Ryan Lochte is clapping back at harsh critics who are claiming that he looks “unrecognizable.”

The Olympic champion, 41, hit back at “clowns” over the insults in a video posted by his girlfriend Molly Gillihan, 37, via Instagram on Thursday, May 14.

“My phone is blowing up with everyone saying that nobody recognizes you,” Gillihan told Lochte in the clip.

“Baby, they say that you don’t look the same at all,” she continued, adding that some people went as far as accusing the swimmer of catfishing them.

Related: Ryan Lochte Explains Why Team USA Swimmers Can’t Leave Olympic Village

Harry How/Getty Images For Team USA swimmers, the 2024 Paris Olympics is a business trip. That means there’s no leaving the Olympic Village without permission — under any circumstances. Kayla Lochte, wife of four-time Olympian Ryan Lochte, was taking questions from fans on TikTok on Wednesday, August 7, when a viewer asked about swimmers leaving […]

When Lochte asked Gillihan which photos they were using to compare his current appearance against, she alluded to the photos being taken at the peak of his professional sporting career.

“Oh, so they’re taking a picture of when I was working out every day, getting makeup put on me for photo shoots, back in, like, 2012 in the Olympics. We’re in 2026,” he responded.

Lochte added sarcastically, “What’s that, 14 years? You think I aged?”

After acknowledging his hair color was different due to dying it, the 12-time Olympic medalist further slammed the comments.

“I mean, to be unrecognizable… I don’t get it,” he vented, before concluding, “They’re all clowns, come on.”

Gillihan supported her partner during the exchange, telling him she loved him despite the taunts and thought he looked “handsome.”

Poking fun at the moment, Gillihan joked in the Instagram post’s caption, “👀 Who is this guy pretending to be my boyfriend @ryanlochte?!? 🤣🤣🤣 #unrecognizable.”

Earlier this week, Lochte shared a video via his Instagram to announce his new role, which prompted followers to claim he looked drastically different.

“Coach Ryan Lochte is heading to Missouri State University!! I am so excited to announce that I will be coaching with coach @dav_collins @missouristate!” he captioned the post. “I am so excited and beyond grateful for this opportunity!! I can’t wait to take @mostateswim to the next level! Let’s goooo bears!!!🐻”

Followers flocked to the comments section to make remarks about Lochte’s looks.

“Literally does not look like him,” wrote one, while another added, “Took me a very long time to realize this was him talking about himself in the third person at first.”

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Another joked, “Thought it was Kash Patel at first,” which Gillihan later referenced via an Instagram Story post.

Re-sharing the video of Lochte slamming the commenters as “clowns,” Gillihan quipped, “Pipe down Kash Patel!”

Lochte and Gillihan moved in together in January, seven months after the sports star filed and his ex, Kayla Rae Reid filed for divorce.

NBA player LaMelo Ball, 24, and model Ana Montana,36, are sharing some big news as they officially step into a new era together. Along with embracing this new chapter, the two are also taking time to help others entering or hoping to begin the same journey.

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LaMelo Ball And Ana Montana Officially Announce Birth Of Son

On Sunday, LaMelo Ball and Ana Montana revealed to PEOPLE that they welcomed their son, LaOne, back in January. Along with sharing the exciting news, the couple also opened up about stepping into parenthood together. Additionally, Ana shared a glimpse into family life with photos of baby shoes and sweet moments with LaOne. In the emotional post, she reflected on motherhood, faith, and finally living in what she called her “answered prayer.” The post was shared alongside Justin Bieber’s song, ‘Everyday Hallelujah.’

“My first of many Mother’s Days, Hallelujah. Living in an answered prayer, Hallelujah. Found my purpose, Hallelujah. Launched my nonprofit iAMfertility, Hallelujah. A God that provides, Hallelujah.”

Additionally, Ana shared a heartfelt message reflecting on motherhood and her fertility journey. She also launched ‘I Am Fertility,’ a nonprofit dedicated to helping women navigate fertility and IVF journeys. Through the organization’s HOPE Grant, two women will each receive $5,000 in financial assistance this year.

She wrote, “My little ONE, thank you for choosing me to be your mommy. Love you more than any word could ever describe. You’re my purpose and helped me become the woman I was always destined to be. Before I became your mommy, my heart was always looking for you, and we finally found each other in God’s perfect divine timing. We love you so much baby boy. You are living proof that dreams come true. Samuel 1:27, ‘For this child I have prayed and the Lord, my rock, has granted me my petition.’ Motherhood looks different for everyone. Mine took hope, faith, resilience, and trusting God even when I didn’t understand the journey. By the grace of God, I get to hold my answered prayer. In honoring his arrival, I felt called to give back and share my testimony. That’s why I created @iamfertilitynonprofit to give hope, support, and real opportunity to families on their journey. Starting with our $10,000 Hope Grant, supporting two families as they fight for their dream of becoming parents. Because I know what it feels like to hope, wait, and wonder if it will ever happen for you. Motherhood is a gift, and every woman deserves the chance to experience it. Your story is not over. Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers, and to the women who carry that love in their hearts while they wait, you are not forgotten.”

