Top 10 Greatest Pinball Machine Themes Yet To Be Made (SDTM, 2024)

[@pinballpappya534]

The Muppet Show would be one of the greatest worlds under glass. Soo many different modes, areas, characters, and show skits. The art would be totally amazing!

[@imerci1]

I'm confused, there already was a Back to the Future table from data east/Sega back in 1990. Don't get me wrong, a new table would be wild..

[@borjaalemparte8410]

Nice List!! Great Themes Akira Katusuhiro Otomo The Fifth Elementh Futurama , Dragon Ball Predator , Total Recall.....

[@GGMediaWorks]

The Fifth Element 😍

[@ryanstrobel1215]

Love your channel and all your pinball knowledge/insight! I understand your argument for Toy Story, even though I disagree. But how’d Super Mario and Back to the Future make the list when each of those IPs already have a pin? Still a great show as always gentlemen. Keep up the good work!

[@psteady6726]

Bill & Ted- phone box scoop starts the modes, collect the characters inserts, napoleon’s water ramp, ziggy pig bonus for hitting the ice cream sundae spinner. 69 is the match for a replay 🎸

[@SDTM]

I just heard them say 69 in my mind hahaha

[@FatherTime89]

I'm not a big fan of the franchise, but Five Nights at Freddy's could make for a good pinball machine and it has a dedicated fanbase

[@ericmiller3708]

With Halloween season right around the corner; I'm surprised nobody has created a Vincent Price pinball machine. ...and, yes, a Beetlejuice machine would sell, sell, sell if done well.

[@matthewpilla4323]

G.I.Joe and Masters of the Universe, but my dream is Todd McFarlane SPAWN! Awesome video Thanks

[@caprilaser3]

My dream theme would be Gremlins. Hopefully one day it will happen 🤞🏼 I’ve got so many ideas in my head of cool features that could be incorporated into that game.

[@jonjehl]

I wish I could act like Blues Brothers hasn’t been made

[@SDTM]

Poor Blues Brothers :(

[@savethezombies]

There should be machines for Blues Brothers, Caddyshack, and Airplane!; the movies that made 1980 the best vintage for comedy movies.

[@petermckay4432]

Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, madmax, breaking bad, a new Dredd, the southern river band, the wire. The themes I wish for.

[@scottdavis3553]

From Dusk Till Dawn and The Lost Boys. Great IP'S with kicking soundtracks to pull from as well. Help make it happen SDTM! 🦇

[@Bravesdarrell8552]

Goonies pin I would be all in , same for He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. Also Predator would be great too see.

[@gordonsmith4933]

My Top 3 in no particular order: Gremlins (1&2) Power Rangers (Green Ranger to White Ranger arc) Mars Attacks

[@chadwells9791]

Haunted Mansion (old school from the ride, not the movies) is an insta buy for me. Pink Floyd #2.

[@DualXaustion]

Big Trouble in Little China! Possible modes: Lords of Death street gang, Chang Sing vs Wing Kong, each of the Three Storms, Lopan wizard mode, secret mini wizard mode with that hairy sewer monster. Flying eye-guardian bash toy that pops up from the playfield? Egg Shen's Tour Bus multiball. And the call outs? Oh ho man that movie is LOADED with great one-liners. It's all in the reflexes!

[@davidbengs4010]

The video was great, but you should disclose which Top ten themes mentioned have been licensed and by which pinball manufacturer. That would be interesting. Thanks guys

[@Ky1ebasa_Pinball]

I'm biased, but I totally agree with Harry Potter 😁

[@SDTM]

:) We love your work. We are ready to flip it

[@richmerrick574]

Love the content fellas! Top Gun over Matrix for me. THUNDERCATS! First Blood - Rambo Get Smart! …could do some really cool stuff. Trap doors, phone booth, cone of silence, shoe phone, the car, so many gadgets to create a world under glass.

[@SDTM]

We’ve heard Get Smart a couple of times now. Interesting choice.

[@bandosuru649]

Power ranger pinball is a must

[@Lord_Donkeyballs]

If they made this I don’t think my children would let me NOT buy this 😂

[@vonbaron9367]

The spice must flow..

[@SDTM]

Ride that worm

[@TINMANHOANG]

*Blood In Blood Out* movie pinball. So many memorable quotes. Just saying 😂

[@Muzly]

I feel like I've got a collection of the greatest themes ever to exist only in man's imagination. I wish I had the money, time, space, knowledge and patience to make one of them.

