For decades, Luigi has been the underdog—the green-clad brother living in the shadow of Nintendo’s golden boy, Mario. But true fans know that Luigi has carved out a heroic, hilarious, and even emotional legacy all his own. Whether he’s bravely hunting ghosts, bumbling into heroism, or showcasing his hidden talents, Luigi has repeatedly proven he’s more than just Player 2. In fact, he’s had some truly legendary moments where he stole the show entirely. Today, we’re celebrating those times Luigi outshined Mario and reminded everyone that being second doesn’t mean being second-best. Here are the Top 10 Best Luigi Moments That Stole the Spotlight from Mario.
#10: Luigi’s Starring Role in Luigi’s Mansion
When Luigi’s Mansion debuted on the Nintendo GameCube in 2001, it marked a huge milestone for Mario’s younger brother. For the first time, Luigi wasn’t just tagging along—he was the star. Tasked with rescuing Mario from a haunted mansion, Luigi faced a chilling adventure filled with ghosts, ghouls, and jump scares galore. But what made this moment so special wasn’t just the thrilling gameplay; it was Luigi’s character development. He was scared stiff the whole time—his hands trembling, voice shaking—but he still pressed on to save his brother. It showed that courage isn’t about being fearless; it’s about acting despite your fear. Fans loved Luigi’s more relatable, vulnerable heroism, and the game was a hit, spawning a beloved franchise that continues today. Plus, Luigi’s hilarious humming of the game’s theme song while nervously walking the haunted halls is pure gold and became one of his most iconic traits.
#9: Luigi Dominates in Mario Kart with the Death Stare
In Mario Kart 8, Luigi unintentionally became a meme legend thanks to the now-famous “Luigi Death Stare.” While the Mario Kart series has always been full of hijinks and playful competition, nobody expected Luigi to suddenly channel pure, vengeful energy. During the game’s slow-motion replays, players noticed that Luigi would throw the most intense, ice-cold death stares at opponents he passed or hit with a weapon. It was hilariously over-the-top and completely contrasted his normally shy, goofy persona. The meme exploded online, turning Luigi into a viral sensation. For once, Mario was out of the spotlight, and Luigi was everywhere—from late-night TV jokes to internet compilations. It’s hard to think of a moment where Luigi’s popularity skyrocketed so fast—and all because of a single, accidental glare.
#8: Luigi Wins a Mansion… by Doing Nothing
In the original Luigi’s Mansion, the story begins when Luigi wins a mansion in a contest he never entered. Most of us would run for the hills if we discovered our “prize” was a creepy, ghost-infested death trap—but Luigi steps up. This moment is so classically Luigi: he doesn’t question the bizarre luck, he just tries to do his best. It’s funny, it’s endearing, and it sets the tone for one of Luigi’s most beloved adventures. While Mario’s victories are usually flashy and earned through action, Luigi’s victories often seem absurd, almost accidental—but that’s part of his charm. Despite the odds and his natural cowardice, Luigi’s commitment to saving Mario and solving the mansion’s mystery earned him major respect—and made it clear he’s more than just the “other brother.”
#7: Luigi’s Role in Super Mario Galaxy
When Super Mario Galaxy released, fans were delighted to find out that Luigi wasn’t just a cameo—he had a full-blown role. After being rescued by Mario, Luigi helps out by gathering Power Stars and even offers to join the adventure. But it gets better: after finishing the game once, players could unlock a special mode where you could play through the entire adventure as Luigi. Not only was Luigi faster and had a higher jump than Mario, but he also was a bit harder to control, adding a layer of challenge for players looking for a true test. It was a delightful bonus for fans who had long wanted more time in Luigi’s shoes, and it cemented that he could handle an epic space-saving mission just as well (if not better) than Mario himself.
