper, thrust smaller versions of themselves (Blooper Babies) toward the player as a form of attack.<ref name="mario's best enemies">{{cite web|url=https://ign.com/articles/2011/10/27/marios-best-enemies?page=4|title=Mario's Best Enemies|publisher=IGN|first=Audrey|last=Drake|date=27 October 2011|access-date=September 9, 2016|archive-date=March 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322034555/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/10/27/marios-best-enemies?page=4|url-status=live}}</ref> * {{vanchor|'''Bob-omb'''|King Bob-omb}} – A bomb enemy introduced in ''Doki Doki Panic'', later repurposed into ''Super Mario Bros. 2'', with a wind-up key and a fuse, which explodes after a set amount of time or when thrown. King Bob-omb, previously Big Bob-omb, was introduced in ''Super Mario 64'',<ref>{{cite news |last1=Doolan |first1=Liam |title=Nintendo Might Have Revealed A New Mario Golf: Super Rush Character Ahead Of Schedule |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/02/nintendo_might_have_revealed_a_new_mario_golf_super_rush_character_ahead_of_schedule |access-date=28 May 2021 |work=Nintendo Life |date=2021-02-19 |language=en |archive-date=May 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518012930/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2021/02/nintendo_might_have_revealed_a_new_mario_golf_super_rush_character_ahead_of_schedule |url-status=live }}</ref> as a boss character there and in ''Mario Party 9'',<ref>{{cite web|last=Ronaghan|first=Neal|date=March 3, 2012|url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/hands-on-preview/29437/mario-party-9-wii|title=Mario Party 9|website=Nintendo World Report|access-date=October 20, 2024}}</ref> ''Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam'',<ref>{{cite web|last=Fortner|first=Kirkland|date=May 14, 2022|url=https://gamerant.com/mario-the-most-noble-bosses-in-the-franchise-ranked/|title=Mario: The Most Noble Bosses In The Franchise, Ranked|website=Game Rant|access-date=October 20, 2024}}</ref> and ''Mario Party: Star Rush''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hidalgo|first=Jason|date=November 7, 2016|url=https://www.rgj.com/story/life/2016/11/07/casual-party-mario-party-star-rush-review-technobubble/93431162/|title=Casual party: Mario Party Star Rush review {{!}} Technobubble|work=Reno Gazette-Journal|access-date=October 20, 2024}}</ref> * '''Boo''', known in Japan as Teresa – A spherical ghost enemy introduced in ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' as "Boo Diddleys" (a pun on the name of American musician Bo Diddley),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/10/feature_the_most_memorable_ghosts_in_nintendo_games|title=Feature: The Most Memorable Ghosts In Nintendo Games|date=October 30, 2019|website=Nintendo Life|access-date=April 3, 2023|archive-date=April 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403172852/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/10/feature_the_most_memorable_ghosts_in_nintendo_games|url-status=live}}</ref> which sneaks up on the player from behind while they are facing away from it, inspired by a rage that Takashi Tezuka's wife went into after he came home from work late.<ref>{{cite web |last=Stuart |first=Keith |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2010/sep/13/games-gameculture |title=Super Mario Bros: 25 Mario facts for the 25th anniversary |publisher=Guardian |date=2010-09-13 |access-date=2012-09-15 |archive-date=August 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809081435/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2010/sep/13/games-gameculture |url-status=live }}</ref> With Boo being one of the more popular ''Mario'' enemies, their image has been used in official Nintendo merchandise, such as plush dolls<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.videogamemm.com/v/Mario/Mario+Enemies+Items/Plushes/Super+Mario+World+Boo.jpg.html |title=Video Game Memorabilia Museum |publisher=Videogamemm.com |access-date=2012-09-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029190923/http://www.videogamemm.com/v/Mario/Mario+Enemies+Items/Plushes/Super+Mario+World+Boo.jpg.html |archive-date=2013-10-29 |url-status=usurped}}</ref> and cookie cutters.