Yeah pretty much every version of CTGP is better than the original game it's based on.
I'd also say Smash Bros Remix might count too. The original Super Smash Bros is fine, but it's kinda barebones compared to Melee onwards. But that mod? That mod makes it about as fully featured as the rest of the series!
Probably also going to say Super Mario Eclipse too, given it came out recently. The original Sunshine was a good, but flawed game. This hack basically improves everything about it tenfold, and dials up the amount of content to 11. You've got twice the number of shines, you don't get kicked out the level when you collect one, blue coins don't have a save prompt, all levels are interconnected, often with new areas around the island, there are at least 4 new main stages on the island, plus another 6 or so slightly smaller ones accessed from the Daisy Cruiser (itself a secondary hub), there's a new true final boss, the postgame has you explore Peach's Castle and another 15 or so optional levels based on beta content and beach areas from other games...
It's kinda insane to be honest.