By Jonathan Klotz
| Published 13 seconds ago

Modern sci-fi owes a lot to the 1967 one-season wonder, The Prisoner, a surreal masterpiece that left the viewer wondering what the hero did to be trapped in such a bizarre seaside village, why he was trapped, and how he’d get out. Referring to its hero as only Number Six, The Prisoner’s influence can be felt in countless other series, but one of the best to pull from it aired on the SyFy channel for three seasons, from 2015 through 2017: Dark Matter.

Six strangers wake up on a spaceship with no memory of who they are or how they got there. They use the order they woke up in for names and start working together to solve the mystery. Unlike The Prisoner, they eventually figure everything out, but once they have all the answers, the questions are changed. 

Dark Matter Opens With A Twist

Dark Matter opens up with a dark, beat-up ship as one by one, the six passengers, four men, one woman (The Rookie’s Melissa O’Neil), and a teenage girl, wake up, each with no memory of who they are. On the ship designated Raza, they find a cache of weapons and an android, and learn that the last destination was a mining colony where the workers need protection from the Ferrous Corporation.  On any other sci-fi series, this would be a no-brainer, except the first big twist of the series is revealed at the end of the pilot: the passengers are the bad guys. 

Learning from the android that all of them are wanted criminals, except for Number Five, puts the recovered cache in a new light. They stole it from the group contracted to help the miners, and it’s up to them to kill the miners. It’s the first of many, many twists that Dark Matter throws at viewers during its three seasons, and as far as even the Season 1 reveals go, it’s fairly tame. 

The question remains: who wiped their memories, and why? For as long as that goes unanswered, the crew is left wondering, who can they trust? Who knows more than they are letting on? 

The Prisoner Influence Goes Beyond The Pilot

The universe of Dark Matter is small, as far as sci-fi universes go, with the story placing more emphasis on the characters themselves than any universe-shattering conflict. It has that too, but watching the group of bad guys grapple with their past actions, develop into better people, or fail to become better and embrace being the villain of someone else’s story, drives the story forward more than a hunt for a technological MacGuffin. 

The Prisoner was significantly smaller in scale, while Dark Matter lets the passengers out into the world, and yet, they can’t escape their past. From the pilot to the final episode, who they were will always define them.

Had the Patrick McGoohan classic series been allowed to continue, that was what was going to come next. Number Six would journey across the world but always remain under close watch, control, and unable to escape his fate as a prisoner. 

Dark Matter And Stargate Share The Same Creative DNA

Dark Matter is heavily influenced by another sci-fi series: Stargate. The series was created by Joseph Mallozzi, one of the most prolific writers for the other Star franchise, contributing to SG-1, Atlantis, Universe, and the upcoming Amazon series. If you’ve seen the back half of SG-1, you’ll feel right at home in the world of Dark Matter.

Like Stargate, Dark Matter was also treated unfairly by SyFy, which picked up the series but didn’t develop it, relegating it to the network’s lower-priority original programming in terms of budgets and marketing.

There’s a good chance you haven’t ever watched the series, or even heard about it. Those who have given it a chance, though, have fallen in love with the ragtag crew. 

A Sleeper Hit Streaming For Free

Finding Dark Matter is both easy and surprisingly difficult. It’s streaming for free on the CW website, but try to find anything about it, and you’ll wander into the 2024 Apple TV series, Dark Matter.

It’s such a common problem that even the Reddit for the SyFy series has been overtaken by fans of the new series. Like “Redemption” or “Rise of,” it’s time for the words “Dark Matter” to be retired from Hollywood for a few decades. 

Once you find it, you’ll enjoy Dark Matter. Yes, there are a lot of plot holes explained away by the memory wipe, but there are also a lot of expertly crafted character development and further twists to the story. For better or for worse, this is the type of sci-fi we always need more of: a crew, a spaceship, and morally dubious missions that may or may not save the day. 

Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night lineup has undergone a sudden change following the terrifying incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner

The scheduled guest for Monday’s show has been replaced after witnessing the shooting.

Meanwhile, Kimmel received heavy criticism from both President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, who slammed the TV host for referring to the First Lady as an “expectant widow” before the incident. 

Oz Pearlman is no longer set to appear on Monday’s episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live” following a dramatic shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner (WHCD).

The renowned mentalist was the featured performer at the event when gunfire erupted in the Washington Hilton ballroom on Saturday night. 

While host Kimmel had previously announced that Pearlman would join him on the show just two days after the dinner, ABC’s updated guest list revealed that he has been swapped for “Pod Save America” cohost Jon Lovett, per Entertainment Weekly.

However, the episode will still feature “Grown-ish” star Anthony Anderson as originally planned. It is unclear if Kimmel’s comment about the incident played a role in the guest switch-up.

The shooting occurred while Pearlman was performing for a room full of dignitaries, leading to the arrest of 31-year-old Cole Allen. Allen has since been charged with attempting to assassinate the president, among other charges.