After she shared her message, LaMelo returned the love by wishing her a happy Mother’s Day, writing, “We love you mami. Happy Mother’s Day.”

Social Media Sends Congratulations While Hopping On The “La” Name Trend 

Many joined across social media as they congratulated the couple on their bundle of joy. While celebrating the news, some also joined in on the “La” baby name trend.

Instagram user @iamashleemonroe wrote, “Congratulation boo wow! 🥹💙I know you are gonna be the best mommy ever!!!”

Instagram user @wiffee01 added, “Happy Mother’s Day boo and I told you it was gonna come true I’m so so happy for you and you finally shared your joy with the world 🫶🏾 🫶🏾🤞🏾🤞🏾”

While Instagram user wrote alexxisjuliaax “Second baby gon be LaTwo”

Instagram user @sophie.oksanaa wrote, “Yall coulda did Latrell”

Instagram user @k.geez_  “they naming these babies LaAnything”

While Instagram user @itstaniatorres wrote, “This is so precious. I am so happy for you. I know you are the best mommy!! 😍❤️”

Instagram user wrote @coochiescoutpriv_ wrot, “This baby is her answered prayer after infertility and yall on here making jabs at HER BABY’S name…yall need to laugh at yall own mothers”

Instagram user @pradaslat added, “I was so moved by the foundation and everything, completely skipping over the baby’s name until i get to the comments”

While Instagram user @chaves02746 wrote, “I’m crying reading the caption Analicia happy Mother’s Day This is your purpose our little angel is so blessed you have you as his mom mama bear lol have an amazing day love you all so much it hurts my heart ❤️”

A Look Back At LaMelo Ball And Ana Montana’s Relationship Journey

While it remains unclear when the two officially started dating, the couple sparked buzz in 2021 when LaMelo Ball, then 19, was spotted with then-32-year-old Ana Montana. Photos surfaced online that appeared to show the two sitting together at his practice. Despite critics sharing their opinions about their age gap, the pair continued leaving flirty comments and kissy emojis under each other’s Instagram photos. Then, in 2023, the two had the internet talking again after publicly telling each other “I love you” and popping out with boo’d up couple photos. 

Now in 2026, the couple still appears to be going strong nearly five years later, continuing to publicly show love and support for each other online.

RELATED: Daddy Duties! LiAngelo Ball’s New Family Photo With Daughter Lilo Has Fans Talking (PHOTO)

Taylor Swift was a vision in white as she headed to dinner in New York City.

The “Blank Space” singer, 36, stepped out in a chic Stella McCartney peplum button-up top teamed with tan pants on Thursday, May 14, as she made her way to members-only club, Zero Bond.

To tie the look together for the outing, Swift added a black belt at her waist and accessorized with a $4450 Fendi bag in a similar hue.

“The Fate of Ophelia” singer’s outfit appeared to have been sent to her doorstep earlier the same day. Her bodyguard was spotted hauling a large garment bag as well as a Stella McCartney shopping bag outside Swift’s home.

Related: Taylor Swift Steps Out in Style With Friends in New York City

Taylor Swift stepped out in style in the Big Apple. Swift, 36, was spotted in New York City on Wednesday, April 8, alongside friends Ashley Avignone and Jerrod Carmichael, according to photos obtained by TMZ and DeuxMoi. The pop star donned a black camisole with a white, silk maxiskirt, accessorizing her ensemble with a tangle […]

Swift, who got engaged to Travis Kelce in August 2025, looked to be embracing her bridal era this week by rocking white outfits on multiple occasions.

Earlier this week, the Grammy winner was spotted in NYC wearing a sleek white Retrofete mini dress, which she paired with Gucci ankle-strap heels and a black Christian Dior mini bag.

She donned the designer outfit to attend her longtime friend Lena Dunham’s 40th birthday at the Via Carota in New York City’s West Village on Tuesday, May 12. Dunham’s husband, Luis Felber, model Emily Ratajkowski and French film director Romain Gavras were also among the attendees at the milestone celebration.

Swift and Kelce recently returned to the States after making a brief visit to London earlier this month, where they attended a Romeo & Juliet play starring Sadie Sink on the West End, dined at a London hotspot and made an appearance at Poppy Delevingne’s 40th birthday bash.

Kelce, 36, shared details of their London trip during the Wednesday, May 13, episode of his “New Heights” podcast.

“For the most part, [I] had some really good food, enjoyed some plays,” the Kansas City Chiefs tight end said. “[We] saw Sadie Sink and, I believe, Noah Jupe is his name. He was f***ing phenomenal as Romeo. Sadie is phenomenal as Juliet, as well.”

Kelce also gushed about his dining experience on one of the couple’s date nights in England’s capital.

“I had the best Indian food, well I’ll say second best because Kumar [Ferguson]​​ makes the best Indian food,” the athlete said, referring to his personal chef. “I would say it was one of the most surprising meals that I’ve ever had. I went to a spot called Gymkhana, which was f***ing remarkable.”

Related: Taylor Swift Rocks Black Outfit During Girls’ Night With Este Haim

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Taylor Swift put her best foot forward during a night out in New York City with Este Haim. Stepping out for dinner on Tuesday, December 9, Swift, 35, rocked an all-black ensemble including a chic Louis Vuitton Duffle Coat, a miniskirt and black tights. Photos of the outing were shared via an X fan account […]

Last August, Swift and Kelce announced their engagement via social media after two years of dating.

