Meghan Markle is coming under scrutiny over claims she has been channeling Princess Diana’s iconic fashion a little too closely.

The Duchess of Sussex has sparked fresh debate after side-by-side images surfaced showing her in outfits strikingly similar to some of Prince Harry’s mother’s most recognizable looks. While some fans see the resemblance as a heartfelt nod, critics aren’t convinced, with several branding the comparisons “cringe” and even “creepy” as the images continue making the rounds online.

Markle has sparked fresh debate after online critics drew comparisons between her style and that of Diana, with some going as far as accusing her of “cosplaying” her late mother-in-law. The conversation picked up after a viral collage surfaced, placing images of the Duchess side-by-side with those of Diana in strikingly similar outfits and poses.

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In one image, both women appear in casual looks featuring open-collar tops, with sunglasses hooked at the neckline, paired with nearly identical hands-on-hips stances. Another comparison highlights them in formal black ensembles, complete with wide-brim hats and closely matched detailing.

A third pairing shows coordinated green outfits with similar headwear, while a fourth draws attention to near-identical head coverings that further fueled the comparisons.

Meghan’s Behavior Branded ‘Creepy’ And ‘Cringe’

The side-by-side comparisons mostly raised eyebrows over fashion, but many critics claimed the similarities went far beyond clothing. Several users pointed to what they saw as matching poses, expressions, and even camera angles, arguing the resemblance felt too deliberate to ignore.

“She even copies the poses, facial expressions, and camera angles. So incredibly creepy,” one person wrote.

Others took the criticism further, suggesting the parallels hinted at what they described as an unhealthy fixation on Princess Diana.

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Across the thread, reactions grew increasingly harsh, with some labeling the alleged “cosplaying” as “extra cringe” and “sick.”

Meghan Markle Once Said She Wished She Met Princess Diana

Because Diana died in 1997, nearly two decades before Markle met Harry, the two women never crossed paths. Still, the former actress has previously spoken about wishing she had the chance to know her.

During an April 2025 appearance on “The Jamie Kern Lima Show,” her first-ever podcast interview, Markle reflected on the comparison often drawn between her and Harry’s late mother. Lima pointed out that Harry has publicly said she shares several of Diana’s defining traits, including her empathy, warmth, and confidence.

Reacting to that, Markle said the comparison was “beautiful” and admitted she would have loved to meet the late princess.

Meghan’s Engagement Ring Included Diamonds From Princess Diana’s Collection

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When Harry proposed to Markle in 2017, the ring he presented carried a deeply personal tribute to Diana. The piece featured two round diamonds from the princess’s personal collection, a detail that held special meaning for the Duchess.

Reflecting on the gesture in a past interview, Markle praised Harry’s thoughtfulness, noting that the inclusion of the stones made her feel his late mother would always be part of their journey together.

Markle also shared that she got to know Diana in other ways, through conversations with Harry and by meeting some of the princess’s close friends, who offered personal insights into her life.

Meghan Markle Visited Diana’s Burial Site For The First Time In 2022

Markle visited Diana’s burial site for the first time in 2022, four years after marrying Harry. The deeply personal moment was later recounted by Harry in his memoir, “Spare,” where he reflected on bringing his wife to pay her respects on the 25th anniversary of his mother’s death.

“No visit to this place was ever easy, but this one,” Harry wrote. “And Meg’s first time. At long last, I was bringing the girl of my dreams home to meet mum.”

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According to the Duke, he initially stepped aside to give Markle privacy, allowing her a quiet moment alone at the gravesite.

When he returned, he found her kneeling in front of the tomb, visibly emotional.

“Feeling that Meg might also want a moment, I went around the hedge, scanned the pond. When I came back, Meg was kneeling, eyes shut, palms against the stone,” he shared.

Harry later asked what she had prayed for during that moment.

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“Clarity,” Markle replied. “And guidance.”

Teyana Taylor’s Moment Hit Awkward Tech Glitch

Now, when it comes to award shows, there’s always an expectation that something will go slightly off-script. And, the last night’s awards delivered that moment in real time when Teyana was honored with the Visionary Award. Introduced by legendary singer Dionne Warwick, things quickly took an awkward turn when the teleprompter failed to load her speech, prompting Teyana to repeatedly ask, “Can I get the teleprompter?” before the screen eventually displayed, “Teyana Taylor, we have no script for you. Everyone exit stage right,” which she read aloud in real time.

After noting earlier mic and in-ear issues, she joked through the chaos before briefly stepping offstage alongside Warwick and her son. Meanwhile, host Keke Palmer later addressed the technical mishap and brought the moment back on track, ultimately allowing Teyana to return and properly accept her honor in a reset speech that turned an awkward glitch into one of the night’s most talked-about moments.

@accesshollywood

After a speech mishap, #TeyanaTaylor thanked Billboard for making it right at the Billboard Women in Music Awards.

♬ original sound – Access Hollywood – Access Hollywood

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RELATED: Teyana Taylor Explains Heated Security Exchange At 2026 Oscars & The Academy Reacts To Incident (WATCH)

Shocking new video footage shows the moment shots rang out at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner last weekend.

Jeanine Pirro, the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, posted what appears to be security camera footage of the shooting incident via X on Thursday, April 30. Shooting suspect Cole Tomas Allen can allegedly be seen scouting the Washington Hilton one day before President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and many other government officials attended the annual dinner on Saturday, April 25.

The security footage then cuts from Friday, April 24, to the night of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

Officials can be seen seemingly dismantling a security checkpoint during the dinner when Allen, 31, allegedly rushes past the magnetometer with a weapon in hand. He then allegedly exchanges gunfire with at least one security agent.

