The Best, Most Iconic Magazine Covers of the Last Decade

Magazine covers are downright powerful. These evocative images make it possible to sell millions of issues and form a time capsule, capturing exactly what it was to live in a certain place and time.

Every decade holds its fair share of noteworthy magazine covers, but the covers of the past 10 years, in particular, managed to get readers talking. These represent some of the most provocative and inspiring photographs in magazine history. To pay homage to these impressive images, we've highlighted the most iconic magazine covers of the 2010s below.

Vanity Fair: Caitlyn Jenner

Caitlyn Jenner Vanity Fair cover

Vanity Fair: Caitlyn Jenner

In 2015, Caitlyn Jenner took public discourse on transgender rights into the spotlight when she was featured on the cover of Vanity Fair. Before this magazine feature, she was best known as an Olympic athlete and a reality star from Keeping Up With the Kardashians. Vanity Fair gave her an exciting opportunity to introduce the world to her new identity.


Vogue: Simone Biles

Simone Biles Vogue cover

Vogue: Simone Biles

All-star gymnast Simone Biles has made her mark not only with the numerous gold medals she's won over the years but also with her decision to step back from several Olympic events to preserve her mental health.

This awe-inspiring Vogue cover captured the strength it took for the athlete known as the GOAT (greatest of all time) to make this controversial choice. Meanwhile, the story within gave the athlete another opportunity to share her compelling story.


Time Magazine: Colin Kaepernick

Colin Kaepernick Time magazine cover

Time Magazine: Colin Kaepernick

Shortly after he launched a movement by taking a knee during the national anthem, then 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick landed the cover of Time Magazine. The article within this noteworthy issue profiled several athletes, but Kaepernick's perspective made the most significant impact.

The athlete has since been featured on additional covers, such as GQ – but his initial Time cover best exudes the spirit of the debate at this momentous time in sports history.


Bloomberg Businessweek: Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs Bloomberg Businessweek magazine cover

Bloomberg Businessweek: Steve Jobs

Following the death of Steve Jobs, Bloomberg Businessweek released a retrospective issue with an image that accurately captured the essence of the tech icon. Speaking of the effort to prepare an impactful cover on short notice, editor Josh Tyrangiel referenced a desire to find "something that you hadn't seen before, something original, and yet something that had a little bit of tension in it." The magazine accomplished all that, all while captivating readers across the nation.


Allure: The Beauty of Diversity

Allure Magazine the Beauty of Diversity cover

Allure: The Beauty of Diversity

This 2017 edition of Allure highlighted the many different forms that genuine beauty could take. The magazine's inspiring celebration of diversity began with a cover page featuring models Imaan Hammam, Dilone, and Aamito Lagum. In this remarkable image, all three women looked not only gorgeous but also confident. Inside the issue, they chatted about the many struggles they've faced, as well as the many sources of hope in their day-to-day lives.


Esquire: A Portrait of the American Man Now

Esquire Magazine A Portrait of the American Man Now cover

Esquire: A Portrait of the American Man Now

Featuring the faces of several influential men, this collector's edition of Esquire celebrated the magazine's 80th anniversary with a deep dive into the concept of masculinity – and insights into how it has evolved over the past several decades. The cover provided an enticing glimpse at this topic to let readers know what they could expect upon diving into this extraordinary issue. Upon moving past the cover page, readers had the unique opportunity to find words of wisdom from (and exceptional photos of) 80 noteworthy men.


National Geographic: Defenders of the Amazon

National Geographic: Defenders of the Amazon magazine cover

National Geographic: Defenders of the Amazon

The photography featured in every issue of National Geographic is exquisite in its own unique way. However, the most iconic magazine covers have a way of mesmerizing longtime subscribers and new readers alike. Such was the case for this 2014 cover, which featured a young, defiant girl from an Amazonian tribe. Although the photographer claimed she was initially shy, she looks ready to take on the world in this impressive cover photo. The image accurately reflects the inside story, which explains how her tribe is excelling in the modern world.


With dozens of exceptional magazine covers released every year, it would be impossible to include every image deserving of recognition in this list. The good news is there are tons of opportunities to see the top magazine covers of tomorrow up close and personal. Subscribe to the iconic magazines outlined above; you'll never tire of the visual surprises you receive every month.