Some moviegoers are absolutely against, or simply exhausted by, the idea of remaking a classic film or rebooting a hit TV show, and I absolutely sympathize with that, given how many lackluster remakes Hollywood has delivered. However, I am open to the idea of reimagining a beloved title, as long as the new version offers some reason to justify its existence by not simply hitting "copy, paste" and calling it a day. See what I mean by taking a look at some of these cinematic remakes and TV reboots that either surprised audiences with something or at least managed to stand on their own.

Ocean's Eleven (2001)

The Rat Pack-led original Ocean's 11 from 1960, which sees a group of World War II veterans reuniting to rob five Las Vegas casinos in one night, just for fun. Steven Soderbergh's remake reimagines the heist (involving only three casinos in one vault) as Danny Ocean's (George Clooney) act of revenge against casino magnate Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia), who is dating his ex-wife, Tess (Julia Roberts).

Teen Wolf (2011-2017)

Instead of following a high school student who inherits a family curse that makes him half-man, half-animal like the 1985 comedy, Teen Wolf, MTV's more earnest series adaptation starred Tyler Posey as a wolf bite victim who ends up using his lycanthropic abilities to protect his community from supernatural forces with the help of his friends, Buffy style

The Invisible Man (2020)

Considered one of the best horror movie remakes ever made is writer and director Leigh Whannell's reinterpretation of the classic Universal Monster Movie, The Invisible Man. The acclaimed Blumhouse thriller introduces a more plausible explanation for the eponymous villain's transparency and tells the story from the perspective of the victim, his tormented wife (played by Elisabeth Moss), resulting in a powerful and frightening commentary on gaslit abuse victims.

Westworld (2016-2022)

Michael Crichton's 1973 film Westworld was almost a precursor to Jurassic Park, taking place at a high-tech tourist attraction with an Old West aesthetic and highly realistic androids that go haywire. Decades later, an acclaimed HBO drama of the same name would expand on the concept in much darker, timely, and thought-provoking ways.

Scarface (1983)

Howard Hawks' 1932 gangster drama Scarface follows an Italian immigrant (played by Paul Muni) who rises to power in Chicago's criminal underworld. Director Brian DePalma's 1983 classic, which many may not realize is a remake, follows a Cuban immigrant (played by Al Pacino) and his rise to power in Miami's criminal underworld.

War Of The Worlds (2005)

There has never been a truly faithful adaptation of H.G. Wells' seminal novel, but the two best-known alien invasion movies it inspired could not be more different from one another. The 1953 version follows various residents of a California town and shows things from a governmental perspective, while Steven Spielberg's War of the Worlds is told entirely from the point of view of a divorced father (played by Tom Cruise) and his two children as they travel the country searching for sanctuary. The remake even subverts expectations by having the evil extraterrestrials rise from the ground as opposed to coming down from the sky.

The Mummy (1999)

Universal's 1932 monster movie, The Mummy, starring Boris Karloff, is an undisputed classic of the studio's seminal creature feature era. When the story was updated in the late '90s, it took a more action-adventure approach, with Brendan Fraser leading the cast as a stand-in for Indiana Jones.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

Joss Whedon took the basic premise of his screenplay for the 1992 Kristy Swanson-led horror-comedy movie, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and revamped it (no pun intended) as a more earnest monster-of-the-week thriller, starring Sarah Michelle Gellar as the teen monster hunter, that became a cultural phenomenon.

A Star Is Born (1976)

Bradley Cooper's Oscar-winning 2018 directorial debut, A Star is Born, is a wonderful achievement in spite of its many similarities to the late '70s hit of the same name starring Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson. However, that film is a wholly original take on two other synonymous dramas that came before it in 1937 and 1954, both of which revolve around the movie business instead of the music industry.

Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009)

The main differentiator between Glen A. Larson's classic '70s sci-fi series, Battlestar Galactica, and Ronald D. Moore's SyFy original reimagining is how it drops the campy tone. However, the contrast is unquestionably dramatic, resulting in one of the most celebrated cosmic TV shows of its time, or any time, and a benchmark for reboots done right.

The Thing (1982)

It is almost cheating to refer to John Carpenter's classic horror movie, The Thing, about an Arctic research crew that can't tell who among them is a shapeshifting alien, as a remake. It could more accurately be described as a far more faithful adaptation of its source material, a novella called "Who Goes There?" than producer Howard Hawks' 1951 thriller, The Thing from Another World, which is a relatively by-the-numbers creature feature.

Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina (2018-2020)

Archie Comics character Sabrina Spellman became a household name when Melissa Joan Hart portrayed her on the very lighthearted ABC sitcom, Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Years later, Netflix released Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, in which star Kiernan Shipka's iteration faces mystical situations of a far graver matter.

The Nutty Professor (1996)

In the original The Nutty Professor from 1963, Jerry Lewis plays the clumsy, unsophisticated, but brilliant Julius Kelp, who develops a serum that alters his personality, creating a more suave and well-kept alter ego he calls Buddy Love. In director Tom Shadyac's remake, Eddie Murphy plays the perfectly sophisticated, but vastly overweight Sherman Klump, whose revolutionary serum initially serves as a temporary, instant weight loss solution, and his thinner self, also named Buddy Love, eventually begins to take on his own persona over time.

The Magnificent Seven (1960)

Many of the best Western movies are reimaginings of classic Japanese action films. One of the best-known examples of this is The Magnificent Seven, which is merely an Americanized update of Seven Samurai, which trades swordfights for gunfights.

Pete’s Dragon (2015)

Co-writer and director David Lowery did not bother rewatching 1977's Pete's Dragon, which follows the friendship between an orphaned boy and a mystical creature that can turn itself invisible. He updated the Disney film into something that is not a musical nor a broad comedy, and goes for a more dramatic, atmospheric fantasy adventure for all ages, with great results.

Bel-Air (2022)

The classic NBC comedy The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air stars Will Smith as a young man taken out of his Philadelphia neighborhood to live with his wealthy California relatives after a violent encounter. This premise worked well as the set-up for a sitcom, but is also well-suited for a drama, as demonstrated in Morgan Cooper's 2019 short film that became the basis for Peacock's darker reimagining, Bel-Air, from producer Smith and starring Jabari Banks.

The Fly (1986)

The original 1958 adaptation of George Langelaan's short story, The Fly, involves an instantaneous transportation experiment gone wrong when an insect gets in the machine, causing a scientist (played by David Hedison) to come out the other end with a fly's head and arm. David Cronenberg's reimagining takes that same transportation device setup, but Jeff Goldblum's Seth Brundle comes out the other end seemingly fine, before his body slowly begins to deteriorate as a result of his DNA being fused with the fly.

Beetlejuice (1989-1991)

The animated series adaptation of 1988's beloved Tim Burton movie, Beetlejuice, is still a story told from a ghost's perspective and retains the same one-of-a-kind, maniacally macabre aesthetic. However, it reimagines the title character as a lovably goofy ghoul who, instead of manipulating Lydia Deetz into marriage, makes friends with her and takes her on various wondrous adventures in the afterlife.

Invasion Of The Body Snatchers (1978)

Jack Finney's classic alien invasion story has been adapted into multiple Invasion of the Body Snatchers movies, all of which are really no different in concept, but differ from each other in various stylistic and thematic ways. For instance, the original 1956 film is a commentary on fears of McCarthyism, while director Philip Kaufman's adaptation instead comments on blind consumerism and boasts not just a bleaker ending, but one of the most devastating endings in horror history.

A Fistful Of Dollars (1964)

At the time A Fistful of Dollars was released, few people realized the first installment of director Sergio Leone and star Clint Eastwood's "Man with No Name Trilogy" was a remake. That is because, while the film is a Western-style, beat-for-beat reimagining of the 1961 samurai classic Yojimbo, which is also about a drifter who protects a village by playing two oppressive gangs against each other, Akira Kurosawa never received any credit for inspiring the story, leading production company Toho to file a lawsuit.

RoboCop (2014)

While some might say that José Padilha's RoboCop is a remake that should have never been made, it at least tried to be different in some respects. In particular, Peter Weller's Alex Murphy from the original has almost no memory of his life before becoming a hybrid of man and machine, but the version played by Joel Kinnaman is fully aware of the person he was before and forced to undergo his unusual procedure against his will, which is quite a bit darker.

Dragnet (1987)

One of the first films to honor the bewildering tradition of adapting earnest TV crime dramas into feature-length comedies was director Tom Mankiewicz's Dragnet. This slapstick parody of detective stories is set in the world of Jack Webb's seminal police procedural, featuring Dan Aykroyd as the nephew of Sgt. Joe Friday (who is also named Joe Friday) and Tom Hanks as his partner, Det. Pep Streebek.

Bad Lieutenant: Port Of Call New Orleans (2009)

Director Werner Herzog's Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans, starring Nicolas Cage, boasts an entirely different story from Abel Ferrara's 1992 crime drama, Bad Lieutenant, starring Harvey Keitel, despite also focusing on the exploits of a corrupt cop.

Disturbia (2007)

Director D.J. Caruso's Disturbia is recognized as an unofficial reimagining of Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window. It stars Shia LaBeouf as a teenage boy who suspects his neighbor is a murderer while confined to his home under house arrest, as opposed to a grown man (played by Jimmy Stewart) recovering from an injury.

Suspiria (2018)

Luca Guadagnino's reimagining of Dario Argento's 1977 Giallo-style supernatural thriller, Suspiria, has the same setting (a German ballet studio run by witches), but has none of the same eye-popping production design, incorporates a tangentially connected detective story B plot, and boasts a bleak twist ending.

Dawn Of The Dead (2004)

While also set in a mall this time, writer James Gunn and director Zack Snyder's take on the second installment of George Romero's revolutionary zombie movie franchise from 1978, Dawn of the Dead, makes the cast bigger, the zombies faster, the comedy more overt, and the subtle satirical nuances non-existent.

Death Race (2008)

Producer Roger Corman's 1975 B-movie Death Race 2000 takes place in a futuristic, totalitarian United States that holds an annual cross-country racing competition in which the object is to run over as many random pedestrians as possible. Paul W.S. Anderson's reimagining softens the dystopian angle, makes the race exclusive to incarcerated convicts on a single island, and challenges the racers to only kill each other, crowning the last person standing.

Velma (2023-2024)

In the HBO Max original animated prequel series, Velma, starring Mindy Kaling in the title role, the meddling kids from Mystery Inc. are nothing like who they used to be. There is also no Scooby-Doo, which was probably the last straw for all the haters.

When A Stranger Calls (2006)

The Camilla Belle-led update of When a Stranger Calls takes the first 20 minutes of the original 1979 suspense thriller, in which a babysitter discovers her unsettling phone calls are coming from inside the house, and extends that to its own 90-minute feature.

Beauty And The Beast (2012-2016)

From 1987 to 1990, CBS aired a modernized, crime drama-style take on the classic fairytale, Beauty and the Beast, depicting a romance between a lion-man living underneath New York City (played by Ron Perlman) and a beautiful ADA (played by Linda Hamilton). When The CW developed its own version, the series dropped the mystical half-man, half-animal creature aspect in favor of making the Beast a normal man who goes feral when angered after being subjected to a government experiment.

Paws Of Fury: The Legend Of Hank (2022)

The original title of the animated comedy Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank, about a dog who becomes an unlikely hero to a village of cats, was Blazing Samurai, to reflect how Mel Brooks' Blazing Saddles served as its structural inspiration.

Mockingbird Lane (2012)

Mockingbird Lane, which aired on NBC as a Halloween special, was developer Bryan Fuller's failed attempt at reimagining the spooky, silly sitcom The Munsters into a modern supernatural dramedy.

Nearly a decade has passed since Dylan O'Brien last played MTV's Teen Wolf fan-favorite Stiles Stilinski, but the buzz around the 2023 movie (available with a Paramount+ subscription) follow-up to the TV show proved that plenty of people remained invested in the character. While O'Brien didn't appear in Teen Wolf: The Movie, he did recently reveal the Teen Wolf tradition that he has carried on to every project since that sci-fi drama launched his career back in 2011.

Stiles was O'Brien's first major credit, years before leading the Maze Runner franchise (and sustaining a life-changing injury on set) and starring in Taylor Swift's "All Too Well" short film, and he hasn't forgotten his roots. Despite his reasons for not to join the Teen Wolf movie, he opened up to EW about the element of Stiles that he quite literally has brought on every job of his career since. He said:

Well, it's a good thing that Dylan O'Brien hasn't drastically changed sizes since Teen Wolf premiered back in 2011, because I imagine it could be in delicate condition after all these years and his many film and TV credits! He actually didn't wear the blue Beatles shirt for much of the MTV show's pilot, and the sequence running through the woods was pretty dark, but the actor evidently makes sure to carry on the tradition of wearing it to all sets since then. Luckily, he didn't lose it for good in the wind.

Since the show is now available streaming to anybody with a Hulu subscription, new generations can discover the highs and lows of the Teen Wolf journey. When I revisited the first-ever episode to get a look at the shirt, it was almost shocking to see how young all the cast members looked. O'Brien went on to reflect on the series still being discovered by teens so many years later:

Not only did Teen Wolf get that full first season, but it ran for a total of six before wrapping on the milestone 100th episode in 2017. While co-stars Tyler Posey and Crystal Reed already had several credits by the time the show premiered in 2011, such as Maid in Manhattan opposite Jennifer Lopez for Posey and the CSI franchise for Reed, O'Brien was new to the industry. Starting off a career with a hit show is certainly something to be proud of.

In recent years, Dylan O'Brien has spent more time on the big screen than on television shows, including Ponyboi and Saturday Night in 2024 and Twinless in 2025, the last of which is scheduled for a September release in the 2025 movie release schedule. If you do want to relive the heyday of Stiles Stilinski, however, Hulu offers every episode. Another Teen Wolf vet recently showed interest in a second movie, but it remains to be seen if there's a future for the franchise, and whether O'Brien will ever revisit it in ways beyond his t-shirt tradition.

Once upon a time, the title Teen Wolf recalled the popular 1985 big screen comedy starring Michael J. Fox as an underdog – no pun intended – who wins. For folks who missed it in ‘85 (or weren't alive yet in ‘85), the Teen Wolf they’re most familiar with is likely the MTV drama that ran for six seasons from 2011 - 2017. Much of the cast reunited years later for the divisive Teen Wolf: The Movie. Now, as the 2025 TV schedule carries on, one former star has floated the idea of a second movie, and I was not at all surprised by fan reactions to the idea.

Why Teen Wolf: The Movie Wasn’t A Universal Hit

First things first! If you missed Teen Wolf: The Movie when it began streaming in early 2023, you can still find it now with a Paramount+ subscription. At the time, anticipation was high among many fans of the TV show, with a touch of dread due to the fact that Dylan O’Brien was not part of the cast as Stiles. To say that the finished product was divisive is actually an understatement, with fans slamming writer Jeff Davis’ decisions. (Davis was the showrunner of the original MTV series.)

Least popular among the decisions? Leaving out Stiles (although that was Dylan O’Brien’s call rather than Davis’), the fate of Stiles and Lydia’s relationship, and – spoilers ahead, if you’re on alert for the movie from 2023 – the fiery death of Derek Hale, played by Superman & Lois star Tyler Hoechlin. Tyler Posey explained why he believed Derek’s death was “necessary” for the story, but based on fan comments now responding to the idea of a sequel, many don’t quite agree with Posey’s take.

Is It Time For A Second Movie?

With the vitriol after the first movie released, the possibility of a second movie likely never would have occurred to me if not for an Instagram post by Colton Haynes, who played Jackson Whittemore. Posing for some photos with fellow Teen Wolf alum Holland Roden (a.k.a. Lydia), he wrote this message:

Whether you find his suggestion fun or not, his emoji choices as the actor behind Jackson Whittemore earned a laugh from me: a smiley face with an angelic halo, a wolf, and a lizard. There weren’t a lot of emoji responses in his comment section, however, with the top commenters sharing more or less the same sentiment: bring back Stiles and Derek. Here are just some examples:

• luizaavaladao: "And please bring Stiles back guys"
• luismimo876: "Nobody stays dead in Beacon Hills, please bring back Derek and Stiles"
• stephy_j_91: "As long as ur bringing Derek back to life and stiles ahaha"
• cgregs83: "Yeeeeessss! Do it! And find a way to bring Derek back!

So, while many commenters are on definitely board with the idea of a second movie, some of them have stipulations about who needs to return. I don’t take Haynes’ post or tags of Holland Roden and former showrunner Jeff Davis as a clue that a big announcement is imminent, but it should be interesting if either of them respond in his comments.

If Haynes’ post put you in the mood to revisit Teen Wolf: The Movie, you can find it on Paramount+. As for the six seasons of the MTV series, every episode is available streaming with a Hulu subscription now.

For every movie that did not need a remake and for all of the TV shows with unneeded reboots, there are a few that have managed to surpass their predecessors... or, at least, justify their existence. In most cases, the secret to their success is to reimagine a beloved pop culture property into something, not just bigger, but darker, just like these flicks and TV series did.

Batman Begins (2005)

The last time we saw The Dark Knight on the big screen was in the very lighthearted and campy Batman & Robin, which killed the live-action Batman movie franchise at the time. Christopher Nolan revived Bruce Wayne’s alter ego on the big screen, and in pop culture in general, in his proper form with an acclaimed and earnestly told origin story called Batman Begins – the first installment of his phenomenal Dark Knight Trilogy.

The Addams Family (1991)

Charles' Addams original comic, The Addams Family, inspired a hit live-action sitcom and a couple of animated series that certainly maintained the same "kooky" tone. However, director Barry Sonnenfeld’s film adaptation and its 1993 sequel, Addams Family Values, would up the ante on its "creepy" appeal, especially with Christina Ricci’s now definitive performance as a morbidly deadpan Wednesday.

Riverdale (2017-2023)

Any adaptation of the Archie comic books, whether animated or produced in live-action, was intended to be a comedy, with the closest thing to a drama being Archie's Weird Mysteries in the late 1990s. That all changed when The CW began airing Riverdale, which depicted the misadventures of Archie, Jughead, Betty, and Veronica as an earnest coming-of-age soap opera.

It And It Chapter Two (2017-2019)

We recognize that the 1990 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King's It left an entire generation in fear of clowns. However, from the opening scene of Andy Muschietti’s feature-length version of It (the first of two creepy clown movies), in which Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise bites off little Georgie's arm before pulling him into the sewer, it was clear this was a more unforgiving version of the shape-shifting, fear-feeding demon than Tim Curry's portrayal.

Casino Royale (2006)

Every cinematic iteration of author Ian Fleming's MI6 agent, from Sean Connery's portrayal to Pierce Brosnan's, was a suave gentleman who typically put brains over brawn. That was until Casino Royale introduced a 007, played by Daniel Craig, who is both brainy and brawny and not above taking out his enemies with brutal hand-to-hand combat. Since then, the James Bond movies have never been grittier.

Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina (2018-2020)

For years, the best-known adaptation of the enchanted Archie Comics character, Sabrina Spellman, was the hit ABC sitcom, Sabrina the Teenage Witch. That was until Netflix released the Kiernan Shipka-led Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, which is more comparative to Buffy the Vampire Slayer in tone.

The Fly (1986)

Director Kurt Neumann's 1958 adaptation of George Langelaan's short story, The Fly, was a creepy little creature feature, including horror movie icon Vincent Price in a memorable supporting role. However, David Cronenberg’s version, starring Jeff Goldblum as a scientist transforming into a half-man, half-insect and Geena Davis as his new lover, is the quintessential cinematic body horror nightmare and a devastating romantic tragedy.

Man Of Steel (2013)

In the film that kicked off the now-defunct DC Extended Universe, director Zack Snyder introduced a less optimistic take on Clark Kent's alter ego, who resorts to murder to defend Metropolis in a controversial moment from Man of Steel. Even Henry Cavill's Superman costume boasts a darker color scheme than any live-action iteration to come before.

Bel-Air (2022)

Hip-hop artist Will Smith proved he had the chops to be a charismatic actor in the early 1990s when he led the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air cast as a young Philadelphia man sent to live with his wealthy California relatives after getting in a fight. Years later, the Oscar winner returned to produce Bel-Air – a Peacock-exclusive series that reimagines the hit sitcom as a grounded coming-of-age drama.

Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009)

One of the most essential examples of a TV reboot done right is developer Ronald D. Moore's reimagining of Glen A. Larson's classic '70s sci-fi series, Battlestar Galactica. The Emmy-winning, SyFy original version of the story of a crew searching for a long-lost planet Earth in a wartorn future went on to become one of the genre's most celebrated TV shows.

Teen Wolf (2011-2017)

The 1985 comedy, Teen Wolf, in which Michael J. Fox's character inherits his family's lycanthropic curse, is really a metaphor for self-discovery. MTV's hit series adaptation starring Tyler Posey, in addition to making the protagonist a wolf bite victim who uses his abilities to fight evil, throws humor and symbolism almost completely out the window.

Dredd (2012)

The first film featuring Judge Dredd, who was introduced in the U.K. anthology comic, 2000 AD, saw Sylvester Stallone take on the title role and make the fatal flaw of removing his signature helmet. Even taking that controversial detail out of the equation, many believe the Alex Garland-penned Dredd, starring Karl Urban, was a step up for its dead-serious approach to the source material’s vision of a dystopian world ordered by officers who serve as judge, jury, and executioner.

Goosebumps (2023-2024)

Following the '90s anthology horror TV show based on R.L. Stine's creepy but kid-friendly book series, Goosebumps, there were two film adaptations that seemed to go in a more kid-friendly and less creepy direction. However, Rob Letterman and Nicholas Stoller's seasonal anthology series released on Hulu and Disney+ aimed to up the ante on its thrills by making it a teen drama.

Invasion Of The Body Snatchers (1978)

The first alien invasion movie based on Jack Finney’s largely influential novel about humans replaced with emotionless extraterrestrial replicas, released in 1956, ended on a more hopeful note. However, director Philip Kaufman's remake, starring Donald Sutherland, maintains a bleak and hopeless tone throughout, which is why it is still considered the best Invasion of the Body Snatchers movie out of the many Hollywood has released.

Maleficent (2014)

Some of the most amusing live-action Disney animated movie remakes have opted to reexamine the source material from another perspective. For instance, the Academy Award-nominated Maleficent reimagines the story of Sleeping Beauty from the point of view of the eponymous antagonist, played by Angelina Jolie.

Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes (2011)

The original Planet of the Apes movies are fun sci-fi classics set in a future in which primates have become Earth's dominant species. Director Rupert Wyatt's Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Matt Reeves' two sequels (Dawn and War), and Wes Ball's Kingdom explore the devastating origins of that dystopian society, due to an ill-fated attempt to cure Alzheimer’s and a global virus causing human evolutionary regression.

Evil Dead (2013)

Sam Raimi’s 1981 classic, The Evil Dead, was already a nearly unparalleled experience in grueling terror but the second and third installments, Evil Dead II and Army of Darkness, were fun horror-comedy movies boasting a far lighter tone. With his 2013 installment, director Fede Álvarez went back to basics and amplified what made the original possession thriller iconic with some unbelievably brutal sequences and a more earnest plot set-up involving an addict attempting a woodland cabin detox.

Cruella (2021)

There are few villainous characters in Disney history more despicable than Cruella de Vil from 1961's One Hundred and One Dalmatians. However, director Craig Gillespie's live-action Cruella successfully makes the title character (played by Academy Award winner Emma Stone) sympathetic by employing a depressing origin story that sees her forced to turned crime as a child after witnessing her mother's murder.

Winnie The Pooh: Blood And Honey (2023)

Just a year after author A.A. Milne and illustrator E.H. Shepard's Winnie the Pooh entered the public domain, the beloved children’s book character was reimagined as a killer who goes on a vengeful rampage after grown-up Christopher Robin abandons the Hundred Acre Wood. Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey and its 2024 sequel are not regarded as some of the best slasher movies of their time but they certainly got people talking.

Mockingbird Lane (2012)

Many assumed that Rob Zombie'sThe Munsters movie would be a darker reinterpretation of the "monstrous" family until it was revealed to be a thoroughly faithful adaptation. However, there was an attempt at a somewhat more earnest and macabre take on the 1960s sitcom in the form of developer Bryan Fuller's Mockingbird Lane – a failed pilot that aired as a Halloween special on NBC.

Titans (2018-2023)

The Teen Titans series, following the DC Universe's most powerful underage heroes, was already dark enough to satisfy young audiences craving a cartoon with an edge, but it was later rebooted as the absurdly comedic Teen Titans GO! Thus, many fans were thankful for the live-action Titans, which proved to be the most mature adaptation of the original comic yet.

The Banana Splits Movie (2019)

There was a made-for-TV feature-length spin-off from the Saturday morning children's program, The Banana Splits, in which Fleegle, Bingo, Drooper, and Snorky must take on an evil witch. However, Danishka Esterhazy's The Banana Splits Movie is a bloody slasher that makes the rock band of happy animal mascots the villains.

Mulan (2020)

The beloved 1998 film Mulan is – despite following many of the same traditions of a Disney animated feature, such as supernatural twists and musical interludes – still regarded as an important tale of female empowerment. Disney's live-action version, starring Yifei Liu as the title hero, is a more earnest war drama devoid of humor, show tunes, magic, and, most notably, Eddie Murphy's Mushu.

Mortal Kombat (2021)

The Mortal Kombat films from the 1990s could have been considered some of the most faithful video game movies of all time if it were not for the limitations of the PG-13 rating. Thus, director Simon McQuoid's R-rated adaptation is revered as the first to more accurately capture the violence of the one-on-one fighting game series.

Halloween (2007)

No one would have believed that co-writer and director John Carpenter’s 1978 horror movie classic, Halloween, could be remade into anything darker. Yet, Rob Zombie made it happen with a divisive reboot that gives masked murderer Michael Myers (played by Tyler Mane) an origin story involving child abuse, a higher body count, and a far more sadistic MO.

Beauty And The Beast (2017)

Disney's live-action adaptation of the classic fairytale, Beauty and the Beast, is noted for being a relatively faithful rendition of its beloved animated iteration from 1991. However, Bill Condon's film, which stars Emma Watson and Dan Stevens, does darken the material, mostly by giving its characters more tragic backstories.

Power Rangers (2017)

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers is, technically, an Americanized reboot of Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger and would edit battle scenes from the original Japanese show into its episodes. Director Dean Israelite's Power Rangers movie attempted to appeal to modern audiences seeking grimmer storytelling by raising the stakes and giving the young warriors more grounded backstories.

The Phantom Of The Opera (1989)

Freddy Krueger from the A Nightmare on Elm Street movies was not the only iconic horror movie villain whom Robert Englund portrayed. He also took on the esteemed mantle of the title role from Gaston Leroux's 1910 novel, The Phantom of the Opera, in a much more violent and viscerally gory interpretation.

Hellboy (2019)

Director Rob Marshall’s adaptation of Mike Mignola’s Dark Horse comic book, Hellboy, was a critical and commercial failure that also deeply pales in comparison to Guillermo del Toro’s movies. However, it does boast a charming performance by David Harbour as the titular kindhearted demon and earns its R rating with some gloriously blood-soaked action sequences.

Fantastic Four (2015)

The first attempt to bring the Fantastic Four to the big screen (or, the first one to get released, that is) from Tim Story was high in camp and struggled to impress critics as a result. For his reboot, director Josh Trank attempted to reimagine the origins of Marvel’s first superhero family as a body horror flick and still failed to make a decent impression on critics and audiences alike.

The Mean One (2022)

Audrey Geisel banned live-action Dr. Seuss movies because, to her, 2003's The Cat and the Hat was no fun, but just imagine how the good doctor's widow would have reacted to The Mean One. Terrifier star David Howard Thornton, an actor who knows how to thrill, stars in this cheesy slasher as a Grinch naughty enough to kill.

Snow White And The Huntsman (2012)

Instead of seven dwarfs, Kristen Stewart’s version of a famous fairytale hero teams up with a capable hunter (Chris Hemsworth) to take down an evil queen (Charlize Theron) in the action-packed Snow White and the Huntsman.

There are so many types of films and TV shows out there where one of the main focuses is romance, whether it's the best rom-com movie out there or it's a dramatic, neverending tale of love. But today, we'll be focusing on films and TV shows that focus on young love – teenagers and the like, obviously. Let's get into it.

To All The Boys I've Loved Before Trilogy (2018 – 2021)

This To All The Boys I've Loved Before trilogy defined a generation of young women like me who dream of having someone like Peter Kavinsky sweep them off their feet. We all agreed that Noah Centineo was the internet's boyfriend for years after this—indeed, a culture shift.

Teen Wolf (2011 – 2017)

While Teen Wolf certainly ranks high on our list of supernatural teen dramas because that is the basis of this show, a lot of people focus on love. And I mean a lot. The romances that happen are mainly what drives this series about a high schooler turning into a werewolf. You can't really get much better than that.

Grease (1978)

Okay, while literally, not a single person in the Grease cast was of high school age, the movie itself is about young romance. While I sometimes think Grease can be overrated, the movie musical does a good job of showing how young romance can affect a teenager – in an enjoyable musical form.

One Tree Hill (2003 – 2012)

When literally anyone thinks of teen romance, they think of One Tree Hill. Running for a total of nine seasons, the series tells the story of two half-brothers who compete for the same position on their school's basketball team, but of course, their love lives get entwined and tangled as well. This is drama to the max.

Easy A (2010)

When I think of Emma Stone's best movies, Easy A is always up there. While she's excellent in her dramatic roles, there is just something about seeing her in this comedic romance movie, which takes the cake every time. It takes young romance and makes it a joke, and honestly, it makes the relationship that her character forms with someone else even better.

Gilmore Girls (2000 – 2007)

Yes, I know I'll have some people say that Gilmore Girls isn't really based on young romance because it's more about the relationship between mother and daughter, but you tell me that you haven't spent time wondering who Rory was going to end up with in this series. Before there was Team Edward and Team Jacob, there was Team Dean and Team Jess (and Jess was the better option, BTW).

X.O. Kitty (2023 – Present)

A spinoff of To All The Boys I've Loved Before, this series, X.O. Kitty, is all about Lara Jean's younger sister, Kitty, and her adventures across the world in South Korea and honestly, I love it. While romance is a main aspect of the series, it's also a fun little coming-of-age comedy that anyone can get behind.

Dawson's Creek (1998 – 2003)

Running for six seasons, Dawson's Creek is another essential teen romance TV series that has been talked about for years. The series is like most teen romances out there, where it follows a close group of friends in high school and their lives together, as well as the relationships that follow, but man, it was huge and shot the stars to fame.

She's All That (1999)

Nah, we are not talking about He's All That. We are bringing up the original She's All That. The movie, starring Freddie Prinze Jr. and Rachael Leigh Cook, is all about a high schooler who says he can make any girl popular and takes a bet to turn a random woman into a prom queen in six weeks. Romance ensues, and it's just a fun teen rom-com from there on.

Twilight (2008)

They are about romance when you think about it. The Twilight films are primarily all about the romance between Bella and Edward. And Bella is a teenager – and Edward is trapped in a young person's body, so technically, it is a teen romance…even if he is hundreds of years old, but THAT'S BESIDES THE POINT, OKAY? It's a teen romance.

