Illumination has spent the last decade changing what mainstream animation looks like, starting with Despicable Me in 2010. The film's success quickly snowballed into one of the most recognizable animation brands on the planet, thanks in no small part to the Minions, those chaotic, banana-obsessed scene stealers who went from comic relief to full-blown global icons in a flash.

Their silliness and cross-generational appeal helped cement Illumination as a studio that can rival animation's biggest names. That momentum hasn't slowed, with the upcoming Minions & Monsters (2026) promising another imaginative ride. Before the yellow mischief machines hit the big screen again, let's take a look at all Illumination animated movies in order, which can be found on Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+. 

Despicable Me (2010)

Despicable Me follows career supervillain Gru (Steve Carell), who plans to steal the moon with help from Dr. Nefario (Russell Brand) and his army of Minions (all voiced by Pierre Coffin). After several failed attempts, he decides to adopt three girls, Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier), and Agnes (Elsie Fisher),  to act as a distraction during his scheme. But he eventually grows attached to them.

Despicable Me is the movie that established Illumination's emotional formula, which is broad comedy anchored by sincere character change. While the animation style is simpler than many contemporaries, the storytelling and Carell's vocal performance made it a hit. It's perfect for families who enjoy redemption-driven animated comedies like Megamind (2010).

Hop (2011)

Hop begins when E.B. (Russell Brand), the teenage son of the Easter Bunny (Hugh Laurie), runs away to Hollywood to follow his dreams of becoming a drummer since he doesn't want to follow in his father's footsteps. When a directionless slacker named Fred (James Marsden) hits him with his car, the pair become unlikely friends and team up to stop Carlos the Chick from trying to take over Easter.

Hop was Illumination's first hybrid live-action/animation project, complete with fantasy and musical energy. It might lack the emotional depth of the studio's stronger films, but its playful tone and seasonal charm give it an easygoing appeal. The movie is ideal for younger viewers who like bright holiday mischief similar to Peter Rabbit (2018).

The Lorax (2012)

Based on the popular Dr. Seuss book of the same name, The Lorax follows Ted Wiggins (Zac Efron), who lives in a city filled with artificial trees. When his girlfriend Audrey (Taylor Swift) says she would like to see a real one, Ted goes to see the reclusive Once-ler (Ed Helms), who tells him about the forest guardian Lorax (Danny DeVito), who tried to prevent environmental destruction caused by greed and carelessness.

The movie expands on Dr. Seuss' 1971 tale, turning it into a bright musical adventure. Though the humor and added characters occasionally soften the story's sharper moral edge, the film's emotional clarity gives its message lasting resonance. The Lorax is perfect for families who appreciate environmentally themed animation like WALL-E (2008).

Despicable Me 2 (2013)

Despicable Me 2 follows a reformed Gru (Steve Carell) who is trying to live a quiet, honest life with his three girls, Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier), and Agnes (Elsie Fisher). But things get chaotic when Anti-Villain League agent Lucy Wilde (Kristen Wiig) aggressively recruits him to stop a dangerous new criminal.

The sequel successfully expands on the original film, while leaning into Minion-driven comedy and fast-paced spy adventure without losing the emotional core that made Gru's transformation meaningful. While slightly more chaotic in structure, it's still one of Illumination's most entertaining follow-ups. Despicable Me 2 is perfect for viewers who enjoy superhero-family stories like The Incredibles (2004).

Minions (2015)

Minions follow the little yellow henchmen who are determined to find and serve the most despicable master in history. So, Minions Kevin, Stuart, and Bob decide to travel to 1960s London in search of the ultimate villain. They eventually pledge loyalty to Scarlet Overkill (Sandra Bullock) and her inventor husband, Herb (Jon Hamm), by agreeing to steal the Queen's crown.

By shifting the spotlight entirely onto the Minions, the film fully embraces near-silent slapstick comedy and rapid-fire visual gags instead of deeper emotional storytelling. One would think that the trade-off would limit narrative emotion, but it really doesn't harm the story at all, which explains why these characters are so popular. It's perfect for anyone who enjoys classic cartoons like the Looney Tunes (2020).

The Secret Life of Pets (2016)

The Secret Life of Pets tells the story of a terrier named Max (Louis C.K.) whose comfortable life in Manhattan is disrupted when his owner brings home an unruly dog named Duke (Eric Stonestreet). The two become rivals but must work together to make it home safely when they are lost in New York City and run into rebellious bunny, Snowball (Kevin Hart), and other abandoned pets.

The film's central idea of pets leading secret emotional lives when humans are away makes the comedy instantly relatable. Even with a familiar buddy-adventure structure, the sharp character humor, affection, and jealousy keep it engaging. It's perfect for animal-loving families who connected with friendship stories like Toy Story (1995).

Sing (2016)

Set in a world of anthropomorphic animals, Sing follows hopeful theater owner Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey), who organizes a singing competition to save his failing theater. After his assistant advertises the contest with a larger-than-planned cash prize, the event attracts performers from all walks of life who want a chance at stardom.

Rather than using music purely for spectacle, Sing ties familiar pop songs to the backstories of characters like Rosita (Reese Witherspoon), Ash (Scarlett Johansson), Meena (Tori Kelly), and Johnny (Taron Egerton). Although it might feel a little predictable, the warmth and humor make Sing an unmissable movie for fans of uplifting musical dramas like The Greatest Showman (2017).

Despicable Me 3 (2017)

Despicable Me 3 begins when Gru (Steve Carell)  and Lucy (Kristen Wiig) are fired from the Anti-Villain League for allowing former child star-turned-villain Balthazar Bratt (Trey Parker), whose crimes are fueled by 1980s nostalgia, escape. At the same time, Gru's long-lost twin brother, Dru (also voiced by Carell), tracks him down and invites him for a visit.

Despicable Me 3 embraces more exaggerated comedy and pop-culture parody than earlier entries in the franchise. Even so, its playful energy, Minion mayhem, and expanded family dynamics keep the story endlessly entertaining. It's perfect for franchise fans and anyone who likes colorful, nostalgia-driven animation such as Wreck-It Ralph (2012).

Dr. Seuss' The Grinch (2018)

This animated retelling of The Grinch follows the titular character (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch), who lives alone above the little town of Whoville with his loyal dog Max for company. Growing increasingly irritated by the town's Christmas cheer, he decides to disguise himself as Santa to steal the holiday from Cindy-Lou Who (Cameron Seely) and her neighbors.

Illumination's version of Dr. Seuss' The Grinch turns the famously grouchy character into someone whose loneliness feels relatable rather than simply comedic. While it lacks the sharper edge of earlier adaptations, the film's cozy visuals, gentle humor, and sincere message make it an all-year-round favorite. It's ideal for viewers who rewatch Elf (2003) every Christmas.

The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019)

The Secret Life of Pets 2 finds Max (Patton Oswalt) dealing with a new crisis after his owner Katie (Ellie Kemper) gets married and has a baby boy. Meanwhile, Snowball (Kevin Hart), Gidget (Jenny Slate), and Duke (Eric Stonestreet) go on separate adventures that include saving a toy from a group of cats, posing as a superhero, and rescuing a tiger cub from a circus.

The Secret Life of Pets 2 splits the story into multiple arcs, which breaks the tight focus of the original film. But that isn't entirely bad because it gives each character more space for smaller, more personal emotional beats. The humor remains energetic and kid-friendly, and the message about protecting loved ones is on point. It's ideal for families who enjoy reassuring sequels like Finding Dory (2016).

Sing 2 (2021)

Sing 2 follows Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey), who is determined to prove himself on a bigger stage. So he convinces entertainment mogul Jimmy Crystal (Bobby Cannavale) to fund an extravagant new show in Redshore City. To make the performance unforgettable, the troupe decides to find reclusive rock legend Clay Calloway (Bono) to help them.

The only problem is that Clay wants to remain hidden from the spotlight because of his painful past. The sequel expands everything that worked in Sing, and its climactic performance delivers one of Illumination's most moving finales, proving that silliness and sincerity can coexist in the same story. Sing 2 is a must-watch for music lovers who enjoyed Encanto (2021).

Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022)

Set in the 1970s, Minions: The Rise of Gru follows a young version of the aspiring bad guy (Steve Carell) who dreams of joining the notorious supervillain team known as the Vicious 6, only to find himself accidentally becoming their enemy. With the help of seasoned villain Wild Knuckles (Alan Arkin) and his trusty Minions, Kevin, Stuart, and Bob, Gru learns all about the true meaning of loyalty and leadership.

Unlike the first Minions movie, this prequel balances slapstick chaos with genuine coming-of-age emotion, giving Gru's childhood ambition meaningful context within the larger franchise. The retro style, martial-arts comedy and stronger emotional throughline make it one of Illumination's more satisfying adventures. It's ideal for fans of animated origin stories like Kung Fu Panda (2008).

The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

The Super Mario Bros. Movie begins when Brooklyn plumbers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) are pulled down a mysterious pipe into the Mushroom Kingdom and become separated. As Mario searches for Luigi, he meets Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), who are trying to stop Bowser (Jack Black) from conquering the realm.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie succeeds by fully embracing the games' simplicity rather than overcomplicating things. It's filled with fast-paced adventure and visual references that longtime players instantly recognize. While the characters lack a little depth, the entire movie is a major crowd-pleaser. The film is a must for fans of the video game and anyone who loved Sonic the Hedgehog (2020).

Migration (2023)

Migration tells the story of a family of mallards led by the overprotective Mack (Kumail Nanjiani), his wife, including Pam (Elizabeth Banks), and their children, Dax and Gwen. When a flock of ducks visits their New England pond, the family decides to join them on a migratory trip to Jamaica. A slightly fearful Mack talks with his uncle Dan (Danny DeVito), who decides to tag along despite his own misgivings.

Migration trades Illumination's usual rapid-fire comedy for a calmer story about family trust, discovery, and the value of stepping out of our comfort zones. The film might not be the most original in terms of story, but the message is still kind of timeless, which helps to elevate it. The movie is a must for anyone who enjoys travel stories like 2011's Rio.

Despicable Me 4 (2024)

Despicable Me 4 finds Gru (Steve Carell) and Lucy (Kristen Wiig) living their best lives with their girls, Margot, Edith, Agnes, and new baby, Gru Jr, who loves to torment his dad. But the family is suddenly forced into hiding when Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell) escapes from the Ant-Villain League and poses a threat to Gru and his family. At the same time, the Minions get a "mega" upgrade.

The fourth movie in the franchise returns focus to Gru's domestic life, which restores the emotional messaging that defined the original Despicable Me. While the formula is familiar, the continued evolution of Gru as a father keeps the story feeling meaningful instead of repetitive. It's ideal for fans who enjoy the generational storytelling of the Toy Story series.

The 98th Academy Awards are set to be a historic event for the film industry, with Sinners (2025), Hamnet (2025), and One Battle After Another (2025) projected to be the frontrunners in many of the categories. It could be a historic victory for Ryan Coogler or Chloé Zhao, who would either become the first Black director or the first repeat female director to take home Best Director if they win. However, many industry predictors believe the award will end up going to Paul Thomas Anderson.

On top of One Battle After Another being an impressive film, it would also be a good chance for the Academy to celebrate Anderson, who has been one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed filmmakers of the last few decades but has yet to win Best Director. If the Academy doesn’t give him the award, however, he’d be in good company. Here are ten of the most legendary directors of all time who never managed to win Best Director at the Academy Awards. 

Alfred Hitchcock (5 Nominations)

One of the most important and influential film directors of all time, Alfred Hitchcock’s inability to win Best Director at the Oscars feels like one of the Academy Awards’ greatest oversights. Coming up during the early days of cinema and gradually growing into the father of the thriller genre, Hitchcock’s early films like The 39 Steps (1935) and Shadow of a Doubt (1943) illustrated the level of craft he brought to his works. 

The legendary director was nominated five times for Best Director. While his losses for Rebecca (1940), Rear Window (1954), and Psycho (1960) were all somewhat understandable given that they were stacked up against other undeniable classics of the era, his losses for Spellbound (1945) and especially Lifeboat (1944), feel particularly egregious almost a century later.

Stanley Kubrick (4 Nominations)

One of cinema’s most technically ambitious filmmakers, Stanley Kubrick played fast and loose with genre, leading to plenty of iconic (and wildly different) movies like Spartacus (1960), The Shining (1980), and Eyes Wide Shut (1999). Over the course of his career, he was nominated for four Best Director Oscars, but lost each one. 

His comedy Dr. Strangelove (1964), sci-fi epic 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), twisted satire A Clockwork Orange (1971), and historical epic Barry Lyndon (1975) each got nods, but couldn't take home the win. However, he did win an award for Best Special Visual Effects for the mesmerizing elements of 2001: A Space Odyssey. It’s a shame that Kubrick wasn’t honored with a Best Director award from the Academy, especially given his ability to play with genre and style while still retaining his personal touch.

Akira Kurosawa (0 Nominations)

Despite being one of cinema's most gifted filmmakers ever, Akira Kurosawa never received a formal nomination for Best Director. The Japanese filmmaker is often regarded as one of the most effective directors of all time, with his movies like Stray Dog (1949), Rashomon (1950), Seven Samurai (1954), and Ran (1985) often held up as some of the best examples of movie-making in the 20th century. 

This can largely be chalked up to the prior decades’ focus on Hollywood-produced films, with only a handful of international features ever breaking out in America before the turn of the century. While times have thankfully changed in recent years, it’s still a real disappointment that the Oscars never got to formally celebrate Kurosawa’s work—although they did award him a Lifetime Achievement Award towards the end of his career.

Robert Altman (5 Nominations)

Robert Altman was a terrific director, with an eye on human stories and grandiose settings that allowed him to tell ambitious stories, keeping the humanity clear. It made him exactly the kind of director that the Academy Awards tend to celebrate. Despite this, Altman only ever earned nominations for Best Director, failing to win the award five times over the course of his career. 

M*A*S*H (1970), Nashville (1975), The Player (1992), Short Cuts (1993), and Gosford Park (2001) were all worthy contenders, but as is often the case with overlooked figures in Oscar history, it was typically the strength of the competition that sank him more than anything else. He did manage to earn a BAFTA and Golden Globe for his direction, however, which helps soothe the sting of that disappointment a little bit.

Sidney Lumet (4 Nominations)

Sidney Lumet was a terrific director, with a filmography full of absolute classics like 12 Angry Men (1957), Dog Day Afternoon (1975), Network (1976), and The Verdict (1982) to his name. Despite nominations for Best Director for each of those films, Lumet was never able to take home the top prize from the Academy Awards. 

Some of his best movies, including the Cold War drama Fail Safe (1964) and the cop thriller Serpico (1973) failed to even net him nominations. Notably, across his entire career, Lumet was nominated for 100 prestigious awards and actually won half of them—but the Academy Awards only ever gave him an Honorary Oscar. With one of the most impressive filmographies of any director in the 20th century and a certain timeless quality to his movies, that lack of recognition feels especially frustrating in retrospect. 

David Lynch (3 Nominations)

One of Hollywood’s most unique and purposefully bizarre filmmakers, David Lynch was always going to struggle to break into the mainstream space, given the unique qualities of his filmmaking style and typical subject matter. Despite this, some of his best movies did manage to earn recognition from the Oscars, even if they never took home a win for Best Director. 

The Elephant Man (1980), Blue Velvet (1986), and Mulholland Drive (2001) all earned nominations for Best Director, with The Elephant Man also earning him a Best Adapted Screenplay nomination. Lynch had better luck on the Film Festival circuit, earning major awards from the Cannes and Venice Festivals, and his work at least became synonymous with a certain strain of surrealism still identified by his influence on the format.

Spike Lee (1 Nomination)

Spike Lee earned a Student Academy Award while in college for Joe's Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads (1983), and has subsequently won plenty of accolades for his directorial efforts. Despite this, the filmmaker has never earned an award for Best Director. He's even only been nominated for that category once, for BlacKkKlansman (2018). He did manage to win a deserved award for Best Adapted Screenplay for that film. 

He's also the only director on this list to have earned a nomination for Best Documentary Feature, for his beautifully constructed and utterly heartbreaking 4 Little Girls (1997). Still, the fact that the director’s undeniably powerful breakout hit Do the Right Thing (1989) and war film Da 5 Bloods (2020) didn’t get those nominations feels like the kind of oversights that led to the #OscarsSoWhite campaign that encouraged further diversity in the nominees.

Ridley Scott (3 Nominations)

One of the most successful blockbuster directors of all time, Ridley Scott has earned three nominations for Best Director, but hasn’t been able to translate that into victories. Scott has earned Oscar nods for Thelma & Louise (1991), Gladiator (2000), and Black Hawk Down (2001), though he didn't win an award for any of these. 

Notably, some of Scott's most iconic movies, like Alien (1979) and Blade Runner (1982), failed to snag nominations for Best Director, but continue to inspire sci-fi fans decades after they debuted. His later work like Kingdom of Heaven (2005), American Gangster (2007), and The Last Duel (2021), all felt like they were perfectly positioned to earn nominations, but didn’t. The filmmaker has earned other awards, though, including two Emmys for The Gathering Storm (2002) and Gettysburg (2011).

Sergio Leone (0 Nominations)

Sergio Leone is one of the most influential filmmakers to ever work in the western genre, with the Italian filmmaker reshaping the genre in the ‘60s. His Dollars trilogy with Clint Eastwood—A Fistful of Dollars (1964), For a Few Dollars More (1965), and The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly (1966)—has influenced countless filmmakers. 

Meanwhile, his Once Upon a Time trilogy—including Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) and Once Upon a Time in America (1984)—stands among the most ambitious and morally complex takes on the western and crime genre, respectively. Similar to Kurosawa, the Italian director's status as an international filmmaker might have been partly the reason for the Oscars' failure to recognize his work, although he did earn an honorary award to celebrate his overall career.

David Fincher (3 Nominations)

One of modern cinema’s most acclaimed directors, David Fincher, has helmed some of the most compelling dramas and thrillers of the 21st century. Despite the impact of his films like Fight Club (1999) and the blockbuster success of films like Zodiac (2007) and Gone Girl (2014), those movies didn't even earn a nomination. 

While Fincher has gotten three nominations for Best Director, he wasn't able to earn a win for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), The Social Network (2010), or Mank (2020). Given that Fincher is still active in Hollywood, there's a good chance that he—like Spike Lee—still has a chance to earn a Best Director award. Still, the Academy’s lack of recognition for his earlier films still stings a bit.

Those of us who are obsessed with romantic comedies today likely discovered their magic during 1989 to 1999 in what's being dubbed the Golden Age of rom-coms. It's during this period that we not only had an abundance, but they set the benchmark for what we continue to look for in our romance movies and TV shows today.

The 2000s were also exceptionally solid, and we're even seeing a big boom today with a number of amazing new movies coming to our screens. But truly, few will ever top the magic of the Golden Age, and it's largely because so many of them have become classics today.

From the undeniable best one that is When Harry Met Sally (1989) to incredible adaptations like Clueless (1995), here are the best rom-coms of the Golden Age, as well as where you can stream them on platforms like Prime Video, Disney+, and more.

While You Were Sleeping (1995)

Every romance fan has one movie (if not more) that they can turn to when they're having a bad day, and as if by magic, it'll instantly make everything better. For me, that's always been While You Were Sleeping. Sandra Bullock is a rom-com legend for numerous reasons, but nothing will ever top the heart and wonder she evokes as Lucy, caught in the most unlikely love triangle, and paired with a scene partner with as much charisma as Bill Pullman.

The tropes within the film are generally almost impossible to play with, yet somehow, in While You Were Sleeping, every beat feels organic. Thirty years later, and every part of it still holds up as a story about finding love in the wildest circumstances while also discovering a family in the process. It's hilarious with a myriad of memorable lines, and so achingly romantic in the quiet moments where Jack and Lucy fall in love while Peter's in a coma. A perfect Christmas movie, a perfect rom-com, and an overall perfect movie all around. 

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

When Harry Met Sally is the ultimate blueprint for opposites-attract romances. Nora Ephron's incomparable vision, coupled with Rob Reiner's screenplay, is a literal match made in heaven, brought to life by brilliantly sharp performances from both Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal. It's not only a perfect rom-com from the Golden Age (and maybe objectively the number one best), but it's also a stunning and cozy must-watch for the fall and winter seasons.

In large part, the appeal of When Harry Met Sally also comes from its rewatchability. It's not every movie you can revisit years and years after, but there's something about the comfort the characters evoke that makes their arcs so universal. At the same time, it's such a staple in the romance community that we now have a movie like People We Meet on Vacation (2025) that's so heavily inspired by the magic we find here. The concept of a classic doesn't just depend on the time that's passed, but on how the quality of the product continuously increases, and such is the case here.

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Most of the romantic comedies featured on this list are easier to relate to for those of us who are in our thirties now, but 10 Things I Hate About You was significant in our teen years, and the value of its narrative also comes from the detail that it still holds up. There were a number of romantic comedies that were released during these golden years, but the ones centered around teenagers typically don't hold up because of the dated archetypes.

And while 10 Things I Hate About You is far from perfect, it's still a solid example of excellence because of its cast, the screenplay, and the swoon-worthy joy it supplies as yet another opposites-attract romance. The themes also have tremendous value as a retelling of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew that explores societal expectations and adolescent angst in a manner that effectively sticks the landing. If you're concerned that movies from the decade won't be the same after a rewatch, you'll be surprised by revisiting this one.

You've Got Mail (1998)

Nora Ephron's trifecta ultimately belongs on every Golden Age rom-com list, whether you love them or not. While I typically appreciate the story in The Shop Around the Corner (1940) more, there's no denying the adaptation quality and insurmountable heart threaded into every frame of You've Got Mail. People often dream of seeing their favorite actors reunite for another movie, and it doesn't always turn out great, which is probably because Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan set an impossible standard.

It's largely because of their performances and because of how joyous the film is to revisit around the holidays that it continues to be such a triumphant win for the genre. When people reference the rivals-to-lovers and the pen pal trope, they often use them as an example, for it's through their portrayal that the appeal of the tropes grew even more romantic.

Cinderella (1997)

Both Ever After (1998) and Rogers and Hammerstein's Cinderella were released during the Golden Age of rom-coms, and while they're both sensational, it's impossible for me not to pick Cinderella. For those of us who grew up in the '90s, the movie was likely always on repeat anytime it aired on the Disney Channel. So if you want your rom-coms with a splash of magic and fairytale escapism, this will forever be the most enchanting version.

Like many of the movies on this list, a large part of their appeal lies in the casting. Do I really need to say more when we have iconic musicians like Whitney Houston and Brandy in one movie? No, I don't. Because if nothing else, the magic in this version has always been so beautifully transportive and stunning. Disney live actions continue to attempt to capture the appeal of the animated counterparts, but truly, so few will ever top Cinderella (especially for the Broadway aficionados.)

Father of the Bride (1991)

Father of the Bride is more of a comedy than a rom-com, but as an iconic feat in more ways than one, it absolutely deserves a spot on this list. Steve Martin and Martin Short are perfection—I dare you to watch without laughing out loud because it's impossible. And the entire premise is especially lovely as a film that honors platonic love as much as the act of getting married. 

Plus, if the final scene is any indication, it is a rom-com. Annie and Brian have their moments to shine, and the way that George loves his wife, Nina (played to perfection by the late and legendary Diane Keaton), serves as an excellent showcase of romance, too. It's the way they stand as an example of how married couples can be and how there's warmth in the quiet moments when all the guests are gone. So if you're looking for a movie that's fun for the whole family, Father of the Bride is sure to be a hit. 

Clueless (1995)

There's a significant amount of debate taking place right now about how "Wuthering Heights" (2026) diverts too drastically from the source material, and people are comparing it to Clueless as a retelling of Jane Austen's Emma. But unlike the present-day release that's dividing both audience members and critics, Clueless is a solid example of how to take the story you love and add your own modernized spin on it with original characters and a narrative that honors the heart of the novel.

Clueless isn't exactly a perfect rom-com, but it's a near-perfect adaptation that still holds up because of the friendships, romance, and, more importantly, the characterizations. As someone who studied Emma for years and believes Mr. Knightley is the ultimate book boyfriend, Paul Rudd's Josh comes pretty close to being exceptional. As another teen drama on this list, like 10 Things I Hate About You, Clueless is indeed worth watching over and over again.

Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

Whether you watch Sleepless in Seattle before or after You've Got Mail, it never matters because the masterful work that Hanks and Ryan deliver are top-tier to give us performances that effectively stick the landing and ensure that we see their different characters. Ephron's world is synonymous with romantic comedies for a reason, but the distinctly unique plot is what separates them despite familiar beats and comforting casting.

Obvious from the title, this one takes us out of New York and to Seattle, adding a distinct meet-cute and an even lovelier story about falling in love during unlikely circumstances. The magic of the movie also lies in the astute pacing and how the narrative delivers the type of earned conclusion that so many of us still think about to this day. Perfect for anyone who wants to believe in fate, there's nothing quite like it.

Notting Hill (1999)

If you've ever wanted the press conference in Roman Holiday (1953) to end differently, then Notting Hill might fix the hole left in your heart. The keyword here is might because the films are nothing alike outside of that small, distinct moment that's crucial to the narrative. But Notting Hill is one of the most well-known celebrity romances that brings two completely different people together in a way that works.

A large part of the film's appeal is the casting and, without question, the location. Surely, tourism in London grew shortly after the movie. The lived-in and deeply grounded spot of Notting Hill is a huge factor that makes the romance enticing because otherwise, the trope isn't an easy one to believe in. Julia Roberts delivers another sensational performance, but that's a given when you're as iconic as she is. 

Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)

In The Office's (2005) series finale, Michael Scott turns to the camera and says, "It's like all of my children grew up and married each other," and that bit has always weirdly reminded me of Four Weddings and a Funeral. The drama within the movie might be a bit much for people who prefer more mellow stories, but it's iconic for a reason, primarily for its cast. 

As another movie on this list starring Hugh Grant, it can also be perfect for viewers who consider him their '90s romance king. More importantly, it's Andie MacDowell who's always stolen the show for me, and she's the reason it's as significant as it is. The extra dose of romantic relationships certainly helps, and there's also something wildly appealing about its title, which I'd say is one of the best ones on this list.

Superhero fatigue is upon us. More specifically, Marvel fatigue appears to have settled in among fans. While the Batverse and rebooted DCU feel new and exciting, some viewers have begun to tire of Marvel, especially as it struggles through one of its most disconnected phases. The fear that Marvel will recycle more superhero tropes or lean too much into fan service may have even led some fans to take a break from the franchise.

However, there are a few MCU TV shows that are worth watching. They feel new and refreshing, are self-contained enough that you don’t have to watch numerous other MCU projects beforehand, and stand well on their own rather than serving solely as a lead-up to a movie or other show. Use our guide to discover the five MCU shows that you’ll love regardless of how you feel about Marvel right now. Catch them all on Disney+ right now. 

WandaVision (2021)

WandaVision isn’t the most self-contained show on this list, as it ties into Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022). Still, I say it’s worth watching due to its unique premise. The show follows Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) in the 1950s as they start their life together in the charming town of Westview, though everything isn’t as it seems. 

More than a set-up for another movie, WandaVision is a searing character study of Wanda. The series explores her grief over losing Vision, and the unique forms her denial takes. The fact that each episode pays tribute to classic TV is another bonus that makes WandaVision distinct and charming. Ultimately, WandaVision is unique, refreshing, and really gives Wanda room to experience her grief, denial, and anger, choosing character development over superhero thrills. 

Ms. Marvel (2022)

Ms. Marvel tells the story of Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), a superhero-obsessed 16-year-old, who suddenly finds herself with powers of her own. The series is a superhero origin story, but it avoids feeling repetitive by focusing on Khan’s family history and how it ties into her powers. It maintains the humor of a teenager learning to cope with powers, but also morphs into a much more interesting story about a girl finding her identity.

Ms. Marvel goes beyond the typical superhero origin story, which allows it to frame its themes of family, identity, and culture exceedingly well. The show is also an excellent example of how to handle diversity and representation in a celebratory rather than stereotypical way. One of my favorite parts was that it even leaves room to develop the Khan family as a whole, and it’s easy to walk away from the show loving them. 

Moon Knight (2022)

Moon Knight centers on Steven Grant (Oscar Isaac), a man with dissociative identity disorder (DID), who becomes entangled with the Egyptian gods through his alter egos. The series is as close as you can get to self-contained, often feeling like it exists in its own universe entirely. The story is so unique, through its deep dive into mythology and mental health, that it’s quite unlike any MCU show.

Moon Knight thrives off of some aspects that have been missing in the MCU, especially that touch of absurdity and unpredictability. The show does a good job of representing DID respectfully, and is one of the few MCU projects to really center its mental health themes and delve into the lingering effects of trauma. With sophisticated themes and a zany, wildly unexpected premise, Moon Knight will defy any MCU expectations you have.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man (2025)

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man takes place in an alternate universe where Peter Parker (Hudson Thames) is under the mentorship of Norman Osborn (Colman Domingo) while struggling to balance his personal and superhero lives. As a spin on Spider-Man, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man will feel a little familiar, and it definitely leans into the superhero side of the story, with its comic-book-esque design and integration of numerous Spider-Man characters.

Still, the show stands out for how well it portrays the high school experience. It even strives to show all the perspectives of teens hailing from wildly different circumstances and walks of life. While there’s a whole lot of superhero action, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man also has a lot of heart. You can really feel the passion that went into the show, and it makes the story of Spider-Man so exciting while also adding a unique layer of wholesomeness and charm.

Wonder Man (2026)

Wonder Man follows Simon Williams (Yahya Abdul-Mateen), a struggling actor who gets his big break by landing the role of Wonder Man, but risks losing it due to his real-life, secret superpowers. While the show does hearken to Iron Man 3 (2013) via Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley), it’s still pretty self-contained. Like WandaVision, it offers lower stakes and less superhero action, focusing instead on a compelling character study.

I love that Wonder Man chooses to dig so deep into a relatably vulnerable lead protagonist. It also shows that the superhero genre need not be restrictive. The series is a superhero show, a meta commentary on Hollywood, and a charming bromance, all in one. Few shows in the MCU are as unapologetically bold and ambitious as Wonder Man.

We’re barely two months into the new year, and already, 2026 is doling out what is most likely one of the most polarizing films of the year. “Wuthering Heights” (2026) has earned a ton of discussion in many circles of the film world, for better or worse. The film’s quality and status as a reimagining of Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel are definitely not to everyone’s taste and have left critics torn.

However, there’s a lot of artistry going on with the film. While there is plenty of negative buzz surrounding it, there’s also plenty of potential for it to be a genuine hit. Whether or not it’s a legitimate hit or one that becomes popular out of cultural derision, a la Morbius (2022), is yet to be seen.

As “Wuthering Heights” arrives in theaters, let’s break down its numerous controversies, early critical mauling, and why, despite all of that, it can still become a beloved hit this Valentine’s Day.

What Critics Are Saying About “Wuthering Heights”?

While only film outlets have seen “Wuthering Heights” at the time of writing, nearly every critic has come away from Emerald Fennell’s latest feature with their own hot takes. Because of that, the film sits at 66% on Rotten Tomatoes. Not terrible, but also not amazing.

The critics who hated “Wuthering Heights” showed nothing but disdain toward it. The biggest criticisms many outlets have involve how unfaithful the film is to the original novel. While movies like Frankenstein (2025) offered a tale that differed in parts from the source material, it still retained the spirit of Mary Shelley’s work. In contrast, many critics argue that “Wuthering Heights” fails as an adaptation. The characters are all shadows of their original selves and seem focused on one thing and one thing only—lust for each other.

To the film’s credit, many critics say that those lustful scenes are shot wonderfully. Fennell is an Academy Award-nominated director, and the sweeping shots of the United Kingdom countryside are breathtaking. Not only that, but Jacob Elordi carries a certain magnetism that shows why he’s this generation’s heartthrob. Still, in many critics’ eyes, none of that matters when Elordi’s love interest, Margot Robbie, is woefully miscast. The two of them are supposed to be young lovers pining for one another, but when Robbie, whose real age is 35, is meant to play a teenager, it doesn’t quite click. 

Why Is This Adaptation So Divisive?

Given those reviews, it may seem fairly obvious why “Wuthering Heights” is so divisive. Robbie is miscast, Fennell’s erotic direction is unconventional, and it’s an oversimplification of a story that spans hundreds of pages into a two-hour and 16-minute film. Case closed, right? Not quite.

“Wuthering Heights” isn’t the first film to take a hatchet to its source material, like with Eragon (2006), and it won’t be the last. No, the problem that many people have is how Emerald Fennell openly doesn’t care about being faithful to the original story. It’s the reason why the film is stylized with quotation marks. It’s not a true adaptation, but rather her reimagining. Fennell approached the film the same way that she did when she read the original story at 14 years old. She remembered the lust and the Gothic Romanticism that helped it endure for nearly two centuries, so she decided to focus on that, damming all of the supporting characters and plot threads that didn’t help feed this direction.

Fans of the novel may be aghast at that, but keep in mind that’s how Emerald Fennell has always behaved as a filmmaker. She’s a provocateur. Both of her prior films, Promising Young Woman (2020) and Saltburn (2023), pushed the boundaries of taste and comfort. Promising Young Woman is a modern take on the rape-revenge subgenre of film, and Saltburn is completely debauched to the point where there are graphic scenes of necrophilia and Barry Keogan licking Jacob Elordi’s bathtub for… whatever’s left over. So to see her eschew the themes of the novel to turn “Wuthering Heights” into a dark story of forbidden lust shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone familiar with her work.

Why Audiences May Enjoy “Wuthering Heights” More Than Critics

So critics may hate “Wuthering Heights” for what it did to the novel, but general audiences are definitely more likely to enjoy the film for what it’s worth. Why? Because most people probably don’t have an encyclopedic knowledge of the novel.

I can only speak for myself, but while I read the novel back in college and saw a ballet rendition of it while studying in the UK, I don’t remember every core detail of it. Much like Fennell, I remember the dark and vengeful romance between Heathcliff and Catherine. Chances are, most people do, too, and that’s what they want to see. People love dark romances! Just look at the success of 50 Shades of Grey (2015), Edward Scissorhands (1990), and Blue Valentine (2010). Spicy and dangerous romances have always been popular with audiences, and “Wuthering Heights” is nothing if not spicy and dangerous.

That isn’t to say that there isn’t a place for a faithful adaptation of Emily Brontë’s novel. Wuthering Heights (2011) exists, was beloved by critics, and is easily watchable on Prime Video, even if it completely tanked at the box office. There can be a world where both versions exist. Fans of the novel’s explorations of class, race, and period drama can watch the 2011 version, and the people who want to see Gone With the Wind (1939) by way of From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) have Emerald Fennell’s version. Even if “Wuthering Heights” ends up being horny “trash,” isn’t there merit in wonderfully made smut? I, at least, think there is.

The Star Wars franchise is one of the biggest properties in modern pop culture. George Lucas’ timeless sci-fi classic Star Wars (1977) laid the groundwork for generations of filmmakers and fans alike, creating an entire secondary industry out of action figures and spin-offs. For almost 50 years, audiences of all ages have fallen in love with the galaxy of potential established by Lucas, and that has been expanded in all sorts of ways. 

