Walt Disney Animation might have a reputation for being innocent and cartoony, but some of the animated Disney classics were originally a lot darker than they ended up being. Starting with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1938), Disney animated films found a successful balance between sweet emotion, charming comedy, and surprising horror. These scary elements carried on in films like Pinocchio (1940) and continue to this day in movies like Raya and the Last Dragon (2021), where the horror is overt and part of the narrative.

However, some Disney classics almost went too far in this direction, with several beloved entries initially having far darker elements that were eventually cut. Sometimes it was a character’s personality that was tweaked, making way for more likable roles. Other times, character fates or plot devices were changed due to the sheer horror of the concept. Here are 10 classic Disney movies that started out with dark stories before production toned them down, all of which can be found on Disney+.

Zootopia (2016)

Zootopia is a deceptively complex entry in the Disney animated canon with some heavy subtext, but the film was almost much darker. For much of development, Zootopia had an underlying concept about racial and social prejudice, which plays out in the film’s use of fear about “predators” among the “prey” population to speak about how cruel governments can use violence and fear to maintain control. However, that sense of control was almost more literal, as early iterations of the film included shock collars on every predator, meant to keep them under control.

This version of the story had Nick as the head of an underground club for predators to take the collars off. This focus on behavioral control recalls harsher movies like A Clockwork Orange (1971), with Zootopia’s creatives ultimately deciding it was too sad and horrifying. A descendant of this beat still remains in the film, however, with a young Nick being traumatized by having a muzzle forced on him by his peers.

Toy Story (1995)

Toy Story largely works thanks to the charming characters at the center of the story, with Woody and Buzz’s friendship developing as the emotional core of Pixar’s foundational series. However, Pixar was initially told by then-Disney Walt Disney Studios Chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg to adjust the story and give Woody a bit more edge. The result was a far more confrontational and cruel character, who openly belittled the other toys and actively tried to sabotage the early, more naive incarnation of Buzz.

Luckily for Pixar, the Toy Story series, Disney, and global audiences, an early storyboard run revealed this direction left the film with a bitter tone that simply wasn’t entertaining. Katzenberg backed off and gave Pixar room to change the character, leading to the more likable version who appears in the film today.

Encanto (2021)

Encanto is one of many modern Disney films to focus on generational trauma as a story beat, with the climax of the movie seeing the family being torn apart by division and the magical house, known as Casita, crumbling as a result. However, while the tension of Encanto stems from Mirabel not getting powers of any sort, it’s ultimately left ambiguous why she didn’t receive them.

In an early version of the story, it was actually her mother who ensured this didn’t happen, so that Mirabel would be spared the pressure that comes with being one of the town’s magical helpers. The final confrontation would have therefore taken on a more personal level of betrayal between Mirabel and her mother, on top of the confrontation with Alma. However, this element was removed to maintain the mystery at the heart of the story. Notably, the originally intended climax also had Casita burn down instead of just crumble, leaving a ghostly parlor in its wake before it is restored. 

The Fox and the Hound (1981)

The Fox and the Hound remains one of the saddest Disney movies in the canon due to its focus on two best friends who are torn apart by society and have to resist becoming enemies. The titular fox and hound, Tod and Copper, respectively, almost had a more serious reason to feud. Once the pair grow up, an older hunting dog, Chief, confronts Tod. In the final cut, Chief is injured trying to capture Tod. Copper blames his former friend for his pain and suffering, setting up their conflict for the rest of the film. However, the original version killed off Chief. 

While this would have justified just how harsh Copper becomes toward Tod in the third act of the film, it was deemed too dark, and an injury replaced the death. Something similar actually happened during the development of The Lady and the Tramp (1955), with the loyal supporting character Trusty also intended to die from a leg injury. Likewise, the filmmakers decided it was too sad and allowed the character to live, albeit with an injury.

The Lion King (1994)

The Lion King went through a lot of growth during development, evolving from Walt Disney Animation’s secondary project besides Pocahontas (1995) to becoming one of the studio’s most acclaimed and successful films to date. While the film has some somber and scary moments to break up the emotional highs and hilarious beats, one particularly grim scene almost changed the entire ending of the film.

In the original version of Simba and Scar’s final confrontation, Scar actually gets the advantage and pushes Simba off Pride Rock. However, the spreading wildfire kills Scar, who is too busy  laughing maniacally. Noting that this scene undercut the quiet triumph of Simba winning the day, the ending was tweaked, and Scar lost the battle. However, the creatives maintained a grim finale for Scar by having the hyena under his command turn on him, leading to his inglorious death just barely off-screen.

Robin Hood (1973)

Robin Hood gets by on charm above all else, with an ending that sees Robin brush off a close call with death before the film jumps ahead to his happy ending with Maid Marian. However, the original ending for the film would have taken it in a much more tense direction.

In earlier conceptions of Robin Hood, Robin is genuinely injured following his near-death escape. Taken into Father Tuck’s church to recover, Maid Marian tries to take care of Robin, only to have Prince John attack the pair with a blade. He even comes close to killing them before King Richard steps in, saving the day. It’s a tense scene in a film that otherwise unfolds as a serious divergence from the rest of the charming adventure, explaining why the creatives behind the scenes might have decided to cut it.

Frozen (2013)

Frozen was a massive success when it hit theaters, cementing the new era of Disney. Elsa was an especially unique riff on the Disney protagonist archetype, a female heroine not driven by romance or hope but by struggles with self-acceptance. Her song “Let It Go” became an anthem for the generation that grew up with the film, playing as a ballad of empowerment and self-fulfillment. It was also almost a villain song, reflecting the fact that Elsa was initially intended to be the central antagonist of Frozen.

Early development took more cues from the classic fairy tale, where the Snow Queen is a far more malicious character. While in production, the demo for “Let It Go” began to sound less like a villainous monologue and more akin to a traditional musical number for a Disney lead character, so the filmmakers ran with the idea and eventually landed on the more heroic version that appears in the film, as well as justified the emotional arc of Frozen II (2019).

Aladdin (1992)

Aladdin went through a lot of little changes during the course of development, shifting from a more traditional musical, changing major elements like Jafar’s personality, and even cutting characters like Aladdin’s mother. One of the most important changes to Aladdin was the film’s tweaks to Jasmine, who was initially explicitly made 15 years old.

In the original version of the film, this added an uncomfortable element to the Sultan’s demands that his daughter be wed by her next birthday. Her young age was also reflected in her personality, which was initially more immature and antagonistic with the citizens of Agrabah. Ultimately, the filmmakers shifted gears and made her both a more empathetic character and someone who, while naive about the workings of the world outside her palace, was portrayed with more maturity and age. 

Bambi (1942) 

One of the most iconic dark moments in Disney Animation history, the death of Bambi’s mother in Bambi was almost far darker. Reflecting on the book that inspired the film, Bambi’s mother was always going to die at the hands of a hunter. It happens off-screen in the finished film, which was an effective and somber way to highlight the sudden nature of death. However, other versions were considered where audiences would see Bambi’s mother fall over after being shot or that Bambi would discover a small pool of blood.

These were cut after being considered too dark. While the hunter faces no repercussions for his actions, other versions of the ending had the hunter be responsible for the fire that breaks out in the film’s third act, only to be caught up in it, with a silhouette of his death cluing in the audience to his fate. However, Walt Disney, personally, decided to have the scene cut after seeing a test audience react with horror to the shot, indicating there is a level of “too dark” for Disney.

Lilo & Stitch (2002)

Lilo & Stitch benefits from a sweet emotional core and a watercolor aesthetic, but the finale of the film had to be cut because of the unfortunate timing of the intended climax. In the ending of Lilo & Stitch, the alien Captain Gantu accidentally captures Lilo. To rescue her before he takes her to space, Stitch steals Jumba’s ship and gives chase. This was a hastily modified tweak because the original ending stopped being a possibility during the final stage of production. 

Originally, Stitch, Jumba, Pleakley, and Nani hijacked a Boeing 747 and flew it through a nearby city. However, during the final stretch of the production, the 9/11 attacks occurred, and the imagery of a passenger plane flying through a city became a much harder sell. Thus, the sequence was reanimated in a remote section of the island and changed to a spaceship.

Broadway fans have always known how special and impactful Wicked (2024) could be. It's metaphorically imprinted deep into so many of our bones, and its importance to the entire community is actually indescribable. So to see the success of the films break headlines and pave the road for more grand adaptations like this is a hope many of us have. At the same time, what it's done for some of these actors is no small feat. Many of them will forever be known for the brilliant work they delivered in crafting characters that'll stay with viewers for a long, long time. 

Some of the actors you know from previous roles, others are just getting started in what'll hopefully be a journey full of open doors. The Wicked cast is brimming with tremendous talent. Here's where you can watch their most famous roles on Netflix, HBO Max, and more.

Cynthia Erivo - Harriet (2019)

Cynthia Erivo's name and unique singing voice aren't new to theatre fans who've known her for a while now, and after Wicked: For Good (2025), I'm sure countless people will forever associate her with the brilliant range she brings to Elpheba. But long before she wore green makeup and gorgeously belted out the infamous vocals to "Defying Gravity," she embodied a historical figure to perfection in Harriet. 

Most critics praised the biopic, and it even has a 97% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, revealing that Erivo's nuanced and thoughtful performance touched people in the same way that Tubman's legacy does. It was this role that ultimately proved Erivo is capable of anything, and Wicked cemented it. Harriet is a must-watch for viewers who want to see historical stories on their screens, and for everything Erivo delivered, too.

Ariana Grande - Victorious (2010-2012)

Ariana Grande is a name most people know, even if they're not as well-versed in TV or film, because the actress's singing career is one that's now forever ingrained in pop music. Yet, many people followed Grande's journey shortly after her role in Nickelodeon's Victorious, where the actress became an instant fan favorite with a large following because of her lovely embodiment.

However, while Victorious may be Grande's most recognizable role before, there's no denying that Wicked is about to become her most famous one years down the line. Grande was born to play Glinda, and it's apparent from the moment she steps onto the screen. More than anything, her singing voice in the films showcases the depth of her talents in a way that's so stunning that even those who were hesitant about her casting have bitten their tongues. Grande delivers all heart in the embodiment, making it unmistakable that her abilities are boundless. 

Jonathan Bailey - Bridgerton (2020-Present) 

He isn't just People's Sexiest Man Alive for 2025, but Jonathan Bailey is also a legend in the making—an actor who's entirely in a league of his own. A triple threat in every way and the type of performer who's proven that there's absolutely nothing he can't do. While many people did indeed discover the actor's incomparable range after his role as Fiyero in Wicked, many of us have been swooning over him since he donned Anthony Bridgerton's mutton chops in Bridgerton Season 1.

While Season 2 is his season with Simone Ashley's Kate Sharma (Bridgerton), from the moment Bailey stepped onto the screen as the jaded and broken viscount, he delivered a full range of layered emotions that made the role twice as riveting. What he consistently delivers throughout the show, no matter how brief the scene is, is proof of the fact that he knows his character inside and out in an utterly admirable manner. For viewers who love Fiyero's yearning in Wicked, Bridgerton is a must-watch.  

Jeff Goldblum - Jurassic Park (1993)

As a legendary actor who's been around for decades, Jeff Goldblum has given us a number of memorable performances in plenty of incredible movies and TV shows. His generally quirky mannerisms always add layers to whatever character he's embodying, ensuring that we remember them long after the credits roll. And while some might always associate Goldblum with The Fly (1986), it's his role as Dr. Ian Malcolm in Jurassic Park that'll always be his most famous. 

From that moment onward, Goldblum revolutionized the concept of characters being equal parts fun and utterly serious in their craft. Jurassic Park is full of great actors, but it's Goldblum's performance that's most inimitable. The character could've been entirely one-dimensional, but it's everything the actor does to layer him beyond the words spoken aloud that means something more. Jurassic Park is a must-watch for fans of compelling sci-fi action films that still hold up tremendously. 

Michelle Yeoh - Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

Outside of her portrayal as Madame Morrible in Wicked, Michelle Yeoh has been in a number of mainstream properties that have been made better because of her presence. But many of us will never forget her brilliantly bold, thoughtful, and haunting performance as Evelyn Quan Wang in the Academy Award-winning, Everything Everywhere All at Once, which now outranks Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) as her most famous role. The film itself is gorgeously profound and unique, but it's hard to imagine it being as monumental without Yeoh's inimitable performance.

The movie is proof that genre films can be impactful and profound, but it's also a gorgeous showcase of the fact that an actress can take a single, seemingly small and ordinary moment then make it thoroughly unforgettable. Yeoh's work in the film is indescribable from start to finish, and the fact that the Academy recognized her by giving her the award for Best Actress is something that we still need to talk about because it remains a rarity for people of color. It's a must-watch for viewers who want a rare sci-fi that's also full of relatable characters.

Marissa Bode - Wicked (2024)

Nessarose isn't a fan-favorite character in the original musical, but everything that Marissa Bode delivers makes her twice as compelling. The role is undoubtedly going to be Bode's most famous one to date, and it's entirely because mainstream media seldom recognizes disabilities with the care and nuance that's necessary. We also know that, although the character walks in the theatrical production, the movies will be changing the narrative because they went out of their way to find proper representation by hiring an actress who uses a wheelchair. 

In order for us to make true admirable progress in Hollywood, roles like Nessarose's being portrayed by actors with lived-in experiences are what matter to telling honest and heartfelt stories. And Bode gorgeously delivers a plethora of range throughout, showing viewers sides to the character that we don't always see in the stage production. 

Ethan Slater - Wicked (2024)

Ethan Slater was also more known among us nerdy theatre kids who watched The SpongeBob Musical: Live on Stage! (2019), but it's very likely that Wicked will become one of Slater's most popular roles, and especially after Wicked: For Good, when non-Broadway fans realize exactly who he is and why he's important to the overarching story. 

Slater delivers something really great and moving throughout that shows off his abilities, all while layering the character in ways that make him far more memorable. And theatre actors in general have a tremendous range under their belts that also ensures many of the roles they take on afterward will be full of incredible range. 

Peter Dinklage - Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Peter Dinklage may not have his face visible to Wicked audiences as Dr. Dillamond, but his distinct voice is one most fans can recognize from a number of outstanding roles like Cyrano (2022). But most of us will likely always associate him with the incredible performances he delivered as Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones.

As TV fans, we may perpetually go back and forth between arguing about whether or not the last season is satisfying or not, but the one thing that isn't debatable is how astounding each of the performers was. And Dinklage was high up on that list, always ensuring with every episode that Tyrion became one of the most fleshed out characters. How he brought a wide range of emotions to the character is exactly why he's such a fan favorite.

Released in 1998, The Truman Show is a psychological comedy drama about a man unknowingly living inside a reality show broadcast to an international audience 24/7. Revisiting the movie, which is currently at 51 on the JustWatch streaming charts, is like watching a magician's trick in reverse.

Like the show's fictional viewers, we all know that Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey) was adopted by a movie studio and has been living inside a massive soundstage alongside actors and crew members who double as his supporting cast members. As Truman goes about his days, he and the audience (that's us) slowly pick up on all the little hints that reveal the truth about his plight.

All of them whisper the same truth. Truman's world has been meticulously built to contain him. Together, they expose the scaffolding behind Seahaven's sunny perfection, inviting us to question how easily comfort and familiarity can disguise control. While some of these tiny details are easy to spot, a few are so subtle that they completely change the way you watch the film once you notice them. Watch The Truman Show on Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max now to spot them for yourself. 

Vitamin D Tablets

It's easy to overlook the small bottle of vitamin D tablets on Truman's breakfast table, but it's one of the film's most quietly devastating clues about his plight. Vitamin D is often called the sunshine vitamin, absorbed naturally from sunlight. But since Truman lives in a sound stage, he never gets any real exposure to the sun. That's because Seahaven's sun is an elaborate lighting rig and its warmth is manufactured.

This single detail speaks volumes about the limits of Truman's freedom. The creators of his world have considered everything, even the biological consequences of keeping a man inside a dome. It's an unsettlingly practical touch that grounds the absurd premise in reality. Truman's body, like his life, is artificially maintained. The tragedy of this fact is that Truman doesn't realize he's trapped, but his routine already compensates for it.

The Newspaper That Mirrors Truman's Age

In a brief morning sequence, Truman flips through his local newspaper, The Seahaven Island Post. Although it seems pretty unimportant, a closer look reveals that the issue's volume number, 10,765, corresponds to Truman's age (around 29 years). The implication is that the newspaper, and by extension Seahaven's entire simulated history, has existed only as long as Truman has. The world was created with him at its centre, and its timeline is constructed to match his own.

The detail is so understated that most viewers miss it, but it reveals the depth of the production's artifice. Every calendar, headline, and routine has been carefully scripted to reinforce the illusion of an ordinary world. However, in Seahaven, there is no history, only continuity written to serve the show. It's actually one of the reality show's most chilling props since the contents of the publication are likely crafted with only Truman in mind.

The 'Leaving Seahaven' Sign

When Truman and his wife Meryl (Laura Linney) drive toward the bridge heading out of town, they pass a large sign that reads: You are now leaving Seahaven – Are you sure it's a good idea? While it's supposed to serve as a standard municipal notice, the wording hints at something more sinister. It's not meant for travelers; it's only meant for Truman. The sign functions as psychological conditioning disguised as civic messaging.

By framing departure as a bad idea, it reinforces the fear that keeps Truman obediently inside the dome. In fact, it's one of the earliest clues that Seahaven's geography is designed not only to contain him physically, but to manipulate him emotionally. When you rewatch the film, that sign becomes one of the clearest symbols of the show's quiet coercion. It's the voice of its creator whispering doubt into Truman's subconscious.

The Travel Agent's Makeup Bib

One of the show's biggest goofs happens well into the movie, when Truman starts to go "off script" and visits a travel agency to book a spontaneous trip. The agent greets him warmly, but she's still wearing her makeup bib, the disposable collar used before an actor is ready to head to the set. The slip-up suggests that the person playing the agent was hastily called into position after Truman's unexpected arrival.

She wasn't prepared for the scene, because in Seahaven, everything is scheduled around Truman's predictability. His deviation from routine forces the production to scramble. It's a moment of theatrical fracture as viewers begin to see how fragile the show's control truly is and how thin the veneer of realism becomes when Truman acts unpredictably. The makeup bib is a literal costume seam showing through the performance.

Classical Music

Throughout the film, Seahaven's radio stations rely almost exclusively on classical music or public-domain tracks. It's an artistic choice that doubles as worldbuilding. The producers of the reality show wouldn't pay royalties for new music. Instead, they use cost-free, familiar compositions to fill the silence. That practicality carries eerie implications. It means Truman's auditory world is as tightly controlled as his visual one.

Every note he hears is curated, safe, and predictable. There are no musical surprises, no unfiltered noise, and therefore, no reminders that a wider world exists beyond the dome. The soundtrack of his life is literally the background score of someone else's design. When viewed through this lens, even the moments of emotional resonance (the soaring strings or the nostalgic piano) take on a darker tone. They aren't expressions of Truman's feelings, they're manipulations of them.

Cameras Hidden in Plain Sight

From the film's opening sequence, viewers get to see how director Peter Weir populates Seahaven with hidden cameras disguised as everyday objects, streetlights, car mirrors, alarm clocks, and even buttons on people's clothing. But while viewers see them, Truman remains oblivious. This design choice serves a dual purpose. On one hand, it constructs the logic of the show within the film (how a 24-hour broadcast could plausibly capture every angle of Truman's life).

But on another, it implicates the viewer. Each concealed lens reminds us that we, too, are voyeurs. The ease with which the cameras blend into Seahaven's everyday objects reflects how surveillance thrives in plain sight. The film never calls attention to each hidden device. Instead, it trusts our peripheral vision. Once you begin to notice them, Seahaven stops feeling like a town and begins to feel like a trap. The invisible infrastructure of control becomes the story's true antagonist.

Names That Reference Hollywood Icons

One of the most overlooked but most genius parts of The Truman Show's reality show lies in its character and location names. Truman's wife is named Meryl in a nod to actress Meryl Streep. His best friend, Marlon, is named after Hollywood legend Marlon Brando. The town's main square is Lancaster Square, after actor Burt Lancaster. These references aren't arbitrary. They're a meta-commentary on performance and imitation.

Seahaven, after all, is a constructed Hollywood fantasy of small-town perfection. By naming its inhabitants after famous actors, it reinforces the fact that everyone around Truman is literally playing a role. It could also be seen as a sly jab at the entertainment industry since Seahaven is an idealized, sterilized version of Hollywood sold back to its audience as a version of reality.  When you catch these names, you begin to see the entire town as a parody of the medium that created it.

Buildings That Don't Function

Production design plays a crucial role in the film's world-building. And nowhere is that more evident than in Seahaven's architecture. The buildings, while picturesque, are subtly wrong. Many have misaligned windows or doors that never open. Some appear unfinished from certain angles, like backlot sets dressed only for the camera's perspective. This architectural artifice is essential to the illusion. Seahaven looks perfect from Truman's usual vantage points, but it was never built to be functional.

The moment you realize this, the town's cheerful symmetry starts to feel oppressive. It's a world designed not for living, but for filming. These details also mirror the film's broader theme of simulation. In that sense, Seahaven's architecture becomes a metaphor for the entire reality show, captivating from the outside, but hollow within. It was already unsettling in 1998. But watching it now, with how prevalent faking an image for social media has become, gives it a whole new meaning.

Product Placement

The most self-aware element of the movie's reality show is its exaggerated product placement. Whether it's Meryl randomly hyping up a very specific coffee brand or the careful placement of regular items in every household, Seahaven is filled with obvious advertising. The show's sponsors use Truman's life as a platform for marketing, transforming his daily routine into commercial space. What makes this detail so effective is its normality.

The product pushes are seamlessly fitted into casual conversations, with cheerful sincerity. And to Truman, it comes across as everyday small talk because he doesn't know any better. Even his relationships are monetized, and every household item gleams with marketability. Truman's emotions, habits, and personal milestones are all designed for consumption. Once you notice this, you realize that The Truman Show predicted the age of reality television and influencer culture.

Days Off Disguised As Story

One of the film's most darkly funny subtleties is how the production quietly accommodates the cast's need for time off. Unlike typical television schedules with hiatuses and seasonal breaks, The Truman Show runs on a 24/7 loop. The actors may be playing roles, but they're still human beings who need time away from the show. The writers, ever resourceful, simply fold these absences into the narrative as if they were natural parts of Truman's life.

A perfect example comes up during Truman and Marlon's late-night conversation by the bridge. Marlon remembers how he got pneumonia after camping all night in Truman's backyard, and having to miss school for a month as a result. On the surface, it's a harmless anecdote about their long friendship. But the subtext is unmistakable. The actor playing Marlon needed time off, and the writers fitted it into the story of Truman's childhood. 

Language is an important part of the human experience. It allows us to communicate and understand each other. It also allows us to translate big ideas to paper and screen. When it comes to works of fiction, language often serves as an extension of worldbuilding. After all, that fantasy series you love becomes so much more immersive when mythical races have their own language, just like that sci-fi movie you watch on repeat gets extra cool when alien species pull up with otherworldly words and symbols. 

Movies and TV have no shortage of fictional languages to spotlight. Some are fun background gags while others are fully complete languages with their own grammatical rules, syntax, and massive vocabularies. From an Illumination classic to the sprawling world of Middle-earth, here are the 10 best fictional languages, ranked by how impressive they are. Load up streamers like HBO Max, Hulu, and more to judge them for yourself.

10. Minionese - Despicable Me (2010)

Is there anything more iconic than the fast-talking gibbering of the Despicable Me franchise's lovable Minions? Right from the get-go, the little, yellow creatures captured audiences' hearts in Despicable Me, with their unique language a big part of that appeal. Really, the only reason it ranks in tenth place is because it's just utter nonsense. With no official grammar or syntax, Minionese is a unique mash-up of real-world languages like Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, English, and just plain gibberish.

It's fun, wonky, and delightfully weird. And the Minions' emotions and tone play a significant part in how audiences understand the language. Illumination knocked it out of the park with this franchise, and anyone who loves animated movies will fall in love with the Minions. It's the ultimate pick for family movie night.

9. Nadsat - A Clockwork Orange (1971)

Nadsat isn't so much a fictional language as it is a fictional type of slang tossed around by Alex and his "ultra-violent" gang. It stems from Anthony Burgess' novel, but also appears in the 1971 film adaptation of A Clockwork Orange. Essentially, Nadsat is a form of English with Russian influence invented to keep the novel fresh. Contemporary slang can date things, which Burgess felt could be prevented by creating his own version of teenage slang.

Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange remains just as iconic and controversial as Burgess' book. Its exploration of dark, complex themes like violence and good versus evil makes it a challenging but masterful watch. It's a thinker, steeped in Kubrick's signature atmospheric, weirdly colored style. While the violence can be triggering, beneath it is a story that isn't afraid to examine the darkest sides of humanity. If you like thought-provoking, psychologically intense movies or other Kubrick films like Eyes Wide Shut (1999), A Clockwork Orange deserves a spot on every cinephile's watch list.

8. Parseltongue - Harry Potter Movie Franchise (2001-2011)

The Harry Potter books might be the young adult equivalent of Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, but they lack the same detailed emphasis on constructed languages. Still, despite not having an extensive vocabulary of words or grammar and syntax rules, J.K. Rowling's magical words and fictional languages remain just as iconic. Case in point: Parseltongue. With its unique mash-up of hisses and sounds, the language of snakes plays a memorable role in the books and movies. 

Harry himself can speak and understand the language, which isn't necessarily learned but magically granted. Voldemort also notably speaks Parseltongue and uses it to command Nagini. While fantasy fans looking for stories with coming-of-age elements will dig the entire Harry Potter series, those in it for the Parseltongue moments will want to watch Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001), Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009), and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011).

7. Alienese - Futurama (1999-Present)

While Futurama fans will surely balk at Alienese's low placement on this list, know that it only ranks here because it's a written language that lacks a spoken element. Still, it's a pretty clever gag that has brought viewers tons of fun over the years. To understand Alienese requires a little context. Technically, there are two forms of Alienese: Alien Language 1 (AL1) and Alien Language 2 (AL2). AL1 appeared as early as the pilot, with AL2 not appearing until Season 3. With AL1 being a relatively simple substitution code (each symbol represents a number, word, or punctuation mark), AL2 upped the difficulty by having each English letter translate to a numerical value that then correlates to a symbol.

If decoding puzzles is your thing, then you'll find Alienese a fun addition to the show. As primarily a background gag (usually in the opening), it's not the type of fictional language that provides immersion. However, if you like sci-fi shows that are heavy on the comedy, like Rick and Morty (2013), Futurama is still a must-watch.

6. Vampire Language - 30 Days of Night (2007)

The 30 Days of Night vampires are creepy, and their guttural, archaic-sounding language only adds to the nightmare fuel. While nowhere near as advanced as some of the other fictional languages on this list, it's still one of the most memorable. A linguistics professor developed the unnamed vampire language using Slavic-inspired words with click consonants. The goal was to create a language that sounds otherworldly, and as a big fan and repeat watcher of this movie, I can attest that it does.

Aside from its ancient-sounding language, the big draw of 30 Days of Night is its dark Alaskan setting. Action-packed, gory, and thoroughly suspenseful, it's an imperfect but fun horror movie for genre fans. If you like the blood-soaked vampire stories in Daybreakers (2009) or more recent hits like Abigail (2024), you'll love this.

5. Yautja - Predator: Badlands (2025)

Despite the Predator franchise kicking off in 1987, it wasn't until Predator: Badlands that audiences actually got to hear a working Yautja language in action. While Steve Perry's Alien vs. Predator novels utilized the language and various movies like The Predator (2018) featured certain words, linguist Britton Watkins developed an entire Yautja Codex for Predator: Badlands to create an official spoken and written form of the alien language.

It's a big step for the franchise and provides more depth to the iconic hunters, who previously mostly emitted chittery clicks and screeches. If you're a longtime fan, that's enough reason to check out Predator: Badlands alone. However, those familiar with Dan Trachtenberg's other Predator installments, Prey (2022) and Predator: Killer of Killers (2025), can also rest assured that the director continues his tradition of bringing innovative, action-packed storytelling to the franchise.

4. Hetapod - Arrival (2016)

Hetapod isn't necessarily a complete language, but it ranks high on this list because it's basically a linguist nerd's wet dream. Stemming from Ted Chiang's sci-fi short story "Story of Your Life," Arrival chronicles a linguist's efforts to communicate with an alien race to prevent war. Come to find out, these hetapods speak two languages, Hetapod A (a spoken language) and Hetapod B (a semasiography). If that's already making your head swirl, that's the point. The hetapods' language is so alien, it's literally time-bending.

The non-linear, logographic system of Hetapod B means these beings can communicate huge amounts of information with just one symbol, and director Denis Villeneuve went through a long process to ensure the language sounded organic, without the electronic blips and blasts of typical sci-fi fare. If you're reading this list because fictional languages are your thing, Arrival is a compelling watch. However, it's also just a well-written, thought-provoking sci-fi movie that even non-linguists can enjoy.

3. Dothraki - Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

With George R.R. Martin drawing big inspiration from Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings trilogy, it's not surprising that he'd include a multitude of constructed languages in his Game of Thrones book series. Arguably, the most famous of them is Dothraki, the fictional guttural language spoken by the Dothraki people. Unlike most of the entries on this list, Dothraki is a complete language, thanks to David J. Peterson, who HBO brought on to fully flesh out the language ahead of the show. Using Martin's descriptions, Peterson also incorporated elements of Estonian, Inuktitut, Turkish, Russian, and Swahili to give Dothraki its trademark sound. 

HBO's Game of Thrones, of course, remains one of the greatest fantasy series of all time. Seriously, if you somehow managed to avoid it during the height of its popularity, consider trying it now. Politically twisted, gritty, and utterly epic, it's the type of show that excels in immersion. If you love the high fantasy Tolkien created in The Lord of the Rings, you'll get a darker version of that here.

2. Klingon - Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979)

Even non-Trekkies have likely heard of Klingon. Now a mainstay in the Star Trek franchise, the language debuted in Star Trek: The Motion Picture after James Doohan, who played Scotty, and producer Jon Povill created a few words and sounds. Come 1984, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock producers brought linguist Marc Okrand on board to create a complete language. While tricky to learn, there is a subset of Trekkies who can speak Klingon fluently, which is pretty iconic if you ask me.

For that reason, and the Star Trek franchise's general iconicness in pop culture, Klingon ranks in second place on this list. While booting up Star Trek: The Motion Picture will give you a fun early look at the language, for some of the best Klingon moments, you might consider Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993), where Worf and General Martok play pretty meaty roles. However, if you're just a casual sci-fi nerd looking for easy entry into the franchise, I think Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987) is the place to start.

1. Elvish - The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)

No other movie or franchise does fictional languages like The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Period. Author J.R.R. Tolkien used his education in linguistics, more specifically philology (the study of language history and development), to create a fictional language with its own alphabet. While Elvish isn't technically a complete language, it has enough details to support a writing system and its own set of grammar rules. It's also worth noting that Elvish is sort of a one-size-fits-all moniker with more specific dialects, like Quenya and Sindarin, stemming from the root language, too.

If that isn't impressive enough, Tolkien created over a dozen languages for his high fantasy series. When considering Khuzdul, the Entish language, and the Black Speech, Elvish really just scratches the surface of his genius. However, booting up Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy proves Elvish is the most used and developed. If you like fantasy even a little, you really can't do better than this epic trio of movies. The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), The Two Towers (2002), and The Return of the King (2003) are fantastic adaptations, and Tolkien's linguistic talents earn it the number one spot on this list. 

A large part of the appeal of Netflix's Nobody Wants This (2024) is how real the characters feel. They might have quintessential millennial humor and provide the nostalgia for those of us who obsessed over Adam Brody's Seth Cohen in The OC (2003), but the relationship between Joanne and Noah feels grounded in the fact that we could very likely meet people like them in the real world. In addition, the opposites attract trope is one that always provides the necessary angst to make a couple's journey extra enticing and juicy.

In their case, religion and the lack thereof play a huge factor in how they go about their interactions, but the trope always makes a ship intriguing enough to keep watching. From When Harry Met Sally (1989), the legendary archetype of the opposites attract trope, to the underrated gem that is Starstruck (2021), here are five opposites attract shows and movies to watch if you love the dynamics in Nobody Wants This, as well as where to stream them on HBO Max, Hulu, and more.

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

When Harry Met Sally is a classic for countless reasons now, and it's entirely because Nora Ephron knows how to deliver incomparable banter. Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal set the blueprint for how to effectively showcase how opposites in a relationship can be perfectly suited for one another, and also why friends-to-lovers is the best trope when paired with a slow, steady progression. 

They may not have obstacles standing in their way the same way that Joanne and Noah do, but their personalities are so vastly different, and since they consistently meet at different points in their life, those moments also serve as roadblocks until the very end. Still, if you love how real and relatable Nobody Wants This is, no film establishes a similarly grounded couple quite like When Harry Met Sally, making it a must-watch for every kind of romance fan. 

New Girl (2011-2018)

As a comedy, New Girl gets plenty right in its realistic depiction of people in their late 20s and early 30s, by giving us different types of characters and various romances. Whether it's Nick and Jess, Schmidt and Cece, or Winston and Aly, the show gives us multiple types of opposites attract relationships to make every episode a blast, while shipping them becomes an absolute joy throughout.

Plus, New Girl really is the first show to give us realistic depictions of what it's like for characters in this demographic while also living in LA. As much as Friends (1994) gets a lot right, there's also an expectation set that simply doesn't work for the time period we're living in, but New Girl really nails similar struggles that are also present in Nobody Wants This. 

10 Things I Hate About You (2009)

What many people don't know is that once upon a time, there was also a TV show adaptation of 10 Things I Hate About You. It's likely that fans of the original film probably weren't ready for a different approach, and it really wasn't all that necessary if we're being honest, but it was good. Actually, genuinely so good, and it was mostly due to Ethan Peck's gripping performance as Patrick Verona. 

It's imaginable that it'd be challenging to fill the shoes of an already beloved character, led by a beloved actor, but Peck never tried to replicate Heath Ledger's legacy. Instead, he made the character his own while honoring what the late actor also established with various mannerisms. Though the series was short-lived and cancelled after its first run, it's still worth watching how it nails the opposites attract trope. 

Normal People (2020)

Normal People is far more serious and achingly heartbreaking compared to the shows on this list, but the depiction of real, nuanced characters finding themselves as they grow older is something I still think about. Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones deliver the type of performances that will stay with you for years to come. The story is so tender, so honest, that it's almost painful to watch at times.

But more than anything, Connor and Marianne are the type of opposites-attract pairing that shows viewers how deep connections are made beyond our upbringings. It might not be an overt happy ending to qualify it as a true romance, but it's a hopeful one that feels deeply earned with everything that's explored throughout the limited series. Against all odds, the real beauty is in the fact that their connection changes them both for the better. For viewers who want something poignant and raw, look no further. 

