The Xbox 360 (also known as X360) is one of the most popular seventh generation consoles, being the main rival to the PS3.
It is successful not because of its unique features, but because of its large library of exclusive AAA titles.
For those of you who have played this console in the past, I bet you want to know the best Xbox 360 games of all time.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Rock Band
- Release Data: Harmonix Music Systems/MTV Games, 2007
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
All told, Rock Band turns in an absolutely stellar performance.
And it’s not just because of one or two things that it does well while the rest fall by the wayside.
Each individual component of the game is good on its own, but it’s when you put those things together into a collective whole that the game truly shines.
#24. Braid
- Release Data: Number None Inc., 2008
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Braid is worth every penny.
The captivating ending sequence, which makes use of your rewind ability in a jaw-dropping way, provides the exclamation point on this remarkable game, but the adventure is consistently engaging throughout the entire ride.
Braid‘s deep and mesmerizing tale is evergreen: it is outside of and beyond time. It will never get old.
#23. Mass Effect 3
- Release Data: BioWare/Electronic Arts, 2012
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
Mass Effect 3 has its flaws, but they’re of minimal consequence in a game this enthralling.
Whether you possess a storied history with the series or come with a clean slate, Mass Effect 3 expertly entangles you in its universe and inspires you to care about its future.
#22. Rock Band 2
- Release Data: Harmonix Music Systems/MTV Games, 2008
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
Rock Band 2 delivers about what you’d expect from a game released just 10 months after its predecessor.
That may be a little underwhelming for people who put their lives on hold for the original, but you’re still left with a fantastic experience that’s unmatched as far as party games go.
#21. Forza Motorsport 3
- Release Data: Turn 10/Microsoft Game Studios, 2009
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
There’s no denying that Forza Motorsport 3 is a truly special racing game.
Not only does it make simulation-style racing accessible to anyone with the inclination to give it a try, but it looks and sounds superb doing it.
If you have any interest in racing games, even if you’ve never played one before, you’d do well to get this game.
#20. Guitar Hero II
- Release Data: Harmonix Music Systems/RedOctane, 2007
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
The track list is gigantic, the multiplayer is a great deal of fun, the practice mode is a godsend, and the downloadable content is sure to give this game an absolute replay value.
If you’ve never had the opportunity to try Guitar Hero before, this is the definitive way to do it.
#19. Batman: Arkham Asylum
- Release Data: Rocksteady Studios/Eidos Interactive, 2009
- Genre: Action Adventure » General
Regardless of whether you’re getting sucked into the Story mode or competing for high scores in the Challenge mode, Batman: Arkham Asylum does an outstanding job of letting you be Batman.
Everything about this game feels like it has been lovingly crafted by a development team that’s both knowledgeable and passionate about the source material.
#18. Rock Band 3
- Release Data: Harmonix Music Systems/MTV Games, 2010
- Genre: Action » Rhythm » Music
Rock Band 3 not only introduces new and exciting things to the world of rhythm games, but it does almost everything better than those that have come before it.
When it comes to accessible, inventive, and immensely entertaining music video games, nobody does it better than Rock Band 3.
#17. Fallout 3
- Release Data: Bethesda Game Studios/Bethesda Softworks, 2008
- Genre: Role-Playing » Western-Style
No matter what platform you own, you should play Fallout 3, which overcomes its issues by offering a deep and involving journey through a world that’s hard to forget.
It has more in common with Bethesda’s Elder Scrolls series than with previous Fallout games, but that is by no means a bad thing.
#16. Street Fighter IV
- Release Data: Capcom, 2009
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
Street Fighter IV will welcome you with open arms, whether you’re a veteran or a newcomer.
Amazing presentation, intricate and enjoyable fighting gameplay, and long-term appeal make this a must-have.
Street Fighter IV is undoubtedly one of the finest examples of the fighting genre in this generation.
#15. Gears of War 2
- Release Data: Epic Games/Microsoft Game Studios, 2008
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Arcade
Gears of War 2 has a lot in common with its predecessor, but the darker storyline and epic scale certainly have a lot to offer fans.
The new weapons, melee attacks, and co-op options make for a campaign that you’ll want to complete a few times.
Simply put, it’s a shooter that no action fan will want to miss out on.
#14. Halo 3
- Release Data: Bungie/Microsoft Game Studios, 2007
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
On the surface, Halo 3 is every bit the sequel you would expect it to be, in that it delivers meaningful upgrades to both the story-driven and competitive sides of the package.
However, it’s the addition of the Forge level editor and the saved films that give the game an even longer set of legs.