The wounded agent was struck in his protective vest and later hospitalized. President Trump, 79, told reporters at a White House press briefing late Saturday that the agent was “saved by the fact that he was wearing, obviously, a very good bulletproof vest.”

“The vest did the job,” Donald briefed the media. “I just spoke to the officer and he was doing great, he’s in great shape, in very high spirits and I told him we love him and respect him and he’s a very proud guy, he’s very proud of what he does, the Secret Service agent.”

On Thursday, Pirro, 74, claimed that she was releasing this stunning new footage to debunk theories that the Secret Service agent was wounded by friendly fire in the midst of the chaos.

“Today, we are releasing video already provided to U.S. District Court showing Cole Allen shoot a U.S. Secret Service officer during his attempt to assassinate the President at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner,” Pirro tweeted. “There is no evidence the shooting was the result of friendly fire. The video also shows Allen casing the area in the Hilton Hotel the day before the attack. My office along with the @FBI will continue this extensive investigation to bring Cole Allen to justice.”

Allen was apprehended during the armed altercation and was subsequently charged with one count of attempting to assassinate the President of the United States, transportation of a firearm and ammunition in interstate commerce with intent to commit a felony, and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, per the Justice Department. He has not yet entered a plea.

As shots were fired outside of the Washington Hilton ballroom, Vice President Vance, 41, was quickly evacuated from the main stage. It took around 20 seconds before the Trumps were rushed to safety by Secret Service agents.

Asked about the delay in his evacuation by reporters, the president told 60 Minutes on Sunday, April 26, “What happened is, it was a little bit me. I wanted to see what was happening, and I wasn’t making it that easy for [the shooter].”

“I wanted to see what was going on. And by that time, we started to realize maybe it was a bad problem, different kind of a problem, bad one, and different than what would be normal noise from a ballroom, which you hear all the time,” he added. “I was surrounded by great people, and I probably made them act a little bit more slowly. I said, ‘Wait a minute. Let me see.’”

Vance opened up to Fox News about his experience on Wednesday, April 29, explaining that he was more concerned for his pregnant wife, Usha Vance, watching from home. (The Vances announced in January that they are expecting their fourth child.)

“I’m sitting up there on the dais with some journalists and obviously the President of the United States a few seats to my right. There’s a lot of commotion. You hear some loud noises. I had no idea what it was,” he recalled.

Related: Karoline Leavitt Breaks Silence on WHCD Shooting After Promising ‘Shots Fired’

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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt broke her silence on the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting after declaring there would be “shots fired” at the event. Leavitt, 28, took to Instagram on Sunday, April 26, to reflect on the shooting that saw her, President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and other administration officials evacuated […]

The vice president continued, “Before I had any idea what was going on, I started seeing people duck under their tables or respond to what was going on far in the back of the ballroom. An agent comes and whispers in my ear, says basically, ‘Sir, we have to leave.’ … The agent sort of lifts me to my feet and I walk off stage and go to my hold room and wait and see what’s going on.”

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Vance acknowledged that the frightening ordeal gave him new appreciation for the Secret Service agents who put their lives on the line every day.

“As you learn this information, the thing that I really gained an appreciation for, is what an amazing job the agents of the Secret Service do,” he told Fox News.

Allen remains behind bars ahead of his trial.

Lexie Brown is again emphasizing that she has nothing to do with the breakup between Megan Thee Stallion and Klay Thompson. More than that, she’s also sharing her disappointment in how the ex-couple hasn’t cleared her name! This marks the second time the WNBA star has spoken out to clear her name.

RELATED: Aht! Aht! WNBA Player Lexie Brown Addresses Rumors Linking Her To Klay Thompson Cheating On Megan Thee Stallion

Lexie Brown Again Denies Links To Klay Thompson

The Seattle Storm player told Fox News that she’s received threats against her life, her health and her loved ones amid the Klay Thompson speculation. Toward the end of the interview, she said, “So it got to a point where I just was scared for myself.”

At the top of the Fox News clip, Lexie Brown admitted she knew Klay through their professional basketball careers, but that’s where she drew the line! She clarified that she doesn’t know Megan Thee Stallion. Additionally, Lexie pointed out that she’s the only person denying any involvement with Klay Thompson and “claimed that this is 100% false.” While the conversation about protecting Black women is happening about Megan Thee Stallion, Lexie Brown claimed she’s also a Black woman who the public isn’t considering.

“…And the fact that I’m still the only one that is defending my name, I just have no idea how to process that, and that’s the last thing that I’m like struggling to process is that there’s this massive outcry for protecting Black women and nobody has mentioned Lexie Brown’s name in any of those conversations.”

Also, Lexie emphasized that either he or Megan Thee Stallion, or both, know she’s not part of the drama. Still, she’s the only one defending her name and shutting down rumors. Not only has that surprised her, but Lexie said it’s disappointed her as well.

“…They’re the ones that are dealing with this and they’re the ones who are communicating with each other. So one of them, if not both of them, knows that it was not me,” Lexie Brown said in the interview. “The truth is over there somewhere, and I was expecting it to reveal itself from that side of it…for them to just allow me to get dragged, for a lot of people to allow me to get dragged through the mud…it was just really disappointing.”

WNBA player Lexie Brown, who was the subject of recent viral affair rumors with NBA star Klay Thompson, spoke out to me against Klay for not disputing the rumors himself. Lexie says she has received death threats and even her family has been harassed after the rumors started. pic.twitter.com/tob2d9TA1b

— Jackson Thompson (@JackThompsonFOX) April 30, 2026

Here’s What Klay Thompson First Shared After Megan Announced Their Split

Previously on Instagram Stories, Lexie Brown said that no rumors linking her and Klay Thompson are true. She didn’t use names, but the internet connected the dots. She added in her post that the week was the start of her season with Seattle Storm and it’s “an important and exciting new season” that she’s fully locked in on. Swipe below to see the relevant post. 

