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

That's where JustWatch's guide comes in. Whether you're a horror newcomer in search of a welcoming entry point or a terror connoisseur looking for a scary hit, here are the 10 best horror movies streaming for free right now, categorized by some popular subgenres for your convenience.

Halloween (1978) 

Best for Slashers

For horror heads, Halloween might seem like an obvious pick. However, for those just starting their descent into the horror genre, it's a great starting point. John Carpenter, known for other genre favorites like The Thing (1982) and They Live (1988), is a master of suspense. As a result, Halloween offers plenty of slow-creeping dread that so many other slasher films lack.

What starts with Michael Myers' chilling origins on one fateful night in 1963 jumps 15 years forward to when Michael escapes a mental institution and returns to his hometown to wreak havoc. While the larger Halloween franchise has a reputation for creative kills and gore, the original movie has very little blood, making it a solid option for more squeamish audiences that don't mind a retro feel. There's a reason Halloween remains a year-round favorite, with the movie shooting to an impressive top three spot on JustWatch's streaming charts the week of Halloween. 

The Cleansing Hour (2019)

Best for Possession

If you love and respect The Exorcist (1973), then you already know that almost every possession movie to come after tries to emulate it. For fans of the subgenre, it can get tiring. That's where The Cleansing Hour comes in. Although it's got all the standard possession movie tropes, it subverts expectations with a fake demonic possession turned real—all during a live stream.

The acting is great, the specific effects are solid, and, more importantly, the story keeps you engaged from start to end. There is even a little dark humor thrown in for measure. This one will surprise you, so if you think you've seen it all, give The Cleansing Hour a try.

Society (1989)

Best for Body Horror

Society tends to give its gruesomely weird premise away in trailers and marketing, but I promise you that it's best enjoyed with minimal spoilers. All you really need to know going in is that a wealthy, Beverly Hills teenager begins to suspect his family is part of an unusual cult. Simple, right? Well, what lies at the end of Society is pure nightmare fuel.

Once a box office bomb, the movie has become a bona fide cult classic, earning a spot in the body horror hall of fame alongside the works of David Cronenberg. If you're not squeamish and like a decent little mystery, Society should be your next watch.

Let the Right One In (2008)

Best for Vampires

Based on the John Ajvide Lindqvist novel of the same name, Let the Right One In delivers the expected vampire tropes with a unique spin. Rather than featuring the tall, dark, seductive vampires inspired by Bram Stoker's Dracula, Let the Right One In places the strange yet tender relationship between a bullied 12-year-old boy and a vampire "child" at its center. With an atmospheric, cold-weathered backdrop, the movie constantly reminds you how cold and lonely vampirism can be—but also how cold and lonely being a misunderstood child can be, too.

Just as dark, twisted, and taboo as you'd expect from the subgenre, Let the Right One In will appeal to anyone who loves supernatural stories with a touch of romance, if you can even call it that. Those who struggle with subtitles (or who just want a different version of the story) should consider the American remake, Let Me In (2010), instead.  

Ju-On: The Grudge (2002)

Best for Supernatural Horror

If you're looking for a one-word descriptor of Ju-On: The Grudge, it's creepy. Takashi Shimizu's supernatural story spawned a franchise for a reason. Watching Rika Nishina (Megumi Okina) encounter the cursed spirits living in the home of the elderly woman she's assigned to care for is as dark, spooky, and haunting as you can imagine.

Those who enjoy ghost stories with creepy imagery that evokes that look-over-your-shoulder feeling will find a lot to like in Ju-On. If you struggle with subtitled films (or just want another movie with a similar vibe), you should check out Takashi Shimizu's American remake,The Grudge (2004), which, at the time of writing, is streaming for free, too. Regardless of which version you choose, watch them with the lights off.

Triangle (2009)

Best for Psychological Horror

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

Scary, smart, and infinitely engrossing, Triangle will not disappoint fans of psychological horror. This isn't a "second-screen" experience movie; it demands your full attention. You've been warned.

Tucker & Dale vs. Evil (2010)

Best for Comedy Horror

Sometimes, the title of "horror comedy" gets tossed on any old movie looking to excuse its B-movie flaws. However, those searching for a genuinely laugh-out-loud, high-quality horror comedy will find nothing better than Tucker & Dale vs. Evil. Trust me, I've tried.

The film pokes fun at horror movie tropes, particularly those of the "hillbilly horror" or "rural horror" variety. While the actual scares are minimal, the movie offers up some creative kills and decent gore nonetheless. The real standouts are the titular leads themselves. With all their innocence, charm, and rock-solid comedic timing, it's difficult not to fall in love with Tucker (Alan Tudyk) and Dale (Tyler Labine). If you love the meta commentary in movies like Scream (1996) and The Cabin in the Woods (2011), you're about to add a new favorite to your list.

Train to Busan (2016)

Best for Zombies

Maybe George A. Romero's Living Dead movies still have your heart, or perhaps you prefer a more modern-day feel like The Walking Dead (2010). Either way, Train to Busan won't disappoint zombie enthusiasts.

Yeon Sang-ho's masterpiece is heavy on the action, featuring fast-moving zombies that would feel right at home in World War Z (2013). As the title hints, the movie follows the passengers on a train as a zombie outbreak plunges Korea into utter chaos. And while that's all thrilling in itself, Train to Busan shines in its quieter moments, whether it's characters staring death in the face or the social commentary surrounding Korea's class division.

Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)

Best for Creature Feature

While you might want to save this one for the holiday season, Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale makes this list for its sheer uniqueness. With creature features typically dominated by werewolves, mutated animals, and vampires, this Finnish flick positions bizarre, monstrous Santas as its main antagonists. While that in and of itself isn't anything special, considering films like Krampus (2015), Rare Exports treats these wild Santa Clauses like a rare species that various world governments want to exploit.

Told primarily through the eyes of a young boy, it blends adventure, fantasy, and horror to fantastic effect. If you think you've seen everything under the creature feature sun, Rare Exports raises the bar, giving you a different type of monster to fear (or root for).

The Mist (2007)

Best for Sci-fi Horror 

For fans of sci-fi and creature features, The Mist offers the best of both worlds. After an unusual fog descends upon a small Maine town, a ragtag group of survivors stuck in a grocery store has to band together to survive the extraterrestrial monsters lurking outside. And, of course, a group of strangers working together under tense situations involves heaping loads of drama.

If you didn't already know, The Mist stems from a Stephen King short story, so expect the usual tropes and small-town New England horror present in the author's other adaptations like Pet Sematary (1989) or Misery (1990). However, just know that this adaptation is much more sci-fi. With one of the most shocking endings in cinema history (do not spoil yourself), The Mist is an easy choice for King fans or anyone craving an atmospheric, character-driven horror story. 

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

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

The Summer Hikaru Died (2025)

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

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

Zenshu (2025)

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

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

Kowloon Generic Romance (2025)

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

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

Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray (2025)

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

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

To Be Hero X (2025)

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

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

Takopi’s Original Sin (2025)

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

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

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

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

The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)

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

Stranger Things (2016)

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

A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)

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

Gladiator II (2024)

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

Dickensian (2015)

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

Hoard (2024)

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

Catherine the Great (2019)

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

Howard’s End (2017)

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

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

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

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

Netflix is especially chock-full of great comedies that are streaming right now. Whether they're now classics or newer gems that'll very likely still hold up years from now, here are 10 of the funniest comedies to choose from.

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)

Rian Johnson's Knives Out (2019) is good, but Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is even better. A truly excellent whodunnit and an even better comedy, rich with a time-appropriate story that takes place during the COVID-19 pandemic, the film examines a billionaire's role in our world and explores what happens when people have had enough. Since he's more grounded in the role, Daniel Craig's Benoit Blanc's dry humor shines with more nuance here, and stars like Kate Hudson and Kathryn Hahn portray characters viewers love to hate with hilarious remarks that effectively poke fun at the rich.

As isolated stories with alternating characters in each film, viewers can dive right into Glass Onion without watching Knives Out. Perfect for fans of lighthearted crime dramas, these films aren't to be missed. 

Derry Girls (2018-2022)

Lisa McGee's Derry Girls is an unmistakable treasure and one of the best coming-of-age comedies to have ever graced our TV screens. As a series loosely based on The Troubles, the waging arguments between Protestants and Catholics, as well as the teenage woes, never fail to provide ample entertainment. 

Brimming with the kind of humor that grumpy people can probably relate to best, Derry Girls mixes various personality types in the most deliciously obscure cocktail that delivers the kind of jabs that are both culturally specific and universally easy to relate to. 

Wicked Little Letters (2024)

Olivia Colman's range as an actress is a gift that keeps on giving in Hollywood, and thus far, there's nothing quite like the comedy she plays with in Wicked Little Liars. The role of Edith Swan is so different from anyone Colman has played that the period piece is bound to leave a mark for that reason alone. 

But there's one scene, in particular, toward the end that involves so much cursing, it gloriously puts a Shakespearean monologue to shame and allows Colman's prowess to glisten in the most hilariously obscure and crude manner. Perfect for viewers who not only love British humor but especially those who appreciate flowery language. 

One Day at a Time (2017-2020)

If any cancellation on Netflix still stings, it's One Day at a Time. The underrated and beautifully thoughtful comedy starring Justina Machado, Rita Moreno, Isabella Gomez, and more became a beacon of hope as a solid representation of Latine homes with unbeatable heart and exceptionally relatable humor in every single episode. 

The sitcom feels like the kind of classic gem that's both genuinely hilarious and wholesome in a way that proves that the writers wanted to do right by every line in a way that would feel organic to everyday households. It's one that holds up today, and it's surely one that people will keep turning to years from now as they discover it for the first time. Perfect for fans of Modern Family (2009), One Day at a Time is a delightfully family-focused must-watch. 

A Man on the Inside (2024-Present) 

Mike Schur has an indescribable ability to take an ordinary career or a not-so-exciting setting and make it wonderfully hilarious and undeniably wholesome. He does this with all his properties, and for the viewers who loved Ted Danson in The Good Place (2016), you'll adore the work he brings to Netflix's A Man on the Inside. Season 2 is set to release on November 20, so now's the perfect time to catch up.

A Man on the Inside is everything a comedy should be and more. It spotlights a demographic we don't get to see often, but to top things off, it gives us another cozy mystery that's especially perfect for viewers who love The Thursday Murder Club (2025). Sharp, hilarious, and deeply wholesome, it's the type of series that you'll want on replay. 

Crazy Rich Asians (2018) 

For the viewers who want an excellent romance alongside their humor, look no further than Jon M. Chu's Crazy Rich Asians. With the release of Wicked: For Good (2025) later this month, it's a perfect time to revisit the bold comedy and get a sense of what Chu is capable of when it comes to relationships as well.

More than anything, Crazy Rich Asians is not only one of the best book-to-screen adaptations we have, but it's the type of true rom-com we don't have nearly enough of. It's easily quotable, laugh-out-loud funny, and the type of film that many fans would still do anything for a sequel. Plus, it stars a number of excellent actors who make the film a must-watch. 

Hit Man (2024)

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

The comedy is subtle, yet it's exactly why it pairs so well with the performances and the off-the-wall narrative. Hit Man will likely stay on Netflix for a long time, and it's especially perfect for viewers who want a gripping romance woven into their comedies.

Grace and Frankie (2017-2021) 

If you're a fan of Reba (2021) and have wondered what it'd be like for the titular character and Barbara Jean to be the ones to move in together after divorce, then Grace and Frankie is an absolute must-watch for you. It's a must-watch regardless because of the impeccable performances Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin consistently bring to the role, but still.

Grace and Frankie is a hilarious spectacle from start to finish that's expertly written to honor the characters and, more importantly, the friendship they build. There's an indescribable heart woven into every interaction that's so sincere, it makes the series even more special. In other words, it's the type of show that's so rare, we may never get anything like it again.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-2021) 

There will never be another Brooklyn Nine-Nine because there will never be another actor whose unbeatable dry wit could hit as hard as the late Andre Braugher's. Sharp, thoughtfully inclusive, and remarkably self-aware, the writing on Brooklyn Nine-Nine consistently sticks the landing because all it tries to do is honor its characters and humanity as a whole. Because of this, the show becomes 10 times funnier, allowing the jokes to turn into memes that hold relevance years after the episodes premiered.

Plus, Andy Samberg's Jake Peralta breaking into an unplanned jam session, singing "I Want It That Way" by the Backstreet Boys while trying to identify a murderer, is a brilliantly clever inclusion of pop culture jabs that feel acutely well-placed. If you loved Parks and Recreation or Superstore, Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a must-watch in every way. 

White Chicks (2004)

There are undoubtedly parts of White Chicks that don't hold up today, given conversations we have about bodies and women, but for the most part, it's a solid feature that's always worth watching for the unexpected laughs it manages to evoke. 

To this day, countless people associate Vanessa Carlton's "A Thousand Miles" with the film's characters belting the lyrics at the top of their lungs. With an incredible cast, a solid script, and thoroughly fantastic performances, there's a reason it's one of the easiest movies to rewatch. If you want an accurate depiction of early 2000s humor and antics, few films do it as gloriously as White Chicks did.

After the conclusion of the 11-year Infinity Saga, many Marvel Cinematic Universe fans were quick to wonder what would come next for the legendary franchise. Phases One, Two, and Three were all building to a climactic showdown between The Avengers and Thanos in Avengers: Endgame (2019), but with the day saved, and billions upon billions of dollars made at the box office, how do you simply continue with the franchise as if it were business as usual? The answer to that is… not well. 

Phase Four of the MCU had plenty of problems from the beginning. Marvel’s emphasis on TV shows during that time pushed away many casual fans. A staggering eight TV shows were released over the course of two years, and they were all deemed “essential,” which quickly led to franchise fatigue and a concentrated push for people to subscribe to Disney+, where all MCU content moving forward would be housed. To make matters worse, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed nearly all of Marvel’s output by a year, killing all forward momentum. Unsurprisingly, the quality of MCU movies dropped sharply during Phase Four, and now with the benefit of hindsight, let’s rank each of the Phase Four movies from worst to best.

7. Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

Hiring Taika Waititi to create a follow-up to his critically and commercially successful Thor: Ragnarok (2017) makes a lot of sense. It made nearly a billion dollars and is rightly regarded as one of the best Phase Three MCU movies. But it quickly became apparent that Thor: Love and Thunder was content to rehash what already worked to diminishing results. 

The movie had no idea what to do with Chris Hemsworth’s character in a post-Endgame world. Comedy is the name of the game in Thor: Love and Thunder, to the point where interesting characters, like Christian Bale’s Gorr and Natalie Portman’s Jane Foster, are completely mishandled. Yes, there are dramatic moments, but they feel underdeveloped and poorly executed, made worse by some of the most obvious and laughable CGI in any Marvel movie. Fans of sillier Marvel movies, and those who loved Ragnarok's humor, may find something to like, but for everyone else, it's definitely skippable.

6. Eternals (2021)

Chloé Zhao is an excellent director, but hiring her to direct Eternals wasn’t the right call. Her quiet and contemplative storytelling may be good for personal dramas like Nomadland (2020), but putting her into the MCU was like forcing a square peg into a round hole. 

Most of Eternals is a slog to get through, primarily due to its staggering 156-minute runtime. The film is stuffed to the brim with exposition dumps to explain who and what the Eternals are, especially because they’ve never been mentioned or introduced in the MCU before. Not only that, but it’s hard not to have this sinking feeling as you watch it that most of what’s onscreen won’t matter. (Que Marvel’s Inhumans (2017) flashbacks!) At the very least, Zhao’s cinematography is still pretty and those looking for a more prestigious superhero movie may gel with Eternal's cosmic narrative. At the very least, it's slightly more worthwhile than Thor: Love & Thunder. 

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

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a movie that has a lot of potential, but whether it lives up to that potential is dependent on who you ask. Getting Sam Raimi to direct the film helps inject some variety into the proceedings, including some of that Spider-Man (2002) or Evil Dead 2 (1987) energy. Unfortunately, you can't help but feel the film isn't able to fully capitalize on Raimi's talents.

A part of that isn’t Raimi’s fault. The overreliance on ugly CGI that dominates most of the action scenes comes across as a studio mandate, which robs the film of a lot of Raimi’s individuality. For a film that promises a “multiverse of madness,” our first real glimpse at the Marvel multiverse feels limited at best and perfunctory at worst. Think less Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022) and more The Flash (2023). At the very least, Elizabeth Olsen really gets to shine, though the power of her performance is diluted if you haven’t seen WandaVision (2021). Still, a film that swings for the fences and only partially succeeds is still worth a watch in my book. 

4. Black Widow (2021)

If a Black Widow movie had been announced and released in the 2010s, it would have almost certainly been a hit. Scarlet Johansson’s character was highly popular, with Natasha always popping up in other MCU movies. She was an extremely prevalent character in the Infinity Saga, which makes giving her a solo film post-Avengers: Endgame puzzling.

Fate simply wasn’t kind to Black Widow, given that it was delayed over a year due to the pandemic. All the excitement for it was washed down the drain after seeing its trailers for over a year, made worse by how each new trailer spoiled more and more of its plot. When it finally did release, it was actually a pretty solid action movie that fans of thrillers like The Bourne Identity (2002) would gravitate toward. The third act was slightly disappointing, but there are worse problems for a film to have. Black Widow is good enough, but Scarlet Johansson’s character deserves way more than just “good enough.”

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

While the majority of Phase Four films in the MCU were sequels, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was the first original film in Phase Four and brought with it a unique energy all to itself. 

While there’s a lot of CGI in the later fight scenes, most of them were done practically and focus on martial arts, leading to some of the best fight scenes in all of the MCU. At times, they feel like a cross between the kinetic chaos of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010) and a traditional Hong Kong action movie like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000). Plus, in a rare feat for Marvel, the star of the show isn’t actually Simu Liu’s Shang-Chi, but rather the villain, Tony Leung’s Xu Wenwu. Leung exudes unparalleled charm and adds an extra dimension to a character that, in lesser hands, could be one-note. It’s all around a surprisingly good movie that martial arts fans should flock to and one that will probably be regarded as the most underrated film in the MCU.

2. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever should not be as good as it is. Following the tragic death of Chadwick Boseman, Ryan Coogler and the cast of Black Panther (2018) had to make several difficult decisions about how to proceed with the film, resulting in a movie actively mourning the loss of Chadwick Boseman. 

It’s the most honest Marvel has been since Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), going beyond simple superhero theatrics to create a story that is one of the most emotionally resonant superhero movies of its time. Angela Bassett’s performance, in particular, earned an Oscar nomination, which was more than deserved. Sadly, when Wakanda Forever remembers that it’s an MCU film and throws in the obligatory superheroics, it loses some of its luster. If you're looking for a superhero movie that has something to say about loss, how to learn from it, and how to accept it, then Wakanda Forever is for you.

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

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

Like Multiverse of Madness, No Way Home is an ambitious movie, trying to tie together nearly two decades of Spider-Man films from three different cinematic universes. Against all odds, it pulls it off, mostly thanks to the core trio of Tom Holland’s Peter Parker, Zendaya’s MJ, and Jacob Batalon’s Ned. Then you have the returning antagonists from earlier Spider-Man films, all of whom are relishing the chance to reprise their roles. It’s a crowd-pleasing movie that’s fulfilling for both MCU fans and Sony fans. It’s nearly two and a half hours, but that doesn’t stop No Way Home from being easily the best Marvel movie of Phase Four and an all-around great action blockbuster.

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

With Netflix debuting Conversations With a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes (2025), renewed interest circles one of America's most notorious serial killers. For those hoping to learn more about Berkowitz, his allegedly supernatural motives, and the victims who don't deserve to be forgotten, streaming offers plenty of options. Here are the best movies and TV shows about Son of Sam for true crime fans to delve into, with Apple TV+, Paramount+, and more making those late-night true crime binges easier than ever.

Summer of Sam (1999)

Summer of Sam might be a dramatized movie about the Son of Sam murders, but it's still very much worth watching, especially for people who like Spike Lee's trademark style in films like Do the Right Thing (1989) and Get on the Bus (1996). Here, Lee transports audiences to the hot summer of 1977 when the hunt for the then-unknown killer is at an all-time high. Instead of focusing on the killer, though, Summer of Sam pans out, delving into the chaos, panic, and fear generated by the manhunt among a tight-knit Italian-American neighborhood.

Those wanting an intimate look into Berkowitz's mind won't get there here. What you'll get instead is a juicy character-driven story that cautions against the dangers of mob mentality. 

The Bronx Is Burning (2007)

If you're searching for a documentary about Son of Sam, this isn't that. Like Summer of Sam, The Bronx Is Burning is a fictional series that actually places David Berkowitz in the background as opposed to the front. Still, those who enjoy a good sports show will find The Bronx Is Burning standouts as a unique offering in the often "feel-good" subgenre.

Set in that famous summer of 1977, the eight-episode miniseries follows the tense rivalry between Yankees player Reggie Jackson and his manager, Billy Martin. As the drama plays out, the series also chronicles law enforcement's pursuit of Son of Sam, whose random attacks generate all kinds of panic among New York City residents. An underrated drama by all accounts, The Bronx Is Burning is less about Son of Sam and more about how systematic failure stalemates people of lower socioeconomic statuses. 

The Lost Tapes: Son of Sam (2016)

The Lost Tapes is a Smithsonian Channel offering that spotlights numerous core-shaking moments in American history, from the world-changing attacks on Pearl Harbor to the more intimate and bizarre case of the Patty Hearst kidnapping. So, if you're a history buff (or a wannabe history buff), you'll find plenty of interesting stories here.

However, Season 1, Episode 4, dedicates itself to the Son of Sam murders. While Berkowitz's 1977 killing spree and ensuing capture typically steal the focus of other documentaries and series, The Lost Tapes ensures coverage of Berkowitz's early (and often overlooked) violent crimes that began as early as 1975. At only 51 minutes long, those who want to learn more about the killer without committing to a multi-episode docuseries will find their best match here.

Son of Sam: The Killer Speaks (2017)

Similar to Conversations With a Killer, Son of Sam: The Killer Speaks lets you learn about the Son of Sam murders from Berkowitz's very own mouth. The TV special features an interview between Berkowitz and CBS journalist Maurice DuBois, where they discuss everything from Berkowitz's dark past to his alleged interactions with demonic forces.

A born-again Christian since 1987, Berkowitz speaks about forgiveness, penance, and faith. Whether it's a true change or manipulation is up for debate among many, but for those wanting an up-close-and-personal account of Berkowitz, The Killer Speaks is a great option.

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

For those interested in learning more about Berkowitz's mind, Son of Sam: The Hunt for a Killer is a solid watch. Using interviews and archival footage, this two-part documentary delves into the chaotic manhunt of Summer '77. However, a good chunk of the film seeks to uncover Berkowitz's true motivation, especially with Berkowitz's flip-flopping on his story over the years. 

Although it might not be as narratively engaging as other documentaries on the killer, it's certainly thorough and informative for those looking to learn more. That said, The Killer Speaks and Netflix's Conversations With a Killer will be a better match for anyone wanting that up-close-and-personal feel.

Mindhunter (2017-2019)

Another Netflix favorite, Mindhunter is the show for those disturbed, terrified, and oddly fascinated by the psychology of serial killers. Set in the late '70s, the fictional-but-inspired-by-real-events series chronicles the early days of the FBI's Behavior Science Unit and the even earlier beginnings of criminal profiling.

