1

Harry Calahan - "Dirty Harry"

Image: Nejc Soklič

We’ll begin with one of the hardest cops on this list (and that’s saying a lot). Clint Eastwood’s career is filled with awards and recognition for his remarkable acting and filmmaking skills. Still, we can all agree that he will always be remembered for his no-nonsense, tough-as-nails portrayal of Inspector "Dirty" Harry Callahan.

Although Eastwood has played Callahan in five different films, his first appearance in the 1971 film "Dirty Harry" is perhaps the most memorable. After all, we can all remember that calm yet intimidating demeanor and iconic catchphrase, "Do you feel lucky, punk?"

2

John McClane - "Die Hard"

Image: Matt The Artist

We are not going to get into the timeless debate of whether "Die Hard" is a Christmas film, mostly because, whether this film gets you in the holiday spirit or not, no one can deny that Detective John McClane is a grade-A, certified tough cop.

Perhaps Bruce Willis’ most memorable performance, McClane has found himself in his fair share of dangerous situations throughout five films. However, perhaps the first "Die Hard" movie showcases this detective’s incredible antics : Trapped inside the unbreachable Nakatomi Tower, McClane makes it his job to deal with a small army of robbers by himself.

3

Lennie Briscoe - "Law and Order"

Image: Tingey Injury Law Firm

With over a thousand episodes and more than ten different series, it’s fairly easy to forget a character or two from the iconic "Law and Order" franchise. However, no true fan of this fantastic series will ever be able to forget Detective Lennie Briscoe, wonderfully portrayed by Jerry Orbach.

Starting in season 3, Briscoe was a seasoned and relatable detective focused on solving crimes in New York City. While Orbach sadly passed away in 2004, his legacy will forever live on whenever Detective Lennie Briscoe solves a case.

4

Frank Columbo - "Columbo"

Image: Volodymyr Hryshchenko

Actor Peter Falk’s devotion to Lieutenant Frank Columbo drove him to portray this legendary detective for over 40 years. Few TV characters are as instantly recognizable as Columbo, whether through his beige raincoat, cigar, and iconic catchphrase, "Just one more thing".

Frank Columbo truly cemented himself as one of the quintessential TV cops , allowing countless other characters to be born. Should you ever find yourself in the Hungarian city of Budapest, look for a bronze statue of Columbo, alongside his faithful basset hound simply named "Dog".

5

Jim Malone - The Untouchables

Image: Jennie Clavel

Sean Connery’s portrayal of Irish-American veteran cop Jim Malone earned him a well-deserved Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor . And, to be perfectly honest, Brian De Palma’s 1987 film "The Untouchables" would not be the same without Malone’s dry humor and detective skills.

Set in 1930s Chicago, "The Untouchables" describes the crusade embarked on by Prohibition agent Elliot Ness against legendary mobster Al Capone. The first addition to Ness’ team of "Untouchables", Malone contributes his expertise and strong moral compass to take down this crime kingpin.

6

Frank Bullit - "Bullitt"

Image: Jan-Philipp Thiele

There’s a reason why legendary actor Steve McQueen was known as "The King of Cool" : His charisma and unflinching determination truly earned him a place in film history. In that sense, his portrayal of San Francisco police detective Frank Bullitt helped build his legacy as one of Hollywood’s coolest actors.

In "Bullit", McQueen’s character pursues a group of mobsters guilty of killing a witness he was assigned to protect. And when we say "pursue", we say it in the most literal of meanings: This movie features one of the best chase scenes ever recorded, with Bullitt relentlessly driving his now-iconic green Ford Mustang.

7

Martin Riggs and Murtaugh - Lethal Weapon

Image: Will Porada

We know we might be cheating by including two characters in one entry, but we simply couldn’t separate this iconic crime-fighting duo . Mel Gibson and Danny Glover played this odd couple of detectives in four different films (with a fifth one in development), forever cementing themselves as the essential "buddy cop" two-man army.

Perhaps what’s more appealing about these characters is how opposite they seem to be : Riggs (portrayed by Gibson) is a young, reckless loose cannon, while Murtaugh is an older, more experienced detective. However different their methods might be, detectives Murtaugh and Riggs are truly a force to be reckoned with.

