Ranking the 50 Themes Pinball Fans Really Want for Stern's Next Pinball in 2022
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There's no doubt that Stern Pinball is one of the most popular and well-respected pinball manufacturers in the world. Every year, they release a ton of the best new machines that become instant classics (or sometimes maligned misses) with fans around the globe. With so many amazing titles under their belt, it's hard to imagine what could be the next Stern pinball for 2022. But that hasn't stopped pinball fans from speculating! In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the most buzzed-about rumors about Stern Pinball's next machine, as requested by pinball fans themselves.
When Will Stern Announce their Next Pinball Machine?
That's anybody's guess!
In a normal year, Stern will release several cornerstone games throughout the year plus a few boutiques or smaller specialty releases.
However, thanks to the pandemic and various supply chain issues, Stern has spent most of 2022 playing catch-up with their orders, and haven't released a new game since John Borg's Rush earlier this year.
Stern has alluded to the possibility of announcing a new cornerstone game sometime in the late summer / early fall time-frame, so internet speculation is buzzing that an announcement will come any day now.
Most Wanted Next Stern Pinball Themes for 2022
As the unquestioned leader in the pinball marketplace, Stern could release just about any title they wanted and it would probably sell well. That said, when looking at the themes and intellectual properties that pinball fans are most excited for, a clear trend emerges.
We have spent considerable time analyzing online conversations about Stern pinball rumors and the next Stern Pinball 2022, and based on that analysis, here's the list of the top 50 most wanted pinball game themes. Some of these are of course more realistic than others, but the people want what they want!
Here's the full list of the most wanted Stern Pinball machines:
Most Wanted Stern Pinball Themes #1-10
1. Back to the Future
The Back to the Future franchise is a time-traveling science fiction comedy series that began in 1985 and spanned three movies. The movies follow Marty McFly, a teenager who accidentally travels back in time to 1955 and has to make sure his parents fall in love so that he can exist in the future. The series is beloved by fans for its humor, clever writing, and nostalgic feel.
Given the popularity of the Back to the Future franchise, it's no surprise that it's one of the most requested themes for Stern Pinball's next game. The movies are filled with exciting action scenes and interesting characters that would translate well into a pinball machine. Plus, who wouldn't want to travel back in time with Doc Brown and save the world?
2. Jaws
The Jaws franchise is a series of American horror-thriller movies that started with the release of the 1975 movie Jaws. The movies follow Amity Police Chief Martin Brody as he tries to stop a giant shark from terrorizing the town's inhabitants. The series is known for its suspenseful scenes and iconic music score.
Despite being released over 40 years ago, Jaws is still one of the most popular and successful horror franchises in history. Its mix of action, suspense, and fear make it perfect for a pinball machine, and it would be sure to thrill fans around the world.
3. James Bond [NOW IN PRODUCTION]
James Bond is a character from a long-running movie series about a secret agent who fights bad guys. (I mean, we shouldn't really have to explain who James Bond is, but just in cases). The possibility of a James Bond pinball machine has captured pinball players imaginations for years, and has been egged on by rumors from Pinball media and those in the know over the last few years. A lot of people really want this theme, and it'd sure to be a huge seller for Stern. (Note - Stern has recently announced their latest release, which as luck would have it, is James Bond! Look for this machine from your local distributor soon.)
4. Venom
Venom is a comic book character and popular movie franchise starring Tom Hardy. The character is a frequently portrayed as a villain or anti-hero, and he often fights Spiderman in the comics universe. Venom has been a popular pick for the next Stern pinball machine for some time. Pinball fans hope for an exciting machine with a fun art package, similar in approach to the Deadpool pinball machine from a few years ago.
5. Harry Potter
For a very simplified overview, Harry Potter is a very popular series of books and movies about a boy who goes to wizard school at a place called Hogwarts and learns how to do magic alongside his friends and schoolmates. Along the way, he encounters a series of villains and bad guys, including the evil Lord Voldemort, who he has to defeat to save his friends and the rest of the Wizarding world.
