1

Paul Bunyan

Image: Abby Savage

Paul Bunyan , the colossal lumberjack of American folklore, is said to have cleared forests from the Northeast to the Pacific Northwest. With his blue ox, Babe , he performed incredible feats of strength, like carving out the Grand Canyon just by dragging his axe behind him, and creating the Great Lakes with his footprints.

Originating in oral traditions among lumberjacks, Bunyan’s exaggerated exploits gained momentum with the American westward expansion during the 19th century and soon became deeply ingrained in the popular imagination.

2

Johnny Appleseed

Image: Aarón Blanco Tejedor

Born John Chapman, Johnny Appleseed wandered the American frontier planting apple trees and spreading goodwill in the early 19th century. A devout Christian, he became a folk hero for his kindness, environmentalism, and pioneering spirit.

Contrary to the popular image of Johnny Appleseed randomly scattering apple seeds, he was a skilled nurseryman who meticulously planted apple tree nurseries. Each nursery was carefully fenced to shield the saplings from livestock and wildlife. After establishing these nurseries, he entrusted them to neighbors but revisited them periodically.

3

Pecos Bill

Image: JosephHershMedia

Pecos Bill , a fictional cowboy raised by coyotes in the wilds of Texas, became a larger-than-life figure known for taming cyclones and roping tornadoes. His adventures, first popularized in the early 20th century, embody the frontier spirit and Texas mythology, blending humor with tales of rugged individualism.

Among his many tales, one credits him with creating the Gulf of Mexico . According to legend, during a severe drought in Texas, Pecos Bill lassoed a storm cloud in California and brought it to Texas. The resulting deluge caused extensive flooding, ultimately forming the Gulf.

4

Davy Crockett

Image: Joseph Corl

Davy Crockett , known as the "King of the Wild Frontier," was a real-life frontiersman later turned politician whose exploits were mythologized even during his lifetime. Born in East Tennessee, he quickly gained fame for his sharp hunting skills and captivating storytelling.

During his time in the U.S. Congress, he staunchly opposed many of President Andrew Jackson’s policies, particularly the Indian Removal Act, and championed the rights of small landowners. Crockett’s life ended with valor at the Battle of the Alamo , solidifying his folk legend as a symbol of courage and patriotism. His legacy remains an enduring part of American history.

5

Calamity Jane

Image: Vidar Nordli-Mathisen

Martha Jane Canary, better known by her alias Calamity Jane, was a frontierswoman and scout famed for her sharpshooting skills and daredevil exploits. During her youth, she stepped up to provide for her large family, taking on various jobs, from ox team driver to scout for Fort Russell. Eventually, she embraced the rough and adventurous lifestyle that made her a legend.

Despite her fearsome reputation, Calamity Jane was compassionate and often helped those in need. Her adventures in the Wild West alongside figures like Wild Bill Hickok cemented her status as a legend of the American frontier.

6

Molly Pitcher

Image: Garry T

Molly Pitcher, the nickname given to Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley, became famous for her bravery during the American Revolutionary War. Although several historical figures are known by this moniker for similar deeds, Mary Ludwig Hays distinguished herself during the Battle of Monmouth in June 1778, where she served as a water carrier for the soldiers.

When her husband, an artilleryman in the Continental Army, fell to enemy fire, she took his place, swabbing and loading the cannon with such bravery and determination that she earned a commendation from George Washington.

7

Daniel Boone

Image: Scott Longerbeam

Daniel Boone was a legendary frontiersman and explorer who blazed trails through the Appalachian Mountains and into Kentucky. Born in 1734, Boone became famous for his expert hunting and survival skills, as well as his role in establishing the Wilderness Road, a trail that facilitated westward migration through the Cumberland Gap.

After serving as a militia officer during the Revolutionary War, he was briefly taken in by the Shawnees in the Northeastern Woodlands. After a few years, he returned and continued to help protect the Kentucky settlements.

8

Buffalo Bill

Image: Judy Beth Morris

William Frederick "Buffalo Bill" Cody was a legendary figure of the American West, known for his Wild West shows that toured the United States and Europe. Born in 1846, Cody was a skilled buffalo hunter, Army scout, and showman who brought cowboy skills and frontier life to audiences worldwide.

