Science fiction is among the most celebrated genres in cinema. It encompasses everything from profound, ambitious explorations of space travel to smaller, more intimate depictions of futures in varying degrees of unrest. Sci-fi is still thriving in cinema, perhaps now more than ever, with the recent releases of movies like Project Hail Mary proving that the genre is experiencing what is likely its best period to date.

Twenty years ago, however, the landscape was much more different. That’s not to say that sci-fi movies didn’t exist or that they weren’t recognized, but it is fair to say that they were a lot less appreciated, perhaps even dismissed as “genre fare.” However, a few of these twenty-year-old movies have aged beautifully and are now considered genuine masterpieces of the genre. Here, we take a look at the sci-fi movies from 2006 that are outright perfect, becoming incredible representatives of their home genre.

‘Southland Tales’

Image via Universal Studios

Richard Kelly followed his 2001 cult classic Donnie Darko with an even bigger deep cut: the dystopian black comedy thriller Southland Tales. Set in 2008, in a United States under the threat of nuclear attack, the film follows several stories, including a movie star (Dwayne Johnson) planning his next movie with the help of a porn star (Sarah Michelle Gellar), who herself is attempting to launch a reality TV show.

Southland Tales was quite misunderstood upon release — in fact, it remains misunderstood and underrated. The film juggles several complex ideas, offering scathing criticisms of the industrial military complex and the entertainment industry. However, its approach is decidedly abstract, to the point where many might dismiss it as too artsy or outright pretentious. Yet, there’s a genuine allure to the film’s chaos; it has something to say, but it doesn’t figure out how to say it. Yet, its attempts still result in an engaging and fascinating movie, one that throws the audience directly into the mayhem and never concerns itself with making sense of it.

‘Idiocracy’

Image via 20th Century Studios

Idiocracy is a movie that not many paid attention to when it came out, but which has become so relevant in the decades since that it seems outright prophetic. Luke Wilson and Maya Rudolph play a librarian and a prostitute who undergo a government procedure that puts them in cryosleep for five hundred years. Upon awakening, they discover that society has regressed to the point where they are now the smartest people in the world.

Mike Judge‘s film satirizes society’s path to progress, commenting on the rise of anti-intellectualism and absurd, seemingly endless consumerism. Sharp and surprisingly insightful, the film has a lot to say about the pernicious relationship between politics and the media, and how superficiality can only lead to something far darker. This cult classic remains perfect, largely because it seems so hauntingly precise in its observations — for example, the presidential plot is no longer as funny as it was because it now uncomfortably hits too close to home. Today, we might be constantly asking ourselves, “Have we actually reached peak idiocracy?” but the awful truth is that we can always go beyond it.

‘The Girl Who Leapt Through Time’

Image via Kadokawa Herald Pictures

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A loose sequel to the 1967 eponymous novel, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is among the best anime movies of the 2000s. The plot sees teenager Makoto Konno learning to travel in time, thanks to her aunt Kazuko Yoshiyama (the protagonist of the original novel). Makoto uses her newfound abilities to pursue selfish gains, soon realizing her actions have far broader consequences that go beyond just herself.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time deftly balances several genres, mainly science fiction and coming-of-age, with a healthy dose of romance to boot. The visuals are simply spectacular, capturing a carefree, warm atmosphere that makes everything seem strangely wholesome; it’s like watching a child learn how to ride a bike, except it’s a teenage girl literally manipulating time. The core of the story is a classic tale of self-discovery and growth, but the execution makes this anime movie far more special. There’s also a 1983 live-action adaptation, but the anime version is slightly more striking.

‘A Skanner Darkly’

Image via Warner Bros.

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Richard Linklater‘s A Scanner Darkly is among the most singular animated movies of the 2000s — indeed, of all time. Keanu Reeves stars as Bob Arctor, a narcotics officer living in a future where the United States is undergoing a drug-addiction pandemic. While wooing drug dealer Donna (Winona Ryder) in an effort to identify her supplier, Bob is also tasked with spying on his neighbors. Deep undercover, Bob himself develops an addiction.

Based on the novel by Philip K. Dick, A Scanner Darkly is a trippy experience brought to life through rotoscoping, a technique where animators manually trace over the original footage, frame by frame, thus achieving a distinct visual approach. The film looks like a literal comic book brought to life, a deliberate choice that only enhances the themes of addiction, paranoia, and the loss of self. Like other Linklater movies, A Scanner Darkly has a lot to say; the dialogue cracks, and the conversations feel both surreal and heavy with meaning. What exactly that meaning is remains unclear, as the film is far more concerned with posing questions than straight-up answering them.

‘The Host’

Bong Joon Ho‘s movies usually offer a heavy dose of social commentary, be it anti-capitalist sentiment, class struggle, or institutional incompetence. All of those are perfectly showcased in his 2006 monster flick, The Host. The plot centers on intellectually disabled food stand vendor Park Gang-du (Song Kang-ho), whose daughter is kidnapped by a mysterious amphibious monster terrorizing the Han River in Seoul.

Here, Bong pulls no punches, presenting a bleak vision of the United States as uncaring and warmongering, to the point where the film flirts with anti-American sentiment. Like many of his other movies, The Host offers strong commentary on the sheer incompetence of the institutions meant to protect and enhance society, and how the ultimate prize is often paid by those less fortunate. Humanity’s relationship with the environment, another favorite of Bong, is also heavily featured here, but the movie still offers all the monster carnage one would expect from a genre flick. The result is a creature feature that is as effective as it is bittersweet and even chilling.

