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The Addams Family

gameactive67 mentionsFirst seen Sep 28, 2001Last seen Apr 3, 2026

Profile

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.

Aliases

No aliases

Relationships

  • designedPat LawlorDesigner of The Addams Family, the best-selling pinball game of all timemedium
  • designedPat LawlorPat Lawlor designed The Addams Family in 1992medium
  • manufacturesWilliamsWilliams manufactured The Addams Family pinball machinemedium
  • manufacturesBallyBally (parent company of Williams) associated with The Addams Family manufacturemedium
  • affiliated_withPedretti Gaming

Facts

  • achievement20,260 units soldhighfrom 1992
  • attribute1992 Bally pinball machinehighfrom 1992
  • attributeFour-flipper designhighfrom 1992
  • attributeDMD era machinehighfrom 1992
  • attributeIntegrated art-package topper featuring family portrait and lightning effectshighfrom 1992
  • intelligence_frequency_spikenoexpertfrom 2026-03-02

Claims (4)

  • factualhigh

    The Addams Family (1992 Bally) is the best-selling pinball machine of all-time

    Jaws, Godfather, Wednesday Addams, Pink Floyd & Other Interesting Live Pinball Machine Trademarks
  • factualhigh

    The Addams Family pinball machine is the best-selling pinball machine of modern times with more than 20,000 units sold.

    Source: Gene Goodman / Pinball NewsSILVER SCREEN TO SILVER BALL
  • factualhigh

    The Addams Family (1992) is the record-selling pinball game in industry history

    Source: ArticleDIALED IN! LAUNCH PARTY
  • factualhigh

    The Addams Family was unanimously selected as the pinball game to be paired with the chair due to thematic appropriateness

Recent Mentions (67)

  • Classic Williams pinball referenced for sound effect reuse in F-14 Tomcat

    Winchester Mystery House Launch Tournament: Final, game 2 of 3 on F-14 Tomcat. Streamed from TFR.Apr 3, 2026
  • Classic pinball machine used with PinSteps angle adjustment at SEFF

    PinShades – InterBlok @ Melt YardMar 19, 2026
  • 1992 Bally game; ranked #4 on the list; noted as beloved but likely unavailable in future

    #94 Horror Show 2 - The Classic Pinball PodcastOct 25, 2022
  • Pinball machine owned by George Fisher, heavily modded with Spooky upgrades, UV reactive rubbers, pin stadiums

    S265:Tron Legacy (Pro) SternApr 8, 2020
  • Game 2 of the 2012 It Never Drains Finals; classic pinball machine used for match-play competition

    It Never Drains in Southern California 2012 Finals - Game 2Jan 12, 2013
  • Pinball machine; gateway game for many German players in 1990s; frequently requested by collectors

    Pinball Heroes: Martin WiestMay 23, 2009

Contradictions

  • Existing: 20,260 units sold / best-selling pinball machine (mention 5)vsConflicting: ~10,350 units produced (mention 7)
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026
  • Existing: 20,260 units sold (mention 5)vsConflicting: Mention 10 states 40,233 units sold including 1,000-unit gold edition
    Resolved
    accepted_new · Mar 2, 2026
  • Existing: 1992 release year (mentions 4, 5, 9, 10, 13)vsConflicting: Mention 0 references it as 'TZ' alternative, suggesting possible confusion with Twilight Zone (1993)
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026
  • Existing: Manufactured by Williams (mentions 2, 9, 10, 12)vs Mention 7 claims it is a Data East licensed title

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

Pedretti Gaming acquired The Addams Family for remake with movie studio licensing
medium
  • affiliated_withTwilight ZoneMentioned alongside Twilight Zone as high-budget Pat Lawlor designmedium
  • designedPat LawlerCo-designed iconic pinball gamemedium
  • location
    Used in Concord Champ '25 Finals Game 3/4
    high
    from 2025-11-18
  • locationUsed at The Flipper Roomhighfrom 2025-11-18
  • roleDesigned by Pat Lawlorhighfrom 1992
  • statusBest-selling pinball machine (current record holder)highfrom 1992 until 2025
  • statusBest-selling pinball machine record to be surpassed by Godzillahighfrom 2026
  • Source: MoosemanADDAMS FAMILY CHALLENGE CHAIR

    Williams licensed pinball game designed by Pat Lawlor; Sharpe convinced Lawlor to undertake the project and handled licensing negotiations with style guide freedom

    Roger SharpeJun 3, 2018
  • Pinball machine capable of supporting up to six balls in multiball

    Learn to Pinball: Lingo Part 1Jan 3, 2025
  • Pinball classic; referenced as A-tier machine for comparison. Zach compares it favorably to The Shadow.