Starstruck (2021-2023)

Never have I seen such a realistic depiction of one of the rarest tropes: the celebrity romance. But Starstruck (not to be confused with Disney's Starstruck (2010) movie) was a relatable and honest gem from the very beginning, giving us worthwhile comedy from Rose Matafeo and Nikesh Patel that also contributed to making the show achingly heartfelt. It's perfect for viewers who love how grounded Nobody Wants This feels with its characterizations, and it's especially worthy as a story about two opposites finding so much comfort together.

The writing is sharp, hilarious, and tonally unique, delivering something that may not be replicated for a long, long time. The British comedy flew under the radar for so many people, but it's one that I can never stop singing praises for as a hidden gem that deserves more praise. 

Twenty-three seasons is plenty of time to introduce iconic characters, create ships that people are still thinking about, and even throw in a cameo (or fifty) that people will remember. And though NCIS (2003) has done all of that in its run, and also spawned six spin-offs, perhaps the most surprising thing about the show is the amount of talent it has managed to amass when it comes to guest stars, from stars who have gone on to appear in some of the biggest shows on TV, like Stranger Things, to Oscar winners and even a First Lady. 

So, if you’re interested in NCIS lore, here are the biggest, best, and most shocking cameos in the history of the show. Boot up streamers like Hulu and Paramount+ to watch them for yourself. 

Michelle Obama - Season 13, Episode 13

Yes, that’s right, NCIS once had the first lady of the United States make a cameo, and she wasn’t actually acting. Or at least, she wasn’t acting as anyone but herself. Michelle Obama, who was  the then-First Lady, appeared as herself in the Season 13 episode “Déjà Vu,” with her appearance meant to promote her organization supporting veterans, active military, and their families.

Shows like Law & Order: SVU (1999) might be notorious for their celebrity cameos, but no one got the sitting first lady, just NCIS. That’s saying something. And though it’s a little bit propaganda-like, it’s still a pretty solid cameo.

Millie Bobby Brown - Season 12, Episode 6

But Millie Bobby Brown was so young when she conquered our hearts as Eleven on Stranger Things, what do you mean she was on NCIS before? It’s actually not uncommon for child actors to start in procedurals, and she isn’t even the only big name who did it. Abigail Breslin also had a role on NCIS before her breakthrough hit Little Miss Sunshine (2006).

In the Season 12 episode “Parental Guidance Suggested,” the actress plays a kid who kills her mother because she wants her dad to be her full-time parent. Normal procedural stuff, and a pretty solid hint at how good the actress would become.

Glen Powell - Season 10, Episodes 6 and 7

If you’re excited about The Running Man (2025), you might find the fact that Glen Powell, who has become one of Hollywood’s most sought after actors since roles in Top Gun: Maverick (2022) and Twisters (2024), was once just another guest star on NCIS. Powell appeared in two episodes of Season 10, “Shell Shock I and II,” playing the brother of a veteran who was struggling with PTSD. Everyone’s gotta start somewhere.

Pretty solid work from Powell here, who we already know has the range to do both funny and serious.

Jamie Lee Curtis - Season 9 

Oscar winner for Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) Jamie Lee Curtis also took a turn on NCIS. In fact, she did more than have a cameo, she had her own arc. Curtis appeared in five episodes in Season 9 playing Gibbs’ girlfriend, Samantha Ryan. And we’re not going to deny that the romantic chemistry between Curtis and Mark Harmon actually worked.

But, of course, the show could probably not afford to keep Curtis around for that long, and the character left after a scary ex was released from prison. The one character on this list we wish could have stuck around? Probably.

Billy Dee Williams - Season 10, Episode 5

The legendary Billy Dee Williams, yes, Lando Calrissian himself from the original Star Wars trilogy, also appeared on NCIS. At one point it felt like the show was collecting big cameos like Thanos collects Infinity stones.

Williams appeared in the Season 10 episode "The Namesake," and he came with one of the coolest backstories of this entire list. The character he plays, Leroy Jethro Moore, is the reason for Gibbs’ name. Plus, it’s one of those episodes you can watch out of order and still enjoy.

Zac Efron - Season 3, Episode 13

Just before High School Musical (2006) turned him into a superstar—literally a few weeks before, as it turned out, with the movie airing on Disney Channel soon after his NCIS episode aired—Efron appeared in the Season 3 episode “Deception.” He didn’t have a big role, but fans of the actor and anyone interested in the serendipity of when the episode aired might find this cameo fun.

Efron has also gone on to showcase his range, but this works as an early good sign that he was more than just a pretty face who could sing.

Jesse Plemons - Season 3, Episode 13

Jesse Plemons has become a big-name movie star in the past few years, particularly after his Oscar nomination for The Power of the Dog (2021) and his recent turn opposite Emma Stone in Yorgos Lanthimos' Bugonia (2025). But like a lot of the people on this list, he got his start on procedural TV, ironically in the same episode as Zac Efron.

Yes, Plemons appeared in the Season 3 episode “Deception” playing a teenager who seems to be hiding something from the team. It’s worth checking out if only because he looks so young in this.

Misha Collins - Season 4, Episode 13

Misha Collins would go on to become famous for his role as Castiel in Supernatural (2005), but before that, he appeared on Season 4 of NCIS in the episode “Singled Out,” playing a car thief who finds out that the car he stole has a woman in the trunk.

Not really a highlight for an actor who would go on to become synonymous with a particular character, but it’s still a fun bit of trivia for fans of Collins.

Bob Newhart - Season 8, Episode 12

Yes, Bob Newhart himself also appeared in an episode of NCIS. The comedian and actor, better known for The Bob Newhart Show (1972) and Newhart (1982) made an appearance in the Season 8 episode “Recruited.” He played Dr. Walter Magnus, the former NCIS chief medical examiner who ends up being replaced by Donald “Ducky” Mallard.

Unfortunately, we only see Dr. Magnus come out of retirement to assist in one last case before learning that he has Alzheimer’s. Not exactly the kind of role we’d expect from Newhart, but perhaps that’s exactly why he took it.

Lily Tomlin - Season 9, Episode 3

Lily Tomlin is McGee’s grandmother! Yes, the actress played the grandma of series regular Timothy McGee, who is still a part of the show in Season 23. So hey, of all the characters on this list, she has the biggest chance of showing up again.

Her episode, in case you want to check it out, is Season 9’s “The Penelope Papers.” And even if the character is less funny than Tomlin usually is in shows like Grace and Frankie (2015), I promise, there’s still a spark. 

For as emotionally profound and meaningful as films can be, it’s still a business. Movies need to make money, and sometimes, that just doesn’t happen. It may be because of a bloated production, large marketing costs, tough competition in theaters, or just the general quality of a movie, but when a movie fails to turn a profit, it’s a flop. A failure. A bomb.

2025 has had plenty of flops and bombs, with the recent Tron: Ares (2025) set to cost Disney around $133 million in losses and Christy (2025) having one of the worst box office debuts of all time. Still, not all movies that bomb are bad. As demonstrated by the list below, here are five 2025 box-office flops that deserve a second chance. Several of these films have been charting in and around JustWatch’s Top 100 streamed movies this past week, so it’s clear that audiences are giving them a chance now that they’re out of theaters and on streamers like HBO Max and Prime Video.

Black Bag (2025)

Most spy thrillers tend to be grand affairs. The stakes are always high, and the fate of the world usually hangs in the balance. Black Bag is much more lowkey than you would expect, but that also makes it the perfect thinking man’s spy movie.

There’s an understated wit in Black Bag that will delight fans of more grounded spy flicks like The Killer (2023). From the moment the film starts, we’re presented with mystery after mystery, and thanks to the strong performances by Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett, you’ll constantly be guessing for the film’s 90-minute runtime what their endgame is. Are they truly loyal to one another, or are they manipulating each other for their own gain? Black Bag’s intense focus on witty dialogue may have put off audiences from seeing it back in March, but if you’re game for a spy movie that prioritizes brain over brawn, it is an underrated gem.

Eddington (2025)

Since he’s shifted away from horror, Ari Aster’s output has been polarizing to say the least. Beau Is Afraid (2023) was a nearly three-hour panic attack of Jewish guilt, and his follow-up, Eddington, goes all in on examining the COVID-19 pandemic. These movies are not for everyone, but if you want a frank discussion about social effects of the pandemic, there’s merit to Eddington.

In a lot of ways, Eddington is reminiscent of No Country for Old Men (2017). It’s a bleak examination of the human condition where no one is a good person and everyone is purely out for themselves. While it doesn’t outright condemn or condone any of its characters, given its politically charged nature, you’re meant to draw your own conclusions on whether or not the film has a happy or justified ending. It’s undeniably slow at points, and its protracted two and a half hour runtime definitely may cause some people to check out, but if it clicks with you, it’s a fascinating deep dive of that era of history.

Mickey 17 (2025)

Sci-fi movies tend to be hit or miss at the box office. Their performance usually comes down to how easy it is for audiences to understand their concept, and while Mickey 17’s premise may take some getting used to, once it gets going, it’s a great examination of the human condition.

If you loved Bong Joon Ho’s last big sci-fi epic, Snowpiercer (2013), then you’ll know what to expect from the world of Mickey 17. There’s an unmistakable level of grime and social commentary throughout the movie, showing the sharp class divide between the lower-class crew members of the spaceship and the rich theocrats who run it. We sympathize with Mickey’s plight of just trying to survive, and the frequent grizzly deaths he faces will make audiences feel they’re watching Source Code (2011). It’s a bit tonally uneven, which led to some middling reviews that hurt its box-office chances, but if you’re hunting for a sci-fi movie with a dark sense of humor, consider giving Mickey 17 a shot. 

One Battle After Another (2025)

By all accounts, One Battle After Another is one of the best movies of 2025. Its financial failure has less to do with its quality, but rather, its enormous budget and marketing costs requiring at least $300 million to break even. It could still do it, but all signs point to it being a failure. It’s a shame, too, because One Battle After Another is a gloriously chaotic movie about revolution for a modern audience. It’s a politically charged story, like Eddington, but one that advocates for active resistance rather than quiet contemplation.

In some ways, it’s a modern-day The Battle of Algiers (1966) with the energy of The Wolf of Wall Street (2013). There’s so much going on during the film’s two hour and forty minute runtime, but it expertly finds a way to balance out the very real call to action the film advocates for with the weirdness Paul Thomas Anderson is known for. What other movie would feature a cabal of Santa Claus worshipping white supremists and semen demons? It shouldn’t work as well as it does, but PTA’s expert cinematography and direction make One Battle After Another a movie that needs to be experienced.

Thunderbolts* (2025)

Oh how the mighty have fallen. Not even a decade ago, Marvel was the standard bearer of box-office success, but 2025 has featured not one, but two, financial disappointments for the once almighty brand. Of the two, though, Thunderbolts* really should have done better than it did.

A lot of the problems that face modern Marvel movies is front and center with Thunderbolts*. There’s a lot of homework that fans need to do to fully understand what’s going on. But once you get over that, Marvel’s answer to The Suicide Squad (2021) is a thematically rich examination of trauma and depression that is surpsingly honest for a Marvel movie, to the point where it feels as dark as other bleak psychological dramas like Fight Club (1999). Even if you barely know anything about Thunderbolts* large cast going into it, you’ll grow to care for each of them, especially the film’s breakout star, Bob. If you’re been looking for a superhero movie that has something to say, Thunderbolts* is a breath of fresh air. 

Shakespeare adaptations are everywhere if you look closely. Even the people who didn't study the poet and playwright's work likely know that The Lion King (1994) is heavily inspired by Hamlet. Most people have at least heard of the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet and generally tie the star-crossed lovers trope to the doomed teenagers. With the release of Hamnet (2025) coming up, the movie based on Maggie O'Farrell's novel of the same name is meant to tell the story of how Hamlet came to be. 

I've already got tissues prepared in my bag because I couldn't even watch the trailer without choking up. So, if you're anything like me and need something lighthearted as a palate cleanser before (or after), here are five fun Shakespeare adaptations, as well as where you can watch them on HBO Max, Prime Video, and more.

Romeo + Juliet (1996)

I can hear the outcry coming from all over the world, but hear me out: Nobody does a tragedy with as much sparkle and joy as Baz Luhrmann. And as someone with an MFA in English Lit who studied Shakespeare extensively, trust me when I say, no one hates the story of Romeo and Juliet the way I do. But as an even bigger fan of Moulin Rouge (2001), I know that tragedies can sometimes be deeply memorable when Luhrmann is at the helm.

And if there's one version of the tragedy that sticks the landing while providing ample moments to swoon over, it's Romeo + Juliet, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes. The modernized, beachy version of the story brings levity to the tale, and Luhrmann's inimitable directorial choices make every beat look and feel dazzling. It's the type of adaptation that cements how modernizing something can be hugely impactful, and it also has one of the best original soundtracks to date. If you want a modernized version of the tale, Romeo + Juliet can’t be beat. 

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

On a happier note, who doesn't love everything that was born from 10 Things I Hate About You, the single greatest adaptation of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew? The hate-to-love romance that balloons into something bigger between Julia Stiles' Kat and the late Heath Ledger's Patrick is everything that a rom-com should be—fun and full of heart.

It's not every '90s or early 2000s movie that holds up, but 10 Things I Hate About You is a treasure for countless reasons. The source material is one of Shakespeare's most influential stories, yes, but so much of the reason it became an instant classic is because of the cast and relatable storylines. Perfect for anyone who loves a good bad boy, and You've Got Mail (1998). 

She's the Man (2006)

Based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, She's the Man is the kind of roaringly hilarious comedy that still holds up so well that it's a little shocking. The brilliant performance that Amanda Bynes delivers as her character pretends to be both Viola and her twin brother, Sebastian, is admirable on every level, but the romance also sizzles in a way that's an absolute blast to watch, even today.

Interestingly, rewatching the movie recently also made me realize how progressive it was back in the day, showcasing that sports shouldn't discriminate based on gender. Let's go, Illyria! Every cast member brings their A-game the entire time, making it the kind of adaptation that's going to continue holding up. If you love stories with mistaken identities and slow-burn romances that are equal parts funny and vulnerable, She's the Man is a must-watch. 

Shakespeare in Love (1998)

Shakespeare in Love may not be a direct retelling or adaptation of the playwright's works, but it's a surprisingly gorgeous romantic drama that follows Joseph Fiennes as Shakespeare himself while he falls for Gwyneth Paltrow's Viola. Like Hamnet, the film acts as a showcase of how Romeo and Juliet came to be and features characters from his notable works, like the obvious, Viola from Twelfth Night. 

The film's critical and academic praise make it an incredible must-watch for anyone who's interested in Shakespeare, but especially for those who might need something light after Hamnet. More than anything, it can be fun to sit in front of the screen and point to all the Easter eggs, like the Leonardo DiCaprio Rick Dalton meme in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019).

Warm Bodies (2013)

If you love classic stories reimagined with zombies like Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016), then look no further than Warm Bodies, an adaptation of Romeo and Juliet with a happy ending. Starring Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer, Warm Bodies is a clever, fun, and engrossing twist on the tragedy, making it a star-crossed lovers story about the living and the (un)dead.  

It's campy and delightful, but surprisingly heartfelt and significant in its approach to unite the two species. The story sticks the landing, and the twist makes it one that'll definitely provide more squeals and butterflies as opposed to tears. As a bonus, it's the type of horror movie that scaredy-cats can also handle.

 When a show launches from the creative mind behind Breaking Bad (2008) and Better Call Saul (2015), you expect big things. Enter Pluribus (stylized as PLUR1BUS), the new sci-fi thriller on Apple TV that asks one unsettling question. What if the thing you're trying to fix is actually something people are choosing to embrace?

Created by Vince Gilligan, Pluribus drops us in a world where most of humanity has been swept up by an otherworldly wave of blissful conformity, and one unhappy romance novelist might be the only person left who sees the cracks. It's sleek, weird, and eerily familiar all at once. The title alone is a head-turner, hinting at themes of unity, assimilation, and the loss of self. It's a show built for exploratory discussions and maybe even a little bit of existential dread.

What Does 'Pluribus' Mean? (And What Is The TV Show About?)

The word "Pluribus" is taken from Latin. In classical usage, plūribus translates to "many," "of many," or "from many." It appears most famously in the phrase E Pluribus Unum, which means "Out of many, one." Until 1956, this phrase served as an unofficial motto of the United States of America. In the context of the show, that phrase takes on a much darker, sci-fi twist, referring to a collective consciousness forming from distinct individuals.

So, what is the show with a complicated name about? Pluribus focuses on Carol Sturka (played by Rhea Seehorn), a historical romance novelist living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, who suddenly finds herself among the very few people who are immune to a mysterious event that has turned nearly everyone else into unwaveringly happy, hive-mind-like beings. And as the most miserable person on Earth must, she has to save the world from happiness.

Gilligan has described the show as his version of a zombie-apocalypse tale. But in his story, the infected aren't mindless gore-monsters, they're blissful and cooperative. In other words, as a viewer, you're being asked to question whether forced harmony is more terrifying than outright chaos. From a theme perspective, the title Pluribus works double time. It evokes both the literal "many" (people) and the transformation into "one" (the collective).

Gilligan told the press that while he liked the American patriotic connotation of "E Pluribus Unum," he intended the series to be global in scope, not just an American allegory. So whether you interpret it as "many becoming one," "out of many we are one," or simply "from the many" growing into something singular and unstoppable, the title is your key to unpacking the show's central issue of individuality vs assimilation.

'Pluribus' Was Secretly Inspired By This Sci-Fi Classic

If you're planning to watch Pluribus, you might want to skip this part, or at least tread carefully. One of the sharper comparisons floating around is to the 1956 film Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and for good reason. That classic depicts an insidious takeover of human society via pods and duplicates. Essentially, people losing their autonomy and becoming part of a homogenized collective. Pluribus takes this concept and reroutes it.

Instead of alien pods replacing humans, a virus or signal infects humans, making them all infallibly happy and aligned. Gilligan has openly acknowledged the "zombie apocalypse drama" framing. But he also said his interest lay in exploring a world in which "everyone was nice" and what that actually implies because a world with no negativity might sound like heaven, but on- screen, it feels like something much darker. What makes Pluribus different from Invasion of the Body Snatchers is that Carol and a handful of others remain immune.

They're the anomaly witnessing change, and serve as the viewpoint for audiences who get to follow their confusion, resistance, and the moral grey zones they uncover. That feeling of existential dread, coupled with Gilligan's trademark storytelling, gives Pluribus its uneasy undercurrent. It's less about alien terror and more about the cost of enforced unity. That's a twist you didn't see in the pods.

Should You Watch 'Pluribus'?

If you're scanning your streaming grid and wondering whether Pluribus is worth the time, here's the breakdown. If you love cerebral sci-fi that blends high concept with low stakes (in the sense of personal, rather than global), this is right up your alley. Fans of television shows like Severance (2022) or even older offerings like The X-Files (1993) will enjoy this show. It's stylish and thoughtful in the way it sets its tone and builds its weird world.

If you prefer your sci-fi fast-paced, heavy on spectacle and light on philosophical unease, you might be in for a slower ride. Some early commentary suggests that the very thing making the show unique (its mood, its ambiguity) could also frustrate viewers who want everything spelled out. But you should absolutely watch Pluribus if you're up for something bold, different, and slightly off-beat.

It may not be popcorn fun viewing, but if you're willing to surrender some comfort in return for big ideas and haunting questions about autonomy, happiness, and human connection, Pluribus is that rare new show you'll want to talk about for hours after you're done watching. The series currently holds the number one spot on the JustWatch streaming charts. 

Wes Craven stands out as one of the most influential filmmakers of all time. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, and initially working as a college professor before shifting into the world of film, Craven quickly became one of the most accomplished horror filmmakers ever. With a willingness to go absolutely brutal as well as subversively hilarious, Craven showcased the versatility of horror in an era where the genre wasn’t as respected. 

It’s hard to imagine what the horror landscape would look like without him, even discounting his creation of the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise and Scream franchise. In the generation since, modern hits like Sinners (2025), Weapons (2025), and The Black Phone 2 (2025) have all pulled from the same creative playbook that Craven helped define. Here are the 10 best Wes Craven movies every fan should check out and where you can find them on Prime Video, Apple TV, and more.

10. The Last House on the Left (1972)

One of the harshest directorial debuts in cinematic history, Wes Craven’s The Last House on the Left established him as one of cinema's premier horror filmmakers from the get-go. A revenge horror film that focuses on hyper-violence from multiple perspectives, The Last House on the Left is an absolutely brutal film. Its depictions of gruesome violence and sexual assault make it one of the most purposefully sickening horror movies ever released, with Craven relishing in the visceral nature of brutality for great effect—both as a means of making the central villains detestable and to force the audience to reckon with the two mild-mannered parents who decide to lash out at their daughter’s attackers with far more brutality than anyone could have expected.

Lacking almost any charm or humanity, The Last House on the Left is an early indicator of Craven’s artistic capabilities as a filmmaker. If you loved sick twists on the horror genre like The Audition (2000) or ruminations on the banality of evil like The Strangers (2008), then The Last House on the Left is worth checking out. However, audiences who are hoping for any sweetness to break up the horror (as in Craven’s later films) should be forewarned that this is a far more gruesome and cynical Craven than most of his other films would suggest, which is why it ranks in tenth place.

9. The Hills Have Eyes (1977)

Like The Last House on the Left, Craven’s influentially gruesome The Hills Have Eyes is a reminder of just how brutal the director could be with his grim view on humanity. Based on a Scottish legend about a cannibalistic clan in the 16th century, The Hills Have Eyes puts the Carter family on a desperate struggle to survive against a clan of cave-dwelling marauders who slaughter passing travelers. The film draws plenty of inspiration from brutal slashers like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), but with a deeper sense of empathy and an acidic sense of humor amid all of the horrifying content.

Not for audiences who prefer their horror with more atmospheric supernatural scares, The Hills Have Eyes is an unforgettable film with truly unsettling moments of gore and assault that are still shocking decades later. The Hills Have Eyes (2006) tried to replicate the gruesome magic of this film years later, but the original remains a vicious movie focused on the breaking of average people and the brutality that follows.

8. Vampire in Brooklyn (1995)

A cult classic horror comedy that leans more into humor, Vampire in Brooklyn has enough unique touches to make this Dracula (1931) interpretation set in New York City especially bizarre and strangely compelling. Eddie Murphy and Angela Bassett make for an engaging riff on the same monster/woman connection that made films like Bram Stroker's Dracula (1992) and Nosferatu (2024) famous, with both performers showcasing their charms in a tense dynamic. 

Craven leans harder into comedy than ever in Vampire in Brooklyn while retaining just enough of his subtle societal commentary to give the film a subversive core. A creative descendant of Blackula (1972) and a quiet ancestor to Sinners and Vampires vs. the Bronx (2020), Vampire in Brooklyn is a must-see for fans of horror comedies like Shaun of the Dead (2004) or Heart Eyes (2025), but it’s not a great fit for audiences looking for ultradramatic material.

7. The People Under the Stairs (1991)

A brutal film that fuses horror with harsh social satire in a similar way to Parasite (2019), The People Under the Stairs is a terrific and raw horror movie with a mean sense of humor. Focusing on a would-be robber who discovers the wealthy target of his crime is a monstrous couple who have trapped a number of now feral children in the buildings they own, the film feels like a 1990s riff on the same horrifying themes about society and the wage gap as seen in The Hills Have Eyes.

Anyone who didn’t like Hereditary’s (2018) emotional but gonzo storytelling should avoid this film, but for those who did, know that The People Under the Stairs is one of the most intelligent entries in Wes Craven’s filmography. Vicious and with a grim sense of justice that’s just as bleak as the comedy in the film, The People Under the Stairs was a surprise hit when it landed in theaters and remains one of Craven’s darkest social satires.

6. Scream 2 (1997)

As the second film in the deeply influential and subversive slasher series, Scream 2 can’t quite match the original, but it remains a compelling commentary on the nature of movie sequels nonetheless. Scream 2 picks up after the events of the first film and focuses on a new Ghostface killer stalking the college campus, where recurring series lead Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) is attempting to move on with her life.

With a surprisingly morally complicated core and exploration of redemption and grief, Scream 2 benefits from the same tight writing and clever scares that made the original so memorable. While it’s not quite as good as the other openly meta horror films that Craven made, Scream 2 is perfect for anyone who enjoyed the self-aware horror stylings of The Blackening (2023) or I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025). 

5. Wes Craven's New Nightmare (1994)

One of the most meta-comedies of all time, Wes Craven’s New Nightmare is so brazen in its approach to fourth-wall breaking comedy and commentary that it demands your respect. Focusing on Wes Craven and Heather Langenkamp—the creator of the franchise and the star of the first film about Freddy Krueger—New Nightmare posits that the film series had been containing a nightmarish force for years but now reality is threatened by the franchise closing out with the then-final film, Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare (1991).

Hilarious in its Deadpool-esque sense of comedy and clever in its horrific moments of blurring the lines between reality, New Nightmare is a wildly clever movie that isn’t for people who don’t like meta-commentary or fourth-wall breaking parodies with a layer of social commentary like Rick and Morty (2013) or Team America: World Police (2004).

4. The Serpent and the Rainbow (1988)

A creepy and unsettling film that leans more into mystery and atmosphere, The Serpent and the Rainbow is one of Wes Craven’s creepiest films. Featuring an interpretation of voodoo practices that doesn’t feel hokey or cheap, the film focuses on an anthropologist who ends up in the thrall of a nightmarish Vodu priest who steals people’s souls and turns them into his zombie servants. 

With a sense of visual style and grimy horror that feels similar to Sam Raimi’s work on Drag Me to Hell (2009), The Serpent and the Rainbow is one of Craven’s most overtly creepy films, with a tense tone that never betrays the special-effects-heavy elements. While its approach to the supernatural can be dated, there’s a seriousness to it that lacks the kind of campy comedy Craven could have otherwise brought to the film. Definitely not for the audiences who prefer Craven’s sillier fare, The Serpent and the Rainbow is an unforgettable experiment in atmosphere. 

3. Red Eye (2005)

The closest Wes Craven ever got to making an Alfred Hitchcock movie, Red Eye is an underrated classic in Craven’s filmography. Set in the closed environment of an airplane mid-flight, the film stars a young Cillian Murphy as a dangerous killer who lures Rachel McAdams’ Lisa Reisert into a false sense of security before revealing his true nature.

A tight and tense thriller, Red Eye is perfect for audiences who enjoyed the clever twists and turns of Drop (2025). Bolstered by a strong script and great lead performances, Red Eye is a pulpy little horror film that still finds room for Craven’s trademark fusion of subtextual satire and subversive horror riffs. While it may not be what audiences looking for splatter gore like The Evil Dead (1981) want from the filmmaker, Red Eye is a well executed, tense thriller that audiences just don’t get anymore. 

2. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

One of the most iconic slashers of the 20th century, A Nightmare on Elm Street remains one of the best examples of what made Wes Craven so legendary in the horror genre. Introducing audiences to the iconic Freddy Krueger, A Nightmare on Elm Street is an ambitiously produced horror film that turned the dreamscape into a killing field.

Full of creative kills and amazing practical effects, the movie grounds it all in the trauma of a young woman, Nancy, who struggles to reckon not just with the murderous monster stalking her dreams but also a world that lives in denial of the trauma and horror around it. Not for audiences who prefer their scary movies rooted in real life, A Nightmare on Elm Street is a visual treat for horror fans and a dream scary season night flick. It’s a perfect peer for other stone-cold classics like Halloween (1978) and Friday the 13th (1980).

1. Scream (1996)

The most subversive turn in horror history, Scream is shockingly good the first time around and still effective decades after it first hit theaters. Scream is the ultimate self-aware slasher, a fun riff on the genre with a tendency to play with genre rules to horrifying effect, including an opening sequence twist that upends every expectation fresh-eyed viewers have coming into the film for the first time.

Just as much a commentary on the horror genre as it is on American society’s need to be famous, Scream is quietly brilliant and endlessly entertaining. Bursting at the seams with unexpected comedy and deceptively deep performances, the film’s tight script is only bolstered by Craven’s amazing direction. An ideal blend of satire and seriousness, with a climactic twist for the ages that rivals the likes of Psycho (1960), Scream remains one of the best horror movies ever made and the highlight of Wes Craven’s impressive career. 

While trashy reality TV shows are a staple of the US, the Love Island franchise actually originated in the United Kingdom. Before every day but ridiculously hot Islanders were shoved into a villa to "find love," the series started with celebrities doing the very same thing in Celebrity Love Island (2005). After just two seasons and a decade-long interlude, the show ditched its celebrity premise for the common folk and spawned the franchise behemoth that it is now. 

If you're just getting roped into the drama, there is a lot to parse through. From the original UK series to the many international spin-offs, your best bet when it comes to tackling this franchise is release date order. This guide will break down everything you need to know. So, if you can't get enough of watching a group of strangers couple up and (probably) disappoint you in the long run, here is how to watch Love Island in order on Peacock, Hulu, and more.

Celebrity Love Island (2005-2006)

Truthfully, Celebrity Love Island isn't mandatory watching. In fact, most people outside of the UK probably didn't even realize it exists. The premise is what you'd expect from the series, but with single D-list celebrities as Islanders. The majority of them are models (Are we really surprised?) with a few actors, singers, and even Big Brother UK (2000) winner Kate Lawler thrown in the mix.

Patrick Kielty and Kelly Brook hosted in Season 1 before Fearne Cotton took Brook's hosting spot in Season 2. Despite dropping "Celebrity" from its title in the second season, Celebrity Love Island never quite found its audience. Disappointing ratings resulted in its cancellation. Still, it's a fun, trashy time for anyone wanting to see where the franchise began. While people outside of the UK might not know the show's celebrity cast, with the show's format, you don't really need to.

Love Island UK (2015-Present)

Nearly a decade after Celebrity Love Island's cancellation, the series received a revival, this time trading celebrities for everyday people looking for love and to test their competition skills. Familiar ITV2 presenter Caroline Flack started off as the host before her tragic death in 2020, which resulted in Laura Whitmore taking over the position until the mantle passed to Maya Jama in 2022.

While Love Island UK has faced its share of controversies, from concerns about diversity and body shaming to abusive male contestants and mental health, it remains a staple of British pop culture, especially among the millennial and Gen Z crowd. The unique mash-up of dating show meets reality competition series keeps the content fresh. Not to mention, all the fights, relationships, and cringeness provide hours upon hours of silly drama to get lost in. If you like other tropical-set reality TV shows that make dating their central premise, like Too Hot To Handle (2020) and Temptation Island (2019), then you'll adore Love Island and its many spin-offs.

Love Island USA (2019-Present)

For many Americans, 2019's Love Island, also known as Love Island USA, was their first exposure to the franchise. Nearly identical to the flagship British series, Love Island poses the burning question (apparently) on everyone's mind: What happens when hot singles get confined to a luxury villa and are forced to couple up for a shot at $100,000? The answer comes in the form of binge-worthy seasons stuffed with drama, betrayals, and all the expected controversies that go hand in hand with reality TV.

While Ariana Madix currently hosts the series, anyone starting from the beginning will get to know former hosts Arielle Vandenberg and Sarah Hyland, the latter of whom Modern Family (2009) fans will recognize. While there isn't much difference between Love Island USA and Love Island UK, those looking for more genuine connections might have better luck in the latter. Whether it's a cultural difference or not, the USA contestants tend to lean more toward competition and strategic partnerships as opposed to finding love… or even real connections. 

Love Island Spin-Offs Available In The US

If you can't get enough of Love Island, you're probably eagerly scouring the internet in search of more international versions and spin-offs. The news here is both good and bad. While the show has upwards of 20 international spin-offs, at the time of writing, only Love Island Australia, Love Island South Africa, and Love Island España, in addition to the aforementioned Love Island UK, are available to stream in the US. However, there are a few supplemental spin-off series that can help fill the void.

Love Island Games, for example, offers audiences more time with previous Islanders, including some from international series. Love Island: All-Stars offers something similar, bringing back fan-favorite (and not so fan-favorite) Islanders for a second shot at finding love. And if you're one of those people who likes to check in with contestants after each season, Love Island: Beyond the Villa offers a more intimate look into the lives of various Islanders after they leave the show.

• Love Island Australia (2018-Present)
• Love Island South Africa (2021)
• Love Island España (2021-2022)
• Love Island Games (2023-Present) 
• Love Island: All-Stars (2024-Present)
• Love Island: Beyond the Villa (2025-Present)

Love Island International Spin-Offs (Not Available To Watch In The US)

As mentioned, there are a multitude of international Love Island spin-offs. However, the ones listed below aren't available to stream within the US. While that's certainly a blow to true completionists or anyone wanting to experience the series through the lens of a different culture, its possible availability will change in the future. With Love Island still a juggernaut in the reality TV space, you can't rule it out completely. After all, RuPaul's Drag Race (2009) has the majority of its international spin-offs all available on WoW Presents Plus. 

• Love Island – Heiße Flirts & wahre Liebe (2017-Present)
• Love Island Sweden (2018-Present)
• Love Island Norway (2018-Present)
• Love Island Suomi (2018-Present)
• Love Island Nederland & België (2019-Present)
• Love Island Hungary (2019)
• Love Island. Wyspa miłości (2019-Present)
• Love Island France (2020-2023)
• Love Island Italia (2021)
• Love Island Canada (2021-2023)
• Love Island Česko & Slovensko (2021-Present)
• Love Island Denmark (2021-Present)
• Love Island Greece (2022)
• Love Island Malta (2023-Present)
• Love Island Albania (2023)
• Love Island România (2023)
• Love Island Israel (2024)
• Love Island Nigeria (TBA)
• Love Island NZ (TBA)

Ever since It: Welcome to Derry (2025) debuted on HBO and HBO Max, questions about Pennywise's gender have resurfaced. The answer isn't simple, because neither is Stephen King's most terrifying creation. While Pennywise is commonly referred to as "he," King's novel, on which the series and past films are based, reveals a far stranger truth.

"It" has no gender at all. That ambiguity isn't just a quirk of King's imagination. It's an essential part of what makes Pennywise so unsettling. Beneath the greasepaint smile and jaunty red balloons is an ancient entity that doesn't obey the rules of human biology, identity, or morality. The clown's gendered appearance is nothing more than a mask designed to draw its victims closer before the horror beneath finally reveals itself.

On the surface, it's easy to assume Pennywise is male. The creature's most familiar form, the clown with sharp teeth and an unnerving grin, is consistently described with masculine pronouns throughout It. King even gave it a human alias (Bob Gray) to make the supernatural creature appear deceptively ordinary.

There's also the matter of presentation. Clowns in mid-century America, the era in which It's main events occur, were almost exclusively male performers. By choosing that form, the creature taps into a kind of social camouflage by appearing as something recognizable, even comforting, to children before turning that comfort into dread.