When Lexie Brown shared that first statement, Klay Thompson hadn’t yet spoken out about his split. In fact, his initial return to social media, involved an Instagram livestream of him working out while listening to music.

RELATED: 4 Moments Megan Thee Stallion & Klay Thompson’s Parents Shared That Hit Different Now (VIDEOS)

Chile! Chris Brown just stirred the pot—and y’all already know the timeline didn’t miss a beat. With a major tour on the horizon, he dropped his album cover, and let’s just say… it has folks squinting, reminiscing, and side-eyeing all at once. Chris didn’t have to say a word, but the message? Loud enough to spark debates across the internet—and whew, the comparisons are flying.

RELATED: Big Brother Tapping In! Fans React To How Much Chris Brown’s Eldest Son Aeko Has Grown (PHOTO)

Chris Brown’s Album Cover Sparks Classic R&B Comparisons

Ahead of the kickoff of his joint run with Usher, Chris Brown unveiled the cover art for his upcoming twelfth studio album ‘Brown,’ dropping May 8, and it immediately had fans drawing parallels to some of the greatest eras in R&B and pop. The artwork features him laid out in a tan corduroy suit, tattoos peeking through as he leans on his elbow with his hands interlocked, topped off with a matching fedora while gazing into the distance.

The pose and styling quickly sparked comparisons to iconic visuals like Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller,’ Lionel Richie’s ‘You Are,’ Luther Vandross’ ‘Give Me the Reason,’ and Teddy Pendergrass’ ‘It’s Time for Love.’ While some critics called the nods bold—especially the MJ comparisons—others appreciated the homage to classic R&B aesthetics. The moment arrives as Chris continues embracing his legacy in the genre, especially with “The R&B Tour: Raymond & Brown” alongside Usher, set to run from June through December.

You Already Know The Comment Section Turned Up

Fans wasted no time flooding TSR’s Instagram comment section the second the album cover dropped, sounding off with their unfiltered opinions. Some folks joked that Breezy must think he’s Michael Jackson with that pose, while others weren’t mad at it at all. And, plenty of fans said the vibe is already giving “baby-making music” and they’re ready to press play.

One Instagram user @ching_loso commented, “Old skool R&B pose for the win. 🙌🏽🔥”

This Instagram user @_pettyking shared, “Wow! This is better than Michael Jackson’s Thriller cover! 🔥”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @_thats.brookes.alexandria_ claimed, “It gives crying in the rain and you know what….yeah“

While Instagram user @jayzs99thproblem said, “this dude keeps dropping albums every year“

And, Instagram user @ambersharniece added, “NEED THAT! And baby with this cover photo it’s giving GROWN folk music!“

Lastly, Instagram user @tx_flowerchild wrote, “This n***a really thinks he’s Michael Jackson“

Chris Brown’s Latest Life Update Has Fans In Shambles

Chris Brown stays in his “iconic moment” bag, and the internet is once again watching it unfold in real time. Jada Wallace shared a carousel post on Instagram featuring maternity shoot photos followed by a first look at her newborn, sparking an immediate wave of conversation across social platforms. While Chris wasn’t directly tagged in the post, he appeared to acknowledge the moment in the comments with “Taurus Gang” and two red heart emojis, which fans took as his subtle confirmation. Adding to the family energy, Chris’ mom, Joyce Hawkins, also chimed in under the post, writing, “CONGRATULATIONS!!! HE’S JUST PERFECT! SENDING LOVE ALWAYS!!” as supporters continue to call it another headline-worthy chapter in his ongoing public journey.

RELATED: Congrats! Chris Brown Seemingly Confirms Arrival Of Baby With Jada Wallace In Sweet Message (PHOTOS)

For those action junkies who can’t get enough of well-choreographed battle sequences, high-octane thrills, and stunts galore, Prime Video is the streamer for you. While there are certainly other action-based shows on different streaming platforms (not to mention a few network and cable holdouts), Amazon just knows how to put together an exciting action-packed program that keeps you on the edge of your seat. However you prefer your fights, Prime Video is the streaming platform for you.

Whether you’re a big fan of The Boys or the reboot of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, there are more action-based shows than just those to be found on Prime — and that’s why we love the streamer. So, if you’re looking for a new binge this weekend or even hoping to return to something familiar, here are some of the best action shows on the streaming platform. If you’re solely in it for the action, you won’t be disappointed.

‘The Terminal List’ (2022–Present)

Image via Prime Video

One of the most obvious hits on Prime Video in recent years has been The Terminal List. Based on the killer thriller novel by former Navy SEAL Jack Carr, the series was appropriately billed as “your dad’s new favorite show” for its high emotional stakes, intense action sequences, and uniquely effective take on the action thriller genre. Chris Pratt stars as James Reece, who proves himself worthy of being an action hero with the initial “J.R.” (there are more of them than you think).

Counted among the most unpredictable Prime Video thrillers, The Terminal List has only released a single season thus far, but with another on the way, we’re ready for more. Still, those first eight episodes do the trick in reminding us that Prime Video is the place to be for all your action-thriller needs. That is especially true of shows based on books.

‘The Bondsman’ (2025)

Image via Prime Video

For something a little more out-of-the-box in the action department, Prime Video has you covered too. The Bondsman is a great example of a supernatural/horror-themed action thriller with a fast-paced style and interesting worldbuilding to boot. The series follows Kevin Bacon‘s Hub Halloran, a Southern bounty hunter who died and came back to life, as he hunts demons throughout his small town. As far as action horror goes, it’s much better than it should be.

