Ever wondered what is the biggest dinosaur in the world? The answer might surprise you! From towering giants that roamed the Earth millions of years ago to the colossal creatures that dominated the prehistoric landscape, the world of dinosaurs is full of fascinating surprises. In this article, we’re diving deep into the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods to uncover the true titans of the dinosaur kingdom. Whether you’re a seasoned dino enthusiast or just curious about these ancient behemoths, get ready to meet the top 10 biggest dinosaurs ever.
1. Amphicoelias fragillimus
Amphicoelias fragillimus is one of the largest dinosaurs in the world, potentially the largest creature to have ever walked the Earth. Discovered in the late 19th century, its fossils suggested a length of up to 190 feet, surpassing any other known dinosaur. Weighing between 122 to 134 tons, Amphicoelias fragillimus was a sauropod with a long neck and tail, characteristic of this group of massive herbivores. However, much of its remains have been lost, leaving paleontologists with only fragmentary evidence and raising debates about its actual size.
2. Argentinosaurus
Argentinosaurus, is one of the top 10 biggest dinosaurs ever, holds the title of one of the largest dinosaurs ever discovered, with estimates placing its length at up to 100 feet and its weight around 100 tons. This gigantic sauropod roamed the Earth during the Late Cretaceous period, around 90 million years ago, in what is now Argentina. Argentinosaurus’s immense size is evidenced by its colossal vertebrae, some of which were over five feet wide. Despite its towering presence, this herbivore likely spent most of its time feeding on the treetops, using its long neck to reach vegetation that other dinosaurs couldn’t access.
3. Patagotitan mayorum
Patagotitan mayorum is one of the largest dinosaurs ever discovered, surpassing most other known giants. This titanosaur, which roamed the Earth around 100 million years ago, measured up to 122 feet in length and weighed approximately 69 tons—comparable to the combined weight of about 12 African elephants.
What sets Patagotitan apart is not just its sheer size but its surprisingly complete fossil record, with remains from multiple individuals providing a detailed glimpse into its anatomy. Discovered in Argentina’s Patagonia region, this behemoth is considered one of the best-known members of the Titanosauria group.
4. Dreadnoughtus schrani
Dreadnoughtus schrani stands as one of the most awe-inspiring giants of the dinosaur world, with estimates placing its length at about 85 feet and its weight ranging from 26 to 49 metric tons, equivalent to up to 12 African elephants. This titanosaur’s colossal size, especially its 37-foot neck, made it one of the largest land animals for which a body mass can be accurately calculated. The sheer bulk of Dreadnoughtus, combined with its robust tail, meant it likely feared no predators.
5. Supersaurus vivianae
Supersaurus vivianae, one of the top 10 biggest dinosaurs ever, is a sauropod dinosaur that holds the record for the longest dinosaur ever discovered, stretching up to an estimated 128 to 138 feet (39-42 meters) in length. Its name, meaning “super lizard,” reflects its immense size, characterized by a neck longer than that of any other known dinosaur, and a tail that may have been capable of breaking the speed of sound. In spite of its extraordinary length, Supersaurus was relatively lightweight compared to some of its titanic counterparts, thanks to large air sacs that reduced its overall mass.
6. Sauroposeidon proteles
Sauroposeidon proteles is renowned for being one of the tallest dinosaurs ever discovered, with its neck alone possibly reaching lengths of up to 40 feet—making it as tall as a six-story building. This gigantic sauropod, found in North America, lived during the Early Cretaceous Period around 110 million years ago.
Regardless of its massive size, Sauroposeidon’s body was relatively lighter compared to other giant sauropods, allowing it to survive on a less substantial diet. This dinosaur was adapted to browsing on vegetation that was out of reach for other herbivores, thanks to its incredible height.
7. Spinosaurus aegyptiacus
Spinosaurus aegyptiacus stands out as one of the most unique dinosaurs ever discovered, being the first known semi-aquatic dinosaur. Unlike most theropods, Spinosaurus was adapted for life both on land and in water, with features such as elongated, paddle-like limbs and a distinctive sail on its back. Growing over 50 feet long, it was larger than the infamous Tyrannosaurus rex. Its adaptations suggest it hunted large fish in the river systems of what is now North Africa, making it a top predator of its time and a true marvel of evolution.
8. Brachiosaurus altithorax
Brachiosaurus altithorax was a towering giant of the Late Jurassic period, renowned for its unique body structure and immense size. Standing at an impressive height of around 40-50 feet, it was one of the tallest dinosaurs ever discovered.
Unlike other sauropods, Brachiosaurus had longer front limbs than hind limbs, giving it an upward-leaning posture that allowed it to reach high into the treetops for food. Its elongated neck, which could measure up to 30 feet, and its specialized nasal structure, positioned on top of its head, likely provided it with excellent sensory capabilities.
9. Titanosaurus
Titanosaurus, one of the top 10 biggest dinosaurs ever, is a notable yet somewhat enigmatic member of the titanosaur family, a group that includes some of the largest land animals ever to roam the Earth. Discovered in India in 1877 by Richard Lydekker, Titanosaurus, meaning “Titanic lizard,” was one of the earliest titanosaurs identified. This sauropod was about 50 feet long and weighed around 15 tons, with a massive trunk and short, thick legs. However, its exact classification remains debated due to the limited fossil remains, which lack a skull. Titanosaurus had rows of bony plates along its back, offering some protection against predators.
10. Shantungosaurus
for being one of the largest hadrosaurids ever discovered. Measuring up to 16 meters (52 feet) in length and weighing approximately 16 tons, this colossal creature was as large as a double-decker bus. In the face of its size, Shantungosaurus was a swift runner, capable of reaching speeds up to 28 miles per hour.
Its massive, duck-billed mouth housed over 1,500 teeth, which were ideal for grinding tough vegetation. Remarkably, Shantungosaurus lived in herds, using its size and collective behavior as a defense mechanism against predators.
When ranking the top 10 biggest dinosaurs ever, several key criteria were considered to accurately reflect their size and significance. These criteria include overall length, estimated weight, and fossil completeness, which provides insight into the accuracy of size estimations. Additionally, unique anatomical features, such as Spinosaurus aegyptiacus’s semi-aquatic adaptations or Brachiosaurus altithorax’s towering height, were factored into the rankings to highlight their evolutionary significance.
