Founded by brothers Walt and Roy O. Disney, the Walt Disney Corporation began with animated shorts like the Alice Comedies and the Silly Symphonies, before releasing their first animated movie, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, in 1937. From there, Disney branched out into live-action films, theme parks, and television networks, overcoming various ups and downs along the way. Today, Disney stands as one of the biggest media conglomerates in the world, and their movies are recognized around the world for their high-quality animation and timeless storytelling.

Oftentimes, their films’ best moments come during their climax. This makes sense, since it’s when the story’s main conflict turns volatile as heroes and villains clash to achieve their respective goals.

9

‘Robin Hood’ (1973)

If you ask anyone about film adaptations of Robin Hood, chances are the Disney version will be the first to spring to mind. Despite its cheaper animation that consists of lots of re-used shots from previous films, it delivers a great simplified telling of the character’s more famous exploits, all while using anthropomorphic animals to represent the characters based on their personalities or roles. It also has a phenomenal climax, spurred on when Robin Hood (Brian Bedford) learns that Prince John (Sir Peter Ustinov) plans to execute Friar Tuck (Andy Devine) to lure him into a trap.

The climax begins in near silence, as Robin sneaks into the castle, frees Friar Tuck and other prisoners, and even makes off with John’s gold. However, once the alarm gets blown, it becomes a mad-dash for freedom against the guards. Eventually, only Robin is left, and it escalates even higher when the castle is lit on fire.

8

‘The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe’ (2005)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Following the success of Sir Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, a new wave of fantasy films flooded the 2000s. Among the most impressive was The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, based on the acclaimed book by J. R. R. Tolkien’s friend, C. S. Lewis. It was pretty faithful to the story, but also expanded on a lot of elements, like the climactic Battle of Beruna, which mostly happened offscreen in the novel.

The battle’s biggest strength is the fact that, aside from the four Pevensie children, its combatants are not humans, but rather talking animals and mythical creatures like fauns, centaurs, dwarves, and minotaurs. This let the filmmakers really get creative in depicting how their unique anatomy would allow for different battle strategies, like minotaurs using their horns in tandem with their main weapons. It also allows the Pevensie children more chances for heroics than in the books, such as Edmund (Skandar Keynes and Mark Wells) taking a mortal wound to shatter Jadis’ (Tilda Swinton) wand so she can’t turn anyone else to stone.

7

‘The Little Mermaid’ (1989)

Disney’s most successful era, known by fans and historians as The Disney Renaissance, began with the release of The Little Mermaid. It was both a return to form for Disney as a fairy tale adaptation, and the first of Disney’s successful Broadway-inspired animated musicals. Fittingly, it also contains a fantastic climax, which sees Ariel (Jodi Benson) and Eric (Christopher Daniel Barns) facing off against the sea witch Ursula (Pat Carroll), who, using the magic of King Triton’s (Kenneth Mars) trident, grows to the size of a giant while summoning a violent storm.

The animators do a brilliant job of making the storm feel infused with all of Ursula’s malice and cruelty, not to mention the glee on her face as she torments Ariel in the eye of the storm. Only for that smug glee to turn to horror as Eric steers a risen shipwreck to impale her before she is struck by a lightning bolt, sealing her doom. It’s not only one of the rare moments where a Disney hero directly kills the villain, but Eric being the one to do it helps to convince Triton that not all humans are bad.

6

‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ (1996)

While nowhere near as dark as Victor Hugo’s original novel, Disney’s take on The Hunchback of Notre Dame is still one of their darkest films. It doesn’t shy away from the prejudice experienced by Quasimodo (Tom Hulce) or the Romani people, nor Judge Claud Frollo’s (Tony Jay) abusive parenting to the poor bell ringer, and his lustful pursuit of Esmeralda (Demi Moore). When she refuses his advances in the climax, Frollo tries to have her burned at the stake, but Quasimodo breaks free of the chains meant to force him to watch the execution, then swings down to rescue her, leading to Frollo besieging the cathedral in his madness.