The Mentalist’s Trick Was Cut Short By The Chaos

The terrifying events in the ballroom left the night’s featured entertainment in a state of shock, especially as his performance was interrupted at a pivotal moment.

Pearlman, who served as both the entertainer and host for the 2026 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, was in the middle of a mentalism trick for the President and First Lady when the shooting began. 

According to witnesses and footage from the Hilton, Pearlman was interacting with Donald, Melania, and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, presenting them with a sheet of paper just seconds before security intervened.

The Blast reported that the interruption brought the performance to a sudden and unresolved halt, leaving the audience and the participants in suspense as the room descended into panic. 

Melania Trump Demands Kimmel’s Removal Over His Monologue

The tension surrounding the event only worsened as political figures began to take aim at how the weekend’s events were handled by the media.

Melania issued a scathing response to Kimmel following a controversial monologue he delivered about her and JD Vance in connection with the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. According to The Blast, the First Lady expressed outrage after Kimmel made jokes suggesting she looked like an “expectant widow.”

In a furious social media post, Melania called on ABC to take a stand and remove the comedian from the air, describing his rhetoric as both hateful and corrosive. She argued that Kimmel’s comments were intended to divide the nation rather than provide actual entertainment, stating that his words deepen the “political sickness” within the country.

President Trump Also Called For Kimmel’s Firing

The president similarly slammed Kimmel for his statements about his wife. He took to Truth Social to respond to the viral parody video, specifically addressing the “expectant widow” comment directed at Melania. 

Trump characterized the segment as a shocking and sinister display, pointing out that the video falsely made it appear as though the First Lady and their son, Barron, were sitting in the studio audience.

The President’s anger was further fueled by the timing of the broadcast, as he linked Kimmel’s remarks directly to the assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, per The Blast. 

Trump concluded his remarks by demanding that Disney and ABC fire Kimmel immediately. He expressed his appreciation for the many supporters who were incensed by the broadcast, using his platform to urge the network to stop enabling what he described as dangerous behavior. 

While the President and First Lady characterized Kimmel’s late-night monologue as a dangerous incitement, the host himself is pushing back against the idea that his words were anything more than typical comedy. 

During his most recent broadcast, Kimmel addressed the intense controversy surrounding his “expectant widow” remark, which occurred just days before the security crisis involving Cole Tomas Allen.

He used his opening segment to clarify the intent behind the joke while expressing a rare moment of personal sympathy for the ordeal the First Family experienced over the weekend.

Addressing the calls for his firing, Kimmel explained that his description of Melania was “obviously a joke about their age difference” and not a threat to the president’s safety.

The Blast reported that he characterized the comment as a “very light roast,” pointing out the reality that Trump is nearly 80 years old while the First Lady is younger than Kimmel himself. 

Despite the tension, Kimmel offered a direct apology for the trauma caused by the shooting, telling Melania he was truly sorry that she and the other attendees had to go through that experience. 

Comfy sweatpants aren’t polished . . . or are they? Anne Hathaway proved that they totally can be, and she used the most unconventional pairing to show it. Hathaway stepped out in Milan wearing these classy beige sweatpants with clogs — a.k.a. the sizzling 2026 shoe trend — and the duo is nothing short of iconic.

It’s easy to recreate Hathaway’s footwear choice with any old clogs, but you need the right sweatpants to really nail her sleek going-out look. Her luxurious Alo Yoga Accolade Straight-Leg Sweatpants prove that loungewear can actually look incredibly chic, and the style has a celebrity fanbase beyond Hathaway to prove it. Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Alba and Katie Holmes are just a few who wear these elegant wonders!

Roomy but not oversized, these Alo sweatpants strike the balance between relaxed and sophisticated. They feature a flattering high waist, a rich ivory hue and straight legs that give them a tailored-looking twist, leaning more toward trousers than sweatpants. They ensure you’ll look put-together enough for anything, whether you’re running errands or strutting around Milan like Hathaway.

Despite the almost-structured appearance, unlike trousers, these chic sweats are mega comfortable. The cotton-blend French terry fabric makes them buttery soft, cozy and breathable enough for year-round wear. Like reviewers, you’ll want every color!

One happy shopper wrote, “These are the cutest and most comfortable casual pants I own. I would love to get them in every color! They are easy to dress up a little for a day date or hanging out at home.”

“They are definitely an elevated look,” said another reviewer. “I feel put together and comfortable.”

So no, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for an elevated aesthetic. Hathaway’s comfy yet trendy outfit formula is simple to recreate. All you need are these crowd-favorite sweatpants and clogs (if you’re feeling bold). You could even swap in your favorite sneakers for a more classic option.

We’re doing both!

Get the Accolade Straight-Leg Sweatpant for $138 at Alo Yoga!

Roomies, the celebrity kids are growing up! Bow Wow and Joie Chavis‘ daughter, Shai Moss, celebrated her 15th birthday on Monday (April 27). And her parents went all out for the occasion, from gifting her designer handbags to hosting a cutesy dinner party.

