Jacob Elordi’s romance with Olivia Jade Giannulli appeared glamorous from the outside, but new insider claims suggest the relationship faced serious challenges behind closed doors.

As the actor’s relationship with Kendall Jenner continues to attract attention, fresh allegations have emerged about what allegedly caused tensions with his former girlfriend, painting a complicated picture of their years-long, on-and-off romance.

According to an insider who spoke to the Daily Mail, one of the biggest sources of conflict between Elordi and Giannulli had little to do with the pressures typically associated with celebrity relationships.

Instead, the insider claimed that Elordi frequently took issue with Giannulli’s circle of friends.

“Jacob and Olivia would get into fights about her friends because he was often referring to them as people who were handed everything who didn’t work hard but that couldn’t be further from the truth,” the source alleged.

The insider further claimed that Elordi was often critical of the people closest to Giannulli.

“He would always tell her that they had no drive and no perception of the real world and judge their backgrounds and jobs,” the source said.

According to the insider, the actor’s views created repeated friction throughout the relationship.

“He thought she only wanted to be friends with rich kids so he made her distance herself from her friends,” the source added.

Giannulli’s social circle includes several well-known figures from entertainment, fashion, and business families, many of whom she reportedly knew long before she became famous herself.

Friendship Tensions Became A Major Relationship Problem

What allegedly started as occasional disagreements eventually grew into a much larger issue.

The insider claimed that Giannulli became frustrated with constantly defending her friends and explaining why they mattered to her.

“This was one of the reasons they broke up and she hated that he didn’t respect her friends,” the source claimed.

The insider also suggested that Jacob Elordi struggled to understand the backgrounds of many people in Giannulli’s social circle.

“Jacob didn’t grow up the same way, so he never gave them a fair shot and judged them all,” the source said.

As Elordi’s acting career accelerated with major projects such as “Euphoria” and “Saltburn,” the distance between their worlds reportedly became even more noticeable.

The source alleged that professional success began to change the dynamics of the relationship, as both partners found themselves moving in different directions.

Jacob Elordi’s Rising Fame Changed The Dynamic

The insider claimed that Elordi’s growing profile in Hollywood gradually became another challenge for the couple.

“At the time, his career took over too,” the source said.

According to the insider, the pair spent years breaking up and reconciling before finally reaching a point where the relationship could no longer continue.

“They were on-and-off for so long and the relationship finally ran its course. Once he blew up, the relationship officially ended,” the source added.

Giannulli was reportedly the one who ultimately ended the romance. The insider alleged that she often found herself adjusting to Elordi’s lifestyle while receiving little effort in return when it came to her own interests and priorities.

“Jacob was always working and traveling and she’d always go with,” the source claimed.

The insider continued, “He just made everything about his life and wanted nothing to do with her side of things, so eventually, she moved on.”

Claims Of Social Climbing And Image Management Surface

Perhaps the most surprising allegations centered on how Jacob Elordi reportedly interacted with people behind the scenes.

According to the insider, there was a contradiction between how he viewed Olivia Jade Giannulli’s friends and how he approached networking within the entertainment industry.

“He was nice to her friends’ faces but was rude about them behind their backs and was social climbing,” the source alleged.

The insider went even further, claiming, “He was a user before he made it big.”

The source suggested that maintaining a particular public image became increasingly important to the actor as his career advanced.

That concern with perception allegedly extended beyond his professional life and into his personal relationships.

Jacob Elordi’s Alleged Focus On Image Became A Breaking Point

The insider described image management as one of Elordi’s defining priorities during the relationship.

“He was a good boyfriend and was always loving to her, but he wanted it to look like that to everybody else because he cares a lot about his image and what people think about him,” the source said.

The insider concluded the claim with a blunt assessment: “He was obsessed with that.”

Today, Elordi has moved on with Kendall Jenner, while Giannulli is reportedly focused on her own life and business ventures.

Despite ongoing interest in the actor’s latest romance, the insider insisted there is no lingering bitterness from his former partner.

“She’s neutral on Kendall dating Jacob, but it’s because she’s now genuinely moved on,” the source said.

Whether these allegations accurately reflect what happened behind closed doors remains known only to those involved.

However, the claims have offered a new perspective on a relationship that, until now, largely remained out of the public eye.

Curry Barker‘s Obsession has been the talk of the horror world the past few weeks. The YouTube filmmaker, who first got the attention of genre fans with Milk & Serial, has broken out in a huge way with his feature directorial debut. Obsession stars Michael Johnston as Bear, a shy young man who uses a One Wish Willow to wish for his crush, Nikki (Inde Navarrette), to love him more than anyone else. Bear gets what he wished for … but with terrifying consequences. Obsession is earning praise as one of the best horror movies in ages, but this is no fun fright fest. What Nikki goes through is absolutely heartbreaking, and had Barker stuck with his original ending, it would have altered the impact Obsession had with moviegoers.

