1

New York Times

Image: Marco Lenti

"The Gray Lady" remains the go-to online newspaper in the country. It is the only news site to make it into the top 15, landing in the last place.

Its renowned journalism—and, let’s be honest, its Wordle and crossword puzzles—have captivated millions, keeping readers coming back for comprehensive coverage of national and international news.

2

ESPN

Image: Tech Daily

Sports enthusiasts have made ESPN the ultimate online destination, securing its spot at number 14 on the list. From live games and scores to in-depth analysis and highlights, ESPN provides a 24/7 feast for sports fans.

Most of us have favorite teams we follow religiously, while others visit the site just to stay casually up to date with the world of sports .

3

Microsoft Online

Image: Bram Van Oost

A powerful and versatile tool, Microsoft Online secured the 13th spot on the list. Its sprawling digital landscape offers everything from cloud computing services (Azure) and productivity software (Microsoft 365) to gaming (Xbox) and search (Bing).

It's a one-stop shop— one that many people have set as their default site when they open their browser!

4

ChatGPT

Image: Jonathan Kemper

Officially the newest site on the top-15 list, this powerful AI tool became the 12th most visited in 2024, taking the world by storm with its chat-like approach to artificial intelligence searches.

Launched in late 2022, this chatbot can generate text, translate languages, write various types of creative content, and answer questions—like having a super-smart, endlessly patient research assistant. Of course, it’s always wise to double-check its answers!

5

eBay

Image: Oberon Copeland @veryinformed.com

The master of online auctions , eBay has been connecting buyers and sellers since 1995—and we keep coming back for more.

Whether you're looking to thrift, hunt for rare collectibles, or finally get rid of that printer gathering dust, eBay is a treasure trove of unique finds and deals. It’s just as handy for decluttering your attic as it is for fueling your latest obsession at a bargain price.

6

Walmart

Image: Marques Thomas

The popularity of online Walmart couldn’t fall far behind its physical stores. Products at competitive prices make it one of the most visited retail sites.

From groceries and electronics to clothing and home goods, Walmart.com offers a convenient one-stop shop for online shoppers looking for value and variety . It's a digital extension of the familiar in-store experience.

7

Wikipedia

Image: Oberon Copeland @veryinformed.com

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, is a collaborative project that has become an indispensable resource for information seekers worldwide. Since its launch in 2001, it has helped users navigate everything from academic studies to random curiosities and long-standing doubts.

This crowdsourced encyclopedia covers a vast range of topics, from historical events and scientific breakthroughs to pop culture and biographies. While its accuracy is often debated, Wikipedia remains a go-to starting point for research .

8

Instagram

Image: Solen Feyissa

Instagram, the visually driven social media platform owned by Meta, allows users to share photos and videos, express themselves, and connect with others.

The app has evolved far beyond its early days when heavily filtered meal photos dominated feeds. Today, it serves as a digital hub for exploring interests, building communities, staying in touch with loved ones, and capturing life’s moments.

9

X (formerly Twitter)

Image: Kelly Sikkema

X, formerly known as Twitter, is a fast-paced social media platform where news breaks, conversations spark, and 280-character thoughts dominate.

It’s the go-to space for staying updated on current events, engaging in lively debates, and following the musings of everyone—from world leaders to your next-door neighbor.

10

Yahoo

Image: Dylann Hendricks

Did you know that Yahoo was one of the early pioneers of the Internet? While it may not hold the top spot anymore, it remains a popular portal and search engine . (More on the reigning champion later.)

Offering a variety of services, including email, news, finance, and sports, Yahoo provides a centralized hub for online activities. It's a familiar hub for many longtime internet users.

11

Reddit

Image: Brett Jordan

Reddit isn’t for everyone, but for millions, it’s essential. The self-proclaimed " front page of the internet " is a vast network of online communities where users discuss just about anything and everything imaginable.

From niche hobbies and fandoms to breaking news, psychology, and political debates, Reddit offers a forum for every interest imaginable.

12

Facebook

Image: Timothy Hales Bennett

Facebook, now known as Meta, the social media giant , has been connecting billions of people worldwide for over a decade.

