QCA.news - Quad Cities news and view from both sides of the river

Monday, June 15th, 2026
	4th Avenue closures begin Monday in Moline A heads up to drivers in downtown Moline, construction is shifting in the area.
	Pick the winner of this year's John Deere Classic Choose the winner of this year's event and you could WIN!
	Home Runs for Life honoring Bryce Gronowski MercyOne Genesis Home Runs for Life is honoring Bryce Gronowski, 6, of Bettendorf, during the Quad Cities River Bandits game at Modern Woodmen Park on Friday, June 19. The game starts at 6:30 p.m. and players from both teams will honor Bryce during an on-field ceremony at the end of the 2nd inning. A video [...]
	Davenport police to search cellphone of mother accused of locking child in room Davenport police will search the phone of Kellie J. Warrington, a mother accused along with her husband of locking their 10-year-old child in a room.
	Gregg Johnson hosting town hall tonight Rock Island County residents can meet with two of their state legislators at a town hall in East Moline tonight. State Rep. Gregg Johnson (D-Rock Island) is co-hosting a state legislators’ town hall with state Sen. Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island) on Monday, June 15 from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at the East Moline UAW [...]
	Found: Macomb police searched for missing 16-year-old over weekend A 16-year-old reported missing in Macomb has been located, according to Macomb police.
	Former American businessman detained in Myanmar after alleged financial misconduct Adam Castillo, founder of AGS Myanmar, was detained Thursday at Yangon International Airport. The U.S. State Department is aware of a reported detention but hasn't commented further.
	Participants in Legacy Stones program will create memorials to those lost to cancer While June is recognized as Cancer Survivorship Month—a time of celebration for many—it can be a deeply bittersweet and challenging month for those whose loved ones are no longer with them. Cancer Support Community Iowa & NW Illinois at Gilda's Club will offer a supportive space to honor the presence of loved ones people have [...]
	DeWitt Pet Hospital opens new full-service veterinary clinic A full-service, local veterinary clinic is now open in DeWitt welcoming clients and patients into the new DeWitt Pet Hospital.
	Midwest Technical Institute celebrates expansion with ribbon cutting on Wednesday Midwest Technical Institute will celebrate their recent expansion with a ribbon cutting ceremony at noon, Thursday, June 17.
	Government Bridge to close for cleaning It's an Our Quad Cities News traffic alert. According to a release from the Rock Island Arsenal, Government Bridge will be closed to to pedestrian and vehicle traffic Friday, June 19 from 6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. for cleaning. Signage will be in place during this temporary closure.
	Women and the Land Seminar set for June 22 in Milan Women and the Land Seminar free seminar is designed to help women in agriculture strengthen their understanding of conservation practices and farm financial management.
	Robert Young Center is bringing specialized eating disorder care to the Quad Cities UnityPoint Health – Robert Young Center launches the first eating disorder Intensive Outpatient Program in the Quad Cities.
	As Luigi Mangione's lawyers head to court, support grows for the accused 'vigilante' Luigi Mangione's legal team is back in court in New York City this week for a key pretrial hearing. He's accused of stalking and killing an insurance CEO. Donors have given $1.5 million to support his defense.
	Clinton Engineering celebrates 100 years of service Clinton Engineering 100th Anniversary event served as both a celebration of history and a recognition of Clinton Engineering’s ongoing presence in the community.
	Visit Quad Cities President and CEO recognized by Destinations International Under Herrell's leadership at Visit Quad Cities, the globally accredited organization has generated substantial economic impact through tourism development and marketing initiatives.
	Rock Island and Henry County real estate transactions for June 14, 2026 Here are homes sales and property sales in Rock Island County and Henry County.
	Asian fusion restaurant relocates, new pet hospital, virtual theme park grand opening, and more Quad-Cities business news YELO, formerly known as YELO Cupcakes and Bubble Tea, moves to Davenport, new animal hospital, virtual theme park opens, and more Quad-Cities business news.
	Pleasant temperatures with heavy rain possible The new week across the Quad Cities starts out nice with highs in the 70s to around 80°. While a few showers are possible before then, severe weather is looking more likely Wednesday, along with heavy rain. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	Britain will ban under-16s from social media apps, including TikTok and YouTube The ban will apply to platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X. The move makes the U.K. part of a growing global movement to tighten online safety for children.
	Melting Pot This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.One of the first things we learn about America in grade school is that we are a melting pot. "Here," a French observer…
	Inside Ebola country: NPR reports from eastern DR Congo's outbreak zone In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, an Ebola outbreak is reshaping life, with fear spreading faster than information and hospitals turning into places of urgent containment rather than care.
	If you plan to catch up on reading this summer, start with these 3 books Summer is the perfect time to go back to great books that whizzed by in spring, including The Family Man, by James Lasdun, The Hill, by Harriet Clark and A Beautiful Loan, by Mary Costello
	Most parents track their 18-25-year-old kids on their smartphones. Is that healthy? A new survey from the University of Michigan asks parents about their use of technology to track their adult children, ages 18-25, including using "always on" location tracking on their smartphones.
	“Something's Coming Somewhere Tonight, Maria.” “Cool!”: “West Side Story,” at the Spotlight Theatre through June 21 Adam Sanders' production has some of the most intricate, varied, prolonged, high-density, high-energy choreography I’ve yet seen.
	Will Fumbling the Illinois Stadium Bill Cost Pritzker Any Ambitions He May Have for National Office? Governor JB Pritzker last week squarely placed the responsibility for passing a Bears stadium bill on the team itself, and had some unsolicited lobbying advice for the Bears as he attempted to brush off his own session attendance issues.
	A Loaf of Bread, Some Jugs of Wine, and Wow: “Les Misérables,” at the Timber Lake Playhouse through June 28 There's no point in burying the lede on this: The Timber Lake Playhouse's Les Misérables is the most visually powerful, thunderously well-performed area production I've seen since my first published stage review debuted in 2005, and even since I first arrived in the Quad Cities for college in 1986.
	Stand Up, They're Rockin' the 'Boat: “Guys & Dolls,” at the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre through June 21 This past Thursday, after a full week of unseasonably hot, muggy weather, we were finally treated to an evening that was cool and breezy. I'm prone to credit the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre's Guys & Dolls for the atmospheric shift, because as season-opening presentations go, this one was as cool and breezy as they come.
	Boat Over Troubled Water: “The Shark Is Broken,” at the Black Box Theatre through June 27 Because The Shark Is Broken is an insider look at the making of Jaws, it seems both fitting and somewhat ironic that the play and movie share the same villain.
	Smells Like Cheese Spirit: “The Stinky Cheese Man & Other Fairly Stupid Tales,” at the Playcrafters Barn Theatre through June 21 John Glore’s theatrical adaptation preserves the witty, slightly dark sensibility that made the book so beloved by youth and adults alike, and as directed by Jennifer Hoeper, the Playcrafters Barn Theatre's presentation combines adults and children to bring these fractured fairy tales to life.
	They the People, in Order to Form a More Perfect Union … : Quad City Music Guild's “1776,” at the Prospect Park Auditorium through June 21 Magic is on display in Quad City Music Guild's and director Kathryn Weber's current, spirited presentation of 1776, its music direction by Claire Schaecher and choreography by Beth Marsoun. (And I hear the intermission hot dogs are terrific.)
	Active Weather Pattern Brings Cooler Temperatures and Storms to Quad Cities This Week EARLY FIRST ALERT for severe thunderstorm potential Wednesday
	Swiss reject right-wing's bid to cap population at 10 million, early results show Nearly 55% of voters in Switzerland rejected an initiative championed by the top right-wing party to cap the rich Alpine country's population at 10 million, early results showed.
	Hurricanes use stifling defense to win the Stanley Cup The Carolina Hurricanes held Vegas to five total goals in Games 4 and 5 and used a suffocating defense in a 3-0 shutout Sunday night in Game 6 to win their first championship in 20 years.
	Russian attack sets fire to religious site in Kyiv, kills 5 in Kharkiv A large-scale Russian attack killed 5 rescuers in Kharkiv, wounded 20 in the capital Kyiv, set apartment buildings ablaze and sparked a fire at one of Ukraine's most significant religious landmarks.
Sunday, June 14th, 2026
	Behind the Product: What Sustainability Looks Like in Beauty Development (Feature Impact) Shoppers are paying closer attention to the products they bring into their homes. They want to know what ingredients are used, how items are packaged and whether the production process includes thoughtful choices. Beauty brands are taking note, and sustainability is increasingly shaping decisions across sourcing, packaging, production, shipping, storage and replenishment. Responsible product lines rarely come from sweeping change. They are built through smaller, connected choices made throughout development. Packaging, ingredient sourcing and production planning influence how a product performs, how much waste it creates and how sustainably products can be produced. Consider this beauty sustainability information from Laura Badcock, Chief Operating Officer of NourishUs Naturals. Why packaging matters beyond appearance "Packaging is often the first thing shoppers notice," Badcock said. "It can shape how someone feels about a product before they ever try what's inside." A package should look appealing, though appearance is only part of the equation. It also needs to protect the product, travel safely, store well and hold up through regular use. Once the product is finished, the packaging should allow easy recycling, refilling or responsible disposal. There is no single packaging option that works best for every beauty product. A lightweight container may reduce shipping weight. A refillable option may stay in use longer. A recyclable material may work well in one area but create challenges in another if local recycling systems cannot process it. Even packaging that appears sustainable can create problems in practice if it leaks, breaks or requires excess shipping materials. Why ingredient sourcing matters "Ingredient lists have become an important part of how people evaluate beauty products," Badcock said. "Shoppers often look for familiar oils, butters, botanical extracts and information about how ingredients were sourced, which plays a major role in the environmental impact." A product's environmental footprint is influenced by many factors, including shipping distance, processing methods, storage conditions and supplier practices. These factors can also affect product consistency and ingredient availability over time. Beauty brands working with wholesale skin care suppliers or private label manufacturers often need to balance ingredient goals with sourcing reliability and production needs. How better planning can lead to less waste "Packaging and ingredients are usually the first things people associate with sustainability, but how much product gets made, stored and discarded matters, too," Badcock said. Overproduction is one of the biggest hidden sources of waste in beauty and personal care. Products that sit too long in storage may eventually expire or remain unsold. Excess inventory can also create additional packaging waste, warehousing needs and disposal costs. Smaller batch sizes give producers more room to adjust as trends or demand shift, and producing closer to expected sales windows helps reduce long storage periods and unnecessary waste. Testing new products in smaller volumes and restocking based on actual demand makes overproduction less likely. How sustainable beauty choices are connected Packaging, ingredient sourcing and production planning are closely connected throughout development. "A packaging choice can affect shipping weight, storage needs and whether a package can be refilled," Badcock said. "Ingredient choices can influence sourcing timelines and how products need to be stored. Production planning affects how much material gets used and how much product could eventually go unsold." Beauty shoppers want more transparency around sustainability claims Sustainability claims carry less weight when those claims aren't explained in practice. This shift is pushing many beauty brands to focus more heavily on traceability, supplier relationships and clearer product information. Transparency is becoming part of the customer experience itself. More responsible product lines are built over time Responsible beauty products come together through ongoing choices around packaging, sourcing, production and inventory planning. For shoppers, those choices influence the products they bring into their homes. "The brands that build sustainability into early decisions tend to have the easiest time maintaining it later," Badcock said. "Once supplier relationships, packaging formats and production routines are in place, small adjustments are far easier than major changes. Treating sustainability as part of product development from the beginning, rather than something to fix later, is what makes it work in practice." To find more information on the intersection of beauty and sustainability, visitNourishUsNaturals.com. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
	HVAC Systems Under Stress: What Happens When Summer Temperatures Surge (Feature Impact) Stretches of scorching summer days may leave you and your family feeling like you just can't quite get (or stay) cool. If you find yourself resigned to cooler rooms or leaving ceiling fans on constantly, it might be time to check your air conditioner. Extreme heat is no longer rare for many parts of the country. According to recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 13 million households reported being uncomfortably hot for an extended period. Not all air conditioning systems perform the same when temperatures spike. While most systems can keep up on typical summer days, prolonged heat can expose performance gaps, leading to uneven cooling and higher energy use. The difference often comes down to how the system is designed. To better understand whether your HVAC system can stand up to summer, consider this information from the experts at Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US (METUS), a world leader in residential air conditioning units with sophisticated, durable systems that deliver quiet operation and energy-efficient performance. Why Some Homes Stay More Comfortable Than Others Not every home experiences summer heat the same way. Factors such as home layout, sun exposure, insulation, and HVAC system design can all influence how effectively a home maintains comfort during prolonged periods of high temperatures. For example, upstairs bedrooms, rooms with large windows, and spaces exposed to direct afternoon sun often have different cooling demands than other areas of the home. Systems that provide more precise temperature control and flexibility can help address these differences and deliver more consistent comfort throughout the house. Signs Your System May Be Struggling As summer temperatures rise, there are often clear signs that an HVAC system may be struggling to keep up with demand. One of the most common indicators is a system that seems to run constantly during the hottest parts of the day, yet fails to deliver the level of comfort homeowners expect. Homeowners may also notice persistent warm spots in certain rooms, increased indoor humidity, or weaker airflow from vents. In some cases, increased noise from vents or equipment may signal the system is working harder than usual to maintain airflow and cooling performance. Another warning sign often appears on monthly utility statements. A noticeable increase in energy use during peak summer months can indicate the system is consuming more power to maintain comfort under challenging conditions. What Makes the Difference in Extreme Heat Not all HVAC systems are built the same. Modern system design plays a critical role in how well a home stays comfortable during prolonged high temperatures. Zoned Comfort Solutions from Mitsubishi Electric include ducted and ductless options designed to deliver reliable comfort, efficiency, and control in demanding conditions like summer heat surges, along with important features like: Cooling performance designed to maintain comfort even during extreme outdoor temperatures Precise temperature control that helps deliver more consistent comfort throughout the home Quiet, efficient operation that delivers strong performance with less noise and energy use Flexible installation options for homes with existing ductwork and homes without ducts, plus room additions, garages, sunrooms, and other hard-to-cool spaces Evaluating whether your current system is designed to handle sustained high temperatures can help prevent discomfort and avoid rushed decisions during the hottest days of the year. To learn more, visit MitsubishiComfort.com.
	Solve Summer Hunger with Fresh Produce and Family-Favorite Snacks (Feature Impact) Bouncing from activity to activity and event to event this summer is bound to lead to bouts of hunger. To help keep your loved ones going amidst the hustle and bustle of pool days, baseball games and road trips, turn to filling snacks that curb appetites. Fresh, nutritious produce can transform afternoon pick-me-ups into moments of celebration. For example, Dandy Celery from Duda Farm Fresh Foods offers exceptional sweetness, crispiness and consistency in Peanut Butter Toast with Celery and Grapes. A familiar, kid-friendly favorite, this sweet-and-savory combination provides a pleasing crunch from lightly toasted bread, celery and grapes paired with soft, warm peanut butter. Fit for sharing with family and friends, Dill Pickle Dip is ready with the snap of a finger so you can serve a crowd without the hassle. Serve with crackers and celery for an easy solution whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, tagging along for a tailgate or enjoying a slow afternoon with your nearest and dearest. These simple snacks and more delicious summer dishes can be at the heart of your menu when made with Dandy fresh-cut vegetables from Duda Farm Fresh Foods, a leading, trusted American grower and processor of fresh vegetables that's celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026. Marking a century of leadership in celery innovation, family farming, industry leadership and sustainable growth, it's spent six generations refining its approach to growing, harvesting and delivering high-quality fresh produce. From its early adoption of advanced farming practices to the development of fresh-cut solutions and waterjet cutting technology, the 100-year-old company has maintained a steady focus on improving flavor, efficiency and satisfaction. "Reaching 100 years is a milestone we owe to our dedicated team, strong industry partnerships and commitment to innovation," said Mark Bassetti, president of Duda Farm Fresh Foods. "As we honor our 100-year legacy, we remain focused on growing the future through innovation, sustainability and family values." Search for more summer snack ideas by visiting DudaFresh.com. Peanut Butter Toast with Celery and Grapes Recipe courtesy of "Floating Kitchen" on behalf of Duda Farm Fresh Foods Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 2 minutes Servings: 2 2-3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter 2 slices cinnamon-raisin bread, toasted 5-6 seedless red grapes, halved 1-2 Dandy celery sticks, sliced diagonal 1 tablespoon granola 1 teaspoon maple syrup kale, mustard greens or arugula (optional) Spread peanut butter evenly over surface of toasted bread. Top with grapes and sliced celery. Sprinkle with granola and drizzle with maple syrup. Top with kale, mustard greens or arugula, if desired. Dill Pickle Dip Recipe courtesy of "Laughing Spatula" on behalf of Duda Farm Fresh Foods Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 5 minutes Servings: 6 8 ounces cream cheese 1/2 cup dill pickles, finely chopped, plus additional for garnish 1/4 cup Dandy Celery, finely chopped, plus additional for garnish 3 tablespoons pickle juice 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper crackers, for serving Dandy Celery Dippers, for serving Breadcrumb Topping: 1 teaspoon butter 3 tablespoons panko crumbs Allow cream cheese to soften about 20 minutes outside of refrigerator. While cream cheese is softening, prepare breadcrumb topping. In pan over medium heat, stir butter and breadcrumbs until fully combined. Breadcrumbs will toast in 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat once toasted, as desired. In bowl, mix softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup pickles, 1/4 cup celery, pickle juice, dill, salt and pepper until fully combined. Transfer to serving bowl. Before serving, sprinkle dip with cooled, toasted breadcrumbs and additional pickles and celery. Serve with crackers and celery dippers.
	Escape the Everyday Routine: Summer Travel Experiences Worth Logging Off For (Feature Impact) Between busy schedules, daily responsibilities and the seemingly nonstop pace of everyday life, taking time to disconnect can feel impossible. This summer, make an effort to step away from daily distractions and reconnect with yourself, your passions and the moments that matter most. Whether it’s a solo seaside escape, a culinary adventure with friends or a memory-making family vacation, World of Hyatt’s Global Summer Offers give members access to exclusive savings of up to 25% on stays at participating hotels and resorts across the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and Africa, making it easy to plan a perfect getaway to escape the everyday this summer. From paddleboarding in the Bahamas to wandering through Panama’s historic streets, these curated destination recommendations offer inspiration for every kind of traveler. Sun-Soaked Seaside Escapes Some summer vacations are about trading packed schedules for ocean breezes and sun-soaked days by the water. For a chic coastal escape, The Georgian, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, brings timeless glamour to the shores of Santa Monica. Just steps from the ocean, this iconic art deco hotel serves as the perfect seaside retreat for biking along the boardwalk, relaxing on the beach and exploring Santa Monica’s vibrant dining scene. Every detail of a stay at Dreams Puerto Morelos Resort & Spa is crafted to inspire relaxation, connection and discovery. The all-inclusive resort offers a vibrant escape where contemporary comfort meets timeless Caribbean charm in a tropical haven designed for couples and families alike. Memory-Making Family Adventures Families looking to make the most of summer together can head to Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, where every day brings a new adventure. From splashing through the resort’s waterpark and visiting the on-site wildlife sanctuary to enjoying family-friendly dining across more than 45 restaurants and lounges, there’s something for guests of all ages to enjoy together. Along the shores of Kāʻanapali Beach in Maui, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa provides the perfect setting for families to create lasting memories together. Families can fill their days with everything from culinary experiences to sunrise yoga, snorkeling and wildlife tours. Younger guests can even channel their inner sea creature during the resort’s popular mermaid classes. Flavor-Filled Getaways Combining contemporary luxury with Moroccan charm, Park Hyatt Marrakech is an authentic gateway to the destination’s rich culinary heritage. Guests can immerse themselves in local culinary traditions through hands-on experiences, from mastering classic dishes alongside the hotel’s chefs to exploring a Berber village market and sharing a home-cooked lunch with a local family. Travelers looking to immerse themselves in Panama’s vibrant culture and food scene can enjoy a stay at Hyatt Regency Panama City. Whether exploring the colorful streets of Casco Viejo or savoring authentic cuisine at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Rulfo, guests can experience the flavors and energy that define the destination. Immersive Cultural Discovery Just steps from Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, Hyatt Place Tallinn places guests in the heart of the city’s rich heritage and within easy reach of landmarks such as Toompea Castle and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, as well as cobbled medieval streets, world-class museums, independent galleries and vibrant cafés that bring centuries of history to life. Steeped in history and tucked in the heart of Westminster, Great Scotland Yard Hotel, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, blends modern luxury with its storied past. Once home to Scottish royalty and later the headquarters of London’s Metropolitan Police, the hotel’s legacy of sophistication and intrigue inspires every detail and standout experience, including its hidden speakeasy-style bar, where inventive cocktails are inspired by the building’s colorful history and Michelin-starred dining. Set along Savannah’s vibrant riverfront, Thompson Savannah offers a stylish gateway to one of the South’s most charming and culturally rich destinations. Travelers can explore centuries-old architecture in the city’s beautifully preserved Historic District and immerse themselves in the renowned arts scene before unwinding in a private cabana on the hotel’s pool deck or enjoying a cocktail at the rooftop bar. To find more destinations to aid in the escape from everyday routines, visit Hyatt.com for a full list of participating properties and full offer details.
	A Win for Your Skin: 4 Steps to Support Skin Health (Feature Impact) A bit of shade and diligent sunscreen use can go a long way, but protecting your skin - the body's largest organ - takes more than just the basics for optimal health, particularly during the hottest times of the year. In fact, it's not only about what you put on your body, but in it, too. Emerging research suggests grapes may do more than simply provide hydration, nutrition and natural sweetness; they may help support health at the genetic level. A study published in "ACS Nutrition Science" found consuming grapes changed gene expression in human skin and helped support biological processes associated with healthier, more resilient skin. These findings add to mounting evidence that grapes act as a "nutrigenomic" food, meaning the antioxidant and other polyphenol compounds naturally found in grapes may influence how genes behave in the body. The results also highlight how whole foods like grapes may influence important biological pathways in the body, according to John Pezzuto, dean and professor of pharmaceutics at the Western New England University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. "We are now certain that grapes are a superfood and mediate a nutrigenomic response in humans," Pezzuto said. "The changes in gene expression indicated improvements in skin health." Along with making foods like Grapes from California a regular part of your diet, consider these ways to support and protect skin throughout the year. Cool Down After Sun Exposure Time in the sun can leave skin feeling dry or irritated, even with sunscreen and protective clothing. After going for a run or spending time at the pool, make sure to rinse off sweat and chlorine with a gentle cleanser then follow up with a lightweight moisturizer or lotion to replenish skin and leave it feeling fresh. Applying moisturizer regularly - especially after showering or washing your face - can help lock in hydration and support your skin's natural barrier. Consume Skin-Friendly Foods and Beverages A cold glass of water goes a long way, but what you put on your plate can play a role in how your skin looks and feels, too. Foods that deliver antioxidants and other polyphenols, like California grapes, may help support skin health from the inside out. An additional bonus: With their high water content, grapes can help maintain hydration, particularly during warmer months. For the best of both worlds, add an easy beverage to your menu with California Grape Rosemary Spritzers, which combine sparkling water and grapes with a hint of rosemary for a sip that's equal parts refreshing and delicious. Don't Forget Lips and Eyes Layering sunscreen on exposed skin might be your first priority before stepping into the sun. However, lips and eyes shouldn't be forgotten. Often overlooked in skin care routines, lips are especially vulnerable to sun damage and dehydration. Make sure to use a lip balm with SPF protection throughout the day and reapply often. Similarly, the delicate skin around the eyes might be one of the first places to show signs of sun damage. Wear sunglasses with UV protection to shield both your eyes and surrounding skin from harsh rays. Keep an Eye on Changing Skin New spots, skin changes or itchiness shouldn't be ignored. Perform regular skin checks at home, particularly if you spend a lot of time outdoors, and routinely visit a dermatologist who can help catch potential concerns early in support of long-term skin health. Find more ways to support your skin with nutritious foods and recipes by visiting GrapesFromCalifornia.com. California Grape Rosemary Spritzers Servings: 8 8 rosemary sprigs (about 6 inches long) 24 whole Grapes from California 2 quarts sparkling water 1 1/2 cups sliced Grapes from California ice Partially strip rosemary branches, leaving 3-4 inches of greenery. Skewer three grapes on each branch. Pour water into large pitcher. Add sliced grapes and stir. Fill eight glasses with ice and grape sparkling water. Garnish each drink with grape-rosemary skewer.
	Village of East Davenport tattoo shops fight for survival amid zoning dispute Two tattoo shops could be forced to close after city officials determined they violate a decades-old zoning ordinance, prompting owners to launch a petition campaign
	2 Village of East Davenport tattoo shops at risk amid zoning dispute Happy Cat Tattoo and Obscura Tattoo are asking city leaders to update a zoning rule that dates back 20 years.
	Derecho and more than 2 dozen tornadoes confirmed June 10-11 It was an active week of weather across the Midwest.
	Galesburg WWII veteran dies at 103 Leland Chandler died in Galesburg on Friday, according to an obituary.
	Crude oil futures drop after Trump promises an Iran deal will be signed Friday Oil prices had already fallen quite dramatically on Thursday and Friday, in anticipation of an imminent deal. President Trump has posted online that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen after the deal is signed on Friday.
	Two injured in I-80 West crash involving semi near Davenport Traffic was impacted for about an hour after a crash involving a semi truck and two vehicles on I-80 West Sunday.
	Davenport barbershop avoids major losses after apartment fire triggers flooding Sprinklers from an early morning apartment fire flooded parts of The Golden Goat Barbers in Davenport.
	Davenport apartment fire displaces 7 Crews responded to the 200 block of West 3rd Street for an early morning apartment fire in Davenport Sunday.
	The #1 pop song from the year you graduated high school BSR Agency/Gentle Look // Getty Images #1 pop song from the year you graduated high school The music we fall in love with as teenagers stays with us for the rest of our lives. A New York Times analysis of Spotify data found that the most influential age for one's musical taste is 13 for women and 14 for men. At that formative moment, music just means more: Each song becomes linked with monumental events (first dance, first kiss, first beer, first love). Just as fascinating are the songs that don't affect listeners who weren't just the right age when they hit the radio waves. According to the analysis, if you were an 11-year-old girl when the Cure's "Just Like Heaven" was released, you stream it all the time. But were you older than 20 or younger than 5 at the time? It's just "meh." Pop music is about a time, a place, and what a song or a band can mean to a generation of listeners. Because of that, it can be anything from an orchestral movie theme to a remix of a Spanish-language hit to a folk harmony to a Dolly Parton cover. What makes it pop is that it speaks to young people of the day. Because those songs stay with us, pop music has become a shared language for a generation. So, what's your pop music dictionary? While it's too soon to tell what the best pop release of 2026 will be (Bruno Mars' "I Just Might" and BTS' "Swim" look to be strong contenders thus far), 2025 brought us a number of standout hits. To name just a few, we had the chart-topping "K-pop: Demon Hunters" soundtrack, Taylor Swift's record-breaking "The Life of a Showgirl" album, and even Alex Warren's single "Ordinary," which topped the Hot 100 for 10 weeks in the summer of 2025. But only one track took home the title of the year's #1 pop song. To compile this list of the #1 pop song for each year from 1950 to 2025, Stacker pulled data from Billboard's Year-End charts, which rank #1 singles, albums, and more of the calendar year. Whether you love pop music or hate it, these hits have dominated the car radios, the winter balls, the proms, and the house parties every year since 1946. These are the #1 pop songs from the year you graduated high school. William P. Gottlieb // Wikimedia Commons 1946: 'Prisoner of Love' by Perry Como "Prisoner of Love" was originally performed by Russ Columbo in 1931, but it really took off in popularity a decade and a half later. In 1945, Billy Eckstine put out a version with Duke Ellington on the piano; a year later, Perry Como put out one of his own that charted in March 1946 and hit #1 that year. Como was given the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2002 Grammys. Bullet 1947: 'Near You' by Francis Craig Francis Craig, already a well-known bandleader in his mid-40s, had an unexpected megahit when he recorded "Near You" and three other songs in a studio before taking a gig as a radio station music librarian. Unexpectedly, "Near You," which was a B-side recording on the single, was a breakout hit, eclipsing 1 million copies sold in five months, and sitting atop the charts for an unprecedented 17 weeks. It became the theme song for comedian Milton Berle's popular radio show. It also was covered by George Jones and Tammy Wynette, becoming a #1 country hit. Rockwell-O'Keefe // Wikimedia Commons 1948: 'Twelfth Street Rag' by Pee Wee Hunt "Twelfth Street Rag" was composed by Euday Louis Bowman, who first published the song in 1914. However, the song was best-known as a spark of sorts, reigniting jazz musicians' interest in ragtime from the 1920s through the 1940s. The trombonist Walter "Pee Wee" Hunt recorded his 1948 version for Capitol Records, which went on to sell 3 million copies. A 1999 version of the song regularly appeared throughout the run of "Spongebob Squarepants" featuring a steel guitar and a ukulele. RCA Victor 1949: 'Riders in the Sky' by Vaughn Monroe Orchestra Vaughn Monroe was a big band leader whose voice earned him the nickname "Old Leather Lungs." He had a string of #1 hits throughout the 1940s, ending the decade with "Riders in the Sky": a country Western classic that has since been recorded by everyone from Johnny Cash to the Blues Brothers. Decca 1950: 'Goodnight, Irene' by Gordon Jenkins and The Weavers Originally recorded by blues legend Huddie "Lead Belly" Ledbetter, the 1950 version by The Weavers is the one that topped the charts. The Weavers, a folk band based in Greenwich Village, co-founded by Pete Seeger, were the forerunners of a "folk boom" that included Peter, Paul, and Mary, and Bob Dylan. ERIC SCHWAB // Getty Images 1951: 'Too Young' by Nat King Cole With music by Sidney Lippman and lyrics by Sylvia Dee, Nat King Cole's "Too Young" sold more than a million records and stayed at #1 on the charts for five weeks. Incredibly, in 1956, Cole became the first black man to host a network TV show when "The Nat King Cole Show" premiered on NBC that November. Cole died of lung cancer at the age of 45 in February 1965. Michael Ochs Archives // Getty Images 1952: 'Blue Tango' by Leroy Anderson When Leroy Anderson released "Blue Tango" on a 45, it was paired with "Belle of the Ball," which the composer expected to be the bigger hit. He was very wrong. "Blue Tango" sold more than 1 million records, becoming the first instrumental to reach gold record status. Mitchell Parish wrote lyrics for the song later in 1952. Radio Album Magazine // Wikimedia Commons 1953: 'Song from Moulin Rouge' by Percy Faith Originally written for the 1952 film "Moulin Rouge," "Song from Moulin Rouge" (also known as "Where Is Your Heart") became a chart-topping hit when it was recorded by Percy Faith's orchestra in 1953. That version, sung by Felicia Sanders, topped the Billboard charts for 10 weeks. Tony Bennett credits Percy Faith as an early influence. William P. Gottlieb // Wikimedia Commons 1954: 'Little Things Mean a Lot' by Kitty Kallen Originally written by Edith Lindeman and Carl Stutz, the version of "Little Things Mean a Lot" that topped the charts was recorded by Kitty Kallen in 1954. The next year, Kallen began struggling to sing live (she could still record, which led many to believe the problem was psychological). She was erroneously reported dead in 1978, before actually dying at the age of 94 in 2016. Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock 1955: 'Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White' by Pérez Prado "Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White" is the English translation of the original French title "Cerisier Rose et Pommier Blanc," composed by Louiguy ("La Vie en Rose"). The version that topped the charts in 1955 was released by Dámaso Pérez Prado, who recorded it for the soundtrack of the 1955 RCA film "Underwater!" In the film, the actress Jane Russell dances to the mambo hit. Brett Jordan // Flickr 1956: 'Heartbreak Hotel' by Elvis Presley "Heartbreak Hotel," written by Tommy Durden and Mae Boren Axton, was the breakout hit for Elvis Presley. A regional star at the time, Presley—under new management—signed with the label RCA Victor. In January of that year, he recorded the track that would go on to change pop music forever. When he appeared on CBS's "Stage Show" at the end of the month, the record took off, and earned Presley a spot on Milton Berle's show in April. With Berle's backing, "Heartbreak Hotel" hit #1 on the Billboard charts. Wikimedia Commons 1957: 'All Shook Up' by Elvis Presley In March of 1957, Elvis Presley released a single ahead of his second feature film, "Loving You." On the B-side was a cover of The Ink Spots' "That's When Your Heartaches Begin," and on the A-side was "All Shook Up," composed for Presley by Otis Blackwell. The single was a hit, selling 2 million copies and spending eight weeks in the #1 spot on the Billboard charts. Harry Pot/Anefo // Wikimedia Commons 1958: 'Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu (Volare)' by Domenico Modugno Written by Domenico Modugno and Franco Migliacci, "Nel Blue Dipinto di Blu," better-known as "Volare" ("To Fly"), topped the charts for five weeks and went on to win the first-ever Grammys for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. The ballad was Italy's entry into the European singing contest, Eurovision, in 1958. To-date, the original Italian and many translations of the song have been sold a combined 22 million times. Columbia 1959: 'The Battle of New Orleans' by Johnny Horton Incredibly, "The Battle of New Orleans" was originally written by Jimmy Driftwood, an Arkansas-based high school principal who wrote songs to get kids interested in history. Johnny Horton recorded the song and it took off, reaching the top of the Billboard Country and Hot 100 charts. Horton died in a car accident in 1960 at just 35 years old. Warner Bros. 1960: 'Theme from A Summer Place' by Percy Faith Seven years after hitting #1 with "Song from Moulin Rouge," Percy Faith returned to the Billboard charts with an even bigger movie soundtrack smash hit: "Theme from A Summer Place." The single, an instrumental that does not even play over the film's credits, sold more physical copies than any other in 1960 and won the Grammy for Record of the Year. It is the most popular instrumental song in history. Universal Pictures 1961: 'Tossin' and Turnin'' by Bobby Lewis R&B singer Bobby Lewis hit #1 on the charts in July 1961 with "Tossin' and Turnin'," his fast-paced ode to sleepless nights thinking about the woman you love. Lewis never became a giant star, but the song lived on in the collective memory, partly because of its ubiquity throughout the early 1960s, and partly because it was featured on the soundtrack of both "American Graffiti" and "Animal House." R. McPhedran // Getty Images 1962: 'Stranger on the Shore' by Mr. Acker Bilk It was British singer Acker Bilk, not the Beatles or the Rolling Stones, that was the first musician from the United Kingdom to invade the Billboard charts in the 1960s. The jazz clarinet player's instrumental "Stranger on the Shore" was an unexpected hit in 1961 and 1962, and was even brought to space as part of the soundtrack of the 1969 Apollo 10 mission around the moon. The song's popularity spike came when it was used as the theme song for the BBC show of the same name. Bilk was sick of playing it by the end of his life. House of Photograph, Raton, NM // Wikimedia Commons 1963: 'Sugar Shack' by Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs "Sugar Shack" was written by Keith McCormack, who also gave his aunt Fay a credit because they refined the lyrics over breakfast together. "Sugar Shack" is upbeat early rock 'n' roll through and through, and was the biggest hit for Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs, spending five weeks at the top of the charts in the fall of 1963. But rock 'n' roll was about to change forever—the Beatles first arrived in America in 1964. Eric Koch/Anefo // Wikimedia Commons 1964: 'I Want to Hold Your Hand' by The Beatles Capitol Records had planned to release "I Want to Hold Your Hand" in early 1964, but a Washington D.C. DJ changed the record label's plan when he played a U.K. version, unleashing the first American-based outbreak of Beatlemania. Capitol quickly printed a run of the single in response. By the time the band played "The Ed Sullivan Show" in February, the song had already been on top of the charts for seven weeks. The British invasion had begun. Michael Ochs Archives // Getty Images 1965: 'Wooly Bully' by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs The British invasion hit American pop charts like a hurricane, but, amazingly, Sam the Sham (a.k.a. Domingo Samudio) and a group of musicians dressed as Egyptian pharaohs dominated the airwaves in 1965 with party rock anthem "Wooly Bully." Samudio left music by the 1970s and retired into anonymity, spending years working on the crews of ships, and also never missing Chicago Bulls games when Michael Jordan was playing. The song was sung by Sean Penn as Spicoli in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," by Meryl Streep in "Ricki Flash," and is used to great effect in Stanley Kubrick's classic "Full Metal Jacket." Bill Abbott // Flickr 1966: 'Ballad of the Green Berets' by S/Sgt. Barry Sadler Staff Sgt. Barry Sadler wrote the song "Ballad of the Green Berets" after suffering an injury while serving as a Special Forces medic in Vietnam. With the help of author Robin Moore, Sadler was given the chance to record the song, which became an underground hit within the military and was released by RCA in 1966. The single sold 2 million copies during its first two weeks on the market, and Sadler—who may not have been quite as squeaky-clean as the military would have liked—was seen as a patriotic symbol while performing his song on "The Ed Sullivan Show." Columbia Pictures 1967: 'To Sir, With Love' by Lulu The singer Lulu made her feature film debut in 1967's "To Sir, With Love," in which Sidney Poitier plays a teacher who eventually wins over his class of misbehaving British students. Her character was meant to sing a song to Poitier near the end of the film, but she was unimpressed by the original options. Lulu talked her friend, composer Mark London, into writing the music, and songwriter Don Black penned the words. The song was released as the B-side of a Lulu single by RCA records, but quickly became the preferred Lulu song of radio DJs: it hit #1 in October of 1967 and stayed there for five weeks. Erin Cadigan // Shutterstock 1968: 'Hey Jude' by The Beatles Written by Paul McCartney, "Hey Jude" has become arguably the most popular Beatles song of them all. As of late last year, it was #1 on Apple Music; when it hit American airwaves, it spent a record nine weeks on the top of the charts. Just a few months after its release, R&B legend Wilson Pickett recorded a legendary cover. A young Duane Allman of the not-yet-formed Allman Brothers Band, played guitar on the track. Calendar Records // Wikimedia Commons 1969: 'Sugar' by The Archies Legend has it that producer Don Kirshner first offered the song "Sugar, Sugar" to The Monkees, but was met with angry protests by the band. Instead, the song was performed by studio musicians, and released as an Archies song, performed by cartoon characters on the popular TV show. The song was a megahit, spending four weeks atop the charts from September to October of 1969. Hulton Archive // Getty Images 1970: 'Bridge over Troubled Water' by Simon and Garfunkel "Bridge over Troubled Water" is the title track on Simon & Garfunkel's final studio album, and though it was recorded at a tense time for the folk duo, you'd never know it listening to their legendary harmonies. The song spent an incredible 85 weeks on the Billboard charts, with 10 weeks in the #1 spot. It won Song of the Year at the 1971 Grammy Awards. Contemporary Public Relations 1971: 'Joy to the World' by Three Dog Night Written by Hoyt Axton, "Joy to the World" was recorded by Three Dog Night, and released as a single in early 1971. The band had hit #1 on the charts the year before with "Mama Told Me (Not To Come)," but the success of "Joy to the World" eclipsed anything they did before or after. The song became synonymous with 1983 film "The Big Chill." Hoyt Axton was the son of Mae Axton, who co-wrote "Heartbreak Hotel." CMA-Creative Management Associates // Wikimedia Commons 1972: 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' by Roberta Flack Originally written in 1957 by folk singer Ewan MacColl, "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" was often covered and recorded before Roberta Flack released her 1969 album "First Take." Incredibly, the song didn't hit the charts until three years later, after Clint Eastwood used it in his film "Play Misty for Me." Flack hit #1 in 1973 and 1974 with "Killing Me Softly With His Song" and "Feel Like Makin' Love," respectively. Fotograaf Onbekend/Anefo // Wikimedia Commons 1973: 'Tie a Yellow Ribbon 'Round the Ole Oak Tree' by Tony Orlando and Dawn Written by songwriters Irwin Levine and L. Russell Brown, "Tie a Yellow Ribbon 'Round the Ole Oak Tree" tells the story of a man anxiously searching for his wife at the agreed-upon spot on the day of his release from prison. The song, recorded by Tony Orlando and Dawn, was such a hit—spending four weeks atop the charts—that the yellow ribbon signifying a missing person soon became a ubiquitous symbol across America. Jonathan Tommy // Flickr 1974: 'The Way We Were' by Barbra Streisand Barbra Streisand's "The Way We Were" was released as a single in 1973, right before her film of the same name hit theaters. "The Way We Were" topped the charts for two weeks in March 1974, right before winning Best Original Song at the 1974 Academy Awards that April. Rolling Stone reviewer Jon Landau—in a not especially kind review—credited the "fluke success" of the song with reviving Streisand's music career. Michael Ochs Archives // Getty Images 1975: 'Love Will Keep Us Together' by Captain and Tennille Daryl Dragon was a classically trained pianist who preferred rock 'n' roll and the blues. He backed up Fats Domino and The Beach Boys, and earned his nickname "Captain" because of the hat he liked to wear on stage. He and wife Toni Tennille put out their biggest hit in 1975: "Love Will Keep Us Together." The song hit the charts in June, and stayed at #1 for four weeks. Jim Summaria // Wikimedia Commons 1976: 'Silly Love Songs' by Wings After Paul and Linda McCartney's band Wings was attacked by critics as "a waste of Paul," the ex-Beatle responded by releasing "Silly Love Songs" on the 1976 "Wings at the Speed of Sound." The album itself was a mixed bag, but the indignant, yet self-effacing single was a critical and commercial hit, topping the charts in May of 1976. McCartney became the first artist to hit #1 as the frontman of two different bands. Allan warren // Wikimedia Commons 1977: 'Tonight's the Night (Gonna Be Alright)' by Rod Stewart Rod Stewart, former singer of both the Jeff Beck Group and The Faces, put out "A Night on the Town" as a solo artist, and it was his first to go platinum. The biggest song on the album was "Tonight's the Night (Gonna Be Alright)," which hit #1 in November 1976 and stayed there for eight weeks (the longest run atop the charts since "Hey Jude"). His girlfriend at the time, Swedish actress Britt Ekland, does "a little naughty whispering" in French near the end of the recording. Badgreeb RECORDS // Flickr 1978: 'Shadow Dancing' by Andy Gibb Andy Gibb was the heartthrob younger brother of The Bee Gees (Barry, Maurice, and Robin Gibb), and had three songs hit #1 in less than a year. The last of the three, "Shadow Dancing," first topped the charts in June 1978 and held the top spot for seven weeks. All four Gibb brothers wrote the song, and Barry Gibb-written songs completely dominated the airwaves that year. Capitol Records 1979: 'My Sharona' by The Knack The Knack's debut single, "My Sharona," was released by Capitol Records in June and topped the Billboard charts by the end August, holding the vaunted position for six weeks. Lead singer Doug Fieger wrote the song about his ex, Sharona Alperin, who was 17 when she caught the eye of 25-year-old Fieger. He said the lyrics were written from the perspective of a 14-year-old boy. Private Stock Records // Wikimedia Commons 1980: 'Call Me' by Blondie Written as the theme song for the great Paul Schrader's ("Taxi Driver") 1980 film "American Gigolo." Giorgio Moroder, who was doing the score for the film, initially approached Stevie Nicks with the bones of the song, but when she passed, he brought it to Debbie Harry and her new wave band Blondie. The song was the band's second number one hit (after 1979's "Heart of Glass") and became its biggest hit. It was on the charts for 25 weeks, and at number one for six. Paul Natkin // Getty Images 1981: 'Bette Davis Eyes' by Kim Carnes The song "Bette Davis Eyes" was originally recorded by Jackie DeShannon for her 1975 album "New Arrangement." But it was another new arrangement, by Kim Carnes for her 1981 cover of the song, that made "Bette Davis Eyes" a hit. Carnes' "Bette Davis Eyes" hit #1 in May 1981, and spent 26 weeks on the chart with nine weeks at the top. Paul Natkin //Getty Images 1982: 'Physical' by Olivia Newton-John Written by Steve Kipner and Terry Shaddick, Olivia Newton-John's "Physical" was a sexy and surprising turn for the "Grease" star. The video, which features Newton-John in a men's locker room, was lampooned on the first-ever episode of "Beavis and Butt-Head." The song spent an incredible 10 weeks at #1 from the end of 1981 through 1982. Hulton Archive // Getty Images 1983: 'Every Breath You Take' by The Police Written by Sting in the wake of the dissolution of his first marriage, the Police frontman explained "Every Breath You Take" as a "nasty little song" about a stalker wanting to reclaim his love. The song was rarely read as dark as by the band's frontman, instead becoming a breakaway hit, and spent eight weeks at #1. It was the band's only #1 hit; they broke up at the peak of their prowess in 1984. Kevin Winter // Getty Images 1984: 'When Doves Cry' by Prince Prince's second album, the self-titled "Prince," went platinum in 1979, but it was his 1984 "Purple Rain" (which coincided with his feature film debut) that helped create the Prince legend. "When Doves Cry" was the first single off the album, reaching #1 on the charts in July and spending five weeks in the top spot. Hulton Archive // Getty Images 1985: 'Careless Whisper' by Wham! Released by Wham!—the name of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley's English pop duo—"Careless Whisper" was far from Michael's favorite song. Part of the reason for his disdain was that the song was written by Michael and Ridgeley when they were just 17, and came to define much of their career. Michael put out eight #1 hits, but none bigger than "Careless Whisper." Whatever his feelings, the public disagreed—the song hit #1 in 25 countries, and made George Michael a global star. Hulton Archive // Getty Images 1986: 'That's What Friends Are For' by Dionne and Friends Originally written by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager, the song "That's What Friends Are For" took on new meaning when it was recorded by Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder. The song was released as a charity single to raise money for AIDS research and became a massive hit, reaching the top of the charts in January 1986, and eventually raising more than $3 million for the cause. It also won the Grammy for Song of the Year. In Sappho We Trust // Flickr 1987: 'Walk Like an Egyptian' by The Bangles The song "Walk Like an Egyptian" was written by Liam Sternberg and brought as a demo to Toni Basil, who passed. It eventually was sent to The Bangles' producer, who thought it was a perfect fit for the band's second album. The album was a hit, with "Manic Monday" (written by Prince under the pseudonym Christopher) reaching #2 on the charts. "Walk Like an Egyptian" grabbed the top spot in December 1986. Besides "Monday" and "Egyptian," almost all The Bangles' songs were written by the band. The group had another #1 hit in 1989. Evan-Amos // Wikimedia Commons 1988: 'Faith' by George Michael "Faith" was the title track from George Michael's first solo album—one of the biggest solo debuts of all time. The lead single, "I Want Your Sex," peaked at #2, but the four singles that followed, starting with "Faith," hit the top spot on the Billboard charts. Michael's album sold more than 10 million copies in America, vaulting him to the upper-echelons of 1980s pop stars. Michael won the Grammy for Album of the Year for "Faith." Randy Miramonte // Shutterstock 1989: 'Look Away' by Chicago Chicago's producers tapped legendary songwriter Diane Warren to help write this hit. She did just that with "Look Away," which hit #1 in December 1988\| and stayed on the charts for 24 weeks. Warren is an incredible behind-the-scenes figure in pop music; she's penned #1 hits for Toni Braxton, Celine Dion, Milli Vanilli, Aerosmith, and Brandy, among others. Spencer Platt/Newsmakers // Getty Images 1990: 'Hold On' by Wilson Phillips Wilson Phillips was an all-woman band that took the world by storm in 1990. Started by sisters Carnie and Wendy Wilson, and childhood friend Chynna Phillips, the band's debut album "Wilson Phillips" sold 10 million copies. "Hold On," the album's most popular song, hit #1 on the charts in June of 1990. The band made a cameo at the end of the comedy "Bridesmaids," playing "Hold On" at the wedding reception. Derek Hatfield // Wikimedia Commons 1991: '(Everything I Do) I Do It for You' by Bryan Adams The power ballad by Bryan Adams was released on his 1991 album "Waking Up The Neighbors," as well as part of the soundtrack for the 1991 Kevin Costner film "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves." Adams lost some rocker credibility with the melodramatic megahit, but he also made a fortune: "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" topped the Billboard charts for seven weeks and sold 15 million copies. He also claims he wrote the song in less than an hour. parttimemusic // Wikimedia Commons 1992: 'End of the Road' by Boyz II Men The harmonizing R&B act Boyz II Men released "End of the Road" as part of the soundtrack for the Eddie Murphy film "Boomerang." The song took off, vaulting to the top of the charts in August of 1992, and staying there for a record-breaking 13 straight weeks. The quartet of Michael McCary, Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, and Shawn Stockman followed "End of the Road" with four more #1 hits in the 1990s. Asterio Tecson // Wikimedia Commons 1993: 'I Will Always Love You' by Whitney Houston "I Will Always Love You" was originally written and recorded by country legend Dolly Parton, and the song hit #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs list twice, in 1974 and 1982. But it was Whitney Houston's cover for the soundtrack of the 1992 film "The Bodyguard" that became the megahit. The song stayed #1 on the Billboard chart for a record-breaking 14 weeks. Parton said she was "shattered" when she heard "I Will Always Love You" played at Houston's funeral in 2012. picture alliance // Getty Images 1994: 'The Sign' by Ace of Base Swedish pop band Ace of Base burst onto the scene in an unprecedented fashion. Its debut album (sold in America as "The Sign") featured three top-five Billboard hits, including "The Sign," which grabbed the #1 spot for six weeks beginning in March 1994. The Swedish quartet—Ulf Ekberg and three siblings: Jonas, Linn and Jenny Berggren—arrived right at the moment Sweden would become a force in pop music. Brad Barket // Getty Images 1995: 'Gangsta's Paradise' by Coolio featuring L.V. "Gangsta's Paradise" was released as part of the soundtrack for the 1995 Michelle Pfeiffer film "Dangerous Minds," as well as on rapper Coolio's album "Gangsta's Paradise." The song tells the story of regret and anger from a narrator stuck in a life of crime, and features singer L.V. It topped the Billboard charts for three weeks starting in September of 1995; the film came out the month before. "Gangsta's Paradise" was the first-ever rap song to land atop Billboard's year-end Hot 100 list. Evan Agostini // Getty Images 1996: 'Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix)' by Los del Río Perhaps no song is as unlikely to grab the top pop song of the year mantel than "Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix)." The original version of the Latin dance megahit was written and recorded by aging Spanish pop duo Los del Río (Antonio Romero Monge and Rafael Ruíz Perdigones) in 1993. But it was a 1996 remix by the Bayside Boys (Mike Triay and Carlos de Yarza) that took the world by storm. Incredibly, the song, with its built-in dance routine, hit #1in August 1996 and stayed there for 14 weeks. The "Macarena" was danced at weddings and bar mitzvahs for years to come. Richard Mushtet // Wikimedia Commons 1997: ''Candle in the Wind 1997' and 'Something About the Way You Look Tonight'' by Elton John In 1997, less than a month after Princess Diana's untimely death, Sir Elton John put out a double A-side single with "Something About the Way You Look Tonight" on one side and "Candle in the Wind 1997." The latter was a recording of his 1973 classic that he sang at the royal's funeral, with a line altered to refer to "England's rose"—on the other. The single solda record-breaking 33 million copies, raising £38 million for Diana's charities. The unlikely double single—on the strength of a live recording of a song that had been written and recorded 26 years before—was #1 on the charts for 14 weeks. Arista 1998: 'Too Close' by Next In a year when the best-selling album was the soundtrack from "Titanic," it's a small miracle that an innuendo-laden love song by an R&B group was name the pop song of the year. The group Next—fronted by R.L. Huggar alongside brothers T-Low and Tweet Brown—released "Too Close" on their debut album "Rated Next." The song spent 53 weeks on the charts, with five at the top spot starting in April 1998. The version that charted and played on the radio for years does not include the R-rated opening monologue that casts the entirety of the song's innuendo in a much clearer light. PA Images via Getty Images 1999: 'Believe' by Cher Following a slightly down period (her 1995 album sold only 700,000 copies), Cher released "Believe"—a dance-your-way-through-a-breakup anthem. Incredibly, the song peaked at #1 in March 1999, 22 years after her first #1 hit. The song was the first to bring autotune to pop music, and has become an enduring gay anthem. Larry Busacca // Getty Images 2000: 'Breathe' by Faith Hill Faith Hill was already a major country star, but the success of "Breathe" turned her into a mainstream pop star in her own right. The song, which peaked at #2 on the charts in April 2000, was an enduring hit through the year, spending 53 weeks on the Billboard charts. Later that year, Hill hit the road with husband Tim McGraw on their Soul2Soul Tour. The 63 shows brought in $50 million. Angela Zhao // Flickr 2001: 'Hanging by a Moment' by Lifehouse Somehow, in a year that gave us "Bootylicious," "Get Ur Freak On," and "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)," it was "Hanging by a Moment" by contemporary Christian rock band Lifehouse by the end of the year. Similarly to "Breathe," "Hanging by a Moment" never grabbed the #1 spot, but it had chart endurance, listed for 54 weeks. The aughts bore witness to an awakening of Top 40 Christian rock. Kevin Winter // Getty Images 2002: 'How You Remind Me' by Nickelback "How You Remind Me" was the single off the Canadian band's third studio album, and it changed everything. It skyrocketed to the top of the charts and stayed there for four weeks. Nickelback has since become somewhat of a punchline, but it should not be forgotten that Nickelback was a big deal in the early aughts. Theo Wargo/WireImage // Getty Images 2003: 'In da Club' by 50 Cent 50 Cent made a stir with two notable releases—"How to Rob" and "Ghetto Qu'ran"—before being signed to Interscope with the backing of Eminem and Dr. Dre. When his first album "Get Rich or Die Trying" came out in February 2003, it took the world by storm. With iconic beat after iconic beat and Dr. Dre's production, the album was a mainstream rap revelation. "In Da Club" hit #1 in March 2003 and stayed there for nine weeks. At the end of May, 50 Cent and Nate Dogg's "21 Questions" also took a turn holding the top spot on the Billboard charts. Kevin Winter // Getty Images 2004: 'Yeah!' by Usher featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris Usher's "Confessions," the iconic record that has sold more than 10 million copies, nearly went to the presses without its most popular song: "Yeah!" Producer L.A. Reid told Usher that his album lacked a single and sent him back to the studio with fellow Atlantans Lil Jon and Ludacris; the three returned with one of the great club hits of all time. The song hit #1 at the end of February and stayed there for 12 weeks. In May, "Burn" also topped the charts with an eight-week run. Pixabay 2005: 'We Belong Together' by Mariah Carey After two less-successful albums and the ill-conceived feature film "Glitter," Mariah Carey was in need of a comeback. Her 2005 album "The Emancipation of Mimi" became her highest-selling album, passing both "Daydream" and "Music Box," her megahits a decade before. The album's single, "We Belong Together," remains one of Carey's favorite songs, and spent 14 weeks on top of the Billboard charts. Fernando Leon // Getty Images 2006: 'Bad Day' by Daniel Powter Canadian musician Daniel Powter's "Bad Day" was a perfect earworm, and became inescapable in 2006. The song became the theme for Coca-Cola's ad campaign in Europe and became a recurring bit on "American Idol's" fifth season. The song spent five weeks on the top of the charts in spring of 2006. Unfortunately for Powter, he was also named "The One-Hit Wonder Artist of the Decade" at the end of 2009. s_bukley // Shutterstock 2007: 'Irreplaceable' by Beyoncé Written by Ne-Yo and producers Stargate, "Irreplaceable" was initially conceived as a country song with Faith Hill or Shania Twain in mind. But when Beyoncé heard the demo, she wanted it, and made it all her own. The song was the third single off her second solo album ("B'Day") and spent 10 weeks in the top spot on the Billboard charts. It's hard to even imagine another singer delivering the song's iconic "To the left, to the left." Adam Bielowski // Wikimedia Commons 2008: 'Low' by Flo Rida featuring T-Pain Co-written by T-Pain, "Low" was the debut single from Flo Rida, and instantly became a massive hit. After hitting #1 at the beginning of 2008, "Low" spent 10 weeks in the top spot. Ten years later, a Twitter user hypothesized that the "shawty" detailed in the song is actually a centaur. For what it's worth, T-Pain tried his best to debunk the theory via Twitter. Walmart // Flickr 2009: 'Boom Boom Pow' by The Black Eyed Peas "Boom Boom Pow"—the lead single off the Black Eyed Peas' fifth album "The E.N.D."—became the group's first #1 hit when it topped the charts in April 2009. The infectious dance hit spent 12 weeks in the top spot; the album's second single, "I Gotta Feeling," hit #1 in July and stayed on top for 14 weeks. With "The E.N.D.," the Black Eyed Peas proved they were ahead of the game; or in the words of Fergie, "so 3008" to the rest of the industry's "2000-and-late." AFP // Getty Images 2010: 'Tik Tok' by Kesha The first single from Ke$ha's first album, "Tik Tok" was a sensation. The dance song tells the story of a wild party girl and is best remembered for the iconic image of brushing her teeth with Jack Daniels. The song spent nine weeks at #1 in 2010, making Ke$ha a star. It should be said that the song was a collaboration with Dr. Luke, who Ke$ha sued in 2014, alleging sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Michael Loccisano // Getty Images 2011: 'Rolling in the Deep' by Adele When Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" started playing on the radio, it was a revelation. The young singer's voice was powerful, and her second album, "21" proved to be both a critical and commercial force. "Rolling in the Deep"—called "one of the biggest crossover hits of the last quarter-century" by The New York Times—spent seven weeks at #1 during an incredible 65-week run on the charts. Her album "21" sold a nearly unprecedented 31 million copies worldwide; a mark even more impressive in the age of YouTube. Agata Ryszkowska // Flickr 2012: 'Somebody That I Used to Know' by Gotye featuring Kimbra The unlikely hit "Somebody That I Used to Know" was first released in Australia and New Zealand in July 2011 before getting an American release in 2012. The catchy art pop tune vaulted up the charts, landing at #1 at the end of April 2012 and staying there for eight weeks. The song's music video—featuring Gotye and singer Kimbra naked and covered with body paint—was a sensation. To date, it has almost 1.2 billion views on YouTube. Der Robert // Flickr 2013: 'Thrift Shop' by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis featuring Wanz Hip-hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis spent $5,000 to shoot a video for "Thrift Shop," the single off their 2012 debut album "The Heist." The video's huge success—it's been viewed almost 1.3 billion times on YouTube—helped make "Thrift Shop" to become the first song to hit #1 since 1994 without the backing of a major label. The duo swept the rap categories at the Grammys in 2014, beating out Kendrick Lamar, which was viewed as unconscionable by hip-hop fans. Frank Schwichtenberg // Wikimedia Commons 2014: 'Happy' by Pharrell Williams Pharrell Williams was instrumental in creating the sound of the 2000s, but it was an unlikely collaboration that finally landed him on the top of the charts as a solo act. Williams had worked on music for the first "Despicable Me," and was brought back on by Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri to write a peppy hit for the sequel. Williams's "Happy" was that and more, becoming the pop hit of the year and spending 10 weeks at #1 on the Billboard charts. Kevork Djansezian // Getty Images 2015: 'Uptown Funk' by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars Though many remember "Uptown Funk" as a Bruno Mars megahit, it was a song by the producer Mark Ronson that featured Mars. Whatever the case, the throwback beat and pop production made "Uptown Funk" a sensation—it held the top spot for 14 weeks, and the video has been viewed on YouTube 3.48 billion times. Ronson has worked with Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse, Adele, and Miley Cyrus, among many others. Over his career, he's won Grammys for both "Uptown Funk" and Winehouse's "Rehab." Kevin Winter // Getty Images 2016: 'Love Yourself' by Justin Bieber Initially written by Ed Sheeran for his own hit album "Divide," the English singer instead gave the song to Justin Bieber, who released it as a single. Bieber was in the midst of a string of bad-boy behavior and run of public relationships, so "Love Yourself" quickly took on new meaning (and became a favorite target for internet detectives). Ludmila Joaquina Valentina Buyo // Flickr 2017: 'Shape of You' by Ed Sheeran Though Ed Sheeran passed #1 hit "Love Yourself" along to Justin Bieber the year before, the British singer put out a #1 hit of his own in 2017: "Shape of You." Sheeran released two lead singles for his album "Divide" and, for the first time ever, both debuted in the Billboard top 10, with "Shape of You" at #1. His subsequent tour of the album set an all-time record, grossing more than $432 million in the calendar year. ROBYN BECK // Getty Images 2018: 'God's Plan' by Drake In the age of streaming, Drake is king. The Toronto rapper mixes addictive beats, quotable lyrics, and meme-worthy videos with great finesse, leading him to the top of the music industry. In 2018, his album "Scorpion" was streamed 8.2 billion times on Spotify. It also delivered two iconic videos: "In My Feelings" (which launched a viral dance meme) and "God's Plan." During the latter, Drake gives out $1 million in cash. "God's Plan" spent 11 weeks at #1 on the Billboard charts. Frazer Harrison // Getty Images for Stagecoach 2019: 'Old Town Road' by Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus' "Old Town Road" spent 19 weeks in the Billboard Hot 100 top spot and 17 weeks as #1. The country rap song became an internet phenomenon thanks to a viral dance routine, which then translated into real-world, monetary success. There were a number of remixes of the song featuring various notable artists, but none were quite as successful as the original. Amy Sussman // Getty Images for Coachella 2020: 'Blinding Lights' by The Weeknd "Blinding Lights" represents one of the most streamed songs on Spotify ever, racking up nearly three billion plays. The song also yielded several successful remixes, including by the electronic group Major Lazer and Rosalía. Despite this massive success, The Weeknd was not nominated in a single category at the 2020 Grammys, sparking controversy and anger amongst the artist's fanbase and the industry. The Weeknd responded to the snub by calling the Grammys "corrupt" and demanding "transparency." Mauricio Santana // Getty Images 2021: 'Levitating' by Dua Lipa Funk and disco influences made Dua Lipa's "Levitating" a dancey, feel-good favorite, and served as a starting point for her sophomore album "Future Nostalgia." A remix featuring rapper DaBaby, which added a rap verse, boosted the song to even greater popularity, garnering over a billion Spotify streams, although radio stations began pulling the remix after DaBaby was condemned for making homophobic comments during a concert. Controversy around the hit song continued when Dua Lipa was hit with two copyright infringement lawsuits by bands alleging aspects of "Levitating" were lifted from their songs. Frank Hoensch/Redferns via Getty Images 2022: 'Heat Waves' by Glass Animals "Heat Waves" had an unusual journey to the top of the charts, taking a record-breaking 59 weeks to move to the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Stranger still, the song was Glass Animals' first to enter the charts at all—the English band was previously more well-known among alt-rock and indie listeners. Once "Heat Waves" found a wider audience, however, the song was a smash hit. Its repetitive, trance-like lyrics and aptly wavy sound made it an earworm with striking longevity. Underneath the cryptic sound is a sadder story though, according to Glass Animals frontman Dave Bayley: the song was inspired by the death of his close friend a few years before, as well as his bandmate's more recent near-death experience in a bike accident. Derek White/Penske Media via Getty Images 2023: 'Last Night' by Morgan Wallen This hit off Morgan Wallen's 36-track album "One Thing at a Time" established him as a force to be reckoned with as a country-pop crossover artist. The song may have also ushered in more mainstream success for other country hits in 2023, like Luke Combs' cover of "Fast Car" and Jason Aldean's "Try That in a Small Town." Unlike many top Billboard hits, "Last Night" is fairly simple and stripped down, without elaborate production and with guitar and vocals featuring most prominently. The singer has remained commercially popular despite a series of scandals, the most recent of which culminated with Wallen pleading guilty to misdemeanor charges in December 2024 for throwing a chair off the roof of a Nashville bar. Frank Hoensch/Redferns // Getty Images 2024: 'Lose Control' by Teddy Swims 2024 saw the meteoric rise of several fresh-faced pop acts, including Teddy Swims. A former YouTube cover artist, Swims gained major traction with his belt-along single "Lose Control," which debuted at #99 on the Hot 100 in August 2023 and reached the chart's top position in March 2024. Reflecting on the song's success, Swims told Rolling Stone in December 2024 that he and fellow songwriter Julian Bunetta channeled the emotional dynamics of a difficult relationship into the lyrics of "Lose Control." Those lines seemed to resonate with listeners everywhere, as the track spent much of 2024 in the Hot 100's top 10 and led to a 2025 Grammy nomination for Swims in the Best New Artist category. Kevin Winter // Getty Images 2025: 'Die With a Smile' by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars Though released in August 2024, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars' sweeping ballad "Die With a Smile" still topped the year-end charts in 2025. Featuring a powerful instrumental backing and two of the biggest voices in 21st-century pop, "Die With a Smile" first hit #1 on the Hot 100 in January 2025 and finished out the year atop both the Streaming Songs and Radio Songs charts. The single also won the 2025 Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance—and to think, Mars originally scrapped the lyrics for his hit duet, according to Variety. Additional writing by Cu Fleshman.
