17 years ago today, Zack Snyder left his first stamp on the superhero movie genre with Watchmen, his film adaptation of the same-named beloved comic book series by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. From there, he would direct Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and his original vision for Justice League, which comprise the “Synderverse” incarnation of the DC Extended Universe. Along those lines, to celebrate Watchmen’s 17th anniversary, Snyder (who considers this his favorite comic book movie he’s directed) has a “personal” recommendation that Snyderverse fans will love.

Foreshadowing what would happen with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League, a director’s cut of Watchmen was released in home media after the theatrical cut had its time on silver screens. So for those of you who are watching Watchmen today or over the weekend for the anniversary and are familiar with Zack Snyder’s work, it shouldn’t surprise you what he recommended on Instagram to accompany a black-and-white photo of the original Nite Owl and Silk Spectre:

Before I go further, it’s important to note that there are actually two extended versions of Watchmen to choose from. The more traditional director’s cut expands the 162-minute runtime to 186 minutes by reincorporating a number of deleted scenes, including the death of Hollis Mason, the original Nite Owl. Then there’s the 215-minute “Ultimate Cut” which has those same scenes, as well as Tales of the Black Freighter edited into the story. That animated feature, which depicts the pirate comic book a civilian is reading during the events of Watchmen, was originally released on its own direct to video, and it included the fictional in-universe documentary Under the Hood.

I don’t think Zack Snyder fans will be surprised in the slightest that he’s suggesting the director’s cut of Watchmen be viewed instead of the theatrical. Full disclosure, though, if you want to watch that traditional director’s cut, you’ll need to buy a physical copy. If you decide to go the digital route or stream with your HBO Max subscription, your only options will be the theatrical version or the Ultimate Cut. Still, Snyder will likely be just fine with his fans choosing the latter version to watch for the 17th anniversary.

2026 also marks the 40th anniversary of when DC Comics began publishing the Watchmen comic book series. So in addition to Zack Snyder’s movie, regardless of the version, this is also a good year to check out other Watchmen adaptations. There’s the HBO limited series, which served as a sequel to the comic, as well as the two-part animated movie released in 2024 that also adapted the original story.

In case you hadn’t noticed, comic book movies have changed to an exceptional degree over the last quarter-century-plus. The landscape was basically dead until X-Men and Spider-Man changed the game in the early 2000s, and the storytelling is so abundant now thanks to the co-existing Marvel Cinematic Universe and DC Universe that there are questions of genre fatigue. It’s been a complex journey full of big ups and downs in the last two-and-a-half decades, and two titles that really can’t be ignored in the conversation are Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight and Zack Snyder’s Watchmen – which are actually two films that are inextricably linked.

No, I’m not just referring to the Batman easter egg in the latter’s memorable title sequence that seems to rewrite the Caped Crusader’s origin story. The two blockbusters were released within a year of one another (July 2008 and March 2009), and while they together demonstrated the potential of dark and dramatic storytelling in comic book movies, Snyder credits Nolan’s work for opening the particular door that he ended up walking through. In a 2009 interview with the New York Times, the 300 director was asked about how the success of the Batman Begins sequel “helped” his work, and Snyder explained,

The idea of dramatic comic book movies wasn’t wholly novel in the mid-’00s (the aforementioned Batman Begins isn’t exactly a light romp compared to the follow-up), but they certainly didn’t have the gravitas that existed in the wake of The Dark Knight. With comparisons to Michael Mann’s Heat and eventually seeing Heath Ledger win a posthumous Oscar, the film earned a degree of acclaim that the genre had never seen before, and it was thanks to Christopher Nolan’s grounded vision.

Snyder does note that there isn’t quite a one-to-one comparison to make. Nolan’s movie is a realistic crime epic with zero supernatural elements, and Watchmen is definitely not that. But as Snyder continued, he explained that there are key intersections in the character development and emotionality:

The existence of the god-like Dr. Manhattan alone is a big differentiator between Watchmen and The Dark Knight, but that big splash of the fantastical doesn’t eradicate the connection between the two movies because they operate with a similar core philosophy: this kind of storytelling can and should be taken seriously. Acknowledging their independent approaches, Snyder said,

Should you care to see how the two blockbusters compare nearly 20 years following their respective releases, both The Dark Knight and Watchmen are available to stream with a HBO Max subscription.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has had one of the more fascinating career trajectories in recent years when it comes to new superhero movies. He’s moved fluidly between prestige TV with Watchmen (streaming with an HBO Max subscription), blockbuster franchises like Aquaman, and now the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where he’s set to headline Disney+’s upcoming Wonder Man series. In a recent interview, the established leading man told a hilarious story about a hazmat suit that he was sure made him a failure when it came to winning an award for Watchmen.

While appearing on Live with Kelly and Mark, Abdul-Mateen recalled the surreal night he actually won an Emmy for playing Doctor Manhattan in Watchmen, and how a lack of hazmat suits outside his apartment convinced him he hadn’t won at all. As he explained:

As dark as that period was, it’s worth remembering just how strange things had become. With red carpets and live audiences off the table, Emmy winners were being notified in unconventional ways, including trophies being physically delivered to winners' homes by masked couriers in full protective gear. Almost everyone, that is. Abdul-Mateen added:

If you somehow skipped Watchmen the first time around (or only half-watched it while doomscrolling), it’s worth a proper revisit. Damon Lindelof built the 2019 HBO series as a "remix" and sequel to the Alan Moore/Dave Gibbons comic (not a reboot), pushing the story 34 years forward and anchoring it in modern-day Tulsa, where masked cops, the Seventh Kavalry, and the legacy of racist violence collide in a way that’s equal parts superhero myth and American reckoning. It’s ambitious in the way of big swings that feel particularly prescient today, and it commits to that ambition from the opening Tulsa massacre sequence onward.

And Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is a huge reason it lands. What starts as a grounded, tender performance gradually becomes something stranger, heavier, and genuinely haunting once the full scope of what he’s playing comes into focus. It’s the kind of work that makes you appreciate how the show balances big genre ideas with intimate character pain. Between the performances (Regina King is unreal), the Reznor/Ross score, and the way it expands the Watchmen world without feeling like cosplay, it’s still one of the best arguments for what “superhero TV” can be.

Despite the empty hallway, the Candyman actor had actually won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his performance as Dr. Manhattan. The award was his first Emmy, a major career milestone, and came after he spent part of that evening certain that he wouldn't win.

It’s a perfect snapshot of how surreal that year was, even for people working at the highest levels of the industry. Winning one of television’s top honors without an audience, without a ceremony, and without a physical trophy to grasp feels almost unbelievable now. But for Abdul-Mateen, it’s part of the story.

Since then, Abdul-Mateen’s career has only continued to grow. Between Watchmen, The Matrix, Candyman, Aquaman, and now his upcoming method-acting turn for Marvel as Simon Williams in Wonder Man, he’s become one of the most versatile actors working today. The fact that one of his biggest wins arrived quietly, wrapped in pandemic absurdity, somehow makes it even more fitting.

Wonder Man hits the 2026 TV schedule on January 27. All you need to watch it is a Disney+ subscription.

There are a lot of ways that filmmakers and storytellers have reworked real history with an alternate version of that history over the years. Often it's a re-imagining of major events like wars, but sometimes it's a smaller bit of history, like Quentin Tarantino did with Once Upon A Time In Hollywood.

I love these kinds of movies and TV shows because it's always interesting to wonder "what if?" things went differently in key moments in time. This list is a celebration of any kind of alternate history, from shows about Kings ruling America to the Soviets winning the race to the moon and everything in between.

For All Mankind

Man landing on the Moon was a huge moment in history, and for the United States, it marked a victory in the space race. For All Mankind wonders what would have happened if the Soviets had won that race. In the show, from streamer Apple TV+, the Soviets win the race, but the US keeps pushing to get ahead somehow.

Inglourious Basterds

If I'm honest, Inglourious Basterds isn't my favorite Tarantino movie. Some people argue that his re-imagining of the death of that terrible man with the little mustache was killed by an elite group of US soldiers, instead of what actually happened, is his best movie. I don't even think it's his best alternate history movie. Christoph Waltz is amazing, though.

Bridgerton

Bridgerton doesn't jump out as a show that fits into this category, but it is deliberately set in an alternative history timeline. In this timeline, King George III has made sure there is racial equality during his reign in the early 19th Century. This equality is partly achieved by the king granting titles of nobility to a much more diverse group, setting up the romances that happen on the show.

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen is a bit of a tricky one here, because it's really an alternate history story wrapped in pure fantasy. The movie, which was, if I'm honest, disappointing, mostly because the source material, a comic book by Alan Moore, is so great, and the concept is so cool.

The Plot Against America

The HBO miniseries The Plot Against America is a disturbing look into an alternate past where Charles Lindbergh, who is portrayed as an anti-semite, is elected president in 1940 and ends World War II before it began for the US. He does this by striking a deal with the Germans because he agrees with their fascist policies.

C.S.A.: The Confederate States of America

C.S.A.: The Confederate States of America is a wild movie that is almost impossible to explain in a short blurb. It's a mockumentary that aired first on IFC, complete with crazy commercials that tells the triumphant story of the South's victory in the Civil War and all that brought with it. It's ambitious, and it doesn't always work, but it's worth trying to catch, if you can find it.

11.22.63

I was skeptical of 11.22.63 when I first read about it, but in the end, I loved the Hulu miniseries. The series, adapted from a book by Stephen King, stars James Franco as a man who finds himself traveling back in time to Dallas on November 22nd, 1963, the day John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Of course, he tries to figure out a way to change the future, but is thwarted by fate each time. Technically, this is more of an example of history not changing, but it feels very much like the rest of these movies.

Watchmen

Based on the legendary comic book by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons (Moore was uncredited by his choice), Watchmen envisions a future when a superhero named Doctor Manhattan (Billy Crudup) has ended the Vietnam War in the United States' favor. That propels Richard Nixon to multiple terms as President (he's in his 5th term in 1985, when the movie is set), and the Cold War escalated even more than it did in real life. Watchmen is a superhero movie, sure, but it fits perfectly on this list.

White Man's Burden

The oft-forgotten White Man's Burden, from 1995, is, well, let's just very heavy-handed at times, but it lot of ways it works in what it sets out to do. The movie, which stars John Travolta and Harry Belafonte, reverses the races in America, making African-Americans the dominant race. Yeah, it's tricky, and it could have been a disaster. It's not a total mess, but it's far from perfect.

The Final Countdown

One of the most underrated sci-fi movies of the 1980s is also one of the best movies about the Navy is The Final Countdown. It stars Kirk Douglas as the captain of an aircraft carrier that accidentally travels through a time portal and finds itself in 1941. The crew quickly realizes that they have the opportunity to stop the attack on Pearl Harbor, but doesn't the future still changes two passengers on the ship are marooned in 1941, but use that to their advantage in the future.

The Man In The High Castle

Of course, the Prime series, The Man In The High Castle, would be on this list. I first read the book it was based on, by author Philip K. Dick, when I was in high school, and it is definitely responsible for my interest and love in this whole genre. The show's world-building in Season 1 is remarkable, and I was completely enthralled by the show. I loved how it modernized the book in all the right places and was blown away by the set design, CGI, and costuming. Unfortunately, I think the show kind of fell apart in its later seasons, but in the beginning, it was a masterpiece.

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood is one of my favorite Quentin Tarantino movies. While the alternate history in Inglourious Basterds frustrated and annoyed me, the fantasy of Sharon Tate's murder being thwarted in Once Upon A Time In Hollywood made me tear up when thinking about how things would have been different. It's just as cartoon-y as Inglourious Basterds, but so much more satisfying in the way it plays out.

District 9

On its surface, District 9 seems like a normal alien invasion movie, but when you dig in, you learn that it's set in a very different timeline than our reality, beginning in 1982 when the aliens arrive over Johannesburg. Once you realize it's set in the early '80s, you see why it belongs on this list.

1984

When the book Nineteen Eighty-Four was published in 1949, it was a dystopian look at a possible future. When the movie came out in 1984, it had transformed into an alternate history. While some of the dystopian ideas that author George Orwell warned everyone of sort of came true, it's still a very different world than what was actually real. For that reason, it works for this list in a roundabout way.

Kings

It's always disappointing when a show you love and one that you see a ton of potential in gets canceled before it really finds its footing. That's what happened to me when NBC canceled Kings after just 13 episodes. The show had a fantastic cast, including Ian McShane as the king of a country that was basically the United States (called Gilboa on the show) and Sebastian Stan as his heir-apparent. There was a ton of palace intrigue, and the show could have gone in so many interesting directions had it found a bigger audience.

Captain America: The First Avenger

Okay, okay, I can already hear the people in the comment section complaining, but at its core, not only is Captain America: The First Avenger a superhero movie (and is high up in the ranking of MCU movies), it's also a different version of history, with World War II essentially being won for the Allies by Captain America. That's not what really happened, so that's why I'm counting it. I don't want to hear any arguments!

DMZ

The American Civil War is a popular place to create diverging timelines in fiction, but in the HBO miniseries DMZ, it envisions a world where there is a second civil war, and Manhattan is where the lines are drawn.

Overlord

Maybe no other event in history has inspired more alternate history stories than World War II. In every genre, across all types of media, the "what ifs" have been explored. That includes horror movies like Overlord. The movie, starring Wyatt Russell, envisions a World War II where US paratroopers face off with Zombies created by human experimentation by the Germans.

Fatherland

Fatherland, starring Rutger Hauer of the many entries on this list that re-imagine World War II with the Germans winning. This one is a murder mystery in German-ruled Europe, where the Allies lost the war after the US withdrew from the European theater. The HBO production came out in 1994 and still holds up pretty well today.

My Lady Jane

When Prime canceled My Lady Jane in 2024, fans were in an uproar. That's always a good sign, and it's easy to see why its audience loved it so much. It's really more of a fantasy series, but the history in it, following Lady Jane Grey in the 1500s, is purposefully set in an alternative timeline.

Civil War

This one is a little tricky, because technically it could be called an "alternate present" as Alex Garland's Civil War from 2024 is set more or less in the present day. It is, however, a very different reality, with the United States at war with itself over politics. For a lot of people, it was among the best movies released in '24, and it certainly lays out a scary look at how bad things could get if politics continues to get uglier and uglier.

Pearl Harbor

Okay, hear me out. There is so much incorrect history in Pearl Harbor is hard to defend it as anything but an alternate history. Sure, this doesn't strictly work here, but imagining Ben Affleck's character in the Battle of Britain, on Oahu during the attack on Pearl Harbor, and as part of the Doolittle raid is complete fantasy, so for me, this is definitely alternative history.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

Okay, how much explanation is needed here? Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter is obviously a different version of history, straying into fantasy and horror, of course. I thought this movie would be terrible, and...it kind of is, but if you don't get hung up on the protagonist being one of the US's most important figures, it's not that bad.

Fallout

Sure, there is a serious dystopian overtone to Fallout, and if you only look at that, you might not think of it as alternative history, but the lore explains that the timeline diverged after World War II. While it's set in the distant future, its a future based on a very different past.

Never Let Me Go

Alternate histories are sometimes more about romance than science fiction, as in the case of Never Let Me Go starring Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, and Keira Knightley. It's a lot less bombastic than most of the movies on this list, and the plot, which is partly centered around humans having discovered the cure for death, is really a romance in a love triangle.

SS-GB

The BBC show SS-GB is another example of a show based on the Germans coming out victorious over the Allies in World War II. This time, it's set in London in 1941, and the U.K. has already lost the war. Like others on this list, the show is really a murder mystery-turned-political thriller that is well worth your time, if you love British television shows as I do.

Amerika

Surprisingly, there aren't a lot of examples in this genre of the U.S. losing the Cold War to the USSR, but at the height of that cold conflict in 1987, ABC produced Amerika, starring Kris Kristofferson as a politician living in a conquered America, having been overrun by the Soviets. I won't give away the ending, but it's easy to guess who wins in the end, given the timing of the miniseries.

Hello Tomorrow!

Hello Tomorrow! draws inspiration from shows like The Jetsons and other retrofuturistic shows, and tells the story of a man (played by Billy Crudup) selling property on the Moon. It's a decent show, though not as good as some other offerings from Apple TV+, like For All Mankind.

LOLA

LOLA, from director Andrew Legge, is a "found footage" movie about two girls in German-occupied England who invent a device that can pick up radio waves in the future. It's a low-budget indie that can be tough to find, but is really well done, even if you're not into the found footage genre.

An Englishman's Castle

Way back in 1978, a British TV show called An Englishman's Castle explored what life would be like if Germany had won World War II and the country was ruled by a collaborationist government in 1940. That is the backdrop for the show as the main character discovers more and more about the truth of what is really going on.

Wild Wild West

Wild Wild West is often derided for how bad it is, and...it's not great. However, it definitely belongs on this list. As much as I love the idea of a steampunk version of history, this movie could have been so much cooler if it had been done right. Will Smith and Kevin Kline are good, and the production design is awesome. There's just something lacking from the story. It feels way too forced to fit the design of the movie.

Motherland: Fort Salem

This one is unique because the diverging timeline begins after the Salem witch trials in the 17th Century. Motherland: Fort Salem is a TV show set in the present day, but with a very different history, making witches powerful members of society.

Sixteen years after its original release, director Zack Snyder's Watchmen can be reflected upon as an impressive work. It was long thought that properly adapting Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' legendary comic was impossible, and there are some controversial choices made by the production, but it's a loving and faithful work that is unquestionably visually stunning. All that being said, the film does have its critics, and one of them is star Matthew Goode – who thinks the movie on the whole is great, but he second guesses his own casting as Adrian Alexander Veidt a.k.a. Ozymandias.

The actor recently did a nice career retrospective as a guest on an episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast, and when he discusses Watchmen, he is still a bit awed that he was part of the film. Zack Snyder had originally wanted Tom Cruise for the part of Ozymandias (the Mission: Impossible star actually wanted to take on the role of Rorschach), but he eventually cast Goode, and the Dept Q actor isn't quite sure why:

More than just seeing himself as a more inexpensive option for the production of the massive blockbuster (which ended up being a box office disappointment), Matthew Goode also has a few critiques of his own performance that he can't quite let go. Looking back at his take on the character, he thinks that he probably was trying to do too much with the complex role, and he has certain regrets regarding his accent choices.

If you've ever seen Watchmen and questioned why Ozymandias speaks one way in one scene and a different way in the next, Goode is aware, and he is apologetic.

Matthew Goode is critical about his own work in Watchmen, but he does have a great appreciation for the work as a whole... even though he admits that he hasn't actually seen the film in a while. He's apparently not an actor who spends his time looking back at his old movies – but he expects that it holds up:

It is indeed a very faithful adaptation, and if you haven't seen Watchmen in a minute, it's a work worth revisiting (though the sequel series that aired on HBO a few years ago is definitely its superior – albeit very different). If you find yourself in the mood to check it out, the film is presently available to stream with a HBO Max subscription.

One of the most prolific TV producers of the past 25 years, Greg Berlanti almost single-handedly kept The CW afloat as a co-creator of DC’s expansive and interconnected Arrowverse and its many superhero dramas, and he’s also helped usher in other brainy comic book series such as Doom Patrol, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Titans and Dead Boy Detectives. (Among many other youth-skewing series.) Now, he’s set to tackle one of my favorite comic books of the 2020s at Amazon, and is teaming with a writer from HBO’s Emmy-winning Watchmen for it.

Berlanti actually now has three different TV projects all going forward at the same time, as another one of his co-developed series — Netflix’s You — recently wrapped its fifth and final season with what star Penn Badgley called a “truly appropriate end.” But the one I’m most interested in is his latest comic adaptation, the horror-thriller Stillwater, which he’ll be bringing to live-action alongside Watchmen’s Carly Wray, who’s also written for The Leftovers, Mad Men and Westworld.

What Is Stillwater?

Not to be confused with the 2021 Matt Damon film or the 2020-2023 TV series of the same name, Stillwater is an Image Comics series co-created by the always excellent writer Chip Zdarsky (Batman, Howard the Duck) and stellar artist Ramon K. Perez (Hawkeye, Jim Henson’s Tales of Sand). The series launched in the thick of the COVID pandemic in September 2020, and its story is somewhat reflective of that segregated time.

You see, the town of Stillwater is quite special to those who inhabit it, and it isn’t exactly easy to stumble across for anyone who isn’t looking for it. For those who die within the town boundaries do not stay dead, no matter what manner of execution they face. This isn’t a zombie tale, however, as the residents come back the same as they were before, without any feral brain-seeking behavior on display.

When ex-con Daniel West suddenly shows up in town, it’s discovered he has a long history with some of its citizens, whose good, bad, and ugly sides come out in full. Some are aiming to maintain the seemingly supernatural effects keeping everyone immortal, while others seek to better understand and reverse that distinction.

It’s a solid premise that, while genre-tethered and supernatural in ways, is very much a character-driven story that hinges largely on the melting pot of Stillwater’s undying population. Berlanti and Wray may not be known for crafting super-gory content, but this would be a perfect project for them to go that route.

Berlanti and Wray penned the script for their Stillwater pilot, which will hopefully one day be stream-worthy for fans with Amazon Prime subscriptions, assuming it makes it all the way to series. The streaming platform earned a shot at adapting the comic after winning a bidding war, per Deadline, with Walking Dead studio Skybound Entertainment producing.

Comic scribe Chip Zdarsky will be on board as an executive producer through Skybound, whose head of TV Glenn Gellar was the genius who approached Greg Berlanti with Stillwater two years prior, as the latter was still working on Superman & Lois. The Arrowverse ties run deep there as well, with Gellar having been CBS' President of Entertainment for the single season where Berlanti's Supergirl aired on the network before moving to The CW.

Don't be shocked to see Greg Berlanti's name all over the place anew in the near future. Beyond Stillwater, his and Bash Doran's spec script for the novel adaptation Foster Dade was reportedly bought up by Hulu with the hopes for a pilot order to follow. As well, he is in negotiations with Max for another untitled new series, this one within the family drama realm that hearkens back to his work on Dawson's Creek and Everwood.

When it comes to specific channels on television, there is but one that has produced television shows that have genuinely taken the world by storm and got people talking for years on end. And that, my friends, is HBO. The premium channel – known as “Home Box Office” – has created some of the biggest shows of the last thirty years or so. And here are some that truly got the world talking.

Game of Thrones

You knew Game of Thrones would be on here somehow. The series, based on the novel series “A Song of Ice and Fire” by George R.R. Martin, was the biggest show for years on HBO, with several huge Game of Thrones shocking moments and a Game of Thrones cast that exploded onto the scene and became household names. It’s one of the best shows of the last decade.

Westworld

Running for three seasons, Westworld was a sci-fi western based on the novel of the same name. It was a huge show when it first came out. The Westworld cast was large and impressive, and the story took so many twists and turns that it was almost hard to keep up with it.

The White Lotus

Did you ever think a series about guests at a five-star hotel resort would become the phenomenon that it’s become? Because I sure didn’t. The White Lotus, which began as a limited series, has run for three seasons so far and has captured the hearts and attention of viewers worldwide, with views growing steadily with each new season.

Insecure

Created by Issa Rae and Larry Wilmore, Insecure is the kind of comedy-drama that everyone needs to see. With five seasons total, the series followed two young Black women who are navigating their twenties and just trying to survive everyday life. It’s hilarious, won several awards, and was popular for all the right reasons.

True Detective

With a new cast each season and a new mystery to solve, True Detective kept coming back with even better stories and excellent acting. From the lands of California to the snow landscape of Alaska, this series finds new ways to surprise its audience each time, making viewers return for more whenever a new season is confirmed.

The Last of Us

Based on the video game franchise of the same name, The Last of Us ended up becoming one of the biggest shows on the channel, as well as on Max, the streaming platform for HBO. The series follows the life of Joel, a smuggler in the apocalypse, and Ellie, a girl who is immune to the virus. They journey across the United States, where her immunity might be the cure to this whole thing. The series is beloved by most, and is one of the best video game adaptations out there.

Deadwood

Considered one of the best Western shows, Deadwood is the series to watch if you want a good, classic crime drama with some of the best acting. Featuring an all-star cast with so much to love, the show was so popular that it spawned a movie after it ended, which also premiered on HBO.

Euphoria

While there have been years between seasons of this show, there’s no denying that Euphoria is one of those series where, when it premieres, the world stops to watch. Starring an impressive Euphoria cast led by Zendaya, the dark teen drama altered pop culture when it premiered and has remained iconic years later.

Big Little Lies

Based on the novel of the same name, Big Little Lies is a mystery and dark comedy in which you never truly know who to trust. With two seasons and cast members who are mega-stars like Meryl Streep, Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and more at the helm, this series got people talking and more.

House Of The Dragon

While the Game of Thrones universe has continued to expand, the first series that came out after the main show concluded was House of the Dragon, based on the novel Fire and Blood. With more dragons than ever before, a civil war that has fans on the edge of their seats, and acting that takes your breath away, this series was primed to become one of the biggest shows out there the moment it premiered.

Six Feet Under

For five seasons, one of the biggest shows on HBO was Six Feet Under, a series that followed the lives of a family who ran a funeral parlor. I know, at first, that kind of premise sounds like it wouldn’t mean much entertainment, but this was a very well-received series and one that fans absolutely loved.

The Wire

Whenever anyone thinks of an HBO show, one of the first that comes to mind is always this one. The Wire was a crime drama set in Baltimore and told a different storyline each season about a new institution of the city, from drugs to the lack of education in the city. It’s extremely well-told.

Curb Your Enthusiasm

There are some comedies out there that become huge, and then there’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, a show that ran for twelve seasons, 120 episodes, and continued to remain critically praised for years. Fans could not get enough of Larry David in the lead role and the hilarity of the story that his fictional self would get into in this iconic HBO series.

Mildred Pierce

A miniseries on HBO, Mildred Pierce, is based on a book by the same name and stars Kate Winslet. Through five episodes, we watch a divorcee of the Great Depression trying to find herself again and establish a business within the restaurant industry while also dealing with her problems. The miniseries was a massive hit for HBO and earned several Emmy nominations – and a couple of wins.

Big Love

Running for five seasons, Big Love was a drama that took the world by storm. It followed the story of a Mormon man and his three wives who lived in modern-day Utah. The series was another huge hit for the channel and earned several major awards during its run.

The Sopranos

I mean, obviously, I have to include The Sopranos. I feel like The Sopranos is as synonymous with HBO as Game of Thrones is. The series made the channel huge and won many awards. The Sopranos cast is filled to the brim with incredible talent, and even now, years later, it has a long-lasting legacy.

Girls

Created by Lena Dunham, Girls was a comedy-drama that aired over six seasons and followed the lives of four women living in modern-day New York City. It had some hilarious storylines but wasn’t afraid to dive deeper into modern themes and darker subjects, which made the show such a hit.

Chernobyl

When I think of some of the best miniseries on HBO, Chernobyl is one that comes up every time. The series tells the true story of the Chernobyl disaster and was critically praised for its acting, accuracy, and fantastic cinematography. Once you watch Chernobyl, you’ll never return to who you were before.

Veep

I could go on and on for hours about Veep and how amazing it was. Starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, the Veep cast was hilarious. It told the story of a U.S. vice president and how she tried to deal with the modern-day politics of America while also working with an idiotic president next to her. It’s hysterical in every way, shape and form.

Watchmen

Based on the same comic series, Watchmen is an HBO miniseries that truly redefines the superhero drama of television. It tells bold and dark tales of a world of crime and justice. It also has an incredible cast that only cemented its legacy on HBO. I always wished there was a Season 2, but I’m content with it running for the one miniseries we got.

Barry

For four seasons, Barry was the best dark comedy on the channel – and later, it really turned into more of a drama than anything else. The series, starring Bill Hader as the lead of the spectacular Barry cast, tells the story of a hitman who finds some purpose in acting in L.A. and begins to question his life. The show takes twists and turns you would never expect.

Mare Of Easttown

This miniseries, Starring Kate Winslet, was a huge hit for HBO. With seven episodes, it tells the story of a detective who investigates a murder in a small town outside of Philadelphia while also dealing with her own personal life. The series won several Emmy Awards and was talked about for weeks.

The Leftovers

The Leftovers ran for three seasons, but it cemented itself on HBO’s roster the moment it did, and people still talk about it today. The series follows the lives of people on Earth who were left behind when 2% of the entire population of the world vanished. Now, it’s up to the leftovers to survive.

The Righteous Gemstones

The Righteous Gemstones is one of those series that has a cast that is too good to be true. The show stars Danny McBride, Adam DeVine, John Goodman, Walton Goggins, and so many other major stars – and what makes it better is that it’s so funny. With four seasons, the series follows a family of televangelists and their personal lives, and it’s just as hysterical as you can imagine it would be.

Band Of Brothers

The miniseries Band of Brothers was based on the novel of the same name and is a war drama that was praised for its impressive Band of Brothers cast, as well as how realistic the series was. The show was so popular that it spawned two spinoff shows years later – The Pacific and Masters of the Air.

Succession

Oh, you knew this show would be on here somehow. Succession was a huge HBO show that followed the story of a family fighting for control over their father’s media conglomerate when his health was put into question. The series was praised for its acting, from the incredible Succession cast, as well as its storyline that anyone could get into.

Last Week Tonight With John Oliver

While it’s not a scripted series like many of the others on this list, this talk show has become a massive hit for HBO and has won several Emmys throughout the years. Starring John Oliver, the talk show covers what has happened in the world in a funny way, mostly regarding politics, and always features clips that end up becoming huge on social media.

Silicon Valley

Running for six seasons, Silicon Valley is a comedy series that is exactly what you expect it to be—a series about tech bros in the iconic Silicon Valley of California and the struggles of working there. The series earned plenty of award nominations during its run, including Emmys, and was a major hit.

Oz

If you’re looking for a prison drama, then Oz is one that you have to check out, and it became a huge deal for HBO. The series follows the lives of prisoners and guards and everyone else involved in a maximum security prison, with enough drama to last a lifetime that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

I May Destroy You

This single-series show took the world by storm. I May Destroy You is a black comedy about a young writer who is trying to rebuild who she is and her life after suffering a horrible sexual assault. The show was nominated for many awards and was a significant success for the channel.

Sharp Objects

Starring Amy Adams and based on the novel of the same name, Sharp Objects is about a reporter who is covering the murder of two girls and has to return to her hometown. Her hometown is filled with memories of her past that haunt her to this day. The miniseries was an award-winner and earned several acting nominations.

Mr. Show With Bob And David

While it’s one of the oldest shows on this list, Mr. Show with Bob and David was what kickstarted the careers of Bob Odenkirk and David Cross. The series was a sketch comedy that ran for four seasons with hilarious bits and moments that really cemented the two lead stars in the world of comedy.

There are so many other great HBO shows that people loved, but these are just a few of the ones that I enjoy watching every time I get the chance. If you haven’t checked them out, you need to now!

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.

The best uses of music in movies and TV shows have typically changed the way we perceive the songs in question forever, especially if the normally jovial tune is heard during or relates to a particularly intense or disturbing scene. Because of the way the following titles used some of the happiest radio hits of all time, we can never hear them again without our hearts skipping a beat.

Zodiac ("Hurdy Gurdy Man" - Donovan)

The opening scene of Zodiac depicts a horrifying crime by the eponymous killer, accompanied by an otherwise relaxing folk ballad from 1968 called "Hurdy Gurdy Man." Coincidentally, Ione Skye, the daughter of the song's writer and performer, Donovan, makes an uncredited appearance in David Fincher's great true crime movie from 2007 as Zodiac Killer witness Kathleen Johns.

Black Mirror ("Anyone Who Knows What Love Is Will Understand" - Irma Thomas)

In one of the best episodes of Black Mirror (Season 1's "Fifteen Million Merits), Abi (Jessica Brown Findlay) auditions for Hot Shot by singing "Anyone Who Knows What Love Is Will Understand." Following this memorable scene from the sci-fi anthology series, the 1964 Irma Thomas hit would be featured in some capacity in every season since, offering plenty more reasons to feel unsettled by the feel-good romance tune.

The Silence Of The Lambs (“Goodbye Horses” - Q Lazzarus)

According to the original writer of "Goodbye Horses," William Garvey, the 1988 one-hit-wonder performed by Q Lazzarus is about “the ability to lift one’s perception above [their] physical limitations." In that case, its inclusion in the terrifying Best Picture Oscar winner, The Silence of the Lambs, as serial killer Jame “Buffalo Bill” Gumb (Ted Levine) embraces his femininity through dance is a perfect match.

Halloween ("(Don't Fear) The Reaper" - Blue Öyster Cult)

To be fair, the lyrics to Blue Öyster Cult’s signature 1976 hit “(Don’t Fear) the Reaper” are not the happiest, referencing a romance destined to end similar to that of Romeo and Juliet. However, the world might have been less receptive to its creepier themes if not for its inclusion in one of the best horror movies of all time, 1978's Halloween, as Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) and Annie Brackett (Nancy Kyes) are unwittingly being tiled Haddonfield’s own “reaper,” Michael Myers.

Watchmen ("The Times They Are A-Changin'" - Bob Dylan)

There is a dark thematic tone to most of Bob Dylan's earlier work, especially his 1962 breakthrough hit, "The Times They Are A-Changin'." The folk ballad's message of a society experiencing a revolution comes through effectively while playing over the opening titles of 2009's Watchmen, which traces the ups and downs of superheroes' contributions to history in the world Alan Moore's seminal graphic novel.

American Psycho (“Hip To Be Square” - Huey Lewis And The News)

Pop culture's most famous Huey Lewis and the News fan would have to be Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale), who provides an impassioned analysis of 1986's "Hip to Be Square," and the Fore! album in general, as he prepares to murder his colleague, Paul Allen (Jared Leto) in his apartment. Lewis himself would pay tribute to the memorable moment from American Psycho in a Funny or Die bit in which he exuberantly analyzes the 2000 psychological thriller as he prepares to murder “Weird Al” Yankovic.

Insidious ("Tiptoe Through The Tulips" - Tiny Tim)

For years, the only creepy aspect of Tiny Tim's version of "Tiptoe Through the Tulips" was that the high-pitched vocalist was actually a lanky, 6'1" man. These days, since its prominent use in the first Insidious movie from 2011, audiences cannot help but picture the demonic "Man with Fire on His Face" when the romantic ukulele ballad plays.

American Horror Story ("Tonight You Belong To Me" - Patience & Prudence)

The best-known version of writers Billy Rose and Lee David's "Tonight You Belong to Me" is by young sisterly duo Patience & Prudence, which became even more famous in 2011, thanks to American Horror Story. The playful 1956 tune about making the most of your time with a loved one appeared in four episodes of the horror anthology TV show's premiere season from 2011, taking place in a haunted house with an extensive history of murders.

Beetlejuice ("Banana Boat (Day-O)” - Harry Belafonte)

In 1988's Beetlejuice, the ghostly Adam (Alec Baldwin) and Barbara Maitland (Geena Davis) attempt to scare off the Deetzes (Jeffrey Jones and Catherine O’Hara) by possessing them and their party guests into dancing and lip-synching to Harry Belafonte’s “Banana Boat (Day-O).” While the scene did not necessarily make the 1956 Calypso hit creepy, it would be forever entwined with the classic horror-comedy movie – a fact that Belafonte told Pitchfork he enjoyed.

Reservoir Dogs ("Stuck In The Middle With You" - Stealers Wheel)

The first of many iconic musical moments in Quentin Tarantino's movies occurs in 1992's Reservoir Dogs, when Mr. Blonde (Michael Madsen) puts on K-Billy's Super Sounds of the '70s (which starts playing "Stuck In The Middle With You") and proceeds to torture Officer Marvin Nash (Kirk Baltz). We doubt there is a single person who can listen to Stealers Wheel's upbeat, 1973 rock single without imagining the criminal slicing the cop's ear off, even though that moment is thankfully kept off camera.

A Clockwork Orange (“Singin' In The Rain”)

If there is one cinematic use of 1929's "Singin' in the Rain" as, if not more, iconic as Gene Kelly's performance in the eponymous 1952 musical, it would be the rendition heard in A Clockwork Orange. As Alex DeLarge, Malcolm McDowell belts out the song about happiness that even weather cannot deter during one of the most unspeakably brutal moments from the 1971 Stanley Kubrick movie.

Stranger Things ("Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)" - Kate Bush)

There have been many memorable musical moments from Stranger Things but none as impactful as its uses of "Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)" in Season 4, which made Kate Bush's definitive track more popular than ever. The English art pop queen’s 1985 ballad first helps rescue Max (Sadie Sink) from Vecna's trance before a remixed reprise accompanies the disparate gang's multi-faceted defeat of the villain in the action-packed finale.

10 Cloverfield Lane ("I Think We're Alone Now" - Tommy James & The Shondells)

While it experienced a new life in the 1980s with Tiffany's cover, the original version of "I Think We're Alone Now" by Tommy James & The Shondells was reintroduced to modern audiences via 10 Cloverfield Lane. The cute pop tune about a couple enjoying their time on their own took on a whole new meaning when it appeared in the 2016 thriller, which takes place in an underground bunker inhabited by survivors of an unknown disaster.

Supernatural ("Carry On, Wayward Son" - Kansas)

"Carry On, Wayward Son" by Kansas would become the de facto theme for Supernatural after it was used in the season finale following the first one. In fact, the series finale of the hit series, following the adventures of paranormal hunters Dean (Jensen Ackles) and Sam Winchester (Jared Padalecki), was named "Carry On," after the 1976 rock epic.

Get Out (“Run Rabbit Run” - Flanagan And Allen)

Originally released in the late 1930s and a hit during World War II, "Run Rabbit Run" became iconic to modern horror movie audiences as the first song featured in Jordan Peele's Oscar-winning 2017 thriller Get Out. The song is heard coming from the car that sneaks up on Andre Hayworth (LaKeith Stanfield), who tries to walk in the opposite direction before getting abducted.

Halloween II (“Mr. Sandman” - Chordettes)

The second installment of the Halloween franchise from 1981 opens in an unexpected manner. Instead of John Carpenter's unmistakable score, we hear the Chordettes' endearing doo-wop hit, "Mr. Sandman," which might have had a more endurable reputation as a retroactively creepy song if not for its use in the time travel movie classic, Back to the Future, four years later.

Kill Bill Vol. 1 ("Woo Hoo" - The 5.6.7.8's)

Before blood hits the screen at the House of Blue Leaves in 2003's Kill Bill Vol. 1, things are peaceful at the Japanese eatery. One major reason why is because the guests are treated to the head-knocking rock 'n roll song, "Woo Hoo," by The 5.6.7.8's, whom Quentin Tarantino discovered while shopping in Japan and wound up casting in the violent revenge movie.

Jeepers Creepers ("Jeepers Creepers" - Paul Whiteman and His Swing Wing)

The lyric "Jeepers creepers, where'd you get those eyes?" takes on a more frighteningly literal meaning in Jeepers Creepers. The eponymous love song by Paul Whiteman and His Swing Wing plays during the final moment of the 2001 horror flick as the grotesque, villainous "Creeper" (Jonathan Breck) shows off his new "peepers," which he stole from Darry (Justin Long).

