The 1990s were one of the most transformative decades for cinema in history, and the 21st century has thus far produced several of the greatest masterpieces film has ever seen. As such, it should come as no surprise that from 1990 until the present, there have been many thriller movies which have already gone down in history as some of the best in the genre. What’s more, they only keep getting better with age, so they’ll very likely be talked about a few decades from now with the same kind of reverance and admiration that cinephiles talk about the best thrillers from Hollywood’s Golden Age today.

But even though there have been many exceptional thriller films made over the course of the last 36 years, there are six in particular that stand out above all the others as some of the most perfect in the history of thrillers. Whether it’s a groundbreaking ’90s classic like The Usual Suspects or a modern game-changer like Parasite, the best thrillers the world has seen since 1990 are proof of just how suspenseful, well written, and perfectly directed the genre can get when in the hands of master filmmakers. Anyone who loves thriller movies and hasn’t seen these six films is seriously missing out.

6

‘The Usual Suspects’ (1995)

Image via Universal Pictures

Directed by Bryan Singer and written by a pre-Mission: Impossible Christopher McQuarrie, The Usual Suspects is nothing short of one of the most legendary indie thrillers of all time. The ’90s were the Golden Age of and breakout decade for Hollywood independent cinema, allowing personal auteurial visions to flourish in ways that they had rarely been allowed to before. From this cultural re-allignment came Usual Suspects, which earned McQuarrie the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 1996.

The whole idea for The Usual Suspects was born out of the simple premise of five men meeting in a police line-up. In a perfect testament to the fact that the most creative and complex thrillers often come from the simplest and most easy-to-summarize set-ups, Singer’s magnum opus is a brilliantly dark thriller full of razor-sharp dialogue and consistently jaw-dropping twists. The biggest one of these turns comes right at the very end of the film, and it’s one of the most iconic final plot twists in movie history, the sort that completely recontextualizes everything that came before. As such, The Usual Suspects is one of those thriller movies that are even better the second time.

5

‘Parasite’ (2019)

Image via NEON

Few countries make thrillers quite as gripping as those made by South Korean filmmakers like Bong Joon Ho. Bong has always been one of the greatest South Korean directors not just of his generation, but of all time, having made several of the best Asian movies of the 21st century. However, never before had the world seen anything quite like the historic Parasite. First-ever non-English-language winner of the Best Picture Academy Award, nothing less than the most prestigious award in the entire film industry, this modern masterpiece is one of the best Best Picture Oscar winners since 2000.

But aside from its achievements being historic, Parasite has the quality to show that it deserved to make history in the first place. The way Bong juggles genres in this brilliant social satire is nothing short of genius, and the way it blends with the film’s constantly-escalating sense of tension, mystery, and suspense is also absolutely perfect. Parasite‘s critique of socioeconomic disparities aren’t particularly subtle, but Bong isn’t a director that’s ever been known for being shy with his thematic explorations. Loud, timely, and an awful lot of fun, Parasite is one of the best films of the 21st century so far.

4

‘Oldboy’ (2003)

Image via Tartan Films

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As if any more proof were needed that South Korean filmmakers are absolute masters of the thriller genre, there’s also Park Chan-wook, who has made several thriller masterpieces over the course of his career. The question of which one’s the best of the bunch, however, isn’t actually much of a question at all. It has to be Oldboy, one of the best action thrillers of the 2000s, as well as one of the most disturbing crime movies ever made.

Oldboy is not for the faint of heart, but the way Park uses shock value here always feels perfectly calculated and artfully deliberate instead of gratuitous or exploitative. Exquisitely character-driven and packed with jaw-dropping twists, including some of the most shocking final twists toward its showstopping third act, Oldboy is a psychological thriller that all those with the stomach for it should check out at least once in their lives. Full of perfectly shot action sequences and emotionally stirring character moments, it’s one of the most well-rounded thrillers of modern times.

3

‘Memento’ (2000)

Before he was Academy Award winner Christopher Nolan, king of Hollywood blockbusters; he was up-and-coming indie filmmaker Christopher Nolan, the man whose sophomore feature, Memento, took the world by storm as soon as it premiered at the Venice Film Festival at the tail end of the 20th century. Today, there are still those who would confidently refer to this as Nolan’s best movie to date, and for good reason. It may lack the epic scale or sense of spectacle of his newer blockbuster fare, but that is precisely where its thematic, narrative, and aesthetic strength comes from.

There are plenty of reasons why Memento is one of the best films of the 2000s, not least of which is the genius way in which Nolan structures the story in reverse chronological order. This never feels like a cheap gimmick, but rather like a masterfully-constructed framing device that makes the film consistently surprising at every turn. By the time the credits roll, Memento has recontextualized itself as a drama of surprising philosophical depth, exploring the lengths to which people will go in order to give their lives some semblance of meaning.

2

‘Se7en’ (1995)

Image via New Line Cinema

By the time 1995 rolled in, David Fincher was still very far from being the hugely-acclaimed filmmaker that cinephiles celebrate him as today. After all, by that point, the only feature film under his belt was Alien³. That’s when Se7en came along. When Fincher was brought on board the project, he was still better-known for his work directing music videos, and he wasn’t a fan of the script’s police procedural elements. Even still, he was so fascinated by the escalating plot and the incredibly bleak story that he agreed to direct. The result? One of the most fatalistic movies of all time.But as overwhelmingly bleak as it is, Se7en still managed to make over $300 million dollars at the box office worldwide, immediately establishing Fincher as a talent to look out for in the thriller space. Today, he’s one of the greatest thriller filmmakers currently working. That would have probably never happened without Se7en, a psychological thriller so terrifyingly pessimistic and violent that there are those who would argue it qualifies as a horror movie, too.

1

‘The Silence of the Lambs’ (1991)

Image via Orion Pictures

There’s really no question about it: Since the arrival of the ’90s, there still hasn’t been a thriller quite as iconic, influential, or legendary than The Silence of the Lambs. It’s the latest movie to have won all Big Five Oscars (Best Picture, Director, Screenplay, Actor, and Actress) for a reason. Anchored by Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster delivering some of the strongest work of their careers, this psychological thriller/horror masterpiece is one of the greatest serial killer mystery movies ever made.

