No movie ever comes together with too much ease, as there are plenty of changes that can go into effect during production. This can lead to entirely different cuts of films, with scenes tweaked, altered, or fully removed from the finished product. Sometimes, it’s done for the sake of pacing, like when Dudley’s farewell to Harry was removed from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2010). Other times, it can feel unnecessary, like with Gamora’s vision of a Thanos-aligned self in Avengers: Infinity War (2018).

Oftentimes, the deleted scenes don’t add anything to the film or change too much of the overall narrative. Sometimes, though, the deleted scenes can radically alter the tone of a movie, whether it’s giving the story a more somber edge, affording the heroes a happy ending, or radically changing the motivations of characters. Here are 10 deleted scenes that would have radically changed your favorite movies. While you’ll probably need the Blu-ray to watch them or rely on YouTube, you can watch each of these films in their final versions on streamers like Hoopla, HBO Max, and more. Spoilers ahead! 

Titanic (1997)

The alternate ending of Titanic completely changes the final beat of the film, giving it a very different vibe. In the blockbuster romance directed by James Cameron, an elderly Rose walks to the deck of Brock’s boat and quietly drops the invaluable Heart of the Ocean (a jewel she secretly kept as a keepsake of her time on the ship with Jack) into the ocean. It’s an emotionally powerful moment that focuses on her, while the alternate ending includes Brock and Rose’s granddaughter seeing her take the action.

The different endings completely change Rose’s final motivation in the film, as either a moment of peace or a defiant brush against another man who wanted what they couldn’t have. While Avatar (2009) may have surpassed Titanic in terms of box-office sales, the raw emotion of Rose’s scene on the boat is effective in both forms—if also radically different from one another.

Blade Runner (1982)

Blade Runner has one of the most infamous examples in film history of alternate cuts. As Ridley Scott’s follow-up to Alien (1979), Blade Runner is an audacious and ambitious adaptation of Phillip K. Dick’s novel, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?. Over the years, there have been seven different edits of the movie, owing to studio interference with the film. Most notable is the happier ending of the movie’s theatrical cut. In that version of the ending, Deckard and Rachael drive off into the sunset, leaving Los Angeles behind.

Released a decade later, Ridley Scott’s director’s cut made several changes from the original version of the film and was eventually followed by “The Final Cut” in 2007. The altered versions of the story end on a more ambiguous note, along with the possibility still open that Deckard could be a Replicant. While both of them technically work in the lead-up to Blade Runner 2049 (2017), they each give the film a different closing note that impacts how audiences leave.

The Shining (1980)

Based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, The Shining took a lot of horrifying liberties with the source material to deliver a haunting experience not quite like anything else in cinematic history. This slow-burning and atmospheric approach to horror isn’t for everyone, including Stephen King, who balked at many of director Stanley Kubrick’s changes to the story. This includes the climax, which sees Wendy and Danny escape a raving Jack before he freezes in the snow. King’s original ending saw Jack regain his senses long enough to set the boiler room to explode.

Fans of this ending saw a version like it in the sequel Doctor Sleep (2019), but The Shining almost had a tweaked ending that would have tried to have it both ways. In the other ending, Stuart Ullman, the Overlook manager who hired Jack in the first place, visits Wendy and Danny at the hospital. The scene has Ullman suspiciously dismiss what they’ve seen and give Danny back the ball he left in Room 237. This would have more openly confirmed the supernatural elements of the film, which would have also gone against the more ambiguous scares throughout the story.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007)

The third film in the larger series and the conclusion of the original trilogy, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, brings the adventures of Jack Sparrow, Will Turner, and Elizabeth Swann to a grandiose end. The film leans into the moral ambiguity of Jack as long as it can, leading to the emotional climax of him giving up his possible immortality to save Will. However, this noble choice would have been more obvious if the film had kept a deleted scene revealing Jack’s origins.

During a conversation with the villainous Beckett, Sparrow would have been revealed as a merchant sailor for the East India Trading Company, who refused to transport slaves. While this had some advantages, such as filling in the dots as to why Jack had bargained with Davy Jones in the first place, the scene would have undercut the more shady elements of the character needed to keep the tension going throughout this Disney movie, perfect for action-adventure fans. 

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) 

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope works in large part because of just how grounded it makes the sci-fi elements, lending it a grimy element that other works in the genre can struggle to replicate. A great example of this is on the planet of Tatooine, where crimelords like the Hutts and bounty hunters like Boba Fett are just as dangerous as Darth Vader and the Empire.

Jabba the Hutt was teased for two movies in the original theatrical releases of the Star Wars trilogy, before making his debut in Return of the Jedi. However, a deleted scene from the first film would have introduced a human version, trying to intimidate Han before he departed. On top of messing with the pacing and removing the mystery of Jabba, this scene takes too much of the alien out of the story. Without that delicate balance, the Star Wars franchise might have fallen off its center and not become the pop culture bedrock it is today. If you love sci-fi movies, you can’t do much better than A New Hope, the film that started it all.

First Blood (1982)

The first Rambo movie is still the best in the series, but it was almost the only one, given the original ending of First Blood. The post-Vietnam film is a harrowing survival story about a veteran who finds himself reverting to a soldier’s mindset when a police officer accosts him. It’s a harsh thriller that reckons with the impact of the conflict, similar to how The Deer Hunter (1978) and Full Metal Jacket (1987) also explore the fallout of war.

In the theatrical release, John Rambo turns himself in, setting up his return in the increasingly jingoistic sequels that transform the character into a more action-heavy figure. In the original ending, though, Rambo forces the military’s hand in a bid to get himself killed, ending his suffering in tragedy. It’s probably a more fitting and somber conclusion to the story. Still, the canon climax, where Rambo gives up, also features a truly heartwrenching performance that remains one of Sylvester Stallone’s best cinematic moments to date. 

Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995)

The harsher third sequel to Die Hard (1988), Die Hard with a Vengeance, is a meaner film than the first two entries in the series. Centering John McClane at one of his lowest points and forcing him to team up with an irate Harlem store owner to confront the brother of Hans Gruber, the film retains just enough heroism and smart-mouthed charm to be fun. However, the alternate ending would have transformed McClane into a much worse figure.

This ending sees Simon escape with the gold, only for McClane to find him sometime later in a much worse place, as the NYPD have fired him out of suspicion that he was involved in the heist. This leads McClane to play a game of Russian Roulette with Simon, ending the film by killing the villain. It’s a grim finale that removes the more grounded human side that helped McClane stand out from other action heroes. 

Iron Man 3 (2013)

Iron Man 3 has a lot of fun with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, fusing a tense thriller with Shane Black’s sense of wit and eye for clever action. One of the film’s big subversions is the introduction of the Mandarin, a classic Iron Man villain from the comics, reimagined as a purposefully tacky “terrorist” who was actually an actor. This reveal for Ben Kingsley has turned into a recurring character in the MCU, with the character of Trevor Slattery reappearing in Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings of Power (2021) and Wonder Man (2026).

However, the character almost met a much quicker and darker end in a deleted scene from Iron Man 3. In the scene, which made it to storyboards, Trevor would have arrived at the final battle having infected himself with the Extremis tech, only to have it cause him to explode. The scene would have brought too much dark levity for the climax of the film, which already has some goofy action moments sure to delight superhero fans. 

Get Out (2017)

Get Out was the film that transformed Jordan Peele from a comedic mainstay to a revered horror director, but he retained enough of his silly side to turn a TSA punchline into a means of giving his movie a happier ending.

In the original version of Get Out’s ending, Chris escapes the Armitage family but is found by the police while choking out Rose, leading to his arrest. It’s a somber finale for the movie, but one that Peele ended up changing. Instead, his best friend Rod comes to the rescue, with his TSA experience helping him save the day. It gives the film a softer edge, something that Peele has gone back and forth with in his other films Us (2019) and Nope (2022).

Clerks (1994)

Kevin Smith’s debut film, Clerks, is one of the most successful indie flicks of all time—and it almost came with a much more somber ending. As the beginning of the View Askewniverse, Clerks is a fairly grounded comedy about the two titular clerks, guys in their 20s who find themselves pondering life’s great mysteries while working boring 9-to-5 jobs.

It’s a fairly lighthearted comedy with some heavier moments, full of crass beats and surprising heart. However, it would have all come to a heartbreaking crash in the final moments, as the original ending saw Dante shot and killed in a robbery at the end of the night. Instead, the film ends with Dante closing up the store, allowing him to get a greater expansion in Clerks 2 (2006) and Clerks 3 (2022). Kevin Smith’s entire career might have been different if he hadn’t ended the film like that, and indie comedies in turn might have been shifted without the film’s impact on the era. 

The horror film Primate has once again shown that, when pitted against other animals, humans are incredibly weak. In the film, a pet chimpanzee gets infected with rabies and then goes on a bloody killing spree. The movie is so horrifying because there have been numerous high-profile chimp attacks against humans that show just how powerful and ruthless they can be (and trust me, you don’t even want to know how horrendous chimps can be to each other.) 

But perhaps that’s why animal horror films are so captivating. It’s that deep-rooted fear of knowing that most animals are more powerful than us, and that as much as we like to believe we’re the apex species on this planet, physically, we just aren't. If Primate got your blood pumping, check out the list below to discover more seriously crazy animal attacks in movies. Plus, find out where they’re all streaming right now.  

Samuel L. Jackson Gets Eaten By A Shark In 'Deep Blue Sea'

For years, I have preached the gospel of Deep Blue Sea (1999) and evangelized its greatness to whoever will listen. The movie is set in an oceanic research facility where a team of scientists have increased the brain size (and the physical size) of mako sharks, hoping that it could have massive benefits in the medical industry. But the sharks want freedom and go on a terrorizing killing spree.

One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when poor Samuel L. Jackson is standing next to the underwater wet dock, giving an impassioned speech about survival and not giving up. Unfortunately for him, one of the giant makos bursts up through the wet dock, grabs Jackson, and then drags him down into the ocean. The scene is so wild partly because of how terribly bad it is. It’s some of the worst CGI in the entire film, and the vibe is just soooo off from the rest of the movie that it feels comical.  

Deep Blue Sea came out decades before camp was widely understood and utilized by Hollywood, so it’s kinda hard to know if this scene was supposed to be ridiculous and crazy, or if the filmmakers actually thought they had created something really cool. Either way, the scene has aged very well and is now a wildly fun, laugh-out-loud moment. If you love shark movies like Jaws (1975), check this one out. 

The Opening Scene of 'Jaws' That Drove Audiences Wild 

Speaking of Jaws, it naturally holds a spot on this list, and honestly could hold multiple because every single shark attack in the movie is insanely good. If you’re my age and grew up in a world where Jaws always existed and was already iconic, the opening scene might seem tame compared to the rest of the movie. But for older viewers who saw the movie in theaters, the opening remains burned into their minds as one of the scariest scenes ever. 

In the opening scene, a young girl named Chrissie (Susan Backlinie) goes skinny dipping with her boyfriend at sunset. A few seconds later, audiences see her being viciously dragged through the water before being pulled under. The shark is never seen. But Jaws was the first real shark movie, and audiences had no reference for what exactly a killer shark movie was like. That scene set the tone for the movie, scared the pants off everyone in theaters, and let audiences know they were watching a type of film that had never been seen before. 

Jon Voight Gets Regurgitated In 'Anaconda' 

Fun fact: When snakes are stressed or put into fight-or-flight situations, they regurgitate their food. In Anaconda (1997), a doomed Amazonian river expedition finds two giant, man-eating anacondas and are forced to fight for their lives. Starring everyone from JLo to Ice Cube to Owen Wilson, the cast was a hodgepodge of people who had no business being in a film together. 

Jon Voight also stars in the movie as a slimy grifter who attempts to use the other boat passengers as bait for the giant snakes. But then he gets eaten instead. Even worse, in the finale, as the anaconda tries to kill Ice and JLo, the snake regenerates Jon Voight whole…while he’s still alive! 

The idea of being alive inside a snake, slowly suffocating to death as its acidic digestive bile eats away at you has forever caused me nightmares. Hopefully, you’ll watch the movie too and be scarred for life just like me! If you like giant animal horror movies from the ‘90s, like Lake Placid (1999), Anaconda is a must-watch. 

The Chimp Goes Wild In 'Nope' 

Fans of Primate will definitely want to check out Jordan Peele’s Nope (2022). The movie is a little hard to explain, but it centers around a group at a rural farmhouse, and there’s a traveling rodeo show nearby, and also a giant alien that’s kind of like a flying, bloodthirsty pillowcase. Anyway, one of the movie’s themes is humanity thinking it can tame wild animals, even though it never truly can. 

This is showcased heavily in a flashback scene of a sitcom gone wrong. The fictional show starred the chimp Gordy, who goes on a total rampage, leaving behind absolute carnage. For many viewers, the scene remains a visceral and terrifying moment, even rivaling the scenes with the giant alien. Nope is sort of like a mainstream experimental horror movie. It has a lot to say, but often in subtle ways. If you loved Peele’s Get Out (2016) but want it with some twisty, nuanced David Lynch vibes, like Twin Peaks (1990-2017), this is the film for you. 

Literally Every Shark Scene In 'The Last Shark'

1981’s The Last Shark (aka Great White in some countries) is an Italian rip-off of Jaws that’s so bad you can’t look away from it. And trust me, you won’t want to because this movie has everything from a stiff, bloated, malfunctioning animatronic shark to numerous (yes, numerous) scenes where humans are replaced by incredibly fake-looking dummies that are blown up, ripped to shreds, and dragged through the ocean by cinema’s worst shark ever. 

But you know what’s even worse? I’d take this junky, clunky animatronic shark over CGI any day. There’s just something about a real, tangible object that’s more fun. Even if it’s total junk and can hardly move, it’s still so much better than CGI. Watching a CGI shark jump up and destroy a helicopter is dull. But watching some feral shark animatronic made from scrapyard parts do it is actually some A+ entertainment. Sure, it’s really bad, but also really fun. If you love the trashy, guilty pleasures of Jaws: The Revenge (1987), this is the shark movie for you. 

Dragged Into The Night By Lions In 'The Ghost And The Darkness' 

The Ghost and the Darkness (1996) stars Michael Douglas and Val Kilmeris and is based on the shocking true story of the Tsavo Man-Eaters. In 1898, while the British were building a railroad through Kenya, two male lions worked as a team and killed dozens of workers. They began by killing men who wandered off, but slowly grew braver, eventually sneaking into camps during the night and dragging men straight from their tents and into the savanna. 

The most frightening scene is the first time the lions come into camp. One of the workers wakes up as he feels a tug, and is then dragged out of the tent and into darkness, where he’s eaten alive. The scene is even more shocking since, while watching it, you know all this really happened. If you liked the Idris Alba lion film Beast (2022), you’ll want to check out The Ghost and the Darkness. Also, if you ever find yourself in the Chicago area, the two actual lions have been taxidermied and are on display at the Field Museum. 

Leo And The Bear In 'The Revenant' 

2015’s The Revenant scored five Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, and took home numerous wins, including Best Actor for Leonardo DiCaprio. The film centers around the real frontiersman Hugh Glass, who was mauled by a bear and abandoned by his hunting party and left to die. 

The Revenant is loosely based on his true life story-Glass was a real person who was attacked by a bear and left to die, and he really did have complicated relationships with the men who left him in the woods after he returned to society. But the film plays out more like a Quentin Tarantino movie and depicts a bitter story of violence and revenge. 

But the wildest, most iconic scene in the movie is the bear attack itself. It’s so brutal and so real that it’s almost hard to watch. It’s shocking to see the reality of nature, and to see just how effortlessly a bear can rip a person to shreds. It forces us to confront humanity’s weaknesses; our pale, flabby skin has no defenses when paired against real apex predators. We are simply at the mercy of luck. If you love gripping true survival films like Everest (2015) or 127 Hours (2010), you’ll absolutely love The Revenant.

Tippi Hedren Trapped In The Telephone Booth In 'The Birds' 

One of the craziest, most iconic scenes in Hollywood history is from Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds (1963). In the film, the small town of Bodega Bay is overtaken by murderous seagulls. While the premise is somewhat stupid, it was a groundbreaking film at the time, being one of the first films to really show nature and animals fighting back against humans. 

One of the most chaotic and memorable scenes of the entire movie is when the gulls launch a full-on attack, setting a gas station on fire, causing a horse-drawn carriage to tip, cars to crash, and one unlucky man to be pecked to death. Tippi Hedren seeks shelter in a telephone booth and helplessly watches the madness all around her. 

The scene is wild for numerous reasons: its cultural impact at the time, the absurdity of the entire ordeal, and the wonderfully dated filming techniques involving layers of superimposed images. Yeah, it looks funny now, but its cultural significance can’t be overlooked. If you love schlocky but iconic old movies like Forbidden Planet (1956), or nature revenge films like The Happening (2008), why not give this Hitchcock favorite a shot? 

Stranger Things arrived on Netflix as a small, nostalgic sci-fi series and quickly became one of the platform's biggest success stories. Its mix of '80s throwbacks, emotional character arcs, and creeping supernatural horror connected with audiences almost immediately. Over the years, the show grew in popularity. That momentum carried straight into the highly anticipated fifth and final season, which continues to hold a strong position at number two on the JustWatch streaming charts.

The finale brings major storylines to a close while carefully leaving room for more. Although it delivers a satisfying conclusion, it also hints that the world of Hawkins may continue in different forms. Without giving away too many spoilers, the finale creates several natural jumping-off points that could support spinoffs focused on specific characters, timelines, or mysteries. Not all of these ideas will move, though.

The Older Teens May Get A Spinoff

Steve Harrington, Robin Buckley, Nancy Wheeler, and Jonathan Byers (played by Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, Natalia Dyer, and Charlie Heaton, respectively) are some of Stranger Things' most reliable anchors. Over time, they've shifted from awkward high schoolers into capable young adults who understand the cost of everything they've faced.

The finale gives each of them a path forward. But their lives remain connected to everything that happened in Hawkins. A spinoff could focus on solving various mysteries. Instead of large battles, the story could follow them as they investigate unexplained disappearances or government corruption.

Nancy's determination, Robin's insight, Jonathan's empathy, and Steve's reluctant leadership naturally support that approach. Maybe they move to separate cities, only to realize the remnants of Hawkins are spreading. Each episode could connect to a bigger conspiracy that suggests the Upside Down never really disappeared; it simply adapted.

Will, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Max Could Have Continuing Stories

Will Byers, Mike Wheeler, Dustin Henderson, Lucas Sinclair, and Max Mayfield (played by Noah Schnapp, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, and Sadie Sink, respectively) are the core party of Stranger Things. These characters grew up dealing with friendship, grief, and identity, alongside threats most adults would never believe.

When the series ends, they are trying to move on with their lives. So a potential spinoff would be less about recreating their old childhood adventures and more about the consequences. As the group steps into adulthood, their past experiences continue to haunt them. Will's link to the supernatural, especially, leaves space for new storytelling.

A series focusing on the next chapter in their lives could see the group scattered across colleges and jobs, reconnecting only when Will begins sensing something again. Not a monster, but recurring dreams that feel uncomfortably familiar. The story could explore whether trauma creates permanent pathways to the Upside Down, and whether a normal life is even possible.

Eleven's Ambigious Ending Makes A Return Possible  

Stranger Things would not have existed if it weren't for the existence of Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown). The finale brilliantly acknowledges her impact on the show while leaving just enough ambiguity to keep fans guessing about her fate, especially with Mike's theory about her survival. That idea opens the door to more questions than answers.

A spinoff about Eleven wouldn't need to repeat the show's original format. It could examine what it means to rebuild a life after being subjected to experiments and constant danger. It could also examine the deeper origins of her powers and how they connect to forces beyond Hawkins. A potential spinoff could be a journey series.

The story would follow Eleven as she learns more about herself. She could discover that what happened to her wasn't even unique, as she meets others touched by the same energy. A show like this could lean more into psychological than horror, asking whether power defines one's destiny, or whether someone like Eleven can finally choose who she wants to be.

Holly And Her Friends Could Take Center Stage

Stranger Things Season 5 also focused on Holly (Nell Fisher), the youngest member of the Wheeler family, and her classmates who became the unsuspecting victims of Henry Creel/ Vecna/One/Mr. Whatsit (Jamie Campbell Bower). After being rescued from their ordeal, Holly and her friends, which includes "delightful" Derek Turnbow (Jake Connelly), are seen playing Dungeons & Dragons.

On the surface, it reads as a warm nod to where Stranger Things began. Beneath that, there's an idea that stories don't end, they are just passed on to new players. A spinoff built around this group would allow the franchise to reset. It could take place several years later, treating the events of Hawkins as half-remembered rumors.

For these young characters, the Upside Down would feel more like a myth than an actual memory. The series could see Holly and her pals finally remember their past trauma and the real history of Hawkins when something strange finally happens. They recognize the warning signs faster than anyone else and find themselves having to save their town.

The Confirmed 'Stranger Things' Spinoff: Henry Creel And The Mysterious Rock

While many spinoffs feel possible, only one has actually been confirmed. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the Duffer Brothers revealed plans for a project centered on Henry Creel and the mysterious rock that gave him his powers and connected him to Dimension X and the Mind Flayer. Instead of extending the timeline forward, this spinoff looks backward.

According to the Duffer's, the plot will explore how Henry's transformation began and what the rock truly is. It has the potential to expand the mythology in a focused way, explaining how the Upside Down's power operates without relying on the main ensemble. So in theory, this could be the darkest Stranger Things story yet.

The rock could be alien, ancient, or something naturally born from Dimension X. And the answers might change how every season of Stranger Things is interpreted. "It is an entirely new mythology," Matt Duffer told the publication. "It's not specifically about the Mind Flayer or the Upside Down, but hopefully it provides some answers to at least those lingering questions related to Henry's memory." 

Robert Downey, Jr. is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) for Avengers: Doomsday (2026). While most MCU fans know him as Tony Stark (aka Iron Man), he will take on a new role for the latest Avengers movie: Doctor Doom. So far, Marvel has not confirmed whether the new role connects to Downey’s past role. There may be no connection between the roles, or the Doom in Avengers: Doomsday may be a variant of Stark.

Still, if you’re familiar with the MCU, you may have caught on to some signs that potentially set up the main timeline Stark to become Doom. Brilliant, arrogant, and boasting advanced technology, Doom and Stark certainly parallel each other, and these Marvel movie moments suggest these similarities may not be a coincidence.

Iron Man (2008)

Iron Man follows Tony Stark, a billionaire genius who builds an iron suit to escape a hostage situation and becomes a hero in his own right. The film marks the beginning of Stark’s journey as Iron Man, and you could also easily see it as the beginning of his journey toward Doom. Stark takes matters into his own hands, placing himself above the law, much like Doom, who used technological and political power to put himself above the law and believed he had the right to determine what was best for humanity.

Iron Man is the quintessential superhero origin story. A flawed man becomes a hero in his own right, utilizing genius and technology to become something more than human. It’s action-packed and outlandish, but just plausible enough to capture your imagination. Fans of superhero origin stories, such as Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), will love Iron Man.

Iron Man 2 (2010)

Iron Man 2 sees Stark struggle to keep his technological secrets out of the wrong hands, while also coming up with a new element to substitute for the deteriorating palladium in the arc reactor that keeps him alive. In Marvel Comics, Doctor Doom puts himself above the laws of nature through his blend of technology, science, and magic. Although Stark does so to a lesser extent, his creation of a new element also puts him above the laws of nature.

Iron Man 2 is an excellent expansion of Stark’s story, delving into the numerous ethical and political issues that his Iron Man suit and superhero ambitions cause. I also think it really captures the problem of how superheroes balance humanity. As much as Stark wants to be a hero, he finds his humanity and mortality in the way, and Iron Man 2 kicks off the long journey of him trying to outrun that mortality. 

The Avengers (2012)

In The Avengers, Stark teams up with several other heroes to stop the God of Mischief, Loki (Tom Hiddleston), from invading New York. At the time, it was the highest-stakes battle Stark partook in, and the one in which he proved his willingness to do anything, including intercepting a missile, to save humanity. The Avengers may be where Stark developed Doom’s extreme desire to save humanity at all costs, while becoming part of a superhero team and saving the world further drove his hubris.

The Avengers is one of the MCU’s best crossover movies. I love how it marks a monumental moment in the Marvel universe, when humanity could no longer deny the existence of something greater than itself. Like Iron Man and Iron Man 2, it sets the stage perfectly for exploring the consequences of superheroes, gods, and those who try to play God.

Iron Man 3 (2013)

Iron Man 3 follows Stark at his lowest, as he struggles to face the Mandarin (Ben Kingsley), while also experiencing PTSD and paranoia after the harrowing events of The Avengers. The film shows how Stark’s psychology begins to resemble that of Doctor Doom. After the events of The Avengers, he begins to unravel, driven by paranoia that fuels his obsession with building even more dangerous technology. It’s similar to how Doom’s own trauma contributed to his obsessive control and extreme paranoia of betrayal.

Iron Man 3 isn’t the strongest Iron Man movie in terms of villains and plot. However, it’s still a satisfactory end to the Iron Man trilogy, capturing the long-term effects of Stark’s heroism on his psyche and ideally leading into the more explosive dynamics of The Avengers in future films. Like The Batman (2022) and Thunderbolts* (2025), it poignantly blends superhero action with deep discussion of mental health.

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

In Avengers: Age of Ultron, Stark’s global defense program, Ultron (James Spader), becomes sentient and believes human extinction is the only way to save Earth. There’s no better example than Avengers: Age of Ultron of Stark taking matters into his own hands. His paranoia and obsession with saving humanity led him to take his technology to new extremes and almost eradicate humans. Like Doctor Doom, he has a flawed belief that he’s helping humanity when he’s actually the one hurting it.

Avengers: Age of Ultron tackles the threat of AI in a compelling, action-packed movie. It beautifully captures the dangers of unchecked ambition, pride, and technological advancement through a visually stunning, action-packed adventure. If you like films that mix action with the downsides of technology, such as Minority Report (2002), you’ll love Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Captain America: Civil War (2016)

Captain America: Civil War sees The Avengers divided over whether to support or oppose the Sokovia Accords. Stark also clashes with Captain America (Chris Evans) over the Winter Soldier’s (Sebastian Stan) sordid past. His story parallels Doctor Doom once more as he confronts his past trauma surrounding his mother’s death. Both he and Doctor Doom lost their mothers, and the unhealed trauma it caused has been the source of some of their darkest moments.

Captain America: Civil War probes the dark sides of both Captain America and Stark. Much like Iron Man 3, it delves into the idea that heroes are not infallible, and the disastrous consequences that arise from their human tendencies to feud and disagree. It mirrors The Dark Knight (2008) in its darker tone and its profound exploration of the long-lasting impact of trauma on even those the world perceives as the strongest among humanity.

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Avengers: Infinity War follows The Avengers in their last effort to stop Thanos (Josh Brolin) from wiping out half of humanity with the Infinity Stones. At this point, Stark is at his most vulnerable. He’s still reeling from trauma, paranoia, arrogance, and an intense desire to save humanity. Hence, when he and the team fail in their mission, it’s like the final nail in his coffin. It creates the potentially dangerous, extreme version of Stark that’s closest in nature to Doom in his desire to do anything to save humanity.

Avengers: Infinity War is one of the largest-scale MCU crossovers, bringing together two decades’ worth of superhero cinematic history onto the big screen. Not only is it dazzling in its scale and visuals, but it also distinguishes itself from other movies by telling a superhero story, reminiscent of Watchmen (2009), in which the villain wins. 

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Avengers: Endgame sees Stark agree to The Avengers’ time-travel plan to reverse Thanos’ decimation of half of humanity. Once again, Stark defies the laws of nature through his perfection of time travel technology. Additionally, he takes it upon himself to don the Infinity Gauntlet and wipe out Thanos, momentarily becoming one of the most powerful beings in the universe. Stark presumably dies as the power he wields is too much for a mortal.

After Avengers: Endgame, Stark wouldn’t be the same person, even if he survived. He rewrote timelines and wielded the power of the Infinity Stones. If there’s any chance he survived, he’d no longer be Stark, but something closer to a Doom variant, who has tasted power and is more extreme and unchecked in his ambition to save humanity than ever before.

It’s a brand new year, and with it comes a new season of anime, and it’s starting off with a bang. Normally, winter is considered a lighter season when compared to spring and fall, but this year is an exception. Plenty of hotly anticipated anime are returning with new seasons on Crunchyroll and Netflix, and there’s a fair amount of new anime that’s garnering some attention as well.

Like all of our seasonal guides, we’ll be looking at the ten titles that seem to be the most interesting and the most exciting. Of course, anything can happen during a show’s production, and some of these titles, despite showing initial promise, could fall apart spectacularly. Nevertheless, these titles all have something going for them that has piqued our curiosity, and some have even been placed within our Top 100 TV shows during their earlier runs. So if you’re looking for some new anime to kick off the new year, give these ten shows a watch! 

10) SHIBOYUGI: Playing Death Games To Put Food On The Table (2026)

When done right, death game anime can be completely fascinating to watch. While it’s way too soon to tell if SHIBOYUGI: Playing Death Games To Put Food On The Table will be a good death game anime, with a title like that, how could you not be at least a little curious?

Starring a girl who has been subjected to multiple death games, there’s more of an understated grimness to the show’s premise that leans more to psychologically thrilling death games like Death Parade (2015) than the bombastic nature of death games like Danganronpa (2013). With a relatively smaller cast than one would expect from an anime like this, it should also give SHIBOYUGI a chance to really dive into each character’s psychology before they’re ultimately executed for failing at a given game. If you prefer your thrillers with deeper introspection and girls in maid outfits, then give SHIBOYUGI a shot.

SHIBOYUGI: Playing Death Games To Put Food On The Table premieres on January 7, 2026 on Crunchyroll and Netflix.

9) Hell’s Paradise (2024-Present)

Years ago, the term “Dark Trio” was thrown around to describe a group of darker Shonen Jump manga that thrived on gore, violence, and dark character drama. All three of these manga went on to become critically acclaimed anime, and while it hasn’t been as popular as its siblings, Hell’s Paradise definitely warrants a look.

Continuing from the first season, the show follows a group of samurai, ninjas, and bandits sent to an island to find an elixir of immortality, only to find monsters waiting for them. It’s a show that isn’t afraid to kill its protagonists as frequently and as viciously as Akame ga Kill! (2014). One moment you’re rooting for their survival, and the next you’re forced to witness their gruesome end. Because of this, much like SHIBOYUGI, Hell’s Paradise is more focused on character drama than action. That isn’t to say the action isn’t good, because fans of classic ninja and samurai films will love what Hell’s Paradise offers, but it wasn’t the focus for the first season. The second is meant to be more action-oriented, so the show should hopefully find a better balance of the two with its second season.

Hell’s Paradise premieres on January 11, 2026 on Crunchyroll.

8) The Holy Grail of Eris (2026)

It seems odd to have two new fantasy series airing back-to-back that feature a main heroine named Scarlet, but The Holy Grail of Eris is absolutely nothing like the blunt and immensely enjoyable May I Ask for One Final Thing? (2025). 

The Holy Grail of Eris is all about suspense and mystery; a woman accused of a crime she didn’t commit has to figure out why she was accused in the first place, and in the process, uncovers a grand conspiracy that spans decades and features a fair amount of supernatural elements. It’s the kind of mystery that presents new questions for every answer it gives, keeping viewers hooked in the same way that Undead Murder Farce (2023) did. It’s less boastful than that series and tends to commit more to the overarching question of how and why Scarlet was killed, so those looking for a compelling mystery this winter should find one in The Holy Grail of Eris. 

The Holy Grail of Eris premieres on January 8, 2026 on Crunchyroll.

7) Jujutsu Kaisen: Culling Game Arc (2020-Present)

While Hell’s Paradise may have taken a while to get an anime adaptation, the first of the “Dark Trio” to receive an anime was Jujutsu Kaisen. As a result, its popularity has skyrocketed and is now gearing up for a new season.

Following the absolute bloodbath that was the second season, Jujutsu Kaisen’s third season is set to shake things up drastically. One of the core appeals of the series, much like Hunter x Hunter (2011-2014), was its complicated power system that seemed ripe with possibilities. Well, season 3 is set to debut some of the most ludicrous and imaginative abilities yet. By now, the series has stepped further away from physical and psychological horror into traditional Shonen action, which is totally okay. MAPPA more than delivers when it comes to visual spectacles, and Jujutsu Kaisen is nothing if not a visual spectacle. The sakuga is plentiful here, and all action fans need to pay their respects to one of the best in the business. 

Jujutsu Kaisen: Culling Game Arc premieres on January 8, 2026 on Crunchyroll.

6) Oshi no Ko Season 3 (2023-Present)

There was a time when Oshi no Ko was considered one of the best anime of all time, almost entirely due to the first season’s masterful premiere. While time has caused more level heads to prevail and the show’s reputation to fall slightly, it’s still one of the best dramas around.

Oshi no Ko is an uncompromising look at several different entertainment industries and doesn’t shy away from showing how the sausage is made. From online harassment, the oppressive nature of the music and television industry, and the complications of actually breaking into the industry, they’re all shown in curt and unflattering terms. In a lot of ways, you can see how anime like Perfect Blue (1998) and Nana (2006-2007) inspired the series. Fans of dark psychological dramas will definitely eat up what Oshi no Ko presents, and that’s not even taking into consideration the murder mystery that drives the main plot. Just an all-around excellent show we’re great to have back.

Oshi no Ko premieres on January 14, 2026 on Crunchyroll.

5) Journal With Witch (2026)

This winter is filled with plenty of shonen action series and an unhealthy amount of isekai slop, so when a quieter josei title like Journal With Witch crops up, it stands out for how atypical it is.

Not a lot of anime tend to focus on and are targeted towards adult women, but that’s what makes Journal With Witch so interesting. It’s a series that explores grief and family in a way that’s natural and very realistic, with a woman raising her sister’s daughter after her parents are killed in a car crash. If you grew up watching Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day (2013), then Journal With Witch should hit a lot of those same notes, but from a much older and wiser perspective. It’s a low-stakes drama to be sure, but sometimes you need something down-to-earth and relatable to better convey the complicated feelings Journal With Witch clearly wants to explore.

Journal With Witch is now available to stream on Crunchyroll.

4) Sentenced To Be A Hero (2026)

To make a great action series, you need a rock-solid premise, characters that keep you interested in coming back week after week, and action that leaves you floored. Even after just one episode, Sentenced To Be A Hero already has the makings of one. 

While it would be simple just to call Sentenced To Be A Hero an anime version of The Suicide Squad (2021), it’s so much more than that. Forced to fight a never-ending armada of demons, and being revived after each death is unnecessarily cruel, but that’s the kind of dark fantasy world that Sentenced To Be A Hero is. The series is dripping in the same anti-war messaging that made 86 (2021-2022) an underrated classic, but also manages to make the soldiers we follow all compelling characters in their own right. And, of course, the animation on display is jaw-dropping, with certain sequences even putting Solo Leveling (2024-2025) to shame. If there was one new action anime to give you the thrills you crave, chances are it’s going to be Sentenced To Be A Hero.

Sentenced To Be A Hero is now available to stream on Crunchyroll.

3) Trigun Stargaze (2026)

For old-school otaku, Trigun (1998) needs no introduction. As one of the most iconic space westerns in all of anime, its pacifistic violence still holds up after nearly three decades. Fans were rightfully nervous when it was remade as Trigun Stampede (2023), but now three years later, Orange is set to conclude their reimagining of the original series with Trigun Stargaze. 

For fans put off by Stampede’s divergences from the original series, Stargaze appears to be at least a bit more faithful to the original. It’s still set to focus more on the space elements of its premise than the western parts, but with more returning characters from the original series, it’ll hopefully at least capture the tone more than Stampede did. That isn’t to say that Stampede’s tone was bad, just different. Orange took creative risks, but the desert action was still there, Vash was still charming, and all of that is set to continue with Trigun Stargaze.

Trigun Stargaze premieres on January 10, 2026 on Crunchyroll. 

2) Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (2024-2026)

If you were to ask an otaku what the best fantasy anime of the decade so far was, there’s a good chance they would say Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. Well, now it’s back, and it can continue its run of excellence.

What makes Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End such a compelling series is just how relaxing it is. It’s a story about a party not saving the world, and though there is some wonderfully animated monster-hunting action here and there, understanding the people and world Frieren and her friends encounter along the way is the main theme. In that regard, it has a lot in common with shows like Kino’s Journey (2003). Each character interaction is purposeful and meaningful, and helps us think about our own personal relationships and how ephemeral they really are. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has a calming influence that’s next to impossible to put into words, and people looking to find something peaceful and poignant should definitely give it a look.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End will stream on January 16, 2026 on Crunchyroll.

1) JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run (2026)

It may be skirting the line incredibly close to being considered a spring anime by one day, but there’s no way that the return of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure can be anything but the most anticipated anime of the season.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has always reveled in being a wacky adventure with plenty of… well, bizarre, superpowered heroes and villains, but even when compared to earlier installments of the series, Steel Ball Run is something special. Both a reboot and a continuation of the show’s prior six seasons, Steel Ball Run is about a race across the United States for a $50 million grand prize. Everything about the series is absurd, but as melodramatic as it is, it’s completely mesmerizing. The style, pageantry, and adoration of American culture will surely fill the hole left in many otaku’s hearts now that My Hero Academia (2016-2025) has ended. Fans have been waiting for years for this, and if you want to see one of the most climactic and thrilling races in anime history, watch Steel Ball Run.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run will stream on March 19, 2026 exclusively on Netflix.

Happy New Year! 2025 has officially left us, and it’s time to look toward the future. There’s plenty of amazing movies, TV shows, and anime on the horizon, but while the future may be a mystery to some, it actually isn’t. Plenty of sci-fi and action movies have already been set in the year 2026, and as Back to the Future II (1989) proved, every sci-fi prediction about the future has come true, 100% of the time. (Right?)

If you’re still reeling from the year changing over and are curious to see what the future holds, then look no further! We’ve scoured through plenty of movies and TV shows set in the year 2026 on streamers like Netflix and Paramount+ to find the best and most accurate predictions as to what the year could look like. So kick back, finalize your New Year’s resolutions, then throw them out the window as you realize that 2026 is going to be an absolutely bonkers and unpredictable year… according to entertainment. 

Humanity Reaches Mars - Doom (2005)

Since mankind first walked on the moon in 1969, humanity has expanded its view of the stars and what lies beyond the moon. Now, many scientists and astronomers have been contemplating how to colonize Mars, and according to Doom, that will finally happen in 2026. There are some caveats to this. We won’t actually land on Mars, but rather find a wormhole that takes us to Mars. And thanks to us colonizing the planet, the humans there begin to mutate and become violent monsters hellbent on carving a path of destruction. But hey, some humans get superpowers, so that’s something!

Doom is exactly what you would expect from a dumb sci-fi action, which carries on the legacy of shlocky mid-2000s video game adaptations pioneered by Resident Evil (2002). Hardcore Doom fans may grumble that there aren’t demons on Mars, but at the end of the day, monsters are still there, and watching the Rock rip and tear is still fun. Besides, if there actually were demons on Mars, that may be a bit problematic for us down here on Earth if they come through the wormhole.

AI Almost Takes Over All Nuclear Weapons - Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning (2025)

The proliferation of AI in 2025 was one of the biggest stories of the year. Tech companies have embraced it and say it’s the future, but consumers have been pushing back hard against it. People better push back harder, because if they don’t, AI will take over our nuclear weapons, at least according to Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning. It’s a bleak thought to be sure, and one that hits a little too close to home, but the film underscores the dangers that AI can pose to humans.

It’s a nearly three-hour thrill ride as we see the world tick closer and closer to doomsday, but thanks to some sick stuntwork by Tom Cruise on par with Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), the day is saved, and the evil AI program is thwarted. It’s a happy note to end on, but it doesn’t change the fact that with so many companies pushing for AI, it’s only a matter of time until this fictional action movie begins to come a bit too close to reality. At the very least, people who like wild, death-defying stunts will be entertained by Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning just as much as those wishing for the AI bubble to burst!

The President Will Hulk Out And Destroy Washington, DC - Captain America: Brave New World (2025)

To lighten the mood a little bit from nuclear armageddon, let’s talk about politics! Regardless of your political affiliation, 2026 is set to be a monumental year for the United States, and I’m not referring to it being the country’s 250th birthday. No, I’m referring to the president of the United States becoming Red Hulk and going on a rampage! At least, that’s what Captain America: Brave New World says will happen.

Captain America: Brave New World was probably the safest and most predictable movie in Marvel’s Captain America subseries. Safe sequels aren’t inherently bad, just look at Die Hard II (1990). Still, everything about Brave New World felt perfectly perfunctory… at least until the end. For its one-hour and 58-minute runtime, the movie built to the Red Hulk’s rampage. Watching an American president completely demolish the capital of the United States and parts of the White House may sound far-fetched and totally out of left field, but it’s possible in the MCU! Brave New World is a highly entertaining symphony of destruction, perfect for anyone who wants to watch some buildings and famous monuments come tumbling down like it’s a Roland Emmerich movie.

The Simian Flu Wipes Out Humanity - Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)

I know we’re a few years out from COVID-19, but I have some bad news… we’ve got another disease coming. Well, technically, we’ve already been infected with Simian Flu according to Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, and humanity will start going extinct so that the apes can take over.

According to the reboot trilogy, ten years ago, the same year Harambe died, the Simian Flu began to increase the intelligence of apes and drive humans to near extinction. The war between apes and humans will be fierce (on the same scale as 2013’s World War Z), but if Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is any indicator, then it’ll also be an emotional struggle, which will have us not only sympathize with the humans but also with the apes. It may not end well for us in the long run, especially given all of the later sequels, but at least we’ll witness one of the most glorious post-apocalyptic wars that ushers in a new era of life on Earth.

The Snowpiercer Rebellion Begins - Snowpiercer (2020-2024)

Did you know the world froze over seven years ago? It may be hard to believe, but it did, and trains have been circling the world with the last vestiges of humanity (ignore the ones fighting the apes). Well, sorry to say, but those humans aren’t going to last much longer either, since according to Snowpiercer, a major revolution has started to take place on them.

Most people in the world can agree that there’s a sharp divide between the rich and the poor. Class inequality is at its highest, but Snowpiercer brings that to the forefront and shows just how cruel the wealthy can be. I mean, we’ve all known that for years, especially if you’ve seen The Hunger Games (2012), but the revolution taking place on the Snowpiercer trains is grimy and more brutal. Not only that, but seeing how the struggle progresses from a simple mystery to a full-blown war over the course of four seasons makes this perfect if you’re the kind of person in favor of knocking those on top of the social ladder down a few pegs. Just think, soon these trains will be taken over by the working class and find parts of the planet that aren’t subzero wastelands. Do such places even exist anymore…?

AR Video Games Expand Like Never Before - Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale (2017)

Video games have become the biggest entertainment industry on the planet. They make billions of dollars every year and are one of the most defining elements of life in the 21st century. So much so that in 2026, thanks to Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale, the most dominant form of gaming will be gigantic AR battle royales!

