1

Chewbacca ( Star Wars )

Chewbacca, an over seven-foot-tall Wookie covered in fur, is a character that never needed words to steal our hearts . He’s been Han Solo's faithful companion since the beginning of the Star Wars saga in A New Hope (1977), helping the heroes not only with his knowledge of starships and combat skills, but also adding a warm sense of humor and unbreakable loyalty.

Chewbacca (played by Peter Mayhew in the first three original Star Wars films) doesn’t appear on camera nearly as much as protagonists Han, Luke Skywalker, and Princess Leia, yet he’s become a symbol of Star Wars and a familiar face we always enjoy seeing again.

2

Doc Brown ( Back to the Future )

While it was never clear how a cool high school student who rides a skateboard is friends with an eccentric inventor, Marty McFly and Dr. Emmet "Doc" Brown are one of the most iconic movie duos . And though Marty (Michael J. Fox) is the lead character, all the events of the Back to the Future movies (1985-1990) are set in motion by Doc (Christopher Lloyd) and his time-travel machine.

His crazy white hair and energetic personality fill the movie with plenty of funny scenes as well as emotional and reflective moments that have made Doc Brown as memorable as the hero.

3

Robin ( Batman )

Robin is probably the most recognizable sidekick of all. He first appeared on the big screen in the 15-chapter Batman theatrical movie serial released in 1943, though he was a known character from the DC comics before that. Over the following decades, Robin appeared in several Batman television shows, animated series, films, and other adaptations.

Robin is Batman’s young crime-fighting partner, who adds a little bit of optimism and humor to the dark and solemn world of the hero. He contributes with his agility, courage, and a more easygoing personality, making him an iconic Gotham figure hard to separate from Batman.

4

Samwise Gamgee ( The Lord of the Rings )

"Frodo wouldn't have got far without Sam," says Frodo (Elijah Wood) in The Two Towers (2002), and we all agreed. Few sidekicks have the strength and courage to remain loyal as Sam did in the face of an evil much greater than himself.

The epic journey of the two hobbits in The Lord of the Rings ’ saga is centered around Frodo and his struggle with the One Ring, but Sam’s (Sean Astin) commitment and never-give-up attitude were the key reason the duo succeeded — but his humility and kind heart were what won ours.

5

Donkey ( Shrek )

Just thinking about Donkey can make you laugh. Donkey (voiced by Eddie Murphy) is impossible to ignore, and he’ll make sure of that. He’s the fast-talking, nonstop-chattering companion of the grumpy ogre (voiced by Mike Myers) in the Shrek films (2001 - 2010, with a fifth film slated for 2027), and honestly, the movies wouldn’t be nearly as fun without him.

One of the best things about this duo is seeing how Donkey drives Shrek up the wall , though he can’t bring himself to dislike him. The clash of their personalities created the most hilarious scenes of the series and has made Donkey as essential as Shrek.

6

Toto ( The Wizard of Oz )

Small in size but unforgettable in spirit: that’s little Toto. He’s Dorothy’s companion throughout her journey in the magical Land of Oz in The Wizard of Oz (1939), and he taught us that even the smallest fellow can make a big difference .

But Toto was not just adorable (though that’s a good reason we love him); he actually helps Dorothy (Judy Garland) many times throughout the movie, exposing the Wizard’s secrets and getting her out of danger time and time again.

7

Jiminy Cricket ( Pinocchio )

Jiminy Cricket serves as Pinocchio's conscience in Disney’s Pinocchio (1940), but in a way he became the voice of everyone’s conscience. The little cricket (voiced by Cliff Edwards) tries to help Pinocchio understand right from wrong and always encourages him to do good, even when it isn’t easy.

His wisdom and charisma make him responsible for much of the film’s humor and heart, and he evolved into a symbol of integrity in pop culture. None of Pinocchio's growth would’ve been possible without this little fellow.

8

Goose ( Top Gun )

Nick "Goose" Bradshaw (Anthony Edwards) is Maverick’s (Tom Cruise) best friend in Top Gun (1986), bringing warmth to the movie and also contrasting Maverick’s recklessness with a more grounded personality. Their unique bond and friendship make each character grow throughout the film.

Goose became a fan favorite (despite having much less time on camera than the protagonist), especially due to the tragic events he’s involved in, which represent some of the most emotional moments in the entire movie and a turning point for Maverick.

9

Dr. Watson ( Sherlock Holmes )

While Sherlock Holmes is indeed the star of the story, with his brilliant mind and sharp observation, Dr. Watson plays a key role when it comes to solving the duo’s cases, as he brings a bit of "humanity" and common sense to Holmes’ cold calculations and eccentricities.

Dr. Watson also contributes with subtle touches of humor , giving funny remarks that clash with Holmes’ quirks. From the original stories by Arthur Conan Doyle to the many adaptations for film and television, Watson became as iconic as Sherlock, making it impossible to think of one without the other.

10

Short Round ( Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom )

The charming, fearless boy who proved that he could save the day despite his age and be more than just the comic relief of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) — that’s Short Round, played by future Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan.