RELATED: That’s Twin! Bow Wow & Shai Moss Went Copy-Paste On A Viral TikTok Dance Challenge 

Bow Wow Surprises Shai Moss On Her Birthday

Early Tuesday, Bow Wow announced the end of ‘The Boys 4 Life Tour,’ which had concluded in Memphis on Monday night. Rather than stay in Tennessee after the show, Bow hopped on the road to surprise his baby girl, Shai! He uploaded a video of the moment he pulled up on her at a restaurant. Someone sitting with Shai Moss and her friend filmed as Bow entered the restaurant and walked up to his daughter’s table, whose jaw dropped when she saw her dad! While she processed her shock, Bow Wow explained that he had been in Dallas all day.

“The look on @_shaimoss face says it all. She thought I was still in Memphis because of  tour NOPE! Took my tour bus to Dallas right after the show last night and welp … HERE’S DAD! happy 15th Bday ❤️,” the caption on his video said.

On his Instagram Stories, Bow Wow shared more videos from his time with Shai Moss. He surprised her with two Balenciaga handbags, one in black and the other in white, which she absolutely adored! Bow also gifted her a Louis Vuitton charm bracelet. In one photo of Shai hold her new handbags, the dad joked that his daughter lives in his pockets, keeping him single!

“THIS IS WHY I’M SINGLE. SHE STAYS IN MY WALLET. IF YOU SEE ME UNDER THE FREEWAY WITH A SIGN SAYING I’LL HARLEM SHAKE FOR MONEY SPARE ME,” Bow Wow joked.

Another video shows Shai opening an Isabel Marant box, which had white sneaker boots inside. Meanwhile, Daddy Moss was behind the camera lovingly mocking his daughter as she thanked him for the gift.

Joie Chavis & Shai Pop Out For Birthday Dinner Party

Bow Wow wasn’t the only parent stepping big behind his baby girl! Joie Chavis also celebrated their daughter on Tuesday, seemingly hosting a birthday dinner at a restaurant. Joie shared a photo dump of the party on Instagram, which shows Shai Moss posing in a mini yellow dress paired with gold sandal heels. The 15-year-old styled her usual curls straight, and kept her jewelry minimal, including layered necklaces and bracelet stacks. Meanwhile, Mama Chavis wore an all-black pants two-piece with white boots.

Shai’s birthday dinner was set in a low lighting room and featured a long table decorated with different pink flowers in vases. There was also a custom pink-and-white menu with Shai Moss’ name on it. Guests dined on dishes like wagyu cheesesteak bites, rigatoni alla vodka, lobster mac and cheese, truffle tallow parmesan fries and vanilla, cookies and cream cake. In her post caption, Joie Chavis showered her daughter with compliments.

“My beautiful, smart, and kind girl. I cant believe my baby is 15. She the birthday all day everyday. Love you to infinity princess @_shaimoss 💕.”

Additionally, Joie’s included throwback photos and videos of Shai Moss throughout her childhood. Based on the recap visuals the mom and daughter shared, it’s unclear if Bow Wow also attended the dinner party.

Shai Moss ultimately shared a similar photo dump as her mother, showing photos of herself, the restaurant scene and a video of her guests singing her happy birthday. Her caption said, “Finally fifteen!” 

RELATED: Let ‘Em Know! Joie Chavis & Shai Moss Serve Up Fresh Dance Moves As The Timeline Sounds Off (VIDEO)

Friends icon Lisa Kudrow is sharing the darker side of starring on the hit sitcom.

In a recent interview with The Times of London, Kudrow, 62, said that the classic 1990s comedy “captured a kind of innocence that maybe a younger generation has never got to experience,” but it wasn’t all laughter behind the scenes.

“Oh no, there was definitely mean stuff going on behind the scenes,” said Kudrow, who played Phoebe Buffay in all 10 seasons of Friends, starring alongside Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, David Scwhimmer, Matt LeBlanc and the late Matthew Perry.

The Emmy winner recalled that the show’s writers’ room was largely dominated by men.

“Don’t forget we were recording in front of a live audience of 400, and if you messed up one of these writers’ lines or it didn’t get the perfect response, they could be like, ‘Can’t the bitch f***ing read? She’s not even trying. She f***ed up my line,’” Kudrow said.

She continued, “And we know that back in the room the guys would be up late discussing their sexual fantasies about Jennifer and Courteney. It was intense.”

“Oh, it could be brutal, but these guys — and it was mostly men in there — were sitting up until 3 a.m. trying to write the show so my attitude was, ‘Say what you like about me behind my back because then it doesn’t matter,’” Kudrow added.

Earlier this month, Kudrow looked back at her time on Friends, revealing that she was often referred to as the “sixth Friend,” claiming her costars’ Hollywood careers took off before hers did.

