Emily Mast lists at Ranker - the ultimate source for lists and rankings in all categories

Emily Mast - Lists at Ranker

Wild facts and historical photos that made us say "Whoa!"

More Stuff for History Nerds 

Whoa Facts

There are <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/cool-history-facts/setareh-janda">some stories we read in history books</a> that we have to shake our heads at. There's no way that Poland had an actual bear working in its army, right? Robert Oppenheimer didn't actually try to poison someone, did he?&nbsp;Yet, these are all true. We have records from eyewitness accounts, diary entries from those involved, even photographic evidence. We live in a wild and truly unbelievable world, and we continue to discover more gems from the past that just don't seem plausible, like a rebellion that was born from a chamber pot prank.&nbsp;As long as there are humans, there will be<a href=" https://www.ranker.com/list/weird-history-facts/tracey-graham"> stories that we can't believe actually happened</a>. Which one most surprised you?

Strange Stories From History We Can't Believe Are Actually True

General

Strange But True Stories From History

Emily Mast

Psst! Hey, kid: wanna see something cool? Check out these lists of neato facts, pics, and vids of science working around you, all day in every way.

That's Just Science

Have you ever read something and been like, “Ehh, that can't be true”? But in the realm of science, sometimes <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/whoa-unnerving-science-facts/melissa-sartore">truth is stranger than fiction</a>.&nbsp;We've dug into amazing facts from every corner of the scientific world: anatomy, the animal kingdom, astronomy, meteorology, chemistry.&nbsp;From light-years wide <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/creepy-earth-and-space-science-facts/ivey-nucilli">voids in space</a> to the weight of clouds to the age of sharks, there are unbelievable facts all around us. So if you're curious to learn something that you might be able to contribute to your next trivia night, read on. (You might even discover that you have a long-lost relative living just down the road.)

Science Facts That Sound Like BS - But Aren't

Science Facts That Sound Like Fiction - But Aren't

What were you doing in the '90s? Whether you were rocking flannel, Docs, and brown lipstick or just happily gumming down strained peas, these lists are for you.

'90s Nostalgia

Fails

You may be old enough to remember the flashy and fast-moving commercials of the 1990s. Technology was growing at a faster pace than anyone had experienced before, which was clear from the newfangled products being rolled out.&nbsp;These gadgets included early VR systems, the first pocket-sized PDAs, toys that moved and talked (and sometimes wouldn't shut up). Then there were <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/discontinued-fast-food-we-want-back/will-morgan-1">the food and drink trends</a> that everyone wanted to try, like clear soda (and beer) and fat-free chips that just so happened to have an unpleasant bowel-related side effect.&nbsp;<a href=" https://www.ranker.com/list/the-most-nostalgia-inducing-_90s-toys/brian-gilmore">Some products did well initially</a>, then crashed and burned; while others never took off in the first place. What do you think? Would you try any of these products?

The Worst Products Of The '90s

Worst Products And Toys From The 1990s

Lists about real and fictional spies, agents, operatives, and the very exciting, deceitful, and dangerous lives they lead.

I Spy

Total Nerd

Spy films are known for the chase scenes, high-tech gadgets, and sometimes unbelievable missions that somehow manage to go the hero's way in the end.&nbsp;And although many spy flicks are fictional, a good number <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/most-accurate-espionage-movies/jonathan-kantor">are based on a true story</a>. These true tales include everything from a double-agent exotic dancer to a mission that involved creating a fake sci-fi film to rescue people from a hostile land.&nbsp;The stories might seem stranger than fiction, but these <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/most-underrated-spy-movies/jacob-shelton">often underrated films</a> are based on the tactics of real-life spies and secret agents.&nbsp;If you're looking for your next thrilling espionage film to binge, we've got you covered.

14 Underrated Spy Movies Based On Real Spies

Film

Underrated Spy Movies Based On Real Spies

Lists about the most interesting and entertaining celebrity couples, how they met, why they split, and the fascinating details inside their relationships and marriages.