This is yet another film that definitely demands that the viewer have a strong stomach in order to get through the whole film, but watching Silence of the Lambs at some point is nevertheless a bona fide requirement for considering oneself a cinephile. It’s one of those horror movies that are perfect throughout, a thematically complex character-driven gem bolstered by Ted Tally‘s timeless script and Jonathan Demme‘s downright flawless direction. Since 1990, The Silence of the Lambs is the best thriller movie that the big screen has received—and it’ll take something very special to take that top spot away from it.

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The Silence of the Lambs

Release Date

February 14, 1991

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Runtime

119 minutes

Director

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Jonathan Demme

Writers

Ted Tally, Thomas Harris

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The Real Housewives of Orange County star Shannon Beador has something to say about Southern Charm’s Rodrigo Reyes claiming that she was rude when they crossed paths at BravoCon.

“Can I say, and I apologize,” Shannon, 62, began on the Thursday, July 30, episode of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, “Rodrigo, I don’t know who he is.”

Rodrigo, 42, made waves in January when he claimed on WWHL that Shannon had been “very rude” during BravoCon in November 2025.

“She was very rude and very condescending,” he alleged. “She was talking a lot of crap off to the side that Tyler [Dugas, my fiancé] heard. Tyler heard her talking about, like, Salley [Carson] and I having a better position in one of the fan rooms. Well, honey, show up on time and you won’t have to worry about that.”

Related: Southern Charm’s Rodrigo Reyes Claims Shannon Beador Was ‘Rude’ at BravoCon

Southern Charm personality Rodrigo Reyes had at least one not-so-memorable moment at BravoCon 2025. Rodrigo, 40, was questioned about his “least favorite” Bravolebrity he met at the network’s latest fan convention during his Wednesday, January 28, appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen. “Shannon Beador,” Rodrigo told host Andy Cohen and fellow guest […]

Shannon, meanwhile, asserted on Thursday that she did not intentionally mean to hurt Rodrigo’s feelings.

“Sophie [my daughter] was with me at all times at BravoCon, and I go, ‘Sweetie, who is this?’ She goes, ‘Mom, we never saw him,’” the Housewives star said, to which Sophie, 23, nodded from behind the bar to seemingly corroborate her mom’s account. “So, I don’t know. Andy knows me: I’m nice to everyone, but I’m sorry, Rodrigo.”

Shannon even extended an invitation to make things up to Rodrigo during Bravo’s upcoming fan convention in Charleston, South Carolina, this October.

“We’re doing Fan Fest together,” Shannon stated. “Let’s make up!”

Bravo is hosting a one-day-only fan event on Sunday, October 24, for fans to attend cast panels, immersive experiences, pop-up activations and meet-and-greets with Bravolebrities. Andy Cohen will also tape two special broadcasts of WWHL in the days ahead of Bravo Fan Fest.

Personalities from Below Deck, Southern Charm, Southern Hospitality, Summer House and the Housewives franchise are expected to be present, including Shannon and her RHOC castmates. The OC iteration is currently airing its milestone 20th season.

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“I had such a great time. I laughed, I did silly, silly things,” Shannon exclusively told Us Weekly last month. “I can’t wait for people to see that. … I really think people are going to enjoy the season, because it’s not always about fighting all the time. Of course, we have our disagreements, but people want to see fun too.”

Shannon further told Us that she was excited about her pal Vicki Gunvalson’s return to the show.

“I was excited about being back and being with my girlfriends and showing everybody what I’ve been up to,” Vicki, 64, told Us in a separate interview in June. “I’m still really good friends with Shannon on and off camera, Tamra [Judge] as well. It was easy.”

Few video game developers have been as consistently high-quality and masterful in their scope and scale as Naughty Dog, who have consistently been at the forefront of exceptional gaming experiences during the 3D era of gaming. While they released an array of games in their early years, they didn’t truly find their footing until their collaborations with Sony on their various PlayStation consoles. They proved to be so revolutionary and important to the console’s success that the studio was bought by Sony in 2001, and they have continued to make exceptional games for PlayStation systems ever since.

From some of the best and most engaging platformers of their era to masterfully woven pieces of cinematic greatness within the medium of video games, Naughty Dog’s best games are in a league of their own in terms of quality and care. However, more than simply being the greatest games that they have released, each of these games is fundamentally essential when it comes to understanding the craft and strengths that have made Naughty Dog the powerhouse studio that they are today.

8

‘Jak 3’ (2004)

The final game in Naughty Dog’s acclaimed PS2 trilogy, Jak 3 is one of the studio’s most prominent examples in their shift in mentality when it came to the types of game experiences that they wanted to create. It continues the darker tone that was set up by Jak II, with an even greater emphasis on gun combat than previous entries and the intricacies of the Wasteland. More than any previous game in Naughty Dog’s catalog, there is a great emphasis placed on genuine and emotional storytelling, a tenet that would follow them for nearly every subsequent release.

While it might not be an absolute narrative masterpiece or even the best game in the Jak and Daxter trilogy, its importance to the legacy and growth of Naughty Dog as a studio makes it an essential experience for fans of the studio. With well-written characters and some shocking twists laden throughout, there are a lot of core elements strewn throughout Jak 3 that can directly be compared to the stories and characters of modern Naughty Dog experiences.

7

‘Crash Team Racing’ (1999)

Image via Playstation

Kart racing spinoffs of beloved platforming franchises weren’t exactly rare during the 90s, but what was a massive rarity was that Naughty Dog was actually developing this spinoff of their beloved PS1 trilogy rather than another development team. This has largely helped Crash Team Racing become one of the most well-crafted and timeless kart racing games of all time, surpassing the likes of Mario Kart 64 and becoming the must-play multiplayer racing game of the era.

Crash Team Racing proved more than a shadow of a doubt that Naughty Dog was a truly special development team, able to create much more than just top-notch platformers and showing strength within a completely different genre. The final Crash Bandicoot game they developed served as an unlikely, perfect send-off for their beloved marsupial character, and it is still celebrated as one of the best kart racers ever made and an icon of multiplayer gaming on the PS1.

6

‘Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy’ (2001)

While it may seem a bit strange to return to the more cartoony charms of Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy after knowing just how much more dark and serious the series would go, the game is still a highly engaging platformer experience built upon the strengths of the collect-a-thon genre. The film is massively influenced by other prominent collect-a-thons of the previous era, like Super Mario 64 and especially Banjo Kazooie, with each world and mission brimming with character and charm that add to the overall experience.

