Introduction

Pinball has captured the hearts of players for decades, with each machine offering unique gameplay, themes, and innovations. We’ve compiled an engaging list of the top 10 pinball machines of all time, ranked from number 10 to the coveted number 1 spot. Let’s take a journey through the greatest pinball machines that have defined the industry and captivated players around the world.

10. James Bond 007 (Stern, 2022)

Manufacturer: Stern Pinball
Designer: George Gomez

The James Bond 007 pinball machine, released by Stern Pinball in 2022, is a thrilling tribute to one of cinema’s most iconic characters. This machine celebrates the 007 legacy, drawing inspiration from Sean Connery’s era as Bond, and features action-packed missions, memorable villains, and classic movie moments.

Key Features:

• Action-Packed Gameplay: Players take on spy missions, defeat villains, and complete objectives inspired by Bond films like Goldfinger, Dr. No, and Thunderball.
• Gadgets and Multiball Modes: Utilize Bond’s gadgets and activate multiball sequences for high-scoring opportunities.
• Dynamic Playfield Design: Includes custom ramps, an interactive Jetpack Ball Lock, and an exploding satellite mechanism.
• Visual and Audio Experience: Stunning hand-drawn artwork, movie clips, and a soundtrack featuring the James Bond theme song.
• Three Models Available: Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition—each offering distinct gameplay elements and collector appeal.

Why It’s a Top Pick:

James Bond 007 perfectly captures the thrill and sophistication of the James Bond franchise, blending action, strategy, and nostalgia into one unforgettable machine. With its modern design, cinematic features, and deep rule set, it’s an excellent addition for collectors and fans of pinball and 007 alike.

9. Monster Bash (Williams, 1998)

Why It’s Legendary: Monster Bash brings together classic Universal Monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Bride of Frankenstein in a rock band-themed adventure. This humorous and lighthearted theme, combined with excellent mechanics, has solidified its place in pinball history.

Key Features:

• Interactive Playfield: Includes character-specific modes where players must complete objectives to assemble the monster band.
• Multiball Mayhem: Features multiple multiball modes that enhance gameplay excitement.
• Appealing Visuals: Vivid artwork and animations that bring the monster mash to life.

Gameplay Insight: The game’s balanced rule set appeals to both casual players and seasoned pros, offering engaging gameplay that keeps fans coming back for more.

8. Jaws (Stern)

Why It’s Legendary: Stern’s Jaws pinball machine perfectly encapsulates the suspense and thrill of Steven Spielberg’s classic film. With a combination of fast-paced gameplay, thematic music, and special playfield features, Jaws captures the tension of hunting the legendary great white shark.

Key Features:

• Moving Shark Mechanism: A standout feature where a mechanical shark interacts with the ball, creating dynamic gameplay moments.
• Thematic Missions: Includes various scenes from the movie, such as the infamous “We're gonna need a bigger boat” sequence.
• Immersive Experience: The music and sound effects echo the fear and excitement of the original film, pulling players into the world of Amity Island.

Gameplay Insight: The balance of adrenaline-pumping sequences and strategic play make Jaws an unforgettable experience that appeals to both fans of the movie and pinball enthusiasts.

Watch Stern's Jaws presentation below

7. Jurassic Park (Stern, 2019)

Why It’s Legendary: This modern Stern machine brings the adventure of Jurassic Park to life with intricate gameplay, including a motorized T-Rex that devours pinballs. Its combination of cinematic sound, complex rule set, and immersive design has made it a standout in contemporary pinball.

Key Features:

• Animatronic T-Rex: The T-Rex adds an extra layer of interactivity, capturing the ball and initiating multiball modes.
• Themed Objectives: Missions that mimic iconic scenes from the film series, such as escaping raptors and securing the park.
• Engaging Layout: The playfield design offers smooth shots, ramps, and interactive targets that provide continuous action.

Gameplay Insight: The variety of modes, challenges, and multiball features keep players engaged, making it a fan favorite in modern arcades and collections.

6. Twilight Zone (Bally, 1993)

Why It’s Legendary: Often regarded as one of the most technically complex pinball machines, Twilight Zone was designed by Pat Lawlor and features a multitude of unique elements. Its deep gameplay mechanics and eerie theme have cemented it as a classic in the pinball world.

Key Features:

• The Powerball: A lightweight ceramic ball that changes gameplay dynamics.
• Mini Playfield: Includes a smaller playfield with mini-flippers and magnets that enhance the challenge.
• Audio and Visuals: The sound and visual effects mirror the mysterious ambiance of the original TV series.

Gameplay Insight: The intricate rules and numerous playfield gadgets create a captivating experience that challenges even the most skilled players.

