Over the years, we have seen the releases of some amazing, critically acclaimed, and popularly celebrated thriller novels, many of which have gone on to become notable pop culture landmarks. In all that time, the genre has grown alongside the social and technological evolution of humanity, transforming the very idea of how stories are told and introducing new tropes and subgenres. And in the process, the thriller genre has also produced some true masterpieces that rank among the greatest books of all time, outstripping all others in the genre with their powerful, effective storytelling and unmatched sense of suspense.

From beloved classics to cutting-edge contemporary novels, these books have all successfully captured the hearts and minds of readers everywhere, creating memorable characters and shocking readers while delivering compelling stories of the human condition. Whether you prefer cerebral mysteries, gripping psychological explorations, or inventive storytelling, this list has something for every shade of thriller fan. With that in mind, read on to discover our handpicked selection of thriller books that are undeniable 10/10 masterpieces.

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‘The Killer Question’ (2025)

Image via Atria Books, Simon & Schuster

A modern epistolary mystery novel, The Killer Question was written by British journalist, screenwriter, and author Janice Hallett. Presented through text messages, emails, quiz transcripts, and local reports, the book takes readers through a pitch for a Netflix true-crime documentary based on the mysterious past of a once-loved country pub, The Case is Altered, and its equally mysterious owners, Mal and Sue Eastwood. The narrative moves back and forth in time, unraveling the history of the pub and its popular trivia nights, which take a dark turn after a suspicious team joins the game.

If you thought epistolary novels couldn’t be very thrilling, think again. The Killer Question is a wicked, clever, and deliciously meta work of mystery fiction that packs dead bodies, questionable characters, and a whole lot of pub quizzing in its unputdownable narrative. Swapping traditional prose for a fun and fast-paced, mixed-media story, the novel has been highly acclaimed by critics and readers, earning praise for its storytelling, pacing, and shocking twists. It’s easily one of the most inventive and ambitious books of recent years, and a must-read for all fans of thrillers and mysteries.

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‘Bullet Train / Maria Beetle’ (2010)

Image via Columbia Pictures

Written by Japanese author Kōtarō Isaka, Maria Beetle (published in English as Bullet Train) is a dark comedy crime thriller novel set aboard a high-speed Shinkansen bullet train. The book brings a number of colorful and dangerous characters together over the kidnapped son of a mob boss and a suitcase full of ransom money. The book is the second novel in Isaka’s Hitman trilogy, preceded by Three Assassins (also known as Grasshopper) and followed by The Mantis (aka AX).

A high-octane thriller that effortlessly shifts between dark satire, slapstick comedy, existential philosophy, and sheer dread, Bullet Train is easily one of the most engaging books of the 2010s. Both the original Japanese edition and the English translation have earned high acclaim for their high-energy narrative, wicked humor, and clever twists. It’s also packed with unforgettable characters, like the eternally unlucky Ladybug and the hauntingly evil teenage mastermind Prince. Bullet Train has also been adapted as a 2022 film by David Leitch and as a Japanese stage play in 2018.

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‘Big Little Lies’ (2014)

Image via Penguin Publishing

A hugely popular suburban thriller, Big Little Lies is a darkly comedic and highly suspenseful novel written by Australian author Liane Moriarty. The book explores the lives of three mothers living in an affluent Australian coastal community, each facing their own challenges. A mysterious death at a school trivia night upends their lives, with personal secrets, domestic violence, and schoolyard drama coming together to spoil their seemingly perfect existence.

A sharply satirical exploration of rich suburban life and dark domestic drama, Big Little Lies is a gripping page-turner that leaves the reader in both shock and awe of its characters. Balancing its secrets and dangers with a well-crafted story of female friendships, the novel debuted at the top of the New York Times Best Sellers list when it was published in 2014, making Moriarty the first Australian author ever to debut at number one in the United States. The novel also went on to be adapted as the critically acclaimed and multi-Emmy-winning HBO series starring Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Shailene Woodley, Laura Dern, and Zoë Kravitz. A sequel novel, Big Little Truths, is currently scheduled to be published on August 25, 2026.

4

‘Three Assassins / Grasshopper’ (2004)

Image via The Overlook Press

The first novel in Kōtarō Isaka’s Hitman series, Grasshopper, later translated into English as Three Assassins, is a black-comedy thriller centered on a recently widowed schoolteacher who joins a criminal organization to seek revenge for his wife’s murder. But when his target is murdered by someone else, he finds himself pulled in unexpected directions by the actions of three eccentric killers. The novel moves between the POVs of the schoolteacher (aka the Grasshopper), a quiet veteran hitman (the Whale), and a talkative young assassin (the Cicada).

First published in 2004, Three Assassins was quite highly acclaimed, both in the original Japanese and the later English translation. The novel takes readers on an almost-surreal journey through Tokyo’s criminal underworld, balancing action and intrigue with a touching exploration of grief and regret. The book was adapted as a Japanese film in 2015 and spawned a successful franchise that includes two loose sequels, a short story collection, and two manga series.

5

‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ (2005)

Image via Norstedts Förlag

Written by Stieg Larsson, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a psychological mystery thriller novel that follows disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist and gifted but troubled hacker Lisbeth Salander. When Blomkvist is hired by a wealthy industrialist to look into a 40-year-old disappearance, it brings the two characters together on an investigation that uncovers dark secrets and a long legacy of corruption. Originally released in Sweden with the title Män som hatar kvinnor (Men Who Hate Women), the book was the first in the Millennium trilogy, which has since been expanded into an ongoing series.

First published in 2005, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is an iconic modern psychological thriller featuring an unconventional female protagonist, a powerful sense of atmosphere, and a complex, gripping plot. The novel was a major international success, and its popularity was further elevated by its Swedish film adaptation and the Hollywood remake, both of which easily rank among the most critically acclaimed thrillers of the 21st century. The Millennium series as a whole has played a significant role in sparking greater worldwide interest in Nordic crime fiction, leading to the “Nordic Noir” trend of recent decades.

