American cinema has had its fair share of golden eras over the past century, from the grandeur and glamour of Old Hollywood to the innovative grit of the new wave movement of the ‘70s, and even to an emerging age of blockbuster brilliance today. However, the 1990s remain perhaps the most fascinating decade for Hollywood, as the striking flourish of indie experimentation conjured an era of daring originality, technological advancement, and astute storytelling that continues to influence the medium.

Given that this list is intended to focus solely on American films, it is important to note that pictures co-funded by other countries have not been considered, meaning defining classics like The Matrix, Before Sunrise, and Fargo won’t be here. Even with these exclusions being made, the movies that do make up the list epitomize the conviction, expertise, and pioneering dare of American cinema throughout the 1990s.

10

‘Good Will Hunting’ (1997)

Image via Miramax Films

Beautifully human, emotionally gratifying, and faultlessly written and performed, Good Will Hunting was one of the major success stories of the late ‘90s. Following Will Hunting (Matt Damon) as he attends court-mandated therapy while being torn between an unlikely professional opportunity, the comfort of his hard-edged friends, and possibly the love of his life, it juggles comedic wit, poignant depth, and heartbreaking drama with aplomb.

The true stroke of brilliance is that it never once feels forced or manufactured. Instead, it runs as an authentic tale of life’s complexity compounded by themes of self-worth, vulnerability, and the agony of opportunity. The film is further elevated by Robin Williams’ Oscar-winning turn as Hunting’s psychologist, which has come to be one of the most beloved performances in cinematic history. Good Will Hunting continues to soar as a timeless masterpiece of grounded and uplifting drama, a defining icon of ‘90s cinema, and an emblem of underdog success in Hollywood.

9

‘Jurassic Park’ (1993)

Image via Universal Pictures

Steven Spielberg had already proven himself to be the maestro of blockbuster brilliance over the course of the two decades prior, but he took his game to a new level entirely with Jurassic Park. Based on Michael Crichton‘s novel, it follows a small group of scientists and special guests whose visit to an amusement park housing cloned dinosaurs turns into a frantic nightmare when the park’s safety measures fail, allowing the dinosaurs to roam free.

Every aspect is handled with craftsmanship and creative majesty, from the revolutionary visual effects that pioneered a new age of digital filmmaking to the deftness and depth of the performances, the thematic punch of the screenplay, and, of course, John Williams‘ gorgeous score. Scenes like the grand reveal of the Brachiosaurus, the T-Rex chasing the Jeep, and the Raptors stalking about the kitchen are all ingrained in the lifeblood of Hollywood splendor, presenting an awe-inspiring spectacle that epitomizes trademark Spielbergian movie magic.

8

‘The Lion King’ (1994)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

A defining triumph of animated cinema, an ageless marriage of family storytelling and Shakespearean drama, and a foundational cultural pillar of ‘90s entertainment, The Lion King is as iconic and important as any movie made in the past 40 years. Inspired by Hamlet, it follows the young lion prince of Pride Rock as he is forced to flee his home and abandon his crown after his scheming uncle kills his father. When Simba (Matthew Broderick) returns years later, he must confront his evil uncle in order to save the kingdom.

Its basis in William Shakespeare’s classic story imbues it with a dramatic weight that is rare in animated family adventures. However, The Lion King is adept at marrying this narrative intensity with vibrant animation, gleefully enjoyable characters, and a litany of truly unforgettable musical numbers courtesy of Hans Zimmer and Elton John’s work on the score. Its appeal is truly universal, and its brilliance has transcended generations for 32 years to see it stand as one of the most beloved and enduring masterpieces of ‘90s cinema.

7

‘Toy Story’ (1995)

Image via Pixar Animation Studios

Outside of the birth of the format in the 1930s, the 1990s mark the single most important decade for animated cinema. It was a time of cultural resurgence that was defined by a noticeable pivot to more mature storytelling and groundbreaking advancements in the form. Toy Story is the perfect beacon of this, with its ability to juxtapose its fun-loving story of the secret life of toys against piercing thematic ideas of abandonment and jealousy, all while pioneering the future of animated cinema by being the first full-length picture made entirely with computer graphics.

Furthermore, it marks the feature film debut of Pixar Animation Studios, setting a standard of visual splendor, accessible brilliance, and poignant depth that has become the trademark of the production company. Toy Story remains unsurpassed as both Pixar’s greatest ever release and as the most influential animated movie of all time, a perfect marriage of technical innovation, universally accessible storytelling, and imaginative awe that is every bit as spellbinding today as it was in 1995.