‘The Prestige’

Image via Warner Bros.

Christopher Nolan has mastered many genres, from thriller to mystery and crime drama. However, sci-fi is where he often thrives, and perhaps his most underappreciated entry into the genre is 2006’s The Prestige. An intriguing mix of genres, the film stars Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale as rival magicians in Victorian London. As the two try to surpass the other, they embark on an increasingly dark and desperate quest that will ultimately cost them far more than they expected.

For most of its runtime, The Prestige is a psychological thriller laced with hints of a revenge story. It’s not until the halfway point that the sci-fi elements arrive, courtesy of a hypnotizing David Bowie as legendary inventor Nikola Tesla. Yet, Nolan uses science fiction to explore the darkest corners of the human psyche, the unrelenting thirst to surpass another, no matter the cost. Yet, The Prestige is as much about showmanship as it is about vengeance, presenting itself under the same structure as the magic tricks at the center of the narrative.

‘Paprika’

Image via Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan

Arguably the trippiest and most challenging sci-fi movie of the 2000s, Paprika is a stellar exploration of dreams and the last film made by the genius Satoshi Kon. The narrative centers on Dr. Atsuko Chiba, a scientist who moonlights as the dream detective Paprika. When a device she’s been working on is stolen by a so-called “dream terrorist,” Atsuko jumps into action as both herself and as Paprika.

Paprika operates under a singular set of rules. In fact, if you watch it and can’t make much sense of it, fear not, because that’s partly by design. Perhaps thanks to its nature as an exploration of dreams, and perhaps because of Kon’s desire to push the audience to the edge of lofic, Paprika is a famously daunting experience. It’s visually, mentally, and emotionally exhausting, a journey through the subconscious that is half dream, half nightmare. It might also probably, kinda, sorta, most likely influenced Nolan’s Inception; he’s never officially addressed it, but the similarities are… striking. You be the judge.

‘Children of Men’

Image via Universal Pictures

What would happen to the world if people stopped having children? Such is the premise for Alfonso Cuarón‘s dystopian action thriller Children of Men, arguably his magnum opus, give or take a Roma. Clive Owen stars as Theo, a disillusioned bureaucrat tasked by his ex-wife, Julian (Julianne Moore), to escort Kee (Claire-Hope Ashitey), the first pregnant woman in two decades. Facing incredible danger, Theo will have to rise to the challenge.

Children of Men is a curious beast. The sci-fi elements are subtler, but the film still deals with a near-future where civilization has outright collapsed under the weight of mounting desperation provoked by infertility. It’s quite incredible how accurately the film predicted the near future, with asylum seekers seeking asylum in the United Kingdom, leading to their imprisonment, deportation, and even execution. Watching Children of Men in 2026 is an uncomfortable experience, as it’s difficult not to draw similarities with the current socio-political landscape. The film is a true masterpiece of the 21st century, and a confirmation of Cuarón’s prowess as an auteur of singular vision.

One week after settling her legal battle with Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively was publicly praised by husband Ryan Reynolds in a tender Mother’s Day post.

Reynolds, 49, took to his Instagram Stories on Sunday, May 10, to pay tribute to Lively, 38, after she and her It Ends With Us costar and director, 42, reached a settlement prior to their scheduled trial commencing on Monday, May 18.

“I appreciate this mother beyond measure,” the Deadpool & Wolverine star began in text pasted over two photos of the couple enjoying time together. “She is kind. She is fearless. She’s the absolute love of my life — and to our four little kids, she’s the life of their love.” (The couple share daughters James, 11, Inez, 9, and Betty, 6, and son Olin, 2.)

Lively, who worked with Baldoni from 2023 to 2024 ahead of It Ends With Us’ release in August 2024, had filed a lawsuit against him on December 31, 2024. Her lawsuit had alleged that Baldoni sexually harassed her, fostered a hostile work environment and orchestrated a smear campaign against her, claims Baldoni repeatedly denied before filing his own dismissed countersuit.

Baldoni and Lively reached their out-of-court settlement on Monday, May 4.

Reynolds’ post, which was set to Temper Trap’s “Sweet Disposition,” came just after Lively shared her own Mother’s Day tribute to her mom, Elaine Lively. “Happy Mother’s Day to the woman who chooses joy, every day, no matter what,” the Simple Favor star wrote via her Instagram Stories over a photo of her mother. “The strength and defiance in that is something I’ll always appreciate, especially the older I get. She makes every day special for everyone around her. Especially her babies and grandbabies.”

Lively’s post continued, “She isn’t just beautiful, she creates beauty, with her hands, her stories, her playfulness, her creativity, her incredible ingenuity and her love. I’m so grateful, now and forever to have been shaped by your heart full of love, optimism and magic. You make the ordinary extraordinary. I love you. Thank you mama.”

Lively and Baldoni released a joint statement via their attorneys that announced their surprise settlement last week. “The end product — the movie It Ends With Us — is a source of pride to all of us who worked to bring it to life. Raising awareness, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of domestic violence survivors — and all survivors — is a goal that we stand behind,” the statement, obtained by Us Weekly, read. “We acknowledge the process presented challenges and recognize concerns raised by Ms. Lively deserved to be heard.”

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The statement continued, “We remain firmly committed to workplaces free of improprieties and unproductive environments. It is our sincere hope that this brings closure and allows all involved to move forward constructively and in peace, including a respectful environment online.”

