27 Best Endless Runner Mobile Games, Ranked

Highlights

• Endless runners are a popular mobile game genre due to their accessible, pick-up-and-play nature, fitting perfectly with on-the-go gaming.
• These games offer fast-paced, intense gameplay with unique visuals and mechanics that keep players engaged and coming back for more.
• From classic titles like Temple Run to modern hits like Subway Surfers, the endless runner genre continues to evolve and thrive on mobile devices.

Endless runners are a staple of the increasingly popular game platform. They’ve been around for decades as a concept, but in recent years the mobile gaming industry has seen a huge uptick in the number of endless running games.

Various reasons can be pointed to for this; from their universal appeal to their comfy fit with smartphones and tablets to big-name IPs being represented and lifting the genre of late. Whatever it is, these are the most popular mobile games; they’ve remained so heavily downloaded on the Google Play and Apple stores for a reason.

Updated June 23, 2024 by Stephen LaGioia: Endless runners have fast become one of the dominant gaming genres on mobile devices, and haven’t given up ground. It makes sense, given their accessible, pick-up-and-play nature which fits mobile gaming like a glove.

It also serves as a nice complement to an increasingly fast-paced society rife with bite-sized videos and quickly digestible social media. With this increasing prominence of mobile devices comes a slew of more thrilling offerings on this front. Given the vast, diverse library of titles to pick from — many of which are free or budget-priced — it seemed time to revisit this list.

27 Fotonica

Google Play Score (Out Of 5): 4.7

• Released: July 2011
• Developer: Santa Ragione
• Publisher: Santa Ragione
• Platforms: Android, iOS, PC

One is reminded of the virtually ancient personal computers when looking at these minimal vector-inspired visuals. Yet, this is offset by some exhilaratingly fast pseudo-3D gameplay — rounded out by a charming “homage to classic gaming” art style.

The vibe is that of a strange dream fused with a classic action film. The unknown sprinter will hustle and leap at impressive distances through endless narrow pathways floating among a void of blackness. Despite its straightforward mechanics, it’s hard not to appreciate the pure, undiluted gameplay that Fotonica bombards the player with, as well as its rapid pacing that scarcely allows for a break.

26 Super Glitch Dash

Google Play Score: 4.0

• Released: April 2021
• Developer: Rogue Games Inc.
• Publisher: Rogue Games Inc.
• Platforms: Android, iOS, Switch

As proven by many mobile games, a minimalist visual approach can be more effective. Yet, Rogue Games reminds players that a super sleek, refined aesthetic can also make for a gripping experience. Gamers are treated to some alluring and impressive graphics, making the sci-fi setting all the more atmospheric and giving a realistic feel — despite the wild glitchy motif.

While the game is, of course, on rails, the unpredictable nature and fast pacing make Super Glitch Dash a tough, intense ride. During this perilous run through each corridor, players will be forced to jump, slide, and dodge countless pathways of odd glitchy obstacles, deadly lasers, and industrial machinery to survive until the end.

25 Into The Dead 2

Google Play Score: 4.6

• Released: August 2017
• Developer: PikPok
• Publisher: PikPok
• Platforms: Android, iOS, Switch

Unlike most action games emphasizing forward sprinting, this PikPok zombie romp “fleshes” things out more by fusing the runner with a gritty FPS. The zombie slayer in question is still confined to fairly limited on-rail movement, and automatically runs forward.

Yet, there is plenty of fun and intense shooter gameplay, complete with a slew of satisfying weapons, solid dodge mechanics, and even companions that aid the hero in the skirmish. The frantic action is balanced by plenty of depth, via rewarding customizations and power-ups to provide more effective zombie killing. While it’s no Left 4 Dead, Into the Dead 2 thrives as a thrilling runner-shooter that’s both accessible and nuanced.

24 Boson X

Google Play Score: 4.3

• Released: December 4, 2018
• Developer: Shape Shop
• Publisher: Shape Shop
• Platforms: Android, iOS

One would expect a simple run given this game’s limited movement and simple graphics. However, this rotational runner is anything but. In Boson X, players will need to react quite quickly as they shift about and hop across sporadic platforms scattered around in a cylindrical formation.

Everything moves fast, and there’s little time to plan one’s path to safety, as constant hurdles are being flung at the polygonal protagonist. However, it’s this difficulty that makes the game so alluring. Boson X will almost certainly beckon frustrated players to return for another run, in an effort to make it just a bit farther through the gap-laden corridor.

23 Pitfall

Google Play Score: 3.1

• Released: 1982 (2012 Endless Runner)
• Developer: Activision (The Blast Furnace Endless Runner)
• Publisher: Activision
• Platforms: iOS, Android

Pitfall was originally a game made for the Atari 2600 back in 1982. It made its way to mobile platforms fairly recently in two forms: a direct port of the original game, and a brand-new freerunning game that puts a spin on the well-established endless runner formula.

