The most-viewed page on Wikipedia of all time is not a historical event, a political figure, or a cultural icon, but rather the “List of deaths by year.” With 647,025,321 views as of February 15, 2026, the page dwarfs all other entries on the online encyclopedia, boasting nearly twice the traffic of the second-most-popular page, the United States.
The revelation comes as Wikipedia celebrates its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century since its founding on January 15, 2001. The Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit organization that operates Wikipedia, launched a campaign to commemorate the milestone, highlighting the platform’s evolution and the contributions of its nearly 250,000 volunteer editors.
While the enduring popularity of the “List of deaths by year” may seem morbid, it reflects a consistent pattern of user interest in mortality and historical records. The page functions as a central hub, linking to more detailed lists of deaths categorized by month and day.
The broader list of Wikipedia’s 25 most-viewed pages reveals a diverse range of interests. The United States page ranks second with 328,501,200 views, followed by Donald Trump (3rd), Queen Elizabeth II (4th), Cristiano Ronaldo (6th), and Barack Obama (7th). World War II (9th) and World War I (17th) demonstrate continued interest in major historical conflicts.
Pop culture also features prominently, with entries for Lionel Messi (11th), Michael Jackson (12th), “Game of Thrones” (13th), Eminem (15th), Taylor Swift (16th), The Beatles (18th), Lady Gaga (22nd), and Freddie Mercury (24th) all appearing in the top 25.
The Wikimedia Foundation released a docuseries showcasing the work of Wikipedia’s volunteer editors, highlighting their dedication to providing free and reliable knowledge. The platform, founded in an era that also saw Dennis Tito become the first space tourist and the release of the first “Harry Potter” and “Lord of the Rings” films, has become a cornerstone of the internet, attracting billions of monthly visits.
As Wikipedia enters its next quarter-century, the enduring fascination with the “List of deaths by year” serves as a stark reminder of humanity’s ongoing contemplation of life, loss, and the passage of time.