While Season 1 primarily features serial killer Edmund Kemper, Season 2 introduces other notorious names like Elmer Wayne Henley, Charles Manson, and, of course, David Berkowitz. Still largely considered one of the best TV shows of all time, Mindhunter is an excellent watch for those interested in the profiling side of killers as a whole.

The Sons of Sam: Descent into Darkness (2021)

Netflix has the best true crime offerings around, and The Sons of Sam: Descent into Darkness spotlights that wonderfully. With David Berkowitz behind bars, you'd think there wouldn't be anything new to discover about the case. However, journalist Maury Terry dedicated the better half of his life trying to prove Berkowitz didn't act alone.

This new spin on one of America's most notorious crimes is compelling and thought-provoking. If you think you know everything about Berkowitz, think again. Descent into Darkness is sure to offer something fresh to even the most experienced true crime watchers.

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

Netflix's latest true crime offering and the fourth installment in the Conversations With a Killer series turns its sights on David Berkowitz. The Son of Sam Tapes includes newly unearthed audio interviews between Berkowitz and reporter Jack Jones in the closed-off walls of Attica Correctional Facility in 1980.

Coupled with compelling interviews from law enforcement, survivors, and journalists, the series continues Conversations With a Killer's tradition of offering the most well-rounded looks into infamous crimes to date. Plus, if you want the most up-to-date information on Berkowtize, you can't do much better… at least at the time of writing. 

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

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

"The Wedding" (Season 1, Episode 7)

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

"The Watch" (Season 1, Episode 13)

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

"The Search" (Season 1, Episode 14)

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

"Wentworth Prison" (Season 1, Episode 15)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where To Watch Both Shows In The Outlander Universe Online

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

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

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

What Happens In The Superman Post-Credits Scene?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All DCU Movies And Shows Featuring The Pocket Dimension Online

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

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

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

Berserk (1997-1998)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Berserk (2016-2017)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To All the Boys: Always and Forever (2021)

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

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

The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022-2025)

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

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

XO, Kitty (2023-Present)

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

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

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

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

The Naked Gun (2025)

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

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

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

Galaxy Quest (1999)

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

Scary Movie (2000)

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

Airplane! (1980)

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

Spaceballs (1987)

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

The Brady Bunch Movie (1995)

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

Another Gay Movie (2006)

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

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)

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

Shaun of the Dead (2004)

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

Where To Watch The Best Spoof Movies Online

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

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

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

Josh Radnor (Ted Mosby)

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

Jason Segel (Marshall Eriksen)

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

Cobie Smulders (Robin Scherbatsky)

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

Neil Patrick Harris (Barney Stinson)

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

Alyson Hannigan (Lily Aldrin)

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

Cristin Milioti (Tracy McConnell/The Mother)

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

David Henrie (Son)

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

Lyndsy Fonseca (Daughter) 

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

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

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

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

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

11. Captain Marvel (2019)

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

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

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

9. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

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

8. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)

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

7. Doctor Strange (2016)

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

6. Captain America: Civil War (2016)

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

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

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

4. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

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

3. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

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

2. Avengers: Endgame (2019)

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

1. Black Panther (2018)

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

Where To Watch Every MCU Phase Three Movie Online

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

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

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

Meryl Streep (Miranda Priestly)

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

Anne Hathaway (Andy Sachs)

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

Emily Blunt (Emily Charlton)

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

Stanley Tucci (Nigel)

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

Tracie Thoms (Lily Goodwin)

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

Daniel Sunjata (James Holt)

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

Simon Baker (Christian Thompson)

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

Adrian Grenier (Nate Cooper)

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

Where To Watch The Cast Of The Devil Wears Prada Online

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

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

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

Guy Gardner’s Brash Humor Shines In Superman

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

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

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

How Guy Gardner Parallels The MCU’s Deadpool

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

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

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

Why The DCU Needs A Deadpool

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

Where To Watch Guy Gardner And Deadpool Online

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

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

Unfortunately, Sports comedies aren’t as common as you may think, but when they’re good, like Happy Gilmore, they have a way of standing the test of time and becoming essential viewing for any sports fan. If you’re going to watch any sports comedies after Happy Gilmore 2 (2025), here are the 10 best ones to watch, with many of them available on Prime Video.

10. Speed Racer (2008)

The definition of “sports comedy” may be stretched a little bit here, but Speed Racer fits the definition for both a sports movie and a comedy, and therefore, deserves mentioning. The Wachowskis are nothing if not ambitious, and their attempt to turn a classic anime racing series into a live-action family-friendly sports comedy is very much that. Sure, the results were always going to be a bit messy given the transition, but for what it’s worth, the final product is still great.

The film feels like a cartoon brought to life and is perfect for fans of anime and racing. It blends the thrills of high-speed racing from movies like Gran Turismo (2023) with the excitement of a Saturday morning cartoon, and that’s before we talk about the special effects. Despite the film releasing in 2008, the editing and special effects are still striking and easily worth the price of admission alone. It’s an unconventional sports comedy to be sure, but if you want to see thrilling races and chuckle at some inoffensive and endearing comedy, give Speed Racer a shot, even if it barely counts as a sports comedy.

9. Space Jam (1996)

For many children of the '90s, Space Jam was impossible to escape. Michael Jordan was the biggest name in sports and having a movie where he starred alongside the Looney Tunes instantly made it a must-watch for children. Looking back, Space Jam holds up surprisingly well. A lot of the comedy still gets a good laugh, and the cartoonish antics of Bugs Bunny and his friends as they go up against the titanic Monstars remain engaging.

One of the big hooks of the film is how it’s a hybrid between traditional live-action and 2D animation. It’s maybe not quite as impressive as Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), but it’s still very technically impressive, and it will certainly please animation fans. The film also assembles a great cast of voice talent and comedians to help play the animated characters, including Billy West, Danny DeVito, and Dee Bradley Baker. Space Jam is a movie that could have only existed in the '90s, which definitely dates it more than any movie on this list. If you’re down with that, then this is a solid sports movie for both kids and parents. 

8. Cool Runnings (1993)

You would think that a movie about a Jamaican bobsled team would be a completely fictional parody of the sport, but Cool Runnings is anything but. Surprisingly, it’s based on the real-life story of how a ragtag group of Jamaicans came together to form a bobsled team to compete in the 1988 Winter Olympics. Of course, there are some creative liberties taken that make it a perfect fit for Disney+, but that doesn’t stop the film from being simple, yet effective.

In a lot of ways, it’s a sports film for younger audiences who liked The Mighty Ducks (1992), but it does have a few things that separate it from its peers. John Candy, who serves as the mentor figure for the bobsled team as they train for the Olympics, is great here, and the film serves as one of his final roles before his death. It’s also not as in-your-face as other sports comedies, giving the story a certain charm as we root for the team to succeed. It’s a wholesome movie that clocks in at just over 90 minutes, making it a smidge more entertaining for families than Space Jam.

7. BASEketball (1998)

Nowadays, you can trust that anything written by Matt Stone and Trey Parker, the creators of South Park (1997), will probably be good. But back in 1998, that wasn’t entirely the case. Although Stone and Parker star, they didn’t actually write BASEketball, which was the brainchild of David Zucker. So people who love classic comedy parodies like Airplane! (1980) and The Naked Gun (1988) will be right at home with BASEketball. 

The film channels a lot of wild, satirical, and physical comedy. That should be pretty obvious, given that it tries to mesh baseball and basketball together into one confusing sport—and the results go about as well as you would expect. Stone and Parker’s performance helps ease over some of the cracks, if only because of how much they commit to the bit, resulting in a vulgar comedy that isn’t afraid to be excessive in the best way possible.

6. Major League (1989)

In a lot of ways, Major League functions like a standard sports underdog story alongside Cool Runnings. The film follows the Cleveland Indians as the players try to stop their team from relocating to Miami despite the owner intentionally assembling one of the worst teams of all time. 

It’s a great ensemble movie, but the stand-out performance belongs to Charlie Sheen, who would go on to star in plenty of comedies in the ‘90s thanks to his role as Ricky. If you’re a fan of Charlie Sheen and his tiger blood energy, then Major League is basically ground zero for his soon-to-be legendary sense of humor. The movie never takes itself too seriously but still has all the feel-good excitement you would expect from a baseball movie and a sports movie in general, just with a touch of silly jokes. If you just want a straightforward sports comedy that takes its game seriously, then Major League is for you.

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

Some comedians are born to play clueless idiots, and no one does it better than Will Ferrell. While many may say that his best character is Buddy the Elf from Elf (2003), others would argue Ricky Bobby is better. Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby has Ferrell at his best playing Ricky Bobby, an egotistical moron whose rise and fall from grace in the world of NASCAR is the stuff of legends.

At points, the film almost feels like a mockumentary, thanks to bizarre characters like Sacha Baron Cohen’s Jean Girard and Ricky’s even stupider, but well-meaning friend, Cal Naughton Jr., played by John C. Reilly. If you love mockumentaries like Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016), this captures that same energy, but with jokes ripped straight out of Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004). Like the best sports comedies, Talladega Nights balances a love of the sport it's parodying with a respect for it, leaving viewers with a movie about NASCAR that feels unhinged and removed from reality but also authentic and faithful to the sport.

4. Happy Gilmore (1996)

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

There’s a lot more punching, throwing people out windows, choking, cursing, and alligators. This is the kind of comedy that fans of slapstick and crude humor will love, thanks to Sandler and the excellent supporting cast he assembled here. It’s also not quite as vulgar as BASEkeball, so that definitely gives the film a bit more of a wider reach. If you haven’t seen Happy Gilmore and you’re a diehard Adam Sandler fan, you need to fix that urgently. 

3. The Sandlot (1993)

It honestly shouldn’t be all that surprising to hear that The Sandlot is a generation-spanning classic. Out of every sports movie on this list, there’s a good chance that this is the one your kids have probably watched at least once. The film is cute in the same way that childhood comedies like The Goonies (1985) and Holes (2003) are, with the kids feeling like actual kids and not like how adults think kids talk and behave.

More so than other sports comedies, you can tell there’s a real palpable love for baseball in The Sandlot. While other sports comedies are okay with lambasting the rules and regulations of their sports, everyone involved in the production of The Sandlot clearly loves the sport, more so than Major League. Major League is a comedy about baseball, but The Sandlot is a baseball movie that just so happens to be a comedy. Even if you don’t like baseball too much, you should definitely check it out if you’re nostalgic for the simpler days of childhood, where a dog in a neighbor’s yard is the scariest thing in the world.

2. Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004)

A staple of Comedy Central in the mid-2000s, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, is the kind of stupid comedy like Balls of Fury (2007) that you can’t help but get invested in. Watching the Average Joes compete against the Globo Gym Purple Cobras is hilarious, if only because of how much Ben Stiller commits to playing the over-the-top and borderline insane White Goodman. His expressions sell every scene that he’s in, but seeing everyone slowly give in to the film’s insanity is just as funny.

Only in Dodgeball can one of the best character arcs revolve around a person realizing that he isn’t a pirate. Does it make a lot of sense? No, but when people are being hit hard with dodgeballs, you don’t need it to make sense. If you want a comedy where you can just turn your brain off and not think, Dodgeball is for you. Just remember, “If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball.”

1. Caddyshack (1980)

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

The best thing about Caddyshack is, for the most part, it plays everything perfectly straight, letting the cast’s jokes land all the harder. It’s not quite as ridiculous as 1941 (1979), but it’s channeling a lot of the energy of Spielberg’s underrated comedy classic by the time the movie reaches its climax. Many consider Caddyshack to be the best sports comedy of all time, and it’s hard to argue against them, marking a great directorial debut for the legendary Harold Ramis.

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

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

The Origin Of The Saw And Home Alone Theory

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

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

Kevin McCallister And Jigsaw Share More Than Traps

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Makes The Home Alone And Saw Connection So Unsettling

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

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

Where To Watch The Home Alone And Saw Movies Online

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

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

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

Outlander: Blood of My Blood (2025)

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

Timeless (2016)

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

12 Monkeys (2015)

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

Doctor Who (2005)

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

Lost (2004)

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

The Flash (2014)

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

The Time Traveler's Wife (2022)

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

Paper Girls (2022)

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

Where To Watch Time Travel Shows After Outlander Online

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

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

From sharp, sophisticated sitcoms to deeply moral origin stories, when done properly, these reinventions can become a bigger hit than the original. This list examines why each offshoot, which can be found on Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max, earns a seat at the top of the franchise hierarchy.

Frasier (1993-2004)

Cheers premiered in 1982, and although it struggled at first, the sitcom eventually found its audience. While it remains a foundational sitcom, Frasier built on that legacy with elevated wit, psychological nuance, and refined character arcs, making the spin-off feel like an evolution rather than just a continuation. Frasier Crane, the licensed psychiatrist we first met in Boston's Cheers, gets his own radio talk show in Seattle. The series explores his relationships with his brother Niles, and his father Martin.

Primarily set in Frasier's posh apartment, the sitcom is filled with razor-sharp, highbrow humor about family dysfunction, ego, and class. The show also has far more emotional and intellectual depth than Cheers. Frasier is perfect for viewers who enjoy sophisticated, dialogue-rich sitcoms with complex family dynamics rather than gag-a-minute laughs.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

The 1992 Buffy the Vampire Slayer film follows Kristy Swanson as Buffy Summers, a fashion-obsessed, valley girl cheerleader whose life is turned upside down when a mysterious man named tells her she's destined to fight the forces of darkness. After being largely unsatisfied with the film, creator Joss Whedon turned his source material into the iconic Buffy the Vampire Slayer television series, starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, which premiered in 1997.

Rather than a satirical teen comedy, Buffy became a serialized feminist forward saga about a teenage slayer and her friends battling demons and vampires, while navigating the ups and downs of high school life. The show pioneered season-long "big bad" arcs, blending standalone monster episodes and deeper mythology in a way that helped usher in the modern era of prestige television storytelling. The series is ideal for anyone who loves supernatural dramas with a mix of monster-centric thrills.

Better Call Saul (2015-2022)

Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk) was first introduced to viewers as the morally grey lawyer of Breaking Bad (2008) protagonist, Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a high school teacher who decides to cook and sell crystal meth to secure his family's future after getting a cancer diagnosis. Better Call Saul takes us to 2002, where Saul still went by his real name, Jimmy McGill. Working as a struggling public defender with hustler dreams, he slowly morphs into the lawyer seen in the flagship show.

The series carefully builds Jimmy's evolution through his fraught relationships with his brother, girlfriend Kim Wexler, and other side characters. Loaded with moral ambiguity and dark comedy, the series is a study of ethical erosion, which culminates in a tragic arc that rivals that of its predecessor Better Call Saul is ideal for adults who liked the tension of Breaking Bad but want a more character-driven legal-crime drama.

Father of the Bride (1991)

Father of the Bride (1950) is a classic old Hollywood comedy that explores a father's whirlwind of emotions as he comes to terms with his daughter's sudden engagement. The 1991 version, also called Father of the Bride, re-imagined the story for contemporary audiences, adding physical comedy, sharper dialogue, and an emotional arc rooted in modern family dynamics, making it feel livelier than the original.

Steve Martin plays George Banks, a loving but overwhelmed father who is dreading his daughter's wedding. As Annie (Kimberly Williams) excitedly prepares for her big day, George spirals into full-on panic. The film plays out as a light-hearted domestic comedy about letting go and family bonds. The modern father-daughter dynamic makes it a warmer, breezier family film which is Perfect for anyone who enjoys wedding themed family stories.

Ocean's Eleven (2001) 

The 1960 Ocean's 11, starring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr., is more of a vibe than a fully realized film. The plot loosely follows 11 World War II veterans who plan to rob five Las Vegas casinos on New Year's Eve, but the story takes a backseat to Rat Pack banter and mid-century cool. Ocean's 11 (2001) takes the premise of a Las Vegas casino heist and transforms it into a masterclass in ensemble filmmaking.

With George Clooney and Brad Pitt leading the cast, the film assembles a team of 11 specialized criminals to rob three casinos on the same night. What could've been a flashy caper turns into a tightly choreographed ballet of strategy and spectacle, involving tech geniuses, disguises, and elaborate misdirection that keeps you guessing until the final twist. The movie is ideal for viewers who love smart crime thrillers with clever twists.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Would Bradley Cooper Portraying Zod Mean For The DCU?

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

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

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

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

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

There are many reasons why viewers are drawn to Prime Video's adaptation of Jenny Han's trilogy, The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022). Whether it's the quaint beach town, the nuanced characters, the teenage nostalgia, or, more importantly, the love stories, there's something in it for most romance fans. For some viewers, it might even be the love triangle between Lola Tung's Belly Conklin and Fisher brothers, Christopher Briney and Gavin Casalegno's Conrad and Jeremiah, respectively. Regardless, it's an incredible teen drama, now in its third season and featuring a stellar soundtrack that's equally as significant as the plot.

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

Dawson's Creek (1998-2003)

The teen drama that started it all, and the one that's become a cultural paragon for what it means to set up a love triangle and deliver an earned payoff. Few TV series could ever top the mastery and brilliance of relatable emotions in Dawson's Creek. Set in the small titular town, the intimate storytelling between characters who grow up together and follow their dreams includes a number of genre favorite archetypes that fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty would enjoy. 

If for nothing else, it's worth knowing why Katie Holmes' Joey Potter choosing Joshua Jackson's Pacey Witter is still one of the most iconic moments on TV. Dawson's Creek is essential for viewers who adore coming-of-age stories, small towns, and '90s nostalgia coupled with friend groups that feel like they'll remain in each other's lives long after the credits roll.

One Tree Hill (2003-2012)

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

Plus, Tree Hill, as a town, feels just as cozy as Cousins Beach and features a ton of angst to satisfy every type of viewer. It's a bit longer with its nine-season run, so it'd require more of a commitment, but the astounding characterizations will live on for a long time, and the cast members are especially lovely for how they bring to life nuanced, well-rounded characters. 

Heartstopper (2022-2024)

Though the drama in Heartstopper doesn't hone in on love triangles, the LGBTQIA+ focused series, based on Alice Oseman's graphic novels, is the perfect YA, coming-of-age romance. Sweet and tender at every turn, the series thoughtfully explores the pangs of being a high schooler, all while gorgeously showcasing an ever-blooming romance between Nick and Charlie. 

The show features a number of romantic relationships involving characters with diverse identities that allow viewers to understand the broad spectrum that fortifies the LGBTQIA+ community. The drama in Heartstopper is mostly external, and as one of the most well-written and inclusive shows on air right now, it's the perfect teen drama to dive into for all kinds of viewers.

The O.C. (2003-2007)

The O.C. might not exactly be a small town drama, but it certainly feels like one with its ensemble cast and contained narratives. As yet another quintessential teen drama, the angsty series is certainly worth watching for drama fans, and especially for viewers looking for deliciously messy relationships and wild arcs. 

Adam Brody's Seth Cohen is the dreamboat, and he might be particularly intriguing for viewers hoping Belly chooses Christopher Briney's Conrad. Plus, for a teen drama that's as angsty as The O.C., it might make some viewers feel better about how stories are told today than they were in the early 2000s.

Never Have I Ever (2020-2023)

Grief is an enormous element in The Summer I Turned Pretty, and another teen drama that does a beautifully healing job of representing loss is Netflix's Never Have I Ever. Following Indian-American teenager Devi Vishwakumar (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan), the series delivers young adult angst, healing from loss, and the woes of a love triangle, resulting in an earned ending that's easy to appreciate. 

It's refreshing, profoundly moving, and does a beautiful job of ensuring that the characters are consistently in the driver's seat. If you want more representation and inclusivity, Never Have I Ever is the show for you. In addition, if you're a fan of Mindy Kaling's writing style, she's the series's showrunner.

Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)

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

Gilmore Girls is especially worth watching as the number of similarities between Alexis Bledel's Rory and Tung's Belly can be surprisingly comforting. Some fans are also able to draw parallels between the Fisher brothers and Rory's former boyfriends, bringing a myriad of gripping conversations to social media after every episode. Fun, charming, and all around well-written, The Summer I Turned Pretty fans are bound to adore this gem, too. 

XO, Kitty (2023-Present)

As a spin-off to Jenny Han's To All the Boys I've Loved Before, XO, Kitty is a delightful gem worth watching for its honest depiction and sweet characterizations. With a primarily Asian cast and filmed in South Korea, XO, Kitty shines with its gorgeous cultural representation and authenticity. Anna Cathcart's Kitty Covey is one of the standout characters in the original trilogy, so the fact that viewers get to follow her on her own adventures is a gift that keeps on giving.

Fun, charming, and all around well-written, The Summer I Turned Pretty fans are bound to adore this gem, too. XO, Kitty is also perfect for viewers who are the younger siblings, wanting to see a feature where, for once, they're centered in a way that feels right.

My Life With the Walter Boys (2023-Present)

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

Adjusting to the changes in her new life comes with the realization of romantic feelings for two brothers, Cole and Alex. My Life With the Walter Boys is perfect for viewers who revel in the love triangle trope and angsty slow burns that lead to something more down the line.

Outer Banks (2020-2026)

While a lot more dramatic than The Summer I Turned Pretty, Outer Banks might scratch the itch for viewers specifically looking for the summer aesthetic and a group of friends with blooming romances between a number of them. Featuring a search for treasure, loads of familial angst, romance, and more hijinks, surprises lurk in every corner of the series. 

Outer Banks especially shines with its found family vibes, and it delivers all the necessary angst to ensure that the devastatingly romantic moments hit hard because of all the drama. Some themes might not be suitable for viewers who want a more cozy story, but there's still a lot to appreciate in the series as it takes characters from a place where they're lonely to deeply loved afterward. 

The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017)

If the thrill of one woman in a messy, complicated relationship with two completely different brothers is what you're searching for, then look no further than The Vampire Diaries. While the series obviously features fantastical elements, the drama and angst are wildly addicting, as the series provides all the excitement of watching romantic relationships unfold as it's meant to. 

Also based on a book series, if there's any vampire adaptation featuring the love triangle trope that's worth watching, The Vampire Diaries is undoubtedly it. Plus, like The Summer I Turned Pretty, it features an incredible soundtrack that thoroughly elevates the emotions in the scene, making it pop and shine in a way that makes it far more memorable than it would've otherwise been. Fans of supernatural dramas will find a new hit here.

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

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

6. Thor: The Dark World (2013)

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

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

5. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

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

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

4. Iron Man 3 (2013)

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

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

3. Ant-Man (2015)

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

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

2. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

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

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

1. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

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

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

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

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

While his return as Jake in Freakier Friday was more brief than some viewers were likely expecting, now's a great time to look back at Chad Michael Murray's best movies and TV shows, along with where to stream them on platforms like Hulu, Netflix, and more. 

One Tree Hill (2003-2012)

From the moment Chad Michael Murray steps into the frame and walks over the bridge, bouncing a basketball as the brooding Lucas Scott in One Tree Hill to his final scene in the Season 6 finale, it's easy to appreciate the character's incredible heart and goodness. As one of the main characters in a story centered on two half-brothers with vastly different upbringings, the high school-turned-college adult drama was a cultural phenomenon in the early 2000s. 

With Lucas' readings of popular poems to end and begin each episode, along with the many romances he had until his beloved endgame with Peyton Sawyer, it's still, to this day, the series that features Murray's best performance. Perfect for viewers itching for nostalgia and obsessed with dramatic narrative arcs that feature romantic relationships, One Tree Hill is a must-watch. 

