Claim profile
2000–2099

The 21st century

Whose names filled the books of the 21st century — anyone at all, however long dead — counted as mentions per million words printed, so a period that simply published more does not inflate anyone.

Talked about then

Whose names appeared most in English books during the 21st century — whenever they lived.

In books written inEnglish28,833German4,206French3,995Italian2,097Spanish1,644Russian896Chinese287Hebrew151
  1. 1JesusJesus5 BC–30 · 1st century · Religious Figures102
  2. 2AristotleAristotle384 BC–322 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics13
  3. 3PlatoPlato428 BC–348 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics11
  4. 4SocratesSocrates470 BC–399 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Academics6.5
  5. 5HomerHomer900 BC–800 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers5.4
  6. 6CiceroCicero106 BC–43 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians4.2
  7. 7AugustusAugustus63 BC–14 · 1st millennium BC · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians4.1
  8. 8Johns HopkinsJohns Hopkins1795–1873 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders4.0
  9. 9RMRMborn 1994 · 21st century · 🇰🇷 South Korea · Musicians3.6
  10. 10VirgilVirgil70 BC–19 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers3.3
  11. 11George WashingtonGeorge Washington1732–1799 · 18th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians3.0
  12. 12SealSealborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians2.5
  13. 13PinkPinkborn 1979 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians2.4
  14. 14WarmWarm1840–1924 · 19th century · Scientists2.4
  15. 15MadonnaMadonnaborn 1958 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians2.3
  16. 16George W. BushGeorge W. Bushborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians2.2
  17. 17OvidOvid43 BC–17 · 1st millennium BC · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers2.2
  18. 18PlutarchPlutarch40–120 · 1st century · Academics1.9
  19. 19Thomas JeffersonThomas Jefferson1743–1826 · 18th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians1.9
  20. 20CleopatraCleopatra69 BC–30 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇪🇬 Egypt · Historical Figures1.9
  21. 21Abraham LincolnAbraham Lincoln1809–1865 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians1.9
  22. 22GalenGalen129–300 · 2nd century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Doctors1.8
  23. 23Saddam HusseinSaddam Hussein1937–2006 · 20th century · Politicians1.7
  24. 24Ronald ReaganRonald Reagan1911–2004 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians1.7
  25. 25HerodotusHerodotus484 BC–425 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers1.6
  26. 26OrigenOrigen185–254 · 3rd century · 🇪🇬 Egypt · Academics1.5
  27. 27John the BaptistJohn the Baptist6 BC–30 · 1st century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Religious Figures1.5
  28. 28Bill ClintonBill Clintonborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians1.5
  29. 29Adam SmithAdam Smith1723–1790 · 18th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Academics1.4
  30. 30Mark TwainMark Twain1835–1910 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers1.4
  31. 31AhabAhab918 BC–852 BC · 1st millennium BC · Models1.3
  32. 32CharlemagneCharlemagne748–814 · 8th century · Historical Figures1.3
  33. 33John F. KennedyJohn F. Kennedy1917–1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians1.3
  34. 34IUIUborn 1993 · 21st century · 🇰🇷 South Korea · Musicians1.3
  35. 35EuripidesEuripides480 BC–406 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers1.3
  36. 36ThucydidesThucydides460 BC–395 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers1.3
  37. 37HoseaHoseaborn 784 BC · 1st millennium BC · Religious Figures1.2
  38. 38Woodrow WilsonWoodrow Wilson1856–1924 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians1.2
  39. 39RembrandtRembrandt1606–1669 · 17th century · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · Artists1.2
  40. 40Barack ObamaBarack Obamaborn 1961 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians1.2
  41. 41LivyLivy59 BC–17 · 1st millennium BC · 🇮🇹 Italy · Writers1.2
  42. 42HadrianHadrian76–138 · 2nd century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Historical Figures1.1
  43. 43BedeBede672–735 · 8th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers1.1
  44. 44Winston ChurchillWinston Churchill1874–1965 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politicians1.1
  45. 45Walt DisneyWalt Disney1901–1966 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors1.1
  46. 46Thomas AquinasThomas Aquinas1225–1274 · 13th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Academics1.1
  47. 47Theodore RooseveltTheodore Roosevelt1858–1919 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians1.0
  48. 48EuclidEuclid333 BC–285 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics1.0
  49. 49Benjamin FranklinBenjamin Franklin1706–1790 · 18th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians1.0