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“Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married,” they captioned a joint Instagram post at the time.

In an October 2025 appearance on The Graham Norton Show, Swift admitted Kelce nailed the romantic proposal.

“He really crushed it in surprising me. While we were talking on his podcast, he had a complete garden built out the back of his house to propose in,” she said. “He went all out — 10 out of 10.”

Britney Spears is once again making headlines after a reported incident during a dinner outing in Los Angeles left nearby diners stunned. 

The pop icon was dining at Blue Dog Tavern in Sherman Oaks when multiple witnesses claimed the evening turned “chaotic,” with loud behavior, barking noises, and concerns involving a knife. 

While some diners described the night as uncomfortable, Britney Spears’ representative quickly pushed back against claims she posed any danger, insisting the singer was simply enjoying a private dinner after recently completing rehab treatment.

According to entertainment reporter Jeff Sneider, the unusual evening began shortly after he arrived at Blue Dog Tavern with a friend on Wednesday night.

Sneider told Page Six that a woman wearing sunglasses entered the restaurant alongside two companions, though he initially did not recognize her.

“The woman sat down and proceeded to make a lot of woofing or barking noises and just throw a lot of outbursts,” he claimed.

Sneider said it was only after the woman removed her sunglasses that he realized the diner was Britney Spears. 

The reporter alleged the singer repeatedly stood up, sat down, and moved throughout the restaurant during the meal. He also claimed there was a moment when Spears appeared to still be holding silverware while standing.

“I wasn’t threatened or anything like that,” Sneider clarified, adding, “But when she eventually left, I turned around and was like, ‘Holy s—t that was crazy!’ to the entire section.” According to Sneider, the atmosphere quickly became tense among some diners seated nearby.

Spears’ Knife Incident Sparked Concern Among Diners

One of the biggest talking points from the dinner centered around claims involving a knife Britney Spears allegedly carried while moving through the restaurant.

Sneider said another woman dining nearby became frightened during the incident. “She had a knife and came toward me. I thought she was going to stab me,” the diner allegedly said.

Despite the dramatic reaction, Sneider insisted he personally did not believe Spears intended to harm anyone. 

Although he described the 44-year-old as “definitely a nuisance to sit next to at dinner,” he also emphasized that he never felt physically threatened.

Meanwhile, The Blast also reported that Spears had been “raising her voice, screaming and even barking at times” during the outing. 

It was further claimed that another restaurant patron became alarmed after Spears reportedly walked by their table while holding a knife.

The situation quickly fueled online concern, especially given Spears’ recent rehab stay following her March DUI arrest.

Britney Spears’ Friends Allegedly Tried To Calm Her Down

Throughout the meal, witnesses claimed the two people dining alongside Spears appeared to repeatedly encourage her to settle down. 

Sneider alleged that the “Toxic” hitmaker’s companions “tried to coax her back into her seat” several times during dinner.

“They definitely tried their best to get a handle on her but she was obviously a handful,” he claimed. The reporter also said Spears did not appear to consume alcohol during the outing.

However, he alleged there was another moment that caught staff attention when Spears reportedly lit a cigarette inside the restaurant.

According to the reporter, a restaurant employee later informed one of the singer’s companions that she needed to put it out. As for the meal itself, Sneider claimed Spears only “picked at” her burger and fries.

He also described a strange moment where Spears and her bodyguard allegedly “fed each other some fries.” 

By the end of the evening, he claimed the table area had become messy, with food allegedly left underneath the table as well.

Spears’ Team Denied Claims She Endangered Anyone

As stories about the dinner spread online, Britney Spears’ representative quickly addressed the growing controversy.

“This is completely blown out of proportion. Britney was enjoying a quiet dinner with her assistant and bodyguard. She was simply telling the story about how her dog was barking at the neighbors,” her rep said per The Blast.

The statement directly denied that Spears posed any threat involving the knife. “At no point did she put anyone in danger with a knife,” the representative continued, further noting, “She was cutting her hamburger in half.”

The response was very different from the dramatic stories witnesses shared after the outing. 

While some diners described the evening as “chaotic,” Spears’s camp insisted the situation was being exaggerated far beyond reality.

Britney Spears Recently Completed Rehab Following DUI Arrest

Just one month before the restaurant incident, Spears checked herself into rehab after her March 2026 arrest. 

As The Blast reported, she was arrested in Ventura County, California on  suspicion of driving under the influence after authorities reportedly observed her driving erratically on U.S. 101. 

According to reports, the California Highway Patrol pulled Spears over after witnesses allegedly saw her BMW swerving through traffic at a high speed. 

Officers later claimed she showed signs of impairment from a combination of alcohol and drugs and failed field sobriety tests. Spears was booked into jail before being released the following morning.  

The singer later pleaded guilty to a reduced reckless driving charge tied to the DUI case as part of a plea deal. Under the agreement, Spears received informal probation, was ordered to attend DUI classes, and agreed to ongoing treatment and counseling.  