It’s a space for sharing updates with friends and family, joining communities with shared interests, and discovering new content. In the U.S. alone, an estimated 193.5 million people have a Facebook account!

13

Amazon

Image: Christian Wiediger

Amazon has revolutionized the way we shop. What began as a humble bookselling site has grown into an unparalleled retail giant, offering an endless selection of products.

Standing third on the podium among the most-visited websites, Amazon is the go-to destination for online shoppers, making it easy to find just about anything you need—or didn’t know you wanted.

14

YouTube

Image: charlesdeluvio

YouTube claims the second spot on the podium as the world’s largest video-sharing platform—it’s a treasure trove of entertainment, education, and information.

From music videos and movie trailers to tutorials and comedy bloopers, users search for just about everything. And, of course, no list would be complete without cat videos.

15

Google

Image: Pixabay

Naturally, Google sits at the top of this list and has the crown. The ubiquitous search engine is so deeply tied to finding information online that it has even become a verb in everyday language.

Every minute, 5.9 million searches are conducted on Google worldwide, with 60% of U.S. searches coming from mobile devices. Ask yourself—how many times a day do you turn to the great search engine? Probably more than you realize!

1

The term "Speakeasy" came from a whispered instruction

Image: Shtefan Lounge

This expression, by now forever associated with the Prohibition Era, came from bartenders quietly warning patrons to "speak easy" when ordering illegal drinks.

It is believed that the phrase was already in use in 1800s saloons, but it took off during Prohibition. Hidden behind trapdoors or fake businesses, these secret bars required passwords or knocks to enter.

2

Prohibition sparked the rise of NASCAR

Image: Caleb Woods

Southern moonshiners during Prohibition needed to move whiskey fast. To evade federal agents, they needed to modify cars for speed and for driving through uneven terrains under the cover of the night.

What do you do with that peculiar set of skills when the Prohibition ends, then? Many of these trained drivers began racing each other for fun , and eventually for prizes. These informal competitions laid the groundwork for stock car racing, and in 1948, NASCAR was officially founded.

3

Grape bricks were a legal alternative

Image: Keegan Houser

Though commercial winemaking was banned, winemakers adapted quickly by selling "grape concentrate bricks" legally.

They were dense blocks that came with a cheeky warning: "Do not dissolve in water , add yeast, and let sit for 21 days, or it may ferment into wine." Of course, that’s exactly what people did.

4

Al Capone opened a soup kitchen

Image: Drew Gilliam

During the Great Depression, mob boss Al Capone operated a soup kitchen in Chicago, serving thousands of unemployed individuals .

The sign outside read "Free Soup, Coffee & Doughnuts for the Unemployed." It was certainly a clever PR move that helped soften his infamous image, even as he profited from illegal booze and violence.

5

There was a "whiskey prescription" loophole

Image: Anastasia Zhenina

While Prohibition outlawed alcohol sales, there was one major exception: whiskey prescribed by a doctor. The government allowed the writing of prescriptions for " medicinal liquor ," so millions were written. Patients could pick up their booze at a local pharmacy, usually in a clearly labeled bottle: "For Medicinal Use Only."

6

"Mountain Dew" meant Moonshine

Image: Josh McLain

Long before it was a neon-green soda, "mountain dew" was slang for homemade whiskey . The term already appeared in folk songs of the Appalachian region back in the 19th century, and it became especially popular during Prohibition, as illegal distilling became widespread.

In the 1940s, the creators of the soft drink Mountain Dew originally formulated it as a mixer for whiskey. The name was a wink after the bootlegging culture it came from.

7

Women were on both sides of the front lines

Image: Agustina Tolosa

Fierce women activists led the temperance movement, yes. For example, Carrie Nation famously stormed saloons with a hatchet. But many women also thrived in the world of illegal liquor.

Some saw Prohibition as an opportunity and became successful bootleggers, smugglers, and speakeasy owners. One of the most famous was Gertrude "Cleo" Lythgoe, nicknamed "The Queen of the Bahamas," who smuggled high-end liquor from Nassau to the U.S. East Coast and built a fortune.

