1

Sigourney Weaver – Ellen Ripley

Image: Олег Мороз

If someone mentions Sigourney Weaver, one character instantly comes to mind: Ellen Ripley. Weaver first played her in Alien (1979) and then returned for three sequels in 1986, 1992, and 1997. Her performance was groundbreaking, redefining female roles in action films. And while Weaver has had many other great roles, none have matched the legendary status of Ripley.

2

Anthony Hopkins – Hannibal Lecter

Image: Josh Mackey

Although Anthony Hopkins has an extensive and varied filmography, one role stands out above all others: the chilling Hannibal Lecter, one of the most iconic villains in movie history. Hopkins first portrayed him in The Silence of the Lambs (1991), alongside the brilliant Jodie Foster. He later returned to the role in Hannibal (2001) and Red Dragon (2002).

3

Julie Andrews – Mary Poppins

Image: Guillaume de Germain

We'll always love Julie Andrews for bringing the magical Mary Poppins to life in the 1964 Disney classic. Believe it or not, that was her very first film, and it earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress! Just a year later, she captivated audiences again in The Sound of Music , but Mary Poppins remains the role most closely tied to her charming persona.

4

Al Pacino – Michael Corleone

Image: Tibor Pinter

Al Pacino first appeared as Michael Corleone in The Godfather (1972) and returned for the sequels in 1974 and 1990. His powerful performance turned Michael into one of the most iconic characters in film history. To this day, it's almost impossible not to think of Pacino as the unforgettable and complex successor to Don Corleone.

5

Marlon Brando – Don Vito Corleone

Image: Maximilian Kopsch

When it comes to exceptional characters, we can't leave out Don Vito Corleone, brought to life by the legendary Marlon Brando in The Godfather (1972). This role was so iconic that it redefined the image of the gangster on screen. When we picture Brando, we often imagine him wearing the prosthetics he used to portray the mob boss. The performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor, which he famously declined in protest of Hollywood's treatment of Native Americans.

6

John Travolta – Tony Manero

Image: Paul Zoetemeijer

Although John Travolta has played many roles throughout his career, the one that defined him was the unique Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever (1977). From the moment he appeared on screen in that white suit nearly 50 years ago, Travolta became forever linked to the disco king who ruled the dance floor and captured countless hearts along the way.

7

Lynda Carter – Wonder Woman

Image: Dale de Vera

From 1975 to 1979, Lynda Carter brought Wonder Woman to life in a way that left a lasting mark on television. Her performance was so memorable that it defined the character for an entire generation. For many of us, Lynda Carter is Wonder Woman, and it's hard to imagine anyone else filling those iconic boots.

8

Tom Hanks – Forrest Gump

Image: Yosuke Ota

If there's one thing our generation knows well, it's that "life is like a box of chocolates." That memorable line comes from Forrest Gump , played by Tom Hanks in 1994. With his big heart, kindness, and unexpected wisdom, Forrest won over audiences everywhere. The impact of the character was so powerful that it not only cemented Hanks’ status as a leading actor but also forever linked his image to the role.

9

Harrison Ford – Indiana Jones

Image: Intricate Explorer

If there's one actor forever tied to Indiana Jones , it’s Harrison Ford. He first took on the role in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), and then embodied the archaeologist again in sequels released in 1984, 1989, 2008, and 2023. With his iconic fedora and whip, Ford made the character unforgettable, so much so that it's hard to imagine anyone else bringing him to life.

10

Sylvester Stallone – Rocky Balboa

Image: Luisa Frassier

Although some producers wanted to cast another actor, Sylvester Stallone refused to let anyone else bring the story of Rocky Balboa to the screen. As we know, Stallone wrote the script with the intention of playing the role himself, and thank goodness he did! It's hard to imagine anyone else portraying the iconic boxer the way he did. And we're not the only ones who think so; the Academy clearly agreed, as Rocky (1976) earned ten Oscar nominations.

1

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Image: Couleur

E.T. , released in 1982, is undoubtedly one of Steven Spielberg's best films and one of the most iconic in the history of cinema. The story follows an alien lost on Earth who forms a pure and heartfelt friendship with a human boy, who will go to great lengths to help him return home.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is an endearing adventure film that marked the ‘80s and taught us the importance of empathy and embracing each other's differences.

2

The Wizard of Oz

Image: MGM, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Somewhere over the rainbow is one of the most iconic films we’ve ever seen: The Wizard of Oz (1939). This film marked a turning point in Hollywood , with the angelic Judy Garland leading a troupe of magical beings on a journey to the Emerald City and the dreaded Oz.

