Emily Blunt's latest 2026 movie schedule release marks a huge moment in her career, as she's starring in Steven Spielberg's latest alien film, Disclosure Day. Of course, this definitely isn't her first foray into the genre, as she made an impression on it more than a decade ago when she starred in one of the best sci-fi movies of all time, Edge of Tomorrow. And she recently recalled one very funny moment from the set of the movie where she really bonded with Tom Cruise while in those massive ExoSuits.

When Blunt was a guest on Hot Ones recently, host Sean Evans asked the actress about the most Tom Cruise thing she watched her co-star do on the set of Edge of Tomorrow. She began her story, saying:

Tom Cruise is very much known for his infectious passion for making movies and the crazy stunts he gets himself into. Despite that optimism, though, this particular on-set situation sounds downright unbearable. Blunt shared some more details that painted a vivid picture of her discomfort:

This sounds so, so painful. At the time, Emily Blunt was 31, and she hadn’t yet had the two daughters she shares with husband John Krasinski. While hanging out with Cruise in these uncomfy positions, it led to the “most Tom Cruise” moment one could even imagine. In her words:

Cruise is famous for having a tireless work ethic and not moving to complaining on set. While in her 80 pound suit, Emily Blunt had to admit she was struggling a bit in that moment. I love the fact that Cruise didn't crack even in that moment but couldn’t argue against the situation being “a challenge.” It's such an on-brand response from Cruise, and it now makes for a great story.

EoT is based on a Japanese novel called All You Need Is Kill, and it's a military movie set in future that centers on an alien race occupying Earth. When Cruise’s character starts to find himself in a time loop, he tries to find a way to use it as an advantage to defeat the aliens.

It feels like ever since Edge of Tomorrow came out back in 2014, fans have been waiting for a sequel. Even though the ending wraps things up pretty well, Cruise has talked before about pitching a sequel idea he had to the filmmakers; it has yet to come to fruition. Should that happen, I'd hope that it wouldn't be as much of a "challenge" for anyone to don those massive suits.

Edge of Tomorrow is currently available to rent or buy on digital platforms. Also, check out Emily Blunt in her latest sci-fi flick, Disclosure Day, which opens in theaters on June 12.

It’s hard to justify why it took me so long to finally watch Edge of Tomorrow, starring Tom Cruise as a reluctant soldier stuck in a time loop in a war against an alien invasion. I like Tom Cruise, I love good war movies, and I generally like sci-fi. So how did I miss this? Well, I finally watched it, using my Netflix subscription, and I loved it. I especially loved how surprised I was by Cruise’s character.

I Thought I Knew What It Was About

I knew the basic premise of Edge of Tomorrow. I knew going in that it was about the military set in the future, and I knew that some sort of time/space thing was in play. That was about it, though. Oh, and I knew it was Cruise and Emily Blunt. Beyond that, though, I didn’t know much. I think part of what held me back from watching it is that it looked cheesy to me. As I said, I’m a Cruise fan, after all, I grew up in the ‘80s watching Top Gun and Days of Thunder over and over. I’ll admit, though, I’m a bit worn out with the star always being the perfect hero, as he is in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, from the 2025 movie schedule.

That’s why I was immediately drawn into Edge of Tomorrow. Cruise’s character, Major William Cage, isn’t a perfect hero; he’s not even a reluctant hero at the beginning of the movie. He’s just a crappy guy and a bad soldier. This isn’t at all what I’ve come to expect from Cruise, and I regret assuming I wouldn’t like it for that reason. I’ll go as far as to say that I think it’s one of the best Tom Cruise performances of all time.

The Whole Cast Is Great, But Cruise Really Shines

Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton, Brendan Gleeson, and the rest of the cast of the movie are fantastic, but Cruise, even more than in other movies, is really great. I love his character arc, even if it is a little rushed at times. It's so rare that he ever plays someone as detestable as Cage at the beginning of Edge of Tomorrow, so it’s refreshing to see that. Sure, he played swarmy characters in the past, like his hilariously terrible but fun character in Tropic Thunder. Cage is unlikable as a man and as a character. It’s great.

Of course, by the end of Edge of Tomorrow, Cruise's character becomes the hero we all expect him to be, but the payoff is so much more rewarding since the character has to earn our faith. It’s not like Top Gun or Mission: Impossible, where he’s a hero from the jump, and without question (which makes you wonder why he’s still not appeared in the MCU). I love those movies and his characters in them, but Cage is just better. It’s definitely a movie I could watch over and over–or live over and over, as the case may be–and I plan to. I may even watch it again tonight.

Can't a movie just be cool anymore and make bank?! Well, apparently not, since the recent Tron: Ares is very cool, but flopped BIG TIME at the box office. And, this really pisses me off since Tron: Ares should have been a major hit!

However, this is nothing new, as there have been several cool movies that I've loved, only to learn that nobody else turned out to see them. And, keep in mind. Just because I think a movie's cool doesn't necessarily mean I think it's “good.” As my colleague, Eric Eisenberg, said perfectly in his review of Tron: Ares, the movie is a “radically empty spectacle…but at least it's very pretty.”

And, doggonit, shouldn't that be enough? So, here's why I'm pissed off that Tron: Ares (and five other movies) weren't bigger hits at the box office.

Tron: Ares (2025)

The most recent box office failure, Tron: Ares is one of the most visually stunning movies you’ll likely see. Its soundtrack by Nine Inch Nails is also so pulse pounding that it may even rival Daft Punk’s from Tron: Legacy.

But, what about the plot? Well…it’s fine. Unlike the other two Tron movies where the films take place in a game, this one takes place in reality as an AI soldier named Ares (Jared Leto) becomes a self-aware good guy. There’s more to the story, but a lot of it feels overly complicated. Plus, most of us just came to see cool light cycle sequences.

And, that’s what we get! To be honest, I’ve actually never been a fan of the Tron series since I found both the original and Tron: Legacy to be boring. But, this film puts emphasis on the sights and sounds, which creates a really engaging film.

There’s even a tease for a sequel, but Tron: Ares did so poorly that this might spell the end for the franchise for good in theaters. This sucks since a series like Tron NEEDS to be seen on a big screen.

Edge Of Tomorrow (2014)

Quite possibly the coolest Tom Cruise movie ever, Edge of Tomorrow truly had to be seen on a big screen to get the complete experience.

Based on the Japanese light novel, All You Need Is Kill, I've heard some people say that the title, Edge of Tomorrow, might have been why people didn't turn out to see it (which might be the reason why it was later renamed Live. Die. Repeat: Edge of Tomorrow on Blu-Ray).

Whatever the reason it didn't do well, it's not for quality's sake, since unlike Tron: Ares, which has a mediocre narrative, Edge of Tomorrow has an amazing story. In fact, it’s one of the few original movies I can remember being wowed by in theaters.

Essentially, the movie is a roguelike in movie form. What I mean is, similar to some roguelike video games, like Hades, Tom Cruise keeps dying, but with each time he comes back to life, he gains more experience, which he brings to the enemy aliens head-on. It's a killer movie, and it should have been huge! So, why wasn’t it then? Wah!

Dredd (2012)

Dredd is my favorite comic book movie of all time. I mean, even from the first few minutes, I knew it was going to be a huge departure from the first Judge Dredd movie (which I still unabashedly like).

And, a huge departure it was, as it's so much cooler than the ‘90s film. Karl Urban never takes off his helmet, the action is enthralling, and it almost entirely takes place in one location, that being the drug-invested tenement of Peach Trees.

Throughout its crisp 95-minute run time, Karl Urban's Dredd goes to war with Lena Headey's terrifying Ma-Ma, who is one of the best female villains of all time.

Yet, the movie didn't do well at the box office. Hell, even though it developed a sort of cult following once it came home to physical media and streaming services, it still isn't as big as it should be, which is a crying shame!

John Carter (2012)

Does Disney make bad sci-fi movies? Well, while I wouldn’t necessarily put any of their sci-fi flicks on the list of the best sci-fi movies of all time, I will say that I’ve liked a great deal of them, even though most of them have flopped. I enjoyed Lightyear, I adored Strange World, and like I already mentioned, I had a good time with Tron: Ares.

Do you want to know another Disney sci-fi movie that I really liked? John Carter. Yes, the box office mega flop. Adapted from the first book in the Barsoom series by Edgar Rice Burroughs, John Carter is a ridiculous movie about red Martians and green Martians, but it’s got really cool action sequences, and it’s a fun movie.

The story concerns a Civil War captain named John Carter (Taylor Kitsch) who actually gets tangled in another Civil War, but this one on the planet Mars (Or Barsoom). The rest of the story is your typical adventuring, not-too-violent movie that opened up a whole world to theater-goers, but wouldn’t get to see its full story as this movie’s failure squashed any chances of a sequel.

Which is too bad! In a world where we got five Pirates of the Caribbean movies (with a sixth one on the way), it really stinks that we only got one John Carter. It had such series potential!

The Marvels (2023)

When I heard that The Marvels was a box office bomb, I got viscerally upset at the time. How can a movie that was leagues better than its predecessor, if you ask me (Come on. Captain Marvel was just okay), still not manage to get its feet off the ground at the box office? What gives?!

Well, blame “superhero fatigue,” the fact that you needed to watch two Disney+ shows (WandaVision, and Ms. Marvel) to get the complete picture, or anything else, but The Marvels did miserably at the box office, which really bugs me, since The Marvels is really cool.

Featuring three main characters – Captain Marvel (Brie Larson), Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani), and Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), hence the title – our heroes have their powers entangled, which creates some interesting scenarios amongst them. It also means that they all have to work together, so this film kind of feels like a cosmic buddy comedy/action movie at times.

The villain, Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton), is also really fascinating and a big step up from the Supreme Intelligence from the first Captain Marvel. This movie had everything going for it, and it still didn’t even break even. Now that’s criminal.

The Flash (2023)

I might sound like a hypocrite for this one since I kind of celebrated when the Snyderverse came to an end, but I don’t necessarily think The Flash was its fault. The writing had been on the wall long before it came out.

Even though I’m kind of sick of multiversal stories at this point, I think The Flash takes an interesting twist. Because after The Flash tries to go back in the past to fix the present, he messes everything up, creating a world where General Zod didn’t die.

Here’s the kicker: we also get the best Batman in Michael Keaton in this multiversal mix-up, as well as Supergirl (Sasha Calle)

All of this is to say that The Flash had a lot going for it, but it didn’t do well, and it felt like the death knell of the Snyderverse, which is a shame. It was pretty cool.

So, what flops are you upset about? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

I'm a big fan of Sci Fi movies, and I'm a huge fan of great war movies. Sometimes, those two genres meet. It's not always with spectacular results, if I'm honest, but I still end up looking forward to movies and shows that bring them together. I'm talking about movies like Dune and Starship Troopers, and TV shows like Battlestar Galactica and Silo. This is a list dedicated to movies like that. So grab your gear and let's get into the action.

Dune

There are a lot of things that make Dune one of the best science fiction stories of all time. War is a major theme throughout the whole series and certainly something the recent movies have focused on. The politics of war and various armies across the universe feature heavily.

Ender's Game

Despite a stellar cast, including Hailee Steinfeld, Harrison Ford, and Viola Davis, and rich source material from the original novel to draw on, Ender's Game was a critical and box office disappointment, some of which is because of some controversy surrounding the book's author. However, if you're like me and enjoy this kind of movie, about the young trainees in a futuristic army, you will certainly find things to like about the movie.

Avatar

I'll be the first to say that while many love Avatar, I am not among them. That said, it's a movie that definitely belongs on this list. It's about a military mission, though the critiques of the military are a little heavy-handed, and it's one of the biggest box office draws of all time, so whether I like it or not, I'm including it.

Star Trek

This one is a little tricky, as I'm sure fans of Star Trek will be immediately noting in their heads. The United Federation of Planets, and by extension the crew of the USS Enterprise, are primarily a political organization with a mission to promote peace. That said, the ship has a military-like hierarchy, and the crew often finds themselves battling hostile elements in the galaxy. So there are heavy military overtones in every Star Trek series and movie.

Firefly

Like some others on this list, Firefly is a bit of an edge case. While most of the crew of the spaceship Serenity are ex-military, the show itself doesn't have many of the elements of a futuristic army, more a rag-tag crew of space explorers. It's as much a space western in the style of Star Wars as anything else.

Halo

You knew this one had to be here. Halo, based on the video game of the same name, ran for two seasons on Paramount+ and was a moderate success, though it never reached the same popularity as the game it was based on.

Stargate SG-1

Stargate SG-1, which was a show that was born on the heals of the movie Stargate. It ran for 10 seasons, first on Showtime and later on Syfy.

Aliens

One of the most beloved sci-fi movies of all time, Aliens has some of the coolest military scenes featuring the crew of Marines on the mission with Ripley (Sigourney Weaver). One of the most iconic moments in the movie comes when the Marines all wake up from their long trip and Sgt. Apone says. "Another day in the core!"

Battlestar Galactica

The classic sci-fi show Battlestar Galactica is one of the best examples of a futuristic military, even if it's really just a small piece of what its space force used to be. Led by Admiral Adama (Edward James Olmos), the military members run the ship, and by default, the last of humankind, in partnership with civilian leadership.

Starship Troopers

Are you doing your part? There may be no more obvious movie to include on this list than the cult favorite Starship Troopers. The recruiting video alone puts it near the top of the list of movies about the military in the future, to say nothing of the political overtones and satire of the rest of the movie.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Parts 1 And 2

The Hunger Games didn't start with a military of the future as a key component, but it certainly ends with two militaries, both the revolutionaries and the army from The Capitol, in the final two movies of the original franchise. It's a great example of two different kinds of armies, as well.

Pacific Rim

I'm not the biggest fan of Kaiju movies, but I absolutely love Pacific Rim from director Guillermo del Toro. This is a bit of an edge case, because it's not really set in the distant future (the 2013 movie was actually set in 2020), the presence of a great military leader like Marshal Stacker Pentecost (Idris Elba) means it absolutely demands to be on this list. It's not like we have technology like the Mechas in the movie anyway, so it feels very futuristic.

The Terminator Franshise

Throughout the entire Terminator franchise, even when the movies aren't about the coming war between humans and machines, there are heavy military overtones, to say nothing of when we do see the actual war in some of the latter movies. The fourth movie, Terminator Salvation, is especially militaristic.

Doom

When I first saw 2005's Doom, based on the notorious video game from the '90s, I couldn't help but be reminded of Aliens in the way the futuristic Marines are portrayed as they travel to Mars to assist the UAC scientist after the attack. John "Reaper" Grimm and Sgt. Mahonin (Karl Urban and Dwyane Johnson, respectively) ooze the same kind of energy that Hicks and the other Marines in Aliens have.

Edge Of Tomorrow

Edge of Tomorrow seems to either be revered or ignored by film fans, but include me in the former. It's such a great sci-fi war movie. Led by Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt, the movie, though not set in the distant future, sees humanity's military come together to fight off invading aliens.

Star Wars

Obviously I had to include Star Wars here. Not only do we get to see the military apparatus of the Empire (and its successor) in all ten of the movies thus far released, but we also see the hierarchy of the Rebel Alliance. The scene at the end of the first movie, when Chewie doesn't get the medal that Han and Luke receive, but that he also deserves, is very much a military-looking ceremony as well.

And yeah, I will acknowledge that technically the movies are "a long time ago" and not in the future...but....c'mon.

Stargate

I'm a huge Kurt Russell fan, and while I loved Stargate when I first saw it, I did not expect it to spawn a franchise. Director and writer Roland Emmerich loves to make movies about futuristic armies, and Stargate is a perfect example of when he is at his best. It's a little cheesy, sure, but that's part of the charm of a good Emmerich popcorn flick.

Babylon 5

Set about 250 years in the future, Babylon 5 is one of those classic '90s TV shows that feels like it's adjacent to the Star Trek universe, but in this case, much more directly military-related. The titular space station is filled with both military personnel and civilians, but it was always the military plotlines that grabbed me the most.

Jupiter Ascending

2015's Jupiter Ascending, from writers and directors Lana and Lilly Wachowski, is a wild movie. It's kind of hard to explain, except to say that the protagonist, a soldier played by Channing Tatum, is part man and part...dog... is a great military character from the future.

Soldier

Kurt Russell and director Paul W. S. Anderson teamed up for 1998's Soldier, about a dystopian military project that turns orphans into killers for the military until things get really weird in the future. Yeah, it's a wild movie, and it was written by David Peoples, who also wrote Blade Runner and considered Soldier to be in the same universe. Yikes

Terra Nova

Terra Nova is a show that got canceled way too soon. It was a big-budget show that looked fantastic and told a super interesting story about a dystopian future that led humanity to open up a portal to another Earth. The military in the show, led by Commander Nathaniel Taylor (Stephen Lang) wasn't the focus, but played a huge role. It's just too bad we didn't get to see more, as the show was canceled after just 13 episodes.

Universal Soldier

Roland Emmerich's first big-budget Hollywood movie, Universal Soldier, has a ton of the DNA that the polarizing director would be known for throughout his career. It's a pretty ridiculous, over-the-top movie about soldiers in the future, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren as the primary soldiers.

SeaQuest DSV

The simplest way to describe SeaQuest DSV is to say it's Star Trek in a submarine. The cast was led by Jaws star Roy Scheider, and the show ran for three seasons in the mid-90s. It was a fun NBC show, and like Star Trek, it was exactly military, but the organization the sub crew represented was similar to the U.N. and acted in a very militaristic way. Though it took place in 2020, that was 25 years in the future when the show aired.

The Matrix Revolutions

The final Matrix movie in the original trilogy, The Matrix Revolutions, is when things really got militaristic. Throughout the whole series, there were always some aspects of a futuristic military, but the series really leans in with what I would consider the weakest movie of the franchise, but still a really fun movie.

Snowpiercer

Imagine living your whole life in the back of an endless train trip as 5th-class "citizens" of the last people on Earth. That's where we find our heroes in Snowpiercer, who are finally forced to take on the train's military when the horrible conditions bring them to a breaking point.

Andromeda

Set hundreds of years in the future, Andromeda was loosely based on work from Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, so as you would expect, it feels like his most famous show, but it also feels a little cheap. Like many shows about spaceships, it's not exactly military, but has a militaristic hierarchy..

