These days, nearly everyone in the developed world has a smartphone with access to the internet, which means that cellphone apps are more important than ever before. Millions upon millions of apps are downloaded every year, but not every app on your phone is all that important when you think about it.

Sometimes, an app is useful once, but then it’s quickly forgotten. Then, there are those apps that helped change the way people interact with one another. Those are the apps that really have meaning in our lives, and these ten represent the most important apps released between 2010 and 2019, listed in no particular order.

SEE ALSO: 10 Ways Your Smartphone Is Ruining Your Life

10 Uber

Carpooling and paying for a ride were nothing new when Uber first hit the app stores in 2011, but that didn’t stop the app from creating an entirely new industry dubbed “Ridesharing.” Ridesharing apps like Uber, Lyft, Wingz, and Sidecar have taken over the market in a way few apps could ever hope to emulate, and they’ve also had a drastic impact on preexisting industries like taxis. Though Uber has gained some competition in the marketplace, it remains the dominant ridesharing app and is found on some 110 million users’ phones around the world.

By the end of 2019, Uber had found its way into 785 metropolitan areas across the globe, with coverage in 63 countries. Despite its growth and value on the marketplace, Uber and other ridesharing apps aren’t without controversy. Uber has been criticized for paying its drivers too little for the work they do, causing massive disruptions to the taxicab business, and for putting more cars on the road.^[1]

Related: 10 Ways Uber Is Shaping The Modern World

9 Instagram

Though it originally debuted exclusively on iOS in 2010, Instagram found its way to Android devices less than two years later to become one of the most important photo and video sharing apps on the market. Instagram is a relatively simple app, but despite its simplicity, it has exploded in popularity all over the world to include one billion registered users by the end of 2019. The app has become a focal point for viral social media issues, and it’s also heavily used by celebrities who use it to communicate with their fans.

It’s also an excellent way for so-called “Social Media Influencers” to make a living by sharing aspects of their lives while promoting products, or speaking about issues that they consider important. Instagram is hardly the only media-sharing app on the market, but it is easily the most used across the globe. Concerns about its valuation were put to rest when it was acquired by Facebook in 2015 for $1 billion in cash and stock.^[2]

Related: 9 Sinister Facts About The Dark Side Of Instagram [DISTURBING]

8 Tinder

Years ago, during the dark ages when the Internet was considered a place to meet dangerous people and otherwise undesirable folks, online dating was taboo. Back in the ‘90s, people would never tell their friends they met someone online, but by 2010, it was fairly commonplace thanks to sites like Match.com and others. While there have been apps that helped people meet one another before Tinder hit the market in 2012, none changed the way people got together quite like Tinder did, and it has gone on to become a significant aspect of many young people’s lives.

Tinder is fairly simple in its operation: set up a profile and get to swiping left if you’re not interested in someone, or right if you are. If you and someone you swiped right on did the same for you, you can link up through the app. Tinder has been criticized for creating a more prominent “hook-up” culture than existed previously, but these claims are difficult to quantify. What is easy to quantify are the billion+ swipes the app sees on a daily basis. Pictured above are the two most right-swiped people on Tinder in the UK.^[3]

Related: Failed At Tinder? Here Are 10 Surprising Things That Make You Less Attractive To Others

7 Snapchat

Snapchat first hit app stores in September 2011, and within a very short period of time, the app grew to become one of the largest image-sharing apps on the market. In less than a year, the service was processing 25 images each second, and since the service added video compatibility, Snapchat has seen growth to include more than 10 billion video views per day with over 210 million daily active users.

Snapchat’s success with its “story” feature pushed the competition to emulate it, and despite featuring the ability to remove any seen content shortly after it’s been viewed, more and more people have flocked to it as a viable image sharing platform. By limiting the amount of time a video or image can remain on the platform, Snapchat managed to continue to grow its sizable user base without having to invest heavily in expensive storage options. This has helped the company grow faster than most tech companies with similar offerings.^[4]

6 Pokémon Go

In terms of quantity, there are probably more games on the various app stores than there are utilities, and with that much content, it can be hard for one game to stand out from the rest. Then, there’s Pokémon Go, a game that not only became an instant success, but it also got people to leave their houses, venture out into the world, and capture digital creatures of all different kinds.

Since the game’s release in 2016, it has been downloaded more than one billion times. The game is entirely free, but players can purchase upgrades and tools to help in their quest to “catch ‘em all.” By the beginning of 2019, the game had grossed more than $3 billion, which is quite a lot for a free app. Pokémon Go’s biggest impact has been cultural, having bridged the gap between casual and die-hard gamers across the world. By March 2019, users around the world have walked a combined 23,000,000,000 kilometers, which is the same as ‘walking’ between Earth and Pluto three times.^[5]

Related: Top 10 Fascinating Facts About Pokemon Go

5Candy Crush Saga

If Pokemon Go helped people get off the couch and out into the world, Candy Crush Saga did the exact opposite. In terms of play mechanics, Candy Crush didn’t have a lot to offer as far as anything new; rather, it evolved earlier matching games into a unique playfield spread over an ever-increasing number of levels. The game debuted in 2012, and despite being free, it’s one of the highest-grossing apps of all time thanks to its perfection of the so-called “freemium” model.

Since its release, Candy Crush has been downloaded more than 2.7 billion times. Gamers spent an average of $4.2 million every day during 2018, and by early 2019, the game had pulled in an estimated $1.5 billion overall. The game’s success drew the attention of Blizzard, which purchased its developer, King, for $5.9 billion. Money aside, the game has had a significant cultural impact, having spawned multiple spinoff games, a television game show, and numerous references across popular culture.^[6]

4Apple Pay

Years ago, science fiction dreamed of a day where we could abandon our paltry coins and bills to be replaced by credits or some other currency tied to a thumbprint or other means. That day became a reality in 2014 with the advent of Apple Pay. Technically, digital wallets have been around, in one form or another, for a long time, but Apple managed to put one in nearly everyone’s pocket, and in less than a year, Google followed suit.

By utilizing a person’s smartphone, Apple managed to create a means of payment, which could be authenticated via password, thumbprint, or even, facial recognition. The science fiction predicted decades previously had finally come around, and it has since adapted to work on smartwatches as well. The impact of Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other similar apps can be seen everywhere credit cards are taken, which means you can pay with any digital means almost everywhere on the planet.^[7]

Related: Top 10 Epic Apple Fails

3 Vine

People want content, and for a long time, that content was considerably long. Movies are usually 90+ minutes while television shows run from 21 minutes to an hour, so it stands to reason that video content would follow suit. It pretty much did until the release of Vine in 2013. The app launched the popularity of the short-form video with each segment lasting only six seconds. If you thought a six-second video couldn’t garner the attention of anyone, you would be wrong. At its height, Vine had more than 200 million active users.

Vine survived until 2017, at which point, the platform was retired. It seemed like the impact of Vine was minimal until it was replaced by a Chinese app, Tik-Tok. Like Vine, Tik-Tok used microblogging short-form videos of between three and 60 seconds. The app took off like its predecessor and has gone on to see some 500 million monthly users in China and the rest of the world. Both Vine and Tik-Tok had a massive cultural impact, especially with younger users between the ages of 16 and 24 with a majority being female.^[8]

Related: 10 Terrifying YouTube Videos That Will Keep You Awake At Night

2 Siri

Back in the dark ages, people with cellphones had to get things done by typing/tapping some sort of input. Fortunately, those days are mostly behind us thanks to the advent of digital assistants and the release of Siri back in October 2011. Siri became a friend and companion to many iPhone users across the globe, and she—yes, Siri is personified as a woman—became a cultural icon. Siri effectively replaced the need to type anything into a phone since she can respond in real-time to vocal requests. If you need to schedule a meeting, order food, or check your stocks, just ask Siri.

Since Siri proved to be immeasurably popular with Apple users, other companies got into the digital assistant game. Google, Samsung, and many more have their own digital assistant, but it’s the one who came first that dominates the market. Siri did something no app had done before when, in 2017’s The Lego Batman Movie, she voiced the role of ‘Puter.^[9]

Related: 9 Signs Apple Is Being Run By Supervillains

1 FaceTime

Another technology that was promised to folks in the 20th century through numerous science fiction stories was video communication. Over the years, video chatting showed up on a number of devices and computer applications, but it needed a push from Apple to finally land in people’s pockets via a reliable application in FaceTime. The app first debuted in mid-2010, and while it wasn’t the first app to link people all over the world in video chats, it was the first to gain wide acceptance such that many people refer to video chatting with someone as “facetiming” whether they are using the app or not.

Since its development, other companies have expanded their own video chatting tech, but as those apps grow and develop, so too does FaceTime. The app was so successful and widely implemented, video chats have become the norm. Whether you use FaceTime to see your friends and loved ones across the world, or you use Skype, Google Chat, Facebook Messenger, or any of the dozens of viable apps, they all owe their success to Apple’s FaceTime.^[10]

About The Author: Jonathan is a graphic artist, illustrator, and writer. He is a Retired Soldier and enjoys researching and writing about history, science, theology, and many other subjects.

The world of medicine is constantly advancing, bringing new hope with each breakthrough. Over the next decade, a handful of medications are expected to stand out for their impact. These drugs are not just about scientific progress—they’re about changing lives and offering new solutions where there were none before.

Whether tackling chronic illnesses or introducing treatments for conditions once deemed untreatable, these medications are paving the way for a healthier future. They promise not just improved health outcomes but also a better quality of life for countless people around the globe.

In this list, we’ll explore ten amazing drugs that are set to become game-changers in their respective fields. These are the names you’ll hear more often as they continue to revolutionize healthcare.

Related: 10 Medicines That Work But We Don’t Know Why

10 Harvoni: Revolutionizing Hepatitis C Treatment

Imagine a world where hepatitis C is no longer a chronic, debilitating disease. Enter Harvoni, a breakthrough medication that combines ledipasvir and sofosbuvir. This dynamic duo works by blocking proteins the hepatitis C virus needs to grow. The result? An impressive cure rate of 94% to 99%, turning what was once a life-long battle into a manageable, short-term treatment.

For many patients, Harvoni means taking just one pill a day for two to six months. This simplicity is a game-changer, especially for those dealing with genotype 1, the most common strain in the U.S. Harvoni’s approval for use in children, adults, and even those with complicated cases involving HIV or liver transplants makes it a versatile tool in the fight against hepatitis C.

However, this groundbreaking treatment doesn’t come cheap, with a hefty price tag of around $1,100 per pill. Yet, for many, the chance to live free from hepatitis C is priceless, making Harvoni a true revolution in antiviral therapy.^[1]

9 Aimovig: A Breakthrough for Migraine Relief

For those battling migraines, the search for relief often feels endless. Aimovig offers a new approach. This FDA-approved drug belongs to a class known as CGRP monoclonal antibodies, which target calcitonin gene-related peptide, a protein linked to migraine pain. By blocking CGRP, Aimovig aims to prevent migraines before they start.

What makes Aimovig unique is its focus on migraine prevention, unlike older treatments originally designed for other conditions. Patients have reported significant reductions in migraine frequency, with some experiencing up to eight fewer migraine days per month.

This means a notable improvement in daily life for many chronic migraine sufferers. With its targeted mechanism, Aimovig stands out in the evolving field of migraine treatment, offering hope and a better quality of life to millions affected by this condition.^[2]

8 Evrysdi (Risdiplam): Transforming Spinal Muscular Atrophy Care

Evrysdi, or risdiplam, offers new hope for those with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Developed by Genentech, this oral medication boosts the production of the SMN protein, which is essential for motor neuron survival. Unlike earlier treatments that require injections, Evrysdi can be taken at home, making it more convenient for patients of all ages.

