The Addams Family is a 1992 pinball machine designed by Pat Lawlor and manufactured by Williams/Bally, based on the classic horror-comedy franchise. It became the best-selling pinball machine of all time with 20,260+ units sold (later expanded with a 1,000-unit gold edition), surpassing the previous record holder 8-Ball. The game is noted for its innovative design including four-flipper layout, integrated art-package topper with family portrait and lightning effects, and rotating bookshelf playfield feature. It remains widely played in competitive tournaments and commercial venues, and has been successfully ported to digital platforms like The Pinball Arcade.
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The Addams Family was released in March 1992 and sold 20,000 units, making it one of the most successful selling games of all time.
Addams Family is the best pinball machine ever made.
Addams Family was originally intended to be an alphanumeric game but became a DMD game after Terminator 2's success.
The Thing flipper was patented and no other manufacturer could replicate it.
Classic/premium-priced game mentioned as an exception to Eric's standard WPC-era valuation framework
Classic 1992 Williams game designed by Pat Lawlor, referenced as prior work by Larry DeMar
Iconic 1992 Williams pinball machine by Pat Lawlor; J Bryan Vincent's gateway machine and first purchased collector's piece; catalytic experience for his passion for pinball
Classic pinball machine by Pat Lawlor; one of O'Brien's two favorite machines; kept coming up in pinball reading
1992 Williams game; referenced alongside Q-Ball Wizard as a strong release in a year of duds.
Classic Williams pinball machine; used as reference point for machine variance (flippers differ between units) and expected play adjustment requirements.
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The Addams Family (1992 Bally) is the best-selling pinball machine of all-time
The Addams Family is the best-selling pinball machine of all time with 20,270 units sold
The game lacks ball saver as a default feature
The Addams Family is the 'ultimate pinball package' in terms of initial appeal and shot quality, but depreciates faster in long-term satisfaction than other classic games
The Addams Family was produced with 20,270 units, making it one of the best-selling pinball machines of all time
The Addams Family pinball machine is the best-selling pinball machine of modern times with more than 20,000 units sold.
There is a modified ROM for The Addams Family that implements timeout-based magnet behavior instead of always-on magnets.
Using side handle controls on The Addams Family provides +1 million points per combo compared to flipper button controls.
The Addams Family (1992) is the record-selling pinball game in industry history
The Addams Family power magnet in TPA is overpowered compared to real machines, though the real magnet can be equally devious through different mechanics.
The Addams Family was unanimously selected as the pinball game to be paired with the chair due to thematic appropriateness
The Addams Family is the safest recommendation for newcomers to TPA
Addams Family Kickstarter reached over $70,000 in funding within approximately one week, representing nearly 75% of campaign goal
Stretch goals should be announced when Kickstarter reaches $85K-$90K to avoid appearing presumptuous
1992 Williams pinball machine designed by Pat Lawlor. Cited by Bowen as having the best rule design philosophy: player agency, multiple viable strategies, flexible reward system.
Classic pinball game (Williams, 1992, per KB) that captivated Amy during graduate school at University of Vermont; played at the local pizza place. One of her first games to own; served as her gateway back to pinball as an adult.
Classic 1992 Williams game referenced in glossary as landmark themed pinball machine
Pat Lawlor classic cited as example of game with saucer feeds to upper flipper during multiball
Referenced as source of spare legs used in this build
Williams game designed by Pat Lawlor; 20,000 units sold—most-produced pinball machine ever
Classic pinball reference used as benchmark for Beetlejuice comparison; Kaneda frames Beetlejuice as modern equivalent in impact, layout design, and cultural resonance
Williams classic that Josh played extensively at Georgia Tech rec center and later purchased a nice condition example now on loan to Pinball Studio; expensive in secondary market ($10K+).
Williams game (1992); WPC-era game. Sold ~22,000 units—peak pinball production era. Featured in Granner's list of best work.