The Bondsman was sadly canceled after its first season, but it (like The Boys before it) proves that Prime Video is willing to engage with speculative fiction beyond the usual military or police action fare. Plus, Bacon is simply delightful in the role, and cliffhanger aside, The Bondsman is a great watch. If you’re looking for a Prime Video binge this week, look no further.

‘House of David’ (2025–Present)

Image via Prime Video

Another example of Prime Video’s willingness to move beyond its usual action thriller space is House of David. This Old Testament-based series doubles as both a historical epic and a biblical adaptation, chronicling the story of young David (Michael Iskander), who goes from shepherd to expectant king in a short time. As the show continues, it gets even more action-packed, with large-scale battle sequences that highlight Bronze Age warfare.

Prime Video has already released two seasons of House of David, and while its renewal has yet to be confirmed, we expect more to be on the way. As David learns to become both a warrior and a king, the show continues to live up to its promise in adapting ancient biblical battles to the screen. If you’re more into armies on horseback, drawing swords, spears, and bows, this is the type of show for you.

‘Countdown’ (2025)

Image via Prime Video

Created by Derek Haas, Countdown was Prime Video’s attempt to merge the worlds of network television and streaming with series that followed a Los Angeles-based task force as it assembles to prevent whatever next terror attack is set to befall the City of Angels. Headlined by Jenson Ackles, Jessica Camacho, and the late Eric Dane, Countdown knew how to blend high-stakes action and suspense with intense character drama and complicated interpersonal relationships. It was the best of both worlds.

Sadly, Countdown was canceled before it could get a second season (tragically on a cliffhanger); a sober reminder that Prime Video isn’t always able to keep every show around. But despite that, the streaming platform remains committed to bringing more fast-paced action to the small screen. Countdown is a great time for audiences looking for a new bingeworthy series in 2026 — just be aware that there’s no real ending.

‘Fallout’ (2024–Present)

Based on the hit video game franchise of the same name, Fallout is a post-apocalyptic series that certainly knows how to bring in the action. Created by Graham Wagner and Geneva Robertson-Dworet, the drama is set centuries after the Great War of 2077, which plunged all of America into a hellscape you’ll want to first-person-shooter your way through. So, when Lucy MacLean (Ella Purnell) decides to go exploring this “brave new world,” things get a bit intense.

Considered by some to be the best video game adaptation thus far, Fallout is chock-full of action and sci-fi thrills that only increase as the drama continues — and yes, we still have plenty of burning questions after Season 2. As the show (which has already been renewed for a third outing) continues to get better, this is one Prime Video production you can count on for its action-packed nature. Just remember, viewer discretion is advised.

‘The Terminal List: Dark Wolf’ (2025–Present)

Image via Prime Video

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For those who loved The Terminal List and are still anxiously awaiting its second season, we have good news for you. A prequel spin-off titled The Terminal List: Dark Wolf hit Prime Video last year, this time following Reece’s old friend Ben Edwards (Taylor Kitsch) as he leaves the team to join up with the CIA. For those interested in the geopolitical ramifications of the U.S.’s foreign policy and the wars in the Middle East, this is the show for you. It also helps that Kitsch is simply fantastic as a leading man.

According to Jack Carr, the prequel will likely continue beyond the seven-episode first season. Considering all the great Dark Wolf characters and superb action sequences, we can only hope so. As Edwards and his team discover that things aren’t what they seem, the world turns on itself in a pulse-pounding thrill ride that almost never lets up on the action. Dark Wolf is a Prime Video outing that certainly delivers.

‘Young Sherlock’ (2026–Present)

Image via Prime Video

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If you loved Guy Ritchie‘s Robert Downey Jr.-led Sherlock Holmes movies, we may not be getting more any time soon, but Prime Video offers us the next best thing. Young Sherlock is exactly what it sounds like, and with Hero Fiennes Tiffin in the title role, this mystery series throws a few well-timed punches of its own. Sure, you show up for the mystery elements here, but the action will keep you thoroughly invested throughout.

A Sherlock Holmes prequel probably wasn’t on your list of Prime Video possibilities, but this highly-rewatchable series will quickly prove you dead wrong. Perfect for this week’s Prime Video binge, Young Sherlock has almost everything that fans of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle‘s work love — and the few things it doesn’t may just come soon enough. Don’t sleep on it!

‘Reacher’ (2022–Present)

Image via Prime Video

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With how popular Reacher has become, it can’t be surprising that this show nears the top of our list. Alan Ritchson as Jack Reacher is like the freight train of action thriller material, and the fact that each season of this Lee Child-based drama further dials up the action makes it worth the watch. No matter if Reacher finds himself in a small town or the big city, you know trouble is coming.

After three seasons (and a fourth on the way), Reacher continues to prove itself to be one of the best Prime Video shows out there. From Ritchson’s on-screen charisma to the character’s hulking presence, we love watching him pummel bad guys while unraveling the latest criminal conspiracy he’s found himself in. Whether you’re a fan of the books or a newcomer, you’ll stick to Reacher like glue.

‘Jack Ryan’ (2018–2023)

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The first major action thriller series that Prime Video ever produced, Jack Ryan (stylized Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan) is a powerhouse in spy entertainment. John Krasinski moves way beyond his The Office roots for this highly intelligent, riveting political thriller that turns a CIA analyst into one of the most capable action heroes on television. The action here is top-notch, and when you consider it to be the blueprint for Prime Video’s other action-packed material, it’s easy to see why fans adore it so.