The Tomorrow War

The Tomorrow War is a little tricky for this list. It's set in 2022, but it tells the story of time-traveling soldiers from the future. So it kinda counts, right? Sure, why not!

Silo

This is another tricky one, but it's such a great show, I had to include it. Common plays the head of security in Silo, and while they aren't strictly a military organization, they operate very much like one. They are also oppressive and scary, as the military is often shown to be in dystopian futures, like the one in Silo. So it works for me.

Farscape

Farscape is another example of a wild show that was born in the '90s. Though it was canceled after four seasons, cutting short the story, it had legions of fans who still love it today. The story was finally wrapped with a three-hour made-for-TV movie in 2007, called Farscape: Peacekeeper Wars.

The Chronicles of Riddick

Though The Chronicles of Riddick is actually a sequel to Pitch Black, it is far more militaristic in its style than the first movie in the series, which was more of a horror flick. Vin Diesel plays a former bounty hunter on the run from a crew of other hunters who operate very much like a military unit.

The Creator

2023's The Creator is a movie that not enough people have seen. Set in a near-ish future (2065), it stars John David Washington as Sergeant Joshua Taylor, who is part of a force helping to shut down all AI, which has turned against humanity. It's a complicated movie, but it looks amazing, and you should see it just for that.

Defiance

Dystopian futures are always a popular way for shows and movies to show what the future of the military looks like, and sometimes those shows feature rag-tag groups of veterans of a past war just trying to survive, as in Defiance. It's another show that didn't seem to get the kind of attention it deserved from the general public when it ran from 2013 to 2015 on Syfy.

Have you ever walked out of a movie feeling like you saw something almost entirely different from what the trailer promised you? Well, you are certainly not alone, and this sort of thing happens all the time in Hollywood, to be frank. See for yourself by taking a look at some beloved films that would prove to be a bit of a stretch from how they were portrayed in the marketing, for better or worse.

Jennifer's Body (2009)

From director Karyn Kusama and writer Diablo Cody, Jennifer's Body, starring Megan Fox as a high school student transformed into a succubus after a failed demonic sacrifice, is heralded as one of the most misunderstood cult favorites of all time. The trailers delivered on the thriller's horror content but were light on its feminist themes and heavy on its risque coming-of-age comedy. Not to mention, the poster's depiction of Fox contradicted the film's tongue-in-cheek commentary on teen objectification.

About Time (2013)

Richard Curtis' About Time starts off much like the winning rom-com the marketing promised and that you would expect from the writer and director of Love Actually. However, the time travel movie starring Domhnall Gleeson and Rachel McAdams ultimately evolves into a deeply emotional tearjerker about holding onto one's familial bonds.

Godzilla (2014)

The marketing for Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures' reboot of the world's most famous kaiju relied heavily on the popularity of one of its stars, Bryan Cranston. So, it came as quite a surprise to see Godzilla kill off the Emmy-winning Breaking Bad cast member's character in the first act.

Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982)

The central character of the Cameron Crowe-penned, Amy Heckerling-directed coming-of-age comedy Fast Times at Ridgemont High is Stacy Hamilton (Jennifer Jason Leigh). However, you would not know that from the marketing, which made Sean Penn's Jeff Spicoli the most prominent figure.

Passengers (2016)

The trailer for the futuristic sci-fi thriller Passengers suggests that commercial space travelers Jim Preston (Chris Pratt) and Aurora Lane (Jennifer Lawrence) are both mistakenly woken up from their cryogenic slumber at the same time. In the actual film, Jim is the only one woken up by accident and selfishly wakes up Aurora on purpose so he would no longer be alone, tainting the story's romantic element for many critics and audiences.

Sucker Punch (2011)

Zack Snyder's Sucker Punch was marketed with trailers that comprised mostly of the F-rated thriller's visually stunning action sequences. However, they appeared to leave out the fact that these moments only exist in the head of Emily Browning's character, Babydoll, and that she and the rest of the ensemble are confined to a mental asylum throughout.

Magic Mike (2012)

Audiences who expected a fun dance flick from director Steven Soderbergh's Magic Mike, which is loosely based on star Channing Tatum's life, would be more fulfilled by its 2015 sequel, Magic Mike XXL. However, the original is essentially a tale of self-destruction and aspiration for a better life, complemented by a number of fun dance sequences throughout.

The Cabin In The Woods (2011)

Director Drew Goddard's feature debut, The Cabin in the Woods, was marketed as just another formulaic horror flick about stupid kids getting into a freaky situation during a woodland vacation. Of course, in truth, the film is a clever and subversive deconstruction of the genre's most prevalent tropes and has since been heralded as one of the best horror-comedy movies of its time.

From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)

Director Robert Rodriguez revealed to Yahoo! that Miramax wanted to underplay the Quentin Tarantino-penned From Dusk Till Dawn's horror elements in favor of hyping up its Pulp Fiction-style crime thriller elements in the marketing. Thus, many were surprised to see the story of two ruthless criminal brothers on the run (played by George Clooney and Tarantino) suddenly become a relentlessly gory vampire movie in the final act.

Drive (2011)

Considering its title, it is easy to see why some audiences may have assumed that Nicolas Winding Refn's Drive, starring Ryan Gosling as a getaway driver who participates in a job gone wrong, would be a high-octane action flick instead of a slow-burn neo-noir drama. According to The Guardian, one woman felt genuinely bamboozled by the thriller's marketing and filed a lawsuit against it, citing that she was promised something more along the lines of the Fast and Furious movies.

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

Johnny Depp stars in the title role of the gothic thriller Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, in which a 19th Century hairstylist seeks to avenge his wife and child's brutal murder, which he was wrongfully convicted of. Unless you were a fan of the original 1979 stage production by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler, you might not have known that the Tim Burton movie was a musical from the marketing alone.

It Comes At Night (2017)

Personally, I believe Trey Edward Schults' sophomore feature, It Comes at Night, is a masterful exercise in slow-burn suspense and paranoia. The film follows a family's struggle to survive a cataclysmic virus. Yet, I can also understand why someone might have been disappointed to learn that the A24 horror movie is not a straight-up zombie flick like the marketing suggested. I'll even admit that I am not sure what the "it" in the title is supposed to refer to.

Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)

I imagine there were many fans of Jim Carrey movies who walked into director Michel Gondry and screenwriter Charlie Kaufman's Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind not expecting a cerebral, somber meditation on the lengths one might go to escape their romantic grief. The trailer, set to Electric Light Orchestra's upbeat hit, "Mr. Blue Sky," does highlight some of the acclaimed sci-fi film's surreal elements but also attempts to sell it as more of a quirky, overt comedy.

The Grey (2012)

Director Joe Carnahan's The Grey is widely praised as a moving story about the struggle to survive both the unforgiving natural world and internal depression. However, the trailer hypes the thriller up as "Liam Neeson vs. the wolves," which is a scene we do not even get to see as the film cuts to black and the credits roll right after the Irish actor's character prepares to fight his furry foe.

Edge Of Tomorrow (2014)

Perhaps director Doug Liman's retrospectively beloved time loop movie Edge of Tomorrow, starring Tom Cruise as a reluctant soldier who mysteriously finds himself continuously respawning after death during a human-alien war, was a box office flop not because of its underwhelming title. I think it had more to do with the marketing hyping up the alien Invasion movie as an earnest war film, completely underselling just how fun and clever the action-packed sci-fi thriller turned out to be.

Red Eye (2005)

The misleading nature of Red Eye, starring Rachel McAdams as a woman coerced into assisting the flight passenger next to her (Cillian Murphy) with an assassination plot, can be blamed on a couple of things, including the fact that Wes Craven is the director. The marketing even seemed to try selling it as a slasher in the vein of his Scream franchise, but the PG-13 political thriller is actually one of the filmmaker's lighter efforts in terms of tone.

Unbreakable (2000)

Unbreakable was marketed as more of a supernatural thriller in the vein of M. Night Shyamalan's breakthrough hit, The Sixth Sense, from the previous year. Thus, many audiences were surprised to learn they were seeing a dark take on a superhero movie that was not based on a comic book and was way ahead of its time.

Catfish (2010)

Imagine going to see what you assume is a found-footage thriller, such as The Blair Witch Project, only to find out that the film in question is just a simple documentary. That was the case with Catfish, in which Ariel Schulman and Henry Joost document Nev Schulman's relationship with a woman he meets online and whose true identity is put under scrutiny.

Bridge To Terabithia (2007)

I remember seeing the trailer for Bridge to Terabithia, starring Josh Hutcherson and AnnaSophia Robb, and thinking it was a feel-good family film set in a wondrous fantasy land. However, I later discovered that director Gabor Csupo's adaptation of Katherine Paterson's novel is a deeply saddening story about escaping the grief of reality through imagination.

Lady In The Water (2006)

Any time a new M. Night Shyamalan movie is announced, audiences are bound to immediately assume it is a horror movie. The trailers for his somber fairy tale Lady in the Water, in which an apartment complex superintendent (played by Paul Giamatti) tries to help a mysterious young woman (played by Bryce Dallas Howard) return to her otherworldly home, did not help dispel such assumptions.

Wonka (2023)

Academy Award nominee Timothée Chalamet portrayed author Roald Dahl's eccentric chocolatier as a younger man in director Paul King's Wonka. The only hint that the wondrously sweet family film was a musical might be that the original 1971 film, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, was a musical because there were certainly no signs of that in the marketing.

The Many Saints Of Newark (2021)

Fourteen years after the acclaimed HBO series, The Sopranos, ended with one of the most divisive series finales in TV history, Warner Bros. released a divisive feature film digging deeper into the mafia family's past. The Many of Saints of Newark was not an origin story for Tony Soprano (played by the late James Gandolfini's son, Michael) like the marketing promised and centered more heavily on his mentor, Dickie Moltisanti (Alessandro Nivola).

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)

Did you know that Matthew Broderick's eponymous slacker from John Hughes' classic high school movie had two other siblings, in addition to Jennifer Grey's Jeanie? Anyone who saw the original trailer for Ferris Bueller's Day Off might have been able to pick up on that, only to find that the actors who played his younger brother and sister were cut from the finished product.

Click (2006)

Click, in which Adam Sandler plays an overworked family man who receives a special remote that is universal in the true sense of the word, would turn out to be one of the comedian's more mature efforts, especially after the device begins to take control over his character's life. However, the film's more serious and even heartbreaking turns surely came as a surprise to audiences expecting yet another screwball comedy like the former Saturday Night Live star is best known for.

Colossal (2016)

You might say that the misleading marketing for director Nacho Vigalondo's Colossal worked in its favor, as audiences expected this flick starring Anne Hathaway as an American woman who discovers a kaiju in Japan is mimicking her actions would be a quirky sci-fi comedy. The story is actually much deeper than that, as it is revealed that the monster is a manifestation of the main character's struggle with addiction.

Kangaroo Jack (2003)

Not only is the eponymous, Australian-based animal from Kangaroo Jack barely in the movie, but he does not even talk, save for one dream sequence taking place in the head of Jerry O'Connell's character, Charlie Carbone. However, said dream sequence was a huge focal point in the marketing, which also underplayed the PG-rated comedy's unbelievably inappropriate material, which I imagine many parents did not appreciate.

Yesterday (2019)

Nothing about the tone or plot of Yesterday, in which a struggling musician (played by Himesh Patel) finds himself in an alternate reality in which The Beatles never existed, is undersold in its marketing. However, many people were shocked and even angered to see Ana de Armas, who was featured in the trailer, completely cut from the finished film, including two fans of the Oscar nominee who attempted to sue Universal over it.

Mean Girls (2024)

If you did not know that 2024's Mean Girls was based on the coming-of-age comedy's stage musical adaptation, you might have assumed it was just a pointless remake of the 2004 original. There were absolutely no hints of it being a musical in the marketing, unless you count the sheet music note in the logo.

Observe And Report (2009)

Based on its joke-heavy trailer, audiences expected Observe and Report to be just another zany romp like what star Seth Rogen was then-primarily known for and not a pitch-black psychological thriller examining the mind of an unstable mall security guard. I would be more concerned to discover if parents mistook director Jody Hill's divisive dramedy for a similarly plotted movie from the same year: the more family-friendly Paul Blart: Mall Cop.

Bicentennial Man (1999)

Seeing Robin Williams play a robot sounds like a fun time for the whole family, and the marketing for the PG-rated Bicentennial Man largely made it seem like that was the case. Little did audiences know that this futuristic flick based on an Isaac Asimov story was a slow-paced examination of mortality from the point of view of a machine.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (2016)

Tina Fey stars in Whiskey Tango Foxtrot as real-life journalist Kim Baker in an adaptation of her memoir, The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan, which chronicles her days covering Middle Eastern conflicts in the early 2000s. While ultimately praised for its balance of comedy and drama, the trailers for the film emphasized the former, perhaps to better appeal to fans of the 30 Rock star and creator.

Lamb (2021)

A24's Lamb, starring Noomi Rapace and Hilmir Snær Guðnason as a couple raising a strange half-sheep, half-human hybrid, was marketed as a horror flick. However, that element of the otherwise bizarre story does not come into play until near the end, while most of the film is a slow-paced meditation on grief and the struggles of parenting.

In no way do I believe a movie is only as good as its title and, in fact, I believe many of the films I have listed here are pretty good, if not great. However, if it were up to me, I would have opted to tweak their names a little, or maybe a lot. Let’s relive some of the worst, or even just blatantly untrue movie titles, in cinematic history… in my opinion, at least.

Dude, Where's My Car? (2000)

There is really nothing groundbreaking about Dude, Where's My Car?, in which two pizza deliverers (played by Ashton Kutcher and Seann Williams Scott) try to retrace their steps when they wake up with no memory of the bizarre previous night. Yet, there had to be a more imaginative name for this ridiculous comedy than a direct quote from Kutcher's character.

I Heart Huckabees (2004)

The official stylization for the title of David O. Russell's comedy about a husband-and-wife existential detective duo uses the emoji that typically symbolizes love. However, the symbol itself is actually pronounced in this case, resulting in the name I Heart Huckabees, which sounds like a child reading one of the "I Heart New York" T-shirts.

Lucky Number Slevin (2006)

I genuinely believe that the fun, surprise-filled crime thriller Lucky Number Slevin is one of Josh Hartnett's best movies. Yet, I also think the title (referring to a case of mistaken identity that puts the eponymous character in trouble with crime lords) is a pretty lackluster pun that likely cost better chances at the box office.

Ballistic: Ecks Vs. Sever (2002)

First of all, while the titular duo from Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever (played by Antonio Banderas and Lucy Liu, respectively) are enemies at the start, the main plot follows their collaboration, making the "vs." ultimately meaningless. Secondly, the word "ballistic" is associated with multiple definitions, none of which are at all appropriate to describe the story of this spy movie with a 0% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Who’s Your Caddy? (2007)

Outkast's Big Boi stars in Who's Your Caddy? as an Atlanta rapper who comes at odds with an uptight country club golf course owner. Even if this is not the worst movie about golf (although most would probably agree that it is), I think we can agree that it has the most irritatingly punny titles for a golf movie that anyone could conceive.

Quantum Of Solace (2008)

The term "quantum of solace" is defined as the minimum amount of comfort necessary to remedy a person's sorrow, which I think is an absolutely beautiful sentiment. However, I also believe that the phrase itself is an awkward mouth that sounds absolutely nothing like what a James Bond movie should be titled.

To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar (1995)

"To Wong Foo, thanks for everything! Julie Newmar" is a message found on the back of a photo signed by the 1960s-era Catwoman actor which our protagonists (played by Wesley Snipes, Patrick Swayze, and John Leguizamo) carry with them on a road trip. The phrase is obviously important to the story of this classic movie that celebrates drag but, as a title, it sounds like gibberish without the proper context.

John Carter (2012)

Did Disney assume that the title of the novel which John Carter is based on, Edgar Rice Burroughs' A Princess of Mars, might deter their male target audience? If so, maybe they should have realized that the astonishingly average name of the story's heroic protagonist (played by Taylor Kitsch) was far less appealing to any demographic.

You Don’t Mess With the Zohan (2008)

While neither considered one of the best or worst Adam Sandler movies but somewhere in the middle, most audiences who remember You Don't Mess with the Zohan might consider it culturally and politically tone-deaf. So, in that regard, I might be willing to say that the uproarious mouthful of a title for this comedy, starring Sandler as an Israeli counter-terrorist pursuing his dream of hairdressing, is not as embarrassing as the fact that it exists.

Freddy Got Fingered (2001)

Let's ignore the fact that Eddie Kaye Thomas' Freddy is not even the lead character of Freddy Got Fingered, which stars co-writer and director Tom Green as a wannabe cartoonist prone to surreal and grotesque hijinks. The title of this critically reviled comedy, which refers to a false abuse allegation against the main character's father, is simply disgusting.

Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot (1992)

Just by reading the feebly humorous title alone, you may have wondered why Sylvester Stallone ever agreed to star in Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot, which he later told Ain’t It Cool News was “one of the worst movies in the entire solar system.” It turns out the actor's then-rival, Arnold Schwarzenegger, tricked Stallone into taking the role by faking interest in the action-comedy, which the Terminator star confirmed to SlashFilm.

Surfer, Dude (2008)

Before Mathew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson shared the screen giving acclaimed performances on True Detective, they starred in this almost universally maligned comedy that was mocked long before it was released because of its title. I will never understand why Surfer, Dude – which, believe it or not, has no connection to McConaughey’s role in Harmony Korine’s The Beach Bum – includes the comma to pointlessly emphasize “dude.”

Operation Dumbo Drop (1995)

The actual Vietnam War-era elephant transport assignment that inspired Operation Dumbo Drop was called “Operation Barroom.” I suppose Disney wanted to take the opportunity to pay homage to one of their previous iconic movies about an elephant with the, admittedly, laughable title.

The Hottie & The Nottie (2008)

In The Hottie & the Nottie, Joel David Moore plays a man who, in order to woo his childhood crush (played by Paris Hilton), must help her significantly less attractive friend (played by Christine Lakin) find love first. Just as the makers of this Razzie-"winning" rom-com did not take into account how offensively unfunny the plot was, they did not seem to realize that a title that rhymes (by way of inventing a fake word) does not equal comedy gold.