What Is ‘Obsession’ About?

Curry Barker got the idea for Obsession from a “Treehouse of Horror” episode of The Simpsons. However, while it’s hilarious to watch Homer use a monkey’s paw to wish for a turkey sandwich, there’s nothing funny about Obsession. Barker’s film lives in darkness and goes for the unexpected at every turn.

Bear, the shy “nice guy,” should be the hero. And, for a bit, he is, until he wishes for his co-worker, Nikki, to love him more than anyone else in the world. Just like that, the confident, independent Nikki becomes obsessed with Bear. Rather than looking for a way to cancel his wish, Bear only wants to alter it. He doesn’t want to let Nikki go and still wants him to love her in the way he desires.

This makes Bear the true villain of the movie. And while Nikki is plenty scary, she is never the antagonist. This new form only wants to please and doesn’t know how. Meanwhile, the real Nikki is trapped, forced to inhabit this possessed body and only allowed to come out for a few seconds here and there. Nikki is a tragic figure, with more than a few scenes producing tears rather than screams.

Nikki Was Originally Going To Die at the End of ‘Obsession’

Going into the third act of Obsession, the thing that is Nikki sleeps in bed. With the entity at bay, the real Nikki takes over her body and begs Bear to kill her. He won’t do it. Bear is a coward, and he’s not ready to let go of his wish, despite the cost. In the wild finale, Sarah (Megan Lawless) and Ian (Cooper Tomlinson) are dead at Nikki’s hand. It’s only then that Bear is ready to take his own life to cancel the wish and save Nikki, who can come back the moment he dies. However, once more, Bear proves to be a coward and backs out, taking the gun out of his mouth and swallowing a bunch of pills instead. He quickly regrets that, as well, and starts an attempt to vomit them up before being stopped by the entity version of Nikki breaking a second One Wish Willow. Seconds later, he is dead, the real Nikki is back in her body, and the end credits roll as she screams. It’s chilling to the bone.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the director revealed that his original ending went even further. Barker strongly considered giving the film a Romeo and Juliet-type finale where both characters die.

“We shot both; we shot this ending that you see in the movie, and we shot the ending where she ends it all. We had shot a ton of different versions of the official ending, the one that’s in the script, the one that I was excited about, and I was like, Okay, we’ll do one ending where [Nikki] survives, but we’ll just do one take of it, and then we’ll move on.“

‘Obsession’s Ending Is More Scary Because Nikki Lives

Image via Focus Features

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After shooting an alternate ending with Nikki surviving that Barker didn’t think he would use, he was talked into making it the actual ending by his father, screenwriter Jeff Barker.

“I just remember my dad and multiple people around me being like, ‘Dude, I think it’s way more disturbing if she just survives this thing.’ I was like, ‘Ah, you’re right.’ And so we switched it.”

In an interview with Collider, Inde Navarrette told Peri Nemiroff:

“She’s gonna sit with the grief.’ And also, at the same time, we’re following her this entire time. Curry was like, ‘No, we really want to sit with her.’ And that’s why we got the ending that we did.”

To watch Nikki make it so far through so much only to die would have been unbearable for the viewer and killed any rewatch potential. Nikki had to live. Usually, if the hero makes it out of a horror movie alive, that’s a happy ending. Not for Obsession. Sure, there’s a chance she’s strong enough to overcome what she’s gone through. Maybe this horrific experience will become the basis for the love story she dreams of writing. That’s a fantasy though. Nikki is not coming back from this. When she snaps back into her body, her face is not one of relief. Nikki is terrified, her eyes wide with extreme fear. She has seen things and been to places the audience doesn’t know about. There is no escape from such soul-destroying trauma.

Just as bad, all of Nikki’s friends are now dead because of her. Even if she could somehow find a way to live through this knowledge, no one will ever believe what really happened. In the eyes of the law, Nikki will be seen as a crazed killer. It’s off to prison for life, or at best, a psychiatric hospital. The movie ends on this poor woman’s pain pouring out of her. She is coming undone. Will she be okay? The viewer will never get a true answer, but we can already guess. Whatever awaits Nikki is pure, unimaginable hell, and that’s much worse than the finality of death.

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Obsession

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May 15, 2026

Runtime

108 minutes

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Director

Curry Barker

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Curry Barker

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Video games offer a whole range of emotions from different genres, from pure excitement and thrills in action masterpieces such as Call of Duty, to rage-inducing challenges like Elden Ring, and even pure wonder and joy in adventure fantasies, including The Legend of Zelda. Video games are masters at making players feel things, and that includes fear, as the horror genre is one of the most acclaimed.

The horror genre works perfectly in video game format, making it more immersive and personal, ramping up the fright and terror to deliver must-play experiences for fans of the genre. That is why this list will rank the ten greatest horror video games of all time based on gameplay, narrative, design, originality, influence, fan opinion, critical acclaim, overall quality, and the level of fear it instills in the players.

