Twenty years after the debut of the American version of The Office, series creator Greg Daniels returns to the world that spearheaded the workplace comedy mockumentary with The Paper. Co-created with Michael Koman, The Paper trades a paper company in Scranton for a local newspaper in Toledo as new editor-in-chief Ned Sampson (Domhnall Gleeson) tries to restore the Toledo Truth Teller to its former glory.

On top of the comedy you expect from a show with so much Office DNA, The Paper makes a clear statement regarding the importance of local news and civic participation. It doesn’t shy away from the serious issues impacting journalism, but it balances the painfully real with an overall optimistic worldview. The Paper is a show about good people doing important work, often with hilarious results, so if you’re looking for more comedies that reject cynicism, these shows will help restore your faith in humanity. Look to Peacock, Apple TV+, and more to kick off your next binge watch. 

The Paper (2025-Present)

The new Peacock series quickly distinguishes itself from The Office, focusing on an idealistic new boss with big ideas and a staff that really needs his guidance. Ned doesn’t just help the Toledo Truth Teller (TTT) staff develop their journalism skills; he also gives viewers important lessons on media literacy and journalistic ethics.

The Paper does for the humble local newspaper what Anchorman (particularly, its sequel, Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues) did for broadcast journalism, pointing out the sensationalization of trivial stories and the crucial importance of good reporting in exposing corruption and holding the powerful accountable. The first season’s arc shows the TTT transform from a glorified gossip rag to a source for important local stories, and I for one can’t wait to see where The Paper goes next. Without spoiling anything, I’ll say fans of The Office need to at least start the Pilot, and if you love heartfelt comedies about decent people doing good work with the odds stacked against them, you might just find yourself binging the entire first season.

The Office (2005-2013)

If you’re interested in The Paper, odds are you’ve already seen The Office, probably more than once, too. There’s not much that hasn’t already been said about the American Office. The series revolutionized TV comedy in a variety of ways, from its single camera format to focusing on subtle jokes, visual gags, and reactions over the bombastic laughlines of most multi-camera sitcoms. 

The Paper has some obvious connections to The Office, including a surprise appearance from a familiar face that kicks off the series and the return of Oscar (Oscar Nunez) as a series regular. (Keep an eye on his desk for a subtle but touching callback to “Goodbye, Michael.”) And while The Paper is clearly charting its own course, it has the potential to match its predecessor in heart. The Office, ultimately, is a show about finding beauty in unexpected places and rooting for the underdog. If that, plus plenty of pranks, reaction shots, and “that’s what she said” jokes, appeal to you, then there’s a place for you at Dunder Mifflin Scranton.

Ted Lasso (2020-Present)

Few shows have as much heart as Ted Lasso, which follows an American football coach (Jason Sudeikis) who is hired to coach a British soccer team. While Ted is initially hired to bring the team down with his inexperience and complete lack of soccer knowledge, his Midwestern-style folksy optimism and compassion leads A.F.C. Richmond to victory.

In an age where so much comedy is cynical, Ted Lasso plants itself firmly on the side of kindness, though it may veer too far into sentimentality for some viewers. If you appreciated The Paper’s optimistic and uplifting tone, Ted Lasso is another comedy you can believe in.

Parks and Recreation (2009-2015)

Also created by Greg Daniels, this time with The Office and Saturday Night Live writer Michael Schur, Parks and Recreation is a workplace mockumentary focused on local government employees. It centers on Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), a passionate mid-level bureaucrat dedicated to making her hometown of Pawnee, Indiana a better place, no matter how many obstacles she faces.

Just like The Paper’s Ned Sampson, Leslie can be idealistic to a fault, but she always backs her words up with action, showing the naysayers what good leadership and hard work can accomplish. With its focus on community, charming Midwestern setting, and a protagonist who makes you believe anything is possible, Parks and Recreation is the perfect show for fans of The Paper.

The Good Place (2016-2020)

No one mixes feel-good comedy with philosophical depth like Michael Schur, and no show exemplifies this more than The Good Place. Over the course of four seasons, what starts out as a show about a woman (Kristen Bell) arriving in the afterlife in a case of mistaken identity becomes a profound study in what it means to be a good person and what we owe one another as human beings.

Just as Ned teaches the TTT staff Journalism 101, Chidi (William Jackson Harper) teaches Bell’s Eleanor introductory ethics, referring to moral philosophers ranging from Plato to Derek Parfit and making their complex ideas digestible for wider audiences. It’s hard to say much else about The Good Place without spoiling the first season’s big twist, which you absolutely do not want spoiled if you don’t know it already, so I will just say that it’s a must-watch for anyone who likes comedy that gives them plenty to think about after the credits roll.

Abbott Elementary (2021-Present)

Few network TV shows in recent years have made much of a mark, but Abbott Elementary is a major exception. The mockumentary focuses on teachers at a predominantly Black public school in Philadelphia who are trying their best to help their students despite working in a massively underfunded and mismanaged district. The show doesn’t shy away from the serious issues with the American education system and their impact on teachers and students, but it still absolutely delivers on the comedy front with stellar writing and performances.

Series creator and star Quinta Brunson plays a Ned Sampson or Leslie Knope-like upbeat protagonist, but if you love brash and glamorous characters like The Paper’s Esmeralda Grand (Sabrina Impacciatore), then you need to meet Abbott principal Ava Coleman (Janelle James). Particularly in early seasons, Ava shares Esmeralda’s penchant for speaking her mind, no matter how tone-deaf and standing in the way of her more idealistic colleagues. However, she also grows into her position as the series goes on, proving wrong anyone who still thinks sitcom characters need to remain static to stay funny. While some viewers may find it a bit preachy at times, Abbott Elementary is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys the mockumentary format and wants a show that manages to feel both familiar and fresh.

A Man on the Inside (2024-Present)

Reuniting The Good Place creator Michael Schur with star Ted Danson, Netflix’s A Man on the Inside follows retiree and widower Charles Nieuwendyk (Danson) as he goes undercover in a retirement home to help a private investigator investigate a theft. It’s a fun premise for a mystery, one that leads to plenty of hilarious hijinks, but like other Schur shows, it tackles some serious and underdiscussed topics. 

At the start of the show, Charles is stuck in a lonely routine after losing his wife to Alzheimer's, disconnecting from the world and his daughter Emily (Mary Elizabeth Ellis), a story that is all too common among older adults. However, working the case and living at Pacific View Retirement Community gives Charles a new lease on life, reminding viewers of the importance of human connection. A Man on the Inside may hit too close to home for those who have cared for or watched older relatives decline with age, but the sitcom is an entertaining and powerful option for those who care about the kinds of underrepresented stories that outlets like the Toledo Truth Teller seek to shed light on.

The Dora the Explorer franchise is still expanding over 25 years after the original series premiered. Dora captured the hearts of viewers in 2000 with her educational children’s show, where she went on exciting adventures and taught viewers Spanish.

Recently, the franchise enjoyed its second live-action movie with Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado and is still going strong with Dora, the computer-animated reboot of the original series. Viewers interested in catching up on the franchise can use our guide to find every Dora the Explorer TV show and movie in release date order on platforms like Paramount+ and more.

Dora the Explorer (2000-2019)

There are few better educational shows for preschoolers than Dora the Explorer. It’s one of only a few shows that seek to teach children a different language. While it may not make one fluent in Spanish, it definitely lays a strong foundation for children to develop an interest in language learning and exploring and understanding other cultures, while also including lessons in counting, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Dora is also an excellent role model with her adventurous, curious, and spunky personality. The show is reminiscent of Pocoyo, given its highly interactive nature and targeting of very young viewers, while also boasting a similar emphasis on culture and language as Ni Hao, Kai-Lan. Viewers can’t go wrong with Dora the Explorer when selecting an educational show for their preschoolers.

Go, Diego, Go! (2005-2013)

Go, Diego, Go! is a must-see educational show for viewers with youngsters who love animals. Similar to its predecessor, Go, Diego, Go! Includes some Spanish lessons from Dora’s cousin, Diego. However, its prime focus is educating children about animals. Each episode focuses on a different species, teaching children how to identify them and about their habitats and behaviors. 

It’s beneficial for parents hoping to instill love for and a gentle attitude toward animals in their children. If you have children who have shown any interest in animals and enjoy other animal-centered shows like Octonauts and Wild Kratts, you need to give Go, Diego, Go a try.

Dora and Friends: Into the City! (2014-2017)

Dora and Friends: Into the City! ages up Dora the Explorer a bit for elementary-aged children. Older children will likely relate more to the series because it focuses on Dora's experience attending school in the city. The show also modernizes itself for contemporary fans as Dora utilizes more modern tools for her adventure, like a smartphone map app.

Since it's for older audiences, the show gets a little more complex in its Spanish lessons than Dora the Explorer, teaching complete phrases and sentences rather than single words. Dora and Friends: Into the City! is the perfect transition from Dora the Explorer to elementary-aged shows, boasting the same lovable characters and spirit but with a bit of complexity. It has the maturity and diversity of shows like Elena of Avalor, but with a little more nostalgia.

Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019)

Dora and the Lost City of Gold is a live-action movie inspired by Dora the Explorer. Unlike most Dora the Explorer shows, the film appeals to a broader audience. It’s family-friendly enough for children and current fans of Dora, while also appealing to its former fans, who are now teens and adults, by debuting a high school-aged Dora (Isabela Merced).

Dora and the Lost City of Gold is a worthy Dora the Explorer adaptation, filled with nostalgia and adventure, but it also stands on its own. Viewers will want to see Dora and the Lost City of Gold if they’re Dora the Explorer fans or just looking for a family-friendly adventure reminiscent of The Goonies or Jumanji.

Dora (2024-Present)

Dora is a reboot of the original Dora the Explorer series. The series noticeably modernizes itself with stunning 3D computer animation, shorter runtimes, and even more cultural awareness. While Dora’s updated look is exciting, it is still familiar and nostalgic enough to be comforting to Dora the Explorer fans.

The series goes back to the original show’s roots by targeting preschool-aged children with its Spanish and problem-solving episodes. Older audiences may also appreciate the faster pace, shorter episodes, and heightened comedy and excitement. It’s the perfect show for parents searching for an educational and diverse, kid-friendly series with enough episodes to help keep screen time down.

Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado (2025)

Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado is a reboot rather than a sequel to Dora and the Lost City of Gold. While it’s a reboot, it retains the first live-action film’s family-friendly blend of action and adventure. It has a swashbuckling tone, educational value in its exploration of Inca culture, and, of course, heavy nostalgia for Dora the Explorer fans.

If you’re looking for a film that evokes the same sense of adventure as Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom or The Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, but that you know is perfectly safe for kids of all ages, you can’t go wrong with Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado.

It's hard to pinpoint what it is about whodunnits or certain murder mysteries that makes them comforting, but when well written, well cast, and set in a specifically charming location, every part of it feels cozy. The feeling is a mystery in and of itself, but it almost feels like every kid who grew up loving shows like Scooby Doo: Where Are You! is now obsessed with whip-smart whodunnits that make us laugh while keeping us glued to our screens in order to unveil the culprit. Or maybe it's because Clue was always one of our favorite board games. Who knows? As a genre, mysteries are so broad that it's nearly impossible to narrow them down to lists. Whether it's dark and heavy true crime-centered procedurals or lighthearted ones, they're each revered for a reason. 

Netflix's The Thursday Murder Club is the latest gem added to the list of cozy murder mysteries that explores an unconventional group of people meeting once a week to unpack a crime that's keeping them up. Based on the bestselling novels by Richard Osman, the retirees, starring Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, Celia Imrie, and more, make up the kind of eccentric group that is easy to adore and genuinely precious. The film is a delight from start to finish, with a quaint English setting in Kent making every beat feel especially charming. Rich with nuance, quintessentially British, and well-written, the film is perfect for viewers wanting an easy escape.

Now, whether it's centering the film around a demographic we don't often see on our screens or doing something uniquely clever with the plot, here are some of the coziest murder mysteries to watch after The Thursday Murder Club. 

Murder, She Wrote (1984-1996)

Even if you've never seen Murder, She Wrote, you've heard the title, and you can likely note that it stars Angela Lansbury. The series is synonymous with cozy mysteries because right from the start, even with every poster, there's something indescribably cozy about Lansbury's face and her presence. The idea of an older woman solving crimes is precious. However, it's only viewers who've watched the series who know exactly how charming it is, with heart sprinkled into every frame, beginning right from the pilot episode.

The idyllic town of Cabot Cove, the sharp dialogue, the riveting characterizations, everything about Murder, She Wrote equates to cozy because the series allows itself to be silly and serious simultaneously. It's not trying to be anything but a character-driven narrative with thoughtfully executed plot points that leave viewers invested. But, more importantly, we're all just here for Jessica Fletcher.

Clue (1985)

Based on the beloved board game, the '80s film adaptation of Clue is near-perfect. Hilarious, incredibly quotable still to this day, and undoubtedly cozy despite the obvious murder, it's the kind of film that not only holds up but somehow feels fresh with every rewatch. Starring legends like Tim Curry, Madeline Kahn, Colleen Camp, Lesley Ann Warren, Eileen Brennan, Christopher Lloyd, Michael McKean, and Martin Mull, the cast alone makes an unquestionable treasure. There's also something especially comforting about the fact that it rains in the film, and for viewers who find the specific weather to be comforting, Clue delivers on that front.

However, unlike in The Thursday Murder Club, the characters in Clue aren't friends, nor do they like each other, yet the film still evokes something joyous at every turn. The animosity isn't anxiety-inducing, but rather so ridiculous that the journey alone at this dinner party is worth the investment. In large part, it's because every performer is still, to this day, the type of star who lights up every scene they're in. The acting is so tremendous and so genuinely funny that it contributes to the film's charm in a way that cannot be replicated. The setting also evokes a type of strange warmth that again could be tied to the game's legacy and the escapism. 

Only Murders in the Building (2021-Present)

In more ways than one, Only Murders in the Building is the TV version of The Thursday Murder Club. Except there's a podcast and one of the best intergenerational friendships that's ever graced our screens. The series was always bound to be a winner with comedy legends like Martin Short and Steve Martin at the helm, but add in a capable actress like Selena Gomez, and for five seasons, it continues to deliver one intriguing mystery after another, with these podcast hosts trying to make it through another season.

Only Murders in the Building is a deeply special show that beautifully explores friendships and takes place in a specific setting that feels like a character in and of itself. The Arconia, in every way, is the fourth most important character of the series, allowing the narrative to shine in a way that feels especially cozy. Hotels are comfortable, yes, but they aren't exactly cozy, yet for every person who loves movies like Eloise at the Plaza, there's something about the Arconia that evokes the same sense of lovely and blanketing security that makes it feel like a home. Whether it's scenic shots of New York in the background or the whimsical opening theme and every genuinely hilarious joke that's perfect for all demographics, Only Murders in the Building is the epitome of a cozy mystery.

Knives Out (2019)

Rian Johnson's Knives Out kickstarted Benoit Blanc's adventures in a compelling manner. As fans eagerly wait for the third installment, Wake Up Dead Man, the original film is not only perfect for people who love cozy whodunnits but also for those who appreciate autumn as a season. Full of tremendous stars in a dispute over their late father's will and a breakout performance from Ana de Armas, as well as a knockout from Daniel Craig, even while Knives Out is twisted, it's still deliciously satisfying and cozy. 

The opening scene, along with various quintessentially autumn shots, and the grand Thrombey Estate, adds a layer of coziness that really can only work in this genre and for viewers who already appreciate it. More than anything, the Knives Out films stand out because of Blanc's gentle goodness, which showcases how detectives should be in moments of human fragility. It's clever, funny, and eerily shot, making it the kind of movie that's sure to bring old and new fans into the cozy crime genre.

A Man on the Inside (2024-Present)

One of the reasons why The Thursday Murder Club is as cozy as it is is that it centers around an age demographic we don't always see on our TV screens. With ageism a prominent issue in the media, it's always delightful and profoundly refreshing to watch shows that could maybe remind us of our own parents and grandparents. As a Mike Schur property, A Man on the Inside not only features Schur's signature wholesome storytelling and thoughtful characterizations, but it also involves a gripping mystery.

Schur is especially great at crafting lasting friendships and delivering strong character moments that touch on the complexities of humanity. There's a gentleness to the way he approaches every situation, and placing Ted Danson at the heart of a series that centers around a nursing home is a genius move to show viewers an especially rare setting on TV. A Man on the Inside is not only brimming with tremendous heart for this very reason, but the case itself is compelling, making the entire series as cozy as it is deeply heartfelt.

See How They Run (2022)

There's a reason laughter is the best medicine, and it's also a deeply healthy act to poke fun at ourselves, which is why the meta approach in See How They Run makes it such a cozy whodunnit. Starring Saoirse Ronan and Sam Rockwell, the film takes Agatha Christie's renowned The Mousetrap, but centers the entire plot of the film around a murder that also acknowledges every known trope in the genre expertly. With incredible performances from the whole cast, the London-based film is a sharp and delightful joyride for anyone who loves whodunnits, or even those who might be new to the genre.

Like many films of this genre, much of the coziness in See How They Run comes from the expected moments of human compassion that rise to the surface of two detectives trying to crack the case. There's also the fact that the film is a period piece, allowing it to feel like an escape for viewers who prefer a classic feel, as opposed to the present time. 

Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries (2012-2015)

As another period piece, every detail in Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries is not only cozy and comforting, but it's also so stylishly stunning that there are few things like it on air. Because of her easy confidence, realistic approach to various matters, and sharpness, Essie Davis' Phryne Fisher is the type of character who simply evokes comfort wherever she goes. She's a no-nonsense progressive woman, dealing with an uptight, grumpy detective and trying to make a name for herself, making the series as significant as it is comforting. 

It's an especially great series to watch for viewers who want a little romance sprinkled into their murder mystery genre because everything that the show delivers with Phryne and Jack (Nathan Page) is deliciously fun and easy to root for. Like Murder, She Wrote, a large part of the show's appeal comes from the characters, making the cases intriguing because of how they approach them and everything they do to crack them. Gorgeously shot and well-written, the series and the subsequent movie, Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears, are as cozy as they are clever.

Enola Holmes (2020)

Everyone knows the name Sherlock Holmes, but few know Enola. For a brand new generation wanting a gateway into the world of mysteries and the legendary detectives, the world of Enola Holmes is a sweet and delightful means to start. Millie Bobby Brown delivers a fantastic performance, and with Henry Cavill, plus Sam Claflin, everything works seamlessly to create an exciting new world for an entirely new generation of detective aficionados.

With a quirky and joyous score from Daniel Pemberton, stylistic directing from Harry Bradbeer, and a sharp screenplay from Jack Thorne, Nancy Springer, and Arthur Conan Doyle, the film is a cozy and comforting joy ride. It's an all-around amusing escape, with the second film, Enola Holmes 2, diving into more progressive matters to showcase the importance of equality for women in the fields they want to work in. 

Mckenna Grace is one of Hollywood’s fastest rising young stars. Within the next year alone, she will enter the Scream, Hunger Games, Five Nights at Freddy’s, and Paw Patrol franchises while also leading the highly anticipated Colleen Hoover adaptation, Regretting You.

It’s not surprising that Grace is in high demand in Hollywood, considering her impressive filmography. From portraying young Margot Robbie and young Brie Larson to carrying on the Ghostbusters legacy, here are the best McKenna Grace movies and TV shows, listed in order of release date, on platforms like Hulu, Netflix, and more.

Fuller House (2016-2020)

Fuller House serves as the continuation of the hit sitcom, Full House. Grace appears in the series in the recurring role of Rose Harbenberger, the love interest of Max Fuller (Elias Harger). 

Grace’s role and her chemistry with Max are bound to bring a smile to your face as they capture the innocence and earnestness of young love. Their story is in line with the overall vibe of Fuller House as it emphasizes a wholesome, humorous depiction of a lovable family. Fuller House is bound to raise nostalgia for wholesome late ‘80s sitcoms like Full House and The Wonder Years. So, if you like those, you’ll most definitely like this.

Gifted (2017)

Gifted marked Grace’s breakthrough role and proved her abilities as a leading actress. She stars in the film as a child prodigy whose immense talent threatens to separate her from her uncle and guardian Frank (Chris Evans).

Grace, rightfully, earned a Critics' Choice nomination for Best Actress. Her character perfectly captures the unique challenges of gifted children while still driving home the point that they are just like any child when it comes to the need for connection and love. Gifted is for anyone who likes emotional and inspiring films reminiscent of A Brilliant Young Mind.

The Handmaid’s Tale (2017-2025)

Grace boasts a recurring role in The Handmaid’s Tale Seasons 4 and 5 as Esther Keyes. Keyes is one of Grace’s heaviest roles, as she’s a victim of child marriage. By her teens, she’s vengeful and fueled by rage, making her a formidable Mayday asset.

In many ways, her character’s story pinpoints why The Handmaid’s Tale is so compelling. It doesn’t shy away from the dark realities of the treatment of women and children, showcasing a fictional dystopian world that sometimes eerily parallels reality. The Handmaid’s Tale is difficult to watch but rewarding for those up for the challenge and willing to learn from it.

Young Sheldon (2017-2024)

Grace has a knack for portraying gifted children, which is why she was perfect for the role of Paige Swanson in Young Sheldon, a child prodigy who rivals Sheldon Cooper (Iain Armitage). She’s the ideal foil for Sheldon, paralleling his intelligence but also boasting high social skills and a rebellious nature.

Young Sheldon is an excellent prequel to The Big Bang Theory, tackling the childhood of its most iconic character with a little more drama, warmth, and family-friendly humor. Fans of The Big Bang Theory and contemporary family sitcoms like Modern Family will love Young Sheldon. 

I, Tonya (2017)

I, Tonya tells the story of ice skater Tonya Harding, a role shared between Margot Robbie, who plays the adult Harding, and Grace, who portrays young Harding. Grace performs the role of young Harding incredibly well, capturing her spunk and talent, but also the sadness of her childhood.

The film is excellent for fans of biopics, especially those of divisive figures, such as Oppenheimer or The Wolf of Wall Street. It’s not a tale of a larger-than-life figure, but of a talented and misunderstood woman, as I, Tonya, seeks to offer audiences a different perspective of her than the media.

The Haunting of Hill House (2018)

In The Haunting of Hill House, Grace shares the role of the psychic Theodora Crain with scream queen Kate Siegel. The pair make up one of the five Crain siblings, who, as adults, struggle to confront their past growing up in a haunted house. Grace shines as Theodora, depicting a wisdom beyond her years as she reflects the child burdened with an unusual gift. 

The Haunting of Hill House is a must-see for fans of the haunted house subgenre. It beautifully blends drama, family tragedy, and horror to create a complex and compelling narrative. The suspense and premise are perfect for viewers who enjoy horror as a medium to tackle stories of grief and trauma. 

Captain Marvel (2019)

Grace has a small role in Captain Marvel as young Carol Danvers, while Brie Larson portrays the adult Captain Marvel. Although her role is small, it’s impactful, as the movie uses a montage of moments from young Danvers’ life to highlight her grit and determination to get back up every time she’s knocked down.

Captain Marvel has elements of a standard MCU movie with its origin story formula and action-packed premise, but it also feels refreshing in that it’s the very first female-led film in the franchise. The film also goes deep into ‘90s nostalgia and thrives off the comedic banter between Danvers and Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), making it a top-notch movie for superhero fans.

Malignant (2021)

Grace boasts a small role in the horror film Malignant as the young version of Madison Mitchell, who is portrayed as an adult by Annabelle Wallis. While her role is small, it also constitutes the biggest twist of the movie and allows Grace to show off her scream queen potential.

Viewers who loved James Wan’s Insidious movies will love his directing in Malignant. Like most of his horror movies, it boasts a distinctive Wan twist and sometimes bonkers premise that still manages to evoke fear and dread. It’s an excellent pick for fans of somewhat campy but entertaining horror movies.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)

Ghostbusters: Afterlife marks the long-awaited sequel to Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II and succeeds in being a worthy continuation of the story. Grace boasts the lead role of Phoebe, the granddaughter of Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis), who is most passionate about continuing his ghostbusting legacy. Phoebe is spunky, fierce, intelligent, and definitely has a good dose of Spengler in her.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife is both a fun continuation of the franchise that introduces the next Ghostbusters generation, as well as a heartfelt tribute to Ramis that will satisfy Ghostbuster fans and leave them excited for the franchise’s future.

A Friend of the Family (2022)

A Friend of the Family marks another one of Grace’s heavier roles as the series tells the true story of Jan Broberg, who was kidnapped multiple times by a family “friend.” Grace stars as the teenage Broberg and offers a mesmerizing performance as a vulnerable child navigating the trauma of abuse and psychological manipulation.

Similar to The Handmaid’s Tale, A Friend of the Family is a complex but necessary watch, raising awareness for the manipulation and tactics of predators and serving as an effective medium for Broberg to continue telling her story. If you like true crime dramatizations, A Friend of the Family will delight and shock you.

The DuckTales franchise has been a beacon of cartoon adventure for the longest time, thanks to its iconic "Woo‑oo!" theme that wormed its way into our memory and Scrooge McDuck's instantly recognizable silhouette. The original 1987 series was filled with globetrotting treasure hunts, lovable rogues, and the kind of irresistible charm that everyone still loves today.

The 2017 reboot instantly re-energized the cartoon and quickly became a streaming favorite on Disney+, widely praised as one of the best revivals of a classic. With it still a streaming favorite, let's dive into the entire DuckTales universe, listed in release date order, and discover why each entry still wows us.

DuckTales (1987-1990)

The original DuckTales follows globetrotting billionaire Scrooge McDuck on wild quests with his nephews, Huey, Dewey, Louie, and dependable pilot Launchpad McQuack. From haunted pyramids to sunken ships, every episode blends adventure with humor, heart, and silliness. It found the perfect balance of excitement and family fun, elevating Disney television animation in the late ‘80s and inspiring quite a few spin-off series. 

Critics celebrated its animation style and witty pacing, while fans came for the theme song and stayed for the characters. If you love imaginative storytelling, like Adventures of the Gummi Bears or Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers, it's the perfect show for viewers of all ages.

DuckTales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp (1990)

DuckTales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp follows Scrooge and his nephews as they go in search of treasure that belonged to the great thief Collie Baba. When Webby Vanderquack finds a lamp, Scrooge says she can keep it, which leads to all sorts of trouble. You can absolutely watch this movie without seeing the series, but knowing the characters will add to the overall viewing experience. There’s no plot setup from the show that you need. It’s a self-contained romp, but it works as a satisfying victory lap for the original run.

Although it didn't make much of a dent at the box office, the movie received a warm reception from longtime fans, who saw it as a fitting feature-length tribute to the series' adventurous ethos and signature humor. Even now, anyone who adores the original DuckTales series will appreciate it as a high-energy expansion of the beloved universe.

TaleSpin (1990-1991)

TaleSpin reimagines The Jungle Book's Baloo as a carefree cargo pilot flying through a retro-futuristic world called Cape Suzette. Alongside his quick-witted navigator Kit Cloudkicker and hard-nosed boss Rebecca Cunningham, Baloo navigates sky pirates, rival airlines, and corporate chaos. 

While it shares no direct plot ties to DuckTales, TaleSpin borrows from the same animation style and even features a few visual nods to Duckburg. The pacing is slower and more laid back, which works if you want an easygoing weekend binge. Some episodes have surprisingly mature undertones about business, loyalty, and growing up tucked neatly between slapstick silliness.

Darkwing Duck (1991-1992)

Darkwing Duck dials up the humor and leans into comic book satire, introducing audiences to Drake Mallard, a mild-mannered duck with a daughter named Gosalyn by day and a crime-fighting vigilante by night. With his gadget-filled arsenal and trusty sidekick Launchpad McQuack (the same Launchpad from DuckTales), Darkwing defends St. Canard from a rotating cast of outlandish villains. 

While technically set in a separate universe, its frequent character crossovers and shared tone make Darkwing Duck feel like a spiritual cousin to DuckTales. The show’s rapid-fire jokes and absurd villains are a joy for fans who like a little chaos with their capes. It’s also the most quotable of the bunch, with a self-aware tone that still feels ahead of its time.

Quack Pack (1996-1997)

Quack Pack takes the DuckTales trio and ages them up into teenage versions of Huey, Dewey, and Louie, with modern slang and way more attitude. The show follows the brothers and their uncle Donald Duck, who works as a cameraman for Daisy's news show, as they get caught up in supernatural mishaps and school drama. It’s loud, a little brash, and unapologetically a product of its era, which is part of its charm. 

While it fails to match the level of storytelling in DuckTales, it leans into cartoon absurdity so hard that it becomes weirdly endearing. While it didn't reach the critical or commercial heights of its predecessors, Quack Pack is a bright and wacky product of its time that will especially appeal to longtime fans of the franchise. 

DuckTales (2017-2021)

Disney's 2017 DuckTales reboot re‑centers the story around Scrooge welcoming Donald Duck and his nephews into his opulent McDuck Manor, triggering a larger mystery about their mother Della, hidden magical relics, and far-flung conspiracies. With modern animation inspired by Carl Barks' comic art, the show deepens the characters' backstories and their overarching arcs. Huey, Dewey, and Louie each get their own unique personalities (intelligent, impulsive, and scheming, respectively), while Webby goes from sidekick to clever adventurer. 

The series was praised by critics who loved the storytelling and humor. Fans hailed it as "one of the best reboots ever," with some preferring it to the original thanks to more serialized story arcs and a bigger focus on character development. The snappier dialogue, with plenty of winks for older viewers, was also a big draw. It’s great for adults who loved the original and for kids who like their cartoons with Marvel-level plot twists.

Between The Boys universe expanding and the Marvel Cinematic Universe debuting its first round of TV-MA series, including Echo and Marvel Zombies, dark and mature superhero series are growing in popularity. Often, these shows offer a more realistic and thought-provoking look into what superhero powers would truly look like in the real world, including the misuse, difficulty of control, and corruption that would inevitably arise. 

Viewers looking for more dark, mature superhero shows can use our guide to find out where they can watch the 10 best adult superhero shows on platforms like Prime Video, Max, Disney+, and more.

Daredevil (2015-2018)

Daredevil (2015) was one of the earlier Marvel shows to blend superhero action with a dark, gritty tone and mature storytelling. In the series, Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) struggles to balance his dual identities as a lawyer and the vigilante Daredevil while the corrupt Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) gains power in Hell’s Kitchen. 

Daredevil is quite brutal with its unrestrained vigilante justice and moral ambiguity. The action sequences are bloody and dazzling, while the story is thought-provoking with its religious symbolism and questioning of the nature of justice. Viewers who love the MCU but want something a little darker and more complex will love Daredevil, as will those who enjoy tales of street-level heroes and vigilantes, like Watchmen and V for Vendetta.

Daredevil: Born Again (2025-Present)

Daredevil: Born Again is the long-awaited revival of the aforementioned Daredevil (2015) and sees the return of Murdock as he struggles with the decision to revive his Daredevil persona when Fisk wins the mayoral election for New York City. The revival series boasts the same dark, gritty tone of its predecessor and may even elevate the darkness a bit.

Its heightened violence is understandable as Murdock is even more conflicted in this series and unleashes his dark side. Daredevil: Born Again also delves into cop corruption and power hierarchies, while turning New York into a ruthless, lawless Gotham-esque city in a way that is reminiscent of The Batman and The Penguin. If you love Daredevil and tales of corruption and vigilantism, you’ll love the darker and even more complex Daredevil revival.

Echo (2024)

Echo was the first MCU Disney+ original series to earn a TV-MA rating. The series centers on Maya Lopez (Alaqua Cox) as she returns to her hometown and tries to come to terms with her Indigenous history and past connection with Fisk. Echo features grit, violence, and a complex personal story of growth and healing. It’s also a beautiful homage to the Choctaw Nation, as well as a unique setup for Daredevil: Born Again. 

Echo’s tone is a little less dark than Daredevil and Daredevil: Born Again. While Maya must face her dark past, there are hints of light in her family and history, as well as moments of strong comedic relief. Ultimately, fans of Daredevil: Born Again and Hawkeye will find Echo a delightful spin-off, while those seeking something dark but not quite hopeless will love its tone.