Shaun Of The Dead ("Don't Stop Me Now" - Queen)

Like most Edgar Wright films, there are many moments from Shaun of the Dead in which music plays a large role but the best takes place at the Winchester. Nearly every move Shaun (Simon Pegg) and the gang make when battling the bar's undead owner is in near-perfect sync with Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now," which randomly starts playing from the jukebox as they are desperate to stay undetected from the horde outside.

The Shining ("Midnight, The Stars And You" - Ray Noble And His Orchestra)

The final moment of Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Stephen King's The Shining slowly zooms into a photo taken at the Overlook in 1921 with a man resembling Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) shown front and center. The chilling shot is accompanied by 1934's "Midnight, the Stars and You" –performed by Ray Noble and his Orchestra with vocals by Al Bowlly – which is most notable today for its inclusion in the 1980 horror classic.

The Autopsy of Jane Doe ("Open Up Your Heart (and Let the Sunshine In)" - The McGuire Sisters)

In The Autopsy of Jane Doe, the titular corpse (actually a witch capable of nearly anything but moving a muscle) likes to taunt the father-son coroners examining her by playing the McGuire Sisters' version of "Open Up Your Heart (and Let the Sunshine In)" on the radio. The otherwise "shiny" tune makes a devasting reprise near the end when Austin (Emile Hirsch) believes he is being rescued by Sheriff Burke (Michael McElhatton) who repeatedly tells him to "open up" the stuck cellar doors until he hears him belt the song's chorus, indicating his nightmare is not yet over.

The Strangers ("My First Lover" - Gillian Welch)

Sometimes turning a happy song into nightmare fuel takes a little manipulation, such as how Gillian Welch's "My First Lover" appears in The Strangers. At one point in the 2008 home invasion thriller, a record scratch causes the romantic folk ballad to repeatedly loop on the lyric, "Quicksilver girl," which is enough to create relentless tension.

Us ("Les Fleurs" - Minnie Riperton)

Sung from the perspective of a flower, Minnie Riperton's 1969 hit "Les Fleurs" is a beautiful song about spiritual renewal. However, when it begins playing as the twist from the ending of Us is revealed and reaches its invigorating crescendo during the apocalyptic final shot, it creates a chilling juxtaposition for Jordan Peele's sophomore hit.

A Quiet Place Part II ("Beyond The Sea" - Bobby Darin)

In A Quiet Place Part II, Emmett (Cillian Murphy) tells Regan (Millicent Simmonds) that he has heard a radio station playing Bobby Darin's scintillating swing hit "Beyond the Sea" on repeat. She correctly deciphers this as a code sent from an island safe haven, which she and Emmett eventually find and, unwittingly, lead a sound-hunting alien to.

Candyman ("The Candy Man" - Sammy Davis Jr.)

Some might argue that 1971's Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory has its creepy moments, but Aubrey Woods' performance of "The Candy Man" is not one of them. However, by playing Sammy Davis Jr.'s rendition of the song and slowly fading it out with the sound of buzzing bees during the production logos serves as a perfect way to set the tone for the 2021 Candyman requel.

Annabelle: Creation ("You Are My Sunshine" - Charles McDonald)

The end of Annabelle: Creation from 2017 leaves off where the rising action of its 2014 predecessor begins, revealing how Malthus entered the creepy doll. Playing over the closing credits is Charle McDonald's rendition of "You Are My Sunshine," making it the ironic defacto theme of the Conjuring Universe movie.

The House Of The Devil ("One Thing Leads To Another" - The Fixx)

Ti West's 2009 breakthrough feature, The House of the Devil, is a slow-burn horror film that waits to reveal its visceral frights with masterful pacing. During that time, he finds ways to catch you off guard with moments of levity, such as when Samantha (Jocelin Donahue) tries to distract herself from her creepy "babysitting" gig by dancing around her clients' house to The Fixx's "One Thing Lead to Another" on her tape player.

Dawn Of The Dead ("The Man Comes Around" - Johnny Cash)

Upon deeper examination, Johnny Cash's "The Man Comes Around" is a song about Jesus Christ's return to Earth on Judgment Day. Its foreboding apocalyptic message is greatly emphasized by its inclusion over the opening credits of Zack Snyder's 2004 remake of Dawn of the Dead.

The Handmaid's Tale ("Cloudbusting" - Kate Bush)

Despite boasting one of Kate Bush's most cheerful melodies, "Cloudbusting" is actually one of her darkest hits, inspired by the true story of a boy whose father was taken away from him when he was abruptly arrested. However, that tale is far lighter than the story of The Handmaid's Tale, which uses the song in a scene from Season 3 in which evidence of a character's brutal murder is removed.

You're Next ("Looking For Magic" - Dwight Twilley Band)

Director Adam Wingard and writer Simon Barrett are known for using comedy in their horror movies, including their otherwise brutal 2013 home invasion thriller, You're Next. Much of the humor comes from the ironic use of the Dwight Tilley Band's "Looking for Magic" in two scenes, due to one victim of the masked assassins putting the 1977 pop tune on repeat accidentally before his death.

Final Destination ("Rocky Mountain High" - John Denver)

The uplifting music of John Denver has been used for ironically dark purposes in several movies and the most iconic example comes from the first installment of the Final Destination movies. Any time "Rocky Mountain High" is heard in the 2000 teen thriller is a signal that Death is near.

Nope ("Fingertips" - Stevie Wonder)

To be fair, Stevie Wonder's "Fingertips" never actually appears in Jordan Peele's third feature, 2022's Nope. However, a remixed version of it provides an ominous aura for the alien invasion movie's trailer.

Zack Snyder is a visionary filmmaker with a strong eye, one that often lends itself to larger than life concepts. That includes a variety of comic book movies, including the first few installments of the DCEU (which is streaming with a Max subscription). Snyder was recently asked about which of his superhero flicks was his favorite, and his choice was a solid one.

Fans like ranking Zack Snyder's movies, especially DC flicks like Man of Steel and Batman v Superman. While he's been busy lately working on the Rebel Moon franchise for those with a Netflix subscription, he remains synonymous with bringing comic book stories to life in live-action. While speaking with ComicBook, he revealed which of those projects he's most proud of, with the answer being the Watchmen movie. As he put it:

Fair point. Watchmen was the first comic book movie to come from Snyder, and it showed how much attention detail he has when bringing a story from the page to the screen. And the movie has aged rather well, including the director's cut, although Snyder's topless scene didn't end up in the movie.

The Watchmen movie was a pretty accurate adaptation of the comic book of the same name, with a story told across a number of years. There are frames that are wildly accurate to the panels of the comic book, with Snyder sticking close to the source material for the blockbuster.

In that same interview, Snyder addressed his time in the DCEU, which some fans might have assumed could have included his favorite comic book movie. He compared them to Watchmen, explaining how he worked with more original concepts for projects like Man of Steel. In his words:

Despite this, there are still some fans hoping Snyder gets to work on upcoming DC movies in the future. Ever since the Snyder Cut was released to the public, there hav been calls for DC to #RestoreTheSnyderVerse, and give the filmmaker his two planned Justice League sequels. Although there's been no indication that this is something the studio is interested in.

James Gunn and Peter Safran are crafting a brand new DC shared universe, with the first slate of projects titled Gods and Monsters. So if Snyder gets to work on a movie, it's unlikely that it would be connected to his plans for a Justice League trilogy.

The DCU will begin with Superman on July 11th, 2025. In the meantime, check the 2025 movie release dates to plan your trips to the theater next year.

Timing is everything, no matter what the subject at hand may be. Releasing a potential blockbuster is certainly one of those fields where strategy is key, and when it comes to the movies we’re about to discuss, it just was sadly a case of wrong place, wrong time.

Watchmen

If co-writer/director Zack Snyder’s adaptation of Watchmen had been released at any point other than the start of the MCU’s boom, it might have seen better box office returns. While the movie still holds up, one has to wonder if an era with larger IMAX capacity would have done this movie better.

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

2015 was a good year for spy movies, with Kingsman: The Secret Service and Spectre both doing rather well at the box office. So maybe Guy Ritchie’s beloved The Man from U.N.C.L.E. should have thought about releasing in early 2016 instead, as the film’s breezy antidote to Daniel Craig’s James Bond arc could have been better appreciated.

The Rocketeer

The Rocketeer is one of the classic examples of a movie that had too much competition. With summer 1991 offering the likes of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Terminator 2: Judgement Day, there was little room in people’s hearts for an underrated Disney take on comic book heroism. 

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

It was almost instantaneously decided that Edgar Wright’s cinematic adaptation of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World would eventually be a cult classic. Flopping in theaters, the people who actually saw it kept the torch lit for future fans to discover. Perhaps Inception had better legs than Universal had thought. 

Alita: Battle Angel

There’s still a dedicated fan base who want to see a sequel to Robert Rodriguez’s adaptation of Alita: Battle Angel. This would-be blockbuster’s debut saw it as the final 20th Century Fox movie to be released before the 2019 Disney/Fox merger’s completion; an event that would see various projects cancelled, sold off, or get lost in the shuffle.  

Tron

Nobody knew just how white hot E.T.: The Extra-terrestrial was going to be in the summer of 1982. Dominating the box office for a stretch that’s unheard of in the current market, Disney’s experimental sci-fi movie Tron was a casualty during that reign. Moved from a Christmas slot staked out in that same year, the arcade game wound up making more money than this cult classic would take at the movies.

The Last Voyage Of The Demeter

If you’re trying to craft a horror hit, even if you’re uncertain about the IP, a Halloween release date is your best chance at success. While director André Øvredal’s Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark bucked that trend with its well played August 2019 release, 2023 would see his film The Last Voyage of the Demeter crash into the rocks of misfortune.

Gremlins 2: The New Batch

Six years can make a difference when you’re trying to follow the next big thing. Gremlins 2: The New Batch taught the world that lesson as it failed to capture its 1984 predecessor’s box office bonanza in 1990. Between a crowded year at the box office, and the arrival of so many imitators throughout that stretch of time, it was hard for this actually well-liked picture to last past midnight.

The Thing

Maybe a major studio with two alien-centric movies should be a bit careful in how they release them. As if John Carpenter’s The Thing wasn’t disturbing enough on its own, the fact that the movie shared cinematic air with E.T.: the Extra-terrestrial not only buried the picture, it made it look even more frightening. Lucky for the world The Thing found its feet on VHS, and all was right with the world. 

Blade Runner

Sometimes a classic needs to give the world a little more time to catch up. Thanks to the meteoric rise of E.T.: The Extra-terrestrial in 1982’s box office calendar, director Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner seemed destined to obscurity. However, when the picture landed in rental stores quicker than Steven Spielberg’s cinematic phenomenon, people were ready to dive in. 

The Last Action Hero

Believe it or not, heading into the theatrical release of The Last Action Hero, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s meta action/comedy was being touted as “the big ticket for ‘93!” And then a scrappy upstart student film called Jurassic Park was unleashed, just two days earlier, and the rest was history faster than you could say “Big mistake.” 

Doctor Sleep

November 2019 didn’t do many movies favors when it came to cashing in on existing IP. While Mike Flanagan’s Doctor Sleep had a good head of steam heading into its release into multiplexes, its arrival was met by the surprising box office victory of Midway. If only it had gone toe to toe with Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, perhaps the Halloween season could have booked more butts at The Overlook. 

Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within

Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within was a movie that underperformed so horribly, it closed Square Pictures’ doors not that long after they first opened. While one could debate when the right time was to release an ambitious video game tie-in flick, it certainly wasn’t in the same stretch where Legally Blonde was conquering in pink and Shrek was making its name. 

Surviving Christmas

Long before the Hallmark Channel somehow convinced people it’s ok to watch Christmas movies year long, the Ben Affleck-led holiday comedy Surviving Christmas was a huge example of releasing a movie way out of season. Opening on October 22nd, 2004, the only defense this forgotten flameout has is that it was probably trying to beat The Polar Express and Christmas with the Kranks to the punch. 

Black Widow

Marvel’s Black Widow should have been the massive homecoming for the MCU that the early pandemic world was looking for. Unfortunately, this was also the time that Disney+’s short-lived Premier Access program was tested, in order to entice audiences to enjoy the film at home. Scarlett Johansson’s eventual lawsuit was only the beginning of the fallout, as the film performed nowhere near the level the MCU brass expected.

Turning Red

A week after 2022’s The Batman crushed it at the early pandemic box office, Disney/Pixar’s Turning Red tried to make a savvy pivot as a Disney+ streaming original. Though the film had an eventual theatrical re-release, the picture still failed to make a proper stamp on the box office.

Tenet

Literally the first movie that reopened movie theaters after the 2020 COVID-19 shutdowns, Christopher Nolan’s Tenet became a champion of post-shutdown cinema. It also did as well as it could in the earlier, much more limited market that was available to theatrical titles; which only made it an eventual IMAX 70mm repertory favorite. 

Jersey Girl

Gigli was a theatrical bomb that was so devastating that its effects weren’t only felt by Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s ill-advised rom-com. With fears that Kevin Smith’s Jersey Girl would also crater as a result, the picture was tweaked to limit the appearance of Bennifer 1.0 in the film. It didn’t matter, because Smith’s heart on its sleeve family dramedy still tanked. 

The Village 

There’s a case to be made that M. Night Shyamalan’s The Village should have either been his first project, or a later career release. Riding the wave of “twist” laden movies like The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, and Signs, the film was marketed as a spooky, twisted movie…which hides the actually sweet nature of its cerebral drama. 

Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar

In a more traditional period of release, Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar could have been a surprise hit that raked in box office gold. But as a 2021 release that was eventually turned into a PVOD exclusive debut, Kristen Wiig and Anne Mumulo’s sunny fun seekers weren’t given the spotlight they truly deserved. 

Crossroads

Ok, get all the jokes out now. No, Crossroads isn’t a movie that never should have been released. While it was a decent hit at the 2002 box office, this could have been a white-hot hit if it was produced and released earlier in Britney Spears’ career as a pop princess.

Haunted Mansion

20 years after the Eddie Murphy starring spin on the same Disneyland attraction arrived, Haunted Mansion was the reboot that hoped to get it right. But with a critical drubbing, and a non-Halloween release date, director Justin Simien’s new tale in an old haunt was barely a ghost by spooky season.

Tron: Legacy

When all was said and done, Tron: Legacy actually did pretty well for itself in a December 2010 release slot. However, in the era where Pirates of the Caribbean, and eventually the MCU, would become Disney’s preferred ATMs, the legacy-quel would act as a minor point of light before another franchise dark age.

Solo: A Star Wars Story

While Star Wars started as a summer-based franchise, the Sequel Trilogy era saw The Force Awakens relocate the series to its current Christmas holiday tradition. So by the time 2018’s Solo: A Star Wars Story became a reality, its attempt to return to the May release slot of its youth was seen as a massive misstep. 

Star Trek: Nemesis

In 2002, Star Trek’s movies were on a bit of a roll. At least, the franchise was in a comfortable enough position that Paramount Pictures brass decided that releasing Star Trek: Nemesis against The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers was a calculated risk worth taking. It was not, even with the presence of baby Tom Hardy playing a clone of Patrick Stewart.

UHF

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Batman, Ghostbusters II, and Honey, I Shrunk The Kids all came out in the summer of 1989. Weird Al Yankovic’s UHF…also happened. That pretty much sums up how audiences reacted to the cult classic in its initial release phase, but history only went on to prove that maybe Al should have sold his bologna in another space on the calendar.

Brightburn

Points have to be awarded to Brightburn, as the James Gunn-produced mashup of The Omen and Superman not only predated superhero fatigue, it actually happened before both of those franchises would make resurgences in popular culture. If only this R-rated thrill ride had opened with a little more distance from Avengers: Endgame’s debut almost a month prior.

The Core

It was bad enough that 2003’s The Core was unceremoniously delayed from its original release date in late 2002. But when the Columbia shuttle disaster killed all seven astronauts aboard roughly a month before the movie actually made it into the world, the timing couldn’t have been worse. 

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

Between The Matrix Revolutions and Return of the King was a window that should have worked for potential 2003 blockbusters. Yet between potential Russell Crowe fatigue, and inflated production costs, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World saw the wind unjustly robbed from its sails. 

The Matrix Resurrections

The Matrix Resurrections was a curious prospect from day one, as The Wachowski’s original trilogy seemed pretty open and shut. That unexpectedly meta approach, meshed with a controversial day-and-date streaming debut in 2021, marked a supposed low point in a once-dominating franchise. 

West Side Story

December 2021 was a bloodbath when it came to the glut of movies released in that very month. With the Disney/Fox empire pushing a lot of movies out in this early pandemic season of cinema, Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story remake found itself crushed up against The King’s Man, Nightmare Alley, and Spider-Man: No Way Home…and that was just the competition from its siblings.

Steve Jobs

Part of Steve Jobs’ struggles manifested early, as a David Fincher-directed/Christian Bale-starring version of the Aaron Sorkin scripted biopic fell apart, despite holding great promise. The movie that resulted, with Danny Boyle directing an all-star cast led by Michael Fassbender, is a magnetic opus that deserves more love than it got.

Unfortunately, the ill-advised Ashton Kutcher vehicle Jobs may have played a part in sinking this beaut; along with an odd awards season release strategy…rolled out in the month of October. Which, just like a lot of the films we've just discussed, is prime proof that a movie at the wrong place in time can be unjustly seen as a failure. 

While superhero fiction can be a wonderful form of escapist art, at the end of the day, it is the grounded stories and characters we can relate to that appeal to fans like me the most. This is something Katee Sackhoff understands and tries to implement in all of her roles, and the latest proof of that can be seen in her performance as Silk Spectre in Watchmen: Chapter I.

The new DC movie — now available on Digital — is the latest adaptation of the groundbreaking 1986 graphic novel written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons which follows the lives of (mostly) retired superheroes years after their services have been banned. Unlike Zack Snyder’s live-action adaptation — which took some liberties with the Watchmen ending, having condensed the full story into roughly three hours — director Brandon Vietti’s animated feature only traces the first half of the comic in 83 minutes.

The arc of the second Silk Spectre, whose real name is Laurie Juspeczyk, is a pivotal plotline focused on in the film. It sees her begin to feel a disconnect in her relationship with her atomic boyfriend, Jon “Doctor Manhattan” Osterman (Michael Cerveris).

Laurie’s one-sided love story was one of the most essential reasons why Sackhoff — best known as Starbuck in Syfy's Battlestar Galactica cast and The Mandalorian’s Bo-Katan Kryze, more recently — was excited to be a part of this new animated Watchmen adaptation. She told me about her process for getting into character and why she felt a certain kinship and modern relevance in this particular role:

Silk Spectre is only the latest DC character the Geek Goddess has portrayed, such as voicing Poison Ivy in Batman: The Long Halloween and Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part Three, or when she put on an English accent to play Amuent Black on The CW’s The Flash. In fact, many of Sackhoff’s best performances see her adopt a new voice to keep the character distinct.

However, when you hear Sackhoff as Laurie in Watchmen: Chapter I, you are hearing the actor in her most genuine form. She further discussed this was unusual choice for her career with me in the following quote:

It is refreshing to see a voice actor feel so close to her role that she can, essentially, be herself when portraying her. This is especially so when you consider how Malin Akerman struggled with playing Silk Spectre in the 2009 feature.

Sackhoff is actually one of the few Watchmen: Chapter I cast members keeping things natural, as the Welsh Matthew Rhys dons an American accent to play Dan “Nite Owl” Dreiberg and Titus Welliver (who previously played Lex Luthor in Titans) puts on some gravel to portray Walter “Rorschach” Kovacs. To play Adrian "Ozymandias" Veidt, the talented Troy Baker — also one of the best Batman voice actors of his time — makes only a few subtle, but distinct changes to his own voice.

From Warner Bros. Animation, Watchmen: Chapter I is rated R and is available to own on digital, but is coming to Blu-ray and 4K on August 27. Also be sure to keep an eye on our upcoming superhero movies schedule to find out when the story’s conclusion in Watchmen: Chapter II will be released later in 2024.

Filling the shoes of an iconic comic book character is an opportunity of great honor, but also of great responsibility. This is especially the case when the role has already been played by another actor, and to great acclaim. That is why Titus Welliver took his chance to voice Rorschach in the animated Watchmen: Chapter I very seriously.

Rorschach (née Walter Kovacs) was previously portrayed by Jackie Earle Haley in Zack Snyder’s live-action adaptation of writer Alan Moore and illustrator Dave Gibbons’ highly influential graphic novel from 1985. His performance is considered one of the top reasons why the 2009 Watchmen movie is worth revisiting, and Welliver seems to agree. The actor — also known for some great movies directed by Ben Affleck, such as The Town and Argo — shared with me his thoughts about succeeding the role from the Academy Award nominee for this new DC movie, saying:

Welliver reflected here on his previous experience playing a well-known literary character. that being Michael Connelly’s Hieronymus "Harry" Bosch in the hit Amazon original TV show, Bosch, and later in the sequel series, Bosch: Legacy. However, the difference between that detective and Rorschach is that Welliver was the first actor to ever portray Bosch in an adaptation, which he notes is a challenge in itself. Luckily, he recognized that playing in the same sandbox as Haley was not to be taken lightly either.

Welliver has also played other DC characters before — namely Gotham City mobster Carmine Falcone in a two-part installment of DC’s animated Tomorrowverse movie franchise, 2021’s Batman: The Long Halloween, and a live-action version of Lex Luthor on Titans that received praise from showrunner Greg Walker. However, the self-described comic book fan had a personal connection with Rorschach that made the Watchmen: Chapter I gig an extra-special occasion for him. He explained to me why he felt so strongly about the character in the following quote:

Welliver’s approach to playing the inkblot-masked antihero is endearing to me, as someone who believes he is the most important character of the story. It is he — who refuses to retire even years after vigilantism is outlawed — and his investigation into the death of Edward “The Comedian” Blake (Rick D. Wasserman) that sets the epic saga in motion.

Any fans who have already purchased the film, which is now available on digital, ahead of its Blu-ray and 4K release on August 27th know that the 83-minute film ends with Rorschach being put into a very complicated position. Keep an eye on our guide to all upcoming superhero movies schedule to find out when you can see the tale conclude when Watchmen: Chapter II is released later in 2024.

I adore when fan-favorite actors known for one fictional franchise take on iconic roles within other beloved universes, with Katee Sackhoff being a prime example of someone who regularly takes on playing beloved characters. Some of Sackhoff’s best performances are within the worlds of Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, and DC Comics, and it’s the latter she returned to for one of the most exciting superhero projects of 2024: WB’s animated and R-rated Watchmen adaptation.

That’s right, one of sci-fi television’s most celebrated heroines will now take on a hugely popular character in the first full-length animated iteration of arguably the greatest complete work in comic book history. Though casting news was initially non-existent regarding Warner Bros. Animation’s highly anticipated new feature — or pair of features, to be more accurate — the release of the striking first trailer unearthed the full lineup of actors bringing their voices to the iconic characters created by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons.

But now we know Katee Sackhoff will be lending her recognizable vocal chops to the role of Laurie Juspeczyk / Jupiter, the second generation to take on the vigilante persona of Silk Spectre. Laurie is one of the most important catalyst characters in the story, largely for Doctor Manhattan’s story, but also where The Comedian is concerned.

Sackhoff is definitely one highlight within the cast of Watchmen: Chapter 1, but is by no means the only highlight. That lineup also includes Titus Welliver as Rorschach, Matthew Rhys as Nite Owl, Troy Baker as Ozymandias, Adrienne Barbeau as Silk Spectre I, Jeffrey Combs as Moloch, Rick D. Wasserman as The Comedian, and quite a few other big talents.

Silk Spectre II marks the DC role that Sackhoff has portrayed in her career, both for animated and live-action projects. Her first was voicing Dectective Essen in 2011's Batman: Year One adaptation, followed by taking on the arguably problematic accent for The Flash villain Amunet Black, and then embodying the animated take on Poison Ivy for the two-part feature Batman: The Long Halloween. Having voiced her desire to play a live-action Poison Ivy, Sackhoff will be reprising the alluring villainous role for the upcoming final chapter Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths, Part Three.

Take a look at the first full preview for the upcoming DC Comics movie below to hear her in action!

Star Wars fans will hopefully be seeing Katee Sackhoff back as Bo-Katan, whether it's leading her own Mandalorian spinoff or as part of the upcoming Mandalorian and Grogu crossover feature that's on the way. Of course, BSG fans are also hopeful that she'll have some kind of role to play in the long-gestating Battlestar quasi-reboot for Peacock, though it remains to be seen whether that project will come to fruition or not.

Only the first half of this expansive tale will be part of the 2024 movie release schedule, as Watchmen: Chapter 1 will be streaming via digital release on August 13, with physical releases hitting shelves on August 27. Unless someone secretly released it 35 minutes ago...

The clock is winding down to midnight, dear readers; and it’s all thanks to Watchmen: Chapter 1 being set to reintroduce Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ watershed graphic novel to the world of film. Of course, the big difference is that the 2024 movie Watchmen: Chapter 1 is a totally animated affair, and the first of a two-part, full color adaptation heading to digital platforms in August. The good news is that after watching this trailer, I have to agree with my colleagues that it’s absolutely gorgeous and holds a lot of promise. However, I still have one major concern. 

Warner Bros. Animation and Paramount Pictures released the first trailer, and no you’re not seeing double with this headline. Our own Adam Holmes shared his concerns over the Watchmen animated teaser that went out in June; and his concern was more related to the world of upcoming DC Animated Movies. 

My concern is very different, as I’m a huge fan of not only the original book but also director Zack Snyder’s 2009 live-action adaptation. And from what I’m seeing with this trailer for Watchmen: Chapter 1, I’m concerned that this remake may have happened way too early.

I know it’s been 15 years since that film’s debut in theaters, and the Watchmen animated film rumor mill stretches as far back as 2017. So it’s not like this was a project that truly surprised anyone, and again this looks like a gorgeous, comic accurate depiction of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’s work. However, that’s exactly where my problem lies, as I’m wondering how exactly Watchmen: Chapter 1 will begin to compete with the pre-existing movie. 

There’s a reason that this DC/Vertigo story is a particularly steep hill to climb; as the source material rivals Lord of the Rings when it comes to choosing what to include and what to trim. Are we going to see Tales of the Black Freighter re-adapted, complete with its origin story restored to the overall plot of Watchmen? Is Under the Hood going to factor in more than previously? And are they going to be able to land all of those needle drops lovingly included in the 1985 book and 2009 film? 

All of those issues were already handled by Zack Snyder and his crew, and to a degree that works on various levels. Even the creators of HBO’s limited series Watchmen sequel seemed to understand that point, by making the wise move to create a follow-up to the graphic novel and not the cinematic incarnation. 

Though I will say, there is one major advantage Watchmen: Chapter 1 and 2 seem to already have sewn up. As you'll see in the video provided below, this project already looks lightyears better than what we saw with 2009's Watchmen: The Motion Comic: 

Is it admirable to attempt such a feat again; especially with technology that can allow a book accurate look? I absolutely agree that it is. Will I be waiting for Watchmen: Chapter 1 and 2 to drop, so I can eagerly watch them? You bet I will. But even with that in mind, my excitement is tempered. While I see this new footage in front of us, I can’t shake the ghosts of the cinematic past when I see them play out.

The times, they are a-changin' again; and I guess we’ll just have to wait and see how things shake out. Watchmen: Chapter 1 will start counting down to Doomsday, on August 13th. In the meantime, if you want to revisit Zack Snyder’s version, as well as HBO’s limited series sequel to the original graphic novel, you can use that Max subscription of yours to indulge in some unforgettable nostalgia.

If you enjoy reading or watching the source material before its adaptation comes out, chances are you’ve been disappointed a few times over when a movie or series based on a book comes out. However, in the case of these TV shows, their creators actually found ways to go beyond what was originally told and build out stories that have become larger than their original intentions. Have you seen all these and what did you think about how they compare? 

Bridgerton 

If you’ve read the Bridgerton books in order before or between seasons of the massive Netflix series, chances are you’ve had some thoughts about the differences between them. While each of Julia Quinn’s novels pretty much stands alone and doesn’t have to be read in order to enjoy each romance, the series was adapted to have all the stakes, side plots and cliffhangers a hit TV show should have. The series even inspired the spinoff, Queen Charlotte, which involved Bridgerton characters but was not based on one of Quinn’s works.

Game of Thrones

George R.R. Martin’s fantasy novels were adapted in a big way. While the first few seasons follow the source material rather closely, the last few seasons were in development as Martin was completing the rest of the series, and a ton of plotlines were completely invented by the showrunners and staff writers. Perhaps that’s why the finale is so divisive among fans. 

The Office 

After Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s The Office became a hit in the U.K. across its two seasons, Greg Daniels and NBC adapted an American version of the workplace mockumentary sitcom. While it was certainly inspired by the source material, the series starring Steve Carell earned a whole life of its own across over 200 episodes, and remains one of the most-streamed shows even a decade after its finale. 

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

It’s often forgotten that genre favorite Buffy The Vampire Slayer is actually based on a 1992 movie of the same name. The series’ creator originally wrote it as a movie that wasn’t nearly as popular as the TV adaptation of the idea he cooked up a few years later. With seven seasons to the WB show’s name, it’s safe to say that it went way beyond its source material. And wow, are we happy Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Buffy Summers was on our televisions for so long! 

Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power 

J.R.R. Tolkien gifted the fantasy genre with four classic novels set in Middle-earth, The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Following Peter Jackson's adapting of all of them beautifully (and set to make another one), Amazon Studios decided to go beyond the source material with its super expensive series, The Rings Of Power. The series primarily builds upon Tolkien’s appendices on Middle-earth as it depicts the world’s Second Age. 

Big Little Lies

Liane Moriarty’s bestselling novel Big Little Lies brought together stars like Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley and Zoë Kravitz to tell the story of five women living in Monterey, California who become part of a murder investigation. It was initially supposed to be a miniseries, but following its success, a second season built on the story from Season 1. 

Riverdale

CW’s Riverdale was inspired by the pages of Archie Comics, an ongoing comic book series that started back in 1941. The series developed by the comic publisher’s CCO Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa is a much darker take on the universe as it begins as a murder mystery in the town of Riverdale. The series not only went beyond its source material across its seven seasons, but the comic book had a gritty reboot in recent years as well. 

Watchmen  

The Watchmen comic book series has long been thought of as one of the best the medium has ever put to paper. The HBO miniseries of the same name lived up to the series by being an all-time great adaptation, but it certainly took quite a few creative liberties and built upon the ‘80s comic book to reflect the time it was made, by changing and fleshing out its characters more and boldly discussing racism and extremism with its storyline. 

Fargo

In 1996, the Coen Brothers made a classic with the black comedy, Fargo. Across five seasons Noah Hawley has built on the filmmakers’ vision with an anthology series that takes place in a new location, era and with a new cast of characters each time. While the Fargo series has deep roots in its movie, it has become so much bigger and fuel for so much more storytelling. 

Killing Eve

BBC’s Killing Eve is based on Luke Jennings’ Villanelle, which was a series of novellas about a Russian orphan who is trained as a hitwoman and the MI5 agent who starts to catch her trail. While the series is a lot more character-driven than the much more procedural novels, the series goes beyond the source material in this context by only teasing the romance Eve and Villanelle have in the books. Fans are still mad at the finale years later! 

Good Omens 

The first season of Good Omens adapted Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett’s 1990 novel, however when it came to the second season, which came out four years after the initial series, moved away from simply telling the main events of the novel. The entire season was co-written by Neil Gaiman and allowed the world-renowned author to delve further into Michael Sheen’s Aziraphale and David Tennant’s Crowley stories. 

The Leftovers

HBO’s The Leftovers adapted the novel it's based on in its first season. Following its success, two more seasons were made for the supernatural fiction series about a global event that leaves 2 percent of the world’s population missing. Interestingly enough, the last two seasons were even more acclaimed than its debut season featuring the prime source material.  

The Witcher

Rather than Netflix adapting Andrzej Sapkowski’s The Witcher fantasy novels, the differences are so major between the TV series and the source material that it feels a lot more like an inspiration for the series starring Henry Cavill than anything else. The popular series, also known for being a video game franchise, also inspired the 2022 spinoff The Witcher: Blood Origin.  

House of Cards

Netflix’s hit drama, House of Cards, was adapted from a BBC series and novel before it. However, in the case of the source material, the show was about politics in the United Kingdom. The series starring Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright, however, took the material and adapted it to be set about U.S. politics, particularly regarding Frank Underwood’s ruthless race to become president. 

The Man In The High Castle

Philip K. Dick's 1962 novel The Man In The High Castle was adapted into an Amazon series across four seasons. Dick’s daughter, who was heavily involved in the series, told SYFY WIRE that she encouraged the writers to use the source material as an “inspiration and a spiritual guide” rather than a literal interpretation. That’s very much true for the science fiction storyline that imagines an alternate ending for World War II. 

The Handmaid’s Tale

Margaret Atwood’s novel, The Handmaid’s Tale, is the source material for the Hulu hit starring Elisabeth Moss. While the first season leaves things where things wrap up in the book, the Emmy-winning series has continued to follow Offred’s life in the dystopian world past those events through four more seasons and is set to end with the sixth and final season. By building upon the story further, Offred and its other characters have had longer storylines that tell more than 300 pages could. 

Ted Lasso

Before AppleTV+ had a hit on their hands with Ted Lasso, its source material came from a very peculiar source. Jason Sudeikis’ beloved fictional coach came from the SNL alum being part of a slew of promotional coverage for NBC Sports’s coverage of England's Premier League. The streaming series very much went past where it started from given the storylines told across three seasons of the heartwarming comedy. 

The Haunting Of Hill House

Mike Flanagan beautifully adapted Shirley Jackson’s 1959 gothic horror novel, but at face value the two The Haunting Of Hill House titles are very different from one another. The source material mainly focuses on Eleanor (who Victoria Pedretti plays in the series) and her descent into madness whilst the show takes a deeper look into her entire family’s deep-seated trauma. 

Justified

FX’s Justified is based on the Elmore Leonard short story Fire In the Hole, allowing creators of the Western series to build out the world of the work across six seasons. Through Timothy Olyphant’s Raylan Givens, Justified allowed for Leonard’s ideas the author thought often “got the characters better” than he put to paper, per THR. 

The Magicians

Syfy’s series, The Magicians, is based on Lev Grossman’s trilogy of fantasy novels. While the source material certainly guides the storyline, it's told completely out of order and involves post-grad students rather than high schoolers. The series went on for five seasons. 

Bates Motel

One of the best horror movies of all time is Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho (also a novel), which became the inspiration for A&E’s Bates Motel. The five-season series told a contemporary story regarding the origin story of Norman Bates and his complicated relationship with his mother through the performances of Freddie Highmore and Vera Farmiga. 

13 Reasons Why 

Years prior to Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why being the subject of numerous controversies throughout its run, it began as a 2007 novel by Jay Asher about a high school freshman who shares the reasons why she died by suicide. The series went beyond the source material by making the story a lot longer and building out many more characters. For example, a major plotline of the show is Hannah’s parents decide to sue the school, which is not part of the novel at all.

What We Do In The Shadows

In 2014, Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi offered a unique and rather hilarious take on vampires with What We Do In The Shadows. Years later, the duo decided to adapt their mockumentary further by making it into a TV show that went on for five seasons, ending in 2023. 

Scott Pilgrim Takes Off 

Over a decade after Edgar Wright’s Scott Pilgrim vs. The World adapted Bryan Lee O’Malley’s graphic novel series, O’Malley decided to team up with Wright and Netflix to build upon the story in the format of an anime and reunite the original actors from the movie in the voice roles. The series follows Ramona Flowers trying to find a missing Scott Pilgrim. 

Ratched

Among Ryan Murphy’s many TV shows, he made a series out of Nurse Mildred Ratched, a character originally from Ken Kesey's novel One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest and portrayed by Louise Fletcher in the 1975 movie adaptation. The series starring Sarah Paulson as the titular character depicts Ratched prior to the events of the original story. It was canceled after one season. 

The 100

The CW series, The 100, is based on the YA science fiction novel series by Kass Morgan. However, across the show’s seven seasons, it went beyond the source material by telling a much different story that took a more mature approach and focused a lot more on the survival element of the series. 

The Fall Of The House Of Usher

Mike Flanagan took inspiration from a myriad of Edgar Allan Poe short stories to bring together one storyline for his excellent Netflix horror show, The Fall of the House of Usher. The show pays tribute to the iconic author by telling a new story revolving around the Usher family, the CEO of a corrupt pharmaceutical company, as each member of the family starts to die one by one. 

The Night Manager

John le Carré’s 1993 espionage novel, The Night Manager was turned into a BBC miniseries starring Tom Hiddleston in 2016. As the author wrote in The Guardian at the time of its release, he spoke about the many changes from the source material, which at first took him aback but then had him saying he wishes he would have “written Mrs. Burr into my novel instead of her ponderous husband.” 

Under The Dome

Stephen King’s Under The Dome novel was turned into a CBS sci-fi series of the same name by Brian K. Vaughan, but was often talked about for being quite different from the source material. Back in 2013, King wrote on his website that he found the adaptation to be “very good” and was a “necessity” that he “approved of” “wholeheartedly.” 

Lessons In Chemistry 

Bonnie Garmus’ best-selling novel, Lessons In Chemistry was turned into a series starring Brie Larson to much success. While it’s a stunning adaptation fans of the book can appreciate, that’s particularly because the showrunner, Lee Eisenberg decided to not make it a straight adaptation and add some things the book didn’t have. One particularly great addition was the character development of Harriet Sloane, who is a black civil rights activist in the series rather than a 55-year-old white woman. 

The Haunting Of Bly Manor

Mike Flanagan’s The Haunting Of Bly Manor is an amalgamation of numerous great horror stories by Henry James, centrally through his novella Turn Of The Screw, but also through some other of his short stories like The Romance of Certain Old Clothes, The Beast in the Jungle and The Jolly Corner. Flanagan used the works as inspiration to tell a larger, new storyline about a young au pair who begins to witness hauntings as she takes care of two young children. 

The Midnight Club 

Christopher Pike famously wrote a ton of mystery-thrillers for young adults from the 80s and so on. For Mike Flanagan’s The Midnight Club, the filmmaker drew from over 20 of them to make the 10-episode Netflix series about a group of eight terminally ill young adults who form a storytelling club. 

So many series go beyond their source material, the question is whether they go too far. Most of these picks are well-loved TV shows that were made better by their additions!

After several decades of simply being known as a critically acclaimed 12-issue comic book miniseries, Watchmen made its first foray into other media when Zack Snyder’s film adaptation hit theaters in 2009. 10 years later, HBO released its Watchmen TV series (which can be streamed with a Max subscription), though rather than being another adaptation of the original story, it served as a sequel to the comic book series instead of Snyder’s movie. Now Watchmen is getting the animated film treatment, and while the exciting first trailer for this new spin on Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ superhero tale for the upcoming DC movies slate has arrived, there’s also a big concern on my mind.

The First Look At The Animated Watchmen

10 months after this Watchmen adaptation was announced at San Diego Comic-Con, Warner Bros. Entertainment has released the following preview for what is now a two-movie affair rather than just one. Take a look:

As you can see, computer generated animation is being utilized that’s reminiscent of what was used in Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons, but still looks quite visually distinctive. I’m also relieved to hear that this latest take on Watchmen will be spread out across two movies. Zack Snyder already tried his hand at squeezing Watchmen into one runtime, with the final result earning mixed reviews from critics, though his director’s cut was better received. Taking into account how DC’s direct-to-video movies usually clock in at 90-100 minutes, it’s good to hear that now there will be over three hours of real estate to work with, though inevitably certain plot elements from the original story will still be left out.