In the leadup to Lively’s trial, Reynolds remained a pillar of support to his wife, telling Today during its April 19 broadcast that he stood firmly in her corner. “I’ll just say, I’ve never in my life been more proud of my wife,” he told journalist Willie Geist at the time.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. https://988lifeline.org/

Every year, a new popular anime dominates the entertainment landscape and finds itself on the watchlist of every fan. In 2020, it was Jujutsu Kaisen; in 2023, it was Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End; and in 2025, it was Solo Leveling Season 2. While the first season was equally as popular, the second season ramped up the action, intrigue, and animation, making it a must-watch action anime of this decade and in general.

However, despite its overwhelming popularity, there are countless shows that match or even exceed Solo Leveling‘s admittedly high levels. This is why this list will rank action anime similar to Solo Leveling (or are even better than it) based on fight scenes, creativity, animation, pacing, general action, writing, and overall quality. This list will also include a variety of action anime that are different from and similar to Solo Leveling and will discuss how those aspects are better.

20

‘Fate/Zero’ (2011–2012)

Image via ufotable

The Fate franchise is known for its historical figures, confusing timeline, and epic action, and Fate/Zero offers the best of all of those aspects. With a new Holy Grail war about to begin, its contestants must prepare for the worst with their assigned historical figures who will fight for them. Each one has a different goal and reason to win the grail.

If fans want a good anime and don’t have anything to watch, then Fate/Zero is the perfect anime for them. Animated by ufotable, it features some of the best animations fans will ever see on screen. The battles are a spectacle of brilliant visuals, striking animation, and unbelievable moments, coming together to create the most memorable fights in anime.

19

‘My Hero Academia’ (2016–2025)

Image via Studio Bones

After nearly a decade, one of the most influential modern anime series came to an end, and that is My Hero Academia. Deku dreams of being a hero, but without any powers, he struggles to do so. However, when he inherits the power of the world’s strongest hero, Deku follows his dream by enlisting in hero school.

My Hero Academia was a wild ride with many ups and downs, but after the final season, fans can definitely say that it is one of the best action anime series. The fights were never a let-down, ripe with creative choreography, epic moments, fluid animation, and story importance. My Hero Academia‘s final season also beat Solo Leveling season two in the best anime of 2025 list.

18

‘Dororo’ (2019)

Image via MAPPA

One of the best new things happening is remaking classic series, and Dororo recently got that treatment. Originally from the 1960s, this modern remake follows a boy trying to reclaim everything that was lost to him. When his father offers parts of his body to demons, Hyakkimaru must kill each one to reclaim his lost humanity.

Dororo has one of the best stories on this list, but it is only ranking them by action and entertainment value, and even in that regard, it is better than Solo Leveling. Animated by MAPPA, the fight scenes are fluid and dynamic, with stunning melee combat and swordplay that feels more authentic than Solo Leveling.

17

‘Hunter x Hunter’ (2011–2014)

Image via Madhouse

This list will naturally feature many iconic battle shounen, but none is more important on this list than Hunter x Hunter, which defined a whole generation of series. Gon wants to find his dad, and the only way to do so is to follow in his footsteps and become a hunter, but this is a grueling profession only for the strongest.

If this list were ranking the entries based on quality, Hunter x Hunter would be number one, but since it is only about the action, it ranks a little lower. Still, this anime is a masterclass of action, specifically through its creativity, memorable moments, suspenseful fights, genius tactics, and narrative weight. Overall, Hunter x Hunter is a beautifully written anime masterpiece, but it also doesn’t slack on the fights.

16

‘Demon Slayer’ (2019–2024)

Image via Toho

If Solo Leveling isn’t the most popular modern anime, then it is definitely Demon Slayer, which revolutionized the medium and introduced a new generation of fans to anime. Tanjiro is on a quest to defeat the demon who turned his sister into one, and hopefully reverse the curse placed on her.

This is the second ufotable anime on this list, which speaks to its influence on action anime. Demon Slayer is all about the fight scenes, and fans can see that in the extreme detail put into every battle. The animation is dazzling, ambitious, and fluid, working together to provide some of the most gorgeous fight scenes in anime that are far better than anything in Solo Leveling.

15

‘Kingdom’ (2012–Present)

Image via Pierrot

Historical anime are becoming increasingly popular thanks to shows like Vinland Saga and The Apothecary Diaries, but Kingdom was a pioneer of this genre, which peaked too late to gain a major audience. The anime follows Xin, a country bumpkin who dreams of becoming a respected general, thus starting his tumultuous journey.

Kingdom offers a different style of action compared to Solo Leveling, and depending on the viewer, it can definitely be better. The animation may not be top-tier, but the blend of story into the large-scale battles is a sight to behold. The grand fights feature meticulous strategy, planning, insight, and cerebral tactics, making it a much more nuanced action anime.

14

‘Hajime no Ippo’ (2000–2014)

Image via Madhouse

The anime may not technically be over, as the manga is still ongoing, but with over a decade having passed without a sequel, fans will likely never see a new season of Hajime no Ippo. The titular protagonist finds new meaning in his life after discovering boxing, able to express himself and put his hard work towards the world title.

Hajime no Ippo also isn’t too similar to Solo Leveling, but the action is just as engaging, instead focusing on the unknown outcome of the fight that has real stakes in the future of their careers. There is plenty of comedy, character growth, dramatic moments, and downtime, making Hajime no Ippo a more versatile show that is the best anime that turned 25 in 2025.

