With images and information, here is a list of the top 20 most well-known dinosaurs. Learn about some of the most well-known dinosaurs and how they lived.
Famous Dinosaurs
Sauropods like Apatosaurus, Brachiosaurus, and Diplodocus; Ornithischians like triceratops, stegosaurus, and ankylosaurus; and theropods like Giganotosaurus, Allosaurus, and Tyrannosaurus are all examples of famous dinosaurs. Films, books, and TV programs have featured these popular dinosaurs.
You can learn more about these and other well-known dinosaurs on this page. On many of the dinosaurs on the list, you’ll also find links to additional information.
Top 20 List Of The Most Famous / Popular Dinosaurs
Read through for information on 20 of the world’s most well-known dinosaurs. Do you have any suggestions for popular dinosaurs that should be mentioned? What prehistoric animal do you like best? Tell us in the comments section below!
20. Therizinosaurus
- Type of dinosaur: Theropod
- Size: 26-36 ft. / 8 – 11 m
- Period: Late Cretaceous
The large claws and long arms of Therizinosaurus made it a renowned therapod. Each hand possessed three claws, the largest of which was over 20 inches/50 centimeters long. The dinosaur’s enormous claws are referred to by the name Therizinosaurus, which means “scythe lizard.”
Therizinosaurus’ claws are large, but they may not have been used exclusively as weapons. This huge dinosaur could have walked on all fours like a gorilla, dragging down grass to eat with its claws and occasionally standing on its hind legs.
The Walking with Dinosaurs special episode “The Giant Claw” featured Therizinosaurus as the subject of the show.
19. Troodon
- Type of dinosaur: Theropod
- Size: 6.5 ft. / 2 m
- Period: Late Cretaceous
The name Troodon comes from the dinosaur’s serrated teeth and means “wounding tooth.” The Troodon teeth were discovered for the first time.
With huge eyes and one of the greatest brains in comparison to its size, most paleontologists believe that Troodon was a hunter.
According to one theory, Troodon’s serrated teeth were utilized to cut through foliage rather than flesh, and the dinosaur was an omnivore.
18. Gallimimus
- Type of dinosaur: Theropod
- Size: 20 ft. / 6m
- Period: Late Cretaceous
Because of its appearance in the film Jurassic Park, Gallimimus is included on this list of famous dinosaurs. A Gallimimus herd surrounds paleontologist Alan Grant (played by Sam Neill) and the grandchildren of park owner John Hammond in the film. When the herd is attacked by a T, Grant and the children seek cover behind a fallen tree. The color red is used in the game.
Gallimimus was a swift-moving, herd animal with a huge, toothless beak. Its name means “chicken mimic.” Gallimimus is thought to have feathers, unlike the Tyrannosaurus rex in Jurassic Park. The dinosaur was a herbivore that ate tough vegetation, according to the structure of its beak.
17. Giganotosaurus
- Type of dinosaur: Theropod
- Size: 39 ft. / 12 m
- Period: Late Cretaceous
In the Late Cretaceous, Giganotosaurus lived in South America, eating meat. Some paleontologists believe this terrifying dinosaur may have been the world’s biggest land carnivore; others believe it may have reached 49 feet / 15 meters in length.
In front of the eyes, this well-known dinosaur features crestlike ridges on its skull.
16. Coelophysis
- Type of dinosaur: Theropod
- Size: 10 ft. / 3 m
- Period: Late Triassic – Early Jurassic
Coelophysis is a 10-foot-long, 3-meter-long dinosaur that lived in what is now the southwestern United States. It is famous for being one of the first known dinosaurs.
Coelophysis was a two-legged bipedal (fast-moving) hunter. It preyed on creatures substantially smaller than itself, given its tiny teeth and slender arms.
It seems that Coelophysis lived or hunted in groups, as evidenced by large numbers of specimens recovered together.
15. Allosaurus
- Type of dinosaur: Theropod
- Size: 39 ft. / 12 m
- Period: Late Jurassic
One of the most well-known dinosaurs from the Jurassic Period is Allosaurus. This enormous, muscularly constructed bipedal hunter lived in what is now the United States, where numerous fossils have been discovered. Tanzania, Portugal, and China have all discovered possible Allosaurus fossils.
Stegosaurus and maybe huge sauropods like Apatosaurus would have been on the menu of Allosaurus.
14. Compsognathus
- Type of dinosaur: Theropod
- Size: 4.33 ft. / 1.32 m
- Period: Late Jurassic
In the Late Jurassic, Compysognathus, a tiny bipedal meat-eating dinosaur, lived in what is now Europe.
In the mid-nineteenth century, a nearly complete Compsognathus fossil was discovered in Germany. Because this specimen contained the fossilized remains of a lizard in its stomach, experts believe it is predatory. A century later, in France, a somewhat bigger Compsognathus specimen was discovered.
Compsognathus was the smallest-known dinosaur for many years, and it was well-known. Several smaller dinosaurs, however, have since been discovered.
