1

Bohemians

Image: Kinga Howard

Bohemianism, an original subculture that ended up lending its name as an adjective often used to describe other subcultures, is a social and cultural movement that embraces a way of life away from society's conventional norms and expectations . The term comes from the French bohème , and it was used to describe mid-19th-century non-traditional lifestyles, especially those of artists, writers, journalists, musicians, and actors.

Today, the term is used to describe anyone who shows disdain for money, dresses in hippie fashion (more on this later), and appreciates everything art-related.

2

Greasers

Image: Alberto Bigoni

Think John Travolta in _Grease_—yes, Grease . Think Biff Tannen in the 1950s segment of Back to the Future . Greasers emerged in the 1950s and early 1960s from predominantly working-class and lower-class teenagers and young adults in the United States and Canada.

An interest in cars, motorcycles, leather jackets, jeans, and rock music was the common theme among greasers. According to some sources, the subculture’s name was applied to its members partly because of their characteristic greased-back hair.

3

Beatniks

Image: Clem Onojeghuo

The first subculture on this list to adopt the adjective "bohemian," beatniks were a mid-20th-century social movement that embraced an anti-materialistic lifestyle, rejecting consumerism and expressing themselves through art, spirituality, drugs, and sexuality.

The term "beat" was first used by Jack Kerouac in 1948 to describe his group of friends and fellow writers, including Allen Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs, and Neal Cassady. Kerouac said that "beat" had multiple meanings, such as "beaten down," "beatific," "beat up," and "beat out." Beatniks are often stereotyped as wearing black clothing, and speaking in hip slang that incorporates words like "cool," "dig," "groovy," and "square."

4

Hippies

Image: Trevar Skillicorn-Chilver

One of the most famous countercultures of all time, hippies are deeply associated with the 1960s. The term "hippie" originally came from "hipster" (more on this later) and was used to describe the aforementioned Beatniks, who were "hip" to all things sophisticated and fashionable. In fact, early hippies adopted much of the language and values of the Beat Generation.

The festivals of Human Be-In (1967), Monterey (1967), and Woodstock (1969) popularized hippie culture, with its fashion and values influencing culture, popular music, television, film, literature, and the arts. Since the 1960s, mainstream society has assimilated many aspects of Hippie culture.

5

Mods

Image: Michael Schofield

The Mods were a group of stylish, London-based young men and women in the late 1950s, named for their preference for modern jazz. This subculture was known for its distinctive fashion, including tailor-made suits, as well as its love for music and scooters.

By the mid-1960s, their musical tastes had shifted toward rock and blues, with bands like The Who and Small Faces gaining popularity among Mods. Mod fashion was a defining element of the "Swinging London" era, and during this time, the subculture spread to other countries, becoming emblematic of the larger youth culture of the period.

6

Punks

Image: Viktor Forgacs

Another popular subculture, thanks in no small part to its striking visual component, is the punk movement, which encompasses music, fashion, ideologies, dance, film, and visual arts, among other forms of expression. Its strong anti-establishment views, stances on individual freedom, and DIY ethic make punks easy to identify.

Punk fashion includes T-shirts, leather jackets, boots, distinctive hairstyles such as brightly colored hair and spiked mohawks, as well as cosmetics, tattoos, jewelry, and even body modification.

7

Yuppies

Image: Nick Fewings

Anyone who has seen the movies Wall Street (the one with Charlie Sheen and Michael Douglas) or American Psycho knows what a yuppie is. The term stands for "young urban professional" and was coined in the early 1980s as a way to describe young professionals living in a city.

Those labeled as yuppies generally dislike the association, because this characterization often suggests a very materialistic approach to life in general and a cutthroat attitude towards the workplace environment.

8

Skaters

Image: Parker Gibbons

An offshoot of the punk subculture, skater culture rose to prominence in the 1980s when a massive drought in California left numerous empty pools, which skaters used to practice their sport. The rise of magazines like Thrasher and stars like Tony Hawk helped the movement transition from an underground scene to a mainstream sport.