He earned his nickname after the Civil War by providing Kansas Pacific Railroad workers with buffalo meat, hunting record numbers of the animal. He even engaged in hunting competitions with his partner, Bill Comstock. His legendary figure has been frequently portrayed in film and television, especially during the height of the Western genre in the 1960s.

9

Wild Bill Hickok

Image: Pablò

James Butler Hickok, famously known as Wild Bill Hickok, was a legendary figure of the American Old West. Born in 1837, Hickok gained fame as a skilled marksman, gambler, and lawman.

Though his exploits were certainly exaggerated by the outlandish tales he told about himself, he was involved in several notorious gunfights during his life. Most notably, he dueled with Davis Tutt, a local gambler with whom he had various disagreements, particularly over their mutual affection for the same woman.

10

John Henry

Image: Lucio Patone

John Henry was a legendary steel-driving man whose man-against-machine tale epitomized the strength and resilience of the American worker. An African American freedman, his dangerous job involved hammering steel drills into rocks to create holes for explosives used to blast open railroad tunnels.

According to the legend, John Henry's prowess was tested in a race against a steam-powered drill. He won the race but tragically died after victory, hammer in hand when his heart gave out from the immense physical stress.

1

Ward 8

Image: Alex Kubsch

The Ward 8 is a cocktail with a bit of political history . Created in 1898, it is believed to have been made in Boston to celebrate a victory: Martin M. Lomasney’s seat at the state’s legislature. This mix of rye whiskey, lemon juice, orange juice, and grenadine offers a sweet and slightly tart taste that was a hit in the speakeasies.

The drink’s vibrant color and balanced flavor made it a favorite during Prohibition. It’s a bit more complex than some of the other cocktails of the time, but it’s worth every sip. Shake with ice, strain, and serve in a chilled glass for a sip of political history. Or to celebrate a victory of your own!

2

The South Side

Image: Bri Tucker

This refreshing drink's origin is a matter of speculation. The main theories suggest that it was either created after the South Side district of Chicago , Illinois, or the Southside Sportsmen’s Club on Long Island. Whichever the origin, the popularity of the drink is connected to Al Capone’s preference for it.

It’s a blend of gin, fresh mint, lime juice, and simple syrup, making it crisp and revitalizing. The mint and lime give it a fresh, lively flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Shake with ice, strain into a chilled glass, and garnish with a mint sprig for a touch of elegance.

3

Sidecar

Image: Jia Jia Shum

The drinks were quite inventive, but the names? We’ll have to see about that. The Sidecar cocktail is believed to have been named after the motorcycle attachment in London or Paris around the 1920s. Nevertheless, the drink found it’s way across the Atlantic and into every bartender’s guide during the Prohibition.

Made with cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice, it’s a smooth, tangy cocktail that packs a punch. Its balanced flavor profile made it a favorite among those who sought both style and substance in their drinks. Shake it with ice, strain it into a sugar-rimmed glass, and you’ve got yourself a ride worth taking.

4

Highball

Image: Timothé Durand

If a cocktail’s name comes from a phrase that means "you’re good to go," you simply have to drink it, don’t you think? Well, that’s the case with the Highball cocktail. This drink’s name may come from railroad signs, where a raised globe meant that the track ahead was clear.

Now, as for the ingredients, the drink has several variations, but the classic ones are scotch and soda. The Highball is a simple yet elegant cocktail that has stood the test of time. It’s made by mixing whiskey (or gin) with a generous amount of ginger ale or soda water, served over ice in a tall glass. Garnish a Collin-type glass with a lemon or lime wedge, and you’ve got a drink that’s both easygoing and refreshing.

5

Old Fashioned

Image: Johann Trasch

If we’re discussing the classics, we can’t ignore the Old Fashioned, the number one drink of all time . Do you need any proof? Ask as many bartenders as you like, and they’ll each give you a different recipe. That’s because, as old as the drink is, it is also highly popular and has been the subject of countless versions ever since it was created.

The Old Fashioned dates back to the early 19th century, but it truly came into its own during Prohibition. This classic drink combines whiskey, a sugar cube, bitters, and a twist of citrus. The simplicity of the recipe made it a reliable choice when quality ingredients were hard to come by.

