The Deadliest Dinosaur Ever: Top 20 List

​As a general rule, you wouldn’t want to cross paths with any of the dinosaurs but the fact remains that some species were much more dangerous than others. The following list ranks the top 20 deadliest dinosaurs in history based on their skills and ability.

The Top 20 Deadliest Dinosaur Ever

The Deadliest Dinosaur Ever: Top 20 List is an interesting topic to explore. Dinosaurs were some of the most powerful creatures to ever walk the Earth, and some of them were incredibly deadly. While there are many contenders for the title of the deadliest dinosaur ever, the following list of the top 20 deadliest dinosaurs is based on a combination of factors such as size, strength, speed, and ferocity.

#20 Deadliest Dinosaur: Spinosaurus

Spinosaurus was one of the largest carnivores ever discovered, growing up to 40 feet long and weighing over 5 tons! The Spinosaurus had an unusual body shape that made it look like a cross between a crocodile and a fish which led some scientists to believe that this animal may have been able to swim great distances without rest.

How Deadly Was Spinosaurus?

Spinosaurus is considered one of the most dangerous dinosaurs ever found. It has been proposed that this creature was able to kill another dinosaur with just its jaws, so it’s no surprise that Spinosaurus’ name means “sail-backed” in Latin. This dinosaur was large and had long spines along its back which allowed it to swim easily through the water like a modern-day crocodile or alligator does today.

#19 Deadliest Dinosaur: Velociraptor

The next on our list of deadliest dinosaur ever was the Velociraptor from “Jurassic Park” fame. Velociraptor was a small to a medium-sized theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period about 75-71 million years ago in what is now Mongolia. While popular culture often portrays Velociraptors as a fearsome and deadly predators, the reality is somewhat more complex.

How Deadly Was Velociraptor?

Velociraptors are among the most popular creatures in pop culture because they’ve been featured in movies like Jurassic Park and The Lost World. While it’s true that these animals had small but powerful jaws which allowed them to tear into their prey quicker than any other predator on Earth, it’s important not to forget about all the other reasons why these predators were so successful! In fact, there are several theories out there suggesting that velociraptors weren’t just sleek predators but also had keen senses for detecting danger along with agile bodies which helped them escape conflict situations quickly!

#18 Deadliest Dinosaur: Tyrannosaurus rex

Tyrannosaurus rex has become synonymous with terror throughout history thanks to its sheer size combined with an intimidating look full of sharp teeth and claws along with muscular arms which allowed it to grab onto prey while attacking. Tyrannosaurus rex, commonly known as T. rex, was one of the largest land predators to have ever existed, living during the Late Cretaceous period about 68-66 million years ago in what is now North America.

How Deadly Was Tyrannosaurus rex?

Based on its physical features, including its massive size, powerful jaws, sharp teeth, and muscular legs, scientists believe that T. rex was a formidable and deadly predator. T. rex was likely an apex predator, at the top of the food chain in its ecosystem, and would have hunted a variety of large herbivorous dinosaurs such as Triceratops and Edmontosaurus. In addition to its physical abilities, T. rex likely had a highly developed sense of smell and vision, which would
have allowed it to locate and track its prey over long distances.

#17 Deadliest Dinosaur: Mapusaurus

Mapusaurus was a large theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period about 100-97 million years ago in what is now South America. While not as well known as some other large predators such as T. rex, Mapusaurus was likely a deadly predator in its own right.

How Deadly Was Mapusaurus?

Based on its physical features, including its sharp teeth and powerful legs, scientists believe that Mapusaurus was a skilled hunter that likely preyed on large herbivorous dinosaurs such as sauropods. Mapusaurus was a member of the family Carcharodontosauridae, which includes other large predators such as Giganotosaurus and Carcharodontosaurus, indicating that it was a formidable predator in a highly competitive ecosystem.