“Nobody cared about me,” she said of the show’s early success in an interview with the U.K.’s Independent. “There were certain parts of [my talent agency] that just referred to me as ‘the sixth Friend.’”

“There was no vision for me and no expectations about the kind of career I could have,” she said. “There was just, like, ‘Boy, is she lucky she got on that show.’”

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Despite being the first Friends cast member to win an Emmy in 1998, Kudrow said she largely booked independent movies until she landed a hit with Analyze This, the 1999 comedy starring Robert De Niro.

Related: Why Lisa Kudrow Started Watching ‘Friends’ After Matthew Perry’s Death 

Lisa Kudrow will always remember her late costar Matthew Perry thanks, in part, to old episodes of their hit TV show, Friends. “After Matthew passed away, there were marathons [on TV] and that was really comforting watching the show,” Kudrow, 62, said during a Friday, March 27, appearance on the U.K.’s Capital FM radio show. […]

“That’s when the agents and business people started circling, wanting to put me in romantic comedies and things,” she said. “I knew that wasn’t gonna work. I’m just not adorable!”

Kudrow also starred in the cult classic movie Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, which was released in 1997. Her other credits since Friends have included HBO’s The Comeback, which is currently airing its third and final season.

Catalina White has officially been nominated for Social Media Influencer of the Year at the 2026 XMA Creator Awards, cementing her status as one of the fastest-rising comedic voices in the creator space. The nod comes after a breakout run on Instagram, where White has built a following of nearly 800,000 fans by leaning into a sharp, self-aware sense of humor that’s become her signature. But her path to influencer stardom wasn’t a straight line. It started inside a WWE ring.

Long before the viral skits and comedy reels, Catalina was signed to WWE’s developmental program back in 2008, where she wrestled under the ring name Saylor James. Her time with the company was short, but it kicked off a career in entertainment that would take her through modeling shoots with Maxim, FHM, and Complex before landing her in the creator economy.

Wrestling fans know her name from that chapter, but the audience she’s built on social media knows her for something completely different.

Bringing Comedy To A Space That Doesn’t Always Laugh

What separates Catalina from the pack of influencers in her lane is her commitment to making people laugh. She’s carved out a niche by bringing genuine comedic timing into a corner of the internet that tends to take itself very seriously, and the results speak for themselves.

“I definitely feel like the underdog in this category, and I kind of love that. It makes the nomination even more exciting,” Catalina told us. “I wanted to bring a little humor into a space that people don’t usually associate with comedy, and it’s been amazing to see fans connect with that.”

That connection is exactly what’s fueled her climb. Her comedy skits consistently land with fans because they feel like her, not a brand-safe version filtered through a dozen managers.

Catalina White: The Accidental Influencer

Ask Catalina how she ended up here, and she’ll be the first to tell you it wasn’t part of some five-year plan.

“I honestly never intended to be an influencer. I just didn’t want my cheeky sense of humor to go to waste lol,” she said. “I love making comedy skits and being able to control everything creatively, and social media gave me a platform to do that. The goal was always to make people laugh, and everything else kind of followed.”

That creative control is a big part of the story. In an era where creators are constantly pressured to chase trends, Catalina has stayed true to her own voice, writing, starring in, and producing her own content on her own terms.

From Viral Moments To Industry Recognition

Catalina White’s nomination isn’t just about follower count; it reflects a broader shift in what audiences are responding to online. In a space often dominated by polished aesthetics and curated lifestyles, her content stands out for feeling unfiltered, relatable, and genuinely entertaining.

Her rise highlights how creators who prioritize personality and originality over trends are carving out lasting audiences. Rather than relying on viral formulas, Catalina has built momentum by consistently delivering content that feels authentic to her voice, something that’s increasingly rare in the influencer landscape.

That authenticity has not only helped her grow a loyal fanbase but also positioned her as part of a new wave of creators redefining what success looks like in the digital era.

Miami And The Pink Carpet

The 2026 XMA Creator Awards roll into Miami this May, with the pink-carpet ceremony celebrating the creativity and ingenuity of the adult creator community. The annual event spotlights the creators pushing the space forward through their digital artistry, while highlighting the ever-evolving landscape of the creator world and the global fandom it inspires.

With nearly 800,000 fans in her corner and a comedic voice that’s impossible to ignore, Catalina is a real contender to take home Social Media Influencer of the Year. Fans can head to xma.show/voting to lock in their vote and help her bring the trophy home.

Whether she takes home the trophy or not, one thing is clear: the girl who once stepped into a WWE ring has built a whole new arena on her own, and her fans aren’t going anywhere.

Social media users think Iman Shumpert just shared that he welcomed a new baby.

RELATED: Prayers Up! Iman Shumpert Pens Emotional Message Following His Father Odis’ Passing (PHOTO)

Did Iman Shumpert Just Share That He Welcomed A New Baby?

