The Most Famous Criminal in America, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the criminal you think is the most famous!
Updated on May 8, 2024 07:06
In the tapestry of American history, criminals have often been etched into the public memory, not for their contributions but for the challenges they posed to law and order. Understanding who ranks as the most notorious can provide insights into societal values and the legal system's effectiveness at various points in time. It's an intriguing snapshot of the darker sides of society, reflecting both historical contexts and the perennial battle between right and wrong.
By ranking these infamous figures, the public engages in an evaluative process, weighing the impact and infamy of each criminal's actions. This not only fosters a deeper understanding of crime and its consequences but also encourages a dialogue about justice, morality, and prevention. Your votes help shape this ongoing assessment, contributing to a broader community perspective on which criminal cases have resonated the most through the years.
Who Is the Most Famous Criminal in America?
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164votesHe was the notorious gangster who ruled Chicago's underworld during the prohibition era. He was known for his involvement in organized crime, bootlegging, and racketeering.Al Capone in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous black gangster
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Mafia boss
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous money launderer
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous convict
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous moonshiner
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous criminal of all time
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238votes
Unknown photographer · Public domainTed Bundy
Ted BundyHe was one of America's most notorious serial killers, who confessed to killing over 30 women in the 1970s.Ted Bundy was an American serial killer who terrorized the country during the 1970s. He was known for his charm and good looks, which he used to gain the trust of his victims before committing heinous acts of violence. Bundy's crimes were characterized by abduction, rape, and murder of young women. His case captured national attention due to the scale and brutality of his crimes, as well as his ability to evade capture for an extended period of time.- Number of Victims: Confirmed 30+, suspected over 100
- Method of Killing: Strangulation, bludgeoning, and blunt force trauma
- Victim Profile: Young women, usually college students
- Crime Spree Timeline: 1974-1978
- Modus Operandi: Attraction and deception to gain trust before abducting victims, often impersonating authority figures
Ted Bundy in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Death Row inmate
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular serial killer in America
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous killer in Texas
- Position 1 of 10 in Most intriguing serial killer
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous criminal of all time
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous prison escapees
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337votes
FBI · Public domainHe was a notorious bank robber during the Great Depression era. He was known for his daring escapes from prison and his public image as a Robin Hood-like figure.John Dillinger in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous bank robber
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous prison escapees
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous killer in Minnesota
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous Irish mobster
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous person from Gary, Indiana
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous highwayman
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426votes
Photo by one of the Barrow gang · Public domainBonnie and Clyde
Media and publicThey were a notorious couple who went on a crime spree across the United States during the Great Depression era. They were known for their bank robberies, murders, and their romanticized image in popular culture.Bonnie and Clyde is a call sign referring to the notorious criminal couple, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, who were active during the Great Depression. They gained notoriety for their bank robberies, car thefts, and murders.- Time period: 1930s
- Nickname: Bonnie and Clyde
- Occupation: Outlaws
- Notable activities: Bank robberies, car thefts, murder
- Escape methods: Frequent use of stolen cars
Bonnie and Clyde in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous bank robber
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous criminal couple
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular lovers in the world
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous highwayman
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous convict
- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular duo
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516votes
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation · Public domainHe was a cult leader who orchestrated a series of murders in the late 1960s, including the infamous Tate-LaBianca murders.Charles Manson in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous person from Cincinnati
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous criminal of all time
- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular serial killer in America
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous convict
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610votes
Gerald Johnson · Public domainHe was a former NFL football player who was accused of killing his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman. He was found not guilty in a highly publicized trial in 1995.O.J. Simpson in other rankings- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous running back
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous convict
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712votes
Revere Senior High School · Public domainJeffrey Dahmer
Jeffrey DahmerHe was a notorious serial killer and cannibal who murdered 17 men and boys in the 1980s and early 1990s.Jeffrey Dahmer, also known as the Milwaukee Cannibal or the Milwaukee Monster, was an American serial killer and sex offender. He primarily targeted young men and boys, whom he would lure to his apartment with the promise of money or alcohol before sexually assaulting, killing, and dismembering them. Dahmer operated between 1978 and 1991, during which he committed 17 known murders. His infamous crimes included acts of necrophilia, cannibalism, and preservation of body parts as trophies.- Nationality: American
- Alias: Milwaukee Cannibal, Milwaukee Monster
- Operating Period: 1978-1991
- Number of Known Victims: 17
- Preferred Targets: Young men and boys
Jeffrey Dahmer in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous cannibal
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous killer in Michigan
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous killer in Ohio
- Position 2 of 10 in Most intriguing serial killer
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous serial killer in Wisconsin
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous criminal of all time
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810votes
Los Angeles Police Department · Public domainRichard Ramirez
Richard RamirezHe was a notorious serial killer known as the Night Stalker who terrorized Southern California in the mid-1980s. He was convicted of 13 murders and numerous other crimes.Richard Ramirez, also known as the Night Stalker, was an American serial killer and rapist who terrorized the residents of Los Angeles and San Francisco from 1984 to 1985. He was a highly disturbing and brutal criminal who gained worldwide notoriety for his heinous acts.- Nickname: Night Stalker
- Years Active: 1984-1985
- Location: Los Angeles and San Francisco
- Crimes: Murder, rape, burglary, and assault
- Victims: 13 known murders, several rape cases, and numerous other crimes
Richard Ramirez in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous stalker
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous killer in Nevada
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular serial killer in America
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous Death Row inmate
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous person from El Paso, Texas
- Position 8 of 10 in Most intriguing serial killer
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94votesHe was a domestic terrorist who sent a series of mail bombs to people associated with technology and modern society. He was active from 1978 to 1995 and was eventually caught and convicted.
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105votes
FBI Lab forensic artist · Public domainHe was responsible for the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, which killed 168 people and injured hundreds more. He was executed in 2001 for his crimes.Timothy McVeigh in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Death Row inmate
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About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most famous criminal in America. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Criminal is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2959 views
- 196 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Criminal once every 24 hours. The rank of each Criminal is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most famous criminal in america
In a country as vast and diverse as America, there have been many notorious criminals throughout history. From serial killers to bank robbers, these individuals have captured the public's imagination and become household names. But who is the most famous criminal in America? That's a question that continues to captivate us to this day. Perhaps it's the infamous Al Capone, who ruled the Chicago underworld during the Prohibition era. Or maybe it's Bonnie and Clyde, the infamous duo who robbed banks and eluded the law until their violent deaths. Whatever your opinion, there's no denying that America has a rich and fascinating history of criminal activity.
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