A tornado sweeps Dorothy into a technicolor dreamscape populated by munchkins, a cowardly lion, a tin man, a scarecrow, and a wicked witch, prompting a journey down the Yellow Brick Road. Their adventure is largely one of self-discovery : the Lion finds his courage, the Scarecrow his brains, the Tin Man his heart, and Dorothy finally returns to Kansas.

3

Back to the Future

Image: dtavres

A time machine in a DeLorean? Sign me up! What would '80s cinema be without this fabulous trilogy, where a teenager (Michael J. Fox) and a scientist (Christopher Lloyd) share all kinds of adventures together?

First, they travel to the past, then to the future, and finally, to the Wild West. Three movies that took the box office by storm and remain great entertainment for all ages .

4

Lawrence of Arabia

Image: Jack de Nijs for Anefo / Anefo, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

This Oscar-winning epic biographical adventure drama, based on the life of British army officer and archaeologist, T. E. Lawrence, transports us to Egypt in 1917. Released in 1962, Lawrence of Arabia stars Peter O'Toole, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, and Omar Sharif.

During World War I, Lawrence is sent to support Prince Faisal in his war against the Turks. His adventure across the desert earns him the respect of his army for his courage and his deep appreciation for Arab culture.

5

The NeverEnding Story

Image: _marioosh

For many, this movie left a huge mark on their childhood. Who wasn’t amazed by that enormous flying albino creature called Falkor? Based on the acclaimed novel by German author Michael Ende, The NeverEnding Story (1984) introduces us to Bastian, a shy boy who discovers a mysterious book telling the story of the destruction of the world of Fantasia.

The protagonist’s adventure begins when he realizes he can save this world, inhabited by extraordinary beings, by finding a way to get inside the story.

6

The African Queen

Image: Copyright 1952 United Artists Corp., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Two great classic movie stars, Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, adrift on a small steamboat in German East Africa during the First World War— this is the epitome of adventure .

The African Queen , directed by the brilliant John Huston and released in 1951, earned Bogart the Oscar for Best Actor and the film the status of an instant classic.

7

Stand by Me

Image: Johannes Plenio

This coming-of-age film, based on a Stephen King story , is perhaps one of the best portrayals ever made of the end of childhood.

The adventures experienced by the four friends in Stand by Me (1986) may not be as spectacular as those of the characters in other films on this list. They don’t have to face fantastic creatures or fight in a war, but they do encounter, for example, an angry dog, a speeding train, hungry leeches, and a dead body lying on the riverbank. It’s a journey of discovery and transformation , filled with tension and drama.

8

Ben-Hur

Image: Reynold Brown, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

This flagship blockbuster of Hollywood’s golden era tells the story of the son of a noble Jerusalem family who is betrayed by a childhood friend and condemned to the galleys, where he is held prisoner for three years. Ben-Hur then vows to regain his freedom and plots his revenge.

Released in 1959 and starring the legendary Charlton Heston, Ben-Hur was one of the most expensive films in cinema history. A classic among classics, its three-and-a-half-hour running time is packed with adventure scenes.

9

Indiana Jones

Image: Intricate Explorer

Who hasn’t fantasized about being Indiana Jones? Traveling to exotic countries, embarking on dangerous adventures involving mythological objects, and wearing a hat that won’t fall off no matter what you do are things no one can resist.

With his unwavering sense of honor, compassionate nature, effortless charm, and witty one-liners, Indiana Jones is the quintessential adventure hero . Along with Harrison Ford’s brilliant performance, this iconic saga showed us just how epic a college professor can be.

10

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre

Image: Hans

This 1948 modern western, directed by John Huston, is based on an adventure novel set in the United States in the 1920s, long after the California gold rush.

A group of American drifters, including Fred C. Dobbs (Humphrey Bogart), embark on a journey into the Mexican mountains in search of gold. However, ambition and envy gradually create more problems than any other obstacle along the way. It’s a fun adventure in the desert and a classic fable about man's greed .

11

The Goonies

Image: Nadjib BR

Based on a story by Steven Spielberg , this film is an homage to all adventure films and novels. The possible existence of a great pirate treasure in the depths of an abandoned restaurant seems like the solution to all of Mikey's family problems.

With the help of his inseparable friends, he embarks on an incredible journey. Since its release in 1985, The Goonies has become one of the most influential movies of the genre . Well, let’s be honest: it’s based on an unbeatable formula: friendship, adventure, humor, danger, and reward.