Celebrity Couples

Pop Culture

Marriages in Hollywood are almost expected to fail at this point. Just when we get our hopes up about a relationship standing the test of time, a scandal will come out or a divorce will be announced.&nbsp;However, with that said, there are some couples in Hollywood that have managed to create a happy relationship despite all the chaos that accompanies being a celebrity.&nbsp;There doesn't seem to be a “recipe” for success either – some of the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/80s-power-couples-whoa/molly-weinfurter">couples are both actors</a>, while some are an actor and a “normal” person. Some have <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/nostalgic-couples-married/melissa-sartore">been married for decades</a>, while others are just embarking upon spending their lives together.&nbsp;Regardless, it warms our hearts to hear how celebrities talk about their significant others – which is your favorite story?

Heartwarming Things Celebrities Have Said About Their Significant Others

Person

What Celebrities Say About Their Significant Others

All about this summer's hottest hot pink major motion picture, Barbie (2023).

We Are All Ken-ough

Barbie (2023)

Barbiecore has officially taken over as the hip, new fashion trend of 2023. Its inspiration comes from none other than the <a href=" https://www.ranker.com/list/barbie-movie-behind-the-scenes/lauren-glen">blockbuster film, Barbie</a>, which offers some of the most innovative costume designs of the year.&nbsp;Headed by Academy Award-winning costume designer Jacqueline Durran, the costume team deserves more than a few awards for their inventive and fun designs for the film. Even more impressive is the fact that the costume department had only<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.vogue.com/article/barbie-costumes-jacqueline-durran"> 11 weeks to make the hundreds of costumes</a> for the entire cast.<a href=" https://www.ranker.com/list/barbie-movie-cast-facts/setareh-janda">Barbie herself </a>(played by Margot Robbie) had dozens of different outfits, even wearing a total of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/a44603303/barbie-costume-set-design-makeup-interview-2023/">50 different shades of pink lipstick</a> to go with different outfits and eyeshadows.We've rounded up some of our favorite behind-the-scenes facts about the wardrobe and costumes of the movie. Which do you think is the most sublime?

Wardrobe Secrets From Behind The Scenes Of 'Barbie'

Wardrobe Secrets From The Barbie Movie

Revisiting the best, worst, most polarizing episodes ever to grace the small screen.

Unforgettable Episodes

Weird History

Many of us look to television shows to offer a reprieve – a lighthearted escape from reality. But sometimes, those feel-good shows tackle <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/tv-betrayals-plot-twists/shane-fraser">some pretty heavy issues</a>, allowing the audience to reflect as they watch.&nbsp;Tackling these social issues is even more important in kid-facing shows, where they may not have been introduced to some of these concepts before. How to handle sexual predators, diet culture, drugs, cults, racial discrimination – all of these topics were addressed in shows aimed at teens.&nbsp;Do you remember these episodes? Did their messages stick with you? Do you think they did a good job of addressing these important issues?

The Best TV Show Episodes That Tackle Social Issues

TV Program

There are certain cities throughout the world that we all know the names of: Paris, Tokyo, New York, Moscow.&nbsp;We likely know one or two things about each of these cities. Paris has the Eiffel Tower.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/us-state-facts/setareh-janda"> New York</a> has Broadway. But each city has its <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/hidden-enclaves-inside-cities/tracey-graham">own, unique elements</a> that not a lot of people know about.&nbsp;For example, who knew that one of Los Angeles' iconic plants actually isn't even native to the city? Or that there is a very specific traffic sign that is missing throughout all the streets of Paris?&nbsp;From fortresses to subway systems to green spaces, these hidden gems are some of the coolest things we've heard about these major cities. Which is your favorite?

Unusual Facts About Major Cities We Just Learned

Location

Unusual Facts About Major Cities

Wild facts we just learned about well-known figures.