8

Sam Spade - "The Maltese Falcon"

Image: Michelle Ding

It’s no secret that Humphrey Boggart is considered royalty by the acting world. Among his many acting credits, private detective Sam Spade is credited with breathing new life into the detective genre. To this day, Boggart’s portrayal of Spade in "The Maltese Falcon" is considered the biggest influence on the archetypical private detective character.

Based on Dashiell Hammett’s novel of the same name, "The Maltese Falcon" features Spade’s misadventures with three untrustworthy adventurers seeking a valuable falcon statue . This detective’s dry wit and moral ambiguity are part of what makes Boggart’s performance so unforgettable.

9

Thomas Magnum - "Magnum, P.I."

Image: Philippe Bout

Up until now, we have focused on gritty detectives, characters with a slightly dark side and tormented by some aspects of their busy lives. So, why don’t we take a breather and focus on a lighter detective, a charming and witty investigator driving a red Ferrari around the sunny streets of Hawaii? Meet Thomas Magnum (full name Thomas Sullivan Magnum IV), Tom Selleck’s iconic character from "Magnum P.I."

Many consider "Magnum P.I." to be the ultimate 80s show and, while that title might go to the final entry of this article, there’s no denying that this adventurous detective has become an essential pop culture icon.

10

Sonny Crocket & Rico Tubbs - "Miami Vice"

Image: Ussama Azam

Speaking of the 80s, how could we reference this wonderful decade without talking about the most stylish detective duo in history? "Miami Vice" introduced the world to the crime-fighting adventures of James "Sonny" Crockett and Ricardo "Rico" Tubbs, two undercover detectives hellbent on battling Miami’s seedy underbelly.

Legend has it that, during a brainstorming session, a producer simply wrote "MTV Cops" on a memo, without knowing that this piece of paper would be the jumping point of one of the most iconic shows in history. Don Johnson’s portrayal of Detective Crockett is particularly remembered for its impact on 80s culture.

1

Competitive eating

Image: Gigi

Nathan’s Famous claims to have hosted its first Fourth of July hot dog-eating contest in 1916 at Coney Island. According to legend, four immigrants took part to prove who was the most patriotic . The winner, an Irishman, downed 13 hot dogs to claim the title.

Though this origin story was likely an invention for publicity, this quirky event has grown into the beginnings of what would become a long-standing American tradition.

2

Turkey pardoning

Image: Tyler Donaghy

The tradition of pardoning a turkey dates back to 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln reportedly spared a bird after his son Tad begged for its life . Originally meant for Christmas dinner, the turkey was saved thanks to Tad’s compassion.

While a few later presidents, including Harry Truman and John F. Kennedy, also chose to spare turkeys, it wasn’t until 1989 that President George H.W. Bush made the turkey pardon an official White House tradition.

3

Groundhog Day

Image: Camerauthor Photos

Groundhog Day centers around a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil , who is said to predict the weather each February 2nd . If Phil sees his shadow, it signals six more weeks of winter; if not, spring is supposedly on its way.

The tradition began when newspaper editor Clymer Freas pitched the idea to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club in the late 1800s. Despite its popularity, Phil’s weather predictions have only been accurate about 39% of the time, according to the National Climatic Data Center.

4

Pickle-shaped ornaments on Christmas trees

Image: Drew Geraets

The Christmas pickle tradition is believed to have started as a clever marketing move by Woolworths. After receiving a large stock of pickle-shaped ornaments , the store invented a festive game to help sell them.

They encouraged families to hide the pickle in their Christmas tree, with a small prize going to whoever found it first. What began as a sales tactic eventually became a quirky holiday tradition in many American homes.

5

Alaska's Nenana Ice Classic

Image: Ariane Frei

The tradition began in 1917, when a group of railroad engineers placed bets on when the ice on Alaska’s Nenana River would break . They wagered a total of $800, trying to predict the exact date, hour, and minute of the thaw.

What started as a friendly bet turned into an annual event known as the Nenana Ice Classic. Today, it’s a major Alaskan tradition that draws thousands of participants each year—and offers a jackpot that can exceed $300,000.

6

Cherry pit spitting

Image: Quaritsch Photography

During cherry season, cherry pit spitting contests pop up across the U.S., inviting participants to launch pits as far as they can —or even try to hit specific targets. These contests are famously held at events like the International Cherry Pit Spitting Championship in Eau Claire, Michigan, which began in 1974.

It’s a lighthearted test of skill that draws crowds in search of classic summer fun.