Glee (2009 – 2015)

When I was coming up with ideas for this article, Glee was one of the first I knew I had to include here. Sure, we all love the Glee covers, but man, we ate up these romances when the show was out. Blaine and Kurt, Santana and Brittany, Rachel and Finn – it was endless, y'all. This may be about a Glee club, but we are all here for the love.

Gossip Girl (2007 – 2012)

The Gossip Girl cast undoubtedly reached a point while filming this show when they were no longer teenagers, but we all loved this series for its romances—no matter how absolutely messy they got. And they got messsssssy.

My So-Called Life (1994 – 1995)

While My So-Called Life only ran for one season, it certainly cemented itself into pop history. It was very realistic in its portrayal of teenagers and took a natural examination of romance in young love. Sure, it wasn't as dramatic as the others, but it's still a great show – and now a cult classic.

She's The Man (2006)

For a time, it felt like Amanda Bynes was the queen of teen romance comedies, and She's The Man was undoubtedly her best. Telling the story of a female soccer player who goes undercover as a man to join the men's soccer team in order to play, the movie is hysterical and creates a comedic young romance that is just too good.

Never Have I Ever (2020 – 2023)

Running for four seasons, Never Have I Ever is a great teen romance show. It's reportedly loosely based on Mindy Kaling's (the co-creator) life and her life in Boston. It follows the story of a teenager in high school and how she deals with her personal and school life in the aftermath of her father's passing. The romance is just as great as everything else.

Ginny & Georgia (2021 – Present)

While you could make the same argument for Ginny & Georgia as you could with Gilmore Girls – where it's essentially about a mother and a daughter – the Netflix series takes a hard stance on romance and really makes it a primary part of the story. Sometimes, you'll love these relationships. Other times, you'll want to pull your hair out. But hey, it's a fun time.

The O.C. (2003 – 2007)

Taking place over four seasons, The O.C. is another excellent teen drama that puts romance at its front most of the time. The series follows the life of a teenager who is adopted into a wealthy home, how he deals with his new life, and the relationships around him. It's one of the best teen series out there, so you should check it out if you haven't.

Crush (2022)

Starring Rowan Blanchard, this Hulu original film is a fun one. Crush is all about a high schooler who joins the track team in order to get close to her crush – but, in a plot twist, she ends up falling for her crush's twin sister instead and causes a whole mess of problems.

The Vampire Diaries (2009 – 2017)

Don't even get me started on this show. The Vampire Diaries may be about mythical creatures, but the romance is the plot. The show is all about a normal girl falling for a vampire that she thinks is a human, but then his brother ends up falling for her too, and she does as well as it's this whole love triangle – god, it was everywhere at the time. It's a young romance show despite the vampires being hundreds of years old.

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Starring Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger, 10 Things I Hate About You is one of the best adaptations of a William Shakespeare piece because it is so fun. The movie is about a student who wants to date someone, so he enlists the help of the local bad boy to date the sister of the person he wishes to date—I mean, it's a recipe for success.

Dash & Lily (2020)

It's a shame because Dash & Lily came out during a time when it wasn't properly appreciated. The Netflix series stars Austin Abrams and Midori Francis and tells the story of two teenagers who fall in love while trading messages and dares in a notebook across various locations in NYC. I mean, that's adorable. Please watch it if you haven't.

Warm Bodies (2013)

I had to get one fun pick on here. Warm Bodies is one of Nicholas Hoult's best movies, and it's so funny. It's literally about a zombie teenager and a human teenager falling in love. Like, come on. That's freaking adorable.

The Secret Life Of The American Teenager (2008 – 2013)

With five seasons, The Secret Life of the American Teenager was a massive hit for ABC Family when it was released. The central premise of the first season is about a teenager who gets pregnant after her time at band camp and a one-night stand, but of course, the series takes plenty of twists and turns that will have you on the edge of your seat the entire time, especially with the romance.

The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022 – Present)

Now, this is a tremendous young romance pick. The Summer I Turned Pretty is based on the novels of the same name and tells the story of a teenager and the love triangle that she develops between two brothers. Yes, it is about as dramatic as you can expect it to be, and I eat it up each time.

Euphoria (2019 – Present)

Is Euphoria a lot more mature than any other picks on this list? You betcha, but that's what you get when you do a young romance show on HBO. The series mainly follows Rue and her time with drugs, but the romance aspect is a massive part of the show, mainly between other characters, but also between Rue and Jules.

Love, Victor (2020 – 2022)

A spinoff of the movie Love, Simon, this series is honestly a great one, and I wish it had more seasons. Love, Victor is all about the titular character, Victor, who comes to terms with his sexuality and learns to love himself and others over the course of its three seasons. It's a great LGBTQ+ TV show that I personally love.

The Kissing Booth (2018)

Okay, so The Kissing Booth in itself is a meme because there are so many moments that make you scratch your head and wonder how these relationships even work. But that doesn't change the fact that the first movie is entertaining as heck and certainly makes for a fun young romance.

A Cinderella Story (2004)

There are so many adaptations of Cinderella out there, but personally, A Cinderella Story is one of my favorites. It's about two teenagers who are online penpals who plan to meet up for the first time at a school's Halloween event. It's so sweet and adorable—ugh, I love it.

Sex Education (2019 – 2023)

I mean, this show is all about romance, love, and sex, thrown into a pretty bow. The series mainly follows a teenager and his experiences at school when everyone finds out that his mother is a sex therapist, but there are some excellent portrayals of young love on this show that really take the cake – ones I genuinely adore.

Love, Simon (2018)

This teen romance movie is one of the best out there. The film, starring Nick Robinson, follows the story of a closeted high schooler who is being blackmailed by someone at school while also trying to find out who the person is that he has fallen in love with online and dealing with his personal life as well. The movie does a great job of showing young love, and I love it.

Heartstopper (2022 – Present)

Based on the graphic novels of the same name, Heartstopper has three seasons and mainly follows the love story between Charlie and his feelings for Nick, a schoolboy with whom he shares a class. But as the series progresses, you get more and more relationships that make it so much more fun.

Literally, Any Romeo & Juliet Adaptation

Do I have to explain why? Whether you're talking about the one from the 1960s, Leonardo DiCaprio's Romeo + Juliet, or any of the others, it's all about teen romance and what it does to us.

These are just some of the great picks I can think of, but there are so many others. I think these will be perfect for a little date night or a long weekend binge.

Everyone loves a good underdog story and Hollywood history is filled with them. Surprisingly, the underdog doesn't always win in sports movies, despite the trope. Of course, there are plenty of great movies where the underdog does win, like the wonderful sports movies on this list.

Hoosiers

There is no way to make this list without including possibly the most classic underdog story in film history, and one of the best sports movies ever, Hoosiers. The Gene Hackman-led movie about a small-town high school that takes home the Indiana state championship is an all-time great, and, of course, based on a true story.

Miracle

The 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team was never supposed to have a chance, especially against the big, bad Soviet Union, whose team was made up entirely of what amounted to professional players. The rag-tag group of college kids shocked the world when, led by the legendary coach Herb Brooks, beat the Soviets and eventually captured the gold medal. Miracle tells the story in amazing detail, with Kurt Russell as Brooks.

Invictus

Invictus, starring Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela and Matt Damon as legendary South African rugby captain Francois Pienaar tells the incredible story of the underdog Springboks (South African's national team) in its amazing journey to winning the 1995 World Cup in their home country. What makes it an underdog story is that the whole tournament is played as the country is coming out of the apartheid era and bringing the country together seemed an impossible task, but it's something the Springboks helped do.

The Replacements

When the players of a pro football team go on strike, the league replaces them with "scabs" including a washed-up quarterback played by Keanu Reeves. Despite the odds, the team scrambles to win enough of their remaining games to qualify for the playoffs just as the strike ends and they go back to their previous lives.

Dodgeball

Okay, it's not the most serious sport in the world, but in the movie Dodgeball, it's taken very seriously. With Peter (Vince Vaughn) on the verge of losing his gym to the bank, he must bring together the misfit group of gym members to try and win the championship and enough money to save the gym, and of course, they do.

Breaking Away

There aren't enough movies about professional bicycling, are there? Breaking Away is a classic example of one. In it, a group of "townies" in a college town come together to compete against some of the best college cyclists in the country in the "Little 500" at the University of Indiana. The race is, frankly, ridiculously unrealistic, but that doesn't matter, as our hero, Dave, overcomes injury and fatigue to win the whole thing.

Rocky II

You knew there was no way we were going to leave off the most famous underdog movie of all time, right? Well, we couldn't include the original Rocky, because the underdog actually loses. However, Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) does return and triumph in Rocky II!

Slap Shot

There is one movie that every hockey fan would put at the top of the list for underdog stories, not to mention probably the best movie about the sport of all time. Of course, we're talking about Slap Shot starring Paul Newman. The hilarious movie about a team of complete screw-ups and misfits is among the best sports movies ever made.

Wildcats

One of Goldie Hawn's more underrated movies is a classic underdog story. In Wildcats, Hawn plays a football coach who isn't taken seriously because she's a woman. When she is offered the job at an underfunded inner-city school, she jumps at it. Even though everyone expects her and the ragtag team to fail, she and they beat all the odds and take down the rich kids from the suburbs.

The Boys In The Boat

2023's The Boys In The Boat wasn't a hit with critics or moviegoers, but it's actually a pretty decent movie about the true story of the University of Washington's rowing team who shocked everyone in the rowing world when they qualified for - and won - the Olympics in 1936.

The Game of Their Lives

The United States has never been a powerhouse in the world of international soccer (or football). Still, in the 1950 World Cup, a group of amateur players, mostly from "The Hill" neighborhood of St. Louis, managed an upset of one of the great soccer nations, England, 1-0. The Game of Their Lives is all about those players and that team.

The Mighty Ducks

Of course we have to have The Mighty Ducks on this list! Not only is a great example of the underdog winning in so many ways, it's just a stone-cold classic for anyone who grew up watching over and over. It launched a mini-franchise, but none of the movies every really lived up to the original.

Remember The Titans

Remember the Titans tells the incredible true story about the integration of a high school football team in 1971. Denzel Washington plays the newly-named coach and immediately faces a backlash due to his race. The white players clash with the Black players, but through his hard work and persistence, Washington's team overcomes it all to win.

Tha Karate Kid

Everyone knows the story of The Karate Kid, especially now with the huge success of Cobra Kai. At the heart of the story is a true underdog, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), who moves across the country with his mother only to get bullied at his new high school. With the help of a mysterious handyman (Pat Morita), he learns how to fight back and despite an entire squad of goons trying to sweep his leg and injure him at the big karate tournament, he overcomes it all with one great crane kick.

Necessary Roughness

Necessary Roughness is a mostly forgotten movie from the early '90s about a college team on a rough slide who are brought together by a tough-but-fair coach (Héctor Elizondo) who brings back an aging quarterback (Scott Bakula) and a female kicker (Kathy Ireland). Of course, they win the last game on a last-second trick play.

We Are Marshall

The tragedy of the Marshall football team plane crash inspired We Are Marshall about the coaches and players who are left to pick up the pieces of a shattered community and football program. Matthew McConaughey plays Jack Lengyel, the coach brought in to lead the impossible task. Together with his players, they bring the team back and succeed by just competing the very next season.

The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh

The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh is to basketball what Slap Shot is to hockey. It's a ridiculously over-the-top send-up of the sport featuring a hapless professional team from Pittsburgh doing everything it can, on the court and off, to win. Of course, they do, in the end.

McFarland, USA

In the spirit of many Disney movies, McFarland, USA is an underdog tale that is based on a true story. Football coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) loses his job as a football coach and is forced to take a job at an underprivileged mostly Latino school. He soon learns that the kids are talented runners and under his coaching, they go all the way to the state championship.

Cinderella Man

Cinderella Man is one of the great - and somewhat underappreciated - boxing movies. Russell Crowe plays James J. Braddock, a pro boxer who shocked the world when he defeated Max Baer for the heavyweight championship in 1935. For the rest of his career, he was known by the nickname "Cinderella Man" due to the unlikely victory.

The Longest Yard

There are a couple of versions of The Longest Yard, but we recommend the first starring Burt Reynolds, of course. If you haven't seen either movie, they are essentially the same plot where a group of prisoners take on a group of guards in the dirtiest football game you'll ever see.

Happy Gilmore

Happy Gilmore might not know proper golf etiquette, as he shows over and over in the movie with the same title, but he does know how to win. This Adam Sandler classic is one of the all-time great golf and sports movies and a movie where the underdog - Happy - wins the tournament and the girl.

Teen Wolf

With "The Wolf," the Beavers are definitely not the underdogs. Without the wolf with Scott (Michael J. Fox) playing as just himself, they are the underdogs. It's that simple. And in the final game, the championship game, the Beavers answer the call as a team, and without the wolf.

The Natural

Roy Hobbs (Robert Redford) wasn't an underdog at first, he was a monster of a pitcher. Then it all came crashing down after he was mysteriously shot. After that, he was never the same. Until he gets a second chance as a power hitter and he helps the New York Knights win the pennant.

Major League

In a case of art imitating real life, the Cleveland Indians, who hadn't been a playoff team for decades when Major League was released in 1989. The group of misfits in the movie was brought together by the team's "showgirl" owner with the intent purpose of losing so she could move them to Miami. Of course, the team thwarts her plans in the end and they make it to the playoffs. In the sequel, we find out they didn't win, but for the purpose of this list (and everything else), we're ignoring that.

Seabiscuit

At a time when horse racing was one of the most popular sports in the United States, an underdog horse named Seabiscuit captured the attention of sports fans all over the country. The movie tells the incredible story of the amazing horse and it grabbed the attention of movie fans across the world.

Escape To Victory

Escape To Victory, like The Longest Yard is a story of prisoners assembling to try to beat a more powerful opponent. The big difference is that the prisoners were Allied POWs in World War II and the more powerful opponent was a professional team from Germany. In one of the best examples of a pro athlete doing some acting, even the great Pele had a role in the film. Not only do the prisoners win the match, but they also use the opportunity to escape.

Next Goal Wins

It's fair to say that Next Goal Wins is not the best movie on this list, but it is a super fun, feel-good story about an underdog soccer team from American Samoa who are finally able to come together to win a game—just one game. But they were so bad that one victory made all the difference.

The Hunger Games

Argue all you want over whether The Hunger Games is a sports movie, but it takes a lot of athletic ability to win them, so yeah, they are. Period. Obviously, anyone from District 12 is going to be an underdog, it's incredibly rare for anyone from that far from the Capitol to win. When Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) both win, it's the ultimate underdog win.

Air Bud

Let's just get this out of the way right away, Air Bud is a dumb movie with a dumb plot. BUT - there is a whole generation of movie fans who grew up loving it and any time a team needs a beloved family pet to join the team to win a basketball game counts as an underdog story. The dog leads them to victory, of course.

Rollerball

1975's Rollerball starring James Caan is one of the best cult flicks from its era and one of the best of Caan's career. There is a lot more to it than a simple underdog story, as the social commentary is hardly subtle. At its heart though, it's a team (and a man) overcoming the odds to win.

Invincible

2006's Invincible, starring Mark Wahlberg as the real-life Vince Papale. It's not about a team of underdogs like most examples on this list, but it's about how one man can work hard to achieve a dream well after most people have written him off. It's easily one of Wahlberg's best movies, even if it's not one that most people think of right away.

Angels In The Outfield

Angels In The Outfield is a movie that you definitely had to grow up to love. It's a silly movie about a kid who wishes for his favorite MLB team to finally win something. They finally do so with some heavenly help. So it still counts as an underdog story, right?

Looking back on the history of film, especially the best movies of the 1980s, there’s a legacy of films that could now be seen as rather problematic. And in making this list of such titles, our intent is not to dogpile on films like Revenge of the Nerds, which seem to frequently pop up. If anything, consider the following rundown as a catalog of movies that could possibly still be enjoyed, even with the following caveats in mind.

Revenge of the Nerds

Rooting for the underdog is easy, even in a case like Revenge of the Nerds, which inappropriately depicts stereotypes of sexuality. Even worse is the fact that the character of Betty Childs (Julia Montgomery) not only has scandalous pictures distributed without consent, but she’s also tricked into intimacy with the lead hero nerd Lewis (Robert Carradine). It’s probably for the best that the 2007 remake was canceled.

Rambo III

1988 was a very different time in geopolitics, as anyone could see through the presence of several action movies pairing heroes like John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) with the freedom fighters of the Mujahideen. While the viral post about Rambo III dedicating the film to their efforts isn’t real, the fact that this anti-Soviet occupation force eventually helped form The Taliban is.

The Breakfast Club

This John Hughes comedy landmark almost didn’t qualify for the list of problematic ‘80s favorites. That was until we took a closer look and remembered that scene where Bender (Judd Nelson) took advantage of a situation in which he could look up Claire's skirt (Molly Ringwald). There are still some beautiful life lessons in this absolute classic, but that moment signified a pattern of behavior from The Breakfast Club’s bad boy which is unacceptable.

Sixteen Candles

You can take your pick over what piece of Sixteen Candles’ classic comedy shenanigans is the most problematic, as two glaring options have persistently been discussed in modern times. With either the harmful stereotypes embodied by the entire character of Long Duk Dong (Gedde Watanabe) or Ted’s (Anthony Michael-Hall) various escapades trying to convince his friends he’s hooked up with a girl, you could probably start an argument just by mentioning this movie’s name in passing.

Police Academy

Earlier entries in the Police Academy series tended to be a lot raunchier than their eventual successors. But one joke that continued to play into the trope of “gay panic” humor was the running gag of members of the force winding up at the Blue Oyster Bar. Full of leather-clad men who knew how to dance, the joke eventually softened by the time Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol was released.

Soul Man

C. Thomas Howell’s Soul Man lead is about to go to Harvard…but needs a scholarship after life events leave him without his college fund. This leads him to come up with the idea of taking too many tanning pills, so he can masquerade as a Black man. If the racial politics weren’t enough to make you question the eventually good-natured film, then the pill-popping probably would do it.

Better Off Dead

Yee Sook Ree (Yuji Okumoto) and his brother Chen Ree (Brian Imada) provide the John Cusack classic Better Off Dead with a scene that some contemporary fans have questioned. With Chen unable to speak English, and Yee only speaking in an imitation of Howard Cosell, the joke doesn’t seem outwardly racist. However an actual bit of upset comes from the fact that Okumoto revealed to EW that he was dubbed over in the role by impressionist Rich Little.

Rain Man

Back in the day, Rain Man was a huge hit at the box office, as well as becoming the best picture winner at the 61st Academy Awards. However, from a more current lens, Dustin Hoffman’s portrayal of a neurodivergent math whiz doesn’t exactly pass muster. It also doesn’t help that the movie’s title has also found itself used as derogatory slang for neurodivergence.

Porky’s

There are definitely hilarious consequences when it comes to the main act of peeping tomfoolery that makes Porky’s mischievous centerpiece. But out of context, and perhaps even in context, a group of boys exposing themselves through a hole in the girl’s shower doesn’t play with some modern audiences. Not even if it gives us the infamously funny “wanted poster’ scene.

Overboard

Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn’s ‘80s classic Overboard is a lighthearted rom-com that many still call one of their favorites. However, the main push of the story revolves around the wealthy amnesiac Joanna (Hawn) depending on love interest/kind-hearted dad Dean (Russell) to remind her of who she is. Even with the roles reversed in the Anna Farris/Eugenio Derbez 2018 remake, it’s a plotline that hasn’t aged well.

The Toy

How could a movie like The Toy miss when pairing the likes of Richard Pryor and Jackie Gleeson? Well, for starters, critics didn’t think the film was all that funny. But the greater sin is the fact that the story of a millionaire (Gleeson) practically “buying” a down-on-his-luck Black man (Pryor) to be his son’s live-in friend is problematic on several levels.

Big

In between moments of piano playing at FAO Schwartz and singing schoolyard songs that even Hannah Wadddingham still remembers, Big has a problem on the same scale as its title. With the magically grown Josh Baskins (Tom Hanks) being engaged in a love affair with his co-worker (Elizabeth Perkins), the actual age gap between these characters kind of smacks you in the face at the end…much like one of the ‘90s kid classics that actually suck, Blank Check.

Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom

In a franchise like that of the Indiana Jones movies, there’s always that one entry that can be called out as a problem. In the case of 1984’s Temple of Doom, the racist undercurrents throughout the humor and action of the prequel to Raiders of the Lost Ark is a huge step backwards. It’s also not very funny unless you consider fueling inaccurate stereotypes involving the consumption of chilled monkey brains hilarious.

All Dogs Go To Heaven

The controversy around All Dogs Go To Heaven is one that is leveled against pretty much every animated film Don Bluth has ever created. That’s right folks, this animated movie is one that’s been deemed too dark for kids. And if that wasn’t bad enough, the character of King Gator (Ken Page) has been singled out as potentially insensitive as well.

Short Circuit 2

Actor Fisher Stevens ultimately came to regret his role in the Short Circuit movies and rightfully so. Playing the role of lovable assistant Ben Jabituya, Stevens engaged in brownface to play this character of Indian ancestry not once, but twice! Needless to say, Ben was going to be cast with a more ethnically appropriate lead in Short Circuit’s proposed reboot, directly responding to that questionable moment in movie history.

The Karate Kid

Some people might question if Daniel Larusso (Ralph Macchio) was really the hero of The Karate Kid. Others wonder if Mr. Miyagi's gentle wisdom (Pat Morita) was a spin on the “Magical Asian” trope. No matter how you side on this matter, we can probably agree that the Netflix streaming hit Cobra Kai has only improved the legacy of this franchise, sometimes by facing those questions head-on.

Driving Miss Daisy

In any other year Driving Miss Daisy would have merely been seen as problematic for the fact that it’s a decidedly softer tale about overcoming racism. But as the Morgan Freeman/Jessica Tandy-led film was crowned for Best Picture in competition against Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing, the criticisms only grew louder, and more enduring.

The Principal

Stop us if you’ve heard this one: a tough-as-nails principal (Jim Belushi) cleans up a school the entire district looks down on through violence and intimidation. If you thought you were getting Lean On Me in the first half, I apologize as the second half of that synopsis is what separates The Principal from its loftier counterpart. Who’d have thought a flick where a school’s head disciplinarian beats a student in hand-to-hand combat would have aged so poorly?

Beetlejuice

Can you love Beetlejuice warts and all? Of course you can, because Tim Burton’s legendary horror-comedy is a fun ride. However, we all seem to be on the same page about just how problematic the 1988 original's story is, considering the B-Man (Michael Keaton) was trying to marry the obviously underage Lydia (Winona Ryder). And somehow, these two became the best of friends for four seasons of an animated series after all that unpleasantness went down.

The Wizard

While the titular character in The Wizard isn’t outright diagnosed on the Autism spectrum, the wider reading of this 1989 adventure sees young Jimmy (Luke Edwards) coded as such a character. Apparently caused by a death in the family that later ended his parents' marriage, Jimmy seemed to have two choices: run away from home or be sent to an institution. Sorry to say it, but this is an ‘80s childhood classic that sucked.

Howard The Duck

Some out there might still defend Howard the Duck as a quirky and entertaining romp with a pre-MCU variant of Marvel’s beloved deep-cut character. If that defense doesn’t touch upon the obvious trouble spots of unexpected duck nudity, and the implied intimacy between intergalactic duck Howard (Ed Gale/Jordan Prentice/Chip Zien) and would-be rockstar Beverly (Lea Thompson), then feel free to start up that conversation yourself!

Superman IV: The Quest For Peace

Sure, Superman IV: The Quest For Peace seems problematic for suggesting that good old Supes (Christopher Reeve) can solve the nuclear arms race in a heartbeat. But if there’s anything that has fans, and even Jon Cryer sharing negative Superman IV feelings, it’s the fact that the final classic installment was handled by Cannon Films in a way that showed they had no idea how to make this film.

Iron Eagle

Just as the Rambo sequels thought one man could somehow re-fight the Vietnam War with the Mujahideen, Iron Eagle’s attitude towards international relations is another problematic fantasy. Apparently all Doug Masters (Jason Gedrick) has to do to save his fighter pilot dad from imprisonment in a foreign nation is to take a crash course in aviation from Louis Gossett Jr., and steal some government property with the right intentions. And trust us, the sequels that follow aren’t any more enlightened.

Look Who’s Talking

Everybody seems to remember Look Who’s Talking as the adorable movie where Mikey (Bruce Willis) talks up a storm while his mother Mollie (Kirstie Alley) and her future husband James (John Travolta) fall in love. But what everyone seems to forget is that Mikey’s biological father (George Segal) was a married man who totally abandons his mother, and him, in the process.

Tootsie

There’s a great amount of heart in Tootsie, but it still doesn’t change the fact that Dustin Hoffman’s central lead is rewarded for masquerading as a woman to seemingly further his career. Misogyny and transphobia are the particular lenses that criticize this Sydney Pollack picture, as there’s no real lesson learned through Michael Dorsey’s (Hoffman) seemingly humorous escapades.

Sleepaway Camp

One of the most landmark twists of ‘80s horror has to be the moment where we learn that Sleepaway Camp’s secret slasher Angela (Felissa Rose) is secretly a transgendered person originally named Peter. That’s not the main problem though, as the 1983 horror classic seems to suggest that the reason Peter has supposedly “snapped” is that they witnessed their father in a homosexual relationship.

Cocktail

What’s a Tom Cruise dramedy without a suicide, right? If you’re weirded out by that question, it’s ok, as that’s exactly what audiences watching Cocktail in 1988 probably felt when, after a period of declining fortunes, fellow bartender Doug (Bryan Brown) dies by suicide. Not exactly the sort of movie you’d expect to bag a hit single by The Beach Boys.

Crocodile Dundee

Paul Hogan’s cult classic Crocodile Dundee has a lot to answer for when it comes to a lot of the content presented in the film. But if you had to choose just one example of why this movie hasn’t aged well, the scene where Mick Dundee outs a transgender woman (Anne Carlisle) to the amusement of a bar packed with patrons just might be the most compelling proof.

Just One Of The Guys

It’s a toss-up between which piece of Just One Of The Guys is more concerning: the fact that Terri/Terry (Joyce Hyser) had to flash her bare chest to prove she was actually female, or that the whole movie is a gender-swapping version of She’s All That. While the movie does get points with modern audiences for handling its story about sexism with sensitivity, this seemingly exploitative moment sets that message back a bit.

Teen Wolf

If there ever was a scene that proved the ‘80s were “a different time,” the garage-based scene between Teen Wolf’s Scotty (Michael J. Fox) and his best pal Stiles (Jerry Levine) certainly proves that point. Using a homophobic slur in the lead-up to Scotty admitting he’s a werewolf wasn’t bad enough, as Stiles’ preference that his friend might be a potential bloodthirsty horror nightmare hits all the wrong notes.

Dirty Dancing

We totally understand that Dirty Dancing is one of the best romantic movies of all time. It’s hard not to get caught up in the ‘50s set love story between Baby (Jennifer Grey) and Johnny (Patrick Swayze). However, considering he’s 24 and she’s 17, it’s amazing that Baby’s father (Jerry Orbach) didn’t make sure the bad boy dance instructor was doing the time of his life in the clink.

Trading Places

For as much as Trading Places seemed to get right in its satire of wealth inequality and racial politics, the implied violation of one of the film’s villains (Paul Gleeson) by a gorilla, and the Blackface act Dan Akyroyd uses in the final act are quite problematic. Also, the controversy of hiring director John Landis so close to the tragic deaths on the set of his segment for Twilight Zone: The Movie only adds to this picture’s woes over time.

Some people might like to argue that streaming, in becoming our dominant form of media consumption, has ruined the television industry. Well, there is no doubt that it has changed the industry in many ways and, in some cases, for the better. 

There are many TV shows that are now regarded as classics but might not have earned such an honor if not for audiences discovering it on a streaming platform, helping boost its appeal in a way traditional television could not for whatever reason. Let's take a look at some of the most beloved TV shows that were made more popular (or even saved) by streaming. 

The Wire (2002-2008)

In its initial run, The Wire was already considered one of the best shows on HBO, if not of all time, for its refreshing grounded depiction of urban crime in modern Baltimore from both sides of the law. However, thanks to having a Max subscription (formerly known as HBO Max and, earlier, HBO GO), new generations of viewers have been able to witness David Simon's masterpiece.

You (2018-2024)

Even many of the biggest fans of You might not realize that the serial killer drama starring Penn Badgley is not a true Netflix original. It was canceled after one season on the Lifetime Network and, after becoming a surprise hit on Netflix, the platform picked it up for four more seasons.

Schitt's Creek (2015-2020)

Despite achieving instant success in its home nation of Canada on CBC, creator Dan and Eugene Levy's sitcom following a family's riches-to-rags story went underseen in the States for years on the Pop Network. Luckily, when the series dropped on Netflix, America suddenly could not get enough of the Schitt's Creek cast, the comedy's remarkable quotability, and surprisingly heartfelt moments.

The Expanse (2015-2022)

Based on a series of novels by Daniel Abrahams and Ty Franck (and James S. A. Corey), The Expanse quickly found a following on SyFy as one of the network's smartest and most exciting dramas and, yet, it still got the boot after three seasons. Fortunately, the adventures of James Holden (Steven Strait) and his crew's defense against a conspiracy affecting the colonized solar system were able to continue as one of the best sci-fi TV shows on Amazon Prime for three more seasons.

Suits (2011-2019)

Despite being one of the longest-running series on USA Network, Suits really became a hit in its later years after gaining traction as one of the most-watched TV shows on Netflix. Of course, Suits cast member Meghan Markle's marriage to Prince Harry likely had an influence on the legal drama's success.

The Office (2005-2014)

Greg Daniels' Americanized update of the hilarious British sitcom was certainly a hit on NBC, but its fanbase grew exponentially when it became one of the highest-viewed series on Netflix. It is no wonder why Peacock paid the platform $500 million for the streaming rights to The Office and even released special Superfan cuts of select episodes.

Letterkenny (2016-2023)

To be honest, Letterkenny, which follows the day-to-day lives of people from the titular rural town in the Great White North, already originated on a streaming service: the Canadian-exclusive platform, Crave. However, when it became available in the United States with a Hulu subscription, the quirky sitcom's fanbase took a Texas-size expansion.

Firefly (2002-2003)

There is a variety of reasons why Firefly was canceled after Fox aired only 11 episodes, from a doomed time slot to misguided marketing. Luckily, even before streaming helped widen its fanbase, the now beloved sci-fi TV show following a crew of outlaws traveling beyond the stars released a DVD set that allowed audiences to see the epic Western-style cosmic adventures they missed out on.

Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008)

Following the journey of a young man born with the ability to manipulate the elements air, earth, fire, and water, Avatar: The Last Airbender was a huge hit during its initial run on Nickelodeon. It would only become even more popular when it became available to stream on Netflix, which would go on to produce a live-action series update in 2024.