  50. 50Julius CaesarJulius Caesar100 BC–44 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians1.00
  51. 51SophoclesSophocles496 BC–406 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers0.97
  52. 52GoliathGoliath1100 BC–1023 BC · 2nd millennium BC0.95
  53. 53PlotinusPlotinus205–270 · 3rd century · Academics0.94
  54. 54Jane AustenJane Austen1775–1817 · 19th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers0.92
  55. 55Charles II, Lord of MonacoCharles II, Lord of Monaco1555–1589 · 16th century · Politicians0.92
  56. 56Charles II, Duke of SavoyCharles II, Duke of Savoy1489–1496 · 15th century · Historical Figures0.92
  57. 57Charles II, Duke of Münsterberg-OelsCharles II, Duke of Münsterberg-Oels1545–1617 · 16th century · Historical Figures0.92
  58. 58James MadisonJames Madison1751–1836 · 18th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians0.92
  59. 59Richard NixonRichard Nixon1913–1994 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians0.92
  60. 60XenophonXenophon430 BC–354 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics0.92
  61. 61Alexander the GreatAlexander the Great356 BC–323 BC · 1st millennium BC · Historical Figures0.90
  62. 62AAbababorn 200 · 3rd century0.89
  63. 63John AdamsJohn Adams1735–1826 · 18th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians0.89
  64. 64PythagorasPythagoras582 BC–490 BC · 1st millennium BC · Academics0.88
  65. 65William JamesWilliam James1842–1910 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Academics0.87
  66. 66PericlesPericles494 BC–429 BC · 1st millennium BC · Politicians0.87
  67. 67TertullianTertullian160–240 · 2nd century · Academics0.87
  68. 68Edward ElgarEdward Elgar1857–1934 · 19th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians0.87
  69. 69AristophanesAristophanes445 BC–385 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers0.84
  70. 70Virginia WoolfVirginia Woolf1882–1941 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers0.83
  71. 71Henry JamesHenry James1843–1916 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Writers0.83
  72. 72Ho Chi MinhHo Chi Minh1890–1969 · 20th century · Politicians0.82
  73. 73Charles DarwinCharles Darwin1809–1882 · 19th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Scientists0.80
  74. 74Charles DickensCharles Dickens1812–1870 · 19th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers0.79
  75. 75Tony BlairTony Blairborn 1953 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politicians0.79
  76. 76Osama bin LadenOsama bin Laden1957–2011 · 20th century · Scientists0.78
  77. 77William ShakespeareWilliam Shakespeare1564–1616 · 16th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers0.76
  78. 78Jimmy CarterJimmy Carter1924–2024 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians0.76
  79. 79Mary MagdaleneMary Magdalenedied 100 · 1st century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Academics0.76
  80. 80Brigham YoungBrigham Young1801–1877 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Academics0.75
  81. 81IrenaeusIrenaeus130–202 · 2nd century · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Academics0.75
  82. 82SuhartoSuharto1921–2008 · 20th century · 🇮🇩 Indonesia · Politicians0.75
  83. 83AeschylusAeschylus525 BC–456 BC · 1st millennium BC · Writers0.74
  84. 84John BrownJohn Brown1800–1859 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders0.74
  85. 85Henry IV, Duke of BrabantHenry IV, Duke of Brabant1251–1272 · 13th century0.73
  86. 86Henry IV, Duke of LimburgHenry IV, Duke of Limburg1195–1247 · 13th century · Historical Figures0.73
  87. 87Henry IV, Holy Roman EmperorHenry IV, Holy Roman Emperor1050–1106 · 11th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Historical Figures0.73
  88. 88HIHenry IV, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg1463–1514 · 15th century · 🇩🇪 Germany0.73
  89. 89Henry IV, Count of LuxembourgHenry IV, Count of Luxembourg1113–1196 · 12th century · Politicians0.73
  90. 90HIHenry IV, Count of Waldeck1300–1348 · 14th century0.73
  91. 91Oscar WildeOscar Wilde1854–1900 · 19th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Writers0.73
  92. 92Charles I, Duke of SavoyCharles I, Duke of Savoy1468–1490 · 15th century0.72
  93. 93CICharles I1516–1576 · 16th century · Historical Figures0.72
  94. 94Charles I, Count of NeversCharles I, Count of Nevers1414–1464 · 15th century · Historical Figures0.72
  95. 95Charles I, Count of FlandersCharles I, Count of Flanders1084–1127 · 12th century · Politicians0.72
  96. 96Charles I, Landgrave of Hesse-PhilippsthalCharles I, Landgrave of Hesse-Philippsthal1682–1770 · 18th century0.72
  97. 97Henry FordHenry Ford1863–1947 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Founders0.72
  98. 98HippocratesHippocrates460 BC–370 BC · 1st millennium BC · Doctors0.72
  99. 99Andrew JacksonAndrew Jackson1767–1845 · 19th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians0.71
  100. 100HesiodHesiodborn 776 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇹🇷 Turkey · Writers0.71