Spears completed treatment and was first photographed again on April 30 after leaving the facility. At the time, insiders told Page Six that Spears had been working hard to regain stability.

“Rehab was a great opportunity for her to ground herself,” a source shared. Another insider added that the “Slave 4 U” singer was “doing really well” and looking forward to a fresh start after returning home.

The internet has watched Dess Dior grow up! From her viral teenage years to becoming a rapper and entrepreneur, supporters have followed her every move. And while some women in the industry have opted to enhance their bodies surgically, Dess previously clarified that she represents the slim, tall, natural baddies. Recently, she has been giving online supporters a glimpse into her workout journey. However, her latest posts sparked rumors about her getting cosmetic surgery. Now, she’s shutting down the chatter! 

RELATED: Yaya Mayweather Reacts After Viral Footage Shows Jayda Cheaves & Dess Dior In Nightclub Altercation (VIDEOS)

Dess Dior Addresses Rumors About Cosmetic Surgery

Earlier this week, Dess Dior took to her Instagram Story to show supporters how rehearsals have been going for her ‘Take Notes’ tour. In the videos, she appeared alongside her background dancers, showcasing their choreography.

As the clips made rounds online, supporters immediately began reacting to her appearance. One commenter wrote, “Dess tell me right now how you grew that!!” Another joked, “Desereee? Destiny??? Dessert??? I begggg what’s all that back thereeee.” While reacting to the chatter, one fan said, “Baby Dess went and got on that table?” But Dess quickly shut the rumors down, responding, “I didn’t tho. I would’ve got my stomach too shidddddd.”

Dess Dior Calls Out Critics For Being Hyper-Fixated On Women’s Bodies

Over on Snapchat, Dess Dior continued to clock comments about her body and weight. One person asked the rapper, “Wait when did you get this thick? Did you have work done?” In her circulating response, Dess reportedly said, “Yall be irritating af. I been thick, I’m grown af & I gained weight! I just don’t shake my butt for y’all to see how thick I am lol.”

Dess Dior also appeared to address the ongoing conversation in another video.The rapper shared her thoughts on people constantly criticizing and overanalyzing women’s appearances online.

“Don’t y’all think y’all hyper-fixate on women’s bodies too much? Like physical appearance period. Y’all always talk about somebody face features, somebody arms, somebody feet, somebody thighs, somebody a**, somebody’s stomach. Y’all always hyper-fixate on every detail a woman has on her body,” she said. 

Dess Dior continued by explaining that people often assume women had surgery whenever their body changes naturally after gaining weight.  The rapper also spoke about how women are criticized either way, whether they stay natural or decide to get work done. She later credited eating more for her recent weight gain, sayin. “Like it’s sick. But hey, I don’t know what the science is behind it. It’s just annoying. I’m thick. That’s just what it is. I ate a lot. You wanna gain weight, eat. Like unbelievable.”

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Social Media Reacts 

Social media also reacted after Dess Dior cleared the air about surgery rumors.  While some agreed her body looks natural, others still believed she got work done. A few commenters think she may have gotten the same procedure as her best friend, Jayda Cheaves, who has been open about her past surgeries.  Others argued that Dess has always had a nice shape and that not everyone who appears thick used surgery to achieve it. 

Instagram user @tell.ss wrote, “Why do they get on here and lie lol”

Instagram user @cl_e_O_4 wrote, “Probably got shots like her bestie Jayda”

While Instagram user @jjodi.b wrote, “Y’all sound like haters, it look natural to me.”

Instagram user @datgworlasiaa wrote, “If you know dess she been on her workout journey for years growing her booty lol, it’s real for sure !”

Instagram user @dessdiorupdates added, “period. now shut up and stop tryna tell her what she did to HER body and go buy tickets for her first headlining tour! thank ya!!”

While Instagram user @allabOut.br33 wrote, “Girl who is you foolin if anything them ass shots😂 look good tho boo”

Instagram user @kei_pie26 wrote, “She has always been that slim thick fr but you gotta really fw her to see it but it is HEAVY ASF NOW 😬”

Instagram user @prettytiff_3 wrote, “Dess been fine yall don’t see it cuz she don’t wear revealing clothes 🤷🏾‍♀️🤷🏾‍♀️🤷🏾‍♀️yall swear every bihh that fine had surgery”

While Instagram user @mrs._bryant13 wrote, “She almost 30 that’s grown woman weight.If y’all would wait instead of getting on table so fast. This can be y’all”

RELATED: Okay Sis! Claressa Shields Opens Up About Embracing Her Natural Body After Making Comparisons To BBLs (WATCH)

Paul McCartney has never been one to shy away from sharing his thoughts, and recently, he has turned his attention to the state of modern fame.

The Beatles icon, who has spent over three decades in the entertainment industry, has witnessed the rise of countless entertainers.

However, he admits he’s unimpressed with today’s social media fame system. 

During an appearance on the podcast “The Rest Is Entertainment,” McCartney reflected on how fame has evolved in the age of social media, admitting he struggles to understand how people achieve stardom without talent. 

“I think a lot of this influencer stuff – I just don’t really get it, because I’m not that generation,” McCartney told hosts Marina Hyde and Richard Osman. “I think it’s funny – and I suppose it always happened – but people who don’t seem to be particularly talented are incredibly famous. Billions of hits and views.”