While the original game is technically limited to 20 minutes, it helped to establish the genre nearly 40 years ago. The “endless runner” version of the game is pretty fun, too, even if it does seem a bit too similar to Temple Run (which itself took some inspiration from the original Pitfall).

22 Metroland

Google Play Score: 4.3 (out of 5)

• Released: March, 2022
• Developer: Kiloo
• Publisher: Kiloo
• Platforms: Android

Developed by studio Kiloo, also known for their similar hit Subway Surfer, Metroland features a high-energy teenager looking to break from the oppressive MegaCorp and their prowling guards. This 3D runner is an adrenaline-fueled ride whose pacing remains swift and exciting throughout.

Players will need to continuously dash and maneuver through the streets — as well as rooftops and underground tunnels — in this ongoing scramble. Progression and aid can come by way of nabbing loot, power-ups, and earning new characters. The game’s colorful, (relatively) tame nature makes it a good pick for kids, though the high speeds and rewarding nature of this runner should satisfy adults too.

21 Smash Hit

Google Play Score: 4.5

• Released: March, 2014
• Developer: Mediocre
• Publisher: Mediocre
• Platforms: Android, iOS

While this abstract runner looks straightforward on its surface, and happens to be crafted by a studio called “Mediocre”, Smash Hit is anything but. The developer illustrates simply that complex visuals, mechanics, or level design aren’t always needed to have a fun, thrilling time.

While the experience is peaceful and low-key, the game also demands precision and strategy in a subtle but effective manner. Players must time their shots as they fire off metallic balls and try to shatter the varying glass objects in their path. In a sense, it’s as much a reimagined light gun shooter as it is a 3D runner.

Despite its constant scrolling and minimalist approach, the game remains gripping with a hypnotic presentation and cool destruction physics.

20 Jet Run: City Defender

Google Play Score: 4.1

• Released: 2014
• Developer: Glinda Games
• Publisher: Glinda Games
• Platform: Android

Jet Run: City Defender is a flashy runner in its primary form, though also has the essence of a frantic arcade-style Shmup that just about anyone can enjoy. Players will take to the skies as they soar and blast their way through bustling city streets.

As a fighter pilot trying to save the earth from a barrage of blocky alien invaders, gamers will have no shortage of targets to blast as they zip between buildings at high speeds. While perhaps lacking the figurative and literal depth of, say, Star Fox, this mobile runner captures much of its frantic feel and sci-fi motif.

19 Alone

Google Play Score: 4.6

• Released: August, 2014
• Developer: Laser Dog
• Publisher: Laser Dog
• Platforms: Android, iOS

With an asking price less than your typical fast-food hamburger, Alone offers a can’t-miss experience with its thrilling space-flight and minimal-yet-deep atmosphere. The game rides the line of a relaxing journey and arcade-style action, featuring a steady stream of twitch gameplay and sharp analog control.

Players will be hard-pressed to put this one down as they look to shoot for the stars and topple their previous high score.

18 Bendy In Nightmare Run

Google Play Score: 4.4

• Released: August 15, 2018
• Developer: Joey Drew Studios
• Publisher: Rooster Teeth Games
• Platforms: Android, iOS, PC, Switch, PS4

This stylized retro cartoon runner boasts one of the best collective review scores on the Google Play store, and for good reason. Tagged with the even more distinct “boss-runner” genre, Bendy in Nightmare Run has players take on the role of the cartoon demon Bendy, as he scrambles through a handful of 3D-scrolling stages.

The name of the game is to outrun and overcome four distinct cartoon monsters, which include a Mimic-esque treasure box with fangs and a ravenous soup can. With subtle swipe and touch inputs, players can leap, dash, and counter-attack to power through hazards and baddies. Beyond just being artistically delightful, this one is just plain exciting to “run” through.

17 Monster Dash

Google Play Score: 4.5

• Released: August 2010
• Developer: Halfbrick Studios
• Publisher: Halfbrick Studios
• Platforms: iOS, Android

2010’s Monster Dash was crafted by Halfbrick Studios of Jetpack Joyride fame, and it certainly shows — between the simple, colorful visuals and fast-paced scrolling gameplay. Despite its age, the game remains a rare runner in which players are granted real offensive moves, by way of blasting their weapons as they scurry onward.

The game still encourages evading monsters (and spikes) by jumping — and using the impervious “Incredibubble” among other powerups. Yet, it also caters to a more hardcore and retro gaming audience, through its Contra-esque shooting mechanics that’s a “blast” to power through.

16 Mars: Mars

Google Play Score: 4.6

• Released: August 2016
• Developer: Pomelo Games
• Publisher: Pomelo Games
• Platforms: Android, iOS

This redundantly-named Mars runner — or rather, “flyer” — provides a fun and smooth journey across the red planet. Players must power their jetpack and soar across the low-grav, dusty skies of Mars, landing safely on scattered platforms and grabbing collectibles on the way.