    SDTM: a pinball show Episode 23: The Shadow ReviewJun 25, 2017
  • #1 on magnet list; features three seance magnet cores under playfield that create randomness during multiball; revolutionary design influencing modern games

    SDTM: a pinball show Episode 28: Top 10 MagnetsAug 2, 2017
  • Referenced for magnet-throwing ball mechanic innovation

    Raw Shills!Feb 4, 2025
  • Williams pinball machine ranked #10, classic title included in the countdown

    SDTM Episode 39: Top 10 Halloween/Horror Pinball Machines with special guests!Oct 29, 2017
  • #2 most overrated; Williams pinball classic; hosts argue it has excellent single-mode replay but low replay value overall

    Top 10 Most Overrated Pinball Machines Of All TimeJan 10, 2021
  • WPC89 game compatible with Rocket CPU

    PinSound RocketCPU - Unboxing and InstallMar 17, 2022
  • Williams pinball game referenced as having more elaborate toy/feature design compared to Johnny Mnemonic

    Johnny Mnemonic with Special Guest h4ck3r-JSep 26, 2024
  • Modern pinball game with incomplete ownership data in books

    Valuable ResourceJun 17, 2002
  • Pat Lawlor-designed pinball machine; described as 'best-selling pinball machine of all time' in press release

    TOY STORY 4 RELEASEDJun 20, 2022
  • Classic pinball machine (~24 years old at time of writing, circa 1992 release); top revenue earner at Tilt despite newer machines in rotation

    TILTJan 8, 2016
  • 1992 licensed Midway pinball machine based on 1991 film; best-selling modern pinball machine with 20,000+ units sold.

    SILVER SCREEN TO SILVER BALLApr 26, 2019
  • Pinball machine used in final match of main tournament

    ROMANIAN PINBALL OPEN 2015Dec 18, 2015
  • Pat Lawlor design; noted as still generating revenue in coin-operated locations 20 years after release

    R.i.p. Steve KordekFeb 19, 2012
  • Pinball machine on display at The Pinball Parlour

    Pinball ParlourJun 6, 2009
  • Classic pinball machine designed by Pat Lawlor; described as best-selling pinball machine

    Pat Lawlor to Design Game for Jersey Jack PinballJan 24, 2014
  • Classic pinball machine featured at event with special Electric Chair Challenge experience

    PLAY EXPO BLACKPOOL 2018Oct 27, 2018
  • Bally 1992 pinball machine at Arcadia

    PINSPOTTING - SUMMER 2020Jul 27, 2020
  • Classic pinball machine; cited as top-selling modern pinball machine to date; high collector demand

    PINBALL POPULARITY: CLASSIC vs. CURRENT POP CULTURE THEMESFeb 17, 2017
  • One of 18 supported pinball titles

    PINBALL HOUSEJun 1, 2018
  • Pinball machine in Clayton Jacobsen's personal collection

    Lighting up the Silver ScreenSep 16, 2009
  • 1992 Bally pinball at venue

    KORONA WORLDOct 31, 2016
  • Pat Lawlor/Chris Granner classic game

    Jersey Jack LatestJan 30, 2011
  • Classic pinball title designed by Pat Lawlor with John Youssi artwork

    Exclusive: Pro Pinball Reboots With Special GuestsOct 1, 2013
  • Classic Pat Lawlor design; referenced as one of his most famous works

    Decisions DecisionsSep 28, 2001
  • 1992 pinball machine designed by Pat Lawlor; noted as record-selling game in pinball history

    DIALED IN! LAUNCH PARTYMar 8, 2017
  • ColorDMD's third title

    Colordmd Announces Next TitleFeb 1, 2013
  • League event #1 in March at Lake Villa Public House

    CHICAGO AREA PINBALL LEAGUE: SUMMER 2016Nov 2, 2016
  • Williams pinball machine paired with the Addams Family Challenge Chair as the interactive game component

    ADDAMS FAMILY CHALLENGE CHAIRNov 4, 2016
  • Williams pinball game preceding Popeye; massive 20,000+ unit production run that created market momentum

    Pinball History: Popeye Saves The Earth, The Beginning of the End for Williams Pinball?Jun 28, 2023
  • 1992 Bally pinball game with promotional video included in collection

    The Ultimate Compilation of 1990s Bally / Williams Pinball Promotional VideosJun 13, 2023
  • 1992 Bally pinball machine; best-selling pinball of all-time; referenced as context for Wednesday potential

    Jaws, Godfather, Wednesday Addams, Pink Floyd & Other Interesting Live Pinball Machine TrademarksFeb 7, 2023
  • Classic pinball machine covered in Carrington's video series

    A Video History of the Amazing 1988 Williams Banzai Run Pinball MachineNov 18, 2022
  • Best-selling pinball machine of all time; designed by Pat Lawlor