[@LasseKroner]

I still think a Mega Man themed pinball would be awesome. Having robots be modes to begin with, if you complete a mode (beat a boss) you get its weapon you could use on other modes with middle button press. Then if you beat all modes you have your wily castle and battle wizard mode. For multiballs you can have Rush multiball, proto man mini multiball etc. I think it would work great!

[@mcnillerandsons7906]

The moment a modern Mario is made I’ll buy the top tier from flip n out. I’d probably get Pokémon too if it was the original journey.

[@SDTM]

Deal! Damn it would be so great.

[@martygenerallee]

It’s never been done and couldn’t be done today but The Dukes of Hazzard. I’m surprised it wasn’t made in the ‘80s with all the toys, clothes and anything in between that was made. I can see a ball jumping like the General Lee and a multiball like a car chase… I never played it but even if it sucked, Back to the futur doesn’t fit in that list of ‘’ never been made’’. I would definitely like to see a new one though. Superman is my favorite super hero, I don’t understand why no one has made a new one to compete with Stern’s Marvel line of pinballs. Love your show, keep them coming.

[@Mysda_]

Even before seeing the video : Mad Max Fury Road/Furiosa NEEDS to happen. As a designer for virtual pinballs I'm really thinking about it, but I already have way too much work on my current projects.

[@SDTM]

Great to hear! Yeah many people would love to see a Mad Max machine for sure.

[@Cueya]

Number 2 and 3 were already made in the 90s

[@SDTM]

Ehhh they were so so bad and so different than what pinball is today

[@jkjmmjjdjdkfkjcncjdd]

yeah god Gottlieb Mario is so bad

[@polpox12]

@@SDTM Its also made in pinball FX the universal pack. Very modern table.

[@brokenson100]

@@SDTMNot the greatest games, but not even a mention? Is there any reason why you didn't even mention them?

[@Blatz00]

T. Swift could be huge for introducing a new generation to pinball. Weezer, Dune, Green Day, Kingsman, Captain America, Black Panther are other ideas

[@jeremysvideovault]

A Groundhog Day's theme has so much potential gameplay wise. Some themes I'd like to see: Legend of Zelda (Finally!), Halo, Castlevania, Team Fortress 2, Big Trouble in Little China.

[@SDTM]

Good themes there

[@gallimead]

Ground hog day.. ball 1.. ball 1.. ball 1..

[@CNKayutube]

Im adding these before i watch your list , meatloaf bat out of hell, dodgeball, rat race, christine, Talladega Nights, escape from NY, warriors

[@stevematheson1706]

agree with earlier posts….this top 10 list has at least 3 machines that have already had pinballs made! Thought it was supposed to be IPs that have never yet had a dedicated pin……using the same criteria we could go for another Rolling Stones machine (band still going after 60+ years) and the Venn diagram overlaps big time. Very surprised not to see Dune not make the top 10….hit movie that will soon be a trilogy and a true sci-fi classic!

[@chrisgrossnickle1479]

NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, all black and white cab except for neon green accents. Hot fire

[@Chanur2000]

Okay, I agree with the Harry Potter should be made, Back to the Future and Mario arguably have been done. But here's one to think about: Cats. (The stage musical, not the movie!) Think about it, the music is already written, the story is already there as you progress through modes ( The different musical numbers.) The first half way wizard mode, (The Jellicle Ball) the later second half musical numbers (modes) leading up to the final Wizard Mode (The Heavnside Layer/ The Addressing of Cats with huge sweaping bass and the final chours could be huge.) I mean, there are other tables (The Who's Tommy, and to a lesser extent Data East's Phantom of the Opera) Assuming you have a powerful sound system built into the table the progression almost writes itself as you'd move through the game.

[@SDTM]

Whew, I wouldn’t want to bring that to market when there are so many better themes that would sell better, but as a theatre fan sure we’d love to see it

[@Superdummy803]

I almost had to unsub (joking). Evil Dead/Army of Darkness needs to be on there somewhere. You got a classic 1980's movie series, Bruce Campbell camp and an IP so rich in one liners for callouts that it rivels Pulp Fiction. That one is my dream theme. Personally, I'd replace Toy Story on your list since technically its already been done. I thought the rest of the list was great though.

[@SDTM]

TOY STORY HASN'T BEEN DONE!!!! :) hahaha Evil Dead (1&2) is gold. Army Of Darkness has a ton of fans too, but not Greg and I.

[@acepilot87]

Sesame Street Classic. The right mix of nostalgia and appeal to a new generation, with endless scope for modes and ideas.

