Connect with us
728x90 banner available here

Latest News

Revealed: The public’s all-time favourite on-screen characters of film, TV and gaming

Published

on

Reading Time: 3 minutes

 

gaming

  • If search volume equated to Instagram followers, the Joker could charge $102k (£74.5k) for a sponsored post 
  • Rachel Green has the most Instagram posts hashtagged with her name of all sitcom characters (1 million) 
  • Pennywise, Chucky and Jigsaw are the most searched-for horror characters 
  • Games featuring Pikachu rake in highest revenue ($90 billion/£65.9 billion) of all the top gaming characters 

There are hundreds of iconic characters from film, TV and gaming who will forever be household names. But which characters are the public’s all-time favourites? New research by Currys looked at online search volumes and social media posts that talked about some of the most famous personalities from various media genres. Below you can find out who topped each list as the most legendary icons of their genre.

The most iconic gaming characters

  • If search volume equated to Instagram followers, Sonic could charge $67k (£48.9k) for a sponsored post 
  • Pikachu has the most Instagram posts hashtagged with his name of all gaming characters (7.4 million) 
  • Mario has appeared in the most games of all characters (259) 
  • Total revenue for the Pokemon game series ($90 billion/£65.9 billion) is higher than any other game, with second-placed Mario Bros lagging far behind ($30.3 billion/£22.2 billion) 

The world of gaming has transformed over the decades, but is it the high-definition characters of today that are the fan favourites, or the iconic cartoons of decades gone by? The answer appears to be the latter. The ever-so-speedy Sonic the Hedgehog raced to the top of the search volume ranks, followed by Pikachu and Pac-Man. It’s a similar story on Instagram, with Pikachu, Mario and Sonic receiving the most posts.

Rank Character Global Monthly Search volume No. of Insta posts with name hashtagged
1 Sonic 6,700,000 3,273,487
2 Pikachu 3,700,000 7,430,874
3 Pac-man 3,000,000 1,642,920
4 Mario 2,100,000 5,559,810
5 Big Boss 712,500 2,800,000
6 Luigi 641,200 1,300,000
7 Lara Croft 607,700 735,000
8 Kratos 571,900 654,000
9 Yoshi 556,700 1,800,000
10 Diablo 490,900 1,100,000

The most terrifying horror characters

  • If search volume equated to Instagram followers, Pennywise could charge $15k (£10.9k) for a sponsored post 
  • Pennywise has the most Instagram posts hashtagged with his name of all horror characters (2 million) 
  • Hannibal Lecter has the highest average IMDb rating (rated 7.2) 

Although many of us would probably rather forget some of the most memorable horror characters, the fact that we can’t makes them all the more iconic. Taking first place for search volume and number of Instagram posts is killer clown Pennywise, who has really had a lasting impact on audiences. He’s followed by evil doll Chucky and Saw’s murderous mastermind Jigsaw in terms of search volume, and Dracula and Halloween’s Michael Myers in number of Instagram posts.

Rank Character Global monthly search volume No. of Insta posts with name hashtagged
1 Pennywise AKA IT 1,500,000 2,000,000
2 Chucky 1,400,000 1,100,000
3 Jigsaw 967,000 844,000
4 Freddy Krueger 943,000 991,000
5 Michael Myers 798,000 1,200,000
6 Frankenstein’s Monster 673,900 124,000
7 Hannibal Lecter 635,000 332,000
8 Dracula 632,000 1,500,000
9 Slenderman 579,500 517,000
10 Eli 324,100 1,000,000

The Best-loved sitcom characters

  • If search volume equated to Instagram followers, Mr Bean could charge $11k (£8k) for a sponsored post 
  • Rachel Green has the most Instagram posts hashtagged with her name of all sitcom characters (1 million) 
  • Rachel, Monica, Ross and Phoebe from Friends have the joint highest average IMDb rating (rated 8.9)

There have been plenty of memorable sitcoms over the decades, each attracting die-hard fan bases. So, it’s interesting to see that the data reveals a landslide victory for Friends, with the cast beaten only by Mr Bean in search volume. Not only does this suggest that Friends could be the most iconic sitcom of all time, but it also answers the question many Friends fans have been dying to know – who is the most popular ‘Friend’? It turns out the on-screen couple, Ross and Rachel both take the crowns.

Rank Character Global monthly search volume No. of Insta posts with name hashtagged
1 Mr Bean 1,100,000 568,000
2 Ross Geller 589,300 932,000
3 Rachel Green 509,400 1,000,000
4 Monica Geller 491,700 969,000
5 Joey Tribbiani 470,000 957,000
6 Will Smith 364,000 247,000
7 Phoebe Buffay 338,000 812,000
8 Bart Simpson 303,000 590,000
9 Jerry Seinfeld 273,000 125,000
10 Homer Simpson 266,000 688,000

The most legendary superheroes and villains

  • The Joker, Spider-Man and Black Panther are the most searched-for superheroes and villains in the world 
  • Batman has the most Instagram posts hashtagged with his name of all superheroes and villains (28.2 million) 
  • Black Panther has the highest average IMDb rating for all films he has featured in (rated 8.1) 

Who steals the title as the greatest superhero is a popular topic of debate. As is the Marvel vs. DC Comics rivalry. To settle these disputes once and for all, the data reveals that Batman, and his nemesis the Joker, take the victory as the most-searched-for and posted about characters. But if we’re basing the win on a majority vote, Marvel and DC Comics are neck and neck, with five characters each ranking in the top 10 – leaving the competition very much open between the two market leaders.