<ref>{{cite news |last=Flynn |first=Conner |date=12 September 2012 |title=Super Mario Bros. Cookie Cutters Make Some Sugary 1-up Mushrooms |url=http://technabob.com/blog/2012/09/12/super-mario-bros-cookie-cutters/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917190524/http://technabob.com/blog/2012/09/12/super-mario-bros-cookie-cutters/ |archive-date=September 17, 2016 |access-date=September 9, 2016 |newspaper=Technabob}}</ref> Boo is considered one of the best enemies in the ''Mario'' series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://au.ign.com/articles/2011/10/27/marios-best-enemies?page=4|title=Mario's Best Enemies|website=IGN|first=Audrey|last=Drake|date=27 October 2011|access-date=September 9, 2016|archive-date=October 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030011147/http://au.ign.com/articles/2011/10/27/marios-best-enemies?page=4|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/top-25-mario-enemies/?page=19&cp=2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007222605/http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/top-25-mario-enemies/?page=19&cp=2|archive-date=October 7, 2008|title=Top 25 Mario Enemies|publisher=GameDaily|access-date=July 29, 2013}}</ref> Other variations also exist.<ref name=":9">{{Cite book |url=http://archive.org/details/mario-mania-nintendo-players-guide_202111 |title=Mario Mania Nintendo Player's Guide |date=1991 |publisher=Nintendo of America |pages=14; 50-52 |via=The Internet Archive}}</ref> A large kind, named '''Big Boo''', appears as an enemy in ''Super Mario World,''<ref>{{cite web |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=January 10, 2017 |title=There was an easy way to beat this Super Mario World enemy all along |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/1/10/14226724/super-mario-world-secrets |access-date=October 20, 2024 |website=Polygon}}</ref> ''Super Mario 64'',<ref>{{cite web|last=Grosso|first=Robert|date=September 21, 2020|url=https://techraptor.net/gaming/features/super-mario-64-best-levels|title=The Six Best Courses in ''Super Mario 64''|website=TechRaptor|access-date=May 28, 2026}}</ref> ''Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon'',<ref>{{cite web|last=Murphy|first=Matthew|date=July 8, 2024|url=https://hardcoregamer.com/luigis-mansion-2-hd-all-treacherous-mansion-boo-locations/|title=''Luigi's Mansion 2 HD'': All Treacherous Mansion Boo Locations|website=Hardcore Gamer|access-date=May 28, 2026}}</ref> and other titles. * '''Bullet Bill''' – A bullet with angry eyes and clenched fists that is shot out of a cannon called a "Bill Blaster". They have a larger counterpart with a shark-like face, known as Banzai Bills<ref name="mario's best enemies" /><ref name=":9" /> (renamed Boomer Bills in the Lego Super Mario sets and Bomber Bills in ''The Super Mario Bros. Movie'').<ref>{{cite web|last=Ladd|first=Henry|date=January 18, 2024|url=https://screenrant.com/super-mario-bros-movie-best-fights-ranked/|title=8 Best Fights In The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Ranked|website=Screen Rant|access-date=October 22, 2024}}</ref> * '''Buzzy Beetle''' – A black or blue Koopa with a hard, fireproof shell that renders it immune to fire attacks. It can crawl on ceilings and drop down when the player gets too close. They have a red counterpart with a spike on their shells called Spike Top which are abled to crawl on walls.<ref name=":9" /><ref name="Koopas">{{cite web |author=Jake Dee |date=2021-11-14 |title=Super Mario: Every Type Of Koopa, Ranked By Strength |url=https://screenrant.com/super-mario-every-type-of-koopa-ranked-by-strength |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205182844/https://screenrant.com/super-mario-every-type-of-koopa-ranked-by-strength/ |archive-date=February 5, 2023 |access-date=2023-02-05 |publisher=ScreenRant}}</ref> * '''Chain Chomp''' – A metallic ball-and-chain creature that lunges at the player when they approach it. Inspired by a childhood experience of Shigeru Miyamoto's with a violent dog.<ref>{{cite book|author=Sheff, David|title=Game Over|url=https://archive.org/details/gameoverhowninte00shef|url-access=registration|publisher=Random House|year=1993|isbn=0-679-40469-4}}</ref> It was originally intended to be used in ''The Legend of Zelda'' series, but ended up being a ''Mario'' enemy.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Men Who Made Zelda - Staff Interview |url=https://www.glitterberri.com/a-link-to-the-past/the-men-who-made-zelda |website=GlitterBerri |date=May 28, 2011 |access-date=21 June 2025}}</ref> * '''Chargin' Chuck''' – A Koopa wearing football gear that mostly charges at the player, and can use items such as baseballs and shovels.<ref name="Koopas" /> * '''Cheep Cheep''' – This circular, usually red, fish debuted in ''Super Mario Bros.'' Cheep Cheeps are found primarily in the water, but some can jump in an arc, or fly within a limited range.<ref>{{cite web|last=Malloy|first=Johnny|date=January 22, 2020|url=https://tvobsessive.com/2020/01/22/the-original-super-mario-bros-is-a-master-class-in-game-design/|title=The Original Super Mario Bros. is a Master Class in Game Design|website=TV Obsessive|access-date=July 20, 2025}}</ref> Variants include Spiny Cheep Cheeps,<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2022-10-04 |title=Small Details Only True Fans Noticed In The New Mario Movie Poster |url=https://www.svg.com/1037783/small-details-only-true-fans-noticed-in-the-new-mario-movie-poster/ |access-date=2026-01-01 |website=SVG |language=en-US}}</ref> Eep Cheeps,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-08-04 |title=Here’s What to Expect From the LEGO Super Mario Character Packs (71361) Box Distribution |url=https://brickshow.com/2020/08/heres-what-to-expect-from-lego-super-mario-character-packs-71361 |access-date=2026-01-01 |website=brickshow.com |language=en-US}}</ref> and Fish Bones.