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	How many of the worst romantic comedies ever made have you suffered through? Mondadori via Getty Images 100 worst romantic comedies of all time William Shakespeare laid the groundwork for romantic comedies way back in 1598, when he started writing "Much Ado About Nothing." Centuries later, in the early 1920s, filmmakers used his roadmap to create the first rom-com films, "Sherlock Jr." and "Girl Shy." In the years since, rom-coms have become increasingly ubiquitous, with dozens hitting theaters and streaming services each year. While that first Shakespearean rom-com remains a pillar of the Western canon, many of its successors haven't fared as well. Some, like "Jerry Maguire," "When Harry Met Sally," and "Four Weddings and a Funeral," have established themselves as classics. Others, like "Mannequin" and "The Hottie & The Nottie" are better off forgotten. In the 21st century, Netflix has become notorious for its original rom-coms, and the trend continues today with "People We Meet on Vacation," released in January 2026, and "Office Romance," which stars Jennifer Lopez and hit streaming in June 2026. But some romantic comedies still make it to the movie theater, like the April 2026 release "You, Me & Tuscany," which earned 92% with audiences on Rotten Tomatoes (despite a 66% critical rating). With new rom-coms premiering all the time, Stacker rounded up 100 of the worst romantic comedies of all time by compiling IMDb and Metacritic data from October 2022 on all romantic comedies with over 2,500 votes on IMDb and listed the bottom 100. To qualify, a film had to be listed on IMDb as both romance and comedy. Films were then ranked by a Stacker score, an equally weighted index between Metascore and IMDb user ratings, with #1 being the worst. Ties were broken by IMDb votes, meaning a movie with more votes would be closer to first place. If a movie did not have a Metascore, it was not considered. From musician and influencer vehicles to poorly written sequels, read on to see which rom-coms earned a spot on our list. Warner Bros. #100. Her Alibi (1989) - Director: Bruce Beresford - Stacker score: 44.6 - IMDb user rating: 5.8 - Metascore: 24 - Runtime: 94 minutes A "bad" mystery writer (Tom Selleck) gets swept up by the affections of Nina (Paulina Porizkova), a beautiful immigrant he presumes is wrongfully accused of murder until a series of failed gimmicks raise doubts in this forgettable 1989 farce. Roger Ebert gave it a half-star, calling it "endless, pointless, and ridiculous." It grossed only $18 million at the domestic box office. Gold Circle Films #99. Over Her D*ad Body (2008) - Director: Jeff Lowell - Stacker score: 44.6 - IMDb user rating: 5.2 - Metascore: 30 - Runtime: 95 minutes The plot revolves around a ghost (Eva Longoria) trying to sabotage a relationship between her former fiance (Paul Rudd) and a psychic (Lake Bell). Critics called it a lightweight "Ghost" and found the pacing slow, the plot implausible, and the characters lacking in charm. Making only $7.6 million, this one vapored off the mortal plane without leaving much of a trace. Universal Pictures #98. Nutty Professor II: The Klumps (2000) - Director: Peter Segal - Stacker score: 44.6 - IMDb user rating: 4.4 - Metascore: 38 - Runtime: 106 minutes Fewer things seem more incompatible than Eddie Murphy's juvenile sense of humor and a love story. But the producers of "Nutty Professor II: The Klumps" were determined to try and wed the two. The end result was a film that critics called "shrill, obnoxious, unfunny, and nearly unwatchable." Even Janet Jackson's sweet portrayal of a DNA researcher who is head over heels for Murphy's Professor Klump wasn't enough to save this one. Columbia Pictures #97. Zookeeper (2011) - Director: Frank Coraci - Stacker score: 44.6 - IMDb user rating: 5.2 - Metascore: 30 - Runtime: 102 minutes Kevin James—is there an actor alive whose box office success is more incongruous with critics' distaste for his movies? In this PG rom-com, James plays a kindly zookeeper who discovers animals can talk—and offer courtship advice—when he considers quitting his job, and his wards are forced to break their code of silence. Film critic Leonard Maltin thought it was a step up from James' previous project, "Paul Blart: Mall Cop," but the majority of reviewers disagreed. The picture grossed $80.4 million domestically, less than its production budget, but strong overseas numbers brought its international total to a profitable $169.8 million worldwide. Twentieth Century Fox #96. Just Married (2003) - Director: Shawn Levy - Stacker score: 44.6 - IMDb user rating: 5.4 - Metascore: 28 - Runtime: 95 minutes The late Brittany Murphy stars with Ashton Kutcher in this lovable 2003 comedy about two newlyweds navigating the realities of holy matrimony on their honeymoon while a number of issues bubble up—some funny, some not. A box office success, critics were not impressed with the predictable storyline, and both actors earned Razzie Award nominations individually and as a couple. Columbia Pictures #95. Bewitched (2005) - Director: Nora Ephron - Stacker score: 44.6 - IMDb user rating: 4.8 - Metascore: 34 - Runtime: 102 minutes On paper, "Bewitched" seems to have all the right ingredients for a successful rom-com: an experienced writer and director (Nora Ephron), a talented and exciting cast (Will Ferrell, Nicole Kidman, Shirley MacLaine, Michael Caine, Jason Schwartzman, Kristin Chenoweth, and Steve Carell) and a unique storyline inspired by the classic sitcom of the same name (a washed-up actor discovers his cute new co-star is a witch). But in the end, the film was missing that little bit of magic that would have taken it from theoretically great to actually great. The New York Times called it "an unmitigated disaster," and fans lamented its lack of direction and reliance on special effects over quality performances. Universal Pictures #94. Little Fockers (2010) - Director: Paul Weitz - Stacker score: 44.6 - IMDb user rating: 5.5 - Metascore: 27 The third installment in the "Meet the Parents" franchise, "Little Fockers" reunites the original cast for one last family row. Critics complained that the film— which was commercially quite successful, bringing in more than $310 million at the box office worldwide—was too formulaic, and its jokes too tired. Columbia Pictures #93. Mr. Deeds (2002) - Director: Steven Brill - Stacker score: 44.6 - IMDb user rating: 5.8 - Metascore: 24 - Runtime: 96 minutes In this Frank Capra remake, a small-town man is left the keys to the kingdom after the death of a wealthy relative and must sort out who loves him for him and who loves him for his money. Starring Adam Sandler and Winona Ryder, the film was disparaged by critics for the way it dumbed down its source material, taking the story from smart to barely watchable. The Cannon Group #92. King Solomon's Mines (1985) - Director: J. Lee Thompson - Stacker score: 44.0 - IMDb user rating: 5.2 - Metascore: 29 - Runtime: 100 minutes Richard Chamberlain plays an explorer who has been hired by a beautiful young woman (Sharon Stone) to help her find her father, an archaeologist who has been kidnapped for his extensive knowledge of the fabled King Solomon's mines. An adaptation of the classic Victorian novel of the same name, the film takes a much lighter, wackier approach than any of its predecessors in an attempt to capture the same audiences that loved "Indiana Jones." Unfortunately, these efforts didn't pay off, and audiences dubbed the movie laughable and unconvincing. Universal Pictures #91. Head Over Heels (2001) - Director: Mark Waters - Stacker score: 44.0 - IMDb user rating: 5.4 - Metascore: 27 - Runtime: 86 minutes This is essentially "Rear Window" with a female lead who falls in love with the guy she thinks she's seen commit a murder. Freddie Prinze Jr. was way too bubbly to inject the necessary darkness into the alleged killer character, and critics wrote the film off as a disposable teen date movie. It brought in only $10.4 million at the domestic box office. New Line Cinema #90. The Bachelor (1999) - Director: Gary Sinyor - Stacker score: 44.0 - IMDb user rating: 5.0 - Metascore: 31 - Runtime: 101 minutes A commitment-phobic man is forced to settle down if he wants to keep his massive inheritance in this 1999 flop. Chris O'Donnell stars as the eponymous bachelor, with Renée Zellweger as his tired-of-waiting girlfriend. Despite a handful of celebrity cameos (Brooke Shields, Jennifer Esposito, Mariah Carey in her big-screen debut), the movie was a commercial disappointment, barely breaking even and earning reviews like "cliched" and "tired." Regency Enterprises #89. First Daughter (2004) - Director: Forest Whitaker - Stacker score: 44.0 - IMDb user rating: 5.0 - Metascore: 31 - Runtime: 106 minutes The daughter of the President of the United States (Katie Holmes) falls in love with her college RA who, unbeknownst to her, is an undercover secret service agent tasked with her protection. Critics made unfavorable comparisons to the conceptually similar (but slightly less awful) "Chasing Liberty" from the same year. They declared the picture too saccharine for viewers outside the tween girl demo. The movie grossed $10.6 million. Universal Pictures #88. The Perfect Man (2005) - Director: Mark Rosman - Stacker score: 44.0 - IMDb user rating: 5.4 - Metascore: 27 - Runtime: 100 minutes Before "catfishing" came into the cultural lexicon, this movie showed viewers what it meant. Holly (Hilary Duff) is sick of dealing with the fallout of her mother's failed relationships, so she creates a fictional online persona to court her mom in the hopes it will raise her mom's standards in men. When her mother (Heather Locklear) becomes invested in the romance, Holly must produce a real man to fill the shoes of the virtual suitor she's created. Critics rolled their eyes at the overly sentimental dialogue and obvious pandering to the tween crowd. The picture grossed a disappointing $19.8 million. Universal Pictures #87. Because I Said So (2007) - Director: Michael Lehmann - Stacker score: 44.0 - IMDb user rating: 5.5 - Metascore: 26 - Runtime: 102 minutes Diane Keaton, in what film critic Richard Roeper singled out as the worst performance of her career, plays a meddlesome mother intent on setting her daughter (Mandy Moore) up with Mr. Right. Panned as a cliché, sappy, superficial chick flick, the film was dumped in the typically undesirable early February release window of 2007. Even so, ticket sales around Valentine's Day were strong enough that the movie was marginally profitable, raking in $42.7 million domestically. In retrospect, it's difficult to know who to pity more, the lonely hearts who saw this one solo or the significant others who were dragged out for date night. Panorama Films #86. Zoolander 2 (2016) - Director: Ben Stiller - Stacker score: 44.0 - IMDb user rating: 4.7 - Metascore: 34 - Runtime: 101 minutes The original "Zoolander" might be a cult classic, but its sequel will hardly attain the same status. From its ridiculous plotline (Derek and Hansel on a mission to track down a mysterious agent who's killing the world's pop stars) to its laundry list of recycled jokes, there's a lot to criticize in this long-awaited follow-up. Even the dozens of celebrity cameos it so proudly boasted couldn't save it from its own lack of charm, creativity, or bizarre pacing. Fox 2000 Pictures #85. Chasing Papi (2003) - Director: Linda Mendoza - Stacker score: 43.5 - IMDb user rating: 4.7 - Metascore: 33 - Runtime: 80 minutes "Chasing Papi" is a rom-com that feels as if it were intended more to appease the male gaze than to entertain viewers with its story. Three beautiful women (Sofía Vergara, Roselyn Sanchez, and Jaci Velasquez) discover they're all dating the same cosmetics salesman and must decide between fighting to be his one true love or keeping the friendship that's begun to develop between the trio. There's nothing overtly offensive about the film, but its unoriginal plot line, bland humor, and focus on its characters' looks over their identities don't do much to recommend it either. Fred Films #84. Blithe Spirit (2020) - Director: Edward Hall - Stacker score: 43.5 - IMDb user rating: 5.4 - Metascore: 26 - Runtime: 99 minutes Based on the classic Noël Coward play of the same name, "Blithe Spirit" is about a writer who, after a seance gone wrong, finds himself trapped in a love triangle with the spirit of his dead first wife and his very alive second wife. The British film had a star-studded cast—Dan Stevens, Isla Fisher, Leslie Mann, Judi Dench, Emilia Fox—but failed to capture the kooky spirit of its source material, leaving many viewers with the feeling that it was a missed opportunity rather than the roaring success they'd hoped it would be. Sherwood Productions #83. Blame It on Rio (1984) - Director: Stanley Donen - Stacker score: 43.5 - IMDb user rating: 5.8 - Metascore: 22 - Runtime: 100 minutes An aging executive played by Michael Caine is surprised to find the attractive daughter of his best friend coming on to him during vacation. Caine churned out a lot of movies in the '80s, and this release is one of his least distinguished outings. It managed to double its budget in domestic returns of $18.6 million, even though critics found the script creepy in its endorsement of dirty-old-man behavior. The film has not aged well and probably wouldn't have a chance of being made today. Mandeville Films #82. Beverly Hills Chihuahua (2008) - Director: Raja Gosnell - Stacker score: 43.5 - IMDb user rating: 3.9 - Metascore: 41 - Runtime: 91 minutes A rom-com for the younger set, this Disney classic follows a spoiled Chihuahua who, after being dognapped, must find her way back to her owner with the help of her new paramour. Drew Barrymore and George Lopez voice the besotted canines, while Jamie Lee Curtis and Piper Perabo step in as their human owners. The storyline and humor are no worse than in any other kid-friendly, animated film, but the cultural stereotypes blatantly employed by the filmmakers left many audience members walking away with a bad taste in their mouths. Ethea Entertainment #81. He's All That (2021) - Director: Mark Waters - Stacker score: 43.5 - IMDb user rating: 4.4 - Metascore: 36 - Runtime: 88 minutes TikTok star Addison Rae leads the cast of this gender-swapped remake of the 1990s classic "She's All That." Critics' biggest complaint with the Netflix original is that it didn't do enough to switch up the storyline, leaving the film to feel uninspired and repetitive rather than new and fresh, a fact that was only compounded by Rae's flat performance. One particularly harsh reviewer declared the film "unwatchable for anyone over 11 years old." Miramax #80. View from the Top (2003) - Director: Bruno Barreto - Stacker score: 43.5 - IMDb user rating: 5.3 - Metascore: 27 - Runtime: 87 minutes An aspiring stewardess (Gwyneth Paltrow) juggles grueling flight training with the romantic pursuit of a law student (Mark Ruffalo). Critics found the low stakes better suited to a straight-to-video release and criticized technical elements of the film, such as its editing, as amateurish. The release, initially scheduled for 2001, was pushed back two years in the wake of 9/11 to put some distance between the national tragedy and the film's subject matter. The film, which grossed $15.6 million domestically, never made back its production budget. Gladden Entertainment #79. Mannequin (1987) - Director: Michael Gottlieb - Stacker score: 43.5 - IMDb user rating: 5.9 - Metascore: 21 - Runtime: 90 minutes Campy is perhaps the best word to describe this 1987 rom-com about an artist who falls in love with a mannequin that is inhabited by the spirit of a woman from Ancient Egypt. "Mannequin" did decently well commercially, pulling in $6 million over the course of its opening weekend, but critics hated it for its bizarre storyline and complete lack of humor. Roger Ebert gave the Kim Cattrall and Andrew McCarthy flick a measly half-star, declaring it "dead" with a wake that lasted one-and-a-half hours. Columbia Pictures #78. Saving Silverman (2001) - Director: Dennis Dugan - Stacker score: 43.5 - IMDb user rating: 5.8 - Metascore: 22 - Runtime: 90 minutes When J.D. Silverman (Jack Black) gets engaged to a manipulative, controlling woman, his best friends from childhood (Jason Biggs, Steve Zahn) go to great lengths to keep him from walking down the aisle. With humor aimed squarely at teen boys—there are lots of crude sex jokes, bathroom-related gags, and gratuitous torture moments—the film failed to land with its intended audience. Earning $26 million worldwide, it only squeaked past its production budget at the box office and many of its reviews were filled with notes like "mean-spirited" and "a terrible waste of assets." Touchstone Pictures #77. When in Rome (2010) - Director: Mark Steven Johnson - Stacker score: 43.5 - IMDb user rating: 5.5 - Metascore: 25 - Runtime: 91 minutes Top critics didn't care for the dullness and lack of depth in this Kristen Bell and Josh Duhamel-led Disney flick. Bell is a New Yorker who has given up on romance until she throws some "magic" coins into a fountain in Rome and finds herself with many strange suitors to choose from. Dax Shepard (Bell's off-camera husband), Will Arnett, and Jon Heder all throw their hats in the ring, and some viewers found it hard not to like Bell's performance, but ultimately, the film's over-reliance on clichés left critics wanting more. Semtex Films #76. Filth and Wisdom (2008) - Director: Madonna - Stacker score: 42.9 - IMDb user rating: 5.3 - Metascore: 26 - Runtime: 84 minutes Madonna's directorial debut, "Filth and Wisdom" was widely panned as "dumb and tacky." The comedy-drama follows three flatmates who spend their days toiling away in dead-end jobs (including ones in the sex work industry) while dreaming of bigger things. An incoherent and amateur effort, the movie premiered at the Berlin Film Festival before its limited theater run, where it earned just over $22,000 domestically. Blue Angel Film #75. Miss Conception (2008) - Director: Eric Styles - Stacker score: 42.9 - IMDb user rating: 4.6 - Metascore: 33 - Runtime: 104 minutes In this bizarre 2008 release, Heather Graham plays a 30-something woman who discovers she has just one month left to get pregnant. When her boyfriend is unwilling to father her child, she embarks on a desperate quest to find a co-parent. A misconceived attempt to capitalize on the baby craze of the late '00s, the film feels outdated and cloddish and wound up only earning $2,134 at the domestic box office. Absolute Entertainment (II) #74. Molly (1999) - Director: John Duigan - Stacker score: 42.9 - IMDb user rating: 5.8 - Metascore: 21 - Runtime: 102 minutes "Molly" is the type of movie that would almost certainly be boycotted by thoughtful moviegoers everywhere if it were released today. It follows a young autistic woman who finds herself living with her older bachelor brother after the institution she had been raised in unexpectedly shuts down. With both parties ill-prepared for this transition, they agree to an experiment that will make Molly more "normal," and chaos proceeds from there. Cliché, offensive at times, and poorly acted, the film only brought in $17,000 at the box office and remains one of the biggest misses of Elisabeth Shue's career. Capital Arts Entertainment #73. The Perfect Holiday (2007) - Director: Lance Rivera - Stacker score: 42.9 - IMDb user rating: 4.7 - Metascore: 32 - Runtime: 96 minutes Gabrielle Union, playing a single mom, and Morris Chestnut, playing an aspiring musician, fall in love with the help of two Christmas angels (Queen Latifah and Terrence Howard) in this holiday-themed flop. Critics argued that the family-friendly story was too packed with clichés, pointless drama, and mediocre humor to be worth watching and pointed them elsewhere, leaving the film to earn only $5.8 million at the box office. New Line Cinema #72. Town & Country (2001) - Director: Peter Chelsom - Stacker score: 42.9 - IMDb user rating: 4.5 - Metascore: 34 - Runtime: 104 minutes One of the biggest flops in movie history, "Town & Country" only earned $10 million against its $90 million budget. The film—which stars Warren Beatty, Diane Keaton, Goldie Hawn, and Garry Shandling—follows two aging couples who see their marriages tested by various infidelities. After spending three years in production (filming began in 1998 and didn't wrap until 2000), the finished product felt disjointed and choppy thanks to its dozens of rewrites and re-shoots, a fact that critics and audiences alike were quick to pick up on. New Regency Pictures #71. Simply Irresistible (1999) - Director: Mark Tarlov - Stacker score: 42.9 - IMDb user rating: 5.2 - Metascore: 27 - Runtime: 96 minutes Sarah Michelle Gellar stars as an heiress to a restaurant who is blessed with magical cooking and seduction abilities by a crab in a tuxedo. The title begs for oppositional review bylines, which critics were eager to deliver given that the plot never rises above its absurd premise. Domestic grosses of $4.4 million reflected a disconnected marketing campaign. A somewhat ominous movie poster featured Gellar pouting in front of a full moon, a tableau that was perhaps attempting to recall her iconic TV role in "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" but wasn't in the least bit reflective of the film's goofy tone. Walt Disney Pictures #70. Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen (2004) - Director: Sara Sugarman - Stacker score: 42.9 - IMDb user rating: 4.6 - Metascore: 33 - Runtime: 89 minutes Lindsay Lohan and Megan Fox star as high school rivals in this classic teenage comedy. Many of the film's detractors cited its predictable hijinks, juvenile acting, and cliché plot points as reasons for labeling it unwatchable fluff, but its intended audience didn't seem to mind those things, buying enough tickets to earn it a respectable $33.3 million at the worldwide box office. Innis Lake Entertainment #69. No Stranger Than Love (2015) - Director: Nick Wernham - Stacker score: 42.4 - IMDb user rating: 4.9 - Metascore: 29 - Runtime: 89 minutes IndieWire wrote that "No Stranger Than Love," a film about a woman who loses her beau to a mysterious pit that opens up in the middle of her living room, "has a hole where its heart should be." Alison Brie plays art teacher Lucy, a woman who every man in town is seemingly in love with, and her performance is the only redeemable aspect of this poorly paced rom-com. Ultimately, the surreal components of the story are introduced far too late in the run time for this plotline to really gel. Universal Pictures #68. Stroker Ace (1983) - Director: Hal Needham - Stacker score: 42.4 - IMDb user rating: 4.8 - Metascore: 30 - Runtime: 96 minutes Burt Reynolds, once one of Hollywood's biggest heartthrobs and most sought-after actors, blamed "Stroker Ace" for the demise of his career. The film, which sees Reynolds play a NASCAR driver who is at odds with his fried-chicken sponsor and desperate to seduce his new public relations manager, was a massive flop upon its release. The New York Times called it "the must-miss movie of the summer," and critics complained that it was too boring and uninspired to merit even a single viewing. New Line Cinema #67. New Year's Eve (2011) - Director: Garry Marshall - Stacker score: 42.4 - IMDb user rating: 5.6 - Metascore: 22 - Runtime: 118 minutes This 2011 schlock-fest features an ensemble cast including Jessica Biel, Halle Berry, Michelle Pfeiffer, Abigail Breslin, Robert De Niro, and Josh Duhamel in a tale of intertwining love stories set on Dec. 31 in Manhattan. This was an obvious retread of "Love Actually," but bereft of that film's heart or humor, and critics saw straight through the producers' cynicism, warning audiences to seek other holiday options. Domestic gross was $54.5 million, a poor showing for such a star-studded picture. Fox 2000 Pictures #66. Bride Wars (2009) - Director: Gary Winick - Stacker score: 42.4 - IMDb user rating: 5.4 - Metascore: 24 - Runtime: 89 minutes Two best friends (Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway) become engaged in a bridezilla showdown when, due to a clerical error, they accidentally schedule their weddings on the same day. This 2009 movie drew plenty of ire from critics who, fed up with the overdone wedding movie genre, pounced on the film's superficiality and disdain for its audience. Said audience showed up anyway, netting the picture a profitable $115 million worldwide. Unity Productions #65. Private School (1983) - Director: Noel Black - Stacker score: 41.8 - IMDb user rating: 5.2 - Metascore: 25 - Runtime: 89 minutes "Private School" has a threadbare plot and seems to only exist as a vehicle for the writers' crude and derogatory sex jokes. Ostensibly, the film, which was targeted at teens, is about a young couple seeking to lose their virginities to one another. In reality, however, it feels like an awkward 80-minute stand-up set full of content that Roger Ebert dubbed "anti-woman." It's no surprise that women (the primary audience from rom-coms) haven't flocked to this one in the 40 years since its release. Warner Bros. #64. License to Wed (2007) - Director: Ken Kwapis - Stacker score: 41.8 - IMDb user rating: 5.2 - Metascore: 25 - Runtime: 91 minutes A reverend (Robin Williams) puts an engaged couple through the wringer in his grueling marriage preparation course. John Krasinski of the American version of "The Office" plays the aspiring groom alongside Mandy Moore as his would-be bride. Williams' performance was phoned in, and the script is predictable and unfunny. The film saw a domestic gross of $43.8 million. Columbia Pictures #63. The Bounty Hunter (2010) - Director: Andy Tennant - Stacker score: 41.8 - IMDb user rating: 5.5 - Metascore: 22 - Runtime: 110 minutes The plot of this 2010 film is a grab bag of recycled concepts: A bounty hunter (Gerard Butler) is tasked with bringing in his bail-skipping ex-wife (Jennifer Aniston) but instead finds himself caught up in her attempt to solve a high-profile murder. Critics dismissed the film as assembly-line Hollywood product and snubbed the phoned-in performances. Even so, the film made $67.1 million at domestic box offices, turning a profit. J2 Pictures #62. An Invisible Sign (2010) - Director: Marilyn Agrelo - Stacker score: 41.3 - IMDb user rating: 5.3 - Metascore: 23 - Runtime: 96 minutes Unlike poetry or art, math isn't generally a subject that incites feelings of love or romance, so it seems an odd theme to center a rom-com around. Still, the producers of "An Invisible Sign" decided to try it anyways with this movie about a woman (Jessica Alba) who uses her passion for math to reconnect with life and possible love interests after her father's sudden illness. Reviewers called the film boring and uneven, a failed attempt to marry logic with love. Davis Entertainment #61. A Little Bit of Heaven (2011) - Director: Nicole Kassell - Stacker score: 41.3 - IMDb user rating: 6.2 - Metascore: 14 - Runtime: 106 minutes "A Little Bit of Heaven," a dramatic tear-jerker about a woman who finds love for the first time right after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, would fit right in with the stories in Nicholas Sparks' back catalog. But unlike Sparks-based movies, which are generally well-received by die-hard rom-com watchers, this film suffered from a lack of chemistry between its main actors (Kate Hudson and Gael García Bernal), odd tone discrepancies, and an oversentimental perspective on life, sexuality, and love. It was so bad—only earning just over $15,000 at the domestic box office—that reviewers dubbed it "a little bit of hell." Columbia Pictures #60. Did You Hear About the Morgans? (2009) - Director: Marc Lawrence - Stacker score: 41.3 - IMDb user rating: 4.9 - Metascore: 27 - Runtime: 103 minutes A Manhattan alpha couple gets a second chance to repair their flailing marriage when they're relocated to a tiny town in Wyoming through witness relocation. (Yes, it's a plot that sounds like the kind of movie you might see parodied in a Judd Apatow comedy.) Critics acknowledged moments of on-screen charm between leads Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker, but overall consensus was that the movie was cynical studio dreck. The domestic gross of $29.6 million was nothing to write home about, but the film performed well overseas and brought in a total of $85.3 million internationally. A Happy Place #59. On the Line (2001) - Director: Eric Bross - Stacker score: 40.8 - IMDb user rating: 4.1 - Metascore: 34 - Runtime: 85 minutes A weak "Serendipity" rework starring an 'N Sync heartthrob, "On the Line" follows a shy advertising executive as he searches for a woman he had a chance encounter with on Chicago's L train system. Lance Bass takes the lead, with Emmanuelle Chriqui playing his soulmate, and Joey Fatone playing one of his many roommates. The film's unbelievable plotline failed to entice its intended teenage audience to part with its hard-earned money, leaving it to earn just over $4.4 million at worldwide box offices, despite a $16 million budget. Gladden Entertainment #58. Mannequin: On the Move (1991) - Director: Stewart Raffill - Stacker score: 40.8 - IMDb user rating: 4.4 - Metascore: 31 - Runtime: 95 minutes Why producers felt that making a sequel to a film as awful as the original "Mannequin" would be a good idea is unclear, but make one they did. In the follow-up, a young department store employee (William Ragsdale) falls in love with a wooden mannequin (Kristy Swanson), who is actually a medieval peasant woman that has fallen under a 1,000-year curse. The Los Angeles Times called the film "insipid to the extreme," and seemingly no one was impressed by its recycled plot points, tired jokes, and oddly frantic pacing. The Guber-Peters Company #57. Who's That Girl (1987) - Director: James Foley - Stacker score: 40.8 - IMDb user rating: 4.8 - Metascore: 27 - Runtime: 92 minutes Madonna has tried to launch her film career multiple times with very little success. "Who's That Girl" is yet another of the pop star's early attempts to establish herself as a serious actress. In the film, she plays a street-smart woman who has been falsely accused of murdering her boyfriend. After being released from prison, she convinces the uptight lawyer tasked with getting her back to her hometown to help her prove her innocence. Along the way, they fall in love. Madonna's horrible overacting and the film's clumsy jokes led critics to universally pan it following its 1987 release. Columbia Pictures #56. Whatever It Takes (2000) - Director: David Raynr - Stacker score: 40.8 - IMDb user rating: 5.5 - Metascore: 20 - Runtime: 94 minutes A young James Franco and Shane West couldn't save this teen update of the classic Cyrano de Bergerac tale, in which nerdy West falls for the cute, popular girl in school, and Franco looks for help from West to get the attention of his best friend and fellow nerdy pal, Maggie (Marla Sokoloff). Critics panned it, and the movie was a commercial flop, bringing in only $8.7 million at domestic box offices, well below its $32 million budget. Lionsgate #55. Good Luck Chuck (2007) - Director: Mark Helfrich - Stacker score: 40.8 - IMDb user rating: 5.6 - Metascore: 19 - Runtime: 96 minutes This film gave a lot of ammunition to members of the "Dane Cook isn't funny" bandwagon. The premise is actually chuckle-worthy: A serial dater who was hexed by a goth girl into perpetual singledom as a 10-year-old must try to make an adult relationship with a sexy penguin specialist work. Unfortunately, due to the lack of comedic chops in the cast, the movie was slammed by critics and by countless road comics who, jealous of Cook's stardom, slagged it off in clubs around the country. Cook's fan base showed up anyway, and the film raked in $35 million in domestic box offices to turn a profit. Lionsgate #54. Killers (2010) - Director: Robert Luketic - Stacker score: 40.8 - IMDb user rating: 5.4 - Metascore: 21 - Runtime: 100 minutes Katherine Heigl plays a newlywed who discovers her husband (Ashton Kutcher) is an assassin, a revelation that throws their marriage into turmoil. This "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" lite turned off critics with its warmed-over plot and plain dullness. The picture made $47 million at domestic box offices, a figure dwarfed by the conceptually similar Tom Cruise/Cameron Diaz double-header "Knight and Day," which was released in the same month and proved a big commercial hit. Open Road Films (II) #53. Mother's Day (2016) - Director: Garry Marshall - Stacker score: 40.2 - IMDb user rating: 5.6 - Metascore: 18 - Runtime: 118 minutes In the same vein as "Valentine's Day" and "New Year's Eve," "Mother's Day" follows a group of seemingly unconnected people as they set out to celebrate their moms. Directed by Gary Marshall (his last film before his death in July 2016), the movie boasts a star-studded ensemble cast including names like Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, Jason Sudeikis, Timothy Olyphant, and Jon Lovitz. Poorly written, with overpacked plot lines and jokes that verge on racist, the movie was a miss for both audiences and critics alike. Touchstone Pictures #52. Cabin Boy (1994) - Director: Adam Resnick - Stacker score: 39.7 - IMDb user rating: 5.2 - Metascore: 21 - Runtime: 80 minutes When a movie's main character is described by critics who enjoyed it as unpleasant, despicable, and loathsome, it's hard to imagine that it's going to find a wide audience. That was certainly the case with "Cabin Boy," a fantasy comedy story by "Late Night with David Letterman" writers Chris Elliott and Adam Resnick. Even the film's original slapstick and sight gags weren't enough to redeem the bizarre tale of a privileged prep-school graduate who finds himself working (and falling in love) aboard a fishing boat with a … well … "filthy" name. Eddie Murphy Productions #51. Vampire in Brooklyn (1995) - Director: Wes Craven - Stacker score: 39.7 - IMDb user rating: 4.6 - Metascore: 27 - Runtime: 100 minutes Comedy-horror rarely works as a mashup. For every "American Werewolf in London," there are dozens of misfires that fail to balance the competing requirements of the two genres. This is one of those. Eddie Murphy plays a vampire named Maximillian, who tries to seduce a detective while sabotaging the romantic advances of her longtime partner. Horror veteran Wes Craven directed but failed to provide any real scares. Critic Roger Ebert wrote of the film: "To call this a comedy is a sign of optimism; to call it a comeback for Murphy is a sign of blind faith." Audiences were at least curious enough that the film pulled in a haul just shy of $19.8 million, but it was poorly regarded and has not stood the test of time. DreamWorks #50. Surviving Christmas (2004) - Director: Mike Mitchell - Stacker score: 39.7 - IMDb user rating: 5.4 - Metascore: 19 - Runtime: 91 minutes In a plot that calls for way too much suspension of disbelief from the outset, a wealthy but alienated ad exec (Ben Affleck) bribes a family (with a dad played by James Gandolfini) to pose as his own so that he doesn't have to spend Christmas alone. The story pivots when the family's eldest daughter (Christina Applegate) arrives late and throws a new romantic wrench into his fantasy. Predictable and humorless complications ensue. Amazingly, the WGA lists four screenwriters for this trainwreck. An $11.7 million domestic box office sale made for a disappointing holiday haul. Joseph Hamilton International Productions #49. The Pirate Movie (1982) - Director: Ken Annakin - Stacker score: 39.1 - IMDb user rating: 5.3 - Metascore: 19 - Runtime: 98 minutes The vast majority of "The Pirate Movie" happens in a dream sequence, a twist that turns many viewers off to even the best stories. Unfortunately, the film also lacked a solid plot—it follows a couple who meet at a pirate festival in Australia and who turn out to have also been pirates in a past life—the musical rom-com had two strikes against it before it even hit theaters. Its third strike came when viewers realized it was a thinly veiled knockoff of the play "The Pirates of Penzance," something the marketing hadn't been clear about. New Line Cinema #48. Sex and the City 2 (2010) - Director: Michael Patrick King - Stacker score: 39.1 - IMDb user rating: 4.5 - Metascore: 27 - Runtime: 146 minutes The critics who were lukewarm on the first big-screen adaptation of the hit HBO show really sank their teeth into its sequel. And at a running time of almost two-and-a-half hours, the film served up plenty of fodder for their criticisms. Most reviewers agreed that Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) and her crew of Manolo-heeled NYC gal pals had long overstayed their welcome and warned that only diehard fans need consider lining up for this pointless and thinly plotted coda to their saga. It still made a boatload—$290.7 million worldwide—but by this point, the loft salary requirements of its stars had produced a budget that exceeded its return. Cinejota Filmproduktionsgesellschaft mbH & Co. #47. Undiscovered (2005) - Director: Meiert Avis - Stacker score: 38.6 - IMDb user rating: 4.2 - Metascore: 29 - Runtime: 97 minutes Four aspiring performers try to get their careers off the ground in this 2005 drama. The basic story is one that has been told time and time again, and "Undiscovered" had nothing new to offer to the conversation, nor did it tap into the emotions of its audience in any real way. Despite its enticing preview and interesting casting choices (Ashlee Simpson's first big screen role), the movie set a record for second-weekend drop-offs, with an 86.4% decrease in ticket sales. Morgan Creek Entertainment #46. Juwanna Mann (2002) - Director: Jesse Vaughan - Stacker score: 38.6 - IMDb user rating: 4.7 - Metascore: 24 - Runtime: 91 minutes An urban spin on a "Tootsie"-style gender-switch plot, "Juwanna Mann" stars longtime character actor Miguel A. Núñez Jr. in his first and last leading role. The story's about a hot-tempered basketball player who gets booted from the league and decides to don some fake breasts and eyelashes to try his luck on the women's side of the game. He lands a spot on a team, but his plan gets thrown into turmoil when he starts to fall for a no-nonsense coach, played by Vivica A. Fox. Critics found it simplistic and unoriginal, and its $13.57 million domestic box office haul didn't cover its production budget. Nevertheless, in a 2015 TMZ interview, Núñez claimed a Juwanna Mann sequel was in the works, but IMDb provides no corroboration for this claim. New Line Cinema #45. Even Cowgirls Get the Blues (1993) - Director: Gus Van Sant - Stacker score: 38.6 - IMDb user rating: 4.3 - Metascore: 28 - Runtime: 106 minutes This film, based on a beloved Tom Robbins novel with strong feminist themes, was supposed to be indie director Gus Van Sant's triumphant follow-up to "My Own Private Idaho." It's a movie with a lot of intriguing ingredients: Uma Thurman stars as a woman who uses her unusually large thumbs to hitchhike her way across the country, winding up at a ranch staffed by cowgirls. There she has a love affair with the ranch's leader, played by Rain Phoenix (sister to Joaquin and River Phoenix). Despite the caliber of the source material and edgy (for 1993) exploration of gay themes, critics found little value in the finished product. Van Sant had no feel for the subject matter and drew out confusing and sometimes embarrassing performances from his actors. Box office receipts fell shy of $2 million. Lakeshore Entertainment #44. The Next Best Thing (2000) - Director: John Schlesinger - Stacker score: 38.6 - IMDb user rating: 4.6 - Metascore: 25 - Runtime: 108 minutes Madonna and Rupert Everett star in this comedy about a straight woman and a gay man who decide to conceive and raise a child together. Critics found the delivery heavy-handed and the tear-jerker moments forced. The $15 million domestic box office receipts did little to convince producers that Madonna was a bankable star outside the music business. Twentieth Century Fox #43. Say It Isn't So (2001) - Director: J.B. Rogers - Stacker score: 38.6 - IMDb user rating: 5.0 - Metascore: 21 - Runtime: 95 minutes The Farrelly Brothers produced this 2001 romantic comedy, directed by J.B. Rogers, who had previously worked with them as a first assistant director. Gilly (Chris Klein) and Jo (Heather Graham) are enjoying a passionate love affair when they find out they're actually brother and sister and have to break things off in a hurry. But when he finds out their supposed blood relation is a lie perpetuated by a meddling third party, Gilly must rush to stop Jo's marriage to "the wrong guy." Overall, the movie lacked the charm, humor, and originality of the brothers' earlier sleeper hit "There's Something About Mary." The box office total was $12.3 million, with a $25 million production budget. Warner Bros. #42. Summer Catch (2001) - Director: Michael Tollin - Stacker score: 38.6 - IMDb user rating: 5.0 - Metascore: 21 - Runtime: 104 minutes Another Freddie Prinze Jr. rom-com, this time pairing the actor up with Jessica Biel. The story, a classic "Lady and the Tramp" setup, has Prinze Jr.'s blue-collar baseball player character falling for an unattainable upper-crust girl with a controlling father. The critics' consensus was that there wasn't enough baseball for a baseball movie and that the romance lacked sufficient flavor or complication to draw interest. Worldwide box office receipts were a just below $20 million. FTM Productions #41. Serving Sara (2002) - Director: Reginald Hudlin - Stacker score: 38.6 - IMDb user rating: 5.3 - Metascore: 18 - Runtime: 99 minutes Joe, played by Matthew Perry, gets more than he bargained for when he's tasked with serving divorce papers to the elusive Sara (Elizabeth Hurley). The typical romantic comedy plot plays out, and opposites end up attracting without much regard for originality or humor. As bland as this movie is, the off-screen events surrounding its production made for juicy tabloid fodder. Perry landed in rehab for painkiller addiction during production, and later Hurley's boyfriend accused Perry of impregnating her (a claim was later discredited through blood tests). If only the script had been as intriguing. Touchstone Pictures #40. Cocktail (1988) - Director: Roger Donaldson - Stacker score: 38.6 - IMDb user rating: 5.9 - Metascore: 12 - Runtime: 104 minutes "Cocktail" is one of those rare films that was a huge failure with critics but a massive hit with audiences. It follows a business school student in NYC who turns to bartending in order to fund his education. After a falling out with his mentor, he flees to Jamaica, where he falls in love and learns some hard life lessons. Critics argued that the film was shallow and vapid, with little to say about either love or materialism, but fans disagreed, flocking in the thousands to see Tom Cruise in action and earning the film $78.2 million at the box office. Electric Eye Entertainment Corporation #39. Delgo (2008) - Directors: Marc F. Adler, Jason Maurer - Stacker score: 38.0 - IMDb user rating: 4.3 - Metascore: 27 - Runtime: 94 minutes The first computer-animated movie to make our list, "Delgo" is a fantasy film aimed at adult audiences. A "Romeo and Juliet" story about two young beings from enemy alien races who fall in love, the film utilized the voices of Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt to bring its main characters to life. Audiences complained that the story felt like a mashup of elements from existing fantasy tales and that the dull voice acting did little to bring any of those pieces to life. Unsurprisingly, the film bombed at the box office, earning just over $500,000 on its opening weekend, which Yahoo! Movies (via SlashFilm) explained meant that an average of just two people attended each showing. 2DS Productions #38. Bad Johnson (2014) - Director: Huck Botko - Stacker score: 38.0 - IMDb user rating: 4.5 - Metascore: 25 - Runtime: 88 minutes The plot of "Bad Johnson" is so thin it would have been better suited as a four-minute "SNL" skit than a full-length feature film. To flesh out the lackluster story—about a man who accidentally wishes his manhood away—writers padded the movie with cringe-worthy jokes and eye-rolling sex metaphors, which only left audiences wholly disappointed in the project and desperate for something of substance to cling to. TriStar Pictures #37. Look Who's Talking Now (1993) - Director: Tom Ropelewski - Stacker score: 38.0 - IMDb user rating: 4.4 - Metascore: 26 - Runtime: 96 minutes By now, we've probably all seen those Twitter threads about what would happen if AI were put in charge of writing our movies and novels. "Look Who's Talking Now" is probably the closest thing we currently have to an answer—an incongruent assortment of plotlines and thoughts that only vaguely resemble a story. John Travolta and Kirstie Alley reprise their role as the Ubriacco parents, only this time it's not their infants who are talking but their dogs, who are voiced by Danny DeVito and Diane Keaton. Audiences hated the movie just as much as critics did, and the finale of the "Look Who's Talking" series only netted $10.3 million at the box office against its $20 million-plus production budget. Photo 12 / Alamy Stock Photo #36. Lost & Found (1999) - Director: Jeff Pollack - Stacker score: 37.5 - IMDb user rating: 5.0 - Metascore: 19 - Runtime: 100 minutes David Spade plays a restaurateur who steals a woman's dog in the hopes of returning it to impress her, but his plan to win her affection backfires. The thin premise is good for about 15 minutes of comedy before the film devolves into meanness, stupidity, and ripping off jokes from superior rom-coms such as "There's Something About Mary." Spade, as co-writer of the script, was doubly implicated in this flop, which grossed only $6.5 million. The poster, in a self-aware nod to its leading man's public image as a weaselly lech, features the SNL veteran holding the stolen mutt in front of his crotch with the tagline: "One of these dogs must be Spade." MGM #35. Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj (2006) - Director: Mort Nathan - Stacker score: 37.5 - IMDb user rating: 4.8 - Metascore: 21 - Runtime: 97 minutes The first misstep "Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj" made was naming the film after a character that wasn't actually in it. A follow-up to the 2002 release "National Lampoon's Van Wilder," this film didn't actually center around Ryan Reynold's character but had a new lead in Kal Penn. The second misstep it made was not including a single original plot element, instead recycling storylines that have been used in a half-dozen "National Lampoon" films previously. Between mishandling fan expectations and underdelivering in terms of content, it's not surprising that this ranks as one of the worst rom-coms of all time. Yari Film Group (YFG) #34. The Accidental Husband (2008) - Director: Griffin Dunne - Stacker score: 37.5 - IMDb user rating: 5.5 - Metascore: 14 - Runtime: 90 minutes A talented cast—including Uma Thurman, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Colin Firth, Sam Shephard, and Isabella Rossellini—is wasted on this lifeless rom-com. A radio talk show host (Thurman) who advises a woman to break off her engagement must then contend with reprisal from the woman's jilted fiance (Dean Morgan). In a tried-and-true application of the well-worn formula, the two leads proceed to bicker their way to a love connection. It's in-flight movie caliber stuff at best, although perhaps more entertaining if you pretend Jeffrey Dean Morgan is playing a pre-zombie apocalypse version of his Negan character from "The Walking Dead." PalmStar Media #33. Some Kind of Beautiful (2014) - Director: Tom Vaughan - Stacker score: 37.0 - IMDb user rating: 5.7 - Metascore: 11 - Runtime: 99 minutes Not a single character in "Some Kind of Beautiful" seems to have their head on straight. From the professor who regularly sleeps with his students (Pierce Brosnan), to the American exchange student (Jessica Alba) who willingly puts herself in a position to become pregnant with a child she doesn't seem to want, to the much-older stepsister (Salma Hayek) who falls in love with her younger sister's husband, all of the movie's characters spend the entire run time making awful choices. Even the producers seemed to know how big of a flop they had on their hands and chose to only release the film into a handful of theaters before sending it straight to on-demand. DreamWorks #32. Norbit (2007) - Director: Brian Robbins - Stacker score: 37.0 - IMDb user rating: 4.1 - Metascore: 27 - Runtime: 102 minutes Eddie Murphy had an epic run of bad movies in the 2000s, and "Norbit" is perhaps the worst of the bunch. The conflict of the story centers on the title character trying to flee a bad marriage for greener romantic pastures. But his path to freedom requires standing up to his abusive, obnoxious spouse, also played by Murphy. As if the offensive fat-suit humor wasn't enough tastelessness for one film, Murphy also managed to jam in some cringeworthy racial humor in his third performance in the film as Mr. Wong, a walking Asian stereotype who displays blatant prejudice throughout the film. "Norbit" grossed over $95 million domestically, proving there's no accounting for (bad) taste. Align #31. Die in a Gunfight (2021) - Director: Collin Schiffli - Stacker score: 36.4 - IMDb user rating: 4.4 - Metascore: 23 - Runtime: 92 minutes Pitched as an updated version of the "Romeo and Juliet" story, "Die in a Gunfight" follows two troubled kids as they form a relationship against the wishes of their respective families. The movie desperately wanted to be seen as edgy but, with the exception of several bloody scenes, didn't wind up doing anything groundbreaking with its source material. In fact, it fell so flat that ScreenRant called it "utterly empty, with poorly developed characters, clunky dialogue, and a disingenuous romance that attempts to be epic in nature." Columbia Pictures #30. Spring Break (1983) - Director: Sean S. Cunningham - Stacker score: 35.9 - IMDb user rating: 4.9 - Metascore: 17 - Runtime: 102 minutes Four guys—two nerds and two popular kids—wind up spending their spring break together, cavorting around Fort Lauderdale and trying to dodge an enraged father and a developer with an agenda. The plot is predictable, the writers' treatment of women and minorities despicable, and the jokes drier than they have any right to be. Despite its obvious negative, the movie somehow managed to bring in a mediocre $24 million at the box office. Paramount Pictures #29. The Honeymooners (2005) - Director: John Schultz - Stacker score: 35.3 - IMDb user rating: 3.4 - Metascore: 31 - Runtime: 90 minutes A remake of the classic TV series, "The Honeymooners" stars Cedric the Entertainer and Mike Epps as working-class friends whose lives are anchored by their long-suffering wives (Gabrielle Union and Regina Hall). The problem with the film is that it takes sitcom elements and tries to jam them into a feature-length film. The result, despite the four writers' best efforts, simply didn't work, and audiences felt that the movie wasn't memorable, interesting, or entertaining. Abbolita Productions #28. Yoga Hosers (2016) - Director: Kevin Smith - Stacker score: 35.3 - IMDb user rating: 4.2 - Metascore: 23 - Runtime: 88 minutes Often referred to as the lowest point of Kevin Smith's career, "Yoga Hosers" is a comedy spinoff of his 2014 horror film "Tusk." Starring Harley Quinn Smith and Lily-Rose Depp (the only bright spots in the entire mess), it follows two teenage convenience store clerks who are forced to kill their crushes in self-defense after realizing the boys are part of a Satanist cult. The movie is a grab bag of plot lines and tropes and feels more like the unhinged ramblings of the director than a cohesive story, intentionally told. Alliance Atlantis Communications #27. Slackers (2002) - Director: Dewey Nicks - Stacker score: 35.3 - IMDb user rating: 5.3 - Metascore: 12 - Runtime: 86 minutes No relation to Richard Linklater's pioneering 1991 mumblecore flick "Slacker," this 2002 college comedy failed to rise above the glut of early 2000s teen gross-out fare. A geeky Jason Schwartzman blackmails a scheming Devon Sawa (and his two buddies) into setting him up with the girl he's obsessed with. Sawa's character falls for the girl in question (played by Jaime King), and hijinks ensue. This film was the product of the ill-fated Destination Films, a low-budget film company acquired by Sony Pictures Entertainment in 2001. Sony let this one sit on a shelf for a year before releasing it through their Screen Gems arm. A gem it was not, and it grossed $6.4 million against a $14 million production budget. Fox 2000 Pictures #26. All About Steve (2009) - Director: Phil Traill - Stacker score: 35.3 - IMDb user rating: 4.8 - Metascore: 17 - Runtime: 99 minutes Sandra Bullock plays against type in this quirky comedy about a kooky puzzle maker who begins stalking a cameraman played by Bradley Cooper. The usually charming Bullock delivers a performance creepier than was perhaps intended, and critics lambasted the film for its odd, off-putting tone and unlikeable heroin. Nevertheless, the star power of the cast attracted a large enough audience that the film grossed over $40 million worldwide, more than doubling its production budget. Bullock famously attended the Razzie Awards ceremony and handed out copies of the movie to the audience after they awarded her Worst Actress for her performance in the film. IFC Films #25. I Hate Valentine's Day (2009) - Director: Nia Vardalos - Stacker score: 34.8 - IMDb user rating: 4.7 - Metascore: 17 - Runtime: 98 minutes IFC Films attempted to capitalize on the runaway success of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" by re-teaming its co-stars Nia Vardalos and John Corbett for this 2009 rom-com. The concept and story are totally boilerplate: A woman with a "five-date max" rule is forced to reconsider when she meets a guy worth going the distance for. Critics thought the dating, as portrayed, was outdated and, at best, considered it a cheap guilty pleasure. Audiences barely noticed it: Domestic gross was at $11,004. Mad Chance #24. Behaving Badly (2014) - Director: Tim Garrick - Stacker score: 33.7 - IMDb user rating: 4.4 - Metascore: 18 - Runtime: 97 minutes Tim Garrick confused irony and cynicism for comedy in the nihilistic teen flick "Behaving Badly." When a high schooler (Nat Wolff) discovers that his longtime crush (Selena Gomez) is finally single, he makes a bet with the local mobster's son (Nate Hartley) that he'll be able to sleep with her before the week is out. What follows is a chain of disasters and morally questionable events that supposedly lead to Wolff's character learning what it means to have a moral compass. Audiences felt that the film painted female sexuality as a black-and-white matter (i.e., sexually active equals bad, sexually pure equals good), which didn't ring true to them or entice them to buy tickets to the flop of a project. Unified Pictures #23. The Layover (2017) - Director: William H. Macy - Stacker score: 33.7 - IMDb user rating: 4.7 - Metascore: 15 - Runtime: 88 minutes "The Layover" may call itself a romantic comedy, but at its heart, it's an attack on female friendship. When two women (Kate Upton and Alexandra Daddario) fall for the same guy (Matt Bar) while on vacation, they're prepared to throw away decades of friendship for an opportunity to sleep with him. The film definitely wouldn't pass the Bechdel Test, and audiences and critics alike were bored by its well-trodden subject matter. Open City Films #22. Down to You (2000) - Director: Kris Isacsson - Stacker score: 33.7 - IMDb user rating: 4.9 - Metascore: 13 - Runtime: 91 minutes In an attempt at a teen version of "Annie Hall," this movie starred then-faves Freddie Prinze Jr. and Julia Stiles as a pair of teenagers struggling to navigate the trials and tribulations of young love in the Big Apple. An aimless story, adolescent dialogue, and lack of on-screen romantic chemistry drew a tepid response from critics, and the movie lost money for Miramax. Dimension Films #21. My Boss's Daughter (2003) - Director: David Zucker - Stacker score: 33.7 - IMDb user rating: 4.7 - Metascore: 15 - Runtime: 86 minutes Ashton Kutcher plays a rookie executive who agrees to house-sit for his boss in the hopes of spending time with the man's attractive daughter (Tara Reid). Reviews declared the script crude and offensive. The film received three Razzie Award nominations, including Worst Actor (Ashton Kutcher), Worst Supporting Actress (Tara Reid), and Worst Screen Couple. The movie still managed to gross over $18.2 million worldwide, enough to cover its production budget and then some. Fuzzy Bunny Films (I) #20. Crossroads (2002) - Director: Tamra Davis - Stacker score: 33.7 - IMDb user rating: 3.5 - Metascore: 27 - Runtime: 93 minutes Three teenage girls set out on a cross-country road trip in this coming-of-age film written by none other than Shonda Rhimes. While the storyline itself isn't all that bad, critics weren't excited by the final product, calling it "a cliched and silly pop star vanity project… for Britney Spears fans only." Paramount Pictures #19. The Love Guru (2008) - Director: Marco Schnabel - Stacker score: 33.7 - IMDb user rating: 3.8 - Metascore: 24 - Runtime: 87 minutes Prior to helming this Mike Myers flop, director Marco Schnabel's career was in dire straits. After being fired early on during the making of the Will Ferrell soccer comedy "Kicking and Screaming," Schnabel was having a hard time convincing any studio executive to let him make another movie. So when he was tapped by Myers, who knew him from his second unit director stint on "Austin Powers in Goldmember," he leaped at the opportunity to get back behind the camera. Unfortunately, Myers' new character, a hippie-ish love guru tasked with healing the marriage of a hockey player, failed to resonate with audiences. The movie—cheesy, juvenile, and grating—fell $20 million shy of recouping its budget. It remains Schnabel's sole IMDb credit as a director. K. JAM Media #18. Accidental Love (2015) - Director: David O. Russell - Stacker score: 33.2 - IMDb user rating: 4.1 - Metascore: 20 - Runtime: 100 minutes This is a weird one. The story's about Alice, a soon-to-be-wed waitress (played by Jessica Biel) who, through a freak accident, ends up with a nail lodged in her head. The injury produces bizarre and hypersexual behavior that leads to Alice's fiance calling off their marriage. She rebounds into the arms of a senator (Jake Gyllenhaal) who helps empower her campaign for people with bizarre injuries. The film was directed and co-written by five-time Oscar nominee David O. Russell, who was so ashamed of his work on the flick that he abandoned it in its final stages and opted to be credited with a pseudonym. His instincts were on the money. The movie—which never opened beyond a limited release—saw $24,487 worldwide box office receipts and was panned by critics for its crudeness and messy, unsatisfying storytelling. Chydzik Media Group #17. Love, Wedding, Marriage (2011) - Director: Dermot Mulroney - Stacker score: 33.2 - IMDb user rating: 4.8 - Metascore: 13 - Runtime: 90 minutes When a newly married marriage counselor throws herself into saving her parents' imploding union instead of focusing on her relationship with her new husband, things go south for both couples very quickly. Mandy Moore, Kellen Lutz, James Brolin, and Jane Seymour star in the too-ridiculous-to-believe movie, which grossed just over $500,000 at the box office worldwide. J & C Entertainment #16. In the Mix (2005) - Director: Ron Underwood - Stacker score: 32.6 - IMDb user rating: 2.9 - Metascore: 31 - Runtime: 95 minutes Usher stars in this cliché-packed movie about a man who falls in love with the mobster princess he's been employed to protect. Dubbed inconsequential and dull, the movie offers nothing to set it apart from the dozens of other "wrong side of the tracks" romances that have hit the big screen in recent years. In the end, the film lost Lionsgate an estimated $15 million. Fox Atomic #15. Miss March (2009) - Directors: Zach Cregger, Trevor Moore - Stacker score: 31.0 - IMDb user rating: 5.0 - Metascore: 7 - Runtime: 90 minutes A high-schooler (Zach Cregger) falls into a coma on the eve of losing his virginity to his high school sweetheart (Raquel Alessi). When he wakes up four years later, he discovers she's gone on to a glamorous life as a Playboy centerfold. The premise might have worked if there was any subtlety to the execution, but this is another movie on this list that aims for scatological humor over character-driven comedy. The obligatory Hugh Hefner cameo wasn't enough to draw in audiences, and this flop didn't even manage to clear $5 million at the box office. MGM #14. Material Girls (2006) - Director: Martha Coolidge - Stacker score: 30.4 - IMDb user rating: 3.9 - Metascore: 17 - Runtime: 98 minutes In this loose (emphasis on the loose) retelling of Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility," Hilary and Haylie Duff must save their reputations and their father's business after a scandal threatens to destroy everything. Intended for teenage audiences, the movie didn't concern itself with imparting serious lessons or stressing believability, which were both strikes against it as far as critics were concerned. Tween girls disagreed, spending $11.5 million on tickets at domestic box offices and another $12 million in DVD sales. Hi-Rez Films #13. Whipped (2000) - Director: Peter M. Cohen - Stacker score: 29.9 - IMDb user rating: 4.5 - Metascore: 10 - Runtime: 82 minutes Tiresome, vulgar, and unfunny are the words critics most commonly use to describe "Whipped." When three friends fall for the same woman (Amanda Peet) their weekly bar hang goes from swapping stories about their sexual escapades to an all-out war over her affections. Fans seemed to agree with the critics' take, and the movie only earned $1 million more than its $3 million budget upon release. Full Sail Films #12. Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector (2006) - Director: Trent Cooper - Stacker score: 29.9 - IMDb user rating: 3.4 - Metascore: 21 - Runtime: 89 minutes Now working as a health inspector, Larry the Cable Guy and his new partner must solve the mystery of a food poisoning epidemic while also solving the mystery of one another's hearts. Unfortunately, the crude humor of "Larry the Cable Guy" doesn't work for everyone, and many audiences were turned off by the film's jokes despite its half-decent storyline, as evidenced by its paltry $15.7 million box office draw. Screen Gems #11. Swept Away (2002) - Director: Guy Ritchie - Stacker score: 29.3 - IMDb user rating: 3.6 - Metascore: 18 - Runtime: 89 minutes Writer and director Guy Ritchie's biggest mistake in his 2002 "Swept Away" remake? Casting his then-wife Madonna, who had already proven herself to be a less-than-inspiring actress, as the film's protagonist. Madonna plays a bougie socialite who falls in love with a deckhand after the two find themselves stranded on a desert island after a boat crash. The film was received so poorly it is often included in worst films of all time lists and grossed just a tenth of its budget back at the box office. Alive Films #10. Cool as Ice (1991) - Director: David Kellogg - Stacker score: 28.8 - IMDb user rating: 2.9 - Metascore: 24 - Runtime: 91 minutes Developed specifically to be Vanilla Ice's film debut, "Cool as Ice" sees the rapper play a motorcycle-riding bad boy who falls in love with an honor student. Their romance hits a speed bump when her father, who is in a witness protection program, finds himself on the run once again. Like many other celebrity vehicles, the film earned back just a fifth of its budget at the box office with critics citing the musician's lackluster performance as its main issue. Twentieth Century Fox #9. Two of a Kind (1983) - Director: John Herzfeld - Stacker score: 28.3 - IMDb user rating: 4.7 - Metascore: 5 - Runtime: 88 minutes Following the massive success John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John had with "Grease," it's not surprising that studios would want to reunite the pair, thinking their chemistry would guarantee another box office smash. Unfortunately, they gave them this trainwreck of a plot to work with (he plays a robber, she a bank teller, and they must work together to find common ground lest God unleashes another Noah-level flood). Try as they might to turn this garbage into gold, the pair just couldn't make it work, and the movie was a critical failure (though its soundtrack was a commercial success). HandMade Films #8. Shanghai Surprise (1986) - Director: Jim Goddard - Stacker score: 26.1 - IMDb user rating: 3.2 - Metascore: 16 - Runtime: 97 minutes Madonna strikes out yet again with "Shanghai Surprise." The singer plays a missionary nurse on the hunt for a supply of opium to ease the pain of her patients. Her then-real-life husband, Sean Penn, plays her love interest, a glow-in-the-dark tie salesman who agrees to help her find the illegal drug. The poorly written flop was produced by former Beatle George Harrison, but even his involvement couldn't save the corny film from the Razzie awards. Big Screen Entertainment Group #7. Dirty Love (2005) - Director: John Asher - Stacker score: 23.9 - IMDb user rating: 3.5 - Metascore: 9 - Runtime: 91 minutes Jenny McCarthy wrote and starred in this miscalculated story of a girl who tries to reenter the dating world after a messy breakup. While some critics found McCarthy's on-screen presence charming, they were less impressed with her screenwriting abilities, particularly in the comedy department. Her then-husband John Asher directed the picture, and it's perhaps no coincidence that the couple divorced the month it was released. Critically panned and a bomb at the box office, this movie failed on all counts. Revolution Studios #6. Gigli (2003) - Director: Martin Brest - Stacker score: 23.9 - IMDb user rating: 2.6 - Metascore: 18 - Runtime: 121 minutes One of the worst commercial flops in history, "Gigli" made back $7.2 million of its $54 million budget. The story follows a romance that develops between two kidnappers, and it was derided as bizarre and poorly paced by critics. The lack of on-screen chemistry between stars Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez—who, during filming, were involved in the highly publicized "Bennifer" romance—made for easy fodder for late-night comedians. Ben Affleck has acknowledged the poor quality of the film in several interviews. New Regency Pictures #5. Date Movie (2006) - Directors: Aaron Seltzer, Jason Friedberg - Stacker score: 21.2 - IMDb user rating: 2.8 - Metascore: 11 - Runtime: 83 minutes When the best blurb you can come up with for your movie poster is "from 2 of the 6 writers of Scary Movie," you know you've got a real gem on your hands. An extremely broad comedy that fails to be funnier than the movies it parodies, "Date Movie" focuses on the build-up to a wedding between a formerly overweight bride (Alyson Hannigan) and a (supposedly) charming Englishman (Adam Campbell). The movie grossed a respectable $48.5 million in domestic sales, but its poor critical reception ended any hopes Hannigan might have had for a movie career beyond the "American Pie" franchise. Thinkfactory Media #4. 10 Rules for Sleeping Around (2013) - Director: Leslie Greif - Stacker score: 20.1 - IMDb user rating: 3.6 - Metascore: 1 - Runtime: 94 minutes For a sex comedy, "10 Rules for Sleeping Around" lacks sex and comedic value. It follows two couples, one more sexually open and the other fairly straightlaced, who try and impart a few of their own beliefs on the other while at a party in the Hamptons. But rather than share any of those rules with us, or tell us any jokes to distract us from the fact that they aren't sharing those rules with us, the film just rambles and gives us scene after scene of poorly acted filler. Point Park University #3. Not Cool (2014) - Director: Shane Dawson - Stacker score: 20.1 - IMDb user rating: 3.6 - Metascore: 1 - Runtime: 93 minutes YouTuber Shane Dawson directed and produced "Not Cool" for the Starz reality competition series "The Chair." Using the same screenplay as the other films in the competition, the movie follows a group of high school friends who reunite over their various colleges' Thanksgiving break. His version of the story is replete with raunchy jokes, profanity, ethnic stereotypes, and caricatures instead of characters. Critics hated it and slammed it as a terrible and vile piece of storytelling. 19 Entertainment #2. From Justin to Kelly (2003) - Director: Robert Iscove - Stacker score: 17.9 - IMDb user rating: 1.9 - Metascore: 14 - Runtime: 81 minutes Coming off their success as the winner and runner-up of American Idol's first season, Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini starred in this ill-fated musical rom-com that follows a college student (Guarini) on spring break in Florida, who falls for a waitress (Clarkson). A jealous friend, a lost phone number, and far too many song-and-dance tunes ensue. The film could not even crack $5 million at the worldwide box office on a $12 million budget. Purple Pictures #1. The Hottie & the Nottie (2008) - Director: Tom Putnam - Stacker score: 14.1 - IMDb user rating: 1.9 - Metascore: 7 - Runtime: 91 minutes This 2008 Paris Hilton vehicle was a commercial and critical misfire, grossing less than $30,000 domestically. The plot centers on Paris Hilton, the titular "hottie," sexually blackmailing a potential suitor into finding a boyfriend for her homely best friend. Critics eviscerated the film for its over-reliance on gross-out humor and shallow subject matter. In 2010, Paris' wooden performance helped her to clinch the "Worst Actress of the Decade" win at the 30th annual Razzie Awards.
	Two people hurt in I-80 west crash, road reopened The three-vehicle crash was on the interstate under the Highway 61 overpass, an Iowa State Patrol official told KWQC.
	Two people hurt in I-80 west crash, right lanes blocked The three-vehicle crash was on the interstate under the Highway 61 overpass, an Iowa State Patrol official told KWQC.
