The Most Popular Circus, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the circus you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 16, 2024 06:56
In a world brimming with vibrant performances and breathtaking acts, circuses continue to captivate audiences across the globe. Each circus brings its own unique flair and awe-inspiring spectacles, making it difficult for fans to decide which one tops their list. A ranked compilation of the most popular circuses offers an engaging way to see how different shows stack up according to the viewers themselves.
By casting your vote, you contribute to a dynamic tally that reflects the collective admiration and preferences of circus enthusiasts worldwide. This ongoing input from fans like you ensures that the rankings remain fresh and relevant. Whether you are a fan of astounding acrobatics, delightful clown acts, or exotic animal performances, your voice helps shape the landscape of today's top circuses.
What Is the Most Popular Circus?
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142votes
Cirque du Soleil
Guy LalibertéCirque du Soleil is the largest contemporary circus in the world, with over 20 shows currently running worldwide. Their shows feature a combination of acrobatics, dance, music, and theatrical elements.Cirque du Soleil is a world-renowned entertainment company known for its innovative and artistic approach to circus performances. It combines circus arts with theater and music, creating a unique and captivating experience for audiences worldwide.- Collaborations: Partnered with renowned artists, athletes, and creative minds
- Founding Year: 1984
- Headquarters: Montreal, Canada
- Number of Shows: Over 50 different productions
- International Tours: Performed in more than 450 cities
Cirque du Soleil in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous acrobat
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242votesRingling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus was the largest and most well-known traditional circus in the United States until it closed in 2017. It featured animal acts, clowns, aerialists, and other traditional circus performers.The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, also known as The Greatest Show on Earth, was a renowned American circus that operated from 1871 to 2017. It was known for its grand scale productions, spectacular performances, and wide range of acts that included acrobats, clowns, animal performances, and daring stunts.
- Establishment Year: 1871
- Last Year of Operation: 2017
- Founder: P.T. Barnum and the Ringling brothers
- Signature Acts: Acrobatics, clowns, animal performances, daring stunts
- Famous Nickname: The Greatest Show on Earth
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325votes
A.Savin · FALThe Moscow State Circus is a touring circus from Russia that features traditional circus acts like acrobats, clowns, and animal trainers. They are known for their large-scale productions and impressive stunts.The Moscow State Circus is a renowned circus company based in Moscow, Russia. It is known for its high-energy performances, impressive acrobatics, breathtaking aerial acts, and captivating displays of skill and precision. With a rich history spanning over a century, the Moscow State Circus has become one of the most popular and iconic circuses in the world, mesmerizing audiences with its dazzling spectacles.- Venues: The Moscow State Circus performs in various venues globally, including its permanent home in Moscow's Vernadsky Prospekt.
- Acts: The circus features a wide range of acts, including trapeze artists, jugglers, tightrope walkers, clowns, contortionists, and animal trainers.
- International Tours: The Moscow State Circus regularly embarks on international tours, bringing its world-class performances to audiences around the globe.
- Heritage Acts: The circus preserves traditional circus acts and incorporates them into its modern shows, honoring its rich heritage.
- Animal Performances: The Moscow State Circus includes performances featuring trained animals, showcasing their skill and cooperation with their human counterparts.
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421votesThe Big Apple Circus is a non-profit circus based in New York City. They are known for their intimate, one-ring performances and their focus on community outreach and education programs.The Big Apple Circus is a renowned circus company that has been entertaining audiences since 1977. It is known for its intimate setting, quality performances, and unique experiences.
- Location: Primarily based in New York City, United States
- Tent Size: Can hold up to 1,500 audience members
- Acts: Features a diverse array of circus acts like aerial performances, acrobatics, juggling, clowning, and animal showcases
- Family-Friendly: Designed to entertain audiences of all ages
- Community Engagement: Regularly conducts educational programs and outreach initiatives
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516votes
Cirque Éloize
Daniel CyrCirque Éloize is a contemporary circus from Canada that combines circus acts with theater and dance. They are known for their innovative productions that blur the lines between traditional circus and other performance art forms.Cirque Éloize is a contemporary circus company known for its innovative and visually stunning performances. Blending circus arts with theater, dance, and music, Cirque Éloize offers a unique and modern interpretation of the traditional circus.- Founded: 1993
- Headquarters: Montreal, Canada
- Number of Productions: 17
- International Tours: Over 500 cities in more than 50 countries
- Awards: Over 30 international awards
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614votesCirco del Sol is a Mexican circus that features traditional circus acts like clowns and acrobats as well as more unique acts like contortionists and aerialists. They are known for their colorful costumes and elaborate sets.Circo del Sol, also known as Cirque du Soleil in French, is a world-renowned contemporary circus company that combines acrobatics, theatrics, and live music performances. The circus is known for its visually stunning and immersive shows that transport audiences into a surreal world of fantasy and wonder.
- Number of shows:: Circo del Sol has produced more than 40 different shows.
- Global reach:: The circus tours worldwide and has performed in over 450 cities across every continent, except Antarctica.
- Unique style:: Circo del Sol's shows blend circus arts with street entertainment and avant-garde performances.
