The Most Famous Mexican Outlaw, Ranked

Choose the outlaw you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 24, 2024 09:56
Understanding the past often requires an assessment of its influential figures, and in the history of Mexico, few characters capture the imagination like outlaws. These individuals, living outside the law, have shaped folklore and left indelible marks on cultural memory. A ranking of such outlaws helps to highlight their legacies and the varied narratives woven around their lives. By engaging with this ranking, users gain insight into the complexities of historical interpretation and the power of storytelling in shaping our understanding of the past. Voting on this list not only contributes to a broader comprehension of these figures but also allows for a participative approach in evaluating their impact on culture and history.

Who Is the Most Famous Mexican Outlaw?

  1. 1
    69
    votes

    Pancho Villa

    A prominent Mexican Revolutionary general, known for his bravery and rebellious actions.
    • Real Name: José Doroteo Arango Arámbula
    • Nickname: Pancho Villa
    • Era: Mexican Revolution (1910-1920)
  2. 2
    15
    votes

    Emiliano Zapata

    A leading figure in the Mexican Revolution, who formed and commanded the Liberation Army of the South.
    • Movement: Zapatismo
    • Known For: Advocacy for agrarian rights and land reform
  3. 3
    0
    votes

    Francisco Villa

    Another name for Pancho Villa, underlining his significance and fame as a Mexican revolutionary leader.
    • Also Known As: Pancho Villa
    • Role: Revolutionary General
  4. 4
    0
    votes

    Heraclio Bernal

    A 19th-century Mexican folk hero and social bandit known as 'El Rayo de Sinaloa' (The Lightning of Sinaloa).
    • Activity Period: Late 19th century
    • Known For: Robbing the rich to give to the poor
  5. 5
    0
    votes

    Tiburcio Vásquez

    A Californio bandido who became one of the most notorious criminals in California during the 19th century.
    • Era: 19th century
    • Notoriety: Seen as a symbol of resistance against Anglo-American economic and cultural domination
  6. 6
    0
    votes

    Felipe Carrillo Puerto

    A Mexican socialist politician and revolutionary who fought for the rights of the Mayan people and workers.
    • Role: Governor of Yucatán
    • Era: Early 20th century
  7. 7
    0
    votes

    Joaquín Murrieta

    A legendary figure, often referred to as the 'Robin Hood of El Dorado', who sought revenge against Anglo-American miners.
    • Era: California Gold Rush
    • Legend: Inspiration for the fictional character Zorro
  8. 8
    0
    votes

    Agustín Farabundo Martí

    Though not Mexican, he was a significant figure in Latin American history as a Marxist-Leninist activist and a revolutionary leader in El Salvador.
    • Nationality: Salvadoran
    • Influence: Latin American revolutionary movements
  9. 9
    0
    votes

    Catarino Garza

    A Mexican revolutionary who led a rebellion against the dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz in the late 19th century.
    • Era: Late 19th century
    • Objective: Overthrow the Porfirio Díaz regime
  10. 10
    0
    votes

    Alfredo Ríos Galeana

    Known as Mexico's most famous bank robber, he became a folk hero for his daring heists in the 1980s.
    • Era: 1980s
    • Profession: Bank Robber

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Mexican outlaw. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Outlaw is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 5481 views
  • 84 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Outlaw once every 24 hours. The rank of each Outlaw is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Famous Mexican Outlaw

Pancho Villa
Rank #1 for the most famous Mexican outlaw: Pancho Villa (Source)
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Mexico saw a rise in outlaws. These men became legends. They lived outside the law, challenging the government and social order.

The Mexican Revolution was a turbulent time. Many people were unhappy with the government. There were vast inequalities. Wealth was concentrated in the hands of a few. Most people were poor. The gap between rich and poor was wide. This created fertile ground for outlaws.

These outlaws often came from humble beginnings. They were not born into wealth or privilege. Many were farmers or laborers. They knew hardship and struggle. Their actions reflected the frustrations of the common people. They fought against those in power. They became symbols of resistance.

Some outlaws formed bands. These groups roamed the countryside. They attacked wealthy landowners. They robbed trains and banks. They shared their loot with the poor. This made them popular among the masses. They were seen as heroes, not criminals.

The government saw them as a threat. They used the military to hunt them down. There were many battles. Many lives were lost. The outlaws used guerrilla tactics. They knew the land well. They could disappear into the mountains or forests. This made them hard to catch.

The stories of these outlaws spread. They were told and retold. Each telling added to their legend. Ballads were sung about their deeds. These songs kept their memory alive. They became larger than life.

Some outlaws were betrayed by their own. Others were caught through sheer persistence. Their deaths were often as dramatic as their lives. They died in gunfights. They were executed by the government. Their deaths only added to their mystique.

Their legacy lives on. They are remembered in books, films, and songs. They are part of Mexico's cultural heritage. They represent a time of struggle and resistance. They remind us of the fight for justice and equality.

These outlaws were not perfect. They committed crimes. They caused pain and suffering. But they also stood up against oppression. They fought for a better life. They gave hope to the downtrodden. Their stories continue to inspire.

The era of the Mexican outlaws is over. But their spirit lives on. They remain symbols of defiance. They remind us that one person can make a difference. They show us the power of resistance. They are a testament to the human spirit's resilience.

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