Many Star Wars stars have spoken about their love for the original movies, explaining their excitement at getting to drive the series forward in their own right. In some cases, some of the biggest stars to appear in Star Wars might have even slipped right by viewers. These cameos speak to the popularity of the franchise in the eyes of fans, many of whom have gone on to make their own beloved movies and TV shows. With even someone like Tom Cruise set to factor into one of the upcoming Star Wars movies currently in production, let’s look back at some of the biggest cameos in the series and where they appear. Boot up Disney+ to watch them now. 

Sofia Coppola - Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (1999)

The first of the Star Wars prequel trilogy, Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, introduces a lot of characters and concepts to the galaxy, with plenty of room for sly cameos and minor roles. While the film still remains contested among fans over 25 years since it debuted, great individual scenes and sequences elevate its shaggier throughline.

Natalie Portman’s Padme is one of the more intriguing elements of the film, as a young leader whose handmaidens help disguise her from would-be attackers. Among the handmaidens are then-up-and-coming talent like Keira Knightley, as well as established talent like Sofia Coppola. At this point in her career, Coppola had already appeared in The Godfather: Part III (1990), making her appearance here a fun minor turn for the future director of Lost in Translation (2003) and Marie Antoinette (2006)

Simon Pegg - Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

A self-avowed Star Wars fan who made sure to slip references to the franchise in his earlier shows like Spaced (1999), Simon Pegg’s brief turn in Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens is a goofy chance for the actor to play a memorable alien.

Pegg’s character is a largely digital construct, serving as a broker on Rey’s world who buys much of the scrap she discovers. It’s far from the only time that lifelong-nerd Pegg has gotten to play in a sci-fi setting, as he also appeared in Doctor Who (2005) and Star Trek (2009). While his turn in Star Wars is the briefest of the three, it does a good job of contrasting against Rey and leaning into the likable qualities that largely make this legacy sequel as fun as it is.

Daniel Craig - Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

While Pegg has a more dialogue-heavy cameo than Daniel Craig, the Casino Royale (2006) star also has a pretty fun minor appearance in The Force Awakens. Craig doesn’t reveal his face at all, instead playing one of the Stormtroopers on the Starkiller Base that is assigned to watch over a captured Rey.

Craig’s unnamed Stormtrooper ends up on the receiving end of Rey’s first attempt at a Jedi mind trick, repeating her comments and giving Rey the chance to escape. It’s one of the sillier moments in the movie that nevertheless feels like a perfect cameo opportunity, all while giving Craig a good chance to play with the comedic tone that he’s increasingly been able to hone in films like Logan Lucky (2017) and Knives Out (2019).

Joseph Gordon-Levitt - Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)

Speaking of Knives Out, Rian Johnson’s mystery series debuted after the director’s stint in the Star Wars franchise with Star Wars: The Last Jedi. More narratively ambitious and quietly subversive than almost any other entry in the franchise, The Last Jedi takes some big tonal swings but manages to ground it all with a solid bit of clever direction and compelling character arcs.

One example of that sense of charm at the heart of the film can be found in Johnson’s use of long-time collaborator Joseph Gordon-Levitt in a minor cameo role as Slowen Lo. Similar to Pegg’s appearance in the previous movie, the cameo is largely voice-only but continues a long streak of the actor appearing in Rian Johnson’s works, going all the way back to Johnson’s debut film, Brick (2006).

John Williams - Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

The most recent cinematic entry in the series, at least until Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026) hits theaters, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker features one of the most sneaky cameos in the franchise. While the film is a tonal mess that can’t quite stick the landing, there’s a certain amount of craft at its core that makes it worth watching for fans of the series. Plus, you’ll also want to be on the lookout for John Williams, whose score for the original Star Wars film has become one of the most iconic pieces of movie music of all time.

Williams actually got to appear in The Rise of Skywalker, though, briefly showing up as the bartender Oma Tres. While it’s far from the best entry in the series, The Rise of Skywalker at least brought Williams onto screen instead of keeping him behind the scenes as usual. So, for that, it’s appreciated. 

Jason Sudeikis - The Mandalorian (2019-2023)

Part of The Mandalorian’s appeal is the way the episodic nature of the show allows for new characters and actors to appear. While some notable guests like Bill Burr and Taika Waititi had more important recurring roles in the series, others like Jason Sudeikis only got one memorable sequence in the show. 

Sudeikis appears as one of the Stormtroopers who briefly capture Grogu and even proceeds to punch the Baby Yoda. It’s darkly hilarious, but it makes it a lot more thematically acceptable when the Stormtrooper gets blasted during a rescue attempt to save the adorable alien. It’s a fitting beat for a show that takes the approach that made Firefly (2002) so good and fuses it with the scope and lore of the wider Star Wars universe.

Jack Black & Lizzo - The Mandalorian (2019-2023)

The second season of The Mandalorian also features some pretty fun cameos, although the best may be the pairing of Jack Black and Lizzo as a wealthy couple who encounter Grogu and his Mandalorian protector. They each play up their comedic sides for the part, bouncing off each other as a pair of out-of-touch, wealthy socialites in contrast to the more gritty and grounded lead character.

It’s one of the biggest cameo scenes in the franchise’s history, with Jack Black and Lizzo’s characters feeling important even when the brunt of the scene is about their wacky personalities and performances. While the episode might not be a favorite for every Star Wars fan, it has enough of the comic charm that Black and Lizzo have brought to films like A Minecraft Movie (2025) and Barbie (2023), respectively.

Tom Cruise - Star Wars: Starfighter (2027)

One of the biggest Star Wars cameos ever won’t happen until Star Wars: Starfighter hits theaters, but it’s set to bring one of Hollywood’s biggest stars to a galaxy far, far away. There isn’t much known about the upcoming Ryan Gosling-led Star Wars film beyond the title and Gosling’s presence, save for Wolverine & Deadpool (2024) director Shawn Levy being behind the project.

However, it has been confirmed that Tom Cruise will make some sort of appearance in the film. Given the title of the movie, it would be befitting to see Cruise briefly appear as a sci-fi take on his pilot character Maverick from Top Gun (1986) and more recently Top Gun: Maverick (2022), speaking to the likely shared tonal inspirations behind both films.

Valentine's Day and sickly sweet romances go together like milk and cookies. The perfect pairing? Sure, but not everyone gravitates toward typical romance fare with happy endings, big feelings, and dramatic love declarations. In fact, if you're anything like me, that sappy stuff might even make you cringe. If you're nodding your head right now, thinking, "Yes! Yes! That's me," then this list is for you. 

The couples below didn't take traditional means to their relationships, or they defied the odds in the first place. Most of them declare their love for each other in whispers as opposed to sweeping gestures riddled with tropes and clichés. Although the majority of them have happy endings, there are a few exceptions, but I promise the ride is still worth it. Here are the best alternative couples to spend Valentine's Day with and where to watch them on HBO Max, Hulu, and more. 

Batman and Catwoman - Batman Returns (1992)

Batman and Catwoman have been defying the odds since 1940, when they first kissed. You'd think a do-good, no-nonsense vigilante and a rule-bending cat burglar wouldn't work (and sometimes they don't), but their mutual attraction and chemistry frequently pull them together. Perhaps no live-action movie captures that sizzling yet antagonistic heat between them quite like Batman Returns. 

Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman and Michael Keaton's Batman have some pretty sexy scenes together that are sure to make audiences blush. Tim Burton's signature style of dark whimsy gives Batman Returns almost a gothic romance feel. If you're not opposed to animation, Batman: Hush (2019) and Batman: The Long Halloween (2021) also offer compelling Batman/Catwoman romances. However, if you want raw sexual tension where it's unclear if they want to kiss or kill each other, it's Batman Returns all the way. 

Scully and Mulder - The X-Files (1993-2018)

No one does yearning and romance better than Scully and Mulder, with actors Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny sharing some type of otherworldly chemistry that remains unmatched across television. The X-Files ensures Mulder and Scully's eventual coupling is based on trust, respect, and intellectual admiration. Yes, they're both hot, but these two care more about what's going on in each other's brains than the external package. 

Scully and Mulder's slow-burn romance (emphasis on the "slow") is perfect for audiences who typically squirm when the leads fall into clichés or make big, showy love declarations. You won't get that here. In fact, you're lucky if they talk about their feelings at all. While I recommend watching the series in order for the full effect, The X-Files' monster-of-the-week format makes jumping in and out of the show a breeze. Some shipper episode recommendations include "Pilot," "Detour," and "The Rain King," with the latter being a Valentine's Day episode of sorts. 

Julie and Kurt - Return of the Living Dead III (1993)

Warm Bodies (2013), who? Let me introduce you to the lesser-known Return of the Living Dead III. This romantic horror movie is a relatively standalone continuation of the Return of the Living Dead series, which kicked off in 1985 and changed the zombie genre as we know it. This time, the movie focuses on Julie Walker and Curt Reynolds, two lovers forced to confront a new aspect of their relationship when Julie dies and reanimates as a zombie. 

While it sounds silly and is very silly at times, Return of the Living Dead III is a surprisingly emotional story about grief and the urge to rebel against death. It's still just as punk and fun as its predecessors. However, it's ultimately much more tragic. If you can appreciate what movies like Pet Sematary (1989) and Re-Animator (1985) throw down, Return of the Living Dead III will likely be a new favorite. 

Gale and Dewey - Scream 2 (1997)

Gale and Dewey have long been considered horror's favorite couple, perhaps with stiff competition from Morticia and Gomez Addams. Still, I'll take any chance I can to write about them. Obviously, Courteney Cox and David Arquette have great chemistry, given their real-life romantic relationship; however, that's not the only reason they make this list. They embody the "different worlds" trope to perfection, with Gale's ambitious reporter energy feeling far-removed from Dewey's slow-moving, small-town cop vibe. It's these differences that bring them together, but also drive them apart. 

While Scream (1996) is always a good place to start (and mandatory viewing for any self-respecting horror fan), Scream 2 has the best Gale and Dewey moments. Their blossoming romance is fun to watch, and so is the way they navigate the drama stemming from Gale's less-than-stellar treatment of Dewey in the first movie. Their relationship is far from perfect, but together, Gale and Dewey prove that the most likable characters are also the most flawed.  

Carol and Tandy - The Last Man on Earth (2015-2018) 

Warning: When you start The Last Man on Earth, you will hate how Tandy (Will Forte) treats Carol (Kristen Schall), but if you stick it out to Season 2, you'll be treated to an unexpectedly sweet romance. The two function as goofy "Adam and Eve" stand-ins when they cross paths with each other in a post-apocalyptic world where there are few to no human survivors. 

They're both delightfully quirky and eccentric in their own ways. Carol can't stop making horrifically bizarre recipes, just like Tandy continues to create as much mayhem as possible in a free-reign world left ungoverned and uncontrolled. The Last Man on Earth is truly an underrated comedy perfect for a lighthearted night in. Those patient enough to wait out the character development will have a blast with this one. Trust me. 

Louis and Lestat - Interview with the Vampire (2022-Present)

AMC's Interview with the Vampire series takes the concept of eternal love to a whole new level with vampires. Those familiar with Anne Rice's source material will appreciate the attention and detail the show gives to Louis (Jacob Anderson) and Lestat (Sam Reid). While the movie, Interview with the Vampire (1994), delves into the pair's tumultuous relationship, it avoids explicitly labeling them as lovers, unlike the AMC series, which fully ( and explicitly) embraces Louis and Lestat's romantic relationship. 

If you're looking for a whimsical, fairy tale story, look elsewhere. Louis and Lestat have a deeply complex relationship that is as passionate as it is toxic. Anderson and Reid ooze oodles of chemistry that only intensifies an already intense love story. Like the gothic nature of Crimson Peak (2015)? Then, you should absolutely adore Interview with the Vampire, with all its gothic atmosphere, dark imagery, and morally gray plot points. 

Rick and Michonne - The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live (2024)

Sick of all the doe-eyed stares and ooey-gooey love stories found in traditional romance? Then, Rick and Michonne are just as perfect for each other as they are for you. Really, the only downside to binging The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live this Valentine's Day is that it requires some context from the flagship show, The Walking Dead (2011). You don't necessarily need to fully complete the 11-season series, but a basic introduction to Rick and Michonne, the latter of which doesn't debut until Season 5, is recommended. 

Michonne and Rick start as friends (well, enemies, technically) before evolving into a couple with immense respect and trust for each other. They're torn apart in Season 9 of The Walking Dead, only to find each other against all odds in The Ones Who Live. If you want to see romance thrive against the bleak backdrop of the zombie apocalypse, this spin-off series is your ticket, especially the episode "What We," written by Danai Gurira, the actress of Michonne.    

"Cast Away meets Misery." That's how so many outlets described Sam Raimi's latest movie, Send Help (2026). On the surface, it makes sense. Tom Hanks fighting for survival on a deserted island with only the company of a volleyball in Cast Away (2000) left a huge mark on pop culture. Likewise, Rob Reiner's masterpiece adaptation of Stephen King's Misery (1990) featured the devolving relationship between an author and his number one fan and captor. Mix the bare bones of these two movies together, and it appears you get Send Help, a film about two power-imbalanced colleagues who find themselves stranded on an island after a plane crash.

However, according to Sam Raimi, that comparison couldn't be further from the truth. In an interview with Cinemablend, Raimi said, "I'd rather it not have those references. As much as I love both those movies and they're great classics, I want it to be its own thing." Did Raimi succeed in that endeavor? Well, that will come down to personal taste, but most critics seem to agree that Send Help very much does. This is why you shouldn't go into Send Help expecting a horror version of Cast Away.

Why 'Send Help' Draws Comparisons To 'Cast Away'

Comparisons to Castaway largely stem from Send Help's setting. After all, few deserted island stories left the same mark in pop culture as Robert Zemeckis' survival drama did. With Tom Hanks' character forced to confront the elements alone, Send Help anchors its story in two characters: Linda (Rachel McAdams) and Bradley (Dylan O'Brien), and that's where the Misery comparison gets thrown into the mix. 

Reiner's Misery is a masterclass in slow-building tension and claustrophobic settings. James Caan plays Paul Sheldon, a best-selling author taken captive by obsessive fan Annie Wilkes (played with demented glee by Kathy Bates). Story-wise, Send Help shares little DNA with Misery. However, its darkly intimate look into Linda and Bradley's dysfunctional, power-imbalanced relationship conjures some similarities. Like Misery, Send Help strips away big casts and set pieces to focus on a story about two people and the growing tension between them.

Sam Raimi Subverts Expectations In 'Send Help'

Still, Send Help avoids treading too closely to these other movies, with Raimi even confirming he made a conscious decision not to watch either one of them again to avoid influence. Instead, he worked to subvert what audiences might expect from an alleged "Cast Away meets Misery" movie, saying, "I consciously worked with the writers to make decisions to take it in opposite directions from those two projects, specifically so it wouldn't have that moniker." Fortunately for Raimi, it seemed to work… for the most part. 

While people still walked away with Misery vibes, and critics still compared Send Help to Cast Away, most declared it a roaring success, elevated by Raimi's signature brand of dark humor and gross-out gore. The tension and survival elements of Misery and Cast Away are there, but Send Help delivers its own unique story about misogyny, power imbalances, and how the dog-eat-dog nature of survival can often mimic our civilized world. McAdams and O'Brien's characters never fall into the same pattern that Paul Sheldon and Annie Wilkes do in Misery. The power dynamics flip-flop throughout, leaving the movie's direction and the character development a pleasant surprise. 

Why To Watch 'Send Help'

Send Help might wear the psychological thriller label, but it veers much closer to Raimi's horror offerings like The Evil Dead (1981) and Drag Me to Hell (2009) than Spider-Man (2002). If you're already a Sam Raimi fan, then you know exactly what to expect: gnarly horror moments, well-crafted jump scares, and dark but over-the-top humor. Raimi is the master of mayhem, but McAdams and O'Brien's performances truly elevate the movie. So, if you're looking for a genre-blending survival movie with plenty of horror elements, come see Raimi at his best.  

In truth, the idea of writing an article like this instead of highlighting complex movies and TV shows infuriates me a bit because I hate that we've gotten to a place where second-screening is so widespread that it's en route to fully changing how stories are being told. Smartphone habits are ruining streaming productions so drastically that even those who typically don't notice such changes in the text realized that there was a difference in exposition dumping that unfortunately took place during the final season of Stranger Things (2016).

In various discussions on social media, we talk a lot about how we're losing media literacy because online debates are getting a bit out of hand, but we can also chalk up a lot of it to this irritating habit that's simply wrong. I'm never one to shame someone for watching a movie on a plane, a tablet, or even on their phone. I can understand that not everyone has the luxury of attending in-theater screenings, but watching something and scrolling through phones? All the time? Now, that's a no. 

If you want to grasp the significance of some brilliant movies and TV shows, here are some of the best ones you absolutely shouldn't have your phone out during, as well as where you can stream them on platforms like Prime Video.

Inception (2010)

I found myself in a ton of fan forums when Inception first released in theaters because I was obsessed with it and wanted to engage in conversations with people, so imagine my shock at all the wild theories that came out of that ending. To be fair, Inception, like many of Christopher Nolan's movies, is complex, but like Memento (2000), if you pay close attention, the answers are all laid bare in front of us, even if there's ambiguity.

For someone who's watching Inception for the first time today, there's absolutely no way to process the immensity of the complex dream world by looking down even for a second. It's a movie that not only demands full attention, but it also requires that you think things through a few times afterwards. It'll perpetually be my favorite Nolan movie for how deeply it continues to make me think, and it's a must-watch if you want mind-bending dramas with a sensational cast. 

Sinners (2025)

Sinners is the type of movie that's so profound in all the themes it presents that once it's finished, additional research for the sake of self-education feels mandatory. Pull out your phones right after, look up points in history that our textbooks left out, because how the movie uses music and mythological creatures to tell a story is a huge accomplishment. However, it's also in the quiet beats where so much of its depth lies.

Ryan Coogler is exceptional at using every second of every frame to fill the scene with something meaningful and thought-provoking. Sinners is also wildly entertaining and thoroughly compelling, yes, but it's not some light-hearted story. It requires careful attention and empathy. It demands that we pay close attention to every detail, and its record-breaking Oscar nominations prove just how much greatness each moment holds. If you want something that'll completely change your perception of how impactful the horror genre is in underscoring real human emotions.

Hamnet (2025)

Imagine my surprise upon learning that people simply didn't get the message of Hamnet at the very end, and why Jessie Buckley's Agnes has such a visceral reaction to the live production of Hamlet that her husband, William Shakespeare, puts on, honoring their late son. If we can't understand the heart and purpose of a movie like Hamnet and reduce it to "trauma dumping," then we might've fully lost the plot.

You don't have to love a movie like Hamnet. I sobbed so hard, I may never be able to revisit it, but to not understand the purpose of that final scene and what it represents about our connection to art and how grief manifests into the things we create is perhaps the very problem with how we engage with media today. You don't have to relate to the struggles, but the message is clear as day, and if you want to understand it, it's imperative to put aside phones.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Plenty of connections can be made between a movie like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and a TV show like Severance (2022). Yet, interestingly, it's also one of the few movies that some people dismiss simply by looking at the cover or presuming that it's going to be some silly rom-com. (Which, I can talk at length about why rom-coms have profound depth.) But in 2026 especially, a movie like this matters as a cautionary tale.

The deeply relatable human emotions that are explored through Joel and Clementine's journey are worthy of dissertations. How the movie emphasizes the importance of growth through pain and how it explores distinct memories as a means to develop the characters is no small feat. It's rare in that regard, and as something that's both haunting and powerful, it's a classic for a reason that you simply cannot second-screen during.

Severance (2022-Present)

If I had a nickel for every time my non-film critic friends texted me to ask what on earth Severance is, I'd have a lot of nickels. The show isn't overly complex, nor does it try to be if you're paying attention, and the ambiguity before various things are revealed to us is simply part of the viewing experience. With a show like Severance, it also feels like people are used to immediate gratification from binge releases, so the weekly process is altering how they're engaging with the series.

At the same time, a show like Severance certainly deals with complicated issues like grief and a work system that might seem tricky, but paying attention makes it hugely satisfying. The differences between character innies and their outties are part of the satisfaction in figuring out what's happening, so even while the episodes have slow and quiet moments, they're always giving us something that's important to pay attention to. Simply put, anyone can understand the heart of Severance solely by paying close attention during every episode.

The Americans (2013-2018)

In a day and age where TV shows are spoon-feeding us exposition, I keep thinking about the sheer masterpiece that was The Americans, and how so much of the show's appeal is found in the conversations characters have in silence. The narrative is, in more ways than one, a marriage story, and the performances that Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys deliver throughout have yet to be replicated. It's as exemplary as it is because the show demanded we pay attention to every little detail. 

Additionally, The Americans features one of the most perfect series finales to date, with the kind of ambiguous ending that's as satisfying as it is once you pay attention to everything throughout the entire series. The series's writing is so sharp and so remarkably fine-tuned that the best moments lie in the silence. There's even depth in the settings, and how impactful each moment is from the first episode to the finale hinges on deeply human and simple moments. If you want something thoroughly compelling and love a good spy drama, then this one's for you. 

The Expanse (2015-2021)

The sheer number of outstanding sci-fi shows isn't limited, but absolutely nothing has ever topped The Expanse for me. There's not a single dull episode, and as a show that adapts from a series, it does an incredible job of staying true to the source material while also delivering moments that are added in the adaptation that still honor the heart of the characters. From its production value to the characterizations, it's impossible to believe The Expanse is a TV show at times.

If you love Christopher Nolan's directorial vision, so much of The Expanse feels like something he would create. But also, if you ever loved shows like Battlestar Galactica (2004), The Expanse will likely give you the same viewing experience of well-written, complex characters and thrilling plot points that leave you on the edge of your seat. Without fully paying attention to every episode and every detail, the magic of The Expanse is lost, and when you do fully pay attention, you'll realize just how brilliantly written every episode is. (And for my romance fans, it delivers in spades.)

Breaking Bad (2008-2012)

There's a reason that film critics and TV buffs often refer to Breaking Bad as one of the best shows of all time. And if you're currently watching Vince Gilligan's thrilling Apple TV+ series, Pluribus, and want to know what he's capable of delivering, look no further than Breaking Bad. Few shows bear a final season with as much satisfaction for its entire audience, but beyond this, it's how every detail matters in the grand scheme of things that makes it so riveting.

The mere thought of someone scrolling through their phone during "Ozymandius" makes my skin crawl. There's a reason that the episode was the highest rated on IMDb before Heated Rivalry's (2025) "I'll Believe in Anything" came into the picture. The entire appeal of the show is dependent on how closely viewers pay attention, because, like in The Americans, the performances tell an even bigger story than the dialogue.

While promoting the release of the zombie survival movie We Bury the Dead by Zak Hilditch, Daisy Ridley also had some fun revealing her favorite "sorry, not sorry" movies. With Ridley synonymous with the Star Wars franchise, given her portrayal of Rey in the sequel trilogy, perhaps some of you expected her guilty pleasure films to land somewhere in the realm of sci-fi. However, her two picks actually exist in two wildly different genres. "Something that I watched recently that I just really love, again it's not 'sorry, not sorry,' I just really loved it, was Jingle Bell Heist," Ridley admitted. She then goes on to say, "Oh, I'll tell you something, too, that I really enjoyed, I Know What You Did Last Summer." 

WATCH: Daisy Ridley Is NOT Ashamed Of These Comfort Watches!

Although a Christmas rom-com and a teen slasher movie appear to have nothing in common at first glance, that's not entirely true. Both films embrace a campy style, which seems to be what Ridley likes in a good guilty pleasure. For those unfamiliar with Jingle Bell Heist, it's one of those cheesy but charming holiday rom-coms about two down-on-their-luck people who decide to rob a luxury department store on Christmas Eve and, of course, fall in love in the process. In the opposite corner is 2025's I Know What You Did Last Summer, the legacy sequel that continues the hook-killer mysteries started by the first movie from 1997. 

Interestingly, both movies had opposite receptions. Jingle Bell Heist earned a higher critical score than audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. In contrast, I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) received a nose-turn from critics and a warmish embrace from audiences. Neither one of them is an acclaimed masterpiece, but that's okay. As Ridley said when asked to pick her guilty pleasures, "I really take no shame, and I don't think anyone should."

'Jingle Bell Heist' And 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' Embrace Camp

Listen, the best guilty pleasure movies are the stupid fun ones, if you're asking me. Respect given if you want to cry your way through Marley & Me (2008) on a random Tuesday, but that doesn't sound like the best time to me. Jingle Bell Heist and I Know What You Did Last Summer, on the other hand, yeah, I get it. Neither movie takes itself too seriously. Both films have average reviews, and lastly, they understand that cheesiness, balanced with a decently compelling plot, can equal big fun for audiences. 

How these movies capture said chessiness is accomplished in different ways. Jingle Bell Heist leans into romance and heist action clichés, while I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) offers creative kills, questionable dialogue, and a dose of nostalgia, although it never gets quite as pulpy and silly as I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997). Whether you want to watch one or both of Ridley's guilty pleasure recs really depends on your unique tastes. 

Should You Watch 'Jingle Bell Heist', 'I Know What You Did Last Summer', Or Both? 

If you adore Hallmark Christmas movies like The Santa Stakeout (2021), you'll like Jingle Bell Heist, just expect a little more Die Hard (1988) thrown into the mix. Its genre-blending, fast-paced fun sets it apart from the usual holiday rom-com fare while still touching on a lot of the tropes and clichés romance fans love. Not to mention that Olivia Holt and Connor Swindells' chemistry does wonders for making you invest in their characters. 

In the opposite corner is 2025's I Know What You Did Last Summer. Obviously, fans of the original 1997 movie should check this out, just know that familiarity can help or hurt your perception. For some, the '90s nostalgia and callbacks feel forced, while others love all the connections, including the return of Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr.'s characters. Regardless, I Know What You Did Last Summer is a fun, fast-paced slasher that elevates its bloody kills and makes good use of its R-rating. If you check this one out and are left craving more self-aware slasher thrillers, consider adding Happy Death Day (2017) and Scream (1996) to your watch list. 

Despite Bridgerton (2020) rising to popularity and every new season making the show more popular than the one before, we have yet to get more historical romance adaptations like it. While shows like The Gilded Age (2022) are delicious and so fun, they aren't exactly alike, nor is a series like The Buccaneers (2023). But while Rivals (2024) isn't a Regency romance, the steamy period piece set in England during the '80s scratches a lot of similar itches with scandal, spice, and delectable romantic relationships scattered throughout. 

Maybe this is a desperate attempt to get all my fellow Bridgerton fans aboard Rivals so you could bear witness to all the wild drama, but truly, if you've ever wanted something to hit like a ton of bricks to the face, the new season is dropping on Hulu on May 15, 2026, and here's why you should catch up.

What Is ‘Rivals’ About? 

Rivals is basically Bridgerton's steamier distant descendant in the sense that the romance is just as delicious, but the stakes are vastly different. Based on the bestselling novels by the late Dame Jilly Cooper, the narrative examines the aristocracy in a completely different way while also highlighting the ever-changing world of broadcast television and its evolution. Starring sensational stars like David Tennant, Aidan Turner, Alex Hassell, Bella Maclean, and more, the series is a diligent exploration of class struggles and wildly complex characters who are each so exquisitely written and messy that they deserve dissertations just to crack all their idiosyncrasies. 

The narrative involves greedy ambitions, shocking betrayals, even more surprising reconciliations, and deliciously romp romances that'll both scandalize you and make you swoon. From the very first scene to the last, Rivals keeps you glued to your seat with one scandalous scene after another. It's riveting because there aren't many words to describe exactly how steamy Rivals is. The sex scenes aren't as subdued, but they aren't so provocative that they feel derogatory to the characters, nor are they lacking in the consent that's necessary to make every scene feel earned. It's not a rambunctious sex scene that comes out of left field, but instead, every scene informs us of the characters and dynamics in a manner that amplifies the characters's journey and where they'll end up going. 

The romance isn't similar to Bridgerton's anthology approach, but there's nuance in each of the relationships that allows every dynamic to feel deliciously enticing. At the same time, the differences in how money is a source of power speak. The glamorous lifestyle of the Ton versus what we're seeing in Rivals is so similar in how, even though costumes, locations, and circumstances look different, the time change doesn't exactly alter much about human struggles or hierarchies. And it's through shows like this where we see the various ways people are treated based on their rank or career that's also so riveting in delivering complex character journeys with wildly gripping narratives.

Why ‘Bridgerton’ Fans Would Appreciate ‘Rivals’

Two words: romance and scandal. A huge part of Bridgerton that differentiates the adaptation from the books is that the drama is significantly heightened. The larger role of Lady Whistledown and Queen Charlotte's inclusion amplifies the stakes with more scandal to allow the relationships to have a bit more edge. While Rivals isn't explicitly a romance like Bridgerton, the forbidden romance between Alex Hassell's Rupert Campbell-Black and Bella Maclean's Taggie O'Hara results in something enrapturing. In comparison, while Bridgerton romances take on the age-gap trope more subtly (like Simon and Daphne, as well as Colin and Penelope), Rivals goes hard.

This one's for the girls who read "dad's best friend" or, in this case, business partner. But don't let that significant age gap deter you if it's typically not your jam, because how Rivals explores the dynamic is exceptional, and never once does it feel "wrong." If this were Regency England instead of the Cotswolds in the '80s, something tells me the Queen would deem Taggie O'Hara as the season's diamond. And for the people who especially loved taking a detour from the city and heading to My Cottage with Benedict and Sophie in Season 4, Episode 3, the setting in Rivals adds an extra layer of coziness to the show that makes it feel like a perfect escape despite the drama. 

Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die (2026) is the latest film to use a sense of wacky comedy and bittersweet emotion to explore the time travel concept. The Sam Rockwell-led film introduces a goofy take on The Terminator (1984) premise, following a man who ventures from the future in hopes of preventing a robot-driven apocalypse for humanity. Where James Cameron’s movie was a blend of sci-fi action and horror, Gore Verbinski’s movie plays more in the slightly comedic but emotionally authentic tone he perfected with Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003).

If you love that sort of approach to sci-fi over the more dramatic turns of the genre, then there are plenty of other sci-fi time travel movies that do something similar. Some of them are rooted in the human experience, while others play with the concept for optimum goofball potential. The common elements between Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, and these seven films are the way they bring a wacky sense of personality to the very sci-fi concept. Here are the time travel comedies that are worth checking out before (or after) you see Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, all available to watch on Prime Video, HBO Max, and more!

Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)

Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die’s unique mix of emotionally heavy characters and goofy riff on the time-travel concept has an unlikely cousin in Safety Not Guaranteed. The feature-length debut of Colin Trevorrow, shortly before he blew up as the director of Jurassic World (2015), Safety Not Guaranteed follows a disillusioned journalist and his two interns as they seek an interview with a man who has seemingly constructed his own time machine. 

While the film is far more grounded than the other entries on this list, its human complexity and deadpan sense of humor make for a great contrast to the inherently weirder elements of any sci-fi script or story. A great indie mumblecore take on the time-travel conceit, audiences who are drawn to the more human elements of the sci-fi stories will find plenty to love in this one—even if the audiences after spectacle are probably better suited for something like Doctor Who (2005)

Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)

One of the most famous time-travel movies ever made, the goofy hilarity of Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure has helped it stand the test of time. The film follows the titular duo, a pair of dim-witted aspiring rock stars who find out that a utopian future depends on their ability to graduate high school together. Fitting neatly into the weirder side of the '80s teen film craze alongside movies like Weird Science (1985), Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure's secret weapon is a complete willingness to mess with the conventions of the genre and have fun with time-displaced historical icons. 

If you’re looking for a dramatic time-travel story, this might not be the pick for you. However, if Napoleon riding down a water slide or Attila the Hun set loose in a shopping mall seems even remotely silly, then you need to check out this film—along with its two sequels, Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey (1991) and Bill & Ted Face the Music (2020).

Twelve Monkeys (1995)

Probably the best comparison point to Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die in terms of pure tone and style, Twelve Monkeys is one of Terry Gilliam’s most thematically rich films and a weird time-travel movie that never lets the sci-fi undercut the drama. When a time-traveler comes back to the present to stop a catastrophe, he is declared mentally unwell and confined to a mental hospital. 

Filled with the same social satire that Gilliam brought to other movies like Brazil (1985), Twelve Monkeys benefits from completely committed (and deeply kooky) performances from Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt. It’s also got a sense of ambition and cynicism that is matched by Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, with a haunting ending that remains one of the most memorable dark turns in any of Gilliam’s films.

Time-Traveling Bong (2016)

Initially released as a mini-series but functioning better as a film, Time-Traveling Bong is a lightweight bit of time-hopping fluff that has enough dark and slapstick comedy to appeal to anyone who finds the time-traveling Sam Rockwell in Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die fun. Focusing on a pair of stoner cousins who discover a means of time-travel through the titular glass piece, their bond is tested by their adventures through different historical periods. 

Starring Broad City (2014)'s Ilana Glazer and Hacks (2021) creator Paul W. Downs, the film has a sense of humor that's far closer to the Comedy Central classic rather than the latter HBO dramedy. Still, the film's goofiest turns and unlikely punchlines make for an enjoyable experience, especially if you're someone who appreciated the stoner comedy in something like Pineapple Express (2008).

Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)

Very much a comedy of its time, Hot Tub Time Machine benefits from a charming cast that elevates its relatively one-note premise. Very much akin to comedies like The Hangover (2009) and Role Models (2008), Hot Tub Time Machine has a lot of fun with the sophomoric comedy beats that both a high school movie from the ‘80s and the immature adult comedy of the 2000s both excelled in. 

The thing that really gives the movie a thematic connection to Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die is the bittersweet heart of the story, which largely focuses on regret and the way it can shape a life. There’s a surprisingly emotional core to the film that makes it well worth watching, even if these types of comedy aren’t usually a go-to pick.

Flight of the Navigator (1986)

A strange film that has gradually become a cult classic, Flight of the Navigator is a fascinating look at the impact of time travel from a younger perspective. The film follows David, a boy who wakes up to discover that he's traveled eight years into the present. The movie's sci-fi elements, clearly meant to be a match for something like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) are strange and endearing, and there is an undercurrent of worldbuilding that matches the odder elements of Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die's climax. While the confusing plot and earnest tone might not make it the most entertaining film for mature audiences, this is a great early time travel movie to share with younger viewers who might be interested in the concept.

Time Bandits (1981)

One of the best time-travel movies ever and a charming fantasy adventure in its own right, Time Bandits is a strange, silly, and bittersweet take on the time-travel concept. Exploring the fantasy and sci-fi genres with the same sense of reverence that he brought to Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988), Time Bandits has a sense of humor that quickly alternates between whimsical and dark. 

Its use of time travel and its surprisingly emotional core make it a fitting peer to something like Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die, while the dark kids fantasy energy makes it a great peer for the likes of Labyrinth (1986) or The Dark Crystal (1982). If you loved the tone and tenor of Sam Rockwell's time travel adventure, then you need to make sure you see this family-friendly but universally hilarious take on the premise.

Studio Ghibli is one of the world’s most acclaimed animation studios, with the Japanese company delivering some of the most heartfelt, charming, and heartbreaking animation of the last 50 years. Films like Spirited Away (2001) fully cemented their place on the global stage, and subsequently, there have been plenty of English dubs of the Japanese films starring A-list Hollywood talent.

However, this isn’t quite like how some Western animation studios will bring in a big-name to help sell a movie. Instead, Studio Ghibli dubs typically chose its Hollywood talent because of how well they fit into the actual film. In fact, many of these stars might have slipped right past audiences who didn’t realize they were watching Academy Award winners bring new life to Studio Ghibli’s work. Here are 10 notable celebrities you probably didn’t know played Studio Ghibli characters and how to watch the movies on HBO Max, Crunchyroll, and more. 

