1

Edward Furlong

Image: Logan Voss

Moving on from childhood is a natural transition for most people, except for child actors, who often experience it as a kind of identity loss, since they are publicly connected to their younger selves.

Edward Furlong is forever known as John Connor , the kid from Terminator 2: Judgment Day . Though he has appeared in some movies in minor roles, he never truly moved beyond his most famous role.

2

Macaulay Culkin

Image: Liubomyr Vovchak

One of the most famous child actors of all time, Macaulay Culkin, became a phenomenon with Home Alone , released more than 30 years ago. The film made him a household name.

Since then, Culkin has appeared in a few minor roles, but nothing approaching the impact of the movie that made him famous.

3

Carrie-Anne Moss

Image: Markus Spiske

Released in 1999, The Matrix quickly became a cultural phenomenon, and Carrie-Anne Moss shot to fame as Trinity .

She later appeared in the sequels and in a few Marvel projects, but Trinity remains her most iconic and defining role.

4

Tobey Maguire

Image: Stem List

Tobey Maguire became a Hollywood star thanks to his role as Peter Parker in Spider-Man (2002) , with his upside-down kiss scene becoming iconic.

He returned for Spider-Man 2 and Spider-Man 3 before the franchise was rebooted with a new actor. But he reprised the role in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), earning widespread acclaim from fans. So far, it remains the biggest role of his career.

5

Helen Hunt

Image: Ralf Sauter

Helen Hunt won four Emmys and three Golden Globes for Mad About You , and later earned an Oscar for As Good as It Gets .

Despite these honors, her later roles didn’t match the staying power of those roles. The Sessions (2012) marked one of the last peaks of her career in terms of critical acclaim, even though she has continued to take on other roles since then.

6

Demi Moore

Image: Taylor Heery

Demi Moore has often made headlines for her personal life, and while her acting career has included other notable roles ( G.I. Jane , A Few Good Men ), there is one that has truly stood the test of time.

Ghost (1990) , in which she starred alongside Patrick Swayze , remains her most successful and iconic role to this day.

7

Elijah Wood

Image: Ergo Zakki

Elijah Wood has taken on a variety of roles in films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Green Street Hooligans , as well as series like Wilfred and Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency .

But despite his diverse work, most people still remember him best as Frodo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings trilogy .

8

Anthony Perkins

Image: Maxime Roedel

Perhaps one of the earliest examples of an actor best known for a single role, Anthony Perkins is remembered above all for his portrayal of the murderous motel owner Norman Bates in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 thriller Psycho .

He reprised the role in three sequels, none of which matched the success of the original film.

9

Christopher Reeve

Image: MeSSrro

Christopher Reeve became forever linked with Superman , a role that brought him both fame and typecasting. He chose roles carefully, hoping to protect the image of the character he had defined.

In his 1998 memoir Still Me , Reeve reflected on life before and after his 1995 accident, noting that Superman had both opened and limited doors in his acting career.

10

Hugh Jackman

Image: Jack O'Rourke

A man of many talents, Hugh Jackman is an actor, singer, and producer. But he is forever linked to the character that brought him international fame: Wolverine , from the X-Men film franchise .

Although he’s acclaimed for roles in The Greatest Showman and Les Misérables and has appeared in numerous films and stage shows, winning many awards, he is still best known to this day for his role as the mutant superhero.

11

Daniel Radcliffe

Image: Artem Maltsev

Another famous child actor, Daniel Radcliffe, rose to fame at age twelve for portraying the title character in the Harry Potter film series . He starred in all eight films, from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 .

He has since appeared in a variety of roles, but none has matched the impact of his most famous one.

12

Mark Hamill

Image: Venti Views

The last entry on this list is one of the most iconic examples of an actor identified with a single role. Mark Hamill is best known for starring as Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars franchise .

And although he has also built a strong career as a voice actor (notably as the Joker), the movies were such a cultural phenomenon that his persona became forever linked to this character.

1

Library of Congress

Image: Vincent Yuan @USA

Of course—the beating heart of American knowledge! As the largest library in the country and the world , it holds millions of books, rare manuscripts, and historical treasures.

