The Call of Duty franchise first appeared in 2003 and, more than two decades later, stands as one of the most influential names in the entire gaming industry. Its massive popularity explains why it was a key factor behind Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision and why it has become one of the strongest pillars of Xbox Game Pass in recent years.
When people think about Call of Duty, certain things immediately come to mind: explosive action, intense online matches with friends, and high-pressure moments that defined three generations of consoles and dozens of releases. With so many titles—and plenty of highs and lows along the way—it’s easy to feel lost.
To help make sense of it all, here’s a look at five Call of Duty games that every fan (or newcomer) should know, ranked from great to truly iconic.
Best Call of Duty Games
5. Call of Duty: Black Ops II
Released in 2012, Black Ops II quickly became one of the most celebrated entries in the franchise and one of Activision’s biggest successes. Its main strength was balance: it respected what fans loved about earlier games while introducing ideas that pushed the series forward.
The campaign stood out for its multiple endings, giving players choices real consequences. Multiplayer was fast, polished, and competitive, Zombies mode returned stronger than ever, and the introduction of the Pick Ten class system is still considered by many to be the most balanced loadout system in Call of Duty history.
4. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
The 2019 reboot of Modern Warfare raised the bar for the franchise going into the new console generation. Instead of simply relying on nostalgia, Activision rebuilt the series with a darker tone, modern visuals, and more grounded storytelling focused on global terrorism.
Iconic characters like Price and Gaz returned, and the campaign delivered some of the most intense narrative moments in the series. On the technical side, the game introduced cross-play and laid the groundwork for Call of Duty: Warzone, which would soon become a phenomenon of its own.
3. Call of Duty: Black Ops
Black Ops (2010) proved that Call of Duty could blend modern combat with political intrigue and Cold War-era espionage. Developed by Treyarch, the game delivered a memorable campaign filled with twists and psychological tension.
Multiplayer introduced COD Points, allowing players to unlock weapons and upgrades in a new way, while Zombies mode evolved into the version that fans still recognise today. The game helped solidify Black Ops as a sub-series powerful enough to stand alongside Modern Warfare.
2. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
If Call of Duty became a global giant, much of its success can be traced back to Modern Warfare 2 (2009). Despite controversy surrounding the infamous “No Russian” mission, the game left an undeniable mark on the industry.
Its campaign was cinematic and unforgettable, while multiplayer exploded in popularity. Maps like Rust became legendary, fueling countless rivalries and unforgettable moments. For many players, this was the game that turned Call of Duty into a cultural phenomenon.
1. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
At the top of the list is Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007), widely regarded as one of the greatest first-person shooters ever made. It redefined what an FPS could be and still holds some of the highest ratings on platforms like Metacritic.
This game introduced systems that are now standard across the genre: cinematic storytelling, multiplayer progression, custom classes, perks, killstreaks, and the iconic Prestige system. Nearly every Call of Duty released since has built on the foundation laid here.
While this list focuses on five standouts, it’s impossible to ignore other major successes. Call of Duty 2 remains one of the strongest World War II shooters ever made, and Warzone opened the franchise to an even wider audience through free-to-play battle royale gameplay.
Across its long history, the best Call of Duty games are remembered for their immersive campaigns, addictive multiplayer, and technical polish. Among them, these titles consistently rise to the top:
- Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
- Call of Duty: Black Ops
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019)
- Call of Duty: Black Ops II
Whether you’re revisiting old favourites or jumping in for the first time, these games represent the very best of what Call of Duty has to offer.