#16 Deadliest Dinosaur: Majungasaurus

Majungasaurus was a large theropod dinosaur that lived in Madagascar during the Late Cretaceous period, about 70 million years ago.

How Deadly Was Majungasaurus?

While it is difficult to determine the exact level of the deadliness of any prehistoric animal, there are a few indicators that can give us an idea of how dangerous Majungasaurus may have been.
Firstly, Majungasaurus was a large predator that likely hunted a variety of prey, including sauropods and other dinosaurs. It had sharp teeth and powerful jaws, which would have allowed it to deliver a powerful bite. Additionally, its arms were relatively short and not very useful, indicating that it likely relied on its head and jaws to capture and kill its prey.

#15 Deadliest Dinosaur: Allosaurus

Allosaurus was one of the top predators of its time and likely preyed on a variety of herbivorous dinosaurs and other animals.

How Deadly Was Allosaurus?

Allosaurus was a skilled hunter, possessing a powerful jaw and sharp, serrated teeth that it used to tear through flesh and bone. It was also relatively agile and could move quickly to pursue and catch its prey. Additionally, some studies suggest that Allosaurus may have hunted in packs, allowing it to take down larger prey more effectively.

#14 Deadliest Dinosaur: Saurophaganax

Saurophaganax was a large theropod. It was a close relative of Allosaurus and is thought to have been even larger and more powerful than its famous cousin.

How Deadly Was Saurophaganax?

Based on its anatomy, Saurophaganax was likely a skilled hunter with powerful jaws and sharp, serrated teeth. It was also relatively fast and agile, which would have allowed it to pursue and catch its prey. Some studies suggest that it may have hunted in packs, which would have allowed it to take down larger prey more effectively.

#13 Deadliest Dinosaur: Giganotosaurus

Giganotosaurus was a large theropod dinosaur that lived in South America during the Late Cretaceous period, about 98-97 million years ago. It is considered to be one of the largest and most powerful meat-eating dinosaurs that ever lived.

How Deadly Was Giganotosaurus?

Based on its size and anatomy, it is likely that Giganotosaurus was a formidable predator capable of taking down large herbivorous dinosaurs. It is estimated to have measured up to 12-13 meters (39-43 feet) in length and weighed as much as 6-8 tons, making it slightly larger than the more well-known Tyrannosaurus rex.

#12 Deadliest Dinosaur: Carcharodontosaurus

Carcharodontosaurus was a large theropod dinosaur that lived in North Africa during the Late Cretaceous period, about 112-93 million years ago. It was one of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs that ever lived, and was a close relative of Giganotosaurus.

How Deadly Was Carcharodontosaurus?

Based on its size and anatomy, it is likely that it was a formidable predator capable of taking down large herbivorous dinosaurs. Carcharodontosaurus is estimated to have measured up to 11-14 meters (36-46 feet) in length and weighed as much as 6-15 tons, making it slightly smaller than Giganotosaurus but still an impressive predator. It had a long, narrow snout filled with sharp teeth, which would have been used to tear through the flesh of its prey.

#11 Deadliest Dinosaur: Utahraptor

Utahraptor was a genus of theropod dinosaur that lived in North America during the Early Cretaceous period, about 126-124 million years ago. It was a relatively large and agile predator and is often depicted as a dangerous and deadly creature in popular culture.

How Deadly Was Utahraptor?

While there is limited information about the behavior and hunting habits of Utahraptor, it is likely that it was a formidable predator capable of taking down prey that was smaller than itself. Utahraptor had sharp, curved claws on their hind feet that were up to 22 centimeters (8.7 inches) long, which it likely used to slash and disembowel its prey. Its sharp teeth and strong jaws would have also allowed it to inflict significant damage on its victims.

#10 Deadliest Dinosaur: Stegosaurus

The Stegosaurus was a large, herbivorous dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period. It was characterized by its distinctive plates along its back and tail, which were likely used for defense against predators. Despite its impressive size and armor, the Stegosaurus was not a particularly dangerous dinosaur. It was slow and clumsy, and its small head and weak jaws meant that it was not well-equipped to fight off predators.