6

‘Gone Girl’ (2012)

Image via Phoenix

The third and most successful novel by American author Gillian Flynn, Gone Girl revolves around husband and wife Nick and Amy Dunne, whose lives take an unexpected turn when Amy mysteriously vanishes on their fifth anniversary. The subsequent investigation uncovers evidence of a possible murder, including a diary that points to Nick as the prime suspect, but it soon becomes clear that neither Nick nor Amy is telling the whole truth. The book unveils the story in three parts, revealing new angles and perspectives in each.

A thoroughly engrossing psychological thriller about a turbulent, complicated marriage and toxic codependency, Gone Girl is a dark and twisted book full of dark and twisted people. Masterfully using the unreliable narrator trope to create a truly unpredictable experience, the novel has been highly acclaimed by readers and reviewers alike, raising the bar for modern thrillers. Gone Girl was later adapted as a successful and award-winning film by David Fincher, with Flynn writing the screenplay herself.

7

‘Murder on the Orient Express’ (1934)

One of the most iconic mystery books of all time, Murder on the Orient Express was written by legendary English writer Agatha Christie and follows her famous creation, Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, on a baffling case somewhere in Yugoslavia. Set aboard the titular luxury train, the novel reveals how Poirot’s trip home to London from the Middle East is interrupted by a case of murder, one with contradictory pieces of evidence and no clear killer in sight. As he investigates his diverse fellow passengers, a conspiracy begins to take shape that forces Poirot to question both his abilities and his moral fiber.

Murder on the Orient Express may seem a far cry from the high-energy train thrillers that we see today, but the book is still quite a suspenseful and entertaining experience, even if the thrills arise primarily from the “little grey cells,” as Poirot would put it. The novel’s central mystery is one of the most iconic in the genre, and the story has been an inspiration for generations of subsequent authors and their works. The book has also been adapted to other media multiple times, including four TV adaptations and three films.

2026 has been the year of Alan Ritchson, which is especially impressive considering he hasn’t even returned to his biggest role yet. Ritchson has exploded in popularity in the last few years thanks to his performance as Reacher in the hit Prime Video series of the same name. Not only has Prime Video announced that Reacher Season 4 is releasing on August 12, but it’s also been confirmed that Ritchson will star in the first Reacher spin-off, Neagley, which launches around the world on September 16. Ritchson also has a new movie with Owen Wilson, Runner, which is set to hit theaters next month around the same time that Neagley comes out. He can also be seen in theaters right now thanks to his new movie, Motor City, which only has a few lines of dialogue — it’s mostly Ritchson punching stuff and looking cool.

However, the biggest project for Ritchson in 2026 so far has been War Machine, the new sci-fi thriller that dropped on Netflix back in March. The film was billed as one of Netflix’s most ambitious movies ever, so it was already considered one of the most anticipated movies of the year, but it smashed records on its way to earning over 130 million views, even landing a spot in the all-time Netflix top 10. Still to this day, it’s hanging around in the top 10 in a few countries, months removed from its global premiere. War Machine is the perfect mash-up of Edge of Tomorrow and Predator, as it features a dangerous, advanced threat for which soldiers are wildly unprepared, but also the element that they’re being hunted in foreign territory.

Is Netflix Making a Sequel to ‘War Machine’?

Around the time that War Machine was released, Ritchson and director Patrick Hughes confirmed that there had been discussions about a War Machine sequel, but that it was far too early for any kind of official announcement. Once the film cracked the all-time Netflix top 10, though, Netflix officially announced that the War Machine sequel is getting the green light. Hughes even took to his personal social media to share a picture of the War Machine sequel script, which has officially been titled War Machines. The film is taking a page out of James Cameron’s playbook, who titled his Alien sequel, Aliens.

Check out War Machine on Netflix and stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of Alan Ritchson’s future projects.

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Release Date

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March 6, 2026

Runtime

107 minutes

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Director

Patrick Hughes

Writers

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Patrick Hughes, James Beaufort

Producers

Todd Lieberman, Alexander Young, Patrick Hughes, Greg McLean, Rich Cook

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Fantasy is a genre that’s constantly finding new life on television. From Game of Thrones and its various spin-offs to the chaotically charming Legend of Vox Machina, there’s a fantasy show for every generation. For those who grew up in the ’90s, that show was Xena: Warrior Princess. Spinning out of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Xena followed Lucy Lawless‘ titular warrior princess as she sought to atone for the sins of her past. Ironically, Xena would wind up outstripping Hercules in popularity and remains an iconic series to this day. While most fans have been clamoring for a reboot, Lucy Lawless has taken to social media to explain why it hasn’t happened…and what she’d like to do with the character.

On her Instagram account, Lawless discussed the potential Xena reboot that was in development from 2015-2016 under Javier Grillo-Marxuach (The 100, Lost). NBC eventually canceled the project, but Lawless said that she had a different project in mind: a movie that explored Xena’s youth.

“In my opinion, it would have been far more interesting to make a full-length feature film exploring Xena’s past. I would have loved to see her childhood, her birth, her family, her life in Amphipolis, her first hardships, the loss of her brother, and the events that gradually shaped her character and ultimately led her down the dark path of becoming a ruthless warrior.”

While Lawless didn’t confirm that a new Xena: Warrior Princess project was in the works, her idea of a prequel movie centered on a young Xena would be the perfect way to expand upon the series. Not only could it further expand upon the lore of Xena: Warrior Princess and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, but it could build out elements of Xena’s character that were only hinted at in the original series.