Christian Bale - Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

In his leading turn in Howl’s Moving Castle, Christian Bale brings the natural charisma and tortured soul he’s imbued into other characters over the years, like Bruce Wayne in The Dark Knight (2008). The film’s Western dub also includes some genuine Hollywood legends, including Lauren Bacall and Jean Simmons, as well as great characters like Emily Mortimer and Josh Hutcherson. Even Billy Crystal appears in the film as Calcifer, providing some key comic relief to the heavy themes of this fantasy epic.

Still, Bale is front and center, delivering a heartbreaking central turn. As one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most ambitious anti-war films, Howl’s Moving Castle is a great example of how big-name actors in an animated film can fit in neatly instead of being distracting. If you want something dreamy and emotional, you’ll find all that and more. 

Kirsten Dunst - Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)

Sometimes, Studio Ghibli’s casting choices for dubs bring in older actors to play younger characters, but it’s always nice to see younger talent like Kirsten Dunst take a leading role in films like Kiki’s Delivery Service. Shortly after her Golden Globe-nominated performance in Interview with the Vampire (1995), Studio Ghibli tapped Dunst to play the lead role in the English dub of Kiki’s. 

It’s an incredibly sweet film about a young witch who finds work in the big city delivering parcels. As one of the earlier Studio Ghibli films to really connect with Western audiences, Dunst brings a great energy to the part. Alongside veteran voice actors, including The Simpsons (1989) fan favorite Phil Hartman, whose performance as the magical cat Jiji was one of his final roles before his untimely passing, and other up-and-coming stars of the era like Matthew Lawrence and Janeane Garofalo, Dunst’s role in Kiki’s Delivery Service is a delight. It matches the energy of the entire film, which is a light-hearted coming-of-age story and the perfect introduction to Studio Ghibli for younger audiences.

Liam Neeson - Ponyo (2008)

Ponyo is one of the sweetest and silliest of the Studio Ghibli movies, with a Liam Neeson performance to match. The film delivers a new take on the classic archetypes seen in stories like The Little Mermaid (1989), as it follows a young girl from the ocean who reaches land and dreams of becoming a human. Neeson plays Fujimoto, her doting father, whose attempts to find his “kidnapped” daughter set off a lot of comical misunderstandings and unexpected chaos.

Ponyo might be one of the most star-studded films in the Studio Ghibli library, with Noah Cyrus playing Ponyo herself and Tina Fey, Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, Lily Tomlin, Cloris Leachman, and Betty White filling out many of the supporting roles. However, Neeson is perhaps the most memorable, delivering a goofy performance that speaks to the actor’s talent for comedy—something he doubled down on in The Naked Gun (2025). It’s a wacky performance from Neeson to match the largely silly take on a classic story. Ponyo is another all-ages film that does it better than almost anyone else in the business.

Michael Keaton - Porco Rosso (1992)

One of the best (and most underrated) Studio Ghibli films, Porco Rosso’s Western dub features a handful of notable performers who perfectly capture the spirit of the story. At the center of the film is the titular Porco, a pilot and mercenary in the lull between the World Wars. Played by Michael Keaton, Porco is charming, prickly, funny, and surprisingly vulnerable when he wants to be. Cary Elwes and Kimberly Williams-Paisley play two of the film’s other key roles, while a supporting cast of strong voice actors, including Susan Egan, Brad Garrett, Kevin Michael Richardson, Frank Welker, and SpongeBob SquarePants (1999) stars Tom Kenny and Bill Fagerbakke, flesh out the charming supporting roles.

Keaton is one of the best casting choices of any English version of a Studio Ghibli film, capable of matching the shifting tone and underlying heart at the center of this underrated classic. As one of Miyazaki’s best films, Porco Rosso’s 2005 English dub is proof that sometimes an international cast can be perfectly suited for bringing a film to a new audience. 

Gillian Anderson - Princess Mononoke (1997)

One of Studio Ghibli’s most mature and exciting films, Princess Mononoke’s Western cast includes some really big names. Gillian Anderson of The X-Files (1993) fame has a memorable turn as the mystical wolf goddess Moro, while Claire Danes plays her adopted daughter, San. Anderson finds a lot of meaty material to chew on, delivering her lines with an exhausted aura that’s befitting the narrative and the tone. Other stars in the film include Billy Crudup, Minnie Driver, Billy Bob Thornton, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Keith David. John DiMaggio, perhaps best known for his turns in Futurama (1999) and Adventure Time (2010), also has a memorable appearance as a minor character working for the anti-villain Lady Eboshi.

As one of Studio Ghibli’s most visually stirring and morally complex films, the cast for Princess Mononoke speaks to the depth that the voice cast can add to an already compelling story, as each performance speaks to the tricky depth at the core of the film. A mature and oftentimes harrowing fantasy adventure that might be too intense for younger audiences, Princess Mononoke is an ideal film to show a young teenager to get them into the scope of anime.

Elle & Dakota Fanning - My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

The film that helped turn Studio Ghibli into a fixture for Western audiences, My Neighbor Totoro, has a fairly small cast but nevertheless found the perfect leads for the more recent English dub in the 21st century. The 2005 English dub of the film is one of the rare films where Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning actually get to star together. Dakota plays Satsuki, and Elle plays her younger sister Mei, reflecting their real-life relationship. Tim Daly fleshes out the rest of their family as their father, and Lea Salonga as their mother.

One of Studio Ghibli’s most iconic movies, My Neighbor Totoro, helped bring the studio to international attention and has subsequently gotten plenty of dubs, although the Fanning sisters might be among the best versions of the central cast. Elle Fanning has a lot of fun with the part of the younger sister, but her more emotional moments hint at the skill she would hone later in life. 

Mark Hamill - Castle in the Sky (1986)

Castle in the Sky was the first animated film by Studio Ghibli, and it has two notable English dubs. The latter one, courtesy of Disney and Buena Vista, has some pretty great casting across the board, including Anna Paquin as Sheeta and James Van Der Beek as Pazu. However, one of the best bits of casting is Mark Hamill as Muska, the film’s villain. While Hamill will always be best known as Luke Skywalker, the Star Wars (1977) star has also cemented himself in the eyes of animation fans as one of the best villain actors of all time.

His turn as Joker in Batman: The Animated Series (1992) and Fire Lord Ozai in Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005) are both great, but don’t overlook his quietly creepy performance as Muska, whose obsession with claiming his “birthright” slowly turns his practiced coldness into a darker tone. A delightful fantasy adventure that blends Miyazaki’s darker touches with his more whimsical side, Castle in the Sky was a groundbreaking animated adventure in 1986 and remains a classic 40 years later.

Hailee Steinfeld - When Marnie Was There (2014)

When Marnie Was There (2014) is one of the sadder films in the Studio Ghibli canon, with a more muted narrative about friendship that spans generations. At the center of the narrative is the dynamic between Anna and Marnie, with Hailee Steinfeld and Kiernan Shipka playing the pair, respectively. Catherine O’Hara also delivers a heartwrenching performance as the older version of Marnie. The rest of the cast is likewise bursting with strong talent, including Academy Award winners like Geena Davis and Kathy Bates, as well as fan-favorite talent like Vanessa Williams and John C. Reilly.

At the heart of the film is Anna, however, who proved to be a terrific showcase for the depth that Steinfeld can bring to an animated project before her starring turn in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018). A more bittersweet and mature Studio Ghibli movie that might not appeal to younger audiences, When Marine Was There is still a fantastic little treasure box.

Tom Holland - The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)

One of the more notable Studio Ghibli films not directed by Miyazaki himself, The Secret World of Arrietty is a clever reimagining of The Borrowers (1997) that features two great casts for the American and British dubs. While the American version includes Bridgit Mendler, Amy Poehler, Will Arnett, and Carol Burnett, the British dub actually has a more impressive overall cast. Saoirse Ronan plays the titular role, with Olivia Colman and Mark Strong both playing major supporting roles.

The film also includes Tom Holland’s cinematic debut as Shō, one of the central characters. In the years before Holland became an international star thanks to his turn as Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, his performance in Arrietty was an early indicator of his talents as a leading man. Holland is great, matching the excitable energy that fuels much of the film’s fantasy elements. While it’s not the best film in the Studio Ghibli library, The Secret World of Arrietty has plenty to love.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt - The Wind Rises (2013)

The Wind Rises is one of Hayao Miyazaki’s latest films, a more grounded story about Japanese aeronautical engineer Jiro Horikoshi. It features one of the most impressive casts that an English dub of his films has ever assembled, with the likes of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Martin Short, William H. Macy, Mae Whitman, Mandy Patinkin, Stanley Tucci, Elijah Wood, Ronan Farrow, Darren Criss, and even Werner Herzog lending their voices to The Wind Rises. 

Gordon-Levitt plays Jiro with an understated softness and undeniable humanity that match the charming and bittersweet touches of the story. Gordon-Levitt is especially fantastic in the film, bringing a real sense of human wonder to the tale of airplane design that fits the director’s unique style. Slow and more mature than many of his other films, The Wind Rises is a reminder that Miyazaki is just as good at adult drama as he is with family-friendly adventure. While Miyazaki would come out of retirement for The Boy and the Heron (2023), which also features a pretty surprising cast, The Wind Rises remains arguably the best Hollywood-centric cast of any Studio Ghibli film to date.

While some people want to watch swoon-worthy romances on Valentine's Day, others desire something darker, maybe even toxic, but still a little sexy to celebrate the holiday. By definition, erotic thrillers fit the bill. The genre aims to combine the intensity of thrillers with themes of obsession, murder, and sexual desire that is often forbidden, taboo, or both. 

Of course, erotic thrillers like Basic Instinct (1992) and Fatal Attraction (1987)  never go out of style. However, this list chooses to spotlight some (perhaps) lesser-known titles of the genre. Here are the five best erotic thrillers to watch this Valentine's Day if you're looking for something steamy and dark. Find them on streamers like Prime Video, Peacock, and more right now. 

Body Heat (1981)

Lawrence Kasdan's Body Heat earns high marks among erotic thriller fans. After all, it's a darkly sexy and compelling story about a passionate affair that leads to a murder plot. (You know, normal things.) In her breakout role, Kathleen Turner proves her star power as the husky-voiced femme fatale, while William Hurt expertly dials up tension as her sleazy lawyer love interest. With Ted Danson and Mickey Rourke also delivering solid supporting performances, Body Heat is worth watching for its cast alone.

Although set in the '80s, Body Heat feels distinctly old-school noir, with the film drawing inspiration from Double Indemnity (1944). Some might call it a knock-off, and they may even be true. However, Body Heat cranks the sexiness dial up more than a few notches. If you ate up the noir, almost Hitchcockian vibes of Body Double (1984) and American Gigolo (1980), Body Heat will satiate you. 

Unfaithful (2002)

While stories about infidelity might be triggering for a Valentine's Day viewing, for others, it might be the perfect kind of catharsis. Director Adrian Lyne, also known for erotic thriller staple Fatal Attraction, delivers another tense, sexually-charged story about a disastrous extramarital affair. It's a dark exploration of what can happen when the pull to break free from suburban monotony comes calling. 

Diane Lane, inarguably, steals every scene as the unfaithful wife of Richard Gere's character, rightfully earning her a Best Actress nomination at the Academy Awards. If you already know and love Lyne's particular breed of moody, voyeuristic-like erotic thrillers, like the aforementioned Fatal Attraction and 91/2 Weeks (1986), then Unfaithful should be a sure hit. 

The Handmaiden (2016)

Did you watch Oldboy (2003) or Lady Vengeance (2005) and think, "Man, I'd love to see Park Chan-wook direct an erotic thriller?" Well, you've got two options: Thirst (2009) and The Handmaiden (2016). Because Thirst sits more firmly in the horror genre, The Handmaiden becomes the easy (and more acclaimed) recommendation. Not only is The Handmaiden a solid erotic thriller, but its 1930s setting during Japan's occupation of Korea makes it thoroughly unique.

Chan-wook proves his talent by blending genres once again, offering a story that's equally tense, twisty, and sexy. It's the ultimate steamy period-set erotic thriller for anyone craving a good sapphic romance with a happy ending. (Dear Hollywood, please give us more of those!)

The Love Witch (2016)

Okay, truthfully, The Love Witch might be a stretch when it comes to true erotic thriller territory. However, I'm including it because it's perfect for Valentine's Day. Oozing with a gorgeous 1960s aesthetic (seriously, this is one of the most beautiful movies I've ever seen), the Anna Biller film follows a modern-day witch whose obsessive and magical quest to find love results in more than a few fatalities. 

The Love Witch is rich with satire and dark comedy, but it also has all the makings of a good erotic thriller, including explicit sex, murder, and obsession. At the same time, the movie subverts and critiques many of the tropes found in the genre, from the femme fatale archetype to the "male gaze." Its commentary on feminism remains both complicated and nuanced, making it ideal for anyone who likes symbolism and picking apart storybeats. Sick of the same old erotic thriller offerings? Then, absolutely try The Love Witch.

The Voyeurs (2021)

Although The Voyeurs might be a bit more divisive than some of the other entries on this list, it's likely an erotic thriller most people probably missed, given its direct release on Prime Video. Plus, with Sydney Sweeney's sexy scene in The Housemaid (2025) stirring up… feelings for many, some of you might want to check her out in an even more scandalous role. Here, she is one half of a couple (Justin Smith plays her boyfriend) who become obsessed with the turbulent lives of their neighbors across the street. 

Nick Schager from Variety called The Voyeurs "a training-wheels mashup of Rear Window and any number of '90s erotic thrillers." While he undoubtedly meant that negatively, for some of us, that comparison isn't a bad thing. Sure, The Voyeurs might not reach the same critical heights as Rear Window, but it evokes a twisty, Hitchcockian vibe nonetheless. Taboo, dark, and filled with apt commentary on today's surveillance-heavy society, The Voyeurs is perfect for anyone who likes modern erotic thrillers like Deep Water (2022).  

I recently sat down with Madelaine Petsch to chat about what it was like to wrap up The Strangers reboot trilogy with The Strangers: Chapter 3 (2026). But during our interview, she also opened up about one of her favorite guilty pleasure horror films that’s become such a comfort movie to her that she even falls asleep to it. So what’s the movie that Petsch is so fond of? “One of my favorite horror films of all time is Wrong Turn,” she said.

WATCH: Madelaine Petsch Falls Asleep to WHICH Movie?!

The 2003 backwoods horror movie sees a group of motorists (including Bring it On favorite Eliza Dushku) stranded in the woods of West Virginia after their tires are deliberately popped. A family of inbred, monstrous cannibals then hunts them. The vibe feels like someone spliced together Deliverance (1972) with The Hills Have Eyes (2006), creating a solid rural frightfest. 

“I like the concept,” Petsch continued, “I think the concept is really f***** up.” She even went on to say it isn’t just the first movie in the franchise that she likes. “I love one, two, and three,” she confirmed. “I ride hard for them.” 

Why ‘Wrong’ Turn Is The Best Kind Of Twisted Comfort Movie

The actress said that not only is Wrong Turn one of her favorite guilty pleasures, but it’s also become a comfort movie for her. “That’s my sleepy film,” Petsch says, “I like to fall asleep to that movie.” While labeling a horror film, especially one as violent as Wrong Turn, a comfort movie might leave some people shaking their heads, hardcore horror fans get it. Take a stroll over to Reddit, and you’ll find no shortage of people offering up their favorite comfy horror recs, from classic Universal monster movies and Halloween (1978) to more intense films like Saw (2004) and American Psycho (1990) 

Still, not everyone understands how horror can be comforting, as Petsch confirmed in her interview: “I was in London last year with my best friend, and I put it on, and she was like, ‘What the hell is this?’ and I was like, ‘Trust me,’ and I fell asleep, obviously, because I love that movie. And she woke up to the sound of bones clanking, and was like, ‘Are you okay? You’ve got serious problems,’ and I was like, ‘I know.’”

For some, it’s nostalgia that gives a horror movie a comforting aspect. For others, it’s the ability to confront fears and scary situations from the safety of your couch. There’s a lot of interesting science on the psychological release horror can provide.

Why To Watch ‘Wrong Turn’ (And What To Watch After) 

Upon its release in 2003, reviews for Wrong Turn were mixed, and it grossed a very modest $28 million at the box office. But the film continued to gain popularity in the home video market after its release. It even holds a pretty solid 85% audience score here at JustWatch, so Petsch clearly isn’t the only viewer who has come to love this overlooked horror classic. Wrong Turn even earned itself five sequels and a reboot in 2021, proving that the franchise has solid interest from genre fans.

Viewers love the film series for its wild, inbred monsters and its tense, backwoods setting, which always adds an extra layer of fear. If you love the infamous The X-Files episode “Home,” then you already know the perverse horror that awaits you in Wrong Turn. So, get ready for some bloody, gutsy, macabre in the deep woods. 

If you want more backwoods terror, check out Wolf Creek (2005). The Australian horror film is inspired by the country’s real serial killers, Ivan Milat and Bradley Murdoch, who kidnapped backpackers along rural stretches of highway in the Outback. After kidnapping them, they were tortured and murdered, creating two of the most infamous court cases in Australian history. The movie is a heart-racing, shocking horror film made even scarier by its real-life inspirations.

Fans should also check out The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974). If you love the cannibalistic, disfigured killers in Wrong Turn, then trust me, you’re gonna love Leatherface. In the film, a group finds themselves running out of gas in rural Texas. Desperate to find some, they go to an isolated farmhouse, and then the hacking, slashing, and chainsawing begins. It’s a backwoods splatterfest Wrong Turn fans will love, and truthfully, Wrong Turn likely wouldn’t exist without it.

Rachel McAdams is one of modern Hollywood’s best leading ladies, with Send Help being a great reminder of her versatility as a performer. The Academy Award nominee made her debut in a minor role in The Hot Chick (2002), quickly cementing herself as a leading lady of the era in films like Wedding Crashers (2005) and The Family Stone (2005). 

Even then, her romantic roles and performances in thrillers always hinted at a more complex performer than the typical leading actress. Since her debut, McAdams has spread her wings into several genres, always retaining her wit and charm regardless of the nature of the role. Going from her earliest days in Hollywood to her latest hit with Sam Raimi, here are the best Rachel McAdams movies and where you can watch them online on Disney+, Prime Video, and more!

10. The Notebook (2004) 

One of the films that put Rachel McAdams on the map and solidified her place in the Hollywood ecosystem, The Notebook is the king of weepy romances that only works thanks to her performance alongside Ryan Gosling. A period-piece love story follows a lumber mill worker and an heiress who fall in love. McAdams is perfectly cast as the young ingenue who has to choose the society life she’s been raised to inherit or to follow her heart with the poor charmer. 

While the film’s plot can be melodramatic to the point of self-parody at times, the central dynamic between McAdams and Gosling finds the wild abandon of romance without losing touch with the reality of the situation. Similar in spirit to other bittersweet romance stories like Big Fish (2003) or Dear John (2012), The Notebook thrives because of its pitch-perfect casting, which highlighted early on what kind of star power Rachel McAdams possessed. While it’s far from her most compelling film and it can suffer from the melodrama, it’s still a great early showcase of what makes McAdams special.

9. About Time (2013) 

The definition of a “love it or hate it” movie, About Time’s central charms are similar to The Notebook, but gives McAdams more to play with. The film largely focuses on Domhnall Gleeson's Tim, a young man who finds out from his father that all the men in his family have the ability to time-travel. Using this power, Tim makes sure his romance with Mary goes just right—only to discover the drawbacks of the power force him to consider the weight of his choices and the impact even minor actions can have on the world. 

About Time’s inherent premise can be problematic if you look at it with a harsher tone—The Twilight Zone (2019) actually did a really dark plot about a similar situation, but focused on the woman’s side of this kind of story—but there’s also an interesting amount of self-reflection and regret baked into the film, which is embodied by Gleeson’s unique dynamic with McAdams. Similar to The Time-Traveler's Wife (2009) and My Old Ass (2024), the use of time-travel in a romance plot offers some intriguing perspectives on the nature of romance, all grounded by one of Hollywood’s most charming modern leading ladies. Those slightly dubious moments drop it below some of her other films, but it’s still a compellingly creative take on a romance story.

8. Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. (2023) 

Adapting the iconic Judy Blume novel of the same name was always going to be tricky, but Rachel McAdams and the cast of Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. find a beautifully understated way to make the story feel timeless and grounded at the same time. Setting the story in 1970, the film highlights the growth of Margaret into a young woman, but also gives McAdams a surprisingly meaty supporting role as her mother, Barbara. 

The film retains the frank realism and natural charm of the original novel, with a soft edge that makes it feel perfect for anyone who’s growing up—or discovering there's still plenty of growing up to do even when you're an adult. While it might not have all the snarky spark of some of McAdams' other films, Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. is a great all-ages film about a point in life that everyone has to confront eventually. While the slight elements can make it feel less essential than some of McAdams’ other movies, it’s still a delightful little story.

7. Doctor Strange (2016) 

An intriguing entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that only grows more creative and innovative as it goes along, the supernatural Doctor Strange gives McAdams a chance to add some depth to the typical superhero love interest archetype. Playing Dr. Christine Palmer opposite Benedict Cumberbatch’s Stephen Strange, McAdams creates a character who is capable and empathetic, but still wholly human in her feelings and frustrations. 

While McAdams gets more to play with (and two versions of the character to play) in the sequel Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022), the first film has a clearer emotional core and moral arc to Christine’s role in Stephen’s life as her own woman. McAdams gives her just enough emotion to keep the longing glances compelling, by taking the kind of dynamic that Pepper Potts shared with Tony Stark in Iron Man (2008) but taking it in a more complex, ultimately bittersweet direction that plays to her strengths as a charming romantic figure. A compelling take on familiar ground, Doctor Strange benefits from great casting and a clever third act.

6. Sherlock Holmes (2009) 

Speaking of Robert Downey Jr., the actor’s action-driven reimagining of Sherlock Holmes was blessed with a phenomenal cast, with Rachel McAdams standing out as a fun rendition of Irene Adler. The only woman to foil Sherlock in the original mysteries by Arthur Conan Doyle, Irene is updated alongside the rest of the film’s approach to be a full-blown femme fatale operating as the sly American Catwoman to Downey Jr.’s cool, calculating, and constantly put-upon version of the legendary detective. 

McAdams has a lot of fun with the character, especially once she gets to actively be a part of the action in a twisty third arc. The biggest knock against the otherwise similarly fun Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011) is her unceremonious departure from the story, a waste of the great blockbuster fun McAdams brings out the character in the first film. Sherlock Holmes might not have the complexity of McAdams’ best films, but it’s still a compelling blockbuster that rises above some of her other films through sheer entertainment value.

5. Red Eye (2005) 

Wes Craven’s most grounded thriller is also one of his scariest, with Red Eye (2005) offering early evidence that McAdams was very suited to the horror genre. McAdams stars as Lisa, a hotel manager whose initially flirty interactions with a man on her flight become horrifying as he reveals his identity as a hitman—and threatens her to help him on a mission. 

Similar to Collateral (2004) and Drop (2025), the film mines a lot of tension from the danger posed to a relatively realistic character. Red Eye has a great villainous turn from Cillian Murphy, and Craven’s tight direction heightens the claustrophobia of being on a plane. It’s all grounded by McAdams, who never lets her character become unbelievable even as she tries to figure out a way out of her situation. While the wonkier elements of the third act keep it from cracking the top of the list, Red Eye was a great early indicator of how well McAdams fit into this mold.

4. Game Night (2018) 

One of the things that makes Rachel McAdams so memorable as an actor is her versatility in playing with tone and tenor—she’s great in horror films like Red Eye and romantic dramas like The Notebook, but she’s absolutely hilarious in comedies like Game Night (2018). McAdams stars opposite Jason Bateman as a married couple whose game night with friends becomes derailed by the involvement of a criminal conspiracy. 

Annie is a great little comic creation, an enthusiastic contrast to her naturally exhausted husband, with a willingness to “play the game” as far as it’ll take her. McAdams has a great talent for taking Annie all across the emotional spectrum for the sake of a laugh, with her late-film celebration and then horror at a henchman’s fate standing out as one of the movie’s biggest laughs. Embracing the same kind of kooky tone that made Date Night (2010), Spy (2015), and Tag (2018) so much fun, Game Night benefits from a great cast that McAdams still manages to be a stand-out among. While the relative lack of thematic weight means it can’t quite surpass her best films, it’s a blast from start to end.

3. Spotlight (2015) 

The film that earned Rachel McAdams an Oscar nomination, the absolutely gripping drama Spotlight, is a delicately paced masterwork in subtle performances. Alongside Mark Ruffalo and Michael Keaton, McAdams stars as a member of the Boston Globe’s staff whose investigation into accusations of sexual misconduct in the Catholic Church unearthed a sprawling web of lies meant to hide the church’s complicity in the crimes. 

Based on a true story but brought to life in vivid detail by the committed and understated performances, Spotlight is a great movie based on a subject that could have been easily played up for melodramatic effect. Instead, the cast keeps everything deeply grounded in a way that makes the horror of the situation all the more painful to confront.The best of McAdams’ straight dramatic performances, the tonal blend of her two best movies give them a slight edge over this worthy award winner.

2. Send Help (2026) 

Taking equal cues from the gross-out touches of his horror/comedy classic Evil Dead II (1986) and the harsh horror subtext of his underrated Drag Me to Hell (2009), Sam Raimi’s Send Help is a great showcase for Rachel McAdams and a reminder of just how good she is in a flexible role. Playing the overworked and underappreciated office oddball, McAdams’ Linda gets to experience the ultimate power flip with her awful boss when they’re the only survivors on a desert island, and it’s her survival skills that are keeping them alive. 

McAdams does a great job embodying every part of Linda, good and bad, as she goes from sympathetic to complex to horrifying all within the confines of a single scene. It’s a tricky character that shouldn’t work, but McAdams keeps it all centered around an unwelcome and unexpectedly brutal desperation that becomes more compelling as the movie goes along. It’s only thanks to McAdams’ great performance that Linda doesn’t teeter over the side into caricature, and this speaks to her skills. A great performance that anchors an entire movie, Send Help only suffers in comparison to one of the best comic creations of the 21st century.

1. Mean Girls (2004)

One of the best comedies of the 21st century, Mean Girls was Rachel McAdams’ big break—and one of the most memorable performances of her career. The film focuses on a regular high school in early 2000s culture, with Lindsay Lohan’s new student absorbed into a popular clique run by McAdams’, Regina George. 

A comedy villain for the ages, McAdams plays the conniving it girl with a malicious and purposeful over-dramatic edge that makes for terrific line deliveries and unforgettable punchlines. It’s hard to describe Regina without just quoting her. McAdams has lots of great movies under her belt, but Mean Girls—whose DNA can still be seen in high school films like Juno (2007), Easy A (2010), The Edge of Seventeen (2016), and Booksmart (2019)—remains a major highlight of a strong career, and therefore lands the #1 spot on this list. 

Valentine's Day is an unavoidable holiday that's impossible to ignore. Even if you scroll past the couples on social media, the heart-shaped everything still finds you in grocery stores and movie recommendations that insist romance is the only mood worth celebrating. For people who don't love the holiday (whether you're single, heartbroken, or happily indifferent), it's like background noise you didn't ask for.

Part of the frustration is how neatly Valentine's Day packages love. Real relationships are complicated, and occasionally painful enough to make you question the whole idea. But the holiday tends to flatten all of that into candlelight and happy endings. If Valentine's Day isn't your thing, the movies on this list, which can be found on Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max, offer something more than just perfect romance.

Heathers (1989)

Heathers follows Veronica Sawyer (Winona Ryder), who is tired of being friends with the super popular Heather Chandler (Kim Walker) and her equally cruel friends, Heather Duke (Shannen Doherty) and Heather McNamara (Lisanne Falk). So Veronica teams up with the mysterious J.D. (Christian Slater) and starts a rebellion against high-school cruelty that quickly spirals into something far more dangerous.

When things go sideways, Veronica is forced to confront how easily anger and loneliness can twist into violence. Heathers is an excellent watch because it refuses to soften its cynicism about love and popularity. Its humor still works because the emotional stakes feel relatable. The movie is perfect for viewers who enjoy dark teen cult classics like Jennifer's Body (2009).

The First Wives Club (1996)

The First Wives Club begins when Cynthia Swann-Griffin (Stockard Channing) dies by suicide after her husband leaves her for a younger woman. At her funeral, her three friends, Elise (Goldie Hawn), Brenda (Bette Midler), and Annie (Diane Keaton), realize that their marriages are also collapsing. What begins as shared heartbreak turns into a carefully planned act of revenge against the offending men.

Over time, the women reclaim their confidence, independence, and a sense of joy they thought was gone. Along the way, their bond becomes more important than the men who hurt them. The First Wives Club is filled with cathartic warmth about friendship after loss. And its optimism feels earned rather than forced, making it ideal for viewers who love empowering comedies like Legally Blonde (2001).

The Break-Up (2006)

The Break-Up follows Gary Grobowski (Vince Vaughn) and Brooke Meyers (Jennifer Aniston), who reach a breaking point in their relationship after years of small irritations and unspoken expectations. But instead of opting for a clean break-up, they continue living together in their shared condo in the stubborn hope that the other person will give in first.

Everyday routines are turned into competitions filled with passive-aggressive dinner plans and strategic messiness. What makes The Break-Up so entertaining is how recognizable it feels beneath the comedy. It understands that endings are usually slow, really awkward, and a little sad. This rom-com is ideal for anyone who liked the emotional realism of 500 Days of Summer (2009).

Marriage Story (2019)

Marriage Story chronicles the messy divorce of New York theater director, Charlie Barber (Adam Driver) and his wife, Nicole (Scarlett Johansson), who is planning to reclaim her independence as an actress in Los Angeles. They agree to separate with the hope of staying kind to each other while co-parenting their young son. That fragile goodwill slowly erodes once lawyers Nora Fanshaw (Laura Dern) and Jay Marotta (Ray Liotta) step in.

As their private hurt is turned into a public legal process, Charlie and Nicole are forced to confront the disappointments and lingering love still binding them together. Marriage Story is difficult to watch because it captures divorce with a level of honesty that feels almost intrusive. The movie is perfect for viewers who appreciate intimate relationship dramas like Blue Valentine (2010).

Heart Eyes (2025)

Heart Eyes follows Ally (Olivia Holt), who is cynical about romance, and Jay (Mason Gooding), her more optimistic coworker, find themselves unwilling partners when a masked killer begins targeting couples on Valentine's Day. As Detective Zeke Hobbs (Devon Sawa) investigates the pattern of attacks, what starts as an awkward survival alliance slowly becomes something more complicated.

The film plays with romantic comedy expectations while constantly undercutting them with slasher-style scares. The brilliance of Heart Eyes is that it never takes the holiday (or itself) too seriously, and the mix of humor and horror makes Valentine's Day feel weirdly fun instead of exhausting. It's a great pick for horror-comedy fans who enjoyed Freaky (2020).

The Roses (2025)

The Roses follows Ivy (Olivia Colman) and Theo Rose (Benedict Cumberbatch), who seem to have built an enviable life defined by professional success, stylish surroundings, and the assumption that their marriage is as solid as it looks from the outside. But when Theo's career falters just as Ivy's starts to flourish, long-ignored resentments rise to the surface.

The couple's problems start to spread beyond private arguments and eventually pulls their friends into the chaos in a way that feels exaggerated for comedic effect while remaining emotionally relatable. This reimagining of the 1989 film The War of the Roses preserves the dark comedy of the original while exploring modern anxieties. It's perfect for viewers drawn to relationship dramas like Scenes from a Marriage (2021).

It would not be an understatement to say the world lost one of its most interesting actors when Val Kilmer passed away in 2025. With a career spanning 40 years, Kilmer was as captivating as he was controversial. For every story about his talent, there was another about his on-set behavior. Kilmer’s career ended on an odd note, with a slew of direct-to-DVD films punctuated by occasional massive hits, including an unforgettable cameo in Top Gun: Maverick (2022) that would be his final appearance. 

For me, it’s a weird thing to think about. Kilmer was a huge movie star in the ‘90s when I was just getting into movies, and I found a lot of enjoyment in even his lesser films. Whether you’re looking to relive his best work or have just discovered him, these are the 10 best Val Kilmer movies, ranked, and how to watch them on HBO Max, Hoopla, and more. 

10. Batman Forever (1995)

Maybe I’m just putting this one on here for me, but you cannot deny that Val Kilmer is doing the best he can with a pretty middling Batman film. 1995’s Batman Forever was an uphill battle to begin with, being the first to follow the dream team behind Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992), Tim Burton and Michael Keaton. Still, Kilmer puts in the work for a surprisingly rounded performance, playing more into the duality of Wayne and Batman than Keaton did.

Sadly, most of the film is on the cutting room floor, and we’ll likely never see the allegedly much darker and vastly improved Schumacher Cut, which spent more time on Batman’s psychological traumas. If you’re looking for a more psychologically gripping Batman, you may be better off going with Matt Reeves’ stellar The Batman instead. 

9. Val (2021)

Kilmer was dealt a devastating blow with a cancer diagnosis, but he seemingly spent his final years making the best of a bad hand. You can actually see that at work in Val, a 2021 documentary chronicling the troubled life and career of the acclaimed actor. For Val, the documentary proposes a more human look at his life during his initial bout with throat cancer, making use of archive footage and interviews to show a less-troubled take on the actor.

Val is also critically acclaimed, with fans loving the glimpse behind the camera and into Val Kilmer the person. Val doesn’t have a lot of the action and excitement that may make some other films on the list rank higher, but this is the best pick for new fans who want to know more about the actor. 

8. The Doors (1991)

Music biopics are all the rage now, thanks to films like Bohemian Rhapsody (2018), Better Man (2024), and Rocketman (2019), but Oliver Stone’s The Doors walked so they could run. This 1991 biopic casts Kilmer as frontman Jim Morrison in a tawdry, jarring rock ‘n roll number. The film is not without its controversies, as several people depicted in it have accused The Doors of intentionally sensationalizing some characters rather than reflecting Morrison’s incredibly complicated life.

Regardless of how anyone feels about the film, no one can deny that Kilmer’s performance is amazing. He completely loses himself in the Jim Morrison persona to the point that, for many fans, Kilmer’s take is more prominent than the real thing. 

7. Top Secret! (1984)

If you only know Val Kilmer from his later work, then you may have missed one surprising facet of his career: The dude was just genuinely funny as hell. Case in point: Top Secret!, a 1984 spoof film by the team behind The Naked Gun (1988) and Airplane! (1980). Lampooning both Elvis Presley’s teen comedy career and the then-waning spy genre, Top Secret! stars Kilmer as Nick Rivers, an American rock star who winds up helping a resistance overthrow a German military coup.

The film is a genuinely raucous affair full of the same kind of dry humor, wordplay, and sight gags that made The Naked Gun and Airplane! comedy classics. Sadly, it has always been overshadowed by those films, but it’s perfect for fans of that similar style of parody comedy.  

6. Willow (1988)

After George Lucas capped off his Star Wars trilogy, he ventured into a surprising fantasy adventure with Willow. This 1988 fantasy adventure film has always been a cult favorite of sorts, never quite reaching the heights of similar films but always maintaining a dedicated fanbase. It was also an introduction to Kilmer for a lot of people, who immediately grew to adore his brash mercenary, Madmartigan.