#6: Luigi’s Dream World Power in Mario & Luigi: Dream Team
In Mario & Luigi: Dream Team for the Nintendo 3DS, Luigi wasn’t just tagging along—he was the very key to the adventure. Much of the game took place inside Luigi’s dreams, with Mario navigating a surreal dreamscape powered entirely by Luigi’s subconscious. Dreamy Luigi had superpowers—he could multiply, stretch, or even become a giant—and these powers made for some of the most inventive and hilarious mechanics in the series. It was a beautiful reminder of how much untapped potential Luigi had hidden inside him. The narrative also portrayed Luigi as deeply loyal, brave, and imaginative. Plus, the dream world being powered by sleeping Luigi snoring and mumbling was a hilarious touch that fans adored.
#5: Luigi Takes Center Stage in New Super Luigi U
In honor of the “Year of Luigi” in 2013, Nintendo released New Super Luigi U, a spin-off of New Super Mario Bros. U—but this time, starring Luigi. In this game, Luigi had the spotlight from beginning to end, navigating difficult levels that required precision, timing, and his signature higher jumps and slippery movement. It was faster-paced and much harder than the original, and it proved once again that Luigi could be a full-fledged hero in his own right. Completing the entire adventure as Luigi—not Mario—was a thrilling experience for fans who had spent decades rooting for the underdog. Nintendo made sure this game wasn’t just a reskin; it celebrated Luigi’s quirks, challenges, and triumphs, and players loved every second of it.
#4: Luigi Outsmarts Bowser in Paper Mario
In Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, Luigi makes occasional appearances telling wildly exaggerated stories about his own adventures. His tales are full of bravado and questionable details, but they’re so hilariously confident that you can’t help but root for him. One moment that stands out is when Luigi claims to have outsmarted Bowser himself, describing convoluted, improbable scenarios where he bests the Koopa King. Whether or not any of it is true is part of the fun—but it’s a reminder that Luigi dreams just as big as Mario, and that in his heart, he’s always the bold hero of the story.
#3: Luigi Saves the Day in Mario Power Tennis
Mario Power Tennis on the GameCube featured an intro cinematic where Luigi absolutely stole the show. In it, he helps Mario defeat Wario and Waluigi, who are up to no good (again). Luigi’s clumsy yet effective actions save the day, and his chemistry with Mario shows he’s not just the bumbling brother—he’s the loyal partner that always comes through in the clutch. Fans especially loved the way Luigi’s inherent awkwardness was portrayed as an asset rather than a hindrance. He’s not perfect, but that’s exactly what makes him so relatable and lovable. In the world of tennis, Luigi proved that heart and determination could carry the match.
#2: Luigi Defeats King Boo—Again and Again
Across the Luigi’s Mansion series, Luigi repeatedly faces off against King Boo, one of the most formidable foes in the Mario universe. Despite being terrified nearly the entire time, Luigi manages to capture the spectral villain again and again, saving Mario and countless Toads in the process. This ongoing rivalry has become one of Nintendo’s most charming subplots: the reluctant hero versus the malicious ghost king. With his trusty Poltergust vacuum and his endless (if wobbly) determination, Luigi cements his legacy with each victory. His battles against King Boo are proof that courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s action in spite of it.
#1: Luigi’s Tribute in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Perhaps one of Luigi’s most surprisingly emotional moments came outside the traditional Mario games. In the reveal trailer for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’s Castlevania crossover, Luigi explores Dracula’s haunted castle—and gets KO’d by Death itself. While it was played for dramatic effect (and Luigi is, of course, fine afterward), the trailer showcased Luigi’s bravery in venturing into terrifying territory alone. It was a loving nod to Luigi’s history with the paranormal in Luigi’s Mansion, and it earned him serious respect from fans. For once, Luigi wasn’t just comic relief—he was the emotional heart of the reveal. It was a perfect reminder that behind the jokes and jitters, Luigi is one of Nintendo’s most beloved and courageous heroes.
Throughout decades of gaming, Luigi has gone from being just “the green brother” to a full-fledged legend. He’s proven that bravery comes in all forms—even with trembling knees and a nervous smile. From battling haunted mansions to stealing the internet’s heart with a death stare, Luigi’s legacy is filled with moments that remind us why we root for him. He’s the ultimate underdog—and sometimes, he shines even brighter because of it.
