Based on sales, critical acclaim, and lasting influence, the best racing games of all time span multiple subgenres and eras. Here are the most celebrated titles:

• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch): The top-selling racing franchise of all time, with over 205 million units sold, it combines accessible arcade fun with competitive depth and iconic characters. Its blend of accessibility and high skill ceiling makes it a timeless favorite.

• Gran Turismo 4 (PS2): Often hailed as the pinnacle of simulation racing, it offers authentic car physics, detailed vehicle modeling, and realistic tracks, earning a 96 Metascore. It’s praised for its depth, realism, and the "Coffee Break" mode that made learning driving skills engaging.

• Forza Horizon 3 (Xbox/PC): A standout in open-world racing, it delivers dynamic seasons, stunning visuals, and a vibrant festival-style gameplay loop. With a 91 Metascore, it’s celebrated for its freedom, variety, and seamless integration of music and driving.

• Burnout 3: Takedown (PS2): A landmark in arcade racing, it revolutionized the genre with high-speed crashes, aggressive combat, and explosive takedowns. Its intense, adrenaline-fueled gameplay remains iconic.

• Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2005): A defining entry in the series, it combined open-world exploration, police chases, and a legendary "Most Wanted" list, setting a benchmark for modern racing games with a strong narrative and fast-paced action.

Other notable mentions include Forza Motorsport 4, Project Gotham Racing 2, OutRun, and Wreckfest, each excelling in their respective niches—simulation, arcade, or destruction racing.