1

The Statue of Liberty in France

Image: Tom Corbett

Europe may seem like a different world from the United States, but surprisingly, some things bring us closer. Did you know there's a replica of the Statue of Liberty in Paris? Unveiled in 1889 —just three years after the original in New York—it was created to honor the strong ties between the US and France. It stands along the banks of the iconic Seine River . At about 37 feet tall , it’s quite a bit smaller than the original, which stands at 151 feet.

2

The Leaning Tower of Pisa in Illinois

Image: davide ragusa

Ahhh... the Leaning Tower of Pisa, one of the most famous and instantly recognizable landmarks in the world. Have you seen that classic picture of tourists "holding up" the tower? Well, you don't need to travel all the way to Italy to take one, because Illinois has its very own replica!

The Leaning Tower of Niles, Illinois, is about half the size of the original (94 feet vs. 183 feet), but it's just as fascinating. Next time you're in the Prairie State, you’ll know where to stop!

3

The White House in China

Image: Raymond M.E. Aguirre

The White House in Washington, DC, is a powerful symbol of America—but it's not the only one of its kind! Believe it or not, replicas of this iconic mansion can be found in various parts of the world, including China. In fact, China has not just one, but several replicas of the historic American building. And that’s not all—there’s also a life-size replica of the US Capitol Building in Beijing. Pretty wild, right? We'd love to visit these replicas!

4

Trevi Fountain in Nevada

Image: Michele Bitetto

Las Vegas, Nevada, is definitely one of the places in the US with the most replicas of international landmarks. One of the most celebrated is the Trevi Fountain at Caesars Palace, with its amazing resemblance to the original.

If you've been to the Trevi Fountain in Rome—or even if you've just seen pictures of it—you know that the details of its sculptures are incredibly intricate, so creating a replica is no small feat. Fortunately, Las Vegas pulled it off quite well. Although their fountain is much smaller than the original, it’s no slouch when it comes to beauty!

5

The Hollywood Sign in Ireland

Image: De'Andre Bush

The huge and famous Hollywood sign attracts millions of visitors each year. Fortunately, people living in Europe don’t need to travel all the way to California to get their own " Hollywood " photo —there’s a replica of the legendary sign in Ireland !

But here's the crazy fact: there's a city called Hollywood in Ireland, which is believed to have inspired the name of the Los Angeles film district.

6

The Eiffel Tower in Texas

Image: Malgorzata Frej

Paris isn’t just the famous city of love in France. There's another charming Paris, and it's located here in the US, more specifically, in Texas!

As a way to celebrate its name, the city of Paris, Texas, built a replica of the splendid Eiffel Tower in 1993. The Texan version stands at about 65 feet tall , compared to the original’s 1,083 feet. While it may not reach the same height, it has a unique twist that makes it special: the tower is topped with a big red cowboy hat !

7

The Mount Rushmore in China

Image: Brandon Mowinkel

Mount Rushmore is definitely one of America’s most iconic landmarks, with the faces of Lincoln, Washington, Roosevelt, and Jefferson carved into a massive granite mountainside.

Incredibly, there's a replica of this monument in China ! The Chinese version closely resembles the original, although it was created using much more modern techniques—and, of course, it’s considerably smaller in scale than the original.

8

The Parthenon in Tennessee

Image: Joshua Woods

A former temple in Greece dedicated to the goddess Athena, the Parthenon is one of the most famous monuments in the world. Although much of the original has fallen into ruins, you can still see what it looked like when it was complete right here in Tennessee!

That’s right! The city of Nashville has a full-scale replica of the incredible temple. Built in 1897, it still stands today as a stunning tribute to classical architecture.

9

The Stonehenge in Washington

Image: K. Mitch Hodge

Stonehenge is that famous prehistoric monument in England, made up of massive 25-ton stones —each standing about 13 feet tall and 7 feet wide—arranged in a mysterious circle. But here's the great news: You don't have to travel to Europe to experience it up close because we have our very own replica right here in Washington State!

Known as the Maryhill Stonehenge , this version was created as a memorial to those who died in World War I. It took 11 years to complete, from 1918 to 1929, and instead of ancient stone, it’s made entirely of concrete .

10

The Pyramid in Nevada

Image: Simon Berger

In the incredible city of Las Vegas, you also have the chance to see a replica of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World ! We’re talking, of course, about the Great Pyramid of Giza—recreated at the Luxor Hotel and Casino . Built in 1993, the Las Vegas pyramid rises an impressive 30 stories high!

1

Marx Bros

Image: Braydon Anderson

We’ll start strong with the family of actors considered by many to be the most groundbreaking comedians of their generation: the five Marx Brothers. They truly took the world by storm, leaving an unforgettable mark that forever changed Hollywood.

Throughout a career that lasted over 40 years, the Marx Brothers starred in 14 films, five of which were included in the American Film Institute's list of the greatest 100 comedies of all time. While it is indeed a gargantuan task to select the best moments from this remarkable career, we feel inclined to select 1933’s Duck Soup and 1935's A Night at the Opera as our top picks.

