Best Boo Characters in the Mario Games

Since the enemy type was introduced in 1988, the Boo has become a staple adversary for the Mario gang to go up against. While their reach has expanded beyond platformers to take a hand at golf, racing, and a variety of other endeavors they have remained beloved by gamers.

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In this multi-genre ethereal expansion, Boos have developed personalities of their own - even becoming primary antagonists alongside the likes of the Koopa King himself. From RPG companions and athletic adversaries to playable protagonists in their own right, it's safe to say Boos have come a long way since their Super Mario Bros. 3 debut. ​​​​​

12 Boo Mario - Super Mario Galaxy

Make Mario A Boo With This Phantasmic Powerup

While gamers were exploring the outer reaches of the universe in Super Mario Galaxy, they no doubt were surprised to see that haunted houses still exist in space. In attempting to rescue Luigi from the Boo's clutches, Mario harnesses the power of the Boo Mushroom.

Turning into a Boo; players could float through walls and understand the language of the Boos to lead him to his brother's cell. However, gamers will have to transform Mario back into his human form before Luigi stops cowering and recognizes his brother.

11 Boos - Super Mario Bros. 3

These Timid Terrors Chase From Karting To Parties

Mario has faced his fair share of adversaries in his 40 years on gamers' screens. However, while Goombas toddle along waiting to be defeated, Boos are ferocious in their pursuit of the protagonist.

As such, Boos have become fan-favorite Mario enemies and have floated their way from the bounds of Nintendo platformers. They can now be found in every facet of the Mario franchise; they'll steal gamers' items in Mario Kart, pilfer coins in Mario Party, and even play along in a variety of sports.

10 Spooky Speedster - Super Mario Galaxy

Beat This Rapid Wraith In A Race To Earn A Power Star

Throughout Mario's 3D platforming adventures Mario will almost always have to chase down a Power Star. In Super Mario Galaxy, after exploring Boo's Boneyard Galaxy, players will eventually come across Spooky Speedster - a Boo with a slick orange motorcycle helmet and a Power Star to barter with.

What sets Spooky Speedster apart from other Boos isn't just its flashy headgear, but its commitment to a fair race. Whether it's as Boo Mario or using Pull Stars, if players defeat it, Spooky Speedster pays up.

9 Captain Boo - Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions

A Sensitive Spectre With A Knack For Leadership

In Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions, gamers had access to an updated version of the original title, but an entirely new side mode. In this mode, players first come across Captain Boo.

Toiling away in the employment of a brainwashed Iggy, Captain Boo eventually joins the protagonists and is awarded the rank of captain only after a flag is given to him to keep the sun at bay. A sarcastic Boo, with a self-conscious nature, they eventually fit right in with the group.

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8 Big Boo - Super Mario World

A Confident Creature In A Secret Ghost House

Big Boos are a relatively common sight in Mario platformers, yet in Super Mario World - hidden in the Donut Secret House - gamers can fight against a boss variant of this ethereal enemy. While Boos are typically afraid of being seen, this Big Boo isn't as self-conscious and will phase in and out of visibility.

While they don't attack you directly, they're more than happy to call on their Boo buddies to try and stop you from throwing Grab Blocks at its face.

7 Boohemoth - New Super Mario Bros. 2

An Invulnerable Apparation With Humanoid Features

Most Boos look alike, and that's a testament to their timeless design. However, Boohemoth is memorable mostly because it looks so different from what gamers expect from a ghostly Mario enemy.

Only appearing in two Super Mario Bros. 2 levels, the Boohemoth chases after gamers. While it has peculiarly humanoid teeth and a chubby appearance, it is just as timid as its traditional Boo brethren. However, if players attempt to stall it by staring they will start peeking through their hands and sneaking forward.

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6 Bootler - Paper Mario

A Macabre Manservant With A Paternal Personality

Every Mario series heiress needs someone to run their errands it seems. While Princess Peach has Toadsworth, even Boo's high society needs butlers. Lady Bow's elderly-looking Bootler assists her in her everyday tasks, yet he shows her paternal overprotection as Mario tries to take her on his adventure.

While Bootler's attempts to scare off Mario and keep Lady Bow from harm are not successful, he's still in employment as he helps Lady Bow with her stay at the Poshley Heights in Paper Mario's sequel.

5 King Boo - Super Mario Sunshine

A Peculiar Poltergeist Painted To Life

Bowser Jr's magic paintbrush causes panic and confusion in Super Mario Sunshine. While Mario is wrongly incarcerated for the crimes of Shadow Mario, a fanciful depiction of King Boo is also created to try and keep the player at bay.

This depiction of King Boo looks and acts completely different from normal, with a drooling tongue as it hides out in the basement of Isle Delfino's casino. While players cannot damage it directly, they can throw spicy peppers into their mouths to damage it.

4 Lahla & Peeka - Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Spooky Sisters Who Love Their Shop And Dressing Up

As gamers first claim control of Mario in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, they are presented with the bustling coastal town of Rogueport. In this starting hub, two Boo sisters own a shop that houses more expensive items, not found in the more standard shops run by Toads.

Although their costly goods would be enough to put them on the map, both Lahla and Peeka dress up in formal cat attire, and protect the entrance to the Pianta gang hideout through a selection of passwords.

3 Boolossus - Luigi's Mansion 3

King Boo's Scary Second-In-Command

Boolosus is not just any Boo, but one of the most daunting Boo's in the Mario franchise. Its colossal size is due to the vast amount of regular Boos which constitute its body, and as King Boo's right-hand it has a vendetta against Luigi for all his meddling in ghostly affairs.

Boolosus' capture is the catalyst for the entire Luigi's Mansion series, as King Boo is so angered by it that they break them out and release all other Boos before setting its trap.