For a console that quickly became defined by an array of mature and adult-oriented gaming experiences, Jak and Daxter is easily the definitive family-friendly adventure game for the PS2. Its adherence to the strengths of the collect-a-thon genre is what really makes the game so engaging all these years later, as subsequent Jak and Daxter games largely abandoned the collect-a-thon style of gameplay with their shift to action and more story-oriented gameplay.

5

‘Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End’ (2016)

Image via Sony Computer Entertainment

For the most part, the distinct console trilogies made by Naughty Dog stayed within the confines of the console that they originated on, as the Crash Bandicoot trilogy on PS1 and Jak and Daxter trilogy on PS2 set the standard for Uncharted to follow on PS3. However, the franchise ended up receiving a surprise 4th entry on the PS4, with Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End being an exceptional sendoff to the beloved characters of the Uncharted franchise.

It acts as this glorious culmination of all of the strengths of the franchise, from large-scale cinematic action sequences to intricate puzzles and memorable character moments. The best-selling PS4 game is an undeniable highlight of Naughty Dog’s offerings, elevating the brilliance and scale of the franchise to the next generation of technological and graphical capabilities. The game even features a direct throwback to Naughty Dog’s origins with PlayStation, with the player being able to play the first level of Crash Bandicoot as played by Nathan and Elena.

4

‘The Last of Us: Part II’ (2020)

Image via Naughty Dog

So far the only Naughty Dog game to have won the highly coveted Game Award for Game of the Year, The Last of Us Part II is still technically the most recent Naughty Dog release when not considering remasters and ports. This massively acclaimed sequel to the already legendary game became largely lauded thanks to its darker, more depressing story, dynamic characterization, and overarching themes of revenge. Even outside of the divisive nature of the game’s story, the technical craft and exceptional gameplay are still some of Naughty Dog at their very best.

There is so much passion and care placed into even the tiniest details of the game, adding to the immersion and emotional impact of each shocking twist and tense moment. This swan song for the PS4 era of PlayStation is still heralded as one of the greatest technical achievements in video game history, with the exceptional emotional impact of its story even further adding to its legacy as one of the icons of PlayStation in the 2020s.

3

‘Crash Bandicoot: Warped’ (1998)

The third game in Naughty Dog’s original PlayStation trilogy, Crash Bandicoot: Warped acts as the absolute highlight of the entire Crash Bandicoot franchise and one of the best games on the PS1. The time travel-centric platformer expands upon the strengths of previous entries to create a highly engaging experience that consistently adds new twists and elements to keep the player entertained from beginning to end. 3D platforming of the 90s simply doesn’t get better than this masterpiece of the genre.

Especially in the era of Naughty Dog games before they hard-focused on cinematic narrative-centric games, Crash Bandicoot: Warped features arguably some of the most seamless and satisfying gameplay out of any game that they’ve released. It’s one of the most timeless platforming experiences that gaming has to offer, feeling just as fun to play as it was when it first released, and a symbol of the polish and impact of Naughty Dog’s approach to gameplay.

2

‘Uncharted 2: Among Thieves’ (2009)

Image via Sony Computer Entertainment

The original Uncharted was certainly an impactful and memorable game for its time, but the stature and legacy of Uncharted as one of the faces of PlayStation simply wouldn’t exist without the brilliance and overwhelming mastery of Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. The game builds upon the concepts and strengths of the original game and seamlessly creates one of the most cinematic video game experiences of all time. From one of the greatest openings in any video game to a consistent stream of impactful action and setpieces, Uncharted 2 brings the strength and scope of an action-blockbuster movie to the world of video games better than any other game before or since.

It also helps that Naughty Dog had clearly gotten more comfortable with this style of third-person shooter narrative-centric action game, as they’re taking much more risks and having more exciting moments when the original game felt like it was playing things safe for the most part. All of these strengths are largely inherent to the exceptional single-player experience, but Uncharted 2 also featured some surprisingly fun multiplayer modes that were extremely fun while still adhering to the core strengths of Uncharted.

1

‘The Last of Us’ (2013)

Image via Naughty Dog

There’s a good reason that when many gamers of the modern day think of the exceptional games released by Naughty Dog, The Last of Us is often the first game that comes to mind. It was a revolutionary leap forward for the industry that stands tall as one of the most important games of the era and a symbol of what is possible in terms of artistic storytelling in the medium of video games. No other game in their catalog quite exemplifies the masterful reputation of Naughty Dog quite like The Last of Us, which continues to be celebrated as an all-time classic and one of the greatest PlayStation games ever made.

This beautifully crafted dystopian action thriller finds the perfect blend between tense stealth-based action, exceptionally well-written characters, and a story that keeps gamers hooked from the first scene up until its legendary ending. Everything that Naughty Dog had been building towards throughout their stature as PlayStation’s top development team comes to a head in The Last of Us to create the pinnacle of the PS3’s library and one of the most important video games of the 2010s.

Sporty track pants might be a style straight out of the ‘90s, but they have never been so chic. These bottoms combine the comfort and ease of wide-leg sweatpants with the sleek and elevated feel of trousers, thus offering a versatile look that works for both casual and dressed-up outfits. While a little unexpected, they also nail the effortless NYC cool-girl aesthetic that we’re constantly going after, making them a top pick right now.

We found effortlessly sleek track pants that work for just about any occasion, including travel, errand runs and even a night on the town. Made with lightweight materials, sporty-chic designs and relaxed silhouettes, these 17 track pants will become your go-tos for summer, fall and beyond. Oh, and while we love a classic black and white design, you’ll also discover other interesting and trendy color options below ranging from neutral beiges to cute pinks. See our favorites from Adidas, Free People and more.

17 Elevated Track Pants for NYC Cool Girl Style

1. Our Favorite: These classic black track pants offer a budget-friendly designer look with a lightweight feel and relaxed fit that flatters any shape. Even better: They come in several different inseam sizes, so you can find your perfect fit.

2. Runner-Up: These lightweight track pants are sporty-chic, thanks to the striped detailing and slightly flared leg. And since they cost less than $20, they’re definitely worth trying.

3. Suitcase-Ready: Packing for a trip where you want to look stylish and cool? Include these lightweight track pants. They’re meant to fold down small to fit in any bag or suitcase, and the relaxed fit nails the cool-girl vibe.

4. Super Soft: Miss your sweats? Opt for these cotton track pants that are so soft, they feel just like your favorite loungewear. However, the subtle seam down the front makes them feel more elevated. Bonus: They have zippered pockets, too.

5. Stripes for Days: Black track pants are the go-to, but this navy blue option makes a strong case for branching out. With their pinstripe design and relaxed fit, these Adidas pants look good dressed up or down.