8

Toothpaste and hair tonics were alcoholic

Image: Chelms Varthoumlien

With liquor banned, some people turned to unlikely products to get drunk. Items like bay rum aftershave, vanilla extract, hair tonics, and even toothache drops were legally sold and packed with high-proof alcohol. Desperate drinkers downed them despite the awful taste and potential health risks.

In New York City alone, an estimated 150,000 gallons of bay rum were consumed for intoxication in a single year.

9

Bootlegging funded jazz and nightlife

Image: cottonbro studio

Prohibition did help launch a cultural revolution . Speakeasies became centers of nightlife and music, and in places like Harlem, they gave rise to the Harlem Renaissance. Jazz greats like Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday got their start playing in these clubs.

10

New York’s mayor toasted the end with a beer… on air

Image: Muhammed ÖÇAL

When the 21st Amendment officially ended Prohibition on December 5, 1933, New Yorkers celebrated with flair. So did their mayor. Fiorello La Guardia, a vocal critic of the alcohol ban , marked the occasion by cracking open a beer during a press conference and drinking it on live radio.

La Guardia had long argued that Prohibition bred crime and disrespect for the law, so this on-air symbolic gesture made sense and marked the beginning of instant change.

11

Some states didn’t ratify the end until the 21st century

Image: Chris Hardy

Though the 21st Amendment repealed Prohibition in 1933, some states and counties held out for decades . Mississippi didn’t officially end state Prohibition laws until 1966; that’s 33 years after the national repeal. Kansas, meanwhile, banned public bars until 1987.

Even today, Prohibition echoes remain. Several U.S. counties are still "dry," meaning alcohol sales are restricted or banned outright.

1

Robert De Niro vs Mickey Rourke

Image: Vitruvian Badr

At first glance, it was the typical 1980s film set. But when Robert De Niro and Mickey Rourke worked together in Angel Heart , their differences in style weren’t just noticeable; they were combustible. De Niro, famous for disappearing into his roles with a strict Method approach, didn’t always mesh well with Rourke’s more unpredictable, improvisational take.

According to lore, all hell broke loose when Rourke decided to ignore De Niro’s suggestions for a scene. What was supposed to be a straightforward shoot turned into multiple takes, frustrating not just the two stars but the entire crew. The altercation quickly became Hollywood gossip, with insiders saying it was a classic case of two strong personalities refusing to give in.

2

David Letterman vs Jay Leno

Image: John-Mark Smith

Who deserved the late-night crown , Letterman or Leno? For years, Americans were unable to settle the debate. On screen, both comedians exchanged polite words and even jokes, but behind the curtain, the situation was a little more complicated.

Reporters loved to stir the pot, writing headline after headline about which funnyman truly deserved the throne. Viewers, meanwhile, treated it almost like a sporting match, tuning in to see who would come out on top. In truth, much of the "feud" was blown out of proportion, yet the friendly jabs and constant comparisons managed to keep audiences entertained.

3

Dean Martin vs Jerry Lewis

Image: anncapictures

On stage, there were only gags, music, and applause. But behind the scenes, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis were falling apart. Martin often felt stuck playing the calm, serious foil while Lewis stole all the laughs with his wild, over-the-top routines.

Over time, that imbalance created real tension. After starring in 16 hit films together, the famous duo finally called it quits. Their split was so final that they didn’t exchange a word for two full decades. Fans were stunned when they eventually patched things up later in life, a reminder that even the biggest comedy legends aren’t immune to bruised egos and long silences.

4

Olivia de Havilland vs Joan Fontaine

Image: cottonbro studio

Few family feuds reached the heights of Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine’s legendary rivalry. The sisters were competitive long before the bright lights of Hollywood, each vying for their mother’s attention. Once both became movie stars, the bad blood only grew stronger.

In 1942, the two actresses were even nominated for Academy Awards in the same category. Fontaine ended up winning and later claimed her older sister pulled her hair during the ceremony. That incident became one of Hollywood’s most talked-about snubs. Their quarrel stretched on for decades, marked by jealousy, pride, and the kind of family drama that the public can’t get enough of.

5

Elton John vs Madonna

Image: HubertPhotographer

It may sound like sensational news, but Elton John once declared Madonna’s Bond theme "the worst ever." From that point on, the two megastars exchanged sharp words through the press, with Elton poking fun at her performances and Madonna brushing off the criticism with icy charm.