	What's your favorite Oscar Best Picture winner? See where it ranks among all the rest, based on data. Sunset Boulevard // Corbis via Getty Images Oscar Best Picture winners from worst to first Every year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences votes on the best and most influential films of the year. The Oscars are a reflection of excellence within all aspects of filmmaking in a given year, with an Academy Award for Best Picture being the crowning achievement that every filmmaker has dreamed of winning. That doesn't mean that the award always goes to the best film of the year, or that all 10 nominees are of equal quality. In some cases, however, the greatest films really do rise to the top. By the time the Academy Award ceremony arrived on March 15, 2026, Best Picture had become a two-horse race between "One Battle After Another," long considered the frontrunner, and "Sinners," showing considerable momentum. Both were high on the list of 2025's most beloved films among critics and audiences. Ultimately, it was Paul Thomas Anderson's epic "One Battle" that triumphed, but an especially strong year for cinema made the results more unpredictable than the Oscars had been in ages. For those who had been paying close attention for months, the end of the Academy Awards was something of a relief. For better or worse, awards season has become a hotbed of discourse. With the media and public opinion playing an increasingly important part in the broader discussion of the Academy Awards in recent years, the nominees and eventual winners undergo a significant amount of scrutiny. The Best Picture trophy, in particular, receives the most attention and controversy. When the Oscars shifted from including films of all genres to focusing on prestige arthouse dramas in the major categories, backlash from audiences who perceived a snubbing of "The Dark Knight" in 2008 led to an expansion of the Best Picture category from five nominees to 10, at most. Since then, animated films and genre pictures have been recognized in this prestigious category. The Academy voting body has also been the subject of particular examination over the last decade, as its overwhelmingly white and male voters have often selected Best Picture winners that reflect this demographic, while slighting films made by or centering women and people of color. Public pressure led the Academy to put new diversity, equity, and inclusion standards into place in 2024, though some critics argue they do not go far enough. Time will tell how these new guidelines influence Best Picture winners going forward, but for now, Stacker used IMDb data to rank every Oscar Best Picture-winning movie. The films are ranked according to their IMDb user rating, with ties broken by the number of votes each movie received. Ratings are up to date as of April 18, 2025. Keep reading to see each of these Best Picture winners, and learn more about how they have—or haven't—stood the test of time. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) #98. The Broadway Melody (1929) - Director: Harry Beaumont - IMDb user rating: 5.5 - Metascore: 66 - Runtime: 100 minutes The musical film "The Broadway Melody" was monumental in many respects: It was the first sound film, the first film with a Technicolor sequence, and the first musical film to win Best Picture. The film, which focused on a pair of vaudeville sisters trying to make it big on Broadway, was the top-grossing film of 1929 and is considered the first "complete" Hollywood musical. However, many contemporary critics and movie-watchers consider "The Broadway Melody" highly derivative and clichéd. Fox Film Corporation #97. Cavalcade (1933) - Director: Frank Lloyd - IMDb user rating: 5.8 - Metascore: 73 - Runtime: 112 minutes Considered a compelling and well-acted story, "Cavalcade" follows two English families from differing socioeconomic classes and their respective tragedies and triumphs. The film spans from 1899 to 1933, with several historical events affecting the families differently. However, "Cavalcade" isn't well-remembered today, and the story is considered incohesive and sentimental by modern standards. RKO Radio Pictures #96. Cimarron (1931) - Director: Wesley Ruggles - IMDb user rating: 5.8 - Metascore: 70 - Runtime: 123 minutes Produced by long-defunct studio RKO, "Cimarron" was the first Western to receive the coveted Best Picture trophy. The film is epic in scale, starting with the Oklahoma land rush of 1899 and going to 1929. However, the storytelling is described as "scattershot" by contemporary critics, and its racial overtones and stereotypes are considered unacceptable by modern standards. Woodfall Film Productions #95. Tom Jones (1963) - Director: Tony Richardson - IMDb user rating: 6.4 - Metascore: 77 - Runtime: 129 minutes Based on a novel by Henry Fielding, "Tom Jones" was one of the most acclaimed comedies of its time. Starring Albert Finney as the eponymous character, the film takes place in 18th-century England and follows the exploits of a lively and womanizing man. Even beating out the epic film "Cleopatra," "Tom Jones" was an unusual film for its time, featuring a silent filmlike opening and constant fourth-wall-breaking. Paramount Pictures #94. The Greatest Show on Earth (1952) - Director: Cecil B. DeMille - IMDb user rating: 6.5 - Metascore: 76 - Runtime: 152 minutes Cecil B. DeMille's 2.5-hour film centers around the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, featuring Charlton Heston as the circus manager and James Stewart as a clown who never removes his makeup. The film also featured the real-life circus troupe, showcasing over a thousand people and hundreds of animals, making this movie a logistical triumph. However, the film was thought in later decades to be overstuffed, bloated, and dull. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) #93. The Great Ziegfeld (1936) - Director: Robert Z. Leonard - IMDb user rating: 6.6 - Metascore: 69 - Runtime: 176 minutes This musical and drama film was a fictionalized account and tribute to Broadway producer and impresario Florenz Ziegfeld Jr. William Powell takes the lead in "The Great Ziegfeld," which features several elaborate sets and dance numbers. While the film set a standard for musical filmmaking and biographical pictures, "The Great Ziegfeld" is now looked back upon as excessive and too lengthy, with the running time coming at nearly three hours. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) #92. Gigi (1958) - Directors: Vincente Minnelli, Charles Walters - IMDb user rating: 6.6 - Metascore: 82 - Runtime: 115 minutes Based on Colette's novella of the same name, "Gigi" follows a carefree woman and a rich playboy in Paris as their relationship blooms. The film is a romantic musical, featuring many original songs from writer Alan Jay Lerner and composer Frederick Loewe, who previously collaborated to make "My Fair Lady." The film set a then-record for winning nine Academy Award wins. Michael Todd Company #91. Around the World in 80 Days (1956) - Directors: Michael Anderson, John Farrow - IMDb user rating: 6.7 - Metascore: 69 - Runtime: 175 minutes The Jules Verne novel "Around the World in Eighty Days" received its most successful adaptation in 1956, with an epic adventure-comedy film that ultimately won five Academy Awards. The film tells the classic tale of Phineas Hogg (David Niven) and his valet Passepartout (Mexican comedian Cantinflas), who has made a bet that a person can travel the entire globe in just 80 days. The film was praised as funny, although it is also thought to be long-winded. Paramount Pictures #90. Going My Way (1944) - Director: Leo McCarey - IMDb user rating: 7 - Metascore: 90 - Runtime: 126 minutes Bing Crosby established himself in Hollywood as a massive box-office draw with "Going My Way," a light-hearted musical starring Crosby, Barry Fitzgerald, and Risë Stevens. Crosby plays Father Chuck O'Malley, a priest who is transferred to a church in New York City. The church is failing financially, but O'Malley's unconventional style leads to success and inspires his older superior. The film is best known for introducing the song "Swinging on a Star," which also won an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Warner Bros. #89. The Life of Emile Zola (1937) - Director: William Dieterle - IMDb user rating: 7.1 - Metascore: data not available - Runtime: 116 minutes Nineteenth-century French author Émile Zola is the subject of this biographical film that explores his role in the political scandal known as the Dreyfus affair. However, the film mostly failed in exploring antisemitic injustice in 19th-century France—due to being produced during the Great Depression, the Nazi rise to power in Germany, and a period of censorship and timidity in Hollywood. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) #88. An American in Paris (1951) - Director: Vincente Minnelli - IMDb user rating: 7.1 - Metascore: 83 - Runtime: 114 minutes The musical-comedy "An American in Paris," based on the 1928 orchestral composition of the same name, features the music of George Gershwin and stars Gene Kelly, who also provided the choreography for the film. The film is considered one of the best movie musicals of all time, ending with a 17-minute dance number featuring Kelly and Leslie Caron. However, modern critics believe the film pales compared to the many musicals of the era. Twentieth Century Fox #87. Chariots of Fire (1981) - Director: Hugh Hudson - IMDb user rating: 7.1 - Metascore: 78 - Runtime: 125 minutes Depicting two athletes who competed in the 1924 Olympics, "Chariots of Fire" stars Ben Cross and Ian Charleson as athletes Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams, respectively. Liddell is a devout Christian running for the "glory of God," while Abrahams is a Jewish man trying to overcome antisemitism and prejudice. Perhaps the most famous aspect of the film is its soundtrack, as the theme and the famous beach-running scene are continually referenced in pop culture. Mirage Enterprises #86. Out of Africa (1985) - Director: Sydney Pollack - IMDb user rating: 7.1 - Metascore: 69 - Runtime: 161 minutes "Out of Africa" contains plenty of prestige, having been directed by Sydney Pollack and starring Robert Redford and Meryl Streep. Loosely based on the autobiography of the same name by Karen Blixen, written under the pseudonym Isak Dinesen, the film takes place in colonial Kenya, with Streep playing Blixen, a Danish baroness, and Redford as a game hunter with whom Blixen has a passionate love affair. The film received lukewarm reviews on release for its length and slow pace, with its Best Picture win coming as a surprise. Universal Pictures #85. Shakespeare in Love (1998) - Director: John Madden - IMDb user rating: 7.1 - Metascore: 87 - Runtime: 123 minutes Imagining an affair between playwright William Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) and a woman (Gwyneth Paltrow), "Shakespeare in Love" features several moments and characters meant to allude to Shakespeare's most famous plays, culminating in Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night." Now-disgraced Harvey Weinstein was one of the producers behind the film, with his Oscars campaign being infamously aggressive. The film controversially beat out Steven Spielberg's World War II film "Saving Private Ryan" for the coveted Best Picture award. Twentieth Century Fox #84. Gentleman's Agreement (1947) - Director: Elia Kazan - IMDb user rating: 7.2 - Metascore: data not available - Runtime: 118 minutes Gregory Peck stars in "Gentleman's Agreement" as a journalist who poses as a Jew to research antisemitic behavior in affluent neighborhoods and areas in New York City and Connecticut. The film was praised in its time for its depiction of prejudice, although some still considered the protagonist naive. Still, the film was declared historically significant and selected for preservation by the Library of Congress in 2017. Miramax #83. Chicago (2002) - Director: Rob Marshall - IMDb user rating: 7.2 - Metascore: 81 - Runtime: 113 minutes "Chicago" is based on the musical of the same name, which originally debuted on Broadway in 1975. The film retells the story of a couple of murderers who find themselves imprisoned and preparing for trial in 1920s Chicago. The film switches between "real-life" scenes and imaginative vaudeville musical numbers in the characters' heads. Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Gere, Queen Latifah, and John C. Reilly star in the film that beat out "The Hours," "The Pianist," and "Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" for Best Picture. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) #82. Grand Hotel (1932) - Director: Edmund Goulding - IMDb user rating: 7.3 - Metascore: 79 - Runtime: 112 minutes "Grand Hotel" still has the distinction of being the only film to win Best Picture at the Oscars without being nominated in any other category. The 1932 drama film takes place in a luxurious hotel in Berlin, with several different occupants dealing with their respective dramas as they intersect through the story. The complexly structured film was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in 2007. Still, it is better known as a 1989 Broadway musical featuring performers like Jane Krakowski and Michael Jeter. The Zanuck Company #81. Driving Miss Daisy (1989) - Director: Bruce Beresford - IMDb user rating: 7.3 - Metascore: 81 - Runtime: 99 minutes Based on Alfred Uhry's play of the same name, "Driving Miss Daisy" explores racial relations between Miss Daisy, a 72-year-old Jewish woman portrayed by Academy Award-winning actor Jessica Tandy, and a Black chauffeur named Hoke (Morgan Freeman). The two bond as they both experience different kinds of prejudices. The film received the Best Picture trophy over contenders such as "My Left Foot" and "Dead Poets Society," yet, unusually, didn't garner a Best Director nomination. Cor Cordium Productions #80. Nomadland (2020) - Director: Chloé Zhao - IMDb user rating: 7.3 - Metascore: 87 - Runtime: 107 minutes Chloé Zhao took home her first Oscar for Best Director for "Nomadland," a film that follows Fern (Frances McDormand) as she packs her life up and hits the road in her van following the death of her husband. Based on the nonfiction book "Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century," the film explores transience and how a community can form even amongst people who don't put down roots. McDormand won her third Best Actress Oscar for her role in the movie. Double Dare You (DDY) #79. The Shape of Water (2017) - Director: Guillermo del Toro - IMDb user rating: 7.3 - Metascore: 87 - Runtime: 123 minutes Guillermo del Toro directs yet another dark fantasy film with "The Shape of Water," which is set in 1962 and follows a cleaner who doesn't speak (Sally Hawkins) who falls in love with a humanoid amphibian creature (Doug Jones). Like many of del Toro's films, "The Shape of Water" has themes of conformity, otherness, and silence while touching on Cold War paranoia. The movie was praised for its visuals, cinematography, musical score, and performances. Columbia Pictures #78. All the King's Men (1949) - Director: Robert Rossen - IMDb user rating: 7.4 - Metascore: data not available - Runtime: 110 minutes The film noir "All the King's Men" is based on a novel by Robert Penn Warren and was directed, produced, and written by Robert Rossen. Broderick Crawford stars as politician Willie Stark, a role that earned Crawford the Academy Award for Best Actor; the film depicts Stark's rise and eventual fall in various governmental positions. "All the King's Men" touches on power, corruption, and passion, all with a distinct noirish touch. Romulus Films #77. Oliver! (1968) - Director: Carol Reed - IMDb user rating: 7.4 - Metascore: 74 - Runtime: 153 minutes "Oliver!" is based on the stage musical of the same name, which in turn was an adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens novel, "Oliver Twist." Like the novel, the film centers on a young orphan named Oliver Twist, who, after being punished for asking for more food, resorts to a life of pickpocketing. Some critics considered the film to be better than the stage version, saying that the film appealed to people of all ages. Paramount Pictures #76. Terms of Endearment (1983) - Director: James L. Brooks - IMDb user rating: 7.4 - Metascore: 79 - Runtime: 132 minutes James L. Brooks won three Academy Awards for his roles in writing, producing, and directing "Terms of Endearment," a family comedy-drama. The film focuses on a mother-daughter duo (Shirley MacLaine and Debra Winger) and their relationship as their individual lives change over the course of 30 years. The film, starring Jack Nicholson, Danny DeVito, Jeff Daniels, and John Lithgow, is still regarded as a classic "tearjerker" with memorable acting performances. Miramax #75. The English Patient (1996) - Director: Anthony Minghella - IMDb user rating: 7.4 - Metascore: 86 - Runtime: 162 minutes Taking place during World War II, "The English Patient" tells the story of four individuals who each move into an abandoned Italian villa in the final days of the war. The titular English patient has suffered burns and is unrecognizable. He tells his story to the nurse who treats him and reveals his life story and identity from before the war began. While the film is lengthy and complex, the emotional power of actors Ralph Fiennes and Kristin Scott Thomas led the film to Best Picture success. A24 #74. Moonlight (2016) - Director: Barry Jenkins - IMDb user rating: 7.4 - Metascore: 99 - Runtime: 111 minutes "Moonlight" made history as the first film with an all-Black cast and LGBTQ+ themes to win an Academy Award for Best Picture. This coming-of-age drama was based on an unpublished play that follows the character of Chiron Harris in three different stages of his life, with three different actors portraying him at three different ages. The film explores masculinity, father figures (through Mahershala Ali's Oscar-winning supporting role), and sexual identity. Paramount Famous Lasky Corporation #73. Wings (1927) - Directors: William A. Wellman, Harry d'Abbadie d'Arrast - IMDb user rating: 7.5 - Metascore: 78 - Runtime: 144 minutes The first-ever winner of the Best Picture award is "Wings," a silent romantic war film that takes place during the First World War. The film had an elaborate production, with several realistic aviation sequences and hundreds of actors and pilots involved in the shoot. The film, which has since been preserved, set a standard in American film production for its realism and use of avant-garde filming techniques. Two Cities Films #72. Hamlet (1948) - Director: Laurence Olivier - IMDb user rating: 7.5 - Metascore: 82 - Runtime: 154 minutes Sir Laurence Olivier, who directed multiple Shakespearean adaptations, found awards success with his film adaptation of "Hamlet," with Olivier taking the eponymous role. Like in the original play, "Hamlet" centers on a young prince whose father was usurped by his brother, Hamlet's uncle Claudius. The film cut some political elements from the original play for the sake of time. Nevertheless, the film was well-received enough to win Best Picture and Best Actor. Neon #71. Anora - Director: Sean Baker - IMDb user rating: 7.5 - Metascore: 91 - Runtime: 139 minutes Even though it wasn't considered the frontrunner for most of awards season, "Anora" picked up a Best Picture trophy along with four other awards. One of those accolades was a Best Actress Oscar for star Mikey Madison in the titular role, with her fiery performance helping her beat out Demi Moore in "The Substance," who was expected to triumph. In "Anora," adult entertainment worker Ani enters into a transactional relationship with Nikolai, the son of a Russian oligarch, but she begins to believe her life is changing for good when he asks her to marry him. Sean Baker's film is not the fairy tale it might seem at first blush, though it's not a tragedy either—Ani's relentless determination turns the story into something more bittersweet, and one that managed to win over Academy voters. Voltage Pictures #70. The Hurt Locker (2008) - Director: Kathryn Bigelow - IMDb user rating: 7.5 - Metascore: 95 - Runtime: 131 minutes Iraq War thriller "The Hurt Locker" also won Best Director for Kathryn Bigelow, the first woman to win the top directing prize. The film does not have an antagonist and is told through an episodic structure to depict the psyches of Iraq War soldiers. Jeremy Renner portrays the new leader of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit in Iraq after the previous one is killed. While the independent film was highly praised, Army veterans criticized inaccuracies throughout the film and the attitude of Renner's character. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) #69. Mrs. Miniver (1942) - Director: William Wyler - IMDb user rating: 7.6 - Metascore: data not available - Runtime: 134 minutes "Mrs. Miniver" had a unique place in history, being shot during and also taking place and focusing on World War II. The titular Mrs. Miniver is a British housewife who finds herself affected by the war. As the film was in pre-production before the United States' entry into the war, the script and many of the scenes underwent many changes to reflect the country's pro-war stance, with speeches and scenes essentially acting as propaganda. The melodrama is still considered an influential and significant film. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer #68. Mutiny on the Bounty (1935) - Director: Frank Lloyd - IMDb user rating: 7.6 - Metascore: 87 - Runtime: 132 minutes The mutiny on the HMS Bounty has been depicted in a number of different films and documentaries. However, the Best Picture-winning "Mutiny on the Bounty" is considered the greatest of these films. The tyrannical ship captain attempts to act revenge on his mutineers in a film that is considered to be historically inaccurate but is still said to be thrilling and gripping. Columbia Pictures #67. From Here to Eternity (1953) - Director: Fred Zinnemann - IMDb user rating: 7.6 - Metascore: 85 - Runtime: 118 minutes Three U.S. Army soldiers are the focus of "From Here to Eternity," a novel-based film that takes place in Hawaii in the months leading up to the Pearl Harbor attack by the Japanese. The three soldiers are portrayed by Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, and Frank Sinatra, who each undergo different tribulations. The film received instant acclaim from critics and audiences for its performances, although the Army did not take too kindly to how the military was depicted. The Mirisch Corporation #66. West Side Story (1961) - Directors: Jerome Robbins, Robert Wise - IMDb user rating: 7.6 - Metascore: 86 - Runtime: 153 minutes The 1957 Broadway musical "West Side Story" received new life as a 1961 film, co-directed by choreographer Jerome Robbins and film director Robert Wise. A reimagining of "Romeo and Juliet," the film depicts a gang war between the Italian Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks and the forbidden love affair between a former Jet and the sister of the Sharks' leader. The film won 10 of the 11 Academy Awards for which it was nominated and still contains several memorable musical numbers, like "Cool," "America," "I Feel Pretty," and many more. Twentieth Century Fox #65. How Green Was My Valley (1941) - Director: John Ford - IMDb user rating: 7.7 - Metascore: 88 - Runtime: 118 minutes Director John Ford, usually known for making Western films, directed a film that focused on a working-class Welsh mining family. The stern father and gentle mother work tirelessly to ensure their children will have a better life, with Ford's style and the cast lifting the film up. However, the film is probably most infamous for beating out classics "Citizen Kane" and "The Maltese Falcon" in the Best Picture category. Hecht-Lancaster Productions #64. Marty (1955) - Director: Delbert Mann - IMDb user rating: 7.7 - Metascore: 82 - Runtime: 90 minutes This expansion of the teleplay "Marty" has Ernest Borgnine starring in the 1955 film adaptation. The titular Marty is an unmarried butcher who has given up on love but ends up connecting with a school teacher (Betsy Blair) he meets at a dance and begins to fall for. The film features strong performances and robust dialogue, with purposely "ordinary" and relatable characters. Highland Films #63. A Man for All Seasons (1966) - Director: Fred Zinnemann - IMDb user rating: 7.7 - Metascore: 72 - Runtime: 120 minutes "From Here to Eternity" director Fred Zinnemann directed yet another Best Picture winner with "A Man for All Seasons," based on a play by Robert Bolt. The film depicts the final years of Sir Thomas More, who refused to sign King Henry VIII's letter requesting an annulment of his marriage. The film was praised for its cinematography and the performance of Paul Scofield, who portrayed More. Paramount Pictures #62. Ordinary People (1980) - Director: Robert Redford - IMDb user rating: 7.7 - Metascore: 86 - Runtime: 124 minutes Actor Robert Redford made his directorial debut with "Ordinary People," starring Donald Sutherland and Mary Tyler Moore as a married couple whose son dies accidentally and whose other son attempts suicide, straining the relationships between all of the family members. The film cast Moore against type in addition to invigorating the careers of actors Judd Hirsch and Elizabeth McGovern. To the ire of some movie enthusiasts, the film beat out "Raging Bull" and "The Elephant Man" for Best Picture. Warner Bros. #61. My Fair Lady (1964) - Director: George Cukor - IMDb user rating: 7.7 - Metascore: 95 - Runtime: 170 minutes The stage musical "My Fair Lady" became a popular and successful feature film with Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison in the lead roles. The film, as does the original musical and play, has Professor Henry Higgins (Harrison) make a bet regarding a flower girl's (Hepburn) ability to become presentable to higher society. The movie has been rereleased multiple times and is still considered a lively and intelligent musical film. Recorded Picture Company (RPC) #60. The Last Emperor (1987) - Director: Bernardo Bertolucci - IMDb user rating: 7.7 - Metascore: 76 - Runtime: 163 minutes Puyi, the last Emperor of China, is the subject of "The Last Emperor," an epic historical film based on the Emperor's autobiography. The nearly three-hour film stars John Lone as the adult Puyi and covers his entire life. The film is vast and dense, requiring 19,000 extras. "The Last Emperor" beat out "Fatal Attraction," "Broadcast News," and "Moonstruck" for the top prize at the Oscars. Philip D'Antoni Productions #59. The French Connection (1971) - Director: William Friedkin - IMDb user rating: 7.7 - Metascore: 94 - Runtime: 104 minutes Gene Hackman stars in the action crime thriller "The French Connection" by famed director William Friedkin. Hackman portrays police detective Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle, who stumbles onto a heroin-smuggling job with a French connection. With suspense, an iconic car chase scene, and a breakneck pace, "The French Connection" is undoubtedly a classic that also won Best Actor, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Editing. Bob Yari Productions #58. Crash (2004) - Director: Paul Haggis - IMDb user rating: 7.7 - Metascore: 66 - Runtime: 112 minutes The ensemble film "Crash" explores racial and social tension in the city of Los Angeles, following several people whose lives intertwine and collide literally and metaphorically. The ensemble includes Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, Brendan Fraser, and Terrence Howard, among others. The film had an upset win at the Oscars, beating "Capote," "Good Night, and Good Luck," "Munich," and the frontrunner, "Brokeback Mountain," and garnered criticism for its tone-deaf and oversimplified understanding of racism. Warner Bros. #57. Argo (2012) - Director: Ben Affleck - IMDb user rating: 7.7 - Metascore: 86 - Runtime: 120 minutes The Canadian Caper, as it is often called, is depicted in Ben Affleck's film "Argo," which he directed, produced, and starred in. After six diplomats are trapped in Iran, CIA agent Tony Mendez (Affleck) comes up with a scheme to retrieve them with a fake Hollywood production. The film received awards buzz, but namely for Affleck's lack of a Best Director nomination—regardless, "Argo" won the Best Picture award. New Regency Pictures #56. Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014) - Director: Alejandro G. Iñárritu - IMDb user rating: 7.7 - Metascore: 87 - Runtime: 119 minutes A meta-tale starring Michael Keaton as a washed-up Hollywood actor, "Birdman" was shot and edited to give the illusion of one long, continuous take. Keaton portrays fictional actor Riggan Thomson, former star of the "Birdman" superhero films (a clear analogy to Keaton's stint as Batman), who attempts to adapt a Raymond Carver short story for Broadway. Thomson imagines his former franchise character as his unraveling psyche. The film pulled an upset win against "Boyhood," with other nominated films including "The Grand Budapest Hotel" and "Selma." Columbia Pictures #55. You Can't Take It with You (1938) - Director: Frank Capra - IMDb user rating: 7.8 - Metascore: data not available - Runtime: 126 minutes The highly influential director Frank Capra found success yet again with "You Can't Take It with You," a romantic comedy based on the stage play of the same name. In this movie, a man who comes from money becomes engaged to a woman with an eccentric family. While thought to be dated today as part of the screwball comedy genre, the film was vastly appealing upon release. United Artists/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images #54. Midnight Cowboy (1969) - Director: John Schlesinger - IMDb user rating: 7.8 - Metascore: 79 - Runtime: 113 minutes "Midnight Cowboy" is a buddy film with several iconic scenes and lines and depicts the unlikely friendship between a male prostitute (Jon Voight) and a street hustler (Dustin Hoffman). Originally released with an X rating, the film instantly won praise for its pair of actors, also producing quotable phrases like "I'm walkin' here!" The film beat out "Hello, Dolly!" and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" for Best Picture. Columbia Pictures #53. Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) - Director: Robert Benton - IMDb user rating: 7.8 - Metascore: 77 - Runtime: 105 minutes Divorce is at the center of "Kramer vs. Kramer," which depicts a married couple (Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep) undergoing a tumultuous custody battle over their son. As the proceedings continue, both parents deepen the wounds started by the separation while also learning more about themselves as parents. The film was acclaimed as thoughtful and well-acted, with Hoffman and Streep winning respective Oscars for their performances. The film even beat out the Francis Ford Coppola classic "Apocalypse Now" for Best Picture. Studio 37 #52. The Artist (2011) - Director: Michel Hazanavicius - IMDb user rating: 7.8 - Metascore: 89 - Runtime: 100 minutes French director Michel Hazanavicius created a throwback to the silent film era with "The Artist," a film that depicted the transition to sound films, or "talkies." Jean Dujardin portrays a famous silent movie actor who struggles during the transition, with a woman he helps to become famous overcoming him in success. The film was praised as delightful and the visuals as creative, beating out other 2011 films such as "The Descendants," "Midnight in Paris," and "Moneyball." A24 #51. Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) - Directors: Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert - IMDb user rating: 7.8 - Metascore: 81 - Runtime: 139 minutes This genre- and mind-bending sci-fi drama was a critical smash, winning in three out of four of the Oscars acting categories at the 2023 ceremony. Balancing absurdism with heavy emotional breakthroughs, "Everything Everywhere All at Once" follows Michelle Yeoh as a Chinese American immigrant who is tasked with saving the multiverse—and her family—from falling apart. The film beat out nine other films (including "Tár," "Elvis," and "The Banshees of Inisherin") for the Best Picture trophy, and also took home the awards for Best Original Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Film Editing. Paramount Pictures #50. The Lost Weekend (1945) - Director: Billy Wilder - IMDb user rating: 7.9 - Metascore: data not available - Runtime: 101 minutes Billy Wilder directed and co-wrote "The Lost Weekend," based on a 1944 novel of the same name exploring alcoholism. Actor Ray Milland portrayed the protagonist, who "loses" a weekend during a four-day drinking binge. The film mixed film noir style with gritty realism in depicting the main character's state of mind. The Mirisch Corporation #49. In the Heat of the Night (1967) - Director: Norman Jewison - IMDb user rating: 7.9 - Metascore: 76 - Runtime: 110 minutes Sidney Poitier first played the iconic police detective Virgil Tibbs in "In the Heat of the Night," a mystery drama based on a novel by John Ball. Known for his famous line "They call me Mister Tibbs!," Tibbs is investigating a murder in a racist Southern town. The film was intense and is still thought to have relevance today for its depiction of racism and racial tensions. Twentieth Century Fox #48. Patton (1970) - Director: Franklin J. Schaffner - IMDb user rating: 7.9 - Metascore: 86 - Runtime: 172 minutes George C. Scott's most iconic film role would have to be that of George S. Patton for the biographical war film "Patton." The general fought in World War II, with the film depicting his struggles and his time in the North African and European theaters of the war. Scott won the Academy Award for Best Actor but famously declined it, stating his distaste for the voting process of such awards. Jack Rollins & Charles H. Joffe Productions #47. Annie Hall (1977) - Director: Woody Allen - IMDb user rating: 7.9 - Metascore: 92 - Runtime: 93 minutes The most famous film from Woody Allen's lengthy career in filmmaking is "Annie Hall," a romantic comedy that stars Allen as a comedian recalling his failed relationship with the titular character (Diane Keaton). The film is an exploration of love and sexuality, as well as another showcase of New York City and Allen's own infamously neurotic behavior. Allen generally declines to attend the Academy Awards ceremonies, though his film beat out the original "Star Wars" for Best Picture. Twentieth Century Fox #46. Titanic (1997) - Director: James Cameron - IMDb user rating: 7.9 - Metascore: 75 - Runtime: 194 minutes At one point the top-grossing film of all time, James Cameron's "Titanic" featured a fictional romance against the real, tragic sinking of the passenger ship Titanic. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet portray passengers from different social classes who fall for each other before the ship's fateful collision with an iceberg. The film spawned the phrase "I'm king of the world," and the Celine Dion song "My Heart Will Go On." Apple Original Films #45. CODA (2021) - Director: Sian Heder - IMDb user rating: 8 - Metascore: 72 - Runtime: 111 minutes This inspiring drama made Oscar history when it became the first Best Picture winner to premiere on a streaming platform (Apple TV+). It tells the story of a teen, Ruby (Emilia Jones), the only hearing person in an otherwise deaf family. The film impressed as "a coming-of-age story meant to move," critic Becca James wrote for the Chicago Reader. International Film Investors #44. Gandhi (1982) - Director: Richard Attenborough - IMDb user rating: 8 - Metascore: 79 - Runtime: 191 minutes Ben Kingsley portrays the historical figure Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, an ethicist who led a national nonviolent movement against the British rule of India. The film covers his life, from his ejection from a train with an all-white compartment to his assassination in 1948. This film was over three hours long, but critics felt the running time was worth it for Kingsley's Oscar-winning performance. Tig Productions #43. Dances with Wolves (1990) - Director: Kevin Costner - IMDb user rating: 8 - Metascore: 72 - Runtime: 181 minutes Actor Kevin Costner directed and starred in "Dances with Wolves," which author Michael Blake adapted from his own novel of the same name. Costner portrays a Union Army lieutenant who goes to a remote western outpost and ends up befriending wolves and the Indigenous people. The film's epic filmmaking and cinematography were highly lauded, although the film was criticized for having a "white savior" narrative. The film beat "The Godfather: Part III" and "Goodfellas" for Best Picture. United Artists #42. Rain Man (1988) - Director: Barry Levinson - IMDb user rating: 8 - Metascore: 65 - Runtime: 133 minutes Dustin Hoffman won the Academy Award for Best Actor for playing an autistic savant in "Rain Man," which also stars Tom Cruise. Cruise portrays a selfish car dealer who learns that not only has his father passed away, but his multimillion-dollar estate has been bequeathed to his brother (Hoffman), whose existence he was unaware of. The road film was carried by the two lead actors, both receiving much praise for their portrayal of a growing relationship between the brothers. See-Saw Films #41. The King's Speech (2010) - Director: Tom Hooper - IMDb user rating: 8 - Metascore: 88 - Runtime: 118 minutes King George VI suffered from a stammer, and "The King's Speech" depicts his speech therapy as he finds himself as an important voice after Britain declares war on Germany at the onset of World War II. Colin Firth won his first Oscar in the role of King George VI, supported by Helena Bonham Carter as his wife, Queen Elizabeth, and Geoffrey Rush as his speech therapist. The film overtook "Black Swan," "Inception," and "The Social Network" for Best Picture. Celador Films #40. Slumdog Millionaire (2008) - Directors: Danny Boyle, Loveleen Tandan - IMDb user rating: 8 - Metascore: 84 - Runtime: 120 minutes A young man (Dev Patel) who had his upbringing in the slums of India finds himself in a position to win big, being a contestant on the Indian version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" The energetic Danny Boyle-directed film flashes back to his life with his love interest Latika (Frieda Pinto) and his older brother being important figures in his life. The film was a phenomenon upon its release, as was its original song, "Jai Ho." Fox Film Corporation #39. Sunrise (1927) - Director: F.W. Murnau - IMDb user rating: 8.1 - Metascore: 95 - Runtime: 94 minutes From the innovative German director behind "Nosferatu," "Sunrise" was one of the first films to use a moving camera to tell its story rather than a stationary image. The movie depicts a doomed love triangle between three characters only identified as The Man, The Wife, and The Woman From the City. In addition to Best Picture, "Sunrise" won Best Actress (Janet Gaynor), Best Cinematography (Charles Rosher and Karl Struss), and Best Unique and Artistic Picture at the very first Academy Awards ceremony in 1929. Universal Pictures #38. All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) - Director: Lewis Milestone - IMDb user rating: 8.1 - Metascore: 91 - Runtime: 152 minutes The classic novel "All Quiet on the Western Front" also became a highly acclaimed and iconic film, focusing on soldiers facing the hardships of World War I. Harrowing and gritty, the film easily won the Best Picture trophy at the Academy Awards. However, the film wasn't taken well in Germany, especially during the rise of the Nazi Party. The Samuel Goldwyn Company #37. The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) - Director: William Wyler - IMDb user rating: 8.1 - Metascore: 93 - Runtime: 170 minutes Three United States servicepeople attempt to readjust to normal civilian life after World War II in "The Best Years of Our Lives." Their return to small-town America turns out to be difficult, as they find that their families are quite different from how they left them. Critics enthusiastically endorsed the film's ensemble, and audiences made the film a large box-office hit. Columbia Pictures #36. It Happened One Night (1934) - Director: Frank Capra - IMDb user rating: 8.1 - Metascore: 87 - Runtime: 105 minutes Frank Capra directed several iconic and famous films, but "It Happened One Night" took home the most Oscar gold of all of them. Starring Clark Gable as a reporter and Claudette Colbert as a socialite who falls in love with him, this film won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay. The film was well-liked for its lightheartedness, and its simple but effective plot created the template for the entire "cold then hot" romantic comedy genre. Selznick International Pictures #35. Rebecca (1940) - Director: Alfred Hitchcock - IMDb user rating: 8.1 - Metascore: 86 - Runtime: 130 minutes Despite his extensive and industrious career, Alfred Hitchcock only made one film that won the Best Picture Oscar with "Rebecca." A romantic psychological thriller, "Rebecca" stars Laurence Olivier as an aristocratic widower whose new marriage is deeply affected by his memories of his first marriage. The film was described as haunting and suspenseful. Horizon Pictures #34. On the Waterfront (1954) - Director: Elia Kazan - IMDb user rating: 8.1 - Metascore: 91 - Runtime: 108 minutes One of Marlon Brando's highly regarded roles was in "On the Waterfront," which depicts corruption and union violence on the waterfronts of New Jersey. Brando portrays an ex-boxer who must stand up to his corrupt union bosses. "On the Waterfront" is continuously cited as a landmark movie for Brando's performance. Horizon Pictures (II) #33. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) - Director: David Lean - IMDb user rating: 8.1 - Metascore: 88 - Runtime: 161 minutes "The Bridge on the River Kwai" depicted the Japanese theater of World War II, with the titular bridge being built by Allied prisoners of war by their Japanese captors. The film stars William Holden and Alec Guinness, with Guinness winning an Academy Award for his performance. The film presents challenging moral scenarios and thus was highly praised for its thought-provoking nature. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) #32. Ben-Hur (1959) - Director: William Wyler - IMDb user rating: 8.1 - Metascore: 90 - Runtime: 212 minutes The second film adaptation of the "Ben-Hur" novel proved to be the definitive version, featuring an unforgettable chariot race sequence. The 212-minute film starred Charlton Heston and featured a massive budget and considerable sets to tell the story of a prince sent into slavery and seeking revenge. The biblical tale is highly regarded for its epic scale. Robert Wise Productions, #31. The Sound of Music (1965) - Director: Robert Wise - IMDb user rating: 8.1 - Metascore: 63 - Runtime: 172 minutes The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical "The Sound of Music" went on to become a hit film starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. Directed by "West Side Story" co-director Robert Wise, "The Sound of Music" told the tale of a woman (Andrews) who leaves a convent and becomes a governess to the children of a naval officer and widower. This story of the von Trapp Family not only won Best Picture but became one of the most financially successful films of its time. EMI Films #30. The Deer Hunter (1978) - Director: Michael Cimino - IMDb user rating: 8.1 - Metascore: 90 - Runtime: 183 minutes "The Deer Hunter" features a masterclass cast, with Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and John Savage portraying three steelworkers whose lives are changed after participating in the Vietnam War. John Cazale (in his last film role before his death) and Meryl Streep star in supporting roles. The film features a stressful and controversial scene in which the main characters, prisoners of war to the Vietcong, are forced to play a game of Russian roulette. The film was praised as the best American drama since "The Godfather." Hemdale #29. Platoon (1986) - Director: Oliver Stone - IMDb user rating: 8.1 - Metascore: 92 - Runtime: 120 minutes Oliver Stone is known for making politically charged films, and "Platoon" was no exception. Based on his experiences in the Vietnam War, the film centers on an Army soldier (Charlie Sheen) and his squabbling superiors (Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe). The film's cinematography and realistic battle sequences are often cited as the high points of this Best Picture winner. Participant #28. Spotlight (2015) - Director: Tom McCarthy - IMDb user rating: 8.1 - Metascore: 93 - Runtime: 129 minutes "Spotlight" told a timely tale about a timely topic, calling attention to the abuse of children by Catholic priests. The film is named after and follows the Boston Globe's "Spotlight" team, known for its investigative journalism and exposés, with the subject of this investigation involving widespread and systemic child abuse and the resulting cover-up. In a highly competitive year, "Spotlight" overtook "Mad Max: Fury Road" and "The Revenant" for Best Picture. Chartoff-Winkler Productions #27. Rocky (1976) - Director: John G. Avildsen - IMDb user rating: 8.1 - Metascore: 70 - Runtime: 120 minutes "Rocky" was written by its star Sylvester Stallone. Rocky Balboa is an underdog boxer and a working-class debt collector based in Philadelphia who gets the opportunity to fight heavyweight champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) and falls in love with pet store owner Adrian (Talia Shire). The film elevated Stallone to stardom, produced iconic scenes like the library steps run, and spawned several sequels and spin-off films. Warner Bros. #26. Million Dollar Baby (2004) - Director: Clint Eastwood - IMDb user rating: 8.1 - Metascore: 86 - Runtime: 132 minutes Clint Eastwood portrayed an elderly and gruff boxing trainer who takes in a determined and aspiring boxer portrayed by Hilary Swank; Morgan Freeman also co-starred as Eastwood's character's gym assistant. Eastwood made a film that critics thought was heartfelt and avoided narrative cliches, despite having a dire and tragic ending. The film beat ambitious movies like "The Aviator" and "Finding Neverland" for the Best Picture award. Regency Enterprises #25. 12 Years a Slave (2013) - Director: Steve McQueen - IMDb user rating: 8.1 - Metascore: 96 - Runtime: 134 minutes Solomon Northup's slave memoir "12 Years a Slave" was brought to the big screen by English director Steve McQueen, with Chiwetel Ejiofor portraying Northup. A free and educated man, Northup is kidnapped and sold into slavery, going through a harrowing time where he meets an enslaved woman named Patsey (Lupita Nyong'o). The film edged out "Gravity," which had won many technical Academy Awards the same night. Twentieth Century Fox #24. All About Eve (1950) - Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz - IMDb user rating: 8.2 - Metascore: 98 - Runtime: 138 minutes Margo Channing (Bette Davis) is a fading Broadway star who suddenly finds her career threatened by an ambitious fan named Eve (Anne Baxter). "All About Eve," praised for its cast and music, was nominated for a record number of 14 Academy Award nominations and is still thought to be a smart and sophisticated classic. Selznick International Pictures #23. Gone with the Wind (1939) - Directors: Victor Fleming, George Cukor, Sam Wood - IMDb user rating: 8.2 - Metascore: 97 - Runtime: 238 minutes Arguably one of the most famous films ever made, "Gone with the Wind" also holds the distinction of being the highest-grossing film of all time when adjusting for inflation. The film follows Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh), the daughter of a plantation owner, against the backdrop of the American Civil War and Reconstruction. The film has a number of iconic lines—such as "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn"—still quoted to this day. Warner Bros. #22. Unforgiven (1992) - Director: Clint Eastwood - IMDb user rating: 8.2 - Metascore: 85 - Runtime: 130 minutes Clint Eastwood reenergized the Western genre in the early 1990s with "Unforgiven," which stars Eastwood himself against Gene Hackman. Eastwood portrays an aging outlaw, while Hackman plays the violent local sheriff. The film was a mature take on the Western, featuring themes of age, violence, and heroism. Participant #21. Green Book (2018) - Director: Peter Farrelly - IMDb user rating: 8.2 - Metascore: 69 - Runtime: 130 minutes Often compared to "Driving Miss Daisy," this Best Picture winner stars Viggo Mortensen as Italian American bouncer Frank Vallelonga, who becomes the driver and bodyguard for classical and jazz pianist Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali). The film explores racism as the pair travel through the South. The film was produced by Vallelonga's son, although Shirley's family disputes the accuracy of the film. The film beat out "Roma," "A Star Is Born," and "Black Panther." Universal Pictures #20. A Beautiful Mind (2001) - Director: Ron Howard - IMDb user rating: 8.2 - Metascore: 72 - Runtime: 135 minutes A beautiful mind is the story of John Nash, a brilliant mathematician who begins to develop paranoid schizophrenia and delusions, which affect his relationships with friends and loved ones. The film was criticized for not being accurate with some parts of Nash's life, but Russell Crowe's performance of Nash still garnered significant critical praise. The film beat out "Moulin Rouge!" and "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" in the same year for Best Picture. Paramount Vantage #19. No Country for Old Men (2007) - Directors: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen - IMDb user rating: 8.2 - Metascore: 92 - Runtime: 122 minutes The Coen brothers sidestepped from comedy and quirkiness in making "No Country for Old Men," adapted from the Cormac McCarthy novel of the same name. The film portrays a cat-and-mouse game, with Javier Bardem as hitman Anton Chigurh seeking out Llewyn Moss (Josh Brolin), while Sheriff Bell (Tommy Lee Jones) is similarly on the trail for Chigurh. The Mirisch Corporation #18. The Apartment (1960) - Director: Billy Wilder - IMDb user rating: 8.3 - Metascore: 94 - Runtime: 125 minutes A premise controversial for its time was the center of "The Apartment," which starred Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine. Lemmon portrayed an insurance clerk who, in his attempts to move up in the company, begins to allow his superiors to have affairs in his apartment. The film was comedic and light-hearted, winning critics and audiences alike. Zanuck/Brown Productions #17. The Sting (1973) - Director: George Roy Hill - IMDb user rating: 8.3 - Metascore: 83 - Runtime: 129 minutes Robert Redford and Paul Newman co-star in "The Sting." The movie is a caper film that follows two grifters (Newman and Redford) that work to con a mob boss. The film was and is still considered a stylish masterpiece and became a box office smash. It beat out close contenders such as "American Graffiti" and "The Exorcist." Horizon Pictures (II) #16. Lawrence of Arabia (1962) - Director: David Lean - IMDb user rating: 8.3 - Metascore: 100 - Runtime: 218 minutes One of the most influential films of all time stars Peter O'Toole as T.E. Lawrence, the British army officer and writer. The epic film was shot on location and featured several stunning shots, with the story involving Lawrence uniting the different Arab tribes to fight against the Turks. The visual style has since been emulated by many contemporary filmmakers, including Ridley Scott and Martin Scorsese. Universal Pictures #15. Oppenheimer (2023) - Director: Christopher Nolan - IMDb user rating: 8.3 - Metascore: 90 - Runtime: 180 minutes Starring Cillian Murphy, Florence Pugh, Robert Downey Jr., and Emily Blunt, this historical drama took home a staggering seven Academy Awards at the 2024 ceremony, including Best Director, Best Actor (Murphy), Best Supporting Actor (Downey Jr.), and Best Cinematography. The film tells the story of J. Robert Oppenheimer and his involvement in the development and eventual deployment of the atomic bomb during World War II. In the summer of 2023, "Oppenheimer" was memorably released the same day as its aesthetic opposite, "Barbie," leading to the viral juxtaposition of the two films under the name "Barbenheimer." Though the latter was snubbed by the Oscars, both films were also huge box office successes. Icon Entertainment International #14. Braveheart (1995) - Director: Mel Gibson - IMDb user rating: 8.3 - Metascore: 68 - Runtime: 178 minutes Mel Gibson crafted and starred in "Braveheart," an epic war film that has Gibson in the role of Scottish warrior William Wallace. The film depicts Wallace's leadership of the Scots against England in the 13th century, featuring large-scale battles and plenty of inspirational speeches. The film beat out "Babe," "Sense and Sensibility," and "Apollo 13" in the top Oscar award. DreamWorks #13. American Beauty (1999) - Director: Sam Mendes - IMDb user rating: 8.3 - Metascore: 84 - Runtime: 122 minutes Kevin Spacey portrays Lester Burnham, a white-collar advertising executive dissatisfied with his place in life and society. Lester becomes infatuated with his teenage daughter's best friend, while his insecure daughter bonds with their strange neighbor. "American Beauty" was overwhelmingly thought to be the best film of 1999, though more contemporary reviews of the film are less kind. AMLF #12. Amadeus (1984) - Director: Milos Forman - IMDb user rating: 8.4 - Metascore: 87 - Runtime: 160 minutes The biographical drama film "Amadeus" revolved around composer Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham) but was truly the story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce). The epic focused on Salieri's fictional rivalry with the younger Mozart, with Salieri confessing to murdering Mozart. The film was considered an achievement in period filmmaking, even with its alterations to history. Warner Bros. #11. Casablanca (1942) - Director: Michael Curtiz - IMDb user rating: 8.5 - Metascore: 100 - Runtime: 102 minutes "Here's looking at you, kid" is only one of many iconic moments and lines in "Casablanca," a film starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Set during World War II, the film stars Bogart as an American expatriate who reaches a crossroads between his love for a former flame and whether or not to help her and her husband escape French Morocco. "Casablanca" is still highly influential and is often included in any list or conversation about the best film of all time. Barunson E&A #10. Parasite (2019) - Director: Bong Joon Ho - IMDb user rating: 8.5 - Metascore: 97 - Runtime: 132 minutes Korean master Bong Joon Ho crafts a thrilling story of a wealthy family steadily infiltrated by a poor family who exploit the guilelessness of the well-off to secure livelihoods. With wild tonal swings from drama to comedy to something close to horror, "Parasite" is grounded by a stellar cast and a plot that thoughtfully examines what Korea's lower class must do to make a living while the country's wealthy live a very different life, literally looming above the poor in the landscape of the city. "Parasite" won the Palm D'Or at Cannes as well as becoming the first foreign film to win the Oscar for Best Picture. Warner Bros. #9. The Departed (2006) - Director: Martin Scorsese - IMDb user rating: 8.5 - Metascore: 85 - Runtime: 151 minutes Martin Scorsese finally won big at the Academy Awards with "The Departed," an American version of the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs." This adaptation has a Boston touch, depicting a mob mole within the Boston police; all the while, the police have an undercover cop infiltrating the same criminal organization. The film, which features Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Wahlberg, is full of shocking surprises and twists. DreamWorks #8. Gladiator (2000) - Director: Ridley Scott - IMDb user rating: 8.5 - Metascore: 67 - Runtime: 155 minutes The beginning of the millennium also brought an epic historical drama film with Ridley Scott's "Gladiator," which starred Russell Crowe. Crowe portrays a former Roman general who is betrayed and reduced to slavery, forced to rise in the ranks to enact revenge for the murders of his family and emperor. The film brought back the film genre of Greek and Roman epics, also earning several awards for its craftsmanship and Crowe's acting. Strong Heart/Demme Production #7. The Silence of the Lambs (1991) - Director: Jonathan Demme - IMDb user rating: 8.6 - Metascore: 86 - Runtime: 118 minutes The Hannibal Lecter film that most think of first is likely "The Silence of the Lambs," based on the Thomas Harris novel of the same name. Anthony Hopkins won an Oscar for his role as Lecter, a psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer who provides advice for FBI trainee Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster in an Oscar-winning performance), who is seeking another killer. Those who consider the work a horror film also think it to be the first horror to win Best Picture. Fantasy Films #6. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) - Director: Milos Forman - IMDb user rating: 8.7 - Metascore: 84 - Runtime: 133 minutes Ken Kesey's classic novel "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" came to the big screen in 1975, with Jack Nicholson playing the lead role of troublemaker Randle McMurphy. McMurphy is the newcomer in a mental institution, causing discord and rebellion in the hospital run by the tyrannical Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher). Balancing comedy and tragedy, the film received substantial critical acclaim, particularly for Nicholson and Fletcher, both winning Oscars for their acting. Paramount Pictures #5. Forrest Gump (1994) - Director: Robert Zemeckis - IMDb user rating: 8.8 - Metascore: 82 - Runtime: 142 minutes Tom Hanks has played many culturally relevant characters throughout his career, but perhaps none as prolific as Forrest Gump. The film, based on the novel of the same name, features a slow-witted but extraordinarily kind man stumbling his way through American history, participating in the Vietnam War, and falling in love with his childhood friend (Robin Wright), who becomes a political and countercultural activist. Along with being funny and having several quotable moments, the film, which beat out "Pulp Fiction" at the Oscars, was a technical achievement in inserting Hanks in many historical moments and pieces of footage. Paramount Pictures #4. The Godfather Part II (1974) - Director: Francis Ford Coppola - IMDb user rating: 9 - Metascore: 90 - Runtime: 202 minutes A rare sequel thought to be not only as good but possibly better than the original film is "The Godfather Part II." Coppola's epic crime film tells two stories: one focusing on Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) attempting to keep order as the new Don of the family, and another flashing back to his father Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro) from his Sicilian childhood to his arrival in America. The film is thought to be the finest work from Coppola, Pacino, and De Niro, with De Niro and Coppola winning Oscars for their roles. It is the first sequel to win the Best Picture award. Universal Pictures #3. Schindler's List (1993) - Director: Steven Spielberg - IMDb user rating: 9 - Metascore: 95 - Runtime: 195 minutes Director Steven Spielberg crafted perhaps his most emotionally harrowing film with "Schindler's List," a period drama presented in black and white about German businessman Oskar Schindler. The real-life figure is credited with saving over a thousand Jewish refugees from the Holocaust by employing them. The film is intensely sad, with Schindler's heroic actions representing a small source of hope during this depressing era. New Line Cinema #2. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) - Director: Peter Jackson - IMDb user rating: 9 - Metascore: 94 - Runtime: 201 minutes The final installment of Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, based on the work of J.R.R. Tolkien, ended up sweeping the Academy Awards. The epic fantasy has Frodo and Sam finally reaching Mount Doom to destroy the One Ring while coming into conflict with Gollum, all while Gandalf, Aragorn, and the others prepare to battle Sauron and his forces at Gondor and, eventually, the Black Gates of Mordor. The film beat out "Mystic River" and "Lost in Translation," making up for the previous losses in the Best Picture category of "The Fellowship of the Ring" and "The Two Towers." Paramount Pictures #1. The Godfather (1972) - Director: Francis Ford Coppola - IMDb user rating: 9.2 - Metascore: 100 - Runtime: 175 minutes Director Francis Ford Coppola turned Mario Puzo's novel "The Godfather" into what is considered one of the greatest films of all time. Starring Marlon Brando as mafia boss Vito Corleone, the film depicts the transformation of his son Michael (Al Pacino) into a ruthless enforcer and leader within the family. The film ended up vitalizing the careers of Brando, Coppola, and Pacino.
	Calm start to the week ahead of active weather EARLY FIRST ALERT for severe thunderstorm potential Wednesday
	15 best East Coast beach towns to live in year-round, according to data 4kclips // Shutterstock The 15 best East Coast beach towns to live in Whether you dream of waking up to the sun rising over the Atlantic Ocean, listening to the waves lapping against the shore, or scrunching your toes in the sand during cocktail hour, a peaceful beach day is a fantasy shared by many. And with warm summer weather finally here, you might be considering a permanent move to the nearest coastal community calling your name. The East Coast has a plethora of great spots to soak up some sunshine, from New England locales known for their fresh seafood, to Southern hotspots bustling with unique attractions. But since visiting a beach town is a far cry from living in one, you'll have to find out which of these places are best for putting down roots. To see where the best beach towns are on the East Coast, Stacker collected data from a WalletHub study comparing U.S. beach towns across six primary categories: affordability, weather, safety, economy, education and health, and quality of life. The cities were ranked across 62 key indicators of livability, and they all had to have at least one local beach listed on TripAdvisor. Left off the list—Florida's Gulf Coast beach towns, as this list's focus was targeted on the East Coast. That didn't hurt Florida's ranking on the list. Ready to make the leap to beach life? Your next hometown might just be on the list. Iracaz // Wikimedia Commons #15. Mount Sinai, New York - National rank: #54 - Total score: 53.6 - Affordability rank: #34 - Weather rank: #128 - Safety rank: #54 - Economy rank: #105 - Education & health rank: #1 - Quality of life rank: #136 Located on New York's Long Island Sound, Mt. Sinai has a 2-mile-long peninsula that's home to Cedar Beach Main, Cedar Beach West, and Mount Sinai Harbor. Run by the town of Brookhaven, this recreation area is connected by a marine sanctuary, nature preserve, boardwalk, and walking trails. Activities on tap include basketball, hiking, and boating. There's clamming and fishing, too: Snapper, flounder, and so much more are all waiting to be hooked. Beachside Tribe // Shutterstock #14. Cocoa Beach, Florida - National rank: #49 - Total score: 53.9 - Affordability rank: #8 - Weather rank: #100 - Safety rank: #115 - Economy rank: #113 - Education & health rank: #28 - Quality of life rank: #31 If you're looking to live near some great waves—with no rocks or reefs, just a shallow sandbar—Cocoa Beach is for you. An ideal spot to get a bird's-eye view of surfing underway is the historic Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier, which spans 800 feet above the Atlantic. Those who prefer working up a sweat can find plenty of beach volleyball courts, as well. Keep an eye out, too, for rocket launches. This is Florida's Space Coast, with the Kennedy Space Center nearby. History and shopping are combined in downtown Historic Cocoa Village, which was settled in the mid-1800s. Cocoa Village's tree-lined streets meander past around 50 shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Sorin Vidis // Shutterstock #13. Rye, New York - National rank: #46 - Total score: 54.6 - Affordability rank: #99 - Weather rank: #92 - Safety rank: #37 - Economy rank: #77 - Education & health rank: #1 - Quality of life rank: #117 Ferris wheel rides have been taking place at Rye, New York's Playland since 1929. This boardwalk attraction is still going strong with its Dragon Coaster, Log Flume, and Go Karts. Don't forget to check out Rye Golf Club's 18-hole Devereux Emmet course, with its views of the Long Island Sound. This seaside locale has everything a heart could desire, from its thriving Rye Arts Center to more than 2 miles of trails at the Rye Nature Center. Look for the white sands of Oakland Beach to unwind after an adventurous day. Noah Densmore // Shutterstock #12. Stuart, Florida - National rank: #45 - Total score: 54.7 - Affordability rank: #25 - Weather rank: #40 - Safety rank: #128 - Economy rank: #84 - Education & health rank: #117 - Quality of life rank: #13 Fishermen know that Stuart is the Sailfish Capital of the World, also known as the Treasure Coast. The area is nicknamed The Panama Canal of Florida due to its location on the Okeechobee Waterway, which extends to the Gulf of Mexico in Ft. Myers. For those who sigh over small-town charm, Stuart's historic and pedestrian-friendly downtown has excellent shopping options. Arrive Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to partake in local farmers' fare at the Stuart Green Market. Keep walking down the boardwalk to the St. Lucie River to see dolphins playing in the surf and fishermen casting their reels. Sean Pavone // Shutterstock #11. Portland, Maine - National rank: #41 - Total score: 55.6 - Affordability rank: #120 - Weather rank: #106 - Safety rank: #81 - Economy rank: #25 - Education & health rank: #76 - Quality of life rank: #17 Portland, Maine's iconic rocky coastline and working waterfront make this city a must for those who enjoy walkable cities. Explore the vibrant waters of Casco Bay, with its sandy beaches and nature in full bloom, or discover the vibrant murals of the city's art scene. Check out favorite local spots like the nature preserve/forest Baxter Woods, the Calendar Islands, and Mt Katahdin, Maine's highest peak. After working up an appetite from a day of exploration, there's nothing better to cap off the day than eating some of the 40 million pounds of lobster that local fishermen bring to shore per year. sailn1 // Wikimedia Commons #10. North Palm Beach, Florida - National rank: #33 - Total score: 56.6 - Affordability rank: #5 - Weather rank: #39 - Safety rank: #104 - Economy rank: #95 - Education & health rank: #4 - Quality of life rank: #115 North Palm Beach is home to John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. Located on a barrier island, the park has 1.6 miles of beach, perfect for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling. Kayakers are encouraged to explore the park's Munyon Island estuary. You'll want to meet the park's residents (i.e., the sea turtle population) during a guided walk, which is a seasonal activity. Real Window Creative // Shutterstock #9. Wilmington, North Carolina - National rank: #32 - Total score: 56.8 - Affordability rank: #102 - Weather rank: #46 - Safety rank: #69 - Economy rank: #91 - Education & health rank: #80 - Quality of life rank: #20 If Wilmington looks familiar, it's likely because you've seen it featured in hundreds of films (the "Scream" franchise, "Ironman 3," "The Secret Life of Bees") and television series ("Dawson's Creek," "One Tree Hill," "Eastbound & Down.") Not only does the Atlantic Ocean provide great settings, but so, too, does the Cape Fear River. Backdrops don't get much dreamier than Wilmington's downtown river district and riverwalk. Don't forget its sweet beach communities, including Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach. Wilmington is also home to the University of North Carolina Wilmington, making it a standout from other beach towns. A nice perk for visitors and residents alike is the 15-mile Gary Cross Trail that runs through campus and makes for excellent cycling and walking (including the Heide-Trask Drawbridge). Also on campus is the 10-acre Bluethenthal Wildflower Preserve and the 174-acre Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve, a hardwood forest that's part of North Carolina's Birding Trail. Holding vigil over Wilmington is one of its historic attractions: the Battleship North Carolina used in World War II. Jesse Kunerth // Shutterstock #8. Satellite Beach, Florida - National rank: #28 - Total score: 57.3 - Affordability rank: #1 - Weather rank: #59 - Safety rank: #102 - Economy rank: #118 - Education & health rank: #9 - Quality of life rank: #91 This small beach town is located on a barrier island close to Patrick Space Force Base and is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Banana River, and Indian River. This cumulative 7.7 miles of shoreline lends itself to an active community. A special neighborhood getaway is Samsons Island Nature Preserve. Accessible only by water (the city provides free transport on the first Sunday of every month), this 52-acre park beckons anyone who wants to immerse themselves in nature. While there, take in the surroundings by hiking, biking, fishing, or checking out the 30 different species of birds that make the island their home. GagliardiPhotography// Shutterstock #7. Fernandina Beach, Florida - National rank: #25 - Total score: 57.4 - Affordability rank: #37 - Weather rank: #43 - Safety rank: #63 - Economy rank: #56 - Education & health rank: #91 - Quality of life rank: #26 Amelia Island's Fernandina Beach is a Victorian seaport village that has seen its share of pirates, bootleggers, shrimpers, and Gilded Age millionaires over the years. First things first—walk along the Fernandina Beach Main Street District. This National Historic District has 50 blocks filled with eclectic shops, restaurants, history, and, yes, revelry. Case in point, the Artrageous Artwalk is held on the second Saturday of each month. This is an excellent time to get to know one's neighbors—photographers, bakers, potters, welders, and perhaps a pirate or two. Felix Mizioznikov // Shutterstock #6. Jacksonville Beach, Florida - National rank: #24 - Total score: 57.6 - Affordability rank: #13 - Weather rank: #48 - Safety rank: #124 - Economy rank: #2 - Education & health rank: #5 - Quality of life rank: #51 If you're going to live in Jacksonville Beach, refer to it like a local: Jax Beach. A popular destination for cyclers, the 22 miles of white sand beach along Florida's First Coast welcomes adventure. For those who have furry companions, there are four pet-friendly haunts to choose from: Neptune Beach, Mayport Naval Air Station, Atlantic Beach, and, of course, Jax Beach itself. Make friends with dolphins while surfing in Huguenot Park, Atlantic Beach, or Mayport Poles at Hanna Park. 7effiC // Shutterstock #5. Jupiter, Florida - National rank: #22 - Total score: 58.0 - Affordability rank: #3 - Weather rank: #21 - Safety rank: #108 - Economy rank: #9 - Education & health rank: #43 - Quality of life rank: #63 If baseball season is the only season that matters to you, consider Jupiter, home of the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals spring training camps. There's much more to see in Jupiter, though, including the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum located in Jupiter's Loxahatchee River Historical Society. The Lighthouse Moonrise Tours are highly suggested. Some area beaches to make your favorites include Carlin Park, Ocean Cay Park, and Jupiter Beach Park. Head to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center to learn about local sea turtle hatchlings. Sergey and Marina Pyataev // Shutterstock #4. Vero Beach, Florida - National rank: #12 - Total score: 60.2 - Affordability rank: #49 - Weather rank: #34 - Safety rank: #68 - Economy rank: #76 - Education & health rank: #93 - Quality of life rank: #8 Some call Vero Beach the Hamptons of Florida. As upscale as it seems, there's a prevailing sense of funkiness reminding you that beach life is all about being laidback. Putting one in just such a mood are Vero Beach's Golden Sands Park, Wabasso Beach Park, Treasure Shores Beach Park, and so many more. A different kind of ambiance comes with a visit to McKee Botanical Garden. Tropical hammocks and water lilies exude rest and relaxation. Magic also lives at the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. As the first National Wildlife Refuge in the U.S., this 5,400-acre island is lush with salt marsh and mangroves, habitats just right for the resident migratory white pelicans and nesting brown pelicans. Rob Hainer // Shutterstock #3. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina - National rank: #11 - Total score: 60.6 - Affordability rank: #50 - Weather rank: #8 - Safety rank: #112 - Economy rank: #88 - Education & health rank: #58 - Quality of life rank: #4 There are two Myrtle Beaches on this list, starting with this one. Both are in South Carolina's Horry County. Both co-exist along the 60-mile Grand Strand, a sandy stretch of East Coast beach heaven. And if you're a golfer, both feature fairways you'll want to take advantage of. Broadway at the Beach is a must for visitors and residents alike. Shopping and restaurants abound, as does entertainment, with one of its four theaters devoted to Broadway shows. Myrtle Beach also has two state parks. A standout for fishermen is Myrtle Beach State Park's fishing pier. Horseback riding down the white sand beach is an excellent alternative to fishing. Huntington Beach State Park's 2,500 acres on Murrell's Inlet are ideal for birdwatchers as over 300 species of birds live there. The park's freshwater lake may give a glimpse of local alligators. An upscale neighborhood that's captured the heart of many is Pawley's Island. Spanish moss drips from the trees and creeks call for crabbing. New residents are encouraged to pick up a namesake Pawley's Island hammock to hang in your new Myrtle Beach backyard. FloridaStock // Shutterstock #2. Boca Raton, Florida - National rank: #8 - Total score: 62.1 - Affordability rank: #11 - Weather rank: #4 - Safety rank: #109 - Economy rank: #30 - Education & health rank: #18 - Quality of life rank: #21 Boca Raton, or Boca, as the locals call it, lifts spirits upon seeing the city's pink-hued Mediterranean Revival architecture, compliments of 1920s architect Addison Mizner. Speaking of Mizner, Mizner Park Amphitheater keeps fans of live music enthralled with everything from tribute band concerts to UB40 on tour. While in the neighborhood, peruse the luxury shops of Mizner Park. Another sort of open-air fun can be had at Florida Atlantic University Stadium. Soccer fans will applaud events featuring the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team and the NCAA Women's Soccer College Cup. Those lured by the Atlantic Ocean should head to Red Reef Park for some snorkeling. PQK // Shutterstock #1. North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina - National rank: #5 - Total score: 62.9 - Affordability rank: #20 - Weather rank: #9 - Safety rank: #92 - Economy rank: #7 - Education & health rank: #10 - Quality of life rank: #18 North Myrtle Beach is the birthplace of the Shag dance. Nine miles of the Grand Strand's coastline are in North Myrtle Beach, and those beaches—Cherry Grove, Windy Hill, Ocean Drive, and Crescent Beach—epitomize East Coast beach living. Golf is a major pastime in North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, with a multitude of courses that will test skill levels. Prefer other sports? North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex has a host of activities available: lacrosse, softball, soccer, pickleball, and even quidditch. Barefoot Landing, with its shopping, dining, live entertainment, and fireworks, will appeal to residents and visitors alike. Kissing the North Carolina border is the quaint fishing village of Little River, the oldest community in the area. With fresh seafood hitting Little River's docks daily, it's no surprise folks flock there for the annual World Famous Blue Crab Festival and Little River ShrimpFest.15
	Former Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell hospitalized A spokesman for former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the Kentucky republican was admitted to a hospital on Sunday.