Clinical trials, such as FIREFISH and SUNFISH, have shown promising results. In the FIREFISH study, 90% of infants treated with Evrysdi survived without permanent ventilation after 12 months. The SUNFISH trial also reported significant motor function improvements in older patients, showcasing Evrysdi’s effectiveness across different age groups.

With FDA approval, Evrysdi represents a significant step forward in genetic medicine. It highlights the move towards more accessible and effective treatments for rare genetic disorders, offering a better quality of life for SMA patients.^[3]

7 Hemgenix: A Breakthrough in Hemophilia B Treatment

Hemgenix, developed by CSL Behring, is revolutionizing Hemophilia B treatment. Approved by the FDA in 2022, this gene therapy delivers a functional copy of the F9 gene to liver cells, allowing patients to produce clotting factor IX. In clinical trials, Hemgenix increased factor IX levels and reduced bleeding episodes by 64%.

Patients treated with Hemgenix, like those in France, have reported fewer bleeding incidents and improved quality of life. This one-time infusion reduces the need for regular treatments, offering a significant shift in managing Hemophilia B.

Ongoing research aims to confirm Hemgenix’s long-term benefits and safety. This therapy holds promise for transforming care for Hemophilia B patients, potentially reducing complications and enhancing independence.^[4]

6 Dupixent (Dupilumab): A Potential Future Treatment for Keloids

Dupixent, a monoclonal antibody known as dupilumab, has demonstrated potential in preventing keloid formation and alleviating related symptoms. Keloid scars, resulting from abnormal healing processes, are often challenging to treat effectively. Traditional treatments like corticosteroid injections frequently offer limited relief. Recent case studies have shown that dupilumab can reduce inflammation and prevent new keloids in patients with recurrent skin injuries, suggesting its promise as a novel treatment approach.

In one notable case, a 23-year-old woman with chronic keloids on her shoulders and chest experienced significant improvements after starting dupilumab. Previous treatments had failed, but with dupilumab, her keloids stabilized, and symptoms like pain and itching diminished. Similarly, a 20-year-old woman with multiple keloids from acne reported fewer new keloids and reduced discomfort after initiating dupilumab therapy. These cases highlight dupilumab’s potential in keloid prevention and management.

Ongoing clinical trials are exploring dupilumab’s efficacy in treating keloids. While these initial findings are promising, more research is needed to establish dupilumab as a definitive treatment for keloids, offering hope for patients seeking relief from this challenging condition.^[5]

5 Trikafta: A New Dawn for Cystic Fibrosis

The introduction of Trikafta in 2019 marked a significant breakthrough for individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF), transforming lives previously constrained by the disease. Trikafta, a triple combination drug, targets the defective cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein, improving lung function by thinning and clearing mucus.

Patients often experience increased mucus clearance, making breathing easier and enhancing daily life activities. Although long-term studies are ongoing, initial results suggest that Trikafta can potentially extend life expectancy and significantly improve the quality of life for many CF patients.

Jenny Livingston’s story exemplifies Trikafta’s impact. Diagnosed with CF at birth, she endured frequent hospitalizations and declining health. However, after starting Trikafta, her condition stabilized, allowing her to participate in activities she once couldn’t. Now, Jenny plans for a future with her daughter, something previously unimaginable.

While Trikafta is not a cure and may not be effective for all CF patients, its ability to transform many patients’ lives is undeniable. It’s important to note that some patients may experience side effects. Ongoing research continues to explore Trikafta’s full potential, promising even greater improvements in CF treatment.^[6]

4 Lecanemab: A New Frontier in Alzheimer’s Treatment

Lecanemab, developed by Biogen and Eisai, represents a promising advance in Alzheimer’s disease treatment. This monoclonal antibody targets amyloid plaques in the brain, which are associated with cognitive decline. Initially granted accelerated approval in January 2023 based on its ability to reduce amyloid plaques, lecanemab received full FDA approval in July 2023 after further clinical data confirmed its clinical benefit. In trials, lecanemab has shown modest but significant effects in slowing the progression of cognitive decline, providing a new option for patients and their families.

By administering intravenously every two weeks, lecanemab offers a consistent approach to managing Alzheimer’s. Although not a cure, it helps delay the disease’s progression, allowing patients to maintain their independence longer. The Alzheimer’s community views lecanemab as a crucial step forward, with ongoing research aiming to further validate and expand its benefits.

Dr. Lawrence Honig, a neurologist at NewYork-Presbyterian, emphasizes that lecanemab is one of the first treatments to show measurable effects in slowing Alzheimer’s progression. As research continues, lecanemab could become a cornerstone in Alzheimer’s care, providing much-needed hope and improved outcomes for patients and their families.^[7]

3 Scemblix: A Game-Changer in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Treatment

Scemblix, developed by Novartis, has emerged as a significant advancement in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Approved by the FDA in 2021, this novel drug targets the BCR-ABL1 protein, a key driver of CML. Recent data from the Phase III ASC4FIRST study, presented at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting and the European Hematology Association (EHA) Congress, demonstrated Scemblix’s superior efficacy compared to other tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in newly diagnosed CML patients.

Patients treated with Scemblix showed higher rates of major molecular response and lower discontinuation rates due to adverse effects compared to those on traditional TKIs. This makes Scemblix not only a more effective option but also a more tolerable one for many patients. With its ability to provide better outcomes and improved tolerability, Scemblix is setting a new standard in leukemia care, offering hope and a higher quality of life for those affected by CML.^[8]

2 Zolgensma: A Gene Therapy Medical Miracle for Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Zolgensma, a groundbreaking gene therapy developed by Novartis, has revolutionized the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a severe genetic disorder that affects muscle strength and movement. Approved by the FDA in 2019, Zolgensma works by delivering a functional copy of the SMN1 gene to replace the missing or defective gene in SMA patients. This one-time intravenous infusion is designed for children under the age of two and has shown remarkable efficacy in clinical trials, significantly improving motor functions and extending life expectancy.

The impact of Zolgensma on patients’ lives is profound. Children who received this therapy have achieved developmental milestones previously thought impossible for SMA patients, such as sitting up, crawling, and even walking. For instance, twins Kali and Kaiden, diagnosed with SMA Type 1, received Zolgensma at one month old and have since shown tremendous progress, defying the grim prognosis typically associated with the disease. Their story, along with others, underscores the transformative potential of gene therapy in treating genetic disorders.

Despite its high cost, Zolgensma offers hope and a better quality of life for families affected by SMA. As ongoing research continues to evaluate its long-term benefits and safety, Zolgensma stands as a testament to the advancements in genetic medicine, providing a new lease on life for many young patients.^[9]

1 Ketruda (Pembrolizumab): Extending Survival in Kidney Cancer Patients

Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) is making waves as an adjuvant therapy for kidney cancer, particularly clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Approved by the FDA in 2021, this immunotherapy works by targeting the PD-1 protein, enhancing the immune system’s ability to attack cancer cells. The KEYNOTE-564 trial revealed that patients treated with pembrolizumab post-surgery had a nearly 40% reduced risk of death compared to a placebo. Four years into treatment, 91% of patients on pembrolizumab were still alive, compared to 86% in the placebo group.

These results are groundbreaking, marking the first time an adjuvant therapy for kidney cancer has shown improved overall survival. Despite potential side effects like fatigue and rash, pembrolizumab offers new hope for patients at high risk of recurrence. Oncologists are optimistic about its potential to become a standard post-surgical treatment, significantly improving care and outcomes for early-stage kidney cancer patients. ^[10]

Innovations in technology come all the time, and companies are continually working to improve their technology to take the lead in the marketplace. Each year, something new is introduced that changes the game, and when there’s something truly special, the world of technology is changed forever.

See Also: 10 ‘Green’ Products That Are Bad For The Environment

In the years between 2010 and 2019, there were tons of impressive gadgets, innovations to existing technologies, and inventions that captivated the marketplace. Some even went on to influence pop culture and establish itself in the zeitgeist. These ten gadgets were the most innovative of the decade, ordered from beginning to end.

10 2010: Instant Pot

Even if you don’t have an Instant Pot of your own, odds are, you have a friend or coworker who won’t stop telling you how great theirs is. The Instant Pot was released in 2010, and while it may seem like any old pressure cooker, it’s far more, and its capabilities are vast. The multifunction cooker was created by Robert Wang, a computer scientist who put up $350,000 of his savings to bring his dream to reality. The Instant Pot was an immediate success, and thanks to the word-of-mouth from food bloggers, and the ease of selling via Amazon, it quickly became one of the hottest products of the year.

Instant Pots work like slow cookers, but they can also be used to steam rice, boil dozens of eggs, cook meats, bake a cheesecake, make oatmeal, and a thousand other things you’d never expect a pressure cooker would be capable of doing. There are thousands of recipes and cookbooks available for these things, and because most only require that you dump the ingredients in and walk away, Instant Pots are taking over where conventional slow cookers and pressure cookers were years before. They tend to go on sale every so often, and now that Wang has partnered with Corelle, the gadget is going to be around for a long time.

9 2011: Nest Learning Thermostat

The Nest Learning Thermostat was introduced as one of the most innovative new thermostats ever made, and it sold like crazy. The thermostat has many of the same features now standard in other models, but in 2011, it was unheard of to have a thermostat capable of machine learning. The device is connected to the internet through a wi-fi connection, and via an algorithm, it manages to track a person’s preferences in terms of how cool or hot they like their environment. It couples this data with information related to when people are in the home, and through this, it creates a schedule designed to maximize performance, and limit energy costs by reducing the need to cool a home when nobody is present.

As of the end of the decade, six models have been introduced, all of which built upon the base model released in 2011. The Nest performed so well, it was eventually purchased by Google in January of 2014 for $3.2 billion in cash. Since then, it has been operated independently from Google’s other businesses, and the line has grown to include other smart home gadgets, including cameras, alarm systems, smoke detectors, and many other successful products.

82012: Tesla Model S

In 2012, Tesla introduced the Model S, and while it wasn’t the first electric car, it changed the way the world thought about them. Technically, the first electric vehicle was made back in the early 19th-century, but the technology was overshadowed by the rise of the internal combustion engine. Elon Musk is hoping to change that, and his line of electric vehicles, first introduced in 2009, started him on the road to becoming a car manufacturer. With the Model S’ release in 2012, the world was given a car that was a viable replacement of their standard, gas-guzzling automobiles, and the future of electric vehicles was given a solid base.

Since the Model S’ 2012 model ended up succeeding for the company, Musk has been able to continue to refine the manufacturing process, and eventually, he released additional models of cars. The 2012 Model S debuted at a whopping $75,000, which was out of the price range for most consumers, but the success of that model helped bring about the Model 3, which is far more affordable. As the technology continues to develop, costs will go down, and more people will be driving Teslas and other electric cars, thanks to the success of the 2012 Tesla Model S.

7 2013: Sony Playstation 4

The eighth-generation of consoles began in 2012 with the Wii U, but unlike its predecessor, that console failed to achieve much success, and it wasn’t until the following year that the real console competition kicked off. The PlayStation 4 (PS4) hit store shelves in November 2013, and while it was followed by the XBox One (XB1) less than two weeks later, the PS4 managed to take an impressive lead in the ongoing console war between Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony. The PS4 was developed with graphics and gamers in mind, while the XB1 was designed to be a full-functioning multimedia player, which didn’t capture as many gamers as the impressive graphics and sound found on the PS4.

The console was widely acclaimed, and the differences between Sony and Microsoft’s products were significant and noticeable. The console sold remarkably well, and by September 2019, Sony had managed to sell more than 102 million PS4 consoles across the globe. The console continues to dominate the marketplace, even as Sony and its competitors are actively working on a ninth-generation replacement. In terms of total sales, the PS4 is only outmatched by the PS2, Nintendo DS, and Game Boy, which makes it the second-best-selling home console (non-handheld) of all time behind another Sony product.