People to Know from Long Ago

History

We often focus on the high points of the lives of important people from history – the <a href=" https://www.ranker.com/list/strange-writers-demise/setareh-janda">author's great work</a>, the scientist's groundbreaking discovery, the commander's swift victory.&nbsp;But oftentimes, these moments were mere blips of happiness for these historical figures, who lived otherwise harsh lives. Their <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/strange-ways-historical-figures-perished/emily-mast">tragic lives</a> could include everything from the deaths of spouses and children to disease to professional ridicule to even <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/weird-deaths-of-kings/emily-mast">unjust deaths</a>. &nbsp;From a mother who plotted against and blinded her own son to a war hero being chemically castrated due to his sexual preferences, there is plenty of heartbreak to go around. Which do you think is the most gut-wrenching tale for these historical figures?

Tragic Facts About Historical Figures We Didn't Know Until Now

Tragic Facts About Historical Figures

These are the most dramatic, petty, savage, and entertaining rivalries since Cain & Abel.

Where's the Beef?

Have you ever gotten mad over something that - in hindsight - seemed silly? How long did that grudge last? Did it span decades?If not, you're still doing better than many of the people on this list. These are some of the most <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/tags/feuds">heated feuds in history</a> - from battling brothers, to parents and children, to former friends. Sometimes there's one thing that just pushes someone over the edge, and from that point on, it's war.&nbsp;You've likely heard of some of these cases of bad blood. For example, the disdain actresses Bette Davis and Joan Crawford held for each other was in the tabloids for years. But did you know Mark Twain railed against the US Postal Service for decades? Or that two generals on the same side of a war considered each other foes?Which do you think are the most outrageous (and unnecessary) feuds?

Feuds Historical Figures Had Over Petty Things

Petty Historical Feuds

Unscripted

We know how cutthroat the corporate world can get, especially involving competitors. Sometimes the feuds get so personal that they can divide an entire city (or even country). <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/sibling-rivalries-history/jim-rowley">Personal vendettas</a> can also lead to new products - or even new companies.&nbsp;These fights can get dirty, too. For example, releasing a product solely to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/history-of-company-rivalries/rima-pundir">make your competitors fail</a>, or taking another company to court for years, eventually paying more in legal fees than either side could ever win.These are people with a lot of power and money. If someone ticks them off enough, sometimes they'll do whatever it takes to bring their opponent down a peg.Pepsi vs. Coke; Ferrari vs. Lamborghini; Puma vs. Adidas - which do you think was the most intense feud?

Feuds Behind Our Favorite Products And Companies

Messy Feuds That Shaped Famous Companies And Products

Showbiz

Sometimes a TV is a bit too settled, and a shake-up like a departure of a main character can be<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/behind-the-scenes-sitcom-stories-2000s/tracey-graham"> just what the plot needs</a>. At times, viewers may notice a sudden plot or tone shift that seems like a strange choice creatively.Since TV shows are created over a long period of time, sometimes adjustments occur based on real-life developments. If a character disappears, it may be that there was a falling out between the star and the show, and they needed to give them a quick exit. A variety of other behind-the-scenes reasons like financial disputes, relationship drama, or even growth of young actors can prove a wrench in the works for a TV show's original plan.Take a look at some of the most dramatic shake-ups on shows of the 2000s that forced writers to adapt to external circumstances.

14 2000s TV Shows That Changed Directions Because Of Behind-The-Scenes Drama

2000s TV Shows That Changed Because Of Behind-The-Scenes Drama

A look at the ways actor deaths have impacted their projects and fans.

Final Cut

Death

When an actor dies during a film production, the creative team is faced with a list of nearly impossible questions. How do we pay homage to them? Do we need to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/real-actor-written-into-movies/jim-rowley">rewrite their character</a>? Do we use CGI to finish their scenes?&nbsp;Directors and writing teams in this position have <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/actors-talk-about-permanent-movie-injuries/anncasano">gone a few different ways</a>. Nowadays, many have used CGI to supplement their role (as we now have the technology to do so). In the past, some actors were re-cast, or a movie may have been scrapped altogether when the star passed away.&nbsp;Regardless of what they do, the filmmakers are often mindful of treating the deceased with as much respect as possible, while creating a film that they would have been proud to be a part of.&nbsp;

How Movies Handled The Death Of An Actor

Looking closer at films, TV shows, docs, and miniseries that explore, recreate, and occasionally flub up real historical events.

