I’ve been a Pixar fan my whole life so, naturally, I’m always interested in what the studio -- which is situated within The Walt Disney Company -- is cooking up. When I attended D23’s Entertainment Showcase on Friday night, I watched as the studio's bigwigs talked about what’s coming up in the next few years. And one title really stood out for me among the upcoming Disney movies.

One Pixar Announcement Really Thrilled Me

The film that grabbed my attention was one that hadn't been revealed until the showcase, and it’s called Ghost Market. During the D23 panel, the footage was unveiled to attendees before context on the film was even given. And it was really exciting to be part of the first audience to experience it. The clip opens with a teen boy wandering into a creepy place, where a bowl of ramen suddenly appears.

Before he knows it, the unsettling place reveals itself to be haunted as the bowl of ramen starts to levitate and fiercely follow him. You can check out a first look here:

Pixar’s chief creative officer, Pete Doctor, introduced the movie by saying it’ll be the studio’s “very first ghost movie”. He also said this about Ghost Market:

Y’all, I love this concept so much! It’s definitely out of the box for Pixar, and it reminds me of something I’d see from a studio like Laika. I’m very intrigued to see a project like this from the studio who brought us the Toy Story movies and more. And (hopefully) this film brings a fresh take on a ghost story though, even now, it's clear it has a specific vibe to it. Doctor also said this about Ghost Market:

Pixar’s original films haven’t done as commercially well as its legacy sequels, though that trend broke a bit with the success of Hoppers earlier this year. I’m always curious to see what new ideas creatives at the company bring to the table. All in all, I have a good feeling about what the company will do with a spookier story.

I'm Also Loving Pixar's Other D23 Announcements

Ghost Market may have been the highlight for me among Pixar announcements, but there weren’t other notable updates that caught my attention as well. For one, I gasped at the reveal that Miguel will be a teenager in Coco 2, which was first announced last year. Take a look at the first image here:

Additionally, Benjamin Bratt came on stage to say that his character of Ernesto de la Cruz will be back and looking for revenge. Additionally, Miguel will reunite with Mamá Coco in the Land of the Dead. I’ll be bringing my tissues for sure when the film hits theaters on November 21, 2029.

During the presentation, Doctor also talked about Incredibles 3, which is coming before Coco 2 on June 16, 2028. He teased that after the first movie was focused on Mr. Incredible and the sequel was about Elastigirl, this one will center on the Parr kids. Oh, and Frozone and Edna Mode will be back as well.

The last, and most imminent Pixar movie (which is scheduled to hit the 2027 movie schedule in March) that was talked about is Gatto. D23 showed us an extended clip from the movie, which featured some funny pigeons. That snippet suggested the movie would lean into the street animals of its Italian location. I was honestly already sold on Gatto given it's from the writer/director of Luca and has Mark Ruffalo in the leading voice. Still, now, I'm even more excited.

Gatto comes out on March 5. I’m definitely digging the even balance of sequels to original films over at Pixar, but I'll be keeping a particularly close on eye on Ghost Market, which is scheduled to open in theaters on March 10, 2028. In the meantime, stream classic Pixar films using a Disney+ subscription.

Brad Bird has easily made some of my favorite movies. From being behind a handful of childhood favorites like The Iron Giant, The Incredibles and Ratatouille to helming arguably the best Mission: Impossible movie, Ghost Protocol. But it’s been a good decade since we’ve seen a truly original idea from the writer/director. Thankfully, his longtime animated passion project Ray Gunn is officially on the 2026 movie schedule. However, as he told us, the road to getting big and bold ideas on the screen isn’t the same as it used to be.

Thirty-something years ago, Bird wrote the script for Ray Gunn, a neo-noir detective flick set in a utopian future. It wasn’t until a few years ago that we heard it was getting off the ground with Skydance Animation. Now, the movie, which looks incredibly imaginative and straight-up cool, is coming to those with a Netflix subscription. When I spoke with Bird hours before he took to San Diego Comic Con’s Hall H stage to talk about his “Cinematic Journey” across three decades, he said there's a distinct reason why he took the movie to the streaming studio. As he shared:

On Ray Gunn, Bird re-teamed with John Lasseter (formerly of Pixar) and David Ellison (of Ghost Protocol). However, it's not easy these days to pitch a brand new idea. Netflix, which made my favorite animated feature of last year in KPop Demon Hunters, was ready to support Bird’s Ray Gunn. He wrote it in the 1990s before it was shelved at Warner Bros. for over 25 years. Then he decided to go back to the project, take it to Skydance Animation, and then Netflix. As Bird continued during our interview:

During Brad Bird’s SDCC panel, fans like me had the chance to see the first seven minutes of Ray Gunn. And it’s truly hard to believe this idea was just lying around somewhere collecting dust for so long. I watched in awe of the gorgeous, yet lived-in city of Metropia where our titular character, Ray Gunn (Sam Rockwell), is trying to solve a case with an alien colleague Eyera (Tom Waits). Here’s a look:

There’s a hard-boiled quality to it that makes me happy it's not among upcoming Disney movies – though Bird is making Incredibles 3 with Pixar right now, too. And yet, it’s not completely grim, by any means. This is especially evident in a scene where Ray Gunn immediately tries to save the alien he just raided the office of. Brad Bird reflected further on Hollywood with these words:

It’s true. Some of the best movies started with a movie studio or producer taking a risk. Finishing his thought on the matter, Bird said:

And I cannot wait to see Brad Bird’s Ray Gunn on Netflix when it comes out on December 18. The filmmaker has made so many great films across his career, and it’s great to hear he found the right match with this film – even in a landscape where it’s increasingly hard to get an original idea off the page.

Disney laid off a lot of employees this week, with Pixar being a highly affected division. It turns out, the studio reportedly informed the state it was cutting people with a document that featured shockingly adorable letterhead. And yes, adorable is the right word too, because Pixar’s letterhead features Mrs. Incredible on it.

It was reported that Pixar informed the state that it was cutting 108 Bay Area jobs on Mrs. Incredible letterhead by SF Gate’s Matthew Brown. In a post on X, it was explained how many employees were laid off, and there was a screenshot of said letterhead; take a look:

Considering the serious matter at hand, the adorable letterhead was a bit shocking to see. However, I also assume the company’s regular letterhead features Mrs. Incredible or other characters from the best Pixar movies. Personally, I’m a bit surprised it’s not the classic lamp.

Plus, considering the plot of The Incredibles (which you can stream with a Disney+ subscription), I can't deny that I was a bit surprised by the character featured at the top of this document. I mean, in the first movie, Mr. Incredible literally loses his day job as he’s getting back into being a superhero.

Overall, the letterhead is fun without considering what is written below it. However, all things considered, I’d assume it doesn’t make the news easier to hear. While this kind of letterhead does feel on-brand for Pixar's day-to-day use, seeing a beloved character on a document reportedly about layoffs hits different.

For context, on July 21, it was reported that several hundred positions were cut at Disney. Specifically, this affected Pixar and National Geographic in a big way, according to Deadline. Specifically, National Geographic was the most impacted, as it had layoffs at the cable network, editorial and operations.

Along with that, about a dozen ABC News employees were let go. Overall, Disney Entertainment Television and Studios cut just under 100 employees.

When the news broke, it was reported that Pixar laid off around 100 people from production and operations. This latest update says the number was specifically 108. This notably comes two years after Pixar went through a big round of layoffs in 2024.

All of this has also happened on the heels of Toy Story 5’s box office success. The studio also released Hoppers this year. Among the upcoming Disney movies, Pixar plans to release Gatto on the 2027 movie schedule, and Incredibles 3 is currently slated for a June 16 premiere in 2028.

Considering Incredibles 3 and the love for the first two movies, I can see why Mrs. Incredible was on the letterhead at Pixar. In fact, it’s an adorable detail. However, the last thing I expected was to see really difficult news allegedly delivered on objectively adorable letterhead.

Jack Black has built a career on saying yes to the weird, the loud and the unexpectedly heartfelt. That’s part of why it’s so surprising to learn there’s a major animated role he wishes he hadn’t passed on. When the School of Rock star talks about it now, there’s no defensiveness, just the kind of hindsight that comes with watching something you almost did become a classic without you.

The revelation came during a recent interview Black did with Paul Rudd while the two were promoting their 2025 movie release, a comedy remake of Anaconda. In a clip shared by Capital Official, the conversation took a turn toward career regrets, and the Super Mario Bros. voice star didn’t hesitate when asked if there was a role that got away from him. He revealed:

If you’re already picturing Jack Black’s manic energy layered onto Syndrome, you’re not alone. It’s one of those castings that makes immediate sense, especially since it feels like it was tailor-made for his voice and sense of humor. That's probably why Black’s explanation for turning it down feels even more painful in retrospect.

According to the Minecraft lead, his hesitation had nothing to do with animation itself. It came down to his initial read on the character, adding:

That director, of course, was Brad Bird, who would go on to deliver not just one of Pixar’s most beloved films, but one of the most acclaimed animated movies ever made. Syndrome turned out to be anything but one-dimensional, evolving into a sharp, funny and emotionally resonant antagonist who helped define the movie’s lasting appeal.

The Tenacious D frontman admitted that watching the finished film was a humbling experience. He continued:

It’s easy to see how Jack Black reached that conclusion. Syndrome’s mix of wounded fanboy energy, theatrical menace and comic timing feels like it exists right in the beloved star’s wheelhouse. While Jason Lee ultimately voiced the character to iconic effect, there’s an alternate universe in which the Jumanji actor's take is just as memorable.

Still, the regret doesn’t sound like it haunts Black so much as it taught him something. The Nacho Libre performer has since leaned hard into animated roles, from Kung Fu Panda to The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Clearly, he is not ready to see another classic slip through his fingers.

Pixar’s The Incredibles, notably sans Jack Black, is currently streaming with a Disney+ subscription. As for Jack Black, you can catch him on the big screen in Anaconda, now playing in theaters, or hear him reprise one of his most beloved animated roles as Bowser in the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy movie.

The summer movie season may be slowing down, but there’s plenty of Walt Disney Studios movies to look forward to on the 2026 movie schedule and in the years to come. Over the summer, the company had one of the biggest movies of the season with $1 billion hit Toy Story 5 and a misfire with the live-action Moana. So, what’s next for the House of Mouse? A lot was just revealed at the D23 Expo's Entertainment Showcase. You can take a look below and find out!

Before you continue, we should note that The Walt Disney Company also has a bunch more than you’ll see here. There are upcoming Marvel movies like Avengers: Doomsday on the way this holiday season and more Star Wars movies like Starfighter coming next summer. Here’s a look at everything Disney has announced for the rest of this year and all the years to come.

Whalefall

Release date: October 16, 2026

Another 20th Century Studios film, Whalefall is based on a novel by Daniel Kraus. It’s about a man scuba diving in search of his fathers remains, who is accidentally swallowed by a whale, and must find a way to escape. It stars Austin Abrams, Josh Brolin, and Elisabeth Shue and is written and helmed by Brian Duffield. You can learn the story behind how it became a movie as we wait for it.

Wild Horse Nine

Release Date: November 6, 2026

Searchlight Pictures has a black comedy starring the likes of John Malkovich, Sam Rockwell, Steve Buscemi, Tom Waits and Parker Posey. It’s about two longtime CIA officers living in 1973 who get stationed in Easter Island. The movie is written and directed by In Bruges and The Banshees of Inisherin filmmaker Martin McDonagh. And, it’s coming out out just in time for awards season.

Hexed

Release Date: November 25, 2026

Announced during Disney’s Destination D23 event in August 2025, Hexed is an original story from Walt Disney Animation Studios. The original animated film follows a teenager named Billie and his “Type-A” mother who discover she has magical abilities. This discovery leads them to a world where magic can run free. Hailee Steinfeld plays Billie and Rashida Jones voices her mom, Alice. It was just announced at D23 Expo that Walton Goggins as a green three-eyed cat named Beef Roger Crumbchuck. Disney legend, Jodie Foster was also announced to be voicing her first animated role for the studio at the villain.

Behemoth!

Release Date: December 4, 2026

Pedro Pascal already leads The Mandalorian & Grogu in the Star Wars Universe and as Mr. Fantastic in the MCU, but this is something different. Behemoth! is a drama from Searchlight Pictures that follows a prolific cellist who returns to Los Angeles to compose film scores. The movie was written and directed by Tony Gilroy, who memorably helmed Rogue One and its spinoff Andor. Behemoth! also stars Olivia Wilde, Eva Victor, Will Arnett and Matthew Lillard.

Ice Age: Boiling Point

Release Date: February 5, 2027

After Blue Sky Studios shut down in 2021, there was a time when more Ice Age movies seemed out of the realm of possibility. However, when it was acquired by The Walt Disney Company as part of its acquisition of 20th Century Fox that soon changed. The new movie brings back all our favorite characters from the series: Ray Romano’s Manny, John Leguizamo’s Sid, Denis Leary’s Diego, Queen Latifah’s Ellie and Simon Pegg’s “Buck” Wild. At D23, we say a first look that included a little friend for Scrat that's gonna be a big hit for sure.

Gatto

Release Date: March 5, 2027

The upcoming original Pixar title is set in Venice and focuses on a cat named Nero who needs to pay back a debt to a feline mob boss. This leads Nero into an unlikely partnership with a street musician. It comes from the filmmaker of Luca, Enrico Casarosa. It stars Mark Ruffalo as the leading kitty, who was pitched on the movie after the filmmakers noticed his love for cats on Instagram. You can check out the first Gatto trailer as we wait for it.

Monitor

Release Date: April 30, 2027

Searchlight Pictures is known for snatching up buzzy movies at film festivals, and they did so at the 2026’s SXSW with Monitor. It’s a horror film by new Texas-based filmmakers Matt Black and Ryan Polly. Monitor follows a group of internet content moderators who accidentally unleash a demonic entity across their screens and beyond.

Beach Read

Release Date: May 7, 2027

Emily Henry has become a formidable name in romance novels, and now she’s got a bunch of adaptations of her books on the way. The next one (after Netflix’s People We Meet On Vacation) is for Beach Read from 20th Century Studios. The rom-com is about a romance novelist named January Andrews who is spending her summer in her late father’s old beach house. There, she runs into her former college rival, an acclaimed literary fiction author, Augustus Everett. As they both admit to be struggling with writer’s block, they decide to challenge each other to write a novel in the other’s specialty genre. Bridgerton’s Phoebe Dynevor will be playing January and Patrick Schwarzenegger will be Everett.

The Bluey Movie

Release Date: August 6, 2027

Bluey, the Australian animated kids show, has proven to be a hit for all ages and is regularly among the most-watched shows on Disney+. Disney will also distribute a feature-length Bluey movie in 2027 directed by the show’s creator Joe Brumm and giving the show’s beloved characters a big-screen debut. The first teaser we saw at D23 showed that the animation style will be 3D. It looks great.

The New Simpsons Movie

Release Date: September 3, 2027

20 years after their last big screen endeavor The Simpsons will once again hit the big screen thanks to Disney’s 20th Century Studios. We don’t have many details about the plot of this one yet.

Frozen III

Release Date: November 24, 2027

Frozen is too big of a phenomenon to not receive another sequel, and it’s on the way for next fall. We know the third movie will feature Anna and Kristoff having a royal wedding. Plus, a mysterious adventure will once again have Elsa using her magical abilities to save her family and kingdom. The Frozen 3 release date for November 2027. Jennifer Lee previously confirmed that the story will probably require two movies, though when we’ll see the second one has yet to be officially announced. At D23, we saw the first teaser which included a mysterious new character.

Ghost Market

Release Date: March 10, 2028

The next Pixar original after Gatto is coming in 2028 and it's the studio's first supernatural ghost story. It's about a teenager and content creator named Kyle who is "forced" to go on vacation to Hawai'i by his mom. During the trip, while on the hunt for a midnight snack, he comes across a haunted market.

Tangled

Release Date: March 31, 2028

The next live-action Disney movie is a remake of 2010 favorite, Tangled. The movie stars newcomer Teagan Croft as Rapunzel, Milo Manheim as Flynn Rider and Kathryn Hahn as Mother Gothel. It's currently being filmed on location in Spain by director Michael Gracey, who previously helmed The Greatest Showman.

Lilo & Stitch 2

Release Date: May 26, 2028

The sequel to the live action Lilo & Stitch was announced quickly after the first film's success, and the release date has already been set, indicating this movie is on the fast track. We expect to see Maia Kealoha’s Lilo, Sydney Agudong’s Nani. The voice of Stitch, Chris Sanders is not only back as Experiment 626, he’ll also direct after co-writing/directing the original movie. At D23, it was announced that the movie will introduce Angel, who is another experiment and Stitch's love interest from the animated series.

Incredibles 3

Release Date: June 16, 2028

Officially announced as being in development at D23 2024, Incredibles 3 has a summer release date which places its release at exactly a decade since the last one came out. Life moves as fast as Dash does! The movie is being penned and produced by Brad Bird, but this time he’s moving aside and leaving directing duties to Elemental’s Peter Sohn. At D23, it was announced that the movie will focus on the Parr kids and feature the return of Frozone and Edna Mode.

Clay

Release Date: November 2028

Walt Disney Animation's next original film after Hexed is called Clay. It will star Oscar winner Kieran Culkin as the titular character Clay, who becomes the mentor to a piece of Clay named Mooshy. The visuals are very whimsical and vibrant. It comes from Wish co-director Fawn Veerasunthorn.

Untitled Disney Movie

Release Date: February 16, 2029

Disney is holding this date on the release calendar for an as yet unnamed movie.

Untitled Disney Movie

Release Date: March 9, 2029

Disney is holding this date on the release calendar for an as yet unnamed movie.

Untitled Disney Movie

Release Date: May 25, 2029

Disney is holding this date on the release calendar for an as yet unnamed movie.

Untitled Disney Animation

Release Date: June 15, 2029

Disney is holding this date on the release calendar for an as yet unnamed animated movie.

Untitled Disney Movie

Release Date: August 3, 2029

Disney is holding this date on the release calendar for an as yet unnamed movie.

Untitled Disney Movie

Release Date: October 5, 2029

Disney is holding this date on the release calendar for an as yet unnamed movie.

Untitled Disney Movie

Release Date: November 9, 2029

Disney is holding this date on the release calendar for an as yet unnamed movie.

