The Most Famous Rebels, Ranked

Choose the rebels you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 30, 2024 06:59
Throughout history, rebels have played pivotal roles in shaping societies and influencing the course of events. Their actions, often controversial and debated, serve as catalysts for change and provoke public discourse. By facilitating a ranked list of these figures, readers gain a structured reflection on those whose defiance has left a lasting impact on the world. This list not only allows users to learn about various historical and contemporary rebels, but it also enables them to actively participate by voting for whom they believe should be recognized. This dynamic ranking offers insights into public perceptions and priorities, reflecting collective views on the significance of each rebel’s contributions and legacy.

Who Are the Most Famous Rebels?

  1. 1
    91
    votes
    Che Guevara
    Alberto Korda · Public domain

    Che Guevara

    Alberto Korda
    Che Guevara is a revolutionary leader who fought against capitalist oppression and imperialism, and played a key role in the Cuban Revolution.
    The 'Che Guevara' poster is an iconic image featuring the face of Marxist revolutionary Ernesto 'Che' Guevara. It has become a powerful symbol of rebellion, revolution, and counterculture worldwide.
    • Year: 1960s
    • Style: Black and white portrait
    • Size: Various sizes available
    • Medium: Photograph
    • Subject: Ernesto 'Che' Guevara
    Che Guevara in other rankings
  2. 2
    17
    votes
    Nelson Mandela is a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and politician who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.
    Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician, and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and inspiring figures of the 20th century.
    • Born: July 18, 1918
    • Died: December 5, 2013
    • Political Affiliation: African National Congress (ANC)
    • Imprisonment: Spent 27 years in prison (1962-1990)
    • Awards and Recognition: Nobel Peace Prize (1993), Bharat Ratna, Presidential Medal of Freedom, and more
    Nelson Mandela in other rankings
  3. 3
    22
    votes
    Mahatma Gandhi
    Elliott & Fry · Public domain

    Mahatma Gandhi

    Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
    Mahatma Gandhi is an Indian independence activist who led India to independence from British rule through nonviolent civil disobedience.
    Mahatma Gandhi was a prominent leader and social activist in India during the Indian Independence movement. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolent resistance, called Satyagraha, inspired many movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.
    • Birthdate: October 2, 1869
    • Place of Birth: Porbandar, Gujarat, India
    • Movement: Indian Independence Movement
    • Nickname: Mahatma (Great Soul)
    • Influenced by: Leo Tolstoy, Henry David Thoreau
    Mahatma Gandhi in other rankings
  4. 4
    17
    votes

    Joan of Arc

    Joan of Arc (1412-1431)
    Joan of Arc is a French peasant girl who led the French army to several victories during the Hundred Years' War, and was later burned at the stake for heresy.
    Joan of Arc is a renowned figure from medieval history who became a symbol of resistance and bravery. She was a French warrior and religious leader, known for her role in the Hundred Years' War. Joan claimed to have received visions from saints, which inspired her to support the Dauphin of France in reclaiming the French throne. With her military leadership, she turned the tide of the war and achieved several significant victories.
    • Birth: 1412
    • Death: 1431
    • Nationality: French
    • Role: Warrior and religious leader
    • Famous for: Leading the French army in the Hundred Years' War
    Joan of Arc in other rankings
  5. 5
    19
    votes
    Malcolm X
    Marion S. Trikosko · Public domain
    Malcolm X is an African-American Muslim minister and human rights activist who was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement.
    Malcolm X in other rankings
  6. 6
    10
    votes
    James Dean
    Trailer screenshot · Public domain
    James Dean is an American actor who became a cultural icon through his portrayal of rebellious and angsty characters in films like Rebel Without a Cause.
    James Dean in other rankings
  7. 7
    2
    votes
    Rosa Parks is an African-American civil rights activist who refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus, sparking the Montgomery bus boycott.
    Rosa Parks in other rankings
  8. 8
    17
    votes
    Bob Marley is a Jamaican singer-songwriter who used his music to promote social justice and freedom, and became a symbol of resistance against oppression.
    Bob Marley in other rankings
  9. 9
    2
    votes
    Frida Kahlo
    Guillermo Kahlo · Public domain

    Frida Kahlo

    Frida Kahlo
    Frida Kahlo is a Mexican painter who created works that were a reflection of her own pain and suffering, and who challenged traditional gender roles and societal norms.
    Frida Kahlo is an iconic Mexican artist known for her powerful and introspective self-portraits. She is celebrated for her unique style that combines elements of Surrealism, symbolism, and traditional Mexican folk art. Kahlo's art often reflected her physical and emotional pain, as well as her deep connection to her Mexican heritage.
    • Birth Date: July 6, 1907
    • Death Date: July 13, 1954
    • Art Medium: Oil paintings, self-portraits
    • Artistic Style: Surrealism, symbolism, and folk art
    • Influences: Mexican culture, Diego Rivera, European modernism
    Frida Kahlo in other rankings
  10. 10
    11
    votes
    Martin Luther
    Lucas Cranach the Elder · Public domain
    Martin Luther is a German monk and theologian who challenged the Catholic Church's corrupt practices and led the Protestant Reformation.
    Martin Luther in other rankings

Missing your favorite rebels?

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Ranking factors for famous rebels

  1. The impact of their rebellion
    The extent to which the rebel's actions altered the political, social, or cultural structure of the society.
  2. Historical significance
    The degree to which the rebel's actions had an impact on the course of history or shaped the society.
  3. Popularity among contemporaries
    The popularity of the rebel during their lifetime, as reflected in public opinion, media coverage, and support from peers.
  4. Enduring legacy
    The degree to which the rebel's actions continued to resonate and inspire future generations.
  5. Cultural and symbolic impact
    The degree to which the rebel has become an icon, an emblem of rebellion, or a symbol of resistance.
  6. Imprisonment, torture and/or death for their actions
    The degree to which the rebel risked their life or was punished severely for their actions.

About this ranking

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

Statistics

  • 4012 views
  • 192 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

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

More information on most famous rebels

When we think of rebels, we often picture individuals who have gone against the norm, challenged authority, and fought for change. Throughout history, there have been countless famous rebels who have made a significant impact on society. From political activists and revolutionaries to artists and musicians, these individuals have inspired others to stand up for what they believe in and make a difference. Some of the most famous rebels include Che Guevara, who played a key role in the Cuban revolution; Martin Luther King Jr., who fought for civil rights and equality for all; and Malala Yousafzai, who advocated for girls' education and survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban. Other notable rebels include Nelson Mandela, who fought against apartheid in South Africa; Mahatma Gandhi, who led India to independence through nonviolent resistance; and Rosa Parks, who refused to give up her seat on a bus, sparking the Montgomery bus boycott and the civil rights movement. These individuals, and many more, have left an indelible mark on history and continue to inspire us to challenge the status quo and fight for a better world.

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