10

‘Until Dawn’ (2015)

Image via Supermassive Games

A lot of the games on this list received live-action movie adaptations, and one of the ones that went under the radar was Until Dawn. On the one-year anniversary of the death of two of their friends, a group goes on a vacation in a mountain cabin. However, when they get stuck, a mysterious figure begins hunting them, making every decision a life-or-death choice.

This game made waves back when it was first released, becoming a major YouTube sensation (which is a common theme among horror games) that offered thrilling choices. With a feeling of classic horror movie camp and genuinely terrifying moments, Until Dawn is a frightening sensation that perfectly adapts the butterfly effect mechanic, creating a magnificent and gripping horror narrative.

9

‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ (2014)

Image via ScottGames

Some may view this game ironically, but putting aside the countless spin-offs and terrible films, Five Nights at Freddy’s was actually a remarkable and popular game. Playing as a security guard at a kid’s pizza place, the night shift gets ten times more terrifying when the animatronics come to life, hunting down the player who must survive the week.

It’s fairly simple mechanics open a plethora of options and areas to manage as the player must keep tabs on multiple rooms and animatronics. Maintaining safety isn’t as easy as one would think, as the added challenges and creeping difficulty increase the drama and tension every night. Five Nights at Freddy’s is one of the most iconic modern video game franchises, and it does this without the player needing to move at all.

8

‘Outlast’ (2013)

A handful of these games become popular on YouTube, where creators would play them and share their terrified reactions, and one such title that traumatized many influencers is Outlast. Armed with only a camcorder, an investigative journalist breaks into an abandoned asylum to look into the rumors of horrific experiments, only to come face to face with said horrors.

By taking away the player’s weapons and ability to fight back, Outlast popularized the vulnerable protagonist in horror games, and this sense of helplessness only amplified the dread. Looking at the world through a grainy recording camera gives a claustrophobic vibe that further ramps up the terror, and with plenty of surprises in store, fans better be on their toes.

7

‘Dead Space’ (2008)

Image via Motive Studios

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The modern remake did receive glowing reviews, but the original Dead Space is still unmatched with its older graphics and design. Isaac Clarke is a space engineer sent out to repair a planet-mining vessel. However, what he encounters is an entire crew dead and reborn into creatures by a strange artifact, prompting him to do whatever it takes to survive.

The remake polished everything and got rid of the tedious shooting gallery, but the original feels scarier, and therefore is a better horror game, while the remake is better in other aspects. The enemy AI is far more terrifying, and the classic visuals add a sense of fright. Dead Space is a magnificent sci-fi video game that forces the player to think strategically about where to cut the enemies.

6

‘Alien: Isolation’ (2014)

Image via Sega Corporation

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There have been a lot of horror video games that turned into movies, but what about the other way around? It isn’t an adaptation of the movie, but Alien: Isolation brings the iconic sci-fi horror franchise into the interactive realm. Set 15 years after the first movie, Amanda Ripley is searching for her mother, but all she finds is a lone alien that she must hide from, alone on a ship.

Alien: Isolation doesn’t have much of a story and is rather one-note, but that allows it to focus everything on perfecting the horror format. The alien AI is perhaps the greatest enemy AI ever made, to the point where it feels real. It is an ever-learning creature that forces the player to adapt their gameplay, and just when they think they’re safe, it strikes. Alien: Isolation is a definitive sci-fi horror that will have players silent in anticipation and fright.

5

‘Amnesia: The Dark Descent’ (2010)

Image via Frictional Games

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Set within an eerie castle, Daniel wakes up with no recollection of where he is or why he is there, only remembering his name and that he is in danger. Amnesia: The Dark Descent has players controlling Daniel, needing to journey into the heart of the castle in order to kill its master and escape.

While Outlast popularized this horror format, Amnesia: The Dark Descent invented it, pioneering this type of horror game that would become a staple of the genre. The sanity meter mechanic was a revolutionary invention for horror games, and this title used it remarkably by adding a new layer of gameplay that fused with the horror vibe.

4

‘P.T.’ (2014)

Image via Kojima Productions

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Most of the titles on this list are big main series games, but P.T. is known as the Silent Hill game that never got made. Standing for playable teaser, this was just a demo of the new game in the franchise, but after it was canceled, this is all fans got. As a player loops around a typical house, it becomes more distorted as a ghost begins chasing them.

Fans may never get Silent Hills, but this demo alone has established itself as one of the greatest horror experiences put on the screen. This video game was an event for the community, with players finding new secrets and lore in every loop that would only intensify the hype. P.T. isn’t legally available anymore, but that lost media aspect only makes it more legendary and iconic.