Breaking Bad (2008-2013)

According to Variety, after Breaking Bad won the Best Drama Series Emmy in 2013, creator Vince Gilligan admitted he owed the success of his groundbreaking drama to Netflix, which later produced El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie. The thriller, following a terminally high school chemistry teacher (played by Bryan Cranston) turning to crime to support his family, could barely be called a hit during its few years on AMC.

 Freaks And Geeks (1999-2000)

One of the first titles that come to mind when people think of series that ended too soon is Freaks and Geeks, which was canceled by NBC after one season for the typical reasons: misguided marketing and a poor time slot. Since most of the Freaks and Geeks cast went on to take Hollywood by storm, the coming-of-age dramedy has become one of the most acclaimed series of its time by fans who discovered in the digital age.

Criminal Minds (2005-Present)

After lasting a whopping 15 seasons on CBS, Criminal Minds continued to captivate audiences as one of the most popular crime TV shows on Netflix. The procedural drama's enduring success eventually led to its revival, on Paramount+.

Manifest (2018-2023)

When NBC canned it after just three seasons, fans prayed that Netflix would swoop in to renew Manifest and, luckily, their wish came true. A fourth and final season of the sci-fi drama, about a commercial jet that suddenly reappears five years after mysteriously vanishing, debuted on the streaming platform, allowing it to have the smooth landing creator Jeff Rake intended.

Lucifer (2016-2021)

Based on a DC Vertigo comic book, Lucifer — starring Tom Ellis as the Devil, taking human form to be an LAPD consultant — debuted on Fox, where it lasted only three seasons. Soon after, it would be hailed as one of the best DC TV shows on Netflix when it was renewed for three more seasons exclusively on the platform.

Community (2009-2015)

Ironically enough, when Dan Harmon's comedy about a close-knit group of community students first transitioned from NBC to a streaming exclusive on the now-defunct Yahoo! Screen, it was considered a disaster. However, fans would go on to revisit the best episodes of Community on Hulu, Netflix, or Peacock, keeping the #SixSeasonsAndAMovie dream alive. 

Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)

One of the most popular shows on The CW (when it was still called The WB) was Gilmore Girls, which would only remain popular and acquire more fans who discovered it with their Netflix subscription. The streaming platform would even serve as the home of a four-episode sequel series called Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life.

Friends (1994-2004)

Could Friends have been a bigger bit than it was during its ten-year run on NBC? As it turns out, yes, since the popular '90s TV show became a monster hit on Netflix and, once it left the platform, likely inspired many fans to get a Max subscription just so they could keep the binge going.

Luther (2010-2019)

Some of the best evidence of the enduring popularity of Luther — an acclaimed British crime thriller starring Idris Elba in the brilliant but cantankerous title role — can be found on Netflix. In 2023, the platform distributed a feature-length spin-off called Luther: The Fallen Sun, which quickly became its highest-watched movie and led to a deal for more films.

Arrested Development (2003-2019)

Despite never getting the ratings it needed to be a hit during its three-season run on Fox, Arrested Development was remembered fondly as one of the most hilarious cult favorite TV shows of all time. That enduring legacy led to its revival in 2017 as "a Netflix semi-original series."

Boy Meets World (1993-2000)

In its prime, Boy Meets World was one of the must-see comedies from ABC's TGIF Block in the 1990s and would later spawn a sequel series following Cory (Ben Savage) and Topanga's (Danielle Fishel) daughter, Riley (Rowan Blanchard) called Girl Meets World. The success of the Disney Channel series, also starring Sabrina Carpenter, inspired a new generation of fans to check out the original with their Disney+ subscription. 

Futurama (1999-Present)

Creator Matt Groening's animated satire about an average 20th Century man who wakes up from an accidental, 1000-year cryogenic slumber initially ran for just four seasons on Fox, was revived on Comedy Central from 2008 to 2013, and then, a decade later, became an exclusive on Hulu where it is more popular than ever. At this rate, it looks like Futurama might last well into the future.

Teen Wolf (2011-2017)

MTV's darker take on a funny coming-of-age creature feature from the '80s was a surprise hit, even as one of the best horror TV shows on Hulu in the years since it ended. The continued interest in the series on streaming would lead to a feature-length continuation that premiered on Paramount+ in early 2023.

iCarly (2007-2012, 2021-2023)

Miranda Cosgrove followed her role as the mischievous Megan on Drake & Josh by starring on the Nickelodeon sitcom as a teen internet sensation. People who grew up with the show would rediscover their love for it as adults when Paramount+ revived iCarly with more mature audiences in mind.

The Mindy Project (2012-2017)

Creator and star Mindy Kaling's first major follow-up after playing Kelly Kapoor in NBC's The Office cast was the aptly titled The Mindy Project, in which she plays an OB/GYN struggling to balance her personal and professional life. It premiered on Fox, where it remained for three seasons, before moving exclusively to Hulu for the latter half of its run.

Longmire (2012-2017)

Based on a series of novels by Craig Johnson, Longmire is a neo-Western drama starring Australian actor Robert Taylor as the titular Wyoming sheriff who brings his own brand of justice to his county. Despite debuting on A&E as the cable network's highest-rated original drama, it was not renewed for a fourth season, leading Netflix to step in and become its home for another three years.

Trailer Park Boys (2001-2018)

A show that Letterkenny fans would enjoy if they have not heard of it already is Trailer Park Boys — another comedy set in rural Canada which, for its first seven years, aired on a channel exclusive to the country called Showcase. A newfound interest in the documentary-style series and its feature-length spin-offs in the United States led Netflix to acquire the show in 2012, lasting several more seasons and even spawning more specials and an animated series.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2020)

Before a new Star Wars TV show premiered on Disney+ every few months or so, one of the most beloved small-screen titles to come from a galaxy far, far away was Star Wars: The Clone Wars. However, the Force initially could have been stronger with this one as it was canceled by Cartoon Network in 2013 before gaining newfound popularity on Netflix (where a new season was distributed) the following year and, later, getting revived for one more batch of episodes on DIsney+ in 2020.

Parks And Recreation (2009-2015) 

Despite being the brainchild of The Office producers Greg Daniels and Michael Schur and starring former SNL cast member Amy Poehler in the lead, Parks and Recreation struggled to find its footing on NBC for its first couple of years. The mockumentary-style political satire got a bit of a boost in popularity once it dropped on Netflix and, for years after it ended, earned a reputation as one of the most popular series on the platform.

White Collar (2009-2014)

The show that made a star out of actor Matt Bomer is White Collar, in which he stars as a suave professional criminal who works with the FBI to catch other cons like him. Like many other USA original series, the dramedy was a much bigger hit on Netflix than it was during its initial run on the network.

Designated Survivor (2016-2019)

Kiefer Sutherland stars in Designated Survivor as the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, who is suddenly appointed President after everyone in the chain of command above him is killed in a catastrophic attack. The political drama was canceled after only two years on ABC but would go on for one more season on Netflix.

The Nanny (1993-1999)

Co-creator and star Fran Drescher is best known for playing Fran Fine on The Nanny, which had a strong run on CBS in the 1990s. The sitcom is noted for appealing to a new generation when it dropped on Max.

The Killing (2011-2014)

The American version of the Danish television series Forbrydelsen, The Killing, originally premiered on AMC, which would cancel the dark crime drama after its third season, which almost did not happen. The series then made an official transition to Netflix, where its fourth and final season was distributed.

I don't know about you, but I love a good character arc. Whether it's someone bad turning good, someone good turning bad, or just a character growing up and maturing over time, a good character arc makes a TV show a million times better. 

Don't forget that a good character arc also makes fans favorites, and these characters certainly became major fan favorites after their well-deserved character arcs on their television shows. 

Alexis (Schitt's Creek)

The Schitt's Creek cast is incredibly talented in many ways, but everyone had a better character arc than Alexis. Starting as a pretty, spoiled girl who didn't have a clear direction in life, she seriously matures toward the end of the series and begins to figure out what she wants – through hilarious moments. However, it's still a great character arc. 

Zuko (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

It's well-known that Zuko has one of the most significant character arcs of all time, especially in television, but most definitely in Avatar: The Last Airbender. 

Starting as a banished prince, Zuko had to undergo serious self-reflection, punishment, and much more to realize his true destiny. In the end, he was willing to sacrifice his life for the Avatar and his friends rather than try and earn the honor of his father over and over again. 

Loki (Loki)

Loki is a curious character because he had character arcs in both the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Loki television show, but we'll talk specifically about the series. 

Throughout its two seasons, Loki changes immensely, from the villain he was at the end of the first Avengers film to someone who would lock himself away forever to ensure his friends survive in timelines and keep the universe intact. I mean, talk about a change. 

Walter White (Breaking Bad)

We could say that Walter White had one of the best character arcs ever on television. Breaking Bad was an incredible show for many reasons, but I think the Breaking Bad cast was one of the main things that made it fantastic, including that of Bryan Cranston as White. 

In the beginning, we can almost see White as a savior, desperate to do anything to help his family after his inevitable death from cancer. Still, over time, we see how he changes into this power-hungry fool, ostracizing himself from his life and the people he loves. 

John Silver (Black Sails)

Black Sails is one of the best pirate shows, and John Silver was one of the best characters. I mean, think about it – he started off with nothing, just working as a cook due to being captured and taking out another cook. Silver had a brilliant mind, and through the show, we see him turn into a great strategist behind Captain Flint. He was always able to find a way out of any issue, making him more interesting. 

Jamie Lannister (Game Of Thrones)

For years, I have considered Jaime Lannister one of the best character arcs on television. As part of the Game of Thrones cast, Jaime Lannister was as selfish as a Lannister could be when the series started and then began to change throughout the following seasons, fighting for what was right, denying his sister, and so much more. Let's ignore what happened in Season 8 of the show. He was still a great character – just not his sad death. 

Octavia (The 100)

Good god, I remember when I first watched Octavia, a character a part of The 100 cast, I could not stand her. She was bratty, selfish, and straight-up annoying. 

But it wasn't long before she began to mature, and sooner or later, she learned how to fight, lead, and kill, which is needed in this world. What makes her even better is that she's a flawed character at best—she has moments of morally grey instances that really make you either root for her or hate her—which is why she's a fan-favorite. 

Jimmy McGill (Better Call Saul)

Oh, Jimmy McGill. Better Call Saul was a spinoff of Breaking Bad and told the story of Jimmy McGill or Saul Goodman. He started as someone genuinely trying to make it as a lawyer, but as the seasons go on, we see him sink more into criminal activity to get ahead since no one would give him a chance, thanks to his past. It's a slow, depressing character arc, but it's still fantastic either way.

Roy Kent (Ted Lasso)

He's here, he's there, he's every-well, you know the chant. 

Roy Kent of Ted Lasso began the series as a crude, mean, and old (in the eyes of sports) man, bitter about his past and despising Lasso coming in as their coach. But through the help of his close friends, significant others, and more, we see how much of a heart he has. He starts to show his true colors, and sooner or later, we see him even making friends with Jamie Tartt.  

Daryl Dixon (The Walking Dead)

Out of everyone on The Walking Dead, I think Daryl Dixon's character arc is among the most intriguing and fun to witness. When we first meet Daryl, he's super selfish and only cares about himself and his brother, but by the end of the series, he has a family, a life, and so much more that he's willing to die for. He was so beloved that there was a phrase called, "If Daryl Dies, We Riot." I would know, I had a shirt that said it.

Diane Nguyen (BoJack Horseman)

BoJack Horseman focuses on so many traumatized characters, but one of the best they really did a good character on is Diane Nguyen. She starts off as BoJack's ghost-writer, and while she's a bit passive at first, we start to see her grow into herself as time passes, confronting her past and future and even dealing with her own mental issues. 

Steve Harrington (Stranger Things)

I'm pretty sure everyone during the first season of Stranger Things was not the biggest fan of Steve, played by the excellent Joe Keery. But of course, we all ended up loving Steve Harrington because he learned to care for others and also became the best babysitter ever for the kids we loved. 

Nick (New Girl)

I could do any of the boys from the apartment, but Nick began New Girl as the type of guy I don't think any girl would want. He was immature and didn't have any direction in life. But towards the end of the series, even if he was still silly, he committed to fixing his life, growing stronger bonds with others, and opening up about his feelings instead of keeping it all closed inside. You have to love him. 

Carol (The Walking Dead)

Carol's timeline on The Walking Dead is something special. Her character arc makes me smile every time I think about it. Carol began the show as an abused wife of a beating husband, but once he's gone, she begins to get stronger every season, becoming a kick-butt zombie slayer and doing anything to protect the ones she loves. 

Starlight (The Boys)

Starlight from The Boys is the epitome of the phrase "never meet your heroes," literally in the sense of this show. She joins The Seven with bright ideas and discovers that it's not all it's cracked up to be. Over the course of three seasons so far, she's truly stood out and tried to make change—even going as far as breaking the law to do so. 

Jamie Tartt (Ted Lasso)

Jamie Tartt from Ted Lasso was so immature and selfish when we first met him, but he gets his time to shine in Seasons 2 and 3, where we start to see him change. He begins to grow and understand his role as a leader, making amends with old rivals and past relationships and building new bonds. 

Lexa (The 100)

While Lexa wasn't in the series for nearly as long as she should have been, she was an impactful character in The 100. Lexa's character arc, from being Clarke's enemy to doing a full 180 and becoming her lover before her tragic demise, will haunt every The 100 fan. This reminds us of all the great 'enemies to lovers' movies. 

Negan (The Walking Dead)

Negan was one of the best characters on TV when he appeared on The Walking Dead. His character arc not only made him stand out but also made him an easy fan favorite. Clearly one of the franchise's antagonists from the very beginning, Negan ended up finding his morally grey middle line and helping his once-enemies while also learning to find people to truly love and care about. 

Ahsoka (The Star Wars Franchise)

Ahsoka was one of the most hated characters in the Star Wars franchise when she first debuted because many thought her immature. Years later, through the Clone Wars and the Disney+ Star Wars shows, she matured into a Jedi master, was calm and collected, and was one of the most versatile warriors out there.

The Big Three (This Is Us)

As someone who loves the This is Us cast, the Big Three certainly had some of the best character arcs. These three go through so many heartbreaking hardships and moments throughout the franchise that it's a miracle they turn out fine by the end. 

But they didn't just end up surviving – they faced some of their worst moments, from drug addiction to racism to body issues to so much more, and came out on top. That's a character to root for – well, three characters in this case. 

Lydia (Teen Wolf)

There are plenty of great supernatural teen dramas with superb casts, but Lydia from Teen Wolf certainly has the best character arc. She starts as a popular girl who only cares about herself embraces her powers, and helps her friends down the line with whatever they need, even risking her life on multiple occasions. 

Arabelle (I May Destroy You)

I May Destroy You is a miniseries, but Arabelle's character arc is top-tier. Through nine episodes, we see Arabelle face one of her darkest and loneliest moments as she tries to figure out who sexually assaulted her one night, and she must face her grief, trauma, and so much more to find inner peace towards the end. 

Eren Yeager (Attack On Titan)

There are plenty of character arcs in anime, but the one I have to do is Eren Yeager from Attack on Titan. He started off this anime as a brat who only wanted to kill Titans and would do anything to achieve it, but towards the end, he wound up becoming one of the most complex anime characters out there, with deep, hidden intentions and feelings that we could barely comprehend. 

Eleanor Shellstrop (The Good Place)

Out of the many characters in The Good Place, I have to give the character arc award to Eleanor. Her whole journey in the afterlife literally begins with a lie and being super selfish, but towards the end, she is filled with wisdom and selflessness and is willing to fight for what is right. It's a beautiful story. 

Bubbles (The Wire)

Surprisingly, The Wire is a show that has never won Best Drama at the Emmys, but it should have these character arcs, and I have to give it to Bubbles. One of the show's many characters, Bubbles' road to recovery, made you want to root for him from the very beginning and support him no matter what. 

Sokka (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Sokka was probably one of the most misogynistic characters in Avatar: The Last Airbender. At first, he believed that women could not fight, but towards the end of the series, he becomes a valuable leader, leading both men and women and becoming the man he was always meant to be. 

Sansa Stark (Game Of Thrones)

I know for a fact that many people did not like Sansa in the first few seasons of Game of Thrones, but she had some serious character growth that turned her into a fan favorite. From spoiled brat to Queen of the North, Sansa's maturity shines through. 

Spike (Buffy The Vampire Slayer)

Starting as a villain in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Spike was initially super unlikable. Over time, as he realized there was more than watching everything that went against him fall, he eventually worked with Buffy and became a trustful person.

Rebecca (Ted Lasso)

Rebecca's entire journey began with her as a villain in Ted Lasso, where she specifically hired Ted for the team to do poorly so it would shut down for revenge towards her ex-husband. But she is changed through Ted's kindness; towards the end, we miss her as much as we miss Ted. 

Peggy Olsen (Mad Men)

Peggy Olsen was a boss, and she wanted you to know. Mad Men was an AMC show that followed advertising executives in NYC, and Peggy was a character who worked her way up in power, beginning as a secretary unaware of the world she was entering and becoming an absolute leader despite her being a woman in the workplace in the 1960s. 

Theon Greyjoy (Game Of Thrones)

While Game of Thrones’ last season had issues, Theon Greyjoy's character was not one of them. Starting off as selfish and a betrayer who would do anything for power, Theon devotes his life to the Starks' cause in fighting against the Night King and dies in Season 8 defending Bran—but he dies a hero. 

April (Parks And Recreation)

April from the Parks and Recreation cast really started off as a slacker, but over the course of the series, through the help of her friends, relationships, and more, we start to become a heck of a lot more trusting—and still keeping that same deadpan humor that fans love. 

Which one of these classic fan-favorite character arcs is your favorite? This makes me want to rewatch all these shows again, just for fun. 

Look, as someone who watches a lot of TV, there are a lot of television characters that I have come to love, whether it be from the Stranger Things cast, the Game of Thrones cast, or more. But today, we will talk about the characters that deserved (or deserve) way more screen time. 

That's right; we're talking about the side characters we all loved, the strange ones we never got answers to, or even those killed off too early – so obviously, significant spoilers for shows ahead. 

Twyla (Schitt's Creek)

Look, I'll be the first to say that the Schitt's Creek cast is exceptionally talented and features some of the best modern-day TV comedy, but how come no one ever talked about Twyla? She was one of the few people in the town who was genuinely kind to the Roses and would always be there for them no matter what. It's a shame we never got to know her more besides her strange family life. 

Creed Bratton (The Office)

The Office cast is full of strange characters that we may have met once and never seen again, but Creed Bratton is someone I would kill to see more of in the show. He was just so…weird, and the few moments we did get to see him in a more active role in the series, he would always make me laugh the hardest because of the most out-of-pocket things he would say – you can't get better than him.

Sunshine Corazon (Glee)

As someone who loved all the best Glee covers and truly does enjoy the Glee cast, one side character I wish got more screen time was Sunshine Corazon. We saw her a couple of times throughout the show's six seasons, and that is just a crime – with a voice like that? Rachel Berry can step to the side. 

Oberyn Martell (Game Of Thrones)

I know Pedro Pascal's best movies and TV shows have expanded dramatically since his time on Game of Thrones, and while he may be known as Din Djarin or Joel Miller now, he'll always be Oberyn Martell to me. And what's even more surprising is that he was only in the fourth season before he was killed off – a man of that swagger should have been around for way longer.  

Tuco Salamanca (Breaking Bad)

The Breaking Bad cast is incredibly talented, but can we talk about the fact that Tuco Salamanca should have been as big of a villain as Gus? If not more? He was such a prominent figure in Season 1, and then he was just killed off at the beginning of Season 2, and we barely heard about him again. Sure, we saw him a little bit in Better Call Saul, but in comparison to the original? No. I needed more.  

Nadia (New Girl)

While the New Girl cast is hilarious, and the story itself is one I can genuinely love watching again and again, we could have seen more of Cece's life outside of Jess' bubble – precisely her time as a model with her model friends like Nadia (Rebecca Reid), who arguably had the most hilarious date with Schmidt and said the strangest things. It could have been great to see her in more episodes. 

Shego (Kim Possible)

Oh, don't even get me started on Shego from Kim Possible. Yes, I know, she's the partner to the bad guy in the famous Disney Channel series, but it's Shego. She's a kick-butt villain with surprisingly great chemistry with Kim, and she looked good. I would have been fine having her just be the villain instead of Dr. Drakken. 

Euron Greyjoy (Game Of Thrones)

As someone who has read the Game of Thrones novels, Euron's portrayal in the show greatly bothers me. Surprisingly, he's one of the few characters in Game of Thrones who wasn't in the show as much as you would think, and yet, somehow, he left a bad taste in my mouth. I would have liked to see him in more episodes so we could better expand his story and make him the scary person he is supposed to be from the books. 

Ekko (Arcane)

As someone who is patiently waiting for Arcane Season 2, Ekko is a character I would die to see more of in the next part of the story. We only saw Ekko for a couple of episodes in Season 1, and for half of them, he was injured. I saw how much of a fighter he could become; we need more Ekko. I demand it. 

Lexa (The 100)

If you were a fan of The 100 in 2015, you knew how devastating this loss was. The 100 cast was talented and created a huge show, but Lexa was arguably one of the most popular characters. When she and the main character, Clarke, finally got together romantically, she was killed. I mean, come on. There could have been so many more episodes with her. I'm still upset.

Ellie Alves (You) 

Jenna Ortega played Ellie Alves in Season 2 of You, and she was such a great counterpart to Joe in the scenes she was in. She was spunky but also a good kid that Joe genuinely wanted to keep safe. Ortega's portrayal of her made her that much more enjoyable, and I wish we got to see more of her. 

Bo Thompson (Superstore)

Superstore feels like it goes under the radar for how hilarious it truly is, and while the Superstore cast is entirely made up of great characters, I would have loved to see Bo Thompson in more episodes. And what's better is that in the few episodes we got to see him, he grew up a lot, which I can appreciate. I would have loved to see more. 

Heath (The Walking Dead)

So, like, Heath just vanished in The Walking Dead. Angela Kang says that Heath was captured by Jadis and traded to Civic Republic Military, but it was so sudden that fans everywhere were left wondering what the point of his character even was. I would have liked to see more of him so that I could care more about him disappearing. 

Ty Lee (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

I love Ty Lee from Avatar: The Last Airbender and she's one character that I'm sure could have been expanded on more if she were given more episodes. Not only was she incredibly flexible and able to leap from building to building with her incredible acrobatic skills, she was sweet and kind. I would have loved to learn more about her background with her family aside from knowing she came from identical sisters—such a shame. 

Susan Bunch (Friends)

Yes, I know we all love the Friends cast, but let's talk about Susan Bunch for a second. Friends was released in the early 1990s, and to me, she was one of the first openly gay characters I saw on a primetime sitcom as a child – and in doing so, it made me feel a little more comfortable with my sexuality as I grew older. We barely got to see her, while we would see her wife, Carol (and Ross's former wife), way more. I would have loved to see her. 

Judge Gen (The Good Place)

I mean, it's Maya Rudolph – we always want to see more of Maya Rudolph because she is hilarious. Even so, Judge Gen from The Good Place was hilarious every time she appeared on screen, and I don't think anyone would complain if we saw her more throughout the show. 

Jean-Ralphio Saperstein (Parks And Recreation)

Yes, the Parks and Recreation cast is so funny it hurts, but tell me why we didn't see more of Jean-Ralphio Saperstein. He was hilarious and was portrayed by Ben Schwartz, who truly knocked this role out of the park. Saperstein was even in talks to get his own spinoff series – that's how you know he deserved way more episodes. 

Beth (The Walking Dead)

Watching Beth die in Season 5 of The Walking Dead broke a part of me that I don't think I'll ever get back. It was one of the most heartbreaking deaths of The Walking Dead, and I still believe that if she were given more episodes, she could have had some of the best character development of all time. It's such a shame. 

Lyanna Mormont (Game Of Thrones)

While I'm sure most of us all know Bella Ramsay from her role on The Last of Us on HBO now, I first knew her in Game of Thrones when she played Lyanna Mormont, the feisty Lady of Bear Island. Despite her lasting impact, the character only appeared in nine episodes – and we should have had way more. 

Edgar Evernever (Riverdale)

Riverdale had some of the strangest villains throughout its seven-season run. Edgar Evernever was one of the worst and weirdest, considering he was the leader of a cult that harvested organs from vulnerable people. And when he was caught, he decided to take off in his rocket before getting shot -- what? That's so out there. He's such a strange, charismatic character – and out of everyone, I would have liked to see him more. 

Mose Schrute (The Office)

The Office has so many strange characters that appear occasionally, but Mose Schrute is someone I needed to see more of, if not for the fact that he was related to Dwight. Like, if you're related to Dwight Schrute, you're going to be a weird person, and I would have probably laughed my butt off to see more of him.

Mai (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Mai was one of Azula's friends in Avatar: The Last Airbender and Zuko's on-again-off-again girlfriend, and while she certainly had her moody moments, I would have liked to see more of her. I wanted to understand why she became the way she is, her family's history, and how she ended up falling for Zuko – we got a little more in the comics, but it would have been nice to see it on screen. 

Coach (New Girl)

Yes, I know we all love Winston from New Girl and that Coach was supposed to be the original third roommate in that apartment, but Coach is so funny. We didn't see much of him in the show, and he would have made us all laugh so much if he had been given more episodes and storylines. 

Eve (Supernatural)

Eve was a supporting Supernatural character that could have been amazing if given the chance. The show started moving in a different direction, and Eve became one of the prominent antagonists, but she was killed so quickly in Season 6 that I could barely register it. I wanted to see so much more of her.

June (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

She was a bounty hunter in Avatar: The Last Airbender who rode an incredible beast that could scent anything. How the heck did she become that? When did she find this monster? We barely saw her in the show, and I would have loved to see more. She was so cool.

Jinx (Teen Titans)

As someone who did love Teen Titans when it first came out, there were so many side characters that I wish I saw way more of. Jinx was a minor villain that we didn't get to see much until Season 5, when her character is expanded on for one episode and then not talked about again for a while – her powers of bad luck could have been talked about way more, personally. 

Bill (The Last Of Us)

I know we all loved that Bill and Frank episode in The Last of Us, but as someone who also loved that episode and the game, I would have done anything to see Nick Offerman's Bill meet Ellie. It was such a significant moment in the game. I would have liked to see more episodes of him – but I suppose I'm happy with Bill getting a partially happy ending this time. 

Eddie Munson (Stranger Things)

The entire Stranger Things fandom agrees that Eddie Munson could have been in more show episodes. An all-star of Season 4 of the series, Munson was a fan-favorite with a lot going for him, and Joseph Quinn blew up in the spotlight afterward. It's a shame he's gone.

Margaery Tyrell (Game Of Thrones)

The Season 6 finale of Game of Thrones saw the end of Margaery Tyrell, and even if she were in the show from Season 2 on, I would have given anything to see her in more episodes, even beyond Season 6. She was one of the few people who truly was a foil to Cersei – and their interactions were everything. 

The Weirdos (Portlandia)

Portlandia was such a strange but funny show overall, and The Weirdos were arguably some of the best parts of it. Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein played them, and they were people dressed in goth attire that would do some hilarious things – which I could have seen a whole spinoff of if we're being honest. 

Georgina Sparks (Gossip Girl)

It seemed that whenever Georgina Sparks appeared in Gossip Girl, things turned upside down for every character on the popular CW show. And yet, Georgina wasn't in the show that much, and while her name lives on, I wish we could have seen more of her drama. I wanted all the craziness she could bring – not just the few episodes we got. 

Danny (Teen Wolf)

I will never forgive Teen Wolf for removing Danny in the show. Not only was he a popular character, but he had revealed in Season 3 that he knew about all the creatures at Beacon Hills. And then, in Season 4, he's just gone. Vanished. Poof. The showrunner says that Danny graduated early, but, like...what? A fan favorite just gone? Bothers me every time. 

So many great characters deserve more love and episodes, but these are just some of the few that come to mind. Now I need to re-watch Avatar: The Last Airbender again for all the characters I love. 

Too many shows seem to be getting canceled these days. Last year was yet another harsh one for shows, especially when it came to cancellations by Netflix and other streamers, like Paramount+. And this year is beginning to look like the same, as Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Teen Wolf spinoff, Wolf Pack, has officially been canceled by Paramount+ after one season. It is the latest series with big star power to get the ax, and it’s as troubling as ever.

Deadline reported the disappointing Wolf Pack news, stating that while the drama never really got the green light for another season, production would have started in February. From Teen Wolf creator Jeff Davis, the series followed four people who were drawn together under a full moon after a California wildfire awakened the supernatural. Alongside Gellar, Armani Jackson, Bella Shepard, Chloe Rose Robertson, Tyler Lawrence Gray, and Rodrigo Santoro starred in the show. 

Wolf Pack, which can be watched with a Paramount+ subscription, is the latest one-season series to get the boot, and unfortunately, it probably won’t be the last.

Other heartbreaking cancellations came from shows with big names attached when Kiefer Sutherland's Rabbit Hole was axed after one season, and when Disney+ canceled American Born Chinese, which starred Oscar winners Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan. 

Aside from streaming, shows with major star power like the Niecy Nash-led The Rookie: Feds got canceled by ABC after one season, with news being announced not long after the actors’ strike came to an end. Supernatural prequel, which involved Jensen Ackles, The Winchesters was canceled by The CW, as well as the Walker prequel Walker: Independence. It’s hard to get attached to a new show and new characters from beloved actors these days when you don’t know how long the show will be around. But, unfortunately, there’s no way to predict whether it will be renewed or canceled even when a show has a major name attached to it like Sarah Michelle Gellar.

The cancelation epidemic has been seemingly nonstop, whether streaming or not, no matter how popular or how long a show has been on. It seems the reason for some cancellations is part of cost-cutting efforts, as many streamers had to do a content purge last year in order to save money and re-evaluate their library. While a definitive reason for Wolf Pack’s cancellation wasn’t given, Paramount is one of the bigger companies trying to save money amid a rumored merge, so that might have something to do with it.

As with any show, there is always the possibility that Wolf Pack will be picked up elsewhere, especially since there is still so much more story to tell. Shows getting canceled is always upsetting, but it’s even more troublesome when it’s only after one season, because the series didn’t really have as much time to dig into the stories and characters, and sadly the Sarah Michelle Gellar-led show is facing this reality. 

One of life’s greatest pleasures used to be a bowl (or three) of mascot-emblazoned cereal and a Saturday morning full of cartoons. From Space Ghost to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to Eek the Cat and beyond, the weekly ritual was a perfect way to sidestep reality, at least until its extinction in 2014. But for all the memorable favorites, there are so many Saturday morning cartoons that barely anyone talks about anymore.

While we can thankfully relive part of that era by streaming classics like X-Men: The Animated Series with a Disney+ subscription, other GOATs, such as Muppet Babies, will likely never hit streaming. But rather than getting too upset, let’s revisit some of Saturday morning’s less-remembered animated offerings.

Mighty Mouse: The New Adventures

One of the first animated reboots that truly felt like a dynamic reimagining of the source material, CBS’ Mighty Mouse: The New Adventures injected the superhero mouse and the Mouseville community with a heavy dose of satire and pop culture sensibilities, added more dimensions to the familiar tropes of the character’s past. The update and its success can be largely attributed to animation legend Ralph Bakshi, of Fritz the Cat and 1978’s Lord of the Rings fame.

Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘N’ Wrestling

As if pro wrestling wasn’t already becoming cartoonish enough during the 1980s, CBS teamed with the then-named WWF for the often baffling Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling. I do wish wrestling organizations would attempt another animated series like this, even if this wasn’t the best example, with zero athletes voicing themselves. The show did boast Brad Garrett as the Hulkster, James Avery as Junkyard Dog, and more animated vets as the Superstars. 

Prostars

In the wake of Sports Illustrated for Kids’ popularity came the athlete-focused animated series Prostars, with icons Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretsky, and Bo Jackson as the lead characters. Despite live-action appearances, none of the three voiced their animated counterparts, who faced a slew of bonkers plotlines involving skeezy real estate developers, horse-nappers, mad scientists, pirates, and more. Had it lasted beyond a single season, perhaps we’d be pondering which of today's athletes would front an inevitable reboot.

The Herculoids

Debuting on CBS in 1967, Hanna-Barbera’s sci-fi adventure series The Herculoids only lasted for a single season initially, though Zandor, Tara & Co. were resurrected in shorter form in 1981. The characters were designed by animation and comic book icon Alex Toth, and while barely anyone still talks about the O.G. series, the characters have popped up for comedic effect in Family Guy, Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law and Space Jam: The New Legacy. 

Hammerman

In the annals of pop culture curiosities, the existence of ABC’s short-lived cartoon Hammerman and its parachute pants loom large. Created by and starring rapper MC Hammer at the height of his fame, the series focused on a mild-mannered man who could transform into the titular superhero thanks to a pair of magical shoes. MC Hammer himself popped up in live-action on top of voicing the main role, but the show didn’t last for longer than a single season, and it wasn’t long before the rapper’s popularity also imploded.

Underdog

For a Saturday morning cartoon that first arrived in 1964, Underdog did have (four) TV legs thanks to years of Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network repeats, and a theme sampled on Wu-Tang Clan’s debut album. But the superhero canine show’s impact mostly came to a screeching heel after 2007’s lackluster live-action film, though it could easily return to form in the style of DreamWorks’ The Mr. Peabody & Sherman Show. 

Tales From The Cryptkeeper

HBO’s live-action Tales from the Crypt horror anthology was popular enough that a Saturday morning cartoon was the abnormal next step. Thus, ABC debuted the Canadian-produced Tales from the Cryptkeeper in 1993, with the titular character’s voice actor John Kassir reprising the role. It’s obviously not as extreme as its premium cable cousin, but still works for kid-friendly frights, at least for those who remember it.

The Wuzzles

On paper, a Disney Animation series about adorable animal hybrid characters seems destined for years of TV seasons and merch campaigns. While The Wuzzles did spark a wave of toys and plushes, its TV longevity was not meant to be, debuting in September 1985 and then promptly shuttering production months later, despite actually being popular. Repeats shifted over to ABC, but no new episodes beyond the initial 13 were ever produced, limiting The Wuzzles’ fuzzy grip on the zeitgeist.

Groovie Ghoulies

One of many attempts to turn fans of Universal’s Classic Monsters into Saturday morning cartoon viewers, Groovie Ghoulies was a huge hit after its 1970 debut, thanks in part to a well-conceived pairing with Archie-familiar Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Despite all the good vibes and genre goodwill, Groovie Ghoulies didn’t go on to land a TGIF sitcom starring Melissa Joan Hart and is far less remembered than it deserves to be.

A Pup Named Scooby-Doo

The Mystery Machine gang fell prey to the “What if characters everyone loves were way younger?” concept with ABC’s A Pup Named Scooby-Doo, whose legacy as a fun spinoff is attributed to the talents of animator Tom Ruegger, who went on to create and produce classics like Tiny Toons Adventures and Batman: The Animated Series. Despite all the wacky villains and musical chases, the steady output of new Scooby-Doo series and straight-to-VOD animated features has muted much of the appreciation for Pup’s 1988-1991 run.

Gravedale High

Having conquered live-action comedy in the 1980s, Rick Moranis went 2D for NBC’s 1990 animated series Gravedale High, created by Child’s Play franchise producer David Kirschner. Moranis plays a teacher at a high school populated by horror movie character types, with all manner of vampires, zombies, mummies, and many more represented. It only ran for a single season, and seemingly went the way of The Invisible Man afterward. 

Snorks

Created largely to replicate The Smurfs’ massive success, Snorks debuted in 1984 with quite a few Smurfs voice actors within its cast, such as Rob Paulsen (Pinky and the Brain) and Michael Bell (G.I. Joe). And while the human-ish sea creatures were enjoyable enough to last for four seasons, their legacy as a Saturday morning cartoon is somewhat negligible.

Wish Kid

Macaulay Culkin could seemingly do no wrong after breakout roles in Uncle Buck and one of the ‘90s best family movies, Home Alone, but the short-lived 1991 toon Wish Kid is his earliest whiff. The premise of a boy with a wish-granting baseball mitt sounded perfect for the era, with Culkin doing his own voicework, but even the latter-year Home Alone sequels inspired way more conversations than this show has.

Camp Candy

John Candy delivered tons of genius comedy performances throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s (even if he wasn’t paid well for some of them), but one project that probably comes up fewer than any other is his Saturday morning toon Camp Candy. Debuting in 1989, the show is exactly like it sounds: Candy heads up a summer camp and attempts to teach kids skills and lessons, with varying degrees of success. What's not to like?

Bill And Ted’s Excellent Adventures

Following the surprise success of the excellent (air guitar riff) sci-fi comedy Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, CBS and Hanna Barbera teamed up on a Saturday morning cartoon that retained stars Alex Winter, Keanu Reeves, and George Carlin, as well as the film's silliness. While perhaps not as memorable as the live-action sequels, the ‘toon still deserves to be in the same conversation, although we’re all better off completely forgetting about the non-non-heinous live-action TV spinoff.

Cool McCool

An animated mix of James Bond and Get Smart, NBC’s Cool McCool debuted in the same year as Adam West’s live-action Batman series and was intriguingly also co-developed by the caped crusader’s co-creator Bob Kane. (The show also featured standalone flashback adventures involving McCool’s father, which felt ahead of its time.) Alas, Cool McCool is nowhere near as fondly remembered as its influences, uncool as that may be. 

The Addams Family

The success of the 1991 live-action film bolstered ABC to debut the second animated take of The Addams Family, with John Astin reprising his Gomez role from the O.G. sitcom. The safe-for-kids macabre still made for plenty of fun stories across the two seasons, but its legacy quickly faded following Addams Family Values, while the pair of animated features and Netflix’s Wednesday have only helped to keep the Saturday morning series buried.

Little Rosey

Roseanne Barr may be most notable for creating, then being fired from, her own highly successful sitcom, but lower down on her list of accomplishments is creating a Saturday morning cartoon. The largely forgotten Little Rosey loosely adapted the comedienne’s childhood, though Barr didn’t voice the character during the lone season’s 13 episodes. She later joined then-hubby Tom Arnold in voicing the 1992 special The Rosey and Buddy Show, which was mostly unrelated and aired as a TGIF pilot. 

Rude Dog And The Dweebs

Only TV viewers of a certain age will remember the popularity of Rude Dog as an advertising mascot, which was large enough for CBS and Marvel Productions (yes, that Marvel) to obediently create an animated spinoff about Rude Dog and his multi-hued pals. It didn’t last longer than a single season, but boasted all-stars like Rob Paulsen (Animaniacs), Dave Coulier (Full House), Peter Cullen (Transformers), and Jim Cummings (Winnie the Pooh). 

Teen Wolf

Before Michael J. Fox’s wildly popular werewolf comedy Teen Wolf released its 1987 sequel, Scott Howard and his family faced more supernatural shenanigans in animated form for CBS’ same-named Saturday morning cartoon. It lasted for two seasons, airing right up until Teen Wolf Too’s release. But without Fox in the main role, this series is overshadowed by everything in both eras of the furry franchise. 

The Complete Mental Misadventures Of Ed Grimley

Martin Short’s impossible-to-contain Ed Grimley is one of few characters to jump from SCTV to Saturday Night Live, and was so popular that Short landed his own Saturday morning vehicle in the form of The Complete Mental Misadventures of Ed Grimley. Airing for a single season in 1988, the show centered on Ed in a plethora of heightened storylines, with fellow sketch vets Catherine O’Hara and Joe Flaherty co-starring. 

Rubik, The Amazing Cube

It was never a rule that toys inspiring Saturday morning cartoons had to be humans or animals, but the ever-popular Rubik’s Cube remains an inspirational oddity as the source material for ABC’s 1983 effort Rubik, The Amazing Cube. It starred Welcome Back, Kotter’s Horshack actor Ron Palillo voicing the magically powered Rubik’s Cube, who befriends some kids while evading an evil magician. Whether the show helped or hurt toy sales is anyone’s guess.

The Barkleys

The classic sitcom All in the Family’s influence was large and immediate enough that just 18 months after its premiere on CBS, NBC unleashed The Barkleys, an animated comedy about a family of anthropomorphic dogs. Despite being co-created by Looney Tunes legend Friz Freling, Arnie Barkley’s fam just hasn’t stuck around in audiences’ minds the way Archie Bunker's has. 

Super Dave: Daredevil For Hire

Years before the late Bob Einstein’s winning runs on Curb Your Enthusiasm and Arrested Development, he awkwardly struck comedy gold as the disaster-prone daredevil/stuntman Super Dave Osborne, gaining popularity via the sketch series Bizarre and late-night talk show appearances. Einstein eventually fronted his own Saturday morning cartoon show alongside his live-action co-star Art Irizawa as assistant Fuji Hakayito, which only lasted for a single season of 13 episodes, but was a great take on the character nonetheless. 

Milton The Monster

The ‘50s and ‘60s were quite the heyday for creature-mashing crossovers, and ABC’s Milton the Monster remains an underrated entry. The toon centers on a twangy behemoth reminiscent of Universal’s Frankenstein monster, and features other oddities such as a superhero fly, a skull-faced ghoul, a cyclops, a robot, witches, zombies and more. But while Milton’s face may still be familiar enough, the show itself is less so.

Partridge Family 2200 A.D.

The Jetsons’ retrofuturism influence was key to the rather baffling Saturday-set spinoff Partridge Family 2200 A.D., which jettisoned the O.G. sitcom’s musical clan into the year 2200, with several of the sitcom’s child stars returning to voice their characters. Perhaps it’s understandable why no one talks about this show anymore. 

Nightmare Ned

The extremely rare Disney project that essentially stopped existing after it first aired, Nightmare Ned hit ABC’s Saturday morning lineup in April 1997, months ahead of a simultaneously produced PC game. The show’s titular nightmare sequences were lauded for being among Disney's more oddball and macabre Disney animations, even if the show itself fell apart due to creative differences behind the scenes. And it’s somehow never been available for home release.

Laff-A-Lympics

A more well-stocked expansion of Wacky Races, Laff-A-Lympics is essentially Battle of the Network Stars + The Amazing Race, with a smorgasbord of Hanna-Barbera’s most popular toons competing. The meta-ness of the crossover concept remains relatively unique to this day, and I’m honestly surprised that this all-star approach that is so common to live-action reality TV hasn’t been used more for comedic effect via animation, especially after Total Drama’s overall success. 

M.A.S.K.

While G.I. Joe, Transformers, and Masters of the Universe are the most-cited toy lines that sparked beloved animated series, there’s the less-remembered (though still quite popular, relatively speaking) M.A.S.K., short for “Mobile Armored Strike Kommand.” Studios banked hard on the vehicular action series, with a 65-episode first season, followed by a highly altered second season of only ten episodes. The characters were set to be part of Hasbro’s cinematic universe, but they later fell out of contention.

Monchhichis

Many times when animated series are based on already popular toy lines, the series themselves live on in some form of infamy. The same can’t quite be said about the monkey-esque creatures populating the Americanized Monchhichis series from Hanna-Barbera, which was based on the Japanese toon and toys. The single season of Monchhichis gained some popularity through cable re-airings after its initial 1983 run on ABC, but those recognizably chubby cheeks have largely been forgotten since.

Gilligan’s Planet

For all that the shipwrecked members of Gilligan’s Island have remained a beloved piece of TV history, the same can’t quite be said for the 1982 animated spinoff Gilligan’s Planet. The series’ clever-though-ridiculous premise hinged on everyone escaping the island in a Professor-crafted spaceship, leading to them crash-landing on an island-like planet. It featured the majority of the origins cast, save for Tina Louise (Ginger on the original show), but only lasted for 13 episodes. 

The Little Clowns Of Happytown

Lasting for a single season of ABC’s Saturday morning cartoon lineup, from 1987-88, The Little Clowns of Happytown is arguably more familiar for its frightening-without-context ensemble of face-painted characters such as Big Top, Hiccup, and Badum-Bump. Perhaps the most familiar thing about this show of all, though, is that it was developed by The Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men’s Chuck Lorre.

Criminal Minds was a ratings hit for CBS during its 15-year tenure, with audiences tuning in for the grisly crimes committed by the unsubs and the interpersonal relationships of the FBI’s behavior analysts trying to track them down. Criminal Minds was canceled after 15 seasons in 2020 but brought back as Minds: Evolution (available to stream with a Paramount+ subscription) in 2022 to continue the story, with several members of the cast reprising their roles. 

The series is still going strong on streaming, too, with Season 17 set to start filming in January 2024, so while we wait for Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster), Joe Mantegna’s David Rossi and the rest of the BAUs to get back to work, here are some other shows like Criminal Minds that you might want to check out, along with information about how you can watch them. 

The Killing 

Based on a Danish crime drama, The Killing ran on AMC from 2011 to 2013, with a fourth season getting picked up by Netflix in 2014. The series follows murder investigations by homicide detectives Sarah Linden (Mireille Enos) and Stephen Holder (Joel Kinnaman).

Why The Killing Is Like Criminal Minds: Because Linden and Holder are focused on one overarching case at a time, The Killing is a slower burn than fans of the BAU group might be used to. However, the AMC series captures a similar darkness and sense of danger that penetrates the lives of the people working the case, which is something that might appeal to Criminal Minds fans.

Stream The Killing on Hulu. 

Mindhunter

Mindhunter follows FBI agents Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) and psychologist Wendy Carr (Anna Torv), who launch a project to research the minds of imprisoned serial killers through interviews, in hopes of understanding how their brains work and using that knowledge to solve other cases.

Why Mindhunter Is Like Criminal Minds: This series from David Fincher is a dramatization of how the Behavioral Analysis Unit (or Behavioral Science Unit) was actually created, with bone-chilling cases based on real events that go toe-to-toe with any of the fictional murders from Criminal Minds in terms of the monsters they’re dealing with.

Stream Mindhunter on Netflix. 

Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior And Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders 

In 2011, CBS launched a spinoff of the police drama, Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior, which follows a BAU team in San Francisco. The series stars Forest Whitaker and Janeane Garofalo, with Richard Schiff playing the FBI director, but despite its juggernaut of a cast, Suspect Behavior was canceled after one season

In 2016, a second spinoff, Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders was launched, with Gary Sinise and Alana de la Garza starring as members of the FBI’s International Response Team, which solves cases involving Americans on foreign soil. Despite being regarded as the rare spinoff that’s as good as its original, Beyond Borders lasted only two seasons on CBS.

Why Suspect Behavior And Beyond Borders Are Like Criminal Minds: The spinoffs’ change in location gives viewers a twist on the original, but anybody who needs more FBI crime-solving action can definitely find it here.

Buy Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior On Amazon Prime.
Buy Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders On Amazon Prime. 

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

The first spinoff of NBC’s Law & Order, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit focuses on the faction of the NYPD that investigates and prosecutes sexually oriented crimes, as well as child abuse, human trafficking and domestic violence. The series premiered in 1999 starring Christopher Meloni as Elliot Stabler and Mariska Hargitay as Olivia Benson, and is heading into its 25th season on NBC.

Why Law & Order: SVU Is Like Criminal Minds: These procedurals both tackle some pretty intense subject matter, with the agents in the respective series having to figure out how to live without the depravity they see at work bringing them down.

Stream Law & Order: SVU on Hulu.
Stream Law & Order: SVU on Peacock. 

Hannibal

Set before the events of Silence of the Lambs, NBC’s Hannibal features FBI profiler Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) working with forensic psychiatrist Hannibal Lector (Mads Mikkelsen) on a serial killer investigation. An interesting bond forms between the killer/cannibal and the man who solves murders by envisioning that he committed them. Hannibal premiered in 2013 and ran for three seasons. 

Why Hannibal Is Like Criminal Minds: The members of the BAU have to put themselves inside the minds of the unsubs they’re trying to catch, and no two characters on television embody that practice better than Will Graham and Hannibal Lector.

Stream Hannibal on AMC+.
Stream Hannibal on Shudder. 

Teen Wolf

Teen Wolf, a reimagining of the 1985 Michael J. Fox movie, premiered in 2011, starring Tyler Posey as Scott McCall. Scott is bitten by a werewolf, becoming one himself, and on top of balancing this complication with being a high-schooler, he also has to defend his town from other supernatural creatures. The series ran for six seasons on MTV.

Why Teen Wolf Is Like Criminal Minds: While there may not be many similarities between these shows’ plots or formats, they both come from the creative mind of Jeff Davis. Davis was inspired to do Teen Wolf because of his love for horror, and his reimagining is a drama, rather than a comedy like the films. The darker themes, violence and gore are reminiscent of Davis’ work on Criminal Minds.

Stream Teen Wolf on Hulu. 

Dexter

To his colleagues at the Miami Police Department, Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall) is a quiet but friendly blood spatter expert. What they don’t know, though, is that in his off time, Dexter tracks down murderers and enacts vigilante justice as a way of satisfying the “dark passenger” that compels him to kill. Dexter ran on Showtime from 2006 to 2013 and was brought back for the 10-episode limited series Dexter: New Blood in 2021.

Why Dexter Is Like Criminal Minds: Dexter Morgan is what happens if you combine the BAU agents with the unsubs. You get the crime-solving, the fascinating blood analysis and the grisly murders, all in one sociopathic package. 

Stream Dexter on Showtime.
Stream Dexter on Paramount+. 

Cold Case 

Cold Case, another CBS police procedural, premiered in 2003 and ran for seven seasons, as viewers followed Philadelphia homicide detective Lilly Rush (Kathryn Morris) on her work involving investigations that are no longer being pursued by the police department.

How Cold Case Is Like Criminal Minds: The format between the two CBS series are similar, often tackling one case per episode, and both feature some pretty heinous crimes. The big difference, however, is that there’s not often hope of saving anyone on Cold Case.

Stream Cold Case on Max. 

Without A Trace

On Without a Trace, which aired on CBS from 2002 to 2009, the agents in the FBI’s Missing Persons Unit — including Anthony LaPaglia’s Jack Malone and Poppy Montgomery’s Samantha Spade — attempt to track down missing people, usually under tight time constraints.

How Without A Trace Is Like Criminal MInds: The Missing Persons Unit is another faction of the FBI, but whereas the BAU is searching for the criminals, the characters on Without a Trace are trying to track down the victims. Basically these shows are two sides of the same coin.

Buy Without a Trace on Amazon Prime. 

NCIS

NCIS is headed into its 21st season on CBS, having debuted in 2003. Mark Harmon starred as Leroy Jethro Gibbs until he exited the series in 2022. NCIS focuses on the primary law-enforcement agency of the U.S. Navy, with its team investigating criminal activity involving that branch of the military as well as the Marine Corps. 

How NCIS Is Like Criminal Minds: For those who like the crime-solving aspect and procedural format of Criminal Minds without all the gritty content, NCIS might be just what you’re looking for. It still has an element of mystery, characters to root for and comedic moments, but doesn’t delve as much into killers’ psyches.

Stream NCIS on Paramount+.
Stream NCIS on Netflix. 

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

Debuting back in 2000 and airing for 15 seasons on CBS, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation follows the Las Vegas Police Department’s team as they use physical evidence to solve murders. This flagship series has spawned multiple spinoffs. 

Why CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Is Like Criminal Minds: When it comes to crime procedurals, few TV series are as iconic as CSI. This show has the intriguing mysteries, the suspense and the longevity that people love about Criminal Minds. 

Stream CSI: Crime Scene Investigation on Hulu.
Stream CSI: Crime Scene Investigation on Paramount+. 

Scorpion

Running for four seasons on CBS from 2014 to 2018, Scorpion stars Elyes Gabel as Walter O'Brien, whose colleagues are the last line of defense against technological threats around the world. The team works with the Department of Homeland Security, so while they might not be getting hands-on with the grisly murders, it’s fascinating in a different way to see how they neutralize the global threats. 

Why Scorpion Is Like Criminal Minds: Anyone who was a fan of Matthew Gray Gubler’s Spencer Reid on Criminal Minds should enjoy Scorpion’s group of socially awkward geniuses.

Stream Scorpion on Paramount+. 

There are plenty of crime procedurals out there if you need a change of pace from Criminal Minds, and hopefully this list helps you focus in on what to watch based on what you like about the longtime series. When you’re ready to dip back into Criminal Minds, however, all 16 seasons are available on Paramount+, while the first 15 seasons can also be streamed with a Hulu subscription. 

Regarding movie and TV characters that have withstood the test of time, I can think of no better characters than the sarcastic ones. These people we remember the most years later for their hilarious jokes, awesome one-liners, and deliveries that just can't be beaten. Today, we'll review the most sarcastic TV characters and the ones from movies. 

Chandler Bing (Friends)

Out of the entirety of the Friends cast, I don't think there's been another character that stands out just as much as Chandler Bing. From his first moments on the series to his last, Chandler was hands down the most sarcastic of the leading group, and some of his lines have lived on for years long after the series ended. Friends was undoubtedly one of Matthew Perry's best TV shows.

Deadpool (The Deadpool Franchise)

Deadpool from the Deadpool franchise in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is sarcastic by nature. No matter what fight he's dealing with, there's always a joke that comes flying out not that long after, whether it be a lighter joke or a very much Rated-R quip, Ryan Reynolds' character always has a quick remark.

Roman Roy (Succession)

The Succession cast is always serious about what is happening in the show – as they should be. It's a lot of money they are dealing with. 

But Roman Roy? He is the most unserious character ever and will break any tension with a sarcastic quip that will undoubtedly sit in viewers' minds for hours long after the TV show ends. Kieran Culkin was a beast at his delivery. 

Tony Stark (The MCU)

Out of the original Avengers, Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr. in one of his best roles) is hands down the most sarcastic. I'm pretty sure half the time, it was just Downey Jr. acting like himself on screen because he's Tony Stark in real life. I'll never get over how he called one of Thanos' henchmen, Squidward, literally. 

Sherlock Holmes (Elementary & Sherlock) 

It's hard to pick just one Sherlock – so why not both? Benedict Cumberbatch from Sherlock and Jonny Lee Miller from Elementary both perfectly capture what it's like to play Sherlock Holmes – as well as his sassy and sarcastic nature when solving the case. They are some of the best portrayals of Sherlock out there – I'll give Robert Downey Jr. an honorable mention, too, for his role as Sherlock in the Sherlock movies.

Max Black (2 Broke Girls)

Kat Dennings has probably some of the best one-liners in all of 2 Broke Girls as Max Black. Coming from a broken home, the character came swinging right out the gate with hilarious one-liners and wits that made me laugh for hours on end – even if deep down, we all know she uses sarcasm as her emotional shield.  

Comic Book Guy (The Simpsons)

Few characters on this list have been around for decades, but Comic Book Guy from The Simpsons was primed for that. Appearing in the second season of The Simpsons, the character has remained a mainstay in the series for his sarcastic nature and love of all things comic books, making snide comments to anyone who challenges his mastery of the medium.

Juno (Juno)

Juno from Juno is probably the most relatable teenage character in movies (besides, maybe, the whole teen pregnancy part). She's witty and sarcastic and uses it in situations where you probably shouldn't use humor, but it's what brings you comfort. Admittedly, Juno was my favorite movie character for a long time. 

Gregory House (House)

There are many medical dramas like Grey's Anatomy, New Amsterdam, and so many others, but nothing can beat House and its namesake doctor, Gregory House. A man who is incredibly smart but has a drug problem, he uses sarcasm in his everyday job, which not only makes him hilarious but also causes him to run into some interesting patient situations. 

Hades (Hercules)

I will stand by the fact that Hades is hands down the best Disney villain overall. Not only is he so sarcastic and makes jokes about death and Greek mythology all the time, but he's able to use that hilarity and turn it sinister, turning into a pretty scary villain when he needs to be. But you can't hate him because he's just so funny. 

Roger Sterling (Mad Men)

When I first watched Mad Men and attempted to find someone I liked from the cast, the first person that came to mind was Roger Sterling. Portrayed by John Slattery, Sterling had some of the best storylines on the series – and brought that sarcasm despite all his heavy problems. 

Tyrion (Game Of Thrones)

There are some great Tyrion quotes out there that I could reference for hours about how sarcastic this man is, but they wouldn't do it justice. Honestly, rewatch Game of Thrones for Tyrion's sarcastic nature – I assure you, you will laugh just as much the first time you watched this series thanks to Peter Dinklage's excellent performance. 

Seinfeld (Seinfeld)

I mean, come on. Of course, we must put Jerry Seinfeld from Seinfeld on this list. The man was born to be a sarcastic comedian, and in every episode of this series, something will come out of his mouth to make you laugh. 

Miranda Bailey (Grey's Anatomy)

The Grey's Anatomy cast has ebbed and flowed so often throughout its long run that it's sometimes hard to remember everyone there. But Miranda Bailey, played by Chandra Wilson, has been in the show for years, and honestly, she's one of the few that I see the reason why. Not only is she hilarious in her sarcastic nature, but her facial expressions are to die for. 

Lucifer (Lucifer)

When you're the ruler of Hell, you tend to have a sense of humor from all the darkness going around, and of course, Lucifer from Lucifer is very much like that. And he has a sense of humor that is unlike anyone else. I'm pretty sure Lucifer can charm anyone with his sarcastic nature and pretty smile – and yes, he would most likely delight me, too, with his sarcasm.

Alex Russo (Wizards Of Waverly Place)

As someone who grew up watching Wizards of Waverly Place, Alex Russo is why I am the person I am today. Funny, quippy, and sarcastic, this girl always knew how to make anyone laugh, regardless of the situation. And it's certainly a show to watch if you love Selena Gomez, as she plays Russo. 

Fallon Carrington (Dynasty)

If you want a character that genuinely lives for drama, then Fallon Carrington (played by Elizabeth Gillies) from Dynasty is the one for you. She grew up with money and power, but because everyone was always fighting each other within her family, she learned how to stand up for herself quickly – which manifested into some of the most sarcastic moments of the show. 

Stiles (Teen Wolf)

I'm 99% sure Stiles from the Teen Wolf cast can use his sarcasm as a weapon. Before he was affected by any supernatural forces, he was genuinely just a funny kid who used sarcasm in every way possible, and yes, I am still missing Dylan O'Brien in this role, because he was just the best. 

David (Schitt's Creek)

In modern-day television, no one is as sarcastic as David from the Schitt's Creek cast. Played by Dan Levy, this character had so many moments of sass that they are printed on t-shirts all over the place now. I still laugh just as hard when he says, "You look like the downfall of society," years later. 

Charlie (Two And A Half Men)

Fun fact – I binge-watched Two And A Half-Men for the first time in 2023, and yes, I am now aware of how funny Charlie Sheen was in this show as Charlie. He is probably the most sarcastic TV character I've ever gotten the chance to watch – and no matter how many times I view the episodes, I still laugh just as hard. 

Seth (Superbad)

The Superbad elevated many people among its cast up to fame, and one of those just happened to be Jonah Hill, who played Seth in the film. From there, we see how hilarious and sarcastic Hill could be when he played Seth and somehow made me laugh despite his strange nature – and his weird obsessions. 

April Ludgate (Parks And Recreation)

Aubrey Plaza's best TV shows certainly includes her role in the Parks and Recreation cast, where she played April Ludgate. Her deadpan-style comedy and the way she responded to any joke is what made her such a great addition to this cast, and in any rewatch, she's always the standout star. 

Sheldon Cooper (The Big Bang Theory)

Arguably, you could place anyone from the Big Bang Theory cast on this list, but Sheldon stands out. He's sarcastic, intelligent, and pretty much the face of the franchise – I mean, he got his series afterward, so it's not surprising he's on this list. 

Betty Rizzo (Grease)

Betty Rizzo is an exciting pick on this list because while she is undoubtedly sarcastic and a mean girl, we all know she's going through some serious personal stuff. Regardless, she channels her emotions into her sarcasm and truly comes up with some funny one-liners that have lived on – and of course, we can't forget the sarcasm queen's song, "Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee."

Miranda (Sex & The City)

Miranda Hobbes from the Sex and the City cast was the sarcastic and funny friend I'm sure we all want in our thirties. Portrayed by Cynthia Nixon, Miranda is a career-minded woman who has probably one of the most cynical takes on relationships and men in general, and she makes it known plenty through her sarcastic quips.  

Daria (Daria)

Daria's sarcasm from the show Daria is what made her famous. The adult animated sitcom -- a spinoff from Beavis and Butt-Head -- was released in the late 1990s and featured the story of Daria, a cynical high school student who was hilarious in every way. Let's be honest; we all wanted to be her. 

Sterling Archer (Archer)

Archer is all about Sterling Archer – who makes this animated series so much more fun with his sarcasm. As a secret agent who is as narcissistic as he is sarcastic, he makes this show as hilarious as some of the best TV shows.

Loki (The MCU)

I must include the supervillain (or hero, depending on how you look at him), Loki. From his first appearance in the MCU to his TV show on Disney+, Tom Hiddleston has made Loki one of the most sarcastic supervillains in the MCU. It's no wonder he keeps coming back again and again. 

Miranda Priestly (The Devil Wears Prada)

"Florals? In the spring? How original." You can't get better than Miranda Priestly. Meryl Streep portrayed the character in The Devil Wears Prada cast, and this character used her sarcasm as a weapon to anyone who dared go against what she wanted. Truly, no one did it as well as Priestly. 

Severus Snape (The Harry Potter Franchise)

While Severus Snape was a man of few words in most of his appearances in the Harry Potter franchise, he was full of sass and sarcasm. Played by Alan Rickman, Severus Snape was a powerful wizard, and in some of his best moments, he used his sass and sarcasm against everyone, especially his students. 

Saul (Better Call Saul)

I mean, it's Saul Goodman. He's the king of sarcasm. There's a reason why Bob Odenkirk received an entire spinoff dedicated to the character after starring in Breaking Bad – he's an okay-ish lawyer with no shortage of sarcasm to offer. He can somehow always get someone out of trouble.

Sokka (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

What do you do when all your friends and family have bending abilities but you don't? You use sarcasm as a weapon, of course, and that's what Sokka did in Avatar: The Last Airbender. Hands down, Sokka was the funniest of the leading group of characters in the popular Nickelodeon show.