It’s rather simple, but it works, thanks to the alluring atmosphere and fun floaty physics. It certainly doesn’t hurt that this thrilling, sidescrolling trip through Mars is free-to-play — and yields few ads to boot.

15 Pac-Man 256

Google Play Score: 4.4

• Released: June 2016
• Developer: 3 Sprockets
• Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
• Platforms: Android, iOS, PC, PS4, Xbox One

While it plays a bit differently than most “endless runners,” Pac-Man 256 is a great addition to the genre that blends the retro action of the original Pac-Man release with some new-age graphics and an ever-expanding mechanic that has players weaving their way through an endless maze.

Much like the original 1980 release, players will need to keep their eyes open and quickly maneuver around a slew of angry ghosts, collecting Power Pellets and racking up as much score as possible. Pac-Man 256 was praised for its modernized feeling, with visuals that helped bring the beloved classic into the new age.

14 Minion Rush

Google Play Score: 4.4

• Released: June 2013
• Developer: Gameloft
• Publisher: Gameloft
• Android, iOS, Windows Phone

Love them or hate them, it’s hard to deny the strange hold that Minions have had on Pop Culture in the last few years. Amidst all the merchandise and movies, Gameloft released Minion Rush, an endless runner featuring the iconic yellow jellybean-shaped characters.

Although it’s similar in design to other Endless Runners featured on this list, Minion Rush has a lot of substance and style that keeps players coming back. Thanks to a myriad of unlockable costumes and some unique power-ups, players should find themselves addicted to progressing as far as they can through this visually pleasing action-packed release.

13 Canabalt HD

Google Play Score: 3.9

• Released: 2009 (original)
• Developer: Adam Saltsman
• Publisher: Semi-Secret Software (Flash, iOS)
• Platforms: PC, PSP, Android, iOS

Canabalt was originally a Flash game playable in-browser on many online gaming sites like Addicting Games and Kongregate. It helped to popularize the endless runner genre back in 2009 and was ported to mobile devices not long after. In fact, the game was even ported to PC with new features back in 2015 thanks to its popularity on mobile.

The game features multiple levels set in and around a city falling into ruin. Its control scheme is addictively simple, pioneering one-touch gameplay before the advent of mobile games as a whole, and it’s still as fun in 2021 as it was back in the glory days of Newgrounds.

12 Sonic Dash

Google Play Score: 4.7

• Released: March 2013
• Developer: Hardlight
• Publisher: Sega
• Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows Phone, PC, Arcade

Sonic Dash is a mobile take on the 3D designs of Sonic and his fellow characters, both aesthetically and in terms of gameplay. It differs from other Endless Runners, though, thanks to its cutscenes, story progression, multiple characters with different effects, and even properly designed boss battles.

The speedy Sonic formula translates quite nicely to this genre, as studio Hardlight illustrates here. While many mobile spin-offs of major franchises can feel cheap or underdeveloped, Sonic Dash is a unique take on the classic series that feels fluid and fun even without buying any in-game purchases.

11 Super Mario Run

Google Play Score: 3.9

Super Mario Run is a Super Mario-themed endless runner game that borrows elements from the main Super Mario series. Mario can obtain powerups and coins, jump on enemies, and run across a platform-style world with just a few taps.

It’s an engaging game that doesn’t go too crazy on the microtransactions, although there is a paid version that unlocks much more of the game.

10 Crash Bandicoot: On The Run!

Google Play Score: 4.5

Crash Bandicoot: On The Run! is very similar to Super Mario Run as a franchise spin-off (no pun intended) game for mobile platforms. Instead of a side-scroller, Crash Bandicoot: On the Run! is a forward-facing swipe-left-or-right-to-move style endless runner. It’s a natural transition, given the quasi-runner nature of the original Crash games — and it shows with this fun throwback.

The game was developed by King, famous for the Candy Crush franchise, and does its best to replicate the Crash Bandicoot experience in an easy-to-master game for mobile gadgets.

9 Run Forrest Run/Runner Odyssey: Running Journey

Google Play Score: 4.4

• Released: August 2014
• Developer: Viva Games Studios
• Publisher: Viva Games Studios
• Platforms: Android

Run Forrest Run is a tongue-in-cheek endless runner that, as the name might suggest, references the classic Tom Hanks film, Forrest Gump. In the film, the title character Forrest likes to run, a lot, and the game is meant to be a take on a sequence from the film where Forrest is seen running across the country in iconic fashion.

It’s got all the typical endless running games flair, like swiping to move and power-ups to boost the player along the way, but with the added touch of being able to play as Forrest Gump.

8 Subway Surfers

Subway Surfers: 4.6

Subway Surfers was a hit on release for its fresh take on the then-saturated endless runner games genre. It had a well-developed art style, unique characters, and gameplay, and was fast-paced enough to capture any mobile gamers’ attention.

Where Subway Surfers suffers is that the characters all look a little bit generic. The game looks great, especially because it was optimized for mobile, but one might get tired of seeing the same faces over and over again.