Gen V (2023-Present)

Gen V is a spin-off of The Boys, which centers on Marie Moreau (Jaz Sinclair), a supe with blood manipulation abilities whose acceptance into the superhero university, Godolkin U, goes awry when she realizes the school is hiding dark secrets. It is the perfect spin-off to The Boys, featuring the franchise’s characteristic over-the-top violence and sex and plenty of nods and tie-ins to the broader universe. 

However, Gen V also differentiates itself with its younger cast, college setting, and closer look into the dark side of powers, especially those bestowed unexpectedly on children. Gen V is an excellent choice for viewers who love the dark, thoughtful nature of Daredevil and Echo but are looking for something that gets the adrenaline pumping even more through shock factor and an over-the-top nature.

Invincible (2021-Present)

Invincible is the closest thing to The Boys that exists outside the franchise. In the series, Mark Grayson (Steven Yeun) discovers he has inherited powers from his Viltrumite father (J. K. Simmons), but his foray into the superhero world comes with some devastating truths. Like The Boys, Invincible explores superhero powers with realism, reflecting the cost of power and its corrupting nature. It differs, though, in its more hopeful tone as its protagonist is a truly good person who rebels against his father’s wishes for him. 

The series also delves a bit deeper into the sci-fi realm with its inclusion of alien species and space travel. While Invincible is often bloody and over-the-top, it lacks some of the irreverence and comedy in Gen V and The Boys, making it an excellent choice for viewers seeking something serious, brutal, and more in line with The Walking Dead, given its shared creator in Robert Kirkman.

Jessica Jones (2015-2019)

Jessica Jones is another one of the earlier, darker Marvel shows. It centers on Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter), a private investigator and former superhero who must act when a dangerous man from her past, Kilgrave (David Tennant), resurfaces. While the series is dark and gritty, it stands out from other entries on this list due to its film noir style and elements of a mystery/detective drama.

Like Daredevil, Jessica Jones also shies away from some of the more gratuitous violence, but it maintains maturity through its psychologically twisted villain and poignant exploration of trauma and PTSD. If you love the complexity of Daredevil and the bleak tones of iconic film noirs, such as The Killers, you’ll enjoy Jessica Jones.

Peacemaker (2022-Present)

Peacemaker is a spin-off of The Suicide Squad, which focuses on the titular hero (John Cena) as he tries to avoid prison by joining A.R.G.U.S.’s black ops squad, Project Butterfly. The series is an excellent spin-off of The Suicide Squad, offering redemption to one of its most ruthless anti-heroes.

It’s just as bloody and outlandish as its predecessor, but it also boasts showrunner James Gunn’s typical heartwarming depictions of underdog heroes and found families. Peacemaker parallels Echo with a less bleak tone, while still maintaining breathtaking action and superhero brutality. It’s most reminiscent of Deadpool in that it offers violence, maturity, and some darkness, but with a little more fun and adult humor.

The Boys (2019-Present)

The Boys centers on the titular group of vigilantes, led by Billy Butcher (Karl Urban), who attempt to take down the corrupt superhero organization, Vought International. As the first series in The Boys franchise, the show has shock factor on its side. It’s one of those shows that will truly cause your jaw to drop at the unexpected twists and turns, and the way it always manages to top itself with its violence and sexual content. 

Like Gen V and Invincible, it offers realism but also imbues its story with satire in a way that makes it a relevant and thought-provoking social commentary. The Boys has a little bit of everything, including violence, sex, humor, and gritty superhero action. If you love the tone and premise of Gen V and Invincible, but are seeking even more absurdity and satire, like The Tick, The Boys is a must-see.

The Boys Presents: Diabolical (2022)

The Boys Presents: Diabolical is an animated spin-off of The Boys. It boasts an anthology format, with each episode delving into different characters and histories within The Boys universe. If you’re a fan of The Boys and Gen V, you won’t want to miss The Boys Presents: Diabolical. Each episode is just as shocking and irreverent as the live-action series, but told in a much more breezier and visually stunning 15-minute format.

It expands The Boys lore with tales of familiar and new characters, while its animated medium allows it to push the boundaries even further. Viewers seeking a cross between Invincible and The Boys will love The Boys Presents: Diabolical. 

Watchmen (2019)

Watchmen (2019) serves as a sequel to the comic book series of the same name. In the series, a racist attack on the Tulsa Police Department leads to cops concealing their identities and professions, paving the way for detective Angela Abar (Regina King) to investigate the convoluted history of vigilantism. The series does justice to the source material while expanding on its themes. It is just as entertaining and dark as the 2009 movie, but it seems to have a better understanding of the source material. 

The result is a series that is dark and unflinching in its exploration of racism, morality, patriotism, and vigilantism, reflecting society in a startling and poignant manner. Viewers seeking the dark, superhero aspects of Daredevil and Jessica Jones, along with the social commentary of The Boys, but with even more complexity and relevance, need look no further than Watchmen.

Ever since his breakthrough performance in Whiplash, Miles Teller has boasted a prominent presence on the big screen. From joining the Divergent and Top Gun franchises to starring in the Footloose remake, Teller has been entrusted with some of the most beloved franchises and classics in Hollywood.

His career continues to expand as he’s next set to star in the fantasy rom-com Eternity with Elizabeth Olsen and Callum Turner. He will also star as lawyer John Branca in the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, Michael. Viewers interested in more of his work can use our guide to find the best Miles Teller movies on platforms like Apple TV+, Paramount+, and more.

10. Rabbit Hole (2010)

Rabbit Hole is one of Teller’s more emotionally complex roles as he portrays Jason, a teenager grappling with the guilt of being involved in a car accident that led to a four-year-old boy losing his life. Rabbit Hole is actually Teller’s first film role, but it’s hard to tell as he poignantly portrays the introspective, guilt-ridden teen, who still puts up a valiant effort to move forward and connect with the boy’s parents. His role is a vital piece of the puzzle in a story about multiple lives connected by grief. 

It’s a heavy but powerful film reminiscent of other profound works on loss, such as Tuesday and Ordinary People. The only issue is that the film sometimes seems a bit restrained in its exploration of grief, delving only into the expected marital struggles of Jason’s parents, whose poor choices and behaviors make it difficult to stir sympathy for them. Rabbit Hole does its best, but it doesn’t quite delve into the complexity and psyche of its characters as well as Whiplash or even Divergent do, which is why it takes last on this list.

9. Footloose (2011)

Footloose is a remake of the 1984 film of the same name and sees Teller take on the role of Willard, who Chris Penn portrayed in the original. Teller’s role as Willard is small but impactful, as he plays the friendly and fun-loving high school boy who overcomes his shyness and learns to dance. 

His character arc aligns well with the movie’s mission to highlight the joy that music and dancing bring to young people. Footloose will appeal to fans of the original movie, especially those eager to share their love of the film with modern audiences. However, it does struggle a bit in the shadow of its hit predecessor and may feel like an unnecessary remake to some of the original's stronger fans.

8. Divergent (2014)

Shortly after portraying lovers in The Spectacular Now, Teller and Woodley portrayed rivals Peter and Tris in Divergent. Teller tackles one of the heaviest roles of the story, as a young man who can’t suppress his violent, sadistic, and cruel side. His performance drives home the fierceness and brutality of the environment, providing the perfect backdrop to Tris’s story. 

Divergent is an intriguing, sci-fi dystopian that serves as a worthy adaptation of Veronica Roth’s book and will appeal to fans of other dystopian stories like The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner. However, it leans a little more into the YA genre and may come across as slightly shallow to those some. 

7. The Gorge (2025)

Teller earned his first executive producer credit for Apple TV+’s The Gorge, which he also stars in alongside Anya Taylor-Joy. In the film, he portrays Levi Kane, an elite sniper sent on a top-secret mission to guard a mysterious gorge. 

Part of the story is about him discovering the truth about the gorge, but a bigger part is the heartfelt tale of Kane learning to cope with his PTSD through his connection with Drasa (Taylor-Joy). Teller and Taylor-Joy’s performance and chemistry elevate The Gorge from an action-packed thriller to an enchanting and highly creative love story. For fans of both sci-fi and romance, you can’t do much better than this. 

6. Bleed for This (2016)

Bleed for This sees Teller transform into former world champion boxer Vinny Pazienza, as the film tells the incredible true story of his return to the ring 13 months after a severe spinal injury. Teller’s performance in Bleed for This parallels his performance in Whiplash, as he captures the sheer grit, determination, and passion of Panzienza. 

It boasts an excellent performance from Teller, who beautifully cycles through all the stages of vulnerability, resilience, and triumph as Panzienza. Bleed for This is a very inspiring, feel-good sports biopic that will appeal to fans of both fictional and real-life story boxing movies, ranging from the Rocky series to The Fire Inside. Although Teller delivers a phenomenal performance, the film feels somewhat contrived and fails to delve deeper than the typical inspirational comeback movie. It’s a little less thought-provoking than films like Thank You for Your Service and Whiplash that delve into grief, PTSD, the cost of greatness, and abuse with a nuanced lens, preventing it from ranking higher on this list.

5. Thank You for Your Service (2017)

Teller stars in Thank You for Your Service as one of several Iraq War veterans returning home and attempting to adjust to civilian life. He gives a powerful and empathy-evoking performance as a veteran struggling with PTSD. His performance doesn’t just capture the mental toll of war, but also the lack of help and resources for veterans. 

Thank You for Your Service is a sobering yet eye-opening film that exposes the flawed system veterans are placed in after service, evoking empathy and outrage for the situation. Viewers who enjoyed American Sniper will also be interested in this essential but complex watch.

4. Only the Brave (2017)

Only the Brave tells the heroic and tragic true story of the Prescott Fire Department’s Granite Mountain Hotshots—elite firefighters dedicated to fighting wildfires. On June 30th, 2013, 19 of the Granite Mountain Hotshots lost their lives while responding to the Yarnell Hill Fire. 

Teller stars in the film as survivor Brendan McDonough, adding another emotional layer to the movie as he heartbreakingly depicts McDonough’s substance abuse and survivor’s guilt trials, capturing both his bravery and humanity. Like Black Hawk Down and Lone Survivor, it’s an action film that honors real-life human courage and sacrifice.

3. The Spectacular Now (2013)

The Spectacular Now is a coming-of-age romance starring Shailene Woodley and Teller. However, it’s not your typical romance movie, as the series delves into a budding romance between Sutter (Teller) and Aimee (Woodley), challenged by Sutter’s substance abuse struggles and inability to settle down. 

The Spectacular Now subverts typical romance clichés and realistically portrays its 18-year-old protagonists, their struggles, and the highs and lows of their relationship. In the vein of The Perks of Being a Wallflower, it’s a film that doesn’t shy away from real problems teenagers face, but instead seeks to be faithfully representative of them.

2. Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

Teller boasts a starring role in Top Gun: Maverick, the long-awaited Top Gun sequel and one of the biggest films of 2022. He boasts one of the most critical roles in the movie as Rooster Bradshaw, the son of Maverick Mitchell’s (Tom Cruise) late best friend, Goose (Anthony Edwards). Much of the film revolves around these two men letting go of the past and accepting their connection as part of Goose’s legacy. 

Top Gun: Maverick is a worthy successor to Top Gun, capturing Maverick’s evolution and surpassing the original in breathtaking visuals and stunts. It’s a must-see for aviation enthusiasts and fans of Cruise’s stunt-laden Top Gun and Mission: Impossible franchises.

1. Whiplash (2014)

Whiplash marked Teller’s breakthrough in Hollywood and the best movie of his career thus far. He caught critics' and audiences’ attention with his emotional, convincing performance as Andrew, a passionate jazz drummer pushed to his limit by his abusive instructor Terence Fletcher (J. K. Simmons). 

Whiplash is a powerful film for music lovers or really anyone who understands the pressure of trying to achieve their dreams. It’s also for lovers of intense movies, as the film plays out almost like a psychological thriller with the intensity and suspense that arise from Simmons’s volatile and psychologically manipulative performance. Whiplash is excellent for fans of Tár, Black Swan, and other films that turn prodigy clichés on their head. Meanwhile, Teller’s relatable, moving performance and the powerful exploration of the high-pressure world of the music industry make it decisively Teller’s best film.

In the world of anime, there are animation studios, and then there’s Studio Ghibli. While it’s not the oldest anime production company in the business today, thanks to titles like Spirited Away (2001), Princess Mononoke (1997), and Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), it’s the one that most Westerners are familiar with. Whether you watched Studio Ghibli movies on Toonami in the 2000s or discovered its library on HBO Max, it is one of the most beloved animation studios in the world. It even won Oscars for its films!

Most anime fans love Ghibli for its painstaking attention to detail and its whimsical characters and worlds. No matter how you slice it, nothing can really compare to the naturalistic beauty of a Studio Ghibli movie, and no amount of AI programs can replicate how human and soft they feel. While you may know the studio for its big hits, its library spans nearly half a century worth of titles, many of which have become overlooked. So, with Ghibli Fest 2025 currently underway, let’s take a look at 10 Studio Ghibli films that are the most underrated, presented in chronological order. 

Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro (1979)

To some, Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro isn’t considered a Ghibli movie because it was released before the studio's foundation. However, Hayao Miyazaki directed it, and the film would unite many of the core creative talents that would eventually establish Studio Ghibli, so I consider it to be an important part of Ghibli’s history.

Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro is a simple movie in a lot of ways, filled with many classic adventure tropes like saving a princess and discovering a lost civilization. However, that simplicity is what makes The Castle of Cagliostro such a fun adventure, with a lighthearted tone that channels a dapper gentleman thief aura that is a bit more sanitized than other interpretations of Lupin III. While it may not be 100% accurate to the franchise, it makes the film great for families looking for an adventure, especially for those searching for something similar to The Bad Guys (2022). 

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984)

Another technicality for the same reasons as The Castle of Cagliostro, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind is a much more ambitious film for Miyazaki. Unlike his last film, this is an original film for Miyazaki, and he went to great lengths to depict how dire everything is. It’s a coming-of-age story about a princess, Nausicaa, attempting to prevent the reactivation of a weapon of mass destruction capable of annihilating the world. 

The amount of lore present in Nausicaa is impressive, with a lot of its themes and ideas serving as direct inspiration for Princess Mononoke, Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water (1990), and Mushi-Shi (2005). The film manages to stand apart from other fantasy anime thanks to its giant monsters. These creatures, whether they be mechanical, natural, or something in between, are striking and make the climax as memorable as it is. If you like Princess Mononoke but wish that it were a bit more straightforward, then Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind is perfect for you.

Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

Grave of the Fireflies is a tough watch. It’s one of the most down-to-earth and realistic depictions of post-World War II Japan out there, and it makes sure you’re aware of how brutal war can be. It doesn’t focus on the impact of nuclear war, like in the equally gruelling Barefoot Gen (1983), or the brutality of warfare that has become the mission statement of the Gundam franchise. Instead, it’s similar to Godzilla Minus One (2023) since it’s about what comes after and how people cope with the aftereffects of war.

The focus is on two children, Seita and Setsuko, as they attempt to find a way to survive on their own following WWII, and it’s gut-wrenching to watch solely because of what happens to them. The suffering they experience is hard to see, and there’s very little joy they experience, leading to a sad, but inevitable, conclusion. That being said, Grave of the Fireflies is so wonderfully executed that you have to respect Studio Ghibli for producing such a frank look at the horrors of war and how it impacts people. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s a great anti-war movie.

Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)

This may be the most well-known underrated Studio Ghibli film because those who have seen Kiki’s Delivery Service love it. I should know, because I’m one of them. When I was young, I would watch this movie on repeat on my VHS and couldn’t get enough of it. 

Like The Castle of Cagliostro, it’s a simple movie, but instead of telling a huge adventure, it focuses on a little witch just living her life in a small town. There’s very little conflict in the film, channeling that slice-of-life energy that would become commonplace decades later, as we watch Kiki fly her broomstick, make deliveries, and play with her cat. It’s the definition of a cozy movie, and it’s perfect for anyone who wants to take a load off and just relax. If you love anime like Flying Witch (2016), Mary and The Witch’s Flower (2017), or even Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (2023), check this one out! 

Porco Rosso (1992)

Studio Ghibli rarely does comedies, but Porco Rosso can easily be classified as one. Its premise is silly, as we follow a gruff pig captain as he gets into dogfights, tries to win the heart of his close friend, and evades the Italian Air Force. 

There’s a sense of adventure in Porco Rosso not dissimilar from Castle in the Sky (1986), or even The Rocketeer (1991) and Top Gun Maverick (2022). Porco loves to fly, and those scenes where he’s just soaring the Italian skylines are magical. It’s pretty obvious from those moments that Miyazaki loves aviation and goes to great lengths to make those scenes look as good as they do. Plus, thanks to its small but lovable cast of characters like Porco, his rival Curtis, and Porco’s assistant Fio, the chemistry between them is rock solid, making this a great adventure movie for those looking for something on the lighter side but with a snarky edge.

The Cat Returns (2002)

Who doesn’t love cats? Someone at Studio Ghibli clearly does because The Cat Returns is filled to the brim with anthropomorphic cats and is an easygoing fantasy adventure to boot. In it, a young woman named Haru is taken to a kingdom of cats and has to try to escape a forced marriage between her and the prince of cats, Lune, with the assistance of the mysterious Cat Bureau.

Many people were probably scared away from The Cat Returns because it is technically a spin-off of another Ghibli film called Whisper of the Heart (1995). However, don’t let that stop you from watching it, since the only thing you need to know from that movie is that the main character of The Cat Returns, Baron Humbert von Gikkingen, is featured in it. The Cat Returns is a fun and cheery film, with even the most serious moments coming across as fairly silly, and the bright colors really do pop when compared to some of Ghibli’s earlier library. If you liked The Princess Bride (1987) and want another fun adventure like it, then The Cat Returns will probably scratch that itch. 

The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)

There’s a real sense of magic and wonder to every shot of The Secret World of Arrietty. Every scene has a painterly charm to it, where even a cozy cottage is a fantastical world ripe for exploration. 

There’s not a whole lot of plot to Arrietty, which instead focuses on being an animation showcase for Ghibli. The art direction is to die for here and helps to make the story feel like a classic fairy tale come to life. It’s a quiet and contemplative movie that doesn’t have a lot of action in it, but it’s a story that doesn’t need action. It’s like if Kiki’s Delivery Service was crossed with Anne Shirley (1979). There’s a certain magic and nostalgic charm in watching Arrietty, but the beauty of the film is most felt in the smaller aspects of everyday life it depicts. It’s not a complicated movie, but it isn’t trying to be. It’s a brisk 94 minutes of serene cottage life that will make you want to rent a cabin in the woods. 

The Wind Rises (2013)

In a lot of ways, The Wind Rises is the embodiment of Hayao Miyazaki as a director. Unlike his earlier films, The Wind Rises is a biopic about a World War II aeronautical engineer, giving the film a unique flavor when compared to the rest of the studio’s library. Yes, Miyazaki has adapted stories before, but nothing that was rooted so firmly in reality.

Miyazaki painstakingly animates every single plane featured in the film, giving aviation enthusiasts something to fawn over. It’s also a surprisingly mature movie that is layered with plenty of depth, delving into topics like legacy, nature, and the corruption of art and beauty. Because of that, it occupies the same space as The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) and Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009). Yes, families can watch it, but only adults will truly appreciate it for what it truly is. The Wind Rises is a perfect encapsulation of Miyazaki as a creator and is worth watching just to get a glimpse of his core beliefs.

The Tale of Princess Kaguya (2013)

Whenever you think of Studio Ghibli, the studio’s signature character designs and art style are often among the first things that come to mind. The Tale of Princess Kaguya forgoes the studio’s signature style and instead animates the film like a watercolor painting, much like Loving Vincent (2017). 

For those who love Japanese folklore, it’s also a fairly accurate telling of the myth of the Bamboo Cutter, one of the most popular stories from the country. It’s a film that puts its artistry first, which may have resulted in it not being quite as popular as some of the more energetic movies Ghibli is known for. Still, it manages to command attention from its stunning animation alone. This results in, and I mean this without hyperbole, some of the best animated sequences ever produced, anime or otherwise. It is a hefty watch at 137 minutes, but if you had to see one Studio Ghibli film from this list, make it The Tale of Princess Kaguya.

The Red Turtle (2016)

No one would blame you if you had never heard of The Red Turtle. While technically a Studio Ghibli film, most of the creative staff are French, as are the numerous animation studios that came on to assist production. Not only that, but neither of the main figures at Studio Ghibli—Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata—directed it, making it a huge outlier in the company’s library.

Whether that makes this a true Ghibli movie is irrelevant because The Red Turtle continues a lot of the same ideas that the studio is known for. Naturalistic beauty? Check. A simple yet thought-provoking narrative? Check. However, it does have its own specific quirks that make it stand out, like how the film is actually a silent movie. It’s also a decade-spanning story that dabbles in romance, making it highly unconventional. The world needs more unconventional animated movies, so The Red Turtle’s existence is appreciated.

The Texas Death Match has earned a reputation as wrestling's ultimate blood-soaked spectacle. These matches commonly churned out over 30 falls across marathon sessions, with some lasting well over three hours, before town curfews shut them down. The gruesome tradition continued into regional circuits.

Today, this type of match remains a cherished legend, in part because so few promotions dare stage them live. When they do, anything goes, and if the pinned wrestler can't react to the referee's count, the match ends. If they rise, the carnage continues until only one man (or woman) is able to remain upright.

Origins - Born in Amarillo, Forged in Blood

Before we get into specific matches that have left their mark on pro-wrestling, let's rewind to where it all began. The very first recorded Texas Death Match took place in Amarillo, Texas in the mid-1960s when Dory Funk Sr. faced off against "Iron" Mike DiBiase under his Western States Sports banner. The two engaged in a grueling battle that reportedly lasted between three and four and a half hours, with over thirty falls exchanged.

Ultimately, the town curfew forced the bout to end in a draw, and both men required medical treatment afterward. Funk Sr. reportedly needed 32 stitches. It was a brutal match template, without time limits or fall limits, where endurance, weaponry, and sheer stubbornness defined its legacy. Terry Funk later carried that tradition forward, turning it into a hallmark of hardcore wrestling in the Southern territories.

The Rules: Not Just Another No-DQ Brawl

What exactly makes a Texas Death Match a spectacle, rather than just another brawl? First off, there are no disqualifications or count-outs. Anything goes, and any weapon is fair game. A fall only counts if a wrestler is pinned (three-count) or submits. But this doesn't end the match. Instead, after each fall, the pinned wrestler is given a 10-count to get to their feet or return to the ring.

If they cannot respond to the count, the match ends, and their opponent becomes the winner. If they succeed, the match continues until someone eventually can't stand at the 10-count. In essence, it's the classic Last Man Standing stipulation, but with the extra wrinkle of requiring a pin or submission first. This formula has made the Texas Death Match a uniquely punishing storytelling device, built for ultimate closure.

The Best Texas Death Matches To Watch Right Now

Looking to check out some of the best and most entertaining Texas Death Matches? Below, we explain the who's who and what's what of some of wrestling's most famous matches. 

Ric Flair vs. Terry Funk – SuperBrawl 2000 (WCW)

At WCW's SuperBrawl 2000, Ric Flair dug deep to deliver a Texas Death Match with the legendary Terry Funk. This was gritty, rough, grind-it-out storytelling with multiple falls, brutal weapon shots, and the palpable sense that it was the passing of the torch through blood and sweat. Critics gave major props to both men's endurance, though some fans thought the pacing lagged amid the marathon structure. Still, it remains a top-tier example of how to use age and history to elevate a Texas Death Match's gravitas.

Big Van Vader vs. Cactus Jack – Halloween Havoc 1993 (WCW)

This match is considered legendary for being reckless and ridiculously unforgettable. During WCW Halloween Havoc 1993, things kicked off right from the ramp when Cactus Jack attacked Vader before the bell. What followed was chair shots to the head, bites, fan cameras as weapons, fighting through the entranceway, and even into a graveyard stage set marked RIP Vader. Cactus scored the first two falls, Vader responded with moonsaults and a DDT on a chair. Harley Race intervened with a stun gun while the referee was distracted, handing Vader the win.

Jon Moxley vs. Lance Archer - Wrestle Kingdom 14 Night 1 2020 (NJPW)

Jon Moxley and Lance Archer tore it up at one of NJPW's most prestigious events in a US Title Texas Death Match that felt like an indie horror show in wrestling boots. Forks, kendo sticks, trash can lids, and Moxley's signature Death Rider through two tables. Each weapon choice seemed to hold more meaning than simply being used as a gimmick. Moxley took the title back after Archer didn't answer the 10-count. Pacing was tight, and physical storytelling was on point in NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 14.

Mickie James vs. Deonna Purrazzo – Hard To Kill 2022 (Impact Wrestling)

In what may be the most surprising yet fitting use of the Texas Death Match format, Mickie James and Deonna Purrazzo went toe‑to‑toe in a Knockouts World Title match that delivered vicious storytelling in a violent package. Thumbtacks, tables, and even a guitar had a part to play in Impact Wrestling: Hard to Kill 2022. Purrazzo busted Mickie open with a road case, and Mickie answered by nailing Purrazzo with a guitar shot and stacked a chair and table over her opponent so she couldn't rise before the 10-count.

Leyla Hirsch vs. Diamanté - Death Before Dishonor 2024 (ROH)

At Ring of Honor's streaming-exclusive Death Before Dishonor event, Leyla Hirsch faced Diamanté in a rare ROH Texas Death Match. After several pinfalls and a few near‑falls, the match reached its end when Diamanté couldn't answer the 10-count following a piledriver through a table. Hers was a hard-earned, decisive victory that stunned the ROH faithful. Fans applauded the bold move to bring this hardcore stipulation into their women's division, while critics praised both wrestlers for their commitment to their craft.

Where To Watch The Most Famous Texas Death Matches Online

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What if you could talk with the animals? Such is the question poised by the Doctor Dolittle series of films. Based on the children’s novels by English-American author Hugh Lofting, the stories follow the titular character, an eccentric doctor who can speak with animals. 

To call the films a franchise feels disingenuous, at best. What the films encapsulate is no fewer than three attempts at making the property into a film franchise. One technically worked, though the returns diminished into oblivion as it went on. If you want to experience the totality of Doctor Dolittle on film to date, look no further than our list of every Doctor Dolittle movie and where you can find them on streaming. 

Doctor Dolittle (1967)

The first film, Doctor Dolittle, hit theaters in 1967. Starring Rex Harrison (then best known for appearing in the film adaptation of My Fair Lady), the movie adapts elements from multiple original Doctor Dolittle novels and follows the eccentric Dolittle as he attempts to prove his ability to talk to animals and clear his name after being accused of stealing a horse. Though the film’s reception was poor at the time, it became beloved in later years. The film never got a sequel but an animated series, The Further Adventures of Doctor Dolittle, made its way to television in 1970. 

Dr. Dolittle (1998)

Eddie Murphy was on something of a hot streak in the ‘90s when he dipped his toes into family-friendly films. While he still starred in more mature affairs, like Metro and Life, Murphy began featuring in all-ages properties, rebooting The Nutty Professor and lending his voice to Mulan. That same year came 1998’s Dr. Dolittle, which reimagined Dolittle as a medical doctor who had repressed his ability to speak to animals. Also starring Raven-Symoné and Kyla Pratt as Dolittle’s daughters, the film was Murphy’s biggest opening weekend until 2000’s Nutty Professor II: The Klumps. Despite the box office, though, the film received a somewhat middling reception from critics.  

Dr. Dolittle 2 (2001)

Given the success of the first film and Murphy’s hot streak with The Nutty Professor and its sequel, Dr. Dolittle 2 seemed to be an inevitability. For the sequel, Dolittle, now a renowned veterinarian thanks to his power to speak to animals, is trying to save a forest from being destroyed by a corporation by repopulating it with an endangered species. Like the first film, it also starred a cavalcade of big-name stars as animal voices, including Norm Macdonald, Steve Zahn, and Lisa Kudrow. Dr. Dolittle 2 was a modest success with a strong reception, though it failed to conquer that year’s most surprising hit, The Fast and The Furious. 

Dr. Dolittle 3 (2006)

Murphy would find himself tied to the Shrek franchise following Dr. Dolittle 2, and the property would be dormant for a few years. By 2006, the decision was made to revisit the property with a series of direct-to-DVD sequels. Neither Murphy or Raven-Symoné would reprise their roles for Dr. Dolittle 3, with the plot instead shifting to focus on Dolittle’s youngest daughter, Maya. For the film, Maya and her dog are sent to a ranch, where they use their ability to speak to animals to save it from being taken over. Like most direct-to-DVD cash-grab sequels of the era, this didn’t generate much of a reaction. 

Dr. Dolittle: Tail to the Chief (2008)

While Dr. Dolittle 3 may not have had a huge reception, it still warranted a sequel. Logically, there’s only one place left for the franchise to go at this point: politics! Dr. Dolittle: Tail to the Chief brought Kyla Pratt back as Maya Dolittle, this time attempting to get into college. In the process, she winds up recruited by the President to both help find out why his dog is attacking dignitaries after one such incident jeopardized efforts to save a rain forest. The film did not make a huge impact when it landed on DVD in 2008, but reviews were more gentle, with most giving it middling reviews and regarding it as serviceable all-ages fare.

Dr. Dolittle: Million Dollar Mutts (2009)

Obviously, after helping the President and saving a rainforest, the next logical step is to become a movie star. Dr. Dolittle: Million Dollar Mutts is the last iteration of this franchise, bring Kyla Pratt back for a final outing. This time around, Maya, wanting to skip the tedious process of going to college and getting an education, finds herself starring on a reality show under the pretense of helping animals. Million Dollar Mutts marks the end of this iteration of the Dr. Dolittle franchise, and it would be over a decade before an attempt at a new Dolittle film would find its way into theaters. 

Dolittle (2020)

For his first big outing after the MCU and Tony Stark’s death in Avengers: Endgame, Robert Downey Jr. made his way to a big-budget reimagining of the Dolittle franchise. Released in 2020, Dolittle returns to the original source material and tries to lean very hard into the fantastical nature and whimsy of being able to speak with animals. Unfortunately, all the whimsy in the world couldn’t stir interest in the film. Dolittle was a box office flop, losing somewhere between $50 and $100 million dollars. Critics were even harsher, with the film ending up with an abysmal 14% on Rotten Tomatoes. 

Where To Watch All Doctor Dolittle Movies Online

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Nathan Fillion has been a consistent presence on film and television for a quarter of a century. The son of retired English teachers, Fillion first gained notoriety when his performance as Joey Buchanan on the long-running soap opera One Life to Live got him nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award. While he found consistent roles in shows like Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place, it was his starring role as Malcolm Reynolds in Firefly that helped cement him as a cult classic star. 

Since then, the actor has anchored network TV shows and brought his unique mixture of swagger, arrogance, and charm to plenty of ensembles. Fillion has delivered many memorable performances, finding chances to deploy his talents for heroic leading men, comedic scene-stealers, and even a few memorable villains. Given his recent scene-stealing turn in Superman and with The Rookie set to return in 2026, it’s never been a better time to be a fan of Fillion. Here are the best Nathan Fillion movies and shows featuring and where you can find them on streaming services like Netflix, Apple TV+, and more!

10. Saving Private Ryan (1998)

One of Nathan Fillion’s first notable (and most memorable) film roles, his brief appearance in Saving Private Ryan as James Frederick Ryan was a great showcase of the charm and comedy that Fillion can bring to any of his roles. He briefly appears in the Steven Spielberg-directed war epic as a soldier named Ryan, whom the main platoon of soldiers mistakenly believes to be the Ryan they’re looking for. '

A painfully human narrative with some of the best action of any entry in the war movie genre, Fillion’s scene is an emotional beat that becomes unexpectedly hilarious when they all realize the truth of the situation. It’s perfectly attuned with the emotional core of the film, and a part of what makes it one of the best movies in Spielberg’s canon.

9. Justice League Unlimited (2004)

Although he only guest stars in a few episodes of Justice League Unlimited, Nathan Fillion leaves a lasting impression in the DC Animated Universe series. Fillion has played plenty of animated characters over the course of his career, with one of his most high-profile being the antagonistic business owner Sterling in Cars 3. However, his best vocal performance for an animated project might be Justice League Unlimited, an underrated classic of the 21st century superhero genre.