Harry Potter has long been a heavily wished for Pinball theme, though drama surrounding the character's creator in recent years may dampen Stern's appetite for producing this particular title.
6. Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath is a British rock band that was formed in 1968. They are considered one of the pioneers of heavy metal music. Some of their most famous songs include "Iron Man" and "Paranoid". Black Sabbath has long been requested by pinball fans as their music fits alongside other hard rock and metal artists like AC/DC, Guns n' Roses, Aerosmith and others in recent years.
7. Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne is a famous musician and reality TV personality who was in a band called Black Sabbath before embarking on his own solo career. Ozzy is also well-known for his reality TV show, The Osbournes, which he starred in with his family. He is considered the "Prince of Darkness". Ozzy Osbourne has been frequently requested by fans as a possible next Stern pinball machine, usually alongside his original band, Black Sabbath. Many people hope for an exciting and metal-themed machine that would be perfect for fans of the artist.
8. Top Gun
At its core, Top Gun is an 80's action movie about Navy fighter pilots. It's an extremely popular movie made even more so by the 2022 blockbuster sequel, Top Gun Maverick. Top Gun has been requested by fans for years as a possible next Stern pinball machine, and those requests will likely only pick up in speed thanks to the success latest film in the series.
9. Foo Fighters
The Foo Fighters are a popular rock band. They're known for their catchy songs and exciting live shows. The band has been active since the mid-1990s and has released nine studio albums. The Foo Fighters have been rumored as a possible next Stern pinball machine by fans for some time now, although that was somewhat derailed this year by the untimely death of the Foo Fighters drummer, Taylor Hawkins. However, there is certainly a contingent of pinball fans who would like to see music themed pins from more modern artists, and the Foo Fighters are high on the list.
10. The Goonies
The Goonies is a 1980s movie about a group of kids who go on an adventure to find hidden treasure. It's an extremely popular and memorable nostalgic franchise that pinball fans have wanted to see in a pinball machine for many many years. At one point, Stern even used the name as a code for its 2020 release of Stranger Things, which is itself loosely based on the story and characters of The Goonies.
Most Wanted Stern Pinball Themes #11-20
11. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe is a popular 80s cartoon about a man who can transform into a super-powered warrior to fight evil. The show was so popular that it spawned a line of action figures, which are still popular today. A movie based on the characters was released in 1987, and there has been talk of a He-Man and the Masters of the Universe movie reboot for years, but nothing has come to fruition yet. Fans of the franchise have long hoped for a He-Man and the Masters of the Universe pinball machine, similar to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles machine that was released by Stern a few years ago.
12. Van Halen
Van Halen is an American hard rock band formed in Pasadena, California, in 1972. The band consists of brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen, singer David Lee Roth, and bassist Wolfgang Van Halen. They are one of the most commercially successful bands of all time.
Van Halen achieved worldwide fame with their eponymous debut album released in 1978. The album went on to sell over 10 million copies in the United States alone. The following year, Van Halen released their second album, Women and Children First, which became their first platinum album. In 1984, the band released their third album, 1984, which was a commercial success and spawned four hit singles: "Jump", "Panama", "I'll Wait", and "Hot for Teacher".
The band went on to release a number of other successful albums including 5150 (1986), OU812 (1988), and For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge (1991). However, tensions mounted between Eddie Van Halen and David Lee Roth leading to both members' departures from the group in 1995. Sammy Hagar replaced David Lee Roth as the band's singer and the group continued to enjoy success with albums such as Balance (1995) and Van Halen III (1998).
Despite all of their success, a Van Halen pinball machine has yet to be made. However, that hasn't stopped pinball fans from asking for one. While this is a theme that is much demanded, it's hard to see it coming to life due to the various conflicts original band members had.
13. Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd is a British rock band that achieved international acclaim with their progressive and psychedelic rock music. They are considered one of the most successful and influential rock groups of all time. The band was formed in 1965 by Syd Barrett on guitar and lead vocals, Nick Mason on drums, Roger Waters on bass and lead vocals, and Richard Wright on keyboards and vocals.
