1

Josephine Baker

Image: Richie Lugo

Josephine Baker was the first Black woman to star in a major motion picture , the 1927 French silent film Siren of the Tropics . During her early career, Baker was among the most celebrated performers to headline the revues of the Folies Bergère in Paris. Her performance in the 1927 revue Un vent de Folie caused a sensation in the city. Her costume, consisting only of a short skirt made of artificial bananas and a beaded necklace, became an iconic image and a symbol both of the Jazz Age and the Roaring Twenties.

Baker was celebrated by artists and intellectuals of the era, who variously dubbed her the "Black Venus," the "Black Pearl," the "Bronze Venus," and the "Creole Goddess." She aided the French Resistance during World War II, and after the war, she was awarded the Resistance Medal by the French Committee of National Liberation, the Croix de Guerre by the French military, and was named a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour by General Charles de Gaulle.

2

Rudy Vallée

Image: Matt Botsford

Rudy Vallée was the first male singer to rise from local radio broadcasts in New York City to national popularity as a "crooner." He had a thin, wavering tenor voice and seemed more at home singing sweet ballads than jazz songs. But his singing, saxophone playing, and the innovative arrangements he wrote for his band attracted the attention of a rapidly increasing number of listeners, especially young women.

Singers needed strong voices to fill theaters in the days before microphones. Crooners had soft voices that were suited to the intimacy of radio; the microphones, in this case, promoted direct access to "a vulnerable and sensuous interior," or, in other words, "a conjured intimacy." Vallée was one of the first celebrity radio vocalists.

3

Bobby Darin

Image: Jack Sharp

Bobby Darin was an American teen idol and, later, an adult crooner who, in 1958, co-wrote and recorded his first million-selling single, "Splish Splash," followed by "Dream Lover" and his covers of "Mack the Knife" and "Beyond the Sea," which brought him worldwide fame.

In the early 1970s, his health was beginning to fail due to a weak heart. The knowledge of Darin's vulnerability had always spurred him on to use his musical talent while still young. Darin died in 1973 at the age of 37 in a hospital recovery room after having open-heart surgery in Los Angeles.

4

Keely Smith

Image: Harry Shelton

American jazz and popular music singer Keely Smith performed and recorded extensively in the 1950s with her then-husband Louis Prima , and throughout the 1960s as a solo artist. The couple were stars in the entertainment business, including stage, television, motion pictures, hit records, and cabaret acts.

They won a Grammy in 1959, its inaugural year, for their smash hit, "That Old Black Magic," which remained on the charts for 18 weeks.

5

The Ink Spots

Image: Jorge Flores

The first band on the list, the Ink Spots was an American vocal pop group who gained international fame in the 1930s and 1940s due to their unique musical style, which predated rhythm and blues and doo-wop .

On January 12, 1939, the Ink Spots recorded "If I Didn't Care," one of their biggest hits, selling over 19 million copies and becoming the 8th-best-selling single of all time. Since they disbanded in 1954, there have been well over a hundred vocal groups calling themselves "The Ink Spots," with and without any original members of the group.

6

Ella Fitzgerald

Image: zachrie friesen

A frequent collaborator of the Ink Spots, Ella Fitzgerald was a singer, songwriter, and composer, sometimes referred to as the "First Lady of Song," the "Queen of Jazz," and "Lady Ella." She was noted for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing, timing, intonation, absolute pitch, and a "horn-like" improvisational ability, particularly in her scat singing.

Outside her solo career, she recorded music with Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and the aforementioned Ink Spots. These partnerships produced songs such as "Dream a Little Dream of Me," "Cheek to Cheek," "Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall," and "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)."

7

Bing Crosby

Image: Alexander Wark Feeney

A one-man orchestra, Bing Crosby was a singer, actor, television producer, radio personality, and businessman. The first multimedia star , he was one of the most popular and influential musical artists of the 20th century worldwide.

In 1948, American polls declared him the "most admired man alive," ahead of Jackie Robinson and Pope Pius XII. That same year, Music Digest estimated that Crosby's recordings filled more than half of the 80,000 weekly hours allocated to recorded radio music in America.

Crosby is one of 33 people to have three stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame , in the categories of motion pictures, radio, and audio recording.