Related: These Denim Shorts Are the New Wave of Summer 2026 Style

Denim shorts have come a long way since the 1960s, when people would quite literally cut their jeans as part of a counterculture movement. You can say denim was a big part of that ‘unconventional’ mentality, which promoted peace and love, anti-authority views, artistic freedom, hippie-esque lifestyles and yes, breezy, easy-going style. While 2026 looks […]

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6. Y2K Trending: These baggy track pants lean heavily into the Y2K trend, and we’re not complaining. They have a super wide-leg style that gives major ‘It’ girl vibes.

7. Minimalist Style: Eschew the typical stripes-down-the-leg look and opt for these minimalist black track pants instead. They offer the same fit and feel, but they’re a lot more simple, which gives them a slightly less sporty feel.

8. Coquette Vibes: These baggy track pants have that typical sporty chic look to them, but the addition of cute white bows at the bottom of each pant leg really makes them stand out.

9. Sporty and Chic: These mid-rise pants feature an active-approved fabric that wicks away moisture, making them perfect for walking or hitting the gym. But they also look cute enough to dress up a bit. Act fast, because they are on sale right now.

10. Sleek Silhouette: A straight leg fit and skinny stripes down the side make these Free People track pants feel more sleek and put together. They have just enough stretch and feel super soft, too.

11. Cool Cargos: Think of these baggy athletic pants as the perfect mix of track bottoms and cargos. They have the stripes down the side of the leg, big pockets and a wide-leg fit, so they absolutely nail the cool Y2K look.

12. Feminine Touch: The simple change of adding scalloped stripes down the leg makes these colorful track pants stand out instantly. They’re just a bit more feminine but still sporty and polished.

13. Cult Classic: These classic Adidas track pants just might be where it all started. This modern version includes a textured fabric that gives them the perfect update.

14. Elevated Look: Opt for a more tailored look with these bootcut track pants. The colors, single stripe and crepe fabric make them feel instantly more put together, while the ankle zip and bootcut fit keep them sporty.

15. Cropped and Cute: Perfect for end-of-summer outfits, these cropped track pants hit just above the ankle and feel super lightweight. They also come in so many fun colors and have a water-resistant material that makes them work well as activewear.

16. Sale Alert: These burgundy track pants stand out because of the bright color. They’re also soft, comfy and currently on sale — you can’t beat that.

17. Rich Mom Feel: Think of these tailored pants as the perfect mix of trousers and track pants. They’re sleek, crisp and still comfortable, and they would look so good with a pair of cute heels.

Related: Shoppers Found the ‘Best Work Pants‘ That Finally Sold Me on Capris

I’ll admit it: I wasn’t convinced the capri pants trend deserved a comeback. Too many styles feel outdated or unflattering or just plain difficult to style. Then, I stumbled across the Miduo High-Waisted Cropped Capris on Amazon, and suddenly the trend started to make a whole lot more sense. They’re polished enough for the office, […]

Young and the Restless spoilers for the week of August 3rd are going to see Mariah Copeland (Camryn Grimes) back home to Genoa City, and it is a big shocker for somebody. Plus, Nick Newman (Joshua Morrow) is out of rehab before he should be, and there’s going to be a surprise wedding.

Young and the Restless: Nick Out of Rehab

Now, first, let’s get into what is going on with Nick and his rehab and how he is tied to this surprise wedding. First, we’re going to talk about Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) and Victor Newman (Eric Braeden). So, at the end of this week on Young and the Restless, Nikki and Victor are hanging out at the GCAC, and Nikki is enjoying how wonderful it is to see again. Even the fruit on her plate has her happy. It’s so colorful.

She and Victor just got back from visiting Nick in rehab. Now, mind you, family is not supposed to show up right when somebody goes into rehab. Sharon Newman (Sharon Case) even mentioned that when she told Noah Newman (Lucas Adams) that Nick had checked himself into rehab. And you could tell that Sharon didn’t like that Nikki and Victor pushed forward with this visit because it’s outside of the process. And Nikki knows that. Bottom line, that could negatively impact Nick’s process of staying clean.

Victor Swallows His Pride on Y&R

So, Nikki and Victor talked about how broken that Nick seemed when they saw him. And both Nikki and Victor are worried about their son. But I guess they’re not worried enough to follow the rules of rehab, though. And then Nikki asks where she and Victor stand now that her vision is back.

So, he wants to focus on the positive things like Nikki regaining her sight and Nick’s recovery process. But Nikki can’t live with the uncertainty. She doesn’t want to ignore what broke up her and Victor. And he wants Nikki back home for good. But Victor doesn’t want to talk about Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman).

And if you remember, Victor told Nikki that the only path to them reuniting was if she cut Jack out of her life. But now it looks like Victor’s had some sort of epiphany. And he tells Nikki he knows he’s got to accept Jack is her friend. Of course, Victor calls Jack a loser when he says it, but it’s still better overall.

And then Nikki says she’s willing to let go of what Victor did to Jack, but only if Victor can let go of the night Jack saved her—you know, the whole night of debauchery thing that Victor’s always on about. So, he tells Nikki that his love for her is stronger than his hate for Jack. And then Victor says, “Let’s go home.”

Young and Restless: Victor and Nikki’s Surprise Wedding

So, next week on Young and the Restless, spoilers have Victor slipping Nikki’s ring back onto her finger and Victor proposes. He asks if Nikki will marry him again. And of course, since Victor’s got a stranglehold on her heart, we will see Nikki tell him yes. She says, “I will marry you a thousand times over.”

I mean, really, not a thousand. This is maybe what, number six. I don’t know how many times they’ve been married off the top of my head. So, those two are the surprise wedding that we’re going to be getting. And it sounds like it won’t be too long before Victor and Nikki renew their vows, possibly next week.

Unfortunately, it looks like Nick is home from rehab because he asks his mom if she’s ready to be a bride again. And what’s wild about that is when he says that Nikki is in the same blouse as she was wearing on Friday’s episode at the GCAC on her outing with Victor. So, is Nick just walking out of rehab the same day that Nikki and Victor came to visit? If so, that is not a good sign for him beating this addiction.

Young and the Restless: Nick Breaks the Rules

Rehab is supposed to last for weeks without a break. Sharon was worried about Nick and she might have more cause to worry soon. But maybe he checked out to see Victor and Nikki renew their vows and then Nick will go back soon, even though that’s also against the rules. But also, despite the wedding distraction, Victor has more fish to fry. He is quite upset at Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford) and Matt Clark (Roger Howarth) by the end of this week and again going into next week.