6 2014: Amazon Echo

Before 2014, when people talked aloud while alone in a room, it usually meant there was something wrong with them, but that all changed when Amazon released the Echo, a smart speaker that worked much like the computer on the Starship Enterprise. The speaker wasn’t just a Bluetooth device capable of playing your favorite music; it was able to respond to vocal cues, making it a completely hands-free device. If you want to listen to The Beatles, all you had to do was say, “Alexa, play The Beatles,” and you would be singing along with John, Paul, George, and Ringo in a matter of seconds.

By the close of the decade, the Amazon Echo, and its competition from Google and other companies, is ubiquitous. Many homes feature more than one device, and it has advanced to work with phones, in cars, wall clocks, microwaves, and just about anything you never thought you needed or even wanted to be automated. The devices have had some privacy issues, but despite this, Amazon sells Echo devices consistently. In December 2019, the company offered the ability to have Samuel L. Jackson’s voice featured on the device, and he’s likely the first of many celebrity voices to come int he future.

5 2015: JUUL

Though it’s taken a severe hit in 2019 due to the medical scare of vaping coupled with the accusations of marketing the product to teenagers, the JUUL was a revolutionary device when it was released in 2015. Before the JUUL, e-cigarettes were large, complicated, and hard to use. The JUUL is simple, easy to use, fits in your pocket, and can be adapted to include pods featuring mint and fruit-flavored liquids, making it a rival to traditional combustible cigarettes. JUUL was a product that changed an industry, and whatever a person’s thoughts on that industry may be, it represented a significant advancement.

The JUUL’s value on the marketplace was estimated at nearly $24 billion in 2019, and despite the ongoing issues in 2019, the company will likely continue to succeed in the marketplace. JUUL’s mission is “to provide the world’s one billion adult smokers with a true alternative to combustible cigarettes,” and there’s no denying that’s exactly what JUUL did when it was released in 2015. The company has vowed to fight the issues related to youth smoking in regards to its products and is likely to be around for a long time.

4 2016: Apple Airpods

Apple has always been about innovation, and while the company has spent the better part of two decades working to revolutionize the cellphone and tablet markets, that doesn’t mean it isn’t also focused on peripheral devices. In 2016, Apple announced that the iPhone 7 was losing its headphone jack, a feature of cellphones for decades and that its users wouldn’t need it any longer. The company announced Apple AIrpods on the same day, and there’s little wonder why. Apple Airpods weren’t just a new type of headphones; they were the only headphones Apple wanted its customers to buy.

Apple Airpods are entirely wireless, and while some mocked the concept of separating the left and right earpiece for fear of losing one, they proved immensely popular among consumers. The sound quality on them is superior to many comparable models. Advancements have been made since 2016, and subsequent models feature noise cancellation, a more comfortable in-ear fit, and wireless charging. One again, Apple revolutionized the marketplace, and the company did it with a product that has been around for decades in one form or another.

3 2017: Nintendo Switch

Nintendo has been an innovative company for most of its existence. After all, it initially made playing cards in the 19th-century but went on to save the video game industry in the 1980s. Since that time, the company has attempted numerous advancements in technology and play-style with products that flopped—the Power Glove—and products that dominated the industry, such as the Wii. The successor to that console failed miserably, but the one that came after, the Nintendo Switch, once more took a hold in the marketplace with new technology and a product the fans immediately embraced.

The Nintendo Switch is unlike any console that came before it. It isn’t just a home console like all the Nintendo home products that came before it; it’s portable. Players can lift it out of its docking cradle and seamlessly continue playing their game on the road. They can swap out controllers, drop it in another console anywhere int he world, and continue playing. It also features multimedia playback and isn’t limited to family-friendly games like most Nintendo consoles. The Nintendo Switch’s game library includes most of the AAA titles released on the PS4 and XB1.

2 2018: Mars Translation Earbuds

Apple innovated the marketplace in 2016 with the Apple Airpods, but that was just the beginning of wireless earbuds, and the technology has only advanced since that time. Mars Translation Earbuds are exactly what the name implies, and while there have been attempts to create earbuds capable of translating the spoken language instantly, those results were less than extraordinary. These new devices work almost perfectly, as they can take in someone’s speech, and instantly translate it into a person’s ear, but that’s not all they can do.

You can separate them, and hand one of the earbuds over to the person you’re communicating with. So, if you approach someone who only speaks Russian while you can only speak English, just hand one over, and they will hear your words in their native tongue while you will hear theirs in yours. The technology does need some tweaks and improvements, but they are definitely a game-changer for anyone who travels for business, diplomats who need to communicate for their job, and even members of the military working in foreign countries.

1 2019: Oculus Quest

Virtual Reality gaming has been slowly creeping into the marketplace since the 1980s, and it’s been a rough ride. The technology wasn’t capable of supporting many experiences until the development of products like the HTC Vive and the Oculus Rift, but those headsets are somewhat bulky and require a powerful PC to run. The need to pair the Rift and other headsets with a powerful computer meant a player needed to spend thousands of dollars to play anything of value, and that made it difficult for the products to take up more than a niche in the video game marketplace. Fortunately, everything changed with the release of the Oculus Quest.

The Quest wasn’t the second or even the third headset released by Oculus, but it was the first that didn’t require a computer, needed no cables, and could run pretty much every piece of VR software on the market. The ability to take VR anywhere you wanted to go without the need to place barrier equipment or plug it into a computer changed the world of virtual reality forever. This impressive portable technology will only be improved upon in the future, so expect more advanced, lighter, smaller, and better compact VR gear in the future.

While cinema has always been the thriving medium of visual storytelling, it is only in the last 15 to 20 years that short films have developed the immense popularity they now have. Thanks to Internet culture, a variety of amazing shorts have become incredibly successful and inspired millions to tell their own stories. From comedies and dramas, to science-fiction or horror, a good story is a good story and great filmmaking can transcend any genre it tackles. So in that spirit, let’s shine a light on the best short films this last decade has given us:

10 Short Films Hiding On YouTube That Feature Huge Stars

10 Naysayer (2019)

This clever short film stars Steven Yeun, who is better known for his role as Glenn Rhee in AMC’s The Walking Dead. In it, he plays the role of Ian, a young father who gets tired of being kept away from his son, and decides to take matters into his own hands. As the infant cries in the backseat of his car, Ian calls his ex-wife Michelle to tell her not to worry about their son going missing, and an increasingly intriguing conversation begins to escalate between the two.

Director David M Helman (who is originally known for directing music videos) delivers a tense and mature award-winning movie, with incredible performances from Yeun and Alanna Masterson (also a former star of The Walking Dead), who plays Michelle. “Naysayer” is a rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish, and it will take you a while to process what this story is really about.

9 Alison (2016)

“Alison” tells the story of Jay, an ordinary young man who is going through a particularly difficult night, as he attempts to take care of his drunk girlfriend, Alison. From the looks of it, it is not the first time this has happened, and as he desperately tries to get some control over Alison, Jay begins to question his own commitment to this relationship. While he loves Alison with all of his heart, he is soon forced to realize that their dysfunctional romance is not sustainable.

Written by Jessica Rose (who also stars as the titular Alison), this movie shines an unapologetic spotlight on mental health, toxic relationships, and the collateral damage that comes with love and the price you sometimes have to pay for it. It is a sad and unfortunately relatable film that will inevitably stay with you long after you first see it.

8 Science Of Love (2018)

This French sci-fi film takes place in a not-so-distant future, where a company called Lovecount has developed a revolutionary technology that is able to quantify love. We follow the story of Milo, a young husband-to-be who decides to take the Lovecount test with his fiancée out of pure entertainment. But, while the whole experiment is for funs and giggles at first, serious doubts begin to consume Milo when the test results reveal that his fiancée might be in love with someone else.

Written and directed by Timothée Hochet, and starring one of the biggest French YouTube stars Cyprien Iov, “Science Of Love” is a dark and gritty look on social media culture. With its amazing direction, real themes and brilliant performances, the film has been compared to many grounded sci-fi flicks of the century, reminiscing of the best episodes of “Black Mirror”.

7 The Neighbors’ Window (2019)

Alli, a middle-aged mother of three, has grown increasingly bored of her daily routine with her husband and her children. She struggles to come to terms with the reality of her best years now being behind her. But, when a young and sexy couple moves into the building across from hers, Alli begins to develop a bizarre obsession that compels her to continuously spy on her new neighbors’ intimate moments with a pair of binoculars.

This Oscar winning drama was written and directed by Marshall Curry, who is mostly known for making documentaries. The film is inspired by a true story told by Diane Weipert, the real life Alli (who is brilliantly portrayed by Maria Dizzia), on the “Love + Radios” podcast. An absolute must-watch with a lot of heart, “The Neighbors’ Window” will leave you thinking about the depths of your own life for a quite a while.^[1]

6 FTL (2017)

Ethan Kane is an astronaut who is about to complete his final mission, during which he will become the first man to travel through space at light speed. With his wife, his son, and the rest of the population watching him, the now legendary pilot makes History as he jumps from Earth to Mars in a few seconds, prompting a triumphing celebration all around the globe. But the spacecraft malfunctions when initiating the return trip, and Ethan travels to an unknown place, disappearing in a blink in front of the entire world.

“FTL” (Faster Than Light) is a true gem of science-fiction. Director Adam Stern delivers a strong and surprisingly emotional film, with Canadian actor Ty Olsson owning the screen in the main role. It will give you serious “2001: A Space Odyssey” vibes, as the story unfolds in the most unexpected way. “FTL” feels like a small piece of a much larger story, one that we hope to see in the form of a feature film one day.

10 Sci-Fi Short Films That Will Give You The Creeps

5 Up On The Roof (2013)

Marcus, a troubled and neglected young boy living in poverty, has built himself a cozy hideaway on the rooftop of a building, where he camps out in loneliness to avoid problems. Unfortunately, his safe haven is jeopardized when his crush Trish (played by Game Of Thrones’ Maisie Williams) finds him and asks for help, triggering the rage and jealousy of her abusive boyfriend Darren.

This moving and somber film, directed by Nour Wazzi, deals with a surprisingly mature and realistic view of the troubled youth of London, with powerful performances from Maisie Williams and Michael Matias. It is a simple film in essence, about two young people in pain bonding during tough times. “Up On The Roof” is a tale of struggle and humanity that everyone should experience.

4 Made Public (2019)

“Made Public” is a smart comedy about a naive young man named Dave, who completely ruins his perfect wedding day after expressing his doubts about marriage in a social media post that accidentally went viral the night before. As he tries to clear things up with his bride before the ceremony, things take a turn for the worst, and he learns the hard way that he should have never messed with a woman’s dream wedding.

A surprisingly inventive take on the effects of social media, this movie almost entirely relies on the chemistry between its two leads, Josh Zuckerman and Jeanine Mason, who give unbelievably compelling and nuanced performances. “Made Public” makes a clever commentary on this generation’s constant need to share every details of their lives publicly, and is made only stronger by delivering on a scenario that feels more plausible than ridiculous.

3 ReMoved (2013)

“ReMoved” tells the dark and unfortunate tale of 10 year-old Zoe, a young girl with a difficult life who is taken away from her neglecting mother and her violent stepfather by Child Protective Services. Separated from her baby brother, Zoe struggles to adapt to her new reality in the foster care system, and the behavioral issues linked to her former environment begin to come out in the form of a hardened defense mechanism caused by anger and confusion.

An intense film full of passion, “ReMoved” became highly popular on YouTube, mainly praised for Nathanael Matanick’s fantastic directing and Abby White’s breathtaking performance as little Zoe. Two years later, a sequel to “ReMoved” titled “Remember My Story” was released to the world, giving audiences a much needed sense of closure on Zoe’s journey. The shorts became a gold standard of storytelling on YouTube, and is often used as a blueprint for amateur filmmakers on the platform.