13. Apatosaurus
- Type of dinosaur: Sauropod
- Size: 82 ft. / 25m
- Period: Late Jurassic
In the Late Jurassic, Apatosaurus was a gigantic plant-eating dinosaur. With a long neck and tail, as well as four sturdy legs, it had a typical sauropod body plan.
In 1877, legendary paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh coined the term “Apatosaurus.” Marsh discovered a second, bigger sauropod named Brontosaurus later on.
Since then, there has been a lot of debate about whether or not Brontosaurus was an Apatosaurus. Both of these well-known dinosaurs have since been identified as a result of subsequent discoveries.
With thick legs and a deep chest, Apatosaurus was built more stockier than other sauropods. With its whip-like tail, it may have been able to create a loud cracking noise.
12. Brachiosaurus
- Type of dinosaur: Sauropod
- Size: 75 ft. / 23m
- Period: Late Jurassic
Brachiosaurus is a Late Jurassic sauropod that was first discovered in Colorado, USA. Its extra-long front legs, which gave its body a downward-sloping appearance, distinguish it from other sauropods.
The dinosaur’s lengthy front legs are referred to by the genus name Brachiosaurus, which means “arm lizard.”
Brachiosaurus was expected to have kept its neck upright and able to reach 50 feet above the ground, where there was foliage.
Since it features in two important sequences in Jurassic Park, Brachiosaurus finds a spot on this list of renowned dinosaurs. Dr. paleontologists have discovered it for the first time. Dr. and Alan Grant Sam Neill and Laura Dern play Ellie Sattler (played by them). A Brachiosaurus sneezes over one of the youngsters later in the film.
11. Parasaurolophus
- Type of dinosaur: Ornithischian
- Size: 31 ft. / 9 m
- Period: Late Cretaceous
The hadrosaurid, or “duck-billed,” dinosaurs Parasaurolophus and Diabloceratops are among the most well-known. It is a close relative of Saurolophus (another hadrosaurid that existed about 3 million years after Parasaurolophus), and its name means “near/almost crested lizard.”
Parasaurolophus was a browser that could walk on two or four legs and ate plants. The back of its head had a huge, backwards-curving crest. The crest, which may have been utilized to generate noises, was connected by tubes from the nose to the top.
10. Iguanodon
- Type of dinosaur: Ornithischian
- Size: 30 ft. / 9 m
- Period: Late Jurassic – Early Cretaceous
When categorizing dinosaurs (the other two example dinosaurs were Megalosaurus and Hylaeosaurus), paleontologist Sir Richard Owen used Iguanodon as one of three examples. This well-known ornithischian dinosaur was initially found in England, followed by additional finds in Europe.
Iguanodon had a narrow, beaked skull, as well as teeth that were suitable for crushing tough plants.
Iguanodon was probably quadrupedal, although it may have been able to rear up onto its hind legs and reach food.
9. Archaeopteryx
- Type of dinosaur: Theropod
- Size: 1 ft. / 30cm long
- Period: Late Jurassic
Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution was supported by the discovery of Archaeopteryx, a crow-sized, feathered dinosaur. Since Archaeopteryx has features of both reptiles and birds, it is assumed that the forebears of Archaeopteryx were dinosaurs and its descendants would be modern birds. “Transitional fossils” are fossils like this.
Archaeopteryx is thought to have been able to fly because of its feathered wings. It had teeth and a long tail, similar to modern birds (and reptiles).
Archaeopteryx is one of the most well-known dinosaurs because to its pivotal role in connecting dinosaurs and birds, as well as its exceptionally well-preserved bones.
8. Ankylosaurus
- Type of dinosaur: Ornithischian
- Size: 26 ft. / 8m
- Period: Late Cretaceous
One of the most well-known armored dinosaurs is Ankylosaurus. It was the biggest ankylosaurid and lived until the end of the Cretaceous Period, according to paleontologists.
Bony plates covered the body of Ankylosaurus. It had four horns that protruded backwards from its skull and a beak and teeth. Its tail was converted into a club that served as a defense against predators. Ankylosaurus coexisted with Tyrannosaurus, so this would have come in handy.
7. Brontosaurus
- Type of dinosaur: Sauropod
- Size: 72 ft. / 22 m
- Period: Late Jurassic
For many years, Brontosaurus was thought to be a poor genus since it is one of the most well-known sauropod dinosaurs. Because it was determined that the specimen was in fact an Apatosaurus after Brontosaurus was named, this is the case.
The rule states that when naming species, the initial term should be employed. Apatosaurs was given first. As a result, Brontosaurus should be renamed Apatosaurus.
According to research conducted in the twenty-first century, Brontosaurus is sufficiently distinct from Apatosaurus to be considered a genus. As a result, while not all paleontologists agree, Brontosaurus is once again regarded to be an “official” dinosaur.
6. Spinosaurus
- Type of dinosaur: Therapod
- Size: 56 ft. / 17 m.