If you know anything about Sword Art Online (2012) and its use of technology, that may seem like a bad thing. Back in 2022, according to the series, thousands of people were rendered inert vegetables and forced to stay in a VR world against their will, but that was 2022! This is 2026, and now it’s easy to log out of the augmented reality, just like in Ready Player One (2018). Granted, players will be limited by their own physical abilities, and uber players, like the ultimate self-insert hero Kirito, won’t be able to easily cheese their way to victory, but at least it’ll be incredibly immersive. Gamers have been constantly demanding to be a part of their favorite games, and if you’ve ever wanted to live that dream, Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale is here to tell you that it’s going to happen in the next twelve months. And there’ll be absolutely no risk whatsoever of memory loss or death in the process! 

While most villains get stuck doing one thing forever, Satan has reinvented himself more times than a popstar with a shaky publicist. One decade he’s the horned nightmare hiding in the shadows like in Legend, the next, he’s a smooth-talking corporate menace in The Devil’s Advocate, and eventually he’s turned self-aware, showing up to therapy and questioning his dad issues (yes, Lucifer I’m looking at you!) Either way, it’s made you realize you’re way too entertained by someone who’s supposed to represent ultimate evil.

Once confined to pitchforks, flames, “I’m evil, fear me” cackling, Satan has slowly evolved over time, and filmmakers and showrunners keep returning to Satan not because of the shock value (that wore off decades ago) or because they’re edgy, but because Satan holds up a mirror for human behavior depending on what we want to confront about ourselves, and can be whatever the story needs him to be.  

Here are 7 Satans who stick in your head long after the credits roll, and where you can watch them do their thing on Netflix, Apple TV, and more. 

The Charismatic Satan - The Devil’s Advocate (1997)

A successful defense lawyer is recruited by a powerful New York law firm, only to slowly discover his boss’ true colors. Al Pacino’s Satan doesn’t breathe fire (he does wear platform shoes, though!) but he speaks in a way that convinces you that selling your soul is just “smart career planning.” Satan, also known as John Milton in The Devil’s Advocate, frames ego, desire, and vanity as human nature, and watching him feels like attending an eerily enticing TED Talk where you’re equal parts impressed and worried you’re agreeing to something you shouldn’t. 

Pacino commits fully to the role, and balances charisma with manipulation, convincing others that he’s not forcing anyone, just nudging them, so if you enjoy watching villains who exude evil in a way that feels plausible, then Pacino’s Satan is your guy. His personable nature slowly devolves into anger by the end of the film (that monologue, eh?) and that’s exactly why this Satan works—he feels entirely real, and that’s somehow more unsettling to me. The Devil’s Advocate is for people who like slick ‘90s corporate thrillers rather than pure horror or supernatural films. 

The Most Iconic Satan - Legend (1985)

Tim Curry’s Satan in Legend technically doesn’t need words to make an impression; he unapologetically and unmistakably introduces himself with his towering horns, glowing red skin, and enormous stature with the kind of presence where it feels like it could step out of your screen. Subtlety? Haven’t heard of it. Every scene with Curry is pure spectacle, there’s no charm or therapy arcs like in Lucifer; here Satan is an undeniable force of nature with a zero interest in being likable, and watching him feels like stepping into a nightmare you can’t seem to wake up from. Visually, no Satan on this list comes close, carrying a certain mythic or ancient quality (which is what makes this portrayal so appealing!) However, if you’re looking for personality or character depth, you might find Curry’s Satan a bit flat, but who cares? This Satan is the most memorable and has people talking about his performance even almost half a century later. Fans of fantasy epics like Labyrinth will enjoy Legend. 

The Poised Satan - Angel Heart (1987)

If Curry’s Satan is over-the-top yin, we now move to the opposite end of the spectrum with the Satan from Angel Heart who’s the yang. In a lineup of talkative or flamboyant Satans, this one slinks in the shadows, but leaves a mark regardless. Robert De Niro’s Satan comes across more like a mafia boss—slicked back hair, a three piece suit, and a smile that makes you feel like he knows all your secrets (he probably does.) There are no monologues here, only quiet terror (and something about the way he ate those hard-boiled eggs gave me a creepy feeling, if you know you know.)

Angel Heart seems like a run-of-the-mill detective story, until boom! you get to the twist and reveal at the end. That being said, the movie is slower-paced, so if you’re someone who’s expecting a faster stride to the plot or punchier dialogues, then try Bedazzled. If you like slow-burn tension that builds dread naturally, and a villain who sneaks under your skin instead of screaming in your face (oh, and those yellow eyes!), then Angel Heart’s Satan waits, watches, and then delivers—knowing exactly when to strike. Angel Heart sits next to other neo-noir films like Chinatown, where mood and dread are prioritized over action.

The Funniest Satan - South Park (1997)

If you have some extra unused self-help books lying around, then South Park’s Satan could be a worthy recipient of it. From making his first appearance in Season 1 to becoming the main antagonist in South Park: Bigger, Longer, Uncut, this Satan is the least threatening and most hilarious one on this list, especially compared to the cruel Satan in Sabrina (I mean, a pregnant Satan? That’s not something you see everyday, or even once a decade.) 

Sure, South Park’s humor isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, so depending on how you feel about the show, this Satan can be a hit or a miss, but I find Satan fretting about his love life and fighting with the ManBearPig (and let’s not forget his song at the luau) weirdly endearing, because it feels like he’s trying to flip the script on being evil incarnate and rather is trying to stumble through existence just like the rest of us! If satire and shows like Rick and Morty and Helluva Boss are your jam, then you’ll vibe with this version of Satan. For anyone who’s tired of scary Satans and wants a relatable one you can laugh with (or at), then give South Park (and its Satan) a whirl, he’s just a chill guy.  

The Scariest Satan - The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018-2020)

Okay, so using this adjective for Satan in The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina might be a point of contention. Some people found Constantine’s Satan to be the scariest, and some people thought the Devil’s eyes in Rosemary’s Baby were terrifying. And while I respect your opinion (and do agree that the Devil’s brief glimpse in the latter was unnerving), I have to award The Scariest Satan award to the Satan that actually scared me (seriously, I couldn’t sleep at night.) With a goat-like face, sharp teeth, hooves, and curved horns on his head, this Satan is genuinely frightening every time he comes on screen. 

There’s also a human looking version of him, and he’s no less cold, controlling, and merciless, and this version scares me in a different way. I would have to say that this is the least likeable Satan on the list (yes, he’s even below Legend’s Satan.) While you could at least sympathize with Lucifer, here, Satan is someone you fear (though he briefly breaks character when he finds out Sabrina is dead—spoiler!), even if the teen fantasy setting might otherwise soften the danger. Fans of dark, supernatural shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, will find Sabrina in the same vein. 

The Hottest Satan - Lucifer (2016-2021)

If there’s a Satan you could solve a cold case with right after gossiping with him at brunch, it’s the Satan from Lucifer. After being banned from Hell, Lucifer Morningstar has now settled in Los Angeles, running a nightclub, lending a helping hand to the LAPD, and having a will-they-wont-they relationship with his partner, Detective Chloe Decker. We see the suavest and sexiest Satan, who’s so far from his stereotypical appearance (though in some scenes, the fiery wings and red skin make a return, and I can’t say I’m mad about it.) 

Lucifer brings charm, wit, and top-tier flirting and banter to the table, turning Satan into a confident yet emotionally open anti-hero you can hang out with (at your own risk though, he’s still Satan of course,) He’s the most accessible of Satans on this list; he welcomes us into his life with open arms as we get to know about him and his issues. The Devil’s Advocate’s Satan is charismatic, but Lucifer dials that up to a 10. I wouldn’t call Lucifer a horror show, per se, it’s more of a character-driven, crime-procedural drama, in line with a show like Castle. Add to that a slow burn relationship and a redemption arc worth waiting for, and Lucifer is the show for you. 

The Wiliest Satan - Bedazzled (2000)

My absolute favorite portrayal of Satan has to be Elizabeth Hurley’s Satan from Bedazzled (sorry Lucifer, you’re a close second!) She’s the ultimate deal-maker who doesn’t haunt or terrify—she dazzles. If you enjoy sassy, stylish, and clever villains who twist every situation into a hilarious catastrophe, then this Satan is going to be your favorite too. Yes, the movie does lean into slapstick territory, but come on, every great movie from the 2000s didn’t take themselves too seriously and that’s why they’re still so popular to this day.

Apart from her cute outfits throughout the film, the last scene is where Satan shows us her true form (uh-huh, the red skin, horned Devil, amidst flames, that’s the one) before transforming into a towering Hurley in a bikini; even though this is a brief scene in a movie that’s essentially a comedy, it’s really well done and if you’re watching it for the first time, you’ll first be taken aback, and then you’ll giggle. Anyways, I digress; this Prince (or Princess in this case, I guess) of Darkness doesn’t seek sympathy or fear, she wants entertainment, and she toys with you enough to get it, just be careful what you wish for. 

Jodie Foster has been a star for almost half a century, with a memorably dark starring role transforming the young actress into an enduring force of nature. Foster’s earlier roles as a child star in movies like the original Freaky Friday (1976) spoke to her potential, especially as she attracted the attention of filmmakers like Martin Scorsese and Alan Parker. 

After attending Yale, Foster returned to the silver screen with a series of performances that highlighted her versatility. Whether surviving a serial killer, outwitting criminals, or witnessing the enormity of the dynamic, Foster has proven to be a one-of-a-kind talent. While the films she’s directed are also just as good (seriously, go check out Money Monster (2016) if you haven’t), these are the 10 best Jodie Foster movies and TV shows that you can watch right now on HBO Max, Netflix, and Tubi.

10. Bugsy Malone (1976)

As singular a movie as Jodie Foster is as a generational talent, Bugsy Malone is a bizarre love letter to gangster films and musicals that embraces a silly tone to the ultimate degree. A riff on films like Guys and Dolls (1955), Bugsy Malone is a send-up of gangster movies that recast all the typical violence and sex with child actors shooting each other with whipped cream foam. 

A young Foster is having a blast in the film, portraying the typical femme fatale role with the proper amount of manipulativeness to match the enthusiastic tone. A spiritual predecessor to films like Son of Rambow (2007) and brought to life with giddy enthusiasm, Bugsy Malone is one of the most charming films Foster has ever starred in, but it’s an early one, which is why it ranks in the lowest spot. 

9. Carnage (2011)

Playing out like a harshly worded (and frequently hilarious) conversation from hell, Carnage is a great showcase for Foster’s comedic chops. Foster stars as Peneople, the mother of a boy who was just hit by another. This prompts her and her husband (played by John C. Reilly) to arrange a meeting with the other boy’s parents to discuss the matter. Based on a French play, the cast bounce off each other with wit and increasingly acidic retorts, turning a polite conversation into a fierce conflict of words. Foster is great as a direct foil to Kate Winslet, who plays the other mother and opposite Foster (and eventually aligned with her) in several surprising ways.

While the film comes with some troubling hangups (it’s directed by Roman Polanski, meaning your interest in checking it out may come down to your willingness to look past the filmmakers past), Foster’s performance remains a testament to her ability to infuse any situation or conversation with a harsh edge and a quick wit that is perfect for fans of darkly clever movies like Birdman (2014) or The Roses (2025).

8. Panic Room (2002)

A tense thriller that is excellent at turning a wealthy home into a veritable death trap, the fairly straightforward Panic Room works as well as it does because of the direction and lead performances. Foster stars as a wealthy divorcee who is forced to protect her daughter (played by a young Kristen Stewart) from a group of home invaders.

Helmed by David Fincher with the same grounded sense of horror he brought to serial killer stories like Se7en (1995) and twisty mysteries like Gone Girl (2014), Panic Room uses the claustrophobic vibes to its advantage. Foster is great here, a woman who refuses to let other men threaten her and the safety of her daughter. A terrific thriller with more than a little in common with classics of the genre like Wait Until Dark (1967), Panic Room is perfect for audiences who primarily know Foster for her thriller work, especially as Clarice Starling opposite Hannibal Lecter.

7. Maverick (1994)

A goofy Western that has a lot of fun with the period setting while never forgetting the more dangerous qualities of the era, Maverick is a frequently surprising and easily watchable take on the genre. It follows a pair of con artists in the Old West who end up involved in an adventure to procure the resources for a high-stakes poker game. Foster finds a great comic foil in Mel Gibson, who was at his charismatic peak before shifting into the director’s chair and experiencing his public falling out.

A great example of Foster’s comedic chops is once again impacted somewhat by association with a controversial filmmaker (similar to her great Golden Globe-nominated turn in Carnage, which is hard to fully recommend due to it being directed by Roman Polanski). Still, if you can look past that, Foster’s Bransford proves to be a smooth operator who is just as slippery and clever as her rivals, making for a timeless Western anti-heroine. 

6. Taxi Driver (1976)

While it isn’t her first film with Martin Scorsese, with Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974) coming out a few years prior, Foster’s most famous collaboration with the legendary director is Taxi Driver. Appearing as a teenager forced to work as a prostitute in New York City, Foster’s Iris is the prickly but vulnerable heart of the film. 

She is terrific in the role, a tough teenager by choice who can’t stop from being the girl she really is. Foster’s work in the film, while generating plenty of controversy, also earned her an Academy Award nomination. Taxi Driver defined much of Foster’s creative DNA. It’s a harsh flick that nevertheless remains deeply compelling and continues to inspire films like Joker (2019) decades later. Brutal but undeniably revolutionary, Taxi Driver is a fantastic movie that benefits greatly from Foster’s performance.

5. The Accused (1988)

One of the toughest of Jodie Foster’s movies, The Accused is also the film that earned Foster her first Academy Award for Best Actress and cemented her as a movie star. Foster plays Sarah Tobias, a waitress who is sexually assaulted by patrons of her bar and works with a DA to bring the men to justice. It’s a harrowing story with themes about accountability and compromise in the justice system that remain as relevant today as they did almost forty years ago.

Foster is a revelation as Sarah, who gets to retain several shades in a role that could have easily been delivered with a single note of defiance. Instead, Foster makes Sarah into a woman who is tough as nails, unrelenting, defiant, violated, ashamed, and ultimately driven just as much by fury as she is by defiance for a system that would brush her pain aside. A hard movie to watch and a great peer to other heavy legal dramas like A Time to Kill (1996), The Accused is a powerful drama anchored by an amazing central performance. 

4. Inside Man (2006)

A terrific heist thriller from Spike Lee, Inside Man is the definition of modern pulp entertainment and a great example of Jodie Foster’s talents in the genre. Foster appears as a fixer, working to ensure that a certain security deposit box is recovered amid a heist. Opposite Denzel Washington’s lead detective, Foster provides a cool head that nevertheless turns much of the film’s morality upside down as she realizes why Clive Owen’s bank robber is targeting her employer.

Foster does great work, bringing a certain level of dry professionalism to a story that could have been thrown off its axis by her presence. Instead, she delivers a key aspect of Inside Man’s thematic exploration of good and evil in a world of robbers, both street-level and generational. One of Spike Lee’s most entertaining films, and one that received a solid spiritual successor in Highest 2 Lowest (2025), Inside Job is a reminder that Foster can play cool better than almost anyone around. 

3. True Detective: Night Country (2024)

A murder mystery set in Alaska, the fourth season of True Detective (2014) is one of Foster’s best recent works and showcases her talent in the TV realm. A harrowing crime-thriller that recalls some of Foster’s most acclaimed performances, Night Country is a grim noir that uses the frigid setting to great effect.

Similar to other intense stories like The Order (2024) and Wind River (2017), Night Country lands with a harsh but rewarding edge that explores the ramifications of institutional racism and the societal flaws of a corrupt authority. Even beyond the scenario’s elements, Night Country’s character-driven exploration of responsibility and secrecy over painful legacies gives Foster and co-star Kali Reis plenty to play with as they circle one another and eventually find an unlikely partner in one another.

2. Contact (1997)

An operatic sci-fi film, Contact is a surprisingly emotional and scientifically minded character drama. Foster shines as Ellie, a scientist who discovers evidence of extraterrestrial life and endeavors to ensure contact is established between humanity and the visitors from beyond the stars. Foster is at her best here, finding the perfect balance of cool-headed professionalism and barely hidden vulnerability.

Similar in tone to films like Interstellar (2014) or The Martian (2015), the realistic elements and human drama amplify the film’s more outlandish beats. It all builds to an ending where Foster gets to utilise a sense of awe that remains one of the most unexpectedly beautiful moments in her entire acting career. A tremendous movie that uses heavy sci-fi questions to explore humanity in a manner similar to Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Contact is a fantastic film that only works because of Foster’s gravitational force at the heart of the story. 

1. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

One of the best horror films of all time and one of the rare ones to pull off a “Big Five” at the Academy Awards, The Silence of the Lambs remains Jodie Foster’s best movie. An intense but compelling mystery thriller that follows an FBI agent’s investigation into a serial killer, Foster’s Clairice finds an invaluable source of perspective in the form of Hannibal Lecter, an infamous and vicious serial killer who also happens to be a disarmingly charming and insightful figure. 

Foster is perfect in the role, conveying Clairice’s drive and sense of self without losing sight of her more vulnerable side. This is the key to the movie’s effectiveness. It never relents in its darker elements, but it also never loses sight of the humanity at the core of the story. Foster is one of the main reasons why that balance works. While Anthony Hopkins’ performance might have become the cultural touchstone (and explains the sequels like 2001’s Hannibal), the movie only truly works because of Foster’s phenomenal central performance as Clarice Starling. 

Avengers: Doomsday (2026) is a massive next step for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, bringing back iconic MCU characters such as Captain America, Thor, and the Fantastic Four. It's the biggest event on this year's movie calendar, and fans' anticipation keeps reaching new levels as Marvel Studios drip-feeds fans with updates about the new movie. But nothing beats Marvel's 5-hour long casting announcement back in March 2025, which revealed that Avengers: Doomsday will feature beloved characters from Fox's X-Men universe. The list of returning actors included Patrick Stewart (Charles Xavier / Professor X), Ian McKellen (Magneto), Kelsey Grammer (Beast), Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler), Rebecca Romijn (Mystique), James Marsden (Cyclops) and Channing Tatum (Gambit). Since then, we've also been treated to an early look at Professor X and Magneto in a teaser trailer—along with Cyclops's optic beam at full blast.

The official casting announcement features actors from various X-Men movies released between 2000 and 2024, so which X-Men movies do you actually need to watch before Doomsday? To make sure you don't miss any of the essential movies, here's a list of every movie from Fox's franchise (and a few others) that should be on your watchlist ahead of Avengers: Doomsday's theatrical release on December 18, 2026.

X-Men (2000)

As the first ever cinematic X-Men adaptation, this is a must-watch movie before Doomsday. It introduces at least four returning characters (Xavier, Magneto, Mystique and Cyclops) and perfectly explains Professor X and Magneto's opposing ideologies and complex mutual respect. X-Men (2000) lays the foundations for the entire franchise, including how Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) finds his way to Xavier's Institute. It also shows Rebecca Romijn's Mystique's devotion to Ian McKellen's Magneto, and it's the first time we saw James Marsden's Cyclops as the on-the-ground leader of the X-Men.

If you're watching X-Men for the first time, you might be surprised by the many liberties taken in adapting Marvel's source material. Unlike more faithful comic book movies released around the same time, such as Blade (1998) and Spider-Man (2002), X-Men sees many characters and designs reinvented for an early-2000s audience. While that's a contentious topic for many fans, the film is still celebrated for staying true to the story's narrative core—exploring the persecution of mutants in a divided, fearful society.

By bringing back several actors from the original X-Men movie for Avengers: Doomsday, Marvel are capitalizing on the film's greatest strength: casting. Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen gave the film the gravitas it needed, while the likes of James Marsden and Rebecca Romijn undeniably look perfect for their respective parts. It's also the film that gave us Hugh Jackman as Wolverine—who isn't confirmed for Doomsday yet, but would easily be the number one name on X-Men fans' wishlist.

X2: X-Men United (2003)

The success of X-Men set up a direct sequel just a few years later, with X2: X-Men United escalating the action and drama as Wolverine discovers more about his origin. In addition to being one of the best X-Men movies of all time, X2 is the only X-Men movie featuring Alan Cumming's Nightcrawler—who makes a striking impression from the very first scene. Cumming’s tragic take on Nightcrawler, along with Aaron Stanford’s surprisingly compelling Pyro, lends the film a greater sense of moral depth and it will be great to see him back in action this December. Alan Cumming is set to return as Nightcrawler for Doomsday, making it a must-watch movie if you want to know how the character fits into the X-Men saga.

X2 retains the moral complexities of sympathetic villains like Magneto while introducing new threats like Brian Cox’s Colonel Stryker, finding a balance between the franchise’s focus on Wolverine and the growing cast of X-Men. It's a sequel that, just like Blade 2 (2002) and Spider-Man 2 (2004), gave us a satisfying escalation of everything that worked in the first film. It's also the high point of the early X-Men movies, standing shoulders above the subsequent sequel, X3: The Last Stand (2006)—which is only optional viewing before Doomsday, even though it introduces Kelsey Grammer's Beast.

X-Men: First Class (2011)

In 2011, the X-Men franchise was rebooted with a prequel that focuses on the early days of Magneto and Professor Xavier’s complicated friendship. X-Men: First Class uses the period setting of the 1960s, and none of the cast so far have been confirmed for Doomsday—so what makes it a must-see? Well, simply because First Class sheds light on Xavier and Magneto's dynamic in more detail.

The X-Men-centric teaser for Avengers: Doomsday focuses on Xavier and Magneto amid a game of chess as they reflect on their morality, showing the duo's mind games as something that's important to know about beforehand. James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender might not be returning as Xavier and Magneto, but their performances will still add depth and context to the characters you'll see in Doomsday.

X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)

X-Men: Days of Future Past introduces time travel to the X-Men's movie franchise for the first time by adapting one of the most iconic stories in Marvel Comics' history—Chris Claremont's three-issue storyline of the same name in The Uncanny X-Men in 1981. This is the movie that bridges the original X-Men movies with the First Class prequel, bringing actors from both versions together for the first time. It features Doomsday actors James Marsden, Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart in their respective roles once again, albeit with much less screen time than in films like X-Men and X2.

In addition to featuring Doomsday cast members, the film is a good primer for Marvel's time-hopping storytelling. So the tension inherent to Days of Future Past could have an impact on how the mutants are presented in the MCU’s next big epic. However, time travel in Days of Future Past works a little differently to what has been established in the MCU in Avengers: Endgame (2019).

Logan (2017)

Created as a tragic but fitting finale for Hugh Jackman's Wolverine—and the Fox X-Men franchise overall—Logan is one of the superhero genre's best swan songs. It takes place in a dark future where the X-Men have largely died off and even Wolverine’s healing factor is weakening. Hugh Jackman’s take on the character gets a proper send-off by trying to rescue a young clone of himself, who is quickly dubbed Laura, although comic book fans will be familiar with her as X-23.

This variant of Wolverine (spoilers!) doesn’t survive, but he does get a fitting farewell like Christian Bale’s Batman in 2012’s The Dark Knight Rises. The sense of closure inherent to the story makes it an interesting parallel to how Avengers: Doomsday seems to be setting up thematic conclusions for the heroes. Given the teaser’s hints of a bittersweet finale for the classic X-Men, Logan might be the most thematically important entry in the series. It's also a great reminder of Professor Xavier's power and how Patrick Stewart chose to play the character with compassion.

Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

Thematically, Deadpool & Wolverine is the polar-opposite of Logan. But there are still a few reasons why you'll need to see it before Doomsday. Firstly, this film establishes the X-Men’s current place in the current MCU multiverse. The sequel to Deadpool (2016) and Deadpool 2 (2018) escalates the stakes by putting Wade Wilson’s entire reality at risk, forcing the Merc with a Mouth to navigate his way through various realities in a bid to find the version of Wolverine that can help save the day.

Secondly, Deadpool & Wolverine is the prime example of how the X-Men’s classic themes of tragedy can fit into the MCU’s multiversal stakes. It’s even possible that the film’s apparent grim vision of an ending for the X-Men could tie into how Deadpool & Wolverine established a tragic possible ending for the heroes.

But most importantly, Deadpool & Wolverine is directly connected to Doomsday due to Channing Tatum's role as Gambit—another character that's confirmed to appear in the upcoming Avengers movie. Many years ago, Tatum was set to star in a Gambit movie, but it was ultimately cancelled. While Gambit fans were left disappointed, his appearance in Deadpool & Wolverine (and now Doomsday) is a worthy consolation.

Honorable Mention: The Marvels (2023) - Post Credits Scene

This is by far the least important X-Men-related movie to check out ahead of Avengers: Doomsday, but The Marvels deserves an honorable mention on this list because of the film's post-credits scene—which could be the key to bringing the X-Men into the MCU. The Marvels brings together three heroes—Captain Marvel, Spectrum, and Ms. Marvel—for a universe-spanning adventure, ultimately leading to a post-credits scene that (spoilers!) sees Spectrum sent into another reality after her heroic sacrifice. When she wakes up, she is greeted by Kelsey Grammer's Beast, the X-Men character who previously appeared in X3: The Last Stand.

This could be one of the key ways that Avengers: Doomsday connects the universes, laying the groundwork for established MCU heroes to fight alongside a version of the X-Men.

If there’s one thing I love, it’s a good whodunit. But I must clarify, I don’t like movies or shows where the “twist” is that someone forgot to lock the door and the writer just spun a wheel and picked a culprit at random. The best whodunits don’t just stick a body in a fancy room and call it a day, they invite the viewers to play along and get involved. They want you to side-eye every character (I’ve done this plenty of times), question if any of the characters are trust-worthy (spoiler: they aren’t), rewind scenes, and say “wait..this doesn’t really add up.” 

With all that being said, here are 10 whodunits which vary in style and setting, available to watch on Apple TV, Hulu, and more. Whether it’s a murder in a mansion, a body at a party, or a suspicious neighbor living across from you, the core appeal remains the same: someone’s lying, and you get to be the world’s cleverest detective and figure out who before the end credits roll, all from your couch! 

Clue (1985)

If you ever thought murder mysteries take themselves a little too seriously, then Clue is here to gently (and then not so gently) shove that notion down a staircase. Six strangers gather at a creepy mansion at a dinner, and by the end, someone (or several someones) is dead. From there, it’s a race to figure out who did it, with delightfully over-the-top performances and the kind of sharp dialogue that can cut through a candlestick. The reason Clue continues to be a hallmark for whodunits is because of the way it operates; it balances comedy with a mystery that’s structured like a classic closed-room puzzle filled with alliances, secrets, and motives, similar to Knives Out. 

If you’re looking for a slow-burn mystery, then you might find the frantic energy in Clue a bit overwhelming; in this case, Broadchurch might be a better fit. But if you’re someone who wants to have fun while solving mysteries (there are three different endings!), and not feel like they’re studying for a final, then Clue is a must watch. Clue has a high rewatchability factor; where each viewing is better than the last, and either way you’re in for a good time. 

Gosford Park (2001)

Another movie that’s synonymous with ‘whodunits’ is Gosford Park. A weekend gathering at an English country estate brings together the upper-class guests and their servants, when a murder happens and everyone’s secrets start bubbling to the surface. The fun isn’t just about finding the killer—it’s in watching how the characters squirm while the bumbling detectives try to untangle the mess amidst lies and motives (and let’s not forget Maggie Smith’s one-liners.) That said, if you’re expecting a puzzle-first mystery like The Last of Sheila, then you might feel slightly disappointed, because yes, the murder is important, but sometimes it feels as though it was just an excuse to gather these unhappy people all under one fancy roof.

The ensemble cast is incredible and the cinematography makes it feel as though the estate itself is an additional character. People love to compare Gosford Park to Downtown Abbey, but I personally feel that the former is way sharper. If you’re someone who enjoys classy mysteries that unfold quietly, without the constant plot fireworks, while packing more under the surface than they first appear to, Gosford Park is basically perfect. 

And Then There Were None (1945)

If someone says they want to watch a mystery that actually stresses them out (a closed setting and a shrinking group of suspects would just be a bonus!) you can confidently point them to And Then There Were None (both the 1945 and 2015 versions are worth checking out; their core plot is the same, but they each have a different ending.) The hook of the movie is unbeatable: ten strangers are lured to a remote island (this is where I think my introverted nature would come in handy—I just wouldn’t go.) One by one, they start dying in ways that eerily match a nursery rhyme, so of course, the survivors scramble to figure out who the killer is before it’s too late. 

The suspense is relentless, though I did feel like the characters were rather flat; then again, I guess the point of the story is the tension and the trap, and not about making you fall in love with them, so it all works out! ATTWN is the most precise mystery in this list, but outside of this list, you can see its “group trapped with a killer” blueprint everywhere from teen slashers (April Fool’s Day) to modern thrillers (Invitation to a Murder), providing the ultimate reminder that a great whodunit doesn’t need bells and whistles, it just needs stakes and rules for a perfectly designed trap to unfold. 

The Last of Sheila (1973)

Looking for a fiendishly clever puzzle you can solve with your friends on a Friday night? Then The Last of Sheila is tailor-made for you, brilliantly balancing complexity with entertainment. It follows a wealthy producer who invites a group of friends on his yacht for a week-long scavenger hunt style game that turns deadly when hidden secrets and a real murder take place. Who’s bluffing and who’s innocent? It’s a race to find out the answer. 

Honestly, I found it hard to root for any of the characters because they were pretty unpleasant and unlikable, and if you’re used to watching cozy mysteries where everyone’s at least slightly charming, then this movie may not land for you. Compared to Magpie Murders or Glass Onion, which also plays on a multi-layered puzzle, The Last of Sheila is more adult in its tone. If you’re like me and love to work out the mystery while the characters are slowly panicking, then this movie can be immensely satisfying to watch. 

Rear Window (1954)

Rear Window is the kind of movie that sneaks up on you making you feel like a slightly guilty accomplice. When Jeff, a wheelchair-bound photographer, is confined to his apartment and spies on his neighbors, he grows suspicious that one of them has committed murder, so he pieces together the truth without ever leaving his chair (and we’re right there with him.) This masterpiece from Hitchcock is definitely worth the watch; it turns the audience into a witness and a detective all at once, and reminds us that being curious can be dangerous. 

The film isn’t a clear cut whodunit, because our protagonist names the character he thinks is the murderer, so it’s more about observation and suspense; if you’re someone who loved The Last of Sheila’s method of puzzle-solving storytelling, then you might feel Rear Window comes up short. However, I personally think the movie is genuinely cleverly made, where even the smallest detail could be a clue or a red herring (and really, should we even be on Jeff’s side? Is he just making all this up?) Fans of tense, morally complicated movies, like Disturbia, will find Rear Window intriguing.

Broadchurch (2013)

Broadchurch is for anyone who likes small-town murder mysteries and emotional drama, where every resident throws lingering looks that scream “I know something you don’t!” A town fractures under suspicion and gossip when a young boy is found dead on a coastal beach. Now, the detectives must untangle a web of secrets and grief to uncover the perpetrator. Broadchurch is a show that’s equal parts tightly plotted mystery and a painfully human drama, reminiscent of something like Top of the Lake. 

It’s not just about murder where the reveal is an “aha!” moment, it’s also about how a crime can change everyone, especially the people you don’t notice. Broadchurch is the most emotionally heavy title on the list, where you can feel the weight of the fallout. Sure, the show is slow paced compared to something like See How They Run, which might frustrate you if you’re expecting flashy twists and turns. For me, it’s one of the most satisfying and heartbreaking modern whodunits, where I couldn’t help but care about the people in the community, with the kind of story that I just couldn’t look away from.

Magpie Murders (2022)

What’s better than one whodunit? A whodunit within a whodunit! If you’re confused, allow me to explain. Magpie Murders is about Susan, a book editor who investigates the death of a famous mystery author, while also diving into the pages of his latest unfinished locked-room whodunit novel packed with secrets and lies. So essentially, you’re following a story within a story, unraveling the details of the fictional murder and the real life twists, which keeps you guessing until the very end (hope this made things clearer!)

The layered storytelling is the best part, but this means that it’s not a show you can have on in the background while you clean your kitchen, as the nested narratives can be a bit confusing. It’s witty and keeps you on your toes, and giving it your full attention is what makes Magpie Murders such an interesting watch. So if you’re a fan of classic murder mysteries, but also like the genre gently examined (not mocked!) then this show is for you. If you’re left wanting more of Susan’s mystery solving, then head on over to watch the sequel, Moonflower Murders, where she takes the adventure to a hotel in Crete. 

The Afterparty (2022)

Don’t like a grim whodunit in a dreary setting? Then The Afterparty is your perfect match. It delivers a mystery with style, humor, and audacity. A high school reunion afterparty ends in murder, and each episode from then on recounts the night from a different character’s perspective. The show is never boring; the same story is told through multiple perspectives, one minute you’re in a psychological thriller flashback, and the next you’re in a musical number, and somehow it just all makes sense. 

Each retelling brings a new clue or fresh angle to the forefront, and you’re more than likely to be cackling as you take notes. Like See How They Run, it blends mystery with playfulness, and leans into comedy shamelessly. Needless to say, this doesn’t take on a traditional whodunit format, for that, And Then There Were None might suit you better, but if you like your mysteries with dance, music, and a bit of flair (and who doesn’t?), then The Afterparty should be next on your list. This is the most inventive show I’ve ever seen, and you won’t want to miss it! 

See How They Run (2022)

See How They Run is the whodunit meta-spoof for anyone who wants their mysteries with characters who are a bit too theatrical for their own good (and I think that’s what makes them watchable!) A detective and a constable navigate eccentric actors and hidden motives (like the Constable, you’ll be furiously scribbling notes in your own notebook, dear viewer) when a film adaptation of a play turns deadly. The movie doesn’t take itself too seriously, and its silly and stylish tone keeps you constantly entertained, similar to how The Afterparty keeps things breezy. 

With a playful nod to Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, See How They Run is an absolute delight, proving that a murder mystery doesn’t always have to be brooding, even if I did feel they could have honed in on the actual puzzle-solving a bit more. It’s the perfect escapist movie, and if you enjoy watching over-the-top characters, genre homages, and a witty plot you can recommend to a friend without giving a lecture on how to follow the clues (or you just want to watch Saoirse Ronan steal her scenes), then See How They Run will hit the sweet spot. 

Identity (2003)

What could possibly happen when a group of strangers get stranded at a motel during a violent storm? If you’ve read the rest of the list, you know where I’m headed with this: that’s right, they start dropping like flies. Identity messes with your head in a way you start questioning everything and everyone, and the atmosphere adds to it with flickering lights and downpour making things seem extra tense and claustrophobic. It’s fast-paced, but doesn’t really give the characters too much depth; the creeping dread also doesn’t let you get comfortable with the characters, and keeps you recalibrating theories about who the killer could be.

If you enjoy thrillers with psychological twists, then Identity checks all the boxes. When I first watched the movie, I was taken aback by the ending, but it was in a “I can’t believe that just happened, but that makes so much sense” way. Identity is starkly different from See How They Run; where both movies try to deduce who the murderer might be, Identity does it in an intense way as compared to the latter, which keeps things light (or lighter, atleast.) Identity doesn’t play by the rules, and absolutely doesn’t apologize for it, but commits to keep you on the edge of your seat, and oh, does it deliver!

This article has been updated by Atreyi Jayadutt.

There are thrillers. Then, there are erotic thrillers, movies that deliver the same pulse-pounding suspense and dark twists, just with an added layer of sexuality. Whether it's a one-night stand gone wrong, seductive femme fatales with hidden agendas, or love stories complicated by darkness, erotic thrillers equally excite and disturb us. 

Believe me, there is no shortage of movies in this genre. More recent favorites like Deep Water (2022) and Babygirl (2024) prove erotic thrillers remain in demand and continue to push boundaries with their explicit content. If you're looking to watch the cream of the crop, here are 10 of the best erotic thrillers you can watch right now on Apple TV, Paramount+ and more. 

Cat People (1942) 

If you're into horror, then you might already know Cat People harbors one of cinema's first jump scares. Don't let that put you off, though. Cat People's old Hollywood vibes and noir-drenched cinematography create something truly beautiful. Yes, it's a horror movie, but it's on par with the classy thrills and suspense of an Alfred Hitchcock film, although I'd argue Psycho (1960) is scarier.

Cat People is also an erotic thriller that couples atmospheric, supernatural horror with a story about female sexual desire and repression. Arousal transforms Simone Simon's Irena into a panther, which sounds silly on paper, but is rather effective and stunning in film. While the moments of sexual tension aren't quite as explicit as some of the other entries on this list, given the time period, Cat People is for anyone craving a lesser-known thinker chock full of symbolism.

Play Misty For Me (1971)

Play Misty For Me easily ranks among my top 20 favorite movies of all time. If you only know Jessica Walter for her later role in Arrested Development (2003), please see what she is truly capable of in a dramatic performance. While female obsession is commonplace in erotic thrillers these days, Play Misty For Me laid the foundation for this type of story. Frequently, stalker thrillers feature a man's relentless and dangerous pursuit of a woman. However, Play Misty For Me took that trope and said, "Hold my beer."

Here, Jessica Walter gives an increasingly frightening and intense performance after a one-night stand with a radio DJ (played by Clint Eastwood) sends her spiraling into obsession. The gender flip is unique, and keeping Eastwood's character the main POV filters the horror through the male gaze. You owe Play Misty For Me a big thank you for spawning some of the genre's greatest movies, including Single White Female (1992) and the one mentioned next on this list.

The Postman Always Rings Twice (1981)

The 1981 remake of The Postman Always Rings Twice took the sexy neo-noir premise of the original 1946 movie and upped the eroticism. Jessica Lange plays a dissatisfied wife who begins a tumultuous affair with Jack Nicholson's drifter when he rolls through town, culminating with the secret lovers plotting the murder of her husband.

Lange and Nicholson each deliver the type of raw, captivating, and slightly terrifying performances expected of them. The sex scenes are graphic, but it all works to highlight the characters' overwhelming, dangerous lust for each other. The plot might be simple. However, if your experience is anything like mine, the ending will leave your jaw on the ground. Whether that's because you love it or hate it, that comes down to personal taste. 

Fatal Attraction (1987)

After spotlighting Play Misty For Me, it only makes sense to talk about Fatal Attraction, another movie that sees a woman's relationship with a man go from one-night stand to deadly, dangerous obsession. Glenn Close delivers a chilling performance opposite Michael Douglas, a familiar face of erotic thrillers in this era—and it was an era indeed. Erotic thrillers popped up all over the place in the '80s and '90s (just look at most of the dates on this list), primarily due to Fatal Attraction's critically acclaimed success.

Dark, gripping, and an undeniable masterpiece of psychological storytelling, Fatal Attraction is a mandatory inclusion on any erotic thriller list worth its salt. Like Play Misty For Me, it is for purveyors of tense stalker thrillers, with Fatal Attraction's cheating element only upping the stakes.

Sea of Love (1989)

If you like crime dramas with those classic burnt-out homicide detectives in the lead, then Sea of Love will hit the spot. Al Pacino's New York detective spends the movie trying to track down the identity of a serial killer using single columns to bait victims. It's a unique, dare I say even fun, concept that culminates in a pretty juicy twist.

Really, my only complaint is that I wanted even more Ellen Barkin. After seeing how powerful an actress she is in Animal Kingdom (2016), I'll watch her in anything, past and present. Her chemistry with Pacino is on point, and together, the two crank up the heat to deliver a satisfying erotic thriller, especially perfect for neo-noir fans.

Basic Instinct (1992)

While Play Misty For Me and Fatal Attraction are groundbreaking hits of the genre, in some ways, Basic Instinct is THE erotic thriller. Does the movie owe a large part of its iconography to Sharon Stone's famous leg uncrossing and crossing scene? Absolutely. However, that moment really only scratches the surface of Basic Instinct's boundary-pushing nature. Earning every bit of its R-rating, the movie took its neo-noir premise to new, provocative heights. (Make sure the kids aren't around when you boot this one up.)

Yes, it's sexy, but Basic Instinct isn't just a pretty face. It also tells a dark, psychologically tense story about control and manipulation. Sharon Stone remains an iconic femme fatale and delivers the movie's best performance, despite her troubling treatment behind the scenes. Like the earlier entries on this list, it pioneered a new wave of hotter, more explicit erotic thrillers in the '90s and beyond.

Bound (1996)

Bound isn't just a good erotic thriller for fans of crime dramas; it also offers strong queer representation. Jennifer Tilly and Gina Gershon have captivating chemistry as blossoming lovers forced to navigate the violent retaliations of a scorned mobster ex-boyfriend. If you're already suspecting a tragic ending, think again. Bound has an emotionally satisfying payoff, with the "bury your gays" trope nowhere in sight.

A big part of Bound's competent representation stems from the Wachowskis, who both directed and wrote the film. If you've seen The Matrix (1999), then you already know the sibling duo has a knack for telling stories that have something to say. Bound isn't just gripping. It's a story about women rising from oppression, breaking down barriers, and flipping what audiences think they know about the typical erotic thriller on its head.

Cruel Intentions (1999)

If you're looking for an erotic thriller with young adult sensibilities, Cruel Intentions is that movie. It's got that trademark '90s vibe of films like Fear (1996) and I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997), just with a bit more cynicism and a lot more sensuality. It's still a teen movie, but it's on the racier side, with Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Phillippe playing a pair of hormone-fueled step-siblings who get Reese Witherspoon's Annette wrapped up in their twisted sex games. 

It's a little trashy, wickedly fun, and the perfect type of cringey for a guilty pleasure watch. Think of it like Gossip Girl (2007) meets dark thrillers. Truthfully, it's an imperfect movie that doesn't come close to matching the source material, Les Liaisons dangereuses. But, hey, it's an iconic cult favorite that spawned an entire franchise, nonetheless.

Gone Girl (2014)

Want to get slapped in the face by twist after twist? Then, meet Gone Girl. The David Fincher adaptation of Gillian Flynn's novel isn't as heavy on the eroticism as some of the other entries on this list. This one is more about the juicy revelations that arise after Ben Affleck's character discovers his wife (Rosamund Pike) is missing on their fifth wedding anniversary. If your guilty pleasure is watching dysfunctional marriages crumble within the confines of fiction, you'll get all that and then some.

I'll never forget stumbling upon Gone Girl on the shelves of Barnes & Noble. The book rocked my world and cemented Gillian Flynn as one of my favorite authors of all time. While the movie will never be quite as good as the source material (yes, I'm one of those people), it does a pretty stellar job of capturing the sheer depravity going on behind the closed doors of a seemingly "normal" couple. Check out the adaptations of Flynn's other work, Dark Places (2015) and Sharp Objects (2018),  if you're left craving more stories about feminine darkness. 

The Handmaiden (2016)

If Bound's sapphic elements piqued your ears, The Handmaiden takes its queer romance back in history to Japan's occupation of Korea during the 1930s. What begins as a con man using a pickpocket to pose as an heiress's handmaiden ultimately unravels when the two fall in love, leading to a sexy, little story complicated by double-crosses, betrayals, and an oppressive historical setting.

For fans of forbidden love stories, The Handmaiden ensures you feel the weight and risk of the women's romance with each secret tryst. If you like period dramas with a similar forbidden element like Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019), or the Japanese-occupation setting of Lust, Caution (2007), then The Handmaiden works as a deliciously twisty companion watch. 

