Historical Figures

The biopic has long been one of the most popular genres in Hollywood filmmaking, and it’s easy to see why. The biopic gives viewers the opportunity to gain insight into what makes a significant person – be they a politician, a monarch, a singer, or an artist – great, what drove them and what, in some cases, led to their downfall.While some biopics manage to become seen as canonically “great films,” just as many seem to fly under the radar, never quite attaining the status they truly deserve. Thus, it is worth taking a look at some of these underrated biopics, in order to really appreciate how well they accomplish the task of shedding light on some of the most important people in history.

Underrated Biopics That Deserve A Spot In The History Books

Film

Thomas West

1980s

Hop in your DeLorean&nbsp;to go back in time to revisit your&nbsp;favorite &#39;80s heartthrobs and some of the strangest facts about them. Many look <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/80s-stars-then-now/elle-tharp" target="_blank">totally different</a> from their Springsteen-blasting glory days, while&nbsp;others have stayed the same or gotten even better looking. (Matt Dillon, how do you do it?)

Beyond the big-hair makeovers and weathered looks, they&#39;ve gone through marriages and divorces, and one has even married a... wall. The weirdest facts about &#39;80s hunks are, like, really gnarly.

Facts About '80s Heartthrobs That Made Us Say 'Whoa'

Person

Facts About '80s Heartthrobs

Liv Pasquarelli

Exploring the strange and fascinating lives of rulers, royals, and royalty all around the world and throughout history.

We Will Never Be Royals

Royalty

In a monarchy, the common refrain “long live the king!” isn’t always a sincere statement. If you’re next in line for the throne, you've got even less reason to wish for longevity for the king (or queen). The trouble with being the heir apparent is that there’s no apparent way of knowing just how long the wait will be. Sometimes it's <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/shortest-reigning-monarchs-from-history/setareh-janda">very little time</a>, but as this collection shows, the period can stretch for decades.These are some of the heirs who had the longest waits - and quite a few didn’t even get to rule at the end of it all. Some were outlived by the monarch, while others outlived the monarchy itself. From the seven decades <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/king-charles-iii-facts/melissa-sartore">Charles III had to endure</a>, to the Brazilian princess who likely destroyed her own chances of ascension for a good cause, this collection looks at history’s most patient heirs.

11 Of History's Most Patient Heirs

M. Muir

Behind The Scenes

It’s impossible to overstate the impact Hollywood has <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/measurable-ways-movies-impacted-the-world/cheryl-adams-richkoff">on the public imagination</a>. Due to their ubiquity, movies and TV have reshaped many things about our everyday lives, and one of the most notable of these is how we think things sound.&nbsp;Whether it’s the clear ring of a sword leaving a scabbard, the cry of a kookaburra in a jungle, or the overused Wilhelm scream, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/dumb-movie-tropes/lauren-glen">dumb tropes have wormed their way</a> into the public consciousness to such a degree many people no doubt think they’re actually real. However, as is so often the case when it comes to the making of the movies, there’s more than a little deception involved with the creation of some of the most famous sound effects.

Dumb Things About Sound Effects We Only Believe Because Of Hollywood

General

Dumb Sound Effects Tropes

Weird History

Food! From fast food to comfort food, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/food-rules-traditions-people-experienced/melissa-sartore?ref=profile_own">people around the world</a> enjoy many different types of cuisines. Food can be delicious or gross, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/popular-dish-taste-history/emily-mast">boring or exotic</a> - &nbsp;or something you don't really give much thought.&nbsp;We, on the other hand, think about food - a lot. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/whoa-food-myths/setareh-janda">Food fascinates us</a>, and we learned a lot about it this year. From facts about fruits and veggies to unsettling details about additives and ingredients, here are the food facts that satisfied our intellectual appetites - for now. If nothing else, they'll hold us over until next year.&nbsp;Take a look and vote up the facts that fill you up, too.&nbsp;

17 Facts About Food We Learned In 2022 That Made Us Hungry For More

Melissa Sartore

Mysteries

For all of history, humans have <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/brainteasers-adults-struggle-with/lowe-saddler" target="_blank">enjoyed a good puzzle</a>. Puzzles, codes, and ciphers have been found almost everywhere, from second-century Egypt&nbsp;to the 17th-century letters between <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/facts-about-king-charles-i/melissa-sartore" target="_blank">King Charles I</a> and&nbsp;Queen Henrietta-Maria. Still today, crossword puzzles, Rubik&#39;s cubes,&nbsp;and Sudoku&nbsp;all remain enjoyable ways to pass the time.