Its aesthetics centered around the preferred type of clothes for skateboarding: baggy and sturdy pants, sneakers, and oversized shirts. Its music was shared by the punk and hardcore movements.

9

Straight Edge

Image: Evgeniy Smersh

Going deeper down the rabbit hole, we encounter the Straight Edge subculture, an offshoot of both skater and hardcore punk cultures. Its followers reject the excesses of the punk scene by abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs . Many also refrain from casual sex, follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, and avoid caffeine or prescription drugs. The name "Straight Edge" was inspired by the 1981 song "Straight Edge" by the hardcore punk band Minor Threat.

Overall, Straight Edge culture promotes a lifestyle of self-discipline, health, and community, and it continues to evolve while maintaining its roots in the hardcore punk scene.

10

Hipsters

Image: John Fornander

The final entry on the list is dedicated to the most modern subculture in it: the hipsters. Mostly associated with perceived upper-middle-class white young adults who gentrify urban areas , hipster culture has been critiqued for lacking authenticity and focusing on consumption.

As mentioned earlier, members of this subculture typically do not self-identify as hipsters, as the term’s connotations are often unflattering. It is no coincidence that the term evokes the previously mentioned Beatniks, as that subculture can be seen as an early precursor to hipster culture.

1

The American Revolution against the British Empire

When fighting began in 1775, Britain was the world’s most powerful empire. The colonies had no professional army, little money, and limited supplies . George Washington’s Continental Army often struggled with food shortages, harsh winters, and major defeats during the early years of the war.

The turning point came after the American victory at Saratoga, New York, in 1777, which convinced France to support the colonies. British General Charles Cornwallis finally surrendered at Yorktown, Virginia, on October 19, 1781. The Treaty of Paris officially recognized U.S. independence in 1783.

2

Abraham Lincoln won the Civil War after early Union defeats

At the start of the Civil War, the Union suffered humiliating losses, including the First Battle of Bull Run in 1861. Many Americans doubted President Abraham Lincoln’s leadership, while Confederate General Robert E. Lee repeatedly defeated Union forces in Virginia.

Things changed in July 1863, when Union victories at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and Vicksburg, Mississippi, shifted momentum . Lincoln’s support for General Ulysses S. Grant helped the North gain control. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, on April 9, 1865.

3

The Apollo 13 mission’s safe return

Apollo 13 was launched on April 11, 1970, and was supposed to become NASA’s third Moon landing. But two days later, an oxygen tank exploded in space. Astronauts Jim Lovell, Fred Haise, and Jack Swigert suddenly faced freezing temperatures, limited power, and dwindling oxygen .

NASA engineers in Houston worked nonstop to save the crew. The astronauts used the lunar module as a lifeboat and improvised repairs with onboard materials. Against enormous odds, Apollo 13 safely splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on April 17, 1970.

4

Economic recovery from the Great Depression

The Great Depression devastated the U.S. after the stock market crash of 1929. By 1933, unemployment had reached nearly 25%, banks were collapsing, and millions of Americans lost homes, jobs, and savings during the worst economic crisis in modern U.S. history.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt introduced New Deal programs aimed at relief and recovery after taking office in March 1933. Public works projects, banking reforms, and job programs slowly helped stabilize the economy . The country eventually emerged stronger during the years leading up to World War II.

5

The 1980 "Miracle on Ice" victory v.s the USSR

During the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, the Soviet hockey team was considered nearly unbeatable . The USSR had dominated international hockey for years, while the young American team consisted mostly of amateur and college players.

On February 22, 1980, the U.S. shocked the world with a dramatic 4-3 victory over the Soviets . Mike Eruzione scored the winning goal, and broadcaster Al Michaels famously asked, "Do you believe in miracles?" The Americans later defeated Finland to win Olympic gold.