We Bought A Zoo (2011)

We Bought A Zoo stars Matt Damon as a widowed father who takes over a rundown zoo in Southern California. While the title is taken from the memoir that inspired the dramedy directed by Cameron Crowe, that did not stop many people from jumping on the trend to dunk its almost laughably matter-of-fact nature.

Herbie: Fully Loaded (2005)

Considered one of both Lindsay Lohan and Michael Keaton's most embarrassing credits, Herbie: Fully Loaded sounds more like a Taco Bell menu item than a sequel to The Love Bug. Speaking of, I understand that naming the movie after the sentient 1963 Volkswagen Beetle himself might be better for brand recognition but what is wrong with using some variation of that adorable original name?

Edge Of Tomorrow (2014)

The action-packed, now beloved time loop movie Edge of Tomorrow is based on a Japanese manga called All You Need Is Kill, which director Doug Liman felt did not match the tone of the adaptation. However, I imagine he is kicking himself over rejecting that name as it would lead to the bland official title which often gets confused for its tagline "Live. Die. Repeat.," which also sounds better in my opinion.

Newsies (1992)

I understand that there are a lot of people who love this musical inspired by the true story of 1899's New York Newsboys strike, and starring a young Christian Bale. However, I must ask, do the fans agree that the film could have used a better title than Newsies?

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

While it is considered one of Robert Downey Jr.'s best movies and a non-traditional Christmas movie favorite by many, the title of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is grossly misleading. However, in defense of the name, writer and director Shane Black's neo-noir dramedy (which also stars Val Kilmer) is loosely based on a novel by Brett Halliday called Bodies Are Where You Find Them.

Leonard Part 6 (1987)

The fact that Leonard Part 6 sounds like the sixth installment of a franchise actually has little to do with why the Bill Cosby-led espionage comedy was a critical and commercial failure. However, I am sure it did absolutely nothing to help make it more appealing to audiences.

Glengarry Glenn Ross (1992)

The best movie titles tend to roll off the tongue quite smoothly and, as far as I am concerned, Glengarry Glenn Ross (based on David Mamet's play about a real estate company in crisis) is most definitely not one such name. I feel like I have to prepare myself and make sure I don't make a mistake every time I try to say that tongue twister.

A Good Day To Die Hard (2013)

With the exception of its numbered first sequel, the Die Hard movies have been blessed with cool, unique titles (namely Die Hard with a Vengeance from 1995 and 2007's Live Free or Die Hard) but that streak ended with the puzzling A Good Day to Die Hard. Even Bruce Willis admitted, during an interview with The One Show on BBC, that he had trouble making sense of the title for the action movie franchise's fifth installment.

The Englishman Who Went Up A Hill But Came Down A Mountain (1995)

The best excuse for a movie with a far too long title is when the film is an intentionally ridiculous spoof, such as Don’t Be a Menace in South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood. However, the otherwise well-received Hugh Grant-led, romantic period dramedy, The Englishman Who Went Up A Hill But Came Down A Mountain, does not quite match the criteria.

The Constant Gardener (2005)

Director Fernando Meirelles' adaptation of John le Carré's 2001 novel, The Constant Gardener, was a widely acclaimed success, earning Rachel Weisz an Academy Award for her performance as the murdered wife of Ralph Fiennes' Justin. That being said, can we agree the title sounds like a story about someone who just spends all their time tending to plants?

Gigli (2003)

Writer, producer, and director Martin Brest's Gigli – starring Ben Affleck as the eponymous gangster and Jennifer Lopez as his lesbian handler – was heavily panned for multiple reasons. While the title was the least of critics' concern, some feel that the romantic crime dramedy's difficult-to-pronounce title is a prime example of when naming the movie after the main character does not work.

Layer Cake (2004)

Director Matthew Vaughn's Layer Cake is known as the film that practically earned Daniel Craig the opportunity to take over as James Bond in Casino Royale. However, had I not known it was a British mob thriller about a drug dealer given two challenging assignments on the eve of his long-awaited retirement, I would have assumed it was some rom-com about a couple who bond over their mutual love of baked goods.

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil And Vile (2019)

I suppose it would have been a little too bland and on-the-nose to call Netflix's Zac Efron-led serial killer biopic something like The Ted Bundy Story. Yet, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile – which is taken from a direct quote by a real judge involved in the serial killer's case – is too much of a mouthful is not quite catchy enough to make a lasting impression.

Mystic Pizza (1990)

A delicious food movie and one of the best Julia Roberts-led romantic comedies, Mystic Pizza is named after the restaurant where the three young protagonists (played by Robert, Lili Taylor, and Annabeth Gish). I cannot deny that it is a fantastic name for a pizzeria but, for a while, I was under the impression that the movie was about food with magical qualities as I had never heard of the town of Mystic, Connecticut, where the story takes place.

No (2012)

Based on the true story of an advertising campaign launched to persuade Chileans to vote "No" to extend dictator Augusto Pinochet's reign of power, No (starring Gael García Bernal) would receive an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. However, can you imagine pitching this movie's title – "So, what's it called?" "No." "Hey, you’re the one trying to sell this to me. I should at least hear the name!" – or attempting to search it on IMDb? Believe me, I tried it myself.

The Day After Tomorrow (2004)

I imagine that the point of the title for Roland Emmerich's cautionary environmental disaster thriller is meant to sound foreboding. However, The Day After Tomorrow has always sounded mundane to me.

Aloha (2015)

I bet you can guess where Cameron Crowe's Bradley Cooper-led dramedy Aloha takes place. That is actually one of the biggest problems with the title, as far as I am concerned.

Phffft (1954)

The tagline for Phffft – a comedy about a divorced couple who keep bumping into each other while pursuing new love interests – was, "Don't say it – see it." I mean, how exactly are we supposed to say it, anyway?

Despite a killer concept and the star power of Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt, director Doug Liman's Edge of Tomorrow was not an instant hit when it was released in 2014. Luckily, the story of a soldier reliving the same day over and over amid a war with an extraterrestrial enemy is now regarded as one of the best sci-fi movies of its time.

Despite its enduring popularity (right now, it is one of the most-viewed great movies on Netflix), it looks like our long wait for Edge of Tomorrow 2 is not going to end anytime soon. Luckily, there are plenty of other fun movies with similar themes available to stream now, which should make the wait a little more tolerable.

Groundhog Day (1993)

A selfish TV weather reporter (played by Bill Murray in one of his funniest roles) finds himself reliving February 2nd over and over again while covering Punxsutawney's annual celebration.

Why it is a great movie to watch if you are a fan of Edge of Tomorrow: Obviously, we cannot talk about great time loop movies like Edge of Tomorrow without talking about the most oft-referenced film in the genre, director Harold Ramis' Groundhog Day, even if it is a far lighter take on the subject.

Rent or buy Groundhog Day on Amazon.
Buy Groundhog Day on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Happy Death Day (2017)

A selfish college student (played by Jessica Rothe) must relive her murder over and over again to figure out who is trying to kill her.

Why it is a great movie to watch if you are a fan of Edge of Tomorrow: A much darker take on the subject of time loops is writer and director Christopher Landon's acclaimed horror-comedy movie, Happy Death Day, which managed to spawn a sequel, Happy Death 2U, only two years later.

Stream Happy Death Day on Peacock.
Rent or buy Happy Death Day on Amazon.
Buy Happy Death Day on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Boss Level (2020)

Former special forces agent Ray Pulver (Frank Grillo) tries to piece together the secret behind his murder while mysteriously repeating the day it occurred.

Why it is a great movie to watch if you are a fan of Edge of Tomorrow: Another great action movie that sees the protagonist dying over and over again (and has a sense of humor about it) is director Joe Carnahan's Boss Level, which also stars Naomi Watts and Mel Gibson.

Stream Boss Level on Hulu.

Tenet (2020)

John David Washington stars as an unnamed CIA operative who is taught a special time-manipulation ability in order to complete a very important mission for a covert organization.

Why it is a great movie to watch if you are a fan of Edge of Tomorrow: An even more earnest and unique take on the subject of time loops (and "time inversion") is Tenet, which is yet another mind-bending sci-fi thriller from writer and director Christopher Nolan.

Rent or buy Tenet on Amazon.
Buy Tenet on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Source Code (2011)

A U.S. Army captain (played by Academy Award nominee Jake Gyllenhaal) inhabits the body of a train passenger just minutes before a terrorist bombing in order to identify the culprit.

Why it is a great movie to watch if you are a fan of Edge of Tomorrow: While not your traditional time loop movie, director Duncan Jones' Source Code is a thrilling movie set on a train that does see the protagonist reliving the same moment repeatedly to complete an important task.

Stream Source Code on Hulu.
Stream Source Code on Tubi.
Rent or buy Source Code on Amazon.
Buy Source Code on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Run Lola Run (1998)

A series of 20-minute short films that all follow Lola (Franka Potente) struggling to get ahold of a sum of money to save her boyfriend, with wildly different outcomes each time.

Why it is a great movie to watch if you are a fan of Edge of Tomorrow: While also not a definitive time loop movie (but, perhaps, a multiverse movie, more accurately), Run Lola Run is a classic action thriller that follows our protagonist in multiple attempts at the same task.

Rent or buy Run Lola Run on Amazon.
Buy Run Lola Run on Blu-ray on Amazon.

The Tomorrow War (2021)

Chris Pratt stars as a former Green Beret and family man from the present day enlisted to travel to the year 2051 and join the resistance against a malevolent alien race that has invaded Earth.

Why it is a great movie to watch if you are a fan of Edge of Tomorrow: From director Chris McKay, The Tomorrow War is also not a time loop movie, but a time travel movie that, like Edge of Tomorrow, takes place during a war for mankind in the future.

Stream The Tomorrow War on Amazon Prime.

War Of The Worlds (2005)

A divorced dock worker (played by Tom Cruise) struggles to keep his children (played by Justin Chatwin and Dakota Fanning) safe when Earth comes under attack by otherworldly creatures.

Why it is a great movie to watch if you are a fan of Edge of Tomorrow: Before Rita Vrataski's (Emily Blunt) training makes Cruise's Will Cage a badass, he is a helpless coward in the face of the alien invaders, similar to his character in director Steven Spielberg's adaptation of H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds.

Stream War of the Worlds on Paramount+.
Rent or buy War of the Worlds on Amazon.
Buy War of the Worlds on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Independence Day (1996)

The human race bands together to defend the Earth from tyrannical visitors who came from another planet in gigantic space ships.

Why it is a great movie to watch if you are a fan of Edge of Tomorrow: If Doug Liman hadn't urged the studio to keep its time loop conceit (according to Yahoo!), Edge of Tomorrow might have turned out a lot like director Roland Emmerich's Independence Day, which has everything you might expect from an alien invasion thriller.

Stream Independence Day on Hulu.
Stream Independence Day on Max.
Stream Independence Day on Tubi.
Rent or buy Independence Day on Amazon.
Buy Independence Day on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Aliens (1986)

Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), the sole survivor of a massacre involving a vicious creature attack, joins a mission to help regain contact with a colonized planet, only to face even more monsters.

Why it is a great movie to watch if you are a fan of Edge of Tomorrow: Ask anybody what the ultimate, let alone best, humans vs. aliens epic is, and their answer might be James Cameron's brilliant second installment of the Alien movies franchise, which even sees our hero fight the enemy in an exo-suit like Will and Rita.

Stream Aliens on Hulu.
Rent or buy Aliens on Amazon.
Buy Aliens on Blu-ray on Amazon.

You could choose to watch Edge of Tomorrow or any of these movies over and over and over again and probably never get tired of them.

From the wild thrills of Die Hard to the beautiful chaos of John Wick, a notable number of the best action movies of all time either launched franchises or are sequels to excellent originals, but just because a film never inspired a follow-up story doesn’t mean it’s bad. In fact, cinema history is filled with excellent action blockbusters that exist independently of series.

In an effort to prove that point, we’ve put together this feature highlighting 32 special movies – all of them great and none of them to date producing a sequel.

Attack The Block

To be fair, there were reports in 2021 that writer/director Joe Cornish was reuniting with John Boyega for an Attack The Block 2… but it’s been more than three years without an update, and so we’re including this excellent 2011 thriller featuring a teenage street gang battling against freaky alien invaders.

Commando

How is it possible that the world was never graced with another performance from Arnold Schwarzenegger as John Matrix – the elite special forces colonel who can lift logs five times his weight and easily turn the tables on elite mercenaries who are both out for revenge and executing a coup in South America? The lack of a Commando 2 is proof that the movie gods don’t always play fair.

Con Air

It would be difficult to assemble a cast of supporting actors quite as amazing as the one featured in 1997’s Con Air (and most of the characters die in the mile-high prison break movie), which makes it understandable that we’ve never seen a sequel get made, but it does feel like a shame that we’ve never seen Nicolas Cage let his hair waft in the breeze as Cameron Poe again.

Danger: Diabolik

There was a European Diabolik animated TV series and a 2021 Diabolik film based on the same source material as Mario Bava’s Danger: Diabolik – but the 1968 movie stands alone in its own canon, and it’s a shame because the film is outrageously cool. If you aren’t familiar with this adventure centered on a daring master thief (John Phillip Law) evading a detective (Michel Piccoli) with a dangerous gangster (Adolfo Celi) under this thumb, you are missing out on a stylish classic of the action genre.

District 9

There was a lot of talk for a long time about writer/director Neill Blomkamp returning to the world of his directorial debut… but until he does, we can independently enjoy the excellence that is District 9: a film that pairs impressive political commentary with some thrilling action and some freaky body horror.

Face/Off

Paramount Pictures has previously announced plans for a Face/Off sequel, the most recent developments happening in 2021 with Adam Wingard attached to direct – but for now, there is only one movie in cinematic history where Nicolas Cage and John Travolta undergo radical surgery and swap faces.

The Fifth Element

Bruce Willis played John McClane five times on the big screen during his career, but we sadly only got one adventure with him as the unexpectedly heroic flying taxi driver Korben Dallas. It’s a shame, because The Fifth Element establishes an outrageously stylistic world with incredible potential for original stories.

In The Line Of Fire

Frank Horrigan is one of the most memorable characters in Clint Eastwood’s career, but it was a cinematic one-off. In The Line Of Fire has a strong legacy as one of the best secret service-centric movies too, with John Malkovich’s Mitch Leary/James Carney/Booth attempting to execute an insidious and scary assassination plot with his homemade composite zip gun.

The Last Dragon

While The Last Dragon never produced a sequel, its true legacy is the awesome cult audience that it has grown since its release in the mid-1980s. Taimak’s Leroy Green, a.k.a. Bruce Leeroy, is an undisputed legend among sects of the action movie fanbase, Julius Carry’s turn as Sho'nuff, The Shogun of Harlem, is unforgettable.

Last Action Hero

Director John McTiernan’s Last Action Hero taps an amazing satire vein taking aim at the tropes of action blockbusters, but we sadly only got one adventure with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Jack Slater. It was arguably a movie before its time, but Schwarzenegger has called it the most underrated of his career, and it’s a shame that we never got a Last Action Hero 2.

The Long Kiss Good Night

In a cinematic age when a lot of different actors are getting their so-called “John Wick moment” – be it Bob Odenkirk in Nobody or Mary Elizabeth Winstead in Kate – there should be a lot more retroactive appreciation for Renny Harlin’s fantastic The Long Kiss Goodnight – in which Beetlejuice and A League Of Their Own star Geena Davis transforms into a killer of the highest caliber.

The Last Boy Scout

The Last Boy Scout teases the audience with the idea of Joe Hannenbeck (Bruce Willis) and Jimmy Dix (Damon Wayans) teaming up as a partners in the private investigators game… but the story of their next adventure together never got told. It’s a shame, as I would have been delighted to these two characters crack wise and kick butt in a dozen movies together.

Pineapple Express

We’re obviously not counting the gag in This Is The End here. That being said, the characters and the world in Pineapple Express are terrific, and it would be wonderful to see Seth Rogen’s Dale Denton and Danny McBride’s unkillable Red on a new strange adventure together.

The Rocketeer

As a kid, I could never comprehend how a big screen sequel to The Rocketeer didn’t exist. The Joe Johnston-directed film has incredible style and energy, bringing the style of 1940s comics to life with a phenomenal cast including Billy Campbell, Alan Arkin, Jennifer Connelly, Paul Sorvino, Terry O’Quinn, Ed Lauter, Jon Polito, Margo Martindale and Timothy Dalton.

Rumble In The Bronx

From Police Story to Project A to Drunken Master to Rush Hour, there are many Jackie Chan-centric franchises, but there is only one Rumble In The Bronx. The Stanley Tong film features some of Chan’s most incredible stunt and fight work, and it’s dazzling no matter how many times you watch it.

Heat

It’s true that a sequel to Heat exists in book form, and there has been talk about Heat 2 being adapted as a movie… but until that film actually comes together, we’re keeping Heat on this list, because it most certainly qualifies within this feature’s parameters. Cinematic heists don’t get more epic than Michael Mann’s star-studded masterpiece, which delivers the ultimate showdown between Robert De Niro and Al Pacino.

The Other Guys

It’s a shame for many reasons that Adam McKay and Will Ferrell are no longer collaborating on projects, but one is that it likely means that we’ll never see the return of Ferrell’s Allen Gamble and Mark Wahlberg’s Terry Hoitz in an Other Guys sequel. The 2010 comedy was sold as a parody of big cop movies, but it actually features a number of impressive, large scale set pieces and unfurls a compelling financial scheme in the plotting.

Inception

Outside of The Dark Knight Trilogy, writer/director Christopher Nolan has never been big on sequels – but if he were to ever return to one of the worlds he has created, Inception would be an exciting choice. The mind-bending experience of traveling through dreams is brilliantly illustrated in the 2010 action movie, and it would be exciting to see what other stories could be told with the special technology that’s introduced.

Team America: World Police

It would have arguably been a touch hypocritical for Trey Parker and Matt Stone to develop a Team America: World Police 2 given how the film satirizes blockbuster moviemaking… but it’s also not a movie that needs a sequel. It exists perfectly as a one-of-a-kind entity: a major studio-produced feature starring a collection of obscene puppets blowing up major landmarks around the world.

The Running Man

If there is an award for Movie With The Best Arnold Schwarzenegger One-Liners, The Running Man would be a strong contender if not the hands-down winner. It’s a movie that stretches its Stephen King source material to some extreme limits (changing just about everything about the book it’s based on), but it spins a wild, stylish and prescient adventure that sees Schwarzenegger’s Ben Richards topple a totalitarian TV network.