	Do you have one of these timeless baby names that have never gone out of style? Canva Baby names with the most timeless popularity The reasons behind baby names are always unique, whether they're super popular or not commonly known. Names also tend to follow trends; if a name was popular the year you were born, you might know more people with that name. Every year, the Social Security Administration tallies the most popular baby names based on how many infants were registered with that name in the past year. As for 2026 trends, baby naming experts have predicted a few different monikers coming into vogue. According to a February 2026 report from Today, names tied to ancient civilizations, such as Aztlan, Meztli, and Marcella, are having a moment this year as parents-to-be embrace their cultural heritage. "Showgirl" names like Marilyn and Farrah are also coming into the spotlight, likely due to Taylor Swift's October 2025 release of "The Life of a Showgirl." Some names, however, never go out of style; those are the ones we've collected on this list. Year after year, they remain in the top ranks for various reasons: The names are usually traditional, whether biblical, royal, or family. Some of these perennial favorites have clear etymological reasons that parents might choose. For example, the name Nicholas comes from the Latin "victory of the people"—not a bad choice for a parent hoping to give their child every advantage in life. However, other names have no clear meaning that explains their popularity. One example is Charlotte, which comes from an obscure French recipe for a dessert similar to apple pie or apple tart. Some names receive a boost from famous figures who have that name during their period of popularity. In contrast, other decades of peak popularity for a given name are best seen in retrospect, with a look at famous bearers of the name who were born during that time. Stacker looked to the Social Security Administration Baby Names Database to round up the top 50 baby names for each gender with the most timeless popularity. Analyzing baby name popularity rankings by decade from 1910 to 2019, Stacker ranked names with the highest average ranking across all decades. To qualify, a name must have ranked in the top 200 for at least seven of the eleven decades from 1910 to 2019. These names have been at the top of the baby name list for over 100 years, and don't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. Pixabay #50. Albert (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #79.1 - Most popular decade: 1920s (average rank: #21) - Popularity rank in 2019: #474 (614 babies born) Albert is a German name meaning "noble bright" or "noble family." The name has had an illustrious history since the turn of the 20th century, with Albert Einstein, Albert Camus, and Albert Pujols representing the name at the highest levels of science, literature, and sports. Pixabay #50. Rachel (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #109.0 - Most popular decade: 1990s (average rank: #15) - Popularity rank in 2019: #191 (1,529 babies born) Rachel is a biblical name for the wife of Jacob. The name was most popular in the 1990s, which should come as no surprise to those who know the fictional character Rachel Green, played by Jennifer Aniston on the hit TV show "Friends." The character was so popular she even had a haircut named after her—one of the decade's most famous. Pixabay #49. Dale (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #78.3 - Most popular decade: 1950s (average rank: #50) - Popularity rank in 2019: #1,460 (118 babies born) In the 1950s, the name Dale was among the most popular names for boys. Maybe it's because of past noteworthy name holders, like Dale Carnegie, an American writer who passed away in 1955, or Dale Earnhardt SR., who, according to Bleacher Report, is the second best NASCAR driver of all time. Pixabay #49. Sara (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #107.1 - Most popular decade: 1980s (average rank: #30) - Popularity rank in 2019: #163 (1,731 babies born) Sara is a popular alternative spelling of Sarah, which means "princess." Some of the most popular Sara/Sarahs today include the actress Sarah Jessica Parker, the comedian Sarah Silverman, and the politician Sarah Palin. Pixabay #48. Eugene (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #76.0 - Most popular decade: 1920s (average rank: #24) - Popularity rank in 2019: #784 (294 babies born) Stately and echoing of importance, the name Eugene is of Greek origin and means "wellborn" or "noble." While the name has sort of fallen out of favor among the cool kids these days, it was one of the most popular names at the turn of the 19th century, all the way up to until the 1940s, writes Nameberry. The article continues that there are even a few popes and saints that carry the name. Pixabay #48. Melanie (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #102.4 - Most popular decade: 1970s (average rank: #56) - Popularity rank in 2019: #110 (2,582 babies born) The name Melanie goes back literally thousands of years, derived from the Greek name "Melania," which means "blackness," according to Henry George Liddell's "A Greek-English Lexicon." But the name burst into the American mainstream with the 1936 novel (and subsequent film), "Gone with the Wind," as one of the leading women is named Melanie Hamilton. By 2007, it was the 80th most popular name for girls in America, according to Behind the Name. Pixabay #47. Sean (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #75.7 - Most popular decade: 1970s (average rank: #39) - Popularity rank in 2019: #301 (1,120 babies born) Irish in origin, Sean is the Emerald Isle's version of the biblical name, John. It is pronounced "Shawn" in the majority of Ireland, but in the northern counties the name is pronounced "Shan" or "Shayn." According to Behind the Name, Sean was at its most popular in the United States in the 1980s. Pixabay #47. Ruby (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #97.3 - Most popular decade: 1920s (average rank: #28) - Popularity rank in 2019: #66 (3,707 babies born) The name Ruby derives from the precious stone with the same name. The name was more popular a century ago than it is today, but that didn't stop the parents of the actress, model, and TV presenter Ruby Rose's parents from naming her Ruby when she was born in the 1980s. Earlier in the century, civil rights activist Ruby Bridges—who was only 6 years old when in 1960 she became the first African American child to attend a previously all-white school in New Orleans—was born in '54. Pixabay #46. Willie (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #75.0 - Most popular decade: 1920s (average rank: #28) - Popularity rank in 2019: #1,004 (206 babies born) There are a few famous Willies who have graced history — both fictional and real. From Wonka to Nelson, the name Willie is well-known throughout the United States. For most countries, however, the name Willie is a nickname for the English name, William. Unsplash #46. Anne (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #96.9 - Most popular decade: 1920s, 1960s (average rank: #81) - Popularity rank in 2019: #569 (530 babies born) Anne is a biblical name for the mother of the Virgin Mary. Today, some of the best-known Annes include the actress Anne Hathaway, and the author Anne Frank, whose "The Diary of Anne Frank" has sold more than 30 million copies since being first published in Dutch as "Het Achterhuis" ("The Secret Annex") in 1947. Pixabay #45. Arthur (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #74.4 - Most popular decade: 1920s (average rank: #20) - Popularity rank in 2019: #178 (2,173 babies born) Although the etymology of Arthur is disputed, some believe that it means "man" or "king." Certainly King Arthur is one of the most famous in history, whereas more recent well-known Arthurs include author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the titular character of the animated children's series "Arthur." You may also like: Baby names that are illegal around the world Pexels #45. Charlotte (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #89.7 - Most popular decade: 2010s (average rank: #9) - Popularity rank in 2019: #6 (13,138 babies born) Charlotte has an extremely specific origin: it means "apple marmalade covered with bread-crumbs" from an old French recipe. It has peaked in popularity in recent years, perhaps in appreciation of famous Charlottes, including the French actress Charlotte Rampling, the royal Charlotte Casiraghi, or perennial favorite, E.B. White's Charlotte the spider. Charlotte was also the name of one of the key characters in the popular show "Sex in the City," which ran from 1998 to 2004, and was followed by two feature films. Pixabay #44. Ralph (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #73.7 - Most popular decade: 1920s (average rank: #25) - Popularity rank in 2019: #1,022 (202 babies born) Ralph is one of the oldest names in history, deriving from the Old Norse language, and translating to "wolf counsel." Throughout the centuries there have been dozens of famous Ralphs, from the Middle Ages to more modern representatives, like essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson, actor Ralph Fiennes, and designer Ralph Lauren. There are even a few fictional Ralphs of fame, like Ralph Malph from "Happy Days" to Ralph Wiggum on "The Simpsons." Unsplash #44. Marie (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #89.1 - Most popular decade: 1920s (average rank: #14) - Popularity rank in 2019: #648 (446 babies born) The origins of the name Marie are disputed, with some saying it means "sea of sorrow" and others saying "wished-for child." The name was most popular at the turn of the 20th century, with a wealth of well-known Maries to choose from, from the former queen Marie Antoinette to the scientist Marie Curie. Unsplash #43. Jerry (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #73.0 - Most popular decade: 1940s (average rank: #19) - Popularity rank in 2019: #676 (377 babies born) A shortened version of Gerald or Jerome, the name Jerry originates from German and translates to "ruler with the spear," according to Nameberry. Today most Jerrys these days are "jerry-atrics" as the name peaked in popularity in the 1940s. Still, it continues to remain in conversation with household names like Jerry Seinfeld, Jerry Lewis, and Jerry Garcia, not to mention the Tom Cruise classic, "Jerry Maguire." PxHere #43. Janice (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #87.2 - Most popular decade: 1940s (average rank: #23) - Popularity rank in 2019: #1,531 (140 babies born) Janice translates to "God is gracious," and originates in Hebrew. It's also a lengthened version of the name, Jane. Gen Xers know the name from the endearingly annoying "Friends" character, but history has seen other larger-than-life Janices, from Joplin (technically Janis) to Dickinson. PxHere #42. Mark (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #72.6 - Most popular decade: 1960s (average rank: #6) - Popularity rank in 2019: #223 (1,678 babies born) Marks are meant to make a mark; their name literally means a sign, a boundary, a designation, or an impression. Marks living up to these high expectations in recent years have included Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and the actor and activist Mark Ruffalo. PxHere #42. Bonnie (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #87.0 - Most popular decade: 1940s (average rank: #33) - Popularity rank in 2019: #652 (445 babies born) If you're up on your "Outlander" reading, you'll know the word "bonnie" is used in the Scots language to mean "pretty," but it is also a name given to girls. It peaked in popularity in the United States 1940s. Interestingly, the largest amount of Scottish immigrants arrived in the United States between 1871 and 1931, according to the John Gray Centre's Library Museum Archive Archaeology. PxHere #41. Terry (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #72.2 - Most popular decade: 1950s (average rank: #29) - Popularity rank in 2019: #841 (266 babies born) Terry can work for both a boy and a girl, but the masculine version today is ranked #72.2 among popular baby names. Its most popular decade was the 1950s, though, when it ranked at #29. It is derived from the medieval name, Thierry, according to OhBabyNames.com, and was originally used as a last name. There are famous Terrys in all corners of entertainment and sports, from Terry Bradhow and Terry Fox, to Terry Crerws and Terry Rozier. PxHere #41. Wanda (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #86.3 - Most popular decade: 1930s (average rank: #50) - Popularity rank in 2019: #8,094 (13 babies born) Polish legend tells the tale of Princess Wanda, a legend that has been passed down since the 12th century. The story has it that Princess Wanda was the daughter of King Krak, who founded the city of Krakow, says Behind the Name. As a result, Wanda is one of the most popular names among women in Poland. The name Wanda peaked in the United States in the 1930s. Pexels #40. Russell (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #71.4 - Most popular decade: 1920s (average rank: #54) - Popularity rank in 2019: #391 (797 babies born) Russell is an old name deriving from the French word for red. Famous Russells include Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe, comedian Russell Peters, and NBA star Russell Westbrook. Pexels #40. Grace (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #83.9 - Most popular decade: 2000s (average rank: #15) - Popularity rank in 2019: #28 (6,062 babies born) Grace means God's love, favor, or help. Parents have plenty of role models to name their Graces after, including the beloved actress Grace Kelly, the rocker Grace Potter, and the singer-songwriter Grace Slick. Pexels #39. Joe (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #70.3 - Most popular decade: 1930s (average rank: #24) - Popularity rank in 2019: #705 (350 babies born) While the name Joseph is the 24th most popular boys name in the United States, according to the 2019 Social Security Administration, its shorter version, Joe, is almost just as popular. With legendary characters throughout history toting around the name Joe (Montana, Pesci, DiMaggio, anyone?), it's no wonder why this abbreviated version has gained so much traction. Pexels #39. Rose (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #82.3 - Most popular decade: 1920s (average rank: #24) - Popularity rank in 2019: #115 (2,507 babies born) The name Rose comes from the color rose—which ultimately derives from the flower. The name was most popular in the 1910s, a fact the director James Cameron noted when he named his leading lady Rose in "Titanic," set in 1912. Pexels #38. Roger (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #69.6 - Most popular decade: 1940s (average rank: #24) - Popularity rank in 2019: #695 (359 babies born) Talk about timeless — the name Roger has been around since the Norman era in England, though iterations go back farther than that. The name became common during the Middle Ages. During World War II, the military started using 'Roger' to mean "Received and understood," writes The Guardian. Beloved figures throughout history and entertainment bear the name, from Roger Moore Roger Daltry to Roger Federer and Roger Maris. Pexels #38. Virginia (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #82.0 - Most popular decade: 1920s (average rank: #7) - Popularity rank in 2019: #537 (567 babies born) Virginia was the colony name in honor of the British Queen Elizabeth I—the virgin queen. The name peaked in popularity in the 1920s, and one of the most famous Virginias came from that time period, writer Virginia Woolf. Pexels #37. Gerald (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #68.4 - Most popular decade: 1930s (average rank: #21) - Popularity rank in 2019: #894 (243 babies born) Germanic in origin, the name Gerald means, "ruler of the spear." It was one of the many names the Normans brought over to England. It was also popular in Ireland. Gerald was at its peak in the United States in the 1930s, which is right around the time when Ireland was slowing down its mass emigration to the United States, according to the Library of Congress. Pexels #37. Jacqueline (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #81.1 - Most popular decade: 1960s (average rank: #51) - Popularity rank in 2019: #382 (815 babies born) Jacqueline is a French name that means "protected by God." It's the female version of the French name "Jacques," and has been in use since the 19th century. Jacqueline Kennedy contributed to the rise in this name's popularity in the 1960s, where it had its highest ranking. Pexels #36. Douglas (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #67.8 - Most popular decade: 1950s (average rank: #28) - Popularity rank in 2019: #682 (372 babies born) While it may be a perfectly accepted first name these days, Douglas originally began as a last name. It originated as the surname of a particular noble Scottish family. It was an incredibly popular name for baby boomers of the 1950s, following World War II. Interestingly, one of the most notable military heroes of World War II was General Douglas MacArthur. Pexels #36. Lillian (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #79.8 - Most popular decade: 1920s, 2010s (average rank: #25) - Popularity rank in 2019: #37 (5,092 babies born) The name Lillian comes from the lily flower. Although the name reached its nadir in the 1980s, some of the most famous Lilys today were born in that decade, including the singer Lily Allen and the model Lily Cole. Pexels #35. Peter (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #67.0 - Most popular decade: 1950s (average rank: #39) - Popularity rank in 2019: #212 (1,799 babies born) Peter is a biblical name meaning "stone" or "rock." The name was most popular in the 1950s and has dipped in popularity in ensuing decades, but that didn't stop the parents of bassist Pete Wentz from giving him the name in 1979, or the actor Pete Davidson's parents from doing the same in 1993. Pexels #35. Andrea (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #79.8 - Most popular decade: 1970s (average rank: #28) - Popularity rank in 2019: #142 (1,975 babies born) While applicable to both boys and girls, it's the girl version that rose in popularity in the 1970s. In fact, it has been popular virtually ever since. The name has remained in the Top 100 baby names since the 1960s. However, the name was knocked out of the Top 100 in 2013, according to the Social Security Administration. Pexels #34. Jonathan (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #66.9 - Most popular decade: 1980s (average rank: #18) - Popularity rank in 2019: #64 (5,418 babies born) The earliest use of the name Jonathan can be found in the Bible. Jonathan was the son of King Saul. It's a name with many centuries under its belt, but was most popular in the United States in the 1980s. Pexels #34. Rebecca (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #78.6 - Most popular decade: 1970s (average rank: #13) - Popularity rank in 2019: #264 (1,246 babies born) The name Rebecca first appeared in the Old Testament, spelled "Rebekah." This Hebrew name means "captivating." Famous Rebeccas throughout pop culture include actress Rebecca Romijn and fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff. Pexels #33. Billy (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #66.7 - Most popular decade: 1930s (average rank: #20) - Popularity rank in 2019: #891 (244 babies born) Traditionally Billy is the nickname for the more formal "William," but it has become a proper first name in its own right. There have been numerous Billys that have strewn the pages of history, from Billy the Kid to Billy Baldwin, Billy Joel, Billy Mays, and Billy Graham. The meaning of the name Billy is "Gift of God," according to Names.org. Pexels #33. Angela (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #76.1 - Most popular decade: 1970s (average rank: #7) - Popularity rank in 2019: #256 (1,266 babies born) Angela is a way for parents to incorporate the word "angel" into their child's name. Angela comes from the Latin name Angelus, which translates to "angel." In the Bible, it means "messenger of God." The first record of the name Angela dates back to the 18th century. Pexels #32. Walter (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #66.0 - Most popular decade: 1920s (average rank: #16) - Popularity rank in 2019: #278 (1,275 babies born) Walter is an Old German name meaning "ruler of the army." The short story, "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," by author James Thurber has been adapted for the big screen and is one of the best-known Walters of the 20th century. Pexels #32. Theresa (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #75.6 - Most popular decade: 1950s (average rank: #39) - Popularity rank in 2019: #1,265 (182 babies born) Theresa is thought to come from the Greek for "harvester." The name peaked in popularity in the middle of the 20th century, when one of today's most famous Theresas—former British Prime Minister Theresa May—was born. Pexels #31. Lawrence (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #65.1 - Most popular decade: 1940s (average rank: #31) - Popularity rank in 2019: #536 (527 babies born) The name Lawrence (alternatingly spelled Laurence) was a particularly popular name in the Middle Ages. Since then it has often been used to signify lassitude ("lazy Laurence") which may explain its dip in popularity. However, this certainly doesn't apply to one of today's most famous Lawrences: TikTok star Lawrence Bing. Pexels #31. Amy (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #75.3 - Most popular decade: 1970s (average rank: #2) - Popularity rank in 2019: #203 (1,471 babies born) Amy is derived from the old French Amee, meaning beloved. Although the name peaked in popularity in the 1970s, one of the most famous Amys was more recent—the iconic singer Amy Winehouse, who tragically died in 2011. Pexels #30. Gregory (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #64.7 - Most popular decade: 1960s (average rank: #23) - Popularity rank in 2019: #390 (798 babies born) While Gregory has dropped in popularity since its peak in the 1960s, there are versions of the name in virtually every language, such as Grigoris in Greek, Gregor in German, or Grigory in Russian. The first iteration, however, was Gregorios, which comes from Ancient Greek. The name rose to popularity in the 1960s, which is right around the time actor Gregory Peck played the role of Atticus Finch in the on-screen version of "To Kill a Mockingbird" in 1962. Pexels #30. Christina (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #74.3 - Most popular decade: 1970s (average rank: #16) - Popularity rank in 2019: #523 (590 babies born) The name Christina is one of the most popular and historic names, seeing as it is the feminine form of the name/word "Christian." It is spelled a variety of different ways and has a slew of different nicknames and versions. In the past 20 years, the name Christina has slowly started to decline in popularity. According to the Social Security Administration, it was the 73rd most popular girls name in America in 2000. Today it is the 523rd most popular. Pexels #29. Raymond (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #64.7 - Most popular decade: 1920s (average rank: #15) - Popularity rank in 2019: #328 (1,011 babies born) The name Raymond is meant to indicate good judgment. It was most popular in the early decades of the 20th century, which is when the singer Ray Charles was born, although it has been given a boost in more recent decades by the late actor Ray Liotta and the titular character of the hit television show "Everybody Loves Raymond." Pexels #29. Carolyn (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #73.3 - Most popular decade: 1940s (average rank: #12) - Popularity rank in 2019: #940 (279 babies born) A variant of the name Caroline, Carolyn peaked in the United States around the 1940s, when more than 20,000 babies were given the name. Of all the Carolyns in pop culture over the years, a solid portion have been Olympic medalists, including Carolyn Schuler, Carolyn Wood, Carolyn Steinseifer, and Carolyn Waldo, according to Behind the Name. Pexels #28. Eric (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #62.9 - Most popular decade: 1970s (average rank: #14) - Popularity rank in 2019: #176 (2,187 babies born) One of the most common names in Old Norse, Eric traveled over to England with Danish settlers during the Anglo-Saxon period. According to Behind the Name, Eric petered out in the Middle Ages but had a resurgence in the 19th century. In recent history, Eric has always had high rankings, holding the 42nd most popular spot in 2000. Pexels #28. Natalie (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #73.0 - Most popular decade: 2000s (average rank: #21) - Popularity rank in 2019: #41 (4,782 babies born) The name "Natalie" is the gift that keeps on giving because it literally translates to "Christmas Day," writes Behind the Name. The origin is the Latin word, Natalia. There are many A-list celebrities who share the name, from Natalie Wood and Natalie Portman, to Natalie Cole and Natalie Merchant. Pexels #27. Harold (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #62.2 - Most popular decade: 1920s (average rank: #13) - Popularity rank in 2019: #816 (277 babies born) Harold has roots—deep roots. The name goes back to Old English, as well as Old Norse, and was the name of five kings of Norway and three of Denmark, according to Behind the Name. It also happens to be the name of the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, as well as the full name of current global icon, Prince Harry. Pexels #27. Ruth (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #72.7 - Most popular decade: 1920s (average rank: #6) - Popularity rank in 2019: #231 (1,335 babies born) Ruth is a biblical name meaning "friend" or "companion." The name peaked in popularity in the early 20th century, which is when one of today's most famous Ruths was born: the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Unsplash #26. Adam (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #62.0 - Most popular decade: 1980s (average rank: #22) - Popularity rank in 2019: #90 (4,168 babies born) If the stories are accurate, then Adam is truly the oldest name in the book. As a result, it continues to be one of the most popular over the centuries. It is used in dozens of countries around the world with a variety of pronunciations and spellings. In most recent history, the name surged in popularity in the 1980s, when more than 20,000 boys were named Adam. Other table Adams include Adam Sandler, Adam Brody, and Adam Driver. Pexels #26. Gloria (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #71.8 - Most popular decade: 1940s (average rank: #27) - Popularity rank in 2019: #555 (544 babies born) It may be a bit obvious, but the name Gloria comes from the Spanish or Portuguese word that means "glory." According to Behind the Name, Gloria was popularized in the early 1900s by the famous actress Gloria Swanson. The name continued to hold weight with iconic feminist Gloria Steinem. Its popularity has been steadily declining over the past 20 years, but it was the 358th most popular name in 2000, according to the Social Security Administration. Unsplash #25. Stephen (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #60.9 - Most popular decade: 1950s (average rank: #20) - Popularity rank in 2019: #311 (1,084 babies born) Stephen means "crown," "wreath," or "garland." The name was most popular in the middle of the 20th century, which is when two of the most notable Stephens of the past century were born, the novelist Stephen King and the scientist Stephen Hawking. Unsplash #25. Maria (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #71.7 - Most popular decade: 1970s (average rank: #35) - Popularity rank in 2019: #106 (2,700 babies born) Maria originally has Greek origins but is common throughout Europe. Maria has royal connections as the name of two queens of Portugal. The best known who have helped keep the name atop of the charts are opera singer Maria Callas, journalist Maria Shriver, and actress Maria Menounos. Unsplash #24. Nathan (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #60.8 - Most popular decade: 2000s (average rank: #26) - Popularity rank in 2019: #55 (6,049 babies born) Nathan is a Hebrew name meaning "he gave." There has been an array of famous Nathans in recent decades, from the actor Nathan Lane to the rapper Nate Dogg to arguably the most famous contemporary Nathan—Nathans' Famous Hotdogs. Unsplash #24. Ann (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #71.3 - Most popular decade: 1930s (average rank: #34) - Popularity rank in 2019: #981 (261 babies born) Ann is a less common spelling of Anne, and even less common than name-relatives Anna and Hannah. The actress Ann-Margret popularized the name in the middle of the century, but today one of the most famous Anns is a more polarizing figure—the political commentator Ann Coulter. Unsplash #23. Matthew (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #59.3 - Most popular decade: 1980s, 1990s (average rank: #3) - Popularity rank in 2019: #23 (9,199 babies born) Matthew means "gift." The name peaked in popularity in the 1990s, perhaps in part due to the late actor Matthew Perry, who starred in the hit television show "Friends," which defined the decade in entertainment for many. Unsplash #23. Nicole (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #69.0 - Most popular decade: 1980s (average rank: #8) - Popularity rank in 2019: #228 (1,355 babies born) With roots in both France and Greece, Nicole translates to "victory," and is the feminized version of Nicholas. It peaked in popularity in the 1980s, when nearly 23,000 girls in the United States were given the name, according to Behind the Name. Today's current bearers of the name include Nicole Kidman, Nicole Richie, and Jersey Shore favorite, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi. PxHere #22. Scott (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #58.2 - Most popular decade: 1960s (average rank: #15) - Popularity rank in 2019: #527 (536 babies born) Scott may be a name today, but it started as a descriptor of someone who hailed from Scotland or who spoke Scottish Gaelic. In the early 1970s, nearly 30,000 boys were named Scott, as evidenced by the numerous famous Scotts who were born in that Time period: Scott Grimes, Scott Foley, Scott Elrod, Scott Speedman, and Scott Caan, according to Behind the Name. Pixabay #22. Alice (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #67.2 - Most popular decade: 1920s (average rank: #15) - Popularity rank in 2019: #73 (3,527 babies born) Alice derives from the ancient Greek word for "truth." The name was most popular early in the 20th century, which is when some of the most famous Alices were born, including the writer Alice Walker and the chef Alice Waters. Pixabay #21. Carl (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #57.6 - Most popular decade: 1920s (average rank: #27) - Popularity rank in 2019: #754 (314 babies born) Carl has had its roots in royalty for centuries. It's the German variation of the name Charles, and both versions have been associated with European royalty for hundreds of years. Pixabay #21. Julie (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #66.5 - Most popular decade: 1960s, 1970s (average rank: #18) - Popularity rank in 2019: #631 (471 babies born) Julie comes from the Latin name, "Julia," which is another popular American name. The name peaked in popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, right around the time the "Sound of Music" hit the silver screen in 1965, skyrocketing Julie Andrews to superstardom. Pixabay #20. Brian (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #57.3 - Most popular decade: 1970s (average rank: #8) - Popularity rank in 2019: #247 (1,465 babies born) One of the most common and classic names in the English-speaking world, Brian is Irish in origin because it was the name of one of the High Kings of Ireland, Brian Boru. During the Irish Diaspora, more than 4 million Irish emigrated to America, making them one of the largest immigrant groups in the country, reports The Irish Times. Pixabay #20. Cynthia (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #66.3 - Most popular decade: 1960s (average rank: #10) - Popularity rank in 2019: #748 (373 babies born) Cynthias have been making pop culture history for decades, from Cyndi Lauper to Cynthia Nixon, Cindy Crawford and Cynthia Stevenson. The name is Greek in origin, meaning "woman from Kynthos," which is a mountain on Delos, one of the Greek Islands, according to Behind the Name. Pixabay #19. Gary (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #56.6 - Most popular decade: 1950s (average rank: #12) - Popularity rank in 2019: #773 (302 babies born) While the English-origin name has been popular for more than 100 years, Gary seems to be on a steady decline. The name peaked in popularity in the 1950s, no doubt receiving a boost from the popularity of iconic actor, Gary Cooper, writes The Guardian. Pixabay #19. Christine (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #66.3 - Most popular decade: 1970s (average rank: #22) - Popularity rank in 2019: #922 (285 babies born) Christine is the French version of Christina, and means "anointed one." It is also the female version of Christopher and was popular in the 1970s when names ending in "e" were in vogue. Christine was the protagonist in "Phantom of the Opera," cementing the name in theatrical history. Pixabay #18. Jeffrey (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #54.4 - Most popular decade: 1960s (average rank: #10) - Popularity rank in 2019: #364 (876 babies born) The Americanized version of the British name "Geoffrey," Jeffrey hit the scene in the 1930s, according to The Bump, and topped the charts around the 1950s. Today there are Jeffreys all over the media, on all ends of the spectrum, from Jeff(rey) Bezos and Jeff(rey) Goldblum, to the notorious Jeffrey Epstein and Jeffrey Dahmer. Pixabay #18. Martha (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #63.5 - Most popular decade: 1920s (average rank: #23) - Popularity rank in 2019: #795 (346 babies born) Martha is an Aramaic name meaning "lady" or "mistress." One of the most famous businesswomen of the past 50 years is the domestic empress Martha Stewart, who is worth an estimated $400 million. Pixabay #17. Aaron (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #54.2 - Most popular decade: 1990s (average rank: #31) - Popularity rank in 2019: #61 (5,509 babies born) Aaron is a biblical name for the brother of Moses. Some of the most well-known Aarons today are musicians (the rapper Aaron Yates) and athletes (the Yankees' Aaron Judge and the Steelers' Aaron Rodgers). Pixabay #17. Brenda (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #62.5 - Most popular decade: 1950s (average rank: #18) - Popularity rank in 2019: #1,069 (235 babies born) Brenda didn't emerge on the scene in the United States until the end of the 19th century. Before that it was mostly a Scottish and Irish name, likely of Scandinavian origin, according to Oxford Reference. Brenda peaked in popularity in the 1950s, which was around the time singer Brenda Lee was topping the charts. Pixabay #16. Frank (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #53.4 - Most popular decade: 1920s (average rank: #12) - Popularity rank in 2019: #403 (768 babies born) While Frank has recently taken a dive from the top ranks of baby names, it remains a popular choice. Frank is of German descent and came from the word for "spear" in medieval times. The name was made popular in the past century by classic crooner Frank Sinatra, and more recently, pop singer Frank Ocean. Pixabay #16. Stephanie (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #62.1 - Most popular decade: 1980s (average rank: #6) - Popularity rank in 2019: #352 (891 babies born) The name Stephanie comes from the Greek name Stephanos, which means "crown." It is also the feminized version of the popular name, Stephen. While Stephanie has always been a popular name, it was the sixth most popular name in the 1980s, which is when popular characters named Stephanie splashed into entertainment, from Stephanie Forrester in "The Bold and the Beautiful" to Stephanie Tanner in "Full House," and Stef Steinbrenner in "The Goonies." Pixabay #15. Timothy (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #50.6 - Most popular decade: 1960s (average rank: #13) - Popularity rank in 2019: #188 (2,069 babies born) Timothy is a Greek name that means "honoring God." It has consistently been in the top 150 names for the past 100 years and remains in the top 200. Famous Timothys that have contributed to the name's popularity are film director Tim Burton, actor Tim Conway, actor Tim Allen, and Golden Globe-winning Timothée Chalamet. Pixabay #15. Laura (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #60.4 - Most popular decade: 1960s (average rank: #16) - Popularity rank in 2019: #337 (944 babies born) Laura was originally a Latin name derived from the word "laurus," or laurel, an evergreen shrub used in crowns. There have been many Lauras throughout history, notably former first lady Laura Bush, writer Laura Ingalls Wilder, and actress Laura Prepon. Pixabay #14. Ronald (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #50.1 - Most popular decade: 1940s (average rank: #10) - Popularity rank in 2019: #527 (536 babies born) Ronald has a variety of origins, mainly in England, Scotland, and Ireland. The name's meaning is "rules with counsel." One famous Ronald that contributed to the name's popularity was President Ronald Reagan. Pixabay #14. Sharon (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #60.0 - Most popular decade: 1940s (average rank: #8) - Popularity rank in 2019: #1,183 (197 babies born) Sharon is a girl's name that comes from the Hebrew word that means, "plain," as in a field. It reached peak popularity at the end of the 1940s, when nearly 30,000 babies were named Sharon, according to Behind the Name. Pixabay #13. Jacob (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #48.3 - Most popular decade: 2000s (average rank: #1) - Popularity rank in 2019: #13 (10,679 babies born) For nearly 15 years, the name Jacob was the #1 baby name for boys. It also happens to be one of the oldest names around, as it comes from the book of Genesis. In 2014 the name was pushed aside to make room for the name Noah, according to CBS News. Pixabay #13. Janet (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #58.5 - Most popular decade: 1950s (average rank: #20) - Popularity rank in 2019: #1,696 (122 babies born) Janet is the Americanized version of European names, like Jeannette in French or Juanita in Spanish. The name's popularity rose dramatically in the early 1930s, peaking in the 1950s before a rapid decline. In the 1950s and 1960s, actress Janet Lee was at the top of her game, when "Psycho" debuted, earning her a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress. Pixabay #12. Kevin (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #47.1 - Most popular decade: 1970s (average rank: #13) - Popularity rank in 2019: #149 (2,610 babies born) In the early 1950s, the name Kevin became one of the most popular names in America, maxing out in the 1970s, when it was the 13th most popular boy's name in America. In the 1960s, more than 261,000 Kevins were born in the United States. Films were dominated by Spacey, Kline, and Bacon. And everyone tuned in to watch Kevin Arnold on "The Wonder Years." Kevin remained top of the charts until about 1979. Pixabay #12. Michelle (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #58.1 - Most popular decade: 1970s (average rank: #4) - Popularity rank in 2019: #292 (1,137 babies born) The most famous Michelle in America these days is undoubtedly former first lady Michelle Obama, but the name Michelle has been in fashion for decades. The name, which is the feminine version of Michael, peaked in popularity in the 1960s and 1970s. Its peak year was 1966, when it shot up more than 170%. Over the years, Michelle has reached the top 10 most popular girls' names seven times. Pixabay #11. Jason (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #45.8 - Most popular decade: 1970s (average rank: #3) - Popularity rank in 2019: #104 (3,555 babies born) Jason has been around ever since that particular Jason led the Argonauts in search of the Golden Fleece. But it wasn't until the 1970s in the U.S. that the name really exploded. In 1977, more than 55,000 Jasons were born, writes Behind the Name. Other famous Jasons include Jason Priestly, Jason Biggs, and every woman's favorite Jason these days, Jason Momoa. Pixabay #11. Sandra (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #55.9 - Most popular decade: 1940s (average rank: #6) - Popularity rank in 2019: #986 (260 babies born) In history, the name Sandra has been used as a shortened version of Alexandra or Cassandra, writes BabyNameWizard.com, but nowadays it stands as a name in its own right. While the name shot to top popularity in the 1940s, it has been kept alive by notable public figures, from Sandra Bullock and Sandra Bernhard to the late Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and even the iconic fictional "Grease" character, Sandra Dee. Pixabay #10. Steven (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #44.3 - Most popular decade: 1950s, 1960s (average rank: #11) - Popularity rank in 2019: #200 (1,962 babies born) Steven has Greek origins, means "crown" or "wreath," and has many different spellings—the original being Stephen. This name rose to the top of the charts in the 1950s and '60s, and remained in the top 150 for decades. Famous Stevens that have helped maintain the popularity are filmmaker Steven Spielberg, "12 Years a Slave" director Steve McQueen, and musician Steven Tyler. Pixabay #10. Melissa (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #55.8 - Most popular decade: 1970s (average rank: #3) - Popularity rank in 2019: #339 (930 babies born) Melissa may have been one of the most popular names of the 1970s (with more than 250,000 Melissas born in the decade, according to the Social Security Administration), but there are plenty of modern-day Melissas keeping the good name going. There is Melissa Joan Hart, Melissa McCarthy, Melissa Etheridge, and Melissa Rauch, just to name a few. matuska // Shutterstock #9. Donald (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #38.9 - Most popular decade: 1930s (average rank: #7) - Popularity rank in 2019: #552 (506 babies born) While the current ranking of Donald is low, it has remained in the top 200 names over the past century. Donald is of Scottish origin and means "mighty." Some of the most notable Donalds in history are classic cartoon character Donald Duck, and actors Donald Glover and Donald Sutherland. Pixabay #9. Emma (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #54.8 - Most popular decade: 2010s (average rank: #1) - Popularity rank in 2019: #2 (17,102 babies born) Emma was originally a shortened version of longer German names beginning with Ermen, which means universal or whole. The name is extremely popular today, thanks perhaps in part to famous Emmas like the actresses Emma Thompson, Emma Stone, Emma Watson, and Emma Roberts, and the YouTube sensation Emma Chamberlain. Pixabay #8. Paul (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #37.9 - Most popular decade: 1920s, 1930s (average rank: #14) - Popularity rank in 2019: #245 (1,495 babies born) The name Paul originated in the New Testament: Paul the Apostle was one of the founders of Christianity. Paul is an English name that means "little." For the past 100 years, Paul has remained in the top tier of names for baby boys. Pixabay #8. Carol (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #52.7 - Most popular decade: 1940s (average rank: #5) - Popularity rank in 2019: #1,804 (112 babies born) A variant of the name Caroline, Carolyn peaked in the United States around the 1940s, when more than 20,000 babies were given the name. Of all the Carolyns in pop culture over the years, a solid portion have been Olympic medalists, including Carolyn Schuler, Carolyn Wood, Carolyn Steinseifer, and Carolyn Waldo, according to Behind the Name. Pixabay #7. Christopher (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #31.9 - Most popular decade: 1970s, 1980s, 1990s (average rank: #2) - Popularity rank in 2019: #44 (6,960 babies born) Christopher has been a go-to name for parents for decades, holding the #2 ranking for 30 years. The lowest the name has ever fallen was #147, never out of the top 150 names for boys. Christopher has origins in Greece, and means "Christ-bearer." Pixabay #7. Linda (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #49.3 - Most popular decade: 1940s, 1950s (average rank: #2) - Popularity rank in 2019: #774 (355 babies born) Linda, which translates to "pretty" from Spanish, is actually one of the longest-running name trends in the country, according to Proffreader.com. It was at its peak in the 1940s due to a Jack Lawrence song that hit the radio waves in 1947, reports Mental Floss. The name of the song was, shockingly, "Linda." Pixabay #6. Joseph (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #11.5 - Most popular decade: 1920s (average rank: #7) - Popularity rank in 2019: #24 (9,058 babies born) Joseph translates to "God will increase" in Hebrew, was mentioned in the Old Testament, and is the name of the Virgin Mary's husband. In 100 years, Joseph has never fallen out of the top 25 most popular names for boys. Famous Josephs include baseball player Joe DiMaggio, former President Joe Biden, quarterback Joe Montana, and singer-songwriter Joe Jonas. Pixabay #6. Kimberly (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #46.0 - Most popular decade: 1960s, 1970s (average rank: #5) - Popularity rank in 2019: #193 (1,527 babies born) The name Kimberly doesn't seem to have a clear agreed upon origin, however many sources can agree that it either comes from a city in South Africa or derived from an Old English word that means meadow or clearing. While it was once a male name, today the most famous Kimberlys are all female, from Kim Bassinger and Kim Cattrall to TV characters like Kim Possible and The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Pixabay #5. Michael (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #11.1 - Most popular decade: 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s (average rank: #1) - Popularity rank in 2019: #14 (10,514 babies born) A name of Hebrew origin, it means "who is like God." The #1 name from the 1960s to the 1990s was influenced by superstars like Michael Jackson and Michael Jordan. Pixabay #5. Susan (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #42.5 - Most popular decade: 1960s (average rank: #3) - Popularity rank in 2019: #1,056 (240 babies born) Susan is a variation on the name Susanna. One of the most famous Susans in American history is the feminist Susan B. Anthony. Although the name has grown dramatically less popular in recent decades, the actress Susan Sarandon gave parents another reason to give the name Susan a look. Pixabay #4. David (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #9.7 - Most popular decade: 1960s (average rank: #2) - Popularity rank in 2019: #27 (8,896 babies born) Never falling lower than the top 25, David has stayed afloat as one of the most popular and timeless baby names for a century. With Hebrew origins, the name David is used frequently throughout the Bible. St. David is the patron saint of Wales, and was also the name of a number of royals. Other famous Davids are David Bowie and David Beckham. Pixabay #4. Barbara (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #40.1 - Most popular decade: 1930s, 1940s (average rank: #3) - Popularity rank in 2019: #945 (278 babies born) Barbara derives from the Latin word barbarous—meaning strange and foreign. Some of the most well-known Barbaras are the late talk show host Barbara Walters, singer Barbra Streisand, and the late former first lady Barbara Bush. Pixabay #3. John (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #8.9 - Most popular decade: 1920s (average rank: #2) - Popularity rank in 2019: #28 (8,779 babies born) John has never fallen below the #30 spot on most popular baby boy names. John means "the grace or mercy of the Lord," and has Hebrew origins; John was also one of the most well-known apostles. In 1960, John was #3 for baby boy names, most likely due to the president at the time, John F. Kennedy. From there, the list of famous Johns goes on: John Legend, John Travolta, John McCain, and John Mayer. Pixabay #3. Donna (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #37.7 - Most popular decade: 1960s (average rank: #8) - Popularity rank in 2019: #1,804 (112 babies born) The name Donna translates to "woman" in Italian, but has been a popular name in America over the past 100 years. It had its peak in the 1960s, partly bolstered by the popularity of "The Donna Reed Show," the longest-running television sitcom of its time, which ran from 1958-1966. Pixabay #2. William (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #8.1 - Most popular decade: 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 2010s (average rank: #4) - Popularity rank in 2019: #4 (13,542 babies born) The lowest ranking of the name William was in the 1990s, when it held the #18 spot. William is an English name that means "resolute protector." One of the most famous Williams in the world is the heir to the British Throne, Prince William, who has helped keep the name popular in recent years. Pixabay #2. Jennifer (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #29.3 - Most popular decade: 1970s (average rank: #1) - Popularity rank in 2019: #392 (780 babies born) In 1970, Jennifer was the most popular girls name in the United States—a title it held for 14 years, according to the National Post. The article attributes its rise in popularity to the wildly successful movie, "Love Story," which starred Ali McGraw who played the role of Jennifer, a character who suffers a tragic, untimely death. Pixabay #1. James (for boys) - Average rank 1910-2019: #6.1 - Most popular decade: 1940s, 1950s (average rank: #1) - Popularity rank in 2019: #6 (13,087 babies born) The #1 most timeless name for boys is James. James is a Hebrew name that means "follower." In English, it can also be a form of Jacob. The name has remained consistently popular over the past 100 years, remaining at the top for two decades: the 1940s and 1950s. Other famous people named James are actors James Corden, James Brolin, and James Franco. Pixabay #1. Elizabeth (for girls) - Average rank 1910-2019: #14.0 - Most popular decade: 1990s (average rank: #8) - Popularity rank in 2019: #14 (7,844 babies born) Elizabeth is the most popular name for girls over the past 100 years. Elizabeth has many variations, including Lizzie, Eliza, Liz, and Beth. The Hebrew name means "my God is beautiful." Famous Elizabeths in history include the late Queen Elizabeth II, actress Elizabeth Taylor, businesswoman Elizabeth Arden, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and activist Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
	McConnell admitted to hospital, spokesperson says U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell speaks at the University of Kentucky, April 8, 2026. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Jamie Lucke)Longtime Kentucky Republican U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell has been hospitalized. “Senator McConnell was admitted to the hospital this morning. He is receiving excellent care,” said Stephanie Penn, a spokesperson for McConnell, in a Sunday afternoon statement. The statement did not say why he was hospitalized, nor if he is in Kentucky or Washington, D.C. McConnell, 84, was previously hospitalized in February. At that time, he had checked himself in last week “after experiencing flu-like symptoms.” He announced last year that he would not seek reelection to the seat he’s held since his election in 1984. Courtesy of Kentucky Lantern
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	The worst movie from every major film franchise, according to audience ratings United Artists // Getty Images Worst movie from 50 famous franchises Experts agree that the first feature-length film the world saw was "The Story of the Kelly Gang," which opened in Melbourne, Australia, in 1906. There's no general consensus, however, about the first film franchise. Possibly "Bulldog Drummond," "The Lone Wolf," or "Godzilla?" Regardless of where you stand on the first franchise debate, basically everyone can agree on this: studios love nothing more than to turn a hit film into a full-blown series. It turns out, there's a good reason for this franchise affinity. Joe Pasqualichio, an analyst at Citadel, explained it simply, saying: "Box office flops are going to come up from time to time, but your big bets, and especially the ones with IP backing them, should be enough to cover them. And that's why you're seeing studios move towards IP and franchise films… Today, more than ever, we're seeing this blockbuster strategy at studios where they rely on really big, tent-pole films—like the 'Star Wars' movies—to generate sufficient profits that cover all of the misses and make the overall slate profitable." In the end, it all comes down to money. But that doesn't mean that every installment in a given series is a hit. In fact, nearly every great franchise has had a flop or two. For instance, though it's far from the worst-reviewed movie in the "Star Wars" franchise, "The Mandalorian and Grogu" received a critical browbeating upon its May 2026 premiere. Lagging ticket sales also plagued the movie, which opened with an iffy $98 million in its first weekend and plunged by 69% in its second. That unpredictability means there's no telling how the rest of the year's franchise installments will fare, including "Toy Story 5" and "Spider-Man: Brand New Day." In the meantime, Stacker has rounded up 50 franchise flops—the worst movies from famous franchises. To do this, we manually compiled a list of 50 famous franchises that span genres, decades, styles, and countries, and—using IMDb user ratings—determined the lowest-rated film in each series. The films and franchises are presented in random order. From fantasy franchises like "Harry Potter" to horror classics like "Nightmare on Elm Street" and children's series like "The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," read on to find out which films audiences really didn't like. Warner Bros. Wizarding World of Harry Potter "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" (2018) - Director: David Yates - IMDb user rating: 6.6 - Metascore: 52 - Runtime: 134 min The "Fantastic Beasts" movie series came out after the original "Harry Potter" movies, but act as a prequel to the adventures of the boy wizard and his companions. While fans were initially ecstatic about returning to J.K. Rowling's universe, they were less enthusiastic after the movies began rolling out. Not only does the content in films like "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" often contradict the facts and timeline established in the "Harry Potter" series, these later movies lack all of the heart and soul fans have come to expect from Hogwarts. On top of that, there was controversy surrounding the film's casting—after briefly appearing as Gellert Grindelwald in "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" in 2016, Johnny Depp was set to headline "The Crimes of Grindelwald" amid claims that he'd verbally and physically abused his ex-wife Amber Heard. Despite the backlash, the movie went on as planned with Depp, though he was eventually let go from the franchise. Lionsgate Entertainment Madea "Boo 2! A Madea Halloween" (2017) - Director: Tyler Perry - IMDb user rating: 3.8 - Metascore: 17 - Runtime: 101 min For many fans, Tyler Perry's movies can be hit or miss, and "Boo 2! A Madea Halloween," the 10th installment in the "Madea" series, was a huge miss. The movie was slammed for its homophobic and sexist tones, as well as its blatant insensitivity of the Me Too movement that was unfolding around it during its production and release. The movie has a dismal 5% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Francis Friel, a critic for the Mountain Xpress even went so far as to call the film a "cinematic hate crime." Marvel Marvel Cinematic Universe "Madame Web" (2024) - Director: S.J. Clarkson - IMDb user rating: 4.0 - Metascore: 26 - Runtime: 116 minutes Early in 2024, this "Spider-Man" spin-off emerged as one of the biggest blockbuster flops of the year, booed by critics, audiences, and even its own star. Dakota Johnson plays Cassandra Webb, a New York City paramedic who finds herself gifted with psychic powers. The film fails to explain exactly how those powers work, however, one of the many reasons "Madame Web" floundered at the box office. On top of that, there was the overly expository dialogue, underwhelming visual effects, migraine-inducing storylines—the list goes on and on. It's little wonder that Johnson quickly distanced herself from "Madame Web" after its release, saying in a March 2024 interview that she was "not surprised" by all the bad reviews. MGM Shaft "Shaft in Africa" (1973) - Director: John Guillermin - IMDb user rating: 5.9 - Metascore: data not available - Runtime: 112 min The last of the original trilogy of "Shaft" movies, "Shaft in Africa" is disliked primarily because it takes Shaft out of his natural environment and away from his regular crime-fighting tactics. Fans prefer to see the detective in his native New York City, where his knowledge of the city and savviness afford him a unique edge when it comes to fighting crime. For many, the journey to Africa was just too big of a stretch for the character. It's a rare movie on this list that fared worse with audiences than it did with critics—fans have given it a 51% compared with critics' 64% on Rotten Tomatoes. Warner Bros. Peter Pan "Pan" (2015) - Director: Joe Wright - IMDb user rating: 5.7 - Metascore: 36 - Runtime: 111 min Since J.M. Barrie published "Peter Pan" in 1904 there has been an enormous number of additions to the franchise, including this 2015 installment called "Pan." Josh Dickey of Mashable summed up the film's awfulness when he said "Pan" was "a visually disgusting, audibly loud and obnoxious, narratively incoherent attempt at a Hollywood adventure blockbuster." The movie is supposed to provide Peter Pan with an origin story but falls far short on every level, from the script to the performances to the cinematography. One of "Pan's" biggest letdowns was the casting of white actor Rooney Mara as Native American character Tiger Lily; the actor later said she regretted being "on that side of the whitewashing conversation." Paris Hilton Entertainment National Lampoon "Pledge This!" (2006) - Directors: William Heins, Strathford Hamilton - IMDb user rating: 1.8 - Metascore: data not available - Runtime: 91 min If you were imagining that this National Lampoon tale would be similar to those from the franchise's golden era of the '70s or '80s, perhaps starring John Belushi or Chevy Chase, you'd be dead wrong. "Pledge This!" a much later installment in the series, stars Paris Hilton as the president of a sorority at the fictional South Beach University. The movie was a box-office bomb and its investors later sued Hilton for $8.3 in damages to make up for what they spent producing "Pledge This!", alleging she failed to promote it; eventually, however, a judge ruled in Hilton's favor. New Line Cinema The Conjuring "The Curse of La Llorona" (2019) - Director: Michael Chaves - IMDb user rating: 5.3 - Metascore: 41 - Runtime: 93 min Technically, "The Curse of La Llorona" exists outside the "The Conjuring" universe, but it does see star Tony Amendola reprise his role as Father Perez from "Annabelle." The movie is based on folklore like the other "Conjuring" films, but in this particular case, it's Latin American folklore. The film took a lot of criticism for the flatness with which it attempted to sell the tale of La Llorona, and for its complete lack of horror. Released in 2019, it fell especially flat when compared to other bone-chilling films like Jordan Peele's "Us," which hit the big screen around the same time. Paramount Pictures Star Trek "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier" (1989) - Director: William Shatner - IMDb user rating: 5.5 - Metascore: 43 - Runtime: 107 min The fifth installment in the "Star Trek" film franchise, "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier" was William Shatner's directorial debut. Despite its enormous budget, the film was a critical flop thanks to its forgettable storyline, horrible special effects, and boring action sequences. For many, the movie feels more like an extended episode of the TV show than a stand-alone film in the most unsatisfying way. In a March 2024 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Shatner admitted he has plenty of regrets about the movie. "It was a series of my inabilities to deal with the management and the budget. I failed. In my mind, I failed horribly," he said. "When I'm asked, 'What do you regret the most?,' I regret not being equipped emotionally to deal with a large motion picture." MGM Rocky "Rocky V" (1990) - Director: John G. Avildsen - IMDb user rating: 5.3 - Metascore: 55 - Runtime: 104 min In the fifth installment in the "Rocky" franchise, Rocky has recently retired from boxing, learned that all of his hard-won money is gone, and is forced to return to the streets of Philadelphia where he attempts to train up the next great athlete and repair the broken relationship he shares with his son. While the movie's storyline isn't necessarily bad in and of itself (albeit incredibly slow-moving) it's a major departure from the usual fare we've come to associate with the Rocky movies. There's barely a fight or an inspiring training montage, and the lack of action is why many people rate "Rocky V" the worst of the series. In an April 2024 ranking of "Rocky" movies from Collider, film critics said, "The one upside of 'Rocky V's' conclusion is that it opened the door for better 'Rocky' movies, although no one knew that back when they made the series' nadir." Disney Enterprises Inc. Pirates of the Caribbean "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" (2017) - Directors: Joachim Rønning, Espen Sandberg - IMDb user rating: 6.6 - Metascore: 39 - Runtime: 129 min Continuity issues are the most often cited reason fans rate "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" the worst installment in the franchise. The fifth movie in the series, this one follows Captain Jack Sparrow as he searches for the Trident of Poseidon, which he needs in order to return his ghostly nemesis Captain Salazar to the Devil's Triangle. Many of the major tenants of the story are in direct contradiction with facts established in the first four films, mistakes that are less distracting and more franchise-ruining for many. "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" was also expected to be the last time fans would ever see Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow, though rumors have begun to swirl that Depp will return for the forthcoming sixth film in the franchise. 20th Century Fox Planet of the Apes "Battle for the Planet of the Apes" (1973) - Director: J. Lee Thompson - IMDb user rating: 5.5 - Metascore: 40 - Runtime: 93 min Released in 1973, "Battle for the Planet of the Apes" was the final chapter in the first iteration of the "Planet of the Apes" franchise. There were drastic cuts made to the movie's budget prior to filming, which lowered the quality of the special effects and made it nearly impossible to recreate the overall feeling of the world. Money was not "Battle for the Planet of the Apes" only issue, for many fans there seemed to be a muddling of philosophy, too much focus on religion (in a series that had never overtly discussed it before), and too much in-fighting among factions to make this movie worth watching. Emperor Motion Pictures Ip Man "Ip Man: The Final Fight" (2013) - Director: Herman Yau - IMDb user rating: 6.2 - Metascore: 55 - Runtime: 100 min For the uninitiated, the "Ip Man" series is a semi-biographical series of films about a real-life grandmaster of the Wing Chun school of arts who famously taught Bruce Lee. The last installment in the series, "Ip Man: The Final Fight" is less of an action movie than the earlier films and more of a reflection on the philosophy behind kung fu, which is one factor that made it not as successful with fans. Another strike against the film is that it doesn't share a director with any of the previous movies, and, as a result, has a markedly different tone. Universal Pictures The Fast and the Furious "2 Fast 2 Furious" (2003) - Director: John Singleton - IMDb user rating: 5.9 - Metascore: 38 - Runtime: 107 min Rob Cohen was the director of the original "The Fast and the Furious" which grossed over $206 million at the box office worldwide. Like many others, he's been vocal about his dislike of the follow up "2 Fast 2 Furious" (which he had no hand in making) telling We Got This Covered, "The first couple sequels though, what I hated about them was that it was just for money, the studio was just milking the cash cow. It's a miracle they didn't kill it." Paramount Pictures Mission: Impossible "Mission: Impossible II" (2000) - Director: John Woo - IMDb user rating: 6.1 - Metascore: 59 - Runtime: 123 min For a film franchise that's built on excitement, adventure, and thrills, "Mission: Impossible II" is a boring flop. The primary criticism levied against the Tom Cruise movie is that nothing much happens very slowly—a stark contrast to the action-packed first film. David Ansen, a critic at Newsweek, summed it up perfectly, saying "In 'M:I-2' everyone seems to be going through the motions." Universal Pictures Jurassic Park "Jurassic Park III" (2001) - Director: Joe Johnston - IMDb user rating: 5.9 - Metascore: 42 - Runtime: 92 min The main problem with "Jurassic Park III" is that it's just too much of a good thing. The first installment in the Steven Spielberg franchise was earth-shattering, the second a mediocre follow-up, but the third, with its nonsensical plot, was a perfect example of Hollywood not quite knowing when to stop. The movie's only redeeming factor was its special effects, which had certainly been upgraded since the 1993 original. MGM Pink Panther "Son of the Pink Panther" (1993) - Director: Blake Edwards - IMDb user rating: 3.9 - Metascore: 33 - Runtime: 93 min In "Son of the Pink Panther" the bumbling, hilarious detective who's set out to rescue the kidnapped Princess Yasmin isn't the beloved Inspector Clouseau, but his illegitimate son Jacques Gambrelli. In the eighth installment in the franchise, Peter Sellers passes the torch to Roberto Benigni who gives the best performance he can given the film's terrible script. In fact, Benigni's physical comedy is the only shining spot in an otherwise dud of a film. Lucasfilm Star Wars "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" (1999) - Director: George Lucas - IMDb user rating: 6.5 - Metascore: 51 - Runtime: 136 min A prequel to the original "Star Wars" (retroactively titled "Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope"), "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" was released 22 years after the original. While the film's release was one of the biggest events in cinematic history, the movie itself was a confusing disappointment for fans who'd long awaited an addition to the series. The biggest complaints about the movie were that it lacked direction or an obvious main character, moved at a snail's pace, and contained racist undertones. Davis Films/Impact Pictures Resident Evil "Resident Evil: Retribution" (2012) - Director: Paul W.S. Anderson - IMDb user rating: 5.4 - Metascore: 39 - Runtime: 95 min Joe Neumaier of New York Daily News called "Resident Evil: Retribution" "thuddingly awful." The fifth installment in the franchise, which was based on a survival horror video game of the same name, follows Alice, humanity's last hope, as she attempts to uncover who's responsible for the T-virus that's turning everyone into zombies. Both the acting and the dialogue in the film are awful, as are the unnecessary (and poor-quality) 3-D effects that seem to have been thrown in last-minute simply to increase ticket sales. Disney Air Bud "Air Bud: Spikes Back" (2003) - Director: Mike Southon - IMDb user rating: 4.1 - Metascore: data not available - Runtime: 87 min In order to be enjoyable, a movie about a dog who plays sports requires audiences to suspend their disbelief to a certain extent. "Air Bud: Spikes Back," the fifth installment in the "Air Bud" series, asks audiences to go above and beyond in suspending their disbelief. The poor special effects, awful human acting, and an additional storyline where the golden retriever also solves a major crime don't provide viewers anything to work with, and the movie was, consequentially, a huge bust. 20th Century Fox Predator "The Predator" (2018) - Director: Shane Black - IMDb user rating: 5.4 - Metascore: 48 - Runtime: 107 min The creative team behind 2018's "The Predator" first went wrong when they hired a known sex offender for a bit role in the film. Olivia Munn, the primary female lead, acted as the whistleblower, alerting 20th Century Fox to the issue who then responded by cutting the scene the individual appeared in. However, the movie was never able to overcome this negative press, and that unfortunate start combined with the haphazard editing, ensured that the fourth addition to the series would be the worst. Disney / Henson The Muppets "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz" (2005) - Director: Kirk R. Thatcher - IMDb user rating: 5.3 - Metascore: data not available - Runtime: 120 min L. Frank Baum's "The Wizard of Oz" and Jim Henson's muppets seem as if they should be a perfect fit. And in another world, they might be. However, in "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz" unnecessary celebrity cameos, a poorly written script, and a complete lack of the charm that we've come to associate with the puppets mark this as the worst chapter in the franchise. Blue Sky Studios Ice Age "Ice Age: Collision Course" (2016) - Directors: Mike Thurmeier, Galen T. Chu - IMDb user rating: 5.7 - Metascore: 34 - Runtime: 94 min There are two alternative storylines taking place in "Ice Age: Collision Course": a mammoth wedding and a sabertooth tiger who's launched himself into outer space. It might be okay for these ridiculous tales to exist in tandem if only audiences weren't expected to remember the storylines from the previous four films which had come out years before. That, after all, is the real problem with "Ice Age: Collision Course," not that its content is that much crazier than anything else we've seen from the franchise, but rather that it forces fans who haven't recently watched the earlier films to flounder as they try to keep up with all the material and characters they're expected to recognize on sight. Blumhouse Productions Paranormal Activity "Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension" (2015) - Director: Gregory Plotkin - IMDb user rating: 4.6 - Metascore: 30 - Runtime: 88 min The sixth in the series, "Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension" was billed by production as the final installment in the found-film franchise. For many viewers, though, the 3-D movie felt more like an afterthought than a planned conclusion. The plot of this film went well beyond the creepy credibility many of the earlier movies had, to tacky horrorfest with little point—a slap in the face for those who had stuck around for years to see how this would all end. Columbia/Tri Star Texas Chainsaw Massacre "Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation" (1995) - Director: Kim Henkel - IMDb user rating: 3.3 - Metascore: 50 - Runtime: 87 min Shot in 1993 but not released until 1995, "Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation" stars Renée Zellweger and Matthew McConaughey in what is, perhaps, the worst performance of either of their careers. In addition to the bad acting, the movie seems to have lost any trace of the horror it once contained, and the film veers as close to family-friendly as a horror movie ever could. Lionsgate Inc. Saw "Saw: The Final Chapter" (2010) - Director: Kevin Greutert - IMDb user rating: 5.6 - Metascore: 24 - Runtime: 90 min Long after John "Jigsaw" Kramer died in the third installment of the "Saw" series, the torture series is still finding a wobbly leg to stand on. This final, 3-D installment is perhaps the least coherent installment in the franchise and the goriest. Even the special effects couldn't save "Saw: The Final Chapter," which seems to care not at all about bringing its audience closure or trying to persuade them that it's a good piece of cinema. Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. DC Extended Universe "Suicide Squad" (2016) - Director: David Ayer - IMDb user rating: 6.0 - Metascore: 40 - Runtime: 123 min DC's antihero response to Marvel's "Avengers," "The Suicide Squad" has some serious star power but few other of the ingredients it needs to succeed. Fans complained about everything from the fact that many of the characters varied wildly from their comic book counterparts to the idea that a group of villains working together made no sense. Additionally, the movie feels like a jumble of storylines and action-packed moments instead of a cohesive story. Warner Home Video Final Destination "The Final Destination" (2009) - Director: David R. Ellis - IMDb user rating: 5.2 - Metascore: 30 - Runtime: 82 min The "Final Destination" films are a unique kind of horror film, in that you can't "win" them. After all, death is the main villain, and eventually, it comes for us all. While you can't avoid death, you can (and should) avoid the gimmicky fourth installment in this series which contains some of the worst acting in the entire franchise, as well as terrible special effects that make watching death after death quite boring. Romero Grunwald Productions George A. Romero's Dead Series "Survival of the Dead" (2009) - Director: George A. Romero - IMDb user rating: 4.9 - Metascore: 43 - Runtime: 90 min The most current installment in George A. Romero's "Dead" series (which began with "Night of the Living Dead" in 1968), "Survival of the Dead" is another zombie action movie. But unlike earlier episodes in the franchise, this chapter never really comes alive. The film itself was described by critics as feeling flat, containing too many stale shocks and an overabundance of cheesy dialogue. Universal Pictures Bourne "Jason Bourne" (2016) - Director: Paul Greengrass - IMDb user rating: 6.6 - Metascore: 58 - Runtime: 123 min "Jason Bourne" marked Matt Damon's return to the franchise about a CIA assassin who suffers from dissociative amnesia. The hype for the fourth film in the series was massive in the months leading up to the premiere but quickly turned sour upon its release. Where audiences expected a fresh, new, exciting story they got a tired, old tale that left them feeling as if the series had finally run its course. MGM Cheech & Chong "Cheech & Chong's the Corsican Brothers" (1984) - Director: Tommy Chong - IMDb user rating: 4.7 - Metascore: 35 - Runtime: 82 min Aside from a 2025 documentary,"Cheech & Chong's the Corsican Brothers" is the last live-action film starring the comedy duo of Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong. A parody of Alexandre Dumas' novel "The Corsican Brothers," the film had some good material to work with but fell flat in the delivery. Its jokes didn't land, the other characters were boring to watch, and it remains the only film in the franchise to contain no cannabis humor, something fans enjoyed and expected. Rogue Pictures Child's Play "Seed of Chucky" (2004) - Director: Don Mancini - IMDb user rating: 4.8 - Metascore: 46 - Runtime: 87 min The "Child's Play" franchise started out as a slasher horror series, but by the release of "Seed of Chucky" in 2004 had fully transformed into a comedic horror series. It's these comedy elements of the film that have caused so many fans to flag it as the worst in the franchise. However, writer-director Don Mancini defends the project saying, "I think that movie is so fundamentally comedic and farcical. It's a farce." Paramount Pictures Transformers "Transformers: The Last Knight" (2017) - Director: Michael Bay - IMDb user rating: 5.2 - Metascore: 27 - Runtime: 154 min In the final installment in the "Transformers" franchise, humans and Transformers are at war, Optimus Prime is gone, and a band of unlikely cohorts must come together to save the world. Critics used words like dumb, unfunny, and utterly incoherent to describe "Transformers: The Last Knight" whose plot seemed to drag over its 2.5-hour runtime. Even more disappointing, many felt that the finale of the film provided an insufficient ending to a tale they'd stuck with for more than a decade. Columbia/Tri Star Rambo "Rambo III" (1988) - Director: Peter MacDonald - IMDb user rating: 5.8 - Metascore: 36 - Runtime: 102 min In "Rambo III" Sylvester Stalone launches a one-man rescue mission to save his former commander who's being held captive in Afghanistan. While the storyline doesn't sound all that bad, the pacing is slow, there's very little dialogue to spice things up, and the violence is cliché at best. OLM, Inc. Pokémon "Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened" (2013) - Director: Kunihiko Yuyama - IMDb user rating: 5.5 - Metascore: data not available - Runtime: 96 min "Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened" follows Ash, Pikachu, and a host of their other friends as they set out to save the big city from a group of evil Genesect. The 16th installment in the animated series, the movie builds quite a bit on previously established facts and storylines. Unfortunately, however, it doesn't always get those pre-existing facts right, leaving many fans to decry the movie over its lack of coherency with the franchise. Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation Die Hard "A Good Day to Die Hard" (2013) - Director: John Moore - IMDb user rating: 5.3 - Metascore: 28 - Runtime: 98 min In the Wall Street Journal, Joe Morgenstern called "A Good Day to Die Hard" "the meltdown of a once-formidable franchise." Like many others in his field, the critic didn't care for the far-fetched plotline of John McClane's reunion with his son Jack who's a criminal turned CIA operative turned vigilante. Nor did he care for the fact that most of the plot was obscured by a never-ending stream of action scenes and gunshots. Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation X-Men "X-Men: Dark Phoenix" (2019) - Director: Simon Kinberg - IMDb user rating: 5.8 - Metascore: 43 - Runtime: 113 min In "X-Men: Dark Phoenix," the seventh and final installment in the series, the X-Men take on one of their own after Jean Grey endures an accident in space that makes her powerful, unstable, and the perfect vehicle for an evil group that wants to take over the galaxy. There are plenty of reasons the film bombed with fans, including the fact that it was finished two years before it was released—fans took its delay as an indication that it wasn't all that good, the ending was reshot multiple times—an even clearer indication that the original film was unsatisfying, and the release date was moved around a half-dozen times before the film finally dropped—essentially destroying any remaining excitement surrounding the flick. Dimension Films Halloween "Halloween: Resurrection" (2002) - Director: Rick Rosenthal - IMDb user rating: 4.0 - Metascore: 19 - Runtime: 94 min The plot of "Halloween: Resurrection" will tell you basically everything you need to know about why the horror sequel was a flop. In the movie, a group of university students starring on a webcam reality show has taken over the home that used to belong to serial killer Michael Myers, who, offended by this transgression on his reputation, decides it's time to come out of retirement and do something about it. Starring Busta Rhymes and Tyra Banks, the horrible storyline is compounded by bad acting, horrible special effects, and an overwhelming sense of cheesiness that pervades the entire thing. Twentieth Century Fox Alien "Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem" (2007) - Directors: Colin Strause, Greg Strause - IMDb user rating: 4.7 - Metascore: 29 - Runtime: 94 min Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian described the battle between species in "Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem" as "the world's most illogical and boring action-horror grudge-match between two dull trademarked franchise monsters." The movie also garnered criticism for its tired content, poorly edited action sequences, and weak character development. In the end, the movie amounts to only a mindless distraction at best. Toho Studios Godzilla "All Monsters Attack" (1969) - Directors: Ishirô Honda, Jun Fukuda, Kengo Furusawa - IMDb user rating: 3.9 - Metascore: data not available - Runtime: 70 min Bullying affects everyone in "All Monsters Attack," from Godzilla's son to a Japanese schoolboy. While the message of the film is an important one, the movie hardly feels like a classic "Godzilla" film and is instead aimed at much younger audiences. Additionally, the little bit of "fighting action" included in the film is actually reused footage from earlier installments in the franchise, meaning that "All Monsters Attack" brings nothing fresh or new to the adult storylines. Columbia Pictures / Marvel Entertainment Spider-Man "Spider-Man 3" (2007) - Director: Sam Raimi - IMDb user rating: 6.2 - Metascore: 59 - Runtime: 139 min Sam Raimi, the director of "Spider-Man 3" agrees with the low-ranking of his 2007 film. He told the "Nerdist" podcast: "It's a movie that just didn't work very well. I tried to make it work, but I didn't really believe in all the characters, so that couldn't be hidden from people who loved Spider-Man. If the director doesn't love something, it's wrong of them to make it when so many other people love it. I think [raising the stakes after 'Spider-Man 2'] was the thinking going into it, and I think that's what doomed us. I should've just stuck with the characters and the relationships and progressed them to the next step and not tried to top the bar." New Line Cinema Friday the 13th "Jason X" (2001) - Director: James Isaac - IMDb user rating: 4.4 - Metascore: 25 - Runtime: 91 min "Jason X" is set far into the future, in 2455 to be exact, and follows a group of researchers who have returned to the now-abandoned planet to learn what they can from it, only to find themselves being hunted down by Jason Voorhees. Campy and predictable seem to be the most popular words used by audiences as they blast the 10th installment in the series. It seems the futuristic setting did nothing to distract them from the overall tiredness of the franchise. Temple Hill Entertainment Twilight "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" (2009) - Director: Chris Weitz - IMDb user rating: 4.7 - Metascore: 44 - Runtime: 130 min "Twilight" is a divisive franchise: Audiences either love it or hate it. That being said, "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" earned some appropriate criticism for the way it romanticized self-harm and suicidal tendencies. When you take into consideration that the series' audience is largely tweens and young adults, this irresponsible messaging looks even worse. Warner Bros. Superman "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace" (1987) - Director: Sidney J. Furie - IMDb user rating: 3.7 - Metascore: 24 - Runtime: 90 min Released during the Cold War, "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace" deals heavily with the nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union as well as the general idea of nuclear materials being used as weapons. It's an admittedly odd topic for a superhero movie and one that both audiences and critics didn't seem to quite connect with. On the other hand, Christopher Reeves, who plays Clark Kent for the last time in this film, described "Superman IV" as the most important "Superman" film he ever made. Dreamworks Shrek "Shrek the Third" (2007) - Directors: Chris Miller, Raman Hui - IMDb user rating: 6.1 - Metascore: 58 - Runtime: 93 min In "Shrek the Third," Shrek finds himself being forced to take the throne after the passing of Fiona's father, King Harold, unless he can find a suitable replacement. While the movie still fared well with younger audiences, bringing in over $813 million at the box office, older fans bemoaned the loss of charm and heart in the movie. New Line Cinema Nightmare on Elm Street "Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare" (1991) - Director: Rachel Talalay - IMDb user rating: 4.9 - Metascore: 39 - Runtime: 89 min The last film in the "Nightmare on Elm Street" series, "Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare" wanted to go out with a bang but ended up sneaking out with a whimper. While audiences agree that it's not quite as bad as other horror franchise endings, they still feel that the stale acting, random plotline, and trashy 3-D special effects ruined what could have been a big finale. It didn't help that by the time of its 1991 release the "Freddy vs. Jason" series, which was doing much more interesting things, had already begun. New Line Cinema Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III" (1993) - Director: Stuart Gillard - IMDb user rating: 4.8 - Metascore: 40 - Runtime: 96 min Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael travel back to 16th-century Japan to save their pal April who was transported there by a magical scepter in "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III." Obviously aimed at kids, the film still took flack from critics for its poor production value, slipping humor, and muddled plot. That being said, other critics like John Hartl from The Seattle Times called the movie "the easiest installment in the series for parents to sit through." Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. James Bond "Casino Royale" (1967) - Directors: Val Guest, Ken Hughes, John Huston, Joseph McGrath, Robert Parrish, Richard Talmadge - IMDb user rating: 5.2 - Metascore: 48 - Runtime: 131 min Famed film critic Roger Ebert wrote on his website that "Casino Royale" was "a definitive example of what can happen when everybody working on a film goes simultaneously berserk." The 1967 film certainly is a mess: There were five directors all working independently to create two storylines that never end up merging, many scenes and lines that were completely improvised and don't flow together, and the film literally has six James Bonds as well as a confusing host of other characters. Warner Bros. Batman "Batman & Robin" (1997) - Director: Joel Schumacher - IMDb user rating: 3.7 - Metascore: 28 - Runtime: 125 min 1997's "Batman and Robin" movie has been crowned "the most infamous comic book movie of all time" by Aaron Couch of The Hollywood Reporter. Although the movie featured some of Hollywood's biggest names at the time and was directed by Joel Schumacher (who had found success with "Batman Forever"), the hyped-up movie ended up being a flop and fans complained that it felt more like an extended toy commercial than a solid piece of cinema. Paramount Pictures Terminator "Terminator: Dark Fate" (2019) - Director: Tim Miller - IMDb user rating: 6.3 - Metascore: 54 - Runtime: 128 min Many critics have argued that "Terminator: Dark Fate" flopped not because of any fault of its own (the storyline was interesting enough, the special effects were fine, the actors gave decent performances), but because the series leading up to this point had been an unmitigated disaster. While the original "Terminator" did well with audiences, the two intervening films did not, leaving fans unwilling to commit to a further sequel that may or may not be worth it. Dimension Films Scary Movie "Scary Movie 5" (2013) - Directors: Malcolm D. Lee, David Zucker - IMDb user rating: 3.5 - Metascore: 11 - Runtime: 86 min After the Wayans brothers parted ways with the "Scary Movie" franchise, things took a decided turn for the worse. "Scary Movie 5" is a perfect example of the poorly acted, not-very-funny drivel the series has become. While the horror movie parodies are still star-packed, the stars in today's installments are B-list at best.
	Annual bags tournament held to raise breast cancer awareness Bags for Breast Cancer has raised over $100,000 for the Trinity Health Foundation.