2 Jada (2016)

Following a similar theme as the previous film, this 2016 gem follows a day in the life of the titular Jada, a homeless 7 year-old who lives alone in the streets of Venice Beach. As she navigates the world with her wits and makes a bit of money by selling handmade “stick people” to whoever wants them, Jada suddenly finds her day disrupted when a man she doesn’t know comes looking for her.

A wonderful story with endless amounts of emotion to give, “Jada” is a true gift that reflects on a reality way too often overlooked by most people. Director Doug Roland delivers a vibrant and admirable film with amazing characters, great performances and moving music that adds a heavy layer of heart to an already profoundly genuine and passionate narrative.

1 Night Shift (2017)

Produced by legendary actress Viola Davis, this absolute masterpiece of a film tells the story of Oliver, a down on his luck LA actor whose career has faded over the years. In the middle of a divorce he struggles to come to terms with, Oliver ends up working as a bathroom attendant in a night club to make ends meet. The story unfolds as we follow him during a particularly difficult night at work, during which he has to face the reality of his situation.

Written and directed by Marshall Tyler, this Sundance Festival favorite delivers an incredibly human film. Tunde Adebimpe’s masterful performance as a man reaching a new stage of his life with a lot of difficulty is a true marvel to watch, as he brings life to this vulnerable character struggling to reconnect with his own dignity. “Night Shift” is easily one of the greatest short films ever made, and a definite must watch for any film enthusiast out there.

10 Must-See Animated Short Films

Over the last ten years we have published 10,000 lists! Below you will find the ten that were the most popular through that decade. I hope you enjoy the trip down memory lane as much as I have in compiling this list. Exciting stuff is on the horizon for the next ten years, so enjoy the reading and see you in 2020!

10 2010—Common Faults In Human Thought, by Nikki

Read The List: Top 10 Common Faults In Human Thought

“The human mind is a wonderful thing. Cognition, the act or process of thinking, enables us to process vast amounts of information quickly. For example, every time your eyes are open, you brain is constantly being bombarded with stimuli. You may be consciously thinking about one specific thing, but you brain is processing thousands of subconscious ideas. Unfortunately, our cognition is not perfect, and there are certain judgment errors that we are prone to making, known in the field of psychology as cognitive biases. They happen to everybody regardless of age, gender, education, intelligence, or other factors. Some of them are well known, others not, but all of them are interesting. I am sure everyone will find that one has happened to them, (I myself have been prone to several) and now will recognize when they are making an error in the future.” Continue reading . . .

9 2011—Strange UFO Encounters, by ValleysOfNeptune1

Read The List: Top 10 Strange UFO Encounters

“The human mind is a wonderful thing. Cognition, the act or process of thinking, enables us to process vast amounts of information quickly. For example, every time your eyes are open, you brain is constantly being bombarded with stimuli. You may be consciously thinking about one specific thing, but you brain is processing thousands of subconscious ideas. Unfortunately, our cognition is not perfect, and there are certain judgment errors that we are prone to making, known in the field of psychology as cognitive biases. They happen to everybody regardless of age, gender, education, intelligence, or other factors. Some of them are well known, others not, but all of them are interesting. I am sure everyone will find that one has happened to them, (I myself have been prone to several) and now will recognize when they are making an error in the future.” Continue reading . . .

8 2012—Popular Anime Series, by Miriam

Read The List: Top 10 Popular Anime Series

“Anime has been around for quite some time now. It is, simply put, Japanese animated TV series (and movies). Due to the large variety and quantity of anime, it isn’t possible to make an uncontroversial “best anime” list. Therefore, this is merely a “most popular” list, with the top ten most watched and most well-known anime.” Continue reading . . .

7 2013—Psychology Tricks You Can Use To Influence People, by Gregory Myers

Read The List: 10 Psychology Tricks You Can Use To Influence People

“Before we get started, it’s important to note that none of these methods fall under what we would term the dark arts of influencing people. Anything that might be harmful to someone in any way, especially to their self esteem, is not included here. These are ways to win friends and influence people using psychology without being a jerk or making someone feel bad.” Continue reading . . .

6 2014—Creepypasta That Will Scare You Silly, by Leonius

Read The List: 10 Creepypasta That Will Scare You Silly

“By now, most of you avid fans are aware of the disturbing “Squidward’s Suicide” lost episode. If not, you can read all about it, and then come back to this list. It’s an example of creepypasta, which are short stories found on the Internet that are basically designed to shock and startle the reader. It’s kind of like the Internet’s version of sitting around a campfire and telling creepy stories. And guess what? Here are 10 more for your reading pleasure. Just don’t read this list at night.” 10 Creepypasta That Will Scare You Silly

5 2015—Strange Mysteries From Around The World That Are Still Unsolved, by Estelle

Read The List: 10 Strange Mysteries From Around The World That Are Still Unsolved

“All things that cannot be explained remain an intriguing conversation topic for many people around the globe. Some mysteries, however, are more interesting than the rest simply because of how weird they are.” Continue reading . . .

4 2016—Truly Disgusting Facts About Ancient Roman Life, by Mark Oliver

Read The List: 10 Truly Disgusting Facts About Ancient Roman Life

“Ancient Rome holds a mythic place in our imaginations. It’s the land of historical epics like Ben-Hur and Gladiator, where men in golden armor ride chariots and emperors are fed grapes in reclining chairs. Real life in Rome, though, was quite a bit less glamorous. In a time before modern sanitation and medicine, getting through an average day was a difficult task—and far more disgusting than you could ever imagine.” Continue reading . . .

3 2017—Facts About Charles Manson’s Imprisonment That Will Disgust You, by Adam R. Ramos

Read The List: 10 Facts About Charles Manson’s Imprisonment That Will Disgust You

“Infamous convicted murderer Charles Manson has spent nearly five decades imprisoned since his death sentence in 1971 was commuted to life. Suffice it to say that his peculiar behavior behind bars is far from that of a model prisoner. The following 10 facts take a glimpse into the life of a caged madman as well as the bizarre fan base his lunacy attracts.” Continue reading . . .

2 2018—Curious Humans Exhibited In P.T. Barnum’s Circus, by Oliver Taylor

Read The List: Top 10 Curious Humans Exhibited In P.T. Barnum’s Circus

“Phineas Taylor Barnum, commonly known as P.T. Barnum, entered the circus business in 1841, when he purchased Scudder’s American Museum and renamed it Barnum’s American Museum. In 1875, he brought circus owners Dan Castello and William Cameron Coup on board and renamed the business P.T. Barnum’s Great Traveling Museum, Menagerie, Caravan, and Hippodrome. In 1881, this new business merged with Cooper and Bailey Circus, owned by James Anthony Bailey and James E. Cooper, to become the Barnum & Bailey Circus. P.T. Barnum died in 1891, and the circus came under the control of his partner, James Bailey, who purchased Barnum’s share from his wife. Bailey himself died in 1906, and the Ringling brothers, who already owned the successful Ringling Brothers Circus, bought the Barnum & Bailey Circus and merged it with theirs to create the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus,[1] which remained in business until it shut down in May 2017 due to high operating costs, changing tastes, and animal rights issues.” Continue reading . . .

1 2019—Shocking Scandals To Rock The Royal Family, by Simon Griffin

Read The List: 10 Shocking Scandals To Rock The Royal Family

“When we think of the British royal family, we tend to think about a number of qualities in particular. “Grace,” “poise,” and “decorum” are a few words that could be used to describe the Windsors in almost any situation. The key phrase there was “almost any.” Royals are still people, with all the proclivities of people. To err is human, and as we will see below, just like everyone else, the British royal family is far from perfect.” Continue reading . . .

Every year, moviegoers are treated to new unforgettable films. But far too often, the spectacular acting performances that make the films so great are overlooked. Here, we honor actors’ work that has been underrecognized, underappreciated, and unacknowledged during awards season.

10 Underrated But Excellent Bands

10 Joaquin Phoenix—You Were Never Really Here

Who better to kick off this list than someone who has continuously flown under the radar? It wasn’t until 2020 that this brilliant artist won an Academy Award: a well-deserved honor for interpretation of the iconic Joker. But two years earlier, Joaquin Phoenix gave one of 2017’s most unforgettable performances as Joe, a war veteran with PTSD who earns his living rescuing sex-trafficked girls in the crime/thriller You Were Never Really Here, written and directed by Lynne Ramsay.

“It’s tempting to say Phoenix has never been better than he is here, but that just would not be true,” writes film critic Sheila O’Malley. “He was great in The Master and Inherent Vice, in two very different kinds of roles. His career has been a bit all over the place, but in the last few years he’s settled into himself. It’s like he feels the earth beneath his feet, and he knows what to do. It’s been exhilarating to witness.

“At his very best, he doesn’t ‘show his work.’ You’re just hanging out with whatever peculiar character he’s playing. He’s not self-consciously ‘stretching’ as an actor by taking these different kinds of roles. It’s just that he, to steal from Walt Whitman, ‘contains multitudes.’ In You Were Never Really Here, he sometimes vibrates with unmanaged trauma and suicidal ideation. His tears are heart-rending because he is so helpless when they come. His translucent green eyes pulse with mute torment. You are never 100 percent sure what Joe is going to do next.”^[1]

9 Melissa McCarthy—Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Melissa McCarthy does not disappoint with her portrayal of the real life Lee Israel in Marielle Heller’s comedy-drama from 2018, Can You Ever Forgive Me? A frustrated alcoholic and unsuccessful writer desperate for money, Lee pays her rent by forging old letters by famous writers and selling them for big bucks. While McCarthy was nominated for the role, her stellar performance was otherwise overlooked.

“Playing Lee, McCarthy manages something very special: She makes a character who is odd, obnoxious, difficult, and alcoholic seem lovable and even heroic,” writes Geoffrey Macnab @TheIndyFilm. “McCarthy doesn’t try to be ingratiating at all or to tone down Lee’s mixture of awkwardness and malevolence.” Somehow, she makes the audience root for this despicable character.^[2]

8 Robert Pattinson/Willem Dafoe—The Lighthouse

It’s impossible to recognize one without the other. Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe compliment each other brilliantly, acting opposite each other as the leading men in Robert Egger’s 2019 psychological horror film, The Lighthouse. The two men try to maintain their stanity while living on a remote island and working as lighthouse keepers.

“At the core of the film is Pattison’s impressively committed performance as the taciturn Winslow,” writes Alison Willmore for Vulture. “Dafoe may be a delight as a sea-brined gremlin with a bottomless thirst and a surprising sensitivity about his own cooking. (‘Yer fond of me lobster,’ he howls at one point. ‘Say it!’) But it’s Pattinson, playing the straight man, who sells the slow deterioration of the pair’s mental state.”^[3]

7 Ethan Hawke—First Reformed

In Paul Schrader’s 2017 drama/thriller First Reformed, Ethan Hawke plays Reverend Toller, the pastor of a small church in upstate New York. Toller begins to question his faith and spiral out of control after an existential encounter with an environmental activist and his wife.

“You are drawn into Toller’s story by a steady, unblinking camera that quickens your pulse even as it encourages your contemplation,” writes Justin Chang for the Los Angeles Times. “And you are held there by the mesmerizing clarity and intelligence of Hawke’s performance, which suggests that the most powerful epiphanies may also be the subtlest.

“Possibly too subtle,” continues Chang. “Hawke was conspicuously not conspicuously not nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award or a Golden Globe, both key Oscar precursors. It’s easy to see why. This isn’t the kind of acting that calls attention to itself, that bowls you over with bravura feats of vocal distortion and prosthetic wizardry.

