These American businesses have stood the test of time
and are positioned to dominate in the 21st century.
Welcome to WatchMojo.com,
and today we're counting down our picks for the top 10 iconic American businesses.
For this list, we've chosen companies that best represent America,
have financially outperformed their competitors,
and whose brand and business resonate with consumers and industry insiders alike.
Better known for its Tide and Crest brands,
P&G is a market leader in every country in which it operates.
'Cause my side had 21 percent fewer cavities with Crest.
Since 1837, the company has launched or acquired products that have fueled profits and market share.
Ranging from personal care items to cleaning agents,
over-the-counter medications to pet foods,
Cincinnati-based P&G has also stocked other corporations with leaders.
More than white, more than bright. Really clean.
Clean.
It went from a local Seattle coffee bean roaster and retailer
to one of the world's largest coffeehouse companies in under 30 years.
If you're looking for a friendly and comfortable place to enjoy high quality coffee,
hot or cold beverages and/or tasty snacks,
look no further than Starbucks.
Deriving over half of its revenues globally,
Google began as a project between two Stanford Ph.D. students.
Within two decades, it emerged as a financial powerhouse
as well as the leading Internet company of all-time,
and has leveraged that dominance with a foray into mobile.
This company's appliances have found homes in kitchens and bathrooms for decades.
But by bringing 'good things to life',
GE has since imagined and developed countless modern
and innovative products beyond the home.
Over a century after its foundation,
the multinational conglomerate corporation now has multiple subsidiaries
and divisions dealing with financial services, energy, technology, infrastructure,
and home and business solutions.
So you can do laundry your way, and finally, take a load off.
There are few American companies as synonymous with footwear,
sports apparel and equipment as Nike.
Any questions?
With its diverse line of shoes for athletes of all kinds, training products and clothing,
the multinational corporation has built itself into the sports business' most valuable brand.
Thanks to memorable advertising and marketing campaigns,
Nike's signature swoosh logo and 'Just Do It' slogan
have also been associated with many prominent international sports stars,
which has given it an unparalleled amount of goodwill with global consumers.
How do you do that?
You'll learn.
Of the three companies that have topped the Fortune 500 since the list was launched in 1955,
Arkansas-based Wal-Mart is the only one that cracked our list based on our criteria.
Despite having its share of critics,
Wal-Mart has endeared itself with its 'always low prices, always.'
With its line of computers, software and consumer electronics,
Apple's gross revenues and profit margins helped it briefly overtake Exxon Mobil
as the world's most valuable company.
Apple counts one of the most passionate and loyal consumer bases of any company,
as was evidenced by the outpouring of emotion when co-founder Steve Jobs passed away.
And we are calling it, 'iPhone'.
Brothers Walt and Roy Disney created Mickey Mouse
shortly after launching their Cartoon Studio in the 1920s in L.A.
They've since shaped the animation industry with some of history's most beloved films.
Hi-ho, hi-ho, it's home from work we go.
The company's expanded its reach into television, music, live-action projects and the web.
By adding merchandising and international theme parks to the mix,
the world's largest media conglomerate is still making dreams come true.
It didn't take long after its first franchise opened in Illinois
for McDonald's to become the world's largest chain of hamburger fast food restaurants.
Since 1955, the corporation defined and refined fast food with its burgers,
fries and various other products.
With its advertising campaigns and golden arches,
Micky D's has become a symbol of the globalization of the American food industry.
And thanks to its adaptability to recent trends, it remains relevant today.
This bubbly, caramel-colored soft drink was originally marketed as medicine in the late 1800s.
The delicious and refreshing beverage's popularity grew so quickly
it was considered an American icon in less than 50 years.
Give yourself a break. Have a coke.
Though its formula remains a secret to this day,
Coke's sweet taste is now known the world over
thanks to the company's clever advertising strategies
and the Coca-Colanization of pop culture.
Do you agree with our list?
Which company do you think is the most iconic American business?
Be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com for more entertaining top 10s.
Subtitles by the Amara.org community