Phyllis did the deed with Matt, but she woke up alone. He had gone to see Sienna to ask her a favor. So, while Matt’s at the Shadow Room, Phyllis is freaking out, thinking that Matt had relations and then left town. So, she’s calling, texting, leaving an insane voicemail. Typical stuff from Phyllis. But no, Matt didn’t leave Genoa City. Instead, he went to ask Sienna if she would speak to the Newmans on his behalf and basically get Victor, Noah, and the others to just leave him alone. And Sienna doesn’t think they’ll listen, but she is willing to speak to them on Matt’s behalf.

Y&R Spoilers: Matt’s Defiance and Danny’s New Role

And then he goes to find Phyllis to reassure her that he is making every effort to stay in town to be with her and that he went to see Sienna for help with that. And Matt tells Phyllis what he asked Sienna to do. But Phyllis warns Matt not to trust anybody, not even his ex. And Phyllis tells Matt, “Please don’t listen to the nasty voicemail I left.” And then he tells Phyllis he’s not leaving.

He even left his bag under her bed. Not only that, but Matt faces off with Victor by the end of the week. Says he’s not working for him. He’s not leaving town and he’s going to stay with Phyllis. And of course, Victor is enraged. There’s a shocker next week for Phyllis related to her ex, Danny Romalotti (Michael Damian) and Christine Blair Romalotti (Lauralee Bell), his wife, are up at The Shadow Room.

And if you recall, he really liked the club and he helped out behind the bar when staff was short. That was the same night that he told people he’s tired of touring. So, next week’s Young and the Restless spoilers have him and his wife up at Shadow Room, and he tells his wife he likes it there.

Young and the Restless: Danny Surprises Christine

And she says she knows, but won’t that interfere with his regular job? He asks her, “What if this was my regular job?” She asks if he’s going viral. And he says, “No, a rock club manager.” Then he tells her, “Meet the new man in charge.” So, it looks like he is going to be managing the club for Sienna Bacall (Tamara Braun) and Noah. And I guess that means more of him and his wife on Young and the Restless, at least until the new headwriters tap in, and then we’ll see what happens.

I’m sure that Phyllis won’t miss a chance to bring Matt up to The Shadow Room to rub her relationship in her ex’s face. But I think he and his wife will be absolutely horrified to see who Phyllis has in her bed. Maybe not too surprised though, given her track record with the men she chooses. I mean, he was a good one, though.

Young and Restless: Mariah Comes Home

Also, next week on Young and the Restless, spoilers have Mariah back and she is delivering a real shocker. So, up at Crimson Lights, Mariah sneaks up behind her mom, Sharon, and covers her eyes and she yells out, “Mariah!” And then she tells Sharon, “I’m home.” So, we’ll see if Tessa is with her and Aria, too.

Hopefully both. Mariah’s return comes at a perfect time because Devon Hamilton (Bryton James) is really struggling with his anger issues. And that all goes back to Mariah kidnapping Dominic. And because of that, Devon is destroying personal relationships and he really needs some closure and some calm before he ruins his own life. So hopefully, Mariah can talk to Devon and he’ll open up to Mariah and they can work through things before Devon winds up going further off the rails.

There is something particularly special about a good horror book. Reading might not be as interactive as gaming, because there’s also something to be said about an effective horror game, but reading can be more immersive than watching a movie or a TV show, so if you want to be genuinely rattled by an experience, a book or a game might well be the best thing to throw yourself into.

All stories that succeed in being scary are intense, to some extent, but the following ones are especially nerve-wracking. These all rank among the most intense horror books of all time, standing as the sorts of things that are not particularly good to read if you need something to help you unwind… but if that’s not what you’re after, read on, and then maybe pick up one such book and (further) read on.

10

‘American Psycho’ (1991)

Image via Picador

American Psycho is a book about an investment banker who’s also a serial killer, or at least seems to be the latter. And he only sort of seems to be the former, too, since he doesn’t really do much by way of actual work, and is instead driven by purely materialistic means, describing things relating to fashion and money in the same excruciating detail that he describes the murders he either does or fantasizes about doing.

The original novel here is definitely satirical, but has a little less comedy than what’s found in the movie adaptation, which is a bit gentler and faster-paced, even if it’s also quite full-on by general movie standards. It’s worth stressing that, though, for anyone who approaches American Psycho (1991) after enjoying American Psycho (2000), since the horror in the original is a good deal more intense.

Image via Simon & Schuster

At its core, The Metamorphosis is a book about a man who, for reasons that are never made particularly clear, finds himself transformed into a giant insect. Okay, it’s technically a novella, but a novella can still be classified as a book… it’s just not a novel. It’s short, and it makes sense why it’s short, given so much of it takes place in such a confined location, and it’s also so simple narratively.

There are certainly interesting things explored here, though, and The Metamorphosis is made more complex because much of it’s also about how this unfortunate man/insect’s family responds to the whole unsettling revelation. It’s a story that sees Franz Kafka doing his famously upsetting and surreal thing, ensuring there’s still a lot here that’s timelessly unsettling, even if the story’s now well over a century old and, on paper, might sound a bit too silly or high-concept to be actually scary (it’s all in the execution, ultimately, and what an execution you’ve got here).

8

‘The Troop’ (2014)

Image via Arcadia Books

In the overall scheme of things, The Troop is a fairly recent book, but it feels like it could well become a classic once enough time has passed. At least for now, it’s the kind of thing that’s surprisingly new, because it feels like it’s been around for a while, mashing together the horror you find in a good many stories about survival with some fears about bioengineered diseases for good measure.

The Troop is a trip, and once it gets going, it proves relentless with its pacing, so it’s inevitable that it works as a horror book that feels intense. You get a lot here, with it being scary on a few different levels, and also, Stephen King is on record saying it creeped him out, and you’ve got to assume it takes quite a bit to unsettle someone who’s so in tune with horror, as a genre. Speaking of King…

7

‘Pet Sematary’ (1983)

Image via Doubleday

If you try to look up which Stephen King book is the most disturbing, you’re generally going to find Pet Sematary ranking right near the top, and that’s fair, because it is very confronting. It’s about death, basically, with a family moving into a house that’s near a pet cemetery that seems to have the ability to bring dead things back to life. A certain amount of chaos ensues, some of it expected, and then some of it perhaps darker than you might anticipate.