Coco 2

Release Date: November 21, 2029

Coco 2 is in development, and officially on the way for the fall of 2029, as announced at D23. The animated sequel will follow Miguel, who's now a teenager. We know that Benjamin Bratt's Ernesto de la Cruz will be coming back to get his revenge and Miguel will reunite with Mama Coco in the Land of the Dead.

Avatar 4

Release Date: December 21, 2029

James Cameron has said that parts of Avatar 4 were filmed alongside Avatar: The Way of Water and Avatar: Fire and Ash, but another massive production will need to get underway to finish out the five-movie cycle. Cameron had hinted the last two films may not actually happen, but thus far, we still expect them.

Avatar 5

Release Date: December 19, 2031

The final Avatar movie will finally arrive in 2031, assuming there are no more delays, or plans change for James Cameron.

Recent Releases

Are you looking for a recently released Walt Disney Company movie that already came out that you may have missed? Check out how you can watch the latest movies that came out within the past year below:

Now In Theaters
The Dog Stars

Now Streaming On Disney+
The Mandalorian & Grogu
The Devil Wears Prada
Orangutan
Hoppers

Now Streaming On Hulu
The Devil Wears Prada
Ready or Not 2: Here I Come
Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice
In The Blink Of An Eye

Available To Buy/Rent
Toy Story 5 (on VOD now, arrives on physical formats on September 22 & Disney+ on September 23)
Moana (on VOD now, arrives on physical formats on October 6)

If you’re a fan of Disney, you’ve obviously heard of the best Pixar films or many of the upcoming MCU movies. The two franchises may be the corporation's primary moneymakers. However, I must admit that I never really found much overlap between the two.

That makes some sense. It’s animation versus live-action; why would there be much crossover unless it was on purpose? But, thanks to the internet and some sleuthing, I actually discovered a funny coincidence between The Incredibles and Marvel’s latest drop, The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

The Incredibles, One Of Pixar's Best Films, Has A Runtime Of 1 Hour And 55 Minutes

If you love Pixar, you have heard of The Incredibles. Hands down, it is one of the best films that the company has made. There’s a reason Incredibles 3 is in the works and we’re already excited. Incredibles 2 was the best superhero movie of 2018. We love this franchise.

The runtime of the film 1 hour and 55 minutes, which is not that long overall, but certainly a little longer than most animated films. For a superhero movie, though, that’s a decent amount of time.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps Has The Exact Same Runtime

However, I found a curious coincidence: the new Marvel film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, has the same runtime. According to Superhero Hype, the length of the 2025 movie release is 1 hour and 55 minutes. That is something that doesn’t normally happen in the MCU (many superhero movies are significantly longer than average), but I have to admit – this has me hyped. A lot.

The fact that it has the same runtime as Incredibles actually makes me a lot more excited for First Steps for one reason.

I Think It Bodes Well For The Marvel Film That It's The Same Runtime As One Of The Best Pixar Films

I was excited for this film. The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ marketing has been excellent, the cast is stellar, and of course, I’m going to enjoy any new MCU film. However, I feel even more confident now that I know the runtime.

Because these movies tend to run longer; I actually think this is a good sign for the film. Usually, a shorter film means that the story is tight and condensed, and it didn’t need to be fluffed with a lot of filler for fans to watch. You’ll be on the edge of your seat the entire time, which makes it even better.

I just had to point this fact out. It's such a fun coincidence, and it gets me hyped for the tale we're about to witness.

If the story is as tight and condensed as The Incredibles was, The Fantastic Four: First Steps will have a lot going for it. I'm planning to be in the theater hyping it up, after years and years of waiting. When it’s over, I’m most likely going to go home and rewatch the Incredibles for the millionth time because I’m going to need my superhero fix.

I was in the audience at D23 last summer when Pixar CCO Pete Docter confirmed that Brad Bird was already at work developing Incredibles 3. There was, unsurprisingly, a lot of applause following that announcement. The Incredibles is one of Pixar’s most beloved films. Incredibles 2 was the top-grossing Pixar movie ever made until Inside Out 2 dethroned it last summer.

I like both Incredibles films, but I have to admit I wasn’t overwhelmed with excitement that Incredibles 3 was on the way. There was no reason to believe it wouldn’t be a solid film, but I just found it less interesting than doing something new or even making a sequel to a film that hadn’t already received one. But now I’m a bit more curious about Incredibles 3 because it will be different from the previous films in a big way.

Brad Bird Will Not Direct The Next Incredibles Movie

Today, THR broke the news that while Brad Bird will write and produce Incredibles 3, he will not direct the movie, as he had done with each of the previous Incredibles franchise entries. Instead, directing duties will be handled by Peter Sohn, who most recently directed Pixar’s Elemental.

While it had been widely assumed that Bird would direct the movie, it had never been specifically stated by Pixar. Perhaps that had even been the plan at one point. Bird does have other projects he’s directing, including Ray Gunn for Netflix. It’s possible Bird just didn’t have the time in his schedule. Bird and Docter reportedly jointly selected Sohn as the man who should direct the new film.

Peter Sohn Is The Perfect Choice To Helm Incredibles 3

But now you have my attention. My love for Elemental is well known to frequent CinemaBlend readers. I think it’s the best movie Pixar has made in a long time. Pixar has always been good at turning things without consciousness into living things that we care about and cry over. But in Elemental, we saw those characters fall in love, and the movie let a single relationship carry the weight of the entire story.

If Peter Sohn can do that with fire and water, then I have high hopes that he can do even more with characters that are actually human. It might be just enough of a different vibe to an Incredibles movie that it feels unique and not simply like it’s another of the same movie for the third time.

Fans of Brad Bird need not worry. He’s still writing the film, so one assumes the final script, the plot, the dialogue, etc, will be mostly his work. It will still be Bird’s story, and Sohn has been one of his long-time collaborator. Sohn began his professional career as an animator on The Iron Giant and has contributed to every film Bird has made for Pixar, including both previous Incredibles movies. If there's another person capable of bringing Brad Bird's work to life properly, it's probably Peter Sohn.

The fact that a director has been slotted indicates that Incredibles 3 is probably getting ready to shift into more of a production status, though the movie is probably at least a couple of years away at least. Still, I’m looking forward to when that day comes more now than I was before.

Even those who enjoy fun comic book movies featuring a villain you love to hate would probably agree that the absolute best superhero movies have a bad guy who makes you think twice. While you may not agree with their illegal or simply inhumane plans, you cannot help but admit that their actions do have some logical justification.

Take a look at the best villains from the Marvel movies, the DC movies, and even some great comic book flicks associated with neither, whom we could have sided with if they were not so mean.

Thanos (Avengers: Infinity War)

The Marvel Cinematic Universe's first "big bad," Thanos (Josh Brolin), emerged as the central antagonist of Avengers: Infinity War, in which he aspires to collect every last Infinity Stone to save Earth from human destruction and create balance in the entire universe... but with genocide. Comic book fans agree that the mad Titan's motivation in the 2018 blockbuster is an improvement on the original source material from the early '90s, in which he erased half the universe to appease his crush, Death itself.

The Riddler (The Batman)

Similar to Jim Carrey's iteration of The Riddler from Batman Forever, Paul Dano's version from 2022's The Batman seeks revenge against Bruce Wayne but also believes he is in cahoots with Robert Pattinson's vigilante. The brainteaser enthusiast, who was also orphaned but not treated with the same care as young Wayne, shares the Dark Knight's passion for ridding Gotham of corruption but does not honor his no-killing rule.

Magneto (The X-Men Movies)

Professor Charles Xavier and Erik "Magneto" Lehnsherr of the X-Men comics have long been compared to Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X for the way they share a common goal of fighting mutant oppression, but wildly different ideas of how to achieve it. The metalbending criminal (played by Sir Ian McKellan and as a younger man by Michael Fassbender in the X-Men movies) has no interest in peace between humans and mutants, but wishes to see his people become the dominant race.

Syndrome (The Incredibles)

In one of the best Pixar movies, 2004's The Incredibles, Syndrome (Jason Lee) is driven to murder surviving retired superheroes (and become one himself) after being let down as a child by his personal hero, Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson). The villain from the 2018 sequel, Evelyn "Screenslaver" Deavor (Catherine Keener), wants to prevent supers from becoming legal for a similar reason.

Baron Zemo (Captain America: Civil War)

In 2016's Captain America: Civil War, the Avengers are already on the verge of collapse when the Sokovia Accords are introduced, but making things worse by framing Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) for murder is Baron Zemo (Daniel Brühl). It is eventually revealed that he intended to tear the heroes apart as a way to avenge the death of his wife and child, which they inadvertently caused during the violent finale of Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Vulture (Spider-Man: Homecoming)

In the cold open for 2017's Spider-Man: Homecoming, Adrian "Vulture" Toomes (Michael Keaton) loses his job cleaning up the aftermath of the battle against the Chitauri in 2012's The Avengers. To continue supporting his family, he decides to use that extraterrestrial technology to build dangerous weapons and sell them to criminals.

Catwoman (Batman Returns)

It has never seemed completely appropriate to think of Selina Kyle as a villain since her thieving exploits are typically well-intentioned. Yet, if there is one iteration of Catwoman who does deserve it, it is Michelle Pfeiffer's portrayal from 1992's Batman Returns. Even then, who could blame her for going after Max Schreck (Christopher Walken) for attempting to kill her and being the worst boss in the world?

Loki (Thor)

After discovering that he has been lied to about his true identity for his entire childhood while letting his older brother (played by Chris Hemsworth) have all the glory, Loki (Tom Hiddleston) decides to take all the glory for himself in 2011's Thor. He would later try to take over the world in The Avengers and assumed rule over Asgard by posing as his father in Thor: The Dark World, but the God of Mischief's redemption arc later reached a worthy conclusion on his self-titled Disney+ TV show.

Ozymandias (Watchmen)

Sometimes, it seems like the only way to effectively create world peace would be to give the human race one common enemy – a philosophy shared by wealthy former vigilante Adrian Veidt in Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' seminal graphic novel, Watchmen. In Zach Snyder's 2009 adaptation, the character, otherwise known as Ozymandias and portrayed by Matthew Goode, attempts to unite his broken world by painting Dr. Manhattan (Billy Crudup) as its common enemy and creating a cataclysmic explosion.

Killmonger (Black Panther)

After Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) violently usurps the Wakandan throne in 2018's Black Panther, the revived T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) is forced to save his nation by finishing his battle with him. However, the king could not help but agree with his long-lost cousin that Wakanda's resources would be of great use to help people suffering from oppression in the rest of the world, especially in the United States.

Two-Face (The Dark Knight)

In Christopher Nolan's acclaimed live-action Batman movie, The Dark Knight, Gotham City District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) becomes living proof of his belief that "you either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself the villain" after suffering the loss of his girlfriend, his career, and half of his face. Then again, after an experience like that, anyone might be susceptible to The Joker's (Heath Ledger) advice to become an agent of chaos like him.

Sandman (Spider-Man 3)

Easily one of the best Spider-Man movie villains, let alone one of the most sympathetic, is Flint Marko (Thomas Haden Church), who becomes known as Sandman after he gains the ability to turn into a coarse substance. Even before that accident, he was forced to turn to crime to support his ailing daughter – a discovery that inspires Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) to forgive him for killing his uncle in 2007's Spider-Man 3.

Prince Nuada (Hellboy II: The Golden Army)

In the world of Guillermo del Toro's Hellboy movies, mythical creatures honor an ancient agreement to live in hiding underground while humanity rules on the surface... at least before the eponymous BPRD agent (Ron Perlman) reveals himself to the public in the 2008 sequel, Hellboy II: The Golden Army. This inspires the elvish Prince Nuada (Luke Goss) to rescue his oppressed people by unleashing a mechanical army to wipe out the human race.

Orm (Aquaman)

When he is crowned king of Atlantis, Orm Marius, otherwise known as "Ocean Master" (Patrick Wilson), aspires to save the Earth's marine life from pollution, which is undeniably an admirable goal. Of course, his method of choice is human extinction, which is why his half-human brother, Arthur "Aquaman" Curry, is enlisted to help stop him in director James Wan's 2018 DC movie.

Scarlet Witch (Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness)

At the end of the Emmy-winning WandaVision, Wanda "Scarlet Witch" Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) is forced to let go of the sitcom-inspired fantasy life she has created for herself, which includes her two imaginary sons, Billy and Tommy. In 2022's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, she discovers they do exist in alternate timelines and strives to be reunited with them by attempting to take America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez, who can travel the Marvel Multiverse) as a prisoner.

Mr Freeze (Batman & Robin)

One of the most complex villains in Batman's rogues gallery is Dr. Victor Fries, otherwise known as Mr. Freeze, who turns to crime in hopes of developing a cure for his ailing wife, whom he puts under a cryogenic slumber with the same technology that accidentally made him resistant to temperatures above freezing. This concept is not lost on 1997's Batman & Robin, even if Arnold Schwarzenegger's portrayal is bogged down by egregious puns and an incomprehensible need for diamonds to power his freezing suit.

Xu Wenwu (Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings)

When "The Mandarin" was first introduced in the MCU in Iron Man 3, he was portrayed by Ben Kingsley as a heartless, unmerciful terrorist... until it was revealed he was just an actor named Trevor Slattery. The real Mandarin, Xu Wenwu (portrayed by Tony Leung in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), is an ancient warrior who is driven by a desire to protect his family and ensure their legacy, even by violent means.

Zod (Man Of Steel)

If you were among the last of your severely endangered race, would you not want to do whatever you could to preserve your people? That is the gist of what Zod (Michael Shannon) wants to do in 2013's Man of Steel, but since his plans also involve violently taking over the Earth, fellow Kryptonian Superman (Henry Cavill) is forced to defeat him.

Lizard (The Amazing Spider-Man)

In 2012's The Amazing Spider-Man, all Dr. Curtis Connors (Rhys Ifans) wants to do is find a way to regrow his amputated right arm. He did not expect that the experimental regrowth serum he derived from lizard DNA would cause him to transform into a half-man, half-reptile hybrid.

Ghost (Ant-Man And The Wasp)

In Ant-Man and the Wasp, Hannah John-Kamen stars as Ava Starr, who gained the ability to become intangible after suffering the same accident involving quantum energy that killed her parents. She then started dying of a lack of quantum energy, forcing her to attempt stealing Hank Pym's (Michael Douglas) Quantum Tunnel so she could absorb what she needed from it, which would have killed Jane Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer).

Gorr The God-Butcher (Thor: Love And Thunder)

It is very unfortunate that, after the death of his daughter, Gorr (Christian Bale) asked for help from a group of celestials who turned out to be anything but godly, causing a voracious hate for said beings to grow within him. Unfortunately, he fails to realize that, in the MCU, there do exist gods who are worthy of praise, such as Chris Hemsworth's eponymous Asgardian in 2022's Thor: Love and Thunder, who seeks to put a stop to his extermination of beings like him.

Silver Samurai (The Wolverine)

Hugh Jackman's Logan sees his immortality as a curse. Thus, when a Japanese man named Ichirō Yashida (Haruhiko Yamanouchi), whose life the mutant once saved during World War II, offers him the chance to cure his immortality. Of course, the catch is that he wants to have eternal life himself, but that is easy to understand from the perspective of a cancer patient like him.

Bolivar Trask (X-Men: Days Of Future Past)

In one of Marvel's first time travel movies, X-Men: Days of Future Past, Peter Dinklage plays essentially the polar opposite of Magneto, Bolivar Trask – a Vietnam War opposer with a goal of protecting the human race. Unfortunately, his plan is to construct an army of robots programmed to hunt mutants that, unbeknownst to him, are destined to bring forth a dystopian future.

Black Manta (Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom)

In the first Aquaman movie, Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa) leaves a pirate named Jessie Kane (Michael Beach) to die as punishment for murdering innocent people. This drove his son, David Kane (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), down a vengeful path that would continue in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, in which his alter ego, Black Manta, becomes the main antagonist.

Arishem (Eternals)

In Eternals, Arishem the Judge emerges with the intent of protecting the universe and creating new life by birthing a new Celestial, which would allow for the creation of trillions of new beings and the formation of countless planets. Of course, his plan runs the risk of killing millions of humans, which is what forces the eponymous group of immortal heroes to come out of retirement.

Starro (The Suicide Squad)

In James Gunn's The Suicide Squad, the latest iteration of Task Force X discovers that "Project Starfish" is a giant alien shaped like said aquatic animal, which releases smaller creatures that attach to human faces, creating a connected hive mind. It is through this that the crew of anti-heroes learn that "Starro," as it is really called, never wanted to be brought to Earth and live a perfectly content life in space before it was snatched away and reluctantly turned into a weapon.

Namor (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever)

The long-awaited MCU induction of Namor (Tenoch Huerta Mejía) occurred in 2022's Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, in which Shuri (Letitia Wright) learns that the aquatic being wants nothing more than to protect his underwater civilization, Tal'Kona, and its vibranium resources. However, she also learns that he wants to unite with Wakanda to be a force against the rest of the world, which is not something the late T'Challa's sister is willing to put up with.

Kingpin (Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse)

Most iterations of Wilson "Kingpin" Fisk depict the entrepreneur and businessman as nothing but a ruthless, corrupt crook, but 2018's acclaimed Multiverse movie, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, shows a different side of the character. Voiced by Liev Schreiber, Fisk is determined to be reunited with his late wife and child, but with a device used for interdimensional travel that comes with potentially catastrophic consequences.

Yokai (Big Hero 6)

Robert Callaghan (James Cromwell) was a renowned scientist hoping to use his skills to improve the world before an accident caused his pilot daughter, Abigail (Shiyoon Kim), to go missing while testing experimental teleportation technology. This drove Callaghan to adopt the alter ego Yokai and become the main antagonist of Disney's Big Hero 6.

Mysterio (Spider-Man: Far From Home)

Quentin Beck (Jake Gyllenhaal) first appeared in 2019's Spider-Man: Far From Home, appearing to be a heroic interdimensional traveler, until it is revealed that the disasters he helped stop were elaborate illusions of his design. His plan all along was to coerce Peter Parker (Tom Holland) into giving him AI-equipped glasses made by the late Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), who was actually his former boss. However, I can understand wanting to get back at a former employer who took credit for your inventions.

Sebastian Shaw (X-Men: First Class)

Before Magneto became dead set on making mutants Earth's dominant species, the top purveyor of that movement was Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon) in 2011's X-Men: First Class. I can admire someone whose main intention is solving the issue with humanity's inherent flaws, but if the method does not involve peace, you are a bad guy in my book.