6

‘The Silence of the Lambs’ (1991)

Image via Orion Pictures

A visceral marriage of grueling crime thrills and terrifying psychological horror, The Silence of the Lambs is a macabre masterpiece of ‘90s cinema defined by its astonishing performances and Jonathan Demme‘s faultless direction. Jodie Foster stars as Clarice Starling, an FBI cadet sent to question imprisoned serial killer and former psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) to gain his insights on an active investigation. Thus follows an intense mental duel between the young agent and the criminal mastermind.

With just 16 minutes of screen time, Hopkins commands the screen as the chilling and volatile cannibalistic psychopath, making him one of the defining villains in cinematic history. However, the movie around him is ceaselessly excellent, exuding a patient and meticulous control that keeps viewers enthralled from beginning to end. The Silence of the Lambs became just the third movie to win the “Big Five” at the Academy Awards as well as the only horror movie to win Best Picture in the history of the ceremony.

5

‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ (1991)

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The early part of any decade is always going to feature some overlapping trends and elements of the decade it succeeded. Nothing defined ’80s cinema quite like action bombast, and yet arguably the greatest action movie ever made didn’t hit cinemas until 1991. Directed by James Cameron, Terminator 2: Judgment Day delivers an invigorating spin on its predecessor as the T-800 (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is sent back in time to protect John Connor (Edward Furlong) from an advanced Terminator machine. Meanwhile, Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) plots to eradicate Skynet before it can start its war against humanity.

A masterclass in blockbuster filmmaking, it combines the engrossing crunch of practical effects with groundbreaking CGI, leading to an immaculate spectacle of high-octane carnage. However, Terminator 2: Judgment Day also treats viewers to an emotionally engrossing story of connection, humanity, and hope as well, delivering one of the most moving blockbuster masterpieces in Hollywood history as well as one of the most ageless and perfect.

4

‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994)

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The definitive spearhead of indie filmmaking, Pulp Fiction reinvented mainstream cinema overnight when it premiered in 1994. A sublime marriage of comedic irreverence and brutal high-stakes crime that is given even more panache by its non-linear narrative structure, it revolves around the bizarre and manic experiences of several figures embedded within the Los Angeles criminal underworld.

It was a lightning bolt of genre-mixing brilliance that took the cinematic world by storm. Pulp Fiction not only spawned a litany of imitators that copied its infectious blending of effortless cool, ultra-violence, and low-key yet highly stylized conversations, but it also enshrined Quentin Tarantino as one of the most influential modern filmmakers. It remains one of the most feverishly entertaining movies ever made, an exuberant gem of addictive cinema that revels in everything from black comedy to gangland chaos.

3

‘Schindler’s List’ (1993)

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In November 1992, Steven Spielberg finished principal photography on the aforementioned Jurassic Park. Just three months later, production began on Schindler’s List in Poland. It’s difficult to comprehend, simply from the perspective of how much time, effort, and preparation go into a feature film production. It becomes borderline impossible to conceive how it was achieved when one looks at the monumental scale, harrowing might, and ceaseless perfection of Schindler’s List.

The Holocaust drama follows Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson) as he uses his occupation and his favorable standing with the Nazi Party to recruit Jewish workers to his factories, ensuring they are spared from almost certain death in the concentration camps. Spielberg masterfully grounds the incomprehensible evil of the Holocaust in intimate moments of character depth and connection. Bolstered by the visceral rawness of the violence, a litany of exceptional performances, another outstanding score from John Williams, and the stark beauty of its black-and-white cinematography, Schindler’s List is a masterpiece on all fronts and one of the greatest movies of all time.

2

‘Goodfellas’ (1990)

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Martin Scorsese has directed 27 feature-length films throughout his career, including other ‘90s classics like Casino, The Age of Innocence, and Cape Fear. Given the extensive range of his body of work and the consistent quality of his films, it speaks volumes that 1990’s Goodfellas is so widely regarded as being his crowning glory. A biographical gangster movie, it follows the life of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) as he rises from an impoverished youth to a major figure in the mafia.

Goodfellas brilliantly immerses viewers in the luxury, power, and prestige of life in organized crime before turning the infectious fantasy into a ferocious nightmare of paranoia. Manic performances and sequences like the mercurial Copacabana tracking shot endow it with a liveliness that still feels fresh and hypnotic 36 years later. It is unquestionably one of the greatest gangster movies of all time and a defining triumph of ‘90s cinema at large.