Over the weekend, Shumpert took to Instagram to share a carousel with his more than 2.2 million followers. Furthermore, the first photo in his slide showed a close-up of his camouflage outfit, two patches that said “NAVY,” and a chain with a photo of him and his late father. The next slide then showed a clip of Rue, while the third slide showed a clip of an infant baby girl, and the fourth slide showed a photo of Shumpert alongside Rue and Junie.

Finally, the last slide in the post showed Shumpert holding a newborn baby girl. Additionally, Shumpert even captioned the photo, “Girl Dad 💗💗💗”

Social Media Users Think He Just Shared That He Welcomed A New Baby

Social media users slid in TSR’s comment section, largely questioning whether Iman Shumpert’s post indicated that he welcomed a new baby.

Before Iman Shumpert Made Social Media Users Think He Welcomed A New Baby, He Spoke About His Desire To Have More Kids

In February, Iman Shumpert appeared as a guest on ‘Club Shay Shay,‘ and during his sitdown with Shannon Sharpe, he discussed his desire to have more kids. It appears Shumpert did not share that he was expecting a baby or had just welcomed a child. However, he did share his urge to keep having kids until he finally has himself a baby boy.

@theshaderoom

#ImanShumpert chopped it up with #ShannonSharpe and touched on fatherhood, wanting more children and his current views on marriage. #fyp #foryoupage (🎥: @Club Shay Shay) ✍🏾: #TSRStaffJW

♬ original sound – The Shade Room

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RELATED: That’s How You Feel? Iman Shumpert Shares His Thoughts On Teyana Taylor’s Recent Award Wins (VIDEO)

The body of Ashlee Jenae is back stateside following her death in Tanzania. She died during a birthday trip, shortly after Joe McCann proposed to her. Her family is reportedly planning a funeral service for early next week, according to her father, Harry Robinson.

RELATED: Prayers Up! Parents Of Influencer Ashlee Jenae Speak Out After She Was Found Dead During Birthday Trip With Fiancé In Zanzibar

Father Claims Ashlee Jenae’s Body Was Returned Without Her Belongings

In an exclusive interview with TMZ, Harry Robinson revealed the family had received his daughter’s remains last Friday (April 24). Tanzania officials sent the body to New Jersey amid their investigation. However, per Robinson, none of Ashlee Jenae’s personal belongings, including her engagement ring, came with her. As of Monday, the father says he doesn’t know whether her items will be returned and when. Additionally, it’s unclear which other items, aside from her engagement ring, are still in Tanzania or elsewhere. In the meantime, Ashlee’s family is planning a funeral service. It will reportedly take place in New Jersey early next week.

What Happened To Ashlee Jenae In Tanzania?

Ashlee Jenae, real name Ashly Robinson, was a lifestyle influencer based in the U.S. In April, she and Joe McCann traveled to Zanzibar, Tanzania, to celebrate her 31st birthday. They reportedly arrived on April 4, one day before her birthday, per Reuters and booked into a hotel. The day before, Ashlee had posted a video of Joe proposing in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Her last post on Instagram was shared on the day of her birthday and captioned, “Chapter 31 and I’m exactly where I need to be.” 

While in Zanzibar, they had reportedly transferred to a second hotel. According to local police, Ashlee and Joe had gotten into a domestic dispute at the second hotel on April 8. The unspecified conflict led to a room separation by hotel staff. Citing police, Reuters reports that Ashlee allegedly “attempted to hand herself using a clothing belt tied inside a wardrobe in Room 25 of the hotel.” A hotel worker reportedly found her in the wardrobe, per NBC10, after using the emergency key. Ashlee had allegedly requested help with a charger but didn’t answer the door, prompting staff to enter the room. She was then taken to a hospital, but died in the hospital on April 9 at around 3 p.m. local time, per Reuters. Police initially suggested the incident was a suicide and the autopsy results haven’t been publicly released.

According to Ashlee Jenae’s father, their family ordered an independent autopsy of her body in the United States. Those results are reportedly still in process. The family previously told TMZ Ashlee did not show any signs of wanting to commit self-harm.

Is Joe McCann A Suspect In The Influencer’s Death?

Despite being Ashlee Jenae’s finacé at the time of her death, Harry Robinson and Ashlee’s mom, Yolanda, previously told TMZ Joe McCann had barely contacted them. Joe allegedly contacted Yolanda 11 hours after Ashlee was found. In that call, he allegedly reassured the mom that everything was okay, despite Ashlee being in the hospital. Then, the 31-year-old died. As of mid-April, that had been the only contact between Joe and his fiancée’s parents. The family released a statement on April 14, calling the incident their worst nightmare. At the time, they were requesting to review surveillance footage from the hotel Ashlee Jenae last stayed at.

To this day, Joe McCann has not been formally charged or accused of wrongdoing in the incident. Instead, it appears he was initially treated as a witness in the investigation. Two weeks ago, per the Guardian, Zanzibar officials withheld Joe’s passport as he cooperated with investigators on the case. No credible reports have confirmed his departure from Tanzania.