	If you remember any of these 50 car companies, you were almost certainly born in the last century Bill Pugliano // Getty Images 50 car companies that no longer exist Although the automobile may have originated in Europe, few sectors of the United States economy embody the American notions of personal liberty, expression, and freedom as thoroughly as the automotive industry. The industry's rise at the beginning of the 20th century coincided with the ascent of manned flight, the motion picture industry, and a sense that the U.S. was entering a new and progressive era where anything was possible. Hundreds of automotive companies sprouted nationwide at the turn of the century, fueling the ambitions of people from all walks of life. Not all of these ambitions were realized. Many companies foundered because of mismanagement, overexpansion, misjudgment of public taste, and underestimating supply chain costs. In the early part of the 20th century, some companies whose products were electric vehicles or steam-powered cars could not compete against gas-powered autos that had more power and were cheaper to drive. Other factors—the economic downturn in the early 1920s and the Great Depression, which caused widespread financial distress and dislocation—spelled doom for many carmakers, such as Du Pont, Duesenberg, and Pierce-Arrow. Though the reasons for these companies' demises may seem obvious in hindsight, certain popular car brands today could also go the way of Durant or Peerless. In the meantime, though, we're sticking to the past. There are plenty of once-big names that are now completely defunct. Stacker has compiled a list of 50 car companies that no longer exist from various historical sources such as the Ohio History Connection and HistoricDetroit.org; websites from education sources that included Case Western Reserve University of Cleveland; car club websites; and Hemmings Motor News, a monthly magazine catering to traders and collectors of antique, classic, and exotic sports cars. In compiling the list, we attempted to tell one part of the story of the American automotive industry through various eras, the innovations of these companies and their ambitions, and the segments they held in the marketplace. We also outline the causes and reasons these companies no longer exist. This list is not meant to be a comprehensive record of all the companies that no longer exist but rather a slate of companies that made an impact through their designs or innovations that helped move the industry forward. Keep reading to find 50 car companies that no longer exist. Los Angeles Examiner/USC Libraries/Corbis // Getty Images Aerocar International Moulton Taylor founded Aerocar International in the late 1940s to capitalize on the soaring interest in civil aviation and tap the ranks of pilots who trained to fly combat planes during World War II. Taylor's aircraft was a hybrid car-airplane that drew inspiration from Robert Fulton Jr.'s Airphibian and was certified by the Civil Aeronautics Administration. The Aerocar could accommodate two people and had a four-cylinder engine. It could reach a top speed of 110 miles per hour and 67 miles per hour on the ground. It took 10 minutes for a driver pilot to convert the plane into a car. National Motor Museum/Heritage Images // Getty Images American Motors Corp. American Motors Corp. existed from 1954 to 1987. The company came about following the merger of Hudson Motor Car and Nash-Kelvinator in 1954, which at the time was the largest corporate merger. AMC sold the Jeep brand after purchasing Kaiser-Jeep in 1970 and also sold the Pacer and Concord under its nameplate. In addition, AMC produced the Rambler, which was named Motor Trend Car of the Year in 1963. In 1968, the company introduced the Javelin to compete with other brands' sports cars. French automaker Renault owned 46.1% of AMC stock, and in 1987, Chrysler agreed to buy Renault's AMC shares, as well as the remaining stock held by other owners. Don O'Brien // Wikimedia Commons Apperson Brothers Automobile Co. Apperson was founded in Kokomo, Indiana, in 1902 by brothers Elmer and Edgar Apperson. The early vehicles built by the company were touring cars with four cylinders that packed up to 50 horsepower. They were expensive for their time; the early Apperson models cost from $3,500 to $5,500. Among the most well-known of the Apperson vehicles was the 1907 Jack Rabbit, a 96-horsepower vehicle that, according to advertisements of the time, could reach speeds of 75 miles per hour. Neodarkshadow // Wikimedia Commons Auburn Automobile Co. The Auburn Automobile Co., founded in Auburn, Indiana, was incorporated in 1903 after brothers Frank and Morris Eckhart became interested in the burgeoning automobile industry. Their first car was a single-cylinder, water-cooled vehicle that set consumers back about $1,450. Auburn vehicles became known for technical innovation and stylish design. The Eckharts left the automobile business in 1918, selling out to investors from Chicago. The company had its best year in 1931 when the company produced nearly 33,000 automobiles. But triumph turned to disappointment with the onset of the Great Depression, when sales fell. Internal conflict and market pressures pushed the company into bankruptcy in 1937. National Motor Museum/Heritage Images // Getty Images Chalmers Motor Co. Detroit-based Chalmers Motor Co. started in 1908 and made high-end vehicles until 1923, when it merged with Chrysler. The company takes its name from Hugh Chalmers, the chief executive officer of National Cash Register Co. Chalmers left NCR around the turn of the 20th century to try his luck in the emerging automobile industry. A born salesman, Chalmers was also a baseball fan and saw an opportunity to connect his company with America's pastime. He created a marketing campaign that would become the predecessor of baseball's most valuable player award by giving a car to the leading hitter in each league. Thomas Doerfer // Wikimedia Commons Checker Motors Corp. Checker, based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, was famous for its taxis, particularly in New York City. The company was founded by Russian immigrant Morris Markin in 1922. Among its particular features were wide rear doors and spacious rear seats. The vehicles came in black, maroon, and yellow. Markin expanded the company in 1929 when he bought the Yellow Cab Co. The Checker Marathon taxicab was produced with signature checkered stripes from 1956 to 1982. Increasing fuel-efficiency requirements hurt the company. The last day for the vehicle in New York City was July 27, 1999. Tony Korody/Sygma/Sygma // Getty Images DeLorean Motor Co. Maverick automobile engineer and executive John DeLorean created the DMC-12, the car moviegoers know from the 1985 runaway time-travel hit "Back to the Future" that starred Michael J. Fox. In the late 1970s, DeLorean built a plant in Belfast, Northern Ireland, to produce the DMC-12. The car, which first came off the assembly line in 1981, was sleek but criticized for being underpowered and not as fuel-efficient as advertised. The company ran into money problems and only produced about 9,000 vehicles. New financing failed to materialize, and the company went bankrupt in 1982. F.D. Richards // Wikimedia Commons Dort Motor Car Co. The Dort Motor Car Co. was based in Flint, Michigan, and operated from 1915 to 1924. Dort was founded as the Flint Road Cart Co. in 1884 by William Crapo Durant and Josiah Dallas Dort. By 1917, Dort offered four models—two sedans, an open tourer, and a roadster—at prices starting at $695. Dort continued making cars until 1924. By then, the rising cost of developing and distributing vehicles made it difficult for the company to compete against larger automotive companies. Sicnag // Wikimedia Commons Duesenberg Motors Co. Duesenberg Motors Co., known for well-crafted vehicles in the early part of the 20th century, made racing cars and high-end automobiles. Brothers August and Frederick Duesenberg founded the company in 1913 in St. Paul, Minnesota. They eventually moved the company to Indianapolis, home of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and built vehicles for racing. The company's luxury car was a pricey $8,500, and owning one was considered prestigious. Celebrities were drawn to the vehicle, actor Gary Cooper among them. The Great Depression hurt the luxury end of the automobile market and Duesenberg went out of business in 1937. Sicnag // Wikimedia Commons Du Pont Motors Inc. The Du Pont family made its fortune by producing chemicals. But the family also made cars in the early part of the 20th century. The company was founded during World War I to make engines for the Allied war effort. After the war, the company made luxury automobiles in Wilmington, Delaware, in limited production. Du Pont's largest vehicle was the eight-cylinder Model G, which debuted in 1929. Four of the Model Gs competed in the Grand Prix d'Endurance at Le Mans. The car drew fans, and Du Pont made versions of the vehicle for sale to the general public. Du Pont Motors halted production in 1931 because of the Great Depression and closed in 1932. Bettmann // Getty Images Durant Motors Inc. After he was fired as CEO of General Motors, William Durant founded Durant Motors Inc. in 1921. The company produced a full line of vehicles. In 1922, he bought luxury carmaker Locomobile in a liquidation sale, to compete in the high-end sector against Cadillac and Lincoln. He helped create dealer networks and marketing incentives for his employees and managed a sprawling network of decentralized assembly lines across the country. However, the company overexpanded and accumulated debt, and the Great Depression led to its demise. Bettmann // Getty Images Duryea Motor Wagon Co. Brothers Charles and Frank Duryea were the first Americans to produce a commercial automobile powered by gasoline and also the first to incorporate an American business for constructing cars to be sold to the public. They tested their vehicle on the streets of Springfield, Massachusetts, on Sept. 20, 1893. Three years later, Charles Duryea founded the Duryea Motor Wagon Co. and sold the first 13 cars of a limousine whose production lasted into the 1920s. The Duryeas were involved in several automotive firsts. They participated in the nation's inaugural car race; put up for sale the first commercial automobile in 1896; and later that year, a Duryea vehicle hit a bicyclist in New York City in the nation's first recorded traffic accident. Mark Harkin // Wikimedia Commons Anderson Motor Car Co. The Anderson Motor Car Co. was founded by John Gary Anderson, who owned a buggy factory in Rock Hill, South Carolina. By 1915, Anderson saw the writing on the wall for horse-drawn transportation and converted his company into an automotive business. He traveled to the industry hub of Detroit to see how automobile factories were organized. The visionary Anderson wanted to turn Rock Hill into the "Detroit of the South." He opened dealerships throughout the South, and in Cleveland, Detroit, Boston, and New York City. Anderson also expanded into England, China, and Australia. His vehicles were too expensive for most customers, and his effort to introduce a lower-cost, aluminum model to lift sales foundered. Anderson stopped manufacturing automobiles in 1924. Jay Paull // Getty Images Elkhart Carriage and Motor Car Co., Elcar Motor Co. The Elkhart Carriage and Motor Car Co., later the Elcar Motor Co. of Elkhart, Indiana, lasted from 1915 to 1934. The company created the Elcar automobile, considered one of America's best-made assembled automobiles in the early part of the 20th century. The company also was involved in the taxicab sector, which kept people employed during the Great Depression that devastated the assembled-car industry. The taxi industry would help sustain the company for much of the economic downturn. However, Elcar could not survive the entirety of America's worst economic crisis. National Motor Museum/Heritage Images // Getty Images Essex Motor Co. The Essex was an automobile produced by the Essex Motor Co. between 1918 and 1922 and by the Hudson Motor Car Co. between 1922 and 1933. The vehicle was small, durable, and affordably priced. The Essex is frequently credited by automotive historians with starting a trend toward enclosed passenger compartments that were affordable and distinct from open touring cars' design. Essex sales held their own through the 1920s but began to slip down as the Great Depression took hold. The company debuted a redesigned Essex in 1932, dubbed the Essex-Terraplane. It survived the company, which went out of business in 1933. Public Domain Electric Vehicle Co. The Electric Vehicle Co. was an assemblage of battery-powered electric automobile manufacturers created by Isaac L. Rice in 1897. William C. Whitney and P. A. B. Widener took over the company in 1899. They planned to create a monopoly by putting electric vehicles on the streets of large American cities, such as New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Boston. This became known as "Lead Cab Trust." The company sold about 2,000 electric cars as taxis to several American cities. But it faced mounting competition from gas-powered cars, legal challenges regarding its monopoly, and criticism about the poor condition of its vehicles. The company eventually went bankrupt in 1907. Bill Pugliano // Getty Images Fisker Automotive Fisker Automotive, based in Anaheim, California, was known for producing the Fisker Karma, one of the first luxury plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The vehicle debuted at the 2008 North American International Auto Show and was first delivered in 2011. Production of the Fisker Karma was suspended in November 2012 following the bankruptcy of its battery supplier, A123 Systems. At that point, about 2,450 Karmas had been built since 2011 and more than 2,000 cars had been sold worldwide. A dispute with the Department of Energy over a loan helped doom Fisker Automotive, which went bankrupt in 2013. The next year, Fisker Automotive's Karma vehicle design and tooling and a manufacturing facility in Delaware were purchased by Chinese auto parts conglomerate Wanxiang Group. Jay Paull // Getty Images Franklin Automobile Co. The Franklin Automobile Co., based in Syracuse, New York, created the Franklin motor car invented by engineer John Wilkinson and produced by H. H. Franklin, an industrialist, beginning in 1902. The vehicle had an air-cooled engine and flexible, lightweight construction during an era when other luxury car companies were making lumbering cars. The Franklins set many racing records in their day and were known for their handling, speed, and durability. Like some other luxury carmakers, it did not survive the Great Depression. Library of Congress/Corbis/VCG // Getty Images Hudson Motor Car Co. The Hudson Motor Car Co. was founded by Detroit department store magnate Joseph L. Hudson in 1909. The company sold 4,000 of its four-cylinder models in 1909, which at the time was the most sales of any car company. But Hudson Motor Car Co. had other ambitions. It built a more powerful six-cylinder engine in 1913 called the "Super Six." The car wrote itself into automotive history in 1916, when Hudson broke records for the first two-way transcontinental trip and the quickest climb up Pikes Peak. Hudson sold well in the 1920s, with production topping at 300,000 in 1929. The company merged with Nash-Kelvinator Corp. in 1954. Sports Studio Photos // Getty Images Harroun Motors Corp. The Harroun Motor Sales Corp. operated from 1916 to 1920 and produced the Harroun automobile in Wayne, Michigan. The company was named after founder and racing legend Ray Harroun, who won the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911. The company was incorporated in 1917 with $10 million in capital. The company was slow getting vehicles to the public because of delays in constructing its factory, which was designed to manufacture 24,000 cars annually. The company also was hampered by its inability to find a few new investors. Harroun Motors did develop the Harroun car, a four-cylinder, 16-horsepower vehicle. The company eventually closed in 1922, succumbing to a severe post-World War I economic downturn. National Motor Museum/Heritage Images // Getty Images Hupp Motor Car Co. The Hupp Motor Car Co. originated in Detroit and was founded by Robert "Bobby" Hupp, who had worked at Olds Motor Works and Ford Motor Co. before striking out on his own. His Hupmobile was a small vehicle that debuted in 1909 at the Detroit Automobile Show and became a big success nationwide. Among its admirers was Henry Ford. The vehicle was inexpensive and developed a reputation for its durability and reliability, which were especially important in the days before well-paved roads. The Hupp 20 Runabout was selected as the first car used by the Detroit police force. The company was also known for its elegant advertising campaigns. In 1911, Hupp left the company and started other car businesses, all of which failed. Hupp Motor Car Co. continued without him. It eventually filed for bankruptcy in 1940 because of poor management. Imperial Auto Company // Wikimedia Commons Imperial Automobile Co. Brothers T.A. and George N. Campbell formed the Imperial Automobile Co. in Jackson, Michigan, in 1907. Imperial produced mid-sized vehicles powered by four-cylinder engines. The company's cars were assembled cars, meaning parts were made by other companies. The body and coach production was done by other companies. The coachwork was performed by the Beaudette Co., which also did work for Buick and Ford. In 1915, the company merged with Marion Motor Co. from Indianapolis to form Mutual Motors Co. Imperial's car production lasted until 1916. dave_7 // Wikimedia Commons Jackson Automobile Co. Jackson, Michigan, was a hub for automotive activity in the first half of the 20th century. The city was the base for 25 car makers from 1901 to 1954. Jackson Automobile Co., one of the first automobile manufacturers in Jackson, was formed by Charles Lewis, Byron J. Carter, and George A. Matthews in 1902. The first car produced by the company was a steam-engine-powered vehicle called the Jaxon Steam Car. That six-horsepower vehicle was powered by a three-cylinder engine and hit the street in 1903. The company also debuted a gasoline automobile the same year. The company stayed in the Matthews family until it went out of business in 1923. Camerique // Getty Images Kaiser-Frazer Corp. The pairing of shipbuilding mogul Henry J. Kaiser, famous for building Liberty ships during World War II, and experienced auto executive Joseph W. Frazer, who got Willys-Overland the Jeep contract in 1941, to form Kaiser-Frazer Corp. in 1945 seemed promising. They hoped to take advantage of the pent-up demand for cars in the post-World War II market. They set up production at Willow Run, Michigan, using the same plant where Ford had constructed B-24 bombers during the war. The company produced the Kaiser, priced in the lower-medium range, and the Frazer, focused on the luxury segment. At first, sales went well, but the company had problems finding raw materials and components. Kaiser-Frazer's cost structure also was higher than its rivals, and that hurt the company. Kaiser-Frazer abandoned the passenger car market in 1955. Sasha/Hulton Archive // Getty Images Midget Motors Corp. Midget Motors Corp. made the King Midget microcar between 1946 and 1970. Company founders Claud Dry and Dale Orcutt, two Civil Air Patrol pilots, first sold the King Midget in Athens, Ohio. Originally, the company offered a kit to build the car. But then the company added fully assembled cars and eventually offered only finished cars. Midget Motors appealed to home mechanics and advertised its cars in Popular Mechanics and Popular Science magazines. If you wanted a King Midget delivered to your home in the U.S., it would take three to 10 weeks. The price for the 690-pound vehicle was $870. A fire at the plant and the company's inability to meet federal safety laws doomed Midget Motors in 1970. National Motor Museum/Heritage Images // Getty Images Kissel Motor Co. The Kissel Motor Car Co. was launched in 1906 by Louis Kissel and his sons, George and William, in Hartford, Wisconsin. The company custom-built automobiles, hearses, fire trucks, taxicabs, and trucks. During World War I, Kissel Motor produced trucks for the U.S. military and other Allied nations. Kissel Motor prospered after the war. Its most famous car, made from 1919 through 1927, was the Speedster, nicknamed the "Gold Bug." The car was owned by some of the most famous personalities of the 1920s, such as actress Greta Garbo, aviator Amelia Earhart, and boxer Jack Dempsey. Kissel's losses climbed during the Great Depression, and an attempted hostile takeover by New Era Motors forced Kissel Motor to file for receivership protection in November 1930. Jay Paull // Getty Images Lozier Motor Co. The Lozier Motor Co. produced luxury vehicles from 1900 to 1915, during a period known in automotive circles as "The Brass Era," when brass fittings were used for lights and radiators. The company was founded in Plattsburgh, New York, on the western shore of Lake Champlain, by Henry Abram Lozier, an Indiana-born sewing machine and bicycle manufacturer. A Lozier was involved in the controversial ending of the first Indianapolis 500. Many automobile historians believe the Lozier vehicle won but was denied the first-place prize because of a chaotic finish involving an accident. Beyond the racetrack, Lozier faced mounting competition and tried to enter the mid-priced car segment in 1914. A merger with Ford Motor Co. failed and the company declared bankruptcy in 1915. HABS // Wikimedia Commons Lexington Motor Co. A group of investors founded the Lexington Motor Co. in 1909 in Lexington, Kentucky. The company created the Lexington Motor Car, a sleekly designed vehicle with a four-cylinder engine. The car's innovative design appealed to the public and a strong performance at the 1909 Glidden Reliability Tour generated an order backlog. The car also benefited from the talents of mechanic John C. Moore. His designs for an assembled motor car using components made by other manufacturers kept costs low. The Lexington car competed in the 1912 Indianapolis 500. Like many carmakers, the post-World War I recession led to the demise of the Lexington Motor Co. Topical Press/Hulton Archive // Getty Images Marmon Motor Car Co. Marmon Motor Car Co., founded by brothers Howard and Walter Marmon in Indianapolis, began building cars in 1902. The company would become famous for the Wasp car, which racing legend Ray Harroun drove while winning the 1911 Indianapolis 500. Marmon developed a reputation for reliable, speedy, upscale cars that were favored by celebrities such as actors Francis X. Bushman and Douglas Fairbanks. The company was known for technological breakthroughs involving V-shaped engines, as well as innovations such as the rear-view mirror and the use of aluminum in auto manufacturing. In 1929, Marmon introduced a car that cost less than $1,000, but the stock market crash that year worsened its financial woes. Buyenlarge // Getty Images Maxwell Motor Co. Maxwell Motor Co. was formed in 1913. The origins of today's Chrysler brand, now owned by Stellantis—itself a merger of Fiat, Chrysler, and Peugeot—are in the Maxwell company. Jonathan Maxwell and Benjamin Briscoe made the first Maxwell car in 1904. Their cars at the dawn of the automotive industry boasted technological innovations such as using a driveshaft instead of the more common chain drive. In 1909, Maxwell sold 9,400 vehicles and was the nation's third-largest automaker. The company sponsored the first cross-country drive by an all-woman crew. In 1920, the company, awash in debt and near collapse, convinced Walter P. Chrysler to leave General Motors to try to revitalize the company. Under Chrysler's leadership, the company began to make competitive automobiles. In 1925, the Maxwell Motor Co. became the Chrysler Corp. Creative Commons // Wikimedia Commons Monarch Motor Car Co. Detroit-based Monarch Motor Car Co., founded by Joseph Bloom, built the Monarch automobile, which existed from 1913 to 1917. The car was designed by Bloom's brother-in-law, Robert C. Hupp, who became famous for creating the Hupmobile. The Monarch car was a small, four-cylinder vehicle that sold for about $1,000. Eventually, the company produced a smaller vehicle that cost $675. Hupp wanted to build a bigger car with an eight-cylinder motor and sought funding, but this failed to happen. Monarch Motor Car Co. went bankrupt. The company was bought by the Carter Brothers. Eastfrisian // Wikimedia Commons Moon Motor Car Co. Moon Motor Car Co. was founded by carriage maker Joseph W. Moon in 1905 in St. Louis and existed until 1930. The Moon company was one of nearly 100 automobile companies based in St. Louis in the early part of the 20th century. Moon's son-in-law, Steward McDonald, became vice president of the company and rebranded the cars, emphasizing style and comfort over engineering. He placed ads in the nationally distributed Saturday Evening Post, one of which featured cinema star Clara Bow astride a Moon vehicle. The company developed a reputation for fully assembled, mid-priced cars using high-quality parts. The component quality required more extensive work, which led to operating losses. The Great Depression put the company out of business. ISC Images & Archives // Getty Images Nash Motors Co. Nash Motors was founded in 1916 by former General Motors president Charles W. Nash, who had acquired the Thomas B. Jeffery Co. and changed its name. Jeffery's most well-known car was the Rambler, whose mass production from a plant in Kenosha, Wisconsin, began in 1902. Nash cars developed a reputation for sturdiness and value. Even so, the company struggled to compete with Ford, GM, and Chrysler. From 1937 to 1954, Nash Motors was the automotive division of the Nash-Kelvinator Corp. and continued to be innovative. The brand debuted heating and ventilation systems as well as unibody construction. In 1954, Nash-Kelvinator acquired Hudson Motor Car Co., forming the American Motor Co. Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group // Getty Images National Motor Vehicle Co. The National Motor Vehicle Co., founded in Indianapolis, operated from 1900 to 1924. One of the company's presidents, Arthur C. Newby, was instrumental in creating the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The National Motor Vehicle Co. first focused on making electric vehicles but in 1906 stopped producing them, switching to gasoline-engined cars. The company produced various passenger vehicles, from four- to 12-cylinder engines, and many racing cars. A National Motor car won the 1912 Indianapolis 500. In 1922, the company was merged into an association of car companies that went out of business in 1924. Bettmann // Getty Images Oakland Motor Car Co. The Oakland Motor Car Co., based in Pontiac, Michigan, was named after the Michigan county of Oakland. The company was founded in 1907 by Edward Murphy, also the founder of a buggy company in Pontiac. In 1908, Oakland produced a Model A costing $1,300 and Model E for $2,150. The company's rapid growth and accompanying financial pressures bore down on the company. General Motors Co., led by William C. Durant, saw an opportunity to bring Oakland into the GM fold, and Oakland became a division of General Motors. The company continued to make modestly priced automobiles until 1931, when the brand was dropped in favor of GM's Pontiac. National Motor Museum/Heritage Images // Getty Images Packard Motor Car Co. The Packard Motor Car Co., founded by brothers James Ward Packard and William Dowd Packard, had a long run, from 1899 to 1956. When it opened in 1903, Packard's Detroit plant, constructed by famed architect Albert Kahn, was the most advanced auto factory in the world. The company gained a reputation for innovation, such as the modern steering wheel, and luxury. After World War II, Packard aimed at making cars for the middle class, but the company could not compete against GM, Ford, and Chrysler. Its renowned Detroit plant ended manufacturing in 1957, and the company's last car model was produced in 1958. National Motor Museum/Heritage Images // Getty Images Peerless Motor Car Co. The Peerless brand of cars in Cleveland was produced by the Peerless Motor Car Co. from 1900 to 1931. Peerless was known as one of the three "P" car companies, along with Packard and Pierce-Arrow. Peerless had a reputation for producing luxurious touring car models, with a top price of $6,000 in 1905. The market turned against large touring cars in the 1920s, and Peerless was forced to lower its prices and tried to promote medium-sized cars. Peerless fell victim to the Depression. When it closed in 1931, it was the last Cleveland-based manufacturer of cars. Underwood Archives // Getty Images Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Co. The Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Co. was a luxury carmaker based in Buffalo that operated from 1901 to 1938. Besides luxury cars, Pierce-Arrow also made commercial trucks, firetrucks, boats, and motorcycles. Founder George Pierce focused on the luxury segment and made a larger, more luxurious car for affluent customers. Pierce-Arrows were considered the American Rolls-Royce and were favored by U.S. presidents and celebrities. Economic downturns beginning in the early 1930s hurt the company, which had difficulty competing against the luxury brands of Big Three rivals Ford, GM, and Chrysler. ISC Images & Archives // Getty Images Rickenbacker Motor Co. World War I flying ace Eddie Rickenbacker founded the Rickenbacker Motor Co. in 1921 in Detroit. Rickenbacker used his World War I fighter squadron emblem of a top hat inside a ring to symbolize the company, which made sporting coupes, touring cars, sedans, and roadsters. Rickenbacker cars were too expensive for the era and sales were disappointing. The death of auto designer Walter Flanders was a setback for the company. Rickenbacker, tired of company infighting, left Rickenbacker Motor in 1926, and the business closed in 1927. In a curious twist, the company's manufacturing equipment was sold to Audi and transported to Germany, the country Rickenbacker had fought against in World War I. PhotoQuest // Getty Images REO Motor Car Co. REO Motor Car Co. was founded by Ransom Eli Olds in 1904. He organized a network of parts companies such as the National Coil Co., the Michigan Screw Co., and the Atlas Drop Forge Co. to supply his car company. By 1907, REO had sales of $4 million and was one of the four largest car companies in the nation. After 1908, although Olds' cars had improved, the company lost market share to emerging auto giants Ford and General Motors. The company survived on its reputation for durable cars and trucks. Truck orders during World War II helped sustain the company, but the postwar era was an unstable time for the company. In 1954, it was sold to the Bohn Aluminum & Brass Corp. and three years later became a unit of the White Motor Co. John B. Carnett/Bonnier Corp. // Getty Images Saturn General Motors launched the Saturn brand in 1985 to try to compete with the Japanese auto brands that were making inroads in the American market. The company was billed as "a different kind of car company," created by GM as a standalone car company, though wholly owned by General Motors. It was managed separately initially but eventually was brought into GM's fold. Saturn's first car was the S-Series, which was well-received by automotive critics and the public. The company would later turn out models such as the Ion and Aura. After GM's bankruptcy and restructuring in 2009, the auto giant tried to sell Saturn. No deal materialized, and GM ended Saturn production in 2009. National Motor Museum/Heritage Images // Getty Images Stanley Motor Carriage Co. The Stanley Motor Carriage Co. was known for making steam-powered motor cars, known as Stanley Steamers, although the company made other models too. Freelan O. Stanley and his wife, Flora, climbed Mount Washington in New Hampshire in 1899 in a Stanley Steamer. It was the first time any automobile had climbed the mountain, the tallest in the northeastern United States. Gas engines made the Stanley steam cars obsolete in the 1920s, as gas engines produced more power and had become easier to operate at a lower cost. The company closed in 1924. FPG/Hulton Archive // Getty Images Stout Motor Car Co. Detroit-based Stout Motor Car Co. made the Scarab, a beetle-shaped vehicle designed by aircraft engineer William Bushnell Stout. The vehicle had an art deco aesthetic, was made mostly of aluminum, and rode the trend of American cars that were getting bigger and sturdier by the 1930s. It was an early version of a minivan, with a long wheelbase. The vehicle also had ambient lighting, thermostat-controlled heating, and power door locks. The car never went into mass production. National Motor Museum/Heritage Images // Getty Images Studebaker Automobile Co. Studebaker Automobile Co., founded in South Bend, Indiana, was another company that made electrically powered cars at the beginning of the 20th century. By 1904, the company started selling gas-powered cars—two-cylinder, 16-horsepower touring vehicles. In 1913, Studebaker was the third-largest producer of cars in the U.S., trailing Ford and Overland. The company survived the Great Depression and produced trucks for the military during World War II. After the war, the company produced a curiously styled car that won the nickname "coming-and-going car" because both ends looked identical. Packard Motor Car Co. bought Studebaker, and the combined company found it difficult to compete with General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. In March 1966, Studebaker shuttered its Hamilton, Ontario, facilities, ending 114 years in business. Dave Mathias/The Denver Post // Getty Images Tucker Corp. Tucker Corp. was the brainchild of Preston Tucker, a visionary automobile entrepreneur. In 1948, he built a revolutionary rear-engine sedan, a vehicle shaped like a torpedo, that was the first to include disc brakes and a center headlight that swiveled during cornering, among other features. Tucker declared he had opposition from within the automobile industry in an open letter that appeared in newspapers all over the country. The letter accused his rivals of planting spies in his factories and alleged Tucker dealers were being harassed. Tucker's financial troubles and accusations of stock fraud—of which he was found not guilty—doomed the company. The story was made into a movie in 1988, "Tucker: The Man and His Dream," directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Jeff Bridges. Bettmann // Getty Images White Motor Co. The White Motor Co., another car manufacturer based in Cleveland, made automobiles, trucks, and agricultural tractors from 1900 until 1980. In 1909, White made its first vehicle under its own name. During World War I, the company shifted its focus to trucks, which proved to be lucrative. Plunging sales during the Great Depression forced the company to briefly merge with Studebaker in 1932. It was reorganized independently two years later and became a major producer of heavy-duty trucks and buses. White took on debt to make purchases of smaller truck makers, and years of mismanagement, coupled with economic downturns, and changes in the industry took their toll. White filed for bankruptcy in 1980. Library of Congress/Corbis/VCG // Getty Images Willys-Overland Motor Co. In 1908, automotive pioneer John North Willys bought the Standard Wheel Co. in Toledo, Ohio, and four years later renamed it the Willys-Overland Motor Co. The company struggled over the next two decades, grappling with labor unrest much of the time, and went bankrupt during the Great Depression. It was reorganized as Willys-Overland Motors Inc. in 1936. Willys is best known for building Jeeps in World War II, manufacturing about 330,000 of the vehicles used by the U.S. military between 1941 and 1945. In 1953, Kaiser Motors purchased the company; in 1963, the Willys name vanished when the company was renamed Kaiser-Jeep. PhotoQuest // Getty Images Winton Motor Carriage Co. Winton Motor Carriage Co. was another Cleveland-based automobile maker that originated at the end of the 19th century, becoming one of the first American companies to sell a motorized vehicle. The company was founded by bicycle maker Alexander Winton, a Scottish immigrant who promoted his first cars by driving one to New York City from Cleveland in 1897. Winton was the first American company to sell a standard gasoline-powered automobile. It cost $1,000. By 1916, the company was producing 2,450 vehicles per year and had branches in New York, London, Toronto, and Honolulu. Winton failed to adjust to the introduction of less expensive vehicles produced by Ford, and in 1924 ceased automobile production. USC Libraries/Corbis // Getty Images Yellow Cab Manufacturing Co. The Yellow Cab Manufacturing Co. was created in 1920 by Chicago car salesman John Hertz. The immigrant from Austria had entered the taxicab business eight years earlier with Walden W. Shaw, by converting trade-in cars into taxicabs. Hertz painted the taxis yellow to attract the attention of would-be riders. He incorporated the Yellow Cab Co. in 1915. By 1925, Yellow Cab was the biggest taxi company in the world, with 2,700 vehicles. Hertz's taxis featured innovations such as automatic windshield wipers and two-way radios for dispatching to customers who phoned the main office. In 1929, Hertz sold his share of the company to focus on the rental car business. John Prieto/The Denver Post // Getty Images Zimmer Motorcars Corp. Zimmer Motorcars Corp. was established in Syracuse, New York, in 1978 as a manufacturer of neo-classic automobiles. The idea for this automobile company came from an illustration for a car that Paul Zimmer, chairman and president of Zimmer Corp., drew on a napkin at a dinner with his son Bob. The elder Zimmer then told his son they would build a neo-classically designed car and that Bob would oversee the operation of Zimmer Motorcars Corp. In the 1980s, the company employed as many as 175 people and had $25 million in annual revenue. In 1988, Bob Zimmer sold his shares in the company, and then Paul Zimmer suffered a heart attack and could not devote as much time to the company as he once had. Without the Zimmers, the company foundered and was forced into bankruptcy.
	The 50 most-watched TV series finales of all time NBC Television/Fotos International // Getty Images Most-watched TV series finales of all time Will Rachel and Ross end up together? What brought the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815 to the island on "Lost"? Why were Will and Grace not speaking all of those years? And who would win the Iron Throne? Answering burning questions like those at the end of a TV show can be difficult for showrunners and writers. It's almost impossible to make every fan happy, leaving the creative team to decide whether it's best to tie up every loose end or leave things more open to interpretation. Either option can make for great TV, but at the end of the day, most viewers want a sense of closure for the characters they've come to love over the years. In 2026, several series finales have (mostly) managed to stick the landing, like "The Boys," the curtain call for which mostly positive reviews. But the same can't be said for "Euphoria" and "Outlander," described by Forbes critics as "weird" and "disappointing," respectively. Fans of other beloved series coming to an end in 2026, like "The Bear" and "Outer Banks," will have to wait a little longer to find out whether their favorite shows go out with a bang or a whimper. Passionate response, positive or negative, indicates that a ton of people tuned in to say goodbye to their favorite shows. Because these are almost all streaming series, however, we don't have as clear an idea of total viewership. But in the days before streaming services and DVRs, it was impossible to know how a TV show would end unless you were sitting in front of your screen as the finale aired. If fans wanted closure on their favorite characters, they had to be there when it happened (unless you could figure out your VCR's recording timer). To see which series had the biggest turnout, Stacker looked back at the top 50 most-watched TV series finales of all time, ranked by Nielsen Ratings as of October 2022. The series finales listed include the air dates along with the number of viewers who tuned in (viewership); the rating, which represents tuning or viewing as a percent of the entire population; and the percent of households using television tuned to a specific program, station, or network in a specific area at a particular time (share). Read on to find out where your favorite shows' endings land on this list. Be warned: Spoilers ahead. Big Dog Productions #52. The Tonight Show with Jay Leno - Viewership: 14.6 million - Rating: 9.2% - Share: 22% - Date: Feb. 6, 2014 After 22 years on the air, comedian Jay Leno signed off from "The Tonight Show" in 2014 with a star-studded finale featuring President Barack Obama and a return visit from his first guest, Billy Crystal. It was the second time Leno had said goodbye after Conan O'Brien's brief stint in 2009. Much of the show's celebrity guests and festivities were kept secret from Leno until the show aired. The show was nominated for an Emmy Award in the Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series category 10 times between 1993 and 2005, winning the award in 1995. The famed 1992 finale of his predecessor, Johnny Carson, also appears on this list. Aaron Spelling Productions #51. Dynasty - Viewership: 14.7 million - Rating: 10.8% - Share: 17% - Date: May 11, 1989 "Dynasty" was the iconic guilty pleasure primetime soap opera of the 1980s that revolved around the wealthy Carrington family. Oil baron Blake Carrington (John Forsythe) had fallen in love with his secretary Krystle (Linda Evans), causing all kinds of great TV drama when Blake's infamous ex-wife, Alexis (Joan Collins), shows up. The opulent soap opera was in the Nielsen top 10 for most of its nine-year run, reaching #1 in 1984, but ultimately sliding in popularity by the time the network canceled it in 1989. "Dynasty" was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best TV Drama series every year from 1981 to 1986, winning in 1984. The series earned 24 Emmy Award nominations, winning Outstanding Costumes for a Series in 1984. It also inspired a CW reboot in 2017. Alan Landsburg Productions #50. Kate & Allie - Viewership: 14.9 million - Rating: 11.9% - Share: 20% - Date: May 22, 1989 In the hit 1980s sitcom "Kate & Allie," best friends and fellow divorcees Kate McArdle (Susan Saint James) and Allie Lowell (Jane Curtin) move in together in New York City. Initially greenlit for six episodes as a midseason replacement in 1985, the female-driven series was quickly picked up for five more seasons, earning an Emmy Award for Curtin and a nomination for Saint James, along with Golden Globes nominations for the series. The finale, aired in May 1989, drew nearly 15 million viewers. MGM #49. In the Heat of the Night - Viewership: 15.0 million - Rating: 10.9% - Share: 17% - Date: May 16, 1995 TV legend Carroll O'Connor starred in the tension-filled dramatic TV series "In the Heat of the Night" (based on the Oscar-winning 1967 film and 1965 novel of the same name) as Chief Bill Gillespie, a small-town police chief in the American South, who later becomes sheriff of the county. As he tries to solve crimes and catch criminals with detective Virgil Tibbs (Howard Rollins), Gillespie must navigate tricky small-town politics where racial tensions run high. O'Connor, reportedly disappointed with the writing, would often rewrite his scripts to the chagrin of the production staff. The series ran from 1988 to 1995, sometimes competing with "Golden Girls" and "Major Dad" in ratings. Hulu #48. Married... with Children - Viewership: 15.2 million - Rating: 10.0% - Share: 16% - Date: May 5, 1997 The classic dysfunctional family sitcom "Married...with Children" premiered on the then-newly launched Fox network in 1987 to rave reviews. Starring Ed O'Neill as the hapless family patriarch, Al Bundy, Katey Sagal as gold-digger Peggy, a young Christina Applegate as dim-witted Kelly, and David Faustino as intelligent, but awkward Bud, the series was originally titled "Not the Cosbys." After a viewer-led advertiser boycott in 1989, the series increased in ratings as more people became curious about the show's controversial storylines. O'Neill, who also starred on the hit show "Modern Family," has been said to have made telephone calls to fans in character during the show's heyday, but only on the condition they call him collect, in line with Al Bundy's cheapskate nature. Lorimar Productions #47. Perfect Strangers - Viewership: 15.8 million - Rating: 11.8% - Share: 16% - Date: Aug. 6, 1993 Created by the producers of "Laverne & Shirley" and "Mork & Mindy," buddy comedy "Perfect Strangers" starred Bronson Pinchot as naive Balki Bartokomous, a sheepherder from Greece who travels to the U.S. to find his cousin, the high-strung Larry Appleton (Mark Linn-Baker). The pair end up sharing Larry's apartment despite their differences, often getting into situations in which only the well-meaning but aloof Balki can get them out. The series ran from 1986 to 1993, anchoring the newly created ABC "TGIF" lineup and inspiring the popular spinoff "Family Matters." 20th Century Fox Television #46. NYPD Blue - Viewership: 16.1 million - Rating: 10.4% - Share: 17% - Date: March 1, 2005 The critically acclaimed, gritty police procedural drama "NYPD Blue" was nominated for an Emmy Award 84 times and won 20. The series, which debuted in 1993, aired its final episode in March 2005, making it the longest-running primetime one-hour drama series on ABC until "Grey's Anatomy" surpassed it in 2016. The original ensemble cast included David Caruso, Dennis Franz, and James McDaniel, who played detectives at the 15th Police Precinct in Manhattan. Before "NYPD Blue," some of the stars had an affiliation with co-creator Steven Bochco from his previous highly acclaimed series, "Hill Street Blues." NBC #45. Miami Vice - Viewership: 16.1 million - Rating: 11.0% - Share: 21% - Date: June 28, 1989 Noted for its colorful men's fashion and innovative use of popular music at the time—including jazzy, synthesizer tunes from composer Jan Hammer—the groundbreaking police drama "Miami Vice" focused on the Miami Police Department's vice squad as it worked to end prostitution and drug trafficking. The series ran for five seasons from 1984 to 1990, greatly influencing popular culture, music, and fashion. The partnership of Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs led to Outstanding Actor awards for both stars of the show, Don Johnson and Edward James Olmos, and inspired a film of the same name starring Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell in 2006. NBC #44. ER - Viewership: 16.4 million - Rating: 10.4% - Share: 17% - Date: April 2, 2009 "ER" aired from 1994 until 2009: It was the longest-running primetime medical drama in U.S. television history until it "Grey's Anatomy" surpassed it in 2019. Created by novelist and medical doctor Michael Crichton ("Jurassic Park"), the series followed the lives of the doctors and staff at the fictional County General Hospital in Chicago. Crichton based the screenplay—written in 1974 but put on hold while collaborating with Steven Spielberg on "Jurassic Park"—on his experiences as a resident physician in a busy hospital emergency room. The series was nominated for 375 industry awards and won 116, including a Peabody Award and several Emmy Awards. The series also launched or amplified the TV and film careers of stars such as Noah Wyle, George Clooney, Julianna Margulies, Parminder Nagra, Mekhi Phifer, and Maura Tierney, among others. Oprah #43. The Oprah Winfrey Show - Viewership: 16.4 million - Rating: 11.5% - Share: N/A - Date: May 25, 2011 After 25 years on the air, the history-making "The Oprah Winfrey Show" signed off with a farewell by its namesake to her audience in 150 countries: "You and this show have been the greatest love of my life." The two-part finale by the media icon featured appearances by Aretha Franklin, Tom Cruise, Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé, Tom Hanks, and Madonna, bringing in the highest ratings for the program in 17 years. "Oprah" remains the highest-rated daytime talk show in American television history, leading the way for spinoffs like "Dr. Phil" and "Dr. Oz." Corymore Productions #42. Murder, She Wrote - Viewership: 16.5 million - Rating: 12.3% - Share: 21% - Date: May 19, 1996 For 12 seasons, Angela Lansbury was a mystery writer and detective Jessica Fletcher on the highly successful crime drama series "Murder, She Wrote." A staple in the Sunday night lineup for CBS, the show garnered 26 million viewers per week until the network moved it to a new time slot for its last two seasons. Following the finale in 1996, the series inspired four TV movies, a video game, and a spinoff book series. Lansbury holds the record for having the most Golden Globe and Emmy nominations and wins for an actress in a television drama series. Everett Collection #41. Roseanne - Viewership: 16.6 million - Rating: 11.6% - Share: 19% - Date: May 20, 1997 The popular 1990s sitcom "Roseanne" was named for its star, comedian Roseanne Barr, who had been seen on "The Tonight Show" by show co-creators Marcy Carsey and Tom Werner ("The Cosby Show"). Popular from the start, the show was one of the first to focus on a blue-collar American family with two parents (Barr and John Goodman) working outside the home. Barr and Laurie Metcalf ("Lady Bird"), who played her sister on the show, both won Emmy Awards for their performances. The series took home a Golden Globe, as did Goodman. A 2018 reboot of the series with the original cast premiered with a whopping 18.2 million viewers but ended in controversy after two months when a racist Twitter comment by Barr prompted ABC to nix the show. However, ABC then spun off the reboot to a Barr-free series called "The Conners," which ran for seven seasons before wrapping in 2025. CBS #40. Beverly Hills, 90210 - Viewership: 16.8 million - Rating: 11.9% - Share: 21% - Date: May 17, 2000 For teens in the 1990s, "Beverly Hills, 90210" was the must-see guilty pleasure primetime drama of the era. Produced by the prolific TV writer-producer Aaron Spelling (known for "Charlie's Angels" and "Dynasty"), the series ran for 10 seasons—his longest-running—and spawned the spinoffs "Melrose Place" and "Models Inc." The soapy series focused on the trials and tribulations of high school friends in the upscale community of Beverly Hills. It starred Shannen Doherty, Jason Priestley, Luke Perry, Jennie Garth, Brian Austin Green, and Tori Spelling. Shukovsky English Entertainment #39. Murphy Brown - Viewership: 17.5 million - Rating: 12.3% - Share: 19% - Date: May 18, 1998 "Murphy Brown" was a hugely popular workplace comedy about a Washington-based TV news reporter played by Candice Bergen. The series ran for 10 seasons and won 18 Emmy Awards, including five wins for Bergen, a record for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series. The fact that Bergen's title character—a 40-something working woman—decided to have a baby on her own in the middle of the series sparked a controversy with conservatives at the time but boosted the show's ratings. In the final season in 1998, Murphy Brown's battle with breast cancer led to a 30% increase in women getting mammograms that year. In the finale, Brown meets God for an interview while under anesthesia. NBC #38. Major Dad - Viewership: 17.9 million - Rating: 12.6% - Share: 20% - Date: April 16, 1993 "Major Dad" ran from 1989 to 1993. It featured conservative Marine Major John "Mac" MacGillis (Gerald McRaney) and pacifist reporter Polly Cooper (Shanna Reed), who fall for each other in an unlikely romance. At home, MacGillis becomes dad to Cooper's three daughters. The popular family show received nominations for several awards, but the network canceled it in 1993 after four seasons. Dean Hargrove Productions #37. Jake and the Fatman - Viewership: 18.1 million - Rating: 12.9% - Share: 20% - Date: May 6, 1992 District Attorney J.L. "Fatman" McCabe (William Conrad) worked to solve cases with his laid-back investigator Jake Styles (Joe Penny) for five seasons on "Jake and the Fatman," a crime drama that spawned the spinoff "Diagnosis: Murder." Jake is framed for murder in the series finale in 1992. Embassy Communications #36. The Facts of Life - Viewership: 18.2 million - Rating: 13.2% - Share: 29% - Date: May 7, 1988 In one of the longest-running sitcoms of the 1980s, "The Facts of Life" (a spinoff of "Diff'rent Strokes") focused on Edna Garrett (Charlotte Rae), a housemother at a private all-girls boarding school and the girls who attend. The series enjoyed its highest ratings, particularly with teens, in season three. By season seven (when George Clooney became a regular cast member), the show helped to bolster the new series "The Golden Girls." The two-part series finale of "The Facts of Life" showed the school becoming co-ed, with new students Mayim Bialik ("The Big Bang Theory") and Seth Green appearing as guest stars. Warner Bros. Television #35. The Big Bang Theory - Viewership: 18.5 million - Rating: 12.2% - Share: 22% - Date: May 16, 2019 When you're the longest-running multicamera comedy in TV history, there's a lot of pressure to give fans a satisfying finale—and "The Big Bang Theory" managed to do just that. The second half of the two-episode finale is the highest-rated episode of all 12 seasons, according to IMDb, with 9.5 out of 10 stars. The episode tugged at viewers' heartstrings from the start: with a montage of clips from the show's 12-season run. Then, it turned its attention to none other than Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons), of course. After he and Amy (Mayim Bialik) win the Nobel Prize in Physics, they both struggle with the media attention that comes with it. Penny (Kaley Cuoco) eventually convinces Sheldon to accept change in a very special way: by riding the elevator that's finally been fixed after 16 years, giving closure to the show's longest-running joke. The second part of the season finale sees Amy, Sheldon, Penny, Leonard (Johnny Galecki), Howard (Simon Helberg), Bernadette (Melissa Rauch), and Raj (Kunal Nayyar) flying to Sweden for the Nobel Prize award ceremony. After a series of events in which Sheldon disappoints his friends and regresses socially, he gets a stern talking-to from Amy. Then, on the fly, he decides to discard the acceptance speech he wrote as a child and instead acknowledges Amy and his friends. In the series' final moments, the gang shares one last meal in Apartment 4A as an acoustic version of "The Big Bang Theory" theme song plays. NBC #34. Will & Grace - Viewership: 18.6 million - Rating: 12.9% - Share: 20% - Date: May 18, 2006 The beloved "Will & Grace" was revived in 2017 at NBC to critical acclaim, after its original series finale left fans largely dissatisfied and wanting more. The ninth season's premiere episode brought in 10.2 million viewers and shows Will Truman (Eric McCormack) and Grace Adler (Debra Messing) fast-forwarded 11 years into the future to reveal what happened after their falling out. Friends of the former TV roommates and fan favorites Karen (Megan Mullally) and Jack (Sean Hayes) have largely remained unchanged. The beloved show earned 16 Emmy Awards and ran for eight seasons in its original run. Dean Hargrove Productions #33. Matlock - Viewership: 18.7 million - Rating: 13.2% - Share: 20% - Date: May 7, 1995 "Matlock" starred TV legend Andy Griffith in the title role as criminal defense attorney Ben Matlock. Full of folksy charm, the gray-suit-clad, hot-dog-eating Matlock was known for finding overlooked evidence to discover the real murderer and exonerate his wrongly accused client in a dramatic showdown in court. The series ran for six seasons, was briefly canceled in 1992, then quickly picked up again for three more until its series finale in 1995. Bloodworth-Thomason #32. Designing Women - Viewership: 18.8 million - Rating: 14.2% - Share: 22% - Date: May 24, 1993 The Emmy Award-winning series "Designing Women" was once saved from cancellation by fans who wrote an estimated 50,000 letters in support of the show. The much-lauded sitcom, created by Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, focused on four smart, feisty women (Dixie Carter, Delta Burke, Jean Smart, and Annie Potts) who work together in an interior design firm in Atlanta. In the unique series finale in 1993, each of the women imagines themselves as Scarlett O'Hara from "Gone with the Wind." NBC #30. Bonanza - Viewership: 19.3 million - Rating: N/A - Share: N/A - Date: Jan. 16, 1973 From 1959 to 1973, "Bonanza" became a fixture in American life. The classic Western—the second-longest-running in TV history (behind "Gunsmoke")—was about the adventures of Ben Cartwright (Lorne Greene) and his sons (Pernell Roberts, Dan Blocker, Michael Landon) living on the Ponderosa in Nevada. Author Mark Twain would have been the Cartwrights' neighbor in the 1860s while he worked at the local newspaper, the Territorial Enterprise. After enjoying #1 ratings from 1964 to 1967, the show was suddenly canceled in November 1972 (after the death of Blocker). It led to a finale in January 1973 that Greene said "went out with a whimper" rather than a bang since there was little notice for the cast and crew. Home Box Office (HBO) #30. Game of Thrones - Viewership: 19.3 million - Rating: N/A - Share: N/A - Date: May 19, 2019 The last episode of "Game of Thrones" may not have been a satisfying series finale, but it was certainly a highly watched one. It's a unique entry among the top 50 in that the viewership numbers include streaming: The initial airing drew 13.6 million viewers, but replays on streaming brought that number to 19.3 million. But it's an understatement to say that it disappointed: The series finale, titled "The Iron Throne," only has a four-star rating on IMDb, the lowest of any in the series' eight-year run. Of course, there was a lot riding on the ending of "Game of Thrones": Why did Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) suddenly descend into madness and murder thousands of people? Will Arya (Maisie Williams) seek revenge? Can Bran (Isaac Hempstead Wright) truly see the future? Ultimately, the last episode left fans with more questions than answers—perhaps that was by design with the many "Game of Thrones" spinoffs to come. One 2022 Collider article called the "Game of Thrones" series finale "still inexcusable"; an immediate response to the 2019 episode from Vox said it "betrayed the show's core themes"; and even Maisie Williams said she rewatched the series in 2022 and admitted, "It definitely fell off at the end." Lorimar Productions #29. Knots Landing - Viewership: 19.6 million - Rating: 13.9% - Share: 22% - Date: May 13, 1993 "Knots Landing," a spinoff of the popular primetime '80s soap "Dallas," became one of the longest-running primetime dramas after "Gunsmoke" and "Bonanza." Stars of the ensemble cast included Ted Shackelford as Gary Ewing, along with Alec Baldwin, Nicollette Sheridan, Kim Lankford, James Houghton, and Joan Van Ark, who all live in an exclusive cul-de-sac in Southern California where manipulation, drama, and romance are always front and center. After 14 seasons on the air, the series signed off in 1993. In Front Productions #28. Mad About You - Viewership: 19.8 million - Rating: 13.6% - Share: 20% - Date: May 24, 1999 Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt starred in "Mad About You," a beloved, sometimes-underrated sitcom about a newly married couple living in New York City. The series ran from 1992 to 1999, when it slipped in ratings. The finale was a flash forward about 22 years in the future, showing the couple's baby daughter all grown up and explaining what happened to her parents through comedic skits. Hunt's role almost went to Teri Hatcher ("Desperate Housewives"), but it was Hunt and Reiser's chemistry that made the show work. Two decades later, the show returned for a limited run on Spectrum's On Demand platform. In the reboot, the Buchmans say goodbye to Mabel as she heads off to college a few blocks away. The reboot's season premiere was written by Reiser and directed by Hunt. NBC Productions #27. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air - Viewership: 19.9 million - Rating: 13.1% - Share: 22% - Date: May 20, 1996 The viewers saved the 1990s favorite sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" from getting canceled after season four, bringing it back for two more seasons before the network canceled it for good in 1996. The series, which catapulted Will Smith into fame, showed the upper-class, quirky Banks family living, laughing, dancing, and loving as they take in their street-smart cousin Will, who hails from Philadelphia. The heartbreaking series finale was a real goodbye—as Will is left alone in the empty house to reflect on all the memories as the family prepares to move away. Fun fact: the cab driver in the iconic opening credits was executive producer Quincy Jones. The series reboot, now called "Bel-Air," was reimagined with more dramatic flair in 2022. Peacock ordered two seasons based on the popularity of a fan-made trailer by Morgan Cooper and the resulting pitch to studio execs. Embassy Television #26. Who's the Boss? - Viewership: 20.5 million - Rating: 12.7% - Share: 24% - Date: April 25, 1992 One of the most popular sitcoms of the 1980s was "Who's the Boss?" starring Tony Danza as Tony Micelli, a former baseball player forced to retire due to a shoulder injury. Alyssa Milano played Danza's daughter Samantha, while Judith Light co-starred as Angela Bower, an advertising executive with whom they live as Micelli works as her live-in housekeeper. Frank Sinatra made a guest appearance on the show in 1989. Its one-hour series finale aired in April 1992, along with the series finales of "Growing Pains" and "MacGyver." NBC #25. Quantum Leap - Viewership: 20.6 million - Rating: 13.7% - Share: 23% - Date: May 5, 1993 In the early '90s cult favorite sci-fi series "Quantum Leap," physicist Sam Beckett (Scott Bakula) finds himself trapped in time. He temporarily takes the place of other people to correct historical events. In the 1993 series finale, Beckett leaps through space-time back to his own birth to learn that he is in charge of his destinations and is doing them to "make the world a better place," choosing never to return home. The series was nominated for and won a number of awards, particularly for its cinematography and editing. A short-lived 2022 revival featured Raymond Lee as Dr. Ben Song, who follows in Sam's footsteps hoping to solve the mystery of his whereabouts. ABC #24. The Wonder Years - Viewership: 21.0 million - Rating: 13.9% - Share: 23% - Date: May 12, 1993 Inspired by "A Christmas Story," and one of the most popular shows of the 1980s, "The Wonder Years" was a coming-of-age show in which Kevin Arnold (Fred Savage) recalls through voice-over and flashbacks what it was like growing up during the radical 1960s and '70s. Daniel Stern, Dan Lauria, Danica McKellar, and Alley Mills rounded out the ensemble. Savage, who at the time was a big star from the film, "A Princess Bride," became the youngest actor to be nominated for an Emmy Award as a Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, helping the series win for Outstanding Comedy Series in 1988. Fans were disappointed when the network canceled the series after six seasons and when the finale didn't show Kevin and Winnie (McKellar) ending up together as a couple. A 2021 remake followed a Black family in 1968 Montgomery, Alabama. CBS #23. The Mary Tyler Moore Show - Viewership: 21.2 million - Rating: 16.5% - Share: 28% - Date: March 19, 1977 In one of the most famous and unforgettable sign-offs in television history, Mary Richards (Mary Tyler Moore) turned off the lights on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" in 1977 after seven seasons. The episode won an Emmy Award and inspired numerous other series finales as "the gold standard." Moore starred as the perky, intelligent, and independent news producer who befriends coworkers (Ed Asner, Betty White) and neighbors (Valerie Harper, Cloris Leachman). A groundbreaking and critically acclaimed series for its writing and treatment of controversial issues of the day, "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" held the record for the most Emmy Awards with 29 until "Frasier" broke that record in 2002. Alien Productions #22. ALF - Viewership: 21.7 million - Rating: 13.1% - Share: 24% - Date: March 24, 1990 "ALF" was the classic, highly rated 1980s family sitcom about the furry, friendly extraterrestrial ALF (which stands for "Alien Life Form") and his suburban, middle-class family, the Tanners (Max Wright, Anne Schedeen, Andrea Elson, Benji Gregory). As ALF (Paul Fusco as the puppeteer and voice) learns about Earth, he makes new friends, but creates problems frequently due to his slovenly and cynical nature. The series finale ended with an unintentional cliffhanger as the series was canceled suddenly by NBC after four seasons, a decision the network reportedly later regretted. 20th Century Fox #21. L.A. Law - Viewership: 22.1 million - Rating: 15.9% - Share: 27% - Date: May 19, 1994 Prolific, Emmy Award-winning TV producer and writer Steven Bochco and Terry Louise Fisher's "L.A. Law" was the legal drama series that ran from 1986 until 1994, setting the gold standard for future series like it. The ensemble cast playing the staff at the Los Angeles-based law firm included Richard Dysart, Alan Rachins, Blair Underwood, and Jill Eikenberry, as well as numerous guest stars who went on to great success, including Don Cheadle, Jeffrey Tambor, Kathy Bates, and William H. Macy. The series earned 15 Emmy Awards and gave then-former lawyer David E. Kelley ("Big Little Lies") his start in writing and producing television. The finale refused to have the "characters' stories tied up in a neat package," however, a particularly memorable moment was when one member of the firm plummeted to her death in an elevator shaft. TNS Sofres #20. MacGyver - Viewership: 22.3 million - Rating: 13.8% - Share: 26% - Date: May 21, 1992 The iconic 1980s action-adventure series "MacGyver" originally ended in 1992 but was rebooted in 2016. Secret agent Angus MacGyver (originally played by Richard Dean Anderson) was the ultimate hacker-troubleshooter, with his seemingly encyclopedic knowledge of the sciences and novel ways of solving complex problems with ordinary objects. The series ran for six years as the lead-in to ABC's "Monday Night Football," though its seventh season was shortened when it disappeared for four months from the schedule, followed by a finale and a previously unaired episode in May 1992. Anderson told TV Guide, "the only reason it went off the air was that everybody was ready to move on. I was physically exhausted and had no life." MTM Productions #19. St. Elsewhere - Viewership: 22.5 million - Rating: 17.0% - Share: 29% - Date: May 25, 1988 "St. Elsewhere" was the gritty, critically acclaimed medical drama series that ran from 1982 to 1988. The ensemble cast featured established actors Ed Flanders, Norman Lloyd, and William Daniels, as well as Denzel Washington, Mark Harmon, Alfre Woodard, and Christina Pickles as the staff at St. Eligius, an urban teaching hospital in Boston. The series finale featured huge changes for several characters, but it's best known for its famous final moments that led viewers to believe the entire series (and its spinoffs) were all constructions of an autistic boy's imagination when he's shown looking at a snow globe which contains a replica of the hospital. ABS #18. Full House - Viewership: 24.3 million - Rating: 14.6% - Share: 25% - Date: May 23, 1995 The 1980s family sitcom "Full House" focused on the Tanner family living in San Francisco, helmed by single dad Danny Tanner (Bob Saget). With the help of his best friend (Dave Coulier) and brother-in-law (John Stamos), Tanner brought up three daughters, including Michelle, played by Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen, launching them into fame. The series ran for eight seasons and inspired various merchandise items, such as games, dolls, and clothing. Its spinoff "Fuller House" premiered on Netflix in 2016 with a gender-reversed plot. Touchstone Television #17. The Golden Girls - Viewership: 27.2 million - Rating: 18.9% - Share: 38% - Date: May 9, 1992 Dorothy (Bea Arthur), Blanche (Rue McClanahan), Rose (Betty White), and Sophia (Estelle Getty)—four feisty, young-at-heart, hilarious female housemates—made their debut as "The Golden Girls" in 1985 to widespread acclaim. Even Queen Elizabeth was reportedly a fan of the show, which was groundbreaking for focusing on an all-female cast dealing with important issues, particularly as women who were "over the hill." It ran for seven seasons and paved the way for spinoffs and future iterations, such as "Sex and the City" and "Girls." Earning 68 Emmy nominations and 11 wins, it's one of only three shows where all of the principal actors won at least one Emmy. ABC #16. Happy Days - Viewership: 30.5 million - Rating: 20.5% - Share: 31% - Date: Sept. 24, 1984 The idealized version of the 1950s and '60s in the Midwest was served up on "Happy Days," courtesy of legendary film and television producer and director Garry Marshall. The hit sitcom about Richie (Ron Howard), "The Fonz" (Henry Winkler), and his cousin Chachi (Scott Baio) drew inspiration from George Lucas's film "American Graffiti." It became an influence on sitcom archetypes and catchphrases and inspired hit spinoffs, including "Laverne & Shirley" and "Mork & Mindy." CBS #15. Gunsmoke - Viewership: 30.9 million - Rating: N/A - Share: N/A - Date: March 31, 1975 The longest-running dramatic series in network TV history, the iconic western "Gunsmoke" ran for 20 years from 1955 to 1975, featuring future stars such as Harrison Ford, Jodie Foster, Leonard Nimoy, William Shatner, and even three of the future "Brady Bunch" kids. The series, originally developed for radio, was almost canceled in 1967 when it slipped from its top ratings, but then-CBS President William Paley—a fan of the show—decided to move it and cut "Gilligan's Island" instead. All of the actors who played the main characters on the show were inducted into the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, including James Arness (Matt), Milburn Stone (Doc), Ken Curtis (Festus), Dennis Weaver (Chester), and Amanda Blake (Kitty). Paramount Television #14. Star Trek: The Next Generation - Viewership: 31.0 million - Rating: 17.4% - Share: 34% - Date: May 23, 1994 The popular 1980s sci-fi series "Star Trek: The Next Generation" focused on the 24th-century adventures of Capt. Jean-Luc Picard and his colleagues aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise, a starship much larger than Capt. James Kirk's in the original "Star Trek" series of the 1960s. Starring an ensemble cast including Patrick Stewart, LeVar Burton, Marina Sirtis, and Wil Wheaton, the series garnered a number of accolades and ran for seven seasons, with its finale competing for the top spot between fellow hits "Home Improvement" and "Seinfeld" in 1994. Talk Productions #13. Everybody Loves Raymond - Viewership: 32.9 million - Rating: 20.2% - Share: 29% - Date: May 16, 2005 Based on the stand-up comedy of Ray Romano (as seen on "The Late Show with David Letterman"), the hit sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond" ran for nine seasons. The series, which focused on the hilarious mishaps of family man and sports writer Ray Barone (Romano), his wife (Patricia Heaton), and well-meaning but overbearing mother (Doris Roberts), earned 69 nominations for Emmy Awards—winning 15 of them. The series made Romano the highest-paid actor on television at the time. He was paid about $1.8 million an episode in its final two seasons. Creator Phil Rosenthal said he ended the show when the writers "ran out of ideas" and no longer wished to fight with their wives to drum up material. Lorimar Productions #12. Dallas - Viewership: 33.3 million - Rating: 22.0% - Share: 38% - Date: May 3, 1991 One of the longest-running full-hour primetime dramas in American TV history, "Dallas" was the unforgettable 1980s soap that ran for 14 seasons, and frequently quarreled with "Dynasty" for viewership and ratings. The popular series, premiering in 1978, revolved around the power struggles of oil tycoon J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman) and his wealthy family (Patrick Duffy, Barbara Bel Geddes, Linda Gray). It inspired a spinoff series, "Knots Landing," and a reboot in 2012 with many original cast members. The 1980 episode that answered the famous question, "Who shot J.R.?" received the highest ratings for a show at the time, surpassed by the "MASH" finale in 1983. Grub Street Productions #11. Frasier - Viewership: 33.7 million - Rating: 16.3% - Share: 25% - Date: May 13, 2004 "Frasier," the highly successful spinoff of the popular series "Cheers," ran for 11 seasons from 1993 to 2004. It followed the story of psychiatrist and radio talk show host Dr. Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) as he returns home to Seattle to contend with his newly retired father and brother, a fellow psychiatrist (David Hyde Pierce). Frasier was originally a temporary character on "Cheers," but was so popular he became a series regular by season six. Dr. Crane's spinoff also became incredibly popular. It was his dog Eddie—played by a Jack Russell terrier named Moose—who reportedly received the most fan mail, though. "Frasier" won 37 Primetime Emmy Awards, breaking the record previously held by "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." Touchstone Television #10. Home Improvement - Viewership: 35.5 million - Rating: 21.6% - Share: 43% - Date: May 25, 1999 One of the most-watched sitcoms of the 1990s, "Home Improvement" revolved around the Detroit-based Taylor family, led by Tim "The Toolman" Taylor (Tim Allen), his wife Jill (Patricia Richardson) and their three sons (the middle child, Randy, played by Jonathan Taylor Thomas, became a teen heartthrob). Each episode included his "Tool Time" program (a parody of PBS' "This Old House) with assistant Al Borland (played by Richard Kam), in which Allen would inevitably have a hilarious accident from playing with too much power. The eight-season series, based on Allen's stand-up comedy, won numerous awards and its finale in 1999 became one of the highest-rated in TV history. Paramount Television #9. Family Ties - Viewership: 36.3 million - Rating: 20.8% - Share: 35% - Date: May 14, 1989 Grounded in comedy but also tackling important issues such as alcoholism, "Family Ties" was the family-oriented, Reagan-era sitcom that held the attention of a third of American households for seven seasons in the 1980s. Starring Michael J. Fox as Alex P. Keaton, an ambitious, conservative son to liberal parents Steven and Elyse (Michael Gross and Meredith Baxter), the critically acclaimed series shed light on the political changes happening culture-at-large at the time. It won multiple awards, including three consecutive Emmy Awards for Fox for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, putting him on the map and launching his long and fruitful film and TV career. A then-unknown Courteney Cox ("Friends") was cast as Fox's girlfriend in the last two seasons. CBS Television #8. All in the Family - Viewership: 40.2 million - Rating: 26.6% - Share: 43% - Date: April 8, 1979 TV Producer Norman Lear's legendary, critically acclaimed sitcom "All in the Family" changed the face of television when it premiered in 1971. The #1-rated series ran until 1979 (continued as "Archie Bunker's Place"). The series focused on the infamous bigot Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor), his wife Edith (Jean Stapleton), daughter Gloria (Sally Struthers), and son-in-law Mike (Rob Reiner), and their discussions of the hot-button political and social issues of the day. All four actors won Primetime Emmy Awards. Lear's father in real life called him "Meathead," and his family members were always shouting, something he mimicked in "All in the Family" and its spinoffs "Maude," "Good Times," "The Jeffersons," and "Gloria." NBC Television #7. The Cosby Show - Viewership: 44.4 million - Rating: 28.0% - Share: 45% - Date: April 30, 1992 "The Cosby Show" was stand-up comedian Bill Cosby's hit family sitcom that ran from 1984 to 1992. The series was conceived by Marcy Carsey and Tom Werner, and focused on the Huxtables, an upper-middle-class Black family living in Brooklyn, helmed by then-TV-Dad-favorite Dr. Cliff Huxtable (Cosby). Having been nominated for and winning numerous awards, it was one of the first successful sitcoms to feature a predominantly African American cast, spawning a spinoff, "A Different World." The show ranked #1 in the Nielsen ratings for five consecutive seasons, though its legacy has since become tangled up with Cosby's sexual abuse allegations. It is no longer aired as a result. NBC Television #6. The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson - Viewership: 50.0 million - Rating: 30.0% - Share: 46% - Date: May 22, 1992 In one of the most unforgettable TV finales in history, Johnny Carson bid 50 million viewers a final "heartfelt good night" after 30 years on the air on "The Tonight Show." Carson is credited with establishing the modern format of the late-night talk show followed by his successors today: a monologue of rapid-fire jokes, sketch comedy, guest interviews, and performances by stand-up comedians and musicians. Famous guests and guest hosts who appeared on the nightly show included Jay Leno (who took over the program from 1992 to 2014), Joan Rivers, David Letterman, Bob Newhart, and Jerry Lewis. Belisarius Productions #5. Magnum, P.I. - Viewership: 50.7 million - Rating: 32.0% - Share: 48% - Date: May 1, 1988 From 1980 to 1988, Tom Selleck was Thomas Magnum, a private investigator in Oahu, Hawaii, on the popular crime drama series "Magnum, P.I." Created by Don Bellisario ("JAG" and "NCIS"), storylines centered around Magnum's cases and his luxurious, beachside life (including his thick mustache and aloha shirts). Selleck, who won an Emmy Award for his work on the series, was unable to appear in "Indiana Jones" because of the show; the part instead went to Harrison Ford. CBS greenlit a reboot in 2018, but canceled it in 2022 because of a licensing issue. NBC picked it up thereafter, but cancelled the series in 2023. Warner Bros. Television #4. Friends - Viewership: 52.5 million - Rating: 29.8% - Share: 43% - Date: May 6, 2004 The iconic, hit sitcom "Friends" followed the adventures of six 20-somethings in 1990s Manhattan. Originally paid $22,500 per episode, each ensemble cast member—Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, and Matthew Perry—became huge stars as a result of the show. They also became best friends off-screen—most notably Aniston and Cox. When 52.5 million viewers tuned in to the series finale when it aired in 2004, it became the most-watched entertainment telecast since the "Seinfeld" finale in 1998. NBC #3. Seinfeld - Viewership: 76.3 million - Rating: 41.3% - Share: 58% - Date: May 14, 1998 Created by Larry David ("Curb Your Enthusiasm") and Jerry Seinfeld, "Seinfeld" is considered one of the most influential sitcoms in TV history. A "show about nothing," the series broke tradition with its quirky ensemble cast that refused to be sentimental about much of anything. Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Michael Richards, and Jason Alexander each helped deliver many of the trademark catchphrases from the series, such as "yada, yada, yada" and "not that there's anything wrong with that." News of the series finale made the front page of New York newspapers and brought in an audience of more than 76 million viewers when it aired in May of 1998 after nine seasons. Charles/Burrows/Charles Productions #2. Cheers - Viewership: 84.4 million - Rating: 45.5% - Share: 64% - Date: May 20, 1993 For 11 seasons, the popular sitcom "Cheers" took viewers to a Boston-based bar "where everybody knows your name." It was nearly canceled during its first season for poor ratings but eventually became one history's highest-rated and most critically acclaimed shows. The all-star ensemble cast included Ted Danson as Sam Malone, the owner and bartender at Cheers, Shelley Long as Diane Chambers, Kelsey Grammer as Frasier Crane, Kirstie Alley as Rebecca Howe, and Woody Harrelson as Woody Boyd. The show earned 111 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, winning 28 of them. 20th Century Fox #1. MASH - Viewership: 105.9 million - Rating: 60.2% - Share: 77% - Date: Feb. 28, 1983 After 11 seasons on the air, the 1983 series finale for "MAS*H" became the most-watched series finale in TV history, with nearly 106 million viewers tuning in—77% of the households that had televisions at the time. Based on the novel and 1970 feature film of the same name, the dramatic-comedy series focused on the team of army doctors stationed in South Korea during the Korean War, starring an ensemble cast led by Alan Alda as Hawkeye Pierce and Loretta Swit as Margaret Houlihan. The series was nominated for more than 100 Emmy Awards and won 14, as well as several Humanitas awards and a Peabody award for its "profound statement on the nature of war." Additional writing by Cu Fleshman.
	The #1 Chinese restaurant in every major US city, based on Yelp data Elena Eryomenko // Shutterstock Best Chinese restaurants in 50 major cities Chinese restaurants are among the most enduring and beloved pillars of the American dining landscape. In the mid-19th century, Chinese immigrants were drawn to the U.S. by the Gold Rush and the promise of new beginnings. And they brought with them regional cuisines—Cantonese, Sichuan, Hunan, and more—that would gradually evolve as they adapted to new ingredients and palates. Early Chinese cooks crafted familiar flavors from unfamiliar resources, giving birth to dishes like chop suey and chow mein, which became some of America's first "ethnic" comfort foods. Over generations, Chinese restaurants have evolved not just into places to eat but into community anchors—spaces that offer a sense of belonging and the taste of home in a foreign land. Across the country, you can find Chinese food at humble takeout counters as well as refined, chef-driven dining experiences. In San Francisco, dim sum remains a weekend ritual rooted in Southern Chinese tradition, while Los Angeles boasts legendary Cantonese seafood palaces. Over on the opposite side of the country, the aromas of chili and spice from the Sichuan and Xi'an regions engulf New York City's street corners. To find the best Chinese restaurants in 50 major cities around the country, Stacker compiled a list using data from Yelp as of September 2025. To be considered, a restaurant needed at least 500 votes. If fewer than three restaurants in the city had at least 500 votes, the minimum threshold was lowered to 250 and then further to 50. Overall, the best Chinese restaurants strike a balance between authenticity and innovation, heritage and creativity, telling a story of how Chinese cuisine has become not just part of American food culture, but one of its defining flavors. Yelp Phoenix, Arizona: Singing Pandas Asian Restaurant & Bar - Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,155 reviews) - Categories: Pan Asian - Address: 757 E Chandler Blvd Chandler, AZ 85225 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Los Angeles, California: Hengry - Rating: 4.8 / 5 (434 reviews) - Categories: Chinese - Address: 2718 W Valley Blvd Alhambra, CA 91803 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Sacramento, California: Dumpling Yo! - Rating: 4.7 / 5 (698 reviews) - Categories: Noodles - Address: 1032 Florin Rd Sacramento, CA 95831 - Read more on Yelp Yelp San Diego, California: JCK Asia Kitchen & Bar - Rating: 4.7 / 5 (765 reviews) - Categories: Asian Fusion - Address: 2322 Proctor Valley Rd Ste 104 Chula Vista, CA 91914 - Read more on Yelp Yelp San Francisco, California: JJamPPong - Rating: 4.7 / 5 (601 reviews) - Categories: Seafood - Address: 5249 Mission St San Francisco, CA 94112 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Denver, Colorado: Hong Kong Station - Rating: 4.6 / 5 (783 reviews) - Categories: Chinese - Address: 6878 S Yosemite St Centennial, CO 80112 - Read more on Yelp Yelp New Haven, Connecticut: Junzi Kitchen - Rating: 4.1 / 5 (241 reviews) - Categories: Salad - Address: 21 Broadway New Haven, CT 06511 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Washington, D.C.: Copycat Co - Rating: 4.3 / 5 (799 reviews) - Categories: Chinese - Address: 1110 H St NE Washington, DC 20002 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Miami, Florida: Dumpling King - Rating: 4.2 / 5 (1,068 reviews) - Categories: Bubble Tea - Address: 237 NE 167th St North Miami Beach, FL 33162 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Orlando, Florida: YH Seafood Clubhouse - Rating: 4.4 / 5 (566 reviews) - Categories: Cantonese - Address: 8081 Turkey Lake Rd Ste 700 Orlando, FL 32819 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Tampa, Florida: Liang's Bistro Asian Cuisine - Rating: 4.1 / 5 (405 reviews) - Categories: Cantonese - Address: 17515 Bruce B Downs Blvd Tampa, FL 33647 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Atlanta, Georgia: La Mei Zi - Rating: 4.4 / 5 (744 reviews) - Categories: Taiwanese - Address: 5150 Buford Hwy Ste C-310 Doraville, GA 30340 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Honolulu, Hawaii: Fun Station - Rating: 4.6 / 5 (632 reviews) - Categories: Seafood - Address: 2919 Kapiolani Blvd Ste 201B Honolulu, HI 96816 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Boise, Idaho: Bamboo Sushi And Asian Bistro - Rating: 4.5 / 5 (57 reviews) - Categories: Chinese - Address: 8053 W Emerald St Boise, ID 83704 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Chicago, Illinois: Qiao Lin Hotpot - Chicago Chinatown - Rating: 4.6 / 5 (621 reviews) - Categories: Chinese - Address: 2105 S Jefferson St Ste A Chicago, IL 60616 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Indianapolis, Indiana: Egg Roll Number 1 - Rating: 4.5 / 5 (674 reviews) - Categories: Soup - Address: 4540 S Emerson Ave Indianapolis, IN 46203 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Louisville, Kentucky: Tea Station Asian Bistro - Rating: 4.1 / 5 (273 reviews) - Categories: Asian Fusion - Address: 9422 Norton Commons Blvd Prospect, KY 40059 - Read more on Yelp Yelp New Orleans, Louisiana: Dian Xin - Rating: 4.4 / 5 (636 reviews) - Categories: Noodles - Address: 1218 Decatur St New Orleans, LA 70116 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Boston, Massachusetts: Dumpling Xuan - Rating: 4.5 / 5 (308 reviews) - Categories: Noodles - Address: 465 Cambridge St Cambridge, MA 02141 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Baltimore, Maryland: Water Song Yunnan Kitchen - Rating: 4.1 / 5 (189 reviews) - Categories: Noodles - Address: 21 E Cross St Baltimore, MD 21230 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Portland, Maine: Jing Yan - Rating: 4.3 / 5 (72 reviews) - Categories: Chinese - Address: 90 Congress St Portland, ME 04101 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Detroit, Michigan: LC's Asian Kitchen - Rating: 4.0 / 5 (447 reviews) - Categories: Asian Fusion - Address: 29070 N Campbell Rd Madison Heights, MI 48071 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Minneapolis, Minnesota: Master Noodle - Rating: 4.2 / 5 (327 reviews) - Categories: Noodles - Address: 1337 University Ave W Saint Paul, MN 55104 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Kansas City, Missouri: Sushi UNI - Rating: 4.5 / 5 (867 reviews) - Categories: Chinese - Address: 12841 W 87th St Pkwy Lenexa, KS 66215 - Read more on Yelp Yelp St. Louis, Missouri: Lona's Lil Eats - Rating: 4.6 / 5 (822 reviews) - Categories: Chinese - Address: 2199 California Ave St Louis, MO 63104 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Omaha, Nebraska: Umami - Rating: 4.5 / 5 (458 reviews) - Categories: Thai - Address: 1504 Galvin Rd S Bellevue, NE 68005 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Charlotte, North Carolina: Lam's Kitchen - Rating: 4.1 / 5 (459 reviews) - Categories: Chinese - Address: 3016 Weddington Rd Ste 100 Matthews, NC 28105 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Raleigh, North Carolina: Brewery Bhavana - Rating: 4.4 / 5 (1,608 reviews) - Categories: Cocktail Bars - Address: 218 S Blount St Raleigh, NC 27601 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Albuquerque, New Mexico: Fun Noodle Bar - Rating: 4.1 / 5 (344 reviews) - Categories: Ramen - Address: 5317 Menaul Blvd Albuquerque, NM 87110 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Las Vegas, Nevada: Mala Town - Rating: 4.8 / 5 (968 reviews) - Categories: Chinese - Address: 5960 Spring Mountain Rd Las Vegas, NV 89146 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Buffalo, New York: Home Taste - Rating: 4.4 / 5 (267 reviews) - Categories: Chinese - Address: 3106 Delaware Ave Buffalo, NY 14217 - Read more on Yelp Yelp New York City, New York: Chang Lai Fishballs & Noodles - Rating: 4.8 / 5 (366 reviews) - Categories: Chinese - Address: 55B Bayard St New York, NY 10013 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Cincinnati, Ohio: Sichuan Chili Chinese Restaurant - Rating: 4.2 / 5 (331 reviews) - Categories: Szechuan - Address: 10400 Reading Rd Ste 205B Cincinnati, OH 45241 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Cleveland, Ohio: LJ Shanghai - Rating: 4.4 / 5 (610 reviews) - Categories: Shanghainese - Address: 3142 Superior Ave Cleveland, OH 44114 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Columbus, Ohio: Jiu Thai Asian Cafe - Rating: 4.3 / 5 (411 reviews) - Categories: Chinese - Address: 787 Bethel Rd Columbus, OH 43214 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Portland, Oregon: Mama Chow's Kitchen - Rating: 4.7 / 5 (297 reviews) - Categories: Chinese - Address: 2415 SE 35th Pl Portland, OR 97214 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings - Rating: 4.6 / 5 (970 reviews) - Categories: Noodles - Address: 901 Haddonfield Rd Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Everyday Noodles - Rating: 4.2 / 5 (1,047 reviews) - Categories: Noodles - Address: 5875 Forbes Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15217 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Providence, Rhode Island: Chinatown On Thayer - Rating: 4.2 / 5 (265 reviews) - Categories: Chinese - Address: 277 Thayer St Providence, RI 02906 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Charleston, South Carolina: Chef Loong Dim Sum & Soup Dumplings - Rating: 4.6 / 5 (104 reviews) - Categories: Noodles - Address: 1662 Savannah Hwy Ste 105 Charleston, SC 29407 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Memphis, Tennessee: Petals of a Peony - Rating: 4.6 / 5 (93 reviews) - Categories: Chinese - Address: 2110 Madison Ave Memphis, TN 38104 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Nashville, Tennessee: Steamboys - Rating: 4.6 / 5 (321 reviews) - Categories: Chinese - Address: 3907 Lebanon Pike Hermitage, TN 37076 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Austin, Texas: 1618 Asian Fusion - Rating: 4.7 / 5 (4,082 reviews) - Categories: Dim Sum - Address: 1618 E Riverside Dr Austin, TX 78741 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Dallas, Texas: Wu Wei Din Chinese Cuisine - Lewisville - Rating: 4.3 / 5 (391 reviews) - Categories: Noodles - Address: 2505 S Stemmons Fwy Lewisville, TX 75067 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Houston, Texas: Hu's Cooking - Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,017 reviews) - Categories: Noodles - Address: 2502 W Holcombe Blvd Houston, TX 77030 - Read more on Yelp Yelp San Antonio, Texas: Sichuan House - Rating: 4.4 / 5 (1,188 reviews) - Categories: Asian Fusion - Address: 3505 Wurzbach Rd Ste 103 San Antonio, TX 78238 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Salt Lake City, Utah: One More Noodle House - Rating: 4.4 / 5 (505 reviews) - Categories: Noodles - Address: 3370 State St Ste N5 South Salt Lake, UT 84115 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Richmond, Virginia: Wong's Tacos - Rating: 4.2 / 5 (350 reviews) - Categories: Asian Fusion - Address: 201 A Maltby Blvd Henrico, VA 23233 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Seattle, Washington: Haidilao Hotpot Bellevue - Rating: 4.7 / 5 (1,121 reviews) - Categories: Seafood - Address: 188 106th Ave NE Ste 210 Bellevue, WA 98004 - Read more on Yelp Yelp Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Bento Xpert - Rating: 4.8 / 5 (86 reviews) - Categories: Chinese - Address: 1125 N 9th St Unit F Milwaukee, WI 53233 - Read more on Yelp Note: This content was created with the assistance of AI tools and has been thoroughly reviewed, fact-checked, and edited by Stacker's editorial team to ensure accuracy, reliability, and alignment with our editorial standards.