1

‘The Shawshank Redemption’ (1993)

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Given its cultural status and universal admiration in today’s world, it is difficult to comprehend that The Shawshank Redemption finished its theatrical run as an agonizing box office flop. It’s ample proof that commercial performance is far from everything in cinema, as the 1993 classic delivers a truly timeless story of friendship, hope, and resilience. It follows Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), a banker who gradually adjusts to life behind bars as he forms a tight-knit friendship with Red (Morgan Freeman) and uses his skills to gain favour with the warden in exchange for minor luxuries for his fellow inmates.

Steeped in old-fashioned storytelling, The Shawshank Redemption excels at holding humanistic warmth and brutal realism hand-in-hand. The grim reality of Andy’s first years and Brooks’ (James Whitmore) inability to adjust to life outside illustrate the painful depths of the story, but the irresistible and pervasive tone of camaraderie ensures there is meaning and beauty to the movie as well. Complimented by a note-perfect ending, The Shawshank Redemption is a quintessential and easily admired classic that stands tall among the best-told stories in cinematic history.

Morgan Stewart might be one of the “Rich Kids of Beverly Hills,” but that does not mean that she wants to be one of the “Real Housewives.” 

The 38-year-old found herself at the center of “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” casting speculation after fans began wondering if she could join the Bravo franchise. Stewart has now made her position clear, putting an end to the rumors.

Morgan Stewart first became a popular face on E! through “Rich Kids of Beverly Hills.” She later expanded her career into fashion and TV hosting. Stewart recently popped up on “House of Stassi.”

Rumors picked up after Stewart’s name started circulating with the speculation about the next “RHOBH” cast. Her connection to “Beverly Hills” reality television made the possibility especially interesting to fans. The rumor eventually reached Stewart herself, pushing a response out of her. 

Stewart responded directly to the speculation on her Instagram story. She made it clear that she was not joining “RHOBH,” despite the growing conversation around her possible involvement. Her response put the rumors to rest.

“I don’t know what happened today, but no, I am not joining RHOBH,” Stewart wrote in response to a follower on Instagram. The fan wrote, “Morgan, stop playing; we need confirmation if you are on RHOBH or not.” Stewart tagged the “RHOBH” Instagram account in the response. 

Inside The ‘Rich Kids Of Beverly Hills’ Alum’s Relationship With The ‘RHOBH’ Casts

Stewart’s connections also fuel the “RHOBH” casting rumor. The TV personality already has connections to some of the women associated with the show. She is friendly with Kyle Richards, who has publicly supported Morgan’s fashion and activewear lines.

Stewart also has a connection with Dorit Kemsley. The two have similar looks, and fans also point out their doppelganger resemblance. This was shared by therealhousewiveszone on Instagram.

The connections have made fans think of the possibility of Stewart on “RHOBH.” “Let this be true,” a fan commented. Her history with the “Beverly Hills” social scene adds to the speculation surrounding a possible move to Bravo.

Morgan Stewart Once Played Along With The ‘RHOBH’ Idea

Stewart had fun with the idea of joining the “RHOBH” show. She took part in a “Necessary Realness” game centered on “RHOBH.” She was asked to guess whether famous Housewives quotes came from her or one of the women on the show. 

The video came during the “RHOBH” reunion period and featured Stewart reacting to memorable quotes from the Housewives. She played along with the game while showing how familiar she was with the cast and their personalities. The game itself did not announce Morgan as a new Housewife.

Stewart playfully guessed whether the quotes were made by her in the video shared by E! News. She was asked whether she could fit into the Beverly Hills franchise. Her recent response suggests the speculation might not be true.

The TV Personality’s Career Is Beyond Reality TV

Stewart did not remain focused on reality television after “Rich Kids of Beverly Hills.” She moved into entertainment hosting and became part of E! ‘s programming lineup. Forbes reported that she hosted “Nightly Pop,” co-hosted “Daily Pop,“ and fronted E! Online’s Necessary Realness.

Fashion has also remained an important part of Stewart’s career. She launched Morgan Stewart Sport with LA Collective in 2016 and later became its creative director. Forbes reported that her work on the brand developed alongside her growing career at E!.

The TV personality has built a reputation for having a distinct personal style. She was known for styling herself in unique but subtle ways. Stewart viewed herself as someone who did not simply follow trends.

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Morgan Stewart’s Family Life Has Kept Her In The Spotlight

Away from her career, Stewart has also shared parts of her family life with her audience. She secretly married musician Jordan McGraw in December 2020 while she was seven months pregnant with their first child. The couple later welcomed two children, Row and Grey.

Their decision to stop expanding their family also became a topic on Stewart’s show. The Blast reported that McGraw underwent a vasectomy after the birth of their second child. Stewart joked about the procedure and said, “No more babies.”