    Jersey Jack Pinball Reveals Newest Game - Toy Story 4Jun 14, 2022
  • Bally Williams WPC 89 pinball machine compatible with RocketCPU

    PINSOUND LAUNCHES NEW BALLY WILLIAMS REPLACEMENT BOARDSFeb 17, 2022
  • Classic pinball machine stocked at Back to the Arcade

    PICTURES AND VIDEO OF THE "BACK TO THE ARCADE" IN ALLENTOWN, PAFeb 15, 2022
  • Early DMD era pinball machine at museum

    ARCADE REPORT: Roanoke Pinball Museum - Roanoke, VA (July 2021)Aug 21, 2021
  • 1992 Bally Pinball machine at The Break

    ARCADE REPORT: 8 on the Break aka The Break - Dunellen, NJAug 20, 2021
  • Bally pinball game (1992) present at venue

    2019 SUMMER ARCADE TOUR STOP 7: Musée Mécanique - San Francisco's Antique Penny Arcade (July 2019)Jul 1, 2019
  • Recently released Pinball Arcade table with Gold Edition leaderboard; cited as successful test case for tournament ROM implementation

    Drunken FarmerMar 24, 2015
  • Pinball table in TPA; outselling most Season 3/4 tables 2:1 according to Farsight sales data

    Forum Questions Part 1Jul 21, 2015
  • Pinball classic at Clarkade

    Where to Play Pinball in Dayton: Arcades, Barcades, and Brewcades with MachinesMay 19, 2025
  • Pinball machine at Time Out Ames

    Where to Play Pinball in Des Moines: Barcades, Arcades, and Themed Venues with MachinesMay 19, 2025
  • Pinball machine in rotation at Riverside Barbeque Company

    Where to Play Pinball in Toledo: Bars, Restaurants, and Arcades with MachinesMay 19, 2025
  • Pinball machine in rotation at The Arcade

    Where to Play Pinball in Wichita: Barcades, Dive Bars, and Entertainment Venues with MachinesMay 19, 2025
  • Pinball machine used in tournament round 1 play

    London Pinball Birthday Shenanigans at The Grasley Garage!Oct 29, 2025
  • 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

    Episode 106 - Ballsaves: Pinball's Biggest Mistake!Dec 1, 2025
  • Williams pinball machine referenced for playfield layout similarities to Monopoly; featured rotating bookshelf vs. Monopoly's horizontal moving bank

    Lawlor – Pinball's Rollercoaster TycoonDec 27, 2020
  • Pat Lawler-designed classic; cited alongside Twilight Zone as high-budget design with problematic outcomes

    The Pinball Show Ep 100: Pinball Market Trends 2.0, Slappin’ That Glass, & Top 5 Game InvestmentsMay 24, 2022
  • 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

    Episode 84 - The Bally Table King: George ChristianMay 26, 2025
  • 1992 Williams game with integrated art-package topper featuring family portrait and lightning effects; cited as exemplar of thematic topper integration

    Episode 99 - Much Ado About ToppersSep 8, 2025
  • Pat Lawlor design (1992); sold more units than any other pinball machine model

    TOPCast 64: Pat LawlorJan 16, 2010
  • Data East licensed title; ~10,350 units produced; part of 30,000-unit peak production year; follows Jurassic Park and Star Wars

    TOPCast 37: Joe KaminkowMay 27, 2007
  • Bally pinball machine used for Finals Game 3/4 of Concord Champ '25

    Concord Champ '25: Finals, Game 3/4 on The Addams Family by Bally. Streamed from The Flipper Room.Nov 18, 2025
  • 1992 Bally pinball game with 20,260 units sold; current best-selling pinball machine, soon to be surpassed by Godzilla

    Stern Pinball’s George Gomez Addresses Criticism of New Pinball Cabinets; Godzilla Poised to Become the Best-Selling Pin of All-Time; Next Stern Title?Dec 10, 2025
  • 1992 Williams classic; Neal's first sighting of solid state machine in Japan; cited as favorite from DMD era featuring four-flipper design

    EP03 Neal WagonerSep 20, 2025
  • Referenced as 'TZ' alternative to Godzilla

    Godzilla: Based on your experience...Feb 12, 2026
  • Classic game acquired by Pedretti Gaming for remake; requires movie studio licensing

    Episode 1141: "Spooky Said Whaaaaaaaaat?"Sep 26, 2025
  • Previous Pat Lawler design, mentioned for comparison

    Episode 101 – CSI: Special Pinball UnitJul 22, 2019
  • Classic game; referenced implicitly through discussion of remake necessity

    Kaneda's Sunday Morning Service!May 26, 2025
  • Conflicting:
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 3, 2026
  • Existing: 1992 Bally pinball game (mentions 0, 5, 6, 9)vsConflicting: Data East licensed title with ~10,350 units produced (mention 7)
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 3, 2026