Coming not too long after the end of Firefly, Fillion brings back a touch of his space cowboy performance in his guest appearance as Vigilante. The cowboy-themed superhero is a minor background character for much of the epic superhero series, but Fillion’s performance in "Hunter's Moon" and "Patriot Act" lends the character a natural roughness and edge that makes him particularly compelling opposite characters like Hawkgirl and Green Arrow. While he doesn’t appear much in Justice League Unlimited, it’s a great early showcase for how well Fillion fits into a superhero story.

8. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997)

Nathan Fillion’s collaborations with Joss Whedon are among the better entries in the writer/directors career, with Fillion even making the leap to Buffy the Vampire Slayer before the long-running series came to an end. Fillion appears in Season 7 of the show as Caleb, the mortal champion for the seasons big bad, the First.

Caleb was a chance for Fillion to twist his natural charms for a villainous character, creating a menacing and unsettlingly pleasant preacher with an affinity for cruelty. Caleb is exactly the kind of villain that Buffy the Vampire Slayer always excels at, a compelling urban fantasy riff on the horrors of the real world. Caleb is one of the highlights of the later episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which remains a benchmark of modern television, even if elements haven’t aged the best.

7. Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog (2008)

Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog is a purposefully goofy tragic love story, using a parody of the superhero genre as an excuse to give Neil Patrick Harris and Felicia Day a musical showcase. Opposite Harris’ ambitious but sweet-hearted supervillain Dr. Horrible is Fillion’s Captain Hammer.

Fillion turns his swagger up to 11 in the role to create the most aggravating of cinematic jerks, a sexist, self-centered narcissist who seems to target Dr. Horrible less because he’s a villain and more because Hammer finds it funny to bully him. Gifted with powers and popularity that make him impervious to pain, Fillion embodies a level of privilege with Captain Hammer that’s just the right amount of awful to be hilarious. He fully commits to the performance, which helps ensure that the big comedy swings of the story fully land. Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog is an acquired taste, but fans of wacky comedies, catchy musicals, and Nathan Fillion should make sure to check it out.

6. Castle (2009)

Airing for eight seasons on ABC, Castle is the definition of a crime comfort show. The mystery series focuses on Fillion's Richard Castle, an initially self-centered but gradually heroic mystery novelist who finds himself working with NYPD Detective Kate Beckett to solve murders in New York City.

Castle was a big hit for Fillion, with the actor winning several People's Choice Awards for his performance as Richard. The series is perfect for audiences who are looking to relax with straightforward mysteries and embrace the show's long-term romantic subplot between Fillion's Castle and Stana Katic's Beckett. This is Fillion at his most romantic, especially as the dynamic between him and Katic deepens with time to become the show’s primary overarching throughline. Easy to binge and hard to quit, Castle is a great showcase of Fillion’s talents used to flesh out an initially one-note character.

5. The Rookie (2018)

Nathan Fillion’s The Rookie is a compelling and character-driven riff on the cop procedural that uses the actor’s full capabilities in effective ways. Fillion laid the groundwork for the series's success by bringing the potentially frustrating John Nolan to life. His ability to bounce off an ensemble cast and find different memorable dynamics is key to what makes The Rookie so entertaining, especially as the show embraces that larger cast to strong effect.

The series has gradually become more engaging as the other characters have been given more depth and personality, but it all orbits around Fillion, who deploys all of his likability to create a charming take on a midlife crisis. Even the show’s shift to Nolan becoming a mentor to a new class of students plays to Fillion’s strengths, letting him channel his age in a way that brings new depth to his performance.

4. Big Mouth (2017)

Fillion’s best comedic performance so far has been in Netflix’s Big Mouth, which features him as a recurring gag character. The initial celebrity crush of the intelligent Missy, Fillion, appears as a parody of himself inside the tween’s fantasies. These gags highlight the joke-a-minute tenor of the foul-mouthed but sweet-hearted animated comedy, as well as Fillion’s talent at self-deprecation and playing into his standard acting tropes.

There’s just something hilarious about Fillion representing Missy’s more innocent perspective on romance and desires, especially as she becomes more confident and intrigued by complex concepts. Fillion’s cameos in Big Mouth are among the most entertaining guest spots in the show and come with just the right amount of self-awareness to be hilarious to any of the actor’s long-term fans.

3. Firefly (2002)

Firefly and the subsequent sequel film Serenity were Nathan Fillion’s big break, cementing him as a leading man ahead of his starring roles in shows like The Rookie and Castle. The fusion of Western elements and sci-fi resulted in a cult classic for the ages, all anchored by Fillion’s Captain Malcolm Reynolds.

The outlaw space captain is a deceptively complex character, brought to life by Fillion’s often snarky, sometimes scary, and always engrossing performance. The entire cast and crew of Firefly benefit from the dynamics they find with each other to the betterment of the show’s episodic adventures, but Fillion’s performance as Mal is the standout in a strong cast that, by the time of Serenity, solidifies into one of the 21st century’s biggest fan-favorite sci-fi stories. Firefly proves how well Fillion can fit into an ensemble, especially when collaborators like Gina Torres or Alan Tudyk are on hand to match him.

2. Slither (2006)

A horror sci-fi about an alien race of slug creatures that end up on Earth, Slither is a gross-out horror for the ages that gives Fillion a perfectly ridiculous circumstance to bounce off of. His talent for playing straight-faced characters responding to absurd situations has rarely been utilized as well as it is in Slither, an early collaboration between James Gunn and Fillion that serves as a great showcase of both their skill sets. For Fillion, that means deploying just the right amount of heroic nerve and understated comic timing to make the absurd visuals really land.

Slither is an underrated modern classic of the body horror genre and a perfectly gruesome fusion of sci-fi and horror tropes that Fillion helps ground with his natural charm. It might be the best example of Fillion as a leading man, and this underrated sci-fi flick should have pushed him more into the spotlight.

1. Superman (2025)

Arguably the best use of Fillion’s comedic talents and ability to shift from smug to charming in an instant, Fillion’s performance as Guy Gardner/Green Lantern in Superman is a perfect showcase for what makes the actor such a fun presence in films and TV shows.

As one of the members of the Justice Gang (and the only person who calls the team that), Guy Gardner delivers a bunch of the film’s biggest action set pieces and silliest jokes. However, Fillion also finds a way to bring some gravitas to Guy Gardner during some charged scenes with Superman, showing off the harsher edges that Fillion has always been able to sneak into his best performances. Superman is a genuine highlight of the superhero genre, and it’s the best movie to feature Nathan Fillion in a major role.

Where To Watch The Best Nathan Fillion Movies & TV Shows Online

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Elle Fanning is quickly carving a name for herself in the sci-fi genre. One of her very first leading roles was in J. J. Abrams’ sci-fi thriller Super 8, which Fanning starred in as a teenager. From there, she continued her sci-fi career with both live-action and voice roles.

Next, Fanning is set to star in one of the biggest and most anticipated sci-fi films of 2026 as she takes over the role of Effie Trinket in The Hunger Games: Sunrise of the Reaping. Viewers interested in Fanning’s sci-fi career can use our guide to find out where to watch her best sci-fi movies, including those upcoming, on platforms like Hulu, Starz, and more.

Super 8 (2011)

Super 8 is a nostalgic sci-fi thriller from the minds of J. J. Abrams and Steven Spielberg. It’s part blast-to-the-past with its relatable tale of teens discovering the joys of filmmaking and part sci-fi action as supernatural phenomena make their way into a small town setting. The film perfectly resurrects the vibe of ‘80s movies like The Goonies, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and Stand by Me. It also marks Fanning’s breakout performance, as she shines as a teen film aficionado with a vulnerable side. If one is a fan of ‘80s sci-fi or nostalgia-fueled projects like Stranger Things, Super 8 is a must-see. 

Astro Boy (2009)

Astro Boy is an animated superhero movie that packs quite the emotional punch. It’s not just the story of a robot boy, Astro Boy (Freddie Highmore), fighting crime in Metro City, but also a complex tale of a boy trying to come to terms with his identity and the knowledge that Dr. Bill Tenma (Nicolas Cage) created him to be a replacement for someone irreplaceable. The film also marks a rare voice acting role for Fanning, who brings a small but memorable role to life by voicing the feisty schoolgirl Grace. Astro Boy features cute animation and superhero action, but its most considerable merit is its thoughtful tackling of grief and memory.

I Think We’re Alone Now (2018)

I Think We’re Alone Now is a film with more subtle sci-fi components that leans into the genres of drama and romance. There’s an eerie tone to the film, which takes place in a post-apocalyptic world with few survivors. However, it’s not a film about the end of the world, but rather about two survivors, Del (Peter Dinklage) and Grace (Fanning), who form an unlikely connection. Fanning stuns as the erratic, mysterious Grace, who struggles to break through to the abrasive Del. I Think We’re Alone Now is perfect for viewers looking for a simplistic, creative movie about human connection that foregoes the flashiness of some sci-fi films.

Déjà Vu (2006)

Déjà Vu is an excellent movie for fans of the time travel subgenre of sci-fi. It’s reminiscent of Back to the Future and Twelve Monkeys in that its premise is a bit outlandish but still every bit as fun as the average time travel story. The film blends action and sci-fi, as ATF Special Agent Douglas Carlin (Denzel Washington) quite literally races against time to stop a terrorist attack. Déjà Vu is one of Fanning's earliest movies, but her minor role as a girl whose fate will be determined by Carlin’s success adds emotional weight to the movie. 

The Nines (2007)

The Nines is perfect for viewers who enjoy complex, mind-bending sci-fi films that can be challenging to interpret. Rather than a single story, the film is divided into three parts, in which the same actors portray different characters. In the end, the three stories connect unexpectedly. The film is similar to Memento, Nostalgia, and The Life of Chuck in terms of its layout and hidden connections. There’s an air of ambiguity about the movie, making it rich for viewer interpretation and analysis. The Nines is another one of Fanning’s childhood roles. She appears as Noelle, a young girl in the final part of the film who adds to the ambiguity of the ending with her cryptic, mysterious statements.

How to Talk to Girls at Parties (2017)

How to Talk to Girls at Parties is a surreal sci-fi romance. There’s quite a lot going on in the film as it blends 1970s nostalgia, punk rock, and aliens. However, it will appeal to fans of ambitious, vibrant films with unexpected premises. Fanning shines as Zan, convincingly depicting a teenage alien who has the sense of wonder of an extraterrestrial but the rebellion and angst of an average teenager. While some may find How to Talk to Girls at Parties a bit strange, it’s perfect for viewers looking for a whimsical, eccentric, and spirited sci-fi movie.

Young Ones (2014)

Young Ones is a Western sci-fi boasting a similar vibe to the Mad Max franchise, given its dystopian premise of societal collapse and the lengths humans go for survival. The world-building and visuals are impressive, while it adheres to the standard Western themes of lawlessness and vengeance. Young Ones also marks one of Fanning’s first mature roles, as she portrays a woman in a troubled marriage, conveying what it’s like to get caught between family and one’s need for survival. In addition to its gritty Western premise, Young Ones is ultimately an emotional tale of family loyalty.

Predator: Badlands (2025)

In later 2025, Fanning will join the Predator franchise in Predator: Badlands. She stars as Thia, a damaged humanoid robot with only the top half of her body remaining. However, Thia proves quite helpful for an outcast Predator (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) as he embarks on the ultimate hunt. Based on the trailer, Predator: Bandlands leans heavily into its sci-fi components with robots, epic technology, and extraterrestrials, while Fanning is sure to dazzle as the comedic, wry, but very capable Thia.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (2026)

Fanning is set to star in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping on November 20, 2026, as a young Effie Trinket. Previously portrayed by Elizabeth Banks in the Hunger Games trilogy, Fanning is taking over the role for the prequel, much to viewers’ delight as they fan-cast her as Effie long before her official casting announcement. She’s the perfect fit for Effie’s posh, stylish, and empathetic ways. In addition to exciting casting, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will follow the Games of fan-favorite character, Haymitch Abernathy (Joseph Zada), in an emotional blend of dystopian sci-fi and drama.

Where To Watch Elle Fanning’s Best Sci-Fi Movies Online

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Phase Five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe was a trying time for the franchise. The reality had begun to set in that Marvel was no longer the center of the pop culture landscape, and its brand had diluted significantly due to the sheer quantity of TV shows being pumped out onto Disney+. It was also pretty evident that during Phase Five, which lasted from February 2023 to May 2025, Marvel had to significantly pivot and rethink its entire cinematic universe following the allegations made against Jonathan Majors, who was slated to be the Multiverse Saga’s primary antagonist, Kang the Conqueror. 

It was a rough time for Marvel, one that it’s only just now trying to move past. While no Marvel movies were released in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there wasn’t really any excuse to explain why only one Marvel movie, Deadpool & Wolverine, was released in 2024. Some films were still successful and managed to turn a large profit, but Phase Five has the dubious honor of also including some genuine critical and commercial failures for the series. 

So, with Phase Five completed and Phase Six already underway with The Fantastic Four: First Steps, let’s take a look at each Phase Five MCU movie and rank them from worst to best. 

6. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)

You almost have to feel bad for And-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania because, in another world, this could have been a decent mid-tier action movie like the other Ant-Man films. Sadly, it can’t hold a candle to its earlier entries. Marvel’s extensive use of CGI has always been a crippling criticism for its post-Endgame films, and that’s no more apparent than here, where virtually all of Quantumania feels like oddly composited CGI.

The lighter tone of the earlier movies has also been ditched in favor of needless world-building and setting up the next several films, which is especially galling given how Jonathan Majors’ Kang would quickly be written out of the franchise, making all of the extensive setup here legitimately worthless. The sad thing is that Majors was actually pretty good as Kang, but now that Robert Downey Jr.’s Dr. Doom has been made into the MCU’s new big bad, there is virtually no reason to give Quantumania a watch, not even if you like Paul Rudd’s take on the character. 

5. The Marvels (2023)

For some reason, a lot of people absolutely loathe The Marvels, and while it most certainly isn’t a great movie by any definition of the word, it does have a few moments that make it passable. For example, Iman Vellani makes a great Ms. Marvel, and it’s clear that she’s having fun in the role. That, and the fight scenes utilizing the teleportation gimmick that its trio of protagonists are saddled with are pretty fun, too. But… that’s about it.

The mercifully short length of The Marvels makes it feel like a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it movie, one that quickly sets up its conflict and just as quickly resolves it, which is aggravating given the amount of homework someone needs to do to actually get up to speed about what’s happening in the film. So far, The Marvels has been the biggest box office bomb in the MCU’s history, and the only reason it’s not at the bottom is because it at least feels like it’s setting up a few plot threads that later, better films can explore. 

4. Captain America: Brave New World (2025)

Captain America: Brave New World didn’t have to be as disappointing as it was. It’s clear from the very beginning that the film underwent extensive reshoots, and by the time it was released, enough people at Marvel seemed to have thrown their hands in the air and given up, resulting in a movie that’s all over the place. Nearly everything about Brave New World reeks of being a focus-tested and safe release, hardly having anything to say about any of its topics, which is especially galling given how the earlier Captain America films always had something to say about either politics or moral/ethical issues.

Yes, the action is serviceable, as are Harrison Ford’s and Anthony Mackie’s performances, but everything else is so aggressively mediocre that it results in a true middle-of-the-road cinematic experience that only pre-existing fans may find some value in, and even then, that’s a big if. 

3. Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

You either love or hate Deadpool as a character, and there were concerns that when Disney purchased 20th Century Fox, it would try to tone down Deadpool’s R-rated sensibilities. Fortunately, that never happened, and Deadpool was allowed to be as raunchy and violent as usual in Deadpool & Wolverine.

Honestly, the casting of Hugh Jackman definitely reads as a publicity stunt, especially given Marvel’s flagging box office and how Jackman’s interpretation of the character received the perfect ending in Logan, but at the very least, seeing a Wolverine who’s allowed to curse and murder to his heart’s content is fun. The dynamics between him and Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool is what makes the movie shine, but it tends to go a bit overboard on poking fun at 20th Century Fox, which may grow old after a while. Comedy is subjective, though, and if you liked the earlier Deadpool movies, you’ll like Deadpool & Wolverine. 

2. Thunderbolts* (2025)

Most people may have written off Thunderbolts* as a knock-off of DC’s Suicide Squad, but that absolutely isn’t the case, as the film has much more to say than that cinematic misfire ever did. The concept is still somewhat similar, revolving around a group of anti-heroes being forced to work together to stop a bigger threat, but the charm of Thunderbolts* lies in how it looks at the inner demons of each character and explores them.

Depression, grief, loneliness, and irrelevancy are all explored, and it doesn't sugarcoat any of it, making this a surprisingly dark superhero action film. This is mostly thanks to the excellent cast assembled here, with Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, and Wyatt Russell doing a lot of the heavy lifting. It even subverts a the expected Marvel tropes in favor of telling a story that takes thematic risks and sets up a status quo that appears interesting and exciting. It’s a shame this underperformed at the box office because Thunderbolts* is a remarkably good movie. 

1. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

The Guardians of the Galaxy series is usually hailed as being one of the best subseries in the MCU, and while Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 may not be the best entry in the series, it more than delivers a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. Yes, viewers will have to do a bit of homework to figure out what happened between Star-Lord and Gamora, but the original story here is emotionally gripping and effective. Rocket Raccoon’s past is simply heartbreaking, and Chukwudi Iwuji’s High Evolutionary is one of the most detestable Marvel villains that you love to hate in the best way possible.

Most importantly, it offers a satisfying end to the story that started back in 2014 and gives all of the characters the happy ending they deserve. Thanks to the film still retaining James Gunn’s signature brand of humor and characterization, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is easily the best MCU movie of Phase Five. 

Where To Watch All Phase Five MCU Movies Online

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Establishing himself as one of cinema’s most important indie filmmakers with the one-two punch of Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction, Quentin Tarantino has been using unique Easter eggs, like the fictional Red Apple cigarette brand, as a connecting motif in almost all of his films. In fact, only one of Tarantino’s movies don’t seem to have a direct connection to the others—the criminally underrated Jackie Brown, which instead is a part of the Elmore Leonard universe of films.

As reported by Esquire, Tarantino has referred to two shared universes in his films. This is the “Realer Than Real” timeline where most of his movies are set and the fictional, in-universe “Movie Universe” of shared continuity. Here is how all Quentin Tarantino movies (including upcoming films that he wrote like The Adventures of Cliff Booth) are connected through the “RTR” and “MU” timelines and what they bring to the shared Tarantino universe. 

Reservoir Dogs (1992)

Quentin Tarantino’s debut feature, Reservoir Dogs, established the RTR shared universe in ways that would only become apparent with time. A tight and tense thriller that’s perfect for fans of dramatic performances, Reservoir Dogs lays the groundwork for the universe by introducing characters like Vic Vega, aka Mr. Blonde.

Vic’s brother is Vincent Vega, one of the primary characters of Tarantino’s subsequent film, Pulp Fiction. This connection was supposed to be more pronounced in a potential film focusing on the pair, but this concept never made it past development and remains one of Tarantino’s most intriguing unfinished products. The film also slyly mentions a woman named Alabama as an associate of Mr. White, who would go on to be one of the main characters in True Romance.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Perhaps Tarantino’s most iconic film, Pulp Fiction’s idiosyncratic script, tight direction, and strong cast make for one of the best crime dramas in cinematic history. It also serves as a major connection point between several of Tarantino’s films in the RTR universe.

Uma Thurman’s Mia mentions auditioning for an action TV show that seems to follow the same general archetypes as Kill Bill, serving as the first hint that Kill Bill doesn’t take place in the same universe as the “RTR” films. Minor Pulp Fiction characters, like Jimmie Dimmick and Captain Koon, are suggested to be related to characters from Reservoir Dogs and Django Unchained. There’s also a longstanding theory that Marsellus Wallace’s briefcase contains the diamonds from Reservoir Dogs, although the purposefully ambiguous nature of the contents leaves that open to debate even two decades later..

Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Inglourious Basterds is Tarantino’s take on the World War II epic, with one of his best ever scripts and a killer cast that elevate their war film archetypes into something truly special. Inglourious Basterds is largely removed from the RTR universe, although some theories (such as from Cracked’s After Hours series) suggest that the Basterds’ influence on real historical events explains the more violence-obsessed culture of this timeline. 

Notably, Inglourious Basterds has two direct family connections to other Tarantino films. Archie Hicox is a British agent serving behind enemy lines. He’s a far more heroic character than his ancestor, English Pete Hicox, a notorious criminal who appears in The Hateful Eight. Donny, otherwise known as “the Bear Jew,” is the most fearsome of the Basterds, and his son, Lee Donowitz, goes on to become a movie producer who appears in True Romance. 

Django Unchained (2012)

The Western revenge epic starring Jamie Foxx, Django Unchained is perhaps Tarantino’s most plainly entertaining film, with all-time great performances by Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Kerry Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, and an almost unrecognizable Leonardo DiCaprio.

Technically, the earliest film in the RTR universe, many of the characters are long dead by the events of the other movies. However, Captain Koons from Pulp Fiction’s ancestor is Crazy Craig Koons, a part of the Smitty Bacall Gang that Django helps Schultz hunt down. A similar connection is also implied with Maynard, a minor villain in Django Unchained who shares a surname with one of the villainous pawnshop owners from Pulp Fiction. Notably, both Maynards are ultimately killed by the people they tried to brutalize.

The Hateful Eight (2015)

Tarantino’s bleakest film, The Hateful Eight, is a tightly-written character study that works almost more as a play than a film. It initially doesn’t seem to have many connections to the rest of the RTR universe besides the Hicox connection to Inglorious Basterds and the consistent presence of Red Apple as a tobacco brand across the films. However, The Hateful Eight almost had one of the most concrete connections of any Tarantino film. 

The movie focuses on Major Marquis Warren, a Black bounty hunter operating in the post-Civil War era. Tarantino originally conceived of the film as a direct sequel to Django Unchained, which would have been titled Django in White Hell. As reported by Entertainment Weekly, Tarantino eventually realized the story wasn’t right for Django, so he adjusted the protagonist and created Warren.

Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood (2019)

Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood is one of Quentin Tarantino’s most grounded films, bolstered by a charming lead performance and a surprisingly deft balance of unexpected comedy, dramatic turns, and tension-filled twists. There aren’t any of the notable family connections seen in previous Tarantino movies here. Instead, the connections have been theorized to involve how history is reflected by the events of the RTR universe.

Rick Dalton’s The 14 Fists of McClusky is suggested to be the in-universe dramatization of Inglourious Basterds. It’s likely that Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood’s upcoming David Fincher-directed sequel, The Adventures of Cliff Booth, will introduce more fallout of how the altered history of the RTR universe impacts culture.

True Romance (1993)

True Romance is a grisly love story with a script by Tarantino and directed by Tony Scott. An early showcase of Tarantino’s skills as a writer, the jovial cast and Scott’s trademark slick direction make True Romance a delightfully fun crime thriller take on a meet-cute romance.

Tarantino sold the script for True Romance partly to fund his directorial debut, Reservoir Dogs. This suggests that the clearest connection between these two films is actually the very first connection that would eventually expand to become the RTR universe. While Mr. White mentions Alabama in Reservoir Dogs, she appears as one half of True Romance’s central relationship, this time getting herself and her new lover, Clarence Worley, involved in a chase with the mafia.

Natural Born Killers (1994)

Directed by Oliver Stone, the purposefully polarizing and provocative Natural Born Killers is one of Quentin Tarantino's bluntest (and darkest) films ever. The movie contains two direct connections to Reservoir Dogs through character surnames.

One of them is Jack Scagnetti, a vile police officer from Natural Born Killers who shares his last name with Mr. Blonde's parole officer, Seymour Scagnetti. There's also a TV report in Natural Killers that recounts the death of Officer Gerald Nash at the hands of the Knoxes. Two other members of the Nash family appear in other Tarantino films: Marvin Nash is the police officer who is tortured by Mr. Blonde in Reservoir Dogs, while their implied ancestor, Gerald Nash, was a member of the Smitty Bacall Gang in Django Unchained.

Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2 (2003/2004)

While many of Tarantino’s movies take place in the RTR universe, some of them occur in a fictional, in-universe world, like Kill Bill. The “Movie Universe” refers to the Tarantino films that technically also exist in the RTR universe, entertaining the characters of other Tarantino films. This explains the more outlandish elements of the MU films, such as the stylish action and wild twists of Kill Bill Vol. 1 and Kill Bill Vol. 2.

The Viper Assassination Squad are referenced in Pulp Fiction, with Uma Thurman’s Mia seemingly up for a role that would go on to feel very similar to her character of the Bride. Sheriff Earl McGraw and his son Edgar both appear in Kill Bill, highlighting how they quietly became fixtures of the MU films. 

From Dusk ‘Till Dawn (1996)

Quentin Tarantino’s early collaboration with Robert Rodriguez, From Dusk ‘till Dawn, is also one of his wildest movies ever, a gleefully dark and campy riff on crime thrillers and vampire horror movies that has to be seen to be believed. Like Kill Bill, From Dusk ‘Till Dawn exists in the MU Tarantino universe, explaining why its supernatural elements haven’t carried over to any of the RTR films.

The biggest connection From Dusk ‘Till Dawn is the presence of Earl McGraw, who appeares in Kill Bill as one of the officers looking into the attempted murder of the Bride. The Texas Ranger appears briefly in From Dusk ‘Till Dawn’s opening act, serving as an early casualty of the Gecko Brothers. This also suggests that From Dusk ‘Till Dawn technically takes place after the events of Kill Bill in its own universe.

Grindhouse (2007)

A melding of minds between Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez, their Grindhouse double-feature of Death Proof and Planet Terror has been confirmed to exist within the MU universe. These bombastic takes on the slasher and zombie genres are grisly, brutal, and deeply entertaining, although not for the faint of heart.

The Tarantino-directed Death Proof has more concrete connections to the MU timeline than Planet Terror, which makes sense given their respective chief filmmakers. Taking up the mantle of his father, Edgar McGraw appears in Death Proof while investigating some of Stuntman Mike’s murders. G.O. Juice also appears as a distinctive brand and had previously been spotted in Kill Bill. The MU presents an interesting meta-commentary on the nature and impact of art on culture, especially as Tarantino uses it as a place to showcase levels of brutality that would be too much for his other films.

Where To Watch All Quentin Tarantino Movies Online

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Fan fiction often begins as a humble hobby, anonymous chapters scribbled in the dead of night under an online username. But some of these stories catch fire and evolve into full‑blown franchises. Anna Todd's After was one such phenomenon, transforming from Harry Styles fan fiction into a film series seen around the world.

E. L. James's Fifty Shades of Grey similarly began as Twilight fan fiction before becoming a billion-dollar trilogy. Robinne Lee's The Idea of You had fan fiction origins, too, striking a deeper chord with critics. And Ali Hazelwood's The Love Hypothesis, born from Star Wars fan fiction about Rey and Kylo Ren, is on its way to the big screen. So let's take a look at what makes these films so popular.

After (2019)

After follows Tessa Young as she enters a tumultuous romance with brooding Hardin Scott. Despite narrative clichés and toxic relationship tropes that were slammed by almost everyone, the series eventually found its audience. If you're the kind of viewer drawn to raw energy, roller‑coaster emotion, and unapologetic young adult romance, even when it's messy, After delivers consistent intensity. It has fueled tons of online fan chatter and is great viewing for a lazy weekend. It might not be perfect, but the story gives off a kind of reckless honesty that's weirdly compelling.

After We Collided (2020)

Set a few years after the original film, After We Collided throws Tessa into the fallout of her relationship with Hardin. She tries to move on, only to find herself drawn back. But a new friend complicates matters. The movie leans heavily into dramatic confrontations and broodiness, which is exactly what fan fiction readers live for. This is the most fan-fiction-feeling film of the series. It's messy and emotional and over-the-top, but that's exactly what makes it hard to look away. It may lack subtlety or polish, but the story gives fans an addictive mixture of longing, toxicity, and so-wrong-it's-right passion.

After We Fell (2021)

After We Fell deepens in story complexity. This time, Tessa prepares for her dream job in Seattle, while Hardin struggles with revelations about his family. But jealousy, secrets, and instability test their bond. Despite some mild narrative fatigue, the story managed to sustain fan engagement. At this point in the series, you're either fully in or fully out. For most, it had enough angst and emotional escalation to justify the story, even if the plot sometimes takes a backseat to the drama showcase. If you're drawn to emotional strain and unresolved tension, After We Fell offers a "hope against all odds" trope that kind of makes it necessary viewing for fans of the genre.

After Ever Happy (2022)

After Ever Happy brings resolution to the story (or something close to it). A tragedy results in Tessa pulling away from Hardin, who is wrestling with the guilt of not being there when she needed him. They ultimately decide whether to mend their relationship or move on, punctuating toxicity with sacrifice and identity exploration. The ending might not resonate with everyone, but it contains just the right amount of catharsis to make the entire ride feel very worthwhile. For viewers attached to Tessa and Hardin, it's a little bittersweet but very much earned.

After Everything (2023)

After Everything closes out the saga with a quieter, more introspective tone than its predecessors. Set after the events of After Ever Happy, the film follows Hardin as he tries to make peace with his past and win back Tessa once and for all. While it trades some of the earlier films' drama for reflection, there's something refreshing about watching Hardin grow up. The romance is more restrained, but longtime viewers will appreciate the emotional payoff. It doesn't undo the messiness of Tessa and Hardin's love story, but acknowledges it with surprising grace.

Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)

Fifty Shades of Grey introduces us to shy college grad Ana Steele, who is drawn into a steamy relationship with Christian Grey, a wealthy entrepreneur with a taste for control. The film luxuriates in slow tension, whispered seduction, and glossy cinematography, offering an erotic charge that fans of the source material craved. The dialogue falters in a few places, but the visual and atmospheric pull is very intoxicating. The movie is less about realism and more about the allure of indulgence. And that's okay. Despite its flaws, it started a franchise that audiences can't help but keep watching.

Fifty Shades Darker (2017)

Fifty Shades Darker does a deep dive into Christian's backstory as Ana pushes boundaries and demands more, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. The story unfolds with richer character exploration, maintaining momentum from the first film. If you wanted more emotion to go along with the franchise's signature gloss, this one ups the ante. The relationship between Ana and Christian starts feeling more mutual, and that makes it easier to invest in. It's still fantasy, but the story attempts to ground itself in something more than just desire. For fans of the evolving role of power in relationships, this movie delivers just enough depth to keep the trilogy moving.

Fifty Shades Freed (2018)

The trilogy concludes with Fifty Shades Freed, where Ana and Christian deal with the complexities of marriage, jealousy, betrayal, and threatening outside forces. This installment leans into the romance‑drama spectacle a lot more than the previous entries. While this movie might be the most over-the-top of the three, there's a certain joy in watching the characters find some version of peace. It's gratifying for viewers invested in the couple's final evolution, wrapping up with style for fans committed to the ride and the eroticism. If you've come this far, you'll be glad you stayed to the end.

The Idea of You (2024)

The Idea of You follows Solène, a 40‑year‑old single mom who unexpectedly falls for 20-something‑year‑old boy band frontman, Hayes, at Coachella. Unlike other films with fan fiction origins, the chemistry between its lead stars is palpable, and the mature storytelling feels thoughtful, which makes the final product more polished, with emotional nuance and resonance. It is also the most critically respected entry in the fan fiction turned movie genre and is ideal if you want romance that transcends clichés while still offering a steamy, uplifting payoff.

The Love Hypothesis (upcoming)

The Love Hypothesis will follow biology PhD candidate Olive Smith and her professor, Dr. Adam Carlsen, who she pretends to date only to prove that she can be in a long-term relationship. Fans of the source material can expect smart banter, slow-burn chemistry, and a fake-dating trope that plays perfectly into both academic awkwardness and simmering tension. The movie does not have an official release date at this time, but is tentatively expected to hit cinemas in 2026.

Where To Watch Steamy Movies That Started As Erotic Fan Fiction Online

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For decades, Jar Jar Binks (Ahmed Best) has been one of Star Wars' most divisive characters. Making his debut in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, Jar Jar is depicted as a clumsy, bumbling Gungan, cast out by his tribe for his penchant for accidents and only narrowly saved by Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson). Unfortunately, viewers didn’t appreciate his comic relief, with critics and audiences singling him out for criticism.

