Top 10 Most Famous People of All Time

Whether famous for their positive influence, good deeds, and memorable accomplishments, or infamous as a result of their wickedness and atrocities, these are the people in history whose names are well known today and will continue to be spoken for generations to come.

The Top Ten

Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, in the region historically known as Palestine. He was born to Mary, and the Bible says, "she was found with child of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 1:18). He was both man and God (John 20:28). According to the Bible, He is God alone (Deuteronomy 6:4).... read more

I absolutely indeed do just love and adore God the Father Almighty, the Creator, along with His Son, Lord Jesus Christ, the Redeemer, together with the Holy Spirit sincerely, pastorally, truly, purely, authentically, unconditionally, personally, radically, romantically, spiritually, and abundantly with all of my heart.

I absolutely, indeed, totally, and truly love and adore him most and best, out of and above and beyond all else in life, as my ultimate guide, shepherd, savior, redeemer, sustainer, pastor, and caregiver there ever at all is, was, or ever will be.
Michael Jackson

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009) was an American singer, dancer, and songwriter. He passed away from cardiac arrest caused by acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication, which was ruled a homicide. Jackson is widely regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures... read more

Jackson is not as famous as Prophet Muhammad. Jackson was known while he was alive, and his fame will wane with time, as the taste of music is constantly changing. The bulk of Mike's fans were born in the 60s to early 90s, and many of them will be gone in the next 50 years.
Prophet Muhammad, on the other hand, existed more than a thousand years before Jackson and will likely be remembered for the next thousand years. Currently, close to 2 billion people are Muslims, and he is also known among Christian and Jewish communities. Prophet Muhammad's fame transcends continent, race, religion, time, and every other parameter.

The world will slowly enter a new Renaissance where '80s music will make a comeback, and Michael will come back. In an era where AI makes music, he is proof humanity can't be replaced.
Muhammad

Muhammad ibn Abdullah (570 AD - 632 AD) was an Arab religious, social, and political leader who founded Islam, one of the world's major monotheistic religions. According to Islamic belief, he was the final prophet, tasked with confirming the teachings of earlier prophets such as Adam, Abraham, Moses... read more

Our Prophet Muhammad SAW is the best man ever! No one compares to him! Michael Jackson, Jesus, they can never be above the humanity of our beloved prophet. While Michael has been doing charity for some years, our Prophet, 1400 years ago, started the organization of charity called Hilful Fuzul. He taught this world how to forgive and how to be humanitarian. No one can be above him!
A person who is more charitable and better than a person who feeds others without eating himself. At least Michael, Ya Allah, I am like a fool, who am I comparing with! In any case, no one, no human can be equal to the Prophet. Our Prophet used to tie stones to his stomach even when he was hungry. Even though he owned a lot of property during that period, he did not keep anything for himself and gave it all to the poor and afflicted.
Did Michael or anyone else feed others without eating themselves? Never! Even though he owns so much property, he gave it all away, not indulging in the luxury of enjoying even a little bit. No one can do this! I can challenge! So first, we should know more about the Prophet, and then we can really see that he is the one who deserves to be number one! No one else!
Adolf Hitler

Adolf Hitler (April 20, 1889 to April 30, 1945) was a German politician of Austrian descent who led the Nazi Party from 1921, served as Chancellor of Germany from 1933, and held the position of Führer from 1934. As dictator of Nazi Germany, he reversed the Treaty of Versailles, initiated World War II... read more

Adolf Hitler is history's most famous monster. Everyone knows who he is. The argument that a kindergartner wouldn't know who he is doesn't convince me of anything, as those kids will all have heard of Hitler before they reach middle school. I don't know how famous Jesus is outside of Western nations, but I assume Hitler is known in every nation. He is the closest a person has ever come to being the devil in human form since radios and mass communication became available, simply due to the scale of destruction he caused and how much he changed the entire world. He is remembered the way Genghis Khan would be remembered had modern technology existed during the 13th century. He is the ultimate bad guy that people can see videos and clear photos of.
Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein (14 March 1879 - 18 April 1955) was a German-born theoretical physicist, widely acknowledged to be one of the greatest and most influential physicists of all time. Einstein is best known for developing the theory of relativity, but he also made important contributions to the development... read more

It's because people say he is one of the smartest individuals the world has ever had. We humans like to be better than others, and being smarter than Einstein will only make it better for the world. Those who are smarter than Einstein often contribute good things to the world.

