The Most Popular Trope, Ranked

Choose the trope you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 28, 2024 07:18
When it comes to understanding what captivates audiences across various forms of media, knowing which tropes garner the most attention can be incredibly useful. This ranking offers a clear snapshot of which elements are currently resonating with people worldwide. By gauging popularity, creators and viewers alike can better understand the trends that are shaping stories today. This live-ranking not only reflects current preferences but also empowers you to influence these trends by casting your vote. Each vote contributes to more dynamic, up-to-date insights, directly reflecting the collective opinion. Whether you're a casual enthusiast or a dedicated creator, your participation helps paint a fuller picture of the narrative devices that are most effective and cherished right now.

What Is the Most Popular Trope?

  1. 1
    62
    votes

    The Hero's Journey

    A common template involving a hero who goes on an adventure, is victorious in a decisive crisis, and comes home changed or transformed.
    • Example: Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings
  2. 2
    31
    votes

    Love Triangle

    A romantic relationship involving three people, where each has romantic feelings for at least one of the other members.
    • Example: Twilight, The Hunger Games
  3. 3
    21
    votes

    The Chosen One

    A character who is foretold or destined by prophecy to achieve great things, often involving saving the world or defeating an ultimate evil.
    • Example: Harry Potter, The Matrix
  4. 4
    10
    votes

    The Mentor

    A wise and experienced advisor to the protagonist, often teaching them important skills or knowledge needed for their journey.
    • Example: Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars, Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings
  5. 5
    0
    votes

    Time Travel

    A narrative device that involves characters traveling to the past or future, affecting the storyline in various ways.
    • Example: Back to the Future, Doctor Who
  6. 6
    0
    votes

    Amnesia

    A trope where a character suffers from some form of amnesia, affecting their memory of events, themselves, or other characters, often used as a plot device.
    • Example: Memento, 50 First Dates
  7. 7
    0
    votes

    Redemption Arc

    A story arc where a character who was previously villainous or morally ambiguous makes significant personal changes, often seeking redemption for past actions.
    • Example: Zuko in Avatar: The Last Airbender, Severus Snape in Harry Potter
  8. 8
    0
    votes

    Damsel in Distress

    A trope where a female character is placed in danger in order to motivate the male protagonist's quest, often criticized for reinforcing gender stereotypes.
    • Example: Princess Peach in Super Mario, Elizabeth Swann in Pirates of the Caribbean
  9. 9
    0
    votes

    Villain's Monologue

    A common scene where the villain reveals their plan, motives, or background to the hero, often inadvertently giving them the knowledge to defeat them.
    • Example: James Bond films, Incredibles
  10. 10
    0
    votes

    Evil Empire

    A trope involving a powerful, often totalitarian regime or organization that serves as the main antagonist in a story.
    • Example: The Empire in Star Wars, The Capitol in The Hunger Games

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About this ranking

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

Statistics

  • 2016 views
  • 124 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

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

Additional Information

More about the Most Popular Trope

The Hero's Journey
Rank #1 for the most popular trope: The Hero's Journey (Source)
In storytelling, certain elements often recur. One such element stands out. It is a familiar and beloved trope. This trope involves a character who undergoes significant growth. The character starts with flaws or challenges. As the story progresses, they face trials. These trials shape and refine them. By the end, they emerge transformed.

This trope appeals to many because it mirrors real life. People face obstacles daily. They struggle, learn, and grow. Seeing characters go through similar experiences provides comfort. It also offers hope. If fictional characters can overcome, so can real people.

This trope can fit into various genres. It works in drama, fantasy, science fiction, and romance. The setting may change, but the core remains the same. The character's journey is always central. The audience follows their path closely. They invest in the character's success. They feel joy when the character triumphs.

Writers use this trope to create emotional connections. When readers or viewers see growth, they feel inspired. They root for the character. They want to see them succeed. This emotional investment keeps audiences engaged.

The trope also allows for deep character development. Writers can explore different facets of a character. They can show strengths and weaknesses. They can highlight internal conflicts. This depth makes characters more relatable. They feel real and complex.

This trope often involves a mentor figure. The mentor provides guidance. They help the character navigate challenges. This relationship adds another layer to the story. It shows the importance of support and wisdom. It highlights the value of learning from others.

Sometimes, the character faces a moment of doubt. They may feel like giving up. This moment is crucial. It tests their resolve. It shows their inner strength. Overcoming this doubt is a key part of their growth. It demonstrates resilience.

The character's journey often ends with a significant achievement. This achievement is a testament to their growth. It shows how far they have come. It provides a satisfying conclusion for the audience. They see the character's hard work pay off.

This trope remains popular for many reasons. It resonates with universal human experiences. It offers hope and inspiration. It allows for rich character development. It creates emotional connections. It provides a satisfying narrative arc.

In conclusion, this trope endures because it speaks to the human condition. It reflects the struggles and triumphs of real life. It reminds us that growth is possible. It shows that challenges can be overcome. It inspires us to keep pushing forward. This timeless appeal ensures its continued presence in storytelling.

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