Reporters loved every jab, turning their spat into tabloid gold. Though they occasionally patched things up, the rivalry lingered. Even music royalty can squabble just like the rest of us!

6

Marilyn Monroe vs Jayne Mansfield

Image: WikiImages

In the 1950s, Hollywood had room for only so many platinum blondes, and Marilyn Monroe was already the reigning queen. When Jayne Mansfield came to light with her hourglass figure and playful charm, the press quickly dubbed her "the next Monroe."

Marilyn, who guarded her image carefully, bristled at the idea of a copycat stealing her thunder. Meanwhile, Mansfield leaned into the comparisons, showing up at events in daring outfits and orchestrating photo ops that guaranteed headlines. The result was a highly public rivalry that fascinated fans, turning every red carpet into a showdown.

7

Johnny Carson vs Joan Rivers

Image: Debby Hudson

One phone call never answered, one friendship lost forever. Joan Rivers owed much of her early success to Johnny Carson, who gave her a career-changing boost as a regular guest on The Tonight Show . For years, she was seen as his comic protégé, someone he personally championed. But when Rivers accepted an offer to host her own late-night program, Carson viewed it as a betrayal.

He cut off contact immediately, refusing to take her calls, and the friendship that once seemed unbreakable collapsed overnight. Fans were stunned to see the bitter end of what had appeared to be a classic mentor-and-student bond. The silence lasted all their lives.

8

Debbie Reynolds vs Gene Kelly

Image: Kazuo ota

When Debbie Reynolds starred in Singin’ in the Rain , she was a 19-year-old performer stepping into a major role for the first time. Gene Kelly, already an established star, demanded flawless performances and wasn’t known for his patience. Reynolds later recalled long hours of grueling rehearsals, where Kelly frequently criticized her every move, reducing her to tears.

Though their discord was rooted more in his high standards than personal dislike, the experience marked a harsh introduction to Hollywood for the young actress. Today, their behind-the-scenes tension is remembered as both a glimpse into Kelly’s tough reputation and a reminder of the enormous pressures that came with working alongside legends.

9

Orson Welles vs William Randolph Hearst

Image: William Warby

When Citizen Kane hit the screens, it wasn’t just a film debut; it was the spark of one of Hollywood’s fiercest battles. William Randolph Hearst, the media tycoon who saw too much of himself in the story, launched an all-out war against Orson Welles.

He tried to bury the film before it could reach audiences, banning ads in his papers and fueling smear campaigns. What began as a clash of egos grew into a cultural showdown, forever linking their names to both scandal and cinematic history.

10

Frank Sinatra vs Marlon Brando

Image: Brett Sayles

If you watch Guys and Dolls today, all you’ll see is glamour. In reality, the shooting was pretty stressful: Sinatra craved efficiency, Brando thrived on slow-burning performance. Brando’s Method acting tested Sinatra’s patience, as Ol’ Blue Eyes favored efficiency and clean, polished takes.

Rumors of heated exchanges and icy silences hit the media, and by the final days of filming, the pair were barely speaking. What should have been a classy production became notorious for its behind-the-scenes tension, adding an extra layer of drama to the musical classic.

11

Bette Davis vs Joan Crawford

Image: Nathan DeFiesta

So iconic was their hatred that it later inspired documentaries and TV series. Davis and Crawford didn’t just feud; they redefined what a Hollywood rivalry is. For decades, the two icons sparred over leading roles, critical acclaim, and public adoration.

Gossip included backhanded insults, stolen lovers, and outright sabotage during productions. When they finally shared the screen in 1962’s What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? , the film’s unsettling tension was magnified by their very real animosity.

12

Chevy Chase vs Bill Murray

Image: Aleks Dorohovich

In the early days of Saturday Night Live , Chevy Chase and Bill Murray were usually at each other’s throats. Chase’s sharp, polished delivery often clashed with Murray’s more offbeat, improvisational style, and the tension spilled offstage.

Reports of heated arguments (and even a near brawl backstage) turned their working relationship into one of the show’s most notorious conflicts. Though both later moved on, their rocky career start stands as a reminder of how fragile chemistry can be in comedy’s spotlight.