The Housemaid (2025) 

A good thriller understands one simple rule: Sometimes, the nicer a house looks on the outside, the darker the secrets are within. The Housemaid, based on the bestselling novel by Freida McFadden runs with this idea and converts a household that looks perfect on the surface into a setting for manipulation, romance, and a psychological showdown, and fans of toxic domestic spaces will love how The Housemaid embraces the genre’s nastier side. When Millie (Sydney Sweeney) takes on a job as a live-in maid for a wealthy couple, on paper, this looks like the fresh start she’s been searching for, but according to me that was the first red flag. 

Slowly, she realizes her employer Nina’s (Amanda Seyfried) mood swings from sweet to erratic in a beat, and Millie feels she’s being pulled into a strange game she might not want to play. The movie hones in on this uneasy feeling, making the shifting power dynamics between Millie and Nina a tense affair. Seyfried was the star of the show. The way she channels Nina’s volatility allows her to deliver a truly unsettling performance, constantly keeping us guessing about what she might do next. If you enjoyed the fast-paced twisty paranoia of movies like The Girl on the Train, where you’re forced to rethink what you thought you knew about the characters, then you’ll appreciate what The Housemaid brings to the table.

The Voyeurs (2021)

The thing with movies is that the audience seldom gets to interact with the characters and the plot, as we take on the role of an observer rather than that of a participant. The Voyeurs takes that idea to the real world, places it in a Montreal apartment, and turns curiosity into something far more sinister. A young couple moves into a new apartment and discovers that they’re able to see into their neighbors’ place. 

While it starts harmlessly enough, their obsession slowly morphs into some questionable decisions, and Sydney Sweeney does a great job of portraying the naive observer who ends up entangled in the mess herself. The Voyeurs, though a tad bit dramatic, brings forth a sleek, modern aesthetic, with a Gen-Z take on the genre, and people who are craving a glossy thriller about surveillance, similar to Hitchcock’s Rear Window, will find this to be an interesting watch. If nothing else, The Voyeurs will remind you to keep your blinds closed at night, and personally for me, that’s just an added bonus. 

Chloe (2009)

Looking for an erotic thriller that doesn’t lean into spectacle but rather quietly messes with your head? You needn’t venture any further than Chloe. When Catherine, played by Julianne Moore, suspects her husband of cheating, she hires an escort named Chloe (Amanda Seyfried) to test his loyalty (because talking to him like a normal person is overrated, I guess.) 

Chloe reports back and recounts her experiences in vivid detail and that’s when things start to get complicated psychologically, emotionally, and also sexually, blurring lines between truth and manipulation. Once again, like in The Housemaid, I felt Seyfried anchored this film with enough mystery that the audience questions her motives and wonders how much of what she’s divulging is actually real and what are carefully crafted lies. It kept me at the edge of my seat until the end, waiting for the plot to tie all the loose ends together. What sets Chloe apart on this list is that it’s much more of a quiet slow-burn, and fans of Unfaithful will find a lot to love here. 

Body Heat (1981)

If, by some chance, you haven’t heard of Body Heat, then you must rectify this immediately. A lawyer beginning an affair with an already married woman sounds familiar enough; in fact, like The Postman Always Rings Twice from earlier on this list, Body Heat’s premise is similar in the sense that it showcases a passionate romance leading to murder. Noir-inspired thriller enthusiasts can probably guess where the plot is heading from the get-go, until things inevitably start breaking down as surprising information comes to light. 

Body Heat flirts with danger and desire, seamlessly mixing erotic tension with pulpy thriller storytelling. Two standouts from the movie have to be the atmosphere which contributes to the overall sweaty, sultry, and tense vibe (it genuinely feels like the temperature has been cranked up right from your couch), and Kathleen Turner’s performance as the seductive, intelligent femme fatale. If you thought Sharon Stone’s magnetism in Basic Instinct is unmatched, then Turner’s performance will stun you. As the film is said to be inspired from Double Indemnity, it’s not surprising that viewers will find that same femme fatale archetype running through Body Heat. 

Wild Things (1998)

Some erotic thrillers like Fatal Attraction aim for prestige (and for good reason, even people who don’t like this genre know of this movie), while others aim to shock you with twist after twist. Wild Things is the latter where a straightforward scandal becomes so much more over the 108 minute runtime. Two students accuse a school guidance counselor of sexual assault, and from there the story spirals into a dizzying web of secret alliances, double-crosses, and plot twists (so many plot twists!) 

What I found exciting about Wild Things is that the characters aren’t what they seem, and the movie kind of eggs the audience on to keep guessing as it reveals another hidden agenda. Style wise, it makes a nice pair with Cruel Intentions, where both movies capture that late ‘90s era blended with teen drama aesthetic. Wild Things, however, has one of the most satisfying twist endings I’ve ever seen and never saw coming. If you’re a fan of bold movies which unapologetically pulls the rug from under you, then boy, does Wild Things deliver. If you’re watching it for the first time, then buckle up, because while the twists are wild, they’re never boring, and you’re going to want to give it your full attention. 

Marketing can make or break a movie. But sometimes a marketing campaign can be so wild that it ends up generating more buzz than the movie itself (for good or bad reasons). But, as the old Hollywood saying goes, “There’s no such thing as bad publicity.” 

Plus, there’s no wilder genre in Hollywood than horror, so naturally, it has some of the most unhinged marketing campaigns in cinema history. Some excited audiences, some terrified them, and others even led to very real lawsuits and cease-and-desist orders. While a few of these campaigns haven’t aged well, they all, for better or for worse, made a huge splash at the time and are still memorable to this day.

Let’s take a closer look at a few horror movies that had some seriously wild marketing campaigns, from Alien (1979) to The Monkey (2025), Cloverfield (2008), and more. Watch them now on streamers like HBO Max and Hulu. 

The Blair Witch Project (1999)

The most iconic movie marketing campaign ever is The Blair Witch Project. In 1999, the general public was still wildly bewildered by the internet. The average adult might use a computer at the office, but aside from emails and using some kind of data entry software, their familiarity with the World Wide Web was minimal. That created the perfect breeding ground for Blair Witch. 

The movie purported that actual “found footage” from three young filmmakers, who set out to find a local legend and then never came home, was discovered in the woods. A website was created detailing the history of the Blair Witch, fake obituaries were written for newspapers, and the entire thing was sold as a true story. 

At the time, making websites wasn’t easy, so its existence lent credibility to the legitimacy of the legend and the alleged disappearances. People went wild, and the film became a huge success. As all horror fans know, the found footage style became so popular that it remains a mainstay in cinema to this day. The Blair Witch Project is perfect for anyone who loves a great found footage movie, like Paranormal Activity (2009), or subtle horror hits, where the real terror comes from the small sounds heard off-screen and growing tension, like Skinamarink (2022). 

Paranormal Activity (2009)

Speaking of Paranormal Activity, it’s another found footage horror movie with a great marketing campaign. The film is about a young couple who move into a new home and quickly start experiencing… well, paranormal activity. But once they start trying to capture it on film and pay it more attention, the otherworldly entity gets more powerful, and the haunting intensifies. 

By 2009, we were firmly in the Facebook era, and the internet was commonplace, so the movie never tried to pretend it was real. Premiering at Screamfest in 2007, Paranormal Activity scared the crap out of everyone thanks to its excellent pacing and perfect jump scares. But with its shoestring budget, the film didn’t get a huge marketing campaign. Instead, the filmmakers used Paranormal Activity’s genuine scariness to sell it. Over the next few years, the movie was played in select college towns, knowing that college kids would spread the word to their friends. The film even launched a website where fans could request Paranormal Activity screenings in their cities. 

Whereas Blair Witch preyed upon people’s naivety about the internet, Paranormal Activity used the new generation’s tech savviness to its advantage. Soon, nightvision trailers began popping up, showing audiences going absolutely feral at screenings, and by October 2009, the word-of-mouth blitz had turned Paranormal Activity into the buzziest movie of the year. It went on to gross almost $200 million and spawned an entire franchise.

The Fourth Kind (2009)

One film that learned about the internet’s prevalence the hard way was The Fourth Kind. The movie claimed to be based on real events and used the very real and tragic disappearances of people around Nome, Alaska, as a selling point, claiming that it had evidence that aliens abducted them. Even worse, it used fake interview segments allegedly obtained by Chapman University as further evidence. The Fourth Kind even created fake news articles about the disappearances. However, by 2009, everyone was online, and the truth quickly came out.

For its fabricated news articles, the movie got slapped with a $22,500 lawsuit. Chapman University also revealed that those interviews never happened, and the people of Alaska were (naturally) very mad that The Fourth Kind used actual missing persons cases to sell a movie. In the end, the film definitely caused a commotion, but not in the way the filmmakers probably hoped. But while the campaign may have backfired, it definitely got people talking. 

If you love alien encounter films like Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) or No One Will Save You (2023), this is the film for you. 

The Exorcist (1973)

Just like Blair Witch, The Exorcist was an incredibly lucky film that came out at just the right time, creating the perfect storm for a cinematic phenomenon. An alleged demonic possession (that was actually just a mix of hoax, hysteria, and mental illness) loosely inspired the movie (and book) about a teenage girl suffering from an aggressive possession. 

1973 was pre-internet, so fact and fiction easily blurred with misinformation, and Christianity had a strong grasp over America. Therefore, a movie about demonic possession claiming to be a true story was easily believed by the average viewer, and from there, The Exorcist just let religious fanaticism do what it does. It didn’t take long before the “outrage” began from Catholics, both those calling the movie heresy, and others saying it was the most pressing and necessary film ever, finally unveiling the truth about how evil and demons are trying to possess everyone all the time. The scandal caused an absolute frenzy, which then led to frenzied viewers having frenzied reactions, like a form of mass hysteria. 

People walked out, some vomited, others had mysterious health emergencies in theaters (which were likely just panic attacks in an era before people understood what those were), and some even (allegedly) passed out. Naturally, reports of possessions also spiked after the movie’s premiere as the religious delirium continued its spread. 

So, all Warner Bros. had to do to market the movie was sit back and watch the hysteria do all the work. As the movie’s notoriety grew, so did its box-office returns, with audiences clamoring to see what all the fuss was about. The New York Times even wrote an article titled, “They Wait Hours to Be Shocked,” which reported that at some NYC theaters, people waited up to four hours to see the movie. 

Cloverfield (2008)

J.J. Abrams’ monster masterpiece Cloverfield was an early example of something going viral, utilizing hype to get people talking on Facebook and through texting. Initially, the movie unveiled posters without any title or release date, simply showing a headless Statue of Liberty looking out over a destroyed Manhattan skyline. It also premiered a teaser trailer that didn’t play out like a typical trailer and instead felt like a two-minute short film of the movie’s opening party scene… before revealing that something was attacking New York. 

Still, it never showed the monster, using the mystery to build even more hype. Cloverfield’s title was also mysterious. It was the working title of the movie because it was a street near Abrams’ offices, and he knew that the nonchalant title would keep his little monster movie a secret. The entire goal of the campaign was to keep Cloverfield and its plot a total mystery until audiences were seated in the theater, while also building up anticipation to sell tickets. Somehow, it worked. 

If you love kaiju films like Godzilla (2014) or Pacific Rim (2013), you’ll love Cloverfield. But it’s filmed more like a horror movie than an adventure film, giving it a unique vibe within the monster movie genre. 

Carrie (2013)

When Carrie was remade in 2013, the studio put on a publicity stunt in a West Village coffee shop where a customer gets angry and goes on a telekinetic rampage, all allegedly in front of unsuspecting customers. Watching the clip now is cringeworthy, and the acting is an absolute abomination. But at the time, it was a huge viral success, scoring over 80 million views on YouTube alone.

Variety reports that it even became the eighth most-watched YouTube video of 2013. The stunt not only went viral, but it also got the media talking, with articles popping up everywhere from Business Insider to Mother Jones, The Hollywood Reporter, and more. 

If you’re a fan of Carrie (1976) or love other Stephen King adaptations, the 2013 version is a fun watch (despite its cheesy marketing attempts.) 

The Monkey (2025)

Another King adaptation, the author’s short story, The Monkey, premiered on the big screen in 2025. The film depicts the horrific events that befall the poor victims who come into contact with an evil monkey toy, including one very tragic finale for a group of cheerleaders on a bus. 

To promote the movie, Neon actually drove a bloody bus full of decapitated cheerleaders around Hollywood in front of all the tourists. The stunt was shocking and was met with mixed reviews. Bloody Disgusting was one of the publications to share the news, and comments on their Insta post range from “Now that’s some guerrilla marketing!” to “I love horror but this is too far.” But for viral marketing campaigns, it doesn’t always matter if the talk is good or bad, as long as it gets people talking. 

For those who haven’t seen it yet, The Monkey has the wild kills of Final Destination (2000) and the dark humor of Happy Death Day (2017), so if that sounds like a good combo to you, this is a must-watch. 

Psycho (1960)

Did you know that Alfred Hitchcock invented the rules of modern cinema? Before Psycho, movies would just play on a loop, and you came and went whenever you wanted. But because of Psycho’s massive plot twist halfway through, Hitchcock demanded that theaters couldn’t admit anyone to the movie after it had begun. So, instead of running on a loop, theaters offered start times for each showing (something they still do to this day, thanks, Hitchcock!) 

This also served as a great marketing campaign. Long lines formed outside the theaters underneath giant signs that read “No one… BUT NO ONE… will be admitted to the theater after the start of each performance.” This obviously got people talking, increasing excitement for the film, and turning Psycho into a cultural phenomenon. The New Zealand Herald reports that when adjusted for inflation, Psycho earned about $468 million in AUD (or over $313 million USD). 

For fans of slasher movies like Halloween (1978), you can thank Psycho for being an early precursor to the genre. It’s also great for anyone who loves movies with shocking twists like Se7en (1995).

Alien (1979)

Similar to how Cloverfield never showed the monster to build hype, the original 1979 trailer for Alien never actually showed the iconic xenomorph. Instead, it’s two minutes of atmospheric footage looking at space and an egg, mixed with quick shots from the film, all tied together with maddening, ear-bleeding audio. The vibe is pure confusion and chaos… exactly what Ridley Scott wanted viewers to feel walking into the theater. Smaller radio teasers featuring nothing but atmospheric music and the line “in space, no one can hear you scream” were also played, amplifying the tension and mystery of the movie. 

Then, as Bloody Disgusting shows, the movie’s premiere was absolutely epic, and the theater was turned into a set piece of its own, letting viewers walk through corridors of the Nostromo and past props like xeno eggs and even the full-sized fossilized engineer prop, among others.  

Alien is easily the best alien film ever made. If you love movies like Signs (2002) or Independence Day (1996), then buckle up, because Alien is so much scarier. Trust me. 

M3GAN (2022)

Peak virality came in 2022 with Blumhouse’s M3GAN. The horror movie was so bombastic, wild, campy, and fun that it arguably can’t even be called a horror movie. Alas, here we are. If you’ve been living under a rock, let me introduce you to the M3GAN dance.

The dance scene was heavily featured in the movie’s trailers (which have amassed over 70 million views on YouTube) and was instantly memed. Blumhouse and Universal saw this as a total lean-in moment, and soon, M3GANs were everywhere: dancing in malls, on top of buildings, and in football stadiums. 

The marketing campaign’s popularity worked. The movie became a massive hit, and M3GAN even returned for a sequel in 2025, complete with more dancing and a fabulous pink bob wig. If you love great horror comedies like Death of a Unicorn (2025) or Heathers (1988), you gotta see M3GAN.

All millennials will remember CollegeHumor, the online and YouTube-based comedy channel that released some of the earliest examples of viral videos. The brand went through some growing pains during the 2010s as YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram opened up doors for more indie creators to release their own funny videos. That was only exacerbated further when the streaming era brought big-budget shows and movies to screens everywhere. 

As the world changed, so did CollegeHumor. It launched its own spin-off streaming service Dropout in 2018 to provide longer-form content, like its popular D&D series Dimension 20. But then COVID hit, the media landscape changed again, everyone had money troubles, CollegeHumor and Dropout went up for sale, and nobody wanted them. So, longtime CH director/actor/producer Sam Reich decided to step in and buy it all for the huge sum of… nothing. That’s right, he got it all for $0. He rebranded the entire company as Dropout and pushed it into the modern age, moving fully away from viral stoner videos to full-blown entertainment content. 

Dropout now features some seriously fun, bingable, hilarious (and largely improv) series, like Dimension 20, Very Important People, and Game Changer, among others. If you’re curious about what exactly Dropout is, or are thinking of subscribing to it. Read on to discover everything there is to know about one of the hottest niche streamers around right now.

What Is Dropout?

In recent years, CollegeHumor merged with its sister platform Dropout, and the whole brand became simply known as Dropout. Reich claims this is because most people were starting to recognize Dropout videos more than CH ones, making it feel natural to simply combine the two brands. Dropout is both a streaming service and a premium YouTube channel, offering up some fantastic web series that regularly go viral.  

“I think that when you’re playing for the internet, the audience feels very abstract,” Reich told People. “And then you arrive at a place where they are physically, and that’s when you really get a sense of the internet’s reach and its power.”

Dropout has a group of regular performers, but it also features various comedians and improvers in its sketches and shows. New faces (both famous and rising stars alike) always stop by, and in the same People interview, Reich says he’s always on the lookout for new talent to feature.  

For longtime fans, Dropout also includes a huge library of old CollegeHumor videos, so you can still get your nostalgia fix and watch the classics. 

The Best Dropout Shows For New Subscribers To Start With

If you use social media or ever go on YouTube, there’s a good chance you’ve seen clips from some of Dropout’s hit shows. If you’re thinking of subscribing or just have, here are some of the must-watch series. 

Very Important People: Hosted by Vic Michaelis, Very Important People sees comedians get thrown into hair, makeup, and costuming… all without being able to see what’s happening. Then, after they finally get to see themselves in a mirror, they’re promptly thrown into a faux talk show where they have to be interviewed in-character as whatever monstrosity they’ve just been turned into. 

The show is absolutely hilarious and has featured comedians turned into everything from a demon baby to a defrosted delivery driver from the ‘80s, a bratty goth teen, and more. The series has even featured guest comedians like Nicole Byer and SNL alum Bobby Moynihan. 

Dimension 20: Dimension 20 is an actual-play series where groups of players come together and live-play through real Dungeons and Dragons campaigns. Throughout its 26 seasons (and counting), Dimension 20 has hosted everyone from Dropout regulars to drag queens like Alaska and Monet X Change, screenwriter Alex Song-Xia, and even D&D legend Aabria Iyengar. 

For fans of D&D, the show is seriously binge-worthy. But even for newbies, the series is still tons of fun since its players are always having a great time. Plus, some campaigns go totally off the rails, and watching the teams get obliterated by a grueling campaign is both relatable and hilarious. 

Game Changer: Dropout’s long-running game show, Game Changer, is a series where the contestants never actually know what’s about to happen until the episode begins. Whether the challenge is lip-syncing, trying to build cosplay outfits, or thinking of hilarious innuendos, nobody knows what’s about to happen until it does. Game Changer has also had a bunch of famous guests, including Tony Hawk and Giancarlo Esposito, among others. 

Dropout’s Cast Regulars (That You May Already Know Of)

If you’re new to Dropout, you’ll quickly realize there’s a core group of regular performers you see over and over. Here are some of the biggest names and where you’ve probably seen them before. 

Sam Reich: Son of politician Robert Reich, Sam Reich is the current owner of Dropout and is best known for hosting Game Changer. But he also appears in tons of the streamer’s sketches and has been working with CollegeHumor since the beginning. You’ve probably seen him on shows like Adam Ruins Everything (2014) and MTV’s The CollegeHumor Show (2009). 

Lisa Gilroy: Lisa Gilroy is a comedian and actress who has appeared in various Dropout sketches, including her viral episode of Very Important People where she stars as the demon baby, Spencer (Noooo, don’t spank meeee!) But she’s also an accomplished actress who has starred in numerous hit series like Twisted Metal (2025) and Glamorous (2023). She’s also set to star in some major upcoming movies, including Super Troopers 3 and Office Romance, where she’ll star alongside Jennifer Lopez. 

Monet X Change: Yep, Drag Race (2009) winner Monet X Change has become a popular member of the Dropout crew. Not only did she star in Dimension 20: Dungeons & Drag Queens, but she’s also appeared on Dirty Laundry and her own Dropout talk show, Monet’s Slumber Party. Outside of Dropout, Monet is best known for winning RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars (2012) and for her Sibling Rivalry podcast with fellow Drag Race alum, Bob the Drag Queen. Monet is also competing on the next season of The Traitors in early 2026. 

Josh Ruben: A prominent member of CollegeHumor, Ruben stayed on-board during the switch to Dropout and still makes appearances. He’s been on episodes of Make Some Noise, Very Important People, and Game Changer. Outside of Dropout, Ruben has become an accomplished filmmaker, directing films like Werewolves Within (2021) and Heart Eyes (2025). 

How To Subscribe To Dropout On YouTube (And How Much Is It?)

Dropout has grown a lot since its CollegeHumor days and is now a full-blown streaming service. You can easily subscribe on the Dropout website or subscribe through the Dropout YouTube channel. 

Currently, the price for a Dropout subscription is $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year (which is a savings of about $14). But right now, first-time subscribers are getting an extra discount, with the yearly plan being just $55.99 (which saves you a little over $23). Dropout also offers a free trial for anyone who wants to check out its content before subscribing. 

John Carpenter is the prolific filmmaker behind sci-fi and horror hits like The Thing (1982) and Halloween (1978). Although he has not directed a feature film since 2010, he remains active in Hollywood as a producer and composer. In addition to his work, he has become known for his blunt movie reviews. While Carpenter has several favorite films that he offers high praise for, he also isn’t afraid to make it abundantly clear when he dislikes something.

In fact, his lack of enthusiasm over some of the most recent, biggest Hollywood hits has stirred interest and controversy. If you’re intrigued by Carpenter’s reviews, you can use our guide to find out where you can watch five movies that John Carpenter hates and five that he loves on platforms like HBO Max, Tubi, and more.

Double Indemnity (1944) - Loves

In a 2024 interview with Criterion, Carpenter cited Double Indemnity as his #1 favorite movie. The classic film noir tells the story of Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck), who convinces her insurance agent, Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray), to help her commit insurance fraud by tricking her husband into taking out a life insurance policy before murdering him. Carpenter praised the “moody” atmosphere of the film and said it gave him his “darkness and doomed characters,” just as he preferred on-screen.

Double Indemnity is the perfect movie for film noir enthusiasts. Dark, bleak, and uncomfortable, it’s a masterclass in film noir, defined by its tone, subject matter, and cinematography. It offers one of the most diabolical schemes and sensational femme fatales, keeping you on the edge of your seat. If you love the doomed characters and despicable schemes of films like Body Heat (1981), you’ll love Double Indemnity.

Halloween II (1981) - Hates

Halloween II is the direct sequel to Carpenter’s original Halloween movie. It picks up where the original left off, as Michael Myers (Dick Warlock) terrorizes Haddonfield Memorial Hospital in pursuit of survivor Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis). Despite co-writing Halloween II, Carpenter has been open about hating the sequel and admitted to struggling with the script and even writing parts of it while inebriated. 

He ultimately handed off directing to Rick Rosenthal and later denounced the movie as an “abomination,” criticizing Rosenthal for not having a “feel” for the material. While Halloween II struggled to live up to the original’s iconic status, it’s a stronger follow-up than Carpenter and critics give it credit for. Between the ramped-up violence, unsettling hospital setting, and wild plot twist, it delivers the chills and thrills you want from a horror movie, so long as you temper your expectations.

Vertigo (1958) - Loves

Carpenter has frequently praised Alfred Hitchcock’s brilliance and even considers himself a “student of his work.” Although he listed Spellbound (1945) as one of his favorite movies in the Criterion interview, he clarified that his all-time favourite Hitchcock film will “always” be Vertigo. The twisty psychological thriller follows former detective John “Scottie” Ferguson (James Stewart), who suffers from vertigo and becomes obsessed with a woman he’s hired to follow as a private investigator.

Carpenter isn’t shy about his love for dark movies, making it unsurprising that Vertigo is a favorite of his, calling it a “perfect nightmare.” The film is a true nightmare that delves deeply into obsession, with its mind-bending premise and dizzying dolly-zoom effect. Vertigo is one of the easiest films on this list to agree with Carpenter about, as it’s a nightmarish, dark, and unforgettable exploration of obsession. 

Halloween (2007) - Hates

Carpenter’s love/hate relationship with the Halloween franchise continued with Rob Zombie’s Halloween remake. The 2007 remake follows Michael Myers (Tyler Mane), who stalks Laurie Strode (Scout Taylor-Compton) 17 years after she survived his initial massacre. Although Carpenter encouraged Zombie to remake Halloween and “make it his own,” he ultimately denounced the remake. He criticized Zombie for going too deep into explaining Myers and his story, stating bluntly, as reported by The Guardian, “I don’t care about that.” His criticism may have been a bit harsher than usual, though, due to some bad blood between him and Zombie.

Still, what Carpenter dislikes is what some viewers love about the remake. It puts its own spin on Halloween, just as Carpenter encouraged, by making Myers a little more human and sympathetic. The first half of the movie feels original in its expansive Myers background, while the second half pays tribute to Carpenter with classic Halloween slasher vibes. 

Rio Bravo (1959) - Loves

For the 2022 Sight and Sound Directors Poll, Carpenter listed one of his top 10 movies as the Western Rio Bravo. The film was one of four on the list directed by Howard Hawks. In the movie, small-town sheriff John T. Chance (John Wayne) struggles to keep the brother of a powerful rancher in custody until the arrival of the U.S. Marshal. Carpenter loved Rio Bravo so much that it heavily influenced two of his own films, Assault on Precinct 13 (1976) and Ghost of Mars (2001). 

Rio Bravo is one of the funnest films on Carpenter’s list of favorites. It’s pure Western fun, balancing charm, witty humor, and explosive gunfights. Although it features the genre’s typical violence, it also delves deeper into its characters, enabling standout performances from Dean Martin and Angie Dickinson. Rio Bravo is a must-see for fans of Hawks’ Westerns, including Red River (1948) and The Big Sky (1952).

Barbie (2023) - Hates

Barbie is Greta Gerwig’s live-action take on Mattel’s Barbie toy line, tracking Barbie (Margot Robbie) and Ken (Ryan Gosling) as they venture into the real world on Barbie’s quest for self-discovery. Carpenter wasn’t as brutal as he tends to be in his criticism of Barbie, but he admitted he didn’t “get it” to the Los Angeles Times. He said it wasn’t his “generation,” so the “patriarchy business” and themes went right over his head. However, he did mention Robbie was “fabulous,” even though Barbie wasn’t for him specifically.

Barbie is more likely to appeal to specific viewers, including those who grew up playing with the doll, and to audiences who love powerful, female-centered movies like Little Women (2019) and Lady Bird (2017). However, I would also argue that Barbie can be for everyone if you approach it with an open mind and are willing to listen to its message or delve into a little bit of Barbie history.

Chinatown (1974) - Loves

Chinatown centers on private investigator J.J. Jake Gittes (Jack Nicholson), who gets pulled into a complex web of deceit when an imposter hires him to investigate her alleged husband. Given his love of film noir, it’s not surprising that Carpenter included Chinatown, one of the best neo-noir films, on his top 10 list of favorites in the 2022 Sight and Sound Directors Poll. 

The film nails the neo-noir genre by pairing its dark, cynical whodunnit premise with a compelling deep dive into contemporary issues, such as systemic corruption in Los Angeles and within police forces. It’s the type of movie that gets under your skin with how poignantly it portrays the way individual moral battles sometimes feel futile in the face of systemic abuse. If you love the darkness of Vertigo and Double Indemnity, but with a theme as deep as L.A. Confidential (1997), Chinatown is an excellent choice.

Oppenheimer (2023) - Hates

Oppenheimer is a biographical drama that tackles the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy) as he oversees the Manhattan Project during World War II. Like Barbie, Carpenter’s assessment of Oppenheimer isn’t overly harsh, but more skeptical. As reported by IndieWire, he questioned why so many critics were praising it as the “movie of the century,” when he didn’t see it as such, though he classified it as “alright.”

Carpenter likely isn’t the only one who didn’t get the hype around Oppenheimer. With a talk-heavy historical premise and a three-hour run time, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. However, it is a masterpiece for those who truly dive into the story, bringing history to life in vivid detail while capturing an intense moral dilemma. If you love historical drama and deep character studies, like The Theory of Everything (2014) and The Intimation Game (2014), you’ll find more than a lukewarm appreciation for Oppenheimer.

Halloween Kills (2021) - Loves

Halloween Kills is the sequel to Halloween (2018) and centers on determined survivor Laurie Strode (Curtis), who teams up with Tommy Doyle (Anthony Michael Hall) to stop Myers’ reign of terror once and for all. Given Carpenter’s criticism of previous Halloween remakes and sequels, it’s pretty surprising he gave his stamp of approval for Halloween Kills. He went so far as to call Halloween Kills the “quintessential” and “ultimate” slasher film when talking to Entertainment Weekly, citing its intensity and brilliance.

Carpenter is quite right about Halloween Kills. It’s a slasher movie through and through. While it might not be the most complex or the deepest in terms of plot, it is undoubtedly the most brutal Halloween movie, with the highest body count and the most creative, bloody deaths. If you love movies like Hatchet (2006) and Madman (1981) and think the bloodier the slasher, the better, you’ll enjoy Halloween Kills.

The Substance (2024) - Hates

The Substance is a horror movie that follows Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), who is drawn to a mysterious product that promises a better version of herself, with horrifying results. Unlike with Barbie and Oppenheimer, Carpenter was quite blunt with his hatred for The Substance. When asked what he liked about The Substance at Fan Expo, he stated, “Zero.” When asked what he disliked about the movie, he said, “Everything.” 

It is surprising to hear how much he hated The Substance, especially since it actually pays homage to Carpenter’s The Thing through its body horror and practical effects. Like The Thing, it also uses body horror to explore thoughtful themes, delving into sexism and ageism in its tale of Sparkle. It’s possible that Carpenter didn’t connect with the more feminine themes of The Substance, much as he struggled with Barbie. Regardless, The Substance remains a must-see for fans of thoughtful horror and grotesque body horror.

2025 was a pretty alright year for movies. While it’s not clear if the theater industry will ever fully recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, or with the explosion in streaming services since then, it was a healthy year at the box office, though many films did seem to struggle and underperform. Not all films did, though, and many of them were seen as certifiable hits, making hundreds of millions of dollars. With another year winding down to a close, let’s look back and see what the highest-grossing movies of 2025 were at the box office!

Some movies are still in theaters, so calculating their final placement may be tricky. For movies that are currently still screening, we will place them based on their current worldwide total as of December 31st, 2025, and make mention of how it could change in the coming weeks. If you’re ready to see what the most popular movies of 2025 were, then here are the ten highest-grossing films of the year and where you can stream them as of now.

10) Superman (2025)

Warner Bros had a truly excellent year at the box office. They gambled with original films and new installments in long-running films, and Superman is the embodiment of both.

As the first film in James Gunn’s new DC cinematic universe, the DCU, a lot was riding on its success. Would people take to Gunn’s more optimistic and emotional take on the Man of Steel after Snyder’s more gritty and dour version won over fans? All signs point to yes, as David Corenswet’s down-to-earth and dorkier portrayal of Superman won over both fans and critics alike. The film went on to make $617 million at the box office, proving that James Gunn’s vision of a hopeful Superman could connect with audiences. It fills you with the same wonder that the original Superman (1978) did all those years ago. It’s a superhero that makes you feel joy, and after years of bitter cynicism for DC’s movies, it’s exactly what the franchise needed.

Superman is currently streaming on HBO Max.

9) F1: The Movie (2025)

Prestige sports movies tend to do okay at the box office, but few were as successful as F1: The Movie. Taking home $632 million, not only is F1: The Movie the ninth highest-grossing movie of the year, it’s the highest-grossing sports movie of all time, and Apple Studios’ highest-grossing film ever.

A part of the film’s success almost certainly has to do with how it showcases the actual sport of F1 racing. The speed of the cars feels palpable and captures the same level of kinetic energy that helped propel Ford v Ferrari (2019) to Oscar fame. There’s just a sense of speed that’s impossible to ignore and provides all the sports drama you can want over its two-hour and 35-minute runtime. It may not be the most accurate representation of the sport, but with Brad Pitt’s magnetic charm, it makes the film more dramatic and entertaining. Racing movies have seen a resurgence in recent years, and if you love to watch things go fast, then F1: The Movie may just be the apex of the genre.

F1: The Movie is currently streaming on Apple TV+.

8) How to Train Your Dragon (2025)

How to Train Your Dragon’s success is curious. Despite costing less to make than the 2010 original, it went on to earn far more at the box office, taking in $636 million, making it the highest-grossing film in the franchise.

As far as remakes go, How to Train Your Dragon hits a lot of the same beats you would expect a remake to. The film takes the iconic moments from the original and breathes new life into them. Seeing Toothless and Hiccup soar the skies is more impressive in live-action than it was animated, and while some of the cartoon whimsy is lost, the drama hits harder. It’s comparable to Disney’s own slew of remakes, most notably Beauty & the Beast (2017), where it’s not meant to replace the original film, but offer an alternative version of it. If you and your family want a heartwarming fantasy, How to Train Your Dragon is a perfect way to introduce them to a fun and lighthearted fantasy series.

How to Train Your Dragon is currently streaming on Peacock.

7) Demon Slayer The Movie: Infinity Castle (2025)

2025 was a major year in the anime industry. Thanks to shows like Solo Leveling (2024-Present) and Apothecary Diaries (2023-Present) exploding on the streaming charts, more people watched anime than ever before. In fact, 2025 gave us the highest-grossing anime film of all time, Demon Slayer The Movie: Infinity Castle (2025).

Earning $719 million, Demon Slayer The Movie: Infinity Castle’s success shouldn’t come as a surprise if you’re invested in the series. The franchise is massively popular, with Infinity Castle serving as the first installment in a trilogy of films meant to, hopefully, conclude the series. Because of that, it has all of the action you would expect from a dramatic climax, even if it does have some pacing issues, thanks to its hefty two-hour and 35-minute runtime. However, Infinity Castle, alongside Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc (2025), both benefited from the transition to film, giving the animators free rein to go as big as they wanted to really wow audiences with stunningly animated fight scenes. Demon Slayer The Movie: Infinity Castle isn’t just for fans only: It’s also for those who have been looking for great sakuga on the big screen.

Demon Slayer The Movie: Infinity Castle is still in theaters. It will most likely be released on Crunchyroll for streaming sometime in 2026.

6) Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025)

It’s at this point that we need to say that Avatar: Fire and Ash’s placement will most likely change in the coming weeks. After only two weeks, the film has earned a staggering $794 million, and it will most likely double its total gross at least by the time its run ends. 

Avatar: Fire and Ash’s success isn’t unusual. Both Avatar (2009) and Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) went on to make well over two billion dollars each, and Avatar currently sits at the highest-grossing film of all time (not adjusted for inflation). People simply find the story of Jake Sully very approachable and simple, in a good way. Complicated character threads are presented in easy-to-understand ways, and the character drama is very relatable. Even then, most people head to see the Avatar films for their boundary-pushing technology, presenting the case that movies need to be seen on the big screen. If you ever found yourself marveling at sci-fi epics like Dune (2021) and you still haven’t seen Avatar: Fire and Ash, then fix it.

Avatar: Fire and Ash is still in theaters. It will most likely be released on Disney+ for streaming sometime in 2026.

5) Jurassic World: Rebirth (2025)

Since its revival in 2015 with Jurassic World (2015), the Jurassic Park series has become one of the most popular movie franchises of the past decade. While Jurassic World: Rebirth didn’t earn a billion at the box office like the previous three films, earning $869 million is still no small feat.

While previous films were criticized for their focus on plot and scientific jargon, Jurassic World: Rebirth makes the smart decision to focus more on dinosaur-flavored action for its two-hour and 13-minute runtime. Sure, there’s still a plot, but the focus is less on the hows and the whys and more on watching cool-looking dinosaurs get into fights. In that regard, the film succeeds in the same way that Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024) succeeds. We don’t care about the humans; we want to see the monsters fight! In that regard, Jurassic World: Rebirth is a back-to-basics approach for the series that is sure to delight anyone looking to switch their brain off for a few hours. 

Jurassic World: Rebirth is currently streaming on Peacock.

4) A Minecraft Movie (2025)

When it was first released, A Minecraft Movie was impossible to ignore. Thanks to insane theater experiences, “Lava Chicken,” and the infamous Chicken Jockey, A Minecraft Movie became the biggest original film of the year and made $958 million at the box office.

As much as adults may groan and shake their heads at A Minecraft Movie’s success, it isn’t hard to see why it did as well as it did. Dumb as it may be, it never takes itself too seriously and prioritizes having fun over everything else. Jack Black is having a blast playing Steve and has his energy dialed to 11 at all times. A Minecraft Movie, like The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023), is meant to be an approachable movie for younger audiences, delivering bright colors, goofy jokes, and attention to detail that fans of the games will enjoy. Whether or not the hype surrounding the movie was because of cynical teenagers and brain-rot memes is debatable, but it doesn’t change the fact that A Minecraft Movie is great for young fans of the video game who want to imagine what it’s like to be in the world of Minecraft. 

A Minecraft Movie is currently streaming on HBO Max.

3) Lilo & Stitch (2025)

For the first time since 2019, Disney has made over $6 billion collectively at the box office. While the studio has suffered in recent years from more prominent box office failures, when it hits, it still has that Disney magic, though Lilo & Stitch’s success was one not without controversy.

Yes, the film did make $1.038 billion over the course of its box office run, but as a live-action remake of the beloved 2002 animated film, the changes it made were highly contentious. Removing key characters, altering the motivations of others, and adding new plot beats that directly conflicted with the film’s key themes were divisive to say the least. Like Maleficent (2014) before it, these changes help to make the film feel more grounded and believable, but at the cost of the charm and warmth the original had. Audiences still connected with it, especially fans of the cute and fluffy Stitch, so give it a watch if you care about Stitch the most instead of its human cast.

Lilo & Stitch is currently streaming on Disney+.

2) Zootopia 2 (2025)

While Lilo & Stitch made a ton of money for Disney over the summer, Zootopia 2 unsurprisingly made even more money at the box office over the Thanksgiving Day weekend, with the film currently having earned $1.4 billion at the box office. 

Its success isn’t all that shocking given the success of the first film, which also earned over a billion dollars. The world of Zootopia 2 is simply interesting, and seeing multiple different species of animals interact in creative biomes leads to plenty of great set pieces. There’s more of a sense of adventure in this film than in its predecessor, with Nick and Judy having to navigate snowy mountains, scorching deserts, and damp swamps to uncover the answers to a pretty compelling mystery. There’s plenty of style and charm to spare, with plenty of moments seemingly taking notes from The Bad Guys (2022). It’s just a universally fun buddy-cop movie that prioritizes creating a fun world that both kids and animation fanatics will be enamored by.

Zootopia 2 is still in theaters. It will most likely be released on Disney+ for streaming sometime in 2026.

1) Ne Zha 2 (2025)

While Zootopia 2’s $1.4 billion box office haul is undeniably impressive, it isn’t the biggest total for an animated movie this year. The undisputed king of the box office in 2025 was Ne Zha 2, and there’s a pretty good chance that you’ve never heard of this movie before in your life.

Developed in China, Ne Zha 2 completely dominated the Chinese box office, where it earned an unbelievable $2.15 billion, making it the fifth highest-grossing movie of all time. The film is a modern take on classic Chinese mythology, but it updates the presentation and tone for contemporary audiences. The animation is absolutely immaculate, and there’s a sense of scale and action that goes beyond even what Demon Slayer The Movie: Infinity Castle presented. Much like White Snake (2019), it pays respect to Chinese culture in a way that makes it both fulfilling for people who grew up hearing the stories of Ne Zha and newcomers looking for a mythology to sink their teeth into. Its titanic box office total is one for the history books, and there’s a very good shot that not even Avatar: Fire and Ash can topple its success. 

Ne Zha 2 is currently streaming on HBO Max.

Jamie Campbell Bower has been riveting audiences as Vecna, but he has a lot of great performances besides his villainous Stranger Things (2016) turn. The London-born actor may come from a musically inspired family (and has been the frontman of a band himself), but he's best known for his work as an actor across plenty of fantastical films and shows. 

While plenty of his roles have highlighted his musical chops, some of his best performances have cast him as historical figures, young heartthrobs, and supernatural threats. If you've loved Jamie Campbell Bower’s performance as Henry Creel/Vecna, then make sure to check out these other movies and TV shows starring the actor on Netflix, HBO Max, and Pluto.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)

Bower’s cinematic debut was a big one, as he played an important minor role in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. The Tim Burton-directed adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s classic has a stacked cast, with Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Alan Rickman headlining a deep bench of seasoned English performers. A young Bower plays Toby, the assistant to Todd’s rival and eventually the semi-adopted son of Mrs. Lovett.

Toby’s dark turns in the film’s third act tease the harsh edges and brutal touches that Bower can give to a performance. While this might be a bit too brutal a musical for people who only enjoy the bubbly aspects of the first Wicked (2024), this grimly hilarious and effortlessly catchy riff on a Broadway classic is one of Burton’s best films in the 21st century.

Winter in Wartime (2008)

A terrific World War II movie about the push and pull of loyalty and heroism, Winter in Wartime was a box-office smash in Denmark when it hit theaters. Bower stars as Jack, a British airman who is shot down over Nazi-occupied Denmark. The film follows a young boy who struggles to help Jack reach the Dutch resistance, with a trail of bodies left in their wake.

Bower imbues Jack with a likable edge without lionizing the character, which crucially keeps the performance from becoming untethered from reality. Jack falls in love, fights Nazis, and even gets engaged in a tense horseback chase to escape the Germans. A great film that highlights Bower as a leading man, Winter in Wartime makes for a solid pairing with other World War II movies of this period, like Defiance (2008) and Valkyrie (2008).

The Prisoner (2009)

A modern remake of the classic sci-fi miniseries of the same name, The Prisoner was early proof of Bower’s talents in the sci-fi and fantasy genre. While the overall show can’t match the heights of The Prisoner (1967), the cast does its best to infuse the surrealist sci-fi with a 21st-century touch of self-awareness.

Bower plays Number 11-12, the son of the enigmatic 2 and one of the moral lynchpins of the entire narrative. Bower’s character proves an ideal jumping off point for the miniseries’s exploration of identity and reality, infusing the surrealist touches with an introspection on sexuality and youthful defiance that works for the show’s themes. An intriguing precursor to Bower’s performance in Stranger Things, The Prisoner is more interesting than good, but it’s worth checking out just for Bower’s performance opposite Ian McKellen as 2 alone.

The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009)

Arguably, one of the roles that really put Bower on the map as a Hollywood actor was his performance as Caius in Stephenie Meyer’s adaptations, beginning with The Twilight Saga: New Moon. Caius is a fairly minor figure in the overarching narrative of this film, appearing as one of the vampire elders who controls the secretive supernatural government directing the creatures behind the scenes.