But not all puzzles are simply meant for fun and leisure. Ciphers and codes are, of course, also a great way to keep a secret, such as where one <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/beale-ciphers/kellie-kreiss" target="_blank">buried some hidden treasure</a>. A well-crafted code can also inform your own military of certain movements and plans, and without revealing that information to an enemy. Many of the strongest ciphers and codes endured for decades or even centuries before finally being cracked. The following codes were called impossible, even unbreakable - until the right people came along.&nbsp;

9 Times People Broke Unbreakable Codes - And How

Times People Broke Unbreakable Codes - And How

Chrissy Rose

Whoa Facts

A question can pop into your head at an unexpected time. It can come while you're reading a book or watching a movie. Sometimes a random inquiry springs to mind when you're in the middle of a conversation - or a shower.Regardless of when a question occurs to you, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/historical-figures-unknown-identities/jason-f-collins">it may not feel like</a> you can get an answer. But, if and when you do, it can be a big relief.We've had this happen to us and decided to take matters into our own hands. We answered <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/whoa-historical-q-and-a-2021/melissa-sartore">many questions last year</a> - and did it again this year. Take a look at some of the most fascinating conundrums we got answers to in 2022 and vote up the ones that really take a load off your mind, too.

17 Questions We Got Answers To In 2022

Halloween: The one night a year you can be anyone else!

Getting in the Spooky Spirit

Monsters

Ghosts, vampires, mummies, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/people-killed-as-witches/laura-allan">witches </a>- the classic line-up for a good ol' Halloween bash. We've grown up loving (and fearing) these creatures, but do we know where their stories really came from?&nbsp;How did <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/weird-witch-tests/tamar-altebarmakian">witches become associated with brooms</a>? And black cats? How long have ghosts haunted people? Was the Headless Horseman based on a real person? Were mummies neighbors of the living? (That one might freak you out a little.)So, if you're a Halloween lover, read on - and be sure to share your favorite spooky fun fact at your yearly costume party.&nbsp;

Facts About Classic Halloween Creatures That Make Us Say, 'Oooooh!'

Emily Mast

Watchworthy

There's little doubt humankind is the number one <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/weird-products-that-hurt-the-environment/nathan-gibson">threat to the wellbeing of the planet</a>. As humans evolve from one stage of civilization to the next, we force the world around us to change as well. This results in a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/worlds-most-endangered-foods/keshvaralikhani ">loss of plants,</a> animals, and even our own inventions.Ask yourselves when the last time you left a note in cursive was, or when you last saw a payphone. It might take a minute to recall that memory. The loss of pay phones and cursive writing may not have a huge impact on the world but some of the other things on this list surely will. Take a look below and let us know which of things you really wouldn't want to see go.&nbsp;

16 Things We Didn't Realize Are Disappearing

16 Things We Didn't Realize Are Dying Out

Christina Chilin

Fun facts and fascinating trivia about historical, bygone, and modern foods for people who love eating food.

Chew on This

Food History

Avocado toast, goat cheese, alternative meat dishes - these are all what we'd consider <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/21st-century-food-fads-to-avoid/carly-kiel?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">21st century food trends</a>.But did you know the bases of these dishes have been around a long time? In some cases, thousands of years?&nbsp;Our ancient human ancestors were no different from us in wanting tasty dishes, so they created some of the staple recipes that we take for granted today. From pancakes to pot pie to popcorn, different people in various pockets of the world were responsible for creating (or stumbling upon) some of our favorite foods today.&nbsp;So which food do you think will be the oldest? Read on to find out.&nbsp;

Dishes That Are Much Older Than We Realized

Food

Surprisingly Ancient Meals

Old Stuff

In the last decade, we've seen some <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/unusual-food-experiences/melissa-sartore">pretty wild variations of food</a> emerge as people feel more comfortable sharing their experiments with friends and the world on social media.&nbsp;But have you ever thought about what the original versions of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-most-delicious-foods-in-the-world">popular dishes</a> tasted like? Was chocolate always so sweet? Did ancient people enjoy a crisp pot pie as much as we do? Did sushi use to be way saltier? (Spoiler: yes.)So which of these dishes would you have indulged in their original form? Which would you prefer to eat today's version of?

What The Original Versions Of 12 Popular Dishes Actually Tasted Like

Original Popular Dishes

Lists about what to expect when you're expecting, funny memes, movies to watch, delicious snacks to try, and much more to get you through these 40 magical weeks of pregnancy.

A Bun in the Oven

Births can have a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/things-about-jesus-birth-not-in-bible/quinn-armstrong">religious significance</a>, influence contemporary and future events, and lead to demographic ramifications. Birthing practices have varied greatly throughout history, from bizarre <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/weird-royal-birth-rituals-throughout-history/jen-jeffers">royal birthing practices</a> to mysterious <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/facts-about-scientology-silent-births/jacob-shelton">silent Scientology births</a>. The personnel associated with the events have also changed through time. Family members, doctors, and nurses may provide support and aid before, during, and after birth. Another closely associated group is midwives.Midwifery has a complicated - and fascinating - past. Praised at times, persecuted at others, and still stigmatized in some forums, it's full of unexpected tidbits. Take a look and see for yourself.

