The Most Famous Assassin, Ranked

Choose the assassin you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 26, 2024 07:31
Assassins, shadowy figures often shrouded in mystery and intrigue, occupy a unique space in history and folklore. Understanding who ranks as the most renowned among them can shed light on the darker corridors of human affairs and the impact these individuals have had on societies and cultures around the world. Compiling a list of the most famous assassins, therefore, involves not just recounting tales of stealth and secrecy but also recognising their roles in shaping events. By casting a vote in this ranking, users can contribute to a broader understanding of these enigmatic figures. Each vote helps to determine how these assassins are viewed in relation to one another based on notoriety, historical impact, and the intrigue surrounding their missions. This ongoing tally offers a dynamic snapshot of public opinion, giving voice to perceptions and interpretations that often remain confined to the whispers of history.

Who Is the Most Famous Assassin?

  1. 1
    76
    points
    John Wilkes Booth

    John Wilkes Booth

    Assassinated President Abraham Lincoln in 1865.
    • Date of Assassination: April 14, 1865
    • Location: Ford's Theatre, Washington, D.C., USA
  2. 2
    27
    points
    Lee Harvey Oswald

    Lee Harvey Oswald

    Accused of assassinating President John F. Kennedy in 1963.
    • Date of Assassination: November 22, 1963
    • Location: Dallas, Texas, USA
  3. 3
    18
    points
    James Earl Ray

    James Earl Ray

    Assassinated civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968.
    • Date of Assassination: April 4, 1968
    • Location: Memphis, Tennessee, USA
  4. 4
    17
    points
    Gavrilo Princip

    Gavrilo Princip

    Assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in 1914, sparking World War I.
    • Date of Assassination: June 28, 1914
    • Location: Sarajevo, Austria-Hungary (now Bosnia and Herzegovina)
  5. 5
    10
    points
    Charlotte Corday

    Charlotte Corday

    Assassinated Jean-Paul Marat during the French Revolution in 1793.
    • Date of Assassination: July 13, 1793
    • Location: Paris, France
  6. 6
    9
    points
    Nathuram Godse

    Nathuram Godse

    Assassinated Mahatma Gandhi in 1948.
    • Date of Assassination: January 30, 1948
    • Location: New Delhi, India
  7. 7
    7
    points
    Yigal Amir

    Yigal Amir

    Assassinated Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in 1995.
    • Date of Assassination: November 4, 1995
    • Location: Tel Aviv, Israel
  8. 8
    1
    points
    Leon Czolgosz

    Leon Czolgosz

    Assassinated President William McKinley in 1901.
    • Date of Assassination: September 6, 1901
    • Location: Buffalo, New York, USA
  9. 9
    1
    points

    Marcus Junius Brutus

    One of the lead assassins of Julius Caesar in 44 BC.
    • Date of Assassination: March 15, 44 BC
    • Location: Rome, Roman Republic
  10. 10
    0
    points
    Sirhan Sirhan

    Sirhan Sirhan

    Assassinated Senator Robert F. Kennedy in 1968.
    • Date of Assassination: June 5, 1968
    • Location: Los Angeles, California, USA

Missing your favorite assassin?

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About this ranking

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

Statistics

  • 3310 views
  • 166 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Voting Rules

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

Additional Information

More about the Most Famous Assassin

John Wilkes Booth
Rank #1 for the most famous assassin: John Wilkes Booth (Source)
Assassins have existed throughout history. They often target leaders, figures of power, or influential individuals. Their actions can change the course of events. The term "assassin" comes from a secretive group in the Middle Ages. This group used stealth and surprise to eliminate their targets.

These killers often work alone. They plan their actions with precision. They study their targets' routines. They wait for the right moment to strike. Their tools vary. Some use knives or guns. Others use poison. Their methods depend on the situation.

The motives behind these acts differ. Some seek revenge. Others aim to make a political statement. Some are hired by others. They act as tools in larger plots. These plots can involve governments, organizations, or individuals.

Many assassins leave a lasting impact. Their actions can lead to wars. They can cause political upheaval. They can shift public opinion. The death of a key figure can create a power vacuum. This vacuum can lead to instability. It can change the balance of power.

The public often reacts strongly to assassinations. Some view the assassin as a hero. Others see them as a villain. The media plays a big role in shaping these views. Stories about assassins capture the public's imagination. They become legends, for better or worse.

Governments take steps to protect their leaders. They use bodyguards, secure locations, and advanced technology. Despite these measures, assassins sometimes succeed. Their ability to adapt makes them hard to stop.

The study of assassins reveals much about society. It shows the lengths people will go to for their beliefs. It highlights the fragility of power. It also shows the impact one person can have on history.

Assassins remain a topic of interest. Books, movies, and TV shows explore their lives. They delve into their minds and methods. They often blur the line between fact and fiction. This fascination speaks to the human condition. It reflects our curiosity about power and its consequences.

In summary, assassins play a unique role in history. Their actions, motives, and impacts are complex. They remind us of the power of individuals. They show how one act can ripple through time. They are a testament to the extremes of human behavior.

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