A ‘Xena: Warrior Princess’ Prequel Could Finally Explore Xena’s Turn to Darkness

Image via Renaissance Pictures/Universal Television

Xena’s past life was only touched upon in certain episodes, but it’s a past that’s fraught with tragedy. She lost her younger brother during an attack by the warlord Cortese, which drove a wedge between her and her mother. During her time as a pirate, she starts an affair with Julius Caesar — yes, that Julius Caesar — only for him to betray and crucify her. Finally, after being rescued by an Egyptian slave girl named M’Lila, Xena watches her take an arrow to the chest and fully embraces her darker nature. Though Hercules will eventually convince her to turn to the side of good, it’s not hard to see why Xena embraced a life of violence.

A Xena prequel could build upon these moments and showcase more of who Xena was before she was a warlord and eventual adventurer. How did she learn to fight? What was her relationship with her mother and brothers like before Cortese’s attack? How did she wind up being a pirate? Unlike most prequels that spend their time answering questions that didn’t need to be answered, a Xena movie would actually expand upon the parts of Xena’s past that were only briefly hinted at in her series. It would also remind fans of how much she’s grown as a character, evolving from a ruthless warlord into someone who protects others.

Making a ‘Xena’ Prequel Could Avoid Tarnishing the Original Series

Another benefit of a Xena prequel is that it would avoid the trap that most television reboots fall into; namely, failing to capture the spirit of the original series. In Xena‘s case, it would be pretty hard to continue the series as Xena sacrificed her life to stop a demonic force in the Xena: Warrior Princess series finale, “A Friend in Need.” Her longtime companion, Gabrielle (Renee O’Connor), takes up Xena’s weapons and her mission to protect the innocent, making it the perfect conclusion to Xena’s journey. A reboot would only be treading well-worn ground, while a prequel could add more depth to Xena as a character without sacrificing the poignant ending of the original series.

Xena: Warrior Princess worked because it was a series that showcased the long, rocky road that is redemption. If anyone ever wants to revisit the series, they should take Lucy Lawless up on her idea and make a prequel movie that touches on those same themes.

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Release Date

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1995 – 2001-00-00

Network

Syndication

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Directors

Garth Maxwell, Rick Jacobson, Mark Beesley, Josh Becker, Charles Siebert, T.J. Scott, John Fawcett, Michael Hurst, Michael Levine, Oley Sassone, Charlie Haskell, Doug Lefler, Gary Jones, John Laing, Bruce Campbell, Jace Alexander, John T. Kretchmer, Paul Lynch, Renee O’Connor, Stephen L. Posey, Chris Martin-Jones, Christopher Graves, Allison Liddi-Brown, Anson Williams

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Writers

R.J. Stewart, Adam Armus, Nora Kay Foster, Emily Skopov, George Strayton, Hilary Bader, Terence Winter, Tom O’Neill, Carl Ellsworth, Chris Black, Peter Allan Fields, Jeff Vlaming, Alan Jay Glueckman, Eric Morris, Gene O’Neill, Gillian Horvath, Katherine Fugate, Linda McGibney, Melissa Blake, Noreen Tobin, Ashley Gable, Brenda Lilly, James Kahn

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Paris Hilton said ciao to summer with a posh yacht trip off the coast of the Italian island of Sardinia.

Hilton, 45, closed out the summer of high-energy performances with a quiet getaway with her family. The mogul, who shares two children with husband Carter Reum, traded her jet-set outings for a peaceful trip to Italy aboard a mega-yacht.

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Hilton enjoyed scoping out the local sights and lounging deckside — all with her Parívie goodies in tow. (The socialite launched Parívie, her luxury skincare brand, in May 2025 as part of her 11:11 Media holdings.)

“From the start, we knew this had to be about more than just ‘Paris Hilton,’” Hilton told Hypebae of her skincare launch at the time. “While it was the starting point, we wanted the brand to stand for something deeper, infusing innovation and confidence into every formula. The goal was to create something that felt beautifully unapologetic and empowering. We live fast-paced, connected lives, and I wanted these products to offer a moment of ritual and confidence.”

Keep scrolling to see exclusive photos from Hilton’s posh getaway:

The Today Show may be facing another behind-the-scenes headache as questions grow over Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones‘ chemistry just months after NBC finally settled on a permanent fourth-hour pairing.

What began with viewers noticing awkward exchanges has reportedly developed into off-camera tension, with insiders claiming executives are watching closely as concerns mount over whether the relationship could eventually force changes to the show.

The latest uncomfortable moment unfolded following a Mumford & Sons performance when Sheinelle Jones admitted she hadn’t been particularly familiar with the group before becoming a fan.

Jenna Bush Hager suggested she knew the musicians differently, prompting Jones to begin sharing details about something that had apparently happened behind the scenes.

“Jenna decided to share with them…” Jones began before Bush Hager quickly stopped her.

“No, I didn’t. No, I know what you mean, and we’re not saying that. Remember? I got a text that said, ‘Don’t say that,’” Bush Hager responded, leaving Jones to say, “Oops!”

The exchange was brief, but viewers quickly dissected it online, adding it to a growing collection of moments some have described as awkward.

Jenna And Sheinelle’s Reported Problems Are ‘Worse’ Off Camera

According to a Daily Mail insider, what viewers are seeing may only be part of the story.

“It’s no secret that Sheinelle and Jenna have had some tension on set,” the source alleged. “And none of it is scripted. They’ve let it slip on camera but off camera, it’s worse.”

The insider claimed the two women were once genuinely close but have gradually become more distant.

“They started out as close friends but have slowly started distancing themselves – those on set have definitely noticed,” the source said.

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Their personalities are reportedly part of the problem. The insider described their relationship as almost sisterly, with periods of closeness interrupted by times when they need space from one another.