- Artistic collaborations:: The circus has collaborated with renowned artists, including musicians, designers, and directors.
- Awards and accolades:: Circo del Sol has received numerous awards, including several Primetime Emmy Awards and Drama Desk Awards.
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75votes
Pmau · CC BY-SA 4.0Cirque Plume
Bernard KudlakCirque Plume is a French circus that focuses on artistic expression and storytelling. They are known for their use of live music and their poetic, dreamlike performances.Cirque Plume is a renowned French circus company known for their unique and poetic approach to circus arts. They blend circus acts with theater, music, and dance to create visually stunning and emotionally engaging performances.- Founded: 1984
- Location: Besançon, France
- Performance Style: Contemporary circus
- Artistic Director: Philippe Martz
- Number of Artists: Around 30
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815votesCircus Oz is an Australian circus that combines acrobatics, comedy, and live music. They are known for their irreverent, punk rock-inspired style and their commitment to social justice and environmental causes.Circus Oz is a world-renowned contemporary Australian circus company that combines spectacular acrobatics and aerial acts with a unique blend of comedy and music. With their dynamic and innovative performances, they have captivated audiences from around the globe.
- Location: Based in Melbourne, Australia but performs internationally.
- Performance Style: Contemporary circus mixing acrobatics, aerial acts, comedy, and live music.
- Artistic Direction: Known for their bold, playful, and satirical approach to storytelling.
- Troupe Size: A diverse ensemble of approximately 20 multi-skilled performers.
- Social and Political Commentary: Incorporates themes addressing social issues and challenges the status quo.
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95votes
Cirque du Soleil: Michael Jackson ONE
Cirque du SoleilMichael Jackson ONE is a Cirque du Soleil show that pays tribute to the music and legacy of Michael Jackson. It features acrobatics, dance, and aerial stunts set to Jackson's classic hits.Cirque du Soleil: Michael Jackson ONE is a world-renowned live musical production that combines the imaginative artistry of Cirque du Soleil with the iconic music and choreography of the legendary musician, Michael Jackson. The show pays tribute to the King of Pop, bringing his music and spirit to life on stage.- Premiere Date: June 29, 2013
- Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
- Number of Performers: Over 60 artists
- Venue: Michael Jackson ONE Theatre at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas
- Set Design: Inspired by Michael Jackson's music videos and iconic imagery
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1010votes
Zirkus Roncalli
Bernhard PaulZirkus Roncalli is a German circus that features a mix of traditional circus acts and more modern performances. They are known for their elegant, nostalgic style and their use of live music.Zirkus Roncalli is a world-renowned circus known for its captivating performances, stunning visuals, and magical atmosphere. It combines traditional circus acts with modern technology to create a unique and unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.- Year Established: 1976
- Headquarters: Cologne, Germany
- Circus Type: Traditional and Contemporary
- Tent Size: Can accommodate up to 3,000 spectators
- Number of Artists: Over 100
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular circus
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ReputationA circus's reputation and history in the industry can determine its popularity.
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International recognitionA popular circus should have international recognition, with performances seen and appreciated by people from different countries and cultures.
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Quality of performancesThis includes the skill and talent of the performers, as well as the production value, stage design, and overall presentation.
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Diversity of actsA popular circus should offer a wide range of circus acts, including aerial, acrobatics, contortion, juggling, clowning, and animal acts (if ethical and well-cared for).
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Audience appealThe circus should be able to draw crowds of all ages, keeping both children and adults entertained.
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Reviews and ratingsLook for positive reviews and high ratings from audiences and critics, which can help gauge the overall popularity and satisfaction with the circus.
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Awards and achievementsA popular circus may have received accolades, awards, and other forms of recognition.
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Attendance ratesHigh attendance rates are often a good indicator of a circus's popularity.
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Ticket salesA popular circus will likely generate significant ticket sales and revenue, reflecting its popularity among audiences.
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Social media presenceA strong and active online presence, including engagement and following on social media platforms, can be an indicator of a circus's popularity.
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Brand strengthA circus with a well-known and recognizable brand is more likely to gain popularity.
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Touring and show frequencyA popular circus should have a strong touring schedule and perform frequently in various cities and countries.
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Media coverageA popular circus typically receives more media attention, such as mentions in newspapers, television, and online platforms.
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Cultural impact and influenceA popular circus may have a significant cultural impact and influence, inspiring other performers and circuses.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular circus. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or circus is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 5936 views
- 180 votes
- 10 ranked items
Movers & Shakers
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each circus once every 24 hours. The rank of each circus is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular circus
The circus has been a beloved form of entertainment for centuries, with its roots dating back to ancient Rome. Today, there are a multitude of circuses around the world, each with its own unique style and performers. From traditional circuses with acrobats and clowns to modern circuses with high-tech special effects and daring stunts, there is something for everyone. But which circus is the most popular? At StrawPoll, we've collected data from thousands of users to determine the top-ranked circuses based on audience favorites. So whether you prefer the classic charm of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus or the death-defying acts of Cirque du Soleil, we've got the inside scoop on the world's most beloved circuses.
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