3

‘Resident Evil’ (2002)

Image via Capcom

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Resident Evil 4 is arguably the best game in the franchise, but that is because of its action elements, and when it comes to pure horror, the first Resident Evil has it beat. However, this entry specifically features the remake on the GameCube, which brought everything great about the original into a more modern feel. A special team investigates the mysterious experiments in a mansion on the outskirts of Raccoon City.

Resident Evil is arguably the greatest horror franchise of all time, and that is why there are two entries on this list, starting with the definitive classic. The pre-rendered backgrounds and graphics were some of the most realistic of the time, making horror feel more real in a time when most assets were jagged polygons. Resident Evil is a 2000s masterpiece that redefined the horror genre.

2

‘Silent Hill 2’ (2001)

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Both the remake and the original are about equally good, but this list opted for the original for its historical significance and innovation within the genre and gaming at large. 1999’s Silent Hill followed Harry Mason in his quest to find his daughter in the titular town. However, he is pulled into an alternate dimension that reflects the mind of a young girl’s trauma. Silent Hill 2 follows widower James Sunderland as he wanders the eponymous town in Maine in search of his deceased wife.

The horror genre is known for jump scares, but a truly scary experience is when a title doesn’t need that at all, and Silent Hill 2 does that perfectly. Relying on its sense of existential dread by using hallucinatory fog that creates an unmatched surrealist vibe, Silent Hill 2 creates a horror masterpiece that proves what you don’t see can be scarier than what is there.

1

‘Resident Evil 2’ (2019)

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As mentioned, the Resident Evil franchise is one of the best horror has to offer, and while the fourth is usually considered the best, Resident Evil 2 is the greatest horror experience. As Raccoon City faces a full-scale zombie invasion, Leon and a high school girl must evade the creatures and try to make it out of the city alive.

The original is great, but it is hard to beat the modern reimagining of Resident Evil 2, which improved on the graphics, gameplay, and ambient horror. Making a horror game into a metroidvainia was a brilliant choice, and when paired with a constant threat chasing players, the sense of worry only builds. Resident Evil 2 uses its flawless pacing, intricate puzzles, and brutal gore to create a prestigious horror game that many consider to be one of the greatest video games of all time.

Busy moms know that clothes that require tons of adjusting often feel more annoying than fun. Running from place to place, carrying your little one (plus all their stuff), all while having to hike your tube top back up? No thanks. Still, practical fashion doesn’t have to be boring, and Gigi Hadid is a pro at finding that happy medium. The supermodel mama recently stepped out in a sleek, solid-colored sweatshirt style, proving that the wardrobe staple is secretly elevated — if you style it right.

While out and about in New York City, Hadid went with a classic combination, layering a cozy crewneck over a white tee before adding light-wash jeans, fishnet Mary Jane flats, red sunglasses and a structured white bag. The outfit was simple yet extremely polished, which is why we’re rushing to copy the rich mom formula with a budget-friendly Hanes find.

Get the Hanes EcoSmart Fleece Sweatshirt for $12 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

It’s possible Hadid’s crewneck was a high-end purchase, but the Hanes EcoSmart Fleece Sweatshirt gets you the same timeless look for just $12. Made from a cotton-blend fabric, the wardrobe essential is just heavy enough to keep you warm on cool days yet breathable in sunny summertime weather. Featuring ribbing along the edges, this pick hits right at the waist, saving you from a belly-baring, crop top moment as you go about your day.

Related: Olivia Wilde Just Made Tailored Slacks Look Chic With a Sweatshirt

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Olivia Wilde has a knack for making unexpected outfit combinations feel completely natural. The actress recently stepped out in a look that challenged one of fashion’s long-standing rules: that sweatshirts are strictly casual. Instead, she paired a relaxed gray sweatshirt with tailored black slacks, proving that comfort and sophistication can absolutely coexist. On June 1, […]

Hadid’s outfit might be better suited for chilly mornings and nights, but the uniform is one you can easily recreate for warmer temps, too. While we’d still let a white T-shirt peek out from underneath for a fresh, preppy-inspired spin, Bermuda shorts or denim cutoffs can easily replace the jeans while nailing that same rich mom vibe. Can’t bear the thought of something stiff on your body? The Hanes design also balances out striped or gingham boxer shorts for the ultimate casual-chic ensemble.

If blue isn’t your top choice, there are plenty of other colors to choose from; the same sweatshirt comes in pink, purple, green and a ton of neutrals. Many Amazon shoppers note the price and end up buying multiple shades without regret, including one who swore that the pick rivals those from “much more expensive brands.”

“Best sweatshirts, hands down,” one reviewer said. “Material is thinner than regular sweatshirt material, so it fits great with skirts, jeans, shorts. It’s not boxy. I have six different colors. Cannot beat the price. Run. Don’t walk.”

“Very comfy and perfect weight,” wrote another happy shopper. “I bought two!”