“First Reformed gives us the latest in a string of remarkable Hawke performances, following the subtle explorations of midlife discontent in Before Midnight (2013) and Boyhood (2014) and the biographical transformations of Born to Be Blue (2015) and Maudie (2017). It is, I would propose, the culmination of the richest, most accomplished and surprising career of any actor now working in American movies.”^[4]

6 Natalie Portman—Vox Lux

It’s not on the same level as her Oscar-winning performance in Black Swan, but Natalie Portman’s portrayal of a Celeste in Brady Corbet’s musical drama Vox Lux is one you don’t want to miss. Celeste is a school shooting victim-turned-pop star. Now 31, she is on the verge of a comeback when another horrific scandal threatens her career. Terrorist attacks juxtaposed with the wild world of pop? You bet!

Film critic Luke Chanell explains that in directly referencing both the Columbine High School massacre and 9/11, Vox Lux seeks to explore the connection between popstars and terrorism—coaxing up a wealth of thought-provoking ideas in the process:

“This is held together by a powerhouse performance from Portman. She’s equal parts fierce, bratty, and unhinged, yet she is also empathetic, emotionally wounded, and deceptively intelligent. Portman’s complex portrayal is never less than enthralling and she completely looks the part too with her over-styled quiff and swaggering demeanour. She is utterly captivating and convincing as a world-famous pop star in the film’s climatic concert sequence.^[5]

Top 10 Underrated Disney Villains

5 Jake Gyllenhaal—Nightcrawler

In perhaps one of the finest performances of his career, Jake Gyllenhaal blew audiences away as Louis Bloom in Dan Gilroy’s 2014 crime/thriller, Nightcrawler. Louis begins a new career as a freelance cameraman after discovering that he can earn money by selling footage of accidents and crimes to local news networks. He becomes obsessed with getting the money shot and is willing to do anything it takes to get it.

“Gyllenhaal’s bold, committed performance makes Nightcrawler one of the most entertaining movies of the year…” writes Jocelyn Noveck for the Associated Press. “The most frightening thing about [Gyllenhaal]—even more than those sallow, sunken cheeks, those googly eyes, and that unkempt hair tied into a greasy bun—is his smile. They invented the word ‘creepy’ for that smile, a goofy, confident grin that reaches its full breadth just when you’re starting to realize how deranged the guy really is.”

4 Lupita Nyong’o—Us

After snagging an Oscar for her role in 12 Years A Slave back in 2014, it’s surprising that Lupita Nyong’o would be passed up for a nomination five years later when she took on the dual role of Adelaide and Red in Jordan Peele’s horror film, Us.

“A vibrant, appealing screen presence, Nyong’o brings a tremendous range and depth of feeling to both characters, who she individualizes with such clarity and lapidary detail that they aren’t just distinct beings; they feel as if they were being inhabited by different actors,” writes Manohla Dargis for the New York Times.

“She gives each a specific walk and sharply opposite gestures and voices (maternally silky vs. monstrously raspy). Adelaide, who studied ballet, moves gracefully and, when need be, rapidly (she racks up miles); Red moves as if keeping time to a metronome, with the staccato, mechanical step and head turns of an automaton. Both have ramrod posture and large unblinking eyes. Red’s mouth is a monstrous abyss.”^[6]

3 Song Kang-ho—Parasite

Bong Joon-ho’s 2019 comedy/thriller Parasite swept the Oscars, but the acting performances did not receive the credit they deserved: in particular, Song Kang-ho as Kim Ki-taek, the father of a destitute family struggling to make ends meet. After his son lands a job as a fake tutor for the wealthy Park family, the other members of the Kim family soon find themselves lying about their education and experience level to land jobs within the household.

Bong explained that choosing Kang-ho to star in the film enabled him to embolden his approach. “There was a relief that came from the certain expectation that if this actor plays this role, even the controversial parts will definitely be convincing to the audience. The script of Parasite, especially, has bold, unexpected, or somewhat controversial moments in its latter part, but having Song Kang-ho in mind resolved the fears and concerns that I had writing them.”

Kang-ho, who has starred in more than 30 Korean films and collaborated with Bong on four of them, says, “Over the years, the characters I’ve played have appealed to the Korean audience more as familiar, very realistic people that they can relate to, rather than somebody from a fantasy world.” But in Parasite, Kang-ho isn’t the “big star,” nor is he able to lean on his instant likability, says Patrick Brzeski for the Hollywood Reporter.

Bong observes: “Indeed, the acting format is that of an ensemble, where almost 10 main characters work with each other in even balance. Despite this, as can be seen when we look back on the film’s climax sequence, it’s Song Kang-ho who’s bearing the core sentiment of the film as well as its riskiest moments, the most daring parts,” he said.^[7]

2 Toni Collette—Hereditary

One of the worst Oscar snubs of the last decade was Toni Collette’s performance in Ari Aster’s 2018 horror film, Hereditary. Collette plays Annie, a grieving mother who has just lost her daughter in a tragic car accident. Annie is unable to cope with the loss of her daughter and quickly becomes unhinged, spiraling down a rabbit hole of satanic rituals and discovering that her own mother may be to blame for a curse on their family.

“The film’s most important asset is Collette, who weeps, screams, and snarls her way halfway off the screen and into the audience’s laps,” Tasha Robinson wrote for the Verge. “Annie is a complicated character, sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes outright repulsive. The role only works because of Collette’s power to sell her emotions to an audience that may want to distance itself from her visible agony. Watching her suffer is emotionally exhausting, because she plays the character with such intensity.”^[8]

1 Adam Sandler—Uncut Gems

Last but most definitely not least, one could argue that Adam Standler gives the best performance of his career as charismatic New York City jeweler and gambling addict Howard Ratner in Josh and Benny Safdie’s crime thriller Uncut Gems. Sandler brings audiences along with him on the ride of their life as he rushes around the busy streets of Manhattan, placing high-stakes bets and fighting off Jewish mobsters all while dealing with a messy life at home that includes a divorce and a girlfriend half his age.

“The Safdie Brothers’ Uncut Gems proves to be one of the most mesmerising thrillers in a long time, and Sandler is a major reason why it works,” wrote Nick De Semlyen for Empire. “It’s a career-best performance, reminiscent of his character study 17 years ago in Paul Thomas Anderson’s Punch-Drunk Love but even more layered and magnetic. His Howard is instantly iconic: part Job, part Jordan Belfort, part Jerry Maguire, he’s louchely attired, balancing out his shady wardrobe and dirtbag facial hair with a Star of David pinkie ring. Rarely stopping to take a breath, he is by turns hilarious, soulful and maddening; drilling down into a character who seems initially cartoonish but becomes ever more fascinating and human, Sandler is totally believable as a rapacious lowlife with big dreams.”^[9]

Top 10 Underrated Films That Will Give You The Creeps

Stephen King, the undisputed ruler of the horror genre, is no stranger to having his books turned into movies. His debut novel, Carrie, was released as a film only two years after its initial publication in 1974 and the trend has continued unabated ever since, with countless King stories adapted for screen over the years.
As fans of the author will know, these efforts were more often misses than hits. There are some notable exceptions, like 1994’s The Shawshank Redemption, but these just go to prove the general rule – King movies are often terrible. Or, rather, were terrible. Things have changed of late, and recently we’ve seen some excellent movies and TV series based on King’s work. With many more set for release in the coming years, there’s good reason for fans to get excited, and what better way to do so than by looking back at the top 10 King screen adaptations of the last decade.

Top 10 Modern Horror Novels More Terrifying Than A Stephen King Book

10 Carrie (2013)

Since Carrie was King’s first novel and the first to become a movie, there’s no better place to start than the excellent 2013 remake. The story, in essence, is about retribution as Carrie White ultimately uses her telekinetic powers to exact brutal revenge on those who wronged her. There’s so much more going on here though, as the lead character, expertly played by Chloe Grace Moretz, evokes strong feelings of pity despite her homicidal actions at the end. Julianne Moore rounds out a strong cast with her portrayal of Carrie’s mother, proving that the strength of King’s story lies always in its characters.

Throughout the girl’s troubled teenage years we’re given a heartbreaking portrayal that’s both relatable and all too easy to believe. True, Carrie’s telekinesis is fictional but her struggles with bullying at school, abuse and mental illness at home, and a general longing to fit in are all too real and relatable. Kimberly Pierce, one of the few prominent female directors in Hollywood, proves her worth with the depth of subtlety and nuance she packs into every scene. But make no mistake, this is a horror story through and through, and the blood-soaked final scenes leave no doubt that this is vintage King.

9 Mr. Mercedes (2017)

In his 62nd novel, King went in a new direction, leaving the supernatural behind and opting rather for a straightforward detective story. Mr. Mercedes features no fanciful elements, just strong characters, an engaging plot, and a viscerally shocking opening scene. These elements come through strongly in the popular 2017 TV series, possibly because this kind of character-driven investigative plot is perfectly suited to episodic storytelling.

After Brady Hartsfield murders several people by driving a Mercedes sedan into a crowd of job seekers one cold morning and disappears without a trace, detective Bill Hodges is unable to solve the case. Later, in retirement, he’s taunted by the killer in a series of messages and picks up the hunt once more, this time without the burden of a badge. Starting with a bang as it does is a risky move as everything that follows could come across as anticlimactic, but Mr. Mercedes is spared this fate by its colorful cast of characters and a plot that moves along briskly, engaging the viewer as it does. The story might be fairly standard, bordering on predictable, but for purposes of pure entertainment, it performs admirably.

8 1922 (2017)

Stephen King’s 2010 collection of four short stories, entitled Full Dark, No Stars, was popularly received by fans. Not too surprisingly, three of these stories have been subject to screen adaptations and, of those, 1922 is the best of the bunch. Released as a Netflix exclusive and backed up by an impressive 91% Rotten Tomatoes rating, the departure from the contemporary setting, not something King does too often, works well in narrowing the focus of the plot to the most critical aspect – the main character’s descent into insanity.

In a very Poe-like way, the story begins with Wilfred James holed up in a hotel, the threat of rats in the walls, and his own guilty conscience, driving him to recount his grizzly tale of spousal murder and how the deadly dead cost him his unwitting accomplice – his son. The story unfolds as more of a slow-burn psychological thriller but the strong character development sees the viewer quickly invested in the plot, and there are more than enough hair-raising moments to remind one that Stephen King knows exactly how to mesmerize and terrorize as he spins a yarn, be it in book or movie form.

7 Pet Sematary (2019)

Pet Sematary, one of King’s more shocking stories, deals with the issue of death and resurrection. The book was made into a movie in 1989 and, even though the author wrote the screenplay, the effort was thoroughly forgettable. The story was brought back to life in a 2019 reboot and this time, it’s a vast improvement. “Sometimes dead is better,” claims one of the characters in the story, but this is not one of those times. Like things buried in the titular pet sematary, the movie has come back from the grave changed, but these changes are mostly for the better.

That’s not to say the movie was popularly received, nor that it’ll go down as a horror classic. It shines only in comparison to the previous attempt and as a faithful adaptation of an excellent novel that goes all out in its efforts to terrify. While part of this impact is lost in the movie, some clever foreshadowing and one or two heart-stopping moments stand out, as does John Lithgow’s convincing performance as Judd Crandall, the old neighbor who sets all the chaos in motion. King claims his stories are like fast food – nothing fancy but they fill a need. The same could be said for this movie. Its sole objective is to entertain and in that, it succeeds beyond doubt.

6 In the Tall Grass (2019)

In the Tall Grass is a collaborative novella written by Stephen King and his son, Joe Hill. Horror fiction connoisseurs will know that Hill tends to up the ante when it comes to the fright factor and his stories are some of the scariest around. Writing as he does in the shadow of his illustrious father, he seems to go out of his way to differentiate his approach and the effective colliding of two unique styles is likely what attracted seasoned director, Vincenzo Natali, to this project.

Following a brother and sister who get lured into a field of tall grass in the middle of nowhere on a cross country road trip, the movie starts strongly with Natali expertly using his signature visual-poetry style to add a deep sense of foreboding and tense expectation to proceedings. From there, it deteriorates somewhat into the expected thrills and spills of the genre as the movie follows the general arc of the novella, getting decidedly weirder as it progresses. Any structural flaws here, though, are not the fault of the film but rather can be attributed to the story being an experimental collaboration that perhaps signals the passing of the baton from one King to another.