RELATED: Tanzanian Officials Are Reportedly Questioning Ashlee Jenae’s Fiancé Following Her Death In Zanzibar Hotel (UPDATE)

Horror is a special genre. So is science fiction. In film, both rely on a mastery of tone, pacing and often an understanding of complex effects. It takes a lot of skill to direct a horror movie or a sci-fi movie, and that is even more true when the two genres are brought together. Sci-fi horror movies can be any mix of the two respective genres. It could be a gnarly horror movie with one singular alien element, or a futuristic space film with moments of nerve-wracking terror. No matter how the movie brings its singular elements together, it takes a steady hand behind the camera to make it all work.

The most perfectly directed sci-fi horror movies are the ones that don’t allow their elements to grate against each other, but instead work together to elevate them both. They come from directors who are both steeped within the genres and those who have only once dipped a toe into them. Regardless of their filmographies or skill sets, they all have the correct sensibilities to create films that look deep into the abyss and find all manner of darkness. Cosmic horror, cybernetic slashers and extra-terrestrial threats, all of these and more are front and center in the ten most perfectly directed sci-fi horror movies ever made.

10

‘Possessor’ (2020)

Image via NEON

A cyberpunk assassin thriller meets psychological horror, Possessor is a mind-melting cinematic experience from Brandon Cronenberg, who clearly has taken a few cues from his father’s filmography. Set in a tech-noir future where specialized assassins can take control of an unwitting person’s body in order to perform their killings, the film is the perfect vehicle for Cronenberg to engage in slick sci-fi thrills and disturbing body horror. He also gets a pair of perfect performances out of Andrea Riseborough and Christopher Abbott, as the sci-fi hitwoman and her unfortunate host.

Tasya Vos (Riseborough) is a professional possessor, having successfully performed several vicarious killings, as depicted in the film’s chilling opening scene. Her continued body possessions have taken a toll on her mind and when she takes on her next assignment, things start to unravel. In the body of Colin (Abbott), Vos begins to lose control of her host and their psyches clash, illustrated through some very visceral imagery. Possessor is filled with twists and unexpected deviations into horror that take its premise into more unconventional territory, and Cronenberg’s direction is assured enough to make it all feel cohesive yet nightmarish and ambiguous.

9

‘Annihilation’ (2018)

Image via Paramount Pictures

While Alex Garland’s directorial debut, Ex Machina, dabbled with thriller elements and climiaxed with some violent imagery, his follow-up, Annihilation, is full-throttle horror. Loosely based on the novel of the same name by Jeff Vandermeer, the film is filled with existential dread, making it one of the most effective cosmic horror films, but also features sequences of more visceral physical horror as well. With a majority female cast, the film stands out from similar mission-based sci-fi horror, with thoughtful pacing and deeper character examinations placed between the moments of abject horror and carnage.

Lena (Natalie Portman) is a solider and biologist whose husband Kane (Oscar Isaac) has just returned from a mission inside the Shimmer, an unexplained zone of seemingly supernatural origin that appeared on the sight of a meteor crash. Kane begins to experience major health issues and, in order to solve what happened to him, Lena joins a new squad of specialists heading into the Shimmer. Inside the zone, they encounter unusual mutations, most memorably a horrific bear, and begin to exhibit signs of mutation themselves. Annihilation is another vivid genre effort from Garland, highlighting his ability to combine psychological terror with guttural horror.

8

‘Mad God’ (2021)

Image via Shudder

Mad God represents the unfiltered, uncompromised vision of effects maestro Phil Tippett. Known for his stop-motion work on films like RoboCop and Star Wars, Tippett began production on his passion project in the late 80s, but wouldn’t complete it until thirty years later. As a surreal nightmare, the film may not have a fully coherent plot or internal logic to its madness, but it is a visual masterpiece and is unrelenting in its nihilistic tone. It’s a film with few equivalents, especially in the 21st century, and a perfect showcase for how stop-motion animation can generate horror better than almost any other animated medium.

Set in an apocalyptic future, the film follows a silent protagonist in a gas mask as he descends into a nightmare world of mutant abominations on a mission to destroy it. There’s very little narrative thrust to the film or backstory, just hellish imagery as the protagonist traverses the destroyed world. The dream-like atmosphere and animation make the film all the more unnerving, and even with its short runtime, it manages to leave a lasting impression. Tippett is responsible for some of the most indelible creature effects in film history, and Mad God is the ultimate showcase for his boundless creativity and is easily his most terrifying creation.

7

‘Under the Skin’ (2013)

Image via A24

Under the Skin does exactly as its title suggests, digging deep with its eerie tone and stark imagery that builds its suspense methodically. Based loosely on the novel by Michael Faber, director Jonathan Glazer had originally intended to make a more elaborate effect-driven film before he decided to pare the film back to its bare essentials. That change not only made the film smaller in scale, but also opened up its plot to more ambiguity. Under the Skin is all the more horrifying for how little it explains, allowing the audience to fill in the gaps and leaving its horror quietly harrowing.