King has said that Pennywise represents the thing that kids fear most, since clowns occupy that uneasy space between playfulness and menace. Within that performance, a masculine identity makes narrative sense. The clown isn't a man, but it needs to pretend to be one in order to feed. Still, the illusion only holds until the final confrontation, when the Losers' Club finally sees what Pennywise really is.

The Truth Of Pennywise

In the final chapters of It (1986), the Losers' Club ventures into Derry's sewers and faces the creature in its "true" form, which is a massive, spider-like being whose shape is merely the closest thing human minds can comprehend. The scene is also featured in both film adaptations, It released in 1990 and the more recent It  (2017). It's here that King begins to complicate our understanding of gender entirely.

When the Losers find eggs in the creature's lair, the discovery hints at reproduction, a trait culturally associated with females. But King quickly undercuts that idea. These aren't the offspring of a "mother" in any human sense. They're the byproduct of something alien, a reflection of It's ability to create life (or death) without sexual reproduction.

In King's broader mythology, which includes The Dark Tower series, Pennywise is not truly a living organism at all, but an ancient cosmic entity from the Macroverse that exists beyond time, space, and physical form. That makes it impossible to categorize using human gender labels.

That means the spider body is a symbolic projection of its essence, not an accurate one. So while the Losers perceive something that looks female, Pennywise isn't either. It's a shapeless energy given form only by what the human mind can stand to see.

Gender As A Tool Of Fear

The most compelling reading of Pennywise's genderlessness isn't biological but psychological. Throughout It, the creature's primary weapon is its ability to become whatever terrifies its victims most. For Eddie Kaspbrak, that's disease; for Beverly Marsh, the specter of domestic abuse; for Bill Denbrough, the loss of a brother. For Derry as a whole, it's a clown, a symbol of innocence corrupted.

That same principle extends to gender. By presenting as male, Pennywise evokes a type of authority and trust familiar to the children of 1950s Maine. The friendly adult entertainer, the father figure, the man in charge. The betrayal of that trust is part of what makes the horror so deep.

The creature's shape-shifting not only reflects fear in many forms, but also society's tendency to assign gender to good and evil. Pennywise breaks those binaries completely. It's neither father nor mother, it's everything people dread, distilled into one shifting presence.

This fluidity has fascinated critics for decades. Many have compared It to John Carpenter's The Thing (1982), another story in which identity and biology collapse under the weight of something unknowable. Yet King's take is distinct. By giving fear itself a clown's face, he turns performance into predation and gender into theater.

Why Pennywise's Gender Matters

Viewers in 2025 may ask if Pennywise's gender should even matter. In the literal sense, it shouldn't. The creature's power doesn't depend on any human category. But symbolically, it tells us something vital about the genre. Gender in horror often defines how monsters are read.  Male villains embody control and violence, while female monsters are linked to seduction or corruption. Pennywise defies all of that.

By existing outside of gender, it becomes a pure embodiment of fear—an amorphous predator that reflects our collective anxieties back at us. This reading is especially timely as HBO's It: Welcome to Derry expands the mythology. The series, set decades before King's novel, will explore how the creature adapts to new eras and social contexts.That makes its lack of fixed identity all the more potent.

Pennywise could appear as anyone or anything Derry's people subconsciously invite. In that sense, Pennywise's gender isn't a mystery to solve but a mirror. The form it takes in the series, which is currently at number four on the JustWatch streaming charts, says more about the people who see it than the creature itself. The show is perfect for anyone who is curious about the creature's gender or lack thereof.

Wednesday Addams, like the rest of the Addamses, became an icon from the moment she stepped onto our screens. From the second we heard Andrew Gold's theme song for The Addams Family (1964) and started snapping our fingers right alongside the characters, they've been a comfort to so many of us and for a wide variety of reasons. There's something ridiculously hot about most versions of Lurch. Gomez and Morticia Addams are literally marriage goals, and Wednesday Addams is the kid you want in your corner. 

Since I was a kid, no matter the time of day or what I was doing, if the Addams Family was on, I sat in front of the screen, eyes glued to the TV. With multiple adaptations to look back on, here are all the Wednesday Addams, ranked, as well as which movie to watch them in on HBO Max and more. 

7. Nicole Fugere - The New Addams Family (1998-1999)

It's certainly not Nicole Fugere's—or the rest of the cast members' fault—but The New Addams Family and Addams Family Reunion came a little too quickly after Addams Family Values (1993), and sadly, it never managed to evoke the same sense of comfort. Or, perhaps in some cases, this is a Spider-Man scenario, where we all have our favorites and the one we're most attached to, so any new one simply doesn't work. But the overall production value left very little room for the characters to shine, and that's a large part of what makes the family's history so engrossing.

We aren't always watching to see what zany thing the macabre family will get up to, but we're watching to see the characters' journeys in order to learn more about them. We're watching for those quiet moments that we'll maybe be able to quote or add on as a meme. And these adaptations, despite the best efforts from the cast, unfortunately missed the mark. 

6. Debi Derryberry - The Addams Family (1992-1993)

As an animated version, The Addams Family (1992) should've worked, but it was simply okay. Debi Derryberry's Wednesday Addams is a bit less dark than the character usually is, and the liveliness of the actual cartoon itself stripped away some of the darkness that makes the titular family as memorable as they are. If it were tonally more similar to shows like Scooby-Doo: Where Are You? (1969), we'd have a winner in our hands.

But for the sake of nostalgia, this version of the story is still worth watching solely to get another twist on the beloved family's antics. The type of animation is also one that we rarely see nowadays, so that adds an extra layer of charm that can be intriguing to new viewers who just want a different point of view. 

5. Cindy Henderson - The Addams Family (1973)

Believe it or not, once upon a time, Wednesday Addams wore pink. That's right, the tiny gothic queen wasn't always decked out in black, and The Addams Family miniseries from the '70s is proof of this fact. She first made an appearance in an episode titled "Wednesday Is Missing" in The New Scooby-Doo Movies (1972) where crossover movies and TV shows were happening long before the DCEU and network television made it a broadcast event. 

Henderson's version of Wednesday still had the character's classic spunky attitude with a slight twist in clothing as we know it. As the first to voice the character in an animated format, Henderson set the stage for how things can be and delivered a memorable character journey in the short runtime. 

4. Chloë Grace Moretz - The Addams Family (2019)

Like the 1973 animated series, everything about the recent animated films, The Addams Family (2019) and The Addams Family 2 (2021), should've worked, especially given the amazing actors lending their voices. However, the story unfortunately fumbled through strange choices and not enough risks being taken to add a darkness to the story that could still keep the macabre elements from the live-action features. 

Still, Chloë Grace Moretz, like Derryberry, does an incredible job with the voice work—as all the actors do, like Oscar Isaac as Gomez Addams, yes please—but the sprightly nature doesn't match the edge that's generally necessary. However, it is a good film to show kids who might not be ready for the live-action versions but still want something lightly spooky and fun.

3. Lisa Loring - The Addams Family (1964-1965)

For many of us, the late Lisa Loring was our introduction to Wednesday Addams, and for this reason, we'll always have a soft spot for her performance. At the same time, the original series sets the blueprint for how darkness and humor can marry in an intricate dance that'll always hit especially hard for those who appreciate unique in-between genres. Light and dark in a way that's perfectly balanced, Loring's Wednesday is an absolute delight.

She is a younger version of the character, ridiculously spunky, oddly sweet, and surprisingly layered. Long before Jenna Ortega's dance to The Cramps' "Goo Goo Muck" became a TikTok trend, Lisa Loring had one of her own while trying to teach Lurch. She infused the character with so much personality that it's also admirable how each of the Wednesdays who followed in her path did their own thing.

2. Jenna Ortega - Wednesday (2022-Present)

Jenna Ortega's campy approach in Netflix's Wednesday makes her version the darkest one we have yet, and every beat of her embodiment is incredible. While the show is relatively safe for scaredy-cats, it's still much spookier than other versions, and its inclusion of a lot more supernatural elements might not be as favorable for people who prefer a more tame version of gothic horror. 

Still, Ortega had big shoes to fill when signing on to the role, and she did so without trying to be Christina Ricci or anyone who came before her, but rather, she makes the character entirely her own. She deep dives into the darkest parts of Wednesday's psyche and also adds an incredibly subtle layer of softness that touches on her innate loyalty perfectly. Wednesday is perfect for viewers who prefer campy horror and shows like The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018).

1. Christina Ricci - The Addams Family (1991)

There will never be another Wednesday Addams like Christina Ricci's, and that's okay because everything she brought to the role was so niche and so perfect for those of us who grew up in the '90s. In every way where it matters, The Addams Family (1991) and Addams Family Values are perfect films, and it's largely because of the cast and how they increased the darkness and touched on the family's love for one another.

The titular family is so comforting because of their loyalty to one another, and no one shows it quite like the brutal little weirdo, Wednesday. How she calls out colonialism and everyone's foolishness is literally, always and forever, the biggest mood. It's what makes her such a legendary character because we're all thinking what she says out loud. Bonus points if you're also the eldest daughter—this version nails that bit in a way that's so accurate, it's always hilarious. 

Do you have a popular franchise that’s run out of ideas? Are you desperate to create a new entry, but don’t know what it could possibly be about or where it could be set?  May I make a suggestion… send it to space! 

I mean, why not? Tons of other franchises already have, and yes, there’s been mixed results, but whether they’re famous for being great or infamous for being horrible, they all remain weirdly iconic in their own right. Oddly enough, the phenomenon is especially popular in the horror genre, where many of your favorite villains were blasted into space (and often the future) to pursue some intergalactic carnage. 

From the Friday the 13th to Fast & Furious series, if you want to watch some fantastic (or fantastically bad) franchises that went to space, check out the list below. Streamers like HBO Max, Apple TV, and more will let you watch these misadventures now. 

Jason X (2001)

In 2001, the Friday the 13th franchise tried to answer the age-old question: What exactly do you do with killers like Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees, who seemingly can’t die? In Jason X we learn the answer is that you cryogenically freeze him and keep him frozen for eternity. Well, that was the plan… until, in the distant future, a group of space humans travel back to Earth, find Jason, and unfreeze him aboard their spaceship. 

Yes, it’s wild. But really, what else do you expect from Friday the 13th? After all, the previous entry Jason Goes Hell (1993) featured demon-worm-monsters, so honestly, why not go to space? Plus, Jason X is super campy, kitschy, and tacky, which in modern times comes off as incredibly fun and endearing. If you enjoyed the wildness of Freddy vs. Jason (2003), you’ll love Jason X. 

Dracula 3000 (2004)

Dracula got a jolt of modernity in 2000 with Dracula 2000, which brought the iconic vampire into (then) present-day London. Four years later, the world got Dracula 3000, which thrust the vampire into the year 3000 aboard a spaceship. In theory, it makes sense, since vampires are immortal (assuming they never go out in daylight, come near garlic, or get a wooden stake through their heart). 

But this straight-to-video romp is completely incoherent and absurd. Still, its awfulness is also its strength. For starters, if you know that infamous NSFW line from Shark Attack 3 (2002), you’ll definitely love the… um… “unique” dialogue in Dracula 3000. It’s also great for anyone who loves those cheesy Syfy Channel original movies since it absolutely feels like it was intended to be one.  

Leprechaun 4: In Space (1996)

Many franchises that went to space became unintentional comedies. But the Leprechaun franchise knew exactly what it was doing. The cult hit always knew it was a comedy, but Leprechaun 4: In Space, which takes place on a spaceship in the year 2096, leaned heavily into humor. It features a mind-controlled drag queen commando, a mutated doctor becoming a spider, and a space princess, all on top of already having Lubdan the Leprechaun (Warwick Davis) as the antagonist. 

While going to space is always an odd choice for any franchise, Leprechaun already stars a mythical Irish being as its lead villain, so why not go to space? Clearly, realism was never important for the franchise anyway. After going to space, everyone’s favorite evil Leprechaun found himself in the hood, leading to even more madness. If you love horror movies that are totally aware of how stupid they are, like Hansel & Gretel Get Baked (2013), this is the film for you. 

Hellraiser: Bloodline (1996)

Not all outer space horror movies have the audacity of Jason X or Leprechaun 4. In Hellraiser: Bloodline, Pinhead is brought to space in the year 2127 with the hopes of finally killing him for good. There’s a really great twist at the end, and as far as horror franchises that go to space, Bloodline is probably the most straight-laced, serious of them all. It doesn’t go for campy bombast, and instead tries to remain a true horror film. 

Because of that, it’s more similar to proper sci-fi horror movies, like Event Horizon (1997), than it is to other late-sequel slasher films. If you love the creepy, disturbing vibe of Hellraiser (1987) or the fascinating setting that space provides, be sure to check out Hellraiser: Bloodline.

Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla (1994)

In Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla we learn that Godzilla’s DNA made its way to space thanks to Biollante (long story, don’t ask). There, it was irradiated by a black hole, creating SpaceGodzilla, who grows himself a giant crystalline comet and flies through space to destroy Earth. Why and how? Who knows. But considering that the modern MonsterVerse involves a supernatural subterranean Earth filled with giant creatures, I’d say this isn’t exactly the franchise to be asking questions like “What?”, “How?”, or “Why?” Instead, just enjoy the madness of big monsters beating each other up. 

Plus, if you’re a Godzilla fan, why wouldn’t you watch this Heisei era classic? It’s also perfect for anyone who loves those wonderfully wild late-80s/early-90s practical monster effects, like in the remake of The Blob (1988). 

Josie and the Pussycats in Outer Space (1972)

In 1970, the Josie and the Pussycats cartoon premiered. Based on the Archie comic of the same name, the show followed the iconic girl band as they toured the world and got mixed up in capers and hijinks. But after the series concluded in 1972, it was followed by the spin-off Josie and the Pussycats in Outer Space. As the title implies, the show follows the band as they accidentally fall into a spaceship and blast off into outer space. 

Of all the comic franchises to send to space, Josie and the Pussycats is easily the most outlandish and unnecessary, creating some strange blend of The Powerpuff Girls (1998) and Space Ghost (1966). If you love the idea of banging your tambourine while battling aliens, this is the show for you. It’s also perfect for fans who enjoyed the wild eccentricity of the 2001 Josie and the Pussycats movie.

Airplane II: The Sequel (1982)

Airplane! (1980) is a bit of everything. It’s a spoof, a parody, and a satire, all mixed into one, lampooning both the air industry and Hollywood blockbusters like Airport (1970) and Jaws (1975). The sequel took it to the next level, creating a seriously silly plot about a commercial space shuttle that’s taking tourists to the moon. 

Honestly, out of every franchise on the list, going to space makes the most sense for Airplane! since the entire point of the franchise is to be as loony and ridiculous as possible. If you love madcap parodies like The Naked Gun (1988) or Scary Movie (2000), then you already know the type of humor you’re in for when you watch Airplane II. 

Critters 4 (1992)

Leprechaun 4, Hellraiser: Bloodline… and Critters 4. For some reason, the fourth entry seems to be the sweet spot for horror franchises to launch themselves into space. In the year 2045, a salvage crew comes across the critter eggs in space. Naturally, after bringing them aboard their ship, the critters hatch, madness ensues, and a joyous horror comedy emerges. 

Plus, Critters 4 stars Oscar-nominated actress Angela Bassett and Tony-nominated actor Terrence Mann. How did a B-movie get such star power? The vibe of the entire Critters franchise is more comedy-focused, similar to Gremlins (1984), so it’s perfect for anyone who loves horror comedies. 

Amityville in Space (2022)

The Amityville franchise has taken a very dark and weird turn over the last decade, spawning films such as Amityville Death Toilet (2023) and Amityville Bigfoot (2024). These no-budget films are the types of movies you need to watch late at night with a big group of friends. 

In 2022, the franchise went to space with Amityville in Space because, of course, it did. It takes place in the future after the Amityville house was lifted from Earth and sucked into a black hole. Now, a team of future space people must discover the hauntings within the iconic house as it floats through the vacuum of space. Luckily for everyone, the movie is streaming for free on Tubi, so you too can experience this clickbait brainrot without spending a penny! 

F9 (2021)

Yes, in 2021 the Fast & Furious franchise briefly ended up in space in F9. Tej (Ludacris) and Roman (Tyrese Gibson) have to take a rocket car to space to crash into a satellite and destroy its capabilities of hacking into global weapons systems. Look, is it stupid? Yes. But also, if you're the type of person who has stuck with the Fast & Furious franchise until its ninth movie, you probably don’t care.

Considering the movie made over $700 million at the box office, it’s clear that most audiences were on-board for whatever hijinks Vin Diesel could think of. If you loved the other Fast & Furious movies, then buckle up, because this one’s a doozy. 

Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023) dominated the box office upon its release in 2023 and received rave reviews from franchise fans and non-fans alike. Not only did it offer numerous Easter eggs and nods to the game series of the same name and to the YouTubers who popularized it through playthroughs, but it also capitalized on a nostalgic kind of horror.

Many recall the eerie animatronics at family entertainment centers, like Chuck E. Cheese, which is why Five Nights at Freddy’s reawakens some childhood fears. Viewers looking for more of that nostalgic horror and a terrifying twist on childhood memories can use our guide to find five movies like Five Nights at Freddy’s, available on Tubi, Peacock, and more.

Child’s Play (1988)

Like Five Nights at Freddy’s, Child’s Play takes something that’s subtly eerie and turns it into a child’s worst nightmare. In the film, Andy’s (Alex Vincent) dream comes true when his mother buys him a Good Guy doll for his birthday. However, things go south when he learns the spirit of a serial killer inhabits the doll, Chucky (Brad Dourif). As far as haunted toy stories go, Child’s Play is among the very best.

It parallels Five Nights at Freddy’s through its blend of comedy and horror. There are genuinely terrifying slasher moments, but also a hint of campiness as Child’s Play remains self-aware of its absurd premise. If you loved Five Nights at Freddy’s but are seeking something with even more dark comedy and slasher elements, you’ll love Child’s Play.

The Void (2016)

Both Five Nights at Freddy’s and The Void seem to get how terrifying it is to work the dark, isolated night shift at your job. The Void follows police officer Daniel Carter (Aaron Poole), who is working the night shift when he rushes an injured man to the hospital. He and the hospital's skeleton crew are soon terrorized by mysterious, cloaked figures who invade the hospital. The Void evokes nostalgia for ‘80s slasher movies with its practical effects while also capitalizing on the night-shift horror premise.

It’s an excellent alternative for fans of Five Nights at Freddy’s who were looking for just a few more genuine scares. The Void makes excellent use of suspense and plays out like a terrifying nightmare, with unpredictable, jarring twists. Fans of The Night Watchman (2016) and Let Us Prey (2014) will especially enjoy The Void’s night shift horror.

The Banana Splits Movie (2019)

The Banana Splits Movie gives viewers a Five Nights at Freddy’s-esque story with an extra dose of gore. The comedy horror centers on Harley Williams (Finlay Wojtak-Hissong), who gets to watch a live studio recording of his favorite show, The Banana Splits, only for the animatronics to go on a murder spree after learning of their show’s cancellation. It’s inspired by the real-life ‘60s children's show, The Banana Splits, once again turning distant childhood memories into horror. 

Like Five Nights at Freddy’s, the premise is campy, but it still offers some surprisingly shocking moments of gore and violence, making it just a little scarier. Additionally, viewers can’t help but be impressed by the bold decision to turn a real-life children’s show into slasher fodder. It’s an excellent choice for viewers who love horror spins on childhood favorites, like Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey (2023), but are seeking the same quality as Five Nights at Freddy’s.

Willy’s Wonderland (2021)

Willy’s Wonderland is another horror film with a similar premise to Five Nights at Freddy’s. In the movie, a janitor (Nicolas Cage) fights for survival against eight sentient, homicidal animatronics after agreeing to clean the entertainment center Willy’s Wonderland at night in exchange for car repairs. Willy’s Wonderland is just as fun as Five Nights at Freddy’s, with a little extra gore and the bonus of watching Cage beat up a bunch of creepy animatronics.

The film leans a little more into action than Five Nights at Freddy’s, offering well-choreographed, exciting fight scenes. It’s creepy, fun, and action-packed, making it an excellent alternative to fans of Five Nights at Freddy’s and The Banana Splits Movie who are looking for something with a bit more star power and action.

Abigail (2024)

Abigail and Five Nights at Freddy’s both feature situations where waiting out the night turns out to be much more terrifying than the characters anticipated. In the film, a group of criminals kidnap Abigail (Alisha Weir), the daughter of an underworld crime boss, only to realize too late that there’s something superhuman about the little girl and her father. It’s like Five Nights at Freddy’s but with vampires and a whole group of characters rather than one isolated night watchman.

Abigail is also way scarier than Five Nights at Freddy’s, keeping viewers on their toes with the constant jump scares and grisly, mysterious deaths of numerous characters in quick succession. The fact that a little girl is the source of horror also adds a bit more terror to the premise, though it retains some dark humor. Fans who love movies like Ready or Not (2019), in which some malevolent force hunts the characters, will love Abigail. 

 Few movie characters have charted a path as iconic as Luke Skywalker's. Across George Lucas' Star Wars saga, Luke goes from a restless farm boy staring at twin suns into the compassionate Jedi Knight who saves his father and restores balance to the Force. His story is one of failure and growth, making it a classic hero's journey that continues to resonate with audiences almost 50 years later.

What makes Luke so enduring is his humanity. He dreams, doubts, and dares to hope, even when the galaxy seems beyond saving. From the moment he fires that fateful shot in the Death Star trench to his final act of mercy in Return of the Jedi, Luke embodies the idea that heroism is as much about empathy as it is about courage. And his best scenes, which are listed in ascending order of epicness, can be revisited on the Disney+ streaming platform.

5. Luke Destroying the Death Star - A New Hope (1977)

A New Hope is the movie where it all began. And the moment Luke destroyed the Death Star confirmed his status as a brave hero. Guided by Obi-Wan's voice to "use the Force," Luke fires the proton torpedo that destroys the weapon and saves the Rebellion. It's one of the most exhilarating climaxes in film history, brought to life with brilliant storytelling. But what gives the scene its lasting power is the symbolism it carries.

Luke finally trusts his instincts and confidently embraces his destiny by letting the Force guide him. When the Death Star explodes, it's not just a victory for the Rebellion; it's a metaphor for personal awakening. Luke's newfound faith becomes ours too, and it's the moment the myth of Star Wars truly begins to soar. A New Hope is an ideal entry point for anyone who is new to the Star Wars franchise and for longtime fans who want to revisit the story.

4. Luke Learning That Vader Is His Father - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Arguably, the most famous twist in movie history comes in The Empire Strikes Back and redefined the entire Star Wars mythos. When Vader tells Luke, "No, I am your father," his identity and worldview are shattered in an instant. Mark Hamill's performance (equal parts disbelief and devastation) perfectly captures the weight of destiny crashing down. Not only is it a turning point for Luke, but also for cinema in its entirety. 

The scene highlights the core of the Star Wars story, which is the struggle between inherited characteristics (the dark side) and who we want to be (chosen light). Luke's devastated scream, echoing through Cloud City, is the sound of a boy realizing that evil is not something you destroy, but something you must confront within yourself. The Empire Strikes Back appeals not just to Star Wars fans, but anyone who loves a good good vs. evil story with a twist.

3. Luke Training With Yoda on Dagobah - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Dagobah is where Luke truly begins to understand what it means to be a Jedi. His training with Master Yoda is funny and deeply philosophical, filled with timeless lessons about fear, failure, and faith in oneself. The swamp setting mirrors Luke's inner confusion, while Yoda's teachings push him beyond brute strength toward enlightenment. The scene is essentially the spiritual heart of the original trilogy.

Luke's desperately impatient reactions to Yoda's cryptic lessons, like "Do or do not. There is no try," are painfully relatable. And watching him struggle to lift the X-wing from the swamp, only to see the much smaller Yoda do it with ease, is humbling for Luke. More than training, this scene is a meditation on letting go of fear to uncover faith.

2. Luke Baiting Jabba and Saving Leia - Return of the Jedi (1983)

By the time we get to Jabba's palace in Return of the Jedi, Luke has embraced his destiny and matured into a calm, confident Jedi Knight. His plan to rescue Han and Leia from Jabba the Hutt showcases the strategic fearlessness of someone who is fully in command of his abilities. There's a controlled swagger in how Luke enters Jabba's lair, a far cry from the nervous young pilot of A New Hope.

Every move he makes, every line he delivers is deliberate and theatrical. The scene plays like an old Hollywood adventure updated with space-age flair. It's also one of the rare times where the saga lets Luke truly shine as an action hero who is no longer weighed down by prophecy or guilt, but simply being the capable, composed Jedi he's worked so hard to become.

1. Luke Defeating the Emperor and Saving His Father - Return of the Jedi (1983)

The best Luke Skywalker scene doubles as the defining point of his life, and arguably the entire Star Wars saga. The moment comes when he throws away his lightsaber and refuses to kill his father. By rejecting hate, he defeats the Emperor by showing compassion instead of channeling his rage. In doing so, he redeems Anakin Skywalker and fulfills the prophecy of balance.

The whole scene showcases what Star Wars is truly about: choosing light instead of darkness. Luke's choice represents everything he has learned, from Yoda's teachings to his own understanding of failure and forgiveness. Luke not only saves his father; he also saves the true meaning of being a Jedi. It's the perfect ending to a story that began with a boy looking to the stars. Return of the Jedi is arguably the best Star Wars movie ever made and is perfect for die-hard fans and anyone who loves a story with a happy ending. 

Movies are the best type of escapism, and when you truly want to disappear into a fictional world for a bit, no genre is better than fantasy. Whether it's the grandeur of medieval-set tales, the epic slashing of clashing swords, or the dark forests in fairy tales reimagined, fantasy excels at immersion. You'll want to get lost in these worlds, and who can really blame you? However, the next question becomes how do you watch them on streaming.

With no shortage of streaming services available these days, fantasy movies exist in the libraries of all of them. However, if you want to watch something epic without dishing out the big bucks, then free streamers like Hoopla, Plex, and Pluto will be your best bet. To take out some of the guesswork that follows, here are the 10 best fantasy movies streaming for free right now. 

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

Monty Python and the Holy Grail isn't the movie to watch when you're craving a serious fantasy movie. As a parody of Arthurian legend, this one is for fantasy fans who don't mind comedy aimed at the genre's tropes and clichés. Don't expect historical accuracy; if anything, prepare yourself for the wonkiest quest for the Holy Grail in all of film, littered with absurd and hilarious scenes.

Those familiar with Monty Python or the comedy group's other movies, like Life of Brian (1979), will feel right at home with the witty British humor often disguised beneath seemingly stupid jokes. This movie is quotable, so lock in and prepare to hurl all manner of iconic lines at your friends and family for the foreseeable future.

The Last Unicorn (1982)

The Last Unicorn sounds cute, right? Well, think again. The movie follows one unicorn's desperate search to discover what happened to the rest of her species, and what follows is a story packed with themes about mortality, existential fear, and regret. For these reasons, it's best suited for older kids and adults. This isn't My Little Pony (1986), meaning young children might have difficulty processing these mature themes despite the G-rating. 

Beautifully animated by Topcraft and produced by Rankin/Bass Productions, The Last Unicorn features a unique mash-up of Japanese and American animation, similar to the studios' previous collaboration with The Hobbit (1977). Coupled with an immersive soundtrack and star-studded voice cast, The Last Unicorn makes for a solid fantasy movie night pick.

The Company of Wolves (1984)

If you ask me, the best fairy tale adaptations have a tinge of darkness to them, and that's certainly the case with The Company of Wolves. This dark retelling of "Little Red Riding Hood" sees Rosaleen (Sarah Patterson) traveling through the woods to visit her grandmother (Angela Lansbury). Where the movie truly differentiates itself from the classic tale is with the wolf. 

While the original story has always acted as a metaphor about the predatory behavior of some men, The Company of Wolves shows how sexuality and dangerous desire can complicate that by throwing werewolves in the mix. It's unique, creepy, and perfectly weird. If you like the surrealist vibes of David Lynch movies like Blue Velvet (1986), you'll find something similar here.   

Highlander (1986)

The Highlander franchise is sprawling and mighty, but really, it never reaches the heights of the first movie. Starring Christopher Lambert as Connor MacLeod, Highlander chronicles his century-spanning story as he battles other immortals like himself. Told in a non-linear fashion with some genuinely impressive transitions between time periods, the movie offers a compelling time-travel story steeped in action and fantasy.

Like many of the entries on this list, Highlander was a commercial failure upon release that went on to amass a massive cult following. While most critics point their fingers at the movie's corny acting and, at times, confusing plot, that's precisely why fans love it. If action-heavy sword and sorcery fare is your weakness, you really can't do much better than Highlander.

Labyrinth (1986)

Right off the bat, if you don't like musicals, Labyrinth probably isn't for you. However, musical fans or those who don't mind some singing interludes will find an imaginative fantasy story that (mostly) stands the test of time. While the movie is symbolic of many things, in its simplest form, it follows a teenage girl's quest to save her brother from the Goblin King Jareth, played with smooth charisma by David Bowie.

Whether you've seen Labyrinth or not, most people know Bowie in that voluminous blonde wig. Thanks to its large cult following, the movie has found a place in pop culture. Admittedly, the plot can get… confusing (and yes, the age gap is problematic), but the real draw is the visuals. Director Jim Henson brings the creativity and whimsy expected of him, with some truly staggering puppetry and practical effects.

Ella Enchanted (2004)

If you like fairy tale-inspired stories, Ella Enchanted is one of the best. Based on Gail Carson Levine's Cinderella retelling, the movie stars Anne Hathaway as Ella, a woman seeking to undo the curse of obedience placed upon her at birth and live her own life. And, if it isn't already apparent by that description, Ella Enchanted is a feminist movie that seeks to give its heroine the agency and independence so many other fairy tale fatales lack.

While the book offers a more well-rounded story, the movie leans more into humor. Although that was an issue for some critics upon release, most audiences agree that Ella Enchanted is nothing but delightful. Sweet, silly, and romantic, it's the perfect choice for anyone craving a little fantasy romance in their lives. (Just note: There is singing!)

Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)

As a horror fan, I will never stop recommending this movie. This genre-blending mash-up tosses you into a world where Santa Claus isn't a jolly man who brings gifts on Christmas, but a bizarre, wild species that humans train and distribute as commodities. It sounds strange, but believe me, it somehow works to create a believable and effective story about consumerism and exploitation.

Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale isn't fantasy in the knights in shining armor sense. Still, it's a dark delight for audiences craving something in the realm of a dark fairy tale. From dead reindeer to supernatural Santas, Rare Exports is the ultimate holiday horror movie. Watch it now, or wait until Christmas. Either way, make sure to check it out.

Ne Zha (2019)

If you haven't heard about Ne Zha yet, then meet the current record-holder of the highest-grossing animated film of all time. Pulled loosely from Xu Zhonglin's 16th-century novel, Investiture of the Gods, the movie follows a young boy who learns to use his powers to fight demons and win back the hearts of those who turned on him.

This modern riff on ancient Chinese mythology offers a compelling tale about challenging fate. Critics love it, and audiences do, too. It's not often a Chinese animated film takes off in China and the rest of the world, but Ne Zha proves its story is universal. If you like other animated fantasy movies, especially those of the Disney and Pixar variety, you'll find a similar style here. Think Turning Red (2022), but with an emphasis on retelling a Chinese legend rather than just using mythology as a clever metaphor.

Gretel & Hansel (2020)

When it comes to fairy tales, you can't get much darker than "Hansel and Gretel." First collected by the Brothers Grimm in 1812, the story follows the titular children's confrontation with a cannibalistic witch. While there have been many adaptations of the story since, none do it better than Osgood Perkins' Gretel & Hansel.

The movie's biggest selling point, like many of Osgood Perkins' movies, is its creepy, atmospheric horror. If you like dark fairy tales, Gretel & Hansel fully immerses you in its dark, sprawling forest filled with witchcraft and supernatural stakes. The 87-minute runtime can feel long at times, but for audiences with horror inclinations, Gretel & Hansel is a worthy fairy tale adaptation for your next movie night.

Dark Harvest (2023) 

Like Rare Exports, Dark Harvest plants itself firmly in fantasy horror. Revolving around the supernatural legend of Sawtooth Jack, the movie thrusts teenage boys into a Halloween ritual that involves hunting and killing the monster before it reaches a church. Set against a rural Midwestern backdrop, Dark Harvest drips with an unsettling atmosphere and small-town horror vibes.

Based on a book by Norman Partridge, Dark Harvest delivers on the gore and mystery. Sawtooth Jack is sufficiently creepy and will most definitely appeal to anyone who appreciates the creature designs in Trick' r Treat (2007) and Pumpkinhead (1988). If you like your fantasy to feel like it's ripped from the pages of folklore, then add Dark Harvest to your watch list now. 

Even the biggest superhero fans can feel worn down by the endless stream of sequels, shared universes, and multiverse sagas. After two decades of constant capes and cosmic stakes, it's only natural to want something different without abandoning what makes heroism so compelling. The movies on this list take a fresh approach to the genre.

Some are quirky and quiet, while others are sincere. But each one challenges the idea of what a superhero film can be. They explore the quiet moments of hope and morality that exist between the battles, giving you a chance to rediscover the magic that first made these stories special. And they can all be found on streamers like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max.

Superman: The Movie (1978)

Sometimes, the cure for superhero fatigue is to go back to where it all began. Superman: The Movie remains one of the genre's purest expressions of optimism and is essentially a film that truly believes in the goodness of its hero. The story follows Clark Kent (Christopher Reeve), a humble reporter from another world who embraces his destiny to become humanity's greatest symbol of hope.

Reeve's portrayal of Clark is sincere, without an ounce of irony to be found in a single scene. The movie is a reminder of a time when superhero stories were told with mythic grandeur rather than self-awareness, which is probably why the film's bright tone and overall warmth still resonate more than four decades later. It's a must for viewers who are tired of cynical antiheroes like Deadpool (2016) and would prefer to skip interconnected storylines.

Unbreakable (2000)

If superhero fatigue comes from sensory overload, Unbreakable offers the perfect antidote. Billed as a thriller, it reimagines the superhero origin story as a mystery. Bruce Willis plays David Dunn, a man who survives a train crash with no injuries and slowly realizes he might not be as ordinary as he thought. Things get complicated when Elijah Price (Samuel L. Jackson) decides to manipulate him.

What makes Unbreakable different is its restraint. There are no costumes, no epic explosions, and no fast-talking quips. It's just a story about two men struggling with their destiny in the shadows of suburban Philadelphia. Some viewers may find its pacing slow, but that's what gives it power, similar to the 2007 movie, The Number 23.

