1

The Searchers

Image: Tobias Keller

We’ll begin with what many critics believe to be the best Western ever made. Not only that: this 1956 movie is considered among the 100 best American films of all time, and it was selected for preservation in its National Film Registry in 1989. John Ford’s masterpiece truly marked a turning point in the history of the genre and influenced an entire generation of American filmmakers.

2

"The Searchers" stars John Wayne as Ethan Edwards, a Civil War veteran who searches for his abducted niece all throughout Texas and New Mexico. The gorgeous shots in Technicolor (a huge leap at the time) helped cement this Western as a completely revolutionary film.

3

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Image: Scott Warman

The archetypical example of the subgenre known as "Spaghetti Western", this 1966 Sergio Leone film tells the story of three gunslingers competing to find a hidden treasure amid the chaos of the Civil War. The three characters’ personalities are more than the traits described in the film’s title: "The Good", Clint Eastwood’s character, is definitively more of an antihero than a regular protagonist.

Considered by many to be Leone’s masterpiece, "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" is a tension-filled, thrilling experience , and credited with launching an American icon like Eastwood to stardom.

4

The Quick and the Dead

Image: Taylor Brandon

Few Westerns feature female gunslingers , so let’s take a second to showcase an excellent example. The 1995 movie "The Quick and the Dead" tells the story of "The Lady", an unnamed gunfighter who enters a deadly tournament to face off against an outlaw-turned-mayor named Gerrod, played by the iconic Gene Hackman.

Sharon Stone plays an extremely compelling protagonist, driven only by the desire to avenge the death of her father. The film features a star-filled cast , including Russel Crowe, Keith David, and then-newcomer Leonardo Di Caprio.

5

True Grit

Image: Taylor Brandon

Sharon Stone’s "The Lady" is not the only strong female lead on this list. Granted, the character of Mattie Ross in the 1969 classic "True Grit" is only a young girl, but don’t be fooled by her age: Mattie is a strong and determined character, hell-bent on apprehending the man responsible for her family’s death.

"True Grit" is also responsible for bringing us one of the most amazing cowboys ever portrayed on film. John Wayne’s legendary depiction of U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn earned him a well-deserved Oscar.

6

Stagecoach

Image: Maddy Weiss

Considering our entry on "The Searchers", it probably won’t surprise you to learn that John Ford’s contributions to Westerns are incommensurable. In that sense, considering his 1939 film "Stagecoach" as anything other than groundbreaking would be a massive disservice to the entire genre.

This movie’s revolutionary shots and character development helped the film industry take a huge leap forward. Not only that, this movie stars John Wayne in his breakthrough role.

7

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre

Image: Stefan Münz

Legendary actor Humphrey Bogart is not particularly remembered as a Western actor: In fact, he only starred in two movies of the genre. However, the 1948 film "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre", which stars Bogart as drifter Fred C. Dobbs, is considered an absolute Western treasure (no pun intended) and was selected for preservation by the Library of Congress.

The film focuses on Dobbs and fellow drifter Bob Curtin, played by Tim Holt who, along with an old prospector, try to make a living searching for gold in Mexico.

8

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance

Image: Luis Domenech

The 1962 film "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" begins with the funeral of a seemingly unimportant cowboy named Tom Doniphon which is attended by a powerful and influential U.S. senator. What follows is the retelling of an unusual friendship between two men, and their unyielding fight for justice.

This film holds the honor of being the very first film that starred both John Wayne and James Stewart. Under the direction of John Ford, these two acting juggernauts truly gave an unforgettable performance.

9

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

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Nowadays, the subgenre of a buddy film seems almost exclusively reserved for cop movies: Think about movies like "Lethal Weapon" or "Bad Boys". However, the 1969 Western "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" is an outstanding addition to the buddy film subgenre, since it focuses on the adventures of this iconic gunslinging duo.

The movie describes the adventures of these two train robbers, wonderfully portrayed by Robert Redford and Paul Newman, who are trying to escape the law and flee to South America. It was awarded for Oscars, including "Best Story" and "Best Cinematography".

10

Unforgiven

Image: Karsten Winegeart

Besides avenging a loved one or escaping a corrupt sheriff, another powerful staple of the Western genre is the repentant outlaw trying to make amends with his past. In that sense, Clint Eastwood’s 1992 film "Unforgiven" combines both classic elements of the genre, while still providing a refreshing and innovative perspective.