Why Watchmen Has Me Concerned About DC’s Future

While I’m still skeptical about how well these animated Watchmen movies will adapt this source material that’s loved by so many, that’s not what’s chiefly weighing on my mind at the moment. You see, Watchmen is part of the DC Universe Animated Original Movies line, which launched in 2007 with Superman: Doomsday and comprises both standalone flicks and ones taking place in shared universes like the DC Animated Movie Universe timeline and the Tomorrowverse timeline. The latter will conclude in July with Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths — Part Three, and these Watchmen movies are the only direct-to-video DC movies set for release afterwards.

Now granted, San Diego Comic-Con 2024 happens next month, so it’s possible that some new movies from this line could be announced, and perhaps even a new shared universe too. However, I’m worried that Watchmen could be the final hurrah for the DC Universe Animated Original Movies. DC animation as a whole isn’t going anywhere, as Harley Quinn and the upcoming Kite-Man: Hell Yeah! are still among the lineup of Max shows, and it was reported in February by Jeff Sneider that a theatrical Jurassic League movie is in the works.

Let’s also not forget though that DC Studios heads James Gunn and Peter Safran are overseeing the new DC shared universe, with its Chapter One - Gods and Monsters slate launching in December with the Creature Commandos animated series, and then the Superman movie Gunn is directing next July. While there will still be DC projects released that aren’t set in the DCU, i.e. under the Elseworlds banner, like the aforementioned Max shows, Joker: Folie à Deux and The Batman: Part II, but given how the DC Universe Animated Original Movies are smaller scale projects and how much the DCU is (understandably) being prioritized, perhaps this era of DC entertainment is gearing up to be shuttered.

I hope this isn’t the case, as these direct-to-video movies all creators to tackle storylines and characters that either stand little chance of being used in a theatrical movie, or handle them in a more faithful manner. Hopefully this year’s SDCC will clear this up one way or another. Until then, keep an eye out for Watchmen: Chapter I’s release later on in 2024, and head over to Max to view the DC movies in order.

On March 28, 2024, the world lost Louis Gossett Jr. Before he passed away at the age of 87, the trailblazing Academy Award-winner led a career lasting more than seven decades, turning in acclaimed, commanding performances on the small screen, the big screen, and the stage alike. The following are our picks for some of the best Louis Gossett Jr. movies and TV shows you can stream, rent, or purchase to remember what made this actor such a great performer… and a gentleman.

A Raisin In The Sun (1961)

A working-class Black family contemplate their future after an unexpected insurance payment comes their way.

Why it is one of the best Louis Gossett Jr. movies: Gossett made his feature film debut — alongside fellow legends like Sidney Poitier and Ruby Dee — in director Daniel Petrie’s adaptation of Lorraine Hansberry’s play, A Raisin in the Sun, in the role of privileged Black man George Muchison.

Rent or buy A Raisin in the Sun on Amazon.
Buy A Raisin in the Sun on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Roots (1977)

The cruelty of the American slave trade, as seen through the eyes of a young African man (LeVar Burton).

Why it is one of the best Louis Gossett Jr. TV shows: Gossett earned his first Primetime Emmy nomination and win for his performance as Fiddler — a musically-talented slave who becomes a mentor to Kunta Kinte in the groundbreaking miniseries adaptation of Alex Haley’s landmark historical fiction novel, Roots.

Buy Roots on Amazon.
Buy Roots on Blu-ray on Amazon.

The Deep (1977)

A couple of treasure hunters (Nick Nolte and Jacqueline Bisset) on a diving trip uncover a World War II-era ship holding cargo that puts them at odds with criminals.

Why it is one of the best Louis Gossett Jr. movies: Before starring in the third Jaws movie, Gossett landed a role in another thriller inspired by a Peter Benchley novel, The Deep, in which he played a ruthless drug kingpin name “Clothe.”

Rent or buy The Deep on Amazon.
Buy The Deep on Blu-ray on Amazon.

An Officer And A Gentleman (1982)

A self-absorbed young man (Richard Gere) enlists in a Navy Officer Candidate School in hopes of becoming an aviator, during which he falls in love with a factory worker (Debra Winger) and comes at odds with his tough drill sergeant (Gossett).

Why it is one of the best Louis Gossett Jr. movies: Gossett’s most iconic role, and the one that made him the first Black person in history to receive the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, is the no-nonsense Sgt. Emil Foley in director Taylor Hackford’s crowd-pleasing, romantic drama, An Officer and a Gentleman.

Stream An Officer and a Gentleman on Max.
Rent or buy An Officer and a Gentleman on Amazon.
Buy An Officer and a Gentleman on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Enemy Mine (1985) 

In the distant future, a human space explorer (Dennis Quaid) and alien (Gossett) from a race his people have made enemies with are forced to work together to survive when they find themselves stranded on the same deserted planet.

Why it is one of the best Louis Gossett Jr. movies: You can barely recognize Gossett under heavy makeup and prosthetics in the role of Jeriba “Jerry” Shigan, but his signature talent is unmistakable in the underrated ’80s movie, Enemy Mine — a thrilling, heartwarming tale of enemies becoming allies from director Wolfgang Petersen.

Rent or buy Enemy Mine on Amazon.
Buy Enemy Mine on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Iron Eagle (1986)

A young pilot (Jason Gedrick) teams up with a Vietnam veteran (Gossett) for a secret mission to rescue his father, who is being held prisoner and has been sentenced to death within days.

Why it is one of the best Louis Gossett Jr. movies: Gossett’s most iconic role in a military movie after Foley in An Officer and a Gentleman is Col. Charles “Chappy” Sinclair in Iron Eagle — a successful action movie that would spawn three sequels, all of which Gossett returned for.

Buy Iron Eagle on Amazon.
Buy Iron Eagle on DVD on Amazon.

Firewalker (1986)

A pair of experienced, but unsuccessful, treasure hunters (Chuck Norris and Louis Gossett Jr.) team up with a woman (Melody Anderson) who provides them with a map supposedly leading to unimaginable riches.

Why it is one of the best Louis Gossett Jr. movies: Another fun action movie from 1986 starring Gossett is director J. Lee Thompson’s Firewalker — a much overlooked, globe-totting buddy comedy in the vein of Raiders of the Lost Ark or Romancing the Stone.

Stream Firewalker on Tubi.
Stream Firewalker on Pluto TV.
Stream Firewalker on Plex.
Stream Firewalker on The Roku Channel.
Buy Firewalker on Blu-ray on Amazon.

The Principal (1987)

As punishment for his rebellious behavior and work ethic, a teacher (Jim Belushi) is put in charge of a high school overridden by students with violent reputations.

Why it is one of the best Louis Gossett Jr. movies: One of the few allies to Belushi’s character in his crusade to clean things up at Brandel High is its head security guard, Jake Phillips, played by Gossett, who serves as a major highlight of director Christopher Cain’s The Principal.

Rent or buy The Principal on Amazon.
Buy The Principal on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Toy Soldiers (1991)

A group of young troublemakers (played by the likes of Sean Astin and Will Wheaton) become the only hope to save their boarding school when it is violently overtaken by a notorious cartel leader’s son.

Why it is one of the best Louis Gossett Jr. movies: Gossett later starred in another action-packed thriller set a school, but one in which the troubled students prove to be the heroes, called Toy Soldiers — an underrated ‘90s movie from director Daniel Petrie Jr., whose father directed Gossett in A Raisin in the Sun.

Rent or buy Toy Soldiers on Amazon.
Buy Toy Soldiers on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Watchmen (2019)

A group of new costumed vigilantes emerge to take care of corruption and crime overriding an alternate world in which superheroes exist but are now forced to work outside of the law.

Why it is one of the best Louis Gossett Jr. TV shows: Gossett gave his final Emmy nominated performance in HBO’s Watchmen cast as Will Reeves, who is revealed to have been the true identity of a vigilante known as Hooded Justice, in creator Damon Lindelof’s miniseries that serves as a continuation of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ seminal graphic novel of the same name.

Stream Watchmen on Max.
Buy Watchmen on Amazon.
Buy Watchmen on Blu-ray on Amazon.

The Color Purple (2023)

In the early 1900s Georgia, a Black woman (Fantasia Barrino) endures a life of abuse from her father, her husband (Colman Domingo), and others while struggling to reunite with her long-lost sister.

Why it is one of the best Louis Gossett Jr. movies: Gossett appears in star-studded The Color Purple cast as Ol’ Mister Johnson, the father of Domingo’s character, for producer Oprah Winfrey and director Blitz Bazawule’s powerful cinematic update of the Broadway adaptation of Alice Walker’s legendary novel.

Stream The Color Purple on Max.
Rent or buy The Color Purple on Amazon.
Buy The Color Purple on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Louis Gossett Jr. may have passed, but there is more to expect from the actor on the upcoming 2024 movies schedule. For instance, most notably, he lent his voice to John Krasinski’s family fantasy film, IF, in the role of a bear. It is uplifting to know that, after revisiting some of the actor’s greatest achievements from the past, there is still more of his talent to behold.

Whatever your relationship with Zack Snyder’s work may be, it’s hard to dispute that the man banked one of the best 2000s movies with his cinematic adaptation of DC’s Watchmen. While the 2024 movie Rebel Moon: Part 2 - The Scargiver represents a new round of debate over Snyder’s filmography, there’s always room in the conversation for a chat about that storied classic. 

And in a new interview where Zack Snyder chats about his entire resume, the helmer behind that landmark comic book movie revealed a pretty bizarre topless scene that almost made its way into the finished product. As he sat down to make an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, the mastermind behind 300 and Sucker Punch actually revealed some wild details about the flashback scenes that fill in the story Rorschach/Walter Kovacs. 

Played by Academy Award winner Jackie Earle Haley in his adult years, those younger flashbacks employed Zack’s son, Eli to play the role. Part of the character’s history is a rather harsh scene where Walter’s mother, a prostitute, is interrupted on the job by her son. 

In his recollection of the scene, Zack Snyder’s original vision would have required some seriously weird conditions, which he laid out as follows: 

Well if that level of weirdness isn’t fitting to the psychology of Rorschach, I don’t know what is. And to be totally fair, Zack Snyder seemed to take ex-wife Denise Weber’s outright rejection of the moment in stride. Not to mention, the way that he talks about this story isn't with any sort of salacious pride; but rather a passion to get the shot as he envisioned it.

It all turned out for the better though, as the scene certainly didn't suffer for lacking the nudity Snyder was thinking of including. For the curious, here’s how it all turned out in the finished version of Watchmen: 

Looking back on the experience, Joe Rogen actually asked Zack Snyder if he could have achieved the moment he’d wanted to capture through CGI. That’s a pretty fair question, especially when considering how Snyder replaced an entire Army of the Dead actor through digital trickery. With that in mind, Zack actually laid out how he would do that scene now with the following level of impressive detail:  

While Snyder did eventually return to Watchmen to deliver his Director’s Cut and the Ultimate Cut that included the animated short Tales of the Black Freighter, I think it’s safe to assume he wouldn’t actually be pulling a George Lucas on this Rorschach flashback. Despite some fans, like our own Adam Holmes, sharing their reasons why Watchmen animated adaptation is a bad idea, that seems to be where the property is heading.

Watchmen is a story that’s always pushed boundaries, and we’ll supposedly see just how much the two-part animated epic tests those specific waters at some point in the year to come. In the meantime, those of you who want to return to Zack Snyder’s vision of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ subversive masterpiece, the theatrical cut is currently streaming for those with access to a Max subscription. 

How do you know Carla Gugino? Your age probably factors into your answer. If you were a kid in the early 2000s, or are a parent (basically at any stage of your life), there’s a very good chance you recognize Gugino from Robert Rodriguez’s entertaining Spy Kids franchise, where she played Ingrid Cortez, mama to Juni (Daryl Sabara) and Carmen Cortez (Alexa Vega) and saver of the planet on more than one occasion. 

Because the Spy Kids fandom continues to grow – and also mature – Gugino tells CinemaBlend that it’s getting harder for her to guess which of her many projects a fan is going to mention when they encounter her out in public.

Others probably know Gugino from a series of films you wouldn’t want to show your kids – not just yet, at least. Gugino frequently works with revolutionary filmmakers who push the envelope when it comes to visual storytelling, be it Zack Snyder (Watchmen, Sucker Punch), Rodriguez for the Sin City films, and Shawn Levy (Night at the Museum). And as of late, Gugino has been a proud member of the prestigious acting troupe that assembles every time genius writer-director Mike Flanagan has a new story to weave. 

The duo’s collaboration dates back to 2017, when Carla Gugino allowed herself to be handcuffed to a bed for Flanagan’s adaptation of the Stephen King novel Gerald’s Game – still one of the best King adaptations ever attempted. The experience proved so rewarding for both sides, Gugino found herself playing pivotal roles in The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, Midnight Mass, and the series that several critics are calling Flanagan’s masterpiece: The Fall of the House of Usher. Collectively, it’s some of the strongest work to reach the Netflix streaming platform, and it’s redefining how storytellers should approach genre storytelling. As Gugino told me during a recent interview:

And by following Flanagan down his complicated paths, Carla Gugino now finds herself on the receiving end of some awards consideration, for the first time in her career. 

Quote The Raven...

Mike Flanagan’s The Fall of the House of Usher masterfully figures out how to interlock several classic Edgar Allen Poe stories underneath the umbrella of one larger arc, this one having to do with the rise and fall of Roderick Usher (Bruce Greenwood), his sister Madeline (Mary McDonnell), and Roderick’s six adult children. Gugino’s mysterious character isn’t related to the Ushers, though she plays a pivotal part in their narrative. Her character, Verna, surfaces throughout each individual story, shepherding characters to their grisly fates. 

There are countless questions swirling around Verna, and most get answered over time. If you are frustrated by how long Flanagan makes you wait for some explanations regarding this character, just know that Gugino was in a similar boat. The writer-director let Gugino read scripts as they became available. But too often, she was up to date, and waiting for the rest of the saga to play out. She told CinemaBlend:

This gave Gugino the role of a lifetime, with range to spare from episode to episode. Verna – an anagram of Raven – could appear as a courteous bartender working New Year’s Eve in 1979. Or as an animal shelter worker. Or as a sultry nightclub patron. 

To Gugino’s remarkable credit, she’s believable in every single role. She credits the writing, but also breaks the code to her approach to Verna when she elaborates:  

The Tell-Tale Heart

She may not have intended to “dazzle” with her performance, but that’s the effect Carla Gugino is having on critics and audiences. Our own Nick Venable refers to The Fall of the House of Usher as “possibly (the) greatest horror masterpiece yet.” And a lot of that boils down to the writing. The way that Flanagan structures Usher, there’s hardly any wasted time, no superfluous narrative addition, and hardly any suggestion of reshoots of deleted scenes. As on display in Hill House, Bly Manor, and Midnight Mass, Flanagan appears to meticulously construct his epic stories so that they lock together like a satisfying puzzle. And Gugino says that tends to be the case on set with the writer-director. She tells CinemaBlend:

It’s important, however, for each episode of The Fall of the House of Usher to build toward its extremely satisfying conclusion, knocking off Roderick’s children in each episode, some in more gruesome fashion than others (yes, we are talking about the party scene at the end of episode 2). Improvisation is one thing. But the real joy of following a Mike Flanagan story arc is just how precise he is in his pacing and execution. It’s like a well-wound clock, and it benefits his actors, as well as his audience. 

The Tower Beckons...

The Fall of the House of Usher is up for three Critics Choice nominations this weekend, with Carla Gugino, Willa Fitzgerald, and Mary McDonnell all competing in different categories. Gugino is up for Lead Actress in BEST ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION. He co-stars are in SUPPORTING. The best case scenario is that they manage wins in both categories, as each is deserving of recognition for their incredible work on the series. 

Which probably is fine with Gugino. For as she explains to CinemaBlend, the members of Flanagan’s professional troupe are all just instruments in the orchestra that he is conducting. She said:

Which is why they keep coming back to Flanagan’s family for more. I would, too, as an actor being given a chance to work with one of our modern masters. You likely can count on Gugino to say yes any time that Flanagan calls. Even for his highly anticipated tackling of Stephen King’s massive The Dark Tower series. Before we concluded our conversation, I had to ask Gugino if she was picking up copies of King’s novels in preparation. She laughed and told me:

And when I suggested that Flanagan would be wise to just cast his Gerald’s Game collaborator as Roland, the Gunslinger, Gugino gave me the best answer possible when she said: 

So are we. If you haven’t yet seen The Fall of the House of Usher, it’s a masterpiece and it’s waiting for you on Netflix. Drop everything and watch it now. 

Music transforms movies. I’m not talking about the score, or songs written for movies like anything Lin-Manuel Miranda does, but the great songs that when you hear them later on the radio or on Spotify, you can’t help but immediately think of a scene from the movie they made better and more memorable. These are the 21 movie songs that I can only associate with a specific scene in a movie. 

Bittersweet Symphony - Kathryn Gets Busted In Cruel Intentions

I’ll start here because the scene is just so fantastic. The building momentum of the strings in The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony” fits so well with the slow reveal of Kathryn (Sarah Michelle Gellar) getting her mean girl life turned completely on its head in Cruel Intentions. Not only is her reputation completely trashed, but she’s busted with the cocaine in her crucifix. I could watch the scene over and over with that music. It's a good thing the production paid the insane amount of money they did for the song; nothing else would've worked. 

Where Is My Mind - The End Of Fight Club

A perfect example of a classic track, in this case it's The Pixies’ “Where Is My Mind” blending into a dramatic scene that elevates the moment to new heights at the end of Fight Club. As the walls literally come down around The Narrator (Edward Norton) and Marla (Helena Bonham Carter), he tells her she’s met him at a very strange time in his life, as Pixies lead singer Black Francis asks everyone “Where is my mind?” Unless you see it in China, where the movie ends very differently. 

Layla - Covering Up The Heist In GoodFellas

“Layla,” by Derek and the Dominos was almost 20 years old when GoodFellas was released in 1990, but it still ends up in what I think is actually the best use of a popular song in a movie. In case you’ve forgotten, Jimmy (Robert DeNiro) is cutting all ties between him and the others involved in the Lufthansa heist. One by one, bodies are discovered in a montage as the piano-and-guitar coda of “Layla” plays over it. It almost makes murder look cool.  

The End - The Opening Of Apocalypse Now

There may be any opening scene in any movie that sucks you in quite like the opening scene of Francis Ford Coppola's masterpiece Apocalypse Now. The wide shot of the jungle being napalmed as the haunting beginning of The Doors' classic "The End" plays over it. Just as the music gets chaotic, so does the movie with Martin Sheen busting his hand open in his hotel room. Brilliant. 

Mr. Blue Sky - Opening Scene Of Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2

There are a whole bunch of music moments from Guardians of the Galaxy I could choose from the trilogy, as songs are, of course, a key component of the storytelling. For this list, I’ve chosen “Mr. Blue Sky” by the great Electric Light Orchestra that opens Vol. 2. It sets the tone for the movie perfectly. These movies are most of all about having fun, and there’s nothing more fun than this opening scene, and when I hear the tune, I always see Groot dancing. 

Fight The Power - Sal Destroys Radio Raheem’s Radio In Do The Right Thing

The use of Public Enemy’s “Fight The Power” in Do The Right Thing is anything but fun. After a long, hot, stressful day, Buggin’ Out (Giancarlo Esposito) and Radio Raheem (Bill Nunn) confront Sal (Danny Aiello) in his pizzeria while blasting the song from the boombox. Not only do the lyrics fit the scene well, but the chaotic nature of it adds a level of desperation to the argument that eventually leads to the tragedy that follows.  

Everything In It's Right Place - The Opening To Vanilla Sky

There's a very good chance that I would not have liked Vanilla Sky if not for the epic beginning of the movie with Radiohead's Everything In It's Right Place playing over the montage of Tom Cruise's character starting his day. The song has just the right amount of excitement mixed with forboding to set the tone for the whole movie. 

Stuck in the Middle With You - Mr. Blonde Cutting A Cop's Ear Off In Reservoir Dogs

Another movie that brilliantly uses music is Reservoir Dogs, and nowhere is that more true than the happy-go-lucky tones of Steelers Wheel’s “Stuck in the Middle With You” during the most violent scene of a very violent movie, when Mr. Blonde (Michael Madsen) cuts off the ear of a cop he’d tied up and tortured. Something about the contrast between the sweet song and the ultra-violence just works. 

Goodbye Horses - Buffalo Bill Getting Dressed In Silence Of The Lambs

There is no way anyone, anywhere, hears the song “Goodbye Horses” by Q Lazzarus and thinks of anything except Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine) getting dressed and dancing in front of the mirror in The Silence of the Lambs. The scene is so iconic that I can’t help but shiver a little when I hear the song, no matter where I am. 

Time To Pretend - The Opening Of 21

The opening scene of 21, as the audience is taken on a quick tour of Boston and Cambridge by way of the Charles River is great. The music, "Time To Pretend" by MGMT fits perfectly. It's an upbeat song about having the time of your life, and it's about pretending to be someone else, just like the MIT blackjack team in the movie.

Old Time Rock And Roll - Tom Cruise Dancing In His Underwear In Risky Business

Bob Seger wrote “Old Time Rock and Roll” in 1979 and it became a moderate hit for him, but it was four years later when it was used as the music Tom Cruise dances in his underwear to in Risky Business that it became an American classic. How many times have you heard it and thought about dancing around in your underwear? I know I have, many times. 

O-o-h Child - Doughboy Gets Busted In Boyz N The Hood

“O-o-h Child” by the Five Stairsteps is a soul music standard, and when I hear it now, I immediately think about the scene in Boyz N the Hood, when Furious (Laurence Fishburne in a performance that should have gotten him an Oscar) is returning home after a nice day fishing with his son Tre. At first, the song is a nice moment for Furious, but in the context of the movie, it changes almost immediately when they drive by young Dough Boy’s house as he’s getting arrested. Things are going to get better according to the song, but they don’t, really. 

Hurricane - Wooderson Walks Into The Emporium In Dazed & Confused

I love Bob Dylan, but now whenever I hear his classic call for justice song, “Hurricane,” I can only think of how cool Wooderson (Matthew McConaughey) and Pink (Jason London) look as they stroll into the Emporium and meet up with the other characters just as the legendary night is getting underway. 

In Your Eyes - Outside The Window In Say Anything

An old crush once asked me if I’d ever stood outside a girl’s window and played a song on a jukebox like Lloyd (John Cusack) does in Say Anything. I told her no, but she would’ve been the first to know if I had. You simply cannot hear Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” without immediately picturing Lloyd with the radio above his head in front of his Chevy Malibu. 

The Times They Are A-Changin - Opening Credits Of Watchmen

I’m not going to debate whether Zach Snyder’s adaption of the graphic novel Watchmen is well done or not (it is). What I will debate is how great the opening scene is accompanied by Dylan’s “The Times They Are a-Changin.” 20 years ago it was unthinkable to me that I would think of anything but the 1960s when I heard that song, now all I see is the bloody Smiley Face button. 

Flower Duet - Clifford’s Death In True Romance

The most powerful use of music on this list comes from one of the best scenes in movie history. It’s when the “Flower Duet,” from the Léo Delibes opera Lakmé, is played over the True Romance scene between Dennis Hopper and Christopher Walken. The music swells as Hopper realizes that no matter what, this confrontation is going to lead to his death. It is an immensely commanding moment and while the music may be over 100 years old, it will, at least for me, be forever connected to this one amazing moment. 

Hip To Be Square - Paul Allen’s Murder In American Psycho

Do you like Huey Lewis and the News? If you do, and you’ve never seen American Psycho then you might think twice, because after you do, you will only associate their 1986 hit, “Hip To Square,” with one thing: the murder of Paul Allen (Jared Leto) by Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale). Try getting a reservation at Dorsia now! 

Sister Christian - Drug Deal In Boogie Nights

Maybe the most tense I’ve ever felt from a film scene is in Boogie Nights when Dirk (Mark Wahlberg) and the others attempt to con Rahad (Alfred Molina). The stress of the scene, with the fireworks going off and the incredible performance by Molina is enhanced by Night Ranger’s “Sister Christian.” I still get the jitters when I hear the song. 

Hurdy Gurdy Man - The First Murder Scene In Zodiac

Speaking of getting the willies, Donavan’s “Hurdy Gurdy Man” will never be the same for me after seeing it used in Zodiac. The way the volume rises on the song as the killer’s car approaches the soon-to-be-murdered couple, then fades as it pulls away, to the relief of the couple, only to rise again as he returns. Yikes! Brilliant!

Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In) - Dream Sequence In The Big Lebowski

The Coen brothers are masters of using music to set the tone of their movies. In The Big Lebowski they up the ante by adding two musical vignettes, almost like music videos as dream sequences. The second, with the song “Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)” has become so classic that when I saw Kenny Rogers in concert (who sings the song with his old band The Third Edition) he even acknowledged it’s what’s made the song so timeless. 

Tiny Dancer - The Bus Ride In Almost Famous

“Tiny Dancer” by Elton John is a great song to sing along to. When I’m hitting those high notes all by myself in the car, I feel just like the band Sweetwater in Almost Famous as they travel down the highway on tour in their big bus. It’s just a fun scene after a tense moment, which is perfect for that song. 

Pocket Full Of Sunshine - The Opening Scene Of Easy A

In Easy A Olive Penderghast (Emma Stone) declares “Pocket Full of Sunshine” by Natasha Bedingfield to be the “worst song ever” before she hears the earworm of a tune so many times that it becomes her favorite song. That’s kind of exactly how I feel about it, and now when I hear it, the guilty pleasure I enjoy is justified because Olive said it was okay to love it. 

Bohemian Rapsody - The Car Ride In Wayne’s World

You knew I couldn’t end this list without including “Bohemian Rhapsody” from Wayne’s World. I’ll fully admit Queen is not my favorite band, and this is not one of my favorite songs, but the scene is so classic that you can’t help but immediately be transported back to seeing it for the first time. Look, see? I’ll bet you’re banging your head right now.

You Should Be Dancing - The Famous Dance Scene In Saturday Night Fever

You can't have this list without including one of the best music movies of all time, and there is no way to here "You Should Be Dancing" by The Bee Gees without thinking of the icon scene of John Travolta taking over the nightclub. 

Shipping Off To Boston - Billy Goes Undercover In The Departed

There is no more iconic song about Boston than the Dropkick Murphys' "Shipping Off To Boston" so Martin Scorsese's decision to not only use it in The Departed but where uses it, as Billy (Leonardo DiCaprio) goes into jail to start his undercover work, is perfect. 

Tequila - The Bar Scene In Pee-Wee's Big Adventure

There are rumors that a time existed when the song "Tequila" by The Champs was known for some other than Pee-Wee Herman's famous dance in Pee-Wee's Big Adventure, but that's hard to believe. The scene is so iconic now, that it's all anyone thinks of, and it's sure to get people dancing like Pee-Wee. 

Day-O (The Banana Boat Song) - Dinner Scene In Beetlejuice

Harry Belafonte had a huge hit with "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)" back in the day, but it was Beetlejuice that opened it up to a whole new generation. That generation always associates with the amazing scene when the ghosts try to scare the new homeowners off. 

Also Sprach Zarathustra - The Opening Of 2001: A Space Odyssey

Composer Richard Strauss could never have predicted what would become of his music work, "Also Sprach Zarathustra" as conceived by the brilliant mind of director Stanley Kubrick. In 2001: A Space Odyssey, it probably becomes very different than what Strauss had in mind. It's so iconic today, that people usually refer to the music as "2001."

You Can't Always Get What You Want - The Funeral In The Big Chill

One of the things that makes the use of The Rolling Stones' "You Can't Always Get What You Want" so cool in The Big Chill is that instead of the choir that opens the original version before fading into the song, the movie does it on organ. It's perfect and now the only way I ever want to hear it. 

I Got You Babe - The Alarm Clock In Groundhog Day

If there are two things I hate in this world, it's alarm clocks and the Sonny & Cher song "I Got You Babe." It's likely because I connect the two so closely in my mind because of Groundhog Day.

Lust For Life - Opening Scene Of Trainspotting

Director Danny Boyle using "Lust For Life" by Iggy Pop at the beginning of Trainspotting makes it one of the most bombastic openings ever and the chaotic music is perfect for the chaotic nature of the movie. 

These Days - Margot Gets Off The Bus In The Royal Tenenbaums

Wes Anderson has a deft touch when it comes music in his movies, and I love a lot of the songs he choses, but for my money, using Nico's "These Days" is probably the best. I love the song, and now I always picture Gwyneth Paltrow in her fur coat. 

Great film scores transform movies, but nothing transcends like a well-placed classic pop song like the ones on this list. There are so many more songs I could’ve chosen that I could have 100 more entries. Adding the right song at the right time is the easiest way to make me nostalgic for a time and place, and that includes on film and on television, as well. 

There’s no single CinemaBlend opinion on anything. Through countless arguments over the years, I’ve learned we’re not even on the same page about how to define the word best, from our choices for the top 100 '90s movies to our picks for the best horror movies of all time. What makes a movie the best is impossible to nail down from one person to the next, though it's perhaps easier to consider when thinking about a decade of movies that came and went and can't be added to anymore. But for the most part, it's all about what you like.

It’s because of those clashing perspectives that this Best Movies Of The 2000s list is unlike any list that a single person from our team could have crafted, taking into account both Oscar-worthiness and popcorn-friendliness. The list accounts for movies that have aired 5,000 times on cable, and movies that have been shared lovingly from generation to generation. It’s a retro-hodgepodge of what we loved then and then, from Adam Sandler's raunch to Daniel Day Lewis' aplomb.

This list is CinemaBlend’s collective celebration of the 2000s, in all its neon-hued glory, and we hope everyone will find plenty to love, though a few disagreements and good-natured debate never hurt anyone. Let the arguments begin…

100. Avatar (2009)

While it's the last on this list, there's no denying Avatar's impact on the film industry back in 2009. The movie is a sci-fi masterpiece that features incredible visuals, mainly following the tale of Jake Sully, a human who finds love and acceptance within the world of the Na'vi, the native people of Pandora.

The film takes the audience on a wild ride for two and a half hours. While the story of saving a planet from foreign invaders could be more groundbreaking, the unique visual effects that fans get to see are. And now, with a successful sequel out more than ten years later, it's the perfect chance to revisit the original.

99. Erin Brockovich (2000)

Julia Roberts had established herself as one of the most beloved actors in the world in the 1990s, and as calendars flipped over to the year 2000, she didn’t waste any time starring in yet another critically acclaimed box office hit. Hitting theaters in March 2000, Erin Brockovich tells the story of the titular lawyer who started a landmark case against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company for groundwater contamination, and it’s a stellar work that further cemented the clear talents of director Steven Soderbergh. It’s thrilling and dramatic, but also funny and fun – in large part due to Roberts’ charm and charisma.

98. The Hangover (2009)

The Hangover is part travelogue and part comedic shitshow. It races its characters through what feels like an entire TV season’s worth of odd locations and ridiculous scenarios, somehow finding time for hospital visits, naked gangsters, weddings, Blackjack heaters, stolen tigers, missing babies and stun gun demonstrations. It sounds like way too much plot for an hour and forty minute movie, but the key to a good comedy isn’t the situations the characters find themselves in, it’s the rapport and natural chemistry between the actors/characters going through those situations. And Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms are fantastic together. Their clashing vibes, energy levels and comedic sensibilities somehow blend into a perfect cocktail, and with Oscar-nominated director Todd Phillips stirring the drink, The Hangover is able to turn its B-movie premise into one of the funniest comedies of the 2000s.

97. Cloverfield (2008)

The first decade of the Aughts saw one word playing into many of its most cherished cinematic successes: reinvention. For director Matt Reeves’ Cloverfield, two different types of genre favorites were mashed together to create a wildly new, very mysterious product: monster movies like Godzilla and found footage pictures such as The Blair Witch Project. 

Amping up the scale of what a handheld camera could cover, Cloverfield’s ingenious marketing campaign kept audiences guessing about what its true intentions were. In the wake of a mysterious/title-free teaser, it was anyone’s guess what writer Drew Goddard’s movie was about. To live up to the hype after stoking such anticipation for an unknown quantity only cemented Cloverfield as a certified success. In a market where it felt like the trailers gave everything away, a major studio movie broke with the norm, all in the name of a monstrous triumph. 

96. National Treasure (2004)

The race to steal the Declaration of Independence was on in 2004 as Nicolas Cage and his team of treasure hunters went on a high stakes mission to find the greatest treasure. This story sweeps across American history, and is held together by Cage’s protagonist and his drive to find this great prize, and protect the Declaration of Independence by stealing it, of course.

This Disney staple is a family classic, and an action adventure bound to entertain just about anyone. It was such a success that a sequel soon followed, and maybe, someday, National Treasure 3 will happen. However, let us not forget the majesty that is the original National Treasure. 

95. The Notebook (2004)

There’s a reason that when one thinks of the genre “romance” The Notebook instantly comes to mind. The 2004 Nicholas Sparks adaptation is nothing short of a timeless classic that gracefully dances between being a forbidden and second-chance love story. It’s the movie that made Ryan Gosling a Hollywood hunk matched by a passionate yet grounding performance by Rachel McAdams. Together they are a firecracker of chemistry who left a generation longing to kiss in the rain. Cliché and mushy as The Notebook can be, when the music swells on the final scene, it never ceases to remind us why it’s one of the most endearing and cathartic love affairs we’ve ever seen. 

94. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

Though it's been nearly two decades since its release, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy still stands as one of Will Ferrell and Adam McKay’s greatest collaborations. The 70s-set movie marked McKay’s directorial debut and, with it, he masterfully injects humor and social commentary into a satirical workplace comedy set within the world of broadcast news. His screenplay is funny and occasionally, downright hilarious, but the cast truly makes the movie shine. Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, Steve Carrell and more are just flawless. And of course, it’s Ferrell’s portrayal of the titular character that really puts it over the top.

93. Million Dollar Baby (2004)

Anyone angling for a great sports drama that not only delivers sheer emotion but also captures the spirit of the pastime it’s tackling should check out Million Dollar Baby. Director Clint Eastwood’s Best Picture-winning film tells the story of an aspiring boxer (played by Hilary Swank), who teams up with a veteran trainer (Eastwood) in the hopes of achieving in-ring glory. The result is an emotionally affecting – and sometimes brutal – story about resilience and parental bonds. This boxing flick won Swank, Eastwood and co-star Morgan Freeman all Oscars and, when you see the movie, you’ll understand why.

92. Saw (2004)

2004's Saw revitalized the horror genre years ago, thanks to James Wan and Leigh Whannell, with its shocking twists and equally astonishing violence. But while the movie did include some truly grotesque “games” for Jigsaw’s victims, this was more than the mere “torture porn” that plagued the aughts. There was intention behind Jigsaw’s pain — making people think about the lives they’d led before forcing them to, “Live or die, make your choice.” 

The audience was along for the ride, trying to figure out why Adam (Whannell) and Dr. Gordon (Cary Elwes) were chained up in a bathroom and how they could escape before it was too late. Thanks to some brilliant misdirection, the ensuing plot twist was truly gasp-inducing. These days you might not be able to get away with that ending, but don’t say you saw it coming back in 2004.

91. Super Troopers (2001)

Super Troopers From a plotting and acting perspective, Super Troopers isn’t exactly The Departed. Its basic premise, and even many of its specific scenes, are just nimbly bimbly excuses for the cast to make raunchy jokes about the natural absurdities of being a cop. That works, though, because the movie understands what we want as an audience: non-stop jokes and shenanigans about liters of cola, littering and smokin’ the reefer. From cat game to syrup fights to biker confusion, Super Troopers has its own vibe and unique sense of humor. It’s just out there, doing its own thing, and that’s why, more than two decades later, fans are still pulling over to watch it… even if they’re already pulled over and they can’t pull over any further.

90. War of the Worlds (2005)

Steven Spielberg wouldn’t be the first to adapt H.G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds novel for the screen, nor would he be the last. But his modern-day take on the 19th Century sci-fi novel certainly made an impression. From the main characters — led by Tom Cruise as Ray Ferrier, father to Rachel (Dakota Fanning) and Robbie (Justin Chatwin) — to the various settings, to the unnerving sight (and sound) of the tripods emerging from below the ground to decimate or capture any humans in their path, War of the Worlds made its mark as an epic sci-fi action movie about survival and the choices a struggling parent has to make to protect his children from a worst-case-scenario. In true Spielberg fashion, the movie is thrilling and occasionally chilling, but also offers that added layer of a family element to keep us invested from beginning to end. 

89. Sin City (2005)

Most comic book adaptations aim to reimagine the characters and events of the source material in a way that more closely resembles reality. However, when director Robert Rodriguez teamed up with famed author and illustrator Frank Miller (acting as co-director) to bring his graphic novel series, Sin City, to the big screen, they did more than just adapt it. They brought it to life.

This anthology-style collection of three interconnected stories — all of which take place in the same hopelessly down-trodden, crime-ridden metropolis — is a masterclass in noirish storytelling (the razor sharp dialogue is straight out of a Raymond Chandler classic), astonishingly unique visual design (every beautifully grayscale frame resembles a comic book panel), and flawless acting from the entire Sin City cast, including Bruce Willis, Rosario Dawson, Mickey Rourke, and so many more amazing A-listers. When it comes to non-superhero-related comic book movies, this might be the best of them all.

88. Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)

Anticipation for the feature adaptation of Helen Fielding’s Bridget Jones’s Diary — itself a reinterpretation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice — was high, to say the least, for those of us who adored the book, when it finally made its way into theaters in 2001. Renee Zellweger’s mix of charm, determination for romance and occasional awkwardness alone are reason enough to love the adaptation. Then factor in the excellent chemistry she shares with both love interests — Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver and Colin Firth as Mark Darcy — not to mention the fantastic supporting cast, well-timed bits of hilarity and genuinely heartfelt moments of romance and what’s not to love about Bridget Jones’s Diary? 

87. Taken (2008)

Taken isn’t the most emotionally complicated or the most realistic movie, but it has a really good sense of its own strengths and leverages that particular set of skills perfectly. Liam Neeson might not be the prototypical action star, but he’s an Oscar-nominated actor uniquely good at portraying single-mindedness and determination. Taken is able to harness the badass fatherly intensity of a desperate man searching for his daughter and pair it with ruthless action sequences that rely more on craftiness than brute strength. The result is one of the best and most rewatchable action movies of the 2000s, a tight 90 minutes that’s so much fun it produced two sequels, a TV series and an unexpected late career resurgence for Neeson.  

86. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Before Will Smith earned his third Oscar nomination for King Richard, and after his nomination for Ali, he received his second Academy Award nod for The Pursuit of Happyness. Based on the real story of Chris Gardner, the movie follows Gardner's struggle to find a job to provide for his son during a year when they are homeless. 

The movie is inspiring for anyone, featuring an uplifting and memorable story. That, paired with an incredible performance from Will Smith and his son, Jaden Smith – who made his acting debut in the film – makes this the perfect movie to watch on any given day. 