The tension reportedly comes partly from differing approaches to the fourth hour, with Bush Hager characterized as more outspoken and accustomed to leading the conversation while Jones is said to be determined to prove herself after years of working toward the opportunity.

Today Show Took Nearly A Year To Fill Hoda Kotb’s Seat

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That alleged friction carries extra weight because NBC spent considerable time finding the right person to sit beside Bush Hager.

After Hoda Kotb left the fourth hour in January 2025, the program experimented with a lengthy rotation of celebrity guest hosts before announcing Jones as the permanent replacement in December.

NBC said approximately 60 personalities had appeared during that transitional period before the network settled on Jones. She officially joined Bush Hager on January 12, 2026, with the fourth hour rebranded as “Today With Jenna & Sheinelle.”

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At the time, the enthusiasm couldn’t have been more different from the tension now being alleged.

Bush Hager called Jones an “extraordinary broadcaster” and celebrated getting the opportunity to become even closer after knowing her for roughly a decade.

Jones’ arrival also represented a significant career milestone following an extraordinarily difficult personal period. Her husband, Uche Ojeh, died after battling glioblastoma, and her return to television became intertwined with her journey through grief.

That history makes any suggestion of another fourth-hour shake-up particularly notable.

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Viewer Reaction Could Become Bigger Problem For Today Show

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Insiders claim NBC executives are not simply concerned about whether the cohosts get along personally. Audience response may ultimately matter more.

“While it doesn’t hurt to have some more attention surrounding the show, Today really strives to be family friendly,” the Daily Mail source said.

The insider warned that if the tension worsens or becomes increasingly visible, “there might be some big changes happening for next season,” adding that executives are “certainly paying attention to what’s being said online.”

Some online chatter suggests the chemistry question has been building for months.

Viewers have previously debated whether Jones fits naturally into the looser fourth-hour format, while others have argued that Bush Hager performs differently depending on the cohost sitting beside her.

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That conversation grew again this month when Sheinelle Jones hosted alongside Dylan Dreyer. A Reddit thread praising the pairing drew commenters who described their chemistry as more natural and their conversation as smoother.

Such reactions are anecdotal rather than evidence of NBC’s plans, but they illustrate the comparisons viewers are already making.

Today Show Has Already Weathered A Turbulent Stretch

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Any potential fourth-hour drama would come during an eventful period for the wider Today Show franchise.

The Blast recently reported on a frightening security breach involving Craig Melvin after an intruder allegedly managed to enter NBC’s Rockefeller Center facility and lunged toward the anchor.

The incident subsequently produced another controversy when reports emerged that a security guard was fired following the breach, creating questions about how someone had managed to penetrate the building’s security in the first place.

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Now attention has shifted from physical security behind the scenes to the chemistry viewers see on television every morning.

Importantly, Bush Hager and Jones have also continued showing signs of warmth on air. Earlier this week, their playful discussion about shaving habits generated lighthearted coverage, suggesting the relationship viewers see is not defined solely by uncomfortable moments.

For now, the suggestion of a shake-up remains an insider claim. However, after spending nearly a year searching for Kotb’s permanent replacement, NBC will undoubtedly have a strong incentive to determine whether its new fourth-hour partnership simply needs time to settle or whether the awkward moments viewers keep noticing point to a larger problem.

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Star Wars has always had its fair share of thrilling moments, with some being scary enough that they could actually come from a horror movie. The many practical monsters that the heroes of the original trilogy face are particularly frightening. The Dianoga monster in the trash compactor from A New Hope, the predatory Wampa snow beast in Empire Strikes Back, and the fearsome Rancor behemoth in Return of the Jedi are all scary aliens, to be sure, but would you believe us if we told you one of the scariest moments from Star Wars comes from one of the animated shows?

Yes, while it’s true that the majority of Star Wars’ animated content is more geared toward younger audiences, they still have some serious bite to them at times. That’s abundantly clear in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, a show that is repeatedly unafraid to take its darker subject matter seriously. Many times the award-winning series has explored the horrors of war, such as the complex and fascinating Umbara Arc, but sometimes the show ventured into more traditional horror territory. That statement rings true during the time when the heroes of The Clone Wars travelled into the deepest and darkest depths of Geonosis.

‘Clone Wars’ Channels Horror During the Geonosis Arc

One of the earliest arcs of Star Wars: The Clone Wars‘ second season is the Geonosis Arc. Here, the Clone Wars have returned to the desert planet of Geonosis — the place where the war started during the events of Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones. For the first two episodes of the arc, “Landing at Point Rain” and “Weapons Factory,” it looks like it’s business as usual for our beloved characters. Here, Jedi war heroes Anakin Skywalker (Matt Lanter), Obi-Wan Kenobi (James Arnold Taylor), Ahsoka Tano (Ashley Eckstein), and more lay siege on the Separatist-controlled planet, which is still a crucial location for the Confederacy’s construction of its abundant droid army. It’s also the home base of a prominent Separatist leader, Poggle the Lesser (Matthew Wood), with him and his bug-like Geonosian brethren being fiercely loyal to Count Dooku (Corey Burton).

While the battle on the surface of the planet goes in the Republic’s favor, the depths of the planet harbor a much darker secret. This is where the third episode of the Geonosis Arc, “Legacy of Terror,” begins — an appropriate title for a terrifying episode. The Jedi are at a loss when Poggle the Lesser is seemingly nowhere to be found on the planet. Not only that, but Jedi Master Luminara Unduli (Olvia d’Abo) has gone missing, reportedly last seen searching for Poggle. This prompts Anakin and Obi-Wan to lead a search for the prominent Jedi council member, and neither of the experienced Jedi generals could have possibly prepared themselves for what awaited them underneath the planet’s surface.