6

The Chicago Cubs ending their 108-year World Series drought in 2016

The Chicago Cubs had not won the World Series since 1908, suffering one of the longest championship droughts in sports history. By 2016, generations of fans believed the team was cursed after decades of heartbreaking losses and missed opportunities.

The Cubs fell behind three games to one against Cleveland in the 2016 World Series, but fought back to force Game 7. On November 2, 2016, Chicago won 8-7 in 10 innings after a rain delay, finally ending its 108-year drought

7

The Space Race

The Soviet Union dominated the early Space Race by launching Sputnik in 1957 and sending Yuri Gagarin into orbit in 1961. At the time, many experts believed the U.S. was permanently behind in space technology.

President John F. Kennedy challenged NASA to land a man on the Moon before the decade ended. After years of Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the Moon on July 20, 1969, during Apollo 11.

8

New Orleans’ recovery after Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005 and caused catastrophic flooding in New Orleans after the levees failed. About 80% of the city was flooded, and hundreds of thousands of residents were displaced in one of America’s worst natural disasters.

Recovery took years and required rebuilding homes, schools, roads, and flood protection systems . Despite enormous challenges, New Orleans gradually restored much of its tourism, culture, music scene, and population while continuing to strengthen its storm defenses.

9

The U.S. women’s soccer team in 1999 and 2019

The 1999 U.S. women’s soccer team helped transform women’s sports in America. Facing strong international competition, the Americans defeated China in the Women’s World Cup final before more than 90,000 fans at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

Twenty years later, the U.S. returned to the top again at the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France . Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle scored in a 2-0 victory over the Netherlands in Lyon, giving the U.S. its fourth world title.

10

The Boston Red Sox reversing a 0-3 deficit against the Yankees in 2004

In a 2004 American League Championship Series, the Boston Red Sox lost the first three games against their rivals, the New York Yankees. No baseball team had ever recovered from a 0-3 deficit in a best-of-seven postseason series.

Boston stayed alive after Dave Roberts stole second base in the ninth inning of Game 4. The Red Sox then won four straight games to complete the comeback . They went on to sweep the St. Louis Cardinals and win their first World Series since 1918.

1

Michael Myers from Halloween

Image: norbert velescu

Who better to start this Halloween list than the main villain from Halloween ? John Carpenter’s iconic horror film not only marks the debut role of beloved actress Jamie Lee Curtis, but it also introduced the world to the terrifying Michael Myers , a murderous mental patient with a thirst for blood.

One of Michael’s most terrifying traits is his blank and unfeeling expression, provided by his chilling rubber mask. Interestingly enough, the mask itself probably wouldn’t be as scary on its own; it is a mask of Star Trek actor William Shatner , only painted white and with some traits changed in order to make it scarier.

2

Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street

Image: Enrique Guzmán Egas

The 1984 film A Nightmare on Elm Street is considered by many to be the quintessential slasher horror film of the ’80s, and with good reason: Wes Craven had the genius idea to turn our slumber into one of the scariest environments ever. If, for whatever reason, you feel inclined to thank the character responsible for turning our dreams into nightmares, then you can send your regards to Freddy Krueger.

Freddy’s look is definitely unforgettable: Who can overlook that stripped sweater, black fedora, and, perhaps more menacing, that sinister-looking bladed glove? This killer’s menacing image certainly sent shivers down our spines and made most of us dread going to bed.

3

Jason Vorhees from Friday the 13th

Image: Justin Campbell

Michael Myers is not the only masked menace to make it onto this list! Jason Vorhees made his first appearance in the 1980 slasher Friday the 13th , which depicted a group of campers meeting their end at Jason’s hands in the fictional Camp Crystal Lake. This towering, murderous revenant hunts teenagers at night, armed with his trusted machete and his now-iconic hockey mask.

Jason has appeared in many different films, including an entire franchise reboot in 2009. Not only that, a 2003 film pitted him against another king of the slasher genre, Freddy Krueger. Without spoiling the ending, we can honestly say that both of these horror giants prove their mettle.