This climax has it all: dynamic camera angles, Latin choir, and plenty of stellar moments for our main characters. Quasi’s comes when he shows mercy to his adopted father and calls him out for making the world dark and cruel, while Captain Phoebus (Kevin Cline) leads the people of Paris in rebellion against Frollo’s tyranny, and Esmeralda helps to save Quasi from falling to his death. But the best moment has to be Frollo’s fall, when the gargoyle he is standing on both comes to life and breaks off the cathedral, as if God himself was condemning the corrupt judge to the fires of Hell.

5

‘Beauty and the Beast’ (1991)

Believe it or not, in the history of the Academy Awards, only three animated films have been nominated for Best Picture. The first was Beauty and the Beast, which captivated audiences not only with its beautiful animation and phenomenal songs, but also with the well-paced character development and romance between Belle (Paige O’Hara) and the Beast (Robby Benson). It comes to a head in the climax where Beast faces off with Gaston (Richard White), the arrogant hunter who is determined to marry Belle by any means necessary.

After initially resigning himself to his fate, Beast regains the will to fight when he sees Belle, leading to a deadly back-and-forth that showcases both men’s personalities. The Beast has the chance to kill Gaston, but spares his life in a beautiful moment of character animation where you can gleam all the emotions running through his head from a close up of his eyes and face. Gaston, meanwhile, consumed by his pride, shouts only about how Belle is and attacks the Beast when his back is turned, which leads to his downfall.

4

‘The Lion King’ (1994)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Until Frozen’s release, The Lion King was the highest grossing animated film of all time, and remains the highest grossing traditional animated film, and one of Disney’s most acclaimed films. Rather than being an adaptation, the film is an original story that captivated audiences with its epic scale, gorgeous animation, iconic characters, and powerful themes. The climax sees Simba (Johnathan Taylor Thomas and Matthew Broderick) return home to challenge his uncle, Scar (Jeremy Irons), for the throne, and though Scar nearly kills Simba through emotional manipulation, he fights back and rallies the lionesses against Scar’s hyena allies.

A lightning strike ignites a massive fire that provides appropriately intense lighting for the battle, especially when Scar and Simba face off atop Pride Rock. The animators really went all out, making it look and feel like two lions really going at it, and by slowing things down, the audience gets to feel the weight behind every swipe. Then it’s followed up by the morbid scene of Scar being turned on and devoured by his hyena allies, which is a fitting end for such a manipulative villain.

3

‘Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl’ (2003)

Image via Disney

Based on the popular theme park ride, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl proved to be the beginning of one of Disney’s most profitable franchises. Audiences were blown away by its impressive CGI that seamlessly transformed men into skeletons, impressive action scenes that mixed fast-paced sword fights with ship-to-ship combat, and the cultural icon that is Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp). The climax splits itself between the crew of the Black Pearl attacking the HMS Dauntless, while Elizabeth Swan (Keira Knightley) reclaims the Black Pearl, and Jack Sparrow and William Turner (Orlando Bloom) fight Captain Hector Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), where it’s revealed Jack Sparrow intentionally cursed himself to be on equal footing with his former first mate.

This climax is a ton of fun, especially with the iconic music by Klaus Badelt and Hans Zimmer playing in the background. The action is fast-paced, especially during Jack and Barbossa’s duel, broken up by the odd witty remark or moment of levity, like Governor Swan (Sir Jonathan Price) fending off a severed arm in his quarters. Its ending is one of the most haunting moments in any Disney film, as Barbossa, now free of the curse, succumbs to a gunshot courtesy of Jack after feeling one sensation after a decade: cold.

2

‘Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End’ (2007)

Image via Buena Vista Pictures

While Curse of the Black Pearl is pretty universally loved, the sequel films are more divisive. The third film, At World’s End, for example, is often criticized for its long runtime and redundant subplots, but everyone can agree it’s got a phenomenal climax. It sees the Black Pearl and the Flying Dutchmen facing off in the middle of a raging maelstrom, with combatants from both ships swinging to the enemy vessel, and Jack Sparrow escaping the Dutchman’s brig to duel with her captain, Davy Jones (Bill Nighy).

