Top 10 Call of Duty games of all time - ahead of Black Ops 7 release

It's Call of Duty season and gamers everywhere just can't wait for the next installment of the monster-hit first-person shooter franchise. That's right, Black Ops 7 is just around the corner, and if early signs are to go by, it could very well be one of the best.

Gameplay looks smooth, weapons look responsive, and graphics continue to be industry-leading. But with the game yet to go live, and after the disappointment of the last couple of entries, players are fearing the worst. Therefore, before launch day arrives, lets take a look at 10 of the best Call of Duty games of all time based on Metacritic ratings.

10. Call of Duty Black Ops 6

Starting off with the most recent game in the Call of Duty franchise, Black Ops 6 was incredibly well received when it launched last October.

Critics like the Daily Star hailed its "best-in-class" multiplayer, "stunning" story mode and "over the top enjoyable zombie smashing".

It holds a generally favourable score of 82 on Metacritic.

9. Call of Duty Black Ops 4

The Black Ops franchise is a common theme throughout this ranking. When the fourth iteration landed back in 2018, it's safe to say players thoroughly enjoyed it.

At the time, critics like PlayStation Universe proclaimed it to be "the best Call of Duty in years" despite it not having a single player campaign.

Metacritic holds it at a good score of 83, read more here.

8. Call of Duty Black Ops 2

Yes...another Black Ops game. Call of Duty Black Ops 2, the sequel to the monster hit Call of Duty Black Ops, is considered by many as one of the best games the franchise has to offer.

In their review, IGN said: "Combined with the host of subtle and overt improvements to the array of other systems, the additions to make it more appealing to Esports, and the more fleshed out Zombies mode, this is not just a fantastic Call of Duty game, but one of the best shooters of the last decade."

Based on over 70 critic reviews, Metacritic has given it an overall score of 83.

7. Call of Duty World at War

A cult-classic in its own right, Call of Duty World at War was the first time gamers were introduced to the now infamous zombies mode.

Nearly 20 years after its initial release back in 2008, critics were hugely impressed with Treyarch's "adrenaline-fueled campaign" as well as the "excellent co-op mode" and an excellent multiplayer.

GameZone said: "There is a nice mix of action and intense moments that will leave you grabbing the controller so hard you will think it will break. Even using the various vehicles in multiplayer is a breeze."

It has an impressive Metacritic score of 84 - read more here.

6. Call of Duty Black Ops

The last Black Ops game on the list, the original is still adored to this day: this is in thanks to the action-packed multiplayer, memorable single player campaign, and engrossingly terrifying zombies.

It released in November 2010 and critics at the time were massively impressed, with Total Video Games saying: " As if you ever doubted it, Call of Duty is still the best military shooter out there and by quite some margin.

"It seems its competitors can only watch from a distance and take notes as this juggernaut of FPS gaming ploughs a wide path towards the genre's future."

Call of Duty Black Ops boasts a great Metacritic score of 87, putting it among the best in the entire franchise.

5. Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3

The third iteration in the Modern Warfare franchise has everything. A spectacular multiplayer mode which introduced so many iconic maps, as well as a campaign that gives a crunching finale to one of the best stories in gaming.

MWIII hit store shelves in November 2011 and critics couldn't believe its near perfection, with the Telegraph saying in its review: "Modern Warfare 3 is a shining example of refinement and improvement. It's familiar, sure, but here familiarity doesn't breed contempt, just respect and reward for those who've dedicated so much time to the series.

"And for new players, it's the perfect starting point, more accommodating and encompassing than ever. A game which is undoubtedly going to be played for a long, long time to come."

It has an incredible Metacritic score of 88 based on over 80 reviews, read more here.

4. Call of Duty 2

Going back in time to 2005, the second-ever Call of Duty game is still regarded as one of the best.

Just take GamePro's 10 out of 10 review: " A freakin' work of art. It is, without a doubt, the best-looking console game to date, and the most psychotically intense World War II shooter to boot."

Game Shark added: "As you play the game you just can't help dropping your jaw in amazement at what you're seeing and getting to do."

Such a reception sees it hold a score of 89 on Metacritic based on over 60 critic reviews.

3. Call of Duty

There's an old adage that 'nothing beats the original', and when it comes to Call of Duty, not much does. Call of Duty 1, as it is now known, launched in October 2003 and acted as the standard bearer for decades to come.

Graphics were ahead of its time, gameplay was violent but addictive, and a sound engine that brought never-before-seen realism to a first-person shooter.

GameSpy said at the time: " A brilliant action game from beginning to end, and is packed with so many amazing moments that it's my leading candidate for the best PC game of 2003, and there's a good argument to be made that's it's the best WWII shooter ever."

Based on over 40 critic reviews, Call of Duty boasts a staggering score of 91 on Metacritic.

1. Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare and Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2

Games so good they have to settle for sharing the gold medal. Starting with 2007's original Modern Warfare - no, not 2019's less-than-succesful remake - it delivers a truly exceptional single player campaign that introduces players to characters that would go on to become some of gaming's most recognisable, namely Captain Price, Soap MacTavish and Ghost.

Then the multiplayer, with its razor sharp graphics, and entertaining gameplay that makes it difficult to put the controller down, gives you no wonder why it is classed as the best of the entire franchise.

And in what is rarely seen in entertainment full stop, the 2009 sequel is just as good, building on the first's foundations so well that sees both given a fantastic Metacritic score of 94.

It doesn't get better than that - unless the soon-to-be released Call of Duty Black Ops 7 can deliver on all fronts.