Rank Character Global monthly search volume No. of Insta posts with name hashtagged
1 Joker 10,200,000 13,700,000
2 Spider-Man 7,200,000 20,500,000
3 Black Panther 4,400,000 6,000,000
4 Wonder Woman 3,800,000 9,300,000
5 Iron Man 3,400,000 16,600,000
6 Batman 3,200,000 28,200,000
7 Harley Quinn 3,200,000 6,600,000
8 Thor 2,800,000 10,900,000
9 Deadpool 2,700,000 6,100,000
10 Aquaman 2,600,000 2,500,000

Methodology

The top characters were identified using Google searches for the “top sitcom characters”, etc. From this, a list of approximately 100 characters was curated for each category, which was narrowed down to 15 based on the highest search volumes (found using SEMRush). Instagram hashtag counts are based on the number of posts hashtagged with the characters’ names, e.g. #Sonic, etc. Potential Instagram earnings were calculated by using the search volume for each character as a hypothetical ‘follower count’. With these figures, we calculated an earning per post based on an unspoken industry standard rate of $100 per 10,000 followers. IMDb ratings were calculated by averaging the IMDb rating of all TV shows or films the character has featured in. For gaming, we identified the total number of games the characters have featured in.

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Latest News

BMM TESTLABS’ MARZIA TURRINI, PRESIDENT OF IGAMING AND CYBERSECURITY, WINS ‘LEADER OF THE YEAR (LATAM)’ AT SBC AWARDS AMERICAS

Published

on

Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

BMM Testlabs (“BMM” or “the Company”), the world’s original gaming test lab renowned for exceptional product compliance and certification services, today announced that Marzia Turrini, President of iGaming and Cybersecurity, has been named Leader of the Year (LATAM) at the SBC Awards Americas.

The award ceremony, held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, during the SBC Summit Americas last week, celebrated the outstanding companies representing the gaming and betting industry in North America and Latin America.

Turrini was selected for this award by a 94-person judging panel representing the industry’s best. This award comes just a few months after BMM was awarded the prestigious Vixio Global Regulatory Award for ‘Testing Service or Solution Provider of the Year’.

With over two decades of gaming industry experience, Turrini was recognized for her instrumental role in driving BMM Testlabs’ growth across Latin America. Since joining BMM in 2013, she has strategically expanded BMM’s presence, successfully navigating complex regulatory landscapes and building strong partnerships with suppliers, operators, and regulators. Her leadership has been pivotal in establishing BMM as the trusted partner for compliance, cybersecurity, and responsible gaming education in emerging markets such as Brazil and Peru.

Under Turrini’s guidance, BMM recently opened a new test laboratory in Brazil, enhancing the Company’s capacity to deliver world-class product compliance testing and certification. Turrini’s commitment to fostering education and supporting industry standards has also led to the expansion of BMM’s iGaming Center of Excellence in Barcelona, Spain, growing it to 120 professionals focused on compliance, security services, and quality assurance for the LATAM and European markets.

Turrini said, “This award is a testament to the incredible work of our teams across Latin America, with great support from our Spanish colleagues, who are committed to raising industry standards and supporting regulators, suppliers, and operators with integrity and innovation. I am deeply honored to be recognized among such inspiring leaders and grateful to represent BMM Testlabs in our mission to transform gaming industry performance and protect all who gamble.”

BMM Testlabs CEO Martin Storm added, “Marzia’s leadership and vision have been transformative not only for BMM but for the entire global gaming market. Her dedication to compliance, cybersecurity, and responsible gaming has set new benchmarks for excellence. We are incredibly proud of her well-deserved recognition.”

The SBC Awards Americas honored the outstanding companies representing the gaming and betting industry in North America and Latin America. In addition to Turrini being recognized as Leader of the Year, BMM Testlabs was shortlisted for Compliance Solution of the Year, and RG24seven Virtual Training was shortlisted for Socially Responsible Initiative of the Year.

 

The post BMM TESTLABS’ MARZIA TURRINI, PRESIDENT OF IGAMING AND CYBERSECURITY, WINS ‘LEADER OF THE YEAR (LATAM)’ AT SBC AWARDS AMERICAS appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Latest News

Clarion’s Stuart Hunter completes the ‘Spartan Beast’ raising vital funds for gambling industry charity

Published

on

Reading Time: < 1 minute

 

Clarion Gaming Managing Director Stuart Hunter has completed one of the most challenging endurance races open to amateur athletes tackling the 21km (13.1 mile) 30 obstacle Spartan Beast trail course and in the process raising crucial funds for the gambling industry charity CHIPS.