Whether you rely on Hadid’s busy mom outfit the next time you’re running 20 minutes late, or need a light layer to shove in your bag on the way to the next activity, this cozy sweatshirt belongs in your cart. At just $12, it’s a no-splurge way to nail a coveted celebrity look, and the fact that there are no straps, hooks or risky necklines to fuss with makes it even more of a must-have!

Get the Hanes EcoSmart Fleece Sweatshirt for $12 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

2026 has been a rather good year for movies. So far, we’ve had tremendous commercial successes like The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Michael, incredible legacy sequels like The Devil Wears Prada 2, horror marvels like Backrooms, and even a few controversial offerings like Wuthering Heights. With a balanced mix of original ideas, IPs, sequels, remakes, and the like, the 2026 box office is far healthier than it’s been in years. Sure, there have been some bombs (poor Masters of the Universe), but overall, cinema is not only alive but actually thriving, both domestically and abroad.

What’s best is that we’re barely six months into the year, and we still have some massive players to come, including The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day. However, the movies we have gotten so far are pretty good, and in fact, a few are actually well on their way to becoming modern classics. It might be way too soon to bestow the title on them, but they have all the necessary elements to cement themselves as true icons of this age. The three entries on this list already have the type of acclaim that many other movies can only dream of, from both audiences and critics. Their reputation is bound to keep increasing over the years, and it won’t take long before they’re included alongside some of the all-time greats in their respective genres.

‘Project Hail Mary’

Based on the novel by Andy Weir and directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, Project Hail Mary is a crowd-pleasing sci-fi full of heart. The film stars Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace, a middle-school teacher who awakens aboard an interstellar spacecraft without any memory of why he is there or what he’s meant to do. The sole survivor of a three-person crew, Grace slowly pieces back the story, realizing he’s on a mission to save the Sun, which is slowly dimming due to the presence of a substance dubbed “astrophage.” A coalition of the Earth’s nations, led by Eva Stratt (Sandra Hüller), collaborated to make the journey possible, but now, it’s all up to Grace.

In many ways, Project Hail Mary is a throwback to the type of heartwarming, optimistic movies that thrived in the ’90s. Evoking the same space thrills of something like Armageddon and combining them with the rousing cheers of The Shawshank Redemption, the film is the definition of a crowd-pleaser. Gosling is in top form here, offering a grounded, deeply humanistic performance that ranks among the best of his career, perfectly complemented by Hüller’s subtler, nuanced depiction of a cold mind trying to save humanity. At its core is a message about cooperation and empathy, showcased through the central relationship between Grace and the rock-like alien Rocky. Crucially, the science jargon is never overly complicated, allowing the film to rise on the strength of its profound and emotional story.

‘Obsession’

Image via Focus Features

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Its title might not be particularly original, but the film itself sure is. Made on a tiny budget of $750,000 and defying every expectation, Obsession is arguably the one true cultural phenomenon of 2026. The film follows Bear (Michael Johnston), a music store employee who has romantic feelings for his friend, Nikki (Inde Navarrete). Upon buying a novelty toy, Bear uses it to wish for her to love him more than anyone in the world. However, his wish soon turns everything into chaos, sending both him and Nikki into the depths of unbearable pain.

Directed by Curry Barker, who rose to prominence on YouTube, Obsession has become a true sensation, thanks to positive word-of-mouth and its success at capturing young audiences’ attention. The film’s premise doesn’t reinvent the formula; rather, it enhances it through a good mix of thrills and sheer entertainment. Barker deftly balances shocking and gruesome imagery with an ironic, often quite funny tone that leads to a unique horror experience. Johnston and especially Navarrete are crucial to the film’s success, crafting a dynamic that is equal parts disturbing and strangely sympathetic. Obsession keeps breaking box office records and is already among the most profitable movies ever made. As a horror gem, it’s already cemented its place alongside the genre’s biggest successes, but it has also gained the sort of cultural prominence that all but guarantees its spot among modern’s cinema’s greatest efforts.

‘I Love Boosters’

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Few directors have as distinct a visual and narrative style as Boots Riley. This year, he came back with a colorful, absurdist roar with the crime comedy I Love Boosters, which stars a large ensemble led by the ever-reliable Keke Palmer. The film follows a group of shoplifters (Palmer, Taylour Page, Naomie Ackie, and Poppy Liu) who target a high-powered fashion mogul (Demi Moore), stealing her clothes and reselling them at a lower, more affordable price. The large, all-star ensemble also includes Eiza González, Will Poulter, and Oscar nominees LaKeith Stanfield and Don Cheadle.

I Love Boosters is a vibrant, hilarious, spirited, and wildly creative take on the crime genre. Like Riley’s previous efforts, it uses a heightened visual and narrative approach, heavy on absurdist jokes, irony, and a lack of subtlety, to offer a sharp and quite unforgiving takedown of capitalism and the fashion industry. Every scene is over-the-top, and the accompanying soundtrack only makes things more cartoonish and memorable. The maximalism in offer won’t be for everyone, but that’s by design; there’s a willingness to embrace chaos here, which only makes its overall message stronger and more thought-provoking. Every generation needs a cult classic, the type of quirky movie that’s embraced by a select few; I Love Boosters is such a movie, and its reputation can only improve from here.