With Waters at the helm, Pink Floyd released some of their most popular and critically acclaimed albums including The Dark Side of the Moon (1973), Wish You Were Here (1975), Animals (1977), and The Wall (1979). The Wall is considered one of the most iconic rock albums of all time. It tells the story of a character named Pink who is a thinly veiled stand-in for Roger Waters. The album is a concept album that deals with themes of isolation, mental health, and loss.
Pink Floyd is often brought up as a desired theme for Stern's next pinball machine, particularly one themed around their 1979 Album, The Wall.
14. The Matrix
The Matrix is a science fiction action film series written and directed by the Wachowskis. The series is about a computer hacker who learns that the world he lives in is actually a simulated reality created by machines in order to pacify and control the human population.
The first film in the series was released in 1999 and became a massive commercial and critical success. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won four BAFTA Awards. The success of the film led to the release of two sequels, The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, both of which were also commercial and critical successes. The fourth film in the series, The Matrix Resurrections was released in 2021.
The Matrix has been praised for its visual effects, action sequences, and philosophical content. The films have been cited as influences on numerous other works of fiction.
Given the popularity of the films, it's no surprise that fans have long called for a Matrix pinball machine. With its deep philosophical content and mind-bending action sequences, a Matrix pinball machine would be an interesting title for Stern Pinball.
15. Pokémon
Pokémon is a media franchise owned by The Pokémon Company, created in 1995 by Satoshi Tajiri. It is centered on fictional creatures called Pokémon, which humans, known as Pokémon trainers, catch and train to battle each other for sport.
The franchise began as a pair of video games for the original Nintendo Game Boy handheld system. It now includes trading card games, animated television shows and movies, comic books, and toys. Pokémon has been adapted into a live-action film titled Pokémon: Detective Pikachu, released in 2019 to moderate success.
The Pokémon video game series is the second best-selling video game franchise of all time, behind only Nintendo's Mario franchise. In total, the games have sold more than 300 million copies worldwide. The anime has been watched by more than 1 billion people worldwide and is the most successful Japanese anime series in history.
The popularity of the Pokémon franchise is undeniable and it's no surprise that it's been brought up as a potential pinball machine for a long time. With its colorful cast of characters, exciting battles, and collecting themed game mechanics, a Pokémon pinball machine would be sure to please fans of all ages.
16. Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice is a 1988 American dark comedy fantasy film directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, and Catherine O'Hara. The film tells the story of a recently deceased couple who are forced to spend eternity haunting their former home, and hires a mischievous ghost named Beetlejuice to help them scare away the new inhabitants.
The film was a commercial success, grossing $73 million against its $15 million budget. It received positive reviews from critics, who praised its humor, visuals, and acting. Beetlejuice was nominated for two Academy Awards, for Best Makeup and Best Visual Effects.
Since its release, Beetlejuice has developed a cult following and is often cited as one of Burton's best films. In 1990, a animated television series based on the film was aired on ABC. Beetlejuice has been a frequently requested pinball machine for Stern to produce, though it's questionable we'll ever see it come to light.
17. Mötley Crüe
Mötley Crüe was an American rock band formed in Los Angeles, California on January 17, 1981. The group was founded by bassist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee, lead singer Vince Neil, and guitarist Mick Mars. Mötley Crüe has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and has been credited with popularizing the glam metal genre.
The band's first two albums—Too Fast for Love and Shout at the Devil—were released in the early 1980s and were both critical and commercial successes. Their next two albums, Theatre of Pain and Girls, Girls, Girls, were also successful, but by the mid-1990s the band's popularity began to wane. They reunited in 2000 and have toured regularly since then.
Mötley Crüe has been nominated for four Grammy Awards, have had seven platinum-certified albums, and have sold more than 22 million singles in the United States. The band was ranked No. 10 on VH1's "100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock".