Reading the reviews, I learned some things I never knew. Albert is somewhat like my idol, and he deserves #6. He was a great scientist who made life easier for future generations. When people hear the words "famous scientist," most think about Einstein. He may not be the best, but he is the best.
Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln (February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865) was an American lawyer and statesman who served as the 16th president of the United States from 1861 until his assassination in 1865. Lincoln led the nation through the American Civil War and succeeded in preserving the Union, abolishing slavery, bolstering... read more

Anyone can relate to Lincoln, no matter who they are. In some way, he has positively impacted the lives of all Americans for the past 150 years. He was a great man but also just a man. He was humble and liked to tell dirty jokes. When I learn about him, I can see myself in him. I think that's why he is so loved.

Abraham Lincoln is considered to be the greatest President of all time. He ended slavery and gave African Americans the freedom they had always been fighting for.
He united the country more than it had ever been after the most divided civil war ever.
Elvis Presley

Elvis Aaron Presley was an American singer and actor, widely dubbed the "King of Rock and Roll" and regarded as a pivotal cultural icon of the 20th century. His energetic musical interpretation and provocative performance style, bridging racial music traditions in a shifting era, both fueled his fame... read more

Music, and even the culture of America and the world, has never been quite the same since Elvis Presley's last breath and heartbeat that day in August 44 years ago. Though God gave humanity the gift of the short life of Elvis Aron Presley on loan, sadly, Generation X and 21st-century millennials think that boomers overrate him.
Boomers are not actually the biggest fans. Pre-boomers are. The fact is, Elvis Presley arrived on stage in his prime in the mid-1950s, before boomers came of age. Boomers didn't come of age until the 1960s and 1970s, when the Beatles arrived on the music scene.

Known in practically every country in the world by his first name, Elvis was the greatest and biggest star ever, the most famous man after Christ who has ever lived. Nobody will ever equal his achievements, all attained in just over 20 years.
He was an absolutely fantastic man. We love you, Elvis. God bless you.
Leonardo Da Vinci

Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci (April 15, 1452 - May 2, 1519), more commonly Leonardo da Vinci or simply Leonardo, was an Italian polymath. His areas of interest included invention, painting, sculpture, architecture, science, music, mathematics, engineering, literature, anatomy, geology, astronomy, botany... read more

One of the greats. If he wasn't around, we wouldn't have cars, bikes, planes, and helicopters. He achieved so many things. He also created the most amazing painting, the Mona Lisa. What a star! He did so many things, and he was born in the 1400s, yet people still remember him.

Many people might not know why he's famous or what he even looks like, but everyone knows the name and at least some of his art. He even has a whole city named after him!

The very first Renaissance man. Had the world regarded him as a hero much like Jesus Christ, we might be better off today.
Mahatma Gandhi

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was the preeminent leader of the Indian independence movement in British-ruled India.
He's widely known for his philosophy of nonviolent resistance, or satyagraha, which helped lead India to independence in 1947. Gandhi's methods and beliefs influenced civil rights movements... read more

He taught non-violence to the world, which even many gods failed to do. Followers of many gods believe in killing animals and have no mercy for living beings. Mahatma Gandhi followed the principles of the Jain religion, the only true religion in the world, which tells us to live and let live. To me, non-violence is the biggest thing that can change the whole world and save the only planet, Earth.

Future generations may or may not believe that such a person of flesh and blood ever walked on Earth - Albert Einstein. No God took care of our souls. Neither Karl Marx's communism nor any socialist philosophy can break the shackles of blacks. Only the great Gandhi's philosophy can do it. Yes, it has done so. He is the greatest ever to walk on Earth.
Diana, Princess of Wales

Diana, Princess of Wales (born Lady Diana Frances Spencer. July 1, 1961 - August 31, 1997), was the first wife of Charles, Prince of Wales, the eldest child of Queen Elizabeth II. She was the mother of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.... read more

Diana was the most photographed person in the world. She's iconic, and her revenge dress and her sad death will be talked about for eons to come.