13

‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’ (2012–Present)

Image via David Production

As fans anticipate the new part of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Steel Ball Run, they can rewatch this series, knowing it does action better than most anime, including Solo Leveling. Each part follows a new protagonist in the Joestar line fighting against some sort of evil, whether it be a vampire, a serial killer, or a priest.

The action is different in every single part and episode, making Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure one of the most unique action anime. The tense and unpredictable fights build a distinct quality that no other anime can match, not even Solo Leveling. It features solid animation, an inventive art style, and creative battles that set it apart from all other anime.

12

‘Naruto’ (2002–2017)

Image via Viz Media

While this list doesn’t feature all of The Big Three, it does include a couple, including Naruto, a legendary anime series following the titular ninja. As Naruto tries to prove to his village that he isn’t a punk and he can be the Hokage, he must bring Sasuke back to the village after his betrayal.

Most Solo Leveling fans won’t complain about this, considering Naruto is an OG of the scene and a classic action anime that is a staple in the community. Naruto is more than just fights, but the action is arguably the best part, especially since Naruto has some of the best fights in anime, showcasing fluid animation, remarkable choreography, and high stakes.

11

‘Attack on Titan’ (2013–2023)

Image via WIT Studio

The anime may have ended not too long ago, but Attack on Titan is still a popular show that rivals Solo Leveling. After the Titans destroy his village, Eren Yeager vows revenge, but after gaining the ability to turn into a Titan, he uses his newfound power to lead humanity outside the walls and face their true enemy.

Attack on Titan is hailed as a masterpiece due to its compelling story, well-developed characters, thought-provoking themes, engaging narrative, and overwhelming popularity. However, the series also excels at delivering wonderfully animated fights that make up some of the best episodes in anime. From fluid animation to dazzling spectacle, Attack on Titan is an action masterclass.

Justin Hartley and wife Sofia Pernas melt our hearts every time they talk about getting the opportunity to work together.

The couple originally met on the set of The Young and The Restless in 2015. After their first time as costars, Hartley and Pernas went their separate ways before reconnecting years later off screen and subsequently tying the knot in 2021. Hartley and Pernas have since enjoyed finding projects to collaborate on, including Quantum Leap and Tracker.

Tracker, which is based on Jeffery Deaver‘s novel The Never Game, follows Hartley as a survivalist named Colter. Viewers were continuously reminded that Colter was mostly a loner — until someone from his past named Billie (Pernas) made an appearance in season 1.

Hartley was thrilled about how Colter and Billie’s relationship was received by fans after paving the way for their introduction.

“We have a great time together. I just thought it would be a really cool idea. It was sort of my idea from the beginning to have this character that comes on that you just mentioned,” the actor, who is also an executive producer on the CBS procedural, explained to Deadline in May 2024. “I think it was in the second episode, there was a big reward for a car. There was a line that one of the ladies said, ‘Word on the street is that Billie is circling the case.’ And then Coulter kind of eye rolls. If you’re really paying attention, you go, ‘Oh, he’s got a rival, this guy Billie.’”

Hartley wanted to lay the groundwork for Pernas’ character before she even showed up.

“My idea was to tease that and intentionally name the character Billie, and then reveal that Billie is, of course, Sofia. We didn’t get to tease that as much as I would have liked, just because we were so pressed with time. But that was the intention,” he continued. “Then when she came on, to be honest with you, I’m not sure how much of that character aspect that she brought was actually written.”

Keep scrolling for Hartley and Pernas’ sweetest comments about sharing the screen:

Collaborating Before Their Romance

After exchanging vows with Pernas, Hartley reflected on working with his wife before they even started dating.

“You meet in different capacities. We didn’t work together that closely, and we didn’t work together that long. I knew that she was very kind and very nice. I liked being around her. But I was in a different place in my life. I wasn’t available,” Hartley told Haute Living in 2021 about being introduced to Pernas years before they got together. “Timing has a lot to do with that. I’m very lucky to not only have found ‘The One,’ but I found her when she was available and the timing was right.”

Pernas also remembered Hartley fondly during their brief overlap on The Young and the Restless.

“My first and only impression was, ‘God, that guy comes in and leaves as soon as the bell goes ding,’” Pernas shared with Entertainment Tonight in March 2024. “Sometimes he’d do up to 65 pages a day. He was just ripping pieces off, throwing them in the trash, as soon as he’d be done with the scene. It was almost like pop smoke and then he would leave. It was incredible.”

Related: Every Time Justin Hartley and Wife Sofia Pernas Shared the Screen

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After meeting on set, Justin Hartley and Sofia Pernas have continued to enjoy sharing the screen. The couple originally crossed paths while filming The Young and The Restless in 2015. Hartley and Pernas costarred on the soap for nearly a year before moving on to other projects. “You meet in different capacities. We didn’t work […]

Always Looking for Something New

Quantum Leap offered Hartley a guest spot as a bounty hunter while Pernas portrayed the head of a drug cartel.

“It was the absolute best,” Hartley told E! News in October 2022. “I don’t know if I’ve ever laughed as much on a set. We had such a good time. … Sofia’s got a really great sense of humor. There were a couple of moments where she took some liberties, she did a little ad-libbing, which allowed me to do a little ad-libbing. And the characters became more and more annoyed with each other — and we had a lot of fun with that.”

Hartley later said the experience made him even more excited to star alongside Pernas in future projects, sharing with the outlet four months later, “It’s amazing. It’s good for the environment, too. You can carpool and everything, so it’s wonderful. Absolutely we’ll do that. For sure.”

Adding to Their Scenes Together

Following Billie’s initial introduction, Pernas discussed the conversations she had with Hartley about the dynamic between their characters.