Super (2010)

For those craving something darker, Super flips the superhero idea on its head. The story follows an ordinary man named Frank (Rainn Wilson) whose wife leaves him for a drug dealer. He uses the event as inspiration to fight crime in a homemade costume using a pipe wrench as a weapon. The result is a brutal, messy, and deeply unsettling parody of the superhero genre that exposes the dangerous fantasy of vigilante justice and the questionable psychology behind it.

The film flips between dark comedy and tragedy, which forces viewers to question whether Frank's actions are heroic or horrific. It's not easy to watch. The violence can be a bit too much and the tone is very uncomfortable. But that's what makes it effective. Super is for viewers who are tired of glossy heroics and want something unpredictable, a little like Kickass (2010). It's a sobering look at what happens when the superhero dream collides with reality.

Griff the Invisible (2010)

If the typical superhero movie has started to feel a little too predictable, Griff the Invisible might be the oddball story you need. This Australian comedy-drama follows Griff (Ryan Kwanten), a socially awkward office worker who escapes into a secret superhero life at night. His world of cardboard gadgets and imaginary missions is less about saving others and more about surviving his own loneliness.

What makes the film worth watching is its unusual tone, which is part romantic fantasy, part melancholy character study. It's a little strange and completely uninterested in blockbuster rules. Instead, it celebrates imagination as a form of resilience. Viewers who loved the emotional honesty of Lars and the Real Girl (2007) or the whimsical realism of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) will enjoy this movie.

The Avengers (2012)

If Superman captures the genre's innocence, The Avengers represents its most polished evolution. The Marvel blockbuster brought together Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, and the rest of Earth's Mightiest Heroes for the first time and proved that a cinematic crossover could actually work. Revisiting The Avengers today is fascinating because it marks both the peak and the turning point of the superhero boom.

It's thrilling, funny, and full of genuine chemistry. At the same time, it's also where the genre began to strain under its own success. Every studio wanted its own version, and the sense of novelty quickly faded. That makes The Avengers a perfect addition to this list. It perfectly showcases how good the team-up formula can be when it's new. It's a must for anyone who wants to revisit the first phase of the MCU, before the fatigue set in.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe popularized the post-credit scene, using it to tease future projects at the end of its movies and TV shows. While the earliest post-credit scenes foreshadowed events like the formation of The Avengers and the imminent threat of Thanos (Josh Brolin), as the MCU grew larger and more complex, the post-credit scenes grew a little more obscure. Some prematurely teased shelved projects, while others teased projects that aren’t officially in development.

Hence, this list will cover which Marvel TV show and movie post-credit scenes remain unresolved, with no potential resolution in sight. It does not include post-credits scenes that are highly likely to be resolved with the release of confirmed future projects, such as Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026).

The Beacon Post-Credit Scene - Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings features an ambiguous post-credits scene. It sets up Shang-Chi’s (Simu Liu) Avengers entry as he makes contact with Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) and Captain Marvel (Brie Larson). However, the trio makes an odd discovery as they realize his Rings are sending out a mysterious beacon. Although there are many theories, such as the Rings’ connection to the Celestials or the bangle in Ms. Marvel (2022), the true source or meaning of the beacon remains unaddressed.

Despite this minor ambiguity, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings marks an action-packed installment in the MCU. Shang-Chi and Katy (Awkwafina) are among the most refreshing new MCU characters, while the movie has a fantasy/mythology vibe reminiscent of Moon Knight (2022) and Eternals (2021).

Pip the Troll & Blade Post-Credit Scenes - Eternals (2021)

Eternals features two post-credit scenes, neither of which has come to fruition. The first scene features Harry Styles’ MCU debut as Thanos’ brother, Starfox, and his companion Pip the Troll (Patton Oswald), who offer to help save the Eternals from Arishem’s (David Kaye) wrath. The second scene teases Dane Whitman’s (Kit Harrington) superhero identity, Black Knight, with his unveiling of the ebony blade, and features a voice cameo from Blade (Mahershala Ali).

Unfortunately, there have been no indications that the MCU will do anything more with Starfox, Pip the Troll, or the Eternals. Additionally, although a Blade reboot with Ali in the titular role was in development, Marvel has since removed it from its release schedule. Although Eternals’ future in the MCU is uncertain, it's a highly underrated movie that features one of the franchise’s most diverse and creative entries to date.

Third Alter Ego Post-Credit Scene - Moon Knight (2022) 

The MCU miniseries Moon Knight ends with a post-credit scene that reveals a previously unknown third Moon Knight (Oscar Isaac) alter ego, Jake Lockely, who is still working for the Egyptian god Khonshu (Karim El Hakim and F. Murray Abraham). Much of the series centers around Steven Grant, a man with dissociative identity disorder (DID), and his alter ego, Marc Spector, trying to come to terms with their identity, making the revelation of their third, most ruthless identity quite startling.

However, Marvel opted not to produce Moon Knight Season 2 and, although executives have claimed the character would return in other projects, no confirmed plans currently exist. Even so, Moon Knight is reminiscent of Eternals in that it offers something new to the MCU. Like Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, the series leans more toward fantasy and mythology, though it also features a distinct psychological element reminiscent of Split (2016).

Clea Post-Credit Scene - ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness features a post-credit scene in which the sorceress Clea (Charlize Theron) appears to Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and beckons him into the Dark Dimension to fix the incursion he caused. Since then, neither Clea nor Doctor Strange has appeared in the MCU, and only the latter is confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday. Given Clea’s absence and how overstuffed Avengers: Doomsday’s cast is, the possibility of it resolving this post-credit scene seems unlikely, leaving viewers to question whatever happened to Clea.

Despite the unresolved post-credit scene, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a strong sequel to Doctor Strange (2016). Like Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) and Loki (2021), it offers a deep dive into the multiverse, though it leans more into horror than the typical MCU movie. The horror vibes and strong crossover of the Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and Doctor Strange make it an exciting MCU entry.

Hercules Post-Credit Scene - Thor: Love & Thunder (2022)

Thor: Love and Thunder’s post-credit scene features Brett Goldstein’s MCU debut as Hercules. In the film, Thor defeats Zeus (Russell Crowe), but the mid-credits scene reveals he’s recuperating in Omnipotence City, where he sends his son, Hercules, to get revenge on Thor. The scene was fascinating, given that it marked Hercules' first introduction to the MCU and the added surprise of Goldstein taking on the role. Thor will return in Avengers: Doomsday, and there are talks of a fifth Thor movie, but there are no confirmed plans for Goldstein’s Hercules, raising doubts that he’ll return.

Thor: Love and Thunder is very similar to Thor: Ragnarok (2017), bursting with humor, fun, eccentricity, and a catchy soundtrack. The film is the perfect blend of superhero action and comedy, though it also offers heartfelt moments as it explores grief and terminal illness.

Council of Kang Post-Credit Scene - Ant-Man and the Wasp Quantumania (2023)

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania features a post-credit scene in which numerous Kang variants (Jonathan Majors) assemble at the Council of Kang and plot vengeance for Kang the Conqueror’s (Majors) death in the Quantum Realm. The scene served as a setup for Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. However, following Majors’ conviction on charges of assault and battery, Marvel reworked Avengers: The Kang Dynasty into Avengers: Doomsday and scrapped all plans for Kang’s MCU future.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania has a somewhat strange place in the MCU, since much of its plot is no longer relevant to the franchise. Even so, its quality is in line with its predecessors, Ant-Man (2015) and Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018). It’s among the most lighthearted and humorous MCU entries and gives viewers a long-awaited deep dive into the Quantum Realm.

The Golden Raspberry Awards, or Razzies, are an institution. While the Oscars are the bastion of quality filmmaking, the Razzies are the polar opposite. It’s meant to celebrate/humiliate some of the worst movies of a given year. Sometimes that negativity is justified, but other times, the Razzies beat up popular movies solely because they’re popular. Since the Razzies’ inception in 1981, dozens upon dozens of famous films have been nominated for Worst Picture, but a good number of those movies are not only good, but are also fan favorites.

With 2025 beginning to wind down and awards season getting closer and closer, let’s take a look at 10 of the most famous Worst Picture nominees or winners at the Razzies. Most of these films can be found on Netflix, Paramount+, and other streamers, so you can judge for yourself whether these 10 movies deserved a Razzie nomination or not.

Friday the 13th (1980)

As one of the first movies nominated for Worst Picture at the Razzies, very little needs to be said about the impact of Friday the 13th. While Halloween (1978) helped establish the modern-day slasher, Friday the 13th popularized it. When compared to other slashers, Friday the 13th is special thanks to the amount of tension and mystery surrounding the killings at Camp Crystal Lake.

Like all slashers, the kills are great, but they aren’t gratuitous like later entries in the series. But what was even more shocking was its double twist ending that, like Sleepaway Camp (1983), seared a horrifying final shot in the minds of audiences. That ending soured audiences back when it was first released, but the film, and franchise in general, has become a beloved icon of the horror industry. If you call yourself a fan of slashers and you haven’t seen Friday the 13th, rectify that mistake immediately.

Annie (1982)

Annie is a musical you either love or hate. Seeing a plucky young girl with a diabetes sweet voice singing may drive people up a wall, but it’s one hell of a lavish production. There’s a lot of money being thrown on-screen for Annie, and you can tell that Columbia was banking big on Annie’s success. That didn’t quite happen, mostly thanks to how bloated the budget became, but there’s a warmth to the film that’s impossible to replicate.

Say what you will about child actors, but Aileen Quinn made little orphan Annie a lovable icon for kids. She was her generation’s Matilda (1996), a spunky little girl who tries to do right but is ultimately just looking for a place to belong. This gives the film a heart, and over its two-hour and eight-minute runtime, there are plenty of songs that both parents and kids will love. It’s a family-friendly musical, and now that the Razzies have stopped ragging on child actors, maybe it will retroactively rescind any nominations Annie received. 

Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)

The Razzies love to hate Sylvester Stallone. For decades, he was the go-to punching bag for the group. However, the only film of his that won Worst Picture was Rambo: First Blood Part II.

Rambo: First Blood Part II is undeniably a departure from the original film. While First Blood (1982) was an uncompromising look at Vietnam-era PTSD, Rambo: First Blood Part II trades in the psychological drama for action ripped straight from Commando (1985) or Missing in Action (1984). Did that undermine First Blood? Possibly, but that doesn’t change the fact that Rambo: First Blood Part II is an awesome action movie. It’s chock full of testosterone, explosions, and the kind of macho man jingoism that defined the ‘80s. If you want your action movies loud and aggressive, Rambo: First Blood Part II is for you. If you loved First Blood, maybe not as much.

The Bodyguard (1992)

Sometimes, the Razzies hate on a movie simply for being popular. It happened with most of the Twilight films, it happened with Rocky IV (1985), and it happened with The Bodyguard. While it was mocked by the Razzies for its schmaltzy romance and questionable chemistry between Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston, nowadays, it’s a romantic classic.

If you love ‘90s romances like Ghost (1990) or Jerry Maguire (1996), then The Bodyguard hits all the right notes you would expect it to. Whitney Houston delivers an outstanding performance for a musician, and the legendary “I Will Always Love You” has become one of the most iconic film singles of all time. Plenty of moments in the film will make your heart skip a beat, but because it was one of the highest-grossing movies of 1992, it was a perfect punching bag for the Razzies. It may be cheesy seeing Costner take a bullet for Whitney, but lovers of romance will eat it up.

Newsies (1992)

If you were to tell a musical theater fan that there was a time when Newsies was hated, they’d think you’re lying. But for two decades, Newsies was seen as nothing but a failure. Making less than three million on a budget of 15 million dollars, Newsies was a commercial flop, mostly thanks to its hokey tone, campy presentation, and restrictive sets. However, if you’re the kind of person who values musical dance numbers like those in West Side Story (1961) or La La Land (2016), Newsies has some pretty impressive numbers.

Many of the songs are excellent dance showcases, and Christian Bale gives it his all every time he gets to sing. It does feel a bit long in the tooth at times, lasting a little more than two hours, but if you have kids who loved the musical or want to see a story about sticking it to the man, Newsies will rise to the occasion.

The Blair Witch Project (1999)

If Friday the 13th popularized the concept of the slasher, then The Blair Witch Project popularized the found-footage movie, which helped pioneer a horror subgenre that has divided audiences ever since. Everything about The Blair Witch Project reeks of underground Indie filmmaking, and I mean that in the best way possible. There’s a grit and authenticity to The Blair Witch Project that is highly immersive and believable—replicated in later horror movies like Cloverfield (2008) and Paranormal Activity (2007).

Critics would say the movie feels directionless, and there’s merit to the criticisms. Not even the cast knew what was happening as they were filming it, plus repeat viewings lose a bit of the luster when you know where the scares are, but then again, that’s true for most horror movies. Taken on its own, The Blair Witch Project is just an 81-minute experimental horror film that horror fans should see at least once in their life. 

Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace (1999)

Star Wars, as a franchise, has been through the ringer in the past decade. Say what you will about Disney’s tenure with the series, but George Lucas’ return to a galaxy far, far away in 1999 with Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace was just as polarizing for its time. Prequels are always tricky to pull off, and The Phantom Menace succeeds in some areas but fails in others. The focus on pod racing, tacky CGI, and attempts to explain series lore were questionable at best, but when you compare it to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019), they’re minor infractions.

When The Phantom Menace is on point, it soars. The score has become iconic and is one of the best scores by the legendary John Williams. The lightsaber battles are wonderful, and the confrontation with Darth Maul ranks as one of the best fights in all of cinema. It’s the black sheep of the series, to be sure, but if you like Star Wars, you’ll find at least something to appreciate about The Phantom Menace.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

If you want to talk about divisive films, look no further than Zack Snyder’s tenure at DC Comics. The DCEU, under his supervision, had box office successes (sometimes), but critically split audiences right down the middle. Case in point, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. 

The story of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice may be a bit of a mess, and fans of Superman may want to steer away from his confused depiction here, but the focus on hand-to-hand fight scenes gives the film a certain punch that other Snyder movies don’t have. Not only that, but Ben Affleck’s depiction of Bruce Wayne offers up a more grizzled take on the character that would feel more at home in Watchmen (2009). It’s not surprising to see it get nominated for Worst Picture, but if you want a superhero movie that isn’t afraid to question DC’s most popular characters, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice gets the job done. 

Pinocchio (2022)

Disney live-action remakes have a mixed reception, to say the least. Sometimes they’re inventive, like The Jungle Book (2016), and other times, they’re content to play it safe, much like Pinocchio. After decades in production hell, you can tell Disney wanted Pinocchio to look impressive. With the amount of highly detailed sets and costumes, it satisfies the eyes in the same way that Oz does in Wicked (2024). That being said, for a movie about a young boy growing a conscious, there’s a distinct lack of soul in the film.

Sure, Tom Hanks provides a lot of empathy as Geppetto, but Pinocchio himself feels like a parody of the original 1940 version, a squeaky clean approximation of the character with all of his rough edges sanded away. It’s still a solid introduction for children, but when it releases in the same year as the much more interesting and thematically rich Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022), can you really blame the Razzies for lampooning this version?

Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)

If you were to say that Joker (2019) was a Razzie nominee, people would have laughed in your face. But five years later, hearing that Joker: Folie à Deux was nominated for a Razzie wasn’t as much of a shock.

Joker: Folie à Deux is incredibly reliant on how much you like the original Joker. Even then, it weirdly both embraces its status as a sequel and rejects the fans of the original, most infamously when the film decides to become a musical for its two-hour and eighteen-minute runtime. It’s a strange mixture to be sure, with some scenes channeling the zing and pop of musicals like Chicago (2002) only to shift into a serious psychological deconstruction straight out of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975), but for some, that may be enough. The jazzy score and aesthetics are perfect for old souls, and its still great for generating discussions amongst cinephiles. 

It's almost time for audiences to lose their mind over Jonathan Bailey and Cynthia Erivo's rendition of "As Long As You're Mine" in Wicked: For Good (2025), as the conclusion to Wicked (2024) also shows what becomes of the beloved characters we first met in The Wizard of Oz (1939). There aren't many Broadway musicals that get the movie treatment on a scale this large, and even when there are some stage-to-screen adaptations like Phantom of the Opera (2004) or In the Heights (2021), they aren't given the sequel treatment that Jon M. Chu is delivering with Wicked: For Good. 

But that's not all—the sequel is also set to have two brand new songs, and those who know the story already know how emotional the back half of the production will be. So with more songs, we're in for lots of tears and all the emotions. Interestingly, on many occasions, sequels don't hold a candle to the original or they flop and fly under the radar. But on some rare occasions, like with Wicked 2, sequels are so incredible, the original is made better because of their addition. Here are seven movie musical sequels that got it right, as well as where you can watch them on Disney+ and more.

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018)

A sequel that kills off one of its main characters sounds horrifying on paper, but everything that Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again delivers makes it an even stronger musical than the original film. This movie is in my Letterboxd top four for a reason, and it's entirely because it's a heartfelt love letter to Donna Sheridan and a gorgeous depiction of how we find healing in our grief. Meryl Streep's character might be gone, but she's still a prominent presence throughout.

Lily James and every cast member who embodies the older characters as their young selves do a phenomenal job of not only matching their mannerisms in the past, but they also effectively show us how they got to where they are now, honoring the character backstories in a way that's so poignant, I could cry just thinking about it. Plus, it features some of ABBA's most underrated tracks, making it even lovelier because of this fact. Mamma Mia 2 might be a hard film to watch for some, but if you can handle the grief, it's a perfect movie about friendships, taking chances, and fighting through every obstacle.

Grease 2 (1982)

Grease 2 isn't a traditional sequel in the sense that we see original characters return, but it's significantly better in more ways than one. For the time period it's made in, the toxicity of Grease (1978) is understandable to a degree, but it unfortunately makes the film a bit less palatable for those who might not love the tropes. Grease 2, however, makes every beat of the romance feel earned.

The music may not be as memorable as the original, but how Grease 2 respects its female characters and their agency is no small feat. It's as though critiques were taken into consideration, and the improvement that's made tells fans that sometimes stories can grow from questionable choices. More importantly, the chemistry between Michelle Pfeiffer and Michael Carrington is stunning and so swoonworthy. Plus, a British man? Yes, please. Oddly, also perfect for those who defend Mamma Mia 2! Here We Go Again like it's their job.

The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride (1998)

The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride, otherwise known as the one where Simba becomes a hot dad and his daughter falls in love with an even hotter bad boy. Don't ask me to explain it; this one's for anyone who finds Robin Hood (1973) and Thomas O'Malley from The Aristocats (1970) to be hot, too. It's for us. But on a serious note, Disney sequels are usually okay, but they rarely touch on the same magic as the original films, and in every way, The Lion King 2 honors the heart of The Lion King (1994), all while allowing the characters to improve for the better.

The songs are catchy (and tearjerkers), and the story is twice as emotional, giving us a perfect forbidden romance in a space where it could result in literal life or death. It delivers an achingly poignant story about forgiveness, nature vs. nurture, all while exploring grief and the relationship between fathers and daughters. If there's one Disney sequel that's a must-watch, it's this. 

Frozen 2 (2019)

Like The Lion King 2, Frozen 2 is a rare instance where Disney gets a sequel right and does a beautiful job of expanding the lore while answering questions fans had from the original movie. If Frozen (2013) was for the winter lovers, the sequel is everything for those whose favorite season is fall. The animation in it is extraordinary in every way and takes risks to make it even more colorful.

While the songs didn't catch on the way they did with the original, the sequel does a gorgeous job of exploring the romance between Kristoff and Anna, making it the type of movie that's especially suited for people who love nerdy heroes. It feels refreshing and honest, but it also continues to develop the relationship between Anna and Elsa, bringing them closer as sisters as they understand more about their parents and Arendelle's history.  

Pitch Perfect 2 (2015)

Pitch Perfect 2 and Pitch Perfect 3 (2017) are for diehard Pitch Perfect (2012) fans. They aren't the type of movie that every filmgoer or critic will enjoy, nor do they have to be, and so much of the magic lies in the viewing experience when you're the type of fan who watches musicals for the fun of it all. The sequel gets it right by bringing all favorite characters back into the same space to tell a new story about growth and more music.

The sequel also gets everything right by giving Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp, and the whole cast great material to work with as they continue to flesh out their characters while simultaneously showing off their musical chops. And while it's not a perfect sequel by definition, it's so easy to appreciate as a comfort film. 

High School Musical 2 (2007)

High School Musical (2006), like Pitch Perfect, isn't for everybody. It's for the people who were teenagers or kids when the movie came out because the nostalgia is exactly what makes it glorious. It holds up for us when we rewatch because we remember exactly where we were and what we were doing when each of those songs was released, and we obsessed over them for days on end. 

With that, High School Musical 2 nails it as a story that takes the original and explores the romance even further by adding angst into the mix to make everything more enticing. Zac Efron's "Bet on It" became a huge mood then and, occasionally, is still one today. And all the poignant emotions in "Gotta Go My Way" hit extra hard when you're desperately waiting for Troy and Gabriela to get back together. 

Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam (2010) 

Camp Rock (2008) is great, but Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam is an even bigger doozy because it pumps up all the angst and challenges the romance like High School Musical 2. Demi Lovato and Joe Jones' "Wouldn't Change a Thing" is an emotional whirlwind that hits in all the right ways and shows us why the characters are so perfectly suited for one another, and Nick Jonas' "Introducing Me" was an absolute bop to sing along to.

The sequel not only adds more romance, but it also gives us a story about friendships that really emphasizes how going away to camp can be such a good thing for the people who need it. It's fun, a little cringy at times, but the type of sequel that feels necessary in the mix. You can't watch Camp Rock without jumping into the second one, and now, with a third movie confirmed, it's going to be so interesting to reunite with these characters and see how the times have changed them. 

Jeremy Allen White is one of Hollywood’s fastest-rising stars, earning widespread acclaim for his leading role in The Bear (2022) and starring role in A24’s The Iron Claw (2023). He is next set to enter the Star Wars universe, portraying Jabba the Hutt’s son, Rotta the Hutt, in The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026).

Viewers interested in catching up on his filmography before his Star Wars debut can use our guide to find out where you can watch the 10 best Jeremy Allen White movies and TV shows, ranked to the best, on platforms like Hulu, HBO Max, and more.

10. Homecoming (2018-2020)

Homecoming is a thriller series that follows Heidi Bergman (Julia Roberts), who struggles to recover her memory of what happened four years earlier, when she worked at the Homecoming Transitional Support Center and helped soldiers transition to civilian life. White appears in the first season as Shrier, a soldier and client of Homecoming. The show gives off Hitchcockian vibes with its masterful use of suspense and tension. Not to mention, it’s bolstered by a strong cast.

However, Homecoming Season 2 features a new director, a mostly new cast, and a new direction that makes it feel like a completely different show, and it fails to reach the heights of Season 1. Between White’s relatively minor role and the downturn in Season 2, Homecoming takes last place on this list, though it’s worth a watch for fans of intense thrillers like Severance (2022) and Dark (2017).

9. Afterschool (2008)

Afterschool centers on private school student Robert (Ezra Miller), who accidentally captures a disturbing scene while completing a film assignment. White stars in the film as Dave, Robert’s troubled roommate who’s involved in drug sales. While White plays the role well, Miller takes the spotlight as the complicated and mysterious Robert. 

The film, as a whole, is subtly eerie and disturbing, making viewers question their own and the characters’ perceptions of reality. It examines compelling themes of voyeurism and violence, and it hits quite hard, given the youthfulness of its characters. Although the heaviness of Afterschool means it’s not for everyone, viewers who don’t mind unsettling, dark stories like Margaret (2011) and Benny’s Video (1992) will love it.

8. The Rental (2020)

The Rental is a horror film that tells the story of brothers Charlie (Dan Stevens) and Josh (White), whose vacation with their partners takes a disturbing turn when they become suspicious of the host of the vacation home. It’s a unique blend of horror and drama that explores one family’s dysfunction alongside traditional horror elements. White seems at home in the role of Josh, given his penchant for portraying characters caught in complex family dynamics.

The Rental is an entertaining, sturdy horror movie that features engaging performances, character studies, and a few good scares. However, it lacks a bit of originality and sacrifices some resolution in hopes of a sequel, which prevents it from ranking higher on this list. Still, if you can’t resist horror movies with isolated vacation settings, like The Cabin in the Woods (2011) and Knock at the Cabin (2023), you’ll enjoy The Rental.

7. Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere (2025)

Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere delves into the life of music legend Bruce Springsteen (White), tracing his personal and professional struggles as he crafted Nebraska. The film marks an excellent performance from White, who wholly transforms into the legendary singer. He perfects the vocals and beautifully portrays the darker, more haunted side of Springsteen.

White is truly the reason to watch Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere. Viewers seeking more than his electric performance, though, may be disappointed, as the film struggles to break new ground and rise above the typical musical biopic. Still, anyone looking for a musical biopic with a stunning actor transformation, like that in Elvis (2022) and Ray (2004), will find White’s performance in Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere to be enough for the movie.

6. Fingernails (2023)

Fingernails is a sci-fi romance that follows a couple, Anne (Jessie Buckley) and Ryan (White), who grapple with relationship struggles despite the results of a controversial technology that detects true love. It’s a unique concept bolstered by three compelling lead performances from Buckley, White, and Riz Ahmed. White is especially compelling as the oblivious yet well-meaning boyfriend whose love is tested again and again.

Fingernails finds the perfect balance between sci-fi and romance, delving into thought-provoking themes about how technology impacts dating and relationships, while also featuring an intriguing love triangle. The film is perfect for fans who love romance with a little sci-fi twist, like Love Me (2024).

5. After Everything (2018)

After Everything tells the story of Elliot (White) and Mia (Maika Monroe), who begin a tentative relationship shortly after Elliot receives a life-changing diagnosis. White delivers an excellent performance as Elliot, reminding viewers of his work as Carmy in The Bear. He has a knack for portraying characters who grapple with the lot they’ve been dealt in life and for capturing the lingering impact of traumatic events, such as a serious diagnosis.

Meanwhile, After Everything is a refreshing and unique romance movie. In the vein of films like We Live in Time (2024) and The Fault in Our Stars (2014), it tackles the difficulty of love in the face of a cancer diagnosis, but it does so in a way that feels authentic and grounded. Although it doesn’t completely evade some romance clichés and familiarity, the thoughtful themes and White and Monroe’s chemistry are enough to carry the film.

4. Shameless (2011-2021)

Shameless marks White’s breakthrough role. The series centers on the six Gallagher children, who try to raise themselves due to their father Frank’s (William H. Macy) substance abuse and poor parenting skills. White starred in the series for 10 years as Lip Gallagher, the second-oldest Gallagher child, who is incredibly intelligent but hindered by his family life and delinquent ways. He beautifully captures Lip’s humor and intelligence and poignantly demonstrates the impact of family life on a teenager’s potential.

Shameless is a thought-provoking and sometimes dark but compelling drama. At its heart, it’s quite a profound and touching depiction of six children trying to defy their upbringing and become well-adjusted young adults. Viewers who love White’s other works about dysfunctional families and breaking the cycle of generational trauma, like The Iron Claw and The Bear, will love Shameless.

3. Fremont (2023)

Fremont follows Donya (Anaita Wali Zada), an Afghan refugee and former army translator, who struggles with survivor’s guilt and depression while working in a fortune cookie factory. White appears in the film as Daniel, a man who meets Donya after an unexpected twist in events. Even though he only appears in two scenes, they are among the most emotionally powerful in the movie, capturing themes of kindness, hope, healing, and genuine human connection.

Like White’s scenes, Fremont has a sort of understated power. On the surface, it’s quite a simple story, but it’s rich in themes and quiet beauty. It’s the kind of movie that leaves you thinking and interpreting for long after it finishes. Fans of subtly potent and intriguing movies, like Nomadland (2020), will love Fremont.

2. The Iron Claw (2023)

The Iron Claw is a biographical sports movie that tells the story of the Von Erich family, who left an indelible mark on the wrestling world but suffered an unusually high level of personal tragedies in the process. White stars as Kerry Von Erich, the most promising athlete in the family, whose life begins to derail after a motorcycle accident. He truly proves he belongs on the big screen with a soulful, haunting performance that beautifully complements Zac Efron’s career-best performance as Kevin Von Erich.

In addition to Efron and White’s passionate performances, The Iron Claw is an incredible, emotional, and powerful story that shines a light on the darker side of the wrestling world. Its heartbreakingly tragic premise and accurate, unrestrained look at the Von Erichs is never easy to watch, but it is worth it for the powerful message of breaking the cycle. 

1. The Bear (2022-Present)

The Bear is a dramedy that centers on Carmy Berzatto (White), a talented chef who returns to his hometown after his brother’s death to run the family’s struggling Italian beef restaurant. The series marks White’s best role to date, as he plays Carmy to perfection, beautifully capturing his talent, grief, trauma, and effort to cope and heal from his past. Viewers who loved White’s performances as Lip, Kerry, and Elliot will be thrilled to find pieces of each in Carmy.

Overall, The Bear is an excellent series that perfectly balances humor and drama. Tackling the stress of the culinary field, the profound impact of family dysfunction, and the touching elements of human connection, it’s perfectly and meticulously crafted to evoke emotion, laughter, and warmth, making it White’s very best project. Fans of culinary dramas like Burnt (2015) and The Menu (2022) will be especially intrigued by The Bear’s restaurant premise. 

Hallmark Christmas movies are specifically designed for romance lovers who can believe in cliches becoming a reality without cringing too much. These films aren't meant to be critically acclaimed, nor should they be taken so seriously that people hate-watch them. (Though honestly, that can sometimes be entertaining, too.) The formulaic content has become a comfort for many people during the holiday season, and they're especially fun depending on which actor we get to see again in a new role.

Every year, the network releases a ton of films for viewers to watch. Because that can be overwhelming to filter through, we've curated a list of the ones we're most hopeful for. From the ridiculously delightful Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper! (2025) to the third installment of the Three Wise Men and a Baby (2022) saga, here are the best Hallmark Christmas movies coming in 2025 and where you can watch them on Hallmark+ and more.

Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper! (2025)

Available now, Hallmark's Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper! is an absolute delight and a must-watch for those who love nerdy men. Starring One Tree Hill (2003) alum Robert Buckley and Kimberley Sustad, it's brimming with heart, humor, and a sweet romance coupled with loads of everyday things going wrong.

The film follows Buckley's titular character, a weatherman with a streak of ridiculous luck, going back to his hometown for Christmas, where he reunites with his childhood crush in the most ridiculous way possible. It's wholesome and hilarious, but more importantly, the chemistry between Buckley and Sustad makes the relationship believable. For viewers who love on-the-nose jokes, this one's not to be missed. 

A Newport Christmas (2025)

Perfect for the viewers who loved Hallmark's A Biltmore Christmas (2023), A Newport Christmas is a sweeping time-travel romance with plenty of heart at its center. Starring Wes Brown and Ginna Claire Mason, the movie follows a Gilded Age heiress finding herself in our timeline and naturally falling in love with the leading man.

The thing about Hallmark time-travel films is that we don't ask questions. Will they have a Social Security number? What about the physics of it all? It doesn't matter. Part of the charm is suspending our disbelief. The films always evoke plenty of believable magic when the actors have the chemistry to sell the story, and that's exactly what happens in A Newport Christmas. It's stunning in every way and already available now. 

Christmas Above the Clouds (2025)

Tyler Hynes is one of Hallmark's most popular hunks, so any time he's in a Christmas movie, it's bound to be great. Pair him with an incredible actress like When Calls the Heart's (2014) Erin Krakow, and we're sure to have a winner. Better yet, we already knew they'll make a perfect team because Christmas Above the Clouds is surely as amazing as It Was Always You (2021) was. 

To top things off, Krakow will be playing a Scrooge-like character who'll not only be stuck with her ex-fiancé (Hynes) on an international flight, but she'll be revisited by three ghosts. And well, we all know where the story will go. If Hallmark's streak of amazing A Christmas Carol adaptations continues, we're bound to have another delight like the absolute treasure that is Ghosts of Christmas Always (2022). The film is out now. 

A Keller Christmas Vacation (2025)

Starring Jonathan Bennett, Brandon Routh, Eden Sher, and more, A Keller Christmas Vacation might be Hallmark's version of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989), or it might be an overly cheesy family film, but either way, the stars alone are enough reason to watch. Since Hallmark now thankfully includes LGBTQ+ relationships in its stories, any film or TV show that Bennett stars in becomes an instant must-watch.

Pair Bennett with other comedic stars, and we're bound to get something delightful on our hands. More importantly, with a film that's going to be centered around two brothers and a sister, it seems we'll be getting three separate romances, and that's always a bonus. A Keller Christmas Vacation released on November 9. 

Three Wisest Men (2025)

The Brenner brothers are back for another wild ride, and I, for one, couldn't be more excited. Hallmark's Three Wise Men trilogy perfectly honors the original comedy, 3 Men and a Baby (1987), and it's still surprising how profoundly wholesome and endearing Hallmark's adaptations are. The screenplay is always so sharp, and with Andrew Walker, Tyler Hynes, and Paul Campbell at the helm, it's a clear winner in every way.

Not only is the original film incredible, but the sequel, Three Wiser Men and a Boy (2024), hits just as hard, so it's easy to get our hopes up for the third installment, Three Wisest Men, which releases on November 15. The films consistently deliver humor, hijinks, and incredible heart with three different romances, making them a must-watch all around. If you only watch one Hallmark Christmas movie, let it be the Three Wise Men trilogy. 

Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story (2025)

For fans who loved last year's Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story (2024), then this year's Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story is the film for you. (Unless, of course, you're an actual football fan and not a casual viewer like me, in which case, maybe skip this one.) But really, the most exciting part of this film is entirely because of Holland Roden and Matthew Daddario. In other words, this one's especially suited for the Teen Wolf (2011) and Shadowhunters (2016) fans.

Roden has consistently been a part of all the best Hallmark movies, so if nothing else, I would be seated just for her. But it's going to be exciting regardless to see how the network not only honors another football team, but also the community behind it, which is exactly what makes the films so wholesome. A Bills Love Story releases on November 22.

The More the Merrier (2025)

Sure to be an exciting Christmas addition for viewers who loved Chesapeake Shores (2016) and this year's Adventures in Love & Birding (2025), The More the Merrier pairs Brendan Penny and Rachel Boston in what's sure to be an emotional ride. The two will play doctors who are snowed in during the holidays at their hospital while three women simultaneously go into labor. It's surely not going to be anything like The Pitt (2025), but forced proximity is always a fun trope, so it's bound to be entertaining.

The film releases on November 28, and we can also be sure that the chemistry between the actors will make every bit of the tense situation lighthearted and wholesome. These stars generally make every film they're in delightful, so we're bound to watch something extra special with this one.

Christmas at the Catnip Cafe (2025)

The title for this movie alone is enough to sell me. Christmas at the Catnip Cafe? Yes, please. Whatever that means, I'd like to be there, too. But to top things off, the movie stars Erin Cahill and Paul Campbell, who are always impeccable in the Hallmark movies they're in. We don't yet know much about the premise, as the film isn't set to release until November 30, but presumably the two will be co-owners of a cat cafe.