However, over the years, viewers’ perception of Jar Jar has shifted dramatically. Rather than viewing him as one of Star Wars’ biggest mistakes, many are convinced he’s secretly a powerful Sith Lord.

Jar Jar Binks Sith Lord Fan Theory, Explained

The theory that Jar Jar is secretly a Sith Lord in Star Wars began with Robot Chicken, the adult animation show known for pulling off outlandish parodies of pop culture phenomena. The show produced multiple Star Wars parodies, including the 2010 episode, “Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode III.” In the episode, Jar Jar reveals that he’s a Sith Lord and has been secretly manipulating events in the Star Wars universe, including intentionally granting Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) emergency powers in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones.

Although the episode is a parody, Star Wars fans took the Darth Jar Jar idea to heart. In 2015, Reddit user Lumpawarroo posted a formal fan theory regarding Jar Jar’s Sith Lord ties to the Star Wars subreddit. The user posits that Jar Jar is an influential, manipulative figure who hid his Force powers and Sith associations behind his bumbling act. 

The user suggests that Jar Jar is using a Force-sensitive form of Zui Quan, or Drunken Fist wushu, making his movements appear sloppy and goofy to trick and disorient his opponents, even though his actions are all very intentional. The user takes things a step further to suggest that Jar Jar utilized Force Mind Control to manipulate the Star Wars galaxy.

While the user posits that everything Jar Jar did was intentional, they also suggest it never happened because George Lucas backed out due to the overwhelmingly adverse audience reactions to the character after Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace.

The Evidence For The Darth Jar Jar Theory

The Darth Jar Jar theory actually makes a good deal of sense. Given that Star Wars has always relied on the underdog trope, it’s genuinely not as outlandish as it seems at first glance. The “Chosen One” was a boy born into slavery. A farmer boy, Luke Skywalker, was the one to save the galaxy. Yoda, an unassuming member of a small, ancient species, turns out to be one of the greatest Jedi Masters of the Jedi Order. It’s always the most unassuming and most looked down upon by society who turn out to be the most important people, so why wouldn’t the same be true of Jar Jar?

Not only is the theory in line with Star Wars’ trajectory, but there’s a lot of evidence in the prequel trilogy to back it up. As mentioned above, Jar Jar is awfully, physically talented for a supposed klutz. Multiple moments throughout the Star Wars movies see Jar Jar suddenly performing inexplicable physical feats, like a 20-foot somersault or leaping over a balcony in moves resembling Force Jumps. In Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, he leads the Gungan army in the Battle of Naboo, and many of his “accidents” appear intentionally, such as getting a blaster wrapped around his ankle and using it to fire multiple precise and perfect shots at the enemy. 

Meanwhile, his entry into the Senate can be seen as an infiltration, as there’s no way someone of his apparent low intelligence and proneness to chaos would be entrusted as a Senator. Interestingly, immediately before his promotion to Senate and before his speech imploring the assembly to grant Palpatine emergency powers, he’s seen utilizing hand gestures, which are often a tell-tale sign of Sith or Jedi mind tricks and mind control.

One also can’t help but wonder if the fact that Jar Jar and Palpatine hail from the same planet, Naboo, is a coincidence or a nod to their secret collaboration. If Jar Jar truly was manipulating the Jedi and Senate, it’s unlikely he’d fall victim to Palpatine’s manipulation. It would be more plausible that they were partners, especially since Palpatine oddly chooses to keep Jar Jar near even after he’s elected Chancellor. Had Jar Jar been a pawn in Palpatine’s game, he would have disposed of Jar Jar after getting what he wanted. Instead, he keeps him near, as if recognizing Jar Jar’s supreme power.

Is The Darth Jar Jar Theory Accurate?

The Darth Jar Jar theory has never been wholly confirmed. However, George Lucas and Ahmed Best have made statements seemingly in support of the theory. Lucas once claimed Jar Jar was his favorite character in the franchise and an important “key” to the saga. It’s hard to understand his statement if not considered in the Darth Jar Jar theory context. Meanwhile, Best acknowledged the theory and refused to either disprove or confirm it, meaning it remains a possibility.

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The words "horror" and "free" go together like bread and butter. With thousands of horror movies spanning countless subgenres, there is always an old classic or modern marvel dropping on a free streaming service. The tricky part is mining through the vast libraries of streamers like Tubi and Pluto TV to find that hidden gem. While investing in Shudder might make your life easier, not everyone wants (or is able) to dish out more cash for yet another subscription.

That's where JustWatch's guide comes in. Whether you're a horror newcomer in search of a welcoming entry point or a terror connoisseur looking for a scary hit, here are the best horror movies streaming for free right now, categorized by some popular subgenres for your convenience.

Halloween (1978) 

Best for Slashers

For horror heads, Halloween might seem like an obvious pick. However, for those just starting their descent into the horror genre, it's a great starting point. John Carpenter is a master of suspense. As a result, Halloween offers plenty of slow-creeping dread that so many other slasher films lack. What starts with Michael's chilling origins on one fateful night in 1963 jumps 15 years forward to when Michael escapes a mental institution and returns to his hometown to wreak havoc. While the larger Halloween franchise has a reputation for creative kills and gore, the original movie has very little blood, making it a solid option for more squeamish audiences.

Other free slasher movies:

• The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
• You're Next (2011)
• Terrifier (2016)

The Cleansing Hour (2019)

Best for Possession

If you love and respect The Exorcist, then you already know that almost every possession movie to come after tries to emulate it. For fans of the subgenre, it can get tiring. That's where The Cleansing Hour comes in. Although it's got all the standard possession movie tropes, it subverts expectations with a fake demonic possession turned real—all during a live stream. The acting is great, the specific effects are solid, and, more importantly, the story keeps you engaged from start to end. There is even a little dark humor thrown in for measure. This one will surprise you.

Other free possession movies:

• Night of the Demons (1988)
• Late Night With the Devil (2023)
• When Evil Lurks (2023)

Society (1989)

Best for Body Horror

While Society tends to give its gruesomely weird premise away in trailers and marketing, it's best enjoyed with minimal spoilers. A quick synopsis: A wealthy, Beverly Hills teenager begins to suspect his family is part of an unusual cult. Simple, right? Well, what lies at the end of Society is pure nightmare fuel. Once a box office bomb, the movie has become a bona fide cult classic, earning a spot in the body horror hall of fame alongside the works of David Cronenberg. If you're not squeamish and like a decent little mystery, Society should be your next watch.

Other free body horror movies:

• From Beyond (1986)
• Splinter (2008)
• Infinity Pool (2023)

Let the Right One In (2008)

Best for Vampires

Based on the John Ajvide Lindqvist novel of the same name, Let the Right One In delivers the expected vampire tropes with a unique spin. Rather than featuring the tall, dark, seductive vampires inspired by Bram Stoker's Dracula, Let the Right One In places the strange yet tender relationship between a bullied 12-year-old boy and a vampire "child" at its center. With an atmospheric, cold-weathered backdrop, the movie constantly reminds you how cold and lonely vampirism can be—but also how cold and lonely being a misunderstood child can be, too. Just as dark, twisted, and taboo as you'd expect from the subgenre, Let the Right One In will appeal to anyone who loves supernatural stories with a touch of romance, if you can even call it that. Those who struggle with subtitles (or who just want a different version of the story) should consider the American remake, Let Me In.  

Other free vampire movies:

• A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014)
• The Transfiguration (2016)
• Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person (2023)

Ju-On: The Grudge (2002)

Best for Supernatural Horror

If you're looking for a one-word descriptor of Ju-On: The Grudge, it's creepy. Takashi Shimizu's supernatural story spawned a franchise for a reason. Watching Rika Nishina (Megumi Okina) encounter the cursed spirits living in the home of the elderly woman she's assigned to care for is as dark, spooky, and haunting as you can imagine. Those who enjoy ghost stories with creepy imagery that evoke that look-over-your-shoulder feeling will find a lot to like in Ju-On. If you struggle with subtitled films (or just want another movie with a similar vibe), you should check out Takashi Shimizu's American remake, The Grudge, which, at the time of writing, is streaming for free, too.

Other free supernatural horror movies:

• The Changeling (1980)
• The Babadook (2014)
• The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016) 

Triangle (2009)

Best for Psychological Horror

Christopher Smith's Triangle is underrated, plain and simple. Despite its tense, twisty premise, it doesn't make a lot of mainstream horror lists. However, for those who like think pieces where nothing is quite what it seems, Triangle is a must-watch. To divulge too much about the plot would be a disservice; just know the movie kicks off with Jess (Melissa George), a single mother in desperate need of a break, whose day out at sea with her friends turns into a bizarre nightmare when she gets the uncanny sense that they're being watched. Scary, smart, and infinitely engrossing, Triangle will not disappoint fans of psychological horror. This isn't a "second-screen" experience movie; it demands your full attention.

Other free psychological horror movies:

• Possum (2018)
• Us (2019)
• The Lighthouse (2019) 

Tucker & Dale vs. Evil (2010)

Best for Comedy Horror

Sometimes the title of "horror comedy" gets tossed on any old movie looking to excuse its B-movie flaws. However, those searching for a genuinely laugh-out-loud, high-quality horror comedy will find nothing better than Tucker & Dale vs. Evil. The film pokes fun at horror movie tropes, particularly those of the "hillbilly horror" or "rural horror" variety. While the actual scares are minimal, the movie offers up some creative kills and decent gore nonetheless. The real standouts are the titular leads themselves. With all their innocence, charm, and rock-solid comedic timing, it's difficult not to fall in love with Tucker (Alan Tudyk) and Dale (Tyler Labine).

Other free horror comedies:

• The Return of the Living Dead (1985)
• Evil Dead 2 (1987)
• Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (1988)

Train To Busan (2016)

Best for Zombies

Maybe George A. Romero's Living Dead movies still have your heart, or perhaps you prefer more of a modern-day feel like The Walking Dead. Either way, Train to Busan won't disappoint. Yeon Sang-ho's masterpiece is heavy on the action, featuring fast-moving zombies that would feel right at home in World War Z. As the title hints, the movie follows the passengers on a train as a zombie outbreak plunges Korea into utter chaos. And while that's all thrilling in itself, Train to Busan shines in its quieter moments, whether it's characters staring death in the face or the social commentary surrounding Korea's class division.

Other free zombie movies:

• 28 Days Later (2002)
• Zombieland (2009)
• One Cut of the Dead (2017)

Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)

Best for Creature Feature

While you might want to save this one for the holiday season, Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale makes the list for its sheer uniqueness. With creature features normally dominated by werewolves, mutated animals, and vampires, this Finnish flick offers bizarre, monstrous Santas. While that in and of itself isn't anything special, considering films like Krampus, Rare Exports treats these wild Santa Clauses like a rare species various world governments want to exploit. Told primarily through the eyes of a young boy, it blends adventure, fantasy, and horror to fantastic effect. If you think you've seen everything under the creature feature sun, Rare Exports raises the bar.

Other free creature features:

• Pumpkin Head (1988)
• Ginger Snapes (2000)
• Dog Soldiers (2002)

A Quiet Place (2018)

Best for Sci-fi Horror 

A Quiet Place takes the best parts of a tightly-plotted thriller and a post-apocalyptic drama and meshes them together to create a crowd-pleasing sci-fi horror movie. Directed and starring The Office's John Krasinski, the movie sees Krasinski's Lee and his family navigating a devastated world inhabited by extraterrestrial creatures who compensate for their blindness with an acute sense of hearing. Where A Quiet Place excels is in how it creates suspense with the back-and-forth between silence and noise. One wrong move could be the end of the protagonists, and that feeling doesn't let up from beginning to end.

 Other free sci-fi horror movies:

• Cube (1997)
• The Mist (2007)
• Nope (2022)

Where To Watch The Best Free Horror Movies Online

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2025 has been one of the most plentiful and high-quality years that the anime industry has ever seen. The Spring and Summer seasons alone have been bursting with excellent shows like The Summer Hikaru Died. Frankly, anime fans are spoiled for choice in 2025. There’s just so much great new anime that, even though we’re more than halfway through the year, it’s going to be next to impossible to choose an Anime of the Year. But given how we’re approaching the Fall season, let’s stop and think of which titles could be crowned the best anime of 2025.

For the purposes of this list, we’ll mostly be looking at new and original anime that debuted this year. While fan-favorite anime like Solo Leveling (2024), Dan Da Dan (2024), and The Apothecary Diaries (2023) are great and their second seasons may be excellent, this list intends to spotlight new anime, or at the very least, spin-offs of long-running franchises. We’re also going to limit it to six recommendations, which lines up with how many nominees Crunchyroll usually includes for Anime of the Year. Plus, if you want to check out any of these titles, most of them are easily available over on Crunchyroll, too!

The Summer Hikaru Died (2025)

If you ask me which show is most likely to be Anime of the Year, I would probably say it’s The Summer Hikaru Died. Never mind the fact that it’s an excellent fusion of horror and yaoi (aka Boys’ Love). What makes The Summer Hikaru Died so compelling is how it stays with you long after you finish watching it. Maybe it’s because of the creeping small-town horror or the will-they-won’t-they romance between Hikaru and Yoshiki, but the series exudes tension so effortlessly. 

In a lesser year, there would be no debate as to whether or not The Summer Hikaru Died would be considered Anime of the Year, but 2025 is not like other years. Still, The Summer Hikaru Died should find a spot on everyone’s watch list, especially if you’re looking for a Netflix anime with a hint of Lovecraftian horror and tender LGBT themes.

Zenshu (2025)

In a season that was dominated by Solo Leveling’s second season, most Winter anime got lost in the shuffle. This is especially tragic in the case of Zenshu, a fantasy anime that’s inspired by classic fantasy adventure anime from the ’80s and ’90s. The sense of adventure Zenshu creates feels like a cross between Studio Ghibli’s Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984) and Shirobako (2014).

Zenshu is compelling to watch solely because of how it handles the numerous themes it wants to address. Sure, the animation is delightful, especially the magical girl-inspired transformation sequences, but the show’s heart lies in examining the art of storytelling. Authorial intent, the nature of endings, death, and predestination are all tackled in Zenshu in thought-provoking ways and come together to create one of the most satisfying climaxes of any anime I’ve seen so far in 2025. Zenshu is a series that’s not only perfect for those yearning for classic anime aesthetics, but for creators who love stories about stories. 

Kowloon Generic Romance (2025)

Kowloon Generic Romance is a complicated series to dissect, and that’s entirely because it's adapting virtually an entire manga in a 13-episode series. The series focuses on a woman named Reiko in the Second Walled City of Kowloon, but it quickly becomes apparent that not everything in the city is what it seems, most notably with the revelation that another Reiko was living in Kowloon, but no one seems to recall who she was.

Kowloon Generic Romance stands apart from the crowd entirely due to how it’s intended for adults. The anime feels mature, complete with a multitude of mysteries and character drama addressed in artistic and poignant ways. At points, it feels somewhat overstuffed, with plenty of blink-and-you’ll-miss-it plot points, but when the series hits, it comes across like an anime version of Severance (2022). Kowloon Generic Romance will wrap you in its odd sense of nostalgia for bygone summer days and lost loves, and no other anime this year can come close to making that claim.

Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray (2025)

The Uma Musume series has been around for nearly a decade, and while it’s been a fairly popular series in Japan with numerous Gacha games and merchandise, it was never able to break through in the West in any meaningful way. That was until Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray, which tells the story of Oguri Cap, a horse girl who is trying to be the best competitive racer of them all.

Cinderella Gray is a sports story at its heart, filled with all of the drama and twists befitting one, and would feel right at home with other sports movies like Field of Dreams (1989) and A League of Their Own (1992), just with cute horse girls! This became Prime Video’s big anime of the Spring season (Sorry, GQuuuuuux!), and the fact that it was able to explode in popularity as much as it has goes to show just how much fun and emotionally satisfying the series is. If you’re trying to find a traditional, yet unconventional, anime sports series, then you’ll have a great time with Cinderella Gray.

To Be Hero X (2025)

China has been desperately trying to break into the anime scene for years, but after years of middling successes, it finally had its first unmitigated hit with To Be Hero X. The series is a superhero anthology show that runs for 24 episodes and focuses on the stories of the top 10 heroes in Japan and how they all intersect with each other. Sometimes the connections are pretty straightforward, but other times, the series channels Rashomon (1950) by presenting scenarios from multiple characters’ perspectives to enhance the larger narrative.

What sets To Be Hero X apart from other anime is how it mixes animation styles. The series frequently shifts between some absolutely gorgeous 2D animation and 3D CG, with a mixed media intro that’s one of the year’s best. Think of the show as a love child of the animation of Arcane (2021) crossed with the spectacle of My Hero Academia (2016). The biggest strength of To Be Hero X is its world, most notably how trust and fear determine not only a hero’s status in society, but also the nature of their powers. To Be Hero X is ambitious in a lot of ways, and so far, that ambition is paying off in spades.

Takopi’s Original Sin (2025)

Depression, thy name is Takopi’s Original Sin. Despite only lasting six episodes, each episode of Takopi’s Original Sin hits with the emotional weight of a freight train, layering on trauma after trauma for each member of its small cast. The show at first appears to be a happy-go-lucky children’s show about a magical octopus coming to Earth to make people smile, but after 15 minutes, it becomes all too clear that this isn’t like Doraemon (2005) at all.

It’s a tough watch, coming with a content warning at the beginning of each episode, but it’s so well-written and gorgeously animated that you just can’t turn away from it despite the soul-crushing nature of it all. The only other anime that’s arguably just as depressing as Takopi’s Original Sin is Grave of the Fireflies (1988), which is saying something. Despite the darkness, Takopi’s Original Sin is so artistically fulfilling that it’s hard not to consider it nothing short of a must-watch anime experience.

Since his appearance in Stranger Things, English actor Joseph Quinn has become an undeniable heartthrob people want to see more of. With a solid background in period pieces, he's got plenty lined up on the backend, but it's his work going forward that's going to be so gripping to watch, primarily when he fills the shoes of the legendary George Harrison in the upcoming biopics centered on The Beatles. 

From period pieces like Howard's End to the long-anticipated Gladiator sequel, here are the best Joseph Quinn movies and TV shows, along with where to watch them on platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, and more.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)

Picking up the fiery mantle from Chris Evans and Michael B. Jordan, Joseph Quinn stuns with unbeatable heart and easy charm as Johnny Storm in Marvel's newest spectacle, The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Bringing his natural, open-hearted approach to an already electric role is one thing, but it's another how Quinn manages to imbue the character with so much compassion when other films haven't given the hero the space to shine as poignantly. While this retro version is undoubtedly full of more emotional beats than its predecessors, it's the actors who bring something unforgettable to their embodiments. 

Stranger Things (2016)

Joseph Quinn's Eddie Munson shows up for a handful of episodes in the series' fourth season and leaves the type of mark no other guest star has managed. His wildly metal-loving passion and big heart glisten as he befriends Dustin and Chrissy and chooses to sacrifice himself after a life that wasn't all that kind to him. Still, to this day, viewers are hopeful that he'll maybe show up in the final season of Stranger Things, giving Eddie and fan-favorite characters a chance to move on with better lives.

A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)

John Krasinski's films require very little spoken dialogue, so plenty relies on the actors to convey the emotions that make the stories compelling. Such is the case with the two originals and their prequel, A Quiet Place: Day One, starring Lupita Nyong'o and Joseph Quinn. With the short amount of time we get with the characters, Quinn's Eric is easy to love, wholesome, and memorable. With a single look, he consistently shows us how caring the character is, managing to ensure that we root for him and Samira through every beat.

Gladiator II (2024)

While Joseph Quinn's role in Gladiator II isn't as big as fans anticipated it would be, he still manages to deliver something unique, proving that his range as an actor is boundless. In a complex story about twin emperors, Quinn's unlikable yet layered character, Geta, still gives us plenty to explore and understand in a film that's rooted in the idea of legacies. With a performance that's so different from what most people are used to, the actor manages to ensure that viewers see more than what's on the surface. 

Dickensian (2015)

BBC's Dickensian is an underrated and compelling treat from start to finish as a collection of Charles Dickenson characters coming together into one big spectacle. Quinn plays Arthur Havisham, one of the recognized and rebellious characters from Great Expectations. While the series is somewhat different from the books, the characters are all relatively solid representations, which, in turn, allows Quinn to bring yet another intriguing character to life with great care and nuance.

Hoard (2024)

A directorial, coming-of-age debut from Luna Carmoon, Hoard gives Joseph Quinn the chance to play the kind of character he doesn't often do. On the heels of Stranger Things, where fans may have expected more softness and charm, Quinn's Michael is instead manipulative, malicious, and not at all the type of heartthrob anyone wants around. Still, the role is further proof of Quinn's impeccable range and one worth watching to see what the actor is capable of. 

Catherine the Great (2019)

Not to be confused with The Great, Joseph Quinn's inclusion in Catherine the Great is a small but mighty role that continues to allow the actor to show off how he can blend into all sorts of pieces. It isn't every actor who's capable of taking part in period dramas on top of modern-day marvels, but this is an area where Quinn shines with his universality as he embodies Catherine's son, Paul Petrovich, the Tsarevich of Russia. Nuanced, layered, and petulant at times, Quinn nails his role in the mini-series. 

Howard’s End (2017)

Based on the novel by E.M. Forster, the mini-series Howard's End is a heartwarming exposé that examines the changing landscapes of England in the 20th century. Starring another Marvel alum, Hayley Atwell, Joseph Quinn plays Leonard Bast, a clerk. While heartbreaking and tragic at times, the limited series is a brilliant adaptation of the novel and one that gives the stars solid material to dig into and work with. 

Where To Watch The Best Joseph Quinn Movies & TV Shows Online

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Comedies are meant to make people laugh out loud, with clever beats and great character journeys that make the story feel layered and uplifting. It's often said that writing a drama is easier than writing comedies because determining what people will find hilarious isn't as easy as digging into the dark parts of the human psyche to make something relatable. Comedy is also subjective when we examine that there are people who have dry humor versus those who appreciate more on-the-nose jokes.

Netflix is especially chock-full of great comedies streaming right now, whether they're now classics or newer gems that'll very likely still hold up years from now. 

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)

Rian Johnson's Knives Out is good, but Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is even better. A truly excellent whodunnit and an even better comedy, rich with a time-appropriate story that takes place during the COVID-19 pandemic, the film examines a billionaire's role in our world and explores what happens when people have had enough. Since he's more grounded in the role, Daniel Craig's Benoit Blanc's dry humor shines with more nuance here, and stars like Kate Hudson and Kathryn Hahn portray characters viewers love to hate with hilarious remarks that effectively poke fun at the rich.

Derry Girls (2018)

Lisa McGee's Derry Girls is an unmistakable treasure, and one of the best coming-of-age comedies to have ever graced our TV screens. As a series loosely based on The Troubles, the waging arguments between Protestants and Catholics, as well as the teenage woes, never fail to provide ample entertainment. Brimming with the kind of humor that grumpy people could probably relate to best, Derry Girls mixes various personality types in the most deliciously obscure cocktail that delivers the kind of jabs that are both culturally specific and universally easy to relate to. 

Wicked Little Letters (2024)

Olivia Colman's range as an actress is a gift that keeps on giving in Hollywood, and thus far, there's nothing quite like the comedy she plays with in Wicked Little Liars. The role of Edith Swan is so different from anyone Colman has played that the period piece is bound to leave a mark for that reason alone. But there's one scene, in particular, toward the end that involves so much cursing, it gloriously puts a Shakespearean monologue to shame and allows Colman's prowess to glisten in the most hilariously obscure and crude manner.

One Day at a Time (2017)

If any cancellation on Netflix still stings, it's One Day at a Time. The underrated and beautifully thoughtful comedy starring Justina Machado, Rita Moreno, Isabella Gomez, and more became a beacon of hope as a solid representation of Latine homes with unbeatable heart and exceptionally relatable humor in every single episode. The sitcom feels like the kind of classic gem that's both genuinely hilarious and unexpectedly wholesome in a way that proves that the team of writers wanted to do right by every line in a way that would feel organic to everyday households. It's one that holds up today, and it's surely one that people will keep turning to years from now as they discover it for the first time.

Big Daddy (1999)

Adam Sandler's filmography is full of outstanding and uproarious comedies, but the quietly mirthful gem we get with Big Daddy still stands out for the equal amount of heart that blends in with the humor. Sandler and the Sprouse twins are a match made in comedy heaven as Sonny is stuck taking care of his roommate's kid after he unexpectedly shows up at their door. Equal parts adorable and laugh-out-loud funny with crass humor that surprisingly works, everything about Big Daddy shines as the type of comedy that's both of its time and surprisingly feels modern.

Reba (2001)

Whether people watched Reba or not, most pop culture aficionados know about the single mom who worked two jobs, loved her kids, and had the heart of a survivor. Both Reba McEntire and the sitcom are iconic for a reason, providing the kind of honest bit of levity that feels relatable whether viewers share similar experiences or not. From Barbara Jean's antics to every superb eye roll that played on the titular character's face, Reba has a way of being funny in the most indescribable sense of the word. It's proof that, as a comedy, sometimes it's not so much about what's said but how it happens that makes countless scenes pop and stand out.

Hit Man (2024)

Richard Linklater's Hit Man isn't just a delicious showcase of Glen Powell's exceptional range, but it's a wildly uproarious ride that has no business being as funny and as sharp as it is. An undercover hit man thrust into an unexpected situation does indeed have all the markings to be awkwardly funny, but it's everything that comes along with the dark thriller that makes it so well-written. The comedy is subtle, yet it's exactly why it pairs so well with the performances and the off-the-wall narrative.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013)

There will never be another Brooklyn Nine-Nine because there will never be another actor whose unbeatable dry wit hit as hard as the late Andre Braugher's. Sharp, thoughtfully inclusive, and remarkably self-aware, the writing on Brooklyn Nine-Nine consistently sticks the landing because all it tries to do is honor its characters and humanity as a whole. Because of this, the show becomes 10 times funnier, allowing the jokes to turn into memes that hold relevance years after the episode premiered. Plus, Andy Samberg's Jake Peralta breaking into an unplanned jam singing "I Want It That Way" by the Backstreet Boys while trying to identify a murderer is a brilliantly clever inclusion of pop culture jabs that feel acutely well-placed. 

White Chicks (2004)

There are undoubtedly parts of White Chicks that don't hold up today, given conversations we have about bodies and women, but for the most part, it's a solid feature that's always worth watching for the unexpected laughs it manages to evoke. Still, to this day, countless people associate Vanessa Carlton's "A Thousand Miles" with the film's characters belting the lyrics at the top of their lungs. With an incredible cast, a solid script, and thoroughly fantastic performances, there's a reason it's one of the easiest movies to rewatch.

The Good Place (2016)

Like all Mike Schur comedies, The Good Place is as wholesome as it is hilarious, but there's something especially wild about this afterlife tale following a group of flawed characters. Like Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Good Place supplies viewers with iconic moments that become the type of memes that people use for years on end. Specifically, we have Eleanor's declaration of the good place being the bad place that consistently surfaces on the internet when something is amiss. Brimming with accurate millennial humor, a merry cast of complex characters, and wildly hilarious antics, The Good Place is a comedy staple for more reasons than one can list.

Where To Watch The 10 Funniest Comedies On Netflix 

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After the conclusion of the Infinity Saga, which ran for 11 years, many Marvel Cinematic Universe fans were quick to wonder what would come next for the legendary franchise. Phases One, Two, and Three were all building to a climactic showdown between The Avengers and Thanos in Avengers: Endgame, but with the day saved, and billions upon billions of dollars made at the box office, how do you simply continue with the franchise as if it were business as usual?

The answer to that is… not well. Phase Four of the MCU was filled with plenty of problems, some of Marvel’s making and others not so much. Phase Four was set to begin “The Multiverse Saga” in 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly all of Marvel’s films were delayed, stopping all forward momentum for the series. However, unlike the Infinity Saga, TV shows became required viewing to understand what was going on, as Marvel released a staggering eight TV shows from 2021-2022, all of which were a part of the Multiverse Saga.

It was a lot, and unsurprisingly, the quality of MCU movies dropped sharply during Phase Four. That’s not to say that every movie released during this time was bad or even a commercial failure, but viewers could clearly tell that Marvel was struggling to find a direction for the series in a post-Thanos world. Now, with the benefit of hindsight, let’s rank each of the MCU Phase Four movies from worst to best. 

7. Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

Hiring Taika Waititi to create a follow-up to his critically and commercially successful Thor: Ragnarok makes a lot of sense, but it quickly became apparent that Thor: Love and Thunder had no idea what to do with Chris Hemsworth’s character in a post-Endgame world. Comedy is the name of the game in Thor: Love and Thunder, to the point where interesting characters like Christian Bale’s Gorr and Natalie Portman’s Jane Foster are completely mishandled in favor of humor that borders on parody. Add in some of the most obvious and laughable CGI in any Marvel movie, and you have a contender not only for the worst Phase Four MCU film, but the worst MCU movie in general. 

6. Eternals (2021)

Chloé Zhao is an excellent director, but hiring her to direct Eternals wasn’t the right call. Her quiet and contemplative storytelling may be good for personal dramas, but when fashioned to make a cosmic story featuring a large cast of characters MCU fans have never seen before, it turns the movie into an absolute slog. The film spends so much of its time layering on exposition dumps to explain to the audience what’s happening, but because everything feels so far removed from anything in the MCU, it’s hard to invest in any of the characters, especially when you get the sinking feeling that nothing in this movie is going to play into the larger events of the Multiverse Saga. Pretty visuals, though!

5. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a movie that has a lot of potential, but whether it lives up to that potential is dependent on who you ask. Getting Sam Raimi to direct the film helps inject some variety into the proceedings, with elements of horror and comic book weirdness present in nearly every scene. But Raimi’s individuality is diluted due to the ugly CGI that dominates most of the action scenes, and how our glimpses of the Marvel multiverse feel limited at best and perfunctory at worst. At the very least, Elizabeth Olsen really gets to shine, though the power of her performance is diluted if you haven’t seen WandaVision. Still, a film that swings for the fences and only partially succeeds is still worth a watch. 

4. Black Widow (2021)

If a Black Widow movie had been announced and released in the 2010s, it would have almost certainly been a hit, given how popular Scarlet Johansson’s character was and how she always popped up in other movies but never had the chance to star in one herself. Making and releasing the film after Avengers: Endgame, though, is just plain puzzling. Fate simply wasn’t kind to Black Widow, given that it was delayed over a year due to the pandemic. Not to mention that all the excitement for it was washed down the drain after seeing trailers for it for over a year that all but spoiled the entire plot. When it finally did release, it was actually a pretty solid action movie that felt more like a spy-thriller than a superhero movie, provided you just ignore the disappointing third act. Black Widow is good enough, but Scarlet Johansson’s character deserves way more than just “good enough.”

3. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

While the majority of Phase Four films in the MCU were sequels, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was the first original film in Phase Four and brought with it a unique energy all to itself. While there’s a lot of CGI in the later fight scenes, most of the fight scenes were done practically and focus on martial arts, leading to some of the best fight scenes in all of the MCU. Plus, in a rare feat for Marvel, the star of the show isn’t actually Simu Liu’s Shang-Chi, although he does a great job portraying him, but rather the villain, Tony Leung’s Xu Wenwu, who exudes unparalleled charm and adds an extra dimension to a character that, in lesser hands, could be one-note. It’s all around a surprisingly good movie, and one that will probably be regarded as the most underrated film in the MCU.

2. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever should not be as good as it is. Following the tragic death of Chadwick Boseman, Ryan Coogler and the cast of Black Panther had to make several difficult decisions about how to proceed with the film, and the result is a movie that is actively mourning the loss of Chadwick Boseman. It’s the most honest a Marvel movie has been, going beyond simple superhero theatrics to create a story that is one of the most emotionally resonant superhero movies of its time, with Angela Bassett’s performance, in particular, earning an Oscar nomination. Sadly, when Wakanda Forever remembers that it’s a Marvel film and throws in the obligatory superheroics, it loses some of its luster, but it still manages to deliver a film about loss, how we learn from it, and how to accept it. 

1. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

The one film that was able to avoid the directionless pitfalls that many other MCU sequels in Phase Four fell into was Spider-Man: No Way Home, though that had less to do with Marvel trying to chart a new direction for the character in a post-Endgame world and more with ending the trilogy of films starring Spider-Man that started in Phase Three. 