[@SDTM]

I would love that (Zach)

[@kfresh2177]

1. Harry potter is correct at #1 2. Pokemon is the biggest IP you mentioned, both in sales and world popularity 3. Super Mario was made by Gottlieb 4. Toy Story doesn't count and if it does then Indiana Jones Destiny of Spear or more new Star Wars 5. DC Justice League should be in the top 5 on this list 6. Legend of Zelda would be dynamite as well, top ten for sure Would Beach Boys ever be worth a pin? Maybe too dated

[@SDTM]

I secretly love The Beach Boys haha

[@pintrooper2412]

The LOST BOYS would be dope!

[@mister62085]

The naked gun trilogy

[@SDTM]

I don't think either are strong enough

[@sungleong]

If they could make a good pinball game out of Ripley's believe it or not, basically every film or franchise will work, it just depends on who the designer is.

[@pepincuatro2865]

Castlevania would be awesome with the music and atmosphere. Pokemon is like it was made for pinball, and its pinball videogames are great. Not sure how many pinball fans are into it, but yeah it's a huge IP and it would bring more people from the 90's and onwards into pinball than any other IP.

[@infectaphibian]

Still waiting for Spaceballs.. the pinball machine.

[@mancavemoviemadness7464]

Great video guys! Spot on!

[@chaddestroys]

lol. How did you watch a 30 min video that was posted 2 minutes ago? You are a magician.

[@mancavemoviemadness7464]

@@chaddestroys LOL. I cheated and just skipped ahead to each of the top 10. Will watch the whole thing later.

[@SDTM]

Thanks buddy!

[@d.miller6459]

Nice list. I was gonna revolt if #1 didn't make the cut, but there it is. Like magic. Oh, and I'll chime in amd say Doom would be a dope metal horror theme. The music!

[@purdue98]

Since you guys did a top ten ip you should do top ten non ip. That would be hard but would save manufacturers $$.

[@seelan73]

3 stooges - Pinball slaps

[@whataname955]

A personal wish is to have more original IP. It feels like everything is licensed content these days; we're not getting anything like Fish Tales or Whitewater anymore, and that's a shame. There's plenty of space for both in the pinball world, so hopefully this type of game will make a comeback some day.

[@davispeng2193]

I would love a "The Warriors or a Knights Tale".

[@ScottyPinball]

No mention of Futurama or Dune? Please direct me where i should send my hate email.

[@djmarklaw1234]

There is a rocky pinball machine already. I dont like any of these theme ideas except the Matrix and Goonies. I would play pokemon if it was stern and had insider connect abilities to trade, fight, and upgrade pokemon.

[@Boxoflightsarcade]

Great list. BTTF, Mario, HP would all be great. A Lego pin would do well.

[@SDTM]

Ooooh Lego absolutely

[@colt5189]

You can buy a Super Mario pinball machines right now. It came out decades ago.

[@marcosgallegos6242]

Scream (Movie) - play through movie sequences; Mickey Mouse (IP) - play as Mickey and Stitch escapes ruining Disney movies and Mickey has to capture him *similar to the original marketing of the movie Lilo & Stitch, Pokemon (Game/TV) - play to defeat 8 gyms and the final four; MUSE (Music) - use their crazy music videos to create an elaborate story

[@SDTM]

Scream would be a personal choice for me. One of my favorite horror films

[@NicholasDeOrio]

Taylor Swift is the perfect "My wife said no more Pinball Machines in the house... but..." theme

[@SDTM]

Exactly

[@johnmcclane2139]

My wife says the same thing but I doubt even if the theme was TS, she would play it more than a handful of times.

[@professorterry1808]

Super Mario and BTTF have already been made, you could argue the Toy Story franchise is covered too. If you're talking intellectual properties I'd say Barbie

[@ArthurMazzucatto]

Im waiting for JPP announces Top Gun (I have been saving money for it. Just take it!)

[@gamezfm7877]

With all those cartoon pins… Would love to see DuckTales done.

[@aaronroberts8601]

Am I the only one who remembers that BTTF and Mario do have a pinball machine already?

[@SDTM]

We purposefully forget

[@Julesacu]

There is a Back to the Future pinball machine - made in 1990 by Data East.

[@SDTM]

But was there?

[@tstfrd]

Breaking Bad, Soprano's,Trump

[@dablueyedguy8457]

Top Gun would be great also the Matrix for kids maybe Ducktales

[@SDTM]

Yay someone else loves Duck Tales too

[@bheasy1]

Michael Jackson- "you wanna be startin something" before you start multiball. Smooth criminal you can steal other players locks... don't stop til you get enough!