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=2025-04-02 |title=They’re just letting anyone drive in Mario Kart World |url=https://www.polygon.com/nintendo-switch-2/551483/mario-kart-world-roster-drivers-racers-characters/ |access-date=2026-01-01 |website=Polygon |language=en}}</ref> Giant varieties include Cheep Chomp,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Byrd |first=Matthew |date=2021-03-22 |title=Mario Dies: The Character's Most Painful Deaths Ever |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/super-mario-dies-painful-deaths-nintendo/ |access-date=2026-01-01 |website=Den of Geek |language=en-US}}</ref> Boss Bass, and Big Bertha.<ref name="mario's best enemies" /> * '''Dry Bones''' – A skeleton version of a Koopa Troopa. Unlike regular Koopa Troopas, Dry Bones will not retract into their shell when stepped on. Instead, they will collapse and reform after a few seconds.<ref name="mario's best enemies" /> * '''Fuzzy''' – A spiked creature which hangs in the air, and sometimes moves on rails. It debuted in ''Super Mario World''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hay|first=Ryan|date=September 12, 2024|url=https://www.thegamer.com/how-many-mario-enemies-are-there/|title=How Many Mario Enemies Are There?|website=TheGamer|access-date=October 20, 2024}}</ref> * '''Goomba''' – A sentient creature that resembles a mushroom, it is the first enemy that the player typically encounters in the games' first levels. Implemented late in the development of ''Super Mario Bros.'' as a basic, easy enemy.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRGRJRUWafY|title=Miyamoto on World 1-1: How Nintendo made Mario's most iconic level|last=Eurogamer|date=7 September 2015|via=YouTube|access-date=August 10, 2019|archive-date=August 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812095833/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRGRJRUWafY|url-status=live}}</ref> Variants include larger and smaller sized versions and the winged Paragoomba.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tach |first=Dave |date=2017-11-07 |title=Super Mario Odyssey guide: Cap Kingdom all power moon locations |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/10/26/16536948/super-mario-odyssey-guide-cap-kingdom-power-moon-locations-find-names/ |access-date=2026-01-01 |website=Polygon |language=en}}</ref> Similar creatures include Galoomba, which flips over and can be thrown when stomped on, and Goombrat, which turns at edges.<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-11-15 |author=Jake Dee |url=https://screenrant.com/super-mario-which-goomba-strongest-ranked |title=Super Mario: Every Type Of Goomba, Ranked By Strength |publisher=ScreenRant |access-date=2023-02-05 |archive-date=February 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205181809/https://screenrant.com/super-mario-which-goomba-strongest-ranked/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Goombas have their own king, King Goomba (also called Goomboss), introduced as the first boss in ''Paper Mario''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Friend|first=Devin Ellis|date=January 23, 2022|url=https://screenrant.com/defeat-goomba-king-paper-mario-guide/|title=How To Defeat The Goomba King In Paper Mario|website=Screen Rant|access-date=October 18, 2024}}</ref> {{anchor|Hammer}} * '''Hammer Bro''' – A type of helmet-wearing Koopa who throws hammers at the player.<ref>{{cite web |date=2008-10-03 |author=Chris Buffet |url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/top-25-Mario-enemies/?page=21&cp=2 |title=Top 25 Mario Enemies |publisher=GameDaily |access-date=2010-08-10 |page=21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007222621/http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/top-25-mario-enemies/?page=21&cp=2|archive-date=2008-10-07}}</ref> It has several variations that throw other projectiles, such as the Boomerang Bro, the Fire Bro, the Ice Bro, and a bigger variant known as a Sledge Bro which can stun the player.<ref name="mario's best enemies" /> A flying variety, called Amazing Flying Hammer Brother, sits on a floating platform.<ref name=":9" /> * '''Koopa Troopa''' – A foot soldier of Bowser. It retracts in its shell when stomped on, after which it can be used to attack other foes.<ref name="mario's best enemies" /> These enemies come in a variety of colors. Variants include the winged Koopa Paratroopa<ref>{{Cite book |last= |first= |url=http://archive.org/details/super-mario-bros.