By far the most famous woman of the twentieth century. She was loved by all, from every corner of the Earth, for her beauty, passion, and heart. Unlike others whose fame comes and goes, her fame will endure beyond time, and she will forever be in our hearts.

An incredible person, not just ordinary but extraordinary. Princess Diana was very beautiful and kind. She changed the monarchy in a good way and will always be remembered as the Queen of Hearts. We should all take her as our icon.

The Newcomers

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Ryan Cook (Nacogdoches Candidate)

He ate my dog yesterday. Real nice dude though, he invited me to his barbecue but it tasted a bit like my dog, pickle. He's also in the files, but that doesn't matter his smile makes up for it!

Ryan is the best man to ever exist. He saved everyone but the orphans from a burning orphanage. He did his best, would kiss.

Ryan is the man that saved my life. He rescued me and my whole family out of a burning house.
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Wright Brothers

American inventors and aviation pioneers, the Wright brothers are credited with designing, building, and flying the world's first successful motor-operated airplane. Their aircraft, the Wright Flyer, made its historic flight on December 17, 1903, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. This event marked the... read more

The Wright brothers clearly deserve to be high on this list. They invented a device that changed the entire world.

The Wright brothers never gave up. No matter what obstacle they met, they always overcame it.

The Contenders

Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. (January 17, 1942 - June 3, 2016), was an American professional boxer, activist, entertainer, poet, and philanthropist. Nicknamed The Greatest, he is widely regarded as one of the most significant and celebrated sporting figures of the 20th century. Ali is... read more

Best boxer. Had many iconic quotes. WHAT'S MY NAME!? Also, amazing at boxing. Don't call him Cassius Clay, or ask that loser what happens.

He was the greatest entertainer and speaker. He protested against the Vietnam War at the cost of losing all his money and title.

Muhammad Ali, in his time, was the most famous person on the planet. He rivals many famous superstars.
Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. (born Michael King Jr.. January 15, 1929 - April 4, 1968) was an African American minister and a pioneering civil rights leader. From 1955 until his assassination in 1968, he became the most visible spokesperson for the civil rights movement. King is best known for leading nonviolent... read more

Martin Luther King Jr. was a man with a lot of hopes. He gave the "I Have a Dream" speech. He was a brave man who wanted to give a voice to freedom for all. He wanted to play a part in an honorable, acceptable world. Martin wanted to be the leader for Black people. He was a good leader for his non-violence beliefs for everyone. He wanted freedom, but not through violence.

I believe what he did to help African Americans was unbelievable. His "I Have a Dream" speech is still known today. His dream was wonderful. He wanted peace. There was nothing wrong with African Americans. He proved this. African Americans are only descended from really tan people. So? They are equal to whites, and that's that.
Gautama Buddha

Gautama Buddha, also known as Siddhārtha Gautama, Shakyamuni Buddha, or simply the Buddha, was an Indian ascetic and sage whose teachings laid the foundation for Buddhism. Born in the 6th or 5th century BCE in present-day Nepal, he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree after years of meditation... read more

Master was great. His teachings reflect human life as it is. He was one of the first to sacrifice everything and work for human welfare even after attaining enlightenment.
I don't understand this list, which puts even Michael Jackson and Adolf Hitler ahead of Master. Master explained the truth of life and always emphasized reality. He never taught a single thing that was bad, unethical, dishonest, illogical, or impractical in his teachings.

