Top 10 Most Important Things that Turn 40 Years Old in 2026

These important things turn 40 in 2026.
From events, to franchises, and even songs.

1. Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster

   

   On January 28, 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded.

   All 7 astronauts were killed including Christa McAuliffe, who would've been the first teacher in space.

   R.I.P. Christa McAuliffe (September 2, 1948 - January 28, 1986).

2. The Legend of Zelda

   

   The Legend of Zelda turned 40 on February 21.

   It is one of the best-selling video games of all time.

3. Top Gun

   

   On May 12, 1986, Top Gun was released, becoming one of the most famous action movies of the 1980's.

4. American Girl

   

   American Girl, the brand that changed the way we studied American history for the better, turned 40 on May 5.

   It is timeless like Disney and Barbie along with the Washington Monument are.

   It has become the signature definition of 18" dolls and got its own games and movies, and even had musicals and magazines.

   American Girl is to American history as Dr. Seuss was to books.

   Their legacies live on.

5. Metroid

   

   The Nintendo game series Metroid turns 40 on August 6.

6. Kid Icarus

   

   The game series Kid Icarus turns 40 on December 19.

7. Ubisoft

   

   Ubisoft Entertainment SA is a French multinational video game developer and publisher, headquartered in Montreuil, France, not Rennes. It was founded in 1986 by the Guillemot brothers. Ubisoft is known for popular franchises such as Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Just Dance.

   Ubisoft Entertainment Company turned 40 on March 28.

   It led to Anno, Assassin's Creed, Driver, Far Cry, Just Dance, Prince of Persia, Rabbids, Rayman, Tom Clancy's, and Watch Dogs.

8. Aliens

   

   The movie Aliens directed by James Cameron turns 40 on July 18, 2026.

   It is the sequel to the movie Alien.

9. Ferris Bueller's Day Off

   

   The film by John Hughes turned 40 on June 11.

10. Stand by Me