How Deadly Was Stegosaurus?

The Stegosaurus did have one weapon that could be used to ward off attackers: its tail. The Stegosaurus had a long, spiked tail that could be used to whip predators and inflict serious damage. This tail was likely the Stegosaurus’s primary defense against predators, and it could be used to great effect.

#9 Deadliest Dinosaur: Ankylosaurus

Ankylosaurus was a heavily armored dinosaur that lived during the late Cretaceous period. It was a herbivore, meaning it ate plants, and it was one of the last of the non-avian dinosaurs to exist before the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs. Ankylosaurus was a large dinosaur, measuring up to 30 feet long and weighing up to 6 tons.

How Deadly Was Ankylosaurus?

It had a thick, bony armor covering its body, which was made up of large plates and spikes. This armor was designed to protect it from predators, and it was so effective that even the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex would have had a hard time penetrating it. Despite its impressive armor, Ankylosaurus was still a dangerous creature. Its tail was equipped with a large club-like structure at the end, which it could use to deliver powerful blows to predators. This club was made up of several fused vertebrae and was covered in spikes, making it a formidable weapon. Ankylosaurus also had sharp claws on their feet, which they could use to defend themselves if necessary.

#8 Deadliest Dinosaur: Diplodocus

Diplodocus is also on the list of the top 20 deadliest dinosaurs. While it was not as large or powerful as some of the other contenders, it was still a formidable predator. Diplodocus was a large, long-necked sauropod that could reach lengths of up to 90 feet. It had a long tail that it could use to whip its enemies and a powerful bite that could crush bones. It was also incredibly fast and could reach speeds of up to 25 mph.

How Deadly Was Diplodocus?

Diplodocus was a formidable predator that could take down large prey with ease. While it may not have been as powerful as some of the other contenders on the list, it was still a dangerous dinosaur that could cause serious damage to its enemies.

#7 Deadliest Dinosaur: Troodon

The Troodon was one of the deadliest dinosaurs ever to roam the Earth. It was a large, carnivorous dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, about 75 million years ago. It was a member of the Troodontidae family, which includes some of the most dangerous dinosaurs ever discovered.

The Troodon was a large, bipedal dinosaur that measured up to 8 feet in length and weighed up to 500 pounds. It had a long, slender neck and a large head with a sharp beak. Its eyes were large and its teeth were sharp and serrated. It had long, powerful legs and a long tail that it used for balance.

How Deadly Was Troodon?

The Troodon was an active predator, hunting other dinosaurs and scavenging for food. It was an opportunistic hunter, meaning it would take advantage of any opportunity to feed. It was also an ambush predator, meaning it would hide and wait for its prey to come close before attacking.

The Troodon was a very dangerous dinosaur. Its sharp teeth and powerful jaws could easily tear through the flesh of its prey. Its long legs and tail gave it the ability to move quickly and catch its prey before it could escape. Its large eyes gave it an excellent vision, allowing it to spot its prey from a distance.

#6 Deadliest Dinosaur: Deinonychus

Deinonychus was one of the most deadly dinosaurs to ever walk the Earth. It was a carnivorous theropod dinosaur that lived during the Early Cretaceous period, about 115 to 108 million years ago. It was a small to a medium-sized dinosaur, measuring up to 3 meters (9.8 feet) long and weighing up to 70 kilograms (150 pounds).

How Deadly Was Deinonychus?

Deinonychus was a fast and agile predator, with long, sharp claws on its feet and a long, curved, sickle-shaped claw on its second toe. This claw was used to slash and tear into its prey, and it was likely used to help the dinosaur climb trees and other structures. It also had a long, flexible neck and a large, powerful tail that it could use to balance itself while running.

