1

Lincoln (Daniel Day-Lewis)

Image: Maarten Brakkee

Legendary method actor Daniel Day-Lewis definitively had big shoes to fill when he portrayed our 16th President. And we mean that quite literally: Historians believe that Lincoln had the largest feet of any U.S. President in history. In any case, Day-Lewis stood up to the task and his acting prowess earned him both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Actor.

Directed by Steven Spielberg, Lincoln focuses on the year 1885 and President Lincoln’s struggles to abolish slavery. Famously, Day-Lewis requested everyone on the filming set to only refer to him as "Mr. President" or "Mr. Lincoln", in order to immerse himself in the role.

2

Jackie Kennedy (Natalie Portman)

Image: Cornelia Ng

Pablo Larrain’s 2016 film Jackie depicts the life of former First Lady Jaqueline Kennedy, both during her time at the White House and after the assassination of President Kennedy. Natalie Portman does an outstanding job in her role as Jackie, portraying her characteristic charm and quiet strength.

The film was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Portman. Although she ultimately lost the Oscar to Emma Stone’s character in La La Land , movie critics acclaimed Natalie’s performance.

3

Johnny Cash (Joaquin Phoenix)

Image: Dominik Scythe

Few musicians have the mysterious and fabled aura as " The Man in Black ", but American actor Joaquin Phoenix was able to faithfully portray Johnny Cash’s gritty character in the 2005 biopic Walk the Line . Directed by James Mangold, this film focuses on Cash’s rise to fame and turbulent career, as well as his relationship with singer June Carter, wonderfully played by Reese Witherspoon.

Phoenix and Witherspoon’s acting was universally praised by film critics, and they both received Best Actor and Actress nominations at the Oscars. While only Witherspoon won the Academy Award, this film remains an impressive highlight in Joaquin Phoenix’s career.

4

John Nash (Russell Crowe)

Image: Roman Mager

Ron Howard’s 2001 film A Beautiful Mind depicts the life of American mathematician and Nobel Laureate John Nash. Russell Crowe does a wonderful job portraying this brilliant American’s life, representing both his brilliance as well as his struggles with mental health.

While the film was based on a 1998 biography by Sylvia Nasar, Howard’s spin on Nash’s life results in a daunting yet inspiring movie. A Beautiful Mind received several nominations at the Academy Awards, winning four Oscars that included "Best Picture" and "Best Director".

5

Mark Zuckerberg (Jessee Eisenberg)

Image: Deeksha Pahariya

David Fincher’s 2010 movie The Social Network took on the formidable task of depicting the rise of the world’s largest social media company as well as the legal battles between two former best friends. Actor Jesse Eisenberg amazingly plays two sides of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, both as a 19-year-old college student and as the CEO of one of the biggest companies in the world.

While many critiqued the movie’s lack of historical accuracy, Eisenberg’s portrayal was almost universally praised, earning the then-young actor his first nomination for an Academy Award.

6

Truman Capote (Phillip Seymour Hoffman)

Image: CHUTTERSNAP

Truman Capote is revered as one of the greatest authors in American history: His groundbreaking book In Cold Blood is credited as starting the genre of non-fiction literature. The 2005 film Capote is a deep-dive into this author’s investigation into the murders that inspired this iconic book, as well as his interviews with Perry Smith, one of the criminals.

Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s inspiring portrayal of Capote is considered one of the peak performances of this amazing actor’s outstanding career. Hoffman earned a well-deserved Oscar for Best Actor, while the film was nominated in four other categories.

7

Howard Hughes (Leonardo Di Caprio)

Image: Rafael Garcin

Martin Scorsese is certainly a Hollywood legend: Few movie directors have such an incredible filmmaking record as he does. We could have chosen from many iconic Scorsese biopics (including Robert De Niro’s astounding performance in Raging Bull ), but we ultimately chose his depiction of American business magnate and pilot, Howard Hughes .

In that regard, Leonardo Di Caprio’s impressive range allowed him to portray the life of this American legend, faithfully representing both his business acumen as well as his fight against obsessive-compulsive disorder.

8

Muhammad Ali (Will Smith)

Image: Johann Walter Bantz

You might be surprised to learn that the 2001 film Ali , which depicts the life of the most famous American boxer in history, was a huge box office failure. However, this film was beloved by movie critics, particularly due to Will Smith’s outstanding performance as Muhammad Ali.

The film focuses on most turning points in Ali’s remarkable career, from his first heavyweight title win to his iconic "Rumble in the Jungle" fight against George Foreman. Will Smith was nominated for Best Actor at the 2001 Academy Awards, while Jon Voight’s portrayal of a journalist received a Best Supporting Actor nomination.

9

Charlie Chaplin (Robert Downey Jr.)