85. The Bourne Identity (2002)

Before Daniel Craig came along and ushered in a new era for the James Bond movie franchise a few years later, Doug Liman’s The Bourne Identity welcomed audiences to the 21st century with this fresh, unique, and action-packed spy thriller. Matt Damon, who had already shown a great deal of depth in movies like Good Will Hunting and The Talented Mr. Ripley a few years earlier, became a bonafide action star with his portrayal of Jason Bourne, a trained killer with no recollection of his dark past.

There are few early 2000s action sequences as memorable as the movie’s iconic car chase through the streets of Paris. Audiences, used to seeing spies and assassins whipping around in souped-up sports cars were in for the ride of their lives with Bourne behind the wheel of a weathered Mini Cooper.

84. Love Actually (2003)

Love Actually has become annual holiday viewing for many since its premiere in 2004. Renowned rom-com filmmaker Richard Curtis struck gold with an A-list cast, as ten loosely connected plotlines each portray a different kind of love. Everybody’s sure to have their favorite stories within the movie, but they all strike an emotional chord, albeit in different ways. 

As these characters navigate the holidays, Love Actually tackles themes of grief, infidelity, unrequited love, workplace romance and more, while never losing its charm and eliciting tons of laughs. Throw in infinitely quotable dialogue (“Let’s get the shit kicked out of us by love!”), an infuriatingly hilarious cameo by Rowan Atkinson, and one absolutely iconic dance from Hugh Grant, and you’ve got yourself a classic.

83. (500) Days of Summer (2009)

In a decade greatly defined by bubblegum romantic comedies where audiences can take comfort in the same three act structure often ending in wedding bells, (500) Days Of Summer flipped the genre on its head. Romance and love can be a tricky, complicated thing that not only may be finite, but clouded by one’s fantasies, projections of potential and manic pixie dream girls. Marc Webb’s indie rom-com announces up front that it is “not a love story” and cleverly plays with structure as Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s Tom falls for Zooey Deschanel’s Summer. Between its stunningly memorable soundtrack, creative use of mixed media against its gorgeous L.A. backdrop, (500) Days Of Summer is a dark horse of a romantic comedy that tackles the expectations vs. reality of love with a sharp wit. 

82. Knocked Up (2007)

Most romantic comedies try a lot harder at one of those two things. They’re either romantic movies with a few solid laughs sprinkled in or they’re clearly comedies that shoehorn a romance in there as an afterthought. Knocked Up works so well because it tries really hard at both. It succeeds a little more as a comedy, given it has Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Jason Segel, Martin Starr, Craig Robinson, Leslie Mann and Paul Rudd, but it also takes a lot of time and care with its love story and has many thoughtful things to say about relationships and parenting. It never takes the easy way out or betrays itself for a cheap, inauthentic laugh, which lets the natural chemistry between Rogen and co-lead Katherine Heigl grow into a budding relationship you actually root for. 

81. Dawn Of The Dead (2004)

As proven decades ago by George A. Romero, slow zombies are quite scary – but in 2004, director Zack Snyder and screenwriter James Gunn teamed up to show us just how freaky fast zombies can be. Dawn Of The Dead is a movie that stays true to its source material, gathering a bunch of strangers in a shopping mall as the dead come back to life, but it has its own energy and no shortage of standout moments. The beginning is a terror, the ending is deeply unsettling (including the material in the end credits), but the baby is where this one hits its peak.

80. Remember the Titans (2000)

Remember the Titans will make you laugh, cry, cheer and feel a whole range of emotions as you go on a journey with newly integrated T.C. Williams football team to win the state championship. This incredible movie about bringing a football team together is led by Denzel Washington, and it’s not only regarded as one of his best movies, but it’s also widely known as one of the greatest sports films. 

Washington and Will Patton lead the stacked cast of Remember the Titans, which includes Wood Harris and Ryan Hurst as the team’s leaders. Along with them, the movie also features Donald Faison, Craig Kirkwood and Ethan Suplee as well as a very young Ryan Gosling and 10-year-old Hayden Panettiere, among many others. Overall, it’s an inspiring and moving movie about acceptance and determination. Let’s just say Remember the Titans always has us saying “We want some more!” 

79. Juno (2007)

While Elliot Page was an actor at a young age, Juno was the movie that made him into a household name. And for good measure, as Jason Reitman’s quirky 2007 flick delivers in both comedy and heartfelt, human moments. Page earned an Academy Award nomination at the time for his performance, which surely feels justified. 

2007's Juno centers around its title character, a teenage girl who accidentally gets pregnant. She decides to carry the baby to term, arranging an adoption with a married couple (played by Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman). After being filled with plenty of funny moments (and a killer soundtrack) the ending provides an emotional catharsis that puts Juno above many movies around its time.

78. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

It’s no wonder that Disney has been trying for 20 years to recapture the lightning in a bottle that was Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Inspired by a theme park attraction, but blazing its own trail, Pirates created one of modern cinema’s most iconic characters in Captain Jack Sparrow. But the rest of the cast, including Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, and a scene-stealing Geoffrey Rush, is no less compelling. From sword fights to ship battles, Black Pearl’s action is near perfect, with the Johnny Depp vs. Orlando Bloom duel a textbook example of how to tell a story with an action scene. It set a bar so high that even its own sequels were never going to clear it.

77. Ray (2004)

Cinema lovers have been graced with plenty of great biopics over the decades, and Ray certainly stands as one of the best. Directed by Taylor Hackford, the movie chronicles the life and career of the great Ray Charles. James L. White’s screenplay effectively tells Charles’ story, chronicling his professional and personal highs and lows in the process. And of course, the production is (appropriately) infused with incredible music. There are plenty of great performances on display, but it’s Jamie Foxx’s uncanny – and Oscar-winning – turn as the titular musician that really makes this period drama worth a watch or two.

76. Unbreakable (2000)

M. Night Shyamalan had an unenviable task in 2000 – following up his overnight sensation, The Sixth Sense. Was that movie a flash in the pan? Or would Shyamalan live up to the billing he was receiving in the press as, “The next Spielberg?” Remarkably, Shyamalan came up with a deeper, more meaningful film that also started the bandwagon for superhero-movie fascination, only with a meditative origin story for a strong man (Bruce Willis) who doesn’t recognize his invulnerability. Pulp Fiction co-star Samuel L. Jackson tapped into his fiendish side to play Willis’s nemesis, a man plagued with brittle bones who assumed that his opposite had to exist in the world. But it was Night’s ability to generate an intense mood that boosted Unbreakable. We rode a wave of increasingly suspenseful tension until the moment Willis donned his raincoat and embraced his destiny. Unbreakable started a trilogy, but also guaranteed that Shyamalan was here to stay as one of our most original and effective storytellers. 

75. Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

Forgetting Sarah Marshall occasionally gets overlooked as being just another rom-com from the aughts – specifically the rom-com featuring the oddball pairing of Mila Kunis and Jason Segel, but I can’t imagine that anyone who’s lumping this movie into just another group of rom-coms has seen it recently because it is profoundly and consistently weird. 

Segel’s TV composer main character dreams of creating a Dracula musical featuring puppets called A Taste For Love. He also wants to get over his titular ex-girlfriend - hilariously played by Kristen Bell, who somehow ends up in the hotel room next to him having loud sex with her new rock star boyfriend. That messy journey of acceptance and moving on, amidst all its weirdness or maybe because of all its weirdness, never feels like a cliche. It’s consistently funny and has so many thoughtful things to say about relationships, break-ups and finding yourself. Don’t write it off.

74. School of Rock (2003)

Jack Black was many things in 2003, though many wouldn’t have considered his comedic stylings family-friendly until School Of Rock. Black’s musical abilities from his band Tenacious D paired with the wholesome story of teaching some kids how to rock, was fun for everyone and really skyrocketed him further into the mainstream and into more roles for younger audiences like Kung Fu Panda and Nacho Libre. Sure, he’d still do raunchier stuff like Tropic Thunder, but this movie was imperative to show the range he had as an actor. 

Let’s also not forget this movie boasted other celebrities who are notable talents in 2023, like Miranda Cosgrove and The White Lotus showrunner Mike White. Oh, and the music is still as great as it was then, even decades later. There’s a strong message here about the importance of teaching children about music and helping them follow their passion, and it’s that message that will keep this movie relevant for decades to come. 

73. Up (2009)

Pixar Animation Studios, a subsidiary of Walt Disney Studios, has always been known for its films that have reached a broad audience, starting with their debut full-feature film, Toy Story. However, in 2009, the studio released Up, the first Pixar film to receive a nomination for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Up is mainly about Carl, an older man living a lonely life, and to fulfill his promise to his late wife, he travels across the world in a floating house to South America – with the help of a local wilderness explorer who tags along for the ride. 

A lot can be said about Up, from its stunning animation to the beautiful soundtrack, but nothing beats the story. It's a tale of a found family and of finding love and compassion in places you would never expect. And you must always remember – the wilderness must be explored!

72. District 9 (2009)

Coming in at 72 on the list might just be an indicator of how underrated District 9 is, considering it’s one of the best science fiction movies of the 2000s. Neill Blomkamp’s feature walks the line between messaging about the various mistreatment marginalized groups are subjected to, to how humanity would respond if aliens were really discovered to be on Earth. Given recent reports at government hearings, it isn’t all that unbelievable that it wouldn’t take long for humanity to get back to normal after finding a bunch of alien refugees on Earth. 

Perhaps the best compliment to pay District 9 is that it’s a phenomenal standalone sci-fi movie with no sequels or prequels. This could be why it’s typically lower on the sci-fi lists as there may be a community of people that simply forgot about it as the years went on. Now is the time to revive the credit it deserves and maybe bump it up a few notches on future top lists. 

71. Shrek (2001)

Think of every DreamWorks Animation movie you can think of – I bet Shrek is one of the first that pops into your head. 

Shrek was a momentous occasion for DreamWorks Animation when it was released. It was a huge box office success, received rave reviews, and was even the first Academy Award for Best Animated Feature winner. The movie mainly follows Shrek, an ogre whose swamp is suddenly overrun with fairytale creatures, and to get them out, he must save Princess Fiona from a tower guarded by a dragon on a mountain of lava and bring her to Lord Farquad. 

The DreamWorks Animation film created an empire of Shrek success. With numerous sequels and spinoff movies, Shrek is one of the most successful animated franchises ever. The first film featured some great CGI animation for 2001 but also had the hilarity of adult jokes that parents would get while their kids enjoyed the fantasy, animation, and love story. Besides, who wouldn't love listening to Eddie Murphy crack jokes as Donkey for an hour and a half? 

70. Mulholland Drive (2001)

There are two sides to David Lynch: the fairly normal filmmaker who wants to tell a linear story in a somewhat straightforward manner (examples include The Elephant Man and The Straight Story), and the absolute bonkers off-the-wall batshit fever dream of an avante-garde video artist (examples include Eraserhead and Inland Empire). What makes Mulholland Drive such a beautiful film, is that it’s the perfect balance of these two sides of the iconic writer/director. In fact, without spoiling anything, the film even has a pivotal moment where it completely changes tonally, effectively showing these two distinct sides of Lynch. Perhaps more importantly, this tonal switch is expertly pulled off by the film’s star Naomi Watts, who, between this and 2001’s 21 Grams, was at a point in her career where she was showing off her chops with an authenticity that was hard not to notice. Mulholland Drive will show you the full range of skill you need to see from both Watts, and the legendary auteur that is David Lynch. 

69. Watchmen (2009)

“Unadaptable” is a word that’s been used when approaching the most ambitious literary adaptations. Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ landmark graphic novel Watchmen was one such project, earning that brand after decades of potential adaptations failed to tackle the ambitious superhero narrative properly. 

Even in light of multiple cuts, and the ending being substantially altered from what was depicted in the 1985 source material, Watchmen is a miracle to behold. Somehow, the complicated narrative told through various mediums in that graphic novel was streamlined into a product that didn’t water down the full story. 

Only Zack Snyder’s third directorial effort, Watchmen is a powerful statement of the man’s developing skills in that point of his career. Arriving in the wake of Iron Man and The Dark Knight, it proved comic adaptations could be more than market-driving crowd pleasers. In the case of Watchmen, such movies could also be masterpieces.

68. Sideways (2004)

How the hell did Sideways, a dialogue-driven dramedy about a schoolteacher who loves wine, become such a mainstream pop-culture phenomenon? Try going wine-tasting without hearing a joke about drinking from the spit bucket, or somebody saying, “I am not drinking any fucking merlot!”

Sideways’ writer and director, Alexander Payne, has always told stories that are rather grounded in reality. Aside from Downsizing where he literally shrank Matt Damon, these are movies about common issues that most folks can relate to. The Descendants is about grief, About Schmidt is about aging, and Sideways is about letting go. With the script came Payne’s first Academy Award, a life-changing role for Paul Giamatti, and one of the best films of that decade. The bleak nature of the ending with just a dash of hope is a testament to real-life, and relatable for the average person. That is how a movie about a failed middle-aged writer with a drinking problem managed to cement its place in film history. 

67. Lost In Translation (2003)

Bob Harris (Bill Murray) is an American actor past his prime. Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) is a young, married, recent college graduate. Both are in Tokyo — Bob to shoot promos for a Japanese whiskey and Charlotte to follow her photographer husband (Giovanni Ribisi) on his latest assignment — and overcome with feelings of loneliness and disillusionment until a chance meeting at their hotel bar gives the unlikely duo a sense of fulfillment when they both need it most.

Lost in Translation is one of the first films produced by Focus Features and is still considered to be one of the production company’s best releases two decades later for the refreshingly unique — albeit, unlikely — love story that still manages to warm hearts from its unforgettable opening shot to its cryptic, much-debated final moment. The charming, invigoratingly honest dramedy also managed to be a major turning point for Murray (who earned his sole Academy Award nomination), Johansson (a breakthrough performance), and second-time writer and director Sophia Coppola, who earned a well-deserved Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

66. The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005)

In the mid-2000s, big screen comedy underwent a titanic shift. Through the late ‘90s and the turn of the century, the genre was dominated by the so-called Frat Pack (Will Ferrell, Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jack Black, Owen Wilson and Luke Wilson)… but then along came The 40-Year-Old Virgin, the directorial debut from Judd Apatow. The film is hilarious and sweet, with a collection of wonderful characters exploring the high highs and low lows of sexuality and romance in the 21st century – and while not everything about it has aged perfectly, it does a tremendous job at leaning into the talents of its stars. And it’s a game-changer.

While it’s Steve Carell’s movie, a huge part of its legacy is featuring the breakout performance by Seth Rogen. In the wake of The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Rogen and Apatow became the biggest names in funny, with not just their own comedic voices becoming popular, but also their improvisation-heavy styles.

65. Hot Fuzz (2007)

Hot Fuzz is the kind of action movie where every second feels crafted by a team of action movie fans, as opposed to a cast and crew just going through the motions. Co-written by the A+ pair Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg, starring Pegg opposite frequent co-star Nick Front, Hot Fuzz is mostly set far from metropolitan skylines and endless high-rises, and its quaint Wicker Man-esque village makes for a wildly unique setting for any story filled with this many Point Break references.

As the second film in the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy, Hot Fuzz built on Shaun of the Dead's already stellar cast with a host of UK legends such as Jim Broadbent, Timothy Dalton, Bill Nighy, Edward Woodward, Billie Whitelaw, Olivia Colman, Bill Bailey, and the list goes on and on. (When you have Cate Blanchett making uncredited appearances, you're doing something right.) Unlike the other two Cornetto films, though, Hot Fuzz probably deserves another straightforward sequel set in this universe, with a new killer crime for Nicholas Angel and Danny Butterman to get crackin’ on.

64. Walk The Line (2005)

Music biopics might feel like they’re a dime a dozen, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t gems to behold in the genre, and one of those is absolutely James Mangold’s Academy Award-winning drama, Walk the Line. In it, Joaquin Phoenix portrays country music legend Johnny Cash through his tumultuous rise to fame, which includes his relationship with eventual wife, June Carter (Reese Witherspoon).

Sure, on one hand, we’ve seen music’s superstars descend into alcoholism and drug addiction on the big screen time and time again, but it’s how all the pieces of Cash and Carter’s story are put together that make the film a must watch. As such, the performances of the leads are everything here, and seeing June attempt to staunch her feelings for her married co-performer, while also trying to knock some sense into him as she watches his addictions grow and Johnny become more erratic, are some of the best parts of the movie. Witherspoon didn’t win a Best Actress Oscar for nothing, and Phoenix is at his peak here, as well.

63. Lilo & Stitch (2002)

With Walt Disney Animation fresh out of its renaissance after the ‘90s, the 2000s were a particularly experimental period for the studio which, looking back, found inspiration from numerous science fiction classics. The best 2D animated movie from the House of Mouse of the decade is a lively spin on E.T., but this mysterious alien is an intergalactic fugitive with a bad temper who falls to the Hawaiian Islands, becomes best friends with a young orphaned girl who teaches him the gospel of Elvis Presley. 

Not only is Lilo & Stitch an incredibly quotable, fun, family adventure, it’s one of Disney’s most authentic and original films that speaks to finding one’s ohana in unexpected places amidst great loss. Few Walt Disney Animation movies have felt as simultaneously intimate and commercial as Lilo & Stitch. Experiment 626 remains a gem that made Disney’s growing pains of the 2000s worth the while. 

62. Monsters, INC (2001)

Before Up, The Incredibles and even Finding Nemo, there was Monsters, Inc. Pixar’s decision to make its fourth feature a story about a company that generates scream-based power in a world inhabited by ferocious creatures may have seemed odd at the time. However, it ultimately turned out to be an inspired (and very) lucrative decision. Set in the world of Monstropolis, the film centers on two pals – both employees of the titular corporation – who must return a human child to her world in order to keep her out of harm’s way. And the result is a hilarious and heartwarming romp about loyalty and tolerance.

Pete Docter – who’d go on to direct Up, Inside Out and more – really proved himself as a filmmaker with this directorial debut. The flick is beautifully animated and populated with plenty of lovable characters. Speaking of which, John Goodman’s James P. “Sully” Sullivan and Billy Crystal’s Mike Wasowski still stand as two of Pixar’s most popular creations. The interactions between the two sometimes mirror the interplay of some of cinema’s best comedic duos. Monsters, Inc. would spawn a sequel and TV spinoff, but it’s the 2001 movie that’s truly an eclectic piece of storytelling.

61. The Hurt Locker (2008)

Best Picture award, but the voters got it right when it came to the prize handed out at the end of the 21st century’s first decade. Director Kathryn Bigelow’s The Hurt Locker is a heart-stopper that tears down the wall between film and audience: when Jeremy Renner’s Staff Sergeant William James is suited up and defusing bombs, you hold your breath in fear, terrified to feel the heat of the fiery explosion that will result with one false move by the protagonist.

Screenwriter Mark Boal’s work puts us directly in James’ mind – a soldier who is incapable of leaving the battlefield behind – and Jeremy Renner’s turn is a career best. In retrospect, it’s wholly understandable why Renner’s performance changed the trajectory of his career and turned him into the Marvel-bona fide star that he is today.

60. Moulin Rouge (2001)

On paper, Moulin Rouge is a movie that just should not exist. The premise alone, a modern jukebox musical set in 1890s Paris, creates a level of cognitive dissonance on its own that suspension of disbelief should be impossible. It’s the sort of thing that only a director like Baz Luhrmann would even try, but somehow, he not only makes it happen, he makes it work.

Everything about Moulin Rouge goes hard. The performances, the songs, the sets. It creates its unreality so perfectly that it’s near-impossible to avoid being swept up by it and brought along for the ride. And the absinthe-infused magic is so far removed from reality that even 20 years later Moulin Rouge feels just as fresh. Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor are perfect as the star-crossed lovers. We know how the story will end before it begins, but it doesn’t make any of it less heartbreaking. Luhrmann’s films can sometimes focus on style over substance, but there’s no lack of substance here. 

59. Elf (2003)

Elf is probably the most recent Christmas movie that became an instant classic. Jon Favreau crafted a delightful and bonkers story for the 2003 movie, with Will Ferrell offering one of his most iconic performances of all time. And it’s a movie that’s re-watched annually by countless families every Holiday Season… or other times in the year when you need a good laugh.

Elf’s concept is both ridiculous and simple; Buddy is a human raised by elves who eventually goes to New York City to find his birth father (played by Godfather icon James Caan). The juxtaposition between Buddy’s eternal optimism and the hard streets of the Big Apple is fodder for countless funny bits throughout its runtime. There’s also a touching story about family and the holiday spirit that makes Elf a true beloved Christmas movie. Plus, it’s got a pre-Game of Thrones appearance by Peter Dinklage. And of course, Santa (I know him!).

58. Good Night, and Good Luck (2005)

In the 1950s, few people were as outspoken about the threat of Communism than Wisconsin senator Joseph McCarthy, whose blacklisting of anyone he deemed suspicious was so notoriously frequent that “McCarthyism” — a term associated with fear mongering — was coined after him. One of the few people brave enough to take a stand against him was CBS reporter Edward R. Murrow, whose defiance of the politician and the Red Scare nearly cost him his career, but also made him into one of the most influential icons of his craft.

This monumental moment in journalism history is dramatized with nearly the same level of passion for truth and justice in Good Night, and Good Luck. — named after the famous concluding catchphrase of Murrow, portrayed here in an Academy Award-nominated performance by David Strathairn. George Clooney, who also plays Murrow’s producer, Fred Friendly, earned his first Oscar nominations as a director and co-writer for this riveting history lesson, made even better with Robert Elswit’s gorgeous cinematography and exquisite acting from the star-studded ensemble, which also includes Jeff Daniels, Patricia Arquette, Robert Downey Jr., and Frank Langella.

57. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

Wes Anderson’s style is so distinct that it has become something of a joke in pop culture, frequently being parodied on shows like Saturday Night Live. When folks reference Wes Anderson, and the trademarks of a Wes Anderson film, they’re primarily lifting it from The Royal Tenenbaums. The point is, Tenenbaums is by far the most Wes Anderson-y film to ever Wes Anderson; absolutely jam-packed with quirkitude, a variety of eccentric characters and deadpan dialogue delivery. This is the quintessential hipster flick that helped to define a generation of indie millennial film buffs.

Aside from The Royal Tenenbaums’ effect on pop culture, it truly exists as a wonderful, honest, hilarious, and heartbreaking film. Over twenty years ago when the film was released, there wasn’t a lot like it in mainstream American cinema, with the somewhat privileged (yet painfully relatable) themes it explores being limited to conversations had by those gathering to watch Jean-Luc Godard in their NYU dorm rooms. With his first Oscar nomination, The Royal Tenenbaums introduced much of the world to Wes Anderson, and many still consider it to be his finest work to date. 

56. Spider-Man 2 (2004)

Oftentimes sequels don’t measure up to their predecessor, but Spider-Man 2 is one of the exceptions. Director Sam Raimi and screenwriter Alvin Sargent kept the best elements from the first Spider-Man movie and improved upon them, with the follow-up doing an excellent job exploring how Tobey Maguire’s Peter Parker handles the burden of heroism and trying to balance his web-sliding activities with his civilian life. However, Spider-Man 2’s MVP is Alfred Molina, whose more sympathetic take on Doctor Octopus quickly cemented him as one of the best superhero movie villains of all time. It’s no wonder we still have yet to see another actor play the tentacled antagonist in a live-action movie. As a bonus, I love how the movie recreated the panel from 1967’s The Amazing Spider-Man #50 of Peter Parker leaving his costume behind in the garbage. A touch like that is a great Easter egg for Marvel fans, but is also just a gorgeous shot for the casuals watching the tale unfold.

55. Ratatouille (2007)

Pixar Animation’s eighth feature film, Ratatouille, is as surprising as its premise. It came at a time when the studio was high on a winning streak, redefining how we looked at toys, bugs, monsters, cars, superheroes and fish. Sure, making an audience empathetic to rats feels like a stretch, but the 2007 movie had a fresh and quirky way in that kept Pixar at an all-time high. What if one rat was secretly a gourmet cook in Paris, France? The results are so charming. 

Fronted by a charismatic voice performance from Patton Oswalt as Remy, packed with decadent and often mouth-watering animation greatly displayed inside a top-tier French kitchen and beautifully underlined by an all-time great score from Michael Giacchino, Pixar told a hilarious underdog story with the creativity and wonder the studio remains beloved for. It’s one of those movies that has one doing a double take at every human and animal you encounter next time you walk outside in playful curiosity about the world thinking “Anyone Can Cook.” 

54. Superbad (2007)

Seth Rogen has touted himself as a “permanent teenager,” and never has that title been truer than in the 2007 teen buddy comedy Superbad. The movie — which he penned with Evan Goldberg and stars a number of the regular Judd Apatow players — carries the funky vibe of the 1970s throughout, but its story is timeless. The only thing more relatable than high-school seniors Seth and Evan (played perfectly by Jonah Hill and Michael Cera) trying to get to a party to impress some girls was their underlying anxiety over not knowing what would happen to their friendship after graduation.

The laughs come a mile a minute — some may say it’s the funniest movie of all time — with an impressive cast that also includes Bill Hader, Joe Lo Truglio, Emma Stone and, of course, Seth Rogen. But in the end it’s the friendship at the heart of the story that makes this one worth watching again and again. Superbad is also responsible for giving us “McLovin,” for which we should be forever grateful.

53. Catch Me If You Can (2002)

One of the most intriguing stories related to the crime of check fraud is that of Frank Abagnale Jr., who impersonated various professions, passed off millions of dollars worth of phony checks, and outran the FBI between the ages of 16 and 21. At least, that is what the fraud prevention consultant claimed in his memoir, Catch Me If You Can. The book inspired an excellent movie of the same name.

This 1960s-set crime drama stars future Academy Award winner Leonardo DiCaprio as the young, elusive con artist, who enters an intense, enduring game of cat-and-mouse with two-time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks as a veteran FBI agent who will stop at nothing to bring him to justice, even if he becomes friends with him in the process. Following Minority Report, director Steven Spielberg completed his one-two punch of masterfully entertaining films in 2002 with this dazzling, devilishly charming, and even heartwarming tale. 

52. Cast Away (2000)

Everybody scream “Wilson!” with me! Now, let’s all break into violent sobs as we remember Tom Hanks losing his best friend… a volleyball with a face painted on it. Cast Away is a miracle. It’s essentially a one-man show that you can’t pull your eyes off of, because you root so hard for Hanks and want to see how he’s going to get off the deserted island on which he is stranded. Director Robert Zemeckis places us in Hanks’ sandals, so we feel frustration as he fails to get a makeshift raft over the incoming tide, and elation when he figures out how to start a fire. Hanks already was viewed as one of our greatest actors before he single handedly carried this survival story, but the gripping performance earned him his fifth Oscar nomination. (He lost to Russell Crowe in Gladiator.) Listen to this remarkable stat: Zemeckis filmed Cast Away’s first half with a chunky Hanks, then had to pause production while his leading man lost enough weight and grew enough hair to play his marooned self in the movie’s second half. During that pause, Zemeckis filmed an entire feature: 2000’s marital thriller What Lies Beneath, with Michelle Pfeiffer and Harrison Ford.

51. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

One thing to know about Ang Lee is that he keeps audiences guessing when it comes to his projects. And given his body of work leading up to the 2000s, not too many people might’ve expected him to helm a wuxia martial arts epic with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Yet movie lovers should be so glad he did. His seventh directorial effort is a masterpiece featuring beautifully choreographed fight sequences, impeccable production design, imposing performances and more.

Based on Wang Dulu’s 1942 novel of the same name, the highly ambitious production centers on a seasoned warrior and his equally skilled ally (and love interest), who aim to hunt down the former’s fabled sword so it can be delivered for safekeeping. Their quest ultimately leads them down a path neither could’ve ever imagined. Ang Lee assembled a highly formidable ensemble of actors led by Chow Yun-fat, Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi, who all give career-best performances. The martial arts genre features a wide array of movies, but few can meet the standard set by Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

50. Legally Blonde (2001)

“What? Like it’s hard” to be one of the top 50 movies of the 2000s? It’s not for Legally Blonde, that’s for sure. Casually going to law school at Harvard to win back your ex-boyfriend is a far-fetched idea, but Reese Witherspoon’s Elle Woods doesn't just pull it off, she succeeds in grand fashion, obviously.  

Elle Woods is such an icon, she’s funny, gorgeous, and hyper-intelligent, and seeing her harness all of that to succeed at Harvard was empowering. Reese Witherspoon and the cast of Legally Blonde are also on their A-games in this movie, creating a hilariously smart and unique story. From Jennifer Coolidge’s “bend and snap” moment with our leading lady to the adorable rom-com subplot between Elle and Luke Wilson’s Emmett, the film is packed with memorable stories from fabulous characters.

Since then, Withersoon’s lawyer’s story has expanded into a sequel and a Broadway musical, because a world with more Elle Woods in it is “So Much Better.” 

49. Tropic Thunder (2008)

Tropic Thunder is a relentless and vicious commentary on the motion picture industry and all the absurdities associated with it. For two unyielding hours, Ben Stiller’s satirical action comedy mercilessly skewers the executives, the actors, the directors, the writers, the agents and even an explosives coordinator, painting them as deeply flawed and emotionally unstable people who will do anything to stay relevant and protect their own fragile egos. From blackface to stolen valor to exploiting the mentally handicapped, there’s no line they won’t cross in pursuit of their next award, their next paycheck or their next high.

Tropic Thunder shouldn’t work. From one angle, it’s a big budget, big studio action comedy filled with explosions, fart jokes and Tom Cruise dancing to Flo Rida. From another angle, it’s a deeply clever satire that repeatedly and without apology seeks out complicated and problematic subject matter. It’s a movie within a movie disguised as another movie, but instead of a disorganized mess, it somehow all comes together thanks to a fantastic script, an Oscar-nominated Robert Downey Jr. performance and the greatest little kid reaction shot in the history of movies.

48. Gladiator (2000)

Russell Crowe went on an absolute tear in the 2000s with a number of memorable movies, so it’s no surprise that the one he won the Best Actor Oscar for is on this list. Gladiator is an absolute triumph from start to finish, with knockout performances led by the direction of Ridley Scott. Maximus is an immediately likable character brought down to the lowest point of his life. He keeps fighting and survives solely because of the revenge he hopes to deliver to Commodus. 

And while Joaquin Phoenix did not win an Oscar for his nominated performance as Commodus, Maximus’ journey isn’t quite as sweet without him being every bit as unlikable as he should be. When the big scene finally comes for Maximus and Commodus to square off, how can you not be on the edge of your seat? Without a doubt one of the best gladiator movies of all time.

47. Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

While not strictly a love story, Danny Boyle’s Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire definitely owes a lot to the genre, as Jamal’s (Dev Patel) lifelong love for childhood friend Latika (Freida Pinto) drives much of what he does. The drama follows Jamal as he relays the events of his young life that have led him to correctly answering questions on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, after he’s arrested and tortured for cheating.

As Jamal takes us through the harrowing events of his childhood that led him not only to fall for Latika, but to compete on the show in an effort to find her again, we’re taken through an action-packed tale of survival under extreme circumstances, what a young man will go through to save the love of his life, and how we all probably know a lot more than we think we do. Definitely hard to watch at times, but inspirational nonetheless.

46. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

On one hand, Jonathan Daylon and Valerie Faris’ Little Miss Sunshine is one of the funniest movies of the 2000s, but on the other hand it’s one of the most tragic stories to come out of the decade. The “road trip from Hell” setup had been done countless times prior to the film’s 2006 release, but rarely had the subgenre been as effective, emotional, or laugh out loud funny.

Michael Arndt’s hilarious, heartbreaking, and nuanced screenplay, which earned him an Oscar, doesn’t play it safe by avoiding life’s tragedies (both major and minor), but instead faces them head-on, creating a cathartic experience for his characters and audience alike. Transformative performances by the late Alan Arkin (he also won an Academy Award), Abigail Breslin, Toni Collette and the rest of the Little Miss Sunshine cast make you feel their characters are family, which is the heart and soul of this outstanding film.

45. Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Keira Knightley’s Pride & Prejudice is hardly the first take on the novel of the same name, but the 2005 film arguably set the standard for modern Jane Austen movie adaptations. The love story between Elizabeth Bennet (Knightley) and Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen) is beautifully told, and made all the more memorable for the cinematography, soundtrack, and chemistry between the stars. In fact, the cast was stacked with stars who either already had or would become big names, including Donald Sutherland, Judi Dench, Rosamund Pike, Jena Malone, Carey Mulligan, and Kelly Reilly in addition to Knightley and Macfadyen. 

The world of the Bennet family in this Pride & Prejudice feels lived in and domestic in a way that adds a touch of modern realism to a Regency-era period drama and contrasts the more austere beauty of Mr. Darcy’s Pemberley estate. The film isn’t as faithful to the book as the beloved 1995 BBC miniseries, but it hits the important beats of the original Jane Austen story in just over two hours while also being completely accessible to viewers who haven’t read the book, with moments like the iconic hand flex of Mr. Darcy that fans far and wide know well. 

44. Adaptation (2002)

Adaptation is a book adaptation about the adaptation process. Understood? Wonderful. 

Nicolas Cage plays dual roles as the most neurotic possible version of screenwriter Charlie Kauffman, as well as his fictitious twin Donald Kauffman. Originally hired to write the film adaptation for Susan Orlean’s bestseller The Orchid Thief, Charlie Kauffman experiences a debilitating case of writer’s block, stemming from a slew of mental health issues including social anxiety, body dysmorphia and depression. This sends him on something of a tortured artist’s odyssey that leads him to write himself, and the experience, into his script. Thus, we get Adaptation, a hybrid of both the story of The Orchid Thief, and Kauffman’s experience adapting it.

These days, such a meta concept is somewhat commonplace, but over 20 years ago, this was the most bonkers script since Kauffman’s Being John Malkovich. Malkovich was even worked into Adaptation’s storyline, with John Cusack, Catherine Keener and the titular John Malkovich playing themselves. The point is, this film is WEIRD in the best of ways, yet still managed to grab Oscar nominations for Nicolas Cage and Meryl Streep, as well as a win for Chris Cooper. Adaptation is perhaps the greatest cinematic insight into the creative writing process, and the effect it has on one’s psyche, ever made.

43. Love & Basketball (2000)

The best romantic comedies might get a lot of attention from fans of lovey dovey stories, but romantic dramas deserve our eyeballs as well, and Love & Basketball is one that really should be praised. This romance (which is also a fantastic sports drama) tells the story of Monica (Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy (Omar Epps), two talented, basketball-obsessed kids who bond over their love of the sport, but have several trials as they attempt to take their relationship from friends to lovers in their high school and college years and, later, in their twenties.

Gina Prince-Bythewood’s feature-length directorial debut does an amazing job of showing how hard it can be for two people who are so dedicated to their craft to make time for one another, especially as the pressure to succeed in their sport pulls them in different directions. But, it goes much further than that, with each of their complicated family dynamics and emotional wounds taking this love story to the next level.

42. Minority Report (2002)

If you had the chance to predict and prevent a tragic crime, the choice sounds obvious, right? That is until you are faced with the possibility that the prediction is wrong and your arrestee was destined to be innocent. That provocative idea was the basis for a 1956 short story by prolific science-fiction writer Philip K. Dick, which was later adapted into one of director Steven Spielberg’s most exciting films of the decade, if not his full career.

Tom Cruise stars as John Anderton — the chief for a special police unit that uses a trio of clairvoyant siblings to detect future murders — who begins to question their seemingly “perfect” system when he makes the horrifying discovery that the potential perpetrator of his next case is himself, forcing him to go on the run. The truth behind this prediction revealed in the brilliant twist ending of Minority Report is one of the many fascinating and thought-provoking aspects of this astonishingly inventive sci-fi masterpiece that is not quite dystopian, but far from utopian either.

41. Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Over the past few years, there have been great strides for representation and diverse stories in Hollywood. But back in the early 2000s, this wasn’t exactly the case. Which is why Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain was such a groundbreaking movie upon its release. Hollywood simply wasn’t telling queer love stories through major blockbusters, let alone honoring them with major Awards Nominations.

While there’s been some backlash about straight actors playing LGBTQ+ roles, Brokeback likely only got produced because of its bankable (and yes straight) lead actors. For their part, both Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger offer moving and complicated performances that still stand up today. Michelle Williams and Anne Hathaway also really deliver, which is par for the course for those talented actresses. This quartet of performers tell their characters’ stories through decades of time, and to devastating results. And the acclaimed film is still so beloved that it’s being adapted for the stage on the West End, starring Mike Faist and Lucas Hedges. 

40. American Psycho (2000)

Author Bret Easton Ellis’ novel American Psycho is a shocking literary experience. There are scenes in it that will make even the most seasoned horror fan blanche – and reading it, you can understand why it was deemed unadaptable for a time after its publication. When it did finally get brought to the big screen, co-adapted by screenwriter Guinevere Turner and director Mary Harron, the material was understandably pulled back a bit, but the movie still remains a scary and biting satire that takes aim at the hardcore capitalism in the 1980s.

Years before he became a big screen legend playing Batman, Christian Bale became a horror icon with his performance as Patrick Bateman – a white, rich sociopath who enjoys torturing and slaughtering women… but who nonetheless blends in with all the rest of New York’s white, rich sociopaths. It’s a rich cinematic experience that manages to be both satisfyingly scary and surprisingly funny.

39. 28 Days Later (2002)

Certain movies can be credited as causing shifts so powerful, an entire genre felt its influence. Director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland’s 28 Days Later is one such film, as this lo-fi British horror-thriller would go on to see interest in movies like Dawn of the Dead (2004) and Shaun of the Dead being boosted. 

Revitalizing the zombie genre, while not calling its own creatures by the Z-word, the normal rules didn’t apply in this horror masterpiece. In the world of the previously coma-ridden Jim (Cillian Murphy), the vicious “infected” could come from anywhere, with blazing speed. Survival, in some situations, could be measured in a heartbeat, with a drop of blood or saliva making the difference. 

Stocked with a who’s who of actors like Brendan Gleeson, Christopher Eccleston, and Naomie Harris, 28 Days Later did for zombies what Scream did for slasher films. Challenging the status quo with relentless energy, the film is all at once terrifying, heartbreaking, and hopeful. Danny Boyle and Alex Garland resurrected the undead genre with stunning results.

38. Amelie (2001)

One of the most delightful stories committed to film. French ingénue Audrey Tautou was perfectly cast as the title character Amelie, who is believed to have a delicate heart condition and so is overprotected by her doting parents. As a result of her gently-imposed isolation, Amelie develops an overactive imagination, which leads her on a series of whimsical adventures. Amelie director Jean-Pierre Jeunet embraces magical realism as a style, with Tautou basically gliding through this giddy fantasy as she works to make the lives of everyone around her happy, and possibly find love on her own in the process. Amelie seems to transmit joy, and if you aren’t uplifted by Tautou’s effervescent performance, you might want to check to ensure you still have a pulse. Now, go borrow someone else’s lawn gnome, photograph it in front of a celebrated vacation spot, and spread the joy of Amelie with anyone who hasn’t yet seen this delightful gem. 

37. Donnie Darko (2001)

There may not be a more aggressively strange and maddeningly perplexing movie on this list than Donnie Darko. Yet, its mysterious and nearly off-putting nature may be the reason why — despite nearly becoming a cable TV movie (if not for Christopher Nolan’s praise) and ultimately bombing at the box office — it remains an enduring cult hit.