Dredd

Not to be confused with the 1995 film Judge Dredd starring Sylvester Stallone, 2012’s Dredd starring Karl Urban is an exceptionally cool action movie experience that plays like a video game as a pair of cops work their way up through a high-rise in an effort to take down a powerful drug lord pushing a drug called Slo-mo. It’s a perfect adaptation of John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra's comic and has found an audience since its initial release… but it was unfortunately a box office disappoint during its big screen run.

Edge Of Tomorrow

Emily Blunt has thrown cold water on the idea of an Edge Of Tomorrow 2 in recent years, but fans aren’t totally ready to give up. After all, the first movie is a stellar execution of a time loop plot, and Tom Cruise and Blunt make a terrific big screen pair (with the former doing a wonderful job at the start of the film playing a true jerk).

True Lies

James Cameron is best known for making some of the best sci-fi movies of all time and his deep love of the ocean, but one of his underappreciated works doesn’t fit into either of those categories. Cameron’s last film before Titanic and launching the Avatar franchise, True Lies is both a wonderful action romp and a fun caper, with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis making a fantastic pair in the silly, epic plot.

Hard Boiled

Chow Yun-fat made some awesome movies with John Woo, but arguably the pinnacle of their collaboration is the story of a renegade cop who goes after the gun smugglers responsible for the murder of his partner. Hard Boiled is crazy, extremely violent, and landmark action cinema.

Big Trouble In Little China

John Carpenter’s legacy is as a Master of Horror, but not to be forgotten are his great contributions to action cinema. Escape From New York doesn’t qualify for this feature due to the existence of Escape From L.A., but Kurt Russell’s one-time adventure as truck driver Jack Burton through a fantastical world that exists in San Francisco’s Chinatown most definitely does. It was a box office bomb when it came out, but Big Trouble In Little China has been delighting movie fans since 1986 and found the audience it deserves.

Coffy

Coffy is one of the great films of the blaxpoitation genre, and while Foxy Brown is technically a reworked version of the script that was going to be a sequel, there isn’t a canon connection between the movies, so we’re counting it. The feature is a classic revenge tale led by the great Pam Grier – who plays a character who has properly become recognized as an iconic female protagonist.

The Warriors

If one were to watch director Walter Hill’s The Warriors without knowing anything about it, you might actually think that it was the middle chapter of a franchise – but that really just speaks to the immersiveness of the world it establishes full of warring gangs on the streets of New York. Hill or another filmmaker might try to expand the story someday in the future with a legacyquel or some such project, but for now, there is only one The Warriors.

Point Break

I can imagine that some of you reading this list are doing so just to check and make sure that I included Kathryn Bigelow’s Point Break. There was that forgettable remake of the film that was released in 2015, but the crime/action adventure starring Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze is otherwise and in many ways singular.

Bullitt

Directed by Peter Yates, Bullitt is one of the all-time great car movies, led by Steve McQueen in one of his most iconic roles, but it’s notably the only time that the actor got to play Lieutenant Frank Bullitt – despite there being obvious franchise potential.

Enter The Dragon

Enter The Dragon is one of the best martial arts movies ever made and arguably the best film in Bruce Lee’s all too short career. Not only does it feature some stellar action sequences that put Lee’s incredible skills on display, it’s also an exciting crime thriller that sees Lee become an undercover agent in a martial arts school run by a drug kingpin.

Six-String Samurai

Director Lance Mungia’s Six-String Samurai is such a strange film, it’s not exactly surprising that it never inspired a sequel. That being said, it is a terrific post-apocalyptic vision full of big ideas that sees a character modeled after Buddy Holly making his way across the wasteland left in the wake of the Soviet Union nuking America.

The Way Of The Dragon

The Way Of The Dragon is part of a classic cinematic tradition that sees an outsider who becomes a hero to desperate strangers, but what ultimately makes it special is the endlessly impressive skills of Bruce Lee. Also, it’s the only title in his filmography where you get to see him show off his martial arts abilities against Chuck Norris at the Colosseum in Rome.

September is here and while summer technically lasts for a few more weeks, this is the time of year when theaters tend to shift away from major blockbusters, which means it's the perfect time to catch up on the best streaming services. If you’re curious about what’s new on Netflix or what’s upcoming on Disney+, we have you covered with this week’s highlights.

It’s a strong week for animation, with both Disney+ and Max bringing new content worthy of note. There are also several new prestige series on the way. Whether you’re looking for something serious or light-hearted, here are a few of the highlights hitting streaming this week.

New TV

LEGO Pixar: BrickToons ( Disney+) - September 4

As far as track records go, animated movies and series that use the LEGO aesthetic and structure are largely pretty good. While few are as good as The LEGO Movie, the numerous series and films based on Disney brands, everything from Marvel to Star Wars to Disney Princesses are usually good for a laugh if nothing else. Now Pixar gets in on the fun for everybody with a Disney+ subscription with LEGO Pixar: Bricktoons a series of animated shorts that reimagine The Incredibles, the fish from Finding Nemo, and more as adorable LEGO characters.

Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Peacock) - September 5 

Kevin Hart has been building a strong relationship with NBC Universal and the Peacock streaming service, with several shows he has produced appearing on the platform. Now those with a Peacock subscription will see Hart in a rare dramatic turn, in Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, the story of a real-life robbery committed during a Muhammud Ali prize fight. Alongside Hart, the series is an all-star cast that includes Taraji P. Henson, Don Cheadle, Samuel L. Jackson, and more.

 The Perfect Couple (Netflix) - September 5 

Nicole Kidman seems to be enjoying making series based on books. Having previously starred in Big Little Lies and Prime Video's Expats, Kidman co-stars alongside Liev Schreiber as the titular Perfect Couple who are, no spoilers, probably not that.

New Movies

The Boy and the Heron (Max) - September 6

The Academy Award for Best Animated Feature this year didn’t go to a movie from Disney or Pixar, but instead went to The Boy and the Heron, the newest film by Hayao Miyazaki. Miyazaki has been called the Walt Disney of Japan, and each of his films helps make that comparison more worthwhile. The new film from the man was one worthy of coming out of retirement to produce.

Edge Of Tomorrow (Netflix) - September 7 

Fans have been advocating for a sequel to Tom Cruise's Edge of Tomorrow for years and while we still don't know if such a movie will ever happen, there's no denying the original is an excellent movie. It's got something for everybody. If you're a Tom Cruise fan, it's got one of the actor's better action performances, and if you're not a Tom Cruise fan. it's got Tom Cruise getting blown up a lot. The film hasn't been available streaming for a while but it arrives on Netflix this week.

The rest of September is looking strong on most major streaming platforms so make sure you get caught up on everything here. A whole new batch of great shows and movies are on the way.

What’s harder to land than a hit movie? Try a hit series of movies. This list of titles is full of movies that, through one reason or another, we’re shocked haven’t become bigger franchises in the Hollywood landscape.

Master and Commander: Far Side of the World

Director Peter Weir’s seafaring epic starring Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany has become a fan favorite over time but somehow didn’t catch fire upon initial release. A Master and Commander reboot is in the works, but missing out on more of this pair is still a tragedy. 

Battlestar Galactica

How in the Frak did Caprica not catch on with people? We could have had even more answers into Ronald D. Moore’s reimagining of Battlestar Galactica, and yet people didn’t seem ready for it. Even with the defunct Peacock reboot and an attempted movie adaptation proposed in the past, this sci-fi landmark can’t seem to catch a break, which makes you wonder just what went wrong.

John Carter

The world failed John Carter, but somehow dug straight into Avatar without a question. Holding the record for the longest period of book-to-film adaptation, the legendary Edgar Rice Burroughs’ space opera of Mars finally found itself adapted into a 2012 cult favorite, but failed to turn into a franchise for director Andrew Stanton to call his own. 

Dredd

It’s a shame that Dredd’s story of going from a beleaguered production to a fan favorite never paid off with sequels or spin-off series capitalizing on Karl Urban’s time in the role. Even with streaming success boosting the picture’s profile, there’s still no sign of anyone following this 2000 A.D. comic’s second cinematic adaptation with another turn at bat. 

Mortal Engines

With the YA adaptation market being what it is, it’s rather surprising that Mortal Engines couldn’t capture the same readers and viewers who made The Hunger Games an enduring success. Even having the pedigree of producer Peter Jackson flexing his post-Lord of the Rings muscles wasn’t enough to lift this inventive dystopian tale into the consciousness. 

Akira

There have been several efforts to create a live-action adaptation of author Katsuhiro Otomo’s iconic manga Akira, stretching back for almost as long as the 1988 anime film brought the books to the world’s attention. With major directors like Stephen Norrington, Albert Hughes, and Taika Waititi being drafted over the decades to try and make it so, the reasons for its failure are just as frustrating as not seeing a more accurate portrayal of the manga’s extensive story. 

The Nice Guys

You’d think someone would slip writer/director Shane Black a Christmas present by putting The Nice Guys back on the board as a potential franchise. Alas, not even Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe’s comedic chemistry has made it easy to revisit this fan favorite. Plus, a potential female-led TV reboot has also gone MIA, depriving us all of more clever mysteries punctuated by witty, R-rated punchlines.

Warcraft

Much like Pacific Rim, Legendary co-production Warcraft was a long-legged box office success with modest enough results to keep people asking for a sequel. While one could understand why it never happened, it’s baffling that a reboot or even an adaptation of other Blizzard franchises like Starcraft weren’t attempted to try and get people revved up all over again. 

Sahara

Even Matthew McConaughey understood that Clive Cussler’s Dirk Pitt novels could have been something truly cinematic. With follow-ups intended to continue past Sahara’s 2006 theatrical release, that was indeed a possibility. But even with that film failing to catch fire, how has someone not tried to get this potential American James Bond competitor back on the market? 

Alita: Battle Angel

With solid box office at its back, a vocal fanbase still pulling for a sequel, and the likes of James Cameron producing, Alita: Battle Angel was always born to be a franchise. Sadly, despite Cameron seeming to confirm an Alita sequel in development, nothing has been set in stone. 

Eragon

YA and Fantasy are two realms that always seem to be fresh for mining in show business. Author Christopher Paolini’s Inheritance Cycle, kicked off by the novel Eragon, is one such property that touches both of those bases; seemingly destined for future greatness. At least, that seemed to be the case before the 2006 movie adaptation was released, much to the chagrin of fans of the text. 

Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw

The Fast Saga has never been quiet about its aspirations to become a huge and healthy franchise. That’s practically why Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw was greenlit in the first place. But somehow the Dwayne Johnson/Jason Statham spin-off hasn’t been given much priority, even with its main-line franchise due to say its last farewell at some point. 

Tron

While a Tron threequel is in motion, and with a clear finish line in sight, the failure to see this saga entrench itself further in pop culture is a crying shame. Considering how well Tron: Legacy did at the box office, and how Tron: Uprising’s ambitious storyline still remains unfinished, we should have returned to the grid a long time ago. 

Bridesmaids

Admittedly, director Paul Feig’s Bridesmaids wasn’t built for a sequel. That hasn’t stopped lightning-hot comedies in the past, and considering this movie was a lightning bolt hit akin to The Hangover films, one wouldn’t be mistaken in thinking that we missed out by not spending more time with Kristen Wiig and the rest of the insanely stacked ensemble from this laugh riot. 

Interview With The Vampire

Writer Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles novels eventually saw justice done by them with the start of the AMC series adaptation of Interview with the Vampire. Tom Cruise’s shock at the lack of a sequel proves that he would have been up for more madness as Lestat, and knowing that someone prevented this from happening in the decision-making process really bites. 

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Considering Ferris Bueller’s Day Off actually landed a TV series that went beyond its source material, you’d think that the John Hughes/Matthew Broderick hit could have secured at least one more movie in its canon. Alas, the closest we’ve ever gotten to such a prospect is a Paramount+ spin-off film, and the Honda Super Bowl ad that returned Broderick to the role in 2012. 

Fear Street

Saved from the clutches of non-existence, Netflix snagged director Leigh Janiak’s Fear Street trilogy after the Fox/Disney merger, making the films a streaming hit. And yet, only one follow-up seems to be on the books at the time, even in a world where author R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps saga has turned into a streaming TV hit. 

The Baby-Sitter’s Club

Whether you’re thinking of the 1995 film adaptation or either of the TV projects that author Ann M. Martin’s iconic book series spawned, the fact that The Baby-Sitter’s Club never caught on is something that’s perplexing. With the popularity of the long-running series’ literary incarnation as its foundation, there’s still a potential for someone to figure out how to keep Dawn, Mallory, and the rest of the girls telling their stories for generations to come.

The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

Guy Ritchie’s The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is more than likely the movie that’s helped actor Henry Cavill continue to associate his name as adjacent to the James Bond franchise. This light-hearted and funny action crusher could have been a competition to 007 himself, and still could be if the right studio executives set their minds to making it happen.

The Last Starfighter

It’s almost amazing how The Last Starfighter’s long developing legacy-quel, with Rogue One writer Gary Whitta attached, can’t seem to escape the atmosphere of development hell. If you ask us, we blame the Ko-Dan Empire for this serious lack of progress. 

The Mummy

“Lack of effort” isn’t the primary cause that killed The Mummy’s potential third sequel. But at the same time, it doesn’t feel like there was never enough hustle to try and get the series back on the rails with Brendan Fraser and company involved. At best, all Universal has to show for things is a failed reboot with Tom Cruise, and a lot of fans hoping Rick O’Connell and his family will return. 

Wanted

Director Timur Bekmambetov still likes to talk about the potential sequel to his 2008 hit Wanted, but that talk seems to be going nowhere. This James McAvoy and Angelina Jolie starring hit still has its fans, but apparently none of them are in positions of power to get a second picture into the works. 

District 9

One of Neill Blomkamp’s most promising sequel pitches has to be the follow-up he was planning to continue the story of his breakout hit District 9. As the 2009 sci-fi movie left off on a huge cliffhanger, further exploration of the worlds occupied by Wikus (Shartlo Copley) and “Prawn” Christopher (Jason Cope) just might have expanded this hard-hitting story across the galaxy. 

Edge of Tomorrow

If Tom Cruise wants to do something, he tends to get his way on the matter at hand. A potential Edge of Tomorrow sequel is one of the rare cases that, at the moment, proves this isn’t always the case. Perhaps it’s just a matter of time before Tom makes this seemingly impossible feat a reality. 

Galaxy Quest

Across the spectrum of movies and TV, the potential continuation of 1999’s Galaxy Quest has been a subject of great work and much promise. While potential successor efforts seem to have mostly halted after the death of Alan Rickman, it’s still somewhat surprising that there weren’t more attempts made closer to the release of the original. 

The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy

While there’s not a “definitive” version of Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, the places the 2005 cinematic incarnation could have gone were numerous. That unfulfilled promise could have been realized through the more recent Hulu series that was pitched, but the radio silence on that front speaks volumes about the possibility. 

The Rocketeer

Despite its initial box office troubles, The Rocketeer has continued to thrill audiences young and old. There’s been quite a bit of talk over the years involving legacy-quels pitches, but as it currently stands all that’s actually happened is a Disney Junior series that ran between 2019 and 2020.

James Bond

Over 60 years of history is pretty amazing with any film franchise, especially the James Bond series of movies. But with so many potentials for spin-offs and book-accurate adaptations, the most the powers that be have done to branch out this particular brand is the Prime Video exclusive reality series 007: Road to a Million.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Jack Skellington’s exploits in trying to take over Christmas are legendary, even with The Nightmare Before Christmas’ rocky start in theaters. While there is a video game sequel, as well as adjacent adventures in sagas like Kingdom Hearts, no cinematic continuation to Tim Burton and Henry Selick’s perennial favorite has been made.

National Treasure

What’s tougher than stealing the Declaration of Independence? Try making a theatrical sequel to the National Treasure movies. Ending on a cliffhanger that seemed to set up a natural continuation with a third movie, the short-lived Disney+ series National Treasure: Edge of History is the closest we’ve gotten to re-entering the world of Nicholas Cage’s iconic treasure hunter Benjamin Gates. 

Sherlock Holmes

There could be hope for a third Guy Ritchie Sherlock Holmes movie, especially with his Young Sherlock series potentially reinvigorating interest in the IP. The wait for such a prospect has certainly been a killer, but fans of Steven Moffat’s modern adaptation of Sherlock would probably fight for the title of “most disappointed fans on Baker Street,” as that BBC series stopped after four rounds of adventure. 

Hocus Pocus

We understand that Hocus Pocus has a sequel movie, and there’s another round that’s looking to get underway. But to be completely honest, it’s surprising that there wasn’t a larger scrum to dig up the Sanderson Sisters a lot earlier, especially when the old days of Disney direct-to-video sequels would have eaten this prospect up, and asked for more.

It was a little over 10 years ago that Edge of Tomorrow first arrived on the big screen (an anniversary Tom Cruise recently celebrated), and while it wasn't initially considered a box office success, it found an audience in the long run thanks to positive word of mouth, and fans have now spent the last decade clamoring for a sequel. There has been a lot of chatter from filmmakers and stars about the potential project over the years – but director Doug Liman is preaching patience as more time wears on, and he compared progress to the long-running Terminator franchise.

Liman recently spoke with Empire about the present status of Edge Of Tomorrow 2, and the filmmaker noted that while things have been moving slow behind-the-scenes, there is still ambition to get the project made. He told the outlet that he has kept in communication with Tom Cruise about the movie, and acknowledged that Hollywood history is full of slow-developing franchises. Said Liman,

Doug Liman certainly isn't wrong here. While there are movies in today's cinematic landscape that produce sequels annually or semiannually, there was a seven-year gap between The Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgement Day – and while Cameron wasn't specifically involved, it took another 12 years after that for Terminator 3: Rise Of The Machines to hit theaters. (Cameron did notably come back as a writer/producer for the most recent installment of the series, Terminator: Dark Fate, which was released 28 years after T2.)

There have been many updates about Edge Of Tomorrow 2 over the years, from Doug Liman hyping the story idea back in 2018 to star Emily Blunt suggesting last December that too much time has passed for the project to get made. So will it ever actually happen?