6

Corpse Reviver

Image: Timothé Durand

Mornings after can be quite tough, and these names aren’t making them any easier! The Corpse Reviver was so named because it was intended as a "hair of the dog" remedy to revive the drinker from a hangover . This cocktail is a complex mix of gin, lemon juice, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, and a dash of absinthe. It’s a drink that packs a punch but is also surprisingly smooth and balanced.

The Corpse Reviver No. 2, in particular, became popular during the Prohibition era for its bold flavor and reputed restorative properties. Have you ever tried this one?

7

Mary Pickford

Image: Kurt Liebhaeuser

Named after the silent film star Mary Pickford, this cocktail is as glamorous as its namesake . It’s a fruity blend of white rum, pineapple juice, grenadine, and maraschino liqueur. The drink is sweet and vibrant, with a striking pink color that was as eye-catching in the 1920s as it is today.

Created in Havana, Cuba, it quickly became popular among Hollywood’s elite during the Prohibition era. Shake all the ingredients with ice, strain into a chilled glass, and then garnish with a cherry for a touch of old Hollywood glamour.

8

Gin Rickey

Image: Rajasekhar R

The Gin Rickey was a Prohibition favorite for its simple ingredients and refreshing taste. Made with gin, fresh lime juice, and soda water, it’s light, crisp, and perfect for warm summer nights. This drink was named after Colonel Joe Rickey, a lobbyist known for his love of mixing bourbon with sparkling water.

During Prohibition, gin replaced bourbon as the spirit of choice due to its easy availability. It’s a low-calorie, no-sugar-added option that was as much a hit then as it is now. Simply pour over ice and garnish with a lime wedge for a zesty kick.

9

Bee’s Knees

Image: Ash Edmonds

The Bee’s Knees is a classic example of how Prohibition-era bartenders used sweeteners to mask the harsh taste of homemade gin. You may think using honey for a cocktail is quite ordinary, but back in the day, this was quite an innovation. This delightful cocktail mixes gin, fresh lemon juice, and honey for a sweet and tangy flavor.

The name itself is a slang term from the 1920s, meaning "the best," and this drink certainly lives up to it. It’s refreshing and light, perfect for sipping on a sunny afternoon. Shake with ice and serve in a chilled glass for a taste of history’s sweeter side.

10

French 75

Image: Stephen Harlan

The French 75 is as powerful as the artillery piece it’s named after. This cocktail combines gin, lemon juice, sugar, and a bubbly splash of champagne, making it both elegant and dangerously easy to drink.

Legend has it that the drink was invented in Paris and quickly became popular in American speakeasies. The effervescence of champagne made it a celebratory favorite, while the gin added just the right amount of kick. Serve it in a champagne flute with a lemon twist, and you’ll feel like you’re celebrating in style.

1

Elvis & Priscilla

Image: pasja1000

Elvis (2022) is an original script based on the life of Elvis Presley, directed by Baz Luhrmann, starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks. On the other hand, Priscilla (2023) is based on the autobiography Elvis and Me, written by Priscilla Presley and directed by Sofia Coppola.

Although based on the life of the same public figure, the two films have their unique tone, extremely distinct executions, and different goals in mind. While Elvis focuses on the King of Rock and Roll himself and covers a lot more ground, Priscilla is much more intimate and has his wife and her experience at the center of the plot.

2

Top Gun & Iron Eagle

Image: LCdr. David Baranek, U.S. Navy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

You've almost certainly seen Top Gun at some point. The 1986 hit that launched a young Tom Cruise to stardom as naval aviator Pete "Maverick" Mitchell was the highest-grossing title of that year, even though it was not only competing with a very similar film but wasn't even the first to be released.

Four months earlier, Iron Eagle , the story of brave fighter pilots battling in the skies, had been premiered. Although the Jason Gedrick-starring film had three sequels, none came close to the $1 billion mark that Top Gun grossed.

3

The Truman Show & EDtv

Image: Nathy dog

The Truman Show (1998) and EDtv (1999), both about a man whose life is filmed 24 hours a day for a TV show, were inspired by the then-emerging reality television.

While Truman is unaware that his life has been broadcast since he was a baby, Ed Pekurny is fully willing to air his daily life on TV —at least at first. Perhaps that lack of mystery, combined with a premiere just a few months after The Truman Show , meant that EDtv couldn't win over the audience. Would it be more popular if it had premiered earlier? Maybe, but it's hard to deny that The Truman Show is a masterpiece that will go down in cinema history.

