15 Most Toxic Fandoms in the World (Ranked)

In this piece, we’ll be discussing 15 notoriously toxic fan communities that have emerged from various fictional realms, a phenomenon that has become more prevalent with the rise of social media. Decades ago, enthusiasts of comics or specific television shows and films sought out dedicated platforms to express their admiration for these media, often congregating at conventions, panels, and forums to immerse themselves in a weekend devoted to their beloved universe. However, the Internet has given rise to vast fan bases, some of which unfortunately have shown unhealthy and harmful behavior, popularly known as “stans.” This article aims to highlight these problematic fan communities.

In our upcoming piece, we’ll cover a variety of interests, ranging from music to sports, and explain why they made it onto our list. While not every supporter of these groups is problematic, there have been instances where actions speak louder than words, and we aim to express those occurrences clearly. If you’re curious, stay tuned until the end of the article. To clarify, most fans are not toxic; the behaviors we discuss are typically exhibited by a minority. Without any more preamble, let’s dive right in!

15. Metalheads

In various forms of fictional entertainment, music is a frequently debated subject among characters. The type of music one prefers can offer insights into their personality. For instance, someone who enjoys popular music might be seen as mainstream, lacking depth, and perhaps unaware of the richness that real music offers.

Metal enthusiasts often find themselves labeled as “critical” or “analytical” individuals due to their tendency to assess and compare other music genres, frequently stating that metal music outshines the rest. However, it’s essential to note that metal music is undeniably excellent. Yet, how many times have you come across a metal fan who looked down on your preference for My Chemical Romance or Green Day in favor of Metallica or Black Sabbath?

In summary, metal fans tend to become easily agitated over minor issues, which can be quite frustrating. For this reason, they find themselves included on this particular list.

14. Nostalgic Fans

People, especially the elderly, often find current life challenges overwhelming and tend to reminisce about how things were supposedly better in the past. The same sentiment applies to fictional media. For instance, when Tom Holland was chosen to play the new Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, comparisons to Tobey Maguire’s portrayal of the character began, with an outpouring of criticism towards Holland and nostalgic admiration for Maguire’s version.

Here’s another way: The daily struggles we face can lead older people to long for the past, believing it was a time when things were better. The same sentiment is seen in discussions about fictional media. To illustrate, after Tom Holland was cast as the new Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there were numerous comparisons made with Tobey Maguire’s portrayal of the character, and many people expressed negative feelings towards Holland while fondly remembering Maguire’s version.

Discussing Holland’s portrayal of the superhero eased some fans’ concerns, but following the latest Spider-Man film, No Way Home, the debate over “Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man is superior” resurfaced. It’s almost a reflex to prefer traditional styles over modern ones, like cartoons or anime, and this leads to another round of nostalgic comments about how things were better in the past. Of course, every generation has its critics who find fault with those that follow, and this trend won’t cease. However, it might be beneficial for people to relax and appreciate the fresh content that emerges, as we can never predict if such opportunities will arise again.

13. Supernatural Fans

For a span of fifteen seasons, Supernatural aired on The CW, and it might have been assumed that the audience would abandon the show’s fandom following some less-than-stellar seasons. However, contrary to expectation, Supernatural fans continued their support for the series until its conclusion. In my opinion, the majority of fans who remained were ardent supporters of the main characters Castiel and Dean, not counting those who were equally passionate about brothers Sam and Dean, which struck many as unusual, and individuals who desired the return of fan-favorite characters after they had been written off.

The TV series “Supernatural” was generally well-received, but it suffered from being overly lengthy and inventing storylines to keep the show going. This issue can be attributed to The CW network, as they recognized the continued viewership of Supernatural fans. Regrettably, this wasn’t due to plot developments, but rather fan demands for relationships like Destiel and the insistence of some fans on bringing back characters such as Crowley and Chuck. Ultimately, “Supernatural” ended in an unusual manner, one that catered heavily to fans and left the show’s writers appearing somewhat foolish.

12. League of Legends Fans

Man, League of Legends certainly has quite a reputation when it comes to toxicity, even among other multiplayer online games. Given its immense popularity and Riot Games’ efforts to curb toxic behavior within the LoL community, one might expect improvements, but unfortunately, that’s not always the case – especially in solo queue and esports.

The debate over solo queue has gained significant traction as players from various regions engage in heated discussions about which server/region is superior, tougher to advance through, and so on. In-game, if a player dies under unexpected circumstances, it can trigger a teammate to “feed” the enemy team, causing the game to be lost for everyone involved. The language used in chat or lobby post-match can get quite harsh as well. Frankly, it’s quite a brutal environment.

In the world of League of Legends (LoL), competition among regional teams can be quite intense, particularly between North America vs Europe and Korea vs China. If you dare to venture into the post-match discussions on Reddit or Twitter during the World Championship, you’ll witness this rivalry… but if you prefer a peaceful browsing experience, it might be best to avoid those threads.

11. Football Fans

It’s quite exciting to be a football enthusiast nowadays, given the global reach of the sport. You can engage in discussions with people from various corners of the world, establish your own football-centric channels, and build a community dedicated to football conversations or debates about your preferred team alongside fellow fans. However, I would advise against delving into football-related discussions on Twitter; trust me, it’s best to avoid that platform.