Ever since the German The Adventures of Prince Achmed in 1926, animated movies have changed cinema for the better. Animation is a medium unlike any other, capable of expanding the limits of artists’ imagination by granting them a space to push visual boundaries. The creativity and freedom allowed by animation hold a strong connection with fantasy, a genre that’s all about making magic feel believable.

As a medium tailor-made for its demands, fantasy has often recurred to animation to tell its stories. The genres often achieve their greatest iterations together, from timeless classics like Disney’s Pinocchio to modern masterpieces like Puss in Boots: The Last Wish; from beautifully hand-drawn movies to fully CG-animated efforts; from the simple and subtle to the sprawlingly epic. These are the best fantasy movies from animation, stunning triumphs of thought and execution.

30

‘Ne Zha 2’ (2025)

Image via A24

There are box office hits that seem to come out of nowhere, and then there’s the Chinese animated fantasy film Ne Zha 2. It’s the direct sequel to 2019’s Ne Zha, a movie with immensely respectable box office numbers; but how it managed to join the ranks of history’s few films that have made over $2 billion dollars worldwide is one of the most impressive financial success stories in cinema’s recent history.

It’s the highest-grossing animated film and the highest-grossing non-English language film for a reason. Visually impressive, endearingly funny and charming, and with a frenetically paced and surprisingly dense plot, it’s pure fantasy spectacle that fans of the genre are bound to enjoy. Clocking in at nearly two and a half hours, there’s no shortage of fun to be had here.

29

‘Flow’ (2024)

Image via  Dream Well Studio

The third-ever non-English language film to win the Best Animated Feature Academy Award, the Latvian post-apocalyptic movie Flow is one of the best movie masterpieces of 2024. Despite its shoestring budget and having been animated entirely on the free and open-source software Blender, it’s still one of the most impressive animated movies of the 2020s so far.

Its visual style is delectably charming and dances around its limitations with ease, but what really makes Flow special is how much heart it has. There are minimal attempts here at anthropomorphizing these animals in any significant way. Rather, Flow‘s magic comes from watching a regular cat travel with other regular animals through this gorgeous, fantastical world ravaged by climate change.

28

‘The Secret of Kells’ (2009)

Image via Buena Vista International

Nowadays, the Irish Cartoon Saloon is well known as an outstanding animation studio celebrating Irish culture and folklore through excellent films. Back in 2009, they were an up-and-coming new studio with a debut that took the world by storm. The Secret of Kells follows a young boy from a Medieval town beckoned to adventure when a master illuminator arrives with an ancient book, one brimming with secret wisdom and powers.

Tomm Moore’s beautiful The Secret of Kells is nothing short of one of the best Irish films of all time. The almost fully hand-drawn animation, while deceptively simple, is absolutely gorgeous; its depiction of Irish mythology makes it compelling for international audiences of all ages, and its love for the source material is nearly palpable in every scene.

27

‘Mad God’ (2021)

Image via Shudder

Simply looking at stills from Mad God is an unsettling experience, but even that isn’t enough preparation for the unforgettable journey that is actually watching the film. A surrealist horror fantasy film following an assassin’s trip through a hellscape of tortured souls and wretched monstrosities, the movie is constantly one-upping itself in testing how much grotesque imagery viewers will be able to take.

Written and directed by Phil Tippett, a master puppeteer and VFX specialist involved in films of the caliber of Jurassic Park and RoboCop, Mad God is a genuinely terrifying fantasy extravaganza with some of the most immersive stop-motion animation of the 21st century. For those with the stomach for it, it’s an absolute must-see.

26

‘The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl’ (2017)

Image via Toho

Not many people have heard about Masaaki Yuasa‘s rom-com anime The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl, which only makes it even more of a must-see. It’s one of those forgotten animated movies that are still perfect, an ambitious and inventively surrealistic little gem that feels like the work of an artist in full control of their craft.

Though some may point to The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl as one of those films that favor style over substance, the style is the substance here. The movie is a true creative tornado in every sense of the metaphor, a whirlwind of aesthetics and artistic directions that blend together unexpectedly well throughout the whole thing.

25

‘Song of the Sea’ (2014)

Image via StudioCanal

After Kells, Cartoon Saloon’s next animated feature was another Tomm Moore masterpiece. Song of the Sea is one of the best family movies of the 2010s as a whole, one of those perfect animated movies that nobody remembers anymore. Its blend of hand-drawn and computer-generated animation has aged like fine wine, making it one of the most visually delightful animated films ever produced outside of Hollywood.