Most read

Who people actually looked up in the 21st century, across the Wikipedia editions we measure (2015–2026 only — readership is measured from July 2015).

  1. 1Vladimir PutinVladimir Putinborn 1952 · 20th century · Politicians73M
  2. 2Cristiano RonaldoCristiano Ronaldoborn 1985 · 21st century · 🇵🇹 Portugal · Footballers67.9M
  3. 3Lionel MessiLionel Messiborn 1987 · 21st century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Footballers64.3M
  4. 4Elizabeth IIElizabeth II1926–2022 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures50.9M
  5. 5Donald TrumpDonald Trumpborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians47.1M
  6. 6Pablo EscobarPablo Escobar1949–1993 · 20th century · Politicians41.8M
  7. 7Xi JinpingXi Jinpingborn 1953 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians39M
  8. 8Kylian MbappéKylian Mbappéborn 1998 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers38.4M
  9. 9Elon MuskElon Muskborn 1971 · 21st century · 🇿🇦 South Africa · Founders37.1M
  10. 10Joseph StalinJoseph Stalin1878–1953 · 20th century · Politicians34.7M
  11. 11Adolf HitlerAdolf Hitler1889–1945 · 20th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Politicians34.7M
  12. 12Frida KahloFrida Kahlo1907–1954 · 20th century · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Artists34M
  13. 13Simón BolívarSimón Bolívar1783–1830 · 19th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians32M
  14. 14Michael JacksonMichael Jackson1958–2009 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians30.5M
  15. 15ShakiraShakiraborn 1977 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Musicians30.5M
  16. 16Volodymyr ZelenskyVolodymyr Zelenskyborn 1978 · 21st century · Politicians30.4M
  17. 17Freddie MercuryFreddie Mercury1946–1991 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Musicians29.7M
  18. 18Wladimir PutinWladimir Putinborn 1952 · 20th century · Politiciansnot measured29.6M
  19. 19NapoleonNapoleon1769–1821 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures29M
  20. 20Christopher ColumbusChristopher Columbus1451–1506 · 15th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Historical Figures28.1M
  21. 21Alexander PushkinAlexander Pushkin1799–1837 · 19th century · Writers27.1M
  22. 22Vladimir LeninVladimir Lenin1870–1924 · 20th century · Politicians26.9M
  23. 23Leonardo DiCaprioLeonardo DiCaprioborn 1974 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors26.1M
  24. 24Pope FrancisPope Francis1936–2025 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Writersnot measured25.5M
  25. 25CleopatraCleopatra69 BC–30 BC · 1st millennium BC · 🇪🇬 Egypt · Historical Figures25.1M
  26. 26Peter the GreatPeter the Great1672–1725 · 18th century · Politicians24.5M
  27. 27Alexei NavalnyAlexei Navalny1976–2024 · 21st century · Politicians23.7M
  28. 28Angela MerkelAngela Merkelborn 1954 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians23.5M
  29. 29Albert EinsteinAlbert Einstein1879–1955 · 20th century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Scientists23.3M
  30. 30Rafael NadalRafael Nadalborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Tennis Players23.2M
  31. 31Louis XIV of FranceLouis XIV of France1638–1715 · 17th century · 🇫🇷 France · Historical Figures22.2M
  32. 32Prince Philip, Duke of EdinburghPrince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh1921–2021 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom22M
  33. 33Mikhail GorbachevMikhail Gorbachev1931–2022 · 20th century · Politicians21.5M
  34. 34Michael SchumacherMichael Schumacherborn 1969 · 21st century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Athletes21.4M
  35. 35Pablo PicassoPablo Picasso1881–1973 · 20th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Artists21.3M
  36. 36Alla PugachevaAlla Pugachevaborn 1949 · 20th century · 🇮🇱 Israel · Musicians20.9M
  37. 37Yevgeny PrigozhinYevgeny Prigozhin1961–2023 · 20th century · Foundersnot measured20.6M
  38. 38NeymarNeymarborn 1992 · 21st century · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Footballers20.6M
  39. 39Elvis PresleyElvis Presley1935–1977 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians20.4M
  40. 40Gabriel García MárquezGabriel García Márquez1927–2014 · 20th century · Writers20.4M
  41. 41Stephen HawkingStephen Hawking1942–2018 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Scientists20.3M
  42. 42Tom CruiseTom Cruiseborn 1962 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors20.2M
  43. 43Nicholas II of RussiaNicholas II of Russia1868–1918 · 20th century · Historical Figures20M
  44. 44Jeffrey DahmerJeffrey Dahmer1960–1994 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Historical Figures20M
  45. 45Johnny DeppJohnny Deppborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors19.8M
  46. 46Dwayne JohnsonDwayne Johnsonborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors19.7M
  47. 47Arnold SchwarzeneggerArnold Schwarzeneggerborn 1947 · 20th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Actors19.6M
  48. 48Zinedine ZidaneZinedine Zidaneborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers19.5M
  49. 49Diego MaradonaDiego Maradona1960–2020 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Footballers19M