The songwriter joked that discussing the subject makes him sound “old-fashioned,” though he openly embraced that label. He then compared today’s celebrity culture with the fame he experienced in the 1960s and explained why he has avoided taking photos with fans. 

The Beatles’ lead singer noted that taking pictures with fans affects his sense of identity and normality, referencing a monkey used for tourist photographs in Saint-Tropez. According to him, when he does participate in photo taking, he feels like that monkey. 

After McCartney shared his thoughts, fans online had different reactions. Some agreed with him, while others felt he was being hypocritical.

One supporter wrote in the comments section, “Paul is certainly someone who has earned the right to say there are so very many people, influencers, etc who are hugely famous and yet seem to lack a shred of talent.”

This user on X opposed McCartney writing, “And yet @thebeatles and Apple hire and give free stuff to influencers to promote their stuff to the doom scrolling generation, ignoring old school fans. The irony is hilarious.”

While another spectator called McCartney’s comment “boomer thoughts,” this user blasted the veteran singer as “the pot calling the kettle black.”

More fans backed up the legendary bassist as one fan called how influencers make money a “very low-rent work and it appeals to the instant generation.”

A seventh commenter called influencers “cancers of the society,” and another praised the 83-year-old artist as greater than “all modern stars combined times 100.”

Robert Downey Jr. Previously Addressed The Influencer Culture

McCartney’s criticism of the influencer culture comes a week after Robert Downey Jr. spoke on the same topic. 

As The Blast reported, Downey Jr. spoke about how fame has shifted over the years and how anyone can now gain attention simply by filming themselves on a phone.

While he didn’t think the change was bad, what he rejected was the idea that influencers will become the dominant stars of the future, saying the thought is “absolute horsesh-t.”

However, his opinions earned him backlash online from critics who slammed him for benefiting from the same social media culture he criticizes.

Paul McCartney Refused To Host His Own Netflix Roast

Aside from his commentary on modern fame, McCartney recently made headlines after reports revealed he declined an invitation to headline his own Netflix roast special.

After the massive success of the 2024 roast of Tom Brady, organizers wanted another globally recognized icon. The franchise’s executive producer and comedian, Jeff Ross, confirmed McCartney would be a perfect choice. 

“We did ask Paul McCartney at one point. To me, that would be a fantasy roast,” Ross told Variety. “Paul McCartney doesn’t need anything, but a Paul McCartney roast would be good for the world. It would be so funny to me because he is so loved.”

However, the “Yesterday” singer passed on the opportunity, leaving Kevin Hart to headline this year’s show. 

Sabrina Carpenter Once Had A Childhood Crush On McCartney

Ross’ comment about McCartney being a good fit may not be far off, especially considering the lasting impression the music icon has had across generations.

Per The Blast, Sabrina Carpenter shared a funny story about discovering McCartney as a child after hearing “Rocky Raccoon” for the first time.

According to the singer, the track’s storytelling and songwriting instantly drew her in, leaving her so fascinated by McCartney that she developed a childhood crush on him and even imagined he would one day become her husband.

An action movie can only be as good as its climax. This is a genre that’s all about building up a constantly growing feeling of thrill and excitement, and it’s at the pinnacle of its narrative that it should engage viewers the most. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is no exception. Thankfully, the highest-grossing film franchise in history has had several climaxes that have gone down in history as some of the most unforgettable of the entire superhero genre.

From the emotionally stirring final few minutes of Thunderbolts* to the pure blockbuster excitement of Avengers: Endgame‘s final battle, the MCU’s greatest climaxes are proof of how exciting this franchise can get when it’s at its best. An adrenaline-pumping and emotionally compelling third act is essential for an MCU movie to be genuinely top-tier, and these ten movies achieved that feat beautifully.

There are spoilers ahead!

10

‘Thunderbolts*’ (2025)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Thunderbolts*, also known as The New Avengers, is one of the MCU’s latest successes. The concept of the unconventional team of superheroes is one that’s relatively common in the genre, and even the MCU itself is no stranger to it—but there’s an argument to be made that no MCU team thus far has been more unconventional than the Thunderbolts.

This unconventional team makes it all the way to a third act that culminates in one of the MCU’s best movie endings. After Sentry effortlessly overpowers his team, The Void emerges, engulfing New York City in darkness. It takes the Thunderbolts entering the shadows to reach Bob’s consciousness and give him a much-needed hug to save the day. The fight against Sentry is thrilling enough, but what really makes this climax work is how emotionally stirring it is. It’s the MCU at its most effectively bittersweet.

9

‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ (2022)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

A franchise’s 30th film is no small milestone, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was more than up to the challenge. Following up Black Panther, the franchise’s highest-rated film on Rotten Tomatoes and the only entry that’s ever been nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award, was never going to be an easy feat—particularly not after Chadwick Boseman‘s tragic passing—, but Ryan Coogler somehow delivered.