Caius becomes more important as the series progresses, gradually turning into one of the chief antagonists of the Cullen family for their flaunting of vampire law in sequels like The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 (2011). Similar to his later appearance as a young Grindelwald in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010), these films might not afford Bower’s the most room for a fully fleshed out performance, but they do speak to his ability to infuse a character with an innate sense of malice, a talent that would serve him well years later as Henry Creel in Stranger Things.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)

One of Bower’s most well-known performances is the actor’s turn as the young Grindelwald in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1. Flashbacks reveal that Grindelwald is a powerful and dark wizard whom a young Dumbledore fell in love with. The flashbacks to Dumbledore’s youth establish the powerful Grindelwald as a surprising romantic interest for Dumbledore, with a certain unsettling appeal at the core of the character’s longing looks.

Bower is able to do a lot with only a little in the role, which would be expanded upon in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) before becoming the central antagonist in that subsequent series. Still, Bower lays the groundwork for one of the prequel series to thrive.

Anonymous (2011)

The first of Bower’s historical stories focused on Shakespeare, Anonymous is a wild historical drama that plays fast and loose with fact to weave together a conspiracy thriller in Elizabethan England. The film stars Bower as the young version of Edward de Vere, whose affair with the queen and secret role as the eventual true author of Shakespeare’s plays find him entangled in a series of chaotic struggles.

While the film itself can get wrapped up in the worthy and historical revisions, the performances are universally strong, especially Bower’s surprisingly earnest performance, which gives the central romantic drama (and subsequent horrifying turn that comes with one of the big revelations in the film’s second half) an emotional core that is crucial to the narrative. Overall, the film is a bit of a mess, but Bower is as good as ever in a brief but memorable turn.

Camelot (2011)

A well-staged and impressive riff on Arthurian legend, Camelot is a great miniseries that casts Bower as a young King Arthur. Bower plays the legendary figure, torn between his humble beginnings as a commoner and his noble nature as heir to the throne. Filmed with a more dramatic flair than contemporary versions of the myth seen in shows like Merlin (2008), Camelot succeeds largely because the cast is able to keep the human drama grounded amid the more fantastical elements of the saga and soap opera-y twists and turns.

Something of a peer to the first season of Game of Thrones (2011), Camelot might not be the most compelling adaptation of the Arthurian mythology, but the strength of the performances is enough to keep the audience drawn in to the fantasy action and morally complex riffs on legendary figures like Merlin, especially when actors like Bower get to play with the archetypes in some compelling ways.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2013)

Perhaps Bower’s most well-known leading turn, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones places the actor front and center as a fantasy hero and heartthrob. Based on the book series of the same name, Mortal Instruments stars Bower as Jace, one of the Seraphim who fight demons across modern society and are hidden from the sight of most mortals. Bower gets his own chance to be the mysterious romantic hero of a fantasy story and acquaints himself well with the role.

It’s a shame that the film—coming out amid a flurry of YA adventure movies like The Maze Runner (2014) and Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)—was panned upon release for its bland story and cliche elements. Still, Mortal Instruments at least serves as proof of Bower’s star power, something that still hasn’t been quite realized by other movies yet. 

Will (2017)

A dramatic retelling of Shakespeare’s partner’s career in London, Will gives Bower a meaty role as fellow scribe, Christopher Marlowe. Closer to Shakespeare in Love (1998) than Hamnet (2025), Will nominally focuses on a young William Shakespeare as he becomes a rising star in London, charting the romantic drama he becomes entangled in along the way.

Bower plays a key supporting role as Christopher Marlowe, whose friendship and patronage toward Will don’t spare him from his own grief and creative ambition. A late episode of the one-season show, largely focused on Marlowe’s “deal with the Devil” that goes into the inspiration for Doctor Faustus. Bower finds a lot of layers to the character, imbuing Marlowe with tragic romanticism to contrast his ambition and charm, which makes him especially compelling. Perfect for fans of interpersonal period dramas like The Tudors (2007), there’s a lot to like about Will that can be laid at the feet of the cast.

Witchboard (2025)

A horror film with a spiritual side and a spotlight on the legacy of terror, Witchboard is a solid scary turn from Bower. Focusing on a mysterious supernatural board that connects a modern woman with a monstrous witch from centuries ago, Bower appears as an expert on the supernatural with dark secrets of his own.

Perfect for viewers who loved horror movies like Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016) and Paranormal Activity (2007) that pushed the boundaries of the real world and the supernatural space, Witchboard is also a great example of Bower’s skills at imbuing seemingly benign figures with a darker edge that can translate into pure terror. While the film benefits from a retro tone and some solid scares, it’s the possessive nature of Bower’s Alexander Babtiste that makes for the best turns and speaks to the darker qualities that the actor has always been able to infuse in his more villainous roles, like Vecna in Stranger Things. 

Back in 1937, an Oxford professor published the first installment in what would become the greatest fantasy series of all time. That person was J. R. R. Tolkien, and that first entry was The Hobbit, with the later publication of The Lord of the Rings launching a bona fide franchise. While bibliophiles everywhere have been in love with Tolkien's work for decades, Peter Jackson's trilogy of The Lord of the Rings movies ensures that even those "I haven't read a book since high school" people still get to experience the magic of Middle-earth.

Honestly, you'd probably have to live in The Shire to have not heard (or seen) The Lord of the Rings movies by now. However, the cinematic universe has gotten a bit more complex since the early 2000s, with The Hobbit adaptations and prequels. If you want to watch The Lord of the Rings in chronological order, you most certainly can, like this:

• The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022-Present)
• The Lord of the Rings: The War of Rohirrim (2024)
• The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) 
• The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
• The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)
• The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum (2027)
• The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
• The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
• The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

That said, I'd argue that release order is the best way to watch the franchise, especially for LOTR newcomers. Jackson's trilogy not only offers the best story of the lot, but it also provides a strong introduction to the world and characters. Yes, The Hobbit came before it, but I'd argue the plot carries more weight when you understand how Bilbo's game of riddles kickstarts one of the most epic battles of good versus evil to ever grace film.

If you're asking me, the Fellowship is the true heart of the story, and the only reason (most) of us even care about the supplementary material is because of them. So, here are all The Lord of the Rings movies and shows in order by release date and how to watch them on streamers like HBO Max, Prime Video, and more.

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

While the story doesn't chronologically start here, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is undeniably the best place to begin the franchise. If you don't fully understand who this Sauron guy is and exactly how the One Ring became lost and then found, Peter Jackson lays it all out for you. You'll also get an introduction to Frodo, Gandalf, Aragorn, and other members of the Fellowship before bearing witness to one of the greatest sacrifices in all of fiction.

The Fellowship of the Ring is less action-packed when compared to its sequels. However, it's one of the things I've come to appreciate most about it. The whimsical, carefree start in The Shire gets a dark, almost horror movie tonal change about an hour in (depending on which version you watch), and boy, is it effective. That stark contrast perfectly captures the impending evil of Sauron while letting you empathize with Frodo, an innocent Hobbit thrust into a journey that forces him way beyond his comfort zone. Any fantasy lover will appreciate this movie, but if you're a Game of Thrones (2011) fan who wants to see where George R. R. Martin found inspiration for his own epic fantasy, The Fellowship of the Ring will carry extra appeal.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

As the immediate sequel to The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers lets you know exactly what happens to Frodo and Sam after they separate from the rest of the Fellowship, and it involves Gollum. The former Hobbit turned Ring-obsessed menace plays a major role (and major mind games) in The Two Towers as he struggles with the Ring's persistent corruption. As a result, this middle movie takes on a darker tone than its predecessor and offers a healthy dose of psychological tension.

While Gollum's moral grayness is one of my favorite parts of this movie, the real star, of course, is the Battle of Helm's Deep. Spanning about 40 minutes total, the events of Helm's Deep are every bit as tense and anxiety-inducing as Tolkien wrote. It's easily one of the best big-screen battles in cinema history, which makes The Two Towers the ultimate movie for fans of action, gritty war, and all the Hollywood pizzazz and spectacle that comes with them.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King continues the story, with the big climax involving Frodo and Sam (finally) making it to Mount Doom as Aragorn and Co. buy time at the gates of Mordor. Like The Two Towers, The Return of the King is dark, action-packed, and suspenseful. Multiple antagonists and conflicts only raise the stakes as Frodo and Sam contend with their main mission of destroying the One Ring.

Those missing Boromir after The Fellowship of the Ring will also get a look into his family. Denethor and Faramir's strained relationship proves family dysfunction works just as well in high fantasy as it does in TV dramas. At this point, I shouldn't even have to tell you why to watch The Return of the King. If you've watched the first two trilogy movies, this final installment is the closure you'll need. Prepare to make The Lord of the Rings your entire personality from this point onward. 

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) 

Listen, I'm not here to rag on The Hobbit trilogy any more than necessary. If you're new here, it won't take you long to discover that the vast majority of LOTR fans were massively disappointed in The Hobbit adaptations. Why? Well, for starters, a single children's book never needed three theatrical movies. That said, anyone who loved The Lord of the Rings trilogy will probably want to watch these films at least once, considering they provide a more in-depth look at how Bilbo found the One Ring.

The good news is that Bilbo's acquisition of the Ring happens right in the first movie, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, when he crosses paths with Gollum. Personally, I think the movie's adaptation of "Riddles in the Dark" is a highlight. Gollum's CGI benefits from newer technology, and Andy Serkis delivers another phenomenal performance as LOTR's twisted yet sympathetic villain. If you wanted to see what Bilbo was like when he was young or how Gollum acted while still in possession of the Ring, An Unexpected Journey offers both, just prepare yourself for a lot of singing in the beginning.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

While Gollum is a delightfully demented antagonist, his inclusion in The Hobbit (both books and movies) is relatively brief. Really, he becomes a catalyst for how Bilbo found the Ring and explains where Sauron's most beloved piece of jewelry has been for 500 years. The real scene-stealer of this story is Smaug, the giant dragon curled beneath the Lonely Mountain.

An Unexpected Journey showed him waking up, but Smaug's best moments undoubtedly occur in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Bilbo finds himself in a similar situation to Gollum, with Smaug pegging the Hobbit as a thief. As the two talk, Smaug begins to piece together Thorin's plan to take back the Lonely Mountain, which results in Smaug's retaliation against Lake-town. It's here that the movie makes its biggest mistake by relegating Smaug's attack to another movie instead of tying up the story here. If you're interested in Smaug's cleverness and cunning, you'll get that, but the ending will most likely leave you frustrated.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)

At this point, it's okay to admit you're exhausted. But, hey, The Desolation of Smaug ends on quite the cliffhanger that makes The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies a must-watch if you're craving closure for that storyline. The goodish news: The Smaug attack comes to a fiery conclusion at the beginning of The Battle of the Five Armies. The bad news: The rest of the movie is about the titular battle.

While the battle itself is a significant part of Middle-earth history, the movie fails to do it justice. Nonsensical, over-the-top action can be a blast in films like John Wick (2014) and First Blood (1982), but it feels out of place in Tolkien's high fantasy world. Not to mention, the inclusion of orchestrated subplots and characters add nothing to the story except to fill The Battle of the Five Armies' two and a half hour runtime. For completionists, it can be an okay time if you want turn-your-brian-off action. However, if you're hoping for canonical lore, The Battle of the Five Armies resembles little of what Tolkien actually wrote.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022-Present)

On paper, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is brilliant. After all, the Appendices of The Lord of the Rings contain enough juicy lore and worldbuilding for longform storytelling. In reality, though, Amazon Prime Video's series is divisive, to say the least. As one of the most expensive TV shows ever made, The Rings of Power is inarguably beautiful. If the series excels at anything, it's creating the majesty of Tolkien's world, especially the Elven realm of Lindon and the island kingdom of Númenor. The writing is where more fans tend to take issue, with plot changes and character choices frequently under fire for those familiar with the source material. 

The real draw here is the less adapted side of Tolkien's work. Set in the Second Age, the series can properly flesh out lore surrounding Númenor, the Southlands, and Eregion, all important places that don't get the proper attention in The Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit because of their Third Age settings. So, if you want to know more about the universe and how Sauron's Rings came to be, consider The Rings of Power as Middle-earth's history channel.

The Lord of the Rings: The War of Rohirrim (2024)

Chronologically set a couple of hundred years before The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings: The War of Rohirrim adapts sections from The Lord of the Rings Appendices to tell the story about how an accidental death sparks a war between the Rohirrim and the Dunlendings. What's unique about The War of Rohirrim is its anime aesthetic. It's a fun turn for the franchise that doesn't necessarily succeed, but that also doesn't entirely fail either.

If anime or animated projects in general aren't your thing, it's totally safe to skip The War of Rohirrim. However, hardcore LOTR fans might be interested in seeing more of Rohan's history and the importance Helm's Deep played in another war. Style-wise, think something similar to Princess Mononoke (1997) but steeped in The Lord of the Rings lore. 

The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum (2027)

Like The Rings of Power and The War of Rohirrim, The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum pulls from the Appendices of Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Set for a tentative 2027 release date at the time of writing, The Hunt for Gollum will see Gollum actor Andy Serkis direct. Ian McKellen is also set to reprise the role of Gandalf.

The Hunt for Gollum takes place between The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies and The Fellowship of the Ring. Once Gandalf suspects Gollum has found the One Ring, he "teams up" with Aragorn to track him down. Unknown to most casual LOTR fans, both Gandalf and Aragorn interrogate Gollum. (It isn't just Sauron who does this, as The Lord of the Rings movies lead you to believe.) Thus, it seems pretty likely the movie will cover these events while also chronicling Gollum's further descent into madness after being separated from his "precious."

Optional Watches - The Animated Trilogy

Ask most people about The Lord of the Rings adaptations, and they'll talk about Peter Jackson's movies. Fair? Absolutely. However, although Jackson helped launch LOTR into mainstream pop culture, his trilogy isn't the only one to exist. Decades prior, Rankin/Bass delivered the first ever adaptation of Tolkien's work with The Hobbit in 1977. A sequel came in 1980 with The Return of the King, which only provided a brief summary of The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers during the movie's beginning. While undoubtedly strange, the reason for that involved rights issues. Ralph Bakshi's 1978 animated movie, The Lord of the Rings, adapted the first and second installments of the trilogy, leaving Rankin/Bass with only The Return of the King up for grabs.

While this early trilogy of movies is nowhere near as polished or scaled as Peter Jackson's movies, they still have a certain charm. Rankin/Bass' adaptations weren't quite as well-received as Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings, which still has quite the cult following to this day. (A day doesn't go by that I don't see the "Gandalf scaring Frodo" meme from this movie on socials.) Still, I'd argue Rankin/Bass' The Hobbit is a fun animated adaptation that makes a decent entry point for young kids. If you want a dose of nostalgia, or just want to watch The Hobbit in 78 minutes versus three movies, consider checking out the animated trilogy when you can in the following order:  

• The Hobbit (1977)
• The Lord of the Rings (1978)
• The Return of the King (1980) 

For the majority of the 2000s, Scrubs (2001-2010) was one of the best comedies around. The show mixed classic sitcom humor with more in-depth storytelling that left a lasting impact on viewers. For nine seasons, Scrubs made us laugh, cry, and fall in love with its lovable cast of characters. And now, after 16 years, Scrubs is set to make its return with a tenth season on Hulu, and many of its original cast are set to return!

What makes this a huge sigh of relief is mostly due to season 9, which saw many of the longtime cast members being shelved in favor of a new cast of characters. Scrubs isn’t the same without JD, Turk, and Elliot, but they didn’t just let Scrubs be their sole claim to fame. Following the success of the series, most of the major cast members have gone on to have long and fulfilling careers on screen. Even though some fan-favorite characters, like Neil Flynn’s Janitor and Ken Jenkins’ Dr. Kelso, have yet to be confirmed for the tenth season, here’s what the major cast members of Scrubs have been up to since the show ended!

Zach Braff (JD) - Wish I Was Here (2014)

While Zach Braff had great comedic talent playing JD in Scrubs, he’s also a surprisingly talented director. A resident Jersey Boy, he first made waves in the world of film with Garden State (2004), but following the success of Scrubs, Braff would later go on to direct several smaller independent films, with his most well-known being his passion project, Wish I Was Here. 

Braff directed, starred, produced, and wrote the film Wish I Was Here, which isn’t as cheery as Braff’s directorial debut, but it still carries a lot of the same charm. In it, Braff plays a dad who is attempting to find a job as an actor in LA, while raising his kids and being a good husband. Braff finds a way to balance the innate quirkiness of his family with the very real problems adults in his situation face. In a way, it feels like a more grounded take on The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), all while Braff finds a way to inject moments of genuine joy into the film’s hour and 47-minute runtime. If you wanted to see a deeply personal indie gem that flew under people’s radars, Zach Braff delivers with Wish I Was Here.

Donald Fiason (Turk) - The Exes (2011-2014)

Donald Fiason had a solid career before Scrubs, mostly for his performance in Clueless (1995), but Scrubs allowed him to make a name for himself in the world of sitcoms. Following the finale of Scrubs, Fiason would go on to appear in plenty of sitcoms, with the most notable one being The Exes (2011-2015).

Running for four seasons and earning a handful of Emmy nominations, The Exes was a fairly solid sitcom for its time. Like Scrubs, it balanced comedy and drama pretty well, though its focus on relationships and interpersonal drama makes it most similar to New Girl (2011-2018). Both shows feature a host of men buoyed by one woman trying to find love and navigating the realm of being an adult in the 2010s. While New Girl skewed towards younger adults, The Exes skews to an older crowd. Fiason is still allowed to be his charming self, though his character is noticeably more selfish and lustful than Turk ever was. The Exes may not hit the same comedic highs as either show, but its more mature depiction of classic sitcom jokes may just be for you.

Sarah Chalke (Elliot) - Rick & Morty (2013-Present)

Sarah Chalke always had a great sense of comedic timing on Scrubs. Elliot was always bursting with energy, whether it be from giggly awkwardness or manic frustration. That emotional breadth helped her a lot when she began to explore voice acting following the end of Scrubs, but she quickly found a home on Rick & Morty voicing Beth. 

Hearing Chalke play Beth may take a couple of viewings, if only because of how grounded and understated she is while playing Beth. She has to put up not only with her husband’s ineptitude but also with her father’s sociopathic experiments, which makes her aggression and frustrations at everything surrounding her feel valid and justified. She’s still hilarious when she’s able to cut loose, and given Rick & Morty’s infinitely creative sci-fi premises that feel like a sci-fi take on The Venture Bros (2003-201), there are plenty of opportunities to do so, especially when Chalke is allowed to play a grizzled version of her character. Thanks to Rick & Morty’s creativity, Sarah Chalke has been thriving in the voice acting community, and if you want to see how her comedic and dramatic delivery has only improved with age, check out Rick & Morty. 

John C. McGinley (Dr. Cox) - Stan Against Evil (2016-2018)

There’s no one quite like Dr. Cox. John C McGinley made JD’s oppressive mentor a darkly comedic riot, with plenty of catchphrases and asides that made him an instant fan favorite. If you want to see more of McGinley’s frustration and wit on full display and you haven’t seen Stan Against Evil, you should probably rectify that.

Like Ash vs. Evil Dead  (2015-2018), Stan Against Evil has a deep love and appreciation for the horror genre. Stan is a great reluctant hero like Ash, who would rather be anywhere else and throws out some great one-liners whenever he gets the chance. At times, it feels like Stan and Dr. Cox are the same character, which is totally fine given how both characters carry the same sense of humor. The creature designs are solid, the kills are cool, and the campiness is impossible to ignore. It’s a shame that the show was cancelled after its third season, but if you want an underrated and easy-to-binge horror comedy, you can’t really go wrong with Stan Against Evil. 

Judy Reyes (Carla) - High Potential (2024-Present)

The last major cast member from the original series to reprise their role in the tenth season is Judy Reyes’s Carla Espinosa. As the voice of reason for the crew at Sacred Heart, Carla had one of the most fleshed-out arcs of the series, which showed off Reyes’ considerable acting talent. Then again, if you’ve been watching High Potential, you would already know that.

The series is a cop drama with all of the expected trappings of one, but with a tinge of goofy and silly humor permeating throughout it. It’s not too far off from Poker Face (2023-2025) and its unconventional lead, but both have a similar pace and structure. The cases on High Potential are fun, but what helps elevate the series beyond Poker Face is the much more involved and interesting supporting cast, which includes Reyes as the head of the Major Crimes Division. It’s a brighter and cheerier crime show where the darkest moments never get too dark, and there’s always a joke or a line delivery that will make you chuckle. It’s been one of the most successful crime dramas recently, so fans of the genre should definitely check out the show to see what the hype is all about.

If you’re like me, Heated Rivalry has left you in a daze. Instead of focusing on work and trying to make a living, I find myself daydreaming about a weekend at the cottage, practicing my Russian, and replaying “I’ll Believe in Anything” on loop. Yeah, I’m not well.

And I think most of you who just finished Heated Rivalry are probably feeling the same way. We’re having some hardcore withdrawals, and it ain’t healthy. The good news is that Heated Rivalry has been renewed for two more seasons! The bad news is that we might have to wait until 2027 for the second season (but I literally can’t wait that long, I’m barely making it through the day as it is.) Luckily, there are some other hot, steamy queer shows out there to hold us over until we get more Shane, Ilya, and Scott on our screens (and in our hearts). 

This list will specifically focus on sultry, sumptuous guy-on-guy stuff (or Boy’s Love, BL, M4M, yaoi, MM – however you like to call it). For those who are looking for some other types of queer action, check out shows like The L Word (2004), Lip Service (2010) or Twenties (2020). But for some hunky man action, check out the list below for six more shows that’ll keep you… erm, stimulated until we get another season of Heated Rivalry.

Queer as Folk (2000-2005)

Based on the short-lived British show of the same name, Queer as Folk pushed tons of boundaries. The series follows the day-to-day lives of a group of queer friends in Pittsburgh during the early 2000s, from being in the closet to gay dating, dealing with homophobia, and navigating a time when the AIDS crisis was coming to a close, thanks to modernized medicine, but not fully over yet. 

While parts of the show feel dated now, America’s regression toward bigotry has sadly brought renewed relevance to the series. But, most importantly, Queer as Folk never shied away from fearlessly depicting nudity and sex. Because it aired on Showtime, it was able to get away with lots of nudity and naughty scenes that revolutionized television. If you love great ensemble shows like Sex and the City (1998) or Girls (2012) but want a great queer twist, check out Queer as Folk. Also, for more sexy action, check out Peacock’s 2022 reboot. 

Mary & George (2024)

Did you love the 2023 gay rom-com Red, White and Royal Blue? Well, what if I told you there was a miniseries starring Royal Blue alum Nicholas Galitzine, where he plays a young man who seduces King James to gain royal favour and riches? And, what if I told you it’s all based on the true story of King James VI & I and his lover, George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham? Oh, and did I mention that Julianne Moore plays George’s brilliantly conniving mother? 

On top of its oh-so-juicy plot, Mary & George is loaded with hot, thumpin’, bumpin’ sex scenes, and fans who loved seeing Galitzine’s rump in Red, White and Royal Blue will get more of that sweet, sweet cake, along with tons of full-frontals, too. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Galitzine even admitted he once shot four different sex scenes with four different partners in one day while making Mary & George. If that doesn’t sell the show, I don’t know what will. If you like steamy period dramas like The Tudors (2007) or Spartacus (2010), this is the show for you. 

Fellow Travelers (2023)

Set during the 1950s Lavender Scare, Fellow Travelers sees two closeted government employees begin a ravenous affair that slowly turns into a tender romance. Even better, the two leads are Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey. The show has some seriously hot and raw hunk-on-hunk action that will definitely fog up your glasses. 

But on top of that, it tells a truly gripping story about what the LGBTQ community had to go through during an era of immense persecution and bigotry. If you love captivating queer period dramas like It’s a Sin (2021), or are just riding the Jonathan Bailey train like the rest of us, you need to watch Fellow Travelers.  

Now Apocalypse (2019)

Queer auteur Gregg Araki is known for his deliciously horny indie films like The Doom Generation (1995) and Kaboom (2010). But in 2019, he also created the series Now Apocalypse, about a group of trendy twentysomethings in LA who bang anyone within arm’s reach. The show is full of hard abs, oiled bods, kinks… and an extraterrestrial lizard who might be the harbinger of the apocalypse. 

Now Apocalypse stars hot studs like Avan Jogia, Beau Mirchoff, and Tyler Posey, and the entire series is drenched in neon technicolor, bold outfits, and quirky charm. Come for the studs, stay for the seriously absurd and hilarious story. If you love series like Overcompensating (2025), but want it with some hardcore levels of zany kitsch and untamed camp, you gotta watch Now Apocalypse. 

Unconventional (2025)

Following the lives of two queer millennial siblings in their 30s, Unconventional was the first full-length scripted series from the rising LGBTQ streaming platform Revry. The show is available to stream on numerous platforms (including free ones like Pluto TV!) But for the full, uncensored version, you’ll have to watch on Revry. And if you’re reading this list, I’m guessing that’s the version you’ll want to watch. 

Plus, gay icon Kathy Griffin and Emmy-winner Beau Bridges even have supporting roles. If you love niche queer series like Noah’s Ark (2005) or EastSiders (2012), this is the show for you. 

Looking (2014-2016)

HBO’s Looking came out during a very strange time for the gay community. During the show’s run, gay marriage was legalized, the community transitioned away from the AIDS epidemic and into the era of PEP and PrEP, as apps like Grinder became commonplace. It’s sorta like Queer as Folk for a more modern audience. 

Looking portrays a group of queer friends living in San Francisco during these transitional years and follows their exploits with love, friendship, and hookups. The show doesn’t shy away from steamy sex scenes, and it includes everything from threesomes to cruising and more. The series also has a pretty robust cast, including Jonathan Groff, Russell Tovey, and future White Lotus (2021) star Murray Bartlett. 

Anticipation for Avengers: Doomsday (2026) is steadily rising as new details of the major Marvel Cinematic Universe film arise. The latest installment in the Avengers series is slated to be the MCU’s biggest crossover event yet, bringing together the Fantastic Four, X-Men, Thunderbolts, and several Avengers as they face the universe’s newest, most significant threat: Doctor Doom (Robert Downey, Jr.).

Excitement for the return of these characters, new and old, rose further when SFX/Makeup artist Gi Ponci Mua shared promotional art that seemed to tease the costumes of all the confirmed cast members for Avengers: Doomsday. Based on the art and other teasers, some of our favorite, most comic book-accurate MCU costumes may be returning. Use our guide to find out the best MCU costumes that we might see return in Avengers: Doomsday.

Magneto’s ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’ (2014) Costume

In the Avengers: Doomsday promo art, one face is blocked, so you can only see a torso dressed in red. Many fans suspect it’s Magneto (Ian McKellen) in his red X-Men: Days of Future Past costume. In the film, young Magneto (Michael Fassbender) wears a reddish helmet, a breastplate with dark red sleeves, and a red cape. It’s the closest he gets to Magneto’s red/purple suit in the comics. If that is Magneto in the art, we can assume he’ll be wearing a costume similar to X-Men: Days of Future Past, but perhaps a slightly more comic book-accurate version.

X-Men: Days of Future Past is one of the best X-Men movies, incorporating time travel to create an intriguing crossover between the younger and older X-Men iterations. It is entertaining and climactic, and it reminds me a little of Avengers: Endgame (2019) with its time travel and crossover elements.

Mystique’s ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’ (2016) Costume

The Avengers: Doomsday promo art depicted Mystique (Rebecca Romijn) in a comic book-accurate white suit. The only time we’ve seen Mystique with a semi-comic book-accurate look was at the end of X-Men: Apocalypse, when young Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) upgrades her look while training new X-Men recruits. Her sleeveless suit had a large white stripe down the front with blue shoulders and sides. In Avengers: Doomsday, it’s expected that Mystique will wear a similar suit with perhaps a few tweaks for enhanced accuracy.

Mystique’s costume was a surprising nod to Marvel Comics in a film that, otherwise, wasn’t overly concerned with comic book accuracy. Although it earned criticism for Apocalypse’s (Oscar Isaac) design and depiction, it still shines as a standard action-packed superhero film with excellent visuals and thrills. Fans of Dark Phoenix (2019) and X-Men: First Class (2011), which focus on the younger X-Men generation, will especially enjoy X-Men: Apocalypse.

Thor’s ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ (2018) Costume

The Avengers: Doomsday art teases that Thor (Chris Hemsworth) will return to his Avengers: Infinity War look, with his short hair and black armored vest. While some prefer his iconic long locks, I’ve always loved his short hair and the more modern take on his costume. He has never looked stronger than in Avengers: Infinity War, which gives me hope that Thor in Avengers: Doomsday will boast that same awe-inspiring presence.

It’s not surprising that Thor had such a great costume in Avengers: Infinity War. The film is all about the spectacle and grandness of its epic crossover, and it really revels in how cool its characters are and look as they come together to face one of the strongest villains in the most high-stakes battles the MCU had seen up to that point. Avengers: Infinity is a must-see for fans who loved The Avengers (2012) but wished for an even grander scale.

Captain America’s ‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019) Costume

The first Avengers: Doomsday teaser confirmed the return of Chris Evans’ Captain America. It also teased his look for the movie, as we see him pull out his Avengers: Endgame suit. The suit looks similar to his other costume iterations in the MCU, but features a more modern, scaled design, with the familiar star emblazoned on the chest. The chainmail-esque design on the breastplate is just the finishing touch his costume needed.

Most of The Avengers boasted slightly tweaked costumes in Avengers: Endgame, and the changes felt right for the finale feel of the movie and to track how they’d changed in the five-year time jump. Avengers: Endgame, as a whole, is one of the best-looking movies in the MCU. The visuals are stunning, and the cinematography is gorgeous, while the emotion and stakes offer the perfect payoff for the wait between Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.

Shuri’s ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ (2022) Costume

Shuri (Letitia Wright) takes on the Black Panther mantle in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, wearing a gorgeous Black Panther suit with gold trimming. Based on the Avengers: Doomsday artwork, her black-and-gold suit will return. I thought the black-and-gold suit not only looked great, but also added a nice distinction between her costume and T’Challa’s (Chadwick Boseman) costumes.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was the perfect follow-up to Black Panther (2018). It respected and honored Boseman’s legacy while establishing the MCU’s new Black Panther, Shuri. Like Black Panther, it’s a film that captured more than superhero action and delved into a poignant tale of grief, imperial power, culture, and hope. If you loved Black Panther and prefer superhero movies with a bit more emotion, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a must-see. 

Loki’s ‘Loki’ Season 2 (2023) Costume

In Loki Season 2, Loki (Tom Hiddleston) boasts a distinct costume at the end. When he becomes the God of Time, his outfit transforms to a new black-horned helmet and flowing green cloak. The Avengers: Doomsday Loki promo art is hard to make out, but to me, the shoulders most closely resemble the green, cloak-like garment in his God of Time outfit, while the horns appear to be his pre-Loki gold-horned look. However, I hope his full, dignified God of Time costume resurfaces in Avengers: Doomsday.

Loki’s costume change in Loki was the final touch of his transformation. His solo TV series shows a different side of the character, proving that redemption is possible. The deep dive into timelines, the multiverse, and Loki variants gives the show an intriguing sci-fi/fantasy vibe that makes it feel like one of the MCU’s more refreshing, distinct TV series, similar to WandaVision (2021) and Moon Knight (2022).

Gambit’s ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ (2024) Costume

Channing Tatum’s Gambit will return in Avengers: Doomsday and, according to the promo art, he’ll wear the same costume he boasted in Deadpool & Wolverine. The costume is mainly comic book-accurate, complete with a plated vest, brown trench coat, headband, and black cowl. It was much more accurate and flashier than Taylor Kitsch’s Gambit in X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), and it will be nice to see it again in Avengers: Doomsday.

Deadpool & Wolverine is an excellent film that demonstrates how fun multiverse movies can be. It gives viewers a chance to revisit beloved Marvel characters, like Blade (Wesley Snipes), or to finally visualize characters that never came to fruition, like Tatum’s Gambit. In addition to the wild variants and Marvel Easter eggs, Deadpool & Wolverine is the Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) crossover that fans have always dreamed of.

Cyclops’ ‘X-Men ‘97’ (2024) Costume

One gripe that many viewers had about the X-Men film series was that James Marsden’s Cyclops never got his comic book-accurate yellow and blue suit. Avengers: Doomsday may finally change that after the promo art revealed Cyclops in the iconic suit, which we’ve only seen in animated works, including X-Men ‘97.

X-Men ‘97 is a revival of X-Men: The Animated Series (1992) and could connect to the MCU through the multiverse. The series is an excellent way to stir hype for the X-Men’s return to the big screen, as it tracks their adventures in animation. It really captures the personalities and unique abilities of its heroes, as well as the primary themes of discrimination and acceptance that X-Men stories have always explored. Fans of the X-Men film series and X-Men: The Animated Series won’t want to miss X-Men ‘97.

Captain America’s ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ (2025) Costume

The Avengers: Doomsday promo art promises Anthony Mackie’s Captain America will return with the same suit he wore in Captain America: Brave New World. When Mackie first donned the Cap suit in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021), it boasted white ascents, goggles, and a cowl. For Captain America: Brave New World, his suit was upgraded to more closely resemble Rogers’, featuring a sleeker, more modern design and a blend of the Captain America and Falcon logos on his chest. I’m happy this perfect blend of Cap and Falcon may return for Avengers: Doomsday.

Captain America: Brave New World really allows Mackie to settle into the role of Captain America. He’s got the suit, the title, and the first feature-length outing as Cap, and it’s the perfect introduction to his new role. It nicely captures how he honors Captain America’s legacy while maintaining his own unique understanding of heroism and good and evil.

Sentry’s ‘Thunderbolts*’ (2025) Costume

After his MCU debut in Thunderbolts*, Sentry (Lewis Pullman) will return for Avengers: Doomsday. Based on the promo art, he’ll be wearing the same Sentry costume he wore in Thunderbolts*. Sentry’s suit in Thunderbolts* felt pretty special because they went with the nearly perfectly comic book-accurate yellow suit and black cape on the first try. If the suit returns in Avengers: Doomsday, it will hopefully add to a bigger display of comic book-accurate costumes than we’ve seen in the MCU before.

Thunderbolts* is one of the best, most recent MCU entries. Its underdog tale and team of anti-heroes set it apart from the MCU’s other superhero team-ups, such as The Avengers and The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025). There’s a lot more humor, heart, and spirit, as well as surprisingly touching moments of connection that reminded me of movies like The Suicide Squad (2021) and Guardians of the Galaxy (2014).

The holiday season has been defined over the years by certain traditional releases, ranging from timeless classics like Miracle on 34th Street (1947) to the more unexpected joys in movies like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005). With the holidays wrapping up, you might be looking for some movies that are a bit more subversive, silly, or perfectly attuned to the new year.

Some of the best examples of that can be found below, with a range of wacky comedies, epic action stories, and surprisingly heartbreaking turns breaking up the standard releases. Amid high-profile movies like Marty Supreme (2025) and anticipated shows like the finale of Stranger Things (2016), these 10 movies will cure your holiday hangover. Find them now on Netflix, HBO Max, and beyond. 

Coming to America (1988)

Set in the winter months but not necessarily a holiday film, Coming to America is a great movie to check out in the aftermath of the holiday season. The film stars Eddie Murphy at the height of his star power as Akeem Joffer, the prince of an African nation who decides to travel to New York City in hopes of finding a bride who loves him for him, not his station. Silly and romantic in equal measure, Coming to America benefits from a lighthearted tone that nevertheless explores themes of social class and bucking tradition.

Bolstered by a great supporting cast that includes Wesley Snipes and James Earl Jones, this is a great reminder of Murphy’s talents beyond playing a street-smart player in Beverly Hills Cop (1984) or Trading Places (1983). It’s a fun film to close out the holiday season with, especially as the themes are great for audiences heading into the new year, looking for new beginnings. 

Skyfall (2012)

The third outing for Daniel Craig as James Bond, Skyfall is a perfect fit for audiences looking for a bit of epic action to break up the more grounded and sweet fodder that makes up most holiday films. The movie focuses on a long-believed dead member of MI:6, who returns to enact revenge on M, meaning James Bond must confront the sins of his organization’s past while contending with his own history.

Set against a winter backdrop that becomes clearer in the film’s explosive ending, Skyfall has some wild twists and turns that only work thanks to the committed performances at the heart of the film. With Javier Bardem delivering an amazing villain performance opposite Daniel Craig’s James Bond, Skyfall works as a great palette cleanser for the old year and ends with a wide-open future.

Groundhog Day (1993)

A perfect watch for fans of Bill Murray movies like Scrooged (1988) and Ghostbusters (1984), the sense of renewed life and love in Groundhog Day makes it great for starting the new year. Focusing on a jerk of a weatherman who finds himself caught in an endless time loop of the same 24 hours, Murray imbues Groundhog Day with enough disarming comedy and understated charm to make it irresistible.

As the film goes along, Groundhog Day gradually develops a softer side, showcasing its talent for mixing dark comedy with sincere heart. A clear tonal ancestor to other successful time loop stories like Palm Springs (2020) and About Time (2013), Groundhog Day is a classic for a reason.

Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995)

With Die Hard (1988) becoming something of a Christmas classic, fans looking for another John McClane adventure should check out Die Hard with a Vengeance. Set in New York City, the film pairs McClane with a short-tempered Harlem business owner to contend with the dangerous brother of Hans Gruber, who is seemingly out for revenge. Harsher than almost any other entry in the series, this sequel features plenty of snarky back-and-forth between McClane and Zeus (played to perfection by Samuel L. Jackson) to keep audiences engaged.

It also boasts some of the franchise’s best action set pieces. While the actual plot is set against the blistering New York summer, audiences looking for a new McClane adventure will find plenty to love about this one. However, families who give the first film a pass and let kids and teens check out the action might want to steer them clear of Die Hard with a Vengeance, given the harsher language and situations like the sandwich board scene, which has to be seen to be believed.

Rocky (1976)

One of the all-time great sports films, Rocky is a perfect film to transition away from the holiday season. Set against a wintry backdrop in Philadelphia, the film follows the titular boxer as he prepares for a once-in-a-lifetime bout with the champ, Apollo Creed. Finding the key balance between uplifting and dramatic, Rocky’s more somber elements will keep audiences engaged while laying the groundwork for some of the best training montages in cinematic history.

It all builds to a timeless fight where Rocky doesn’t necessarily win, but proves that he can go the distance. Even if you’ve seen this film a hundred times (or know all the often imitated story beats by heart), the Rocky franchise is great for this time of year thanks to other films like the campy jingoism of Rocky IV (1985) or the technically superior—and incredibly impressive—Creed (2015) and its own sequels.

Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)

While Gremlins (1984) is a great holiday movie, Gremlins 2: The New Batch is far weirder, with enough subversive elements to make it ideal for the post-holiday season. The film follows Billy and Kate’s efforts to rescue Gizmo from the Clamp Center after he accidentally spawns a number of new mogwai.

Sillier than the horror-heavy original film, Gremlins 2 is a far more subversive title. The movie boasts plenty of parodies of classic film franchises, even briefly turning Gizmo into Rambo. More of a parody of sequels than a full-throated one itself, Gremlins 2 has a lot of fun poking fun at its own existence and at the modern classic that spawned it, with a lighter and more sardonic tone than the previous movie. If you loved the first Gremlins (or even if you hated it), Gremlins 2 might be a great movie to head into the new year with.

Harvey (1950)

A sweetheart movie from beginning to end, Harvey is a genuine delight and a great way to ring in the new year. While Jimmy Stewart’s holiday era films will always be defined by his starring role in It’s A Wonderful Life (1946), Harvey is every bit as good as that holiday classic—and maybe even better, thanks to a winning script that finds the right balance between witty repertoire and unyielding heart.

The film focuses on Jimmy Stewart’s Elwood, a wealthy young man who is pleasant to everyone he meets, a trait he seemingly acquired from his best friend, an invisible giant rabbit only he can see. Based on a play of the same name, Harvey benefits greatly from Stewart’s perpetually kind performance, with his soft side steadily winning over the relatives and doctors who fear that he’s gone mad. A winning film with a great big heart, Harvey is just sardonic enough to stand out from the typical holiday fare, but cute enough not to feel like too much of a departure from the season.

The Holdovers (2023)

A terrific dramedy with Academy Award-winning performances, The Holdovers is a great late-winter film for older audiences. The movie focuses on a teacher and cafeteria manager at a prestigious boarding school who are forced to remain there over the holidays to chaperone the students with no holiday plans.

Prickly without ever feeling mean, The Holdovers benefits greatly from a surprisingly snarky tone. Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa, and especially Da’Vine Joy Randolph are terrific in the film, with the latter even earning a well-deserved Oscar for her heartbreaking performance as a mourning mother. A great anti-Christmas movie that nevertheless highlights the spirit of the season in its own unique way, The Holdovers may not be the right fit for younger audiences, but older viewers who love movies like Sideways (2004) or The Descendants (2011) will find plenty to love about this one.

Snowpiercer (2013)

A grim post-apocalyptic sci-fi action film set against an endless winter may not necessarily be what anyone thinks of when it comes time for the holidays, but Snowpiercer is a great flick to watch if you’re in need of some intense action and creative social satire. It follows an uprising among the workers onboard one of the last moving trains after the collapse of the world due to a new ice age. 

Snowpiercer is one of Bong Joon Ho’s most unique films, and considering he’s the visionary behind Parasite (2019) and Mickey 17 (2025), that’s saying something. Brutal in its action but with a defiant humanist core, Snowpiercer, as well as the Snowpiercer (2020) TV show that was inspired by it, are worth your time if you’re in the mood for a dark sci-fi epic. It’s a far cry from the more uplifting movies that usually define this time of year, but that’s what makes it such a good choice.

The Great Race (1965)

One of the biggest comedies of all time, The Great Race is everything audiences could want from a movie meant to end the year. The film focuses on a global race between Tony Curtis’ perfect Leslie the Great and his nemesis, Jack Lemmon’s conniving Professor Fate.

Slapstick at its finest, the film boasts a massive saloon brawl, encounters with polar bears, and the greatest pie fight in cinematic history. Coupled with Natalie Wood delivering a terrific performance as an intrepid reporter, Maggie DuBois, and a series of adventurous set pieces designed to honor the silent comedy icons that inspired generations of movie makers, The Great Race is a unique achievement of the comedy genre and the perfect non-holiday movie to watch in the aftermath of Christmas.

Volcanoes are one of nature’s most terrifying natural phenomena, turning regular-seeming mountains into massive torrents of smoke and flame. As such, it shouldn’t be surprising that plenty of filmmakers over the years have taken inspiration from the concept for movies. Everything from family-targeted animated stories to large-scale disaster films has found clever ways to use volcanoes as dangerous settings and overwhelming plot devices.

The best volcano scenes are the ones that blend a sense of hopelessness with the situation and the emotional core of their film, whether that be a confrontation with the divine in Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025) or a tragic acceptance of fate. Some creatives have found other ways to use the imagery, reflecting the roaring fury of a broken heart or the bittersweet embrace of love in the face of certain death. Across fantasy epics, disaster films, and animated movies, here are the best volcano scenes in movie history, and where you can watch them on Prime Video, Disney+, and more.

Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025)

Avatar: Fire and Ash is thematically rooted to a volcano, in more ways than one. Following up on the events of Avatar (2009) and Avatar: The Way of Water (2023), the third entry in James Cameron's sci-fi epic brings the Sully family into conflict with the Mangkwan, otherwise known as the Ash Tribe, having lost their faith in the franchise's deity Eywa after their home was decimated by a volcanic eruption. The scene where Quaritch visits their tribe in the ruined landscape is one of the most effective scenes in the film, and an anti-gravity duel above a splintering section of the planet gives the film's climax a volcanic touch. Fans of James Cameron's trilogy will be pleased with this third entry in the franchise, which does a good job of escalating the action while expanding the focus of the narrative more into the rest of the Sully family.

Volcano (1997)

Part of the 1990s string of memorable disaster films, Volcano is a character-driven thriller that works best when it retains a human focus. Volcano focuses on an eruption of a volcano in Los Angeles that threatens the city. The film's drama stems from the citizens of the city struggling to survive the chaos. Benefiting from a strong cast that includes Tommy Lee Jones and Keith David, the movie's use of LA gives the disaster tropes a larger scale than many other entries on this list. The best scene in the film is one that takes place in the LA transit system, with a group of survivors struggling to escape a quickly submerging train—and losing some notable characters along the way. A classic disaster movie through and through, fans of star-studded spectacle showcases like The Towering Inferno (1974) and Poseidon (2006) will love this one.

Dante's Peak (1997)

An unexpected rival to Volcano, Dante's Peak has a tighter scale and greater character focus. Set in the Pacific Northwest, the film follows a geologist and the citizens of a small town as they try to survive a suddenly rising volcano. A more grounded disaster movie than some of the other entries in the disaster genre, Dante's Peak has some truly memorable moments where Pierce Brosnan's volcano expert tries to keep others from getting overwhelmed and overtaken by the lava, including a scene where they try to reach higher ground as a river of lava overtakes the town streets by climbing atop of cars as they begin to sink into the flames. While the film wasn't well-received by critics, it's worth watching for fans of disaster movies on a smaller scale, like Take Shelter (2011) or Twister (1996).

2012 (2009)

A wildly over-the-top disaster movie that pulls out all the stops and hits audiences with every kind of world disaster at once, 2012 has every type of disaster movie wrapped up into it—including a volcano-heavy sequence that is just as wild as it is horrifying. With a level of destruction that rivals anything in the likes of Deep Impact (1998) and Armageddon (1998), 2012 embraces the scope and scale of the destruction of the world at large. This includes a sequence where the film's primary survivors, led by John Cusack's Jackson, end up at Yellowstone just as the long-dormant volcano erupts. A massive spectacle moment that is hard to match with any other film, 2012 works best as a visual showcase for how far special effects have come since the days of The Last Days of Pompeii (1935), with a level of horrifying spectacle matched by other apocalyptic movies like Don’t Look Up (2021) and the instantly classic “Day Of” episode of Paradise (2025).

Pompeii (2014)

Speaking of the Roman catastrophe (and films directed by Roland Emmerich), Pompeii is a period-piece drama that also happens to use the historical event as the basis for a wildly over-the-top disaster film. Starring Kit Harrington and Emily Browning as star-crossed lovers kept apart by society, the film’s various romantic and period-piece story elements quickly (and purposefully) become derailed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. This leads to the film’s tragic ending, where the pair—the final survivors of the main cast amid the chaos—accept their fate and embrace as the volcanic flames engulf them. Perfect for movie fans obsessed with ancient Roman and ancient Greek movies like Gladiator (2000) and Troy (2004), Pompeii highlights the heartbreaking reality of being caught in a volcanic eruption.

Moana (2016)

One of the best animated Disney movies of the 21st century, Moana’s epic conclusion against a fiery walking volcano is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful turn for the movie. Much of the film sets up the danger posed by Te Kā, an apparent demon made of molten earth and endless fire. In essence, a walking volcano, Te Kā is eventually revealed to be the dark form of Te Fiti, the Goddess of life at the center of the film’s mythology. This leads Moana to confront the entity with empathy and understanding instead of anger and fear, leading to a gorgeously animated sequence where the fire god rushes towards her in a rage, only to be calmed by the young woman and restored to her true form. Magical in a way that can only be matched by the gorgeous animation of something like Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005), Moana’s finale is one of the nicest takes on a volcanic eruption in film history.

Shrek (2001)

While Shrek largely avoids stakes for the sake of comedy, one of the film’s more memorable moments of danger comes when the titular ogre and his companion Donkey are forced to cross a rickety bridge in an effort to reach Princess Fiona’s castle. The scene doesn’t shy away from the danger of the situation, with Donkey’s trepidation played for laughs and tension—especially once Shrek decides to mess with him by shaking the bridge. The beat actually ends up being a fun friendship moment for the pair before leading into their eventual escape from the dragon, paying off in an exciting way. While Shrek’s volcano scene may not be the most dramatic beat in the DreamWorks franchise, it’s still a great use of the natural danger as the background for a bit of character growth between the movie’s lead buddy partnership.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)

The second entry in the modern Jurassic Park (1993) sequel trilogy, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom spends much of the run-time building to the eruption of a volcano on the dinosaur-inhabited island. Desperate to save as many of the creatures as they can, the film’s protagonists find themselves still on the island when the mountain erupts and begins to spew flame and fire all around. This leads to the highlight of the movie, with a desperate race to reach the shore while the heroes try to avoid being crushed by the fleeing animals or wiped out by the flames raining down above them—with the aftermath being one of the most quietly somber beats in the entire franchise as they sail away and can do nothing but watch as the poor creatures left on the island are caught up in the smoke cloud. While the rest of the movie fails to match that emotional height, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’s volcano scene is a real high point for the entire franchise.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

Perhaps one of the most emotionally powerful scenes to be set at the base of an erupting volcano, the climax of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is bittersweet and triumphant all at once. After finally reaching Mount Doom after an arduous journey across Middle-earth, Frodo is finally broken by the corrupting influence of the One Ring—only for Gollum’s greedy attempt to steal the ring back, setting off a battle that accidentally dooms Sauron and saves the world. The scene is full of iconic moments, ranging from Gollum being consumed in the lava with his “precious,” to Frodo and Sam embracing as they accept their apparent fates. The scene even ends with Frodo and Sam being saved by Gandalf, giving this volcano scene a powerful finale. One of the best fantasy movies of all time, The Return of the King’s final scene is a delight from beginning to end—much as is the whole film.

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)

The conclusion of the Star Wars prequel trilogy and one of the most anticipated sequences in the franchise’s history, Obi-Wan and Anakin’s duel on the lava-covered world of Mustafar is the best part of Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. The heartbreaking and pulse-pounding conclusion to Anakin’s arc from precocious child to future Sith Lord, along with the duel between the former Jedi and his old master is truly epic, taking place across several structures and eventually building to a climactic final moment on the shores of a river of lava. It’s emotionally powerful and visually exciting, with a sense of action that matches some of the other memorable lightsaber duels from the Star Wars franchise like the climax of Return of the Jedi (1983) and Rey and Kylo’s team-up in The Last Jedi (2017). 

The Twilight Saga was formidable for us millennials. Are the films problematic? 100%. Does that matter? Not really. We fell in love anyway, and some people still have a great fondness for it and everything that it brought to their lives, whether that's an experience in fandom or their getaway into reading more fantasy romance novels. It meant something. And surprisingly, despite its roaring popularity that took the world by storm back in the early 2000s, there may be some people who've yet to watch it. (I know I keep meaning to do a rewatch with friends, but what is time?) 

Still, if you're just getting started in your vampire romance journey, there is no better place to start. Here is how to watch the Twilight movies in order, as well as a guide to where to stream them next when the next platform removes them.

Twilight (2008)

If anyone wants the best description of why to start Twilight, I suggest turning to Parks and Recreation's (2009) "Time Capsule," where Will Forte guest stars as the book's superfan, basically. But in seriousness, this is where it all starts with Kristen Stewart's Bella Swan coming to the small town of Forks, Washington, to live with her dad before she starts to fall in love with Robert Pattinson's Edward Cullen.

As a film, Twilight is the strongest one in the trilogy, making a case for why we should care about the elusive Cullen family as well as this love story blooming in front of our screens. With an incredible soundtrack, some genuinely impressive scenes, and a great meet-cute, it's undoubtedly the best in the saga. If you only watch one, the beginning is aces.

New Moon (2009)

The Twilight Saga: New Moon gets some flak as the movie that essentially splits Bella and Edward up, then officially kickstarts the love triangle with Taylor Lautner's Jacob Black. But it brings us Jamie Campbell Bower as Caius, so does it really matter? I suppose it does because all the dramatic heartbreak and whatnot lead Bella and Edward to realize that they're most certainly it for each other.

But apart from that, this is where we get the introduction of the Volturi and the outside threats of how vampires are with one another, and those who are of different species, too. More than anything, it's the cast of new players in New Moon that makes every minute enjoyable and ensures that it stands as a mostly solid sequel. Perfect for anyone who wants an introduction to werewolves, too.

Eclipse (2010)

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse might be my second favorite after Twilight, mostly because things are a bit more established, and the tension between all the characters is thick. As the vampires and werewolves band together to help protect Bella from a blood thirsty vampire, the lore slightly deepens and provides a substantial penultimate to the story's end.

It's also the one that has a number of great scenes for the romance girlies, which makes it extra fun right alongside the original movie. If you decide to stop watching the saga after this one, honestly, it could very well work in your favor, at least for a while. You won't have to see all the wild antics from the ending. 

Breaking Dawn - Part 1 (2011)

The day that executives decided to split the final book in the series into two movies is something I'll perpetually hate. Does it sometimes work? Sure, I suppose it does with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2010), but it certainly doesn't with The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1. However, Breaking Dawn Part 1 is at least somewhat more exciting than its latter half.

With Bella and Edward's long-awaited marriage and honeymoon coming to fruition, it's an exciting showcase of an earned happy ending in the romance area. But everything that follows the birth of their infamous CGI baby (if you know you know), and Bella's turn into a vampire is well… questionable, at best. Still, you can stop here if you really want. 

Breaking Dawn - Part 2 (2012)

If you made it this far, then you've got to press play and watch the ending because, as questionable as The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 is, it's still important to finish the story and see the conclusion of how these characters find a happy ending, even if it feels rushed at times. Which, interestingly, you'd think the split-arc wouldn't do, and yet it still does.

There are very few things about Breaking Dawn Part 2 that work, and the wild imprinting romance certainly doesn't, but if you're here for Bella and Edward's journey, then it's a rightful conclusion without any character deaths. For viewers who hate getting to the end of a story and losing their favorite characters, in this regard, Breaking Dawn Part 2 will save you the heartache. 

Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026) just finished wrapping, meaning the newest Marvel Cinematic Universe film and Spider-Man installment is just around the corner. Slated for release in July 2026, it will see the return of Tom Holland’s Peter Parker (aka Spider-Man), alongside his friends MJ (Zendaya) and Ned (Jacob Batalon). A few new faces have also joined the cast, including Stranger Things (2016) star Sadie Sink and Severance’s (2022) Tramell Tillman in undisclosed roles.

The film will pick up a little after Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), following Peter Parker as he begins a new chapter after much of the universe has forgotten his secret identity. Given its connection to previous Spider-Man installments and established MCU characters, there are a few films you’ll want to watch before Spider-Man: Brand New Day hits theaters.

Captain America: Civil War (2016)

To get the most out of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, you’ll want to start from the beginning with Captain America: Civil War. Captain America: Civil War marks Holland’s Spider-Man debut, as Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr.) recruits the teen hero to help him fight against Captain America (Chris Evans) in an Avengers dispute. While it’s not mandatory to understand Spider-Man’s story, nothing better highlights the character’s growth and change over the past decade than contrasting his first outing with Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Captain America: Civil War is also one of the best movies in the MCU. It moves closer to realism, exploring what a world with heroes would truly look like as world leaders seek to regulate them and tensions rise. Tense, dark, political, and action-packed, it blends the typical superhero action and dazzling scope of Marvel films, but with a little more complexity and sophistication, reminiscent of films like The Dark Knight (2008) and Superman (2025).

Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

Spider-Man: Homecoming is the first installment in the MCU’s Spider-Man series. It tracks the beginning of Spider-Man’s solo journey as he tries to be a hero in his own right after Iron Man declares he’s not ready to be an Avenger yet. It marks the first official chapter in Spider-Man’s MCU journey, and it will get you acquainted with Parker’s friends, family, and humble beginnings. Additionally, the film briefly introduces Michael Mando’s Mac Gargan (aka Scorpion), who is set to return in Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Spider-Man: Homecoming is an excellent introduction to Peter Parker. It forgoes the typical origin story, starting with him already having powers, which keeps the momentum and pace up. As one of the first MCU films to focus on a teenager, it also features coming-of-age and high school drama elements, like Smallville (2001) and Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man (2025), which will especially appeal to younger viewers. 

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Avengers: Infinity War’s focus on a much larger cast means it doesn’t mark an extensive chapter in Spider-Man’s journey. However, it is a must-see before Avengers: Endgame (2019), which is essential to understanding the current state of the MCU in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The film sees The Avengers rally for one final effort to stop Thanos (Josh Brolin) as the warlord attempts to use the Infinity Stones to radically change Earth.

Avengers: Infinity War is one of the MCU’s most ambitious crossovers. The sheer scale and scope of the project do not disappoint as viewers see a decade’s worth of stories and heroes converge on the big screen in one epic finale. Meanwhile, witnessing Spider-Man’s dream of being an Avenger come true is quite the treat. Fans of epic crossover movies, like The Avengers (2012) or Godzilla vs. Kong (2021), will love Avengers: Infinity War.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is set in an alternate timeline from the MCU and has little connection to Spider-Man: Brand New Day, except for Tombstone. The animated movie tapped Marvin Jones III (aka Krondon) to voice Tombstone, and he will now also portray an alternate, live-action version of the character in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. If you want to get an idea of why fans are so pumped about his casting, you can catch a couple of perfectly delivered lines from him in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

Aside from Tombstone, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is an excellent take on Spider-Man. With cutting-edge animation, a mind-blowing multiversal premise, and an excellent depiction of Miles Morales (Shameik Moore), it’s one of the best Spider-Man films. Even though it’s not connected to the MCU, it will give you a better idea overall of the world of Spider-Man and the character’s many comic book iterations.

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Avengers: Endgame is the continuation of Avengers: Infinity War, which sees the remaining Avengers hatch a plan to go back in time and stop Thanos from acquiring the Infinity Stones. Like Avengers: Infinity War, Endgame features only a minor role for Spider-Man. However, the film is really the beginning of the current Spider-Man era, as it captures a pivotal MCU moment and a significant development with Spider-Man’s mentor, Iron Man.

In addition to putting Spider-Man on his current path, Avengers: Endgame is a solid finale to the Infinity Saga. The movie demonstrates the MCU can handle time travel effectively and packs in the action and emotion necessary to send off this era of the universe. If you loved Avengers: Infinity War and the Iron Man trilogy, Avengers: Endgame is a must-see.

Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

Spider-Man: Far From Home follows Spider-Man as he adjusts to life after Avengers: Endgame and faces mounting superhero pressure after Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) recruits him to fight the Elementals. The film covers a significant part of Spider-Man’s MCU storyline, tracking the development of his relationship with MJ and an unexpected twist involving his superhero persona. You’ll definitely want to watch Spider-Man: Far From Home to understand Spider-Man’s relationships and the plot of Spider-Man: No Way Home.

Spider-Man: Far From Home returns to the tone and vibe of Spider-Man: Homecoming, especially that teen drama/romance element. The chemistry between Holland, Zendaya, and Batalon makes it a charming teen movie, while Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal) and the Elementals ensure there’s a bit of superhero action. Ultimately, it’s a strong entry in the Spider-Man film series and a necessary chapter in Spider-Man’s journey.

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

Spider-Man: No Way Home is the third installment in the Spider-Man series and centers on Parker after his attempts to erase society’s memories of his alter ego accidentally open a rift in the multiverse. It’s easily the most ambitious Spider-Man movie as it delves deep into the multiverse and brings back favorites from Sony’s Spider-Man movies, including Andrew Garfield and Toby Maguire’s Spider-Man iterations. The multiversal crossover creates both a sense of freshness and nostalgia.

Spider-Man: No Way Home is packed with action and feels like a homage to Spider-Man’s film history, but it also marks the most emotional chapter in Spider-Man’s journey. His actions in the film will profoundly affect his place in the MCU and directly shape the storyline of Spider-Man: Brand New Day. As one of the boldest and most critical Spider-Man movies, it’s the one most essential to watch before Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

2025 was a banner year for the anime industry. While the winter may have been slow, once spring and summer hit, there was an explosion of high-quality shows like never before. Whether you had Crunchyroll, Netflix, or even HIDIVE, there was something for everyone. But with the year winding down, and after watching an unhealthy amount of anime, it’s time to figure out what the best anime of 2025 is. 

With well over a hundred anime that have been released this year, some ground rules need to be established. First, we’re not going to talk about anime feature films. Even though Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle (2025) made history as the highest-grossing anime film of all time, and 100 Meters (2025) was a technical marvel, it would feel weird to include them on a list of shows. Also, we’re only going to be looking at new shows, so returning shows like Dandadan (2024-Present), My Hero Academia (2016-2025), NEW Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt (2025), and Apothecary Diaries (2023-Present), while excellent, would just take focus away from the new shows that deserve a round in the spotlight. 

With that being said, here is JustWatch’s Top 10 best anime of 2025 that you need to watch.

10) May I Ask For One Final Thing? (2025)

Fantasy anime have become a dime a dozen lately. Usually, with generic premises and ho-hum worlds we’ve seen dozens of times before, it takes a lot for a fantasy story to actually stand apart from the crowd, which is exactly what May I Ask for One Final Thing? does.

Setting an anime from the perspective of a gleefully violent villainess is one thing, but the lengths that May I Ask for One Final Thing? goes to make its protagonist, Scarlet, as sardonic as possible, giving the show a unique taste. In fact, the English dub does a lot to help elevate the show’s comedy and separates it from all of the generic fantasy on the market. There’s a certain wit and dark sense of humor to the dub that captures some of the same spirit as The Apothecary Diaries’ dub, with certain jokes even going so far as to give High School of the Dead (2010) flashbacks. It’s a show that indulges in its violent tendencies, and if you want to see a charming heroine relentlessly and joyously beat people into paste, May I Ask for One Final Thing? will meet your needs. 

9) Clevatess (2025-Present)

While May I Ask for One Final Thing? takes its time creating an entertaining fantasy world, Clevatess is the polar opposite. By the end of the first episode, we get a clear understanding that the world of Clevatess is dark, unforgiving, cruel, and oh so irresistible.

Also sporting a rather solid English dub, Clevatess feels like a time capsule from a bygone era. Thanks to some smart use of filters and sound design, Clevatess feels like it was ripped right out of the mid-2000s alongside Claymore (2007). The dynamic between its zombified heroine and the dark god she’s forced to serve is unconventional, and understanding the inner machinations of Clevatess and his lackadaisical desire to learn about humanity makes him a compelling lead. The action is fantastic, especially in the premiere, and it never loses focus over the course of its 12-episode first season. With a second season already confirmed to be in production, dark fantasy lovers looking for something retro will find a lot to enjoy with Clevatess.

8) The Summer Hikaru Died (2025-Present)

Dark anime like Clevatess are special when done right, but seeing a fully realized horror anime is incredibly rare. Horror is a niche genre at the end of the day, and seeing one succeed doesn’t happen every day. That is, unless you’re The Summer Hikaru Died. 

The Summer Hikaru Died is a great existential Lovecraftian horror series that revels in creating disturbing encounters meant to unnerve you. It’s a slow-burning series as we slowly piece together what the being that replaced the deceased Hikaru is, what it wants, and the secrets of the small town that’s reminiscent of Summertime Rendering (2022). The series also does a commendable job tastefully and thoughtfully integrating its LGBT messaging surrounding its two young male leads in a way that feels authentic both to its setting and their age. It blew up on Netflix over the summer, and if you’ve been looking for some unfathomable horror, The Summer Hikaru Died is the best 2025 has to offer.

7) Gachiakuta (2025-Present)

In a year where many of the old guards of Shonen action anime are taking their bows, new blood needs to rise up to keep the thrills alive. Thankfully for us, Gachiakuta is here to satisfy our need for violence with a series that isn’t afraid to get its hands dirty.

For its 24-episode first season, Gachiakuta has consistently impressed with its grimy world and characters that don’t fall into your typical Shonen tropes. The dynamic between Rudo and the rest of the Cleaners feels natural and like a found family, bickering and supporting each other in a way that breaks away from tradition. The show sports a similar attitude to Fire Force (2019-2026), and thrives on making its fight scenes into absolute spectacles with a whole litany of powers revolving around personal objects and the meaning that people associate with them. Gachiakuta is full of creativity and personality, making it perfect for you if you want a Shonen action series that doesn’t play it safe. 

6) Sanda (2025)

Christmas is one of the most popular holidays in the world, but, surprisingly, few anime center around the holidays. Sanda not only manages to tell a story about the importance of Santa Claus and the true meaning of Christmas, but also a messy and honest coming-of-age story.

A lot is going on in Sanda. It’s a mystery series about a female student who disappeared. It’s a dystopian thriller in the same vein as Shimoneta (2015) that criticizes the nature of government control and the adherence to cultural norms. It’s an action series about a buff and occasionally naked Santa Claus beating up adults to make kids smile. And, of course, it’s a Christmas story that asks both kids and adults to believe in miracles. Does it all come together? Not always, but the solid character designs from Beastars’ (2019-2026) Paru Itagaki are striking, and Science Saru animates each scene with a flair that brings her manga to life. It’s an excellent adaptation and a perfect anime to watch not only during the holiday season, but any season.

5) Rock Is A Lady’s Modesty (2025)

Watching an anime about girls forming a music group is nothing new. Bocchi the Rock! (2022-Present) reignited the trend, but while it was wholesome and funny, it wasn’t quite as lustful or rocked as hard as Rock Is A Lady’s Modesty. 

The comedy of Rock Is A Lady’s Modesty is on point, where we follow a group of posh and elegant debutantes who attend school during the day and rock out as foul-mouthed and immodest rockers by night. The soul of the series lies in the heavy metal and rock performances, all of which were motion-captured by the real-life metal band, Band-Maid. Because of that’s there’s a real authenticity and passion to the performances, which is made more than abundantly clear when each of the ladies compares the act of music to a whole lot of BDSM. There’s an undeniable sense of energy and enthusiasm every time they get on stage, and if you’re the kind of person who listens to metal daily, Rock Is A Lady’s Modesty will completely blow you away.

4) Zenshu (2025)

Original anime are rare and hard to come by these days. In an environment where studios would rather fund adaptations of properties that are known quantities or greenlight a new season of a pre-established show, it makes anime original shows all the more rare. Sometimes they fail, but other times you get a true hidden gem like Zenshu. 

Taking inspiration from 20th-century fantasy anime like Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984) and Magic Knight Rayearth (1994-1995), Zenshu is an isekai series done right. There’s a fatalistic element to every scene in Zenshu, but we know, alongside its lead Natsuko, that the fantasy world she was transported into is doomed to be destroyed. But that doesn’t make her journey through the show’s 12 episodes any less compelling, and she breaks out of her shell and develops genuine empathy towards the inhabitants of the world. It makes it all the more tragic when that inevitable conclusion does come to fruition since we’ve grown to care so much about its world. Animated wonderfully by MAPPA, Zenshu is a series that feels classic in all the right ways, perfect for those oldtaku groaning that they don’t make them like they used to anymore. 

3) Tatuski Fujimoto 17-26 (2025)

Tatsuki Fujimoto has quickly become one of the biggest rising stars in the anime industry. While they’re most known for Chainsaw Man (2022-Present), before they hit it big, they created a variety of shorts that were brought to life in the anthology series Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26. And, like most of his work, it’s nothing short of brilliant.

Given the nature of most anthology series, it’s hard to really iron down what makes the overall package so good, other than saying how strong each of the eight individual segments is. There’s romance, aliens, mermaids, and a desire to throw everything at the wall and see what sticks. They’re bizarre, but the understated writing helps ground each short into something familiar. Tatsuki Fujimoto understands how to wring empathy out of his characters, and if you loved how the character drama was presented in Look Back (2024), then you’ll be in heaven with Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26. Anime shorts, like original anime like Zenshu, are rare these days, but when they’re as good as Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26, they need to be savored.

2) Takopi’s Original Sin (2025)

Takopi’s Original Sin is not for the faint of heart. While it isn’t a horror series per se like The Summer Hikaru Died, the depths of despair that Takopi reaches can be traumatizing and triggering to those who aren’t prepared. If you are, then get ready for the most emotionally rich and harrowing anime of 2025. 

At first glance, Takopi’s Original Sin is a lighthearted series about a magical space octopus who wants to help kids be happy. But Takopi doesn’t offer up simple problems for its magical octopus to solve. There’s child abuse, bullying, neglect, suicide, and a whole host of other complicated and dark issues that push its small cast to the breaking point numerous times. It doesn’t revel in the misery it causes its cast like Made in Abyss (2017-Present) does, but the lengths that it goes to explore and unpack trauma are bold. It’s a series that emphasizes the best and worst in humanity and is animated in such a way that captures each gutwrenching expression in vivid detail. It’s only six episodes long, and it may be only for people who are comfortable with depressing stories, but Takopi’s Original Sin is an anime that will stick with you. 

1) To Be Hero X (2025)

In the past several years, anime has become a global phenomenon to the point where it’s being made in other countries. Solo Leveling (2024-Present) completely exploded despite being made in South Korea, and now, the best anime of 2025 is a series that was made in China. Before it aired, nobody had even heard of To Be Hero X, but after its stunning 24-episode run, it needs a second season now more than ever. 

Offering a bright and creative world of superheroes similar to My Hero Academia (2016-2025), but with an even more creative power system, To Be Hero X is an extremely smartly paced action series. Despite jumping between different time periods and ten different leads, it’s never hard to keep track of what’s happening. Each lead gets their time in the sun, has a developed arc, and we see how each of their arcs influences one another. Not only that, but the show frequently swaps between animation styles on a whim, delivering a visual experience that’s reminiscent of Arcane (2021-2024) but fully embraces the aesthetics and style of anime. To Be Hero X is a thought-provoking series that perfectly balances character, action, animation, and worldbuilding and more than deserves being called the best anime of 2025.

The first official Avengers: Doomsday (2026) teaser has arrived. Set to be the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s first Avengers movie in seven years, the film promises to be one of the franchise’s most epic crossovers yet. With the multiverse at their disposal, the Russo brothers not only have countless MCU characters to work with but will also be integrating 20th Century Fox’s X-Men characters into the movie.

Marvel unveiled much of Avengers: Doomsday’s cast in early 2025, raising excitement for the return of the X-Men, Fantastic Four, Thunderbolts, and MCU staples like Anthony Mackie’s Captain America and Chris Hemsworth’s Thor. One of the most significant casting announcements, though, came in the form of the first Avengers: Doomsday teaser, which teases the return of the MCU’s original Captain America/Steve Rogers (Chris Evans). As exciting as Cap’s return is, the teaser no doubt left you with some questions. Fortunately, we have the answers to the top five biggest questions about the Avengers: Doomsday trailer.

Who Is Captain America’s Baby?

A large portion of Avengers: Doomsday’s teaser features Rogers and a surprise character: a baby. It captures a serene scene of Rogers holding an infant in his arms, presumably his and Peggy’s (Hayley Atwell) child. In Avengers: Endgame (2019), Rogers decided to stay in the past and live out his life with Peggy.

Although it’s a bit farther back, you might also recall that Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) mentioned Peggy married and had two children after Cap disappeared for 70 years. Avengers: Endgame’s writers, Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, confirm she actually married Rogers from the main timeline after he went back in time, and those two children are her children with Rogers. Canonically, Rogers’ and Peggy’s children are already in the MCU.

If that baby is Steve and Peggy’s child, it would align with Marvel Comics, in which Captain America had several children across several different timelines. One of the most well-known children is James Rogers, from Earth-555326, the son of Rogers and Black Widow, who joined the Next Avengers. He’s the star of the animated movie featuring the superhero team, Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow (2008). The baby in Avengers: Doomsday could also be Sharon Rogers, who was actually Peggy and Rogers’s daughter in Marvel Comics.

There’s also the slight chance that the infant isn’t Peggy and Rogers’ child. After all, The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) just introduced another baby to the MCU, Franklin Richards (Ada Scott). Franklin is extremely powerful and can bend reality, making it possible that he’s the baby in the teaser. One particularly wild fan theory posits that the baby is The Beyonder, who once transformed itself into a mortal infant in Marvel Comics. Given The Beyonder’s connection to Secret Wars, and the next Avengers movie being Avengers: Secret Wars (2027), it’s a far-fetched but mildly possible idea.

Whose House Is That In The ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Trailer?

Eagle-eyed viewers may also have noticed that the house Rogers approaches in the Avengers: Doomsday trailer is vaguely familiar. We have seen that exact house before in Avengers: Endgame. After Rogers stays in the past in Endgame, viewers get a brief glimpse of his life in that era as the camera pans over the charming little house, where Peggy and Rogers slow-dance through the window. There’s no mistaking the house in Avengers: Doomsday is the same one from Avengers: Endgame, which backs up the idea that this is the same Rogers of Earth-616 and not a variant of the character.

Have We Seen That Motorcycle Before?

Given that we’ve seen that house before in Avengers: Doomsday, you may be wondering if you’ve seen that motorcycle, too. After all, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen Captain America on a bike. In Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), Rogers chose a Harley-Davidson WLM (aka The Liberator) as his mode of military transport during World War II. After his 70-year absence, he continued to use various Harley-Davidson models. However, his bike in Avengers: Doomsday is not one we’ve seen before. It appears he traded in his Harley for a Triumph, a popular British motorcycle brand. 

The Triumph may just be for historical accuracy, given its popularity in the 1950s, the period Rogers returned to in Avengers: Endgame. Otherwise, it may indicate a change in taste, illustrating how Rogers has changed since going back in time and starting a new life.

Is Captain America’s Motorcycle Helmet A Wild Easter Egg?

In the Avengers: Doomsday teaser, we also get a glimpse of a helmet, which Rogers hangs on his motorcycle before entering his and Peggy’s home. It’s a 1950s-style dark-blue motorcycle helmet with goggles. At first glance, it looks most similar to his helmet in Captain America: The First Avenger, suggesting it could be the latest take on his mask. At the same time, the old-fashioned design may also evoke Rogers’ helmet in Captain America (1979). 

In the 1979 movie, Captain America boasted one of the cheapest, most cheesy-looking costumes, complete with a big, bulky motorcycle helmet with wings and an “A” painted on it. We all know Marvel loves its Easter Eggs, and can’t help but wonder if the old-fashioned helmet is a cheeky reference to Cap’s most infamous costume.

What Does The ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Countdown Mean?

Avengers: Doomsday’s teaser ends with a countdown. It is the countdown to the film’s release, starting at 11 months, 14 days, and 15 hours, and slowly ticking down the seconds. The countdown might have an additional meaning, though. Given the film’s name and its countdown, it reminded me of the Doomsday Clock, which tracks how close we are to causing a human-made global catastrophe. Perhaps the Avengers: Doomsday countdown isn’t just a countdown to the movie, but a reference to an in-universe countdown toward a catastrophic event, such as a time incursion.

A good thriller needs a lot of ingredients to work, but none is more important than a great twist. Dark plot turns can completely reinvent entire movies around them, transforming everything that happened previously and reshaping the entire narrative in the process. Movies like Psycho (1960) and Scream (1996) have such good twists that they become part of the cultural zeitgeist even outside their specific context.

One such film is Se7en (1995), an absolutely brutal movie that takes an even darker turn from the serial killer thriller in the jaw-dropping third act. Along with these other films, Se7en highlights how a good twist can turn a film from good to great, and make for one of the most effective—and memorable—genres. 

Here are 10 thrillers, including Se7en, you can watch on ___, with twists so wild, no one can see them coming. Fair warning, we’re going to be spoiling a lot of the movies below, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still worth checking out.

Se7en (1995)

Se7en’s wild and grim ending remains one of the most shocking turns in cinematic history. Se7en was a game-changing release for director David Fincher, transforming him from a filmmaker best known for his music videos into one of Hollywood’s most in-demand directors. The film, which remains a highlight of both Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt’s careers, is a tense mystery story where two police officers struggle to stop a serial killer who targets people based on the seven deadly sins. The film's brutal final twist reveals that the killer, John Doe, has murdered the wife of Brad Pitt’s Mills in hopes of enraging him enough to force him to kill John Doe—serving as Wrath and the final murder of the plan. The twist works because it comes out of nowhere, literally delivered in a box for Mills in the film’s often parodied finale. Tracy’s presence earlier in the film only serves as a minor plot beat that is transformed into something much more sinister by the twist. Se7en's darker edges make it a hard movie to easily recommend, but fans of this intense police drama should also check out the twisty plots and grim morality of Insomnia (2002) and Prisoners (2013).

Shutter Island (2010)

Directed by Martin Scorsese, Shutter Island is one of the most twisty films that the famed director has ever made. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as U.S. Marshall Edward Daniels, investigating the titular asylum. However, as the film progresses and perception is called into question on several levels, it steadily turns out that Daniels isn’t who he appears to be, and is actually a patient of the asylum after murdering his wife for killing their three children.While some of Scorsese’s films, like Taxi Driver (1976) and After Hours (1985) have featured some good twists that call reality into question, there’s something far darker and more complex about the twist in Shutter Island that is perfect for anyone who enjoyed the cynical and heartbreaking turns of something like You Were Never Really Here (2017).

Memento (2000)

A great early showcase for Christopher Nolan, Memento is a terrific and creative dark thriller. The film follows Leonard Shelby, a man dealing with amnesia that constantly disrupts his life. Memento is a non-linear narrative that hops around two different perspectives, which can leave audiences confused at first. The film's concept uses the story to great effect, twisting characters in surprising ways and throwing the narrative into question at various points. Characters like Natalie and Teddy are shown as heroes and villains at various points in the narrative, throwing everything constantly into question. Memento's twists are a great showcase for what would become one of Christopher Nolan's typical skill sets, with a tricky narrative that sets up Nolan's later films like The Prestige (2006) and Inception (2010), which also play with conceptions of reality and the typical timelines. Memento is a tricky film that has a surprising amount of emotional weight, making the twists all the more impactful.

Malignant (2021)

James Wan's Malignant is a wild time, with a central twist that comes out of nowhere, definitely deserving recognition. Malignant follows Madison Mitchell, a young woman who starts having visions of murders that are happening around Seattle. While some audiences might be expecting a similar twist to Primal Fear (1996), where Madison turns out to be the killer, the twist is far more complex, surreal, strange, and absurdly funny, with Madison’s twin within her body taking control of their shared body to carry out some brutal acts. It’s the kind of twist that doesn’t work on paper, but is just wild enough to land in the moment. Finding a tone that feels right at home with grim but goofy movies like Evil Dead II (1987), Malignant's campy qualities help make the absolutely wild twist land better than it might have otherwise.

Parasite (2019)

Bong Joon Ho's Academy Award-winning film, Parasite, is one of the best thrillers of the modern era and a grim social satire with the perfect mix of pitch-black comedy and horrifying intensity. The film follows a poor South Korean family who are able to convince a wealthy family to accept them as their household attendants. What begins as a straightforward satire takes some very grim turns as the film progresses, especially as the previous employees of the wealthy Park family who have been hiding in the walls of the building make their intentions known. Fueled by the same undeniably humanity and harsh brutality that make Squid Game (2021) and No Other Choice (2025) so emotionally riveting, Parasite is a must-see film for anyone who loves a dark satire—and they'll understand why once they see just how horrifying the film's central twist is.

Fight Club (1999)

Fight Club was David Fincher’s biggest swing when he took it, and it remains an undeniable part of modern pop culture. Starring Edward Norton as an unnamed sad sack living a pointless life, the film follows his unexpected friendship with the chaotic and charismatic Tyler Durden. Grimy and gritty but with an undeniable sense of cool confidence, Fight Club takes a lot of darker turns as Durden’s ambitions for society at large push his growing collection of disenfranchised followers from his titular fight club to start committing worse crimes. The big twist of Fight Club, that Tyler is a dark reflection of the Narrator’s mind and has never actually existed, gives the film a twisty edge that makes it particularly exciting to revisit. A psychological thriller that takes a deeply unsettling and darkly compelling look at a twisted mind's man like Nightcrawler (2014) and Speak No Evil (2024), Fight Club is a good enough film that even knowing the twist ahead of time won’t ruin the experience. 

Oldboy (2003)

With one of the most infamous twists in film history, Oldboy is a brutal movie that has to be seen to be believed. Directed by Park Chan-wook, Oldboy follows a seemingly simple man who finds himself kidnapped and held against his will for years. Part of his informal Vengeance Trilogy, Oldboy is a hard-hitting film that pushes the boundaries of what you can get away with in a film. Oldboy has multiple layers of twists, including some absolutely brutal reveals involving Oh Dae-su's connection to his primary love interest Mi-do, who turns out to be his long-lost daughter—a reveal that only comes after Oh Dae-su and Mi-do have had sex. Vicious in theory and even more brutal in practice, Oldboy is a terrifically dark film that is a must-watch for anyone who loves dark South Korean films like I Saw the Devil (2010).

Gone Girl (2014)

David Fincher was already the king of dark twisty thrillers, but Gone Girl might have cemented his place in the cinematic lexicon once and for all. The mystery thriller follows a man accused of doing something to his wife, who has gone missing. The slow-burning drama takes a very different turn, however, once his wife Amy is revealed to be perfectly fine—and is orchestrating a plan to frame her husband for her apparent death. Surprisingly funny and suddenly violent when it wants to be, Gone Girl takes the balance that Fincher perfected in earlier thrillers like The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2011) and gives it an almost comical edge. Gone Girl only works because of Rosamund Pike’s quietly twisted and deeply compelling lead performance.

The Housemaid (2025)

The Housemaid is a delightfully dark thriller that is filled to the brim with clever twists and turns. Directed by Paul Feig and an ideal follow-up to his prior work in the genre with A Simple Favor (2018) and Another Simple Favor (2025), The Housemaid follows a desperate young woman as she takes a job as the live-in housekeeper for a wealthy family. The initial drama seems to be between Millie and her employer, a perfectly attuned Amanda Seyfried as Nina Winchester. However, that conflict is only the tip of the iceberg, which steadily becomes a more vicious and hard-hitting narrative once it’s revealed that Nina was counting on Millie to have an affair with her husband—giving her a chance to escape his brutal control over her life. A modern take on classic thrillers like Rebecca (1940), The Housemaid has several plot twists and turns that make for a uniquely compelling narrative. 

Don’t Look Now (1973)

Don’t Look Now is one of the most memorable films of Donald Sutherland’s career, and boasts one of the most effective (and wild) dark plot twists in cinema history. The film follows a grieving couple, still dealing with the death of their daughter, who move to Venice so the husband can restore a church. However, as the film progresses, a warning that his daughter is trying to send to him from beyond the grave drives him to the edge of madness. Don’t Look Now is a brutal film, with a horrific final twist that makes a second viewing a requirement. The taut direction by Nicolas Roeg, who also brought a surreal edge to The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976) gives Don’t Look Now much of its strange staying power. Make no mistake, though—if you’re looking for a plot twist that will catch you by surprise and emotionally wreck you, this is a film you have to see.

Since its inception in 1985, Studio Ghibli has become one of, if not the most, well-known anime studios in the world. With titles like Princess Mononoke (1997) and Spirited Away (2001), they’ve cemented themselves as a critically acclaimed animation studio where almost every single release has a certain je ne sais quoi to it. The natural beauty, the seemingly simple plots that belie an understated conflict, and a painstaking attention to detail are all hallmarks of a Studio Ghibli film. 

With this year celebrating the studio’s 40th anniversary, it’s not hard to see the influence they have had across the anime industry. While many studios would rather cater to delivering bombastic Shonen spectacles, some studios and directors are more keen on trying to replicate that Miyazaki magic themselves. These seven movies may not be Studio Ghibli movies, but they carry the same charm, tone, and themes that capture that same vibe. Most of these films are easily accessible on streaming services like Netflix and HBO Max, so if you want to expand your anime horizons with some similar yet different to Studio Ghibli’s filmography, these seven films will do the trick. 

Fortune Favors Lady Nikoku (2022)

Studio Ghibli may be known for its inventive and fantastical worlds, but a good portion of its library is focused on more relatable and down-to-earth stories. There could be some fantastical elements, but they’re content to just present life as is. If you like that aspect of Ghibli’s filmography, then Fortune Favors Lady Nikoku will be a delight. 

There’s a quaint and warm charm to the antics of Fortune Favors Lady Nikoku. At times, it feels like a gag manga with segments showing the antics of Nikoku. It bounces from one bit to another, but it never feels excessive or cartoonish. Rather, it feels authentic to the characters. Nikoku, but much like the family of My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999), there’s a quaint and warm feeling you get watching someone comfortable in who they are. It’s a strong message that is ideal if you want to see a film about the power of families, and in particular, mothers. Add in some cute little homages to Ghibli’s filmography, and it’s very clear that Fortune Favors Lady Nikoku is cut from the same cloth.

A Whisker Away (2020)

Studio Ghibli is a production house that loves cats. After all, they’re cats! They’re cute, fluffy, and cuddly, and for all you Ghibli cat lovers out there, consider giving A Whisker Away a watch. 

A Whisker Away hits a lot of the same beats as Whisper of the Heart (1995) and has the same magical surrealism as The Cat Returns (2002). Like Ghibli’s previous feline films, A Whisker Away knows it has to go beyond just showing cute cat images and calling it a day. It understands that you need to have a likeable lead for its coming-of-age romance, and Miyo more than delivers. She’s free-spirited and fun to be around, making her a perfect protagonist for the film’s 104-minute runtime. It’s an approachable anime that is great for teenagers seeking a little bit of magical realism.

Children Who Chase Lost Voices (2011)

Makoto Shinkai has, over the past decade, established himself as an anime director who excels at crafting character-driven drama. But by far his most contemplative film, and one most reminiscent of Ghibli’s works, would have to be Children Who Chase Lost Voices. 

It’s a film that isn’t afraid to discuss loss in a way that feels honest. Structurally, watching Asuna enter this magical world hits the same notes that The Boy and the Heron (2023) does. There are plenty of strange creatures around, and a world that can feel darker than the average fantasy setting, but its most notable feature is how it doesn’t talk down to its audience. It doesn’t try to simplify grief or death. It presents it in a way that respects your intelligence, which is admirable. Conversations about death are important, and if you want to watch a movie that is poignant for both children and adults, Children Who Chase Lost Voices does a remarkable job at it.