2

Abbot and Costello

Image: Los Angeles Daily News, CC BY 4.0

In the very likely event that you’ve ever played a game of baseball, we can almost guarantee that someone jokingly asked you, "Who’s on first?" in a marked Jersey accent. After all, any American born after the 1950s knows this legendary Abbott & Costello routine, which is considered by many to be one of the finest pieces of comedy ever conceived.

This iconic duo met in New York City in 1935. After Bud Abbott’s comedy partner fell ill before a performance at the Eltinge Burlesque Theater, Lou Costello substituted for him, marking their first unforgettable performance. Many believe the duo’s groundbreaking chemistry was already present in that very first show. Over the course of their nearly 20-year career, Abbott & Costello produced several hilarious routines, including "Niagara Falls," "The Piano Bit," and, of course, "Who’s on First?"

3

Jerry Seinfeld

Image: Alan Light, CC BY 2.0

Years before he starred in his groundbreaking Show About Nothing , Jerry Seinfeld was a scrawny and hilarious comedian making appearances on talk shows like The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and Late Night with David Letterman . While this young comedian’s talent was evident, little did anyone know that Jerry Seinfeld would soon become the world’s most famous comedian.

The TV show Seinfeld ran for 9 seasons between 1988 and 1998, winning a myriad of accolades and awards in the process. Part of the charm was that Jerry’s off-screen persona seemed like a carbon copy of his character: he was witty, sarcastic, and hysterically funny. After Seinfeld concluded, Jerry went on to produce several successful comedy specials, as well as the Emmy-nominated show Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee .

4

Johnny Carson

Image: Arthur Osipyan

While Johnny Carson was not the first host of The Tonight Show , he is definitively considered a pioneer in late-night TV history. This groundbreaking comedian hosted the iconic talk show for 30 years, earning the well-deserved title of "King of Late-Night Television" in the process.

It’s difficult to describe how immense Carson’s influence was, not only on the history of talk shows but also in American culture in general. It only takes someone mimicking a swing of a golf club for anyone to realize they are paying tribute to this legendary comedian. Johnny received numerous awards during his lifetime, including six Primetime Emmys and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

5

Conan O’Brien

Image: Jay Dixit, CC BY 4.0

Conan O’Brien is truly a blue-collar comedian. Now, by no means are we trying to convey that other comedians didn’t work hard to get where they are; we are simply pointing out that Conan’s comedy resume dates back to his early twenties when he started writing for groundbreaking shows like Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons .

In 1993, Conan debuted as a late-night host with Late Night with Conan O'Brien . What followed was a 28-year career filled with hilarity and creativity, which only ended after Conan announced he would be retiring and taking a well-deserved break from performing. However, he still continues to host a hilarious series of podcasts called Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend .

6

Jackie Gleason

Image: Jazz Guy from New Jersey, United States, CC BY 2.0

If you happen to visit New York City (or if you are a New Yorker yourself), take a stroll to Port Authority Bus Terminal, and you’ll come across an eight-foot-tall bronze statue of a cheerful and lively bus driver. If you take a closer look, you’ll notice that this is not a homage to any real-life bus driver. In fact, the man depicted in the statue is none other than the legendary comedian Jackie Gleason , portraying Ralph Kramden, his iconic character from The Honeymooners .

First broadcast in 1955, The Honeymooners was a groundbreaking sitcom that depicted the life of bus driver Ralph Kramden and his wife Alice. This show served as the inspiration for countless other sitcoms, including America’s favorite prehistoric family, The Flintstones .

7

Robin Williams

Image: Alan Light, CC BY 2.0

Robin Williams’ legacy expands throughout several generations: People in the ‘70s adored him in Mork and Mindy , he inspired many ‘80s moviegoers with his films Good Morning Vietnam and Dead Poets’ Society , and he filled the childhoods of millions of ‘90s kids as the wisecracking genie from Aladdin .

What’s perhaps most astounding about Williams’ acting is the remarkable range he displayed. The fact that his performances in drama could move us to tears doesn’t diminish the effectiveness of his comedy chops. Not only that, but hundreds report that off-screen, Williams was an incredibly kindhearted and warm person, always ready to go the extra mile to make someone smile.

8

Chris Rock

Image: Maarten van den Heuvel

Don’t let the title of his Emmy-nominated TV show fool you: Not everybody hates Chris Rock . In fact, we are willing to go even further and state that, despite being known for his crude and sarcastic style, he is still one of America’s most beloved comedians.

Chris Rock's first jump to prominence came when he joined the main cast of Saturday Night Live in 1990. After that, he went on to perform in several stand-up specials and provided hilarious comic relief in films such as Lethal Weapon 4 , The Longest Yard, and Death at a Funeral .

9

Steve Martin

Image: Marianna Diamos, Los Angeles Times, CC BY 4.0

In 1967, thousands of American families tuned in to watch another episode of the extremely popular game show The Dating Game . While that particular installment came and went without a second thought, it marked legendary comedian Steve Martin ’s first appearance on national television. Little did anyone know that it wouldn’t be by any means his last.