First off, the battle looks spectacular thanks to an impressive blending of CGI with practical effects, such as life-sized ships for the characters to duel on, and a never-ending torrent of rain. It also sees numerous character stories reach their climax, such as Jack’s pursuit of immortality and Will’s desire to free his father, Bootstrap Bill (Stellan Skarsgård), from Jones’ service. Yet even among the action, there are still moments of levity and joy, such as humorous actions by Jack to keep an edge in his duel with Jones, and Will and Elizabeth getting married in the middle fo the carnage.

1

‘Sleeping Beauty’ (1959)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

On release, Sleeping Beauty was such a financial disappointment that Disney was forced to switch to xerography to reduce the budget of future animated films. It has since been re-evaluated as one of the company’s best fairy tale movies thanks to its ambitious art style and characters, particularly Maleficent (Eleanor Audley), who is consistently ranked among Disney’s best villains. The climax in particular showcases why she earned that praise, as she unleashes her full force against the Good Fairies and Prince Phillip (Bill Shirley) to stop them from reaching the sleeping Princess Aurora (Mary Costa).

It starts off as an epic breakout from Maleficent’s castle, with the fairies using their magic to protect Philip from every attack. Then Maleficent enters the fray with magic lightning and a wall of thorns, before transforming into a dragon to battle Philip herself. It’s the perfect showdown of good vs evil, made even more immersive through the sound effects, which include audio of a real flamethrower for Maleficent’s fire.

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Sleeping Beauty

Release Date

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January 29, 1959

Runtime

75minutes

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Director

Clyde Geronimi, Wolfgang Reitherman

Writers

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Erdman Penner, Joe Rinaldi, Winston Hibler, Bill Peet, Ted Sears, Ralph Wright, Milt Banta

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If you think you’re seeing black ballet flats wherever you go, that’s because you are! Rich moms wear them nonstop, as do A-listers like Katie Holmes, Jennifer Lawrence and Kendall Jenner. The right black flats are the classy, just-as-comfy alternative to sneakers, and we found 13 pairs that fit the description.

These black flats feature sleek, understated silhouettes, timeless details and materials that make them look much more expensive than they are. Brands like Skechers, Sam Edelman, Michael Kors and Vionic are just a few highlights below. See our favorites from just $7!

13 Black Flats to Nail the Summer Trend — From $7

1. Classic Mary Janes: The pointed toe and soft knit upper gives these Mary Jane flats a polished look, no rubbing involved. The strap keeps them secure during long days at the office.

2. Ballet Babe: Throw on these everyday ballet flats for school pickups, then keep them on through dinner. The round toe and clean lines work overtime.

3. Michael Kors: A designer label for $53 doesn’t happen often, which is probably why these Michael Kors flats are selling out in real time. The metal hardware adds a luxe touch.

4. Luxe Alert: When you want the look of expensive Italian flats, these chain-adorned flats deliver European sophistication for under $25.

5. Sassy Slingbacks: With a square toe and low heel, these slingback flats hit the sweet spot between modern and classic. You’ll love the back strap when you’re racing between meetings.

Related: Bethenny Frankel Walked 5 Miles in These Stylish Flip-Flops

Warm weather means bringing out the flip-flops, and Bethenny Frankel refuses to sacrifice supportive comfort for the summery look. Instead for opting for paper thin sandals, the Real Housewives of New York City star reached for cream-colored flip-flops that ‘feel like slippers,’ and they’re $60 at Free People. In a recent Instagram Story, Frankel posted a […]

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6. Bestseller Alert: These microsuede flats have over 54,000 five-star ratings singing their praises. The minimal design, soft feel and fun color options explain the cult following.

7. Extra Sleek: Skechers built these these ballet flats with signature cushioning hidden inside a sleek silhouette. You get walking-shoe comfort without the chunky athletic look.

8. Mini Heel: When flats feels too casual but heels feel like overkill, these mini-heel Clarks split the difference. The real leather design means they’ll last for years.

9. Bow-Tie Beauty: Pair these dainty bow flats with trousers and a tucked-in blouse for instant put-together energy. The bow does the styling, so you don’t have to.

10. Boutique Find: A pointed-toe construction gives these these dressy flats a boutique feel without the markup. They go with everything.

11. Summer-Ready Raffia: Sam Edelman wrapped its beloved Mary Jane style in raffia for a textured spin. These woven flats read summer without the typical straw scratchiness.