Like Multiverse of Madness, No Way Home is an ambitious movie, trying to tie together nearly two decades of Spider-Man films from three different cinematic universes, but it’s able to pull it off. It’s mostly thanks to the core trio of Tom Holland’s Peter Parker, Zendaya’s MJ, and Jacob Batalon’s Ned, who really do feel like a close group of friends and help ground all of the multiversal shenanigans they wind up in. Then you have the returning antagonists from earlier Spider-Man films, all of whom are relishing the chance to reprise their roles and give their characters the send-offs they deserve. It’s a crowd-pleasing movie to be sure, but just as fulfilling for people who had never seen any of the earlier Spider-Man films starring Tobey Maguire or Andrew Garfield. It’s just an all-around excellent action blockbuster, and easily the best Marvel movie of Phase Four. 

Where To Watch All Marvel Phase Four Movies Online

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David Berkowitz sent New York City into a panic after his attack on Donna Lauria and Jody Valenti kickstarted a series of seemingly random murders spanning the mid-1970s. Dubbing himself Son of Sam, Berkowitz taunted and eluded police until his arrest in 1977. Berkowitz confessed to the crimes, but with the caveat that he was following the orders of a demonic spirit that took the shape of his neighbor's dog, Sam. While the case is technically solved, the ongoing debate about Berkowitz's motive and the possibility of an accomplice has kept it firmly planted in the cultural zeitgeist for almost 50 years.

With Netflix debuting Conversations With a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes, renewed interest circles one of America's most notorious serial killers. Those hoping to learn more about Berkowitz, his allegedly supernatural motives, and the victims who don't deserve to be forgotten, streaming offers plenty of options. Here are the best movies and TV shows about Son of Sam for true crime fans to delve into.

Summer of Sam (1999)

Summer of Sam might be a dramatized movie about the Son of Sam murders, but it's still very much worth watching, especially for people who like Spike Lee's trademark style. Here, Lee transports audiences to the hot summer of 1977 when the hunt for the then-unknown killer is at an all-time high. Instead of focusing on the killer, though, Summer of Sam pans out, delving into the chaos, panic, and fear generated by the manhunt among a tight-knit Italian-American neighborhood. Those wanting an intimate look into Berkowitz's mind won't get there here. What you'll get instead is a juicy character-driven story that cautions against the dangers of mob mentality.

The Bronx Is Burning (2007)

If you're searching for a documentary about Son of Sam, this isn't that. Like Summer of Sam, The Bronx Is Burning is a fictional series that actually places David Berkowitz in the background as opposed to the front. Still, those who enjoy a good sports show will find The Bronx Is Burning standouts as a unique offering in the often "feel-good" subgenre. Set in that famous summer of 1977, the mini-series follows the tense rivalry between Yankees player Reggie Jackson and his manager, Billy Martin. As the drama plays out, the series also chronicles law enforcement's pursuit of Son of Sam, whose random attacks generate all kinds of panic among New York City residents. 

The Lost Tapes: Son of Sam (2016)

The Lost Tapes is a Smithsonian Channel offering that spotlights numerous and core-shaking moments in American history, from the world-changing attacks on Pearl Harbor to the more intimate and bizarre case of the Patty Hearst kidnapping. Season 1, Episode 4 dedicates itself to the Son of Sam murders. While Berkowitz's 1977 killing spree and ensuing capture typically steal the focus of other documentaries and series, The Lost Tapes ensures coverage of Berkowitz's early (and often overlooked) violent crimes that began as early as 1975. At only 51 minutes long, those who want to learn more about the killer without committing to a multi-episode docuseries will find their best match here.

Son of Sam: The Killer Speaks (2017)

Similar to Conversations With a Killer, Son of Sam: The Killer Speaks lets you learn about the Son of Sam murders from Berkowitz's very own mouth. The TV special features an interview between Berkowitz and CBS journalist Maurice DuBois, where they discuss everything from Berkowitz's dark past to his alleged interactions with demonic forces. Now a born-again Christian since 1987, Berkowitz speaks about forgiveness, penance, and faith. Whether it's a true change or manipulation is up for debate among many, but for those wanting an up-close-and-personal account of Berkowitz can't do better than The Killer Speaks.

Son of Sam: The Hunt For a Killer (2017)

For those interested in learning more about Berkowitz's mind, Son of Sam: The Hunt For a Killer is a solid watch. Using interviews and archival footage, this two-part documentary delves into the chaotic manhunt of Summer '77. However, a good chunk of the film seeks to uncover Berkowitz's true motivation, especially with Berkowitz's flip-flopping on his story over the years. Although it might not be as narratively engaging as other documentaries on the killer, it's certainly thorough and informative for those looking to learn more. 

Mindhunter (2017-2019)

Another Netflix favorite, Mindhunter is the show for those disturbed, terrified, and oddly fascinated by the psychology of serial killers. Set in the late '70s, the fictional-but-inspired-by-real-events series chronicles the early days of the FBI's Behavior Science Unit and the even earlier beginnings of criminal profiling. While Season 1 primarily features serial killer Edmund Kemper, Season 2 introduces other notorious names like Elmer Wayne Henley, Charles Manson, and, of course, David Berkowitz. Still largely considered one of the best TV shows of all time, Mindhunter is an excellent watch for those interested in the profiling side of killers as a whole.

The Sons of Sam: Descent into Darkness (2021)

Netflix has the best true crime offerings around, and The Sons of Sam: Descent into Darkness spotlights that wonderfully. With David Berkowitz behind bars, you'd think there wouldn't be anything new to discover about the case. However, journalist Maury Terry dedicated the better half of his life trying to prove Berkowitz didn't act alone. This new spin on one of America's most notorious crimes is compelling and thought-provoking. If you think you know everything about Berkowitz, think again. Descent into Darkness is sure to offer something fresh to even the most experienced true crime watchers.

Conversations With a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes (2025)

Netflix's latest true crime offering and the fourth installment in the Conversations With a Killer series turns its sights on David Berkowitz. The Son of Sam Tapes includes newly unearthed audio interviews between Berkowitz and reporter Jack Jones in the closed-off walls of Attica Correctional Facility in 1980. Coupled with compelling interviews from law enforcement, survivors, and journalists, the series continues Conversations With a Killer's tradition of offering the most well-rounded looks into infamous crimes to date. 

Where To Watch Son Of Sam Movies And TV Shows Online

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Outlander: Blood of my Blood, a prequel to the celebrated time travel show, is set to follow the love stories of the parents of both Jamie and Claire. What happened before Outlander? How did these star-crossed lovers get to the place where they could meet? What led them to each other? Outlander: Blood of my Blood travels one generation back to give fans the answer.

But, what do you need to know before you watch? What do we already know about Ellen MacKenzie and Brian Fraser, Jamie’s parents, and Julia Moriston and Henry Beauchamp? Here are all the Outlander episodes you need to watch before Outlander: Blood of my Blood.

"The Wedding" (Season 1, Episode 7)

A fan favorite, this episode doesn’t just see Claire and Jamie marry each other, it also works as a backstory episode for Jamie. It’s here that we learn about his parents, including that his mother Ellen, was the oldest of three siblings, which included Colum and Dougal MacKenzie, and that she died young, but his father, Brian, survived to see him grow up. We also learn some details about their love story. Additionally, this episode introduces Ellen’s pearl necklace, which Jamie gifts to Claire and teases Murtagh’s feelings for Ellen, which Outlander: Blood of My Blood will develop.

"The Watch" (Season 1, Episode 13)

In an episode where Claire plays midwife to Jamie’s sister Jenny during an extremely complicated birth, we learn more about his family via Jenny. This episode reveals Ellen died from complications of childbirth, which makes Jenny’s birth all the scarier for everyone. Also, in this hour, Jenny gives Claire a pair of bangles made from tusks that belonged to Ellen. As Jenny tells it, the bangles came from a secret admirer that Ellen wouldn’t reveal to anyone else. Sounds like the show was leaving enough breadcrumbs to go into Outlander: Blood of My Blood from the beginning.

"The Search" (Season 1, Episode 14)

While looking for a missing Jamie, we see Murtagh and Claire bond and clash in equal measure. This is the episode that reveals Murtagh’s love for Ellen, which has been part of his impetus for looking after Jamie for so many years. Murtagh tells a story hoping to prove himself worthy of the woman he loved during a hunt and managing to kill a boar with his dagger alone. This impressed the MacKenzies so much he was gifted the boar’s tusks, which he made into bracelets and gave to the woman he loved. Claire then shows him the bracelets she has and they commiserate over loving Jamie, even if they love him in different ways.

"Wentworth Prison" (Season 1, Episode 15)

This episode introduces Sir Marcus MacRannoch, who has a history with Jamie’s parents, particularly Ellen. As Claire tries to pawn her pearls off to sway MacRannoch to help break Jamie out of prison, he asks if Jamie is Ellen’s son and reveals he was the one who gifted Ellen the pearls years ago, as a wedding present. Sounds like the kind of story that will surely come into play during Outlander: Blood of My Blood, particularly if that proves to be even half as successful as Outlander.

"The Fox's Lair" (Season 2, Episode 8)

In this hour, Jamie and Claire travel to Castle Beaufort, where they meet his paternal grandfather, Lord Lovat, the Chief of Clan Fraser. This is when Claire learns about Jamie being a bastard, since his father Brian was an illegitimate son of the Laird. We also learn about Davina, a kitchen maid, who was Brian’s mother. This hour also reveals that Lord Lovat harbors a deep hatred for Clan MacKenzie and even attempted to kidnap Ellen MacKenzie at one point. This means that Brian choosing the MacKenzies would have been seen as an act of rebellion. Outlander: Blood of my Blood will surely explore this choice and the feud.

"The Hail Mary" (Season 2, Episode 12)

This hour doesn’t give us much information about Ellen MacKenzie, but it does give us a fair bit on her brothers Dougal and Colum. We see Colum on his deathbed, recounting the story of when he was thrown from a stallion, injuring his back and legs in the process. This episode explores the animosity between Dougal and Callum that is present from the beginning of the show and also sees the death of Colum, who chooses to die by suicide aided by a vial of poison Claire had provided him, instead of continuing to talk to his brother. Outlander: Blood of My Blood is certain to explore where the issues between the brothers came from.

"All Debts Paid" (Season 3, Episode 3)

This episode introduces the idea of a curse on the Jacobite gold, something that would be perfect for Outlander: Blood of My Blood to delve into. In this hour, Jamie is serving time in Ardsmuir following Culloden when the warden, Lord John Grey, asks him to speak to a man he can’t communicate with. The man tells Jamie about a cursed gold hidden by a White Lady. As if that weren’t enough, he name-drops Colum, Dougal and Ellen. "Death Be Not Proud" (Season 7, Episode 3) also deals with the Jacobite gold, if you want to do this part of the homework right.

"If Not For Hope" (Season 4, Episode 11)

As Jamie and Claire search for Roger after he’s sold to the Mohawk, Brianna stays at River Run with her Aunt Jocasta. There, she learns about her grandmother Ellen, including tidbits like the fact that she was a talented artist and that she was her father’s favorite child and was allowed to remain unmarried long past the acceptable age. After her father died, Ellen eloped with Brian Fraser after refusing the matches her brothers made for her. Jocasta also tells Brianna that Ellen was pregnant before she married. This is important information that is sure to come into play as we meet Ellen and Brian’s younger selves.

"The Fiery Cross" (Season 5, Episode 1)

The season opens with a flashback scene of Murtagh and a young Jamie, moments after Ellen’s death. In that moment, Murtagh promises to Jamie he will be with him always, following him and supporting him in what he does. It’s likely we will see what led to this vow in Outlander: Blood of My Blood and, perhaps, even learn if Ellen was aware of Murtagh’s decision to make it, or even asked it of him. Either way, it’s clear the prequel isn’t just about two love stories, but also about Murtagh’s place in Jamie’s life.

"Written in My Own Heart's Blood" (Season 7, Episode 15)

One of the newer episodes that feels like a must, the penultimate episode of Season 7 opens with a moment of Jamie thinking about his mother as he prepares himself for battle. We see Jamie recalling Ellen’s death and how she’d been put in the coffin with her hair in a braid, only for his father to undo the braid so her hair could lay on the pillow. Jamie also recalls the body of his little brother, who also perished during the birth, being covered by Ellen’s hair. This episode provides a timeframe for Ellen’s death, something crucial to know as we embark on Outlander: Blood of my Blood.

Where To Watch Both Shows In The Outlander Universe Online

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Ever since the Marvel Cinematic Universe popularized the usage of post-credits scenes to tease future projects, viewers have come to associate them with superhero movies in general. As a result, viewers highly anticipated Superman’s post-credits scene, hoping it would include a tease for the relatively new DC Universe’s future. However, the scene was quite ambiguous, with many accepting it as a lighthearted moment meant to depart from the expectations that post-credits scenes set up something else.

Still, viewers can’t help but wonder if Superman’s post-credits scene is a subtle tease of something more important.

What Happens In The Superman Post-Credits Scene?

Superman has two post-credits scenes. One is simply Superman (David Corenswet) and Krypto watching Earth from the moon in a sweet, quiet moment. The second features a brief, humorous interaction between Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi) and Superman. During the movie, Lex Luthor (Nicholas Holt) opens an enormous rift that splits through Metropolis, though Mister Terrific succeeds in closing the fissure and restoring Metropolis to its former state. The post-credits scene reveals that Metropolis survived, but not without some scars.

In the scene, Superman surveys large cracks in Metropolis’s buildings where the fissure closed unevenly. He remarks to Mister Terrific that his work was just “a little off.” Naturally, Mister Terrific is quite indignant, considering he saved the entire city, and storms off after asking in exasperation what Superman wants him to do about it. Superman beats himself up a little bit for bringing the matter up and being a “jerk,” and the scene ends.

Is There More To Superman’s Post-Credits Scene?

At first glance, Superman’s post-credits scene doesn’t appear to be anything more than a fun scene to establish the dynamic between Superman and Mister Terrific. Upon second thought, though, one can’t help but think that giant fissures in the foundation of Metropolis might be significant in the future. In the film, the fissures that tear through Metropolis are a trans-dimensional rift from Luthor’s pocket dimension. Although Mister Terrific repaired the rift, the fact that it’s several inches off seems like it could cause more problems than just an imperfect appearance.

The two major possibilities that come to mind about the cracks are that they indicate the rift isn’t wholly mended or that Metropolis is weakened. When the trans-dimensional rift opened, many viewers were likely reminded of the MCU, particularly Spider-Man: No Way Home, where Spider-Man (Tom Holland) accidentally opens a rift in the multiverse through which variants come through. Superman is quite different since the rift comes from a pocket universe, not the multiverse. 

Still, the imperfect fissures raise the possibility that they could still serve as entryways into the DCU. Given that Peacemaker Season 2 will deal with the pocket universe, it almost seems like Superman is keeping the pocket universe door open just a crack for the future, perhaps allowing it to function a bit like the MCU’s multiverse to blend timelines and universes.

Meanwhile, the cracks in Superman hint at Metropolis’ weakened state. As mentioned above, it appears the two halves of Metropolis were put together a few inches off. So, the anomaly runs through skyscrapers, sidewalks, roads, bridges, etc. One can’t help but wonder just how structurally sound the city is with such fissures. The cracks could be a hint at the rift opening in the future, or perhaps of Metropolis coming under further destruction, with its weakened state inspiring other Superman villains like General Zod or others to make a power play.

Regardless of their meaning, the cracks in Superman are now an official part of the DCU. Either they can remain a mere imperfection, or they could be used to do something more with the pocket dimension and Metropolis.

All DCU Movies And Shows Featuring The Pocket Dimension Online

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If you’re a fan of dark fantasy, the simple fact of the matter is that Berserk is one of the best to do the genre, if not the best. The manga debuted in 1989, kicking off a decades long tale that’s inspired countless tropes and memes, and is largely credited with starting the “Protagonist With a Giant Sword” trope that we still see everywhere today. 

Berserk is a dark, sprawling tale about revenge, causality, fate, and the bond of a found-family through trauma. It’s gorgeous, and important, but it is also a lot, both tonally and literally, as it’s published nearly 400 chapters as of this writing. If you don’t have the time to commit to reading nearly 40 years worth of manga, then the adaptations are your next best bet. Most have continued to adapt the same iconic story, but they’re still a great entry point into the world of Berserk. If you’re looking to get started, here’s a rundown of every Berserk TV show and movie in order and where to find them on platforms like Prime Video. 

Berserk (1997-1998)

The original Berserk anime released just a year after the manga wrapped up the iconic “The Golden Age Arc,” which this series adapts over 25 episodes. The story follows Guts, a mercenary who joins the Band of the Hawk under the leadership of the charismatic Griffith, who seeks to ascend into nobility. However, the series notoriously ends on a massive cliffhanger as Guts and the Band are betrayed by Griffith, who instead joins the demonic Godhand. Ultimately, Berserk was meant to be a promotional tool for the manga, which had already returned to its dark fantasy roots as Guts hunted Griffith through the world, rather than a long-running anime akin to Dragon Ball Z (1996). 

Though concessions are made in the name of adapting the sprawling “The Golden Age Arc” in such a tight timeframe, this anime remains the gold-standard for Berserk fans new and old. This is easily the best way to experience Berserk as a new fan who wants the fullest experience but isn’t ready to commit to three decades of manga. 

Berserk: The Golden Age Arc I - The Egg of the King (2012)

With the Berserk manga only growing more popular over time, 2012 saw the launch of a trilogy of films to update the story told in the 1997 anime. The first installment, Golden Age Arc I - The Egg of the King, follows the manga’s legendary “The Golden Age Arc” through the heights of the Band of the Hawk, as Guts and Griffith form their unbreakable brotherhood, and lays the groundwork for its violent downfall. 

The Egg of the King makes some concessions for the abbreviated runtime, but it’s still an acceptable update to the manga. This is a great fit if you want a breezy update on the classic anime or if the ‘90s animation of the original series doesn’t work for you. 

Berserk: The Golden Age Arc II - The Battle for Doldrey (2012)

Hitting theaters just a few months after the first film, The Golden Age Arc II - The Battle For Doldrey adapts the middle elements of “The Golden Age Arc” as the Band of the Hawk finds themselves embedded in the titular raid on the Doldrey fortress. While The Egg of the King is somewhat hopeful and The Advent would obviously be the darkest of the three, Battle for Doldrey blends white-knuckle action with the arc’s most heartbreaking moments, seeing Guts split from the Band of the Hawk and Griffith captured and tortured for months after being caught seducing Princess Charlotte. 

Battle for Doldrey is a great adaptation of an iconic story, though fans unfamiliar with the original manga will definitely be surprised by the sequels. The almost Two Towers-like tone of Doldrey’s battle doesn’t come close to hinting at the dark tone of the final installment, but it does make for an exciting film. 

Berserk: The Golden Age Arc III - The Advent (2013)

The final entry in “The Golden Age Arc” trilogy, Golden Age Arc III - The Advent recounts the harrowing moments of the Eclipse and the Band of the Hawk’s demise after Griffith’s betrayal. For fans starving for more, though, The Advent also briefly pushes beyond the story, revealing in animation for the first time how Guts and Casca escaped the Eclipse and setting up Guts' quest for revenge. 

Like its predecessors, The Advent is a well-done adaptation of the manga’s most important arc, and it’s exciting to finally see something beyond “The Golden Age,” a story which was, by this point, nearly 20 years old being adapted. This particular element of Berserk, filled with all forms of violence, assault, and gore, is not for everyone, but if you can stomach it, you’ll find one of the most beautifully crafted tales of revenge, loss, and found family in any medium. 

Berserk (2016-2017)

Fans may have hoped that “The Golden Age Arc” would lead to more Berserk, but what they got was perhaps more disappointing than no Berserk at all. The 2016 anime (also titled Berserk) is functionally a sequel to The Golden Age Arc trilogy, adapting most of two further tales from the manga: “The Black Swordsman Arc” and “The Hawk of the Millennium Empire Arc.” Unfortunately, the quality of the production just wasn’t what fans wanted. 

The series dropped The Golden Age Arc’s animation studio in favor of a CG style, but the character models are clunky and move awkwardly. The show also made bizarre adjustments to move more popular characters from later in the manga to earlier in the anime rather than adapting what fans loved more closely. Berserk ran for two seasons, and it’s arguably better than nothing. However, unless you’re a hardcore completionist, consider catching up with the manga rather than tracking down this series. 

Berserk: The Golden Age Arc - Memorial Edition (2022)

If you were hoping for more Berserk, the best you got was 2022’s The Golden Age Arc - Memorial Edition re-release. Unfortunately, it wasn't the new Berserk that many were hoping for. Instead, this is a 13 episode serialization of The Golden Age Arc film trilogy. Released in late 2022, Memorial Edition was the first non-manga Berserk offering following creator Kentaro Miura’s sudden death in 2021. 

Memorial Edition doesn't offer anything new, but it was nice to get something Berserk related while fans mourned Miura’s death. This is a perfectly serviceable way to watch “The Golden Age Arc” if you prefer episodic over movies, for some reason. Beyond “The Golden Age Arc,” the manga continues to this day under the eye of Miura's students and collaborators, but no further Berserk screen adaptations have been announced as of this writing.

Today, especially, countless romance authors create a small universe for themselves where their characters get to exist in the same place, even if they don't crossover with each other. Unexpected sequels are born from a single character becoming a fan favorite, and the world of romance is given the chance to grow and evolve. While there aren't direct crossovers with Jenny Han's movies and TV shows, they're each worth watching for the incredible focus on realistic familial dramas, teenage angst, and the overall romantic relationships that are brimming with tension, history, tender moments, and moving emotions.

From the first adaptation, starting with To All the Boys I Loved Before to the final season of The Summer I Turned Pretty, here is the release order of movies and TV shows in Jenny Han's universe, and where you can find them on Netflix, Prime Video, and more.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018)

As the exceptional adaptation that started it all, To All the Boys I've Loved Before follows Lana Condor's Lara Jean Covey in the ultimate fake dating adventure after her little sister, Kitty, sends out every love letter she's written to the boys she's had a crush on. 

While book readers were aware of its original charm from day one, the film took viewers by storm. Its outstanding means of honoring the source material turned it into one of Netflix's most revered romantic comedies, guaranteeing that viewers would get all three books adapted into movies. The fake dating trope doesn't always work if it isn't engineered right, but the film manages to layer every beat with the underlying emotions that make it memorable, allowing it to stick the landing on all fronts. In addition, every performance makes it an exciting drama that's easy to return to, even for those who aren't typical romance fans. It feels like a classic rom-com, which we don't see often today.

To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You (2020)

Twilight fans will know that sequels often bring more drama in a romance, and here, Broadway heartthrob Jordan Fisher enters the picture as John Ambrose McClaren in To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You, changing the game completely. 

While Noah Centineo's Peter and Lara Jean are endgame, the love triangle that ensues between the two of them and John Ambrose is one of the better depictions of the generally tired trope. The sequel gives Lara Jean the chance to romantically bond with someone outside of Peter, allowing her the chance to see that she was desired before him. This trope not only makes their relationship more satisfying in the end, but it also allows Lara Jean to experience a more fleshed-out arc, ensuring her character journey is even more beautiful and profoundly evocative for younger viewers to understand the value of self-worth. What could've been a cliché sequel results in a compelling character journey instead.

To All the Boys: Always and Forever (2021)

As the final installment in the trilogy, To All the Boys: Always and Forever is a solid conclusion that emphasizes both the importance of romantic relationships and platonic ones. It gives Lara Jean and her friends a chance to find themselves, while it also allows each of the characters viewers have gotten to know gratifying starting points to kickstart their futures after high school. 

Featuring another great soundtrack and familiar teenage drama, the film makes it clear why these relationships might actually last after high school, which is often a rarity to convey in a believable manner for skeptical viewers. And while I'm generally a skeptic when it comes to love during high school, every detail in this film makes it easy to feel the depth of Lara Jean and Peter's adoration for one another.

The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022-2025)

Anything Jenny Han writes is magic, so it's only natural that an adaptation based on another one of her books would be so beloved, too. While there aren't crossovers, The Summer I Turned Pretty, which was released after the To All the Boys films, follows Lola Tung's Belly, returning to Cousins Beach, a place where she's spent all her favorite summers, with a second family. Only one summer naturally changes everything, and romance blooms between the two brothers she's known all her life, followed by heartbreak, growth, and more. 

Will she choose Jeremiah or Conrad? Book fans know the answer, but whether the series sticks to the original ending, only time will tell. Still, with its weekly drop schedule, the dramatic series is bringing back early 2000s teen drama nostalgia, delivering one thrilling and romantically charged episode after another, proving that the genre as a whole is one that viewers will always devour when it's done well. And The Summer I Turned Pretty certainly is.

XO, Kitty (2023-Present)

XO, Kitty is the perfect example of what happens when a character in one production becomes so popular that her story demands to be told as well. This pattern is frequent in romance novels, so the fact that it's occurring on screen feels like it can be the start of kickstarting more stories just like it.  

While there aren't any books to go along with the show, the Anna Cathcart-led series is the most recent addition to the Jenny Han universe, giving viewers a chance to see Kitty Covey in South Korea as she embarks on her journey of self-discovery while finding love in the process. There are two seasons thus far, with the series renewed for a third season as well. Sweet and endearing with memorable characters, everything about the teen drama is an effective hit that sticks the landing with incredible writing and performances. If you like Jenny Han’s work, this is a must-watch.

Hard-hitting dramas with complex characters and impactful messages are great, but sometimes it’s good to just relax and unwind with some seriously fun and funny comedies. Spoofs are a unique genre because they purposely try to be stupid and absurd, but they do so in some incredibly smart and funny ways. They mock certain films, genres, or tropes, and do everything in their power to reveal how, through a certain lens, those beloved classics are downright silly and ridiculous. 

From spoofs of horror hits like Scary Movie to police procedural parodies like The Naked Gun and more, these are 10 spoof movies that absolutely deserve to be watched by anyone in need of a good laugh. 

The Naked Gun (2025)

One of the best parts about The Naked Gun legacy sequel is that its star, Liam Neeson, plays it straight. Instead of mocking police dramas by going full-blown wacky, Neeson acts like he’s starring in one of his iconic action films, like Taken or The Commuter. Watching all the comedy happen around him, while he’s seemingly oblivious to the absurdity of it all, adds a new layer of humor to the franchise and makes it feel fresh and incredibly funny. Neeson is also joined in the cast by other serious entertainers who aren’t normally associated with comedies, like Pamela Anderson, CCH Pounder, and Busta Rhymes.

The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988)

The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! stars comedy legend Leslie Nielsen and has a very weird legacy. It’s based on the short-lived police spoof series Police Squad!, which also starred Neilsen, and spoofed classic police procedurals like M Squad (1957) and Felony Squad (1966). Nielsen used his trademark blend of slapstick comedy and clueless humor to expertly skewer TV’s long history with overly-generic, trope-filled crime series. For diehard fans, the film received two sequels, Naked Gun 2 ½ and Naked Gun 33 ⅓. 

Galaxy Quest (1999)

Galaxy Quest is so brilliant because it spoofed two things at once. The film is a satire of Star Trek and follows the washed-up cast of an old sci-fi TV series called Galaxy Quest. But it also spoofs the Trekkie fandom as a whole, including what it’s like to go to conventions (or “cons”) and deal with an overeager superfan (played by Justin Long in his first major role). In the movie, the Galaxy Quest cast gets mistaken for an actual space crew by a group of aliens who are at war. It’s a lot of fun to watch the group get swept up into some very real deep space warfare despite having no real knowledge about it. The cast is also loaded with talented stars like Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, and the late Alan Rickman. 

Scary Movie (2000)

Horror is such a unique genre. It’s both mainstream, with huge billion-dollar franchises, but it also has a devoted fandom who have essentially created their own subculture. So it was only natural to make a movie spoofing all the most iconic and beloved horror films ever. Scary Movie roughly follows the plot of Scream… but instead of being tense and scary, it’s an absolute joke (in the best way possible). Along the way, it spoofs other iconic horror movies, too, like I Know What You Did Last Summer, Halloween, The Blair Witch Project, and more. Scary Movie received four sequels, with a fifth film coming in 2026. 

Airplane! (1980)

Before The Naked Gun, Leslie Nielsen starred in another iconic spoof, Airplane!. On the surface, the movie is a honed-in spoof of two iconic air disaster films: Zero Hour! (1957) and Airport 1975 (1974). In the film, a commercial airline’s in-flight meal kills the pilots (don’t order the fish!), so it’s up to a flight attendant and a PTSD-riddled air force pilot to fly the plane and land it safely. But some of Airplane!’s best humor doesn’t come from spoofing films, but from simply mocking the hurdles, hassles, and harassments of air travel. It’s a hysterical movie that hits especially hard for anyone who finds themselves flying the unfriendly skies a little too often. 

Spaceballs (1987)

Sure, there’s Star Wars… but who needs Jabba the Hutt when there’s Pizza the Hutt; who needs Yoda when there’s Yogurt; and who needs Darth Vader when there’s Dark Helmet? Written, directed, and starring comedy legend Mel Brooks, Spaceballs is a laugh-out-loud tribute to Star Wars. Plus, unlike many other spoofs that are more niche, since virtually everyone has seen Star Wars, it’s a parody that a wide range of audiences can understand and enjoy. It also has an absolutely stacked cast with Joan Rivers, Bill Pullman, John Candy, Rick Moranis, and even Dom DeLuise all joining Brooks for this hysterical space opera. 

The Brady Bunch Movie (1995)

Unsurprisingly, The Brady Bunch Movie is a spoof of… The Brady Bunch. It gets its humor by placing the family (complete with their safe-for-1960s-television attitudes) in 1990s Los Angeles. The jarring dichotomy ends up making the Bradys look hilariously fake and petty, squabbling over minor issues like “Did Jan use Marcia’s hairbrush?” while everyone around them struggles with real-world problems like drugs and crime. The film has also given birth to the now iconic “Sure, Jan” meme, and RuPaul’s role as the school’s guidance counselor continues to be a fan favorite. 

Another Gay Movie (2006)

In a super meta movie, 2006’s Another Gay Movie is both a parody of American Pie (2001) and the American Pie parody Not Another Teen Movie (2001). It also mocks the teen sex comedy genre as a whole, flipping it all on its head by focusing on a group of gay teens. The move was revolutionary in 2006, and with America’s regression in recent years, the film is, once again, feeling oddly relevant and boundary-pushing. But this isn’t a film that set out to preach a message. In fact, quite the opposite. Despite spoofing teen sex comedies, Another Gay Movie is actually one of the raunchiest and wildest teen sex comedies out there. 

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)

Austin Powers has become an iconic and beloved character all on his own (“Ooooh, behaaave!”). But many fans often forget that the films are actually parodies of the James Bond franchise. That’s why the movies are set in the ’60s (and later the ’70s), because that’s when 007 first made the leap from novels into cinemas. But beyond just being a spoof, Mike Myers created a seriously fun and funny character with Austin Powers, and the films are so good that viewers don’t need any previous exposure to 007 to understand or enjoy them. But audiences who do will see a whole new layer to the franchise. 

Shaun of the Dead (2004)

What happens when comedy geniuses Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright decide to spoof George A. Romero’s iconic 1978 zombie film Dawn of the Dead? The world gets Shaun of the Dead. In the 2004 spoof, the zombie apocalypse goes down around a group of bumbling, fumbling idiots, leading to absolute chaos and hilarity. Shaun of the Dead is loaded with British talent, like Bill Nighy, Nick Frost, Martin Freeman, and Penelope Wilton, and on top of its source material, it also pokes fun at other horror movies like 28 Days Later and Invasion of the Body Snatchers. 

Where To Watch The Best Spoof Movies Online

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How I Met Your Mother was the type of show that had something for everyone. The mysterious identity of the titular mother, which spanned six seasons until its reveal in Season 7, became a topic of conversation for countless TV aficionados. Meanwhile, the end result of the series finale sparked a number of ongoing debates about subverting expectations, and whether that's a positive or negative, still varies in the online space.

However, despite the opinions of how the fictional series ended, the cast was always fantastic, and since then, they've each gone on to incredible projects worth diving into. From guest appearances to new big roles, here's where the How I Met Your Mother cast is today.