Many fans consider Mötley Crüe one of the greatest hard rock bands of all time and it's no surprise that they are one of the most requested pinball machines for Stern Pinball. With their high energy music and larger-than-life stage persona, a Mötley Crüe pinball machine would be sure to please many pinball fans.
18. Pulp Fiction
Pulp Fiction is a 1994 American crime film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, based on a story by Tarantino and Roger Avary. It stars John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis, Ving Rhames, and Uma Thurman. The film tells several stories of intertwining characters in Los Angeles.
Pulp Fiction was a critical and commercial success and was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It won the Palme d'Or at the 1994 Cannes Film Festival. A tribute to American cinema, it was named the "Greatest Film of the 1990s" by various publications. The film has also been called "the most influential movie of the 1990s."
Pulp Fiction is widely considered Tarantino's masterpiece, and has been credited with revitalizing the independent film movement. It has been cited as an influence on later films such as Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998), Snatch (2000), and Hot Fuzz (2007).
With its non-linear storytelling, stylized violence, and pop culture references, Pulp Fiction has become one of the most iconic and influential films of its generation. Its influence can be seen in many modern action films, and it is regularly listed as one of the greatest films ever made. As such, it's frequently referenced as a desired "adult" theme for a pinball machine.
19. Bill & Ted
Bill & Ted is a 1989 American comedy film directed by Stephen Herek, written by Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon, and starring Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter. It follows the two slacker friends as they are sent back in time to collect historical figures for their high school history presentation.
The film was a commercial success, grossing $40 million against a budget of $10 million, and has developed a cult following.
Bill & Ted is often cited as one of the best comedies of the 1980s and one of the most beloved films of its generation. The film's humor has been praised for its wit and intelligence, with Reeves and Winter's performances singled out for being "perfectly cast." Its pop culture references have also been praised, with the film being deemed "a perfect encapsulation of late '80s zeitgeist."
20. John Wick
John Wick is a 2014 American neo-noir action thriller film directed by Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, written by Derek Kolstad, and starring Keanu Reeves. The film follows John Wick (Reeves), a retired hitman seeking revenge for the theft of his car and the death of his dog, which forces him to return to the criminal underworld.
The film was released on October 24, 2014, in the United States and received positive reviews from critics. Keanu Reeves' performance as John Wick was praised, as well as the car chase sequences and choreography. The John Wick franchise has resulted in 3 sequels already, with another on the way.
The John Wick movie franchise is popular because it features exciting action sequences, intriguing plot-lines, and likable characters. Reeves is perfect in the role of Wick and delivers an excellent performance that fans have come to love. The car chases and fight scenes are beautifully choreographed and keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Most Wanted Stern Pinball Themes #21-30
21. Scooby Doo
Scooby Doo is an American animated franchise, comprising several animated television series and related media. Produced by Hanna-Barbera, the first Scooby-Doo series began airing in 1969. The original series, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!, ran for two seasons on CBS and has spawned numerous spin-offs and adaptations.
The Scooby-Doo franchise is a popular target for a new pinball machine because it features lovable characters and exciting adventures. The plots are clever and well-written, and the mysteries are always intriguing. The animation style is iconic, and the Scooby Gang always provides plenty of laughs.
22. Mortal Kombat
Mortal Kombat is a video game franchise originally developed by Midway Games. The first game was released in 1992 as an arcade game, and the franchise has spawned many subsequent sequels and spin-offs.
The Mortal Kombat series is one of the most successful fighting game franchises of all time. It has sold over 35 million units worldwide and has been praised for its intense fighting sequences and dark atmosphere. The games are also known for their use of digitized actors and realistic violence, which has resulted in the series being banned in several countries.
The Mortal Kombat offers a unique and fun fighting experience. The games are gory and violent, but this only adds to the excitement and appeal. The characters are well-designed and interesting, and the storylines are always exciting, which makes it an interesting choice to base a pinball machine off of.
