What is the most popular fanfiction
2024-07-25
Fanfiction, at its core, is an expansive, creative tribute by fans for their favorite fandoms. These fandoms could range from movies, books, games, TV shows, and even celebrities. As a cultural phenomenon, it dates back centuries but has risen to unprecedented popularity within the digital age. Fanfiction authors re-imagine beloved stories to include unclosed plotlines, novel character relationships, or whole new worlds. With the rise of fanfiction.net and later, AO3 (Archive of Our Own), writers have found platforms to share their stories with fellow enthusiasts worldwide. But which fanfictions are the most popular?
1. Harry Potter Fanfiction
The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling is a treasure trove for fanfiction, claiming the second largest number of fics on fanfiction.net and the highest on AO3. Enthusiastic writers engage in "world-building", drawing upon the robust lore of Harry Potter. They often explore characters and storylines that were unexplored or neglected in the original books. 'Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality', an infamous fanfic, epitomizes this trend.
Popular plots include "what-if" scenarios, reimagining the characters in different roles or houses, delving into the Marauders' era, or creating new magic systems. Fanfiction has also paved the way for new relationships in the series, including the prominent 'Dramione' (Draco and Hermione).
2. Star Trek Fanfiction
Star Trek, despite its older age than modern fandoms such as Harry Potter, maintains a prominent place in fanfiction. It commenced the popular practice of 'shipping' characters, or creating romantic relationships. Probably the most recognized example of this is the 'Kirk/Spock' ship, which has been around even before the internet era.
The infamous zine, 'Spockanalia', back in the '60s, is where Star Trek fanfiction got its start, long predating modern platforms. Despite the numerous Star Trek series, the original series ('TOS') remains the most popular within the fanfiction realm.
3. Supernatural Fanfiction
The Supernatural fandom boasts an array of fanfictions, nurtured by the series' wide cast and intricate mythological background. One of the most popular fanfictions, 'Twist and Shout', stems from this fandom. Pairings like 'Destiel' (Dean and Castiel), ongoing mysteries, and expanded storylines provide fertile material for fanfics.
The show's creators have even acknowledged the power of its fanfiction base �witness the episode "Fan Fiction" that humorously pays tribute to it. Fanfiction provides a space where fans can examine unexplored territory from the series, such as the characters' mental health struggles and alternative endings.
4. Marvel and DC Comics Fanfiction
Superheroes grace not only our movie and television screens but also the world of fanfiction, with Marvel leading D.C. in popularity. The Marvel Cinematic Universe's vast array of characters offers numerous possibilities for reinterpretation and development. Many fans particularly enjoy exploring movies from a different character's perspective, plotting an alternative storyline, or deploying romantic relationships that the films haven't addressed.
D.C., while less popular than Marvel in fanfiction, isn't far behind. The central figures of Batman and Superman, as well as Wonder Woman, exist as popular subjects for fanfics, often focusing on their humanity, ethical dilemmas, and relationships both canon and imagined.
5. Anime and Manga Fanfiction
Anime and manga are fertile ground for fanfiction authors. Series with abundant character development and complex plots such as Naruto, One Piece, Attack on Titan, and My Hero Academia inspire fanfics that delve deeper into character backgrounds, relationships, and alternative universes. There's a thriving interest in 'yaoi' (boy love) and 'yuri' (girl love) fanfics within these fandoms, and crossovers between different animes are abundant.
Common Questions on Popular Fanfictions
Q: What is the most popular fanfiction ever written? A: Probably "My Immortal", a Harry Potter fanfiction notorious for its poor writing and absurd storyline.
Q: What is the most popular fandom on fanfiction websites? A: According to statistics, Harry Potter is the most published fandom on AO3 and the second most on fanfiction.net.
Q: Why is fanfiction so popular? A: It provides a creative outlet for fans to delve into their favorite characters' stories and explore their own ideas and interpretations.
Conclusion
While this article has discussed some of the most popular fanfictions, they are simply the tip of the iceberg. Fanfiction allows fans to engage with their beloved stories on a wondrously personal level and to bring their ideas to life. No matter how niche or popular the fandom, this vibrant world of fan-created fiction truly has something for everyone.
References:
1. Fanlore: Statistics on the popularity of different types of fanfiction
2. FanFiction.Net: Harry Potter
3. Archive of Our Own: Harry Potter
4. Fan Fiction in Historical Perspective