Willow has had a somewhat troubled legacy, with a sequel series being quickly swept under the rug by Disney+ and may never resurface again. Still, the original remains an exciting fantasy adventure for all ages. 

5. True Romance (1993)

True Romance is a unique film for its time, being one of the few films Quentin Tarantino would write but not direct. It’s also something of a cult classic, one of those coming-of-age movies that everyone of a certain age needs to have seen at least once.

The film stars Christian Slater as a nerd inspired to murder the pimp of the call girl he just married by the ghost of Elvis Presley (portrayed with stunning gravitas by Kilmer). True Romance was always praised, but it was also a spectacular box-office flop, and only came to find an audience through home video and the rental market. If you’re looking for a weird thriller that stands on its own, this is a great pick. 

4. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

2005’s Kiss Kiss Bang Bang might be one of the most underappreciated comedy films ever made. The film sees Kilmer’s private eye “Gay” Perry working with Harry (played brilliantly by a pre-Iron Man Robert Downey Jr.), a career criminal with a Hollywood career. Along the way, the two stumble into a real-life murder mystery, where Harry’s ineptitude and Perry’s savvy get them both in deeper than either wants.

The film is punctuated with sharp humor and an engaging mystery plot, but the banter between Kilmer and Downey Jr. steals the show. The two genuinely have an undeniable chemistry, and it’s a shame we never got to see them on-screen together again. You can get something a bit more in this vein with the later Iron Man 3, which reunited Downey Jr. with Kiss Kiss Bang Bang director Shane Black. 

3. Tombstone (1993)

The early ‘90s marked a brief resurgence in the Western genre, and Tombstone still stands out as one of the best. This barely accurate account of classic Western events, such as the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, rounds up an all-star cast. Kilmer is perhaps the standout, though, playing the charismatic (and perpetually unwell) Doc Holliday.

If you haven’t seen Tombstone in a while, it’s easy to forget just how unforgettable his performance is. In a stacked cast where Kurt Russel, Bill Paxton, and Charlton Heston are chewing up the scenery, Kilmer’s Holliday remains one of his most popular performances. Modern westerns can’t touch Tombstone, so if you’re looking for a historical action flick with Hollywood’s best stars, be sure to give this one a look. 

2. Top Gun (1986)

Top Gun may be Tom Cruise’s movie, but it wouldn’t work without Val Kilmer. 1986’s Top Gun has remained a cinema classic for decades, and for good reason. The machismo rivalry between Maverick and Iceman is at the heart of a surprisingly tender film about responsibility and teamwork.

Kilmer’s Iceman got a fond farewell through his brief Top Gun: Maverick cameo, but even that heartfelt moment pales in comparison to seeing him and Maverick finally put their differences aside to defeat the nebulous “enemy” in the original film. You can’t go wrong with either film, but Top Gun will give you the most Kilmer if that’s what you’re in the market for. 

1. Heat (1995)

As if there could be any other movie at the top of a Val Kilmer movie list. Michael Mann’s Heat may genuinely be the best heist film ever made, and it’s impossible to pick a best performance from any of its cast. Robert De Niro and Al Pacino are proudly at the top of their game in this one, playing a thief and a cop, respectively, who are both long-in-the-tooth and suffering from unfulfilling lives.

At the heart of it all, though, is Kilmer’s Chris Shiherlis, a bank robber on the verge of being a family man and at risk of losing it all. Heat is tense, complicated, and gripping for its entire run time, and genuinely a movie any self-respecting film buff needs to see.

Baldur’s Gate is officially getting a TV series adaptation, and it’s likely going to follow the same tonal direction as the movies and shows mentioned below. Baldur’s Gate itself is a video game adaptation of the Dungeons & Dragons tabletop role-playing game. Although it started in 1998, the series broke out massively thanks to Baldur’s Gate 3, which became a critical darling and best-seller when it launched in 2023.

HBO is currently in the process of adapting the game for a show, courtesy of Craig Mazin, co-creator of The Last of Us (2023). The series will take place after the events of Baldur’s Gate 3, which (on top of a lot of potential side quests and adventures) largely focused on the spread of the mind flayers, a parasitic psychic species that helped inspire some of the creatures in Stranger Things (2016). Far more mature than lightweight fantasy like The NeverEnding Story (1984), but not quite as grim as Game of Thrones (2011), Baldur’s Gate will likely have a lot in common with several subversive riffs on the fantasy genre.

If you want to get a feeling of what the new Baldur’s Gate show will be like, consider checking out these movies and shows, which range from D&D adaptations to enduring fantasy classics. 

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023) 

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is probably one of the best examples of what the Baldur’s Gate show could look like, given its similar subject matter and self-aware but authentic approach to fantasy. The Chris Pine-led fantasy action-adventure film follows Pine’s bard and a band of unlikely companions as they deal with their own personal issues and confront an ancient evil.

Designed entirely around matching the tone of the role-playing games that inspired both it and Baldur’s Gate, Honor Among Thieves is very much a riff on the Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) style of action-comedy hybrid by way of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. While Baldur’s Gate can get a bit steamier and darker than this PG-13 blockbuster, they're likely to be similar in spirit— something they quietly share with the far more campy and lackluster sibling, Dungeons & Dragons (2000).

Secret Level (2024-Present)

A good showcase of the kind of grandiose lore and fantasy action that can come to life in a fantasy adaptation, Secret Level’s episode, inspired by Dungeons & Dragons, is a good example of the kind of action expected in a Baldur’s Gate show. Similar to Love, Death, & Robots (2019), the animated anthology crafts short windows into different settings, largely based on outside sci-fi and fantasy material.

In the case of Prime Video’s show, Secret Level adapts different video games for each short story. The first episode, “Dungeons & Dragons: The Queen’s Cradle,” introduces a small band of heroes who are on a quest to bring a cursed man to an ancient dragon. In terms of raw visuals and magical elements, Secret Level provides a look at some of the characters (like gnomes, orcs, and wraiths) that appear in the world of Baldur’s Gate, as well as the types of danger that could await our heroes.  

The Princess Bride (1987)

While this classic fantasy film might be a lot tamer in terms of actual on-screen content than anything in Baldur’s Gate, don’t be surprised if the same sense of adventure and romance in The Princess Bride appears in the series adaptation. Similar to its contemporaries like Legend (1985) and Ladyhawke (1985), The Princess Bride has a certain full-throated authenticity in its worldbuilding and execution, with a commitment to the tropes and energy of its genre.

The self-aware meta-breaking elements of Rob Reiner’s best film give it the kind of comedic edge that also helps it fit alongside darker versions of the material. The adventures of Westley and Buttercup are likely a better fantasy pick if you’re going to be watching with younger audiences. Still, there’s a timeless and ageless quality to the adventure that will likely be replicated in kind by the Baldur’s Gate show. 

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

The first entry in the Academy Award-winning trilogy, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, is a great marker to keep in mind when looking at the scale that HBO could bring to Baldur’s Gate. The Lord of the Rings films feature some of cinema’s most epic battles, with plenty of iconic imagery from each of the films pervading into the larger pop culture osmosis. 

That kind of sheer worldbuilding and scope is going to be hard to top, but Baldur’s Gate will likely take a stab at it. While The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022) is also a fairly apt comparison point in terms of the unseen gods and mystical forces at play in the world, The Fellowship of the Ring is likely a more similar vantage point for Baldur’s Gate, focusing on the dynamics of the unlikely allies who must come together to save the world.

Castlevania (2017-2021)

The darker horror elements of Baldur’s Gate will likely have a lot in common with the dark fantasy realms of Castlevania. As another video game adaptation, Castlevania pushed its animated format to the limit by depicting a grisly, vicious take on the fantasy epic by splitting a good amount of time between the complex villains, compelling heroes, and the absolutely vicious violence.

While it’s likely darker than the kind of vampires that Baldur’s Gate could explore, the show will tread in the same type of fantasy horror elements if it brings in fan-favorite party member Astarion from the game. Another good comparison point is AMC’s Interview with a Vampire (2022), which has a solid blend of the character-driven vampire drama that can happen in Baldur’s Gate. Still, Castlevania’s more action-driven approach will likely be more reflective of how Baldur’s Gate tackles that material, albeit likely not as grisly.

Krull (1983)

A campy throwback to what fantasy films used to be, Krull’s overarching tone and visual style will likely have a lot in common with Baldur’s Gate. A fantasy adventure following a prince and his newfound allies as they venture on a quest to rescue his bride from a nefarious force, Krull is a broad adventure that adds a bit more magical touches to the conventions that The Princess Bride also tackled.

Executed with a level of bold-faced commitment that Baldur’s Gate could and should match, Krull is a cheesy but fun romp. While audiences hoping for more dramatic plots or complex characters might want to look elsewhere, there’s a lot of fun in Krull, which speaks to the thrill of adventure that Baldur’s Gate accomplishes as a game and likely wants to recreate in the show.

The Legend of Vox Machina (2022-Present)

Likely the closest thing Baldur’s Gate will have in a tonal counterpart, Prime Video’s animated The Legend of Vox Machina is a mature, subversive, and deeply passionate fantasy adventure for the ages. Inspired by the hit series Critical Role, The Legend of Vox Machina dramatizes the RPG campaign that makes up the plot of the actual play webseries, giving it a shared fundamental core with the Baldur’s Gate show that is coming down the pipeline.

The characters are rich, deceptively funny, and realistically sexual in a way few fantasy adaptations can get right. Baldur’s Gate does something similar, laying the foundation for the two shows to be very similar. Along with its companion series, The Mighty Nein (2025), The Legend of Vox Machina is likely a strong precursor for what the Baldur’s Gate show will be like.

Celebrity movie favorites rarely pass without debate, but Ed Sheeran's picks might lead to more than the usual side-eye. Instead of naming critically approved entries from the Star Wars or Batman canons, the singer pointed to two famously divisive titles, 1997's Batman & Robin and 1999's Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, while speaking to JustWatch.

WATCH: Ed Sheeran's Favorite Star Wars and Batman Movies Are SCANDALOUS

For longtime fans, those choices sit far from the top of any ranked list on the planet. But Sheeran's reasoning has very little to do with reviews or box-office numbers. His love for these films is rooted in discovering them as a child. The singer was just six years old when Batman & Robin arrived in theaters. At that age, the neon-lit Gotham, with its larger-than-life villains, felt like stepping right into a comic book.

His memory of The Phantom Menace is similar since it was the first proper Star Wars movie he'd seen. "And you can't take that feeling that I have from being a kid watching them," he said, defending his picks. That's pretty fair reasoning if you think about it. Critical consensus and retrospective analysis fade into the background when a film becomes part of who you are while growing up.

That kind of attachment is hardly unique to Sheeran. Every generation has a handful of movies critics dismissed, but kids turned into lifelong favorites. These are the kind of stories you rewatch years later and instantly feel transported back to the couch in the living room of your childhood home, the theater, or the exact moment you first fell in love with movies.

For millennials, that might look like fiercely defending Hook (1991) or quoting Hocus Pocus (1993) every Halloween. Nostalgia has a way of smoothing out the rough edges and amplifying wonder, which changes the reputation of films and television shows over time. Seen through that lens, Sheeran's picks feel less like hot takes because the stories that find us at the right age tend to make a bigger impression than the ones critics tend to fawn over.

How Nostalgia Keeps Two Divisive Blockbusters Alive

It's no secret that Batman & Robin fully embraces comic book camp, with its bright colors, elaborate costumes, and exaggerated performances, which feel closer to a live-action cartoon than a serious superhero drama. The film leans hard into oversized action, theatrical villains, and a tone that prioritizes visual excitement over "realism."

The story follows Batman (George Clooney) and Robin (Chris O'Donnell) as they try to stop Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman) from wreaking havoc on Gotham with cool gadgets and even cooler action sequences that lead to ridiculous adventures. While critics questioned the film's tone and writing, the movie became popular with younger audiences, seeing Batman on the big screen for the first time (and Ed Sheeran is proof of that).Two years later, The Phantom Menace carried the enormous task of reopening the Star Wars saga for a new generation. Rather than continuing the familiar story, it expanded the universe into a prequel trilogy with new worlds, new characters, and a political edge. While some creative choices caused extensive debates among Star Wars purists, first-time viewers were drawn into a vast, unexplored galaxy.

The Phantom Menace follows Jedi Knights Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), who stumble upon a Sith plot that puts the safety of Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman) at risk and threatens the stability of the entire Republic. Although critics slammed the film for its pacing and the inclusion of poor, unassuming Jar Jar Binks, for a first-time Star Wars viewer like Sheeran, it was nothing short of magical.

Why To Watch 'Batman & Robin' (And What To Watch After)

Despite its detractors, Batman & Robin is a movie built to entertain. The costumes, villains, and action sequences are all deliberately larger than life. Watching it today, it's easy to appreciate the film's colorful energy and commitment to the comic-book aesthetic. Clooney's Batman might be a little stiff, but it's offset by Schwarzenegger's gleefully hammy Mr. Freeze and Thurman's intoxicating Poison Ivy.

Critics may roll their eyes, but if you want a spectacularly over-the-top, first-class dose of nostalgia, this is exactly the movie to watch. After that, it's worth checking out Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993) for a darker, animated alternative, or Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins (2005) for a more "realistic" approach to the classic Batman origin story.

Why To Watch 'The Phantom Menace' (And What To Watch After)

Although most people love to hate The Phantom Menace, its visual and worldbuilding accomplishments remain impressive. The lightsaber duel and even the exhaustively long pod-racing scene feel immersive. The characters' individual story arcs also set up the stakes for the entire saga. The story's political edge and Jedi training offer a surprisingly rich backdrop, and the digital effects still hold up all these years later.

After revisiting The Phantom Menace, the next most logical step is Attack of the Clones (2002) and Revenge of the Sith (2005), which will complete the entire Star Wars prequel arc. For a classic perspective, the original trilogy, starting with 1977's A New Hope, is always a must. The sequel trilogy follows with The Force Awakens (2015), The Last Jedi (2017), and The Rise of Skywalker (2019).

The idea of a small town in real life doesn't sound nearly as charming or exciting as it does in the world of fiction. As one of the grounds for countless romance novels on top of movies and TV shows, it's beloved for a reason. For the longest time now, these renowned fictional small towns have become a part of the cultural zeitgeist in a way that's especially comforting when it feels the bigger world outside is too overwhelming, cold, and unwelcoming. 

Pair a charming small town with swoon-worthy romances and the show will easily become a comfort watch for so many of us. From Virgin River (2019) to Gilmore Girls (2006), here are some of the best small-town romances, as well as where you can stream them on platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, and more. 

Virgin River (2019-present)

No one has a bigger love/hate relationship with Virgin River than I do. While the show is full of way too much drama at times, it's still impossible to give up on these characters and their love stories and to leave this ridiculously cheesy town behind until the showrunners finally tell us it's the last season. And ultimately, Alexandra Breckenridge's Mel Monroe is too delightful a character not to root for her happy ending.

Virgin River is perfect for viewers who didn't mind how wildly absurd One Tree Hill (2003) drama got. If you love chaos alongside your romance, then this is the drama that'll scratch all the right itches. It's not as quirky as most small town romances, but it delivers a more serious exploration of what it means to live in one, and all the relationships people find themselves tangled in. 

Gilmore Girls (2000-2006)

Whether people watched Gilmore Girls or not, Stars Hollow is basically the reason we're all obsessed with small town romances now, isn't it? Of all the entries on this list, nothing tops the legacy of this quirky location and all its characters, despite how dramatic some matters were. From Luke's diner to every town hall meeting, the show's even synonymous with fall now, giving us the kind of comfort watch that's easy to look back on.

The most frustrating part of the series's relationships was always Rory's arcs that have left us with long-standing teams like "Team Jess, Team Logan, and even Team Dean." But really, it's Luke and Lorelai's relationship that's the best example of the grumpy and sunshine dynamic that makes the show an absolute must-watch for fans of the trope. There will be drama, but the antics of every Stars Hollow citizen make it well worth it.

Anne With an E (2017-2019)

While it was unfortunately cancelled too soon and leaves us with cliffhangers, a list centered around small town romance shows would feel incomplete without Anne With an E. In many ways, Anne and Gilbert were integral to so many of us when we were younger, so getting a new version of them like in the show, was a perfect feat. Amybeth McNulty is exceptional at layering the titular character with heart, and everything she brings to the show makes it comforting.

And though we don't officially have the kind of ending that makes it a fully fleshed-out story, it's still lovely throughout. The short time we get to spend with these characters makes it sweet still, and the relationship development is thoroughly nuanced to leave us with a solid adaptation. If you've ever loved the character or the ship, the adaptation is a must-watch.

Hart of Dixie (2011-2014)

The closest small-town romance that's ever come to filling the void left behind at the end of Gilmore Girls has been Hart of Dixie. It certainly helps that some of the set is recognizable from the Warner Brother's studio lot, but it's also largely because of the ample heart that makes it so cozy and easy to binge. I'd personally even go far enough to say that, for me, I'm choosing Bluebell over Stars Hollow, solely because it's a bit more wild at times.

And unlike Gilmore Girls, while there's certainly drama and love triangles, the opposites attract relationship between Rachel Bilson's Zoe Hart and Wilson Bethel's Wade Kinsella is top-tier. It’s genuinely one of the best depictions of neighbors to friends to lovers with a splash of animosity in between and all the juicy drama. Hart of Dixie has something for everyone, but it's especially perfect for those who love found families and shows that feel like summer. 

The Way Home (2023-present)

If you consider the vibes in Practical Magic (1998) as a small town blissfully magical escape, as I do, and simultaneously appreciate the generational bonds between the Gilmore women in Gilmore Girls, then you're sure to love The Way Home. The Landry women might not be witches, but their family is known to have the ability to time-travel, and their small town, Port Haven, is a gorgeous escape.

The ‘70s and '90s and even the early 19th century eras the show takes us through, as well as the 2000s makes it even more intriguing. Time travel can often get too complex and muddied, but the series's creators are so careful with how they handle everything that you're bound to appreciate every decision the show makes. At the same time, it simultaneously delivers a fresh take on small towns and romances that are bound to tug on the heartstrings with every episode. Come prepared with tissues.

Sweet Magnolias (2020-present)

Sweet Magnolias is a bit on the saccharine side at times, but like Virgin River, the romances and found family relationships are worth every minute. Specifically, the friendship between the three leading women, known as the Magnolias, is one of the best showcases of female friendships we've had in the last decade.

At the same time, the romances they're each involved in, as well as a few other characters like some of their kids, are not only thoroughly entertaining but they're also incredibly well written and easy to appreciate. The series doesn't have as much drama between the relationships, so if you prefer steadiness but don't mind a little cheesiness every now and then, then Sweet Magnolias is the show for you.

When Calls the Heart (2014-present)

If long-running dramas like Heartland (2007) are your jam, then you'd appreciate When Calls the Heart and all that it has to offer, with romances, friendships, and a small town that endures and survives tragedies far more than any place should. Now in its thirteenth season, there's a lot that happens throughout the show that's both enticing and incredibly heartbreaking. 

Our main character, Elizabeth Thornton, even loses her first husband, so if character deaths aren't your thing, then I'd steer clear. But if you want a depiction of love after loss, hope, and what it means to move forward while growing through grief, the show delivers on all fronts. More than anything, it's the town of Hope Valley that's surprisingly so progressive and lovely, which makes the entire show and all its characters thoroughly compelling.

Movies are meant to provide entertainment so audiences can sit back after a long day and forget their problems for a bit. Because of that, if a movie or show is period-set, most audiences will easily overlook some historical inaccuracies here and there. As a history teacher, I personally find that much more difficult. Some movies are so historically inaccurate that it’s almost comical how far away they are from the truth. But darn it, when a movie or show is great, even I start to overlook its glaring historical flaws.

“Wuthering Heights” (2026) is expected to be another incredibly well-made and well-crafted historical epic that gets almost every fact about its subject matter wrong. Still, it certainly isn’t the only film or TV series to have done so. All of the following movies and shows are period-set, but even though they’re far from accurate, they’ll still provide a great time. So, if you want to watch some fun movies and shows that don’t care whatsoever whether they’re authentic or not, take a look at these ten recommendations on Netflix, Disney+, and more!

“Wuthering Heights” (2026)

Emerald Fennell, as a director, has always had an eye for provoking audiences. Her past films, Promising Young Woman (2020) and Saltburn (2023), are unequivocal proof of that. So, it shouldn’t be surprising that Fennell approaches her adaptation of Emily Brontë’s dismantling of Victorian-era Britain with the grace of a sledgehammer. That’s not entirely a bad thing, mind you. Her films provoke a reaction from audiences, and those looking for something genuinely shocking will love her for it.

She’s made no qualms about how “Wuthering Heights” will not be a faithful adaptation, mostly because she’s noted how it is her unique interpretation of the story, which includes costumes far removed from the 19th century. It’s the reason why the film has quotation marks around its title. It’ll be dark, steamy, and erotic, while also containing some of the novel’s unique penchant for rage-filled, problematic characters. So even if “Wuthering Heights” isn’t the criticism of classism that fans of the novel hoped it would be, it will be an Emerald Fennell movie with plenty of toxic characters, and that’s good enough for me.

The Greatest Showman (2017)

At a glance, The Greatest Showman is one of the feel-good movies of the 2010s. It’s a musical about P.T. Barnum, with plenty of catchy songs and soaring performances perfect for kids and families who loved movies like Sing (2016) and Pitch Perfect (2012). It’s a shame that P.T. Barnum is actually a horrible human being. 

The movie may depict him as kind and virtuous, but Barnum exploited almost everyone in his troupe, especially people of color. He circumvented state laws to enslave Black people in the north and made a spectacle of all elements of their lives, including hosting a public autopsy of one of his Black performers. Any person with a disability was marked as a “freak,” and the way he mistreated the elephants in his circus would make Thomas Edison blush. Even minor details are completely wrong about his life, like how he supported the temperance movement, which would make scenes of Barnum having a drink with his troupe all the more perplexing. Yes, “This Is Me” is a great song, and The Greatest Showman’s optimistic tone is empowering, but from a historical perspective, this is outright historical revisionism. Good music, though!

Anatasia (1997)

Speaking of musicals, animated musicals have always taken a certain liberty with how they present their premise. Fantasy almost always mixes with reality in some unique way, but how Anastasia blends its magical quirks with the Russian Revolution certainly was a choice. That isn’t to say that there isn’t some basis for magical realism. If you know anything about the film’s villain, Grigori Rasputin, then you know that he was an almost mythic figure in Russia, albeit mostly because of propaganda by his enemies.

Anastasia takes this propaganda quite literally and makes him a lich sorcerer with powers over life and death, who seeks to kill Anastasia for vengeance. The only problem is that, in real life, Anastasia and the rest of the Romanov family died in the Russian Revolution, well after Rasputin’s death. In Anastasia, she merely gets amnesia and lives among peasants for a decade. It’s definitely a kid-friendly take on the story that is tonally in line with other animated musicals of the era, but man, does Anastasia play fast and loose with history. Again, good music, though!

Gladiator (2000)

Every year, as a history teacher, I teach about the Roman Empire, and every time a student asks me to watch Gladiator, I tell them no. Why? Because it is incredibly inaccurate in almost every way. Marcus Aurelius, while generally considered one of the best emperors of the Pax Romana and a focal point of Gladiator’s two-hour and 35-minute plot, wasn’t quite as saintly and pure as he was here. Commodus also had some changes, weirdly making him less of a monster than he was in real life.

Those are all issues, but they’re not as significant as how the Colosseum and the gladiators within it are. It was violent, but not as much of a spectacle as it is here, and seeing a famous Roman general like Commodus reduced to an enslaved gladiator was virtually impossible. All of it makes for great popcorn entertainment, though, with plenty of brutal battles and bloodshed that match other historically questionable greats like Braveheart (1995). At the very least, unlike its sequel Gladiator II (2024), the issues aren’t so overwhelming that they detract from the plot.

Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)

After a certain point, if a film is so far removed from the actual events and is meant to be a retelling, is it even a historical film anymore? That’s a question that exists throughout Good Morning, Vietnam, a movie that more than earns its status as one of Robin Williams’ best roles, even if the film is almost entirely fictional.

When developing the film, Adrian Cronauer never intended it to be accurate to his experiences in the Vietnam War. He said that the most accurate thing about his life was the slogan he said at the beginning of every radio broadcast. It was mostly a Robin Williams vehicle that just so happened to be set in Vietnam, but that was good enough for Cronauer. He gave the film his seal of approval and was happy with how it turned out, and why shouldn’t he have been? It carries the spirit of wartime comedies like M*A*S*H (1972) and manages to make viewers laugh several times during its two-hour runtime. It’s one of the best comedies Robin Williams has ever starred in, and if it has the subject’s blessing, does it really matter if it gets most of the details wrong?

Cool Runnings (1993)

The Olympics are one of the oldest competitions in human history, originating in Ancient Greece and then revived there in 1896. Since then, hundreds of countries have competed in both summer and winter sports, and Cool Runnings showcases one of the most famous and unrealistic underdog sports stories of the ‘80s. 

Yes, Cool Runnings is a fun story about athletes from Jamaica coming together to form a bobsled team for the 1988 Olympics, but the true events aren’t quite as inspiring. The film paints them as contenders with the potential to take first place, but the reality was that they were consistently one of the worst teams competing that year. They were also shown as triumphantly finishing the race, even after they crashed with rapturous audience applause. When they crashed in the actual event, they were dejected and only had a few claps. Cool Runnings may oversell the story of the Jamaican bobsled team, but thanks to the saccharine charm of Disney, it helps make the film stand as one of the best underdog sports stories of the era, alongside The Mighty Ducks (1992). 

Shakespeare in Love (1998)

Shakespeare in Love is a controversial film for many reasons. It took Best Picture from Saving Private Ryan (1998). Dame Judi Dench won for Best Supporting Actress for only appearing in eight minutes of the film’s two-hour and three-minute runtime. And, most importantly, it is woefully historically inaccurate.

Adapting anything having to do with William Shakespeare leaves a lot to creative liberty; just look at Hamnet (2025) for another loose adaptation of his life, but Shakespeare in Love takes it to another level. Details about his life are wrong, the movie mentions locations that didn’t exist yet, women are played by women in his plays when young boys historically played them, and the Queen herself appearing in public to see a show is mind-boggling. And yet none of that really matters. It’s a sweet romance, with plenty of jokes and swooning emotions that feel more at home in films like Moulin Rouge! (2001). Shakespeare in Love isn’t actively trying to be an authentic recreation of Shakespeare’s life. It’s just a charming romantic comedy perfect for people who just want to watch something lighthearted and fun.

Bridgerton (2020-Present)

While we’re on the subject of cute romances with tinges of history mixed in, it’s impossible not to talk about Bridgerton. Netflix’s darling historical romance series has been one of its best-performing shows on the platform since it debuted in 2020, and it’s nowhere near historically accurate to the time period.

Then again, much like Shakespeare in Love, it’s not trying to be. Like a game of telephone, the series interprets the books, which are also an interpretation of Britain’s Regency era. The fashion, style, and presentation are all on point, but the royal family isn’t, and the way the series blends a variety of races and genders in Britain’s history, sadly, isn’t accurate to the time period. But the show doesn’t care about any of that. It’s filled to the brim with tea to be spilled, melodrama to be had, and a whole lot of character relationships to follow. As a fusion of Downton Abbey (2010) and Outlander (2014), Bridgerton delivers historical-flavored drama that may not be totally accurate, but has the style to carry itself into the hearts of its viewers.

Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)

There’s nothing quite like a good crime drama. History is filled with the rise and falls of criminal empires, and many production studios have gone to great lengths to depict them with as much grit and grime as possible. Some are historically accurate, like Donnie Brasco (1997), and others are like Peaky Blinders.

That isn’t to say Peaky Blinders isn’t good. All six seasons are excellent, and it sits alongside The Sopranos (1999) as one of the best crime dramas to ever air on television, but the exploits of the Peaky Blinders are far removed from reality. Their iconic look is accurate, though the idea that they carry razors in their hats is a stretch at best, given the time period. Speaking of, the Blinders themselves weren’t active at all post World War I, as the show claims, as they were mostly prominent in Birmingham from the late 1890s up to the end of World War I. Like most historical crime dramas, it’s rooted in reality and does a good job recreating post-war England, but not really at telling the true story of the Peaky Blinders.

10,000 BC (2008)

The problem with historical accuracy is that the further you go back in time, the harder it is to verify whether events are true or not. But sometimes, you can just tell by looking at a movie that what you’re watching isn’t rooted anywhere in reality and is just plain nonsense. Ladies and gentlemen, 10,000 BC is pure nonsense.

10,000 BC’s version of the Neolithic Age is wrong on almost every level. The construction of the pyramids being off by several thousand years, the plethora of extinct animals just wandering around Eurasia, tools like the sextant appearing, and the fact that they’re using steel is just outrageous. It may not seem like too big an offense if you don’t know anything about ancient history, but trust me, it’s bad. But my god, Roland Emmerich knows how to make the best kind of dumb action. It’s dumb, but dumb in the same way that Sharknado (2013) is dumb. It’s perfect to get some popcorn and have a good laugh with some friends. Just please don’t take anything the film says as fact. Please.

In the world of music, there’s no one bigger right now than Bad Bunny. While he’s been a relatively popular musician with a strong fan base, the past week has been absolutely exceptional for him. Not only did he take home multiple Grammy awards, including one for Album of the Year, but he also brought down the house with a strong Super Bowl Halftime Show that reveled in Latin American culture, bursting with personality and color. It’s a good time to be Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, but his popularity isn’t just limited to music. 

Over the past several years, he’s also dipped his toes into the world of film and television. While he’s not quite a lead yet, he’s built up a respectable on-screen resume in only a few years, with many of these titles also topping the streaming charts. So, if you’re still riding that high from the Super Bowl and want to check out Bad Bunny on places like Netflix or Peacock, here are his movie and TV roles, ranked. 

6. Happy Gilmore 2 (2025)

Happy Gilmore 2 is a busy comedy. The film is laced with plenty of celebrity appearances, and one might assume that Bad Bunny is just another soulless cameo for name recognition, but you’d be wrong. He actually has a fairly important role that impacts the plot!

Bad Bunny plays Happy’s caddy, Oscar, a man who doesn’t really understand what’s going on around him, but is just happy to be on the green with Happy. He offers solid comic relief, oftentimes getting a good laugh, not just because of his comic timing but also because of the ways he fantasizes about getting revenge against the people who wronged him.It hits well, which makes Happy Gilmore 2, much like Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (2013), a legacy sequel that justifies its existence. It is still hit or miss over the course of its nearly two-hour runtime, preventing it from being placed higher, but at the very least, Bad Bunny’s scenes almost always get a laugh.

5. Cassandro (2023)

There’s nothing quite like watching live professional wrestling. It’s a cathartic experience that always gets the blood pumping, and it’s not uncommon to find out some celebrities are big fans. Not only is Bad Bunny a huge wrestling fan, but he also appeared in a wrestling movie, Cassandro, which follows Saul Armendariz, who would eventually become the wrestler Cassandro. Like most biopics, it follows the standard arc of how he began wrestling and eventually became one of the most iconic lucha wrestlers working today. While the story beats are common for most biopics, the film’s real soul is how it openly depicts Armendariz as a proud gay man.

There’s a sense of fun and flamboyancy to Cassandro that fans of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994) will love. As for Bad Bunny, he plays Cassandro’s love interest, and there’s a genuine chemistry between them that is quite touching at times. Bad Bunny has been incredibly pro-LGBT, and seeing him appear in a role with more substance and maturity makes it a more fulfilling experience than Happy Gilmore 2. After all, Bad Bunny is an artist all about love, and Cassandro is nothing if not a movie about love.

4. WWE Raw (1993-Present)

If you thought that Cassandro was a fun wrestling movie, but you wished that Bad Bunny was a bit more prominent in the ring, well, then I’ve got good news for you. Did you know that Bad Bunny actually competed in the WWE a handful of times and even won once?

While Bad Bunny has sung and hosted a few WWE events, he also competed and won the 24/7 Championship on WWE RAW in 2021 and later got to compete in the Royal Rumble. He didn’t win that time, but it’s clear that the man has a deep passion and love for wrestling. And honestly, why shouldn’t he? There’s plenty of testosterone in wrestling that is reminiscent of the good old days of ‘80s action movies like Commando (1985) and Missing in Action (1984). Singing and dancing is hard work, but it’s also hard getting suplexed and chokeslammed. Full respect to Bad Bunny for taking several hits, getting up, and doling them back out.

3. Bullet Train (2022)

While detractors of wrestling may scoff that it’s “fake,” there’s no denying that Bad Bunny is fit and strong enough to star in an action movie. If you want to see a stylish action movie with Bad Bunny, then consider giving Bullet Train a shot. From the same mind that brought us Deadpool 2 (2018), Bullet Train mixes a lot of that film’s lighthearted sense of humor with a sleek aesthetic that looks smooth as hell. Every scene feels confident, and even though Bad Bunny is only in it for a little bit, he is arguably one of the coolest and most confident characters in the film.

While most of the assassins who board the train don’t get much development, Bad Bunny’s character does, as we learn a fair amount of his motivations for being there. Not only that, but Bad Bunny gets a great knife fight, which is one of the early highlights of the film. It’s a deadly dance, and Bad Bunny did almost all of his stunts, which is unsurprising given how much he winds up dancing during one of his concerts. If he wanted to shift away from singing and become an action movie star, Bullet Train makes a strong argument that he could do so with ease. 

2. Saturday Night Live (1975-Present)

Happy Gilmore 2 proves that Bad Bunny has good comic timing, but fans of Saturday Night Live are already well aware of this. After all, in the five times he’s appeared since 2021, he’s consistently brought down the house. For most of his appearances, he’s pulled double duty as both the host and musical guest. Obviously, his musical performances are always rock solid, but the sketches he’s appeared in have ranged from good to great.

One of the biggest reasons is that he usually does bits alongside Marcello Hernandez, and the two of them have a great dynamic. Between sketches like “Inventing Spanish,” “Couples at the Bar,” and the absolutely hilarious “ChatGPTio,” I totally wouldn’t mind watching the two of them star in a buddy comedy together like The Other Guys (2010). Bad Bunny’s other sketches are totally fine, but he’s at his best when the sketches focus on his Hispanic and Puerto Rican heritage, so if you’re Hispanic, you’ll probably find them extremely relatable. Here’s hoping that it’s not long until he stops by again on Saturday Night Live!

1. Caught Stealing (2025)

Bad Bunny isn’t a threatening person. He’s suave, cool, and pretty kind-hearted. So, seeing him transform from his typical self into a cold-hearted and violent gangster in Caught Stealing can feel whiplash-inducing while also being deeply fascinating. Caught Stealing is a complicated movie, with a lot of factions fighting amongst and against each other to find out where a huge sum of money is hiding. Bad Bunny plays the menacing gangster Colorado, who holds a lot of sway in New York City, with most people describing him as the one person they don’t want to mess with.

There are shades of Al Pacino’s Tony Montana from Scarface (1983) in Bad Bunny’s performance. You never quite know if he’s going to be civil and polite, or if he’s going to explode in rage and kill a person. Maybe he’ll do both. That unpredictability makes him one of the more dangerous villains in Darren Aronofsky’s hour and 47-minute film. Even if he’s not as cool as he was in Bullet Train, Bad Bunny makes Colorado a genuine threat. Thanks to his threatening aura and soft-spoken delivery, this bad boy performance is the best of his acting career so far.