12. Packing-Friendly: These foldable flats roll up small enough to hide in a clutch or glove box. At $7, you can stash a pair in your tote, suitcase and desk drawer when your heels start to squeeze.

13. Go for Gold: Give regular black flats a luxe upgrade with these elegant slip-ons. They feature shiny gold hardware that coordinates perfectly with your jewelry.

Related: ‘Smart Casual‘ Is the New Office Dress Code — These Pieces Nail It

You’ve heard of business casual, but smart casual is quickly replacing the traditional 9-to-5 uniform. In fact, it’s becoming it. Smart casual style is all about crisp, stylish pieces that work just as hard at dinner as they do in the boardroom, much different from the stiff and boring officewear we’re used to. You still […]

I’m not sure who’s more famous — Jennifer Aniston or her hair. The actress’s mane has made headlines since the Friends days. And although she created her own hair brand, she relies on an award-winning shampoo formula to keep her hair shiny and frizz-free.

Aniston’s longtime hairstylist, Chris McMillan, shared the secret behind the actress’s iconic sleek coif with Vogue. Before any styling products touch her hair, he says the most important part of her routine includes double cleansing with the Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo. And yes, that includes lathering, rinsing and repeating to wash away every trace of buildup.

Get the Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo for $37 at CVS! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

With a squeaky clean scalp, Aniston can maintain the signature “Rachel blowout” for longer. Plus, it also helps that the shampoo is designed to keep strands smooth and frizz-free with its anti-humidity shield.

Related: Jennifer Aniston’s Secret to Glossy, Frizz-Free Hair Is Finally Back in Stock

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Jennifer Aniston has long set the gold standard for iconic hair. From her “Rachel” days to her effortlessly sleek red carpet looks, her glossy, frizz-free strands are the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about her signature look. Now, her go-to product for maintaining that coveted shine, aka the LolaVie Lightweight Hair Oil, […]

I’ve personally been a fan of Living Proof’s No Frizz Shampoo for years, but I only recently discovered it’s available at CVS. This is a total game-changer for me because I live across the street from the drugstore. However, this is also conveniently available online.

I’m not one to gatekeep, so as more people discover this iconic shampoo formula at CVS, I’m sure it’ll sell out — especially with its glowing reviews. “This is a game changer,” one Living Proof shopper writes. “ I have been using this product for a few years now, and I will never ever use another shampoo! I have wavy, frizzy European hair. Well, I did, but now you would never believe it! The frizz is gone!”

Needless to say, if you want sleek, shiny, frizz-free hair — or simply look to Aniston for hair inspiration — there’s no better product than the Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo. With humid summer weather around the corner, do yourself a favor and stock up STAT.

Get the Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo for $37 at CVS! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Related: Jennifer Aniston’s Secret to Frizz-Free Hair Is This $25 Shampoo

When it comes to enviable hair, few people have set the bar quite like Jennifer Aniston. From her iconic “Rachel” layers in the Friends era to her signature modern-day sleek waves, her hair has become shorthand for healthy, shiny perfection. But here’s the thing — even she isn’t immune to frizz. That’s why she helped […]

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Goldie Hawn addressed her Death Becomes Her costar Meryl Streep‘s revelation that they had “beef” on set due to Hawn’s frequent tardiness.

“I think I’m 15 minutes late to everything. … I mean, honestly, it’s unbelievable,” Hawn, 80, admitted to Entertainment Tonight on Wednesday, May 6. “But, I think we got through that. I mean, we’ve been such great friends for so long. But it is our joke.”

Streep, 76, recently looked back on the experience of filming director Robert Zemeckis’ 1992 cult classic, where she and Hawn played aging Hollywood actresses who take a magic potion to restore their youth. The three-time Oscar winner admitted to Vanity Fair that she and Hawn had two very different approaches to working on Death Becomes Her.

“Goldie, she was always late to set,” Streep recalled on Thursday, April 30. “But she was so adorable. And I’m always on time, you know, and annoying. But she’s late, and she had a red convertible, I remember, and she’d drive herself to set. So that was probably the problem.”