Licensed Williams pinball from 1990s era featuring Thing the Hand as major mechanical toy
Williams classic; most-produced pinball ever with 20,000 units; benchmark for comparing Godzilla's potential sales success
Pinball machine owned by Ryan Kuyper; simpler rule set (chair ramp focus); example of game with straightforward learning curve
Williams/Bally pinball game released three months before Lethal Weapon 3 in 1992, best-selling pinball game of all time (20,000 units)
Classic pinball game by Pat Lawler; jokingly cited as reason for Lawler's tournament victory
Classic Williams pinball machine referenced; Thing character comes out and picks up ball; cited as example of magical theatrical moment
Pat Lawler game referenced by Kaneda as having more mechanical content than Toy Story 4
Classic Bally pinball table from 1992, best-selling pinball machine ever with ~20,000 units produced; subject of licensing negotiations for Pinball Arcade adaptation.
Pinball machine; Chris suggests would pair well aesthetically with rumored Ghostbusters machine
DMD pinball machine in The Pinball Arcade that Chris ranked #1 for FX3 addition among licensed titles
Classic pinball table; praised for realistic power magnet behavior in TPA despite overpowered nature
Classic pinball title; cited by Grafl as favorite; discussed regarding ROM status persistence (Thing flipper calibration)
Pinball Arcade digital table; cited as good demo material for non-gamers
Digital pinball table by Farsight, subject of ongoing Kickstarter campaign
Classic pinball table included in Legends 4K; used as reference for Magic Pixel surround sound quality
Pinball game; digital version awarded as tournament prize in previous month
Pinball machine featured in 420 tournament qualifying with 'thing' feature disabled, requiring vault lock strategy
Pat Lawlor-designed Williams pinball game; approximately 22,000 units produced (largest run in Williams history); culminated major creative era 1989-1992.
Classic Williams table; 'Thing' hand mechanism is extremely expensive and would be first feature removed in hypothetical Pro model
1992 Williams pinball machine designed by Pat Lawlor; best-selling pinball machine of all time with 20,270 units produced; subject of detailed SDTM review covering mechanics, art, code, toys, and long-term ownership value
Classic pinball game coming to Pinball Arcade platform with complex licensing agreement
Classic Williams/Bally pinball machine (20,000 units produced); subject of historical analysis about market saturation effects
Classic pinball with color DMD and LEDs in Dylan's collection
Williams pinball machine recommended as safest demo table for TPA; very well implemented with good graphics and minimal bugs
Reference to Williams classic mentioned in context of machine maintenance comparison
Classic pinball game from Museum of Pinball auction that sold for $22,500 (anomalously high price); 20,270 units produced
Discussed as classic game; host criticized for shallow gameplay despite great theme execution; described as 'letdown' once exploit (middle ramp to scoop) discovered
Licensed IP chosen as standard edition for AtGames Legends 4K cabinet launch
Classic pinball machine; used as example of game whose secondary market value has skyrocketed; restored versions cost ~$10,000
Classic pinball machine referenced as one of the most-produced games alongside KISS.
Lawler-designed pinball; Alex ranks it alongside Whirlwind as favorite
Referenced as having U-turn shot mechanic similar to Wonka; appears to have large magnet coils under playfield
Classic Williams pinball machine. Ernie played it frequently in virtual and physical form. Used Addams Family ramp components (cut in half) on Battle of the Baron. Referenced as one of most popular pinball machines ever.
Pinball machine selected for game two of Women's Finals; features greed letters strategy, skill shots, and multiball via bookcase/chair shots; has modified ROM variant with altered magnet behavior.
Noted as best-selling pinball machine of all time; featured in Grazely Garage collection
Licensed pinball table available on AtGames cabinet skin; mentioned as focus point for latency fixes
Iconic pinball machine frequently requested by nostalgic visitors to the museum.