Whether you read science fiction or fantasy books, or are a reader of any literary genre, chances are you've heard the name Brandon Sanderson. For the longest time now, his books have been hailed as behemoth greats, gaining popularity and large fandom followings that have spread far and wide. Anytime a book series gains popularity like this, it's natural for fans to want to see it come to life on screen as faithful adaptations. However, Sanderson's world is also vastly complex, which means it would've had to happen with a ton of creative control and the assurance that the team behind the adaptation would care about the source material as much as the author and the fans.

The Hollywood Reporter states that Apple TV has made an "unprecedented deal to land the rights to the Cosmere books, the fictional literary universe by fantasy author Brandon Sanderson. The first titles being eyed for adaptation are the Mistborn series, for features, and The Stormlight Archive series, for television." Fans may be concerned for a beat, but this news is a positive detail that guarantees we won't have the same kind of pain we did with Game of Thrones (2011).

Brandon Sanderson Is Heavily Involved In His Apple TV Series

According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Sanderson will be the architect of the universe; will write, produce, and consult; and will have approvals. That's a level of involvement that not even J.K. Rowling or George R.R. Martin enjoys." While Sanderson's The Searchlight Archive isn't complete, his involvement speaks volumes. Often writers will sell the rights with executive producer credits, but they don't always get a strong say in what will make it to the screen or how a new detail will alter the adaptation from the source material. 

But the fact that we know he will write as well tells us that the adaptation is not only in good hands, but that the changes will make sense in a manner that will still honor the characters and everything they stand for. Sanderson's work is a lot more complex in terms of the creatures that are featured in his fictional universe, so the fact that he'll have a say in how they are brought to life essentially gives us hope that every CGI work will help move the story forward. 

Game of Thrones began going downhill when the adaptation took on wings of its own without added source material, and there it struggled. Because no matter how well a screenwriter or producers know the source material, it's impossible to know as much as the writer who brought them to life in the first place. Even though Sanderson still has stories to write, his involvement in the process can guarantee that the source material and the on-screen adaptation will match in terms of continuity. 

Apple TV Is The Perfect Home For Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere Universe

Ultimately, the most hope in Brandon Sanderson's adaptation comes from the fact that Apple TV is the streamer that has all the rights. Netflix is not only known for notoriously canceling sci-fi or fantasy TV shows, but the fifth season of Stranger Things (2016) also proved that the writing is now in favor of people second-screening, and therefore, it's unfortunately gone down in quality. While Netflix's adaptation of The Witcher (2019) was great at one point, it's also gone down in quality with the choppy CGI work. HBO Max is already home to Game of Thrones and the Harry Potter (2001) franchise, so having another huge universe doesn't allow for proper space. But Apple TV is ultimately a unicorn as a streamer.

There might not be hundreds of shows featured, but every series (and even some of the movies) we get are wholly superlative. From award-nominated greats like Severance (2022) and Pluribus (2025) to the near-perfect adaptation of Isaac Asimov's Foundation (2021), Apple TV continues to prove that it's in a league of its own, carefully and meticulously bringing to life series that are not only rich in quality but also exceptional in everything they accomplish from a technical standpoint. We won't have to worry about premature cancellations, but also we won't have to worry about any of the executives taking the cheap and easy route to mass produce, because the streamer's quality control is already evident in all its shows. 

Foundation is ultimately the ideal example of the scale in which the streamer adapts narratives for a small screen because every moment feels like a work of art, even if you aren't watching in theaters. At the same time, however, films backed by Apple TV, like Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) or F1 (2025), are given ample time to stay in movie theaters with countless screenings and showtimes. This isn't Netflix, so if you're in a small town, you won't have to go out of your way to watch the Mistborn films when the time comes.

When the world is burning, and everything is garbage, cheesy rom-coms are the perfect melody. Ridiculously joyful but also brimming with all-encompassing depictions of adoration, with some wildly absurd scenarios that may not be possible in the real world? Frankly, I'll take them all. The 2000s were also full of some of the best cheesy rom-coms, and we have yet to replicate their greatness. Despite many critics calling them flops, they're perpetual winners in my book and will always be.

From the Christmas gem, The Holiday (2006), to the underrated treasure, Penelope (2007), here are some of the cheesiest rom-coms we love to rewatch for comfort, as well as where you can stream them on platforms like Prime Video and more. 

The Holiday (2006)

The Holiday is a national treasure and a love letter to moviemaking in the most delightful way. Full stop. It's probably a large reason why we're all so obsessed with the cottagecore aesthetic, too. Plus, Jude Law as a nerdy single dad. Need I say more? The concept of a movie like The Holiday simply wouldn't happen in real life because we've all got way too many trust issues to lend our house to a stranger on some site. 

Still, it's one of the most comforting Christmas movies with two romances that are both equally compelling and lovely. If you're in the mood for a fast burn with some of the best tropes and found family vibes, this cozy classic holds up beautifully. 

What's Your Number? (2011)

While many people know Chris Evans for his embodiment of Captain America in the MCU, he's one of the few actors who can also be deemed a rom-com king. Viewers recently fell in love with him after his stunning monologue in Materialists (2025), but What's Your Number? will always be Evans' best. He and Anna Faris make a perfect team as neighbors-to-friends-to-lovers, and all their interactions are glorious.

Perfect for anyone who loves ridiculous occurrences and easy banter coupled with a natural slow-ish burn, What's Your Number? delivers in spades. Given its time period, it also features cameos from other actors who've been in the MCU, so it's an overall delight when it comes to the casting. More than that, it's a swoonworthy rom-com with Evans getting to sing. I don't need to say more, do I?

27 Dresses (2008)

When it comes to 27 Dresses, it's all about the last line. If you know, you know. It's something I think about so often, and it's the pinnacle of what romance should be. But the movie is also an absolute blast, even if it's ridiculous, because, genuinely, why would a woman keep all 27 of the bridesmaids' dresses she owns? Perfect for anyone who loves wedding-centered stories like Made of Honor (2008), 27 Dresses hits like catnip with the way that Jane and Kevin get together.

It plays with some of the best tropes and involves the most understandable type of miscommunication and forced proximity on the job that leads to them falling for each other. Plus, a cynical writer writing about love who's also a secret softie? James Marsden brings his A-game in this one, and you'll never listen to Elton John's "Bennie and the Jets" the same way.

Serendipity (2001)

Like The Holiday, Serendipity is a Christmas staple, but an underrated one at that. While the film only starts around the holidays, like While You Were Sleeping (1995), it has all the cozy New York winter vibes to make it a must-watch this time of year. And while the narrative is ultimately wildly far-fetched in order to honor the title of the movie, it's the kind of cheesy that genuinely makes you believe destiny has a sweeping sense of humor.

John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale make an adorable team, and how the two meet, then find their way back to each other, makes me ugly cry every single time. If second chance romances are your bread and butter, but you've been somehow sleeping on this treasure, please rectify it immediately. It'll scratch all the right itches while delivering the type of precious romance we could always use more of.

She's the Man (2006)

I will never understand how fellow critics gave She's the Man such a low rating because no movie has ever made me laugh harder. Plus, for the early 2000s, it was surprisingly progressive, which says something considering it's based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.

Amanda Bynes is an absolute legend in the movie, and how she brings Viola and Sebastian to life is genuinely hysterical. It's totally absurd that they didn't get caught earlier, but I'm willing to suspend disbelief for how many hilarious lines it's given us that some of us can still quote to this day. Perfect for anyone who wants the comedy to be loud in the rom-com, this one's still a banger with a romantic arc that'll still make you swoon.

Chasing Liberty (2004)

Another underrated gem that way too many people sleep on is Chasing Liberty—five words: Matthew Goode on a motorcycle (vespa-ish). If you can't help but swoon every time Patrick Verona steps onto the screen in 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), then Chasing Liberty is the movie for you. It's also for the girlies who grew up loving My Date With the President's Daughter (1998). 

But that's not all, the hidden identity in Chasing Liberty makes it extra delicious and angsty, delivering the kind of payoff that's truly chef's kiss. When it comes to Mandy Moore movies, few things top the perfection of Chasing Liberty. Full of wild adventures and a believably angsty romance, there are also a ton of parallels to Tangled (2010), which make it even more delightful to watch if you're also a fan of the story.

Penelope (2007)

Like Serendipity and Chasing Liberty, Penelope is another underrated gem that too many people are sleeping on. With a mix of fantasy into the narrative, it's the type of romance for people who want a sprinkle of magical realism in their rom-coms. Starring Christina Ricci, James McAvoy, and the late and sensational Catherine O'Hara, everything about Penelope should've resulted in a bigger hit. 

It's hilarious and fun throughout, deeply heartwarming, and beautifully soft by the end in a way that'll evoke all the giddy emotions. McAvoy is guaranteed to make you swoon, Ricci is so precious, and it's also the kind of cozy romance that's perfect for the fall season, so there's a bonus. As wild as it is, there's also a warmth throughout that's impossible to describe. 

He's Just Not That Into You (2009)

At times, He's Just Not That Into You will drive you absolutely mad with some of the foolish stereotypes and dated conversations, but there's something still ridiculously cozy, and in large part, it's because of the ensemble cast. Stories like this don't always work with different romances scattered throughout, but oddly, He's Just Not That Into You does. It feels authentic, which is why you stick with it to the end, no matter how frustrating the characters are. 

Of all the movies on this list, this one genuinely feels like the cheesiest, yet that's precisely part of its charm. Matters within the film shouldn't work out the way that they do in the real world, but the execution in the movie ensures that the love stories feel earned. Most importantly, Justin Long's character alone is worth watching the movie for. 

Whether you love them or hate them, movies and TV show reboots are a part of the film industry. Established franchises and stories are less risky than original stories for studios to work with. However, sometimes a franchise just runs out of steam or needs an upgrade. Hence, the film or TV show undergoes a reboot, in which the events of prior projects are ignored, and the story essentially restarts.

Reboots still carry significant risks themselves, though. Viewers may not always agree that a franchise needs an update, and there are times when the original is so good that a reboot can’t top it. The rare reboot, though, results in a film or TV show that is even better than the original. If you’re interested in successful reboots, use our guide to find out where to watch the 10 best TV shows and movie reboots on platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and more.

Ocean’s Eleven (2001)

In 2011, Steven Soderbergh directed Ocean’s Eleven, the first film in a reboot trilogy of the 1960 movie of the same name. The film centers on Danny Ocean (George Clooney), who organizes one of the most elaborate casino heists in history. While Ocean’s Eleven is largely a remake of the 1960 movie, the sequels, Ocean’s Twelve (2004) and Ocean’s Thirteen (2017), delve into new territory and original heists. As a whole, Soderbergh’s Ocean’s series works much better than the original. 

For one, the contemporary reboot allows for that slick, stylish, popcorn-thriller-esque vibe that thrilled audiences. Although it is exciting to see so many Rat Pack members in the original, the remake’s actors are even more adept at carrying the story. While the 1960 movie went the slow-burn route, the reboot movies are all about style, exquisite attention to detail, and thrills, making them among the best reboots.

Battlestar Galactica (2004)

Battlestar Galactica is a reboot of the 1978 TV series of the same name. The sci-fi show follows a group of survivors seeking refuge on Earth after the Cylan race decimates most of humanity. Battlestar Galactica is a rare reboot that tops the original in almost every aspect. Given the time gap between them, the 2004 reboot naturally has more dazzling special effects than the original, but it also offers better acting and more sophisticated storytelling.

The original Battlestar Galactica feels like a cheesy ripoff of Star Wars, while the 2004 series makes a name for itself, establishing itself as a dark space opera unlike anything else at the time. Like other standout sci-fi shows, including The Expanse (2015) and Babylon 5 (1994), Battlestar Galactica is more than a space adventure, diving deep into religion, politics, and human nature while remaining relevant as a reflection of the times.

Dredd (2012)

Dredd serves as a reboot of Judge Dredd (1995) and sees Karl Urban take on the role of Judge Dredd. Judge Dredd is a judge of Mega-City One, offering his brutal brand of justice, until one powerful drug lord, Ma-Ma (Lena Headey), challenges him. The reboot works much better than the original, especially because it remains faithful to the source material. Judge Dredd turned the story into a popcorn thriller, which isn’t necessarily bad if you’re looking for cool explosions and an action-packed adventure.

However, Judge Dredd missed out on many of the source material's biggest strengths, including its biting satire and ideas about authoritarianism. Dredd isn’t a perfect adaptation, but its deadpan humor, brutal violence, and light satire frame the story’s tone and ideas quite well. It reminds me of the Battlestar Galactica reboot in that both reboots nailed the darker, more complex tone that the ideas and source material deserve.

DuckTales (2017-2021)

DuckTales is a reboot of the 1987 series of the same name. It centers on Scrooge McDuck (David Tennant), who takes in his three nephews and begins rebuilding his relationship with Donald Duck (Tony Anselmo), while experiencing many family adventures. Both DuckTales series are strong adaptations of the Duck universe comics. The 1987 version had that classic cartoon charm, wholesome family themes, and a sense of adventure.

However, the DuckTales reboot does have a slight edge in storytelling and character development. Every character boasts a unique personality, whereas the original struggled with one-dimensional characterization, and the story is filled with nostalgia, humor, and a deeper dive into Duck lore. Donald Duck’s presence in the reboot is another bonus. If you loved the charm of the original but want a deeper, more complex story, the DuckTales reboot delivers.

Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

Spider-Man: Homecoming marks the second reboot of the Spider-Man film series after Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man series and The Amazing Spider-Man (2012). The film follows Peter Parker (Tom Holland), who struggles to balance his desires to be a hero with his personal life as a high school student. Although it is debatable, I’d argue that the MCU’s Spider-Man film series is superior to the previous Spider-Man series. It makes the story its own, feels distinct from the other two series, and offers one of the best Spider-Man iterations yet.

Additionally, Spider-Man: Homecoming is a whole lot of fun. While I admire the darker tone of The Amazing Spider-Man and the heart of Spider-Man (2002), there’s a wholesomeness and innocence to Spider-Man: Homecoming that makes it so endearing, charming, and relatable. Viewers who want a grounded, personal story with an optimistic, relatable Spider-Man will prefer the MCU’s Spider-Man reboot.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018-2020)

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is a reboot of Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996). It’s a retelling of Sabrina Spellman’s (Kiernan Shipka) origin story, in which she struggles to balance her family’s expectations of her as a witch and her mortal life with her friends. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is difficult to compare to the original because they are such vastly different shows. Sabrina the Teenage Witch is more of a family-friendly sitcom with a witchy twist, while Chilling Adventures of Sabrina dives deep into genuine horror and dark fantasy.

Even so, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is a bit better than the original. It has a more complex storyline, higher stakes, and fantastic horror elements, and really builds its own world from the ground up. If you want an adaptation that is bold and unafraid to capitalize on the character’s darker and more mature roots, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is superior to Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

Lost in Space (2018-2021)

Lost in Space is a reboot of the 1965 sci-fi series of the same name. The reboot centers on the Robinson family, who set off to colonize the Alpha Centauri planetary system and start a new life, but instead find themselves thrown off course to a strange, mysterious planet. Like Battlestar Galactica, I believe the Lost in Space reboot benefited from modern technology that was better equipped to do justice to the original’s interesting premise. 

Not only does Lost in Space feature fantastic visual effects and higher stakes, but it also modernizes the original’s family unit while maintaining a touch of wholesomeness and themes of family connection. It maintains the charm, nostalgia, and family-friendly nature of the original, while modernizing it very effectively. 

Doctor Who (2005-Present)

In 2005, Doctor Who underwent a soft reboot, keeping the classic Doctor Who (1963) canon, while starting over with a new Doctor and storyline. Like classic Doctor Who, the modern series centers on the Doctor, a time-traveling alien, and tracks his adventures through time and space. Doctor Who is another reboot in which there’s a bit of debate over which version, new or classic, is truly better. 

I see classic Doctor Who much like Lost in Space (1965) in that they’re both products of the time, so there’s naturally going to be some campiness, cheesiness, and flaws. Meanwhile, the soft reboot effectively modernizes the series, boosting its complexity and capitalizing more on its sci-fi and horror elements. Although it does lose some of its charm in the transition, it’s worth it for the more sophisticated storytelling, visuals, and themes. 

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is a reboot of the Dungeons & Dragons film series. The film follows a misfit group of thieves who band together to retrieve a mystical artifact. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is a wildly fun, humorous, fantastical adventure for both fans and newcomers to D&D alike. It was certainly a relief to fans who were almost afraid to watch the reboot after the struggles of Dungeons & Dragons (2000) and its sequels.

The original Dungeons & Dragons movie largely butchered the source material with a disjointed plot, cheap-looking costumes and special effects, and poor performances. It has very few redeeming factors, and its “sequels” were only loosely related to its storyline. In every way, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves topped the original and captured the joy of role-playing adventures.

The Fantastic 4: First Steps (2025)

The Fantastic 4: First Steps is the second reboot of the Fantastic Four film series, and the first to be a part of the MCU. In the film, the Fantastic Four prepare to welcome a new family member while contending with a major cosmic threat. Both Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic Four (2015) struggled to capture the essence of the Marvel comic book team. They struggled to balance the humor, superhero action, and emotion, often forgetting the family bond and dynamics that make the team so significant.

The Fantastic 4: First Steps feels both refreshing and nostalgic. It has a unique, charming retro-futuristic vibe while also offering a self-contained story about family and parenting anxieties. The Fantastic 4: First Steps is largely comic-book-accurate but never loses sight of the fun and heart, propelling it above the previous film series.

Stranger Things (2016) recently enjoyed its series finale, but the characters’ story arcs continue to live on in the form of fan theories. Many viewers weren’t satisfied with the slightly bittersweet ending and the series finale’s ambiguity. Some began theorizing about hidden episodes while others began debating the interpretation of Eleven’s (Millie Bobby Brown) ending. However, many are forgetting an obscure fan theory and Easter egg that teases a secret alternative ending for Jim Hopper (David Harbour).

Hopper is a fan-favourite Stranger Things character whose evolution from a haunted man to hero is quite inspiring. It was nice to see him get his happy ending, but a fan theory questions whether that was truly his ending. Perhaps his ending actually occurs in the Predator franchise.

Jim Hopper’s Name Is A Sneaky ‘Predator’ Easter Egg

As wild as the fan theory sounds, Stranger Things’ Jim Hopper does, indeed, appear to have a connection to Predator (1987). In Predator, Dutch (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and his team arrive in Central America in search of survivors of a helicopter crash, where they find remnants of the rescue team that went before them. They stumble upon three flayed, gutted corpses. Dutch is able to identify one of the corpses as Captain Jim Hopper, the leader of the rescue team, through his bloodied dog tags.

It’s hard to dismiss the names as a coincidence, especially since the Duffer brothers are big sci-fi fans and inserted plenty of other sci-fi and horror references into Stranger Things. Additionally, Hopper isn’t the only name Stranger Things fans might recognize in Predator. One of the men on Dutch’s team is Rick Hawkins (Shane Black). Hawkins, Indiana, is the fictional setting of Stranger Things. Between Jim Hopper and Hawkins in Stranger Things, it’s hard to believe it’s a coincidence, even if the Duffer brothers haven’t explicitly confirmed it’s an Easter egg.

‘Stranger Things’ Is No Stranger To Homaging '80s Sci-Fi

Stranger Things’ inclusion of a sneaky Predator reference isn’t hard to believe, considering the show is known for paying homage to ‘80s sci-fi. Practically every major sci-fi/horror movie of the ‘80s makes its way into the show. A few other Stranger Things names also seem to be Easter eggs. For example, Mike Wheeler’s (Finn Wolfhard) name was likely inspired by Mikey (Sean Astin) in The Goonies (1985), while Nancy Wheeler (Natalia Dyer) appears to be a reference to Nancy Thompson (Heather Langenkamp) in A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984). 

The show references The Goonies and A Nightmare on Elm Street through more than just names, as Venca’s (Jamie Campbell Bower) psychic powers parallel Freddy Krueger’s (Robert Englund) dream-haunting, and the lead gang’s dynamics are highly reminiscent of The Goonies. Stranger Things also seems to borrow inspiration for the Demogorgon and its unique brand of sci-fi horror from Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986). E.T. the Extraterrestrial (1982) also gets a nod from Eleven and Mike’s relationship, while Gremlins’ (1984) inspiration shines through Dustin’s (Gaten Matarazzo) Dart story in Season 2.

At times, Stranger Things doesn’t even try to hide its references. The Thing (1982) poster appears in the background of Stranger Things’ first episode in the Wheelers’ basement, and Season 2 sees the boys dress up as the iconic Ghostbusters (1984) team. When Stranger Things pays homage to just about every influential and popular sci-fi movie of the ‘80s, it only makes sense that Predator gets a nod, too.

Is Jim Hopper The Same Person In ‘Stranger Things’ And ‘Predator’?

While Stranger Things’ Hopper is a fun reference to Predator, the two Hoppers are not the same person. They’re from completely different universes with different backgrounds. However, that hasn’t stopped fans from theorizing that they could be the same person. Given that Predator takes place in 1987, and Stranger Things ends in 1987, it’s a very tight squeeze timeline-wise, but it could still hypothetically work.

Although Stranger Things never confirms it, many fans believe Hopper is a Vietnam War veteran. He certainly seems to have a special forces background, given his proficiency in combat and weaponry. In Season 2, Eleven also discovers a box labeled “Vietnam” in the crawlspace of Hopper’s cabin. Between his presumed Special Forces connection and the events of Stranger Things, it wouldn’t be surprising if the CIA debriefed him on an odd phenomenon in Central America shortly after the events of Stranger Things Season 5.

Versed in otherworldly things, Hopper is the first choice to lead a rescue team to find out what happened in Central America. Unfortunately, he and his team are ambushed by a Predator. Hopper is the corpse that Dutch and his team find in Predator, marking the end of Hopper’s story. Given that he’s not identifiable by his remains, there’s nothing to really prove the corpse isn’t Jim Hopper from Stranger Things. 

It’s a wild and pretty sad alternative ending for Hopper, but it is kind of fun thinking Hopper came up against Vecna and the Yautja during his lifetime. I also like how this fan theory gives Predator’s Hopper a face and imagines a richer backstory for him. He’s not just some corpse, but a man who had defied numerous odds during his life and who died still trying to save the world from otherworldly threats.

GOAT (2026) marks NBA star Stephen Curry’s first major film role. While he’s most well-known as one of the greatest basketball shooters in history, he also harbors an interest in film, even forming his own production company, Unanimous Media, in 2018. Curry has served as an executive producer on films like Breakthrough (2019) and has appeared in documentaries, but GOAT will be his first major acting project as a “roarball” player, Lenny.

GOAT is a tribute to basketball with its basketball-like sport, roarball, and cast featuring several prominent NBA and WNBA stars. If you’re interested in more NBA performances in film, use our guide to find out where you can watch the best NBA performances, ranked based on the quality and complexity of the performance. 

9. LeBron James - Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021)

LeBron James is one of the most recognizable basketball players and the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. By the early 2000s, James tried his hand at acting, mostly establishing himself as a comedic actor. Space Jam: A New Legacy was his first starring film role, in which he portrays a fictionalized version of himself who, with the Looney Tunes, must defeat an AI basketball team to save his son. Space Jam: A New Legacy is a fun tribute to Space Jam (1996), filled with nostalgia and lighthearted humor.

James packs charisma in his role, channeling an energy and humor certain to appeal to children. He achieves what the movie wants by adequately portraying a complex father-son relationship. Although he doesn’t quite pull off the level of comfort and ease Michael Jordan does in Space Jam, James deserves some props for pulling off a passable performance while mostly acting in front of a green screen.

8. Shaquille O’Neal - Kazaam (1996)

Shaquille O’Neal is a four-time NBA champion who played for six different teams during his career. He also started dabbling in acting in the 1990s. While critics panned most of his movies, Kazaam proved he could really act. In the film, O’Neal portrays the 5,000-year-old genie Kazaam, who awakens from a magic boombox to grant a child three wishes. Kazaam, as a whole, is a poor, tonally uneven movie that relies heavily on tropes. However, there’s something compelling in O’Neal’s performance.

He has a charisma and a sense of jolliness that’s hard not to find endearing. I know some prefer his performance in Blue Chips (1994), but I feel Kazaam challenged him to be something more than a fictionalized version of himself. Kazaam allowed him to tap into a larger-than-life character, and if the film had given him anything to work with, his performance likely would’ve turned more heads.

7. John Salley - Bad Boys (1995)

John Salley is a four-time NBA champion who began acting shortly before retiring from basketball. In 1995, Salley made his film debut in Bad Boys as Fletcher, a prisoner whom Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) make a deal with for his hacking skills. It’s actually quite amusing that Salley ended up in Bad Boys after playing for the Detroit Pistons during their infamous “Bad Boy” era.

While Salley’s role is so small that it doesn’t contend with the bigger roles further up on this list, I like that it’s something different. He’s not just playing himself or a basketball player; he really embodies his role as an intelligent, albeit geeky, computer hacker. Salley’s role in Bad Boys isn’t the most recognizable NBA performance, but it may be because he plays his role so well that it’s easy to mistake him for a typical supporting Hollywood actor.

6. Michael Jordan - Space Jam (1996)

As one of the best and most popular basketball players in NBA history and an already larger-than-life figure, there’s no one else Hollywood could expect Michael Jordan to play besides himself. Jordan stars as himself in Space Jam, where he must come out of basketball retirement to help the Looney Tunes win a basketball game and their freedom, against a team of aliens. 

Despite its odd premise, Space Jam works incredibly well. There was no better time than the 1990s for the clash of culture icons Jordan and Bugs Bunny (Billy West) in a hilarious, family-friendly, basketball-loving movie. Jordan plays himself with surprising ease and has the perfect comforting, cheery persona necessary for a kids’ movie. He may not offer as complex a performance as those higher on this list, but he does an incredibly good job for a film debut of an NBA star in a zany live-action/animation hybrid.

5. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar - Game of Death (1978)

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a former NBA star who played for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers, earning a record number of MVP awards. He also had the coolest NBA performance in any movie, even if it’s not the best, as he got to fight none other than Bruce Lee. Abdul-Jabbar stars in Game of Death, in which Hai Ten (Lee) must battle his way to the top of a pagoda, fighting a new enemy on every floor. Eventually, he comes face-to-face with the fifth-floor Guardian (Abdul-Jabbar).

Game of Death isn’t the most complex movie, feeling like a series of brawls more than a cohesive story. Still, the choreography is excellent, and the sheer size difference between Lee and Abdul-Jabbar as they battle it out is a sight to see. Abdul-Jabbar doesn’t do much talking, but he manages to look nimble, flexible, and just all around epic opposite Lee, which is a feat in itself.

4. Kyrie Irving - Uncle Drew (2018)

Kyrie Irving is a nine-time NBA All-Star, and he’s also a pretty good comedic actor. He started his acting career with a series of PepsiMax commercials, in which he portrays the elderly “Uncle Drew” and dominates street basketball. In 2018, the character got his own movie, Uncle Drew. The film follows Dax (Lil Rel Howery), who sets out to find the legendary Uncle Drew (Irving) to help his streetball team win a tournament. Uncle Drew is genuinely funny, and Irving is great as the titular character.

Just like with Salley’s Bad Boys role, I like that Irving’s Uncle Drew is something different. A young NBA player portraying a grumpy old, trash-talking man strikes the right balance of absurdity and comedy, making it feel refreshing. Irving may not top some of the best NBA drama performances on this list, but he definitely offers the funniest performance on this list.

3. Juancho Hernangómez - Hustle (2022)

Juancho Hernangómez has played in the NBA, GBL, and EuroLeague during his career, and also transitioned into acting in 2022. He made his film debut in Hustle as Bo Cruz, a talented but unknown basketball player from Spain, whom scout Stanley Sugerman (Adam Sandler) tries to prepare for the NBA draft. Hustle is a heartfelt sports comedy made all the better by Hernangómez’s and Sandler’s performances.

Hernangómez is a natural at acting, convincingly portraying Cruz as the underdog basketball star struggling to overcome his anger issues and make a name for himself. He had excellent chemistry with Sandler and the ability to balance the film’s emotional and humorous aspects well. Aside from some clichés in the character and movie, Hernangómez is a standout in Hustle.

2. Kevin Garnett - Uncut Gems (2019)

Across his 21-season career, Kevin Garnett became known as the NBA’s best power forward. He also turned heads with his surprisingly great performance in Uncut Gems. In Uncut Gems, Garnett portrays a fictionalized version of himself during his stint with the Boston Celtics, who unwittingly becomes a major component in gambling addict Howard Ratner’s (Adam Sandler) high-stakes bet. If you’re not familiar with the NBA, you’d probably think Garnett has been an actor his whole life after watching Uncut Gems.

Garnett is a true natural, owning his role in the film, conveying the character’s sense of entitlement and superstitions. Yes, he’s playing himself, but he adds depth, capturing the nuances of being an athlete and the frustrations, disappointments, and competitive nature that come with it. If not for the slight cushion of playing himself and being used so strategically in a supporting role, Garnett’s performance would be the best.

1. Ray Allen - He Got Game (1998)

Ray Allen is a 10-time NBA All-Star who helped the US men’s Olympic basketball team win gold in 2000, but some film enthusiasts still know him best as Jesus Shuttlesworth from Spike Lee’s He Got Game. He Got Game centers on convicted murderer Jake Shuttleworth (Denzel Washington), who strikes a deal with the governor to convince his basketball-star son, Jesus, to attend the governor’s alma mater. Allen shines as Jesus, holding his own alongside Washington and capturing the character’s guarded, mistrustful personality.

I love that Allen finds balance between being Jesus and being himself. Some of the best scenes are when his authentic love for basketball shines through, though he also beautifully captures Jesus’ inner conflict. Allen plays more than just a basketball player in He Got Game, and offers the best NBA performance in capturing what it means to be a talented, young athlete in a sometimes exploitative industry.

Three-hour character studies like Christopher Nolan's brilliant Oscar-winning Oppenheimer (2023) certainly have significance, but not every movie needs the runtime to tell a compelling story.

In fact, only a select few should be over two hours long, let alone three, so this idea of now trying to create large-scale films isn't exactly appealing when time and countless factors go into people visiting the movie theater. While it's our job as critics, it's certainly understandable when members of the general audience don't always want to commit. 

Still, in the last few years, a number of shorter features have proven that you can tell a captivating and thoroughly thought-provoking story within 90 minutes, and that in and of itself is an art form, too. It takes great skill to manage it, and when done well, these are the movies people also end up revisiting frequently. From breathtaking horrors like A Quiet Place (2018) to coming-of-age comedies like Lady Bird, here are the best movies under 90 minutes, as well as where you can stream them on platforms such as Prime Video and more. 

A Quiet Place (2018)

A Quiet Place is one of the most harrowing and achingly haunting films of the last decade. John Krasinski's directorial debut results in the type of feat that many don't accomplish with their first film, let alone their fifth, and that alone is an achievement. Simultaneously, the thematic showcase of survival and the love of a mother that shines through Emily Blunt's performance is something that's lived rent-free in my mind since I first watched it. How she never won an Oscar for her performance is still beyond me because everything we see is jaw-dropping.

There's also something to be said about how positively the film was received, to not only getting a sequel greenlit but a prequel film as well. Post-apocalyptic films might not be for everyone, but if there's one I always recommend as an example that understands the heart of humanity, it's A Quiet Place. 

Flow (2024)

Flow is quiet, captivating, and brilliantly profound as it gently nudges us to question perception and everything that's in front of us. There's no human dialogue in the film, yet from start to finish, the breathtaking animation takes us through an odyssey of sorts. It enables us to feel things that we might not otherwise get a chance to, and it visually moves us from one frame to the next with thoughtful precision.

I'll be the first to admit that I don't always love silent movies because I find myself losing focus, but Flow does the opposite as it keeps us so invested that it's impossible to look away. And perhaps in large part it's because it features animals as opposed to humans, but the 90-minute gem packs so much that you could write novels on the themes present within. If you love cats and dogs and all animals, really, run, don't walk to watch Flow.

Steve (2025)

In every way where it matters, Steve feels like the type of movie that's three hours long, and it's not because the narrative drags, but because every second is so faultlessly filled with profound beats that it's astounding how much groundwork we get. A good script is always a strong tool for telling a captivating story, but when you also have an actor who's as sensational as Cillian Murphy, he can consistently add incredible layers too.

And that's exactly what makes the film work in its short runtime because the seamless marriage made through the screenplay and performances results in the kind of story that's awe-inspiring. Perfect for anyone who loves Dead Poets Society (1989), Steve leaves you with a number of emotions to sit with as it explores struggles in school and outside for the titular character as well. 

My Old Ass (2024)

Movies like My Old Ass aren't unique by nature, but there's an indescribable substance to them that's so deeply human and harrowing that you have to acknowledge the greatness in its simplicity. Megan Park's feature is a breath of fresh air as a coming-of-age drama that carefully explores grief, adolescence, wonder, and thought-provoking questions as characters are high on mushrooms.

Featuring stunning performances from both Aubrey Plaza and Maisy Stella, it's impossible to put into words what to expect because a large part of its charm are the uncertainties. It feels like a movie that's both of this time and one that has the same beats of nostalgia present in '90s gems like Now and Then (1995). It's sweet and heartbreaking, but simultaneously so wholesome, I can guarantee that the cathartic cry you'll have will be unlike anything else released in the last decade. 

A Real Pain (2024)

In another stunning exploration of humanity and all its complexities, Jesse Eisenberg delivers another directorial feat in A Real Pain like in his previous film, When You Finish Saving the World (2022). Often, filmmakers feel that they need to lengthen narratives when exploring parts of history, but sometimes the quiet and contained movies are what hit twice as hard. As two completely different cousins take a trip to Poland to honor their late grandmother and her experiences during the Holocaust, the movie shines as a brilliantly thoughtful comedy.

Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin make a fantastic team throughout as their banter adds levity to the more heartbreaking parts of the film, but it's how the film takes one trip and manages to make it deeply profound in the emotions both characters experience. The gripping narrative is then not only hugely evocative, but it leaves you with emotions to sit with that are wholly empathetic and raw. 

Lady Bird (2017)

As another coming-of-age film, Lady Bird isn't exactly unique, but it's still fully evocative in how relatable it manages to be as a search for identity. In the same way that there are countless films about wars, there's a space for movies that address simple people and their everyday lives during critical points of human experiences. Lady Bird is the latter, and like My Old Ass, it's an excellent one at that.

Perfect for anyone who also loved Greta Gerwig's Frances Ha (2013), everything about Lady Bird shines because of the depth and inherently human complexities Saoirse Ronan brings to the titular character. And even if it doesn't become an all-time favorite, it's still the type of movie worth watching to see how many layers are effectively explored in the short runtime. 

Belfast (2021)

While Belfast is just slightly over 90 minutes, adding on an extra eight, a list like this simply wouldn't be complete without it. There are countless films that serve as love letters to film and how they've influenced the directors during trying times in their lives, but I've never seen one do it as captivatingly as Kenneth Branagh's film. In addition, like My Old Ass and Lady Bird, it's also a type of coming-of-age story that's thoughtfully well done.

But Belfast is not only a love letter to filmmaking and family, but it's also an intimate and haunting look at The Troubles in Ireland. From various angles, the film carefully allows each character to shine in a manner where it never once feels like we're missing something, but instead, we can be in awe of the fact that it manages to pack such emotional punches from start to finish. The final shot is something that still haunts me every time I think about its significance. 