The movie tells the tale of William Munny, an aging and retired outlaw who decides to take on one last job. Portrayed by Eastwood , Munny’s adventures take him on a violent path, seeking a cruel and dangerous cowboy named "Quick Mike".

11

The Magnificent Seven

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

We’ll finish this list with one of the most innovative and daring entries to the Western genre. John Sturges’ "The Magnificent Seven" is an Old West remake of a Japanese movie, Kurosawa’s "Seven Samurai". Featuring an ensemble of legendary leads like Yul Brynner and Steve McQueen (The "King of Cool" himself!), this iconic film is to this day considered one of the very best Western films of all time.

The story centers around the titular "Magnificent Seven", a group of gunfighters hired to protect a small Mexican village from a group of bandits led by Eri Wallach, another heavy-hitter of the Western genre. It received an Academy Award for Best Score, and it was included in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.

1

Bay to Breakers

Image: Cecep Rahmat

Back in 1986, Bay to Breakers set the Guinness World Record for the largest footrace, with 110,000 registered participants. If you want to understand what type of sports event would summon so many athletes, you need to picture a unique blend of a race and an all-out costume parade.

This 7.5-mile course stretches from the San Francisco Bay (at Howard Street) to the Pacific Ocean. Held every third Sunday of May, the event is a local party where people wear elaborate costumes —think cartoon characters, colorful animals, and even synchronized group outfits. Bay to Breakers began in 1912 as a way to boost morale in San Francisco after the devastation of the 1906 earthquake.

2

Running of the Bulls

Image: San Fermin Pamplona - Navarra

You’d be wrong to think that the San Fermin Festival is only held in Pamplona, Spain. In 2007, New Orleans created its own version of the "Running of the Bulls." Here in the U.S., participants dress in all-white clothing with red accessories, as per tradition. But they don’t run from bulls: they run from roller derby skaters wearing horned helmets , wielding plastic bats, and chasing them around the streets.

Held in the summer to coincide with Pamplona's festival dates, this event is accompanied by food, drinks, live music, and a lively atmosphere that blends Spanish and New Orleans styles.

3

Goffstown Pumpkinboat Regatta

Image: Kris Møklebust

Did you know that you can sail inside a pumpkin ? This is standard procedure at Goffstown Pumpkin Regatta, held every autumn in New Hampshire. In the year 2000, local growers envisioned an event that would turn oversized pumpkins—some weighing as much as 1,000 pounds—into something fun and unusual.

Their challenge? Hollowing out massive pumpkins to turn them into boats, to then paddle them in a regatta down the Piscataquog River. Over the years, more and more contestants signed up to participate with flamboyant pumpkin designs and matching costumes. Of course, the event also features a pumpkin weigh-off , craft and food vendors, as well as live music and games.

4

Twins Days

Image: Keisha Montfleury

Twinsburg, Ohio, decided many decades ago that it was the perfect location to hold a yearly celebration of twin siblings. After all, the town was named after identical twin brothers who owned most of the land in the 1800s. Over the years, the festival has grown to become the world’s largest annual gathering of twins, triplets, and other multiples.

Traditionally, all participating twins show up dressed either identically or mismatchedly. Some of them even showcase their talents, ranging from music to comedy. Among food stalls, carnival rides, and live music, there is also a "Research" spot. There, scientists and researchers attend to study willing twins for insights into genetics, biometric data, and their health conditions.

5

Houston Art Car Parade

Image: Christopher Osten

Houston’s Art Car Parade began in the 1980s as a way to promote unconventional creativity and art . Back then, only 40 vehicles participated, but today the festival has become one of the most colorful art car parades in the world.

Participants transform their cars, bikes, and other vehicles into mobile artworks for this yearly parade held every April. Cars with the most outrageous designs—styled to look like dragons, unicorns, fruits, or even structured to appear to be stacked on top of one another—have been featured in past celebrations. Nowadays, the parade attracts over 250 art cars from across the U.S., as well as an audience of 250,000 lined up to watch.

6

Corgi Beach Day

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A beach invaded by corgis sounds like a heavenly sight for dog lovers . Every year at Huntington Beach, California, this event gathers corgi enthusiasts and their furry friends to celebrate their love for the breed.