8

Perry Como

Image: Oscar Sutton

Perry Como was an American singer, actor, and television personality who sold over 100 million records worldwide and pioneered a weekly musical variety television show. His weekly television shows and seasonal specials were broadcast around the world. He recorded primarily vocal pop and was renowned for his recordings in the intimate, easy-listening genre pioneered by our newly acquainted friend, Bing Crosby.

In the official RCA Records memorial in Billboard magazine, his life was summed up in these few words: "50 years of music and a life well lived. An example to all."

9

Nina Simone

Image: Artem Bryzgalov

A bigger-than-life figure, Nina Simone was a singer, songwriter, pianist, composer, arranger, and civil rights activist whose piano playing was strongly influenced by baroque and classical music, and accompanied by expressive, jazz-like singing in her contralto voice .

Early in her career, Simone played piano at a nightclub in Atlantic City, where she was told that she would have to sing to her accompaniment. This effectively launched her career as a jazz vocalist. Simone also became known for her work in the civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s, and she later fled the United States and settled in France following the assassination of her friend Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968.

10

Screamin’ Jay Hawkins

Image: Music HQ

The closer of this list is one of the most colorful characters in American music. "Screamin' Jay" Hawkins was a singer-songwriter, musician, actor, film producer, and boxer, best known for his powerful, shouting vocal delivery and wildly theatrical performances with macabre props onstage, making him an early pioneer of shock rock.

Screamin’ Jay’s most successful recording, "I Put a Spell on You," was created when the entire band was intoxicated during a recording session where "Hawkins screamed, grunted, and gurgled his way through the tune with utter drunken abandon." The resulting performance became his greatest commercial success and reportedly surpassed a million copies in sales.

1

Titanic

Image: Courtesy of NOAA/Institute for Exploration/University of Rhode Island (NOAA/IFE/URI)., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Since the film was released in 1997, the famous theme song immortalized by Celine Dion has been played at more than one wedding. It's no coincidence: Titanic is one of the most iconic romantic films in cinema history.

While this movie is full of memorable love scenes, the one that has remained in our hearts is that of Rose (Kate Winslet) and Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) putting their class differences behind and kissing at sunset on the ship's bow. Have you ever exclaimed, "I'm flying" while embracing your beloved? We bet many of you have!

2

When Harry met Sally

Image: Malcolm Garret

The basis of a successful romantic relationship is a beautiful friendship, and When Harry Met Sally is proof of that —even if it takes the main characters the whole film to figure it out!

Over the course of an hour and a half, spanning 12 years in the life of this couple , we see how they fall in love, even though they sometimes get on each other's nerves. In the end, during a New Year's Eve party, Harry (Billy Crystal) finally declares his love to Sally (Meg Ryan), who can't resist her friend's charm. Is When Harry Met Sally the ultimate rom-com of all time? Most definitely!

3

Casablanca

Image: Brett Sayles

Have you ever heard the phrase, "If you love somebody, set them free"? That's what Rick (Humphrey Bogart) must have been thinking when, at the end of Casablanca , puts his life in danger to help Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) flee to safety along with her husband.

Rick and Ilsa's relationship never materialized, but it has undoubtedly left us with one of the most iconic love stories the silver screen has ever produced. Yet, as a consolation, we'll always have Paris!

4

The Notebook

Image: Tima Miroshnichenko

Undoubtedly, the chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams has catapulted The Notebook to the podium of the most romantic movies ever. Twenty years after its release, it’s still one of the favorites among fans of the genre!

It’s very hard to choose just one romantic scene from this movie. All of it is an ode to love—and heartbreak. But perhaps the one that comes immediately to mind when we mention this film is the passionate kiss in the rain. Caught in a sudden storm, Allie finally confronts Noah for not writing to her for 7 years. Words certainly fall short of explaining the misunderstanding!

5

The Bridges of Madison County

Image: Jet Lowe, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Not all love flicks have a happy ending, and that doesn't make them any less romantic. In The Bridges of Madison County , Francesca (Meryl Streep), a devoted housewife, meets Robert (Clint Eastwood), a free-spirited National Geographic photographer, while her family is away.

Francesca and Robert share a passionate week together but soon must return to reality. At the end of the film, Francesca faces two choices: be obedient and stay with her husband and children or give it all up for the love of her life. The scene in the truck, where she sees him standing in the rain and is about to leave everything for love, is so full of emotion that it is almost painful to watch.