But while its delightful tone and rich visuals may be its two biggest strengths, Song of the Sea also boasts plenty of narrative depth and complexity to satisfy the whole family. Soaked in elements of Irish folklore and with a sweet story bolstered by a phenomenal voice cast, it’s Irish animation at its most exquisite.

24

‘Coco’ (2017)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

In preparation for Coco, the dedicated team of artists behind the movie reportedly did extensive research to get Día de Muertos, one of the traditions that define Mexican culture, right. The result is one of Pixar’s best films, about a kid dreaming of becoming a musician who’s transported to the Land of the Dead, where he intends to look for his mysterious great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer.

Coco is a beautiful celebration of family love, traditions, and Mexican culture. The Land of the Dead is a beautifully complex, realized fantasy world both visually and in terms of its mechanics, making for the perfect location for this story to take place in. Tender, funny, and just the right amount of heartbreaking, Coco is yet another masterpiece from Pixar.

23

‘Son of the White Mare’ (1981)

Image via Arbelos Films

Over the years, but particularly in the 20th century, Hungarian animation has built up a reputation for incomparable excellence, and yet, it’s a criminally underrated industry by most movie fans. Perhaps the most famous Hungarian animated feature is Son of the White Mare, a dreamlike adventure about three powerful brothers who set out into the Underworld in an effort to save three princesses and reclaim their ancestors’ lost kingdom.

Based on an ancient Hungarian folk myth, Marcell Jankovics‘ masterpiece has unique experimental animation and an engrossing aesthetic, which really make the entertaining story pop. It may be one of the weirdest animated movies ever made, but that’s precisely one of the main sources of its charm since it makes its richly intricate story much more exciting to absorb and analyze.

22

‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’ (1989)

Image via Studio Ghibli

Since the late ’70s, Hayao Miyazaki started steadily building up his name as the undisputed master of anime cinema, a title which he undoubtedly holds today. Most particularly, he’s interested in exploring the magic of fantasy through the endless possibilities of animation. Kiki’s Delivery Service, one of his best works ever, holds such an exploration. It’s the story of Kiki, a young witch trying to fit into a new community during her mandatory year of independent life.

Kiki is a delightful protagonist to follow. Resourceful and creative but also headstrong and a bit rough around the edges, she’s one of the most charming, funniest, and relatable characters in Studio Ghibli’s library. Kiki’s Delivery Service is a beautifully heartwarming depiction of teens’ search for identity, told through the enchanting allegory of a young witch trying to find her place in a world of magic.

21

‘Sleeping Beauty’ (1959)

Image via Walt Disney Pictures

One of Walt Disney‘s most magical classics, Sleeping Beauty is about a princess cursed by a malevolent fairy; only a prince can break the spell with the help of three good fairies. Directed by a dedicated team of four, it’s the kind of classical tale of magic and heroism that only old Walt Disney Productions could have been able to deliver.

Maleficent is arguably the most intimidating animated Disney villain; Aurora is one of the most beloved Disney princesses; and all the side characters are every bit as memorable. Elegant colors populate the screen, aggrandizing both the thrilling action scenes and the moving moments of emotion. All in all, Sleeping Beauty is a deeply endearing reminder that fairy tales can win over the hearts of any audience member, no matter their age.

Taylor Swift nearly crossed paths with Scooter Braun and his girlfriend, Sydney Sweeney, while attending Game 4 of the NBA Finals.

The “I Knew It, I Knew You” singer, 36, was seated courtside with her close friends Alana and Este Haim — all wearing custom Knicks gear — at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, June 10, as the Knicks once again took on the San Antonio Spurs.

Swift and her friends were shown on the ABC broadcast cheering loudly throughout the game, though it’s not clear whether they knew how close they were to Braun, 44, and Euphoria star Sweeney, 28.

Footage shared by Entertainment Tonight revealed that Braun and his girlfriend were seated only a few rows behind Swift and her friends — albeit separated by a barricade.

Wednesday’s Knicks game may be the closest Swift and Braun have been to one another since their business dispute erupted in 2019. At that time, Braun acquired Swift’s master recordings from her former record label, Big Machine, for a reported $330 million.

Swift publicly opposed the sale and later commenced re-recording some of her classic albums to retain a sense of creative ownership over the material.

Amidst a very public feud between the two, Braun sold the rights of Swift’s masters to Shamrock Capital for $300 million in November 2020. Nearly five years later, Swift excitedly announced that she’d regained the rights to her original recordings.

“I’m trying to gather my thoughts into something coherent, but right now my mind is just a slideshow,” she wrote on her website in May 2025. “A flashback sequence of all the times I daydreamed about, wished for, and pined away for a chance to get to tell you this news. All the times I was thiiiiiiiis close, reaching out for it, only for it to fall through. I almost stopped thinking it could ever happen, after 20 years of having the carrot dangled and then yanked away. But that’s all in the past now.”

Swift announced, “I’ve been bursting into tears of joy at random intervals ever since I found out that this is really happening. I really get to say these words: All of the music I’ve ever made… now belongs… to me.”