The Geonosis Arc of ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ Turns Into a Full-Blown Zombie Movie

Image via Disney+

Anakin and Obi-Wan track Luminara to a mysterious (and remarkably creepy) temple, which is adorned with iconography that Obi-Wan believes is representative of the Geonosian Queen (Dee Bradley Baker) — a creature that is largely thought to be mythical. The signs that this isn’t the case soon become clear, as it doesn’t take long for Anakin, Obi-Wan, and their contingent of Clone Troopers (Baker) to run into a large group of unusual Geonosian warriors. The bugs were already scary enough in Attack of the Clones, but the zombified versions are even more formidable. Not even a blaster shot to the head or dismemberment with a lightsaber can kill the relentless foes.

Aesthetically speaking, these sections in the Geonosian catacombs are shot as if they came straight from a George A. Romero zombie film. Their sunken and lifeless white eyes of the creatures strike fear into the experienced battle-hardened heroes with minimal effort. There are even a few moments where they take part in some jump scares when they ambush two clones who unfortunately get separated from their squad. The brilliant creative decision to have the pathway be only illuminated by the Clones’ flashlights and Anakin and Obi-Wan’s lightsabers makes the dark catacombs feel even darker.

Eventually, the episode goes full Aliens when Anakin and Obi-Wan finally face the Geonosian Queen. Unlike her children, the Queen is capable of speaking basic English and seems remarkably intelligent. She reveals that the cause of the zombification process is brain worms that she lays. Once a host is infected (Geonosian or not), they become a slave to the Queen and do her unthinking bidding. In the end, Anakin and Obi-Wan are able to rescue Luminara, arrest Poggle, and bury the Queen. However, just like most horror stories, this seemingly easy defeat is only the beginning.

Ahsoka Eradicates the Brain Worm Infection in ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’

Image via Cartoon Network

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The end of “Legacy of Terror” sees Obi-Wan wishing he could get a sample of the brain worms to study. He lives to regret that because one does survive, and it infects an unwitting Clone Trooper named Scythe in the following episode, “Brain Invaders.” Here, Ahsoka and her new Padawan ally, Barriss Offee (Meredith Salenger), are tasked with leading a routine medical supply run.

Of course, Scythe just so happens to be one of the Clones assigned to the mission. Even worse, he brings a bunch of brain worm eggs and infects most of the Clones on board. This episode is more Invasion of the Body Snatchers and less Night of the Living Dead like the last episode. Here, we see the brain worms aren’t just capable of turning beings into zombies, but also controlling their thoughts to make them masquerade as the host’s normal selves. This leads to Ahsoka, Barriss, and the few Clones who haven’t been infected having to decide who is a friend and who is a foe. While few of The Clone Wars episodes dip truly into the realm of horror, the Geonosis arc is the perfect example of the genre-bending the series was able to do when the show was allowed to be creative.

The romantasy genre has gained considerable traction in recent years, particularly in the book world, but one series stands out among the ever-growing list, and it also happens to be one of the books that kicked off the trend. Sarah J. Maas‘ A Court of Thorns and Roses series is perhaps the most recognizable entry into the genre. Since the first book’s release in 2015, Maas’ beloved series has gained a loyal fan base that continues to grow with the series. While Maas has eight books planned for the series, only five are currently released. However, with book six releasing this fall, A Court of Thorns and Roses shows no signs of fading.

A Court of Thorns and Roses’ huge following makes the series a naturally attractive property for producers. After all, fantasy TV series are more popular than ever, and many of the best are adapted from novels. Yet, A Court of Thorns and Roses has yet to receive an adaptation, but it’s not from lack of trying. Every book has its challenges to adapt, and many that fans hope to see never quite make it there. Maas’ books are no different. After failed attempts, A Court of Thorns and Roses remains an unadaptable series, but that doesn’t mean it will never find a home on screens.

‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’ Is the Quintessential Romantasy

Over the last several years, romantasy has broken off from the wider fantasy genre. Maas, in particular, has made a name for herself in the romantasy world by publishing not only A Court of Thorns and Roses but also her Crescent City series. However, A Court of Thorns and Roses has the distinction of being one of the most well-known romantasy series, alongside Fourth Wing. As such, the series fills every genre expectation, largely because it helped set them. Incorporating an intricate fantasy world with steamy romance, A Court of Thorns and Roses offers a lot to love, and that’s why it has remained one of the favorite romantasy series for over a decade.

While there are many fantasy stories out there, none is quite Maas’ world, which combines supernatural beings, high-stakes political war, and dark romance. The series explores the Realm of the Fae, known as Prythian, as a human hunter, Feyre, unwittingly becomes deeply entangled in the world. After unknowingly killing an immortal fae, the 19-year-old is forced to pay retribution by living in the Spring Court, with Tamlin, the faerie who found her. This sets up a Beauty and the Beast-like story, but the series only becomes more complex from there as the characters face war and political upheaval, which force Feyre to grow. With this exciting story, it’s no wonder the books have become required reading for romantasy fans.

Despite Its Popularity, ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’ Can’t Get an Adaptation Made

There’s no doubt that the fantasy world begs to be brought to life on screens, but it still hasn’t happened. In fact, in 2021, Hulu planned to adapt the series helmed by Outlander‘s Ronald D. Moore. Much to fans’ excitement, the project was under development for four years, but unfortunately, it didn’t work out. In 2025, the streamer announced that the A Court of Thorns and Roses adaptation would not be continuing. Moore, who had left the project before the cancellation, admitted that in the chaos of COVID, the strikes, and major shakeups at Disney, the project just never gained traction. It’s a huge disappointment to the readers that Hulu’s attempt failed, but that is often the way of the industry.