Poison Ivy (Batman & Robin)

No matter what iteration of Poison Ivy you refer to, the Gotham City criminal's essential goal is to protect the environment, even if that means making humanity suffer. Academy Award nominee Uma Thurman gives one of the more uproarious portrayals of the ecoterrorist in Batman & Robin.

Some of the most amusing and iconic characters in cinematic history happen to show up the least in their respective films. Even more disappointing is when an already popular character’s involvement in a film is significantly reduced from their previous appearances.

And, then, there are those characters whose opportunity to become something special is ruined by, not just a lack of screen time but a lack of anything to substantially serve the story with. We cover them all in this list of movie roles who deserved more.

Boba Fett (Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back)

It is a wonder how this galactic bounty hunter (originally portrayed by Jeremy Bulloch and voiced by Jason Wingreen) became such a wildly revered Star Wars character as he does very little in his appearances in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Even when Temeura Morrison inherited the character for Disney+'s miniseries, The Book of Boba Fett, he was upstaged by Pedro Pascal's title character of the show it was spun off from, The Mandalorian.

Raoul Silva (Skyfall)

Academy Award winner Javier Bardem’s brilliant performance as elusive cyber-terrorist Raoul Silva in 2012's Skyfall comes in pretty late into the plot. While the payoff to the preceding buildup is effective, the otherwise acclaimed Daniel Craig-era James Bond film could have potentially benefitted from more of his cat-and-mouse game with 007.

Beth March (Little Women)

Writer and director Greta Gerwig's Oscar-nominated Little Women is considered one of the strongest adaptations yet of Louis May Alcott’s celebrated 1868 novel. However, even its most adoring fans may agree that the March Sister who gets the least time to shine in the 2019 period drama is Beth, portrayed by Eliza Scanlen.

Clubber Lang (Rocky III)

With all the great characters who would recur in the Rocky movies, it is hard to believe that Clubber Lang is not one of them. Mr. T gives such an intense and mesmerizing performance as Sylvester Stallone's onscreen opponent in the 1982 sequel that deserved a later reprise in some way, shape, or form.

Frozone (The Incredibles)

Bob "Mr. Incredible" Parr’s (Craig T. Nelson) best friend and former partner-in-crimefighting, Lucius, better known as Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson), is given the chance to show off his abilities in a few memorable moments from 2004’s The Incredibles. However, the ice-powered superhero deserved a more integral role in the acclaimed Pixar movie that could have provided a more solid and justified build-up toward his return from retirement in the final showdown.

Donny Kerabatsos (The Big Lebowski)

The joke about Steve Buscemi’s character in Joel and Ethan Coen’s beloved cult favorite comedy, 1998’s The Big Lebowski, is that he is rarely given a chance to speak by Walter Sobchak (John Goodman) for mysterious reasons. However, after finally learning more about Donny after his death from Walter’s impassioned eulogy, we wish we could have seen just a little bit more of his life.

The Five Wives (Mad Max: Fury Road)

One thing that makes George Miller’s 2015 post-apocalyptic thriller one of the best action movies of all time is what it consciously chooses to remain a mystery. However, what actually could have used more exposition in Mad Max: Fury Road is the group of young women (played by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Zoë Kravitz, Riley Keough, Abbey Lee, and Courtney Eaton) whom Tom Hardy’s title role and Furiosa (Charlize Theron) are racing to protect from Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne).

Batman (The Dark Knight)

Ironically, the most acclaimed installment of Christopher Nolan’s trilogy of live-action Batman movies, 2008’s The Dark Knight, is the one that makes Bruce Wayne’s alter ego (Christian Bale) the least interesting character. Actually, one could argue the same thing about Tim Burton’s DC films, 1989’s Batman and 1992’s Batman Returns, despite many believing that Michael Keaton is the best Batman actor yet.

Sloane Peterson (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off)

The core and most important relationship in John Hughes’ hilarious 1986 high school movie, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, is undeniably that of the eponymous troublemaker (Matthew Broderick) and his best friend, Cameron Fry (Alan Ruck). However, we should still know a little more about Ferris' girlfriend, Sloane Peterson (Mia Sara), than we do, which is not much at all.

Darth Maul (Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace)

Even the most casual fans of the Star Wars movies would likely agree that Ray Park's Sith Lord was killed off way too soon and should have appeared in at least one follow-up to 1999's Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. Thus, Darth Maul's return in subsequent animated series and a scene from 2018's Solo: A Star Wars Story is one of the few widely accepted retcons in pop culture history.

Charon (John Wick)

It is the late Lance Reddick's performance as Charon that made the minor role in 2014's John Wick so intriguing. However, it was not until 2019's Chapter 3 - Parabellum that we finally got just how hard-boiled the Continental's loyal concierge can be.

The Joker (Suicide Squad)

Many audiences might argue that Jared Leto’s iteration of The Clown Prince of Crime could have used even less screen time in 2016’s Suicide Squad. However, there are a few DC fans who believe the Oscar winner had the potential to make a better impression than he did – as evidenced by his appearance in the recut Zack Snyder’s Justice League – and, perhaps, should have been the main villain instead of a wasted B-plot.

Michael Myers (Halloween Ends)

While marketed as an epic final showdown between the quintessential horror movie Final Girl, Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) and Michael Myers (James Jude Courtney), 2022's Halloween Ends instead focused largely on the tarnished reputation of a new character named Corey Cunningham (Rohan Campbell) and his ill-fated romance with Laurie granddaughter, Allyson (Andi Matichak). With very little screentime for the aging masked boogeyman, the finale to director David Gordon Green’s requel trilogy ended on a severely divisive note.

Boo (Monsters, Inc.)

Much of Boo's backstory is left a mystery, which is why it would have been appreciated to see her return in a sequel to Monsters Inc. instead of the otherwise well-received prequel, Monsters University. Not to mention, what happened to the adorable interdimensional traveler after she returned to her world? There had to have been an intense search for her during the many hours she was gone.

Ned Ryerson (Groundhog Day)

Stephen Tobolowsky’s annoying insurance agent deserved more to do than, essentially, repeat the exact same thing in his brief appearances in the hilarious 1993 time loop movie, Groundhog Day. On the other hand, the popular, bizarre fan theory that Ned Ryerson is really the Devil in disguise and the orchestrator of Phil Connors’ (Bill Murray) insane predicament is proof that the character has achieved icon status.

The Salesman (Sin City)

Perhaps Josh Hartnett’s contract killer, who seems to specialize in assisted suicide, is used the right amount in directors Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller's visually astonishing comic book thriller, Sin City. Then again, the 2005 film noir favorite could have dropped a couple more hints and teases to his story to give "The Salesman" an even more memorable role.

Blanche (Drive)

Considering she was played by an actor who resembles a sultry, Silver Age femme fatale, Christina Hendricks’ role in Nicolas Winding Refn’s 2011 neo-noir thriller could have been iconic. Perhaps she could have if Blanche was given more than a page’s worth of dialogue in her three scenes from Drive.

Kaecilius (Doctor Strange)

When you cast an actor who has absolutely mastered the art of portraying villainy like Mads Mikkelsen as your antagonist, you better give him enough material to deliver. Unfortunately, the vengeful sorcerer Kaecilius is mostly an afterthought in the MCU’s Doctor Strange – the origin story of Benedict Cumberbatch’s surgeon-turned-Sorcerer Supreme – and is an even less memorable villain than Dormammu, who only shows up for one fun scene.

Scrat (Ice Age)

He was the face of the marketing for, arguably, Blue Sky Studios’ best-animated movie but is treated as an afterthought, appearing in funny interstitial bits outside of the main storyline. At least Scrat (whose name, a combination of “squirrel” and “rat,” is never even explicitly mentioned in any of the Ice Age movies) got to be the star of his own short spin-offs.

Dracula (Renfield)

Obviously, the star of director Chris McKay's 2022 horror-comedy movie is Dracula’s eponymous familiar, Renfield (Nicholas Hoult). However, the film does not spend quite enough time exploring his one-sided, abusive relationship with the ruthless vampire, who is portrayed brilliantly by Nicolas Cage.

Emma Watson (This Is The End)

A fictionalized version of the Harry Potter movies’ Hermione Granger actor only shows up for one scene in This is the End, in which she assumes a house full of male celebrities have ill intentions for her. Yet, it would have been fun to see much more of Emma Watson and her skills with an axe against the nightmarish circumstances outside in Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s 2014 post-apocalyptic comedy.

Gorr The Godbutcher (Thor: Love And Thunder)

Some fans of the Marvel movies might say that Christian Bale’s vengeful antagonist is the best thing about Taika Waititi’s follow-up to Thor: Ragnarok. Unfortunately, Gorr the Godbutcher's screentime in 2022's Thor: Love and Thunder is, much like the tragic deaths of his family, not justified.

Helga Sinclair (Atlantis: The Lost Empire)

In one of the best Disney animated movies from the 2000s, 2001's Atlantis: The Lost Empire, ambitious linguist Milo Thatch (voiced by Michael J. Fox) is recruited onto an expedition to find the eponymous fabled kingdom by the wealthy Preston Whitmore (John Mahoney). His personal assistant, the attractive Lt. Helga Sinclair (Claudia Christian) is considered the secondary antagonist of the story but boasts far more charisma than the main villain, Commander Lyle Tiberius Rourke (James Garner).

Sandman (Spider-Man 3)

The final installment of Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man Trilogy is one of the most essential examples of the superhero movie genre's “too many villains” trope, with three villains fighting for screen time. The one with the most engaging and sympathetic arc – and, thus, the one who, arguably, should have been the only antagonist – is Flint "Sandman" Marko (Thomas Haden Church), whose biological makeup becomes bonded with sand after a bizarre accident.

Wizard (Taxi Driver)

The most deeply underrated character in director Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver is easily Peter Boyle's Wizard. The wise veteran cabbie is one of the few characters in the bleak 1976 drama whom Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro) could genuinely call a friend and, perhaps, if he was around more, he could have helped steer the disturbed former marine in a more favorable direction.

Boris Podgorny (The Fabelmans)

Judd Hirsch’s Academy Award nomination for portraying a fictionalized version of director Steven Spielberg’s granduncle in 2022's The Fabelmans was well deserved. What the character, Boris Podgorny, really deserved, however, was to play a larger role in the story, as long as it would be accurate to the semi-autobiographical story that the esteemed filmmaker was crafting.

Luna Lovegood (The Harry Potter Movies)

Evanna Lynch portrays Luna Lovegood – a refreshingly positive fan-favorite character from J.K. Rowling’s magical Harry Potter novels. However, most fans of the Wizarding World would argue that the Ravenclaw was significantly underutilized in the blockbuster film adaptations.

Jeff Portnoy (Tropic Thunder)

The famously animated Jack Black has higher billing than Robert Downey Jr.'s Academy Award-nominated role in the cast of 2008's Tropic Thunder. Yet, his role as Jeff Portnoy – an unhinged comedian attempting a serious war movie – gets the least amount of screentime or material to work with in star and director Ben Stiller’s hilarious Hollywood satire.

Lady Sif (Thor)

One of the most heavily underrated MCU characters is Lady Sif, who has appeared in every one of Thor's solo movies but only briefly. We might go so far as to say that Jaimie Alexander’s portrayal of the Asgardian Goddess of War should have her own solo movie, or at least deserves a more substantial role in the franchise.

Rhino (The Amazing Spider-Man 2)

Paul Giamatti’s cinematic iteration of the Spider-Man villain, Rhino, makes his grand entrance at the end of the widely reviled sequel, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, and was supposed to have a bigger role in a third installment starring Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker. Of course, the poor reception to the 2014 film led to the cancellation of the follow-up before Tom Holland stepped in to play the MCU-canon webslinger.

Officer Benjamin Clawhauser (Zootopia)

Voiced by Nate Torrence, the doughnut-chomping Officer Benjamin Clawhauser is about the funniest character from 2016's Zootopia. For that reason alone, the tiger deserves a more integral role in the family-friendly police dramedy about anthropomorphic animals.

Garraka (Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire)

The fifth installment of the Ghostbusters franchise gets its subtitle (Frozen Empire) from the main antagonist's power to create a second Ice Age. However, said malevolent entity, Garraka, officially shows up far too late in the 2024 sequel's runtime.

Alright, we always end up loving the side characters. While they may technically be part of the main cast of movies and TV shows, they are not the main characters that we are all supposed to follow. And yet, somehow, we always end up liking them more than the person we are supposed to pick the most – and here are just some of the classics that I need to bring up.

Frozone (The Incredibles)

When it comes to the best Pixar movies, The Incredibles tops the list, but you want to know who’s even better than the titular family? Their best friend, Frozone, another superhero with ice powers. Granted, he only has a little bit of screen time in comparison to most, but it’s thanks to his hilarious nature, and Samuel L. Jackson’s excellent voice-acting that makes him a fan-favorite.

NoHo Hank (Barry)

I think there are a lot of characters in the Barry cast that you could like way more than Barry himself, but the best example is NoHo Hank. I wrote a whole article about why NoHo Hank became one of my favorite TV characters ever since I watched Barry, and I still think he’s utterly hilarious.

Megan (Bridesmaids)

The Bridesmaids cast is filled to the brim with comedic talent, but let’s be honest – when we think of Bridesmaids, we think of Melissa McCarthy, and when we think of her, we think of Megan, the character that made her famous. She’s hilarious, and because of her role, she earned an Academy Award nomination.

Mike (Breaking Bad)

The Breaking Bad cast is filled to the brim with characters that are morally grey in every sense of the word, but Mike is one of those that you can’t help but love way more than Walter. He’s calm under pressure, has this stoic thing going on about him, and has appeared in both the mainline series and Better Call Saul.

Zuko (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Do I even need to say it? Zuko is the most-loved character in Avatar: The Last Airbender. Zuko’s character arc is one of the best on television, and I have always been a Zuko lover because of it. Heck, I’ll rewatch the show specifically for him, not really for Aang anymore.

Amy (Pitch Perfect)

Amy, otherwise known as Fat Amy, felt like she was going to be a punching bag in the first Pitch Perfect film, but she ended up becoming one of the best parts. Rebel Wilson’s iconic performance, the hilarious singer showcased someone who was unashamedly herself and spoke her mind, and we loved her for that.

Rosa Diaz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine)

There are so many side characters where, at first, they look like they are the epitome of “jerk” or could probably beat you up. Rosa is definitely the latter, but she secretly has the biggest heart of gold, and out of everyone on the Brooklyn Nine-Nine cast, she’s the person I connected to the most on the show.

Rizzo (Grease)

Grease is overrated, and I stand by that even now because I personally can’t stand Danny or Sandy. But you know who I can? Rizzo. She has depth, emotion, and the voice to match. Sure, the actress does not look like she belongs in high school, but who really does in this film?

Daryl Dixon (The Walking Dead)

Obviously, I had to put Daryl Dixon on here. I’m pretty sure that he became the entire show once Rick left the series. He has his spinoff now called The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. There was a whole campaign that said “If Daryl Dies, We Riot.” Heck, the character wasn’t even part of the main cast in Season 1 until Norman Reedus turned him into the loveable redneck that we all know him as today.

Ian Malcolm (Jurassic Park)

Jurassic Park is a quintessential ‘90s film, but I’m going to be honest and say most of the characters in there, to me, are forgettable. You watch the movie for the fantastic dinosaurs and epic action. But you want to know who isn’t? Ian Malcolm, played by Jeff Goldblum. But that’s not fair, because Jeff Goldblum makes every side character better than the main one.

Genie (Aladdin)

Arguably one of Robin Williams’ best movies, Aladdin is a great Disney princess flick, but every time I think of it, I think of the Genie. He’s hyper, hilarious, and a great friend to Aladdin, even when Aladdin treats him selfishly at one point. You can’t get enough of him.

Urkel (Family Matters)

There are certain iconic TV shows that you know about just from a particular character. Urkel is the definition of that with Family Matters. Sure, I loved the hilarious sitcom for years, but the first thing that comes to my mind whenever it pops up is Urkel’s famous catchphrase, “Did I do that?”

Emily (The Devil Wears Prada)

The Devil Wears Prada cast is filled to the absolute brim with stars, but when you watch it, it’s really Emily Blunt’s character, Emily, that steals the show and her absolute love of fashion and all things Miranda Priestly. It’s actually amazing to think back on this film because this is the movie that made Emily Blunt into a household name because of how amazing she was in this role.

Titus (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt)

I will always love Titus in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. There was just something about this fabulous man that I could not get enough of, and I wanted so much more from him. I will never forgive Netflix for canceling this show. Titus Burgess (the actor behind the character) portrayed him so well, and I just need to see more.

Brienne Of Tarth (Game Of Thrones)

The Game of Thrones cast is ridiculously huge, so it’s almost impossible to pick side-characters that outshone the core six – Daenerys, Jon, Sansa, Tyrion, Jaime, and Cersei, because those were the ones we cared about. But in terms of side characters that surrounded their stories, there’s no one better than Brienne of Tarth. She was strong, fought for what she believed in, and arguably had one of the best endings out of everyone on this show.

O’Ren Ishii (Kill Bill)

I am an avid lover of Kill Bill because I adore watching women kick butt. If we’re being honest, I always rewatch the fight between Black Mamba and O’Ren Ishii. She is just so awesome, and her fighting style gives me chills every single time.

Troy And Abed (Community)

The Community cast is excellent, but let’s be honest here - Jeff, as a main character, is pretty boring, but it’s all the side characters around him that make him great, and Troy and Abed are the definition of that. Their friendship is iconic, but it wasn’t the same when Donald Glover left the series.

Dwight Schrute (The Office)

There are plenty of side characters in The Office that could make this list, but I think the biggest one is Dwight Schrute. The weird office worker had a certain charm about him that everyone loved—and I think it’s really in part to Rainn Wilson’s great performance of him.

Fonzie (Happy Days)

He is the definition of a side-character-turned-fan-favorite. He was a side character until fans ended up loving him so much that the show turned him into a main character for Happy Days. Granted, they ended up doing too much, and it ruined his character – hence the phrase, ‘jumping the shark’ was born – but still. It’s a great example.

Lisa (Girl, Interrupted)

Girl, Interrupted is a very serious movie that is tough to watch, but there’s no denying the excellent performances. Winona Ryder is terrific as the main character, but let’s be truthful here – Angelina Jolie as Lisa stole the show and then some. There’s no beating her.

Sam (The Lord Of The Rings)

While Frodo is the main character in The Lord of the Rings, everyone talks about Sam. He’s a great friend to Fordo, but he’s also kind, loyal, and utterly wholesome in comparison to everything else in the movies.