Referenced as design precedent for hand ramp progressive awards system
Best-selling pinball machine of all time, made in the 1990s when Bally and Williams merged, featured in BBC Radio 2 trivia segment
Classic pinball machine designed by Pat Lawlor; cited as example of successful design
Classic pinball; compared in one-pin collection; Greg dislikes it; lowest-ranked in comparison group
Bally 1992 pinball machine at One Well Brewing; has right drain lane issues and uneven floor placement; 50 cents per credit
1992 Williams; 5% in poll; most-produced pinball ever; hosts surprised by low ranking despite iconic status
Special Collectors Edition displayed at SS Billiards
Pinball machine in museum collection; referenced as a classic title
Classic Williams game cited as example of thematic playfield design (mansion setting) and shot design philosophy
Described as the highest-selling pinball machine of all time; features 'Tour the Mansion' wizard mode.
Williams classic; $8K+ pricing observed; holds value as elite title
Williams/Bally 1992 pinball machine, highest-selling pinball game of all time with ~21,000 units
Williams classic; referenced in hosts' childhood arcade experiences; remembered fondly as cultural touchstone
Pat Lawler 1992 game; 8.5 Pinside rating; 20,000 units produced (most-produced pinball ever); featured in Pat vs. Steve showdown
Tim's previous machine; traded away for Halloween; Tim's 'grail' game; Tim was offered deal he 'couldn't refuse'
Classic Williams game; released after Black Rose in 1992; has identical layout to original Data East Jurassic Park
Classic Williams pinball designed by Pat Lawlor; owned by Sam since 2005; discussed as design sibling to Twilight Zone; among the most-produced pinball machines of all time
Best-selling pinball machine of all time with 20,270 units; designed by Pat Lawler; released in early 1990s; nostalgic touchstone for home collectors; commands high secondary market prices
Best-selling pinball machine ever with approximately 20,270 units produced, surpassing Three-Zone's previous record
1992 Williams/Bally pinball machine designed by Pat Lawlor; best-selling pinball game of all-time; subject of rumored next Zen Studios digital table
Classic pinball machine; subject of homebrew black-and-white conversion project (2018 Pinside thread); TV source material was black-and-white
All-time best-selling pinball game; potential comparison baseline for Pokémon's sales trajectory
Classic Williams machine; discussed as comparison point for Twilight Zone design merit
Previous Pedretti-upgraded game at this location; referenced as high-quality conversion work
Pinball machine ranked #2 best of all time. 22,000 units sold; established blueprint for modern mode-based pinball design. Licensed IP game that enhanced movie's cultural legacy.
Classic Williams game by Pat Lawlor; up 29% from $9,900 to $12,750; recent sale was fully restored to original specs
Pinball FX table launching Feb 16; Chris mentions playing physical version at tournament, looking forward to digital version
Classic machine with estimated 11,000+ units sold; considered best-selling pinball machine of all time; heavy licensing constraints prevent remakes
Classic Williams pinball game, featured in Pinball FX with identified bugs and physics improvements
1992 Bally pinball machine designed by Pat Lawlor; subject of this episode's 'best game ever' defense
Classic Williams pinball referenced for sound effect reuse in F-14 Tomcat
Classic pinball machine used with PinSteps angle adjustment at SEFF
1992 Bally game; ranked #4 on the list; noted as beloved but likely unavailable in future
Pinball machine owned by George Fisher, heavily modded with Spooky upgrades, UV reactive rubbers, pin stadiums
Game 2 of the 2012 It Never Drains Finals; classic pinball machine used for match-play competition
Pinball machine; gateway game for many German players in 1990s; frequently requested by collectors
Williams licensed pinball game designed by Pat Lawlor; Sharpe convinced Lawlor to undertake the project and handled licensing negotiations with style guide freedom
Pinball machine capable of supporting up to six balls in multiball
Pinball classic; referenced as A-tier machine for comparison. Zach compares it favorably to The Shadow.