Steamboy (2004)

While Ghibli’s more recent films are quieter and more contemplative, many of their earlier films carry a spirit of adventure. While a lot of adventure movies now deliver more complicated tales of good and evil, if you want something simple that evokes Castle in the Sky (1986), you need to check out Steamboy. 

Coming from the same mind that spawned Akira (1988), Steamboy is a visual marvel. Katsuhiro Otomo always knows how to craft beautifully animated and rendered machinery, and his artistry is abundantly clear here. There’s a certain scale and wonder to all of the tech on display, and much like the floating city of Ghibli’s seminal debut work, you can’t help but marvel at it all. The plot is also accessible, with very clear heroes and villains that make it easy for anyone to instantly start watching and enjoy. Complexity is nice and all, but sometimes you want a two-hour and six-minute adventure that’s easy to understand and feels like a modern classic.

The Deer King (2021)

One of the most prevalent themes in Ghibli’s library is the importance of nature and humans’ relationship with it. Ghibli films never outright condemn mankind and their encroachment on the environment, but they consistently offer nuanced takes and discussions on how we can mutually benefit from each other. For those seeking that same subtle commentary between nature and man, The Deer King may be for you.

In a lot of ways, The Deer King feels like a modern reimaging of Princess Mononoke. There may not be as much action as Ghibli’s magnum opus, but the world that The Deer King presents is equally compelling. The film takes its time fleshing out its world with its multiple factions and magical elements quite well, and like some of Ghibli’s best, it never overcomplicates it to the point of being unapproachable. Not only that, but the beautiful animated sequences depicting nature have a way of just washing over you. It’s subdued in all the best ways and captures the beauty of nature in a way that few films outside of Studio Ghibli can capture. 

Wolf Children (2012)

While Studio Ghibli is mostly known for the worlds they create, their characters can also be equally compelling. Out of all of Ghibli’s leads, few can compare to Princess Mononoke’s San. The story of her being caught between two worlds creates palpable tension, and that same internal conflict is elaborated and expanded upon in Wolf Children. 

Mamoru Hosoda’s familial drama can be an emotionally gutwrenching film. Watching two children grow up, torn between their wolf heritage and integrating with the human world, is tough, and it hits even harder if you’ve become estranged from your own siblings. Because of how comprehensively the film spends its nearly two-hour runtime fleshing out its cast, Wolf Children never invalidates one sibling’s point of view over the other. It’s a very human film that is very relatable and carries the spirit of Ghibli’s thoughtful storytelling for a new generation and will make you shed a few tears in the process.

Mary and the Witch’s Flower (2017)

Out of all of the anime directors and studios inspired by Studio Ghibli, none are quite as overt as Studio Ponoc. Formed by former Studio Ghibli employees, Ponoc made its debut film, Mary and the Witch’s Flower, as overtly Ghibli as possible. 

With an aesthetic that screams Ghibli, Mary and the Witch’s Flower captures the same sense of magic and adventure that dotted Ghibli’s earlier films. The closest comparisons would probably be The Secret World of Arrietty (2010), thanks to both films sharing a director and their understated presentation of magic, and Spirited Away, thanks to how its world is presented. Mary is an outsider in this mystical world, so she sees it with the same sense of wonder that Chirio had upon entering the mystical bathhouse. The film’s main selling point is just how wonderful the animation is. To say that it’s a near-perfect replication of Ghibli’s iconic style would be an understatement, so if you want a movie that captures the aesthetics of Ghibli without being a Ghibli film, Mary and the Witch’s Flower is as close as you’ll get.

A large part of the appeal in the Knives Out (2019) films is easily the anticipation of all the actors who'll be joining Daniel Craig's Benoit Blanc in the latest whodunit. With each film, writer and director Rian Johnson gets better and better, allowing the audience to have a blast throughout while he also gives us something thematically rich to think about. His latest, Wake Up Dead Man (2025), is his most exceptionally crafted and the strongest thematically to fire on all cylinders.

The cast may also be the most interesting group thus far (sure, I'm biased as a Josh O'Connor girly, but that's not the point.) Jeffrey Wright also deserved a bigger role. With solid actors all around and more than one Marvel Cinematic Universe veteran, here's where you know the cast of Wake Up Dead Man from, as well as where you can watch their most famous roles on platforms such as Disney+, Prime Video, and more. 

Daniel Craig - Casino Royale (2006) 

Daniel Craig is lavishly and perfectly ensuring that Benoit Blanc is one of his most iconic roles, and for many people, this might eventually become their favorite, but to me, he'll always be 007, forever changed by a woman named Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale. Craig's range as an actor is so incredibly vast that it's no surprise his filmography consists of such excellence. 

The accent work in the Knives Out films is top-tier, but everything he delivers as Bond easily makes him the best of the infamous spy thus far. And this is a bold statement because all Bond actors do something so special in their respective adaptations. Still, if you love his work as a detective and somehow never watched his Bond films, then run, don't walk to experience the masterpiece he consistently delivers in all five films.

Josh O'Connor - Challengers (2024)

One thing about me? Challengers is in my top ten favorite movies of all time. It's something I think about at least once a day, and twice on Sundays. I'll watch anything Josh O'Connor is in, maybe even horror, which I generally stay away from. And his portrayal of Father Jud in Wake Up Dead Man is so monumental that I'm convinced he was born to play it.

I'm also convinced that I'd run to church if there were ever a leader like Father Jud, and it's a testament to how brilliantly O'Connor is able to embody a full range of emotions to deliver a masterful display of grace amid such terrors. Few actors have the incomparable range he has, but funnily, this isn't the first time he's played a priest. While I'd recommend Challengers to anyone who'll listen, if you want to see him in a role that's the polar opposite of an admirable religious figure, Emma. (2020) has you covered.

Glenn Close - Fatal Attraction (1987)

Glenn Close is a face we all know and appreciate. For many of us, we grew up with her as Cruella de Vil in the live-action 101 Dalmatians (1996). I was fuming for her because I couldn't believe she didn't win the Oscar in 2019 for The Wife (2018). But Close made a name for herself in Fatal Attraction, and since then, whatever role she steps into, the property is made better because of her.

And in Wake Up Dead Man, the amount of emotions she evokes during the last few scenes is what makes the film so deeply memorable. She's the reason why this is the best of the three so far. Close delivers something truly unforgettable, and Fatal Attraction can be a great watch if you admire the character's complex journey in Wake Up Dead Man.

Josh Brolin - Avengers: Infinity War (2018) 

I never thought I'd hate a Josh Brolin character the way I did Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War, and then Monsignor Wicks happened. The repulsiveness that oozes from this so-called religious pastor is so vile, and credit where it's due, because Brolin sells his terror too well. And part of the reason why Wake Up Dead Man is so evocative is that it does reflect the world of countless corrupt religious leaders in our world—the very idols the Bible warns people about.

Now, while I still think that Thanos may continue to be Brolin's most famous role since The Goonies (1985), it won't be surprising if non-Marvel fans start associating him with Wicks for a while. At this point, Rian Johnson is collecting former MCU actors as his own infinity stones, and it's fantastic.

Andrew Scott - Fleabag (2016-2019)

For many people, Andrew Scott will likely always be known as Moriarty in Sherlock (2010). But for me and countless other people, he'll always be the Hot Priest from Fleabag. And considering the location that Wake Up Dead Man takes place in, it's impossible not to make that association. More than anything, Scott's range as an actor is one that continues to floor me.

In the last four years, he's been in a number of exceptional properties like the Ripley (2024) limited series, All of Us Strangers (2023), and, more recently, Blue Moon (2025). As one of the most versatile actors of our generation, Scott continuously proves that there's no role he can't take on. If you loved Josh O'Connor as a priest, run to watch Fleabag—you'll never have a normal reaction to the word "kneel" ever again, and you'll be better for it.

Kerry Washington - Scandal (2012-2017)

Whether you watched Scandal or not, the name Olivia Pope is such an iconic entry into network television that you've likely heard about her. You've seen the GIFS. You just know—Kerry Washington will likely always be known for Olivia Pope, and that's okay because she's that incredible and worthy. And because of this, Washington's range in Wake Up Dead Man is made even better.

She's the type of actress who can kill with just one look, and it's always exceptional to watch. She also looks unfairly breathtaking smoking, and that's a feat in and of itself. If you loved the scandal and artistry in this third Knives Out film, then run to watch Scandal for how it explores power dynamics, delicious relationships, and leaves you with great performances to think about.

Cailee Spaeny - Priscilla (2023)

Her role in Mare of Easttown (2021) is incredible, Cailee Spaeny's career is right at the precipice of a great boom, and you've likely seen her face in the titular role of Sofia Coppola's Priscilla. It's a near-perfect biopic with the type of stunning performance that showcases how gifted Spaeny is as an actress and how far she can go.

Like her role in Wake Up Dead Man, there's a plethora of nuance in the ways she delivers a single scene. How she looks at different characters. How she approaches everything. It's fantastic to have a few different roles to distinguish that the craft is something she's exceptional at. And even if you aren't a fan of the Presleys, Priscilla is an exceptional film worth watching for how it centers around the musician's wife in a way that's so rare with biopics. 

Thomas Haden Church - Broken Trail (2006)

Rian Johnson is basically five for five with comic book adaptation actors in this single movie alone (we're not counting the ones in other films in this list). And while Spider-Man 3 (2007) is a Sony production and also recognized as the least favorable of the original trilogy, Thomas Haden Church as the Sandman was still a great villain there. However, more people might recognize him from the Emmy Award-winning role in Broken Trail.

The western mini-series might not be everyone's cup of tea outside of the genre, but if you're looking for one with great performances at the helm, look no further. Church's role is also one of the underrated best ones from Wake Up Dead Man, as he adds a solid amount of depth to the theme.

Daryl McCormack - Good Luck to You, Leo Grande (2022)

I was first introduced to Daryl McCormack in Bad Sisters (2022), but there's no denying that Good Luck to You, Leo Grande is his most popular role to date. He is in the name of the film, after all. McCormack's means of delivering different characters thus far have been impressive, and it's especially gripping when we see that Cy is so insufferable in Wake Up Dead Man.

Both Bad Sisters and Leo Grande aren't mainstream properties, so there's a good chance that the viewers who watch McCormack as Cy will begin to associate the role as the actor's most famous. And that ultimately works, too, because he's so good at ensuring that you remember how cunning he is. Still, if you want to watch him in a role where he's more of a complex darling, Bad Sisters is a perfectly executed mystery.

Mila Kunis - That '70s Show (1998-2005)

Though she doesn't appear on-screen as much in Wake Up Dead Man, Mila Kunis is a known face for her roles in That '70s Show and Black Swan (2010). Both are completely different from one another, and even more different than her role as Geraldine Scott, so it's a validation of the fact that she's got the range necessary for different characters.

While neither of these properties is similar to what she does in Knives Out, and at times, it feels almost as if the character is detached from the overall story because Blanc's detective work is so good, Black Swan can be a solid watch afterward to see the complexities of the renowned story. It's gorgeously shot and utterly iconic in all that it did the year it was released.

Jeremy Renner - Hawkeye (2021)

Funny that both the Marvel men play someone evil in Wake Up Dead Man. And while Hawkeye will likely be a memorable role for those who watch the films in their entirety, the Hawkeye series is a great thing to watch during the holiday season, as it's basically a Christmas property. Plus, Florence Pugh and Hailee Steinfeld are so great as Yelena Belova and Kate Bishop.

Renner's role as Dr. Nat isn't one of the standouts in the film, but his arc still involves the kind of payoff that is thoughtful and makes the overall mystery tremendous in what it accomplishes. He certainly isn't Clint Barton here, and that's okay.

Video game movies have been around for decades. Big gaming franchises like Resident Evil, Mortal Kombat, and Tomb Raider have even made the jump from console to screen more than once. However, as exciting as the prospect of seeing your favorite characters on the big screen is, many of these movies were poorly received. While TV series like The Last of Us (2023) and Fallout (2024) seem to have rebuked the video game adaptation curse, sometimes the best video game movies aren't based on real games at all. 

If these five movies have taught us anything, it's that you don't always need source material to create a compelling story. Technically, you might call these movies video game-inspired. With no shortage of homages and references, these films are so immersive that you wouldn't guess that they aren't actually based on real games. Boot up Apple TV, Prime Video, and more to watch them now.

The Last Starfighter (1984)

The Last Starfighter's fictional arcade game might have you pulling up Google to search for ties to a real game. After all, what we see on screen perfectly captures the vibes of late '70s and early '80s sci-fi games like Space Invaders and Galaga. Ironically, Atari thought the same thing and dropped Star Raiders II in 1986 as both a sequel to 1979's Star Raiders and a tie-in to The Last Starfighter.

So, technically, The Last Starfighter isn't based on a real game, but sort of became one in a different form. One of the more family-friendly offerings on this list, this PG movie revolves around a kid who becomes entangled in a galactic war after achieving a high score in the titular arcade game. If you're craving something a little more nostalgic, The Last Starfighter is an underrated choice.

Shoot 'em Up (2007)

A black-ops soldier rescuing a baby from being killed by an assassin sounds like a plot device you'd find in a game like Tom Clancy's The Division, but Shoot 'em Up has nothing to do with video games. However, its fast-paced action, audacious premise, and borderline offensive humor will leave gamers wishing it were. 

Shoot 'em Up is the ultimate choice for fans of similarly over-the-top action movies like John Wick (2014), Jack Reacher (2012), and basically any action flick with a guy's name in the title. This movie isn't trying to win awards; it's trying to entertain. Go in expecting a healthy dose of goofy action, and you'll be treated to a perfectly fun popcorn thriller you can enjoy alone or with friends.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)

Director Edgar Wright loves infusing his work with pop culture references. If you've followed him since Spaced (1999), then you already know Resident Evil and Tomb Raider got frequent shoutouts. Come Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, those video game references multiply by the dozens. From references to Zelda, Tetris, Street Fighter, and more to health bars and extra lives used in conjunction with Scott and his enemies, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is a certified video game movie.

However, while it pulls from no shortage of games, it's not actually based on a specific one. Think of it more like a hodgepodge of gamer and nerd culture. Whether you identify with one of these groups or both, like me, then you'll be delighted by Scott Pilgrim's immersive world and unique aesthetic. Watch Shaun of the Dead (2004) after if you're left craving more of Edgar Wright's trademark style.

Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

Wreck-It Ralph embraces a heartfelt humor that makes it feel akin to LEGO's line of video games. At some points, it leaves you questioning, "Wait, are you sure this isn't based on a real video game?" Unfortunately, it's not—or else I'd be playing that right now instead of writing this article. Unlike most of the other entries on this list, it also makes the ultimate family movie, with enough nostalgic Easter eggs to keep millennials and Gen X laughing and enough compelling storytelling to entertain younger generations.

It feels more modern and almost edgier than most of Walt Disney Animation's other projects (at least the ones without Pixar). Clever, funny, and surprisingly emotional, Wreck-It Ralph is perfect for gamers of all ages, especially those looking for a similar vibe to The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) or Sonic the Hedgehog (2020).

Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

Often dubbed the best video game movie of all time, Edge of Tomorrow sees Tom Cruise get sucked into a time loop while battling aliens. Wildly cool? You bet it is. Funny enough, though, Edge of Tomorrow isn't based on a game and hasn't had any major platform adaptations. (A big missed opportunity if you're asking me.) Like Shoot 'em Up, Edge of Tomorrow is chock full of action and humor. However, it plays itself much more seriously and manages to deliver a competent sci-fi story in the process.

Really, it's a gamer's equivalent to Groundhog Day (1993). If you like that movie, you'll most certainly like this, especially if the thought of Tom Cruise doing Tom Cruise stunts sends a burst of excitement coursing through you. Little-known fact: Edge of Tomorrow is actually based on a Japanese light novel, which is receiving an anime adaptation in 2026. So, yeah, go watch that, too. 

Every year, hundreds upon hundreds of new movies are released. So much so that even if you’re an ardent cinephile, it’s just not possible to see every one of them. We can try our best, but there are only so many hours in the day for us to sit and watch movies. With 2025 drawing to a close, we here at JustWatch wanted to spotlight the movies that you probably didn’t see for one reason or another but deserve to be watched ASAP.

Some of these films had very limited theatrical screenings that prevented us from seeing them. Some had wide releases but failed at the box office. Some had critical reception that dampered any audience enthusiasm. No matter how you slice it, these movies deserve a second chance at life. Case in point, some of these movies received a jolt in popularity when they launched on streaming services like Netflix and HBO Max and were able to reach the Top 10 most-watched movies in the United States for a time. If you’re trying to catch up on 2025’s films, these are ten movies that you probably didn’t get around to watching but should.

Caught Stealing (2025)

While it’s not often that you find an action movie that prioritizes character drama over action, they do exist, and Caught Stealing is a perfect example of one.

At points, Caught Stealing can be a pretty depressing movie. Its lead is a washed-up alcoholic who has lost everything and is now entangled in a crime drama that comes across as a grittier Birds of Prey (2020). Multiple factions are searching for a huge stash of cash, eventually devolving into a gang war that leaves everyone worse for wear. There’s still quite a bit of humor to Caught Stealing, mostly thanks to the dark and morbid dialogue that paints almost everyone as some varying degree of sociopath, but it works to help make Austin Butler come across as a likable everyman who’s way over his head. It’s a dark film to be sure, but Caught Stealing will delight those who want an action movie that isn’t afraid to get its hands dirty.

Companion (2025)

January is typically regarded as a forgotten month in the world of cinema. While everyone is focused on the awards season, January releases tend to be forgotten and underperform commercially. It’s a shame, especially when you get a horror comedy as clever as Companion.

Companion is what you would get if Her (2013) decided to be more of a horror movie. Instead of painting technology as something to be feared, Companion instead points the finger at how it enables humans to become their worst possible selves. Because of that, it’s so satisfying watching Iris overcome every obstacle and get the vindication that she rightfully deserves. After watching all 97 minutes of it, you’ll find it hard not to look at Iris’ actions and think “good for her.” Companion balances both comedy and horror well, and if you’re the kind of person who wants to see smug and self-righteous man-children get taken down a few pegs, then Companion is for you. 

Dust Bunny (2025)

It’s felt like ages since we’ve seen a Bryan Fuller-developed project, but good things come to those who wait. While it may not be a new season of Hannibal (2013-2015), seeing Fuller and Mids Mikkelson reunite for Dust Bunny is pretty magical in its own right. 

Dust Bunny, in a lot of ways, feels like Logan (2017) by way of Pan’s Labyrinth (2007). It’s a dark fable about a hitman attempting to protect a young girl from the things that go bump in the night, and it’s almost impossible not to sympathize with both of them. The chemistry between Mikkelson and Sophie Sloan is impeccable, creating a compelling dynamic over the film’s 107-minute runtime. There’s a sense of wonder and imagination present throughout the film, whether it be in the colorful action scenes or the way Sophie’s imagination makes its presence known in incidental moments. It’s a movie about the dark side of growing up that’s perfect for adults who want to remind themselves of the wonders of childhood.

Eddington (2025)

Ari Aster is a director who never compromises on his vision. His films are meant to make you uncomfortable, and Eddington is nothing if not a film engineered to make you feel that as often as possible. 

Few films are as blunt with their politics as Eddington is. Of course, a movie that examines the COVID-19 pandemic is bound to push some buttons, but Aster seems to take joy in triggering all sides of the political spectrum in this very modern and very dour Western. Much in the same vein as No Country for Old Men (2007), there are no heroes in this. Just deeply flawed characters that may or may not remind you of people in your own life. It may not be as wild as Aster’s previous film, Beau is Afraid (2023), but it’s a very grounded depiction of a dark era of the United States’ history that will satsfy those looking for a modern American epic.

If I Had Legs I’d Kick You (2025)

Some movies feel like the personification of a panic attack. Requiem For A Dream (2000) and Uncut Gems (2019) are movies that are relentless in their discomfort, and If I Had Legs I’d Kick You joins them as a movie that’s dead set on making you feel uncomfortable. 

Thanks to an Oscar-worthy performance by Rose Byrne, if you’ve ever felt just completely overwhelmed by all of the chaos life throws at you, you’ll find something relatable in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. While the film tends to focus on postpartum depression and the pressures associated with motherhood, much like Die My Love (2025), it approaches the topics in a way that both men and women can relate to. If I Had Legs I’d Kick You is excellent at forcing an emotional reaction from its audience, and while you may not want to ever revisit it because of its tone, it’s a movie that should definitely be experienced at least once.

The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie (2025)

The fact that The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie was released is a minor miracle. Originally canned by Warner Bros., it was picked up by a smaller distributor and had a small theatrical run, and it stands out as one of the best animated movies of the year.

There’s a kinetic energy that’s impossible to ignore in The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie. It feels like a throwback to a bygone era where 2D animation was the name of the game, and animators were throwing jokes at the audience at a mile a minute. There’s plenty of referential humor and goofy hijinks for kids to love, but there’s also plenty of adult jokes and sequences that feel ripped straight out of an episode of The Ren & Stimpy Show (1991-1996). It feels like a blur, and the way the film shifts through so many different genres in the span of 91 minutes always keeps you guessing just what is going to happen next. The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie is absolutely bursting with creativity and is perfect for people who like their comedies loud and can embrace the non-stop madness.

No Other Choice (2025)

As time goes on and people’s views of the economy become dimmer and dimmer, movies like No Other Choice become more and more relevant. Yes, it’s a farcical comedy about the lengths a person will go to get a job, but is it really all that impossible?

Park Chan-wook is no stranger to biting social commentary, and No Other Choice is probably his most on-the-nose film yet. It shouldn’t be this entertaining watching a man kill his competitors just to get a job, but the mental gymnastics that Lee Byung-hun’s character goes through to plan each killing is nothing short of a delight. In a lot of ways, No Other Choice feels like a modern Glengarry Glen Ross (1992). Both films focus on a small cast of characters, but seeing each of their conflicting personalities and intentions really sells how brutal and unfair businesses are and can be. It’s a film that points out the lengths a person will go to earn the life they want, and if you have nothing but contempt for modern-day corporations, No Other Choice will hilariously validate you.

Sentimental Value (2025)

Foreign films often get overlooked by the Western film industry. Only a handful of international movies get their time in the sun here in America, but the ones that do, like Sentimental Value, are something special. 

Sentimental Value is a movie about a lot of things. It’s a film about a daughter attempting to connect with her estranged father. It’s about the difficulties of creating art while staying true to yourself. It’s even a film about regret and trying to atone for past mistakes. No matter which theme hits you the most, it’s almost a certainty that something in Sentimental Value will affect you. It’s a complicated examination of family, one that fans of Noah Baumbach’s The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) (2017) should be familiar with, and one that trusts that the audience will understand and empathize with each member of the Borg family. It’s a very adult drama, and those who have complex relationships with their own family will probably benefit from watching it.

The Phoenician Scheme (2025)

Wes Anderson is a unique and eccentric visionary. You can tell his style of filmmaking from a mile away, but if you thought that his latest films were all a bit too esoteric, the straightforward adventure of The Phoenician Scheme will be seen as a return to form.

Led by a commanding and conniving Benicio del Toro, The Phoenician Scheme prides itself on the all-star cast it assembled. Even if they’re only present for a scene, each actor relishes the opportunity to deliver their dialogue at a rapid pace that values logic over emotion. That should come as no surprise to any longtime Wes Anderson fan, but the globetrotting nature of The Phoenician Scheme keeps you invested not only in what’s going to happen, but which famous actor will appear next. It’s the perfect balance between the familial drama of The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) and the thriller elements that pervaded The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014). It’s a simple adventure movie, but it has class that anyone looking for an elevated thriller can appreciate.

The Running Man (2025)

Remaking a cult classic is always a tricky proposition. Stay too close to the source material, and you’ll be called lazy. Modernize it too much, and you’ll betray the spirit of the original. The Running Man finds that sweet spot and reinvents Stephen King’s dystopian classic as a call to action that never forgets to have fun. 

There’s a lot of anger in The Running Man. For two hours and 13 minutes, Glenn Powell exudes a rage that becomes more and more justified as we witness the lengths the producers of The Running Man will go to isolate and character-assassinate his image. It makes his desire to burn it all to the ground justified, and even if the film isn’t as comedic as Ready or Not (2019), it channels the same spirit. There are plenty of explosions, and Edgar Wright knows exactly how to make Glen Powell appear as destructive as possible. It sadly bombed at the box office, but if you want a charismatic action spectacle, The Running Man has charm to spare.

Animation is one of the most meticulous and time-consuming art forms in cinema. It requires painstaking attention to detail and, regardless of the form, often takes years and hundreds of hours of labor to perfect. With hand-drawn animation, artists draw every frame by hand. Even with technological advances, 3D animation requires a different but still high level of detail and commitment, due to complex rendering. Pixar films, for example, require an estimated 24 hours to render a single frame, while most scenes average 24 frames per second.

Hence, it’s not unusual for animated films and shows to take years to create. Even so, we don’t expect a single scene to take an entire year to develop. However, some animated projects have done just that: creating such detailed, meticulous, and groundbreaking art that years of work went into producing what audiences view in mere seconds. One of the most famous examples is Studio Ghibli’s four-second crowd scene.

This Studio Ghibli Scene Took A Year And Three Months To Create

Hayao Miyazaki, the founder of Studio Ghibli, is one of the most revered names in animation. He is known for sticking to traditional hand-drawn animation, giving his films a gorgeous, vibrant, and enchanting touch. You might think that preserving hand-drawn animation, as much of the industry goes digital, might hold him back in some respects. However, he and his studio have managed to create increasingly complex scenes with hand-drawn animation.

Studio Ghibli demonstrated its dedication to hand-drawn animation in a particular scene from The Wind Rises (2013). The film, which is loosely based on a true story, is noticeable for its historical premise, central love story, and political themes, as it follows Jiro Horikoshi’s engineering career through World War II. Early in the movie, The Wind Rises depicts the harrowing Great Kantō earthquake in 1923.

In the aftermath of the quake, one scene captures the sheer chaos as crowds swarm the streets. Numerous civilians scramble to find help and shelter, with some riding horses, carrying luggage, or pushing wagons. Jiro and Nahoko are lost in the crowd of faces etched with panic and frustration. Miyazaki insisted the scene be hand-drawn, with animator Eiji Yamamori taking on the animation.

The scene took Yamamori a year and three months to animate. It meant hand-drawing and water-painting each person for each frame, conveying realistic fluid movement, and the body language and facial expressions of numerous people. If you look closely, you’ll see countless little stories playing out in those few seconds as civilians heave their belongings on their shoulders or as a parent and a child or a couple become separated and reach for each other in the crowd. 

If the scene runs at the typical 24 frames per second of animation, it means Yamamori painstakingly hand-drew and painted 96 frames. Day after day, week after week, he drew virtually the same image, but with subtle movement and changes, for an entire year. As Miyazaki stated after the scene was completed, following 15 months of work, “it was worth it.”

Other Incredible Animation Feats

Whether it’s hyperrealistic scenes or memorable scenes that took years to make, animators are always finding ways to make their art even more innovative. Even before The Wind Rises, Studio Ghibli garnered attention for its complex hand-drawn animation. In 2008, Studio Ghibli produced Ponyo (2008), which was nearly 100% hand-drawn and among the most complicated productions of the time, featuring a staggering 170,000 hand-drawn frames to bring the ocean’s motion and fluidity to life.

Sony’s Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) is also known for its cutting-edge animation. The film blends numerous animation styles to create a wholly unique, vibrant form of art with a comic book aesthetic. If you want an idea of how much effort went into this film, just take a look at Spider-Punk (Daniel Kaluuya). Animators spent three years designing Spider-Punk alone, experimenting with numerous styles to convey his punk aesthetic and visually represent his energy.

The fun thing about animation is that it’s always the things you wouldn’t expect that turn out to be the most complex. For The Wind Rises, it was a four-second crowd scene. For Disney’s Tangled (2010), it was Rapunzel’s (Mandy Moore) hair. One of the reasons for Tangled’s enormous $260 million budget was the complexity of animating realistic hair. 

Rapunzel’s golden locks consisted of over 100,000 individual hairs, making them one of the hardest things to computer-animate. It wasn’t just the actual rendering that was complex; the animators had to don helmets with 70 feet of fishing line attached and practice walking and running to understand how hair of that length flows and affects body movement. Hair has only grown more complex for Disney, with Elsa (Idina Menzel) boasting 400,000 individual CGI hairs in Frozen (2013).

Hair is far from Disney’s only impressive feat. From rendering 10,000 balloons individually for every frame featuring Carl Fredickson’s (Ed Asner) floating house in Up (2009) to hand-drawing an estimated million unique bubbles for The Little Mermaid (1989) in a job so tedious the studio outsourced work to China, Disney’s animated movies are riddled with extensive animation feats. Disney, Studio Ghibli, and Sony demonstrate the endless possibilities for animation, and the fact that no matter how many times you watch these films, you’ll probably never really be able to grasp the extensive amount of detail and dedication that went into every single frame. 

Every year, new TV shows are released, and they're either cancelled or we get the gift of a renewal to watch them for a few years while geeking out with each other on social media. While I'm still so bitter about the cancellation of My Lady Jane (2024) last year, 2025 has thus far been full of some of the best new releases in various genres, some of which are genuinely setting new standards in more ways than one. 

From Heated Rivalry (2025) to The Studio (2025), here are the best new shows that've already been renewed, as well as where you can watch them on platforms such as HBO Max, Apple TV+, and more.

Heated Rivalry (2025 - present) 

When it comes to the romance genre, Heated Rivalry is a triumph in storytelling—a masterclass in every way, from the adaptation quality to the performances and every directorial choice. Brilliantly paced, despite my selfishly wanting more than six episodes, the amount of character building we get in this limited time is something that many shows barely reach with a full 22 episodes. 

Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, along with the entire cast, deliver sensational performances throughout, bringing to our screens the type of love story that's truly going to be fundamental for LGBTQ+ representation by being deeply respectful and wholeheartedly exceptional on all fronts. Romance is often dismissed as a genre, but I dare anyone to watch all six episodes and tell me that the production isn't equivalent to prestigious television that fires on all cylinders. 

Dept. Q (2025 - present) 

If you love Slow Horses (2022) and grumpy detectives, look no further than Dept. Q, led to perfection by Matthew Goode, who consistently makes every property he's in incredible. With a riveting and thought-provoking case that spans across the season as opposed to changing weekly, it's the type of show that's so much fun to binge, but it could’ve also been great as a weekly drop.

Since its debut, it's been one of the highest trending shows at JustWatch, and with its renewal at Netflix, we can look forward to more detective work that'll also allow us to get to know the characters better. We don't get too much in the first season, but it's still a solid amount to keep us invested while also ensuring that we return for more. 

Pluribus (2025 - present) 

From the mind of Vince Gilligan, who brought us Breaking Bad (2008) and Better Call Saul (2015), his latest drama, Pluribus, has been taking social media and the critical world by storm. Similar to the broad appeal of Severance (2022), the mystery element and characterizations likely draw in viewers with similar tastes, and the already perfect performance from Rhea Seehorn is something that we'll likely be discussing for a while.

A large part of the show's initial appeal, outside of who was attached to it, is all in the title. So many people came to it with the promise that the first episode is something that needs to be unspoiled because the unraveling is part of the viewing experience. It's now renewed for a second season, but with its production complexities, we likely won't get it back in 2026. Still, at least it's coming.

The Pitt (2025 - present) 

From the moment The Pitt aired its pilot episode, it was clear that the show was unlike any medical drama that had been done before. While many people likely came in because they loved Noah Wyle's character from ER (1994), they stayed because of the fast-paced, single-shift approach, wanting to see what'd come of these characters and the tumultuous day.

And so much happens in a single day that it's exciting to see how things will develop further in Season 2 because the show's large appeal lies in the fact that its ensemble cast is one we also get to know throughout the shift. The balanced character journeys showcase how we get from hour one to hour fifteen, elevating the tension to make every moment stick, making it the type of show that even those who generally don't love the genre can dive into. 

The Paper (2025 - present) 

If you loved The Office (2005), but were understandably hesitant to start The Paper, run—don't walk to watch it now. There's a guarantee you'll appreciate everything the show has to offer, and it's so riveting that we get an accurate, poignant look into small press because journalism isn't a career that's often covered in mainstream media.

The whole cast delivers plenty of hilarious moments, and the characters are already so delightfully fleshed out that it's exciting to see how much further development we'll get in Season 2 when we're back in this wild office. And for those who adored Pam and Jim's relationship, I'm personally already obsessed with Ned and Mare, so you might love them, too. 

The Studio (2025 - present) 

Like The Paper, everything I heard about The Studio before watching it made me think that I wouldn't actually like it. Yet, from start to finish, every beat of the humor is refreshing, nuanced, and uniquely moving to show us exactly what goes on behind the scenes with Hollywood executives making their decisions on the next big picture.

It's clever, ridiculously funny, and the guest stars are bound to bring joy in every area to show viewers what it's like to make a movie in Hollywood. As a now Golden Globe nominee, I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot more seasons of The Studio, and with all the new changes that'll come to the industry, it's easy to hope that the show will incorporate them in every new arc. If movies and TV shows are your choice of entertainment, then the show is a must-watch for you. 

Outlander: Blood of My Blood (2025 - present) 

Prequels and sequels rarely hold a candle to the original story, but all that we see in Outlander: Blood of My Blood is a gorgeous feast to show us that this story isn't just good, but it's necessary to feel even more attached to the original. Watching Jamie Fraser's parents fall in love with each other is an absolute treat, but in the same way that Outlander (2014) is so magical for its scenic shots, so is the prequel.

It's the perfect type of show for viewers wanting to escape into a fantasy world with realism still at the crux of it all, and the romance is an added delight that makes everything swoonworthy and lovely. This one can also be perfect if you haven't watched Outlander and want to start now. The viewing experience might even be significantly different. 

Zootopia 2 is Disney’s latest computer-animated film to land in theaters. Like many of the studio’s movies, it centers on a world of anthropomorphic animals where detectives Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) investigate cases for the Zootopia Police Department (ZPD). The film is an allegory that explores themes of prejudice through the story of pit viper Gary De’Snake (Ke Huy Quan), whom the residents of Zootopia view with suspicion.

While Zootopia 2 encourages kids and families to accept those around them, viewers may take it literally and become more open to all kinds of animals, including snakes, which we tend to fear. It’s far from the only film, though, to encourage acceptance of certain animals or open our eyes to the plight of animals. Our guide will show how to watch the best movies that have changed how we see animals on platforms such as Disney+, HBO Max, and more.

‘Free Willy’ (1993) Urges An End To Whale Captivity

Free Willy follows Jesse (Jason James Richter), an orphaned boy who forms a bond with a captive orca whale, Willy, and hatches a plan to free him. It’s a beautiful movie about the bond between a boy and a whale, connected through their desire to find their families. The happy ending makes it a feel-good, family-friendly film, while the action adds tension and adrenaline to keep viewers engaged.

Free Willy’s biggest draw, though, is that it tackles whale captivity. It did so in a pre-Blackfish (2013) world where people were far less aware of the stress and even mistreatment that captive whales faced. The message stuck with viewers, so much so that when they realized Willy’s actor, Keiko, was still in captivity, they demanded his freedom. After an extensive campaign, Keiko became the first captive whale released into the ocean, a moment that added momentum to the movement to end whale captivity.

‘Babe’ (1995) Stirs Interest In Vegetarianism

Babe centers on a pig named Babe (Christine Cavanaugh), who works hard to prove to farmer Arthur Hoggett (James Cromwell) and his animals that he can herd sheep just as well as a dog. It’s a heartwarming comedy about one little pig who refuses to conform to the roles society expects from pigs. While there are some dark and scary elements, Babe’s efforts to protect the sheep make it an ultimately inspiring underdog tale.

What Babe does is elevate its titular protagonist, giving him a voice and a consciousness that opens viewers’ eyes to pigs’ intelligence and stirs interest in vegetarianism and veganism. In fact, working with the intelligent pigs on set moved Cromwell so much that he decided to go vegan by the second day. Like Charlotte’s Web (2006), Babe really makes you think about the potential of pigs if they’re permitted to be more than food.

‘Finding Nemo’ (2003) Raises Awareness For Clownfish

Finding Nemo follows Marlin (Albert Brooks), a widowed clownfish, as he journeys across the ocean to find his missing son, Nemo (Alexander Gould). The film is a gorgeously animated underwater adventure that will dazzle viewers with its many fish species, lifelike fish movement, and ocean-reef renderings. Meanwhile, it touches poignantly on themes of grief, parenting, and coming-of-age that will resonate with viewers of all ages.

Finding Nemo’s legacy is mixed: While some reports blamed the film for the over-sale of clownfish and reef degradation, others commended it for raising interest and awareness of clownfish. It inspired viewers to seek more information about clownfish, wildlife, and conservation efforts. If you love movies that encourage love of the ocean, like Moana (2016) and Ponyo (2008), but with a little more focus on its diverse marine life, Finding Nemo is an excellent watch.

‘Ratatouille’ (2007) Turns Rats From Pests To Friends

Ratatouille follows Remy (Patton Oswalt), a rat who finds a way to fulfill his love for cooking by secretly helping Alfredo Linguini (Lou Romano) become a chef at the restaurant where he previously worked as a garbage boy. The film boasts a wildly creative premise while drawing viewers deep into the world of cooking and French cuisine. It also includes a powerful message inspiring viewers to cook and create connections and memories through meaningful dishes.

In addition to encouraging interest in cooking, Ratatouille encouraged viewers to change their perception of rats. While many people view rats as pests that they don’t want in their homes, Ratatouille argued that rats could be friends with humans. It seems viewers took this idea to heart, as rat sales surged nationwide and people recognized that rats make wonderful pets.

‘Black Beauty’ (2020) Continues Advocating For Horses

Black Beauty (2020) is the latest adaptation of Anna Sewell’s book of the same name. It follows the life of the mustang Black Beauty (Kate Winslet), who lives free until cowboys wrangle her herd, and she forms a connection with teenager Jo Green (Mackenzie Foy). The film captures the heart and spirit of the book with its touching exploration of Black Beauty’s life and the challenges she faces, and her incredible bond with Jo.

Since its publication in 1887, Black Beauty has been pivotal in influencing the humane treatment of horses and improving their welfare. Black Beauty (2020) continues that legacy by revising the story to highlight the brutality of mustang roundups and raise awareness of the welfare of wild horses. The 1994 movie may be the most faithful to the book, but Black Beauty (2020) is an excellent choice for those seeking a version of the story that addresses additional concerns about wild horse welfare.

‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ (2023) Encourages An End To Animal Experimentation

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 sees the Guardians rally to save Rocket (Bradley Cooper) as the raccoon’s past comes back to haunt him. The third film in James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy is excellent for those of you who love Rocket and are eager to learn more of his history. Like previous installments, it’s the perfect blend of humor, action, and emotion as the team rallies around their own.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 also carries a strong message against animal experimentation, capturing the heartrending history of Rocket and how he became an enhanced raccoon. It doesn’t hold back, even treading a bit into horror as it captures the suffering of the Human Evolutionary’s (Chukwudi Iwuji) test subjects. Even PETA commended the film’s message. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a superhero film that delivers a real emotional punch and is reminiscent of Superman (2025) in the way it spotlights animals.

‘Flow’ (2024) Changes Our Perception Of Black Cats

Flow tracks the adventures of a little black cat who teams up with several animals to survive flooding in their forest. The film was one of the most unique releases of 2024, a dialogue-free production created entirely in Blender. Whether you just want to see a bunch of cute animals working together to survive or are interested in the ambiguous and unique world the film creates, Flow is a must-see.

Another bonus of Flow is that it focuses on animals that don’t usually dominate adventure films, including a black cat, a lemur, and a capybara. Black cats often appear in Halloween flicks because of legends that they bring bad luck, while common animals like dogs are favored over lemurs and capybaras. However, the depiction of a black cat as intelligent, resourceful, and capable of forming connections softened many viewers’ hearts, leading to a surge in black cat adoptions and helping diminish the stigma many associate with the breed.

‘Superman’(2025) Inspires Dog Adoption

Superman tells the story of Superman (David Corenswet), a Kryptonian living on Earth who discovers a startling truth about his heritage as Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) seeks to eliminate him. It’s an excellent take on Superman, as it digs a little deeper into his origin and those who resent him for being different. However, Superman is ultimately a movie about hope and suggests that anyone can rise above their heritage and find a true family.

Another aspect of Superman that most viewers loved was Krypto. The loyal companion of Superman stole the show with his adorable antics and bravery. While the dog is CGI, he was inspired and modeled after Gunn’s own rescue dog, Ozu. Krypto’s portrayal and the heartwarming story behind his inspiration drove a 500% surge in searches for dog adoption and rescue.

‘Zootopia 2’ (2025) Spikes Viper Pet Sales

Zootopia 2 tackles the latest adventure of our favorite rabbit and fox, Judy and Nick, as they investigate sightings of a pit viper in Zootopia, despite the species’ prolonged absence in the metropolis. The movie is an excellent follow-up to Zootopia (2016), maintaining the heart and humor of the original while expanding its characters, themes, and cutting-edge animation. Its sophisticated storytelling appeals to adults, while it’s an excellent starting point for conversations about acceptance for children.

In China, Zootopia 2 also had another interesting effect. Viewers loved the snake, Gary, so much that there was interest in purchasing venomous pit vipers, with a few already following through with the purchase. While the potential for inexperienced customers to purchase venomous snakes is concerning, Zootopia 2 also encourages experienced snake owners to provide homes for pit vipers and encourages more consumers to recognize reptiles as pets.

As 2025 begins to wind down and we here at JustWatch begin to reflect on the past year, one thing has become abundantly clear: 2025 was a great year for horror movies. Between smaller Indie hits and major blockbuster releases, horror films captured the attention of audiences around the globe.

 Not every movie was a smash hit, but when a horror movie was good, it dominated discussion both on and offline. In fact, many horror movies this year, like Frankenstein (2025) and Weapons (2025), were at times the number one most-watched movie in the United States. There was a time when horror films used to be considered niche, but that’s no longer the case. 

With so many great horror movies that came out on streaming services like Shudder, HBO Max, and Netflix this past year, which ones will stick with you long after viewing, and which ones will be forgotten by the next day? Out of the hundreds of horror movies that came out in 2025, these are the ten best horror movies you need to watch if you love being terrified and creeped out.

10) V/H/S/Halloween (2025)

The V/H/S series always delivers creative and interesting installments, and the myriad of shorts present in V/H/S/Halloween makes it one of the franchise’s best.

While all of the earlier V/H/S movies were solid horror movies, V/H/S Halloween is an excellent Halloween movie. There are still some great scares and plenty of spooky shots in the film, but there’s also a fair amount of tongue-in-cheek humor as well that befits the spooky season. It’s fun in the same way that Trick ‘r Treat (2007) is fun, since both films take joy in the season and relish in making each segment creepy, yet approachable. There’s still some of the dark intensity of earlier films, most notably in the brilliant bleak “Kidprint,” but if you’re trying to find a more mature Halloween movie that still retains the playful spirit of the season, V/H/S Halloween is perfect for you.

9) Companion (2025)

As consumers become more and more concerned about the prevalence of AI in society, movies like Companion are a reminder that oftentimes, it’s not the technology itself that’s at fault, but the people who are overly dependent on it. 