The premise sounds so silly that this detail alone is bound to make it fun because Hallmark really is at its best when it mixes outlandish plots. Plus, two people who may or may not get off on the wrong foot, then eventually fall in love? It's every romance fan's dream with a bonus of cats in the mix.

She’s Making a List (2025)

Starring Hallmark legends Andrew Walker and Lacey Chabert, She's Making a List is undoubtedly going to be one of the best Hallmark movies in 2025 solely because of the two leads. But the best part of all? This one's geared toward the viewers who love the single dad trope. Sign us up. Front and center, I'll be seated on December 6. 

Interestingly, the film is also set to be a whimsical one where Chabert's character will be helping Santa in some sort of program designed to list out naughty or nice because he's overwhelmed. Does it sound absurd? Yes. But like Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper! Sometimes the movies that have the most absurd premises end up being the most delightful ones. And again, with these two as the leads, we're in for a treat.

The Christmas Baby (2025)

Hallmark's The Christmas Baby is for every person who wonders whether the network knows how to give women careers and happy endings. Spoiler: they can. And they can be members of the LGBTQ+ community, too, which is an even lovelier addition. Starring Ali Liebert, Katherine Barrell, Barbara Niven, and more, the movie will likely be a heartwarming tearjerker as it's not something the network has done before.

Releasing on December 21, The Christmas Baby is set to follow a married couple navigating through their careers while a baby is also dropped on their doorstep, making them realize that they'd like to adopt him. Stories about adoption often have a way of evoking comfort; pair it with the magic of the holidays, and we're bound for a happy ending that'll hit hard.

In 2024, Hulu offered one of the best Black Friday streaming deals of the year, letting users access its platform for just $0.99/month for 12 months. A similar deal is expected to drop in 2025, giving countless subscribers access to the streaming home of numerous award-winning TV programs and movies, holiday favorites, and an excellent selection of reality TV.

If you’ve got Hulu’s Black Friday deal and are looking for the best things to watch, our guide compiles the 10 best shows and movies on the platform.

The Bachelor (2002-Present)

If you’re a fan of reality TV, you can’t go wrong with The Bachelor. Each season of the show follows an eligible bachelor, who must choose a fiancée from a list of potential candidates by the end of the season. The bachelor gets to know candidates through several exotic and romantic group or one-on-one dates, eliminating one each week until his future fiancée remains. 

The Bachelor is really the epitome of guilty pleasure when it comes to reality TV. Viewers go in knowing the premise is outlandish, but can’t help but be sucked into the juicy drama, scandal, and shocking twists and turns. You get to watch, relax, and put in little effort besides snarking on the contestants. If you’re a sucker for guilty pleasure reality TV like Love is Blind (2020), you’ll love The Bachelor and be pleased to know that three seasons are available to stream on Hulu.

Only Murders in the Building (2021-Present)

Only Murders in the Building is arguably Hulu’s most successful and recognizable original. The crime dramedy centers on Mabel (Selena Gomez), Oliver (Martin Short), and Charles (Steve Martin), three true crime enthusiasts who decide to take their fandom to the next level and solve a series of murders in their apartment complex.

It’s no surprise the series has been a hit for Hulu, given its star-studded cast and guest appearances, its balance of humor and mystery, and its witty, satirical take on true crime obsession. Only Murders in the Building feels refreshing, creative, and a little whimsical and charming, reminiscent of Netflix’s The Thursday Murder Club (2025) in its comforting atmosphere. The binge-worthy series is an excellent starting place for newcomers to Hulu.

The Bear (2022-Present)

FX’s The Bear streams on Hulu and is another major draw to the streaming platform. The series tells the story of Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White), an acclaimed New York chef who returns home to run his late brother’s failing Italian beef shop. Like Only Murders in the Building, The Bear attracts attention with its rotating cast of star-studded guest appearances each season and its refreshing originality. 

However, it’s a much more intense and emotional alternative, as it delves deeply into topics of family dysfunction, grief, and substance abuse. Even so, The Bear manages its comedy and drama well, never getting too dark. It also serves as an excellent representation of the culinary industry, raising awareness for the stress and challenges within it. Whether you want a deep dive into the culinary industry in the vein of Burnt (2015) or a heartrending family saga, The Bear is for you.

Flamin’ Hot (2023)

Hulu’s original movie, Flamin’ Hot, is a biographical drama that follows Richard Montañez's (Jesse Garcia) journey from a janitor at Frito-Lay to the creator of the beloved snack, Hot Cheetos. Although the story’s authenticity is questionable, Flamin’ Hot is still highly enjoyable, inspirational, and relatable. It accurately conveys the struggles of immigrants and families to make ends meet, while also offering a bit of hope as it follows one man’s incredible fortitude and drive.

Flamin’ Hot is the kind of movie you watch when you’re looking for a feel-good story. Some may gripe about the film’s authenticity and realism, but others will love its heart, humor, and comforting vibes. Viewers who love movies inspired by true stories of incredible success, like Air (2023) and Joy (2015), will especially enjoy Flamin’ Hot.

No One Will Save You (2023)

No One Will Save You is one of Hulu’s most unique original movies. The sci-fi horror movie centers on Brynn Adams (Kaitlyn Dever), a young woman whose isolated lifestyle takes a strange turn when alien invaders arrive at her home. No One Will Save You stands out in the horror genre, given that it has a notable lack of dialogue, featuring just five words throughout its duration.

Despite its largely wordless premise, the film conveys an incredible amount of emotion through Dever’s fantastic performance and the compelling themes of trauma, regret, and forgiveness. The film is equal parts chilling and thought-provoking, using its extraterrestrial home invasion to frame larger ideas. Fans of creative and thoughtful horror movies, like Weapons (2025) and A Quiet Place (2018), will be most drawn to No One Will Save You.

The Artful Dodger (2023-Present)

Hulu and Disney+’s The Artful Dodger is a hidden gem on Hulu and a clever take on Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist. In the series, the Artful Dodger (Thomas Brodie-Sangster) tries to outrun his past as a pickpocket and establish himself as a successful surgeon, an increasingly difficult feat as his former friend, the notorious Fagin (David Thewlis), returns to his life. Although the series didn’t receive much fanfare, it’s a riveting period heist drama that offers a new and intriguing spin on Dickens’ familiar tale.

It has a little bit of everything: romance, swashbuckling adventure, thievery, and friendship. Brodie-Sangster and Thewlis make quite the on-screen duo, presenting audiences with a found family dynamic that will warm their hearts. Although the 1800s medical aspects can be a little grisly, The Artful Dodger is ultimately a lot of fun and will be returning to Disney+ and Hulu with a second season.

Shōgun (2024-Present)

FX’s Shōgun is streaming on Hulu, giving subscribers access to one of the biggest shows of 2024. The historical drama brings feudal Japan to life in stunning detail as it tells the story of Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada), who finds himself targeted by his political rivals within the Council of Five Elders. Shōgun is a riveting watch, reminiscent of Game of Thrones (2011) and Vikings (2013) in its brutality, scale, and exquisite detail.

The series truly does justice to James Clavell’s sprawling novel of the same name, offering heartstopping battle sequences, magnetic performances, and a thrilling political game. If you’re looking for a beautifully crafted, high-quality, stunning series, you can’t go wrong with Shōgun.

Nutcrackers (2024)

Nutcrackers is an excellent Hulu original movie for viewers seeking to get into the holiday spirit. The holiday film centers on Michael Maxwell (Ben Stiller), a workaholic bachelor who struggles to make it through the holidays caring for his four estranged, orphaned nephews. It’s a surprisingly underrated holiday gem that pays homage to The Nutcracker with its ballet sequences and nods to theatre, but it also stands well on its own as a heartwarming family saga.

Nutcrackers is charming and funny, but it also goes a bit deeper than its premise may suggest. The film poignantly explores grief, family connection, and the innocence of childhood through its tearjerking story and gorgeous cinematography. Viewers seeking something warm and emotional for the holidays, similar to It’s A Wonderful Life (1946), will love Nutcrackers.

Alien: Earth (2025-Present)

FX on Hulu’s Alien: Earth proved to be one of the biggest shows of 2025. As its title suggests, the series brings the Alien franchise to Earth, where several powerful corporations seek to profit from the Xenomorph and other alien species. Alien: Earth is a must-see for fans of the Alien franchise, as it expands the Alien universe in an exciting, refreshing, and profound direction.

It offers the iconic thrills, sci-fi horror, suspense, and cinematography of the films, while also ensuring the story and setting are distinct. The TV format proves a strong medium for conveying more complex themes than the movies, as Alien: Earth delves into what it means to be human and the dangers of corporate power. It’s an excellent choice for subscribers seeking the newest and most exciting shows Hulu has to offer.

Joy to the World (2025)

Hulu’s newest original holiday movie, Joy to the World, is perfect for new subscribers during the holiday season. The film tells the story of Joy Edwards (Emmanuelle Chriqui), a lifestyle guru who convinces her friend, Max (Chad Michael Murray), to pose as her husband for the holidays so she can keep up the illusion of her perfect, fabricated life on social media. It’s funny, outlandish, and has that distinct, charming but cheesy Hallmark vibe.

Joy to the World is the perfect watch for viewers seeking comfort and lighthearted holiday entertainment. The movie is fun, romantic, and has an irresistible festive atmosphere. Although Joy to the World isn’t the most sophisticated holiday movie, it’s perfect for viewers who love the lighter side of the holiday genre, like Hot Frosty (2024) and Our Little Secret (2024). 

Every December, as holiday playlists start looping Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas," something strange happens. People willingly queue up some of the worst Christmas movies ever made. These are the misfit toys of holiday cinema. The films that critics roasted, yet somehow remain part of our annual viewing traditions.

Maybe it's the exaggerated cheer or the unintentional hilarity of A-listers trying too hard in tinsel-covered disasters that keep people coming back. But whether we watch them ironically or out of genuine nostalgia, these flawed festive films, which can be found on Netflix, Hulu, andmore, own a special place in our hearts.

Jingle All the Way (1996)

If Christmas consumerism ever needed a mascot, it would be Arnold Schwarzenegger in Jingle All the Way. This classic holiday comedy follows a desperate dad racing through Minneapolis on Christmas Eve to find a Turbo Man action figure for his son. But his quest spirals into full-blown madness when another dad (Sinbad) is eying the same toy. Critics slammed the movie for its uneven tone, calling it a cynical commentary on capitalism wrapped in slapstick humor.

But that's exactly what makes Jingle All the Way irresistible. Schwarzenegger's over-the-top performance, Sinbad's manic energy, and the sheer absurdity of grown men wrestling over a toy perfectly capture the stress of the holiday rush. It's the cinematic equivalent of last-minute shopping at Target, which makes it super relatable. It's ideal for families who love their Christmas movies with a dash of cartoonish charm, sort of like The Santa Clause (1994).

Jack Frost (1998)

Few Christmas movies are as unintentionally disturbing as Jack Frost. Michael Keaton stars as a dad who dies in a car accident, only to be reincarnated as a snowman so that he can spend time with his young son. And it's as weird as it sounds. Critics dismissed the movie as bizarre, calling its CGI snowman nightmare fuel. Yet, over time, the story has melted its way into a strange corner of pop culture nostalgia.

The film's clumsy attempt at heartfelt sentimentality, mixed with dated late-90s effects, gives it an earnest charm newer Christmas films rarely attempt. It's a snow-covered fever dream that's so wrong it's right once you get over the odd premise. If you can look past the odd Groundhog Day (1993) adjacent story arc, Jack Frost is a great viewing for the whole family.

Christmas with the Kranks (2004)

Based on John Grisham's novel Skipping Christmas, Christmas with the Kranks should have been a cozy satire about the pressure of holiday conformity. Instead, it became one of the most critically maligned Christmas movies of all time. Jamie Lee Curtis and Tim Allen star as a couple who decide to skip the Christmas celebrations altogether, until their daughter decides to come home for the holidays, which forces them back into the festive spirit.

Critics tore into the movie for its mean-spirited tone, calling it a nightmare version of small-town cheer. And yet, that heightened hysteria is what makes it weirdly watchable. There's a campy delight in seeing Allen and Curtis drenched in fake snow, battling decorations, and screaming about ham. It makes for perfect comfort viewing for anyone who has felt the pressure that comes with the holidays.

Deck the Halls (2006)

If neighborly rivalry ever needed a Christmas anthem, Deck the Halls would be it. Danny DeVito and Matthew Broderick star as suburban dads locked in a holiday light war so intense it could literally be seen from space. Critics loathed the film's shrill humor and implausible premise, calling it a soulless battle of egos.

Still, Deck the Halls remains a guilty holiday pleasure. DeVito is gleefully unhinged, Broderick plays the idealistic family man with perfect exasperation, and the whole thing feels like National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) on too much eggnog. It's best enjoyed with friends and a sense of humor, especially if your own neighborhood's holiday decorating contest gets a little competitive.

Four Christmases (2008)

Four Christmases follows an unhappy couple (Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn) trying to avoid Christmas by going on vacation to Fiji, only to be roped into visiting all four of their divorced parents after their flight gets canceled. Critics called it cynical and joyless. But audiences didn't care because families argue, and not every gathering is picture-perfect.

Vaughn's sardonic vibe paired with Witherspoon's exasperation turn this awkward comedy into a therapeutic watch for anyone who's ever survived an overstuffed family Christmas. It's not heartwarming in the traditional sense, but it does remind us that messy holidays are usually the most memorable ones. If you enjoyed Surviving Christmas (2004), this movie is a must.

Starting with Batman Begins (2005), Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight (2008) trilogy ends with a perfect conclusion in The Dark Knight Rises (2012), leaving behind a tremendous legacy for the Caped Crusader and everything he stood for. Timely, impactful, and brilliantly directed from start to finish, everything about the movies was not only incredible then, but still holds up today, making them some of the best comic book adaptations we have. 

As a director, Nolan is known for frequently collaborating with various actors (for instance, Oppenheimer's [2023] Cillian Murphy was the Scarecrow), and some cast members of The Dark Knight Rises can also be found in other films from the director that've become just as memorable in the industry. Still, every actor has their role—the one you immediately think of every time their name comes up, so here's where you know The Dark Knight Rises cast from and where you can find their most famous films on HBO Max, Disney+, and more.

Christian Bale - American Psycho (2000)

Every DC fan has their favorite Batman, and all for valid reasons, but objectively, bringing the complex character to life with a director like Nolan and a star like Christian Bale equates to a different type of greatness. Bale is, and will forever be, my personal favorite Batman, but it's in large part because of how he captures Bruce Wayne's guilt, grief, and tortured agony all throughout the films, even as he's in the mask. What Bale does with the role is groundbreaking in more ways than one.

For many people, Batman is indeed Christian Bale's most famous role. However, other fans also come aboard trusting the actor's range from his work as another famous character, Patrick Bateman, in American Psycho. Whether viewers have seen either of the movies or not, Bale being the face of them ensures that even those who rarely know such information can pinpoint the common denominator between these two. 

Michael Caine - The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

If Bruce Wayne is the most important character in The Dark Knight Rises, then Alfred Pennyworth is the undeniable heart of the film, and Sir Michael Caine's impeccable, profoundly moving performances throughout the trilogy are the reason why. Every Alfred is special in the Batman universe, but what Caine brought to the narrative was indescribable from start to finish. As the final face of the film and the character whose heart is the largest, he makes the trilogy as warm as it is.

​​And yet, Caine is also the type of prolific actor whose filmography is so grand and inimitable that it's nearly impossible to deem one role as his most famous. For many, likely, it'll indeed be Alfred, but he's also played another legend to perfection: Scrooge in The Muppet Christmas Carol. The adaptation is one of the most renowned versions of Charles Dickens' story and simultaneously the most popular of the Muppet films, and Caine's performance is a large part of the reason why. Like Alfred, the gentle heart he brings is perfect in every way. 

Morgan Freeman - The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Lucius Fox is a quieter, cooler character in The Dark Knight trilogy, but Morgan Freeman is a tremendous star to fill his shoes and make this version of the character the most memorable one to date. In a film that's this massive, it's hard to imagine anyone else in the story with how much Freeman does to layer the character and make him matchless.

As the literal voice of God in countless commercials and voiceovers, it's also near impossible to pin down Morgan Freeman's most famous role into one single film or TV show. You know his name, even if you're the type of person who generally doesn't remember celebrities. There are few actors with the type of legacy he holds, and there's a reason for it. However, if we have to choose one, then it's a film with just as much of an impact as Freeman's acting prowess, and that's The Shawshank Redemption. Largely considered one of the best films of all time, the story's timeless message about resilience and hope makes it the type of movie for every type of viewer.  

Gary Oldman - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

Gary Oldman has an indescribable knack for playing stoic members of law enforcement with a distinct personality, and everything that he brings to The Dark Knight Rises is fantastic. Bale's titular character has a number of memorable moments with every character in the story, and the range that both he and Oldman bring in the final few moments is nothing short of exceptional. 

And yet, for many, many people, Gary Oldman won't be known as James Gordon, but rather Sirius Black from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Oldman had a lot on his plate as he took on one of the fan-favorite characters from the book, and he did so all while making it entirely his own. Sirius is great on paper, but he's even more incredible and made better because of Oldman's embodiment in the films. So while even those who might not be familiar with the stories likely have seen GIFS of Oldman's character and some of his most iconic lines.

Tom Hardy - Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Tom Hardy was the undeniable breakout star from The Dark Knight Rises, and while his role didn't touch the legacy built by The Joker in The Dark Knight, it's because of him that Bane has a more significant reputation today than he did before. Hardy delivers something truly unforgettable in his voice work, allowing the character to shine throughout, even as his face is mostly covered. For many, it's likely still his most famous role.

However, he was also in Inception (2010) with director Christopher Nolan, allowing his performance from then to be the reason why many were so excited about Bane. Still, many fans may likely always praise his work in the critically acclaimed Mad Max: Fury Road (2015). Like in The Dark Knight Rises, the stakes are so high throughout the sci-fi feature that so much of the character building depends entirely on what the performers deliver, and with it, Hardy proves that there's no role he can't effortlessly escape to. 

Anne Hathaway - The Princess Diaries (2001)

Anne Hathaway is also the kind of star who's known for a number of incredible roles to various fans, like her award-nominated work in Les Misérables (2012) or The Devil Wears Prada (2006), but she'll likely always wear the crown as Mia Thermopolis, Queen of Genovia from The Princess Diaries. As a career-defining role, The Princess Diaries gave Hathaway solid room to not only show off her chops, but to also create a role that'd later become a millennial staple.

Hathaway's incredible range as an actress and the type of films she's been in effectively show off just how much she's capable of and why she's so perfectly cast in The Dark Knight Rises. Pair Mia's dorkiness with Selina's stoicism, and we get concrete proof of this detail that she can embody two vastly different characters and do so perfectly. 

Marion Cotillard - La vie en Rose (2007)

Like Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard was also in Christopher Nolan's Inception, yet her work in The Dark Knight Rises is still the most haunting performance in the film. For those who don't know the comics and caught everything as it unfolded, Cotillard's performance makes the film as angsty as it is. She gives us one of the most quietly memorable female villains of all time, which also touches on human complexities with tremendous depth.

And while Inception might be one of her most famous roles, before that, she breathed incredible life into her embodiment of Édith Piaf in her biopic, La vie en Rose (2007). Cotillard's transformation as the renowned singer garnered favorable critical and fan reception, making it the type of performance that's not only a must-watch but the type of biopic that glistens entirely because of the star at its helm.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt - 500 Days of Summer (2009)

Joseph Gordon-Levitt's work as John Blake/Robin results in one of the most memorable performances in The Dark Knight trilogy, giving the film a warmth and heart that make it the most underrated one of the trilogy. Most people understandably came out of it praising Bale and Hardy for their work, but the softness in John Blake was an underrated and significant inclusion that I personally still think about.

Like many of the actors on this list, Joseph Gordon-Levitt was also in Christopher Nolan's Inception, and while that's my favorite role of his, his most famous would arguably be 500 Days of Summer. Gordon-Levitt's charm in the romantic comedy makes the film a must-watch for countless reasons. Overly quirky and undeniably intriguing, the realism in its depiction of the dating pool is exactly what makes it work for so many people.

Joey King - The Kissing Booth (2018)

For me, Joey King's most memorable role will always be Ramona and Beezus (2010), but it's understandable that her most famous movies would be The Kissing Booth trilogy, which also starred Jacob Elordi. The trilogy might not be extraordinary by any stretch of the imagination, but the vast popularity of the films grew a hefty following from Netflix and signaled to executives that more romance was welcome.

And yet, many people might not even realize that, though Joey King's role in The Dark Knight Rises is incredibly brief, it's still significant. As the actress who plays young Talia al Ghul, she does plenty with the screentime she's given, making it clear that her determination to escape is driven entirely by vengeance. King's small role makes Marion Cotillard's more impactful. 

Netflix recently dropped Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein (2025), offering a refreshing and exciting iteration of Mary Shelley’s classic gothic horror novel of the same name. The film is already climbing the charts, earning praise for the unique interpretation of Shelley’s work and Jacob Elordi’s performance as Frankenstein’s Monster.

If Frankenstein left you craving more Gothic horror, here are eight more excellent Gothic horror movies and TV shows you can watch next on Netflix.

Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)

Bram Stoker’s Dracula is part of Netflix’s streaming library and offers an excellent take on Dracula, one of the most iconic Gothic horror novels besides Frankenstein. The film follows the vampire Count Dracula (Gary Oldman), who becomes infatuated with his solicitor’s (Keanu Reeves) fiancée, Mina Harker (Winona Ryder). The cast alone is reason enough to watch the movie, especially considering Oldman’s mesmerizing iteration of Dracula.

In addition to strong performances, Bram Stoker’s Dracula is an all-around well-crafted Gothic horror. It moves away from much of the campiness of early Dracula adaptations, offering a thrilling blend of romance and terror. Bram Stoker’s Dracula will especially appeal to fans of Gothic horror with vampires, such as Crimson Peak (2015) and Let the Right One In (2018). 

I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House (2016)

I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House is a Netflix original horror film from director Osgood Perkins. In the movie, live-in-nurse Lily (Ruth Wilson) takes a job caring for elderly, retired horror author Iris Blum (Paula Prentiss), but comes to suspect the house is haunted. The film makes excellent use of its simple, understated style, evoking a subtly eerie, haunting atmosphere that keeps viewers on their toes.

The supernatural elements, haunted house, tension, and dread come together to make quite an excellent work of Gothic horror. Like Frankenstein, it offers more of a slow-burn horror style that is delightfully chilling. I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House is also a must-see for fans of Perkins’ other supernatural horror works, The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2017) and Longlegs (2024).

The Haunting of Hill House (2018)

The Haunting of Hill House is a Netflix original series from horror filmmaker Mike Flanagan. The series centers on the five Crain siblings who, as adults, are forced to confront their childhood in the haunted Hill House. It’s one of the very best haunted house horror series on Netflix, evoking Gothic horror through its haunting transformation of the Hill House into a realm of sheer terror.

On top of offering a genuinely terrifying haunted-house story, The Haunting of Hill House is also a complex family saga that delves deep into grief, trauma, and loss. It’s a lot like I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House due to its excellent use of suspense, tension, and subtle dread, though it offers an arguably even better payoff in the end. The Haunting of Hill House is especially an excellent watch for fans of The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020) and The Terror (2018).

Interview with the Vampire (2022-Present)

AMC’s Interview with the Vampire is available to stream on Netflix. It’s a TV adaptation of Anne Rice’s novel of the same name, which follows journalist Daniel Molloy (Eric Bogosian) as he interviews vampire Louis de Pointe du Lac (Jacob Anderson) about his immortal life in New Orleans. The series is superior to the film adaptation, offering an excellent rendition of the source material that remains true to its Gothic tone while also expanding it in new and exciting ways.

Filled with Gothic brilliance and vampire fantasy while elevating the source materials' LGBTQ+ themes, Interview with the Vampire is everything fans could hope for from Rice’s book. It’s an excellent choice for fans of Bram Stoker’s Dracula seeking something even more provocative and brimming with bloodlust.

Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities (2022)

Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities is a Netflix original horror anthology. It features a collection of del Toro’s favorite horror stories, each directed by a different horror filmmaker. Given del Toro’s penchant for Gothic horror, it’s no surprise that most of the stories in the anthology are told in Gothic fashion. Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities offers a treasure trove for fans of impeccable storytelling who harbor a morbid curiosity for all things haunting.

The stories in the series are spooky, haunting, and captivating, evoking the sensation of telling scary stories around the fire, except the stories come from some of the best names in horror. The quantity and quality of the stories mean there’s a little something for everyone. Viewers who loved Frankenstein will be pleased to find this Gothic hidden gem from del Toro.

Wednesday (2022-Present)

Wednesday, another Netflix original series, is an excellent coming-of-age Gothic horror tale for younger viewers. The series centers on Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega), as she begins investigating a mysterious homicide at her parents’ alma mater, Nevermore Academy. It's bursting with Tim Burton’s signature Gothic flair, serving both as an intriguing teen fantasy detective series and a celebration of all things morbid and macabre.

Wednesday is a must-see for fans of the Addams Family, as it captures the family's Gothic aesthetic. It upholds the family’s kookiness and the themes of acceptance from the earlier films, while also introducing fascinating coming-of-age and mystery elements. Fans of Ortega and Burton’s other collaboration, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024), will especially enjoy Wednesday.

The Pale Blue Eye (2022)

The Pale Blue Eye is a Netflix original movie in which retired detective August Landor (Christian Bale) enlists the help of a young cadet, Edgar Allan Poe (Harry Melling), to solve a series of murders at the United States Military Academy. It’s an excellent adaptation of Louis Bayard’s book of the same name, and a great choice for viewers seeking to add a touch of mystery to their Gothic horror.

You’ll be quickly sucked into the central investigation in The Pale Blue Eye, bolstered by the period setting and strong performances from Bale and Melling. The subtle eeriness, drama, and morbid atmosphere make it feel like a horror story straight from Poe himself. Fans of Gothic horror inspired by Poe’s life, such as The Raven (2012), will love The Pale Blue Eye.

The Fall of the House of Usher (2023)

Netflix original series The Fall of the House of Usher offers a modern take on Poe’s short story of the same name. It tells the story of Rodrick Usher (Bruce Greenwood), the CEO of Fortunato Pharmaceuticals, who must confront his sordid past when his children begin dying in freak accidents. The show is a deliciously creepy and grisly crossover of Poe and Flanagan, bursting with Gothic flair and tributes to the poet’s most significant works.

It’s creative, features countless jump scares, and adapts Poe’s work perfectly for modern audiences. An eat-the-rich story has never been as terrifying yet satisfying as The Fall of the House of Usher. Viewers who loved Flanagan's The Haunting of Hill House but want a little more Poe influence will find The Fall of the House of Usher a must-see. 

Since 2015, the “nerdy ass voice actors” of Critical Role (2015) have been thrilling fans with their Dungeons & Dragons adventures, changing the gaming and online content creation landscapes as they go. Ten years in, the franchise is growing and changing in ways no one could have predicted a decade ago. Campaign Four just kicked off with some dramatic changes, including several new cast members and longtime Dungeon Master Matthew Mercer moving to the other side of the table. 

Outside the main campaigns, Critical Role has also published original tabletop games, Candela Obscura and Daggerheart, announced development on a video game, and much more. Their latest project is The Mighty Nein (2025), a series based on Campaign Two coming to Prime Video this month. Whether you’re looking to get into the actual show early in Campaign Four or curious about the animated series, this guide will go over all Critical Role campaigns so far, including spin-offs connected to the original Exandria setting.

Campaign One: Vox Machina (2015-2017)

What started out as a birthday present for Liam O’Brien turned into the original cast’s home game, then into a groundbreaking D&D actual play series, and now into an animated series. Campaign One and The Legend of Vox Machina (2022) follow the eponymous team—of course voiced by their original players alongside Mercer and a fantastic guest cast—as they explore the Exandrian continent of Tal'Dorei and go from misfit mercenaries to unlikely heroes. Of the three campaigns, Vox Machina is the closest to a traditional D&D team, comprised mostly of noble heroes who usually do the right thing, even if they eff things up along the way.

Campaign One is far less polished than newer Critical Role content, which can make it a harder watch. The episodes are also quite long, with most falling into the three to five hour range, though that’s true of most Critical Role content. Give it a chance if you’re a die-hard fan who wants to see where the magic started, but more casual viewers will get the most enjoyment out of The Legend of Vox Machina.

With half-hour episodes, the animated adaptation obviously isn’t a one-to-one recreation of the campaign, but it’s done a great job of making Vox Machina’s adventure more accessible to a wider audience. The series also fleshes out things that the campaign did not or could not explore due to the nature of tabletop RPG storytelling or real-life circumstances, such as cast member Ashley Johnson’s frequent absences due to her Blindspot (2015) filming schedule. The first three seasons of The Legend of Vox Machina are available on Prime Video. Season 4 is set to release in 2026, with a fifth and final season to follow.

Campaign Two: The Mighty Nein (2018-2021)

Behind the scenes and on-screen, Campaign Two is where Critical Role really came into its own. About a year into this campaign, the series moved from its original home Geek & Sundry to Critical Role’s own production company, which has now expanded to game development and publishing, a record label, a charity, and so much more. The show itself also underwent changes, as it stopped streaming live after its COVID-related hiatus and has remained pre-recorded to this day.

While Vox Machina are the legendary heroes celebrated from ages to follow, the Mighty Nein are the kinds of heroes whose names will be lost to time, not because they failed, but because they succeeded. Though they each start out with secrets and misgivings about one another, the Mighty Nein really become a family that supports one another through trials and triumphs. 

Like The Legend of Vox Machina before it, The Mighty Nein on Prime Video will bring what I and many fans would call Critical Role’s best adventure to a new audience. Expect the series to be more mature and dramatic than Vox Machina, as well as changes and additions to the story beyond the original campaign. It’s also packed with big-name guest stars, including Alan Cumming, Mark Strong, and Moana (2016) actress Auliʻi Cravalho. Campaign Two is where I’d recommend Critical Role newcomers start, and The Mighty Nein seems to be the new best point of entry.

Campaign Three: Bells Hells (2021-2025)

Critical Role’s third campaign is a culmination of a decade of TTRPG storytelling. In addition to introducing a new party, Campaign Three brings back almost all of the previous player characters for its final arc, with cast members sometimes playing multiple roles in the same episode. That makes for an epic conclusion to the era of Exandria, which will for now continue through live shows rather than the main campaign.

Campaign Three is also where Critical Role started playing with the formula, setting the stage for Campaign Four’s bigger changes. Some of Bells Hells were first seen in the miniseries Exandria Unlimited, led by guest DM Aabria Iyengar with Mercer as a player. This is where Critical Role fans were introduced to Robbie Daymond, now a main cast member for Campaign Four. Iyengar returned to DM Exandria Unlimited: Kymal and a brief ExU interlude in the main campaign; she also served as a guest player before joining the cast full-time for the new campaign.

Another miniseries, Exandria Unlimited: Calamity, also released during this era. Run by Brennan Lee Mulligan of Dimension 20 and other Dropout content, Calamity depicts events that occurred 1,000 years before the campaigns. Mulligan also DMed prequels Downfall, a three-part special within Campaign Three, and Exandria Unlimited: Divergence, a miniseries that aired after the campaign ended, before officially joining Critical Role as a main cast member for Campaign Four.

Campaign Four: Aramán (2025-Present)

Campaign Four is a major departure for a series that, generally, had been pretty stable for a decade-old show. After years of the original cast—Mercer as DM with Johnson, Travis Willingham, Laura Bailey, Marisha Ray, Liam O’Brien, Taliesin Jaffe, and Sam Riegel—remaining the same, the new campaign sees Mercer as a player with Mulligan taking over as Dungeon Master and five new players joining the table: Daymond, Iyengar, Alexander Ward, Luis Carazo, and Whitney Moore. 

The game itself has changed this time around, too. Campaign Four uses D&D’s 2024 rules revision and takes place in the new fantasy world of Aramán. Additionally, while the entire cast appeared for the first couple episodes, the players have been split into three tables: the Soldiers, the Seekers, and the Schemers. That means the cast will be rotating, with the actions of each group impacting the shared world

Though it’s quite different from everything up to this point, Campaign Four’s new setting makes it a good jumping on point, especially since there’s only a handful of episodes to catch up on. It might not be the same Critical Role fans know and love, but Campaign Four proves that the franchise is still capable of surprises and evolution, and that’s a great sign for upcoming projects in and outside of Exandria. 

If you're looking for a comedy franchise that mixes the awkwardness of meeting your significant other's family with big-screen star power, then Meet the Parents (2000) and its sequels are the perfect choice. From the original's brilliant setup of the nervous boyfriend meets dad from hell to the extended clan chaos, these films serve up cringey moments, heartfelt revelations, and the kind of generational and in-law commentary we all secretly dread.

But it's not just about the jokes. The cast, the timing, and the evolving dynamic across each film give them a surprising amount of staying power. And with a new entry on the way that is said to build on the existing lore, it's a great time to revisit (or discover) these iconic movies on Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max.

Meet the Parents (2000)

Meet the Parents is where the mix of sweet intentions and complete disaster begins. In his debut entrance to the in-law world, Greg Focker (Ben Stiller), who has an extremely unfortunate first name, is charming, earnest, and utterly unprepared for the grilling he'll receive from Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro), the ex-CIA father of his girlfriend Pam (Teri Polo).

What follows is a series of missteps from Greg that are equal parts hilarious and sometimes just plain sad. It might be a bit predictable in parts, but you don't watch this for twists, you watch for the pain and the laughs. Meet the Parents is perfect for viewers who love smart, slightly darker comedies about family expectations, like 2006's Little Miss Sunshine.

Meet the Fockers (2004)

Meet the Fockers is set six months before Greg and Pam's wedding. So naturally, the couple decided it would be a good time for their respective sets of parents to meet. The by-the-book Byrnes clan heads to Florida to meet Greg's eccentric parents (Dustin Hoffman and Barbra Streisand), and the chaos begins when they encounter their very different lifestyle.

The sequel doubles down on the in-law war theme and ramps up the fish-out-of-water comedy through a clash of worlds. It's a fun follow-up, but you can feel the tone shift from less to broad comedy. Still, anyone who enjoyed the first movie (or 1999's American Pie) and wants more family goofiness with more colorful personalities will love this film.

Little Fockers (2010)

In Little Fockers, Greg and Pam are happily married with kids and ready to buy a new house. Jack has just been diagnosed with a heart condition and wants his son-in-law to succeed him as the head of the Byrnes family. At the same time, Greg is trying to prove his worth as husband and father while handling Jack's spy-style suspicions.