-deluxe-game-boy-color-manual |title=Super Mario Bros. Deluxe Game Boy Color Manual |year=1999 |pages=30}}</ref> (also called Winged Koopa Troopa<ref name=":9" /> or Flying Koopa Troopa). * '''Lakitu'''. A cloud-riding Koopa with aviator goggles that drops an endless supply of Spinies.<ref name="mario's best enemies" /><ref>{{cite web |date=2008-10-03 |author=Chris Buffet |url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/top-25-Mario-enemies/?page=21&cp=2 |title=Top 25 Mario Enemies |publisher=GameDaily |access-date=2010-08-10 |page=20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007222621/http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/top-25-mario-enemies/?page=21&cp=2|archive-date=2008-10-07}}</ref> It also appears in ''Mario'' spin-off games with various roles, including a track marshal in ''Mario Kart'' and a camera operator in ''Super Mario 64''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendoenthusiast.com/mario-kart-tour-halloween/|title=Mario Kart Tour: Lakitu introduces Halloween Tour in new video|date=October 23, 2019|website=Nintendo Enthusiast|access-date=February 5, 2023|archive-date=April 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413125357/https://www.nintendoenthusiast.com/mario-kart-tour-halloween/|url-status=dead}}</ref> * '''Magikoopa''' – A wizard Koopa capable of casting magic spells, turning blocks into foes, power-ups, or coins. Magikoopas first appeared in ''Super Mario World''.<ref name="mario's best enemies" /> Kamek and Kammy Koopa are recurring individuals of this species, appearing in the ''Yoshi'' and ''Paper Mario'' series, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Goldie|first1=Joshua|url=https://sourcegaming.info/2017/07/08/ds-kamek/|title=Dream Smasher – Kamek|publisher=Source Gaming|date=8 July 2017|access-date=July 20, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=Lienhard|first1=Samantha|url=https://www.samanthalienhard.com/2020/07/making-sense-of-the-strange-paper-mario-interview.html?|title=Making Sense of the Strange Paper Mario Interview|publisher=Samantha Lienhard|date=17 July 2020|access-date=July 20, 2025}}</ref> Two notable Magikoopas in the series are Kamek and Kammy Koopa. * '''Mechakoopa''' – A robot with a wind-up key that becomes disabled and can be thrown after being stomped on. A variant introduced in ''Super Mario Galaxy'' is capable of breathing fire.<ref name="Koopas" /> * '''Monty Mole''' – A mole that burrows underground, and springs out of the ground when the player gets close.<ref name=":9" /> Mega Mole is a larger variant that can be ridden.<ref name=":9" /> A similar enemy known as the Rocky Wrench pops out of airship manholes and throws wrenches at the player.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}} * '''Piranha Plant''' – A leafy, stalk-topped carnivorous plant with sharp teeth that typically lives within pipes.<ref name="mario's best enemies" /> Known as Pakkun Flower in Japan, it has made numerous appearances outside of the ''Mario'' franchise, including as a playable character in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' via downloadable content.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Buckley|first1=Sean|last2=Jackson|first2=Ryan|url=https://www.cnet.com/how-to/super-smash-bros-ultimate-new-patch-piranha-plant-dlc-is-available-now/|title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Piranha Plant DLC is Available Now|publisher=CNET|access-date=April 13, 2019|archive-date=April 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413065029/https://www.cnet.com/how-to/super-smash-bros-ultimate-new-patch-piranha-plant-dlc-is-available-now/|url-status=live}}</ref> Variants include Fire Piranha Plants, which shoot fireballs, Jumping Piranha Plants, and more.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Calvert |first=Darren |date=2015-09-14 |title=Unlocking Building Items And More In Super Mario Maker v1.01 |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/09/guide_unlocking_building_items_and_more_in_super_mario_maker_v1_01 |access-date=2026-01-02 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Oxford |first=Nadia |date=February 1, 2019 |title="Oh God, It Can Walk Now:" The Evolution of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's Piranha Plant |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-evolution-of-super-smash-bros-ultimates-piranha-plant |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220729175133/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-evolution-of-super-smash-bros-ultimates-piranha-plant |archive-date=2022-07-29 |access-date=2026-01-02 |website=USgamer.net |language=en}}</ref> * '''Podoboo''' – A fireball that jumps out of lava and can bounce off walls. It is also referred to as a Lava Bubble (a name shared with other lava based enemies).