[@NeonNijahn]

Men In Black

[@SDTM]

Great one

[@Guy_Incognito118]

It's a bit of a younger demographic than normal for pinball, but there's a good amount of more recent video games that would make for good machines. Halo, Gears of War, Portal, Uncharted, Metal Gear Solid and plenty more

[@SDTM]

That's always a great debate, whether or not the hottest game titles would be great sellers as pinball machines. That's why we think starting out with the most nostalgic ones (Mario Bros., Zelda, etc) would make the most sense.

[@chadberserk1050]

I'd love a Nirvana, Alice in Chains or Pantera pin.

[@RobertTrail-v5c]

Here's a 10 list (not top 10) of themes I personally would like....granted, these probably wouldn't reach a large audience and of course, there is licensing issues, but if those weren't there, here's ten I wouldn't mind seeing personally....just throwing some ideas out there: Mystery Science Theater 3000 (might work if they use public domain movies, like they did in Elvira HOH) Bruce Lee (where you could make each of his movies be the different modes) Beavis & Butthead Nirvana Pink Floyd Black Sabbath Jimi Hendrix Mortal Kombat Rocky Horror Picture Show The Good, the Bad & the Ugly (just for the music, if nothing else)

[@SDTM]

Hey people would love MST3K

[@RobertTrail-v5c]

@@SDTM I would hope so. I've been a fan since about '92 (yeah, I'm old!). But think about it....have drop targets like the door sequence that lead to the theater that would start the modes, which would be movies and then when you hit the lit shots for the modes, Crow and Servo make jokes about it. Then the final Wizard mode would be getting them back to Earth once you "beat" all the bad movies.....Yeah, I've given this some thought! Hire me, Stern! Hahaha!!!

[@ThePinballNoob]

Here's a question: would you want Top Gun without Tom Cruise? I have heard Tom Cruise doesn't allow his likeness to be used anywhere - video games, merchandising, promotional materials, etc. Could you even do Top Gun without Tom Cruise? It might be worse than John Wick without guns...

[@SDTM]

It’s not Top Gun without Tom Cruise

[@pintrooper2412]

Luv it! Keep em coming my dudes!

[@Muzly]

Something that would GUARANTEE the eastern world would get on board with pinball is K-POP. Imagine a table that has unique, never-before-seen videos of Korean idols. The queues would go around the block! Just like Taylor Swift, it's not my thing, but the popularity is too high to not make a table.

[@LordCyler]

No BBQ themes? Oh, we have one, nevermind. Would have been top of the list for sure.

[@ImInFloridaBeaches]

Jay and Silent Bob

[@OB1_619]

I think Men In Black would be a great theme for a pinball machine

[@SDTM]

I don’t disagree. One of my favorite franchises. I’m curious about how much relativity that still has today! (Greg)

[@Superdummy803]

I agree Taylor Swift has the potential to be a good IP for a pin. Perhaps the classic pinball buyer might not be interested, but I'm thinking if pinball wants to expand the demographics of people that are interested in the hobby you need to push the boundaries of who you sell too. There's no bigger untapped demographic then her fans. I bet there are a lot of Swift fans that would buy a TS pin simply because her name was on it. After all, they made a Dolly Parton pin and everybody seems to think that one is a classic. Why not a Taylor Swift?

[@SDTM]

I just love my Dolly pin (Zach)

[@mrfuriouser]

Men loved Dolly Parton's music- the same cannot be said of Swift.

[@noahmorris7940]

Elton John proved the European market is open to pinball with the right theme

[@Bravesdarrell8552]

Ok ok , you lost me right off the bat with #10 Taylor Swift . Hell no ! That’s not for me.

[@SDTM]

Not for many, but it’s a great theme for millions

[@JUICY_TIME]

Broski's for the love of God "PREDATOR"

[@SDTM]

Truth

[@RafConUSMC]

The two questionable selections based on the title of the video are toy story and BTTF. They’ve both been made but missed the true heart of the theme so should be remade. And what if they can’t get Marty McFly again? Would you include caveats in your list to say if they can’t get the key actors or components that make up the IP, that they shouldn’t even attempt it? Curious your thoughts on this.

[@SDTM]

The Data East was such a miss and such a long time ago, we included it because pinball is very different than it was then. Plus, we have purposefully erased it from our memories. And if Back To The Future lacks most assets then it will be tough to not see it the same as the Data East attempt.

[@sonambuloc1564]

TOTAL RECALL (another Arnold pin? yes!) BREAKING BAD MAD MAX (FURY ROAD) FALLOUT RESIDENT EVIL EVANGELION AKIRA - - - TRUMP VS BIDEN (joking..)

[@NoLimitsCommemorativ]

Alice in Wonderland & The Nightmare Before Christmas.

[@johnk5236]

Monty Python and the Holy Grail!!!!!