His quick wit and funny banter with Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) added a necessary share of humor to the film, and his relationship with the archaeologist felt more like a father-and-son kind of thing, which was enough for Short Round to steal the show. And while he has only appeared in one of the many Indiana Jones movies, he became a fan favorite from day one.

1

Musical roots

Image: Ahmed Rizkhaan

The American South is the birthplace of some of the most influential music genres in history, including blues and jazz. The blues, which originated in the Mississippi Delta in the late 19th century, captured the deep emotional and social experiences of African Americans in the post-Reconstruction South.

As the blues spread throughout the country, its rhythms and melodies laid the groundwork for jazz, which emerged in the vibrant streets of New Orleans in the early 20th century. These new sounds created a new musical language that favored improvisation and complex rhythms. By the 1920s, jazz had become a defining feature of American culture, solidifying the South's role as a cradle of American music.

2

The Lone Star state

Image: Perry Merrity II

Before joining the United States, Texas was an independent nation known as the Republic of Texas. After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas existed as a sovereign state for nearly a decade, with its own president, currency, and military.

The Lone Star flag, first adopted during this period, symbolized Texas's independent spirit and remains a proud emblem of the state today. Although the Republic of Texas was short-lived, with Texas officially becoming the 28th state of the Union in 1845, its legacy endures in the fierce yet friendly spirit of its inhabitants.

3

First successful powered flight

Image: History in HD

Although the Wright brothers were native Ohioans, the first successful powered flight took place in North Carolina on December 17, 1903. The historic flight occurred in the sand dunes of Kitty Hawk, where the Wright brothers chose to test their aircraft due to the area's steady winds and soft landing surfaces.

The achievement marked a pivotal moment in aviation history, proving that controlled, powered flight was possible. The site of this groundbreaking event is now commemorated by the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

4

Southern hospitality

Image: Aleks Marinkovic

Southern hospitality is more than just a stereotype—it's a deeply rooted tradition that has shaped the culture of the American South for centuries. This ethos of politeness, generosity, and warmth towards guests can be traced back to the region’s agrarian past, where communities were often isolated and people relied on one another for support.

This tradition was further reinforced over time by particular social customs, such as the importance of entertaining visitors with elaborate meals and ensuring that guests feel like part of the family. Southern hospitality is so integral to the region's identity that it’s become a hallmark of the South.

5

Mississippi River

Image: Mathew Benoit

Spanning over 2,300 miles, the Mississippi River is the second-longest river in the United States and plays a critical role in the nation’s geography and economy. Flowing from its source in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, it traverses ten states, including several Southern states like Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas.

A vital artery for transportation and commerce since the early days of American history, the Mississippi also played a crucial role during the Civil War, with control of the river being a strategic priority for both Union and Confederate forces. To this day, the river continues to be a key waterway, supporting local industries and remaining a central part of the cultural and ecological identity of the region.

6

Oldest city in America

Image: Michael J. Vega

St. Augustine, Florida, holds the title of the oldest continuously occupied city of European origin in the United States. Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, St. Augustine predates the founding of Jamestown and Plymouth by several decades.

As a strategic outpost for the Spanish Empire, the city played a crucial role in defending Spain’s claims to the New World, particularly against British and French incursions. The Castillo de San Marcos, a massive stone fortress completed in 1695, still stands as a testament to the region's rich history.

7

Southern delights

Image: Alex Haney

Southern cuisine, known for dishes like fried chicken, barbecue, and biscuits, is considered a cornerstone of American food culture. In fact, the popularity of Southern food has spread nationwide, with restaurants and festivals celebrating these flavors from coast to coast.

A true melting pot of cultures, the region’s beloved cuisine has a rich history with roots that can be traced back to Native American, African, and European influences. The ingredients reflect the region’s agricultural history, with many recipes using corn or corn-derived products. Southern cuisine also includes iconic dishes like jambalaya and gumbo from Louisiana, which highlight the region’s French and Creole influences.

8

Space pioneers

Image: Brian McGowan

NASA’s southern centers have been pivotal in shaping the U.S. space program. The Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, was crucial in developing the Saturn V rocket that made the moon landing possible. The Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, is the hub for astronaut training and mission control, and the Kennedy Space Center in Florida has been the launch site for every manned mission since 1968.

To this day, the South’s importance in space and scientific endeavors remains uncontested: NASA centers in the region lead astronaut training and are essential for rocket launches, maintaining their status as pioneers of space exploration.

9

Bourbon & Moonshine

Image: Jeff Frank

Bourbon, often considered America's native spirit, has deep roots in the South, particularly in Kentucky, where it is produced under stringent guidelines. To be classified as bourbon, the whiskey must be made from a mash bill of at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels. This specific process, along with Kentucky’s unique limestone water, gives bourbon its distinctive flavor and character.

But the tradition extends way beyond just bourbon. The craft of homebrewing various types of alcoholic beverages has long been a vital part of the region’s cultural heritage. For example, during Prohibition, the South became notorious for its moonshine —illegally brewed, high-proof spirits (essentially clear, unaged whiskey)—which were smuggled across the country.