“It wasn’t really scripted for us to kiss,” she explained to Entertainment Tonight in March 2024. “We played with some moments where felt like, do they kiss in this moment? Just because there is so much history, and there was so much tension, and there was a certain life-threatening event that happened right before, so it’s all of this pent up pressure.”

Taking Work Home

Hartley had nothing but praise for Pernas after confirming her return for season 2 of Tracker.

“You’re just watching a talented actor. There were a few things we had the benefit of discussing privately that, normally, you don’t have time to do that,” he told Deadline in May 2024. “But when you live with the person, you can talk about that stuff at dinner, and go, ‘Hey, what about this?’ So we really got a chance to dialogue about that.”

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Related: Justin Hartley and Sofia Pernas Have Hinted at Her Return to ‘Tracker’

Justin Hartley and Sofia Pernas reunited on screen up for one episode of CBS’ Tracker — and that’s only the beginning. Tracker, which premiered in February 2024, is centered around a survivalist named Colter (Hartley) who travels the country helping people and law enforcement tackle a variety of mysteries. As the series unfolds, viewers learn […]

Making His Job Better

“She’s wonderful. I mean, if I had my choice, I’d spend every minute with her,” Hartley exclusively told Us Weekly at the Television Critics Association event in July 2024. “What’s really cool is when you meet someone that means so much to you, that you’re so proud to be with and so proud of, and just such a fan of, and to get to see her work, because she’s such a talented actor.”

He continued: “She elevates scenes, and so it makes my job easier, actually. But yeah, it’s just wonderful to work with her.”

Her Influence on Him

“[Our characters on Tracker] couldn’t be more opposite of who we are. But we really enjoyed doing that,” Hartley told The Hollywood Reporter in July 2024. “I love watching her. I am a fan of her work as well. She’s a brilliant actor. But to get to work with her is great. She elevates the show and my performance. I’m grateful for that.”

Lindsay Hubbard shared a sweet moment with daughter Gemma and her Summer House costars Kyle Cooke and ex-fiancé Carl Radke.

Taking to Instagram on Saturday, May 9, Lindsay, 39, posted two photos that captured her beaming while holding Gemma, 16 months, between Kyle, 43, and Carl, 41. (Lindsay and ex Turner Kufe welcomed the child in December 2024.)

“Modern family ❤️Summer House OGs 4 life,” Lindsay captioned the carousel, which drew messages of praise from fans. “Lindsay looking at Carl! We are healed,” commented one follower, while another wrote, “I feel like mom and dad need to get back together,”

The show of unity between Lindsay and Carl, who got engaged in August 2022 but ended their engagement one year later when Carl called time on their romance, comes after the former couple appeared to reconnect during season 10 of the Bravo reality TV series.

Related: Carl Radke Says Ex Lindsay Hubbard Seemed ‘Much Happier’ Amid Pregnancy

Lindsay Hubbard brought the pregnancy glow to Summer House season 9, according to her ex, Carl Radke. Carl, 40, told People in an interview published on Wednesday, February 12, that Lindsay seemed “much happier” while filming the latest season of the Bravo reality show last summer. At the time, Lindsay, 38, was expecting her first […]

Cementing their efforts to mend their relationship, Lindsay even unblocked Carl via social media in April.

Less than six months ago, Carl released his memoir, Cake Eater: Getting High, Hitting Low: And Trying to Stay in the Middle, which discussed his experience with addiction and how Summer House helped him reflect on deep-seated issues. The book also touched on his breakup with Lindsay.

“Would I tell someone else to fall in love before hitting their one-year mark? Probably not,” Radke wrote in the book, referring to his friendship with Lindsay turning romantic within the first 12 months of him getting sober. “There’s a reason everyone says to wait a year, and I’ve seen firsthand how messy it can get. But I don’t regret it. That relationship was part of my recovery, and it taught me a lot about myself, about being intimate with someone and about what I actually need and want in a partner.”

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Related: Carl Radke Says Lindsay’s Pregnancy Was ‘Closure’ — But He’s Still ‘Blocked’

Carl Radke is “glad” he returned to Summer House for season 9 — even though his ex-fiancée Lindsay Hubbard was pregnant while filming. Carl, 40, exclusively told Us Weekly on Monday, February 24, that he felt his and Lindsay’s chapter was “100 percent” closed after he learned she was pregnant. Lindsay, 38, announced her pregnancy […]

The book also discussed Carl’s decision to call off his engagement to Lindsay and the impact the split had on his mental health. “When you wake up day after day to see your name in the news next to words like lies and manipulation, when something as sacred as your sobriety is being questioned, when you feel like you can’t escape the noise and find a moment of peace, it takes a toll,” he wrote in the memoir, which was released on December 30, 2025.

His words continued, “Our dynamic wasn’t healthy, and walking away, as hard as it was, felt like the most compassionate choice for both of us. The pattern of conflict, the lack of trust, the communication breakdowns: they weren’t getting better, despite our efforts in couples therapy. I had to be honest with myself: if we went forward, the conflicts we couldn’t resolve now would likely follow us into marriage. I wanted a future built on stability and trust, and despite the love we had, I couldn’t see us creating that together. I couldn’t go through with the wedding knowing what I knew.”

As for Lindsay’s subsequent relationship with Turner, the reality star confirmed at the Summer House season 9 reunion in June 2025 that she and Gemma’s father were putting “our romantic relationship on pause” for the moment. “We are just focused on being the best parents we can be to Gemma. We are coparents,” she explained at the time.