#5 Deadliest Dinosaur: Coelophysis

Coelophysis was a small, bipedal dinosaur that lived during the late Triassic period, about 210 million years ago. It was one of the earliest known dinosaurs and was a member of the Coelophysidae family. Coelophysis was a carnivore and had a long, slender body and a long tail that it used for balance. Its head was small and its eyes were large, giving it excellent vision.

How Deadly Was Coelophysis?

Despite its small size, Coelophysis was a very deadly dinosaur. Its sharp claws and teeth allowed it to easily tear apart its prey. It was also a fast runner, which allowed it to chase down its prey and catch them before they could escape.

#4 Deadliest Dinosaur: Carnotaurus

Carnotaurus was a large, bipedal predator that measured up to 8 meters in length and weighed up to 1.5 tons. It had a distinctive bull-like head with two horns above its eyes, and its body was covered in small, bony plates. Its arms were short and its legs were long and powerful, allowing it to run at speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour.

How Deadly Was Carnotaurus?

Carnotaurus was a formidable predator, and its jaws were filled with sharp, serrated teeth that were perfect for tearing into its prey. It was also equipped with a powerful tail that could be used to whip its prey into submission. Its horns were also used to intimidate its prey, and it was likely an ambush predator that would wait in the shadows for its prey to pass by.

#3 Deadliest Dinosaur: Megaraptor

Megaraptor was large carnivore, estimated to have been around 8 meters (26 feet) long and weighing up to 1.5 tons. It had a long, slender neck and a large head with a powerful jaw filled with sharp teeth. Its arms were long and muscular, and it had three large claws on each hand. It was a fast and agile predator, capable of running at speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour (25 miles per hour).

How Deadly Was Megaraptor?

When it comes to how deadly Megaraptor was, it is difficult to say for certain. It was certainly a formidable predator, and its size and speed would have made it a formidable hunter. However, it is likely that it was not as deadly as some of the other top 20 deadliest dinosaurs, such as Tyrannosaurus Rex or Allosaurus.

#2 Deadliest Dinosaur: Acrocanthosaurus

Acrocanthosaurus was a large theropod dinosaur that lived during the Early Cretaceous period, about 112 to 97 million years ago. It was a bipedal carnivore, meaning it walked on two legs and ate meat. It was about 11 meters (36 feet) long and weighed up to 6 tons. It had a long, low skull with a narrow snout and large, sharp teeth. Its body was covered in bony plates and spikes, giving it a menacing appearance.

How Deadly Was Acrocanthosaurus?

Acrocanthosaurus was one of the most dangerous predators of its time. It was an ambush hunter, meaning it would hide in the shadows and wait for its prey to come close before attacking. Its sharp teeth and powerful jaws allowed it to easily tear through flesh and bone. It was also incredibly fast and agile, allowing it to chase down its prey with ease.

#1 Deadliest Dinosaur: Baryonyx

Baryonyx was a large, carnivorous dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. It was a member of the family Allosauridae and was closely related to the Allosaurus. Baryonyx was a formidable predator, measuring up to 30 feet in length and weighing up to 4 tons. It had a large head with powerful jaws and sharp teeth, as well as long, powerful arms and legs. Its tail was also long and muscular, allowing it to move quickly and make sharp turns.

How Deadly Was Baryonyx?

Baryonyx was a formidable predator and was likely one of the most dangerous dinosaurs of its time. Its size and strength made it a formidable opponent, and its sharp teeth and powerful jaws allowed it to take down large prey. It was also an agile hunter, able to move quickly and make sharp turns. Its long tail also gave it an advantage in hunting, allowing it to whip around quickly and surprise its prey.

Final Thoughts: ​What Was the Deadliest Dinosaur in History?

Ultimately, it is impossible to definitively answer the question of which dinosaur was the deadliest in history. However, the contenders listed above are some of the most popular suggestions, and they all had powerful bite forces, and sharp teeth, and were incredibly fast and agile predators.

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