A Cinderella Story (2004)

Waiting for Austin Ames might be as useless as waiting for rain during a San Fernando Valley drought, but A Cinderella Story is still a top-tier YA romantic comedy. Starring Hilary Duff alongside Chad Michael Murray, the Cinderella-inspired tale follows a relatively simple narrative, but where it genuinely shines is in the performances and chemistry between Murray and Duff. 

The final, very public kiss at his football game is what high school dreams are made of, and the satisfying culmination of two pen pals getting together makes for a solid trope to explore. Perfect for fans of the pen pal trope, A Cinderella Story is ideal viewing for viewers who want a sweet and delightful YA rom-com.

Freaky Friday (2003)

Before viewers were swooning over Bucky Barnes on a motorcycle, Chad Michael Murray's Jake was the ultimate (see what we did there?) teenage bad boy. Lindsay Lohan's Anna Coleman, along with every viewer, was rightfully gushing over him in Freaky Friday (2003), and while most of us grew to be Manny Jacinto truthers in Freakier Friday, Jake was still the it-boy back in the day. 

Brooding, long-haired, and delightfully off-limits, everything about Anna's crush made sense, and Murray became the kind of actor viewers wanted to see more of in romance-centric roles. He's no longer the same mysterious hunk that he was in the sequel, but his character delivers riveting comedic relief for Anna's mom, Tess. Freaky Friday is a must-watch for anyone who wants to dive into the sequel, but it's especially a joy to see what teenagers back in the early 2000s were feeling. If you've ever wanted to understand why millennials are the way that they are, this is the movie to show it.

Agent Carter (2013)

While Jack Thompson was an extremely unlikable and frustrating character in Marvel's Agent Carter, Chad Michael Murray was excellent in the role. Crude, ruthless, and snarky, he was an ideal foil to Enver Gjokaj's Daniel Sousa, and it was often thrilling to watch Hayley Atwell's Peggy Carter go head-to-head with him. 

Murray is a series regular throughout the show's two-season run, and as one of the strongest chapters in the MCU, the historical piece is one that still holds up, thanks to its incredible means of adding layers to the lore and fantastic performances from every actor involved. Perfect for fans of Peggy Carter and those who want to see a more nuanced take on the women in the MCU, it's also a gorgeous series for viewers who want more historical time periods in the superhero genre.

Dawson's Creek (1998-2003)

Chad Michael Murray's role in Dawson's Creek is as brief as his time on Gilmore Girls (2000), but his character, Charlie Todd, is a bit more intriguing, and the series as a whole is one worth fully diving into for its nostalgia and teenage angst. In other words, if his character in One Tree Hill were more unapologetically a womanizer, then he'd be Charlie Todd. 

Here for the drama and very little else, it's still a thrilling season he's a part of, moving the plot forward to get characters with the right men they're supposed to be with. For fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022), Dawson's Creek is a must-watch show to see where so much of the young adult angst began. Full of yearning, the found family trope, and impeccable characterizations, there's a reason it's a classic. 

Sullivan's Crossing (2023-Present)

Based on the novel series by Robyn Carr, Sullivan's Crossing sees Chad Michael Murray return to his TV roots as the leading hero, Cal Jones. As a quintessential small-town drama with a big city girl returning to her hometown, Sullivan's Crossing follows Morgan Kohan's Maggie Sullivan in an attempt to start over. 

Full of romance, hijinks, and all the angsty drama one can imagine, the series feels tailor-made for a star like Murray and his mysteriously brooding brand of acting. Perfect for fans of Virgin River (2019), the show is currently all over Netflix charts and can be the small town angsty fix to hold romantic drama fans over.

Christmas Cupid (2010)

In the span of his relatively decent acting career, Murray has been in a number of Christmas movies. And while many of them are, unfortunately, not that great, Christmas Cupid is a load of fun and worth watching for any viewer who's a fan of cheesy holiday films. 

Starring Christina Milian and Ashley Benson alongside Murray, it's a pleasant twist on A Christmas Carol, delivering romance and fun beats of longing along with all the festivities that most holiday aficionados appreciate in their movies.

The Merry Gentlemen (2024)

As one of the more recent Christmas movies to air during Netflix's yearly line-up, The Merry Gentlemen is yet another wild ride worth watching for those who appreciate the holiday schmaltz. It's a PG version of Magic Mike (2012) and not nearly as compelling, but it's a decent film that sees Murray in a role unlike anything he's ever done. One word: dancing. Period.

The Merry Gentlemen can mostly be appreciated by viewers who adore holiday films, because for those who aren't a fan in general, it's going to be a bit too much. Steer clear. Watch Magic Mike instead and maybe plead for a holiday special if that's your jam.

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

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

The Keepers (2017)

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

While Cesnik's former students at the all-girls high school she taught at seem to think the prime suspect is a priest removed by the ministry for sexually abusing minors, the investigation ultimately creates more questions. Cover up? Conspiracy? Watch the seven-part series and decide for yourself. If you like religion-based true crime stories, like Deliver Us From Evil, you'll be especially hooked.

TIME: The Kalief Browder Story (2017)

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

After receiving 700 days of solitary confinement for allegedly stealing a backpack housing assorted valuables, what follows for Kalief is nothing but heartache and tragedy. Although The Kalief Browder Story may leave you in tears, it is an eye-opening look into the dark corners of America's justice system and how racial and socioeconomic privileges can make a difference in who gets fair treatment. If you ever thought there needs to be a bigger spotlight on injustice, The Kalief Browder Story will stick with you long after the credits roll. 

Wild Wild Country (2018)

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

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

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

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

Over the course of four episodes, creator and director Joe Berlinger offers an intimate look into the dark, twisted mind of Bundy, drawing on hundreds of hours of interviews and archival footage. Coupled with interviews from friends, law enforcement, and surviving victims, Conversations With a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes is one of the most thorough docuseries about the killer to date. As a warning, it might also be one of the scariest. That said, those interested in learning more about Bundy's victims, motivations, and childhood will find an informative breakdown here.

The Trails of Gabriel Fernandez (2020)

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

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

Tiger King (2020-2021)

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

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

Athlete A (2020)

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

Unlike some true crime docuseries where the perpetrator is the shining star, Athlete A takes care in how it presents this web of abuse and ensures the victims remain the focus. While it delivers a critique of the USAG as a whole, its message transcends beyond gymnastics, reminding audiences how sexual abuse can be overlooked when it involves people in power, no matter the setting. If The Kalief Browder Story or The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez piqued your interest, Athlete A chronicles another branch of institutional failure.

Unsolved Mysteries (2020-Present)

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

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

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

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

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

Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing (2025)

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

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

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

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

The Smurfs (1961)

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

The Adventures of the Smurfs (1965)

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

The Smurfs and the Magic Flute (1976)

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

The Smurfs (1981)

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

The Smurfs (2011)

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

The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol (2011)

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

The Smurfs 2 (2013)

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

The Smurfs: The Legend of Smurfy Hollow (2013)

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

Smurfs: The Lost Village (2017)

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

The Smurfs (2021)

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

Smurfs (2025)

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

Where To Watch The Smurfs TV Shows And Movies Online

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

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

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

Captain America: Civil War (2016)

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

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

Black Panther (2018)

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

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

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

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

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

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

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

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

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

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

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

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

The Fantastic Four Has A Secret Weapon

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

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

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

Franklin Richards Lives Up To His Alias: Powerhouse

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

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

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

What Is Franklin’s Future In The MCU?

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

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

Where To Watch The MCU’s Superhero Teams Online

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

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

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

Superman (2025)

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

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

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017-2023)

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

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

I’m Your Woman (2020)

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

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

House of Cards (2013-2018)

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

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

Manhattan (2014-2015)

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

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

The Courier (2020)

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

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

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

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

6. The Incredible Hulk (2008)

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

5. Iron Man 2 (2010)

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

4. Thor (2011) 

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

3. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

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

2. The Avengers (2012)

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

1. Iron Man (2008)

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

Where To Watch Every MCU Phase One Movie Online

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

Whether the primary focus or spread out throughout trilogies in crumbs, since the start of filmmaking, romance has always had a place in every genre. Interestingly, there has always been a surprisingly larger focus on it in sci-fi films and TV shows, breaking ground in franchises like Star Wars or even underrated TV series adapted from books like The Expanse (2015). Whether the couple begins in a slow burn workplace relationship or their love becomes the one thing that saves the day, it's always fun and refreshing when there's a romance to root for, along with the idea of saving the world from bad guys.

From classic films like The Empire Strikes Back (1980) to the latest Apple TV+ gem, The Gorge (2025), here are the 10 best sci-fi movies romance fans will love, along with where to find them on platforms like Disney+, HBO Max, and more.

The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

As a franchise, Star Wars is brimming with romantic relationships, both canon and not, that have made a tremendous impact in pop culture, including the literary publishing world. But the best of all relationships will always boil down to the ones who started it all—Han Solo and Princess Leia Organa. 

While the princess and scoundrel officially meet in A New Hope (1977), it isn't until the trilogy's second film that the tension between them blooms into something bigger, resulting in one of the best first kisses in any sci-fi film, as well as one of the most iconic love declarations in history: "I love you"/"I know." Swoon. In general, The Empire Strikes Back is an extraordinary, well-revered film for its profound balance in character studies, as well as its ability to move the plot forward with a huge revelation that even non-Star Wars fans know. Every beat feels earned, with the romance adding an extra layer of warmth that later forms the trajectory of the sequel trilogy, too. The universe is too big to dive into without committing to multiple films and TV shows, but for the viewers who want at least one experience of it, the original trilogy is a good way to fulfill those desires.

The Matrix (1999)

The Matrix films are inarguably a cornerstone of sci-fi filmmaking, delivering some of the most thrilling and unique blend of world-building that set a standard for how to tell universally human stories. And all throughout the films, the tension between Keanu Reeves' Neo and Carrie-Anne Moss' Trinity serves as a blueprint for how to carefully weave a romantic relationship into a film's central theme to emphasize the importance of partnership as a saving thread when all else fails. 

From the first film that sets the stage to the latest, The Matrix Resurrections (2021), the romance between Neo and Trinity never fails to supply emotional beats. Perfect for viewers who want a glimpse into the genre without having to commit to an entire universe, the four Matrix films are likely to be appreciated even by those who don't generally love the genre.

The Gorge (2025)

Apple TV+'s latest feature, The Gorge, is a surprising treasure that gorgeously explores humanity and captures a budding romance between two snipers in forced proximity sent to guard a gorge. As a true romance with multiple character-building beats that deliver small, but monumental ways in which two people fall in love, The Gorge is a rarity in the genre, where romance is generally a secondary plot. 

Here, it mostly takes precedence, allowing the film's plot to develop in a way that adds to their relationship while telling a moving story about how humans cope with what's left in front of them. With stunning and picturesque cinematography that serves as an intriguing backdrop to a world of mutating plants and animals, The Gorge is an underrated must-watch for viewers who love quiet but profound character-driven stories. 

Jurassic Park (1993)

Come to Jurassic Park for the genetically engineered dinosaurs and stay for the swoonworthy relationship between Laura Dern's Ellie Sattler and Sam Neill's Alan Grant. The subtle romance that develops between them and later turns into a second chance romance in Jurassic World Dominion (2022) is no small feat. 

In more ways than one, their relationship is the beating heart of Jurassic Park, as Alan quite literally does all that he does because it's what Ellie would want. With an intriguing partnership right from the start and thrilling chemistry, their relationship is one that most romance fans will undoubtedly gobble up. Jurassic Park is also a sci-fi staple in its entirety, perfect for viewers who appreciate cinematic adventure films coupled with a gripping story and groundbreaking directing, which is part of the reason Steven Spielberg is the acclaimed legend that he is.

The X-Files Movie (1998)

Whether you watch The X-Files (1993) or not, everyone knows the names Dana Scully and Fox Mulder. And everyone is also aware of the compelling chemistry between the two that's kept viewers locked to their screens for both the TV show and movies. As a true archetype in science fiction, the series is not for every viewer, but a remarkable fictional showcase of what else is out there.

In the 1998 The X-Files movie, a single confession between Scully and Mulder proves that the partnership between them transcends even space and time. Full of longing, tension, and unapologetic honesty, Mulder makes it clear that Scully's the most important person in his life, adding romance to a film that's already excellent. While viewers who aren't caught up on the series might not appreciate the film the same way, it can perhaps be an intriguing watch, regardless. 

Superman (2025)

Most superhero films in the Marvel and DC universes come equipped with romance as an inclusion, yet there's something indescribable about how James Gunn's Superman overtly delivers the romance between Clark Kent and Lois Lane. Soft, endearing, and brimming with chemistry, this one's the one to beat. 

While most portrayals of the two of them in various adaptations are extraordinary, the kisses they share throughout this particular film are among the best in the genre. In addition, the honest and heartfelt conversations they have, topped with the precious banter, gorgeously fortify them as a couple in a film with limited screen time. Because this Superman is an origin story, viewers can dive right in without having any prior knowledge of the lore, and it's especially perfect for viewers who don't love gritty sci-fi films.

Stardust (2007)

Before he was stealing hearts as Matt Murdoch in Daredevil, Charlie Cox was the boy of everyone's dreams in Stardust. A significantly stronger adaptation than the source material it's based on, Cox and Claire Danes are a match made in heaven. 

As a unique blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and adventure, the forbidden bond between Tristan and Yvaine is the film's primary focus, allowing their fight for one another to shine throughout the film as they do everything in their power to find the happy ending written in the stars for them. Sweet, surprisingly funny, and a tale that still holds up, it's a must-watch for romance and fantasy fans.

Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)

Tom Hiddleston as a vampire. Need we say more? Only Lovers Left Alive is a stunning and layered love story about vampires, pulsing with extraordinary chemistry between Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton. Unconventional in more ways than one, as far as the mythical creatures are concerned, the film's emphasis on their love above all things is where it stands out. 

Gorgeously written and directed by Jim Jarmusch, the enthralling plot and love story are reasons enough to appreciate every beat of the film. While it might not be suited for the faint-hearted viewers, it's still a thrilling spectacle for those who love unique vampire stories.

Spring (2014)

As an underrated film, Spring isn't one that's on everybody's radar, but it's a quintessential sci-fi romance with shapeshifting and monster relationships to showcase the power of love. It's dark, gritty, and not for the faint of heart, with questionable motivations driven by understandable selfishness, but it carefully explores tough topics with nuance and care.

With a relatively intriguing conclusion, there's no debating the happy ending that's possible between Evan and Louise after everything they go through to reach it in the film. And most romance fans know that a happy ending is essential for something to be considered a romance in the first place. If you appreciated the heart in The Shape of Water (2017), this one also sticks the landing.

Dune: Part Two (2023)

Although romance is not a primary focus in Dune: Part Two, like the Star Wars trilogy and other sci-fi properties that have come before it, the romance still shines. Here, it's largely due to the fact that an actor like Zendaya has chemistry with everyone, but a single scene in the franchise's second film is full of such longing that the shot alone is something romance fans would appreciate tremendously. 

Both Dune films are great in general as quintessential sci-fi spectacles that feature gripping characters, a unique narrative, and profound world-building, so the added relationship between Paul and Chani is a bonus. For the viewers who want a true sci-fi experience, the Dune films aren't to be missed, especially if you like Star Wars.

Audiences have been flocking to James Gunn's new version of Superman, with one of the big takeaways being a newfound appreciation for Krypto the Superdog. Krypto was introduced in Adventure Comics #210 all the way back in 1955. Superman's loyal canine companion quickly became a fan-favorite character in the Superboy stories of DC's Silver Age. While Krypto hasn't appeared in every adaptation of the Man of Steel, there have been plenty of shows and movies that feature versions of the character. 

Often, it's a one-off appearance as in Superman & Lois. Other times, it's alongside his fellow superheroes in shows like Justice League Action. Sometimes, Krypto even takes center stage and drives the story forward, as in Superman. If you loved Krypto in Superman, there are plenty of other DC adaptations that are worth checking out across streaming apps like HBO Max, Netflix, and more!

The Adventures of Superboy (1966)

Debuting in 1966 as segments in other animated shows, The Adventures Of Superboy marks the animated debut for Krypto. The shorts feature a young Clark Kent growing up in Smallville, with each segment focusing on Superboy racing off into an adventure. Krypto heavily factors into many of these stories, like "The Spy From Outer Space" and "Krypto, K-9 Detective." 

Pulling directly from the bombastic comics of the era, the shorts are very much of their time (often paired with Super Friends) but make for an enjoyably goofy superhero story in retrospect. The show is also infamously hard to track down due to rights issues pertaining to the estate of Superboy co-creator Jerry Siegel, and it isn't available on streaming at the time of writing. However, it's worth remembering if for nothing else featuring some pretty fun Krypto storylines.

Smallville (2001)

Debuting in 2001, Smallville brought Clark Kent and Lex Luthor back to TV in the vein of teenage dramas like Dawson's Creek. Over the course of 10 seasons, the show incorporated dozens of characters from the comics, including a reimagining of Krypto.

Introduced in the aptly titled Season 4 episode "Krypto," Smallville's version of the Superdog is the Kents' golden retriever who briefly gains super strength after being exposed to Kryptonite. The dog  eventually loses its powers but remains a part of the show for the rest of the run as the Kents' pet. Although the dog is formally named Shelby, an Easter egg reference in the episode has Clark consider naming the dog Krypto. It's a clever way of incorporating Krypto into the show in a way that doesn't overcomplicate Smallville's relatively grounded focus.

Krypto the Superdog (2005)

Debuting 50 years after his comic counterpart made his first appearance, Krypto the Superdog is an adventure-filled and kid-friendly take on the superhero genre. The animated show, which ran for 39 episodes, is a deliberate throwback to the Hanna-Barbera cartoons of the 1960s and was developed by Alan Burnett and Paul Dini, two of the major creatives behind the highly successful DCAU (which includes Batman: The Animated Series and Justice League Unlimited).

The series focuses on Krypto and his owner, a nine-year-old boy named Kevin Whitney. Krypto protects the town as a superhero, working alongside other animal heroes (like Streaky the Supercat and Ace the Bat-Hound) to confront all sorts of threats. It's a light-hearted and cute cartoon that highlights the inherent appeal of a superhero dog.

Batman: The Brave And The Bold (2008)

Batman: The Brave And The Bold is a purposefully campy and colorful take on the Dark Knight, bringing the larger DC Universe into the kind of wacky but authentic superhero setting that Adam West's Batman codified. One of the best episodes is Season 3's "Battle of the Superheroes," which serves as the show's biggest Superman storyline.

After being corrupted by Red Kryptonite and becoming a huge jerk, Superman is confronted by Batman and Krypto. The team-up follows the show's standard practice of pairing Batman with different heroes in every episode while also letting a version of Krypto show off his abilities alongside Batman and even hold his own against Superman in a fight. The Brave and the Bold is a great and self-aware riff on the superhero genre that's well worth a watch—and fans of the 2025 Superman movie will find plenty to love about "Battle of the Superheroes."

DC Nation (2012)

DC Nation was a great experiment courtesy of Cartoon Network, serving as an informal programming block that featured various DC shorts. These cartoons varied vastly in terms of character focus and artistic style, ranging from the super stylized "The Bat Man of Shanghi" to the charming aesthetic of Aardman Animation.

One of the most consistent of these shorts is "DC Super-Pets!," which focuses on characters like Krypto and Ace the Bat-Hound. Animated in the style of Art Baltazar, the cute cartoons lean into the clear personalities of the superheroes and play with the premise to great effect. Krypto is a highlight of the shorts, a well-meaning goof who will just as quickly save a sinking ship as he will chase a squirrel. The shorts are available to stream on YouTube and are perfect for kids who love Krypto.

Teen Titans Go! (2013)

One of Cartoon Network's longest-running shows, Teen Titans Go! is a madcap take on the DC Universe. Krypto is one of the many DC characters who has made the leap to the series, debuting with a cameo in Teen Titans Go! to the Movies. Various episodes also feature Krypto in gag appearances and short bursts. 

His biggest showcase in the show so far comes during Season 8's "Toliet Water," where the Titans are hired by Superman to dog-sit for him. Their lax attitude toward his bad behavior ends up turning Krypto briefly into a villain, although the heroes are able to save the day by the end of the story. It's a subversive and silly take on the character, just like with everything else in Teen Titans Go! that will likely get some laughs from anyone who enjoyed how unruly Krypto was in Superman.

Titans (2018)

Titans is a gritty and dramatic take on DC's younger superheroes, which finds a way to incorporate Krypto into the story. Krypto is reimagined in Titans as a regular Earth dog that was experimented on by Cadmus Laboratories. Krypto debuts in the Season 1 finale "Dick Grayson," setting him up to informally join the Titans as their pet.

After being saved by Conner, the dog develops a deep loyalty to Superman's clone. While Krypto doesn't have the most important role in the show, he is a reliable ally for the Titans to call upon in emergencies. It's also a good reminder that even when DC adaptations are taking things deadly seriously, there is still room for a good dog who can use laser eyes to protect his people.

DC Super Hero Girls (2019)

Although Krypto is only a minor character in Lauren Faust's DC Super Hero Girls, it is a great showcase for the Superdog. In this follow-up to the animator's super successful My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic!, DC Super Hero Girls reimagines the DC Universe with a focus on six young women—Supergirl, Batgirl, Wonder Woman, Zatanna, Green Lantern, and Bumblebee—as they attend high school in Metropolis.

Krypto is Supergirl’s dog, a friendly and rowdy hound that feels very similar to the way the pair is portrayed at the end of Superman. "#BeastsInShow" is DC Super Hero Girls' best showcase for Krypto, pitting him against a reimagined version of Ace the Bat-Hound in a dog show that Supergirl and Batgirl take far more seriously than they do.

DC League of Super-Pets (2022)

Krypto fully takes center stage in 2022's DC League of Super-Pets, an animated film that focuses largely on Krypto. When Lex Luthor's guinea pig test subject Lulu enacts a plan to capture the Justice League, Krypto teams up with a group of shelter animals who have been granted superpowers in a bid to save them.

Krypto is at the heart of the film, which largely focuses on his bond with Superman, which he fears is being threatened by Lois Lane. Voiced by Dwayne Johnson, this version of Krypto gets the most focus of any incarnation of the character, although given the popularity of Krypto in Superman and his expected role in the upcoming Supergirl movie, it might not be long before the Superdog gets another starring cinematic role.

Scooby-Doo! And Krypto, Too (2023)

Scooby-Doo has had plenty of adventures over the years with guest star characters, with the DC Universe at large factoring into the events of Scooby-Doo! And Krypto, Too!. The film pairs up Scooby-Doo with Superman's canine partner, throwing Scooby and his friends into a big superhero adventure against the likes of Lex Luthor and Solomon Grundy.

The film sees Mystery Inc. recruited by Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen to help investigate the missing Justice League, throwing them into a Silver Age-inspired adventure. The gang encounters Krypto during their investigation, with the Superdog quickly befriending Scooby-Doo and developing a cute dynamic. It's a fun throwback adventure for fans of Super Friends and Scooby-Doo!, with a light-hearted tone that perfectly fits both iconic cartoon dogs.

Where To Watch Krypto The Supderdog Movies & TV Shows Online

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

Galactus (Ralph Ineson) is making his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The cosmic entity known for devouring planets to sustain its immense life force is one of the most powerful villains to ever arrive in the MCU.

However, hope isn’t lost for the MCU’s heroes, considering a few of them have histories of besting Galactus. Viewers can use our guide to find out which MCU heroes defeated Galactus in Marvel Comics.

