For as long as people have gathered in darkened rooms to share stories, certain plays have risen above the rest—captivating audiences, shaping culture, and inspiring generations of theatre‑makers. At Pontardawe Arts Centre, we love celebrating the works that bring people together, so we’ve taken a look at some of the most popular and influential plays since records began.
Using major global rankings of the “best” and most‑performed plays, we’ve pulled together an overview—complete with categories, genres, and a breakdown by playwright.
Whether you’re a lifelong theatre‑goer or discovering the classics for the first time, this guide offers a friendly introduction to the stories that have stood the test of time.
The Most Popular Plays of All Time
Drawing on leading theatre rankings from respected publications and critics, several titles appear again and again as the most influential works ever written. These plays have shaped theatrical traditions, inspired countless adaptations, and continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
| Play | Playwright | Category | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamlet | William Shakespeare | Tragedy | Play |
| A Midsummer Night’s Dream | William Shakespeare | Comedy | Play |
| Death of a Salesman | Arthur Miller | Drama | Play |
| The Importance of Being Earnest | Oscar Wilde | Comedy | Play |
| Waiting for Godot | Samuel Beckett | Absurdist Drama | Play |
| Oklahoma! | Rodgers & Hammerstein | Musical | Musical Theatre |
| A Streetcar Named Desire | Tennessee Williams | Drama | Play |
| Oedipus Rex | Sophocles | Tragedy | Play |
| Blasted | Sarah Kane | Contemporary Drama | Play |
| The Crucible | Arthur Miller | Drama | Play |
What the Data Shows
Drama leads the way
Across global rankings, more than half of the most celebrated plays fall under the drama umbrella. From Greek tragedies to modern psychological works, dramatic storytelling remains the backbone of theatre history.
Comedy remains timeless
Around a quarter of the most‑ranked plays are comedies, with Shakespeare and Wilde consistently topping the list. Their wit, wordplay, and social satire continue to charm audiences centuries later.
Musicals appear less often—but the big ones changed everything
Musicals are usually categorised separately, but landmark works like Oklahoma! are widely recognised for transforming the art form and influencing generations of musical theatre creators.
Shakespeare stands alone
Across all major lists, Shakespeare accounts for roughly 10–15% of the top‑ranked plays. His influence is unmatched, with works spanning comedy, tragedy, and history.
Breakdown by Playwright
William Shakespeare
The most represented playwright in global rankings. Notable works: Hamlet, King Lear, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Othello Why he endures: universal themes, rich language, and centuries of performance tradition.
Arthur Miller
A defining voice of 20th‑century American theatre. Key works: Death of a Salesman, The Crucible Themes: morality, identity, social pressure.
Tennessee Williams
Master of emotional depth and Southern Gothic atmosphere. Key works: A Streetcar Named Desire, The Glass Menagerie Themes: desire, fragility, psychological conflict.
Oscar Wilde
A genius of wit and social satire. Key works: The Importance of Being Earnest Themes: identity, hypocrisy, the absurdity of Victorian society.
Samuel Beckett
A pioneer of the Theatre of the Absurd. Key works: Waiting for Godot Themes: existentialism, time, human purpose.
Sophocles
One of the great tragedians of ancient Greece. Key works: Oedipus Rex, Antigone Themes: fate, leadership, moral duty.
Sarah Kane
A bold, uncompromising voice of contemporary theatre. Key works: Blasted Themes: trauma, violence, vulnerability.
Theatre has always been a mirror—reflecting who we are, what we fear, and what we hope for. From ancient tragedies to modern experimental works, these plays continue to resonate because they speak to something deeply human.
At Friends of Pontardawe Arts Centre, we celebrate the stories that bring people together. Whether you love a laugh‑out‑loud comedy, a gripping drama, or a musical that fills the room with energy, the world’s most popular plays offer something for everyone.
Friends of Pontardawe Arts Centre 