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are being sued by Florida police officers for defamation over their film, “The Rip,” which was inspired by a real case. The Plaintiffs are claiming their reputations as officers of the law have been tarnished due to how they were depicted in the action/thriller movie, which was released on Netflix in January 2026. “The Rip” stars Damon and Affleck in the lead roles, and it was produced by Artists Equity, the production company founded by the two actors.

Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office officers, Jonathan Santana and Jason Smith, filed a lawsuit against Matt Damon and Ben Affleck through their production company, Artists Equity, citing defamation per se and defamation by implication over “The Rip,” as stated in a complaint obtained by Entertainment Weekly.

Per the filing, “The Rip” was inspired by the 2016 case known as the Miami Lakes drug case, in which officers, including Santana and Smith, seized more than $21 million (as much as $24 million in some reports) in cash during a drug bust, the largest sum of money retrieved in Miami-Dade history.

Santana and Smith were not named in the movie, but they claim that Damon and Affleck’s characters are closely linked to them, and viewers could infer the roles were based on their lives. In the movie, however, they say the majority of the events did not happen in real life.

‘The Rip’ Took Creative Liberties

“The Rip” stars Damon and Affleck as Lt. Dane Dumars and Det. Sgt. J.D. Byrne. It follows a group of officers who uncover a massive stash of cash, testing their loyalty and trust, and unraveling corruption within the Miami-Dade Police Department. The film also features Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Sasha Calle, and Catalina Sandino Moreno.

The movie states it was inspired by real events, but the Plaintiffs say in their complaint that the only fact in the movie was “a large seizure occurred.” Apart from that, “the events portrayed in the film did not happen.”

Santana and Smith claim that because of “The Rip,” their integrity has been questioned by friends and colleagues. “Viewers are associating the Miami-Dade Police Department and Plaintiffs with the corrupt portrayals in ‘The Rip,’” the filing noted.

The Real Case Behind Matt Damon And Ben Affleck’s Movie

In June 2016, a group of police officers conducted a raid in a Miami Lakes home, in which they discovered more than $21 million in cash concealed in five-gallon buckets. The buckets were discovered hidden in the home’s attic. Two siblings and suspected marijuana traffickers, Luis Hernandez-Gonzalez and Salma Hernandez, were arrested in connection with the raid.

In an interview with 7 News Miami, Santana said, “When you rip something, you’re stealing something. We never stole a dollar.” The deputy said that he was praised for his work 10 years ago, but has been the subject of jokes since “The Rip” came out. “Pretty much saying, you know, how many buckets of money did I steal?”

The complaint also enumerated several scenes in the film in which the characters blurred moral and professional boundaries, including one in which Affleck’s character kills a DEA agent.

The Plaintiffs Sent A Cease-And-Desist Letter

The filing also claims that Santana and Smith’s attorneys sent the production company a cease-and-desist letter in December, asking that it not release “The Rip.” They alleged that they received a response after the film was already released on Netflix on January 16, stating their claims are “unfounded.”

The response further noted, “The film did not expressly name Sergeant Smith and there was no implication that the Plaintiffs engaged in any misconduct in the film.” The Plaintiffs’ attorney, Ignacio Alvarez, said, “They portrayed police officers as dirty, they portrayed my clients as dirty. Now their reputations are hurt.”

Matt Damon And Ben Affleck Did Their Research

In a January interview with TODAY, Damon and Affleck shared how they spent time in Miami with real officers to prepare for the film and conduct research. They also revealed that some of the officers appeared in the movie in supporting roles.

“The Rip” writer and director Joe Carnahan said the movie was inspired by his friend, Chris Casiano, who showed him photos of a raid he and his team conducted. “When he showed me the photographs of containers in the wall that they sledgehammered out, I went, ‘Wow,’” Carnahan told Gold Derby, adding that he thought that officers counting millions of dollars in cash would be cinematic.

Damon and Affleck’s attorneys have yet to respond to the lawsuit.

After receiving backlash for Cassie’s OnlyFans story line, Euphoria pushed it further with more scenes where Sydney Sweeney is topless — and others where she is masturbating on camera.

During the Sunday, May 10, episode of the hit HBO series, Cassie grew her subscribers on OnlyFans with Maddie’s (Alexa Demie) help by filming graphic content. Some of it was more tame, with Cassie recording sexy audio messages and going on podcasts to show support for men’s rights.

Others were more sexual in nature with Cassie filming herself having sex, sending her used underwear to her fans and going topless again. While Cassie worked hard to bring in the money, her husband, Nate (Jacob Elordi), encouraged her to push herself even further to provide for him so he could pay off his debt.

Cassie’s arc in season 3 has received criticism after some OnlyFans creators weren’t thrilled with how their line of work was portrayed on screen. Creator Sam Levinson, however, defended the decision to push boundaries.

Related: Which of Euphoria’s Explicit Season 3 Scenes Received Offscreen Backlash?

Euphoria‘s long-awaited return has been met with major backlash due to numerous explicit — and controversial — scenes. The HBO series, which premiered in 2019, has always been known to push boundaries while following teenager Rue’s (Zendaya) attempt to remain sober after struggling with addiction. While the first two seasons were set in high school, […]

“[Cassie] has got her dog house and her little dog ears and the nose, and that has its own humor,” Levinson explained to The Hollywood Reporter in April. “But what makes the scene is the fact that her housekeeper is the one filming it.”