While Companion’s twist is fairly obvious after watching the first few minutes, once the film switches from a romantic comedy to a dark comedy, it truly comes alive. While you would expect a movie like Companion to take cues from horror movies like M3GAN (2022) that prey on our fear of technology, Companion goes the opposite direction. It’s a movie that shows just how monstrous people who have become cripplingly reliant on technology are. What helps sell it is Jack Quaid, whose character comes across as the definition of a guy you’d meet online who says he’s a “nice guy,” and Sophie Thatcher, who quickly realizes just how much of a petulant manchild her lover is. Companion’s dark sense of humor may not be for everyone, but it’s great for people who want to see AI tech bros be taken down a peg or two.

8) Presence (2025)

2025 was a great year for experimental horror films. While horror as a genre is used to taking risks and scaring the audiences in new and inventive ways, Presence was a bold and creative twist on the haunted house genre.

Told from the perspective of a ghost, Presence is less of a pulse-pounding thrill ride and more of a supernatural psychological drama. There are very few scares in the film, but the fractured nature of the Payne family can feel very close to home. Much like A Ghost Story (2017), we’re meant to observe the haunting and come to understand how and why the spirit has attached itself not only to this house, but to particular family members. The first-person perspective helps sell the movie, and at only 85 minutes long, you’ll be so engaged that you’ll wish it were longer. Few ghost movies are as well-made as Presence, and supernatural lovers won’t be able to look away from it.

7) Good Boy (2025)

Sometimes, you need more than a great premise. You need the dedication, creativity, and skill to bring your vision to life. On paper, a movie like Good Boy shouldn’t work, and yet thanks to three years of painstaking effort, it most certainly does. 

Making a movie from the perspective of a ghost, like Presence, is one thing, but making it from the perspective of a dog is something different. It is a simple horror movie about a dog who is trying to protect its owner from a ghost, but thanks to some clever cinematography, shot composition, and editing, Good Boy really makes you think that Indy is a capable and fully cognizant actor. His reactions to creepy moments are spot-on, and his whines and whimpers really drive home the fear and terror of the pain the ghost is inflicting on his owner. Frankly, Good Boy is one of the most technically impressive films of the year, and if you’re a fan of the technical aspects of filmmaking, Good Boy will leave you stunned.

6) Final Destination: Bloodlines (2025)

Horror movies are meant to play on people’s fears. The Final Destination series is nothing if not an expert at freaking people out with ridiculous kills and gory sequences. Every Final Destination movie has its crazy kills, but Final Destination: Bloodlines may just be the most hilarious entry in the series.

Final Destination: Bloodlines is aware right from the start that you want to see its cast die in increasingly gruesome sequences. But the film isn’t complacent and content with killing them in ways you would expect. It consistently subverts and shocks you with how quick and violent each death can be. While you may not remember all of the film’s 1 hour and 50-minute runtime, you’ll remember the MRI scene and that godforsaken penny and laugh at how extreme it can get. It’s nothing if not creative, and it’s the kind of horror movie you can watch with a group of friends and howl with laughter at. So if you found yourself wishing for some brutal yet hilarious action straight out of Happy Death Day (2017), Final Destination: Bloodlines will be your next obsession.

5) Bring Her Back (2025)

Horror movies can be uncomfortable. They’re meant to push the boundaries of what is socially acceptable and make audiences come face-to-face with the darkness within us all. Even with that in mind, Bring Her Back is disturbing in a way that few horror films are. 

A part of that has to come with the sensitivity of the topics discussed. Dead children, grief, and child abuse aren’t exactly easy topics on a good day, but Bring Her Back mixes them into a Molotov cocktail of misery. It expertly elicits emotions from the viewer, whether it’s sympathy for Andy and what he has to endure or hatred for Laura and the lengths she goes to achieve her ends. By the end, a part of you will feel dead inside, much like your first viewing of Hereditary (2018), but you’ll have such complicated feelings that Bring Her Back will stay on your mind for some time. If you’re looking for a depressing horror movie to make you feel for its cast, Bring Her Back will do that and then some. 

4) Weapons (2025)

The breakout horror film of the summer, Weapons excelled at creating a complex narrative like no other that’ll satisfy anyone looking for a dark mystery. Told from the perspective of six different characters, Weapons creates a complicated narrative that, like Rashomon (1950) before it, needs to be rewatched multiple times to fully appreciate it. 

While Weapons does utilize the occult to explain how and why a class of third graders disappeared, it’s the comparisons to real-world trauma that make Weapons stand out. While the theory that the film is an allegory for school shootings is debatable, seeing how each of the characters processes tragedy is fascinating. Some lash out. Some regress. Some isolate themselves. Some try to pretend that everything is okay. Whether you like it or not, you can probably relate to one of the film’s many cast members. Films that tastefully handle trauma, grief, and loss are hard to come by, so if you’re looking for a more horrific version of Prisoners (2013), you’ll find it in Weapons.

3) The Monkey (2025)

2025 was a great year for Stephen King fans. Between IT: Welcome To Derry (2025) and The Long Walk (2025), lovers of King’s brand of storytelling were eating well this year. The best dish, though, was the first one to release in 2025, Ozgood Perkins’ The Monkey. 

The Monkey is what you would get if you channeled a Stephen King story through Twin Peaks (1990-2017). It has all of the eccentricities you would expect from a King movie, but with the dial turned up to 11. Nearly every character acts and behaves like a vague approximation of a human, but fully commits to the insanity of the premise like Final Destination: Bloodlines. I mean, when the film is about a monkey toy with the power to kill people, it’s impossible not to have some fun with everything that happens. Yet, for as ridiculous as its premise is, everyone, most notably Theo James, plays each moment like they’re competing for an Oscar. It’s the most darkly comedic film that came out in 2025, and its strangeness deserves to be seen.

2) Frankenstein (2025)

Whenever Guillermo del Toro announces a new movie, you can guarantee it’s going to be immaculately made and with a painstaking attention to detail. Even by del Toro’s lofty standards, there’s a certain beauty to Frankenstein that is impossible to ignore. 

While it may not be a one-to-one adaptation of the Mary Shelley novel, when it’s presented as well as it is here, does it even matter? The tragedy of Victor and the Creature is poignant and moving. It broaches familiar topics, such as pondering the real monster is the story, but they only feel familiar because Frankenstein originated those very ideas. As always, del Toro’s dedication to practical props and sets help bring the film to life, going well beyond what he did for Crimson Peak (2015) and The Shape of Water (2017). Frankenstein is a love letter to Gothic horror, and if you ever considered yourself a fan of the genre, you owe it to yourself to watch all two and a half hours of it. 

1) Sinners (2025)

For as powerful as and beautiful as Frankenstein was, there’s a certain boldness to Sinners that’s impossible to match. Part horror, part action, and part musical, Sinners the the type of original filmmaking that Hollywood could stand to learn from.

Horror has always been a vehicle for societal examination, and almost all aspects of Sinners are worth analyzing and poring over. There’s the importance and legacy of music, cultural assimilation and degradation, the nature of spirituality, and many, many other topics that will strike a chord with any horror afficionado. But at its core, like Get Out (2017) before it, it’s a film that tackles race in a way that feels authentic and real. The entire first half of Sinners is solely dedicated to fleshing out its world and the unique place the Smokestack Twins inhabit in it before going absolutely nuts with its vampiric and klan killing climax. There’s a little bit of something for everyone in Sinners, and the sheer technical acumen of Ryan Coogler’s horror-tinged love letter to westerns makes it the best horror movie of 2025.

Heated Rivalry (2025) isn't just an admirable romance adaptation, but it's one of the best shows of the year, geared to become something that can undoubtedly set a new standard for how to showcase queer joy in mainstream media. As a series, it's not only doing a captivating job of allowing real, human relationships to take center stage, but its critical and fan reaction makes a clear statement that we want more shows like it. 

We're tired of watching members of the LGBTQ+ community be treated as less than in the media when they're already facing terrors in the real world. We're tired of hearing that romance is a niche genre when it's the highest-selling genre for novels, and a show like Heated Rivalry is rapidly climbing streaming charts.

And from the very beginning, every episode is an accomplishment, but its penultimate is also one of the best episodes of all time as it fires on all cylinders to deliver a narrative achievement that's accolade-worthy. "I'll Believe in Anything" is now among the top three of the highest-rated TV episodes of all time on IMDb, sandwiched rightfully between Breaking Bad's (2008) "Ozymandias" and Six Feet Under's (2001) "Everything's Waiting." It's only the second episode to garner a perfect 10/10 score after "Ozymandias," and there are countless reasons for this brilliantly earned score. Stop what you're doing if you haven't already started and run to Crave Canada or HBO Max to watch before reading about the masterpiece that is "I'll Believe in Anything."

'Heated Rivalry' Sets A New Standard For Romance Adaptations on TV

As critics, when it comes to determining an episode's greatness, there are a few things to consider: Is its spot in the story well placed? Does it carefully service both the plot and the characters? Does the screenplay show us what's significant as opposed to telling us what we need to know? Do the performers rise to the challenges they're given and deliver something that's unforgettable in some way? As an adaptation, how effectively does it translate the source material to a different medium? Do the directing, cinematography, lighting, sound mixing, and music choices contribute to highlighting the episode's theme?

A lot of times, countless shows do all of these things, and depending on the genre they fall into, they don't always get the critical reception necessary to then push award campaigns ahead for more recognition. But in every way where it matters, Heated Rivalry Season 1, Episode 5, "I'll Believe in Anything," should get the recognition it deserves.

Thoughtfully written and directed by Jacob Tierney, the episode is masterful from start to finish in delivering the rising waves that crash toward the climax. Penultimates and finales also carry a weight on their shoulders as episodes that are generally more important to the story for where they fall in the narrative scale. These are the beats we often put the most pressure on to determine whether something can stick the landing, and in every way, "I'll Believe in Anything" does. 

The Season 1 Penultimate Episode Of 'Heated Rivalry' Is a Perfect Testament To Raw Human Emotions

Credit where it's due, Rachel Reid is a brilliant writer, and where she places these events in the Game Changer series is deliberately considerate to enhance all the emotional highs and lows. Jacob Tierney and the team understand the value of respecting the source material, and despite various changes here and there, their adaptation adds all that's necessary to draw in even those who haven't read the books.

Again, this being a penultimate episode matters because we're already walking into it knowing that the end is near. And how we swerve from one significant event to another with these characters is no small feat. For three episodes, not including "Hunter," we watched Connor Storrie's Ilya Rozanov and Hudson Williams' Shane Hollander orbit around one another as they grew closer through sex. Now's the time to unpack all of that—to put their clothes back on yet bare their souls in a way that allows them to be even more naked than they've ever been before. Because these are the moments that effectively underscore how they've fallen in love over and over while building a trust they didn't realize was armoring them the entire time.

It's this very trust and the safe space they've built together that allows Ilya to fully unburden himself and confess his love, albeit in Russian. Character development is crucial in cementing a great episode, and thus far, we've watched Ilya essentially choke on all the emotions he's kept locked away while Shane has tried to understand them all. 

The dance that they've been a part of is then elevated by the fact that both characters have never felt this way before, and we get to see this all come to light through the type of honest communication that proves vulnerability is the key to developing characters. Every show and episode that's ever nominated for any kind of award features some sort of confession, outcry, or climactic realization. In many ways, the episode includes all three, making it perfect. 

Connor Storrie And Hudson Williams Deliver Award-Worthy Performances

For an episode to be deemed as the best of the year, the actors also need to bring their A-game, and that's exactly what both Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams do. But the same can be said for François Arnaud and Robbie G.K. in the mark they leave during the episode's final few moments. Impressively, in a way that I have very few words for. That said, to think that both Storrie and Williams are only just getting started is an accomplishment that's even more rare because Storrie's accent work and the training he went through to speak another language is something that veteran actors don't take as seriously as they should. 

The phone call where Ilya bares it all while Shane fully listens, though he doesn't understand, is as evocative as it is because it's a further emphasis on how to build intimacy without physical touch. One character exposes his whole heart, while the other listens and wholly embraces every word that's coming out of his mouth, even while he doesn't understand, because he can feel it?

I can't remember the last time a scene like this was as evocative. Because that's how profound their connection now is, and the humanity that we see throughout Heated Rivalry's "I'll Believe in Anything" is proof of how humanity can inspire each other. How substantial it is to watch another queer couple come out publicly and realize that maybe one day, you can, too. Because ultimately, the inclusion of Scott and Kip in Episode 5 also underscores why Episode 3 was as significant as it is—how they're the game changers in more ways than one.

The masterful performances elevate every emotion and every narrative beat, while mindful song choices continue to work as parallels and signs of how the characters got to this point from the first episode. It sets up the events of the finale with the type of cliffhanger that feels earned and poignant, making a note of how prestigious TV is all about exploring and untangling human emotions.  Whether stuck in a mysterious company with severed minds or hockey as a metaphor, one thing's clear about TV in 2025: grief and love and healing all orbit around each other to deliver some of the best episodes we've watched.

‘Tis the season to snuggle up by a warm fire with a big hot cup of cocoa. The weather outside might be frightful, but the fire is so delightful! Then again, fireplaces (especially the real, old-school wood-burning ones) release tons of harmful gases and particulates into the air, making them incredibly toxic. 

Luckily, Netflix has us all covered with chemical-free artificial fireplace emulators that bring all the crackling, flickering, cozy warmth of a good roaring fire…without all those pesky lung irritants. It all started with the standard Fireplace for your Home, which is exactly what it sounds like. There are three hour-long “episodes,” including one with Christmas music, one of just the crackling fire, and another of relaxing instrumental music. You can also check out variations like the retro-themed Mid-Century Modern Fireplace or the stately White Christmas Fireplace for the holidays.

But Netflix also has a bunch of fireplaces inspired by their hit shows and movies. From Wednesday (2022-Present) to KPop Demon Hunters (2025) and more, here’s every Netflix fireplace, ranked. Yes. I’m getting paid to rank fireplaces, and I’m taking this very seriously. So put on your cozy socks and your chunky sweater, and grab that oversized mug that could double as a cereal bowl, because here we go! 

8. KPop Demon Hunters: Fireplace (2025)

Shockingly, the absolute worst fireplace is from KPop Demon Hunters. Despite the action musical being a worldwide cultural phenomenon dominating not just the Netflix charts, but also the Billboard charts…its fireplace kind of sucks. 

First off, it isn’t even a fireplace. It’s just a roaring pink fire altar from the movie, and it’s pretty small, taking up a mere fraction of the screen. Even worse, nothing really happens, making it a pretty boring experience. The first 22 minutes feature the score from the movie, but then we spend the next 40 minutes in silence. Because it’s animated, small, and silent, there isn’t even ambience, it all just feels empty. The KPop Demon Hunters: Fireplace is honestly dull, so let the demons keep it and find a better one.

7. Unicorn Academy: Holiday Fireplace (2025)

The Unicorn Academy: Holiday Fireplace is a hot mess. First of all, this is clearly the fever dream of some sugar-addled 7-year-old girl, thanks to its cheap, AI-looking animation style, awful pop instrumental Christmas music that was clearly pulled from the bargain bin, and the ample amounts of unicorns and fairies. 

Even worse, the fireplace is on a 10-minute loop, and the entire ordeal just repeats itself six times, creating an hour-long recording (yes, I sat through it, and yes, I regret it.) If you’re overdosing on sugarplums or huffing a little too much holly, this might just be the fireplace setting for you. It could also be a good option for hardcore fans of Unicorn Academy who simply crave any kind of new content. 

6. Squid Game: Fireplace (2024)

The Squid Game: Fireplace is admittedly quite beautiful. Embossed wall plating, a leather couch, an earth-toned rotary phone, and stately decor make it a striking fireplace setting fit for a swanky Manhattan lounge. 

But then there’s all the sinister ambient noises, the tense Squid Game soundtrack playing in the background, and a Young-hee replica sitting above the fireplace, making anyone who looks at it immediately think of the devastating red light, green light game. If you’re hosting an escape room party, this would be a great fit. But to relax? Absolutely not. It makes me feel like I’m about to meet with an evil villain who has probably poisoned my martini. 

5. Spellbound: Fireplace (2024)

Netflix’s animated fantasy film Spellbound also received the fireplace treatment. But it isn’t actually a fireplace, and instead is a fire in the middle of an enchanted forest (where is Smoky Bear when you need him?) It’s also loaded with the sounds of woodland critters and light ambient music from the movie. 

The Spellbound: Fireplace is also unique because it’s set just at the start of dusk, making it the brightest of all the fireplace adaptations. But as an animated fireplace, and its distinct setting that very obviously isn’t part of your house, the Spellbound version feels a little hokey and out of place. Kind of like you’re watching a scene from an old Disney movie that never seems to start. But for anyone with small kids making pillow forts in the living room, this could be a great choice to create a wilderness vibe.

4. The Witcher: Fireplace (2021) 

Netflix also has a fireplace inspired by their series The Witcher, which is inspired by the video game series of the same name, which is based on the book series of the same name…which were probably written in front of a fireplace? It all comes full circle. 

The medieval-looking The Witcher: Fireplace is actually a firepit, and it definitely gives off some Game of Thrones vibes. Plus, the score from the show plays in the background, giving this one a hefty dose of medieval ambience. If you’re hosting a ren fair party or running a D&D game, this is absolutely the epic fireside setting you need. 

3. Stranger Things: Fireplace (2025)

The Stranger Things: Fireplace is actually really cool. So cool that it almost becomes too distracting for a piece of background ambience. The fireplace is within the Byers house from season 1, complete with the alphabet and Christmas lights dangling above. 

But as the fire burns, tense music from the show plays (including its iconic opening theme). Then, the electronics flicker, and the Christmas lights begin to light up and spell words like R-U-N. For a whole 10 minutes, we’re even transported to the Upside Down. It’s one of the most active fireplaces in the Netflix library, which could be a lot of fun or distracting, depending on what you’re looking for. But for Stranger Things fans, it could be something interesting to check out. 

2. Wednesday: Fireplace (2025)

Step into the twisted, gloomy Addams house and sit next to the fireplace, which is inside the mouth of a giant stone Medusa. With ornate purple wallpaper, hardwood floors, and large gold-trimmed mirrors, the Wednesday: Fireplace is a gorgeously spooky setting. If you’re a fan of the show Wednesday, or just love all things ghostly and eerie, this is the fireplace for you.

But also, it’s just truly a stunning space. I’d live here. I don’t care if Uncle Fester creeps on me or if a dismembered hand runs around all night. Perhaps it can bring me my cup of tea while I rest by the fire? It’s the perfect blend of a relaxing fireplace and great scenery, without having too much going on, like in the Stranger Things fireplace. The next time you host a Halloween party or tell scary stories on Christmas night (this was a very real and popular tradition during the Victorian era), the Wednesday fireplace will perfectly set the mood. 

1. Bridgerton: Fireplace (2024)

Bridgerton knew the assignment when creating a fireplace setting. Stately floral arrangements, candelabras, fancy pillows, and a porcelain tea set all surround the stunning white, engraved fireplace within the Bridgerton manor. Plus, music plays throughout the entire hour, which makes this a lively and pleasant fireside setting, perfect for anyone hosting an afternoon tea or supper party. 

Its mix of elegance and simplicity makes the Bridgerton: Fireplace the best of them all. It’s even great to put on while you’re studying or working (I’m actually listening to it as I write this). The only downside is that it’s missing all the hunky hunks and salacious…you know…from the series. 

Let's be real. Half the fun of horror movies is the tropes. Whether it's a door squeaking when it shouldn't, creepy children, or ghostly whispers carried on the wind, these reliable cliches do wonders in creating suspense. The same can be said about the sillier horror movie tropes. You know, the ones that have you rolling your eyes while a smile also plays on your lips. Sure, you've come to expect them, but you also need them.

The tropes gathered on this list are the ones that have you yelling at the screen. "Turn around!" "Don't do that!" "For God's sake, just run!" While not every horror movie protagonist acts the way we want them to, their frequent stupidity and lack of awareness are also what make horror such a blast. Here are seven ridiculous horror movie tropes you know, love, and never get tired of. Watch the films that use them best (or, at least, the most memorably) on HBO Max, Netflix, and more. 

Splitting Up For No Good Reason

Sometimes I wonder if Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? (1969) popularized this trope because those meddling kids were always splitting up. In some cases, it made sense. Other times, it felt reckless. (If Fred and Daphne were just doing it to "hook up," couldn't they do that off Mystery Inc.'s time?) The same can be said about most horror movies, especially of the slasher variety. How often have you yelled at the screen when the twenty-somethings break apart? Wouldn't your chances against a masked maniac be better in a group?

Yet, that's really the fun of a slasher: watching the killer creatively pick off victims one by one. The Blackening (2023) has a really fun, really meta take on this trope that plays a pretty significant role in the movie. Sure to delight anyone who appreciates a good self-aware genre film. However, look to cult '80s favorites like The House on Sorority Row (1982) or Night of the Demons (1988) to see more organic, albeit just as silly, versions of this trope.

Strange, Unknown Fluids? Let's Lick, Touch, Or Both

Anyone who watches The X-Files (1993) knows Agent Mulder frequently touches and tastes all types of unknown substances in his pursuit of the truth. However, that bizarre oral fixation doesn't start and stop at him. Why are horror movie protagonists always soaking their fingers in blood to see if it's real? Perhaps it emphasizes their disbelief in the situations they've found themselves in, but couldn't they just look really closely? The same can be said about unknown, gooey substances.

Movies like Prometheus (2012) and Slugs (1988) use goo and slime to memorable effect. The latter, especially, involves many investigations of slime-covered corpses that also result in the investigators getting covered in the stuff. From gnarly practical effects to the trademark '80s sense of camp and over-the-top gore, Slugs is a worthy cult classic for your next movie night with friends.   

Unrealistically Skeptical Law Enforcement

Horror movies have a complicated relationship with law enforcement. Police are either treated as the ultimate saviors (the goal our protagonists are trying to contact) or they're wildly incompetent, arriving at the scene only to get murdered a second later. Add a little wildly unprofessional skepticism in there, and you've got the makings of the ultimate trope. Picture it: People covered in blood desperately trying to explain that a slasher is hunting them, only for the police to say something like, "You kids are wasting my time." 

Whenever I think of this trope, my mind jumps to Halloween (1978) as Dr. Loomis spends the entirety of the movie ranting, raving, and trying to convince the sheriff that Michael Myers, an escaped asylum patient, is a threat to Haddonfield. That said, Gremlins (1984) also has a wonderfully bizarre example of this. After initially ignoring Billy's warnings about the gremlins, the sheriff and deputy still don't quite believe it, even after witnessing the chaos in town. The best part is that rather than helping, they just drive back to the station. Gremlins' social commentary and dark humor are on full display here, so if comedy horror is your thing, you'll love what this iconic holiday horror movie is putting out.

The Killer Coming Back For One Last Scare

Wes Craven's Scream (1996) famously shines a spotlight on this trope when Randy warns, "Careful. This is the moment when the supposedly dead killer comes back to life for one last scare." If you've seen any horror movie ever, that scene will elicit a laugh. Really, Scream's meta-commentary about the genre's many tropes works for almost every entry on this list. Horror comedy connoisseurs will love it, but the blending of mystery and humor makes it a solid choice for horror newcomers, too.

1978's Halloween earns another mention for its iconic disappearing Michael act, but really, so many movies fall into this category. From classics like Friday the 13th (1980) to modern favorites like Terrifier (2018), and those middle movies like Orphan (2009) in between, boot up almost any horror flick, and you'll get some rift on the "dead killer returning" for one last jumpscare before the credits roll.

Don't Go Camping… Ever

While camping is a pastime enjoyed by many, that's never the case in horror movies. And, hey, I get it. Camping is all about getting closer to nature, and Mother Nature plays by her own rules. Whether it's a log cabin or a simple tent, there's something innately unsettling about the isolation of the woods, especially at night.

If you prefer man versus nature stories, Backcountry (2015) will make you second-guess hiking for the foreseeable future. The same goes for The Ritual (2017), a Netflix staple that interweaves a nice dose of occult horror if that's more your style. For slasher fans, Sleepaway Camp (1983) and the aforementioned Friday the 13th will also give you a tasty serving of camping horror, just with a summer camp vibe.

Wandering Off To The Bathroom Means Certain Death

While some of you reading this might be thinking, "But, wait! Isn't this the same thing as splitting up?" I'm here to tell you that you're wrong. The "call to nature" trope usually occurs before the horror even starts. One of our protagonists excuses themselves to use the bathroom, sometimes walking for what feels like miles, only to meet a grim end at the hands of a killer. What keeps this trope fun is that the character remains oblivious to his fate while the audience immediately suspects he is a goner. Then, it becomes a game of "when" rather than "if." 

Again, so many movies qualify for a shoutout here, but In a Violent Nature (2024) deserves special mention for delivering a pretty gnarly kill that will delight special effects nerds. It's got an old-school horror feel to it that makes up for the movie's slower movements. While the film itself might be a bit divisive, this particular kill acts as a worthy example of why Scream's Randy warned against ever saying, "I'll be right back," if you're in a horror movie.

Never Trust The Locals, Especially If They Live Rurally 

When it comes to stranger danger, horror movies really double down. If you're a horror movie character traveling to a new location, especially a remote, desolate one, assume everyone around you is a murderous monster. Personally, this is one of my favorite tropes because it's scary and, honestly, an introvert's worst nightmare. Imagine traveling to a new place, needing help, only to discover everyone around you is in on the terror. 

Perhaps no movie (and franchise) does this better than The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), a genre-defining classic that's sure to delight fans of grindhouse-style films. That said, if you want something a little off the beaten path (pun intended), consider checking out Wolf Creek (2005), Wrong Turn (2003), or House of Wax (2005), a movie I will always defend through my clouded millennial nostalgia. 

The year is winding down, which means it’s time to start planning out your celebrations for New Year’s Eve. For many, that means a night with friends that involves watching some kind of music-filled special, lots of fizzy drinks, and staying up until midnight to welcome the new year. 

If you’re looking for something a little more lowkey, maybe consider a movie night? For decades, cinephiles have celebrated New Year’s Eve by meticulously planning the exact time to start their favorite movie so a key moment happens right when the clock strikes 12. This year, we’ve saved you the trouble by putting together this list of 10 movies with unforgettably iconic scenes and when you need to start them for the scene to happen at midnight. Boot up Pluto TV, HBO Max, and more to kickstart your New Year’s movie party now. 

Ghostbusters II (1989)

If you’re going hunting for a Ghostbusters movie to watch this holiday season, 1989’s Ghostbusters II is probably the last one on your list. While the film was still a massive hit, you can’t deny that it’s a little toothless compared to the original, largely thanks to its tamer, more family-friendly humor and stylings in the wake of its 1986 animated counterpart, The Real Ghostbusters’ success.

Nonetheless, Ghostbusters II has one advantage: It’s set around late December, with New Year’s Eve serving as the deadline to stop the film’s big bad, Vigo the Carpathian. If you start the movie at 10:19 PM, the Ghostbusters will rappel into the film’s finale at midnight, punctuated by Bill Murray’s Peter Venkman exclaiming “Happy New Year!”

Back to the Future (1985) 

Did you know that if they made Back to the Future today with Marty living in 2025, he would be going back to 1995? That honestly sounds terrifying, but thankfully, I can watch the original to stop thinking about that. Back to the Future is a rare example of a practically perfect movie. While Back to the Future Part II is definitely my favorite thanks to its far-flung future setting and visual effects, I can’t deny how incredible the original is because of its sharp writing, clever concept, and absolutely stacked cast.

It’s got some of the most unforgettable scenes in movie history, whether it’s Marty threatening to melt his younger dad’s brains as “Darth Vader from Planet Vulcan” or Doc and Marty trying to fix the Delorean. But if you have to pick one scene to see when the year ends, it’s pretty obvious. Start the film at 10:19, and Marty will return to 1985 at exactly midnight. Sci-fi fans, this one is for you. 

Forrest Gump (1994)

Much like how Back to the Future is a classic slice of Americana, Forrest Gump is a beloved American classic. However, while the tale of Back to the Future is a hopeful and triumphant one, Forrest Gump is known for its punctuated moments of heartbreak and sorrow. As such, it may be the saddest moment on the list. And it makes sense, considering just how much of Forrest Gump is about one man enduring some of the most depressing and horrific things to ever happen to one individual.

But, unlike most other movies on the list, it has one scene set around New Year’s. If you start Forrest Gump at 10:38, you’ll get to celebrate the new year on a cold bridge as Forrest cheerfully tries to celebrate the occasion with a depressed, confetti-covered Lt. Dan. 

Beetlejuice (1988)

The Ghost With The Most has left quite a distinct mark on pop culture, despite barely being in the film that bears his name. After decades populated by the beloved Beetlejuice cartoon (1989) and a sequel, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice (2024), 1988’s Beetlejuice remains a surprising classic in line with the dark supernatural comedy Ghostbusters popularized a few years before. A lot of that is thanks to its incredible cast, including Winona Ryder, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, and an unforgettably slimy Michael Keaton performance.

You could try to time it to the film’s iconic finale dance or perhaps Beetlejuice’s failed wedding to Lydia, but that’s no fun. Instead, start Beetlejuice at 10:31 PM, and you’ll ring in the new year with Beetlejuice being summoned to the corporeal world for the first time and uttering his iconic catchphrase, “It’s showtime!”

Die Hard (1988)

The debate will probably rage on for eternity about whether or not 1988’s Die Hard is a Christmas movie (I’m firmly in the camp that it is, for the record), but there’s no denying its status as a quintessential action film. With a star-making role for Bruce Willis and the unforgettable introduction of Alan Rickman as the terrifying Hans Gruber, Die Hard surprised everyone.

Everyman John McClane makes for a compelling hero, and the grounded action is exciting and incredibly tense. And while it definitely isn’t a New Year’s movie, it’s the perfect holiday action romp to ring in the new year with. Start the film at 9:58 PM, and you can mark midnight by dropping Hans Gruber from Nakatomi Plaza instead of a ball in Times Square this year. 

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)

It’s difficult to know what film started the trend of timing a key movie moment to happen at exactly midnight, but a strong contender might be 1977’s Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope. I obviously don’t have to explain to you the cultural importance of Star Wars as a whole and what it means to films and sci-fi fantasy as a genre, especially if you’re already planning on watching this modern masterpiece to send out 2025 on a high note.

If you do watch A New Hope, start the film at 10:02 PM, and you’ll see the Death Star explode right at midnight. Note this timestamp is for the Disney+ version of A New Hope, which matches up pretty closely to the Blu-ray, digital, and DVD releases. However, if you’re watching the original cut, you’ll need to start at 10:05 PM. 

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)

If you are, for some reason, looking to ring in the new year with a prequel instead of the original trilogy, I’m not here to judge you. But at the very least, I can steer you toward the better of the prequels. Rather than the dull Phantom Menace (1999) or the convoluted Attack of the Clones (2002), you can end the year on a high note if you start 2005’s Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith at 11:02 PM. 

And who wouldn’t want to end the year with this one? While the prequels could generously be called a mixed bag, Revenge of the Sith has a lot of great performances and edge-of-your-seat action, including the gorgeous lightsaber duel between Obi-Wan and Anakin and the rise of Darth Vader. But if you start at 11:02 PM, you’ll get Obi-Wan’s iconic “Hello there!” quote happening at exactly midnight. 

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

One has to mention the film that popularized this trend, 2019’s once-in-a-lifetime event, Avengers: Endgame. Surely, at least one of you reading this is already planning on running some kind of MCU marathon this year. The MCU will finally be winding down its current phase in 2026 via Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Avengers: Doomsday, so it’s the perfect time for a rewatch.

Yes, if you are going to marathon the MCU for New Year’s, the MCU is an easy one. There’s the exciting beginnings of Iron Man (2008), or the white-knuckle action of Captain America: Civil War (2016), but Endgame is just too perfect, too obvious for this event. Start Endgame at 9:29 PM so that Tony will snap his fingers right at midnight, and you can all start the year with a good cry over his emotional death. 

The Room (2003)

No one said you are obligated to only watch certified classics on New Year’s Eve. Sometimes, you just have to watch the most infamously bad movie of them all. 2003’s The Room is legendary for being the weirdest passion project to ever hit the mainstream, a bizarre indie film about love, betrayal, and playing football whenever you have a spare couple of minutes.

Whether you’re watching the cringe original or the hilarious adaptation of the film’s making, The Disaster Artist (2017), there is perhaps no moment in The Room more memorable than Johnny and Mark’s awkward rooftop discussion about women and relationships, so be sure to start the film at 11:22 PM to ring in the new year with the film’s classic “Oh hi, Mark” delivery. 

Casino Royale (2006)

It certainly seems like it’s going to be a while before we get a new James Bond. The franchise is quietly rebuilding as new owners, Amazon MGM Studios and Denis Villeneuve, work on a new film. Until then, there’s always the recently concluded Daniel Craig era of Bond films, which have become cherished classics in the eyes of many fans.

Sadly, Craig’s Bond is a bit too busy being a gloomy murder machine to have any Christmastime adventures. And while you could go for some of his higher-octane later adventures like No Time To Die (2021) or Spectre (2015), why not go back to a simpler, more traditional Bond adventure: 2006’s Casino Royale. If you start the film at 9:39 PM, you’ll ring in the new year with Craig’s very first “Bond. James Bond.”

In early 2025, just weeks after the wide release of his smash hit, Nosferatu (2024), director Robert Eggers announced his latest project: Werwulf (2026). Eggers, known for his supernatural, gothic, and period horror, took on the challenge of remaking the influential German Expressionist film Nosferatu (1922). The remake proved wildly successful, paying homage to the original’s style and vision while adding depth to the story. 

Nosferatu also earned Eggers many new fans, who were excited to see his first post-Nosferatu project. Hence, the announcement that Eggers is making a new period horror movie focused on supernatural creatures piqued viewers’ interest and even raised hopes of a Nosferatu sequel. Viewers can use our guide to find out everything they need to know about Eggers’ Werwulf.

What We Know About ‘Werwulf’ So Far

Like Nosferatu, Werwulf will capitalize on a Christmas Day release, landing in theaters on December 25, 2026. Eggers co-wrote the script with Sjón, with whom he previously collaborated on The Northman (2022). Eggers and Sjón set the film in 13th-century England and will add authenticity by utilizing Middle English dialogue. They are already using Old English in the title, with the spelling “Werwulf” rather than “Werewolf.” However, there will be annotations if you’re not familiar with Middle English.

Aside from the setting and dialogue, Eggers has kept the plot details of Werwulf under wraps, describing it to Bleeding Cool simply as a “medieval werewolf movie.” He also described the plot as dark. He stated, “And it’s also the darkest thing I’ve ever written. By far.” If you watched Nosferatu, you may be surprised by that statement. A lot of critics and audiences described Nosferatu as “repulsive” due to the extremely dark, bleak, and macabre subject matter, including necrophilia. In general, Eggers’ movies are dark, so to describe Werwulf as the darkest of all “by far” is quite interesting. 

The media has also confirmed several actors slated to appear in Werwulf. While their roles remain undisclosed, Lily Rose-Depp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Willem Dafoe, and Ralph Ineson will star in Werwulf. All four of these actors had previously collaborated with Eggers on Nosferatu.

Is ‘Werwulf’ A ‘Nosferatu’ Sequel?

Werwulf and Nosferatu have many similarities. They are both horror movies featuring supernatural creatures, share the same director, and have much of the same cast. However, Werwulf is not a sequel to Nosferatu. The films are set in different places and time periods, and Eggers has dismissed the idea that they’re related.

Although he denied trying to start a shared universe, Eggers admitted that the films are “companion pieces.” Werwulf isn’t a proper sequel to Nosferatu, but it is a “spiritual successor,” due to its thematic and stylistic similarities. They are period horror films with folklore-based stories that put Eggers’ signature gothic take on supernatural creatures. He told Bleeding Cool, “But yeah, both films are me trying to commune with folk culture of my past and are me and my brother’s take on New England folk tales.”

How Eggers’ Films Echo Universal’s Failed ‘Dark Universe'

Eggers is adamant that he’s not going to create the “Robert Eggers Cinematic Universe.” However, we still can’t help but notice the parallels between Eggers’ movies and Universal’s failed “Dark Universe.”

In the early 2010s, inspired by the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Universal planned to revive its Universal Monsters (1913-1956) franchise, a collection of monster adaptations and crossovers, with a proper shared universe: the Dark Universe. The Dark Universe would consist of interconnected films featuring Universal’s classic monsters. It kicked off with the 2017 remake of The Mummy. Unfortunately, The Mummy marked an infamous critical and commercial failure for Universal, prompting the studio to pause all future Dark Universe films, such as remakes of Bride of Frankenstein (1935) and Creature From the Black Lagoon (1954).

Many projects fell through, and Universal has since shifted to standalone movies, abandoning the shared-universe concept. Now, I don’t believe the Dark Universe failed due to a lack of interest in a shared universe featuring monsters. After all, the Monsterverse has fared tremendously well. Universal’s shared universe had lots of potential, but it fell apart because the franchise pushed the idea too harshly. The Mummy overreferences other films and strives so hard to establish a universe that it hardly stands on its own.

The reason the Dark Universe failed, though, could be the same reason that Eggers’ films succeed. He’s not interested in creating a shared cinematic universe or setting up a franchise. Instead, he wants to give his take on folklore and horror tales, keeping the essence of these classic stories rather than letting franchise ambitions overshadow them. 

To be fair, Universal’s Dark Universe has its own unique audience, too. The Mummy was a standard Tom Cruise action thriller that offered viewers stunning visuals and plenty of fun. For some, finding every monster reference and catching every detail intended to set up the Dark Universe was fun. If you love big-budget, stylish, and action-packed films, The Mummy is the perfect watch.

However, Eggers’ films offer a slightly greater depth for audiences. Viewers seeking authentic adaptations of classic horror stories will be drawn to Nosferatu and Werwulf. Eggers pays meticulous attention to detail and historical accuracy, to the point of writing actual Middle English dialogue. He remains true to the spirit of folklore horror while expanding the story in meaningful ways by digging deeper into its themes and adding layers of darkness, seductiveness, and horror for hardcore horror fans. His authentic approach to period horror and his refusal to force a shared cinematic universe might just be what Hollywood needs.

The best part of Zootopia (2016) and now Zootopia 2 (2025) is the voice casting that allows us to basically see celebrities in a new, almost perfectly constructed light, especially when they play themselves. For instance, Robert Irwin has a brief cameo at the very end as Robert Firwin. Ed Sheeran even "appears" as Ed Shearin. And we've all rightfully been obsessed with Shakira's Gazelle since the first movie, right? 

But interestingly, some of the more familiar names are the ones who make for some of the best cameos in Zootopia 2, and we've decided to rank them. The movie is still playing exclusively in theaters, but it'll hit Disney+ soon enough. 

8. Patrick Warburton as Mayor Winddancer

Mayor Winddancer is one of the bigger players in Zootopia 2, but really, it's Patrick Warburton's comedic timing and relief that make the character intriguing. And interestingly, he also voices Kronk in The Emperor's New Groove (2000), which makes everything even more hilarious because the vibes that both animated characters possess are actually similar.

Warburton's comedic chops are a reason he's voiced a lot of similar characters. He's also in Family Guy (1999) as Joe Swanson, and it makes everything as Mayor Winddancer twice as memorable when we look back at his career before. The mayor is supposed to be entertaining, if nothing else, and the great head of hair is an added bonus.

7. David Strathairn as Milton Lynxley

David Strathairn is a recognizable face, even when you can't quite place where you know him. To top things off, so is his voice, and what he delivers as Milton Lynxley in Zootopia 2 is chilling.  Although he's been in a number of great properties, Strathairn's most famous role is arguably Good Night and Good Luck (2005).

His portrayal as Edward R. Murrow is incredible and landed him a number of accolades during the year of release. But more than anything, his inclusion matters in this ranking because he's basically Zootopia's version of Logan Roy from Succession (2018). The animated lynx even looks a bit like him, doesn't he? And this connection makes the Lynxley cameos even more hilarious because they're all connected. 

6. Fortune Feimster as Nibbles Maplestick 

Nibbles Maplestick is the second-best new player after Ke Huy Quan's Gary De'Snake, who's also on this list, and the role brings so much levity and ridiculousness into Zootopia 2. Fortune Feimster might be recognizable to those who've watched The Mindy Project (2012) and FUBAR (2023), but it's her comedy specials that are aces.

As one of the best in the business, Fortune Feimster's comedic timing is what provides some of the strongest beats of character building in Zootopia 2. The short time we get to spend with Nibbles is so funny that it's legitimately hard to imagine the story without her. If you loved the character, you'll also love Sweet & Salty (2020).

5. Brenda Song as Kitty Lynxley

And here we have Zootopia 2's version of Succession’s Shiv Roy, brought to life with excellent range and humor by Brenda Song, who'll forever be London Tipton from The Suite Life of Zack and Cody (2005) to me. Song's voice work has always been impressive, and what she does with the role undoubtedly makes it funnier.

Again, and maybe more than anything, the connections are what work so well here because it just makes the Lynxley family stand out as ridiculously as they do when we know what the actors have been in. Recently, she's been in Running Point (2025), which is another great showcase of her talents. 

4. Macaulay Culkin as Cattrick Lynxley

Okay, so if Milton Lynxley is Logan Roy, does that make Macaulay Culkin's Cattrick Lynxley Roman Roy? And if you're not a Succession fan, the connection is funnier when you realize that Culkin's brother, Kieran Culkin, plays Roman. Or, would that be Andy Samberg's Pawbert because he rebels? Interestingly, the roles can mix, and that's what makes the cameo A+.

Cattrick doesn't have as big a role as Pawbert, but genuinely, Culkin delivers the perfect cameo, if for no other reason, so that we could've had a blast making these Succession connections. But ultimately, he'll always be Kevin McCallister from Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), which are undoubtedly two of the most must-watch Christmas movies for all types of viewers.

3. Quinta Brunson as Dr. Fuzzby

In other words, if Janine Teagues from Abbott Elementary (2021) were a therapist, she'd be Dr. Fuzzby in Zootopia 2. While the character's cameo isn't as big as I hoped it'd be, what Brunson does in those few moments is incredible. There's no one else whose voice would work as well as it does for an animal as adorable as a quokka, and it's near perfect for both comedic relief and a wholesome, weird addition. 

Brunson is a star in every way, and if, for whatever reason, you aren't watching Abbott Elementary, it's perfect if you love the messages in Zootopia 2. It'll also likely heal your inner child, which always happens to me personally. No shame.

2. Andy Samberg as Pawbert Lynxley 

Is he Kendall Roy from Succession or Tom Wambsgans? It doesn't even matter because he's voiced by Andy Samberg, which means I immediately forgive his villainy a little. But I did also immediately think of "Cool motive, still murder," which is one of Samberg's most iconic lines as Jake Peralta in Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013).

Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a top-tier comedy, and if you were tricked by Pawbert and then immediately betrayed, run to watch Samberg as Jake Peralta. It'll change your life if it hasn't already. The casting choice was astute, as Samberg gives us so much range in his vocal work as he manages vulnerability through humor. I can't imagine another actor allowing Pawbert to stand out more.