5. The Lord of the Rings (Stern, 2003)

Why It’s Legendary: This pinball machine captures the epic scale of the Lord of the Rings trilogy with gameplay that feels like a quest. Players must collect the Rings, battle orcs, and ultimately destroy the One Ring in an immersive adventure.

Key Features:

• Ring Mechanism: A unique feature where the ball can be captured by the Ring, adding suspense.
• Multiball Modes: Includes memorable modes like “Destroy the Ring,” which tests skill and strategy.
• Soundtrack: Uses music and voiceovers from the films, enhancing the storytelling aspect.

Gameplay Insight: The detailed objectives and interconnected modes make The Lord of the Rings a journey that keeps players invested from start to finish.

4. Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure (Williams, 1993)

Why It’s Legendary: This pinball machine brings the excitement of the Indiana Jones movies to life. From the Path of Adventure to the Temple of Doom, players are taken on a thrilling quest filled with challenges, traps, and iconic music.

Key Features:

• Interactive Playfield: Includes features like the Path of Adventure mini playfield and the captive ball mechanism.
• Multimodal Play: Modes based on different movie scenes, each with its own challenges.
• Classic Soundtrack: The familiar Indiana Jones theme enhances the playing experience.

Gameplay Insight: Indiana Jones is a rich and engaging machine that combines a beloved theme with multi-faceted gameplay, making it a must-play for both pinball enthusiasts and movie fans.

3. Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Stern, 2018)

Manufacturer: Stern Pinball
Designer: Keith Elwin

The Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast pinball machine, released by Stern Pinball in 2018, is a fast-paced and adrenaline-pumping tribute to one of the most legendary heavy metal bands of all time—Iron Maiden. Based on the band’s mobile game and comic series, the machine immerses players in the band’s iconic universe, filled with stunning visuals, music, and challenging gameplay.

Key Features:

• Epic Soundtrack: Features 12 Iron Maiden songs, including hits like “Run to the Hills”, “Fear of the Dark”, and “The Trooper.”
• Multiball Madness: Multiple multiball modes including Mummy Multiball, Cyborg Multiball, and 2-Minutes to Midnight Multiball keep the gameplay fast and intense.
• Dynamic Playfield Design: Packed with metal ramps, drop targets, and a Pharaoh’s tomb entrance that adds layers of challenge and depth.
• Interactive Elements: Features a sculpted Eddie figurine that transforms across various modes and plays a central role in the gameplay.
• Multiple Models: Available in Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition versions, each offering unique art packages and features for players and collectors.

Why It’s a Top Pick:

Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast delivers intense action, deep rules, and killer music, making it a standout for both casual and competitive players. Its innovative design and high replay value solidify its position as one of the best modern pinball machines ever created. Fans of Iron Maiden and pinball enthusiasts alike will find this machine hard to resist.

2. Medieval Madness (Williams, 1997)

Why It’s Legendary: Medieval Madness has consistently ranked among the best pinball machines due to its captivating theme, witty humor, and outstanding design. It combines everything that makes pinball fun, from destruction sequences to interactive features.

Key Features:

• Castle Siege: The main objective involves breaking down a castle’s defenses and defeating the ruler.
• Hilarious Callouts: Voiceovers add a comedic layer that players love.
• Smooth Gameplay: Excellent flow and well-designed ramps that make for satisfying shots.

Gameplay Insight: Medieval Madness strikes the perfect balance between challenge and fun, which is why it has maintained its status as a top-tier machine for decades.

1. Godzilla (Stern, 2021)

Why It’s Legendary: The Godzilla pinball machine by Stern is a recent hit that showcases cutting-edge pinball design. Its mix of incredible playfield mechanics, dynamic shots, and a fun kaiju theme has made it an instant classic.

Key Features:

• Moving Building: A unique, interactive playfield feature that changes gameplay paths.
• Kaiju Battles: Engage in battles against famous Godzilla foes, adding strategic depth.
• Multiball and Modes: Multiple ways to unlock multiball, keeping the gameplay exciting and fresh.

Gameplay Insight: The fast-paced gameplay, combined with a variety of modes and achievements, ensures that players have a deeply engaging experience.

Final Thoughts

These top 10 pinball machines showcase the best the pinball world has to offer, from classic titles to modern marvels. Each game has left its mark on the industry, offering unique gameplay experiences that keep players captivated. Whether you’re a collector or a casual player, these machines are a testament to why pinball continues to thrive and fascinate players of all ages.

Want to know more about these pinballs? Try these awesome sites:

• Pinside.com detailed information about each pinball.
• Stern's official website
• Jersey Jack Pinball offical website