He continued: “What we wanted to always find is the other layer of absurdity that we’re able to tie into it so that we’re not too inside of her fantasy or illusion,” the 41-year-old added. “The gag is to jump out, to break the wall.”

Levinson broke down how he and director of photography Marcell Rév brought the scenes to life.

“An obvious choice would’ve been something modern and very plain and fancy, but we ended up choosing this mid-century home, which is a little tacky, but also stuck in the ‘70s,” Rév explained. “It’s probably a strange choice, but also it gives us possibilities. OnlyFans has its own aesthetic and how you elevate that aesthetic to the show’s aesthetic is a challenge. I’m not going to lie.”

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Despite the backlash, Levinson stood by his vision.

“Some of these scenes we only lit with these ring lights that she would use. When you’re inside, it’s a beautiful, glowing front light, but then you jump out of it and it’s just a pool of light and everything surrounding it is dark. It’s just gnarly and jarring,” he added. “We wanted to capture what she’s trying to show the audience and be inside of it. But then also pull back wider and see how depressing it is.”

Euphoria airs on HBO Sundays at 9 p.m. ET.

Martin Short is breaking his silence after the devastating loss of his daughter, Katherine, in February. In a heartfelt reflection, the comedian talked about grief, heartbreak, and how his experiences affected his perspective in life. Despite enduring painful moments, the actor continues to find strength through family, memories, and the support of those closest to him as he moves forward.

Martin Short is publicly talking about his daughter, Katherine Elizabeth Short, for the first time since she took her own life in February. In a conversation with CBS News‘ Tracy Smith, the 76-year-old comedian said the loss “has been a nightmare for the family.”

“But the understanding [is] that mental health and cancer, like my wife’s, are both diseases, and sometimes with diseases they are terminal,” Short said, adding that Katherine, who was struggling with her mental health and was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, “fought for a long time.” The actor explained that Katherine “did the best she could until she couldn’t.”

Short and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, adopted three children, Katherine being the eldest and the only girl.

Katherine Elizabeth Short’s Tragic Death

On February 23, 2026, Katherine died by suicide at 42 years old. Her family issued a statement a couple of days later confirming her passing. “The Short family is devastated by this loss and asks for privacy at this time. Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world,” it read.

Following her death, some of her friends shared the struggles she faced privately, as previously reported by The Blast. One of her friends, Rande Levine, explained how Katherine sought treatment for her mental struggles and openly talked about it with her closest friends. However, she kept up an appearance in front of others. “You would never know based on how she presented herself, and how funny she was,” Levine shared.

Martin Short On Losing His Wife To Cancer

Short also talked about the loss of his wife, Nancy, who died from ovarian cancer in 2010 at 58 years old. The actor described his late wife as edgy and funny, saying that their relationship was “an equal ping pong match.” The couple married in 1980, and in his 2014 autobiography, he wrote that he felt “love at first sight” upon meeting Nancy.

At the time of her death, Nancy had been battling cancer for about three years, and Short recalled her final moments. “So, Nan’s last words to me were, ‘Martin, let me go,’” the actor shared.

Short said he didn’t work as much when they learned of Nancy’s diagnosis, but he was in the series “Damages” months before her death. No one knew that he was struggling, and he would go into his dressing room to compose himself before facing other people. “You know, that’s what you have to do,” he said.

The Actor Has Experienced Multiple Losses

At a panel for “Netflix is a Joke Presents: This Better Be Funny with David Letterman,” Letterman asked him about the earlier tragedies in his life, pointing out how Short lost his brother, mother, and father before the age of 21.

Short’s older brother, David, died in a car accident in 1962. “Then my mother was diagnosed with cancer at his funeral and died three years later,” Short said, adding that his father died a year later from a stroke. “There was definitely a period where life changed completely,” he said.

The comedian told CBS News that dealing with loss changed the way he looked at life. “What it developed in me was this muscle of survival and handling grief and a perspective on it,” adding that it helped him develop a thicker skin on stage. “I think if you’ve gone through that, an audience not liking you is really not that important anymore,” he explained.

Martin Short Moves Forward Amid Tragedy

Short shared a realization he had while driving to visit his son, Oliver, who has been temporarily living in Newport Beach after his home was lost in the Los Angeles fires. The actor questioned why he’s still doing the things he does at 75 years old. As he arrived at his son’s home, his grandchildren enthusiastically greeted him, urging him to play with them. “And suddenly you go, ‘Oh, that’s why. That’s why. Okay,’” he said

Elsewhere in the interview, Short said that many people have to do things and move on despite difficult times, just as he does. “I’ve just been in that situation many times. You head for the light,” he shared.

Sharing a look inside her Mother’s Day celebrations, Gwyneth Paltrow posted an Instagram selfie with daughter Apple Martin and mom Blythe Danner.

Capturing a rare multigenerational moment for fans, Paltrow, 53, was seen smiling warmly for her camera lens on Sunday, May 10, as Apple, 21, wrapped an arm around her grandmother, 83, inside a light-flooded kitchen.

“Happy Mother’s Day 💕Sending love to all of the amazing women who shaped us, loved us and showed us the way,” the Marty Supreme actress captioned the selfie, which attracted a string of “likes” from fellow celebrities including Elle Fanning, Karlie Kloss and Joey King.

Fans also shared their delight over Paltrow’s post, with one follower commenting, “3 generations of beauties,” and another commenting, “Wow! 3 awesome generations.”