5 Doctor Sleep (2019)

Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 film, The Shining, drew strong praise or harsh criticism depending on who you asked. Fans of the book and, famously, Stephen King himself, hated the movie because, while some license-taking is expected, Kubrick altered not just vital plot elements but the overall feel of the story as well. When King wrote a sequel in 2013, he must have had higher hopes for the film version, and, fortunately for him, Mike Flanagan picked up the project and delivered an excellent movie in 2019’s screen adaptation of Doctor Sleep.

Flanagan had the unenviable task of connecting the opposing visions of King and Kubrick in the direct sequel that follows a grown-up Danny Torrence as he battles his psychic abilities in a journey that takes him, inevitably, back to the scene of his childhood nightmare – The Overlook Hotel. That the place was destroyed in the novel but not in the movie of The Shining is one example of the kind of challenges Flanagan had in marrying the two in a single film, and he succeeds admirably, catering to both sets of fans and to horror lovers in general. Add in some strong acting by Ewan McGregor and Rebecca Fergusson, and you have one of the better King adaptations to ever grace the silver screen.

4 IT: Chapters 1 & 2 (2017 & 2019)

Yes, this is technically two for the price of one, but since the recent film translation of King’s classic horror novel is a single story, divided only for convenience, they can’t really be separated and so appear as one on this list. Given the formidable length of the book, a single movie could never work, which is why the previous attempt to televise the tale took the form of a miniseries back in 1990. Needless to say, it wasn’t spectacular, although it did bring the terrifying form of Pennywise, the murderous clown, to a whole new generation. And now, thanks to Andres Muschietti’s efforts, we have a screen version that does the chilling tale justice at last.

If you’ve read the book you’ll know that its allure is far more than just that of a scary story. Within, we find an engaging account of the enduring bond of childhood friendship, of bullying, abuse, loss, unhealthy family dynamics, and banding together to defeat our demons with the power of love. This is less cheesy than it sounds when one of said demons is a literal shape-shifting monster. King often comes under fire for his weak endings, and the ending of IT is not just weak but also bizarrely obscene. Thankfully, the movie changes it, removing the elements of underage intercourse and going for a more traditional conclusion that even the author agrees is a vast improvement.

3 Gerald’s Game (2017)

We’ve already discussed Mike Flanagan’s excellent work on Doctor Sleep and here we find proof that that movie wasn’t the first time he worked wonders with a King story that wasn’t exactly film-friendly. Gerald’s Game, considered one of King’s least successful novels, was never a likely candidate for a movie version. The majority of the story takes place in a single room, with the protagonist handcuffed to a bed, and most of the plot unfolding by way of internal dialogue, visions, and flashbacks. But, a lifelong King fan and having long ago pledged to attempt the project, Flanagan brings all his talent to bear on this excellent 2017 movie.

The director knows exactly what confines he’s operating within when it comes to the plot and, rather than change key elements as many others would’ve done, he seeks to amplify the feel of isolation and confinement of the novel with some excellent cinematic effects. Here again, King’s inability to finish off a story to the satisfaction of the reader is evident, as many feel Gerald’s Game unravels in the final third. But, committed to a faithful remake as he was, Flanagan boldly sticks to the script and pulls it off excellently, making Gerald’s Game not just an excellent movie, but a fitting tribute to the source material, just as it was intended.

2 The Outsider (2020)

Following the success of the Bill Hodges trilogy (of which Mr. Mercedes was the first installment) King used some of the same characters in The Outsider, released in 2018. Naturally, it was picked up by HBO and made into a series two years later. While Mr. Mercedes is a pure detective story, The Outsider blends elements of crime and horror fantasy in a more traditional King way, and the series received widespread acclaim, despite being terminated after only one season.

The plot involves a mysterious, shape-shifting creature that commits gruesome murders disguised as innocent civilians, leaving the poor individuals to deal with the aftermath. Terry Maitland, played excellently by Jason Bateman, is one such, and his efforts to clear his name lead him ultimately to a confrontation with the horrific creature. Along the way, he enlists the aid of Holly Gibney, the very woman who spectacularly stopped Mr. Mercedes in his tracks. Each episode is fresh and engaging and rockets along to a satisfying conclusion. As season one concluded the events of the story, no follow-up was planned. The recent release of King’s short story If It Bleeds, a direct sequel to the Outsider, gives us hope that a second season may now be possible.

1 The Stand (2020)

King fans would’ve been delighted to hear of the recent miniseries based on the author’s epic 1978 novel. Not because it deals with a pandemic (although it does) nor because the previous televised effort in 1994 was terrible (although it was) but simply because The Stand is a deeply engaging story packed with memorable characters, making it a prime candidate for a TV series adaptation. Josh Boone and Benjamin Cavell obliged and, aided by an excellent cast and King himself as a consultant, the result is every bit as engaging as fans had hoped.

By fans, however, I mean fans of the book. As long as the novel is, a nine-part miniseries was always going to leave aspects out, and the only letdown here is that the story wasn’t extended into multiple seasons. Character progression is a crucial aspect of the novel, as is the linear plot. The producers of the series opted for a rather confusing past/present shift reminiscent of Lost, which is exactly how anyone not familiar with the book must have felt during the first few episodes of The Stand. These complaints, however, are minor. Even the uninitiated will be drawn in and the diverse array of characters and constant intrigue make this an excellent screen adaptation of one of Stephen King’s finest books.

Top 15 Stephen King Books

It seems these days that it is the fashionable thing to apologize to the masses for things which, generally, don’t affect them personally. From religious and political leaders to sportsmen, these apologies really do seem to be nothing but public relations moves. This list looks at ten apologies from the last decade.

2000: Atlanta Braves pitcher John Rocker apologizes for dissing New Yorkers.

In an interview, Rocker talked about how disgusted he felt, riding in the New York subway with green haired punks, street people with loathsome diseases, as well as how rude the fans were. After the resulting brouhaha, he taped an apology which was shown on the big screen at Shea Stadium before a game. “I have apologized and felt badly for anyone who took my comments personally. I am also fully aware that the overwhelming majority of people in this city are extremely charismatic and full of personality, although a bit spirited at times, but, you know, that doesn’t make them bad people.” The tape was soundly booed by the Mets fans.

2001: George Bush kinda sorta apologizes to China, in the wake of China’s interceptor colliding with an American spy plane.

A hot-dogging Chinese fighter jet crowded an American EC-130 spy plane in international waters. The jet plunged to the pilot’s death, while the spy plane was damaged and forced to land on Hainan Island. China demanded an apology from the U.S. for the entire incident, but the protocol parsers of the Bush team balked at the nuance of the Chinese syllable “qian”, which implied greater fault than the administration was willing to admit. Eventually the White House issued a statement expressing “regret” for the incident, but not actual remorse.

2002: Trent Lott apologizes for praising Strom Thurmond’s 1948 Presidential run.

At South Carolina Senator Strom Thurmond’s 100th birthday party, Senate Leader Trent Lott expressed the opinion that the country would have been better off if Thurmond had won the 1948 Presidential election, on the segregationist Dixicrat ticket. Lott heard about it hot and strong, and had to go on the media apology circuit. “”I wanted to honor Strom Thurmond, the man, who was turning 100 years old. He certainly has been a legend in the Senate both in terms of his service and the length of his service. It was certainly not intended to endorse his segregationist policies that he might have been advocating or was advocating 54 years ago. But obviously, I am sorry for my words, they were poorly chosen and insensitive and I regret the way it has been interpreted.”

2003: Symbionese Liberation Army radicals apologize to family of slaying victim Myrna Opsahl at their sentencing.

70s radicals gunned down a bystander during a bank robbery. When they were finally brought to trial, decades later, the right-wing blogosphere was full of outrage, and claims that they were being coddled by the media and the courts because of their left-wing politics. The terrorists’ apologies were marbled with self-pity. “It is your day, and I apologize. But you’re not going to walk out of here thinking justice was done. We are truly abstraction because we are the hated monsters for 30 years. There is nothing I can do. I’ve thought about your mother. To me, your mother has never been an abstraction. You have never been an abstraction to me.”

2004: George W. Bush apologizes for prisoner abuse at Abu Ghraib prison.

During a press conference after a meeting with King Abdullah of Jordan, President Bush said, “I told him I was sorry for the humiliation suffered by the Iraqi prisoners and the humiliation suffered by their families.” Needless to say, this was not the end of the matter.

2005: England’s Prince Harry apologized for wearing a Nazi uniform to a costume party.

A prime example of outrage being in inverse proportion to the harm done. Prince Henry (and yes, that is his real name – look it up) wore a Nazi uniform to a party and was photographed by the media. Now certainly it was not in good taste, but did it really warrant a royal apology to the entire nation?

2006: Seinfeld star Michael Richards apologizes for racial rant during standup comedy show.

Michael Richards lost patience with a heckler during his show, and started spewing N-bombs. Video of the incident starting showing up on the internet–including a new video website called YouTube–and the heavens came crashing down on him. So he hit the apology circuit, even seeking out the Rev. Al Sharpton, to kiss his ring in atonement. “I lost my temper onstage. I said some pretty nasty things to some Afro Americans (sic). . . . You know, I’m really busted up over this and I’m very, very sorry.” He got weirder: “There’s a great deal of disturbance in this country, and how blacks feel about what happened in Katrina and, you know, many of the comics, many of the performers are in Las Vegas and New Orleans trying to raise money for what happened there, and for this to happen, for me to be in a comedy club and flip out and say this crap, you know, I’m deeply, deeply sorry. And I’ll get to the force field of this hostility, why it’s there, why the rage is in any of us, why the trash takes place, whether or not it’s between me and a couple of hecklers in the audience or between this country and another nation, the rage . . .”

2007: Mattel apologizes to China over lead-based paint in imported toys.

A perfect example of the growing clout China has over us: They shipped us poisonous toys, toys painted with lead-based paint -and the America toy company Mattel ended up apologizing to China for the fuss. “Our reputation has been damaged lately by these recalls. And Mattel takes full responsibility for these recalls and apologizes personally to you, the Chinese people, and all of our customers who received the toys.” Mattel groveled further: “We understand and appreciate deeply the issues that this has caused for the reputation of Chinese manufacturers.”

2008: The AMA apologizes to black doctors for past racism.

I once knew an elderly black security guard, years and years ago. He told me that he had been to medical school, but was never able to practice in his field, because of racial discrimination. I was appalled. So I was gratified for his sake to learn of this apology from the American Medical Association. “The AMA failed, across the span of a century, to live up to the high standards that define the noble profession of medicine.” These included everything from actually barring black doctors from local AMA chapters, to listing them as “colored” in membership directories.

2009: Tiger Woods apologizes to fans for “transgressions.”

As the ceiling started collapsing on Tiger Woods’ marriage and possibly his career in late 2009, he tried to get ahead of the cascading sordidness by issuing a prompt apology: “I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart. I have not been true to my values and the behavior my family deserves. I am not without faults and I am far short of perfect.” This of course did not head off the resulting bimbo eruptions, necessitating his televised mea culpa earlier this year. One would presume he had already apologized to his wife and family – did he really need to apologize to the rest of us? Does anyone outside of his close circle of acquaintances really care?

Ten of our best writers put their heads together and came up with a collaborative list of the ten most significant events of the last ten years. This is a first for and, as the last list we publish in the 2010s, it is a fitting transition to the New Year and new decade. Happy New Year!

See Also: 10 Craziest Alternatives To New Year’s Fireworks

10 2010—The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

Writer: Mark Oliver

On April 20th, 2010, the world experienced one of the worst environmental disasters in history. The Deepwater Horizon oil rig ignited into flames, burning for more than 24 hours before finally sinking into the Gulf of Mexico, leaving the well gushing 8,000 barrels worth of crude oil a day directly into the sea.