Image: Olesia Libra

Now, we know what you are thinking: Why is British legendary actor Charlie Chaplin in this list of American biopics? While it is true that Chaplin was not born in the United States, he was instrumental in building the American film industry, and his films are still revered as icons of our country’s culture. In that regard, Robert Downey Jr’s performance in the 1992 film Chaplin serves as a magnificent tribute to this Hollywood legend.

Directed by Richard Attenborough, this film also stars Chaplin’s daughter , Geraldine Chaplin, who portrays the actor’s mother. While Chaplin wasn’t a huge blockbuster, Downey Jr’s portrayal of the silent actor was particularly well-received.

10

Ray Charles (Jamie Fox)

Image: Andrik Langfield

We’ll end this article with one of America’s most iconic voices. American actor Jamie Foxx got in the skin of iconic musician Ray Charles in the 2004 film Ray . Directed by Taylor Hackford, this film focuses on Charles’ troubled youth and rise to fame, as well as his tragic sight loss.

Foxx’s amazing portrayal of the insanely talented Ray fooled audiences everywhere: Many to this day believe that the actor was actually singing in the film. Foxx was able to convincingly adopt Charles’ mannerisms and habits, which earned him his first Academy Award for Best Actor.

1

Most Big Mac burgers eaten in a lifetime

Image: amirali mirhashemian

Sure, we all enjoy a delicious burger every now and then, but 34,000? That's the total number of Big Macs a 70-year-old retired prison officer from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, has consumed in his lifetime. Recently, after eating 728 more burgers throughout 2023, Donald Gorske has extended his world record.

On May 17, 1972, Gorske had his first Big Mac and from then on, he never stopped. Every day, he skips breakfast and goes straight for one burger at lunch and one at dinner, accompanied by fries or fruit. Gorske said he used to drive to McDonald's every day, but since retiring, he buys the burgers twice a week in batches and then heats them up in the microwave. What about you? If you had to choose just one food to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?

2

Farthest distance to blow a pea

Image: Elena Leya

Some use the power of their lungs to run marathons, while others use it to break curious world records. On October 8, 2022, David Rush set out to accomplish a feat that, while unusual, required great precision and breathing control: the greatest distance traveled by a blown pea.

With a mixture of concentration and dexterity, Rush managed to blow a single green pea an impressive 84 feet, 11 inches. What makes this record even more remarkable is that he achieved this distance with a single breath. This accomplishment is just one more in the extensive list of Guinness World Records that the Boise, Idaho, resident has achieved in his lifetime; in fact, in August 2024, Rush became the world's top record breaker with 181 titles.

3

Largest collection of teddy bears

Image: MirelaSchenk

Not long ago, an American woman named Jackie Miley held the title for the largest collection of teddy bears. In her home in Rapid City, South Dakota, Jackie zealously guarded more than 8,000 teddy bears. The collection consisted of at least one bear representing each of the U.S. states and 29 different countries. She got her first bear during a vacation in 2000, and it wasn't until she reached 3,000 bears that she contacted Guinness World Records.

Unfortunately for Jackie, her record was beaten in 2019 by a Hungarian woman named Istvánné Arnóczki, who owns a total of 20,367 teddy bears. However, as far as stuffed animals go, the United States remains on the podium. In 2024, a 27-year-old from Mascoutah, Illinois, entered the Guinness World Records for having an impressive collection of 1,523 Squishmallows, a brand of stuffed toy launched in 2017 that boasts 3,000 different styles.

4

Longest birthday

Image: jarmoluk

Many of us wish our birthdays lasted a little longer than just 24 hours. Well, one young Hawaii native made that dream come true. On February 3, 2018, Paul Morgan celebrated his 28th birthday in a totally original way: by making it the longest birthday ever recorded. But how did he do it? He simply took advantage of the difference in time zones around the world! In doing so, he extended his special day to a total of 48 hours, breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest birthday in history.

Morgan began his epic celebration in Apia, Samoa, one of the first places in the world to welcome each new day. From there, he flew to Auckland, New Zealand, before heading to Los Angeles, and finally landing in Kauai, Hawaii. This carefully planned trip allowed him to cross several time zones and extend his birthday to twice as long as normal. Clever, huh?

5

Most candles on a cake

Image: Tim Cooper

And if we talk about birthdays, we can't miss cake! As we get older, candles multiply, but you'll never guess what the largest number of candles on a cake ever recorded is. In 2016, members of the Sri Chinmoy Center in New York, an Eastern philosophy spiritual group, achieved the world record for the most candles lit on a birthday cake.

They burned 72,585 candles for 40 seconds on a huge cake measuring 80.5 feet long and 2 feet wide. It took 100 volunteers to light them and a couple of fire extinguishers to put them out safely. We are not sure if the attendees were able to eat the delicious vanilla mousse sponge cake after such a blaze, but the video of the feat can be seen on YouTube. As of today, it has already been viewed by more than 220,000 people!

