1

Bruce Willis

Image: Stefano Pollio

When The Sixth Sense hit theaters in 1999, it spooked audiences—and simultaneously lined Bruce Willis’s pockets. He took home $14 million upfront, but thanks to a clever back-end deal, his total haul soared to a staggering $100 million. In this one, he saw green people!

2

Tom Cruise

Image: Ryuno

For Mission: Impossible 2 , Tom Cruise saved the world—and walked away with $100 million. Thanks to his producer credit and box office cut, this 2000 sequel became one of the most lucrative gigs in Hollywood history. Cruise really ran away with it.

3

Robert Downey Jr.

Image: Jason Leung

In 2018, Avengers : Infinity War pulled in billions, and so did Robert Downey Jr. Well, almost. With bonuses and back-end deals, his total payday for playing Tony Stark topped $75 million. That’s a superhero salary fit for a billionaire genius playboy, don’t you think?

4

Sandra Bullock

Image: NASA

Sandra Bullock scored big with Gravity in 2013. She earned $20 million upfront, but back-end profits pushed her total haul to over $70 million. Not bad for floating around in space—with a healthy dose of acting brilliance, of course.

5

Tom Hanks

Image: Yosuke Ota

Tom Hanks brought everyone to tears in Forrest Gump , and his deal gave him a slice of the movie’s massive success. Thanks to profit sharing, he earned around $70 million for his iconic role. Life is indeed like a box of chocolates—sometimes there’s a gold bar inside.

6

Harrison Ford

Image: Intricate Explorer

Speaking of gold, in 2008, Harrison Ford returned as Indiana Jones and struck box-office gold. Thanks to a cut of the profits, he took home $65 million for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull . Not bad for dusting off the old fedora, right?

7

Jack Nicholson

Image: Ryunosuke Kikuno

Jack Nicholson pulled more than one trick in Batman (1989). To play the Joker, he accepted a lower salary of $6 million in exchange for a percentage of merchandise and box office profits. Guess how that ended? A massive $60 million payday. The joke was on everyone else!

8

Leonardo DiCaprio

Image: Christophe Hautier

You may think we’re talking about Titanic , but Leo’s layered performance in Inception was the one that earned him a fat check. He skipped a massive upfront fee and gambled on box office bonuses, ultimately walking away with $59 million. Looks like the dream really did pay off.

9

Johnny Depp

Image: Christopher Zenzel

In Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011), Johnny Depp took home $35 million just to show up. With bonuses, his total payout reached approximately $55 million. Captain Jack Sparrow really did find his fortune.

10

Margot Robbie

Image: Elena Mishlanova

Margot Robbie played Barbie, and for that, she banked like a superstar. Her starring and producing role in Barbie (2023) earned her $12.5 million upfront, but back-end profits boosted her total haul to $50 million. Never underestimate the power of pink strength!

1

Apple pie

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

We’ll start with an undisputed American icon: After all, doesn’t the saying go, "as American as apple pie" ? This iconic treat has been at the heart of countless American traditions, perhaps most notably during Independence Day celebrations. Fireworks and a slice of apple pie are all we need for a 4th of July to remember.

While apple pies originated in 14th-century England, it wasn’t until they arrived in America that they became a global icon. Over the centuries, several recipes and toppings have emerged, such as whipped cream, ice cream, custard, or even cheddar cheese.

2

Key lime pie

Image: American Heritage Chocolate

Who says pies can’t be sour? The Key Lime Pie is the perfect example of a " When life gives you lemons " mentality: it takes the lime, a fruit that no one would want to eat raw, and transforms it into a luscious and delicious treat.

The Key Lime Pie is Florida’s official state pie, as it was invented in the "Sunshine State" during the 1940s. Not only that, but the traditional way to make this pie uses Key limes, which get their name from the Florida Keys where they are grown.

3

Blueberry pie

Image: Diliara Garifullina

Just like pumpkin pies, blueberry pies were first created by American settlers , who used the abundant varieties of blueberries found in the country to make these delicious treats. Over time, their popularity spread to Europe, where people used their own types of blueberries to try to replicate the American versions.

This sweet treat has become synonymous with the state of Maine, where blueberry pie made with wild Maine blueberries was designated as the official state dessert. However, blueberry pie is still happily enjoyed across the entire nation.

4

Pumpkin pie

Image: Alexander Grey

Just like apple pie is the go-to dessert for the 4th of July, pumpkin pie is instantly associated with Thanksgiving . After all, the origins of this delicious treat can be traced back to the very first American colonists, though it was served in a very different manner. Historians believe that these early versions of pumpkin pie were more akin to a type of pumpkin soup, served inside a hollowed-out pumpkin.

Nowadays, the pumpkin pie we know and love is made with eggs, milk, evaporated sugar, and several spices like nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon, often topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream.

5

Boston Cream pie

Image: Marko Klaric

According to some historians, Armenian-French chef Mossburg Sanzian created a particularly delicious cream-filled cake one afternoon in 1856 at the Parker House Hotel in Boston. Unbeknownst to Sanzian, his creation would eventually become the iconic Boston cream pie , declared Massachusetts’ official state dessert in 1996.