The Fantastic Four

While viewers will have to watch The Fantastic Four: First Steps to find out if the team defeats Galactus, it bodes well for the heroes since they’ve bested him in Marvel Comics multiple times. Aside from Doctor Doom, Galactus is one of The Fantastic Four’s archenemies, resulting in numerous instances where the team defeated him or foiled his plans. In the original Fantastic Four series, The Fantastic Four defeat Galactus by threatening him with “The Ultimate Nullifier,” a weapon powerful enough to destroy the universe. In a later storyline, Reed Richards’ son, Franklin, used his powers to control Galactus, becoming his “herald.” Silver Surfer, set to appear in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, has also aided The Fantastic Four in Galactus’ defeat.

The Avengers

From defeating Thanos (Josh Brolin) in Avengers: Endgame to taking down Loki (Tom Hiddleston) in TThe Avengers, The Avengers have taken on many larger-than-life threats in the MCU. In the comics, they’ve also come up against Galactus. In The Trial of Galactus, a weakened Galactus comes to Earth to search for his former herald, Terrax, and decides to consume the planet. Of course, this puts him in direct conflict with both the Fantastic Four and Avengers, who fight him to the point of death, though Reed Richards opts to save him. Usually, The Avengers wouldn’t have stood much of a chance against Galactus, but in his weakened state, even Spider-Man and Daredevil could hold their own against him.

X-Men

The X-Men are slowly making their way into the MCU, with a Wolverine variant (Hugh Jackman) appearing in the multiverse movie Deadpool & Wolverine, and the original Beast (Kelsey Grammer) making a cameo in The Marvels. Most of the original X-Men team is also confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday. Meanwhile, the team is arriving in the MCU at just the right time, considering they once defeated Galactus, although it was in an alternate timeline. An issue of What If…? follows the Age of Apocalypse X-Men team in a timeline where the world didn’t end. When Galactus shows up, The X-Men team up with Tony Stark and defeat the cosmic entity with Weapon X, leaving him mortally wounded.

Marvel Zombies

Marvel Zombies made their debut in the MCU through an episode of What If…? and proved so popular that Marvel greenlit a Marvel Zombies miniseries for Fall 2025. Not only are these undead heroes unsettling, but they are also powerful enough to defeat Galactus in the comics. In the Marvel Zombies comic series, the zombie superheroes eat humanity into extinction. When Galactus arrives to consume the planet, the zombies see him merely as another food source, killing The Silver Surfer before attacking and overcoming Galactus. Some of them even acquire his power and become Zombie Galacti, traveling the galaxy in search of more life to devour.

Thor

Thor (Chris Hemsworth) has been a staple of the MCU since Thor (2011) and has faced some formidable enemies. In Avengers: Endgame, he deals the blow that kills Thanos while also defeating Hela (Cate Blanchett) in Thor: Ragnarok and Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale) in Thor: Love and Thunder. He’s possibly the MCU’s biggest hope to defeat Galactus, considering he did so in the comics through quite a unique method. Thor was so formidable against Galactus that he earned the entity’s respect, with Galactus seeking him out to defeat Black Winter. Galactus entrusted Thor with his cosmic powers, which Thor then used to kill Galactus before turning his corpse into a bomb and detonating it to defeat Black Winter, too.

Thanos

Thanos is the overarching villain of the MCU’s Infinity Saga, with his plans reaching their culmination in Avengers: Infinity War. In the Infinity Gauntlet comic series, Thanos acquires the infinity stones, as he does in the MCU, and becomes the most powerful being in the universe. However, in the comics, he takes his power further than wiping out half the population. Sensing his immense power, Galactus and Adam Warlock confront him, only for Thanos to easily defeat and imprison them. Thanos typically wouldn’t be on par with Galactus’ power, but even the cosmic entity is no match against the Infinity Gauntlet.

Doctor Strange

Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is quite a force in the MCU, considering he bested Dormammu in his eponymous MCU debut. In the comics, Strange proves magic can be even more potent when he aids The Fantastic Four against Galactus. Although he doesn’t directly defeat Galactus, he performs a powerful spell in The Trial of Galactus that distracts the cosmic entity long enough for The Fantastic Four and Avengers to beat him. The spell caused Galactus to see all of the tormented souls he’d killed, nearly driving him mad on top of his weakened state. Doctor Strange doesn’t boast a lot of brute strength, but his intelligence and sorcery even the playing field between him and Galactus.

The Living Tribunal

The Living Tribunal has yet to appear in the MCU in a substantial role, though Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness featured a non-speaking cameo of the being. If the MCU is gearing up to introduce The Living Tribunal, it will have one force that can easily defeat Galactus. The Living Tribunal is arguably the single most powerful entity in the Marvel Universe, maintaining balance by serving as the judge of the universe. Even Galactus can’t escape The Living Tribunal’s judgment. A variant of Galactus from Earth-982 disrupted the balance of the multiverse too much, drawing The Living Tribunal’s disapproval. The Living Tribunal oversaw the situation until Galactus merged with The Silver Surfer to become a builder of worlds rather than a destroyer.

Where To Watch More Marvel Movies online

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

Whether popular classics or hidden, long-forgotten gems, there are always a myriad of incredible romances to stream for free on platforms like Plex, Hoopla, and more. What is a romance film? By definition in the literary world, it's a story that ends with a happy ending for the couple we are following. So, no, Romeo and Juliet is not a romance, but a tragic love story instead. However, a romantic comedy like 13 Going on 30 (2004) sure is. 

There are countless tropes that make up the fabric of the genre, and excellent chemistry is always needed to sell the relationship we're watching on-screen, so it's always a bit of a treasure hunt to see what a romantic film will explore and how it'll do so. From newer book-to-screen adaptations like The Hating Game (2021) to early 2000s treasures like She's the Man, here are the 10 best romance movies streaming for free right now.

Letters to Juliet (2010)

As one of the most romantic films with two relationships at the center, Letters to Juliet is a must-watch for fans of the second chance romance trope. Set in the beautifully picturesque Verona and various other locations in Italy, the film is both a second chance romance and a tender strangers to lovers that leaves a mark. Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) responds to a lost letter tucked in the crevices of Juliet's wall, allowing the late Vanessa Redgrave's Claire to make contact with her in order to follow her heart back to her long-lost love. 

As the search for Lorenzo commences, Sophie and Claire's nephew, Charlie, quietly fall for one another in the background. With a gorgeous soundtrack, thrilling banter, and heart-melting love declarations, every frame is what romantic comedy dreams are made of. For the viewers who love heart pounding longing, this one's got it all. 

Mr. Malcolm's List (2022)

As a fantastic and incredibly thoughtful book-to-screen adaptation with a refreshingly inclusive cast, Mr. Malcolm's List is a gorgeous historical romance and an absolute joy ride from start to finish. Featuring stunning, swoonworthy shots in every frame, the romance between Freida Pinto's Selina and Sope Dirisu's Mr. Jeremy Malcolm quietly develops with the type of slow burn tension that's so deliciously enamoring. It's surprisingly funny at times, too, which period dramas generally don't get to be, adding an extra bit of fun to the yearning. 

Every beat of the film feels earned, and the entire cast, along with the platonic relationships, make it an adaptation to remember. For fans of Bridgerton (2020) who want a quick but rewarding movie to watch, this one's not to be missed.

Persuasion (2007)

Pride and Prejudice might be Jane Austen's most popular novel, but Persuasion is inarguably her most romantic, and the 2007 adaptation starring Sally Hawkins and Rupert Penry-Jones is the perfect film to showcase the depth of longing that's sprinkled into every page. As what might be the archetype of a second chance romance, so much of the film's impact comes from the performances. Persuasion is the type of book that takes longing incredibly seriously, and without the presence of Captain Wentworth's agony, various adaptations fall short. But the 2007 version nails every beat, allowing even the quiet moments to scream with gut-wrenching want. 

Perfect for fans of the trope, but also for viewers who want a gorgeous adaptation to an already breathtaking book. It's also best suited for those who appreciate movies like Letters to Juliet or any sort of story where a written letter discloses all bottled-up emotions. 

Northanger Abbey (2007)

A little spooky and indescribably cozy, Northanger Abbey is not only an underrated Jane Austen adaptation, but it's a quaint little romance that deserves more hype. Starring Felicity Jones as Catherine Morland and JJ Feild as Henry Tilney, the delightful love story is set primarily in Bath and features a stunning portrayal of the strangers-to-friends-to-lovers trope. 

Directed by Jon Jones, the adaptation is a charming feature that checks every period drama box while simultaneously delivering something intriguing for those who generally aren't fans of the historical setting. In addition, as Austen's most gothic story, Northanger Abbey is also perfect for viewers who prefer a bit of edge in their romances. Lightly spooky elements woven into the quiet moments make the film especially perfect for a rainy fall afternoon.

She's the Man (2006)

She's the Man is now a classic rom-com for countless reasons, and at the top of the list is its perfect balance between humor and romance. Starring Amanda Bynes and Channing Tatum, the Twelfth Night adaptation hits every evocative trope with the type of humor that still holds up and is somehow even funnier today. With hilariously quotable lines like "I'm allergic to the sun" and "my favorite's gouda," the college-based film has something for every kind of viewer. 

With a well-written screenplay and an incredibly fun cast, the movie doesn't miss a beat in ensuring that every character is a joy to watch on our screens. And to top things off, the romance that develops between Viola and Duke genuinely feels earned at the end, eliciting butterflies and every giddy emotion that only amazing romances are capable of.

13 Going on 30 (2004)

As the quintessential childhood-best-friends-to-lovers romance, 13 Going on 30 still holds up gorgeously as a result of its relatable storytelling. When a heartbroken Jenna makes a wish on her thirteenth birthday to fast forward through time, she learns that her thirties aren't all their cracked up to be, except for one part of it, which is reuniting with her best friend Matty. With sweet and captivating chemistry between Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo, the angsty yet poignant love story shines from beginning to end, telling a story that still manages to hold up today. 

13 Going on 30 is especially perfect for people who love the trope because it carefully explores both the consequences and benefits of a relationship in this area, which doesn't happen often. Its thematic reassurance of every age having its advantages also makes it solid viewing for various age groups.

 Love & Basketball (2000) 

 Love & Basketball is a must-watch for One Tree Hill (2003) fans who loved Nathan and Haley's journey. It's a stunning love letter to basketball, teenage angst, and the type of second chance romance that hits every time. It does such a brilliant job of weaving in the sport with the central love story between Omar Epps' Quincy and Sanaa Lathan's Monica that the words "double or nothing" will forever be synonymous with them.

There's something so deeply angsty and compelling about the type of friends-to-lovers to second chance the film explores, and still to this day, there's been nothing like it with the tropes. Written and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, the film spotlighted the concept of the female gaze long before it became a talking point on social media. 

Ella Enchanted (2004)

Fantasy, a musical, and romance? What more could anyone want than the dazzling and star-studded Ella Enchanted? Cursed to obedience from birth, Anne Hathaway's Ella embarks on a quest to undo the stripping of her agency, falling in love with Hugh Dancy's Prince Char in the process. Achingly romantic and surprisingly nostalgic, there's something special about the movie that boils down to the costumes, the music, and the cast, adding a charming veil to every scene. 

Criminally underrated, it's another film that deserves far more hype, like the iconic The Princess Bride (1987). The fairytale approach understandably doesn't always work for every viewer, but there's a realism sprinkled into Ella Enchanted that makes it beautifully stand out. 

Plus One (2019)

An underrated friends-to-lovers story, starring Jack Quaid and Maya Erskine, Plus One sizzles with banter and chemistry from beginning to end, even with its flaws in pacing. Opposites attract in more ways than one, as both Ben and Alice have their demons. However, when they decide to be each other's plus ones at the weddings they're invited to, sparks torch, taking their friendship from platonic to achingly romantic in a way that's fully organic. 

With sweet moments and hilarious bits of banter, too, Plus One is the type of rom-com that even fans outside of the genre could appreciate. Perfect viewers who loved the chemistry in Set It Up (2018), this one's a modern day rom-com that's easy to love.

The Hating Game (2021)

Based on Sally Thorne's novel of the same name, The Hating Game is a worthy adaptation and an even better workplace rivals romance. Starring Lucy Hale and Austin Stowell as Lucy and Josh, the movie is stacked with the best tropes, longing, and plenty of antics to make you wish it were a trilogy of sorts. 

So many of the best contemporary romance novels follow a similar pattern of rivals becoming lovers, meaning there's a reason it's so popular. Here, we have the perfect office romance that gradually morphs into something bigger and better. While it doesn't fit all of the book into the film, it's still a worthy adaptation and easy to dive into for non-book readers as well. As a star, Lucy Hale is also so delightful in romantic comedies, and her performance is worth every minute.

James Gunn’s Superman recently premiered in theaters, dominating at the box office and stirring excitement for the new DC Universe. While many viewers have hailed Superman as the beginning of a new cinematic universe following the DC Extended Universe’s closure, Gunn’s DCU has already begun via the small screen and the DC Elseworlds brand.

What Is James Gunn’s DC Universe?

Gunn’s DCU is the current DC Cinematic Universe. Similar to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it’s a shared universe of films and TV shows featuring characters and stories inspired by DC Comics. Almost every movie and TV show under the DCU takes place in the same universe, except for those that fall under DC Elseworlds. DC Elseworlds is a part of the DCU but consists of shows and films that occur outside of the central timeline/universe. These could be standalone films or animated DC projects that boast their own continuity.

What Shows And Movies Currently Exist In The DCU?

When Gunn took over the DCU in 2023, several DC projects, both within and outside the DCEU, were already in development and were quickly brought under the DCU umbrella. Hence, the first DCU installment is technically Peacemaker. The series, created by Gunn, serves as a spin-off of The Suicide Squad, centering on Peacemaker (Josh Cena) in the aftermath of the film, as he decides to take on a new mission for A.R.G.U.S. to avoid returning to prison.

Gunn was developing Peacemaker Season 2 when he was installed as DCU head. Although initially conceived as part of the DCEU, Peacemaker is now considered part of the new DCU, with Season 2 set to premiere on August 21, 2025.

In 2022, Matt Reeves’ The Batman premiered on the big screen. The series introduces Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne (aka Batman) and serves as a standalone Batman movie. Following its success, plans to expand The Batman with spin-offs and sequels quickly arose from Reeves. So, The Batman also came under DCU as part of DC Elseworlds. In addition to The Batman, its spin-off series, The Penguin, is a part of DC Elseworlds.

Several other projects in progress or released since Gunn took over DC Studios are also considered DC Elseworlds, including:

• Joker: Folie à Deux
• Superman & Lois
• Teen Titans Go!
• Harley Quinn
• My Adventures with Superman

By 2024, Gunn’s Creature Commandos premiered on HBO Max. The animated TV series is set within the DCU and centers on a ragtag team of monsters assembled by Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) to aid the nation of Pokolistan.

Most recently, the main DCU continuity received its first official film: Superman. The film introduces David Corenswet as the DCU’s Superman and follows him as he attempts to stop Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) while navigating precarious global tensions.

Where Is The DCU Headed?

Like the MCU, Gunn’s DCU will operate in phases, which are groups of distinct, interconnected movies. Currently, it is in Phase 1: Gods and Monsters, which began with Creature Commandos and Superman. Peacemaker Season 2 marks the next Gods and Monsters project. The interconnectivity is already rearing its head as Peacemaker Season 2 will feature Superman’s Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and Maxwell Lord (Sean Gunn). Meanwhile, the star of the next DCU movie also boasted a cameo in Superman: Supergirl (Milly Alcock).

After Supergirl, Clayface, featuring Tom Rhys Harries as the titular character, will premiere on September 11, 2026. On the small screen, the next DCU project after Peacemaker is Lanterns, featuring two Green Lanterns (Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler) in a detective role. Afterward, the Peacemaker spin-off series, Waller, is set to arrive at an undetermined date.

DC Elseworlds will continue to expand through Reeves’ Batverse, with The Batman Part II slated for release in 2027. However, the DCU continuity will also receive its own, separate Batman, set to star in The Brave and the Bold, which currently lacks a confirmed release date or lead actor. 

As the DCU continues, the movies and shows in the main continuity are expected to tie into the theme of the phase, Gods and Monsters. Creature Commandos and Superman already featured some fantastic monsters, as well as figures both good and bad, such as Superman and Waller, who have god-like abilities or have a propensity for playing god. Only time will tell, though, where the DCU’s exploration of the duality of gods and monsters will lead.

Where To Watch DCU Shows And Movies Online

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

Star Wars is one of the highest-grossing film franchises in the world, but it might not exist without the influences of many other storytellers. While Star Wars creator George Lucas has cited Akira Kurosawa and Flash Gordon as some of his inspirations, there’s another strong influence that doesn’t get as much attention from fans: Foundation.

Foundation Season 3 recently premiered on Apple TV+, enamouring its fan base with its hard sci-fi premise and epic scale. Unfortunately, it remains one of the streamer’s more underrated series. Although it hasn’t received the attention it deserves, the story it adapts inspired a plethora of major space epics, including Star Wars.

Foundation's Influence On The Space Opera Subgenre

Over two decades before Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope arrived on the big screen, Isaac Asimov published the first book in his Foundation series. Asimov initially planned the stories as a trilogy, consisting of Foundation (1951), Foundation and Empire (1952), and Second Foundation (1953); however, the series would later expand to include four more novels. 

Foundation is often considered a cornerstone of sci-fi because it introduced so many groundbreaking sci-fi concepts that continue to influence the genre to this day. The series is a space epic centered on the final days of the Galactic Empire. As the ruling body of the galaxy, the Empire oversees numerous planets and trillions of people. When psychohistorian Hari Seldon predicts its fall, he also foresees the centuries of darkness its end will herald. Desperate to minimize the impact of the fall, Seldon creates the Foundation, an Institute dedicated to preserving civilization and paving the way for a new empire.

Asimov’s story was far from the first space opera. Still, its tale of a Galactic Empire reigning over the galaxy is something that has seeped into the DNA of the space operas that followed, including Dune, Star Wars, and Rebel Moon. However, it’s not just the concept of a Galactic Empire that sci-fi stories have borrowed from Asimov, but also the overarching themes of power, oppression, and the building blocks of civilization.

The Parallels Between Foundation And Star Wars

Upon reading Foundation, it’s not hard to notice the many ways in which it parallels Star Wars. There’s the most obvious similarity, which is that each story's premise revolves around a pre-established Galactic Empire and sets its demise as the primary conflict. Although the Star Wars prequel trilogy would later delve into the establishment of the Galactic Empire, it initially shared Foundation’s formula of a pre-existing empire. Both Foundation and Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi also feature the collapse of the Empire.

Even as Star Wars expanded into its own, distinct franchise, its stories still mirror Foundation. For example, the Foundation faces challenges from remnants of the Empire after it falls, much like the Imperial Remnants that surface in Star Wars’ newer projects, including The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and Ahsoka. 

Asimov’s Foundation is also credited with popularizing the concept of hyperspace for traveling at the speed of light, which figures prominently in Star Wars and most major space epic franchises. Star Wars’ Coruscant, introduced on-screen in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, also parallels Trantor in Foundation, as both are the politically significant Capitals of the Empire that took the form of a planet-wide city. However, Timothy Zahn created Coruscant rather than Lucas, suggesting multiple creatives in the Star Wars franchise potentially drew inspiration from Foundation.

Meanwhile, it’s not just story elements that Star Wars and Foundation share, but also the heart of the story. Both are tales of how just one individual has the power to change the fate of an entire galaxy, and about the resilience and evolution of civilization in the face of oppression and dramatic changes.

Did Foundation Inspire Star Wars?

Interestingly, Lucas has never directly confirmed if Foundation served as his inspiration for Star Wars, although he has praised Asimov’s work, including his exploration of robots. Asimov, however, stated that he believed Foundation did inspire Star Wars. In one introduction from 1983, he noted how Star Wars “here and there, offered rather more than a whiff of the Foundation.” However, he conceded that he didn’t mind the similarities and even professed himself to be a fan of Star Wars, noting that he himself pulled extensively from ​​The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.

Ultimately, it’s likely that Foundation played some role in inspiring Star Wars, Dune, Star Trek, and practically every major sci-fi franchise that explores galactic empires and space travel. Foundation itself wasn’t without inspiration, as it's virtually a sci-fi rendering of a history book. Every story starts somewhere, and Star Wars did as well, drawing inspiration from an existing tale and evolving into something more original.

Where To Watch Star Wars And Foundation Online

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

Sure, there’s the big streamers like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max. But there’s also an increasing number of smaller streaming services offering up great content. Known as “niche streamers,” these smaller streaming platforms are gaining popularity thanks to their libraries of excellent, often tailored, shows and movies.

Whether they’re catering to a certain niche, like horror fans or lovers of British television, or they’re devoted to high-end, premium originals, these niche streamers absolutely deserve your attention. Plus, many offer free trials, making them perfect to try out without paying a penny. From Shudder to MGM+ and more, here are 10 niche streamers you need to check out. 

Shudder

Must-Watch Originals: Late Night With the Devil, In a Violent Nature, Creepshow

Launched in 2015, Shudder actually predates many of streaming’s biggest platforms. The streamer is designed for fans of terror and suspense and specifically caters to the ever-growing horror fandom. Shudder offers its own original shows and movies, like Late Night With the Devil, Host, and The Beach House, while also providing a large library of other horror content as well. From classic slashers to cult indie hits and more, it’s got everything diehard horror fans want. Plus, with user reviews, watch parties, and more, it also does a great job at creating community. 

MGM+

Must-Watch Originals: Godfather of Harlem, The Institute, From

While Amazon already has its own streaming service with Prime Video, it also has another with MGM+. In 2022, Amazon acquired the legendary film studio MGM, which also included the acquisition of its streaming service known as Epix. Since then, Amazon has turned it into the new streamer MGM+ to provide high-quality premium movies and shows. Think of MGM+ as Amazon’s version of HBO. It has its own film library of hits, like Gladiator II and Better Man, while also producing its own original movies and series, like its fan-favorite horror hit From, which has become a standout and is universally praised by critics. MGM+ also produces the original crime thriller Godfather of Harlem, which stars Forest Whitaker. For great premium content, MGM+ is one to watch. 

Mubi

Must-Watch Originals: The Substance, Magic Farm, Bring Them Down 

Mubi has been gaining attention over the last decade as a home for hardcore cinephiles. Loaded with indie hits, arthouse films, experimental cinema, and more, Mubi is the place to go for deep, daring movies. But everything changed in 2024 when Mubi released its original film The Substance, which took the world by storm and earned Demi Moore a slew of awards and nominations, including a Best Actress nomination at the Oscars. Suddenly, Mubi became one of the hottest studios and streaming services around, even being valued at over $1 billion in early 2025. On top of its originals, it has other hit, thought-provoking films like Paris is Burning, Mysterious Skin, Carol, and more. 

Crunchyroll

The popularity of anime continues to grow, and so does the impact of the streamer Crunchyroll. It is absolutely the go-to destination for anime fans, offering up everything from shonen to shojo to seinen and more. It’s loaded with hits like Dan Da Dan, One Piece, and Attack on Titan, but it’s also got a huge library of more under-the-radar anime to discover and enjoy. Just like Shudder, Crunchyroll also does a great job at creating community thanks to its blog posts, game section, vibrant social media community, and appearances at various in-person events like Comic-Con. 