Related: Meryl Streep: The Oscar Winner Through the Years

A timeless beauty! Meryl Streep has been in the business for more than forty years and shows no signs of stopping, continuing to stun on the red carpet and earn 18 Oscar nominations for her acting abilities — see photos of the celebrated actress!

The Devil Wears Prada 2 star went on, “She’d drive herself to set. She had her hair all … ‘Oh, gosh, sorry!’ And everybody thought, ‘Oh, she’s so cute.’ Yeah. So I had a beef with her.”

Streep eventually clarified that she and Hawn got past any “beef” long ago and now both look back fondly on Death Becomes Her.

“I loved her. I love her,” Streep said of Hawn. “She’s one of my buddies, and over the years, we’ve had some laughs about that movie because people love it. I thought it was like a documentary on Beverly Hills.”

Speaking to ET on Wednesday, Hawn jokingly flipped the script by questioning whether Streep was simply “too early” on set.

“So, she said I was too late on the set. Maybe she’s too early, I don’t know,” she pointed out on Wednesday. “You know, sometimes when you’re too early, you’re still waiting for somebody and you think, ‘Oh god, where the hell is she?’”

Death Becomes Her was a financial success at the time but sharply divided critics. Over the years, the dark comedy has developed a cult following and even spawned a Broadway musical adaptation in 2024 that received 10 Tony Award nominations.

Zemeckis also pioneered computer-generated visual effects for Death Becomes Her’s gruesome scenes showcasing the grim physical side effects of Hollywood starlets Madeline Ashton (Streep) and Helen Sharp’s (Hawn) anti-aging potion. The movie won a Best Visual Effects Award at the 65th Academy Awards in March 1993.

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Death Becomes Her continues to have a dedicated fanbase more than 30 years after its release. Drew Barrymore revealed on her daytime talk show in August 2025 that she was interested in remaking the 1992 hit with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston. (Barrymore and Aniston worked together on He’s Just Not That Into You and have both played Sandler’s love interests on the big screen.)

“We’ve batted around some ideas,” Barrymore revealed on The Drew Barrymore Show. “As a joke, we say we’ll make the Three’s Company movie, but I’m really bullish on Death Becomes Her, a remake of that.”

She added, “Adam knows that I really want to work with him and Jennifer Aniston together. They both know that.”

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has been released from the ICU three days after being read his last rites by a priest.

“Mayor Rudy Giuliani is out of the ICU and will spend some time recovering before leaving the hospital,” his spokesperson, Ted Goodman, tweeted on Wednesday, May 6. “The mayor and his family appreciate the outpouring of love and prayers sent his way.”

Goodman offered thanks to the politician and disbarred lawyer’s supporters for “the outpouring of love and prayers sent his way.”

“Mayor Giuliani — the man who took down the Mafia, saved New York City, and ran toward the towers on September 11th — is the same fighter he’s always been, and he’s winning this fight,” he went on. “The power of prayer is working. The mayor feels it. We feel it. Please keep them coming for America’s Mayor, Rudy Giuliani.”

Related: Jimmy Kimmel Joked About Rudy Giuliani’s ‘Grave’ Before Hospitalization

Jimmy Kimmel joked about Rudy Giuliani days before the former New York City mayor was hospitalized. “So last night, America’s mayor, Rudy Giuliani, rose from the grave to weigh in on the ongoing drama involving me,” Kimmel, 58, said during the April 28 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, according to a resurfaced clip. Kimmel was […]

Goodman previously confirmed on Sunday, May 3, that Giuliani, 81, was hospitalized in critical condition in Florida for pneumonia.

“Mayor Giuliani is a fighter who has faced every challenge in his life with unwavering strength, and he’s fighting with that same level of strength as we speak,” the rep told the New York Times at the time.

The former mayor’s doctor, Dr. Maria Ryan, subsequently revealed to Fox News on Monday, May 4, that Giuliani’s health declined so rapidly that he’d been visited by a priest to deliver last rites.

“He’s a fighter — the way he was yesterday in such a critical condition, he did have a priest come anoint him,” Dr Ryan told the outlet. “And all the prayers from around — it’s like a miracle. This guy’s got [nine] lives … today he’s doing much better.”