It was a terrifying start to our decade — but one made all that much worse by just how many chances they had to prevent it.

No alarm sounded to warn the 126 men on board about what would happen—because they had turned it off. They’d been frustrated with a malfunctioning safety system that would freeze up and set off false alarms and, instead of fixing it, just shut the whole alarm system down.

It had been off for more than a year by the time the explosion happened, but it was hardly the only failsafe they had. They had another device that should have shut down the drill as soon as gas levels became dangerous— but that one had been shut off for five years.

However, nobody knew because the crew had been putting in fake data to cover up their work. And so, ironically, on the day it exploded, BP executives visited the rig to celebrate seven years without a single safety incident.

After a speech on the importance of safety, the BP executives order the rig’s chief mechanic to switch the heavy mud they were using to keep the well’s pressure down with seawater to speed up the process. And two hours after they left, their order caused a build-up of pressure that would ignite the rig in flames.

Approximately 4.9 million barrels of oil seeped into the ocean before the well could be plugged—and we’ve yet to clean it all.

9 2011—The Death Of Osama Bin Laden

Writer: Cheish Merryweather

On May 2nd, 2011, U.S. Forces killed the most wanted terrorist in the world—Osama bin Laden. The raid that took place at a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, where the notorious al-Qaeda leader was in hiding, lasted only 40 minutes. The operation carried out by SEAL Team Six took years of planning and was considered a “flawless” mission.

Bin Laden’s death came a decade after the 9/11 attacks, which al-Qaeda orchestrated. The Islamic terrorist group was responsible for a series of four coordinated attacks in Manhattan, New York; Arlington County, Virginia; and Stonycreek Township near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. These attacks resulted in the deaths of 2,977 victims.

In 2010, U.S intelligence was able to locate bin Laden after being tipped off by the extensive security measures they found surrounding the compound. President Barack Obama authorized the mission, and SEAL Team Six practiced the operation using a life-size replica of the compound.

The mission was almost aborted as one of the Stealth Black Hawk helicopters crashed before arriving at the compound, but there were miraculously no injuries. However, once the Navy SEALs located bin Laden on the third floor of the compound, he was shot directly in the head. Bin Laden’s body was then placed in a body bag, and backup helicopters picked up the remaining team members.

President Obama addressed the nation and announced the death of bin Laden. He added, “Tonight, we give thanks to the countless intelligence and counterterrorism professionals who’ve worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome. Unfortunately, the American people do not see their work nor know their names. But tonight, they feel the satisfaction of their work and the result of their pursuit of justice.”

Bin Laden’s body was buried at sea within 24 hours to comply with Islamic law. The following day, DNA tests confirmed it was the body of the al-Qaeda leader.

8 2012—Kim Dotcom’s Megaupload Shut Down and Seizure

Writer: Ward Hazell

Megaupload was a filesharing website with 150 million registered users. Founded by programmer Kim Dotcom (not his birth name), Megaupload was one of the most visited sites on the internet until, on 19th January 2012, the FBI closed them down overnight for violating piracy laws. They claimed that Megaupload had cost copyright holders $500 million in lost revenue. Dotcom faces racketeering charges, copyright infringement, money laundering, and wire fraud, even though Megaupload users did not pay for file transfers.

The company’s income came mainly from advertising.

Megaupload disputed the FBI’s figures, saying that their income was grossly exaggerated. Still, Dotcom, with 3 other Megaupload executives, was arrested at a $30 million mansion in New Zealand, which probably didn’t help his case. Despite Dotcom being a German citizen and the business being registered in Hong Kong, the FBI applied for extradition and seized Megaupload’s data.

This had serious potential implications for all those registered subscribers, and the hacker group Anonymous also took exception to “their” downloads being repossessed.

Anonymous launched a massive Distributed Denial of Service attack against the FBI and the regulatory organisations for the distribution of music and film in America, amongst others. In case the point was missed, they even tweeted the FBI, saying, “We sincerely hope you like your own medicine.”
They didn’t.

In their accompanying statement, Anonymous also published the personal addresses and phone numbers of the executive directors of these trade bodies so that non-hacking Megaupload subscribers could register their objections too.

Despite their act of civil disobedience, one of the largest ever made, and despite the negotiations by Dotcom’s lawyers to restructure Megaupload, the site remains closed, and attempts to extradite Kim Dotcom and his colleagues from New Zealand are still ongoing. In his own way, Dotcom was a pioneer. Whilst his case marked the beginning of the end of illegal file-sharing sites, it hastened the growth of legal digital distribution sites, including Dotcom’s own Megaupload replacement site, which offers 50GB of free data and remains fully functional and within the law. The new site is called Mega.NZ.

7 2013—Pope Benedict XVI Abdicates the Papal Throne

Writer: Gregory Myers

In 2013 things seemed to be going relatively smoothly, and then Pope Benedict the XVI shocked the world by announcing his resignation as head of the Catholic Church. Now, people are always surprised when someone willingly gives up power of any kind, but especially in this case since the last pope to resign was Gregory the XII in 1415.

Pope Benedict used a provision that allows him to resign for health reasons, but some still could hardly believe it was happening. Those who are scholars of the Catholic Church were even more surprised, as resignations, in general, are incredibly rare. Even back in the tumultuous days of the early church when the still rare but larger amount of resignations occurred, many resignations were arguably popes being forced out of their position. However, as far as anyone can tell, Pope Benedict did it entirely by his own choice and then chose the title Pope Emeritus and stuck around nearby to advise the next guy.

As for the next guy, the Enclave of Cardinals quickly chose Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio and shocked the world again. He chose the name Pope Francis the I after Francis of Assisi, which he took to highlight the fact he was the first Jesuit Pope. He is also the first pope from the Americas, the first from South America, and the first pope from outside Europe since the 8th century. Pope Francis quickly became the biggest story of the year due to his kind, gentle, and loving approach to being the pope. He also quickly became seen as a reformer, and his vow of poverty impressed even non-Catholics the world over. While Rome wasn’t built in a day, Pope Francis has gone a long way in just a few short years when it comes to improving not just the church’s image but its internal workings as well.

6 2014—Russia Annexes the Crimea From Ukraine

Writer: Jonathan H. Kantor

A lot happened in 2014, including a widespread Ebola outbreak and the declaration of an ISIS Caliphate. Still, the year’s biggest news happened when Russia annexed a small portion of Ukraine called Crimea. The annexation in March sparked worldwide outrage, and talk of a new Cold War was quick to follow. Within short order, Russia was booted from the G-8, and the United States imposed harsh economic sanctions, which remained in place for some time.

The people of Crimea weren’t particularly unhappy with their annexation due to a long, turbulent history with Russia, but that hardly mattered in terms of international relations and border sovereignty where Ukraine was concerned. The nation was quickly embroiled in a partisan war on its Russian border, and that conflict remained ongoing at the close of the decade. The annexation marked the first time a European nation seized the land of another since the end of World War II, and the government in Kyiv responded by declaring their refusal to recognize the annexation or the loss of Crimea.

The annexation had further impacts on western relations and even led to the events that sparked the impeachment of U.S. President Donald Trump. Most significantly, the resulting conflict in eastern Ukraine has resulted in a proxy war between the Russian military and western-backed Ukrainian forces. The ensuing conflict resulted in the estimated deaths of more than 10,000 people and the displacement of some 1.5 million.

As the conflict continued from 2014 and into 2019, it moved into a stalemate, which is interrupted by shelling and border skirmishes. To date, Russia has denied any involvement, but their troops and equipment have been easily identified as being active in the region, though they wear no identifying marks, as they have all been removed from their uniforms and equipment.

5 2015—The Paris Terrorist Attacks

Writer: Himanshu Sharma

If there’s one region that dominated the headlines throughout 2015, it was the Middle East. With the Syrian War at its peak and ISIS at its absolute strongest, 2015 was a pivotal year in many ways. When Europe first grappled with the refugee crisis, the war in Syria and Iraq forced an unprecedented number of people to flee their homes and countries. While attitudes towards immigrants were largely favorable in Europe and the rest of the developed world, multiple events that happened in 2015 changed that.

The biggest one has to be the Paris Attacks in November when a group of terrorists sworn to ISIS carried out a series of planned attacks in the heart of the Western world. The brutal attacks that killed 130—wherein armed militants struck at four of the most popular locations in the city—brought the horrors of the war in Syria home for many in the Western world. While it wasn’t the first terrorist attack to have happened in the city—as the Charlie Hebdo shooting happened earlier that year—it was by far the deadliest.

For those who may have forgotten, it wasn’t the only major ISIS attack that year. From Turkey to Sinai to the USA, multiple attacks were carried out by ISIS (or armed terrorists sworn to them) throughout the world in 2015. ISIS may have been all but defeated by now, though that wasn’t the case back then. The Paris Attacks, however, changed the world in more ways than any other ISIS attack could.

Public opinion on refugees—especially in France and the rest of Europe—drastically changed following the attacks. Many European countries introduced laws that restricted, or flat out prohibited, the entry of refugees immediately after it. Far-right parties swept through ballot boxes across Europe, claiming more votes and parliamentary seats than ever. The debate on immigration has caused some of the most far-reaching events of recent times (like Brexit) and continues to be an important political conversation even in 2019.

4 2016—The Election of President Donald J. Trump

Writer: Jamie Frater

I was staying in the upper west side at the time—a five-minute walk from Trump Tower. The streets of New York, humming at the best of times, were electric. It was a cacophony of sound: reporters were breathlessly filling the airwaves with their breaking news stories, helicopters were shuttling wealthy city dwellers to the venues where they were going to hear the results, and average Americans from both sides of the political spectrum filled the streets.

I had spent most of the day traveling between Trump Tower and the Javits Center, the hubs of the two candidates. Finally, around midnight, I decided to take a break and catch up with the rest of the country via the news in my hotel room. It was there, at just before 2 am, that Donald J. Trump was announced the winner of the election for the 45th President of the United States. The sounds of both elation and disbelief reached the windows of my 40th-floor hotel room.

I ventured back to the street and watched in astonishment as tens of thousands of protesters began to fill Central Park West. Everyone was protesting for different reasons: transgender rights, gay rights, women’s rights, every right you could imagine. But within thirty minutes, organizers began to appear with megaphones and printed signs. In a very coordinated manner, they rallied the people into a uniformly anti-Trump protest.

I was in New York specifically to witness this event, and I had strongly suspected Trump would win based on the sheer numbers at his rallies. It was a moment the likes of which I will never witness again. In the words of Michael Moore in the clip above, the 2016 election will forever be remembered as “the biggest ‘fuck-you’ ever recorded in human history.”

3 2017—Mass Shooting in Las Vegas

Writer: Estelle

The ever-simmering gun control debate was instantly reignited on 1 October 2017 when Stephen Paddock fired more than 1,100 rounds of ammunition into an unsuspecting crowd of concertgoers on the Las Vegas Strip. Paddock, 64, murdered 58 people and injured 413 more. He used bump stocks to fire rapid shots and had a collection of weapons, including AR-15 and AR-10 rifles, as well as a bolt-action rifle. These weapons were stashed in the hotel room from which he was carrying out the attack. The shooting lasted only 10 minutes, and Paddock was found dead an hour later, having shot himself. In the aftermath of the shooting, an airport alongside the site of the shooting was shut down, as was much of Las Vegas Boulevard.

Investigation into Paddock’s history revealed that he was a frequent gambler who liked to place bets that would see him earn rewards such as free food and accommodation. It was also established that he was somewhat of an alcoholic and that his father was a criminal wanted by the FBI. It seemed that Paddock simply wanted to murder many people without any obvious reason, as it was found that he researched other venues in Boston and Chicago before deciding on Las Vegas. Naturally, many conspiracy theories saw the light after the massacre, including accusations of a false flag event and rumors of a second shooter that was never brought to book. Other theories linked Paddock to the Antifa movement while ISIS falsely claimed that he was one of their “soldiers.” Some believe that there were a group of shooters but that this is being covered up to advance the promotion of gun control laws.

