The Most Popular Poster of All Time, Ranked

Choose the poster you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 5, 2024 06:46
Welcome to StrawPoll, where opinions truly matter! We're excited to present our latest ranking – "What is the most popular poster of all time?" From vintage classics to modern masterpieces, our list features a diverse array of iconic posters that have captivated generations. But now, it's your turn to have a say! Cast your vote to determine the ultimate poster champ or, if you think we missed a major contender, feel free to suggest your favorite. So, unleash your inner art aficionado and join the thousands of others who have already weighed in on this visual feast! Who will claim the top spot? The power lies in your hands. Vote now and be a part of history in the making!

What Is the Most Popular Poster of All Time?

  1. 1
    45
    votes
    Keep Calm and Carry On
    UK Government · Public domain
    This poster was originally created by the British government in 1939 as a motivational message to boost morale during World War II. It has since become a cultural icon and has been reproduced and parodied on countless occasions.
    Keep Calm and Carry On is a motivational poster that originated in the United Kingdom during World War II. It features a bold white sans-serif font on a solid color background, with the iconic text 'Keep Calm and Carry On' centered on the poster. The design is simple but impactful, conveying a message of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
    • Year of creation: 1939
    • Country of origin: United Kingdom
    • Design style: Minimalist
    • Color scheme: Solid color background with white text
    • Typeface: Sans-serif
  2. 2
    37
    votes
    "The Kiss" by Gustav Klimt
    Gustav Klimt · Public domain
    This iconic painting depicts a couple embracing in a passionate kiss, and has become one of the most recognizable images in art history. It has been reproduced as a poster and used in various forms of media.
    The Kiss is a famous painting created by Gustav Klimt in 1907-1908. It depicts a couple embracing in a passionate kiss, with the man leaning towards the woman, enclosed in an ornate golden patterned background. The painting is renowned for its intimate and sensuous portrayal of love.
    • Title: The Kiss
    • Year: 1907-1908
    • Type: Oil painting
    • Style: Symbolism and Art Nouveau
    • Dimensions: 180 cm × 180 cm (70.9 in × 70.9 in)
  3. 3
    20
    votes
    Rosie the Riveter
    J. Howard Miller · Public domain

    Rosie the Riveter

    iRobot Corporation
    This poster was created during World War II to encourage women to join the workforce and support the war effort. It features the image of a strong, determined woman with the slogan "We Can Do It!"
    Rosie the Riveter is a special edition Roomba model. It pays homage to the iconic cultural icon of the same name, which represents the women who worked in factories during World War II. This Roomba variant incorporates a unique design and comes with specialized features and accessories.
    • Model: Roomba 9RT5
    • Cleaning System: 3-Stage Cleaning System
    • Navigation: iAdapt Navigation Technology
    • Connectivity: Wi-Fi enabled
    • Smart Home Integration: Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatible
  4. 4
    18
    votes
    Che Guevara
    Alberto Korda · Public domain

    Che Guevara

    Alberto Korda
    This iconic poster features the image of revolutionary leader Che Guevara, and has become a symbol of rebellion and counterculture. It has been reproduced countless times and used in various forms of media.
    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
  5. 5
    23
    votes
    "The Scream" by Edvard Munch
    Edvard Munch · Public domain
    This famous painting depicts a person screaming in anguish, and has become a symbol of modern anxiety and existential dread. It has been reproduced as a poster and used in various forms of media.
    The Scream is a famous artwork created by Edvard Munch, a Norwegian painter. It is an iconic expressionist painting that depicts a figure standing on a bridge, screaming in an agitated manner. The artwork is known for its intense use of color and bold brushstrokes, which contribute to its intense and emotionally charged atmosphere.
    • Year: 1893
    • Medium: Oil, tempera, and pastel on cardboard
    • Size: 91 cm × 73.5 cm (36 in × 28.9 in)
    • Location: National Gallery, Oslo, Norway
    • Genre: Expressionism
  6. 6
    9
    votes
    These posters became popular in the 1960s and 1970s, and feature psychedelic and surreal designs that glow under black light. They were often used as decoration in hippie and counterculture communities.
  7. 7
    9
    votes
    The Beatles
    Bo Trenter · Public domain
    Posters featuring the iconic British band have become a staple of pop culture, with images of the group appearing on everything from album covers to t-shirts.
    The Beatles were a highly influential British rock band that emerged in the early 1960s. They are regarded as one of the most popular and successful bands in the history of music.
    • Years Active: 1960-1970
    • Genre: Rock, Pop, Psychedelic, Folk
    • Albums Released: 13 Studio Albums
    • Record Sales: Over 600 million worldwide
    • Number One Hits: 20 in the United States
    The Beatles in other rankings
  8. 8
    1
    votes