For what it's worth, Doug Liman and Tom Cruise are keeping excitement about the follow-up alive by revisiting their previous work. The filmmaker explained that he and Cruise recently screened the movie and left the experience proud of what they had accomplished with it. He laments that Edge Of Tomorrow wasn't an instant box office hit, but it has an impressive legacy nonetheless:

If you would personally like to rewatch Edge of Tomorrow, the bad news is that its not presently available on any of the best subscription streaming services, but it is available for rental and purchase from all major digital outlets, and physical media collectors should pick up a copy of the 4K UHD.

Women have been part of the fighting forces in many roles since the dawn of time. It could be in a supporting role, like a nurse or doctor, it could be leading forces, like a queen or a prime minister, or it could be on the frontline as a soldier. Here are 32 times Hollywood depicted women in the military and how they contributed, including some of the best war movies ever made. 

Megan Leavey (2012)

Based on a true story, Megan Leavey, starring Kate Mara in the titular role, tells the story of a woman returning from the frontline in Iraq after serving as a K-9 Military Police officer. Upon return, she fights to bring home her dog, Rex, after he has retired from his military duties. It tackles some of the hardest things all soldiers face when they return, including PTSD and other health issues. 

Private Benjamin (1980)

On its surface, you might not think of Private Benjamin as a positive portrayal of a woman, in this case, a private in Basic Training played by Goldie Hawn, in the Army. But by showing the titular character conquering her fears and hang-ups, she eventually becomes a proud member of the U.S. Army. It's also hilarious, of course. 

A Few Good Men (1992)

The United States Navy has all kinds of jobs that aren't serving on a ship or submarine. One of the most important roles is of a JAG (Judge Advocate General), the lawyers who prosecute and defend members of Navy for crimes in the service. A Few Good Men is one of the best movies telling those stories, and while Tom Cruise is the hero of the movie, Demi Moore plays the most competent and experienced member of the team. 

Carve Her Name With Pride (1958)

Throughout history, women have often been spies in military conflicts. World War II was no exception and one of the best portrayals of that comes from the 1958 film Carve Her Name With Pride. Virginia McKenna plays a widowed mother who is recruited for her language skills to serve as a spy for the U.K. in France. It's a raw and brutal depiction that shows women have suffered every bit as horribly as men as POWs. 

Return (2011)

Over the 20 years that the United States fought the War on Terror in Iraq and Afghanistan, many women served on the front line. Some were killed or captured, and many suffered from the same traumas as their male counterparts. Return tells the story of a woman returning from war and struggling to connect with her old life, a story all too common to come out of that war. 

Captain Marvel (2019)

Sure, Captain Marvel is a superhero movie and the flawed Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) is a superhero, but she's also an Air Force aviator as depicted in the movie. She and Maria Rambeau (Lashana Lynch) are fine examples of women in the military even without the superpowers.  

Charlotte Gray (2001)

World War II saw contributions from people all over the world, in all walks of life. Charlotte Gray depicts one such example. Cate Blanchett plays a woman recruited to be a British spy and the story plays out as part war movie, part romance with a complicated love triangle created by the war. Charlotte's bravery is not to be discounted, either. 

G.I. Jane (1997)

In the wake of the first Gulf War, the idea of women in combat became a very hot political issue. Reflecting that discussion came G.I. Jane in 1997 starring Demi Moore as the first woman recruited into BUDs training to become a Navy SEAL. IF we're honest, it's not the best movie, but it did serve to help normalize the idea that women could serve on the front lines of the U.S. military, including in the most physically demanding positions. 

Aliens (1986)

In the future, it's easy to assume women will be just like men in combat and that was obvious even in 1986 when Aliens was released. Vasquez (Jenette Goldstein) is just "one of the guys," as part of the marine detachment assigned to search for life on LV-426. Not only is she an equal in every way, but she far exceeds most of her team with her skills. Women have played an important role throughout the entire Alien franchise.

Courage Under Fire (1996)

Dr. Mary Walker, a surgeon in the Civil War for the Union Army, is the only woman to win the Medal of Honor in real life. The 1996 film Courage Under Fire tells a fictional story of a soldier (Denzel Washington) investigating an incident that could award a woman (Meg Ryan) the highest honor in the United States Armed Forces. While the story is fictional, it is believable, and while it's kind of a forgotten movie, it's well worth a watch. 

Causeway (2022)

Jennifer Lawrence's performance as a returning soldier and mother suffering from PTSD and a traumatic brain injury is harrowing and excellent. It shows just how hard it can be for soldiers, men or women, to return to their previous lives. She still can't help but return to the war, as it is what she feels she was born to do. 

Golda (2023)

Women have been world leaders forever. As a leader, that often means overseeing military operations at the highest level. 2023's Golda shows just this, following Israeli Prime Minster Golda Meir's (Helen Mirren) leadership during the Yom Kippur War. Mirren's performance may have been a bit of Oscar bait, but it's still an interesting look into the halls of power during the war. 

The Woman King (2022)

Myths of all-women fighting forces go back to the Amazons in Greek Mythology. The Agojie, were not a myth, however. The Agojie were an all-female regiment that defended the Kingdom of Dahomey in West Africa at the height of European colonialism. The famous fighters were made even more famous by the 2022 film The Woman King starring Viola Davis as the leader of the force. 

Annihilation (2018)

Alex Garland's 2018 sci-fi mystery Annihilation is not easy to love at first, but eventually, it all comes together brilliantly. While it's technically a "scientific expedition" that the film portrays, it's really a military operation too, and the protagonist Lena (Natalie Portman) is former military, alongside the all-female team she's part of.  

The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999)

The most famous female warrior in Western Civilization is Joan of Arc. The patron saint of France, Joan defended her country to the death, inspiring centuries of French soldiers. The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc is a rare attempt to bring her story to the big screen and while not everything in the movie works, Milla Jovovich's performance is pretty rough, it does tell the story well. 

Testament of Youth (2014)

the medical corps of any conflict is every bit as important as the soldiers on the front line. Of course, women have long played their part in that aspect of war. Testament of Youth is about a woman, played by Alicia Vikander, who follows three men she is close with to war during the First World War. She serves as a nurse and feels the full tragedy that was The Great War. 

Mulan (1998)

Of course, throughout history, women have often been sidelined in war. Mulan is a version of that story but flipped on its head when the protagonist disguises herself as a man to fight alongside her father in ancient China. Of course, Mulan distinguishes herself in battle, but that isn't even to earn the respect of her fellow soldiers. Until it is. 

MASH (1970)

We're highlighting MASH here, not because it's a true representation of women in uniform, but because it inadvertently shows just how hard it can be for women in war. MASH is seen as pretty problematic these days and for good reason, the treatment of "Hot Lips" Houlihan (Sally Kellerman) is pretty despicable. 

Starship Troopers (1997)

It seems in the 23rd Century when the wild Starship Troopers takes place, women are common in the military. Sci-Fi has long put women on equal footing - or close to equal - with men and this wild Paul Verhoeven flick is no exception, with women in infantry and pilot roles.  

Stripes (1981)

The comedy Stripes may not be the first movie you think of when you think of when you think of women in the military, but it's important to remember that the two women in the movie, played by Sean Young and P. J. Soles are easily the most competent soldiers in the whole movie.

Wings (1927)

During World War I, women were not on the front lines as soldiers, but they did play a huge part in the war effort. This is reflected in one of the greatest early war movies, Wings. Clara Bow plays an American woman who enlists as an ambulance driver in Europe. While the character is not the main focus of the movie, Bow's performance stole the show. 

Women Of Valor (1986)

The made-for-TV movie Women Of Valor is a movie not a lot of people have seen, and it doesn't have the greatest production value, but it does tell an important story. It follows a group of female army nurses who, during World War II, are forced on the infamous Bataan Death March alongside the defeated American forces early in the war. 

She’s In The Army Now (1981)

If we're being honest here, 1981's She’s In The Army Now, which was really a long pilot for a potential show, isn't the best movie on this list. Sure, you've got Jamie Lee Curtis and Melanie Griffith in very early roles which makes it fun, but it's also a trope salad, built on the back of the success of Private Benjamin a year earlier. Still, it is also an early-ish portrayal of the trials and tribulations women dealt with when they joined the military at the time. 

Elizabeth (1998)

Sometimes great military leaders are born into the role. Queen Elizabeth I, who is played brilliantly by Cate Blanchett in Elizabeth, as Sovereign, was the leader of the mighty English military of the 16th Century. Surrounded by plotters looking to usurp her power and take her life, Queen Elizabeth overcomes early defeats on the battlefield to rise up and become one of England's greatest leaders. 

The Stopover (2016)

The 2016 French film The Stopover is not an easy movie to watch. Women, like men, suffer from the effects of PTSD, and The Stopover not only shows that in an unflinching manner, but goes further to show women can also fall victim to brutal horrors after returning from the battlefield. This one is not for the faint at heart. 

Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

So, technically Zero Dark Thirty is really about a woman who works at CIA, played by Jessica Chastain in one of her best roles. Without her, as the movie claims, the US might not have located Osama Bin Laden and taken him out, using Navy SEALs. So while Chastain's character may not be in the military, exactly, it shows that the military relies on women like her. 

Eye in the Sky (2015)

Usually in war films, all the important leaders making the tough decisions are men. The generals and colonels are rarely ever female, but Eye In The Sky reverses that, putting a Colonel played by Helen Mirren at the head of an operation to take out a group of terrorists operating in Kenya after one of her men is killed while undercover. 

Edge Of Tomorrow (2014)

Edge Of Tomorrow, like a lot of sci-fi movies set in the future, features a woman in a prominent combat role. Emily Blunt not only plays a soldier, but she plays the most competent soldier in the movie, leading her male counterpart (Tom Cruise) on and off the battlefield. It's been widely praised for the reversal of traditional roles in war movies and as one of the best sci-fi movies of all time. 

Fort Bliss (2014)

Like a lot of movies that have been inspired by the seemingly endless War on Terror, Fort Bliss tells a powerful story of a soldier returning home and struggling to reconnect with her family, especially her son. It's a movie that flew under the radar when it was released, but is worth seeking out for the great performance by Michelle Monaghan.

The General's Daughter (1999)

One of the more common roles, it seems, for women in the military in the movies is that of  Military Police. The General's Daughter is one such example, with Madeline Stowe playing the partner of John Travolta's character, and in many ways, unsurprisingly, the voice of reason in the film. 

Enemy At The Gates (2001)

The Battle of Stalingrad in World War II was one of the bloodiest and most brutal battles in world history. There aren't a lot of heroes that came out of it, but one that did emerge was the real-life sniper Tania Chernova. She's played by Rachel Weisz in  Enemy At The Gates and while it's disputed just how true-to-life the movie is, the performance by Weisz is great. 

The Old Guard (2020)

The Old Guard is an often overlooked sci-fi flick that, like many movies of its genre, is not afraid to put women front and center of battlefields and other combat missions. A cast led by Charlize Theron and KiKi Layne, the movie follows a group of immortal soldiers as they battle their way through modern armies to find a lost comrade. 

The record-breaking success of Top Gun: Maverick has shown that when Tom Cruise returns to a popular film franchise, huge gains are possible. It’s only been a decade since Cruise starred in one of the best sci-fi movies in recent memory, Edge of Tomorrow, but there are still a lot of people who would love to see a sequel to that one. We still don’t know if we’ll ever get that follow-up, but it turns out there was a point when director Doug Liman wasn’t sure if we’d ever get the original movie. And his comments come shortly after Cruise marked the 10th anniversary of the flick.

Doug Liman just brought back another major franchise with Road House, which was a big hit with Amazon subscribers, and a sequel to that movie is already moving forward. When asked about the long-discussed sequel to Edge of Tomorrow by our sister site Total Film (via GamesRadar), Liman mentioned that he was once afraid Tom Cruise would quit the film because the character was so far from the traditional Cruise action hero role. Liman said…

Tom Cruise doesn’t simply play the protagonist in most of his films. He usually plays heroes who are hyper-confident. While Ethan Hunt or Pete "Maverick" Mitchell may find themselves in situations where the odds are stacked against them, there’s never a question that they are capable of saving themselves because they are just so damn good at what they do.

Tom Cruise’s Major William Cage starts out in Edge of Tomorrow as the exact opposite of that. He cannot fight, and beyond that, he’s done anything and everything in his power to avoid a battle. When he finds himself in the middle of a war zone his instinct is to run away to save his own skin.

There have been stories about how some stars who have contractual requirements regarding fights, which stipulate that they not look weak in their movies. So it wouldn’t be that outside of the normal if Tom Cruise didn’t like the idea of playing somebody who wasn’t as tough and cool as his other characters. But, ultimately, Cruise was game for it, and I'm glad for that because the film is awesome!

Also, by the end of Doug Liman's film, Tom Cruise's character has largely become the archetype character we'd expect the A-lister to play. As such, if an Edge of Tomorrow 2 ever does happen, we can expect the star to play a character we’re more used to seeing. While little movement on a sequel has been made over the last decade, Liman says that WB is still very interested in another movie, so perhaps the sequel is still possible. Plus, Cruise's recent tribute to the flick may indicate that he still has affection for the film and would be open to returning. Let's hope that proves to be the case.

In the meantime, you can check out the action star playing a cowardly character in Edge of Tomorrow, which is available to buy or rent on digital platforms.

10 years ago today, you would have been able to buy a ticket to one of the best action movies we’ve ever seen, Edge of Tomorrow. Although the movie never took up the No. 1 spot at the box office during its time in theaters, it remains a top-tier thrilling science fiction film starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt in many cinephile’s hearts. With it’s recent anniversary in mind, Cruise has remembered the epic action flick. 

Tom Cruise isn’t one to spam on social media. He chooses his moments, so on Thursday afternoon, he decided to pay tribute to Edge of Tomorrow with thoughtful words about the movie. He said: 

I can’t help but wonder if this tribute means we’ll be getting the Edge of Tomorrow sequel many have been hoping for! The comment section was, of course, riddled with calls from fans for another movie from the established world, but we don’t know if it’s happening yet. 

The latest update we’ve heard about Edge of Tomorrow 2 was when Emily Blunt stated that she knew Cruise was interested in making a sequel, but she shared feelings that it might be too late to do so now. Blunt has previously been vocal about the continued back pain the movie caused her, but one would imagine she might change her mind if Cruise and the filmmakers had a really good idea for it. As the star continued in his Instagram post: 

Tom Cruise kept his working relationships with many of his Edge of Tomorrow collaborators. As he shared, it was the first time he got to be directed by Doug Liman, whom he later worked with on 2017’s American Made. It’s also a part of his ongoing partnership with Christopher McQuarrie, who had written and directed him in Jack Reacher prior to writing the script for Edge of Tomorrow. 

After the 2014 movie, the pair made a Reacher sequel, The Mummy, four Mission: Impossible movies and Top Gun: Maverick together, with McQuarrie often changing between directing, writing and producing roles from one collaboration to the other. Here’s how Tom Cruise ended the tribute: 

What do those comments mean? Is he hinting at “working on” another Edge of Tomorrow or just getting nostalgic on the movie’s 10th anniversary? We don’t know, but his comments only make us want a sequel more!

While we wonder about that, you can see Tom Cruise next on the big screen for Mission: Impossible 8, which is among the upcoming 2025 movies. Ethan Hunt will return, surely for more breathtaking action, just under a year from now, on May 23, 2025.

Top Gun: Maverick was not only the biggest movie in its year of release but one of the most successful films ever made. Not bad for a sequel that took decades to produce. The stars of the movie are certainly in very different places in their careers than they likely would be had they not been part of the film, and one has F1 racer Lewis Hamilton to thank for his role because Hamilton turned down the part first.

Lewis Hamilton, like many athletes, has broadened his career into other avenues and is currently involved in film production, but he very nearly had his first job in front of the camera in Top Gun: Maverick. The star recently told GQ that he had been offered the role of one of Maverick’s pilot students, but circumstances forced him to say no. Here’s what happened.

How Lewis Hamilton Was Offered A Role In Top Gun: Maverick 

The story of Lewis Hamilton and Top Gun: Maverick starts years before the movie was ever a real possibility. Hamilton met Tom Cruise back in 2015 during the production of Edge of Tomorrow when the movie star invited the racing star to the set. Hamilton and Cruise became friends and during dinner one night, and during a discussion of Top Gun, Hamilton mentioned that if a sequel ever happened he would love to be a part of it.

Cut to years later and when Top Gun: Maverick is now a real project, Cruise remembers what Hamilton said and calls him up. The problem, as is often the case, becomes one of scheduling. The Maverick shoot is happening near the end of the F1 season, one where Hamilton is competitive. On top of that, it sounds like the racer wasn’t sure about his abilities in front of the camera, considering the only film role he’d had previously was a voice role in two of the Cars movies. He explained…

One can imagine just how disappointing it was to have to say no to a role in a big Tom Cruise movie, never mind the long-awaited sequel to Top Gun. The opportunity did have its benefits. Hamilton is now producing a movie set in the world of Formula One that will be directed by Top Gun: Maverick’s Joseph Kosinki, but the racer is clearly still frustrated. One person who is not sad Hamilton said no, however, is the guy who got the role. 

How Danny Ramirez Responded When He Met Hamilton 

The role that Lewis Hamilton would have played was the pilot called Fanboy, which Danny Ramirez ultimately played. In response to Lewis Hamilton’s recent comments, making the role he almost had public, the actor revealed that the two had met and Ramirez had learned how close he came to not being cast. Ramirez posted to Twitter, saying…

Hamilton responded to the tweet, saying he was happy for Ramirez getting the role. The two appear to have become friends over their shared connection. It’s quite sweet. Lewis Hamilton may have missed out on a chance to be in Top Gun: Maverick, but the word is that Top Gun 3 is in development, so perhaps there’s a chance for him to appear in the franchise after all. Maybe he and Fanboy can become friends on screen too.  

With the exception of the Mission: Impossible franchise Tom Cruise movies tend to avoid sequels. Top Gun: Maverick was an exception that took decades to actually make happen. But there is one movie that a lot of Cruise fans have wanted to see get the sequel treatment, the time-loop action movie Edge of Tomorrow which is one of the best sci-fi movies ever. There are, or have been, plans to make a sequel for years. But now co-star Emily Blunt suggests it may be too late to actually do it.