That same day, Goodman released a statement explaining that Giuliani’s pneumonia was exacerbated by long-term health complications related to his on-the-ground response to the September 11, 2011, terror attacks. (Giuliani traveled throughout New York City on that day to assess the scale of the collapse of the World Trade Center towers. He served as mayor of New York City from January 1994 to December 2001.)

“Mayor Rudy Giuliani is recovering from pneumonia,” Goodman said. “On September 11th, Mayor Giuliani ran toward the towers to help those in need, which later led to a diagnosis of restrictive airway disease.”

The spokesperson added, “This condition adds complications to any respiratory illness, and the virus quickly overwhelmed his body, requiring mechanical ventilation to maintain adequate oxygen and stabilize his condition.”

Giuliani was previously hospitalized in August 2025 due to injuries from a car accident. Giuliani’s security guard, Michael Ragusa, told BBC News at the time that the politician’s vehicle was struck from behind in New Hampshire shortly after he’d assisted an alleged victim of domestic violence.

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“On the evening of August 30, 2025, in New Hampshire, Mayor Giuliani was involved in a motor vehicle accident,” an official statement read. “Prior to the incident, he was flagged down by a woman who was the victim of a domestic violence incident. Mayor Giuliani immediately rendered assistance and contacted 911. He remained on scene until responding officers arrived to ensure her safety.”

The statement went on, “Following this, while traveling on the highway, Mayor Giuliani’s vehicle was struck from behind at high speed. He was transported to a nearby trauma center, where he was diagnosed with a fractured thoracic vertebrae, multiple lacerations and contusions, as well as injuries to his left arm and lower leg.”

Two weeks later, Giuliani was photographed wearing a full chest brace and sitting in a wheelchair while attending a 9/11 memorial event at One World Trade Center in New York City.

http://www.amazon.com’s not until you start to look for an oversized sweatshirt that feels cozy without looking sloppy that you start to realize just how difficult a task it can be. Fortunately, Amazon shoppers have done the legwork for us, and the verdict is in: there is one pullover that gets it exactly right. The Gacaky Oversized Sweatshirt has become a bestseller thanks to its elevated details and comfortable fit. Even better, it’s just $36.

Unlike basic sweatshirts that can feel way too casual, this henley-style pick blends a laid-back feel with a more polished, put-together look. From the oversized silhouette to the structured fit, it’s the kind of layering piece that instantly elevates leggings, jeans and even lounge pants.

Get the Gacaky Oversized Sweatshirt for $36 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Related: Shoppers Are Buying up Amazon’s Bestselling ‘Perfect Top for Spring’

There’s nothing sweeter than finding that one top you want to wear on repeat. You know, the one that is soft, cozy, stylish and fits just right? This season, Amazon shoppers say they’ve found exactly that in the Shewin Striped Short Sleeve Sweatshirt. The colorful crewneck has quickly become a bestseller thanks to its comfy […]

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The sweatshirt stands out from the pack courtesy of its exaggerated collar, button-front detail and contrast stitching, all of which give it a slightly more elevated feel than your average, everyday pullover. The oversized fit keeps it cozy and relaxed, while the thicker fabric helps it feel substantial rather than too light or flimsy.

Another reason to love it? It goes with just about everything, which is probably why shoppers have labeled it a style “staple.” Pair it with leggings and sneakers when you’re headed out to run errands or layer it over jeans and boots for something a bit more polished. The roomy silhouette makes it particularly handy for transitional weather and easy layering.

“This is where fashion meets function,” said one five-star reviewer. “This pullover looks 1000x more expensive than it is. I love the stitching detail, the button closures and the exaggerated collar.”

“I will wear this all the time,” commented another shopper. “It’s so soft on the inside and the material doesn’t feel thin and cheap like other sweatshirts I’ve ordered from Amazon. It’s actually really good quality and I love how it fits. You get sweatshirt comfort and warmth while still looking put together and stylish. I might even be back for more colors.”

A sweatshirt that feels just as stylish as it is comfy will no doubt become your new go-to, ensuring this bestselling Amazon find is worthy of your cart. At $36, it’s an easy way to upgrade your everyday wardrobe without overspending.