6

Most tricks performed by a cow in one minute

Image: leppäkerttu

It's not just humans who break world records, animals do too! In March 2023, a four-year-old Charolais cow named Ghost broke a Guinness World Record by performing 10 tricks in just one minute. This record, which might seem more fitting for a dog or a horse, is the sole merit of her owner’s ingenuity, Nebraskan Megan Reimann, who applied horse training techniques, such as positive reinforcement, to teach her a series of amazing skills.

Among Ghost’s incredible talents are her ability to come when called, turn, nod her head, give kisses, and even bow—all in just 60 seconds. The success of the "world's smartest cow" is not only a testament to her intelligence but also to the potential all animals have to learn and perform exceptional feats.

7

Highest number counted out loud

Image: Mishelved

This Guinness World Record is probably the exact opposite of counting sheep to sleep. In the summer of 2007, a resident of Birmingham, Alabama, named Jeremy Harper embarked on a feat that would test both his physical and mental endurance: counting out loud to the number one million without leaving his apartment.

For four months in a row, Harper live-streamed his quest on YouTube, capturing an audience of thousands around the world who tuned in to watch him recite more than 11,000 numbers a day. After 89 long days without breaks, sunlight, or privacy, Harper finally reached his goal and set the Guinness World Record for the highest number ever counted out loud.

8

Most bobby pins in a beard

Image: Alf van Beem, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Surely, when San Francisco-based cosmetics manufacturer Luis Marcus invented bobby pins in the early 20th century, he never imagined that a hundred years later they would be part of a world record. On July 21, 2021, Dean Banowetz, a California hairstylist, set out to accomplish a feat few would have imagined: placing the most bobby pins in a beard.

With precision and dedication, Banowetz managed to attach a total of 4,831 bobby pins to his own beard, surpassing all expectations and setting a unique world record. This stylist, who was already known as the Hollywood Hair Guy, proved that his skill goes beyond traditional hairdressing techniques, exploring the creative potential of something as simple as a bobby pin.

9

Heaviest kale

Image: Monika Borys

If humans and animals can break world records, why can't the vegetable world do it too? In August 2007, Scott Robb, a horticulturist from Palmer, Alaska, presented a kale at the State Fair that left everyone open-mouthed with its colossal size: 105 pounds, 14.5 ounces.

This achievement was no fluke but the result of years of perfecting farming techniques and a passion for growing giant vegetables. Robb is no stranger to the world of horticultural records; he also holds titles for growing the heaviest turnip (39.2 pounds), the heaviest kohlrabi (nearly 97 pounds), and the heaviest green cabbage (138.25 pounds). Robb's dedication has made Palmer, Alaska, a benchmark for gardening enthusiasts and Guinness World Records.

10

Largest hands and feet on a living teenager

Image: KlausHausmann

Eric Kilburn Jr., a 16-year-old from Michigan, has stamped his footprint in the 2025 Guinness World Records book—literally! With feet measuring 13.50 inches and hands just over 7.4 inches, Eric holds the title of "largest hands and feet on a teenager".

His shoe size is an impressive 23 American , while the average for an adult male typically ranges from 8.5 to 9. Before he rose to fame, his mother faced challenges having to get shoes custom-made for him; they cost more than US$ 1,500 a pair. Fortunately, after Eric’s story went viral, brands like Puma and Under Armour offered him custom shoes.

1

Palace of the Governors (New Mexico, 1610)

Image: Donald Giannatti

This is one of the oldest continuously occupied public buildings in the United States. Built in 1610 , it served as the seat of the Spanish, Mexican, and, finally, American government.

Some experts claim that the key to its longevity is the material of which it is composed. Adobe has always worked very well as a building material in areas that, like New Mexico, have a major thermal amplitude. This is because adobe works as a thermal insulator.

Besides all the historical artifacts this building holds, it also has many stories to tell. In 1862, during the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln gave a famous speech from the Palace's balcony.

2

Fairbanks House (Massachusetts, 1637)

Image: Lampos Aritonang

Built around 1637 by English immigrant Jonathan Fairbanks in what is now Dedham, Massachusetts, many sources claim that the Fairbanks House is the oldest timber-frame house in America.

With so many years of existence and so many people who must have passed through it, can you imagine the stories that could be told from inside those wooden walls? For 8 generations, Jonathan's descendants inhabited this place, and today, it functions as a museum for all of us to visit.

This 380 -year-old house was built with oak wood, straw, animal fur, and other materials of the time. Just imagine how cold it must have been inside during winter!