At its core, writer and director Richard Kelly’s feature-length debut is the story of an emotionally troubled young man (Jake Gyllenhaal) whose struggle to navigate adolescence in the late 1980s is worsened by visions of an apocalyptic soothsayer in a horrifying rabbit suit, but it is much more than that. It is a sharp coming-of-age satire on par with some of John Hughes’ films, a classic time travel movie, and a pervasively grim fantasy tale that serves as a perfect Halloween tradition, among other things. Above all, however, Donnie Darko is unique enough to defy categorization, resulting in a one-of-a-kind experience. 

36. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

If we’re only including one adaptation of the Harry Potter series on this list, it has to be Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The source material has our lead trio entering into their teen years with more studies than ever and higher stakes all around. New characters are introduced, major reveals transpire and there’s also that twisty bit of time travel. Oh, and let’s not forget the bone-chilling Dementors, whose powers include dredging up a person’s darkest memories and fears. 

Those things on their own give Prisoner of Azkaban an edge over some of the other books, but Alfonso Cuarón’s adaptation does more than just bring one of the best installments of the series to life. New layers of the magical world emerge on the screen thanks to the cinematography, not to mention Cuarón’s vision and patient approach to the pacing, which gives us the chance to really soak in the surroundings in any given scene. Whether it’s showing the change of seasons at Hogwarts or the stunning sight of Harry soaring over the lake on the back of a Hippogriff, it’s more than enough to set the film above its predecessors and raise the bar firmly for the adaptations that would follow. 

35. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

The Devil Wears Prada is already a classic. While the film quality itself is high, the movie has also become part of the fabric of pop culture, thanks to its quotable lines and the unbelievable performance of one Meryl Streep. Anne Hathaway is regularly transformed into a meme thanks to the scene where Annie shows up to work post-makeover in Chanel Boots.

Aside from the pop culture of it all, The Devil Wears Prada is a delightful movie romp. The fashions are aspirational, and the cast is truly on top of their game. Special points to Emily Blunt, who became a household name following her performance as Emily. And considering how light and frothy even the movie’s drama is, the rewatchability of this book to movie adaptation cannot be understated. If you haven’t watched Devil Wears Prada recently, by all means move at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me.

34. The Lord Of The Rings Movies (2001-2003)

There are very few fantasy movie franchises out there that have been great all the way through. They have their dips and slides, but if there’s one major fantasy franchise to rule them all, it has to be The Lord of the Rings movies. 

The film franchise mainly follows Frodo Baggins as he travels with the Fellowship on a quest to destroy the One Ring in order to take down the person who made it, Sauron. But don't take that premise at face value – there is so much more to this story than meets the eye. 

The Lord of the Rings movies are perfect in every shape and form. From the battle sequences to the visual effects to the acting, there is much to love and adore about these films. The Lord of the Rings delivers in ways fans can't even imagine. There's a reason why the franchise is so popular years later – and how spinoffs, such as The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, have been released in recent years. The love keeps pouring in. 

33. Casino Royale (2006)

When James Bond was given his iconic Walther PPK in Dr. No, Sean Connery’s initial incarnation is told the weapon has “a delivery like a brick through a plate glass window.” The same could be said for 2006’s Casino Royale, as the introduction to Daniel Craig’s James Bond movies wasn’t shy about changing things up, and surprising even the most experienced 007 fans with how it would depict Commander Bond’s exploits.

Director Martin Campbell’s franchise reboot was as lean and mean as they come. Casino Royale showed 007 getting his ass handed to him, and his heart broken. Such vulnerability didn’t weaken the character, but rather it humanized him and added a suspense that the Bond movies had lost for some time.

Daniel Craig stepped into the role of the modern James Bond as if it were a tuxedo perfectly tailored for his presence. Wryly funny, yet cold and calculating when he had to pull the trigger, Craig made the role his own from frame one. To see such an iconic series redefined so perfectly, after 20 movies and over four decades of history before it, is something that still astonishes as much now as it did upon initial viewing.

32. Batman Begins (2005)

One of the most notorious bombs in Hollywood history is 1997’s Batman & Robin — a movie that, despite having some fans, is so cartoonishly absurd and dismissive of the source material’s essential themes and tone that it would be the last we would see of one of DC Comics’ most important characters on the big screen for years. The Caped Crusader’s resurgence in cinema — and in modern pop culture — can be traced back to when director Christopher Nolan went back to basics and all the way back to the beginning of his war on crime in Batman Begins.

Christian Bale immediately asserted himself as one of the best actors to play Batman with his grounded and stoic performance as a Bruce Wayne desperate to rescue his beloved Gotham City — one of the most stunningly realistic and effectively grimy depictions of the burdened metropolis — from the cesspool of crime and corruption it has become. While it is not widely considered to be the absolute best of the live-action Batman movies so far (more on that one later), most would agree that Batman Begins is one of the best superhero movies in general for its refreshingly earnest and complex approach to comic book lore, exhilarating action sequences and technical mastery, and reinventing the Dark Knight for a new generation without losing sight of what made him an icon in the first place.

31. Children of Men (2006)

In a dystopian future, environmental malpractice has led to constant war, famine, and total human infertility. So imagine the surprise felt by former political activist Theo Faron (Clive Owen) when he learns that a young female refugee (Clare-Hope Ashitey) is pregnant, and is poised to deliver the first natural childbirth in eighteen years. 

Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron was coming off of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (considered by many to be the best film in that saga) when he unleashed his talents on Children of Men. His breathtaking approach to editing and cinematography propels the action forward at a feverish pitch, with Cuaron often choosing to stage his movements in long, eye-popping, unbroken shots that lure the audience to the edge of their seats. Cuaron says this is a movie about hope, but you have to endure a lot of credible despair to finally unearth it. It’s worth the effort.

30. Ocean's Eleven (2001)

As times change, what’s considered popular is as fluid as water itself. Sometimes a movie can be ahead of the curve in that respect, dictating a whole era of cool in its very existence. Director Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Eleven did just that, as both an uber slick heist movie, and as a modernized remake of a pre-existing film. 

The 1960’s Rat Pack extravaganza about war veterans looking for one big score was turned into a gathering of thieves, assembled by one man (George Clooney) looking for something more than cash. While the stakes were changed, and the number spelled out in the title, this film nailed the breezy energy that made the original so lovely.

Be it an all-star cast including Bernie Mac, Carl Reiner, Andy Garcia, and Julia Roberts, the insanely slick soundtrack, or even just the way George Clooney could rock a suit without a tie, Ocean’s Eleven doesn’t telegraph its style. It presents it with great confidence, and allows you to decide if it’s worth your while. It’s a love letter to the past, while playing to the viewer of today; with a result as cool as that drink you just ordered at the bar.

29. Chicago (2002)

If you look at just about any list of the best musicals of the 21st century, it’s basically a guarantee that Chicago will be there. The adaptation of Bob Fosse’s long-running musical is one of few musical films to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Catherine Zeta-Jones took home a trophy as well for her stellar performance as the “All That Jazz” singer who killed her husband and sister, Velma Kelly. This film has intrigue, sex, murder, genius performances and a whole lot of jazz, and it's truly a masterful musical adaptation.

Rob Marshall ultimately made a musical that stays true to its stage roots, but also heightens the entire story through movie magic. Take “Cell Block Tango” for example, the majority of the song is performed on a stage, and the women singing about murdering their husbands are in black costumes similar to the wardrobe from Broadway. However, it’s bigger as a whole, and it flashes between the actual prison, and this staged dream-like sequence. By doing this for every number, the film both elevated and paid homage to its predecessor, which is just one of the many reasons it’s so incredible.

28. Iron Man (2008)

From being the first self-financed Marvel Studios production, executives initially being opposed to casting Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, and most of the dialogue being improvised since the script wasn’t finished when production began, there was a lot that could have gone wrong with Iron Man. And yet, the end result stands as a triumph in large part due to Downey’s performance as the genius/billionaire/playboy/philanthropist.

But of course, one can’t discuss Iron Man without addressing how it changed the film franchise game. Once Nick Fury emerged from the shadows and mentioned the Avengers Initiative in the post-credits scene, that was the first big tipoff that this movie was the first chapter in a shared universe, just like in the original Marvel comics. More than a decade later, the MCU still stands as a Hollywood powerhouse, and many franchises, both superhero and from other genres, have followed in its footsteps. 

27. Shaun Of The Dead (2004)

The slacker bastard child of George Romero's Dead films and Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later, Shaun of the Dead is a rarity in cinema, and not just for having the gall to sacrifice the soundtrack to 1989's Batman. It's a largely perfect amalgam of authenticity and parodical storytelling, anchored to the comedic whims and wiles of  director Edgar Wright, his co-writer Simon Pegg,  and Pegg’s co-star Nick Frost. As it goes with that trio’s other film on this list (see #65), Shaun’s biggest strength is its characters who feel real enough to legitimize the zombie apocalypse chaos, while also making viewers care about them even when the gory threats aren’t around the corner.

Shaun of the Dead may go down as the funniest horror movie to have ever existed, while also delivering some genuinely disturbing moments throughout that keep the adventure from falling too far into the funnies. Simon Pegg even transcends the dual genre description by spinning palpable emotion out of his struggle to prioritize the safety of his relationship, his BFF, and his mom. And if that wasn’t enough, it allowed moviegoers to spend some time in the Winchester, and that’s a slice of fried gold that makes everyone’s life better.

26. Moon (2009)

Whenever we sit down for a sci-fi film, especially one that takes place on a remote station somewhere away from our planet, we all know that we’re in for a twisty tale, and Moon certainly fulfills that promise. Duncan Jones’ 2009 directorial debut (he also came up with the story) focuses on Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell), the lone human working a mostly automated mining facility on the far side of the moon, who begins to have troubling hallucinations as he nears the end of his work contract.

What follows is surprising, as not only does the story take several intriguingly unexpected turns, but it also examines what it’s like to be isolated from others (including loved ones), holding on to a sense of community, and one’s willingness to sacrifice for the greater good. Throw in a creepy AI, which can’t quite be determined as a helper or a hindrance for a time, and you get science fiction gold.

25. The Incredibles (2004)

Released during the early years of the superhero movie’s surging popularity, The Incredibles still holds up tremendously after all this time, despite so many other offerings from Marvel, DC and other studios being delivered nearly two decades after its release. To be sure, Pixar’s sixth full-length feature does a spectacular job at both honoring classic superhero stories and tropes, as well as poking fun at them, including the hilarious ‘no capes’ gag. But The Incredibles’ greatest feat isn’t how it handles these larger-than-life elements, but rather how it makes these characters feel relatable and complex in the midst of the action.

From Bob and Helen Parr being concerned about their children’s welfare, whether they’re living everyday life in suburbia or fighting bad guys in costume, to understanding that Syndrome’s sinister motivations stem from the hurt he endured as an adolescent, The Incredibles never pushes aside its humanity in favor of spectacle; instead, they compliment each other quite nicely. Throw in outstanding vocal performances from actors like Craig T. Nelson and Holly Hunter, and Brad Bird excelling as both the director and screenwriter, this movie stands out not just as a superhero movie, but as one of the greatest entries in Pixar’s library.

24. Requiem for a Dream (2000)

Join Us In Creating Excellence. More powerful than any anti-drug ad, Requiem for a Dream hit theaters in 2000 and has stood the test of time as possibly the most affecting portrayal of addiction to date. Based on the Hubert Selby Jr. book of the same name, Darren Aronofsky’s film explores more than just the heroin addictions of Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly and Marlon Wayans’ characters. Ellen Burstyn’s obsession with being on television and fitting into her red dress is haunting, and there’s no questioning why the role earned her an Academy Award nomination.

The work behind the camera was equal to the all-around horrifying performances, as Darren Aronofsky and cinematographer Matthew Libatique added to the story in how every shot was framed, the choreography of the characters’ movements, and the use of sound effects and split screens. The score was worthy of praise all on its own, with "Lux Aeterna" — the song that played over the climax of the film — leaving such an impression that it has gone on to be re-orchestrated for several other movie and video game trailers. 

Combine all of this and add a little of Christopher McDonald’s Tappy Tibbons J.U.I.C.E., and you’ve got a real feel-bad movie that may never fully leave you.

23. Oldboy (2003)

Because many have such good storylines, South Korean films have become some of the biggest international movies.. A few examples could be Parasite and The Wailing. One movie in particular stands above many of them, and that's Oldboy. 

Directed by Park Chan-wook, the film is loosely based on the Japanese manga of the same name and focuses on Dae-su, a man imprisoned in a cell that looks like a hotel room, for fifteen years, without knowing who the person was behind his capture. But when he gets his chance at freedom, he makes it his mission to find out who committed the crime all those years ago – only to find out there is much more to his imprisonment than he thought. 

Oldboy is incredible. The action scenes are probably some of the best recorded on a movie screen and have been imitated many times – just the corridor fight scene itself is enough to satisfy any action-movie fan. The story is intriguing all the way until the end, which will blow the minds of first-time viewers. Truly, Oldboy is a staple of the South Korean film industry – and a fantastic movie of the 2000s. 

22. Collateral (2004)

Michael Mann had already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest directors in the world of crime thrillers, but he further made a case for himself with his 2004 thriller, Collateral. Clocking in at exactly two hours, this cool, violent, and ruthless neo-noir classic not only sees one of the best Jamie Foxx performances with his portrayal of cab driver Max (a role that should have earned him an Oscar), it also introduces one of Tom Cruise’s most unhinged characters: Vincent, a mysterious and deadly assassin.

Cruise, who was coming off movies like Minority Report and The Last Samurai, is incredibly refreshing as the film’s antagonist, and it shows a side of the star that audiences don’t get to see as much. Seeing the actor’s undeniable charm and big-screen energy used to breathe life into someone who is pure evil is quite the experience, and really messes with the viewers’ mindset. In addition to actors like Mark Ruffalo, Javier Bardem, and Jada Pinkett Smith, the movie also treats the city of Los Angeles less like a backdrop and more as another character, one that feels more alive as the story goes on, much like Mann’s 1995 heist film, Heat.

21. Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

Since the early days of moviemaking, Walt Disney’s viewpoint of the fairytale has had a stake in popular culture. It’s G-rated, soft and sweet, and there’s always a happy ending. Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth brings to life a fairytale that redefined what a fantasy movie can look like with its distinct and unforgettable vision. Set in 1944 Spain as the country picks up the pieces of the Spanish Civil War, the R-rated fantasy film follows a young girl named Ofelia as she faces the violent reality of the Francoist period and stumbles upon a dark wonderland in the shadows (or at least the shadows of her imagination). 

As del Toro was coming off two more commercial movies in Blade II and Hellboy, Pan’s Labyrinth is a breathtaking highlight in an all-time great filmmaker’s career. Across two hours, the Spanish-language movie brings to life an extraordinary vision that beautifully balances being twisted and innocent all at once with memorable horror, gore, mythical creations and a ton of gorgeous practical creature effects. How does he balance a magical quest with political drama? Some especially memorable words in Pan’s Labyrinth answers that question: If “door is locked,” one must “create your own.” In a landscape where fairytales can be predictable, del Toro opened a wonderfully defiant world of his own with Pan’s Labyrinth.

20. Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003) And Vol. 2 (2004)

After turning the heist movie on its head with 1992’s Reservoir Dogs, and changing the way audiences perceive movies in general (and winning a screenwriting Oscar) with 1994’s Pulp Fiction, Quentin Tarantino very quickly made himself into one of the most unique and esteemed icons of the medium. However, after releasing his 1997 Elmore Leonard adaptation, Jackie Brown, we would not see him direct anything for another six years. Little did we know that he was planning to come back with something big — so big, that just one movie was not enough to tell the story. Based on a character Tarantino created with star Uma Thurman on the Pulp Fiction set, Kill Bill follows a deadly assassin initially known only as The Bride — one of the greatest female action heroes — who wakes up from a four-year coma with a furious urge to punish those who tried to put her to sleep permanently, with her former boss (David Carradine) being the primary target. 

For years, it was debated whether or not the stylistically disparate halves of the story — with Vol. 1 being an ode to ‘70s kung fu movies and Vol. 2 counting as Tarantino’s first western, essentially — should count as one film. Well, even if the director had never officially clarified that he does see Kill Bill as one movie, we still would have designated one spot for both volumes of this exquisitely crafted, gorgeously choreographed, visually and emotionally breathtaking epic on this list, because that is the only way to experience "the whole bloody affair.” 

• A Kill Bill Quote To Remember: “That's right. I killed your master. And now I'm gonna kill you too, with your own sword, no less, which in the very immediate future, will become... my sword.” (The Bride)

19. Training Day (2001)

In 100 years, when film historians look back to determine why Denzel Washington was considered one of the best actors of his generation, director Antoine Fuqua's Training Day should be at the top of any screening list. Detective Alonzo Harris is a special kind of monster, and Washington’s work offers incredible escalation and power. At first, he just seems like a hardened detective who has made some scary discoveries about how best to patrol the city of Los Angeles, but he becomes a whole different kind of beast by the end – one that King Kong ain’t got nothin’ on.

But while Training Day features an all-time great performance from one of the all-time great actors, not to be ignored is just how terrific the movie as a whole is. Ethan Hawke is also at the top of his game as up-and-coming officer Jake Hoyt, who faces death and peril as he slowly understands the real game that Alonzo is playing, and David Ayer’s screenplay is special – packing the believable character arcs and growing stakes into a limited 24-hour time frame. Even on the tenth viewing it is successful at raising your pulse and getting you to invest in the protagonist’s peril, and that’s the mark of a truly great thriller.

• A Training Day Quote To Remember: “You gotta control your smiles and cries, because that's all you have and nobody can take that away from you.” (Jake Hoyt)

18. The Wrestler (2008)

Still considered one of the best movies of 2008 more than a decade later, Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler is a grueling battle royale of emotions that doesn’t pull any punches with its story about a broken-down professional wrestler looking for one last shot at redemption. Channeling both the triumph and tragedy, and the agony and ecstasy of putting one’s life on the line day-in and day-out for decades, Mickey Rourke gave audiences the performance of a lifetime with his portrayal of washed-up wrestler, Randy “The Ram” Robinson, a one-time larger-than-life titan caught somewhere between his past and uncertain future.

There are a lot of parallels between the character and Rouke’s own journey in this semi-autobiographical drama, which adds a tremendous amount of depth to not only his performance, but also the movie in general. Though wrestling is often considered a fake sport, Rourke’s performance and Aronofsky’s commitment to portraying the industry in an honest and genuine light is incredibly real. The physical, mental, and emotional pain can be felt in each of Randy’s movements, heard in his voice, and seen in his eyes as the former champ wrestles in high school gyms and attempts to make ends meet by taking on shifts at a local grocery store deli. Then there are the religious allegories that are explored through Randy’s character, as well as Marisa Tomei’s Cassidy, which make it all even more potent.

• A The Wrestler Quote To Remember: “I'll tell you somethin', I hate the fuckin' 90's.” (Randy Robinson)

17. Finding Nemo (2003)

Pixar has created some of the greatest animated films of all time, and Finding Nemo may be the studio’s true crowning achievement. It is as beautifully animated as it is emotionally powerful. The undersea world of Nemo is gorgeous simply to look at, and that’s just as true today as it was when the film was released. 

2003's Finding Nemo’s voice casting is second to none. Nobody does neurotic like Albert Brooks. Nobody can play clueless like Ellen DeGeneres. Nobody plays a tough guy of questionable sanity like Willem Dafoe. These are the actors you would cast if you were telling this story in live-action, and they bring it all to the voice performances in a way that truly brings these characters to life.

And Finding Nemo is able to balance its emotional extremes perfectly. We’re used to Pixar movies making us cry but years before Up, Finding Nemo opened with an incredibly heartbreaking moment. But after that, it’s able to be hilarious, scary, and even exciting. Finally, it concludes with the sort of resolution that stands the test of time, as young children will see the film and relate with Nemo, then grow up, and begin to understand Marlin in a new way.  Nemo does it all, not bad for a clownfish with a bad fin. 

• A Finding Nemo Quote To Remember: “Of course I like you. It’s because I like you, I don’t want to be with you. It’s a complicated emotion.” (Marlin)

16. Inglourious Basterds (2009)

“I think this just might be my masterpiece.” That’s the final line in writer/director Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds, and coming as it does at the end of 153 minutes of perfection, it’s hard not to read it as a message directly from the filmmaker to the audience. In 2009, Tarantino was coming off of a low point in his career with the disappointing theatrical release of Grindhouse, but his follow-up is a phenomenal World War II epic that only he could make: Nazi-killing action packaged in a love letter to cinema.

Two stories – the revenge of Mélanie Laurent's Shosanna Dreyfus and the mission of the titular troop – play out in parallel with equal captivating energy right up until they collide in the (literally) explosive finale. While there isn’t a star in the expansive ensemble who doesn’t deliver a memorable performance (from Brad Pitt to Michael Fassbender to even Mike Myers), there isn’t a person who can watch the film and not walk away mesmerized by the work done by Christoph Waltz in his star-making turn as Hans Landa. It’s not an easy thing to blend a vibe of dastardly evil with sharp charisma, but Waltz is a force in the role, and it remains the best thing he has done in his career.

• An Inglourious Basterds Quote To Remember: “Well, you don't got to be Stonewall Jackson to know you don't want to fight in a basement.” (Lt. Aldo Raine)

15. Spirited Away (2001)

Studio Ghibli is one of the world's most-known anime film studios. Co-founded by legendary anime director Hayao Miyazaki, the studio has created some of the best anime films of all time, one of which is Spirited Away – which Hayao Miyazaki directed. 

Spirited Away is about a journey into the spirit world following the young Chihiro. Taking place in Japan, we follow the little girl, who happens to be moving to a new neighborhood with her family. When her parents decide to take a shortcut to their new home and explore what looks to be an abandoned amusement park, Chihiro is forced to go along. However, there's magic everywhere, and her mom and dad turn into pigs against their will for eating a gluttonous feast. For her to get them back, she must work for the spirits in the bathhouse, so they can return to the human world. 

The premise itself sounds like a lot at first, but it's become Studio Ghibli’s – and Hayao Miyazaki's – highest-grossing film. It’s also the only anime film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and the only hand-drawn film (so far) to accomplish the task. The movie features themes about love and learning to grow up and be brave. It's the perfect gateway movie into the anime film – indeed, one of the best movies of the 2000s. 

• A Spirited Away Quote To Remember: “I don't need any help; this place is full of soot.” (Kamaji)

14. The Prestige (2006)

The Prestige is a battle of wills between two talented and irreparably flawed magicians, who can’t stay out of each other’s lives. Their differing roles in a shared tragedy push them apart and then repeatedly back together, as their initial determination to succeed steadily gives way to an obsession for vengeance. That obsession drives them to sacrifice and abandon everything healthy about their lives until they’re each left with only a singular drive to sabotage the other.

Based on that description, The Prestige sounds like a really dark movie. In many ways, it is, but in director Christopher Nolan’s hands, it’s also often really fun. It has a sense of wonder and mystery about it, as it not only dives into the idiosyncrasies of magic but also the exciting possibilities of science in the 1890s and early 1900s. It was a time and place in which anything felt possible, and you really feel that hopeful uncertainty thanks to a timeline that jumps to and fro and fantastic performances from Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall and a perfectly cast David Bowie as Nikola Tesla. Like a great magic trick, the first time you watch The Prestige, you’re fascinated by the spectacle and simply along for the ride. Then every time you rewatch it afterwards, you’re blown away by all the subtle skill required to pull it off.

• A The Prestige Quote To Remember: “Nobody cares about the man in the box.” (Robert Angier)

13. There Will Be Blood (2007)

Looking back, 2007 was one of the best movie years in recent memory, considering classics like No Country For Old Men, Zodiac, and Superbad all premiered on the big screen. But one of the biggest, baddest, and most arresting of those releases was Paul Thomas Anderson’s There Will Be Blood. An epic period drama about oilman Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis) doing everything in his power and stepping on anyone in his way in his quest for wealth in the early 20th-century oil boom, the movie is a deep and vast exploration of a man’s psyche and desire to become the biggest player in the game.

While Day-Lewis’s performance is tremendous and more than deserving of the Oscar he received, it’s made even better thanks to his character’s conflict with Eli Sunday (Paul Dano), a religious zealot who is just as tenacious and hungry for power as his counterpart. Several of the movie’s most iconic scenes (like the oil-town baptism and shocking ending sequence) are the result of the actor’s tremendous chemistry and ability to play off each other’s words. The pair, who get along like oil and holy water, create a dynamic that’s not quite a battle between good and evil, but instead something much deeper than that, which adds another level to this incredible cinematic achievement.

• A There Will Be Blood Quote To Remember: “You're an orphan from a basket in the middle of the desert, and I took you for no other reason than I needed a sweet face to buy land.” (Daniel)

12. In Bruges (2008)

Prior to 2008, Martin McDonagh was established as a talented and popular playwright, but he had ambitions to make his way into movies. In 2004, he directed the incredible short film Six Shooter (which won an Academy Award), and then he moved to features. He made his debut with In Bruges, and anyone who saw it instantly recognized McDonagh’s potential to become one of the best filmmakers working today (potential he has made good on with the genius of Seven Psychopaths, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and The Banshees of Inisherin).

In Bruges takes a high concept premise – two hitman hide out in Belgium waiting for instructions after a job goes bad – and weaves a remarkable meditation on life and death. It’s a dark comedy (and a hilarious one at that), but it has a beautiful blend of tones that radiate from the genius work of stars Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes. Farrell and Gleeson have a unique chemistry that works on both comedic and dramatic levels (it’s far from a mystery why McDonagh reunited them for The Banshees of Inisherin) and the bizarrely rage and logic-filled energy that Fiennes brings in the third act is icing on the cake.

• An In Bruges Quote To Remember: “I kinda like hearing people having sex. Means at least somebody around here's happy.” (Ray)

11. Almost Famous (2000)

If a 15-year-old going on tour with a raucous rock band wasn’t enough of a hook, Almost Famous also happens to have one of the most memorable posters/ DVD box covers of all time. It focuses on the enigmatic Penny Lane, the heroine of Cameron Crowe’s film, whom everyone loves to love and admire and most don’t bother to understand. With distinct shades and tendrils of blonde hair, she draws you into her world of Humble Pie and heartbreak, and in between commentary on what made the ’70s the ’70s and a slick soundtrack including Led Zeppelin, The Who and of course Elton John, she helps turn the film into one of the best of the 2000s.

It’s a career-defining performance for Kate Hudson, and she’s not the only one who delivers. Jason Lee grows a mustache and long hair to fall into his hilarious lead singer role while Billy Crudup is similarly unrecognizable as the talented and moody Russell Hammond. Patrick Fugit plays William Miller, younger than most but wiser than some, and he finds a terrific foil in Philip Seymour Hoffman, who plays famed music writer Lester Bangs. Throw in great work from Frances McDormand, Zooey Deschanel and even Jimmy Fallon and it’s a masterclass of terrific performances. If it’s been a while since you’ve revisited the movie, maybe throw on some purple-tinted sunglasses and kick back to the tune of Simon & Garfunkel’s “America.” Settle in, you’re almost home.

• An Almost Famous Quote To Remember: “If you never take it seriously, you never get hurt. If you never get hurt, you always have fun. And if you ever get lonely, you just go to the record store and visit your friends.” (Penny Lane)

10. No Country For Old Men (2007)

No matter what kind of film genre is up for discussion, the power and breadth of the Coen Brothers' filmography is worthy of inclusion, and they don't make 'em much better than 2007's No Country for Old Men. An adaptation of Carmac McCarthy’s 2005 novel that’s every bit as faithful as it is chilling, the film meticulously dips its toes most heavily into the cinematic waters of crime thrillers and westerns. That said, Javier Bardem’s unflinching hitman, Anton Chigurh, would be at home in any horror narrative, with his Two-Face-esque coin flips and an unstoppable drive that rivals Jason Voorhees or Michael Meyers. At least if a big ol’ stack of cash was also their end goal.

Despite being one of Joel and Ethan Coen’s driest films regarding their signature screwball humor, the movie is an exercise in tension that thrives on its lack of levity, though it’s hard not to smile whenever Woody Harrelson is on the screen in any capacity. With a stellar cast including Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt and more, No Country for Old Men is, to date, the only Coen brothers masterpiece to win them the Oscars for Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Picture, with Bardem taking the gold for Best Supporting Actor. It’s not the awards that best signify its impact, however, but the bolt pistol gripped in Chigurh’s ever-steady hand.

• A No Country For Old Men Quote To Remember: “Well all the time ya spend trying to get back what's been took from ya, more is going out the door. After a while you just have to try to get a tourniquet on it.” (Ellis)

9. Memento (2000)

Talk about a movie that you definitely need to watch without your phone in your hand. Christopher Nolan’s Memento is a mind-bending combination of different angles that demands and deserves your entire attention. The story is told backward, broken up by clips of a black and white, forward-moving montage of a mysterious one-sided phone call in a hotel, led by Guy Pearce, whose character Leonard, also happens to have anterograde (or short-term) amnesia, stopping our protagonist from creating new memories as he looks for his wife’s killer, who also gave him this debilitating injury.

As mentioned, Nolan basically begins at the end and works his way back, for the most part. The juxtaposition of the timelines bring the audience into the obvious confusion that Leonard lives with every day. "Even if you get revenge, you're not going to remember it," he's told by his new friend Teddy (played by Joe Pantoliano) but his reply shows just how far his love and determination will go, stating "My wife deserves revenge whether or not I remember it."  Toss in Natalie (Carrie-Anne Moss) to add some confusing sympathy (or treachery) and you will probably want a second viewing just to wrap your mind around what you might have initially dismissed as unimportant plot points from this Nolan classic. You’ll notice that Nolan has popped up numerous times on this list (and rightfully so) and he has also once again recently hit it out of the park with 2023’s Oppenheimer.  

• A Memento Quote To Remember: “So you lie to yourself to be happy. There’s nothing wrong with that. We all do it.” (Teddy G.)

8. Wall-E (2008)

Do you know who is a genius? Sound designer Ben Burtt. You might not know his name, but you certainly know the movies he contributed to over the years, including Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and 2009’s Star Trek. Burtt designed the “vocals” for R2-D2, Darth Vader’s heavy breathing, and the “voice” of E.T. But, his work truly soared when he lent dialogue to the adorable Waste Allocation Load Lifter assigned to an abandoned Earth. MIraculously, the first half of Pixar’s ingenious WALL-E works as a silent film, following our main character as it goes about its daily routine with a pet cockroach in tow. WALL-E’s life is upended when another robot named EVE arrives, searching for any sign of life. 

From there, the fate of humanity starts to be revealed, and it’s rather grim. Director Andrew Stanton’s animation for the film ranks as some of Pixar’s most magnificent, embracing the scorched orange of a deserted Earth and then painting with vivid colors for WALL-E’s eventual outer-space adventure. The environmental messages of the film are important without ever being preachy. And, the eventual romance felt and shared by WALL-E and EVE will lift every single heart, with the lovers sharing hardly any words. 

• A Wall-E Quote To Remember: “I see the ship's log is showing that today is the 700th anniversary of our five year cruise. Well, I'm sure our forefathers would be proud to know that 700 years later we'd be... doing the exact same thing they were doing.” (Captain B. McCrea)

7. The Departed (2006)

There are crime films and then there are Martin Scorsese crime films, and when it comes to The Departed, the director doesn’t let us down. A remake of the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs, the 2006 movie gives us a range of characters to root for, root against or simply watch just to see what they’ll do or say next. That includes Leonardo DiCaprio’s undercover cop character Billy Costigan, Matt Damon’s sneaky, spying Colin Sullivan, Jack Nicholson’s mob boss character Frank Costello, and Vera Farmiga’s well-meaning therapist Dr. Madolyn Madden. To say that things get complicated might be understating it, but it’s the complexity of the characters and their roles in this story that makes The Departed such a fantastic and gripping movie from beginning to end. 

In a way, it’s all business for everyone involved, but it’s also personal for each character on some level or another. It’s impossible not to feel anxious for DiCaprio’s character as he attempts to navigate the criminal world without being caught for who he really is, just as it’s impossible not to grow increasingly frustrated by Matt Damon’s character for posing as an upstanding law enforcer who’s actually up to no good. It’s thrilling, stressful, riveting and ultimately satisfying, and that’s not even factoring in Mark Wahlberg’s character every time he has something to say (that’s just a bonus). 

• A The Departed Quote To Remember: “You know what I like about restaurants? . . . You can learn a lot, watching things eat.” (Frank Costello)

6. Best In Show (2000)

Nobody does mockumentaries like Christopher Guest, and 2000’s Best in Show is an absolute masterclass. The mundane musings of everyday conversation combine with outlandish characters and awkward situations to deliver one of the best movies of the decade. The dog show is the event that brings these unique and individually brilliant characters under one roof, but it’s no Maguffin. As bonkers as each dog-lover’s trip is to get to the show, everything is turned up to 11, if you will, when they all come together, and the event itself is perfectly colored by Fred Willard’s commentary.

There’s a reason this phenomenal cast has stuck together to appear in other projects. The chemistry between Eugene Levy’s Gerry and Catherine O’Hara’s Cookie (with her “hundreds” of boyfriends) left people begging for more, which they got in A Mighty Wind. Jennifer Coolidge was excellent in her attempts to substantiate her marriage to her ancient sugar daddy husband by saying they bonded over a love of soup and the ability to “not talk or talk forever.” The genius casting of John Michael Higgins and Michael McKean gave audiences the married couple they never knew they needed. 

Best in Show exploits the banal in some situations while heightening reality in others, to where Harlan Pepper naming nuts and the couple describing how they met at Starbucks (but two different Starbucks) land laughs just as hard as Gerry’s literal two left feet or Cookie walking with her knee out of socket.

• A Best In Show Quote To Remember: “Why don’t they put the bloodhound — put on one of those Sherlock Holmes hats and put a little pipe in his mouth? Are they ever allowed to do anything like that? Dress up the dog in a funny way? It would really get the crowd going. You know what I mean? The Sherlock Holmes hat with a pipe. I don’t know if you could make it look like smoke is coming out of the pipe.” (Buck Laughlin)

5. Zodiac (2007)

David Fincher’s greatest accomplishment, and that’s saying a lot. The director has spent countless hours analyzing the compulsion that drives people to seek the truth – be it lawyers parsing through statements to figure out who invented Facebook (The Social Network), or detectives tracking a serial killer who is inspired by the Seven Deadly Sins (Seven). But Zodiac is Fincher’s magnum opus, an engrossing true-crime thriller based on the books of Robert Graysmith tracking the diligent work of three men consumed by the search for the identity of the Zodiac Killer. 

Jake Gyllanhaal serves as the ideal audience surrogate, a puzzle designer for the San Francisco Chronicle who gets swept up in the mystery of the serial killer, who antagonized the police and the media as he committed vicious murders around San Francisco in the 1970s, Fincher painstakingly recreates the time period with breathtaking visuals and top-notch costuming and set design. His emphasis on the bustle of a newsroom is particularly spot on. The film also lingers in the haze of fear, anxiety, and suspense that comes from a killer on the loose. But it’s the supporting roles of Robert Downey Jr. and Mark Ruffalo, as well as an inability to truly deliver a concrete ending, that makes Zodiac such a rewatchable movie, and a captivating masterpiece.

• A Zodiac Quote To Remember: “I am not the Zodiac. And if I was, I certainly wouldn't tell you.” (Arthur Leigh Allen)

4. Mean Girls (2004)

From wearing pink on Wednesdays to shouting “You go Glen Coco” it’s undeniable that Mean Girls has seriously influenced pop culture over the last (almost) two decades. So, “get in loser,” it’s time to appreciate this beloved coming-of-age comedy from Tina Fey.

This movie is a classic teenage tale about a girl who moves from Africa to the United States where she experiences the rude awakening that is high school by way of The Plastics. While it’s your typical coming-of-age story, it’s infused with the signature sense of humor from Fey – who was in the midst of her legendary run at Saturday Night Live – and it shows the high school experience in a totally unique way with a cast of characters played by actors who have since become icons. 

Not only did the film solidify Lindsay Lohan as an early 2000s star, it also simultaneously jumpstarted the careers of many in the Mean Girls cast, including little known actresses like Rachel McAdams and Amanda Seyfried. On top of that, its legacy has lived on, as it was adapted into a Broadway musical, and is eventually coming back to the screen with an adaptation of said stage production. To say this film is a quintessential 2000s classic almost feels like an understatement because of the lasting impact it has managed to have on people of all ages since its release in 2004. 

• A Mean Girls Quote To Remember: "She doesn't even go here!" (Damian)

3. Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)

You could argue that Jim Carrey makes much better dramatic movies than he does comedic features. And that opinion is coming from someone who adores Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, as well as Dumb & Dumber. But when you factor in the dramatic detours he embarked on for The Truman Show, Man on the Moon, and this incredible romance, you begin to wonder how many Oscars Carrey might have if he got the industry to treat him seriously, instead of talking out of his ass (literally). 

Carrey and Kate Winslet are magnificent as Joel and Clementine, two soul mates who undergo a radical procedure to have their memories of each other erased after a bitter argument. Only screenwriter Charlie Kaufman (Being John Malkovich, Adaptation) could keep such a twisty premise from flying off the rails. And while the side-mission actions of the memory technicians can get a little silly, we remain wholly invested in Joel and Clementine’s complicated journey because of the heartbroken and beautiful chemistry shared between Carrey and Winslet. It’s a real challenge presented to these stars, as we’re not supposed to know whether Joel and Clementine are better off together or apart. But the satisfying resolution says as much about fate as it does about the existence of true love, so long as we remember how and when to look for it.

• An Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind Quote To Remember: “Constantly talking isn’t necessarily communicating.” (Joel Barish)

2. The Dark Knight (2008)

It’s been said before, but it’ll be said again – The Dark Knight is one of the greatest superhero films (and one of the greatest movies) ever made. Christopher Nolan’s ambition as a filmmaker has been well-noted, but even he outdid himself with his 2008 follow-up to 2005’s Batman Begins. The second chapter in the journey of Christian Bale’s Bruce Wayne sees the iconic DC Comics hero going up against the dangerous and unpredictable Joker. All the while, the Caped Crusader and his allies must also contend with mob bosses and Harvey Dent, Gotham City’s honorable district attorney who becomes the deformed Two-Face.

Where does one even start when it comes to singing this movie’s praises? There’s the impeccable screenplay, massive set pieces, engrossing score and much more. Yet I suppose what stands out the most are the performances, especially that of the late Heath Ledger. The actor, who posthumously won an Oscar for his work, fully committed to his role as the Clown Prince of Crime and is absolutely mesmerizing. His villainous turn is just one of the many reasons why Nolan’s film is a thrilling and compelling piece of work that’s still incredibly entertaining now, over a decade later.