Richard Hayden (Tommy Boy)

David Spade is another iconic actor known for his sarcastic characters, and one of his best is Richard Hayden from Tommy Boy. His scenes with Chris Farley made him all the funnier and stands out as one of his best movies. 

Billy (Billy Madison)

Adam Sandler is known for being sarcastic in many of his movie roles, and one of his most iconic was Billy in Billy Madison. A spoiled man, Billy was hilarious in every way and used his sarcasm and dimwitted nature to get whatever he wanted – which, later on, hilariously backfires. 

There are plenty of great sarcastic characters out there to love and enjoy, but these guys certainly stand out as some of the best. Now if you don't mind me, I'm going to look up a compilation of Chandler Bing's funniest moments and laugh my butt off again and again. 

From a down-and-out boxer in Philadelphia to an undersized high school basketball team in rural Indiana, great underdog stories in sports movies can be found in many places. It’s not just boxing and basketball; every sport has inspired amazing stories of the little guy overcoming adversity and winning it all. Here’s our list of the 22 best underdog stories in sports films. 

Rocky Wins The Cold War - Rocky IV

Rocky Balboa is the ultimate underdog and while my first inclination was to just put the original Rocky on this list, it’s missing one thing – a victory. He was just as big an underdog in that ultimate Cold War film: Rocky IV. After the robotic Soviet, Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren), literally kills Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) in the ring, it’s up to Sylvester Stallone’s character to save the world from communism, and he almost died in the process. Let freedom ring. 

USA Wins The Hockey Gold Medal - Miracle

The USA hockey team defeating the Soviets at the 1980 Winter Olympics might rank as the biggest upset in sports history, and unlike Rocky’s victory, this one happened in real life. The movie about it, Miracle, starring Kurt Russell as legendary coach Herb Brooks, inspires all the same dramatic emotions as the game did and gets us all to believe in miracles. 

Daniel LaRusso Wins The Title - The Karate Kid

With a little help from Mr. Miagi (Pat Morita), Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) wins the Under 18 All-Valley Karate Championship tournament against all odds (and with an injured leg), defeating one of cinema’s most infamous bullies, Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka). It was such a big win, an entire franchise was launched, and almost 40 years later, we still can’t get enough of it.  

Kit Beats Dottie - A League Of Their Own

A sibling rivalry reaches a boil in A League Of Their Own after Kit (Lori Petty) is traded to a different team than her sister, Dottie (Geena Davis), in the All-American Girls Baseball League. It sets up the climactic scene of the movie, where the sisters play against each other in the World Series. It looks like Dottie is going to get the best of Kit again when she drives in a run to take the lead in Game 7. Kit gets a chance to bat in the 9th and scorches a ball to the outfield. As she rounds third, the ball comes into Dottie at the plate and Kit levels her, knocking the ball out of her hand and winning the series for the Belles

Jess Succeeds Against All Odds - Bend It Like Beckham

In Bend It Like Beckham, Jess (Parminder Nagra) faces a hostile family unhappy with her choice to play soccer, which they see as something a girl shouldn’t do. Eventually, as angry as her father is, he sneaks in to watch her play and is devastated by the racial slurs she endures and realizes what it all means to her. After winning the final match of the season, Jess gets a scholarship to college in the U.S. and more importantly, respect from her family. 

Rudy Makes The Team - Rudy

Rudy is one of the most iconic underdog movies of all time. Based on the true story of Rudy Ruettiger (Sean Astin), it follows the longshot walk-on at Notre Dame’s quest to make one of the most prestigious college football teams in the country. There is some dispute over how it all went down in real life, as ND quarterback Joe Montana explained to Dan Patrick, but on film, it's one of the best sports movies we've ever seen, with the unlikely underdog defying all odds to succeed. 

Roy Hobbs’ Home Runs Wins The Game - The Natural

A thrilling sports movie is The Natural, starring Robert Redford as Roy Hobbs, a baseball slugger who never really got the opportunity to become an all-time great after he is shot by a stalker (Barbara Hershey). Many years later, the forgotten Hobbs gets signed to the struggling New York Knights. In one of the most iconic scenes in movie history, Hobbs comes to bat in the bottom of the ninth and hits a home run that shatters the lights, wins the game, and clinches the pennant. 

High School Wimp Makes The Football Team - Lucas

The titular Lucas, played by the late Corey Haim, is a high school “loser” who is constantly tormented by bullies on the football team. Even worse for him is that he’s got a crush on Maggie, a new girl in town who befriends him, but later draws his ire as she falls in with the popular crowd. In a desperate attempt to woo her, Lucas joins the football team. He's bullied by his so-called teammates until, finally, he’s hit so hard in his first game that he winds up in the hospital. It earns the respect of his teammates and he receives a varsity letter. 

Misfits Win The Dodgeball Title - Dodgeball

In the mid-'00s, dodgeball was kind of like pickleball is today. You can thank the comedy, Dodgeball, starring Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn. Sure, the plot is a little cliché, pitting the unathletic “Average Joes” against the Globo Gym jocks, but the jokes make up for it. In the climactic finale, Vaughn's character takes the bold strategy of blindfolding himself while going against Stiller’s character in a sudden death face-off for the championship. Vaughn dodges one ball and plants another in Stiller’s face. The Joes win and the prize money saves the gym. 

The Ducks Beat The Hawks - The Mighty Ducks

The Mighty Ducks is the ultimate underdog story. It’s The Bad News Bears of hockey with one major difference, the Ducks win the end. The plot sees an underfunded team of misfits coached by the head misfit (Emilio Estevez), triumph over the too-well-funded powerhouse in a kids hockey league. In the championship, the Ducks win on a penalty shot, but the important thing is the lessons we all learn along the way. 

Big Mike Oher Succeeds - The Blind Side

Based on the true story of Mike Oher (Quinton Aaron), who went on to play for the Baltimore Ravens, The Blind Side follows Oher’s journey from high school to college while guided by his adoptive mother (Sandra Bullock). He had an incredibly tough childhood and it takes the effort of a village, led by Bullock's character, to get his grades and confidence up, and see him through to college. 

Hickory High Wins State - Hoosiers

You knew we couldn’t get through this list without Hoosiers. Another movie based loosely on a true story, it's become the ultimate tale of the underdog winning it all and maybe the best basketball movie of all time. Led by coach Norman Dale (Gene Hackman), the undersized Hickory High School beats South Bend on a buzzer-beater to win the title. 

Richard Williams Raises Champions - King Richard

King Richard vividly shows how difficult it was for a family from Compton to become the GOATS in a sport usually reserved for country clubs and the elite. Will Smith, who plays the Williams sisters’ father, Richard, was so great in the role he won an Oscar, and his performance is one for ages. 

The Titans Go Undefeated - Remember The Titans

Remember The Titans, starring Denzel Washington as real-life high school football coach Herman Boone, tells the story of Boone’s task to integrate the football team at T. C. Williams High School in Alexandria, VA. He's chosen over the popular white coach, which makes things that much harder in a culture resisting integration. In the end, Boone wins over the school and the town. The Titans win it all, and, in the words of President Richard Nixon at the time, “saved the city of Alexandria.”

Jackie Robinson Integrates Baseball - 42

Speaking of integration, there is no bigger story in sports than Jackie Robinson becoming the first Black player in the Major Leagues in 1947. 42 tells the inspiring story of both Robinson (the late Chadwick Boseman), and Brooklyn Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford) doing what was thought to be impossible: integrating the national pastime. Despite the horrible reception Robinson received from fans and even teammates, he diligently goes about his business and proves his worth as a player and as a man, becoming an American hero in the process. 

Ford Beats Powerhouse Ferrari - Ford V Ferrari

Is it possible for one of the largest companies in the world to really be an underdog? Well, when you are going against the great Ferrari, you’re almost guaranteed that position. Such is the case for the Ford racing team, led by Matt Damon as the legendary car designer Carroll Shelby, and Christian Bale as driver Ken Miles. Together, they take on the most prestigious and successful racing team of all time, Ferrari, at the iconic La Mans endurance race and win. 

South Africa Wins The Rugby World Cup - Invictus

For years, South Africa was a pariah in the international community due to the racist policy of apartheid. Shunned from all sporting events for decades, it emerged from the apartheid system in the early 1990s with the election of Nelson Mandela as president. Only two men, according to the film, believed in South Africa at the 1995 Rugby World Cup, Mandela (Morgan Freeman), and team captain Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon). The Springboks, inspired by an adoring nation, take the title, by defeating the intimidating All-Blacks, New Zealand’s legendary national team.  

The Chiefs Win The Championship - Slap Shot

Slap Shot is the anti-hero of underdog movies and has become the ultimate hockey cult classic. Paul Newman plays Reggie Dunlap, who decides to go a different direction with the minor league hockey team he plays for and coaches. Years of unsuccessful seasons convince him to get violent. Very violent. And it works, eventually turning around the team to win the championship.

The Indians Win The Division - Major League

The Indians in Major League are kind of anti-hero underdogs, too. This team of inexperienced/aging misfits was put together by a ruthless owner hell-bent on moving them to Miami from Cleveland, and they suck in the beginning. Soon, though, they reel off win after win as they find their stride. When star player Jake Taylor (Tom Berenger) fakes out the Yankees by bunting after "calling his shot" the team wins the last game of the season and goes on to the playoffs. 

Scott Howard Wins The Game As Himself - Teen Wolf

It's the classic tale of a boy who becomes a wolf, making him the best athlete and coolest guy in school. Eventually, that boy becomes disillusioned by being half man/half beast, and in the end, wins the big game as himself. It's become one of the truly classic '80s teen comedies – and a franchise that has been somewhat controversial lately. Michael J. Fox plays the high school kid-turned-wolfman. As the wolf, he leads his team to the championship, before deciding he needs to win it as himself. He does, and also gets the girl, because that's the way all werewolf stories should end, right? Poor Jacob. 

We never get tired of the underdog. At any given sporting event in the world, if a spectator doesn't have a favorite, they will inevitably root for the underdog. It's because of wonderful stories like these that we all have it in our hearts to see the little guy win in the end. 

NBA fans continue to debate LeBron James' place among basketball legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, but one thing is clear: the man knows a thing or two about the sport. The NBA superstar is spending his offseason downtime catching up with one of Michael J. Fox’s greatest movies, the 1985 cult classic Teen Wolf, and he has some blunt thoughts about the scene on the court at the end of the flick. Honestly, it’s pretty hilarious. 

One of my favorite werewolf movies, Teen Wolf revolves around a teenager tackling school, social and athletic challenges. Although it has moments of campiness, it is a fun movie that doesn’t aim to portray the sport onscreen accurately. The former “Ohio Mr. Basketball” took to Twitter saying that the film's final game scene is one of the funniest he's ever seen. You can check out his comical post for yourself below:

Ouch! That's quite a criticism, especially considering the fact that he himself played basketball against CGI characters in Space Jam: A New Legacy.

James is referring to the scene in the iconic '80s film's climax, where Michael J. Fox's character, Scott, secures victory for his team by making two free throws. Interestingly, his rival from the opposing team, Mick, stands beneath the hoop, glaring at him. In reality, game rules prohibit players from positioning themselves under the basket during an opponent's free throw attempts.

Not everyone agreed with the 4-time NBA champion. Twitter user @redapples reminded the b-ball giant that there are far worse on screen depictions, like 2004's Catwoman, for example.  

Podcast host Tahir Johnson stood in complete opposition to the LA Lakers player. He commented with a hilarious hair-covered meme, which you can check out below:

Another user commented that this was a question they’d been pondering for some time. They wrote: 

Sure, Teen Wolf’s scenes revolving around hoops might have taken some dramatic liberties. However, still, for my money, the worst basketball scene in cinema is depicted in of my least favorite horror movies from one of my favorite franchises, Alien: Resurrection. There's nothing like seeing one of the greatest female action heroes being resurrected 200 years after her death to engage in some truly cringe-worthy one-on-none. 

Despite LeBron James' criticisms, Teen Wolf remains a quintessential '80s movie, though it may not have reached the same level of popularity as Fox's other '80s hit, Back to the Future. Interestingly, the campy werewolf flick was filmed before Marty McFly's time-traveling adventure, but released later to capitalize on Michael J. Fox's fame, which proved successful. However, it's well-known that the Family Ties alum was not skilled on the court, leading filmmakers to employ creative tactics. While this may explain some unrealistic depictions, it doesn't justify the movies baddy standing under the goal.

You, like LeBron James, can catch up with Teen Wolf and all its lousy b-ball scenes by streaming it with a Max subscription. Also, make sure to check out our 2023 movie release schedule to see what is coming to a theater near you. 

Two incredibly popular TV sub-genres are supernatural shows and teen dramas. What do you get when you combine both together? Supernatural teen dramas, that’s what.

Today, we’re going to tell you about the ten best supernatural teen dramas, from The Vampire Diaries, to witch shows, to so much more. Here are some of the best.

The Vampire Diaries (2009 - 2017)

Starring: Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder

What It’s About: Elena Gilbert was a normal teenage girl before she lost her parents. While trying to deal with the pain of losing them, she ends up meeting Stefan Salvatore, whom she starts to grow close to and fall in love with, but what she doesn’t know is that he’s a vampire who is over 100 years old. When his brother ends up coming back to town, he throws more drama into her life by eventually starting to fall for her, too.

Why It’s One Of The Best Supernatural Teen Dramas: When we think of supernatural teen dramas, this is one that many people tend to think of first. It was huge during its run, and came out at the perfect time at the height of vampire love.

• Stream The Vampire Diaries on Max.

Wednesday (2022 – Present)

Starring: Jenna Ortega, Emma Myers, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzman, Steve Buscemi

What It’s About: Wednesday takes place in the world of The Addams Family, and shows Wednesday as she is sent off to Nevermore Academy. When she arrives, she finds herself in the middle of a mystery involving several deaths around the area, and also has to debunk the idea that her father was a murderer years ago.

Why It’s One Of The Best Supernatural Teen Dramas: I binged the whole entire thing like every other person on the planet when it came out. It’s not the most crazy teen drama out there, as the Wednesday cast adds plenty of humor to go along with the supernatural stories, but there’s a lot to like about this show. There’s even a Wednesday Season 2 confirmed.

• Stream Wednesday on Netflix.

Locke & Key (2020 – 2022)

Starring: Darby Stanchfield, Connor Jessup, Emilia Jones, Jackson Robert Scott

What It’s About: When a family moves into an old home, the children discover various keys that unlock magical doors, only to find out that there are other entities who want these keys too, and they must stop it.

Why It’s One Of The Best Supernatural Teen Dramas: Based on the comics of the same name, Locke & Key is a great show to binge on a weekend. There’s plenty of supernatural goodness here that will keep you satisfied and it’s a great original idea that hasn’t really been done before. Plus, the three main children are fun to follow.

• Stream Locke & Key on Netflix.

Lockwood & Co. (2023)

Starring: Ruby Stokes, Cameron Chapman, Ali Hadjo-Heshmati

What It’s About: In a world where touch-deadly ghosts haunt the streets, only children can see them, so they are organized into “ghost-hunting agencies” in order to get rid of said -ghosts. One girl joins a small one with two boys.

Why It’s One Of The Best Supernatural Teen Dramas: I will never forgive Netflix for cancelling this show after one season because it has all the elements of a great teen supernatural drama. There’s mystery, tension, and plenty of spookiness to go around. Check it out if you haven’t.

• Stream Lockwood & Co on Netflix.

Stranger Things (2016 – Present)

Starring: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, etc.

What It’s About: Taking place in the 1980s, Stranger Things is the Netflix phenomenon that follows several characters, including a powerful girl with telekinetic powers, as they attempt to deal with all of the wild supernatural happenings in their small town.

Why It’s One Of The Best Supernatural Teen Dramas: What could I say about Stranger Things that hasn’t already been said? It’s an amazing show with an even better cast, and the story has only gotten more intense as the seasons have gone on. With four seasons to watch and a fifth and final on the way, seriously, check this supernatural/sci-fi show out.

• Stream Stranger Things on Netflix.

The Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina (2018 – 2021)

Starring: Kiernan Shipka, Ross Lynch, Lucy Davis, Miranda Otto, Jaz Sinclair, Tati Gabrielle

What It’s About: Based on the Archie comics of the same name, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina follows Sabrina, a teenage witch who has to come to terms with leaving her mortal life behind, but there are evil forces out there that threaten not only the lives of her family, but her friends.

Why It’s One Of The Best Supernatural Teen Dramas: I’m a huge fan of really anything close to fantasy or witch-y stuff and this show had some horror and insane supernatural elements. While it’s a shame there were only two seasons, it’s still one of my favorite shows. The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina cast is talented as heck.

• Stream The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina on Netflix.

Supernatural (2005 – 2020)

Starring: Jared Padalecki, Jenson Ackles, Misha Collins

What It’s About: Two brothers travel across the country to take down ghosts, demons, and other supernatural entities.

Why It’s One Of The Best Supernatural Teen Dramas: Okay, so technically this show doesn’t feature teenagers like many of the others on this list but it did start out when one of the brothers was in college. And let’s be honest – it was mainly teenagers and college students watching this show. It has two funny leading men, a ton of spooky creatures, and plenty of drama for fifteen seasons to go around.

• Stream Supernatural on Netflix.

Nancy Drew (2019 – 2023)

Starring: Kennedy McMaan, Leah Lewis, Tunji Jasim, Maddison Jaizani

What It’s About: Based on the novels of the same name, Nancy Drew follows a teenage sleuth as she investigates local mysteries.

Why It’s One Of The Best Supernatural Teen Dramas: While Nancy Drew definitely leans more towards mystery than supernatural, there’s still plenty of great elements that make this a great supernatural teen drama. And like many others on this list, it gets spookier as it goes on.

• Stream Nancy Drew on Max.

Teen Wolf (2011 - 2017)

Starring: Tyler Posey, Crystal Reed, Dylan O’Brien, Tyler Hoechlin, Holland Roden

What It’s About: Teen Wolf follows the story of Scott McCall, a high schooler who is attacked by a werewolf one night and now needs to learn how to adapt to a life where he is half-human, half-werewolf. But, as he enters into the world of the supernatural, he finds out that his hometown is in danger, and he must help to protect it.

Why It’s One Of The Best Supernatural Teen Dramas: The story is filled to the brim with all kinds of supernatural creatures, and has some pretty creepy werewolves – but overall it’s a fun time, just don’t watch the 2023 movie. Stick with the series.

• Stream Teen Wolf on Hulu.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997 – 2003)

Starring: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Charisma Carpenter

What It’s About: Buffy The Vampire Slayer follows the story of Buffy, a young woman who is the latest in a line of vampire killers, known as “Slayers,” and with the help of allies and her high school friends, she must learn to become the best Slayer when dark forces threaten the lives of the ones she cares about the most.

Why It’s One Of The Best Supernatural Teen Dramas: Buffy was a huge show when it came out, and was beloved through its seven seasons. It also had a spinoff series, called Angel, which also lasted several seasons. Vampires are always a win and this show was the best one out there if you loved them.

• Stream Buffy the Vampire Slayer on Hulu.

There are so many supernatural teen dramas to watch, but these are just some of the best that I’ve gotten the chance to see and really enjoy. Get your magic orbs and vampire stakes ready because you’re about to dive into the supernatural.

MAJOR SPOILERS are ahead for Teen Wolf: The Movie, now streaming with a Paramount+ subscription. 

Teen Wolf had an incredible six-year run that concluded back in 2017 after a good round 100 episodes, so when the movie was announced without key members of the original Teen Wolf cast, fans were concerned about what they were in for. Now that Teen Wolf: The Movie is out, all the reactions are flooding in, and longtime fans of the series are particularly unhappy with the new release. 

Going into the movie, a lot of Teen Wolf fans didn’t have high expectations (including myself). News of Dylan O’Brien not being part of the project was particularly concerning, especially since he was arguably the best character of the TV show. Stiles and Tyler Posey’s Scott were always an emotional core of the series that didn’t get any screen time in the movie. As one fan shared on Twitter: 

O’Brien was asked to be part of the movie, but opted to pass on it because he “decided it was left in a really good place for me and I still want to leave it there.” Due to his decision, the beloved storyline between Stiles and Holland Roden’s characters was handled in an awkward way, with Lydia sharing in the movie that they broke up because she saw visions of him dying in a car accident and she wanted to protect him.  

O’Brien isn’t the only actor from Teen Wolf to miss out on the movie either. Arden Cho also passed on the movie due to pay disputes. But even many of the characters who did return were not given great arcs to move their plotlines forward. 

It really is a sad and frustrating chapter to Teen Wolf when the biggest fans of the series are not happy with the rare reunion movie six years after the finale. The movie was even written by Teen Wolf’s original creator, Jeff Davis. Here’s another hot-button topic fans are sounding off about: 

The movie ends with the death of Tyler Hoechlin’s Derek Hale, who has a teen son these days. It’s another upsetting move in Teen Wolf: The Movie, but one that Tyler Posey told CinemaBlend he thought was “necessary” to the development of the story. At least the movie does revive Crystal Reed’s Allison Argent after her death in the series and rekindle Scott and Allison’s romance, but I can’t say it was as powerful as it was trying to be. One fan posted this PSA to Teen Wolf fans who’ve yet to see the movie:

Yikes! That’s certainly not the kind of reactions one would want to see for Teen Wolf: The Movie, but fans are slamming the movie left and right. It’s an unfortunate development for the successful series, but hey, there’s always the original series to go back to! 

Major SPOILERS are ahead for the ending of Teen Wolf: The Movie, now streaming with a Paramount+ subscription. 

I should have prepared myself for this, but I was absolutely shocked when the big death happened on Teen Wolf: The Movie. I guess I should have known the franchise would raise the stakes for its big return since the 2017 finale, but killing off Tyler Hoechlin’s Derek Hale? What!?! After seeing the jaw-dropping ending to the film, CinemaBlend caught up with Tyler Posey about his thoughts on the big moment. 

Tyler Posey's Scott McCall and Tyler Hoechlin’s Derek Hale began and now end this werewolf journey together after over a decade as brothers in real life (figuratively) and on the series. Here is what Posey shared with us regarding the moment: 

Posey was struck by the decision as well, but ultimately called it something that was “necessary” to the story Teen Wolf: The Movie sought to tell. As the actor said, everyone has lost a loved one in one way or another, and people will be able to relate to the moment (sans all the supernatural werewolf stuff). Even so, RIP Derek Hale! 

The movie’s death was made more emotional by the fact that Derek Hale has a teen son/werewolf of his own that he won’t get to watch grow up. As Teen Wolf: The Movie came to an end though, it seems like Scott and some of his other buds in the show will help Eli with his wolf growing pains and life in Beacon Hills. 

Teen Wolf was Hoechlin first major role that put the actor on the map, but he’s since become the CW’s Superman and is set to reprise the role in Superman and Lois' coming third season. At least the actor’s presence in the movie allowed fans to get some closure about his character. Not all of the Teen Wolf cast decided to return for the movie. For example, Dylan O’Brien’s Stiles Stilinski is nowhere to be found in Teen Wolf: The Movie following a “difficult decision” from the actor not to reprise the role, and Arden Cho reportedly turned down returning due to a pay dispute, per The Cut. 

On the other hand, if there’s something else we learned from Teen Wolf: The Movie, it’s that dead characters don’t have to stay dead. The major premise of it was Allison Argent being revived after dying back in Season 3 and rekindling her romance with Scott. It’s a bit of an eye for an eye in that regard, but hey, they’re werewolves dealing with some pretty evil forces. If one was going to die, at least Derek Hale got a touching round of last moments. 

SPOILERS are ahead for Teen Wolf: The Movie now streaming with a Paramount+ subscription. 

Before Dylan O’Brien was the lead of The Maze Runner trilogy and the star of Taylor Swift’s critically acclaimed short film for “All Too Well,” the actor memorably got his start on MTV’s Teen Wolf and continually stole the show just about every episode. O’Brien’s character, Stiles Stilinski, was always a big favorite on the MTV series, so when Teen Wolf: The Movie was announced, fans hoped to see the return of his character. Unfortunately, after seeing the movie, I can confirm that Dylan O’Brien is not in the latest Teen Wolf project. Let’s talk about why. 

Teen Wolf: The Movie features the return of Tyler Posey, Crystal Reed, Holland Roden Shelley Hennig, Colton Haynes, Ian Bohen and Dylan Sprayberry, among other original Teen Wolf cast members, but nope, no Dylan O’Brien. Instead, the movie focuses on reviving Allison Argent from the dead and recapturing the romance between Scott and Allison. Here’s what we know. 

What Dylan O’Brien Has Said About Not Returning For Teen Wolf: The Movie

Dylan O’Brien has previously spoken of not reprising his role as the lovable teen Stiles, breaking his silence in March 2022 following reports he was not among the cast. Here’s what he told Variety: 

O’Brien made the “difficult decision” to say no to reuniting with his Teen Wolf cast, sharing that he decided that he was happy with the way the show ended and was content with leaving it alone. In the same month, while doing press for his movie The Outfit, the actor also told The Hollywood Reporter this: 

While O’Brien was initially going to do it to perhaps please the fans and his Teen Wolf family, it sounds like he was simply ready to move on. The actor spent seven years of his career playing Stiles Stilinski, and there’s nothing wrong with deciding not to go to your high school reunion of sorts. 

How Teen Wolf: The Movie Addresses Dylan O’Brien’s Absence 

Just as the show’s creator Jeff Davis previously teased, Teen Wolf: The Movie does address Stiles in a couple of ways. Early in the movie, Stilinski’s father and Derek Hale are conversing at a crime scene when they speak about calling the FBI or the sheriff’s son, nudging that perhaps Stiles is working for the FBI himself these days. 

When it comes to the fate of a beloved coupling on Teen Wolf, Stiles and Lydia, Holland Roden’s character shares in another scene that the pair recently broke up due to recurring visions she was having about the two of them getting into a car accident and Stiles dying. Lydia made the difficult choice to leave him in order to save him from his impending death. 

Elsewhere, Stiles’ iconic Jeep is also part of the movie, as Dylan O’Brien previously shared he lent the vehicle to the production for the easter egg. In Teen Wolf: The Movie, the car is passed down to Derek's son, who is now a teen wolf himself.  

What Does The Teen Wolf Cast Think About The Whole Thing? 

While speaking to Yahoo! about Dylan O’Brien’s absence from Teen Wolf: The Movie, a couple of the cast members shared that there’s no hard feelings from their side regarding his decision. Here’s what Tyler Posey said: 

Holland Roden also reacted to the update regarding Lydia and Stiles the movie gives fans. In her words: 

Dylan O’Brien’s absence is surely felt in Teen Wolf: The Movie, but at least a good amount of the cast returned for it. Meanhwile, O’Brien has a stack of movies coming up, including a drama called Ponyboi, a horror movie called Caddo and a comedy called Maximum Truth. 

Few television series have the kind of longevity of Teen Wolf. After the MTV show produced one hundred episodes across six seasons, much of the Teen Wolf cast is back for Teen Wolf: The Movie. And in a shakeup fans certainly didn’t see coming, Crystal Reed’s Allison Argent, one of the series’ biggest characters who was previously killed off, is back for it. In honor of this, CinemaBlend went down memory lane with Reed and Tyler Posey about the long-running romance between Scott and Allison. 

As Teen Wolf’s creator previously teased, Allison Argent is revived after her father, JR Bourne’s Chris Argent, gets these mysterious visions that lead him to believe she has not crossed over to the other side. It gives Scott and Allison another chance after she previously died in his arms back in Season 3. When recalling the first time he realized the weight of Scott and Allison’s TV romance, Tyler Posey told us this:  

Immediately after Tyler Posey recalled the scene, Crystal Reed lit up (in the video above), echoing her opinion on the moment. Reed said this after Posey shared his thoughts: 

From day one on Teen Wolf, Allison has really been Scott's love, even though he would go on to date various other characters in the series. With Teen Wolf: The Movie, it marks an exciting return of Posey as the star, but having his original love interest back is a big deal too. And as fans of shows like Teen Wolf know, death is often not the end when you’re dealing with supernatural elements. Hey, if people can transform into superhuman wolves in the moonlight, other people can come back from the dead, right? 

During our interview with the Teen Wolf pair, Tyler Posey also shared that Scott “means so much” to him, and he hoped to see the character “fulfilled” in the movie. And for him to see Scott and Allison, which he referred to as the “perfect cutest little gentle, beautiful little story,” get another shot was a “perfect” place for the franchise to go. 

While Teen Wolf: The Movie does bring back Scott’s original love interest, it does not include Dylan O’Brien’s Stiles Stilinski, who is undeniably a major favorite character throughout the series. That being said, numerous members of the Teen Wolf series cast are part of the movie such as Tyler Hoechlin, Holland Roden, Shelley Hennig, Colton Haynes, Ian Bohen and Dylan Sprayberry. 

You can stream Teen Wolf: The Movie with a Paramount+ subscription this Thursday, January 26.  

Max is one of the best streaming services out there and has a ton of great movies, which can make the process of deciding on one a difficult task. There are so many films you can see with a Max subscription, and as of March 2025, so many have been added, like The Florida Project, Flow and more. Here is what you can check out.

Intense Dramas

For the times you want to be on the edge of your seat:

The Zone Of Interest (2023)

The Director: Jonathan Glazer

The Cast: Christian Friedel, Sandra Huller

What It's About: This movie focuses on the life of an Auschwitz commandant, and how he and his family live in the “Zone of Interest,” an area around the concentration camp.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: The film won Best International Feature at the 2024 Academy Awards and was praised for its story and sound.

• Stream The Zone of Interest on Max.

Civil War (2024)

The Director: Alex Garland

The Cast: Kirsten Dunst, Cailee Spaeny, Wagner Moura, Jesse Plemons, Stephen McKinley Henderson

What It's About: Civil War is a dystopian thriller film that follows the story of photojournalists, both professionals and a rookie, who travel across a United States that has been torn apart by a civil war, and the horrors they face, all to interview one person – the president.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Civil War is hands down one of the best films of 2024, and it’s by A24, which rarely ever misses in the films they distribute.

• Stream Civil War on Max.

The Iron Claw (2023)

The Director: Sean Durkin

The Cast: Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson

What It's About: The Iron Claw is based on the real-life wrestling family known as the Von Erichs, and how they suffered tragedy after tragedy while in the professional sport.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: This is a film that will emotionally gut you by the end, but you’ll thank yourself for it. It’s beautifully acted and well-shot.

• Stream The Iron Claw on Max.

Prisoners (2013)

The Director: Denis Villeneuve

The Cast: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Maria Bello, Terrence Howard, Melissa Leo, Paul Dano

What It's About: After two girls are abducted in Pennsylvania, a suspect is released back to the public, and one of the fathers decides to take matters into his own hands and hunt him down.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: I personally think Prisoners is one of Hugh Jackman’s best performances, and you will be riveted by the end of it. The movie is thrilling from beginning to end.

Stream Prisoners on Max.