Bronn (Game Of Thrones)

There are so many side characters in Game of Thrones, but the one I have to point out that I love so much is Bronn. I feel like we always forget he’s there, but when he’s on screen, he just steals every scene he’s in. He’s hilarious, doesn’t hold back what he wants to say, and is a great fighter. You can’t help but love him.

Yelena (Black Widow)

Okay, so maybe this is a slight stretch, but I think when Black Widow came out, so many people had already moved past Natasha dying in Avengers: Endgame that it was hard to connect with her in this new film. But you want to know who people are really connected with? Yelena, Natasha’s adoptive sister, ended up becoming a tremendous character, and people wish to be back in the MCU. It catapulted Florence Pugh’s career.

Schmidt (New Girl)

The New Girl cast has so many great characters, but I’m going to be honest and say that Schmidt is undoubtedly my favorite. Jess is great and all but I don’t find myself laughing uncontrollably when she’s on-screen – I’m rooting for my man Schmidt and how he somehow comes up with the most hilarious moments that make me snicker.

Dionne (Clueless)

Clueless is a great ‘90s film, but Cher is one of those characters that you either love or hate because of how she acts. However, the one person I think we can all agree with is fantastic: Dionne, played by the impeccable Stacey Dash. She’s a fashionista who sticks by Cher’s side, and you have to respect that.

Grogu (The Mandalorian)

Alright, so I do love Din Djarin, and I will legit support anything that man does, but it wasn’t his face plastered everywhere after the first season of The Mandalorian – it was Grogu, who was first known as Baby Yoda. And, I mean, he is pretty cute, so I can’t really complain.

Darius (Atlanta)

Atlanta is a series that toed the line between drama and comedy during its four-season run, but one of the best characters that fit in with both of those was Darius. Played by Lakeith Stanfield, Darius is calm, if not a little weird, but does it so well and with a smooth nature.

Steve (Stranger Things)

It would be an absolute travesty if I did not include Steve Harrington on this list. He’s Steve—you know, the babysitter of all these kids, and will legit do anything to protect him? His character growth is impeccable, and I will stand by him until the end of this show. Joe Keery plays him so well.

Levi Ackerman (Attack On Titan)

There are so many side characters in anime in general that people love more than the main character, but my top pick has to go to Levi Ackerman in Attack on Titan. If you know, you know. But if you don’t, he’s literally coined Humanity’s Strongest Soldier and proves it several times throughout the course of the series, and yet, behind his stoic nature, he is a good (if not morally grey) man. And fans eat that stuff up -- including myself.

Lexa (The 100)

As someone who was a devout fan of The 100 for many years, I don’t think any other side character came along that changed the game quite like Lexa did. Not only was she badass, but she ended up becoming a love interest for the main character, which spawned an entire shipping war, which was a time to be alive. She was only in this show for a few seasons, but she made her impact.

April Ludgate (Parks And Recreation)

The Parks and Recreation cast is hilarious in so many ways, but of course, I have to point out April Ludgate, played by the hysterical Aubrey Plaza. There was just something about her deadpan responses and the way she reacted to everything that made her the best character on this show. I would watch a whole spinoff of her.

Negan (The Walking Dead)

While Negan is no doubt a very complex villain-turned-antihero by the end of The Walking Dead, there is no denying that people loved him. I swear, fans were rooting for him to win in that war during Seasons 7 and 8, and honestly, I think it’s because Jeffrey Dean Morgan portrayed him so well. And he continues to do so in The Walking Dead: Dead City. You can’t beat Negan.

There are so many great side characters out there that I might have missed, but these are certainly my favorites. Now, we have to have a little marathon to enjoy all of them in their splendor once again.

While Marvel and DC are still the kings of superhero media, the popularity of the heroes has allowed numerous different takes on the content. The Boys has become one of the most popular superhero TV series in recent years, even if it is about as far from the traditional view of superheroes as you can get. But if you thought they were wild now, check them out in a Pixar style.

As AI-generated images have continued to be popular as people can create anything they can think of with just a few words, the AI Fun YouTube channel has created the characters of The Boys recreated in a Pixar art style. Honestly, if this was going to be an upcoming Pixar movie, I wouldn’t hate it.

The cast of The Boys look pretty great as Pixar characters. Considering that, like so many other superheroes, The Boys started life as a comic, the idea that we could have gotten one of the best Prime Video series as an animated series isn’t crazy. In fact, we did get an animated version of The Boys with The Boys Presents Diabolical, a series that absolutely did not use a Pixar style.

Pixar has its own superhero characters thanks to The Incredibles movies. Yet, that’s part of why these pictures are so much fun. None of these characters would look out of place in an Incredibles movie. A-Train could be a young Frozone. Homelander is definitely giving a “What if Mr. Incredible was evil” vibe.

I would honestly love to see Pixar step outside of its comfort zone and try something a bit more mature -- which is exactly what The Boys offers. While the studio seems quite committed to content that is made for the whole family, and the best Pixar movies certainly are, we've seen some incredible animation in recent years, specifically in the superhero genre, with things like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, and it would be interesting to see what Pixar could do if it tried something like that.

Honestly, that’s why this AI content works so well. Considering the ways that The Boys subverts traditional superhero ideas, doing a version of that in a Pixar style makes some sense. You could make The Boys look like a family-friendly superhero story, but then twist that by making it the violent, bloody story that we know in live-action.

We will see Pixar’s superhero family again. Incredibles 3 has been announced as being in development. While what we know about Incredibles 3 is fairly limited, beyond the fact that Brad Bird is working on it, we can guess that it won't be very similar to The Boys, even if that would be pretty cool.

Superhero movies have become the most popular genre in cinema. While the Marvel Cinematic Universe stands above them all, they’re certainly not the only superhero movies out there. There are plenty of upcoming superhero movies from multiple studios. Even Disney has other superhero films thanks to Pixar's Incredibles family, and somebody just discovered the strangest connection between the MCU and The Incredibles.

A video is going viral on Instagram that shows two moments in superhero movies side by side, both including Samuel L. Jackson and helicopter crashes. One is the post-credits scene of Avengers: Infinity War and the other shows Frozone from The Incredibles looking for his super suit. Both include a strikingly similar helicopter crash. Check it out.

Both scenes show a helicopter spinning out of control and crashing into a high rise building. The timing between seeing the helicopter and seeing the explosion are so similar in both scenes that it’s impossible not to wonder if this is more than just a coincidence.

It is just a coincidence, of course. Still, the way the two scenes fit together is quite impressive. It looks like it could be intentional, and some fans seem to truly believe that the scene from Avengers: Infinity War was handled that way specifically because of the scene in The Incredibles. Others may know it wasn’t intentional, but they’re still having fun with it all. Comments include:

• You just made me realize people died in the Incredibles
• Part of me thinks that the crashing helicopter in this scene was a homage to Samuel L Jackson's role in the Incredibles
• That was straight up my first thought on watching that scene, I’m glad I wasn’t alone 😂
• They 100% made that Marvel scene like that because of The Incredibles 🤣
• Multiverse of Samuels

While The Incredibles and the MCU may both be superhero focused, they are certainly very different stories. The Incredibles has always been about a family first and superheros second. Having said that it it’s hard to imagine that any superhero story today isn’t taking some influence from the MCU, so the idea that the MCU took some inspiration from The Incredibles is nice. With a Fantastic Four movie coming from Marvel, perhaps Pixar's superhero family really will have an influence on Marvel's first family.

The current list of upcoming Pixar movies includes the recently announced Incredibles 3. What that movie will be about is unknown, it’s unclear if there is even a script or a story idea right now. While franchise director Brad Bird specifically didn't want Incredibles 2 to reference popular superhero movies, that doesn't mean that Incredibles 3 won't include some soert of reference. Perhaps it won't be overt, but if there is even the slightest chance that the connection between these two films was done on purpose, perhaps the new Incredibles movie could return the favor.

Have you ever found yourself watching one of the best Disney movies out there and saying, “Whoa, I did not see that coming!” Well, that’s what this list is about today – the best twists that you have probably seen from Disney, which includes the Disney film collection, Pixar movies, and even the Disney Channel. Let’s get into it.

And obviously, spoiler alert!

The Truth Behind Hector And Ernesto (Coco)

In terms of the best Pixar films, Coco ranks high on that list for me, and one of the biggest reasons is because of this fantastic twist that happens. Coco spends the entire movie thinking Ernesto is his biological father. Still, it’s revealed that it’s actually Hector and that Ernesto killed Hector by poison to steal his songs and earn fame for himself. I mean, come on. That’s a good twist.

Lightning McQueen Doesn’t Get The Piston Cup (Cars)

While I’m personally not the biggest fan of the Cars franchise, I can at least say that the twist at the end of the first Cars was spectacular. In the entire movie, we see Lightning trying to train as best he can to win the Piston Cup, and when it looks like he will, he instead turns back to help an injured car across the line and let his opponent win. Talk about a mindset change.

When Cruella Discovers Who Baroness Is To Her (Cruella)

Some Disney live-action remakes or reboots are great, and I really liked Cruella and the changes it made to the iconic Disney villain’s story. In this live-action film, Cruella finds out her biological mother is the person she’s been trying to impress – and then takes it upon herself to try and beat her in the fashion industry.

The Mayor Is Behind It All (Halloweentown)

Disney Channel movies can sometimes be corny, but every once in a while, you’ll get a twist that shakes you to your core, and that was in Halloweentown. The entire city had been under some strange evil force, causing people to turn to mean, but it turns out it was the mayor who was trying to gain more power the whole time.

Hans’ Truth To Anna (Frozen)

I think we all know that Hans’ quote – “Oh, Anna, if only there were someone out there who loved you.” – is pretty much one of the biggest line drops of Frozen. We’ve been watching Hans the entire movie, thinking he’s the perfect prince for Anna, and then he pulls this out from under us, saying that it was all a ploy.

King Triton Lets Ariel Be With Prince Eric (The Little Mermaid)

I know that The Little Mermaid is part of the Disney Renaissance, which usually means that most of those princesses got their happy endings, but it still shocked me that Triton let Ariel be with Eric in a twisty way. If anything, I thought Triton would be more inclined to keep his daughter close to him after what happens, but he lets her go to Eric—which is sweet but also surprising.

Quasimodo Doesn’t Get The Girl (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)

You might wonder why I put this here, and really, it’s because it defies the Disney formula. Quasimodo is the hero of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and is clearly interested in Esmerelda. It seems set up for a happy ending, but instead, Disney decides to give her to someone different, leaving Quasi all alone, which is actually a pretty surprising and sad twist.

When It’s Revealed Who Syndrome Really Is (Incredibles)

Incredibles is hands down one of the best Pixar movies out there. While I could go on forever about how amazing the movie is, I think this twist is one of the best—when we find out that the villain they are facing is the same little boy Mr. Incredible shunned years ago. That’s the epitome of karma biting back.

Meg Sacrifices Herself (Hercules)

Hercules is an underrated Pixar film, so I’m not sure how many people remember this twist. Meg tries to save Hercules during a battle but ends up dying from her injuries. However, it was all to push him out of the way of a falling pillar. While the ending leads to them being together, Meg sacrificing her life for Hercules was not something anyone expected.

Eugene Cutting Off Rapunzel’s Hair (Tangled)

Tangled is undoubtedly one of the best 2000-2010 Disney movies, and the most significant part of it is when Eugene sacrifices his life for Rapunzel to be free of Mother Gothal. It seems Rapunzel will be able to heal him in order for him to live and for her to go with Gothal, but he suddenly lunges up and cuts her hair at the last second to make sure Gothal can never use her again.

Thantos Controls The Darkness (Twitches)

While this reveal comes pretty early in the Twitches film, it’s still surprising. The Darkness is pretty much the villain that these two witches must take on, an evil entity that is killing people, but they find out soon enough that it’s actually their Uncle Thantos who is controlling it for the sake of finding power.

Vanelleope Stays Behind (Ralph Breaks The Internet)

After finding her place in Wreck-It Ralph, it was shocking that Vanelleope decided to find her own path in Ralph Breaks the Internet. While there was an option for her to come back to the arcade at the end of the movie, she chose to stay online with Slaughter Race.

Bowler Hat Guy’s True Identity (Meet The Robinsons)

Meet the Robinsons is such an underrated Disney film, and I think it gets a bad rep for the earlier usage of CGI. The twist is even better—for the entire movie, Bowler Hat Guy is the main villain we follow, but later, we find out that he’s the older version of Lewis’ roommate, Goob, meaning that he was created from Lewis’ interactions with the younger version.

Hades Is Mal’s Father (Descendents 3)

All right, so Descendents 3 is undoubtedly the least-best Descendents movie, but I will say that the fact that we find out Mal’s father is Hades of all people is something I never expected. I mean, her mother is Maleficent, and somehow, she was procreated by someone like the God of the Underworld. How does that even happen?

When We See What Kind Of True Love Is Needed (Frozen)

I think, at the time, the idea that true love doesn’t need to be romantic but can also be familial was an excellent way for Disney to step into the 21st century. I will say, however, that I do miss the days of an evil villain and a romance to root for. Even so, there is no denying that the twist of Elsa and Anna saving each other through sisterly love is a great one.

Stinky Pete Is Actually The Villain (Toy Story 2)

Many regarded Toy Story 2 as one of the best Pixar movies – that is until the third one came around. And there are plenty of great reasons for that. But one of the biggest is the twist villain. Out of all the bad things happening to Woody, none of us ever would have expected it had something to do with Stinky Pete – but it’s revealed towards the end that he planned everything.

That Mike Won The Scare Competition Because Of Sully (Monsters University)

As someone who was genuinely rooting for Mike to win that scare competition, this twist broke my heart. When Mike and Sully are conversing after their win in the scare competition, he fake tries to scare the dummy there, only for the meter to charge up completely. He snaps his fingers, and it does the same thing. Then, after that, he looks under the bed and finds the machine has been tampered with – that Sully cheated to make sure they’d win. So sad.

Troy Decides To Follow Both Passions (High School Musical 3: Senior Year)

Okay, I still love all of the High School Musical movies. Still, one of the funniest and best moments was this twist – where the entirety of the third movie was Troy trying to figure out what to do in college, and then he realized at the end, “Oh wait, I can do both theatre and basketball,” Wow, who would have thought? I think it just shocks me because it’s such a simple solution.

Callaghan’s True Intentions (Big Hero 6)

I feel like so many people forget about Big Hero 6 so often because it came out post-Frozen, and people were still riding Elsa’s ice powers and all that. But Big Hero 6 is a great superhero movie with a great villain twist when Callaghan reveals he’s the man who has been making a mess of everything and blew up the lab Tadashi was in because he wants revenge for losing his daughter in an experiment.

Charles Is Actually Evil (Up)

Up is one of those films that the moment you watch it, you probably will end up crying and feeling all kinds of things, but you never expect a twist so dark as this one. Charles Muntz was an idol of Carl’s, and when he finds out that Charles is actually a horrible person who is enslaving dogs to try and hunt down an age-old bird that Carl and Russell have taken a liking to, it causes nothing but trouble and pain.

The Waternoose Expose (Monsters Inc.)

I think everyone my age was terrified of Waternoose in Monsters Inc., but one of the biggest things that ended up being the best twist ever was how Sully somehow lured him into a scare simulation room and got him to reveal the entire conspiracy that he was doing to keep this company going—before the conversation is recorded and shown to the CDA. Beautiful, no notes.

Mason Reveals His Feelings For Juliette (Wizards Of Waverly Place)

As someone who stands by the fact that Wizards of Waverly Place is just as good as an adult, I believe this scene is still dramatic. Out of nowhere, Mason, who is a werewolf, sees his former flame Juliette for the first time in several years, and he openly admits in front of his girlfriend, Alex, that he has never stopped loving her. WHAT? As a child, this was the most shocking twist in the world for me.

King Candy’s True Identity (Wreck-It-Ralph)

Personally, I think Wreck-It Ralph is way better than the sequel, and this twist is just proof of that. King Candy seemed like a nice guy for the majority of this movie, but towards the end, we find out he is the one responsible for the messed-up code and that he is also Turbo, the character who was knocked out of his own game. It’s a huge twist.

Lotso Is Not A Nice Bear (Toy Story 3)

Another excellent example of a twist straight from the beginning is Lotso in Toy Story 3. I mean, how could a teddy bear who smells like strawberries be bad? But it turns out Lotso is king of the daycare, and if the toys don’t follow what he says, well, that’s too dang bad. It’s a toy again, toy, once again.

When It’s Revealed Who Screen Slaver Really Is (Incredibles 2)

While there are plenty of people who say that Incredibles 2 isn’t as incredible as the first, I’ll be honest and say I still enjoy the heck out of it, and I seriously love this twist. Finding out Evelyn, who has been working alongside Elastagirl this whole time, is actually the person behind everything, which is a great twist. I wish it had been executed a little better in the back half, but the twist itself is excellent.

Jake Reveals His True Feelings About Miley (Hannah Montana)

Okay, okay, don’t you remember when there were all these love triangles in Hannah Montana? I think everyone and their mother gasped when the celebrity, Jake Ryan, fully expressed his feelings for Miley Stewart on national television – not Hannah, her alter ego, but Miley. Like, stop. My heart.

When We Find Out Who Te Fiti Is (Moana)

As someone who has rewatched Moana, I find this twist to be beautiful inside and out. Moana has sailed the entire ocean to restore the heart of Te Fiti, an island, only to find out that Te Ka is actually Te Fiti – just a cold and cruel version who doesn’t have her heart anymore and is instantly turned into a green island once Moana restores it. Amazing.

Dawn Bellwether Is Actually An Evil Genius (Zootopia)

I still can’t help but snicker at this twist. In the entire movie, Mayor Bellwether is this sheep who doesn’t seem like she’s the person behind the animals going rogue, but it turns out she is—a sheep who wanted to gain more power and decided to take out predators to do that.

Bing-Bong’s Fate (Inside Out)

When Bing-Bong died, America mourned, and I did as well. In Inside Out, we see Bing-Bong, a forgotten imaginary friend of Riley’s who travels with Joy and gets stuck with her in Riley’s subconscious. Still, in order to get Joy out, he sacrifices himself by throwing him off their little rocket so Riley can be happy again – even if he gets forgotten. Ugh. Stop.