Watching History

Historical fiction films tend to do very well at the box office. They can offer the grandeur of 18th century France or the intensity of a World War II battlefield. They can transport us away from our current world and problems while immersing us in an entirely different reality.&nbsp;But what can lure audiences in even more is when a film is based on true events. Now, we're able to get a private look into some of the most famous people of all time, from JFK to kings and queens. We can see firsthand how people can face truly extraordinary circumstances and overcome them (or succumb to them).An important aspect of historical films is making sure <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/most-accurate-medieval-movies/michelle-nati">they are accurate</a>. That can include everything from <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/accurate-serial-killer-movies-and-shows-based-on-true-events/erin-cody">the details of a person's life</a>, the hairstyles of the characters, or the music they dance to.&nbsp;So we rounded up some of our favorite films that provide an epic portrayal of history, while still remaining factual.&nbsp;

The Most Underrated Historical Epic Movies

Underrated Historical Epic Movies

What do we talk about when we talk about love? Perfect, sickeningly sweet, often unhealthy couples in film, TV, and other media who set up impossible standards to which our real-world flesh & blood relationships will never live up. Let's dissect 'em.

Love on Screen

Watchworthy

When we watch romance movies or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-new-romantic-comedies-of-the-last-few-years/ranker-film">rom-coms</a>, many of us want to be transported away from our everyday lives for a couple hours. We want the quick-witted banter, the complicated love triangles, the predictable yet feel-good ending, and perhaps most important, the grand romantic gesture that shows the couple's never-ending love.&nbsp;A unique grand gesture can make ordinary romantic comedies transform into great ones. For example, if you can think of one scene from Say Anything, what would it be? (We'd guess it's the boombox scene.)&nbsp;Throughout the decades, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-romantic-comedies-of-all-time/ranker-film">romantic films</a> have featured memorable proposals and <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-anime-love-confessions/anna-lindwasser?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">confessions of love</a>. Which gestures would have won you over?

Romantic Gestures In Movies That Totally Nail It

Lists about trends and fads that all the cool kids are doing around the world and throughout history.

Everybody's Doing It

It can be fun to look back at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/forgotten-fads/will-morgan-1">the different fads</a> throughout history and question, “What were they thinking?” From strange outfits to funny phrases, we can appreciate that, at the time, that was considered the cool thing to do.&nbsp;However, there have been some seemingly innocuous fads throughout history that have really pissed some people off. This has included the “health damaging” effects of jazz music, the practice of phone booth stuffing, and the “offensive” nature of the zoot suit.&nbsp;Some of these<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/weird-american-trends-and-fads-1920s-1930s-1940s/david-sharp"> century-old fads</a> have led to trends we can still see today, while others have disappeared into the history books. Which of these crazes would have upset you the most?

Historical Fads That Caused Major Controversies

Historical Fads That Caused Outrage

Graveyard Shift

Some trilogies save the best movie for last: <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/behind-the-scenes-of-movie-fantasy-creatures/thomas-west?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">Lord of the Rings</a>, Indiana Jones, and Star Wars are just a few examples. Yet, for every successful third movie in a trilogy, there are a dozen that aren't nearly as strong.The reasons for poor third films are all over the place - a change in characters, a lack of storyline, or in some cases, the film is nothing but a transparent cash grab from the studio.From superhero movies like Spider-Man to comedies like The Hangover - with thrillers, sci-fi flicks, and animated movies in between - we've compiled some of the worst finales of both trilogies and movie series we could find. Is your least favorite on the list?

Trilogies With The Weakest Third Movies

Franchises We Were On Board With Until The Third Movie

There are more than 8 million species walking, swimming, and flying around Planet Earth. Here are lists about a few worthy of your attention. 