A Different Man (2024)

The Director: Aaron Schimberg

The Cast: Sebastian Stan, Renate Reinsve, Adam Pearson

What It's About: A man with Neurofibromatosis undergoes a surgery to change his face forever only for the procedure to bring up past insecurities.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: A24 rarely misses when it comes to many of their dramatic films, and A Different Man is right up there with its compelling story and incredible lead performance from Sebastian Stan. It even won the Golden Globe for Best Performance by a Male Actor - Musical or Comedy in 2025.

• Stream A Different Man on Max.

Powerful, Emotional Dramas

For the dramas that make you laugh, cry, and more…

The Florida Project (2017)

The Director: Sean Baker

The Cast: Willem Dafoe, Brooklynn Kimberly Prince, Bria Vinaite, Valeria Cotto, Christopher Rivera, Caleb Landry Jones

What It's About: The Florida Project mainly focuses on the daily life of a six-year-old girl as she and her mother struggle not to become homeless in Kissimmee, Florida while also simultaneously living close to Disney World.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Since Sean Baker recently swept the 2025 Academy Awards for his film Anora, I think it’s time to check out one of his lesser-known films from A24. It’s emotional in all the right ways and beautiful, as well.

• Stream The Florida Project on Max.

Taxi Driver (1976)

The Director: Martin Scorsese

The Cast: Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Albert Brooks, Harvey Keitel, Leonard Harris, Peter Boyle, Cybill Shepherd

What It's About: Travis Bickle is a former Marine who takes a job as a taxi driver in New York City, and as the world around him continues to crumble, so does his mental state.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: I mean, I think if you think of Martin Scorsese, there are a few films that instantly come to mind for the brilliant director, and Taxi Driver is one of them. It’s an iconic movie with even better performances and if for some reason you haven’t seen it, you need to check it out now.

• Stream Taxi Driver on Max.

The Imitation Game (2014)

The Director: Morten Tyldum

The Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Rory Kinnear, Charles Dance, Mark Strong

What It's About: Based on the autobiography, Alan Turing: The Enigma, this film follows the story of the real-life game cryptanalyst Alan Turing and how he and a team decrypted German intelligence messages and essentially created one of the world’s first modern computers.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Nominated for several awards in many different ceremonies, The Imitation Game is one of those films that really captures your interest the moment you watch it, and by the end, you’ve not only learned something new but want to learn more after.

• Stream The Imitation Game on Max.

The Color Purple (2023)

The Director: Blitz Bazawule

The Cast: Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins

What It's About: Based on the stage musical of the same name, which is based on the 1982 novel, The Color Purple is a movie musical about the life of Celie, an African American woman in the early 1900s trying to make a life for herself over time and dealing with domestic abuse at home.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: The movie earned several Academy Award nominations, and features some of the best performances of 2023. You have to check it out if you love musicals.

• Stream The Color Purple on Max.

King Richard (2021) 

The Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green

The Cast: Will Smith, Aunjanue Ellis, Saniyya Sidney, Demi Singleton, Tony Goldwyn, Jon Bernthal

What It's About: King Richard tells the story of Richard Williams (Smith), the father of famous tennis duo, Serena and Venus Williams, and the struggles he went through to see his daughters become the best tennis players in the world.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Starring Academy Award-winner Will Smith, King Richard features the actor in his best role, and is the story that shows the beautiful kind of resilience that we all need.

• Stream King Richard on Max.

Priscilla (2023)

The Director: Sofia Coppola

The Cast: Cailee Spaeny, Jacob Elordi

What It's About: Priscilla is a biographical drama that tells the story of Priscilla Presley, the legendary wife of Elvis Presley, following the tale of how they met, fell in love, and navigated their complicated relationship until their divorce.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: The movie received critical praise for its acting performances and Spaeny shines as Priscilla.

• Stream Priscilla on Max.

Sully (2016)

The Director: Clint Eastwood

The Cast: Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart, Laura Linney

What It's About: Based on the inspiring true story, Sully tells the story of real-life pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and how he saved all the passengers of his flight when he had to make an emergency landing on the Hudson River.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: When I first saw Sully back in 2016, it was one of those films that really opened my eyes to a story that I didn’t fully know, and it’s a quick movie that flies by while also delivering compelling performances from its cast.

• Stream Sully on Max.

Romantic Rendezvous

From dramatic romances to funny ones, these are the romance movies for you:

We Live In Time (2024)

The Director: John Crowley

The Cast: Andrew Garfield, Florence Pugh

What It's About: We Live In Time follows the love story of two people who meet on a whim, and their beautiful and heartbreaking love story.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: We Live In Time utterly broke me when it first came out back in October 2024 and I was seriously shocked it wasn’t up for more awards, because it’s one of those films that just sits with you and makes you think about the beauty in your life, and to learn to enjoy every second that you can, because you never know when it will be taken from you. So beautiful in so many ways.

• Stream We Live in Time on Max.

Eat Pray Love (2010)

The Director: Ryan Murphy

The Cast: Julia Roberts, James Franco, Richard Jenkins, Viola Davis, Billy Crudup, Javier Bardem

What It's About: Based on the memoir of the same name, Eat Pray Love follows a woman who looks for fulfillment in life after ending her marriage, and decides to travel the world.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: I think if you’re ever looking for something that’s romantic but also has a touch of self-love as well, this is the movie for you. You can’t get much better than Julia Roberts in a romantic drama.

• Stream Eat Pray Love on Max.

Love Lies Bleeding (2024)

The Director: Rose Glass

The Cast: Kristen Stewart, Katy O’Brian

What It's About: Love Lies Bleeding follows a young woman who owns a gym but is secretly part of a huge crime family. She gets tangled up in a romantic relationship with a female bodybuilder, and drama ensues once the bodybuilder finds out what is going on.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Love Lies Bleeding features an amazing LGBTQ+ storyline that somehow breaks barriers and also keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Plus, Stewart and O’Brian’s acting is top tier.

• Stream Love Lies Bleeding on Max.

Casablanca (1942)

The Director: Michael Curtiz

The Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Ingred Bergman

What It's About: An American expatriate who runs a successful nightclub in Casablanca, Morocco, is given a second shot at redemption and love when his old flame waltzes back into his life and asks him to help her fugitive husband escape the Nazis once and for all.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: One of the greatest films to ever win Best Picture at the Academy Awards, Casablanca has it all: drama, romance, action, and one of the most quotable lines ever. I mean, do you need me to go on?

• Stream Casablanca on Max.

Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

The Director: Jon M. Chu

The Cast: Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Gemma Chan, Lisa Lu, Awkwafina, Ken Jeong, Michelle Yeoh

What It's About: A Chinese-American professor travels to Singapore with her boyfriend only to find out that his family over there isn’t normal – they are incredibly rich.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: I think Crazy Rich Asians is one of those films that everyone has to watch at least once. The romance in it is top-tier, with some expert-level chemistry and acting, but the comedy aspect is really what makes it so great. Plus, the cast is outstanding.

• Stream Crazy Rich Asians on Max.

Pretty Woman (1990)

The Director: Garry Marshall

The Cast: Richard Gere, Julia Roberts

What It's About: Pretty Woman is a rom-com that follows the story of a rich man hiring a sex worker for a week in order to pretend to be his date for several upcoming social events, and the relationship that grows from there.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Pretty Woman is hands down one of Julia Roberts’ best romantic comedies, and features one of the best romances on the big screen, mixed in with some steamy chemistry.

• Stream Pretty Woman on Max.

Fun Comedies

Get ready for your tummy to hurt from laughing so much:

Modern Times (1936)

The Director: Charlie Chaplin

The Cast: Charlie Chaplin, Paulette Goddard, Henry Bergman

What It's About: Charlie Chaplin’s 1936 silent movie classic, Modern Times, follows the Tramp (Chaplin) as he attempts to make sense of the technologically-advanced world around him and stay out of trouble, failing at both.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: I mean, it’s Charlie Chaplin. How can I not recommend him? There are some of his other films on the platform but I’ll always stand by Modern Times as the best.

• Stream Modern Times on Max.

The Hangover (2009)

The Director: Todd Phillips

The Cast: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Heather Graham, Justin Bartha, Jeffrey Tambor

What It's About: When a bachelor party goes wrong and the groom winds up missing, it’s up to three groomsmen teaming up together to look for him across Las Vegas before the wedding.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: It’s The Hangover. It’s pretty much considered one of the best comedy movies of the 2000s. I would be a fool not to recommend it to you. It’s hilarious and great to watch with friends.

Stream The Hangover on Max.

• Stream The Hangover on Max.

Teen Wolf (1985)

The Director: Rod Daniel

The Cast: Michael J. Fox, James Hampton, Scott Paulin, Susan Ursitti, Jerry Levine, Jay Tarses

What It's About: A teenager suddenly finds his ordinary world turned upside down when he turns into a werewolf.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: I mean, I think when we remember the most iconic films of the 1980s, Teen Wolf is probably up there for it being one of Michael J. Fox’s biggest movies. It’s funny, a great coming-of-age story, and honestly one that plenty of people can enjoy – and it’s not even scary.

• Stream Teen Wolf on Max.

Keanu (2016)

The Director: Peter Atencio

The Cast: Jordan Peele, Keegan-Michael Key, Method Man, Luis Guzman, Nia Long, Will Forte

What It's About: Two cousins go on the ultimate adventure when a kitten is stolen and they do anything to get him back – including getting tangled up with criminals.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: This movie is so. Freaking. Funny. I stand by it every time I watch it because I think Peele and Key just have the best chemistry out there. Anyone who hasn’t seen it needs to.

• Stream Keanu on Max.

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (2010)

The Director: Edgar Wright

The Cast: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin, Chris Evans, Anna Kendrick, Alison Pill, Brandon Routh, Jason Schwartzman

What It's About: Based on the graphic novel of the same name, the titular character, Scott Pilgrim, must face off against the seven evil exes in order to be with his new girlfriend, Ramona Flowers.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: This film is an absolute classic, especially now fifteen years later. The action is fun, the comedy is great, and it’s an all-around entertaining time.

• Stream Scott Pilgrim vs. The World on Max.

Intense Horrors

These are the kinds of horrors that you might want to leave the light on for:

Evil Dead Rise (2023)

The Director: Lee Cronin

The Cast: Lily Sullivan, Alyssa Sutherland, Morgan Davies, Gabrielle Echols, Nell Fisher

What It's About: Evil Dead Rise is the latest installment in the Evil Dead franchise, this time following the story of a mother who is possessed by the Deadites in that famed demonic book, and causing chaos for her sister and children on the same night.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: The film was a critical success – and even if you haven’t seen an Evil Dead movie before, this one is good for a solo watch for any horror fan.

• Stream Evil Dead Rise on Max.

MaXXXine (2024)

The Director: Ti West

The Cast: Mia Goth, Elizabeth Debicki, Moses Sumney, Michelle Monaghan

What It's About: The final part of the X trilogy, MaXXXine follows Maxine as she makes her way to Hollywood and finds herself in the middle of someone else’s killing spree – someone who is looking to kill her next.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: You could check out X or Pearl prior, but MaXXXine takes the gore to another level and is fun as heck.

• Stream MaXXXine on Max.

The Conjuring (2013)

The Director: James Wan

The Cast: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Ron Livingsgon, Lili Taylor

What It's About: Based on the real-life haunts, The Conjuring tells the story of Ed and Lorraine Warren, two paranormal investigators, and their experience in a house on Rhode Island that is overcome with disturbing events.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: I remember when The Conjuring first released back in 2013, it was all everyone could talk about, and now, The Conjuring universe is still going strong, twelve years later, with a final film releasing in 2025, The Conjuring: Last Rites. You should certainly check it out if you haven’t yet for the frights.

• Stream The Conjuring on Max.

Sinister (2012)

The Director: Scott Derrickson

The Cast: Ethan Hawke, Juliet Rylance, Fred Thompson, James Ransone

What It's About: Sinister is a horror film that follows the story of a true-crime writer who begins to experience supernatural events after moving his family into a new home, only to find out that there’s more to this house than he thought, including plenty of murder.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Sinister is certainly one of Ethan Hawke’s best movies, but truthfully you should just watch it for how utterly horrifying this film is and how quickly it gets under your skin.

• Stream Sinister on Max.

Not So Intense Horrors

For the ones who need a light horror day:

Child’s Play (1988)

The Director: Thomas Lee Holland

The Cast: Catherine Hicks, Chris Sarandon

What It's About: The ghost of a serial killer possesses a doll, and soon, that new doll is unknowingly gifted to a young boy, which causes nothing but chaos.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: I know that at first glance you might wonder why I put Child’s Play in the “Not So Intense Horror” section but truthfully the first movie isn’t that scary. It’s not as gory or bloody as later Child’s Play movies, and the film is scary in a delightful way and enjoyable for those who want more subdued horror.

• Stream Child’s Play on Max.

The Lighthouse (2019)

The Director: Robert Eggers

The Cast: Robert Pattinson, Willem Dafoe

What It's About: The Lighthouse follows the story of two lighthouse keepers in the nineteenth century, and how a storm one night changes their lives forever.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Look, this is a Robert Eggers film. That means you know it’ll be visually stunning but also trippy as heck and will certainly make you say “huh?” a couple times while watching. But let me tell you that this is the kind of horror that is not aimed to scare, but make you uncomfortable and freaked out. And I eat it up each time I watch it.

• Stream The Lighthouse on Max.

I Saw The TV Glow (2024)

The Director: Jane Schoenbrun

The Cast: Justice Smith, Bridgette Lundy-Paine, Helena Howard

What It's About: I Saw The TV Glow follows two high school students who bond over their connection to a children’s show that they love, but things in their lives begin to take a turn when the show is cancelled.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: As I said before, A24 doesn’t miss with its horror movies, so this is a great pick for those who want that scary feeling but don’t want to be completely horrified by the end of it.

• Stream I Saw The TV Glow on Max.

The Killing Of A Sacred Deer (2017)

The Director: Yorgos Lanthimos

The Cast: Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Barry Keoghan

What It's About: The Killing of a Sacred Deer follows how the lives of a teenage boy and a cardiac surgeon begin to twist in unexpected ways, but things take a turn when the family of the surgeon begins to fall ill, one by one.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Yorgos Lanthimos directed this film so it really does have some crazy visuals and twists throughout it. Truly one of a kind and not too scary but scary enough.

• Stream The Killing of a Sacred Deer on Max.

Black Swan (2010)

The Director: Darren Aronofsky

The Cast: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, Winona Ryder

What It's About: Black Swan captures the essence of a ballerina slowly losing her mind as she becomes obsessed with perfection regarding her starring role as the Black Swan in the stage production of Swan Lake.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Natalie Portman won the Academy Award for Best Actress because of her performance in Black Swan. Truly a great performance.

• Stream Black Swan on Max.

Heroes And Villains Galore

It’s a bird, it’s a plane - nope, it’s some exciting superhero (or villain) movies!

The Batman (2022)

The Director: Matt Reeves

The Cast: Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Paul Dano, Jeffrey Wright

What It's About: Bruce has been fighting crime for two years in Gotham City, and now must uncover corruption as the Riddler (Paul Dano) wreaks havoc on the wealthy.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: It’s certainly one of the best live-action Batman movies out there, and there’s a sequel on the way, so you might as well check out the first.

• Stream The Batman on Max.

Superman I And II (1978, 1981)

The Director: Richard Donner and Richard Lester

The Cast: Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman, Marlon Brando, Ned Beatty

What It's About: The movies, considered some of the best Superman movies ever, star Christopher Reeve as the beloved DC superhero, telling the origin story of Superman, from his time as a young child on Krypton to his crime-fighting days against Lex Luthor.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: If you want a pure superhero movie with a lot of heart, not crazy CGI, and good acting, these are some of the best out there and ones you need to check out.

• Stream Superman on Max.
• Stream Superman II on Max.

The Dark Knight (2008)

The Director: Christopher Nolan

The Cast: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Morgan Freeman

What It's About: The second movie in the Nolan Batman trilogy, The Dark Knight follows Batman as he forms an alliance with lawmakers in order to take down the Joker.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: What can I say about this film that hasn’t already been said as to why you should watch it? It’s The Dark Knight. Ledger’s performance is incomparable and the film is full of action and great lines. Give it a watch.

• Stream The Dark Knight on Max.

Blue Beetle (2023)

The Director: Ángel Manuel Soto

The Cast: Xolo Maridueña, Adriana Barraza, Damián Alcázar, Raoul Max Trujillo, Susan Sarandon, George Lopez

What It's About: Blue Beetle follows the story of Jaime Reyes, a young man trying to help out his family in their time of need, but when he touches an ancient Scarab and it fuses with him, it gives him the powers of the Blue Beetle – a moment that will change his life forever.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Many other heroes in the upcoming DC universe formed by James Gunn haven’t made the cut, but Blue Beetle will. Now is the best time to check out the film.

• Stream Blue Beetle on Max.

Deadpool (2016)

The Director: Tim Miller

The Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, T.J. Miller, Gina Carano

What It's About: Deadpool is the first film in the Deadpool franchise, following a mercenary who is diagnosed with cancer and undergoes a treatment that’s supposed to cure him but ends up giving him superpowers that change his life for the worse. Now, he uses it to fight against evildoers and find the person who did this to him.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Ryan Reynolds is perfect as Deadpool and with the third film out, now is the best time to check out the original.

• Stream Deadpool on Max.

Joker (2019)

The Director: Todd Phillips

The Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz

What It's About: Joker tells the origin story of how Arthur Fleck donned that famous face paint and ended up becoming a symbol for all of crime in Gotham City, through his own madness.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Joker earned Phoenix an Academy Award for Best Actor and was one of the highest-grossing R-rated films ever. Truly a great one to watch. You could check out the sequel on Max as well but I prefer to stick to the original.

• Stream Joker on Max.

Action Galore

These are the picks that will get your heart racing!

Elevation (2024)

The Director: George Nolfi

The Cast: Anthony Mackie, Morena Baccarin, Maddie Hasson

What It's About: When the life of a young boy is threatened, a single father and two women go on an incredibly perilous journey in order to save him, leaving behind the safety of their elevated community to travel into the depths of danger beneath them.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: I feel like no one knows about Elevation. The movie came out during a time where there were a lot of other big movies at the box office and it wasn’t marketed as much. But it’s an enjoyable thriller with a lot of action going for it.

• Stream Elevation on Max.

Speed (1994)

The Director: Jan de Bont

The Cast: Keanu Reeves, Dennis Hopper, Sandra Bullock, Joe Morton, Jeff Daniels

What It's About: This iconic action thriller tells the story of a city bus that is set to explode if the speed drops below 50 mph, so now an LAPD officer has to figure out how to save the people on board.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: I really think that Speed is one of the best action movies out there. When I think of high-paced action, I think of this film. It’s a great movie to check out on a random Saturday night.

• Stream Speed on Max.

Bad Boys (1995)

The Director: Michael Bay

The Cast: Martin Lawrence, Will Smith, Tea Leoni, Tcheky Karyo

What It's About: Bad Boys is a buddy-comedy movie about two detectives who are trying to investigate a huge drug case but get entangled into protecting a woman after she sees someone murdered.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: There’s a reason why there have been so many of these films over the last two decades (five and counting). You just can’t help but enjoy Lawrence and Smith’s hilarious chemistry and performances.

• Stream Bad Boys on Max.

Greenland (2020)

The Director: Ric Roman Waugh

The Cast: Gerard Butler, Morena Baccarin Roger Dale Floyd, Scott Glenn, David Denman, Hope Davis

What It's About: When a comet is coming that will destroy the Earth, a family races against time in order to get to an evacuation point so they can somehow survive.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: There are some great modern-day apocalypse movies and I do think Greenland is one of those. While it doesn’t do anything new – as we’ve all seen the films that follow someone trying to survive a planet-killing comet – it’s fun acting, action, and the effects are great as well. I would fully recommend it.

• Stream Greenland on Max.

The Boondock Saints (1999)

The Director: Troy Duffy

The Cast: Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus, Willem Dafoe

What It's About: Two Irish twin brothers become vigilantes after they kill members of the Russian mafia up in Boston.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: This film is just fun. That’s the best way I can describe it. It’s a fun, action-paced film with scenes that are so packed with violence that it’ll almost make you laugh but damn, do I love watching it.

• Stream The Boondock Saints on Max.

Fun For The Whole Family

These are great for the parents and the kids!

Flow (2024)

The Director: Glints Zilbalodis

The Cast: N/A

What It's About: A cat tries to survive alongside its animal companions in a world where the water level is rising and no one is there to help them.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: This film is honestly one of the best of 2024. It won the 2025 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and comes from one of the few independent film studios to ever do so. It’s incredibly well-animated and the fact that it tells a story so well without any dialogue is fascinating.

• Stream Flow on Max.

Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)

The Director: Chris Columbus

The Cast: Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan, Harvey Fiernstein, Robert Prosky

What It's About: When a divorced dad wants to see his kids, he decides to disguise himself as a female nanny and housekeeper and work in his old home undercover.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: When you’re talking about Robin Williams’ best movies, Mrs. Doubtfire is always high on that list for his hilarious comedic timing and the heartwarming story that comes from it. Definitely check it out if you haven’t ever seen it.

• Stream Mrs. Doubtfire on Max.

Ghostbusters (1984)

The Director: Ivan Reitman

The Cast: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis, Rick Moranis

What It's About: A group of men work as parapsychologists and begin a ghost-catching business in New York City to take on the paranormal problem.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters! As someone who did watch this film as a kid, it’s fully safe for the whole family and is a ton of fun. And I’m sure that after, you’ll end up watching every Ghostbusters movie after.

• Stream Ghostbusters on Max.

Matilda (1996)

The Director: Danny DeVito

The Cast: Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rhea Pearlman, Embeth Davidtz, Pam Ferris

What It's About: Based on the novel of the same name, Matilda follows the story of a young girl with psychokinetic abilities who uses them to not only deal with her family but with the bad principal of her school.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Matilda is probably one of the most classic kids films that you could see. The magic is fun, the acting is enjoyable, and of course, Mara Wilson is adorable as Matilda.

• Stream Matilda on Max.

Barbie (2023)

The Director: Greta Gerwig

The Cast: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera

What It's About: Barbie follows everyone’s favorite doll as she enters the human world to find the girl she is connected to in order to help her. If she doesn’t, Barbie will turn more human-like by the day.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Considered one of the best movies of 2023, Barbie inspires a celebration of girlhood, love, and the beautiful life that we all take for granted most days.

• Stream Barbie on Max.

Hayao Miyazaki Movies

All of the films you see below were directed by legendary anime film director, Hayao Miyazaki. All of which are great for parents and for kids. Personally, my favorites have been Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle for a long time, both featuring beautiful stories, but the 2023 Academy Award-winning The Boy and the Heron is a must-watch as well.

• Stream Howl’s Moving Castle on Max.
• Stream Spirited Away on Max.
• Stream The Boy and the Heron on Max.

Megamind (2010)

The Director: Tom McGrath

The Cast: Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, David Cross, Brad Pitt

What It's About: When a villain beats his nemesis, he decides to create a new hero to fight, but when the hero ends up becoming worse than he could ever imagine, it’s up to Megamind to stop him.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: You know, I think Megamind was ahead of its time. It was successful back then but has only become more of a cult classic now, and people love to look back on it with fond memories.

• Stream Megamind on Max.

Paddington (2014)

The Director: Paul King

The Cast: Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Peter Capaldi, Nicole Kidman, Ben Whishaw

What It's About: Based on the fictional character of the same name, Paddington follows a bear who migrates to London and is adopted by a family there, while a taxidermist looks to add him to her collection and will stop at nothing to achieve it.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Paddington has always been praised as one of the best family films out there for a reason. It’s emotional, funny, and teaches good lessons, and is quite successful, with a sequel and a third movie releasing soon.

• Stream Paddington on Max.

Mamma Mia! (2008)

The Director: Phyllida Lloyd

The Cast: Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard

What It's About: Mamma Mia! is a jukebox musical comedy that is based on the Broadway musical of the same name and uses ABBA music to tell the story of Sophie. You see, Sophie is getting married, but she’s never met her biological dad, so she has no one to walk her down the aisle.To do this, she decides to invite all three possible choices and figure out who it is for herself.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: The premise itself is hysterical, but truthfully, this film is the perfect one to watch to get yourself up on your feet and dancing while also swooning at all of the romance.

• Stream Mamma Mia! on Max.

Sherlock Holmes (2009)

The Director: Guy Ritchie

The Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams

What It's About: Based on the iconic fictional character of the same name, Sherlock Holmes tells the story of Holmes and his partner, Watson, as they investigate the crimes of someone who was thought to be dead.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: While these films can get a little action-packed, I watched this with my entire family and it was a heck of a fun time, and who doesn’t want to see Holmes kick some butt?

• Stream Sherlock Holmes on Max.

How To Train Your Dragon (2010)

The Director: Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois

The Cast: Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera

What It's About: This animated DreamWorks masterpiece follows the story of Hiccup, a Viking, who is somehow able to tame – and learn to ride – the most vicious dragon after he injures it, in a world where Vikings slay dragons.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: A new live-action version of How To Train Your Dragon is releasing in 2025, so you might as well check out what made the original trilogy such a great one.

• Stream How To Train Your Dragon on Max.

Thrilling, Twisty, And Exciting Sci-Fi

Sci-fi that will truly make you question everything and anything:

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)

The Director: Adam Wingard

The Cast: Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens, Keylee Hottle, Alex Ferns, Fala Chen

What It's About: In this sequel to Godzilla vs. Kong, King Kong must unite with Godzilla in order to prevent even bigger monsters, the Skar King and Shimo, from invading Earth.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: I mean, it’s Godzilla and King Kong. You can’t really get more sci-fi than these two. Is it a big CGI monster fun-fest? Of course it is – but that’s what you sign up for with these epic films, and it’s fun as heck.

• Stream Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire on Max.

Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)

The Director: Daniel Kwan, Daneil Scheinert

The Cast: Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Ke Huy Quan, Jamie Lee Curtis

What It's About: The movie, starring Michelle Yeoh, follows the story of a Chinese-American immigrant who goes on a wild ride when parallel universe versions of herself say that she is the answer to stopping a powerful being from taking over – and destroying – the multiverse.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: The premise is silly, but the film swept at the Academy Awards and won Best Picture, and personally, it’s one of my favorites.

• Stream Everything Everywhere All At Once on Max.

The Martian (2015)

The Director: Ridley Scott

The Cast: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels

What It's About: The Martian, based on the novel of the same name and directed by Ridley Scott, follows the story of an astronaut who is left behind on Mars, while also simultaneously following the people whose task is to get him back safely.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: The Martian cast is insanely talented, but Matt Damon knocks it out of the park with this one. Truly a great space movie.

• Stream The Martian on Max.

Men In Black (1997)

The Director: Barry Sonnenfeld

The Cast: Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Linda Fiorentino, Vincent D’Onofrio, Rip Torn

What It's About: Two MIB agents, one a veteran and one a newbie, investigate a series of criminal incidents related to space creatures that have been invading Earth, all of which are finding ways to live among the people. All of them lead to one major alien that is causing a lot more harm than good.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: I feel like any time you think of Will Smith, his role in Men In Black is always one of the first you think of. He’s hilarious in the movie and, with three films in the franchise with the actor a part of it, it’s seriously one of his best roles.

• Stream Men In Black on Max.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

The Director: Stanley Kubrick

The Cast: Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood

What It's About: 2001: A Space Odyssey is probably one of the most iconic movies of all time. The film follows a group of space explorers consisting of astronauts and scientists in order to look into an alien monolith, but the adventure isn’t as seamless as you would expect.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: While the film itself can be a little confusing, it’s considered one of the best movies of all time, so I’d highly suggest checking it out.

• Stream 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Fantasy Spectaculars

When you just want to escape to a magic world:

Dune And Dune: Part 2 (2021, 2024)

The Director: Denis Villeneuve

The Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Dave Bautista

What It's About: In this 2021 adaptation of the famous science-fiction novel, Dune stars an amazing ensemble cast and tells the story of Paul Atreidas (Timothée Chalamet), who sets out on a dangerous journey in order to find a way to save his family and his people, with Part 2 continuing the epic saga and taking the audience members on a journey unlike any other.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: The new Dune movies truly took over the world when they came out and introduced plenty of people to this fantasy world. Such fun films.

• Stream Dune on Max.
• Stream Dune: Part 2 on Max.

The Harry Potter Films (2001 – 2011)

The Director: Chris Columbus, Alfonso Cuaron, Mike Newell, David Yates

The Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson

What It's About: For those who don’t know (which would be pretty shocking but either way), the Harry Potter film franchise is based on the novels of the same name and follows a boy wizard named Harry Potter and his adventures at a magical school named Hogwarts, where he trains to use magic and, eventually, take on the Dark Lord himself, Voldemort.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Harry Potter is a franchise that is still going to this day, but the original eight films raised an entire generation of Potterheads and make us all feel like going home when we hear the word ‘Hogwarts.’

• Stream the Harry Potter films on Max.

The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy (2001 - 2003)

The Director: Peter Jackson

The Cast: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Cate Blanchett

What It's About: An unsuspecting Hobbit embarks upon a perilous journey to hell on earth to destroy the One Ring, an incredibly dangerous instrument that grants its bearer great power while also corrupting their mind and body.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy remains a landmark cinematic experience even 24 years after it first took audiences to Middle Earth at the turn of the 21st century.

• Stream The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring on Max.
• Stream The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers on Max.
• Stream The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King on Max.

The Lord Of The Rings: The War Of The Rohirrim (2024)

The Director: Kenji Kamiyama

The Cast: Brian Cox, Gaia Wise, Luke Pasqualino, Laurence Ubong Williams, Lorraine Ashborne, Miranda Otto

What It's About: Set before the Lord of the Rings movies, this film documents the story of King Helm Hammerhand, and how he begins a war by unintentionally killing the leader of an opposing faction, leading to bloodshed.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Look, if you like The Lord of the Rings movies, you’re going to like this one. The animation is utterly beautiful, with an anime style that is perfected so wonderfully it’ll make you want to watch more anime after. Plus, there’s much more to love about the film, and I would fully suggest watching it, even if you’re not fully aware of all the fantasy aspects.

• Stream The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim on Max.

Wonka (2023)

The Director: Paul King

The Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas

What It's About: Based on the fictional character of the same name, Wonka is the origin story of Willy Wonka, the famous chocolatier, and how he struggles to get his passion project up and running in the face of the Chocolate Mafia.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: Yes, I know that premise sounds wacky but this film is honestly a fun time. Chalamet gives a hilarious but sweet performance, the music mixes well with the fantasy, and it has a lot of heart – and yes, you will be craving chocolate after.

• Stream Wonka on Max.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

The Director: Victor Fleming

The Cast: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley

What It's About: A young girl is transported from a dusty farm in Kansas to the technicolor dreamland of Oz where she must defeat a wicked witch if she wants to ever see home again.

Why It's One Of The Best Movies On Max: To this day, The Wizard of Oz remains one of the most fantastical cinematic experiences and continues to enchant audiences of all ages.

• Stream The Wizard of Oz on Max.

All of these movies and more are available to anyone with a Max subscription. This list will change as the months go by so make sure to bookmark this page and check back for all future updates.