12

Into the Wild

Image: Juho Luomala

This one is a bit different from the rest of the films on this list, but it is an adventure nonetheless. Directed by Sean Penn, Into the Wild (2007) portrays a true story based on Jon Krakauer's novel about Christopher McCandless' diary entries.

Under the name Alexander Supertramp, 24-year-old Christopher sets out into Alaska with a clear purpose: to connect with nature, stripped of his material possessions. While not as flashy an adventure as Indiana Jones, it is a transformative experience that requires great will and courage.

1

Tiger salamander

Image: Anastasia Pirri

Meet the tiger salamander—one of the largest terrestrial salamanders in North America. While its size is certainly impressive, the tiger salamander also has other traits that make it stand out. Take its appearance, for example: its dark brown body with bright yellow blotches resembles tiger stripes, which is why it has such a peculiar name. But there's more! Unlike many other salamanders, this one spends much of its time underground, using its large, powerful limbs to dig.

Fun fact: Some states, like Colorado and Kansas, have named it their official state amphibian!

2

Eastern Hellbender

Image: laura adai

Although the tiger salamander is impressively large, another salamander stands out for its huge size: the Eastern Hellbender.

Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis is its scientific name (quite a mouthful, right?). It holds the title of the largest salamander in North America. In fact, it's sometimes nicknamed "snot otter" due to its large body and the slippery texture of its skin.

3

Amphiuma

Image: Wolfgang Hasselmann

When you first see this creature, you might mistake it for a snake or an eel. But it's actually an amphibian—more specifically, an aquatic salamander known as the amphiuma. Its appearance, let’s just say, isn’t exactly what most would call "cute."

This unusual amphibian can grow up to 3 feet long! And while not immediately noticeable, it has tiny legs with only one, two, or three toes, depending on the species. Its limbs aren't very useful, but they do make the amphiuma look just a bit creepier.

4

Colorado River Toad

Image: Crystal McClernon

The Colorado River Toad may not be the cutest or most dazzling creature out there, but it's certainly one of the most fascinating. Native to the southwestern United States, this amphibian is one of the largest toads in North America, but what sets it apart isn't its size. So, while it may look slow and harmless, this toad is capable of releasing a dangerous, highly psychoactive toxin that acts as a defense mechanism and can be fatal to many species, including dogs.

5

Common Mudpuppy

Image: Tommy Bond

Now, it's time for an amphibian whose cuteness is one of its most distinctive features; even its name reflects that! We're talking about the Common Mudpuppy, an aquatic salamander that inhabits streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. It's also one of the few salamanders that remain fully aquatic throughout their entire life. And that’s precisely why it sports a pair of large, red external gills on the sides of its head, giving it an almost 16th-century European look!

6

Gray Tree Frog

Image: Aurora K

The small Gray Tree Frog inhabits the forests and woodlands of the eastern United States. And while it's true you might find it on trees and plants, its nickname isn't entirely accurate when it comes to color. Yes, it can be gray, but this amphibian has the ability to change its color to blend in with its surroundings! It also has another superpower: the ability to survive freezing temperatures. By producing a natural antifreeze, it protects its organs during cold conditions that most of us couldn’t begin to handle.

7

Spotted Salamander

Image: Kristina Kutleša

As its name suggests, what distinguishes the Spotted Salamander is its shocking look. But beware, its mottled appearance isn't just for show. It also acts as a warning to ward off predators! If you've ever seen one in the wild, consider yourself lucky because although it’s fairly widespread, this salamander spends most of its time underground.

8

Pacific Giant Salamander

Image: wallace Henry

If you venture into the mountainous regions of the Pacific Northwest, you might come face-to-face with the Pacific Giant Salamander, one of the largest terrestrial salamanders in North America.

Reaching up to 14 inches in length, this amphibian is striking to see—but it’s even more surprising when you hear it. That’s right: unlike most of its kind, the Pacific giant salamander can make audible barking sounds!

9

Barking Tree Frog

Image: José M. Alarcón

We have a contestant that could go head-to-head with the Pacific Giant Salamander in a barking contest: the aptly named Barking Tree Frog.

Let’s just say the frog’s striking features are perfectly summed up by its name. In states like Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, you can find this little amphibian calling from the treetops or near freshwater shores.

10

Dusky Gopher Frog

Image: Geraldine Dukes

Finally, we have the most mysterious and elusive of all: the Dusky Gopher Frog. As one of the rarest frog species in the U.S., the Dusky Gopher Frog is incredibly elusive and critically endangered, with fewer than 200 individuals left in the wild. The dusky frog spends most of its life hidden underground and only comes out during the mating season.