The story attempts to evolve the characters from awkward discomfort to family patriarch mode, which gives the franchise a slightly different edge. While still entertaining, the comedy dips into over-predictability, and the freshness of the original is somewhat lost. But it's still a must if you've followed the series and want to see how things mature while getting in a few laughs.

Focker In‑Law (2026)

Focker In-Law, the upcoming fourth film in the series, sees Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro, Teri Polo, and Blythe Danner reprise their roles, with Ariana Grande joining the cast. While plot details are scarce, reports suggest that the story will shift the focus to Greg and Pam's adult son (Henry), who is engaged to a woman who might not fit in with the Focker/Byrnes family dynamic.

Stiller has also suggested that Greg will be channeling his inner Jack while having to deal with in-law scrutiny. Fans of the original film will love that premise, as it would bring the story full circle. Focker In-Law is set for release on November 25, 2026.

Monsters have, and always will be, an iconic part of cinema. Audiences love to be scared, and nightmarish creatures like Pennywise or Xenomorphs stick with viewers long after the credits roll. However, there have been plenty of tragic movie monsters who aren’t meant to elicit fear, but rather pity. Frankenstein’s Monster is arguably the most well-known movie monster, and with Guillermo Del Toro’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s novel dropping on Netflix, now feels like the perfect time to examine the modern monster movies that made us shed a tear. 

Instead of dredging up many of the expected classics, like Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) or Bride of Frankenstein (1935), we’re primarily looking at 10 emotionally poignant or devastating monster movies from the last decade. Some of these movies have gone under the radar for years and deserve a second chance at life, while others are popular but may not exactly be considered a monster movie. If you want monster movies that are tender and moving as opposed to terrifying and skin-crawling, then consider these 10 modern monster masterpieces.

Frankenstein (2025)

The impetus of this list, if you’re going to talk about sympathetic monsters, you have to talk about Frankenstein, and Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation presents probably the most sympathetic portrayal of the Monster around. What helps make Frankenstein as strong as it is is Jacob Elordi’s turn as the Monster. While many associate the Monster with Boris Karloff’s rendition, grunts and all, there’s a certain elegance to Elordi’s creature that’s simply wonderful. 

Del Toro infuses the Monster with humanity, and the audience slowly goes from fearing him to feeling for his plight. It also helps that del Toro is a master of creating spectacular period pieces. Those who found the sets of Crimson Peak (2015) and Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) just as compelling as its cast will feel right at home with Frankenstein. If you want your monster movies full of empathy and gothic beauty, be sure to check it out..

Your Monster (2024)

Monster romances are nothing new, but Your Monster feels like a down-to-earth romance between a woman and the monster that lives in her closet. It’s undeniably quirky to be sure, but that quirkiness helps to really drive home how perfect its leads are for each other.

Monster (yes, his name is literally just Monster) is the kind of guy that would be a lot of people’s “hear me out.” He has some bite to him with a bit of a temper, but in reality, he’s a softie. He genuinely wants what’s best for his roommate, Laura, and seeing such a positive relationship develop between the two of them is heartwarming. The unusual dynamic isn’t dissimilar from Warm Bodies (2013), but Your Monster isn’t afraid to talk about relationships in an adult way. If you want a mature romance with a bit of horror splashed in, as well as an ending that will make you think “good for her,” then Your Monster will satisfy you and then some.

Poor Things (2023)

Calling Poor Things a monster movie may be a bit odd on the surface, but for anyone who saw Yorgos Lanthimos’ critically acclaimed sci-fi dramedy, you don’t need me to explain why this movie is a great character piece in the same vein as Frankenstein. What makes Poor Things such a fascinating movie is how we watch Bella grow and develop over the film’s two-hour and twenty-two-minute runtime. We see her go from a barely coherent fool to a well-educated and verbose woman. In many ways, Bella is the female version of Frankenstein's Monster, but that also means that society’s treatment of her is far harsher.

While Poor Things never becomes truly dark, seeing Bella grapple with her own identity, both as a monster and as a woman, as well as watching her discover the truth about her past life, is heartbreaking. It’s all done very tastefully, and fans of Lanthimos’ library of films like The Favourite (2018) and Bugonia (2025) will be used to his eccentric presentation. So, if you want a visually stunning movie about what it means to be human, consider giving Poor Things a watch.

The Shape of Water (2017)

If there’s one thing Guillermo del Toro is good at, it’s making monsters. His creatures all appear inhuman, yet have a humanity in them that’s hard to ignore. Case in point: The Shape of Water. While Your Monster slowly dips its toes into exploring what a romance between a human and a monster would be like, The Shape of Water dives headfirst into it. The world intentionally feels drab and gloomy, yet the moments Elisa shares with her amphibious lover bring the film to life. 

Even though no traditional dialogue is shared between our two lovers, you feel the connection they develop and root for them even as society does everything in its power to stop their love. It’s a fairy tale much in the same way Edward Scissorhands (1990) is, and it channels some Shakespearean tragedy in its ending. Even if you’re grossed out by the slimy nature of Elisa’s lover, if you’re a romantic who thinks that looks aren’t everything, then The Shape of Water was practically made for you.

A Monster Calls (2016)

Not all monster movies have to be aimed at adults. If you’re looking for a new take on a monster movie that kids can enjoy, A Monster Calls is a pretty delightful coming-of-age story that anyone can enjoy.

A Monster Calls is a child-friendly exploration of the five stages of grief and handles those themes wonderfully. The monster is both imposing yet gentle, and even when he acts slightly frightening, it’s all in the best interest of helping the young Conor explore and understand what’s happening around him. He doesn’t sugarcoat what Conor is feeling, and the soothing tone of Liam Neeson helps make the monster feel like a father to him. It masterfully blends the wonder and imagination of childhood with the crushing harshness of reality, making A Monster Calls a wonderful double feature with the equally devastating Bridge to Terabithia (2007).

Lisa Frankenstein (2023)

Some interpretations of Frankenstein tend to lead toward the monster’s desire for companionship. But what if the inverse was true? What if the monster was made so that someone else could find love? Well, then you would get Lisa Frankenstein.

A love letter to horror comedies like Jennifer’s Body (2009), Lisa Frankenstein shows reverence for both the original Mary Shelley novel and ‘80s horror movies. Lisa adores the Victorian era and wants nothing more than to be a part of that time period, so watching her bond with a monster she revived from that era is touching. The movie’s foot is firmly planted in camp horror, with plenty of gooey and stupid kills, but it’s all rooted in a solid performance by Kathryn Newton as a simple girl who doesn’t want to be alone. It’s a very relatable monster movie, and its tragic end hits the right notes befitting a Frankenstein movie. For those who are romantics at heart, Lisa Frankenstein will make you swoon. 

Bones and All (2022)

While the definition of “monster” may be stretched ever so slightly with Bones and All, there’s no denying that the monstrous actions of its cast of cannibals will leave you heartbroken and deeply uncomfortable. It’s a dark exploration of human nature, but one that blends multiple genres. Not only is it a road trip movie, but it’s a romance, body horror showcase, and a drama about the lengths people will go to survive.

Bones and All is a Jack of all trades, with director Luca Guadagnino understanding when to switch genres to best get a reaction from the audience. At its core, Bones and All is just a story about two lonely people finding each other and growing to rely on one another. It all ends horrifically and on a soul-crushing note, but if you’ve seen Let the Right One In (2008), you’ll know what to expect. You may shed a tear at how there’s no happy ending for anyone involved, but Bones and All, at the very least, forces its audience to define what a monster even is, and if someone is a monster, does it even matter?

Colossal (2017)

It’s not uncommon for monster movies to be introspective think pieces. How a film frames a monster is just as important as its presentation, and Colossal perfectly nails using its monster as a metaphor for alcoholism. 

Colossal was originally pitched as “Godzilla (1954) meets Lost in Translation (2003),” and it certainly shows. The film balances the spectacle of kaiju action with the ennui and aimlessness of an adult going through a midlife crisis. It is undeniably strange, though. This is a film where Anne Hathaway can remote control a giant monster in Seoul after all, but Colossal uses its oddness to paint a picture of a sad woman in a toxic relationship that desperately needs help. For all its bizarre ideas, it’s a well-grounded movie that lovers of dark female-driven character pieces should see.

Shin Godzilla (2016)

Of course, if we’re going to mention monster movies, it’s only a matter of time before the King of the Monsters himself shows up. And if there was one modern Godzilla movie that would leave you an emotional wreck, it would be Shin Godzilla.

While other movies on this list may prey on your sympathy and empathy toward their monster, Godzilla is still a terrifying being of destruction, even more so than usual. His disgusting appearance would make the creatures from The Thing (1982) squirm, but he’s not the reason why this film will leave you numb and hollow. It’s how it depicts the Japanese government. They’re inept, ineffective, and ignorant of any potential crisis, and they are more interested in sorting out bureaucratic red tape than stopping Godzilla. Considering the state of modern politics, Shin Godzilla, like Chernobyl (2019), is a sobering reminder of the failures of those in power. Those who are completely disillusioned with the system will get exactly what Shin Godzilla is laying out.

The Lure (2015)

While mermaids are often depicted as kind creatures in films like The Little Mermaid (1989), make no mistake: Mermaids are monsters. For every kind and sweet mermaid, there’s a dark and unsettling one in movies like The Lure.

Part monster movie, part romance, part rock opera, and part fairy tale, there’s a little something for everyone in The Lure. It hits a lot of the same beats that The Shape of Water does, but it imbues it with a sense of style and punk edge that is perfect for people obsessed with rock operas like Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008). And most of that comes from its amphibious leads. Golden and Silver are undeniably violent monsters, but even then, you start to empathize with their desire to find love and the lengths they’ll go for it. Of course, it ends badly for our leads—most monster movies do—but, at the very least, they go out staying true to themselves and how they wanted to live their lives. 

While horror movies always see a revival around Halloween, for many, the genre is a year-round staple. After all, what's better than curling up under a blanket, plopping in front of the TV, and immersing yourself in a movie loaded with thrills and chills? When it comes to streamers, Netflix has one of the most expansive horror libraries out there. Not only has it produced a number of successful Netflix original movies, but it also frequently adds well-loved classics and new horror hits to its catalog.

With a plethora of films to sort through, here are the 10 best horror movies on Netflix right now. With less time dedicated to endless searching, you can get right down to business and kick off your night of "Netflix and Spine-tingling Chills" now.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

Best for Slasher

While the similarly titled Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022) lives in the library as a Netflix original, your best entry into the iconic franchise is the beginning. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre introduces Leatherface and his demented family via the unlucky group of twenty-somethings that cross paths with them in the isolated backwoods of Texas. Grisly, chilling, and, at times, even darkly funny, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a must-watch for horror connoisseurs looking to devour all the well-loved classics that have defined the genre.

Without TCM, there would be no Wrong Turn (2003) or House of 1000 Corpses (2003). Rural horror owes its enduring popularity to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and director Tobe Hooper's low-budget brilliance. As disturbing as it is beautiful, it remains a must-watch for anyone who labels themselves a horror fan.

The Ritual (2017)

Best for Folk Horror 

Based on Adam Nevill's novel, The Ritual conjures plenty of atmospheric tension as a group of friends embark on a hiking trip. What starts as a pretty standard hiking-gone-wrong movie like Backcountry (2015) or The Blair Witch Project (1999) differentiates itself as a unique creature feature. Seriously, if you want to see one of the most original monster designs in recent horror, press "play" on The Ritual right now.

The movie's Scandinavian setting offers a satisfyingly creepy backdrop to horror that is both otherworldly and human. If you like folk horror like Midsommar (2019) or The Wicker Man (1973), The Ritual delivers something similar, albeit with a darker, more claustrophobic sense of danger.

Veronica (2017)

Best for Possession Horror

If you dabble with the possession subgenre, you'll feel right at home with Veronica. Truthfully, it starts like a standard Ouija board movie when the titular character utilizes a Ouija board to contact her deceased father. What follows, though, is a stylish possession story loaded with spin-tingling imagery.

Often touted as Netflix's scariest movie, those looking for sufficient scares will undoubtedly find that here. While veterans of the genre might find it too predictable, perhaps the real horror lies in Veronica's true story origins. If "based on real event" films like The Conjuring (2013) or The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) pull you in, then Veronica should have a similar intrigue.

Gerald's Game (2017)

Best for Psychological Horror 

If you like horror, then you probably already know the name Mike Flanagan. From movies like Doctor Sleep (2019) and Hush (2016) to series like The Haunting of Hill House (2018) and Midnight Mass (2021), Flanagan and horror go together like cookies and milk. If you're asking me, Gerald's Game is one of his standout movies. Based on the Stephen King novel, it chronicles one woman's fight for survival after her husband dies from a heart attack during sexual foreplay and leaves her handcuffed to a bed in a remote lake house.

Infusing horror into such a limited setting isn't easy. However, Flanagan manages to translate the psychological terror from King's book to the screen. Carla Gugino delivers one heck of a performance as the said handcuff woman, while the plot, although slow-moving in the beginning, keeps you dedicated to the outcome. Gerald's Game is very much a psychological horror movie, but it will also appeal to fans of survival horror in its own way.

The Babysitter (2017)

Best for Horror Comedy 

While it sounds strange, true horror comedies are hard to come by. Often, the label gets slapped on any low-budget horror movie that steers a little too campy. However, The Babysitter remains an exception in more ways than one. With a $2,000,000 production budget, it very much hovers in the low to mid-budget range, but its sleek practical effects and strong performances give it a high-quality feel. Still, its biggest selling point is the comedy.

Packed with a certain sense of meta-humor that feels akin to Scream (1996) or The Cabin in the Woods (2011), The Babysitter knows the genre and has fun with it. Following a young boy who discovers his hot babysitter is actually the leader of a satanic cult, the movie also doubles as a coming-of-age story. If you want something with heart and laughs, you really can't go wrong with The Babysitter.

His House (2020)

Best for Horror Thriller 

Putting His House into just one category is tricky. Really, it's a little supernatural, a little psychological, and very much a symbolic think piece. The movie centers on Rial (Wunmi Mosaku) and Bol (Sope Dirisu), a South Sudan refugee couple, as they struggle to adjust to their new life in England. While that lays the foundation for a compelling drama, the horror comes in when they begin to see strange figures in their house.

If you're looking for something different, His House fits the bill. The horror is both supernatural and personal, as Rial and Bol experience racism, othering, and a divide when it comes to how they approach assimilation. I watched this when it first hit Netflix, and it truly surpassed my expectations. His House is worth the watch at least once, and its twist ending hits hard.

Deadstream (2022)

Best for Found Footage 

Take it seriously when someone like me, who adamantly dislikes found-footage films, tells you to watch Deadstream. Written, directed, and edited by husband-wife duo Vanessa and Joseph Winter, the movie chronicles a content creator's ploy to win back followers by spending the night in a haunted house and livestreaming the whole thing. While the found-footage format offers similarities to Hell House LLC (2015) and The Blair Witch Project (1999), Deadstream embraces comedy.

If you like B-horror movies that have you yelling things like, "What are you doing? Just run!" at your screen, then Deadstream was meant for you. It's silly and fun, but it also has decent scares sprinkled throughout its 88-minute runtime. Joseph Winter, who also stars in the film as Shawn, delivers a strong performance that will leave you hungry to see what he and his wife whip up next.

Cobweb (2023)

Best for Supernatural 

Labeling Cobweb a supernatural movie isn't entirely accurate. However, its spooky setup hits all the expected trappings of a haunted house story until its big twist—and, even then, I'd argue the supernatural aspect doesn't entirely vanish. Really, the best way to decide is to watch Cobweb yourself, which follows Peter (Woody Norman), a young boy whose life changes forever when a strange knocking comes from behind the walls of his bedroom.

Perhaps Cobweb's biggest selling point is the slow-creeping, atmospheric tension laid out right from the start. Those craving rock-solid answers to the movie's central mystery might be disappointed. Cobweb favors ambiguity that doesn't quite have the satisfying payoff you hope. Still, it's a unique, creepy little movie that delivers a compelling story in a crisp 88 minutes.  

Godzilla Minus One (2023)

Best for Monsters

Ask me what the best Godzilla movie is, and as of 2023, I will always tell you Godzilla Minus One. If you like the action-packed, CGI-heavy bombast of the Monsterverse, then Minus One might seem like a hard departure. However, for the right kind of audience, it's an immersive anti-war movie with an emotional character-driven narrative. Yes, you'll see Godzilla, but the real stars here are Kōichi (Ryunosuke Kamiki) and Noriko (Minami Hamabe), two strangers brought together after the bombing of Tokyo.

More in line with Shin Godzilla (2016), Minus One is a chillingly beautiful story about people coming together in the aftermath of disaster and uncertainty. Tense, tear-jerking, and thoroughly gripping, this movie was tailor-made for Godzilla fans who appreciate the symbolism behind the 1954 original. However, even non-Godzilla fans will find a competent movie here if they give it a shot. 

28 Years Later (2025)

Best for Zombies

Since 28 Years Later's streaming release, the sequel movie has remained a Netflix favorite and consistently topped JustWatch's streaming charts, too. While it may seem strange to recommend the third movie in a franchise, the good news is that 28 Years Later is (mostly) newcomer-friendly, although, if you like it, you'll probably want to watch 28 Days Later (2002) and 28 Weeks Later (2007) anyway. 

Picking up 28 years after the Rage virus outbreak in the first movie, 28 Years Later features a new group of survivors, whose island community involves a coming-of-age hunting ritual on the mainland, and what occurs there is equally tense and harrowing. Don't expect the slow-moving zombies of The Walking Dead (2010); these zombies are fast and seriously deadly. If zombie movies carry any appeal to you, then 28 Years Later (and the entire franchise, really) isn't to be missed. 

A gripping mystery, a tense thriller, tons of questions, the suspense builds… there’s really nothing quite like the mystery and thriller genres. They keep you guessing, and more importantly, they keep you entertained. Especially as we head into the colder months, nothing beats a nice night at home, cuddled up under some blankets while exploring a tense mystery. 

And what could be better than getting to watch these great mystery and thriller movies completely for free? If you’re like me, you’re already paying for a few streaming services, so it’s great to have free streamers like The Roku Channel and Pluto TV, which offer tons of content without having to pay a dime. If you want to watch some great mystery and thriller movies for free, check out the list below. 

What Lies Beneath (2000)

First of all, we need to talk about the powerhouse combo of Harrison Ford starring alongside Michelle Pfeiffer. Do you really need another reason to watch What Lies Beneath? The film sees Ford and Pfeiffer as an idyllic married couple living in a beautiful lakeside home in Vermont. But something about the house feels wrong, and as the film goes on, something about the marriage seems wrong, and then… well, you know what? I’ll just let you watch and find out. 

Just know the movie is loaded with fantastic performances. It’s one of those films that has real star power as its main driving force, with both Pfeiffer and Ford delivering standout performances. Plus, the mystery and tension build throughout, all leading to a life-or-death chase at the end. If you enjoyed more modern films like The Night House (2020), then you’ll love What Lies Beneath. 

Panic Room (2002)

Another great thriller led by some massive star talent is 2002’s Panic Room. In the film, Jodie Foster plays a single mother (and her daughter is played by Kristen Stewart in her first major role) who has her sprawling Manhattan brownstone broken into by a group of thieves. Luckily, the brownstone’s previous owner was a paranoid, reclusive millionaire who built himself a panic room. But why are the intruders there, what do they want, and why won’t they leave? The mysteries and tension build the longer the night goes on, and it becomes clear this is no ordinary burglary. 

Panic Room is so brilliant because the entire movie is set inside the brownstone. Placing everything in a single set helps amp up the movie’s suspense and makes audiences really feel the claustrophobia of being trapped inside your house. If you like home invasion films like Hush (2016) or When a Stranger Calls (1979), you’re gonna love Panic Room. 

When a Stranger Calls (2006)

In 1979, a thriller debuted that changed cinema forever, giving Hollywood one of its most iconic lines ever and scaring the crap out of young women home alone everywhere. But that’s all I’ll give you about the plot, because the big twist is what gives this movie its edge. I’ll just say this: It’s about a girl who is home alone and starts getting strange and threatening phone calls from a stranger. 

The original is totally iconic, and it was also pretty low-budget. However, in 2006, When a Stranger Calls got a reboot, bringing some much-needed modern, big-budget production value. This time around, we get some proper film and sound quality and a legit score, which really helps amp up the tension. For hardcore genre fans, the original is a must-watch, but for everyone else, the remake is a great place to start. 

Identity (2003)

So, it’s a stormy night in the desert, and a group of wayward motorists get stranded at a roadside motel because of mass flooding. We have a huge ensemble cast, including Amanda Peet, Clea DuVall, John Cusack, Ray Liotta, and for some reason, even Jake Busey. But a killer is on the loose, and one by one, people start dying. 

However… that isn’t actually what’s going on at all. Nope! And I’m not telling you anything else, because the mystery and confusion are what help make this thriller so damn good. Identity is like someone took a psychological thriller and then wrapped it up, disguising it as a slasher movie to create a giant mystery for audiences that has a great, shocking twist at the end. I’ll give you this hint: If you loved Shutter Island (2010), this is the film for you. 

Trap (2024)

My favorite part about Trap is that the mystery isn’t really what you think it is. A dad (Josh Hartnett) takes his daughter to a concert during a massive killing spree by a serial killer. But the concert is actually a giant trap designed to capture the killer, and Harnett is the killer. But that isn’t the big twist. That’s actually revealed pretty early on in the film. 

In typical M. Night Shyamalan style, the twist is never what you think it’s going to be. Trap is really smart and a lot of fun, and since we keep getting twists up until the very end, you never know where the movie is headed, which keeps it super gripping. Plus, we get a supporting role from Alison Pill, who always delivers. If you love Shyamalan’s other horror mystery, Devil (2010), you’ll love Trap. 

The Skulls (2000)

Inspired by the real Skull and Bones secret society at Yale, The Skulls sees student Luke (Joshua Jackson) get caught up in the school’s infamous secret society. But it turns out the Skulls have more power than he ever could have imagined, influencing not just the school’s faculty, but also state and national politics. The film really picks up after a murder is committed, and Luke tries to discover the truth. 

Yes, in 2000, The Skulls came off as some hardcore pulpy melodrama, but with everything we’ve learned in the last few years about America’s elite and how much control and influence they have (and how they often wield it in horrific ways), the film now feels eerily real. If you love juicy, salacious teen dramas like Gossip (2000) or Cruel Intentions (1999), but want a good dose of thriller thrown in, The Skulls is a must-watch. 

Side Effects (2013)

Famed filmmaker Steven Soderbergh directed Side Effects, which is about a woman who starts acting erratically after being prescribed a new medication. She eventually commits murder while under the drug’s effects, but things aren’t quite adding up, and questions arise surrounding the crime.

Side Effects has some total Gone Girl (2014) energy and plays out as a tense slow burn filled with unanswered questions that keep you guessing. But, in the end, the conspiracy turns out to be bigger than anyone could have known. It’s also got a great cast, including Channing Tatum, Jude Law, and Rooney Mara. If you loved twisted revenge tales like The Ghost Writer (2010), you’ll love Side Effects. 

Wicker Park (2004)

In Wicker Park, hot young people have passionate romances and even hotter drama. But then, a mystery emerges. Questions arise about a missing woman, and it’s possible that someone is actually impersonating her. If you loved movies like Influencer (2023) or The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), then you’ll enjoy the pulpy and sexy Wicker Park.

Plus, thanks to its (at that time) young cast, including Josh Hartnett, Rose Byrne, and Diane Kruger, it’s a great, more youthful take on the mystery genre. Like all great teen movies, it’s also loaded with over-the-top emotion and melodrama, making this mystery thriller a true guilty pleasure. 

The Illusionist (2006)

2006’s The Illusionist will keep you guessing until the very end. Set in the late 1800s, the film is about a magician who specializes in illusions. But then a woman is murdered, and he’s able to bring her spirit to life on stage. Is this really an illusion, or are these spirits real? And who was the killer? Can he be caught? Like all good mystery films, you’ll just have to watch and find out. Plus, the ending offers a shocking reveal. 

Many viewers probably already know Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige (2006), which was released just two months after The Illusionist, and fans of that film will surely find lots to love with this movie. But The Illusionist is more of a mature, slow-burn mystery, filled with decadent visuals and an engrossing atmosphere, which helped earn it an Oscar nomination for Best Cinematography. 

Serenity (2019)

Serenity has one of the wildest twists of any movie I’ve seen. The film centers around a fishing captain named Baker (Matthew McConaughey), who is approached one day by his ex-wife (Anne Hathaway), who says she’s in danger and begs him to kill her new abusive husband. But there’s a twist. A big one. And the movie is nothing what it seems, and I refuse to tell you anymore of the plot. 

The twist is so major and so shocking that it’s on-par with The Village (2004), where the entire movie changes in an instant, creating a jarring shock for viewers. Just like The Village, for some audiences, that will be off-putting and too distracting. But for those who can strap themselves in and just enjoy the ride, it’s a great movie. 

Based on the best-selling fantasy novels by authors and illustrators C. S. Lewis, Kyoko Tsuchiya, and Iori Tamaki, The Chronicles of Narnia is a beloved series with a huge following. Unfortunately, while there are seven books, there are only three original films, one of which most fans find to be disappointing. However, Barbie (2023) and Little Women (2019) director Greta Gerwig is set to readapt the series, starting with The Magician's Nephew coming in 2026.

There isn't much news yet on the entire cast or release date, but the Netflix film will presumably have a limited theatrical run. That said, the original trilogy is mostly great. Here's how to watch the Narnia movies in order and where to find them on Disney+, Prime Video, and more.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005)

The first movie to kickstart the magical adventures, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, is a perfect starting point and an excellent segue into a world of make-believe that's rooted in a message about empathy and love. The story centers around the Pevensie siblings, Edmund, Lucy, Peter, and Susan, as they uncover a hidden wardrobe in the country home they now live in. Quintessential stories of good versus evil follow, as well as a relatively easy lore that most adults and kids can find joy in.

It isn't every first installment in a fantasy series that's as stunning or thoughtfully crafted as The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, but for a movie that's now 20 years old, this one shines with its gorgeous effects that provide just the right amount of escapism. It's also the type of movie that can be watched during the holiday season for an extra dose of magic. If you're a fan of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stoner (2001) and somehow have yet to watch the Narnia films, this one's the best place to start.

Prince Caspian (2008)

Rarely is a sequel better than the original, but bring Ben Barnes into the story to play a dreamy prince, and instantly, it'll become everything and more. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian is the second film in the trilogy, and undoubtedly, the best one. It's a daring and bold adventure with higher stakes than the first to ensure that the entire viewing experience feels like an adventure. Not only does it expand on the lore, but having a new character that leaves just as big a mark is a feat in and of itself.

In many instances, when viewers watch fantasies like this, the characters they find themselves attached to are the ones who continue selling the story. So it's always a bit tricky when the spotlight focuses on someone else, yet everything about Prince Caspian is proof that with the right screenplay and the right actor, it can be done. Viewers can even jump into Prince Caspian without watching the original, but it's made entirely better with the inclusion of the first. 

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010)

It's unfortunate that The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader mostly leaves out Peter and Susan because so much of the story fumbles as we move forward in the last installment. It's still an aesthetically gorgeous film, and it's mostly gripping for younger audiences who might not notice as much, but the adults are likely to catch inconsistencies and questionable narrative choices. 

The film has the lowest Rotten Tomatoes score of the entire trilogy, and most fans won't revisit it during their rewatch. And again, while some choices are understandable to a degree, it's the execution that fumbles. The story becomes less a character journey and more plot-focused, which also subsequently takes away from the magic of the fantasy genre that makes it special. Still, the last film is worth watching at least once, and if nothing else, Barnes continues to deliver his A-game as Prince Caspian.

James McAvoy has been one of the most magnetic stars of British television and American film in the 21st century, and his best movies and shows speak to his sheer versatility. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, McAvoy made his acting debut as a teenager in 1995 but gained notoriety on TV a little later with State of Play (2003) and Frank Herbert's Children of Dune (2003). After a crucial supporting role as Mr. Tumnus in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005), McAvoy has been on a consistent, strong streak for the better part of two decades. 

From heroic roles in animated films like Arthur Christmas (2011) or villainous turns in Speak No Evil (2024), McAvoy has consistently been one of the best parts of whatever he's starring in. Here are the 10 best James McAvoy movies and TV shows and where you can check them out on Netflix, HBO Max, and more!

10. His Dark Materials (2019-2022)

His Dark Materials is a show that puts James McAvoy’s abilities to great use in a short time, highlighting how quickly the actor can charm his way into your heart and menace your worst nightmares in the same role. As Lord Asriel, McAvoy joins a stacked lineup of performers who've appeared as the character in adaptations of Phillip Pullman’s His Dark Materials book trilogy. Daniel Craig, Timothy Dalton, and Terence Stamp each played the character in different media, all of them bringing their own unique touches to the character. However, McAvoy’s is arguably the best, a deceptively charming leader with dark ambitions.

McAvoy fit in perfectly to the bombastic but mature approach to storytelling, with a visceral brutality that allowed the show’s emotional core to shine through. A terrific and more mature follow-up to stuff like the Harry Potter series and the Percy Jackson and the Olympians (2023), His Dark Materials is a solid adventure for fantasy fans, but McAvoy shines even brighter in other projects, which is why it ranks last on this list. 

9. It Chapter Two (2019)

While It (2017) was more visually clever, McAvoy and the rest of the grown Losers Club in It Chapter Two all do a terrific job at embodying both the spirit of the Stephen King novel and the film’s exploration of lost innocence and lingering trauma against the backdrop of a supernatural killer clown. Viciously embracing the R-rating afforded to the team, director Andy Muschietti puts the cast through the wringer in a solid translation of the source material that ups the blockbuster elements alongside the emotional beats that define the characters.

McAvoy fits in perfectly for the leader role, a great evolution of the performance by Jaeden Martell that embodies a mournful but determined core. Audiences who don’t like gory scares or unsettling horror should skip this one, but it’s worth a watch for anyone still in a Halloween sort of mood.

8. The Book of Clarence (2023)

An ambitious comedy that fuses the social commentary of Atlanta (2016) with the religious focus of Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979), The Book of Clarence stumbles at times but has moments of real impressive depth. Focusing on a scam artist in Biblical times who takes to impersonating the feats of Jesus Christ, The Book of Clarence gives McAvoy a chance to portray Pontius Pilate with a certain sadistic edge, embodying a timeless figure of villainous authority with an appealing sense of natural intimidation.

Opposite LaKeith Stanfield, McAvoy is a great villain whose darker elements make him a perfect contrast to the criminal but sympathetic portrayal of Clarence. Not for people looking for historically accurate recreations of history or religion, The Book of Clarence is a solid modern-day riff on the kind of questions that theologians (and Monty Python) have been asking for decades.

7. Filth (2013)

One of James McAvoy’s best qualities as an actor is his ability to fully embrace a wild side while retaining a sort of magnetic charm, and this ability is never better than in Filth. Depicting one of the most horrifically horrible versions of a police officer ever depicted on film, Filth follows an Edinburgh detective sergeant who causes and endures all sorts of chaos across the city while investigating a murder. The entire film is a darkly hilarious deep-dive into a complexly demented mind that takes a standard cop drama and turns it into a pitch-black comedy.

McAvoy is perfect in the role as a wild typhoon of a man that’s always on the edge of self-destruction. It’s an enthusiastically unpleasant performance that almost dares the viewer to look away, the sort of balancing act that McAvoy has gotten very good at perfecting. Anyone who only loves the sweet McAvoy performances in projects like The Chronicles of Narnia (as well as children) should stay away, but anyone excited by the actor’s darkly comedic and bleakly dramatic chops should check out this film.

6. The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby (2014)

A somber and romantic tragedy, The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby is an ambitious experimental approach to romantic filmmaking. The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby is technically three films in one that only works because of the strong lead performances. A somber reflection on the struggles of love amid the fallout of grief, the film stars McAvoy and Jessica Chastain as a married couple grieving the loss of their son.

The three films are “Him,” “Her,” and “Them,” which tell the same tale from different perspectives. McAvoy and Chastain are heartbreakingly vulnerable in the movie, showcasing the natural dynamic they’d revisit in It Chapter Two. For fans of other experimental love stories like Before Sunrise (1995) and Conversations With Other Women (2006), The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby is a somber film that will touch viewers and leave them in a more ambiguous emotional space.

5. Atonement (2007)

The film that truly launched James McAvoy into stardom with a Golden Globe nomination, Atonement is a heartwrenchingly romantic film anchored by McAvoy and Keira Knightley’s performances. Adapted from the 2001 novel of the same name by Ian McEwan, the film follows the tragic romance between a wealthy young woman and a soldier in love with her against the backdrop of World War II.

The intimately emotional story is bolstered by Joe Wright’s terrific direction, bringing a real cinematic scope to an intimate, charged story about the nature of truth and forgiveness. Powerfully tender and memorably romantic, Atonement is a great choice for fans of shows like Downton Abbey (2010) and Bridgerton (2020) that thread the needle between period drama and romantic interlude that the Brontë Sisters would be proud of.

4. X-Men: First Class (2011)

James McAvoy was stepping into big shoes, so to speak, when took on the role of Charles Xavier in X-Men: First Class. The prequel to the earlier X-Men (2000) Fox films had cast Patrick Stewart in the role, whose fatherly warmth but sly manipulations made for a compelling take on the psychic founder of the mutant team. However, McAvoy turns out to be perfectly cast in the part, imbuing his performance with a deft blend of empathy and swagger that makes for a deceptively perfect foil to Michael Fassbender’s pitch-perfect performance as a young Magneto. 

X-Men: First Class may take a lot of liberties from the source material and the series that it’s nominally building too, but the film’s period-setting stylings, clever touches, and deeply emotional performances make this a highlight of the Fox X-Men series. Superhero fans won’t want to skip this one. 

3. Shameless (2004-2013)

A terrific BBC show that eventually inspired a just as good Showtime dramedy for the ages, Shameless is a terrific grimy riff on the sitcom. Appearing throughout the first two seasons of the show, McAvoy finds the perfect balance between the gritty edge he brought to Filth alongside the more romantic charms he displayed in Atonement. Here, McAvoy plays Fiona Gallagher’s boyfriend, a deceptively sweet car thief who serves as a surprising moral core of the show opposite the rest of the Gallagher family.

Shameless was one of McAvoy’s first prominent performances and remains one of his most effective. Very much of its time and not for people who like their character dramas more in line with Freaks and Geeks (1999) or Young Sheldon (2017), Shameless is a great drama that’s perfect for the audience who loves the off-kilter touches of Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) or Little Miss Sunshine (2006).

2. Split (2016)

Arguably the most impressive performance in James McAvoy’s career, Split is a marvel of acting focus that only works because of the versatility that the actor has honed over the course of his career. McAvoy plays a predator with dozens of personalities, allowing him to embody multiple characters in the same body. Some are frightening, some are innocent, and some—like the Beast—are monsters.

