CelebList
Hunter S. Thompson

Is Hunter S. Thompson A-List?

NoB

NoHunter S. Thompson is currently ranked B tier — a well-known figure with a strong career but not quite a household name.

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Reached A-list in 1971

Fear and Loathing Peak

Lost A-list status in 1998

Dropped to B tier — Fear and Loathing Film

Ranking Timeline

1967C$0.1M

Hell's Angels Breakthrough

Published 'Hell's Angels' after year embedded with motorcycle club, bringing critical acclaim. The immersive journalism and raw narrative style established Thompson as fearless countercultural voice.

1970B$0.3M+$0.19999999999999998M

Kentucky Derby Gonzo Journalism

Article 'The Kentucky Derby Is Decadent and Depraved' for Scanlan's Monthly invented Gonzo journalism. This subjective, first-person style became Thompson's signature and influenced generations of writers.

1971A$1M+$0.7M

Fear and Loathing Peak

'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' published in Rolling Stone, becoming instant countercultural classic. The drug-fueled masterpiece cemented Thompson's status as literary icon and defined his legacy.

1980A$2M+$1M

Mainstream Recognition Grows

Continued prolific output for major publications while becoming cultural celebrity. His persona as drug-addled political satirist made him household name beyond literary circles.

1998B$3M+$1M

Fear and Loathing Film

Terry Gilliam's film adaptation starring Johnny Depp introduced Thompson to new generation. While film had mixed reception, it renewed interest in his work and expanded his cultural footprint.

2005B$5M+$2M

Suicide at Owl Farm

Died by suicide at age 67 at his Colorado home, Owl Farm. His death was consistent with his iconoclastic life philosophy and generated massive media coverage worldwide.

2026B$5M

Gonzo Journalism Pioneer

Remembered as creator of Gonzo journalism and countercultural icon whose work defined an era. While his fame has somewhat faded from mainstream consciousness, Thompson remains hugely influential in journalism and literary circles as genre pioneer.

Last updated: February 25, 2026