Jack Ryan ran for four seasons on the streamer, but that doesn’t mean the adventure is over. A sequel film, Jack Ryan: Ghost War, is slated to drop on Prime Video this May, so you’ve still got some time to catch up before it arrives. In any case, this is one action thriller that would blow any movie out of the water — and that includes many of the other Jack Ryan films out there.

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Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan

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Release Date

2018 – 2023-00-00

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Network

Prime Video

Showrunner

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Carlton Cuse

Directors

Jann Turner, Andrew Bernstein, Dennie Gordon, Kevin Dowling, Lukas Ettlin, Patricia Riggen, David Petrarca, Phil Abraham, Carlton Cuse, Morten Tyldum

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When Wes Craven‘s horror masterpiece Scream rolled into theaters in 1996, it exploded into a major pop-cultural phenomenon the likes of which the genre had never seen before. Set in the small town of Woodsboro, California, a series of gruesome murders committed by a serial killer in a Ghostface mask sparks a serious hunt to find and unmask the madman before he strikes again. It was a familiar premise, but elevated by one fresh, new, and groundbreaking idea. Coming out during a troubling time for horror, a time when franchise fatigue was at an all-time high, staleness set in, and tired sequels were dragging slashers and this genre as a whole close to irrelevancy, along came this brilliant, self-aware meta commentary on the whole horror formula. Scream was dark and intense, but sharply written and hilarious, featuring characters that were well aware of being in a horror movie, a landmark storytelling idea at the time that changed the genre’s history and further influenced the horror movies we have coming out today. Even now, it can make viewers laugh, scared, wildly excited, but no matter what, they’ll always come back to it.

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Undoubtedly, Scream is one of the most entertaining horror movies of all time, a classic that no one ever forgets the first time, and it makes them constantly come back for multiple watches. Hardly any slasher film or regular horror film, for that matter, can top its stupendous ability to entertain. Though not many come close, there are several that arguably are just as, if not more, exciting than Scream. The three below are epic masterpieces that have invigorated the horror genre with their wow factors. They’re utterly iconic, timeless even, but always keep the audience’s attention from start to finish.

3

‘Aliens’ (1986)

Image via 20th Century Studios

Kicking things into high motion, this first entry belongs to Aliens, the kick-ass, high-octane action-horror masterpiece from the legendary James Cameron. Widely considered one of the most thrilling, endlessly enjoyable horror flicks and one of the greatest sequels ever made, this 1986 juggernaut exploded hugely on the big screen, giving audiences everything they wanted and more from a continuation to Ridley Scott‘s 1979 Alien. Here, there’s a bit of everything one can absolutely love, from its pulse-pounding shootouts, tightly paced story, jaw-dropping effects, and riveting performances. It follows the sole survivor of the Nostromo, Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), as she’s awakened from hypersleep nearly six decades after her fearful encounter with the dreaded xenomorph. Once the colony on the same planet she encountered the alien goes dark, she accompanies a team of hardened space marines to go investigate what happened, only to relive her nightmare once again.

No doubt Aliens is a much-beloved action-horror spectacle. It’s not as scary as the first one, but boy, does it make up for its lack of dread with nonstop excitement. There are more aliens here, as its title suggests, along with a more significant film budget and a bigger cast. It’s a blast just to see Sigourney Weaver return to his legendary hero role as Ellen Ripley, who here breaks new ground as a badass, capable action hero, paving the way for more female representation in the genre. Honestly, there’s a lot to unpack and enjoy about this roller-coaster ride of a film. It knows how to keep you invested, and just keeps up the momentum, making it truly entertaining, perhaps more so than ever when watching Scream.

2

‘The Silence of the Lambs’ (1991)

Image via Orion Pictures

Next is the most nail-biting, suspenseful horror experience you’ll ever experience in cinema. The late Jonathan Demme changed the face of horror in 1991 with The Silence of the Lambs, a mystery-crime thriller based on the iconic book series by author Thomas Harris. Within its 118-minute run-time is nothing short of spectacular, as it’s a powerfully written, expertly paced chiller full of some of the most skin-crawling, nightmarish scenes ever brought to celluloid. Starring Jodie Foster and Sir Anthony Hopkins, who both received Best Acting Oscars for their efforts, this story places viewers into a mystery, following FBI Agent Clarice Starling on a daring mission to probe the mind of notorious convicted cannibal, Dr. Hannibal Lecter, to help trace the pathology of the illusive ‘Buffalo Bill’ serial killer (Ted Levine) before he kills a high profile U.S. Senator’s daughter. It’s a race against the clock as we follow Clarice keep her wits and decode Lecter’s cryptic help to find the kidnapped victim and stop Bill before it’s too late.

From Anthony Hopkins’ legendary portrayal as the intelligent and sophisticated yet deceptively brutal and manipulative Dr. Lecter to Ted Levin’s unpredictable and twisted performance as the deranged Buffalo Bill killer, The Silence of the Lambs is a film rich with some of the most spine-chilling movie moments ever shown. You can feel the weight of the suspense in some scenes, especially in the finale, as Clarice confronts Bill in his dark house of horrors. It’s a film dripping with tension and dread, perfectly keeping the audience glued to the screen until the very end. It’s a perfect mystery with an excellent payoff and leaves an unforgettable feeling after. You’ll never be the same after The Silence of the Lambs. It truly is that gripping and memorable, to the point where it can be watched over and over again and still give people goosebumps. A lot like Scream, both are wildly enthralling horror thrillers that defined the genre. But what sets this one apart, and even elevates it more than Craven’s film, is that The Silence of the Lambs holds a prestigious distinction as being the only horror film to date to win Best Picture. It’s honestly kind of hard to top that in terms of acclaim.

