Who are the 7 Best American Presidents of All Time? Ranked

Evaluating the best American presidents of all time is more than a history lesson; it is a study of power under pressure. While the U.S. has seen 46 presidencies, only a handful have redefined the global landscape. 

Recent 2024 surveys by the Presidential Greatness Project confirm that Abraham Lincoln remains the best president ever in the eyes of experts, closely followed by Franklin D. Roosevelt, who recently overtook George Washington in several scholarly circles. 

Whether it’s navigating a Civil War or a global economic collapse, these leaders possessed unique presidential leadership qualities that earned them a spot on this elite list. Let’s read more about the best presidents of the United States and what made them legendary hereon.

List of Best American Presidents of All Time

To keep the story straight, we need to look at how these leaders performed in certain areas, such as handling the economy, dealing with crises, and fighting for social justice. The following list is based on the most recent scholarly data and tabulates those US presidents who didn't just hold the office but also changed what it meant to be American.

Source: C-SPAN Presidential Historian Survey (2021) and the 2024 Presidential Greatness Project.

1. Abraham Lincoln (16th President)

Lincoln is widely considered the best president ever for one reason: he held a shattering nation together. Rising from a log cabin to the White House, he navigated the American Civil War with a blend of legal brilliance and moral courage. 

His Emancipation Proclamation didn't just change the war's purpose; it changed the soul of the country. According to C-SPAN’s Historians Survey, Lincoln consistently ranks #1 in Crisis Leadership and Moral Authority.

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2. Franklin D. Roosevelt (32nd President)

Did you know that FDR was the only president to serve four terms? He is also credited with building modern America. Roosevelt’s New Deal was a safety net that still exists today when the economy stopped growing during the Great Depression. 

His steady hand during World War II made the U.S. a world superpower. Siena College historians recently named him the best overall in 2022, saying that his ability to compromise and his work in International Relations were unmatched.

3. George Washington (1st President)

Washington didn't just lead the country; he invented the role. His greatest feat of leadership was actually stepping down after two terms, ensuring the U.S. would not become a monarchy. As the Father of his country, he set the standard for every historical ranking of us presidents. His inclusion in the top three is virtually carved in granite, according to the Siena Research Institute.

4. Theodore Roosevelt (26th President)

The youngest man to ever hold the office, Teddy, brought a high-octane energy to the White House. He was the original trustbuster, taking on giant monopolies to protect the average worker, and he established the National Park System. Scholars rank him highly for public Persuasion and vision, as he transitioned America into the industrial age with his square deal policy.

5. Thomas Jefferson (3rd President)

The primary author of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson’s presidency was defined by the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. This single move doubled the size of the United States overnight for just $15 million. 

While modern historians debate his complex legacy regarding slavery, his Administrative Skills and vision for a transcontinental nation keep him firmly among the best presidents of the United States.

6. Harry S. Truman (33rd President)

Truman took office at a terrifying crossroads: the end of WWII and the dawn of the nuclear age. He is credited with the Marshall Plan, which rebuilt a broken Europe, and the integration of the U.S. Armed Forces. 

Though he left office with low approval ratings, time has been kind to his legacy. Today, he is a staple in the top 10 of almost every US president's ranked list for his international Relations.

7. Barack Obama (44th President)

Making his mark on the modern era, Obama entered the 2021 C-SPAN rankings at a solid #10, though many general surveys place him in the top 7 for his Moral Authority and Economic Management. 

Navigating the 2008 financial crisis and passing the landmark Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), he remains highly regarded by younger demographics for his communication skills and social progress.

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As we learn more about history, the list of the best American presidents of all time keeps changing. Lincoln, FDR, and Washington are still the Big Three, but historians are starting to give more credit to leaders like Grant and Obama for how they helped civil rights and world peace in the long run.