7

Tailgate parties

Image: Zachary Keimig

For many American sports fans—especially at football games—just attending isn’t enough. Hours before kickoff, parking lots fill with fans decked out in team colors , grilling food , and enjoying drinks as part of the pregame ritual known as tailgating.

Some tailgaters go all out, bringing TVs, sound systems, and even satellite dishes to create the ultimate game-day setup.

8

Black Friday shopping spree

Image: Erik Mclean

Just hours after Thanksgiving feasts wrap up, millions of Americans shift into shopping mode for Black Friday. This massive retail event kicks off a weekend spree that also includes Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday—newer traditions that have quickly gained traction.

9

Holiday family cards

Image: Community Archives of Belleville and Hastings County

One beloved holiday tradition in the U.S. is sending and receiving festive family photo cards . These often feature coordinated outfits and include a short update on the family’s highlights from the past year—even from people you may barely remember.

10

Ostrich racing

Image: Dominic Yegon

Ostriches were introduced to the U.S. in the 1880s, and it didn’t take long for people to start racing them. These unusual competitions sprang up in several states and quickly gained attention for their novelty.

Today, the most well-known event is the Chandler Ostrich Festival in Arizona , which has been running for decades. As of 2024, it marked its 36th year, continuing the quirky tradition with a modern twist.

11

Roadkill cook-off

Image: Christoph Wick

With abundant wildlife and countless vehicles on American roads, animal collisions are an unfortunate reality. But in Marlinton, West Virginia, locals have found a unique way to turn that misfortune into a celebration.

Every September, the town hosts the Roadkill Cook-off, where adventurous eaters can sample dishes like squirrel gravy on biscuits, teriyaki bear, or deer sausage —all made from animals legally collected after road accidents.

12

Pumpkin chucking

Image: Marius Ciocirlan

In America, pumpkins aren’t just for pies and lattes—they’re also launched through the air in a tradition known as pumpkin chucking.

The largest and original event, Punkin Chunkin, originated in Delaware, where teams use contraptions like trebuchets, catapults, and air cannons to hurl pumpkins as far as possible .

1

Grizzly Bear

Image: Joshua J. Cotten

Grizzly bears ( Ursus arctos horribilis ) are one of the most famous North American mammals, but do you know why they are called that? The grizzly bear is a subspecies of the brown bear. However, although grizzlies are mostly brown, their fur can appear white-tipped or grizzled , which explains their name.

The grizzly bear once lived throughout much of the North American West. Unfortunately, the arrival of Europeans gradually drove it from its original habitat, considerably reducing its population. In 1975, they were listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, and much has been done since then to protect the species. Today, grizzlies can still be found in parts of Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and the Alaskan wilderness. They are also one of the most iconic residents of Yellowstone National Park.

2

Gray Wolf

Image: Yannick Menard

We all know that wolves are legendary for their eerie howl, but there are many other interesting facts about this peculiar animal. Gray wolves ( Canis lupus ) are the largest members of the dog family and are native to North America and Eurasia. The size of an adult gray wolf is similar to that of an average dog and it can weigh up to 145 pounds. However, their tracks would outshine those of any dog, as they measure about 5 inches long by 4 inches wide.

Wolves live and hunt in packs of 6 to 10 animals. They are known to travel great distances, even covering 30 miles in a single day. In the United States, gray wolves were hunted to near extinction, although some populations survived and others have since been reintroduced. Today gray wolves can be found in areas such as the Great Lakes states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, the northern Rocky Mountains region, and the northwest.

3

North American River Otter

Image: lovelooking

The North American River Otter ( Lontra canadensis ) is a species of semi-aquatic, carnivorous mammal endemic to the North American continent that can be found along the coasts and rivers of the United States and Canada. Because they are very susceptible to environmental pollution, their population has been reduced considerably in recent years.

It is a mostly nocturnal animal, often seen at dusk or dawn. During the day it takes refuge in burrows with an underwater entrance that leads to a nest chamber lined with plant material and hair. North American River Otters are robust (11 to 31 pounds) and feed on fish and other aquatic prey, such as turtles, frogs, and crabs.

4

Red Fox

Image: Jeremy Hynes

The red fox ( Vulpes vulpes ) is a species of mammal in the canid family. It is the most abundant fox species in the northern hemisphere and can be found in many national parks across the country. As its name suggests, its fur is reddish in color. The tips of the ears and the ends of the legs, however, are black. They have a bushy tail whose tip is usually white, as is their belly.