As the world grows more complicated and dark by the hour, it's wholly understandable why people would feel longing for a more simple lifestyle. Enter, cottagecore as an aesthetic that's not only all over Pinterest boards, but it's an idea that's present in romance novels, movies, TV shows, and everyday conversations people have with each other. 

The idea here isn't so much about a literal cottage (though, yes, that's a part of it), but it's about effortlessly vibrant locations, the outdoors, and the polar opposite of millennial grey. It's about love and friendships and quiet moments. It's about a world where there's no social media at our fingertips or even a phone that holds way too much power over our heads. 

From Little Women (1994) to The Holiday, here are the best cottagecore movies that feel like a perfect escape, as well as where to stream them on platforms like Prime Video, Netflix, and more. 

Little Women (1994)

Choosing one out of the two amazing Little Women adaptations feels like a crime, but in many ways, it's also especially important to highlight the 1994 version because of its original score and how Thomas Newman's "Orchard House" feels like the very theme meant to encapsulate exactly what cottagecore illustrates. It's nostalgic, lovely, and in truth, utterly indescribable. It's a small taste of magic that can easily transport us all to a place that feels cozy and warm.

And while all versions of the story include Beth March's tragic death, there's still a comfort throughout when we're spending time with the March family, and happiness in each of the characters following their dreams. This goes without saying, but if you loved Greta Gerwig's Little Women (2019) and have never seen the 1994 adaptation, know that it's just as lovely, moving, and undeniably worth watching. 

The Holiday (2006)

You can't have a cottagecore aesthetic without the movie that features the literal most stunning cottage in film history. I could write a whole dissertation on how Iris' cottage in The Holiday probably rewired all our brain chemistry with its stone walls, mismatched furniture, and dreamy sage blue window panes. It's the literal dream, in more ways than one, and the stunning love stories both Kate Winslet's Iris and Cameron Diaz's Amanda experience during the movie are everything, too.

The Holiday signifies exactly what it means to walk away from the things in our lives that are breaking our spirit and stepping into a different world that fully allows for the best version of ourselves to come out. It's a quintessential rom-com with immense heart, the most gorgeously earned happy endings (yes, plural), and an absolute must-watch Christmas movie for anyone who loves the found family element in While You Were Sleeping (1995). 

Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Sure, Pemberley is the polar opposite of a small cottage, but the Bennet family home and all the cinematic moments of simplicity that Joe Wright captures scream nostalgia and comfort. There are plenty of reasons why this version is so revered, and the visuals are surely in the top three reasons. And while it's still mostly accurate to Jane Austen's novel, there's a vibrancy that makes the era feel extra beguiling. 

You want to walk to the same clifftop Elizabeth goes to, you want to stand by the lake, or take a contemplative stroll at dawn. Pair the stunning visuals with an even more enchanting soundtrack from Dario Marianelli and Jean-Yves Thibaudet, and you get an extra dose of magic that's indescribable. If you're a romance fan, it's also sheer perfection for how beautifully Elizabeth and Darcy are brought to life. Pride & Prejudice is a near-perfect movie from beginning to end, and one that's utterly dreamy when it comes to the concept of cottagecore.

Practical Magic (1998)

Practical Magic isn't exactly cottagecore in the same way that Little Women or The Holiday is, but its coziness makes it an absolute must-watch for small-town escapism and charming nostalgia. In addition, of the many gorgeous houses that serve as a distinct character in the story, I would love the chance to live in the Owens' house. Midnight margaritas and dances in the kitchen, with trinkets in every corner and a lovely backyard that's utterly mesmerizing? Swoon.

There may be dark elements in Practical Magic with Gillian's arc involving Jimmy Angelov, but everything about the movie is still unquestionably cozy. The sisterhood, the late '90s outfits, the Owens family lore, and the romance that gives Sandra Bullock's Sally a second chance at love make for a must-watch that's guaranteed to bring joy. Plus, with Practical Magic 2 (2026) releasing this year, now's the best time to revisit the original.

Northanger Abbey (2007)

I went back and forth a bit with whether to add Sense and Sensibility (1995) or Northanger Abbey, and we're going with the latter solely for the gothic vibes as an addition for the people who want their cottagecore aesthetic to feature a little more of a bite. And a part of Northanger Abbey that works to showcase the vibe best is, like Pride & Prejudice, found in the moments in between. It's during the strolls in Bath and the countryside, but it's also a bit in the titular estate.

There's also something about Catherine Morland's means of romanticizing all the stories she reads that bleeds into this very aesthetic of what we're doing while we watch these movies. It matters significantly to honor how we all consume and interact with art. It's also one of the more underrated of Austen's stories, so if you do love Sense and Sensibility, be sure to watch Northanger Abbey for all of Jane Austen's familiar yearning.

Cinderella (2015)

While Disney live-action movies rarely feel as magical as their animated counterparts, Kenneth Branagh's Cinderella shines as an example of how to get it right. And though the story in general is the opposite of cottagecore, as it explores the idea of moving on to bigger and better, there's still plenty of charm and simplicity in how Ella and Kit fall in love that makes it the right kind of escape. 

There's a quaintness in Lily James' embodiment and how she layers Ella with so much kindness and lovely warmth. There's a transparency in how they fall in love with each other long before they ever dance together at the ball—out in the woods, with the animals, and when he sees her for who she really is. Branagh's vision in ensuring that the entirety of Ella's arc is wrapped up in this beautiful glow with her love and attachment to nature is exactly what makes the film so lovely.

The Sound of Music (1965)

Like Cinderella, Pride & Prejudice, and even Northanger Abbey, while The Sound of Music takes place mostly in a larger estate, everything about the film embodies cottagecore, including the moment where Captain von Trapp heroically rips up the Nazi flag. The nostalgia and simplicity of the cottagecore aesthetic isn't about wanting to escape grand lifestyles, but it's about yearning for the comfort of a world where things are lovely and good—where there are characters and men we could trust.

And for me personally, I'd consider a terrace a part of the aesthetic, and I know I'm not the only person who was forever changed by Maria and Captain von Trapp's dance. This is the exact moment where romance peaked, and we're all better for it. There's a warmth and indescribable feeling that's transcendent after watching The Sound of Music, and it's exactly what makes it such a beautiful classic. 

Anne of Green Gables (1985)

There are a few versions of Anne of Green Gables that quite literally fit the cottagecore aesthetic down to every minute detail, and alongside Netflix's adaptation, Anne With an E (2017), is the 1985 limited series (basically, you can't make a list like this and not include our beloved Anne.) The limited series does a perfect job of encapsulating the beloved story, but the two episodes also essentially make it feel like a movie, so you won't have to commit to five or six episodes.

Anne of Green Gables is an iconic and deeply special story for so many of us, so having any of these films or shows on rotation works to feed the longing for cozy, simple vibes in the countryside. From the costumes to the performance and every set piece, the limited series holds up and continuously reminds you of why it's so enormous for girls growing up. And if you've yet to watch it, now's the chance to change that. 

Miss Potter (2006)

Miss Potter is a mix of heartbreak and second chances, but it's also a lovely account of Beatrix Potter's life, and perfect for anyone who adores Jo March's arc in Little Women. Renee Zellweger delivers a tremendous performance as the titular character, and every beat where we see her fighting for her dreams is especially profound. The life of a writer isn't always as idyllic as films paint it to be, but how everything comes to pass in Miss Potter makes for a lovely escape.

It might be a stark contrast to the realities, but it's a lovely reminder of the idea that it's worth trying to do the very thing you feel like you are born to do. Though there's death and heartache, the bittersweet ending isn't too devastating, and the entire movie is worth watching at least once. 

The Notebook (2004)

While The Notebook also doesn't have a quaint, tiny cottage, the film's entire heart is about choosing simplicity and the love that shapes you. It's a romance that's so worthwhile and so timeless that there are few things cozier than its heart, especially when Noah and Allie are younger. And let's be honest with ourselves, Noah might build Allie's dream home, but it's certainly not a castle or a mansion—it's a home built from the ground up with memories of a time where everything was lovely.

And Allie's choice to leave her comfortable life to stay with Noah in the space where she spent her greatest summer is so significant when it comes to recognizing how cottagecore is all about the simple things instead of the luxuries. It's the kind of romance that sees two people dying together because that's how powerful their connection is. Perfect for anyone who loves the second chance romance trope. 

A beloved show coming to an end is always full of complicated feelings that are both satisfying and bittersweet. It's not a bad thing to say goodbye to a series that we've loved because it allows it to remain contained as its own medium that fans can revisit. Outlander (2014) stars, Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe, are all for this notion by telling JustWatch that they see the value in the show's legacy, as well as the fandom's attachment. But they also recognize what the new season will entail and how the myriad of feelings it'll leave viewers with.

With the new trailer hinting at a war and possible separations again, it can be daunting to think of where your favorite characters might end up. At the same time, there's the underlying trust issue of what if someone is killed off, making the last season utterly heartbreaking? Though the books are based on Diana Gabaldon's creations, the author has yet to release the final book, titled A Blessing For A Warrior Going Out, so fans are understandably going in without knowledge of the prior source material. 

'Outlander' Stars Tease Tears In Season 8, But That's Okay

In a conversation with JustWatch, Heughan said, "You're going to cry, you're going to laugh, you're going to be elated but probably not depressed." The idea that we'll cry is a given, considering Outlander and romantic shows tend to tug on the heartstrings a bit more. And again, a final season always carries a bit of sadness with it, no matter its genre. But since he noted that we probably won't be depressed, perhaps it's safe to assume we won't be as devastated as many of us were with Game of Thrones (2011).

Heughan also added that, of course, they have to tie things up, but they hope that in the end, "It serves the story, the characters, and the fans." Outlander has always had a loud and enthusiastic fan base, so the cast and crew being aware of this is also a positive piece to hold onto before the new season, knowing they wouldn't want to hurt those who've invested their time for eight seasons and twelve years now.

In addition, Balfe weighed in about how the actors cried themselves while filming because they were fully aware of the fact that Season 8 was the last season. We are living in a time where neither those making the shows nor the fans are ever fully promised another season, so the fact that Outlander gets to go off on its own terms is a positive feat that resulted in a lot of bittersweet final days of shooting. Balfe noted that, "It was so amazing because, you know, normally when you're shooting, the studio is very quiet and empty, and we had all the execs, all the producers, all the crew, all the cast had come in, and it was just Sam [Heughan] and I [Balfe] trying to get through a seven-page scene. And it was very, very emotional, and it felt very special and real."

Balfe also called Outlander Season 8 "a real celebration and mourning at the same time," to which Heughan added that it's "very bittersweet for sure." 

What Comes After 'Outlander' Season 8?

With the prequel series Outlander: Blood of My Blood (2025) renewed for Season 2, Balfe and Heughan confirmed they can now be fans, too, after the show's ending. Balfe called the fandom an "amazing community," going on to add that, "We've been so grateful to be a part of it. And, you know, that will continue. They have the prequel, and they have our show to watch over and over. And we can become fans now with them. But I mean, there's plenty to re-watch, to talk about. And there's, you know, this whole season for them to watch as well. So I think they're gonna, they're gonna really enjoy it."

There's always solace in the idea of the cast appreciating the fandom and understanding the importance that their show has had on the community. Outlander's legacy is big enough that its prequel series talks for itself, but the idea that the show can continue to be something that fans could revisit, especially with Valentine's Day right around the corner before the Season 8 premiere, is a lovely, hopeful note to leave viewers with.

The message that people will cry at the end of a series comes with a lot of predictions, but while we might not know what yet, the way Heughan and Balfe speak doesn't leave us uneasy or sad.

Robin Hood is an iconic fixture of Western folklore, which explains why the character has appeared in so many films over the years. England’s most famous outlaw, Robin Hood, was a soldier who returned from the crusades to find his homeland overtaken, leading him to steal from the rich to feed the poor. The figure has morphed into an entire archetype, with generations of heroes inspired by the story. 

This extends to almost a century of film, with some of the defining movies in the action-adventure genre featuring various iterations of the character. Everything from fantasy epics to period dramas have mined the concept to great cinematic effect. Ahead of Hugh Jackman’s The Death of Robin Hood (2026), these are eight of the best Robin Hood movies worth revisiting on Disney+, Tubi, and more.

8. Robin Hood (2018)

Acting as an origin story for the character that recasts the Robin Hood archetype in the vein of superhero films like Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Otto Bathurst’s Robin Hood (2018) attempts to replicate the broad enjoyment and classical touches that Guy Ritchie brought to Sherlock Holmes (2009).

While it’s far from the most compelling take on the character, it’s the ultimate “turn your brain off” entertainment for audiences looking for a simple action movie with a historical coat of paint. Taron Egerton and a scene-chewing Ben Mendelsohn have some fun with the period setting. Fans of spectacle-heavy films like Fast Five (2011) should have a blast with this weightless story. However, it’s also this same simplicity that keeps 2018’s Robin Hood from ranking higher on this list. 

7. Robin Hood (2010)

Ridley Scott’s take on the legendary outlaw in Robin Hood (2010) is a fairly straightforward but well-constructed adaptation of the classic story that benefits from Scott’s talent for epic storytelling. Russell Crowe stars as the rogue, playing an older version of the character returned from the Crusades.

Ridley Scott takes cues from the stoic dramatic approach of some of his other historical epics, like Gladiator (2000) and Kingdom of Heaven (2005), with an eye for more gritty action and drama. Even if it’s not as memorable or charming as other takes on the character, there’s still a really compelling core to the story that benefits from Scott’s steady hand as a filmmaker.

6. The Men of Sherwood Forest (1954)

Hammer Film Productions may be better known for horror movies like Dracula (1958). Still, the studio’s Robin Hood film, The Men of Sherwood Forest, is a delightful adventure from start to finish. It’s a great throwback to a simpler time of cinematic storytelling, with broad characters and exaggerated duels.

There’s a real sense of charm to the production, especially in the bright color palette (Hammer’s first attempt at a colorized film) and broad performances. The lighting and colors, especially in modern restorations, lend themselves well to fans of classical adventures. If you like Prince Valiant (1954) and The Count of Monte Cristo (1934), this offers a similar window into an older style of adventure movie.

5. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)

Starring Kevin Costner at the top of his power, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves is a showy period epic that plays the premise for fun action and charming romance. The film gives Robin Hood a bluntness and thrives with the blockbuster scope afforded to the production, with some great action sequences and character beats.

Opposite Costner is an all-time great villain performance by Alan Rickman, who clearly has a blast playing the most cartoonishly despicable version of the Sheriff of Nottingham imaginable. Great for audiences who love films of this era, like Braveheart (1995), Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves is a blast for anyone looking for a straightforward good time.

4. Robin and Marian (1976)

A somber story that flips the typical heroic approach to Robin Hood, Robin and Marian is best when it subtly undercuts the typical hero narrative and mythology. The film stars Sean Connery as an older version of Robin Hood, whose attempts to resist the Sheriff of Nottingham are played with a more bittersweet and realistic edge.

Less of an action epic than other versions of the story, Robin and Marian is a slower, sadder story that works well as a period drama about love and mortality. Similar to other classic adaptations of the era like The Man in the Iron Mask (1977), Robin and Marian is rooted in the emotional grittiness of the ‘70s, even while benefiting from its natural direction.

3. Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)

A perfectly silly take on Robin Hood, Mel Brooks’ Robin Hood: Men in Tights is a lightweight, goofball take on the legend, largely thanks to a committed cast. Cary Elwes turns all his charms up to a ridiculous place, taking the archetype he perfected in The Princess Bride (1987) and playing it up to great comedic effect.

Alongside a young Dave Chappelle, a delightfully over-the-top Sheriff of Nottingham played by Roger Rees, and one of the best Patrick Stewart cameos in his career, this is a movie that thrives when it lets the cast run with the comedy. A great watch for fans of Blazing Saddles (1974) and Young Frankenstein (1974), this silly comedy is probably the most purely fun entry in the Robin Hood canon of movies.

2. The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)

One of the foundational classics of the action-adventure genre, The Adventures of Robin Hood is almost a century old but is still a classically charming tale of old-school heroism. The film codified many of the tropes of the adventure genre that have become crucial parts of the genre for decades, with the influence of this film inspiring everything from Looney Tunes (1929) to Star Wars (1977).

The bombastic action and charming set pieces are delightful in the showy way old cinema was always great at. Errol Flynn remains one of the most iconic portrayals of the character to date, with his green suit and adventurous spirit forming the most enduring pop culture image of Robin Hood in modern culture. This film’s DNA can be seen in modern epics, but it remains fun enough on its own to watch even now.

1. Robin Hood (1973)

The best movie adaptation of Robin Hood remains the Disney Animated take on the concept, Robin Hood (1973), which blends the timeless qualities of the folklore with the distinct charms of the scratchy Disney era. Coming during a quietly experimental time for the vaunted studio, alongside the likes of The Rescuers (1977) and The Aristocats (1970), Robin Hood finds the right level of natural authenticity, animated charm, and exciting adventure.

The film’s charm does a lot of the heavy lifting, with clever dialogue and sweet romance elevating it far beyond the more grounded storytelling beats. One of the most underrated entries in the Disney canon and a cult classic for a reason, Robin Hood is also the best cinematic version of the classic story to date, making it the ultimate pick for viewers of all ages.

Landman (2024) remains an ongoing treat for Taylor Sheridan fans. With Season 2 here, star Billy Bob Thornton sat down with JustWatch to promote the show. But not everything was all business. When asked about his favorite guilty pleasure movie, Thornton absolutely understood the assignment. "There's a movie called Robot Monster. We watch it fairly often, which is kind of sad commentary on my life."

WATCH: You'll Never Guess Billy Bob Thornton's Guilty Sci-Fi Pleasure

Phil Tucker's 1953 sci-fi flick with a killer title straddles two schools of thought. While some label it one of the worst movies ever made, others call it a misunderstood classic. With an ape-like alien in a space helmet hellbent on destroying humanity until he crushes on a human woman, Robot Monster is a bit like King Kong got a villainous, extraterrestrial makeover. It's undeniably low-budget sci-fi schlock that ranks alongside other '50s favorites like Invasion of the Saucer-Men (1957) and Devil Girl From Mars (1954).

But, hey, that's not a bad thing. If people didn't love movies like this, then Mystery Science Theater 3000 wouldn't exist. In fact, the 1989 version of the show even featured Robot Man in Season 1, Episode 7. 

'Robot Man' Has Low-Budget '50s Sci-Fi Charm

Let's be real. Robot Man's main character might have one of the most bizarre costumes in all of cinema. After all, it's not every day that you see a giant gorilla monster wearing a bubble helmet. Yet, it's that exact type of ridiculousness that's made Robot Man so memorable. Its low budget lends it a certain charm that will most certainly delight anyone who appreciates the innate camp and cheesiness that come with productions like this. 

In the interview, Thornton even describes one of his favorite "so-bad-it's-good" moments in Robot Monster, saying, "You know how they used to have the old paper spaceship, you know, on a string going across the screen? But in this one, there's a guy doing it like this." Thornton pretends he is holding a little paper spaceship. "And you actually see his fingers—tips of his fingers—come into the side of the frame."

It's the faux pas like these that have turned Robot Monster into a cult classic. While there are defenders of the movie's surreal tone and score, most people booting up Robot Monster are there for the laughs, the cringe, and the cheesy effects and set pieces. It's also got a divisive ending that is sure to spark debate among anyone brave enough to check it out. 

Why To Watch 'Robot Monster' (And What To Watch After)

To quote Billy Bob Thornton, "Robot Monster. Everybody go out and get Robot Monster." Truthfully, it's just one of those movies you have to watch for yourself. If you're like me and frequently find yourself wondering, "What kind of schlock can I watch today?" Then, this is the movie for you. After all, there are a lot of terrible movies, but not all terrible movies have the honor of ascending to cult status like this one. 

If Robot Monster left you craving more B-movie sci-fi, consider other cheesy '50s offerings like The Colossus of New York (1958) and Gog (1954) or the aforementioned Invasion of the Saucer-Men and Devil Girl From Mars. More modern movies like Mars Attacks! (1996) might also scratch that itch, but there's nothing quite like the magic of '50s sci-fi except for movies from that era.  

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey (2026) is one of the most highly anticipated films of the year. Nolan is the director behind the critically acclaimed films Oppenheimer (2023) and Dunkirk (2017), but this will be his first time tapping into Ancient Greece. So far, the film is shaping up to be quite the spectacle, boasting a $250 million budget and an A-list cast, including Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, and Tom Holland.

As the premiere draws closer, there are a few ways to prepare for its release. You can always catch up with The Odyssey’s cast and their most recognizable performances. Additionally, you can prepare storywise by watching Troy (2004), which will help you ease into The Odyssey.

Is ‘The Odyssey’ A Sequel To ‘Troy’?

Cinematically, The Odyssey and Troy are not connected. They hail from different film studios, directors, and feature different actors in the role of Odysseus. Although The Odyssey isn’t a direct sequel to Troy, they’re closer than spiritual successors, given their shared source material. Troy is a loose adaptation of Homer’s The Iliad, while The Odyssey is a chronological sequel to The Iliad. Homer delves into the Trojan War in The Iliad, while The Odyssey takes place after the war and follows Odysseus on his journey home. The Odyssey references events from The Iliad, features some of the same characters, and wouldn’t exist without this earlier work.

When it comes to the written works, you technically don’t have to read The Iliad before The Odyssey, but I would recommend it because of the context it provides for the latter. The same can be true for the movies, although it’s a little more complicated because Troy isn’t a wholly faithful adaptation of The Iliad. One of the biggest complaints fans of The Iliad have about Troy is that it wholly omits the mystical side and the gods of Homer’s story. Troy turns the story into a grounded war epic, but in The Iliad, the gods are integral to the plot and theme.

As of now, we don’t know for sure whether The Odyssey will take Troy’s grounded approach or will stay closer to the source material. If it does include supernatural elements, there’s a chance that going from Troy to The Odyssey will be confusing. Even so, Troy will still provide the context of the Trojan War for you and introduce you to an iteration of Odysseus, portrayed by Sean Bean. While not entirely faithful, Troy nonetheless sets the stage for The Odyssey, introducing you to its world, themes, and story. Troy and The Odyssey are like two sides of the same story, making Troy an excellent watch to prepare for Nolan’s upcoming film.

Why To Watch ‘Troy’

Troy is especially relevant now due to The Odyssey’s arrival, but it also stands well on its own. The film certainly divided critics at the time, but it’s worth noting that much of the criticism came from those seeking a faithful adaptation of Homer’s work. Although Troy doesn’t work as the faithful adaptation Homer readers wanted, it works as a strong war epic. It expands the scope of Homer’s work, delving far deeper into the Trojan War and really leaning into that gritty war premise.

Troy is violent and brutal, and it boasts powerful performances, especially from Brad Pitt and Sean Bean, who bring depth to their roles. The whole movie is quite the spectacle and gives you the same adrenaline rush as other historical epics, like Gladiator (2000) and Braveheart (1995). It’s by no means a perfect movie or adaptation, but it has that sense of action and adventure that keeps you glued to the screen. If you’re looking for an entertaining, gritty, and glorious war epic, Troy is the way to go.

Alternatives To ‘Troy’ To Watch Before ‘The Odyssey’

If you’re still not sold on Troy, there are a few other options that can give you the gist of the Trojan War before The Odyssey. Helen of Troy (2003) is another loose adaptation of The Iliad, centering on Helen (Sienna Guillory), whose abduction inadvertently triggers the Trojan War. Troy largely overshadowed Helen of Troy, but it’s a decent adaptation. It doesn’t boast the epic scale of Troy, but it really nails the storytelling and human conflict side of the Trojan War. 

Another option is Troy: Fall of a City, which avoids criticism for lack of faithfulness by not labeling itself an adaptation of The Iliad. It strives to frame the Trojan War through its own story, drawing on myths and legends beyond The Iliad to delve into the war’s cause and effect. The series offers something Helen of Troy and Troy don’t: a unique and thought-provoking interpretation of the Trojan War. It has the epic scale of Troy but doesn’t forego depth for spectacle. Troy: Fall of a City will arguably offer you the most intrinsic introduction to the Trojan War and will give you a lot to think about before The Odyssey.

The future rarely plays out the way movies imagine it. Flying cars stay fictional, alien invasions never come, and yet the human details (how we watch each other, measure our worth, or trade privacy for fame) have a way of slipping from science fiction into everyday life. That's why looking back at the 1990s now feels less like nostalgia and more like looking into a creepily accurate VHS-powered crystal ball.

At the time, the Internet was just starting to change the way we connected, biotechnology was advancing, and media culture blurred the line between observation and participation. So filmmakers used their craft to ask what those changes might do to our fragile state of humanity. The movies on this list, which can be found on Netflix, Hulu, and more, capture a different piece of the world we eventually stepped into.

The Truman Show (1998)

The Truman Show follows Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey), who lives in a quiet town called Seahaven, unaware that his entire existence is broadcast to the world as a reality show. The town is an enormous studio controlled by creator Christof (Ed Harris), and everyone in it is an actor. As Truman starts to notice small inconsistencies in his day-to-day life, his quest for truth turns into something no script can contain.

The movie's prediction is impossible to ignore now that reality television and influencer culture have normalized turning ordinary existences into entertainment. The Truman Show sees Carrey strip away his usual exaggerated comedic acting, which makes Truman's search for authenticity feel personal rather than conceptual. It's perfect for viewers who enjoy reflective sci-fi like 2013's Her.

RoboCop 2 (1990)

RoboCop 2 sees Detroit trapped in crisis as cyborg police officer Alex Murphy (Peter Weller) deals with an increasing crime rate, a dangerous new drug, and more corporate interference than before. The ever-present corporation OCP tightens control over the city's future, treating public safety as a financial experiment rather than a human necessity. As a result, Murphy's battle eventually becomes more about preserving justice.

In July 2013, Detroit's real-world bankruptcy echoed the city's fictional decline with unsettling precision. Conversations about privatized infrastructure, corporate policing, and economic inequality have become real topics of concern. Compared to the original, the sequel feels harsher and more openly angry, which makes its political edge impossible to ignore. It's ideal for fans of political sci-fi like District 9 (2009).

Total Recall (1990)

Total Recall follows Douglas Quaid (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a construction worker haunted by flashes of Mars, who visits a company called Rekall to purchase fake memories. Things get complicated when he discovers that his identity may already be manufactured. With rebel fighter Melina (Rachel Ticotin), he's pulled into a conspiracy involving shifting realities and a fight for control of the red planet.

The self-driving taxis, biometric scanners, and surveillance systems seen in the film once felt wildly futuristic. But today, many of those ideas exist in early or evolving forms. In terms of story, Total Recall is thrilling, strange, and deliberately disorienting, refusing to offer simple answers to complex questions. The movie is perfect for anyone who enjoys sci-fi mind-benders like Inception (2010).

Demolition Man (1993)

Demolition Man begins after a violent confrontation between police officer John Spartan (Sylvester Stallone) and criminal Simon Phoenix (Wesley Snipes) leads to them being cryogenically frozen and revived decades later. Spartan awakens to a society where physical contact is rare, and danger has been engineered almost entirely out of existence.

The contactless communication, remote work, and heightened hygiene awareness seen in the film feel familiar rather than futuristic. While Demolition Man includes jokes about things like etiquette violations, its real questions are about whether comfort slowly erases freedom. Fans of satirical dystopias like Idiocracy (2006) will love it.

Johnny Mnemonic (1995)

Johnny (Keanu Reeves) works as a data courier storing encrypted information inside his own brain in Johnny Mnemonic. When the overload begins killing him, he's hunted by corporations desperate to retrieve what he carries, forcing him to rely on bodyguard Jane (Dina Meyer) and rebel leader J-Bone (Ice-T) as his survival becomes a race against technology and time.

The way the movie envisioned (and slightly exaggerated) data as the world's most valuable currency feels prophetic since things like cloud storage, cybercrime, and digital surveillance have become a normal part of our lives. In terms of story, Johnny Mnemonic was undeniably ahead of its time. Even when it falters, its imagination feels electric. It's ideal for fans of cyberpunk vibes like 2017's Blade Runner 2049.

The Cable Guy (1996)

The Cable Guy follows Steven Kovacs (Matthew Broderick), who reluctantly accepts help from cheerful cable installer Chip Douglas (Jim Carrey), expecting nothing more than improved reception and maybe a slightly awkward new acquaintance. Instead, Chip slowly starts to invade Steven's personal life, with an intensity that shifts from friendly to invasive.

Chip's monologues about interactive television and a fully connected media future once sounded a little crazy. But today, smart homes, streaming ecosystems, and algorithm-driven social media make his predictions feel more like an origin story. And Carrey's manic portrayal reveals a man whose life has been shaped almost entirely by screens. It's ideal for fans of media-driven films like 2014's Nightcrawler.

By the time I was old enough to really understand what was happening on the glowing TV in the corner of the living room, the Star Trek franchise was the biggest thing in the universe. I was in kindergarten when “The Best of Both Worlds” aired and changed the television landscape, and Star Trek, both new and old, became a permanent fixture for my entire life. 

I’m not stuck in my ways or a snob about it, though. I don’t find modern Star Trek inherently bad, but I don’t necessarily find classic Trek to be perfect, either. As with most things, I just want my media to be good and make sense, and I find that a lot of Star Trek will scratch that itch if you give it a chance. I’ve got some out there picks here, but if you’re a casual viewer or a total newbie who is looking to get into Star Trek but is afraid to take the plunge, I’d recommend you start with these movies and shows before you go back and fill in the gaps with other media. 

Star Trek (1966-1969)

I almost didn’t include Star Trek: The Original Series as a pick for new viewers. It is, of course, where all this started, and it set the template for what Star Trek always would be. For its time, it’s an incredibly progressive show, with cerebral writing and some genuinely shocking moments. But it’s also 60 years old, and it shows.

It’s just a little hard to take moments like Kirk swaying a planet of alien “primitives” by reading the US Constitution seriously, no matter how earnest they are in context. Classic Star Trek is absolutely a must-watch, and when it fires on all cylinders, it will move you. Just be prepared to look past some of the more outlandish episodes. 

Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979)

Much like the original series, Star Trek: The Motion Picture can be a tough pill to swallow for a newer fan. But I do think it has a lot of value to the franchise as a whole. It is, for better or for worse, the most accurate representation of classic Trek committed to film.

There’s a lot of discussion, a lot of subtext, and a lot of weird science events that happen and have to be dealt with in a rational, logical manner. The Motion Picture has long been divisive among viewers, who often deride it as boring and too slow. Frankly, I think the best Star Trek is a little boring at times, and this one has its charms. 

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)

And with that, we reach our first unabashed, no-questions-asked hit. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan isn’t just a good Star Trek movie; it’s a great movie altogether. It’s the first film to grapple with the notion that the cast was getting older, and it forces them to confront the weight of their lives in some of the darkest ways imaginable.

Wrath of Khan is a film about cold, bloody revenge, but also about life, love, and the friendships we make along the way. This movie has earned its place as one of the best Star Trek films of all time and is a great place to start if you’re new to the franchise, thanks to its gripping story, incredible performances, and fast pace. 

Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)

From one of the darkest Star Trek films to one of the lightest. Still, you can’t deny that Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home is an easy watch. On their way home to face the consequences of disobeying Starfleet to save Spock, the crew discovers an alien probe attempting to communicate with long-extinct humpback whales.

To save the day, the crew travels back to the 1980s, where they embark on a quest to secure a whale to bring back to the future to save the world. The Voyage Home is easily one of the most enjoyable romps in the franchise, and is filled with the heart and humor that defined Star Trek of its era. 

Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)

There is perhaps no television show more important to the modern landscape than Star Trek: The Next Generation. Airing on syndication at a time when that was less-than-glamorous, the show defied the odds to become a blockbuster, redefining how viewers and networks alike think about television.

There are a lot of landmark things here, from “The Best of Both Worlds” giving us both The Borg and one of the most powerful cliffhanger endings ever, to a cavalcade of courtroom episodes where heroes talk their way out of conflict. There’s a lot to love here, and through some of the best television ever made, TNG set the tone for Star Trek and entertainment for decades to come. 

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993-1999)

It’s easy to be a saint in paradise. While The Next Generation celebrated a utopian future where no man was left behind, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine explored the gray areas of that world. The show is set on a space station that was formerly occupied by the fascist Cardassians, now co-run by a Federation-Bajoran alliance that doesn’t get along. And that’s before they discover the wormhole that threatens to reshape the dynamics of an already fragile political alliance and a prophecy declaring Commander Sisko an emissary to the gods.

There just aren’t words to describe how good, let alone how important, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine is. Wildly underappreciated in its time, DS9 is the moral discussion TNG never dared to have. It’s must-watch TV, even if you’re not into Star Trek. 

Star Trek: First Contact (1996)

It’s a little hard to recommend any of the four movies starring the Next Generation cast. The first movie, Star Trek: Generations (1994), is a muddled mess that puts off its main draw—Kirk and Picard, finally together!— until the last 20 minutes, while the last two, Star Trek: Insurrection (1998) and Star Trek: Nemesis (2002), suffer from uneven plots that skew too close to action schlock. But I still find myself enjoying the second film, Star Trek: First Contact, a mind-bending time-travel/horror flick that sees the Enterprise try to stop a Borg invasion in the past.

It’s still a bit too much action and doesn’t really line up with portrayals from the show (especially Picard, who argued for the Borg’s right to live as a sentient, evolving species under the Prime Directive on TNG, now coldly murdering them in droves), but it’s still a fun movie with some great moments of the crew stuck on Earth. 

Star Trek (2009)

With the last film a flop and no TV shows airing at the time, Star Trek needed a shot in the arm. J.J. Abrams, coming off the success of Lost (2004) and Mission: Impossible III (2006), helmed the reboot. 2009’s Star Trek blends time travel with the reboot element, establishing the new “Kelvin” Timeline, where James Kirk’s backstory was changed by a time-traveling Romulan.

Star Trek is fairly divisive, with fans of the classic series not jiving with the reboot’s slick, overproduced action and emotionally charged characters. Still, if you’re a new fan, this is a good way to dip your toes into Star Trek. Arguably, the series peaked with its second sequel, Star Trek: Beyond (20160, but development of a fourth film has stalled, and all signs are pointing to a new reboot. 

Star Trek: Prodigy (2021-2024)

This is probably my biggest “hear me out” on this list, given Star Trek: Prodigy is a children’s show, but hear me out. I’m aware I’ve left off some pretty notable Star Trek installments, like the incredibly divisive Star Trek: Voyager (1995) and the origin prequel series, Enterprise (2001). But I think Prodigy, which has proven to be a hit with critics and fans, does a great job of filling that void for new viewers.

For starters, you still get Voyager representation in the form of Kate Mulgrew’s Captain Janeway, helping to shepherd a band of misfit children who have found themselves stranded on a Starfleet vessel. But more than that, Prodigy celebrates the legacy of Star Trek in a way no other series does. Thanks to its animated format, generous guest casting, and archival audio, Prodigy brings everyone from Spock to Wesley Crusher into the fold. It’s also a fairly brisk watch, having ended after just 40 episodes. 

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022-Present)

I don’t have a problem with modern Star Trek, but it hasn’t always clicked for me. I haven’t watched Starfleet Academy (2026) yet, and I found Star Trek: Discovery (2017) to be all over the place after its big third-season twist. But Discovery delivered my favorite modern Trek series, Strange New Worlds.