6

Ghost

Image: Huzaifa Ginwala

Thanks to this film, pottery will be linked to romance forever. In one of the most iconic scenes in Ghost —and cinema in general— Molly (Demi Moore) can't sleep, so she decides to get to work. While modeling a vase to the rhythm of Unchained Melody she is joined by her steamy boyfriend Sam (Patrick Swayze).

With this scene, the film succeeds in capturing a moment of passion but also of emotional connection between two people. It is a scene of intimacy and sensuality rarely achieved so well on the big screen.

7

Gone with the Wind

Image: Kiddo27, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The relationship between Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh) and Rhett Butler (Clark Gable) is as complicated as it is passionate. During nearly four hours of film that covers more than 10 years in the life of this tumultuous couple, we see their comings and goings, tender moments, and fierce fights.

Perhaps the most memorable scene in this film is the first kiss under the bright orange sunset. This, along with other equally romantic scenes, has made Gone with the Wind one of the best romantic films in the history of cinema, despite being 85 years old.

8

Sleepless in Seattle

Image: Timo Wagner

​​Sleepless in Seattle is another rom-com that can't be missing from this list. In a nutshell, this is the story of a widower (Tom Hanks) looking for a new partner and mother for his son and a woman (Meg Ryan) who discovers that the love of her life might be on the other side of the country. Sounds like the formula for success, don't you think?

But did you know that the film's most memorable scene—the one in which Sam and Annie finally meet at the top of the Empire State Building —almost didn't happen? Rumor has it that the producers didn't have clearance from the building's owners. Luckily, director Nora Ephron had an ace up her sleeve and got permission to film for a mere six hours, which was enough to make this scene unforgettable.

9

Up

Image: Tima Miroshnichenko

Who said there can't be romance in an animated movie? Up is one of the favorite films among children and adults alike. In the very beginning, a montage shows us the love story of Carl and Ellie, from childhood to old age.

Throughout their life story, we witness beautiful moments such as their wedding, as well as heartbreaking events. These few scenes really have all the necessary condiments to make us laugh, love, and cry in just a few minutes.

10

Her

Image: Cash Macanaya

Will artificial intelligence be the future of love? We don't know, although Her tries to explore what romantic relationships would be like in a hyper-connected tomorrow. Unable to get over a breakup, Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix) begins a romantic relationship with "Samantha," his computer's operating system.

In a heartbreaking scene, Samantha asks, "Are these feelings even real?" The love between them grows deeper each day, even though they cannot explain how it came about between a human being and a machine . Probably not your standard rom-com, but certainly a film that takes the subject of love to unexpected territories.

11

Love Story

Image: Shelby Deeter

"Love means never having to say you're sorry," says Jenny (Ali MacGraw) to Oliver (Ryan O'Neal) in a film considered one of the most romantic by the American Film Institute.

Although it has a sad ending, Love Story succeeds in masterfully and eloquently portraying the story of two young college students who fall deeply in love despite their differences.

12

Before Sunrise

Image: wal_172619

Is there such a thing as love at first sight? If you don't think so, then you should see Before Sunrise . In this endearing film, two strangers meet on a European train and end up roaming Vienna together all night.

In one memorable scene, Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Céline (Julie Delpy) pretend to talk to their friends back home. When Jesse asks her what she likes about him, Céline replies, "I like to feel his eyes on me when I look away." Pretty romantic, don't you think?

1

Bohemians

Image: Kinga Howard

Bohemianism, an original subculture that ended up lending its name as an adjective often used to describe other subcultures, is a social and cultural movement that embraces a way of life away from society's conventional norms and expectations . The term comes from the French bohème , and it was used to describe mid-19th-century non-traditional lifestyles, especially those of artists, writers, journalists, musicians, and actors.

Today, the term is used to describe anyone who shows disdain for money, dresses in hippie fashion (more on this later), and appreciates everything art-related.

2

Greasers

Image: Alberto Bigoni

Think John Travolta in _Grease_—yes, Grease . Think Biff Tannen in the 1950s segment of Back to the Future . Greasers emerged in the 1950s and early 1960s from predominantly working-class and lower-class teenagers and young adults in the United States and Canada.

An interest in cars, motorcycles, leather jackets, jeans, and rock music was the common theme among greasers. According to some sources, the subculture’s name was applied to its members partly because of their characteristic greased-back hair.