Stuart, who completed the ‘Beast’ in a highly respectable time of 3hrs 51 minutes, raised over £4,000 for the children’s charity which provides powered wheelchairs for youngsters with profound mobility issues.

Reflecting on the challenge which involved a variety of punishing obstacles including a 100m barbed wire crawl and the Tyrolean Traverse which involves hanging upside down for an extended period he said: “The ‘appeal’ of taking on an event such as the Spartan Beast is that it takes you to your physical and mental limits.

“As well as being physically fit and injury free you also need a positive mental space and mindset to push through 13 miles stopping at over 30 strength tests along the way.

“Running for a really brilliant charity such as CHIPS which was formed by members of the gambling industry helped me turn the challenge of completing the Spartan into a force for good and reinforced the positivity that’s so important when you step so far out of your comfort zone.

“I would like to say a massive thank-you to everyone in the international industry who has contributed so generously to my fundraising. Each powered wheelchair funded by CHIPS costs in the region of £6,000 – I have some way to go to get that sum over the line and as a result transform the life of a youngster.”

 

The post Clarion’s Stuart Hunter completes the ‘Spartan Beast’ raising vital funds for gambling industry charity appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Latest News

ACR POKER’S BIGGEST SERIES EVER, THE ONLINE SUPER SERIES XL, HEATS UP THIS WEEK WITH SURVIVOR FLIPS TOURNEY AND THREE MONSTER MAIN EVENTS

Published

on

Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

Phase 1 of the $400,000 guaranteed Survivor Flips tourney starts this Thursday, leading into three Main Events guaranteeing $5 million total

ACR Poker’s largest online tournament series ever is a week in, and the action really explodes this week with Survivor Flips and the highly-anticipated monster Main Events. The popular online poker site’s flagship Online Super Series (OSS) XL boasts over $50 million in guarantees and runs until June 3rd.

The fast-paced Survivor Flips tourney features a $400,000 guaranteed prize pool, and players can earn their seat by advancing through Phase 1 starting this Thursday. Players can enter Step Satellites starting at $2.25, or jump straight into Phase 1 for a $130 buy-in. Phase 1 and Step Satellites run daily through Sunday, June 1st at 3pm ET, leading into Phase 2 that day at 3:05pm ET, where all participants start in the money and play in a regular tournament.

Hot on the heels of the Survivor Flips action kicking off, three monster Main Events are set to take center stage with Day 1’s this Sunday, May 25th and Sunday, June 1st. Day 2 is then on Monday, June 2nd. There is $2 million guaranteed in both the $2,650 buy-in and $1,050 buy-in Main Events, and $1 million guaranteed in the $215 buy-in Main Event.

“This is the biggest series in our history, offering insane value and something for everyone,” said ACR Pro Chris Moneymaker. “The Main Events are massive, and the Survivor Flips tourney is especially fun — fast action, quick results, big rewards, and you start Phase 2 already in the money. Don’t miss this massive week of the OSS XL.”

In addition to these headliners, players can jump into a $2 million Multi-Flight tourney, three massive Mystery Bounty Multi-Flight events and chase a piece of the $65,000 Leaderboard Contest. Plus, there’s $50,000 in step satellites and freerolls to help players of all bankrolls climb the OSS XL ladder for cheap or even free. OSS XL events can be easily tracked via ACR Poker’s online tournament schedule.

During the series, various ACR Pros, Stormers and Team Online members such as Conor O’Driscoll and Mark Rubbathan are jumping in to connect with the community and enhance players’ experience. From ‘Survivor Hour’ streams on Twitch where viewers can win Survivor Flip seats, to sharing daily ‘Day In The Life’ videos on Instagram that offer fans an inside look at their OSS XL grind, they are bringing players closer to the action.

For the full OSS XL schedule and event details, visit ACRPoker.eu.

The post ACR POKER’S BIGGEST SERIES EVER, THE ONLINE SUPER SERIES XL, HEATS UP THIS WEEK WITH SURVIVOR FLIPS TOURNEY AND THREE MONSTER MAIN EVENTS appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement
300x250 banner available here

Facebook

Trending

EEGaming.org is part of HIPTHER, parent brand of various prominent news outlets and international conferences. These platforms and events span a wide range of industries, including Entertainment, Technology, Gaming and Gambling, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Fintech, Quantum Technology, Legal Cannabis, Health and Lifestyle, VR/AR, eSports, and several others. This indicates that EEGaming.org is part of a larger network that focuses on a diverse array of sectors, particularly those related to cutting-edge technology and modern lifestyle trends.

Contact us: [email protected]

Editorial / PR Submissions: [email protected]

Copyright © 2015 - 2025 HIPTHER. All Rights Reserved. Registered in Romania under Proshirt SRL, Company number: 2134306, EU VAT ID: RO21343605. Office address: Blvd. 1 Decembrie 1918 nr.5, Targu Mures, Romania

We are constantly showing banners about important news regarding events and product launches. Please turn AdBlock off in order to see these areas.