  50. 50Princess Margaret, Countess of SnowdonPrincess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon1930–2002 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures19M
  51. 51Clint EastwoodClint Eastwoodborn 1930 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors18.9M
  52. 52Novak DjokovicNovak Djokovicborn 1987 · 21st century · Tennis Players18.8M
  53. 53Sylvester StalloneSylvester Stalloneborn 1946 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors18.6M
  54. 54Barack ObamaBarack Obamaborn 1961 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians18.5M
  55. 55Yuri GagarinYuri Gagarin1934–1968 · 20th century · Politicians18.4M
  56. 56Terence HillTerence Hillborn 1939 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Actors18.4M
  57. 57Keanu ReevesKeanu Reevesborn 1964 · 20th century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Actors18.4M
  58. 58Wolfgang Amadeus MozartWolfgang Amadeus Mozart1756–1791 · 18th century · 🇦🇹 Austria · Musicians18.4M
  59. 59Ivan the TerribleIvan the Terrible1530–1584 · 16th century · Politicians18.2M
  60. 60José de San MartínJosé de San Martín1778–1850 · 19th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Politicians18.1M
  61. 61Roger FedererRoger Federerborn 1981 · 21st century · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · Tennis Players18M
  62. 62Zlatan IbrahimovićZlatan Ibrahimovićborn 1981 · 21st century · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Footballers17.9M
  63. 63Queen VictoriaQueen Victoria1819–1901 · 19th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figuresnot measured17.9M
  64. 64EminemEminemborn 1972 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians17.9M
  65. 65Antoine GriezmannAntoine Griezmannborn 1991 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers17.8M
  66. 66Joe BidenJoe Bidenborn 1942 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Politicians17.8M
  67. 67Victor HugoVictor Hugo1802–1885 · 19th century · 🇫🇷 France · Writers17.8M
  68. 68Diana, Princess of WalesDiana, Princess of Wales1961–1997 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Historical Figures17.8M
  69. 69Romy SchneiderRomy Schneider1938–1982 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Actors17.6M
  70. 70Brad PittBrad Pittborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors17.5M
  71. 71Viktor TsoiViktor Tsoi1962–1990 · 20th century · Musicians17.4M
  72. 72Lady GagaLady Gagaborn 1986 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians17.4M
  73. 73Bud SpencerBud Spencer1929–2016 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Actors17.3M
  74. 74RonaldinhoRonaldinhoborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Footballers17.3M
  75. 75Annalena BaerbockAnnalena Baerbockborn 1980 · 21st century · 🇩🇪 Germany · Politicians17.2M
  76. 76Mao ZedongMao Zedong1893–1976 · 20th century · 🇨🇳 China · Politicians17.1M
  77. 77Jeffrey EpsteinJeffrey Epstein1953–2019 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Business Professionals17.1M
  78. 78Silvio BerlusconiSilvio Berlusconi1936–2023 · 20th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Politicians17M
  79. 79Bruce WillisBruce Willisborn 1955 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors16.9M
  80. 80Miguel de CervantesMiguel de Cervantes1547–1616 · 16th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Writers16.9M
  81. 81Khabib NurmagomedovKhabib Nurmagomedovborn 1988 · 21st century · Actorsnot measured16.9M
  82. 82Leo TolstoyLeo Tolstoy1828–1910 · 19th century · Writers16.9M
  83. 83Che GuevaraChe Guevara1928–1967 · 20th century · 🇦🇷 Argentina · Activists16.7M
  84. 84Emma WatsonEmma Watsonborn 1990 · 21st century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Models16.5M
  85. 85Taylor SwiftTaylor Swiftborn 1989 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians16.4M
  86. 86Leonardo da VinciLeonardo da Vinci1452–1519 · 15th century · 🇮🇹 Italy · Artists16.2M
  87. 87Winston ChurchillWinston Churchill1874–1965 · 20th century · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Politicians16.2M
  88. 88Quentin TarantinoQuentin Tarantinoborn 1963 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors16.1M
  89. 89Alain DelonAlain Delon1935–2024 · 20th century · 🇫🇷 France · Actors16.1M
  90. 90Marilyn MonroeMarilyn Monroe1926–1962 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors16.1M
  91. 91Paul I of RussiaPaul I of Russia1754–1801 · 18th century · Historical Figures16M
  92. 92Francisco FrancoFrancisco Franco1892–1975 · 20th century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Politicians15.9M
  93. 93Karim BenzemaKarim Benzemaborn 1987 · 21st century · 🇫🇷 France · Footballers15.8M
  94. 94Celine DionCeline Dionborn 1968 · 21st century · 🇨🇦 Canada · Musicians15.8M
  95. 95Nicolás MaduroNicolás Maduroborn 1962 · 20th century · Politicians15.7M
  96. 96Ana de ArmasAna de Armasborn 1988 · 21st century · 🇪🇸 Spain · Actors15.6M
  97. 97Ramzan KadyrovRamzan Kadyrovborn 1976 · 21st century · Politicians15.6M
  98. 98Robin WilliamsRobin Williams1951–2014 · 20th century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors15.4M
  99. 99Scarlett JohanssonScarlett Johanssonborn 1984 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Actors15.4M
  100. 100Ariana GrandeAriana Grandeborn 1993 · 21st century · 🇺🇸 United States · Musicians15.4M