4

Capote & Infamous

Image: Eric Koch for Anefo, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Truman Capote was a seminal writer in American literature. His life is full of exciting stories, so it's not surprising that his biography inspired several movies and TV series. Yet, in the case of Capote (2005) and Infamous (2006), this happened almost simultaneously.

Even more unusual, both films chose to tell the author's process that led him to interview the killers of the Clutter family and that would later become his most successful work, In Cold Blood . Capote stars Philip Seymour Hoffman and Toby Jones gives an excellent performance in Infamous . Which was your favorite?

5

Deep Impact & Armageddon

Image: Javier Miranda

In the summer of 1998, Deep Impact hit the cinemas, and just a few months later, Armageddon was released. Since both movies have similar plots —basically a comet or asteroid threatens to destroy the Earth—we can focus on which one had the better cast. On one side, you have Robert Duvall, Elijah Wood, Tia Leone, and Morgan Freeman. On the other, Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck, Billy Bob Thornton, Steve Buscemi, and Liv Tyler team up to save the world.

Looking at the box office returns, however, it's clear which one reigned supreme. Armageddon became the highest-grossing film that year, even though it received mostly negative reviews and was criticized for its scientific inaccuracies. All that said, Armageddon and Deep Impact are the pairing to go with if you're ever in the mood for a double feature.

6

Saving Private Ryan & The Thin Red Line

Image: Chief Photographer's Mate (CPHOM) Robert F. Sargent, U.S. Coast Guard, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In 1998, Saving Private Ryan was one of the defining films of the year and captivated audiences with its heart-wrenching story and realistic portrayal of World War II. Shortly after making a fortune at the box office and scoring 11 Oscar nominations, The Thin Red Line hit the cinemas.

Both films feature similar themes and setups, but while Steven Spielberg’s take is a bit commercial and has a more straightforward narrative, the nearly three-hour-long version of Terrence Malick is more on the artistic side. That said, and despite the unfortunate coincidence, both movies are worth seeing if you like crude, realistic depictions of war.

7

The Prestige & The Illusionist

Image: jasper benning

For some reason, magic, a centuries-old form of entertainment, had its revival at the beginning of the 21st century thanks to cinema. While The Illusionist (2006) tells the story of Eisenheim, a Viennese magician who must confront Prince Leopold to avoid being discredited, The Prestige (2006) focuses on two rival magicians competing to win over late 19th-century London audiences. The two films, though different in style and tone, are excellent for any magic enthusiast.

8

Churchill & Darkest Hour

Image: Barthelemy de Mazenod

England's most famous Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, is one of the most revered leaders of World War II. Proof of that are the biographical films Churchill and Darkest Hour , released in 2017. Although both follow the same historical figure, they are very different in style, tone, and setting.

Churchill , starring Brian Cox, focuses on the last period of his wartime career, before the Normandy invasion. Released later but set earlier in time, Darkest Hour portrays Winston Churchill, played by Gary Oldman, as he holds the fate of Western Europe at the beginning of the war. The latter film turned out to be the more successful of the two, even winning an Academy Award for best actor.

9

K-9 & Turner and Hooch

Image: Martin Podsiad

In 1989, there were not one but two films that portrayed police officers teaming up with a dog to fight crime. The first was K-9 , starring Jim Belushi as the angry police detective Michael Dooley. Instead of taking a human partner, Dooley decides to get a German Shepherd named Jerry Lee. From there, all kinds of antics ensue.

Just a few months later, Tom Hanks played a meticulous police investigator who's forced to take a troublesome dog who's the only witness to a horrible crime in Turner and Hooch . Obviously, a lot of the humor from both of these movies stems from the erratic behaviors of their titular canines. So, if you are into dog jokes, then you'll probably find something to like here.

10

No Strings Attached & Friends with Benefits

Image: cottonbro studio

In 2011, two romantic comedies were released centered around the idea of friends casually hooking up to end up realizing they were in love. No Strings Attached had Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher in the leading roles, while Friends with Benefits starred Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake.

Although they are practically the same movie, they had some success. Both of them made about 150 million at the box office. However, if you have a problem telling them apart, don't worry, you are not alone!