23. Blade Runner
Blade Runner is an American neo-noir science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott, written by Hampton Fancher and David Peoples, and starring Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, and Edward James Olmos. The film is set in a dystopian future Los Angeles, in which synthetic humans known as replicants are manufactured by the powerful Tyrell Corporation to work on off-world colonies.
When a group of replicants led by Roy Batty (Hauer) escapes to Earth, Rick Deckard (Ford) is called out of retirement to track them down and retire them.
The Blade Runner franchise offers a unique and dark vision of the future. The setting is brilliantly realized and visually stunning, and the story is filled with interesting characters and plot-twists. The films are also praised for their amazing visual effects, which still hold up today.
24. Beastie Boys
The Beastie Boys are an American hip hop group from Brooklyn, New York. The band was formed in 1981 by three high school friends, Michael Diamond (Mike D), Adam Horovitz (Ad-Rock), and Adam Yauch (MCA).
The Beastie Boys are one of the most successful and popular hip hop groups of all time. They have sold over 40 million records worldwide and were the first hip hop group to achieve platinum status. The Beastie Boys are also well-known for their outrageous stage performances and humorous lyrics.
The Beastie Boys frequently cited as a top choice for the first hip hop focused pinball machine as they offer a unique blend of hip hop, punk, and rock music. Their songs are clever and catchy, and their lyrics are often satirical and funny.
25. Big Trouble in Little China
Big Trouble in Little China is a 1986 American fantasy martial arts comedy film directed by John Carpenter and starring Kurt Russell, Kim Cattrall, James Hong, and Donald Pleasence. The film tells the story of Jack Burton (Russell), who helps his friend Wang Chi (Hong) rescue his fiancee from kidnappers in San Francisco's Chinatown.
The film was a commercial failure when it was released, but has since become a cult classic. It has been praised for its humor, action sequences, and visual effects.
Big Trouble in Little China is a popular choice for a new pinball machine because it offers a fun and unique blend of action, adventure, and comedy. The movie is well-made and entertaining, and it features some amazing action sequences.
26. Cobra Kai
A reboot of The Karate Kid, Cobra Kai tells the story of Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), who reopens the Cobra Kai karate dojo and seeks to train a new generation of students in the ways of combat. He is opposed by Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), who is now a successful businessman and father.
The show has been praised for its humor, action, and emotional storytelling. It has been a ratings success for Netflix and has been renewed for several additional seasons.
Cobra Kai is offers an exciting and fresh take on the Karate Kid story, which makes it an appealing concept for a pinball machine given its nostalgic ties to a beloved childhood movie franchise.
27. Megadeth
Megadeth is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. The band was formed in 1983 by Dave Mustaine and bassist Dave Ellefson.
Megadeth is one of the most popular and successful heavy metal bands of all time. They have sold over 38 million records worldwide and were the first heavy metal band to achieve platinum status. Megadeth is also well-known for their aggressive lyrics and dark music videos.
The band has been cited as a top choice for a new metal-focused pinball machine, as they offer a unique blend of thrash metal and traditional heavy metal. Their songs are catchy and powerful, and their lyrics are often dark and violent.
28. Dune
Dune is a science fiction novel written by Frank Herbert, first published in 1965. The novel tells the story of Paul Atreides, a young man who must travel to the planet Arrakis to take control of the family's fortune and lead the fight against the evil Harkonnen family.
The novel was well-received by critics and has been praised for its complex story, Herbert's prose, and its characters. Dune has also been credited with helping to popularize science fiction as a genre and has led to a series of sequels and spin-offs, plus two different film adaptations, most recently in 2020.
Dune is a popular choice for a new pinball machine because it offers a unique blend of science fiction, adventure, and politics. With the right creative team behind it, the theme could turn into an excellent concept for a pinball machine.
29. Fast and the Furious
The Fast and the Furious is a 2001 American action film directed by Rob Cohen and starring Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, and Jordana Brewster. The film tells the story of Dominic Toretto (Diesel), a street racer who is dragged into a world of crime after his brother is brutally murdered.