12 Facts About The History Of Midwifery That Really Deliver

It's become an annual event of sorts - People announces its choice for “Sexiest Man Alive.” Since 1985, the lucky individual graces the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/all-people-sexiest-man-alive-issues/amylindorff">cover of the magazine</a> with sufficiently seductive eyes, an alluring pose, and maybe even a hint of a smile. Whether or not <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/people-sexiest-man-alive-ranked/mel-judson">someone is sexy </a>when they're chosen is often a topic of conversation, but so is that same man's longevity as a sex symbol.&nbsp;We went back to the beginning and gathered the “Sexiest Men Alive” from 1985 to 2005 to see for ourselves just who is still sexy. Not included on the list are John F. Kennedy Jr. (1988), Sean Connery (1989), and Patrick Swayze (1991); they passed in 1999, 2020, and 2009, respectively.And while Keanu Reeves was eventually chosen to be “Sexiest Man Alive” for 1994 (there was no official decision that year), that didn't actually happen <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://people.com/celebrity/people-names-sexiest-man-alive-for-1994/">until 2015</a>.&nbsp;

The 'Sexist Man Alive' According To 'People' From 1985-2005, Then Vs. Now

Firsthand Accounts

For actors and actresses, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/actors-who-should-reprise-their-roles/jason-f-collins">revisiting some of their most iconic roles </a>can be a genuinely terrifying suggestion. Because the characters they played in their best movies and TV series are often what helped them jump-start their rise to fame, one bad script or misinterpreted characterization can completely crush their fan base. In addition to the pressure of getting a role just right for audiences, these stars must also consider how critics are going to react to a sequel or prequel in an industry that is rarely kind to spin-offs and reboots.Due to the pressure, many celebrities wait years - sometimes decades - to reprise the roles that made them famous. While this decision can often doom an actor or actress to become a "has-been," occasionally these performances <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-actor-career-resurgences-comeback-roles/alyssa-mariano">completely revive their careers</a>. If stars can really nail the part of their former characters, these resurgences are met with well-publicized fan and critic approval. Still, we can't help but wonder how those who dared to revisit their famous roles felt about the process.&nbsp;This list features firsthand accounts of what celebrities who reprised their famous roles years later said about their experiences. Vote up the stories that make you love them even more!&nbsp;

What Actors Who Reprised Their Famous Roles Years Later Said About The Experience

Firsthand Accounts Of Actors Picking Up Past Roles Again

Lauren Glen

Witnessing some of the most notable <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/facts-about-biopics-2022/lauren-glen">historical figures' lives relived on the silver screen</a> can be a moving experience. As filmmakers bring history books to life, audiences have the chance to interpret the character traits and personalities of some of the most influential or notorious leaders and influencers.&nbsp;Though we all buy movie tickets or stream these movies and series with the intent of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/most-accurate-medieval-movies/michelle-nati">reliving the past</a>, sometimes the actors who producers choose to play these historical figures quickly steal the scene with their overly attractive features. We can't really fault them - the characters these sexy celebrities portray were known mostly for their talent, leadership qualities, intelligence, or notoriety - <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/hot-people-from-history/mike-rothschild">not necessarily their looks</a>. Still, we become so mesmerized by their beauty and style that we have difficulty following the storyline playing out on screen.This list features some of the silver screen's casted celebrities that seriously outshined their storylines. Vote up the actors who made it hard to focus.&nbsp;

21 Times People Playing Historical Figures Were So Attractive It Was Actually Distracting

Times People Playing Historical Figures Were So Attractive It Was Actually Distracting

Actors can face major challenges when taking on new characters, whether or not a character is <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/how-actors-played-living-people/erin-mccann">based on a real person</a>. Beyond memorizing lines or blocking a scene, certain roles may require learning a new skill or language. These extra hurdles are often worth it, however, because audiences are quick to remember a performer's effort, even if he or she is<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/stories-about-roles-actors-regret/anncasano"> left with regret</a>.&nbsp;On the other hand, needing 120 stitches just to film a movie could make a person hesitate. Ever thought about becoming a voice actor? Tom Hanks's experience might change your mind. And maybe think twice before agreeing to star in a Quentin Tarantino film.Check out the rest of the list as stars describe their toughest roles.

Actors Talk About Playing Their Most Difficult Roles

Actor

Actors Discuss Their Most Challenging Roles

Bridget Quinlivan

Weird History lists at Ranker - the ultimate source for lists and rankings in all categories

Weird History lists on Ranker

Weird History lists at Ranker - the ultimate source for hundreds of Weird History lists and rankings.

Weird, spooky, and tragic stories of people who passed in odd ways or on strange days.