Buddha lived a long time before us, yet he still has many followers around the world. Love him or hate him, he is undeniably one of the most famous people in world history.
George Washington

George Washington (February 22, 1732 - December 14, 1799) was the first President of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797. He led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolutionary War and presided over the Constitutional Convention of 1787, helping to shape the U.S. Constitution and... read more

Washington, the first president of the United States, was a fair, honest, brave, and kind man. He led the Revolutionary War and had the chance to become king of the U.S.A. He was fair and honest, so he did not become king, because America had just fought a war to be independent from kings and royalty. Why have another king? Washington instead became president. He was always brave and noble. I admire him for that. FACT: At Washington's presidential ceremony, he forgot his Bible, which he needed. Luckily, they were in a church and quickly found a substitute. Now they always bring an extra Bible to presidential ceremonies.
Barack Obama

Barack Hussein Obama II (born August 4, 1961) served as the 44th President of the United States from 2009 to 2017, becoming the first African-American to hold the office. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as a U.S. Senator from Illinois (2005 to 2008) and as an Illinois state senator... read more

Obama is much better than Trump in a variety of ways. Instead of saying the election was rigged and challenging it until inauguration day, Obama transferred power in a humble way.
When Biden got elected, Donald Trump said the election was rigged and only wanted to count the votes from Election Day. He challenged Biden's win for months after Biden humbly accepted his victory.

He may not have been the best president, but he saved America as we know it. I don't think people really understand the depth of how much the American economy was in shambles.
This man inherited something rotten and saved it, while the other side wanted to ride the cycle and let the economy bounce back by itself.
Donald Trump

Donald John Trump (born June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York) is an American businessman, television personality, politician, and the 45th and 47th President of the United States.
Born and raised in Queens, New York City, Donald J. Trump received an economics degree from the Wharton School of the... read more

President Trump is easily the greatest president since Teddy Roosevelt, and maybe the greatest ever. The press and global elites have all colluded to try to tear him down, like they've tried to do to many others before - including the President's longtime friend, the late Michael Jackson - but they simply can't.
He's pursuing peace in the Middle East and the Korean Peninsula, crafted and passed great trade deals, dramatically cut taxes, and much more, all while the corrupt evils of the world attempt to bring him down.

Whether you like him or not, Donald Trump is one of the most talked about Presidents ever. Not only in America but the entire world knows who he is. You may not agree with him politically, but you can't argue that his influence is especially strong.
John Lennon

John Winston Ono Lennon, MBE (born John Winston Lennon, 9 October 1940-8 December 1980), was an English singer, songwriter, musician, and political activist. He rose to worldwide fame as the co-founder, co-lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist of the Beatles, the most commercially successful band in the... read more

He is one of the most phenomenal human beings to ever walk this planet. He has contributed so much that is good, hopeful, cutting-edge, and forward-thinking. We lost so much when he died, but his music, charity, and compassion will always live on!

John Lennon is the lead singer of the most famous band ever, The Beatles. He was also a successful solo artist. He is amazing.

Not only was he already in the most iconic band in pop culture, but he also had the most notable solo career afterward. Singer-songwriter, activist, artist - there's a lot John Lennon did in 40 years.
Nelson Mandela

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (18 July 1918 – 5 December 2013) was a South African anti-apartheid activist who served as the first president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country's first black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election. His government... read more

Overall, Nelson Mandela is an amazing person with an unforgettable legacy. I did a report on him and learned about the many positive contributions that this man brought to the world. I believe he is the most inspiring person.

He lived to face enormous challenges and yet forgave those who oppressed him. He continued to stand for reconciliation. He has changed and affected millions positively.

I agree with post 32. He was a very great man. He was in prison and later became a president. Nelson Mandela was at the 1995 and 2007 Championships of the Springboks. He is a very great man, an honorable man. From: Niki Stander.
Shahrukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan, also known as SRK, is an Indian film actor, producer, and television personality. Referred to in the media as the "Badshah of Bollywood," "King of Bollywood," and "King Khan," he has appeared in more than 80 Bollywood films and earned numerous accolades, including 14 Filmfare Awards.... read more

He is one of the best actors in the world. A great inspiration, he is humble, charitable, soft-spoken, kind-hearted, passionate, well-read, witty, a brilliant orator, loyal, honest, and a hardworking family man.
He respects all religions and always stands for women's rights. He works single-handedly for women who are acid attack victims. He is funding a cancer treatment ward at Nanavati Hospital entirely on his own, providing free treatment for needy people for many years. He is the most dignified person.