10

Southern Drawl

Image: Joe Lavigne

The Southern accent, often referred to as the "Southern drawl," is one of the most recognizable in the United States. This unique dialect evolved from a mix of British, Irish, and African influences during the early settlement of the region.

The drawl's elongated vowels and slow cadence might even reflect the South's agricultural origins, where life moved at a more leisurely pace. The accent has evolved over centuries and is now recognized as a defining feature of Southern identity, often evoking a sense of charm and regional pride.

1

Peanuts

Image: ZENG YILI

We’ll start with what some describe as "arguably the longest story ever told by one human being." When Charles Schulz started Peanuts in 1950, he wasn’t aware that he would single-handedly produce a plethora of amazing stories until his death in 2000. The original Peanuts run, which introduced iconic characters like Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and Linus, appeared in over 2,600 newspapers and has been translated into 21 languages.

2

Marmaduke

Image: Oliver Bichard

As any Great Dane owner can tell you, these massive dogs can sometimes be a handful. However, if the comic strip Marmaduke has taught us anything, it’s that no matter how messy their lovable dog is, the Winslow family will always care for their Great Dane, the titular Marmaduke. This comic strip was created in 1954 by cartoonist Brad Anderson, who continued to make Marmaduke comics for 61 years until his death in 2015.

3

Krazy Kat

Image: Shelby Murphy Figueroa

While perhaps not as well-known as other comic strips in this article, George Herriman’s Krazy Kat (also known as Krazy and Ignatz ) is considered by many critics to be one of the most influential comic strips in history. At first glance, Krazy Kat , which ran from 1913 to 1944, appears to be a simple gag-a-day comic depicting an anthropomorphic cat and his mouse rival. However, Herriman’s impressive artwork and groundbreaking creativity have led critics to regard Krazy Kat as one of the most significant pieces of American art .

4

Garfield

Image: Jason Yuen

Garfield is a strong contender for the title of "world’s most famous cartoon cat." True, he is competing with heavy hitters like Tom from Tom and Jerry or Felix the Cat, but this Monday-hating, lasagna-loving orange cat is truly a force to be reckoned with. Created by Jim Davis in 1976, Garfield was first introduced in a comic strip named Jon after the cat’s owner. However, Garfield quickly took the spotlight, and the comic strip was renamed Garfield in 1977. From that point onward, Garfield became an international icon, earning the Guinness World Record for being the world's most widely syndicated comic strip.

5

Calvin and Hobbes

Image: cogdogblog, CC BY 2.0

Can you remember the stuffed animal you would carry everywhere as a child, going on imaginary adventures all across your backyard? Well, for many of us, Calvin and Hobbes perfectly encapsulates those beloved memories. Created by Bill Watterson in 1985, this comic strip depicts the adventures of a young boy named Calvin and his best friend Hobbes, a whimsical and friendly tiger. What’s most moving about this comic strip is that both Calvin and the readers see Hobbes not as a stuffed animal, but as the best friend a young boy could have.

6

The Far Side

Image: Luis Cortés

Up until this point, we’ve been focusing on multi-paneled comic strips, which have several panels at their disposal to tell a compelling story. However, The Far Side has the remarkable distinction of making us laugh heartily with just a single panel. Written and drawn by Gary Larson, this comic strip combines surreal humor with unexpected punchlines , often depicting social situations or the author’s unique view of the world.

7

Dilbert

Image: The Conmunity - Pop Culture Geek from Los Angeles, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0

The break rooms of offices across America are filled with newspapers, which tired employees read during their breaks before returning to work. In that sense, artist Scott Adams perfectly chose office humor as the ideal backdrop for his comic strip, Dilbert . First published in 1989, the strip tells the story of the titular Dilbert, a white-collar engineer trying to navigate the hilarious madness of working in an office.

8

The Family Circus

Image: William Fitzgibbon

At times, the chaos of living with a big family might seem not too dissimilar to the frenzy and excitement of a circus. This seems to be the premise behind the beloved comic strip The Family Circus , created by cartoonist Bil Keane and continued by his son Jeff after Bil’s death. This comic strip revolves around an unnamed family and the many adventures that their three small children and modern life bring to them.

9

Popeye

Image: Jonathan MONCK-MASON

Years before becoming the world’s most famous sailor, Popeye debuted in 1929 as a character in a comic strip called Thimble Theatre . Interestingly, he first appeared when the series was already in its tenth year, but he quickly became its most famous character, eventually overshadowing the original cast and becoming the protagonist. In due time, the strip was renamed Thimble Theatre Starring Popeye before being simply shortened to Popeye in the 1930s.

10

Little Nemo in Slumberland

Image: Hayffield L

We’ll end with the oldest comic strip in this article, which many believe to be the father of all American comic strips. In 1905, American cartoonist Winsor McCay first published Little Nemo in Slumberland . The comic revolved around the titular Nemo, a young boy who often found himself embarking on wonderful adventures in the dream world. McCay’s remarkable artistry and surreal imagery influenced generations of cartoonists and visual artists throughout history.