[@jakeraabe4536]

Lol then south park should qualify with these loose guidelines make a stick of truth table or one of the specials so its technically a new south park that hasnt been made

[@SDTM]

South Park very much embodies the pinball machine, but yes a subset of South Park would fit our criteria, but I’m not sure it would do well

[@mcnillerandsons7906]

Happy Gilmore???

[@SDTM]

That would be a dream for me (Zach)

[@LasseKroner]

What about the Gotlieb Super Mario?

[@dvda1722]

inside information top 10 list 😊

[@SDTM]

Gasp!

[@dvda1722]

@@SDTM lol

[@Mo_Ketchups]

_Looking For Mr. Goodbar_ 👈

[@guillermoachterberg]

BTTF is already announced.

[@SDTM]

Where?

[@jasonc2784]

I don't think #10 will sell well for males or families because you're compromising for a different IP. Women traditionally prefer building and cooperativeness. Pinball really doesn't meet those goals. I don't think the hobby will ever pick up for women. Sports is picking up because it's a team. Until you can make competitive team building experience in pinball, it's very unlikely to sell well. Maybe look at who is playing and how well Labyrinth is selling. I would consider this an old female IP. It's about building or restoring a family. Which is why women gravitate towards Labyrinth (oh and David Bowie) and men gravitate towards the Dark Crystal. I'm with #4 has been made. Sub in # 11... #2 does have a Zen Studios version.... Amazing list. Archer Attack on Titan Cowboy Bebop Voltron - Is there enough nostalgia for this in the 40's and 50's age ranges? Assorted Disney Villains and Heroes Sherlock Holmes crossover with the classic horror monsters Legos CoPilot suggested: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Stooges Muppet Show Blade Runner

[@scottgoldberg2398]

nostalgia is fine but you missed a relevant and giant property that could make an incredible game … SPIDERVERSE

[@SDTM]

Yeah if they do one before the third iteration comes out then agreed

[@mercyscene]

I’d take Michael Jackson, Mission Impossible, ET, and The Legend of Zelda over Taylor Swift, Top Gun, The Goonies, and Mario. Swift would sell, though.

[@mrfuriouser]

Swift will sell? When only 3% of pinball market purchases are made by women? That sounds like a bigger gamble than a BBQ theme to me.

[@phoenixpin8780]

If JJP had made Taylor Swift instead of Elton John, and the game was otherwise the same, it would have sold much much better. There, I said it.

[@jameschristian4005]

Zelda Elder Scrolls Pokemon Sonic Minecraft Video game themes is very untapped

[@JonathanDrake]

Cirque du Soleil

[@pintrooper2412]

Hey you guys! Multiball

[@moritzlotze206]

Beavis and butthead HAS to be made!!!!

[@VoltageCaek]

I think Beetlejuice would be a homerun. So much of it lends itself to a pinball game: Sand Worms as the habitrails, Beetlejuice comes in three, so a Beetlejuice Multiball that shouts "It's Showtime!" as it activates. You can just imagine it. Another one I think would be great would be National Treasure!

[@SDTM]

Oooh National Treasure definitely a guilty pleasure we would get behind 100%

[@VoltageCaek]

@@SDTM Someone has to steal the Declaration of Independence

[@guillermoachterberg]

Nightmare before X-mas. I would be it yesterday. Great Music, great call outs. Jack Skeleton. WHAT IS THIS !! 👻💀☠️.

[@guillermoachterberg]

Buy

[@SDTM]

So damn great

[@ocaptainmycaptain6079]

Van Halen

[@foxvader1]

The one theme I think the pinball community needs is a Superman

[@SDTM]

Solid pick nostalgia

[@bheasy1]

Atari has one. They SUCK to fix though- I can do it, but I wouldn't necessarily request that job...

[@colemangreen4191]

I buy Taylor Swift day 0. Also what about LEGO could that be a pinball machine? Nice list though.

[@ExDeliveryBoy1]

Bat Out of Hell / Meat Loaf would be an amazing machine. Meat Loaf Multiball!!

[@johnmcclane2139]

The Matrix, The Fifth Element, Predator, Die Hard, Home Alone (1 and 2), Mission Impossible, The Goonies, a Nintendo themed machine like Super Mario or Mario Kart, and Halo (Xbox, not the bad TV show).

[@SDTM]

Yes, we talk about Home Alone personally as a favorite we would love to see made. Predator would be great for pinball.

[@Mysda_]

It's quite fun that I worked in the projects for 2 of thoses IP for original tables on VPX.

[@josiecooper5911]

G.I. Joe a real American hero ooh 🎶

[@SDTM]

Good call there