Get the Gacaky Oversized Sweatshirt for $36 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more oversized sweatshirts here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

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Related: The 13 Best Finds From Amazon’s New May Fashion Arrivals — From $15

As temperatures rise, I always start craving lighter, prettier pieces that feel more exciting than the same basics I’ve been rotating for months. That’s exactly why I scrolled through Amazon’s May new arrivals searching for stylish wardrobe upgrades that wouldn’t completely derail my budget. This month’s fashion finds feel especially good. From easy sundresses for […]

Creatine sales jumped 120 percent in the 52 weeks ending March 2023, according to SPINS data , and the new wave of customers driving that growth isn’t the male gym crowd that built the supplement’s reputation. It’s women, many of them in their 30s, 40s and 50s, paying attention to research suggesting creatine may do more than support strength training. 

It may also support brain function, sleep and the muscle and bone changes that come with perimenopause and menopause. Halle Berry has publicly credited it for helping her manage menopausal brain fog, and the science behind that claim has been building for years.

What Creatine Actually Is and Why Women May Respond Differently

Creatine is a naturally occurring compound the body produces in the liver, kidneys and pancreas. About 95 percent is stored in skeletal muscle and 5 percent in the brain and heart, according to a May 2025 review in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. It’s not a steroid or a hormone. Both men and women make it naturally and consume it through food, primarily red meat and fish.

Women tend to start from a lower baseline. The JISSN review reports approximately 20-30 percent lower dietary creatine intake in women than men, along with lower natural synthesis rates, which may make women especially responsive to supplementation. Post-menopausal women also face declining estrogen, accelerated muscle loss, reduced bone density and changes in brain function, all areas where creatine has shown measurable benefit.

Does Creatine Make Women Bulky? The Myth vs. The Science

This is the question that keeps many women from trying it. Women have approximately 15 to 20 times lower testosterone than men, making significant muscle bulk from creatine physiologically implausible. 

What creatine actually does is support ATP energy production during high-intensity effort, allowing harder training sessions that over time support lean muscle development. Initial water retention occurs inside muscle cells as part of the mechanism that stimulates muscle protein synthesis. It’s not cosmetic bloating.

What New Research Shows About Creatine, Perimenopause and Menopause

TheCONCRET-MENOPA randomized controlled trial, published in the Journal of the American Nutrition Association, was the first double-blind RCT to specifically test creatine in perimenopausal and menopausal women. Across 36 participants over eight weeks, a medium dose of 1,500mg per day of creatine HCl improved reaction time by 6.6 percent versus 1.2 percent with placebo and increased frontal brain creatine levels by 16.4 percent.

A separate July 2025 study from St. Olaf College of 15 peri and postmenopausal women found significant increases in lower body strength and positive improvements in sleep quality in perimenopausal women, a benefit not typically associated with the supplement.

Why Creatine and Brain Health Are Now Being Talked About Together

As estrogen declines during perimenopause, creatine stores in the brain can fall precisely when the brain needs them most.Research reported by ScienceDaily in May 2026 on new Taylor & Francis findings noted creatine may support memory, mood and cognitive speed, especially in people with lower baseline levels. The CONCRET-MENOPA trial’s 16.4 percent increase in frontal brain creatine is the first human evidence of its kind in menopausal women.

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It’s the same mechanism Halle Berry has pointed to, telling her podcast audience she thought she’d “never” take creatine, associating it with bulking, but now takes it daily and credits it for helping her think more clearly during menopause.

Is Creatine Safe for Women to Take Long Term?

A comprehensive 2025 analysis of 685 clinical trials found no significant differences in side effect rates between placebo and creatine groups, per the JISSN review. The CONCRET-MENOPA trial reported no severe adverse effects in perimenopausal and menopausal women. Readers with kidney concerns or who take other medications should check with a clinician before starting.

How Much Creatine Women Should Actually Take

The standard recommendation is 3 to 5 grams per day of creatine monohydrate, with no loading phase required. Creatine HCl shows specific promise for cognitive benefits in menopausal women at lower doses of 750 to 1,500mg per day per the CONCRET-MENOPA results. Timing matters less than consistency, according to the JISSN review. Daily intake over weeks and months is when the muscle, strength and cognitive effects tend to show up.