Set on the Enterprise five years before Kirk takes over, Strange New Worlds follows the ship with a crew of mostly new characters under Captain Pike. There’s a warmth and a kindness to the series that isn’t present in a lot of Trek, and I find it really comforting. If you were starting anywhere, Strange New Worlds would probably be where I send you, given that it’s easy to pick up and brings a lot of classic Star Trek’s spirit back to the franchise.

In the world of cinema, the Academy Awards are some of the greatest accolades a filmmaker can earn. For actors, getting to take the stage and win an Oscar is a sign that the industry recognizes and respects your craft. But that doesn’t mean they’re perfect. There have been plenty of winners who feel like poor choices in retrospect, and there are plenty of worthy performers who never got the chance to take home the win.

While some of the actors on this list went on to receive honorary awards from the Academy in recognition of their careers, they never took home the win on Oscar night. Some of them at least earned nominations, while others never even got that opportunity. Looking back at Oscar history, here are 10 actors who deserved a win for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor but never actually pulled off a win.

Ralph Fiennes (3 Nominations)

Ralph Fiennes is one of those great actors in Hollywood who feels like he should have a shelf full of Oscars, but he’s never actually won an Academy Award. Gifted with a no-nonsense authenticity that he can bring to everything from grounded thrillers like The Constant Gardener (2005) to blockbuster villainy as Voldemort in the Harry Potter series, Fiennes’s three nominations speak to his versatility.

His monstrously mundane performance as Amon Göth in Schindler’s List (1993) earned him his only nomination for Best Supporting Actor, while his more morally optimistic roles in The English Patient (1996) and Conclave (2024) highlighted his strength as a leading man. Fiennes hasn’t earned an Oscar yet—in a just world, he’d take home one for his wildly weird but deeply empathetic turn in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026).

Cary Grant (2 Nominations)

Cary Grant is one of the idealized stars of classic Hollywood, an early and enduring example of what the movie star became in the 20th century. Despite laying the groundwork for some of cinema’s most memorable leading man archetypes in comedies like His Gal Friday (1940), thrillers like Notorious (1946), and adventure films like North by Northwest (1959), Grant never actually took home an Academy Award.

He was nominated twice during his career, failing to win for either Penny Serenade (1941) or None But the Lonely Heart (1944). Some of his most famous (and charming) performances, such as Arsenic and Old Lace (1944) and Charade (1963), all went without nominations. While he’s more than earned his place in Hollywood history after starring in over seventy films, it’s a shame Grant never got his chance to take the stage at the Academy Awards.

Alan Rickman (0 Nominations)

One of the great oversights in Oscar history was the academy’s failure to ever nominate Alan Rickman before his untimely passing. While most audiences know Rickman best for his turn as Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series or as the diabolically charming thief Hans Gruber in Die Hard (1988), Rickman was a highly respected thespian who earned many major award nominations over the course of his career.

While his most critically acclaimed work involves the stage or television, he also starred in BAFTA-nominated films like Sense and Sensibility (1995) and Michael Collins (1996). He should have at least gotten a nomination for Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991), where his deliciously despicable Sheriff of Nottingham is one of the unexpected joys of a campy action movie for the ages. At least the BAFTAs recognized the strength of that performance, giving Rickman an award and prompting him to note that subtly isn’t always the right choice.

Samuel L. Jackson (1 Nomination)

Samuel L. Jackson is one of the most iconic screen actors of the last 50 years, with a career that spans powerfully human performances to his blockbuster turns in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Star Wars franchise. Despite his ability to mold his signature traits into distinct characters, almost none of his performances have earned major award recognition from the Academy of Motion Pictures, although he received an honorary Academy Award in 2022. 

To date, his only nomination is for Pulp Fiction (1994), which he lost to Martin Landau’s performance in Ed Wood (1994). While that’s a great film, it means that Jackson remains criminally underappreciated by the academy. At least he has the ultimate consolidation prize: Jackson is among the highest-grossing actors of all time, highlighting how his place in Hollywood history is cemented with or without an Oscar.

Peter O'Toole (8 Nominations)

As one of Hollywood’s most legendary leading actors, Peter O’Toole is in some of the best epics of all time, yet that success never translated into an Academy Award. The star of Lawrence of Arabia (1962) earned plenty of respect from the academy and earned eight Academy Award nominations between 1962 and 2006. Unfortunately, he was beaten out each time despite the strength of his work in films like Becket (1964) and Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1969).

The problem for O’Toole was that, by almost sheer luck, each of his nominations went up against iconic turns from other legendary actors, like Gregory Peck in To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) or Robert De Niro in Raging Bull (1980). As a result, he’s actually tied with Glenn Close for the actor with the most nominations and no wins.

Willem Dafoe (4 Nominations)

Willem Dafoe is one of Hollywood’s most intriguing actors, bringing a distinct energy that can go from understated to unhinged in an instant. It’s why he makes such memorable supporting characters and villains in blockbusters like Spider-Man (2002) and The Boondock Saints (1999). It’s also something the academy appreciates, as three of his four Oscar nominations have been for Best Supporting Actor.

Dafoe has been nominated in three different decades in the category, with recognition for the Vietnam War drama Platoon (1986), the terrifically meta horror film Shadow of the Vampire (2000), and Sean Baker’s understated coming-of-age film, The Florida Project (2017). He earned his first Best Actor nomination for At Eternity’s Gate (2018), but the beloved character actor still hasn’t earned an actual win.

Johnny Depp (3 Nominations)

While the actor has become a more controversial figure in recent years, there was a time when Johnny Depp was one of the biggest stars in the world. Similar to Samuel L. Jackson, the actor developed a specific on-screen persona, although his was far more in line with frequent collaborator Tim Burton’s interest in gothic romance than the harsher characters Jackson plays. After breaking big in the 1990s thanks to starring turns in Edward Scissorhands (1990) and Ed Wood, the actor racked up three Academy Award nominations in the span of five years.

While his iconic debut as Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) earned unexpected raves for the actor, his more dramatic performance in Finding Neverland (2004) and musical turn in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007) also earned nods. Depp lost in all three cases, although he did take home a Golden Globe for the latter performance.

Bradley Cooper (12 Nominations)

Bradley Cooper has missed out on each of his dozen Oscar nominations, which also underscores his versatility in the film industry. After making his big break as Alias (2001) and starring in blockbuster hits like The Hangover (2009), Cooper started racking up Oscar nominations in Silver Linings Playbook (2012).

In the subsequent decade, Cooper has earned nominations for his performances in American Hustle (2013), American Sniper (2014), A Star is Born (2018), and Maestro (2023), but hasn’t won for any of them. He’s also earned nominations as a screenwriter and producer, including Joker (2019) and Nightmare Alley (2021). Given how many aspects of the industry he works in, it’s likely only a matter of time before Cooper wins an award.

Oscar Isaac (0 Nominations)

Oscar Isaac is one of the best actors of this current generation, but he has never gotten an Academy Award nomination. The actor has displayed a great wealth of talents in playing complex characters, bringing a sympathetic vibe to his toxic characters in Inside Llewyn Davis (2013), The Card Counter (2021), and Frankenstein (2025). Even his most broadly appealing characters, like Marc Spector in Moon Knight (2022), are subverted with darker edges.

However, the actor has yet to take home a win, which is a shame, especially after great performances in movies like Operation Finale (2018) and Ex Machina (2015) were just as worthy of a nomination as anything else released that year. Hopefully, Issac’s dry spell ends soon, and the actor is able to finally snag a nomination and win.

Donald Sutherland (0 Nominations)

Despite being one of the most acclaimed actors of the 20th century and delivering plenty of fantastic performances, Donald Sutherland never actually earned an Academy Award nomination during his lengthy career. After breaking out in charming roles in war films like The Dirty Dozen (1967) and Kelly’s Heroes (1970), Sutherland starred in dozens of acclaimed dramas like Ordinary People (1980) and sci-fi stories like Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978).

Despite delivering terrific performances (seriously, check out his turn in 1973’s Don’t Look Now if you want to see pure grief on screen), modern audiences are likely most familiar with his appearances as President Snow in the Hunger Games franchise. However, despite his plethora of great performances, Sutherland never earned a single Oscar nomination during his career. The actor got plenty of award recognition for his work in television, though, including Emmys for his work in Citizen X (1995).

Not to be dramatic, but when Leslie Knope coined the term "Galentine's Day" on Parks and Recreation (2009), lives were changed. The show has become a cultural staple, with influences on our pop culture zeitgeist that have changed us significantly. Things like "treat yo self" as well as the holiday that celebrates women's friendships aren't just silly things now, but they're spreading wider and farther into the lives of those who've never seen it either.  

And with all the hype around Valentine's Day every year, it's high time we make Galentine's Day just as significant, with movie marathons featuring iconic feats like Thelma & Louis (1991) as well as Bridesmaids (2011), to some underrated ones. Streaming on platforms like Prime Video, Netflix, and more, here are the best Galentine's Day movies to watch with your besties. 

Thelma & Louis (1991)

You don't even have to watch Thelma & Louis to know that they're essentially synonymous with Galentine's Day, and perhaps even more than that. The idea of ride or die is born from the loyalty that the titular characters have for one another, and their impact on pop culture, as well as how women are portrayed in media, making it hugely influential for countless reasons.

Loyalty is the very foundation of friendship and romantic relationships, and the faith the titular characters place in one another takes the notion to literal new heights every time. There's something new and exciting about the movie every time you watch it, making it the absolute staple that it is. Plus, the performances that Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon bring to the center make it just as legendary. Leslie and Ann would definitely have this on repeat, so you should, too. 

Bridesmaids (2011)

The early 2000s were brimming with great movies centered around strong female friendships, but later it started dwindling until we got the absolute riot that is Bridesmaids. Wildly hilarious and genuinely stunning in its depiction of what it means to keep old friendships and build new ones, few things nail the notion as brilliantly as Bridesmaids.

Starring some of the biggest legends in comedy, like Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, and more, everything about Bridesmaids also shines because of its incredible cast. Comedies have to be well-written, but they’re brought to life by actors who get the genre, too. You won't just hold your stomach and laugh at the top of your lungs, but in the end, you'll feel so much lighter for what the movie brings as a roaring comedy and a love letter to friendships. 

9 to 5 (1980) 

Like Thelma & Louis, in a lot of ways, 9 to 5 is also about the women who band together and fight for a better future. It's for this reason that it's another iconic treasure, but it also stands as a staple because of its cast. Starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin, the three women alone are enough reason to watch. 

As a film from the '80s, its influence on how we've created workplace comedies shines so beautifully, and it's the kind of movie that Leslie Knope would be especially proud of. While the premises aren't remotely similar, fans of the show would undoubtedly adore it if you haven't seen it. It's fun, utterly worthwhile, and surprisingly progressive in the best way, as it showcases how much inequalities are present in the workplace between men and women. The message alone is worthwhile, making it the perfect watch for Galentine's Day. 

Now and Then (1995)

Heartbreaking at times and deeply moving, Now and Then is a perfect movie centered around friendship that fans of Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood (2002) and even Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005), would enjoy. Packed with a mystery and featuring women of different personalities, the movie gorgeously serves as a testament to friendship and hope.

There's a type of sadness that's present in most movies that feature coming-of-age friendships. But there's also an even deeper nostalgia, especially if you grew up in the time the movies were made. Now and Then is one of those movies, and it's a lovely one at that, which effectively evokes a sense of hope that's ultimately so hard to describe, it feels like it needs its own word. Still, if you've somehow never seen it, now's the perfect time to do so.

Beaches (1988)

I first watched Beaches because it was mentioned on One Tree Hill (2003) as I was watching live, and the riveting parallels clarified just how many tropes and formulas are part of so many great movies and TV shows. Because of this, Beaches is an inimitable testament to friendships and what it means to withstand betrayals, pain, and losses while allowing friendship to remain anchored in loyalty.

Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey deliver some of their best performances as the kind of team that cannot be replicated. It's not an easy movie to watch with death and loss as well as heavy fights, but the end result is a reminder of what it means to be a friend in trying times, as well as how strong female friendships can have such a lasting impact. 

Barb & Star Go To Vista Del Mar (2021)

Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar is the most fun I've had with a movie since Bridesmaids. Wildly hilarious and a breath of fresh air from start to finish, it's the best kind of comedy to celebrate women's friendships. Utterly bonkers in all the most unexpected ways, the most appropriate way to enjoy the film is to go in without any knowledge of what's in store.

A movie like Barb & Star only works if its wildly outlandish script is paired with great actors who can bring the material to life in a manner that feels believable, and that's exactly what the cast does. Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo are hilarious, and Jamie Dornan steals the show in a way you'd never expect from him. The absolute perfect movie to pair with a Galentine's Day night of fun and all the junk food, this one's an underrated gem that deserves so much more hype.

Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion (1997)

You can't have a Galentine's Day list without the women who "invented Post-its," obviously. Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion is the '90s girlfriends gem that's not to be missed and perfect for anyone who loves stories like Now and Then. The only difference is that this one's significantly lighter and an absolute blast from start to finish. 

On a list of movies that are informative and vital, there's something about how Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion speaks to the importance of holding female friendships and why they matter. High school reunions are glamorized in movies, yet the movie is precisely why there's even a modicum of joy in the idea of revisiting the places that hurt us with the people who matter most. In other words, it's a comedy staple for anyone who loves celebrating friendships and successes. 

Brad Pitt didn't just fall into his Hollywood leading man status. He earned it by taking on several small roles in often mediocre projects and turning them into something memorable. From the sun-kissed heartthrob years of Thelma & Louise (1991) to the grimy charisma of Fight Club (1999), Pitt has built a career defined by smart risk-taking and an almost mischievous refusal to stay in one lane.

After that, he resisted the gravitational pull of super-stardom long enough to become a consistently entertaining actor. What's especially interesting in retrospect was Pitt's willingness to experiment with sometimes awkward and occasionally disastrous projects like the 1992 live-action/animation film Cool World, which has a shockingly low 4% critics rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes.  

Cool World, which can be found on Prime Video and other streamers, is often dismissed as an embarrassing footnote in the Oscar-winner's career, a cautionary tale from before Pitt really knew better. But that framing ignores something important. Cool World is part of the messy, fascinating process that made Pitt who he is. And more than three decades later, it might deserve a second look, if you're brave enough.

'Cool World' Lives In The Long, Unforgiving Shadow Of 'Roger Rabbit'

Directed by Ralph Bakshi, Cool World follows cartoonist Jack Deebs (Gabriel Byrne), who is literally pulled into his own animated creation. The lurid, neon-drenched cartoon universe is governed by strange rules and even stranger desires. At the center of it all is Holli Would (Kim Basinger), a hyper-sexualized cartoon femme fatale determined to cross into the real world and become human.

Pitt plays Frank Harris, a Cool World detective who crosses over into the real world and becomes obsessed with policing the boundary between the two realms. If this setup feels eerily familiar, it's because the movie lives in the long shadow of Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, Robert Zemeckis' 1988 masterpiece, which set the gold standard for popular live-action/animation blends.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit? follows Eddie Valiant (Bob Hoskins), a hard-boiled private eye in 1940s Hollywood, where cartoons (known as Toons) are real, sentient beings living alongside humans. When Toon star Roger Rabbit (Charles Fleischer) is framed for murder, Eddie reluctantly teams up with him to find the real killer, and the pair stumble onto a conspiracy that threatens their entire existence.

Similar Ingredients, Radically Different Intentions

The real difference between the films is their respective intent. Who Framed Roger Rabbit? uses familiar tropes like noir, slapstick comedy, and expertly defined worldbuilding to create something that can only be described as technically brilliant and emotionally coherent. Its rules are clear, its tone is confident, and its affection for classic animation can be felt in every frame. So while it appears chaotic on the surface, the story is tightly controlled.

Cool World, by contrast, is deliberately antagonistic. Bakshi wasn't interested in creating a family-friendly story. Instead, he wanted to push animation into uncomfortable, adult territory. Where Who Framed Roger Rabbit? celebrates the collision of worlds, Cool World treats that same collision as dangerous and deeply sexual, which is an odd choice.

The movie can never seem to decide whether it wants to critique fantasy, indulge in it, or punish the audience for watching. Strangely enough, that indecisiveness is where Cool World accidentally becomes more interesting than its reputation suggests. What if the film only failed to replicate the success of Who Framed Roger Rabbit? because it was actively trying to resist similarities in tone?

Frank Harris And The Cost Of Breaking The Rules

If Bakshi's world is unstable on purpose (a place where desire warps logic and rules exist only to be broken Cool World's chaos becomes kind of elegant and reflects an era when mainstream animation briefly flirted with ideas it didn't yet know how to articulate. Frank Harris is central to that unease. Unlike Eddie Valiant, who represents order, Frank is a walking contradiction.

Born of a broken rule, Frank was raised inside a system he doesn't belong to fully, and is obsessed with enforcing rules that his entire existence undermines. Pitt plays him with a twitchy intensity and barely contained frustration, which (if you think about it) sort of reads like an actor testing how strange he can afford to be. In hindsight, that discomfort feels like the point.

That means Cool World is ambitious because it purposefully tries to drag animation into adult psychological territory without a safety net. The result is often alienating and undeniably flawed. But it does make it worth revisiting as a strange, provocative artifact of an actor (Pitt) and a medium that, at the time, were both figuring out what they could get away with.

'Cool World' Was An Experiment Hollywood Wasn't Ready To Finish

Visually, Cool World also reaches further than it's often given credit for, particularly in its use of rotoscoping. Bakshi had long been fascinated by the technique, and here it becomes a tool of unease rather than novelty. By tracing live-action movement into animation, the film gives its Doodles an uncanny physicality that's too human to feel safely cartoonish, too artificial to feel fully real.

Viewed through a modern lens, Cool World feels less like a failed movie and more like a rejected hypothesis that asks what happens when fantasy isn't cute, but invasive, erotic, and destabilizing? Because, unlike Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, which ultimately restores harmony between humans and Toons, Cool World refuses to give viewers any comfort.

That refusal is why the film feels abrasive. Bakshi doesn't offer animation as an escape or a metaphor neatly resolved by the third act. Instead, animation becomes something volatile that exposes human desire rather than softening it. The film's obsession with rules and punishment suggests that fantasy is something that must be tightly regulated before it spills into real life and ruins everything.

Maul: Shadow Lord (2026) is Star Wars’ latest TV series. Set to premiere on April 6, 2026, the animated series marks Darth Maul’s (Sam Witwer) first solo project. Although the Sith Lord seemingly died in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (1999), Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) revealed that he survived. The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels (2014) continue developing Maul’s story, exploring his desire for vengeance after Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) defeated him in The Phantom Menace.

Maul has steadily become one of Star Wars’ most popular villains due to his demonic appearance, fighting skills, and the lengths his bitterness and thirst for revenge have driven him to. Hence, it’s not surprising Star Wars is giving him his own series with Maul: Shadow Lord. However, what is surprising is where the franchise chose to pick up his story, tying it to a largely forgotten eight-year-old film in the franchise.

This Star Wars Project Teased The Premise Of ‘Maul: Shadow Lord’ 8 Years Ago

In 2018, Solo: A Star Wars Story arrived on the big screen. The Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich) origin story film from director Ron Howard offered a unique blend of sci-fi and heist action. The film sees a young, cynical Han Solo join Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo) and a band of thieves as they pull off a daring robbery on the mining planet Kessel. Despite an interesting story centred on a fan-favourite character, Solo: A Star Wars Story struggled at the box office and marked Disney’s first major loss from a Star Wars movie. Although the critical response was relatively good, it wasn’t a standout among audiences or critics.

Since then, the film has largely faded from public discussion and become one of the most forgotten Star Wars stories. That is, until Maul: Shadow Lord’s premise re-established the significance of Solo: A Star Wars Story, which isn’t surprising considering the Sith Lord himself makes a surprise appearance at the end of the movie.

Throughout Solo: A Star Wars Story, you learn that the shadowy crime syndicate, Crimson Dawn, is pulling the strings on the whole heist ordeal. While Dryden Vos (Paul Bettany) is a high-ranking Crimson Dawn boss, there’s a sense that there’s someone else above him. Someone even more powerful. Indeed, the film finally reveals that Darth Maul is the head of the crime syndicate. Meanwhile, it teases that his story isn’t over, as he beckons his lieutenant Qi’ra (Emilia Clarke) to Dathomir following the failure of her mission.

‘Shadow Lord’ Finally Delves Into Maul’s Crime Boss Story

Although Ehrenreich and Clarke signed on for further Star Wars projects and there were discussions of a Solo: A Star Wars Story sequel, nothing came to fruition. While the Crimson Trilogy comic book series revealed Qi’ra took over the Crimson Dawn after Maul’s death, very little is known about Maul’s time running the syndicate. Aside from his Solo cameo, the period between The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels is blank.

For years, it seemed like we’d never get this piece of Maul’s story. However, Maul: Shadow Lord will finally delve into the world of Maul’s crime empire. The story actually connects to both The Clone Wars and Solo. It takes place shortly after the events of The Clone Wars and several years before Maul’s cameo in Solo. Hence, it will explore the early years of Maul’s empire, finally explaining how Maul came to be the crime lord we saw in Solo.

‘Maul: Shadow Lord’ Encourages Viewers To Give ‘Solo’ A Second Chance

When Maul first made his surprise cameo in Solo: A Star Wars Story, it was exciting. We assumed we’d get a sequel movie where Maul was the main antagonist. However, the lack of a sequel left us with a Maul cliffhanger instead. Maul: Shadow Lord may not be the sequel we were anticipating, but at least it’s a prequel that promises to do something with that cameo after all these years.

While it will be a good refresher to see Solo: A Star Wars Story before Maul: Shadow Lord, it’s not just for the Maul cameo alone. It’s also an excellent watch because it invites you into a different part of the Star Wars universe. Star Wars’ previous installments feature high-stakes galactic battles between the Jedi and Sith, while Solo delves into the more mysterious and gritty underworld. The criminal underworld offers a premise perfect for fostering its space Western and heist vibes. It adds a grit and an old-school sense of adventure, filled with lawlessness, petty thieves, and crime bosses, that really make it unique.

Now, Maul: Shadow Lord is finally continuing that deep dive into the underworld where the Shadow Lord lurks to avoid the attention of the Galactic Empire. Based on the trailer, it seems to be adopting its own tone and vibe: a gritty, intimate crime drama with a noir flair. Eight years after Solo, Maul: Shadow Lord demonstrates the appeal of the Star Wars underworld and how one forgotten Star Wars movie may have been onto something by tapping into that world first.

Did you know you can watch movies on JustWatch and that some are even free? We recently launched JustWatch TV, a new streaming service offering up tons of great films and shows, from new hits to award-winning favorites, and even some old-school classics from the ‘50s and ‘60s. 

As a horror fan, I feel like it’s my duty to let you all know that JustWatch TV also has a solid collection of horror movies that are perfect for spooky enthusiasts. From slashers to paranormal frights, creature features, and more, I have to admit that after checking out JustWatch’s library, I’m pretty impressed. If you’re looking to watch some great genre flicks (some even completely for free), check out the list below for the best horror movies streaming on JustWatch TV. 

Scream 2 (1997) 

Picking up after Wes Craven’s original 1996 film, Scream 2 sees Sidney Prescott now in college. But a copycat killer is on the loose, and once again, someone wearing the iconic Ghostface mask begins targeting her. Scream 2 is interesting because it’s one of the rare horror sequels that is considered just as good (if not better) than the original. It even has a higher Rotten Tomatoes score. 

Plus, the Scream 2 cast is absolutely stacked. Of course, Neve Campbell reprises her role as Sidney, along with Courteney Cox and David Arquette. But the supporting cast is great too, including Sarah Michelle Gellar, Laurie Metcalf, Jada Pinkett, Timothy Olyphant, and Omar Epps, among many others. If you love meta slashers like Heart Eyes (2025), you’ll love the Scream franchise. Plus, Scream 3 (2000), Scream (2022), and Scream VI (2024) are all on JustWatch TV as well. 

Cloverfield (2008)

I love a good kaiju movie, and while I definitely enjoy the MonsterVerse franchise, I’m also a horror fan and miss the days when Godzilla still felt kinda scary. Luckily, we have Cloverfield, a found-footage movie about a giant alien that rampages through Manhattan. 

While the movie isn’t perfect, it still has a lot of great and scary aspects to it. Plus, watching major cities get destroyed by monsters never gets old. As the MonsterVerse continues to become more of a Fast & Furious-style action franchise full of absurdity, it’s great to have a film like Cloverfield, which I’d argue is still the best horror kaiju movie America has gotten in decades.  

Crawl (2019)

I love a good animal horror movie, so I was thrilled when I saw that 2019’s Crawl is available on JustWatch TV right now. In the film, Florida is experiencing a massive hurricane that’s bringing torrential flooding. Desperate to find her father and evacuate, college swimmer Haley (Kaya Scodelario) goes to his house, only to find that he’s been attacked by alligators. Even worse, with the rising floodwater, more gators are making their way into the neighborhood. 

It’s ridiculous, it’s wild, but it’s also tons of fun. Not to mention that it’s really the only major gator movie we’ve gotten since Lake Placid way back in 1999. Gator movies are unique because they’re like shark movies, with the added danger that the animal can also live on land and breathe air… meaning you aren’t safe from them anywhere. 

Smile (2022)

In Smile, a demonic curse is passed between people when one person kills themselves in front of another. After their death, the curse gets passed on to the witness, who then becomes the one who kills themselves in front of someone, continuing the cycle. If you’re picking up some massive It Follows (2015) vibes, you aren’t alone. But It Follows was terrific, so I’m totally okay with it. 

It’s also been revealed that Smile 3 is on the way after the success of 2024’s Smile 2 (which is also available on JustWatch TV), so now is a great time to start watching the franchise before the new movie drops, allegedly later this year!

A Quiet Place (2018)

In A Quiet Place, blind aliens with an incredible sense of hearing have invaded Earth, and humans are forced to live in the fragmented remnants of civilizations that remain. The movie is fun, scary, and tense, basically combining tons of great tropes we’ve seen before, but in all the right ways. 

It’s got the post-apocalyptic vibes of The Walking Dead (2010), the blind monsters of The Descent (2005), and the concept of a family trying to survive a catastrophe like War of the Worlds (2005). A Quiet Place took a lot of stuff that works and brilliantly made them all work together. So if you loved any of the movies mentioned above, you’ll find something to enjoy in A Quiet Place. Plus, A Quiet Place Part II (2021) and A Quiet Place: Day One (2024) are also available on JustWatch TV.

There is no other anime series quite like Dragon Ball. From humble beginnings as a comedy martial arts series to the explosive popularity of Dragon Ball Z (1996), there isn’t an anime fan who doesn’t know about the series. It’s endured for 40 years, and while its creator, Akira Toriyama, passed away in 2024, the show must go on, so to speak. Dragon Ball Super (2015) just had its second season announced, and as the first new Dragon Ball series to release without Toriyama’s direct involvement, all eyes are on it. 

While Super may have been polarizing upon its release, it has more than earned its place in the series canon. Renewed interest in the series has abounded on Crunchyroll, and here, on JustWatch, where it currently ranks at #634 on the streaming charts, which is notable for a decade-old anime. While there is no confirmed release date for Dragon Ball Super’s second season, it gives fans plenty of time to catch up on the franchise and prepare themselves for the next installment of the world’s most popular anime. If you want to be ready for when the Galactic Patrol Prisoner Arc begins, here’s what you need to watch. 

Dragon Ball Super Season 1 (2015-2018)

If you’re going to watch the next major season of Dragon Ball Super, then watching the first season is mandatory viewing, especially to see all the setup for the Galactic Patrol Prisoner Arc. Dragon Ball Super expanded the universe in interesting ways, mostly with new concepts like gods, angels, and parallel realities. While Super’s earlier seasons can be rough and pale in comparison to their theatrical counterparts, the later seasons deliver some solid shonen action with plenty of spectacle.

Each of the five arcs builds logically on the others to create a fulfilling narrative where the show’s large supporting cast is able to shine. It may take some time to go through Super’s 131-episode run, but the deeper you get into it, the more the action will hit you. 

Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)

Dragon Ball Super: Broly is in a weird spot. It exists as this bridge between many earlier non-canon films and Dragon Ball Super, yet the movie itself was never adapted into manga, but is still referenced within it. It’s kind of complicated, but it doesn’t change the fact that Broly is all kinds of awesome. Dragon Ball Super: Broly is as simple a story as you can get. It’s about Goku and Vegeta fighting against Broly, an unfathomably strong foe who smashes through everything like it’s tissue paper.

The plot of this 100-minute film gets the job done because Broly is all about spectacle. If you were stunned by the attention to detail in Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle’s (2025) fight scenes, Broly goes one step further. The way the score and the action sync up to make the fight feel like a true battle of gods is the definition of hype. It’s popcorn entertainment at its finest, and even if the arc doesn’t get adapted following the Galactic Patrol Prisoner Arc, it’s still worth watching for the sheer quality of the animation on display.

Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022)

Dragon Ball Super: Broly’s odd placement in the series canon makes it tricky to recommend. However, if Dragon Ball Super goes beyond the Galactic Patrol Prisoner Arc, then it would adapt the plot of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, making the film worth checking out if you want insight into the future of the series. 

Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is a remarkably different film from the other entries in the series. Most obviously, it eschews traditional 2D animation and completely uses CGI. It gives the film a unique flavor, one that fans of Orange Studio productions like Leviathan (2025) will instantly find familiar. It makes the fight scenes more dynamic, and the sheer scale of them grander than ever before. Not only that, but Goku and Vegeta are barely in the movie, which allows the supporting cast to take the spotlight. If you’ve been eager to see Gohan and Piccolo take leading roles after years of irrelevance, then Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero will offer a breath of fresh air for longtime veterans.

Dragon Ball Z (1996-2003)

While it goes without saying that fans of Dragon Ball Super have most likely seen Dragon Ball Z since it first hit the scene, it’s still worth mentioning that the series that made Dragon Ball a worldwide phenomenon deserves a rewatch as well. Dragon Ball Z is one of those genre-defining shows that’s impossible to replicate. It was released at just the right time in America for Western anime fans to grab onto and never let go.

Despite gaining popularity in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, there’s a timelessness to Dragon Ball Z that is still entertaining to this day. There’s a real sense of impact in the fight scenes that captures the charm of the era, much like other action anime like Yu Yu Hakusho (1992). Each punch and ki blast looks like it hurts, and the focus on telling long storylines that span dozens of episodes makes the show perfect for those looking for something that’ll last them months.

Dragon Ball DAIMA (2024-2025)

Dragon Ball DAIMA is the most recent Dragon Ball anime, though don’t expect it to impact Super’s second season all that much. DAIMA was conceived as a self-contained 40th anniversary project set between Z and Super. While it may not be essential viewing to understanding the next chapter of the Dragon Ball story, it is essential in understanding how Toei Animation will approach making Super’s new season. 

While Dragon Ball Super had difficulties finding a healthy mix of comedy and action, DAIMA does so expertly. The comedy never feels forced, and the action set pieces are some of the best that the franchise has ever seen. While the series is only 20 episodes long and can feel rushed at points, when it focuses on action, it’s sensational and rivals modern action masterpieces like Jujutsu Kaisen (2020). If Toei takes its time and forces Super’s second season to match the pacing of DAIMA as opposed to Super Season 1, then the Galactic Patrol Prisoner Arc could be the best Dragon Ball arc ever animated.

Harry Potter has always been a story about choosing who you are. Harry chooses courage. Hermione chooses truth. Ron chooses loyalty. And Draco Malfoy mostly chooses to be the worst. For years, Draco existed in the fandom as the sneering counterpoint to Gryffindor heroism: a school bully wrapped in expensive robes and bad ideology. You weren't really supposed to like him. You were supposed to roll your eyes and move on.

Which is why Draco becoming a symbol of luck and celebration in the 2026 Chinese Lunar New Year feels so surreal; it borders on fan fiction. And yet, here we are. Somewhere between meme culture and the Internet's unmatched ability to remix meaning, one of fantasy's most recognizable antagonists has been rebranded as festive décor.

It's the kind of pop culture twist that says a lot about how fandom evolves. Sometimes the character you loved to hate becomes the face on a red envelope wishing you prosperity. More importantly, this news comes just as the Wizarding World prepares for its next reboot cycle, with a new Harry Potter television series on the horizon and a generation of viewers about to meet Draco for the first time.

Draco's Link To The Chinese Lunar New Year Mascot

The Chinese Lunar New Year is all about symbolism. Animals, colors, and wordplay are all basically a visual shorthand for luck. So when language accidentally creates a perfect omen, people run with it. In Mandarin, Draco Malfoy's name (Ma Er Fu) can be read in a way that links "horse" and "fortune." "Ma" means "horse" (马), while the third references good fortune (福).

And 2026 happens to be the Year of the Horse. That coincidence was all the Internet needed. Almost overnight, Draco's face started appearing on traditional red decorations, posters, magnets, and phone cases across China. The imagery follows the same visual language used for prosperity symbols, featuring bright red backdrops, celebratory typography, and placement that invites good luck.

It's playful, but it's also culturally consistent. Lunar New Year has always embraced clever puns and unexpected mascots. Draco just happens to be the most globally recognizable one this year. Even Tom Felton has acknowledged the trend online, which only fuels the loop between official Harry Potter nostalgia and grassroots Internet creativity.

Draco's Shift From Bully To Tragic Figure

Although Draco becoming the unofficial mascot for the Lunar New Year isn't about redeeming the character inside the story, fans have started to reevaluate him over the years. Draco begins the series exactly how you remember, arrogant, prejudiced, and desperate for approval. He's written as a narrative mirror to Harry's moral clarity, which makes him easy to dislike.

But the older the series gets, the less simple Draco becomes. By 2009's Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, he isn't a cartoonish antagonist anymore. He's a terrified teenager tasked with murdering Dumbledore to protect his family. And when the moment comes, he can't do it. That hesitation changes everything because the true villains in Harry Potter rarely hesitate.

Voldemort doesn't. Bellatrix doesn't. Even Umbridge doesn't. But Draco does. From there, perception of Draco slowly started to shift as fans started asking whether his actions were motivated by fear and his upbringing, rather than by cruelty. Even though Draco never gets a big heroic redemption arc, he does become human. And in long-running franchises, humanity often earns a character a second life in pop culture.

What The New 'Harry Potter' Series Could Change

HBO's upcoming Harry Potter television adaptation has one major advantage over the films. More episodes mean more room for quiet character introspection, which is the exact place where Draco's complexity lives in the books. His isolation. His panic. His reluctance. His survival instinct in the final battle. If the series uses that material, a new generation might meet Draco not as a one-note bully.

Instead, he will be seen as something closer to a tragic byproduct of the Wizarding World's social hierarchy. That would meaningfully shift his legacy because perception and fan fiction have already reimagined him. The Harry Potter series could be the moment canon finally catches up with the fandom, giving Draco the emotional texture the films only hinted at.

Or it could reset him back to square one. Either way, if the Chinese New Year trend proves anything, it's that the world is ready to look at Draco Malfoy differently. And in pop culture, that kind of reinterpretation really is its own kind of magic. But you can decide for yourself by checking out all eight Harry Potter movies on platforms like HBO Max, Hulu, and more.

While promoting his dark comedic thriller, No Other Choice (2025), director Park Chan-wook revealed a surprising guilty pleasure movie to JustWatch. "I've always claimed the sequel to The Exorcist is a great film," he said, and later, "So, I always tell my friends that the sequel is as much of a masterpiece as the first movie is."