Likely, the true motive for the senseless massacre will never be discovered. To date, this was the worst mass shooting carried out by one person in the history of the U.S.

2 2018—Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Tie the Knot

Writer: Jana Louise Smit

The last decade saw several royal weddings. But the special day that belonged to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was different. They broke the barriers of tradition, class, race, and public prejudice to find each other.

Despite what many may think, the couple did not have a whirlwind romance. They dated for close to two years. A mutual friend introduced them in July 2016, and a month later, Harry publicly confirmed that they were seeing each other. But this did not mean they were now fair game to be followed and photographed. The pair managed to court in private despite some of the best attempts from the media to follow the relationship.

Harry literally went down on one knee and proposed in November 2017. His speech was so long that Meghan had to interrupt him so she could accept. They married the following year, on May 19, at Windsor Castle and became the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

The wedding broke with tradition in several ways. Harry was allowed to keep his beard, even though he was wearing his military uniform and the two do not usually mix. The page boys skipped their usual outfits to wear miniaturized versions of the groom’s uniform. Meghan also walked down the aisle with her future husband’s father, Prince Charles, instead of her own, who did not attend.

The couple also added their own personal touches. The bride’s traditional “something blue” was a piece of the dress she wore on her first date with Harry. The cloth was sewn into her veil. There was also an empty seat next to Prince William, which meant to include the brothers’ late mother, Princess Diana, at the wedding.

1 2019—Britain’s Election Changes Europe Forever

Writer: Morris M.

In early September, the New York Times published a think piece wondering if the UK’s Parliamentary system had rendered it immune from the populist wave sweeping Europe. After all, Boris Johnson’s then-struggling minority government was incapable of getting Brexit legislation through in the face of a moderate Parliament.

Well, if that column ever had relevance, it vanished at 10 pm, GMT, on December 12. That’s when the BBC’s exit poll predicted a Conservative landslide. Britain hadn’t rejected Boris Johnson’s brand of populism; the voters (outside Scotland) had embraced it. And, just like that, all hopes for a delayed, soft, or canceled Brexit became just so much dust.

While there’s plenty to say about why the election produced the result it did (you can sum it up as “Boris hammered the issue voters cared about—Brexit—the Labour Party stupidly ignored it”), but this column is more interested in the long-term effects going into the next decade. And make no mistake, this was one of the most significant votes in memory.

With his majority strengthened, Boris will now—barring a freak occurrence like the outbreak of nuclear war—take Britain out of the EU on January 31. While the post-Brexit relationship still has to be hammered out, it’ll likely result in the EU and UK having only the loosest ties.

Whether that’s a good or a bad thing depends on your point of view. Yet, there could be further consequences. After the Scottish National Party dominated in Scotland, it now appears another Scottish independence referendum is on the cards. With Boris likely to refuse Scottish attempts to ‘Scexit’ (ironically), north of the border could yet become the new Catalonia. Is the UK destined to break apart? See you back here in ten years for the answer.

Good morning 2020! A lot can change in ten years. Over the past decade, we’ve seen the start of a new race to Mars, the commercial release of self-driving cars, and the first photograph of a black hole. And over the next ten years, the changes are going to be even more incredible.

See Also: 10 Ancient Predictions That Came True

These predictions aren’t messages sent to us from angels or ideas we’ve pulled out of a hat. They’re a combination of scientific and economic forecasts from some of the world’s leading experts and real projects, already in progress by actual inventors.

They’re not just fantasies — they’re events that very likely will happen over the next ten years; an early catalog of what will be the ground-breaking moments of our future’s history.

102020: Mind-Reading Machines Enter Production

Machines that can read your mind might sound like something from a distant, sci-fi fantasy, but if scientists meet their planned schedule, we should start seeing the first telepathic machines announced within the next 12 months.

That’s the deadline a group of Japanese scientists set back in 2010 when they first announced their plan to release machines that can read your mind and turn your thoughts into text messages.

Since then, scientists have already made some incredible breakthroughs. A team of Japanese scientists has already developed technology that can decode brain activity to create rough images from people’s thoughts. Meanwhile, scientists at Carnegie Mellon University have already created a machine that looks at brain signals and uses them to read the thoughts in your mind — and they claim it’s accurate 87% of the time.

It’ll probably be several years before mass-marketed telepathic products are on the shelves of your local Wal-Mart, but as the researchers working on this technology wrap up the first phase of their work next year, expect to hear about some incredible breakthroughs that, further down the road, will lead to inventions that will change our lives.

92021: Mass Production of Self-Driving Cars Begins

Self-driving cars have already hit the market, but they’re hardly ubiquitous. Today, owning a car that can drive you to work is usually a luxury reserved for the wealthy few — but all that’s going to change in 2021.

That’s the year the Chinese company Baidu plans to release a mass-produced fleet of self-driving vehicles to fill the streets of Beijing and Shanghai. And if China’s success with electric cars is any indication, we can count on seeing them adopted there a whole lot faster than they have been in the West.

Without all that pesky democracy and freedom in its way, China’s been able to make buying electric cars almost a necessity. In China’s largest cities, anyone buying a gas-powered car has to pay about $14,000 USD for a license plate, all but forcing citizens to buy electric — and, as a result, about 60% of global electric car sales are currently sold in China.

If Baidu gets the Chinese government’s support, we can expect their fleet of self-driving cars to start seeing widespread adoption — and with it, we’ll start seeing the first steps toward driverless cities in 2021.

8 2022: Solar-Powered Commercial Airlines Become Available

In 2022, Eviation Aircraft plans on releasing the world’s first fully-electric commercial airliner.

This one isn’t even a sci-fi idea anymore. Eviation’s aircraft has already been unveiled to the world, and it’s not even the first of its kind. One team of pilots has already circled the world an electric plane. But in 2022, we’re going to start seeing zero-emissions, electric airplanes charged with solar panels become a real option for every flight we take.

Norway has already committed to using those electric-powered aircraft by 2023 and plans on having the world’s first airport that is fully self-sufficient on renewable energy sources by 2025.

The airplanes of the future might even be cheaper. Eviation Aircraft is expecting that their electric planes will only have to spend $8 for enough energy to travel 100 miles — compared to the $400 of fuel required for a gas-guzzling airplane to make the same trip.

7 2023: The Global Economy Crashes

We’re in the midst of the longest economic expansion in American history, but the good times can’t last forever. Sooner or later, there’s going to have to be another recession. And if the Global Business Policy Council is right, the hardest days are going to hit us in 2023.

They’ve predicted that we’re going to start seeing economic growth slow and that it’s not going to pick up again until after 2023. As that happens, our growing debt is going to become a bigger and bigger risk for the global economy, and we’ll start seeing nations with emerging markets defaulting on their debts.

This recession, though, isn’t just going to be a global slow-down — it’s going to be a shake-up. East Asia is expected to get through this one relatively unscathed, which could mean that we’re going to see India, Vietnam, the Philippines, and even China — whom they predict will survive the trade war — boom forward as the West lags.

6 2024: The First Manned Mission to Mars

2024 is going to be the year we put a man on Mars. It’s the year that Elon Musk’s Space X program plans on sending its first rockets to Mars, and there’s every reason to believe that even if he doesn’t pull it off, someone will.

It’s just a matter of distance. In 2024, the orbits of Earth and Mars will be aligned in a way that allows for the easiest possible interplanetary voyage, so you can be sure that anyone with their sights on Mars is going to take that opportunity.

But expect the first ship on Mars to be owned by a private company. The boldest mission NASA has announced for 2024 is a manned mission to the moon — meaning that we can expect corporations to beat the government to third planet by a long shot.

5 2025: Scientists Gain The Ability To Fix The Human Brain

In 2013, the US government announced the BRAIN Initiative: a plan to map out and understand the activity inside of the human brain by the year 2025.

When the project enters its final year, the scientists involved will be beyond analysis and will be putting the final touches on applications that use what they’ve learned about the human mind to use.

It’s expected that the research will allow us to scan a human brain and identify mental health issues like PTSD and depression, and — if things go well — they may even allow neuroscientists to fix them. Instead of talking to a therapist or loading yourself up on drugs, scientists may have a strong enough understanding of the neuroscience behind mental health to rewire your brain and fix your depression.

That’s an optimistic prediction — but realistically, scientists expect to be able to measure levels of PTSD and addiction by scanning the human brain by the year 2025. And that research could open up a whole new era of technology as we reach new levels of understanding of the machinery of the human mind.

42026: Doctors Learn To Reverse Aging In Human Hearts

Cardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of death in the United States. More than any other disease, it keeps our lifespans in check. No matter how much misfortune we avoid, we can’t escape our aging hearts — or, at least, we won’t be able to until 2026.

That’s when the Harvard Stem Cell Institute expects to make finish clinical tries on their research into reversing the aging of the human heart. They’ve identified a protein that, when injected into aging mice, can reduce the thickening of the walls of their hearts.

They’re planning on moving into human testing soon and, by 2026, should have completed clinical trials. If they’re successful, we may be able to heal one of the biggest barriers to human immortality.

Futurist Ray Kurzweil has long predicted that, by 2029, advances in medical technology will be able to add a year to our life expectancy every year. If this research works, he just might be proven right.

3 2027: Developing Nations Overtake the US Economy

The world is going through an incredible change right now. There are developing nations that are growing at such an alarming rate that it seems like just a matter of time before we see a major shift in the global balance of power.

According to Goldman Sachs, it’s inevitable — and it’s going to happen between 2026 and 2027.

By 2026, they predict that China will overtake the United States as the world’s largest economy. But the change in power won’t stop with China. The other major emerging markets are coming with them.

By 2027, they believe, the BRICs countries — Brazil, Russia, India, and China — will have a higher combined GDP than the G7 nations – Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

For the first time since the rise of Egypt, we’ll see the balance of global power start to shift away from the Western hemisphere — a change that could affect the destiny of the entire human race.

2 2028: Scientists Begin Resurrecting Extinct Species

Jurassic Park isn’t going to be science fiction forever. By 2028, scientists believe that they’ll have the ability to revive extinct species.

We’ll probably have to wait a bit longer than 2028 before we can bring back velociraptors and tyrannosaurus rexes, but advances in cloning and genetic engineering should allow us to bring back recently extinct animals like the dodo.

Scientists are already working on several different approaches to de-extinction. Some are trying to use the genetic material of extinct animals to make an exact clone, while others are using selective breeding or genetic tweaks to try to replicate them from their nearest living relatives.

At first, we’ll probably just see a few dodos and Tasmanian tigers in zoos, but down the road, this technology could lead to some even more incredible accomplishments. This’ll open the door to the rebirth of prehistoric creatures — and possibly even neanderthals and early humans.

1 2029: The Global Population Reaches A Crisis Point

By the end of 2029, the human population is expected to reach 8.5 billion people — and when that happens, we’re going to have a whole new set of problems.

The end of the ‘20s, some scientists believe, is going to mark a new change in human priorities. By then, we’re going to need 50% more food and energy than we do today and 30% more fresh water. And when our most essential resources become scarce, it’s going to bring humanity to crisis point.

Running out of food and water is going to become a very real problem — and in 2029, humanity’s going to start to realize just how big of a problem it is.

“There’s not going to be a complete collapse,” predicts UK Scientific Adviser John Beddington, “but things will start getting really worrying if we don’t tackle these problems.”

If they aren’t dealt with, the next new decade could lead to a new era of global conflicts, as nations begin to go to war over farmland and water. Unless something changes our course, the years 2030 to 2039 will be the dawn of an era of war.