In the realm of football fandom, it can be quite challenging to voice an unbiased opinion due to the diverse attitudes among supporters. On one extreme, you have enthusiasts who are so passionate that they tend to overlook flaws in their beloved teams, bordering on blind optimism. Conversely, there are those who criticize everything indiscriminately, showing a cynical perspective. Lastly, there are fans who claim allegiance to the club but often show loyalty only to particular players, disregarding the team’s overall performance and spirit.

Also, the whole American Football vs Football discourse … it’s really annoying.

10. Marvel Fans & DC Fans

Enthusiasts of comic books have long cherished their affection for superhero tales. Yet, this enthusiasm intensified with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). At times, or even more frequently, some fans of Marvel can exhibit behavior that is both toxic and irritating. Lately, there has been a significant amount of criticism directed towards “Multiverse of Madness” and “Love and Thunder.” While this critique can be justified, it’s inappropriate to harass others because of these views.

In simpler terms, when Captain Marvel was released, some die-hard fans began harshly criticizing all movies, even going as far as harassment. It’s true that Captain Marvel wasn’t exceptional, but why can’t people voice their opinions in a more constructive manner instead of taking it to such extremes? The ongoing debate between Marvel and DC fans about which universe is superior is already tiresome, and the fact that some fans criticize adaptations that deviate from the comics just doesn’t make sense.

Contrarily, DC enthusiasts aren’t entirely free from blame. Their actions towards Candace Patton, Emily Bett Rickards, Katie Cassidy in the Arrowverse, as well as Patty Jenkins on social media following WW84, could have landed some fans in jail. The casting of every actor as Batman has sparked criticism against James Gunn, who was even accused of being a Marvel spy after his work on Suicide Squad and Piecemaker. Frankly, it’s hard to believe such incidents are just part of fandom.

9. Rick and Morty Fans

In recent times, Rick and Morty have become one of the highly acclaimed animated TV series. With an intriguing concept, captivating plot, and endearing personalities, it has amassed a significant fanbase. However, within this dedicated fan community, some less desirable individuals have emerged online. The show is clever and quick-witted, boasting at times, complex narratives that might not be immediately grasped by all viewers. Yet, there are certain Rick & Morty fans who seem to think they hold an extraordinary level of entitlement.

The popularity of Rick & Morty’s fanbase has become so widespread that it’s often joked about excessively, with a common internet joke being: ‘It takes a high level of intelligence to appreciate Rick and Morty.’ If you own merchandise from the show without actually watching it, some fans might consider you a phony or poser. It’s important to note that this phenomenon is not unique to Rick & Morty’s fandom, but it serves as an excellent illustration of the elitism found in many fan communities. Some fans may use the show as a means to mask their social awkwardness and personal insecurities.

8. Zach Snyder Fans

Over time, hashtags like “#ReleaseTheSnyderCut” and “#ReviveTheSnyderverse” have reappeared frequently on social media platforms. A significant number of fans have developed a strong allegiance to director Zach Snyder, exhibiting behaviors that border on tribalism or even cult-like devotion. These enthusiasts have been so dedicated to promoting Snyder’s films that they’ve gone as far as using his deceased daughter in their advocacy, which is not only insensitive but also delusional.

The ongoing dispute between supporters of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) led by Zack Snyder claiming it’s superior to Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), some boycotting Matt Reeves Batman film due to Snyder not directing, and Snyder himself defending his fans as “passionate” instead of toxic – is quite perplexing. Despite Snyder’s movies receiving mixed reviews at best, the intense devotion from his fanbase remains a mystery to many. Regardless, it seems this director’s influence over DC films has an enduring allure that continues to intrigue and divide moviegoers.

7. Smash Ultimate Fans

In recent years, the Smash gaming community has faced numerous challenges. Originally one of the first professional esports, it has cultivated a devoted fanbase over time. However, unfortunately, this community has developed into one of the most contentious fandoms in existence. Since mastering Smash requires extensive practice, longtime fans who dedicated countless hours to playing often criticize or belittle newcomers and less skilled players.

Experiencing constant PvP attacks, being criticized harshly with inappropriate language, and having your abilities labeled as poor, despite server problems causing lag, can be incredibly challenging. To make matters worse, there have been scandals within the professional scene, including sexual misconduct allegations that emerged in 2020, affecting more than 125 members of the Super Smash Bros. community.

6. Harry Potter Fans

Harry Potter is widely acclaimed as one of the greatest children’s book series ever written, captivating readers worldwide. Yet, it’s important to remember that ‘children’s’ is a crucial aspect of its appeal. While sharing enthusiasm for the Harry Potter universe and discussing it with others is perfectly acceptable, crossing boundaries by persistently pressuring people about the relationship between Harry and Hermione or resorting to aggressive behavior towards those who prefer other characters is excessive and unacceptable. Such actions often reflect an individual’s personality being influenced by their fandom rather than promoting healthy, respectful interactions among fans.