It’s a raw book, for lack of a better descriptor. Pet Sematary goes through some heavy things, in terms of how far it’s willing to go with its exploration of grief and a certain amount of psychological horror alongside the supernatural stuff, too. It’s vintage Stephen King, and there’s only really one other horror book of his (not counting those books written under a pseudonym of his) that might well be more intense… more on that in a bit.

6

‘The Long Walk’ (1979)

Image via Signet Books

Speaking of Stephen King, but not really, because Richard Bachman is definitely a different author who might have some similarities to Stephen King, but is in no way the kind of author you should confuse for King, here’s The Long Walk, which is the best of the Bachman books. It’s a harrowing dystopian novel about a competition that involves a bunch of boys walking themselves to death.

Technically, one will survive, but only one, because the punishment for anyone in this competition who stops walking is execution, making it as high-stakes as a “sporting” event can possibly get. It’s only a sport in a world that’s really gone to hell, and that description does adequately describe the sort of world that The Long Walk seems to take place in. It’s a very compelling read, but an almost constantly mortifying one, too, and the rare book that might well make you feel genuine physical pain throughout, while reading.

5

‘Blonde’ (2000)

If you want to argue that Blonde is not a horror book, then go wild. You’re welcome to make that argument. It’s horrifying, though, and it’s also hard to classify it as a biographical book, because even while it’s about Marilyn Monroe, it does not aspire to be historically accurate, nor biographical in the traditional sense. It touches upon real things, and it does feel grounded in many ways, but it uses Monroe’s story for other reasons.

There’s an exploration of plenty of real-world horrors within the film industry, and within society more broadly, to be found here, with Monroe the tragic figure at the center of it all; a person shown to be particularly victimized by the sorts of things Blonde explores. Laying it out like that makes Blonde sound heavy, but it goes deeper into disturbing territory than you might expect, feeling like a work of horror even if it might not always be classified as such (a similar sort of thing can be said about the “Western” Blood Meridian).

4

‘Swan Song’ (1987)

Image via Pocket Books

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Swan Song is a book that largely takes place after the end of the world, with the end of the world in this particular case brought about by nuclear war. That devastation is covered in the opening chapters, and then the bulk of the book is about a handful of survivors trying to persevere in a drastically changed world, with all of them getting wrapped up, in one way or another, in a battle for the future of the planet.

It’s an incredibly long book, nearing 1000 pages all up, but most of it’s excellently paced, and so it ends up earning that length. Swan Song is also effectively frightening, perhaps most so with the early chapters, but there is a starkness to the post-apocalyptic stuff as well that feels striking. It’s a great read all around, and succeeds as a grand horror book (thankfully touching upon – and belonging to – a few other genres, too).

3

‘House of Leaves’ (2000)

Image via Turtleback Books

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On one hand, House of Leaves delivers the same kind of visceral and eerie horror that you can find in Backrooms (both the 2026 movie and the online lore about the whole thing), but then, on the other hand, it goes a lot deeper and gets quite a bit weirder. The Backrooms comparison comes from the primary setting of House of Leaves, and the fact that it works as a found footage sort of thing, even if House of Leaves is decidedly not a movie.

But the “footage” comes from a documentary within the book that’s the subject of a great deal of analysis, and it’s also a documentary that might not exist, which adds to the horror and confusion. There’s a story within a story within a story (possibly within another story) here, and the presentation really makes it something special. There’s nothing else out there exactly like House of Leaves, nor anything as expansively confronting in quite the same way.

2

‘From Hell’ (1989–1998)

Image via Top Shelf Productions

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A graphic novel about Jack the Ripper, From Hell goes to some incredibly unsettling and strange places throughout, and it’s also pretty long by graphic novel standards, so there’s a quantity of disturbing stuff here alongside a striking “quality” of disturbing things. Anything about Jack the Ripper kind of has to be intense, by default, but From Hell goes the extra mile in certain regards.

The presentation is nauseating, the subject matter is always dark, and everything descends in a way that lives up to the title, because it does feel pretty hellish throughout. All that being said, From Hell is very good, because all these negative feelings it inspires are intentional, and more or less the point of what it’s going for and stuff, yet it is all that to an inevitably surprising extent, in so many ways.

1

‘IT’ (1986)

Image via Viking

A monumental horror epic, IT also feels right up there as one of the very best Stephen King novels, even if there are some definite flaws here, making it hard to call the whole thing “perfect.” But if you go into a book that’s more than 1000 pages long expecting all of those pages to be perfect, that’s, uh, probably not the right approach. You’re destined to find a wonky line here and there when you’ve got that many words.

What’s important is that so much of IT works exceptionally well, with it having great characters (including an undeniably amazing villain), an interesting structure, and an overall narrative that is so intrinsically about fear itself. The villain and what it’s all about thematically work in tandem to ensure IT feels, more or less, like the ultimate horror story, and so that’s the main reason why it’s #1 here. It also helps that there are few books able to stay so engaging for such a long time.

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It

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Release Date

September 8, 2017

Runtime

135 minutes

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Writers

Cary Joji Fukunaga, Gary Dauberman, Chase Palmer

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After years of delays, rewrites, and uncertainty surrounding Marvel Studios’ long troubled Blade reboot, Mahershala Ali has finally addressed the project’s cancellation in his most candid comments yet.

Speaking with GQ while promoting his new film Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, Ali made it clear that he’s no longer dwelling on the failed Marvel project and has found peace with how everything unfolded.

“If they wanted to do it, we would’ve done it,” Ali told GQ. “So I have to move on, and I have moved on.”

The Oscar winner was first announced as Marvel’s new Blade during San Diego Comic Con in 2019, a reveal that instantly became one of the MCU’s biggest casting announcements. However, after multiple directors departed, several writers took over the screenplay, and the film was repeatedly delayed, Marvel ultimately shelved the project. Earlier this month, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige admitted he felt “like a gigantic loser and a failure” that the film never came together.

Despite the disappointment, Ali says the experience wasn’t a complete loss.

“The best way I can answer this question is, when I look at what is for me, is it was either this or that and I’ll take this. No offense to them,” Ali explained. “I’ve been doing this professionally for pushing 30 years now, and one thing I’ve learned is that what is for you is for you and what is not is not.”