Maleficent Isn’t As Evil As Everyone Paints Her To Be (Maleficent)

I have to say that for live-action Disney villains, Angelina Jolie knocks it out of the park as Maleficent, and finding out her story in this really is the big twist we all didn’t expect. In this version, Maleficent wasn’t born evil – she was the victim of a cruel society and jokes that slowly tore her down into the woman she became later. That’s a great way to take her story.

When We Find Out Who Mor’du Really Is (Brave)

It felt like Mor’du wasn’t really that intense of a villain in Brave, considering he was just a demon bear. Still, it turns out he’s NOT just a demon bear – Mor’du is actually the prince from an old family legend who was turned into a demon bear after not following his father’s wishes.

Woody Wants To Stay Behind (Toy Story 4)

You know, I still wonder about this twist. Woody, for nearly every Toy Story movie, has always been about staying together, staying with his human, the entire time. But, at the end of Toy Story 4, he decides to become a free toy and stay with Bo-Peep while the others leave him behind. It’s a surprising twist, nonetheless.

These are just some of my favorite Disney twists, and now I want to rewatch them all to see if I can spot them early on. I think it’s time for another movie marathon.

Over the years, there has been no shortage of movie villains with a tragic backstory so great that it makes it a little harder to root against them. Look at iconic scene-stealing villains like Thanos, Hannibal Lecter, Roy Batty, and countless others, and it won’t take long to see their heartbreaking and unforgettable personal histories have allowed them to withstand the test of time despite being terrible people (or aliens).

Here are 32 movie villains with a tragic backstory…

Erik Killmonger (Black Panther)

Michael B. Jordan’s Erik Killmonger helped make Black Panther one of the best Marvel movies as well as a landmark comic book movie thanks in no small part to his tragic backstory. The unknown cousin of Chadwick Boseman’s King T’Challa and son to a wayward prince killed by the former king, Killmonger spent his life searching for himself and his elusive homeland of Wakanda. Sure, he tried to take it over and bring chaos to the world, but he had every right to do so.

Lotso (Toy Story 3)

On the surface, Lotso (Ned Beatty) seems like an iron-fisted ruler of the toys stuck at Sunnyside Daycare, but his heartbreaking personal history adds a whole other level to the Toy Story 3 antagonist. After being left at a rest stop by his “faithful” owner long ago, Lotso went to great lengths to find the little girl, only to discover he’d been replaced. Traumatized by the experience, the once kind-hearted stuffed bear went through a radical transformation.

Gollum (The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy)

Though not the central antagonist in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, Gollum (Andy Serkis) is up there. In the third and final film – The Return of the King – it’s revealed that Gollum was once a hobbit who became consumed by the powerful ring, being transformed into a deformed and deranged creature with one purpose in life: hold onto his “precious.”

Jason Voorhees (The Friday The 13th Movies)

Jason Voorhees is one of the most recognizable horror movie villains of all time with a kill count that is up there with the best of them. However, like other great horror icons, this masked, undead killer has a heartbreaking story behind his path of blood, guts, and revenge. Cast aside by society and the counselors of Camp Crystal Lake, a young Jason drowned with no one watching.

Roy Batty (Blade Runner)

Roy Batty, or model number N6MAA10816, is one of those characters played by the late Rutger Hauer that will live on forever, and that’s because the Blade Runner villain was a sympathetic antagonist like no other. Forced into slavery upon his inception, the vengeful replicant suffered years of unimaginable abuse and danger to help the bottom line of the Tyrell Corporation. That was until he led a rebellion for a better life for himself and others of his kind.

The Grinch (How The Grinch Stole Christmas)

One of the best things about Ron Howard’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas is the way the 2000 movie expanded Jim Carrey’s titular character and provided a more in-depth look at the green recluse and what led him to live alone on Mount Crumpit. The story of a young Grinch being picked on by his schoolmates for no reason besides his appearance is utterly heartbreaking and is impossible to watch with a dry eye.

Carrie White (Carrie)

An antagonist or protagonist depending on how you look at it, Carrie White (Sissy Spacek) in Brian De Palma’s adaptation of the Stephen King novel of the same name is one of the most sympathetic and justified characters in the history of horror movies. Through no fault of her own, the teenage girl with awe-inspiring and deadly powers, is thrust into a murderous rampage after being tormented and humiliated by her fellow students.

Hannibal Lecter (The Silence Of The Lambs)

Hannibal Lecter will forever go down as one of the most chilling horror movie icons of all time, but he also has one of the most disturbing and heartbreaking backstories. Long before he became the infamous cannibalistic at the center of The Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal was a young boy when he narrowly survived an encounter with a group of starved and desperate Nazi soldiers who attacked and ate his sister.

Magneto (The X-Men Movies)

Magneto (Ian McKellen, Michael Fassbender) was one of the most complex characters in all of the X-Men movies and had one of the most unsettling backstories. In X-Men: First Class, we saw the origins of the legendary comic book villain who was forced to watch his mother being brutally murdered in a German concentration camp.

Thanos (Avengers: Infinity War)

Perhaps the best comic book movie villain of all time (at least in the MCU), Thanos (Josh Brolin) wasn’t your average big bad. Inspired by the traumatic event where he watched his civilization rip itself apart due to a lack of resources, the Mad Titan put a plan into effect to prevent that from happening ever again. It’s just that his plan temporarily resulted in the deaths of billions of living beings.

Severus Snape (The Harry Potter Movies)

Severus Snape (Alan Rickman) will always be one of the most complex and beloved characters in the Harry Potter series, even if he’s viewed as a villain for most of the books and movies. Madly in love with Harry’s late mother, Lily, a young Severus was also bullied by the Potter’s father and his friends, pushing him to the dark side.

Candyman (Candyman)

Daniel Robitaille (Tony Todd), aka Candyman, is a terrifying figure in the world of horror, but that’s because he also has an incredibly tragic backstory in which he was was lynched, disfigured, and killed by bees before his body was burnt by an angry mob.

Frankenstein’s Monster (Frankenstein)

Frankenstein’s monster in Frankenstein was just enjoying being a dead man when he was reanimated and unleashed upon the world in the 1931 horror classic. Though viewed as a monster by most, this tragic figure had a heartbreaking existence.

Darth Vader (The Star Wars Movies)

Losing your mother and being responsible for the death of your wife is enough to make anyone turn to the dark side, and that’s what happened to Anakin Skywalker, aka, Darth Vader, in the Star Wars movies. Sure, Lord Vader is all but void of humanity, but that’s because of the pain, suffering, and tragedy that filled his life, both before and after being defeated by his mentor in battle.

Bane (The Dark Knight Rises)

The Dark Knight Rises is a bit of a mess, but Tom Hardy’s Bane is one of the most interesting characters and sympathetic villains in all of comic book movies. Taking over Gotham was bad and there were a lot of unnecessary deaths, but the masked figure was doing it for Talia al Ghul (Marion Cotillard), whom he nearly died protecting years earlier.

Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty)

Sleeping Beauty leads us to believe that Maleficent is a force of pure evil, but the character got her due in Maleficent. In this live-action Disney film starring Angelina Jolie, we learn that the character was only acting out the way she did because her former friend and current king betrayed her long ago.

Mr. Freeze (Batman & Robin)

Batman & Robin isn’t the first movie that comes to mind when you’re thinking about tragic villains, but Arnold Schwarzenegger’s take on Mr. Freeze in this 1997 comic book movie has a heartbreaking backstory. All of his antics, destruction, and puns are part of an attempt to reconnect with his wife, who’s long been in a coma, caught between the living and dead.

Sweeney Todd (Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street)

Before he was Sweeney Todd (Johnny Depp), Benjamin Barker was a talented barber sent into exile by a powerful and corrupt judge who lusted after his wife. In Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street, it is revealed that Barker’s wife took her own life and their daughter is under the control of his nemesis, which kicks off his bloody tour of revenge.

Zemo (Captain America: Civil War)

Daniel Bruhl’s Zemo in Captain America: Civil War, though different from his comic book counterpart, quickly became one of the best and most complex villains in the MCU. Instead of being gifted with superpowers or awesome tech, this antagonist used his grief from the death of his family (at the hands of the Avengers) as his motivation to tear the team apart from the inside.

Kayako Saeki (Ju-On: The Grudge)

Kayako Saeki is Ju-On: The Grudge is one of the most terrifying horror movie characters of the 21st century but also one with an absolutely gut-wrenching origin story. Once a living person, the film’s antagonist became a ghostly undead figure after she and her family were viciously murdered and left to haunt their former home for all eternity.

Scar (The Lion King)

If you only take into account the events of The Lion King, then Scar is a vengeful, jealous, and bitter brother of the king of the Pride Lands. However, learn more about his upbringing in which he was originally named Taka (a name that essentially means “trash”) and how he was cast aside for Simba, and his actions start to make sense.

Norman Bates (Psycho)

Though vicious and sadistic, Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) in Psycho had quite a tragic backstory, one filled with jealousy, revenge, and unaddressed mental illness. This does not justify his actions, but it does offer some insight into why he carried out the way he did.

John Kramer (The Saw Movies)

John Kramer (Tobin Bell), aka, Jigsaw, is one of the most devilish and inventive serial killers in cinematic history, but he’s also oddly enough one of the most sympathetic. The death of an unborn child, a divorce, a terminal illness, and a slow descent into madness helped turn the civil engineer into a murderous madman.

Ms. Collins (Last Night In Soho)

Last Night in Soho, one of the best horror movies of 2021, had what can best be described as one of the most shocking endings in recent memory when it was revealed that Ms. Collins (Diana Rigg), the seemingly normal owner of Ellie’s (Thomasin McKenzie) small apartment is a vicious killer preying upon less-savory men. However, it turns out that Ms. Collins’ motivation for the crimes is even more tragic.

Cruella De Vil (Cruella)

Estella Miller (Emma Stone), who later becomes the Cruella de Vil we all know and love (to hate) from 101 Dalmatians, had quite a tragic backstory in Cruella, a 2021 prequel that explained her hatred for a certain breed of dogs. Losing a parent to a pack of the spotted pups is enough to drive one mad.

Scarlet Witch (Doctor Strange And The Multiverse Of Madness)

After witnessing the death of her best friend and lover, not once but twice, before being turned to dust for five years and then returning to a world she no longer understands, it’s easy to see how Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) could turn into a monster of her own creation in Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness. Add in the deaths of her children (don’t tell her they don’t exist), and it gets even darker.

Two-Face (The Dark Knight)

The Two-Face story has always been one of tragedy, but no version is as heartbreaking as the one that plays out in The Dark Knight. Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) goes from being Gotham’s last hope against crime and corruption to one of its most violent and disfigured villains. The loss of the love of his life and a chance at normalcy push him over the edge.

Ghost (Ant-Man And The Wasp)

Ava Starr (Hannah John-Kamen), better known as Ghost, was introduced in Ant-Man and the Wasp as a young and tormented villain still suffering from the effects of a quantum explosion that left her in state of physical limbo and her parents dead. Sad, confused, and angry, Starr turned against S.H.I.E.L.D. after the organization began taking advantage of her powers.

The Vulture (Spider-Man: Homecoming)

Adrian Toomes (Michael Keaton), aka, The Vulture, quickly made an impact in Spider-Man: Homecoming, providing an all-time great movie villain in the process. After the Department of Damage Control essentially puts his small salvage operation out of business, Toomes goes to great lengths to provide food, shelter, and security for his family… even if it means taking a more villainous path.

Syndrome (The Incredibles)

One of the best Pixar villains, Syndrome (Jason Lee) in The Incredibles has a great and unforgettable backstory that adds another dimension to his character. After being turned down by his longtime idol, Syndrome turns to a life of villainy against Mr. Incredible after his whole worldview is shattered in an instant.

Arthur Fleck (Joker)

Not knowing your father has to be one of the most traumatic events someone could go through, but that’s just a part of Arthur Fleck’s (Joaquin Phoenix) story in Joker. The unhinged and violent loner in Todd Phillips’ 2019 comic book movie lived a life of loneliness, misery, and confusion before making a name for himself in a shocking way.

Draco Malfoy (The Harry Potter Movies)

Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) is one of the most annoying Harry Potter characters, but he’s also a villain who’s rather sympathetic once you consider his backstory. Subjected to all kinds of torment by his father and the expectations of his family, poor Draco never stood a chance.

The animated films of Disney and Pixar are some of the most endearing, and enduring, family films ever made. They are often the first movies many children ever see because people know they are suitable for all. Unfortunately, not all the people behind their creations are quite so wholesome. It’s now come to light that a frequent Disney and Pixar animator has been charged with sexual abuse in France.

According to France’s Le Figaro (via Cartoon Brew), animator Bolhem Bouchiba is accused of having ordered the rape of hundreds of young girls in the Philippines via live streaming. This is apparently an unfortunately large problem in the island nation. Bouchiba had been on Europol’s radar (the animator still lives in France) since 2019, when the organization noticed suspicious activity regarding the transfer of funds to the Philippines. The money was being spent on livestreams where the animator was apparently able to instruct in the sexual abuse of children between the ages of three and 15. It’s suspected the number of livestreams conducted is in the hundreds and the number of victims could reach 1000.

Bolhem Bouchiba isn’t a name that most Disney or Pixar fans would necessarily know, animators have often worked behind the scenes without much fanfare since the days of Walt Disney. However, he’s worked for both studios as far back as 1990. His skill made him a key animator and story artist on numerous projects over the last 30 years. He was a lead character animator for Hades in Hercules and Disney’s Tarzan. He began working with Pixar on The Incredibles and his most recent credit was as a story artist on Pixar's sleeper hit Elemental. It does not appear he was currently working on any upcoming Pixar movies or any other animation projects. His name appears as an easter egg in Ratatouille.

Bouchiba also worked on non-Disney-related animated films. He was a story artist on How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, credited with the “Forbidden Friendship” sequence. He was also an animator on the Oscar-winning animated short Dear Basketball written by the late Kobe Bryant. By all accounts, Bouchiba was an animator in high demand.

Most troubling, this isn’t the animator’s first brush with the law. In 2019 Bouchiba was convicted of the sexual assault of an eight-year-old girl, the daughter of his partner at the time. He received a two-year suspended sentence. It’s unclear how widespread the knowledge was of this conviction, but it doesn’t appear to have hindered his professional work in any way.

With this new charge, even if Bolhem Bouchiba doesn’t spend the next few decades in prison, it seems likely his career is over. Bolhem Bouchiba will face French courts later this month. The trial is scheduled to run October 29-31 and if convicted the animator could face up to 40 years in prison.

We have seen many great TV shows based on movies and even more great movies based on TV shows. However, there are also quite a few movies that spawned now-forgotten TV spin-offs or never had the chance to be adapted for television in the first place. Let's take a look at some of our favorite cinematic classics with captivating stories that we would love to see continue (or be reimagined) on the small screen.

The Mad Max Movies (1979-2024)

George Miller's Mad Max movies (1981’s The Road Warrior, in particular) planted the seed for how modern post-apocalyptic movies and TV shows are depicted. As happy as we have been to see the saga continue with acclaimed sequels like 2015's Mad Max: Fury Road, we would love to see even more stories from the Wasteland in a TV series, even if that means an animated adaptation.

Mystery Men (1999)

A superhero movie that deserves a reboot is Mystery Men — a sharp, quirky comic book satire way ahead of its time that follows a misfit group of wannabe costumed vigilantes. As superhero movies and TV shows dominate Hollywood, now is the perfect time for a series adaptation that either brings back Ben Stiller, William H. Macy, Janeane Garofalo, and others in their original roles or is even more faithful to the source material, which is about a man with a flaming carrot for a head.

The Sixth Sense (1999)

Following the success of the Apple TV+ original TV show called Servant, which he produces, we believe one of the best M. Night Shyamalan movies deserves to be brought to the small screen. Our choice would be a continuation of 1999's The Sixth Sense, which would see Haley Joel Osment reprise his Academy Award-nominated role as Cole Sear as an adult who continues to use his gift to help dead people in need.

The Goonies (1985)

Instead of the Goonies sequel that fans have been waiting for, there was once an idea to develop a TV series about a group of friends who try to create their own version of the classic kids movie on a tight budget. We cannot deny that is an interesting idea, but we would still rather see a TV show that sees the grown-up stars of the original (including Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, and Ke Huy Quan) return to go on a new adventure with their onscreen children.

Dazed And Confused (1993)

One could argue that we already got a great show which depicts the teen lifestyle in the disco era with That '70s Show. However, it certainly did not capture the decade's essence as genuinely as a more direct spin-off of Richard Linklater's awesome party movie, Dazed and Confused, probably could.

The NeverEnding Story (1984)

There have actually been two previous attempts to adapt the whimsical fantasy epic, The NeverEnding Story, into a TV show — one animated and one live-action — but neither lasted longer than a season. Perhaps with strong writing, a decent budget, and modern special effects, a new series based on Michael Ende's novel could be a real hit.

The Adventures Of Buckaroo Banzai Across The 8th Dimension (1984)

One of the best movies and TV shows about the multiverse is The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension, which stars Peter Weller in the title role of a rock star who moonlights as an interdimensional hero. Films and series dealing with that topic are more popular these days than ever, which means now is a perfect time to adapt the cult favorite sci-fi comedy into a series, perhaps even an animated version that brings Weller, Jeff Goldblum, Christopher Lloyd, and Clancy Brown back to voice their original roles.

Elvira: Mistress Of The Dark (1988)

One star who has already teased the idea of bringing her iconic and hilarious alter ego back to the small screen in animated form is Cassandra Peterson, who is better known for hosting special presentations of great horror movies as Elvira. She was first brought to the big screen in Elvira: Mistress of the Dark but if a cinematic return is not in her future, an animated Elvira series would be more than welcome.

Escape From New York (1981)

What makes Escape from New York, one of director John Carpenter’s best movies, an enduring cult hit is its anti-heroic protagonist, Snake Plissken, who is tasked with rescuing the president from a maximum security prison that used to be the Big Apple. Fans would love to see more of Kurt Russell as the hardened, eye-patch-wearing war veteran struggling to survive the dystopian landscape of his war-torn future, perhaps in an animated continuation of the original.

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

We are surprised there was not already an attempt to capitalize on the record-breaking success of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial with a TV show that would reimagine the story and show the alien on more bizarre adventures with Elliot and his family. After all, most might agree that it sounds like a better follow-up than that horror-centric E.T. sequel that Steven Spielberg once pitched.

