For those of us who grew up before the 21st century, it's a known fact that some people were just pretty cool back then. It's a type of coolness that's rarely seen in the modern day, a unique effect that we can't help but appreciate from afar as we look back on simpler (though not necessarily better) times. Back then, the world was a totally different place, and these photos prove it.

An "old school cool" photo is one that perfectly embodies the experience of seeing a really cool person back in the 20th century, often complete with a black-and-white coloration and everything. For those of us who didn't live through those years, we can take a look at the people who did and feel like we appreciate them way more after seeing these unique sides to them. After all, they were young once, too. Here are some of our favorites from Reddit's /r/OldSchoolCool.