Mahershala Ali Blade Concept

Instead of starring as Marvel’s vampire hunter, Ali reunited with former Blade director Bassam Tariq to create the original action drama Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother. The actor believes the film ultimately became a more rewarding creative experience than the Marvel reboot could have been.

“When I look at this and Blade, I couldn’t have done both,” Ali said. “The reason this even exists is because that project fell apart… I was able to use those skills that I had been working on for over a year training for Blade. In that way, I feel creatively redeemed on some level.”

Ali also acknowledged that the first teaser for the new film intentionally included him wielding a sword, something many fans viewed as a nod to the character they never got to see him play.

“I’m glad we were able to satisfy that and kind of move on,” he said, adding that while audiences may have expected a big budget superhero spectacle, the smaller scale project allowed them to tell a much deeper and more personal story.

Mahershala Ali and Kevin Fiege [getty]

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As for whether fans should continue asking him about Marvel’s canceled reboot, Ali made his position perfectly clear.

“I’m good,” he said with a laugh. “Again, you had me under contract, they have billions of dollars, if they wanted to do the movie, we would’ve done the movie. So we’re not doing the movie… I feel ready to move on from the Blade questions. Those questions are for them. They didn’t want to do it, so they should answer that question.”

For many Marvel fans, Ali’s comments offer long awaited closure on one of the MCU’s most infamous canceled projects. While his version of Blade never made it to the big screen, the actor has made it clear he’s looking ahead, not back.

Hallmark’s Paris Is Always a Good Idea is based on a book — but star Lacey Chabert promises there’s still room for viewers to be surprised.

“I can’t answer for the book fans, but I do think they will be happy with this adaptation,” Chabert, 43, exclusively told Us about how the limited series brings Jenn McKinlay‘s novel to life.

Chabert hinted that there were “some changes that had to be made in the adaptation,” adding, “But I think it’s such a rich story. The characters that people fell in love with in the book are represented so well in this.”

The six-part show follows nonprofit executive Chelsea (Chabert), who goes to Paris with rival Knightly (Scott Michael Foster) to secure a donation. Through a message from her late mother — and support from her family — Chelsea decides to revisit three past loves across Ireland, Paris and Spain.

Related: Where Does Lacey Chabert’s Newest Hallmark Holiday Movie Rank?

Lacey Chabert has become one of Hallmark’s biggest stars after making her network debut in 2010 — and she has no plans to stop anytime soon. “These movies mean so much to me. I really am genuine when I say that,” Chabert exclusively told Us Weekly in October 2021. “They’re not just jobs, and I […]

“I am so happy that this is a limited series because it gives us six episodes to tell this story,” Chabert gushed. “And with a movie, you’re limited in the amount of time that you have to do that.”

By expanding the running time, Paris Is Always a Good Idea is able to get viewers even more invested in the love stories at the center of the show. Chabert appreciated the opportunity to dive into Chelsea’s adventure, which is “a very layered” story.

“It’s a romance and it’s a family drama. It’s a beautiful travel story,” she shared. “We get to go to Ireland, Paris and Spain. We’re also dealing with three different timelines, which was really my favorite part of it.”

Chabert continued: “Because I think it’s just human nature to reflect back on your life and ponder about the future. We get to see my character live in all three of those. As an actress, it was really fun to play.”

Paris Is Always a Good Idea did come with its challenges — specifically when it came to filming scenes from every episode at the same time.

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Related: Lacey Chabert Joined Hallmark in 2010: Her Network History Explained

Lacey Chabert has earned her spot as Hallmark’s latest “Queen of Christmas,” but it didn’t happen overnight. The actress, 42, made her Hallmark Channel debut with 2010’s Elevator Girl. Two years later, she starred in her first holiday feature for the network with Matchmaker Santa. “These movies mean so much to me. I really am […]

“We shot all six episodes simultaneously. So we were filming different parts of them at all times,” Chabert recalled. “Scott and I, our very first scene together is one of the more complicated scenes in the show. And we were like, ‘Hi, nice to meet you. Let’s go. Let’s do this difficult scene.’”

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The actress praised the work that went into bringing Paris Is Always a Good Idea to life both in front of and behind the scenes.

“We had the most incredible directors and producers, and the writing is so rich and wonderful,” she gushed. “So it just supported us as actors. It’s my job, so I was carrying around that 300-page script and guarding it. You just plot out where you think you’re going to be, but then sometimes scenes take you by surprise and it doesn’t exactly land the way you expected. So you just adjust. But that is the favorite part of my job; it’s a puzzle.”

New episodes of Paris Is Always a Good Idea airs Thursdays on Hallmark+.

Gaming as a medium is always evolving and striving to put out the most striking and innovative experiences out there, with each different era of the video game industry having its own standout selection of outstanding games that stand the test of time with overwhelming influence. The 2010s especially proved to be one of the most pivotal times for gaming as a whole, between the rise of games as a service archetype, mobile gaming becoming bigger than ever, and massive technological breakthroughs with the eighth generation of consoles.

However, more than prominent trends and the shifting waves of the industry as a whole, the true importance and impact of the decade always comes back to the quality of the games, with the 2010s having an exceptional collection of masterful video game experiences. From explosive, hard-hitting experiences for hardcore gamers to some of the simplest yet most charming casual games out there, many of these games go beyond simply being great for the decade and are among the most celebrated games of all time.

12

‘God of War’ (2018)

Image via Sony Interactive Entertainment

The God of War franchise has always had a dedicated audience who have fallen in love with its distinct mixture of large-scale action, hack-and-slash gameplay, and the inherent fun of the Greek mythology world. However, 2018’s PS4 reboot of the franchise completely evolved it for a new era, with a larger emphasis on a cinematic story, dynamic characters, and the larger potential of shifting into the mythos of Norse mythology.

The game quickly became one of the cornerstones of PlayStation’s success during the PS4 era, spearheading the approach not just for AAA action games, but showing how the blending of this style of hack-and-slash action could still tell an emotionally layered story. Time has proven it to be the absolute system seller and one of the best games on the PS4’s lineup, as well as a massive leap forward for both God of War and fantasy games as a whole.

11

‘Stardew Valley’ (2016)

Image via Proprietary Engine

For all the focus placed upon explosive and high-energy video games that demand the very best from the player, there’s something quaint and charming about a slower-paced, cozier game that can be more widely appreciated by all. While franchises like Animal Crossing and The Sims have scratched this itch for many, the 2010s premiere example of the very best and coziest experience is Stardew Valley, a brilliant farm life simulation game inspired by games like Harvest Moon and brought to life by solo developer ConcernedApe.

