While we wait for GTA VI, which are the best titles in the series?
, by Chris
More than ever, we're now in the final stretch before the release of GTA VI. Preloads will begin tonight at midnight on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. In just ten days, we'll finally get to experience the next installment in the Grand Theft Auto series, 13 years after the release of its previous main entry, GTA V.
Since 1997, we've had a total of 16 games in the franchise. With the series set to celebrate its 30th anniversary next year and GTA VI on the verge of writing a new chapter in the history of this legendary video game franchise and pop culture phenomenon, it's time to rank every Grand Theft Auto game, from worst to best!
15) GTA Advance (2004)
GTA Advance is the odd one out in the series. Released in 2004 for Game Boy Advance, it serves as a sort of prequel to GTA III. The problem is that the game doesn't really feel designed for either the console or its audience. Its graphics leave a lot to be desired, and its controls are downright disastrous. The game went largely unnoticed and quickly faded into gaming obscurity. Today, it's the forgotten GTA game (and for good reason!).
14) GTA London (1999)
GTA London (1968 and 1961) consists of two expansion packs for the original GTA. Released in 1999, just two years after the debut of Grand Theft Auto, both expansions add extra content set on a map inspired by London. And that's pretty much it. There are no significant improvements, and the games retain virtually all the flaws of the original GTA, including missions that are not exactly exciting... Disastrous!
13) Grand Theft Auto (1997)
The first GTA was a promising first attempt, but it was far from a polished experience. Technically, graphically, and in terms of gameplay, the game already felt outdated before it even hit store shelves. Fortunately, its controversial nature helped generate plenty of buzz and got everyone talking. Its rebellious, forbidden appeal won players over, allowing them to overlook the game's many shortcomings. However, 29 years later, in 2026, going back to play it is practically impossible.
12) Grand Theft Auto 2 (1999)
Two years after GTA, we got GTA 2. The forgotten middle child of the franchise! Rockstar Games and DMA Design decided not to invest heavily in its development budget, as most of their resources were already being directed toward the GTA 3D project, which would eventually become GTA III on PS2. GTA 2 was little more than a modest improvement over the original, with upgraded graphics and gameplay. In almost every other respect, however, it fell short.
11) Grand Theft Auto III (2001)
Grand Theft Auto III was, quite simply, A REVOLUTION when it came out. It was a game that changed the history of the franchise and, more broadly, the entire video game industry. However, in 2026, the passage of time has not been kind to it. If you didn't experience the phenomenon back when it first came out, it's difficult to fall in love with it today, especially without the nostalgia factor. The game feels repetitive, missions often blend into one another and lack any meaningful connection, while the story and writing don't offer much depth. It was a groundbreaking release at the time, but it also served as a stepping stone toward Vice City.
10) GTA Liberty City Stories (2005)
Liberty City Stories is a prequel to GTA III and was also the first GTA game to arrive on PSP in 2005. Overall, it brings back the universe, spirit, and atmosphere of GTA III. And that's precisely why it ranks so low on our list. Despite introducing some visual and gameplay improvements, it still falls behind when it comes to its storyline, features, and protagonist's charisma. A solid prequel, but one that never quite manages to surpass its predecessor.
09) GTA The Lost And Damned (2009)
Released in February 2009, The Lost And Damned was the first expansion for GTA IV. It takes us deep into the biker underworld of Liberty City. It's an excellent expansion, although it remains somewhat divisive. Some players feel that it strays too far from the criminal underworld and gangster atmosphere traditionally associated with GTA.
08) GTA Chinatown Wars (2009)
Quite possibly one of the most underrated GTA games of all time! Chinatown Wars launched in 2009 for Nintendo DS before making its way to PSP and mobile devices in 2010. Due to the DS's technical limitations, the game featured a different visual style and brought back the top-down perspective, which put off quite a few players. However, it offered an incredibly rich amount of content, a huge variety of activities, and innovative mechanics that we would never see again in the GTA franchise.
07) GTA Vice City Stories (2006)
A prequel to GTA Vice City, Vice City Stories takes us back to the 1980s and the wild atmosphere of this iconic city. The game features a genuinely great storyline, new gameplay modes built around business management, and plenty of high-quality content. And, of course, there's another fantastic soundtrack to enjoy. A true classic, especially taking into account that it came out on PSP!
06) GTA The Ballad of Gay Tony (2009)
The second expansion for GTA IV, The Ballad of Gay Tony was often nicknamed GTA Vice City 2. This expansion moves away from the dark tone of GTA IV and the even darker atmosphere of The Lost And Damned, delivering a much more colorful experience focused on nightlife. A fantastic story, truly spectacular missions, and an outstanding atmosphere. An absolute gem!
05) GTA Online (2013)
We're entering the top 5 with GTA Online. Quite possibly the most complete GTA experience in the franchise's 29-year history. It's quite simple: GTA Online lets you do practically anything you could imagine in a video game, whether playing solo or with friends. Since the updates introduced in 2020, every mission can be completed alone, offering an experience much closer to a traditional single-player GTA, or in co-op. On top of that, the range of activities and possibilities is enormous. All this comes with graphics that still hold up remarkably well and gameplay that remains as enjoyable as ever.
04) Grand Theft Auto V (2013)
It may not be the best GTA in the series, but the latest main installment still has plenty going for it. Its innovative three-protagonist system, a high-quality storyline packed with memorable missions, and an incredibly realistic version of San Andreas make it an outstanding experience. GTA V remains an all-time classic and an absolute must-play!
03) GTA Vice City (2002)
The GTA game with the most style! Vice City takes us straight back to the eighties. Its soundtrack is absolutely phenomenal, featuring legendary artists such as Michael Jackson, Toto, The Buggles, and Laura Branigan. Tommy Vercetti, the game's protagonist, is voiced by the legendary Ray Liotta and oozes charisma. The storyline is excellent, as is the map, inspired by Miami and packed with vibrant colors and eye-catching visuals. An absolute classic!
02) GTA San Andreas (2004)
This is the GTA game with no limits. Everything is turned up to eleven. Its map is absolutely massive and incredibly diverse, featuring three cities, rural areas, forests, and even a desert. No other GTA has ever offered so many activities and things to do. The storyline is long, very long, and takes plenty of unexpected turns, but it's still brilliantly put together. The missions are completely outrageous, eventually taking us all the way to the legendary Area 51. In short, this is GTA at its most over-the-top. We still wonder how on earth all of this even ran on PS2!
01) Grand Theft Auto IV (2008)
This might very well be THE best game in the entire Grand Theft Auto series. At least when it comes to atmosphere, storytelling, writing, and cinematic presentation. Niko Bellic's journey is truly extraordinary, set against a Liberty City that feels more alive and realistic than ever. Thanks to the introduction of Rockstar's proprietary RAGE engine, the studio delivered its most realistic experience yet. A dark crime thriller that stands apart from the other games in the franchise. Its only real drawbacks? The lack of content and a map focused exclusively on the city. What a shame!
Join us in just a few days to find out where GTA VI will rank on this list. Will Rockstar Games' next blockbuster manage to claim the number one spot? We'll find out very soon!