Unbelievable Animals

Animals

As human beings, we like to think we're the most intelligent species on the planet. But sometimes, the other members of the animal kingdom give us a reality check.&nbsp;When wild animals interact with humans, it can sometimes be relatively harmless, like an octopus shooting water at its least favorite volunteer, or an otter stealing surfboards. Other times, however, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/historical-man-eating-animals/jim-rowley">the animals can show just how dominant they truly are</a>, like when a herd of grieving elephants damages a schoolhouse, or when whales ram and sink boats.&nbsp;Sometimes the targets of these animals' ire are totally innocent; and other people (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/animals-attacking-poachers/chelsea-harris">like poachers</a>) were just asking for retaliation.&nbsp;

Surprising Stories Of Animals Messing With Humans Throughout History

Time In History When Animals Went After Humans

We can all relate to losing our tempers from time to time. But throughout history, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/weird-ancient-rulers/carly-silver">some rulers and despots</a> have chosen to channel their wrath into innocent, inanimate objects.This rage has taken many forms. Bells were banished and “tortured” for ringing at the wrong time. The sea was whipped for washing away a bridge. Statues and pieces of artwork were destroyed when rulers followed iconoclasm - the belief that objects can be demolished for political or religious reasons.Whether it was through vandalism or explosives, many objects throughout history have paid the price for the beliefs and actions of humans. Which do you think is the most ridiculous?

12 Times Historical Figures Took Out Their Rage On Inanimate Objects

Wrath On Inanimate Objects

Entertainment

To protect child actors from being overworked, there have been specific regulations put in place about how many hours they can work in a day. However, when some actors reach 15 or 16, they find that they want to work the hours of an adult. This leads many teen actors to emancipate themselves from their parents' care.&nbsp;This was the case for the following actors – some of them were emancipated with their parents' support, while others wanted nothing more to do with their (sometimes unhealthy) parents. Yet these actors are known for more than just their <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/celebrities-who-divorced-their-parents/celebrity-lists">“divorce” from their parents</a>. They've gone on to have <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/drew-barrymore-stories-wild-years/michelle-nati">huge careers</a>, with some becoming activists as well.&nbsp;

Fascinating Facts About 12 Emancipated Actors

Facts About Emancipated Actors

US Cities

Some of the most exciting American history comes from the days of the gold rush and the Wild West. If gold or silver was discovered at a mine, a town could emerge overnight.&nbsp;However, when those mines dried up, the opposite could also happen – a town could all but disappear in a few years. But those saloons and churches and schools weren't torn down; <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/satellite-abandoned-place-ghost-town/melissa-sartore">they were simply abandoned</a> – creating America's first ghost towns.&nbsp;While many ghost towns are reminders of days of old, some are more recent, with darker histories tied to sickness or unsafe living conditions. Driving through a ghost town and seeing the dilapidated buildings can be eerie enough, but seeing <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/creepy-towns/christopher-shultz">these forgotten towns </a>from above can show just how isolated these once-bustling towns truly are now.&nbsp;

Satellite Images Of 12 American Ghost Towns That Time Forgot

City/Town

Satellite Images Of American Ghost Towns

Looking closer at the actors who have played cold-blooded bad guys—and totally nailed it.

Playing the Villain

Performances

For an actor, the chance to play a character based on a real person can skyrocket their career. Biopics, war films, and historical dramas are favorites of the award circuit – just look at the last few years (Elvis, Bohemian Rhapsody, Judy).But historically-accurate films don't always focus on the good guy. Many times, they are <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/actors-who-played-historical-dictators-cruel-rulers/mike-mcgranaghan">centered around villains</a>: dictators, murderers, or drug lords. Despite the atrocities these people have committed, audiences are always clamoring for more of these dark tales, and Hollywood frequently obliges.&nbsp;For actors, the chance to play these twisted characters is not so straightforward. Yes, the film may win them accolades – but at what cost? Will the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-villain-actors-of-all-time/orrin-grey">actor walk away fundamentally changed</a> after living in the mind of a serial killer for six months?&nbsp;The only people who can answer that question are the actors themselves.&nbsp;

