The Best Pinball Machines to Own Long-Term

Buying a pinball machine is exciting.

Choosing one you'll still love five or ten years from now is much harder.

The best long-term pinball machines aren't necessarily the newest, the most expensive or even the highest-ranked. They're the games that continue revealing new strategies, reward thousands of plays and never lose that irresistible "one more game" feeling.

Here are the machines we believe are among the best long-term investments for any serious collection.

1. Godzilla

If we could only recommend one modern machine for long-term ownership, it would probably be Godzilla.

Keith Elwin created something remarkably rare: a machine that's immediately fun for beginners but almost endlessly rewarding for experienced players.

Months after buying it, you'll still discover new scoring opportunities, new combo routes and more efficient ways to approach each city.

The layout flows beautifully, the rules are exceptionally deep and every game feels slightly different.

It's no coincidence that Godzilla sits at the top of so many modern rankings.

If you own one, our Godzilla Pinball Mods collection includes everything from WizBlades to custom accessories designed to complement one of the greatest modern machines ever built. You can also read our full Godzilla Pinball Review and our Top 10 Stern Pinball Machines ranking.

2. The Lord of the Rings

Some machines reward patience.

The Lord of the Rings rewards obsession.

Years after release, collectors still discover better strategies, more efficient paths through the rules and new appreciation for how brilliantly every feature connects together.

Reaching Valinor never stops feeling satisfying.

Neither does starting another game.

Few machines age as gracefully.

3. Deadpool

Deadpool is one of those rare games that almost everyone enjoys.

Beginners love its humour.

Experienced players love its shot geometry.

Collectors love how approachable it remains even after hundreds of games.

George Gomez created a layout that's fast without becoming frustrating, while Zombie Yeti's artwork gives the machine enormous personality.

If you'd like to personalise yours, our collection of Deadpool Pinball Mods adds subtle artistic touches that complement the original design beautifully.

4. Jaws

Every time we play Jaws, we appreciate it a little more.

Keith Elwin's layout constantly encourages precision, risk and creativity. Every successful shot naturally leads into another, making long combo sequences incredibly satisfying.

It's one of those machines where improvement comes from becoming a better player rather than simply learning rules by memory.

If you'd like to explore why we rate it so highly, don't miss Why Jaws Is One of Keith Elwin's Best Designs. Our Best Jaws Pinball Mods guide also showcases upgrades designed to preserve the machine's outstanding artwork.

5. Iron Maiden

Few machines reward skill like Iron Maiden.

The layout is demanding without feeling unfair, while the deep rules ensure every game offers meaningful decisions.

For competitive players, it's one of the finest tournament machines ever created.

For home collectors, it's the kind of game that never becomes repetitive.

6. Monster Bash Remake

Sometimes simplicity wins.

Monster Bash doesn't rely on extremely complicated rules or overwhelming complexity.

Instead, every objective is memorable, every monster feels meaningful and every completed band still produces one of the most satisfying moments in pinball.

It's the definition of timeless design.

Collectors looking to personalise theirs should take a look at our Monster Bash Remake WizPanels, one of our most popular upgrades.

7. Batman '66

Batman '66 is a machine you'll probably understand for years.

The deeper you explore the villains, gadgets and television references, the more rewarding the experience becomes.

Christopher Franchi's artwork also ensures the machine remains one of the most beautiful cabinets ever produced, making it just as enjoyable to own as it is to play.

8. Winchester Mystery House

Some machines don't rely purely on speed.

Winchester Mystery House creates long-term appeal through atmosphere, mystery and exploration.

Every room, every mode and every progression path feels connected to the theme, making ownership feel almost like discovering a new board game that keeps revealing hidden layers over time.

It's one of the most original modern pinball machines released in recent years.

If you'd like to learn more, our Winchester Mystery House Pinball Review explores why it has impressed so many collectors. You can also browse our complete Winchester Mystery House Pinball Mods collection.

What Makes a Great Long-Term Machine?

After owning enough pinball machines, most collectors eventually realise something.

The games that survive in a collection aren't always the flashiest ones.

They're the machines that continue teaching you something.

Great flow.

Deep rules.

Meaningful progression.

Interesting risk-versus-reward decisions.

A theme you never grow tired of.

Those qualities matter far more than the newest mechanical toy or the latest software feature.

Choose the Machine You'll Still Want in Five Years

Every collection is different.

Some collectors prefer tournament depth.

Others value artwork.

Others simply want the machine that makes them smile every time they walk into the room.

That's perfectly fine.

The best long-term pinball machine isn't necessarily the one ranked number one on Pinside.

It's the one that still makes you press the Start button after thousands of games.