Its grandeur isn’t just in its collection. Take the Thomas Jefferson Building: with its elaborate ceilings, marble columns, and frescoes, stepping inside feels like walking into a cathedral. Ever wanted to see an original Gutenberg Bible? This is the place.

2

New York Public Library

Image: Ran Ding

Patience and Fortitude stand guard—those are the two iconic stone lions flanking the entrance. The New York Public Library’s main branch is a true city landmark.

Step inside the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, with its grand marble-lined halls and sweeping staircases. Don’t miss the Rose Main Reading Room —an awe-inspiring space adorned with murals, chandeliers, and rows of inviting wooden tables.

3

Boston Public Library

Image: Wendy Wei

A library so impressive it feels like it should charge an admission fee—but lucky for us, it doesn’t! Established in 1848, it was the first large free municipal library in the United States.

It’s home to Bates Hall, a stunning reading room with soaring barrel-vaulted ceilings and warm oak tables—a dream setting for book lovers.

4

Seattle Central Library

Image: Sylvia Yang

A sharp contrast to the historic beauties on this list, but no less worthy of inclusion. The Seattle Central Library is a futuristic masterpiece.

Designed by renowned architect Rem Koolhaas, its bold glass-and-steel exterior is impossible to miss. Inside, multi-level platforms create a space that feels more like a sci-fi movie set than a traditional library.

5

Geisel Library at the University of California, San Diego

Image: Jeremy Huang

Named after none other than Dr. Seuss himself (real name: Theodor Geisel) and his wife, Audrey, this library looks like something straight out of a sci-fi novel.

Its unique Brutalist-meets-futuristic design makes it one of UCSD’s most recognizable landmarks. It houses an extensive collection—but let’s be honest, the main draw is the building itself. It’s an architectural oddity that feels both retro and futuristic at the same time.

6

George Peabody Library

Image: Elijah Hail

Some libraries feel grand, but this one feels magical . Tucked away in Baltimore, the George Peabody Library is known for its soaring atrium, lined with six stories of cast-iron balconies adorned with gilded accents.

The library’s collection specializes in 19th-century literature—but honestly, most visitors come just to soak in its beauty. It’s a book lover’s dream come to life.

7

Iowa State Law Library

Image: Muhammed A. Mustapha

Hidden inside the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines, this library is a Victorian-era gem —think spiral staircases, intricate ironwork, and rows of leather-bound books stretching to the ceiling.

It may be lesser-known than others on this list, but it perfectly illustrates how libraries can be both functional and visually captivating. This setting alone makes you not mind so much having to do legal research.

8

Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library

Image: Tim Bish

This is no ordinary library—as you can plainly see. It’s an architectural marvel . Located at Yale University, the Beinecke Library is famous for its translucent marble panels, which bathe the interior in a soft, golden glow.

9

Morgan Library & Museum

Image: mana5280

Walking into the Morgan Library feels like stepping into a European palace—pure Gilded Age opulence with ceiling frescoes, carved wood, and velvet drapes.

Originally J.P. Morgan’s personal book collection , it is now a New York City landmark and museum showcasing rare manuscripts, original works by Dickens and Austen, and even handwritten music by Mozart!

10

William W. Cook Legal Library

Image: Mathew Schwartz

Some law libraries are dull and purely functional. This is not one of them. Located at the University of Michigan, the Cook Legal Library is a Gothic gem with towering stained-glass windows, massive oak tables, and cathedral-like reading halls.

The architecture alone makes studying law feel a bit more poetic, but it’s also one of the finest academic law libraries in the country.

11

Suzzallo and Allen Libraries

Image: Cameron Stewart

This one looks like a place to learn witchcraft and sorcery, doesn’t it? Part of the University of Washington in Seattle, the Suzzallo and Allen Libraries feature a Reading Room that is a Gothic architectural masterpiece, with soaring ceilings and stained-glass windows .

1

Sunapee Lake, New Hampshire

Image: Jackson Hendry

This serene glacial lake in southwestern New Hampshire is nestled within Mount Sunapee State Park. Its visitors will find a spacious beach for swimming, a boat launch, and hiking trails within the park area.