Lived then

The most notable people whose working lives fell in the 21st century, ranked where Wikipedia coverage and readership agree.

CountryAll🇺🇸 United States🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇪🇸 Spain🇫🇷 France🇩🇪 Germany🇨🇦 Canada🇧🇷 Brazil🇮🇹 Italy🇦🇷 Argentina🇦🇺 Australia
FieldAllActorsFootballersMusiciansPoliticiansAthletesTennis PlayersModelsDirectorsBasketball PlayersWriters
  1. 1Christopher NolanChristopher Nolanborn 1970 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directors2 decades
  2. 2Wes AndersonWes Andersonborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors2 decades
  3. 3Guy RitchieGuy Ritchieborn 1968 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directors2 decades
  4. 4Denis VilleneuveDenis Villeneuveborn 1967 · 🇨🇦 Canada · Directors0 decades
  5. 5Sofia CoppolaSofia Coppolaborn 1971 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors2 decades
  6. 6Paul Thomas AndersonPaul Thomas Andersonborn 1970 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors2 decades
  7. 7M. Night ShyamalanM. Night Shyamalanborn 1970 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors2 decades
  8. 8J. J. AbramsJ. J. Abramsborn 1966 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors1 decades
  9. 9Darren AronofskyDarren Aronofskyborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors1 decades
  10. 10Sam MendesSam Mendesborn 1965 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directors3 decades
  11. 11Michael BayMichael Bayborn 1965 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors2 decades
  12. 12James WanJames Wanborn 1977 · Directors0 decades
  13. 13Bong Joon-hoBong Joon-hoborn 1969 · 🇰🇷 South Korea · Directors0 decades
  14. 14Zack SnyderZack Snyderborn 1966 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors1 decades
  15. 15Taika WaititiTaika Waititiborn 1975 · 🇳🇿 New Zealand · Directors0 decades
  16. 16Kevin FeigeKevin Feigeborn 1973 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors0 decades
  17. 17Kevin SmithKevin Smithborn 1970 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors4 decades
  18. 18Robert RodriguezRobert Rodriguezborn 1968 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors3 decades
  19. 19Bryan SingerBryan Singerborn 1965 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors2 decades
  20. 20Jonathan NolanJonathan Nolanborn 1976 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directors0 decades
  21. 21Martin McDonaghMartin McDonaghborn 1970 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directors2 decades
  22. 22Chloé ZhaoChloé Zhaoborn 1982 · 🇨🇳 China · Directorsnot measured—
  23. 23Yorgos LanthimosYorgos Lanthimosborn 1973 · Directors0 decades
  24. 24Eli RothEli Rothborn 1972 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors0 decades
  25. 25Princess Eugenie of YorkPrincess Eugenie of Yorkborn 1990 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directors0 decades
  26. 26Spike JonzeSpike Jonzeborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors2 decades
  27. 27Alex JonesAlex Jonesborn 1974 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors1 decades
  28. 28Yuzuru HanyūYuzuru Hanyūborn 1994 · 🇯🇵 Japan · Directorsnot measured—
  29. 29Emma ThomasEmma Thomasborn 1971 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  30. 30Makoto ShinkaiMakoto Shinkaiborn 1973 · 🇯🇵 Japan · Directors0 decades
  31. 31Damien ChazelleDamien Chazelleborn 1985 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors0 decades
  32. 32Ryan CooglerRyan Cooglerborn 1986 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors0 decades