Although classified as a carnivore, the red fox is actually an omnivore and, above all, a great opportunist. They are astute, have excellent eyesight, and have a keen sense of smell and hearing. They can hunt prey of a wide variety of sizes, from insects and worms to small mammals, birds, and fish. They also feed on certain vegetables, berries, and fruits.

5

Mountain Lion

Image: Robert Sachowski

The cougar ( Puma concolor ), also known as the mountain lion, is a mammal native to the Americas. These large, tan cats are found from the Yukon in Canada to the southern Andes Mountains and Patagonia in South America. In the United States, mountain lions can be found mainly in the western part of the country. However, because of their solitary nature and constant threats from humans, it is difficult to estimate exact population numbers.

Mountain lions are slender and agile felines that can adapt to different conditions and environments. They are strict carnivores and have extraordinary vision and acute hearing, which allows them to capture almost any animal, from insects to squirrels, beavers, elk, and deer.

6

North American Beaver

Image: kidmoses

Beavers are known to be one of the only animals that can affect the ecosystem around them, building watertight dams that help preserve water in streams and rivers. The North American beaver ( Castor canadensis ) is the largest rodent in North America and one of the largest in the world —it can weigh between 24 and 71 pounds! The species is widely distributed throughout the continent, from northern Canada to northern Mexico.

The North American beaver's coat can range from dark brown to reddish brown, and its most distinctive feature, a flattened paddle-shaped tail, allows it to swim. It is perfectly adapted to semi-aquatic life; its ears and nose have valves that close when submerged, and it can close its lips behind its prominent incisors to cut wood underwater.

7

Hawaiian Monk Seal

Image: Sebastian Coman Travel

The Hawaiian Monk Seal ( Neomonachus schauinslandi ) is a species native to the Hawaiian Islands. With its friendly face and long whiskers, it is perhaps one of the most endearing mammals that can be found in our country. Unfortunately, this seal species is endangered because of the large amount of chemical waste produced by the fishing industry on the reefs and beaches of the northern Pacific Ocean.

The Hawaiian Monk Seal is usually solitary but is always seen accompanied by other specimens. It is known to be piscivorous, that is, it feeds mainly on fish and other marine creatures, such as crustaceans and some species of mollusks. Since it is a predator by nature, when hunting it makes the most of its length (approximately 7 feet) and its large body (between 300 to 600 lb) to catch its prey.

8

American Red Squirrel

Image: Rusty Watson

The American red squirrel ( Tamiasciurus hudsonicus ) lives in the United States and much of Canada. It is a rodent mammal easily recognized for its deep reddish fur, long bushy tail, and prominent lower teeth. It can be differentiated from other North American squirrel species because of its smaller size, 11 to 14 inches.

American red squirrels normally live in the shady areas of coniferous forests and are primarily granivores. They feed on seeds, pine cones, nuts, fruit, and occasionally insects, eggs, and birds. It is mainly active in trees but also swims freely, using its tail as a rudder to change its direction.

9

Elk

Image: Judy Beth Morris

Elk ( Cervus canadensis ), also known as wapiti in several Native American cultures, is a species of deer that lives in North America, Central and East Asia. Today, most elk in our country are found primarily in the West, especially in mountainous regions such as Wyoming's National Elk Refuge and Yellowstone National Park. Some eastern states have also reintroduced small herds into natural forest areas.

The most prominent feature of elks is their massive antlers. Each March they shed their antlers, which begin to grow back in May to be ready for the breeding season in late summer. During this time the bellowing of the males echoes through the mountains, announcing the violent battles that serve to decide who mates with whom. The males with the largest antlers, usually the oldest, often win these duels and get to dominate the herd.

10

American Bison

Image: Stephen Leonardi

The American bison is a true symbol of American identity. Not only is it the largest mammal in North America, it is also the national mammal of the United States. In addition, it's one of the greatest conservation success stories of all time.

In prehistoric times, there were millions of specimens of American bison ( Bison bison ) roaming our territory. But by the late 19th century, there were only a few hundred left. Fortunately, thanks to the efforts of several organizations and individuals, the species was reintroduced and today it can be found in a few national parks and reserves as well as in the wild.