{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}} A Blue Podoboo homes in on the player and jumps out of blue lava and is found in ''Super Princess Peach'', and a variant of the Lava Bubble that chases after the player and spits fireballs appears mainly in the ''Paper Mario'' games.<ref>''Super Princess Peach'' Glossary.</ref> * '''Pokey''' – A spiked cactus with detachable green or yellow body segments, which first appeared in ''Doki Doki Panic'', being incorporated to the ''Mario'' universe when the game was reworked into the international ''Super Mario Bros. 2''.<ref name="mario's best enemies" /> * {{anchor|Shy Guy}} '''Shy Guy''' – A timid masked creature wearing a robe, which comes in many different colors and variations. It originally appeared in Doki Doki Panic (1987), which was later adapted for international audiences as ''Super Mario Bros. 2'', integrating Shy Guy into the Mario universe. It has since become more commonly portrayed as an enemy to Yoshi since ''Yoshi's Island''. Variants include Snifit, a Shy Guy that fires bullets from its mask,<ref name=":9" /> Fly Guy, a Shy Guy that flies with a propeller on its head, and Bandit, a blue Shy Guy that is known for stealing things from the player such as coins and other items.<ref name="mario's best enemies" /> Voiced by Nintendo of America localization manager Nate Bihldorff.<ref>{{cite web|date=February 23, 2011|url=http://www.shinesparkers.net/interview-with-nate-bihldorff|title=Interview with Nate Bihldorff|publisher=Shinesparkers|access-date=June 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714132038/http://www.shinesparkers.net/interview-with-nate-bihldorff|archive-date=July 14, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> * '''Spike''' – A green Koopa creature that attacks with spiked balls, which it throws out of its mouth. First appeared in ''Super Mario Bros. 3''.<ref name="mario's best enemies" /> * '''Spiny''' – A red Koopa with a spiky shell that damages the player if touched from above. They are often thrown by Lakitus in unlimited supplies.<ref name=":9" /><ref name="Koopas" /> * '''Thwomp''' – A large stone block with an angry face that is mainly encountered in castles. It attempts to crush the player, usually from above. There is a smaller variation of the Thwomp called a Thwimp.<ref>{{cite web|last=Phillips|first=Tom|date=November 17, 2020|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/lego-super-mario-adds-16-more-sets-in-2021|title=Lego Super Mario adds 16 more sets in 2021|website=Eurogamer|access-date=October 20, 2024}}</ref><ref name=":9" /> * '''Whomp''' – An anthropomorphic stone slab that slams its face on the ground when the player gets near. It can only be defeated by ground pounding its back. It is inspired by the Japanese mythical wall monster, the nurikabe.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Yarwood|first=Jack|date=April 27, 2016|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/games/8-videogame-characters-based-on-japanese-folklore|title=8 Videogame Characters Based On Japanese Folklore|magazine=Paste|access-date=October 18, 2024}}</ref> * '''Wiggler''' – A caterpillar enemy introduced in ''Super Mario World'', which changes color and charges at the player when stomped on. It is a playable character in some games, such as ''Mario Kart 7''. Flutters are Wigglers with butterfly wings.<ref name="mario's best enemies" />

==Promotion and reception== {{expand-section|date=May 2026}} Joel Couture of ''Dread Central'' stated that while ''Mario'' was by no means a horror franchise, many of the enemies were easily able to induce fear in players, despite existing in titles normally meant to inspire wonder, with some falling into the range of body horror or seemingly unexpected until they attacked. Citing enemies like the Chain Chomp specifically, he pointed out that in contrast to how many of the enemies tended to move at a slow, relaxed pace, it and its variations attacked more aggressively, often held back only by their chains which implied they would otherwise relentlessly attack the player. He additionally highlighted the Thwomps, citing their similar behavior and how their expressions and approach seemed to imply an active hatred towards the player and requiring fast reflexes to avoid.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Couture |first=Joel |date=September 26, 2020 |title=Chomps, Thwomps, & Stomps - The Horrifying Enemies of Super Mario |url=https://www.dreadcentral.com/editorials/479409/chomps-thwomps-stomps-the-horrifying-enemies-of-super-mario/ |access-date=2026-05-27 |website=Dread Central}}</ref>

==References== {{reflist}}

== External links ==  * [https://www.mariowiki.com/List_of_enemies_by_first_appearance List of enemies] at the Super Mario Wiki, a ''Mario''-centric wiki

Mario Category:Mario (franchise) enemies