Split is a tense thriller that reminded audiences why M. Night Shaymalan was such a promising filmmaker before a string of big misfires derailed his career in the public eye. McAvoy has the perfect level of pulp commitment and intense depth to make a very tricky character incredibly compelling. Technically, the second film in the Unbreakable (2000) and Glass (2019) trilogy, Split is a terrific stand-alone film that is the perfect showcase for McAvoy as a horror performer. 

1. State of Play (2003)

One of the best BBC dramas of the 21st century, State of Play is an electric thriller and a great showcase for a young James McAvoy. When a researcher is killed amid the rise of an ambitious new politician, the police and journalistic investigations unearth a massive conspiracy. A prime thriller, McAvoy plays a key supporting role as Dan Foster, the son of the Herald’s editor, Cameron Foster.

Gripping and intense, State of Play is a perfect drama for anyone who loves shows like House of Cards (2013). The American adaptation, State of Play (2009), isn’t a bad pick either, but if you only watch one, this six-episode miniseries stands out as a terrific thriller for fans who love films like Michael Clayton (2007) and James McAvory. It’s most definitely the best TV show that he has ever been in. 

Even if you aren’t a horror fan, you’ve definitely heard of It. Originally a 1986 Stephen King novel, It has become a franchise of its own, inspiring a miniseries and movies It (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019) while making Pennywise, played by Bill Skarsgård since 2017, one of the most recognizable and terrifying horror villains of all time. Now, the world of It is expanding with the HBO series It: Welcome to Derry (2025), which serves as a prequel that dives into the fictional town of Derry, Maine and its history with Pennywise.

However, there is one It-related series that even diehard fans probably haven’t seen: the Hindi-language series Woh (1998). Aired on Indian TV station Zee TV, which itself was relatively new at the time, the series shares a lot in common with the beloved King novel and its adaptations. At the same time, it’s wildly different from the It fans have loved to be terrified by for decades. 

What Is 'Woh' About? (And Is It Actually An 'It' Remake?)

Like It, Woh starts out following a group of teenagers—Ashutosh, Raja, Julie, Shiva, Ronnie, Sanjeev, and Rahul—from the real Indian town of Panchgani who are confronted with supernatural evil in the form of a child abducting clown known as Woh. Fifteen years later, the group reunites to confront Woh again and protect Panchgani.

Woh is technically an adaptation of Stephen King’s iconic novel, though creators Ankush Mohla and Glen Barreto admitted to not reading the book. Instead, the series is primarily based on the It (1990) miniseries starring Tim Curry as Pennywise, though it’s far from a shot-for-shot remake.

The Biggest Differences Between 'It' And 'Woh'

Though Woh generally lines up with It’s main plot points, to say the creators took some creative liberties would be putting it lightly. Some changes are relatively minor, like the monster appearing every 15 years instead of every 27 years and the iconic sewer scene being changed to the clown luring a child into a swimming pool. But there’s a lot of additional story included over the course of Woh’s 52 episodes with no connection to the original material. 

Most notably, the series continues past Woh’s second defeat with an original storyline that delves into the killer clown’s backstory. Woh’s version of Pennywise, played by Indian actor Lilliput, is a little person whose tragic past led him to become a vengeful ghost. Though this provides motivation for his actions, Woh’s backstory undermines the true horror of Pennywise as an unexplainable evil that shapesifts into horrors that represents fear and hatred to child abuse and moral panic. At the same time, it plays into dated ableist tropes that depict those with disabilities as prone to violence. 

That’s not to say that Woh’s final arc is bad or marks a significant drop in quality. There are some interesting ideas, but the show really drops any tenuous connections it had to It at this point. Stephen King purists will likely scoff at the show’s lack of fidelity to the original, but if It-inspired horror mixed with a cheesy soap opera sounds fun to you, you’ll probably enjoy Woh. 

Where Can You Watch 'Woh' Right Now

Woh can be streamed for free on Plex and YouTube in the United States, making it surprisingly easy to access for an Indian series from the ‘90s. While its low budget shows in the series’ overall production quality, Woh is pretty well made for what it is. The series delivers spooky horror and thrills, from its terrifying clown to some truly unnerving fourth wall breaks.

Fans of campy low budget horror will probably enjoy the series most, but if you’re looking for some deep cut horror or simply intrigued by anything It related, Woh is a unique and fascinating piece of the franchise’s history that’s worth remembering.

People like me who love Christmas movies likely look forward to this time of year for the movies. But surprisingly, even the people who generally don't love holiday movies can appreciate '90s classics like Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992). The holidays also bring up spirited arguments about which adaptation of The Christmas Carol is best, and whether Die Hard (1988) is a Christmas movie or not. All of this is part of the holiday's magic, and it makes it extra fun to look back at old favorites, then discuss them amongst friends or family. 

2025 is a tough year for a lot of people, and it's making us cling to nostalgia even harder. With movies like While You Were Sleeping (1995) celebrating their thirtieth anniversary, here are the 10 best Christmas movies to watch in 2025, as well as where to find them on Disney+, Netflix, and more.  

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

As saccharine as it might sound, there are few movies that actually have the genuine ability to inspire people to keep going. Throughout the year, it's easy to get inside our heads and wonder if we've made an impact on anyone or whether we'll be missed, but the warmth of It's a Wonderful Life always manages to be a real reminder that we don't quite know how many lives a single person can impact. James Stewart's timeless portrayal of George Bailey gets better and better with every viewing, and as the years pass, the film becomes increasingly more beautiful.

If there's one Christmas movie that every type of viewer should watch at least once in their life, it's undoubtedly It's a Wonderful Life. In every way, it embodies the spirit of the season by highlighting the importance of sharing our love with those around us. It's amazing that to this day, no one's even attempted a remake of it, and it's because we all know it'd be impossible to top. 

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

Art is subjective, and no two people will ever love the same property the same way, but if there's one thing I'll always get on my high horse about, it's The Muppet Christmas Carol. There is no adaptation of Dickens' Christmas Carol that's as perfect, and I'm willing to stand by this fact. It's top-tier. Indescribable. From the music to the production design, it's the one version where the story hits the hardest and evokes every warm and inspiring feeling it's meant to.

Sir Michael Caine not only delivers the most heartfelt embodiment of Scrooge, but his transformation feels entirely organic. It's believable that these three ghosts, all in Muppet form, would get to the perpetual grump, and no Scrooge's final few moments in the film feel as earned. Plus, Gonzo as Dickens with Rizzo the Rat as himself narrating? Unbeatable. It's a must-watch for anyone who loves the Muppets, but also for those who have deep '90s nostalgia. 

Home Alone (1990)

There's simply no Christmas without Kevin McCallister and the Wet Bandits. The outrageous humor etched into Home Alone makes it the type of holiday staple that's so fun for the whole family that even those who typically don't rewatch films are okay with Home Alone every year. (My family! They'll complain about having to rewatch every movie but never Home Alone.) 

Perfect for the viewers who are nostalgic for cozy houses, '90s antics, and bonkers booby traps, nothing beats the gags in Home Alone. It's hard to believe that there may be a single person in the world who still hasn't seen it, because that's the level of tremendous impact it has on the holiday season. So much of the humor and hijinks have inspired countless other films that have followed, making it an absolute must-watch every year. But perhaps especially in 2025, in case you're dreaming of real estate while most of us can't afford to even look at a house.

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

Sequels are seldom better than the original or even as good, but Home Alone 2: Lost in New York is always my personal favorite. Kevin McCallister left behind again and using his dad's credit card to stay at the Plaza hotel is basically every kid's dream. Who wouldn't want that, at least once? But more than that, the heart in Home Alone 2 is what always gets to me, and we see it most poignantly through the pigeon lady. Through her, we get an honest depiction of the reminder that kindness can go incredibly far and leave a monumental mark on someone. 

Plus, there's something especially cozy about Kevin and his mom reuniting in front of the Rockefeller Christmas tree because she knows that's exactly where he'd be. For viewers wanting to experience a classic New York Christmas vicariously, no movie captures the vibes as immaculately as Home Alone 2. Plus, as absurd as the hijinks are with the Wet Bandits returning, somehow it's fully believable, and there's no questioning that everything that happens can actually happen. 

The Family Stone (2005)

With the unexpected and heartbreaking passing of the legendary Diane Keaton this year, a lot of people are revisiting the Stone family to cope with their shock. Genuinely hilarious, achingly tender, and heartbreaking, The Family Stone is a holiday staple for countless reasons and in many households. While the death of Keaton's Sybil is going to hit even harder this year, it may even be comforting for some viewers to watch how much love was infused into the matriarch's role. 

The Family Stone is a holiday must-watch for many reasons, but perhaps more importantly because the viewers who connect to its premise feel deeply seen. There are plenty of great holiday family films out there, like National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989), but the complex characters and lingering sadness threaded throughout The Family Stone undoubtedly makes people feel a little less alone in their own struggles. Plus, with stars like Rachel McAdams, Sarah Jessica Parker, Dermot Mulroney, Luke Wilson, Claire Danes, Craig T. Nelson, Elizabeth Reaser, Brian J. White, Paul Schneider, alongside Keaton, it's now a twenty-year-old classic that still holds up. 

The Holiday (2006)

There's something about romance and the holidays that makes everything extra sweet, but with the influx of movies to choose from, there are two that should never be skipped, and The Holiday is one of them. With an exceptional cast, starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Jack Black, Eli Wallach, Rufus Sewell, and more, The Holiday is indescribable magic in movie form. We not only get one perfect romance, but two, and to top things off, Jude Law as a single dad doing Mr. Napkin Head? Need I say more?.

The Holiday delivers everything for viewers wanting to see believable love stories after heartbreak—second chances in the form of finding the right person at the right time in the right place. Set in a dreamy fictional cottage in England and a grand estate in Los Angeles, it's the type of movie that not only feels like the perfect romantic escape, but it's also a film that honors storytelling and character journeys beautifully. 

While You Were Sleeping (1995)

Like The Holiday, While You Were Sleeping is a Christmas must-watch—and it's especially relevant in 2025 as it's the thirtieth anniversary. Bill Pullman and Sandra Bullock make the ultimate dream team in an achingly romantic story that's all about finding love in the most unexpected way. Lucy is the kind of heroine whose loneliness feels so relatable that her journey results in a story that we don't often see as poignantly. 

In addition, how the movie expertly balances ridiculous humor and sweepingly romantic moments is no small feat, making it the kind of story that gets better and better with every viewing. While You Were Sleeping is essential viewing for fans who love cozy rom-coms like Serendipity (2001). The films may be vastly different in the tropes they cover, but the essence of the romance feels comparable. Plus, the holiday vibes are extra nostalgic, with character development and male yearning that should be considered the blueprint.

Eloise at Christmastime (2003)

Netflix recently announced its plans to remake a live-action Eloise film, and to that I'd say, why touch something perfect? And because of this, it feels imperative to beg viewers to add Eloise at Christmastime to their watchlist in 2025, because few things can capture the magic of Christmas and simultaneously New York City. If you love Home Alone 2 and somehow didn't know about the adaptations of Kay Thompson and Hilary Knight's novels, then run, don't walk to watch it.

For starters, the film is brimming with incredible stars like Julie Andrews, Christine Baranski, Gavin Creel, Jeffrey Tambor, and more, along with Sofia Vassilieva as the titular character. But more importantly, the bond between Eloise and Bill results in one of the sweetest intergenerational friendships to grace our screens. It's a must-watch for Broadway fans who know the late and legendary Creel through his inimitable impact on the community, but it's also delicately wholesome in a way that feels timeless. There’s even a romance between Creel's Bill and Sara Topham's Rachel that's precious in every way.

The Spirit of Christmas (2015)

I'll take up every opportunity presented to talk about the underrated gem that is Lifetime's The Spirit of Christmas. This one's for the romance fans, the ones who love cheesy romantic comedies and outlandish plots like hot ghosts. It demands that viewers suspend disbelief, and it's also imperative that a viewer loves romance because otherwise, it's not meant for you. Still, for the people who want a unique Christmas romance with one of the most gorgeous fictional inns and all the delicious tropes, then look no further.

The Spirit of Christmas follows Kate, a jaded lawyer who's sent to an inn to get it appraised, only she ends up falling in love with Daniel, the hot ghost, who haunts it for twelve days out of the year. It's ridiculously cheesy, but thoroughly charming, surprisingly hilarious, and genuinely cozy from start to finish. It's especially perfect for the viewers who grew up traumatized by Casper (1995) and want a healing adult romance that actually delivers a happy ending. 

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Not every person is in the holiday spirit this year, and thankfully, for those who aren't, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is always there to validate every grumpy feeling. Hilarious, ridiculously quotable, and featuring some of the best production design from the early 2000s, everything about the movie still holds up perfectly. It also turns twenty-five this year, making it the perfect time to rewatch it again in 2025. 

It's without a doubt the best adaptation for those who love the classic Dr. Seuss story, but it's also a great live-action Christmas movie in general. Jim Carrey's version of the Grinch is too relatable and the story genuinely gets funnier with every viewing. Bonus points if you watch it when you're extra grouchy because it makes all the jokes land in a different way.

When you picture Frankenstein’s Monster, what comes to mind? Chances are, you’ll think of him as a big, lumbering creature who growls, stomps around, and usually is at the bidding of some other smarter, more eloquent force. Whether it’s in the classic Universal monster movies, parodies like Young Frankenstein (1974), action shows like Creature Commandos (2024), or even romances like in Lisa Frankenstein (2024), there’s a general preconceived notion of what the Monster is supposed to look like and how he’s supposed to behave.

Unfortunately, that popular consensus of Frankenstein’s Monster isn’t exactly… accurate. The original Mary Shelley novel offers a vastly different interpretation of the creature that hasn’t been properly represented for years, if not decades. Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein (2025) claims to be a more faithful adaptation of the novel, but is that true, or is it just going to rehash many of the same tropes that have been trotted out for nearly a century?

‘Frankenstein’ Adaptations Popularized Elements Not In The Book

Thanks to numerous Hollywood productions, many of the elements surrounding the Monster don’t quite match the original novel. Case in point, his lack of intelligence. In film, the Monster almost always possesses very little, if any, intelligence, and often comes across as simple-minded. That is most certainly not the case in the original novel, which depicts him as verbose and capable of contemplating heavy themes like his own mortality, his loneliness, and his desire to be acknowledged by his father, Victor Frankenstein.

Victor often vehemently denies that the Monster is his own son, which, in turn, led to confusion surrounding his name. The Monster believes that he is a member of the Frankenstein family, but Shelley never directly calls him Frankenstein in the text. She, instead, referred to him by dehumanizing terms while drawing the focus to the Monster’s desire to be seen as a human being. So calling the creature “Frankenstein” does make sense in some regard. However, it also completely undercuts and grossly oversimplifies one of the main themes of the book.

But nothing is quite as incorrect as the Monster’s presentation. His stiff and slow walk was an invention by Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman (1943), but it was so poorly executed that audiences mocked it. In other words, the only reason Frankenstein walks as rigidly as he does is because people were making fun of it so much that it supplanted actor Boris Karloff’s rendition of the character. Not only that, but Karloff's Monster had distinctly green skin with bolts in his neck, which, shockingly, isn't accurate. In reality, the Monster is a surprisingly agile superhuman being capable of great feats of strength and endurance with skin that's more yellowish than green. He’s anything but a slow-moving dullard. He’s a weapon of mass destruction.

Is Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’ A Faithful Adaptation?

Given how the original novel is well over 200 years old and how often Frankenstein, or Frankenstein-like characters, pop up in fiction, it’s no surprise that the Monster has morphed from being a sympathetic and tragic figure into a cartoonish oaf. However, Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation seeks to change that.

Going into the production of the movie, del Toro was adamant that the film would be a tonally faithful adaptation of the original story. Given the film’s two and a half hour runtime and the novel’s 280-ish page count, making Frankenstein a one-to-one retelling of the novel was going to be virtually impossible. However, del Toro tried to make the film as true to its Gothic roots as possible, with numerous grand and sweeping practical sets dripping with unease and stark shadows. It also directly follows the plot of the book, including beginning the story in media res at the North Pole. 

Most importantly, the Monster is intelligent! He’s not just a mindless brute causing chaos wherever he goes, though the trailer does hint that Jacob Elordi’s interpretation of the Monster may be more prone to violence than Mary Shelley’s original vision. A part of this is because while del Toro wanted to be as faithful to the original story, he also wanted to honor past movies featuring the Monster, such as the original Frankenstein (1931) and Kenneth Branagh’s stab at the story, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1994). He also stated that he didn’t want to fall into a lot of the same traps that previous Frankenstein movies did, like making Victor into a cackling mad scientist or the mere presence of Igor, who was never even in the original novel. Thankfully, del Toro has confirmed that not only will Victor be depicted as a nuanced and emotionally conflicted man, but there's no sight of Igor in the film.

Should You Watch Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’?

Del Toro is a master of modern Gothic cinema, as anyone who has seen Crimson Peak (2015) can attest to. There’s a passion in every film he works on, and Frankenstein is no different. There’s such care and attention to detail in each shot that you’ll feel utterly immersed in the darkness of Victor’s creation. Everything feels tactile in Frankenstein, helping make the world feel truly lived in and alive. There’s also just an overwhelming sense of dread and tension, as we, along with Victor, are wondering not if, but when the Monster will appear. It’s not unlike how, in Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu (2024), you could feel Count Orlok’s presence, even when he isn’t there. 

The shadow cast by Elordi’s antihero is palpable, and if you love monster movies or deeply human tragedies, then you owe it to yourself to see Frankenstein on Netflix. And don’t be surprised when, come awards season, this film rakes in nominations for production design and adapted screenplay. It is, after all, the best and most faithful adaptation of Mary Shelley’s novel in some time. 

The Cat in the Hat is returning to the big screen in 2026 for the first time in 23 years. The anthropomorphic cat in a top hat and bowtie with a penchant for tricks and mischief is one of Dr. Seuss’ most famous characters. However, he’s also one of the trickiest to adapt to the screen.

The last movie adaptation, The Cat in the Hat (2003), was received so poorly that Dr. Seuss’ widow, Audrey Geisel, banned further live-action adaptations of the character. Hence, hopes and fears are high for the upcoming animated adaptation of The Cat in the Hat (2026). Viewers interested in catching up with The Cat in the Hat’s film and TV history can use our guide to find out how to watch his movies and shows on platforms like Peacock before the new film.

The Cat in the Hat (1971)

The Cat in the Hat (1971) is an animated TV special that follows the Cat in the Hat (Allan Sherman) as he drops in on siblings Sally (Pamelyn Ferdin) and Conrad (Tony Frazier), who are left home alone, and helps them have some fun. It’s a charming musical special that offers a vibrant adaptation of the source material. Spoken in Dr. Seuss’ signature rhymes and peppered with amusing musical numbers, The Cat in the Hat is an excellent, nostalgic cartoon.

Viewers today will still find the songs catchy and the Cat’s eccentricity amusing and charming. There are endless quotable lines and many vibrant, colorful scenes, making The Cat in the Hat a fairly accurate adaptation. Fans of early Dr. Seuss cartoon adaptations like How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) and The Lorax (1972) will especially enjoy this adaptation.

Dr. Seuss on the Loose (1973)

Dr. Seuss on the Loose is another animated TV special in which the Cat in the Hat (Sherman) hosts three Dr. Seuss stories: The Sneetches, The Zax, and Green Eggs and Ham. The Cat is hilarious as the host while the animated anthology delivers on three excellent Dr. Seuss stories. Its animation and songs are comparable to The Cat in the Hat (1971), but it offers more in the way of storytelling, capturing both humor and charming life lessons in each story.

The trio of tales works well together, putting two of Dr. Seuss’ more obscure stories with the wildly popular Green Eggs and Ham. They all share some thematic similarities and work well as a showcase of Dr. Seuss’ work. If you love animated musical anthologies of the ‘70s, like The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977), you’ll love Dr. Seuss on the Loose.

The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat (1982)

The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat is an animated TV special in which The Grinch (Bob Holt) and The Cat in the Hat (Mason Adams) cross paths with disastrous results. Between the crossover of two of Dr. Seuss’ most iconic creations and the fantastic songs by Sesame Street (1969) composer Joe Raposo, The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat is one of the best Cat in the Hat adaptations to date. It also boasts an original story that expands upon Dr. Seuss’ work in a refreshing, creative way.

The Cat in the Hat and The Grinch are an irresistible duo, thanks to their opposing personalities. Ultimately, The Grinch Grinches the Cat in Hat is an excellent, enjoyable, and cute animated special that is bound to stir nostalgia and comfort for modern viewers. 

The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss (1996-1998)

The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss is a puppet series that prominently features the Cat in the Hat (Bruce Lanoil and Martin P. Robinson). Season 1 takes on an anthology format similar to Dr. Seuss on the Loose, with the Cat hosting various Dr. Seuss stories, while Season 2 follows the Cat’s adventure in a fatherly role to his Little Cats. Produced by the Jim Henson Company, The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss is just as magical as one would anticipate a Henson and Seuss crossover to be.

The puppeteering is excellent, and the show is lighthearted, sweet, and filled with life lessons, making it perfect for families. It’s a wonderful mix of puppetry and animation with catchy tunes and memorable rhymes. Viewers who enjoyed Dr. Seuss on the Loose but are seeking something with a more The Muppets (2011) vibe will love The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss.

The Cat in the Hat (2003)

The Cat in the Hat (2003) follows the eponymous Cat (Mike Myers), who shows up to entertain the bored Sally (Dakota Fanning) and Conrad Walden (Spencer Breslin) while their parents run errands. There’s also an original subplot where the Walden family’s scheming, sleazy neighbor, Larry (Alec Baldwin), tries to marry Conrad and Sally’s mother to steal her wealth. Hence, the story takes on a bit of maturity, resulting in more slapstick and potty humor than the lighthearted mischief of the original story.

Despite poor reviews, including from Dr. Seuss’ family and estate, The Cat in the Hat isn’t a bad movie. So long as one isn’t expecting a faithful adaptation, they can enjoy the absurdity and oddball humor in this more original adaptation. Fans of the other highly divisive Dr. Seuss adaptation, How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), will want to give The Cat in the Hat a try.

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! (2010-2018)

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! Is an animated musical kids’ show that centers on the many adventures of the Cat (Martin Short) and his neighbors, Sally (Alexa Torrington and Halle Nunes) and Nick (Jacob Ewaniuk and Deandray Hamilton). It’s an excellent rendition of Dr. Seuss’ work, with the animation beautifully capturing his illustrations, making it feel like flipping through one of his books. Meanwhile, Short is the perfect choice to voice the whimsical, rhyming Cat.

In addition to offering a charming, nostalgic adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ work, The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! is also educational, incorporating a variety of fun scientific lessons in its episodes. If your kids love Dr. Seuss and are interested in educational shows like Sid the Science Kid (2008) that make learning fun, The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! is the show for them.

The Cat in the Hat (2026)

The Cat in the Hat is an upcoming animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ book of the same name. Aside from The Cat in the Hat (2003), it is the only feature-length adaptation of the work. In the film, The Cat (Bill Hader) works for the Institute for the Institution of Imagination and Inspiration, LLC, and takes on an assignment to help a young sibling pair adjust to their new town.

If successful, Warner Bros. intends to use it as the starting point for a shared cinematic universe of Dr. Seuss adaptations. Given the success of The Lorax (2012) and the promise of Hader’s voice acting and modern, innovative animation, The Cat in the Hat may prove a worthy adaptation. 

Bugonia (2025) is a delightful and dark satire that’s definitely worth checking out, but that doesn’t mean you should skip the wild Korean sci-fi comedy that inspired it. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, Bugonia focuses on Teddy Gatz, a conspiracy theorist who has become convinced that pharmaceutical company executive Michelle Fuller is actually an alien. Kidnapping Michelle and subjecting her to inhumane and bizarre tactics in an effort to get her to break, Teddy’s instability only escalates an already intense situation. 

Grimly hilarious and surprisingly emotional at times, Bugonia is one of the most bizarre Hollywood films of the year. However, it’s got nothing on Save the Green Planet! (2003), the Jang Joon-hwan film with much of the same plot. However, the unique elements of Save the Green Planet!, especially the more tragic character elements, make it a deeply memorable and strikingly timeless film about environmentalism and capitalism. Here’s how the modern South Korean classic inspired Bugonia, and why you should check out both films.

What Is 'Save the Green Planet!' About?

Directed and written by Jang Joon-hwan, Save the Green Planet! follows many of the same plot beats as Bugonia—their biggest differences come in the cultural touchstones and just how much weirder Save the Green Planet! is willing to be. The film focuses on Lee Byeong-gu, played by Shin Ha-kyun. Similar to Teddy, Byeong-gu is a disturbed man who has been personally wronged by the pharmaceutical company whose CEO he is targeting. However, Byeong-go goes through some even more ridiculous interrogation methods than Teddy does. 

This speaks to the overall harsher tone of the original film. While there’s a certain level of wackiness that comes with the material (like the bee murder and circus performers), there’s a dark underbelly at the core of the film. It doesn’t cast Byeong-gu as a hero, just like Bugonia resists any temptation to make Teddy necessarily likable. Save the Green Planet! highlights how, even in the face of death and destruction, everyone, from the bureaucracy and capitalist authority to the average worker and regular families, humanity has a habit of making things worse than actually fixing them.

How 'Save the Green Planet!' Inspired 'Bugonia'

Overall, this fits the more overtly strange approach that Joon-hwan takes to the material as opposed to Lanthimos’ version of the same story. In Bugonia, Teddy is helped out by his neurodivergent cousin Don, but in Save the Green Planet!, Byeong-gu works alongside his circus performer girlfriend, Su-ni. There’s a single prominent police officer in Bugonia, as opposed to the far more committed police force that tries to find Kang Man-shik after he's been kidnapped. In this film, the CEO is a man, with Bugonia adding new layers to the character by gender flipping the character. 

The film’s key similarities speak to the ways that Bugonia is a very faithful adaptation of the original. In fact, it is so specifically rooted in the original that the remake was almost directed by Joon-hwan. Development on the remake began in 2020, with Will Tracy—one of the screenwriters on the similarly compelling satire The Menu (2022)—writing the script. Many of the changes to the story, including the decision to gender-flip Kang into Michelle, were spurred on by Ari Aster. The Hereditary (2018) and Eddington (2025) director serves as a producer on the film and was key to bringing in Tracy. Joon-hwan was initially set to direct the English-language remake of his earlier work, but Lanthimos and Emma Stone eventually joined the film instead.. 

Is 'Save the Green Planet!' Worth Watching After 'Bugonia'?

Save the Green Planet! and Bugonia make for an interesting pairing, especially for those revisiting the original after seeing the remake. Bugonia is a more modern movie, with a clearer focus on the current state of the world. Save the Green Planet!, by contrast, is from an era where social media as we know it today was non-existent. However, it speaks to the enduring power of Save the Green Planet!’s central narrative that most of it could be accurately translated to Bugonia without losing the sardonic spirit of the original. It’s very much from the same style of South Korean satirical genre-dramas that produced Parasite (2019), and it’s a great movie for fans of that Oscar-winning modern classic.

Save the Green Planet! may be wackier than Bugonia at times, but this is only the surface-level element of the film. There’s a deeper satirical core that comes across harsher in Save the Green Planet! and more tragically in Bugonia. Both films are wildly entertaining and bolstered by terrific performances, along with genuinely shocking plot twists at the end of the films. If you liked Bugonia, then Save the Green Planet! makes for a compelling contrast to the film that was inspired by it. 

Underneath the long-stretching umbrella of fantasy is sword and sorcery. As a staple of the genre, these types of stories feature rugged heroes, armed with a blade, courage, and little else. Their missions are personal and frequently involve bloody vengeance. Unlike the high fantasy in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, sword and sorcery stories are intimate and down-to-earth despite the fantastical stakes. While they make for fun watches, the expected beats can become tiresome.

If you've watched Conan the Barbarian (1982) or Willow (1988) dozens of times, sword and sorcery might have lost its edge. Whether you want a subversion of the same tropes or something entirely different, here are 7 fantasy shows to watch if you're bored by the standard sword and sorcery fare and want something new to watch on Netflix, HBO Max, and other streamers. 

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (2023-Present)

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End isn't clear-cut sword and sorcery; it offers a unique subversion of many of the subgenre's best elements. Picking up decades after an epic showdown with the Demon King, the series follows Frieren (Atsumi Tanezaki/Mallorie Rodak), a near-immortal elf mage who begins to realize how different her life is compared to her human companions. Time moves differently for Frieren, and what's only a short while for her can literally be the entirety of her friends' lives.

Beautifully animated, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is an epic watch for any anime fan. However, its character-driven story, emotional beats, and deep exploration of existential themes make it a worthy addition to anyone's watchlist, especially if you like fantasy. As someone who generally avoids anime, Frieren is the exception, and it easily ranks among my favorite series of all time. The action isn't as bombastic as other sword and sorcery offerings, but Frieren's slower, contemplative moments are what make it so lovable and different.

The Witcher (2019-Present)

If you have Netflix, chances are you already know about The Witcher, which frequently wanders into the Top 10 whenever a new season drops. However, if you haven't tried it yet, consider changing that. The series, like the books and video games that inspired it, follows the titular Witcher Geralt, who must contend with mythical monsters and sinister humans. While it's pretty standard sword and sorcery at first glance, The Witcher offers darker plot points and more morally gray characters than you might expect.

Like Frieren, Geralt has a set of magical abilities that aid his monster hunting. If you like historically set shows with frequent action, like Spartacus (2010) or Black Sails (2014), The Witcher has a similar vibe, just with more worldbuilding and fantasy. Henry Cavill's departure in Season 3 might be jarring to some. However, Liam Hemsworth makes a compelling Geralt, depending on who you ask.

Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Game of Thrones is high fantasy. While that alone might be enough to convince audiences bored of sword and sorcery to watch, it still retains some of the subgenre's tropes… in case you're not quite ready to let it go entirely. Dripping with morally gray characters, Game of Thrones isn't just one hero's story. Really, it's about the world of Westeros and the many powerful families vying for power.

Well-rounded storytelling ensures you get to know all these characters intimately, giving it a more grounded sword and sorcery-esque appeal. Perhaps more mature than any other entry on this list, Game of Thrones has oodles of violence, dark themes, and nudity. It remains a cultural phenomenon for a reason, with each season inching toward the question you'll have from Episode 1: Who will sit on the Iron Throne? Don't let anyone tell you the final season "ruins" the series. Even with all its faults and fumbles in the end, Game of Thrones still ranks in my Top 10 favorite shows of all time.

Arcane (2021-2024)

Arcane is the answer for anyone wanting to fully turn their back on traditional medieval-style sword and sorcery. Set in the universe of Riot Games' League of Legends universe, this two-season series offers fantasy infused with steampunk energy and sci-fi sensibilities. Like Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Arcane also puts female protagonists at its center, as sister duo Vi (Hailee Steinfeld) and Jinx (Ella Purnell) become entangled in a battle between their native city and the growing power of Piltover.

In addition to magic, the characters also utilize modern tech, including weapons, techy gauntlets, and cybernetic arms. Truthfully, Arcane is experimental, but it works. The genre mash-up makes for a fun and emotional action-adventure that you don't come across every day. I want to compare it to The Legend of Korra (2012) or even Cyberpunk: Edgerunners (2022), but really, it belongs in its own category.

Into the Badlands (2015-2019)

Good luck putting Into the Badlands into just one genre. Like Arcane, the three-season series blends multiple genres to deliver a fantasy story equally steeped in sci-fi, martial arts, and dystopian elements. Set 500 years in the future, Into the Badlands puts an unlikely duo in the spotlight when a mighty warrior named Sunny (Daniel Wu) sets out on a long and dangerous journey with a teenage boy, M.K. (Aramis Knight).

M.K.'s supernatural powers give the series a "sorcery" feel, while Sunny's prowess with a sword will impress any sword and sorcery connoisseur. (Firearms are banned in this world, so don't expect any high-tech weapons to make an appearance. It's medieval-style weaponry or nothing.) Although fantasy purists might be disappointed with the show's futuristic setting, anyone searching for a subversion of the genre will get plenty of that and more.

Castlevania (2017-2021)

Castlevania falls into the sword and sorcery subgenre for two reasons: It has swords, and it has magic. However, the inclusion of gothic horror and supernatural powers places it in a unique category. Pulling from the famed video game series, Netflix's animated show follows Trevor Belmont (Richard Armitage) and Sypha Belnades (Alejandra Reynoso) on their quest to protect themselves and the Romanian region of Wallachia from Dracula (Graham McTavish). 

The four-season series offers a good balance of action, up-close-and-personal character moments, and some genuine horror. Don't let the animation fool you into thinking it's for kids. Castlevania is gory, violent, and chock-full of mature themes. If you ever thought, "I wish my fantasy had vampires," this one is for you. And, hey, even if that's never crossed your mind, the combination of fantasy and supernatural elements might be exactly what you need for your sword and sorcery slump.  

The Last Kingdom (2015-2022)

What makes The Last Kingdom different from the other entries on this list is its setting. Set in 9th and 10th-century England during the Viking invasions, this five-season series fits most comfortably into the historical drama category. That said, it carries an almost Arthurian vibe, with legendary weapons and dark magic.

Its political plotlines aren't quite as complicated as Game of Thrones; however, that's not necessarily a bad thing. For many, The Last Kingdom is easy to jump into, and Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon) makes one heck of a likable protagonist as he navigates complex feelings about his split Saxon and Viking roots. If you like action, you'll also get plenty of it. The Last Kingdom has some of the best (and most realistic) battles and swordfights around. 

A large part of the appeal of Netflix's Wednesday (2022)  is how it expertly balances young adult adventures with dark events through an efficiently palatable lens. It might not be appealing for those who prefer more outright horror. However, it can be a great segue for those who are scaredy-cats but still adore the original Addams Family films. It's spooky with paranormal twists and turns, but simultaneously, it's an interesting reflection of what it means to be a teen and go through human woes that feel surprisingly relatable.

More importantly, amid all its darkness, what makes Wednesday so delightful is that, at its core, it's a story about the lengths the titular character will go to protect those she loves. There aren't many TV shows that capture the same magic as Wednesday, but we've curated a list of five series that are just as delightfully dark, as well as where you can watch them on Netflix, Paramount+, and more. 

School Spirits (2023-Present)

School Spirits is Paramount+'s underrated hidden gem that follows a group of teens who died and became ghosts at Split River High School. While the school itself might not be as gloomy as Nevermore Academy, the series carefully takes on dark themes, such as grief, death, sexual assault, addiction, murder, and legacies. It especially shines because of its cast, led to perfection by Peyton List, but it's the character dynamics throughout that make it so special.