Since that day in 1856, this iconic dessert has gone by many names, such as "chocolate cream pie" and "Parker House chocolate cream pie." You might be confused by our use of the word "cake," but that was no mistake: The Boston cream pie is technically a cake. Its confusing name comes from the fact that, in the 19th century, both cakes and pies were baked in the same pan, which led these two words to become synonyms.

6

Peanut Pie

Image: ROMAN ODINTSOV

American President James "Jimmy" Carter is still well-known for his love of peanuts, so it stands to reason that his beloved wife, Rosalynn, was known for her delicious peanut pie . After all, this pie is a staple of Southern cuisine and is especially beloved in Carter’s home state of Georgia.

Peanut pie is similar to pecan pie in that they are prepared with similar ingredients, such as corn syrup, eggs, and sugar. However, peanut pie is highly versatile and may include other ingredients, such as molasses, cayenne pepper, bourbon, or cream cheese.

7

Marionberry Pie

Image: Larissa Farber

The marionberry pie is a delicious treat, particularly popular in the Pacific Northwest. After all, this type of blackberry is named after Marion County in Oregon , where it was bred and tested during the 20th century.

As you would expect, the marionberry pie is Oregon’s official state pie, and it truly shows. If you ever happen to visit "The Beaver State" during berry season, you’ll probably be welcomed with a warm smile and a slice of delicious marionberry pie.

8

Peach cobbler

Image: khezez | خزاز

Cobbler is definitely the entry with the most baffling name on this list. After all, what does a shoemaker have to do with this delicious dessert? In any case, don’t let this unusual name discourage you; cobblers are a simple yet amazing sweet treat.

While we would love to include as many types of cobblers as we could find, for brevity's sake, we’ll instead focus on one of the most popular cobblers in America: Peach cobbler combines the sweetness and texture of peaches with a crumbly, sweet topping. In 2013, Texas declared the peach cobbler its official state cobbler.

9

Pecan pie

Image: nikohoshi

Standing on the other side of peanut pie, we have pecan pie, another Southern delicacy . Just like peanut pie, pecan pie might seem simple at first glance, but there are several variants and styles associated with this sweet treat. Different recipes include molasses, honey, or cane syrup.

In the American South, pecan pie is closely associated with the holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. Due to its status as a cultural icon, Texas declared pecan pie its official state pie.

10

Cherry pie

Image: Nik

While most of us associate the 4th of July with apple pie, it should also be noted that many Americans picture a delicious slice of cherry pie when reminiscing about our Independence Day. Like many other pies on this list, cherry pie can be enjoyed with whipped cream or ice cream.

Cherry pie is also deeply ingrained in American folk songs , such as "Billy Boy," where the titular character is asked whether his bride-to-be can cook a cherry pie. Additionally, cherry pie is linked to George Washington’s birthday, thanks to the popular legend of a young Washington chopping down his father’s cherry tree.

1

Multnomah Falls (Bridal Veil, Oregon)

Image: Karsten Winegeart

Multnomah Falls is, without a doubt, the mother of all the 77 waterfalls that can be found in the gorge of the Columbia River in the state of Oregon. Located 30 miles east of Portland, it is one of the three largest waterfalls in the United States . Multnomah Falls has a staggering drop of 620 feet divided into two sections and is a natural wonderland of breathtaking beauty.

A stone bridge suspended between two cliffs offers the best views. The Benson Bridge, built in 1914, allows you to cross the lower falls and continue along a paved trail to the viewing platform at the top. From this privileged observation point, you’ll be able to appreciate the geology exposed by centuries of flooding. Multnomah Falls is the perfect place for hikers , especially during the autumn months. Its rich natural, cultural, and geological history is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.

2

Bridalveil Fall (Yosemite, California)

Image: PeterBowers

Bridalveil Falls is a 617-foot cascade and is one of the most iconic sights in the Yosemite National Park . This famous waterfall drops to the base in spring and early summer with enough water to spray its visitors with a gentle mist. In winter, Bridalveil Falls offers a soft yellow glow.

The Ahwahneechee tribe believed that Bridalveil Falls was home to a vengeful spirit named Pohono who protected the entrance to the valley and that those leaving should not look directly at the waterfall lest they suffer the curse. They also thought inhaling the mist from the waterfall would help them find someone to marry , hence the name it is known today.

3

Nugget Falls (Juneau, Alaska)

Image: Timon Cornelissen

Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and crystal-clear lakes, Nugget Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the United States. Although it’s a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts , the scenery alone provides ample reasons for anyone to visit and explore.

Located at the tail end of Alaska's Mendenhall Glacier, these 377-foot falls are formed from a glacial stream making their way to Mendenhall Lake in the course of a two-tiered plunge. They can be accessed by a gravel road, but they are often visited as part of an excursion to Juneau Shore or Mendenhall Lake. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for some tranquil moment in nature, Nugget Falls is sure to provide a memorable experience .