• A The Dark Knight Quote To Remember: “Do I really look like a guy with a plan? You know what I am? I'm a dog chasing cars. I wouldn't know what to do with one if I caught it! You know, I just...do things.” (The Joker)

1. City Of God (2002)

Making its Brazil and festival run in 2002 and eventually hitting theaters in the U.S. and elsewhere  in the year that followed, Fernando Meirelles’ City of God, based on Paulo Lins’ semi-autobiographical novel of the same name, served as an inflection point in the world of cinema and served as a preview of what the the next few years would look like. Told through the eyes of young photographer Rocket (Alexandre Rodrigues), the movie explores the life of street kids in the Cidade de Deus (City of God) favela in Rio de Janeiro, an expansive slum filled with endless supplies of drugs, ruthless gangsters, and corrupt cops who allow the madness to continue. One of the most violent movies of the 2000s, City of God is a lesson in brutality, especially whenever depicting the exploits of Li’l Dice (Douglas Silva), a ruthless and sociopathic young criminal who stops at nothing in his quest for complete control. Oddly enough, the older version of the character known as Li’l Ze (Leandro Firmino) never comes off as cold blooded as his younger self, which further illustrates the movie’s point about youth and violence. 

At the same time, City of God is also one of the most beautiful movies of the 2000s, and not just on an aesthetic level (though César Charlone’s cinematography is out of this world). The endearing spirit of those who wish to escape a life of crime, ranging from Rocket to the ill-fated drug dealer Benny (Phellipe Haagensen), adds a level of heart and soul one may not expect from a two-hour crime drama about young criminals with short fuses and, in many cases, tragically  shorter lifespans. 

• A City Of God Quote To Remember: “You need more than guts to be a good gangster; you need ideas.” (Rocket)

How we put this list together

Using a combination of internal recommendations and other best of lists, we compiled a spreadsheet of all the movies from the 2000s that we considered to be culturally relevant and/or critically well-reviewed. We pushed together some multi-part movies like Kill Bill and Lord Of The Rings and then had our staff of almost 30 go through and assign a score for each movie they’ve seen based on their own personal opinions. We disqualified any movies that didn’t get a minimum number of ratings and dropped the lowest score for each, as if we were judging a figure skating competition. We then ordered the top 100 based on average score and had someone who gave that movie a particularly high score write up a paragraph explaining what’s so great about it. This rigorous scientific process resulted in Idiocracy being slotted at 101, an omission I’m still furious about.

Before he fought Jason Momoa’s Arthur Curry as Orm, a.k.a. Ocean Master, in Aquaman, Patrick Wilson left his stamp on the superhero movie genre through Watchmen, where he played Dan Dreiberg, the second Nite Owl. Although Zack Snyder’s adaptation of the same-named comic book miniseries by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons was met with polarizing critical reception, it’s grown a sizable fanbase over the years, and Wilson looks back on that chapter of his career fondly. This is evidenced by the actor sharing some emotional thoughts he had about Watchmen after recently rewatching it.

While promoting Insidious: The Red Door, which sees him both reprising Josh Lambert and making his directorial debut, Wilson spent some time on the ReelBlend podcast talking about Watchmen with CinemaBlend’s own Sean O’Connell and fellow host Jake Hamilton. After Hamilton gave his opinion that the 2009 movie was “too brilliant for its time” and “came out a couple of years too early,” he asked Wilson if he thought Watchmen might perform or be received differently if it came out today, and here’s what the actor/filmmaker said:

With Patrick Wilson apparently being the kind of actor who doesn’t fully rewatch his own movies after they premiere, for him to dedicate time to going through Watchmen from start to finish is high praise. Part of that might have simply been because his son was interested in checking the movie out, but as Wilson explained, he’s still impressed nearly a decade and a half later by how well Watchmen turned out. Not only that, but following along Jake Hamilton’s train of thought, he does think Zack Snyder was ahead of his time, particularly with the visual side of things. Maybe there will come a day when Wilson decide another round with the movie, which saw him starring alongside people like Malin Åkerman, Billy Crudup, Jackie Earle Haley, Matthew Goode and Jeffrey Dean Morgan.

Although the superhero movie genre was certainly pretty popular when Watchmen came out, with movies like Iron Man and The Dark Knight having come out the year prior, the MCU was a ways off from becoming the pop culture mainstay it is today, and Man of Steel, another Zack Snyder feature, was still years off from launching the DCEU. On top of that though, Watchmen was fighting an uphill battle by being rated R rather than the traditional PG-13, and it certainly doesn’t follow the standard formula we’ve come to expect from superhero movies. Along with the mixed critical reception, it only made around $185.4 million worldwide. So while not a box office splash, at least its not lacking for supporters, which includes Patrick Wilson. You can watch his full ReelBlend interview below.

If you’re interested streaming Watchmen after reading this story, it can be easily accessed with a Max subscription, which is also how you can view HBO’s Watchmen series, although that serves as a follow-up to the original comic rather than the movie. Those of you interested in seeing how Patrick Wilson fared as a first-time director can see his work in Insidious: The Red Door on display in theaters now as one of the latest 2023 new movie releases.

In this golden age of television, there are so many amazing shows out there, from huge fantasy series like Game of Thrones to the greatest dramas ever, like Breaking Bad. And, today, I’m going to focus on some fantastic shows that are all led by talented Black actors and actresses. 

I’m talking classics like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, to some of the latest and greatest, such as Atlanta. If you’re looking for some amazing TV shows led by Black actors, be sure to check out this list, as all of this will surely entertain you for plenty of hours. 

Insecure 

First up, we have the HBO original series, Insecure. Starring Issa Rae, Insecure is a modern day comedy, following two young Black women through their every-day triumphs and tribulations, from trying to find a new job to relationships of all types, and to heavier topics such as race. 

Insecure is honestly such a great series. From the first moment I watched it, I was captivated so much by Issa Rae’s performance that I was looking forward to whatever Rae had coming up next. The show offers hilarious moments and heartfelt/serious topics that truly make it one of the best comedies on TV in a long time. The show ended in 2021 with five great seasons to watch, so be sure to check it out.

Stream Insecure on HBO Max.

Abbott Elementary 

One of the most recent entries on this list is Abbott Elementary. Filmed in a mockumentary style, this comedy series is set in Philadelphia and follows a group of teachers who work in an underfunded school , where it’s rare that a teacher ends up staying for more than a year. However, these certain teachers are trying to really change the game, and make the lives of their students that much easier and give them a proper education. 

The series actually won several awards at the 2022 Primetime Emmys, and features several amazing performances that are certainly deserving of every award they have won. What really makes Abbot Elementary stand out amongst the rest is its writing, because it is so funny – which is proven even more since Quinta Brunson, one of the stars of the series, also won an Emmy for her writing for the show. 

Stream Abbott Elementary on Hulu.

Diff’rent Strokes

“Whatcha’ talkin’ ‘bout, Willis?”

I’m sure at some point in your life you have heard that phrase - Diff’rent Strokes is actually where it’s from! This iconic sitcom series follows a Manhattan family who has plenty of wealth, but when their African-American housekeeper passes away, they decide to adopt her children. 

The series, which ran for eight seasons, was a huge success and had fans tuning in constantly. While it was primarily a comedy, Diff’rent Strokes wasn’t afraid to dive deep into some serious topics with special episodes often centered things like racism, drug use, sexual abuse, and more. The series made Gary Coleman a household name, and is one that surely can’t be missed. 

Stream Diff’rent Strokes on Tubi.

Black-ish (And It’s Spinoffs)

If you want to talk about a very popular recent series, check out black-ish. This show, starring Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross, follows an upper-class African-American family through their personal lives and the trials they face as African-Americans - but with more than enough funny situations. 

While I’m definitely okay with shows ending, I’m always going to be sad that black-ish ended with Season 8. There’s just something about this family that makes it feel so homey, from watching the children grow up and move on to their own lives, to learning to deal with the outside world. There are two spin-off series that should be watched, mixed-ish and grown-ish, each having their own stories that overlap with the mother show, but the original is the best in my eyes. 

Stream Black-ish on Hulu.

Them 

If you want a horror show featuring Black-led actors, be sure to check out Them. This Amazon Prime original follows a Black family in 1953 as they move from North Carolina to a predominantly white neighborhood in Los Angeles. But as time goes on, the dark secrets of their new home start to reveal themselves, both from behind closed doors and from their mysterious neighbors. 

Whatever you think this series is going to be about, subvert those expectations, because I can assure you, you are going to be shocked at the twists and turns that occur. The Them cast is astoundingly great and the set design is also really well-done. It’s certainly one of the best horror shows on Amazon, and one you should check out. 

Stream Them on Amazon Prime. 

The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air

“In West Philadelphia, born and raised.”

You know the rest of the song. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air follows Will, a kid from Philadelphia who gets into a fight, and his mama got scared, so she sent him off to Bel-Air to live with his uncle so he could get straightened out. Of course, Will causes hijinks wherever he goes. 

Man, I grew up on this show. I still remember getting up at the ass-crack of dawn before school so I could see reruns before I’d have to run to the bus, because I loved watching Will Smith, Alfonso Ribeiro and everyone else rock their roles in this show. From the jokes and relationships, to even Will's character development over six seasons, it was stellar. With the dramatic reimagining, Bel-Air, on Peacock, which is getting a Season 2, now is the best time to re-watch the original to get a sense for these characters. 

Stream The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air on HBO Max.

Atlanta  

Now, this is a great one. Atlanta, created by and starring Donald Glover, features the story of Earn, a young Black man who is trying to pave his own path in life through helping out his cousin, Alfred, in the music business, all while trying to maintain his personal life in the city of Atlanta. 

Atlanta is a brilliant dramedy, and honestly one of FX’s best shows. Its take on comedy is subtle but hilarious, and it has some truly amazing episodes that challenge how you view the world, and what people go through. The series is ending after Season 4, which has premiered, so be sure to check it out. It’s certainly one of the best Black-led TV shows on right now. 

Stream Atlanta on Hulu.

Lovecraft Country

In this HBO original, Lovecraft Country is based on the novel of the same name, and takes place in a town that is inhabited by creatures that were famously in the novels of famous sci-fi horror writer, H.P. Lovecraft. Enter Atticus Freeman, a young Black man who is traveling across the United States in the 1950s in search of his father, and this in turn leads him to face said monsters and have to find a way out of these horrors alive. 

I am never going to forgive HBO for canceling this show after one season. They could give me all the House of the Dragons seasons I want or make me excited even more for The Last of Us series coming out in 2023, but it was an atrocity that this beautiful show was canceled. It had a stellar cast, and some freaking amazing visual effects that made the monsters look real and terrifying. It should have at least gotten a Season 2. I’m going to remain bitter about it for the rest of my days – you have to check this out. 

Stream Lovecraft Country on HBO Max.

Living Single 

Another classic Black-led sitcom, Living Single, takes place in Brooklyn, New York, and follows the lives of male and female roommates as they grow through their careers, goals, and most importantly, relationships, creating craziness along the way. 

Living Single aired for five seasons, where viewers enjoyed the comedic adventures of the characters. Queen Latifah starred in Living Single, and it really set her career off, showing just how funny she is. Also, the opening theme for this show is a bop and a half. Just pump that into my veins for some instant serotonin. 

Stream Living Single on Hulu.

Family Matters 

“Did I do that?” is the classic phrase uttered by Steve Urkel, a famous character from Family Matters. This hit sitcom ran from 1989-1998, and follows the Winslows, a pretty normal family that often gets dragged into crazy adventures, usually at the hand of Urkel himself, their next-door neighbor. 

While I would spend mornings watching The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, I’d spend the evenings watching Family Matters, and to be honest, I love this show just as much. While I do love the family, there’s just something about Urkel that speaks volumes to me. He’s a smart kid with crazy inventions, but at the end of the day, even if he can be a little bit annoying, all he wants is friendship and companionship, and he evolves over time. It also helps that he’s freaking hilarious. 

Stream Family Matters on HBO Max.

Sister, Sister

You want to talk about a classic 1990s show, this is for sure one of them. Sister, Sister stars real-life twins, Tia and Tamera Mowry. For years, neither of them knew the other existed, until they are suddenly reunited in their teenage years, and try to make up for lost time. 

While Sister, Sister was also before my time, I gave the show a try because I love the Mowry sisters in the Twitches series on Disney Channel. Once I watched it, I understood why these two became such big stars. Their chemistry is unbeatable and there’s always something you have to love about sisters learning to live with each other and grow as humans. 

Stream Sister, Sister on Netflix.

The Underground Railroad

Next up, we have the Amazon original series, The Underground Railroad. In this brilliant story based on the real-life Underground Railroad, this show asks, “what if the Underground Railroad was an actual railroad instead of just a series of safe houses, routes and helpful humans?” This is what happens when our main character, Cora, decides to hop on this train that is supposed to free her from the chains of slavery. 

While this isn’t a long-running series and is a miniseries, this show is just outstanding. While it tells a compelling fantasy story about a fictional railroad, it also pays tribute to all the struggles that slaves had to go through back then just to obtain their freedom, and does it in a brilliant way. Thuso Mbedu, who was a part of the The Woman King cast in 2022, is amazing in her lead role, and knocks it out of the park. 

Stream The Underground Railroad on Amazon Prime.

Watchmen 

Starring Regina King, Watchmen is a brilliant HBO series based on the comic of the same name. The show is set in an alternate universe where white supremacy is even more rampant in America, and now, it’s up to vigilantes and other heroes to somehow stop the crime that is rapidly spreading across Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

While Watchmen doesn’t look like it’ll be getting a Season 2 anytime soon, it’s such a fantastic series. Nominated for several Primetime Emmy Awards, Watchmen deserves every ounce of praise it has gotten, from its story to its character design to its acting, specifically Regina King in the lead role. Every amazing episode is so carefully crafted that you’ll be wanting more. 

Stream Watchmen on HBO Max.

Key & Peele

If you want an amazing sketch comedy show, check out Key & Peele. This Comedy Central series, starring Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, follows these two hilarious actors through several different iconic sketches, all of which will surely make you laugh. 

It’s always funny for me to revisit this show, as these two have truly taken off since it premiered. Key has expanded his movie and TV catalogue and Peele has gone on to write and direct some amazing movies and TV shows, with his most recent 2022 release, Nope, receiving critical acclaim. However, I always like to return to this show, because they truly were one of the best comedy pairings out there, and you’ll definitely be holding your side from laughing after watching one episode. 

Stream Key & Peele on Hulu.

All American 

Next up, we have All American, a popular CW show that just wrapped up its fourth season. In this series, a premiere football player is recruited to play for Beverly Hills high, and he not only has to prove himself on the field, but to everyone who thinks he isn’t worth the effort. 

As someone who loves football and a great fish out of water story, All American has everything you could want, from a serious storyline that dives into high school and societal issues, to thrilling sports sequences that make you feel like you’re watching a real-life football game. The show isn’t for everyone, but I think it’s worth a shot. The fifth season for the show is set to come out in October 2022, so now is the time to watch it.

Stream All American on Netflix.

How To Get Away With Murder

If you want a thriller that will have you putting on your thinking caps, you need to check out How To Get Away With Murder. Starring Viola Davis, this iconic series follows a group of law students, as well as their professor, who end up getting caught up in a murder investigation. But as more secrets are revealed, their lives get turned upside down even more. 

Let me start off by saying that Viola Davis is extraordinary in this role – which makes sense considering she won an Emmy Award for her performance in the show. While she’s only gotten more popular, I love her in this role and wish they had continued on with it, but it was smart to end it after six seasons. 

Stream How To Get Away With Murder on Netflix.

Everybody Hates Chris

Everybody Hates Chris is a sitcom that is based on the life of comedian and actor Chris Rock and his life as a teenager in the 1980s in New York, chronicling how he feels that “everybody” hates him, and trying to survive in his crazy family. 

While the show didn’t run for super long compared to some of the others on this list - it only ran from 2005-2009 - I have a special place in my heart for Everybody Hates Chris, and that’s mainly because of the great acting from Tyler James Williams. While he’s gone on to do other impressive things, I loved him in this show and sitcom is truly where he shines. Now, if a reunion happened, then I’d be a happy camper. 

Stream Everybody Hates Chris on Peacock.

Empire 

Last but not least, we have Empire. This popular drama starring Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, and plenty of other amazing talent, is centered around Empire Entertainment, a fictional music company where the main players are constantly up in arms about who is going to control it, and how one man’s decision is going to change the face of the company forever. 

Empire was a huge success for Fox, receiving plenty of praise for its acting, soundtrack, and amazing story. Running for six seasons and 102 episodes, Empire captured the hearts of the audience and left them wanting more after every episode. 

Stream Empire on Hulu.

There are many more amazing shows other than these, but hopefully if you’re looking for some brilliant Black-led television shows, you now know where to start. 

For the second year in a row, Jean Smart has claimed her crown as the most outstanding leading actress in a comedy series.

Despite going up against steep competition, the Hacks actor was awarded her fifth Emmy (and twelfth nomination) during the award ceremony on September 12.

Hacks is one of HBO Max's best shows, and stand-up comedy legend Deborah Vance will certainly go down in history as one of Smart’s most iconic roles—but she’s actually been one of the best actors on TV since the '80s. From Designing Women to Mare of Easttown, we’re breaking down the most memorable roles from her career.

Designing Women (1986-1991)

The role that put Jean Smart on the map was that of Charlene Frazier on the CBS sitcom, Designing Women. The series followed a group of women working at an Atlanta design firm, with her portraying the ditzy but sweet office manager. The naive, good-natured woman is definitely a far cry from Deborah Vance—you might not even recognize her on the show if it weren’t for the fact that she’s barely aged in 40 years.

Smart left the series after the fifth season, but not before helping to establish Designing Women as one of the smartest (no pun intended) comedies of the time.

Stream Designing Women on Hulu.
Buy Designing Women on DVD on Amazon.

Frasier (1999-2001)

Prior to Hacks, one of Smart’s most critically acclaimed roles was a guest spot on the NBC sitcom, Frasier.

She played the role of Lana Gardner, an attractive and charismatic woman who upends Frasier’s clean-cut life with her aggressive, uninhibited personality. After their first night together, she is seen smoking cigarettes in Frasier’s bed and chasing aspirin with a glass of red wine while yelling at her sons over the phone.

Lana is a lot more reminiscent of the Jean Smart we know from Hacks: brash, unapologetic, and ridiculously funny. While Frasier and Lana clearly weren’t a match romantically, the writers brought her back during the next several seasons as a recurring character—leading to two back-to-back Emmy wins for outstanding guest actress in a comedy series.

Stream Frasier on Hulu.
Buy Frasier on DVD on Amazon.

Sweet Home Alabama (2002)

Shortly after her work on Frasier, the frequently funny lady was cast as Stella Kay in the romantic comedy, Sweet Home Alabama, portraying Reese Witherspoon’s mother-in-law.

I have to hand it to the costume and hair styling team—Jean Smart is a perfect southern belle in this now classic, with her perfect ringlet curls and deep south accent. Even though her family is portrayed as a little bit rough around the edges, Stella Kay has that southern charm that radiates whether she’s in a trailer or at a wedding reception.

This movie was a huge step for Jean Smart’s foray into film. While her role wasn’t as much in the spotlight as Witherspoon’s obviously was, the film went on to be a big box office hit.

Stream Sweet Home Alabama on Disney+.
Rent/buy Sweet Home Alabama on Amazon.

24 (2006-2007)

Her next Emmy nominations came when she held a particularly important guest role on the Fox action drama, 24, a show famous for portraying only one day per season, with each episode playing out as an hour-long look at real-time events. Smart played the intense and mentally unstable first lady, Martha Logan.

The first lady only appeared in 24 episodes of the series' nine-season run, but her performance was enough to warrant two back-to-back Emmy nominations for outstanding supporting actress in a drama series and outstanding guest actress in a drama series.

She gave a perfect performance as a first lady who is more capable than her husband, but is plagued by her own mental health issues. Smart is strong and witty as ever in this role, and it’s one you can’t miss if you’re a fan of the actress.

Stream 24 on Hulu.
Stream 24 on Amazon with Freevee.

Samantha Who? (2007-2009)

Continuing her run of Emmy nominations, Smart played Regina on the ABC sitcom, Samantha Who?. Starring Christina Applegate,  the comedy was the story of a woman who suffers amnesia after a car accident, only to find out that she may not have been a very good person in her “old” life.

While the series had a rocky sophomore season, Smart was consistently funny as Samantha’s overbearing mother.

Stream Samantha Who? on Hulu.
Buy Samantha Who? on Amazon.

Fargo (2015)

Yet another powerhouse role appeared for Smart in the FX anthology series Fargo, where she played Floyd Gerhardt, the wife of an organized crime boss who must take over her husband’s business after he suffers a stroke. While dealing with her power-hungry sons, all of whom think they can run the business better than their mother, Floyd asserts herself as a mob boss who shouldn’t be messed with.

You might be sensing a theme here—Jean Smart has a knack for playing women who are far more cunning than the men around her.

Stream Fargo on Hulu.
Buy Fargo on Amazon.

Legion (2017-2019)

I love a good therapist role. The power to be calm and pensive while still holding a steady hand is one many actors can’t nail—but of course, Jean Smart continued to flex her acting chops as Dr. Melanie Bird in Legion, an FX show that exists in an alternate reality of the X-Men universe.

Her psychiatric therapist character represents the theme of ongoing healing when dealing with mental illness. The character also represented a departure from the source material, since mutants with mental afflictions have usually only been treated with medicine in past X-Men films and comics.

Stream Legion on Hulu.
Buy Legion on Amazon.

Watchmen (2019)

In the 2019 limited series, Watchmen (based on the graphic novel), Jean Smart played Laurie Juspeczyk. Fans of the lore will recognize that name as the alias of the Silk Spectre, a crime-fighting superhero skilled in hand-to-hand combat.

The actress played a middle-aged version of the character, who’s grown up and has a job as an FBI agent (specifically on the Anti-Vigilante Task Force). Having once been a vigilante herself, that’s a complicated head space to live in.

The creators of the show originally wanted Sigourney Weaver to play Laurie, but Smart got the job after the Aliens star turned it down. No surprise here—the casting choice worked out for the best, and she was again nominated for an Emmy for her portrayal of Laurie.

Stream Watchmen on HBO Max.
Buy Watchmen on Amazon.

Superintelligence (2020)

First the first lady, now the president. Smart played President Monahan in Superintelligence, a 2020 sci-fi/rom-com film starring Melissa McCarthy, as Carol Peters, a former tech executive who accidentally stumbles upon an all-knowing A.I.

This film isn’t necessarily the most critically acclaimed on the list; however, Jean Smart’s character is undoubtedly a bright spot in the movie. If you’re a fan of the actor, it will come as no surprise that she can play a convincing leader of the free world.

Buy Superintelligence on Amazon.

Senior Moment (2021)

Senior Moment is a cute rom-com starring Smart, William Shatner, and Christopher Lloyd. This one is about finding love and finding yourself in the later stages of your life. The main characters must deal with letting go of what no longer serves them (like a Porsche) in order to find happiness.

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill romantic comedy—it’s a one for people who haven’t given up on finding love and fulfillment despite qualifying for senior discounts.

Stream Senior Moment on Hulu.
Buy Senior Moment on DVD on Amazon.

Mare Of Easttown (2021)

The last can’t miss performance on our list is Mare of Easttown, an HBO crime drama about a small-town murder. Smart played Helen, the mother of our titular character, Mare (Kate Winslet). Helen is the matriarch of Mare’s family, but she does things her own way: cynically, and with ice cream hidden in a bag of assorted frozen vegetables.

Smart was praised for her scene-stealing performance in this thought-provoking show, again earning an Emmy nomination for outstanding supporting actress in a limited series. In the words of Vulture’s Jackson McHenry:

Come on, who else could earn an Emmy nom for playing Fruit Ninja?! The very same award season, Smart was additionally nominated for her first Hacks Emmy (which she won).

Stream Mare of Easttown on HBO Max.
Buy Mare of Easttown on Amazon.

Honorable Mentions

Okay, so these picks shouldn’t necessarily be considered Jean Smart’s best performances (since she only lent her voice for them), but they’re some of MY favorites. Nearly 20 years ago, she played neurosurgeon Dr. Possible on the Disney Channel series Kim Possible. However, in my opinion, her best voice acting job is that of the Depression Kitty on Netflix’s Big Mouth. Just look at that cat and tell me you can’t hear Smart’s voice.

Stream Kim Possible on Disney+.
Stream Big Mouth on Netflix.

We might have missed some of your favorites—sorry, Jean Smart has simply done too many great roles to list them all.

Season 3 of Hacks is set to premiere some time in 2023, but we’ll update you with the official release date once it’s announced. Until then, you can rewatch Seasons 1 and 2 of Hacks with an HBO Max subscription.

There are few celebrities that can pull off one name recognition, like Madonna, Beyonce, and Zendaya; on the other end of that spectrum, though, are the maybe even rarer Hollywood icons that pull off that full name glory. That brings us to the one and only Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who has had some absolutely killer (literally) roles over the years, even the ones you may have forgotten about. 

The man has some wild range, from The Walking Dead’s post-apocalyptic juggernaut Negan to Grey’s Anatomy’s lovable and charming Denny. From roles from one end of the Good Guy/Bad Guy spectrum to the other, fans pretty much ever know where Jeffrey Dean Morgan is going to land in a project. We’ve compiled a list of his absolute best movies and TV shows, which makes for pretty much the perfect guide to an amazing Morgan marathon session.

Supernatural (2005 - 2019)

We’re starting off with a perfect example of Jeffrey Dean Morgan blurring the lines of good guy and bad guy as Daddy Winchester in Supernatural. On one hand, Morgan’s character is quite literally fighting to save both his family and the world throughout his time on the CW series. On the other hand, he has completely wrecked his kids in his search for vengeance. 

The whole Supernatural family is kind of a mess, but they all wormed their way into the hearts of a hardcore and loyal fan base. The love for the long-running series has no bounds, even though it concluded over a year ago. This, along with a potential prequel spin-off on the way, gives Supernatural a pretty concrete place on Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s top projects.

Stream Supernatural on Netflix.
Buy Supernatural Digitally on Amazon.

The Walking Dead (2016 - 2022)

Jeffrey Dean Morgan traded his demon hunter journal for his zombie killing bat named Lucille in AMC’s The Walking Dead. Morgan plays oddly lovable (he’s even getting his own spin-off) and obviously vicious villain Negan in the series, and became a mainstay in the long running series after his introduction in Season 6. 

Once pretty much universally hated for the brutal killing of two fan favorite characters, Negan has now become something new on the series. Fans now either still hate him or have a new outlook on the character, but you can’t really deny that Jeffrey Dean Morgan absolutely eats the character up. Negan is only one of the many strong and overall interesting characters in The Walking Dead, so it’s no real surprise it’s making this list. 

Stream The Walking Dead on Netflix.
Stream The Walking Dead Season 11 on AMC+.
Buy The Walking Dead Digitally on Amazon.

Grey’s Anatomy (2006 - 2009)

Like a lot of other Jeffrey Dean Morgan fans, the first time he really stole my (and Izzy’s) heart was as Denny Duquette in Grey’s Anatomy. His storyline was an emotional rollercoaster (and one that changed the actor’s life), which isn’t exactly out of the norm for the Shonda Rhimes series. The series has some serious tearjerker moments, and it’s almost an expectation that tears will fall when you watch it. However, nothing in the show gets me as teary-eyed as Denny Duquette.

Even though Jeffrey Dean Morgan was on the show back near the beginning, Grey’s Anatomy is still going strong on ABC with a Season 19 renewal. It’s one of the most recognizable medical dramas, and has a large viewership. If you haven’t seen it, it’s one you’ve got to check out when you’re up for a good cry.

Stream Grey's Anatomy on Netflix.
Buy/Rent Grey’s Anatomy Digitally on Amazon.

Watchmen (2009)

Before Wonder Woman, The Justice League, and The Army of the Dead, Zach Snyder made a gem of a superhero movie called Watchmen. Watchmen is kind of like if Amazon’s The Boys was made over a decade ago and took itself a lot more seriously. Both superhero projects take a closer look into the person that makes up the superhero and what it really is to be a superhero on a primal level. 

Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s portrayal of Edward Blake AKA Comedian is probably one of his most recognizable roles for any typical millennial who isn’t into The Walking Dead. He’s pretty awesome as the jokester antihero, and was one of the highlights of Watchmen. His performance is one that would do justice to a number of other comic book characters he’d be perfect for.

Buy/Rent Watchmen Digitally on Amazon.
Buy Watchmen on Blu-Ray on Amazon.

The Losers (2010)

Right after his role in Watchmen, Jeffrey Dean Morgan played in another comic book inspired film: The Losers. This film almost feels like another version of The Expendables franchise without all of the big-name action stars, as they have a similar premise. They actually came out the same year, if you don’t count the fact that The Expendables is actually a remake. 

There is loads of action, and a good amount of laughs in the film. Jeffrey Dean Morgan takes on a leadership role in The Losers, which is actually one of the first times we see this from him, and may have even set a precedent for some of the other leadership roles we know from him.

Stream The Losers on HBO Max.
Buy/Rent The Losers Digitally on Amazon.
Buy The Losers on DVD on Amazon.

P.S. I Love You (2007)

So, this is actually a pretty interesting role for Jeffrey Dean Morgan. At this point, he’s already proven that he can win over both his women and male audience, and P.S. I Love You definitely plays into women’s love for his tall, dark, and handsome persona he’s got going on. They also give him an Irish accent, if he isn’t already hunky enough. 

While Gerard Butler plays the main love interest (even though he is technically dead pretty much the whole film), Jeffrey Dean Morgan swoops in at the end and pretty much steals the show, and every woman’s heart, when Hilary Swank’s character lets go of her departed husband and becomes open to moving on. 

Buy/Rent P.S. I Love You Digitally on Amazon.
Buy P.S. I Love You on DVD on Amazon.

The Good Wife (2015 - 2016)

Jeffery Dean Morgan has quite the resume when it comes to long running series, and The Good Wife is another on that list. Morgan shows up in the series in the very last season, but he is a heavy presence throughout. He plays the central character’s love interest.

This role is particularly interesting for Jeffrey Dean Morgan, because he was playing Negan on The Walking Dead at the same time. The differences in the two characters are quite literally worlds apart. 

Stream The Good Wife on Paramount+.
Buy The Good Wife Digitally on Amazon.

Rampage (2018)

Alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Jeffrey Dean Morgan lays off the zombie killing as Negan and starts tracking down some seriously out of control animals in Rampage. Morgan does channel his inner Negan charm, though, and pretty much steals the spotlight from Johnson in the film. 

Rampage is a fun film, and it’s pretty much exactly what you would expect it to be, all with a stellar cast behind it.

Stream Rampage on HBO Max.
Buy/Rent Rampage Digitally on Amazon.
Buy Rampage on Blu-Ray on Amazon.

Heist (2015)

Everybody loves a good heist, and this Jeffrey Dean Morgan film is no different. Morgan is joined by Guardians of the Galaxy’s Dave Bautista and the iconic Robert De Niro in the robbing of a casino. While the film scored low on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie was otherwise received pretty well. It's action packed and just plain fun, a thriller that doesn't take itself too seriously, which makes for a feel-good viewing. 

Rent/Buy Heist Digitally on Amazon.
Buy Heist on DVD on Amazon.

Honorable Mention: Dead & Breakfast (2004)

I’m an absolute sucker for a bad horror flick, and Dead & Breakfast fits that bill. I love when I can spot big name actors in a B-Movie, it’s the most satisfying guilty pleasure ever. Dead & Breakfast fills the cult horror/comedy void, but it is also a musical. It may not be any Rocky Horror Picture Show, but it’s definitely putting out some serious Tim Curry in fishnets and heels vibes with that genre mash-up.

However, Dead & Breakfast isn’t your typical low budget horror film, as there are a number of recognizable faces in the movie, like Arrested Development’s Portia de Rossi and Kill Bill’s David Carradine. Also interesting, the writer/director is Super producer Matthew Leutwyler. If you’re into comedy horrors that double as a musical with some awesome talent, check out Dead & Breakfast. It can actually be a hard film to find, but you can stream it if you've got a Roku device. 

Whether he is the good guy, bad guy, or somewhere in the morally gray area, Jeffrey Dean Morgan is damn entertaining to watch. He puts out powerful performances with a great attitude and comedic personality, making his movies and TV shows not only emotional, but super fun to watch.

Lucky for us, some of Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s best films and shows are among some of the best things to watch on Netflix right now, so it’s a great time to have a JDM-filled night.

It is fitting to see Jeremy Irons in the House of Gucci cast as Rodolfo Gucci, because the biographical drama from director Ridley Scott feels exactly like the kind of tragedy that William Shakespeare would have turned into a literary masterpiece. Indeed, the 73-year-old, Academy Award-winning Englishman not only has the training of a Shakespearean actor, but the playwright’s work has become a recurrence in the actor’s filmography - sometimes just in theme or style, but other times, with direct adaptations. 

Of course, there is plenty more that Jeremy Irons is known for - including superhero movies, even. In fact, for our following list of films and TV shows starring the actor that are available to stream now, that is exactly where we will start.

Jeremy Irons’ DCEU Movies (HBO Max)

While Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) is out cleaning up crime on the streets of Gotham City (or wherever he and his other powerful colleagues are needed), the vigilante can also rely remotely on the help of his most trusted ally: his lifelong in-house servant and father figure, Alfred Pennyworth (Jeremy Irons).

Why they are worth checking out if you like Jeremy Irons: Jeremy Irons first appeared in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in 2016 and reappeared later in 2021’s Zack Snyder’s Justice League (the cut I personally prefer to acknowledge) as a version of Batman’s butler unlike what we had seen before, distinguished by his active participation in vigilantism and willingness to spar with his friend and employer when he feels necessary.

Stream Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice on HBO Max.
Rent/Buy Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice on Amazon.

Stream Zack Snyder’s Justice League on HBO Max.

Watchmen (HBO Max)

In a world in which superheroes exist but have been outlawed, a new generation of costumed vigilantes emerge to take matters into their own hands by any means necessary.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Jeremy Irons: While already a member of the DC Extended Universe, Jeremy Irons ventured to another corner of the DC Multiverse to play an elder version of superhero-turned-supervillain Adrian “Ozymandias” Veidt on HBO’s Watchmen - an acclaimed limited series continuation of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ groundbreaking graphic novel, from creator Damon Lindelof.

Stream Watchmen on HBO Max.
Buy Watchmen on Amazon.

Die Hard With A Vengeance (Tubi)

A disgraced John McClane (Bruce Willis) is forced to play a dangerous game of “Simon Says” to stop a mysterious German terrorist from setting off bombs all around New York City, with the reluctant help of a shopkeeper (Samuel L. Jackson) who decided to come to his aid at the wrong time.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Jeremy Irons: Jeremy Irons is no stranger to villainy and his scenery-chewing performance as the vengeful and terribly clever antagonist, eponymously named “Simon,” in the hit 1995 action sequel Die Hard with a Vengeance is one of the finest examples of such.

Stream Die Hard With A Vengeance on Platform.
Rent/Buy Die Hard With A Vengeance on Amazon.

The Time Machine (Hulu, Paramount+)

A heartbroken inventor (Guy Pearce) creates a device that allows him to alter the events of the past, but an accident causes him to, instead, journey forward thousands of years into a horrifying future.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Jeremy Irons: Another great example of Jeremy Irons’ ability to be both sinister but intellectually compelling is in The Time Machine - a well-made 2002 adaptation of H.G. Wells’ seminal novel in which he becomes almost entirely unrecognizable as the otherwise intelligent leader of a barbaric race of futuristic mutants.

Stream The Time Machine on Hulu.
Stream The Time Machine on Paramount+.
Rent/Buy The Time Machine on Amazon.

The Lion King (Disney+)

After spending years in exile believing that he caused his father’s death when he was just a cub, a lion (Matthew Broderick) returns to avenge his father (James Earl Jones) and claim his rightful place as the King of the Jungle.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Jeremy Irons: Perhaps the most iconic example of Jeremy Irons’ mastery of villainous roles (and Shakespearean training) would have to be when he lent his voice to the tyrannical Scar in the original animated The Lion King - a 1994 Disney classic inspired by the biblical stories of Moses and Joseph, as well as William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. 

Stream The Lion King on Disney+.
Buy The Lion King on Amazon.

The Borgias (Netflix, Showtime)

With the help of his many sons, Pope Alexander VI (Jeremy Irons) conspires to spread his power throughout Italy by very ungodly means during the 15th Century.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Jeremy Irons: Jeremy Irons was nominated for an Golden Globe for his performance as yet another cruel figure of tyranny on Showtime’s The Borgias - a historical series developed by Academy Award winner Neil Jordan which ran for three highly acclaimed seasons from 2011 to 2013.

Stream The Borgias on Netflix.
Stream The Borgias on Showtime.
Buy The Borgias on Amazon.

The Man In The Iron Mask (HBO Max)

As Paris continues to suffer under the cruel and selfish ruling of the young King Louis XIV (Academy Award winner Leonardo DiCaprio), a legendary trio of heroics uncover an opportunity to save France by replacing the king with his unknown identical twin brother, who has been kept locked up and hidden from the public for most of his life.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Jeremy Irons: In yet another tale of resisting tyranny, Jeremy Irons plays one of the leaders in a conspiracy against in the king in 1998’s The Man in the Iron Mask, which writer and director Randall Wallace based on a continuation of the legend of the Three Musketeers by author Alexandre Dumas.

Stream The Man In The Iron Mask on HBO Max.
Rent/Buy The Man In The Iron Mask on Amazon.

Dead Ringers (IMDb TV, Tubi, Pluto TV)

A gynecologist (Jeremy Irons) and his twin brother (Jeremy Irons), who works in the same profession, work out an agreement that the shier of the two will impersonate his more confident sibling when he grows tired of his current lover, until they both fall deeply in love with the same woman. 

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Jeremy Irons: In yet another tale of identical siblings with some bad blood between them, Jeremy Irons is impeccable playing two different roles in 1988’s Dead Ringers - an intense, romantic psychological thriller from co-writer and director David Cronenberg, who is usually best known as the master of body horror movies like his remake of The Fly from two years earlier.

Stream Dead Ringers on IMDb TV.
Stream Dead Ringers on Tubi.

Stream Dead Ringers on Peacock.
Stream Dead Ringers on Pluto TV.

Rent/Buy Dead Ringers on Amazon.

Kafka (Amazon Rental)

A mysterious death leads an insurance worker (Jeremy Irons) to uncover a secret, underground organization responsible for orchestrating major events in history to their liking.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Jeremy Irons: In yet another strange and twisted tale that I am sure David Cronenberg would have been all over had director Steven Soderbergh not gotten ahold of it first, Jeremy Irons plays influential author Franz Kafka in 1991’s Kafka - a highly fictionalized and nightmarish account of his life prior to his notoriety.

Rent/Buy Kafka on Amazon.

High-Rise (Tubi, Pluto TV, Vudu)

In 1975, a young doctor (Tom Hiddleston) experiences a chaotic and surreal class struggle after moving into a seemingly idyllic skyscraper.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Jeremy Irons: In a strange tale that some might refer to as Kafka-esque, Jeremy Irons plays the architect behind the London apartment complex in which a truly complex set of events take place in 2015’s High Rise - an ambitious sci-fi drama based on the novel by J.G. Ballard and directed by Ben Wheatley.

Stream High-Rise on Tubi.
Stream High-Rise on Pluto TV.
Stream High-Rise on Vudu.

Rent/Buy High-Rise on Amazon.