Sometimes the dogs wear costumes, and contests are run with categories like "Best Themed Outfit" and "Cutest Corgi." Short races are also organized, though owners know their corgi's legs aren't built for speed, so the event is held in good humor to watch the corgis happily walk around. Mr. Pickles the Corgi, the mascot of the event, has become an internet sensation. Of course, the beach day features merchandise stands with corgi-themed products for dogs and their humans to take home.

7

Fremont Solstice Parade

Image: Jordan Crawford

Organized on the Saturday closest to the summer solstice in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood, this celebration has become a symbol of creativity, self-expression, and community . It was conceived in the late ‘80s to counter corporate-sponsored parades, which locals found cold and generalistic. They decided to combat it by organizing a parade that would showcase warmth and individuality.

The parade prohibits motorized vehicles, written words, and commercial logos. Only handmade arts and crafts are allowed. Puppets, dance troupes, musicians, and giant kinetic sculptures are often seen parading the streets of Freemont under the sun. The event usually wraps up at sunset with picnics and music at Gas Works Park.

8

Underwater Music Festival

Image: Victoria Ballesteros

You read that correctly. There’s an underwater music festival held every summer at Looe Key Reef , off the coast of the Florida Keys. The event was designed to combine two things the region is known for: the preservation of marine life and laid-back music.

Don’t worry, the music is not played directly underwater. Musicians pre-record the performances and these are transmitted through waterproof speakers placed along the reef. The playlist also often includes water-themed hits like "Yellow Submarine" by The Beatles and "Fins" by Jimmy Buffett. Many participants show up to dive in wearing fanciful costumes, like mermaids or sea creatures.

9

Texas Renaissance Festival

Image: Matt Benson

Some of the most famous festivals across the country are Renaissance fairs that draw visitors into an immersive celebration of medieval and fantasy culture . The largest of these is the Texas Renaissance Fair, which takes place on a former strip-mining site near Houston.

Hundreds of thousands of fans flock to this festival. It features a 55-acre village with cobblestone streets, themed buildings, and costumed performers. In it, fans can wander through medieval taverns , blacksmith shops, and artisan booths. Different shows add to the atmosphere, including jousting tournaments and falconry demonstrations. The event is held over several weekends, each with a different theme, such as Oktoberfest, Pirate Adventure, or Celtic Christmas.

10

Garlic Festival

Image: Min An

We conclude with the only festival in the country where you could ask for garlic ice cream . Until 2019, every July in Gilroy, California, garlic growers and lovers would gather for the Gilroy Garlic Festival, which had become a world-renowned event. Sadly, after 2020, the event was discontinued.

Of course, you could approach the food stands and ask for your typical garlic fries or garlic bread. But there was much more to do. You could attend cooking demonstrations, and garlic-themed contests (like the garlic-braiding competition), and enjoy live music across several stages. There was also a Miss Gilroy Garlic Queen pageant, where contestants were judged not only on traditional pageant criteria but also on their knowledge of garlic.

1

George Washington

Image: Priscilla Gyamfi

America’s first president had no guidebook to follow, so George Washington ended up writing the first chapters of the office himself. With calm judgment and a focus on fairness, he set the tradition of serving only two terms, showing that leadership should be about duty rather than personal power.

Washington organized the very first Cabinet, established the tone for presidential addresses, and worked hard to promote unity among different regions and viewpoints. His steady approach helped turn a young, uncertain nation into a stable and functioning republic. The patterns he created became the model for every subsequent president.

2

James Madison

Image: Tara Winstead

Often called the "Father of the Constitution," James Madison helped shape the foundations of the United States long before he stepped into the presidency. He played a central role in writing the Constitution and co-authored the Federalist Papers, a series of essays that explained how the new government was meant to work.

Once in office, Madison continued to support the development of stronger federal systems that could serve a growing country, and he oversaw the admission of new states into the expanding Union. His steady leadership helped reinforce the structure laid down by the founders and proved that the nation’s early ideas—balance, stability, and cooperation—could stand the test of time.

3

Abraham Lincoln

Image: Jacob Thorson

The 16th U.S. president guided the nation through a time of deep division with a calm, steady determination and a clear sense of purpose. He held firmly to the belief that all people are created equal, and he worked to bring those principles to life in practical, lasting ways.