3

Beatniks

Image: Clem Onojeghuo

The first subculture on this list to adopt the adjective "bohemian," beatniks were a mid-20th-century social movement that embraced an anti-materialistic lifestyle, rejecting consumerism and expressing themselves through art, spirituality, drugs, and sexuality.

The term "beat" was first used by Jack Kerouac in 1948 to describe his group of friends and fellow writers, including Allen Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs, and Neal Cassady. Kerouac said that "beat" had multiple meanings, such as "beaten down," "beatific," "beat up," and "beat out." Beatniks are often stereotyped as wearing black clothing, and speaking in hip slang that incorporates words like "cool," "dig," "groovy," and "square."

4

Hippies

Image: Trevar Skillicorn-Chilver

One of the most famous countercultures of all time, hippies are deeply associated with the 1960s. The term "hippie" originally came from "hipster" (more on this later) and was used to describe the aforementioned Beatniks, who were "hip" to all things sophisticated and fashionable. In fact, early hippies adopted much of the language and values of the Beat Generation.

The festivals of Human Be-In (1967), Monterey (1967), and Woodstock (1969) popularized hippie culture, with its fashion and values influencing culture, popular music, television, film, literature, and the arts. Since the 1960s, mainstream society has assimilated many aspects of Hippie culture.

5

Mods

Image: Michael Schofield

The Mods were a group of stylish, London-based young men and women in the late 1950s, named for their preference for modern jazz. This subculture was known for its distinctive fashion, including tailor-made suits, as well as its love for music and scooters.

By the mid-1960s, their musical tastes had shifted toward rock and blues, with bands like The Who and Small Faces gaining popularity among Mods. Mod fashion was a defining element of the "Swinging London" era, and during this time, the subculture spread to other countries, becoming emblematic of the larger youth culture of the period.

6

Punks

Image: Viktor Forgacs

Another popular subculture, thanks in no small part to its striking visual component, is the punk movement, which encompasses music, fashion, ideologies, dance, film, and visual arts, among other forms of expression. Its strong anti-establishment views, stances on individual freedom, and DIY ethic make punks easy to identify.

Punk fashion includes T-shirts, leather jackets, boots, distinctive hairstyles such as brightly colored hair and spiked mohawks, as well as cosmetics, tattoos, jewelry, and even body modification.

7

Yuppies

Image: Nick Fewings

Anyone who has seen the movies Wall Street (the one with Charlie Sheen and Michael Douglas) or American Psycho knows what a yuppie is. The term stands for "young urban professional" and was coined in the early 1980s as a way to describe young professionals living in a city.

Those labeled as yuppies generally dislike the association, because this characterization often suggests a very materialistic approach to life in general and a cutthroat attitude towards the workplace environment.

8

Skaters

Image: Parker Gibbons

An offshoot of the punk subculture, skater culture rose to prominence in the 1980s when a massive drought in California left numerous empty pools, which skaters used to practice their sport. The rise of magazines like Thrasher and stars like Tony Hawk helped the movement transition from an underground scene to a mainstream sport.

Its aesthetics centered around the preferred type of clothes for skateboarding: baggy and sturdy pants, sneakers, and oversized shirts. Its music was shared by the punk and hardcore movements.

9

Straight Edge

Image: Evgeniy Smersh

Going deeper down the rabbit hole, we encounter the Straight Edge subculture, an offshoot of both skater and hardcore punk cultures. Its followers reject the excesses of the punk scene by abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs . Many also refrain from casual sex, follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, and avoid caffeine or prescription drugs. The name "Straight Edge" was inspired by the 1981 song "Straight Edge" by the hardcore punk band Minor Threat.

Overall, Straight Edge culture promotes a lifestyle of self-discipline, health, and community, and it continues to evolve while maintaining its roots in the hardcore punk scene.

10

Hipsters

Image: John Fornander

The final entry on the list is dedicated to the most modern subculture in it: the hipsters. Mostly associated with perceived upper-middle-class white young adults who gentrify urban areas , hipster culture has been critiqued for lacking authenticity and focusing on consumption.

As mentioned earlier, members of this subculture typically do not self-identify as hipsters, as the term’s connotations are often unflattering. It is no coincidence that the term evokes the previously mentioned Beatniks, as that subculture can be seen as an early precursor to hipster culture.