BritBox

BritBox doesn’t technically have original content, but it does have content that—outside of the UK and Ireland—can only be streamed on the platform. BritBox is the international streaming home to hits like Outrageous, The Tower, and The Bay. But it’s also got tons of classic British and Irish hit series from throughout the years too, like Mrs. Brown’s Boys, Father Ted, and Downton Abbey, among many others. If you love scripted series from the UK and Ireland, then BritBox is absolutely the streaming service for you. 

Starz

Must-Watch Originals: Power, P-Valley, Mary & George, Outlander

Starz has been around a while, and while it’s never boomed into a huge streaming service, it’s managed to carve out its own place with a devoted fanbase. The streamer is known for its iconic hits like Outlander and Spartacus, and, more recently, spawned an entire media universe with its Power franchise. On top of that, it has a large library of hit movies like M3GAN, The Holdovers, and Fast X, among others. Starz is perfect for fans who enjoy cinematic hits and originals that are different, quirky, and not afraid to push boundaries. 

Screambox 

Must-Watch Originals: Terrifier 3, Street Trash, Tales From the Void

Shudder isn’t the only streamer for horror fans. Screambox is a smaller streaming service than Shudder, but for hardcore genre fans, it’s a sure bet. Most notably, Screambox is the streaming home of Terrifier 3, but it’s also home to tons of other horror hits, like the Japanese remake of Cube, the infamous Audition, and tons of horror documentaries like Pennywise: The Story of It. If you’re a huge horror fan and love seeking out films you can’t find anywhere else, like foreign horror movies, arthouse horror, and low-budget grindhouse films, then Screambox is definitely worth checking out. Screambox is also unique in that it’s owned by Cineverse but operated by the iconic horror publication Bloody Disgusting. 

Revry

Must-Watch Original: Unconventional  

Revry is a newer streaming service devoted to LGBTQ content. The streamer is loaded with iconic queer favorites like Trick, Drop Dead Gorgeous, and Mulholland Drive, among others. But the streamer also has fun original webisodes like Versus, which is hosted by Mrs. Betty Bowers actress Devin Green, as well as original series like Unconventional, a dramedy that centers around the lives of two different queer couples. Revy also streams exclusive events like drag balls and comedy roasts of iconic queens like Sherry Vine and Thorgy Thor. 

BET+

Must-Watch Originals: First Wives Club, Ruthless, All the Queen’s Men

Launched in 1983, BET became the premier network for Black entertainment. In 2019, it launched its own streaming service BET+. The streamer is loaded with all of BET’s hits, including Gabrielle Union’s Being Mary Jane and College Hill, but it’s also loaded with tons of original content, including many series created by Tyler Perry, like Ruthless. Another must-watch original is the BET+ re-envisioning of First Wives Club, starring Jill Scott. Just like the film, the series is a comedy that follows three divorced women who find strength in their friendship.

AMC+

Must-Watch Originals: Gangs of London, No Way Up, Silent Night

AMC+ is a bit of a weird streaming service. Instead of focusing on its own original content, it’s essentially a massive conglomerate of all of AMC’s properties. That means viewers can watch everything from the AMC network, along with all things IFC, Sundance, BBC America, and yes, even the entire Shudder library. On top of that, AMC+ also acquires the exclusive streaming rights to numerous UK series like Gangs of London and films like Silent Night. For a niche streamer that offers lots of versatility, like hit docuseries from Sundance like Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle to iconic IFC favorites like Documentary Now! and, of course, all things The Walking Dead, this is a great streamer to try out. 

Where to Watch The Best Niche Streamer Originals and Exclusives Online

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

While all eyes are currently on the upcoming release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, die-hard Marvel fans are all patiently awaiting the return of one team: the X-Men. Though a variation of the team was last seen in 2019’s disastrous Dark Phoenix, we’ll see them again in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, which is almost certainly a precursor to the next live-action film. 

But who should serve as the foe for that film? It’s mostly been X-Men vs. Magneto ever since X-Men in 2000, but there are decades worth of villains to pick from. Before you dive into your next merry mutant streaming adventure to watch every live-action X-Men movie and TV show, why not consider this list of villains we still haven’t seen the X-Men fight in live action? 

Mojo

A lot of X-Men villains haven’t made their way to the big screen for one simple reason: They’re just really weird. Take, for instance, Mojo. A recurring villain since the ‘80s, Mojo is a spineless (literally) alien who runs his own entertainment world, the aptly titled Mojoworld. He’s been a thorn in the X-Men’s side for decades, regularly pulling them into his bizarre world to live out television fantasies for the twisted residents of Mojoworld. Though he’s been a regular fixture of animated fair, such as X-Men ‘97, the character just hasn’t found a place in live-action to make his mark. 

Sauron

A major hurdle of X-Men villains appearing on film has to be just how expensive they would be to portray. Sauron, ironically, is one with a built-in means of making him somewhat budget-friendly. See, Sauron has a dual persona of sorts. He’s normally Karl Lykos, a physician who was bitten by mutant pterodactyls. As a result, Lykos is now an energy vampire who feeds on life force, and when he absorbs mutant life force, he turns into the half-man, half-pterodactyl known as Sauron. While Lykos is somewhere around chaotic good, Sauron is one of the most evil X-Men villains there is, using mind-control powers in a bid to take over the world. 

Proteus

Ask any X-Men fan who the most tragic X-Men villain is, and they’ll almost certainly say Proteus. The son of longtime X-Men ally Moira MacTaggert, Proteus/ Kevin MacTaggert is born with bizarre reality manipulation powers, but his emotional state means he seldom has them under control. As a result, he’s a wildcard that even the X-Men can’t prepare themselves for. Imprisoned for years by parents who didn’t know what else to do, the freed Proteus is a tragic nightmare scenario, and the ending of his first arc sets up years of heartbreaking trauma for the team to work through. He’s the perfect emotional through point for an early days X-Men movie.

The Imperial Guard

While their role as ally or foe is typically tied closely to the nature of the story they’re in, there’s no denying that The Imperial Guard—the elite soldiers working at the behest of the bizarre aliens known as the Shi’ar—are enemies when they first debut. The Imperial Guard are also enemies when they’re a pivotal element in the all-time classic The Dark Phoenix Saga, where they’re pitted against the X-Men in a battle royale, all with team mate Jean Grey’s life on the line. X-Men films have largely kept away from the iconic cosmic stories of old, but introducing the Imperial Guard and the Shi’ar would certainly make a lot of fans happy. 

Daken

Daken’s mellowed out a lot these days (or, at least, as mellow as someone currently operating as the hybrid Ghost Rider/Wolverine, Hellverine, can get) to the point that he’s been a card-carrying member of the X-Men, but he was once something much darker. The long-lost son of Wolverine, Daken debuts with a burning hatred for his father and spends much of his first few stories trying to kill him. It escalates to the point that he becomes the Wolverine of Norman Osborn’s Dark Avengers, but following the creation of the mutant paradise Krakoa, Daken and Wolverine seemingly make amends. He’s relatively new and closer to an anti-hero these days, but he’s still a fan favorite, and someone fans would love to see Wolverine fight on-screen. 

Vulcan

One of the recurring mysteries of the X-Men throughout the ‘90s was the identity of the third Summers brother. After years of teases and handwaves, it was finally revealed that Cyclops and Havok had a half-brother, Vulcan, who had been stolen from their kidnapped mother’s womb by pirates and raised in space. Vulcan’s origin is a tragic one, which saw Xavier erased from everyone’s memory after he was believed to have died on a mission to rescue the original X-Men. These days he’s a recurring thorn in the X-Men’s side, most recently coming to blows with Storm over the right to rule the mutant haven on Mars, Arakko. 

Omega Red

So far as Wolverine villains go, they don’t get much more sinister than Sabretooth, but Omega Red is a close second. A creation of the ‘90s, Omega Red is a Russian mutant who can secrete fatal “death spore” pheromones and has a pair of unbreakable whips implanted into his wrists. Like many other villains on this list, he’s been a regular in animation and is a fan favorite who always comes up in discussions of who should be in the next movie. He did almost make the jump to movies, though, having appeared in a Deadpool 2 deleted scene as one of the Ice Box’s mutant inmates. You can only see it in the film’s extended cut, paving the way for his real live-action debut in a future film.  

Arcade

On paper, Arcade sounds like a huge joke. He’s a recurring villain who has shown up off-and-on for years across multiple books, but for a spell in the ‘70s and ‘80s, he was a notorious X-Men foil. Arcade is obsessed with games and builds elaborate death traps that resemble games and funhouse rides. Believe it or not, he’s nearly beaten the X-Men on multiple occasions, and once proved to be so effective that even Doctor Doom teamed up with him. He’s treated more like a joke today, but there was once a time that Arcade was a deadly threat, and his eccentric style is perfect for a live-action movie. 

The Brood

The X-Men have already fought a lot of foes they can physically fight, but what about one that embodies the concept of body horror? The Brood are an alien-race who infect their prey with larvae that violently hatches from their bodies, not unlike Alien’s Xenomorphs. To date, the Brood have been a notorious and horrifying threat to the X-Men, and if anyone other than Wolverine is infected, that character is almost certainly marked for death. Their presence would certainly shift the tone closer to straight horror than adventure, but it would make for an exciting change of pace as well. 

Mr. Sinister

We have almost gotten Mr. Sinister so many times in live-action, with his presence teased in both X-Men: Apocalypse’s post-credits scene and throughout the plot of The New Mutants, with many reports indicating that a post-credits cameo was cut from The New Mutants during its lengthy production. A longtime X-Men foe and one of Marvel’s greatest haters, Mr. Sinister is a seemingly immortal geneticist who was mutated by Apocalypse to have total control of his genetic structure. Since then, he’s stalked the Summers family for years, slyly manipulating Scott and Alex’s lives from childhood. A mainstay of X-Men animation, it’s long overdue for this ominous figure to make his live-action debut, and he would be a perfect slow-burn foe for the MCU’s iteration of the X-Men. 

Where To Watch X-Men Live-Action Movies & TV Online

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

The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s latest film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, is just around the corner, marking the iconic superhero team’s official entrance into the cinematic universe after previously falling under Fox’s ownership.

According to The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ director, Matt Shakman, the film takes place in its own universe separate from the MCU’s history. Its self-contained universe means there aren’t many films directly tied to The Fantastic Four: First Steps, but viewers can still use our guide to find a list of recommended Marvel movies to watch beforehand for additional context.

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Avengers: Endgame follows Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) and his fellow surviving Avengers teammates on their mission to bring back the population wiped out by Thanos (Josh Brolin). It’s one of the most defining moments of the modern cinematic universe and The Avengers, which could be useful for The Fantastic Four: First Steps viewers, considering the Fantastic Four are not expected to stay in their own universe and are confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday.

Avengers: Endgame is also potentially important because it explains Stark’s fate in the MCU. While Stark won’t be a part of the MCU going forward, Downey will return as Fantastic Four villain Doctor Doom, rumored to appear in the Fantastic Four: First Steps. So far, it’s unknown if the MCU will tie Stark to Doom or if Downey will even appear in the new movie, but it wouldn’t hurt to be prepared by knowing Stark’s MCU fate.

Eternals (2021)

Eternals is one of the most relevant films to The Fantastic Four: First Steps because it set the stage for Galactus’ MCU entrance. Chloé Zhao’s Eternals introduced the Celestials to the MCU, as these cosmic entities were responsible for sending the immortal Eternals to Earth. Throughout the film, the Eternals learn startling truths about the Celestials' true plans for them and Earth. The film paved the way for Galactus by introducing cosmic beings into the MCU and bringing the Celestials, Galactus's enemies, into the fold. With Galactus (Ralph Ineson) appearing in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Eternals offers a great introduction to cosmic beings closely related to the villain.

The MCU’s Multiverse Movies

Viewers interested in understanding how The Fantastic Four: First Steps takes place in its own universe may want to watch the MCU’s multiverse movies. Spider-Man: No Way Home is the first MCU film to significantly feature the multiverse, as it sees Peter Parker (Tom Holland) accidentally open a multiversal breach through which variants of Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield and Toby Maguire) and his enemies arrive. The film serves as a good introduction to the multiverse. At the same time, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness delves deeper into explaining alternate universes by featuring Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) traveling through the multiverse itself in pursuit of the Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen).

Lastly, Deadpool & Wolverine features the multiverse and the transition of several characters previously under Fox ownership, including Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), into the MCU via variants and parallel universes. All of the multiverse movies are a great way for viewers to get a feel for how the cinematic universe has been slowly bringing Fox’s and Sony’s heroes under the MCU umbrella, paving the way for the Fantastic Four’s highly anticipated debut.

Thunderbolts* (2025)

Thunderbolts* is the most recent MCU movie and sees Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) and an unlikely crew of anti-heroes join forces to investigate Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) and her mysterious Sentry experiments. It is the only MCU movie with a direct tie-in to The Fantastic Four: First Steps via its post-credits scene. In the scene, the Thunderbolts team receives a distress signal from an inter-dimensional spacecraft with the Fantastic Four logo on it. The scene seemingly depicts the Fantastic Four’s entrance into the MCU timeline, with most viewers theorizing that it takes place after The Fantastic Four: First Steps. While it’s not entirely clear when the scene takes place, it teases the Fantastic Four’s future in the MCU.

Where To Watch Marvel Movies Online

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

With widely relatable performances and an excellent range, Ayo Edebiri is undoubtedly one of the best actors of this generation. Including three record-breaking Emmy nominations as the first young Black actress and a win under her belt, among countless other awards, she consistently proves that not only is her breadth as a performer incomparable, but so are her skills in directing. At the 77th Emmys’ she's also the first woman to be nominated in both the acting category and as a director in the same year for The Bear's "Napkins."

From animated voice acting like in Big Mouth (2017) to FX's hit culinary dramedy The Bear (2022), Edebiri's reign is only just beginning as an actor, comedian, writer, and director. Here are the eight best Ayo Edebiri movies and TV shows, along with where to find them on platforms such as Hulu, Disney+, and more.

The Bear (2022-Present)

With compelling writing and directing, plus a brilliant cast all around, it's understandable why FX's The Bear would be the series that'd ensure an actress like Ayo Edebiri consistently shines. Sydney Adamu might be the character many people will get to know her as, but it's the star's inimitable work in the show's four seasons thus far that inspires viewers to explore her entire filmography further. 

The Bear is a riveting, must-watch series for viewers who appreciate workplace dark comedies that feature an unconventional found family and the type of character building that feels deeply realistic. From the moment she steps onto the screen, Edebiri brings her A-game, showcasing a profound understanding of the immensely caring and gentle chef, which, in many ways, allows Sydney to become the heart of the series.

Bottoms (2023) 

As a unique coming-of-age comedy about two teenage girls who start a fight club to meet other girls and subsequently lose their virginities, Bottoms shines as a hilarious tale that feels like a classic '80s feature. 

Ayo Edebiri stars as Josie, an ambitious LGBTQIA+ teen, trying to find her way with her best friend. Hilarious, distinctive, and well-written, Edebiri escapes into the role with her comedic chops on full display. If you love classic comedies centered around authentic portrayals of teens and their angsty desires, Bottoms is a must-watch for the performances and clever writing.

Inside Out 2 (2024)

Every character in Pixar's animated duology about the emotions inside a teenage girl's head matters, and Ayo Edebiri is an astounding voice actor for Envy in Inside Out 2. The two films portray mental health struggles so brilliantly that they aren't just essential viewing for kids, but adults, too. Brilliant in a way that thoroughly exhibits how much greatness Pixar is capable of, these movies are suited for every type of viewer.

While she doesn't take center stage like Maya Hawke's Anxiety, Edebiri's quips from Envy break molds with both hilarious beats and shockingly relatable nuance that add depth to Riley's emotions. Voice acting is often tough with recognizable stars, but Edebiri does an incredible job of ensuring that in this film, viewers only hear and get to know Envy. 

Big Mouth (2017-2025)

Edebiri wasn't always a part of the hit animated series, Big Mouth, but she came into the picture in Season 4 to replace Jenny Slate as Missy. Still, it's as though she's been there all along. Like in Inside Out 2, Edebiri ensures that viewers hear a unique character, not someone else they can associate with her, adding humor and absurdity to the nerdy girl with a big imagination and an even bigger heart. 

Big Mouth isn't suited for kids, but adults who are fans of adult animation that pushes boundaries might enjoy it. With star-studded comedians alongside Edebiri, it's a great animated series to get into if you want something refreshingly unique.

Clone High (2023-2024)

MTV's Clone High, developed by Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Bill Lawrence, centers historical figures in a fictional universe that evidently differs from the real-world figures we know them as. As a parody of classic teen dramas, the series takes multiple liberties to contribute to its unique premise. 

Viewers who loved the original 2002 series, parodies and reimaginings, or any of Bill Lawrence's other properties, are sure to find Clone High intriguing. Edebiri plays Harriet Tubman and effortlessly makes the role a unique standout from everything else she's in, threading humor and heart to deliver one of her strongest voice performances to date.

Theater Camp (2023)

A feature film inspired by the short film of the same title, Theater Camp is an authentic and wildly niche depiction that allows theater kids to find immeasurable joy and relatability in. Ayo Edebiri plays Janet Walch, one of the camp counselors, and delivers something hilariously quotable in every scene she's in. 

Managing to squeeze in beats of humor into the limited screen time she has in an ensemble cast, Edebiri is one of the best parts in an already well-rounded film. Theater Camp is essential viewing for nerdy drama students who grew up absorbed in the theatrical world. Whether you went to camp or not, this one doesn't miss a single beat in providing entertainment. 

Abbott Elementary (2021-Present)

ABC's Abbott Elementary is not only one of the funniest mockumentaries, but there's so much heart in every episode that it's bursting with a wholesome message in every episode, too. Perfect for viewers who want a sweet but funny escape, there's nothing quite like it on air right now. Although Ayo Edebiri has only been in two episodes, she plays the type of significant character whose position means she can always return. 

Edebiri embodies Janine's rebellious little sister and manages to bring something incredible every time we see her. And sure, she's only been around twice, but not only does her role give us plenty about Janine, but it also makes her an intriguing character to want more of. 

Opus (2025)

WhileOpus didn't have the same impact as most A24 films do, Ayo Edebiri's performance as the journalist Ariel Ecton, who finds herself in the middle of a missing pop star's compound, is incredible and proof of her range. The thrilling events of the film propel Edebiri from her general comedic expertise to a different genre, proving that there's indeed nothing that the actress can't master.

Opus might not be as scary as Hereditary (2018), but it is still more horror-forward than the typical thriller. For the viewers who can handle jump scares, Edebiri's performance alone is worth every minute.

There likely wouldn't be an Avengers Initiative or a Loki redemption arc without the Tesseract. This glowing blue cube first made its mark in Captain America: The First Avenger, but its legacy stretches across nearly every phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It houses the Space Stone, one of the six Infinity Stones capable of rewriting reality.

But before it became the centerpiece of intergalactic wars and multiversal meltdowns, the Tesseract had a far more cryptic origin, and its journey through the Marvel Cinematic Universe is as unsettling as its power.

The MCU Origins Of The Tesseract

Long before it was stashed in a S.H.I.E.L.D. facility or hijacked by Loki, the Tesseract was hidden on Earth by the King of Asgard, Odin. As one of the oldest cosmic artifacts in the MCU, what looks like a glowing cube is actually a containment vessel for the Space Stone, which was forged during the creation of the universe.

The Tesseract was eventually discovered by humans and ended up in the hands of HYDRA during World War II, when Johann Schmidt (aka Red Skull) used it to power experimental weapons in Captain America: The First Avenger. After Red Skull's defeat, the cube sank into the ocean, only to be recovered by Howard Stark, studied by Project PEGASUS, and later passed to S.H.I.E.L.D.

From there, it became a central object of obsession, corruption, and war. The Kree sought it, Thanos destroyed worlds for it, and Loki used it as a bargaining chip more than once. But what's most disturbing is that the cube has never stayed put. It keeps slipping through hands, slipping through time, always returning when it's least wanted. And in a universe now fractured by timelines and variants, it may not be alone.

The Tesseract Is The MCU's Most Dangerous Weapon

In The Avengers, the Tesseract brought an alien invasion to Earth. In Captain Marvel, it accidentally created one of the MCU's most powerful heroes. In Avengers: Infinity War, it was one of the first stones Thanos claimed (technically, it was handed to him by Loki, who stole it from Asgard before the planet was destroyed). But it was Avengers: Endgame that truly set the stage for its return when the Avengers bungled their time heist, 2012 Loki seized the cube and disappeared into a splintered timeline.

That one impulsive act kicked off Loki Season 1 and unraveled everything we thought we knew about the MCU's version of space, time, and destiny. Even after the TVA scooped up that variant and filed the Tesseract away like it was nothing more than office clutter, its story probably didn't end there. In a multiverse filled with infinite branches and unchecked consequences, we'd be foolish to assume every version of the Tesseract is safely locked away.

The Tesseract's Trail Went Cold But 'Loki' Made It More Dangerous

Loki didn't just show us what happened to the Tesseract, it redefined what it meant. When the TVA treated the cube as just another paperweight, it underscored a chilling truth behind it. In a place beyond time, even the most powerful weapons lose their meaning. But outside the TVA? That power still very much applies.

Loki's journey made one thing clear. Timeline branches can't be contained. As Loki Season 2 unfolded, the Tesseract faded into the background, but its consequences didn't. The variant Loki, who once craved the cube's power, grew into a god who understands the burden of shaping entire realities (or glorious purpose, depending on who you ask).

Yet that leaves a massive question hanging in the air. If this more evolved Loki isn't using the Tesseract, who is? Because we've seen what it does in the wrong hands, and with the multiverse now spiraling with variants lurking in the shadows, the Space Stone's capabilities may be more vital than ever.

What Makes The Tesseract So Disturbing?

Other MCU weapons have limitations. Mjolnir needs worthiness. The Iron Man suits need a reactor and a genius to operate them. Even Thanos needed all six Infinity Stones to carry out his evil plans. But the Tesseract bends space at will and provides its user with the ability to instantly teleport. It doesn't require a password or a blood sacrifice—just the wrong intentions. The cube has been responsible for mass destruction, genocide-level invasions, and multidimensional instability.

And even when it isn't being used, it lingers in the background like a loaded gun waiting for someone to pull the trigger. More than that, it leaves a mark on those who chase it. Loki's obsession with the Tesseract defined his downfall and his rebirth. The Red Skull was cursed by it. The TVA was created, in part, to contain the very chaos it helped unleash. And now, in a reality where time branches are infinite, the potential for the cube to resurface in terrifying new ways is higher than ever.

The Multiverse Saga Could Be Setting Up A Tesseract Return

With Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars on the horizon, Marvel is heading into its most chaotic, reality-breaking chapter yet. Universe collisions, collapsing timelines, legacy crossovers are all on the table, and if there's one artifact that could fuel (or fix) that chaos, it's the Tesseract.

Imagine a multiversal war where someone unearths a variant of the cube that's somehow evolved, corrupted, or combined with another stone. Or picture a Secret Wars scenario where the Tesseract becomes the only tool that can stitch realities back together, or blow them apart. The cube may not think for itself. But its legacy and potential make it more dangerous than any villain.

Where To Watch All MCU Movies And Series Featuring The Tesseract Online

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

James Gunn is a director who has only become more popular in recent years. Thanks to his time with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he earned mainstream recognition and eventually became the new head of DC Films and shepherded the studio’s latest attempt at a cinematic universe, the DC Universe (DCU). So far, it seems to be a success thanks to the stellar box office numbers of Superman and confirmation that there will be future Superman movies under his leadership.

