Here’s a ranked top 10 list of notable hypnotists. Ranking always has some subjectivity, so I’ve weighted historical influence, public visibility, and impact on hypnosis as a field.
Top 10 Notable Hypnotists
1. Franz Anton Mesmer
Often considered the starting point for modern hypnosis history. His “animal magnetism” ideas were later disproven, but they strongly influenced the development of hypnotic practice and the very word mesmerism.
2. James Braid
The British surgeon who coined the term hypnotism and helped shift the subject away from supernatural explanations toward a more psychological understanding.
3. Milton H. Erickson
One of the most influential clinical hypnotists ever. His permissive, indirect style shaped modern hypnotherapy, strategic therapy, and many contemporary approaches.
4. Jean-Martin Charcot
A major neurologist whose work on hysteria and hypnosis at the Salpêtrière brought hypnosis into serious medical and scientific discussion in the 19th century.
5. Émile Coué
Best known for Couéism and autosuggestion. His ideas made self-suggestion widely popular and influenced later work in psychotherapy and self-help.
6. Dave Elman
A highly influential hypnotist and trainer whose rapid-induction methods became famous in medical and therapeutic hypnosis.
7. Theodore X. Barber
An important researcher who challenged older assumptions about hypnosis and helped shape modern non-state and social-cognitive views of hypnotic responding.
8. Clark L. Hull
A major experimental psychologist whose research helped establish hypnosis as a legitimate topic for scientific study.
9. Richard Bandler
Co-creator of NLP, which drew heavily on hypnotic language patterns and therapeutic communication, making him a notable figure in the broader hypnosis-adjacent world.
10. Ormond McGill
Known as the “Dean of American Hypnotists,” he was influential in stage hypnosis and authored widely read books that introduced many people to hypnosis.
Short note on the ranking
If you want a list focused more on clinical hypnosis, stage hypnosis, or modern researchers, the order would change quite a bit.
Sources
[^1]: Encyclopedia Britannica, “Mesmerism” and historical entries on Franz Anton Mesmer and hypnosis.
[^2]: Encyclopaedia Britannica / historical references on James Braid and the origin of the term “hypnotism.”
[^3]: APA and historical literature on Milton H. Erickson’s influence on hypnotherapy.
[^4]: Encyclopaedia Britannica and medical history sources on Jean-Martin Charcot and hypnosis.
[^5]: Historical sources on Émile Coué and autosuggestion.
[^6]: Dave Elman, Hypnotherapy and historical references to Elman’s methods.
[^7]: Theodore X. Barber’s research papers on hypnosis and sociocognitive theories.
[^8]: Clark L. Hull, Hypnosis and Suggestibility: An Experimental Approach.
[^9]: Richard Bandler’s work on NLP and hypnotic language patterns.
[^10]: Ormond McGill, The New Encyclopedia of Stage Hypnotism.