Wakanda Forever‘s climax stands out as one of the most emotionally charged in the whole franchise. Shuri and Namor’s final showdown is far more than just an excellently-choreographed action scene: It’s a battle that will decide what kind of Black Panther Shuri will be. In the end, she decides to leave behind her thirst for revenge and instead opts to be as merciful as T’Challa and Queen Ramonda. It’s a full-circle character moment that makes this one of the most stirring MCU climaxes.

8

‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ (2014)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Back when the first trailers for James Gunn‘s Guardians of the Galaxy started hitting the Internet, the titular lineup of heroes was barely a C-list team in the comics. Once the movie finally come out, these had overnight become five of those MCU characters people instantly fell in love with. In no small measure, that was thanks to the film’s thrilling climax.

From Gamora’s battle against Nebula, to Groot’s sacrifice and uttering of the phrase “we are Groot,” to Quill beating Ronan in a dance-off, the Guardians climax has no shortage of memorable moments. This has aged perfectly as one of the MCU’s most beloved and acclaimed outings to date, and the fact that it culminates in such an excellent third act definitely helped.

7

‘Captain America: Civil War’ (2016)

Image via Marvel Studios

It may be titled Captain America: Civil War, but the third movie led by Steve Rogers (easily one of Chris Evans‘ best Marvel movies) is about Tony Stark just as much as it is about its titular character. The whole film is driven by the arc of these two characters, the franchise’s most important heroes, and those arcs lead to one of the most heartbreaking climaxes in the whole series.

“Poignant” isn’t a term that’s often used to describe MCU climaxes, but there’s no better description for the final battle of Civil War. Tony, having learned that a brain-washed Winter Soldier was responsible for the death of his parents, tries to kill Bucky with Cap standing in his way. For a film that has so far been defined by its huge battles between multiple heroes, the fact that the climax is an airtight sequence laser-focused on only three characters is an incredibly powerful creative and narrative choice.

6

‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019)

Avengers: Endgame may very well be the least-surprising box office smash in history. Eleven years’ worth of dozens upon dozens of massive superhero blockbusters had all led to this: the culmination of the Infinity Saga, the biggest crossover event in the history of cinema. All in all, there are many arguments to be made both in favor of Endgame and against it; but one thing that can’t be denied is that, at least for MCU fans, its climax is the very representation of excitement.

It’s a climax so enormous and sprawling that it’s easy to forgive the fact that it sometimes feels like a bunch of visual noise. After all, when had visual noise on the big screen ever been this thrilling? Watching all of these characters come together for one final confrontation against Thanos, leading up to Tony’s climactic sacrifice to save the universe, is what Marvel and the superhero genre are all about.

5

‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ (2023)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

If there’s one MCU trilogy that can be said to be about as close to perfection as the superhero genre gets, it’s James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy. The series came to a resounding close with its best chapter yet: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, whose climax succeeded at feeling like a natural conclusion for these characters we had all grown to love so much.

The Guardians fight off the High Evolutionary’s forces, Rocket decides to spare the man that spent his entire childhood torturing him, and Adam joins the Guardians by rescuing Quill. It’s a simple enough climax on paper, but the action is so fun, the music is so great, and the character writing is so perfect that Gunn delivers a third act whose emotional power is hard to resist.

4

‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ (2014)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

The Captain America trilogy is, at its core, all about the decades-spanning friendship between Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes; and that friendship is at the very heart of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. This isn’t just one of the best superhero movie masterpieces of the last 100 years: Some even praise it as the single greatest installment in the entire MCU, all thanks to its feeling more like a groundbreaking political conspiracy thriller just as much as it feels like a superhero blockbuster.

The excitement, intrigue, political commentary, and character dynamics of The Winter Soldier all come to their highest point in the film’s climax. Fury and Black Widow’s infiltration of a World Security Council meeting in order to expose Hydra to the world is classic spy movie goodness, while Cap and Falcon’s raiding of two Helicarriers is as fun as it is adrenaline-pumping. But what really makes this climax hit so hard is Steve’s final confrontation against Bucky. In retrospect, it feels like the turnaround moment for Barnes, and its emotional effect is still present over a decade later.

3

‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ (2021)

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

Spider-Man: No Way Home isn’t just the conclusion of the MCU’s Spider-Man’s first trilogy: It feels like a love letter to the fans who have been following the Wall-Crawler’s adventures since the tenure of Tobey Maguire. But far from feeling like a parade of shallow fan service, No Way Home actually manages to integrate its fan service into the narrative in such an effective way that there’s very little room to complain about anything here.

It’s one of Tom Holland‘s best Marvel movies, where he delivers one of his best performances in the whole franchise, and a lot of that is thanks to the climax. Holland, Maguire, and Andrew Garfield‘s Spider-Men battling classic Spidey villains is an immensely satisfying experience; and MCU Spidey’s final confrontation against Willem Dafoe‘s Green Goblin makes for one of the most emotionally charged final battles in the history of superhero cinema.

2

‘Avengers: Infinity War’ (2018)

Image via Marvel Studios

Before Endgame went all-out, Avengers: Infinity War briefly held the title as the biggest crossover event in the history of superhero cinema—and even if it doesn’t hold that title anymore, second place is by no means a bad thing here. It’s perhaps the superhero film with the highest stakes that the genre has ever seen, and the Russo brothers succeed at making those stakes feel intimately personal.