Related: Gwyneth Paltrow’s Family Photos With Kids Apple and Moses

Gwyneth Paltrow is a doting mom to the two children she shares with ex-husband Chris Martin — and the pair always put their kids first. The Oscar winner and the Coldplay singer tied the knot in December 2003 and welcomed daughter Apple one year later. Son Moses was born in 2006. Thank You! You have […]

The Goop founder wasn’t the only family member to mark Mother’s Day via social media. Apple, whom Paltrow shares with ex-husband Chris Martin, took to her own Instagram Stories on Sunday to share a photo of herself as a child while held in Paltrow’s arms. “Happiest Mother’s Day to my rock. You are the most beautiful woman inside and out and I couldn’t be luckier to call you my mom,” the budding model and actress captioned the post, which also tagged Paltrow. “I adore you more than words can express.”

Paltrow recently took to Instagram to pay tribute to her other child, son Moses Martin, after he turned 20 years old. Her April 8 carousel showed Moses, whom Paltrow also shares with Chris, 49, as a young child, posing with his mom for a selfie and standing on a red carpet with friends. “Happy 20th (!!) birthday to you @mosesmartin you are the definition of a gentleman- kind, intelligent, thoughtful and soulful. It’s beyond words how incredible you are. I’m sending you a big birthday hug from the west coast. Don’t forget to check the mailbox today. I love you to bits, mama,” Paltrow captioned her carousel at the time.

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Related: Gwyneth, Apple and Blythe Danner Are 3 Peas in a Pod at Hamptons Party 

Gwyneth Paltrow had her family in her corner for her Goop brand’s private dinner with Gucci and Elizabeth Saltzman. “GG for @goop and @gucci at last nights garden party at home in Amagansett in celebration of summer and our new peptide serum with @juliusfewmd,” Paltrow, 50, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, July 16, sharing pics from the event one day […]

Just days ago, Paltrow, Moses and Chris were all photographed attending Apple’s graduation from Vanderbilt University in Nashville. In photos published by Vogue on Saturday, May 9, Paltrow was seen beaming alongside husband Brad Falchuk as the pair walked beside Apple holding a bouquet of white roses. (Paltrow and Faulchuk, 55, married in September 2018.)

The outlet also published her Coldplay frontman father rocking a sleek suit while walking beside Moses.

In 2020, Paltrow opened up about coparenting with her ex, whom she separated from in March 2014 after 11 years of marriage. During an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, Paltrow explained that a united front takes hard work. “Chris and I committed to putting them [the children] first and that’s harder than it looks because some days you really don’t want to be with the person that you are getting divorced from,” Paltrow said at the time. “But if you’re committed to having family dinner then you do it. You take a deep breath, and you look the person in the eye, and you remember your pact, and you smile, and you hug and you recommit to this new relationship that you are trying to foster.”

Diane Keaton’s daughter, Dexter, paid tribute to her late mom on Mother’s Day.

Sharing an Instagram post on Sunday, May 10, Dexter, 30, posted a carousel of three beautiful mother-daughter images alongside a caption. “First Mother’s Day without you. I miss you more than words can say. Missing her voice, her hugs, her presence, and everything that made her home,” she wrote. “I love you, Mom 🤍.”

The photos showed Dexter as a child at the beach with a smiling Keaton, as well as the pair celebrating Dexter’s wedding day in 2021 and Keaton giving her daughter a kiss on the cheek in a garden. The post comes seven months after Keaton died of pneumonia on October 11, 2025. She was 79 years old.

Dexter’s followers shared comforting words in her carousel’s comments section, reiterating how widely adored the late actress was. “The entire world misses your beautiful, special Mom,” wrote one fan, while another wrote, “Happy Mother’s Day, Dexter. I’m sure your mom is sitting in your heart and watching from above. Sending love.”

Related: Diane Keaton, Star of ‘Annie Hall’ and More, Dead at 79

Legendary actress Diane Keaton has died. She was 79. Keaton died in California, a spokesperson for her family told People on Saturday, October 11. Per the outlet, no additional information surrounding the actress’ death is available at this time, while her family has “asked for privacy.” Us Weekly has reached out to representatives for Keaton […]

A spokesperson for Keaton confirmed to Us Weekly last year that the Oscar-winner had died and that Dexter and her brother, Duke, “asked for privacy” as they grieved. Four days later, People confirmed the actress’ cause of death via a statement shared by Keaton’s family. “The Keaton family are very grateful for the extraordinary messages of love and support they have received these past few days on behalf of their beloved Diane, who passed away from pneumonia on October 11,” the statement read.

In January, Dexter took to Instagram to mark what would have been her mom’s 80th birthday. Sharing an image of a tattoo that celebrated Keaton’s legacy, Dexter wrote at the time, “I miss you, mom 💔🕊️Thank you @winterstone for my forever reminder of my wonderful mom.”

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Dexter’s photo showed her tattoo up close, capturing the script, “La Di Da” with a small heart — a reference to the actress’ famous line in 1977’s Annie Hall.

Duke, 26, was also tagged in the photo, with his own fresh commemorative tattoo that said, “Weird Old World.” Dexter’s post also included a photo of Keaton and Dexter from behind as the pair wrapped their arms around each other while taking in a view of the water.

Keaton’s close friend Sarah Paulson also got a tattoo to mark Keaton’s 80th birthday. Sharing an Instagram image of Keaton’s initials etched into her arm, Paulson, 51, wrote, “You would have been 80 today. Too many deep feelings to put here … I was the luckiest person in the world to have traveled, laughed so hard we cried, watched a million and one movies, really cried, and eaten French fries with you. You. You. Wondrous, singular, YOU. I will miss you till the end of time.”