One of the ghosts, Sarah Yarkin's Rhonda, is particularly similar to Wednesday as a stoic icon, and the two would undoubtedly get along if they existed in the same space. Ultimately, School Spirits is full of haunts, young adult angst, and surprising moments of wholesome joy that can be specifically comforting for viewers who love Ghosts (2021). 

The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018-2020)

The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina might be the closest thing to Wednesday and the polar opposite of an original series like Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996). This one's especially perfect for anyone who loved Riverdale (2017), and it's best suited for viewers who want true witchy vibes. Kiernan Shipka consistently delivers an incredible performance, and like Jenna Ortega, she takes a beloved character and makes her completely unique. 

The series might not be suited for viewers who prefer dark vibes that aren't too scary, but it's still an absolute must-watch for how it handles spooky elements amid teenage woes. It's fun, extremely campy, and thoroughly enjoyable as a standalone series for newcomers or those who might be more familiar with the Archie comics. 

Stranger Things (2016-2025) 

As far as delightfully dark TV shows go, very few things top Stranger Things. It's not for the faint-hearted, but it's also still the type of show that every scaredy-cat can likely stomach. (If I can, so can you.) But more than anything, the darkness in Stranger Things is made better entirely because of the characters, and that's exactly what makes Wednesday great, too. We're seated for Jenna Ortega's perfect embodiment of the iconic character, and years from now, characters in Stranger Things will likely have a similar legacy.

Hawkins, Indiana, as a town, has similar vibes to Jericho, Vermont, and while the gothic elements might be swapped for more grotesque bits of horror, the locations feel like they can exist in the same place. More than anything, Stranger Things is, at its core, a series about friendships, so it's what makes every beat of the darkness delightful.  

Shadow and Bone (2021-2023)

Though it was unfortunately canceled after its second season, Shadow and Bone is a delightfully dark young adult fantasy that marries a rare magic system with real-world perils to make the series incredible. Based on the bestselling novels by Leigh Bardugo, the characters in Ravka, Ketterdam, and various other fictional locations are all twisted in some way, broken and bruised while trying to survive a shadow destruction created by Ben Barnes' the Darkling, a literal Shadow Summoner. 

With a perfect cast that embodies the book characters brilliantly, Shadow and Bone is a must-watch for viewers who love the unlikely friendships on Wednesday. Freddie Carter's Kaz Brekker, in many ways, is the male version of Wednesday Addams, which makes his role extra dark and delightful. While the series doesn't deal with classic monster lore as heavily as Wednesday does, it's still gruesome in its own way. 

Lockwood & Co. (2023)

Yet another series that was unfortunately canceled far too soon, Lockwood & Co. takes viewers through an alternate reality in London where ghosts roam freely and a group of teenagers are the ones tasked with ghost-hunting. The series became a fandom phenomenon for its found family vibes and wholesome character beats throughout the dark series, and it also garnered multiple campaigns for a renewal that sadly never happened.

Still, Lockwood & Co. is undoubtedly worth watching for the viewers who want a delightfully dark and spooky young adult series similar to Wednesday. In addition, like Wednesday, the series also explores mystery elements that the viewers uncover alongside the characters, making it a procedural of sorts. Ruby Stokes' Lucy Carlyle is just as memorable as a leading female character, and fans of the series thankfully also have Jonathan Stroud's books to turn to afterward. 

In 2000, Battle Royale shocked and delighted viewers with its brutal premise and young cast members. The film became a cultural phenomenon and executed its bloody premise so perfectly that works with similar premises are now known as the battle royale genre. 

This genre includes movies both before and after Battle Royale that include a select group of participants killing each other for a game, competition, or experiment until only one survivor remains. Viewers interested in the thrilling and brutal genre can use our guide to find the best battle royale movies on HBO Max, MGM+, and more.

The Running Man (1987)

Based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, The Running Man follows the wrongfully incarcerated Ben Richards (Arnold Schwarzenegger), who competes in the deadly Running Man competition, where he must survive numerous professional assassins to gain his freedom. The Running Man leans a little more into action than other battle royale movies, which tend to center on horror. However, the dystopian premise and Richards’ need to kill to survive make it one of the earlier battle royale movies.

Schwarzenegger makes quite the action hero out of Richards and owns the role so well that it's comparable to his iconic Terminator (1984) performance. The dystopian premise is executed with just enough resemblance to the modern day to add some eeriness and thoughtfulness to the movie. Fans of King’s other dystopian survival film, The Long Walk (2025), will especially be intrigued by The Running Man.

Mean Guns (1997)

Means Guns is another early battle royale movie in which crime syndicate member Vincent Moon (Ice-T) traps 100 people who have wronged the syndicate and forces them to fight each other to the death until only three remain. The film leans even more into action than The Running Man, since there isn’t much depth to the situation or the killings. Even so, it’s wildly entertaining as an extended, gory, gritty free-for-all with endless exciting action scenes.

Mean Guns is a little outlandish in its premise and a little bit corny in execution. However, it found a cult following among fans for its unusual and creative style. If you love never-ending action to the backdrop of mambo music, you’ll want to give Mean Guns a try.

Battle Royale (2000)

Battle Royale, the namesake of the battle royale genre, takes place in a totalitarian Japan where the government selects a random group of high school students and forces them to fight to the death until only one victor remains as an attempt to curb juvenile delinquency. The film is dark, bloody, and thought-provoking. While several “battle royale” movies came before it, Battle Royale particularly jarred viewers with the idea of youth being subjected to such violence and horror.

However, the grisly, gory violence isn’t just for thrills. Although the premise gets viewers’ adrenaline pumping and keeps them riveted with the suspense and tension, Battle Royale also stands out for its sharp satire of juvenile delinquency hysteria and adult paranoia. Fans of thought-provoking dystopian works centered on young characters, like The Long Walk and The Hunger Games (2012), will love Battle Royale.

The Hunger Games (2012)

The Hunger Games, based on Suzanne Collins’ book series of the same name, takes place in the dystopian world of Panem, where, to dissuade rebellion, the Capitol forces each of Panem’s 12 districts to give up a boy and a girl annually to fight to the death in the Hunger Games. Viewers follow Katniss Everdeen’s (Jennifer Lawrence) harrowing experience after she’s selected for the 74th Hunger Games. The Hunger Games bears some striking similarities to Battle Royale and The Long Walk.

It boasts a similar level of action, horror, and thrills as viewers watch the children fight for survival in brutal fashion. However, it also stands out for its sharper themes about oppression and authoritarianism. The political commentary on oligarchies and the gap between the rich and poor remains especially relevant today. The Hunger Games most closely parallels Squid Game (2021) in its excellent, engaging suspense and tension, as well as its sharp, clever commentary.

The Purge (2013)

The Purge takes place in an alternative America, where the New Founding Fathers attain power and enact the annual “Purge,” during which all crime, including murder, is legal for 12 hours, forcing many individuals and families to fight for survival. It’s a unique spin on the battle royale premise, moving away from the deadly competition trope and instead imagining a dark, grisly free-for-all period of lawlessness in which only the strongest will survive. The movie plays out a bit like a home-invasion thriller, centering on one wealthy family’s struggle to endure the night.

Like The Hunger Games and Squid Game, The Purge also offers some sharp political commentary, serving as an allegory for the divide between the rich and the poor and the government’s indifference to those disproportionately impacted by its policies. Although it sometimes loses sight of its allegory, it always maintains high intensity and suspense.

The Belko Experiment (2016)

The Belko Experiment centers on a group of employees at Belko Industries who find themselves trapped in a sadistic experiment in which they’re locked in the office building and forced to kill each other until only one remains. It feels like a cross between Mean Guns and Battle Royale, boasting the free-for-all, gruesome action of the former but also some of the moral quandaries of the latter. Although it boasts carnage similar to that of most movies on this list, it goes even darker than most.

Rather than focusing on oppression and survival, it seeks to tell a dark, disturbing tale of what human nature truly is when tested. Hence, it’s a little more uncomfortable, dark, and bleak than thrilling and tense. The gloomy atmosphere makes The Belko Experiment feel more like The Killing Room (2009). 

Assassination Nation (2018)

Assassination Nation tells the story of four girls who fight for survival against an angry mob in their small town after they’re framed for a series of hacks revealing residents’ dark secrets. Like The Purge, the movie offers a creative take on the battle royale premise. While Assassination Nation offers the usual thrill of a final, grand battle royale as the mob sparks an all-out fight to the death, it’s also distinct in utilizing a small-town riot as the medium for death rather than a competition.

Assassination Nation is also quite clever in its themes and ideas. It gives you a lot to think about in terms of secrets, the digital age, and hysteria, serving as a sort of modern-day spin on the Salem Witch Trials. Fans of dark horror comedies centered on hysteria, like Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022), will especially enjoy the darkly comedic Assassination Nation.

The Hunt (2020)

The Hunt centers on a group of wealthy, elite citizens who round up 12 working-class Americans and bring them to an isolated forest to hunt them for game. Although it starts as a Most Dangerous Game-esque movie, it quickly morphs into battle royale territory as one of the hunted decides to turn the tables on her hunters. Like The Purge and Assassination Nation, it’s a more unique take on the battle royale genre.

The Hunt also aims for political commentary, as director Craig Zobel intended it as an allegory of political polarization in the United States. It misses the mark a bit and struggles to be truly apolitical, but it is nonetheless a thought-provoking work for those interested in the current state of politics. Even if the political message misses the mark, The Hunt is still a bloody good time for viewers looking for a dark, brutal battle royale. 

There are so many streaming services out there, each with their own vast libraries of movies and TV shows ranging from recent releases to classics to wholly original content. That can make it difficult, overwhelming even, to pick what to watch.

That’s where our list of the top five movies and the top 5 TV shows viewers have been streaming comes in handy. Check out the list below to find out where you can watch the biggest movies and TV shows this week, available on HBO Max, Netflix, Peacock, and more.

5. Eddington (2025)

Divisive neo-western Eddington arrived on HBO Max this week after a theatrical release this summer. The film, written and directed by Ari Aster, tells the story of an incumbent mayor (Pedro Pascal) in a fictional New Mexico town running for re-election against the local sheriff (Joaquin Phoenix) in 2020 against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and the political and social unrest that followed. 

Aster is best known for horror. While Eddington may not be an actual horror film like Hereditary (2018) or Midsommar (2019), it’s no less scary, drawing from the not-so-distant past and problems like disinformation and politically-motivated violence that remain painfully relevant. However, critics and audiences have been divided on whether the film works as a satire or if it lacks the fresh insight to make it more than a hodgepodge of buzz words pulled from the headlines. If you’re interested in political satire or films that creatively use the western genre to tell contemporary stories, give Eddington a chance—just don’t expect to feel any better about the world afterward.

4. Wicked (2024)

Wicked is back near the top of the streaming charts this week, no doubt connected to its highly-anticipated sequel Wicked: For Good (2025), which releases in theaters on November 21. This first film, which adapts the first act of the long-running Broadway musical, introduces audiences to a new side of The Wizard of Oz (1939) by showing how Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) became the Wicked Witch of the West and her unlikely friendship with Glinda (Ariana Grande).

Whether you’re familiar with the source material or not, Wicked is a fantastic and joyful movie full of incredible songs and impressive performances from its star-studded cast, which also features Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, and Michelle Yeoh. Even if you don’t need a refresher before Wicked: For Good, the first movie is powerful, impressive, and simply fun to watch with plenty of Easter eggs and nods for longtime fans of the musical to enjoy.

3. Playdate

If you’re looking to watch a comedy, Playdate released on Prime Video on November 12, and it’s debuting at number three on this week’s list. It stars Kevin James and Alan Ritchson as stay-at-home dads who take their sons on a joint playdate that quickly takes a turn when the four are targeted by mercenaries.

Playdate has not been particularly well-received, with most critics slamming the movie’s weak writing, absurd plot twists, and uninspired action sequences, though some singled out Ritchson’s performance as a bright spot. If you like the kinds of mindless comedies Kevin James is best known for, including Grown Ups (2010) and Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009), you’ll probably have fun with Playdates so long as you know what to expect going in. Otherwise, you’re better off skipping this one.

2. The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)

Marvel’s first family finally joined the MCU this summer, and now you can watch The Fantastic Four: First Steps at home on Disney+. After releasing on streaming for the first time last week, the movie has moved up slightly from third to second place on this list. Set in a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world separate from the main MCU timeline, the movie sees the iconic quartet take on their greatest challenge yet: welcoming a new member.

First Steps revolves around Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal) and Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby) as they prepare to welcome their first child, only to have their son—and the fate of Earth—threatened by the planet-devouring entity Galactus (Ralph Ineson). Joined by Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Johnny Storm/Human Torch and Ben Grimm/The Thing, respectively, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a joyful celebration of family and Marvel comics that’s unique enough to cut through your superhero fatigue.

1. Frankenstein (2025)

Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein remains at the top of the streaming charts for a second week after coming to Netflix on November 7 following a limited theatrical release in mid-October. The latest reinterpretation of Mary Shelley’s groundbreaking 1818 novel, which stars Oscar Issac as Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as the creature he creates, delivers a more faithful adaptation of the original text than most, though there are some creative liberties, such as fleshing out Elizabeth (Mia Goth) and changing her character’s relationship with Victor. 

Above all else, Frankenstein does a brilliant job of humanizing the Creature, with Elordi’s performance deserving special mention. If you enjoy gothic movies that focus on atmosphere and character over horror, such as del Toro’s own Crimson Peak (2015), consider this a must-watch.

5. IT: Welcome to Derry (2025-Present)

It: Welcome to Derry dropped slightly from fourth to fifth place on the TV charts this week as its first season continues releasing on HBO and streaming on HBO Max. The latest entry in the It franchise serves as a prequel to It (2017) that dives into the origins of Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård) with a planned three seasons set in 1962, 1935, and 1908. Working backward, this season takes place in 1962, the last time Pennywise terrorized Derry, Maine, before the modern film adaptation.

So far, IT: Welcome To Derry looks to be a strong and terrifying addition to the franchise that’s made for anyone hungry for more Derry lore. The show doesn’t hold back on the blood or the frights, delivering terrifying moments that’ll delight It fans and deter the faint of heart. If you’re looking to keep the spooky season going, It: Welcome To Derry will disturb and delight.

4. Death by Lightning (2025)

New Netflix miniseries Death by Lightning released on November 6 and has made its way onto the streaming charts. The historical drama tells the story of James A. Garfield (Michael Shannon), 20th President of the United States, from his election in 1880 to his shooting and eventual death less than a year later by delusional former admirer Charles J. Guiteau (Matthew Macfadyen). 

If you’re at all interested in American history, consider Death by Lightning a must-watch. However, even if you’re not, the show’s writing and performances will get you hooked. It takes an era and president that have largely gone forgotten and reminds viewers of the humanity of those who came before us, the high stakes and personal sacrifices that come with public office, and what could have been if President Garfield, who was pro-civil rights and anti-corruption, had not been assassinated.

3. The Beast in Me (2025)

The Beast in Me is another new Netflix miniseries currently near the top of the streaming charts. A psychological thriller, the show stars Claire Danes as Aggie Wiggs, a successful author who struggles to write her next book after the death of her son. However, when Aggie meets new neighbor Nile Jarvis (Matthew Rhys), she sees a potential story in his dark past.

If you enjoy mystery series like Big Little Lies (2017) or Disclaimer (2024), you’ll enjoy the drama and intrigue of The Beast in Me. Danes and Rhys’ performances balance out any flaws in the writing, which sometimes falls into cliches. It may not be as shocking as other thrillers out there right now, including some to follow on this list, but perhaps that speaks more to the sheer volume of high-quality thrillers releasing right now than does about The Beast in Me.

2. All Her Fault (2025)

Peacock limited series All Her Fault released all eight episodes on November 6, and it has moved up slightly from third to second place on this week’s list. Based on a novel, the thriller stars Succession (2018) star Sarah Snook as Melissa, a mother whose life and marriage fall apart when her son disappears after a playdate. Dakota Fanning joins Snook as Jenny, a fellow mom who becomes Melissa’s unlikely ally.

If you like thrillers, All Her Fault delivers plenty of nail-biting tension and shocking turns that’ll have you wanting to binge it in one sitting. Some twists veer into the illogical, but it makes up for that with excellent performances, tight plotting, and a compelling premise that evokes every parents’ worst nightmares. 

1. Pluribus (2025-Present)

Breaking Bad (2008) creator Vince Gilligan’s new show on Apple TV remains number one for the second week in a row. Sci-fi thriller Pluribus stars Rhea Seehorn, known for her work as Kim Wexler in Better Call Saul (2015), as Carol Sturka, a jaded author who is one of just a handful of people on Earth left unaffected by an extraterrestrial virus that turns the rest of humanity into a terrifyingly happy hive mind.

Pluribus is a departure for Gilligan, who is best known for writing shows focused on genuinely bad people. Carol is far more relatable than Walter or Saul, being a decent person with typical flaws who is placed in a philosophical and ethical conundrum. With a premise that sounds like an episode of The Twilight Zone (1959), Pluribus looks to be essential viewing for anyone interested in thoughtful sci-fi that asks viewers to really think about humanity. 

Every long-running show or movie franchise eventually faces a choice—evolve or exaggerate. And sometimes, in that attempt to keep audiences hooked, creators fly just a little too close to the sun or, in one famous case, leap over a shark. The phrase "jump the shark" was born in 1977 on Happy Days, when Fonzie (leather jacket and all) literally jumped over a shark on water skis.

It was the moment fans realized the series had traded its soul for hype. Since then, the expression has become shorthand for when the magic of a franchise fades and desperation takes its place. For some, it's a single misguided episode. For others, it's a tonal shift that never goes away. And the entries on this list, which can be found on Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max, are definitely guilty of jumping the shark.

'Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers'  Went Too Supernatural

Halloween (1978) was the ultimate lesson in simplicity. A silent killer stalked and taunted a terrified babysitter with a haunting score to match. It was a perfect pick for horror purists who value atmosphere over gore. Then came Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995). The film introduced the "Thorn Cult," turning the once-mysterious Michael Myers into the product of a supernatural prophecy.

The boogeyman no longer haunted us just because he could. Instead, he had lore, symbols, and a backstory. And that, many argue, is where the franchise jumped the shark. The original works because it's primal. Once you start explaining the monster, the fear dims, and the mystery is essentially over. Still, horror fans who love chasing a genre's roots will enjoy it.

'Child's Play 3' Leaned Into Comedy, Not Scares 

The original Child's Play (1988) was delightfully terrifying, with a possessed doll named Chucky targeting a little boy and his mom while on the hunt for a human body to inhabit. It balanced suspense with twisted humor, appealing to horror fans who liked their scares with personality. But by Child's Play 3 (1991), the scares were traded for sarcasm.

Chucky moved to a military school, and the franchise began winking at itself. Later sequels leaned fully into parody, culminating in Bride of Chucky (1998) and Seed of Chucky (2004). Once the killer doll started mugging for the camera, the genuine menace was gone. However, the franchise forged through its ridiculousness and recovered some of its initial magic with Curse of Chucky in 2013.

'The Simpsons' Lost Its Edge In Season 9

There's no denying The Simpsons (1989) is one of television's greatest achievements. For its first eight seasons, the animated sitcom nailed a rare balance between razor-sharp satire and heartfelt family storytelling. It spoke to anyone who loved clever comedy that didn't talk down to its audience. But many fans agree that the Season 9 episode, "The Principal and the Pauper" (1997) was a turning point.

The revelation that Principal Skinner was actually an impostor named Armin Tamzarian felt like a betrayal of the characters and history fans had come to love. From there, the show became more self-referential. The writing leaned too heavily on celebrity cameos and high-concept plots. It's still entertaining, especially for longtime fans, but the bite has been dulled.

'The X-Files' Got Lost In Its Mythology 

Few shows captured alien paranoia quite like The X-Files (1993). Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully's investigations into government conspiracies and the paranormal gave us one of television's most addictive formulas. The show is still a great pick for viewers who love creepy thrills with an undercurrent of skepticism. But by Season 9, the chemistry that made the show iconic began to fade.

Episode 15, ironically titled "Jump the Shark" (2002), sealed the fate of fan-favorite side characters, The Lone Gunmen. Although the decision was later retconned for the comic book series, it underlined what had gone wrong with the show. The X-Files that once thrived on mystery had become tangled in its own mythology and was left spinning in confused circles.

'Furious 7' Became A Caricature Of The Franchise 

When The Fast and the Furious (2001) was originally all about underground street racing and loyalty. It spoke to underdogs and blue-collar thrill-seekers chasing freedom one quarter-mile at a time. But over the years, the series evolved from nitrous and neon to espionage and impossible physics. By Furious 7 (2015), the family wasn't just stealing cars, they were defying gravity.

When cars launched into space in F9 (2021), even the most devoted fans chuckled. The popular Vin Diesel-led franchise became a caricature of itself, but an incredibly fun one. Viewers just have to remember to check their logic at the door before hitting the play button on the remote. Still, people who love over-the-top action and found family stories will get a kick out of it.

'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Pushed Fans Far, Far Away

When Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) hit screens everyone was ready for another epic adventure in the iconic faraway galaxy. But as the sequel trilogy progressed, nostalgia started to outweigh narrative. Many argue the shark-jump point arrives either in the middle of the sequels or with the mishandling of original characters like Luke, Leia, and Han.

While The Force Awakens might work as a love letter to the original trilogy, the sequels lost their compass while searching for hyperdrive. With several new projects in the works, created to expand the galaxy, it's a good reminder of how fine the line is between homage and imitation. The sequel trilogy, in particular, is best suited for Star Wars devotees who can forgive a few hyperspace missteps. 

Amazon Prime Video’s hit Culpa Mia trilogy recently concluded with the release of Culpa Nuestra (2025). The first film, Culpa Mia, became one of the most popular movies on the streamer from 2023 to 2024, while 4,000 fans attended the sequel’s special premiere event in December 2024. Some may be surprised to learn this smash-hit series first came into being as a self-published Wattpad story by author Mercedes Ron.

However, Wattpad has produced numerous hidden gems, including several that went on to find mainstream success. Viewers interested in more romantic dramas that originated as Wattpad stories can use our guide to find the best ones on platforms like Prime Video, Netflix, and more.

The Kissing Booth Trilogy (2018-2021)

The Kissing Booth trilogy follows the turbulent relationship between Elle (Joey King) and Noah (Jacob Elordi), who also happens to be Elle’s best friend’s older brother. The series consistently topped Netflix’s streaming charts upon release and kick-started Elordi’s career. Its success is particularly impressive considering it started as a Wattpad story, written by author Beth Reekles when she was just 15. She posted the first novel chapter by chapter on Wattpad before securing a three-book deal with Penguin Random House.

The Kissing Booth trilogy is an excellent watch for fans of young adult romance in the vein of My Life With the Walter Boys (2023) and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018). The Kissing Booth and its sequel, The Kissing Booth 2, offer some fun escapism and juicy relationship woes, while The Kissing Booth 3 offers a more empowering tale of self-discovery and self-acceptance. 

After Series (2019-2023)

The After series consists of five movies tracking the relationship between Tessa (Josephine Langford) and Hardin (Hero Fiennes Tiffin), which becomes toxic over time. After and its sequels consistently found success at the box office, so much so that yet another sequel and a prequel are in development. The franchise began as a Wattpad series by Anna Todd. Drawing inspiration from One Direction and Harry Styles, she published the first three novels chapter by chapter on Wattpad, which became Wattpad’s most-read series with 2 billion reads.

The After movies are another excellent choice for fans of teen romance, especially those who are sticklers for the “good girl” meets “mysterious, brooding bad boy” trope. Although there is some toxicity in the relationship, the constant will-they-won’t-they and focus on an unstable, repetitive relationship give the series an addictive element. Fans of turbulent relationships, like those in Tell Me Lies (2020), will especially enjoy the After movies.

Anonymously Yours (2021)

Anonymously Yours is a rom-com that tells the amusing story of Val (Annie Cabello) and Alex (Ralf Morales), high school students who form an anonymous digital relationship, unaware that they know and dislike each other in person. Before it was a movie, Anonymously Yours began as a Wattpad book, Anónima, by Wendy Mora. The book gained traction and was soon published by Grupo Planeta before Netflix picked it up for a film adaptation.

Anonymously Yours is an excellent pick for viewers seeking a romance with a little more comedy and lightheartedness. With vibrant visuals and two charming leads, Anonymously Yours offers a wholesome, lovable teen romance alongside strong themes of finding oneself and pursuing one’s dreams. The lighthearted teen aspects make it similar to The Kissing Booth, though the comedy elements also parallel The DUFF (2015) and The Half of It (2020).

Through My Window Trilogy (2022-2024)

The Through My Window trilogy follows Raquel (Clara Gallo), who develops an obsession with her next-door neighbor Ares (Julio Peña), whom she frequently watches from her window but has never spoken to. All three movies in the trilogy hit Netflix’s global top 10 list upon release. The series began as a Wattpad story by Ari Godoy before Netflix adapted it into a film series.

The Through My Window and its sequels offer a darker and more provocative romance than The Kissing Booth and After, given the elements of stalking, obsession, and more prevalent sex scenes. However, they share the over-the-top nature of Culpa Mia, especially Through My Window: Looking At You, which offers some wild plot twists. Ultimately, fans of Fifty Shades of Grey (2015) will enjoy the more intense, darker Through My Window series.

Culpa Mia Trilogy (2023-2025)

The Culpa Mia trilogy centers on Noah (Nicole Wallace), a teenager who finds herself falling for her reckless, womanizing stepbrother, Nick (Gabriel Guevara). As mentioned above, the Culpa Mia trilogy was a hit on Prime Video, even leading to an English-language remake: My Fault: London (2025). Author Mercedes Ron began writing Culpa Mia on Wattpad in 2015, earning the Wattys Awards badge and a book deal with Penguin Random House.

The Culpa Mia trilogy is an exciting saga for romance fans, blending both romance and action. Culpa Mia hits the ground running with an over-the-top plot and “forbidden” romance, while Culpa Tuya and Culpa Nuestra elevate the drama, emotion, and dark aspects of the story. Fans of unconventional or step-sibling romances like Cruel Intentions (1999) will especially enjoy the Culpa Mia movies.

Float (2024)

Float tells the story of Waverly Liu (Andrea Bang), a young woman who takes a detour to a small town in Canada and quickly develops a strong connection with lifeguard Blake Hamilton (Robbie Amell). The film garnered attention after critics hailed it as the equivalent of a summer beach read. Float began as a Wattpad story by Kate Marchant, quickly attracting 20 million reads and entering Wattpad’s Paid Stories program before Collective Pictures picked it up.

Float is the perfect watch for viewers who can’t resist a good summer romance. The picturesque small town vibes and dreamy romance quickly hook viewers, while the heartfelt story of self-discovery and wholesome love keeps them engaged. Viewers who enjoy The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022) will especially like Float’s beachy premise and intriguing central romance.

Jeff Bridges is one of the biggest stars in Hollywood history, and his best films range from wild sci-fi to searing musical dramas. Born at the tail end of the 1940s in Los Angeles, Bridges established himself as a stand-out in the acting field alongside his father and brother. Gaining stardom in his early 20s thanks to a string of hits like The Last Picture Show (1971), Bridges has gone on to be one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars.

While some of his most famous performances are in blockbuster fare like Iron Man (2008) and Hell or High Water (2016), his greatest films have put more emphasis on his dramatic talents and comedic skills. Here are the 10 best Jeff Bridges movies and where to find them on HBO Max, Apple TV+, and Netflix.

10. Tron (1982)

One of Jeff Bridges’ most memorable strange films, Tron benefits a lot from the natural charms that the actor has perfected over a long and storied career. Bridges is dragged into a video game in the classic ‘80s sci-fi film, with a sense of earnest wonder, fitting in neatly alongside the visually striking creations of the Grid.

The two sequels Tron: Legacy (2010) and Tron: Ares (2025), both brought Bridges back, underscoring how the actor’s laid-back tenor as a creative rubbed off on the series in the best of ways. While the dated effects and retro approach to modern technology might throw some viewers, fans of ‘70s sci-fi like Logan’s Run (1976) or the original Star Wars (1977) should check this digital adventure out.

9. The Iceman Cometh (1973)

Based on Eugene O’Neill’s play of the same name, The Iceman Cometh is one of the best examples of Jeff Bridges’ talents as a young dramatic actor. Long before he became known as the Dude, Bridges impressed audiences and critics alike in films like this somber character drama.

Bridges plays Don Parritt, one of the pathetic men who find themselves celebrating the birthday of their local bar’s owner. Effectively a recorded play instead of a traditional film, The Iceman Cometh sees a young Bridges hold his own against legends like Lee Marvin and Fredric March. While it may not be for audiences looking for a laugh or a fast-paced story, the depth of The Iceman Cometh is the kind of character drama that fans of films like Mountainhead (2025) and Anemone (2025) should see. 

8. Bad Times at the El Royale (2018)

A wild crime thriller with an overwhelming amount of visual panache, Bad Times at the El Royale is a great contained character drama for fans of Quentin Tarantino movies like Reservoir Dogs (1992). Bridges stars as a priest with a secret, and one of many diverse people who have found themselves at a remote hotel in 1959.

Drew Goddard’s passion project is a blast, imbued with the same mix of fun abandon and genuine tension that made movies like Knives Out (2019) so much fun. Bridges, in particular, finds a lot of compelling dynamics while also infusing his character with a deft mix of sympathy and danger. Clever and compelling, the stylish touches of the film might bore audiences looking more for grounded thrillers, but this wild rollercoaster of a thriller is a neon-lit delight that only gets better on subsequent rewatches. 

7. Thunderbolt and Lightfoot (1974)

Bridges is often best when he has a more dramatic figure to bounce off of, and that’s the case in Thunderbolt and Lightfoot. Bridges plays a young car thief known as Lightfoot, who befriends a preacher after helping him escape an assassination attempt. Effectively a Guy Ritchie movie that gradually turns into something far more character-driven and tragic, Thunderbolt and Lightfoot is a great showcase for Bridges’ talent, both for natural comedy and dramatic gravitas as the younger contrast to Eastwood’s gradual darkness.

Bridges earned an Academy Award nomination for his work in the film, and fans of his more dramatic fare should make sure to check this one out. But be warned: This is from the same mold as The Town (2010), where the thriller elements are the surface level of a much more introspective crime drama.

6. Crazy Heart (2009)

The film that finally got Jeff Bridges an Academy Award for Best Actor, Crazy Heart is an emotional rollercoaster and perfect for anyone who loves a good musician drama. Pulling from the same introspective tone and focus on the majesty of music amid the realities of the modern world that made A Star is Born (2018) so compelling, Crazy Heart’s story is about a faded country music star who finds his musical spirit again after forming a relationship with a reporter and her son.

Crazy Heart is Bridges at his most soulful, depicting a beaten-down man who has nothing left to offer the world but himself. The film is a strong drama elevated by Bridges’ musical performance, adding a layer of emotional authenticity to the film’s soundtrack. A terrific film for people who enjoy Scott Cooper’s other introspective films like The Pale Blue Eye (2022) and Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere (2025), Crazy Heart is a stirring piece and a highlight of Bridges’ dramatic career.

5. The Fisher King (1991)

A bold and emotional film from Terry Gilliam, The Fisher King is an interesting example of Jeff Bridges pushing his persona too far into unlikable territory, all in the name of depicting a complex emotional redemption arc. Bridges plays a radio DJ in crisis, whose guilt over his jokes inadvertently spurring on a mass shooting, tries to redeem himself by helping a man whose mind was shattered in the aftermath. Opposite a perfectly cast Robin Williams, Bridges delivers one of his biggest and most emotional performances ever.

The film, as a whole, is a marvel from one of the minds behind Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), a visually grimy but undeniably romantic view of New York City that remains a highlight of both Williams and Bridges’ careers. While its themes about mental health, mass shootings, and displaced peoples can make it quit triggering, the movie is a powerful tale of empathy that fans of dramas like Being Human (1994) or Twinless (2025) need to see.

4. Fearless (1993)

One of Jeff Bridges’ most quiet and somber performances, Fearless only works because of the softer vibes that the actor brings to his roles. Based on the Rafael Yglesias novel of the same name, the film focuses on Bridges’ Max Klein, who is left a changed man after he miraculously survives a plane crash. Bridges plays a level of disconnect with the world around him, in a performance that could have been insufferable in the wrong hands but remains strangely compelling thanks to Bridges.

While some audiences may find Bridges’ big show of acceptance and grief in all their unexpected forms to be a bit pretentious, there’s a raw emotional core to Bridges’ work in Fearless that makes it a must-watch for fans of the actor’s more dramatic fare.

3. The Last Picture Show (1971)

The role that transformed a young Jeff Bridges from an up-and-coming talent into one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, The Last Picture Show is a powerful drama about the end of innocence in the middle of the 20th century. Timothy Bottoms, Cybill Shepherd, and Bridges all deliver heartbreaking performances in this quiet drama about two best friends who steadily drift apart while a small Texan town fades.

A powerful and unforgettable American tragedy, The Last Picture Show is the best film by Peter Bogdanovich and a classic of the New Hollywood movement. Audiences looking for a lot of laughs should look elsewhere, even if this film has just enough romanticism and humor to never feel too bleak. Painfully real in the kind of way films like Nebraska (2013) or Boogie Nights (1997) are, The Last Picture Show remains one of the best films of its era.

2. The Big Lebowski (1998)

Perhaps Jeff Bridges’ most iconic film, The Big Lebowski, remains a timeless comedy classic over a quarter century after it debuted. Bridges plays the Dude, an aimless and pleasant mid-90s bowler who finds himself wrapped up in a bizarre crime conspiracy. One of the funniest films the Coen Brothers have ever made, The Big Lebowski is a peer to their other films like O Brother, Where Are Thou? (2000) and Burn After Reading (2008).

A film about stupid people who think they’re in a more complex thriller, The Big Lebowski’s distinctive tone wouldn’t work without Bridges deadpanning his way through an increasingly absurdist Los Angeles take on a crime caper. Unforgettable, strange, and with a pitch-perfect blend of black comedy and profane turns, The Big Lebowski is a nearly perfect comedy of errors from masters of the genre who made Fargo (1996).

1. True Grit (2010)

The best film in Jeff Bridges’ filmography and one of the most compelling movies ever made by the Coen Brothers, True Grit is the most compelling and entertaining western of the 21st century. A remake of John Wayne’s True Grit, Bridges is a perfectly gruff Marshal Cogburn opposite a precocious Hailee Steinfeld’s Mattie. Somewhere between Unforgiven (1992) and Little Miss Sunshine (2006), True Grit is a perfect blend of brutal western aesthetics and Coen Brothers-style bizarro comedy, with one of the best endings in western history.

Fans of Bridges will adore his performance in this movie, delivering a one-of-a-kind gruff sentimentality that makes for one of the best genre turns the actor has ever made. A highlight of the genre, True Grit is the best Jeff Bridges movie. Period.