An Alien (Scarlett Johansson) in the form of a female human, drives around Glasgow in a van, picking up men that she takes back to a house where she leads them into a black void where they are consumed. There’s no larger narrative at play in the film, which proceeds in a far more abstract, impressionistic way. Glazer uses a voyeuristic style throughout the film, enhanced by the scenes where Johansson attempts to pick up unsuspecting men, which were shot with hidden cameras and real people who were unaware they were being filmed. Under the Skin is a creeping sci-fi horror that slowly, methodically envelops you with its darkness.

6

‘Nope’ (2022)

Image via Universal Pictures

Jordan Peele’s background in comedy has obviously given him some transferable skills for directing horror. Get Out, Us and his sci-fi horror epic Nope all use tight storytelling with setups, payoffs, and expert timing that ratchets and then releases tension, often with humor. Watching his films is like watching a comedian tell a perfectly crafted joke. That his films are also deep with symbolism that’s often rooted in relevant social themes is what makes them some of the best genre films of the 21st century.

Nope follows brother and sister Otis (Daniel Kaluuya) and Emerald (Keke Palmer) who are trying to keep their family ranch, which trains horses for movies and television, financially solvent. They find a potentially lucrative venture when a UFO begins stalking the skies above them. They set out to capture images of the aerial predator, no matter what the cost. Nope is a superlative sci-fi horror about spectacle and exploitation, and it’s Peele’s most epic film yet. Shot on 65mm film for IMAX by cinematographer Hoyt Van Hoytema, the film has the scope of some of the best sci-fi mixed with the violence and terror of some of the best horror.

5

‘The Fly’ (1986)

Image via 20th Century Studios

David Cronenberg is the master of body horror. Even though he has worked across various different genres, horror will always be what he is best known for. He’s combined his talent for instilling terror with sci-fi a number of times, notably with Videodrome, Scanners and eXistenZ. His directorial flourishes are all the more noticeable in what is one of his more accessible and mainstream films, The Fly. Remaking the 1958 sci-fi film, Cronenberg’s updated version is far more visceral, anchored by a bravura performance by Jeff Goldblum and Oscar-winning makeup effects by Chris Walas.

Seth Brundle (Goldblum) is a brilliantly eccentric scientist who has developed advanced teleportation pods. His impatience with his experiment and his burgeoning relationship with reporter Ronnie (Geena Davis) inspires Brundle to use himself as a test subject. His teleportation is successful except for the fact that a housefly has transported with him, mingling their DNA together. As Brundle slowly begins to mutate, Cronenberg combines his love for psychological torment and physical deformation to the extreme. The Fly is both tragic and horrific in equal measure, far surpassing the original and remaining one of its director’s best.

4

‘Predator’ (1987)

Image via 20th Century Studios

When star Arnold Schwarzenegger selected a director to helm the action/sci-fi/horror hybrid Predator, he didn’t choose any of the directors who were known in the 80s for explosive action. He selected John McTiernan, who had only directed one film, the bizarre supernatural horror film Nomads. Schwarzenegger’s instinct paid off since McTiernan not only was able to bring deeply rooted horror elements into the jungle-set action proceedings, but also deftly subvert the tropes of the genre as well.

Predator puts a sci-fi spin on the classic premise from The Most Dangerous Game. A group of mercenaries is sent on a rescue mission in Central America, only to become stalked themselves by a more advanced hunter. What makes the film so effective, is how it plays like a standard Schwarzenegger action film for its first hour, complete with an assault on a guerilla camp that has all the hallmarks of mindless 80s action. Once the film takes a turn into full sci-fi horror as its alien antagonist begins picking the mercenaries off one-by-one, McTiernan takes glee in deconstructing his macho heroes as they turn into helpless victims. Predator works equally as action, sci-fi and horror, with McTiernan deftly blending all three genres together.

3

‘The Terminator’ (1984)

Image via Orion Pictures

While Predator cast Schwarzenegger as the final girl in a slasher film, his iconic role as The Terminator turned him into a high-tech Jason Voorhees. That original film still carries all the hallmarks of slasher and exploitation movies, but under the direction of James Cameron, it was elevated into a sci-fi horror classic. While Cameron would elevate the genres further with his follow-up Aliens, that film deliberately emphasized action over horror, while The Terminator is an unrelenting nightmare.

That’s appropriate given that the film was initially conceived based on a nightmare Cameron had of being stalked by a metallic torso with red eyes. He translated that into the plot of Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) being targeted by a cybernetic assassin from the future to prevent the eventual birth of her son. There’s sci-fi explorations of fate and temporal loops, but the main thrust of the movie is its chase elements. Cameron had many different inspirations for the film, but one of the biggest was John Carpenter’s Halloween. He took Carpenter’s low-budget suspense framework and installed it into an upgraded cyborg body, making The Terminator a totemic slasher film.

