Here are, in my opinion, 10 of the best Final Fantasy games across the franchise—based on critical reception, fan popularity, cultural impact, and long-term influence—along with clear reasons why each one is ranked highly.
Top 10 Final Fantasy Games and Why They’re Considered the Best
- Final Fantasy VII (1997 / Remake 2020–2024)
Why it’s top-tier:
FFVII changed the RPG world forever. It introduced cinematic storytelling, memorable characters like Cloud and Sephiroth, and a moral, emotional plot centered on identity, trauma, and environmental collapse.
Why fans love it:
- Unforgettable villain (Sephiroth)
- Iconic summons (Knights of the Round!)
- The Remake trilogy reintroduced the story with modern action combat and deeper character arcs
- Cloud, Tifa, Aerith remain cultural icons
- Final Fantasy X (2001)
Why it’s top-tier:
FFX has one of the franchise’s strongest emotional storylines—Tidus, Yuna, and the pilgrimage to save Spira. Its Sphere Grid system allowed flexible character growth, and the voice acting made it feel more cinematic than anything before it.
Why fans love it:
- A tragic, beautiful ending that is still heavily discussed
- Strategic turn-based combat
- Memorable soundtrack (“To Zanarkand”)
- Auron being one of the coolest mentors in FF history
- Final Fantasy VI (1994)
Why it’s top-tier:
Often ranked as the best Final Fantasy for storytelling, FFVI has a massive cast where every character has meaningful development. The villain Kefka remains one of the greatest villains in gaming—because he actually succeeds.
Why fans love it:
- Incredible dark, mature narrative
- A villain who literally destroys the world
- Large party with unique combat abilities
- Opera stage scene is legendary
- Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn + Expansions (2013–Present)
Why it’s top-tier:
Considered one of the greatest MMORPGs ever made. After a disastrous launch, ARR rebuilt the game from scratch. Expansions like Heavensward and Endwalker are critically acclaimed and emotionally powerful.
Why fans love it:
- One of the best-written MMO stories ever
- Beautiful world-building
- Friendly community
- Flexible job system—one character can be all classes
- Final Fantasy IX (2000)
Why it’s top-tier:
FFIX is a love letter to classic fantasy, with warm storytelling and themes about identity, existence, and friendship.
Why fans love it:
- Heartwarming and emotional story
- Beautiful medieval art direction
- Zidane, Vivi, Steiner, Garnet are beloved characters
- Classic ATB combat done perfectly
- Final Fantasy IV (1991)
Why it’s top-tier:
One of the first JRPGs to focus heavily on character-driven drama. It also introduced the Active Time Battle (ATB) system that shaped the series for decades.
Why fans love it:
- Strong character arcs (Cecil, Kain, Rosa, Rydia)
- Classic “redemption knight” storyline
- Excellent pacing and boss fights
- Final Fantasy XV (2016)
Why it’s top-tier:
A modern action-RPG focused on brotherhood and open-world adventure. Despite a controversial story structure, fans deeply love the emotional bond between Noctis and his friends.
Why fans love it:
- Road-trip adventure with strong character chemistry
- Beautiful modern world and visuals
- Emotional, powerful ending
- Fast-paced combat and big summons
- Final Fantasy Tactics (1997)
Why it’s top-tier:
FFT is a deep, political, mature strategy RPG with one of the most sophisticated plots in the series.
Why fans love it:
- Best tactical combat in Final Fantasy
- Class system with incredible customization
- A dark Game of Thrones-style political conflict
- Memorable story twists
- Final Fantasy XII (2006)
Why it’s top-tier:
A bold shift to an MMO-inspired open-world real-time combat system. Ivalice’s political story is mature and grounded.
Why fans love it:
- Huge open zones to explore
- Excellent Gambit system for party AI
- Deep world-building
- The Zodiac Age remake rebalanced everything perfectly
- Final Fantasy VIII (1999)
Why it’s top-tier:
FFVIII has a unique identity: realistic art, a school setting, time compression story, and a card game—Triple Triad—that is still beloved.
Why fans love it:
- Squall and Rinoa’s romance
- One of the most unique magic systems (Junctioning)
- Beautiful soundtrack (“Eyes On Me”)
- High production values for its time
Honorable Mentions
(These are fan favorites but didn’t crack the top 10)
- Final Fantasy V – best job system for hardcore players
- Final Fantasy XIII – divisive but admired for combat and visuals
- Final Fantasy III – classic job system foundation
- Crisis Core – emotional prequel to FFVII
- Final Fantasy Type-0 – darker war-focused story
Amazing gamess