Josh Radnor (Ted Mosby)

As the main character of Ted Mosby, Josh Radnor hasn't been in any similar comedies since, but he has indeed kept somewhat busy with a few projects here and there. He's been in Mercy Street and Rise, and he's even made a guest appearance in Grey's Anatomy. Though he doesn't have any projects lined up at the moment, his last appearance was in Ramona at Midlife.  

Jason Segel (Marshall Eriksen)

Since his time on How I Met Your Mother, Jason Segel has appeared in a few comedies, but, most noteworthy, is his current role as Jimmy Laird in Shrinking, where he also serves as an executive producer alongside Bill Lawrence and Brett Goldstein. Shrinking is Segel's most hilarious and admirable role to date, as his performances showcase that not only is he excellent in comedy, but he's also brilliant in managing devastatingly heartbreaking emotions that add layers to an already brilliant and complex character. 

Cobie Smulders (Robin Scherbatsky)

Cobie Smulders was incredible as Robin Scherbatsky, shining as a scene-stealing actress during and after her time on How I Met Your Mother, with various iconic roles under her belt. She's filled the inimitable shoes of Agent Maria Hill in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in films like The Avengers, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and even guest appearances in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Smulders also returned briefly to reprise her role as Robin in the spin-off, How I Met Your Father, and also made a guest appearance in Shrinking alongside co-star Jason Segel.  

Neil Patrick Harris (Barney Stinson)

From guest-hosting as himself to taking on the mantle as Count Olaf in A Series of Unfortunate Events, Neil Patrick Harris continues to shine after How I Met Your Mother. Like his co-star Smulders, he has also briefly reprised his role as Barney in How I Met Your Father while also appearing in Doctor Who and starring in Netflix's Uncoupled. 

Alyson Hannigan (Lily Aldrin)

Before she starred in How I Met Your Mother as Lily Aldrin, Alyson Hannigan was best known for her roles in the American Pie films and for her incredible depiction of Willow Rosenberg in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Since her time as Lily, she has been in a number of films and TV shows, including Kim Possible (the movie) and Fancy Nancy. 

Cristin Milioti (Tracy McConnell/The Mother)

Although her time in the series was short-lived, Cristin Milioti's Tracy made a tremendous impact as the mother. While she had a few credits under her belt at the time, her ability to steal hearts was no small feat. Since then, she's been in series like Black Mirror, starred in romantic comedies like Palm Springs. Most recently, Milioti appeared in The Penguin as Sofia Falcone, for which she's now nominated for Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series. 

David Henrie (Son)

David Henrie's role in How I Met Your Mother was brief, but viewers did get to watch the actor grow. He hasn't been in too many things since then, even as he was most known for his role as Justin Russo in Wizards of Waverly Place. Currently, he has made appearances in the reboot series, Wizards Beyond Waverley Place. 

Lyndsy Fonseca (Daughter) 

While appearing as the daughter in How I Met Your Mother, Lyndsy Fonseca also appeared in Nikita. Since her time on the series, she also starred in Agent Carter, as Peggy Carter's beloved roommate, and has appeared in a number of Hallmark movies like Where Are You, Christmas? and Holiday Crashers. She has also been in the Turner & Hooch reboot recently.

Where To Watch The Cast Of How I Met Your Mother Online

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With the long-awaited release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, we’re finally winding down Marvel’s fifth phase and drawing a close on the tumultuous Multiverse Saga. We’re a far cry from what many would argue was the heyday of the MCU, wherein The Avengers formed to fight Thanos for ownership of the Infinity Stones. 

It seems forever ago, but that tale wrapped up in Phase Three, which ran from 2016 through 2019. If you’re looking to catch up before the next major event kicks off in Avengers: Doomsday, here’s the entirety of the MCU’s Phase Three ranked by Rotten Tomatoes score, as well as where to stream it. 

11. Captain Marvel (2019)

It’s probably no surprise that 2019’s Captain Marvel is so low on this list, coming in with one of the MCU’s lowest Rotten Tomato scores at 79%. And while it’s far from the lowest-rated MCU film, Captain Marvel is the standout underperformer in a long stream of hits. The reality is the film was beset before it even released, with droves of sexist fans review bombing the film. It also didn’t help that for many Marvel fans, Carol Danvers was more of an overpowered cannon than a character. The film still has more fans than it does haters, but it doesn’t change it’s sad standing in the greater MCU Phase Three. 

10. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

2017 was a wild year for the MCU, with two of its three releases being spacefaring adventures. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 was easily the most anticipated of all of them, thanks to the success of the first film, both in theaters and on home video. While Guardians Vol. 2 is well-regarded by fans, it does suffer a bit as the middle child of the trilogy. It released at a time when the MCU’s ongoing narrative was white-hot, so this story about parental figures set far, far away from the core narrative just didn’t click, leaving it with an 85% on Rotten Tomatoes. 

9. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

The debate of which of The Avengers duology is the better film will probably rage on until the heat death of the universe, but from a strictly numbers perspective, Avengers: Infinity War is the weaker of the two with an 85% Rotten Tomatoes score. It’s not much of a surprise. As beloved as the film is, it’s easy to forget that it is positively stuffed to the gills. There’s a lot of characters running around in this movie, so not everyone gets ample time to shine. The cliffhanger is arguably the thing Infinity War is more remembered for; otherwise, it ranks as a fairly standard Avengers outing. 

8. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)

It may not seem like the 87% Rotten Tomatoes score that Ant-Man and the Wasp holds is a big deal, but for many in the audience, it was something of a breath of fresh air. Remember, this was the film immediately after Infinity War’s jarring cliffhanger ending, after all. Set immediately prior to the events of Infinity War, the film is remembered fondly for incredibly performances from Laurence Fishburne, Hannah John-Kamen and Walton Goggins, but many fans were disappointed that the film’s biggest surprises were either in the trailers (like the cavalcade of embiggened every day objects) or had already been used in other movies (like Giant-Man). 

7. Doctor Strange (2016)

Arguably the most important piece of Phase Three, Doctor Strange is the foundational block not just of the phase’s finale, but of the Multiverse Saga that followed it. The 89% Rotten Tomatoes score tells you all you need to know about how fans felt about the film, too, as its a strong but not perfect entry in Phase Three. Doctor Strange is a pretty by-the-numbers MCU film, largely amounting to being Iron Man but magic. It’s saved not just by a killer cast with incredible performances, but by the mind-bending effects for the various spells and the incredible mirror dimension utilized throughout the film. 

6. Captain America: Civil War (2016)

Make no mistake about it, the Captain America branding is misleading—Captain America: Civil War is really an Avengers sequel. Bringing back William Hurt as “Thunderbolt” Ross from The Incredible Hulk, Civil War begins the arduous process of exploring the rifts between the MCU’s most iconic heroes, all while introducing legendary characters such as Black Panther and Spider-Man to the MCU for the first time. There’s a lot of the same tone and narrative problems here that the comic book arc of the same name suffered from, but Captain America: Civil War still stands out to fans as an important and exciting film in the MCU’s grander narrative, netting it an impressive 90% Rotten Tomatoes score. 

5. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

As arguably the most popular Marvel character to ever exist not named Wolverine, Spider-Man got the pleasure of wrapping up Phase Three with 2019’s Spider-Man: Far From Home. And what a film it is. Sending Spidey and his friends on a European vacation, the film aptly dealt with Iron Man’s death, the apparent dissolution of The Avengers, and the ramifications of the five-year time skip. With a 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the relatively light-hearted adventure proved a favorite with fans, but it didn’t help that it continued the tradition of Spider-Man being saddled with what amounted to Iron Man villains. 

4. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

After a failed effort to bring Andrew Garfield into The Avengers as the MCU’s canon Spider-Man, a joint agreement between Marvel Studios and Sony allowed Spidey to join the MCU proper in Civil War. Following that success came his first MCU solo outing, Spider-Man: Homecoming. Sitting at a 92% Rotten Tomatoes score, Homecoming pays homage to ‘80s teen comedies with its tongue firmly planted in cheek as Spidey must cope with being abandoned by his mentor, all while his would-be-girlfriend’s dad tries to kill him. The focus on Spider-Man as a street level hero and responsibility made this one a hit, and many argue it’s still the best Spider-Man film to date. 

3. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

With the soft reception to Thor and the disaster of Thor: The Dark World, it’s no understatement to say fans were underwhelmed about the prospect of Thor returning. The character would need a hard course correction if he was going to succeed. Enter Taika Waititi, who immediately gave Thor the sense of humor he was missing in his original films. Thor: Ragnarok might be the hardest 180 an MCU film has ever done, ranking as one of the best with a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score. The film is praised for its humor and action, but also in how it handles developing characters such as Loki and Hulk in the wake of their previous appearances. 

2. Avengers: Endgame (2019)

It really cannot be stressed just how special Avengers: Endgame was as a moment. For many, it was one of the last films seen in theaters with a huge crowd before world events changed everything. And what a film it was to see with a crowd. The thrilling time heist, the dramatic fallout from the blip, and the emotional return of the fallen Avengers made seeing this in a packed theater a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Avengers: Endgame is sitting pretty at a 94% Rotten Tomatoes score. For most fans, the only failing is that it doesn’t really deliver on what it promised: a definitive ending, as the MCU immediately kept chugging along after.

1. Black Panther (2018)

You’d have to be something pretty special to surpass Avengers: Endgame, and for fans, that was Black Panther. With a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score, the film is definitely held in high regard in hindsight, having been reappraised by many in the wake of Chadwick Boseman’s passing. But don’t mistake that for thinking the film was ever hated. Even as Infinity War was lighting up theaters and Endgame was breaking records, fans were still talking about the emotional world of Black Panther. The film has a top-notch cast, including one of the MCU’s best villains to date, and absolutely deserves to be hailed as the best of the MCU Phase Three. 

Where To Watch Every MCU Phase Three Movie Online

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David Frankel's iconic comedy, The Devil Wears Prada, turns 20 in 2026, and it's still one of the most compelling features to have ever graced the silver screen. Becoming a cult classic early on, it consistently soared to remarkable popularity and became the type of movie that's still quoted in regular conversation today. From the extraordinary Meryl Streep to the inimitable Stanley Tucci, the fashion-based film stars a number of incredible actors who've since gone on to build exciting careers. 

While viewers now wait for the long-anticipated sequel that's currently in production, here's where the The Devil Wears Prada cast is now.

Meryl Streep (Miranda Priestly)

Meryl Streep will indeed be reprising her role as the indomitable Miranda Priestly, but since the original film's release, the star has gone on to embody a number of wondrous parts, continuing her streak of excellence in Hollywood. She's given us Donna Sheridan in both Mamma Mia! and Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again, received multiple award nominations for various films, including an Oscar win for Best Actress for her performance as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady, and she's even guest starred on the small screen in series like Big Little Lies and the comedy treasure, Only Murders in the Building. Streep's unstoppable career is one that'll undoubtedly continue growing. 

Anne Hathaway (Andy Sachs)

Anne Hathaway's career was still in its early stages during The Devil Wears Prada, and since then, the star has been in a number of incredible roles, ensuring that she's the type of actress who isn't afraid of variety. From romances like The Idea of You to superhero films like The Dark Knight Rises, and even heartbreaking and gritty but renowned musicals like Les Misérables (for which she won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar), Hathaway continues to shine. Along with reprising her role in The Devil Wears Prada 2, Hathaway is also set to star in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey..  

Emily Blunt (Emily Charlton)

Like Hathaway, Emily Blunt was in the early days of her career while starring in The Devil Wears Prada, and today, she's an Academy Award-nominated actress for her role as Kitty Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer. From British mini-series to action-packed films like Sicario and The Fall Guy, Blunt's range also travels far and wide. She's also starred in A Quiet Place and A Quiet Place Part II, alongside her husband John Krasinski, who wrote and directed the films. Blunt will be returning to The Devil Wears Prada 2 and is also set to appear in Steven Spielberg's next feature.

Stanley Tucci (Nigel)

Starring as Nigel and the one who gave viewers the inimitable and widely quotable "gird your loins" line, Stanley Tucci has had a brilliantly successful career since The Devil Wears Prada. With a few Emmy wins under his belt and multiple other award nominations, Tucci's career has been widely renowned and excellent. He has since appeared in The Hunger Games franchise, Oscar-winning films, like Spotlight, series like BoJack Horseman, and recently appeared in the critically acclaimed Conclave. Tucci is set to return in The Devil Wears Prada 2 while also returning for Citadel Season 2.

Tracie Thoms (Lily Goodwin)

Tracie Thoms has appeared in numerous TV and film roles before and after The Devil Wears Prada, including the film adaptation of RENT, and currently stars as Karen Wilson in the hit procedural 9-1-1. As one of Andy's closest friends, Lily, Thoms is confirmed to reprise her role in the film's sequel, hopefully giving her great material to work with as the actress often manages to steal whatever role she's in with excellent range.

Daniel Sunjata (James Holt)

As a new fashion designer in The Devil Wears Prada, Daniel Sunjata's career afterward has looked a bit different. He's been a lead in crime thrillers like Graceland and currently stars in High Potential as Detective Adam Karadec. Sunjata appears in a number of TV shows, whether as a guest actor or in a recurring role, giving him plenty of action-based content to play with. At the moment, Sunjata isn't set to return to the film's sequel.

Simon Baker (Christian Thompson)

Simon Baker appeared in The Devil Wears Prada as journalist Christian Thompson, and since then, the actor is most widely known for his role as Patrick Jane in The Mentalist. He has had a few appearances since then in shows like Boy Swallows Universe. Baker's Christian isn't set to return in The Devil Wears Prada 2, but viewers can still catch him in Taika Waititi's upcoming Klara and the Sun. 

Adrian Grenier (Nate Cooper)

While Adrian Grenier's Nate Cooper is deemed the real villain of Andy's story in The Devil Wears Prada, the actor certainly isn't. Though Grenier hasn't been in much since the film's release and won't be returning for the sequel, viewers can still catch him in the acclaimed Entourage and upcoming You, Always.

Where To Watch The Cast Of The Devil Wears Prada Online

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James Gunn’s Superman has several breakout characters, but few are as memorable as Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion). Fillion is a longtime collaborator with Gunn and the perfect fit to portray the arrogant and sarcastic Gardner, a member of the “Justice Gang” in the new DC Universe.

Fillion is already confirmed to reprise his role as Gardner in Peacemaker Season 2 and Lanterns, meaning he’s in the DCU to stay. Meanwhile, he boasts the most potential to become the DCU’s equivalent of Deadpool.

Guy Gardner’s Brash Humor Shines In Superman

Gardner stands out in Superman as the film’s most prominent source of comedic relief. In the movie, Gardner is a member of the Green Lantern Corps who joins Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi) and Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) in forming the Justice Gang team. With his Green Lantern ring, he can create, shape, and manipulate physical constructs. For example, to fight a kaiju-creature, he makes a giant jackhammer construct. While he and the Justice Gang aid Superman in defeating the kaiju, he’s a reluctant and abrasive hero.

He dismisses Superman as a “wuss” for wanting to subdue the kaiju without killing it and later suggests Superman is an “alien threat.” Later, when Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) approaches the Justice Gang for help, Gardner rudely refuses due to his “Green Lantern vow.” However, that’s really just an excuse he uses to avoid doing anything he personally doesn’t want to do. In the end, Gardner comes through, showing up to stop Boravia from invading Jarhanpur, where he easily takes out swarms of invaders with constructs in the shape of vulgar hand gestures.

Gardner doesn’t get extensive screen time in Superman, but the time he gets proves he’s a comic book-accurate version of the character. In early DC Comics, Gardner is, for lack of a better word, a jerk. He’s arrogant and brash with a vulgar sense of humor and no filter. Later comics changed his personality to make him more vulnerable, but many comic fans still view the more brash version of the character as his proper form. However, in bringing the original Gardner to life in Superman, Fillion also seems to channel another superhero.

How Guy Gardner Parallels The MCU’s Deadpool

Fillion’s depiction of Gardner in Superman brings to mind the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds). 20th Century Fox began the Deadpool series with Deadpool and Deadpool 2 before the character came under the MCU umbrella in Deadpool & Wolverine. Whether under the MCU or Fox, though, Deadpool’s behavior is always consistently outlandish. He’s a reluctant hero, forced into the superhero realm because of an experiment that gave him a healing factor, rendering him nigh immortal. Known as the “Merc with a Mouth,” he’s cocky, over-confident, and never stops speaking his mind.

Deadpool has several characteristics that set him apart from Gardner, including his hyper-violent nature, tendency to break the fourth wall, and a far more extreme sense of humor. However, fundamentally, the two are incredibly similar as heroes who defy convention. While clean-cut, intense heroes like Superman and Captain America are considered the archetype, Gardner and Deadpool make fans reconsider who gets to be a hero.

They demonstrate that one doesn’t have to be vulnerable, have strong moral convictions, or even be nice to be a hero. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of being in the right place at the right time and doing what needs to be done, but not without some grumbling and sarcasm. Gardner already matches some of Deadpool’s energy, and, with a little more time, he can carve his own unique path in the DCU as Deadpool did in the MCU.

Why The DCU Needs A Deadpool

What’s particularly exciting about Gardner’s parallels to Deadpool is that there really isn’t a Deadpool equivalent in the DCU. Deadpool is wildly popular in the MCU because he brings a sense of humor and a mature approach to the superhero genre. In DC Comics, there are plenty of darker, more mature heroes, but not those with a penchant for raunchiness and absurdity like Deadpool. In many ways, it’s good that the DC doesn’t have an exact ripoff of Deadpool. However, having a Deadpool-esque figure who still has his own unique personality, like Gardner, means the DCU can still capitalize on unconventional, irreverent superheroes, too.

Where To Watch Guy Gardner And Deadpool Online

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Sports have, and always will be, one of the most dominant parts of our modern-day culture. Whether it be America’s fascination with football or the rest of the world’s love of actual football, it’s impossible to find a person who isn’t at least somewhat entertained by sports. In the world of film, that means there’s plenty of dramatic sports movies set to give you thrills and satisfaction when you watch the underdog team finally win the big game, but most of those sports movies aren’t exactly lighthearted. 

Where are the sports movies that aren’t afraid to poke fun at athleticism? Where are the movies that aren’t don’t hesitate to belittle all of the weird trappings and rules of sports? Sports comedies aren’t as common as you may think, but when they’re good, like Happy Gilmore, sports comedies have a way of standing the test of time and becoming essential viewing for any fan of the sport. If you’re going to watch any sports comedies, here are the ten best ones to watch.

10. Speed Racer (2008)

The definition of “sports comedy” may be stretched a little bit here, but Speed Racer fits the definition for both a sports movie and a comedy, and therefore deserves mentioning. The Wachowskis are nothing if not ambitious and attempting to turn a classic anime racing series into a live-action family-friendly sports comedy was always going to be a bit messy, but Speed Racer manages to hit more than it misses.

The film feels like a cartoon brought to life. It blends together the thrills of high-speed racing with the excitement of a Saturday morning cartoon, and that’s before we talk about the special effects still standing strong since its release in 2008. It’s an unconventional sports comedy to be sure, but if you want to see thrilling races and chuckle at some inoffensive and endearing comedy, give Speed Racer a shot.

9. Space Jam (1996)

For many children of the '90s, Space Jam was impossible to escape. Michael Jordan was the biggest name in sports at the time and having a movie where he starred alongside the Looney Tunes instantly made it a must-watch for children. Looking back, Space Jam holds up surprisingly well, with a lot of the comedy still getting a good laugh, and the cartoonish antics of Bugs Bunny and his friends as they go up against the titanic Monstars remain engaging, especially when you consider that the film integrates live-action actors with 2D cartoons. 

The film also assembles a great cast of voice talent and comedians to help play the animated characters, including Billy West, Danny DeVito, and Dee Bradley Baker. Space Jam is a movie that could have only existed in the '90s, but even decades later, it holds up as a great sports comedy for kids. 

8. Cool Runnings (1993)

You would think that a movie about a Jamaican bobsled team would be a completely fictional parody of the sport, but Cool Runnings is actually based on the real-life Jamaican bobsled team that made it to the Olympics in 1988. While it isn’t as in-your-face as other sports comedies, there’s a charm that pervades throughout the entire film as we watch this ragtag group of bobsledders try to compete on the world stage.

In a lot of ways, it’s a very typical sports film, but it is given some decent comedy chops thanks to John Candy, who serves as the mentor figure for the bobsled team as they train for the Olympics. It’s a wholesome movie and a great watch for the whole family.

7. BASEketball (1998)

Nowadays, you can trust that anything written by Matt Stone and Trey Parker, the creators of South Park, will probably be good. But back in 1998, despite starring Stone and Parker, they didn’t actually write BASEketball, which was the brainchild of David Zucker, the same man who made the comedy classics Airplane! and The Naked Gun. Because of that, BASEketball channels a lot of that wild, satirical humor, which is pretty obvious given that the film tries to mesh baseball and basketball together into one confusing sport.

Stone and Parker’s performance helps ease over some of the cracks, if only because of how much they commit to the bit, resulting in a vulgar comedy that isn’t afraid to be excessive in the best way possible.

6. Major League (1989)

In a lot of ways, Major League functions like a standard sports underdog story, following the Cleveland Indians as they try to stop their team from relocating to Miami despite the owner intentionally assembling one of the worst teams of all time. It’s a great ensemble movie, but the stand-out performance belongs to Charlie Sheen, who would go on to star in plenty of comedies in the ‘90s thanks to his role as Ricky here.

Major League never takes itself too seriously but still has all the feel-good excitement you would expect from a baseball movie and a sports movie in general, just with a touch of silly jokes.

5. Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)

Some comedians are born to play clueless idiots, and no one does it better than Will Ferrell. While many may say that his best character is Buddy the Elf from Elf, others would argue Ricky Bobby is better. Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby has Ferrell at his best playing Ricky Bobby, an egotistical moron whose rise and fall from grace is the stuff of legends.

At points, the film almost feels like a mockumentary, thanks to bizarre characters like Sacha Baron Cohen’s Jean Girard and Ricky’s even stupider, but well-meaning friend, Cal Naughton Jr., played by John C. Reilly. Like the best sports comedies, Talladega Nights balances a love of the sport it's parodying with a respect for it, leaving viewers with a movie about NASCAR that feels unhinged and removed from reality but also authentic and faithful to the sport.

4. Happy Gilmore (1996)

A cult classic by every definition of the word, Happy Gilmore was the movie that helped a young Adam Sandler cement himself as a Hollywood comedy icon. It’s a very different golf movie than Caddyshack, with Sandler playing Happy Gilmore like an aggressive hockey player who's prone to violence. Still, it carries a lot of the same DNA as Caddyshack, with Sandler using his rage-fueled exploits to help shake up the stoic and snobby world of golf featured in the film.

There’s a lot more punching, throwing people out windows, choking, cursing, and alligators. This is the kind of comedy that fans of slapstick and crude humor will love, thanks to Sandler and his excellent supporting cast.

3. The Sandlot (1993)

It honestly shouldn’t be all that surprising to hear that The Sandlot is a generation-spanning classic, but out of every sports movie on this list, there’s a good chance that this is the one your kids have probably watched at least once. The film is cute in the same way that a lot of childhood comedies are cute, with the kids featured in it all getting into random hijinks, most of which surround baseball or are baseball adjacent.

More so than other sports comedies, you can tell there’s a real palpable love for baseball in The Sandlot. While other sports comedies are okay with lambasting the rules and regulations of their sports, everyone involved in The Sandlot clearly loves the sport, and the ending showing of all the sports memorabilia proves that this is a movie not only for those feeling nostalgic for a bygone era of baseball, but also for the simpler days of childhood where a dog in a neighbor’s yard is the scariest thing in the world.

2. Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004)

A staple of Comedy Central in the mid-2000s, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, is the kind of stupid comedy that you can’t help but get invested in. Watching the Average Joes compete against the Globo Gym Purple Cobras is hilarious, if only because of how much Ben Stiller commits to being the over-the-top and borderline insane White Goodman. His expressions sell every scene that he’s in, but seeing everyone slowly give in to the film’s insanity is just as funny.

Only in Dodgeball can one of the best character arcs revolve around a person realizing that he isn’t a pirate. Does it make a lot of sense? No, but when people are being hit hard with dodgeballs, you don’t need it to make sense. Just remember, “If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball.”

1. Caddyshack (1980)

Caddyshack is the kind of comedy that’s rare because it is just as funny the second time around. The film assembles a who’s who of some of the best comedians of its time, ranging from relatively fresh talent like Chevy Chase and Billy Murray to stand-up legends like Rodney Dangerfield. It lampoons golf in all the right ways, putting in some physical comedy, plenty of sardonic wit, and one of the greatest running gags of all time involving Bill Murray’s increasingly maniacal mission to kill a gopher.

The best thing about Caddyshack is, for the most part, it plays everything perfectly straight, letting the cast’s jokes land all the harder. Many consider Caddyshack to be the best sports comedy of all time, and it’s hard to argue against them, marking a great directorial debut for the legendary Harold Ramis.

Where To Watch The Best Sports Comedies Online

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Kevin McCallister may be one of the most iconic child characters in holiday movie history. But a longstanding fan theory proposes that there was something far more sinister hidden beneath the festive cheer and slapstick fun seen in the original Home Alone movies. The idea was first explored in depth by a publication called Grantland in 2014.

Instead of a Christmas tale, the theory reframes the movie as a psychological origin story for Saw's morally twisted Jigsaw killer. What begins as a little boy fending off burglars with household traps evolves, in theory, into a mastermind torturer who forces his victims to confront their darkest flaws. It might sound outrageous. But once you start connecting the dots, it's difficult to unsee.

The Origin Of The Saw And Home Alone Theory

Kevin McCallister growing up to be John Kramer has since gained cult popularity online. Its legitimacy is backed up by details of striking behavioral and thematic parallels between the characters. In Home Alone and its sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Kevin's inventiveness is never just about pranks. His traps are cruel, obsessive, and meticulously planned.

From heating a doorknob until it's glowing red-hot to swinging heavy paint cans at full force, Kevin's booby traps don't just delay the intruders, they're built to cause serious harm. If you rewatch those scenes through the lens of Saw, where Jigsaw engineers similar, often fatal, contraptions to punish those he deems morally compromised, the connection becomes chillingly plausible.

Kevin McCallister And Jigsaw Share More Than Traps

John Kramer, better known as Jigsaw, is defined by one core principle. He punishes people, not out of sadism, but to teach them lessons. His traps are meant to force his victims to value life. Kevin, on the other hand, seems to enjoy inflicting pain, especially on Harry and Marv. However, that difference in philosophy doesn't invalidate the theory, it deepens it.

Kevin starts out acting impulsively, even vindictively. The transformation from playful torment to structured moral logic could represent the very character arc that leads him from childhood trauma to villainous adulthood. There's also the eerie overlap in visual and emotional cues. Kevin talks to mannequins and cardboard cutouts like they're alive.

He also hallucinates furnace monsters in the basement, isolates himself from his family, and secretly watches others from windows. Jigsaw does the same by retreating from society, operating from hidden lairs, and watching his victims through cameras. Even Kevin's obsession with surveillance mirrors Jigsaw's own tactics. He uses videotapes to manipulate people, just as Jigsaw does with his puppet.

The Timeline Doesn't Quite Line Up, But That Hasn't Stopped The Theory

The one major flaw in the theory is the timeline. Kevin is eight years old in Home Alone, which was released in 1990. Jigsaw, based on the Saw franchise timeline, was born in 1954 and began his killing spree in the early 2000s, making him far too old to be Kevin. But that hasn't stopped fans from indulging in the idea.

The Saw franchise timeline is already nonlinear and filled with flashbacks, identity swaps, and narration that's a little odd. So, the idea that Kevin adopted the "John Kramer" alias later in life fits within that structure, especially if you factor in the emotional damage from years of neglect and isolation. Even Saw director James Wan has acknowledged the theory and called it "awesome."

What Makes The Home Alone And Saw Connection So Unsettling

What makes this theory so disturbing isn't just the similarities between Kevin and Jigsaw. It's the implication that something innocent has been hiding something sinister all along. Kevin has always been a beloved character, but the rewatch value of Home Alone changes drastically once this theory enters your mind. What once looked like a resourceful kid defending his home now reads like a boy who takes pleasure in watching people suffer.

The Saw franchise is explicit in its violence, but Home Alone disguises it as comedy. That tonal shift is exactly what makes the theory so unsettling. If Kevin really did grow up to become Jigsaw, it reframes Home Alone as a deeply disturbing origin story. Next time you watch the movie, pay close attention to how Kevin smiles when the Wet Bandits scream. You might not see a cute kid anymore. You might see the beginning of something far darker.

Where To Watch The Home Alone And Saw Movies Online

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Based on the novels by Diana Gabaldon, Outlander sizzled and seamlessly nestled its way into the hearts of romance-loving fans with its gorgeous characterizations, picturesque setting, and brilliant love stories. The mix of time travel into the beautifully unique romance gave it an added layer of appeal, bringing necessary angst, drama, and longing to our screens in a breathtaking degree. Starring Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe, the dreamy Scotland-based series is an addicting ride that centers on romance, familial secrets, and drama galore.

While there aren't exactly many shows too similar to Outlander, there are a number of great dramas with time travel elements that also feature incredible romantic relationships. Here are eight time travel shows to watch after Outlander, along with where to watch them on platforms like Hulu, Netflix, and more.

Outlander: Blood of My Blood (2025)

In the same universe as Outlander, Blood of My Blood is a prequel spin-off that follows the love stories of Jamie and Claire's parents. Set in Scotland during World War I, the series is bound to scratch every itch fans have after watching all seven seasons of Outlander. The cast looks amazing, the setting is bound to be beautiful, and the love stories are sure to hit as deep as the original. Sometimes, prequels hit even harder than the originals, too. 

Timeless (2016)

Of all the shows that center on time travel, Timeless comes pretty close to capturing a similar magic to Outlander. When a historian learns that a group called Rittenhouse is attempting to rewrite history, she and a reluctant team travel across time to ensure that everything unfolds as it's supposed to. From old Hollywood to the era of Bonnie and Clyde, Timeless takes viewers through multiple gorgeously picturesque locations, features stunning costumes, and explores points in American history that are often overlooked in textbooks, all while supplying multiple romantic relationships that are guaranteed to make viewers swoon.  

12 Monkeys (2015)

While 12 Monkeys leans a bit more heavily into the science fiction genre than it does into romance, the relationship between Aaron Stanford's James Cole and Amanda Schull's Cassandra Railly is among the best that's ever graced the small screen. Angsty, full of matchless longing, and set up beautifully right from the start (with multiple scenes worthy of appreciating), the show is worth watching for their romance alone. As all great shows should, 12 Monkeys delivers one of the most satisfying final seasons and honors all its characters in a way that should be revered. 

Doctor Who (2005)

Whether viewers watch Doctor Who or not, most TV fans are familiar with the Tardis, and, if nothing else, they are aware of the elements of time travel within the sci-fi classic. And while the doctors frequently change due to the formula, the relationships that consistently develop stay rooted in something extraordinary. There might not be many happy endings on Doctor Who, given the nature of the show, but similar to the gripping and gut-wrenching angst that's often present in Outlander, Doctor Who writers also know how to deliver breathtaking and devastating goodbye scenes.

Lost (2004)

Lost might not be for everyone, but it's a pop culture phenomenon for a reason, as it examines the mystery surrounding the survivors from Oceanic Flight 815. With debates about whether the ending is satisfying or not, one thing is settled: the romantic relationships still hold up, every single one of them perfect in their own right, as they supply the kind of tropes built for all kinds of viewers. The love stories are, in many ways, the heart of Lost, and while it's certainly not set against the backdrop of a scenic wonder like the Scottish highlands, the beachy setting still provides much to appreciate.

The Flash (2014)

Come to The Flash for the superhero adaptation, but stay for the perfect romance that blooms and evolves between Grant Gustin's Barry Allen and Candice Patton's Iris West. As a (somewhat) contained series, viewers don't have to be familiar with the comics to dive into the story that does one of the best jobs of exploring the childhood-best-friends-to-lovers trope. Unlike many other superhero films and TV shows that deal with time travel, it's a relatively simple plot to follow on The Flash and doesn't ever get too convoluted with an expansive lore. 