The Fast and the Furious was a box office success and helped to launch the career of Vin Diesel. It spawned a successful franchise with multiple sequels released to date. The films have been praised for their thrilling action sequences, car chases, and stunts.
The Fast and the Furious offers an adrenaline-pumping blend of action and cars. The films are well-made and entertaining, and they feature some amazing stunts that are sure to thrill audiences.
30. Slayer
Slayer is an American thrash metal band from Huntington Park, California. The band was formed in 1981 by guitarist Kerry King and drummer Dave Lombardo.
Slayer is one of the most popular and successful thrash metal bands of all time. They have sold over 30 million records worldwide and were the first thrash metal band to achieve platinum status. Slayer is also well-known for their aggressive lyrics and dark music videos.
The band has been cited as a top choice for a new metal-focused pinball machine, as they offer a unique blend of thrash metal and traditional heavy metal, and fits alongside other music centric pins from that era.
Most Wanted Stern Pinball Themes #31-40
31. Die Hard
Die Hard is a 1988 American action thriller film directed by John McTiernan and starring Bruce Willis. The film tells the story of John McClane, an NYPD cop who must travel to Los Angeles to save his wife Holly from German terrorist Hans Gruber.
Die Hard was a commercial and critical success and is often considered one of the best action movies of all time. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and has spawned four sequels: Die Hard 2 (1990), Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), Live Free or Die Hard (2007), and A Good Day to Die Hard (2013).
Die Hard offers an entertaining blend of action, suspense, and humor. The movie is well-made and tightly scripted, and it features some great action set-pieces that are still thrilling today.
32. Mad Max
The Mad Max movie franchise is a series of post-apocalyptic action movies set in a world where society has collapsed. The first movie, Mad Max, was released in 1979 and starred Mel Gibson as Max Rockatansky, a police officer who becomes a lone wanderer in a lawless society.
The Mad Max movie franchise is one of the most popular post-apocalyptic movie franchises of all time. The original trilogy, which starred Mel Gibson, is often considered to be one of the best action movie trilogies of all time. The 2015 reboot, Mad Max: Fury Road, was also a critical and commercial success, and was nominated for ten Academy Awards.
The Mad Max movies are well-made and thrilling, and they offer a unique take on the post-apocalypse genre. They are also visually stunning, with some amazing set-pieces and stunts, which many in the pinball community believe will translate well to a pin.
33. True Lies
True Lies is a 1994 American action comedy film directed by James Cameron and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Tom Arnold. The film tells the story of Harry Tasker (Schwarzenegger), a secret agent who must save his wife from a terrorist organization.
The True Lies movie was a box office success and received mixed reviews from critics. However, it has since gained a cult following and is now considered to be one of the best action comedies of its generation.
While it may seem surprising to see such an obscure movie so high on this list, we think it's ties to other pinball connections like James Cameron (Avatar) and Arnold Schwarzenegger (Terminator 2, Terminator 3) help its cause.
34. Superman
Superman is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, and first appeared in Action Comics #1 in 1938. Superman is one of the most popular and iconic superheroes of all time, and has been featured in numerous movies, television shows, and video games.
Superman is often considered to be the archetypal superhero. He is an incredibly powerful and virtuous character who stands for truth, justice, and the American way. He possesses a wide range of superhuman abilities, including flight, super strength, invulnerability, x-ray vision, and super speed.
Superman is an enduring character who has been popular for over 80 years. Surprisingly, there has only ever been a single Superman themed pinball machine produced, 1979's Superman table from Atari.
35. G.I. Joe
G.I. Joe is a franchise of action figures and media created by Hasbro. The franchise began in 1964 with the release of the toyline G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero.
The G.I. Joe franchise is one of the most popular toy franchises of all time. It has spawned numerous action figures, comic books, animated series, and movies. The first live-action movie, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, was released in 2009 and was a commercial success. A sequel, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, was released in 2013 and was also successful.