1. Ke Huy Quan as Gary De'Snake

Ke Huy Quan may be an Academy Award winner for Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022) as well as a known face from The Goonies (1985), but we all came out of Zootopia 2 absolutely obsessed with Gary De'Snake, right? The amount of heart and sincerity that Quan packed into the role is no small feat. 

The writing was always meant to showcase him as the hero in the end, but it's everything that Quan brings that makes him so memorable. Whatever movie or TV show Quan is in, it's instantly made better by his presence and performances. There's no question about that, and it's why he had to be the number one choice on this list.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026) is one of 2026’s most exciting superhero movies, and fans are eager to find out who exactly Sadie Sink is playing. The Stranger Things (2016) star is confirmed to be at the heart of the new film, but it remains unclear at this time if she’s playing a hero, a villain, a side character, or a love interest. Given the open-ended nature of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Spider-Man trilogy following the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), it really could be anything.

This hasn’t stopped rumors from spreading about potential reimaginings of comic villains, fresh takes on fan favorites, or deep cuts to help lay the groundwork for Avengers: Doomsday (2026). This has only been amplified following the leak of an apparent trailer for the film, which gave a few small clues about a female character who seems to be speaking to Spider-Man—and seems to be aware that he’s Peter Parker. Given what’s been speculated on so far and given what we know about the MCU, here are some of the potential characters that Sadie Sink could play in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. 

Shathra

One of the most prevalent theories for Spider-Man: Brand New Day has argued that Sadie Sink will play a relatively minor but powerful villain from the Spider-Man mythos, Shathra. Debuting in 2002, Shathra was a fundamental deity from Earth-001, who attempted to weave a Great Nest at the heart of all existence, only for her sister’s Great Web to be chosen instead. A murderous force of nature with a grudge against any and all people connected to the Web of Life and Destiny (like Spider-Man), Shathra’s human cover identities of Sharon Keller and Annabelle Adams could be the initial presentation of Sadie Sink’s character before the reveal of her true identity.

While this would be Shathra’s first on-screen appearance, it would also build off of her recent appearance as a villain in the “End of the Spider-Verse” storyline from the comics. She could also factor into Brand New Day as part of the fallout of Peter Parker’s actions in Spider-Man: No Way Home, explaining why she’s seemingly capable of knowing who Peter Parker is and about how he protected his friends by altering the world’s perception of him. For fans of the more multiversal elements of the superhero genre that Shathra represents, make sure to check out mind-bending and reality-hopping titles like Loki (2021) and What If…? (2021).

Chameleon

While Shathra might be the most powerful villain for Sink to potentially play, she could also be a lower-level threat to the larger universe, such as Chameleon. One of Spider-Man’s oldest enemies, the Russian freelance criminal and master of disguise, could easily be reimagined for the MCU as a quiet power player with ties to the Black Widow program. It would also give the MCU its own take on the concept following the lackluster returns of the Chameleon’s big cinematic debut in Kraven the Hunter (2024).

There’s also precedent for the character to be reimagined as a woman, something the MCU has grown more comfortable with in stories like Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025). Chameleon would also make sense as a prospective character who could investigate and figure out who Spider-Man is, even after everyone forgot about Spider-Man, all while reflecting a more grounded approach closer to Vulture than multiversal tears. It could be a lot of fun to see Sink play with the flexibility of the character, given her own range as a performer. 

Alistair Smythe

An out-there concept, but a potentially intriguing one, could cast Sadie Sink as a reimagining of Alistair Smythe. A minor character in the comics but a fan-favorite tragic villain in Spider-Man: The Animated Series (1994), Smythe’s father was behind the creation of the robotic Spider-Slayers. When they were seemingly killed, Alistair swore revenge.

As a bio-enhanced figure, a gender-swapped version of Alistair played by Sink would be an intellectual equal to Peter Parker in an interesting way, as well as carry on the “human enhanced by tech” trend that has defined the MCU Spider-Man’s personal threats. It could also explain the rumored casting of Sarah Snook, who could be playing the film’s version of Alistair. Doing this would give the MCU a lot of room to play with the character, due to their limited presence in the original comics that it’s adapting.

Jean Grey/Marvel Girl

One of the most popular theories about Sadie Sink’s role in Spider-Man: Brand New Day has suggested that she won’t actually be playing a Spider-Man character, but will instead be one of the first notable X-Men to appear in the MCU. Theories have been swirling for a while that Sink will play the MCU’s Jean Grey, setting up a more important role in the franchise’s future by pairing her up with an established icon like Peter Parker.

It would also explain why Sink has been confirmed for an appearance in Avengers: Doomsday, which seems to be already in the process of becoming a launching pad for the X-Men into the MCU. Sink’s character could be aware of Peter Parker’s identity through the use of her telepathy. Fans of Jean Grey and those curious about the kind of arc Sink could have can look to the original live-action X-Men trilogy to animated fare like X-Men (1992) and X-Men Evolution (2000), the latter of which even has a teenage Jean that could be an inspiration for the MCU’s version if this theory is correct.

Felicia Hardy/Black Cat

One of the earliest theories about Sadie Sink’s character in Spider-Man: Brand New Day argued that she could be a new love interest for Peter Parker. Given the reported street-level focus of the story, this led to plenty of fans suggesting that Sink could be playing Black Cat. Felicia Hardy is one of Peter Parker’s most consistent love interests, a master criminal with a moral core who effectively becomes Catwoman to Peter Parker’s Spider-Man.

It would be a fun excuse to let Sink showcase her action chops while also giving her plenty of room to play around with the femme fatale archetype. Fans curious about this character and her relationship to Spider-Man can check out her important supporting arcs in Spider-Man: The Animated Series. However, a film adaptation of the character and her dynamic with the Wall-Crawler could mimic the dynamic between Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle in The Batman (2022).

Gwen Stacy/Ghost-Spider

Another popular theory for Sink’s role is that she will play a new incarnation of Gwen Stacy. One of Peter Parker’s earlier love interests, Gwen’s death at the hands of the Green Goblin has remained one of the foundational tragedies of the character for decades. Although Sink is a natural redhead, she could dye her hair to match the character’s typical blonde, or, similar to how Zendaya didn’t necessarily physically resemble the original comics MJ, Sink could just be playing a redheaded version of Gwen.

Conversely, if the movies aren’t trying to replicate the tragic version of Peter and Gwen’s romance from The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014), the film could instead introduce Sink as the live-action version of Ghost-Spider. A multiversal hero from a world where she got the powers instead of Peter Parker, “Spider-Gwen” has become an especially popular character among fans after her cinematic debut in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) and in the Marvel Rising (2018) series of animated films. This could be a multiversal tie-in or a chance to introduce the MCU’s version of Gwen as a fellow superhero.

May Parker/Spider-Girl

Fans of the reality-hopping from Spider-Man: No Way Home have been keeping their fingers crossed that the Spider-Man (2002) or Amazing Spider-Man universes could return, and Sadie Sink playing May Parker, aka Spider-Girl, could be the key to that. The daughter of Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson in an alternate future, May headlined one of Marvel’s longest-running female-led comic books and has appeared briefly in multiverse-hopping adventures.

May is a fun character with just the right mix of Peter’s snark and MJ’s resilience, a perfect follow-up for Sink after her tenure as Max in Stranger Things. While it’s also an unlikely choice, it would pay off the multiverse elements introduced to No Way Home and could set up Sink to play an important role in the likely multiverse-heavy Avengers: Secret Wars (2027).

Madam Web 

One potential (if unlikely) explanation for Sadie Sink’s character being capable of understanding who Peter Parker is would be introducing Sink as a version of Madame Webb. The original incarnation of the character was an old seer with ties to Spider-Man through the Web of Destiny, an old woman very similar to her depiction in Spider-Man: The Animated Series.

Other characters have been associated with the role, though, like Julie Carpenter. Still, Sink could be playing a similar character, more of an expositional figure who underscores Spider-Man’s importance in the events yet to come. It’s also potentially a means for Marvel to try and reclaim the concept following the less-than-stellar reception to Sony’s Madame Web (2024) and introduce its own take on the character to the mainline MCU. 

Everyone knows Batman. As one of the most popular superheroes in pop culture history, even your grandma is likely familiar with Gotham City's enduring vigilante. Whether it's the campy theatrics popularized by Adam West in Batman (1966) or the more grounded and gritty reimagining of Matt Reeves' The Batman (2022), no incarnation of Batman looks the same. While movies like Batman (1989) and Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight trilogy are mainstream favorites, other films fell completely under the radar.

In some cases, the oversight is fair. Other times, it's a grave mistake. If you think you've seen every good film out there, here are five underrated Batman movies you probably haven't seen that are very much worth watching. Find most of them on Prime Video, HBO Max, and more now.

Batman & Mr. Freeze: Subzero (1998)

Maybe you're like me and cried like a baby when Harley Quinn (2019) put its spin on Mr. Freeze's tragic attempts to save his wife Nora in Season 2, Episode 4, "Thawing Hearts," or maybe you're normal. Regardless, Batman & Mr. Freeze: Subzero is the ultimate underrated Batman movie for anyone who finds themselves sympathizing with Mr. Freeze more than they probably should.

Spinning out of Batman: The Animated Series (1992), Subzero sees Kevin Conroy and Michael Ansara reprise their roles of Batman and Mr. Freeze, respectively. In another attempt to save his dying wife, Freeze kidnaps Batgirl (Melissa Gilbert) as a prospective organ donor. Like The Animated Series, Subzero manages to keep its content relatively family-friendly while delivering some heavy-hitting emotional moments that give it a mature feel. Again, Batman proves himself to be the ultimate detective, while Freeze remains just as complex and captivating an antagonist as ever. (Why haven't we got a good live-action Freeze movie yet?) 

Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000) 

Whether you're familiar with Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker or not probably correlates with your attachment to Batman Beyond (1999), the cyberpunky younger sibling of The Animated Series and The New Batman Adventures (1997). If you've the film, then you already know it's an underrated gem that many critics and audiences of the time brushed aside as a kids' movie.

Yet, as is often the case with Batman content, Return of the Joker packs a surprising amount of depth in its 75-minute runtime and features a delightfully unhinged Joker performance from Mark Hamill. The only downside here is that Return of the Joker loses a little bit of its punch without prior knowledge of Batman Beyond. Don't get me wrong. You can totally go into it as a standalone, but if you want the full experience, consider at least watching Season 1 of Batman Beyond first.

The Batman vs. Dracula (2005)

Pitting Batman against Dracula feels like a no-brainer. After all, both characters have strong associations with bats and slinking around at night. Yet, there are far too many DC fans who haven't seen The Batman vs. Dracula—or even know of its existence. While it's loosely based on DC Comics' Batman & Dracula: Red Rain, the movie definitely does its own thing, making changes that keep the action high.

If you're a horror fan who also likes Batman, The Batman vs. Dracula was made for you. Don't let its animation fool you. This movie is spookier than most of Batman's animated outings, perhaps more on par with Batman: Gotham by Gaslight (2018) when it comes to its horror sensibilities. Not to mention, Dracula's supernatural abilities give Batman an interesting foe to go up against, considering they're a relatively rare occurrence in his rogues' gallery.

Batman: Assault on Arkham (2014)

While gamers might be rolling their eyes, those unfamiliar with the Batman: Arkham video game series probably let Batman: Assault on Arkham pass them by without even realizing it. With the animated movie putting the Suicide Squad in the spotlight, this movie isn't for those craving a Batman showcase. Instead, it's an action-packed, heist story primarily involving the Suicide Squad's attempts to retrieve important data stolen by The Riddler as Batman and Joker do their usual song and dance.

If you've played the critically-acclaimed Batman: Arkham video games, then you already know how gritty, dark, and immersive this take on Gotham, Batman, and his rogues is. Assault on Arkham delivers a similar vibe, with plenty of black humor, violence, and sexual content to place it firmly in mature territory. This one isn't for the kids. It's for us adults who want to unwind and watch Batman kick some butt.

Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham (2023)

Let's be real for a second. As great as Batman is, retreading the same old origin story and villain arcs can become… tiresome. That's why Elseworlds stories like Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham are so refreshing. It delivers the characters you know and love, just without a different spin. If The Batman vs. Dracula piqued your interest earlier, then this one most likely will, too.

Here, Batman returns from an overseas trip only to discover Gotham is under some type of supernatural curse. Also set in the 1920s, this incarnation of the Batman universe feels like the best type of fan fiction. Otherworldly, creepy, and filled with cosmic dread, The Doom That Came to Gotham is the definitive Batman movie for fans of Lovecraftian horror. Really, there's nothing else like it out there.  

In 2013, South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon Ho broke into the American market with his post-apocalyptic thriller, Snowpiercer. It’s set in a world where climate change has driven humanity’s last survivors onto a self-sustaining, circumnavigational train where passengers are segregated based on class. Everything changes, though, when Curtis Everett (Chris Evans) leads a revolution. Creative, riveting, and thought-provoking, Snowpiercer is one of Bong’s best films.

However, for certain viewers, Snowpiercer may be something more than an excellent addition to Bong’s filmography. To some, Snowpiercer is actually the long-awaited sequel to Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971). While the two films may not strike you as remarkably similar, you may think again after hearing the evidence for the compelling fan theory.

The Similarities Between ‘Willy Wonka’ And ‘Snowpiercer’

YouTuber Luke Palmer, who goes by the channel name Rhino Stew, went viral for a video connecting Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and Snowpiercer. Before delving into his theory, Rhino Stew starts by pointing out something you can’t deny: the similarities between the movies. Sure, they are set in different times and places. However, the basic premises are virtually the same. They both feature a man/boy who grew up in poverty and whose defining moments come when they must work their way through an unusual environment.

In Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrum) works his way through Willy Wonka’s (Gene Wilder) chocolate factory, while in Snowpiercer, Everett works his way through the train. Everett and Bucket face unique challenges in each room of the factory/train, which quickly wipe out their companions. Upon reaching the final train compartment, Everett learns that the train’s leader, Wilford (Ed Harris), orchestrated everything to find a successor, much like how Wonka orchestrated the Golden Tickets and factory tour to find his successor, Charlie.

The films are also thematically similar. They examine class, fate, and free will. The only real difference is that Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory frames its themes in a way that children can understand.

How A Fan Theory Connects ‘Willy Wonka’ And ‘Snowpiercer’

Rhino Stew takes it further than pointing out the similarities between the movies and hypothesizes that they take place in the same universe. According to his theory, Charlie Bucket grows up to become Wilford in Snowpiercer. Assuming “Willy” is short for “Wilford,” it’s possible Charlie took on his mentor’s name, just as he did his penchant for branding his “W” logo on everything. To be fair, in some takes on the story, like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), Wonka is far more antagonistic, which means it wouldn’t be surprising if his successor had a similar darkness.

Everything takes on a new meaning in Rhino Stew’s theory. For example, the scenes of Charlie excelling at chemistry and math in school could have foreshadowed his Wilford era. Between Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, which takes place in 1971, and Snowpiercer, which takes place in 2014, the chemistry genius Charlie/Wilford foresaw the devastation caused by the government’s decision to use the cooling agent CW-7.

Wilford’s knowledge of math allowed him to understand the necessary human sacrifices to make the train plausible. However, the apocalypse did a number on his mind, causing him to take particularly drastic measures. Through it all, he remained faithful to Wonka’s legacy, creating an imaginative, fantastic invention specifically designed to challenge his successor.

The theory could even ease your mind about the ambiguous fates of the children who failed Wonka’s tests, as Rhino Stew suggests Wilford isn’t the only Willy Wonka character to appear in Snowpiercer. Wonka’s spy, Wilkinson (Günter Meisner), may have gone on to serve Wilford under the alias Gilliam (John Hurt). Cowboy and gun-obsessed Mike Teavee (Paris Themmen) turned into the real gunman and henchman, Franco the Elder (Vlad Ivanov). Snowpiercer’s Claud (Emma Levie) could even be Augustus Gloop’s (Michael Böllner) daughter, given their similar lack of impulse control and Claud’s willingness to eat anything, even her own blood.

The only thing really missing from Snowpiercer is the Oompa Loompas. However, Rhino Theory points out Wilford’s vague explanation of a “piece of equipment” for the train that went “extinct” before the movie’s event. He may just have been talking about the Oompa Loompas, especially because their short stature means they would’ve fit into the engine room, which Wilford explicitly states could only fit a “very small person.”

Are ‘Snowpiercer’ And ‘Willy Wonka’ Actually Connected?

As intriguing as the Willy Wonka and Snowpiercer fan theory is, it remains just a fan theory. There’s no proof that the two films are connected, and Bong has never publicly acknowledged Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

Even so, the theory is intriguing enough to persist and at least makes us question if Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory could’ve been an inspiration for Snowpiercer. As mentioned above, the movies are great for individuals interested in class disparity, riveting fictional environments, and enigmatic, rich, and eccentric antagonists. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is easier to digest and safe for children, thanks to its vibrant colors, catchy tunes, and admirable Charlie. Adults will enjoy it, too, especially if you like children’s stories that are actually a little dark when you really think about it.

If you loved Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, but always wondered what the uncensored and adult version of the story would be, Snowpiercer might just give you that experience. 

Few characters in modern pop culture inspire as much conversation as Anakin Skywalker. Most audiences instantly think of Hayden Christensen, whose performances in Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones (2002) and Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005) and, years later, in Ahsoka (2023) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022) introduced the Star Wars franchise to a new generation. His portrayal is the most widely recognized version of Anakin, despite Sebastian Shaw being the first actor to bring the character to life on screen.

But these aren't the only actors who have stepped into those intimidating Jedi boots. Across animation, video games, and late-night cult comedies, which can be found on Netflix, HBO Max, and Hulu, several well-known stars have portrayed Anakin. These alternate performances offer fans a twist on the character's mythology. While none of these versions define Anakin the way Christensen did, they reveal how culturally embedded the character has become.

Zac Efron - Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode III (2010)

Zac Efron voicing Anakin Skywalker on Robot Chicken (2005) is one of the most unexpectedly charming alternate takes on the character. This version of Anakin appears in Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode III (2010), the stop-motion sketch-comedy special that gleefully poked fun at everything. The episode, narrated by Emperor Palpatine (Seth McFarlane), details his rise to power, with the character questioning his selection of Anakin Skywalker as an apprentice.

Efron was at the peak of his High School Musical (2006) fame when he voiced Anakin, which is exactly what makes his performance popular. His clean Disney earnestness adds a previously unseen element to Anakin's impatience and melodramatic impulses. His performance is intentionally exaggerated, making it ideal for fans who love Star Wars but also enjoy seeing its mythology lovingly shredded. If you enjoy shows like Rick and Morty (2013), this will be firmly in your wheelhouse.

Seth Green - Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II (2008)

While Seth Green is best known as the co-creator and long-time voice actor on Robot Chicken, many people don't realize he also voiced Anakin Skywalker in Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II. The episode sees the Star Wars saga get gleefully dismantled through rapid-fire stop-motion sketches that reimagine iconic moments with silly twists, from Palpatine's having a disastrous day to stormtroopers juggling family life on the job.

Green's Anakin is less youthful than Efron's, but his take is arguably the more incisive parody. The character tends to show up during flashbacks to hammer home his neuroses, anger issues, and occasionally embarrassing lack of self-awareness. Because Green isn't afraid to make the character look ridiculous, this portrayal works best for viewers who love deep-cut humor. If you've ever debated the Jedi Order's ethics, argued about the Clone Wars timeline, this is the show for you.

Seth MacFarlane - Family Guy (2007)

Seth McFarlane voiced Anakin Skywalker in the trio of Family Guy (1999) Star Wars trilogy spoofs titled "Blue Harvest", "Something, Something, Something, Dark Side," and "It's a Trap!," which aired in 2007, 2009, and 2010, respectively. With Lucasfilm's approval, the first installment reframes the sci-fi classic as one of Peter Griffin's long-winded stories, told during a power outage. Each of the movie's characters is brought to life by a member of the Griffin family.

McFarlane, the creator of the hit animated sitcom, voices Anakin by way of Stewie Griffin. His performance is one of the least discussed, largely because Anakin isn't a central figure in the original Star Wars trilogy storylines. His appearance is brief but still memorable. This version of Anakin is perfect for fans who grew up on Family Guy and appreciate the show's willingness to poke fun at absolutely everything. If you don't mind when beloved icons are lampooned, you'll enjoy this spoof.

Matt Lanter – Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)

Matt Lanter's portrayal of Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated movie was one of the most significant expansions of the character outside the live-action films. Released as a theatrical introduction to the animated series, the film positioned Lanter as the definitive voice of Anakin for an entire era of Star Wars storytelling that would go on to reshape how many fans understand the troubled, iconic character.

Unlike the exaggerated parody takes, Lanter's Anakin is sincere, confident, and noticeably more heroic. His performance leans into Anakin's natural charisma, which presents him as a respected Jedi knight instead of an apprentice plagued by conflict. But we also get to see flashes of his impatience, arrogance, and emotional volatility, which foreshadow Anakin's darkness. It's perfect for Star Wars fans and viewers who enjoy stories with expanded lore.

Apart from Heated Rivalry (2025), which is adapted from Rachel Reid's incredible Game Changers series, romance adaptations were pretty scarce in 2025. We simply didn't get enough, and of the few rom-coms we did get, none of them scratched the very specific itch that only romance novels are best at achieving. 

We didn't exactly get enough yearning, vulnerability, and memorable beats that make the story something worthy of rereading or rewatching over and over again. But thankfully, it feels like the coming year might fix this. 

From the adaptation of Emily Henry's People We Meet on Vacation (2026) to the announcement of It Happened One Summer (2026), here are the romance adaptations we know are coming and why you'll love them when they release on platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and more.

People We Meet on Vacation (2026)

We have news that each of Emily Henry's books will be adapted in some capacity (like Happy Place will be a series), but first up is Poppy and Alex's friends-to-lovers story, and I personally can't remember the last time I was this jazzed for a romance adaptation. With legitimately perfect casting in Emily Bader and Tom Blyth, the beats we already have in the trailer and teasers have me on my knees from excitement.

In more ways than one, the book is Henry's love letter to When Harry Met Sally (1989), and if you've ever wanted a romance that wholly captures the essence and heart of the movie, People We Meet on Vacation is the one for you. The buzz it'll deliver will be unmatched. There's so much to look forward to in how many book scenes can make it onto the screen, and even if they aren't, Bader and Blyth are such stunning performers that they'll surely fill in all the gaps we need to make every arc deeply compelling.

The Love Hypothesis (2026)

We don't have official confirmation about whether The Love Hypothesis will be released in 2026, but considering the fact that we know they've wrapped filming, I can't imagine it taking any longer. And selfishly, I can't wait that long either. Ali Hazelwood delivers the best type of fake dating in an academic setting, and the story is one that's undoubtedly going to stick with you when it's out. 

Like People We Meet on Vacation, the casting is also everything because Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman feel like they've been shaken straight out of the book. The one TikTok of him literally carrying her with one hand still lives rent-free in my mind, and I think about it at least once a day and twice on Sundays. Genuinely don't know how I'm going to cope with this whole movie on my screen. If you love fake dating and a grueling academic setting, plus women in STEM, The Love Hypothesis will be your next big obsession. 

Every Year After (2026)

Based on Carley Fortune's bestselling romance novels, Every Summer After and likely One Golden Summer, the TV series, Every Year After, is set to include stories with all the books in the kind of beachy escapism that we've all been itching for since The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022) ended. It's going to be the best thing to give us second chance romances and stories with complex characters, and I'm personally most psyched about all the angst we could get in this series.With a casting announced and production hopefully beginning early next year, there's a good chance we can have this one in 2026. Bonus points if it's actually ready by the summer, because it'll add all the necessary feels and give us all the vibes to geek out over it.

It Happened One Summer (2026)

I have a feeling that we may actually get the adaptation of Tessa Bailey's It Happened One Summer in 2027 rather than 2026, but maybe adding it to this list can serve as some sort of manifestation. 2026 absolutely should be the year of rom-com adaptations, and it's all I want. That said, the first of the Bellinger Sisters novels will star Nina Dobrev and Tyler Hoechlin, which in and of itself is so exciting.

Here's the thing with romance adaptations: a lot of times, people really underestimate just how much casting matters to sell these stories. Sometimes, that means that slight character quirks like hair or eye colors might change, but the right actor can still capture the heart of the character in the best way possible to do right by the books, and that's what matters. We've got great casting here, so it's enough to be eager about the opposites-attract grumpy/sunshine romance.

Off-Campus Series (2026) 

The Off-Campus series, which is set to follow Elle Kennedy's books, is going to air on Prime Video, and there's a very good chance that we'll see it come to pass in 2026. With an ensemble cast similar to how we watch seasons with Bridgerton, that's presumably how the series will roll out, giving us more sports romances in a college setting, which is something I feel we haven't gotten much of since early 2000s CW shows.

The series will be perfect for you if you love sports, opposites attract, and solid found family vibes. Again, it's unclear how much can change from the books to the screen, but there's already a lot to be excited for with the cast and the fact that it's getting a series order to flesh out all the characters.

You Deserve Each Other (2026)

A second chance romance with an engaged couple who are constantly at each other's throats? Sign me up. Right away. Immediately. Sarah Hogle's gorgeous novel is getting an adaptation with Penn Badgley and Meghann Fahy. And now's the chance to finally cleanse our brains from everything we saw in You (2018). But also, Meghann Fahy? Iconic. 

More than that, stories about marriages (engagements, in this case) and the things people will do to save them are always some of my favorites. Add in the hijinks these two keep pulling, and this love story is going to hit twice as hard. If you love romances that are centered around opposite pairings cut from the same cloth and rich banter, there's a good chance You Deserve Each Other is going to scratch all the right itches for you.

The Bodyguard (2026)

While Katherine Center's novel isn't exactly a holiday rom-com, Netflix's adaptation of The Bodyguard will be turning it into one. Starring Jared Padalecki and Leighton Meester, this one's going to be especially great if you've read the books and love the concept of her being the bodyguard instead of him. Also, not to be confused with The Bodyguard (1992).

The film is likely to be released this coming year, as Netflix has recently doubled up on its holiday releases around December, so we're in for a treat. The casting is also doing something so specific for the Gossip Girl (2007) and Supernatural (2005) girlies, I wouldn't even know where to begin when it comes to unpacking all of that. If anyone comes across a time machine, let me know.

In a Holidaze (2026)

In a time loop story that's bound to bring some magical realism into our holiday season, In a Holidaze is so much fun in text that I can't wait to see how it's developed on-screen. The recently announced cast will be starring Maddie Ziegler, Rob Lowe, Graham Phillips, and Elias Kacavas, and it'll hit Netflix hopefully in the coming year.

It's perfect for anyone who loves Palm Springs (2020), and like The Bodyguard, it can give us two incredible holiday romance adaptations to look forward to. If you want a precious and gorgeous romance that'll help you escape reality, I have a feeling this one's going to be it. 

Over a decade after its conclusion, Spartacus (2010) returns, only this time it looks a little different. Instead of picking up from the series' third and final season, titled Spartacus: War of the Damned, the universe expansion comes in the form of a sequel with a "what if" approach. Essentially, series creator Steven S. DeKnight delivers an alternate timeline dubbed Spartacus: House of Ashur, which posits what would happen if Ashur (Nick E. Tarabay) survived his encounter with Naevia (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) on Mount Vesuvius.

It's an interesting idea, especially for longtime Spartacus fans eager to see the Starz series return in any form. However, those hoping Lucy Lawless' Lucretia would also get the revival treatment, think again. While Lawless makes an appearance in the first episode, House of Ashur regulates her role to a guest appearance, which, personally, feels like a big mistake.

Lucretia Deserved A Big' House Of Ashur' Comeback

With House of Ashur playing in fantasy and twisting fate, any Spartacus character could earn a second chance from the gods. Considering Ashur dies before Lucretia, not bringing her back into the fold feels a bit puzzling. After all, her relationship with Ashur ranks among the most complex in the show, with the equally manipulative duo forming an alliance based on mutual benefits before spiraling into full-blown enemies. Emphasis on the "full-blown."

Watching Lucretia go head-to-head with Ashur again after how he treated her in Vengeance would have been particularly satisfying. So would an alternate timeline where Lucretia got to keep Ilithyia's baby. I'm picturing another "what if" scenario where they both live, and a time jump accounts for the actors' ages and allows Lucretia's "son" to get sucked into the fight against Ashur, too.

Right now, though, House of Ashur lacks a wickedly dark female character like Lucretia (at least so far), with the show's female characters feeling a bit overlooked at times. Lawless returning to the role would have added the sharp-witted, slow-plotting feminine villainy that made her such an intriguing character in Spartacus. Not only that, but Lawless was one of the biggest lures of the original series, and a more substantial role in House of Ashur would've gone a long way in enticing viewers. Instead, her guest appearance feels like nothing more than a marketing ploy. 

Why Lucy Lawless Only Cameoed In 'House Of Ashur'

Perhaps "marketing ploy" feels like too harsh a word. However, Lucretia and Ashur's encounter in House of Ashur was released ahead of the series premiere as a sure-fire way to drum up anticipation. As Steven S. DeKnight told TV Insider, "It was absolutely vital [for Lawless to return]. Ashur and Lucretia were so tied together in that season of Vengenace…" DeKnight continues to explain that "working schedules" got in the way, and for "about a month," he wasn't sure if Lawless would be available at all.  Still, finding out that scene is pretty much the extent of her inclusion in the sequel feels disappointing, to say the least. 

It's unclear if Lucretia would have played a bigger role had Lawless' availability been different. Obviously, the show is titled House of Ashur, not House of Lucretia, so her role may have fallen to support anyway. That said, it would have been nice to see Lawless back in the gowns and dress, stalking around the ludus and plotting revenge, especially as a middle-aged woman, considering we still don't get enough of that representation on screen. 

Is 'Spartacus: House Of Ashur' Worth Watching?

If you're a longtime fan of Spartacus, then this was made for you—yes, you specifically. While the "what if" premise allows new fans to also step into the world with fresh eyes, the emotional impact and love/hate attachment to Ashur definitely won't hit quite the same, even with Lucretia's cameo doubling as a recap. My best advice is to watch the original series, including the prequel Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, before jumping into House of Ashur. Debuting to an impressive 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and since dropping to the high 90s, the sequel series manages to deliver the same character-driven stories, balanced by a good heaping of NSFW material, to keep you invested in what comes next. If stories about the brutality of ancient Rome excite you, or you like the messy politics and squabbling for power in series like Game of Thrones (2011), Spartacus and House of Ashur will quickly become new favorites. 

Hollywood has adapted numerous anime and manga into live-action over the years. The success of these projects varies significantly from great, like with Alita: Battle Angel (2019), to horrible, like Death Note (2017). Usually, these films flaunt their anime background, but that isn’t always the case. For example, did you know that Edge of Tomorrow (2014) is based on a Japanese light novel? More importantly, did you know that it’s being remade in 2026 as All You Need Is Kill (2026), with a much more overt anime aesthetic?

The Tom Cruise sci-fi action movie was a modest hit for its time. It made around $370 million and now lives on Prime Video, but it went to great lengths to hide its Japanese origins. So it would appear that All You Need Is Kill will be a more faithful adaptation of the light novel, right? Strangely enough, that isn’t exactly accurate. If you’re interested in learning what’s going on with the first big anime feature film of 2026, here’s what you need to know about All You Need Is Kill.

What Is ‘All You Need Is Kill’ About?

All You Need Is Kill is the story of a young woman named Rita. One day, an interdimensional alien flower spawns in Japan and lays its roots around the world. One year later, Rita volunteers to harvest elements of the plant to rebuild Japan, but it erupts and gives birth to aggressive and mindless monsters that brutally slaughter Rita and the nearby volunteers.

She then wakes up in her bed the morning of the attack and quickly realizes she’s in a time loop. With no idea how to break the loop, she continuously confronts the creatures and dies each time in the hope that she’ll discover a way to end it. Eventually, she meets a young engineer named Keiji who also experiences the time loops, and the two of them begin to develop exoskeletons to better help them fight the creatures and break the cycle of death they’re stuck in.

How Is ‘All You Need Is Kill’ Similar To ‘Edge Of Tomorrow’?

Edge of Tomorrow is structured pretty similarly to All You Need Is Kill. It lifts the core concept of two heroes stuck in a time loop, donning exoskeletons, and fighting aliens, but the perspective and execution is far different. 

Most notably, Edge of Tomorrow isn’t told from Rita’s perspective, but from Keiji’s analogue, Major William Cage. Cage, played by Tom Cruise, isn’t as meek as Keiji and is more of a cowardly soldier scorned by his commanders. Rita is still present, but instead of being a volunteer with little combat experience, she’s presented as a war hero who has defeated scores of the alien invaders, known here as Mimics. The plot is also significantly more complicated, with multiple supporting characters and a globe-spanning adventure to end the loop as opposed to All You Need Is Kill’s focus on its duet of protagonists and its single setting. 

Funnily enough, Edge of Tomorrow is actually more faithful to the light novel than the upcoming adaptation. Both it and the original book present themselves as sci-fi war stories, while All You Need Is Kill comes across more like a sci-fi fantasy. Edge of Tomorrow uses each loop and the trauma they experience as a metaphor for PTSD, which is more in line with the light novel than the romantic undertones of All You Need Is Kill’s doomed heroes.

Why Did ‘Edge Of Tomorrow’ Lose The Anime Aesthetics?

So if All You Need Is Kill is embracing its anime origins, and Edge of Tomorrow is closer to the source material, why does it hide them as fervently as it did? The answer, in part, comes from the time period during which the film was released. Anime was considered a niche subsection of pop culture in 2014 and only occasionally received mainstream recognition. Even then, when it did, it was usually for the wrong reasons. Dragonball Evolution (2009) was 20th Century Fox’s attempt to broaden the appeal of Dragon Ball Z (1989) to Westerners, but it became a laughing stock both commercially and critically.

In general, anime films, or live-action films inspired by anime, were viewed as risky prospects, which is probably why Edge of Tomorrow presented itself more as a gritty sci-fi action movie. When Tom Cruise was cast, the script changed to better acclimate the story to his particular set of skills, which meant the eccentricities of the manga diminished. Now, anime is much more widely accepted, and with less of a risk due to its smaller budget and release, All You Need Is Kill can fully immerse itself in the iconography that Edge of Tomorrow was so scared to approach.

Should You Watch ‘All You Need Is Kill’?

If you want a psychedelic action movie with bonkers animation, All You Need Is Kill certainly is that. The movie does an admirable job of making its world vivid and memorable. Like Heavenly Delusion (2023), it trusts that audiences will be able to piece together what’s going on in this strange, dystopian sci-fi world and respects their intelligence in the process.

It can be an assault on the senses with its frenetic visuals and character designs reminiscent of Tekkonkinkreet (2006), but they help to keep your attention in ways that few anime can. All You Need Is Kill balances action and drama well over the course of its 85-minute runtime, which helps make the climax an effective fever dream of emotional angst and heartbreak. It’s chaotic 

Here's the thing about holiday romances and tropes made for TV: They're formulaic, yes, but when they deliver, they deliver. I'm not watching these types of movies to discover the next best Oscar nominee; I'm here for nostalgia, joy, and indescribable escapism. Because really, who amongst us doesn't want to spend all of December doing Christmas activities instead of our jobs? We should all have the whole month off, is what I'm saying. 

As silly and saccharine as the tropes might feel to people who don't love the genre, when the actors are good, and the writing sticks the landing, they each have the ability to become comfort films we'll end up revisiting year after year because the joy is infectious. Here are some of the most oddly specific tropes you'll see in holiday romances, as well as some movies to watch if you love them on Prime Video, Hallmark+, and more.

Big City Girl Moves Back Home To Her Small Town

This one gets a ton of flak, but here's the thing: As someone who currently lives in a big city, I'd happily escape to my small-town childhood home if I had one. Because as lovely as big cities are, there's magic in small towns, too. Going somewhere without sitting in traffic for hours? Where do I sign up? That said, there's magic in childhood memories and people who've known you for years. Bonus points if she falls in love with a Christmas tree farmer or some sort of lumberjack, because why the heck not?

Hallmark has gotten better throughout the years of trying to incorporate this trope differently by still giving the female character the best of both worlds. Or, in a means to subvert expectations, they have the male main character leave his city job for the small town he was once desperate to get away from. If you want elements of this with a touching story about finding connections to the parent you never knew, my personal favorite will always be the Finding Father Christmas (2016) trilogy.

Kids Are Always Invested In The Adults’ Romantic Lives

I mean… are they wrong to be? I'll happily welcome a meddling kid any time. I mean, really, single dad Jude Law in The Holiday (2006) with his daughters wanting Cameron Diaz's Amanda to see their fort? Mr. Napkinhead? Need I say more? The movie is perfect on all fronts, but those are moments that'll always get to me.

The trope is especially prominent in Hallmark properties like the underrated gem Hope at Christmas (2018) and A Kismet Christmas (2022), which also doubles as a small-town romance. You can't go wrong with any sort of single-parent trope, nor siblings who are legal guardians, because these are always the movies that have a ton of emotional depth in them. 

A Small Business Always Needs Saving From A Corporation Buy Out

Not the bakery that sells the best gingerbread cookies in town! Don't you dare touch the tree farm! Hands off the local bookstore that's been in the family for generations! This is an unpopular opinion, but part of the reason I don't love You've Got Mail (1998) the way most people do is that The Shop Around the Corner closes for business. Hallmark movies would never, and therefore, I welcome them all. Most recently, we even got a delightful little gem in Christmas at the Catnip Cafe (2025) that I still can't stop thinking about.

This specific trope is the one I'll always go to bat for because small businesses are integral to communities, and nothing will ever compare to their charm. There's so much livelihood, heart, and history that it makes me livid that more people don't care about their value. So, really, if I had to keep one trope to utilize forever with holiday romances, saving the small business will always be the one. 

Realism? We Don’t Know Her

Okay, so this is the most niche trope, and it's my absolute favorite. The Spirit of Christmas (2015), Ghosts of Christmas Always (2022), A Timeless Christmas (2020), A Biltmore Christmas (2023)—what do they all have in common? Magic or time travel in some way without an actual magic system that makes sense, and it's perfectly fine because I have no desire to question it. The ghost can suddenly become human even though he's been dead for centuries? Believable. I won't question a thing.

And in the last few years, these types of movies have been my favorite movies because they've still dabbled with some of the best tropes, like the grumpy/sunshine dynamic, while simultaneously delivering unique love stories that stick the landing in a clever way. Throws a coffee cup down like in Thor (2011) and demands another. More of these movies forever and ever.

Someone Rediscovers The Christmas Spirit

The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced this is actually the most realistic trope because the more we overwork ourselves during the holiday, the more exhausted we become when it's time to actually celebrate. And as someone who's feeling extra grinchy this year because of how overwhelming everything is, I just know that a Christmas tree farm with a local coffee shop that makes gingerbread lattes in town could fix me.

But really, movies like this year's Christmas Above the Clouds (2025) or anything that centers around a Scrooge-like character who needs the extra push to realize that sometimes you just have to let go and let the spirit of the holiday take over are A+. If you watch Finding Father Christmas, which is also on this list, then you'd love Erin Krakow in Christmas Above the Clouds.

Making Connections In Unlikely Places - Forced Proximity Of Some Kind

Oh, no two characters are trapped, how dreadful, said no romance fan ever. While the idea of making unexpected connections in unlikely places and forced proximity can be separated as two different tropes, I want to combine them solely to scream about the absolute masterpiece that is This Is Christmas (2022). A gorgeous, breathtaking British holiday movie that doesn't just deliver in the romance area, but also with the idea of companionship to ensure that no one spends the holidays alone. 

Basically, if you cry every time Kevin watches Marley reunite with his family at the end of Home Alone (1990), then you're bound to adore This Is Christmas. Trains, airport gates, a hospital, an inn during a storm, a coffee shop, a toy store, etc.—the idea that a single day and one place can change everything based on the people who are there with you is an extremely comforting thought. It's one of the more wholesome tropes I always want to see more of.

The premiere of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, which is coming to HBO in January 2026, will bring us back to Westeros once again. Yes, the same Westeros we first discovered in Game of Thrones (2011) and then explored in House of the Dragon (2022). All of those shows are based on A Song of Ice and Fire and complementary texts by George R. R. Martin. This is G.R.R.M.’s world, we’re just living in it. Or, HBO is.

But with a new show comes questions. When there are two series, the answer is easy: One comes before the other. Simple. But where does the third one fit? And what do you need to watch before? Here is everything you need to know about A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. 

When Is ‘A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms’ Set?

To understand when A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is set, it’s important to understand that the history of Westeros is told from one reference point: the coronation of King Aegon “the Conqueror” or Aegon I Targaryen, who was the first ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. Maesters refer to the history of Westeros as “before the Conquest” and “after the Conquest.” Very biblical stuff.

So when is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms set? In the year 209 after the Conquest, a period of relative peace for the Seven Kingdoms, which at that point were ruled by King Aerys I Targaryen. The HBO series will follow a young knight, who will end up becoming Ser Duncan “the Tall” (Peter Claffey), and his little squire, who is actually Aegon V Targaryen (Dexter Sol Ansell) in disguise.

The series is an adaptation of George R. R. Martin’s series of fantasy novellas known as Tales of Dunk and Egg. So far, there are three novellas, “The Hedge Knight,” “The Sworn Sword,” and “The Mystery Knight,” which were collected in the book A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. The first one takes place around 209 after the Conquest, the second one around 210 or 211, and the third one around 212 after the Conquest.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is planned to run for three seasons, adapting all three of these stories to show us what was going on in Westeros during those three or four years. There’s still a chance there could be more if the show is successful and if George R. R. Martin can write more in time, but we probably shouldn’t hold our breath for that. We’re still waiting on Game of Thrones book six, after all.

How Does ‘A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms’ Relate To ‘House Of The Dragon’ And ‘Game of Thrones’?

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms happens squarely in the middle of the two series. House of the Dragon focuses on the civil war for the throne called the “Dance of the Dragons,” which culminates in the near extinction of dragons. House of the Dragon is set to take place from 101 to 129 after the Conquest, still a good eighty years before A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

What about Game of Thrones? Well, that starts in the year 298 after the Conquest, so the new show is a little less than 90 years before the original show set in Westeros. Pretty much in the middle. And there are some clear nods to Game of Thrones in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, too. Aegon V is the brother of Maester Aemon, who appears in Game of Thrones. Don’t remember him? He’s the Maester of the Night’s Watch, and he makes it quite a long time in the show, dying in Season 5.

That’s not all, as Duncan the Tall is an ancestor of our favorite Game of Thrones knight, none other than Brienne of Tarth. It’s not yet clear how closely related they are, but the family resemblance is pretty easy to see.

How we get from the tales of Dunk and Egg to the aforementioned Egg becoming Aegon Targaryen V, called “the Unlikely” because no one ever expected him to become King and Duncan the Tall as the Lord Commander of his royal guard, we still don’t know. But hopefully A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will weave the story of House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones in a way that takes us exactly there. There have already been many stories told in Westeros, and many stories that could have been told. What makes this one special? We will soon find out.