Actors Talk About Playing Horrible Historic People

Romance

Many <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-romantic-comedies-of-all-time/ranker-film">romantic comedies</a> follow a set recipe: unlikely lovers meet in disastrous circumstances, and keep getting thrown back together until they admit they're in love.While we sometimes do want to watch this familiar plot unfold, oftentimes we want a more realistic portrayal of love. It's important to sometimes see love stories that shows how messy and hard relationships can be, that doesn't get tied up with a bow at the end - with leads that don't look like they belong on the cover of a magazine.&nbsp;Fortunately, in indie movies, the guy doesn't always get the girl. There isn't always a straightforward plot trajectory that we all know within the first five minutes. Here are some jaded but poignant indie romances that you'll walk away from with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/girl-power-movie-observations-/charlie-boyle">new observations</a> about love.

Alt Rom-Coms That Take A Jaded Look At Love

Lists of true accounts of real people who survived unfathomable situations and depictions of fights for survival in film, TV, video games, and other media.

Stayin' Alive

Interesting

While many of us are used to the comforts of air conditioning and Netflix, our ancestors didn't get to enjoy such luxuries. They lived off the land, and some survived in the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/creepy-stories-us-forests/alby-thompson">harshest environments </a>on Earth.&nbsp;This can make us wonder – would we be able to survive off the grid? With no supplies? While most of us just use this as an interesting thought exercise, some ordinary people actually have been put to the ultimate test of survival. And they've been forced to do some pretty horrifying things to survive.&nbsp;A doctor had to perform surgery on himself when he was isolated in the Antarctic. A woman used a ring to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/off-putting-mysteries/setareh-janda">break herself free</a> after being buried alive. These people were faced with dozens of impossible decisions that many of us can't even begin to comprehend. Yet, at the end of the day, they were able to walk away from these horrific experiences with their lives.&nbsp;

Stories About Horrifying Things People Actually Needed To Do To Survive

Horrifying Things People Had To Do To Survive

Let's Go Party

Barbie (Mattel)

They're pink, extravagant, and often equipped with an elevator (or two). This is the Barbie Dreamhouse - the dream home of many children throughout the decades for their <a href=" https://www.ranker.com/list/barbie-and-friends-facts/emily-mast">best friend Barbie</a>.The Barbie Dreamhouse has gone through many different iterations to keep up with each new generation of kids. At first, they were quite simple, made from cardboard and having traditional design elements. But they quickly shifted into plastic and became more luxurious with many more features.&nbsp;There has been a variety of styles for Barbie Dreamhouses as well, from ranch-style to cabin to cottage to Victorian mansion. Each newly released Dreamhouse often had a special feature to set itself apart from previous homes, like a voice-controlled oven or a transportable case to carry the house around.&nbsp;As Barbie gears up for <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/barbie-movie-2023-trailer-memes/ramya-jaishankar-1">her big screen debut</a>, we got to thinking: If we had to pick one of Barbie's Dreamhouses as our home, which would we choose?

Barbie Dreamhouses You Most Want To Live In

Many of us have heard of the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/what-spartan-life-was-like/aaron-edwards" target="_blank">unusual practices of Sparta</a>, the war-obsessed, ancient Greek society. Let&#39;s be real: many&nbsp;of us learned them from the notorious 2006&nbsp;film, 300.&nbsp;While the movie, and our history books, highlight some of the more impressive aspects of Spartan society, there are&nbsp;plenty of weird facts about Sparta&nbsp;that seem&nbsp;too extreme to be real.&nbsp;

For example, did you&nbsp;know Spartan&nbsp;teens participated in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/extreme-ancient-sports-that-sound-fake-but-are-true/genevieve-carlton" target="_blank">yearly festival of exterminating&nbsp;slaves</a>&nbsp;to quash any thoughts of rebellion? Or that Spartan babies were dunked in wine to test their worthiness to live? Or that women of Sparta shaved their heads and dressed like men on their wedding nights?