The Time Traveler's Wife (2022)

Not to be confused with the film of the same title, which is also based on the book by Audrey Niffenegger, but the limited series is darker, more raw, and still romantically satisfying thanks to the chemistry between Theo James and Rose Leslie as Henry and Clare, respectively. While the book doesn't exactly hold up because of its implications of the characters meeting while she's so young, the limited series version of The Time Traveler's Wife does a somewhat better job of approaching the years that pass between them. It helps that the characters are easy on the eyes, and like Outlander, it brings the steam. 

Paper Girls (2022)

Though Paper Girls was unfortunately axed too quickly and canceled after its debut season, it's a near-perfect time travel show and a compelling coming-of-age story all at once. Set in the '80s, featuring an intriguing premise, gripping friendships, and inclusivity that's profoundly thoughtful, the series is a must-watch for those who appreciate an air of mystery. With a demanding narrative, the series excels at balancing every beat and delivering brilliant character journeys that ensure each of the main girls will stay with viewers for a long, long time.

Where To Watch Time Travel Shows After Outlander Online

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Franchises are as powerful as they are unpredictable. These days, sequels, remakes, and spin-offs have become the norm, and usually, they're a pale echo of the original. But every so often, one of these recycled stories doesn't just match expectations, it surpasses them.

From sharp, sophisticated sitcoms to deeply moral origin stories, a fresh take on a wedding classic, and a much smoother heist story, when done properly, this reinvention can often become a bigger hit than the original. This list examines why each do-over or offshoot earns a seat at the top of the franchise hierarchy.

Cheers (1982) - Good Original Series

Cheers premiered in 1982, and although it struggled at first, the sitcom eventually found its audience. Although the story, set in the titular Boston bar, centered on the relationship between Sam Malone and Diane Chambers, it also thrived on the witty banter and workplace camaraderie of its supporting cast (Norm, Carla, Cliff, and others). While Cheers remains a foundational sitcom, Frasier built on that legacy with elevated wit, psychological nuance, and refined character arcs, making the spinoff feel like an evolution rather than just a continuation.

Frasier (1993) - Better Spinoff Series

Frasier Crane, the licensed psychiatrist we first met in Boston's Cheers, gets his own radio talk show in Seattle when he relocates in the Cheers finale. Aptly titled Frasier, the series explores his relationships with his equally refined, but neurotic, brother Niles, his blue-collar father Martin, and his colleague Roz and employee, Daphne. Primarily set in Frasier's posh apartment, the sitcom is filled with razor-sharp, highbrow humor about family dysfunction, ego, and class. The show also has far more emotional and intellectual depth than Cheers.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992) - Decent Original Film

The 1992 Buffy the Vampire Slayer film follows Kristy Swanson as Buffy Summers, a fashion-obsessed, valley girl cheerleader whose life revolves around shopping and school dances until a mysterious man named Merrick tells her she's destined to fight the forces of darkness. Initially resistant, Buffy gradually accepts her calling when vampires begin to infiltrate her social circle. The response to the movie was mixed due to its superficiality and tonal misfires. Today, the movie is seen as a novelty which, while historically important, lacks mythic scope and relatability.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997) - Iconic Reboot Series

After being largely unsatisfied with the film, Joss Whedon turned his source material into the iconic  Buffy the Vampire Slayer television series that premiered in 1997. Rather than a satirical teen comedy, Buffy became a serialized feminist forward saga about a teenage slayer and her friends battling demons and vampires, while navigating the ups and downs of high school life. The show pioneered season-long "big bad" arcs, blending standalone monster episodes and deeper mythology in a way that helped usher in the modern era of prestige television storytelling.

Breaking Bad (2008) - Great Original Series 

Breaking Bad chronicles the life of high school chemistry teacher Walter White. After being diagnosed with terminal cancer, Walt decides to partner with his former student, Jesse Pinkman, to cook and sell crystal meth to secure his family's future. This life choice sets off a chain of moral decay, violence, and collapse. Due to its dramatic premise and unforgettable supporting characters (like Skyler, Hank, Saul, Gus, and Mike), the series established itself as one of television's masterpieces, a transformational, larger-than-life tragedy of ambition gone wrong.

Better Call Saul (2015) - Excellent Spinoff Series

Better Call Saul takes us to 2002, where Saul Goodman still went by his real name, Jimmy McGill. Working as a struggling public defender with hustler dreams, Jimmy slowly morphs into the morally flexible lawyer seen in Breaking Bad. The series carefully builds Jimmy's evolution through his fraught relationships with his brother Chuck, girlfriend Kim Wexler, and side characters like Mike and Howard. Loaded with moral ambiguity and dark comedy, the series is a study of ambition and ethical erosion, which culminates in a tragic arc that rivals that of its predecessor.

Father of the Bride (1950) - Fine Original Film

The 1950 Father of the Bride is a classic old Hollywood comedy that explores a father's whirlwind of emotions as he comes to terms with his daughter's sudden engagement. Told as a flashback, the story follows Stanley Banks (Spencer Tracy), a successful middle-aged lawyer, as he recalls the moment his daughter Kay casually announces over dinner that she is engaged. The news shakes Stanley to his core. While his wife Ellie immediately springs into wedding-planning mode, Stanley is reluctant to accept that his little girl is growing up.

Father of the Bride (1991) - Hillarious Film Remake

At the time, the 1991 Father of the Bride remake re-imagined the story for contemporary audiences, adding physical comedy, sharper dialogue, and an emotional arc rooted in modern family dynamics, making the new version feel livelier. Steve Martin plays George Banks, a loving but overwhelmed father who is dreading his daughter's wedding. As Annie excitedly prepares for her big day, George spirals into full-on panic, losing his grip during a meltdown at the grocery store. The film plays out as a light-hearted domestic comedy about letting go and family bonds.

Ocean's 11 (1960) - Lacking Original Film

The 1960 Ocean's 11, starring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr., is more of a vibe than a fully realized film. The plot loosely follows 11 World War II veterans who plan to rob five Las Vegas casinos on New Year's Eve, but the story takes a backseat to Rat Pack banter and mid-century cool. The film spends large chunks of time lingering on lounges, tuxedos, and Vegas nightlife, with far less focus on heist intricacies. It's a movie made more for fans of its stars than fans of storytelling, as it desperately lacks structure.

Ocean's Eleven (2001)  - Competent Remake Film

The 2001 version of Ocean's 11 takes the premise of a Las Vegas casino heist and transforms it into a masterclass in ensemble filmmaking. With George Clooney and Brad Pitt leading the cast, the film assembles a team of 11 specialized criminals to rob three casinos on the same night. What could've been a flashy caper turns into a tightly choreographed ballet of strategy and spectacle, involving tech geniuses, disguises, and elaborate misdirection that keeps you guessing until the final twist. Unsurprisingly, the film became one of the most successful remakes of all time.

Where To Watch The Movies And TV Shows That Are Better Than The Originals Online

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Director James Gunn filled Superman with plenty of exciting cameos that teased the DC Universe’s future. One of the most unexpected cameos was Bradley Cooper’s appearance. Just minutes into the movie, Cooper appears alongside Angela Sarafyan as Superman’s (David Corenswet) biological parents, Jor-El and Lara. The pair appears in a video message they sent to Earth with their infant son.

It was a pleasant surprise as Cooper fits the role of Jor-El well, channeling Marlon Brando’s iteration of the character. However, the twist regarding Superman’s parents’ message has left some viewers questioning the true identity of Cooper’s character.

Superman’s Big Twist Casts Jor-El In A New Light

Early in Superman, Superman listens to the video his parents sent him, although part of it was lost in transit. The beginning of the video describes their love for him and their decision to send him to Earth because it was where he could do the most good. However, later in the movie, Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) and The Engineer (María Gabriela de Faría) recover the last part of the message, which is quite unexpected.

In the final part of the message, Jor-El and Lara reveal that their true hope for their son is to rule over Earth, lording over the planet as “the Last Son of Krypton” and taking numerous wives to continue the Kryptonian bloodline. Jor-El concludes, “Rule without mercy.”

Jor-El and Lara sending Superman to Earth with the hope that he would become a merciless ruler is a significant departure from Superman lore. While some comics have explored alternate versions of Jor-El that were more antagonistic, the original story is that Jor-El and Lara simply sent Superman to Earth to save him, not so that he could become a ruler. The change in Superman’s origins works well in Superman because it drives home the idea of him choosing for himself what kind of man he will be.

However, one can’t help but wonder if there’s another explanation for Jor-El’s changes in Superman other than just thematic reasons.

What If Bradley Cooper Isn’t Playing Jor-El?

Superman’s Jor-El’s ideology and desires for his son seem to align more closely with General Zod. In the comics, General Zod is a megalomaniac Kryptonian, desperate to grasp control of Krypton. His actions led to Jor-El banishing him to the Phantom Zone. Upon his release by Superman, he immediately set his sights on bringing Earth under his power.

Hence, fans have begun proposing the theory that Cooper is portraying General Zod. In the comics, Zod becomes Superman’s arch-enemy, mainly due to wanting vengeance on Jor-El. Perhaps, in Superman’s version of events, Zod managed to escape the Phantom Zone before Krypton’s fall and posed as Jor-El to trick Superman with the phony video message.

There’s a chance he wounded or killed Jor-El before forcing Lara to record the message, or that he employed another random Kryptonian to pose as Superman’s mother. He would have the motivation for this; he’d essentially pave the way for his takeover of Earth by having Superman go ahead of him, subjugating Earth and establishing a Kryptonian kingdom on it. 

Meanwhile, the Superman theory that Cooper is Zod is hard to disprove. No one, including Superman, actually knows what Jor-El looks like or would be able to identify Zod. The message also strongly mirrored Zod’s imperialistic nature. Lastly, it would make more sense to employ an actor of Cooper’s stature for a role like Zod, rather than a role like Jor-El that doesn’t have much room for growth, given that Jor-El is deceased by the time of Superman.

What Would Bradley Cooper Portraying Zod Mean For The DCU?

If Cooper is Zod, it would be far from the first time the character has appeared in live-action. Zod (Callum Blue) had a recurring role in Smallville, where he develops Kryptonian clones to advance his plot to take over Earth. In Superman (1978) and Superman II, General Zod (Terence Stamp) escapes the Phantom Zone before Krypton’s Destruction, and allies with Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) to defeat Superman and rule Earth. 

More recently, General Zod (Michael Shannon) appeared as Man of Steel’s main villain, where he’s intent on creating a new Krypton on Earth, even seeking Superman’s (Henry Cavill) DNA to create genetically pure Kryptonians. General Zod’s actions in Man of Steel eerily parallel Jor-El’s vision in Superman of creating a new Krypton on Earth.

If Cooper is Zod in Superman, it means Zod is already in the DCU and presumably survived the fall of Krypton. After learning his video message failed to sway Superman, he may decide to take matters into his own hands. He’d presumably be a major villain in future Superman or Justice League projects. Meanwhile, the fact that Superman believes him to be Jor-El could create an interesting dynamic in which Zod continues the charade, forcing Superman to choose once more between his perceived family and Earth.

Where To Watch General Zod's Movie And TV Show Appearances Online 

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There are many reasons why viewers are drawn to Prime Video's adaptation of Jenny Han's trilogy, The Summer I Turned Pretty. Whether it's the quaint beach town, the delightful characters, the teenage nostalgia, or, more importantly, the love stories, there's something in it for most romance fans. For some viewers, it might even be the love triangle between Lola Tung's Belly Conklin and Fisher brothers, Christopher Briney and Gavin Casalegno's Conrad and Jeremiah, respectively. Regardless, it's an incredible teen drama, now in its third season and featuring a stellar soundtrack that's equally as significant as the plot.

For viewers itching for more YA shows like The Summer I Turned Pretty, here are 10 great teen dramas to watch for various similarities, along with where to stream them on platforms like Prime Video, Netflix, and more.

Dawson’s Creek (1998)

The teen drama that started it all, and the one that's become a cultural paragon for what it means to set up a love triangle and deliver an earned payoff. Few TV series could ever top Dawson's Creek. Set in the small titular town, the intimate storytelling between characters who grow up together and follow their dreams includes a number of genre favorite archetypes that fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty would enjoy. If for nothing else, it's worth knowing why Katie Holmes' Joey Potter choosing Joshua Jackson's Pacey Witter is still one of the most iconic moments on TV.

One Tree Hill (2003)

While the iconic teen drama does indeed feature two very different brothers like the ones in The Summer I Turned Pretty, the love triangles on One Tree Hill look a bit different, too. For starters, they're more short-lived and don't last beyond a season. However, the series features what might just be the greatest TV soundtrack of all time, and for fans who love the music in Jenny Han's adaptation, One Tree Hill is a must-watch teen drama that does it best. Plus, Tree Hill as a town feels just as cozy as Cousins Beach and features a ton of angst to satisfy every type of viewer.

The O.C. (2003)

The O.C. might not exactly be a small town drama, but it certainly feels like one with its ensemble cast and contained narratives. As yet another quintessential teen drama, the angsty series is certainly worth watching, and especially for viewers looking for deliciously messy relationships and wild arcs. Adam Brody's Seth Cohen is the dreamboat, and he might be particularly intriguing for viewers hoping Belly chooses Christopher Briney's Conrad.

Heartstopper (2022)

Though the drama in Heartstopper doesn't focus on love triangles, the LGBTQIA+ focused series, based on Alice Oseman's graphic novels, is the perfect YA, coming-of-age romance. Sweet and tender at every turn, the series thoughtfully explores the pangs of being a high schooler, all while gorgeously showcasing an ever-blooming romance between Nick and Charlie. The show features a number of romantic relationships involving characters with diverse identities that allow viewers to understand the broad spectrum that fortifies the LGBTQIA+ community. The drama in Heartstopper is mostly external, and as one of the most well-written inclusive shows on air right now, it's the perfect teen drama to dive into.

Never Have I Ever (2020)

Loss is an enormous part of The Summer I Turned Pretty, and another teen drama that does a beautifully healing job of representing grief is Netflix's Never Have I Ever. Following Indian-American teenager Devi Vishwakumar (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan), the series delivers teenage angst, healing from grief, and the woes of a love triangle, resulting in an earned ending that's easy to appreciate. It's refreshing, profoundly moving, and does a beautiful job of ensuring that the characters are consistently in the driver's seat. 

Gilmore Girls (2000)

As another seasonal, coming-of-age small town drama that focuses on the relationship between mothers and daughters, Gilmore Girls is a blueprint for a reason. While a bit cooler as fall vibes are known to be the show's aesthetic, the small town antics are charming, and the love triangles are just as thrilling as they are in The Summer I Turned Pretty. Gilmore Girls is especially worth watching as the number of similarities between Alexis Bledel's Rory and Tung's Belly can be surprisingly comforting.

XO, Kitty (2023)

As a spin-off to Jenny Han's To All the Boys I've Loved Before, XO, Kitty is a delightful gem worth watching. With a primarly Asian cast and filmed in South Korea, XO, Kitty shines with its gorgeous cultural representation and authenticity. Anna Cathcart's Kitty Covey is one of the standout characters in the original trilogy, so the fact that viewers get to follow her on her own adventures is a gift that keeps on giving. Fun, charming, and all around well-written, The Summer I Turned Pretty fans are bound to adore this gem, too. 

My Life With the Walter Boys (2023)

Based on Ali Novak's novel of the same name, My Life With the Walter Boys, like Never Have I Ever and The Summer I Turned Pretty, thoughtfully explores grief with teenagers while simultaneously telling an exciting story with familiar tropes. It follows Nikki Rodriguez's Jackie as she moves from New York to Colorado to live with family friends after the death of her immediate family. Adjusting to the changes in her new life comes with the realization of romantic feelings for two brothers, Cole and Alex. 

Outer Banks (2020)

While a lot more dramatic than The Summer I Turned Pretty, Outer Banks might scratch the itch for viewers specifically looking for the summer aesthetic and a group of friends with blooming romances between a number of them. Featuring a search for treasure, loads of familial angst, romance, and more hijinks, surprises are in every corner within the series. Outer Banks especially shines with its found family vibes, and it delivers all the necessary angst to ensure that the sweet romantic moments hit hard because of all the drama.

The Vampire Diaries (2009)

If the thrill of one woman in a messy, complicated relationship with two completely different brothers is what you're looking for, then look no further than The Vampire Diaries. While the series obviously features fantastical elements, the drama and angst are wildly addicting, as the series provides all the excitement of watching romantic relationships unfold as it's meant to. Also based on a book series, if there's any vampire adaptation featuring the love triangle trope that's worth watching, The Vampire Diaries is undoubtedly it. 

Where To Watch The Best YA Shows Like The Summer I Turned Pretty Online

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Phase Two is where the Marvel Cinematic Universe really started to take shape and expand into the massive world it is now. Phase One introduced core characters like Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor through solo films and brought them all together in The Avengers (2012), but Phase Two included even more crossover appearances and cameos from other heroes. It also expanded the MCU’s scope beyond The Avengers, introducing new heroes who would become important players in the overarching Infinity Saga during Phase Three.

With The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) kicking off Phase Six, let’s take a look back at the MCU Phase Two and rank all six movies from worst to best. With The Walt Disney Company owning Marvel, you can find all these movies right on Disney+.  

6. Thor: The Dark World (2013)

It’s not controversial to say that Thor: The Dark World is the worst movie of Phase Two and one of the weaker MCU films at large. The movie received middling reviews when it released in theaters and was the MCU’s lowest-rated film for nearly a decade until Eternals (2021) took that dubious distinction.

Thor: The Dark World suffers from an unexciting villain in Dark Elf leader Malekith, wasting the talents of Doctor Who actor Christopher Eccleston in its unoriginal fantasy story over stuffed with subplots. However, the movie’s biggest problem is that Thor (Chris Hemsworth) feels like a secondary character in his own movie. There are some high points, including cool action sequences. Tom Hiddleston, who is always a treat to watch, also gives a great performance that becomes even more relevant following the release of his solo series, Loki (2021). Fans of fantasy action movies and Norse mythology may have some fun here, but pretty much everything The Dark World does is done better by other Thor movies.

5. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

Though it’s generally regarded as the weakest of the team-up films so far, Avengers: Age of Ultron is probably better than you remember it being. This is the movie that introduced fan-favorite characters like Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) who continue to be relevant to the MCU’s overall story. Not to mention, The Avengers’ actions in Sokovia set the stage for the events of Captain America: Civil War (2016) and all that follows. Plus, Age of Ultron’s plot surrounding a dangerous piece of artificial intelligence resonates differently in 2025 than it did when it first hit theaters a decade ago.

Beyond that, Age of Ultron is the only Avengers movie where the heroes both start and end as a team, allowing for sweet, domestic moments like everyone taking turns trying to lift Thor’s hammer. The movie has some shortcomings, not the least of which is a painfully shoehorned romance between Bruce Banner/Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) and Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) that even Marvel seems to want us all to forget. But if Age of Ultron’s main flaw is not being as epic as other Avengers films, that speaks more to the overall quality of the MCU than anything else. Longtime MCU fans won’t want to miss this one, but it’s less beginner-friendly for franchise newcomers. 

4. Iron Man 3 (2013)

Iron Man 3 is one of the MCU’s more divisive films. Despite releasing to mostly positive reviews, in the years since, many have soured on the final solo adventure of Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), which sees the hero struggling with PTSD following the events of The Avengers. Tony is left to fend for himself after leading a terrorist to his Malibu home and must rely on his brain and willpower, rather than his Iron Man suits and wealth, to save the day.

Most criticisms of Iron Man 3 come down to two points: The identity of the Mandarin and the lack of consequences moving forward. Whether the plot twist itself is disappointing or sharp commentary on US foreign policy and xenophobia has been the subject of heated debate, but even those who enjoyed the storyline have to admit that Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce) is an underwhelming villain with weak motivation and an anticlimactic ending. And while Tony’s decision to scale back on Iron Man is pretty clearly undermined by him building various suits and androids in his very next appearance in Age of Ultron, that’s hardly this movie’s fault. For fans of character-driven stories, Iron Man 3 is one of the MCU’s best, allowing Tony Stark to prove that he is Iron Man, with or without the armor. 

3. Ant-Man (2015)

Ant-Man is, pun intended, a smaller-scale movie in MCU terms, so perhaps it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that the film snuck up on audiences and impressed them enough to warrant giving Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) two sequels and a key role in Avengers: Endgame (2019). The fact that Ant-Man is a comedy with lower stakes immediately gives it a distinct identity from other MCU films. Instead of fighting against an alien invasion or World War, Scott’s debut adventure involves an Ocean’s Eleven-esque heist at The Avengers’ new headquarters, leading to a memorable fight with Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie). At the film’s emotional center are two father-daughter relationships, as both Scott and Hank try to be good fathers in complicated situations.

Ant-Man’s charming cast makes what could have been a bland filler into a hilarious, heartfelt adventure that seeks to expand what a superhero movie can be. At the same time, Sam Wilson’s appearance ties the movie to the wider MCU, setting the stage for Scott Lang to team up with other heroes in Captain America: Civil War (2016). That combination of fresh and familiar earns Ant-Man a spot in the top half of the list. Superhero fans in search of something lighter, if not comforting, will find that here.

2. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

It’s easy to forget a decade later, but when Guardians of the Galaxy released in theaters, the cosmic team was largely unknown to all but die-hard Marvel Comics fans. The Guardians were not an obvious choice for the MCU, but the James Gunn-helmed film defied all expectations and catapulted the team out of obscurity. 

The first Guardians of the Galaxy balances an irreverent sense of humor with genuinely heartfelt moments that make you care about its characters, even ones that could easily be treated as jokes like Rocket (Bradley Cooper) and Groot (Vin Diesel). Its cosmic story also proved that the MCU could expand far beyond the Earth and The Avengers to encompass Star Wars-style sci-fi. Above all else, though, Guardians of the Galaxy is simply a joy to watch, and that’s why it makes it so high on this list. If you enjoyed Ant-Man’s lighter tone, Guardians of the Galaxy does it one better with humor. 

1. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Plenty of MCU movies have epic action sequences, powerful stories, and shocking plot twists, but few combine all of them as successfully as Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Not only is it a good superhero movie; it’s also a riveting political thriller that combines the stakes and suspense of The Manchurian Candidate (1962) or All the President’s Men (1976) with the epic action you expect from a superhero movie.

That’s already interesting, but what makes Captain America: The Winter Soldier even more compelling is how it raises the stakes for Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) in such a personal way. In a strange modern world where Steve can’t trust anyone, the revelation that the deadly Winter Soldier is actually his long presumed-dead best friend shakes Cap to his core. The reintroduction of Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), now broken from decades of Hydra manipulation, shapes the rest of Captain America’s story and extends beyond that as Bucky continues to be an important player in the MCU with appearances in Thunderbolts* (2025) and the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday (2026).

Captain America: The Winter Soldier manages to be both an important piece of the wider Marvel world and a genuinely riveting action movie in its own right. And while movies like Ant-Man and Guardians of the Galaxy deserve credit for expanding the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s scope, it’s hard to deny that The Winter Soldier is the MCU at its best. This one is for longtime Marvel fans, but also, anyone who appreciates a good political thriller with high stakes.

Chad Michael Murray was the heartthrob in the early 2000s. Most teenage girls remember where they were and what they were doing when the opening credits of One Tree Hill first brought him to our screens, and how A Cinderella Story became everyone's romantic comedy obsession. Between his objectively good looks and the distinct ability to play a brooding, tortured hero people can't help but root for, Murray's got plenty under his belt. 

With the return of his character, Jake, in Freakier Friday, now's a great time to look back at Chad Michael Murray's best movies and TV shows, along with where to stream them on platforms like Hulu, Netflix, and more.

One Tree Hill (2003)

From the moment Chad Michael Murray steps onto the frame and walks over the bridge, bouncing a basketball as the brooding Lucas Scott in One Tree Hill, to his final scene in the Season 6 finale, it's easy to appreciate the character's incredible heart and goodness. As one of the main characters in a story centered on two half-brothers with vastly different upbringings, the high school-turned-college adult drama was a cultural phenomenon in the early 2000s. With Lucas' readings of popular poems to end and begin each episode, along with the many romances he had until his beloved endgame with Peyton Sawyer, it's still, to this day, the series that features Murray's best performance.

A Cinderella Story (2004)

Waiting for Austin Ames might be as useless as waiting for rain during a San Fernando Valley drought, but A Cinderella Story is still a top-tier YA romantic comedy. Starring Hilary Duff alongside Chad Michael Murray, the Cinderella-inspired tale follows a relatively simple narrative, but where it genuinely shines is in the performances and chemistry between Murray and Duff. The final, very public kiss at his football game is what high school nerdy girl dreams are made of, and the satisfying culmination of two pen pals getting together makes for a solid trope to explore.

Freaky Friday (2003)

Before viewers were swooning over Bucky Barnes on a motorcycle, Chad Michael Murray's Jake was the ultimate (see what we did there?) bad boy teenagers, including Lindsay Lohan's Anna Coleman, were gushing over in Freaky Friday. Brooding, long-haired, and delightfully off-limits, everything about Anna's crush made sense, and Murray became the kind of actor viewers wanted to see more of in romance-centric roles. Whether he'll still be the same mysterious hunk from the original film in the sequel, only time will tell, but regardless, it's a good thing he's returning.

Agent Carter (2013)

While Jack Thompson was an extremely unlikable and frustrating character in Marvel's Agent Carter, Chad Michael Murray was excellent in the role. Crude, ruthless, and snarky, he was an ideal foil to Enver Gjokaj's Daniel Sousa, and it was often thrilling to watch Hayley Atwell's Peggy Carter go head to head with him. Murray is a series regular throughout the show's two-season run, and as one of the best shows in the MCU, the historical piece is one that still holds up, thanks to its incredible means of adding layers to the lore and fantastic performances from every actor involved.

Dawson's Creek (1998)

Chad Michael Murray's role in Dawson's Creek is as small as his time in Gilmore Girls, but his character, Charlie Todd, is a bit more intriguing, and the series as a whole is one worth fully diving into for its nostalgia and teenage angst. If his character in One Tree Hill were more unapologetically a womanizer, then he'd be Charlie Todd. Here for the drama and very little else, as his time on the show is brief, it's still a thrilling season he's a part of, moving the plot forward to get characters with the right men they're supposed to be with.

Christmas Cupid (2010)

In the span of his relatively decent acting career, Murray has been in a number of Christmas movies. And while many of them are, unfortunately, not that great, Christmas Cupid is a load of fun and worth watching. Starring Christina Milian and Ashley Benson alongside Murray, it's a pleasant twist on A Christmas Carol, delivering romance and fun beats of longing along with all the festivities that most holiday aficionados appreciate in their movies.

Sullivan’s Crossing (2023)

Based on the novel series by Robyn Carr, Sullivan's Crossing sees Chad Michael Murray return to his TV roots as the leading hero Cal Jones. As a quintessential small-town drama with a big city girl returning to her hometown, Sullivan's Crossing follows Morgan Kohan's Maggie Sullivan in an attempt to start over. Full of romance, hijinks, and all the angsty drama one can imagine, the series feels tailor-made for a star like Murray and his mysteriously brooding brand of acting.

The Merry Gentlemen (2024)

As one of the more recent Christmas movies to air during Netflix's yearly line-up, The Merry Gentlemen is yet another wild ride worth watching for those who appreciate the holiday schmaltz. It's a PG version of Magic Mike and not nearly as compelling as the film that has acquired a trilogy and larger following, but it's a decent film that sees Murray in a role unlike anything he's ever done. One word: dancing. Period.

Where To Watch The Best Chad Michael Murray Movies & TV Shows Online

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Netflix is home to a plethora of original content, ranging from dramas and romances to thrillers and horror. However, if you love true crime, Netflix offers some of the best true crime series available when compared to other streaming services. Making a Murderer might be the streamer's most well-known series, but it only scratches the surface of what lurks in Netflix's extensive library. 

From an inside look into the dark minds of America's most notorious serial killers to the web of mysteries and exploitation the internet can create, here are the 10 best true crime series streaming on Netflix right now, listed in order of release date. Viewer discretion advised, but also highly recommended. 

The Keepers (2017)

The Keepers might be one of Netflix's most compelling true crime docuseries to date. It centers on the unsolved murder of Catherine Cesnik, a Catholic nun first reported missing in 1969 and then found murdered in 1970. Those who like a neat ribbon at the end of their true crime stories won't get that here. However, if you dig sprawling mysteries that keep getting deeper, The Keepers fits the bill to a tee.

While Cesnik's former students at the all-girls high school she taught at seem to think the prime suspect is a priest removed by the ministry for sexually abusing minors, the investigation ultimately creates more questions. Cover up? Conspiracy? Watch the seven-part series and decide for yourself.

TIME: The Kalief Browder Story (2017)

True crime typically covers sadistic serial killers, sketchy heists, and long-simmering cold cases, but in the case of TIME: The Kalief Browder Story, it delves into the story of an innocent high school student held hostage by a corrupt justice system. Throughout six mind-boggling episodes, the docuseries lays out the unjust imprisonment of 16-year-old Kalief Browder, whose biggest mistake seemed to be a case of wrong place, wrong time.

After receiving 700 days of solitary confinement for allegedly stealing a backpack housing assorted valuables, what follows for Kalief is nothing but heartache and tragedy. Although The Kalief Browder Story may leave you in tears, it is an eye-opening look into the dark corners of America's justice system and how racial and socioeconomic privileges can make a difference in who gets fair treatment.

Wild Wild Country (2018)

Like Making a Murderer, Wild Wild Country is one of Netflix's more well-known releases. However, for anyone who hasn't given it a shot yet, consider changing that… immediately. The six-episode docuseries covers Indian guru and, let's just call him what he is, cult leader Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and the devoted following he amassed in Wasco County, Oregon. Known as Rajneeshpuram, the community rose to prominence as a result of its many criminal activities, including assassination attempts, immigration fraud, and bioterrorism, to name a few.

Wild Wild Country might start as a slow burn, but those that stick with it are in for a docuseries loaded with twists, turns, and shocking reveals. It's rare for a true crime series to feel as riveting as a scripted show, but Wild Wild Country manages to do just that while delivering an informative storyline that remains relatively unbiased.  

Conversations With a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes (2019)

Ted Bundy is arguably America's most notorious serial killer. While there have been countless movies and TV series made to understand his crimes and psychology, what's better than hearing about them straight from his own mouth?

Over the course of four episodes, creator and director Joe Berlinger offers an intimate look into the dark, twisted mind of Bundy, drawing on hundreds of hours of interviews and archival footage. Coupled with interviews from friends, law enforcement, and surviving victims, Conversations With a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes is one of the most thorough docuseries about the killer to date. As a warning, it might also be one of the scariest. 

The Trails of Gabriel Fernandez (2020)

As a word of warning, The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez is a brutally heartbreaking watch. The six-part miniseries delves into the abuse and murder of eight-year-old Gabriel Fernandez at the hands of his very own mother and his mother's boyfriend. The graphic nature of Gabriel's abuse is hard to hear. Still, it offers an important reminder about how society's most vulnerable people can all too frequently slip through the cracks of social services and law enforcement.

Really, The Trails of Gabriel Fernandez functions as a cautionary tale of institutional failure. You won't walk away from this docuseries the same. It will change you for the better, even if it shatters your heart in the process. Made with absolute respect for Gabriel, this docuseries is a great match for viewers who enjoy crime but not the sensationalism and exploitation that often comes with it.

Tiger King (2020)

During the early days of the pandemic, Tiger King took the world by storm. Directed by Eric Goode and Rebecca Chaiklin, this true crime docuseries knows how to get weird. The main subject of Tiger King is the eccentric zookeeper turned felon Joe Exotic, who feels like he has been training to be on TV all his life—although probably not quite like this. Exotic's zoo, particularly his treatment of wild big cats, led to a feud with big cat conservationist Carole Baskin and a murder-for-hire plot.

If you've only seen the memes, it's time you watched the show. What lurks inside Tiger King's three seasons is truly stranger than fiction. You never quite know what to expect next, and that's what makes Tiger King so engrossing and bingeable for true crime fans searching for something a little different.