Since then, the TV rights have reverted to the author, meaning no adaptation is underway. However, Maas has shown her willingness to work toward an adaptation, perhaps meaning there could be a series someday. However, any adaptation would face issues, as the story demands a huge budget and contains mature content that would limit the potential audience. Some fans have expressed interest in an animated series, like Castlevania or The Legend of Vox Machina, which could alleviate budget concerns and perhaps make an adaptation more attainable. While it’s unfortunate that it hasn’t gotten the TV treatment yet, and the adaptation process isn’t straightforward, A Court of Thorns and Roses deserves to be brought to life. Hopefully it will eventually overcome the many challenges and get that chance.

Star Wars. Alien. 2001: A Space Odyssey. These titles are synonymous with the term “masterpiece.” These science fiction classics not only influenced the entire genre, but they also reminded audiences of the stories that could be told under the sci-fi umbrella. These films are often regarded as perfect, allowing them to live rent-free in our minds. But what about those titles that are just shy of perfect that then get lost in space? No pun intended.

The films we’re about to discuss are good but not perfect. They’re lacking that one element that pushes them to masterpiece status. The science fiction pictures on this list have a special place in our hearts, but the general population has let other films take that spot. It’s time to reclaim these films and get them back into the conversation with the greats.

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‘The Fifth Element’ (1997)

Image via Columbia Pictures

It may not be totally fair to say that The Fifth Element is a completely forgotten film, as it still lives rent-free in many of our minds. That said, the cult classic science fiction action film doesn’t get nearly enough attention today. Directed by Luc Besson, the film, set in the 23rd century, follows taxi driver and former special-forces major Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis), who protects Leeloo (Milla Jovovich), a supreme being, to stop a “Great Evil” from destroying Earth. Together with four elemental stones, they must harness the power of love to save humanity from industrialist and alien threats. With some of the most fabulous space fashion in all of sci-fi cinema, The Fifth Element is vibrant, campy, and tremendously unique.

Within the realm of the genre, there simply has never been a film like The Fifth Element. Wonderfully wacky is one of the best ways to describe it. Through vivid and detailed world-building, The Fifth Element establishes a rich universe you immediately feel immersed in. Plus, who doesn’t dream of wearing Jean-Paul Gaultier? Between Chris Tucker as Ruby Rhod, Gary Oldman as Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg, and the iconic Diva Plavalaguna, have we seen another space opera look so extraordinary? By no means does The Fifth Element paint a pretty picture of the future. Instead, it finds the vibrancy through color and extravagance that resembles some semblance of hope. At the end of the day, it’s the love that we’re all seeking.

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‘Lost in Space’ (1998)

Image via New Line Cinema / Courtesy: Everett Collection

There is certainly a part of the readership who will label the 1998 movie adaptation of Lost in Space as “Danger, Will Robinson.” But if you take the film for what it is, compared to many cinematic adaptations of classic IP in the ’90s, Lost in Space is one of the strongest. Based on the ’60s television series, the big-screen adaptation finds the Robinson family, while attempting to colonize a new planet to save a polluted Earth in 2058, gets sabotaged by Dr. Smith (Gary Oldman). Their ship, the Jupiter 2, is knocked off course, leaving them stranded in a hostile, uncharted region of space trying to find their way home. With a cast that included William Hurt, Mimi Rogers, Heather Graham, and Matt LeBlanc, Lost in Space matched the energy of the source material while inviting a new generation into the beloved IP.

Finding a distinct visual style that brings Lost in Space into a new decade, the retro vibes keep the film nostalgic while still building its own identity. There’s an innate sense of wonder that’s central to Lost in Space, serving the film well. Some maintain that the film is so bad it’s good, but that’s why it’s a perfect guilty pleasure obsession. Though Oldman has certainly evolved in the roles he’s played recently, if you want to see a juicy villain performance, Lost in Space sees him in an exceptional turn. However, you feel about the film, Lost in Space has been wrongly lost to time.

3

‘Europa Report’ (2013)

Image via Start Motion Pictures

Many of our favorite found-footage-style thrillers take place on the ground, but for one set in space, look no further than 2013’s Europa Report. Directed by Sebastián Cordero and written by Philip Gelatt, the story recounts the first crewed mission to Europa, one of Jupiter’s four Galilean moons. Despite a disastrous technical failure that causes the loss of all communications with Earth and a series of further crises, the crew continues its mission to Europa and finds mounting evidence of life on the moon. An underrated sci-fi space adventure, Europa Report is a claustrophobic exploration of space suspense and heart-pumping horrors.

Told through a non-linear structure, Europa Report builds its suspense through the unknown in an unpredictable manner. Giving it a documentary feel makes the action more raw and realistic. By building upon the atmospheric tension, Europa Report balances the line between science fiction and horror. Europa Report, which features a stellar performance from Pluribus star Karolina Wydra, pushes the gripping emotional experience into the immersive setting to portray the dangers of space travel. A truly underrated film, Europa Report is highly impressive.

4

‘Strange Days’ (1995)

Image via 20th Century Studios

It’s quite shocking to realize that any team-up between Kathryn Bigelow and James Cameron could be forgotten, but look at their body of work. Strange Days predates epics like Titanic and The Hurt Locker. The dystopian science fiction thriller, set in Los Angeles in 1999 during the last two days of the year, follows Lenny Nero (Ralph Fiennes), an ex-cop turned dealer of Superconducting Quantum Interference Device, or SQUID recordings (black-market virtual reality clips of real-life memories and sensations) and Lornette “Mace” Mason (Angela Bassett), a bodyguard and limousine driver, as they are drawn into a criminal conspiracy involving Nero’s ex-girlfriend Faith Justin (Juliette Lewis) and friend Iris (Brigette Bako). Tackling dark themes of voyeurism, addiction to technology, racial tension, and police brutality, Strange Days took the woes of the ’90s and used an allegory to hold a mirror up to society.