G.I. Joe is frequently mentioned in the same breath as the likes of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Transformers, other 1980s/1990s era icons with cartoon TV shows that were once popular with kids.
36. Nirvana
Nirvana was an American rock band formed in Aberdeen, Washington, in 1987. The band consisted of singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain, bassist Krist Novoselic, and drummer Dave Grohl.
Nirvana is considered to be one of the most influential and important bands of the 1990s. They were responsible for bringing alternative rock to the mainstream and popularizing the grunge genre. Their album Nevermind, released in 1991, was a massive success and has been certified diamond by the RIAA.
Nirvana was plagued by personal problems and drug addiction. Cobain committed suicide in 1994. However, their music has continued to be popular and highly influential long after their death.
37. Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Red Hot Chili Peppers are an American funk rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1983. The band has consisted of singer Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea, guitarist John Frusciante, and drummer Chad Smith throughout its history.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers are one of the most successful and popular bands of all time. They have sold over 80 million albums worldwide and won six Grammy Awards. The band's music is a fusion of funk, punk rock, and psychedelic rock, and has been described as "danceable party music".
The Red Hot Chili Peppers have a devoted fan base that is known for their extreme dedication to the band.
38. The Eagles
The Eagles are an American rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1971. The band has consisted of singer-songwriter Don Henley, guitarist Glenn Frey, bassist Timothy B. Schmit, and drummer Joe Walsh throughout its history.
The Eagles are one of the most successful and popular bands of all time. They have sold over 150 million albums worldwide and won six Grammy Awards. The Eagles' music is a mixture of country, rock, and folk music, and has been described as "classic American rock".
The Eagles are known for their great harmonies and tight musicianship. They have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Grammy Hall of Fame.
39. Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson was an American singer, songwriter, and dancer. He was referred to as the "King of Pop" and is considered one of the most popular and successful entertainers ever.
Jackson's career spanned over four decades and he achieved staggering success. He released hit singles such as "Thriller", "Billie Jean", and "Beat It". His album Thriller is the best-selling album of all time and has sold over 100 million copies worldwide.
Jackson was a controversial figure due to his eccentric lifestyle and alleged sexual abuse of children. In 2009, he was charged with child molestation and acquitted two years later. However, he died in 2009 from an accidental overdose of propofol. Despite his controversies, Jackson's music continues to be popular and highly influential.
40. Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog is a video game franchise created by Sega. The franchise centers on a series of speed-based platform games. The protagonist of the series is an anthropomorphic blue hedgehog named Sonic.
The Sonic the Hedgehog franchise is one of the most successful and popular video game franchises of its era. It has sold over 150 million copies worldwide and spawned numerous spin-off games, animated TV series, comics, and several commercially successful movies in recent years.
The games are noted for their fast-paced gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy music. The characters of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise have become pop culture icons and are often referenced in other media.
Most Wanted Stern Pinball Themes #41-50
41. Judas Priest
Judas Priest are a British heavy metal band formed in Birmingham, England, in 1969. The band has been one of the most successful and popular metal bands of all time, selling over 50 million albums worldwide.
Judas Priest are known for their loud and aggressive style of heavy metal music. They are considered one of the pioneers of the genre and they have been cited as an influence by many metal bands. Judas Priest's songs are often about religion, death, and war.
The band has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Metal Hall of Fame. They have also won two Grammy Awards.
42. The Muppets
The Muppets are an American puppet franchise created by Jim Henson. The franchise is based on a series of television shows that aired on ABC from 1955 to 1981.
The Muppets are one of the most popular and successful puppet franchises of all time. They have spawned numerous TV series, movies, and stage shows. The Muppets characters are often referenced in other media and their merchandise is popular among children and adults.
The Muppets characters are beloved for their adorable design and clever humor. They have won numerous awards, including five Emmy Awards and a Grammy Award.