	25 best whodunit movies in movie history, according to fans Gramercy Pictures // Getty Images Best whodunit movies of all time Predictability is the last thing audiences want out of their entertainment, so most stories contain at least some element of surprise. And nothing uses the concept to its advantage quite like the classic whodunit. A challenge for the filmmaker and the viewer alike, this particular subgenre keeps viewers guessing until the final reveal and, furthermore, uses that guesswork as a basis upon which to tell its story. But what is a whodunit, exactly? Merriam-Webster defines it as "a detective story or mystery story." The Oxford Reference dates the term back to the 1930s and describes it as "a story or play about a murder in which the identity of the murderer is not revealed until the end." Typically somewhat procedural by nature, whodunits remain a stalwart in books, on TV, and occasionally on the big screen. In 2025, audiences were treated to Netflix's "Wake Up Dead Man," the third installment in Rian Johnson's "Knives Out" series and a runaway success among both critics and the average viewer. As for television, recent shows like the January 2026 miniseries "Untamed" (also a Netflix release) and the March 2026 series "Scarpetta" have kept fans guessing right up until the very last episode. As great as these TV shows are, "Wake Up Dead Man" reminds us that a mystery film done right is among the most compelling and rewarding experiences a viewer can have. In fact, some of the best whodunit movies are also the best movies of all time. We can certainly name a few right now, but it seems more fitting to leave one in suspense until the upcoming reveal. Stacker compiled data on the top whodunit movies and ranked them by IMDb user ratings, breaking any ties by votes. To qualify, the plot of the film had to revolve around a detective or a mystery, per the dictionary definition of the term. It also had to have at least 2,500 votes on IMDb. Miramax #25. Gone Baby Gone (2007) - Director: Ben Affleck - IMDb user rating: 7.6 - Metascore: 72 - Runtime: 114 minutes Ben Affleck's directorial debut adapts a novel from Boston-based writer Dennis Lehane. Private detectives Patrick Kenzie, played by Casey Affleck, and Angie Gennaro, played by Michelle Monaghan, wade through the Boston underworld in search of a missing girl. Co-star Amy Ryan received an Academy Award nomination for her supporting role as the girl's mother. Constantin Film #24. The Name of the Rose (1986) - Director: Jean-Jacques Annaud - IMDb user rating: 7.7 - Metascore: 54 - Runtime: 130 minutes Sean Connery plays Franciscan friar William of Baskerville in this historical mystery, based on Umberto Eco's bestselling novel. The story takes place in the 14th century and centers around the death of several monks in the same monastery. Facing dangerous opposition, Baskerville defies the church's authority in his search for the truth. Paramount Pictures #23. Primal Fear (1996) - Director: Gregory Hoblit - IMDb user rating: 7.7 - Metascore: 47 - Runtime: 129 minutes The movie that made Edward Norton a star finds him playing an altar boy named Aaron, who's been accused of murdering a priest. Hotshot defense attorney Martin Vail, played by Richard Gere, takes on the case and discovers a number of unexpected surprises. Tense courtroom exchanges build toward one of the best twist endings in Hollywood history. Columbia Pictures #22. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2011) - Director: David Fincher - IMDb user rating: 7.8 - Metascore: 71 - Runtime: 158 minutes Stieg Larsson's blockbuster novel was first adapted in his native Sweden before receiving the Hollywood treatment. Director David Fincher brings his particular style of desaturated color and ominous music to this already grim tale. Follow disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist, played by Daniel Craig, and computer hacker Lisbeth Salander, played by Rooney Mara, as they crack open a mystery that's 40 years in the making. Cosmopolitan Productions #21. The Thin Man (1934) - Director: W.S. Van Dyke - IMDb user rating: 7.9 - Metascore: 86 - Runtime: 91 minutes Retired detective Nick Charles and his wife Nora make for a whimsical pair of sleuths in this beloved classic. Based on a novel by Dashiell Hammett, it strikes a deft balance between daring intrigue and leisurely comedy. This was one among numerous collaborations between stars William Powell and Myrna Loy, who shared a natural on-screen chemistry. Warner Bros. #20. Strangers on a Train (1951) - Director: Alfred Hitchcock - IMDb user rating: 7.9 - Metascore: 88 - Runtime: 101 minutes How does one commit the perfect murder? That question lies at the very heart of Patricia Highsmith's novel and this big screen adaptation, in which a man unwittingly enlists a homicidal maniac. Subsequent films such as "Throw Momma From the Train" and "Horrible Bosses" play upon the same story, but to comedic effect. Warner Bros. #19. Mystic River (2003) - Director: Clint Eastwood - IMDb user rating: 7.9 - Metascore: 84 - Runtime: 138 minutes An all-star cast unites for this powerhouse drama, which takes place in the heart of Boston. With the disappearance of a man's daughter comes a long-overdue reckoning between former childhood friends. Stars Sean Penn and Tim Robbins both won Academy Awards for their respective performances. Lionsgate #18. Knives Out (2019) - Director: Rian Johnson - IMDb user rating: 7.9 - Metascore: 82 - Runtime: 130 minutes Leaving the "Star Wars" franchise in his rearview, director Rian Johnson returned to his mystery roots in this blockbuster smash. Crafted in the spirit of a classic whodunit, it finds Detective Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig, investigating the murder of a wealthy family patriarch. The film was such a resounding success that Netflix spent more than $400 million for two sequels. Palomar Pictures International #17. Sleuth (1972) - Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz - IMDb user rating: 8 - Metascore: data not available - Runtime: 138 minutes Writer Anthony Shaffer adapted his own Tony-winning play when penning the script for this Oscar-nominated thriller. Wealthy crime novelist Andrew Wyke,played by Laurence Olivier, lures his wife's lover, played by Michael Caine, into a deadly match of wits. In his four-star review, critic Roger Ebert said the film is funny and scary by turns, and always superbly theatrical. Warner Bros. #16. JFK (1991) - Director: Oliver Stone - IMDb user rating: 8 - Metascore: 72 - Runtime: 189 minutes Director Oliver Stone employs every trick in the cinematic playbook for this sprawling conspiracy thriller about the John F. Kennedy assassination. In search of the truth, New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison, played by Kevin Costner, uncovers shocking secrets and faces powerful enemies. Separating fact from fiction is half the battle, making this one a mystery on multiple levels. Warner Bros. #15. The Maltese Falcon (1941) - Director: John Huston - IMDb user rating: 8 - Metascore: 96 - Runtime: 100 minutes Dashiell Hammett's seminal novel leapt onto the big screen in 1941, starring Humphrey Bogart as Detective Sam Spade. When a dangerous dame strolls into Sam's office, she brings with her a boatload of trouble. Certain plot mechanisms may seem overly familiar to today's audiences, but that's only because they've been imitated so many times since the film's release. London Film Productions #14. The Third Man (1949) - Director: Carol Reed - IMDb user rating: 8.1 - Metascore: 97 - Runtime: 93 minutes This expressionist noir follows novelist Holly Martins, played by Joseph Cotten, to postwar Vienna at the request of an old friend, played by Orson Welles. He arrives to discover a devious murder plot with conspiratorial implications. Shadowy cinematography and deliberate pacing conjures an atmosphere of perennial paranoia. Paramount Pictures #13. Chinatown (1974) - Director: Roman Polanski - IMDb user rating: 8.1 - Metascore: 92 - Runtime: 130 minutes Classic neo-noir meets pure nihilism in Roman Polanski's "Chinatown," a quintessential exploration of greed and power. Private eye Jake "J.J." Gittes, played by Jack Nicholson, takes on a seemingly simple adultery case, only to uncover a murderous scheme involving the Los Angeles water supply. Set in the 1930s perhaps, but the story's built-in themes are tragically timeless. You may also like: The best streaming services for sports in 2021 Alcon Entertainment #12. Prisoners (2013) - Director: Denis Villeneuve - IMDb user rating: 8.1 - Metascore: 70 - Runtime: 153 minutes A man's daughter has been kidnapped and the clock is ticking in this taut thriller from Denis Villeneuve. Two mysteries pile into one when the man performs an abduction of his own, torturing someone who may or may not be guilty of the crime. Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Terrence Howard, Paul Dano, and Melissa Leo all star in this film. Daiei #11. Rashomon (1950) - Director: Akira Kurosawa - IMDb user rating: 8.2 - Metascore: 98 - Runtime: 88 minutes A benchmark in storytelling, this Japanese crime drama presents the same horrific event from multiple perspectives. It has influenced a legion of subsequent films, many of which likewise play upon the theme of unreliable narration. Even outside of cinema, "the Rashomon effect" has taken on literal significance as a cultural concept. You may also like: The best streaming services in 2021 New Regency Productions #10. L.A. Confidential (1997) - Director: Curtis Hanson - IMDb user rating: 8.2 - Metascore: 90 - Runtime: 138 minutes Based on a novel by James Ellroy, this Oscar-winning crime drama transports viewers to 1950s Los Angeles. Against a constant backdrop of racism and corruption, a heinous murder leads right to the police department's door. Tight writing and exceptional performances keep things compulsively watchable from first minute to final showdown. Paramount Pictures #9. Shutter Island (2010) - Director: Martin Scorsese - IMDb user rating: 8.2 - Metascore: 63 - Runtime: 138 minutes One of many collaborations between Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio, this gripping thriller sends a U.S. Marshal, played by DiCaprio, to a remote island hospital for the criminally insane. What appears to be the case of a missing patient becomes something far more sinister and complex. It's yet another classic mystery based on a bestselling book by Dennis Lehane. Alfred J. Hitchcock Productions #8. Vertigo (1958) - Director: Alfred Hitchcock - IMDb user rating: 8.3 - Metascore: 100 - Runtime: 128 minutes Garnering a disappointing box office at the time of its release, this seminal Hitchcock thriller is now regarded as one of the greatest films of all time. Former Detective John "Scottie" Ferguson, played by Jimmy Stewart, agrees to spy on the wife of an old friend, only to become dangerously obsessed. Bernard Herrmann's haunting score brings a range of emotive themes further to life. Edward Small Productions #7. Witness for the Prosecution (1957) - Director: Billy Wilder - IMDb user rating: 8.4 - Metascore: data not available - Runtime: 116 minutes A play by legendary mystery writer Agatha Christie lays the groundwork for this acclaimed courtroom drama. On the brink of retirement, an ailing master barrister, played by Charles Laughton, takes on a high-stakes murder case. Twisty plot points and stellar performances unfold at a brisk pace until the final reveal. Alfred J. Hitchcock Productions #6. Rear Window (1954) - Director: Alfred Hitchcock - IMDb user rating: 8.4 - Metascore: 100 - Runtime: 112 minutes A classic story of suspense with voyeuristic themes, this slow-burn thriller stars Jimmy Stewart as Manhattan-based photographer L.B. "Jeff" Jefferies. Using a wheelchair while recovering from a broken leg, Jefferies spies on his neighbors and witnesses a potential murder. "Watching it, you feel titillated, horrified, and, ultimately, purged," wrote critic Michael Sragow for The New Yorker. Show East #5. Oldboy (2003) - Director: Park Chan-wook - IMDb user rating: 8.4 - Metascore: 77 - Runtime: 120 minutes A far cry from the traditional whodunit, Park Chan-wook's masterpiece is loaded with mystery nevertheless. Inexplicably imprisoned for 15 years, a man is released and then tasked with finding his captor. This is a rare thriller in that it generates more twists and tension out of the "why" than the "who" or the "how." Newmarket Capital Group #4. Memento (2000) - Director: Christopher Nolan - IMDb user rating: 8.4 - Metascore: 80 - Runtime: 113 minutes Christopher Nolan's directorial breakthrough upends narrative convention by starting at the end and working its way backward. It follows a man, played by Guy Pearce, with short-term memory loss as he hunts down his wife's killer. But how can anyone solve a crime when they can't even remember what happened more than five minutes ago? PolyGram Filmed Entertainment #3. The Usual Suspects (1995) - Director: Bryan Singer - IMDb user rating: 8.5 - Metascore: 77 - Runtime: 106 minutes This neo-noir thriller seemed to come out of nowhere and so too did its iconic twist ending, which still gets talked about to this day. Unveiled through flashbacks, the story assembles a group of criminals for what appears to be a straightforward heist. It won two Academy Awards, including best original screenplay. Strong Heart/Demme Production #2. The Silence of the Lambs (1991) - Director: Jonathan Demme - IMDb user rating: 8.6 - Metascore: 85 - Runtime: 118 minutes Based on the bestselling novel by Thomas Harris, this award-winning crime drama puts FBI cadet Clarice Starling, played by Jodie Foster, on the trail of a serial killer. Anthony Hopkins delivers an iconic performance as Dr. Hannibal Lecter, the imprisoned psychopath who can help Starling catch her man. Clever use of POV and other subtle devices draw viewers further into an already immersive story. Cecchi Gori Pictures #1. Se7en (1995) - Director: David Fincher - IMDb user rating: 8.6 - Metascore: 65 - Runtime: 127 minutes Bleak mysteries don't get any bleaker than this one from David Fincher, which stars Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman as two homicide detectives in a nameless city. Using the seven deadly sins as his guide, a serial killer unleashes pure horror upon his victims. It all builds toward an ending so traumatic that follow-up therapy may be required.
	50 photos that show what American life looked like from 1855 to 1899 Bettmann // Getty Images 50 photos from American life in the 19th century Photographs have a way of capturing emotion. A photo may echo sadness and desperation, as with Dorothea Lange's 1936 photograph "Migrant Mother," showing a distraught mother and her children during the Great Depression. It may capture the spirit of triumph, as is accomplished with John Rooney's iconic 1965 shot of boxing heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali standing over opponent Sonny Liston. A photograph can signify hope and joy, à la Alfred Eisenstaedt's "V-J Day in Times Square." Regardless of the scene or sentiment captured in a photograph, images from throughout history can freeze moments in time. In doing so, they allow future generations to peer into the past and obtain glimpses into life before their own, whether it's the major events (e.g., Nat Fein's "The Babe Bows Out" or Abraham Zapruder's "JFK Assassination, Frame 313") or the small moments (e.g. W. Eugene Smith's "Country Doctor," or the first-ever cell phone photo, Philippe Kahn's image of his newborn daughter's first moments). Photos remain a hugely impactful way to share a story, as evidenced by the 2026 edition of the World Press Photo contest—winning images include shots of a family separated by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement in the U.S.A., a group of Indigenous Achi women standing in solidarity with one another, and a besieged aid vehicle in the Gaza Strip. Like today and any other time period in the age of photography, the 1800s in America have been widely chronicled, in images dating back to the early years of the century. A look back on the images will take viewers to the country's first boardwalk in New Jersey, make them grapple with the realities of the Civil War, and bring them along a journey to discover the evolution of transportation over the decades. To learn more about 19th-century America through photographs, Stacker compiled a collection of 50 essential images that capture what life was like in the 1800s. Photos are sourced from various government databases and national photo libraries. From photos depicting iconic inventors and activists in action, to those simply depicting a day on the beach, each of these images shines a light on a small corner of American life between 1800 and 1899. Read on to view fascinating photos and learn more about the events and trends that shaped 19th-century America. Bettmann // Getty Images 1890: Couple walks along the beach in Atlantic City Seaside socializing rose to popularity in the 19th century, beginning in Britain where doctors were encouraging beach visits as a way to combat "melancholy," and later in America as the trend hit the East Coast. The first boardwalk stateside was built in Atlantic City in 1870 by two men—a hotelier and a railroad conductor—who had grown aggravated with beachgoers consistently dragging sand into their resorts and train cars. It was very basic, consisting only of an arrangement of boards laid out on the sand, and was later replaced by a larger railed boardwalk in 1890. In this photo, people stroll along the sand at the New Jersey beach, with the boardwalk in the background. CORBIS // Getty Images 1855: U.S. Capitol dome under construction The dome of the U.S. Capitol was designed by Philadelphia architect Thomas U. Walter, who took on the project after entering a competition to design an extension of the Capitol. While the government building had an original dome added in the 1820s, additions to the Capitol over the subsequent years made the original dome feel too small. This photo shows the Capitol dome under construction, as the original wood-covered copper structure was replaced by Walter's new and improved cast iron design. Henry P. Moore // Library of Congress 1862: Enslaved people harvest sweet potatoes on Hopkinson's Plantation The Emancipation Proclamation, which declared all slaves held in rebel states be free, was signed into effect by President Abraham Lincoln on Jan. 1, 1863. That was just a year after this photograph by printmaker and photographer Henry P. Moore was captured. The image depicts a group of enslaved people as they work a sweet potato plantation in South Carolina. It has been suggested that the image was staged by Moore as part of a larger statement about the condition of slaves in the country, even as they were on the cusp of freedom. Particularly, the argument has been that even with possible freedom on the horizon, the emotionless attitudes of the figures in the photograph could be Moore's way of depicting the struggles that would still lie ahead, even in a society freed from slavery. Otto Herschan Collection/Hulton Archive // Getty Images 1870: Docks of New Orleans in Louisiana The Port of New Orleans has long been considered a major point of commerce in the United States, due to its instrumental location along the Mississippi River. The river is the country's largest and is a key point of transportation for goods, with the Port of New Orleans playing a role in the movement of key national exports like grain. In this photograph, the docks of the busy New Orleans port are captured with loads of cargo and ships being loaded for transportation along the Mississippi. Bettmann // Getty Images 1862: Lincoln visits a Civil War camp in Maryland The Battle of Antietam was the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, in which Union General George B. McClellan and his men successfully forced the troops of Confederate General Robert E. Lee out of Maryland and thwarted his efforts to invade the north. This photo shows then-president Abraham Lincoln visiting McClellan and his troops at their camp near Sharpsburg, Maryland, where the president attempted to persuade McClellan to attack Lee's troops while the Union army had the upper hand. Refusing to comply, McClellan was dismissed from his rank shortly after. Hulton Archive // Getty Images 1864: Civil War destruction in Richmond, Virginia During the Civil War, Union General William T. Sherman's belief was that a "total war" approach was perfectly logical and justifiable in the fight against the Confederates, writing in a letter to Army Officer Henry Halleck in December 1864 that Union soldiers were "not only fighting hostile armies, but a hostile people." In an effort to scare Georgia civilians into abandoning the Confederate cause, Sherman proposed a March to the Sea, in which he and 62,000 of his men traveled 285 miles from Atlanta to Savannah, Georgia. Though Sherman's goal was not to blindly destroy everything that lay in his troops' way, his men were instructed to burn down the homes and barns of anyone who attempted to fight them. Though the march was ultimately considered a win for the Union cause, it caused a good deal of damage along the way. Here, an image captures the destruction that was caused in Richmond during the course of the march. Brady Handy Collection // Library of Congress 1865: Lincoln's funeral on Pennsylvania Avenue On April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated at Ford's Theatre by stage actor and Confederate sympathizer John Wilkes Booth. Abraham Lincoln's 1,700-mile funeral procession, which was the first to involve travel by train, traveled through more than 400 communities in six different states, in addition to the country's capital, between April 19 and May 3. Here, the funeral procession is shown as it moves along Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D.C. Minnesota Historical Society/CORBIS // Getty Images 1887: Construction of St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Manitoba Railway The St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba Railway was America's largest rail system and the start of what later became the Great Northern Railway, which ran from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Seattle, Washington. It was built to replace the St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, which had gone bankrupt. Led by Canadian American railroad executive James J. Hill, the construction of the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba Railway began in 1879 and was completed in 1893. This photo shows the construction of the railroad in Montana. Bettmann // Getty Images 1865: Helena, Montana, as a frontier town Montana officially became a territory in 1864, after hopeful prospectors began flooding into the region during the gold rush. The swift spike in population that came with the migrations gave rise to what were known as "boomtowns," or "frontier towns," which are essentially quick-to-materialize towns that emerge when settlers land in a new region. Here, a frontier town in Montana's capital, Helena, is shown. William Henry Jackson/NARA // Wikimedia Commons 1872: Camp study of expedition The role of geological surveying and land mapping played a critical role in understanding western lands being explored in the 19th century. Photographer William Henry Jackson was a key player in such projects, as he spent a good part of the late 1800s working with the U.S. government to survey regions around Yellowstone River and the Rocky Mountains. Jackson's job was to capture images of these new territories to create a documented account of the landscapes. This photograph by Jackson shows the survey team of an 1872 expedition as they sit by their camp. William Henry Jackson/USGS // Wikimedia Commons 1871: The Annie sails on Yellowstone Lake The U.S. Congress in 1872 made Yellowstone the world's first government-recognized national park. Photographer William Henry Jackson captured this photo for the 1871 Hayden Geological Survey. The image depicts The Annie, the first boat to sail on Yellowstone Lake. Public Domain // Wikimedia Commons 1875: Native American prisoners of the Red River War As an increasing number of Americans headed west during the 19th century, the U.S. government tried to shrink or totally eliminate Native American tribes settlers came in conflict with along the way. The Red River War, a military campaign that took place in 1874 and 1875, was an effort to remove several Southern Plains tribes—Comanche, Kiowa, Southern Cheyenne, and Arapaho—from Texas territory. This photo depicts American Indian war prisoners in Florida, where 74 tribal leaders were imprisoned. Underwood Archives // Getty Images 1869: Completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad at Promontory Summit, Utah When the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads met at Promontory Summit, Utah Territory, on May 10, 1869, they completed a 1,776-mile rail connection linking the Atlantic and Pacific coasts for the first time. The project, which took six years and the labor of tens of thousands of workers — many of them Chinese and Irish immigrants — fundamentally transformed how Americans moved people and goods across the continent. This photograph, taken by Andrew J. Russell, captures the celebration at the moment the final spike was driven, with workers and officials from both railroads gathered around the two facing locomotives. Will R. Beatty/Buyenlarge // Getty Images 1885: Placer miners in Prescott, Arizona Territory Placer mining is a method of using water to extract heavy minerals like gold and chromite from the earth. Panning, which was the method that gold miners used in the 19th century, is one early iteration of placer mining, by which prospectors would find gold by separating it from other minerals and the soil according to their density and gravity. This photo captures a scene involving several placer miners as they search for minerals in Prescott, Arizona Territory. Minnesota Historical Society/CORBIS // Getty Images 1880: Northwestern Express Stage and Transportation Co. in South Dakota Hallmarks of long-distance stagecoach travel in the 19th century were pit stops every few hours during which coach drivers could swap out their horses and give passengers a chance to rest and eat (hence the name stagecoach: transportation occurring in stages). Even though the introduction of railroad travel in the latter half of the century added a new mode of transportation to choose from, stagecoaches remained a popular mode of transportation, especially in more rural regions. In this photo, a major stagecoach station in South Dakota—the Northwestern Express Stage and Transportation Co.—is shown as a coach prepares to start its journey. John C.H. Grabill // Getty Images 1891: The Great Hostile Camp of the Lakota Sioux tribe In 1890, the ongoing conflict between the U.S. military and Native Americans erupted on the Lakota Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Wounded Knee became the site of a massacre—and the final clash between the U.S. government and the Plains Indians—in which more than 250 Native Americans were killed. This image depicts the landscape of a Lakota village on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Bettmann // Getty Images 1893: Oklahoma Land Run of 1893 By 1893, there had already been a number of land rushes in Oklahoma Territory, including the land rush of 1889, when President Benjamin Harrison opened up a 1.9 million-acre area of what had been Native American territory for western settlement. This photo depicts the Oklahoma Land Run Sept. 16, 1893, in which around 100,000 land-hopeful settlers raced west on trains, horses, foot and wagons to try to claim land for themselves and their families. With only 42,000 parcels of land available, however, most of the settlers would come out of the land rush with nothing to show for it. PhotoQuest // Getty Images 1887: Sod house in the Nebraska plains As Americans built homesteads throughout the Great American Prairie, one of the biggest struggles was the lack of ideal materials to work with for building. Without a natural supply of common materials like wood or stone, prairie homesteaders were often left to rely on sod: grass and the layer of soil and roots directly beneath it. In this photo, a family stands in front of their sod house in Nebraska. Detroit Publishing Company // Library of Congress 1880: Load of lumber Michigan's vast landscapes of pine trees and hardwoods made the region a key player in the 19th-century lumber industry. This photo shows a sled pulling loads of lumber in 1880, at which point Michigan had become the largest lumber producer in the country. Sleds were instrumental in moving massive logs on manmade ice-covered roads when simply dragging them from the forest wasn't a feasible option. Archive Photos // Getty Images 1890: Oregon salmon canning establishment Just like Michigan was a valuable territory because of its high supply of lumber, other regions throughout 19th-century America quickly developed industries based on the unique natural resources of those areas. In the late 1800s, salmon-canning was a rapidly growing industry along the Columbia River in Oregon. In the 1880s, salmon canning reached its peak in the region, with a total of 39 operating canneries. This photo depicts workers at an Astoria, Oregon, canning establishment in 1890, which marked the beginning of the salmon industries slowing thanks to overfishing in preceding years. The last cannery along the Columbia River closed in 1980. Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone // Getty Images 1870: Thomas Edison in Newark laboratory Though Thomas Edison is most commonly remembered for his invention of the incandescent lightbulb, the prolific inventor's work extends far beyond that, with a record 1,093 patents to his name. In this photograph, a young Edison works in his New Jersey laboratory. Edison perfected his lightbulb in 1879 after more than a year of tinkering and testing. Photo12/Universal Images Group // Getty Images 1883: The Brooklyn Bridge under construction New York's Brooklyn Bridge was constructed in the 19th century to connect Manhattan and Brooklyn over the East River. The 14-year long project, which would be the first steel suspension bridge, was based on the designs of German-born civil engineer John Augustus Roebling. This photo shows the construction of the bridge as it nears its completion in 1883. The iconic part of the New York skyline took 600 workers and cost more than $320 million in today's dollars. Hulton Archive // Getty Images 1892: Tram on San Francisco's Market Street Built to serve as a more efficient alternative to the horse-drawn wagons and cable cars of the time, electric streetcars emerged as a mode of San Francisco transportation in 1892. This photo shows a section of the streetcar line along Market Street, which was the origin of the line that then ran through the Mission District and Glen Park to end in the Colma cemeteries. Library of Congress/Corbis/VCG // Getty Images 1882: Sculpting of a Statue of Liberty model in Paris While the Statue of Liberty is an iconic symbol of New York and American liberty at large, the statue was designed by a Frenchman. Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi created the Statue of Liberty upon a suggestion from Édouard de Laboulaye—also known as the "Father of the Statue of Liberty"—who wanted to create a monument that would symbolize freedom and democracy in the post-Civil War age. Here, Bartholdi works on the left hand of his large-scale statue in a Parisian warehouse. Jacob A. Riis // Getty Images 1887: Students in New York school salute the flag The influx of European immigrants in America during the 19th century caused a rise in slum communities, where those with limited resources were left to fend for themselves with few employment options or protective legislation. With one major result of the slums being a lack of adequate education for children, the Children's Aid Society built a series of industrial schools between the 1880s and 1890s. These schools were meant to help take children out of slums and provide them with a strong education and moral foundation. In this photo, children from one of these schools—Mott Street Industrial School in New York—are shown giving the Oath of Allegiance. The image uses the then-newly developed technique of flash photography. Transcendental Graphics // Getty Images 1870: Chicago White Stockings baseball club This photo shows the Chicago White Stockings baseball team, including star players William Craver and Levi Meyerle, as they pose for a photograph on their Lakeside Park playing field in Chicago, Illinois. The White Stockings were the first professional team in the Windy City and served as the predecessors to the two well-known Chicago baseball teams that play for the city today: the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox. Charles Van Schaick/Wisconsin Historical Society // Getty Images 1892: Ringling Brothers parade in Wisconsin In the late 1880s, families used to await the arrival of acrobats, exotic animals, and other performers on "Circus Day." Each time that a circus came through town, their arrival would be marked by a parade along the main street. In this photo, residents of Black River Falls, Wisconsin, line up on either side of Main Street to watch the procession of the Ringling Brothers Circus, including several elephants. Cincinnati Museum Center // Getty Images 1892: Brighton Bicycle Club members prepare to race Before Americans had many transportation options beyond horse-drawn wagons and coaches, cycling became a simple and popular way for people to get around. The convenience and rising ubiquity of cycling paved the way for the creation of bicycle clubs across the country, where like-minded residents of a community formed an organization focused on bicycle-forward travel, exploration, and enjoyment. This photograph from 1892 shows members of the Cincinnati-based Brighton Bicycle Club as they prepare to race. Bettmann // Getty Images 1899: Steel pier at Atlantic City beach With Atlantic City being the site of the first boardwalk in America, it's only fitting that the seaside city would also become home to the nation's first waterfront amusement park. Steel Pier was originally opened in 1898 by a local investment group, and quickly became a popular attraction for locals and tourists. The pier enjoyed a number of milestones, including hosting the first Miss America Pageant in 1921 and Frank Sinatra in 1950. In this photo, Steel Pier is shown in the center of a bustling beach in 1899, just a year after its completed construction. Chicago History Museum // Getty Images 1886: Randolph Street Market in Chicago's Haymarket Square In April and May 1886, workers throughout Chicago—along with unionists, socialists, and anarchists—assembled and took to the streets to demand a nationwide shift to an eight-hour workday. Days of striking were interspersed with protest meetings, and on May 4, a demonstration that began peacefully on Des Plaines Street culminated in a violent clash between officers and citizens. The conflict left eight law enforcement officials dead and countless more citizens injured and dead. This image shows the busy center of Randolph Street Market in Chicago, just south of the 1886 anarchists' riot. Library of Congress/Corbis/VCG // Getty Images 1888: Executive committee members of the International Council of Women The International Council of Women in 1888 became the first organization of women to promote the advancement of women's rights and equality on an international level. The organization's birth and activity was a natural result of the growing discourse around gender-based injustice that was taking place in the latter half of the 19th century. In this photograph, members of the organization's first executive committee, including famous women's rights activist Elizabeth Cady Stanton, are shown during their first meeting in Washington D.C. Bettmann // Getty Images 1889: New York Stock Exchange Before the New York Stock Exchange came onto the scene, auctions were the closest thing to the kind of trading and exchanging that would establish a going rate for goods and commodities. In May 1792, the Buttonwood Agreement, which was signed on Wall Street in New York City, introduced the idea of a centralized exchange in the U.S. that would set a commission rate and eliminate the auctioneering culture of old. This photo shows the hectic floor of the New York Stock Exchange nearly 100 years after its initial founding. Chicago History Museum // Getty Images 1893: Great Basin at the Chicago World's Fair The Chicago World's Fair—also known as the World's Columbian Exposition—was a six-month celebration honoring the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' arrival in North America. Among the many wonders on display at the fair was the nation's first Ferris wheel, as well as its first encounter with electricity. This photo captures the view from across the Great Basin, a sparkling lake in the center of the fair's Court of Honor, which was expertly designed and decorated by a group of artists and architects. Minnesota Historical Society/CORBIS/Corbis // Getty Images) 1893: Steam electricity power plant in Minneapolis When the concept of electric streetcars was first introduced in the mid-1880s, there were many who were reluctant to embrace the new technology. Despite the promise of faster, farther-reaching transportation, skeptics, including Thomas Lowry, who controlled the Minneapolis and St. Paul streetcar companies, were unsure about whether to utilize electrification and what it would mean as far as safety. By 1892, however, all horse car routes in Minneapolis were electric, and the technology had more or less taken over. In this photo, workers are shown standing in a Minneapolis steam electricity plant, which powered many of the city's streetcars. Detroit Publishing Company // Library of Congress 1890: Solvay Process Co. in Syracuse When the Solvay Process Company created a Syracuse-based chemical plant in 1881, it was the first U.S. facility to utilize the Solvay process to manufacture sodium carbonate. Solvay Process Co. ultimately paved a new path for the road of industrialization towards the end of the 19th century. The plant eventually developed soda ash, which could be used in the production of materials like glass and paper, as well as products like soap. Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group // Getty Images 1890: Coal miners in Pennsylvania As industrialization largely shaped the 19th century, coal mining largely shaped the progression of industrialization. As one of the cheapest and most efficient sources of fuel that could be used for things like trains and steam engines, the value of coal to the country's continued growth was extremely significant. Unfortunately, the job of coal mining was a brutal one, and many men who took on the job—like those pictured here in Pennsylvania—were often severely injured or killed during the process. Mather & Bell/Library of Congress/Corbis/VCG // Getty Images 1895: Oil derricks on a hillside in Pennsylvania While some people headed west to pursue precious minerals during the gold rush, others headed to Pennsylvania in the late 1850s to look for oil, or "black gold." The Pennsylvania Oil Rush started in 1859, after oil—and, more importantly, its ability to replace steam and coal as a mode of power and fuel—was first discovered. Here, a cluster of hillside oil derricks owned by the Shoe and Leather Petroleum Company and the Foster Farm Oil Company is photographed in Pioneer Run, Pennsylvania. W.A. Raymond/Library of Congress/Corbis/VCG // Getty Images 1890: Horse-drawn combine thresher harvests wheat in Oregon The use of combine harvesters was new to America as of the 1860s. The farming technology combined the once-independent jobs of a header and a thresher, and thus significantly reduced the time and effort that it would take a farmer to harvest wheat, corn and a number of other crops. In this photograph, the combine harvester is pulled through an Oregon wheat field by horses—though the process allowed for fewer men to be involved, it could call for up to 40 horses—as it harvests the grain. You may also like: How farming has changed in every state the last 100 years Underwood Archives // Getty Images 1895: Traveling medicine salesman in Oklahoma Before the widespread existence of brick-and-mortar stores where people could purchase their goods, traveling salesmen were rather common. This was especially true in areas around the Midwest that were slightly more remote. In this image, a traveling salesman speaks to residents of a farm in Oklahoma as they peruse his powders and medicines. Unfortunately, traveling salesmen were not always the most trustworthy. In the case of those peddling medicine, for example, the popularity of "medicine shows" that traveled across the country and offered "miracle cures" that were sure to cure any number of ailments simply preyed on the desperate to make a profit, without offering any true medical benefit. Photoquest // Getty Images 1892: School children playing in their Iowa classroom The quality of schools in rural Iowa in the 1890s was concerning to many who felt children were being disadvantaged by inferior education. This shortage of well-trained teachers was largely attributed to factors including subpar standards for teacher certification and low wages that left high-quality teachers disincentivized to educate children at Iowa schools. Children were often none the wiser, however, as is evident by this image of elementary school children holding hands and playing a game in their Keota, Iowa, classroom. Hulton Archive // Getty Images 1893: Street vendors sell newspapers and comic books Before the newsstand came to be, the news could be obtained from vendors simply standing on the street and selling it on the go. Here, three men are photographed selling various forms of reading material, including: "Snapshot" comic books; "Chums," a weekly newspaper for young boys; and a newspaper featuring a front-page story on the death of actor Edwin Booth, who was the brother of Abraham Lincoln's killer, John Wilkes Booth. Fotosearch // Getty Images 1894: Federal troops during the Pullman Strike At a point where railroad traffic was thriving and had drastically impacted transportation of individuals and goods across the country, any disruption to the railroads' regular operations had the power to drastically impede day-to-day life. The Pullman factory strike in 1894 did just that. After having their requests declined during a wage negotiation, factory workers of the Pullman Palace Car Company went on strike. The boycott was extremely detrimental to railroad traffic across the country and resulted in the first instance of government officials and troops getting involved—as seen in this image—to break a strike. George D. Wakely/Library of Congress/Corbis/VCG // Getty Images 1864: Denver's South Platte River during the Great Flood Tragedy struck Colorado territory when, in 1864, a dam in one of four nearby reservoirs was breached, giving way for around 650 million gallons of water to escape in under an hour. The flood—known as the Great Flood of 1864—killed at least eight people, though the total body count is unknown. It also destroyed city records, and cost millions in property damage. In this photograph, people in Denver stand along the shore of the South Platte river, which is rushing under the pressure of incoming water from the flood. Apic // Getty Images 1898: Gold diggers climb Chilkoot pass in Alaska Nicknamed the "Golden Staircase," Alaska's Chilkoot Pass is a 26-mile trail that took hopeful—and incredibly brave—prospectors through the territory's frigid conditions during the Klondike Gold Rush. This image shows gold diggers trekking along the route in 1898, just two years after gold had been discovered in the Klondike region in 1896. Following the initial discovery of gold, more and more hopefuls attempted to brave the elements—including blizzards, avalanches, and freezing temperatures—to try their hands at finding gold deposits of their own at Klondike. Fotosearch // Getty Images 1892: Ellis Island opens New York Harbor's Ellis Island first opened in 1892 and served as a point of entry for immigrants coming to America. It's estimated that more than 12 million immigrants arrived at Ellis Island in the 60-plus years that it was ushering newcomers into the country. With immigrants coming from throughout Europe, the migration of people to the U.S. that occurred through Ellis Island marked one of the first huge waves of incoming immigrants in the country. This undated photo (circa 1880) captures a group of people descending from a ship docked in the harbor as they enter Ellis Island. You may also like: Immigration to America the year you were born Museum of the City of New York // Getty Images 1896: Telephone exchange employees in New York The first switchboard was created in 1878 out of a variety of random materials, including teapot handles and carriage bolts. Though it wasn't the most refined prototype, the creation paved the way for the mainstreaming of telephones, which up until this point had been somewhat limited in their potential due to limited transmission technology. With the switchboard in place, cross-country telephone communication became far simpler, by connecting callers to a middleman who would direct calls from there. The switchboards, which needed to be operated manually, were often handled by women, as is evident in this photograph of employees at a telephone exchange in New York City. Geo. P. Hall & Son/The New York Historical Society // Getty Images 1895: Veranda of the Palm Beach Hotel in Florida Before 1894, Palm Beach wasn't a top destination for beachgoers just yet, but that changed when Henry Flagler came into the area and revitalized it with the construction of West Palm Beach's first resort: The Royal Poinciana Hotel. Other hotels, including the Palm Beach Hotel—pictured here with its grand terrace—and the Palm Beach Inn (known as The Breakers) also emerged to attract wealthy visitors and encourage tourism in the county. Jacob A. Riis/Museum of the City of New York // Getty Images 1895: Children swim at a public bath in New York Record numbers of incoming immigrants during the late 19th century in America created major crises of overcrowding in cities like New York, where space was limited and populations were relentlessly rising. A result of the influx of new residents gave rise to tenement housing, which were multistory apartment buildings that crammed multiple families into living quarters with limited space and facilities. Tenement buildings that popped up in poorer neighborhoods of the city were usually accompanied by public bathhouses, where family members could bathe and keep cool during hot summer months. Here, a group of children is shown playing and swimming in a public bath in New York. Bettmann // Getty Images 1896: Henry Ford drives his first automobile By the late 1800s, people had traveled by wagon, stagecoach, train, tram, and trolley. Automobiles, however, had yet to enter the scene until 1896, when Henry Ford created the quadricycle, his first attempt at a car that would run on gas. The automobile was constructed using iron for the outer body and a leather belt and chain for its transmission. In this photograph, Ford is pictured driving his first car on Grand Boulevard in Detroit, Michigan. He later sold the vehicle for $200 and used the money to build a second iteration of the prototype model. Bettmann // Getty Images 1898: Young men recruited for Spanish-American War By 1895, Spanish colonial control was dwindling, with some of its few remaining colonies worldwide being Cuba and the Philippines. The Spanish-American War occurred as a result of Cuba's fight to break free from Spanish rule; a fight that the U.S., in 1898, became involved in after pressure by popular demand. In this photograph, military recruiters in New York attempt to enlist volunteers to fight in the war.
	2nd Saturdays return to downtown Rock Island, to continue through October A popular event is back in Rock Island for the next couple of moths.
	The U.S.-led war in Iran will dominate Trump's G7 trip to France The gathering was originally expected to be a meeting focused on a variety of separate economic and security issues.
	NAACP president urges action, unity at Rock Island County banquet Twelve local students received scholarships as the Rock Island County NAACP celebrated community leaders and achievements. Find the details here.
	1 lane on portion of East Locust Street expected to reopen to traffic, Monday A traffic alert for drivers on a busy Davenport street.
	The 30 deadliest SUVs in the US, based on data Yan luca // Shutterstock 30 SUVs with the highest death rates When it comes to traffic deaths, there has been some encouraging news in recent months. According to April 2026 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were an estimated 36,640 traffic fatalities in 2025, a 6.7% year-over-year decrease from 2024. However, as much as traffic deaths have declined in the U.S. as of late, not all cars are created equal regarding vehicle safety. Research has shown that passengers in smaller vehicles, like sedans, have a higher likelihood of death in the event of a collision compared to SUVs. But which of the leading SUVs are involved in the most fatal accidents for their passengers? Stacker used data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to find the 30 SUVs with the highest driver death rates. Vehicles made by Jeep and Mitsubishi landed in several spots among the top manufacturers of cars ranked by the highest death rate. Death rates for this ranking were measured as the number of estimated driver deaths per 1 million registered vehicle years, each of which is calculated as one vehicle registered for one year. Rates were also adjusted based on drivers' ages and gender. Ties were broken by the rate of multiple-vehicle crashes that resulted in driver deaths, though a few vehicles remained tied after considering that factor. The institute released the data in May 2020, primarily comparing 2017 vehicle models. However, it expanded the results to earlier model years for more data in cases where the vehicle wasn't substantially redesigned during that time. These rankings do not include luxury SUVs, which typically have additional safety measures. The institute estimated that the overall death rate for SUVs is about 25 per million registration years, or 19 per 10 billion vehicle miles traveled. Compared to other vehicle categories, the largest SUVs have the lowest driver death rate. Many vehicle models with the lowest death rates were luxury SUVs, which were not included in these particular rankings. Death rate estimates were created using statistical modeling, which is prone to some degree of error: Confidence interval ranges are provided, and the actual values have a 95% chance of being within that range based on the institute's analysis. Read on to see how your preferred SUV stacks up against popular models. Canva #30. Toyota RAV4 2WD - Estimated driver deaths: 28* per million registered vehicle years --- 28 in multiple-vehicle crashes --- None in single-vehicle crashes --- None in single-vehicle rollovers 95% confidence range: 0-59 Veyron Photo // Shutterstock #29. Volkswagen Tiguan 4WD - Estimated driver deaths: 29 per million registered vehicle years --- 16 in multiple-vehicle crashes --- 16 in single-vehicle crashes --- None in single-vehicle rollovers 95% confidence range: 0-62 Jonathan Weiss // Shutterstock #28. Chevrolet Traverse 4WD - Estimated driver deaths: 29 per million registered vehicle years --- 19 in multiple-vehicle crashes --- 9 in single-vehicle crashes --- 2 in single-vehicle rollovers 95% confidence range: 9-49 Jonathan Weiss // Shutterstock #27. Chevrolet Equinox 4WD - Estimated driver deaths: 29 per million registered vehicle years --- 20 in multiple-vehicle crashes --- 9 in single-vehicle crashes --- 2 in single-vehicle rollovers 95% confidence range: 15-43 Jonathan Weiss // Shutterstock #26. Ford Escape 2WD - Estimated driver deaths: 29 per million registered vehicle years --- 22 in multiple-vehicle crashes --- 6 in single-vehicle crashes --- 2 in single-vehicle rollovers 95% confidence range: 20-38 Arnold O. A. Pinto // Shutterstock #25. Jeep Wrangler 4-door 4WD - Estimated driver deaths: 31 per million registered vehicle years --- 15 in multiple-vehicle crashes --- 17 in single-vehicle crashes --- 10 in single-vehicle rollovers 95% confidence range: 21-41 rebinworkshop // Shutterstock #24. Kia Sorento 2WD - Estimated driver deaths: 32 per million registered vehicle years --- 12 in multiple-vehicle crashes --- 22 in single-vehicle crashes --- None in single-vehicle rollovers 95% confidence range: 5-58 Fancey Media // Shutterstock #23. Ford Explorer 2WD - Estimated driver deaths: 33 per million registered vehicle years --- 21 in multiple-vehicle crashes --- 11 in single-vehicle crashes --- 6 in single-vehicle rollovers 95% confidence range: 8-58 Jonathan Weiss // Shutterstock #22. GMC Terrain 2WD - Estimated driver deaths: 33 per million registered vehicle years --- 22 in multiple-vehicle crashes --- 10 in single-vehicle crashes --- 1 in single-vehicle rollovers 95% confidence range: 16-51 Canva #21. Toyota 4Runner 2WD - Estimated driver deaths: 34 per million registered vehicle years --- 23 in multiple-vehicle crashes --- 10 in single-vehicle crashes --- None in single-vehicle rollovers 95% confidence range: 0-67 Iurii Vlasenko // Shutterstock #20. Jeep Patriot 4WD - Estimated driver deaths: 36 per million registered vehicle years --- 24 in multiple-vehicle crashes --- 12 in single-vehicle crashes --- 2 in single-vehicle rollovers 95% confidence range: 18-54 Jonathan Weiss // Shutterstock #19. Ford Flex 2WD - Estimated driver deaths: 38 per million registered vehicle years --- 38 in multiple-vehicle crashes --- None in single-vehicle crashes --- None in single-vehicle rollovers 95% confidence range: 0-75 haryanta.p // Shutterstock #18. Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 4WD - Estimated driver deaths: 39 per million registered vehicle years --- 9 in multiple-vehicle crashes --- 35 in single-vehicle crashes --- 15 in single-vehicle rollovers 95% confidence range: 8-69 Amanson // Shutterstock #17. GMC Yukon 2WD - Estimated driver deaths: 40 per million registered vehicle years --- 0 in multiple-vehicle crashes --- 40 in single-vehicle crashes --- 26 in single-vehicle rollovers 95% confidence range: 0-88 Jonathan Weiss // Shutterstock #16. Jeep Compass 4WD - Estimated driver deaths: 40 per million registered vehicle years --- 21 in multiple-vehicle crashes --- 20 in single-vehicle crashes --- 8 in single-vehicle rollovers 95% confidence range: 15-64 rebinworkshop // Shutterstock #15. Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2WD - Estimated driver deaths: 43 per million registered vehicle years --- 32 in multiple-vehicle crashes --- 12 in single-vehicle crashes --- 12 in single-vehicle rollovers 95% confidence range: 9-77 Miro Vrlik Photography // Shutterstock #14. Chevrolet Trax 4WD - Estimated driver deaths: 45 per million registered vehicle years --- 15 in multiple-vehicle crashes --- 33 in single-vehicle crashes --- None in single-vehicle rollovers 95% confidence range: 2-88 Iurii Vlasenko // Shutterstock #13. Dodge Journey 2WD - Estimated driver deaths: 45 per million registered vehicle years --- 26 in multiple-vehicle crashes --- 19 in single-vehicle crashes --- 12 in single-vehicle rollovers 95% confidence range: 25-65 Jonathan Weiss // Shutterstock #12. Chevrolet Equinox 2WD - Estimated driver deaths: 45 per million registered vehicle years --- 32 in multiple-vehicle crashes --- 12 in single-vehicle crashes --- 6 in single-vehicle rollovers 95% confidence range: 33-57 Canva #11. Jeep Wrangler 2-door 4WD - Estimated driver deaths: 46 per million registered vehicle years --- 23 in multiple-vehicle crashes --- 23 in single-vehicle crashes --- 20 in single-vehicle rollovers 95% confidence range: 25-68 AnupongTermin // Shutterstock #10. Honda HR-V 2WD - Estimated driver deaths: 50 per million registered vehicle years --- 36 in multiple-vehicle crashes --- 11 in single-vehicle crashes --- 6 in single-vehicle rollovers 95% confidence range: 4-95 Everyonephoto Studio // Shutterstock #9. Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2WD - Estimated driver deaths: 51 per million registered vehicle years --- 26 in multiple-vehicle crashes --- 26 in single-vehicle crashes --- 15 in single-vehicle rollovers 95% confidence range: 24-78 Iurii Vlasenko // Shutterstock #8. Nissan Rogue 2WD - Estimated driver deaths: 51 per million registered vehicle years --- 38 in multiple-vehicle crashes --- 11 in single-vehicle crashes --- 1 in single-vehicle rollovers 95% confidence range: 32-70 Jonathan Weiss // Shutterstock #7. Ford Expedition 2WD - Estimated driver deaths: 55 per million registered vehicle years --- 24 in multiple-vehicle crashes --- 29 in single-vehicle crashes --- 15 in single-vehicle rollovers 95% confidence range: 5-104 Everyonephoto Studio // Shutterstock #6. Mitsubishi Outlander 2WD - Estimated driver deaths: 55 per million registered vehicle years --- 31 in multiple-vehicle crashes --- 22 in single-vehicle crashes --- 15 in single-vehicle rollovers 95% confidence range: 5-104 Tikhomirov Sergey // Shutterstock #5. Jeep Compass 2WD - Estimated driver deaths: 55 per million registered vehicle years --- 40 in multiple-vehicle crashes --- 15 in single-vehicle crashes --- None in single-vehicle rollovers 95% confidence range: 25-85 Iurii Vlasenko // Shutterstock #4. Jeep Patriot 2WD - Estimated driver deaths: 60 per million registered vehicle years --- 49 in multiple-vehicle crashes --- 8 in single-vehicle crashes --- 5 in single-vehicle rollovers 95% confidence range: 35-85 Renovacio // Shutterstock #3. Hyundai Tucson 2WD - Estimated driver deaths: 61 per million registered vehicle years --- 37 in multiple-vehicle crashes --- 21 in single-vehicle crashes --- 9 in single-vehicle rollovers 95% confidence range: 18-103 Pras Nazri // Shutterstock #2. Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 4WD - Estimated driver deaths: 67 per million registered vehicle years --- 45 in multiple-vehicle crashes --- 21 in single-vehicle crashes --- 5 in single-vehicle rollovers 95% confidence range: 12-122 Zoran Karapancev // Shutterstock #1. Chevrolet Trax 2WD - Estimated driver deaths: 73 per million registered vehicle years --- 40 in multiple-vehicle crashes --- 37 in single-vehicle crashes --- 20 in single-vehicle rollovers *95% confidence range: 32-114 Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the weight of a Toyota Corolla.
	SEAL Family Legacy hosts gala and cruise to support Gold Star Families The SEAL Family Legacy is hosting a gala and cruise to support Gold Star Families. According to a release, the Legacy Gala is Friday, July 10 in the Starlite Ballroom at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, located at 2815 W. Locust St., Davenport. Cocktail hour runs from 5:00-6:00 p.m., followed by the dinner program highlighted by [...]
	First ‘Bix @ 6′ training run steps off Thursday The first training run steps off this week.
	Muscatine barricades downtown intersection amid building safety concerns Safety concerns at two downtown buildings have prompted a street closure in Muscatine. Read the details here.
	The 50 greatest actors in movie history, according to fans DENIZE alain // Getty Images America's 50 favorite actors who are men Audiences know them from long-running TV series, big-time movie openings, and indelible stage performances. They've made viewers laugh, cry, and jump from their seats in fright. The best actors in the world have the power to move audiences in ways that few others can—which is why making a list of the absolute best is never an easy task. To determine the American audience's 50 favorite actors who are men, Stacker analyzed data from YouGov, current as of June 2024. The list was ranked by the percentage of respondents who liked the actor. YouGov distinguishes actors in its surveys by providing a binary understanding of sex and gender. Stacker understands that this potentially limits who is represented on this list. However, the rankings still include an impressive range of thespians, including Oscar winners, box office juggernauts, and some of the "sexiest men alive." A handful of these actors have been on the nation's A-list for decades, while others have taken over headlines and screens more recently. Steve Martin, for instance, built up a lengthy career in comedy writing and acting but had begun to slow down in the last few years. That is, until he soared back into the limelight in 2021 with his role on Hulu's hit series "Only Murders in the Building." Ryan Gosling, too, took some time away from Hollywood to focus on fatherhood after starring in the generally panned "Blade Runner 2049" and "First Man," only to reassert his blockbuster chops by playing Ken in 2023's massive hit "Barbie." And that's to say nothing of Matthew McConaughey's resurgence in the 2010s, a phenomenon aptly dubbed the "McConaissance." Given how beloved the actors on this list are, it's no surprise that most continue to work regularly. In 2025, Leonardo DiCaprio starred in the celebrated Paul Thomas Anderson movie "One Battle After Another," which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in March 2026. Robert Downey Jr. returned to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a post-credits scene for "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," and will reprise his role as Victor von Doom in "Avengers: Doomsday" in 2026. And Gosling starred in yet another major blockbuster in March 2026—the sci-fi adventure pic "Project Hail Mary," dubbed a "thrilling space odyssey" by David Rooney of the Hollywood Reporter. We don't want to give away the entire list, though. Whether on here for the first time or the fifth, these actors wield some serious star power and have made quite an impression on American audiences. Read on to see if your favorite performer cut. Samir Hussein/WireImage // Getty Images #50. Leonardo DiCaprio - Liked by: 68% - Disliked by: 10% - Neutral opinion: 19% - Have heard of: 97% After starting early as a child actor with supporting parts on "Romper Room" and "Growing Pains," Leonardo DiCaprio became one of the most lauded U.S. actors of all time. DiCaprio has accrued a long list of accolades for his starring roles in "Titanic," "Catch Me If You Can," "Blood Diamond," and "The Revenant," the latter of which won him the Academy Award for Best Actor. Despite garnering a reputation for only dating women under 25, DiCaprio (who is now in his 50s) has retained his America's sweetheart status. Beyond film, DiCaprio is also a well-known environmental activist and lends his celebrity status to causes that combat climate change. VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images #49. John Goodman - Liked by: 68% - Disliked by: 4% - Neutral opinion: 18% - Have heard of: 91% Once best known for his starring role as Dan Conner on the hit TV show "Roseanne," John Goodman has only accelerated his career with time. The adaptable comedian and actor effortlessly transitions from heavyweight dramas to thrillers to lighthearted comedies and back again. Underscoring his versatility are his iconic roles in films as varied as "The Big Lebowski," "O Brother, Where Art Thou?," "Monsters, Inc.," and "10 Cloverfield Lane." In 2025, Goodman retired the character of Dan Conner when "Roseanne" spin-off "The Conners" wrapped up its run in April, and he also voiced Papa Smurf in the July reboot film "Smurfs." Han Myung-Gu // Getty Images #48. Ryan Reynolds - Liked by: 68% - Disliked by: 7% - Neutral opinion: 15% - Have heard of: 90% Charming troublemaker Ryan Reynolds has dozens of films under his belt and counting, including John Krasinski's 2024 release "IF." Reynolds got his start in soaps, starring in Canada's teen drama "Hillside" (titled "Fifteen" in the U.S.) in 1991. After a smattering of comedies and dramas, he toggled between the DC and Marvel Cinematic Universes, playing the titular character in "Green Lantern"—where he met his future wife, Blake Lively—and Deadpool in the X-Men franchise. Reynolds reprised his role as the "Merc With a Mouth" for 2024's summer blockbuster "Deadpool & Wolverine," co-starring Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. Slaven Vlasic // Getty Images #47. Tom Selleck - Liked by: 68% - Disliked by: 6% - Neutral opinion: 17% - Have heard of: 92% Esquire gave Tom Selleck the honor of one of the most famous mustaches in the world, but Selleck is just as well known for his long TV and film career. He started acting in the late 1960s, but his breakout role was in the classic 1980s TV show "Magnum, P.I." Since then, Selleck has gone on to star in movies like "Three Men and a Baby," "In & Out," and the "Jesse Stone" TV movie franchise, as well as TV hits such as "Las Vegas" and "Blue Bloods." He has earned multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for his work and won each award once for "Magnum, P.I." Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic // Getty Images #46. Laurence Fishburne - Liked by: 68% - Disliked by: 4% - Neutral opinion: 12% - Have heard of: 85% You might know Laurence Fishburne as Morpheus in "The Matrix" or the incomparable Bowery King in the "John Wick" series. But his acting career started long before his days of kicking butt and taking names alongside Keanu Reeves. As a teen in the 1970s, Fishburne appeared on the soap opera "One Life to Live" and Francis Ford Coppola's acclaimed film "Apocalypse Now." More than a decade of steady on-screen roles later, he turned in an Oscar-nominated performance as Ike Turner in the 1993 Tina Turner biopic "What's Love Got to Do With It." Though his movies and TV shows typically tend toward high-octane action, Fishburne is also no stranger to slower dramas, like 2006's "Akeelah and the Bee." His eclectic output can be seen in his 2025 credits alone, which include the sci-fi horror film "The Astronaut," the animated movie "Sneaks," and the spy thriller "The Amateur." To top off his illustrious acting career, he's also produced several movies and TV shows, including all three shows in the "Black-ish" franchise. Gilbert Flores/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images #45. Jim Carrey - Liked by: 68% - Disliked by: 12% - Neutral opinion: 17% - Have heard of: 98% Known for starring in films like "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and "Dumb and Dumber," Jim Carrey has been making audiences laugh for decades. He ventured into acting through stand-up comedy, working onstage throughout the '70s before booking his first screen appearances in the 1980s. Carrey got his big break in the early '90s when he starred on the Fox sketch comedy series "In Living Color," along with Jamie Foxx and the Wayans brothers. He went on to star in '90s movies like "The Mask" and "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective," but there's much more to Carrey than his slapstick performances. He's put on an equally impressive show in more dramatic films, like "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" and "The Truman Show." Kevin Winter // Getty Images #44. Patrick Stewart - Liked by: 69% - Disliked by: 4% - Neutral opinion: 18% - Have heard of: 90% Long before leading the X-Men as Professor X or commanding the USS Enterprise as Jean-Luc Picard on "Star Trek," Sir Patrick Stewart began acting in grade school in the 1940s and became a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company in the '60s. He stayed with them until the early '80s, and has since built a stacked resume with roles in everything from "Frasier" to "Gnomeo & Juliet." His performances have earned him four Primetime Emmy nominations and have even caught the attention of the British monarchy. The late Queen Elizabeth II knighted the actor in 2010. Fans of Stewart's superhero oeuvre were delighted when he returned as Charles Xavier for a cameo in 2022's "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness." He'll be back in the Marvel Cinematic Universe when "Avengers: Doomsday" hits theaters in December 2026. Aldara Zarraoa // Getty Images #43. Dwayne Johnson - Liked by: 69% - Disliked by: 10% - Neutral opinion: 18% - Have heard of: 96% The Rock climbed the Hollywood ladder after being discovered while pro wrestling. His first leading role came in 2002 with "The Scorpion King" and exploded from there. He's appeared in everything from cartoons to comedies, seemingly endless action flicks, and even a Taylor Swift music video in 2020. Johnson has come out with projects every year as of late, including "Fast X" in 2023, and "Red One" and "Moana 2" in 2024. In 2025, he starred in the biopic "The Smashing Machine," which stirred up some Oscar buzz. Frazer Harrison/BAFTA LA // Getty Images #42. Dick Van Dyke - Liked by: 69% - Disliked by: 5% - Neutral opinion: 19% - Have heard of: 93% Hollywood darling Dick Van Dyke has been in the acting game for more than 50 years and has garnered Emmy, Grammy, and Tony awards along the way. As a comedian, singer, actor, and dancer, Van Dyke is known for a litany of film and TV roles. Some of his best-known performances include "The Dick Van Dyke Show," "Mary Poppins" (he also costarred in the 2018 version), and "Bye Bye Birdie." In 2024, Van Dyke became the oldest person to win a Daytime Emmy for his appearance in Peacock's "Days of Our Lives." John Nacion // Getty Images #41. Matthew McConaughey - Liked by: 69% - Disliked by: 5% - Neutral opinion: 21% - Have heard of: 95% Alright, alright, alright—Matthew McConaughey's appearance on this list should come as no surprise. Born to a kindergarten teacher and former pro football player, McConaughey began pursuing acting while attending the University of Texas at Austin in the early '90s. In 1993, the same year he graduated, he made his silver-screen debut as David Wooderson in Richard Linklater's "Dazed and Confused," a role that catapulted McConaughey to the big time. Three Emmy nominations for "True Detective" and one Oscar for "Dallas Buyers Club" later, McConaughey continues to act and executive produce—and he's even returned to his alma mater, this time behind the podium as a professor. His most recent credits include 2025 movies "The Rivals of Amziah King" and "The Lost Bus." Dominik Bindl // Getty Images #40. Forest Whitaker - Liked by: 69% - Disliked by: 4% - Neutral opinion: 16% - Have heard of: 89% Best known for his Oscar-winning role in 2006's "The Last King of Scotland," Forest Whitaker once pursued a very different career: football. After a back injury took him off the field in college in the early '80s, Whitaker set his sights on the arts instead. The versatile performer has played everything from a home invader ("Panic Room" in 2002) and a mobster (the Epix series "Godfather of Harlem") to a troubled jazz musician (Clint Eastwood's "Bird" in 1988). In addition to acting, Whitaker also directed 1998's "Hope Floats" and produced acclaimed movies like "Sorry to Bother You," "Fruitvale Station," and "Fancy Dance." Phillip Faraone // Getty Images #39. Adam Sandler - Liked by: 69% - Disliked by: 9% - Neutral opinion: 16% - Have heard of: 95% Known for his comedic musical acts, funnyman Adam Sandler got his start as a cast member on "Saturday Night Live" in 1990. Though it might seem hard to believe now, executives at NBC fired him from the show in 1995. But Sandler wasn't down and out for long—the same year, he starred in "Billy Madison," the first of many successful movies. The actor, comedian, producer, and screenwriter has credits in dozens of films, including a plethora of slapstick comedies and, more recently, lauded dramas, including the intense "Uncut Gems" in 2019 and "Hustle" in 2022. But he hasn't turned his back on comedies, reprising one of his most iconic characters in the sequel "Happy Gilmore 2." Rick Diamond // Shutterstock #38. Gene Wilder - Liked by: 69% - Disliked by: 5% - Neutral opinion: 14% - Have heard of: 88% Born Jerome Silberman in 1933, Gene Wilder was a beloved actor, writer, director, and author. Wilder's first big break came when he starred as Leo Bloom in the original film by Mel Brooks, "The Producers." From there, his leading roles took off as Brooks and others cast him in a variety of movies, including "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," "Blazing Saddles," and "Young Frankenstein." Later on, Wilder had a run of films alongside co-star Richard Pryor that included "Silver Streak," "Stir Crazy," and "See No Evil, Hear No Evil." After the death of his wife, Gilda Radner, Wilder helped found the Gilda Radner Hereditary Cancer Program at Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Leon Bennett/WireImage // Getty Images #37. Ben Stiller - Liked by: 70% - Disliked by: 7% - Neutral opinion: 19% - Have heard of: 96% The son of two celebrated comedians, Ben Stiller grew up in showbiz and spent much of his childhood exploring film and TV sets. However, it took some time to start his own Hollywood career. After making his Broadway debut at age 20 in "The House of Blue Leaves" in 1986, he then appeared on a few episodes of "Saturday Night Live" in the late '80s and hosted his own short-lived sketch comedy series, "The Ben Stiller Show," in the early '90s. Stiller went on to act, produce, and direct higher-profile projects (including the Apple TV+ hit "Severance"). Today, he's still best known for his on-screen performances in hit comedy franchises like "Zoolander," "Meet the Parents," and "Night at the Museum." He'll be returning to the "Meet the Parents" universe in the sequel "Focker In-Law," scheduled for release on Thanksgiving 2026. Dominik Bindl // Getty Images #36. Kevin Bacon - Liked by: 70% - Disliked by: 5% - Neutral opinion: 20% - Have heard of: 95% The ubiquitous star of dozens of films, Kevin Bacon has touched every corner of Hollywood, cementing his cred for the parlor game "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon." His biggest movies span every genre and multiple generations from "National Lampoon's Animal House" and "Footloose" to "Tremors," "A Few Good Men," "Mystic River," and "Frost/Nixon." In recent years, Bacon has become something of a scream king, with roles in "MaXXXine" and "The Toxic Avenger." In 2025, he also made his first onscreen appearance with wife Kyra Sedgwick in over 20 years for the rom-com "The Best You Can." Tristan Fewings // Getty Images for Warner Bros. #35. Ryan Gosling - Liked by: 70% - Disliked by: 5% - Neutral opinion: 19% - Have heard of: 94% Hollywood's favorite Canadian heartthrob Ryan Gosling got his first major TV role in 1993 with Disney's "The All New Mickey Mouse Club," starring alongside Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. In the 2000s, he went on to pick up roles in "Remember the Titans" and "The Believer" before winning hearts in "The Notebook" opposite Rachel McAdams. He's since earned three Academy Award nominations for his turns in "Half Nelson," "La La Land," and "Barbie." But Gosling is much more than "just Ken"—he is also husband to fellow actor Eva Mendes and a father to their two children. Matt Winkelmeyer // Getty Images #34. Michael Keaton Douglas - Liked by: 70% - Disliked by: 3% - Neutral opinion: 17% - Have heard of: 90% Known for playing the titular role in Tim Burton's "Batman" movies, Michael Keaton Douglas (who started using his legal last name in 2024) has dominated American acting roles in drama and comedy since his breakout role as Bill "Blaze" Blazejowski in 1982's "Night Shift." He's had a major resurgence since 2014, when he won a Golden Globe and received his first Oscar nomination for his role in "Birdman," while his stunning performance in 2021's limited Hulu series "Dopesick" earned him his first Emmy win. He reprised his role as the fast-talking demon Beetlejuice in the 1988 movie's long-awaited 2024 sequel, "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice." John Lamparski // Getty Images for Tribeca Festival #33. Christopher Walken - Liked by: 70% - Disliked by: 3% - Neutral opinion: 14% - Have heard of: 87% Although he's primarily known as a very serious actor (he won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in "The Deer Hunter"), Christopher Walken's lighter side has made him a fan favorite across generations. Whether it was his classic "More Cowbell" sketch on "Saturday Night Live" or his unforgettable cameo in "Pulp Fiction," Walken has proven time and time again to be one of cinema's versatile performers. Case in point—he starred as the villainous Emperor in 2024's "Dune: Part Two," and earned praise for his more grounded and emotional performance on Apple TV+'s "Severance." Larry Busacca // Getty Images #32. Danny Glover - Liked by: 70% - Disliked by: 5% - Neutral opinion: 16% - Have heard of: 91% Danny Glover started acting in 1979, but international fame didn't come until he starred opposite Mel Gibson in the blockbuster "Lethal Weapon" movies. Glover has continued working over the past four decades and has amassed nearly 200 acting credits over the course of his career. Outside of Hollywood, Glover is a political activist who lends his celebrity to causes regarding civil rights and labor rights. Samuel de Roman // Getty Images #31. Nicolas Cage - Liked by: 70% - Disliked by: 6% - Neutral opinion: 19% - Have heard of: 95% Nicolas Cage has one of the most prolific careers in show business, starring in over 100 movies since the early 1980s. One of his most famous roles is his award-winning turn in the movie "Leaving Las Vegas," for which he garnered an Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Actor. Casual fans of the quirky star might be surprised to learn that Cage is actually the nephew of famed director Francis Ford Coppola, which also makes him a cousin to fellow celebs Sofia Coppola, Jason Schwartzman, and Roman Coppola. Though he fell into a career slump during the 2010s with roles in a spate of low-performing films, Cage is back on top thanks to appearances in buzzy movies like "Pig" and the 2024 horror pic "Longlegs." Michael Kovac // Getty Images #30. Sylvester Stallone - Liked by: 71% - Disliked by: 5% - Neutral opinion: 18% - Have heard of: 94% With blockbuster hits like "Rocky," "First Blood," "Demolition Man," and "The Expendables," Sylvester Stallone has become a household name. But Stallone isn't just a muscular celebrity. In addition to his explosive roles, he's also written more than two dozen of his movies and been nominated for three Academy Awards (including Best Original Screenplay for "Rocky"). Since 2023, Stallone and his family have starred in their own reality TV show called "The Family Stallone," though the actor may be prouder of his role on Taylor Sheridan's crime drama "Tulsa King." In 2025, Stallone was announced as one of the newest recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors. Amy Sussman // Getty Images #29. Al Pacino - Liked by: 71% - Disliked by: 6% - Neutral opinion: 14% - Have heard of: 92% Consistently considered one of the greatest actors of all time, Al Pacino can back up the claim with an Oscar and eight more nominations, four Golden Globes and 15 additional nominations, two Emmys and another nod, and two Tony wins of three nominations. Pacino has starred in classic films such as "The Godfather" franchise, "Scarface," "Dog Day Afternoon," and "Scent of a Woman." NBC // Getty Images #28. John Ritter - Liked by: 71% - Disliked by: 3% - Neutral opinion: 16% - Have heard of: 91% John Ritter had an illustrious TV and film career that spanned more than 30 years before his death in 2003. He was most well known for his laugh-out-loud role on the hit TV series "Three's Company," but he also starred in films such as "Stay Tuned" and "Sling Blade." Ritter is the son of the singing cowboy Tex Ritter; both father and son have stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame right next to one another. Gabriel Bouys // Getty Images #27. Eddie Murphy - Liked by: 71% - Disliked by: 7% - Neutral opinion: 18% - Have heard of: 95% Eddie Murphy's career started on the stand-up stage, but the moment he made his debut on "Saturday Night Live," he became a star. Movies followed soon after with early hits like "Trading Places" and "Beverly Hills Cop," only to be followed by equally successful "Coming to America." Murphy's worldwide box-office receipts total almost $8.2 billion, thanks in part to his role in multiple franchises like "The Nutty Professor," "Dr. Dolittle," and the animated juggernaut, "Shrek." He'll be reprising his role as Donkey when "Shrek 5" hits theaters in summer 2027. On the awards front, Murphy was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in "Dreamgirls" and won the Golden Globe for the same film. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic // Getty Images #26. Matt Damon - Liked by: 71% - Disliked by: 6% - Neutral opinion: 18% - Have heard of: 95% Matt Damon is one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood, moving between action, comedy, and drama roles. Damon has been nominated for five Oscars and won the Best Original Screenplay award for "Good Will Hunting." Some of his most popular movies include "Rounders," "The Bourne Identity" franchise, "The Departed," and "The Martian." While much of his recent work is as a producer—he's credited as such on 2025 releases "The Accountant 2" and "Kiss of the Spider Woman"—Damon has the starring role of Odysseus in Christopher Nolan's hotly anticipated "The Odyssey," which is already selling out theaters in advance of its July 2026 release. Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images #25. Sam Elliott - Liked by: 71% - Disliked by: 3% - Neutral opinion: 15% - Have heard of: 89% Sam Elliott's storied acting career spans nearly 60 years and includes many Western-centric roles. One of the earliest was a small part in the 1969 classic "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," and he also donned a cowboy hat to play an unnamed mustachioed character "The Stranger" in 1998's "The Big Lebowski." After the comedy became a surprise hit, Elliott made memorable appearances in movies like "Thank You for Smoking," "Ghost Rider," and "A Star Is Born." These days, he's perhaps best known for starring on the "Yellowstone" prequel series "1883," which ran from 2021 to 2022. Roy Rochlin // Getty Images #24. Brad Pitt - Liked by: 71% - Disliked by: 7% - Neutral opinion: 18% - Have heard of: 96% Hollywood heartthrob Brad Pitt has built a name for himself worldwide. He got his big break in the 1991 classic "Thelma & Louise," playing handsome cowboy conman J.D. Outside of his starring roles in "Ocean's Eleven" and "Fight Club"—as well as his tabloid-heavy relationships with Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie—fans might be surprised to learn that Pitt is also a big-time movie producer. His Plan B production company spearheaded giant blockbuster hits such as "World War Z," "Moneyball," and "Eat, Pray, Love," and has won Best Picture Oscars for "Moonlight" and "12 Years a Slave." But Pitt still has massive pull as an actor, as evidenced by the success of 2025's "F1," which earned over $625 million worldwide. Chris Polk/FilmMagic // Getty Images #23. Clint Eastwood - Liked by: 71% - Disliked by: 8% - Neutral opinion: 17% - Have heard of: 95% Clint Eastwood isn't just an Oscar-winning filmmaker, actor, writer, and director; he is also a composer and has written the scores for several films he directed, such as "Flags of Our Fathers," "Changeling," and "J. Edgar." As an actor, Eastwood's tough-guy appeal first dazzled audiences in spaghetti Westerns in the 1960s and then with his "Dirty Harry" movies in the 1970s. His directing and producing turns garnered him more awards, winning Oscars for "Unforgiven" and "Million Dollar Baby." Eastwood is also a known political figure, serving as mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea in the '80s and rising to prominence as a sometime-conservative spokesperson. Jemal Countess // Getty Images #22. James Earl Jones - Liked by: 71% - Disliked by: 4% - Neutral opinion: 14% - Have heard of: 89% James Earl Jones, who passed away in September 2024, was a versatile actor whose baritone voice and acting chops scooped up multiple accolades. Over his 93 years, Jones garnered an honorary Oscar, a Golden Globe, three Emmy awards, a Grammy, and multiple Tony awards for his roles on the Broadway stage. Jones's unforgettable voice will forever be associated with Darth Vader from the "Star Wars" franchise, as well as the voice of Mufasa in "The Lion King." His on-screen presence has also dazzled audiences with performances in "The Great White Hope," "Picket Fences," and "Field of Dreams." Ethan Miller // Getty Images #21. Patrick Swayze - Liked by: 71% - Disliked by: 3% - Neutral opinion: 18% - Have heard of: 92% Voted People's "Sexiest Man Alive" in 1991, the late, great Patrick Swayze charmed audiences with swoon-worthy roles and remarkable dance skills across the romance and comedy genres for decades. Among his most famous films are "Ghost," "Roadhouse," and the all-time classic "Dirty Dancing." In 2009, Swayze died tragically of pancreatic cancer at the age of 57. Kevork S. Djansezian // Getty Images #20. Jack Nicholson - Liked by: 72% - Disliked by: 6% - Neutral opinion: 14% - Have heard of: 92% Among the most adored actors in American cinematic history, Jack Nicholson's work has run the gamut from horror to touching rom-coms. He is the most-nominated male actor in Oscar history, with 12 nods: eight for Best Actor, and four for Best Supporting Actor. He has three Academy Award wins under his belt—for his performances in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," "Terms of Endearment," and "As Good as It Gets"—and has nearly 80 acting credits on his résumé. Warner Brothers // Getty Images #19. Bruce Lee - Liked by: 72% - Disliked by: 5% - Neutral opinion: 20% - Have heard of: 97% Born Lee Jun Fan in 1940, Bruce Lee is one of the most iconic martial arts figures ever. Although he had starred in many films in China before moving to the United States, he spent many years teaching martial arts before landing the role of Kato in "The Green Hornet" TV series. He went on to star in multiple movies, including "The Big Boss," "The Way of the Dragon," and "Enter the Dragon." Lee died at 32, but his film and martial arts legacies continue to this day: Time Magazine named him one of the most influential people of the 20th century. Bob Riha, Jr. // Getty Images #18. Paul Newman - Liked by: 73% - Disliked by: 2% - Neutral opinion: 15% - Have heard of: 90% Though he passed away in 2008, director and actor Paul Newman built a lasting legacy on- and off-screen. In the 1960s and '70s, he won over audiences playing rebellious criminals in "Cool Hand Luke" and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," then went on to nab his first Best Actor Oscar in 1987 for "The Color of Money." His memorable performances continued up until 2008, the year he died, including a voice role in Disney's "Cars." As for his work outside Hollywood, in 1982, Newman started Newman's Own, a food company that donates all profits—$600 million to date—to children-focused causes. VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images #17. Steve Martin - Liked by: 73% - Disliked by: 3% - Neutral opinion: 13% - Have heard of: 90% Steve Martin won his first Emmy for writing in 1969, though his on-screen work didn't take off for another decade. He spent the intervening years performing standup across the country before starring in 1979's "The Jerk," followed by a long string of other iconic comedies in the '80s and '90s, including "Three Amigos!", "Parenthood," and "Father of the Bride." In 2021, Martin reunited with his "Three Amigos!" co-star and frequent collaborator Martin Short for the Emmy-winning Hulu series "Only Murders in the Building," which also stars Selena Gomez. Stefania D'Alessandro // Getty Images #16. Hugh Jackman - Liked by: 73% - Disliked by: 5% - Neutral opinion: 14% - Have heard of: 93% Australian actor Hugh Jackman enjoyed his greatest commercial success as James "Logan" Howlett, better known as Wolverine, in the X-Men franchise from 2000 to 2017. His role held the record for the longest-running, live-action Marvel character until he was usurped in 2021—and while he might have gotten it back for reprising the character in 2024's "Deadpool & Wolverine," a surprise appearance by Wesley Snipes' Blade robbed Jackman of that glory. A triple threat, Jackman can transition from blockbusters to Broadway and back again. Jackman's role in "The Greatest Showman" earned him a Grammy (Best Soundtrack), while his starring role in "Les Misérables" earned him a Golden Globe win and Oscar nomination for Best Actor. Kate Green // Getty Images #15. Tom Hanks - Liked by: 74% - Disliked by: 9% - Neutral opinion: 14% - Have heard of: 96% Not only has Tom Hanks won multiple Oscars, Golden Globes, and Emmy awards, but he has also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the French Legion of Honor. On-screen, Hanks has delivered some of the most memorable performances in movie history while starring in gems like "Big," "Sleepless in Seattle," "Philadelphia," "Forrest Gump," "Toy Story," and many others. In 2025, he appeared in Wes Anderson's "The Phoenician Scheme," and in 2026, he'll be playing Woody once more in "Toy Story 5." Phillip Faraone // Getty Images #14. Danny DeVito - Liked by: 74% - Disliked by: 5% - Neutral opinion: 17% - Have heard of: 96% Diminutive star Danny DeVito might only be 4-foot-10, but he's a cinema giant. DeVito has more than 150 acting credits to his name, and some of the biggest roles came from "Taxi," "Romancing the Stone," "Ruthless People," "Batman Returns," and, more recently, "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." DeVito won a Golden Globe and Emmy award for his role in "Taxi" and made a surprise appearance in 2024's "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice." Toni Anne Barson/WireImage via Getty Images #13. Sean Connery - Liked by: 74% - Disliked by: 3% - Neutral opinion: 13% - Have heard of: 90% Sean Connery will forever be remembered as the original James Bond thanks to his starring role in the 1962 classic "Dr. No." A slew of six Bond films continued after the original, as did international acclaim. The Scottish-born actor is known for more than just being a British spy on screen. He won an Oscar for his supporting role in "The Untouchables" and is indelible in the minds of audiences for parts in "The Hunt for Red October" and "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade." Beyond his screen roles, Connery was knighted in 2000 and also voted by People Magazine as the Sexiest Man Alive in 1989. Target Presse Agentur Gmbh // Getty Images #12. Liam Neeson - Liked by: 74% - Disliked by: 5% - Neutral opinion: 15% - Have heard of: 94% Liam Neeson was born in Northern Ireland in 1952 and has been a working actor since the late 1970s. While he found some early success, it wasn't until Steven Spielberg cast him as Oskar Schindler in "Schindler's List" that he shot to stardom. After "Schindler," Neeson scored major roles in movies such as "Kinsey," "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace," and the "Taken" franchise. While many of his recent roles have been in "Taken"-style thrillers, he showed his sense of humor in the 2025 reboot "The Naked Gun," which earned glowing reviews, including for his comedy chops. Neeson is also an outspoken activist who has used his celebrity for a variety of issues, like legalizing abortion in Ireland and gun control in the U.S. Jason Merritt // Getty Images #11. Michael J. Fox - Liked by: 74% - Disliked by: 2% - Neutral opinion: 18% - Have heard of: 94% Canadian-born Michael J. Fox has been entertaining audiences since playing a conservative Republican teenager in the hit comedy series "Family Ties." International stardom followed soon after when he wowed audiences in "Back to the Future," "Teen Wolf," and "Doc Hollywood." Since being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991, Fox has worked tirelessly through The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research to help combat and find a cure for the disease. For his work on-screen, Fox has garnered four Golden Globes and five Emmy awards. VCG // Getty Images #10. Jackie Chan - Liked by: 74% - Disliked by: 4% - Neutral opinion: 18% - Have heard of: 97% Born Chan Kong-sang in Hong Kong in 1954, martial arts superstar Jackie Chan has amassed more than 130 acting credits between the U.S., China, and around the world. Part of Chan's fame comes from doing his own stunts, a skill he learned as a stuntman for Bruce Lee's movies "Fist of Fury" and "Enter the Dragon." Chan's fame took off in America when he teamed up with Chris Tucker in the "Rush Hour" movies and then with Owen Wilson in the "Shanghai Noon" franchise. Outside the movies, Chan is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and has promoted several charitable causes. Rich Fury // Getty Images #9. Bruce Willis - Liked by: 75% - Disliked by: 4% - Neutral opinion: 16% - Have heard of: 95% Though many audiences know Bruce Willis as one of the greatest action stars of all time, his career started on a much mellower note. Willis' first claim to fame came from the hit TV show "Moonlighting," for which he won an Emmy award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. His action films piled on quickly after that, with megahits such as "Die Hard," "The Fifth Element," and "Armageddon." Off-screen, Willis co-founded Planet Hollywood and was once married to Demi Moore. His family announced his retirement from acting in March 2022 following his diagnosis of aphasia, which progressed and was later diagnosed as frontotemporal dementia. Since then, Willis' family has continued to share photos and provide updates on the actor's condition. Greg Doherty // Getty Images #8. Anthony Hopkins - Liked by: 75% - Disliked by: 3% - Neutral opinion: 12% - Have heard of: 90% The ever-prolific Sir Anthony Hopkins is still garnering film credits well into his 80s. He's taken home a multitude of awards, including two Oscars, four BAFTA Awards, two Primetime Emmys, and an Olivier Award. Among his most unforgettable performances are his starring roles in "The Silence of the Lambs," "The Remains of the Day," and "The Elephant Man." Alberto E. Rodriguez // Getty Images #7. Robert Downey Jr. - Liked by: 77% - Disliked by: 5% - Neutral opinion: 14% - Have heard of: 96% Robert Downey Jr.'s roller-coaster career has taken him from leading man to struggling with substance abuse and back to leading man in one of Hollywood's best redemption stories. Downey Jr. achieved fame in the 1980s with roles in "Weird Science," "Less Than Zero," and "Chances Are" before scoring the role of a lifetime with "Chaplin." A series of arrests for drug-related crimes took over his life in the late 1990s before he began making a career comeback in the 2000s. Downey Jr. has since been on an incredible run of hit films that include Marvel's "Avengers" and "Iron Man" movies as well as the "Sherlock Holmes" franchise, and in 2023, he picked up his first Academy Award for his role in "Oppenheimer." Frederick M. Brown // Getty Images #6. Keanu Reeves - Liked by: 77% - Disliked by: 3% - Neutral opinion: 14% - Have heard of: 94% Keanu Reeves is a household name whose movies have generated nearly $7.9 billion in box-office receipts around the world. Some of Reeves' biggest movies include "The Matrix" movies, "Speed," "Point Break," and the "John Wick" franchise. In 2025, he appeared in the "John Wick" spin-off film "Ballerina," and starred in Aziz Ansari's directorial debut "Good Fortune." He also reunited with his "Bill and Ted" co-star Alex Winter for a revival of "Waiting for Godot"—and made his Broadway debut in the process. Emma McIntyre // Getty Images for Critics Choice Association #5. Harrison Ford - Liked by: 78% - Disliked by: 4% - Neutral opinion: 13% - Have heard of: 95% Harrison Ford has played some of the most memorable movie characters of all time, including Han Solo in the "Star Wars" franchise, Indiana Jones in the "Indiana Jones" movies, and Jack Ryan in the Tom Clancy spy movie franchise. Other epic flicks include "The Fugitive," "Air Force One," "Blade Runner," and "Witness," the last of which landed him an Oscar nomination. All told, Ford's movies have grossed over $12 billion at the box office, making him one of the most bankable stars of all time. He's continued to have an active career into his 80s, making his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in 2025's "Captain America: Brave New World," and starring on the TV series "1923" and "Shrinking." The latter earned him his first Emmy Award nomination. Off-screen, Ford is a big environmental activist and lends his celebrity to organizations like Conservation International—he's even had a few animal species named in his honor. Jason Merritt // Getty Images #4. Denzel Washington - Liked by: 80% - Disliked by: 2% - Neutral opinion: 14% - Have heard of: 96% Multiple Oscar-winner Denzel Washington is almost always mentioned in "greatest actor of all time" discussions—and for good reason. Washington has starred in endless award-winning movies like "Glory," "Cry Freedom," "Malcolm X," "Philadelphia," "Crimson Tide," "Training Day," and more. Not just a movie star, Washington is also known for his stage work, where he won a Tony for 2010's "Fences" and was nominated for another Tony in "The Iceman Cometh." He is the most nominated Black actor in Academy Awards history and has earned Oscar nominations in five different decades. J. Vespa // Getty Images #3. Robin Williams - Liked by: 80% - Disliked by: 3% - Neutral opinion: 13% - Have heard of: 96% The comedian, actor, and philanthropist Robin Williams was a master at making fans laugh and cry with his unforgettable performances on stage, in film, and on TV. Winner of an Oscar, Emmys, Grammys, and Golden Globes, Williams was beloved for his roles in "Good Morning, Vietnam," "Good Will Hunting," "Dead Poets Society," and "Mrs. Doubtfire." Williams died in 2014 at the age of 63. David Livingston/FilmMagic // Getty Images #2. Samuel L. Jackson - Liked by: 81% - Disliked by: 6% - Neutral opinion: 11% - Have heard of: 97% Samuel L. Jackson is one of the top-earning actors in Hollywood. The movies he has starred in have grossed more than $28.3 billion. Jackson has more than 200 acting credits to his name, which include such hits as the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy, the "Iron Man" franchise, and the expanded Marvel Universe movies. Outside of the movies, Jackson was once a very active member of the Civil Rights Movement in the '60s and '70s and even served as an usher at Martin Luther King Jr.'s funeral. Michael Kovac // Getty Images for AFI #1. Morgan Freeman - Liked by: 85% - Disliked by: 2% - Neutral opinion: 10% - Have heard of: 97% Morgan Freeman has been entertaining audiences since the 1960s and shows no evidence of slowing down any time soon. Freeman has been nominated for multiple Academy Awards and won for his role in "Million Dollar Baby." Over his long career, Freeman has amassed more than 150 acting credits and can be remembered for stunning performances in the likes of "Driving Miss Daisy," "The Shawshank Redemption," "Glory," and "Unforgiven." His recent work includes a starring role on the Taylor Sheridan series "Special Ops: Lioness," as well as the 2025 sequel "Now You See Me: Now You Don't." Additional writing and story editing by Cu Fleshman. Copy editing by Paris Close.