Though watching this film today may not hit quite the same as it may have in 1995, seeing as we’ve already lived through the turning of the millennium, it’s unsurprising how Bigelow and Cameron dreamed up this scenario. In a way, it’s been a prophetic film regarding body-cam footage, police violence, and the dangerous addiction to virtual, voyeuristic experiences. Though it was a box-office disappointment, the film has found a following among cinephiles thanks to its stylish, gritty neo-noir approach. It’s a compelling film that contains social commentary that strikes a chord.

5

‘Bicentennial Man’ (1999)

Image via Buena Vista Pictures

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The prime reason why Bicentennial Man is a mostly forgotten masterpiece is simply that nearly every other ’90s Robin Williams film is extraordinary. Williams appears as Andrew, an NDR-series android purchased as a household appliance that unexpectedly develops emotions, creativity, and self-awareness. Following his 200-year journey to be recognized as human, Andrew undergoes significant physical and emotional evolution. A precursor to many AI-themed robot films of the 21st century, Bicentennial Man is a sentimental science fiction drama with heart and passion.

Based on the 1992 novel The Positronic Man by Isaac Asimov and Robert Silverberg, it is an epic film about the quest for humanity. Director Chris Columbus strives to discover how a robot can navigate human emotions, including love, while learning about its own morality. As Andrew’s conscience begins to develop and he fights to find legal standing to become human, Bicentennial Man opens up a window to how individuals in our own society, not men of steel, battle the same war daily. Williams brings a truly beautiful performance to the screen that’s filled with heart.

6

‘Scanners’ (1981)

Image via Filmplan International

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Once Alien reminded audiences how science fiction and horror can blend so beautifully together, other filmmakers sought the same mix in their films. One of the ’80s’ wildest sci-fi horror films was David Cronenberg’s Scanners. The film follows Darryl Revok (Michael Ironside), a rogue, powerful telepath or “scanner,” who leads an underground movement to dominate “normals” and create a new race of mutants. ConSec security sends Cameron Vale (Stephen Vale), a struggling scanner, to stop him, leading to a deadly psychic battle and revealing they are brothers created by the sedative Ephemerol. A mind-melting thriller, Scanners is visceral, cerebral, and brilliantly graphic.

Though some of the action is minimalistic in big-budget scope, Scanners is best known for its daring, pioneering body horror that’s nothing short of gruesome. Cronenberg’s brilliance makes the low-budget film look like a masterpiece. The film is shocking and haunting, reminding you how the genre has evolved through time. Just imagine how a Scanners remake might look today. Though we all know those attempts failed. Scanners will make your head explode.

7

‘Dreamscape’ (1984)

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In 1984, Joseph Ruben brought the world the cult classic Dreamscape. Combining science fiction, horror, and action-adventure, Dreamscape is essentially the surrealistic ’80s version of Inception. The film tells the story of Alex Gardner (Dennis Quaid), a gifted psychic recruited by scientists to enter, explore, and manipulate patients’ subconscious dreams. On his journey, Alex helps people overcome nightmares but uncovers a government plot by a corrupt agent, Bob Blair (Christopher Plummer), to use this technology to assassinate the President (Eddie Albert) in his dreams. Tackling the power of the subconscious, Dreamscape is a daring political thriller that, in a sense, was well ahead of its time.

Though it may not effectively process dreams in a proper, logical manner, Dreamscape’s premise is what you come for. Even with some fun, cheesy dream sequences, the film makes up for it with the hero and villain’s performances. Of course, the film has been forgotten because of Christopher Nolan’s sensational dream thriller, but you simply cannot deny the influence Dreamscape had on Inception. Dreamscape is a film that deserves rediscovery.

8

‘The Faculty’ (1998)

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Imagine a modern adaptation of Invasion of the Body Snatchers told through a ’90s teen horror lens. Got it? Say hello to the underappreciated, iconic campy horror thriller The Faculty. Directed by Robert Rodriguez and written by Kevin Williamson, The Faculty was lost in the shuffle during the rise of Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer. Dropping in a science fiction element, The Faculty stood out for its story and cast. The film follows a mismatched mix of teens at Harrison High as they discover that their teachers are being controlled by parasitic aliens. As the teens make their way through the halls, they must fight the invasion, realizing that a homemade, caffeine-based drug kills the parasites. With self-aware characters and the sudden knowledge of how to defeat their alien foes, the story may veer into ridiculousness, but it’s extremely enjoyable entertainment.

With an ensemble including Jordana Brewster, Clea DuVall, Laura Harris, Josh Hartnett, Shawn Hatosy, Famke Janssen, Piper Laurie, Bebe Neuwirth, Robert Patrick, Usher Raymond, Jon Stewart, and Elijah Wood, The Faculty is a cavalcade of who’s who that have a blast. Tonally, The Faculty creates a brilliantly mysterious, dark atmosphere that delivers jumpscares and surprises. Had The Faculty not had such severe competition, it might have been a more revered hit, but even Williamson couldn’t get it to be better than his others. In the age of remakes, The Faculty has joined the conversation. With Drew Hancock at the helm, should it come to fruition, we might get something as good, if not better.

9

‘Cloud Atlas’ (2012)

Image via Warner Bros.

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If you’re a science fiction fan who loves a complex narrative that spans multiple stories, look no further than Cloud Atlas. Based on David Mitchell‘s 2004 novel, the era-spanning story explores how individual actions and consequences impact one another across past, present, and future. With themes of reincarnation, the immortality of the soul, and interconnectedness, the stories range from the 19th-century Pacific to a post-apocalyptic future that questions whether souls travel through time and if human nature remains constant. Cloud Atlas‘ groundbreaking interrupting narrative reaches a climactic peak that defines humanity’s dangerous thirst for power.