MCU climaxes always end with the heroes coming out on top. Isn’t that what superhero stories are all about? But not Infinity War. In a climax that’s easily the most gut-wrenching of the whole franchise (as well as one of the most perfect superhero movie endings ever), Thanos manages to wipe out half of all life across the universe with a snap of his fingers—including several of our beloved heroes. Even knowing the fate of each of these characters in Endgame, Infinity War still has the heartbreaking effect that it did back in 2018.

1

‘The Avengers’ (2012)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection

The Avengers may or may not be the most thrilling Avengers movie; and now that the franchise has shown the tremendous scale and scope that it can reach, looking back at this blockbuster can make it feel a bit small-scale. But smaller can at times be better, and that’s most definitely the case here. There had never been anything even remotely like The Avengers before, and it’s during its climax that the film showed everything the MCU could be capable of going forward.

These six heroes were the ones that started it all, and watching their lineup scene in The Avengers‘ climax now carries as much nostalgia as the superhero genre can possibly carry. Action-packed, visually impressive, with just the perfect balance between quips and high-stakes drama, and with plenty of unforgettable character moments, The Avengers‘ climax remains the best in the entire MCU.

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​The Avengers

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Release Date

May 4, 2012

Runtime

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143 minutes

Director

Joss Whedon

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Writers

Joss Whedon, Zak Penn

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  Chris Evans

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  Steve Rogers / Captain America

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  Robert Downey Jr.

  Tony Stark / Iron Man

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The 2000s were the beginning of a new millennium and a new era of television, which meant things needed to change, and quickly. Cable television reigned supreme, since this was before streaming services, and many networks were looking for ways to attract attention by way of new, exciting TV shows of all genres. From animation to live-action, there was no shortage of iconic shows produced during this decade.

Even fantasy had a lot of new entries, and this was before the fantasy boom of the 2010s and 2020s. Many of these fantasy series became icons for millennials and the new generation of Zoomers, who still go back to watch their favorites from time to time. Each year of the 2000s saw something amazing released; series that have barely left the spotlight since their inception. These are the best fantasy TV shows from every year of the 2000s.

10

‘Inuyasha’ (2000–2004)

Image via Toonami

Inuyasha might not be quite as popular as the other anime shows on this list, but it was pretty popular nonetheless. The franchise spawned a sizable multimedia empire, including feature-length films, video games, and a line of toys and action figures, all of which sold very well. This anime series is about a girl who magically travels back in time to Feudal Japan to assist a young half-demon in recovering the shards of a great gem of power.

DVDs of this series sold millions of copies internationally and topped the bestseller lists for three whole weeks. It’s not commonly talked about anymore, but for the 2000s, this was the beginning of a new era of anime and a great addition to the fantasy genre. Truth be told, not a lot of fantasy shows came out in 2000, but even if there had been more, Inuyasha still would’ve taken the number one spot among anime due to sheer popularity and critical response.

9

‘The Fairly OddParents’ (2001–2017)

Image via Nickelodeon

The Fairly OddParents is a crucial part of many a Zoomer’s childhood. This Nickelodeon fantasy/comedy cartoon features Timmy Turner (Tara Strong), an average kid who no one understands. He has two dim-witted parents, an evil babysitter, and is frequently the target of bullies. To abate his misery, he receives two fairy godparents from the Fairy World, who are there to grant his every wish and make his childhood a little easier.

Timmy often makes outlandish or dangerous wishes during moments of anger or misery, which always come back to bite him in the butt later. Still, the first few seasons of this show are absolute comedy gold. It is easily one of the finest cartoons Nickelodeon has ever produced. There weren’t a lot of ’00s kids who didn’t wish they had fairies of their own, which is part of the reason why the show is such a staple of the decade.

8

‘Naruto’ (2002–2007)

Image via Studio Pierrot

Naruto is another anime series that skyrocketed to popularity upon release, eventually becoming known as one of the “Big Three” anime series. What this effectively means is that it constantly dominated charts, had an enormous cultural impact, and received international attention. That alone should speak to how popular Naruto was, and why it is still a major streaming hit all these years later.

The premise is pretty simple: it’s about a young, rebellious ninja who struggles to find his identity and achieve his dreams. In this world, though, ninjas often have some magical powers, which is why it’s a fantasy. At heart, this series is definitely more of a comedy, not that it doesn’t feature great action and adventure. So many memes have been made of this show that it’s not even funny, and it still gets quoted in casual conversation to this day. It’s easily the best and most culturally important fantasy show that came out in 2002.

7

‘Dead Like Me’ (2003–2004)

Image via Showtime

Dead Like Me is a dark dramedy with fantasy overtones, which was actually pretty popular for its time. Currently, it’s mostly been forgotten, which is kind of a shame because it was kind of a hit in 2003. The show follows Georgia (Ellen Muth), a college-aged woman who is abruptly killed by a falling toilet seat jettisoned from a space station. Yes, really. Upon reaching the great beyond, she is informed that in her death, she will have a job, and that job is to serve one of the reapers who escort the souls of the departed to the afterlife.