1

‘Jaws’ (1975)

We’ve talked about aliens and serial killers being more thrilling than what happens in Scream. Now it is time to introduce sharks, and why one particular shark flick trumps Scream in every way to be widely considered the most entertaining horror of all time. I’m, of course, talking about Jaws, the mega-summer-hit blockbuster monster masterpiece from the legend of movie wonder, Steven Spielberg. This is definitely the most fun you’ll have in the movie theater. It’s an epic mix of action, horror, and adventure, telling a tale about a peaceful summer community, Amity Island, that’s racked by terror when swimmers are soon devoured near the beach. When a rogue great white shark is to blame, the town’s newly installed sheriff, a marine biologist from the mainland, and a salty WWII veteran shark-hunting expert set off to kill this fearsome beast before it strikes again.

Jaws changed the horror landscape for the better thanks to its thrilling story. It was a gargantuan success critically and financially, becoming one of the highest-grossing horror movies of all time up to that point, and effectively birthed the modern summer blockbuster season, paving the way for the likes of Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and so many more thrilling cinematic spectacles. Everything, from the iconic characters, John Williams’ epic, Oscar-winning theme song, and even tense suspense and jumpscares, has turned Jaws into a bona fide legend of the horror genre. Today, it still reigns supreme as one of the most cherished and beloved classics, one that fans just keep coming back to for more rewatches. You’ll always find something new to love about this timelessly exciting tale.

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Jaws

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Release Date

June 20, 1975

Runtime

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124 minutes

Writers

Peter Benchley, Carl Gottlieb

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Andy Serkis’s long-gestating passion project, Animal Farm, is now in theaters. The adaptation has been in development for more than a decade, shifting from an initial live-action, performance capture to a softer animated aesthetic for its target audience, “particularly for young, inquiring minds,” Serkis tells Collider’s Steve Weintraub. For the director, the goal is to reintroduce George Orwell’s enduring satire to a new generation. Now, he shares with us the challenges he and the creative team overcame, adhering to what’s most relevant today, and why the inclusion of a hopeful tomorrow is key.

Serkis’ retelling of Animal Farm, adapted by Nicholas Stoller, is a family film that explores the source’s corruption, oppression, exploitation, and control prevalent in the world today, without being “patronizing.” Serkis explains, “The last thing that any of us wanted to do was make a sort of… ‘message-y’ movie.” Instead, he calls it “experiential,” allowing viewers to see the rebellion and farm takeover through a piglet’s eyes when Lucky (Gaten Matarazzo) becomes close with the de facto leader, Napoleon (Seth Rogen), who deviously seizes power over their hopeful utopia. The movie also features the vocal talents of Serkis, Laverne Cox, Woody Harrelson, Steve Buscemi, Glenn Close, and Kieran Culkin.

During this conversation, Serkis further explains how the change from performance capture to animation suited the less graphic, “Disney-esque” (“when Disney was able to be darker”) telling of Orwell’s novella, without removing its bite. He reflects on the long journey it took to get Animal Farm to the big screen, how this story evolved throughout the years, and why he chose to include a new character, Lucky, to navigate these ideas through a younger perspective.

Andy Serkis Turns ‘Animal Farm’ Into a Story for Kids About Corruption and Truth

“It’s all about how do we engage young people…?”

Image via Angel Studios

COLLIDER: I saw Animal Farm at Annecy last year when we spoke for the film, and first of all, I really want to say you did a great job with this. I think that this film is more important than ever to come out and have people see. But I do have a question. When I saw it at Annecy last year, in the version I just watched the other day, you made a few changes since I saw it, or am I wrong about this?

ANDY SERKIS: Very minimal changes. Tiny, tiny little things which we just thought about that we wanted to crisp up and sharpen. Mainly towards the end, yeah.

You’ve been working on Animal Farm for years, and you’ve gone through ups and downs on this material where a lot of people might have just said, “F it, it’s just not meant to be.” What kept you going and why was this story and movie so important to you that you were like, “This needs to happen?”

SERKIS: It’s the subject matter. It’s the book that spoke to me, and really hit me hard as one of the first reads as a young adult. I carried it with me, and I still do. I still reread it. In fact, I’ve just found another audiobook recording of it, as well, which comes out on the same day as the film, bizarrely. So the book itself, the subject matter, [George] Orwell as a writer, and what he talks about, the world that we’re living in now, needs a film like this for young people.

For me, it’s all about how do we engage young people, pull them away from their phones for a minute, and just start enjoying seeing a story that has pathos, meaning, where there’s something going on underneath it that really makes them want to have a debate with their parents and their grandparents about, “Why is it that we, as human beings, always make the same mistakes, that we keep going round in circles?” That, for me, has been the driving force.

We always wanted to make this as a four-quadrant picture, but particularly for young, inquiring minds. I think we talked about this before when we last saw each other, but there’s a lack of point of view in the book, and I felt it crucial that we saw the world through a young piglet’s eyes, and goes on this journey of being morally corrupted, and then finally the scales fall from his eyes, and he sees that he’s made the same mistake that we always do, which is to listen to bad leadership or be around people who are not good for us, or to accept or begin to accept lies. So it really puts the young audience member in the center of all of that.

Image via Angel Studios

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When I was watching it again, you just can’t help but get angry, because what’s going on in the real world, what’s going on in the movie, it’s just gain and again. It’s the same mistakes, the same leadership that gets corrupted, the same bullshit. It’s just so frustrating.

SERKIS: Really, I suppose, if I were to tell people about what it quintessentially revolves around is this notion that we’re all animals. That we don’t see ourselves as separate. There’s a key moment in the film where Lucky, the protagonist, is asked, “Are you a pig or are you an animal?” And that, for me, is what the movie is about. Are you someone who wants to see yourself as above others? Are you someone who wants to be happy with being elite when there are people struggling below you? Or are you going to serve everybody? That is the question that the world is facing right now.