Gunn, as a writer and a director, has a unique voice that blends drama and comedy in a way few can match. He’s not afraid of making weird decisions that lead to powerful and emotional character moments. It’s not uncommon to see tears roll in a James Gunn movie or TV show, but those tears are always earned and never feel cheap. If you just finished Superman, now that it’s available to stream, and want to explore the director’s library in more detail, here are the five best James Gunn movies and TV shows for you to watch that best epitomize him, with many of them easily found on Prime Video and HBO Max.

Scooby-Doo (2002)

Before James Gunn was a producer or a director, he was a screenwriter, and one of his first big projects was adapting Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! into a movie. The end result was 2002’s Scooby-Doo, a film that not only showed respect for the brand but also injected plenty of James Gunn’s unique eccentricities. It’s still a classic Scooby-Doo story, though, with Mystery Inc. traveling to an island resort to solve what the owner believes to be a demonic curse affecting its guests.

The casting for each of the main characters was on point, with Matthew Lillard, in particular, being the perfect live-action Shaggy. A lot of the fun present in the cartoon managed to make its way into the film despite the shift from animation to live-action, much in the same way Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles successfully transitioned to the big screen. Gunn manages to make the script his own, with plenty of meta jokes here and there, as well as the systematic character assassination of Scrappy-Doo, which is okay because Scrappy-Doo is literally the worst. Whether you’re a young child watching Scooby-Doo for the first time or a parent returning to it, there’s something for everyone to appreciate here.

Dawn of the Dead (2004)

It’s funny hearing fans trying to pit Zack Snyder and James Gunn’s vision of DC Comics against each other when, in reality, the two of them seem to be on good terms. In fact, they worked together on projects like Snyder’s debut film, Dawn of the Dead, a remake of George Romero’s classic zombie film of the same name, which follows the original's plot of watching a group of people attempt to survive the zombie apocalypse, albeit grounded more firmly in reality than the original film.

While there are some issues with bland characters here and there, Dawn of the Dead excels at action, especially with its visceral opening scene that’s still shocking today. The special effects and makeup are also solid, helping to give the zombies a much bloodier aesthetic that is not dissimilar from the zombie effects in 28 Days Later. It’s also a lot more violent than your average zombie thriller, which would help inspire more gruesome zombie films like Train to Busan. In many ways, it's Snyder’s best film, and it would be fantastic watching Snyder reunite with Gunn to create a movie that mixes Gunn’s skills as a writer with Snyder’s eye for cinematography. 

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

Gunn’s popularity exploded when he directed 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy, and while the trilogy of films centering on Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Groot are all great, the second film, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, is the best. 

With the character introductions from the first film out of the way, the sequel focuses on exploring them in more depth and having them develop further as the team visits Star-Lord’s father, Ego. Vol. 2 is all about character drama, giving the film a much greater emotional core than most other Marvel movies. There’s still plenty of humor to be sure, oftentimes feeling like a blend of the profanity-laced Shaun of the Dead and the sci-fi scale of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. There’s so much pathos in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 that even if you aren’t caught up on your Marvel lore, it’s highly accessible and will almost certainly make you cry by the end.

The Suicide Squad (2021)

DC Films quickly picked up Gunn following his forced exit from Marvel in 2018, and almost immediately, he began production on a follow-up to Suicide Squad as his DC debut. While it shares a similar title with David Ayer’s 2016 film, The Suicide Squad is a vastly different beast, stylistically and tonally. 

The film earns its R-rating with a whole host of violence, foul language, brutal violence, and a complete disregard for playing it safe. Gunn leaned heavily on non-traditional characters, like Bloodsport, Peacemaker, and Polka-Dot Man, but personalized and elevated them into fan-favorite characters, lending the film a certain charm that Snyder’s DC films couldn’t achieve. The film feels like a more adult take on Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy series with a heaping load of comedy ripped straight out of Deadpool. It was released during the COVID-19 Pandemic, so many people may not have seen it, but it deserves to be on your watchlist.

Creature Commandos (2024)

With Gunn taking creative control of the future of DC Films, now christened DC Studios, following the critical success of The Suicide Squad, Creature Commandos serves as a mission statement of sorts for everything that James Gunn has become. It’s a series that focuses on an oddball and unconventional group of foul-mouthed heroes that are tasked with saving the world, whether they like it or not. 

What helps set Creature Commandos apart from The Suicide Squad and the Guardians of the Galaxy films is the amount of time spent with each character and how dark their stories are. The show runs for seven episodes, and each one tends to focus on a new member of the eponymous group amid their mission to Pokolistan to defeat the sorceress Circe. It’s also far more raucous than any of those films. Leaning heavily into Gunn’s earlier career at Troma Films, Creature Commandos is a pure distillation of everything that James Gunn is as a creative entity. It’s odd, violent, a little bizarre, and great to binge in a single day.

Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series, which has now been adapted into an Apple TV+ show of the same name, is perhaps one of the most influential works of science fiction ever written. It’s not overestimating it to say that most of the ideas that make up the genre as we know it today were introduced by Asimov, and that the ideas in the series have influenced some of the most popular science fiction works of the last century. 

But which works, in particular, were inspired by Foundation? And what themes do they share with Asimov’s epic saga? Here are 8 sci-fi movies and shows you didn’t know were inspired by Foundation and where to watch them.

Star Wars 

Yes, Star Wars was indeed inspired by Foundation. And very obviously so, too. The parallels between the Galactic Empire of Cleon II and that of Emperor Palpatine are clear, and Foundation even has a character called Captain Han Pritcher who gives, what one would call, Han Solo vibes. Even the ability to manipulate “the Force” is an idea that comes from Asimov’s books. This is one of those cases where the person in charge doesn’t even deny the influence of a previous work, with George Lucas himself admitting he was inspired by Foundation. So, if you love that galaxy far, far away… you now know where the idea came from.

Star Trek

Can a single work inspire Star Wars and Star Trek? The answer is yes, considering Asimov basically set the basis for science fiction as we know it today. The concept of hyperdive (or warp drive)? Yes, Foundation went there first. And though the influence here isn’t as obvious as it is with Star Wars, the exploration of galactic empires and societal structures is very much an idea that Asimov introduced first and franchises like Star Trek continued to explore later in their own way. Think of Star Wars as Foundation’s firstborn son and Star Trek as the cousin. 

Dune

The Dune franchise is another one where the influence of Foundation is obvious, and writer Frank Herbert has explicitly said so. This is especially apparent in the Denis Villeneuve adaptations, Dune and Dune: Part 2, which are most people’s most direct contact with the material. But, in many ways, Dune wasn’t just inspired by Foundation, Dune is presented as a counterpoint to it. The basis of the conflict is the same—a decaying galactic empire—but Dune takes it somewhere completely different than the work it was inspired by, giving fans a different solution and an actual hero. Two sides of the same coin, but the influence is obvious nonetheless.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Considering how different the vibe is from the very serious Foundation to Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and its adaptations, it’s hard to see how one could have inspired the other. But this work is actually pretty obvious about the inspiration, mentioning the encyclopedia at the basis of Foundation by name and even remarking that it is rather dry and boring, which is why it sells fewer copies than the guide. Yes, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. It’s a joke within a joke, but an obvious nod to a work that shaped science fiction. 

Futurama

This is another one that feels like a reach, but it actually has a direct mention. Everyone knows Futurama as a space travel show, so perhaps in that regard it’s easy to see the inspiration. There’s also a lot of futuristic space technology, as is to be expected considering the name of the show. But Matt Groening was directly inspired by Foundation, and the proof is in the oboe-like holophonor in the series, which is based on the Visi-Sonor Magnifico plays in Foundation and Empire, the second book in the original Asimov trilogy. Now, that’s a deep cut.

Battlestar Galactica

Battlestar Galactica sticks pretty close to the central theme of Foundation, which makes its influence even more on the nose. The series presents humanity on the brink of extinction, not only searching for a new home but also preserving its knowledge and culture. Pretty familiar, right? Then there are the Cylons, a force that could radically destroy society as we know it, pretty much like the crises that threaten the Empire in Asimov's novels. Even as it goes on, the search for Earth feels similar to the search for the Second Foundation, including the philosophical debates about democracy. 

Blade Runner 2049

Blade Runner 2049 is also very clearly inspired by Foundation. A world where artificial memory, knowledge preservation, and the manipulation of history are paramount feels very much like the one Asimov created. Throw in a society in decline that doesn’t sound that dissimilar to a Galactic Kingdom in its final stages and the small groups working in secret, which are very similar to the Second Foundation, and the influence becomes obvious. It’s not the same story, but perhaps, at this point, all science-fiction is interested in telling the same kind of tale and Asimov just did it first?

The Expanse

Another pretty recent show that proves Foundation’s impact was likely what actually convinced Apple TV+ to try to finally adapt the actual books into their own show. The Expanse is basically what you would get if you meshed Foundation’s themes with modern sensibilities. There’s a colonized solar system with different factions, which mirror the political dynamics of Asimov's Galactic Empire. Then there’s protomolecule technology, which works as a disruptive element similar to the crises in Foundation. If you also throw in decisions with consequences that will affect generations and historical forces larger than individuals who can only occasionally influence events, then the parallels are undeniable. 

Where To Watch More Shows Inspired By 'Foundation' Online

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

As a 200-year-old novel that is now public domain, Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is among one of the most popular stories to adapt, with countless classic versions and modern reimaginings, such as Bridget Jones' Diary, or even daring tales of what comes after, like the brilliant murder mystery, Death Comes to Pemberley. Even the Hallmark Channel has taken wild liberties with numerous Christmas and holiday adaptations that are impossible to keep up with.

From an unfortunately failed stage production to a myriad of shows and films, here are the most well-known Pride and Prejudice adaptations, ranked from worst to best and where to find them on platforms such as BBC, Netflix, and more. While each of these films are worth watching, some are simply lower on the list because they either aren’t as accessible or because they don’t capture the novel as accurately. 

10. Pride and Prejudice (1952)

As a live production with no footage for viewers to currently stream, the 1952 Pride and Prejudice doesn't leave much room for any criticism or praise either. Somewhere in the ether is a version of the book that could have been either great or woefully terrible, but few know how to really tell the story and vouch for its impact.

With a runtime of three hours, the BBC production is something that's actually haunting with its what-ifs since the footage is presumed to be lost. Last on our list for this very reason alone, perhaps someday, someone can locate it and legally provide it for viewing again.

9. Pride and Prejudice (1967)

As a limited series, with more time to adapt, the 1967 Pride and Prejudice unfortunately fumbles a bit with its decision to leave out Mary Bennet. While sure, the choice can be understandable when examining just how much the novel explores and how little she's present in it, it's still an incredibly odd and slightly offensive choice to leave behind the quiet sister who often feels left out in the first place.

In addition, as one of the earlier adaptations in this form, this version could've been great, but it instead feels entirely unnecessary, for it doesn't provide anything unique. If there's room for a mini-series, then it should attempt to include as much as possible as opposed to leaving it out. Still, for those wanting a classic approach, it's a fascinating one to watch at least once.

8. Pride and Prejudice (1980)

Cyril Coke's Pride and Prejudice (1980) is another limited series and relatively decent in adapting the novel with a memorable cast. Similar to the 1967 version, it doesn't include anything new, particularly unique or riveting to grasp onto, but as it manages to fit a large chunk of the novel in, it's the cast's portrayal of the main characters that makes the series an easy watch for those who are already fans of the story. 

Elizabeth Garvie and David Rintoul are great as Darcy and Elizabeth, providing something completely different from what most modern-day fans might be used to. It's the performances that allow the film to shine best.

7. Pride and Prejudice (2003)

The 2003 version of Pride and Prejudice should have worked as a college day twist, but it unfortunately fumbles as the film neglects the heart of the novel and also doesn't take its own world-building too seriously.

As funny as the book is, when matters of wealth and social status are at the center, the toxicity is also important to explore. Yet, the film does none of this, serving instead as a reimagining that doesn't allow itself to really polish in the unique premise it's attempting to set up. Still, there's something for everyone, and this version can be an interesting setup to the world for those who aren't exactly fans of period pieces.

6. Pride and Prejudice (1940)

Of all the classic, old Hollywood adaptations of the novel, Robert Z. Leonard's Pride and Prejudice (1940), starring Laurence Olivier and Greer Garson, is the best one yet. Bold and hilarious, it's surprising that the adaptation isn't among the popular ones.

While few are aware of its existence, the adaptation manages to give important beats of the novel their due, while the chemistry between the stars sells the classic hate-to-love story. With some new scenes and a lovely twist, it's one worth checking out at least once for viewers who are fans of classic films and the original story.

5. The Lizzie Bennet Diaries (2012)

Like 1940's Pride and Prejudice, few people are actually aware of The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, yet that doesn't make it any less significant in a sea of adaptations. As a modern adaptation that emerged in the early days of vlogging, the web series took various Austen fans by storm when Ashley Clements first stepped in front of the camera to tell a version of the story that maybe shouldn't have worked as brilliantly as it does.

Hilarious, clever, and genuinely well-developed, it's proof that any adaptation can work so long as there's heart and care attached to the original property. For viewers looking for a modern-day adaptation that can now be a throwback, too, The Lizzie Bennet Diaries is the perfect one to watch.

4. Bride and Prejudice (2004)

As another unique and gorgeously shot modernization, Bride and Prejudice succeeds entirely because it weaves in a Bollywood musical with the renowned story to tell an even richer tale that explores South Asian customs amid the text's exploration of different classes. Romantic, fun, and lush with every scene, Bride and Prejudice is the kind of adaptation that also belongs on every Broadway stage.

As one of the most stunning versions, it's criminally underrated, too. There's often a lot of conversation about the BBC limited series and the 2005 adaptation, but for everything it accomplishes as a production, Bride and Prejudice should be a part of the discussion, too. It's a must-watch for Austen fans craving something unique.

3. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016) 

Based on the novel by Seth Grahame-Smith, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is proof that you can adapt a classic piece of literature and give it a unique twist while still allowing the story's core themes to shine. While the film isn't for every Austen connoisseur, it's certainly the most well-rounded adaptation with a fantastic narrative that makes the film entertaining and perfect for the spooky season.

Starring Lily James and Sam Riley as Elizabeth and Darcy fighting against a zombie apocalypse, every beat of the film works to honor the original story as it provides high-stakes entertainment and a hauntingly grotesque veil to the Regency classic. Perhaps not the friendliest films for those who don't like horror, but from one scaredy-cat to another, this one's easily palatable and worth every beat.

2. Pride and Prejudice (1995)

BBC's limited series gives viewers the iconic scene of Colin Firth's Mr. Darcy emerging from the water, all while managing to capture the essence of Jane Austen's novel by filling in as much of the story as possible. There's a reason countless fans view it as the quintessential adaptation, and it's entirely because it accurately delivers every significant narrative beat while simultaneously managing accuracy in costumes, scenic shots, and time-accurate cinematography that feels like it was made in the 1800s.

Whip sharp and featuring some of the most brilliant English stars, the 1995 Pride and Prejudice is as close to perfect as a limited series comes. If you only watch one adaptation, this version is the way to go.

1. Pride and Prejudice (2005) 

For the rest of all time, fans will argue about whether Joe Wright's Pride and Prejudice (2005) is indeed better than the BBC limited series, and that's a large part of its appeal, too. Still, the beauty of this adaptation comes not only from the incredible chemistry between Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, but also from Wright's directorial vision and the timeless original score from the English Chamber Orchestra and Jean-Yves Thibaudet. Its appeal stems from the magnetism of the hand flex and every beat of the film that is utterly picturesque as it captures the heart of Austen's novel through moments of character development that feel earned, even with the short runtime. 

As a film, this one's for every kind of romance fan, not just the period drama devotees. It's for every viewer who appreciates sweeping love stories featuring angsty, profound longing. Or in present-day jargon, utterly down-bad men.

Donning a timeless leather jacket, John Shaft has strutted through five decades of cinema with undeniable swagger. From Richard Roundtree's street-smart original to Samuel L. Jackson's bombastic portrayal and the techno-savvy 2019 reboot, this franchise has leapt boldly across eras. Even the short-lived 1973 Shaft television series deserves respect even though it lacked some of the film's edge.

Based on the novel series by Ernest Tidyman, what began as a private detective's mission in Harlem evolved through jet-setting kidnappings, family reunions, and generational alliances, always wrapped in attitude. So, let's step into the Shaft canon to appreciate how each entry builds on the legacy. Here's how to watch all Shaft movies in release order on platforms like Apple TV+ and Prime Video. 

Shaft (1971)

Shaft begins with private detective John Shaft (Richard Roundtree) prowling Harlem with purpose. When a notorious crime boss hires him to find his kidnapped daughter, Shaft dives deep into the criminal underworld, taking on the Italian mob, rival gangs, and the NYPD with equal parts brains and bravado. The story weaves through smoky bars, cluttered backrooms, and shadowy rooftops, where Shaft uses fists, wit, and pure presence to get what he needs.

More than just a detective story, Shaft redefined cool at a time when Hollywood rarely handed Black leads this kind of power. It's still considered a foundational film for both the blaxploitation era and modern Black action heroes. Even decades later, Shaft's charisma and sharp dialogue hold up, making this film an essential watch for anyone who loves classic crime thrillers like Serpico (1973).

Shaft's Big Score! (1972)

Shaft's Big Score! sees the titular hero diving into a deadly power struggle in the Harlem underworld. When a close friend is murdered, and $250,000 goes missing, Shaft finds himself caught between rival gangs, dirty cops, and mobsters looking to cash in. He navigates upscale apartments, seedy funeral homes, all while keeping his cool and dodging bullets. As the stakes rise, so does the action.

The follow-up traded in some of the first film's noir grit for sleeker, bigger set pieces and more explosive confrontations. While slightly flashier than the original, the movie still delivers Roundtree's signature cool and clever one-liners, making it a worthy continuation of the saga. This entry is ideal for viewers who enjoy action-packed crime movies like The French Connection (1971).

Shaft in Africa (1973)

Shaft in Africa trades Harlem's familiar streets for espionage-style storytelling. Recruited by a mysterious agency, Shaft heads to Africa to expose a human trafficking ring smuggling laborers into Europe. Disguised as a local, he infiltrates the operation from within while dodging assassins, navigating betrayals, and outwitting sadistic villains with spy gadgets and unshakable confidence. 

While not as well-received as its predecessors, the movie, which basically turns the titular hero into a globe-trotting operative, has earned a cult following for taking a bold swing with the story. Even if it falters in tone, Roundtree's performance keeps audiences invested from start to finish. It's best suited for viewers who love spy thrillers with a touch of swagger, similar to James Bond in the early '70s.

Shaft (2000)

Shaft  (2000) follows John Shaft II (Samuel L. Jackson), nephew of the original character. After a racially motivated murder, Shaft quits the NYPD to pursue justice on his own terms, targeting a privileged killer and a ruthless drug lord. He eventually crosses paths with his uncle (Roundtree) and the pair decide to confront the corrupt systems together.

The movie is filled with street chases and Jackson's signature verbal takedowns. The reboot was a box office hit, which was due in large part to a solid story complete with an homage to the 1971 film, and Jackson brilliantly taking the lead as the titular character. It's perfect for fans of urban action comedies like Bad Boys (1995), who enjoy fast-paced crime thrillers with humor.

Shaft (2019)

Shaft (2019) follows FBI analyst John "J.J." Shaft III (Jessie T. Usher) who reconnects with his dad, John Shaft II (Jackson), when a friend's overdose becomes a suspected murder. Teaming up to investigate, the duo uncovers a conspiracy tied to cybercrime, drug cartels, and a shady rehab empire. Along the way, they recruit the OG Shaft (Roundtree), turning the investigation into a family affair.

It's a buddy-comedy-action hybrid that leans into generational culture clashes and playful jabs, which results in the stakes sometimes taking a back seat to banter. Critics weren't sold on the tonal mashup, calling it uneven and overly comedic. But audiences found fun in the fresh dynamic and sharp dialogue. It's ideal for viewers who enjoy action-comedies with family ties, similar to Rush Hour (1998).

Whether you instantly recognize his name or not, odds are, you’ve enjoyed a Nicholas Hoult performance. The English actor has been working since a young age, first earning acclaim at age 11 for his performance in About a Boy before growing into more mature roles in both film and TV.

Most recently, Nicholas Hoult has taken on an iconic character in one of 2025’s biggest movies: Lex Luthor in Superman (2025). Here are the best movies and TV shows of Hoult’s career so far and where to find them on platforms like HBO Max and Netflix. 

Superman (2025)

It’s probably too soon to definitively say that Lex Luthor is Nicholas Hoult’s best role yet, but even when the recency bias fades, Superman is likely to land at or near the top of the list. Joining the likes of Gene Hackman and Jesse Eisenberg, Hoult portrays the titular hero’s archnemesis as a terrifying force who wields genius intellect and massive amounts of influence in lieu of superpowers. At the same time, Lex is a manchild incapable of comprehending that he can’t always get what he wants, and Hoult doesn’t need to even say a word to make the character’s indignant, petulant rage clear as day.

This version of Lex takes inspiration from kinds of billionaire tech bros currently making headlines, making the character as timely as he is menacing—and making it super satisfying when Clark Kent (David Corenswet) takes him down with his dedication to humanity, kindness, and decency. Really, a superhero movie is only as good as its villain, and Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor allows Superman to be the perfect film for anyone who loves heroic heroes and a healthy dose of optimism in their action movies.

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Another massive blockbuster hit to star Nicholas Hoult is Mad Max: Fury Road, in which he plays terminally ill War Boy Nux. The role involved Hoult shaving his head, losing a lot of weight, and performing various stunts, all of which clearly pays off in his performance. Nux goes from a slave taking blood from Max (Tom Hardy) and vying for attention from the powerful Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne) to helping take Joe down and bonding with one of the cult leader’s fleeing wives, Capable (Riley Keough), and Hoult makes him captivating to watch through each step of the journey.

On top of being the highest-grossing Mad Max film to date and winning six Oscars, Mad Max: Fury Road is widely considered among the best action movies ever made, making it a must-watch for any Nicholas Hoult fans.

The Great (2020-2023)

Nicholas Hoult returned to television for the first time since starring in Skins as a teenager to play Emperor Peter III of Russia in Hulu’s The Great. This darkly comedic series tells, as the title card puts it, the “Occasionally True Story” of the rise of Catherine the Great (Elle Fanning), who was born a Prussian princess, married the future Russian Emperor, overthrew him just months into his reign, and ultimately ruled as Empress herself for over 34 years. 

Hoult’s filmography is filled with dark comedies and dramadies, and it’s delightful to watch him really dive into a character over the course of three seasons. Peter III is cruel at worst, immature at best, and, overall, just an absurd person, which allows Hoult to really show his range. If a show that combines the period drama of Reign (2013) or The Tudors (2007) with the humor of Fleabag (2016) sounds appealing to you, give The Great a shot. Just don’t expect it to be historically accurate.

The Favourite (2018)

The Favourite is mostly known for its leading women and their political and physical entanglements. After all, it earned Olivia Coleman an Oscar for her portrayal of Queen Anne, and both Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz earned Best Supporting Actress nominations for playing her scheming courtiers. However, Hoult plays an important supporting role as Robert Harley, a political opposition leader who seeks to use Abigail (Stone) to influence the Queen. 