Let’s approach the subject by discussing the intricate dynamics between Severus Snape and James Potter within the expansive Harry Potter universe, and then make some comparisons to other notable franchises such as Lord of the Rings. However, it is important to note that these two universes are distinctly different in genre, making direct comparison challenging. Nevertheless, both series have garnered immense popularity, leading us to ponder which might be considered superior.

That being said, it is essential to acknowledge that large fanbases can occasionally foster toxic behaviors, and the Harry Potter fandom is no exception.

Additionally, you may want to explore the concept of “Snapewives,” a term coined within the fandom – I encourage you to investigate this phenomenon on Google; you will undoubtedly find it intriguing!

5. Homestuck Fans

Both Homestuck and the subsequent item share a connection, as they were both brought to life by Toby Fox. Homestuck is an online fiction series that was active from 2009 to 2016. It garnered a dedicated fanbase, but unfortunately, some of these fans exhibited problematic behavior, becoming toxic and elitist at times. The cosplay community often finds themselves at odds with Homestuck fans due to their rude and erratic tendencies. One storyline involved a character attempting suicide in a tub filled with vodka and markers, all in an effort to achieve the grey skin of a Homestuck character.

That event is similar to a dozen other situations where fans became overly excited, shouting, shrieking, and causing chaos wherever they were. At one time, “Let me tell you about Homestuck” was so ubiquitous online that it started to annoy everyone around them on the web.

4. Undertale Fans

Undertale is a captivating role-playing video game, launched in 2015 by an independent American studio, which quickly garnered a large following. However, this fanbase has turned into a significant challenge, particularly during the emotional and endearing adventure that is Undertale. Content creators like Markiplier encountered hostility as they played the game according to their preference. The criticism directed at Markiplier stemmed solely from his failure to adhere to the playstyle expectations set by the Undertale fanbase.

Markiplier chose to halt his playthrough as he found it no longer enjoyable. Many other YouTubers encountered similar sentiments in their comment sections, making them quite aggravating. The game’s true ending is not accessible by killing the monsters, which led fans to advocate for a more amicable approach to playing. One user even claimed that those who opt for the Genocide route, killing everyone in the game, are equated with real-life psychopaths and child abusers. This issue within the Undertale fandom is just one example, and for further insights, consider reading this article.

3. Naruto Fans

Since approximately 2010, Naruto enthusiasts have been highly active online, taking over discussion forums. Social media platforms like Facebook, Tumblr, and dedicated Naruto websites were swarming with hundreds of fans discussing the Naruto franchise. To be frank, they could be quite hostile. The ‘shipping’ debates and criticism towards female characters due to author Masashi Kishimoto’s perceived lack of skill in writing them became intense, reaching a peak when a Sasuke/Sakura shipper sent threats to the series creator.

Talking about the Naruto series with fellow anime enthusiasts often leads to heated debates that can be toxic, as Naruto fans tend to claim it’s the greatest manga/anime of all time. However, this isn’t necessarily true; other popular anime like Dragon Ball, Demon Slayer, and others could have been mentioned instead. I chose Naruto because I experienced its fandom… and let me tell you, it wasn’t a pleasant experience at all.

2. Star Wars Fans

It’s safe to say that no one dislikes Star Wars movies more than Star Wars enthusiasts themselves. The passion for this franchise has been around for quite some time, and with the internet serving as a primary hub for discussions and interactions, any negative aspects of the fandom have once again come into the limelight. Interestingly enough, Star Wars fans tend to be critical of anything associated with their beloved series.

Fans are unkind towards the Star Wars sequel trilogy, often show disrespect to those who don’t follow the franchise, and even bully people associated with Star Wars projects. The actor of Jar Jar Binks, Ahmed Best, contemplated suicide due to the backlash from the Star Wars prequels. Young Jake Lloyd, who played young Anakin Skywalker in the prequels, was harassed so severely he chose to leave acting entirely. Daisy Ridley, another Star Wars actress, deleted all her social media platforms because of the constant harassment she received from fans.

Kelly Marie Tran, known for portraying Rose Tico in the Star Wars sequels, faced harassment and abusive comments from certain fans, which ultimately led her to remove all her posts on social media. Unfortunately, these individuals are not true fans; they are cyberbullies, earning them a reputation as one of the most toxic fandoms worldwide.

1. K-Pop Fans

The top spot on this list belongs to passionate K-Pop enthusiasts. Many of these fans are kind and actively participate in various campaigns and social initiatives. Yet, when their favorite artists gain attention, it’s challenging to avoid some overzealous behavior. These fans can become like a swarm of bees, flooding comment sections with homemade videos of their favorites, pressuring others to vote for their chosen groups.

It’s common to find some of the most toxic fanbases among K-pop groups like BTS (ARMY), EXO (EXOTIC), Twice (Once), and others. They have a tendency to post inappropriately, even during tragic events when you might expect sympathy and empathy. Instead, K-pop posts appear in the comments sections, not just once but repeatedly. Their behavior often involves harassing other fanbases, people who don’t appreciate K-pop, and many more instances that have earned them a reputation as one of the most toxic fandoms globally.

2025-05-11 09:27