Athlete A (2020)

The USA Gymnastics sex abuse scandal first received news coverage in 2016, but the horrific truth of these crimes extends back to the 1990s and involves a staggering number of victims, most of them minors. At the center of it all is Larry Nassar, the USAG team doctor who sexually assaulted hundreds (that's right, hundreds!) of girls during so-called "medical treatment." Athlete A tells the accounts of these victims, including the story of Maggie Nicholas, the gymnast who kickstarted the investigation into Nassar and the USAG while sparking a powerful and painful "Me Too" movement among the affected athletes.

Unlike some true crime docuseries where the perpetrator is the shining star, Athlete A takes care in how it presents this web of abuse and ensures the victims remain the focus. While it delivers a critique of the USAG as a whole, its message transcends beyond gymnastics, reminding audiences how sexual abuse can be overlooked when it involves people in power, no matter the setting. 

Unsolved Mysteries (2020)

If you grew up between 1987 and 2010, then you probably already know the addictive staying power of Unsolved Mysteries. Always on TV, the series explored everything from cold cases to supernatural phenomena. In 2020, Netflix revived the series, with an Unsolved Mysteries reboot tackling a new set of mysteries. While not every episode features true crime in the traditional sense, the paranormal entries offer a nice change of pace from the grisly murder investigations that so often dominate the genre.

From mysterious vanishings and unidentified bodies to extraterrestrial encounters and ghostly entities, there's something here for everyone to enjoy. If you're looking for hard answers, you won't find them here. But you will get thought-provoking theories that are sure to keep you intrigued.

Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer (2021)

For those who like serial killer docuseries, Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer is one of Netflix's best offerings—and yes, it even rivals The Ted Bundy Tapes, previously mentioned on this list. The Night Stalker, aka Richard Ramirez, had a relatively short killing spree—as far as serial killers go—but still managed to kill 15 victims and plunge Los Angeles and San Francisco into total chaos.

The four-part miniseries chronicles the desperate search to capture the killer who used the cover of darkness to chilling advantage. While Ramirez certainly gets the spotlight at points, Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer keeps the majority of its focus on law enforcement and the victims, which is how it should be. 

Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing (2025)

In the digital age, Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing works as a cautionary tale. Whether you're a layperson interested in learning more about the dangers of "kidfluencing" or a parent seeking information about the types of trouble your child can encounter online, this is the docuseries for you.

Primarily following the story of "kidfluencer" Piper Rockelle, The Dark Side of Kidfluencing uses interviews and online receipts to paint a picture of exploitation, abuse, and neglect. Given the current relevance of the source material, The Dark Side of Kidfluencing is a timely watch that will, hopefully, spur regulations for online content involving minors, similar to the Child Actor Protection Act. 

Where To Watch More True Crime Series Online

To discover more about TV shows and movies currently streaming in the US, check out the JustWatch streaming guide! You can filter your search by streaming service, genre, price, age rating, and score. Be sure to build your watchlist and receive helpful notifications on what to watch next based on your preferences!

The Smurfs are back on the big screen after an eight-year hiatus. Following Sony’s Smurf film series, the Smurf brand agreed to partner with Paramount Animation to produce additional movies and continue expanding the franchise. Now, the first film in the partnership, Smurfs, has arrived.

Viewers interested in catching up on the Smurf franchise can use our guide to find out where to watch every Smurfs movie and TV series in order on platforms like Paramount+, Hulu, and more.

The Smurfs (1961)

The Smurfs is the very first TV adaptation of The Smurfs comic book series. The black-and-white series, which ran from 1961 to 1967, follows the adventures of the Smurfs in Smurf Village, often featuring magic and fantasy elements. Unfortunately, many of the episodes were lost; however, Peyo restored several episodes in honor of The Smurfs' 65th anniversary in 2023. Five episodes were also selected for a Smurf compilation movie.

The Adventures of the Smurfs (1965)

The Adventures of the Smurfs was the first film adaptation of The Smurfs. It’s a compilation film comprising five separate black-and-white episodes from the The Smurfs series. Each short sees the Smurfs get into some shenanigans, whether it's finding magical eggs, meeting a dragon, searching for a way to fly, or dealing with a mysterious malady. The Adventures of the Smurfs was highly faithful to the source material, featuring the comics’ penchant for randomness, zany adventures, and magical phenomena. It’s an excellent watch for viewers interested in the origins of the Smurfs on-screen and experiencing the old-school Smurfs.

The Smurfs and the Magic Flute (1976)

Inspired by the 1958 comic book of the same name, The Smurfs and the Magic Flute features a Medieval king acquiring a magical flute that causes everyone to dance whenever it’s played. However, when the villainous Matthew McCreep steals the flute, it’s up to court jester Peewit to track him down and save the day, though his adventure takes an unexpected turn when he happens across a Smurf. The Smurfs and the Magic Flute is very comic book-accurate, especially considering Smurfs creator Peyo’s involvement in the screenplay. While some viewers may be disappointed that the Smurfs don’t appear on-screen until partway through the film, it boasts strong animation and intriguing dynamics between the Smurfs and humans.

The Smurfs (1981)

The Smurfs animated TV series marked the characters’ on-screen debut in the U.S. and their breakthrough into pop culture. The series follows the Smurfs’ daily adventures in Smurf village, where they live comfortably under the leadership of Papa Smurf (Don Messick) and fend off the evil wizard Gargamel (Paul Winchell) and his cat Azrael (Messick). It quickly became a staple of the Saturday morning cartoon lineup, garnering interest with its heartwarming, charming stories and the comedic, goofy antics of the Smurfs. The Smurfs, which ran for an impressive nine seasons, became so popular that the characters quickly expanded into merchandise, solidifying the Smurfs as pop culture icons.

The Smurfs (2011)

The first modern Smurfs feature film adaptation, The Smurfs, is a hybrid of live-action and animation, with the Smurfs appearing in computer animation and the humans portrayed in live-action. In The Smurfs, three Smurfs are driven from Smurf village by the evil wizard Gargamel (Hank Azaria), landing in Manhattan, where they seek the help of marketing executive Patrick Winslow (Neil Patrick Harris) to get back home. The film started the trend of tapping A-list actors and celebrities to voice the Smurfs, dazzling fans with its cast and the sophisticated animation of the beloved characters. It even included a few adult jokes to solidify its universal appeal.

The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol (2011)

The short film The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol was released in December 2011, accompanying the DVD release of The Smurfs (2011). Based on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, the film sees Grouchy Smurf (George Lopez) attempt to ruin Christmas for the Smurfs with his nasty attitude. However, the Smurf Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Future visit him, challenging him to appreciate the holiday. The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol is a special treat for fans of A Christmas Carol adaptations, offering a fun and lighthearted spin on the classic story through a Smurf lens.

The Smurfs 2 (2013)

Following its box office success, The Smurfs (2011) received a sequel, The Smurfs 2. The sequel sees Gargamel (Azaria) kidnap Smurfette (Katy Perry) as part of his latest evil plans to take down Smurf village. Desperate to save their friend, the Smurfs call on their human friend Patrick (Harris) for help once more. Most of The Smurfs’ voice cast returned for The Smurfs 2, while the film also welcomed newcomers Christina Ricci, Brendan Gleeson, and Jacob Tremblay. The Smurfs 2 capitalized on the nostalgia and pop culture appeal of The Smurfs, while aiming the film more directly at younger audiences, making it a light, amusing watch.

The Smurfs: The Legend of Smurfy Hollow (2013)

The short film The Smurfs: The Legend of Smurfy Hollow serves as a sequel to The Smurfs 2 and is loosely based on “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" by Washington Irving. In the short, Gutsy Smurf (Alan Cumming) is determined to find out how Brainy Smurf (Fred Armisen) keeps winning the annual Smurfberry Hunt, but unwittingly ends up in the eerie Smurfy Hollow where legend claims the Headless Horseman resides. The Smurfs: The Legend of Smurfy Hollow is another kid-friendly and charming take on a classic story. Tthe short boasts just as dazzling animation as the feature-length films, making it a hidden gem for Smurfs fans.

Smurfs: The Lost Village (2017)

Following the disappointing box office performance of The Smurfs 2, Sony opted to reboot the film series with Smurfs: The Lost Village. The film centers on Smurfette (Demi Lovato), the only female Smurf in Smurf village, who was created by the wizard Gargamel (Rainn Wilson). Feeling out of place among the Smurfs, Smurfette becomes determined to find a legendary, hidden village with mysterious inhabitants. Unlike the other Smurfs films, Smurfs: The Lost Village is wholly animated. Meanwhile, critics gave it much more favorable reviews, especially praising the depth the film provides to the franchise’s sole female character, Smurfette.

The Smurfs (2021)

The Smurfs (2021) serves as a reboot of the 1981 animated series. Like Smurfs: The Lost Village, the series is fully computer-animated. Featuring 15-minute episodes, The Smurfs tackles numerous adventures of the Smurfs in Smurfs village, drawing inspiration from many comic book storylines. It boasts the sophisticated animation of Smurfs: The Lost Village, as well as the nostalgia and comic book accuracy of the 1981 series. Additionally, The Smurfs is fast-paced, with short, neat episodes that are perfect for entertaining young audiences.

Smurfs (2025)

Smurfs marks the second reboot of the film series. In the film, brother wizards Razamel and Gargamel (JP Karliak) kidnap Papa Smurf (John Goodman), leading No Name Smurf (James Corden) and Smurfette (Rihanna) to form an expedition to rescue him. In keeping with tradition, Smurfs has a stacked cast, including Rihanna, Nick Offerman, Sandra Oh, Jimmy Kimmel, and Kurt Russell. It retains the franchise’s penchant for humor and zany adventures, while also adding a musical element to further appeal to young audiences.

Where To Watch The Smurfs TV Shows And Movies Online

To discover more about TV shows and movies currently streaming in the US, check out the JustWatch streaming guide! You can filter your search by streaming service, genre, price, age rating, and score. Be sure to build your watchlist and receive helpful notifications on what to watch next based on your preferences!

Ryan Coogler stepping into the Marvel Cinematic Universe is one of the best things to have happened in the history of superhero filmmaking. The inclusion of Wakanda not only changed the state of technology as the characters know it, but the incomparable production level of Black Panther gave the MCU its first-ever Academy Award Best Picture nomination, along with a few wins in Best Costume Design, Best Original Score, and Best Production Design. 

While T'Challa makes an appearance in Marvel's What If…? (which can be watched out of order given the nature of isolated storytelling within each episode), the films are where he shines, no matter how brief his scenes are, and it's largely due to the incomparable performances from the late Chadwick Boseman and the phenomenal character work. Here are all the Black Panther movies in order, which you can find on  Disney+. However, for those without a subscription, Prime Video and Apple TV+ make renting an option, too.

Captain America: Civil War (2016)

Although Captain America: Civil War is primarily marketed as the third Captain America film to follow Chris Evans' titular character, it feels more like another Avengers movie with its large ensemble cast. It's not one viewers can go into without prior knowledge of the character introductions that've occurred before it, but it's still solid in its introduction of the new characters who'll go on to play a bigger role in the MCU.

However, as far as first introductions go, Captain America: Civil War is the first film to introduce all viewers to the late and inimitable Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther. He isn't Team Cap or Team Tony, but rather there to avenge his father, fueled by the belief that Bucky Barnes' bomb killed him. With a sleek costume design, thrilling strength, and an incredible entrance, the character's curtain-raiser is among one of the best moments in the film. With it and the ending scenes, it adds exciting anticipation of seeing more of him and the Wakandans. 

Black Panther (2018)

Now, unlike Civil War, Black Panther is a film that can serve as a standalone for any viewer who wants to watch a superhero film without any prior knowledge of the genre or Marvel's extensive lore. A large part of the reason the film is so revered is that this standalone approach makes it easily palatable for a larger audience, giving it the attention the brilliant production deserves.

Set to become king after his father's death, T'Challa grapples with his new responsibilities, grief, and the interference brought on by his cousin demanding his inheritance to the throne. Rich in storytelling and gorgeously shot from start to finish, there's a reason Black Panther is a top-five Marvel film for countless viewers and one of the most critically acclaimed films in the genre. It isn't merely an origin story for the hero we'll get to see more of, but it's an introduction to a world that's beautifully modeled to protect and shine with the technology that strengthens them and improves the state of things as they are. It's a love story in more ways than one, showing T'Challa as the kind of hero whose heart is bigger than he can carry. 

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

While T'Challa as the Black Panther doesn't show up until halfway into Avengers: Infinity War, his role is still tremendous in a film that's fully gripping from start to finish. As the second-to-last installment in the Infinity Saga that the first few phases are building up toward, Infinity War briefly slows things down to effectively show viewers where all the characters are before thrusting them into a life-changing battle against Thanos.

Wakanda is the reason why Bucky Barnes is fully cleared of Hydra's brainwashing, showcasing character growth on all fronts, and The Avengers also need the help of T'Challa's sister, Shuri, to take the Mind Stone out of Vision before Thanos finds them. The battle at Wakanda results in Marvel's biggest war to date, ending with the final snap that wipes half of humanity from Earth, including T'Challa. Still, however brief his role is, T'Challa's importance is something that the writing thoroughly underscores every time he's on screen. 

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

In the final installment of the Infinity Saga, Avengers: Endgame, like Infinity War, spends most of its time catching up with characters five years after the snap. In these brief moments, it serves as a riveting character study that explores grief within the MCU, making it one of the more profoundly poignant films in the entire franchise. 

And though we don't spend nearly enough time with T'Challa as we'd like, he returns in one of the most widely-revered and satisfying moments in Marvel's history, as the portals open and every "snapped" person comes back to life to fight Thanos for one more battle. Though Sam Wilson's voice is the first one we hear from Cap's point of view, Okoye, T'Challa, and Shuri are the first three people who step out from one of the portals, prompting a quiet but viscerally evocative nod from T'Challa that still hits like a ton of bricks to indicate that Wakanda is in this battle to end. 

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever looks different from what most people imagined it would be, as the sudden and heartbreaking passing of Chadwick Boseman impacted both creators and viewers. The original penned sequel changed to reflect the present-day tragedy, becoming a film about grief and an incomparable character legacy.

Differing from all films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, even the ones that tackle pain and loss, it allows the characters to celebrate the lives that both the actor and the fictional hero lived. It leaves viewers with a semblance of hope and a reminder that, despite the insurmountable loss, T'Challa was able to find a bit of joy with Nakia and their son, who may someday become the new Black Panther in future films. With breathtakingly harrowing performances from Angela Bassett and the entire cast, Wakanda Forever is undoubtedly the heartbreaking Marvel film to watch.

The Fantastic Four make their official Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. They join several other pre-established MCU teams, including The Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, and The Thunderbolts. However, The Fantastic Four stand apart from these teams because they are poised to be the most powerful by far, although their power level is contingent on just one team member.

The Fantastic Four Has A Secret Weapon

The original Fantastic Four team—Mister Fantastic (Reed Richards), the Invisible Woman (Sue Storm), Human Torch (Johnny Storm), and Thing (Ben Grimm)—is fairly robust on its own because there’s more to their powers than meets the eye. For example, Mister Fantastic isn’t just stretchy; his elasticity can be utilized to absorb significant damage and radically alter his body, size, and mass, giving him significant advantages in battle. Additionally, his intelligence enables the team to consistently achieve a technological edge in most fights.

When The Fantastic Four mix their intelligence, Thing’s superhuman strength, Sue’s power of invisibility, and Johnny’s pyrokinesis, they’re pretty formidable. Even so, viewers may be skeptical if they truly measure up to The Avengers, which includes a Hulk, a Norse god, and a supersoldier in The Avengers, and later adds a Sorcerer Supreme in Avengers: Infinity War. However, there’s one secret weapon that puts The Fantastic Four above all teams: Franklin Richards.

Even before its release, The Fantastic Four: First Steps revealed the inclusion of Franklin (Ada Scott), the newborn son of Reed (Pedro Pascal) and Sue (Vanessa Kirby). The inclusion of Franklin sets The Fantastic Four: First Steps apart from previous Fantastic Four films, which have never featured Reed and Sue’s son. Although he’s only an infant in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, in the comics, that baby grows up to become one of the most powerful figures in the entire Marvel universe.

Franklin Richards Lives Up To His Alias: Powerhouse

The Fantastic Four received their powers through exposure to cosmic radiation, which also affected Sue’s body during pregnancy and labor. As a result, Franklin was born with a genetic mutation, making him a mutant. However, he’s not just any mutant. He is an Omega-level mutant, the most potent class of mutants with powers that know no upper limit. Meanwhile, his specific mutant ability is reality warping.

As an Omega-level mutant with the power of reality warping, there’s really not much Franklin can’t do. He can warp reality up to a cosmic level, meaning he can manipulate matter, energy, and time at will. His powers are strong enough for him to create entire pocket universes. In addition to his reality-warping skills, he also has Omega-level psionic abilities, including telekinesis, telepathy, and astral projection. His psionic abilities are so potent that they could wipe out all life on Earth if he ever fully unleashed his psionic energy.

Unlike most mutants, Franklin’s powers manifested at a very young age. Even as a toddler, he began utilizing his powers to help his family in battle. As he grew up and gained control over his powers, he continued to assist The Fantastic Four and took on the codename Powerhouse.

What Is Franklin’s Future In The MCU?

Although he’s just an infant in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Franklin holds immense power that is just waiting to manifest. Once it does, he’s poised to become one of the most powerful figures in the MCU and an asset that no other superhero team boasts. The fact that he is in the MCU suggests the franchise has plans for him, though it remains unclear what those plans could be.

However, Franklin’s psionic and reality-warping powers certainly fit well with the direction of the MCU as a whole. As the MCU delves deeper into the multiverse and reportedly toward a whole universe reboot, it’s quite convenient to have a universe-altering or universe-creating individual on hand.

Where To Watch The MCU’s Superhero Teams Online

To discover more about TV shows and movies currently streaming in the US, check out the JustWatch streaming guide! You can filter your search by streaming service, genre, price, age rating, and score. Be sure to build your watchlist and receive helpful notifications on what to watch next based on your preferences!

Rachel Brosnahan is in the middle of a huge career moment. Not only does she star in summer blockbuster Superman, but she has some big projects lined up like the Al Pacino-led King Lear adaptation Lear Rex and succeeding Jake Gyllenhaal as the lead of Presumed Innocent Season 2.

While she may not have as many big-name credits like Superman co-star Nicholas Hoult, Brosnahan has shown off her range in comedic and dramatic roles alike on both film and television. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just being introduced to her through Superman, this guide will go over Rachel Brosnahan’s best movies and shows and where to find them on streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video.

Superman (2025)

Rachel Brosnahan is the latest actress to play the role of Lois Lane, Superman’s love interest and co-worker at the Daily Planet. Her version of Lois is, fittingly, an incredibly competent journalist who takes her time pursuing a relationship with Clark Kent (David Corenswet). Writer and director James Gunn makes sure Lois is far more than just the hero’s love interest, resulting in one of the best romances in a superhero film to date.

Brosnahan and Corenswet’s on-screen chemistry is undeniable, and fans can only hope we see the two reunite in future DCU projects. Until then, Superman is a heartfelt and optimistic action movie perfect for anyone who loves watching superheroes actually be heroic.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017-2023)

Rachel Brosnahan’s clear breakthrough came in 2017 with the debut of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, which earned her five Emmy nominations and one win. The show follows Midge (Brosnahan), a 1950s housewife who stumbles into a stand-up comedy career after her husband (Michael Zegen) leaves her for his secretary. That premise allows Brosnahan to show off her chops as a performer, balancing Midge’s developing comedic style with the character’s personal struggles as she navigates life as a mother and female comedian in an age where women were expected to stay at home. 

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel was created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, so it’s an obvious must-watch for Gilmore Girls (2000) fans, who will recognize the writing style, characters, and overall sense of humor. Even if you aren’t familiar with Sherman-Palladino’s work, if you enjoy shows about complicated female relationships and wish more period pieces were comedies, this show is for you.

I’m Your Woman (2020)

Superman (2025) may be Rachel Brosnahan’s most high-profile film yet, but it’s far from her first starring role in a movie. Among her film credits is the neo-noir crime drama I’m Your Woman, which she also produced. In it, Brosnahan plays a 1970s housewife forced on the run after her husband—who is, unbeknownst to her, involved in a crime syndicate—disappears.

Brosnahan’s powerful performance as a woman whose life has been suddenly and violently upended shows she’s more than capable of playing characters who are nothing like Mrs. Maisel. It’s her leading performance that makes I’m Your Woman is a great choice for anyone who’s ever watched The Sopranos (1999) and The Godfather (1972) and wondered what the story looks like from the perspective of one of the mobsters’ wives.

House of Cards (2013-2018)

While House of Cards is now largely associated with the controversies surrounding lead actor Kevin Spacey and a tour de force performance from Robin Wright, the series is one of Rachel Brosnahan’s first major roles and earned her her first Emmy nomination. In the early seasons, she plays a prostitute Frank Underwood (Spacey) uses to bring down a rival politician. While originally only meant to appear in two episodes, Brosnahan’s performance inspired the writers to expand the role to 19 episodes over the course of three seasons.

Beyond being a dark political drama that makes The West Wing (1999) look like Bluey (2018), House of Cards holds historical significance as the first Netflix original series and a huge hit for the company, paving the way for the era of streaming.

Manhattan (2014-2015)

Before she was Mrs. Maisel, she was Mrs. Isaacs. Brosnahan starred in Manhattan, a historically-inspired but mostly fictional drama about the scientists who created the first atomic bomb during World War II and the family members who accompanied them to Los Alamos. The sensitive nature of the Manhattan Project furthers the tension, as the military withholds information from the civilian scientists who, in turn, must keep secrets from their wives.

Manhattan is more soap opera than Oppenheimer (2023), but if you enjoy shows like Army Wives (2007) and Desperate Housewives (2004), Brosnahan and the rest of the ensemble cast create a compelling and drama-filled world.

The Courier (2020)

Benedict Cumberbatch-led historical drama The Courier tells the true story of British businessman Greville Wynne, who was recruited by MI6 during the Cold War to serve as a messenger between the CIA and disillusioned Soviet official Oleg Penkovsky (Merab Ninidze). 

Brosnahan plays CIA officer Emily Donovan, standing out as the lone American in a very British film. It’s Donovan who manages to convince an initially reluctant Wynne to risk his own safety by smuggling information, including intel that gives the Americans an advantage during the Cuban Missile Crisis. But though the character plays a key role in the story, The Courier doesn’t give Brosnahan all that much to do overall, and she’s easily overshadowed by Cumberbatch, who is clearly in his element in the Cold War drama. Regardless, fans of crime thrillers like The Night Manager (2016) and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011) will be riveted by The Courier’s fascinating and factual story.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is beginning the slow march toward the end of its current phase with The Fantastic Four: First Steps, as the long-running Multiverse Saga finally winds down. It’s a make or break moment for an MCU that has been slowly declining in popularity after Avengers: Endgame, despite big films like Deadpool & Wolverine and Thunderbolts*. 

It’s all a lot, and it seems so quaint when you consider where it all began—way back in 2008 with Iron Man and the Marvel films that released in its wake. Before you dive into Fantastic Four and the road to Avengers: Doomsday, here’s Phase One of the MCU, ranked, and where to watch the movies on TV and streaming. 

6. The Incredible Hulk (2008)

Is it bizarre that so many people forgot for years that The Incredible Hulk is actually in the MCU until recently? Starring Edward Norton as Bruce Banner, The Incredible Hulk was a tumultuous release, with reports of behind-the-scenes drama and an ongoing rift with The Hulk rights, wherein Paramount owns a portion of them. It shows, too, in its dismal 68% Rotten Tomatoes score. In recent years, however, this film has become increasingly important, with its iteration of “Thunderbolt” Ross returning to kick start Captain America: Civil War, and its Leader tease, unresolved for nearly 20 years, serving as the driving factor for 2024’s Captain America: Brave New World. 

5. Iron Man 2 (2010)

How do you follow up one of the biggest comic book movies ever made? If you guessed a tightly plotted, raucous sequel that gives viewers more of what they want, then you didn’t see Iron Man 2. The 72% Rotten Tomatoes score may not seem that bad, but Iron Man 2 is an infamously troubled film. It’s trying to balance being a sequel while setting up Tony Stark’s place in the universe, a thing that was still very much in its infancy, all while finally teasing the future of the MCU. While many agree Iron Man 2 has aged pretty well, the muddied plots aren’t helped by the multiple set pieces which were given away in the trailer before release. 

4. Thor (2011) 

2011’s Thor is such an odd beast compared to where the character and franchise are today. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, Thor was clearly meant to evoke a much more epic, Shakespearean feel than its raucous space adventure follow-ups. The film currently sits at a comfortably 77% on Rotten Tomatoes, thanks to stellar performances from both its established stars like Anthony Hopkins and newcomers Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston. However, audiences at the time didn’t necessarily connect with its thin plot and bizarre narrative. One has to wonder where the character would be today if the eventual course correction with Thor: Ragnarok never took place. 

3. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

For a World War II-set action/adventure superhero origin, the MCU made the decision to go with director Joe Johnston. After all, he’d already made a beloved WW2-set action/adventure superhero origin with 1991’s The Rocketeer. If you knew that going in, you likely recognized his hand in Captain America: The First Avenger. The penultimate entry in Phase One, The First Avenger’s action and romance sub-plot proved incredibly popular with fans, netting it an 80% on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s not the highest for Phase One, but it was a sign of just how popular the Captain America character was going to become. 

2. The Avengers (2012)

There will never be another experience like The Avengers in our lifetime, and rightfully so. For the time, The Avengers was a big swing: Take all the disparate characters introduced across five movies, each with wildly different tones, plots, and settings, and make them hang out for one massive adventure. It sells itself almost entirely on spectacle alone, but it works because the characters are just so good. Somewhere in the thick of all of this, when Captain America and Iron Man are bickering as everyone else rolls their eyes, everyone realized this was something magical. The Avengers, which has a stunning 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, is a once-in-a-lifetime thing, and sequels are forever going to be trying to recapture this magic. 

1. Iron Man (2008)

The first Iron Man feels like it was so long ago, to the point that it’s almost quaint to rewatch it. Stellar performances, a top-notch cast, and restrained action and special effects made this one a gem, which has netted it a 94% Rotten Tomatoes score. But many have likely forgotten those awkward months leading up to release, in an era where the most prominent Marvel films were the awkward Spider-Man 3 and the middling X-Men: The Last Stand. Iron Man released in an era when comic book movies were changing for the better, and it more than deserves its spot as the most-beloved MCU Phase One film. 

Where To Watch Every MCU Phase One Movie Online

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Whether the primary focus or spread out throughout trilogies in crumbs, since the start of filmmaking, romance has always had a place in every sub-genre. Interestingly, there has always been a surprisingly larger focus on it in sci-fi films and TV shows, breaking ground in franchises like Star Wars or even underrated TV series like The Expanse. Whether the couple begins in a slow burn workplace relationship or their love becomes the one thing that saves the day, it's always fun and refreshing when there's a romance to root for, along with the idea of saving the world from bad guys.

From films like The Empire Strikes Back to the latest Apple TV+ gem, The Gorge, here are the 10 best sci-fi movies romance fans will love, along with where to stream them on platforms like Disney+, HBO Max, and more.

The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

As a franchise, Star Wars is brimming with romantic relationships, both canon and not, that have made a tremendous impact in pop culture, including the literary publishing world. But the best of all relationships will always boil down to the ones who started it all—Han Solo and Princess Leia Organa. While the princess and scoundrel officially meet in A New Hope, it isn't until the trilogy's second film that the tension between them blooms into something bigger, resulting in one of the best first kisses in any sci-fi film, as well as the most iconic love declaration in history: "I love you"/"I know." Swoon.

The Matrix (1999)

The Matrix films are inarguably a cornerstone of sci-fi filmmaking, delivering some of the most thrilling and unique blend of world-building that set a standard for how to tell universally human stories. And all throughout the films, the tension between Keanu Reeves' Neo and Carrie-Anne Moss' Trinity serves as a blueprint for how to carefully weave a romantic relationship into a film's central theme to emphasize the importance of partnership as a saving thread when all else fails. From the first film that sets the stage to the latest, The Matrix Resurrections, the romance between Neo and Trinity never fails to supply emotional beats. 

The Gorge (2025)

Apple TV+'s latest feature, The Gorge, is a surprising gem that gorgeously captures a budding romance between two snipers in forced proximity sent to guard a gorge. As a true romance with multiple character-building beats that deliver small, but monumental ways in which two people fall in love, The Gorge is a rarity in the genre, where romance is generally a secondary plot. Here, it mostly takes precedence, allowing the film's plot to develop in a way that adds to their relationship. With stunning and picturesque cinematography that serves as an intriguing backdrop to a world of mutating plants and animals, The Gorge is an underrated must-watch. 

Jurassic Park (1993)

Come to Jurassic Park for the genetically engineered dinosaurs and stay for the swoonworthy relationship between Laura Dern's Ellie Sattler and Sam Neill's Alan Grant. The subtle romance that develops between them and later turns into a second chance romance in Jurassic World Dominion is no small feat. In more ways than one, their relationship is the beating heart of Jurassic Park, as Alan quite literally does all that he does because it's what Ellie would want. With an intriguing partnership right from the start and thrilling chemistry, their relationship is one that most romance fans will undoubtedly gobble up. 

The X-Files Movie (1998)

Whether you watch The X-Files or not, everyone knows the names Dana Scully and Fox Mulder. And everyone is also aware of the compelling chemistry between the two that's kept viewers locked to their screens for both the TV show and movies. In the 1998 The X-Files movie, a single confession between Scully and Mulder makes it clear that the partnership between them transcends even space and time. Full of longing, tension, and unapologetic honesty, Mulder makes it clear that Scully's the most important person in his life, adding romance to a film that's already excellent. 

Superman (2025)

Most superhero films in the Marvel and DC universes come equipped with romance as a secondary plot, yet there's something indescribable about how James Gunn's Superman delivers the romance between Clark Kent and Lois Lane. Soft, endearing, and brimming with chemistry, this one's the one to beat. While most portrayals of the two of them in various adaptations are extraordinary, the kisses they share throughout this particular film are among the best in the genre. In addition, the honest and heartfelt conversations they have, topped with the precious banter, gorgeously fortify them as a couple in a film with limited screen time. 

Stardust (2007)

Before he was stealing hearts as Matt Murdoch, Charlie Cox was the boy of everyone's dreams in Stardust. A significantly stronger adaptation than the source material it's based on, Cox and Claire Danes are a match made in heaven. As a unique blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and adventure, the forbidden bond between Tristan and Yvaine is the film's primary focus, allowing their fight for one another to shine throughout the film as they do everything in their power to find the happy ending written in the stars for them. Sweet, surprisingly funny, and a tale that still holds up, it's a must-watch for romance fans.

Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)

Tom Hiddleston as a vampire, need we say more? Only Lovers Left Alive is a stunning and layered love story about vampires, pulsing with extraordinary chemistry between Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton. Unconventional in more ways than one, as far as the mythical creatures are concerned, the film's emphasis on their love above all things is where it stands out. Gorgeously written and directed by Jim Jarmusch, the enthralling plot and love story are reasons enough to appreciate every beat of the film. 

Spring (2014)

As an underrated film, Spring isn't one that's on everybody's radar, but it's a quintessential sci-fi romance with shapeshifting and monster relationships to showcase the power of love. It's dark, gritty, and not for the faint of heart, with questionable motivations driven by understandable selfishness, but it carefully explores tough topics with nuance and care. With a relatively intriguing ending, there's no debating the happy ending that's possible between Evan and Louise after everything they go through to reach it in the film.

Dune: Part Two (2023)

Although romance is not a primary focus in Dune: Part Two, like the Star Wars trilogy and other sci-fi properties that have come before it, the romance still shines. Here, it’s largely due to the fact that an actress like Zendaya has chemistry with everyone, but a single scene in the franchise’s second film is full of such longing, that the shot alone is something romance fans would appreciate tremendously. Both Dune films thus far are great in general, so the added relationship between Paul and Chani is a bonus.

Where To Watch Best Sci-Fi Movies For Romance Fans Online

To discover more about TV shows and movies currently streaming in the US, check out the JustWatch streaming guide! You can filter your search by streaming service, genre, price, age rating, and score. Be sure to build your watchlist and receive helpful notifications on what to watch next based on your preferences!