During his presidency, Lincoln supported major constitutional changes that broadened personal freedoms and strengthened the role of the federal government in protecting those rights. He emphasized unity, fairness, and the idea that the country could emerge stronger if it stayed true to its core values. His dedication to these ideals has made him one of the most admired figures in American history, remembered for his integrity and his hope for a more united nation.

4

Theodore Roosevelt

Image: Ryan Stone

Theodore Roosevelt was known for his enthusiasm, his adventurous spirit, and his deep love of the outdoors. He became one of the nation’s strongest voices for conservation, helping to create and expand national parks, forests, and wildlife areas.

His domestic program, the "Square Deal," aimed to make sure consumers, workers, and businesses were treated fairly, and he pushed for stronger rules that protected everyday Americans from unfair practices. Roosevelt also encouraged the nation to step forward with confidence, backing improvements in transportation and modern infrastructure that helped connect the United States more smoothly with the world.

5

Woodrow Wilson

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Woodrow Wilson arrived in Washington with a plan to give everyday Americans a fairer, more balanced system, and his wave of domestic reforms—known as the "New Freedom"—reflected that goal. During his presidency, the nation saw the creation of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Trade Commission, two major institutions designed to keep the economy steady and well-regulated.

Wilson also encouraged the idea that countries should work together through organized cooperation rather than standing apart, a view that later influenced the formation of important international organizations. His belief in self-determination and his preference for diplomacy over isolation helped guide the United States toward a long-term vision of global partnership and shared responsibility.

6

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Image: Pedro Gutierrez

Franklin Roosevelt guided the nation through one of its toughest economic periods with a wide-ranging effort known as the "New Deal." This collection of policies helped support workers, steady the banking system, and strengthen protections for consumers. It also introduced Social Security, a program that quickly became a key element of retirement planning for millions of Americans.

Roosevelt understood the importance of keeping the public informed, so he spoke directly to families through his regular radio broadcasts, the famous "Fireside Chats." In these simple, calm conversations, he explained what the government was doing and why, helping people feel more confident in uncertain times. His clear, steady communication made him one of the most trusted and familiar voices of his era.

7

Harry S. Truman

Image: WikiImages

When Harry Truman took office in 1945, both the world and the United States were undergoing a period of rapid change. With a practical mindset, the 33rd president helped launch broad programs aimed at rebuilding European economies and encouraging stronger international cooperation.

He also set a new long-range direction for American policy, one that emphasized stability, democratic principles, and economic support beyond U.S. borders. Truman’s meaningful efforts helped shape how nations worked together and signaled the beginning of important social changes that would continue to unfold in the decades ahead.

8

John F. Kennedy

Image: Florida Memory

John F. Kennedy brought a fresh sense of youth and optimism to the early 1960s. His speeches often called on Americans to lend a hand, serve their communities, and think beyond themselves—captured in his well-known line, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."

Kennedy supported important civil rights efforts and encouraged steady progress in science and technology. He also pushed the nation to look toward the future through expanded space exploration and created the Peace Corps, giving young Americans opportunities to volunteer and make a difference overseas. His steady promotion of learning, service, and innovation helped spark a spirit of national progress that defined much of the decade.

9

Lyndon B. Johnson

Image: LBJ Library photo by Yoichi Okamoto Restored by: Bammesk, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Lyndon Johnson arrived in the White House with a far-reaching plan he called the "Great Society," a vision aimed at improving everyday life for people across the country. Under his leadership, Congress passed major civil rights legislation that strengthened equality and safeguarded voting rights, setting new standards for fairness.

The 36th president also approved the creation of Medicare and Medicaid, programs that gave millions of older adults and low-income families reliable access to health care for the very first time. Additionally, he supported initiatives to improve education, preserve natural resources, and strengthen local communities.

10

Ronald Reagan

Image: White House Photographic Collection, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Ronald Reagan stepped into the 1980s carrying a message of confidence and renewal, offering Americans a sense of fresh direction after a challenging period. His economic approach—later known as "Reaganomics"—was centered on lowering taxes, easing federal regulations, and giving businesses more room to grow. For many people, this era became associated with rising optimism.

Reagan also spoke often about national pride and traditional values, presenting a steady, recognizable voice on the world stage. His leadership style—straightforward, good-humored, and easy to understand—left a lasting mark on how political ideas were discussed and helped shape the country’s tone for years to follow.