    Star Wars

    George Lucas
    Posters featuring characters and scenes from the Star Wars franchise have become collector's items and popular decorations for fans of the series.
    Star Wars is an iconic and highly recognized sci-fi film franchise created by George Lucas. The franchise features a collection of distinctive ringtones that have become popular over the years. These ringtones capture the essence of the Star Wars universe and are loved by fans worldwide.
    • Title: Star Wars
    • Genre: Sci-fi
    • Release Year: 1977
    • Film Series: Star Wars saga
    • Theme Music Composer: John Williams
    Star Wars in other rankings
  9. 9
    12
    votes
    This poster features an iconic portrait of actress Marilyn Monroe created by pop artist Andy Warhol, and has become a symbol of Warhol's art and the celebrity culture of the 1960s.
    Andy Warhol's Marilyn Monroe is a screen-printed poster featuring multiple colorful portraits of the iconic actress Marilyn Monroe. The poster was created by the renowned American artist Andy Warhol in 1967. Warhol is known for his unique style, which explores themes of celebrity culture, consumerism, and mass production. Marilyn Monroe was a widely recognized symbol of beauty and glamour during her time, and Warhol's poster became one of his most famous works, capturing her allure and bringing her image into popular culture.
    • Year: 1967
    • Medium: Screen-printing
    • Size: 36 x 36 inches
    • Color: Colorful
    • Number of Portraits: Multiple
  10. 10
    11
    votes
    This slogan and logo has become synonymous with the Nike brand, and has been used in various forms of advertising and branding. It has also been parodied and referenced in popular culture.
    Nike's Just Do It is a motivational slogan and brand campaign created by the American sportswear company Nike. It has become one of the most iconic and popular posters of all time. The poster features the simple phrase 'Just Do It' in bold letters, usually accompanied by the Nike logo. This powerful message encourages individuals to overcome obstacles and pursue their goals without hesitation.
    • Slogan: Just Do It
    • Brand: Nike
    • Creator: Dan Wieden
    • Advertising Agency: Wieden+Kennedy
    • Message: Motivational

Missing your favorite poster?

Graphs
Discussion

Ranking factors for popular poster

  1. Sales numbers
    The total number of copies sold of a particular poster is a primary indicator of its popularity. The higher the sales, the more popular the poster.
  2. Cultural impact
    Assess the impact of the poster on popular culture and society. Did it inspire imitations, parodies, or tributes? Was it widely recognized and discussed in the media?
  3. Longevity
    Popular posters often withstand the test of time, remaining popular and relevant many years after they were first released. Consider how long the poster has been popular and whether it has maintained its appeal over time.
  4. Design and visual appeal
    Aesthetics play a significant role in the popularity of a poster. Evaluate the poster's design elements, such as color, composition, and the effectiveness of any text or images used.
  5. Subject matter
    The topic or subject matter of the poster might have contributed to its popularity. Consider whether the poster features celebrities, iconic characters, or significant historical events.
  6. Emotional connection
    A popular poster may be successful because it elicits a strong emotional response from viewers, whether it's nostalgia, admiration, or a desire to belong.
  7. Accessibility
    The ease with which the poster can be found and purchased may also be a factor in its popularity. Limited edition or rare posters may be highly sought after, but mass-produced posters with widespread availability have the potential to reach a larger audience.
  8. Adaptability
    Posters that are easily adapted to various formats and media (such as merchandise, digital reproductions, or reinterpretations) may enjoy more widespread popularity.
  9. Influence on the industry
    Consider if the poster has had a significant impact on poster design trends, advertising, or the art world in general. This might indicate its relevance and popularity.
  10. Awards and recognition
    Lastly, consider the accolades the poster may have received, such as industry awards or inclusion in significant collections or exhibitions. These can serve as a testament to the poster's popularity and importance.

About this ranking

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

Statistics

  • 3241 views
  • 186 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

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

More information on most popular poster of all time

Posters have been a popular form of art and communication for centuries. From political propaganda to advertising, posters have been used to convey messages and ideas in a visually striking way. The history of posters can be traced back to the 19th century, when lithography made mass production possible. Since then, countless iconic posters have been created, from the famous "Keep Calm and Carry On" poster to the psychedelic posters of the 1960s. But which poster is the most popular of all time? StrawPoll's vast collection of rankings and polls can help us find out.

Share this article