Candyman (1992)

Producer Jordan Peele and director Nia DaCosta’s 2021 requel to Candyman — Bernard Rose's adaptation of Clive Barker's short story — reimagined Daniel Robitaille (Tony Todd) as one of many victims of injustice who assumed the titular mantle. Why not build from this concept with a horror anthology TV show that explores other "Candymen" and how they became mysterious urban legends in their respective communities?

Mean Girls (2004)

Screenwriter Tina Fey and director Mark Waters' Mean Girls was instantly considered one of the best high school movies of all time and spawned a hit Broadway musical that was later remade for cinema. The only thing missing from this franchise is a TV spin-off that further explores the volatile complexities of the teen social scene that is, perhaps, told from the point of view of Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) and Regina George's (Rachel McAdams) children. 

The Incredibles (2004)

There have actually been several TV shows inspired by some of the best Pixar movies, except for the one that, arguably, deserves a spin-off the most, The Incredibles. It is a wonder there is not already a Disney+ series that either shows more from the glory days of vigilanteism (as briefly depicted in the opening flashback) or follows the continuing adventures of the eponymous superhero family.

World War Z (2013)

Max Brooks' original novel that inspired the Brad Pitt-led World War Z was a depiction of an ongoing conflict between the living and the dead but framed as an oral history. Continuing the story and telling it from multiple perspectives, perhaps even as faux docuseries, would be a great way to honor the source material and give us even more zombie action.

Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets (2017)

Just because Luc Besson's otherwise visually stunning space epic, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, flopped at the box office, that does not mean we should not see more from the titular intergalactic crime fighter and his partner. Besides, there is enough source material from the original French comic book to inspire seasons' worth of cosmic adventures for Valerian and Laureline.

Eternals (2021)

Some might argue that Chloé Zhao's Marvel movie based on Jack Kirby's comic about a group of immortal warriors would have worked better as a TV show in the first place. Considering its very loose ties to the MCU canon, they could easily start from scratch and produce a new episodic interpretation of Eternals for Disney+ and no one would bat an eye.

The Nice Guys (2016)

Fans of Shane Black have long demanded a sequel to his quirky crime thriller about a pair of mismatched private eyes brought together by a perplexing case in 1970s Los Angeles. Even though a series adaptation of The Nice Guys might not be the same without Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling's chemistry, it might be fun to see even more eccentric cases featuring their characters, nonetheless.

Bad Times At The El Royale (2018)

Writer and director Drew Goddard's star-studded mystery thriller, Bad Times at the El Royale, is a prime example of a movie that could easily be remade as a miniseries, which could even improve its hefty story. On the other hand, an anthology series depicting even more shady, violent activity at the eponymous hotel could be a fun idea, too.

 Ready Player One (2018)

Director Steven Spielberg's adaptation of Ernest Cline's novel, Ready Player One, brought to life a spectacular world in which your greatest pop culture obsessions can become your reality. Therefore, with the proper licensing, there are infinite storytelling possibilities in the VR gaming simulation known as the OASIS that we would love to see in a series.

Maximum Overdrive (1986)

A group of small-town citizens struggles to survive when motor vehicles and other mechanical and electrical devices become sentient and bloodthirsty after a comet passes over in Maximum Overdrive. While the Stephen King-helmed adaptation of his own short story, Trucks, is one of the most heavily criticized films based on his work, the concept could still make for a fun and unique miniseries or even an ongoing post-apocalyptic drama.

Bright (2017)

From director David Ayer, Bright stars Will Smith as a human cop who becomes partners with an orc (played by Joel Edgerton), much to his chagrin, until they are forced to set aside their differences and prevent a magic wand from falling into the wrong hands. With a greater focus on its world-building and character development, a crime procedural set in the same modernized fantasy world as this Netflix original film could be truly fascinating.

L.A. Confidential (1997)

In 2003, a pilot for a series based on the Academy Award-winning modern film noir, L.A. Confidential, was filmed (and starring Kiefer Sutherland) but did not get picked up, and talks of another try in 2017 would also go nowhere. We would say there is no reason why one of the most celebrated detective movies of its time should not be able to continue as a procedural dripping with '50s-era style.

Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark (2019)

If you ask us, producer Guillermo del Toro and director André Øvredal's adaptation of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark would have worked better as an anthology horror movie instead of, essentially, a darker version of 2015's Goosebumps about teens plagued by an evil book. An even better idea might be an anthology TV series that brings writer Alvin Schwartz and illustrator Stephen Gammell’s popular series of chilling folk tales to life one episode at a time.

Clue (1985)

In 2011, there was a miniseries based on the board game, Clue, but with an all-teen cast instead of the likes of Professor Plum, Mrs. Peacock, and others who were portrayed in Jonathan Lynn's hilarious film adaptation. We recommend bringing those classic characters back but re-envisioning them and their purposes for a whole new kind of mystery told over the course of several episodes

Halloweentown (1998)

Considering it spawned three sequels, it is surprising that Disney Channel never made one of the family-friendly network's spookiest original movies, Halloweentown, into a series. The not-so-scary witch movie introduces so much that could be explored in the titular realm where ghosts, werewolves, vampires, and other creatures that we know as going bump in the night live in harmony.

Sky High (2005)

One of the best superhero movies not based on a comic is Disney's Sky High, which sort of feels like a story about costumed vigilantes if written by John Hughes. There were so many characters at the titular high school for superheroes-in-training who deserve to get their time in the spotlight and could with a quasi-anthology series taking place there.

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

Drag queens are more popular these days than they were when Wesley Snipes, Patrick Swayze, and John Leguizamo donned wigs, heels, dresses, and heavy makeup in one of the best movies about drag performers, To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar. It seems that now is the perfect time for a series that continues the adventures of Noxeema, Vida, and Chi-Chi, if not another irresistible trio of road-tripping drag queens.

Attack Of The Killer Tomatoes! (1978)

While not widely considered to be one of the all-time greatest horror-comedy movies, Attack of the Killer Tomatoes! boasts an uproariously unique concept that deserves to be revisited, but not with a fifth feature-length installment. We propose something like the early '90s animated spin-off series but reworked into a live-action project that pokes fun at the recent wave of post-apocalyptic survival shows like The Walking Dead, but with giant, man-eating fruit running amock.

Last Action Hero (1995)

Imagine a series that builds off of the plot of Last Action Hero — in which a boy magically enters the world of an action movie — and follows a young pop culture obsessive given the ability to enter the world of any TV show or movie he wants and offering help in their situations. It would be especially cool to see the main character crossover with an actual current series each week but, if not legally feasible, an adventure series that pokes fun at genre conventions in the same way the original did might still be fun.

Major Payne (1995)

One of Damon Wayans' funniest roles is the titular, discharged marine who mentors JROTC cadets in Major Payne. A sitcom based on the film could be a fun coming-of-age comedy, especially if the original actor came back to reprise is role. If not, it sounds like a perfect job for his son, Damon Wayans Jr.

Drive (2011)

One of the best Ryan Gosling movies, Drive, ends with the skilled wheelman known only as Driver (Gosling) forced to go on the run after a heist goes horribly wrong. Director Nicolas Winding Refn's neo-noir demands no continuation, but a series following the nameless hero offering his skills to more people in need, all the while looking over his shoulder, could be fun.

The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)

Director Stephen Norrington's The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen is one of the least-liked comic book movies of its time, with even star Sean Connery admitting he hated it. Perhaps a series that gives each of the iconic characters — including Allan Quartermain, Dr. Henry Jekyll, The Invisible Man, and the vampiric Mina Harker — room to breathe would be a better way to do Alan Moore's original comic justice.

We can probably think of another large set of movies that deserve TV shows, but for now, getting these 32 off of the ground sounds like a good idea.

Some movies you can just watch over and over, like the ones on this list. There are a lot of great movies out there, some films you can only watch once, like Schindler's List, but others, like the ones on this list, never get old. Here's our list of the most rewatchable movies we know. 

The Big Lebowski

One of the things that makes the Coen Brothers' masterpiece The Big Lebowski is how The Dude and other characters learn things along the way and use those new facts and lines later in the movie. It's something you might never notice if you didn't watch the movie over and over and that kind of thing will not stand. Not to mention it has some really classic lines that are endlessly quotable. 

Clueless

As if we'd ever get bored of watching Clueless. There are so many great characters, from Cher (Alicia Silverstone) to Tai (Brittany Murphy) to Mr. Hall (Wallace Shawn), that we could watch over and over just to watch one character each time. 

The Dark Knight

Of all the comic movies that have been released in the 21st Century, there is one performance that will always stand above all the others. Heath Ledger's Joker in The Dark Knight ranks among the best roles ever seen on film, superhero movies or otherwise. It's so good that it literally never gets old or stale. There is something to behold every time you watch the movie. 

Die Hard

Watching Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman face off in Die Hard is the main reason the movie will always be rewatchable. Both put in some of the best performances of their careers and even though there have been many Die Hard sequels, none of them quite have the charm and magic that the original has. 

Dirty Dancing

For decades now people have been having the time of their lives watching Dirty Dance on repeat. The music, the dancing, the love story... it brings audiences along for a realistic, yet fantastical story all in one. It's been beloved for years for a reason. 

Dazed And Confused

Dazed And Confused is among the best movies about high school ever made. It's also one of the best movies of the 1990s, though it's set in the '70s. Those aren't the qualities that make it so rewatchable. It's simply the amazing cast and the endless amounts of quotable lines those actors deliver. It's always pleasurable to watch actors like Paker Posey, Ben Affleck, Cole Hauser, and Matthew McConaughey so early in their careers. 

Back To The Future

There is a level of rewatchability to all three Back To The Future movies, but the first still stands way above the sequels. It's a movie so fun and so well-paced that you never get bored, even if it's the 150th time you've watched it. 

Everything Everywhere All at Once

Everything Everywhere All at Once has a lot going on. It's a movie worth watching again and again if for no other reason than it's easy to miss stuff the first, or even fifth time you watch it. The concept is so cool and so well executed, and the acting performances are so good, that it's impossible to get bored with the film. 

The Godfather

Though the entry just says The Godfather, this could really count for either Part I or Part II, as both are among the most rewatchable movies ever. There is a reason they both consistently rank among the best movies ever made. The acting performances are amazing, the dialog is incredible, and Francis Ford Coppola's directing is as good as it gets on film. 

Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 1

Let's be honest, there are quite a few movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that you can watch over and over. There is one that stands above the rest though. Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 1 has great music and great quotes, which are two things that really make movies forever rewatchable. It's just a really fun movie with some of the most fun characters in the whole universe. 

Legally Blonde

If you want to know how valuable Elle Woods can be, just try to stop watching Legally Blonde when you randomly come across it. It can't be done. It's filled with quotable lines and one of the most charming performances of Reese Witherspoon's stellar career. 

The Princess Bride

From Gen Xers to Zoomers, The Princess Bride has become part of millions of people's childhood. It's a movie that kids and adults can watch over and over, finding different wonderful things about it, depending on your maturity level. No matter how many times you watch, you can always find something new to observe and love about The Princess Bride. 

Raiders Of The Lost Ark

Who doesn't love Indiana Jones? The character, played of course by the great Harrison Ford, has become one of the most enduring movie heroes of all time. Well into the 21st Century, Hollywood is coming up with new adventures for the old archeologist. In the end, it all goes back to the beginning though, with the O.G. movie, Raider of the Lost Ark. 

Clue

If you were to ask around the staff of Cinemablend what off-beat comedy is their favorite, there is a decent chance Clue would be the answer you get. If for no other reason, the movie can be - and should be - watched over and over just for Tim Curry's amazing, manic, hilarious performance as The Butler...who butles and creates absolute mayhem. 

The Shawshank Redemption

It's hard for people to believe that The Shawshank Redemption wasn't a big hit in theaters. For whatever reason, it failed to find an audience. That all changed when the movie hit cable TV and became one of the most-watched movies in movie history. It was on TV all the time because people watched it all the time, over and over. 

Jurassic Park

The moment in Jurassic Park when Dr. Grant (Sam Neill) and Dr. Sattler (Laura Dern) see the dinosaurs for the first time, with John Williams' amazing score swelling in the background is such a great movie moment, that you can watch it over and over and a tear will still come to your eye. Now throw in all the other great parts and you have a seriously rewatchable movie. 

The Lion King

Disney sure knows how to make movies that kids and adults alike can watch over and over. We could really pick almost any of their classic cartoons here, but The Lion King is so good it's been remade into a live-action hit and one of the most successful Broadway shows of all time. All three are eminently rewatchable. 

Mean Girls

You know if a movie gets a remake less than 20 years after it was originally made, especially when that remake is based on a Broadway musical adaptation, it must be a movie you can watch over and over. Fans of Means Girls just can't get enough of the comedy, both on stage and screen. 

The Wolf Of Wall Street

If you're a fan of Leonardo DiCaprio, Martin Scorsese, or bad language, The Wolf Of Wall Street is likely a movie you've watched numerous times, right? And why wouldn't you? It's an almost perfect movie. Much of the story is tragic, but the ride to get there is wild. 

9 To 5

Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin, and Jane Fonda are three national treasures. Put them in a movie where they torture their horrible boss played by the late great Dabney Coleman and you've got the recipe for a movie that people will never get bored of, just like 9 to 5.

Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

Star Wars fans can watch any of the many movies over and over. All movie fans can watch Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back over and over, however. You don't have to be obsessed with every bit of Star Wars lore to absolutely love Empire. It's the best of the movies and one of the best movies ever made. It's got some of the craziest action scenes, the coolest characters, and the best plot twist of all time, at least according to many. It's simply the best. 

10 Things I Hate About You

When a movie is a hit with teenagers, especially one as popular as 10 Things I Hate About You, you can bet it'll be a rewatchable movie. Throw in some breakout performances by Heath Ledger, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Julia Stiles, a plot based on a Shakespeare play, and you've got all the ingredients you need for a massive hit that people will watch again and again. 

Fight Club

The first rule of Fight Club might be don't talk about Fight Club, but no one really follows that rule, and the second rule might as well be, "watch Fight Club over and over and quote it endlessly" because that's what Fight Club really is. Like many of director David Fincher's movies, Fight Club is so well done that you see something new in it every time you watch, just like many of the great movies on this list. 

Titanic

To paraphrase the late, great Jerry Garcia, Titanic is like black licorice. Not everyone likes it, but the people that do like it, really like it. The James Cameron mega-hit isn't for everyone, in fact, it might have as many haters as it does lovers, but those who do love it never get bored with watching the wonderful sets and spectacular effects that the movie is best known for. 

The Matrix

While it's true that the Matrix trilogy had diminishing returns, there is no denying how amazing and groundbreaking the first one was. It still has a hold on popular culture, decades after its initial release. While some fans may not go back to the three sequels, the original is still a favorite for everyone that was red-pilled from the beginning. 

Pretty Woman

As rom-coms go, you can't get more perfect than Pretty Woman. Sure, the plot is a little dated and in some ways problematic, but the performances from the leads, Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, and the side characters, like Jason Alexander and Hector Elizondo are so good, it allows us to overlook the aging flaws of the movie and watch it again and again with nothing but joy. 

Gladiator

It really doesn't matter how many times you seen Gladiator, you are still going to jump up out of your seat when Maximus (Russell Crowe) reveals himself to Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). it's a moment in cinema history that will stand the test of time and still be a classic centuries from now. 

Jaws

It's no accident that Jaws is on this list. It's considered the first "summer blockbuster" but it's so much more. The characters are so well-developed that you can't help but root for all of them, except the mayor, of course. Sure the shark looks a little dated, but director Steven Spielberg did such an amazing job building the suspense by not seeing the shark, that it's easy to look past the 1970s movie magic.

The Great Escape

On Christmas in the United States, we watch things like A Christmas Story and It's a Wonderful Life every year. In the UK, they watch The Great Escape. We'll admit, that's a pretty amazing tradition because despite its nearly three-hour runtime, there is never a dull moment and it proves that longer is often better. The all-star cast and sharp direction keep the movie humming along from the time they are all locked up until they all get locked up again after the escape. 

The Incredibles

The Incredibles was an incredible hit for Pixar in 2004. Just like many Pixar and Disney movies before and after it, it became an indelible part of millions of kids' childhoods and even as they've aged, they still love the Parr family. While it took 16 years, when a sequel was finally made in 2018, it took in a cool $1.2 billion, attesting to just how loved (and watched) the original was and is. 

A League of Their Own

We all know that there is no crying in baseball because we've all seen Tom Hanks say it a million times as we've watched A League of Their Own over and over. All the characters are so unique and memorable that it's like watching an old friend every time it's on. 

Caddyshack

Rodney Dangerfield, Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, and Ted Knight are four of the most quotable actors of all time. When you put them all in the same movie, and give them some of the best lines ever written, it's no surprise that Caddyshack is the kind of movie that people watch so often they end up memorizing it. Dangerfield, a king of the one-liner, is especially great in this one. 

Aaron Eckhart’s Harvey Dent once said in The Dark Knight, “You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.” While that exact scenario is not always the case in most comic book adaptations, there are quite a few instances in which the central character does not deserve to be called the hero as much as another member of the ensemble whose actions played a more pivotal role in the final victory. Let’s take a look at some of the best superhero movies in which the superhero ended up owing a supporting role a large debt of gratitude.

Avengers: Endgame (The Rat)

It would be easy to call Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) the real hero of one of the best Marvel movies, 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, since he is the one who sacrifices his life to destroy Thanos (Josh Brolin) at the end. However, the Avengers would have never been able to build a time machine, collect the Infinity Stones, and reverse the Titan’s genocidal act if not for Scott Lang (Paul Rudd), who was released from the Quantum Realm by a device activated by a rat that scurries across it. Thus, that rat is the MCU’s true savior.

The Batman (Officer Martinez)

Matt Reeves’ The Batman from 2022 is one of the rare live-action Batman movies to portray Bruce Wayne’s alter ego (Robert Pattinson) as a genuine detective, but he still never would have figured out Riddler's (Paul Rano) plan to flood Gotham without a tip from Martinez (Gil Perez-Abraham). The GCPD officer identified the villain’s murder weapon as a carpeting tool, leading the Dark Knight to find the map of explosive devices planted around the city underneath the killer's carpet.

Spider-Man: No Way Home (Ned Leeds)

In the multiverse movie favorite, 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home, Tom Holland’s Peter Parker would have never been able to stop Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe) and other inter-dimensional Spider-Man movie villains without help from his two alternate selves (played by Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire). The epic team-up might not have happened without Peter’s buddy, Ned (Jacob Batalon), who accidentally found the other Peters by using Doctor Strange’s Sling Ring.