2

‘The Thing’ (1982)

Image via Universal

Carpenter himself has a clear love for all things horror and sci-fi. Though the director has most often referenced the Westerns of Howard Hawks as his biggest influences, it was another Hawks production that served as the basis for his sci-fi horror masterpiece The Thing. Both Carpenter’s film and the Hawks-produced original The Thing From Another World were both based on the novella Who Goes There? by John W. Campbell Jr. While the Hawks film is a more standard, but effective, monster movie with a plant-based alien stalking the crew of an Arctic research station, Carpenter’s film leans hard into the apocalyptic horror and paranoia from the original novella.

In Antarctica, an American team of researchers is beset by an alien that has been dug up from the ice after crash landing thousands of years before. The alien has the uncanny ability to mimic all living lifeforms, allowing it to hide in plain sight. That allows Carpenter to create a rising tension in the film before unleashing in some of the most horrific displays of horror and gore, utilizing the mind-blowing practical effects by Rob Bottin. As a sci-fi monster, the Thing truly has no visual equal, and Carpenter’s film has only one other that can compare to its perfect mix of genre elements.

1

‘Alien’ (1979)

Image via 20th Century Studios

Ridley Scott’s space horror masterpiece has never been bettered. Even its many sequels and prequels, the best of which don’t try to replicate the original but do something entirely different, have been able to match the utter terror of Scott’s film. Like many films on this list, it’s easy to imagine the lesser B-movie version of Alien. The version that likely would have been made had Dan O’Bannon’s script been produced by Roger Corman and never made its way into the hands of producers Walter Hill and David Giler, who gave it a stripped-down rewrite and brought Scott on to direct. Scott’s visual acuity as a director brings vivid life to the incredible set and creature design of the film, elevating it far beyond its B-movie roots.

Inspired by films like It! The Terror from Beyond Space and Planet of the Vampires, the movie follows a crew of space truckers whose trip back home is interrupted by a distress signal on a lifeless planet. It turns out not to be so lifeless when one of the crew members gets an alien lifeform attached to his face. That crew member subsequently gives birth to the xenomorph in one of the most iconic scenes of either sci-fi or horror, and from there the film doesn’t let up. The deliberate pacing of the first half of the film gives way to expertly executed horror in the second, dominated by a dread-inducing atmosphere and a masterful use of sound, lighting and composition. Alien is perfectly directed, and is the most perfect sci-fi horror film ever made.

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Alien

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Release Date

June 22, 1979

Runtime

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117 Minutes

Writers

Dan O’Bannon, Ronald Shusett

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2026 is going to be a great year for Star Wars fans, who finally get to see their favorite franchise return to the big screen next month with the release of The Mandalorian and Grogu. The film will be a direct continuation of the Star Wars series that helped launch Disney+ all the way back in 2019, and while it is confirmed to bring back Pedro Pascal as the voice of Din Djarin, it’s also set to star newcomers like Sigourney Weaver (Alien) and Jeremy Allen White (The Bear). Plot details about The Mandalorian and Grogu are still being kept under wraps, now less than one month ahead of release, but it’s guaranteed to be another classic Mandalorian adventure, sure to please fans of the hit Disney+ series. The Mandalorian and Grogu isn’t all that Star Wars fans have had so far in 2026 to keep them satiated, though.

The first Star Wars project to come out in 2026 has been Maul: Shadow Lord, the new Disney+ series that was first announced last year at Star Wars Celebration in Japan. The show brings back the legendary Sam Witwer to voice the character as he’s done countless times before, and after premiering with its first two episodes back on April 4, the show is finally set to conclude next week with its final two episodes. Good news for fans, though: Maul: Shadow Lord has been renewed for Season 2, so while it may vanish into the shadows for a while after next week, it will be back eventually. Before Maul: Shadow Lord comes to a head, though, we at Collider are thrilled to debut an exclusive sneak peek at the finale, which can be found below. In the new clip, Maul teams up with Devon, Master Eeko-Dio Daki, Brander Lawson, and his son Rylee to bring the fight to the Empire. Maul even takes down an AT-ST with only his lightsaber in one of the coolest sequences the franchise has ever seen. The sneak peek is a must-watch for fans who have enjoyed the show so far.

What Is ‘Maul: Shadow Lord’ About?

The official synopsis for Maul: Shadow Lord, which was written and created by new Lucasfilm CEO Dave Filoni, reads as follows:

“Set after the events of The Clone Wars, Maul plots to rebuild his criminal syndicate on a planet untouched by the Empire. There, he crosses paths with a disillusioned young Jedi Padawan, who could be the apprentice he is seeking, that will aid him in his relentless pursuit for revenge.”

Plot details about Season 2 are being kept under wraps for now, as is a potential release window. Check out new episodes of Maul: Shadow Lord on Disney+ and stay tuned to Collider for more streaming updates and coverage of the Star Wars universe.

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Release Date

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April 6, 2026

Network

Disney+

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Directors

Brad Rau

Franchise(s)

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Star Wars

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