#13. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
- Release Data: Infinity Ward/Activision, 2009
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
The inelegant campaign plot may make you feel like you’re just along for the ride, but it is such an intense, roaringly great ride that you will be glad just to have played it.
The cooperative missions provide a uniquely fun angle on the action that rounds out the package superbly, making Modern Warfare 2 entertaining and rewarding.
#12. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
- Release Data: Bethesda Softworks/2K Games, 2006
- Genre: Role-Playing » Western-Style
What’s overwhelming about Oblivion is how good it is and how much there is to it.
Literally almost everything that’s ever been done well before in past RPGs is in here.
From the quality of the story and character interaction to the pure thrill of the combat—these things combine to make Oblivion one of the single best gaming experiences ever.
#11. Batman: Arkham City
- Release Data: Rocksteady Studios/Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, 2011
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
From the speedy exhilaration of soaring high above the streets to the atmospheric thrill of discovering long-forgotten secrets in the tunnels below Gotham, this is an unforgettable adventure that will keep you coming back to the cape and cowl long after you’ve seen the credits roll.
#10. Gears of War
- Release Data: Epic Games/Microsoft Game Studios, 2006
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Arcade
Gears of War is a game with a gameplay that is supremely fulfilling from start to finish in all of its various modes.
While there have certainly been plenty of similar shooters before it, the game’s great weapons, amazing graphics, and absolutely thrilling action make it stand out from the pack in a big, big way.
#9. Portal 2
- Release Data: Valve Software, 2011
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
As you journey through the massive Aperture facility, it becomes clear that Portal 2 does not merely come after Portal.
Instead, it radiates outward from its predecessor, simultaneously illuminating the world that gave rise to Portal and continuing the adventure that began there.
#8. Red Dead Redemption
- Release Data: Rockstar San Diego/Rockstar Games, 2010
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Between the Free Roam and competitive modes, there’s enough great content to keep you playing Red Dead Redemption long after you’ve watched the credits roll at the end of the superb single-player mode.
This is an outstanding game that tells a great story with memorable and occasionally funny characters.
#7. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
- Release Data: Infinity Ward/Activision, 2007
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
It’s a shame that the single-player is so brief, but you should only skip out on Call of Duty 4 if you’re the sort of person who doesn’t appreciate great first-person shooter multiplayer.
The quality of the content in the campaign is totally top-shelf, and the multiplayer is some of the best around, making this a truly superb package.
#6. BioShock
- Release Data: Irrational Games/2K Games, 2007
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
If you’re the kind of player who just wants yet another action-packed shooter, BioShock probably isn’t for you.
But BioShock‘s real strengths are as a compelling work of interactive fiction, and as a unique ride through a warped world with some great payoff built into its mysterious plot.
#5. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- Release Data: Bethesda Game Studios/Bethesda Softworks, 2011
- Genre: Role-Playing » Western-Style
If you’ve played previous Elder Scrolls games, glitches and oddities don’t come as a surprise.
However, whether you’re slashing a dragon’s wings, raising the dead back to life, or experimenting at the alchemy table, Skyrim performs the most spectacular of enchantments: the one that causes huge chunks of time to vanish before you know it.
#4. Mass Effect 2
- Release Data: BioWare/Electronic Arts, 2010
- Genre: Role-Playing » Action RPG
This is a galaxy you want to explore that is populated with characters you are glad to know.
Mass Effect 2 is the kind of game that you return to, not just because it’s fun to play multiple times, but also because its universe is a place you wish you could call home.
#3. Grand Theft Auto V
- Release Data: Rockstar North/Rockstar Games, 2013
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
GTA V is an imperfect yet astounding game that has great characters and an innovative and exciting narrative structure.
It also raises the bar for open-world mission design in a big way and has one of the most beautiful, lively, diverse and stimulating worlds ever seen in a game.
#2. The Orange Box
- Release Data: Valve Software/EA Games, 2007
- Genre: Casual » Compilation
With three amazing new games and two classics all in one package, it’s impossible to go wrong with The Orange Box.
It’s practically guaranteed that if you enjoy video games, you’ll find at least one thing to like in this collection, though there’s also a very good chance that you’ll really enjoy all of it.
#1. Grand Theft Auto IV
- Release Data: Rockstar North/Rockstar Games, 2008
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Grand Theft Auto IV is a game that you simply have to play.
The single-player game, which you can still play after you complete the story, is the series’ best by far.
The minor flaws that you’ll experience are greatly outnumbered by the features that will impress and surprise you.
There’s lots to see in Liberty City, so you’d best get started.
Browse Xbox 360 Games By Genre
See also: Best Original Xbox Games & Best Xbox One Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which Xbox 360 game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