So get cozy, grab your sword (if you have one),&nbsp;and read on to dive <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/christopher-mccandless-into-the-wild-true-story/colleen-conroy?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">into the wild</a>&nbsp;traditions of Sparta. Make sure to vote up the facts that seem too outrageous to be real.

Facts About Sparta That Sound Made Up - But Aren't

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

Unusual Demises

Kings live some of the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/stories-about-historical-kings-that-sound-fake-but-are-true/molly-weinfurter">most extraordinary lives</a> of any human beings. They can have seemingly limitless wealth, power, and time <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/whoa-historical-kings/mallory-weiler">to do what they want</a>. But one thing seems to mirror extraordinary lives: extraordinary deaths.&nbsp;The kings on this list have some of the most unusual, sometimes painful deaths you may ever heard of - from a mouthful of molten gold to the nastiest case of gangrene you can imagine. And while some of these deaths were ordered by the hands of others, some of them are just outright bad luck.&nbsp;So read on about the deaths that make Game of Thrones seem tame, and vote up the most jaw-dropping ways to go.

The Weirdest Deaths Of Kings And Rulers In History

The Weirdest Deaths of Kings

Mystery Entertainment

We've all done it - we're watching a mystery, whispering to our neighbor who we think the culprit is. Maybe you were working alongside Benoit Blanc as you <a href=" https://www.ranker.com/list/glass-onion-knives-out-small-details-hidden-easter-eggs/erin-maxwell">watched Glass Onion</a>. Or you kicked yourself after not realizing the big twist at the end of The Usual Suspects.&nbsp;More often than not, the director throws in some red herrings that do a good job of throwing us off the trail. But we're here to help you hone your deduction skills. Read on to learn of the clues that directors sprinkled throughout some of our favorite mysteries.&nbsp;And the next time you go to watch these movies, keep your eyes peeled for <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/movie-details-you-probably-missed/nathan-gibson">any other hints</a> that help you sniff out the guilty party. Beware: Spoilers ahead!

Small Clues In Mystery Movies That Totally Give Away ‘Whodunit’

Henry VIII of England

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/who-was-henry-viii/carly-silver">King Henry VIII</a> has gone down as being one of the greatest medieval villains - a man with a tyrannical attitude and penchant for killing people he disagreed with (executing approximately <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.history.co.uk/article/the-killer-king-how-many-people-did-henry-viii-execute#:~:text=It%20is%20estimated%20that%20during,up%20and%20down%20the%20country.">57,000 people</a> in his time on the throne). However, it's possible that his inhumane ways may have stemmed from an excruciatingly <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/medieval-diseases/melissa-sartore">painful condition</a> - a leg injury that Henry VIII struggled with for over 10 years.&nbsp;This wouldn't be the first time that a ruler's physical condition affected their ruling prowess (Napoleon, for example, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2789029/#:~:text=Henry's%20physicians%20at">was quick to anger</a> after his hemorrhoids prevented him from riding horseback alongside his soldiers). But does a decade of unrelenting pain forgive any of the horrors that Henry inflicted upon his kingdom? We'll let you be the judge of that.&nbsp;

Everything You Didn't Need To Know About Henry VIII's Ulcerated Leg

Henry VIII's Leg Injury: What Happened To The King

Looking at the best, worst, and most unforgettable adaptations of books to the big and small screens.

Books Brought to Life

The banning of books has long been criticized, yet<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/ridiculous-reasons-books-have-been-banned/thomas-west"> people still think seem to think that it's a good idea</a>. You'll notice that some of the bans on this list are from within the last five or 10 years even.&nbsp;Yet, some filmmakers decide to fight back to the criticism being thrown at the novel. They'll make films as equally racy, violent, or challenging as the books they're based on, which then often also receive backlash from the same group of folks. However, that group is usually fairly small when compared to the entire world - so most of the films made from the banned books on this list did quite well at the box office.&nbsp;Why did they do well? Because these <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-books-that-have-been-banned/ranker-books">books are some of the great classics</a> of the last century of literature - and great raw material from a book often translates well to the big screen. Which is your favorite banned-book-turned-movie?

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