- Period: Late Cretaceous
In 1912, Egypt produced the first Spinosaurus. Unfortunately, when the museum in which they were being held was bombed during the war, the specimen was lost.
Further Spinosaurus fossils have since been uncovered in North Africa.
One of the largest land predators ever to exist is Spinosaurus. It possessed extended spines on its back, similar to other spinosaurids. A sail made of skin is thought to have been supported by these.
The purpose of the Spinosaurus’s sail is still unknown to paleontologists. It may have served as a display to entice mates or aided in keeping the dinosaur at the proper temperature.
Another theory is that it aided Spinosaurus while swimming in the water. Spinosaurus was a fish eater, with its long, narrow jaws and razor-sharp teeth.
5. Diplodocus
- Type of dinosaur: Sauropod
- Size: 79 ft. / 24 m
- Period: Late Jurassic
Diplodocus was a massive, four-legged plant-eating creature with a long neck and whip-like tail. It was perhaps the most well-known sauropod dinosaur.
A row of triangular spines running down the back of Diplodocus may have existed.
Diplodocus grasped a branch in its mouth before moving its head up or down to strip foliage from the branch, according to the structure of the peg-like teeth.
Diplodocus was likely able to rear up on its hind legs, using its tail as support, because of the center of gravity near its hips. The dinosaurs could have climbed high into the trees to reach the foliage.
4. Velociraptor
- Type of dinosaur:
- Size: 6.5 ft / 2m
- Period: Late Cretaceous
Velociraptor was depicted as being taller than a man in several films, such as Jurassic Park. Velociraptor, in reality, was a turkey-sized animal that measured 1.6 feet / 50 cm tall and 6.5 feet / 2 meters long.
The velociraptors of Jurassic Park are also depicted without feathers, which is another inaccuracy. Both feathers and wings were found in velociraptor. If it is assumed that Velociraptor’s forebears could fly, (Velociraptor is considered to be flightless.)
A 3.5 in. / 9 cm killing claw was found on each of Velociraptor’s feet. Velociraptor would have been a formidable hunter, armed with these weapons. A Velociraptor is battling a Protoceratops in one of the most well-known fossils.
3. Triceratops
- Type of dinosaur:
- Size: 6.5 ft / 2m
- Period: Late Cretaceous
Velociraptor was depicted as being taller than a man in numerous films, including Jurassic Park. Velociraptor was a turkey-sized creature that stood at 1.6 feet / 50 centimeters tall and at 6.5 feet / 2 meters long in reality.
The fact that the Jurassic Park velociraptors are shown without feathers is another inaccuracy. Both feathers and wings were discovered in Velociraptor. If it is believed that Velociraptor’s forefaroundhers might have been capable of flying, then the species itself may be flightless.
Each of Velociraptor’s feet had a 3.5-inch killing claw. Velociraptor would have been a formidable hunter, armed with such fearsome weapons. A Velociraptor battles a Protoceratops in one well-known fossil.
2. Stegosaurus
- Type of dinosaur: Ornithischian
- Size: 30 ft. / 9m
- Period: Late Jurassic
Due to the distinctive plates that run down this classic dinosaur’s back, most people can recognize a Stegosaurus. Plates might have functioned as a defense mechanism for the dinosaurs, or they might have played a role in maintaining their body at the appropriate temperature. The plates are now thought to have been used in display, signaling dominance and attracting a mate, according to the most common theory.
Stegosaurus was far from defenseless, even if the plates’ fundamental purpose wasn’t defense. It had four long (up to 3 ft. / 1.5 m) spiky tails. The spikes appear to have been utilized in battle when the dinosaur was still alive, since they are worn or shattered in several specimens.
1. Tyrannosaurus Rex
- Type of dinosaur: Theropod
- Size: 40 ft. / 12.3 m
- Period: Late Cretaceous
It’s no surprise that Tyrannosaurus Rex is the most well-known dinosaur on this list.
Tyrannosaurus Rex is one of the few dinosaurs whose species name, rather than the broader genus name, is known. This says a lot about the popularity of this dinosaur.
The first word is the genus (in this example, Tyrannosaurus, which means “tyrant lizard”) while the second word is an identifying name (in this example, rex, which means “king”).
Biologists often use the genus name’s first letter rather than repeating it when addressing species. That is the reason that Tyrannosaurus Rex is often referred to as T. The substance that causes a rash is called REX.
(Genus and species names are also italicized.)
T. is a common abbreviation for the word “tender.” The species was most likely at least partly a scavenger, despite the fact that it is often regarded as an apex predator.
T. has a skull that is small and rounded. The jaws of therex indicate that it possessed a tremendous biting force. T. is the largest of all the types. The root included 12 in. / 30 cm of teeth, which were about 12 in. / 30 cm long.
T. has forelimbs, however they are small They were considered to be strong because they were short. They were most likely used to keep prey contained.
T is for Terry, as in T. Terry This famous dinosaur was most likely one of the final dinosaurs to survive when it lived, towards the end of the Cretaceous Period.