3

C.A. Nothnagle Log House (New Jersey, 1638-1643)

Image: Joshua Michaels

Can you imagine holding an object from the 1590s in your own hands? Well, that's what you could do at the C. A. Nothnagle Log House in New Jersey.

The Finns and the Swedish left testimonies of their building techniques in our territory with this log cabin built between 1638 and 1643, one of the oldest still extant in the country. The many inhabitants of this house never had to worry about winter; the interior features a large, centrally located stone and brick chimney that provides even heat for the entire place.

With so many years of history, it's not unusual for visitors to experience strange episodes at the C. A. Nothnagle Log House. Some have reported hearing footsteps and soft murmuring, while others affirm to have seen a specter of a woman dressed in colonial-era clothing.

4

Richard Sparrow House (Massachusetts, 1640)

Image: James Kovin

Richard Sparrow, surveyor and early settler of Plymouth, Massachusetts, built this historic house in 1640, making it the oldest surviving house in Plymouth.

With its timber frame, this house is an example of typical colonial architecture, demonstrating the durability of this type of construction. Despite the restorations necessary to keep it standing, the house keeps most of its original materials and still looks much as it did in the 17th century , making it an interesting source of education about the period.

5

House of the Seven Gables (Massachusetts, 1668)

Image: Joseph Corl

The Fairbanks House is not the only historic house in Massachusetts.

Considered a colonial mansion, the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion was built in 1668 for Captain John Turner and stayed with his family for three generations. The place became famous in 1851 for its appearance in Nathaniel Hawthorne's Gothic novel "The House of the Seven Gables," which also gave it its characteristic nickname.

While the dark stories Hawthorne wrote about are fictional, some visitors claim to have felt a scary feeling and strange vibes inside the house. Would you like to visit the museum?

6

Paul Revere House (Massachusetts, 1680)

Image: Timur M

As the name implies, this historic house was the home of patriot Paul Revere.

Built in 1638 , it is not only one of the oldest houses in the country, but it is also the oldest standing building in downtown Boston, and represents a fine example of classic Colonial American architecture.

The building originally belonged to another owner, and Paul Revere acquired it around 1770 . If you visit the house, you can see objects and artifacts that actually belonged to the Revere family! You won't be the first, though, as an estimated 300,000 people visit the house annually.

7

Shirley Plantation (Virginia, 1723)

Image: Belia Koziak

Shirley Plantation is undoubtedly one of the oldest and most famous plantations in America.

While the plantation was founded in 1613, construction of its main house began in 1723, designed in the Georgian architectural style.

Additionally, visitors can find artifacts, tools, and weapons from the Civil War era, making it a truly valuable experience. As another detail, Shirley Plantation also has the oldest known plantation portrait in America: it features Elizabeth Hill and John Carter, whose marriage united the Hill and Carter families. These families have owned the place since 1738 to this day!

8

Wright's Ferry Mansion (Pennsylvania, 1738)

Image: Marie Martin

Susanna Wright was a pioneer Quaker woman from Philadelphia, who decided to live in Wright's Ferry (what is now Columbia) in the early 18th century. Wright was active in poetry, science, and local politics and business.

In 1738, she built Wright's Ferry Mansion, which served not only as her family home but also as a business center. With its classic proportions and elegant style, the mansion is today one of the oldest in the country. It was preserved to keep its original appearance, remaining a fine example of early 18th-century architecture in the country.

Legend has it that the house is haunted by the spirit of its original owner, with several visitors claiming to have seen her, or heard murmurs and loud footsteps inside the house.

9

Mount Vernon (Virginia, 1734-1750s)

Image: Matt Briney

We can't overlook the iconic Mount Vernon. Built in Fairfax County, Virginia, it’s one of the most famous homes in the country. And you know why: it was the home of our first president, George Washington.

The original house was built in 1734 by George Washington's father, Augustine Washington, and then expanded by his son into the building we see today. Washington influenced American architecture with the design of this building. In fact, it is said that the design of the "New Room" in Mount Vernon inspired the White House's Oval Office!

While the exterior is made of wood, it was sanded and beveled to mimic stone for a classic, elegant style. The house also has Martha Washington's famous "Blue Room," one of the most beautiful and best-decorated spaces, which still preserves its appearance. Have you already visited it?

10

Drayton Hall (South Carolina, 1747-1752)

Image: Peter Herrmann

Charleston, South Carolina, was the site where the historic Drayton Hall was built between 1747 and 1752.

This 18th-century plantation is considered to be one of the best-preserved examples of Georgian architecture. In addition, it is also claimed to be the only plantation house on the Ashley River that survived the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, not without some damage.

With nearly 300 years of history, it's undeniable that this house was the scene of many stories and events. Some visitors have claimed that the house is haunted , reporting sightings of apparitions and hearing mysterious noises. Spooky, isn't it?