While Edge of Tomorrow is a film where time does not pass, as Cruise’s character relives the same period of an alien invasion over and over again, time does pass in reality. As such, it’s been a decade since Emily Blunt and Cruise made the movie together, and while there was a script in development for a sequel, Blunt tells Variety that the script won’t work anymore because too much time has passed. She explained…

I’m sure the script that was in development a decade ago was designed to be filmed shortly after the first Edge of Tomorrow took place. It would make sense based on Edge of Tomorrow's ending. But then, for whatever reason, maybe nobody could agree on what to call the movie, since everybody is apparently still confused about what the title of Edge of Tomorrow actually is, that didn’t happen. Now time has passed, and the actors won’t look exactly like they did a decade ago. Well, Tom Cruise will, but not anybody else.

But that doesn’t mean that no Edge of Tomorrow sequel would work, or even that the script that was in development has to go out the window. It’s a movie about time travel, after all. What’s to stop our heroes, 10 years after the events of the first movie, getting thrown back through time to deal with a threat that happened in the past? It’s far from the craziest time travel idea ever. The way time travel works in Edge of Tomorrow isn’t exactly scientific. 

If everybody is still talking, and it sounds like Doug Liman, Tom Cruise, and Emily Blunt are at least interested in the idea of a sequel, then let’s make it happen. The first movie was a brilliant adventure and a sequel could be too, even after all this time. 

Some of what many would consider to be the greatest movies of all time are also those based on classic and beloved novels. And while there are folks out there who think you don’t need to read the book after watching the movie, there are dozens of examples that prove otherwise. 

From Academy Award-winning dramas to a few landmark fantasy films and just about everything in between, here are 32 books that you might still want to read after you watch the movie. There’s a lot to unpack here, so let’s start strolling through this library of great titles… 

Jurassic Park

Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park and the Michael Crichton book on which it was based are both cultural touchstones in their respective worlds. And while they share the basic concept of a disaster falling upon an amusement park full of cloned dinosaurs, there are some key differences that make reading the book an entirely different experience.

The Shining  

Stephen King is no fan of Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, the 1980 adaptation of his horror novel of the same name. Kubrick’s version makes all kinds of changes when it comes to the characters (played by Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duval, and Danny Lloyd) and the overall departure of his original intentions.

The Harry Potter Books

Even though there were eight Harry Potter movies (The Deathly Hallows was split in two) that were all at least two hours long, a lot of material was cut when adapting J.K. Rowling’s popular fantasy books. While we wait for the upcoming Harry Potter series on Max, now would be a great time to go back and read all the novels.

Dune

Denis Villeneuve's 2021 adaptation of Dune (the second half is due in March 2024) gets a lot of things right when it comes to adapting Frank Herbert’s influential sci-fi epic, but like other movies based on fantasy novels, there’s a lot left on the page. This classic, 896-page epic won't be a quick read but it's a classic. 

To Kill A Mockingbird  

Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is considered one of the great American novels, and it's a must-read (if you haven’t already) even after watching the 1962 film adaptation starring Gregory Peck. The narration by Scout throughout Lee’s book adds an incredible quality and pacing to the story, a childlike wonder that isn't quite captured in the screen version.

The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz  

L. Frank Baum’s children’s novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is totally worth reading, especially if you’ve seen the 1939 film adaptation. And while both share similar story components, the original text is full of so much more, including a longer stay in Oz, an army of mice saving Dorothy and company from the poppy field, and very different versions of those well-known characters.

The Hobbit And Lord of the Rings Trilogy 

J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings novels, some of the best literary experiences of all time, were famously turned into two trilogies by Peter Jackson. And while the movies are awesome in just about every possible way, Tolkien’s original books include so much more story. No extended version could contain all of this.

American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer 

Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer stands a good chance of winning a ton of awards, and rightfully so. But if you want to go back and read more about J. Robert Oppenheimer, his life, and role in the creation of the Atomic bomb, American Prometheus, Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin’s 700-page biography is going to fill in a lot of the blanks.

The Color Purple  

Alice Walker’s The Color Purple is a Pultizer Prize-winning novel that should be read at least once in your life. Yeah, it was turned into a decorated movie adapted by Steven Spielberg (with a musical-based version coming out in December 2023), but Walker’s rich text and plot threads add so much to the story.

World War Z   

It’s hard to imagine a movie adaptation being less like the source material than 2013’s World War Z. Unlike the movie, which focuses on one character experiencing Hell on Earth, Max Brooks’ novel is set up like an oral history with each chapter focusing on a different, and sometimes, terrifying event, narrated by various characters. 

Rita Hayworth And The Shawshank Redemption

Frank Darabont’s The Shawshank Redemption has been the highest-rated movie on IMDb for a very long time, and is considered one of the top-tier Stephen King adaptations. Interestingly enough, the 1994 movie starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman is based not on a novel, but a 127-page novella, originally included in the book Different Seasons.

It

Stephen King’s It, all 1,138 pages of it, tells the fascinating and frightening story of a group of kids (later adults) teaming up to defeat a demonic entity multiple times throughout their lives. The 1990 miniseries, and a pair of theatrical releases that followed years later, only touches on part of King’s epic, and the full story must be explored. 

Ready Player One 

Steven Spielberg’s 2018 adaptation of Ready Player One is fun and all, but it’s an almost completely different experience when compared to Ernest Cline’s original novel. There are more than a dozen major differences ranging from minor changes to massive reimaginings of key sequences.

The Martian  

If you got a kick out of the blend of comedy, drama, and intense sci-fi action in Ridley Scott’s The Martian, then Andy Weir’s novel of the same name is going to be something to check out. It has the same tone but more of it.

All You Need Is Kill (Edge Of Tomorrow)

All You Need is Kill was later turned into Edge of Tomorrow (also known as Live Die Repeat) with Doug Liman taking on Hiroshi Sakurazaka’s novel. There were all kinds of changes made for adaptation ranging from its characters and story to how the ending plays out.

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower  

Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower, which is based on his book of the same name, is a wonderful adaptation that mostly sticks to the source material. However, there are enough changes to make reading the coming-of-age novel worth a read, specifically its epistolary presentation.

Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump the movie and book are two completely different beasts, so much so that watching and reading each version is an entirely different experience. Nearly every aspect of the story was changed in some way when being adapted into an Oscar-winning film, including Forrest’s personality and its ending. Forrest even goes to space in the book, which never happened in the movie.

Pride And Prejudice 

With so many different adaptations of Pride & Prejudice over the years, sometimes it’s fun to go back and read Jane Austen’s original novel to see how each version sticks, or diverts, from the source material.

I Am Legend 

Though I Am Legend the book and movie follow an almost identical path through the majority of their respective stories, the 2008 film adaptation starring Will Smith makes a drastic change to Richard Matheson’s original novella with its ending. We won’t ruin it for the uninitiated, but it completely changes how you see Dr. Robert Neville. 

2001: A Space Odyssey 

Stanley Kubrick and author Arthur C. Clarke shared credit on the 2001: A Space Odyssey screenplay, which Clarke later turned into a novelization. In addition to some shifts in the tone and style, the novel also makes the main portion of the story a mission to Jupiter opposed to Saturn as seen in the classic sci-fi epic.

Gone Girl  

We could write a whole article about how David Fincher’s 2014 adaptation of Gone Girl differs from Gillian Flynn’s novel. In fact, the entire third act was rewritten by the acclaimed author for the movie starring Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike.

The Accidental Billionaires (The Social Network)

Ben Mezrich’s 2009 book, The Accidental Billionaires, which was later adapted by Aaron Sorkin and David Fincher as The Social Network, details the founding and early days of Facebook and its founder, Mark Zuckerberg. If you’re looking for a more detailed (as surprising as that may be) look at the social media giant, this book will do the trick.

The Hunger Games Books

Some would say The Hunger Games is a better movie than book, but the only way to know for sure is by reading Suzanne Collins’ 2008 young adult dystopian novel and its various sequels (and prequel).

In Cold Blood  

In 1967, Richard Brooks adapted Truman Capote’s 1966 true crime thriller, In Cold Blood, a painstakingly crafted breakdown of a quadruple-murder and the two men who carried out the senseless act of violence. Capote’s words just fly off the page, especially in the tense and foreboding opening chapter. 

Fight Club 

Fight Club the movie and book have the same basic premise: a nameless narrator befriends the man he’s always dreamed of being, starts an underground combat group, and then things get out of hand. However, if you want to see characters and situations not covered in David Fincher’s movie, as well as a different ending, check out Chuck Palahniuk’s novel.

Little Women 

There have been a total of seven adaptations of Louisa May Alcott’s 19th-century coming-of-age novel, Little Women, each making minor changes of their own over time. If you’ve seen one, two, or all of them, you should probably read the book to see what’s changed and what’s stayed the same. 

No Country For Old Men 

The Coen brothers’ Academy Award-winning adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s No Country for Old Men is one of the best films of the 21st century, but the book is also more than worthy of a read. It’s sparse, it’s violent, and features a lot more of Tommy Lee Jones’ character as he provides the narration throughout.

American Psycho 

After making your friends watch American Psycho, why not have a book club with Bret Easton Ellis’ 1991 novel of the same name. Surprisingly enough, Mary Herron’s 2000 adaptation is a toned down version of Patrick Bateman’s descent into madness, and cuts back a lot of the central character's outlook on life and other social groups.

Trainspotting  

Irvine Welsh’s Trainspotting, which was later adapted into a film of the same name by Danny Boyle, is more of a series of short stories than the film starring Ewan McGregor. The book is also written in the Scottish dialect. While the text can sometimes be a challenge, it's never enough to take away from this story that is at times hilarious and other times heartbreaking.

Matilda  

Danny DeVito did an outstanding job bringing Roald Dahl’s Matilda to life back in 1996, but this doesn’t mean it’s a 100% faithful adaptation. This is a good reason to go back and read the timeless children’s book, as it’s similar but different, familiar yet fresh. There are also a number of changes in the 2022 musical inspired by the book, meaning fans of the Netflix movie should check out the book if they haven’t already.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has been adapted for screen and stage numerous times, but it’s never too late to go back and read the fantastical and whimsical novel. It’s fun to see how Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Tim Burton’s more faithful 2005 adaptation compare to this fun children’s book with all its bad eggs and imaginative treats.

The Exorcist 

William Peter Blatty wrote both the novel and film versions of The Exorcist, but this doesn’t mean they are entirely the same. The book, which came out only two years before William Friedkin turned it into a movie, is surprisingly even darker, more sinister, and more graphic. On top of that, there are also numerous minor differences throughout its story, so much so that reading it is a fresh experience.

With a whole slew of upcoming book-to-screen adaptations coming to theaters (and streaming services) in the coming months, you can expect to see some major changes to this list in the near future. 

Edge of Tomorrow is one of the best action movies that's often overlooked outside of dedicated film enthusiast circles. For years, fans have been buzzing about a potential sequel, and fanning the hype Emily Blunt openly expressed her desire to be part of that sequel, despite sharing a humorous story about how working on the original film with Tom Cruise still results in back pain for her.

Sometimes, acting in stunt-heavy movies can lead to tangible discomfort, as Emily Blunt amusingly revealed on the Happy Sad Confused Podcast in a video shared on host Josh Horowitz's Instagram. Even though she was deep into promoting Oppenheimer alongside its stacked cast, the actress vividly recalled her challenging experiences wearing the hefty mech suit for Edge of Tomorrow. Indeed, the experience seems to have left a physical mark. During the interview, when the host suggested that her memories of the cumbersome exo suit might have faded, much like the trials of pregnancy, the Mary Poppins veteran was quick to set the record straight: 

This isn't the first instance The Devil Wears Prada star has spoken about the physically demanding costumes in the sci-fi movie. She even recalled a moment when Cruise asked her to "stop being such a pussy" when she broke down on set. Yet, despite the potential for spine discomfort, Emily Blunt remains enthusiastic about reprising her role in an Edge of Tomorrow sequel. She's indicated that she's not the one stalling the much-speculated project. She's even laid eyes on a script! She added:

Given that Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part I has not quite lived up to box office expectations, despite being well-liked by viewers, there seems to be a lesser buzz surrounding the film. While we know Part II of the M:I mission is one the way, the idea of a sequel to the 2014 film might not be as far-fetched as previously thought. And, as you can see in the video below, Emily Blunt is more than ready to make it happen.

Keep an eye on this space for any updates regarding Edge of Tomorrow 2. In the meantime, fans of Emily Blunt can enjoy her performance, albeit, with far fewer back injuries, in Christopher Nolan's critically lauded Oppenheimer, currently screening in cinemas. For updates on other film releases set for the 2023 movie schedule, keep following CinemaBlend.

Spoilers for Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One lie ahead, so read at your own risk.

It honestly feels like there’s no feat Tom Cruise hasn’t attempted for a film at this point in his career. He’s scaled the side of a building, piloted real fighter jets and most recently, jumped off a cliff with a motorcycle. Cruise has also done a number of underwater scenes, which were likely thrilling for moviegoers. However, it would appear that the leading man isn’t done being submerged in H20, as Mission: Impossible director Christopher McQuarrie is teasing another underwater sequence for him. And in crafting that scene for the upcoming eighth film in the series, McQuarrie and Cruise hope to rectify their past work. 

Christopher McQuarrie has worked with the A-lister on several films over the years, two of which are Edge of Tomorrow and Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation. Both critically acclaimed movies saw the Oscar nominee work with water. Believe it or not, McQuarrie and the Rain Man actor himself weren’t all that happy with how both experiences panned out. This may be surprising to some, but the filmmaker provided a valid reason as to why they were underwhelmed with the final results:

I personally enjoyed watching Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt and Rebecca Ferguson’s Ilsa Faust infiltrating a submerged vault in Rogue Nation. The same is true of the final battle with Omega in Doug Liman’s Edge of Tomorrow, which Christopher McQuarrie co-wrote. However, the comments McQuarrie shared with Collider are understandable. When those sequences were done, he and Cruise were (figuratively and literally) dipping their toes into the water. In short, they didn’t have as much knowledge about it from a production standpoint, apparently. 

These sentiments give the impression that the Way of the Gun helmer and his colleagues are wiser now, though, and that bodes well for whatever they have planned for Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two. Anyone who’s seen Part One would probably agree that it makes sense for a water-based scene to take place in the upcoming sequel. The latest installment saw Ethan Hunt and co. attempt to combat The Entity, an antagonistic and seemingly omnipresent A.I. system. By the end, Hunt learned the program can be destroyed (or controlled) through its source code. That early version is located in the sunken remains of the Sevastopol vessel, and Ethan and ally Benji Dunn are keen on finding it. So you can probably imagine that Hunt – and maybe a few others – will have to descend to the depths to reach the submarine. 

That’s an exciting prospect, as Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie truly know how to pull off world-class action sequences. Dead Reckoning Part One alone is sheer evidence of that fact. That motorcycle stunt, which they kicked off filming with, is nothing short of incredible as is the Fiat car chase. McQuarrie and actress Hayley Atwell even explained to CinemaBlend that the latter was a technical nightmare. Nevertheless, the cast and crew really seem to grab the bull by the horns and commit to the work. 

One would think that approach to production flowed into production on DR Part Two (which has currently halted amid the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes). I’m excited to see what kind of water-centric sequence the actor and his lead cook up for their next M:I movie. Expect an over-the-top moment that shows they’ve learned from any past mistakes.

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is now playing in theaters, and look out for Part Two, which opens on June 28 as part of the 2024 movie schedule. If you’re interested you can also check out M:I: – Rogue Nation using a Paramount+ subscription and Edge of Tomorrow with a Max subscription.

You know, some of the best action movies of all time are those not afraid to have a little fun and insert some humor to ease the tension a little bit. Over the years, James Cameron movies like True Lies, buddy cop action movies like 48 Hours, and several of the greatest sci-fi films have proven to be funnier than you’d guess.

We’ve put together a list of more than 20 action movies that are funny in some way, either intentionally like some of the Jackie Chan flicks found below, or happy accidents like several of the Nicolas Cage movies from the mid ‘90s. 

Armageddon (1998)

The disaster movie genre got a fresh coat of paint and some much-needed laughs with the release of Michael Bay’s Armageddon. You would think that a movie about a last-ditch effort to blow up an asteroid before it obliterates Earth would be a tense and dramatic affair, not one with more laughs than destroyed buildings. But that’s exactly what we get thanks to iconic performances from the likes of Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck, Michael Clark Duncan, Steve Buscemi, and a young Owen Wilson.

Face/Off (1997) 

John Woo’s Face/Off probably isn’t the first movie you think of when it comes to funny action movies, which is what makes the unintentional comedy so great in this film about an FBI agent swapping places, and faces, with an unhinged terrorist. A lot of that absurd humor comes from Nicolas Cage’s portrayal of Castor Troy, who is just over-the-top in every way possible, creating some of the actor’s most unglued moments in the process. 

Rumble In The Bronx (1995)

Jackie Chan would become a staple of the buddy cop action comedy genre in the late ‘90s with Rush Hour, but one of his classic Hong Kong films that’s just as hilarious is Rumble in the Bronx. This is highlighted by the apartment fight scene where Chan’s Keung keeps getting thrown more painful weapons to take on a ponytailed henchman. The goon takes several punches and a football helmet like nothing, but cowers when Keung pulls out a massive wrench.

Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)

Matthew Vaughn’s Kingsman: The Secret Service is a movie full of great style, gadgetry, and gratuitous violence, but it is also a film with a distinct sense of very, very dark humor. Whether it’s Samuel L. Jackson’s absolutely wild Richmond Valentine, the deadpan delivery of Mark Strong’s Merlin, or Taron Egerton dropping some hilarious lines as Eggsy, there are great funny moments. There’s also the “exploding heads” scene at that dirty sex joke poking fun at James Bond.

True Lies (1994)

Though not the best James Cameron movie, the Academy Award winner’s 1994 action comedy, True Lies, is one of the best representations of the director’s body of work. Sure, there are plenty of great action sequences that stand toe-to-toe with his previous work, but there’s also this great sense of humor. And no, not just the “You’re fired,” line from Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Harry Tasker. The subplot involving Bill Paxton’s grifter, Harry trying to act like he’s a business software salesman, or anything with Tom Arnold is quite funny, looking back. 