Directed by Tom Tykwer and the Wachowskis, the cast is quite strong in talent, including Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugo Weaving, Hugh Grant, Susan Sarandon, and many more. With each actor taking on multiple roles across the various narratives, the film’s mission becomes clear. What makes Cloud Atlas a fascinating film is how timeless the themes are. They pair effortlessly into the epicness, which is quite visually extraordinary. Cloud Atlas is an elaborate film that has simply been lost to time.

10

‘Wing Commander’ (1999)

Image via 20th Century Fox

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Before we brought video game franchises like Fallout and The Last of Us to the small screen, Hollywood took another video game franchise and slapped it onto the big screen: Wing Commander. Directed by Chris Roberts, the science fiction film follows 27th-century human pilots — First Lieutenant Christopher “Maverick” Blair (Freddie Prinze Jr.), Lieutenant Commander Jeannette “Angel” Deveraux (Saffron Burrows), and First Lieutenant Todd “Maniac” Marshall (Matthew Lillard) — as they defend Earth against the Kilrathi, a warlike alien race. Essentially Top Gun in space, Wing Commander became a cult classic that the larger population saw as the beacon for the first Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace trailer.

With intense dogfights and centralized space combat, Wing Commander‘s loose adherence to the game franchise allowed it to earn its own identity (though some may feel that’s why it initially bombed). Instead, it’s a gritty, action-packed, retro-futuristic aesthetic. With the likes of Prinze Jr. and Lillard, the film captured the rising young stars of the time, taking them out of the horror-sphere into the sci-fi realm. If there’s one thing that we should thank Wing Commander for, it’s its influence on future projects, namely Battlestar Galactica.

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Wing Commander

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Release Date

March 11, 1999

Runtime

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100 minutes

Director

Christopher Roberts

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Writers

Christopher Roberts

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  Freddie Prinze Jr.

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  1st Lt. Christopher Blair

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  Saffron Burrows

  Lt. Cmdr. ‘Angel’ Devereaux

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  Matthew Lillard

  Lt. Todd ‘Maniac’ Marshall

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  Tchéky Karyo

  Cmmdre. James ‘Paladin’ Taggart

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The Passion of the Christ arrived with a hint of controversy to it more than two decades ago, but that did nothing to harm its box office prospects as the movie went on to become the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time for a generation. And now, Mel Gibson is finally preparing to continue the story — but he’s promising it won’t be the story you think you know.

Gibson has spent years developing The Resurrection of the Christ, a massive follow-up — it can’t truly be called a sequel — that eventually grew so large it had to be divided into two films. Now, Gibson has confirmed both installments are already in the can and almost good to go.

Speaking with Collider’s Steve Weintraub during a panel at Fan Expo Boston, Gibson revealed that The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One and Part Two were filmed simultaneously in Rome and are currently deep into post-production. When asked whether both films had been completed, Gibson confirmed that principal photography is finished and teased just how unusual his approach to the Resurrection will be.

“Yeah, I shot them both in Rome and together at the same time. So now I’m in post-production. I’m editing and doing visual effects. It’s pretty crazy. I don’t think it’s anything anyone would expect.”

The project wasn’t something Gibson originally planned immediately after The Passion of the Christ. Instead, the concept evolved for more than two decades, with Gibson spending close to a decade writing alongside Randall Wallace, who previously wrote Braveheart, as well as Gibson’s brother. He explained that simply depicting the Resurrection as a linear sequel wouldn’t adequately communicate the story he wants to tell.

“Well, I didn’t initially set out to make this part, but over about 23 years — well, 23 years before we started to make it — but it took almost 10 years to write it with Randall Wallace and then my brother, and we sat down and we rolled our sleeves up, and it was a very difficult subject because anybody gets murdered in public and then under his own strength and power comes back to life, and there’s not just a biblical account,” Gibson stated. “There are 17 separate secular historians that attest the same kind of thing. So it’s not a fairy tale, and the object is to make it believable and understandable at the same time, and it’s a very difficult thing to understand. So you can’t just tell the linear story that way. It’s like, okay, you have to juxtapose the actual event against many other actual events in order to grasp the significance of it, so it’s another jigsaw puzzle. It’s not linear.”

Why Is ‘The Resurrection of the Christ’ in Two Parts?

Gibson also confirmed the split was already built into the screenplay rather than something discovered during filming or editing. According to the filmmaker, the sprawling story naturally divided itself into two distinct pieces.

“It had it in the script, but it had a natural breaking point. There’s Part One and Part Two, and they’re distinct. I think they stand alone as individual pieces, but they do complete one another. So that’s good.”

Perhaps the biggest and most divisive difference from The Passion of the Christ will be immediately noticeable. While Gibson’s 2004 film was performed primarily in Aramaic and Latin, both Resurrection installments will be in English because of the complexity of the material.

“I think you can afford to do that sometimes,” said Gibson. “Sometimes you can’t afford to do that, like the Resurrection films, Parts One and Two. They’re both in English because the subject matter and just the theological download you have to go through is so complex that I don’t think people would like to have to read it in subtitles in a foreign language. You want to be able to digest it straight away. So I tailored the material to fit the audience, and I think having it in the vernacular would be better for it.”

Gibson later revealed just how enormous the production became, explaining that practical sets were constructed for Jerusalem, Damascus, Rome, Egypt and the desert before being dismantled once filming wrapped. “We deconstructed the sets on the Resurrection films one and two. Those sets you will never, ever in this industry see sets built like that ever again… It was Jerusalem, it was Damascus, it was Rome, it was out in the desert, it was Egypt, it was the whole thing, and massive sets built by the man who did the sets on The Passion, Francesco Frigeri, and he’s a master. He’s a maestro of this company, so he built these sets, and they were magnificent.”

The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One and Part Two are currently in post-production.

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Release Date

March 26, 2027

Writers

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Randall Wallace, Donal Gibson

Producers

Jim Caviezel

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