Her new boss happens to be a guy named Rube (Mandy Patinkin), who is kind of a jerk, but also becomes a sort of father figure to Georgia. Their chemistry on screen together is really something, which only contributes to the bleak comedy that the show became known for. Overall, it was received very well, particularly in the second season, for its wit and biting humor about the nature of life and death. It’s an underrated cult classic that just has to be seen.

6

‘Lost’ (2004–2010)

Image via ABC

Lost was a show that really took the world by storm with its complex plot, wide cast of characters, and surprising substance. Of course, many were disappointed with the way Lost ended, yet many still agree that the first few seasons were absolutely perfect. The series follows a group of survivors from a plane crash on an uncharted island. But the island is no ordinary land mass, as strange forces lurk deep in the jungle.

This show dives into everything from mystery to sci-fi, and yes, fantasy. What’s even better is that the show lets all of its diverse characters have their own time to shine in the spotlight, thanks to a series of flashback sequences showing their lives before they arrived on the island. Excitement about Lost might have died down a bit with time, but when it came out, this was huge, and for a good reason. It’s just so intriguing and has a little something for everyone.

5

‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ (2005–2008)

Image via Nickelodeon

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Avatar: The Last Airbender is a Nickelodeon cartoon meant to emulate the anime art style, despite being made by an American studio. Unlike most other Nick cartoons, this one had proper continuity, with a story arc over numerous episodes. It can’t be picked up or dropped at any time—it has to be watched from beginning to end. This is worth it, though, because the world that the creators made for this series is incredibly immersive.

The series is set in a continent inspired by East Asia, made up of four nations based on the elements of fire, air, water, and earth. Each nation is home to sorcerers called “benders,” who can manipulate the element of their nation at will. The Fire Nation, using their war machines and firebenders, has begun a conquest of the rest of the continent, which patiently awaits the arrival of the Avatar, who is destined to master all four elements and unite the nations. This show garnered a huge following and even got a live-action remake for Netflix. There’s just no other show like this one, which has carved out a legendary legacy for itself.

4

‘Death Note’ (2006–2007)

Image via Madhouse

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Death Note is such a popular and influential anime series that it’s honestly kind of shocking it only lasted a year. As many know by now, the series is about a magical book. If someone’s full name is written in the book, that person will die almost immediately. It was a premise that really caught on, receiving a terrible live-action remake via Netflix, and even being parodied during a Treehouse of Horror episode of The Simpsons.

It’s honestly amazing that a show with one season and 37 episodes could have this much widespread impact, yet Death Note delivers. It isn’t just because of the darkness or the chemistry between characters, but also because the premise is just so intriguing. Be honest, everybody who knows about this show has wondered what they would do with a real-life death note if they had one. While it may not be the ideal choice for non-anime fans, this is considered one of the greatest anime series of all time by many a seasoned viewer.

3

‘The Wizards of Waverly Place’ (2007–2012)

Image via Disney

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The Wizards of Waverly Place is a Disney sitcom that aired on the Disney Channel, and which quickly became one of the most popular kids’ sitcoms of the decade. The series is about a family of wizards living in suburban New York City, and all the misadventures they have. Their normal lives often clash with their learning to master their magical abilities, resulting in many comedic situations.

The series features a young Selena Gomez and Jake T. Austin as part of the Russo family, a group of siblings who frequently work on magical experiments and such. It might be a little bit cringeworthy to look back on as an adult, but for the time, this show was kind of a big deal, to say the least. It was extremely popular among the youth and proved to be a breakout role for many of its young actors. Even now, a lot of adults look back on this show with fond nostalgia.

2

‘Merlin’ (2008–2012)

Image via BBC

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Merlin is a pretty popular fantasy TV show that was met with a lot of critical acclaim, so there’s little doubt that it deserves the number one spot for the best fantasy show of 2008. The series, true to its name, is about Merlin (Colin Morgan), the wizard from Arthurian legend. Typically, in the stories, Merlin is depicted as a grouchy old fuddy-duddy with a long silvery beard, a blue robe and pointy hat, and a wand or staff. Pretty standard wizard stuff.

This show serves as more of an origin story for Merlin, though, with a much younger version of the character learning how to use his magical powers and meeting his future allies. There’s not only a grand sense of adventure and action in this series, but there’s also some great comedic timing and some heartfelt romance, too. It’s a refreshing take on a classic character, one that did pretty well for itself, and which still had a dedicated following.

1

‘The Vampire Diaries’ (2009–2017)

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The Vampire Diaries came out at the peak of the Twilight craze, which didn’t really do a lot for its reputation. Like Twilight, many assumed that this show was just going to be a sappy and moody romance with vampires and werewolves, and very little substance to it apart from that. But The Vampire Diaries ended up outlasting Twilight, breaking away from these comparisons and becoming something much more unique.

Yes, it’s primarily a romantasy series, and yes, there are indeed vampires in it. But it has a lot more emotional depth than Twilight. While Twilight fans, of course, tend to appreciate The Vampire Diaries, the show also attracted a lot of other fans, too, which is why it was able to last for eight whole years before concluding its story. For something that seemed like a quick cash grab capitalizing on a trend, it did pretty well for itself, developing a fanbase that persists nearly 10 years later.