48 Hrs. (1982) 

Often considered the first and one of the best buddy cop movies of all time, Walter Hill’s 48 Hrs. is also one of the funniest Eddie Murphy movies. While the humor had a bit of a harder edge than some of the comedian’s films that would follow, the pairing of Murphy and Nick Nolte is actually quite funny. The movie doesn’t skirt around the racism of the era, but instead turns it on its head and creates one hilarious interaction after another, especially the “Redneck Bar” scene. 

The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (2015)

Guy Ritchie’s The Man from U.N.C.L.E. appears to be another film adaptation of a classic spy TV series from yesteryear, but upon watching the 2015 movie, you quickly realize that this movie has a ton of comedy peppered throughout. Just look at the scene where Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) and Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer) are bicking over a dress while Gaby (Alicia Vikander) tries on clothes. There’s a sigh and look of disdain on Napoleon’s face at one moment that's just too good.

Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (2005)

The film noir genre has been parodied time and time again over the years, with one of the best examples being Shane Black’s Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. The movie, starring Robert Downey Jr. as a two-bit crook who accidentally wins a role in a mystery film, has this deadpan humor to it that seems more like a comedic tribute to Hollywood’s golden age. Sure, there’s a lot of crime and violence in the movie, but it also has a lot of humor throughout.

The Nice Guys (2016)

Shane Black's 2016 neo-noir buddy cop action film, The Nice Guys, is another movie that’s actually funnier than you’d think. This one centers around a private eye (Ryan Gosling) and a violent enforcer (Russell Crowe) as they reluctantly team up to find a missing teenager. This has a lot of the dark and self-deprecating humor that’s been a part of Black’s signature style for decades, and it feels right at home here.

Big Trouble In LIttle China (1986)

John Carpenter’s Big Trouble in Little China, one of the filmmaker’s best offerings, also happens to be one of his funniest. This 1986 fantasy action romp follows truck driver Jack Burton (Kurt Russell) as he gets in way over his head in San Francisco’s Chinatown. Up to this point in his career, Carpenter was more known for horror movies like Halloween and The Thing, but he proved with this one that he had the chops for comedy.

Bad Boys (1995)

Michael Bay took the buddy cop genre to new heights in 1995 with Bad Boys, a movie that also took WIll Smith and Martin Lawrence to new heights. In the movie, the two play Miami police detectives get wrapped up in a massive heroin conspiracy while also protecting a woman whose best friend was killed by a former cop. It has a lot of high stakes, but also a great sense of humor, especially when it comes to Smith and Lawrence’s character clashes.

Police Story (1985)

Years before Jackie Chan became an international superstar, he cut his teeth in Hong Kong cinema, which led to movies like 1985’s Police Story. Though more dramatic than movies that would follow later on, this thriller about a young cop accused of murder has flashes of what the actor would become a decade later. 

Bullet Train (2022)

When the first trailer for David Leitch’s Bullet Train came out, it looked like the 2022 thriller was going to be a straight-forward action flick with maybe a twist at the end. While that is true, the movie is also incredibly funny, especially whenever Brad Pitt’s hapless Ladybug keeps killing people by complete accident.

Romancing The Stone (1984)

One of the best romantic comedies of all time, Robert Zemeckis’ Romancing the Stone, is far funnier than you’d think. The movie centers on romance writer Joan Wilder (Kathleen Turner) as she travels to Colombia to find her kidnapped sister with the help of Jack T. Colton (Michael Douglas). Though the two leads have their fair share of comedic moments, a lot of the comedy comes from Ralph (Danny DeVito), a smuggler who gets into all kinds of trouble while looking for Joan in the jungle.

Kung Fu Hustle (2004)

If you didn’t know any better, you’d think Stephen Chow’s Kung Fu Hustle was a throwback to old martial arts films. Though the movie does pay homage to those that came before it, it also has multiple throwbacks to classic comedy series like Looney Tunes and other cartoons. It also has a great sense of humor and doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Edge Of Tomorrow (2014)

Doug Liman’s Edge of Tomorrow is one of those sci-fi action movies that also has a great sense of humor. This is especially true when Major William Cage (Tom Cruise) keeps dying and reliving the same day over and over again. The way the movie plays on this concept brings a lot of light and life to the dark movie about an alien invasion that could wipe out all life on the planet.

The Rundown (2003)

Peter Berg’s 2003 action comedy, The Rundown, follows Beck (Dwayne Johnson), a bounty hunter who goes deep into the jungle to find Travis Walker (Sean William Scott), the missing son of his employer. Though the wrestler-turned-actor’s acting chops weren’t quite at the levels that they are now, The Rock puts on a great comedic effort, which is made better thanks to Scott’s presence. 

Commando (1985)

Directed by Mark L. Lester, the 1985 Arnold Schwarzenegger action flick, Commando, is one hell of a ride. After his daughter is kidnapped by a deposed dictator, John Matrix (Schwarzenegger) goes on a one-man rescue mission that is straight-up bonkers, in all the best ways. Action, intensity, drama, senseless violence, and one of Schwarzenegger’s best lines – “I lied” – make this a fun watch.

The Last Boy Scout (1991)

Tony Scott’s 1991 action thriller, The Last Boy Scout, pairs Bruce Willis and Damon Wayans as two disgraced men who come together to solve a murder before uncovering a massive conspiracy involving professional sports betting. Known for its absolutely insane opening scene, the Shane Black-penned movie also has some hilarious scenes, which is no surprise considering its two stars.

Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)

Richard Donner’s Lethal Weapon 2 took what worked with the original and added a hilarious yet obnoxious character to the mix to create a funnier buddy cop action movie. In the film, Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) are charged with protecting federal witness Leo Getz (Joe Pesci). While it’s not shocking for one of the Lethal Weapon movies to be funny, the addition of Pesci took it up a notch.

The Last Dragon (1985)

The Last Dragon could very well be one of the most ridiculous martial arts movies you’ll ever see. This 1985 movie centers around Leroy Green (Taimak), a young martial artist who embarks on a journey to unlock the power of “The Glow” and follow in the footsteps of his hero, Bruce Lee. But a series of obstacles stands in his way, including the self-proclaimed “Shogun of Harlem,” Sho’nuff (Julius Carry). Seriously, just watch the trailer and see for yourself.

Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981)

Raiders of the Lost Ark, a.k.a., the best Indiana Jones movie, is a fun, daring, and dashing action-adventure film that introduced us to one of Harrison Ford’s most iconic characters. On top of having some heart-pounding action, a whole lot of drama, and one classic movie moment after another, this Steven Spielberg film is also remarkably funny. Whether it’s the scene where Indy kicks a pesky Nazi and steals his hat, Karen Allen’s character hitting him with a mirror, or the classic “gun to a sword fight” shot, this movie slaps.

The Rock (1996)

We started with a Nic Cage movie, so why not end with one as well? Michael Bay’s 1996 action thriller, The Rock, follows an FBI weapons specialist (Cage) and former British Special Forces officer (Sean Connery) as they try to prevent a rogue group of Marines from unleashing a nerve gas agent in San Francisco. Though this is a more serious movie than Face/Off, there are still some funny moments, especially all those Connery zingers.

This has been quite a ride, one that has taken some twists and turns along the way and exposed us to some of the funniest action movies around. And, who knows, maybe some of the upcoming action flicks on the 2023 movie schedule will find their way on this list soon.

Emily Blunt has established herself as a legitimate action star over the years, thanks to movies like Sicario and Disney’s Jungle Cruise. Her greatest contribution to the genre, however, may be her turn in one of the best sci-fi movies of all time, Doug Liman’s Edge of Tomorrow. The actress recently shared a behind-the-scenes story from the set, which involved co-star Tom Cruise telling her to “stop being such a pussy.” Apparently, some people took the sentiment a certain way and, as a result, Blunt has stepped up to clarify her comments. 

During an appearance on the Smartless podcast, the Devil Wears Prada icon recalled that the BTS moment occurred when she was having problems with her costume. Those who’ve seen the movie know that she and Tom Cruise had to sport bulky armored outfits that the actress says weighed about 85 pounds. The first time she tried on her suit, she apparently couldn’t handle the heaviness and began to cry. After she expressed her discomfort to Cruise, he stared for a while before making the aforementioned declaration. 

The “pussy” statement may sound blunt (no pun intended) on the surface, but the starlet says that people are getting the wrong impression about it. Following less-than-positive reactions to the story, Emily Blunt released a statement in which she shot down claims that her co-star was being rude: 

According to the star, she didn’t feel insulted following the exchange with Tom Cruise. She says that, in the moment, it was actually a jovial sentiment from her colleague. In the message that was shared with E! News, the actress spoke about the kind of relationship that she and Cruise have:

That level of closeness may be one of the biggest reasons why the two would still love to do a sequel to Doug Liman’s 2014 time-loop centric flick. The stars’ level of optimism regarding the potential production has varied over the years. In 2021, Liman said that Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt’s packed schedules were keeping the production from happening. Blunt also cast doubts on a sequel last year, citing a potentially weighty budget as the reason. Still, as we’ve seen, nothing is truly impossible in Hollywood. I’d personally love to see the creative team reunite for a follow-up, if only to hear more about off-camera exchanges between Blunt and Cruise later on.

You can buy or rent Edge of Tomorrow using an Amazon Prime Video subscription, and read up on other behind-the-scenes tidbits on Live Die Repeat.

Few modern action movies are as daring and unconventional as the Emily Blunt and Tom Cruise-led sci-fi action film Edge of Tomorrow. Perhaps for a good reason. Though the movie is brilliant, for more than any one reason it fumbled at the box office. Still, the film has grown a cult following over time, even leading to constant rumors of a Tomorrow 2 sequel. For one of the stars, Emily Blunt, the 2014 release was her first foray into the action genre, and she is now revealing the sage advice her co-star gave her when she was feeling overwhelmed on set. 

In a recent interview, the Jungle Cruise actress revealed the difficulty of wearing the large mech suits in the movie. Initially, she said she had been told they would be ditching CGI for a more ‘tactile’ type of suit, which led her to believe they would be wearing something a bit more comfortable than the 85-pound suits they ended up sporting. According to Blunt, the costumes were so heavy and claustrophobic that she began to have second thoughts about her ability to continue with the shoot, even breaking down in tears in front of her costar, Tom Cruise. She told the SmartLess podcast (via The New York Post): 

Who can blame the actress? Wearing an 85-pound mechanical suit for weeks of shooting would be harrowing. Luckily for Blunt, the Mission: Impossible actor had the right (and frankly, hilarious) advice to get her out of her head and back into the movie. She continued: 

The Quiet Place actress revealed the comment from Cruise caught her off-guard so much that it made her laugh. The 60-year-old Mission Impossible star is known for giving his costars advice. Recently he helped ease the nerves of his Top Gun: Maverick costar Glen Powell. The Top Gun newcomer felt overwhelmed stepping into the beloved franchise and being around producers Bruckheimer and Cruise. Luckily for the young actor, he received some words from Cruise that were a bit more layered than “stop being a pussy.” I suppose advice has to fit a given situation. 

The Risky Business star also parted some words of wisdom to Thor actor Chris Hemsworth regarding moviemaking. The Avenger said he had the chance to talk to the A-lister about movie-making in general, and he took the opportunity to ask him what drove him in the business. According to Hemsworth, Cruise told him, “I want people to see my movies. I don’t want to put that much blood, sweat, and tears into it and have it come and go.” (A bit of an ironic statement considering the box office outcome with Blunt and Cruises teaming up, but I guess that film has lived on.) 

Based on the novel All You Need Is Kill, Edge of Tomorrow is an action-packed semi-take on the Groundhog Day concept. Cruise plays a military man who has never seen action, and when he suddenly dies, he finds himself thrown into a time loop in which he relives the same brutal fight -- and his death -- over and over again. However, Cage’s fighting skills improve with each encore, bringing him and his kickass teammate, played by Emily Blunt, ever closer to defeating the aliens. 

Whether a sequel to the sci-fi flick ever materializes (Blunt isn’t so sure about Edge of Tomorrow 2) is yet to be seen. However, Edge of Tomorrow It’s a brilliant concept that deserves to be seen by more people. Especially considering how much blood, sweat, and tears Cruise and especially Blunt (with the aide her costar’s advice) put into their performances. 

We will inform you if there is any movement on Edge of Tomorrow 2. Fans of Emily Blunt can catch up with her in one of her latest action adventure outings, The Jungle Cruise, available for streaming with a Disney+ subscription. For news on other new movie releases coming to the 2023 schedule, stay tuned to CinemaBlend.

Out of all the celebrity dynasties reigning in Hollywood (from the Kardashians to the Skarsgårds), one that does not get enough attention these days is the Gleesons — namely veteran Irish actor Brendan Gleeson and his sons, Domhnall and Brian. Having already covered the best things to watch starring Domhnall Gleeson, we figured now was a good time to put the spotlight on his father, following the release of his new 2022 movie, The Banshees of Inisherin. We shall start off our recommendations for great Brendan Gleeson movies and TV shows with another dark comedy from writer and director Martin McDonagh also starring Colin Farrell.

In Bruges (2008)

Two Irish hitmen (Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson) are sent to a quaint Belgian town to hide out in the aftermath of a job gone horribly wrong.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Brendan Gleeson: Years before reuniting with both Martin McDonagh and Farrell for The Banshees of Inisherin, Gleeson first worked with the fellow Irish actor and the English filmmaker for his feature-length debut, In Bruges, a brilliant dark comedy film that offers a moving meditation on guilt and a hilariously cynical culture clash satire.

Rent/Buy In Bruges on Amazon.

Calvary (2014)

An Irish priest (Brendan Gleeson) begins to fall under a personal and spiritual crisis while trying to identify the person who threatened his life in a confessional booth.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Brendan Gleeson: Gleeson has also collaborated with Martin McDonagh’s brother, writer and director John Michael McDonagh, on a few occasions — such as for the thought-provoking mystery thriller, Calvary, which also saw the actor share the screen with his son, Domhnall.

Rent/Buy Calvary on Amazon.

The Harry Potter Movies (2005-2010)

An orphaned wizard (Daniel Radcliffe) practices his magical skills at a boarding school for other youngsters like him where he also learns more about the dark secrets surrounding his parents’ tragic death.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Brendan Gleeson: Domhnall (as Bill Weasley) also co-starred alongside his father in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, which was the last installment of the Harry Potter movies to feature Brendan Gleeson in, arguably, his best-known role as Alastor “Mad Eye” Moody after first appearing in Goblet of Fire and retuning again for Order of the Phoenix.

Stream the Harry Potter movies on HBO Max.
Stream the Harry Potter movies on Peacock Premium.
Buy the Harry Potter movies on Amazon.

Braveheart (1995)

A vengeful warrior (Mel Gibson) puts his life on the line to lead a revolt against England’s tyrannical rule over Scotland in the 13th Century.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Brendan Gleeson: One of Brendan Gleeson’s earliest mainstream roles was as William Wallace’s childhood friend and trusted right hand, Hamish Campbell, in star and director Gibson’s epic Best Picture Oscar winner, Braveheart.

Stream Braveheart on HBO Max.
Rent/Buy Braveheart on Amazon.

Lake Placid (1999)

A game hunting and fishing officer (Bill Pullman), a paleontologist (Bridget Fonda), a reptile enthusiast (Oliver Platt), and others try to prevent further bloodshed after discovering an unusually large, man-eating crocodile inhabiting a local lake in Maine.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Brendan Gleeson: One of Brendan Gleeson’s most badass roles was Sheriff Hank Keough in one of the most fun and thrilling movies of his career, Lake Placid — a classic creature feature from director Steve Miner that also stars a feisty Betty White.

Rent/Buy Lake Placid on Amazon.

28 Days Later (2002)

A month after a strange virus turning average people into deadly, feral beings leaves the United Kingdom uninhabitable, a young man (Cillian Murphy) wakes up from a coma into this nightmare and searches for sanctuary with a small band of survivors.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Brendan Gleeson: Perhaps the greatest horror movie on Brendan Gleeson’s resume, however, is 28 Days Later — a refreshingly realistic reimagining of the zombie subgenre from director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland.

Stream 28 Days Later on Tubi.
Rent/Buy 28 Days Later on Amazon.

Mr. Mercedes (2017-2019)

Shortly after entering retirement, a former detective (Brendan Gleeson) is obsessively drawn into the case of a killer whose weapon of choice is a stolen Mercedes.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Brendan Gleeson: While not definitively a “horror” title, Mr. Mercedes (which is available to stream with a Peacock Premium subscription) is an undeniably intense, haunting, and uniquely crafted crime series developed by David E. Kelley and based on a novel by a master of scary stories, Stephen King.

Stream Mr. Mercedes on Peacock Premium.
Buy Mr. Mercedes on Amazon.

A.I.: Artificial Intelligence (2001)

An android (Haley Joel Osment) uniquely designed to resemble and act like a child crosses paths with a robotic sex worker (Jude Law) who tries to help guide him on a quest to become a real boy.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Brendan Gleeson: Following the passing of Stanley Kubrick, director Steven Spielberg stepped in to finish the Oscar-nominated futuristic fairy tale, A.I.: Artificial Intelligence, in which Brendan Gleeson plays an outspoken technophobe named Lord Johnson-Johnson.

Stream A.I.: Artificial Intelligence on Paramount+.
Rent/Buy A.I.: Artificial Intelligence on Amazon.

Edge Of Tomorrow (2014)

While humanity is at war with a race of nearly unstoppable extraterrestrial invaders, a cowardly soldier (Tom Cruise) mysteriously starts reliving the same day over and over again, allowing him the chance to perfect his combat skills with the help of a fierce veteran (Emily Blunt).

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Brendan Gleeson: Director Doug Liman’s fun and action-packed time loop thriller, Edge of Tomorrow — based on the popular manga, All You Need is Kill — is another sci-fi flick that stars Brendan Gleeson as a man who lives in fear of a non-human species, but for an even more understandable reason.

Rent/Buy Edge Of Tomorrow on Amazon.

Cold Mountain (2003)

Driven to reunite with his lover (Nicole Kidman), an injured soldier (Jude Law) struggles to return to his home in North Carolina in war-torn, mid-19th century America.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Brendan Gleeson: Another one of Brendan Gleeson’s best war films and another time he worked with Jude Law was on Cold Mountain — director Anthony Minghella’s Oscar-winning adaptation of author Charles Frazier’s Civil War-era romance, in which the actor did all of his own fiddle playing for the role of Stobrod Thewes.

Stream Cold Mountain on Paramount+.
Rent/Buy Cold Mountain on Amazon.

