The Most Famous Poisoner, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the poisoner you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 28, 2024 07:12

In the annals of crime history, poisoners have always held a chilling allure. These nefarious individuals employed stealth and subterfuge, turning common substances into deadly weapons. Understanding the motivations and methods of famous poisoners not only satisfies a morbid curiosity but also deepens our insights into human psychology and the dark corners of the mind. By ranking these infamous figures, we gain a collective perception of who stands out in this macabre gallery of criminals. Your votes help to determine which cases continue to fascinate and horrify with their cunning and cruelty. Participate in shaping this intriguing list and see where your most notorious poisoner ranks among the infamous.

Who Is the Most Famous Poisoner?

1

54
votes

Attributed to Dosso Dossi · Public domain

Lucrezia Borgia

Italian noblewoman known for her alleged use of poison to eliminate her enemies, including her own family members.
2

26
votes

\the ledgeand · Public domain

Mary Ann Cotton

English serial killer who allegedly poisoned her husbands and children for financial gain.
3

32
votes

Graham Young

English serial killer who poisoned several people, including his stepmother, with thallium.
4

8
votes

Gerald England · CC BY-SA 2.0

Harold Shipman

English doctor who killed over 200 of his patients by administering lethal doses of medication.
5

14
votes

Dr. Thomas Neill Cream

Scottish-Canadian doctor who poisoned several women with strychnine.
6

2
votes

Richard Angelo

American nurse who injected patients with lethal doses of drugs in order to revive them and appear as a hero.
7

10
votes

Idaho State Penitentiary · Public domain

Lyda Southard

American serial killer who poisoned several men, including her own husbands, for financial gain.
8

5
votes

Rudolf Friedrich Suhrlandt · Public domain

Gesche Gottfried

German serial killer who poisoned family members and acquaintances with arsenic.
9

8
votes

The original uploader was Activism at Italian Wikipedia. · Public domain

Leonarda Cianciulli

Italian serial killer who turned her victims' bodies into soap and teacakes after poisoning them.
10

7
votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

Belle Gunness

Norwegian-American serial killer who poisoned and dismembered several of her suitors for financial gain.
Belle Gunness in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous killer in Indiana

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Ranking factors for famous poisoner

Historical Significance

Consider the impact the poisoner had on society and their historical context. Did they play a significant role in shaping events or causing widespread attention and concern?
Infamy and Notoriety

Look at the level of infamy and notoriety surrounding the poisoner. How well-known are they to the general public, both during their time and in popular culture today?
Number of Victims

Take into consideration the number of victims attributed to the poisoner. Were their actions responsible for the death or harm of a significant number of people?
Method and Skill

Consider the poisoner's method and skill in administering poison. Did they have intricate knowledge of toxic substances, demonstrate careful planning, or employ unique techniques?
Media Coverage

Examine the extent to which the poisoner's deeds were covered by the media. Did their actions generate widespread attention, both at the time of the crimes and in subsequent reporting?
Legacy and Influence

Assess the lasting impact of the poisoner's actions on society, culture, or subsequent criminal activity. Did their case lead to changes in legislation, inspire literary or artistic works, or influence future criminal behavior?

About this ranking

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

Statistics

2229 views
161 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

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

More information on most famous poisoner

Background Information: Who is the Most Famous Poisoner? Poisoning has been a popular method of murder since ancient times. Over the centuries, many notorious poisoners have gained notoriety for their deadly deeds. Among them, one name stands out above the rest - Dr. Thomas Neill Cream. Born in Scotland in 1850, Dr. Cream was a notorious serial killer who used poison to murder his victims. He studied medicine in Edinburgh and later moved to Canada, where he began his killing spree. Dr. Cream's modus operandi was to poison prostitutes and blackmail their clients. His crimes went unnoticed for years until he was arrested in Chicago in 1881 for poisoning a wealthy patient. He was sentenced to life imprisonment, but he was released after serving just 10 years. After his release, Dr. Cream moved to London, where he continued his killing spree. He was finally caught and hanged in 1892. Dr. Cream's notoriety as a poisoner has made him the most famous poisoner in history. His crimes have been the subject of many books, movies, and TV shows, and his legacy continues to fascinate people to this day.