He is the biggest movie star in the world, the world's second-richest actor, and the only actor after whom a moon crater is named. He has four honorary doctorate degrees, was listed among Newsweek magazine's most powerful 50 people around the world, and is a recipient of the UNESCO pyramid and crystal awards for philanthropy.
A rare species of orchid in Singapore is named after him. He is also the recipient of the highest civilian awards of France and Malaysia. He is the only actor on the list of 365 people who changed the world.
William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare was an English poet, playwright, and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He wrote approximately 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and numerous poems. His works are still widely studied, performed, and celebrated globally... read more

William Shakespeare changed the world forever. He plays a significant role in world literature and invented numerous words we use today, such as "fashionable," "bedroom," "useful," "mimic," "successful," and many more. He is pretty much the greatest poet, playwright, and actor in history. Shakespeare deserves to be higher up on this list.

One of the most famous authors ever, he is still remembered even though he was born in the 1500s. He has written 43 books. He is so amazing and certainly deserves a spot in the top twenty.

A great playwright and author. He created some of the best plays ever.
He is one of the best poets in all history, and my No. 1 author. His A Midsummer Night's Dream is amazing.
Moses

Moses is a prophet in Abrahamic religions. He is the Lawgiver of Judaism. God sent him to the Pharaoh in Egypt to tell him to release the children of Israel from bondage.
When the Pharaoh disobeyed God, God sent ten plagues. Finally, Pharaoh relented, and Moses led the children of Israel through... read more

If you know Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit, and the Bible, you should know Moses. He was one of God's great prophets.

He is one of the most important characters in the Abrahamic religions (Christianity, Islam, and Judaism), so he is a well-known figure by the majority of religious people around the world.

Great person who was a true believer and had a great connection with God.
Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin Delano Roosevelt (January 30, 1882 - April 12, 1945), commonly known by his initials FDR, was an American statesman and the 32nd President of the United States, serving from 1933 until his death in 1945. A Democrat, he was elected to an unprecedented four terms and led the nation through the... read more

Above all presidents to serve in office, Franklin Delano Roosevelt is considered the best. He was a man who came into the White House and was later elected three more times. He took on America's greatest challenge during the world's darkest time.
We all looked up to him.
Eminem

Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, is an American rapper, actor, and music producer born on October 17, 1972, in St. Joseph, Missouri. Eminem has sold over 220 million records, making him the best-selling hip-hop artist of all time. In addition to his solo career, he was a member of D12 and (with... read more

Well, we ARE talking about famous people, and I know that Gandhi is an amazing human being who can never be forgotten. However, if you were to ask people of all ages who Gandhi is, they might not know what to answer. I bet they could even name a couple of Eminem's tracks. That's just my opinion, though.
Also, based on my experience, quite a large number of young people aren't familiar with Albert Einstein, but they are the ones rapping along to Without Me.

He is the greatest rapper of all time and the best-selling artist of this century. He has so many awards, you can't even count them. Do you know anyone who doesn't know him? No, really, everyone knows Eminem.
Julius Caesar

Gaius Julius Caesar (July 12/13, 100 BC - March 15, 44 BC), commonly known as Julius Caesar, was a Roman politician, military general, and author. He played a critical role in the transformation of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. His writings, military campaigns, and political reforms had... read more

The man who initiated the Roman Empire, one of the most influential forces in Europe and Western culture. A symbol of power, he is remembered as one of the most important historical figures.

Should be number 2 - definitely the most well-known ancient leader and one of the greatest minds to ever walk the Earth. The mighty Roman Empire existed because of him.

Caesar's legacy continues to this day. English, Russian, and German all use some variation of the Roman Emperor's name to mean "leader."
Tom Hanks

Thomas Jeffrey "Tom" Hanks (born July 9, 1956) is an American actor and filmmaker.
He is known for his performances in Splash, Big, Turner & Hooch, Philadelphia, Forrest Gump, Apollo 13, Saving Private Ryan, You've Got Mail, The Green Mile, the Toy Story franchise, Cast Away, The Da Vinci Code... read more

He is great. One of my all-time favorite actors. I loved his work in Forrest Gump.