Kingdom Of Heaven (2005)

With his faith hanging by a thread after tragically losing his family, a young blacksmith (Orlando Bloom) becomes roped into violent conflict between Europe and the East over religious beliefs during the 12th century.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Brendan Gleeson: Another war film on Brendan Gleeson’s resume that is set far deeper into the past is the epic Kingdom of Heaven — director Ridley Scott’s fictionalized depiction of the turbulent days of the Crusades in which the actor plays real-life French warrior, Raynald of Châtillon.

Stream Kingdom Of Heaven on Amazon Prime.
Stream Kingdom Of Heaven (Director’s Cut) on Amazon Prime.

Into The Storm (2009)

An in-depth look at the life and career of former British prime minister Winston Churchill (Brendan Gleeson) in the midst of World War II’s end.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Brendan Gleeson: Another powerful historical drama set around a time of war is the HBO original movie, Into the Storm — a follow-up to 2002’s The Gathering Storm, for which Gleeson takes over the role of Churchill with a performance that earned him an Emmy award.

Stream Into The Storm on HBO Max.
Rent/Buy Into The Storm on Amazon.

Gangs Of New York (2002)

A man (Leonardo DiCaprio) travels to New York City, seeking vengeance against the vicious and manipulative gang leader (three-time Academy Award winner Daniel Day-Lewis) who killed his father years earlier.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Brendan Gleeson: A whole different kind of period drama related to the subject of “war” is director Martin Scorsese’s Oscar-nominated, star-studded drama, Gangs of New York, in which Brendan Gleeson plays sheriff candidate Walter “Monk” McGinn.

Stream Gangs Of New York on Starz.
Rent/Buy Gangs Of New York on Amazon.

Paddington 2 (2017)

After officially becoming a part his new human family, a precocious, adventurous, talking bear (Ben Whishaw) works hard to get ahold of the perfect gift for his aunt, only for it be stolen.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Brendan Gleeson: One of the more heartwarming and thoroughly jovial titles on Brendan Gleeson’s filmography (if not his single most positive credit) is Paddington 2 — the widely acclaimed second film based on the classic children’s book character in which the actor stars as an ill-tempered prison chef named Knuckles McGinty.

Stream Paddington 2 on HBO Max.
Rent/Buy Paddington 2 on Amazon.

Brendan Gleeson made his debut as a Saturday Night Live host for Season 48’s second episode, which you can stream on Peacock Premium right now. The actor also recently joined the cast of Joker: Folie à Deux — director Todd Phillips’ upcoming, musical follow-up to his disturbing, Oscar-winning comic book adaptation — so keep an eye out for that, too.

From the earliest days of cinema, filmmakers understood the power of the medium to show us worlds that we would never be able to otherwise experience. Science fiction, in all its forms, can show us a future that's terrible or wonderful. It can show us alien worlds and it can bend the laws of physics and make us wonder, what if?

Science fiction covers a lot of ground, and so, any list of the best sci-fi movies ever made is going to cover a variety of fantastical stories. While they all share a few common characteristics, the main thing these 35 films have in common is greatness.

35. Annihilation 

Annihilation is a movie that was generally reviewed well, and it’s also a movie that a lot of people have very strong feelings about. However, the fact that everybody feels strongly about it shows how well the movie did its job. On its surface Annihilation is a science fiction story with a mysterious alien presence and strange creatures, but there’s a lot more going on inside Annihilation. It’s also an emotional journey about change, grief, and loss. 

34. Robocop

There's a lot to love about Robocop, and, to be clear, we're talking about the original version from 1987. If you're into hyper-violent action movies, it has that. If you just like science fiction movies with cyborgs, you're covered. However, one thing that elevates Robocop from simply being a fun movie to becoming a great one is the satire. The film has something important to say about modern society, something that might be even more relevant today than it was in the 1980s. It's a smart film that just so happens to have people turned into a red mist via high-caliber machine guns. 

33. The Fifth Element

Luc Besson's The Fifth Element is one of those films that took a while to become a fan favorite. It did solid box office business but was far from a huge hit when first released. However, through home video and streaming services, more and more people have come across the film and it seems to have become a film with little negative reaction. Bruce Willis plays a cab driver who gets pulled into a fight for galactic survival by a beautiful woman played by Milla Jovovich. The premise is simple but thanks to delightfully fun characters like Chris Tucker's Ruby Rhod and a musical number that nobody will ever forget, this one will survive the test of time. 

32. Blade Runner 2049 

The sequel to Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner took decades to produce, and much like the movie that came before it, Blade Runner 2049 largely failed to ignite audiences but make no mistake, this movie is, also much like the original, an absolutely amazing piece of filmmaking. It’s beautiful, both in cinematography and tone. Ryan Gosling’s performance is excellent. It’s a fitting follow-up to a classic. 

31. Tron

In the 1980s the computer became a device that the average family could afford, as such, there was an explosion in ownership, yet, in many ways, people didn't understand them. This aspect of science fiction made real was the premise of Tron, a film that wondered about what was happening inside the machine. While the film may feel a little dated by current standards, you simply can't underestimate what the movie brought to the screen upon its release. The computer effects that created the digital world had simply never been seen before. It was a leap forward in technology that dozens of films would be influenced by. The film has ultimately spawned enough additional materials it can be hard to keep the Tron timeline straight, and a third Tron film is finally on the way. 

30. The Abyss

While most science fiction movies take place among the stars, some of them can work within the confines of our planet. The Abyss finds alien life residing at the bottom of the ocean, showing that James Cameron has been wondering what's going on in our waters since long before Titanic. The claustrophobia of the environment is palpable, making the movie an exciting ride all the way through. In addition, it brought computer-generated characters to the next level thanks to groundbreaking work from Industrial Light & Magic. They're still impressive effects, even if, James Cameron now finds them "quaint."  If you haven't seen this one, fix that soon. 

29. Inception

While director Christopher Nolan did a lot of good to bring credibility to the comic book genre with his Dark Knight trilogy, it was a film he made in between those movies that was truly revolutionary. In many ways, the set-up was that of a simple heist. However, the trick was that the information our team needed to steal was inside somebody's mind. The story creates technology that allows them to enter the dreams of unsuspecting victims. Inception has many of the hallmarks of the best science fiction. It creates a fictional world with specific rules that the story must abide by, making the situation feel more real than it could ever be. This, combined with some stunning visual set pieces, captured largely practically rather than digitally, makes Inception a worthy recent entry to this list. And of course, there's also the Inception ending which has remained one of the most talked about movie conclusions ever.

28. Ex Machina

The concept of artificial intelligence has been covered in countless science fiction movies over the years. However, it has never been done as well as it was in Ex Machina. Alicia Vikander plays Ava, an artificial life form that may, or may not, be capable of true consciousness and emotion. Can humans truly relate to a machine the way we relate to each other? And if we can, what exactly does that mean about our concepts of what it means to be alive? Ex Machina is the all too rare dramatic science fiction movie. It has no ray guns or explosions. It's ultimately about people, even if one of the people isn't entirely real. 

27. Edge of Tomorrow

Tom Cruise is almost always an actor who's good for having a fun time at the movies. However, the criminally underrated Edge of Tomorrow is so much more than that. The story follows Cruise's character, a military officer who has never seen combat before but is now forced to the front lines, as he accidentally gets exposed to alien technology and discovers that the reason the aliens are winning the war is that they can travel back and repeat time and learn from their mistakes. Once he gains the same ability we get to see him use it to learn how to fight and try to win. Also, you get to watch Tom Cruise get blown up, a lot. 

26. Back to the Future

And, while we're discussing time travel, let's talk about what is probably the most popular time travel movie ever made. Even more rare than science fiction drama is the science fiction comedy, yet, Back to the Future lands it perfectly. The science fiction mechanic of the film indeed exists only to give a reason to have 1980s Marty McFly experience the world of 1955, yet, the movie deals with many of your standard time travel tropes including accidentally changing the past to negate the future, the bootstrap paradox, not to mention the possibility of accidentally becoming your own father, which is funny, and also gross. It's a movie so great that fans wanted more sequels for years. 

25. The Martian 

When a science fiction movie gets nominated for Oscars, you know it's something special. The Martian is one of the more recent movies but it has earned its spot. While the movie is Cast Away in space, it's also so much more. This movie just has everything that hardcore science fiction fans love, space travel, alien worlds, and enough scientific facts built in to make the science fiction plausible. Add in the fact that the film is legitimately funny and you've got a movie that has a little something for every type of sci-fi fan.

24. 12 Monkeys

Terry Gilliam has directed some gloriously fantastic science fiction, including a couple of films that came very close to making this list. However, his best science fiction movie has got to be 12 Monkeys. The story of a man sent back in time to prevent the spread of a plague would seem straightforward, but straightforward is something that never happens when Terry Gilliam is involved. A movie that earned Brad Pitt his first Oscar nomination and also contains one of the best performances by Bruce Willis simply can't be left off this list. 

23. The Day The Earth Stood Still

The question of whether or not we're alone in the universe is a consistent theme in science fiction films. The answer to that question was the subject of one of the great classics of the genre, The Day the Earth Stood Still. Today the words "Klaatu barada nikto" still survive in pop culture, which shows just what an impact the movie had. One wonders how many people even know that this is where the phrase comes from. So often when we do meet aliens in movies they are hostile invaders, but even back in 1951, a movie wondered if we might have been the aggressive ones. 

22. Snowpiercer

Most of the movies on this list are big and popular films that you're likely familiar with, even if you haven't seen them. Snowpiercer was something of an unknown quantity upon its release. Over time, however, it has acquired a significant fanbase. Korean director Bong Joon-ho's English-language debut sees Chris Evans as a passenger on a train in a future world that has been taken over by ice. Only those on a constantly moving train survive and quality of life is dictated by your position on the train. Those in the back start a revolt that takes them forward on the massive train. Whether you're looking for great action sequences or an examination of society you'll get both with Snowpiercer. 

21. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

There are so many ways one could describe Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. It's a science fiction drama, it's a romantic comedy, it's just a general mind-fuck of a movie. Eternal Sunshine is all these things and more. Charlie Kaufman is known for writing some of the more offbeat stories in recent memory but this one may very well be his masterpiece. By the time this one came out we knew that Jim Carrey wasn't just a comedian and we already knew how great Kate Winslet was, but we saw entirely different sides of both actors here. The story follows two ex-lovers as they decide to get the memories of each other erased from their heads. The movie is utterly bizarre but that doesn't stop it from being an emotional journey. 

20. Dune (2021) 

Ever since David Lynch tried, and unfortunately failed, to adapt Dune for the screen, the Frank Herbert novel was widely considered impossible to turn into a movie. Denis Villeneuve has found at least half of the solution, as 2021’s Dune is an absolutely excellently produced film, and it has a shelf full of Oscars to prove it. If there’s any knock against the film, it’s that it only tells half the actual story.

19. Arrival 

On its surface, Arrival stars Amy Adams as a linguist whose expertise is called upon when alien life makes first contact with Earth. However, as with all great science fiction, there’s a great deal more going on. A very well-constructed story, and the third science fiction movie directed by Denis Villeneuve on this list, Arrival is an emotional character exploration with a satisfying, if potentially heartbreaking, conclusion. 

18. The Terminator

No list of science fiction films could be complete without the movie that created one of the biggest action heroes of all time. The Terminator introduced Arnold Schwarzenegger as an unstoppable killing machine and for a guy that looked like he did, audiences bought it. Even if Arnold himself was unsure about his most iconic line. While the movie doesn't have the flashy special effects of future sequels, that's part of why this movie still stands up. It's a desperate fight against an unstoppable force; it's not supposed to be pretty. While most of the movies that followed never held up, the reason they even tried was because the original was so good. 

17. Wall-E

One of the best science fiction films ever made deals with elements of artificial intelligence, love between artificial beings, and the destruction of human habitat. Also, it's an animated Pixar movie. Pixar has a near-perfect record when it comes to creating good movies, however, Wall-E may be in a class by itself. It's a film so good that the movie doesn't even require dialogue for half its runtime. It is by far the best animated science fiction movie ever made and Wall-E will be one of our favorite sci-fi characters forever. Wall-E and Eve is one of the greatest cinematic romances of all time. 

16. Jurassic Park

While actors performing against non-existent characters on a green screen is fairly commonplace now, such things were mostly unheard of prior to the release of Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park. What's more, while many digital effects in other films from the era don't really hold up today, the dinosaurs of Jurassic Park do. That, combined with one of John Williams' best scores makes for not only one of the best films of the '90s but also an all-time classic. Also, it has dinosaurs in it and they eat people. You really can't go wrong with that. None of the sequels have ever come close to surpassing the original, something even Colin Trevorrow admits to now. 

15. Aliens

Following up Ridley Scott's Alien could not have been an easy task even if James Cameron acted like it was the easiest thing in the world. The director made at least one brilliant decision, however. Rather than try to recreate the pulse-pounding terror of the original film, brilliant in its own right, he traded some of that tension in for space marine action. There continue to be attempts to recreate the magic of an Alien sequel, but nobody, even Ridley Scott himself, has been able to go back to this world and figure out how to make it work. It's hard to believe people told James Cameron Aliens would end his career.

14. Planet of the Apes

Who could have possibly dreamed that all these years later a movie about a planet run by apes would still be so popular? And yet, here we are. While the original may be best known for its famous twist ending, its influence on popular culture simply can't be overlooked. It received sequels, adaptations, spoofs, a new trilogy of movies that have been as good as anything the series has ever produced, and the equally well reviewed Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. None of that happens without Charlton Heston and the "damn dirty apes" which earns it a spot on this list. 

13. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

You can't talk about science fiction without including Star Trek in the conversation. For a series that's gone on as long as it has, the movie side has seen its ups and downs, but the best of them still has to be the second film in the franchise: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn. If you were a hardcore Star Trek fan then this film was a godsend as it brought back one of the great villains from the original series. However, you didn't need to be steeped in lore to enjoy Ricardo Montalban's over-the-top evil performance. The movie's so good the reboot film series wanted to do their take on it, but really, there's no way to improve on perfection. 

12. Everything Everywhere All At Once 

The word masterpiece should not be used lightly when discussing films, but it has been used frequently by critics discussing Everything Everywhere All At Once. Michelle Yeoh is always great on screen but she is in a class all by herself in this multiverse story that sees Yeoh jumping between her various realities and trying to save everything. It’s the newest film on this list, but we’re confident this one will stand the test of time. The film had an incredible night at the 2023 Academy Awards, taking home the prizes for Editing, Screenplay, three of the four acting awards, and, oh yeah, Best Picture. Few movies have ever had a better night at the Oscars. 

11. Terminator 2: Judgment Day

While the original Terminator is a classic, it was the sequel, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, that took the franchise to the next level. This time Arnold got to be the hero as he was sent back in time to protect John Conner from the next generation of Terminator. James Cameron has always been one to latch on to the newest technology in filmmaking and for Terminator 2 it was digital morphing effects that allowed the T-1000 to transform in front of our eyes. Add to that the fact that the film was rated-R, during a time period where the PG-13 rating was beginning to establish movie dominance and fans got exactly the sequel they wanted, bigger and better. 

10. The Thing

You know that you've made a seminal work of science fiction when your movie is so good, people forget it's a remake. John Carpenter's The Thing technically follows 1951's The Thing From Another World and while that movie is still pretty good, it doesn't hold a candle to the masterclass in science fiction and horror that Carpenter's film was. The movie is still debated today as the ending of The Thing is left open to interpretation. Was The Thing destroyed, or is one of the final survivors actually a monster in disguise? 

9. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

What is there to say that hasn't already been said about the Star Wars trilogy. It quite simply changed the way Hollywood works. While some, including George Lucas himself, aren't necessarily thrilled by that fact, it's the world we live in now. The Empire Strikes Back was the film that proved that the pop culture circus that surrounded the first film was no accident. In many ways, the sequel is even superior to the original. With one of the greatest twists in the history of film included, The Empire Strikes Back will never be forgotten. 

8. E.T: The Extra-Terrestrial

So often in science fiction, the aliens are the bad guys that need to be defeated. However, Steven Spielberg's E.T.: the Extra-Terrestrial doesn't just create a sympathetic alien that needs to be protected, it puts that protection in the hands of kids, making the movie something that entire families can enjoy. As such, it becomes one of those films that people make sure is seen by future generations. It's a heartwarming story that can hit you in the feels whether it's the first time you've seen it or the 50th. 

7. Metropolis

Made in 1927, when movies were still without sound, Metropolis is still one of the most influential science fiction movies ever made. Its visuals and effects were ahead of their time, fitting for a movie that portrayed a world that was highly advanced in technology, if not in humanity. It's difficult to argue that without Metropolis we may have never had any of the other films on this list. If you've never seen the film it is worth it to take the time and find it, if only to see the precursor to so many other genre classics. 

6. Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Hey look, it's Steven Spielberg again! The accomplished director has numerous great films on his filmography but when it comes to the science fiction genre, Close Encounters of the Third Kind is clearly his magnum opus. The question of whether or not we are alone in the universe is a topic in several films on this list, but while most films are about the answer, Close Encounters is a film about the question. It's about humanity's fascination with the idea of aliens and the lengths to which some will go to find a connection with the rest of the galaxy. It's a beautiful film and clearly one of the top ten in all of science fiction. 

5. The Matrix

The best movies are the ones that turn out to be great when you had no idea what to expect. The Matrix surprised pretty much everybody when it was released in 1999. Its cutting-edge use of "bullet time" cameras and "wire-fu" martial arts combined with a cyberpunk aesthetic was quite simply a combination that nobody had seen before. Add a solid story with a healthy dose of philosophical discussion on the nature of reality and the result is so popular that the universe is still being mined for stories to this day.  Perhaps none of The Matrix sequels have measured up, but that just shows how great the original truly was. 

4. Blade Runner

The fact that Blade Runner saw a sequel 25 years after the original debuted is all it takes to show how this film has survived over the years. Ridley Scott's story about a future where androids are virtually indistinguishable from humans and live amongst us captured the imagination. Perhaps one of the reasons the film has been so popular is that it has so many versions to choose from. No fewer than seven different cuts have been released over the years. The fact that so much work has been done following the initial release not only shows that fans are still interested but also helps to show how involved the film's story truly is, and that it can be looked at from so many different perspectives.