The World’s Top 10 Most Popular Superheroes (2023)

Who doesn't know these 10 superheroes?

There are a few elements to consider when determining the most popular superheroes in the world: how recognisable they are, how relatable they are, their bankability and finally their abilities. Even with these points in mind, the sheer size of the superhero world offers such a multitude of characters that everyone has their own favourites.

With this in mind, let’s look at the world’s top ten most popular superheroes.

10. Hulk

Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Bruce Banner’s uncontrollable alter ego first appeared in The Incredible Hulk in May 1962. Since then he has enjoyed countless portrayals on the big and small screen as well as an expanded back story that acknowledges him as a founding member of the Avengers. With the success of the recent cinematic success of the Avengers, the Hulk has found worldwide popularity and become an instantly recognisable character. The green skinned hero is often the inspiration for a lot of merchandise across the Marvel brand making him a very bankable asset.

9. Green Lantern

First created by Martin Nodell, he appeared in All-American Comics #16 in July 1940. The first Green Lantern was Scott Allen who crafted the magic ring himself. The second and more well-known Green Lantern was Hal Jordan. His superhero persona came to light after the power ring and lantern were bequeathed to him by Abin Sur, an alien who was fatally wounded after crashing to earth. As a newly sworn member of the Green Lantern Corps and founding member of the Justice League, Hal Jordan became a popular and recognisable superhero in the DC universe. The Green Lantern oath has become a memorable refrain making him popular with younger children. With his distinct colour and accessories, the Green Lantern is equally bankable in the creation of merchandise, further cementing the popularity of the character.

8. Flash

Created by Gardener Fox and Harry Lampert and first appearing in Flash Comics #1 in November 1939, The Flash has enjoyed multiple incarnations over the years. Possessing super speed, The Flash is able to move, think and run at inhuman speeds that break the laws of physics. An ever-popular character, The Flash is an imitable superhero for fans young and old pretending they too have super speed. As a member of the Justice League, he enjoys a constant presence in the DC universe. The ongoing 2014 TV series also continues to add to his growing popularity with audiences worldwide.

7. Captain America

Created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby and first appearing Captain America Comics #1 in March 1941, Captain America became American freedom and the determination to fight for it, personified. Created as a response to the growing power of the Nazi party, Captain America fought recognisable evils of the time. He is the alter ego of Steve Rogers, as feeble man, who was enhanced to superhuman levels after taking an experimental serum. The leader of the Avengers, Captain America remains a symbol of patriotism in the comic book world. With his instantly recognisable costume and unforgettable name, Captain America remains a popular character worldwide, enjoying substantial revival and exposure in the Avengers series.

6. Iron Man

Created by Stan Lee and designed by Don Heck and Jack Kirby, Iron Man first appeared in Tales of Suspense #39 in March 1963. Ingenious scientist, charismatic businessman, and party hard playboy, Tony Stark created the Iron Man suit to save his life and defeat his captors. Using innovative technology and weaponizing the suit, Tony Stark steps into the role of founding member of The Avengers. Iron Man has since gone on to be superbly portrayed on the big screen by Robert Downey Jr and remains a staple of the MCU. With technology being such a significant part of the Iron Man character, he is often recreated in highly collectible figurines with a huge range of model variety. As a bankable asset, Iron Man stays firmly at the top of the Marvel collector’s spectrum.

5. Wolverine

Co-created by Roy Thomas, Len Wein and Jon Romita Sr, Wolverine first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #180 in November 1974. The moody and mysterious antihero of the X-Men, Wolverine remains a firm Marvel favourite with fans both young and old. Despite not being the strongest, the fastest, or the smartest, Wolverine enjoys worldwide popularity, as he appeals to the rebel in all of us. Portrayed on the silver screen by Hugh Jackman, Wolverine enjoys continued success in the X-Men franchise. We can all be accused of putting pencils between our fingers and adopting our Wolverine pose, which is instantly recognisable. His bankability both as comic book figure, collectible figurine and as children’s merchandise keeps the broody mutant a firm favourite.

4. Spiderman

Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko and first appearing in Amazing Fantasy #15 in August 1962, Spiderman is the young and relatable number one hero of the Marvel Universe. After being bitten by a radioactive spider, Peter Parker realises that he has developed super-human, spider-like abilities. Utilising his powers, he protects the people of New York from danger both big and small. This teenage hero became relatable to young readers as he struggled to deal with his personal insecurities and issues as well as his mutant ones. Although his silver screen presence as seen multiple reboots and actors stepping into the web-slingers boots, and not always to garnered success, Spiderman remains popular with fan old and young.

3. Wonder Woman

Fierce, intelligent and beautiful, Wonder Woman remains the first and true heroine of all time. Created by Charles Moulton and Harry G. Peter and first appearing All Star Comics #8 in October 1941, Wonder Woman was designed to be an inspirational character for all girls everywhere. Enjoying recent success as the breakout character in Batman vs Superman, and continued portrayal in the Justice League, Wonder Woman continues to grow as an iconic feminine figure in a mostly masculine dominated industry. Her worldwide popularity remains undeniable, simply ask anyone ‘Name a female superhero,’ and chances are they’ll answer: ‘Wonder Woman’.

2. Batman

Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 in 1939. The dark and brooding alter ego of Bruce Wayne, millionaire businessman and playboy, Batman remains a popular and marketable superhero today. Possessing no superpowers other than the martial arts and physical prowess he has honed himself, Bruce Wayne relies on his intelligence and scientific and technological innovation to give Batman his powers. With Batman a constant tv and big screen presence, the Caped Crusader has had many portrayals of varying degrees of quality. The popularity of Batman truly endures in the animated series of the character as well as newer portrayals the Lego series. One thing is for certain, the Dark Knight continues to go from strength to strength as a popular superhero.

1. Superman

Undoubtedly the most recognisable superhero in the world, Superman sets the benchmark and precedent for all superheroes that have followed. Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1933, Superman debuted in Action Comics #1 in June 1938. Since then, the symbolism of Superman and the ideals that he represents have become known worldwide, his name synonymous with Good. Since his incarnation, Superman has held a strong and consistent presence in comics and on both the big and small screens. His distinct ‘S’ an instantly recognisable symbol remains popular all over the globe with men and women both young and old.