WATCH: Park Chan-wook & Lee Byung-hun Defend Their Guilty Pleasures - Including a HATED Horror Sequel

If you're a well-versed horror fan, then your jaw might be hanging open. After all, The Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977) is frequently regarded as one of the worst movies ever made, horror or otherwise. The sequel, directed by John Boorman, picks up four years after the terrifying events of The Exorcist. Remember that poetic ending of Father Karras (Jason Miller) reaffirming his faith and sacrificing himself for Regan (Linda Blair)? Well, The Exorcist II essentially tosses that aside to explain that the demon, Pazuzu, still hides inside her. Aside from that, there's a whole lot of talk about biofeedback devices, brainwaves, and psychic abilities. 

To call its release a disaster is almost an understatement. According to The Exorcist: Out of the Shadows by Bob McCabe, the director of The Exorcist, William Friedkin labeled the sequel "a stupid mess made by a dumb guy." While that particular review feels overly cruel, considering Boorman made acclaimed hits like Deliverance (1972) and cult favorites like Point Blank (1967), most audiences and critics agreed that The Exorcist II paled in comparison to the original film, mainly because Boorman decided to go in his own bizarre direction with the idea. 

'The Exorcist II' Barely Qualifies As A Horror Movie

In some ways, The Exorcist II feels like a slap across the face. Audiences who watch the movie expecting the same creeping dread and claustrophobic scares of the original film get a weird metaphysical thriller instead. The tone was purposeful on Boorman's part, who wanted a more positive movie that directly contrasted with the original's "ugliness" and "darkness." The issue: It's not what most fans wanted. 

However, as Park Chan-wook proves, The Exorcist II still has its fans. There's a surreal, almost dream-like quality to the film that makes it feel unique. Considering Chan-wook is known for his vibrant visual style, it makes sense that he'd see the beauty in The Exorcist II's hallucinogenic flare. To call it a "masterpiece" feels like a bit of a stretch, but that's the fun of art: subjectivity. Because, let's be real, even though most people see 1973's The Exorcist as one of the greatest movies ever made, you can also bet it has haters.

Why To Watch 'The Exorcist II' (And What To Watch After) 

Truthfully, The Exorcist II is one of those movies that people could appreciate for very different reasons. Those who love "so-bad-they're-good" movies might latch onto the movie's cheesier moments and stranger plot points. Others might connect with the trippy, abstract tone, especially if they favor surrealist cinema, just don't expect anything on the level of David Lynch. Honestly, having the approval of Chan-wook makes The Exorcist II worth the reevaluation alone. If the director of Old Boy (2003) and Lady Vengeance (2005) sees something magical in it, then why not give it a watch with an open mind? A quick scroll through Reddit proves The Exorcist II might not be as horrible as everyone says. Maybe it's just average, if a little far-out.  

That said, if you're looking for a movie that better captures the spirit of The Exorcist, consider The Exorcist III (1990). Long revered as the superior sequel, it's arguably just as tense, atmospheric, and scary as the original. You'll get true psychological horror here that manages to deliver something unique while not veering off into left field like its predecessor. And, if you're asking me, The Exorcist (2016) TV series is a surprisingly compelling watch that doesn't get quite as much attention as it deserves. Seriously, check it out!

In show business, few acronyms are more impressive than EGOT. The term represents the four defining pillars of awards recognition in American entertainment: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. Collecting all four is the ultimate measure of success, a reflection of creative endurance, cross-medium brilliance, and cultural permanence. Only a select number of people have managed to reach that summit, and now director Steven Spielberg ranks among them.

Spielberg's path to EGOT status feels long overdue. For more than 50 years, he's become the essence of modern cinema by creating movies that balance visual spectacle with complex human feelings. From the terror we felt watching Jaws (1975) to the historical gravity of Schindler's List (1993) and the intensity of Saving Private Ryan (1998), Spielberg has done it all. But one final honor remained just out of reach.

That changed at the 2026 Grammys, where Spielberg earned recognition for working as a producer on Music by John Williams, a 2024 documentary film celebrating the composer whose scores have become synonymous with Spielberg's cinematic legacy. Now officially an EGOT winner, Spielberg joins one of entertainment's most exclusive circles. And as always, the meaning lies not only in the physical awards, but in the stories behind them

Here are some of the most notable EGOT winners, including Steven Spielberg. Each of these EGOT elite's screen projects can be found on streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max.

Steven Spielberg

Spielberg's EGOT résumé includes Oscar wins for the 1993 Holocaust drama Schindler's List and the World War II epic Saving Private Ryan (1998). The former remains one of cinema's most important historical works, and the latter is famous for redefining on-screen realism. On Broadway, Spielberg earned a Tony for producing The Color Purple in 2006, a stage adaptation of Alice Walker's 1982 novel.

Spielberg won an Emmy for executive producing Taken (2002), a sci-fi miniseries that follows three families who work in different ways to cover up the Roswell crash and the existence of aliens from 1944 to 2002. The final piece for the director was the Grammy for Music for John Williams.

Elton John

Elton John's journey to EGOT elite started with his Grammy wins for hit records like 1974's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Then in 1995, he earned an Oscar for composing the sweeping ballad "Can You Feel the Love Tonight." The song was featured in the animated film The Lion King (1994), which follows a lion cub named Simba, whose father, King Mufasa, is killed by his own brother.

In 2000, Elton John earned a Tony for Aida, a musical retelling of a love triangle between Nubian princess Aida, Egyptian captain Radames, and the Egyptian princess, Amneris. The singer completed his EGOT awards collection in 2024 with an Emmy for Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium, a concert special that perfectly captures the sentiment of his farewell tour.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg started earning her EGOT accolades with the 1986 Grammy for Whoopi Goldberg: Original Broadway Show Recording, which drew from her one-woman stage production featuring observational humor. In 1991, she won the Oscar for Ghost (1990), where she played psychic Oda Mae Brown, the only person able to communicate with a murdered man who is trying to protect his girlfriend.

In 2002, Goldberg took home a Tony for producing Thoroughly Modern Millie, a musical comedy that takes place in 1920s New York. The story follows a young woman determined to marry for money instead of love, only to discover independence matters more. That same year, she won an Emmy for narrating Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel, a documentary about the first Black actor to win an Oscar.

Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn's EGOT collection tells the story of a performer whose influence never faded. In 1954, she won the Oscar for Roman Holiday (1953), where she played a European princess who slips away from royal duty to experience the city with an American journalist. That same year, Hepburn earned a Tony for the stage fantasy, Ondine, which tells the story of a water spirit who falls in love with a mortal.

After she died, Hepburn won an Emmy for Gardens of the World with Audrey Hepburn. The 1993 documentary series follows the actress as she travels across seven countries to explore famous gardens. In 1994, she received a Grammy for narrating Audrey Hepburn's Enchanted Tales, a collection of popular children's stories, famed as the memories of a kind and elderly woman visiting her childhood home.

Andrew Lloyd Webber

Andrew Lloyd Webber's EGOT awards journey began with his Grammy win for the 1976 musical Evita, which chronicles Eva Perón's rise from poverty to power and later expanded to film, where the song "You Must Love Me" won an Oscar in 1997. In 1988, Webber's Tony-winning The Phantom of the Opera became one of Broadway's most popular productions.

It tells the story of a masked composer haunting a Paris opera house and the young singer caught between fear, pity, and love. Webber completed the collection in 2018 with an Emmy for Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, a televised staging of the rock opera that reimagined the final days of Jesus through contemporary music.

Mel Brooks

Mel Brooks' trip to EGOT status began in 1969 when he won an Oscar for penning the screenplay for The Producers (1968), a satire about a pair of schemers who try to make money by staging a Broadway musical designed to fail. Instead, the outrageous production becomes a hit. More than 30 years later, the story returned to Broadway as a full musical, earning Brooks a Tony in 2001.

Brooks won an Emmy in 1997 for his guest role as Uncle Phil in the sitcom Mad About You (1992). His Grammy followed in 1999 for The 2000 Year Old Man in the Year 2000, a comedy recording created with Carl Reiner that sees an ancient man recounting history with cheerful absurdity.

In 2008, a film came out that shocked audiences to their cores. Heavily influenced by the Manson Family’s murder of Sharon Tate and the Keddie Cabin murder, The Strangers was all about the horrific atrocities of a random murder and the terror of knowing that, for some deranged people, causing harm to others brings them joy. 

“You hear all the time, these obituaries of people who are randomly attacked,” director Bryan Bertino told IGN in 2007. “What I wanted to do was tell those people’s stories. I wanted to get inside that house at the moment a horrible thing happens. The movie is a very perspective-based horror film about what it would be like if someone came to your door.”

Earning over $82 million at the box office against a budget of just $9 million, The Strangers was a surprise hit, but the franchise went dormant for an entire decade before it finally got a sequel in 2018. Then, from 2024 to 2026, a new trilogy was released to some mixed reviews. 

Read on to discover how to watch all The Strangers movies in order, including where they’re streaming on Prime Video, Tubi, and more. 

The Strangers (2008)

The original film stars Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman as a couple in a strained relationship who arrive at a remote cottage. But soon after arriving, there’s a knock at the door and a young girl asks if someone named Tamara is there. From there, it becomes a fight for their lives after they discover a sadistic group of friends want to kill them, simply because they can.

The Strangers is both terrifying and gut-wrenching. It’s so senseless that it makes you angry, but then you remember that there have been very real instances of serial killers who target completely at random. Suddenly, the anger turns to fear as you realize this kind of pointless torture is something actual people have had to endure.  

If you love movies that really play with the concept of psychopaths who cause harm for the sheer thrill of it, like Funny Games (2008), this is the film for you. 

The Strangers: Prey at Night (2018)

After a decade, The Strangers returned. In The Strangers: Prey at Night, the strangers have set a trap for a family who are visiting their relatives in a rural trailer park in Ohio. Whereas the first movie seemed to be about the pure terror and madness of the strangers, the sequel has more of a survivor focus, showing the lengths an ordinary family will go to when suddenly (and randomly) placed in a life-or-death battle. 

The movie also brought in some star power, with Christina Hendricks and Lewis Pullman in the cast, but ultimately, it fell pretty flat. It’s hard to sell a movie without a plot or reason, especially with characters you don’t know or care about, and who you know are just going to get murdered. In the first Strangers movie, it was a novel concept that worked. But doing it again really showed how tired and flimsy the premise is.

Ultimately, the movie only grossed $31 million worldwide. Still, this is a subgenre that has a devout following. If you loved movies like Vacancy (2007) or The Collector (2009), this will likely be an enjoyable film for you, even if it’s a little stale.

The Strangers: Chapter 1 (2024)

While some assumed The Strangers: Chapter 1 was going to be a prequel, it actually is the first movie in a consecutively-shot remake trilogy. The film stars Madelaine Petsch as a young woman staying in a cabin with her boyfriend (Froy Gutierrez). The film is basically a complete remake of the first, copying it almost exactly. 

And, yeah… basically that’s it. If you want to rewatch the first movie with different actors, or are Gen Z and are like, “Who is Liv Tyler? I’d rather watch Madelaine Petsch,” then this is the film for you. For everyone else, you know exactly how this story goes. 

The Strangers: Chapter 2 (2025) 

In the finale of the first film, Petsch’s character escapes after her boyfriend is brutally murdered. The Strangers: Chapter 2 is then one giant, never-ending chase scene. It also dives into the backstory of the strangers and explains how they became the crazed killers they are (spoiler alert: they’re just psychopaths who enjoy causing pain, like we already knew). 

Chapter 1 was a box-office success, grossing a modest $48 million. Chapter 2, however, was panned by audiences and critics alike. Again, the big problem with this franchise is that the entire point of The Strangers is that there’s no point. It’s about the horror of people who kill at random. Trying to create a trilogy for a film that’s literally plotless gives you three plotless movies. The film grossed a little under $22 million at the box office, proving that perhaps this trilogy wasn’t the lucrative idea the filmmakers had initially imagined. 

The Strangers: Chapter 3 (2026)

Slightly redeeming itself from Chapter 2, the final The Strangers movie actually gives audiences something to work with. Yes, the plot of The Strangers: Chapter 3 is unbelievably silly (the entire town and sheriff know about the killers, and they aid and protect them… yawn), but we hit a point where something interesting finally happens. Petsch’s character, Maya, is forced to watch the murders or be murdered herself. 

Finally, the trilogy brings something… anything… different and new. It’s too bad that it didn’t come until the last 30 minutes of The Strangers: Chapter 3. Still, it will be interesting to see how this final chapter performs since it feels like the freshest, most unique take in the entire trilogy. If you love horror movies that have a great victim-killer twist, like 2012’s No One Lives, this will likely be your favorite film of the entire trilogy.

The time between the Oscar nominations and the date of the actual awards is one of the most exciting times in the world of film. Both on and offline, cinephiles are debating which film is most likely to take home the prize in each category. Some categories seem like foregone conclusions. Like, is there any reality where KPop Demon Hunters (2025) doesn’t win for Best Animated Film or Original Song? However, some categories are more up in the air with no clear winner. And no category this year will be quite as fierce as Best Director.

Not only is Best Director often an indicator of who could win Best Picture, but this year, almost every nominee has some kind of notable claim to win. The competition between Chloé Zhao, Joachim Trier, Josh Safdie, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Ryan Coogler will be tough. Still, there are a handful of reasons why each nominee deserves to win outside of the overall quality of their films.

Granted, each of them doesn’t have an equal justification to win, but nevertheless, there’s a chance for this category to make history in 2026. If you’ve seen their films either in theaters or on HBO Max, then it should be clear why these directors deserve to win the Oscar, but what exactly would that mean for each of them to win?

Chloé Zhao (Hamnet)

Chloé Zhao is no stranger to the Oscars. Back in 2021, she won Best Director for Nomadland (2020), a quiet and contemplative film about a woman wandering the United States and finding community and companionship wherever she goes. It’s not hard to see how the film influenced Hamnet (2025), as both explore grief in very different ways. However, this time around, Zhao’s win for Best Director would be pretty sizable.

Did you know that only three women have ever actually won an Oscar for Best Director? Katheryn Bigelow won for The Hurt Locker (2008) in 2010, Zhao won in 2021, and just one year later, Jane Campion won for The Power of the Dog (2021). No woman has ever won Best Director twice. So, Zhao’s win would have her join an illustrious group consisting of Steven Spielberg, Oliver Stone, and many others. Honestly, she has a solid shot at winning, especially given how Hamnet did pretty well at the Golden Globes. She may not be the frontrunner, but a win for her would be monumental for women in the film industry.

Ryan Coogler (Sinners)

No nominee at this year’s Oscars has as big a chance to make history as Ryan Coogler. Not only is Sinners the most nominated film at the Oscars ever, but if Coogler wins for Best Director, it will be the first time a Black person has won for the category. Just stop and think about that for a second. In the Academy’s 98 years, a Black man has never won for Best Director. Sure, Black people have been nominated for Best Director previously. Still, it’s only happened six times: John Singleton for Boyz n the Hood (1991), Lee Daniels for Precious (2009), Steve McQueen for 12 Years a Slave (2013), Barry Jenkins for Moonlight (2016), Jordan Peele for Get Out (2017), and Spike Lee for BlacKkKlansman (2019).

Of those six, none won. A win for Ryan Coogler and his bold passion project would be undeniably historic. It would help propel Sinners into legendary status as a film that completely and utterly dominated the Academy Awards and pushed forward Black representation in film the same way that Coogler’s Black Panther (2018) did back when it first released.

Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another)

If you want to talk about historic directors, look no further than Paul Thomas Anderson. Since he first burst onto the scene with Hard Eight (1997), PTA has been a darling of the film world. Still, he has also always been a bridesmaid and never a bride. While his films have won Oscars before, most notably for There Will Be Blood (2007), Paul Thomas Anderson has personally never won an Oscar, despite being nominated 14 times across seven films. 

The academy usually goes out of its way to honor industry veterans, but the academy’s consistent snubbing of PTA is just bizarre. It would be especially odd for a film that’s as provocative as One Battle After Another to lose, since it’s an all too real movie that isn’t afraid to advocate for revolution in the face of tyranny in the same way that RRR (2022) did to help it earn its Oscar nominations and wins. This may finally be the year that PTA gets his due, and given how most people are pegging him as the frontrunner, this industry icon may finally receive the recognition that he deserves.

Joachim Trier (Sentimental Value)

Most of the directors who wind up winning Best Director tend to be from the United States. That may have shifted within the past decade, but only a minority of winners have come from Europe. Joachim Trier’s win for Sentimental Value may not be as monumental as Zhao or Coogler’s win, but Trier would be the first Scandinavian director ever to win Best Director if he took home the Oscar.

Other Danish and Norwegian directors have been nominated in the past decade, like Morten Tyldum for The Imitation Game (2014) and Thomas Vinterberg for Another Round (2020), but there’s a shot that Trier could be the very first winner. The odds aren’t great, given that Sentimental Value’s two-hour and thirteen-minute examination of a multifaceted and dysfunctional family has select appeal, but a win for Scandinavia would be great. Only 13 Scandinavians have ever won an Oscar, and even then, most of them were for American productions. Trier’s win for a film that is unmistakably Norwegian would be a moment of national pride for Norway and help encourage more people to examine a pocket of the film industry that goes sorely unrepresented.

Josh Safdie (Marty Supreme)

Josh Safdie is in a weird place as a director. It was only recently that he separated from his brother Benny, and both began their own careers as directors. Benny directed The Smashing Machine (2025) and got a single nomination for it, while Josh directed Marty Supreme and earned nine nominations.

A win for Josh Safdie wouldn’t be a monumental win in the same way the other nominees’ victories would be, but it would be a meaningful one for him. It is the first time he received a Best Director nomination, and a win for Safdie would put him in the same company as directors like Sam Mendes, who won Best Director on their first nomination. It’s a tough act to pull off, but given how Marty Supreme refines that unadulterated anxiety laced throughout Safdie’s previous film, Uncut Gems (2019), it certainly is possible. Plus, to take a break for six years only to come back and win an Oscar for directing would undoubtedly be a nice feather in his cap: maybe not a historical win, but a personally fulfilling one.

Netflix's Bridgerton (2020) is a show-stopping historical romance for a reason. It's achingly romantic, deliciously steamy, and emotionally grounded with incredible characters and pairings that are easy to root for. As a longtime book fan, the show's casting makes every beat of the adaptation even more riveting than its source material. With eight books, and hopefully eight seasons, we'll get to see each of the Bridgerton siblings find their happy ending with the person who's meant to be their life partner. 

Naturally, we all have our favorites that will differ based on tropes, narrative arcs, or various personal reasons, and the connections we build with these characters. With Season 4 coming to an end, we're already halfway through with the adaptations, so what better time to rank them before the remaining seasons? 

6. Queen Charlotte and King George

While they're technically not members of the Bridgerton family, it feels wrong not to include Queen Charlotte and King George in this list when their love story wrecked us in the prequel, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023). Given where we're at in the future, we know how King George's life ends, so it's not exactly the happy ending we'd like, but India Amarteifio and Corey Mylchreest do such a heart-wrenching job of making their earlier moments achingly romantic.

There's a lot to appreciate about how the prequel layers the titular queen and adds emotional depth to her actions in a way that the original series doesn't touch on. We get a clear sense of how significant their love story is and why it matters. Does anyone else still cry just thinking about the scene under the bed? No? Just me? Their arc is so thoughtful and so lovely that it's easy to want more.

5. Francesca Bridgerton and John Stirling

The only reason Francesca and John are ranked towards the end is that longtime readers know that—spoiler—he's going to die. Still, their short love story is so lovely to watch on our screens. We don't get to know John as closely because of his short life, but it's been nice getting to know him a bit more through Victor Alli's portrayal. Surely we'll get to know Masali Baduza's Michaela even more when it's their season, but for now, John and Francesca's brief relationship does an excellent job of showing how important communication is.

How John and Francesca are so comfortable around each other as friends who share a unique language in their shyness is precious, and it's going to make his death even harder because we've spent active time with him. However, as the books reveal, Francesca's grateful for the time she gets to share with him, and while there will be changes to the show's version, they're still a solid pair to briefly appreciate.  

4. Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington 

Bridgerton and Penelope (aka Lady Whistledown) are the epitome of the friends-to-lovers/best friend's brother trope. The only reason they aren't ranked higher on this list is that I've always preferred how they're much older in the books, and I wish the series had honored the time jump to give us more of their delicious, slow, slow-burn. Still, they're adorable throughout Season 3, and how they respect one another is among the many reasons they're such fan favorites. 

All the times he's danced with her before their season even began, and the moment when it finally hit him that she's the one? Excellent, excellent material. Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton also do such a precious job of adding playfulness to their interactions in order to make them shine even further. But perhaps more importantly, it's how Penelope is welcomed into their family with open arms that's such a stark contrast to how her own family treats her. She was always meant to be a Bridgerton, and the payoff is exceptional.

3. Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset

The couple to start it all—Daphne and Simon are the best kind of fake dating. Well, sort of. Fake courting and a marriage of convenience that eventually turns into something bigger. Their book isn't a fan favorite, but everything that Phoebe Dynevor and Regé-Jean Page bring to their season is easy to adore. The marriage of convenience trope is one of my all-time favorites, so it was effortless to appreciate how they play on it in the back half of Season 1, minus that one scene that most of us loathe.

Still, from the music to the execution of their season, Bridgerton has a stellar success rate because of how these two pave the road for what's to come. The emotional depth that we see, the friendship that starts to bloom as he tries to help her find a suitor, and every little moment between Daphne and Simon shine gorgeously, making them an easy couple to miss now that they are no longer on the show. 

2. Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie Baek

This one's for the Cinderella story lovers—the people who adore angst and mystery as well as two opposites finding a home with each other. Benedict and Sophie's book has a few problematic elements that the show vastly improved upon, and it's also done a great job of layering Benedict in a way we don't get enough of in the books. Sophie's arc about finding a place where she belongs after years of being belittled is so comforting to watch, and it makes their interactions layered with significant depth.

There's a playfulness in all the Bridgerton couples that makes their interactions so sweet, but Benedict and Sophie have those moments earlier, which then makes all the angst that much more enticing. There's also something silly about Cinderella stories in general, and the idea of one man being in a love triangle with the same woman that basically makes it a comedy. So if you aren't watching Bridgerton yet, here's your sign because every couple delivers in an inimitable way. 

1. Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma 

As an eldest daughter and someone who knows what grieving a father is like, The Viscount Who Loved Me was the book I connected with most. And while Bridgerton Season 2 diverts from the source material and changes large chunks of Kate and Anthony's story, the essence of their romance is still there. The longing we get throughout, coupled with the banter, is so riveting, but more than anything, it's Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley that stand out with their astounding performances and striking chemistry.

How Bailey and Ashley bring emotional depth and indescribable warmth to all their interactions is no small feat. They make the changes work. Their story is especially compelling for the people who find comfort in knowing that the people who are always taking care of others will someday find an equal who'll forever look out for them, and that's exactly what Kate and Anthony do—they give each other the world while taking care of each other in a way no one else can.

Harry Styles has always been a star. That much was evident when the 16-year-old boy who insisted he worked in a bakery walked into The X Factor studio for his audition and was catapulted into fame as a part of One Direction, becoming a teen sensation almost overnight.

From being featured in Wattpad fan fictions (if you remember the ones where the protagonist’s parents were selling them off to One Direction, or where the boys were secretly part of the mafia, then you’re an OG) to actually having an entire franchise inspired from what started as fan fiction (yes, I’m talking about the After series), it isn’t all that surprising that Harry Styles, while being a master musician, has ventured into acting, because the star quality he has was never meant to be confined to just one lane! 

Harry’s acting career thus far has been..interesting. He’s chosen projects that can't be boxed into just one genre. Instead of starting with the safe rom-coms, he went straight for the war trauma and unsettling suburbia, and he’s only a couple of projects in. 

If you’re interested in reading about one-fifth of one of the world’s most famous boy bands’ filmography, here it is, ranked—from someone who has been a Directioner since the Tumblr GIFs and the stairs (if you know you know)—and where you can watch them on Disney+, Prime Video, and more!

6. Eternals (2021)

Starting at the bottom of the list, we have Eternals—and it’s easy to guess why. The #6 ranking isn’t because the movie is terrible, but because Harry’s appearance as Thanos’ brother, Eros, is approximately the length of a TiKTok video. But, I will say this, he strolls in like he knows the internet will explode (because it did), delivering charisma and confidence with just a few dialogues before disappearing into the cosmic void.

Of course, fans of Harry Styles and Marvel (like me!) will appreciate Eros’ charming presence in the post-credits scene; however, it’s all set up and no payoff. If you liked other fun cameos, like Ed Sheeran randomly showing up in Games of Thrones, you’ll like Harry’s energy here. Though his debut in Eternals was a moment, to say the least, it’s been five years since the movie came out and we haven’t heard anything more about him reprising his role in any Marvel projects. But hey, never say never, right? 

5. iCarly (2007-2012)

As a teen sitcom, the blueprint for iCarly episodes is that it’s loud, silly, and completely unbothered about subtlety (ah, the good old days). But if there’s one episode that takes that formula to the next level, it’s the second episode in the sixth season, iGo One Direction. The band shows up as themselves, so this isn’t acting in the traditional sense, it’s more of a montage of the boys doing what they do best: letting their personality and charm take the wheel. 

Harry’s screen presence is effortless and playful, which is the complete opposite of his work in something like Dunkirk. He doesn’t have to try too hard to be likable in this episode, he’s just being himself, and that comfort translates onto the screen. Remember the time Justin Bieber was on CSI? Yep, this is exactly like that—ridiculous, unforgettable, and clearly designed with fans (and internet meltdowns) in mind. Just grab your butter socks first!

4. One Direction: This Is Us (2013)

This one’s from the archives (kind of), but what kind of a fan would I be if I didn't include it? While I agree it’s not a movie where Harry plays a character, isn't it harder to play yourself (I’m guessing)? This Is Us is for every fan who ever cried over a music video or memorized lyrics to “I Want” at 1 a.m (or filled their rooms with 1D memorabilia!)

Pure, unfiltered nostalgia wrapped in tour life and offstage chaos, This Is Us delivers the kind of joy no other entry on this list can match (maybe the iCarly episode is a close second.) Harry is just being Harry—goofy, magnetic, and occasionally vulnerable—and watching it now feels like stepping back into 2013. The camera obviously loves him, and so do we. It captures what it felt like to be a fan in the peak 1D era with loud crowds and inside jokes. If you enjoyed rocking along to This Is Us and want more, head right on over to the sequel concert film, One Direction: Where We Are — The Concert Film. 

3. Don’t Worry Darling (2022)

When a director says their film is inspired by Inception and The Truman Show, you know you’re in for something that’s bound to be wild—and that’s exactly what Don’t Worry Darling is. Oh, it starts innocently enough, but slowly descends into a plot that had me shouting “Wait, what?!” at the screen (I watched it at home, don’t worry.)

Harry leans into the unsettling energy, and it occasionally works. However, the role asks for a certain level of emotional volatility he doesn’t always sell, making his performance a bit uneven. This becomes especially noticeable when Florence Pugh enters the picture and you can tell he’s acting opposite someone who’s locked in acting-wise. It’s not his strongest work, but he’s clearly trying (and I love that for him!) If you love psychological thrillers with a creepy sense that something isn’t right, à la The Stepford Wives, this is for you.

2. My Policeman (2022)

Fans of slow, emotional dramas will find another movie to feel quietly devastated by in My Policeman. In his second release of 2022, Harry plays Tom, a role that demands repression and vulnerability—and boy, does he deliver. The film allows him to explore longing and regret, through which he proves that he intends to be taken seriously as an actor. While the pacing does drag at times, Harry’s commitment to his performance is undeniable.

There are certain scenes where Harry’s raw and real emotions break through, and in others where he feels a bit closed off, but since this also mirrors his character’s internal conflict, it doesn't feel like a fatal mistake. Though My Policeman is not a joyful watch—it may very well leave you in tears—it's Harry’s most complex and emotionally mature performance, according to me. If you like slow-burn, understated romantic dramas like A Single Man, you’ll enjoy the emotional ache My Policeman carries. 

1. Dunkirk (2017)

This is where it all began for Harry Styles the Actor, and in a Christopher Nolan movie, no less. His debut performance as Alex is grounded and unflashy, a perfect fixture in a movie that’s built on an anxiety-inducing atmosphere where the tension does most of the talking. Harry manages to do something impressive: he blends seamlessly into the ensemble without sticking out or demanding attention. 

Being a war film, Dunkirk couldn’t be more different from the rest of his filmography, yet Harry holds his own in a prestige project without overly depending on his charisma. The only drawback is that we see Harry on screen for not more than 10 minutes, so I felt the role didn’t allow him to fully blossom (in fact, most casual viewers may miss him completely.) Regardless, this is his most natural performance, landing it the #1 spot. He makes an impact with what he was given, and that’s especially hard when you’re a first-time actor. If you enjoy historic, immersive war films like 1917, give Dunkirk a watch! 

The modern landscape of animation has been full of remakes, with plenty of creatives adding their own particular flavor to older ideas. The ‘80s have a lot of characters and concepts that have been popular across generations, especially when they get multiple reimaginings or fresh takes. Similar to the way that ‘80s culture remains in vogue through shows likeStranger Things (2016), these cartoon remakes keep a certain spirit of the era alive.

The best examples of these reboots are the ones that actually take what worked in the earlier shows and improve on them. They can do this through carrying on the stories in new directions, revealing mysterious backstories, or completely changing everything. Here are the best ‘80s cartoon remakes that are actually better than the originals.

Carmen Sandiego (2019-2021) 

Beginning life as a series of educational computer games, Carmen Sandiego is a fun adaptation stemming from 1985’s Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? video game. However, it takes the characters introduced in the animated game shows like Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? (1991) and Where on Earth Is Carmen Sandiego? (1994) and reimagines them into a more straightforward espionage/action series.

The prequel explores Carmen Sandiego as a young thief who finds herself caught between the machinations of the criminal syndicate that trained her and the peacekeeping organization A.C.M.E. Audiences who prefer a mystery narrative alongside their stylized action, like Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld (2024) or Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts (2020), will love the femme fatale revamping of the character that animation veteran Duane Capizzi and his team deliver.

Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2018-2020) 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987) helped transform the jokey premise of two indie comics creators into a pop culture behemoth, with plenty of great adaptations across animation. Still, there are a lot of cool, unique elements to Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles that make it easy to recommend.

A more supernatural and slick take on the premise, the comic book stylings of the animation and action give this show’s more vibrant supernatural art style a distinct (but similarly effective) visual style from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023). With a more ambitious sense of scale, some truly ambitious feats of kinetic motion, and surprising character exploration, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a bit of a preferred taste, but it lands well for the kind of audience that fell in love with the artistic strengths of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018).

My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic (2010-2019) 

Whereas the original My Little Pony (1986) was very much a memorable visual without any substance, Lauren Faust’s team brought a lot of life to the vividly bright and incredibly charming My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. Taking the broad concept presented by the original show and turning it into a wider plot that mixes high fantasy with relatable emotional stakes, Friendship Is Magic creates a new world for younger audiences (and a surprisingly energetic older fanbase).

Fueled by a similar energy that Faust would put into the chaotic, fun DC Super Hero Girls (2019), My Little Pony embraces a bombastic tone that never loses sight of the humanity at the core of these talking horses. It’s an effective improvement of the ‘80s original, adding a real sense of scope to the show.

ThunderCats (2011-2012) 

A hardcore anime-inspired reimagining of ThunderCats (1985), the 2011 adaptation of ThunderCats is a showcase for just how dramatic the millennial reboots were willing to get. While the original show leans heavily into the action beats surrounding Lion-O and his allies in their battle against Mumm-Ra, the new series ups the ante by directly adapting the cast with character design elements inspired by popular anime of the era.

If you’re looking for a more epic fantasy adventure to pair with something like The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (2024), then this is a good fit. If you’re someone who is looking for a show that’s more reflective of the goofy sensibilities of the ‘80s era, then ThunderCats Roar (2020) is a fun and lightweight take on the franchise that’s more in line with Teen Titans Go! (2013) than anything else.

Voltron: Legendary Defender (2016-2018) 

Voltron: Defender of the Universe (1984) is an early example of anime connecting with Western audiences, and it still inspires generations of animation to this day, not the least of which is Voltron: Legendary Defender. As the latest iteration of the franchise, the eight-season show really has the opportunity to flesh out the universe in some exciting and unexpected ways.

One of the best-reviewed shows on this list, Voltron: Legendary Defender, was a terrific success for DreamWorks and Netflix, although the Emmy-nominee faced some controversy over its surface-level LGBTQ+ representation. Fans of Voltron: Legendary Defender can see the original show as a major part of the DNA in the modern approach, alongside other giant mech classics like Mobile Suit Gundam Wing (1995). 

Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated (2010-2013) 

A far cry from the more supernaturally goofy Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School (1988) style of cartoons that defined the franchise in this era, Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated might be one of the most thematically rich takes on Scooby and the gang ever.

While Scooby-Doo has been a fixture of pop culture for half a century, the mystery-solving dog and his friends have gone through plenty of reinventions over the years that largely lean silly. Mystery Incorporated is more of an overarching mystery show, taking just as many cues from Twin Peaks (1990) as A Pup Named Scooby-Doo (1988). With a lot in common with Gravity Falls (2012), Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated’s dark storytelling and complex takes on the classic characters are a surprisingly effective mix for fans young and old alike.

Masters of the Universe: Revelation (2021) 

Courtesy of nerd icon Kevin Smith, Masters of the Universe: Revelation served as the astonishingly dark and surprisingly mature sequel series to the original He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (1983). The show opens with the apparent demise of both the titular hero and his long-time enemy Skeletor and only gets wilder from there.

Bolstered by a strong voice cast and a tone that sometimes felt more akin to the battle-heavy episodes of Game of Thrones (2011), this Masters of the Universe show is a far more intense experience than the original ‘80s version. However, fans who grew up with the original will likely get a kick out of Revelation’s eventual realization of that show’s mythology. Ahead of Masters of the Universe (2026), it’s worth checking out how far the animated universe was willing to take things.

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (2018-2020) 

Devised by Nimona (2023) mastermind ND Stevenson, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is a terrific expansion of the original He-Man spin-off show, She-Ra: Princess of Power (1985). Powered by a more diverse storytelling approach and compelling art style that blends distinct personalities and clever action, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is an impressive five-season fantasy show that pushed the boundaries of what Netflix was willing to showcase. 

Focusing on She-Ra and gradually expanding to a larger cast of colorful heroes, the show’s true strength is in the villains. A terrific series that’s a perfect contrast to the sillier but just as epic Adventure Time (2010), She-Ra is a great fantasy epic that’s got enough family-friendly elements to make it charming for audiences of all ages, especially those who really enjoyed The Dragon Prince (2018).

DuckTales (2017-2021)

DuckTales is a modern reimagining of the Disney classic, taking all the charm of DuckTales (1987) and infusing it with a great sense of comedy, adventure, and surprisingly complex internal mythology. Filled to the brim with an amazing cast (led by David Tennant as Uncle Scrooge), the show’s commitment to worldbuilding results in a self-aware style that pokes fun at Disney tropes but filtered through a modern lens.

DuckTales is the best example of a modern cartoon remake that takes what made the ‘80s original compelling and transforms it into something special. Whether you’re a veteran DuckTales fan or a newcomer to the franchise, you will appreciate what this modern incarnation throws down.