Which RuPaul's Drag Race Franchise is the Most Popular?

With the success of RuPaul's Drag Race, it’s no surprise that the franchise has expanded worldwide, from the U.S. to the UK, the Philippines, and Brazil. But with so many spin-offs, the question arises: which franchise is the most popular?

We’ll break it down by IMDb ratings and social media buzz across all versions to see which one reigns supreme and which one falls short.

IMDb Ratings: A Global Look

Here’s how the top franchises stack up on IMDb:

1. RuPaul’s Drag Race (US) IMDb Rating: 8.4/10 As the original, RuPaul’s Drag Race U.S. remains the gold standard in drag entertainment. With memorable queens like Bianca Del Rio, Jinkx Monsoon, and Shea Couleé, it’s no wonder fans still hold the U.S. version in the highest regard.

2. RuPaul’s Drag Race UK IMDb Rating: 8.2/10 Known for its humor and wit, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK brings a British flair to the franchise, and fans are loving it. This version has gained major popularity for queens like The Vivienne and Bimini Bon-Boulash, with social media frequently buzzing about their iconic performances.

3. Canada’s Drag Race IMDb Rating: 7.5/10 Canada’s Drag Race has made its mark with a focus on Canadian drag culture. While not as universally loved as the U.S. or UK versions, it has carved out a solid fanbase thanks to queens like Priyanka and Jimbo.

4. RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under IMDb Rating: 7.2/10 While the Down Under version had the excitement of featuring Australian and New Zealand drag talent, it didn’t fully resonate with the international audience. Criticisms of production quality and drama overshadowing the talent have affected its ratings.

Non-English Speaking Versions: Who Stands Out?

1. Drag Race España IMDb Rating: 8.7/10 This Spanish spin-off is highly rated and has been praised for its cultural representation, bold fashion, and fierce talent. Fans on social media rave about queens like Carmen Farala, and many hail this version as a must-watch for fans seeking something fresh.

2. Drag Race Philippines IMDb Rating: 8.2/10 - Drag Race Philippines has quickly gained a loyal following with its unique challenges and vibrant Filipino drag scene. Fans on Twitter have praised queens like Precious Paula Nicole, making this version one of the breakout hits among the newer franchises.

3. Drag Race France IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 - While Drag Race France is solidly received, it hasn’t quite reached the global level of excitement as other versions. That said, queens like Paloma and Soa de Muse have been embraced by French-speaking fans, and the show continues to grow in popularity.

4. Drag Race Brasil IMDb Rating: 6.8/10 - Unfortunately, Drag Race Brasil struggles to capture the magic of its counterparts. Criticism on social media points to inconsistent judging and lackluster challenges, leading to the lowest IMDb rating among the global franchises. While queens like Grag Queen have managed to shine, the show has faced difficulties in becoming a fan favorite.

Social Media Buzz: Who’s Trending?

When it comes to social media, fan discussions tell a different story:

• U.S. & UK versions dominate Twitter and Instagram, with major moments like the “Snatch Game” from the UK or lip sync battles from the U.S. being shared far and wide. Fans constantly debate the best queens, with hashtags like #DragRaceUS and #DragRaceUK trending regularly.

• Drag Race España has become a sleeper hit on social media, with fans praising it for being both culturally relevant and packed with talent. Twitter threads often rave about how the queens deliver stunning looks and unforgettable performances.

• Drag Race Philippines also enjoys a growing fanbase on platforms like TikTok, where clips of queens delivering passionate lip syncs go viral. Fans are excited to see this show put Filipino drag in the global spotlight.

• Drag Race Brasil has struggled to generate consistent buzz, with fan comments suggesting disappointment in comparison to the higher production value of other franchises.

And the Winner Is…

While the U.S. version still holds the crown as the most popular RuPaul's Drag Race franchise, Drag Race España is the dark horse rising quickly through the ranks, thanks to stellar queens and a well-received format. On the other hand, Drag Race Brasil lags behind, struggling with critical reviews and social media engagement.

In the world of drag, it’s all about who serves the best charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent, and it’s clear that these franchises bring it in their own ways. Which is your favorite?

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