The game has an exceptional understanding of the simple joys and satisfaction of growing a virtual farm and creating something beautiful out of what was originally nothing. Combined with some rich writing and characterization from various relationships you can build with the townspeople as well as being able to play through the full game with online cross-platform multiplayer, Stardew Valley is the definitive farm sim game that has only gotten more successful with each passing year.

10

‘The Last of Us’ (2013)

Image via Naughty Dog

One of the final prominent releases for the PS3 that acted as a swan song for this era of PlayStation gaming, Naughty Dog’s magnum opus The Last of Us has largely become the icon for exceptional original storytelling in video games. It takes a classic zombie-adjacent post-apocalyptic world and creates truly impactful emotional depth thanks to its layered central characters and the bond that grows between them.

Further amplified by some great moment-to-moment gameplay that utilizes the managing of limited resources and danger around every corner, The Last of Us proves to be one of the most immersive and cinematic video game experiences not just of the 2010s, but of all time. Even over a decade after its release, the game is still heralded as one of the most important and pivotal in PlayStation’s history and an absolute classic of the era.

9

‘Fortnite Battle Royale’ (2017)

Image via Epic Games

Two of the most dominant trends that started in the 2010s and continue with massive strength well into the modern day are Battle Royale games and live-service games that receive continuous updates so they never die. While many games in the 2010s found great success with this model, none come close to the complete cultural domination of Fortnite Battle Royale, which still has a massive, dedicated player base and frequent content updates to this day.

While the game may not be at the level of absolute unavoidability as it was when it first released, its myriad of interesting game modes, live events, and overwhelming collaborations still make it the absolute gold standard for live-service games. While some gamers still aren’t a fan of this style of live-service game (especially with how many other games try and fail to replicate its success), it’s hard to deny just how well and consistently Fortnite has maintained relevancy even almost a decade after its debut, even with a few hiccups here and there.

8

‘Red Dead Redemption 2’ (2018)

Image via Rockstar

The original Red Dead Redemption was easily one of the most celebrated games from Rockstar Studio’s illustrious lineup, providing the distinct open world and vast possibilities of a Grand Theft Auto-style shooter in the intricate world of the Wild West. However, the long-awaited sequel, Red Dead Redemption 2, managed to up the ante and polish considerably, creating one of the most visually striking and well-crafted games of all time.

This masterful video game prequel takes the signature strengths and charm of the original game and supercharges them to the latest technological possibilities, still having some of the most impressive graphics in any AAA game and an attention to detail that is completely unmatched. This, combined with some satisfying gameplay and top-notch character writing, has made it one of Rockstar’s most successful games and the face of AAA quality in the 2010s.

7

‘Portal 2’ (2011)

Image via Valve

Building upon the already exceptional first-person puzzle mechanics of the original Portal, Portal 2 ups the ante and the scale with more intricate puzzles, more dynamic storytelling, and some of the best writing in any video game. The sequel really didn’t need to do a lot to live up to the stature of the original, as simply having more engaging portal puzzles was enough to satiate gamers looking for more Portal greatness.

However, between the exceptional writing of new characters like Wheatley (Stephen Merchant) and Cave Johnson (J.K. Simmons), new puzzle mechanics like the various gels, and a fleshed-out co-op multiplayer mode, Portal 2 stands tall as the definitive Portal experience and one of Valve’s best games. There’s a deep passion and quality inherent to every second of the game that has helped it sustain an impactful legacy as one of the very best puzzle games ever made and a true feat of video games as an art form.

Image via Bethesda

The Elder Scrolls franchise, one of the largest and most prominent faces in the world of high fantasy video games and action RPGs, reached massive new heights following the success and impact of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. The game completely revolutionized the action RPG genre, with its wide array of content and ways to go about the vast world of Tamriel making it one of the most expansive and infinitely replayable single-player video game experiences of all time.

The game delivers exactly what one wants out of a high-fantasy action RPG, with great expression and possibilities in terms of what type of character you want to play as and how they navigate and interact with the world. No two playthroughs of the game feel the same, making it one of the most timeless and well-crafted game experiences that not only defined the decade, but would define the entire genre in the wake of its success.

5

‘Undertale’ (2015)

Image via Toby Fox

Indie games were certainly prominent before the 2010s, but increased ease of access for small developers to be able to create games led the way for many exceptional indie games to be released and become major hits that stand toe-to-toe with and surpass AAA experiences. While many great indie games would define the 2010s, the very best and most influential is arguably Undertale, the brilliantly crafted, self-aware RPG that mixes bullet hell gameplay with RPG mechanics and oodles of charm and comedic wit.

Toby Fox‘s love letter to quirky RPGs of the past became an overwhelming icon of indie gaming as a whole, with its incredibly memorable characters and layered meta storytelling and themes making it one of the must-play experiences of the 2010s. Its distinct type of humor and charm has given it an overwhelming fanbase over the years, as well as an overwhelming influence on indie games and especially indie RPGs.

4

‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’ (2017)

Image via Nintendo

Each generation of gaming manages to have a legendary Zelda game that helps revolutionize and pave the way for adventure games as a whole, with the unmistakable Zelda masterpiece of the 2010s being The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This massively acclaimed video game masterpiece helped usher in a new era of success for Nintendo following the diminishing returns of the Wii U era in the early 2010s.

This exceptional open-world adventure game helped massively popularize the prospects of creating a vast, expansive open world in combination with other genres and styles of game. In combination with sheer versatility and choice in how the player goes about the progression of the game, this made it one of the most influential games of the era and of all time. The game has now become the face of what the Zelda franchise is for many people, ushering it into a new era in glorious execution.

3

‘Dark Souls’ (2011)

Image via Namco Bandai Games

The Soulsborne games have proven to be massively influential icons of modern hardcore gaming, with their overwhelming difficulty and demand for pinpoint execution making for some of the most satisfyingly cathartic video game experiences imaginable. While each Soulsborne game is iconic and effective in its own right, the original Dark Souls is arguably the best of the 2010s offerings and is easily the most influential and impactful in terms of wider video game history.

The brilliance inherent to the design of Dark Souls is that, while it is infamous for its harsh difficulty, it is far from the only thing that defines the game’s strength. There is a rich world of mythos, a multitude of different gameplay styles that allow the player to adapt and choose their own personal playstyle, and a truly special dark fantasy design that makes each enemy that much more striking.