The Most Famous King Louis, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the King Louis you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 7, 2024 07:09

History books are often lined with stories of kings and rulers whose actions have shaped the course of events. Consider the King Louis of France, a title shared by many, each leaving a distinct mark on history. Sorting through them to identify the most influential or memorable can be a daunting task. Here, you have the power to cast your vote and influence the ranking of these notable rulers named King Louis. As votes accumulate, a clearer picture emerges, reflecting collective opinions on who should be deemed the most significant among them. Your participation not only adds to the intriguing historical debate but also refines the accuracy of the results.

Who Is the Most Famous King Louis?

1

76
votes
Hyacinthe Rigaud · Public domain

Louis XIV

Known as the "Sun King," he was one of the longest reigning monarchs in history and transformed France into a dominant world power.
Louis XIV in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous king of France
2

15
votes
Antoine-François Callet · Public domain

Louis XVI

The last King of France before the French Revolution, his reign was marked by economic and political turmoil that led to his eventual execution.
Louis XVI in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous king of France
3

23
votes

Unidentified painter · Public domain

Louis XVIII

The restored Bourbon monarch after the fall of Napoleon, he worked to restore stability to France and implemented a constitutional monarchy.
4

9
votes

Franz Xaver Winterhalter · Public domain

Louis Philippe I

The last King of the French, he was a popular monarch who supported liberal reforms but was eventually overthrown during the 1848 Revolution.
5

18
votes
School of Philippe de Champaigne · Public domain

Louis XIII

The son of Henry IV, he became King at a young age and oversaw the Thirty Years' War as well as the expansion of French territory.
Louis XIII in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous king of France
6

14
votes
Workshop of Louis-Michel van Loo · Public domain

Louis XV

Known as the "Well-Beloved," he was a patron of the arts and presided over a period of relative peace and economic prosperity in France.
Louis XV in other rankings
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous king of France
7

11
votes

AnonymousUnknown author · Public domain

Louis IX

A devoutly religious monarch, he is known for his piety and justice, as well as his role in the Seventh and Eighth Crusades. He is also a Catholic saint.
8

11
votes

Louis the Pious

The son of Charlemagne, he inherited the Frankish Empire and worked to expand it while also promoting Christianity.
9

5
votes

Hans Krell · Public domain

Louis II of Hungary

Also known as Louis the Great, he was a powerful monarch who expanded the Hungarian Kingdom and fought against the Ottoman Empire.
10

10
votes

Barrière and Dailly · Public domain

Louis-Philippe de Bourbon, Duke of Anjou

A pretender to the French throne, he is recognized by some as the rightful heir to the House of Bourbon and the current Head of the Royal House of France.

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Ranking factors for famous King Louis

Longevity of reign

How long did the king reign and how impactful were his policies and decisions?
Military conquests

Did the king lead or win any military campaigns that greatly expanded the kingdom's territory and power?
Cultural legacy

Did the king sponsor the arts, architecture, or education that elevated French culture and left a lasting legacy?
International influence

Did the king establish important diplomatic or economic relationships with other nations that advanced French interests and enhanced its global reputation?
Personal charisma

Did the king have a compelling personality, charm, or charisma that made him a popular figure among his subjects and in popular culture?

About this ranking

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

Statistics

1758 views
190 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

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

More information on most famous king louis

Background Information: The name Louis is synonymous with French royalty, and history has seen many kings of France bearing this name. However, among all the Louis, the most famous ones are undoubtedly the Kings Louis XIV, Louis XVI, and Louis XVIII. Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King, reigned for 72 years, making him the longest-reigning monarch in European history. He is widely regarded as one of the most powerful and influential monarchs in French history, responsible for transforming France into a global superpower. Louis XVI, on the other hand, is remembered for his tragic end, as he was executed during the French Revolution. His reign was marked by political and economic instability, and he was ultimately unable to prevent the collapse of the monarchy. Louis XVIII, who succeeded Napoleon Bonaparte, was the last King of France before the July Revolution of 1830. He is known for his efforts to restore the Bourbon monarchy and to reconcile with the French Revolution. In conclusion, the name Louis has been associated with French royalty for centuries, and these three kings stand out as the most famous and influential among their predecessors.