4

The Thing from The Thing

Image: Robert Haverly

Don’t let this slightly vague name fool you: The Thing is one of the scariest horror characters in history. John Carpenter’s 1982 masterpiece introduced the world to this mysterious alien creature, able to shapeshift into any object imaginable.

What’s probably most terrifying about this shadowy being is that we never truly see its true form; therefore, this alien can be as terrifying as our imaginations allow it to be. However, don’t let this statement imply that we are discrediting Carpenter’s groundbreaking visual effects, as anyone who has seen any of his amazing creations can testify.

5

The Fly from The Fly

Image: Pedro Miguel Aires

Who knew that a little housefly could be so terrifying? While the original 1958 film is incredibly advanced for its time, David Cronenberg’s 1986 rendition of The Fly left an indelible mark on an entire generation with its uncanny special effects and chilling story.

In this film, Jeff Goldblum plays Seth Brundle, an eccentric scientist whose DNA gets fused with that of a fly after an experiment goes wrong. The resulting hybrid monster’s appearance is truly a remarkable tribute to the talent of this film’s makeup department, which earned them a well-deserved Academy Award.

6

Rachel McNeil from The Exorcist

Image: Kelly Sikkema

Many consider The Exorcist to be the best horror film ever made, and with good reason: not only is it bone-chilling, but it is also a wonderfully crafted film that has led it to be selected by the U.S. National Film Registry for preservation.

A big part of what made this film so incredibly terrifying was the contrast between the sweet and innocent 12-year-old Regan McNeil (wonderfully portrayed by Linda Blair) and the dark demon that possesses her. Legendary Swedish actor Max von Sydow also shines in this film, playing the titular exorcist, Father Lankester Merrin.

7

Chucky from Child’s Play

Image: Erik Mclean

This is a toy you don’t want to see lying around your house! Directed by Tom Holland, the 1988 slasher film Child’s Play features Chucky , a seemingly harmless doll possessed by the soul of a serial killer. While this might not seem particularly menacing, Academy-nominated actor Brad Dourif’s portrayal of this plastic killer truly terrified an entire generation.

The first movie was such a success that it spawned an entire franchise that’s still relevant today, with a TV series premiering in 2021. However, most fans agree that no film will ever surpass the original Child’s Play , an undisputed gem of the slasher genre.

8

The Ghostface Killer from Scream

Image: Nik

Speaking of the slasher genre, we would be remiss if we didn’t include Wes Craven’s iconic 1996 film Scream . This movie is not only terrifying, but it is also a true love letter to the entire genre: In fact, one of the first deaths in the film occurs after a character gets a question about horror trivia wrong.

A huge part of what made Scream so frightening is its antagonist. The Ghostface Killer’s main strength is that he is not a supernatural creature by any definition of the word. Not only that, this mysterious character’s presence adds a layer of intrigue to the film, as the reveal of his true identity becomes a definitive turning point in this masterpiece.

9

Pennywise from It

Image: Nong

Much like the monster from The Thing , the audience never witnesses the true form of this chilling Eldritch monster. However, the main antagonist of Stephen King’s classic novel It often dons the disguise of Pennywise, a scary clown hell-bent on terrifying the town of Derry, Maine.

To date, Pennywise has been portrayed on the big screen on two separate occasions: first by Tim Curry in the 1990 miniseries and later by Swedish actor Bill Skarsgård in the 2017 film adaptation and its 2019 sequel. In both cases, these actors were able to bring a fascinating layer of horror to a colorful figure usually associated with making people smile.

10

The Shark from Jaws

Image: Marcelo Cidrack

Granted, calling Steven Spielberg’s Jaws a horror film is probably not entirely accurate. However, we can comfortably state that the shark antagonist of this 1975 thriller truly terrified moviegoers around the world.

It is pretty hard to state the impact that this shark had, suffice to say, people at the time were incredibly scared to go back into the water due to this movie. Fun fact: Did you know that the shark has a name? Well, a nickname at least: it was called "Bruce" by the film crew, after the name of Spielberg’s lawyer.