	Dustin Smith takes 1st late model win at Davenport Speedway The track prep crew worked hard to get the Davenport Speedway track ready for Friday night’s racing. The racing surface yielded three first time winners on the season, three repeat winners and three-wide racing all night long. The night’s finale was The Outhouse / Storage to Go - IMCA Late Model feature. Dustin Smith broke through [...]
	50 fascinating facts about the music industry Archive Photos // Getty Images 50 fascinating facts about the music industry Music is one of the most ubiquitous art forms in the world. Lullabies soothe babies to sleep from the youngest of ages, and kids try their hand at playing an instrument in elementary school. By the teenage years, music becomes part of our identities—we gravitate toward certain genres as a form of self-expression, and the lyrics and melodies feed the deepest part of our souls. Music then takes on new roles in adulthood. It keeps us entertained on our commutes, helps us stay focused at work, provides a welcome distraction while doing chores around the house, and sets the right mood for parties and get-togethers. Plus, seeing our favorite bands perform live and feeling the energy of crowds at arena concerts often become some of our most cherished memories. Music is with us at every stage of life. But as we're poring over deep lyrics from our favorite singer-songwriters and debating whether dynamic bands fall into one genre, we rarely recognize that music is much more than an art form—it's a big, profit-driven business. The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry put the total value of the recording industry at $31.7 billion in 2025. The music industry is responsible for an estimated 2.5 million jobs in the United States alone as of 2024, per the Recording Industry Association of America. And music has helped the net worth of some artists, like Andrew Lloyd Webber and Paul McCartney, surpass $1 billion. To say that the music industry has evolved over the last several decades is a massive understatement. Making it in the 21st century looks significantly different from what it once did. Yes, the industry still has the power to make or break artists, but nowadays, that might have more to do with determining which bands make their way onto Spotify playlists and which ones are forgotten entirely. To help understand the business behind your favorite songs and albums, Stacker compiled a list of 50 fascinating facts about the music industry using a mix of information from Goldman Sachs and Citibank; reports from industry leaders like the IFPI and the RIAA; news outlets, including the BBC, The Verge, Vice, and The New York Times; and music publications like Billboard and Rolling Stone. Explore the story for 50 facts about the music industry you probably didn't know. Canva Digital sales generate 84% of music revenue The music industry is dominated by digital sales, with 84% of total revenue in the United States coming from streaming and downloads in 2024, per the RIAA. Perhaps unsurprisingly, streaming alone is responsible for the bulk of that figure. Digital options like paid subscriptions, ad-supported services, and social media platforms generated an impressive $14.9 billion in 2024. Canva More than 5 trillion songs are streamed annually Music fans around the world streamed over 5 trillion songs in 2025, according to Luminate. That number reflects a growth of 9.6% from 2024—and a new single-year record for worldwide music streaming. Pixabay Vinyl sales are on the rise After largely being replaced by cassettes and CDs in the 1980s and 1990s, vinyl records are now making a comeback. For the nineteenth year in a row, revenue from vinyl records climbed in 2025—this time to $1.04 billion, according to a 2026 report from the RIAA. Canva The recording industry is valued at $31.7 billion The IFPI put the estimated value of the recording industry at $31.7 billion in 2025. Streaming sales account for most of the value, followed by physical music sales and performance rights. Canva Pop musicians have shorter lifespans than everyday people A study on 12,665 pop musicians who passed away between 1950 and 2014 found that they tend to die at younger ages than the average American. They also have higher rates of death by homicide and accidents. Canva The average pop song is 3 minutes and 15 seconds long With advertising revenue on streaming services accounting for a big portion of music profits, pop songs have been getting shorter in recent years, The Washington Post reported. The average length of a pop track in the 2020s is around 3 minutes and 15 seconds, a full minute shorter than it was in the 1990s. Pixabay Musicians earn a median wage of $42.45 an hour The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the median pay of musicians and singers was $42.45 per hour in 2024. That rate could soon increase, though—in March 2024, Democratic representatives introduced the Living Wage for Musicians Act, a measure that would grant musicians additional royalties from streaming. Michael Tran // AFP via Getty Images Taylor Swift made music industry history by earning $1.1 billion in 2023 Taylor Swift's income reached a whopping $1.1 billion in 2023, Forbes reported. Swift holds the distinction of being the first musician to reach billionaire status based solely on her music and performances rather than business investments. Sergi Alexander // Getty Images 'Despacito' is the most-watched music video on YouTube YouTubers have streamed the music video for Luis Fonsi's "Despacito," featuring Daddy Yankee, nearly 9 billion times since it was posted on Jan. 12, 2017. "Despacito" is not only the most-watched music video on the platform, it's the second-most-watched YouTube video period, trailing only behind "Baby Shark." Canva CDs helped make albums longer The popularity of CDs in the 1990s and early 2000s pushed the average length of an album to a high of 15.8 songs in 2003—up from 12.5 songs in 1992, when cassettes were the predominant music media, the Harvard Business Review reported. The increased album length reflected the ease of skipping around to different tracks on CDs, but the trend has continued into the streaming era; the average runtime for a top 10 album in 2022 was nearly 70 minutes, according to Billboard. Canva Billboard charts only consider albums that cost $3.49 or more Billboard announced a new policy in 2011 that required albums to sell for at least $3.49 in their first four weeks and tracks to sell for at least 39 cents in their first three months in order to be considered for the charts. The company said that considering music with a minimum sales price would help reflect "consumer intent" amid albums going for as little as 99 cents online. Canva Bandcamp boasts 76,000 album sales daily Bandcamp, an online record marketplace, claims to sell around 76,000 albums every day. Music fans have also purchased hundreds of millions of dollars worth of merchandise through the site. Canva Warning stickers on albums are voluntary Artists and their labels are responsible for deciding whether a particular album needs the black-and-white "Parental Advisory Explicit Content" labels on their covers, per NPR. Unlike the Motion Picture Association of America's rating system for movies, the music labeling system is voluntary and has few guidelines. Jeff Fusco // Getty Images Barbra Streisand holds most Gold Album Awards of all women Barbra Streisand has the most RIAA Gold Album Awards among female artists. The music legend boasts some 68.5 million album awards across 52 separate albums. Jannunziato // Wikimedia Commons Grammy Award trophies take 15 hours to make Each of the gramophone trophies given to artists who win a Grammy takes 15 hours to make. The 5-pound awards are made of a special metal called "grammium." Pixabay Ringtones earned $1 billion in three years The rise of ringtones earned the digital medium its own Billboard chart in 2004. From 2005 to 2007, ringtones and ringback tunes raked in $1 billion in revenue for the music industry. Canva Grammy Award voters must meet strict criteria Only members of the Recording Academy can vote for the winners of the Grammy Awards. To be qualified as a voter, the member must meet certain criteria, such as previously winning a Grammy, earning an endorsement from someone who's currently a voting member, having at least "six credits on commercially released tracks," or having credits on at least a dozen physical or digital songs released on the internet, wrote Vox. Gems // Getty Images The Eagles earned the first Platinum Album The Eagles earned the first Platinum Album for "Eagles/Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975" when the RIAA released the prestigious status in 1976. Nearly 50 other albums would also go Platinum that year. Canva Artists only get paid if track is streamed for 30 seconds Artists and labels only earn payment from a stream if the listener tunes in for at least 30 seconds, reports The Verge. The payment model has prompted some artists to load their albums with many short songs. Canva Music industry excludes women A recent study of 700 songs that reached the top of the Billboard charts between 2012 and 2018 found sweeping disparities between men and women in the industry. The findings revealed that women comprised just 21.7% of all artists, 21.1% of the producers, and 12.3% of songwriters who met the criteria for the study. Johan Larsson // Wikimedia Commons Musicians add 99,000 tracks to music streaming platforms every day According to Luminate's 2024 year-end report, users add around 99,000 new songs to music streaming platforms every day. The huge volume of music can make it difficult for tracks from relatively unknown artists to get noticed by listeners. Pixabay Music industry employees typically earn $41,935 per year Workers in the music industry earn an average annual salary of $41,935, according to a 2018 report from the RIAA. That number has fallen slightly from 2012, when employees took home an average of $42,333. Pixabay The music industry creates 2.5 million jobs in the U.S. The music industry is a major U.S. employer. A report from the RIAA found that the music industry was responsible, either directly or indirectly, for 2.5 million jobs across the nation in 2024. Pixabay Americans bought 943 million CDs in 2000 Americans bought some 943 million CDs during the medium's heyday in 2000. Since then, CDs have largely fallen out of fashion, with just 33.4 million sold in 2022. Canva Talent scouts look for new artists online The rise of streaming music has brought major changes to the way artists and repertoire professionals search for new musicians to sign. While they used to scout local clubs and review demo recordings, they now sift through massive amounts of online music and data to find fresh talent, per Musonomics. Pixabay Only a small portion of music fills 99% of all streams Streaming music platforms spoil users by allowing them access to a choice of millions of tracks. However, 99% of all digital music streams come from the top 10% of tracks, Musonomics has reported. Canva Pandemic caused a 25% decline in global music revenue A Goldman Sachs report from May 2020 estimated that the global music industry suffered a 25% drop in revenue during the pandemic. The plunge is largely attributed to the cancellation of live entertainment. Canva Music industry revenues may reach $200 billion by 2035 Goldman Sachs has predicted that the music industry may reach roughly $200 billion in revenue by 2035. Streaming music is expected to drive the majority of growth, while digital downloads and sales of physical music will continue to dwindle. Canva RIAA sells award plaques to artists While the RIAA certifies bestselling albums as Gold, Platinum, Multi-Platinum, or Diamond, it does not dole out the iconic record plaques to artists and labels commemorating their achievement. Instead, award winners can buy an actual plaque from one of four licensed framers. Canva Major record labels signed 658 new artists in 2017 Major record labels signed 658 new acts in 2017, according to RIAA. The number of new musicians signed that year was 12% higher than in 2014. It works out to be about two new artists signed every day. Theo Wargo // Getty Images Jody Gerson became first female leader of a major music company In January 2015, Jody Gerson took on the role of chief executive officer and chairman of Universal Music Publishing Group. She was the first woman to lead a major global music company. Under her leadership, the company's revenue has climbed 40% and exceeded $1 billion for the first time ever in late 2018, per Billboard. Pixabay Positive reviews don't always lead to strong sales While positive reviews from critics can help musicians get their names out there, they don't usually lead to strong sales, according to The Balance. It reported that radio play can be a much more effective sales tool than print reviews. 20 minutos // Wikimedia Commons Metallica shut down Napster over music rights Metallica sued the early file-sharing platform Napster for illegally distributing copyrighted recordings in 2000. The court ruled in Metallica's favor, forcing Napster to remove copyrighted tracks from its system. The company went bankrupt and the music industry's relationship with the internet was changed forever, per The Verge. Canva Signing new artists costs labels $4.1 billion Record labels spent a staggering $4.1 billion on signing new artists, developing their music, and recording their albums in 2017, IFPI said. That breaks down to $11 million per day to sign around 50 artists every month. Canva Starting a record label can cost less than $50,000 Even though major record labels have big budgets, you don't necessarily need to be ultra wealthy to launch an indie label. A small record label can cost between $20,000 and $50,000 to open, The Balance has reported. This amount would cover business registration, licensing, equipment, and potentially some promotion. Christopher Polk // Getty Images Chance the Rapper won a Grammy with no physical music sales In 2017, Chance the Rapper took home the Grammy award for best rap album. The history-making award was the first one ever given for a streaming-only album that had no physical sales. Pixabay Payola persists despite being illegal Payola is a music industry term that describes the practice of record labels giving radio stations money or other incentives to play certain artists in an effort to increase their exposure. While payola is illegal, it still persists in the industry, per The Balance. It is also sometimes called "pay for play." Canva Just three record companies hold most of the market share Three big record companies have around 65% of the entire U.S. market share, according to data analyzed by Statista. Universal Musical Group dominates with 29% of the total pie, followed by Sony Music Entertainment with 20% and Warner Music Group with just under 16%. Pixabay Mental health conditions plague 70% of musicians A 2016 survey of more than 2,200 musicians in the United Kingdom found that 71% have high levels of anxiety and panic attacks. The data also showed that 69% of participating musicians had depression—a huge portion compared with the roughly 20% of the general public in the United Kingdom who are affected by the mental health condition. Archive Photos // Getty Images Connie Francis became first woman to hit #1 in 1960 Pop singer Connie Francis took the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 with her song, "Everybody's Somebody's Fool," in 1960. She was the first solo woman to achieve that level of success. Canva Musicians often give up rights for record deals Record deals typically require artists to relinquish all rights to their music forever in exchange for a lump-sum upfront paycheck, per Rolling Stone. The situation could cause musicians to miss out on the potential for big bucks if their songs become extremely popular. Canva High levels of harassment haunt the music industry The Musicians' Union said in 2019 that more than 350 people—mostly women—have submitted complaints of harassment, abuse of power, and discrimination. The union also said that 85% of abuse survivors in the music industry opted not to report the crimes out of concern they wouldn't be believed or heard. Canva Musicians only get 12% of music industry revenues The share of music industry revenues that goes to artists is small. On average, they take home only about 12% of all revenue. The rest goes to distribution platforms and record labels, per Citibank. Canva Record labels typically spend $1 million on new artists Record labels typically make a $1 million investment in each new band they sign, according to Citibank. This money covers a financial advance for the artists, studio recording costs, video production support, touring support, and marketing and promotion. Canva Majority of albums sell less than 1,000 copies The albums that sell millions of copies are few and far between. According to the IFPI, 80% of albums sell less than 100 copies, while 94% of albums have less than 1,000 copies sold. Canva Many musicians have fake Twitter followers If you see a musician with millions of followers on Twitter, don't assume they're all loyal fans. Many musicians have high rates of fake Twitter followers, Vice has reported. Twitter Audit shows only 42% of the followers on Justin Beiber's Twitter account are real and around 62% of Rihanna's followers are fake. Pixabay Changes to streaming music could increase piracy A report from Goldman Sachs shows that 3 in 4 streaming users find it important to have "access to millions of tracks." If the price of streaming music subscriptions goes up and/or record labels remove music from streaming platforms, the industry may see listeners resort to piracy. Canva Streaming music on smartphones is big business The smartphone is becoming an increasingly important sales tool in the music industry. The rate of listeners in developed markets who use their smartphones to stream music is expected to climb to 37% in 2030, compared with 18% in 2018, says Goldman Sachs. Canva Radio has the most reach of all platforms Amid the rise of online media, radio still has the most reach of all platforms, touching 92% of all U.S. adults at least once a week, per Nielsen. The statistics show the vast opportunities radio still offers to the music industry. Pixabay Holiday music on the radio has growing appeal The number of people who tune into radio stations for holiday music continues to break records. Holiday music captured 14.3% of the adult contemporary music audience share in 2018, up from 13.9% in 2017, Nielsen has reported. Additional writing by Cu Fleshman.
	Where does your dog rank on a list of the 50 biggest breeds, according to the American Kennel Club? Bobex-73 // Shutterstock Biggest dog breeds It's a cliché to refer to dogs as "man's best friend," but the four-legged furballs have earned the distinction. According to archeologists, dogs were the first domesticated animal, with some scientists estimating that they began accompanying humans as early as 30,000 years ago. Since then, dogs have changed, slowly shifting from their wolf ancestry and then rapidly as breeding became more and more refined. Today, there are dogs so small they can hide behind a dollar bill and weigh the same as an apple. But there are also the big dogs, bred to hunt and guard and rescue drowning fishers. When placed alongside each other, it's tough to comprehend that the tiniest and largest pups are even the same species. Just look at Pearl, a 3.6-inch chihuahua and the world's shortest dog, and Reggie, a 3-foot, 3-inch Great Dane and the world's tallest dog. This unlikely pair met in April 2025 and got along fine. Like many canines of his stature, Reggie is "just a big baby," according to his owner. There's plenty of variety when it comes to big dogs, but they do have some commonalities. These pups are giants, usually fiercely loyal, and a nightmare for intruders. They herd sheep, fight off lions, and chase bears up trees. They also enjoy belly rubs and cuddling with their humans. They're mascots, movie stars, and official state dogs. The big dog is a symbol of loyalty, bravery, toughness, and strength. Big dogs also require a certain level of commitment from their owners. For example, they're usually high energy and require frequent exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. They tend to be more aggressive than their smaller counterparts and need intentional and focused training to be their friendliest best. Big dog owners must be sure that they can provide the level of commitment and care these breeds need to be happy and healthy. And considering that larger breeds typically have shorter lifespans than smaller pups, that's no easy feat. Despite the health issues common among big canines, however, these dogs remain popular pets and can liven up any home. Stacker analyzed the dog breeds based on American Kennel Club data, sifting through statistics on dogs ranging from Afghan hounds to Yorkshire terriers. What lies ahead is a ranking of the top 50 biggest dog breeds, based on a size index, which incorporates the typical max height and weight of each breed. Each breed's 2024 popularity ranking, released by the AKC in 2025, is also included. Read on to discover the personalities and histories behind some of the biggest canines in the world. Mary Swift // Shutterstock #50. Treeing walker coonhound (tie) - Size index: 57.9 - Typical max height: 27 inches - Typical max weight: 70 pounds - Popularity rank: 152 out of 200 This American hound dog was bred in Kentucky to hunt small game, like raccoons, bobcats, or squirrels. The floppy-eared tricolored dogs have a loud, distinctive bark. In a pack, they've also been known to hunt bears. Canva #50. Redbone coonhound (tie) - Size index: 57.9 - Typical max height: 27 inches - Typical max weight: 70 pounds - Popularity rank: 144 out of 200 Another American hound dog from the South, the redbone coonhound is distinctive for its fully red coat, save for a small patch of white on the chest. Just as vocal as any other hound dog, the redbone coonhound is also an exceptional swimmer, with water skills to rival a retriever. Canva #50. Irish setter (tie) - Size index: 57.9 - Typical max height: 27 inches - Typical max weight: 70 pounds - Popularity rank: 85 out of 200 This brown-red long-haired dog from Ireland is an expert hunting companion and fantastic with kids. Both Harry Truman and Richard Nixon had Irish setters, and Stephen King wrote one into "The Stand." Canva #47. Saluki - Size index: 58.3 - Typical max height: 28 inches - Typical max weight: 65 pounds - Popularity rank: 141 out of 200 This tall, slim dog is also known as the Arabian greyhound because of its origins in the Arabian Peninsula, possibly in the ancient town Saluq, in Yemen. While greyhounds are considered the fastest dogs, the 1996 Guinness Book of World Records credited a Saluki as the world record-holder for the fastest dog—that speedy pup reached a pace of 42.75 mph. Canva #46. Chesapeake Bay retriever (tie) - Size index: 58.7 - Typical max height: 26 inches - Typical max weight: 80 pounds - Popularity rank: 52 out of 200 These energetic water dogs trace their roots to the Chesapeake Bay region in the 1800s, when they were bred as hunting companions for duck hunts. Both Teddy Roosevelt and General Custer had Chesapeake Bay retrievers, and the dog was named the official breed of Maryland in 1964. Eudyptula // Shutterstock #46. Belgian Malinois (tie) - Size index: 58.7 - Typical max height: 26 inches - Typical max weight: 80 pounds - Popularity rank: 33 out of 200 Sometimes referred to as a Belgian shepherd, this intelligent working dog is known for its sense of smell and high energy. The Malinois is used by police forces and the military throughout the world because of its incredible ability to sniff out explosives and help with search and rescue. The dogs help the Secret Service guard the White House, and also have been used to combat poachers in South Africa. Canva #45. Alaskan malamute - Size index: 59.9 - Typical max height: 26 inches - Typical max weight: 85 pounds - Popularity rank: 79 out of 200 These snow dogs, which look similar to a Siberian husky, are used to haul freight through the snow and drag sleds. Like huskies, these dogs have double coats and have been bred to survive in harsh conditions. They are friendly and rarely bark, but will sometimes howl. In 2010, they were named the state dog of Alaska. Canva #42. Gordon setter (tie) - Size index: 60.3 - Typical max height: 27 inches - Typical max weight: 80 pounds - Popularity rank: 109 out of 200 This large gun dog was bred in Scotland to assist on bird hunts. The breed has long, slightly wavy black and tan hair, and is energetic and intelligent, if a bit immature at times. The Gordon setter is part of the setter family, along with the English and Irish setters, which appear in English writing dating at least as far back as the 17th-century English poet William Somerville. Ricantimages // Shutterstock #42. English setter (tie) - Size index: 60.3 - Typical max height: 27 inches - Typical max weight: 80 pounds - Popularity rank: 93 out of 200 Another of the setter family, the English setter is distinctive for its mainly white coat, speckled with bits of either black or brown color. The dogs are intelligent, expertly aiding bird hunters by creeping up on the prey and then freezing, to alert the hunter to the location rather than chasing down the birds. The dogs need a good amount of exercise, but have become popular pets because they're people-oriented and great with kids. Canva #42. Bluetick coonhound (tie) - Size index: 60.3 - Typical max height: 27 inches - Typical max weight: 80 pounds - Popularity rank: 137 out of 200 The bluetick coonhound is a Louisiana dog that is muscular and is named for the way the black flecks on its white fur gives it a bluish appearance. The dog is usually used to hunt raccoons, but can also be kept as a pet. It is quite vocal, which is difficult to train out, but is a smart, sweet dog when properly trained. Having Southern roots means it has made regular appearances in country songs by Emmylou Harris, Charlie Daniels, and others. everydoghasastory // Shutterstock #41. Old English sheepdog - Size index: 60.3 - Typical max height: 24 inches - Typical max weight: 100 pounds - Popularity rank: 89 out of 200 These big poofy herding dogs originated hundreds of years ago in the English countryside. The breed is a great family pet, because it is sociable, easy-going, and great with kids—who it's been known to try to gently herd, but is definitely lazy around the house. They're favorites for the silver screen, appearing in "Serpico," "Hook," and many more films. Canva #40. Pointer - Size index: 60.6 - Typical max height: 28 inches - Typical max weight: 75 pounds - Popularity rank: 121 out of 200 These strong, short-haired hunting dogs are usually white with marks of light brown or black, but can vary in color. For a long time, setters were considered the premier bird dogs, but by the 1950s, pointers had become the best bird-hunting companions. A pointer won best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show for the first time in 1925. Canva #38. German shepherd (tie) - Size index: 61.1 - Typical max height: 26 inches - Typical max weight: 90 pounds - Popularity rank: 4 out of 200 The German shepherd is a large, working dog initially bred in Germany to herd sheep. Eventually, because of its intelligence and strength, it became much more well known for its work as a guide dog and with police and military. rwtrahul // Shutterstock #38. Chinook (tie) - Size index: 61.1 - Typical max height: 26 inches - Typical max weight: 90 pounds - Popularity rank: 182 out of 200 The first Chinook was bred by a New Hampshire man in the early 20th century and is a mix of mastiffs, huskies, and some other large sheepdogs. The large, friendly dogs with a brown coat and a black muzzle are sometimes used for dog-sledding, but mainly kept as pets. The Chinook is New Hampshire's official state dog. Canva #37. Rhodesian ridgeback - Size index: 61.4 - Typical max height: 27 inches - Typical max weight: 85 pounds - Popularity rank: 43 out of 200 The Rhodesian ridgeback's alternate name, the African lion hound, should give a good idea of this large dog's strength and ferocity. Known for its distinctive ridged back, actually a result of its hair growing the opposite direction along its spine, this southern African dog is known for keeping lions at bay. It's important to be an experienced dog owner when raising a Rhodesian ridgeback, as they can be strong-willed and fierce if not correctly socialized. Canva #36. Spinone Italiano - Size index: 61.7 - Typical max height: 27 inches - Typical max weight: 86 pounds - Popularity rank: 120 out of 200 This wiry-coated, big-eared, bearded dog was initially bred for hunting and has remained incredibly intelligent and loyal. The Italian pointer moves a bit slower than other high-energy bird dogs. The breed nearly went extinct during World War II. Canva #35. Giant schnauzer - Size index: 62.2 - Typical max height: 27.5 inches - Typical max weight: 85 pounds - Popularity rank: 57 out of 200 The largest of the schnauzer breeds, this German working dog, with its distinctive beard and usually cropped ears, is a great working dog and guard dog. Initially bred on farms, the giant schnauzer began to guard businesses in German cities and then became a military dog during World Wars I and II. The dogs are smart and loyal, but are wary of strangers. Canva #34. Greyhound - Size index: 62.5 - Typical max height: 30 inches - Typical max weight: 70 pounds - Popularity rank: 118 out of 200 The most famous of racing dogs, the greyhound is a thin, powerful, and, of course, exceptionally fast breed. The greyhound is known to max out at an incredible 43 mph, but is also distinctive for its ability to reach its top speed very quickly, in under 100 feet. The breed is a mascot for many colleges, and is the namesake and logo for the Greyhound Bus Line. Canva #33. Weimaraner - Size index: 62.6 - Typical max height: 27 inches - Typical max weight: 90 pounds - Popularity rank: 55 out of 200 This German hunting dog was originally bred to accompany royals on boar, bear, and deer hunts in the 1800s. The breed is usually short-haired and gray or amber, and is hugely loyal, to the point that it struggles when it's away from its owner. Be wary of leaving a weimaraner around a cat—it was bred to hunt smaller animals as well, and its prey drive could come into play. otsphoto // Shutterstock #32. Curly coated retriever - Size index: 63.8 - Typical max height: 27 inches - Typical max weight: 95 pounds - Popularity rank: 163 out of 200 This English retriever was bred to hunt waterfowl and is best known for its distinctive tight curls. So long as the retrievers get enough exercise, they can be excellent pets, as they will be loyal, friendly, and relaxed within the house. The breed is nicknamed "curlies." Canva #31. Dogo Argentino - Size index: 64.2 - Typical max height: 26.5 inches - Typical max weight: 100 pounds - Popularity rank: 95 out of 200 Developed in the 1920s by an Argentine physician as a hunter of big game and guard dog, this breed is strong, intelligent, athletic, and known for its smooth white coat. Introduced to the United States in the 1970s, in January 2020 it was recognized by the American Kennel Club as its 195th breed and assigned to the working group. With strong protection instincts for its home and family, it's important that these pups be socialized and formally trained. Canva #30. Briard - Size index: 64.9 - Typical max height: 27 inches - Typical max weight: 100 pounds - Popularity rank: 145 out of 200 This French sheepdog is a shaggy herding dog with a distinctive beard and bangs that cover its eyes. The large dogs come in either black or tawny, and were used by the French during World War I, but have since become pets and service dogs. Briards have made appearances on the TV shows "Married...with Children," "Get Smart," and in the movie "Dennis the Menace"—and though George Lucas claims Chewbacca was based on his Alaskan Malamute, Han Solo's friend is a dead ringer for a tawny Briard. Canva #29. Doberman pinscher - Size index: 66.5 - Typical max height: 28 inches - Typical max weight: 100 pounds - Popularity rank: 16 out of 200 This large black and tan German dog is known for its distinctive cropped ears and docked tail. The breed is intelligent, alert, and strong, bred to be aggressive because of its history as police and war dogs. During World War II, Dobermans became the official dog of the Marine Corps, and served throughout the South Pacific. Canva #27. Bloodhound (tie) - Size index: 67.3 - Typical max height: 27 inches - Typical max weight: 110 pounds - Popularity rank: 58 out of 200 One of the most recognizable and well-known breeds, the bloodhound has distinctive large ears, saggy skin, and bloodshot eyes. Because of an incredible sense of smell, bloodhounds are used to track human scents over long distances. Hundreds of years after the breed came to prominence, the Pennsylvania-based satirical rap-rock group the Bloodhound Gang defiled the noble name with its smash-hit "The Bad Touch." everydoghasastory // Shutterstock #27. Black and tan coonhound (tie) - Size index: 67.3 - Typical max height: 27 inches - Typical max weight: 110 pounds - Popularity rank: 151 out of 200 This large American hound, with a black body and tan marking above the eyes, on the muzzle, and on the feet, is bred to hunt large prey, like bears, deer, and wolves, but is mainly used for raccoon hunting today. The dog has a fantastic sense of smell, and while it's relaxed inside, its hunting instincts may take over if it catches a scent outdoors. Canva #26. Borzoi - Size index: 67.7 - Typical max height: 28 inches - Typical max weight: 105 pounds - Popularity rank: 102 out of 200 The word "borzoi" was used in late-19th-century Russia to mean "swift." This dog, also referred to as the Russian wolfhound, has the body of a greyhound, but with longer hair. Like the greyhound, it's incredibly fast. Bred to hunt wolves, the dog is the symbol for the publishing house Alfred A. Knopf. Canva #23. Cane corso (tie) - Size index: 68.1 - Typical max height: 27.5 inches - Typical max weight: 110 pounds - Popularity rank: 14 out of 200 This muscular dog, also known as the Italian mastiff, is most recognizable by its large, square head that looks like a mix of that of a pitbull and a boxer. The cane corso traces its roots to the Roman Empire, and was bred on farms in Southern Italy to work with cattle and swine and to guard the property. Vera Zinkova // Shutterstock #23. Bouvier des Flandres (tie) - Size index: 68.1 - Typical max height: 27.5 inches - Typical max weight: 110 pounds - Popularity rank: 101 out of 200 In French, the name for work dogs from Belgium translates to "the cow herders from Flanders." The black rough-coated dogs with long bangs and a shaggy beard resemble another European farm dog, the briard. This breed traces its roots to the monks at a monastery in Flanders. The Reagans owned a bouvier des Flandres named Lucky. Canva #23. Beauceron (tie) - Size index: 68.1 - Typical max height: 27.5 inches - Typical max weight: 110 pounds - Popularity rank: 100 out of 200 This French breed has a similar coloration to a Doberman: black with tan markings above the eyes, on the muzzle and below the knees. The dog was bred in northern France and was used to herd sheep and as a guard dog—they were known to take on wolves. The breed is a great family dog because it is loyal, gentle, and intelligent. Canva #22. Otterhound - Size index: 68.5 - Typical max height: 27 inches - Typical max weight: 115 pounds - Popularity rank: 196 out of 200 This English breed was bred to hunt otters, an activity now illegal in Britain. The otterhound is a large shaggy hound, with an acute sense of smell like other hound dogs. But its distinctive features are webbed feet and a rough double coat, both bred in to make the dog a great hunter in the water. It is considered the most endangered native British breed, with only 24 registered puppies born in 2017 in the United Kingdom. Canva #21. Bernese mountain dog - Size index: 68.8 - Typical max height: 28 inches - Typical max weight: 110 pounds - Popularity rank: 19 out of 200 Tracing their roots to the canton of Bern in Switzerland, these giant mountain dogs were bred to live on family farms in the region. The breed is beautiful, with a long-haired coat that is black with tan markings like a Doberman, but with a white shock of chest hair and a white line down the nose. They are exceptionally friendly and love to bound about, sticking close to people. Canva #20. Rottweiler - Size index: 72 - Typical max height: 27 inches - Typical max weight: 130 pounds - Popularity rank: 8 out of 200 These German behemoths were bred as butcher's assistants, herding cattle but also dragging carts filled with meat to the market. Rottweilers are intelligent and dependable dogs, but because of their history of use as police and military animals, and their sheer power, they are regularly regarded as violent creatures. They have a similar coloration to Dobermans. Canva #19. Kuvasz - Size index: 73.1 - Typical max height: 30 inches - Typical max weight: 115 pounds - Popularity rank: 164 out of 200 This large white herding dog has deep roots in Hungary, appearing in ancient lore and serving as guard dogs for the old kings. The breed is extremely loyal, but it is difficult to train—and because of its massive size, training and socialization is of paramount importance. The breed was nearly extinct during World War II, with both Soviet and German troops actively hunting the dogs, who were known to protect their owners. Since then, through active breeding, kuvasz have been brought back in Hungary. Canva #18. Akita - Size index: 73.5 - Typical max height: 28 inches - Typical max weight: 130 pounds - Popularity rank: 59 out of 200 The Akita traces its roots to the oldest of the Japanese dogs, the Matagi dog, who hunted large prey like bears and deer in ancient Japan. These large cold-weather dogs have thick coats and a floppy tail that sits upon their backs—they are difficult to train because they are both territorial and dominant, and have been described as "feline" in nature. Russian leader Vladimir Putin has an Akita named Yume. Canva #16. Dogue de Bordeaux (tie) - Size index: 74.3 - Typical max height: 27 inches - Typical max weight: 140 pounds - Popularity rank: 96 out of 200 Also known as a French mastiff, the dogue de Bordeaux is a giant brown dog from France's famous southwestern wine region. This breed's most distinctive feature is its heavy square face that hangs loose off the sides of its giant mouth. Some males will have a head circumference of 27- to 30-inches, which is equal to the dog's height. Canva #16. Bullmastiff (tie) - Size index: 74.3 - Typical max height: 27 inches - Typical max weight: 140 pounds - Popularity rank: 67 out of 200 This British behemoth was bred in the 1800s as an estate guard dog, specifically designed to ward off poachers and intruders. A mix of the English mastiff and the now-extinct, and famously aggressive, Old English bulldog, the bullmastiff—brown, with a black muzzle—is powerful, but incredibly sensitive. Canva #15. Scottish deerhound - Size index: 75 - Typical max height: 32 inches - Typical max weight: 110 pounds - Popularity rank: 165 out of 200 These tall, lanky hound dogs were bred as sight hounds—fast dogs that chased down prey, which is tracked by sight, rather than smell. The Scottish deerhound is similar to the greyhound, though heavier—its closest relative is the Irish wolfhound. They have a shaggy, rough coat, and are friendly despite their size. Canva #13. Komondor (tie) - Size index: 76.6 - Typical max height: 30 inches - Typical max weight: 130 pounds - Popularity rank: 186 out of 200 Also known as the Hungarian sheepdog, this breed has a corded coat that looks like long white dreadlocks. Bred to protect and herd sheep, komondors are calm and friendly with owners, but are fierce guard dogs that like to patrol at night and attack intruders. The classic Beck album cover for "Odelay" features a komondor jumping over a hurdle. Canva #13. Black Russian terrier (tie) - Size index: 76.6 - Typical max height: 30 inches - Typical max weight: 130 pounds - Popularity rank: 127 out of 200 Created in the Soviet Union during the 1940s or 1950s, the black Russian terrier closely resembles a giant schnauzer, though it's much larger. The breed is intelligent and well-behaved, with a drive to work. It was used as a military dog in the 1950s. Canva #12. Greater Swiss mountain dog - Size index: 76.6 - Typical max height: 28.5 inches - Typical max weight: 140 pounds - Popularity rank: 82 out of 200 The greater Swiss mountain dog has a similar coloring to the Bernese mountain dog, but is short-haired compared to its shaggy relative. The Swiss giants were farm dogs and like to work, but are also happy to laze around the house. They are friendly with kids and are good family pets. Canva #11. Newfoundland - Size index: 78.2 - Typical max height: 28 inches - Typical max weight: 150 pounds - Popularity rank: 47 out of 200 These giant dogs from Canada were bred by the fisherman of Newfoundland, then a part of Britain, as companion animals. The 150-pound, long-haired dogs have webbed feet and a thick double coat, allowing them to be expert swimmers even in the frigid northern water. Newfoundlands are legendary for their water rescues—reportedly, a member of the breed saved Napoleon Bonaparte after he fell overboard in 1815. Canva #10. Great Pyrenees - Size index: 79.7 - Typical max height: 32 inches - Typical max weight: 130 pounds - Popularity rank: 74 out of 200 These dogs with thick white coats were bred to protect livestock for European farmers. They are gentle with small animals, children, and their owners, but can be good guard dogs. The breed is a favorite in films, appearing in "Dumb and Dumber" and in many anime series. Canva #9. Anatolian shepherd - Size index: 79.7 - Typical max height: 29 inches - Typical max weight: 150 pounds - Popularity rank: 86 out of 200 These giant Turkish mountain dogs were bred to protect livestock for farmers in the countryside. The short-haired dogs are usually a cream color with a black muzzle, and are hugely self-sufficient, which makes them hard to train. They have appeared in a few films, "Road Trip" and "Shooter" to name two, and are used by African conservations in an effort to protect cheetahs from poachers. Canva #8. Neapolitan mastiff - Size index: 82.8 - Typical max height: 31 inches - Typical max weight: 150 pounds - Popularity rank: 128 out of 200 These Italian giants are fearsome guard dogs, extremely intelligent, and protective of their owners. The short-haired black dogs have saggy skin, and have a face like a pitbull with skin two sizes too big. Many believe the dog is a close descendant of the Molossus, an ancient European guard dog mentioned by both Virgil and Aristotle. Canva #7. Tibetan mastiff - Size index: 83.6 - Typical max height: 30 inches - Typical max weight: 160 pounds - Popularity rank: 148 out of 200 This Tibetan behemoth was bred to protect the sheep of the nomadic tribes of Asia from large predators. The black and brown dogs are distinctive for their puff of hair around their shoulders that makes it look like it's wearing a fur parka. Trained to guard livestock, the breed is mainly nocturnal, intelligent, and stubborn, and distrustful of strangers. Canva #6. Leonberger - Size index: 88.3 - Typical max height: 31.5 inches - Typical max weight: 170 pounds - Popularity rank: 99 out of 200 This German dog is a beauty, bred to resemble a lion. It's been nicknamed "the gentle lion." With a thick, lighter brown coat and a black muzzle, the giant dog, true to its genteel moniker, is a fantastic family pet. The breed was used on farms and for water rescue by the Canadian government in the early 1900s. A Leonberger played the main character in a 1997 Canadian film version of Jack London's classic novel "Call of the Wild." Canva #5. Saint Bernard - Size index: 88.3 - Typical max height: 30 inches - Typical max weight: 180 pounds - Popularity rank: 62 out of 200 These giant mountain dogs were bred by monks at Swiss monasteries to aid with daring alpine rescues—the dogs have become legendary for their rescue talents. Humongous, gentle, slobbery, and affectionate, the breed makes wonderful pets. An 1895 New York Times article reported an 8-foot, 6-inch Saint Bernard, which would be the longest dog ever recorded. The breed is a favorite among fiction writers and directors, and for kids of the 1980s, "Beethoven" is an especially important Saint Bernard. Canva #4. Boerboel - Size index: 88.4 - Typical max height: 27 inches - Typical max weight: 200 pounds - Popularity rank: 114 out of 200 These dogs from South Africa have been bred as guard dogs for large farm properties, which means they must be prepared to encounter lions and other large African predators. While loyal and intelligent while well-trained, this breed is ridiculously powerful—the ownership of these dogs is banned in a handful of countries around the world. Canva #3. Irish wolfhound - Size index: 96 - Typical max height: 35 inches - Typical max weight: 180 pounds - Popularity rank: 76 out of 200 These tall, rough-coated giants have a build like a greyhound, but much heavier. They are lean, introverted, and highly devoted to their owners. Because of their history as hunters of wolves and ancient war dogs, they have been historically mythologized and feared—Julius Caesar wrote about encountering them during his Gallic Wars. Canva #2. Great Dane - Size index: 99.1 - Typical max height: 34 inches - Typical max weight: 200 pounds - Popularity rank: 21 out of 200 These German giants were bred to work and to hunt boars. The short-haired dogs are exceptionally tall with floppy ears. One Great Dane, named Zeus, held the impressive distinction of the world's tallest dog, standing 44 inches from foot to withers before passing away in 2014. Because of their huge size and classic dog look, Great Danes are a favorite for cartoonists and directors. Kachalkina Veronika // Shutterstock #1. Mastiff - Size index: 100 - Typical max height: 30 inches - Typical max weight: 230 pounds - Popularity rank: 40 out of 200 The mastiff, also known as the English mastiff, is big all-around, with a broad head, a thick chest, and a massive body. The short-haired giants can either be light fawn or dark brittle, but always have a black muzzle. Mastiff-type dogs have been around since antiquity and have always been written of in mythological terms. And for good reason. In the 1989 Guinness Book of World Records, Zorba, an English mastiff, measured an incredible 8-feet, 3-inches from nose to tail and weighed a record-breaking 343 pounds.
	Crews respond to Davenport apartment fire Davenport firefighters responded to a fire in an apartment over a grocery store early this morning, according to a news release from the Davenport Fire Department. Crews responded to the 200 block of W. Third Street on June 14 at about 2:10 a.m. for a report of a structure fire. The caller reported a fire [...]
	Officials: 7 displaced, businesses sustain water damage after early morning Davenport apartment fire No injuries were reported, crews said. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
	Can you answer these 35 'Jeopardy!' clues about rock music? Michael Ochs Archives // Getty Images Can you answer these 'Jeopardy!' clues about rock music? Nothing quite defines the influence of American pop culture in global history like rock 'n' roll. The musical genre is a longstanding symbol of rebellion, resistance, passion, and good times. Rock's sound has endlessly evolved, from its gospel roots, to the blues and jazz of the '40s and '50s, the folk and funk of the '60s, the metal of the '70s and '80s, and the grunge and electronic beats of the '90s and 2000s. But while the definition of rock music has changed over the decades, it continues its hold on listeners of all ages. With decades of history to dig through, there's no dearth of fascinating facts and trivia about rock 'n' roll. Stacker rounded up a list of interesting tidbits about the genre using J! Archive, a fan-created archive of real 'Jeopardy!' clues. Read on to test how good your knowledge of rock music really is. Stacker Clue #1 - Clue: His set lists still include "Highway 61 Revisited", which he wrote 46 years ago - Category: ROCK OF AGELESS - Value: $200 - Date episode aired: June 03, 2011 Stacker Answer #1 - Answer: Bob Dylan Stacker Clue #2 - Clue: This group's fourth album had no title or name on the cover but did sell millions ("Stairway To Heaven" helped) - Category: CLASSIC ROCK - Value: $200 - Date episode aired: July 13, 2010 Stacker Answer #2 - Answer: Led Zeppelin Stacker Clue #3 - Clue: This rock pioneer who sang "Sweet Little Sixteen" in 1958 turned a sweet little 83 in 2009 - Category: ROCK 'N OLD - Value: $400 - Date episode aired: September 14, 2010 Stacker Answer #3 - Answer: Chuck Berry Stacker Clue #4 - Clue: Her biggest hit "Me and Bobby McGee" was featured on the posthumous album "Pearl" - Category: ROCK MUSIC - Value: $500 - Date episode aired: November 11, 1993 Stacker Answer #4 - Answer: Janis Joplin Stacker Clue #5 - Clue: "So Sad About" this band that played its first farewell tour in 1982 & played the Super Bowl halftime in 2010 - Category: ROCK OF AGELESS - Value: $400 - Date episode aired: June 03, 2011 Stacker Answer #5 - Answer: The Who Stacker Clue #6 - Clue: In 1990 her "Justify My Love" became the first video by a major star to be banned by MTV - Category: ROCK SINGERS - Value: $400 - Date episode aired: October 21, 1998 Stacker Answer #6 - Answer: Madonna Stacker Clue #7 - Clue: Beginning with "Saving All My Love For You", she had 3 No. 1 singles on her debut album - Category: HAIL, HAIL, ROCK 'N' ROLL - Value: $800 - Date episode aired: April 23, 2002 Stacker Answer #7 - Answer: Whitney Houston Stacker Clue #8 - Clue: He recorded some of his biggest albums, including "Rust Never Sleeps", backed up by Crazy Horse - Category: CANADA ROCKS - Value: $400 - Date episode aired: December 16, 2011 Stacker Answer #8 - Answer: Neil Young Stacker Clue #9 - Clue: In early 1981 they rode the wave to No. 1 with the little song heard here"The tide is high but I'm holding on /I'm gonna be..." - Category: ROCK & ROLL - Value: $400 - Date episode aired: July 20, 2004 Stacker Answer #9 - Answer: Blondie Stacker Clue #10 - Clue: Clapton said, "You never told me he was that...good!" after this lefty guitarist got on stage to jam with Cream - Category: CLASSIC ROCK & ROLL QUOTES - Value: $400 - Date episode aired: March 17, 2020 Stacker Answer #10 - Answer: Jimi Hendrix Stacker Clue #11 - Clue: In 1986 she was in "Control" with a hit album that included "What Have You Done For Me Lately?" - Category: 80s ROCK - Value: $300 - Date episode aired: December 16, 1997 Stacker Answer #11 - Answer: Janet Jackson Stacker Clue #12 - Clue: Needing time to do laundry on tour, this early rock giant chartered a fatal flight - Category: ROCK N' ROLL HEAVEN - Value: $400 - Date episode aired: November 21, 1985 Stacker Answer #12 - Answer: Buddy Holly Stacker Clue #13 - Clue: These alliterative alt-rock rodents had a 2004 hit with "Float On" - Category: ROCK ANIMALS - Value: $800 - Date episode aired: April 19, 2019 Stacker Answer #13 - Answer: Modest Mouse Stacker Clue #14 - Clue: They trucked through more than 2,300 shows, from a 1965 Bay Area pizza parlor gig to a 2015 farewell at Soldier Field - Category: ENDLESSLY ROCKING - Value: $800 - Date episode aired: September 20, 2016 Stacker Answer #14 - Answer: the Grateful Dead Stacker Clue #15 - Clue: "I Get Around" was their first #1 hit - Category: CLASSIC ROCK - Value: $400 - Date episode aired: July 13, 2010 Stacker Answer #15 - Answer: The Beach Boys Stacker Clue #16 - Clue: In February 2010 this wife of a Beatle turned 77 - Category: ROCK 'N OLD - Value: $600 - Date episode aired: September 14, 2010 Stacker Answer #16 - Answer: Yoko Ono Stacker Clue #17 - Clue: These rappers remixed Aerosmith's "Walk This Way" into a Top 10 hit in 1986 - Category: ALPHABET ROCKERS - Value: $200 - Date episode aired: March 03, 2011 Stacker Answer #17 - Answer: Run–D.M.C. Stacker Clue #18 - Clue: This group that gave us "Sweet Home Alabama" was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 - Category: CLASSIC ROCK - Value: $600 - Date episode aired: July 13, 2010 Stacker Answer #18 - Answer: Lynyrd Skynyrd Stacker Clue #19 - Clue: In April 2010 this legendary sitarist celebrated his 90th birthday - Category: ROCK 'N OLD - Value: $800 - Date episode aired: September 14, 2010 Stacker Answer #19 - Answer: Ravi Shankar Stacker Clue #20 - Clue: She faced many hurdles at her Missouri high school before hitting it big with songs like "If It Makes You Happy" - Category: SCHOOL OF ROCK - Value: $800 - Date episode aired: February 22, 2012 Stacker Answer #20 - Answer: Sheryl Crow Stacker Clue #21 - Clue: "Freddie's Dead" & sadly, so is this R&B singer & producer who made the song a hit in 1972 - Category: ROCK & ROLL HEAVEN - Value: $1,000 - Date episode aired: September 25, 2002 Stacker Answer #21 - Answer: Curtis Mayfield Stacker Clue #22 - Clue: The Blue Belles - Category: ROCK BACKUP GROUPS - Value: $400 - Date episode aired: September 22, 1999 Stacker Answer #22 - Answer: Patti LaBelle Stacker Clue #23 - Clue: This singer of "Cupid" & "Another Saturday Night" died under mysterious circumstances in 1964 - Category: ROCK & ROLL HEAVEN - Value: $800 - Date episode aired: June 25, 2004 Stacker Answer #23 - Answer: Sam Cooke Stacker Clue #24 - Clue: This Florence + the Machine song tells you to "run fast for your mother, run fast for your father" - Category: GREAT ROCK SONGS - Value: $800 - Date episode aired: April 20, 2017 Stacker Answer #24 - Answer: "Dog Days Are Over" Stacker Clue #25 - Clue: At a 2016 show by this band, Eddie Vedder paid tribute to terminally ill singer Gord Downie of The Tragically Hip - Category: THE ROCK & ROLL QUINTET - Value: $200 - Date episode aired: April 03, 2017 Stacker Answer #25 - Answer: Pearl Jam Stacker Clue #26 - Clue: A 1994 album by this group features the song heard here:"...I only wanna be with you..." - Category: POP-ROCK - Value: $500 - Date episode aired: February 12, 1997 Stacker Answer #26 - Answer: Hootie & the Blowfish Stacker Clue #27 - Clue: 60 acts played for 16 hours for this 1985 London-Philly charity event; Phil Collins caught a plane & played in both cities - Category: ENDLESSLY ROCKING - Value: $600 - Date episode aired: September 20, 2016 Stacker Answer #27 - Answer: Live Aid Stacker Clue #28 - Clue: After they signed with Motown, The Primettes changed their name to this - Category: ROCK 'N ROLL - Value: $300 - Date episode aired: February 27, 1987 Stacker Answer #28 - Answer: The Supremes Stacker Clue #29 - Clue: "(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay" was his only No. 1 hit - Category: ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAMERS - Value: $400 - Date episode aired: May 02, 2003 Stacker Answer #29 - Answer: Otis Redding Stacker Clue #30 - Clue: July 18, 1953:"Earning $35 a week... he calls at Memphis Recording Service... paying $4 to make a private recording" - Category: ROCK STARS ENCYCLOPEDIA ENTRIES - Value: $200 - Date episode aired: October 20, 2009 Stacker Answer #30 - Answer: Elvis Presley Stacker Clue #31 - Clue: This Beatles song begins, "When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me" - Category: BRITISH ROCKERS - Value: $600 - Date episode aired: April 30, 2008 Stacker Answer #31 - Answer: "Let It Be" Stacker Clue #32 - Clue: She sang back-up on Don Henley's "The End Of The Innocence" before her own hit "Come To My Window" - Category: I'M A ROCK STAR - Value: $1,000 - Date episode aired: March 31, 2011 Stacker Answer #32 - Answer: Melissa Etheridge Stacker Clue #33 - Clue: After breaking up The Revolution, he formed another backup band, the New Power Generation - Category: ROCK & ROLL - Value: $200 - Date episode aired: July 20, 2004 Stacker Answer #33 - Answer: Prince Stacker Clue #34 - Clue: It's the official title of Green Day's "Time Of Your Life" - Category: GREAT ROCK SONGS - Value: $1,000 - Date episode aired: April 20, 2017 Stacker Answer #34 - Answer: "Good Riddance" Stacker Clue #35 - Clue: This new wave group gave us hits like "Roxanne" & "Don't Stand So Close To Me" - Category: ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAMERS - Value: $600 - Date episode aired: May 02, 2003 Stacker Answer #35 - Answer: The Police
	BBB Scam Alert: 'Card declined' error may lead to multiple fraudulent charges When shopping online, an error or “card declined” message may be a sign of a new scam.