Over the years, there have been dozens upon dozens of basketball movies and documentaries that cover all sides of the court. You have your inspirational feel-good stories about the underdog team lacking in star power, the tales of redemption and new beginnings of former players, and then you have wacky sports comedies that defy logic and reason. But with as many streaming services and places to rent movies as there are teams in the NBA, finding your favorite basketball movie is no easy task.

Well, that's where I come in with this curated list of some of the best basketball movies and where you can find them to stream and rent. Below are 15 great movies that feature stories both on and off the court. So lace up your shoes, put on your sweatband, and get ready for some of the best basketball movies streaming on a number of platforms that are perfect for sports fans and movie lovers alike.

The Redeem Team (2022)

Heading into the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the US Men’s Basketball Team had a huge chip on its shoulder. Just four years earlier, at the 2004 Summer Games, the traditionally dominant squad of NBA all-stars was forced to settle for a bronze medal. With some new additions to the team, and a more fierce attitude and playing style, the late Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and other players set out to make up for the lackluster performance in Athens. The 2022 Netflix documentary, The Redeem Team, chronicles the team, their formation, and their shot at redemption on the global stage.

Stream The Redeem Team on Netflix.

38 At The Garden (2022)

Seemingly overnight, in early 2012, a relatively unknown Taiwanese-American point guard named Jeremy Lin, who went undrafted just two years earlier, became an international sensation following a magical night when he led the New York Knicks to a resounding victory with 38 points at the most famous arena in the world: Madison Square Garden. The 2022 HBO documentary, 38 at the Garden, explores Lin’s life leading up to that monumental night he outscored Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, and the “Linsanity” phenomenon that followed. In addition to covering his on-court successes, the documentary film also explores the cultural impact of Lin’s run and how it gave Asian-Americans a new idol.

Stream 38 at the Garden on HBO Max.

The Way Back (2020)

Director Gavin O’Connor has gone on the record saying The Way Back isn’t really a sports movie, and instead more of a character study, but the emotionally-raw 2020 drama starring Ben Affleck as a basketball coach struggling with addiction and his past mistakes, is too good not to mention. In the movie, Affleck plays Jack Cunningham, a former star basketball player who agrees to coach his old high school. Over the course of the movie, the broken-down man experiences a series of ups and downs as he tries to get himself, and his team, back to the glory days.

Rent/Buy The Way Back on Amazon.

Untold: Malice At The Palace (2021)

There were few bigger sports scandals in the early 2000s than the notorious “Malice at the Palace,” the November 2004 brawl between Indianapolis Pacers players, and players and fans of the Detroit Pistons. The 2021 Netflix documentary, Untold: Malice at the Palace, breaks down what led to an incident that saw players and fans fighting on the court and in the stands while millions watched on TV in disbelief, as well as what came of the melee.

Stream Untold: Malice at the Palace on Netflix.

Hoosiers (1986)

Making a list of the best basketball movies without including Hoosiers would be a criminal disservice to this Oscar-nominated sports classic about a ragtag high school basketball team who won the Indiana state championship in 1954. Starring Gene Hackman and Dennis Hopper (RIP), Hoosiers has often been called your father's favorite basketball film, so if you're anything like me, you've seen bits and pieces of this iconic underdog story hundreds of times at this point. Nearly 40 years after its initial release, Hoosiers remains a classic sports movie. 

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

He Got Game (1998)

Over the course of his career, Denzel Washington has worked with director Spike Lee on four different productions, including Lee's 1998 joint He Got Game. Centered around a former convict Jack Shuttlesworth (Washington) who's trying to form a connection with his son, Jesus Shuttlesworth (Ray Allen), who aspires to reach the NBA, the film explores the tattered father-son relationship both on and off the court. Often considered one of the vintage Denzel movies, this late-90s love letter to basketball and tale of redemption is definitely one to watch when you're missing basketball.

Stream He Got Game on Hulu.
Rent/Buy He Got Game on Amazon. 

White Men Can't Jump (1992)

There is just something about the 1992 street basketball hustle story that is White Men Can’t Jump; something fresh, raw, and exciting. From the first time Woody Harrelson’s Billy Hoyle crosses paths with Wesley Snipes' Sidney Deane until the final big-money game, the 30-year-old basketball flick is just perfect. Lacking the glitz, glamour, and traditional basketball courts found in most iconic basketball stories, White Men Can't Jump captures the struggles of being a down on your luck hustler just trying to make it by playing the game you love. It all features some of the most athletic basketball scenes in all of cinema. No wonder the movie is being remade.

Stream White Men Can’t Jump on Tubi.
Rent/Buy White Men Can’t Jump on Amazon.

Love & Basketball (2000)

With a cast that includes Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps, Love & Basketball tells the story of two childhood friends turned lovers whose relationship becomes strained as both become stars in their respective basketball leagues. Far more personal than most entries on this list, this 2000 romantic drama doesn't hold back on plays with your emotions better than most love or sports movies out there. Regarded as one of the best basketball movies to ever be shown in theaters, Love & Basketball has it all.

Stream Love & Basketball on HBO Max.
Rent/Buy Love & Basketball on Amazon.

Blue Chips (1994)

It's no secret that there's a great deal of corruption surrounding college athletics. It seems like we can't go a year without learning about a star athlete receiving gifts or cold hard cash to play for certain programs. No movie has touched on that better than the 1994 drama Blue Chips, which centers around the tough decisions basketball coach Pete Bell (Nick Nolte) makes in order to recruit three top-tier talents played by Shaquille O'Neal, Penny Hardaway, and Matt Nover. This tense thriller of a sports movie has only become more relevant in the years following its release, and will continue to do so until the NCAA finds a way to compensate its athletes.

Stream Blue Chips on Showtime.
Rent/Buy Blue Chips on Amazon.

Glory Road (2006)

Glory Road is one of the quintessential 2000s biographical sports dramas much in the vein of Remember The Titans and The Rookie. It has some pretty decent basketball action, is based on a true story, and has so much emotion and drama that you don't even care that it has a predictable ending. Starring Josh Lucas as Don Haskins, the film centers around the first all African-American college basketball team as they prepare to take on the top-ranked team in the country. This is a classic Disney sports movie and will make you laugh, cry, and jump with joy.

Stream Glory Road on Disney+.
Rent/Buy Glory Road on Amazon.

Coach Carter (2005)

Just as inspirational as Glory Road but not as family-friendly, the 2005 basketball drama Coach Carter centers around the no-nonsense philosophy of Ken Carter (Samuel L. Jackson), who locks his entire team out of their school's gymnasium after their grades begin to suffer during a winning streak. Even though he's criticized by essentially everyone associated with the players and the school's program, Coach Carter stays true to his principles and doesn't back down to teach everyone a lesson.

Rent/Buy Coach Carter on Amazon.

Teen Wolf (1985)

Long before the MTV series Teen Wolf came and went after six seasons, the movie on which it was based accidentally became one of the best basketball movies of the 1980s. Released just one month after star Michael J. Fox became a pop culture icon for his role in Back To The Future, Teen Wolf tells the story of Scott Howard (Fox), a nerdy high school student who learns that being a werewolf runs in the family. But where does basketball come in, you ask? Well, after transforming into a radical and bodacious werewolf, Scott becomes quite the excellent basketball player, even if a little unorthodox. In this classic tale of losing oneself to fame, Scott quickly loses touch with the nerdy, yet sincere person he was before he was riding atop moving vehicles, hogging the ball on the court, and starring in the school play.

Stream Teen Wolf on Amazon.
Rent/Buy Teen Wolf on Amazon.

Space Jam (1996)

Released more than a quarter-century ago, the insane pairing of Michael Jordan and Looney Tunes in Space Jam is still something that is talked about in 2022. Upon its release, the 1996 live-action/animation hybrid featured Jordan, arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, and Bugs Bunny, who could be considered the greatest character in the history of cartoons, and some ridiculous basketball. Add a cast that includes some of the biggest NBA stars of the time losing their powers, Bill Murray randomly being friends with Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, and Danny DeVito playing an evil alien businessman, and you have a wonky, absurd movie, and I love it.

Stream Space Jam on HBO Max.
Rent/Buy Space Jam on Amazon.

Hoop Dreams (1994)

Hoop Dreams is a documentary that follows two star high school basketball players — Arthur Agee and William Gates — as they chase their dreams and work towards getting drafted in the NBA. Winner of the Audience Award at the 1994 Sundance Film Festival and nominated for an Oscar, this epic documentary is just as riveting and beloved as it was more than a quarter century ago. Throughout this nearly three-hour documentary, viewers watch as two talented, yet underprivileged inner-city Chicago high school athletes experience all the highs and lows of the sport they care so deeply about and hope that they're able to achieve their dreams and make it to the NBA. And, you know it’s good when the late Roger Ebert was so high on the documentary.

Stream Hoop Dreams on HBO Max.
Rent/Buy Hoop Dreams on Amazon.

Above The Rim (1994)

Featuring a remarkable cast that includes Tupac Shakur, Marlon Wayans, Bernie Mac, Leon Robinson, and Duane Martin, Above The Rim follows the life of high school basketball standout Kyle Lee Watson (Martin) as he finds himself at the crossroads leading up to a street-top basketball tournament. Forced to decide between playing for local drug dealer Birdie (Shakur) or his respected coach Mike Rollins (David Bailey), Kyle's decision has the potential to have a long term impact on those closest to him. From the waxed courts of the high school gym to the rough pavement of the playground court, Above The Rim features some of the most exciting basketball scenes from the 1990s.

Stream Above the Rim on Netflix.
Rent/Buy Above the Rim on Amazon.

These are just a little more than a dozen of the best basketball movies, as we didn’t even touch on some of the big docuseries like The Last Dance or the HBO docudrama series, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.

“Huluween” may be over but, with all the great horror TV shows on Hulu, it is still one of the best streaming services to subscribe to for a good scare no matter what time of year. If you have already seen all the best horror movies on Hulu but still crave some more lasting chills and thrills, take a look at these freaky series available with a Hulu subscription, which even includes a few new horror TV shows.

The House (2017)

Starring: Various

What it’s about: A house constructed from the wood of a mysterious tree serves as the setting for a series of creepy and strange tales.

Why it is one of the best horror TV shows on Hulu: Get a quick scare from the short stories presented in The House – a Hulu-exclusive collection of short films connected by the eerie eponymous establishment.

• Stream The House on Hulu

The Fades (2011)

Starring: Iain De Caestecker, Daniel Kaluuya

What it’s about: A young man becomes the only hope for humanity when he sees visions of the end of the world and the evil spirits that will cause it.

Why it is one of the best horror TV shows on Hulu: One of Daniel Kaluuya’s best performances before Get Out can be seen on The Fades – creator Jack Thorne’s creepy, acclaimed U.K. miniseries.

• Stream The Fades on Hulu

Parasyte: The Maxim (2014)

Starring: Nobunaga Shimazaki, Aya Hirano

What it’s about: A teenager learns how to coexist with a parasitic alien that has infected his hand.

Why it is one of the best horror TV shows on Hulu: One of the most beloved adaptations of Hitoshi Iwaaki’s popular manga is Parasyte: The Maxim – a supremely bizarre Japanese anime series that is not afraid to get a little wacky, too.

• Stream Parasyte: The Maxim on Hulu

Goosebumps (2023-Present)

Starring: Justin Long, David Schwimmer

What it’s about: A group of high school students must overcome their differences in order to stop an evil force they accidentally unleashed in their town.

Why it is one of the best horror TV shows on Hulu: Hulu and Disney+’s Goosebumps, which is now in Season 2, ditches the anthology route and raises the stakes a bit higher than the target demographic for R.L. Stine’s original book series might be used to.

• Stream Goosebumps on Hulu

Reginald The Vampire (2022-2024)

Starring: Jacob Batalon, Mandela Van Peebles

What it’s about: An underachieving young man gains a new lease on life when he is turned into a creature of the night.

Why it is one of the best horror TV shows on Hulu: From developer Harley Peyton, Reginald the Vampire is an endearingly funny take on vampire lore based on a series of books by Johnny B. Truant.

• Stream Reginald The Vampire on Hulu

Helstrom (2020)

Starring: Tom Austen, Sydney Lemmon, Elizabeth Marvel

What it’s about: The son and daughter of a powerful, notorious murderer use their unique skills to search for and destroy dark forces.

Why it is one of the best horror TV shows on Hulu: Paul Zbyszewski takes inspiration from the Marvel Comics characters Hellstorm and Satana to create Helstrom – a gritty supernatural drama that lasted one season on Hulu.

• Stream Helstrom on Hulu

The UnXplained (2019-Present)

Starring: William Shatner

What it’s about: UFOs, ghost sightings, curses, and other bizarre topics are explored in this docuseries.

Why it is one of the best horror TV shows on Hulu: The History Channel’s The UnXplained is an entertaining exploration of various bizarre and unsettling phenomena that experts still struggle to understand to this day.

• Stream The UnXplained on Hulu

SurrealEstate (2021-Present)

Starring: Tim Rozon, Sarah Levy

What it’s about: A team of real estate agents takes on the specialized task of removing evil presences from their clients’ homes in order to make them more fitting for a good sale.

Why it is one of the best horror TV shows on Hulu: The clever idea of realtors who double as paranormal investigators is explored in SurrealEstate.

• Stream SurrealEstate on Hulu

American Horror Stories (2021-Present)

Starring: Various

What it’s about: A family experiencing a unique disconnect when moving into a house with a deadly history, a drive-in facing a disaster when screening an infamous horror movie, and a job interview for a doll manufacturer having an unexpected turnout are just some of the twisted tales explored in this series.

Why it is one of the best horror TV shows on Hulu: Fans of American Horror Story that prefer their anthologies to take things one story per episode will find exactly what they are looking for in the Hulu exclusive spin-off, American Horror Stories.

• Stream American Horror Stories on Hulu

Teen Wolf (2011-2017)

Starring: Tyler Posey, Dylan O’Brien

What it’s about: An average teenager becomes swept up in the world of the supernatural after a fateful bite turns him into a half-man, half-animal hybrid.

Why it is one of the best horror TV shows on Hulu: Developer Jeff Davis’ much darker reinterpretation of one of the best Michael J. Fox movies, Teen Wolf, would become one of the most acclaimed and most popular MTV original series in recent memory and later inspired a feature-length continuation exclusive to Paramount+.

• Stream Teen Wolf on Hulu

Scream Queens (2015-2016)

Starring: Emma Roberts, Keke Palmer, Abigail Breslin, Billie Lourd

What it’s about: The members of an already dysfunctional college sorority really begin to turn on each other when they are stalked by a masked killer and, later, fall prey to another elusive murderer after they are hired on to the staff of their dean’s new hospital.

Why it is one of the best horror TV shows on Hulu: American Horror Story co-creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk tried their hand at a more humorous and location-based attempt at the anthology horror TV show structure with Scream Queens – a title they earned by casting the most famous of the horror movie Scream Queens, Jamie Lee Curtis.

• Stream Scream Queens on Hulu

Wayward Pines (2015-2016)

Starring: Matt Dillon, Carla Gugino

What it’s about: The search for a pair of missing federal agents leads a Secret Service agent toward a strange small town that soon proves to be harder to leave than one would assume.

Why it is one of the best horror TV shows on Hulu: From producer M. Night Shyamalan, developer Chad Hodge’s series adaptation of Blake Crouch’s Wayward Pines book trilogy is an engrossingly suspenseful mindbender that fans of Twin Peaks might get a kick out of.

• Stream Wayward Pines on Hulu

Monsterland (2020)

Starring: Various

What it’s about: A socially isolated teen having an unexpected and unwelcome encounter, a successful business executive at risk of losing everything for past mistakes, and a married couple struggling to overcome their own consuming grief are just three of these eight tales about redemption by uncomfortable and especially unexplainable means.

Why it is one of the best horror TV shows on Hulu: Largely inspired by the stories in Nathan Ballingrund’s book, North American Lake Monsters, the Hulu original anthology series, Monsterland – featuring No One Will Save You star Kaitlyn Dever – takes a cue from The Twilight Zone by exploring the darker sides of humanity through a grim and fantastic lens.

• Stream Monsterland on Hulu

Castle Rock (2018-2019)

Starring: Andre Holland, Lizzy Caplan, Bill Skarsgård

What it’s about: A small town in Maine lives up to its grim reputation after a lawyer (played by Andre Holland) returns to defend a man (played by Bill Skarsgård) secretly held captive for decades, and later when a desperate single mother (played by Lizzy Caplan) makes an emergency stop that sets off a horrifying chain of events.

Why it is one of the best horror TV shows on Hulu: The titular community of Castle Rock refers to a fictional place that shows up in many stories by horror master Stephen King, whose most famous characters are either directly involved or cleverly referenced in each of the two multi-episodic arcs explored in this beautifully crafted, prematurely canceled seasonal anthology.

• Stream Castle Rock on Hulu

American Horror Story (2011-Present)

Starring: Various

What it’s about: Witness patients of a sadistic mental hospital fighting for their sanity (and lives), traveling roadshow performers struggling with their own “gifts” (among other things), teenage campers having the worst summer ever, and more stories that boggle the mind and challenge the senses in one of the most acclaimed horror anthology TV shows of all time.

Why it is one of the best horror TV shows on Hulu: Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, and others make up the cast of recurring actors who play a variety of characters that span decades, and even planes of existence, in American Horror Story – Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk’s collection of exhilarating, psychosexual, multi-episodic thrillers which will keep you from looking at the genre the same way ever again.

• Stream American Horror Story on Hulu

The X-Files (1993-2018)

Starring: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson

What it’s about: FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully often have differing opinions of the cases they are assigned, but what neither of them can deny is just how strange they tend to be.

Why it is one of the best horror TV shows on Hulu: From UFO conspiracies, cryptid sightings, urban legends, and other various encounters out of the ordinary, The X-Files – creator Chris Carter’s phenomenal marriage of crime procedurals with science fiction and fantasy – never fails to deliver some truly bizarre and harrowing sights that will haunt you long after you finish all 11 seasons.

• Stream The X-Files on Hulu.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

Starring: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Alyson Hannigan

What it’s about: A teenage girl striving for an average life instead must accept her destiny as a warrior against demons, bloodsuckers, and all forms of evil with help from her friends and the school librarian.

Why it is one of the best horror TV shows on Hulu: Unlike Mulder and Scully, the title character in Buffy the Vampire Slayer – a darker series update of the 1992 horror comedy movie – chases after the supernatural with a more direct and forceful approach that amounts to a stellar and plenty frightening display of monster-hunting fun over seven hit seasons.

• Stream Buffy the Vampire Slayer on Hulu

The Strain (2014-2017)

Starring: Corey Stoll, David Bradley, Kevin Durand

What it’s about: A CDC researcher is in over his head with the discovery of a virus, originating from a commercial jet that mysteriously appeared in New York, that slowly begins to turn those infected into undead creatures of the night.

Why it is one of the best horror TV shows on Hulu: Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan’s series adaptation of their own trilogy of horror novels (the first of which is titled The Strain), takes a more complex and scientific approach to exploring vampire lore and the cataclysmic effect it would have on humanity.

• Stream The Strain on Hulu

The Purge (2018-2019)

Starring: Gabriel Chavarria, Derek Luke

What it’s about: A not-too-distant future in which all crime, including murder, is legal for one 12-hour period each year is seen through the eyes of several loosely connected Americans just trying to stay alive past sunrise.

Why it is one of the best horror TV shows on Hulu: The two-season run of this USA original offers an arguably more fascinating and poignant exploration of the sociopolitical message of the popular franchise of The Purge movies it is spun-off from by its brutal depiction of a society torn apart by its own people.

• Stream The Purge on Hulu

What We Do In The Shadows (2019-Present)

Starring: Kayvan Novak, Matt Berry, Natasha Demetriou, Harvey Guillén, Mark Proksch

What it’s about: A camera crew follows a group of seemingly easy-going vampires and their human familiar to examine what life is like for the undead in Staten Island.

Why it is one of the best horror TV shows on Hulu: This series expands on the concept of one of the best horror-comedy movies – Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement’s hilarious mockumentary, What We Do in the Shadows – by offering even more brilliant and insightful satire on the mythology pioneered by Bram Stoker.

• Stream What We Do in the Shadows on Hulu

Bite Size Halloween (2020-2022)

Starring: Various

What it’s about: Get a quick scare with these shorts about a lonely teenage girl discovering she is not so alone at an empty basketball court, a desperate man searching for purpose through a DNA research company, a cruel prankster receiving his ultimate comeuppance, and many more.

Why it is one of the best horror TV shows on Hulu: As the title suggests, Bite Size Halloween is a collection of films exclusive to Hulu that last mere minutes, but offer enough screams, and even laughs, to last you long after that.

• Stream Bite Size Halloween on Hulu

What do you think? Is Hulu your new go-to hub for a blood-curdling binge, or will it take a lot more than any of these series to scare you?

Amazon Prime has some awesome horror shows, all of which are available with an Amazon Prime subscription. Even if it isn’t quite October yet, it's my favorite time of the year, where I get to dress up in my warm fall sweaters, decorate my apartment with way too much orange and black, and get ready for my favorite holiday - Halloween.

While I could spend my spooky time watching  the best Halloween films or the best Friday the 13th movies, I’m trying to get into the long-haul with some horror TV shows, and luckily, Amazon Prime Video has plenty to offer. Here is what’s there. 

American Horror Story (2011 - Present)

If you’re looking for the ultimate horror TV show, look no further than American Horror Story. In this popular FX series, viewers are taken through a different story each season, all with their own horrifying twists and turns, from a simple family living in a haunted home, to witches down in New Orleans, to a summer camp in 1984, and more.

The creator, Ryan Murphy, knocked it out of the park with this scary creation. Truly, American Horror Story is so popular for a reason. Not only is the AHS cast amazing – including awesome stars Evan Peters, Finn Wittrock, and more – the stories are genuinely unsettling. It’ll send chills up your spine constantly, and make you check around in the shadows of your home after watching each episode. You should definitely check it out if you love Sarah Paulson. There are twelve seasons to watch on Prime. 

Stream American Horror Story on Amazon Prime.

Them (2021)

Next up on the list, we have Them. In this horror series, the audience follows a Black family as they move from their home in North Carolina all the way across the country to Los Angeles. But as they adjust to their new lifestyles, they start to notice that the world around them holds a lot more secrets than they ever believed, and their home isn’t quite what they thought it would be. 

Them is a great horror show. I do think there are certain moments that could be done better, but the show has some amazingly scary moments that made me jump, and the casting is out of this world. There are also some great social messages that will make you think, as well. It’s not the best series out there, but for fans of horror, I think you’ll enjoy it. 

Stream Them on Amazon Prime.

Hazbin Hotel (2024 - Present)

Okay, so while it’s technically more of a horror-comedy, I have to put this on here. Hazbin Hotel is an adult animated series that follows the princess of Hell, Charlie Morningstar, who wants to create a program for sinners to be “rehabilitated” so they have a second chance of getting into heaven, and of course, she runs into plenty of roadblocks. 

While this show wouldn’t normally be what I would consider your average horror, there are plenty of moments that feel gross and get under your skin beneath the comedy of it. It’s one of the most creative shows on television right now and has a story that’s super interesting, and the humor mixed in with the horror aspects makes it all the more enjoyable. There’s one season out, and another planned. 

Stream Hazbin Hotel on Amazon Prime. 

Panic (2021)

If you’re looking for a good teen series that’s also mixed with horror, Panic is one to see for sure. In this Amazon original, we follow the story of several teenagers who are given the chance to compete in a game of “Panic,” which has increasingly dangerous, life-risking challenges, for the chance to win a ton of money to escape their hometown. But this year, the rules begin to change, and it’s up to these young adults to figure out how to truly win. 

I will never forgive Amazon for canceling this show after only one season, because it was so good. It almost reminded me of a different version of The Hunger Games franchise, but with less dystopia-vibes and a lot more scary situations. I wish it had been given the chance to expand more, but you can still check out Season 1. 

Stream Panic on Amazon Prime.

Grimm (2011 - 2017)

In this horror series, Grimm follows the story of Nicholas Burkhardt, a Portland homicide detective who is the latest in a line of guardians, who are known as Grimms, sworn to keep the balance between humanity and mythological creatures.

I think what I love the most about Grimm is that it’s such a fun combination of genres. While you get your horror moments, filled with scary monsters, plenty of blood, and much more, Grimm is also a show about mysteries, since Nick is a detective and works police cases, creating a very interesting dynamic. It’s always fun to see these intense monsters in a show that still had moments from normal police procedurals.

Stream Grimm on Amazon Prime.

Bates Motel (2013 - 2017)

This show is the definition of psychological horror. Starring Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore, Bates Motel is based on the novel Psycho and is considered a prequel to the film of the same name, although it takes place in modern day, and follows the story of Norman Bates and his mother before the events of the film, and how they sunk deeper into madness. 

This show is such a great one for horror fans. It’s not really gory or bloody (it has its moments for sure but it’s not that bad). But what it does do is give an excellent prequel story and dives deep into the mind of someone unstable enough to kill. The performances from both Highmore and Farmiga are top-notch and with five seasons of ten episodes each, this is the perfect horror show to binge next. 

Stream Bates Motel on Amazon Prime. 

Being Human (2011 - 2014)

This supernatural drama is based on the BBC series of the same name, and is one you can’t miss. Being Human follows the story of a werewolf, a ghost, and a vampire who all live in the same house together, but of course, their lifestyles don’t necessarily collide very well, and it creates crazy circumstances. 

I will say that this version of Being Human can be a lot more dramatic than its BBC counterpart, but it’s still entertaining nonetheless, and features some fun performances from Sam Witwer, Meaghan Rath and Sam Huntington. There’s three seasons available to watch on Prime, so it’ll be a quick binge. 

Stream Being Human on Amazon Prime.

Teen Wolf (2011 - 2017)

In this popular MTV series, Teen Wolf follows Scott McCall, a high school student who ends up becoming the titular teenage shapeshifter when he is bitten by an alpha werewolf the night before his second year of high school, changing his life forever.

While Teen Wolf isn’t what I would instantly think of as a horror series – since it’s not super bloody or anything – there are still plenty of chilling moments full of fantasy and genuine instances of terror that have it make the list. The monsters included in it can be actually pretty terrifying. The Teen Wolf cast has such great chemistry, with Tyler Posey, Crystal Reed, Dylan O’Brien, and more, and the story is filled with your typical werewolf fun, but mixed with drama and lots of great comedy, as well. It’s a treat, for sure.

Stream Teen Wolf on Amazon Prime.

I Know What You Did Last Summer (2021)

Another teen drama? Let’s go! I Know What You Did Last Summer, based on the book of the same name, follows a group of teenagers a year after a car accident they were involved in that killed someone. Now, a killer is hunting them down, one by one, saying that they know what they did last summer. 

I mean, how can you get any better than that? It’s a classic premise that has been done over and over again, like the iconic film adaptation of the same novel. However, the TV version on Amazon is still decently fun and has some pretty gory kills for fans of horror, so I think it lives up to the other adaptation well. 

Stream I Know What You Did Last Summer on Amazon.

The Fades (2011)

Hailing from England, this is a British horror TV show that will probably terrify the heck out of you. The Fades follows a student named Paul, who is able to see spirits around him, known as “the Fades,” vengeful deceased humans who aren’t able to enter Heaven, and have found a way to become partly human again, and now he has to find a way to stop the Fades from destroying the world.

The series only has six episodes, but personally, it’s such an interesting idea that I wish it was expanded on more. There’s so much creativity in horror now and to see a series like this only have six episodes is unfortunate. However, it still tells a very compelling story, and you will be drawn into it from the moment it begins.

Stream The Fades on Amazon Prime. 

Truth Seekers (2020)

Let’s lighten up the room a little with some horror comedy. Truth Seekers, starring names such as Nick Kroll, Malcom McDowell, Simon Pegg and more, tells the story of regular workers who have normal jobs during the day, but become paranormal investigators at night. That job leads them to search across the United Kingdom to look for ghosts. 

It’s a very fun series and honestly very light in tone in comparison to many of the other picks on this list, and one I can whole-heartedly recommend to anyone that likes both horror and laughter. Nick Kroll is always amazing in any role he does, and truly knocks it out of the park with Truth Seekers. 

Stream Truth Seekers on Amazon Prime. 

Bonus: The Boys/Gen V (2019 - Present) (2023 - Present)

The Boys, as well as Gen V, take place in the same universe where being a superhero is a business, and you can’t get better than being in The Seven, where the ultimate heroes are sworn to protect. But in this world, the heroes aren’t really heroes, and it’s up to civilians and those who oppose these heroes to expose them to the world and stop their dastardly deeds. Gen V follows young superheroes as they attend a college that is based on powers, but even academia has its dark secrets. 

Okay, so technically, these shows are more of a black comedy than an actual horror, but if you’ve watched either series, you know damn well how horrifying it all is. It’s not what you would instantly consider scary – there’s no boogeyman or vengeful spirit out to get the characters. But the amount of ungodly, nasty gore that you’ll see in these shows is enough for me to put them on this list for people looking for something gory.  I have been permanently scarred because of some of their content and for that, they deserve a spot on this list. There’s four seasons of The Boys with a fifth and final coming, as well as one season of Gen V with Gen V Season 2 on the way. Both are some of the best Amazon Prime original shows.Time to check out this disgusting – but great – universe. 

Stream The Boys on Amazon Prime.
Stream Gen V on Amazon Prime. 

With Halloween not so far away Amazon Prime Video is just one of the many places you can go to watch some scary shows. With plenty of options to pick from, hopefully one can keep you satiated this fall. Meanwhile, I’m going to go and watch AHS over and over again. 

Fans of MTV’s Teen Wolf are getting ready to reunite with the Wolf Pack in the highly-anticipated upcoming Teen Wolf movie. While a majority of the cast will return, one notable absence is Dylan O’Brien, known as the adorkable Stiles Stilinski. Fans have been hopeful that they would see him once again, but O’Brien broke his silence on not returning to for the revival on Paramount+, and he is once again sticking to his sentiments as rumors persist.

After news broke of a Teen Wolf movie, people were expecting Dylan O’Brien to return after Stiles’ Jeep was shown in the teaser video. Alas, it was soon confirmed that he was not among the members of the past who are returning for the project. There have been rumors of a cameo ever since Tyler Posey promised
at San Diego Comic-Con that fans will see "every character that you’d ever want to see again," but the Not Okay star squashed the chatter in a new interview with Entertainment Tonight:

It’s definitely disappointing that Dylan O'Brien's Stiles will not be reuniting with his friends in the upcoming movie, but it’s better to know now than to watch the movie expecting to see him. Teen Wolf would not be the same without Stiles, and although Tyler Posey has gotten fans pumped about the Paramount+ revival, there will definitely be some emptiness to it without Stiles.

Dylan O’Brien previously revealed that got to keep Stiles’ Jeep from the series, and it sounds like he lent that same vehicle to the Paramount+ project, so at least he’s part of the movie in that way. In a recent interview, creator Jeff Davis addressed Stiles’ absence from the movie and how it will be discussed in the revival. Rest assured, while he won’t be seen, Stiles will still be mentioned from time to time. 