Then all of the other things, the fake news, the way that we are constantly lied to, the tastemakers who decide what’s right and wrong, it’s all in there, but we’ve not been overtly political about it, which is why it’s taken so long to make. I think people’s assumptions, with particular studios or whoever we’ve engaged with, they’ve always thought, “Oh, it’s going to be a politically message-y film, and it’s not gonna be entertainment. You would never get a family to come and see it.” And it’s absolutely for a family to sit and watch together.

I’m going to butcher the quote, but it’s like “all animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” So Orwell wrote this as a critique of Stalinism, but the themes of misinformation and alternative facts feel incredibly modern. How much did the current global politics influence the tone of your adaptation?

SERKIS: Remember, we started making this in 2012. So social media, clickbait, fake news, AI, and misinformation have only snowballed since then, pardon the expression. It’s only escalated since then, but you could see it coming. Because Orwell, look how prescient he is as a writer, to be able to see all of that back in the ‘40s when he was writing it. So, we always wanted to make a film that was raising and dealing with contemporary issues, because you’re not going to get a young audience of five, six, seven, eight-year-olds to even know what totalitarian Russia was like in the ‘40s.

So, that was always the ambition, to make it ring and resonate with today. And as I say, it’s changed, and weirdly, world politics and the mess that the world is in at the moment and the film have actually sort of grown towards each other in a strange way.

Andy Serkis on Why ‘Animal Farm’ Isn’t the “Message-y Movie” People Expected

“This is sort of experiential in a way, because you’re seeing it through a young character’s eyes.”

When you first started working on this in 2012, and where it is now, how has it changed along the way? Did you go through any radical changes along the way?

SERKIS: Well, yeah, because originally it was going to be a live-action, performance capture-driven movie because it was inspired by the moment, when we were making the [Planet of the] Apes movies, when I realized that there hadn’t been an adaptation of Animal Farm for a long time. And I was making Mowgli [Legend of the Jungle] shortly after that. It came out of, “Can we take a great piece of literature like this and make a performance capture-driven live-action version?” But that would have necessarily made it a darker film.

There’s so many graphic images in the novel, of things like the dogs tearing up the other animals, attacking them, and it’s brutal, but we wanted to have the impending threat there without it being so graphic, and actually it be cleverer, in a way, that actually the misinformation, the lies, and the violence is the undercurrent of it, but you never actually see it because we live in a world where we’re desensitized enough to see violence all the time, but we don’t see it anymore. So this was a way of looking at those themes without actually having to go there and be as graphically violent.

In the movie, there’s a scene where Snowball goes out of the farm with the dogs, and we never see Snowball again.

SERKIS: Right. Exactly. And that’s the sort of Disney-esque approach when Disney was able to be darker. It’s that and then learning from great animation companies like Pixar about how you can discuss modern themes and modern psychology and really interesting family themes, but intelligently, and not be patronizing. Because the last thing that any of us wanted to do was make a sort of, as I say, “message-y” movie, which is telling the audience what to think. This is sort of experiential in a way, because you’re seeing it through a young character’s eyes.

Andy Serkis Explains ‘Animal Farm’s Key Change From the Book

“We’ve sort of slightly shifted here and there, but I think it fits the tone of our movie better.”

Image via Angel Studios

Animal Farm is a story that many people know, many people have read. Were there any aspects of the book that you discovered in a new way when adapting it?

SERKIS: Yeah. Very early on in the book, actually, the pigs are already separating themselves almost immediately. Old Major’s speech, the old pig who has the dream about the future, almost immediately, they are separating themselves from the other animals. So by the time the rebellion happens in the book, they’ve already been learning to read and things like that. But actually, with this, we wanted to slightly, for a moment, make it feel like everyone is equal at the beginning.

There are characters like Napoleon who always, by dint of their personality, want to take center stage, or Snowball, who’s going to try and do the right thing, but they weren’t as prepared for it as this. It comes out of nowhere because the opening of the movie is a shock. They’re being taken somewhere they don’t think that they’re being taken to, but that’s because of the benign neglect of the drunk farmer. So we’ve sort of slightly shifted here and there, but I think it fits the tone of our movie better, in a way.

One of the things that I’ve thought about recently, and it’s true in this, is the importance of education. The more educated you are, the easier it is to see through the lies and the facade.

SERKIS: Correct. That’s why it’s very touching, and there’s a sadness to the character Boxer, who remains a victim of being lied to. The tragedy of that character is that you can never see that what he’s being told isn’t true, and that he blindly follows, and the tragedy of being separated from his best friend, as well, who happens to be of a species that is not the same as him.

Image via Angel Studios

I’ll tell you one of the things that we were very keen to do, though. Obviously, the book ends in a very dark place. There is no hope. There’s no moment of hope. There’s no third act in a way, one could say. But we did want to offer not tying it up in a nice, neat bow and saying, “It’s okay, everybody. It’s going to be alright.” It’s sort of saying, “They’ve messed it up again. The wheel is going round. History repeats itself, but you cannot shy away from the fact that we have to keep trying.” And that’s why this film, again, speaks, hopefully, to young people. They’re the ones who are going to have to deal with the future. So, it is, “Okay, don’t shy away from it. It’s going to be your problem, but don’t be so despondent about it. You have to think that there is a way because there will be.”

Andy Serkis on the Future of Performance Capture

Image via 20th Century Studios

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Is there still a stigma around performance capture when it comes to awards recognition, or do you think the industry is finally starting to respect it as acting?