It was only a few years after that appearance on The Dating Game that Martin took the world by storm. By the mid-1970s, he was already showcasing his hilarious routines on shows like The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson , The Muppets, and Saturday Night Live . Today, at 79 years old, Martin continues to be as hysterical as ever, starring in the acclaimed show Only Murders in the Building .

10

Charlie Chaplin

Image: Edo Nugroho

While it is true that Charlie Chaplin was English, it would feel wrong not to include such a Hollywood legend in this list. In that regard, we have reserved the last spot for someone who many consider to be the best comedian of all time. Chaplin’s career goes as far back as the early days of cinema, first appearing as his iconic "Tramp" character in the 1914 film Kid Auto Races at Venice .

What’s perhaps most remarkable about Chaplin’s legacy is not only his hilarious and groundbreaking skits but also his unique ability to both inspire and entertain his audience. We’ll close this article by remembering what is probably his most famous line of dialogue (and that’s saying something for a mostly silent actor): the final speech in his 1940 film The Great Dictator .

1

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

Image: Frankieleon., CC BY 2.0

We’ll begin with an absolute classic. Peanuts is not only one of the most groundbreaking and timeless comic strips, but it also inspired one of the most memorable holiday specials in history. A Charlie Brown Christmas first aired in 1965 and featured the entire Peanuts gang trying to lift Charlie Brown’s holiday spirits. In the end, the kids realize that Christmas isn’t about expensive gifts or impressively decorated trees but rather about spending time with those we love .

2

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)

Image: Alex Stone

You might think a Christmas special without Santa Claus wouldn’t be popular, but leave it to legendary children’s author Dr. Seuss to create a character so endearing and captivating that he steals the show. For many Americans, 1966’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is the ultimate Christmas special—and for good reason. From the stunning animation to Boris Karloff’s incredible narration , this TV classic is truly a gem of American culture.

3

Frosty the Snowman (1969)

Image: Ethan Hu

We all have warm memories (ironically) of building snowmen with friends and family—sculpting funny features while ignoring our increasingly cold fingers. The 1969 TV special Frosty the Snowman took that childhood experience a step further by bringing to life a wish we’ve all had: What if our beloved snowmen suddenly came alive ? The special tells the story of Frosty, a snowman who springs to life when a magic top hat lands on his head.

4

Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

Image: Tim Gouw

Like many entries in this article, the 1964 stop-motion Christmas special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was inspired by the 1939 poem of the same name. It tells the story of Rudolph, a young reindeer ostracized by Santa’s other reindeer for his bright and shiny red nose. However, Rudolph —and the audience—soon learns that our differences are what make us special. In the end, he earns his place by leading Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve .

5

The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)

Image: __ drz __

Considering he spends 364 nights a year there, you might think Santa Claus would choose a warmer place to live. Case in point: the 1974 stop-motion special The Year Without a Santa Claus tells the story of Santa waking up one cold December morning with a nasty cold . Because of this, Mrs. Claus embarks on a worldwide adventure to try to lift Santa’s holiday spirit .

6

Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970)

Image: Osman Rana

This 1970 Christmas special features an all-star cast , including Fred Astaire, Mickey Rooney, and Robie Lester . Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town tells the story of how Santa Claus and several holiday traditions came to be. It was inspired by the 1934 Christmas song of the same name, which was extremely popular at the time.

7

‘Twas The Night Before Christmas (1974)

Image: Karsten Winegeart

The title of the 1974 TV special ’Twas the Night Before Christmas pays homage to the opening line of Clement Clarke Moore’s 1823 poem A Visit from St. Nicholas . However, the special’s plot differs greatly from the original poem. In this version, Santa Claus is offended by a published article claiming he doesn’t exist and refuses to deliver Christmas gifts that year. However, a small mouse known as Father Mouse takes it upon himself to return Santa’s Christmas spirit .

8

The Little Drummer Boy (1968)

Image: Lee Lawson

Drums aren’t traditionally associated with Christmas and are often overshadowed by softer instruments like bells or pianos. However, would you believe that a drum takes center stage in one of the most popular Christmas specials in history? Based on the 1941 song of the same name by Katherine Kennicott Davis, the 1968 stop-motion special The Little Drummer Boy tells the moving story of Aaron , a boy who, after many hardships, experiences the very first Christmas with his loved ones .

9

"A Christmas Carol" (1971)

Image: Elin Melaas

Many consider A Christmas Carol the ultimate Christmas story, as it has been adapted for film, theater, and television countless times . In that sense, we could have chosen any number of excellent Christmas specials that pay homage to Charles Dickens’s timeless classic. However, we ultimately selected the 1971 version , starring Alastair Sim and Michael Hordern, as it won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 1972.

10

A Flintstones Christmas (1977)

Image: 1950sUnlimited, CC BY 2.0

When you think about it, a Flintstones Christmas special doesn’t really make much sense—after all, this prehistoric family lived centuries before the very first Christmas. However, if we overlook that small detail, the 1977 special A Flintstone Christmas is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable holiday TV specials . The episode follows Fred and Barney as they go to great lengths to bring Christmas to the city of Bedrock .