Iron Man (Ho Yinsen)

In 2008’s Iron Man, Tony Stark is held captive by The Ten Rings with a fellow scientist named Yinsen (Shaun Toub), whom he thanks for saving him as he makes his escape from their cave. Indeed, Stark was saved by this Afghan family man in two ways: by creating the prototype electromagnet that kept shrapnel near his heart from killing him and by convincing him to reevaluate his life choices and become the hero he was destined to be.

Thor: Ragnarok (Surtur)

In the final act of Thor: Ragnarok, the God of Thunder (Chris Hemsworth) admits that he is unable to save Asgard by defeating his sister, Hela, (Cate Blanchett). However, he is able to defeat her by allowing the Fire Demon Surtur (voiced by Clancy Brown, in one of his two MCU roles) to bring about the destruction of his beloved home.

Black Panther (M'Baku)

Because of his understandable motivation, fans of 2018’s Black Panther do not necessarily consider Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) to be a genuine villain, but he is still not a “good” person and does not qualify as the film’s “real hero.” For that, we chose M’Baku (Winston Duke) — the leader of Wakanda’s Jabari tribe, which found an incapacitated T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) and kept him alive, allowing for his eventual revival and defeat of his corrupt cousin.

Guardians Of The Galaxy (Meredith Quill)

In 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy, Peter “Star-Lord” Quill (Chris Pratt), explains to Gamora (Zoe Saldaña) that his late mother, Meredith (Laura Haddock), equipped him with some of “Terra’s” greatest music in a cassette she called “Awesome Mix. Vol. 1.” These tunes turned out to be the perfect tool in defeating Ronan (Lee Pace), whom he distracts from his team’s attack by challenging him to a dance-off.

The Incredibles (Jack-Jack)

In the literally explosive final battle from the beloved Pixar movie classic, 2004’s The Incredibles, it is Jack-Jack of all people whose actions prove most effective in finally defeating Syndrome (Jason Lee). Not to mention, in that scene, the Parr Family's infant son proves that he is the most powerful of them all, boasting a remarkable arsenal of abilities.

Batman Returns (Catwoman)

Most would say there are two villains in Batman Returns and they are not wrong, but Michelle Pfeiffer’s Selina “Catwoman” Kyle is not one of them when you really think about it. In fact, she is the one who gets rid of the actual greatest threat to Gotham in the 1992 sequel (and one of the most overlooked Batman movie characters): corrupt industrialist Max Schreck (Academy Award winner Christopher Walken).

Unbreakable (Joseph Dunn)

If not for Elijah “Mr. Glass” Price (Samuel L. Jackson), David Dunn (Bruce Willis) would have never discovered his superhuman abilities, but because he also murdered many by causing that introductory train wreck, he is far from being the real hero of M. Night Shyamalan’s 2000 thriller, Unbreakable. It is David’s son, Joseph (Spencer Treat Clark), who really teaches his father to embrace his gifts and use them as a force for good.

Superman: The Movie (Eve Teschmacher)

In 1978’s Superman: The Movie, Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) manages to hold the Man of Steel (Christopher Reeve) prisoner by putting him in his pool with a Kryptonite-encrusted chain around his neck. Luckily, the wealthy criminal’s girlfriend, Eve (Valerie Perrine), defies him by removing the chain and allowing him to leave and save the day.

Batman (Vicki Vale)

In Tim Burton’s 1989 hit, Batman, photojournalist Vicki Vale (Kim Basinger) not only attracts the attention of Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton), but his nemesis, The Joker (Jack Nicholson). Near the end, she uses the criminal’s affection for her against him, keeping him distracted while the Dark Knight sneaks up and engages in a final battle with the clown.

The Meteor Man (The Bloods And The Crips)

At the end of the 1993 superhero comedy The Meteor Man, Jefferson Reed (Robert Townsend, who also writes and directs) has lost his powers when powerful crime lord Anthony Byers (Frank Gorshin) and his assassins show up to do him in. Just then, members of the notorious, real-life rival gangs, the Bloods and the Crips, show up in unity to defend the superhero, ultimately scaring away the vicious criminals who are apprehended by the authorities soon after.

Mystery Men (Carmine The Bowler)

The titular vigilante crew in 1999’s Mystery Men — a comic book movie that deserves a reboot — leave it to the spirit of The Bowler’s (Janeana Garofalo) father, Carmine, who possesses her bowling ball, to destroy Casanova Frankenstein’s (Geoffrey Rush) Psycho-frakulator, which destroys the master criminal’s mansion. saving the day. In the film’s final line, The Bowler admits to Carmine that he did save the day and that they will be “hearing about it for the rest of their lives.”

The Dark Knight (The Ferry Passengers)

In 2008’s The Dark Knight, the Joker (Heath Ledger) devises a cruel social experiment, claiming he will destroy two ferries — one commercial and the other carrying convicts — rigged with explosives at midnight unless one detonates the other first. However, neither boat chooses to sacrifice the other, disproving the criminal’s cynical hypothesis in a profound and inspiring moment of humanity in one of the bleakest comic book films ever made.

X-Men: Days Of Future Past (Quicksilver)

Needing to break Erik “Magneto” Lehnsherr (Michael Fassbender) from a prison inside the Pentagon, Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) and Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) recruit the unhumanly fast Quicksilver (Evan Peters) to help them in X-Men: Days of Future Past. The slow-motion sequence would prove to be one of the all-time most iconic and dazzling scenes from an X-Men movie, which automatically makes him its true savior in our book.

The Toxic Avenger (Sara)

After being saved by the titular, hideously deformed creature of superhuman size and strength (played by Mitch Cohen) from 1984’s The Toxic Avenger, the non-seeing Sara (Andree Maranda) would become the beauty who tamed the beast, so to speak. Indeed, she manages to encourage "Toxie" to continue being the hero Tromaville deserves, when it needs him the most, even when he becomes afraid of himself and what he is capable of.

Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm (Andrea Beaumont)

Any fan of, arguably, the greatest animated Batman movie would agree that the true villains of 1993’s Batman: Mask of the Phantasm are the ruthless criminals and corrupt figures whom Andrea Beaumont (Dana Delany) targets as her titular alter ego. Her methods may be against the philosophies of the Dark Knight (voiced by Kevin Conroy), but we cannot deny that she gets the job done.

Ant-Man (Officer Jim Paxton)

Because of his criminal record, Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) is looked down upon by Jim Paxton (Booby Cannavale) — a cop engaged to his ex-wife, Maggie (Judy Greer), who also acts as a loving stepfather to her and Scott’s daughter, Cassie. However, because Scott, as Ant-Man, risked his life to save Cassie from Darren “Yellowjacket” Cross (Corey Stoll), Paxton buried evidence that could have sent him back to jail, beginning a beautiful, overdue friendship between them.

The Avengers (Agent Phil Coulson)

In 2012’s The Avengers, trying to prevent Loki (Tom Hiddleston) from escaping the S.H.I.E.L.D. helipad, Agent Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg) is tragically killed. It is his death that ultimately motivates the initially dysfunctional heroes to set aside their differences, work together, and save the world from the Chitauri.

Batman & Robin (Mr. Freeze)

For starters, while many of his puns are criminally atrocious, Dr. Victor “Mr. Freeze” Fries (Arnold Schwarzenegger) does have a justifiable motivation — saving his terminally ill wife — which makes him less deserving of the villain label than his partner, Poison Ivy (Uma Thuman). He also earns his redemption by the end of 1997’s Batman & Robin by giving Bruce Wayne (George Clooney) the cure for McGregor syndrome, which saves Alfred Pennyworth’s (Michael Gough) life.

The Rocketeer (Peevy Peabody)

Director Joe Johnston’s vastly underrated 1991 adventure favorite, The Rocketeer, stars Billy Campbell as Cliff — a 1930s pilot who discovers a jetpack prototype that makes him into a flying superhero. However, you could argue that his mentor, veteran mechanic Peevy (Alan Arkin), is the real brains behind his vigilante exploits.

Batman Begins (Lucius Fox)

Christopher Nolan’s grounded approach to reimagining the origins of Bruce Wayne’s (Christian Bale) war against crime in 2005’s Batman Begins involves the explanation that he did not make all of his wonderful toys on his own. He would have no Batsuit, no Batmobile, and little of his other valuable utilities without the help of Wayne Enterprises' then-head of research, Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman).

Ant-Man And The Wasp (Janet Van Dyne)

Ant-Man and the Wasp from 2018 is yet another great example of a superhero movie in which the villain is not really a villain — namely Hannah John-Kamen’s Ava “Ghost” Starr, who is nicknamed for her unstable power of intangibility. However, her unusual condition is luckily cured by Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer), Hank Pym’s (Michael Douglas) long-lost wife, after he manages to rescue her from the Quantum Realm.

Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (George And Harold)

Ten-year-old best friends George Beard (Kevin Hart) and Harold Hutchins (Thomas Middleditch) may have been the cause of a lot of the trouble in Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie, by hypnotizing Principal Krupp (Ed Helms) into adopting his titular. However, the entranced superhero also could not have defeated Professor Poopypants (Nick Kroll) without them.

Iron Man 3 (Pepper Potts)

There are actually several reasons why you could argue that Stark Industries CEO and Tony Stark’s wife, Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), is the true hero of the Iron Man movies as a whole. Yet it is in 2013’s third installment that sees her really get into the action when she takes out Guy Pearce’s Aldrich Killian, in the end, using her incendiary abilities after being injected with Extremis.

The LEGO Batman Movie (Phyllis)

In 2017’s The LEGO Batman Movie, Bruce Wayne (Will Arnett) is banished to the Phantom Zone, where its gatekeeper, Phyllis (Ellie Kemper), helps him realize how selfish and cowardly he has been acting. She then allows him to temporarily return to Gotham, where he begins to finally work collaboratively with the likes of Robin and Barbara Gordon, and save the city from Joker and his villains’ collective.

The Crow (Darryl Albrecht)

Ernie Hudson plays one of the best ‘90s movie supporting characters in The Crow as Sgt. Darryl Albrecht. The Detroit cop, who was at the scene of Eric Draven (Brandon Lee) and Shelly Webster’s murder, ends up becoming a trusted ally in the resurrected Draven’s plea for vengeance.

The Mask (Milo)

In 1994’s The Mask — one of Jim Carrey’s best movies — Stanley Ipkiss (Carrey) is able to make a swift escape from the police station holding cell with the help of his dog Milo. The Jack Russell Terrier also helps the banker take down Dorian Tyrell (Peter Greene) and his henchpeople when the titular, mystical artifact turns him into one mean, green mongrel.

Hellboy II: The Golden Army (Nuala)

In Guillermo del Toro’s Hellboy sequel from 2008, Prince Nuada (Luke Goss) seeks to lead a rebellion of mystical beings against the human race by unleashing the Golden Army. However, he and his sister, Nuala (Anna Walton) are physically linked, meaning they experience the harm of each other's injuries, and it is her deadly sacrifice that thwarts his plan.

The Dark Knight Rises (Officer John Blake)

At the beginning of 2012’s The Dark Knight Rises, Bruce Wayne has put himself into exile, following the death of Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhaal) years earlier, until John Blake (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), who has figured out that he is Batman, inspires him to don the cape and cowl again. It is no wonder that he chooses him to be his successor at the end — his legal name being “Robin” notwithstanding.

Black Adam (Amon Tomaz)

Following his resurrection, the nearly unbeatable Teth-Adam (Dwayne Johnson) assures multiple times that he is “not a hero.” However, young superhero fan Amon Tomaz (Bodhi Sabongui) teaches him to embrace his potential to be one after all.

Over the years, there have been plenty of movies and TV shows that center around planes. But for many of us out there, flying can be a scary experience... especially if you don't do it often. And as such, these are 32 movies you should never watch on an Airplane if you're scared of flying. 

To clarify: a lot of these titles are great projects that are worth the watch. But if you're someone who is naturally nervous when traveling in the air, they might not be the best choice for you to watch mid-flight. In no particular order, here are some movies someone of that nature might want to avoid. 

Snakes on a Plane

2006's Snakes on a Plane is a campy action thriller, one that has been endlessly quotable and meme-able in the years since its release. Despite the comedy involved in the project, watching it on a plane is probably not the smartest call.

Gravity

While not set on a plane per se, Gravity is a movie that would still give me the willies if I were on a plane. After all, Sandra Bullock is on an aircraft high above Earth, and eventually crash lands in the third act. Maybe it's better to have seen Gravity in theaters.

Flightplan

Flightplan hit theaters in 2005 and was a fun psychological thriller focused on a mother whose child mysteriously disappears in the midst of a long flight. Jodie Foster is incredible as always, but this could be anxiety-inducing to watch while flying. 

Red Eye

Red Eye came from the great Wes Craven and stars Rachel McAdams and Cillian Murphy, who admitted he wasn't a huge fan of the movie. It's a thriller that's almost entirely set on a plane, so anxious fliers might want to avoid it.

Final Destination

This entry might be the most obvious on this list. In the OG Final Destination, Devon Sawa's Alex Browning has a premonition of his plane exploding While he and a few classmates rush out before it explodes, death follows them as they die in horrifying ways.

United 93

United 93 came out in 2006, just a few years after the events of 9/11. Given that this movie tells the emotional true story of United Airlines Flight 93, it's a movie you want to stay far away from while flying. 

Donnie Darko

Donnie Darko is a cult classic 2001 film that follows Jake Gyllenhaal's title character as he navigates the space-time continuum. It all starts when a jet engine mysteriously crashes into his bedroom, and that mysterious doomed flight is a big part of the overall story. 

Plane

Plane is a 2023 thriller starring Mike Colter and Gerard Butler, which starts when lightning hits a plane that carries both police and a homicide suspect. This unlikely duo has to work together after the plane goes down, but that opening sequence is not great for nervous flyers. 

Sully

Tom Hanks stars as the title character of Sully, aka Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger the pilot who famously landed on the Hudson River in 2009 after striking a flock of birds. It's a solid movie, but not exactly what one wants to watch on a plane. 

The Mountain Between Us

The Mountain Between Us is another movie on this list that is kickstarted by a plane crash. This time it's a super small plane carrying Kate Winslet and Idris Elba's characters as the pilot suffers a stroke mid-flight. 

Cast Away

There are a few Tom Hanks movies on this list, although Cast Away is his most synonymous plane movie. He ends up stranded on an island after his FedEx cargo plane crashes, leading to a moving adventure and iconic friendship with Wilson. 

Society of the Snow

Society of the Snow is a 2023 survival drama about Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571, which hit a glacier in 1972. A Uruguayan rugby football team was forced to live in the unforgiving Andes Mountains, eventually resorting to cannibalism to stay alive. 

Fight Club

Fight Club is a cult classic from this list, which tells the story of Tyler Durden's descent into madness and therapy. The narrator speaks to Tyler for the first time on a plane, after having terrifying visions of a midair collision as well as a sobering conversation about plane safety that's nightmare fuel for nervous flyers. 

World War Z

World War Z is an apocalypse movie, with Brad Pitt's Mitch Buchannon trying to survive a never-ending supply of zombies One of the movie's most chilling scenes is set in a plane, where zombies cause all sorts of claustrophobic chaos to ill-fated passengers. 

The Incredibles

The Incredibles is a beloved Disney/Pixar movie, but there's one sequence that's not exactly ideal for nervous flyers. The villainous Syndrome shoots Elastigirl and the kids out of the sky, and it's only their superpowers that save them from doom. 

Flight 666

Flight 666 is a 2018 independent horror movie that is truly the thing of nightmares for nervous flyers. It follows as a zombie outbreaks begins mid-flight, bringing all sorts of chaos for those trying to reach their final destination. 

Air Force One

Air Force One is a 1997 hijack movie that shows the titular plane being taken over by bad guys while the President (Harrison Ford) is on board. It's up to the Commander in Chief to save those on board. And while I love the movie it's not exactly what you want to watch mid-flight. 

Moon

Moon follows Sam Rockwell's Sam Bell as he finishes his three-year solitary time residing on the far side of the Moon. But the idea of being left alone floating on a ship is one that might be chilling for nervous flyers. 

Black Hawk Down

Black Hawk Down is an acclaimed 2001 film that's considered one of the best war movies of all time. But its storyline is very much inspired by a helicopter going down, which isn't the type of programming one wants to watch when on a plane. 

Con Air

Nicolas Cage's Con Air is one of several movies centered on a plane getting hijacked on this list. While there are parts of Con Air that make no sense it's a classic... just not one that's for folks who hate flying. 

Jurassic Park III

Jurassic Park III movie might not be high on the ranking of Jurassic Park movies, but it's got some great things going for it. But there's also a plane crash sequence, so it's probably better to re-watch this movie on the ground. 

Passengers

There are a number of space movies on this list, as there is something similar about being lost in space and traveling on a plane for nervous flyers. Passengers hit theaters in 2016 and follows two protagonists (Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt) who are woken 90 years early from their medically-induced hibernation while traveling to a new planet. 

No Way Up

No Way Up is a 2024 thriller that combines two tried and true horror elements: plane crashes and sharks. A group of passengers try to survive as their crashed plane sinks into deep water, and it's truly a nightmare scenario.

Alive

Alive is one of the many survival movies on this particular list. The 1993 flick follows the true story of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571, which crashed in the Andes with a team of rugby players on board.

Non-Stop

Non-Stop is a Liam Neeson-led thriller that hit theaters back in 2014. The movie ex-NYPD officer turned Federal Air Marshal who is tasked with finding a killer on a flight from New York City to London, and it's not really what you want to watch in the air. 

7500

7500 was released in 2019 on Amazon Prime and features Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a pilot who is faced with an attempted hijacking situation. For obvious reasons, this is not what nervous fliers will want to watch on a plane. 

Alien

Alien is considered one of the best horror movies of all time, but it might not be great on a plane. Just like Ripley is trapped on the Nostromo, it's possible that nervous flyers might feel the same way when watching the movie on a plane. 

Airplane! is a classic comedy set on a flight where all sorts of crazy shenanigans occur. But as funny as it is (and while some fans may have what-in-the-heck reactions), some of the hi-jinx might be frightening if you're watching it in the air.

Flight

Flight came out in 2012, and revolves around Denzel Washington's Captain William "Whip" Whitaker, who is an alcoholic pilot to manages to crash land his aircraft. Those scenes, as well as the idea that the man flying a plane might be intoxicated, are sure to be anxiety-inducing for folks who hate flying. 