Even though Dylan O’Brien won’t be in the Teen Wolf movie, is it still a possibility Stiles could come back in a future project? It’s unknown if this film will lead into something more for the original series, but Jeff Davis is now developing a spin-off titled Wolf Pack. It was announced at San Diego Comic-Con 2022 that Sarah Michelle Gellar will star in the series, but other cast has yet to be announced. Perhaps Stiles can return in that way? But for now, fans will just have to settle with seeing his Jeep in the movie. 

Meanwhile, the Teen Wolf actor is staying plenty busy as of late. His new movie with Zoey Deutch, Not Okay, recently dropped on Hulu . There’s also been talk of him portraying Nightwing thanks to some fan art, but Dylan O’Brien has since shut down those Batgirl rumors. Hopefully, the next rumor of him being in a project turns out to be true, because I’m not sure I can handle any more rejection.

The new Teen Wolf movie doesn’t have a set premiere date as of yet, but it will be coming soon to Paramount+ (so prepare to sign up for a subscription) In the meantime, check out some shows just like Teen Wolf if you love the supernatural drama.

While it's been a long wait, MTV's Wolf Pack is almost back, as the group will return in the highly-anticipated Teen Wolf movie on Paramount+. The film will star the majority of the OG characters, even bringing some back from the dead. However, series alum Dylan O’Brien won't be returning and, now, creator Jeff Davis is opening up about the absence of his character, Stiles.

Dylan O’Brien's lovable (or adorkable) Stiles Stilinski was one half of fan-favorite couple “Stydia” throughout the show’s run and became one of the series' breakout characters. So many were hopeful that O'Brien would reprise the role. Stiles’ famous jeep was included in the initial teaser, but O’Brien later confirmed that he wouldn't be returning for the revival movie. Jeff Davis addressed this while speaking with EW at San Diego Comic-Con, and it sounds like Stiles' presence will still be felt in some ways:

While it’s definitely disappointing that the star won’t actually appear in the movie, it’s good to know that his character will still be honored in some way. It's understandable given that he was such a big part of the original series. I'm hopeful that we'll learn that he's living a happy life with Lydia, and I'm sure that any updates  Holland Roden in the movie, we’ll surely get some news on Lydia and Stiles’ relationship.

Dylan O’Brien's decision not to return as Stiles does make sense, as the actor has been plenty busy as of late. O’Brien starred in Taylor Swift’s short film for her song “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version),”  which also featured Stranger Things' Sadie Sink. He'll next be seen alongside Zoey Deutch in the movie Not Okay, a satirical comedy that hits theaters on July 29. 

News of the Teen Wolf revival broke in 2021, on the four-year anniversary of the series finale. Shortly after, series lead Tyler Posey shared his excitement about returning to the role that made him a star. Posey played the role of Scott McCall on the MTV drama for six seasons, before it ended its run at 100 episodes in 2017. The series is still relatively popular to this day, though. 

Many members of the Teen Wolf cast have been busy since the show ended but, thankfully, many are returning for the film. Joining Tyler Posey Posey and Holland Roden for the movie are Tyler Hoechlin, Crystal Reed, Colton Haynes, Shelley Hennig, Linden Ashby, and Melissa Ponzio, and more.

Despite the fact that there will be so many returning faces, I'm eager to know how the revival will address Stiles’ absence and to see what it means for the core characters. And who knows, maybe he'll return for a future production. Perhaps he can cameo in the upcoming Wolf Pack series starring Sarah Michelle Gellar?

Before the Teen Wolf movie streams exclusively for Paramount+ subscribers, do yourself a favor and prep by streaming all six seasons on the platform now.

When it was announced that MTV’s hit supernatural drama Teen Wolf would be getting revived for a new follow-up feature set to stream on Paramount+, fans were excited to see the Wolf Pack once again after a five-year absence. However, when news broke about who all would be returning, a lot of those same fans were plenty disappointed to find out Dylan O’Brien was among the few former stars not coming back. Now the Maze Runner actor is speaking out about his decision. 

Dylan O’Brien portrayed one of Teen Wolf’s most beloved and comedic characters in Stiles Stilinski. While Stiles’ iconic jeep was used in the short teaser for the upcoming movie, which gave fans an idea that O’Brien would reprise his role, Stiles is most definitely not returning to Beacon Hills. The actor opened up exclusively to Variety about how much the show means to him, and what ultimately made him make the “difficult decision.”

It’s clear that Teen Wolf still means a lot to Dylan O’Brien, even five years after the series ended at MTV. While it was not an easy decision to decline to appear in the movie, O’Brien seems to have put a lot of thought into his choice and weighed out the options for what could work best. So it will be interesting to see how the movie addresses Stiles’ absence, if at all.

Even though the The Outfit star won’t be in the Teen Wolf movie, he still sent his sentiments to his former costars. Dylan O’Brien will be looking forward to the film and has made sure to point out that he will be watching it as soon as it drops on Paramount+:

For O’Brien to still be so grateful for his cast as to send them his well wishes for the movie, it proves that he supports the film being made. It’s also not wildly surprising that he decided to not do the movie, as he is keeping pretty busy lately. On top of new movie The Outfit, he has also been rumored to take up the Nightwing mantle in Batgirl, with fans even creating impressive fan art to imagine him in the role. However, he recently revealed that he hasn’t heard anything about it, but you never know with comic book movie secrecy.

Aside from O’Brien not returning, Arden Cho will also not be reprising her role of Kira Yukimura due to not getting an equal pay among her former co-stars. Tyler Hoechlin, who portrayed Derek Hale, is not yet set to return but as of now, there’s no confirmation on whether fans can expect to see Derek again. Much of the original cast will return including Tyler Posey, Holland Roden, Crystal Reed, Colton Haynes and Shelley Hennig.

The aforementioned Tyler Posey has been hyping up fans (as well as himself) for the upcoming movie. In October 2021, the actor revealed that he was excited for audiences to see their favorite characters age and out of high school, what they’ve been up to since we last saw them.

Hopefully we still get some sense of a follow-up for Stiles when the Teen Wolf movie premieres, but it definitely won’t be the same without Dylan O’Brien. If you want to get your Stiles fix, all six seasons of the MTV series is streaming on Hulu and Paramount+. Also be sure to check out some of O’Brien’s best projects.

One of the most well-known genres of television is the teen drama. For years, these types of shows, filled with steamy romances, the highs and lows of high school sports, fashion gods, and so much more, have been a major part of television. From some older options to brand new ones, there are plenty of shows out there for the teen drama enthusiast. 

If you’re looking for your next binge, check out the best teen drama TV shows streaming, that you can watch right now. 

Riverdale (Netflix)

Riverdale is the titular name of a small little town in upstate New York on this show from The CW, where everything seems normal until one person begins to dig a little deeper into the area's dark history, and murders start to pile up, creating plenty of drama for its residents. 

Riverdale has certainly gone up and down in quality over its run, but I’ll always have a special place in my heart for its craziness. The characters are all so different, and the relationships are very entertaining to follow. It’s definitely a great murder mystery show and while it has its moments of utter strangeness - like those weird musical episodes - it’s still an entertaining teen drama. 

Stream Riverdale on Netflix. 

All American (Netflix)

Next up, we have a classic sports show, All American. This teen drama follows a young high school football player who transfers to Beverly Hills High after being recruited from South L.A. We follow his wins and losses, both on the field and off. 

As someone who is a huge fan of sports movies, and loves watching football, I can confirm that this is an awesome show. I especially love that All American isn’t afraid to really dive deeply into hard to talk about topics that not a lot of older teen dramas really got into, such as racial injustice. The series is a lot of fun, and has great storylines filled with inspiration. 

Stream All American on Netflix. 

Elite (Netflix)

This international series on Netflix, Elite, is set in an elite secondary school, and follows the story of three working-class students who end up attending through a scholarship program, and clash with their wealthy classmates. 

I’ve always felt that Elite is like the Spanish version of Gossip Girl, except I think the characters are a lot more personable and fun to follow. We follow some truly crazy storylines, and I also especially love that the school they film in really does look like an amazingly private prep school. The romances in this are also so much fun to root for as well. There are six seasons and a seventh on the way, so time to binge.

Stream Elite on Netflix. 

Euphoria (HBO Max)

Next up, we have the HBO original series, Euphoria. While there’s a whole ensemble of characters, the main two that we follow are Rue and Jules, two young women, as they struggle through high school, and the social problems that surround them. 

Out of all the picks on this list, Euphoria is definitely the most mature. I’d say it even teeters between teen drama and adult drama with some of its content. However, I do feel that it’s an important show to watch, as it talks about some serious themes such as sexual assault, drug abuse and addiction, gender transitioning, and more. Zendaya is brilliant in her starring role, but the whole Euphoria cast is excellent, as well. Truly a great hit for HBO. 

Stream Euphoria on HBO Max.

The 100 (Netflix)

Another CW show, The 100, follows a group of delinquents from a spaceship, who are sent back down to Earth to investigate if the planet is ready to be occupied by humans again, after a nuclear apocalypse. But, the kids find out that not only is the planet habitable - they are not alone. 

I absolutely adore dystopian shows like this, but mix that in with some teen drama and it’s a winner for me. From The 100 cast to the storylines to its surprisingly great costuming and set design, it’s such a well-done show, and the lore is truly interesting. I’m not the hugest fan of the last season, but the rest is great. 

Stream The 100 on Netflix.

Degrassi: The Next Generation (Amazon Prime)

Taking place more than a decade after Degrassi Junior High, this show, Degrassi: The Next Generation, follows the obstacles of being a teenager, whether that means having to deal with relationship problems, sexuality, bullying, or even darker themes like sexual assault, gun control, and more. 

I’m going to be honest - Degrassi: The Next Generation was a little bit before my time of teen dramas, however, I recently binged it with a friend and I have to say, it holds up. The topics that are talked about are still relevant to today’s teens - if not even more so - and Degrassi: The Next Generation’s cast is full of talent and produced an entertaining show. I mean, the show even has Drake before he was super famous. It’s definitely worth a watch. 

Stream Degrassi: The Next Generation on Amazon Prime. 

Gossip Girl (HBO Max)

A classic CW show, Gossip Girl follows Serena Van der Woodsen (played by Blake Lively), a teenager growing up on the Upper East Side of New York City. We follow her daily struggles with schooling, her best friend, relationship issues and more, through six seasons of craziness. 

As someone who recently just watched all of this for the first time, I can understand why it was so popular. The Gossip Girl cast is ridiculously skillful in their portrayals of these characters, and it’s no wonder why most of them went on to have very fulfilling careers. The storylines are intense and crazy, the characters easy to follow, and the fashion impeccable. The latest HBO Max remake isn’t that great, in my opinion, so better to just stick with the original. 

Stream Gossip Girl on HBO Max.

Ginny & Georgia (Netflix)

With two seasons so far – and a third one on the way – this is probably one of Netflix’s most popular original teen shows. Ginny & Georgia follows Ginny, a young teenager who moves to a new town with her brother and mother, who had her as a teenager. Ginny lovers her mother, but as she starts to settle into this new town, she begins to discover secrets about her mom’s past that she never would have guessed – and it changes her life forever. 

Ginny & Georgia is one of those shows where you either enjoy the heck out of it or you can’t make it past the first season because the way the high schoolers talk can be very dated (as is the case with many teen shows). But what I will say is that the story is honestly really good and has a lot of suspense around Georgia’s character, and Season 2 especially dives into much heavier themes. 

Stream Ginny & Georgia on Netflix. 

One Tree Hill (Hulu)

Another classic teen drama, One Tree Hill, is all about the Scott brothers, Lucas and Nathan, half siblings who are competing against each other for spots on the basketball team, romances, and a lot more, in the town of Tree Hill, North Carolina. 

I feel like everyone has heard of One Tree Hill. It’s such a great combination of genres within a teen drama, like having a sports storyline, including so much romance it’s almost impossible to keep up with it, and much, much more. Plus, the One Tree Hill cast is full of stars, such as Chad Michael Murray, Hilarie Burton, and James Lafferty. The show had nine seasons, so you know it was, at the very least, quite successful. 

Stream One Tree Hill on Hulu. 

Pretty Little Liars (HBO Max)

Pretty Little Liars follows a group of five best friends, but their lives start to fall apart when their leader, Alison, suddenly vanishes. A year later, the friends reunite when they are threatened by a person named ‘A,’ who is saying they will expose all their darkest secrets. 

I feel like Pretty Little Liars is famous for so many reasons, whether it be for its drama, its romances, its dark twists and turns, or something else. The show became incredibly popular, and Pretty Little Liars cast went on to succeed in many different projects after the series finale. 

Stream Pretty Little Liars on HBO Max. 

Veronica Mars (Hulu)

In this popular CW series, Veronica Mars follows the titular character as she moves from high school to college, while also working as a private investigator, thanks to her father, who is a detective. In each new episode, we get to follow Veronica as she takes on a new case, while constantly trying to figure out the bigger mystery at hand. 

Starring Kristen Bell, Veronica Mars is the perfect example of a teen drama that can be entertaining for teens and adults. The mysteries that are involved are so much fun, but what really makes it such a great series is how, at the end of each season, it’s all tied to the bigger mystery of the season. And, how can you not love Kristen Bell as Veronica? She has that spunky personality that’s just impossible not to like.

Stream Veronica Mars on Hulu. 

Teen Wolf (Hulu)

Loosely based on the '80s film of the same name, Teen Wolf follows Scott, a seemingly normal high schooler whose world is turned upside down when he is bitten by a werewolf the night before his sophomore year, completely changing the course of his life. 

This is an excellent werewolf show, if not for the costume design, then for the Teen Wolf cast. Everyone works so well together and helped create a truly entertaining fantasy series that’s full of lore, enjoyable characters, and really cool monsters. My personal favorite character from the series is Stiles. Definitely one of Dylan O’Brien's best movies and TV shows. 

Stream Teen Wolf on Hulu. 

Outer Banks (Netflix)

Lastly, we have the Netflix original series, Outer Banks. This series is set in the town of Outer Banks, North Carolina, where there’s a stark difference between the wealthy and the working-class, called Kooks and Pogues. We follow a group of Pogues, who are on a mission to find out what happened to their ringleader’s father, who mysteriously disappeared. 

I personally think that this show sometimes dives a little too deep into teen drama tropes by making these romances as intense as they are. However, Outer Banks provides some awesomely fun adventure with its inclusion of mystery, mixed in with a warm feeling provided by the setting’s atmosphere. I love to watch this show in the winter when it’s cold, as it reminds me of summer. 

Stream Outer Banks on Netflix. 

While there are plenty of awesome teen dramas that we can all look forward to popping up on the 2023 TV schedule, sometimes it’s better to just sit back, relax, and binge what's come before. Now, if you don’t mind me, I’m going to re-watch Gossip Girl for the umpteenth time.

When I think of some kings of the '80s in terms of movies and TV shows, one of the first names that always pops into my mind is Michael J. Fox. The actor, known for famous roles in the Back to the Future franchise and several other major projects in Hollywood, blew up during that time period, and only continued to do well. 

While Fox is known for some of excellent roles, he's been in plenty of awesome movies and TV shows that I think you should watch right now if you're a fan. If you're looking for some Michael J. Fox movies and TV shows, this where you can stream and or rent some of the best that he has to offer. 

Teen Wolf (AMC+)

One of my personal favorite werewolf movies, Teen Wolf tells the story of a teenager who’s down on his luck at school, socially, athletically, and all around. However, when he begins to turn into a werewolf, his life begins to change, for better or worse. 

No, this isn’t the Teen Wolf cast that you might know from the more recent TV series. This is what Teen Wolf was based on, all the way back in 1985. When I watch this film, I can’t imagine anyone else but the charismatic Michael J. Fox playing the lead character, Scott Howard. Not only is it a fun fantasy film, but a great coming-of-age movie that has plenty of quirks and funny moments that anyone will enjoy, from beginning to end. 

Stream Teen Wolf on AMC+ through Amazon Prime. 
Rent Teen Wolf on Amazon. 

Family Ties (Paramount+)

Now, we take a look at Family Ties, a popular sitcom of the '80s. The series showed the family dynamic between ex-hippie parents and their young children, who grew up in the conservative '80s mindset of America. 

Arguably, this is really what made Michael J. Fox famous. While Back to the Future is probably what he’s most known for, Fox did a fantastic job in the role of Alex P. Keaton. It’s a great family-friendly show with a lot of messages behind many of the storylines, with plenty of stars that have come off and on throughout its run, such as River Phoenix, Tom Hanks, Courteney Cox, and several others. Fox won several Primetime Emmy awards for his role, which were well deserved. 

Stream Family Ties on Paramount+. 

The Secret Of My Success (Starz)

In this great comedy film, The Secret of My Success tells the story of Brantley Foster, a young man who recently left his home in Kansas, traveling to Manhattan, where he wants to work his way up in the world. 

The Secret of My Success is such a classic work movie. Michael J. Fox is great in his leading role, and the film also offers the message of working hard to achieve your goals. His character does that and more - with some comedic effect of course.

Stream The Secret of My Success on Starz. 
Rent The Secret of My Success on Amazon. 

Casualties of War (Starz)

Moving on to a war film, Casualties of War is based on the story of the 1966 incident on Hill 192 during the Vietnam War, where a Vietnamese woman was kidnapped from her village by American soldiers, who raped and murdered her. 

Michael J. Fox and Sean Penn star in this film, and both do fantastically. While this is a movie and some artistic influence will always be there, the retelling of this story based on a true tale is chilling, mixed in with beautiful set design and a hauntingly wonderful score. I personally think it’s an excellent war film and one that deserves so much credit. 

Stream Casualties of War on Starz. 
Rent Casualties of War on Amazon. 

Atlantis: The Lost Empire (Disney+)

Next up, Michael J. Fox stepped into the animated movie world with Atlantis: The Lost Empire. This Disney animated film follows a young linguist, named Milo, who gains possession of a sacred book, which he believes is a guide that will lead him and a crew of mercenaries to the ancient lost city of Atlantis. 

Let me tell you - Atlantis: The Lost Empire is such an underrated animated movie that deserved so much more love at the box office when it came out. Michael J. Fox slaps as Milo, as does the rest of this phenomenal cast. The characters are fantastic, the animation is stunning, and the score by James Newton Howard? Beautiful, can’t even put into words. If you haven’t taken the time out to watch Atlantis: The Lost Empire, do so now. It’s so good, and needs all the attention in the world, way more than it got back then. 

Stream Atlantis: The Lost Empire on Disney+. 
Rent Atlantis: The Lost Empire on Amazon. 

The Good Wife (Paramount+)

In this popular political drama TV show, The Good Wife follows Alicia Florrick, the wife of Cook County State’s Attorney, who returns to her career after the events of a public sex and political corruption scandal that involved her husband. 

Michael J. Fox was on The Good Wife from 2010-2016, playing Louis Canning. And while he only appeared for 26 episodes, his character stood out amongst the rest, showing Fox’s dramatic acting skills beautifully. Honestly, you shouldn’t even just watch this show for Fox. The Good Wife is greatly-written political drama that will intrigue you from the very beginning, with the compelling character of Florrick at the forefront. 

Stream The Good Wife on Paramount+. 

Spin City (Pluto TV)

Michael J. Fox returned to sitcoms in 1996 with the introduction of Spin City. This sitcom presents a fictionalized version of the local government of New York City, following Randall Wisnton, the mayor, and his staff, but the main person in charge is the Deputy mayor, Mike Flaherty, 

While Fox left the show after the first four seasons to spend more time with his family and work toward a cure for Parkinson’s disease, no one can deny that while he was on Spin City, he did a fantastic job. Fox’s character, Mike, is hilarious, good at his job, but definitely has his own human issues such as his neglecting his personal life that anyone with a 9 to 5 could agree with. Each episode is fun and full of laughs. 

Stream Spin City on Pluto TV. 

Stuart Little (Netflix)

Returning back to the animated voice front, Michael J. Fox has voiced one of Hollywood’s most famous rodents - no, not Remy from Ratatouille, but Stuart from the Stuart Little films. In these popular children’s films, Stuart is a mouse who is adopted by the Little family into their home, and we get to follow his adventures as he tries to become an accepted member of the family. 

Honestly, Stuart Little is just a load of fun. Every time I watch these films, whether with kids or by myself, I find myself always laughing at something. There’s just something so wholesome about Stuart, this little mouse who just wants to be accepted into this home, and is willing to do anything to have that. Michael J. Fox provides a great voice-over for Stuart, as does the rest of the cast. 

Stream Stuart Little on Netflix. 
Rent Stuart Little on Amazon. 

The Frighteners (Amazon Prime)

In this comedy/supernatural movie, The Frighteners tells the story of a man named Frank Bannister, an architect who develops the practices of necromancy, psychic abilities and other powers after his wife’s murder. 

Directed by Peter Jackson, The Frighteners is frighteningly fun. Michael J. Fox is great in this lead role, and adds that certain quirk of comedy that we all know he has, mixed in with a fun mystery with a ghost that can harm people from the other side. It’s entertaining, enjoyable, and an all-around good time. 

Rent The Frighteners on Amazon. 

Back To The Future Series (Peacock)

You know it, you love it, it’s the Back to the Future series. In this popular sci-fi movie trilogy, Back to the Future tells the story of Marty, a teenager who is accidentally sent back in time by his scientist friend, Doc Brown, in his time-traveling automobile. After he inadvertently messes with the past, threatening his existence, he must try and fix what he did and somehow get back to the future. 

I feel like if you love movies, Back to the Future is always one of those favorites that everyone loves. With a stellar Back to the Future cast, great set design, funny comedic bits, and some quotes that have become timeless, Back to the Future is one of those movie series that is hard to beat. To me, Back to the Future was one of the best films of the '80s, and that’s partially because of the amazing performance from Michael J. Fox, paired with Christopher Lloyd. Peacock Premium has every movie in the series, so you better check it out as soon as you can. 

Stream the Back to the Future series on Peacock. 
Rent the Back to the Future movies on Amazon. 

With so many great films and TV shows under his belt, Michael J. Fox truly stands out as an amazing, versatile actor in his field. Now, if you’re looking for some of his best work, maybe you might have found a new favorite film to watch. Or you’re just looking for another excuse to watch the Back to the Future movies like me. Regardless, have fun watching!

It’s only been four years since fans had to say goodbye to the Wolf Pack on MTV’s Teen Wolf yet, since then, they've been clawing for another season. Well, now, the network and Paramount are giving them more of the beloved franchise. It was recently announced that work has begun on a follow-up movie, which will premiere on Paramount+ next year. The fanbase is sure to be excited by the new project, and they're not alone. The show's lead actor, Tyler Posey, is also pumped and he recently shared why he's looking forward to the film.

The star portrayed high school student-turned-Alpha werewolf Scott McCall on the popular young adult series, which ran for six seasons from 2011 to 2017. Tyler Posey was one of the first to share the news of the franchise's return, and his joy was more than evident. In a recent interview with EW, he revealed what intrigues him the most about going back to Beacon Hills:

A potential Teen Wolf continuation has been discussed for quite some time now. Around the time the show ended, it was reported that MTV was in talks with creator and showrunner Jeff Davis about possibly rebooting the property as an anthology series. This project would've featured a whole new set of characters and storylines. There were also discussions about as continuing the original series in the form of a podcast. Unfortunately, things didn't pan out at the time but, as you can see, they've now worked out for the better.

The announcement for the revival movie came on the fourth anniversary of the show's series finale. While plot details have yet to be revealed, it seems likely that it'll take place years after the final episode. An official cast list has also yet to be announced, as Tyler Posey is the only confirmed star at this point. 

One person fans would likely be eager to see again is Stiles Stilinksi (played by Dylan O’Brien), and he could indeed appear. This is due to the fact that his iconic jeep can be seen in the teaser for the movie. Plenty other cast members have gone on social media in the past couple of weeks to share their excitement for the movie, so there's a firm chance that many of them could be returning as well.

I am so pumped for this new Teen Wolf movie, and it's great to see that its star is too! Hopefully, it won't be long before we get more info on the project. The Teen Wolf movie is coming to Paramount+ in 2022. And be sure to stream the series (or other shows like it) while you wait.

Werewolves have certainly established themselves in Hollywood as one of the premiere creatures to write about, from major appearances in movies like Twilight or shows like Teen Wolf, to other big-name titles, as well. Sure, there have been some corny shows, and even some really bad films, about the supernatural beings, but today, we’re going to focus on awesome movies and shows about werewolves. 

If you’re looking something new-to-you to watch that features your favorite moon-turned creatures, take a glance at this list to find something fun (or even a little terrifying) to stream.

Teen Wolf Television Series (Hulu) 

In this popular MTV series, Teen Wolf revolves around Scott McCall, a seemingly normal high school student whose life is changed when he is bitten by an alpha werewolf the night before his sophomore year of high school. 

There’s a reason why Teen Wolf was so popular during its run on television. The Teen Wolf cast is full of up and coming stars - which led to awesome movies from Dylan O’Brien after his breakout role on the show. While it is a teen show, it’s a series that anyone will find enjoyment in, from its surprisingly good special effects to its stories full of action, romance, and betrayal. It’s everything you could want in a werewolf series, in my opinion. 

Stream Teen Wolf on Hulu.

Red Riding Hood (HBO Max)

Red Riding Hood, very loosely based on the fairytale of the same name, follows Valerie, a young woman who lives in the village of Daggerhorn, located on the edge of a forest that is supposedly haunted by a werewolf. Soon, however, Valeria has an unpleasant run-in with this creature, changing her life forever. 

While it’s not a faithful adaptation of the fairytale, it’s obviously still based in the same idea - lone girl stumbles off into the forest and ends up running into a terrifying creature that wants to eat her. What I personally like about Red Riding Hood is that it’s very much an adult version of the tale. They don't hold back on blood, violence, or anything of the sort, and it adds in that air of romance with Valerie and other characters, who I won’t reveal. It’s definitely a different werewolf story, but a good one worth watching. Plus, Amanda Seyfried is honestly really good in her role, as is the rest of the cast.  

Stream Red Riding Hood on HBO Max. 
Rent Red Riding Hood on Amazon. 

An American Werewolf In London (Peacock) 

An American Werewolf in London follows the story of two American backpackers who are attacked by a werewolf while traveling to England, causing one of them to question whether they will become a werewolf under the next full moon. 

When I think of a werewolf movie, this is one of the very first I think of. Not only is it a great supernatural film, but it’s genuinely just a fun movie filled with a lot of great effects. The makeup alone is enough to make anyone want to watch it, because you truly do believe that they are werewolves. It’s a cult classic for a reason. I don’t particularly like its sequel, An American Werewolf in Paris, so the first will always have a special place in my heart. 

Stream An American Werewolf in London on Peacock. 
Rent An American Werewolf in London on Amazon. 

Wolfblood (Peacock) 

In this British fantasy show, Wolfblood revolves around a species known as wolfbloods, humans who can actually turn into wolves at any time - however, it is uncontrollable during a full moon, and they are at their weakest during a new moon. It focuses on the daily lives and the issues they run into while trying to hide their secret. 

I sort of look at Wolfblood as the British version of Teen Wolf. It’s a teen series with the same concept about younger people going through this tough time to hide a secret. However, I have to admit that I do love how they change up the concept of what a werewolf is. No longer are they completely bound to transform only at this one time - it can happen at any time, so they can wreak havoc on whomever they want. Plus, the stories are entertaining, and the transformations are really interesting to watch. 

Stream Wolfblood on Peacock. 

Teen Wolf Film (Paramount Plus)

The popular Michael J. Fox film Teen Wolf is about a young man who is a high school student, whose life is changed forever when he finds out that he is a werewolf. 

Yup, I know it sounds like the Teen Wolf we've already got on here, and fun fact - this version actually influenced that show heavily, at least with the basic concept. And, it did for a reason, because Teen Wolf (the movie) is such an enjoyable time. The endless charisma that Michael J. Fox had here really sold this movie, and turned this werewolf film into a fun coming-of-age comedy with fantasy mixed in.

Stream Teen Wolf on Paramount Plus. 
Rent Teen Wolf on Amazon. 

The Wolfman (Peacock)

In The Wolfman, an American actor is suddenly bitten by a werewolf, cursed after returning to his ancestral homeland in search of his missing brother, causing his life to turn upside down. 

While this is a remake of the 1941 film of the same name, I personally think this one is slightly better for a couple of reasons. First off, we have a stunning cast - I mean, Benicio del Toro, Anthony Hopkins and Emily Blunt all in the same movie? What a concept. But, what really makes me like this one more is that the score by Danny Elfman is great, and the makeup and other special effects are decent, as well. I do think the story lacks a bit compared to the original, but I’ve always been able to overlook that a bit, because the movie has still remained intriguing because of the interesting visuals. It’s certainly worth watching - and if you wanted to watch the original as well, it’s available to rent. 

Stream The Wolfman on Peacock. 
Rent The Wolfman on Amazon. 
Rent The Wolfman (1941) on Amazon. 

Wolf (Pluto TV) 

Moving on, we take a look at Wolf. This 1994 movie tells the story of Will Randall, a down-on-his-luck publisher whose life is changed when he is bitten by a black wolf. He finds himself more energized, more competitive, and possessed by heightened senses. But over time, despite everything changing in his work, Will is the one changing the most. 

Out of everything on this list, I think that this movie has the most impressive cast. Wolf not only has Jack Nicholson, but also Michelle Pfeiffer, James Spader, Christopher Plummer, Richard Jenkins - there are so many awesome actors who signed on for this film and rocked it in their role. It’s also a nice change in the werewolf genre, where it’s a slow transformation of someone, rather than a quick, painful one on the night of a full moon. 

Stream Wolf on Pluto TV. 
Rent Wolf on Amazon. 

Van Helsing (Showtime)

In this fantasy film, Van Helsing tells the story of famed monster hunter Dr. Gabriel Van Helsing, and his priest sidekick, Carl, as they head to Transylvania in Eastern Europe to track down Count Dracula, but also end up in battles with other terrifying monsters, the Wolf Man and Frankenstein’s Monster. 

While Van Helsing does focus a bit more on vampires, the legendary battle between Van Helsing and the werewolf, which is heavily featured in this film, can not be forgotten. I think, hands down, this is one of Hugh Jackman’s best films, at least action wise, because he is a badass as the titular character. Is the story a little corny and cliche? Yeah, but that’s, honestly, what makes this movie such a good time to watch. 

Stream Van Helsing on Showtime. 
Rent Van Helsing on Amazon. 

The Vampire Diaries (Netflix)

In this popular CW show, The Vampire Diaries tells the story of Elena Gilbert, whose parents died in a recent car crash, so she moves to the town of Mystic Falls, Virginia. There, she meets Stefan Salvator, and falls in love, finding out that he is a 162-year-old vampire. 

Look, I know the name doesn’t seem like there would be werewolves in this show on Netflix. But, while The Vampire Diaries does focus in on vampires, werewolves are also heavily featured in the show, often becoming pretty big characters and creating nice conflicts between both vampires and werewolves, a la Twilight. The Vampire Diaries cast is also very talented, as well, creating memorable romances, friendships, and dramatic moments that have lived in the heads of fans forever. 

Stream The Vampire Diaries on Netflix.