43. Daft Punk
Daft Punk were a French electronic music duo formed in 1993 by Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter. The duo is considered one of the most successful and popular electronic music duos of all time, having sold over 100 million records worldwide.
Daft Punk are known for their eccentric costumes and elaborate stage shows. They are considered pioneers of the French house movement and their music has been influential on subsequent electronic music genres.
Daft Punk's songs are often about love and joyous celebration. Their albums have been praised for their innovative production and catchy melodies. Daft Punk have won four Grammy Awards and been nominated for six others. Their music was featured in the film Tron: Legacy, which also had a pinball machine made for its theme.
44. Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix was an American rock musician, singer, and songwriter. He is considered one of the most influential electric guitarists in history and one of the greatest musicians of all time.
Hendrix's music was heavily inspired by blues, soul, and psychedelic rock. His guitar playing was characterized by his innovative use of feedback and distortion. He was a master of improvisation and often created solos that were unlike anything that had been heard before.
Hendrix's stage presence was equally as impressive as his musicianship. He often performed with innovative light shows and wore flamboyant clothing. He is considered one of the most popular rock musicians of all time and has sold over 25 million records.
45. Pee-Wee's Playhouse
Pee-Wee's Playhouse is an American children's television series created by Paul Reubens. The show aired on CBS from 1986 to 1991 and was the most popular children's show of the late 1980s.
The show was popular for its bright colors, wacky humor, and lovable characters. Pee-Wee's Playhouse was one of the first shows to feature a predominately African-American cast. It also featured a number of well-known guest stars, including Cyndi Lauper, Phil Hartman, Magic Johnson, and Whoopi Goldberg.
The show has been praised for its positive messages and clever humor. It was nominated for 23 Emmy Awards and won six. Pee-Wee's Playhouse is considered one of the most influential children's shows of all time.
46. Def Leppard
Def Leppard is a British rock band formed in 1977. The band is considered one of the most successful and popular rock bands of all time, having sold over 100 million records worldwide.
The band's music is characterized by its heavy metal and hard rock sound. They are often cited as an influence by other metal bands and have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Metal Hall of Fame.
Def Leppard is popular for their catchy melodies and powerful guitar solos. They have won two Grammy Awards and been nominated for six others. Their hits include "Pour Some Sugar on Me," "Love Bites," and "Hysteria."
47. Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam is an American rock band formed in 1990. The band is considered one of the most successful and popular rock bands of all time, having sold over 83 million records worldwide.
The band's music is characterized by its grunge sound and powerful guitar solos. They are often cited as an influence by other grunge bands and have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Seattle Music Hall of Fame.
Pearl Jam is popular for their catchy melodies and emotional lyrics. They have won two Grammy Awards and been nominated for eleven others. Their hits include "Jeremy," "Alive," and "Even Flow."
48. Mario
Mario is a fictional character and the main protagonist of the Mario franchise. He was created by Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto and has appeared in over 200 video games.
Mario is popular for his appearances in some of the best-selling video games of all time. He is also popular for his portrayals in various cartoons and comics. His trademark red cap, blue overalls, and mustache have become iconic symbols of Nintendo.
Mario is often cited as one of the most popular video game characters ever. He has been featured in merchandise such as toys, clothing, and even pasta.
49. Futurama
Futurama is an American animated science fiction sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series follows the adventures of a late-20th century New York City pizza delivery boy, Philip J. Fry, who is cryogenically frozen on December 31, 1999 and wakes up 1,000 years later in the year 3000.
The show was popular for its clever humor and fun characters. It was nominated for 17 Emmy Awards and won four.
50. Rocky Horror Picture Show
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a 1975 musical comedy horror film directed by Jim Sharman. The film is based on the 1973 British stage production of the same name, which in turn was based on the 1950 novel The Rocky Horror Picture Show by Richard O'Brien.
The movie is popular for its over-the-top humor and campy style. It has been screened annually in theaters since its release and has developed a cult following. The Rocky Horror Picture Show has been praised for its humor, style, and music. It was nominated for two Academy Awards and won one.