Turbulence

Turbulence hit theaters in 1997, and even its poster is enough to strike fear into nervous flyers. There are mid-flight shootouts, an emergency landing, and all sorts of things that you'd never want to experience IRL. 

Wall-E

Wall-E is one of the best Pixar movies and a personal favorite of mine. But watching it on a flight might not be ideal, especially as passengers are essentially trapped in their chairs like the humans in the movie's story. 

Fearless

1993's Fearless is a movie featuring one of Kurt Russell's best performances. But the movie opens on a terrifying plane crash sequence that's definitely not meant for folks who are scared of or hate flying. 

The ‘90s were a weird time when it came to female empowerment in entertainment. On one end of the spectrum, you had Grrl Power with groups like The Spice Girls, and Queen Latifah demanding “U.N.I.T.Y.” And on the other end, you had movies like The Little Mermaid, where Ariel gave away her voice just to be with a man, and Belle from Beauty and the Beast, whose romance began with her being held captive.

Sure, there was certainly progress (I mean, hell, Ellen Ripley and others have been kicking ass for awhile now). But, when it came to media directed toward children (Most notably from Disney), it left a lot to be desired. 

Thankfully, Disney has pivoted substantially with its portrayal of female characters over the years. So, here are 10 tough-as-nails female Disney and Pixar characters that we can all look up to. 

Mulan 

Mulan is an interesting case, since her movie was actually a part of the Disney Renaissance of the ‘90s, so you could already see a shift in Disney by the tail end of the decade.

Mulan (Who was likely not a real person), is an inspirational story since its whole premise puts “manliness” into question. I say this because Mulan, who is definitely NOT a man, is ultimately the one who saves the day in the end.

Mulan is the kind of character that I’m perfectly happy showing my daughter, since she’s noble, loyal, and brave, which are all qualities that I hope both of my children can acquire throughout their lives. 

Merida (Brave) 

Turning to Pixar is 2012’s Brave, as Princess Merida (And, yes, she is a princess) is the kind of young woman who does things her way, or no way. This is often difficult for her because people want her to be something she’s not. For example, she finds her dresses confining, and she’d much rather unleash a storm of arrows than entertain a male suitor. 

And, in a lot of ways, Merida is an example of the grrl power that I was talking about earlier. Yes, she wants to be a good daughter, but she also wants to be herself.

I also love that Merida is such a clearly defined character. We know from the very beginning just who she is, and it’s more that the people around her seem to change, rather than her having to change. In fact, the lesson Merida learns throughout the film is to take others into consideration, which is not a terrible thing to learn at all.  

Meilin Lee (Turning Red) 

Sticking with Pixar, Turning Red was the movie that made me believe that the company is in its golden age. And it’s mostly because of Meilin Lee, who I just love to pieces. Mei Lee is in every way a teenager. She likes boys, boy bands, and being with her friends, and I just love that about her. 

The plot of Turning Red is of course a metaphor for growing up, but what I adore about the film is how it approaches how a young girl grows up. As a man, I never had to worry about things like my period, or trying to be a good daughter. 

That said, I also never had movies that showcased conflict of that nature. But, I wish I had, and I’m glad that my daughter can grow up with a character like Mei Lee. She struggles, sure, but ultimately decides that she should embrace her emotions, because her emotions are what make her who she is. 

In fact, that’s a great lesson that anybody can learn, which might be a reason why my son loves the movie, too! 

Raya (Raya And The Last Dragon) 

Raya learns a ton of lessons in Raya and the Last Dragon (Which we once gave five stars and called “a masterpiece”!). At a young age, Raya has a trusting heart, and she wants to see the best in people. But, because of an early betrayal, she hardens her heart, and begins to see the world differently. 

This is very realistic, and if that was the film’s message (That we can't trust anybody), then I honestly wouldn’t be too upset, because I often believe that myself.

However, Raya, who can kick some serious ass, also learns that in order to heal the world, we need to see the good in people, even if it’s our worst enemies. Honestly, I think the whole world could learn from Raya, but she’s not the only character from the film that I think that we can look up to… 

Namaari (Raya And The Last Dragon) 

On the other end of the spectrum is Namaari, Raya’s sworn enemy. It’s because Namaari followed her mother’s orders that she seemingly doomed the world, and in every way, we are meant to dislike Namaari for betraying Raya.

But, at the same time, Namaari might learn an even bigger lesson than Raya. Because unlike Raya, who had been taught at a very young age to have faith in humanity, Namaari was taught the exact opposite, so it’s little wonder that she didn’t trust Raya in the beginning. 

But, in the end, Namaari learns to accept responsibility for her past actions, and she does, which makes her admirable. In fact, I wish more people would admit when they're wrong, as that's not an easy thing to do.  

Elastigirl (The Incredibles) 

A big part of being a parent is the ability to stretch yourself – stretch your time, stretch your patience, hell, it even seems like you’re even stretching your day sometimes. So, it makes perfect sense that the matriarch of The Incredibles is literally elastic. 

Elastigirl is a full-time mom, and a part-time superhero, until she has to wear both capes (Actually, she doesn’t wear a cape, because capes can get you killed!). 

And in Incredibles 2, Elastigirl is back on the scene to get people to love superheroes again. Because a woman’s gotta do what a woman’s gotta do. Elastigirl, like many moms, really seems to be able to do it all.  

Colette Tatou (Ratatouille) 

In one of Pixar’s best movies, we also get one of Pixar’s best characters in Collette Tatou, who will cut you with a knife if you get in her way. 

Being the only woman in the kitchen is tough, but Collette managed to not only stand out, but even shine. Plus, she rides a kick ass motorcycle. Colette Tatou is who I want to be when I grow up! 

Moana  

Remember how I mentioned The Little Mermaid at the start of this article? Well, Moana is the positive step in the right direction away from movies like The Little Mermaid that I like to see. 

Moana doesn’t need Maui to fix her problem. Instead, it’s the other way around, and Maui needs Moana to save the day. In this way, Moana is a character with complete agency, and she saves not only her island, but possibly even the entire ocean itself. There’s a reason why Moana is my favorite Disney movie, and it might be because Moana is my favorite Disney character.  

Elsa (Frozen) 

Elsa could have stayed Queen of Arendelle, but she didn’t want to. And do you know why? Because she’d much rather be herself. In the epic song, “Let It Go,” Elsa literally lets her hair down, and the song is all about letting go of everything that holds you back.

In a lot of ways, Elsa is the embodiment of being yourself. And that’s a lesson that we can all learn a thing or two from. 

Go Go Tomago (Big Hero 6) 

Majoring in Mechanical Engineering, Go Go Tomago is often the calmest person in her team of Big Hero 6. 

That is, until she gets behind the wheel, since she’s a demon on the road. The leather jacket-wearing, bubble gum popping Go Go might just be the coolest person in this entire article, and that’s saying something.

And, that’s the list. But, which one is your favorite? For more news on all things Disney and Pixar-related, be sure to swing around here often! 

When it comes to movies that involve family gatherings of any kind, whether it be while some family members are traveling together, getting together for the holidays, or some other event, it can only be a matter of time before something goes wrong. Usually, it's because of one person that begins a cascading effect that turns said family gathering upside down. 

Today, we'll be looking at several characters from different movies that caused a family event to get messed up quite quickly.

When Violet Insults Everyone (August: Osage County)

August: Osage County is based on the play of the same name and is all about a family reunion that turns out wrong. While there are plenty of moments that you could pinpoint from this movie that turn the family gathering sour after their patriarch vanishes, I would point out that Violet insults and embarrasses every family member while under the influence, which later leads to several fights down the line. 

When Christian Made Jokes At Helge's Birthday Dinner (The Celebration)

The Celebration is a Danish film about a family gathering to celebrate their father's 60th birthday, but most of these people do not fit well together. The moment from this film I'd point out is when Christian, the eldest son of the family, decides to make jokes during his toast to his father, some of which involve abuse, and many aren't sure if they're really jokes or not. Tensions rise not that long after. 

Kym And Rachel's Fight At The Rehearsal Dinner (Rachel Getting Married)

Rachel Getting Married is an excellent Anne Hathaway movie where movie lovers get to see her perform so well, and her scene with Rosemarie DeWitt is one of the most heated fight scenes I've seen between sisters. The film follows Kym and her sister, Rachel, who have a deep rift between them due to Kym's self-destructive behavior, which comes to a head at the rehearsal dinner – and later leads to more issues for their family's wedding. 

Dan And Marie's Kiss - Prior To Dan's Family Appearing (Dan In Real Life)

Dan and Marie's kiss in Dan in Real Life is arguably the moment that escalated the quickest. While viewers can see the building tension between Dan and Marie, when they finally kiss, all hell breaks loose when Dan's entire family arrives to bowl at the same bowling alley they were at, and Mitch (Marie's boyfriend and Dan's brother) punches Dan. 

Buzz Bullying Kevin - Which Leads To Kevin Pushing Buzz (Home Alone)

Home Alone is one of the best Christmas movies of all time, but it never would have started if not for this moment. When Kevin and his family are in the kitchen eating pizza the night before a big trip, Buzz bullies Kevin, saying he ate all of Kevin's pizza. Kevin pushes him, which leads to drinks spilling on food, the plane tickets, and so much more. 

Kevin Hitting Buzz After He Teases Him During A School Concert (Home Alone 2: Lost In New York)

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York features Buzz and Kevin in the same school choir – which is strange, considering Buzz seems considerably older than Kevin. Either way, Buzz teases Kevin mid-concert, and Kevin doesn't put up with it and decides to push Buzz down – which starts a domino effect and knocks every choir member off the stands. 

The Entirety Of Death At A Funeral 

Death at a Funeral doesn't just have a moment that ruins a family event – it is the moment—the entire movie. From the opening minutes, there are so many instances that ruin this family gathering, but if I had to pick one, I'd say the moment a literal body falls out of the coffin, and everyone freaks out about it. 

Annie's Tantrum At The Bridal Shower (Bridesmaids)

Bridesmaids is one of the best Paul Feig movies and is hilarious in many ways. Annie, played by Kristen Wiig, has been getting pretty upset throughout the film with Helen continuously upstaging her in preparing for Lillian's wedding, and the luxurious bridal shower is the straw that breaks the camel's back. Lillian ends their friendship afterward – for the time being. The movie still works so many years later.

When Jacob And Hannah Show Up At The Family Gathering (Crazy, Stupid Love)

Crazy, Stupid, Love is a great film showing how small the world can be sometimes. The moment when Jacob and Hannah arrive at a family gathering, and Cal realizes that Jacob (the person helping him try to pick up women) is dating his daughter, is hilarious. And from there, it all goes downhill in a comical fashion. 

When The Brothers Fight On The Train (The Darjeeling Limited)

I've watched every Wes Anderson movie, and The Darjeeling Limited surprised me with how much I liked it, mainly because of the three brothers. Throughout the film, the tension rises between them as they travel until it ultimately breaks into a fight on a train. This, in turn, leads to them getting thrown off. 

When Paige Tells Her Family She Doesn't Want To Wrestle Anymore (Fighting With My Family)

Fighting With My Family is another underrated movie on this list, featuring Florence Pugh in a significant role. In this film, we mainly follow a family of wrestlers, and one of them, Paige, decides to quit because she doesn't think the professional career is worth it. She decides to tell them this during a family dinner – and later, it leads to her older brother, Zak, facing her in the ring to fight her for that, causing more tensions to rise. 

Micky And Dicky's Spar (The Fighter)

Starring Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale, The Fighter is all about fighting, but the one moment I point to is when Micky and Dicky, the prominent brothers we follow in the film, fight. It's an arranged match, but it's brutal and leads to a fight between Micky and his mother, saying that she always favored Dicky over him. 

Uncle Lewis Burns Down The Christmas Tree (National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation)

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is another one of the best Christmas movies out there, and there are plenty of moments during that film I could point to that lead to family events turning disastrous. But I think the one we need to talk about is when Uncle Lewis accidentally burns down their Christmas tree – but I'll say the cat getting electrocuted is a good runner-up. 

Harlan's Death (Knives Out)

Knives Out is another film that's all about a family gathering, but this time, murder is involved. What starts this movie is Harlan's death, the patriarch of the family, which is the moment that sends this family gathering into a tailspin – and introduces folks to the excellent Benoit Blanc. 

Geun-sae Stabs Ki-jung (Parasite)

Parasite won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2020, and it's understandable as to why. This moment occurs at the movie's end, when a family birthday party occurs. But at that moment, Geun-sae can leave the confines of the family's basement, and he stabs Ki-jung in front of everyone. This leads to panic – and more murder later on. 

The Fight At The Dinner Table (The Incredibles)

If you want to talk about the best Pixar films, The Incredibles ranks high, if not just for the family dynamic. While their dinner together isn't necessarily an "event," it's a gathering that establishes how the family works. This dinner goes downhill fast when they discuss Dash's powers at school – this, in turn, leads to a massive fight down the line where superpowers need to be used to calm people down. 

When The Family Members Get Into A Fight About Money (Nebraska)

Filmed in black-and-white, Nebraska is the classic tale of what money will do to people when an elderly Montana man wins the lottery, and his family all want a piece of it. The film is slow to elevate its conflict, but once it gets there, it continues. The moment that really sets everything in motion is when several family members decide to pay Woody a visit because they believe he owes them money. 

Krisha Arriving For Thanksgiving (Krisha)

Krisha is an example of a film where the main character really sends everything topsy-turvy. Played by Krisha Fairchild, the movie tells the story of a woman who tries to make amends with her family after years of addiction. Still, when she arrives for Thanksgiving Day, everything begins to trend downhill. 

Dwayne Snapping At His Family (Little Miss Sunshine)

Little Miss Sunshine is a tragic movie about a family gathering in a van for a road trip to get across the country for a beauty pageant. Many moments in this film could make the list. However, Dwayne snapping at his family after everything they had been through on this trip (including the death of a family member) and screaming about how he hates them is undoubtedly one that causes the mood to shift dramatically and stands at the top.

Billi's Disagreement (The Farewell)

The Farewell is one to watch if you like Awkwafina, featuring one of her best acting performances. In this, her character, Billi, is the person who messes up a lot of what is going on specifically because she does not believe that what they are doing to Na-Na (hiding her illness from her) is correct. This leads to clashing with family. 

Eli Crashes His Car Into The House (The Royal Tenenbaums)

Plenty of moments in The Royal Tenenbaums could appear on this list since they are an exciting family. Still, we'd have to give it to the moment that Eli crashes his car into a house while under the influence, which leads to not only a dog getting killed but fights later on. 

Junon's Diagnosis, Which Leads To People Not Wanting To Take Blood Tests (A Christmas Tale)

A Christmas Tale is about a gathering during Christmas that turns sour when the matriarch reveals that she has blood cancer and will die unless she is given a bone marrow transplant. So, when she brings this up to her family, it causes turmoil very quickly, with secrets coming out not that long after about how they really feel about her, as well as this family unit.

Daniel Switching In And Out Of Mrs. Doubfire During The Dinner (Mrs. Doubtfire)

Mrs. Doubtfire is one of Robin Williams' best movies. While it's hilarious to see him switch out of character as Mrs. Doubtfire, it's during the family birthday dinner that everything really goes downhill. Running back and forth causes strain on his disguise, and it melts off, revealing who is genuinely underneath the kind nanny's face. Miranda is outraged. 

Miguel Begins To Play Guitar (Coco)

Coco is one of my favorite Pixar movies, but no one can deny that this moment is truly what sent Miguel searching for a guitar and sending him to the other side. His playing of the guitar in front of his family, who had strictly banned music, led to his abuelita getting incredibly angry and smashing his guitar. El Día de los Muertos was effectively ruined after that. 

Merida Shooting For Her Own Hand (Brave)

Brave doesn’t get enough love, and Merida is a great princess because she stands for what she believes in. But she does ruin these games when she decides to fight for her own hand in marriage – and knocks it out of the park with her archery skills. But in her mother's eyes, she shamed the family at that moment, which led to tensions rising. 

Ember's Fiery Outburst, Which Ruins The Yearly Sale On Her Family's Store (Elemental)

Ember from the Pixar film Elemental has a temper that is an integral part of her story, and in the beginning of the film, her getting overwhelmed by customers at her family's annual sale is what leads to her letting her fiery temper out in the basement, away from everyone. But it's this moment that leads to the pipes bursting – and later meeting Wade, but she did end up messing up the sale and the store. 

Ralphie Curses (A Christmas Story)

I'm pretty sure every person who has seen A Christmas Story remembers this moment. The family of the iconic Christmas movie just got back from getting a tree, but when Ralphie goes out to help his father when the car blows a tire and he lets an F-bomb slip, the mood is ruined, and he is punished with soap in his mouth.

Nic Finds Traces Of Jule's Hair In Paul's Bedroom (The Kids Are All Right)

The Kids Are All Right is a great film that tells the story of two families colliding when a child wants to find their biological father after being conceived using a sperm donor. But when an affair begins, and Nic (Annette Bening) finds out about it from discovering Jule's (Julianne Moore) hair (her wife) in Paul's (Mark Ruffalo) bedroom, it leads to tensions rising and any nice dinner turning sour. 

Wendy Forces Judd To Tell The Truth About His Wife's Affair (This Is Where I Leave You)

This Is Where I Leave You is a film directed by Shawn Levy about a family gathering where siblings come back together when their father passes and are forced to reside in the same home. It's during a family gathering that Wendy forces her brother to admit that an affair is happening with his wife and then everything goes downhill from there.

The Power Goes Out (The Humans)

The A24 film The Humans, is all about a family telling each other how they feel on Thanksgiving. Tensions rise even quicker once the power goes out, where bombshells are thrown. But plenty of moments before led to the family fighting against each other, too. I love the power going out, though.

Harper And Sloane's Fight (Happiest Season)

Happiest Season is a tremendous modern-day Christmas movie with LGBTQ+ themes, and the moment that leads to things falling apart is when Harper and Sloane (two sisters) get into a fight. This later leads to Sloane outing Harper as a lesbian. 

Jackson Confesses His Feelings At Thanksgiving (Holidate)

The worst time to confess feelings is at Thanksgiving dinner, and Jackson in Holidate does that to Sloane, which leads to a big, intense fight that ruins the dinner – even if they make up later in the film. 

There are so many movies with crazy moments that ruin family events, but these are just some of the most memorable. I'm sure there will be even more to add to this list as time passes.