4

Wailua Falls (Līhuʻe, Hawái)

Image: Zane Persaud

You may recognize these waterfalls from their appearance in the opening credits of the hit TV show "Fantasy Island". Or you may have seen them in promotional materials for Kauai, as Wailua Falls are considered the most amazing waterfalls on this scenic Hawaiian island . It is located 5 miles north of downtown Līhuʻe and although there is no walking trail, it can be easily seen from the road.

The double-flow cascade spans an 80-foot drop, thundering and crashing into a small plunge pool below. A lush jungle wall surrounds Wailua Falls, a magnificent site, especially after heavy rains. If you visit in the morning, you may be greeted by a rainbow as the sunlight hits the mist rising from the waterfall . It's an excellent photo opportunity you don’t want to miss!

5

Tahquamenon Falls (Paradise, Michigan)

Image: Dillon Austin

The astonishing Tahquamenon Falls are divided into two equally impressive sections. You can visit the Upper Falls to witness the 200-foot-wide and 48-foot-high cascades before heading to the Lower Falls, a group of five waterfalls that drop around a freshwater island. This area was first popularized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s "The Song of Hiawatha", but long before that, it was used as a hunting and fishing site by the Ojibwa natives .

Nowadays, these rust-colored cascades —the result of tannins released from cedar trees upstream— are known to some as "Root Beer Falls." They are located in Tahquamenon Fall State Park, an ideal location for fishing and swimming during the summer. In winter, it becomes a snow-covered paradise for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing . No matter the time of the year, the natural scenery of Tahquamenon is truly a sight to behold!

6

McWay Falls (Big Sur, California)

Image: Jairo Gonzalez

Located on the stunning California coast, McWay Falls is a true hidden gem. With its crystal clear waters cascading directly onto the white sandy beach, this 80-foot waterfall delights all visitors with its unique beauty . If you are planning to visit Big Sur and you're looking for spectacular views, McWay Falls is a must-see!

The history of McWay Falls dates back to the beginning of the 20th century when the area was acquired by the McWay family. Julia Pfeiffer McWay, a woman with an adventurous spirit and a passion for nature, fought all her life to preserve its native ecosystem. In 1983, the site was donated to the State of California and incorporated into Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, named in honor of Julia's generosity.

7

Crabtree Falls (Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina)

Image: Leslie Cross

North Carolina has many natural wonders that can be enjoyed all year round, and Crabtree Falls is no exception. Although it’s not as popular as other waterfalls in the state, it's a site worth visiting, especially during the warmer months . Located just 45 miles north of Asheville, this 70-foot-high cascade is surrounded by an oak and hickory tree forest.

Originally known as Murphy’s Falls, this area was renamed Crabtree Falls by the National Park Service when the Blue Ridge Parkway was constructed in the 1930s. If you are a flower and plant lover, Crabtree Falls is the place to be . In the spring, visitors can find a magnificent array of wildflowers along the trail, and during the summer, ferns fill the forest with rosebay rhododendrons in bloom.

8

Havasu Falls (Supai, Arizona)

Image: Daniel Hernandez

The Grand Canyon attracts more than 5 million tourists every year and is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. But hidden deep in the canyon, on the Havasupai reservation, there is a breathtaking site little known to most tourists: the Havasu Falls . Being in a protected reserve, a special permit is required to visit. If you're lucky enough to get one, the falls can be accessed by helicopter, horse, or mule. Another option is to hike 10 miles there and back, along a beautiful path of red rocks and ancient pictographs.

Havasu Falls is known for having a fantastic turquoise color due to the high levels of calcium carbonate present in the spring-fed waters of Havasu Creek, the main source of the waterfalls. These high levels also create the 70-degree travertine pools at the top, making them the perfect swimming spot!

9

Palouse Falls (LaCrosse, Washington)

Image: Dave Hoefler

The unexpected beauty of Palouse Falls dominates eastern Washington, attracting thousands of visitors each year to experience the 200-foot drop from a stunning rocky outcrop into a swirling blue pool. The falls are surrounded by striking cliffs and can be seen from several vantage points throughout the State Park, including the trail that hugs the canyon's rim.

Palouse Falls is the result of the last Ice Age , the product of several glacial floods known as the Missoula Floods that swept across the region, creating the unique landscape that amazes us today. If you are feeling adventurous, just pack a tent and prepare to catch one of the best sunset views the country has to offer!

10

Niagara Falls (New York)

Image: Ivan Torres

Last, but certainly not least, Niagara Falls is one of the most beautiful sights in the United States and a unique destination that attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. With a width of more than 3,000 feet and a drop of 160 ft, these three magnificent falls —two American and one Canadian— are located 400 miles from New York City. Approximately 600,000 gallons of water flow over the falls every second and the average depth underneath is 170 ft.

Named by the Iroquois tribe, the word Niagara means "thunder of water" . Since its discovery by European settlers in the 17th century, Niagara Falls has become very popular, not only for their beauty but also as a source of energy. Niagara Falls is a marvelous spectacle that will remain in the memory of all those who have the chance to explore it . There’s no doubt about it, everyone should visit Niagara Falls at least once in their lifetime!