Kingdom Of Heaven (Starz)

A blacksmith (Orlando Bloom), losing his faith following the tragic loss of his family, becomes a warrior when embroiled in the violent religious conflict taking place between Europe and the East in the 12th Century.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Jeremy Irons: Before working together for House of Gucci, Ridley Scott directed Jeremy Irons in the role of the Marshall of Jerusalem ,called Tiberias, in 2005’s Kingdom of Heaven - a thrilling historical epic that offers a fictionalized account of the Crusades. 

Stream Kingdom Of Heaven on Starz.
Rent/Buy Kingdom Of Heaven on Amazon.

Reversal Of Fortune (Amazon Rental)

A wealthy socialite (Jeremy Irons) calls upon the aid of a well-known attorney (Ron Silver) to defend him when he becomes accused of attempting to murder his wife (Glenn Close) as she lies in a coma.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Jeremy Irons: We conclude by putting the spotlight on the film that made Jeremy Irons an Academy Award winner: 1990’s Reversal of Fortune, a suspenseful courtroom drama based on a shocking true story.

Rent/Buy Reversal Of Fortune on Amazon.

It's ironic how it was his performance in Reversal of Fortune that earned Jeremy Irons one of the most fortunate honors that any actor could dream of. Who knows? Maybe he could receive such wealth a second time for his role in House of Gucci. 

Actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s starpower has been steadily growing over the past few years. He’s got a number of highly anticipated film projects coming down the line, including The Matrix Resurrections. And Abdul-Mateen recently recalled going out and celebrating that casting while in the middle of press for Watchmen.

HBO’s Watchmen series was universally acclaimed, as was Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s dual performance as Cal/ Doctor Manhattan. He would win an Emmy for this role, making way for even more work from the actor. Abdul-Mateen recently opened up about auditioning for the part of Morpheus in The Matrix Resurrections, saying:

And just like that Yahya Abdul-Mateen II was able to join yet another massive franchise with The Matrix 4. It sounds like he really put the work into the material, and also had good chemistry with creator/director Lana Wachowski. We’ll just have to wait and see how this plays out in the mysterious fourth movie.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s comments come from his recent appearance on the podcast Jemele Hill is  Unbothered. Now that The Matrix 4 has released its first trailer, there are even more questions about what Lana Wachowski has in store for fans in the new sequel. Abdul-Matteen was careful to continue guarding the secrets of the blockbuster, and there’s no telling what he’ll be bringing to the table as Morpheus-- the role originated by the great Laurence Fishburne.

Later in his same interview, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II went on to share how he celebrated landing a dream job in The Matrix Resurrections. There was just one complication: he was in the middle of press for Watchmen when he landed the role. As he explained,

It was the fall of 2019 when Yahya Abdul-Mateen II was cast in The Matrix 4, the same time that Watchmen was gearing up for its series premiere. And while he originally wanted to stay home and get to bed early, Abdul-Mateen II is now glad that he went out to celebrate. After all, it sounds like a very exciting time in the 35 year-old actor’s life.

As previously mentioned, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is taking on the mantle of Morpheus in The Matrix Resurrections. It’s currently unclear how/why Lana Wachowski is putting a new spin on the character, but she found a killer actor to step into those shoes. Even if Laurence Fishburne is bummed he wasn’t asked to join the cast.

Our questions will be answered soon as The Matrix Resurrections will arrive in theaters and HBO Max on December 22nd. In the meantime, check out the 2021 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience.

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I believe that we are witnessing one of the most fascinating success stories in Hollywood in recent years as Yahya Abdul-Mateen II continues to rise in fame and acclaim. Believe it or not, acting was only the second career choice for the supremely talented, award-winning, 35-year-old Candyman cast member and only became his main gig after he was laid off from his job as a city planner in San Francisco.

Well, it appears we have living proof that when one door closes, another opens, with this star of superhero movies and TV shows alike, which is where we will begin in our breakdown of his most notable credits thus far.

Watchmen (HBO Max)

Years after costumed vigilantes have become a thing of the past (and against the law, at that), a detective (Academy Award winner Regina King) decides to adopt her own superhero identity while investigating a group of white supremacists modeled after the infamous crime fighter Rorschach.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Yahya Abdul-Mateen II: Without giving too much away, when Yahya Abdul-Mateen II joined HBO’s Watchmen cast, no one could have guessed the true identity of his Emmy-winning role, much like how few audiences could have expected the strength and powerful relevance of this 2019 miniseries continuation of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ groundbreaking graphic novel from executive producer Damon Lindelof.

Stream Watchmen on HBO Max.

Buy Watchmen on Amazon.

Aquaman (HBO Max)

After a man (Jason Momoa) discovers that he is of Atlantean descent, he struggles to accept his destiny as the heir to and protector of the underwater kingdom in order to save it from the tyrannical ruling of his evil half-brother (Patrick Wilson).

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Yahya Abdul-Mateen II: A year before starring in one of the most acclaimed DC TV shows of all time, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II played one of the main antagonists in one of the most commercially successful DC movies of all time, director James Wan’s Aquaman. He will return as Black Manta in the upcoming sequel, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, set for a 2022 release.

Stream Aquaman on HBO Max.

Rent/Buy Aquaman on Amazon.

Baywatch (Paramount+)

An experience lifeguard (Dwayne Johnson) from Emerald Bay, California, butts heads with his new, younger recruit (Zac Efron), until they decide to join forces in order to investigate a drug epidemic hitting the beach.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Yahya Abdul-Mateen II: Before joining the Aquaman cast, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II took a dive into more humorous waters in the 2017, big screen reboot of Baywatch (only his second feature length acting gig) as a police officer who struggles to explain to Johnson, Efron, and Alexandra Daddario’s lifeguard characters why they have no authority to investigate a drug epidemic hitting the beach.

Stream Baywatch on Paramount+.

Rent/Buy Baywatch on Amazon.

The Vanishing Of Sidney Hall (Showtime)

A detective (Kyle Chandler) embarks on a long journey to track down a best-selling author (Logan Lerman) after copies of his controversial debut novel are found as evidence in a string of destructive arsons across the country.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Yahya Abdul-Mateen II: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s very first feature-length acting gig was Oscar-winning filmmaker Shawn Christensen’s A24-produced, 2017 drama, The Vanishing of Sidney Hall, in which he plays a former teacher of the title character who was quick pick up on his talents before his illustrious career as a writer began to take off.

Stream The Vanishing Of Sidney Hall on Showtime.

Rent/Buy The Vanishing Of Sidney Hall on Amazon.

The Get Down (Netflix)

In the late 1970s, a group of impoverished youths from the South Bronx pass the time by performing a new art form that would unwittingly change the face of music.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Yahya Abdul-Mateen II: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s first big break as an actor came in 2016 in the form of Baz Lurhmann’s fictionalized exploration of the birth of hip-hop with Netflix’s The Get Down, in which he plays the dancing aspiring drug kingpin and night club owner Clarene “Cadillac” Caldwell.

Stream The Get Down on Netflix.

The Greatest Showman (Disney+)

A man with a big heart and an even bigger imagination (Hugh Jackman) defies expectations by rounding up a band of “unique” performers to create a form of entertainment that would later define the modern day circus.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Yahya Abdul-Mateen II: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II went from playing a disco-dancing criminal in The Get Down to one half of a brother-sister duo of trapeze artists (along with Zendaya) in The Greatest Showman - a stunning, Oscar-nominated musical that boasts a wonderfully inspirational message about acceptance, despite taking quite a few liberties about the kind of person P.T. Barnum really was.

Stream The Greatest Showman on Disney+.

Rent/Buy The Greatest Showman on Amazon.

The Trial Of The Chicago 7 (Netflix)

What was meant to be a peaceful protest of the Vietnam War in Chicago ends in a horrifying conflict with the police, leading a group of political activists to stand trial and prove their non-violent intentions in 1968.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Yahya Abdul-Mateen II: In Oscar-winning writer and director Aaron Sorkin’s dazzling, fact-based Netflix original drama The Trial of the Chicago 7 - a more historically accurate biopic than The Greatest Showman by comparison - Yahya Abdul-Mateen II gives a stunning performance as real-life Black Panther Party founder Bobby Seale.

Stream The Trial Of The Chicago 7 on Netflix.

Black Mirror (Netflix)

A world in which points earned from playing video games count as actual currency, another in which your social media presence determines how you are accepted in society, and other frighteningly plausible futures are explored in creator Charlie Brooker’s brilliant anthology series that just barely counts as science fiction.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Yahya Abdul-Mateen II: One of Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s first forays into horror (so to speak) before starring in Candyman was his role as an old friend of Anthony Mackie’s character, whose relationship with one another takes an unexpected turn after he gives him an immersive virtual reality game, in one of the best Black Mirror episodes from Season 5 called “Striking Vipers.”

Stream Black Mirror - Season 5, Episode 1 on Netflix.

Us (Amazon Rental)

While on a summer getaway at a beach house in Santa Cruz, a woman (Lupita Nyong’o), her husband (Winston Duke), and their son (Evan Alex) and daughter (Shahadi Wright Joseph), are stalked and hunted by unexpected visitors who bear a hauntingly identical resemblance to them.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Yahya Abdul-Mateen II: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s very first foray into horror and first collaboration with Candyman producer Jordan Peele was the Oscar-winning writer and director’s inventive, terrifying 2019 follow-up to Get Out, Us, in which Abdul-Mateen II stars as Russell, the father of Lupita Nyongo’s character…well, that’s one of the roles he plays, at least.

Rent/Buy Us on Amazon.

First Match (Netflix)

A young woman (Elvirre Emanuelle) channels her frustrations from living in foster care for most other life into a prodigious career on her high school’s boys wrestling team.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Yahya Abdul-Mateen II: In Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s first Netflix original film (and first collaboration with his Candyman co-star Colman Domingo), he plays the father of Elvire Emanuelle’s character (in her starring debut role as), Mo, whom he begins to have a more invested relationship with after she starts to take an interest in wrestling, in First Match - a powerful, coming-of-age sports movie and winning feature-length debut of writer and director Olivia Newman.

Stream First Match on Netflix.

All Day And A Night (Netflix)

As a young man (Ashton Sanders) comes closer to achieving his dreams of becoming a rap musician, his involvement in a local gang war instead pushes him closer to ending up like his father (Jeffrey Wright), who was convicted of murder years earlier.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Yahya Abdul-Mateen II: A more recent Netflix original film starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is All Day and a Night - a riveting, grounded drama from Black Panther co-writer Joe Robert Cole about how a hostile environment can interfere with one’s ambitions, in which the actor plays one-such influencer of hostility for our troubled main character.

Stream All Day And A Night on Netflix.

Sweetness In The Belly (Starz)

An English-born woman (Dakota Fanning) who was abandoned by her parents in Ethiopia when she was a child is forced to return to her native country in the midst of a violent civil war, where she and an African refugee (Lovecraft Country cast member Wunmi Mosaku) collaborate on a mission to bring families estranged by the struggle back together.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Yahya Abdul-Mateen II: Based on the novel by Camila Gibb, Sweetness in the Belly is a powerful fish-out-of water story in which Yahya Abdul-Mateen II plays an Ethiopian doctor who forms a romantic relationship with Dakota Fanning’s character.

Stream Sweetness In The Belly on Starz.

Rent/Buy Sweetness In The Belly on Amazon.

In addition to his aforementioned role in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has a pretty exciting line-up of upcoming roles. For instance, 2022 will also see the release of his latest Netflix original movie - a star-studded, Michael Bay-directed thriller called Ambulance - and he will star alongside Anya Taylor-Joy for the Mad Max: Fury Road prequel Furiosa in 2024. Arguably, though, his most exciting role is as Morpheus in The Matrix Resurrections, an iconic character previously portrayed by Laurence Fishburne.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is about to star in all your favorite blockbusters. You’ve already seen him playing Aquaman’s villain Black Manta and Cal Abar in HBO’s Watchmen. Coming up, the 34-year-old actor is part of a number of major movies, but after that, he’d love to slow it down and turn on the charm for a rom-com.

Many of his biggest movies have yet to come out yet, and I can already tell Yahya Abdul-Mateen II can do it all. And his reasoning as to why he’d want to do a romantic comedy in Hollywood will make you swoon too. In his words:

Whatever happened to the rom-com? We just don’t see it much anymore. Romantic comedies used to be a key lifeblood in Hollywood, with actors like Matthew McConaughey, Julia Roberts, Meg Ryan and Hugh Grant being regulars in the genre. Their movies are still well beloved today and certainly continue to be mainstays on many of our Netflix queues.

It’s nice to hear a rising star such as Yahya Abdul-Mateen II share his interest in more tender and lighthearted fun in Hollywood to Essence amidst a landscape that seems to get darker by the minute. Tragedy is the name of the game more often than not when it comes to popular storytelling at the moment. Just look at the highest-grossing movies of 2021: A Quiet Place Part II and Godzilla vs. Kong. That’s two movies that lean on the downfall of cities to an entire planet for entertainment.

I hope Yahya Abdul-Mateen II gets his rom-com. And he's not the only one who wants in on this kind of movie, as Star Wars’ John Boyega also shared his interest in the genre before. Even though romance movies are not given a lot of ‘high’ status today, there are truly some incredible movies from the genre that will never be forgotten and are often on people’s most watched and favorite movies. They are comfort movies and ones film fans love to go back to over and over. We’d love to see the actor’s more sensitive side, especially after taking on so many huge movies.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s next movie is Candyman, which will be a spiritual sequel to the ‘90s horror classic. It’s coming this August before the actor also stars in The Matrix 4 with Keanu Reeves, coming this December. He will also be in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom with Jason Momoa and Mad Max spinoff Furiosa coming in 2023.

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A fundamental rule of making any sort of filmed entertainment is that you need to cast the right people. The folks behind HBO’s Watchmen limited series event definitely understood that part of the assignment, especially when landing the legendary Jean Smart as a hardened and wiser Laurie Blake. As if that wasn’t cool enough, it was recently revealed that if fate shook out a little differently for the comic adaptation, the role could have gone to another iconic actress: the equally legendary Sigourney Weaver.

During a conversation with SNL star Bowen Yang hosted by Variety, Smart revealed that her Watchmen casting was an eleventh hour stroke of genius from showrunner Damon Lindelof & Co. And it all came to pass because Sigourney Weaver reportedly turned the role down after being first approached. Graciously thanking Ms. Weaver for her decision, Jean Smart also shared the surprisingly short prep time she had to become the new Laurie Blake after being cast. In her words:

Now, it's obvious that Jean Smart absolutely crushed it in Watchmen’s continuation of Laurie Blake’s life and times. Combining her trademark sardonic wit with a window of vulnerability, Smart helped weave a story that saw Laurie’s career as an FBI agent clashing with her past as a costumed vigilante and all of the emotions that came with it. So no matter how cool it would have been to see Sigourney Weaver get to play the part, Jean Smart was definitely perfect for the job.

But as it always goes in the land of “What if?,” we can’t help but think of how tremendously cool it would have been to see Weaver land that role. Imagining the woman who gave us Ellen Ripley grappling with gods, egoists, and everything else that Watchmen would have thrown at her is just too awesome not to grant a passing thought. Plus, it would have been a great way for Weaver to embody a more impactful comic book role than her character in Netflix's The Defenders. Honestly, it’s a win-win situation if you can narrow a casting decision to either Jean Smart or Sigourney Weaver; because no matter who wins out, viewers are in good hands

We may never know exactly why Sigourney Weaver passed on HBO’s Watchmen, and the reasons obviously wouldn’t change the outcome. All anyone can really say at this point is that while Weaver could have absolutely killed in that role, Jean Smart took the opportunity to deliver one of her most memorable performances yet. And that is something we’ll always be able to go back to, thanks to Watchmen being available for anyone to watch on HBO Max.

And if you happen to be a big Jean Smart fan, you’ll be pleased to know that you can also catch her in the comedy series Hacks, which happens to be a Max Exclusive. If you don’t have a subscription to HBO Max, definitely check out the plan options that’ll land you the chance to enjoy the entire lineup the platform has to offer. Though be sure to note the differences between the Ad-supported and Ad-free plans, as you wouldn’t want to miss out on any of the fun.

While not the most prolific TV creator, Damon Lindelof develops the kinds of television projects that start big conversations, whether they're about smoke monsters, mass exoduses, or racism-fueled vigilantism. Now he's getting set to bring another mysterious and unique story to the small screen along with former Big Bang Theory and current Young Sheldon writer Tara Hernandez. But as fun as it would be to imagine Sheldon Cooper as Dr. Manhattan, that's definitely not what this is. (Although by all means, Jim Parsons should be involved.)

Thankfully, fans don't have to worry too much about what will happen with this new project, as Damon Lindelof and Tara Hernandez's new drama Mrs. Davis received a straight-to-series order from NBCU's streaming service Peacock, which came out on top after what was reportedly a very competitive situation. The series, which will be produced by Warner Bros. Television, is keeping its main plotline mostly under wraps, though there's a brief synopsis for everyone to chew on.

That sounds right up Damon Lindelof's alley, considering how much religion, technology and binary pairings played into Lost and The Leftovers, and it's not like Watchmen was lacking in those departments either. He will be co-writing and executive producing the new series with Tara Hernandez, who will also serve as an EP as well as the showrunner. Both of the creatives are under overall deals with Warner Bros. TV.

Lindelof certainly sounds excited about the new project, offering this statement with the initial announcement:

As much as fans have hoped for Damon Lindelof (or someone else) to come up with the perfect idea to justify a second season of Watchmen, it hasn't happened yet. And it's very likely that Mrs. Davis will keep him and Tara Hernandez busy for at least a year or two, and even more if the Peacock original makes as big a dent with viewers and critics as Lost and The Leftovers did. And if it manages to draw the kinds of audiences that The Big Bang Theory did, then we'll probably be watching Mrs. Davis for the next decade and then some.

I cannot wait to see who lands the title role of Mrs. Davis, assuming it's referring to an actual person and not just a metaphysical...something-or-other. It might be too close to Leftovers territory for Carrie Coon to reteam with Damon Lindelof, but that would be stellar. Or Watchmen's award-winning star Regina King, of course. Or maybe, since Lindelof worked with Jean Smart on the superhero series, while Hernandez worked with Annie Potts on Young Sheldon, we can have a Designing Women reunion happening on this show with one of them taking the title role, with the other co-starring, and Delta Burke making cameos. I choose to think this can happen.

While waiting to hear more from Mrs. Davis and Peacock, be sure to keep up with all the big shows that are debuting soon during the 2021 Summer TV season.

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Zack Snyder isn’t everyone’s favorite director and his films aren’t exactly for everyone, but one aspect of his movies that can’t be denied is that few, if any, filmmakers know how to establish tone with a well-crafted opening credits sequence. From his Dawn of the Dead remake in 2004 all the way to his most recent effort, Army of the Dead, Snyder has helped introduce audiences to a world in which they are about to spend a couple of hours, and in remarkable fashion. With songs like “When the Man Comes Around,” “The Times They Are A-Changin’,” and “Viva Las Vegas,” and Snyder’s use of slow-motion, short depth of field, and visceral violence, there’s a lot to take in.

After watching Army of the Dead streaming, we have put together a list of the best Zack Snyder movie opening sequences and ranked them from great to absolutely amazing. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and check out the best opening title sequences from the visionary music video director-turned-filmmaker.

5. Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice: Ultimate Edition (2016)

By the time Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice: Ultimate Edition was released, Zack Snyder had already made a case for having some of the best title sequences in the business, but the opening credits of his 2016 superhero epic features some of his best work yet. Bouncing between the murder and funeral of Thomas and Martha Wayne, the first few minutes of the second entry in the DCEU does two things very effectively: it sets the tone of the three-hour epic that will follow and establishes the emotional and mental state of Bruce Wayne leading into his fight-to-the-death with Superman later on in the movie.

With closeups on both the gunman and his victims that don’t shy away from the violence instead of leaving it up to the audience to fill in the blanks, this intimate scene establishes the tone of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and the bleak nature of the film. This scene also effectively shows the downbeat and cynical nature of Ben Affleck’s Bruce Wayne, who at times is more a villain than a hero in the epic fight.

Watch Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice: Ultimate Edition on HBO Max.

4. Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)

The 2021 release of Zack Snyder’s Justice League, which clocks in at four hours, starts off with one of the most visually striking and somber opening credit sequences from the visionary director. Similar to how the Dawn of Justice opening credits set up the movie with the death of Thomas and Martha Wayne, the director’s cut of Justice League does so with the death of Superman and how his passing has a ripple effect, not only on his allies, but also the entire world and universe. Over the course of nearly nine minutes, the opening title sequence introduces the audience to all the major players before ending with Bruce Wayne beginning his quest to put together the Justice League.

Visually striking and emotional, the Zack Snyder’s Justice League opening sequence takes what the director has learned with his pacing and knack for visual storytelling (all that slow motion) and really turns it up a notch, especially now that he has no leash holding him back. Breathtaking in every regard, this title sequence is without a doubt one of the best in the world of superhero movies.

Watch Zack Snyder's Justice League on HBO Max.

3. Army Of The Dead (2021)

Zack Snyder’s latest movie Army of the Dead, a return to the zombie genre after 17 years, features not only one of the best opening title sequences of his career, but possibly of all time. Seriously, this five-minute sequence set to Richard Cheese’s (who was also featured in Snyder's directorial debut) rendition of “Viva Las Vegas” could honestly be watched on its own, it’s that good. After a short introduction setting up how Las Vegas became inundated with hundreds of thousands of walking corpses, Snyder pulls out all the stops and goes back to his music video roots for a visually striking, humorous, and violent display of cinema.

From the action being in-sync with the music (including a nod to Elvis Presley) to the emotional thread of the movie’s mercenaries and their respective pasts, to Zack Snyder’s brilliant use of slow motion, you can’t help but get excited to see what comes next. I mean, where else are you going to see a zombie get pulverized while a lounge singer croons in the background?

Watch Army of the Dead on Netflix.

2. Dawn Of The Dead (2004)

The opening credits in Zack Snyder’s 2004 Dawn of the Dead remake, while the most low-budget and least stylized on this list, remains one of the director’s most effective to date. Following an opening scene that starts off like any standard zombie movie, the film takes a drastic turn a few second into the title sequence when Johnny Cash’s “The Man Comes Around” begins to play over images of civil unrest, fearful governments, and zombies attacking people around the world. The way the subject matter of the song (which features numerous Biblical references including from the Book of Revelation) fits perfectly with the end-of-the-world feel of the visuals is astounding and does a tremendous job of setting the tone of the film with very little resources.

And again, the Dawn of the Dead opening title sequence is far from the most visually striking of Zack Snyder’s career and there’s an argument to be made for Army of the Dead being the director’s zombie movie with the better sequence. But it should be noted, for the most part, this was the world’s introduction to Snyder, and what a debut it was.

Rent/Buy Dawn of the Dead on Amazon.

1. Watchmen (2009)

The 2009 superhero film Watchmen isn’t Zack Snyder’s most successful movie at the box office, but it remains one of his best directorial efforts and a lot of that has to do with the tone of the film and that all starts with the outstanding opening credits sequence. Taking what he learned with the Dawn of the Dead sequence with its musical cues, Snyder uses Bob Dylan’s timeless classic “The Times They Are A-Changin’” in a way that establishes the tone and setting of the film. Much like Alan Moore’s graphic novel on which the film is based, Snyder’s Watchmen deviates from history and takes a revisionist approach to everything from the iconic image of a sailor kissing a nurse following World War II to Richard Nixon being elected to a third term in office.

In addition to the way the Watchmen opening credits welcomes the audience into a world slightly different from our own, the sequence also introduces us to titular group of vigilantes (after showing the demise of the Minutemen) in a way that handles a great deal of the exposition work (much like how Zack Snyder would do with his 2021 cut of Justice League). By hitting all the checkmarks — tone, style, establishing the world — Watchmen does the best job out of any of Snyder’s other credit sequences.

Watch Watchmen on HBO Max.

Even though some ranked higher than others, all of Zack Snyder’s opening title sequences are amazing in their own way and withstand the test of time. What’s your favorite of Snyder’s opening credit sequences? Let us know in the poll below, and don’t forget to check out the list of 2021 movie premiere dates while you’re at it.

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Zack Snyder is a filmmaker known for a unique visual language. He’s also clearly got an interest in bringing comic books to life, first working on the Watchmen movie before working on his trilogy in the DCEU. And now we know why he snuck in a Watchmen reference into Justice League.

After years of fan campaigning, Zack Snyder’s Justice League was finally released to the public via HBO Max. The four-hour streaming event was vastly different from the theatrical cut, especially Cyborg’s story and the treatment of his father Silas Stone. Silas perished in the film in a way similar to Dr. Manhatten’s Watchmen transformation, and Snyder Cut VFX supervisor Bryan Hirota recently confirmed this connection, saying:

Do you hear that sound? It’s various comic book fans patting themselves on the back for connecting Zack Snyder’s Justice League to Watchmen. Although it turns out that the crew got to be more gnarly with the Snyder Cut given its rating and streaming home. Which is exactly why they re-explored signature visuals.

Bryan Hirota’s comments to ScreenRant further highlights just how visual Zack Snyder’s various film projects are. Snyder has a sensibility unlike any other, and he was able to throw everything and the kitchen sink into the Justice League. And when Joe Morton’s Silas Stone perished as a result of the Mother Box, Hirota and Snyder decided to make a reference to the Watchmen movie.

The Snyder Cut and Watchmen are currently available on HBO Max. You can use this link to sign up for the streaming service.

Both Silas Stone and Dr. Manhattan’s fates occur to them through a blinding blue light of power that breaks apart their bodies. Although as Bryan Hirota referened, the sequence in Zack Snyder’s Justice League is far more gruesome. The Snyder Cut didn’t hold back when it came to gore, and Silas’s death was certainly a painful one.

It should be interesting to see if the narrative seeds Zack Snyder planted in Justice League ever come to bloom. The studio has shut down reports of a sequel, but the Snyder Cut’s expanded story has renewed interest in Ray Fisher’s Cyborg and his backstory. We’ll just have to see what comes next for the constantly growing franchise.

The next installment in the DCEU is The Suicide Squad on August 6th. In the meantime, check out our 2021 release list to plan your next movie experience.

When working in entertainment, there’s a fair chance that any given character will straight up die at any moment. Whether it’s the end of a character arc, contract or part of the story, dramatic deaths are just a part of the business. Look at HBO’s Game of Thrones, after all. The Walking Dead star Jeffrey Dean Morgan recently shed some light on what it’s like to constantly have your characters killed off in production after production, followed by reflecting on his time on Grey’s Anatomy.

During a recent interview Jefferey Dean Morgan detailed a bit of the behind the scenes preparation for death scenes and what it was like to be killed off so often. When asked about the process of a character dying, Morgan had this to say:

In his interview on Hot Ones, Jeffrey Dean Morgan detailed the difficulties and hilarity associated with dying on screen so many times, all while eating insanely hot wings. While he hasn’t put up quite the numbers that Sean Bean (who is famous for dying on screen) has, Morgan has done his fair share. According to CineMorgue, which tracks film and television deaths for actors, Morgan has died a total of 17 times between his film and television appearance.

Despite dying off in Grey’s Anatomy, Jeffery Dean Morgan shared a sweet story about his time playing Denny, and how he tried, in vain, to prevent his characters death:

Morgan, who played Denny on Grey’s Anatomy for 23 episodes, gave credit to the show for propelling his career forward. According to him, his role of Denny Duquette is the reason he ended up in Zack Snyder’s Watchmen. More recently, fans will recognize Morgan from his time as The Walking Dead’s Neegan. Despite the nature of the show, his character is still alive as of the latest season. That may change though, as we are quickly approaching the 11th and final season of the zombie show.

I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw more than a few major characters killed in Season 11, but who knows. Maybe they will open up some other characters for a Rick Grimes-esque spinoff. After all, Jeffrey Dean Morgan himself has already expressed interest in continuing to play Neegan.

We won’t know for sure what’s in store for Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Neegan until The Walking Dead Season 11 releases later this year. Hopefully, it won’t be just another death in his long list, but given the subject matter, I find that situation to be pretty unlikely. Be sure to check back with CinemaBlend for the latest on The Walking Dead and any other updates from your favorite upcoming television shows.

I would say Regina King has been having a well-deserved moment, but that moment has been going on for five or six years now. The critically-acclaimed actress has been working regularly since the mid-90s, but over the last decade, especially half decade, the size of her roles and the recognition she’s gotten for them have grown exponentially. She’s won 4 Emmys, an Oscar and a Golden Globe since 2015, all for parts in movies or television shows that tackle issues related to social justice, police officers or the prison system. She was recently asked about those recurring themes and confirmed it’s definitely an intentional choice.

The Watchmen star recently stopped by The Big Interview with Dan Rather for a sitdown to promote One Night In Miami, a wonderful film she directed that’s currently streaming on Amazon Prime. The full interview will air on AXS TV on Wednesday January 20th, but CinemaBlend was able to snag a first look in which she talked through why she’s picked so many movies that tackle social justice or the Black experience in America. Here’s what she said…

The majority of actors in Hollywood take what roles they can get. The projects they end up choosing are very directly related to the roles they’re offered. A small percentage of actors, however, are in the enviable position of having real choice over what they would like to do. Some choose the roles that pay the most money. Some choose roles that allow them to work with their friends. Some pick movies and TV shows that speak to the artist inside them. Most seem to find a balance of the above. Regina King has very specifically chosen the artist inside her option, and you can really tell in the majority of her more recent efforts how directly she connects to a lot of these parts. You can see her talking more about that below…

One Night In Miami is the first feature film directed by Regina King. It follows Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Sam Cooke and Jim Brown as they all talk about their lives, popular culture and what’s important, each bringing their own perspectives and positions on the issues. It has been getting rave reviews, which isn’t a surprise given everything King has done lately has worked out really well. You can check out our very positive reaction here.

The Big Interview with Dan Rather airs on AXS TV. Earlier episodes have featured sitdowns with a wide variety of famous faces including Dolly Parton, Ice Cube, Lindsay Buckingham, Carlos Santana, Quentin Tarantino and more. More episodes are expected to be announced for later this year.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has skyrocketed himself as a new, impressive star with a growing resumé that includes Watchmen, The Trial of the Chicago 7 with Aaron Sorkin and DC's Aquaman. He isn't slowing down with roles in the Candyman reboot from breakout director Nia DaCosta, The Matrix 4 and George Miller's Mad Max spinoff Furiosa. We managed to cover much of his work, and he proved to yet another incredible guest, a first of hopefully many appearances on the show for the actor moving forward.

This week's show also includes our top 5 most anticipated movies of 2021, Netflix's movie-a-week release schedule for 2021, we review the first 2 episodes of WandaVision and discuss the ever-shifting return of the theatrical experience.

What's your favorite performance or film from the iconic Christopher Walken? We get into our personal picks this week and prepare for next week's game in which we'll debate our favorite movie dogs. Let us know on social using #MovieDogBlend.

This Week In Movies

WandaVision (Disney+)

Outside the Wire (Netflix)

One Night in Miami (Amazon Prime Video)

Locked Down (HBO Max)

Promising Young Woman (VOD)

The Marksman

Timestamps (approx. only)

3:42 - Weekly Poll

13:04 - Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Interview

30:40 - Morbius And More Dates Moving?

42:56 - Netflix 2021 Slate

50:44 - Gotham Awards Winners

58:40 - Top 5 Most Anticipated Movies Of 2021

1:12:43 - This Week In Movies

1:24:23 - Our Favorite Christopher Walken Movies

1:36:35 - Outro/Review

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HBO's Watchmen had a lot of hype leading into its premiere, and that excitement only built as the season went on. The series was lauded for telling a fresh tale in the acclaimed story's universe, as well as for bringing some added context and relevance to the previously established lore. Audiences got to see a culturally relevant and revitalized franchise, as well as actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II naked and blue as Dr. Manhattan.

A year after the series originally aired, Abdul-Mateen II spoke to W Magazine about the series, as well as what it was like heading to set completely nude and painted to play one of the world's most powerful heroes. It's an experience that can either be really great or really bad depending on the person, and it seems like the actor was the former when filming:

Being nude in front of a bunch of people can be uncomfortable but, for Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, it can be a bit different when you're playing a hero like Dr. Manhattan. He described the experience as liberating, which could be seen as a bit ironic considering how Dr. Manhattan was bound to his fates despite knowing exactly how they'd play out for him in Watchmen.

The actor has also said in interviews prior that he worked with HBO's intimacy coordinator before each scene on anything he may be uncomfortable with. Slowly but surely, intimacy coordinators are becoming more commonplace and, in Abdul-Mateen's case, it undoubtedly helped ease any natural anxiety there may have been.

Audiences responded positively to Yahya Abdul-Mateen II's performance, and the actor ended up winning an Emmy for Best Supporting Actor for the role. He did not accept the award naked, but he did end up having to sit up until 3:32 a.m. in the morning, as he was in his Germany apartment during the time the ceremony was going on. Abdul-Mateen II joked about the award and, as he worked on the set of Matrix 4, questioned whether any of his experience had happened.

Watchmen Season 1 is available to stream on HBO Max. Continue to stick with CinemaBlend to see if there's any chance of another season happening, and for the latest happening in television and movies.

As Watchmen fans eagerly await news about a second season that may never arrive on HBO, one of the first season's stars has finally broken his silence about a theory he's held onto since the twist-filled episodes first aired last year. Future Candyman lead Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, who played Watchmen's psuedo-dual roles of Cal Abar and Dr. Manhattan, shared his thoughts about one of the show's mysteries that was left largely unexplained, and he is one of many that believe Dr. Manhattan passed his powers along to another character, but not just Regina King's Angela.

It's been eleven months since Watchmen aired its mind-blowing finale, but the drama has remained relevant and popular throughout 2020 thanks to its racially charged storytelling and its widespread awards recognition. As such, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II's big theory reveal feels just as relevant as it would have been if he'd shared it last Christmas. Here's how the actor began his Watchmen-geared Twitter thread:

THANK YOU, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II! That is the exact same thought that I've held firmly onto ever since Episode 2 aired and fully introduced audiences to Louis Gossett Jr.'s Will Reeves. And it sounds like Abdul-Mateen was influenced by the same bonkers clues that I and other fans were flummoxed by. He continued:

That moment was one of the most baffling character actions throughout the entire season, and that includes the farcical pomp that was Adrian Veidt's existence. Even the fantastical superhero-esque moments in Watchmen, while always awesome, were technically in the same visual and/or thematic ballpark as other dramatic fare. But someone dropping their hand into boiling water and then immediately eating what comes out of it? That behavior is pretty specific to Will Reeves and only Will Reeves. Yahya Abdul-Mateen had a little more ammo for his theory, too.

Considering just about every single detail in Watchmen was put in there for very specific reasons (with no guarantees that all of the reasons were obvious), Will Reeves' egg trick in particular stands out as being just too eccentric to exist in a vacuum. And then when you add all the other questionable details in – such as his similar talent of drinking hot coffee without reacting – it takes little effort to hitch a ride on that speculation train. If only there was a deleted scene from Will and Dr. Manhattan's meeting that very blatantly laid this out. Darn you, Damon Lindelof!

It may be a while before there are any worthwhile updates about Watchmen Season 2, which will presumably only happen if Damon Lindelof miraculously crafts a set of new ideas, or if another equally talented creative mind takes the reins with HBO's blessing. While waiting to see if that ever happens, don't forget about comic scribe Tom King's official Watchmen sequel Rorschach, while will be a modern-day conspiracy thriller. And while waiting for that to come out, stay current with our Fall 2020 TV premiere schedule and our Winter and Spring 2021 TV rundown to see what else is hitting the small screen soon.

It has been nearly a year since Watchmen Season 1 came to a dramatic, shocking, and downright confusing end, and it has been nearly as long since fans of the gritty HBO superhero drama knew what was in store for the show's future. Over the past year, as the premium cable channel has introduced great show after great show (and one sad yet not shocking cancellation), there are more than a few people out there asking, what's going on with Watchmen Season 2.

As valid of a question that might be, sometimes there aren't a lot of answers, considering everything that has happened behind the scenes since we last saw the likes of Regina King's Sister Night, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II's Doctor Manhattan, and the rest of the impressive cast of superheroes and everyday humans alike. And with the show taking home an insane number (11, yes, 11) of Primetime Emmys a few months back, you would think that HBO would be streamlining any and all future installments of Watchmen. Well, about that…

HBO Reclassified Watchmen As A Limited Series But Left The Door Open In February 2020

Before we get into everything that Watchmen series creator and showrunner Damon Lindelof has said about his involvement in the show moving forward, let's take a look at what HBO has said and done regarding the drama series' future. Back in February 2020, Variety reported that the premium cable channel reclassified Watchmen as a limited series instead of a traditional ongoing series. And while this change could have been made for awards consideration, this does go back to comments Lindelof made in the past, specifically about the show's first season being a standalone story instead of something that is told over the course of multiple seasons.

At the time, HBO released the following statement regarding Watchmen and its future:

This statement, although brief and admittedly vague, can be interpreted in many different ways but seems to leave the door open if Damon Lindelof were to return to the fold or if someone were to take the reins for future seasons.

But how did this all get started?

Damon Lindelof Laid The Groundwork For His Departure Following The Season 1 Finale in Late 2019

The mystery surrounding the future of Watchmen, or at least Damon Lindelof's involvement moving forward, started just as the Season 1 finale aired in December 2019. During an interview with Vanity Fair, when the creator of shows like Lost and The Leftovers told the publication that he would only return for a second season if he could come up with an idea that he felt was worthy of telling after he took a much-needed break after wrapping things ahead of the 2019 holiday break. Later on in the conversation, the showrunner added:

This comment, much like the one HBO would make two months later, is rather vague and leaves the door open for a possible return at some point, just if the story is right. At the same time, however, Damon Lindelof sounded like he was done with Watchmen for the time being.

The Watchmen Showrunner Said In February 2020 That He Wasn't Opposed To Returning At Some Point

In February 2020, when appearing at the Writers Guild of America West Awards ceremony, Damon Lindelof seemed to double-down on his comments about not wanting to pursue a Watchmen Season 2 at this point, but also didn't want to close the door in case he came up with an idea at some point down the road. Speaking with Deadline, this is what the showrunner had to say about his future with Watchmen as well as the show in general:

There's a lot to take from this comment. On one hand, Damon Lindelof seems to open to maybe returning at some point if everything made sense in terms of the show's story, but on the other, it seems like the the executive producer would be okay with someone else taking the lead. This latter statement is something that Lindelof would touch on several months later at the 2020 Primetime Emmy Awards.

Lindelof Again Said He Was Open To Idea Of Someone Else Picking Up Where He Left Off At The 2020 Emmys

The saga surrounding the future of Watchmen continued on throughout 2020, and was even brought up again the night of the 2020 Primetime Emmys Awards in September, where the HBO series received 26 nominations, winning 11 of them. While accepting one of the awards, Damon Lindelof had this to say about how much the show meant to him before once again stating that he was okay if someone wanted to take over moving forward (via Deadline):

There hasn't been anyone, not publicly anyway, who has stepped up to take on Damon Lindelof's offer. But if someone were to take him up on it and take over the show, however, one of the biggest stars (and most celebrated) of the HBO series probably wouldn't return.