The Favourite earned plenty of praise for mixing humor with a commentary on power, gender, and sexuality led by three multifaceted women, and Hoult and his male co-stars do a commendable job of giving the actresses what they need without overshadowing them. The movie shares a lot of DNA with The Great, which was created by The Favourite co-writer Tony McNamara, so if you enjoyed seeing Hoult in one, you definitely need to watch the other.

About a Boy (2002)

Hoult’s breakout role came in About a Boy, a comedy-drama based on a 1998 book by Nick Hornby. In it, he plays a socially awkward child who strikes up an unlikely friendship with a wealthy man (Hugh Grant) as his mother (Toni Collette) struggles with depression. At just 11 years-old, Hoult’s performance as a lonely schoolboy impressed critics and audiences, showing a level of talent and maturity well beyond his years.

About a Boy is a great watch for fans who want to see where the actor got his start, particularly those who enjoy movies like Little Miss Sunshine (2006) that feature hilarious writing mixed with serious topics and impressive performances from child actors.

The Menu (2022)

In black comedy The Menu, Nicholas Hoult plays a man who brings a date (Anya Taylor-Joy) to an exclusive restaurant on a private island run. However, the evening quickly takes a dark turn when the celebrity chef (Ralph Fiennes) preparing the meal serves his guests some uncomfortable—and increasingly violent-–surprises.

The Menu is a not-so-subtle commentary on wealth, inequality, and the nature of art that’s full of shocking twists, and Hoult is in great company as part of an ensemble cast that also includes John Leguizamo and Judith Light. If you enjoy thrillers where the main course is pointed social commentary, you don’t want to skip The Menu.

X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)

While he may be getting a lot of attention for playing Lex Luthor, Superman (2025) is far from Hoult’s first time in a superhero movie. He plays Hank McCoy/Beast in the 20th Century Fox X-Men movies, starting with X-Men: First Class (2011). The actor does a great job of bringing to life a younger version of the character played by Kelsey Grammer in X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), capturing Hank’s intelligence and warmth that clashes with his monstrous appearance.

Of the five X-Men films he appeared in, special mention has to go to X-Men: Days of Future Past, which features both Hoult and Grammer. Based on an iconic comic storyline, it follows Logan/Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) as he goes back in time to prevent an event that leads to the destruction of mutants and humans alike, culminating in mutants past and future working together. With Avengers: Doomsday (2026) bringing back Grammer’s Beast, Patrick Stewart’s Professor X, and more, now is the perfect time for superhero fans to revisit Days of Future Past and the rest of the X-Men movies.

Nosferatu (2024)

Nicholas Hoult stars as Thomas Hutter in Nosferatu (2024), adding to the list of iconic properties the actor has left his mark on. In this remake of the 1922 silent film based on Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula, Hoult’s character is married to Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp), a woman with a strange connection to the mysterious nobleman Count Orlok, who is, of course, actually the eponymous vampire.

The gruesome Gothic horror story is both beautiful and disturbing, and Hoult’s terrified reactions to Orlock heighten the tension and genuine fear the movie elicits. Nosferatu certainly is not for the faint of heart, but if you’re looking for true horror, this movie is exactly that.

Skins (2007-2013)

After getting his start as a child star, Hoult transitioned into more mature roles with the topical and controversial teen drama Skins. He plays Tony Stonem, who starts out as a popular and manipulative teen but becomes more mature and vulnerable after a traumatic accident.

Hoult, along with the rest of the original main cast, left the show after Season 2, at which point the show moved onto a new group of teens that included Tony’s sister, Effy Stonem. If you like melodramatic teen dramas like Euphoria (2019), Degrassi (2001), and Misfits (2009), consider Skins a must-watch.

Warm Bodies (2013)

One of the stranger films of Hoult’s career, Warm Bodies is a supernatural rom-com based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet that casts the star-crossed lovers as a human and a zombie. Hoult plays R, a zombie who only feels alive when eating human brains until he meets Julie (Teresa Palmer).

It may not be the best movie of Hoult’s distinguished career, but it’s a testament to his talent, and that of his co-stars, that he could take what sounds like a silly premise contrived to take advantage of the zombie craze started by The Walking Dead (2010) and infuse plenty of charm into what could have easily been a shallow parody. If you’ve ever longed for a lighter take on zombies that combines horror with romance and humor, Warm Bodies is for you.

The Jurassic Park franchise expanded recently with the premiere of Jurassic World Rebirth. As is standard with Jurassic Park movies, one of the aspects of Jurassic World Rebirth that audiences anticipated most were the death scenes. 

The franchise is known for its spectacular dinosaur attacks, which most often befall the villains. Viewers interested in the death scenes can use our guide to find out where to watch the 10 most gruesome deaths in the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World movies. 

Dennis Nedry in Jurassic Park (1993)

Dennis Nedry boasted one of the worst and most memorable deaths in the original Jurassic Park. In the film, Nedry is a disgruntled Jurassic Park employee who attempts to steal dinosaur embryos during a power shutdown. However, he gets lost in the rain and realizes a dinosaur is stalking him. The dinosaur reveals itself to be a small juvenile Dilophosaurus with colorful frills framing its face. However, it has a nasty surprise for Nedry, unexpectedly shooting venom into his eyes and temporarily blinding him before mauling him. The dinosaur's unexpected and extremely painful ability adds to the gruesome and shocking nature of Nedry’s death.

Dieter Stark in The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)

The Lost World: Jurassic Park boasts the highest number of gruesome deaths, including Dieter Stark’s (Peter Stormare). Stark makes the poor choice of going off alone in the park to use the bathroom and antagonizes a few little Compsognathus dinosaurs. However, the Compsognathus soon return in a pack, overwhelming Stark with hundreds of tiny, painful bites all over his body. Although he gets away several times, he ultimately falls to the Compsognathus, who slowly pluck all the flesh off his body bit by bit. It’s one of the slowest, most agonizing, and painful deaths in the franchise.

Eddie Carr in The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)

Eddie Carr (Richard Schiff) has one of the most gruesome and saddest deaths in The Lost World: Jurassic Park, considering he’s one of the good guys. As a tech specialist at the park, he tries to protect the visitors, including distracting two T. rex until the visitors can reach safety. Unfortunately, the dinosaurs turn their attention toward him, smashing through the car he’s in until one grabs him by the legs, flipping him in the air, and biting down on his head. The other dinosaur grabs his legs, and the two play tug-of-war with his body until it tears in half. It’s a gruesome, graphic death wholly undeserved by Eddie, who made a heroic sacrifice.

Peter Ludlow in The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)

In The Lost World: Jurassic Park, Peter Ludlow (Arliss Howard), the nephew of Dr. Hammond, wants to build a new Jurassic Park in San Diego. Hence, he has the brilliant idea to bring an adult and infant T. rex on a ship to transport them to San Diego. Of course, the dinosaurs get loose and instantly kill everyone onboard, except Ludlow. The adult T. rex decides to play with him, first breaking his legs and then dropping him on the deck for the infant, which gleefully tears off his face. Ludlow’s prolonged death in The Lost World: Jurassic Park is quite torturous and agonizing.

David Koepp in The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)

The Lost World: Jurassic Park screenwriter David Koepp cameos in the movie as an unnamed civilian in San Diego. After killing Ludlow, the T. rex on the ship makes its way to San Diego, terrorizing all the unfortunate people who happen to be in the city, including Koepp. While most of the civilians narrowly escape death, Koepp turns and runs toward a building, only to find it locked. The T. rex quickly snatches him up and eats him. While it’s not the goriest or most painful death in the franchise, it is quite nightmarish considering he was just an innocent civilian who died the most absurd death at the hands of a random T. rex in San Diego.

Udesky in Jurassic Park III (2001)

Udesky (Michael Jeter) is a booking agent in Jurassic Park III, hired by the Kirby family to find their son, who went missing near Isla Sorna. During the mission, he becomes separated from his group, and two raptors corner him, taking their time killing him. The raptors appear sadistic, as they cause him pain without eating him, including clawing his legs and back and stabbing him with a toe claw in the spine to paralyze him. Finally, after an agonizing, prolonged attack, the raptors break his neck, killing him. It's a terrible overkill death seemingly done out of sheer sadism, making it particularly gruesome and disturbing.

Zara Young in Jurassic World (2015)

Zara Young (Katie McGrath) is the reluctant assistant of Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard) in Jurassic World. When the Pteranodon attack the Jurassic World guests, Young is one of the people swept away by them. As she struggles to free herself, she’s tossed from Pteranodon to Pteranodon and thrown from the sky into a park lagoon, where the Pteranodon try to drown her. While trying to get away from them, the Mosasaurus emerges from the lagoon’s depths and swallows her in one gulp. She’s one of the few people in the Jurassic Park franchise to be genuinely eaten alive, making her death very unsettling.

Ken Wheatley in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)

Ken Wheatley (Ted Levine) is a hunter in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom who has a dark habit of collecting the teeth of dinosaurs he has taken down. When he comes across the genetically engineered Indoraptor, he’s desperate to get its teeth, shooting it with a tranquilizer dart before entering its cage. However, he didn’t realize the experimental dinosaur was extremely intelligent and capable of feigning sedation. After luring him into the cage, the Indoraptor bites his arm off and eats it in front of him before killing him. Seeing one’s own body parts consumed by a dinosaur is as gruesome as it gets in the Jurassic World series.

Rainn Delacourt in Jurassic World Dominion (2022)

In Jurassic World Dominion, Rainn Delacourt (Scott Haze) is involved in the illegal black market dinosaur trade. After a confrontation with Owen Grady (Chris Pratt), Delacourt tries to flee but accidentally falls into the dinosaur fighting pit at the market, where a Lystrosaurus and Carnotaurus pin him down by each biting one of his hands. The dinosaurs continue holding him as a Baryonyx breaks free and lunges at his face, mauling him to death. Delacourt’s death is painful, considering the teamwork of the dinosaurs who left him completely incapacitated and unable to defend himself whatsoever.

Martin Krebs in Jurassic World Rebirth (2025)

Martin Krebs is a pharmacist in Jurassic World Rebirth, who believes he can cure heart disease with dinosaur DNA. He nearly gets away with his DNA samples until the mutated, nightmarish Distortus rex unexpectedly pops out of the shadows and attacks him. The attack is so gruesome that nothing is left of Krebs, save for one arm still clutching onto his precious samples. The jump scare of the Distortus rex’s entrance, along with its distorted appearance and fierce attack, makes Krebs’ death the most gruesome and shocking of Jurassic World Rebirth.

Where To Watch The Most Gruesome 'Jurassic Park' Deaths Online

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

Awards season is now in full swing with Harvey Guillén and Brenda Song announcing the nominees for the 77th Emmy Awards, featuring record-breaking recognition like Harrison Ford's first-ever Emmy nomination in his career, and Bella Ramsey making history as the first non-binary actor to be nominated more than once. Dystopian sci-fi hits and original properties in their debut seasons continue to emphasize the significance of new and exciting content finding its place in the industry, and some snubs naturally have critics and fans alike frustrated by the outcome.  

With new shows like The Pitt and The Studio racking up multiple awards and unsurprising candidates like The White Lotus, here are the best series nominated for the 2025 Emmy Awards, along with where and why to watch them on platforms such as HBO Max, Apple TV+, Netflix, and more.

Andor (2022-2025)

The two-season Star Wars series took the world by storm with its debut and heightened the stakes in its sophomore run, effectively becoming one of the best additions to the expansive franchise. Nominated for 14 awards, including Best Outstanding Drama, Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series, Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series, and countless technical nods, Andor, the brilliant Diego Luna-led series, is brimming with heart, empathy, and a narrative that's especially relevant in this day and age. 

While the series is best suited for Star Wars fans with knowledge of the vast lore, it can be consumed on its own to act as a solid starting point to lead viewers into Rogue One (2016) and the original trilogy. As a genre, science fiction isn't often recognized during award season, but with the gripping, realistic narrative in Andor, the series can also work for viewers who aren't typically fans of the genre.

The Diplomat (2023-Present)

Netflix's The Diplomat is the sleeper hit that now proves any series starring Keri Russell is bound to be an unquestionable success. Perfect for the viewers who adored her work as the complex undercover spy in The Americans (2013), Russell proves that her forte is embodying women with tremendously riveting and nuanced stories to tell.

Nominated for two awards, including Best Outstanding Drama, as well as an acting nod to Keri Russell as Kate Wyler, the series' small but mighty impact is proof that an original series with no IP can indeed make a vast impact on viewers. Created by Debora Cahn, the show is a political thriller centered on an American ambassador and her high-profile, tumultuous marriage. 

The Last of Us (2023-Present)

HBO Max's hit, The Last of Us, based on the renowned video game series, continues to be an indomitable triumph with 16 nominations, including Best Outstanding Drama and various production nods, as well as acting nominations for both Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. 

The post-apocalyptic sequel follows unlikely pairs in a high-stakes battle for survival, but it stands out due to its powerful themes of found family, vulnerable displays of compassion, and compelling narrative arcs that honor the video game it's based on. While some of the gore might not be suitable for viewers who aren't a fan of post-apocalyptic themes, fans of The Walking Dead (2011) and Station Eleven (2021) are more than likely to appreciate the series.

Paradise (2025-Present)

With four nominations, including Best Outstanding Drama, as well as recognition for Sterling K. Brown, James Marsden, and Julianne Nicholson, Hulu's new original series, Paradise, like The Diplomat, proves that unique thrillers are still very much appreciated by critics and fans alike. 

Created by Dan Fogelman, the doomsday nail-biter centers on political elites, those hired to protect them, and the perilous outcomes of secrets and lies tormenting people at a time when mere existence is challenging. Paradise is especially well-suited for fans of dystopian thrillers who appreciate the artistry and character-driven arcs like in Arrival (2016). It is on the heavier end, so for the viewers who might not be in the best headspace, there are plenty of great comedies nominated this year, too. 

The Pitt (2025-Present)

HBO Max's unique and incredibly nuanced medical drama The Pitt is now nominated for 13 awards, including Best Outstanding Drama, various writing credits, as well as acting accolades for Noah Wyle as Dr. Robby and Katherine LaNasa as Charge Nurse Dana. 

The Pitt's distinctive one-day, hour-by-hour approach made it the series to turn to in the last year, becoming an instant success with its compelling and realistic depictions of medicine and its powerful display of empathy at the heart of human interactions. It's especially perfect for fans of ER (1994), but simultaneously, for squeamish viewers or hypochondriacs, perhaps give The Pitt a try. As someone who's both and generally steers clear of shows centered on medicine, the series' character-driven approach and fast-paced environment make it easy to watch. On top of that, we get enough cues to look away when it's clear that something is about to feature blood or a heavy, heartbreaking death. 

Severance (2022-Present)

Apple TV+'s dystopian sensation, Severance, dominates the 77th Emmy Awards with 27 nominations, including (and not at all surprising) Best Outstanding Drama, multiple nods to cast members Adam Scott, Britt Lower, Zach Cherry, Tramell Tillman, John Turturro, and Patricia Arquette. Nominations also include numerous writing and directing credits, including Jessica Lee Gagné's brilliantly directed "Chikhai Bardo," proving that the series' sophomore season is even more lusciously exhilarating than its first, as it breaks down the inner workings of Lumon to potentially set these characters free and explore what's keeping their innie and outie worlds separate.

There are a few dystopian series nominated this year, but if viewers are to choose one, Severance is the way to go. Every performance and every narrative decision make it an indescribable triumph worth being a part of the conversation for. 

Slow Horses (2022-Present) 

Slow Horses isn't a show for every viewer, yet it remains one of the more compelling dramas on streaming as it consistently raises its stakes and delivers something rich and nuanced in every upcoming season. Nominated for five awards, including Best Outstanding Drama, Best Casting for a Drama Series, a Best Actor nomination for its leading star, Gary Oldman, and more, the series, based on Mick Herron's novel, shines as an underrated hit, following dysfunctional MI5 agents that are hugely impactful in small but monumental ways.

Perfect for viewers who recently loved Netflix's Dept. Q (2025) and are fans of British crime dramas, Slow Horses is another reason to subscribe to Apple TV+ considering the majority of shows on this list are featured on the streamer site. 

The White Lotus (2021-Present)

The once meant to be a limited series, The White Lotus is now a consistent awards contender, racking up 23 awards, including a variety for actors like Carrie Coon, Parker Posey, Natasha Rothwell, Aimee Lou Wood, Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, and Sam Rockwell, as well as a Best Outstanding Drama Series. 

For three consecutive seasons now, the series keeps its premise while changing its cast and location to continue showcasing that its appeal stems from exceptional casting every time. The White Lotus is perfect for viewers who love television centered around rich people, and this season especially shines with a brilliant performer like Carrie Coon. As the type of series viewers can jump into during any season because of its anthology storytelling, you don't have to watch all two seasons to watch the third.

Abbott Elementary (2021-Present)

Quinta Brunson's Abbott Elementary also resumes conquering awards season as a true, laugh-out-loud and clever comedy with its nomination for Best Outstanding Comedy and five other nominations, including acting credits for Brunson herself, Janelle James, and Sheryl Lee Ralph. 

The mockumentary-style series set in an underfunded elementary school consistently and thoughtfully improves with each passing season, becoming the type of comedy that's both profoundly moving and tastefully hilarious. Perfect for viewers who miss comfort shows like Parks and Recreation (2009), Abbott Elementary is the one comedy today that can be perfect for all types of viewers.

The Bear (2022-Present)

Fans and critics alike will likely turn to social media to once again air their grievances about how The Bear isn't a comedy, yet that discourse isn't stopping the Academy from recognizing it as one. With 13 nominations, the series continues to be a standout in every category. 

The Chicago-based culinary series aired its most dramatic and harrowing season yet, and every performer within, whether wrongfully categorized or not, is still deserving of the recognition for the stunning work they brought to the kitchen this year. Best suited for viewers who appreciate character-driven shows, The Bear dives deep into some of its most quiet work this season, delivering something that viewers who appreciate emotional storytelling will especially love.

Hacks (2021-Present)

As yet another underrated series, Hacks floors us all with 14 nominations, including Best Outstanding Comedy, nominations for Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, as well as various technical achievements. Lucia Aniello's dark comedy is indeed properly categorized and consistently manages to become a roaring success thanks to its compelling writing and thoughtful characterizations that effectively tell an endearing story.

Perfect for viewers who want to watch well-written and nuanced women on television, few shows handle authenticity as brilliantly as Hacks does. Sharp and clever in every way, it's not one to miss.

Nobody Wants This (2024-Present)

Netflix's unexpected romantic comedy, Nobody Wants This, starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, is additional proof that the genre is effective, still revered, and award-worthy when it's done right. Following an aspiring Jewish Rabbi and a rebellious atheist in their journey toward falling in love, the romantic comedy is now a three-time Emmy nominee, including Best Outstanding Comedy, as well as lead acting nominations for both Bell and Brody. 

For viewers who want more romantic comedies in their lives that feel realistic and carry the same magic that classic '90s hits do, Nobody Wants This is the way to go. Set to return in October for its second season, it's one of the most swoonworthy shows that have aired on Netflix since the historical hit, Bridgerton (2020). 

Only Murders in the Building (2021-Present)

With seven nominations, Hulu's clever and genuinely hilarious hit, Only Murders in the Building, continues to rack up award nominations for Best Outstanding Comedy and one for Martin Short as Oliver Putnam. The delectable series, which follows an unlikely multi-generational friendship among podcast hosts who solve crimes in their apartment building, aired its most star-studded season yet, and with it, delivered one of the most exceptional comedy seasons to date.

Only Murders in the Building is perfect for cozy crime aficionados who revel in movies like Clue (1985). Lighthearted despite the obvious premise, it's also best suited for viewers who aren't big fans of true crime, but still want to dip their toes into the topic that's taken the podcasting world by storm.

Shrinking (2023-Present) 

Bill Lawrence, Brett Goldstein, and Jason Segel's heartfelt and brilliantly compelling Shrinking aired its most emotionally moving season yet in 2024 and, with it, garnered seven Emmy nominations, including Best Outstanding Comedy, and nominations for Segel, Harrison Ford, Michael Urie, and Jessica Williams. 

Following an unconventional therapist as he works through his lingering grief, Shrinking is a thought-provoking triumph that explores various themes such as parenthood, unlikely friendships, and more through an achingly realistic and vulnerable lens, packed with humor at every turn. Perfect for fans of Ted Lasso (2020), the emotionally moving hit is yet another added beat of brilliance to Apple TV+'s lineup. 

The Studio (2025-Present)

What may be the boldest comedy to date, The Studio gives viewers a front-row seat to the decision-making processes of filmmaking in Hollywood. It boldly recognizes the problems with sequels and IP content, awards distribution, and the system as a whole, with celebrities guest-starring as themselves and one wild plot point after another. 

With 23 nominations, it lands in the third spot of most award nominations during the 77th Emmy Awards, including Best Outstanding Comedy. For viewers who've wanted to learn more about Hollywood, no show or film has taken a deep dive as intimately as The Studio. It's a true comedy with a plethora of depth to explore and one more reason to sign up for Apple TV+. 

What We Do in the Shadows (2019-2024)

What We Do in the Shadows goes off with a shrill in its last season with six Emmy Award nominations, including Best Outstanding Comedy. The vampire mockumentary featuring unlikely roommates, which was originally based on a film of the same name, is yet another underrated hit that consistently hits the nail on every coffin (pun intended) with some of the most hilarious jokes to date. 

Ambitious, laugh-out-loud funny, and surprisingly endearing, acknowledging shows like this is a big win for more inclusivity with niche content. What We Do in the Shadows is perfect for viewers who loved the original film, and especially for those who appreciate offbeat humor.

Adolescence (2025)

The thrilling limited series, Adolescence, took viewers by surprise earlier this year, landing 13 nominations, including one for up-and-coming young star Owen Cooper. The British thriller follows a 13-year-old boy after he's arrested on suspicion of murder and, through four episodes, tells a gripping story that's impossible to look away from.

With its Best Outstanding Limited Series nomination, it lands Netflix yet another hit that showcases the importance of contained stories. While Adolescence might not be best for viewers who aren't in a good space, viewers who appreciate realistic examples of young adults stuck in the crossfires of death and murder. 

Black Mirror (2011-Present)

The now well-known anthology series earned 10 Emmy nominations, giving it time to finally shine after a bit of a slow run due to changes in the system. With it, Rashida Jones lands herself a nomination as well as one for Best Outstanding Limited Series and Outstanding Writing for "Common Place." 

This season of Black Mirror took bigger hits to continue telling thrilling Twilight Zone-esque tales that keep the season fresh and layered in its powerful themes. Black Mirror isn't suited for viewers who aren't fans of complex narratives that can perhaps send the imagination running wild, but for sci-fi nerds who don't mind dark, dystopian narratives, it's a must-watch. 

Dying for Sex (2025) 

Dying for Sex, starring Michelle Williams and Jenny Slate, the limited series based loosely on the real-life experiences of Molly Kochan, is nominated for nine Emmy Awards, with acting nods to Williams, Slate, and Rob Delaney, as well as a directing nomination for Shannon Murphy. 

The provocative series rose to popularity with its honest depictions of female pleasure and bold storytelling, allowing it to become yet another series to accurately portray narratives that aren't always given proper time on screen. Dying for Sex isn't suited for viewers who are sensitive about health diagnoses, but it can be a perfect viewing experience for those who want to see a woman explore all her avenues with a second chance.

Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story (2024)

Ryan Murphy's second installment of the true crime anthology series, Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story, follows the titular Mendez brothers after the killing of their parents and publicized trials. Stacked with an impeccable cast and excellent management, the series is nominated for 11 Emmy Awards, including Cooper Koch for Outstanding Lead Actor, Javier Bardem for Outstanding Supporting Actor, Chloë Sevigny for Outstanding Lead Actress, Outstanding Casting for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, and more.

Monsters: The Lyle and Erick Menendez Story is for viewers who appreciate Murphy's means of storytelling as well as those who aren't sensitive to true crime narratives. Anyone wanting to learn a little more about one of America's most famous crimes will find answers here.  

The Penguin (2024)

HBO Max's hit limited series The Penguin follows the titular character after the events of Matt Reeves' The Batman (2022) in his rise to power. Starring Colin Farrell in his most unrecognizable and thoroughly compelling form, the bold crime drama is the second highest nominated series, with 24 nominations, including Best Outstanding Limited Series, acting nominations for Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, and Deirdre O'Connell, as well as various technical achievements to showcase the series' thoughtful means of honoring the comics. 

The Penguin isn't an easy show to dive into with prior knowledge of the comics lore, but the blood and gore might also not be suited for viewers who prefer more lighthearted approaches to villain-based stories. Still, where performances are concerned, The Penguin is absolutely worth every minute.

Live-action films, TV shows, animated features, and countless shorts—the Marvel and DC universes are considerable and expansive, overflowing with countless relationships from their comic book origins. With this in mind, it's made it significantly hard to keep up and keep track of all the iconic relationships that've graced our screens, resulting in famous kisses like the upside-down kiss in Spider-Man (2002) or the ones that've spanned seasons in TV shows. 

With James Gunn's Superman (2025) stealing fans' hearts with its gorgeous means of honoring Lois and Clark's relationship, it's time to look back at some of the best superhero kisses in Marvel and DC films, along with where to find the films on platforms such as Disney+, HBO Max, and more.

Lois Lane and Clark Kent - Superman (2025)

James Gunn's Superman not only features one breathtaking kiss between David Corenswet's Clark Kent and Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane, but two. And while they're bound to become iconic gems that fans will tirelessly look back on, it's their second toward the end of the movie that's a stunning display of adoration, joy, and profound longing. As Lois confesses to Clark that she loves him, too, he swoops her in the air with the biggest grin on his face, and the two of them fly while their mouths stay locked on one another. 

Longer than typical superhero kisses, the two scenes were banned in various countries during the theatrical release because of how risque they're considered. In more ways than one, this version of Superman is for the softies—the hopeless romantics who value big displays of adoration and tender-hearted heroes. In addition, because it's the first in Gunn's universe, viewers can jump right in without having to watch all the Superman adaptations that have come before.

Batman and Catwoman - Batman Returns (1992)

Though it's not exactly a traditional kiss, Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman licking the face of Michael Keaton's Batman in Batman Returns is unquestionably one of the most memorable scenes in any superhero movie. Whether it's been days or years since a viewer has revisited one of the most popular live-action Batman adaptations, the gesture is one that has certainly rewired brains and stirred plenty of conversation, forcing people to flock to fan fiction sites. 

In every universe, Batman and Catwoman have their thing—a language that they speak and no one else understands, which underscores the fact that they're kindred spirits through everything. Here, it's this. Like Superman, there are a number of Batman films, but for the viewers who prefer campier adaptations, Tim Burton's films are the way to go. 

T'Challa and Nakia - Black Panther (2018)

Today, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is massive and nearly impossible to keep up with for casual viewers. But if there's one movie that every viewer can immediately dive into, it's Ryan Coogler's Black Panther. The film not only shines on its own as one of the MCU's most critically acclaimed standalones, but the relationship between T'Challa and Nakia is also a standout for the softness and empathy that both characters carry in everything they do. 

At the end of the film, they share not one kiss, but two, as T'Challa pleads with Nakia to stay in Wakanda, promising her that she can fulfill the dreams she wants with the resources provided. With gorgeously vulnerable performances from the late Chadwick Boseman and the incomparable Lupita Nyong'o, the tender kiss leaps off the screen, becoming one of the sweetest displays of adoration still to this day.

Logan and Jean Grey - X2 (2003)

Interestingly, superhero films before the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as we know it today, were far more racy in how they displayed affection between characters. The X-Men trilogy and Mark Steven Johnson'sDaredevil (2003) are two primary examples that showcase intimacy in ways that go far beyond a simple kiss. 

And while Logan "Wolverine" and Jean Grey have quite a few moments that are fiery hot, there's something achingly memorable about their kiss in X2 as she attempts to fight against her feelings for Wolverine while she's still with Cyclops. Full of longing, forbidden angst, and a plethora of chemistry, it's one that still leaves a mark. X2 isn't a film viewers can jump into without watching X-Men (2000) first, but the trilogy is easily consumable without diving fully into the extended universe.

Steve Rogers and Peggy Carter - Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) 

Similar to Marvel's Black Panther, because Captain America: The First Avenger is an origin story, viewers can step into it without prior knowledge of the enormous comic world behind it. And while the kiss in question is relatively chaste as first kisses go, what makes Steve Rogers and Peggy Carter's moment of intimacy stand out is the scene's execution. It's not only gorgeously shot, but it occurs right as he's about to go after Red Skull, and she stops him just as he's about to leave the car with a kiss that momentarily stuns him. 

As a sweet story about first loves, Steve and Peggy's first kiss feels like the quintessential kiss in the midst of a battle that's meant to give the superhero the motivation he needs to come back to something. Said come back might not be the case at the end of Captain America: The First Avenger, given Steve's fate, but it's still a worthy moment that feels timeless. 

Tony Stark and Pepper Potts - Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

As one of the most iconic couples in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Tony Stark and Pepper Potts have a number of amazing moments, topped with delicious banter that makes their relationship memorable. While their first kiss is glorious, there's something about their kiss in Avengers: Infinity War, right before Doctor Strange interrupts them, that cements that this relationship is endgame for them. 

As a film that feels earned because of all the movies that have come before it, Infinity War stands out as a result of everything it represents: A culmination of every moment that these characters have shared before. After this scene, there's no going back for the couple, especially considering the fact that Tony actively voices that there should be no more secrets between them. Casual displays of intimacy are sometimes just as powerful as big, heated moments, and this kiss is the perfect example of that. 

Spider-Man and MJ - Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

Move over, upside-down kiss, because every scene between Tom Holland's Peter Parker and Zendaya's MJ is top-tier. While their first kiss in Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) is wholesome and sweet, their angst-filled goodbye kiss in Spider-Man: No Way Home is the one that authenticates just how deeply they love one another. 

With a tearful goodbye and a promise to reconnect despite the memory loss she'll experience, the final kiss between Peter and MJ is gorgeously moving, palpable, and stunning with the red hues all around them. Every beat of their longing is felt, deepening the heartbreak and ensuring this kiss is remembered long after the credits roll. No Way Home hits as hard as it does for the viewers who've watched all Spider-Man movies that have come before it, so while this story can't be consumed on its own, it's still worth diving into for the viewers who love sweet and nerdy heroes.

Thor and Jane Foster - Thor (2011)

Like Peter and MJ's kiss but without the memory loss, Thor and Jane Foster's first kiss in Thor is all about ensuring that the feelings between the Asgardian god and mortal scientist are real. His promise that he'll find her and the return is thoroughly swoonworthy. 

Secluded in a desert, emotions on full display, and with a conversation happening entirely in silence due to fantastic performances from Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman, their kiss seals the deal in a way that's both easy on the eyes and rich in context. Thor is also an origin story, so like Black Panther and The First Avenger, if you want a god's story to follow as your superhero of choice, the film can be appreciated as a standalone.

Wanda Maximoff and Vision - Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Similar to Tony and Pepper's casually intimate kiss in Avengers: Infinity War, what viewers get with Wanda Maximoff and Vision as they're hiding in Edinburgh is proof of their love and a tender display of adoration. After a brief moment of comfort and a kiss to her hand, the scene brings to life the "I just feel you" line and ends with the type of achingly tender kiss that hurts twice as hard when viewers remember Vision's inevitable fate. 

Sweet and gentle, yet thoroughly transcendent, there's no denying it's one of the most memorable first kisses. Unfortunately, viewers can't simply dive into Infinity War without watching the other films, but you can watch some of Vision and Wanda's scenes, then jump right into WandaVision (2021) for an extra treat. 

Batman and Catwoman - The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Christian Bale's Batman shares more than one kiss in Christopher Nolan's trilogy with different women, but none stick out quite like his kiss with Anne Hathaway's Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises. Like many of the kisses on this list, it occurs amid what both characters believe to be a goodbye, yet it's loaded with emotions and angst that transcends off the screen. 

And in true Batman and Catwoman fashion, their banter sizzles with a frustration that fuels their admiration for one another, making that final kiss a promise in every way. For fans of Nolan's directorial vision, the trilogy is a must-watch for viewers wanting something gritty, dark, and achingly realistic woven into the genre.

The Hell House LLC film series has quietly burrowed into horror fans' psyches since the original's 2015 found footage release. It went on to carve out a cult following with its eerie minimalist aesthetic and creeping supernatural dread. What began as a simple documentary-style investigation into a deadly haunted attraction has blossomed into a multi-installment fright fest with an overarching mythology you need to know.

Mood-setting scares, clever world-building, and a super creepy cultist named Andrew Tully anchor the franchise's growing popularity. The films, which can be found on platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, and Prime Video, are as much about mounting dread as they are about the jump-scares, and that's why each new chapter delivers. And with the newest entry, Hell House LLC: Lineage, expanding the lore tied to Tully's sinister legacy, now's the perfect time to revisit the franchise. 

Hell House LLC (2015)

Hell House LLC begins in 2009 when a ragtag team sets up a haunted house-type attraction in the derelict Abaddon Hotel, only for their first night to turn into a nightmare when 15 people die under strange circumstances. Sometime later, a documentary crew interviews survivors and compiles raw footage to reconstruct the terror-inducing night. But in true horror fashion, things take a frightening turn.

Audiences praised the movie for its realism and the way it made everyday things feel sinister. Hardcore horror fans enjoyed the minimalist aesthetic and its startling effectiveness. Hell House LLC is perfect for movie aficionados who love found-footage thrillers like The Blair Witch Project (1990). Compared to the sequels, its stripped-down style is what gives it lasting creepiness and intimacy. For first-time viewers, it's essential viewing to understand the franchise's roots.

Hell House LLC II: The Abaddon Hotel (2018)

Hell House LLC II: The Abaddon Hotel is set after the terrifyingly tragic events of the first movie. The story follows a team of journalists and investigators who ignore official warnings and return to the Abaddon Hotel to live-stream their findings. The group uncovers disturbing voicemails, mutilated mannequins, and the remnants of a cult hidden in the hotel's walls. With each passing moment, the line between paranormal and psychological horror starts to blur.

The Abaddon Hotel leans deeper into franchise lore, focusing on ritualistic symbols and creating tension with clever camerawork. While the intimate scarcity of the first film is lost, the expanded mythology and fresh scares more than make up for it. The movie earned praise for its deeper dive into Abaddon's dark history, making it perfect for viewers who enjoyed the suspense and thrills of the original.

Hell House LLC III: Lake of Fire (2019)

Abaddon's hauntings take a theatrical turn in Hell House LLC III: Lake of Fire when a wealthy impresario invites a theater group to perform inside the hotel as a Faustian immersive experience. Doors slam with unflinching force, mannequins move around overnight, and the presence of Andrew Tully looms larger than ever before. When one of the actors vanishes, it sets the stage for cult ceremonies, violent apparitions, and a final mass killing.

The third entry trades intimacy for scale, opting for elaborate drama over subtle tension. As a result, audience responses were polarizing this time around. While some enjoyed the audacious change in scope and mythology, others felt the eerie subtlety of the first two was lost, and the effects occasionally undermined its creepiness. Still, Hell House LLC III: Lake of Fire is ideal for viewers who enjoy elaborate horror setups and cult mythology.

Hell House LLC Origins: The Carmichael Manor (2023)

Hell House LLC Origins: The Carmichael Manor shatters expectations in the best way. Billed as a prequel, the story transports viewers to Carmichael Manor, where an online sleuth, her girlfriend, and her brother investigate a 1989 family murder tied to Abaddon. Viewers get to follow their descent through split-screen conference calls, home video reels, and eerie manor corridors where clown mannequins lurk and digital glitches reveal whispers of the past.

The response from viewers was largely positive, with many praising its atmosphere, haunting visuals, and seamless tie-in to earlier entries in the creepy film series. Hell House LLC Origins: The Carmichael Manor is best suited for horror fans who want a fresh perspective on the franchise. It's claustrophobic when needed and expansive when it counts, which makes for excellent viewing.

Hell House LLC: Lineage (2025)

Hell House LLC: Lineage follows Vanessa Shepherd (Elizabeth Vermilyea), who appeared in Hell House LLC III: Lake of Fire, as she unravels a conspiracy that links Abaddon to Carmichael.  What starts as a conspiracy investigation quickly turns into a full-blown nightmare, complete with ritual altars, spectral visitations, and plenty of callbacks to the franchise's earliest horrors. This time, writer-director Stephen Cognetti trades in the raw, found-footage style for a more polished cinematic look.

It's a bold shift that doesn't always land, and some longtime fans felt the bigger scope undercut the suffocating dread that made the first film so effective. Still, there are moments where the new approach pays off, particularly when those infamous clown mannequins return in ways that are as terrifying as ever. If you've been invested in Andrew Tully's cult and all its tangled lore, this finale is an essential watch.

The Summer 2025 anime season is absolutely bursting with shows to watch. While the summer scene is always one of the busiest of the year for the anime community, the amount of sequels this time is wild, with fan favorites like My Dress-Up Darling (2022) and Dan Da Dan (2024) airing much-anticipated second seasons. But just because there’s a ton of returning series doesn’t mean that there’s a lack of new and original anime premiering during the summer. 

While it’s hard to say if most or all of these anime will turn out to be complete successes by the end of their respective runs, all of them have at least something that’s worth watching for one reason or another, whether it’s a great premiere that instantly hooked audiences, the strength of the source material, the studios involved and their pedigrees, or the sheer quality of the animation on display. Now that most of these shows are more than halfway through their run, or in some cases, first seasons, now is the perfect time to recommend them. Here are the 10 most exciting new anime releases of the Summer 2025 season that you should watch right now, many of which are available on streaming giants like Netflix or anime hotspot Crunchyroll. 

The Summer Hikaru Died (2025)

Horror anime are surprisingly hard to come by, so when a title like The Summer Hikaru Died comes along, it turns heads. The series follows Yoshiki, a teenager who discovers that his best friend, Hikaru, died six months ago and was replaced by something that claims to be Hikaru and retains his memories and personality, but is distinctly not him. 

It’s prime fodder for a great horror series, but The Summer Hikaru Died doesn’t stop there and actually serves as a great romance, too. Seeing Yoshiki grapple with the complicated feelings he has for Hikaru is some juicy stuff, since you want to root for him, but at the same time, you’ll probably find yourself uncomfortable seeing their romance continue, given the circumstances. Add in some grim unease thanks to other mysterious supernatural beings in the woods, dead bodies, and shady organizations entering town, and The Summer Hikaru Died is going to be a show that’s hard to ignore. It’s already earned critical acclaim. So, if you want a dark romance that’s going to get under your skin, The Summer Hikaru Died is tough to beat.

Takopi’s Original Sin (2025)

Dark subversions are nothing new to anime, and while Takopi’s Original Sin may subvert child-friendly shows in the same way Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction did in 2024, it’s far, FAR darker than that show could ever be. It starts out simply enough, with a cute alien octopus called Takopi coming to Earth to help make a little girl named Shizuka’s life happier, but within 15 minutes, it becomes absolutely bleak, and that’s just within the first episode. 

This six-episode series is not for the faint of heart and can easily drive people away due to its dark subject matter, like child abuse, domestic abuse, and neglect, among others, but they’re handled excellently. You’ll feel for each of the characters after each shocking twist, and afterward, you’ll just want a nice hug to feel better about what you saw. It’s one of those shows that plays with your heart. If you think you’re strong enough to face the despair of Takopi’s Original Sin, you can stream the whole series over at Crunchyroll. 

City The Animation (2025)

Kyoto Animation is one of the best animation studios in the anime industry and considered the master of slice-of-life comedies, so any new project it announces is sure to generate a fair amount of buzz. Plus, in a season that’s filled with plenty of dark titles like The Summer Hikaru Died and Takopi’s Original Sin, some levity is absolutely necessary. Enter, City The Animation. 

City The Animation does a great job of capturing the quirky lives of the people living within CITY, whether they be typical people or eccentric oddballs talking about manga with intense facial animation. There isn’t really an overarching plot that connects each segment, but there doesn’t need to be, since the fun of City is just watching its large cast interact with each other. The series is a spiritual successor to one of the best comedies of the early 2010s, Nichijou, and the same brand of zany and surrealist humor makes City The Animation a delightful blast of joy and fun. It remains to be seen if lightning can strike twice for KyoAni, but if you want a comedy that is all about having fun, go take a look at City: The Animation.

Gachiakuta (2025)

Gachiakuta is a bold series, and you’re either going to love it or hate it because of that. The series, made by Kei Urana, a former assistant on Soul Reaper (2008) and Fire Force (2019), is a grimey series about trash and the emotions we put into objects that are important to us. The series follows Rudo, a teenager kicked out of a place called the Sphere, who tries to find a way back to it, swearing vengeance on those responsible for his exile. 

You would expect the series to focus on class warfare given how much the premiere centers on it, but the bulk of the show is actually fairly conventional. The power system of Gachiakuta is interesting, and his allies, The Cleaners, are all visually distinct, generally chill people to watch. Speaking of visuals, the focus on punk and graffiti artwork is striking, to say the least, which lets the characters and giant monsters that Rudo has to fight look all the more impressive. The first season is confirmed to run for two cours, or two sets of 12-13 episodes, so if you’re looking for a stylish punk-rock action anime, head over to Crunchyroll and start watching Gachiakuta.

Clevatess (2025)

While there are plenty of fantasy isekai anime that release each and every season, standard fantasy stories are becoming more and more uncommon, but when they do appear, they’re usually pretty special. Clevatess is an interesting fantasy series, wherein an overwhelmingly strong monster, Clevatess, decides to raise a human child to learn more about humanity with the assistance of a female warrior he kills, revives, and then enslaves to work for him.

The world of Clevatess is very dense and feels fully lived in after only a few episodes, with plenty of alliances, races, and social dynamics that go beyond your typical fantasy anime presented to the viewer quickly. It’s not for the faint of heart, especially given the amount of dismemberment present in the first few episodes, but it’s a fantasy series that channels a lot of the same energy that Claymore (2007) did and scratches an itch that just isn’t scratched anymore in the modern-day anime landscape. It’s an ambitious series and looks to be a good blend of action, comedy, drama, and political intrigue.

Tougen Anki (2025)

Shonen titles are almost always guaranteed to provide some entertainment and be modest hits when done competently, and Tougen Anki looks to be a solid combination of modern-day Shonen action tropes. The story follows Shiki, a young man who discovers not only that he’s descended from an oni, but that he also has sick blood manipulation powers. Unfortunately,  he’s also being hunted down by descendants of the great oni killer, Momotaro, so it’s not all roses for Shiki. 

Tougen Anki is the kind of simple shonen action series that isn’t trying to reinvent the genre, but instead just delivers cool fight scenes, which is sometimes all you need to make a fun action show. It also has a nice helping of teenage angst and edginess to it, like a weird mixture of Blue Exorcist (2011) and High School of the Dead (2010). I can only speak for myself, but sometimes I want to experience shows that push the boundaries of the medium forward, and other times I want to eat comfortable junk food. Tougen Anki is comfortable junk food that can easily be found on Netflix and Crunchyroll.

Nyaight of the Living Cat (2015)

Horror comedies like Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead (2023) may not be too common in today’s anime industry, but when they do appear, they’re silly in all of the right ways. Nyaight of the Living Cat decides to parody zombie films, with the series focusing on a deadly virus that spreads across the planet and turns whoever is infected by it into a cat. Oh, and if you touch a cat, then you’ll become one as well. 

The jokes are plentiful with just how cute these cats are and how everyone wants to pet them, despite how fatal doing so can be. It never takes itself seriously whatsoever and seeing all of these cute cats has got to be good for the soul. Like Tougen Anki, the series isn’t trying to be high art, but it’s easily worth watching because it executes its simple premise very well and is bound to leave those looking for a horror comedy satisfied. If you want to watch Nyaight of the Living Cat, it can be streamed on Crunchyroll. 

Leviathan (2025)

It’s always interesting watching a show focused on alternative world history, and Leviathan is nothing if not unique, channeling a lot of the same energy that Steamboy did back in 2004. Set in an alternative World War I, the Central Powers use giant mechs to wage war against the Triple Entente, who, in turn, use genetically modified animals to fight. All of this is from the perspective of two teens who stow away on a giant flying whale known as the Leviathan. If that premise alone sounds awesome, then you’ll love Leviathan. 

The series mixes alternative history with fantasy and steampunk, wrapping it all up in a package that feels like a classic adventure novel heavily inspired by early Studio Ghibli movies, most notably Laputa: Castle in the Sky (1986). The series feels geared toward a young adult audience, which makes sense given it was adapted from a series of YA novels. That’s not a bad thing, though, because the thrills are pretty straightforward and easy for anyone to get invested in and enjoy. It also makes the series great for younger anime fans. Plus, the show was a simultaneous Netflix release, meaning that all 12 episodes dropped at the same time, making it perfect for a quick weekend binge if you’re looking for something reminiscent of classic adventure anime.

Lord of Mysteries (2025)

Over the past few years, China has begun to produce its own high-quality anime series that have gotten mainstream appeal. Last season, there was To Be Hero X (2025), and now there’s Lord of Mysteries, a supernatural mystery series set in a steampunk world where a Chinese man awakens in the body of a young Victorian man and learns about the new technology of the time, as well as the magical potions that grant him power. 

It’s a lot to take in to be sure, and it’s very easy to fall off the show if it doesn’t click after a few episodes. Trust me, a lot happens in not a lot of time, and while it’s stunningly animated and gives off some dark Gothic vibes ripped straight from Bloodborne, it doesn’t hold your hand and expects you to keep up with it. If you’re able to follow at its pace, then you’ll be treated to a rich and dense world filled with plenty of entrancing mysteries and story beats that will leave your head reeling. This is a world you want to get invested in for the long haul.

New PANTY & STOCKING With GARTERBELT (2025)

While it is technically a sequel, given the fact that it’s been 15 years since the first season and how New PANTY & STOCKING With GARTERBELT has shifted studios from the defunct Gainax to Trigger, it’s only fair to spotlight a show that will most likely fall through the cracks. And also because New PANTY & STOCKING With GARTERBELT is hilarious, and I need more of it in my life.

To put it mildly, New PANTY & STOCKING With GARTERBELT is vulgar, crude, and rude in the best way. The series follows two sinful angels as they kill demons, but the number of curse words, sexual moments, and borderline offensive humor make it stand out from virtually all other anime this season. The series was inspired by Western animation, with most episodes divided up into smaller segments like in Powerpuff Girls (1998) and Dexter’s Laboratory (1996), just with the attitude of Pop Team Epic (2018), South Park (1997), and most Adult Swim shows. It may be a bit much for some, but those who want a series that doesn’t care who or what it offends, you NEED to see New PANTY & STOCKING With GARTERBELT over on Amazon Prime Video.