  33. 33Paolo SorrentinoPaolo Sorrentinoborn 1970 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Directors2 decades
  34. 34Shonda RhimesShonda Rhimesborn 1970 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors1 decades
  35. 35Todd PhillipsTodd Phillipsborn 1970 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors0 decades
  36. 36Luca GuadagninoLuca Guadagninoborn 1971 · 🇮🇹 Italy · Directors2 decades
  37. 37Mathieu KassovitzMathieu Kassovitzborn 1967 · 🇫🇷 France · Directors3 decades
  38. 38Adam McKayAdam McKayborn 1968 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors0 decades
  39. 39Xavier DolanXavier Dolanborn 1989 · 🇨🇦 Canada · Directors1 decades
  40. 40Paul W. S. AndersonPaul W. S. Andersonborn 1965 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  41. 41Dan SchneiderDan Schneiderborn 1966 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  42. 42Brett RatnerBrett Ratnerborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  43. 43Karan JoharKaran Joharborn 1972 · 🇮🇳 India · Directors0 decades
  44. 44Matthew VaughnMatthew Vaughnborn 1971 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directors0 decades
  45. 45Farhan AkhtarFarhan Akhtarborn 1974 · 🇮🇳 India · Directors0 decades
  46. 46Nicolas Winding RefnNicolas Winding Refnborn 1970 · Directorsnot measured—
  47. 47Antoine FuquaAntoine Fuquaborn 1965 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  48. 48Andrew StantonAndrew Stantonborn 1965 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors1 decades
  49. 49Robert EggersRobert Eggersborn 1983 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  50. 50Uwe BollUwe Bollborn 1965 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Directorsnot measured—
  51. 51Baltasar KormákurBaltasar Kormákurborn 1966 · Directorsnot measured—
  52. 52Edgar WrightEdgar Wrightborn 1974 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  53. 53Bam MargeraBam Margeraborn 1979 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  54. 54Farah KhanFarah Khanborn 1965 · 🇮🇳 India · Directors0 decades
  55. 55Noah BaumbachNoah Baumbachborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  56. 56Sean BakerSean Bakerborn 1971 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors0 decades
  57. 57Rian JohnsonRian Johnsonborn 1973 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors0 decades
  58. 58Emerald FennellEmerald Fennellborn 1985 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  59. 59Joachim TrierJoachim Trierborn 1974 · 🇳🇴 Norway · Directorsnot measured—
  60. 60Genndy TartakovskyGenndy Tartakovskyborn 1970 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors0 decades
  61. 61Joe WrightJoe Wrightborn 1972 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  62. 62Ari AsterAri Asterborn 1986 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  63. 63Louis LeterrierLouis Leterrierborn 1973 · 🇫🇷 France · Directorsnot measured—
  64. 64Duncan JonesDuncan Jonesborn 1971 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  65. 65S. S. RajamouliS. S. Rajamouliborn 1973 · 🇮🇳 India · Directorsnot measured—
  66. 66François OzonFrançois Ozonborn 1967 · 🇫🇷 France · Directors3 decades
  67. 67Uday ChopraUday Chopraborn 1973 · 🇮🇳 India · Directorsnot measured—
  68. 68Cristian MungiuCristian Mungiuborn 1968 · Directors1 decades
  69. 69Cary Joji FukunagaCary Joji Fukunagaborn 1977 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  70. 70John SingletonJohn Singleton1968–2019 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  71. 71Jennifer LeeJennifer Leeborn 1971 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  72. 72Fyodor BondarchukFyodor Bondarchukborn 1967 · Directors2 decades