Regina King Has Said On Multiple Occasions That She Would Only Return For Season 2 If The Show's Creator Is Involved

Back in June 2020, Regina King, who was front and center throughout much of the happenings in Watchmen Season 1 as Angela Abar / Sister Night, spoke with Reese Witherspoon during Variety's Actors on Actors, where she had this to say about a potential return to the HBO series:

Several months later at the 2020 Primetime Emmy Awards, Regina King, after taking home the trophy for Best Actress in a Limited Series for her Watchmen role reiterated her stance on her previous comments (via Deadline):

If the show were to return without its showrunner and lead actress, Watchmen would look much different moving forward, that's for sure.

There is still so much to unpack about the future of Watchmen Season 2, if it happens at all. But if the fates do allow for the story to continue moving forward, CinemaBlend will have all the latest and greatest information about one of the most unique and intriguing superhero shows in recent memory.

By this point, I think it’s more than fair to say that we’re living in the age of superhero movies. It’s true that they’ve been around for decades, but the rise of massive franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the DC Extended Universe has given the genre true dominance at the box office and within the culture zeitgeist. Although many critics and moviegoers have mixed feelings about this, the movies are thriving and reaching mainstream audiences. But Watchmen scribe Alan Moore has some blunt thoughts about the films and their effects on pop culture.

The relatively reclusive Alan Moore doesn’t speak out too often yet, when he does, it usually causes a stir. Recently, the veteran writer expressed his disdain for the fact that the public generally associates the comic book medium with big-budget films. He’s also worried by the fact that many adults are consuming films that include characters that he believes are only meant to entertain children:

Mr. Moore certainly didn’t hold back when speaking with Deadline. As alluded to, this isn’t the first time the 66-year-old comics writer has called out superhero movies. Just last year, he referred to the impact of superheroes on the public as “both tremendously embarrassing and not a little worrying.”

Moore’s criticism of the genre even extends to his own work. When Zack Snyder adapted Watchmen for the big screen in 2009, Moore showed virtually no interest in the project. He would even go as far as to say that the film would be lackluster and shouldn’t have been made in the first place. The writer expressed similar feelings for HBO’s critically acclaimed Watchmen miniseries, leading the series’ creator and writer, Damon Lindelof, to give a NSFW response.

No one can deny that superhero films are now embedded in the fabric of our culture and that many look to them as a source of entertainment and escapism. However, we’ve seen plenty of nuance within the genre over the past several years. Sure, they feature larger-than-life characters in colorful costumes that are sometimes invincible. But films like Captain America: The Winter Soldier, The Dark Knight and Black Panther prove that these movies can both entertain and stimulate by asking us to ponder questions about the world we live in.

Many fans probably won’t agree with Alan More’s sentiments, but just remember that his views shouldn’t take away from what you enjoy. Just as he has his opinions, you have yours, and that’s totally fine.

Keep it here at CinemaBlend for more from the world of movies and TV.

Rarely do you see a leading Hollywood actor with a name as unique as Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, but we can safely assume that it will soon be gracing the top of many movie posters in the near future. Hot off a Primetime Emmy win for his performance from HBO’s Watchmen, in a role that was certainly full of surprises, and with several more projects of enormous anticipation, the 34-year-old is quickly becoming one of the top actors to look out for in his generation.

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and later raised in Oakland, California, Yahya Abdul-Matteen II has actually achieved a feat few actors do so early in their career: playing two different characters from the same comic book publication in a live action adaptation, starting with Black Manta in 2018’s Aquaman and Cal Abar (who is later revealed to be Doctor Manhattan in disguise) on Watchmen the following year. Most recently, the actor played a different kind of hero, portraying civil rights activist Bobby Seale in Aaron Sorkin’s The Trial of the Chicago 7, and will continue his reign of blockbuster movie heroics as the lead in the upcoming fourth installment of the Matrix series.

Some may call even call him a hero in the acting world alone, not just for how much he was able to accomplish in so little time after his breakout role on the music history based Netflix series The Get Down, but also for what he managed to overcome right before his career began. Learn all about about Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s biggest early obstacles and more with the following five lesser-known facts about the actor that may fascinate you, inspire you, or even make laugh - the latter of which may not be the case for our first entry.

Acting Became His Main Job After Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Was Laid Off From His City Planning Position

Sharing his acting roots on Build in 2016 while promoting The Get Down, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II revealed that he always had an interest in acting, but originally intended to follow in his construction worker father’s footsteps by pursuing a career in architecture, for which he earned his degree in at the University of California in Berkeley. While there, he took an acting class after a friend described it as “just like recess,” but would begin to take it far more seriously after suffering a lay off from his San Francisco city planning job in 2010, as he recalled during an appearance on Today almost exactly nine years later. It was then when he decided to give his other love a real shot, which would definitely pay off, but not without its little roadblocks.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Refused The Change His Name At The Start Of His Acting Career

We previously mentioned the unique nature of Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s full name (which is rooted from his Christian and Muslim faith), which the actor even admitted to the Middle Eastern division of GQ is “no John Wayne” by Hollywood standards. However, that is one of the essential reasons why he kept it instead of adopting an abbreviated stage name (as some people suggested to him when his career was taking off) in addition to the chance to represent his roots in his work. His name has since appeared at the top-billing of Candyman and next to other A-listers in the cast of Aquaman, making him an inspiration to fans and the aspiring artists who share the same cultural background.

Before Filming Aquaman, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Did Not Know How To Swim

Speaking of Aquaman, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has gone on record about how challenging his elaborate, 70-pound uniform was to wear while shooting the billion-dollar DCEU blockbuster, in which he plays David Hyde, who is better known as Black Manta. However, during a cast interview with Conan O’Brien at the 2018 San Diego Comic Con, the actor revealed that, when he first auditioned for the antagonistic character, he was more concerned by the fact that he could not swim. It was not until Abdul-Mateen got to the set of Aquaman, after spending two weeks learning how to stay afloat by his own teaching, when he learned that no swimming was required for his role as a mortal landlubber.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Found His Watchmen Nude Scenes Liberating

On the other side of that coin, the extensive athletic training that Yahya Abdul-Mateen II would put in for his next comic book role most certainly paid off, as evident by his scenes as a very naked Doctor Manhattan in Watchmen. While that level of full-frontal exposure often tends to be particularly uncomfortable experience for some actors, apparently, that was not so much the case for the star, as he explained to Entertainment Weekly in an interview about his role in HBO’s series continuation of the groundbreaking Alan Moore graphic novel:

I suppose we can add Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s liberating disrobing as an omnipotent vigilante to the list of ways he is an inspiration to others in his craft to remain fearless. However, fear would actually be a key to nailing his first major leading role.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Genuinely Feared The Candyman As A Child

In his second collaboration with writer and producer Jordan Peele following a smaller role in 2019’s Us, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II plays the protagonist of Candyman, which is described as a spiritual sequel to the 1992 cult favorite from creator Clive Barker, and is scheduled to come out in 2021 following release set backs related to Covid-19. The actor spoke to Total Film (via Magzter) about never actually seeing the original film, but believing the hook-handed supernatural killer (played by Tony Todd) to be a real curse to avoid in his childhood. In the same article, director Nia Dacosta and co-star Teyonah Harris also share their own stories of fearing what might happen if they said his name into a mirror five times, which only makes the concept of this urban legend even creepier.

What do you think? Are Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, his director, and leading lady trying to warn audiences of something real, or is this just what horror fans would consider some good PR? Let us know in the comments and be sure to check back for additional information and updates on the talented actor as his career continues skyrocket, as well as even more inside looks into the lives of your favorite celebrities, here on CinemaBlend.

Though the past year of Emmy-eligible television started out fairly stereotypically, 2020 turned the entire world upside down, and the entertainment industry's topsy-turviness is certainly being felt as we enter the Fall TV season. But as the old adage goes, the show must go on, and in this case it's the show that celebrates all the others shows, the 72nd annual Emmy Awards.

This year's remote ceremony is obviously like no other, with many celebs chiming in from home via webcam. But what hasn't changed is the general celebration of all things television, with frequent host Jimmy Kimmel there to lead the way through all the categories and nominees, from first-timers like Disney+'s The Mandalorian and HBO's Watchmen to seasoned vets like This Is Us and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Below you can find all the winners from the 2020 Emmy Awards, and it will be updated throughout the night so be sure to keep checking back in.

Outstanding Drama Series

Better Call Saul

The Crown

The Handmaid's Tale

Killing Eve

The Mandalorian

Ozark

Stranger Things

WINNER: Succession

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Jennifer Aniston, The Morning Show

Olivia Colman, The Crown

Jodie Comer, Killing Eve

Laura Linney, Ozark

Sandra Oh, Killing Eve

WINNER: Zendaya, Euphoria

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Jason Bateman, Ozark

Sterling K. Brown, This Is Us

Steve Carell, The Morning Show

Brian Cox, Succession

Billy Porter, Pose

WINNER: Jeremy Strong, Succession

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Helena Bonham Carter, The Crown

Lara Dern, Big Little Lies

WINNER: Julia Garner, Ozark

Thandie Newton, Westworld

Fiona Shaw, Killing Eve

Sarah Snook, Succession

Meryl Streep, Big Little Lies

Samira Wiley, The Handmaid's Tale

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Nicholas Braun, Succession

WINNER: Billy Crudup, The Morning Show

Kieran Culkin, Succession

Mark Duplass, The Morning Show

Giancarlo Esposito, Better Call Saul

Matthew Macfadyen, Succession

Bradley Whitford, The Handmaid's Tale

Jeffrey Wright, Westworld

Outstanding Comedy Series

Curb Your Enthusiasm

Dead to Me

The Good Place

Insecure

The Kominsky Method

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

WINNER: Schitt's Creek

What We Do in the Shadows

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

Christina Applegate, Dead to Me

Rachel Brosnahan, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Linda Cardellini, Dead to Me

WINNER: Catherine O'Hara, Schitt's Creek

Issa Rae, Insecure

Tracee Ellis Ross, black-ish

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Anthony Anderson, black-ish

Don Cheadle, Black Monday

Ted Danson, The Good Place

Michael Douglas, The Kominsky Method

WINNER: Eugene Levy, Schitt's Creek

Ramy Youssef, Ramy

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Betty Gilpin, GLOW

Yvonne Orji, Insecure

Kate McKinnon, Saturday Night Live

Cecily Strong, Saturday Night Live

WINNER: Annie Murphy, Schitt's Creek

D'Arcy Carden, The Good Place

Alex Borstein, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Marin Hinkle, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Andre Braugher, Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Mahershala Ali, Ramy

Kenan Thompson, Saturday Night Live

WINNER: Daniel Levy, Schitt's Creek

William Jackson Harper, The Good Place

Alan Arkin, The Kominsky Method

Sterling K. Brown, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Tony Shalhoub, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Outstanding Limited Series

Little Fires Everywhere

Mrs. America

Unbelievable

Unorthodox

WINNER: Watchmen

Outstanding Television Movie

American Son

WINNER: Bad Education

Dolly Parton's Heartstrings: These Old Bones

El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie

Cate Blanchett, Mrs. America

Shira Haas, Unorthodox

WINNER: Regina King, Watchmen

Octavia Spencer, Self Made

Kerry Washington, Little Fires Everywhere

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie

Jeremy Irons, Watchmen

Hugh Jackman, Bad Education

Paul Mescal, Normal People

Jeremy Pope, Hollywood

WINNER: Mark Ruffalo, I Know This Much Is True

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie

WINNER: Uzo Aduba, Mrs. America

Toni Collette, Unbelievable

Margo Martindale, Mrs. America

Jean Smart, Watchmen

Holland Taylor, Hollywood

Tracey Ullman, Mrs. America

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie

WINNER: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Watchmen

Jovan Adepo, Watchmen

Tituss Burgess, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend

Louis Gossett Jr., Watchmen

Dylan McDermott, Hollywood

Jim Parsons, Hollywood

Outstanding Variety Talk Series

The Daily Show with Trevor Noah

Full Frontal with Samantha Bee

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

WINNER: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Outstanding Competition Program

The Masked Singer

Nailed It

WINNER: RuPaul's Drag Race

Top Chef

The Voice

It ended up being a big night for some major TV shows like Watchmen, Succession, and Schitt's Creek and there were some one-off surprises as well. Here's hoping Hollywood turns things around and gets back to normal going into 2021, so that the 73rd annual Emmy Awards can return to its normal stage show, assuming that's what audiences even want. In the meantime, stay tuned to CinemaBlend for more updates on all your favorite shows and more and be sure to tune in for all the most awkward moments.

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Living in fear of things like alien invasions or giant, tentacled beasts is silly in comparison to the monstrous racism of the Jim Crow era, as Lovecraft Country exposes by incorporating both into its story. The spellbinding, brutally honest HBO series is just one of many examples of how the horror genre can shed light on life’s true horrors.

Based on the novel by Matt Ruff, developed by Misha Green, and produced by Jordan Peele and J.J. Abrams, Lovecraft Country follows a young, black Korean War veteran (Jonathan Majors) who discovers the fantasy novels he reads are more real than he could have imagined as disturbing secrets of his family history come to light in the late 1950s. The series borrows many themes and concepts pioneered by influential horror writer H.P. Lovecraft (as well as his last name) as an allegorical backdrop of the violent injustices of the era. The brilliant irony of it all is that Lovecraft is known to have been a tremendous racist, so to see his own work used to attack his own ideals makes it all the more intriguing.

Lovecraft Country proves that socially relevant fantasy fiction is, arguably, more popular and important than ever these days, but the genre has a rich history of satire that even dates back to its very roots. The following 13 movies and TV shows, currently available to stream on various platforms, provide insight into the message the behind the mania (or even just invoke traditional Lovecraftian vibes), starting with one of the first horror films praised for its subtext, whether it was intentional or not.

Night Of The Living Dead (Amazon Prime, HBO Max, Shudder)

A group of people taking refuge inside a farmhouse must figure out how to survive the horrors that lurk outside (and each other) when the dead suddenly come back to feast on the living.

Why It Is A Good Option For Lovecraft Country Fans: Despite his claims that any allusions to racial tension were unintentional, the late George A. Romero is still praised for his symbolic representation of humanity’s darker side with the birth of the modern zombie in 1968’s Night of the Living Dead, which is also the first horror film with a black protagonist, played by Duane Jones.

Stream Night of the Living Dead on Amazon Prime here, on HBO Max here, or on Shudder here.

Us (MAX Go)

A family’s summer getaway in Santa Cruz is interrupted by the appearance of their violent doppelgängers, who intend claim their lives as their own.

Why It Is A Good Option For Lovecraft Country Fans: Writer and director Jordan Peele, an executive producer on Lovecraft Country, followed up his Oscar-winning horror satire Get Out with another allegorical thriller in 2019’s Us - a chilling tale meant to expose the damaging influence of economic class division and dehumanizing effects of cultural privilege.

Stream Us on MAX Go here.

Black Mirror (Netflix)

A man compulsively reviewing memories on a recording device implanted in his brain, a cartoon character becoming a leading political candidate, and a world in which social freedoms are based on a five-star rating scale are just a few of the various disturbing stories, often set in the near future, on this thought-provoking anthology with five season currently under its belt.

Why It Is A Good Option For Lovecraft Country Fans: The strongest element of Lovecraft Country is how its depictions of racism are scarier than some man-eating creature, much like how the technophobic themes of Black Mirror resonate so well because the protagonists are often more to blame for their downfall than the machines they fall prey to in this Netflix exclusive that barely deserves to be considered fiction.

Stream Black Mirror on Netflix here.

Tales From The Hood (Peacock)

A young, unsuspecting trio hoping to pick up a drug shipment from an eccentric funeral home director (Clarence Williams III) are forced to listen to the sinister stories behind his more intriguing clientele.

Why It Is A Good Option For Lovecraft Country Fans: Speaking of anthologies, 1995’s Tales from the Hood, from co-writer and director Rusty Cundieff, is a quintessential cult classic of both anthology film and black horror with four darkly comic segments that, much like Lovecraft Country, provides honest insight into the struggles of the African American urbanite with a supernatural twist.

Stream Tales from the Hood on Peacock here.

Attack The Block (Showtime)

A group of troubled South London teens, led by a pre-Star Wars John Boyega, team-up with a young woman they mugged earlier in the evening (Doctor Who’s Jodie Whittaker) to defend their apartment building from a vengeful race of aliens.

Why It Is A Good Option For Lovecraft Country Fans: Speaking of providing honest insight into the struggles of the African American urbanite with a supernatural twist, deep within the fun, splatteriffic, sci-fi action spectacle with a Goonies-esque twist of 2011’s Attack the Block is a thought-provoking morality tale at the center of the troubled main youths’s redemptive acceptance to prevent any further violence in their poverty-stricken neighborhood.

Stream Attack the Block on Showtime here.

Color Out Of Space (Shudder)

A family falls prey to an otherworldly force causing disturbing changes to their surroundings and within themselves after a mysterious meteorite falls on their secluded farmland.

Why It Is A Good Option For Lovecraft Country Fans: Whatever social or existential commentary there may be in Color Out of Space is open to interpretation, but the captivating visuals and nightmarish thrills of this 2020 H.P. Lovecraft adaptation starring Nicolas Cage are hard to deny.

Stream Color Out of Space on Shudder here.

The Void (Shudder, Tubi)

A night shift cop (Aaron Poole) brings a wounded man to an understaffed hospital, unaware that it is the site of a great evil that begins to emerge from another dimension that begins to turn its patients into psychopaths, or worse.

Why It Is A Good Option For Lovecraft Country Fans: There is absolutely no detectable sign of any deeper subtextual meaning to Jeremy Gillespie and Steven Kostanski’s The Void, but for fans of old school Lovecraftian horror passionately brought to life by impressive practical creature effects, it is simply a treat.

Stream The Void on Shudder here or on Tubi here.

Watchmen (HBO Max)

In an alternate version of the present day in which vigilantism has been made illegal, a new group of costumed heroes emerge to put a stop to the corruptive forces lurking within America’s justice system.

Why It Is A Good Option For Lovecraft Country Fans: For those who prefer their horror light but their political commentary extremely dark, this nine-episode continuation of writer Alan Moore and artist Dave Gibbons’ groundbreaking graphic novel Watchmen from creator Damon Lindelof, which sheds light on the parallels between racial prejudices of today and in the past, is just what the doctor ordered... Dr. Manhattan, to be exact.

Stream Watchmen on HBO Max here.

La Llorona (Shudder)

An elderly fascist (Julio Diaz) suspects that he and his family are haunted by a vengeful spirit while facing allegations of genocide and the angry uprising of his people.

Why It Is A Good Option For Lovecraft Country Fans: Not to be confused with the “cursed” 2019 chapter of the Conjuring Universe, La Llorona incorporates the ghostly legend of folk lore into a Spanish-language drama inspired by real events of political strife in Guatemala.

Stream La Llorona on Shudder here.

Overlord (Amazon Prime, Hulu)

On the eve of D-Day, a group of American soldiers discover that terrifying rumors of the Third Reich’s human experimentation is not only true, but the results are even more disturbing than they could have imagined.

Why It Is A Good Option For Lovecraft Country Fans: From producer J.J. Abrams, also one of the bigger names behind Lovecraft Country, Overlord takes a more comparatively grounded approach to its World War II-era horror concepts than the Call of Duty: Zombies adaptation many may have expected by simply exaggerating true accounts of the Nazi’s grotesque experiments into a fun B-movie that combines thrilling combat with skin-crawling body horror.

Stream Overlord on Amazon Prime here or on Hulu here.

Re-Animator (Shudder, Tubi)

A strange medical student’s (Jeffrey Combs) obsession with bringing the dead back to life gets the best of him when his experiments prove successful, only to spiral out of control soon after.

Why It Is A Good Option For Lovecraft Country Fans:I Imagine that Overlord might have taken a lot of inspiration from the “revivalist” themes of Re-Animator, one of the few H.P. Lovecraft adaptations actually beloved for its more campy approach and the first of several films from cult director Stuart Gordon to be based on the author’s work.

Stream Re-Animator on Shudder here or on Tubi here.

Sorry To Bother You (Hulu)

Penniless Oakland man Cassius Green (Lakeith Stanfield) learns how to rise up in the ranks of his new telemarketing job by creating a new voice that makes him sound -- to put it bluntly -- “whiter” that adopting a “white voice” to speak to customers with may be the key to success he has been looking for.

Why It Is A Good Option For Lovecraft Country Fans: That brief description of musician Boots Riley’s inventively zany film debut is enough to catch on to a mere fraction of its brutally honest social and economic indictments, but as to how Sorry to Bother You leans into more Lovecraftian fair is something I will let you find out on your own.

Stream Sorry To Bother You on Hulu here.

Horror Noire: A History Of Black Horror (Shudder)

Through essential clips and interviews with actors, filmmakers, and film aficionados, this documentary traces the history of how black people have been depicted in and contributed to the horror genre.

Why It Is A Good Option For Lovecraft Country Fans: To better understand Lovecraft Country’s importance to the genre and other valuable lessons, it would do you good to check out Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror, a 2019 documentary exclusively released on Shudder, that also features an interview with none other than Jordan Peele.

Stream Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror on Shudder here.

What do you think? Are these movies and TV shows just what the Lovecraft Country fan needs to satisfy their hunger for an entertaining spectacle, unique political commentary, or, hopefully, a mix of both, or do you think these stories give socially conscious genre fiction (or even fiction in general) a bad name? Let us know in the comments and be sure to check back for additional information and updates about this insane HBO original series, as well as even more suggestions of what you should stream right now, here on CinemaBlend.

Despite the mounting skepticism that preceded its release, HBO's Watchmen managed to blow all expectations out of the water, both in terms of cleverly honoring the source material and delivering an exciting and unpredictable story. While it will no doubt inspire many adaptations and original works in the years to come, it barely took any time at all for the Damon Lindelof-developed series to directly affect Watchmen's comic book canon. It turns out the TV show played a role in bringing the upcoming Rorschach sequel miniseries to life.

During the Expansion of DC's Watchmen panel during Day 2 of DC FanDome, Damon Lindelof spoke with Rorschach's writer Tom King and artist Jorge Fornés about what fans can expect from the noir-esque conspiracy thriller. The first thing Lindelof asked echoed the questions that he heard many times when putting the TV show together: Why and why now? According to King, it was the HBO series that directly led to him accepting the gig after previously turning it down. In his words:

Tom King's initial hesitation to dive into an official Watchmen comic sequel is beyond understandable, considering how lauded Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' original 12 issues are. Not just for the brilliant core narrative but for the allusions, the panel choices, the art style, the foreshadowing, the supplemental material, and the other numerous ways that the duo upended expectations intrinsically tied to the comic book medium. It's easy to sympathize with King not thinking there was a proper way to follow that up, but then the Watchmen TV show came along and proved it was not only possible, but it was also possible to do it extremely well.

The Rorschach miniseries will be set in the modern day, the same as the Watchmen TV show, but fans hoping to see references to Sister Night or Looking Glass' origins are going to be disappointed. That said, Tom King made an interesting note when confirming the projects will be mutually exclusive.

Considering the variety of different ways that Damon Lindeof's creative team flipped the script on Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' Watchmen – from Hooded Justice's origin story to Laurie's future – there were probably times when Tom King very well could have alluded to the original text in a way that retconned the TV show's storytelling. But awesomely enough, King and Jorge Fornés made the conscious decision not to take away from that side of the universe.

Still, in the way that HBO's Watchmen was as much a commentary on the state of the world today as it was a commentary on the 1986 source material, Rorschach will strive to make that same double-duty responsibility happen, with Tom King metaphorically taking the reins from Alan Moore. (Metaphorically because Moore would have burned those reins up so that no one would have access to them.) Here's how King put it:

In case anyone wondered, Damon Lindelof was indeed humbled by Tom King's admission, but did not take credit for everything himself.

Rorschach centers on an investigation after an assassination attempt is made on the first presidential candidate in decades to face POTUS Robert Redford, and the first issue will hit physical and digital stores on October 1. Meanwhile, you can currently stream all eight episodes of Watchmen on HBO Max, though you probably won't be able to catch the FanDome panel. And stay updated with our Fall 2020 TV premiere schedule to see what new and returning shows are on the way.

Fans of the many DC properties which populate our TV screens were really bummed when San Diego Comic-Con had to scrap it's annual convention and do a way stripped down virtual version this year, but they got a wonderful surprise to make up for it when DC FanDome hit the internet toward the end of August. Now, though, the second DC FanDome event is coming our way on September 12, and it's going to be chock-a-block with panels and more to help us get pumped for the return of all the Arrowverse shows and a lot more televised DC content.

DC FanDome will kick off again for its second day with tons of content for fans who are looking for updates on all their favorite Arrowverse and other DC TV shows, and you can already get a taste of what's to come in a new trailer for the event. Take a look, and we'll reconvene below to discuss some of the exciting details!

Oh. My. Goodness! There will certainly be no shortage of things to watch or explore when it comes time for the second round of DC FanDome, will there? As you saw in the trailer, Explore the Multiverse, will feature a lot of content from all areas of DC, including comics, movies, video games and, of course, television. This day will be different from the first, though, in that it will allow fans to set their own schedule of what panels to watch, instead of having a set roll-out for the content. So, you know, if you want to spend the whole day watching videos about Legends of Tomorrow, The Flash and Batwoman, you most likely can.

Speaking of those popular Arrowverse series, as you might have imagined, there will be panels for each of the ones mentioned above, as well as fellow DC shows Black Lightning, Superman & Lois, Stargirl, Harley Quinn, Young Justice, Lucifer, Doom Patrol, Watchmen and much more. Fans will also get to see extended versions of panels for The Flash and Titans, which had already debuted at the previous FanDome event, and the official introduction of Batwoman and the show's new star, Javicia Leslie. There have also been promises of big news breaking throughout the day, so it's set to be a pretty big deal.

Aside from the panels, there will also be behind the scenes and never seen footage from several of your favorite properties, as well as talent / fan Q&A sessions. All told, there will be over 300 panels and videos for DC FanDome: Explore the Multiverse, which will give viewers more than 100 hours of content across the, well, multiverse of DC media. All the content is free for fans to watch, but know that if you're already getting overwhelmed with your viewing possibilities for the day, you can choose from some already curated schedules to make the event even easier to enjoy.

It's clear that DC FanDome's second day is going to be very cool for all DC fans, but especially those of us who will be missing the many Arrowverse shows which usually populate The CW every fall. Those premieres aren't coming around until early 2021, this time around, so FanDome will be a great opportunity to hear what's coming for the new seasons, as well as Season 1 of the highly anticipated new series, Superman & Lois. And, it sounds like there will be plenty of cool information for us to mull over as we wait.

DC FanDome: Explore the Multiverse is set to start on September 12 at 10 a.m. PST, on DCFanDome.com, and will be available in nine languages for both desktop and mobile devices. All of the content will be available for one day, but you can head over to the site right now to set a schedule for yourself. In the meantime, if you're looking for more to entertain yourself in the coming weeks, be sure to check out our guide to fall TV!

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2020 is only a third of the way over, and yet the Blu-ray and Digital release calendar has already been a hub of activity. With movie theaters closed we've seen movies hitting digital storefronts faster than ever before, and we now have word from at least one studio that this will become the new normal. As theaters have continued to remain closed, the last films that did see a theatrical release in 2020 have continued to trickle out on physical media. Although, with most of them getting released in May, there won't be much left to release after this month is over.

Scroll down to see the newest releases...

January

We’re heading into 2020, but the New Year still has 2019 on the brain, at least in terms of DVD, Blu-ray and Digital releases. For the next few months, we’ll be seeing some big 2019 content coming out on these platforms, both of the big budget and indie variety.

In fact, the first week of January in 2020 is a huge one for DVD and Blu-ray releases. Todd Phillips’ behemoth hit Joker is hitting those platforms for the first time after hitting Digital just in time for the holidays. It also comes with the “miserable to make” flick The Lighthouse, which is hitting homes just as we head into awards season. (And also was one of our favorite horror movies in 2019.)

HBO’s Big Little Lies Season 2 is also getting a big release at the beginning of January 2020, so it won’t be a light kickoff to the month at all. Diving in deeper, we have family favorites like Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, The Addams Family and more hitting homes. We also have critical favorites like Parasite and some big budget releases like Terminator: Dark Fate coming, as well.

It’s not a bad way to kick off the year, particularly given January is usually a little light on new theatrical releases. So, you and your family can cozy up with some hot chocolate (maybe that only happens in Hallmark movies?) and pick and choose from some excellent releases.

As usual, Digital releases are the same day as the DVD and Blu-ray releases, unless otherwise noted. Take a look at what’s coming up, below.

Tuesday, January 7 DVD, Digital And Blu-ray Releases

Joker

The Lighthouse

Big Little Lies: The Complete Second Season

A Million Little Pieces

Girl on the Third Floor

The Shed

Imprisoned

Crown Vic

Bulletproof 2

Cosmos

Mine 9

Paradise Hills

Tuesday, January 14 DVD, Digital And Blu-ray Releases

Gemini Man

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil

Jexi

Krypton: The Complete Second & Final Season

Running with the Devil

The Big Trip

Veep: The Final Season

Beyond the Law

Code 8

The Death and Life of John F. Donovan

Line of Duty

Macgyver: Season 3

Turkey Bowl

YOU: The Complete First Season

Mister America

Beverly Hills Cop: 3 Movie Collection

Early Digital Releases

Terminator: Dark Fate

Parasite

Motherless Brooklyn

Harriet

Tuesday, January 21 DVD, Digital And Blu-ray Releases

The Addams Family

Zombieland: Double Tap

Jay And Silent Bob Reboot

Countdown

Black and Blue

I See You

Pain and Glory

The Knight of Shadows

The Courier

Early Digital Releases

Playing with Fire

Tuesday, January 28 DVD, Digital And Blu-ray Releases

Terminator: Dark Fate

Parasite

Motherless Brooklyn

My Life Is Murder

Roswell, New Mexico: The Complete First Season

Harriet

Ballers: The Complete Fifth Season

Early Digital Releases

Ford v. Ferrari

We’re just getting the year started, so stay tuned and keep an eye out for the other home entertainment releases coming in 2020!

February

The first month of 2020 brought with it some of 2019’s biggest movies on DVD and Blu-ray. The second month will be no different. Some of the big movies that closed out last year will finally be making their way to our homes so we can enjoy them as frequently as we like.

The end of every year is always so full of potentially great movies looking for awards consideration that it’s close to impossible to see everything, so now we can all catch the great films we missed at a leisurely pace.

The beginning of the month sees the release of Doctor Sleep, a film most critics loved but most clearly didn’t see, so perhaps this will be the movie’s change to find an audience. We’ll also see the release of awards darlings like Jojo Rabbit, and Knives Out, as well as big blockbusters like Frozen II.

As usual, Digital releases are the same day as the DVD and Blu-ray releases, unless otherwise noted. Take a look at what’s coming up, below.

Week Of Tuesday, February 4 DVD, Digital And Blu-ray Releases

Playing With Fire

Last Christmas

Doctor Sleep

The Good Liar

Arctic Dogs

Waves

The House That Jack Built

Dragonheart: Vengeance

Grand Isle

Keeping Faith: Series 2

Mon Mon Mon Monsters!

Rabid

The Nightengale

Trauma Center

Early Digital Releases

Jojo Rabbit

Midway

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

21 Bridges

Knives Out (February 7)

Week Of Tuesday, February 11 DVD, Digital And Blu-ray Releases

Ford v Ferrari

After She Wakes

Greener Grass

Hell on the Border

In Fabric

Line of Descent

Preacher - The Final Season

Roma

Swamp Thing: The Complete Series

Shutter Island: 10th Anniversary Steel Book

First Love

Early Digital Releases

Frozen II

Week Of Tuesday, February 18 DVD, Digital And Blu-ray Releases

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Midway

21 Bridges

Jojo Rabbit

Frankie

Disturbing the Peace

The Twilight Zone: Season One

Scandalous: The Untold Story of The National Enquirer

Warriors of the Nation

The Good Karma Hospital

The Dawn

Early Digital Releases

Charlie’s Angels

Dark Waters

Queen & Slim

Week Of Tuesday, February 25 DVD, Digital And Blu-ray Releases

Frozen II

Knives Out

Color Out of Space

Norm of the North: Family Vacation

The Corrupted

The Climbers

The Hunt For the Red October (30th Anniversary Edition)

Early Digital Releases

Uncut Gems

Bombshell

March

The third month of 2020 will take care of nearly every remaining film released in 2019 that had not yet seen a home release. This means a great combination of both awards caliber films and crowd favorite holiday releases are on the way, as well as a few films that may have been looking for awards season recognition but found themselves overlooked.

March opens with a pair of those movies as both Queen & Slim and Dark Waters, which reviewed well but didn’t make many year-end short lists, hit Blu-ray. Perhaps they’ll find their audience at home. We will, however, see the digital release for Jumanji: The Next Level, which is impressive considering the film is still in some theaters.

A few big Oscar movies will be hitting throughout the month of March, including, Bombshell and 1917. But the major release for March, of course, will be Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, which will see a Digital release in the middle of the month with the physical release coming on the last day of March.

Check out the full list of March releases below. Everything comes out on Tuesday of the listed week unless noted otherwise.

Week Of Tuesday, March 3 DVD, Digital, and Blu-ray Releases

Queen & Slim|

Dark Waters

Playmobil: The Movie

2 Graves In The Desert

Ana

I Am Fear

The Furies

The Sonata

Titans: The Complete Second Season

No Offence: Complete Collection

Nezha

Early Digital Releases

Jumanji: The Next Level

Richard Jewell

Black Christmas

A Hidden Life

The Jesus Rolls (March 6)

Week Of Tuesday, March 10 DVD, Digital, and Blu-ray Releases

Spies in Disguise

Uncut Gems

Bombshell

Charlie’s Angels

Chesapeake Shores: Season 4

Inherit The Viper

John Henry

The Affair: The Final Season

A Quiet Place (Mondo Steelbook)

The Ten Commandments (Special Two-Film Collector's Edition)

The Witch: Subversion

Little Joe

Early Digital Releases

1917

Little Women

Spies In Disguise

The Grudge

Week Of Tuesday, March 17 DVD, Digital, and Blu-ray Releases

Jumanji: The Next Level

Richard Jewell

Black Christmas

Abigail

Crashing: S3

Superman: Red Son

The Dustwalker

Early Digital Releases

Cats (March 16)

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

Just Mercy

The Invisible Man (March 20) (Rental Only)

Emma (March 20) (Rental Only)

The Hunt (March 20) (Rental Only)

Week Of Tuesday, March 24 DVD, Digital, and Blu-ray Releases

1917

The Grudge

The Song of Names

Clemency

Treadstone: Season One

Early Digital Releases

Clemency (March 23)

Curb Your Enthusiasm: Season 10 ( March 23)

Dolittle

Bloodshot

The Way Back

I Still Believe (March 27)

Birds of Prey

Call of the Wild (March 27)

Downhill (March 27)

Week Of Tuesday, March 31 DVD, Digital, and Blu-ray Releases

Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker

The Current War: Director's Cut

Mr. Robot: Season 4

The Purge: Season Two

VFW

Coda

Standing Up, Falling Down

Early Digital Releases

Sonic the Hedgehog

Bad Boys For Life

Impractical Jokers: The Movie (April 1)

April

What a difference a month makes. At the end of February, as we were looking forward to what March had to offer on the home entertainment front, everything looked like business as usual. And now, it's anything but. The calendar got reshuffled multiple times over the course of the month, as several releases, mostly digital, were released early to take advantage of the fact that large swaths of the nation are being asked to shelter in place. Even films that were in theaters a month ago are on that list.

While Hollywood is largely at a standstill theatrically, there are still, for the moment, a few months worth of films from the end of 2019 and the beginning of 2019 still waiting for their digital and/or physical home release. This includes Oscar nominees from last year, like Little Women, and what is, largely due to the fact that theaters are closed for business, still the highest grossing movie of the year, Bad Boys for Life.

With so many movies having released digitally already, the pickings for April are now a bit slim, but, early in the month will see the unprecedented release of Trolls World Tour, a film that was originally scheduled for a theatrical run, and rather than simply delaying that release with theaters closed, as other films have done, the movie will debut on Digital platforms April 10.

Here's everything else April has to offer.

Week Of Tuesday, April 7 DVD, Digital, and Blu-ray Releases

Little Women

Dolittle

Cats

Escape From Pretoria

Madam Secretary: The Final Season

Swift

The Cold Blue

The Night Clerk

Strike

Early Digital Releases

The Turning

Ip Man 4: The Finale

Like a Boss

Gretal and Hansel

The Last Full Measure

Citizen K

Paris Wine And Romance

Trolls World Tour (April 10) (Rental Only)

Week Of Tuesday, April 14 DVD, Digital, and Blu-ray Releases

Underwater

Just Mercy

Criminal Minds: The Final Season

Final Kill

The Righteous Gemstones: Season 1

Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge

The Cat and the Moon

Unintended

Inside the Rain (Available April 15)

Early Digital Release

The Rhythm Section

The Gentlemen

Week Of Tuesday, April 21 DVD, Digital, and Blu-ray Releases

Bad Boys For Life

The Gentlemen

Like a Boss

The Turning

Ip Man 4: The Finale

The Last Full Measure

Looking For Alaska

Promare

Fatal Attraction

King Creole

To Catch a Thief

Week Of Tuesday, April 28 DVD, Digital, and Blu-ray Releases

The Rhythm Section

The Assistant

Guns Akimbo

Arrow: The Eighth and Final Season

Just One of the Guys (35th Anniversary)

Early Digital Releases

The Photograph

May

May is here, and with it comes, basically, the last batch of Blu-ray releases of any movies that have yet seen a theatrical release. March saw the release of movies like Pixar's Onward, Vin Diesel's Bloodshot and the well regarded horror movie The Invisible Man and while, at this point, basically everything has seen its digital release, already, for those people who want to own the physical discs, you'll now have your chance. Assuming you're cool with ordering them online, of course.

Other Blu-rays hitting the street in May include the popular Sonic the Hedgehog movie as well as the far less popular Fantasy Island movie. But at this point, can you really argue? You've seen all the good movie by now, only the bad ones are left. Here's the rundown of everything hitting Blu-ray in may 2020.

Week Of Tuesday, May 5 DVD, Digital, and Blu-ray Releases

Gretel & Hansel

Bloodshot

I Still Believe

The Lodge

Greed

Ordinary Love

Tigers Are Not Afraid

Arkansas

Lancaster Skies

Ray Donovan: The Seventh Season

The Jesus Rolls

Early Digital Release

Emma

Justice League Dark: Apokolips War

Week Of Tuesday, May 12 DVD, Digital, and Blu-ray Releases

Birds of Prey

Fantasy Island

The Photograph

Lost Transmissions

Lucifier: The Complete Fourth Season

Narcos: Mexico

Redcon-1

Shameless: Season 10

Stray Dolls

The Traitor

Vivarium

All for Nikki

The Voices

The Queen's Corgi

Early Digital Release

The Invisible Man

Capone

Week Of Tuesday, May 19 DVD, Digital, and Blu-ray Releases

Sonic the Hedgehog

Onward

The Way Back

Brahms: The Boy II

Emma

Wildlife

Behind You

Buffaloed

Call the Midwife: Season Nine

Creepshow Season 1

Fear The Walking Dead: The Complete Fifth Season

Justice League Dark: Apokolips War

Last Moment of Clarity

The Good Place: The Final Season

The Postcard Killings

International Falls

Penance Lane

Zombies 2