Does 'popularity' win over 'talent'?

What I'm getting at is, does something that is more popular in a community 'perceive' to be better then something that is more practical or more talented.
For example, if there are two movies at a cinema (both comedies), however one is what everyone is going to see and the other (even though it has a better review) is a movie that no one is seeing. Would you go see the more popular movie to 'fit in' or see the better (more talented) movie even if you were the only one in the cinema.

A better realistic example is mobile/cell phones. For example, Apple is vastly more popular then Android to a common person, but if 1 android phone is hugely better then the iPhone, would you go buy it or keep with the iPhone (Apple).

I believe that popularity for sure wins talent. As you mentioned there many example of this fact. To mention one, take a look at modern art… Their artwork is not really that hard to make and there are a lot of other artists with "deep messages" in their works, besides the popular, who never get famous because they don't have a way to become(a lot of artists use rich' men power to get theirselves known. After that earning money and creating "masterpieces" is like taking a walk in the park).

And one last thing, don't forget especially in the world of art(but in other factors as well) there are no many chances for you to be recognized for your hardwork and talent. Most of the times is just a matter of luck and knowing people…

Some folks like to follow the bandwagon, some folks have the open-mindedness to enjoy the underdog or less valued… Especially when one does the proper research.

It's easier to go with 'popularity' because everyone else does it, so if in some case everyone else FAILS because they liked it. It isn't as bad because you're not the only one at fault. While the less liked; if you go that route and it FAILS… Then you look bad because you didn't follow the bandwagon.

Not often the case, not to mention we aren't sheep so, yea it does, but often it's the bandwagon is made the fool, and the talent wins.

my 2 cents.

Certainly not. Popularity is short lived and most importantly, involves INSECURITY. However, talent stays forever regardless of whether it is at the receiving end of appreciation or not. Talent can't be 'snatched away' by anybody; Popularity is however, more about "fad" and dependent on others' inclination towards you. Popularity may/may not guarantee possession of something (be it skills, knowledge or the "X factor") which makes one popular, but talent can make you popular if it's recognised by others. People on facebook put up beautiful edited images of themselves with overly dramatic captions - which receives like 100s of likes with comments like 'Awww. So beautiful' etc. The picture becomes popular in no time, and we then witness others following suit with people putting up pictures in weird poses and cheesy captions - it is all to 'fit in'. There are a few people who put their 'real selves' on such sites. Why? Because Popularity is all a matter of 'conformance'.

Regarding the Apple example you have given - Yes, in that context, popularity just gives you more "social approval" from others. However, talent may/may not do the same simply because talent may not always lead to popularity which brings in approval from others. For me, although, popularity never wins over talent. Reason being: Popularity is of others & for others (atleast in the contemporary world) - much like a show business. But Talent is all yours and you can bring it out whenever you want to. If you closely look into it, then you will find that often, Popularity is about impressing others; however, Talent is all about expressing yourself.