Unusual Demises

History

There were some strange deaths that have occurred during the 20th century and these are the most bizarre ways that people passed in the 1900s. The following list includes some the most unusual ways of passing imaginable. There are plenty of strange ways to perish, but these might be the strangest&nbsp;of all&nbsp;&mdash;&nbsp;unique and extremely rare circumstances that you can think of.

What are the most bizarre ways famous people have died in the last century? Do you know someone who swallowed a toothpick at a party and then perished because of peritonitis? Did you know about an actress who passed when she fell down a chimney, thinking it was a balcony? If not, read this list of all the unusual deaths of 20th century people who died in strange ways.

Unusual Deaths: Bizarre Deaths Of The 20th Century

Bizarre Deaths | List of Unusual Ways To Die

Notable Famous Deaths

Before tickets even went on sale, every major motion picture employed dozens of people and cost thousands, if not millions, of dollars. Here is how some of them screwed it all up.

Famous Film Fails

Death

Real accidents happen on the sets of big budget movies, but most of them don&#39;t cost the cast or crew their lives. Film productions follow a number of regulations to keep performers and crew members safe, but while shooting scenes of manufactured peril, performers sometimes put themselves in situations where the slightest miscalculation can quickly become deadly. Some occurred on <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/the-most-nausea-inducing-great-films/randolph" target="_blank">nausea-inducing sets</a>; others happened in seemingly commonplace situations.

What are some examples of people dying on movie sets? People have lost their lives on films as early as 1928&#39;s Noah&#39;s Ark. Here are some of the worst cases where mistakes and misfortune have collided to produce fatal consequences.

12 Film Sets On Which People Were Actually Killed

Deaths on Movie Sets | List of Fatal Accidents During Film Productions

Matt Blackwood

Looking closer at the 15th and 16th centuries in Europe, a period during which artists, architects, politicians, scientists, and writers embraced humanism, bringing their society from the Middle Ages to the modern era.

The Renaissance

List of odd deaths that happened during the Renaissance, including some of the rumors and legends behind them. This list includes stories of people dying from laughter, a ruler who died due to shyness about using the restroom, and a man who was beaten to death with his own artificial limb. "The Renaissance" is a term used to refer to a broad cultural movement that swept across Europe from the 14th through the 17th century, as well as the period in European History that divides the Late Middle Ages from the beginnings of the modern era. Through the term is most typically used to refer to the Renaissance in Italy - which includes a number of the most famous writers, thinkers, and artists of the period - the Renaissance itself spread to a number of European nations, including Scandinavia, The Netherlands, England, France, Hungary, and Russia.Need more? Check out the most unusual murders of other eras such as the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/unusual-deaths-bizarre-deaths-during-the-middle-ages/notable-famous-deaths">odd deaths during the Middle Ages</a> and the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/unusual-deaths-bizarre-deaths-of-the-21st-century/notable-famous-deaths">bizarre deaths from the 21st century.</a>

The 9 Strangest Deaths of the Renaissance And Early Modern Eras

Renaissance Deaths | List of Strange Renaissance Era Killings

A look at major events that happened a long time ago and the people who played the biggest roles in shaping the world as we know it.

Historical Facts & Figures

Some of the most prolific&nbsp;figures in history got off in ways that would have been considered untoward in their time.&nbsp;

Nowadays, many&nbsp;of the&nbsp;behaviors described here are seen as normal, or at least, somewhat so. But back in the day, some of these writers, revolutionaries, philosophers, and the like kept their sexuality&nbsp;and kinks a secret, only to be discovered decades after their passing by scholars and curious readers.

Perhaps if these legends were alive now, they would wave their flags proudly and let the world know what turns them on. Or not, and that&#39;s fine too; after all, it&#39;s nobody&#39;s business what you&#39;re into.

10 Historically Important Figures With Extra Colorful Personal Lives

The Most Historically Important Perverts Of All Time

Beau Iverson

Bill Gates

Steve Jobs

Ronald Reagan

Pop Culture

A list of the Americans who have had the most central influence on, or importance to, the modern era. This would include Americans who have most significantly altered the course of events from roughly the 1980s onward. So while someone like Ronald Reagan or Steve Jobs might very well apply, figures like Franklin D. Roosevelt or even Martin Luther King Jr. would probably not be considered contemporary enough to qualify.Americans from every walk of life and every industry have managed to profoundly influence the country. This can include efforts to alter the culture or perspective of Americans, technological or scientific innovations that forever <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/ways-internet-changes-how-we-think/hannah-collins?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">changed the way</a> we live, business achievements which altered the course of one or multiple industries, or political decisions that permanently shifted later events in America and the world.Vote for the important Americans below you think had the greatest impact on the way we live today. Or if you don't see your selection, add it by making your own list.