#1 on magnet list; features three seance magnet cores under playfield that create randomness during multiball; revolutionary design influencing modern games
Referenced for magnet-throwing ball mechanic innovation
Williams pinball machine ranked #10, classic title included in the countdown
#2 most overrated; Williams pinball classic; hosts argue it has excellent single-mode replay but low replay value overall
WPC89 game compatible with Rocket CPU
Williams pinball game referenced as having more elaborate toy/feature design compared to Johnny Mnemonic
Modern pinball game with incomplete ownership data in books
Pat Lawlor-designed pinball machine; described as 'best-selling pinball machine of all time' in press release
Classic pinball machine (~24 years old at time of writing, circa 1992 release); top revenue earner at Tilt despite newer machines in rotation
1992 licensed Midway pinball machine based on 1991 film; best-selling modern pinball machine with 20,000+ units sold.
Pinball machine used in final match of main tournament
Pat Lawlor design; noted as still generating revenue in coin-operated locations 20 years after release
Pinball machine on display at The Pinball Parlour
Classic pinball machine designed by Pat Lawlor; described as best-selling pinball machine
Classic pinball machine featured at event with special Electric Chair Challenge experience
Bally 1992 pinball machine at Arcadia
Classic pinball machine; cited as top-selling modern pinball machine to date; high collector demand
One of 18 supported pinball titles
Pinball machine in Clayton Jacobsen's personal collection
1992 Bally pinball at venue
Pat Lawlor/Chris Granner classic game
Classic pinball title designed by Pat Lawlor with John Youssi artwork
Classic Pat Lawlor design; referenced as one of his most famous works
1992 pinball machine designed by Pat Lawlor; noted as record-selling game in pinball history
ColorDMD's third title
League event #1 in March at Lake Villa Public House
Williams pinball machine paired with the Addams Family Challenge Chair as the interactive game component
Williams pinball game preceding Popeye; massive 20,000+ unit production run that created market momentum
1992 Bally pinball game with promotional video included in collection
1992 Bally pinball machine; best-selling pinball of all-time; referenced as context for Wednesday potential
Classic pinball machine covered in Carrington's video series
Best-selling pinball machine of all time; designed by Pat Lawlor
Bally Williams WPC 89 pinball machine compatible with RocketCPU
Classic pinball machine stocked at Back to the Arcade
Early DMD era pinball machine at museum
1992 Bally Pinball machine at The Break
Bally pinball game (1992) present at venue
Recently released Pinball Arcade table with Gold Edition leaderboard; cited as successful test case for tournament ROM implementation
Pinball table in TPA; outselling most Season 3/4 tables 2:1 according to Farsight sales data
Pinball classic at Clarkade
Pinball machine at Time Out Ames
Pinball machine in rotation at Riverside Barbeque Company
Pinball machine in rotation at The Arcade
Pinball machine used in tournament round 1 play
1992 game; best-selling flipper pinball game ever with 7,000-8,000 more units sold than High Speed 2; shipped without factory ball save but still hugely successful
Williams pinball machine referenced for playfield layout similarities to Monopoly; featured rotating bookshelf vs. Monopoly's horizontal moving bank
Pat Lawler-designed classic; cited alongside Twilight Zone as high-budget design with problematic outcomes
Pat Lawlor design (1992); 40,233 units sold (later expanded with 1,000-unit gold edition); surpassed 8-Ball's record as best-selling pinball machine
1992 Williams game with integrated art-package topper featuring family portrait and lightning effects; cited as exemplar of thematic topper integration
Pat Lawlor design (1992); sold more units than any other pinball machine model
Data East licensed title; ~10,350 units produced; part of 30,000-unit peak production year; follows Jurassic Park and Star Wars
Bally pinball machine used for Finals Game 3/4 of Concord Champ '25
1992 Bally pinball game with 20,260 units sold; current best-selling pinball machine, soon to be surpassed by Godzilla
1992 Williams classic; Neal's first sighting of solid state machine in Japan; cited as favorite from DMD era featuring four-flipper design
Classic game acquired by Pedretti Gaming for remake; requires movie studio licensing
Previous Pat Lawler design, mentioned for comparison
Referenced as 'TZ' alternative to Godzilla
Classic game; referenced implicitly through discussion of remake necessity