Beyond the summer season, the lake is particularly beautiful during fall, when the surrounding trees display a vibrant array of colors.

2

Ross Lake, Washington State

Image: Paul Pastourmatzis

The remote Ross Lake, located in the North Cascades region of Whatcom County, Washington, is a hidden gem off the beaten path. This stunning lake winds its way through the landscape at 1,600 feet above sea level, framed on all sides by towering mountains.

Campsites accessible by boat or hiking are available, and backcountry camping is allowed with a permit. Visitors to Ross Lake come for trout fishing , canoeing , kayaking , and hiking .

3

Lure Lake, North Carolina

Image: Blake Wheeler

The gorgeous Lake Lure stretches along the base of Hickory Nut Gorge in the mountains of western North Carolina. If its shores look familiar, it’s because Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey filmed scenes here for the classic movie Dirty Dancing . The lake offers beaches and hiking trails for visitors to explore.

4

Ouachita Lake, Arkansas

Image: Aaron Burden

Nestled in the hills of the Ozarks, Lake Ouachita is home to a unique creature swimming beneath its surface—freshwater jellyfish. Unlike their saltwater relatives, these invertebrates are harmless and rarely found elsewhere. The lake also boasts over 200 uninhabited islands for visitors to explore.

5

Hamilton Pool Preserve, Texas

Image: Matthew Daniels

Located near Austin, the Hamilton Pool Preserve is a favorite summertime retreat for locals when the heat becomes overwhelming. This stunning natural pool was formed when the roof of an underground river collapsed after thousands of years of erosion.

Water from Hamilton Creek spills over the edge of the collapsed dome, creating a 15-meter waterfall that flows into the grotto below. The preserve also features hiking trails and picnic facilities for visitors to enjoy.

6

Almanor Lake, California

Image: Simon Berger

While most travelers visit the Northern Sierras for trekking, the region also boasts excellent swimming spots with magnificent backdrops —Lake Almanor being no exception.

This man-made lake sits within Plumas National Forest, adjacent to Lassen Volcanic National Park, offering visitors breathtaking views of the park’s namesake volcano.

7

Mono Lake, California

Image: Leo_Visions

Another California lake, Mono is not only the oldest in the entire US but also one of the oldest in the Western Hemisphere. Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains, it features towering limestone columns that rise dramatically from the lake bed. Mono Lake also serves as a vital habitat for migratory birds, which feed on the brine shrimp that thrive in its salty waters.

8

Bear Lake, Utah

Image: Daniel Bowman

When it comes to lakes in Utah, there’s more to explore than just the Great Salt Lake or Lake Powell. Bear Lake, a crystalline body of water straddling the Idaho–Utah border, is often called the " Caribbean of the Rockies " due to its striking bright blue hue, caused by suspended limestone in the water.

9

Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado

Image: Rocco Caruso

Next to the aforementioned Utah, Colorado is also home to a stunning yet relatively uncrowded lake—the Blue Mesa Reservoir. This picturesque body of water , surrounded by golden hills and rocky outcroppings, lies at the end of an hour-long hike down the Gunnison River Gorge.

10

Cave Run Lake, Kentucky

Image: Craig McLachlan

Cave Run Lake is located among the trees of Daniel Boone National Forest. The blue-toned water attracts fishermen, boaters, and swimmers alike to enjoy an escape from the heat, while its shores feature beaches and activity areas perfect for families.

11

Mooselookmeguntic Lake, Maine

Image: Les Anderson

This stunning Maine lake, part of the Rangeley Lakes region, is a renowned fishing hotspot . The distinctive shape of the lake can be appreciated from the Height of Land lookout, making it a must-visit for those seeking tranquility and outdoor adventure.

12

Hanging Lake, Colorado

Image: Irene Dávila

Reaching Hanging Lake requires a 1.2-mile hike, but the breathtaking views make the effort worthwhile. This stunning lake was formed by a geological fault , which caused it to separate from the valley above , leaving it suspended atop the cliffs of Glenwood Canyon.