The singer-songwriter later shared on her fiancé Travis Kelce’s podcast in August 2025 that she genuinely did burst into tears when she confirmed the purchase.

“I knock on the door, he’s playing video games and I’m trying to say it in a normal way … he, like, puts his headset down … and I think he thought something was wrong,” Swift remembered. “You come up and I go, ‘I got all my music back and I just absolutely started heaving crying.”

Swift went on, “[I] dropped, had no power in my legs to support myself. This changed my life. I can’t believe it still.”

At the time, Braun told TMZ that he simply “wish[ed] everybody the best” when he was asked about Swift regaining control of her musical catalog.

Related: Scooter Braun Says ‘It’s Time to Move On’ From Taylor Swift Feud

Scooter Braun thinks it’s time to lay his drama with Taylor Swift to rest. Braun, 43, spoke out about the Max and Discover+ docuseries Taylor Swift vs. Scooter Braun: Bad Blood at the Bloomberg Screentime event in Los Angeles on Thursday, October 10, revealing that he hadn’t initially planned on watching the two-part series about […]

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More recently, Braun admitted on the Suzy Weiss’ “Second Thought” podcast in May that he resented the way he was depicted in the dispute with Swift.

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“[I] went from being like, loved and appreciated for over a decade to literally a villain the next night. I don’t want to go into that, but I will say something that will really sum it up that I don’t know if I’ve ever really said,” Braun said. “I don’t know Taylor Swift. I think I’ve met her in my life three times.”

The music mogul went on, “I have never had a substantial conversation with her in my life. I one time got invited to a private party by her. She told me she had the utmost respect for me. I told her I had the most respect for her. You don’t spend $300 million buying a label that she’s on unless you’re excited at the opportunity to work with her.”

Meanwhile, Swift’s courtside appearance at Madison Square Garden for Game 4 of the NBA Finals was also intriguing because she’s rumored to be tying the knot with Kelce, 36, at the “world’s most famous arena” later this year.

When it comes to everyday wardrobe staples, Ashley Iaconetti isn’t convinced you need to spend a fortune. In fact, the Real House of Rhode Island star swears by an affordable Amazon favorite that starts at just $10 and has become her everyday uniform. The high-waisted leggings feature tummy control, deep side pockets and a soft, stretchy fabric designed to move with you throughout the day.

After testing countless athleisure brands over the years, Iaconetti realized these budget-friendly leggings consistently outperform some of the pricier options in her closet.

“One of the biggest misconceptions is that people need to spend over $100 for a good pair of leggings or yoga pants,” she told Us Weekly. “I promise you that some of the ones that are $40 and under are my very favorites.”

Get the No Nonsense Every Day Pocket Legging for $10 (originally $20) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

What feature sold Iaconetti immediately? The pockets. The leggings are designed with drop-in side pockets large enough to hold a phone, keys or other essentials, making them ideal for busy days on the go.

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Related: Kyle Richards’ ‘Go-To’ Leggings Are Just $19 for Cyber Weekend

If there’s anyone we trust to give Us the rundown on the latest and greatest Amazon finds, it’s Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kyle Richards. For years, she’s been a pro at sharing her top picks during her livestreams, pointing us toward tons of gems in those virtual chats — like these best-selling leggings, which are […]

“I have thought that maybe I should throw out all of my athleisure if they don’t have pockets because pockets are so crucial to my life,” she said. “I need my phone on me at all times. I love having a podcast going while I clean the house, and if I’m running errands, I love to just go in without a purse.”

Another reason she’s a fan is the flattering fit. The leggings feature a wide, supportive waistband that smooths and hugs without digging in, plus a high-rise silhouette that enhances your natural shape. The breathable four-way stretch fabric also helps keep you comfortable whether you’re lounging, traveling or tackling your to-do list.

“I love a high-waisted yoga pant,” Iaconetti admitted. “It makes my tummy look pretty tiny and flat. It’s stretchy, but it still holds form.” She added that, unlike some leggings she’s tried, these don’t leave uncomfortable seams etched into her skin by the end of the day.

Perhaps most surprising is that Iaconetti doesn’t even wear these bottoms primarily for workouts.

“These are definitely more of a lifestyle legging for me,” she said. “I wear them with sweatshirts, sports bras, crop tops or a big baggy band tee. Sometimes I think they look better than jeans because they hug the butt and show off the waist better.”

The best part, according to Iaconetti, is that they wash well, retain their shape and don’t shrink. “They hold you in and make me feel like my body shows curves in the right way when I’m wearing them.”

If you’re looking for a comfortable, flattering pair of leggings that won’t blow your budget, Iaconetti’s favorite Amazon find is definitely worth adding to your cart. At this price, grab more than one color before they sell out!

Get the No Nonsense Every Day Pocket Legging for $10 (originally $20) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

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