	Are you a true movie buff? See if you can identify these famous films from only a single image. Silver Screen Collection // Getty Images Quiz: Can you guess which iconic movie these scenes are from? Think you're a real movie buff? You might want to think again. Since the first movie studio opened in Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard in 1911, the long-spanning history of cinema includes hundreds of classic and iconic flicks, ranging widely in genre, medium, year, heroes and villains, sound design, and set pieces—but what exactly makes them stand out? What makes them so utterly unforgettable and magnetic to audiences and their collective memories? It could be creative editing, or an unparalleled artistic force in the director's chair. Sometimes, it's a captivating performance from a tour-de-force talent. The most famous scenes in movie history have become an indelible part of our culture. We all remember where we were when we first saw Darth Vader tell Luke "I am your father" in "The Empire Strikes Back." Or when the shark in "Jaws" makes its debut appearance, prompting Brody to declare "you're gonna need a bigger boat." Sometimes, of course, there's no dialogue at all—consider the shower murder of Marion Crane in "Psycho." These moments are endlessly referenced, quoted, and parodied, by diehard film fans and civilians alike. Anyone could name those classic movies from the scenes described, but what about deeper cuts? Put your movie knowledge to the test in this quiz designed to challenge even the most seasoned cinephiles. Stacker chose 30 scenes from iconic movies across film history, from genuine stumpers to virtual giveaways, challenging all levels of film fandom. Identifying a famous film from a single scene might seem easy initially, but it's more of an undertaking than you might think. Certain iconic films have noticeable hallmarks and recognizable characters, but a film is far more involved and layered than its most identifying elements. Clue slides include various information to help the reader identify the scene pictured, including but not limited to characters, actors, director, box-office performance, accolades, critical reception, and cultural legacy. The films fluctuate in genre and year, with some films from the old Hollywood period and others from the early 2000s, including anything from musicals to thrillers to dramas and comedies. Some scenes are easier than others, but several might force you to mine the depths of your encyclopedic cinephile mind. Read on to test your abilities and see if you can name all 30 movies based on a single scene. Embassy Pictures Scene #1 This romantic dramedy earned seven Oscar nominations at the 40th Academy Awards, winning only one in the Best Director category for Mike Nichols. Nichols' friend, Robert Redford, almost won the lead role, but it went to the actor pictured here instead. Embassy Pictures 'The Graduate' That actor? Dustin Hoffman, who was 30 years old when he played the 21-year-old Benjamin Braddock in "The Graduate." In this scene from the 1967 film, Simon and Garfunkel's "Sound of Silence" plays in the background as Hoffman lays in the pool, floating away as a metaphor for where he is in this transitional stage of life. Paramount Pictures Scene #2 This scene isn't from an animated movie, as you may be thinking. It's a moment from a classic intermission video that played at drive-in movies in the 1950s and was featured in a certain classic drive-in scene, featuring John Travolta. Paramount Pictures 'Grease' One of the most famous drive-in scenes in movie history is in "Grease," which was released in 1978 but is set two decades earlier in 1958. In the scene, a date between Danny (John Travolta) and Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) goes horribly awry, leaving Danny "stranded at the drive-in" and "branded a fool" as he sings helplessly on the track "Sandy" from the beloved movie musical. Paramount Pictures Scene #3 The cherubic little girl pictured here isn't a star of the '90s historical epic in which she appears, but she does have a memorable moment during a festive scene that comes before the film takes a harrowing turn. Paramount Pictures 'Titanic' If you're a "Titantic" fan, you probably recognize young Cora (Alexandrea Owens-Sarno), who steps aside so that Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) can dance with Rose (Kate Winslet) in an early scene in the 1997 film where the third-class passengers celebrate with some Irish music and dancing. Who could forget the two spinning around the dance floor before the title ship makes its fateful contact with an iceberg? 20th Century Fox Scene #4 The movie shown here isn't necessarily about pizza, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a fan who'd say the dish isn't a major character. Here, a Little Nero's delivery driver brings over 10 pizzas to the central character's house, but did anybody order him a plain cheese? 20th Century Fox 'Home Alone' Any '90s film fan or Christmas movie lover will recognize that pizza delivery driver as the one who brings the McCallisters their pizza before they head to Paris for Christmas in 1990's "Home Alone." It's that moment that sets the whole film into motion: tensions rise between Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) and his brother Buzz (Devin Ratray), leading to the former being banished to the attic, where he accidentally gets left behind as the family heads to Europe. Universal Pictures Scene #5 Joan Cusack (pictured here) isn't the star of the John Hughes coming-of-age classic that this scene is from, but she appears in a few funny scenes as a high school student in a neck brace. Universal Pictures 'Sixteen Candles' Cusack's character doesn't even have a name in "Sixteen Candles"—she's credited simply as "Geek Girl #1." But anyone who's seen the 1984 Brat Pack movie, starring Molly Ringwald and Anthony Michael Hall, likely remembers the scene in which she tries to drink from a water fountain at a high school dance, only to be thwarted by her neck brace. The movie was Joan's fourth on-screen appearance, but only the second for her brother, John Cusack, who plays a friend of Hall's character. 20th Century Fox Scene #6 Though including a famous early appearance from a young Marilyn Monroe, this successful drama—which accrued a then-record 14 nominations at the 23rd Academy Awards, winning six—is actually one of her earliest roles before breaking into the mainstream. The real star of the show is the young lady next to her, Anne Baxter, playing a woman intent on stealing the spotlight, no matter the cost. 20th Century Fox 'All About Eve' In "All About Eve," obsessive fan Eve Harrington worms her way into the inner circle of aging actress Margo Channing (played by Bette Davis), who pities poor Eve and takes her under her wing. Eve sets about replacing Margo, threatening her personal relationships and stardom. Here, Eve is surrounded by a group of Margo's friends and colleagues, perfectly assembled using her powers of deceit. "All About Eve" is considered one of the best films of all time. Selznick International Pictures Scene #7 The besotted young lady pictured won't be marrying the golden-haired man standing before her, as he's to be wed to his own cousin instead. However, in this classic Civil War-era film that is still the highest-grossing film of all time (with inflation considered), her romantic inclinations become complicated by a handsome man she meets at the wedding announcement party. Selznick International Pictures 'Gone with the Wind' Scarlett O'Hara spends the remainder of "Gone with the Wind" torn between her love for both Ashley Wilkes and Rhett Butler, the latter of whom she ultimately marries, though she spends the majority of the film pining for the former. Starring Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable in the enduring roles of Scarlett and Rhett, respectively, the film was immensely popular upon its release and remains culturally and historically significant (and controversial) to this day. 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks Scene #8 This idyllic scene, shared between three friends trying to cool off on a hot day, will eventually be cut tragically short by the impending social unrest yet to unravel in their neighborhood. This critically acclaimed film served as the screen debuts for actors Martin Lawrence and Rosie Perez. 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks 'Do the Right Thing' ML, Coconut Sid, and Sweet D. Willie hang out under the shade of an umbrella in Brooklyn on the hottest day of the year in Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing." The film served as a searing critique of racism in America and was both a critical and commercial success. It was nominated for Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Danny Aiello at the 62nd Academy Awards. Jerome Hellman Productions Scene #9 Actor Brenda Vaccaro gets cozy with Jon Voight in this scene from a buddy drama co-starring Dustin Hoffman. It's set in New York City and follows a Texan intent on getting rich in the Big Apple. Jerome Hellman Productions 'Midnight Cowboy' Socialite Shirley has just paid Joe Buck for the night together—though Joe found it a bit difficult to perform at first. John Schlesinger's "Midnight Cowboy" won Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, in addition to Best Picture, at the 42nd Academy Awards, and the chemistry between Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman has helped it endure over the decades. Paramount Pictures Scene #10 On the day of his sister's wedding, the heir to a powerful crime family reluctantly joins the day's festivities with girlfriend Kay, having just returned from serving in World War II. One of the most influential films of all time, the gangster genre was certainly given a run for its money with this powerful new addition in 1972. Paramount Pictures 'The Godfather' Al Pacino's legendary turn as Michael Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola's "The Godfather" was unbelievably only his third film role, one that subsequently launched Pacino (seen here with co-star Diane Keaton) to stardom. The film went on to win Best Picture at the 45th Academy Awards and was followed by two sequels. It also cemented the successful film career of Coppola and revitalized the career of an aging Marlon Brando, thanks to his legendary performance as patriarch Don Corleone. United Archives // Getty Images Scene #11 In her iconic pink dress and surrounded by fawning, tuxedoed men, Marilyn Monroe sings about how one precious gem in particular is a girl's best friend. This musical was a star vehicle for better-known actress Jane Russell, but Monroe is best remembered here in her turn as a charming gold-digger. Twentieth Century Fox 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes' Despite "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" being her 20th film, it was only in the previous one, "Niagra," that Marilyn Monroe received top billing and pushed her to stardom. "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" solidified Monroe's typecasting as the "dumb blonde," for both better and worse, and the musical number "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" has become incredibly influential, giving way to a number of pop culture homages. Eon Productions Scene #12 This woman looks as if she could be a gold-plated statue, but she's entirely real—it took a whopping hour-and-a-half to apply the paint. Her unforgettably gilt body served as part of the promotional material for the similarly titled installment of this classic spy franchise. Eon Productions 'Goldfinger' Jill Masterson (Shirley Eaton) aids Bond villain, the titular "Goldfinger," in cheating at a game of cards with none other than James Bond himself. But after Bond catches Goldfinger in the act and seduces Jill, she's painted entirely in gold for her treason and subsequently suffocates to death. This Sean Connery-starring iteration of "James Bond" was the first in the franchise to win an Oscar. Robert Wise Productions Scene #13 This character played by Christopher Plummer disavows those who have terrorized his homeland by tearing their flag in two—it's certainly not one of his "favorite things." It's an iconic piece of imagery in an equally iconic film, filled end-to-end with classic musical numbers embedded in the fabric of pop culture. Robert Wise Productions 'The Sound of Music' Captain von Trapp returns to his idyllic Austrian villa to find it covered in Nazi flags, which he unequivocally denounces. Instead of allowing his seven children and beloved Maria (Julie Andrews) to succumb to the power of the Third Reich, they soon make plans to escape for Switzerland. "The Sound of Music" won Best Picture at the 38th Academy Awards and is considered by many to be one of the greatest movie musicals of all time. Columbia Pictures Scene #14 This love story doesn't focus on Barbara Streisand and James Woods, as pictured; in fact, it was only Woods' third role and first studio role, as he wasn't an established actor yet. Streisand plays a college student attracted to a man very different from her in this film based on the screenwriter's experiences with the House Un-American Activities Committee. Columbia Pictures 'The Way We Were' "The Way We Were" paired Streisand with Hollywood heartthrob Robert Redford, playing a politically ignorant WASP as a foil to her Marxist, Jewish protagonist. Considered by some to be the "Best Romance of All Time," the film's title song went on to be immensely popular, even inducted in the Grammy Hall of Fame, while both the single and the film's soundtrack went gold. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) Scene #15 Eve Marie Saint hangs on to Cary Grant for dear life in this thriller from the "Master of Suspense" himself. Considered to be one the greatest film of all time, this tale of mistaken identity was both a critical and commercial success, cementing itself in the annals of film history. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) 'North by Northwest' Alfred Hitchcock's "North by Northwest" stars Cary Grant as the besieged Roger Thorndale, on the run with the mysterious Eve Kendall (Marie Saint) to evade a ruthless spy who's mistaken Roger for a government agent. The film was nominated for three Academy Awards and was selected by the National Film Registry for preservation in 1995. Fantasy Films Scene #16 This one good night for the patients at a psychiatric facility precedes the escape of the two who put the party together, who treat the ward to a night of alcohol and women, pictured here dancing with characters played by Danny DeVito and Brad Dourif. The film is based on the novel of the same name. Fantasy Films 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' Unforgettably starring Jack Nicholson as the incorrigible Randle McMurphy, "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" was the second film ever to win all five major Academy Awards in its year. The film is considered by many to be one of the greatest films of all time. The novel's author, Ken Kesey, actually hated the film and wanted Gene Hackman to play the role of McMurphy. Paramount Pictures Scene #17 In this classic Jack Nicholson picture, his character is seen here taking a dip of sorts alongside his love interest, played by Shirley MacLaine. MacLaine plays the controlling mother of Emma, two women navigating love and their relationship with one another in this 1983 comedy-drama. Paramount Pictures 'Terms of Endearment' "Terms of Endearment" led the 56th Academy Awards with a whopping 11 total nominations, winning five, including Best Picture. The film also stars Danny DeVito, John Lithgow, and Jeff Daniels, and spun off a sequel titled "The Evening Star." However, this sequel was both a critical and commercial failure. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) Scene #18 In this 1987 romantic comedy, Nicholas Cage dons a wooden prosthetic hand, and his character ends up unintentionally falling for the fiancée of his estranged brother. His love interest is played by a famous pop star who went on to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in this film. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) 'Moonstruck' Cher's portrayal of widow Loretta Castorini received critical acclaim, though Cage's performance as the hot-headed object of her affections, Ronny Cammareri, was deemed by Roger Ebert as equally deserving of an Academy Award. The film was nominated for three other Oscars, including Best Picture, and won two: Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress for Olympia Dukakis. Warner Bros. Scene #19 Pictured here joyfully at the keys, the actor who played this musician was a real-life drummer who had to fake the ability to play piano for this classic film. Sam is the house pianist for "Rick's Café Américain," a club that attracts a colorful variety of clientele in the film's eponymous Moroccan city. Warner Bros. 'Casablanca' "Casablanca" endures as a Hollywood classic thanks to its memorable characters, quotable lines, and the popular theme song "As Time Goes By" by Herman Hupfeld, sung by Dooley Wilson as Sam in the film. Humphrey Bogart's legendary turn as Rick Blaine is perhaps most remembered for his lines "Here's looking at you, kid" and "I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship." Columbia Pictures Scene #20 Angela Bassett plays mom to Cuba Gooding Jr. in this 1991 coming-of-age film, despite being only 10 years older; ironically, the two went on to play brother and sister in a popular anthology series 15 years later. This film's director became the first African American to be nominated for Best Director at the Academy Awards, as well as the youngest director. Columbia Pictures 'Boyz n the Hood' Gooding Jr. stars as young Tre Styles, sent to live with his father (played by Laurence Fishburne) in a tough neighborhood in South Central Los Angeles as he struggles to choose between different paths of his life. The film was also nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the 64th Academy Awards and featured breakout roles for Gooding Jr. and co-stars Ice Cube and Nia Long. Strong Heart/Demme Production Scene #21 Little Precious stares at an unfortunate sight down in the depths of the deep hole in the owner's basement, which he's used for horrifying ends. This film became the third following "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" to win all top five categories at that year's Academy Awards. It was also the only horror film to ever win the Academy Award for Best Picture. Strong Heart/Demme Production 'Silence of the Lambs' Precious' owner, Buffalo Bill, has been holding hostage this daughter of a United States senator whom he threatens to hose if she does not use the lotion he's sent down to her (resulting in a chillingly memorable movie quote). The film stars Jodie Foster as FBI Agent Clarice Starling and Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter, whose quintessential performance and subsequent Best Actor win was based on only about 25 minutes of total screen time in "The Silence of the Lambs." Paramount Pictures Scene #22 Though you can't see her face, Robin Wright is pictured as the consistently down-on-her-luck Jenny—the romantic interest to Tom Hanks' protagonist in this 1994 epic comedy-drama. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, it was the second-highest-grossing film of its year and went on to win Best Picture at the 67th Academy Awards. Paramount Pictures 'Forrest Gump' The saga of Forrest Gump has become one of the most recognizable in cinema history and went on to break the box office and win five other Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Tom Hanks' unforgettable performance as Gump. The movie utilized extensive visual effects in order to place Forrest Gump in an array of significant moments in American history. Miramax Scene #23 This intimidating mob boss and his young wife lounge by the pool in this 1994 cult classic directed by Quentin Tarantino. The film is famously portrayed with its scenes out of chronological order and has had a lasting impact on independent cinema and pop culture. Miramax 'Pulp Fiction' Marsellus Wallace (Ving Rhames) and wife Mia (Uma Thurman) are just two pieces in the convoluted jigsaw puzzle that is "Pulp Fiction," surrounding a mysterious briefcase, an armed robbery, a fixed boxing max, and two very philosophical hitmen. The neo-noir black comedy was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Carolco Pictures Scene #24 Michael Douglas and Jeanne Tripplehorn—pictured here together—star in this 1992 erotic thriller. Tripplehorn plays the psychologist of Douglas's homicide detective, who herself becomes a suspect in his investigation of a brutal crime. Carolco Pictures 'Basic Instinct' Though a critical mixed bag upon release, Paul Verhoeven's "Basic Instinct" was considerably successful at the box office and has seen reappraisal in later years, particularly for its groundbreaking depiction of sexuality for its time. The film features an infamous scene in which Sharon Stone's mysterious crime novelist Catherine Tramell uncrosses her legs. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) Scene #25 Richard Roundtree heads through a crowd of people gathered on the streets of New York City as the eponymous cop in this 1971 crime film. The theme won Best Original Song at the 44th Academy Awards, and the soundtrack album won the Grammy for Best Original Score Written for a Motion Picture. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) 'Shaft' Private Detective John Shaft is caught between a Black crime mob, Black nationals, and the Italian mafia when he's hired by a Harlem mobster whose daughter has been kidnapped. The film and its Grammy-winning soundtrack are often referenced in popular culture. "Shaft" was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry in 2000. Paramount Pictures Scene #26 A veiled Faye Dunaway appears here in Roman Polanski's acclaimed 1974 neo-noir, in which she plays the mysterious wife of a prominent civil engineer whose death is being investigated by Jack Nicholson's private eye. The film was nominated for 11 Oscars at the 47th Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Paramount Pictures 'Chinatown' Inspired by the real-life California water wars, "Chinatown" is often cited as one of the greatest films of all time. Jack Nicholson went on to star in and direct a sequel to the film, written by the original screenwriter Robert Towne, though it was not nearly as successful as the first. Focus Features Scene #27 Anne Hathaway's character probably knows how to quit riding that horse better than her husband knows how to quit something else in this Western romance adapted from the short story of the same name. Immensely successful both critically and commercially, the film's Best Picture loss at the 78th Academy Awards sparked backlash. Focus Features 'Brokeback Mountain' Starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger as two sheep herders who unexpectedly fall in love, the film was considered a major stepping stone in the advancement of queer cinema. Though also the subject of controversy concerning the portrayal of homosexuality, the film went on to accrue a multitude of awards—but, controversially, not the Oscar for Best Picture. A24 Scene #28 Theresa (played by Janelle Monàe) sits at her dining room table and talks to a troubled young boy whom her boyfriend has taken under his wing, both acting as substitute parents to him. The successful film broke milestones (and survived an infamous mixup) at the 89th Academy Awards. A24 'Moonlight' "Moonlight" became the first LGBTQ-related film and first film with an all-Black cast to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, though there was quite a stir caused at the ceremony when it was mistakenly announced that competing title "La La Land" had won. The film garnered two other wins, including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Mahershala Ali in his role as Juan, the kind-hearted drug dealer who briefly takes young Chiron in like a surrogate son. Focus Features Scene #29 Bill Murray cradles a cuddly stuffed penguin, his only companion in a country very far from home. However, he makes a friend there who changes his life for the better in this Sofia Coppola dramedy that won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Focus Features 'Lost in Translation' Bob (Murray), an aging actor, and Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson), a recent college graduate traveling with her husband, find solace in each other's loneliness while adrift in Tokyo in 2003's "Lost in Translation." The film has been praised for its atypical narrative structure, the source material of which was partly based on Coppola's marriage to fellow director Spike Jonze. Twentieth Century Fox Scene #30 A heavily made-up John Leguizamo peers down at the performance on stage below him in this 2001 musical set in Paris. The film's original song was nominated for an Oscar but was eventually disqualified due its being originally written for one of the director's previous films. Twentieth Century Fox 'Moulin Rouge!' Leguizamo portrays famous French painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec alongside Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor in this lavish romance. The jukebox musical "Moulin Rouge!" was nominated for eight Oscars at the 74th Academy Awards, including Best Picture—becoming the first musical in 10 years to be nominated in the category.
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	50 of the oldest actors who are still working in Hollywood Universal Pictures/Sunset Boulevard // Corbis via Getty Images; Greg Doherty // Getty Images for WAV 50 of the oldest actors still working Most movie and television plots center on young characters experiencing a coming-of-age, setting out on a grand adventure, or falling in (or out of) love. But there are plenty of stories that escape these familiar storylines and age brackets, from "Grace and Frankie" to "Thelma," and feature some of the most talented names in Hollywood. These celebrities lend their experience to various roles, often adding much-needed depth to storylines while proving it is possible to have a long, prolific acting career despite the ageism that has plagued the television and film industries since their inception. Of course, no one lives forever—that goes for some of our most notable acting icons. To name just a few of the legends we've lost thus far in 2026, Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall died on Feb. 15, action icon Chuck Norris passed away on March 19, and "Buffy the Vampire" star Anthony Head passed in early June. These deaths are a stark reminder that it's important to celebrate and honor these great talents while they're still here. To help with that task, Stacker curated a diverse list of 50 of the oldest actors still working. These stars range from beloved character actors to A-listers who are still putting in the work in their later years. They are well-respected by fans and colleagues and continue taking on challenging and impressive acting roles on the big and small screens. And though we hope they keep working for years and even decades to come, we want to ensure they know how much they're appreciated right now. Whether they got their start on a soap opera or after a stint in San Quentin, these pros have the staying power to withstand decades in a very tough industry. This diverse lot of performers continues to do what they love, regardless of age. Perhaps that's what keeps them going. Keep reading to learn more about 50 of the oldest actors still working. Jason Davis/FilmMagic // Getty Images Sissy Spacek - Birthdate: Dec. 25, 1949 Born in Quitman, Texas, Sissy Spacek came into the world on Christmas as Mary Elizabeth Spacek. She got her start in television with "Love, American Style" and "The Waltons," though Spacek's breakthrough role came when she played a teenager with telekinetic powers in the Brian De Palma film "Carrie." She continues to act and recently appeared in the 2025 film "Die, My Love" and the Hulu series "Dying for Sex." Amanda Edwards // Getty Images Loretta Devine - Birthdate: Aug. 21, 1949 With roles in everything from a hit Broadway musical to a 1990s slasher film, Loretta Devine is a force. Her standout roles include the 1995 film "Waiting to Exhale" and the 1996 film "The Preacher's Wife." She won an Outstanding Guest Actress Primetime Emmy in 2011 for her role as Adele on television's "Grey's Anatomy." In 2026, Devine appeared on the sitcom "The Ms. Pat Show." Rocco Spaziani/Archivio Rocco Spaziani/Mondadori Portfolio // Getty Images Meryl Streep - Birthdate: June 22, 1949 Meryl Streep has the distinction of being the actor with the most Oscar nominations of all time: 21. Aside from her countless memorable film roles, including "Sophie's Choice," "The Bridges of Madison County," and "The Devil Wears Prada," Streep has become a regular fixture on TV, currently starring on Hulu's "Only Murders in the Building." In 2026, she's returned to the big screen with the films "Hoppers" and "The Devil Wears Prada 2." DFree // Shutterstock Pam Grier - Birthdate: May 26, 1949 Pam Grier got her start in director Roger Corman's 1971 film "The Big Doll House." Director Quentin Tarantino cast her in the 1997 film "Jackie Brown," which was a homage to Grier's earlier work from the 1970s. She was diagnosed with stage four cervical cancer in 1988 and given 18 months to live; she defied those odds and continues to act, most recently appearing on the second season of the TV show "Them" and in a 2024 episode of "Bob's Burgers." Paras Griffin // Getty Images for Roadside Attractions Samuel L. Jackson - Birthdate: Dec. 21, 1948 Samuel L. Jackson has been in more than 100 films, though his career didn't truly take off until he was in his 40s. In 1991, Jackson earned one of his breakthrough film roles in Spike Lee's "Jungle Fever," then followed that with a prolific career throughout the decade and beyond. In 2024 alone, he appeared in "Argylle," "Damaged," "The Garfield Movie," "The Piano Lesson," and "The Unholy Trinity." His next film, "The Great Beyond," hits theaters in November 2026. Jackson's performances as Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and as Mace Windu in the "Star Wars" prequels have helped him earn the title of the highest-grossing actor of all time. Matt Petit/A.M.P.A.S. // Getty Images Youn Yuh-jung - Birthdate: June 19, 1947 Youn Yuh-jung took home an Oscar in 2021 for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Minari." The South Korean actor has worked in television and film for more than half a century and staged an inspired comeback after taking a 10-year hiatus from acting in the '70s and '80s. She also earned strong reviews for her performance in the 2025 romantic comedy "The Wedding Banquet," and appears in Season 2 of Netflix's hit anthology series "Beef." George Pimentel // Getty Images Glenn Close - Birthdate: March 19, 1947 Born in Greenwich, Connecticut, Glenn Close's father was a prominent physician. Her first major film role was as feminist icon Jenny Fields in the 1982 movie "The World According to Garp," based on John Irving's novel of the same name. More recently, Close appeared in two 2025 Netflix films: "Back in Action" and "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery," and she stars on Ryan Murphy's legal drama "All's Fair." She'll also be joining the "Hunger Games" universe with "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping," in theaters November 2026. Leon Bennett // Getty Images Danny Glover - Birthdate: July 22, 1946 Born to postal workers, Danny Glover's breakthrough came with his 1982 Broadway debut in "'Master Harold'... and the Boys," which led to his first leading role in the Oscar-nominated film "Places in the Heart." His work on the small screen is equally as impressive as his work in film, and he was nominated for an Emmy for his title role in HBO's "Mandela." Joe Maher // Getty Images Ernie Hudson - Birthdate: Dec. 17, 1945 Ernie Hudson started getting bit parts in film and on television in the late '70s, but his career really took off in the '80s after he was cast as Winston Zeddemore in "Ghostbusters" and its sequel, "Ghostbusters II." In the '90s and early 2000s, he was best known as Warden Lee on the acclaimed HBO series "Oz," and in the 2010s and 2020s, he returned to the film franchise that made him famous. Hudson appeared in the 2016 women-led "Ghostbusters," 2021's "Ghostbusters: Afterlife," and the latest installment, "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire," which was released in March 2024, and had fans wondering how Hudson does not age. He'll next be heard as the voice of Combat Carl in the June 2026 sequel "Toy Story 5," taking over for the late Carl Weathers. Rachel Murray // Getty Images for L'Oréal Paris Helen Mirren - Birthdate: July 26, 1945 English actor Dame Helen Mirren got her start in theater. She won several awards for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in the film "The Queen." Mirren played another famous leader with her portrayal of a Russian empress in the HBO limited series "Catherine the Great." Since 2022, she's been the star of the "Yellowstone" spinoff "1923," but she's still making time for movies, including blockbusters like "Fast X" and "Barbie." In 2025, she starred in "The Thursday Murder Club" and "Goodbye June," as well as the TV series "MobLand." Paul Archuleta // Getty Images Danny Trejo - Birthdate: May 16, 1944 Danny Trejo was in and out of prison as a young man for a variety of crimes, including armed robbery. He became a champion boxer while serving time at San Quentin. He eventually became a drug counselor, and got his introduction to acting while working on a movie set. Trejo is known for his roles in Robert Rodriguez films, such as "Desperado" and "Grindhouse." Rodriguez is Trejo's second cousin. Emma McIntyre/WireImage // Getty Images Leslie Uggams - Birthdate: May 25, 1943 Leslie Uggams started acting as a child but gained wide acclaim for her role as Kizzy Reynolds in the 1977 miniseries "Roots," which led to both a Golden Globe and an Emmy nomination for the star. Uggams has appeared in numerous Broadway productions, winning a Tony in 1968 for her performance in "Hallelujah, Baby!" In the 2010s, Uggams had a career resurgence thanks to her appearances as Blind Al in the "Deadpool" movies (including "Deadpool & Wolverine"), as well as roles on hit TV series like "Empire," "Fallout," and "The Gilded Age." John Nacion // Getty Images Christopher Walken -Birthdate: March 31, 1943 With nearly 145 acting credits to his name, Christopher Walken has appeared in everything from lighthearted comedies to superhero flicks, Stephen King adaptations, and heart-wrenching dramas. Walken won his first and, to date, only Oscar in 1979 for "The Deer Hunter," though he was nominated for his role in the 2002 film "Catch Me If You Can" as well. He's also contributed to the soundtracks of several of his movies, like the 2016 live-action iteration of "The Jungle Book" and 2014's "Jersey Boys." 2024 saw Walken join Denis Vileneuve's "Dune" franchise to play the menacing Emperor, and in 2025, he returned for Season 2 of Apple TV+'s hit series "Severance." Unique Nicole/WireImage // Getty Images Harrison Ford - Birthdate: July 13, 1942 Throughout his nearly 60-year career, Harrison Ford has brought numerous iconic characters to life, from Han Solo in "Star Wars" to the titular role in the "Indiana Jones" franchise. Though he's now in his 80s, Ford's career still isn't slowing down. He reprised the latter role in 2023's "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" (his last as the character), and he joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Thunderbolt. Ford also transitioned to the small screen, starring on the "Yellowstone" prequel "1923" on Paramount+ and "Shrinking," an Apple TV+ comedy with Jason Segel. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic // Getty Images Al Pacino - Birthdate: April 25, 1940 Actor Al Pacino studied Method acting under Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio in New York City. One of the most legendary film stars of his generation, Pacino is a triple crown actor, winning an Oscar, Emmy, and Tony Award. His first Oscar nomination came for his role as Michael Corleone in the 1972 film "The Godfather," a role he played again in "The Godfather Part II" and "The Godfather Part III." Other memorable films include "Dog Day Afternoon," "Scarface," and as labor union leader Jimmy Hoffa in the 2019 film "The Irishman" alongside fellow acting great Robert De Niro. He continues to work often: In 2025 alone, he appeared in "The Ritual," "Dead Man's Wire," "Billy Knight," "In the Hand of Dante," and "Easy's Waltz," and he has multiple films in development. Rodin Eckenroth // Getty Images Lily Tomlin - Birthdate: Sept. 1, 1939 Lily Tomlin, born Mary Jean Tomlin, got her start as a stand-up comedian. Some of her most famous roles were on Rowan & Martin's "Laugh-In" as Edith Ann, a little girl who sits in an oversized rocking chair, and nasally telephone operator Ernestine. She continues to act and starred opposite Jane Fonda as Frankie Bergstein in the comedy, "Grace and Frankie," for seven seasons. Society of London Theatre // Getty Images Ian McKellen - Birthdate: May 25, 1939 Stage and screen actor Ian McKellen has two Oscar nominations, two Golden Globe nominations, and one Golden Globe win for his supporting role in the 1996 TV movie "Rasputin." McKellen played Gandalf in "The Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings" films. His role as Magneto in the 2000 film "X-Men" and its sequels led to mainstream success. These days, McKellen's work remains eclectic. In 2024, he appeared onstage as John Falstaff in "Player Kings," and also served as the narrator on the TV show "Ted." He stars in Steven Soderbergh's April 2026 film "The Christophers," and he'll also appear in December 2026's "Avengers: Doomsday," for which he's reprising his role as Magneto. Mike Coppola // Getty Images Christopher Lloyd - Birthdate: Oct. 22, 1938 Christopher Lloyd made his film debut as Max Taber in 1975's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," setting off a half-century of beloved film roles. Among his most memorable portrayals are as Doc Brown in "Back to the Future," Professor Plum in "Clue," Uncle Fester in "Addams Family Values," and, in 2021, Harry Mansell Sr. in the action thriller "Nobody." His television credits are just as vast, including his role as "Reverend" Jim Ignatowski on "Taxi," which earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. In 2025, he appeared in the sequel "Nobody 2" and in a guest-starring role on Netflix's "Wednesday." Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic // Getty Images Anthony Hopkins - Birthdate: Dec. 31, 1937 In 1968, Anthony Hopkins played alongside Peter O'Toole and Katharine Hepburn in "The Lion in Winter" and received a British Academy of Film and Television Arts nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. He also played one of the greatest and most memorable film villains of all time: psychiatrist-turned-serial killer Hannibal Lecter. Hopkins has earned accolades late in his career, winning an Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in 2020's "The Father." He appeared in the 2025 thriller "Locked," and will star in Guy Ritchie's "Wife & Dog," hitting theaters in October 2026. Getty Images // Getty Images for Children's Diabetes Foundation Jane Fonda - Birthdate: Dec. 21, 1937 Jane Fonda was born to socialite Frances Seymour Brokaw and legendary actor Henry Fonda, whom she acted alongside in the 1981 Oscar-nominated film "On Golden Pond." Known for her roles in films like "Barbarella," "Klute," and "9 to 5" in the '60s, '70s, and '80s, Fonda had a successful run on the small screen opposite Lily Tomlin in Netflix's "Grace and Frankie" from 2015 to 2022. Her acting career continues today; she appeared in Jennifer Lopez's "This Is Me... Now: A Love Story" in 2024, and had a cameo on HBO's "The Comeback" in March 2026. Aaron J. Thornton // Getty Images for BET Morgan Freeman - Birthdate: June 1, 1937 Morgan Freeman found success with theater, television, and film work in the '70s and '80s. He won an Obie Award for performance for his successful portrayal of Hoke Colburn in Alfred Uhry's Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Driving Miss Daisy" and reprised the role in the 1989 film version with Jessica Tandy. Among his latest projects are the 2024 films "My Dead Friend Zoe" and "Gunner," and the 2025 sequel "Now You See Me: Now You Don't." Albert L. Orgega // Getty Images George Takei - Birthdate: April 20, 1937 George Takei's career spans television, film, theater, and radio, and he is an ardent activist and a successful writer. Born Hosato Takei, he is known for playing Sulu in the 1960s series "Star Trek." Takei continues to act and do voice work, with recent appearances on the TV series "Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai" and "Avatar: The Last Airbender." He even reprised his role as Sulu on the animated "Star Trek" spinoff "Star Trek: Lower Decks." Wiktor Szymanowicz / Barcroft Media // Getty Images Billy Dee Williams - Birthdate: April 6, 1937 Known for playing Lando Calrissian in the 1980 film "The Empire Strikes Back" and 1983's "Return of the Jedi," Williams has continued to find success with his portrayal of Lando in video games and on TV. On the big screen, he reprised his most famous role in the 2019 sequel "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker." Britta Pedersen/picture alliance // Getty Images Vanessa Redgrave - Birthdate: Jan. 30, 1937 Daughter of renowned theatrical actor Michael Redgrave, Vanessa Redgrave followed in her father's footsteps and went on to have a successful stage, film, and television career. She's acted in everything from the 1974 Sidney Lumet film "Murder on the Orient Express" to the controversial FX television series, "Nip/Tuck." Redgrave more recently played Great Nana in the 2022 film "The Lost Girls," and she appears in the February 2026 release "Cold Storage." Gregg DeGuire // FilmMagic via Getty Images Nick Nolte - Birthdate: Feb. 8, 1941 Nick Nolte's extensive career has included multiple awards and nominations—including three Academy Award nods for "The Prince of Tides," "Affliction," and "Warrior." But his work spans decades and genres, from action comedies like "48 Hrs." and "I Love Trouble" to serious dramas like "The Thin Red Line" and "Hotel Rwanda" to, well, less acclaimed fare like "Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore." Nolte has made headlines for several drug and alcohol-related problems over the years. However, he's never stopped working, appearing in 2025 films "The Golden Voice" and "Die, My Love," and 2026's "Crime 101." Kevin Winter // Getty Images Alan Alda - Birthdate: Jan. 28, 1936 Alan Alda's film and TV credits include those as an actor, writer, and director. For his well-known role as Hawkeye Pierce in the long-running television series "MAS*H," he won Emmy awards across three categories. While he has slowed down in recent years following his 2018 announcement that he'd been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, Alda continues to work in film and television, making appearances on the series "Ray Donovan" and "The Good Fight," and in the movie "Marriage Story." His latest project is as producer of the Netflix series "The Four Seasons," which is based on Alda's 1981 film of the same name. Noam Gala // Getty Images for 92Y Julie Andrews - Birthdate: Oct. 1, 1935 Her most famous role is that of Maria in the 1965 film "The Sound of Music," though Julie Andrews also starred in the titular role in 1964's "Mary Poppins." More recently, Andrews voiced the Queen in several of the "Shrek" films and played Queen Clarisse Renaldi in "The Princess Diaries" and its 2004 sequel. Andrews continues to do voice work in film and television, notably voicing the character of Lady Whistledown in Netflix's "Bridgerton" series. Miikka Skaffari // Getty Images Ben Kingsley - Birthdate: Dec. 31, 1943 Born Krishna Bhanji, the incomparable Sir Ben Kingsley began acting on-screen at the age of 23, when he appeared in a 1966 episode of the TV show "Pardon the Expression." He went on to star as Mahatma Gandhi in the 1982 film "Gandhi," for which he won the Best Actor Oscar and a well-deserved round of critical praise. Kingsley's later roles include an appearance in "Iron Man 3," a part he reprised in 2021's "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" and takes on again in the 2026 Marvel series "Wonder Man." He also recently starred in Netflix's "The Thursday Murder Club," and will be seen in the July 2026 film "Young Washington." Jeff Kravitz // FilmMagic via Getty Images Judi Dench - Birthdate: Dec. 9, 1934 Born in York, England, as Judith Olivia Dench, the actor has performed on stage at the Old Vic Theatre, the National Theatre, and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Dench is also an accomplished film actor and received an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Queen Elizabeth I in the 1998 film "Shakespeare in Love." She secured a starring role alongside Jamie Dornan and Caitriona Balfe in Kenneth Branagh's 2021 film "Belfast." In May 2024, she hinted at her potential retirement from the screen due to issues with her vision. Bruno Vigneron // Getty Images Sophia Loren - Birthdate: Sept. 20, 1934 International movie star Sophia Loren has received critical acclaim in her native Italy as well as in the United States. Her role in the 1960s Italian film "Two Women," about the horrors a widow and her daughter face during World War II, won Loren the first Best Actress Oscar for a non-English language performance. The actor took on her first role in a decade as Madame Rosa, a Holocaust survivor, in the 2020 film "The Life Ahead," which was directed and co-written by her son Edoardo Ponti and based on the novel "The Life Before Us." CHRIS DELMAS/AFP // Getty Images Shirley MacLaine - Birthdate: April 24, 1934 The older sister of screen actor Warren Beatty has starred on Broadway and in feature films. Her silver screen debut came in 1955 in Alfred Hitchcock's "The Trouble With Harry." She took home her first Oscar for Best Actress for her performance as an overbearing mother in the 1983 film "Terms of Endearment." While she doesn't act as much these days, she showed up on the Hulu series "Only Murders in the Building" in 2022 and starred in the film "American Dreamer" that same year. David M. Bennett/Dave Bennett // Getty Images Michael Caine - Birthdate: March 14, 1933 Michael Caine was born Maurice Joseph Micklewhite in London, eventually changing his name in the interest of his acting career. The actor started out in theater but transitioned to film with numerous memorable performances in films like "Alfie," "Educating Rita," and "The Cider House Rules." The double Oscar winner retired from acting in 2023, following the release of his film "The Great Escaper," but has since announced plans to act again. Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan // Getty Images Ellen Burstyn - Birthdate: Dec. 7, 1932 One of Ellen Burstyn's first roles was as a showgirl on television's "The Jackie Gleason Show," though her big break didn't come until she was cast in the 1971 Peter Bogdanovich film "The Last Picture Show." She won the Best Actress Oscar for her 1974 performance in the film "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore." She starred alongside several others on this list in the 2021 comedy "Queen Bees" and reprised her role as Chris MacNeil in the 2023 film "The Exorcist: Believer." Next up, Burstyn will be starring alongside Pamela Anderson and Taika Waititi in the film "Place to Be." Theo Wargo // Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions Joel Grey - Birthdate: April 11, 1932 Actor, singer, dancer, and director Joel Grey is probably best known for playing the Master of Ceremonies in "Cabaret" on Broadway and in Bob Fosse's 1972 film adaptation. The multihyphenate has won an Oscar, a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and a Tony, as well as the Lifetime Achievement Tony Award in 2023. Among the standout roles on his long resume are performances in musicals like "Chicago" and "Wicked," films like "Kafka" and "Dancer in the Dark," and TV shows from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" to "Oz." Recently, he appeared in the 2022 FX drama thriller "The Old Man." David Crotty/Patrick McMullan // Getty Images Rita Moreno - Birthdate: Dec. 11, 1931 One of the few entertainers to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony, Rita Moreno is part of the EGOT Winners' Circle. Born Rosita Dolores Alverío in Puerto Rico, one of the actor's most memorable roles came when she played Anita in the 1961 film "West Side Story," for which she became the first Latina to win a Best Supporting Actress Oscar. In 2021, she starred as Valentina (an expanded, reimagined version of the original version's Doc) in Steven Spielberg's remake of the classic musical. BG023/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images // Getty Images Barbara Eden - Birthdate: Aug. 23, 1931 Barbara Eden is most famous for her portrayal of a genie who grants wishes to the astronaut who released her from a bottle in the 1960s sitcom "I Dream of Jeannie." Born Barbara Jean Morehead in Tucson, Arizona, Eden acted in several television movies throughout her career. In 2019, she played Mrs. Claus in "My Adventures with Santa," and she reprised her iconic role as Jeannie in the YouTube series "Master Dearest, from the Diaries of Jeannie" from 2020 to 2023. Tommaso Boddi // Variety via Getty Images Marla Gibbs - Birthdate: June 14, 1931 Marla Gibbs was 44 years old when she started playing George Jefferson's maid, Florence Johnston, on the famed CBS sitcom "The Jeffersons." The show ran for a decade between 1975 and 1985; for its first few years, Gibbs moonlighted as a United Airlines reservations desk clerk, the job she got when she first moved to Los Angeles in 1963. Gibbs said in a 1978 Washington Post interview that she'd finish taping "The Jeffersons" around 5:30 p.m. and then work at United until 11 p.m. After "The Jeffersons" ended, Gibbs was upgraded from supporting actor to lead with a starring role on the NBC sitcom "227," which ran until 1990. She's been all over television since, with recurring roles on "The Hughleys," "Passions," "Black-ish," and "Grey's Anatomy," and shows no sign of slowing down. Most recently, she appeared on a January 2026 episode of "Chicago Med." Amanda Edwards // Getty Images William Shatner - Birthdate: Mar. 22, 1931 Best known for playing Captain James T. Kirk in "Star Trek," William Shatner has spent more than seven decades on screen. Now in his 90s, Shatner has done voice acting on "Fireheart" and "Masters of the Universe: Revolution" in recent years. Aside from voicing Captain Kirk in several video games over the past two decades, Shatner hasn't reprised his role since 1994's "Star Trek: Generations"—though he admitted in a March 2024 interview with The Hollywood Reporter that he'd return to the captain's chair if it "genuinely added to the lore of 'Star Trek.'" Bruce Glikas/Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic // Getty Images Lois Smith - Birthdate: Nov. 3, 1930 Known for her roles in the films "Minority Report," "Twister," and "Lady Bird," Lois Smith is also an accomplished stage actor. Her first film was "East of Eden" in 1955 and she continues to remain active in the industry, appearing on multiple episodes of "Law & Order: Organized Crime" in 2024, as well the 2025 film "On the End." She'll next be seen in the indie comedy "The Steel Harp." Kevin Winter // Getty Images for AFI Clint Eastwood - Birthdate: May 31, 1930 San Francisco-born Clinton Eastwood Jr. is best known for playing cops and cowboys, but he made his Hollywood debut in a pair of 1955 monster movies: "Revenge of the Creature" and "Tarantula." His breakout role, as Rowdy Yates on the Western TV series "Rawhide," came a few years later in 1958. After a string of hit spaghetti Westerns in the mid-1960s, Eastwood established his own production company, Malpaso Productions, in 1967, and made his directorial debut in 1971. It wasn't until 1993, however, that he won his first pair of Oscars—Best Picture and Best Director—for "Unforgiven." Eastwood continued to find success both in front of and behind the camera in the 2000s with films like "Mystic River," "Million Dollar Baby," and "Letters from Iwo Jima." His more recent projects include "Cry Macho" and "The Mule," and the November 2024 sleeper hit "Juror No. 2." Greg Doherty // Getty Tippi Hedren - Birthdate: Jan. 19, 1930 Born Nathalie Kay Hedren, actor Tippi Hedren was discovered by famed director Alfred Hitchcock, who saw her in a TV commercial. Hedren acted in two Hitchcock films, "The Birds" and "Marnie." She went on to land roles in various television series over the next several decades. Hedren, who is also the mother of actor Melanie Griffith and the grandmother of actor Dakota Johnson, was last seen in the 2017 thriller "The Ghost and the Whale." Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic // Getty Images June Squibb - Birthdate: Nov. 6, 1929 June Squibb became an Oscar nominee at 84 for her role in the 2013 Alexander Payne film "Nebraska." Her diverse career has seen her playing everything from the stripper Electra in the Broadway show "Gypsy," to an uncredited role as the voice of Michael's mother on the television show "The Office." Squibb continues to act in both television and film—she starred in the critically acclaimed 2024 action-comedy "Thelma" and the 2025 film "Eleanor the Great," Scarlett Johansson's directorial debut. In December 2025, she became the oldest Broadway performer in history when she starred in the play "Marjorie Prime." Amanda Edwards // Getty Images James Hong - Birthdate: Feb. 22, 1929 One of the founders of the East-West Players, an Asian American theater in Los Angeles, James Hong has more than 600 acting credits. Three of the films he appeared in—"Chinatown," "Airplane," and "Blade Runner"—were selected by the Library of Congress for inclusion in the National Film Registry because of their cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance. Much of his work now is voice acting, like in the "Kung Fu Panda" franchise and on the Max series "Gremlins," which wrapped its second season in April 2025. Bruce Glikas // WireImage Estelle Parsons - Birthdate: Nov. 20, 1927 Estelle Parsons' first big role in front of the camera was actually as herself. The former Boston University law student got a job in 1954 as a writer, producer, and commentator for "The Today Show," where she stayed for five years. During that time, she made her Broadway debut in 1956 in Ethel Merman's musical "Happy Hunting"—and in the 1960s, 1970s, and decades that followed, she earned five Tony nominations. Though she hasn't won a Tony yet, Parsons did take home the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance as Blanche in the 1967 classic "Bonnie and Clyde." Still, that's likely not the character most people remember her as. The part Parsons is best known for across the U.S. is as Beverly Harris, Roseanne's mother, on the hit 1990s sitcom "Roseanne" and its spinoff "The Conners." Rhode Trip Pictures // IMDb Rosemary Harris - Birthdate: Sept. 19, 1927 While most people might recognize Rosemary Harris as Aunt May from Sam Raimi's "Spider-Man" trilogy, she has had an illustrious career on screen and stage that goes far beyond one role. Harris won a Tony Award for "The Lion in Winter," but was nominated eight other times. She also got an Academy Award nomination for the 1994 film "Tom & Viv." Although Harris doesn't act nearly as much these days, she returned to the stage for a revival of "My Fair Lady" from 2018 to 2019, and she appeared on two episodes of the show "Search Party" in 2022. Cindy Ord // Getty Images William Daniels - Birthdate: March 31, 1927 William Daniels won millennial hearts as beloved teacher-turned-principal Mr. Feeny on the '90s TV series "Boy Meets World," but the actor's career dates back well before that show debuted. He gained fame in the '80s on the hit shows "St. Elsewhere" and "Knight Rider," where he voiced the AI technology KITT. He is also known for his roles as Benjamin Braddock's (Dustin Hoffman's) father in "The Graduate," and for playing John Adams in the big-screen musical "1776." Daniels reprised his role as Mr. Feeny on "Girl Meets World" from 2014 to 2017, and his last film role was in 2020's "Superintelligence." Greg Doherty // Getty Images Lisa Lu - Birthdate: Jan. 19, 1927 The Chinese-born actor migrated to the United States in the 1950s. Lu had notable roles in the 1987 film "The Last Emperor" and in the 1993 film "The Joy Luck Club." In her 90s, she's portrayed the family matriarch in 2018's "Crazy Rich Asians" and appeared in the 2024 TV series "Death and Other Details." John Phillips/Getty Images Mel Brooks - Birthdate: June 28, 1926 Mel Brooks' expansive, enduring career has spanned acting, comedy composing, directing, producing, and writing. The filmmaker's most famous comedies include "Blazing Saddles," "Robin Hood: Men in Tights," "The Producers," and "Young Frankenstein." He has executive producer and acting credits on 2021's computer-animated, action-adventure comedy "Blazing Samurai," and in 2023, he released the long-awaited sequel to "History of the World, Part I." He'll be reprising his role as Yogurt in 2027's "Spaceballs: The New One," which he also co-wrote. Amanda Edwards // Getty Images Dick Van Dyke - Birthdate: Dec. 13, 1925 Born Richard Wayne Van Dyke, the actor got his start in television on "The Phil Silvers Show" and also appeared on "The Ed Sullivan Show" as a sketch actor. By 1961, the entertainer landed his own show, which ran until 1966. His early films include 1963's "Bye Bye Birdie" and 1964's "Mary Poppins," and he made his way back to the franchise for 2018's "Mary Poppins Returns." At 98, Van Dyke became the oldest actor to win a Daytime Emmy Award for his guest appearance on "Days of Our Lives" in 2024. NICK AGRO/AFP // Getty Images Eva Marie Saint - Birthdate: July 4, 1924 Two of 101-year-old Eva Marie Saint's most memorable roles are her Oscar-winning turn in the 1954 Elia Kazan film "On the Waterfront" and her performance in Alfred Hitchcock's 1959 film "North By Northwest." While she is largely retired, she lent her voice to audio plays on "The Pack Podcast" in 2020 and 2021. As for onscreen appearances, her last role was in 2014's "Winter's Tale." Additional writing by Louis Peitzman.
	50 colleges in the US that are most worth the cost, according to data cdrin // Shutterstock 50 colleges with the best ROI They say the college years are the best of your life. They shape how you see the world, the passions you wish to pursue, and the person you hope to be. College is an emotional, personal, and professional starting point—but it's also a significant financial investment. In the last 20 years, the cost of attending a public, in-state college has increased by 29% when adjusted for inflation, according to a September 2025 report from U.S. News and World Report. Of course, private colleges are particularly pricey, reaching an average of $45,000 for annual tuition alone in 2025-26 per College Board's Trends in College Pricing 2025 report. After four years, and in many cases five to six years, that cost can stack up significantly, so you will want to ensure that you're putting your dollars into an institution that will make it worthwhile. Luckily, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in August 2025, the median weekly earnings for someone with a bachelor's degree are around $613 more than the median weekly earnings for high school graduates. Over the course of a year, that translates to an almost $32,000 difference in annual pay. However, some colleges have a higher return on investment than others. Stacker compiled a list of the nonprofit colleges with the best return on investment, using a 2025 study by Ban Cheah, Martin Van Der Werf, Catherine Morris, and Jeff Strohl at Georgetown University. Colleges that primarily issue bachelor's degrees were considered. Colleges are ranked by the highest 40-year ROI, with ties broken by 10-year ROI. The study considered net present value, balancing today's costs against future earnings. Universities specializing in STEM studies (science, technology, engineering, and math) tend to have a higher return on investment for their graduates. STEM has gained ground over the past 10 years as higher-paying careers increasingly require science and technical knowledge. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 10.8 million STEM jobs in 2024, representing more than 6% of employment in the United States. Moreover, those in STEM occupations earn a median annual wage of $103,580, more than double the average yearly salary of $49,500. Colleges that focus on pharmaceuticals also show strong returns on investment. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2024, there were more than 335,000 pharmacist jobs, and the median wage was $137,480. Now it's time to look at the colleges that made the cut. Keep reading to see the 50 colleges with the best ROI. Is your college on the list? Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock #50. Bryant University - 40-year net present value: $3,016,000 - 10-year net present value: $203,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Located in Smithfield, Rhode Island, Bryant University has three colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Health and Behavioral Sciences, and the College of Business. Most students attend for marketing, finance, or business but must complete a liberal arts or health and behavioral sciences minor. Students majoring in the College of Arts and Sciences or the School of Health and Behavioral Sciences must also complete a business minor. According to Bryant University, 99% of recent graduates are employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation, and $76,000 was the median first-year salary for students in the Class of 2024. Jim_Brown_Photography // Shutterstock #49. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo - 40-year net present value: $3,016,000 - 10-year net present value: $318,000 - School type: Public Based in San Luis Obispo, California Polytechnic State University is one of three polytechnics in the California State University system. Cal Poly SLO focuses on undergraduate education, with one program combining technical curriculum with liberal arts. According to data from Niche, 96% of Cal Poly SLO grads secured full-time jobs within a year of graduation, and 90% of students stated that the college's career center helped during the job search process. Ken Schulze // Shutterstock #48. Maine Maritime Academy - 40-year net present value: $3,033,000 - 10-year net present value: $347,000 - School type: Public Maine Maritime Academy, located in Castine, Maine, is a public college focused on maritime training and the sciences. U.S. News & World Report says that the most popular majors are naval architecture and marine engineering, marine science, energy systems technology, international business, and marine biology. According to PayScale, the average starting salary is $108,000 per year. iroqin // Shutterstock #47. Brown University - 40-year net present value: $3,043,000 - 10-year net present value: $282,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Brown University is one of America's oldest institutions, founded in 1764. Today it is one of the prestigious universities in the Ivy League and one of nine colonial colleges chartered before the American Revolution. Graduate students, such as former U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, achieve notable careers and titles. PeopleImages // Shutterstock #46. Manhattan University - 40-year net present value: $3,061,000 - 10-year net present value: $244,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Located in the Bronx borough of New York City, Manhattan University is a private, liberal arts college known for its more than 100 majors and programs. On average, 78% percent of students gain job-related experiences while attending, which fuels the 87% of alums who go on to work in their desired fields. Wangkun Jia // Shutterstock #45. Northeastern University - 40-year net present value: $3,068,000 - 10-year net present value: $275,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Based in Boston, with campuses nationwide, Northeastern University is known for its co-op (cooperative education) program, which integrates classroom study with professional work experience. As a result, 97% of students are employed or in graduate school within nine months of graduation. Framalicious // Shutterstock #44. Rice University - 40-year net present value: $3,077,000 - 10-year net present value: $334,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Rice University is a Houston-based research university with an emphasis on applied science, space science, and nanotechnology. After graduating, 94% of students are employed within a year. Most students pursue careers in information sciences, biology, and economics. fisheradam13 // Shutterstock #43. United States Merchant Marine Academy - 40-year net present value: $3,078,000 - 10-year net present value: $453,000 - School type: Public The United States Merchant Marine Academy is a federal service academy known for its four-year program that includes training for service at sea, serving as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Armed Forces, and maritime employment ashore. The federal government covers most of the costs of attendance for students enrolled in the academy, including tuition, room and board, uniforms, textbooks, and health care. Randy Runtsch // Shutterstock #42. SUNY Maritime College - 40-year net present value: $3,092,000 - 10-year net present value: $340,000 - School type: Public SUNY Maritime College, located in Throggs Neck, New York, is a public institution founded in the 19th century. The most popular majors include marine science, mechanical engineering, business support services, and electrical engineering. Niche reports that as of 2025, SUNY Maritime College graduates make a median salary of more than $78,500 within a year of graduation, above the national median of roughly $62,000. Wangkun Jia // Shutterstock #41. University of Southern California - 40-year net present value: $3,097,000 - 10-year net present value: $272,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Located in Los Angeles, the University of Southern California is one of the largest private institutions in the country. It has a highly favorable student-faculty ratio at 8:1. Popular majors include management and information sciences, biology, and computer science. Niche says the median early career salary is $63,275 within a year of graduation, though median earnings jump to $91,408 after five years. Sundry Photography // Shutterstock #40. University of California-Berkeley - 40-year net present value: $3,099,000 - 10-year net present value: $331,000 - School type: Public The University of California-Berkeley is a public research university in Northern California. Its leading areas include the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute and the Space Sciences Laboratory. The median starting salary for UC Berkeley grads is $57,445 per year as of 2025. Ken Wolter // Shutterstock #39. Washington University in St. Louis - 40-year net present value: $3,159,000 - 10-year net present value: $309,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Washington University in St. Louis is a private research university renowned for its arts and sciences, business, design, engineering, law, public health, and more programs. According to 2025 data from Niche, 94% of graduates were employed within a year of graduating, with median earnings of more than $57,600. Liz Albro Photography // Shutterstock #38. Johns Hopkins University - 40-year net present value: $3,163,000 - 10-year net present value: $347,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Johns Hopkins University, located in Maryland, is a leading private research university that offers degrees in the arts and sciences, engineering, public health, and more. According to PayScale, Johns Hopkins University graduates have an average base salary of $99,000, with many graduates working as software engineers, data scientists, and mechanical engineers. Robert C Condon // Shutterstock #37. Fairfield University - 40-year net present value: $3,180,000 - 10-year net present value: $181,000 - School type: Private nonprofit The private, Jesuit Fairfield University in Connecticut offers degrees across its five colleges. The most popular majors according to Niche are nursing, finance, marketing, and accounting. The class of 2024 saw 98% of students secure full-time employment, placement in graduate school, or enrollment in a volunteer service program within six months of graduation. quiggyt4 // Shutterstock #36. Lafayette College - 40-year net present value: $3,193,000 - 10-year net present value: $232,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Lafayette College is a private liberal arts college in Easton, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1826 and is considered a "Hidden Ivy" university. Its graduates secure employment from some of the world's most reputable companies, including Facebook, Google, and ExxonMobil, among many others. James R. Martin // Shutterstock #35. Kettering University - 40-year net present value: $3,237,000 - 10-year net present value: $266,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Kettering University, located in Flint, Michigan, is spread across several colleges, including ones dedicated to engineering, management, and the arts and sciences. Undergraduates can participate in the university co-op experience, which has more than 550 partner organizations, putting students front and center with potential employers in their chosen fields. John Bilous // Shutterstock #34. University of Notre Dame - 40-year net present value: $3,248,000 - 10-year net present value: $317,000 - School type: Private nonprofit The University of Notre Dame, located in South Bend, Indiana, is divided into eight schools and colleges. The most popular majors include economics, finance, political science, and mathematics. According to PayScale, the average base salary for graduates is $95,000, and graduates often secure employment in software engineering, mechanical engineering, and data analysis. Jim Feliciano // Shutterstock #33. California State University Maritime Academy - 40-year net present value: $3,262,000 - 10-year net present value: $376,000 - School type: Public California State University Maritime Academy, located near San Francisco, offers degrees in various fields, including business administration, oceanography, and mechanical engineering. With just 761 enrolled students, CSU Maritime Academy has a 10:1 student-teacher ratio. Amy Lutz // Shutterstock #32. Villanova University - 40-year net present value: $3,268,000 - 10-year net present value: $245,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Villanova University is known for its business, health, engineering, social sciences, and communication programs. The average salary for the class of 2024 was nearly $80,000, with 72.5% of graduates securing employment after graduation. Feng Cheng // Shutterstock #31. Boston College - 40-year net present value: $3,287,000 - 10-year net present value: $258,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Boston College, founded in 1863, is a private institution outside downtown Boston. According to U.S. News & World Report, its most popular majors include economics, finance, biology, speech communication, and political science. Around 75% of the class of 2024 entered the workforce after graduation, with 35% of those new grads entering the financial services industry. Jay Yuan // Shutterstock #30. Dartmouth College - 40-year net present value: $3,298,000 - 10-year net present value: $295,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Dartmouth College, located in Hanover, New Hampshire, is a prestigious private college in the Ivy League. The student-faculty ratio is strong at 6:1, according to U.S. News & World Report. Popular majors include social sciences, engineering, biomedical, computer, and math. Dartmouth grads earn an average base salary of $104,000 per year, according to PayScale. Framalicious // Shutterstock #29. Colorado School of Mines - 40-year net present value: $3,328,000 - 10-year net present value: $314,000 - School type: Public Colorado School of Mines is a public research university offering engineering, science, and math degrees. The career center at the university works to help students maximize their degree. According to the School of Mines, 73% of students gain technical experience in their field before graduation, provided by 585 partner organizations. Rosemarie Mosteller // Shutterstock #28. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology - 40-year net present value: $3,347,000 - 10-year net present value: $276,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is one of the leading engineering institutions. In fact, U.S. News & World Report has named it #1 in undergraduate engineering programs for 27 consecutive years. In addition, 100% of students receive some form of financial aid, and 95% of the Class of 2024 had a job or graduate school placement within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $82,817. Wirestock Creators // Shutterstock #27. Duke University - 40-year net present value: $3,371,000 - 10-year net present value: $308,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Duke University is a North Carolina university with roughly 6,500 undergraduates. The top majors include computer science, nursing, and the liberal arts and humanities. Duke also ranks as the #2 college in the country for Nursing, Public Policy, and Public Health, according to Niche. bluestork // Shutterstock #26. Santa Clara University - 40-year net present value: $3,381,000 - 10-year net present value: $268,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Santa Clara University, located in Silicon Valley, has a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, according to U.S. News & World Report. Its most popular majors are finance, communications, and psychology. As of 2025, 86% of graduates are employed, with a median starting salary of $53,000. Winston Tan // Shutterstock #25. Yale University - 40-year net present value: $3,381,000 - 10-year net present value: $364,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Yale University is one of the oldest institutions in America. It was founded in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1701. Graduates from the class of 2024 went on to secure employment primarily in finance, academia, consulting, technology, and health care. The mean annual starting salary was $75,226. Heidi Besen // Shutterstock #24. Harvard University - 40-year net present value: $3,382,000 - 10-year net present value: $392,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Harvard University is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. It was established in 1636, and its library has the most extensive private collection in the world. Harvard University provides need-based aid, regardless of ability to pay. Students whose families earn less than $100,000 pay nothing to attend, and 55% receive need-based scholarships. Wangkun Jia // Shutterstock #23. Worcester Polytechnic Institute - 40-year net present value: $3,408,000 - 10-year net present value: $258,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers over 70 undergraduate programs in science, engineering, technology, math, business, and the humanities. All students receive a one-time Global Scholarship to complete project work, and the average starting salary for the class of 2024 was nearly $80,300. TW Farlow Media // Shutterstock #22. Cornell University - 40-year net present value: $3,424,000 - 10-year net present value: $333,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Located in Ithaca, New York, Cornell University is a large, private institution with more than 1,000 student organizations. Popular majors include computer science, hospitality, and biology. From the class of 2024, most graduates secured employment in technology, financial services, and consulting. The average starting salary is $85,503. Popova Valeriya // Shutterstock #21. Columbia University in the City of New York - 40-year net present value: $3,430,000 - 10-year net present value: $364,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Located in New York City and established in 1754, Columbia University is one of the world's most prestigious universities. The student-faculty ratio is 6:1, according to U.S. News & World Report. The most popular majors are computer science, economics, and political science. PayScale reports that base salaries for Columbia University graduates are, on average, $96,000. Marcus E Jones // Shutterstock #20. Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus - 40-year net present value: $3,437,000 - 10-year net present value: $407,000 - School type: Public The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university with about 53,000 students. It is among the nation's leading research universities and receives nearly $1.4 billion yearly in research awards. According to PayScale, the average annual base salary for graduates is $101,000. Barbara Kalbfleisch // Shutterstock #19. Claremont McKenna College - 40-year net present value: $3,444,000 - 10-year net present value: $389,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Located in Claremont, California, Claremont McKenna College is a liberal arts college known for its small class sizes—U.S. News & World Report says the student-faculty ratio is 8:1. Its most popular majors include econometrics, political science, experimental psychology, and international relations. The average full-time salary is more than $83,000 after graduation, with graduates finding accounting, consulting, and technology jobs. Brian Logan Photography // Shutterstock #18. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - 40-year net present value: $3,446,000 - 10-year net present value: $297,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, located near Albany, New York, is a leading institution in cybersecurity, big data, nanotechnology, and biotech. PayScale shows an average base salary of $98,000. Graduates go on to careers in software engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, and architectural design. Erik Clegg // Shutterstock #17. Massachusetts Maritime Academy - 40-year net present value: $3,458,000 - 10-year net present value: $323,000 - School type: Public Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a leading institution in engineering, maritime business, marine transportation, and marine science safety. According to PayScale, the average base salary is $87,000. Graduates pursue careers as facilities managers, service engineers, and operations managers. Kit Leong // Shutterstock #16. Georgetown University - 40-year net present value: $3,475,000 - 10-year net present value: $275,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Located in Washington D.C., Georgetown University is a private Jesuit university. Roughly 65% of classes have fewer than 20 students, according to U.S. News & World Report. Popular majors include international relations, political science and government, and finance. Ninety-six percent of graduates from 2024 have gone on to secure employment. The top employers included Amazon, Deloitte, and Morgan Stanley. ros516 // Shutterstock #15. Lehigh University - 40-year net present value: $3,486,000 - 10-year net present value: $325,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Lehigh University, located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, sits on a sprawling 2,355-acre campus. U.S. News & World Report says the most popular majors include finance, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, and psychology. Sixty-seven percent of students in the Class of 2024 secured employment after graduation, with 23% going on to higher education, and the average starting salary was $74,000. Spiroview Inc // Shutterstock #14. Stevens Institute of Technology - 40-year net present value: $3,603,000 - 10-year net present value: $304,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Stevens Institute of Technology is a leading university in artificial intelligence, computing, finance, medicine, nanotechnology, and more. Nearly 97% of seniors from the class of 2024 finalized their postgraduate outcomes before graduation. The average starting salary was $84,800. Wangkun Jia // Shutterstock #13. Bentley University - 40-year net present value: $3,830,000 - 10-year net present value: $312,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Bentley University is a private university in Waltham, Massachusetts, focusing on business. Top majors include finance, business, and accounting. Graduates have a 98% job placement rate, with a median starting salary of $73,000. Amy Lutz // Shutterstock #12. Carnegie Mellon University - 40-year net present value: $3,855,000 - 10-year net present value: $363,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university that continues to rank highly for computer science, engineering, and mathematics. Starting salaries for the class of 2024 were significantly higher than the national average, at $124,107. Graduates from Carnegie Mellon have secured employment at companies like Apple, Amazon, Google, and more. Yingna Cai // Shutterstock #11. Babson College - 40-year net present value: $3,862,000 - 10-year net present value: $353,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Babson College is a highly rated business school offering undergraduates a Bachelor of Science degree. From the 2024 graduating class, around 98% were employed or attended graduate school within six months of graduation. Roughly 85% of students had at least one internship at Babson. CravenA // Shutterstock #10. Stanford University - 40-year net present value: $3,872,000 - 10-year net present value: $509,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Stanford University, located in Stanford, California, was founded in 1885 and is a private research university, excelling in engineering, computer sciences, psychology, and economics. The university works to make education affordable for all. Tuition is fully covered for undergrads with family incomes below $150,000. Ken Wolter // Shutterstock #9. California Institute of Technology - 40-year net present value: $3,903,000 - 10-year net present value: $627,000 - School type: Private nonprofit The California Institute of Technology is known for its student-faculty ratio, which, according to U.S. News & World Report, is 3:1. This Pasadena college is world-renowned for its science and engineering programs. The Career Development Center helps students by hosting several in-person and virtual career fairs, which bring in 100 recruiters from various fields. According to PayScale, graduates earn an average base salary of $114,000 annually. f11photo // Shutterstock #8. University of Pennsylvania - 40-year net present value: $3,920,000 - 10-year net present value: $375,000 - School type: Private nonprofit The University of Pennsylvania aims to make its high-quality education affordable for all. The grant-based financial aid program meets 100% of demonstrated financial need with grants and work-study funding. The median starting salary for the class of 2023 was $100,000. Oleg Kovtun Hydrobio // Shutterstock #7. Princeton University - 40-year net present value: $3,949,000 - 10-year net present value: $477,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Princeton University, an Ivy League university located in New Jersey, is one of the most affordable schools in the nation. That's because financial aid covers 100% of tuition for families that earn $150,000 or less. This enabled 90% of recent seniors to graduate without debt. JennLShoots // Shutterstock #6. Franklin W Olin College of Engineering - 40-year net present value: $4,160,000 - 10-year net present value: $483,000 - School type: Private nonprofit A small, STEM-focused school with a total enrollment of less than 500 students, Olin College of Engineering is located in Needham, Massachusetts. Annual tuition alone clocked in at more than $64,500 for the 2025-26 school year, but around 43% of students typically receive financial aid. After graduation, the Class of 2024 went on to earn an average starting salary of almost $90,500. David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe // Getty Images #5. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences - 40-year net present value: $4,239,000 - 10-year net present value: $336,000 - School type: Private nonprofit The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is a private university focused on medical and health-related programs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be roughly 1.9 million new jobs in health care every year through 2034. According to PayScale, the average yearly salary for graduates is $103,000. Lori Van Buren/Albany Times Union // Getty Images #4. Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences - 40-year net present value: $4,447,000 - 10-year net present value: $492,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Albany College of Pharmacy and Health, located in Albany, New York, is a private, independent university that trains the next generation of health care professionals. According to PayScale, the average graduate earns $121,000 per year. Diego Grandi // Shutterstock #3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology - 40-year net present value: $4,484,000 - 10-year net present value: $579,000 - School type: Private nonprofit The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is an internationally renowned institution for STEM studies. It is need-blind and full-need for undergraduate students. Six out of 10 students receive financial aid, and almost 88% of the Class of 2025 graduated debt-free. The average starting salary for 2025 graduates entering industry positions was $126,438. Jim_Brown_Photography // Shutterstock #2. Harvey Mudd College - 40-year net present value: $4,506,000 - 10-year net present value: $476,000 - School type: Private nonprofit Harvey Mudd College, located in Claremont, California, is a small institution and is one of the country's top STEM schools. It offers a Bachelor of Science degree to its graduates, and 63% of its classes have fewer than 20 students, according to U.S. News & World Report. Graduates' median starting salary is $112,500. PeopleImages // Shutterstock #1. University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis - 40-year net present value: $4,562,000 - 10-year net present value: $502,000 - School type: Private nonprofit This private university has a small enrollment of less than 700, which allows for a strong student-teacher ratio of 7:1. According to U.S. News & World Report, the median salary for UHSP students is $116,360 within six years of graduation. The university has a robust career services center assists current students and alumni during the job search process. Data reporting by Rob Powell. Story editing by Cu Fleshman. Copy editing by Paris Close.
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	World Blood Donor Day Spotlight: Why Plasma Donation Is a Gift Like No Other (BPT) - Each year on June 14, World Blood Donor Day highlights the extraordinary power of human generosity — honoring people whose selfless acts of giving make critical medical care possible for others around the world. While most people are familiar with the profound impact of donating whole blood, this day is also an opportunity to shine a light on an equally vital gift: donating plasma, the liquid portion of blood that remains after red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are removed.Plasma Helps Save Lives Plasma contains millions of antibodies that help the body fight disease. Hundreds of thousands of people rely on medicines made from plasma to treat serious health conditions, such as hemophilia and immunodeficiency disorders. For many of these people, medicines made from plasma are not just an option — they are the only treatment option available.It takes between 130 and 1,200 plasma donations to treat just one person with medicines made from plasma for one year.1 Plasma cannot be manufactured.2 Without the generosity of plasma donors, these medicines would not exist.For Walter, a retired veteran, father and plasma donor, the impact of plasma donation is deeply personal. After his late wife Shelly was diagnosed with an advanced liver disease, they didn't know how much time they had left together. "Medicines made from donated plasma gave us eight more years — of milestones and memories, of watching our sons grow up," he reflects. "The plasma donors who made that possible will always have my deepest gratitude."From Donor to PatientThe journey to developing these essential therapies begins at plasma donation centers, such as BioLife Plasma Services, part of Takeda. Operating more than 235 such centers across the United States, BioLife plays a vital role in carefully collecting essential plasma, which Takeda then develops into the treatments patients depend on. At every BioLife location, rigorous screening and testing protocols help ensure the safety and quality of each donation — and the well-being of every donor. A Simple Process Available studies have shown that donating plasma is as safe as donating whole blood.3 BioLife is committed to making plasma donation as safe and comfortable as possible. Each person undergoes a health screening and medical history review before donating to confirm that they are eligible, and that plasma donation is safe for them.Plasma donation centers operate under rigorous health standards enforced by regulatory bodies, with strict protocols in place at every step to protect donors and ensure the quality of plasma collected. During the donation, a specialized machine gently separates the plasma from the rest of the blood and returns the red cells back to the donor. All collection equipment is sterile and used only once per donor, handled by trained professionals who monitor the donor throughout the process. The whole first-time plasma donation process at a BioLife center can take up to about two hours, while repeat donations last about an hour.Make a Difference This World Blood Donor DayBehind every BioLife center is a team of dedicated individuals driven by a deep understanding of what plasma donation truly means for patients. For Thomas Byres, a BioLife Center Manager in Texas, plasma donation isn't just a process — it's a personal commitment.In his 15 years at BioLife, Thomas has witnessed firsthand how every donation has the potential to be part of someone's story — a patient managing a chronic condition, a family with more time together. "When I explain what we do at BioLife," he shares, "I tell people we're changing lives each and every day."This World Blood Donor Day, you can be part of that change. To learn more about the power of plasma donation and read Thomas' full story, visit Takeda.com. To find a BioLife center near you, visit BioLifePlasma.com. Thomas Byres, Center Manager, BioLife1 Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA). Plasma Collection and Manufacturing. https://www.pptaglobal.org/resources/plasma-collection-and-manufacturing.2 Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA). What is Plasma? https://www.pptaglobal.org/plasma#what-is-plasma.3 Cho, J and Hiskey, M. 2021. Plasmavigilance: Source plasma joins the call to arms. Transfusion. Volume 61, Issue 10, 2803-2805. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/trf.16668.

Monday, June 15th, 2026

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