SERKIS: I think it is definitely beginning to understand it more and to respect it more. Whether or not it’ll just be considered as part of the acting category, I don’t know. That might take a little bit longer. But the marriage of technology and all sorts of different aspects of filmmaking to create an actor’s performance is something that we are certainly more used to and are not shying away from. I think it won’t be too long, hopefully, before it is accepted as acting, as authoring the role, in the same way that an actor reads and plays a character from page one to 120 of a script.

You’ve helped pioneer the art form of performance capture. Is there something you think people still misunderstand about performance capture?

SERKIS: Yeah. [Laughs] It’s weird because people are so used to now being able to put their iPhone on themselves and create an avatar, so they understand that aspect of it. But I suppose it’s just the notion of being on set and actually facially capturing an actor’s performance. It is, to a certain extent, director’s choice. Some directors choose to let the retargeting or the reanimation of that into the face of the character, the avatar.

There are certain directors, like James Cameron, for instance, who absolutely want it 100% to represent the choices the actors made in the moment. There are other examples of it where there’s more latitude in terms of, “Well, we can reanimate it slightly to make the expressions a bit bigger and broader,” as we did in Tintin, for example.

So, there’s still slightly latitude with it, but ultimately it comes down to director’s choice. Matt Reeves, for example, for all the Planet of the Apes movies, would sit with the animators and go, “That is not what Andy is doing.” To the nth degree, he would push them, push them, push them until finally it was represented in the face of Caesar. So, it’s a tool that can be used in different ways.

Do you think we’re ever going to get another Tintin movie?

SERKIS: Oh gosh, I wish! I really hope so. I love that Tintin film. I loved the process of making that film with such great filmmakers. I think Peter [Jackson] really, really wants to make it, so hopefully down the line.

I would love it. But I also love what Peter’s doing with bringing old footage back to life with The Beatles. What he’s doing is just so important and valuable that it’s almost like I’m willing to accept he’s not going to make a movie if he’s going to do all of this and work.

SERKIS: Totally. He’s a proper explorative imagineer. His mind is vast, and the things that he wants to approach and the stories that he wants to tell are endless. I’m always in awe of it.

Animal Farm is now playing in theaters.

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Release Date

May 1, 2026

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Runtime

96 minutes

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On Thursday, April 30, the Ventura County District Attorney’s office filed a misdemeanor charge against Britney Spears following her March 4 DUI arrest. Earlier this month, she entered a rehab facility with the encouragement of her two sons, Sean Preston and Jayden James. The official charge comes days before the “Toxic” singer is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday, May 4.

Britney Spears Can Potentially Avoid Jail Time In Her DUI Case

Following her misdemeanor charge, officials told PEOPLE magazine that the “Oops!… I Did It Again” singer will be offered what is commonly known as a “wet reckless” because she has no prior DUI history. She was also not involved in an accident and had a low blood alcohol level at the time of her arrest.

A “wet reckless” usually allows a person to plead guilty to reckless driving involving drugs and alcohol and be placed on probation for 12 months, with credit for any time spent in custody. The “Lucky” singer was arrested on the night of March 4 and released the following morning, so it is doubtful she will receive credit for time served. She will also be required to complete a DUI class and pay state-mandated fines and fees if she accepts that offer.

Britney Spears’ Sons Were A ‘Big Part’ Of Her Rehab Stay

Officials said that the resolution is “common” when an individual “demonstrates self-motivation to address underlying issues through rehabilitation or a drug and alcohol treatment program.” The “Crossroads” actress voluntarily entered a treatment facility earlier this month ahead of her arraignment.

“Her sons were a big part of getting her to rehab. They’ve been clear with her. They just want her to be healthy,” a source told the publication. “She was very upset and shaken after her arrest. And she’s terrified of going to jail. It’s taken weeks for her to realize that going to rehab is the best option.”

Britney Will Not Have To Appear In Person For Her Hearing

Although Spears will be arraigned on May 4, she will not have to appear in person since it is a misdemeanor charge. Instead, her attorney will appear in person to represent her. A legal expert had previously told PEOPLE magazine that her decision to seek help would only help bolster her case.

“[Voluntarily seeking treatment] shows the court and prosecutors that the person is taking the situation seriously before they’re ordered to do anything,” said Bobby Taghavi, a managing partner at personal injury law firm Sweet James and former prosecutor in the Orange County District Attorney’s Office who is not involved in Spears’ case.

“Judges tend to respond better to proactive accountability than last-minute ‘damage control,’” he added.

Will Britney Spears Lose Her License?

It remains to be seen whether Spears will lose her license, though Taghavi felt it was likely the Princess of Pop would not have to spend any time behind bars for the incident.

“It’s not a guaranteed shield from custody, [but] most judges view it favorably as mitigation, especially when it’s documented, consistent, and shows real commitment,” he explained. “But the court will still look at the underlying facts, and judges prefer proof of participation or completion, not just an announcement.”

He noted that typical DUI cases typically see a four-month or so suspension and explained that while jail is “technically possible,” it is “often not the centerpiece” of the case. He noted that similar outcomes usually include probation, fines, penalties, and DUI school.

Britney Spears’ Rep Called The Incident ‘Completely Inexcusable’

The day after her arrest, a spokesperson for the “Gimme More” singer called her arrest an “unfortunate incident” that was “completely inexcusable.”

“Britney is going to take the right steps and comply with the law and hopefully this can be the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britney’s life. Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time,” the statement read.

It went on to say, “Her boys are going to be spending time with her. Her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue needed plan to set her up for success for well being.”

Britney shares sons Sean Preston and Jayden James with her ex-husband, Kevin Federline. He previously stated through his attorney that he was “happy” to see that she was seeking help.