  73. 73Scooter BraunScooter Braunborn 1981 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  74. 74Francis LawrenceFrancis Lawrenceborn 1971 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  75. 75Brady CorbetBrady Corbetborn 1988 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  76. 76Ekta KapoorEkta Kapoorborn 1975 · 🇮🇳 India · Directorsnot measured—
  77. 77Destin Daniel CrettonDestin Daniel Crettonborn 1978 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  78. 78Sam Taylor-JohnsonSam Taylor-Johnsonborn 1967 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  79. 79Prabhu DevaPrabhu Devaborn 1973 · 🇮🇳 India · Directorsnot measured—
  80. 80David AyerDavid Ayerborn 1968 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  81. 81Neill BlomkampNeill Blomkampborn 1979 · 🇿🇦 South Africa · Directorsnot measured—
  82. 82Mike FlanaganMike Flanaganborn 1978 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  83. 83Shane DawsonShane Dawsonborn 1988 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directors0 decades
  84. 84Alejandro AmenábarAlejandro Amenábarborn 1972 · 🇪🇸 Spain · Directors3 decades
  85. 85Justine TrietJustine Trietborn 1978 · 🇫🇷 France · Directorsnot measured—
  86. 86Jason ReitmanJason Reitmanborn 1977 · 🇨🇦 Canada · Directorsnot measured—
  87. 87David LeitchDavid Leitchborn 1975 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  88. 88Gauri KhanGauri Khanborn 1970 · 🇮🇳 India · Directorsnot measured—
  89. 89Kane ParsonsKane Parsonsborn 2005 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  90. 90Jonathan GlazerJonathan Glazerborn 1965 · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Directorsnot measured—
  91. 91Morgan SpurlockMorgan Spurlock1970–2024 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  92. 92Ruben ÖstlundRuben Östlundborn 1974 · 🇸🇪 Sweden · Directors0 decades
  93. 93Aditya ChopraAditya Chopraborn 1971 · 🇮🇳 India · Directorsnot measured—
  94. 94Mamoru HosodaMamoru Hosodaborn 1967 · 🇯🇵 Japan · Directorsnot measured—
  95. 95Fatih AkinFatih Akinborn 1973 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Directors2 decades
  96. 96Ti WestTi Westborn 1980 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—
  97. 97Tom TykwerTom Tykwerborn 1965 · 🇩🇪 Germany · Directors3 decades
  98. 98Michel HazanaviciusMichel Hazanaviciusborn 1967 · 🇫🇷 France · Directors1 decades
  99. 99Coralie FargeatCoralie Fargeatborn 1976 · 🇫🇷 France · Directorsnot measured—
  100. 100Nancy KerriganNancy Kerriganborn 1969 · 🇺🇸 United States · Directorsnot measured—

How this is measured

  • Placing people in time. Each person belongs to the century in which they were most active — around age 35, and never after their death.
  • Who ranks highest. Within a century, people are ranked where two independent signals agree: how many of the world’s Wikipedia language editions cover them, and how many people actually read about them. Article counts alone can be lifted by a person’s own circle; readers cannot.
  • Fame in print. The curves count how often a name appears in Google Books from 1800 to 2019, as a share of all the words printed each year, in the person’s own language wherever that corpus exists. Those decades are over, so each measurement is made once and kept.
  • What is left out. A lifetime is measured only from 1820, when there is enough print to judge; the five years after a death are skipped as obituaries; and a name shared with someone equally notable is credited to neither.