Stewart has also made career decisions around spending more time with her children. In 2022, she announced that she would leave “Daily Pop” while continuing with “Nightly Pop.” She said at the time that she wanted to enjoy the mornings with her babies while they were still young.

Morgan Stewart is not joining the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” at least for now.

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In the last few years, Apple TV has become a staple streaming service for all the biggest sci-fi shows. While the first series that may come to mind is Severance, especially due to its cultural impact in the last few years, it recently lost its crown as the most-watched Apple TV sci-fi show ever. This title now belongs to Pluribus, the latest sci-fi series from writer/creator Vince Gilligan. If Gilligan’s name sounds familiar, it’s because he also wrote all episodes of one of the greatest TV shows of all time in Breaking Bad, which stars Bryan Cranston opposite Aaron Paul. Apple TV has also had other sci-fi shows to fall back on in the last few years, like Foundation and Invasion, cementing the platform as the go-to streaming home for the best original sci-fi programming.

Another criminally underrated sci-fi show from the last few years to wow audiences on Apple TV is Murderbot, starring Alexander Skarsgård, brother of Bill Skarsgård and son of Stellan Skarsgård. Apple TV dropped all episodes of Murderbot over a few months during the first half of 2025, and the show was picked up for Season 2, but updates about the new season have been few and far between the last few months. However, news broke yesterday that Murderbot Season 2 is officially expanding its cast, but not in the traditional sense with a few new members. Murderbot Season 2 has added 25 new members to its cast, including Blair Underwood, Brendan Hunt, Bridget Everett, Britne Oldford, Damian Young, Divian Ladwa, Ella Jay Basco, Etienne Beydon, Griffin Newman, Jaedynn Latter, Jason George, Kali Reis, Katy O’Brian, Maddy Strauss, Marc Menchaca, Martha Plimpton, Meredith Salenger, Michael Sheen, Nia Otchere-Sarfo, Nicholas Braun, Patton Oswalt, Steve Buscemi, Topher Grace, Tramell Tillman, and Wanda Sykes. Details about their roles are being kept under wraps for now.

What Is ‘Murderbot’ About?

Apple TV’s official synopsis for Murderbot, which earned scores of 95% from critics and 82% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, reads as follows: “In a high-tech future, a rogue security robot secretly gains free will; to stay hidden, it reluctantly joins a new mission protecting scientists on a dangerous planet even though it just wants to binge soap operas.” One of the most exciting new cast members to join Murderbot Season 2 is Tramell Tillman, who is also famous for his role in Apple TV’s Severance. Tillman also has a key role in the latest MCU blockbuster, Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Check out the first season of Murderbot on Apple TV and stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of Season 2.

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Release Date

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May 15, 2025

Network

Apple TV+

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Directors

Aurora Guerrero, Roseanne Liang

Franchise(s)

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The Murderbot Diaries

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This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.

This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.

2026 hasn’t exactly been a banner year for Jason Statham so far, who starred in only one movie that failed to turn a profit at the box office. Statham’s Shelter came out of the gates hot with some of the best reviews of his action vehicles, but the film needed to gross around $100 million to break even at the box office, and it left theaters after eking out only $54 million during its entire run. The action thriller has found redemption streaming on Starz, and it’s expected to continue this success throughout the year. Statham is also returning to one of his best roles from the last few years with Adam Clay in The Beekeeper 2, which is coming to theaters in the first few weeks of 2027.

Before The Beekeeper 2 hits theaters around the world, though, Statham will have a shot to redeem himself with his new Die Hard-style action movie, Mutiny, which is now playing in theaters everywhere. Statham stars alongside Peaky Blinders veteran Annabelle Wallis in the film, which follows a blue-collar man caught in the middle of an international conspiracy after his boss is murdered in front of him, and he’s set up to take the fall. The review embargo for Mutiny was lifted yesterday afternoon, and reviews for the film began pouring in, but things aren’t exactly going according to plan — the film currently sits at 49% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes from 39 reviews.

ScreenRant’s George Bate was harsh on the film in his 3/10 review, highlighting the “intriguing set-up” but criticizing the “uninteresting characters and lack of tension.” Meanwhile, MovieWeb’s Julian Roman enjoyed the film more than most critics, giving it a 6/10 in his review, praising the performances and saying that the film “kicks butt.” Allison Rose of FlickDirect gave Statham’s new actioner a 5/10 in her review, admitting that Statham was the right actor to star in the film, but that “little else makes it appealing.”

Jason Statham Is Officially Reuniting With Guy Ritchie

Jason Statham and Guy Ritchie have worked together plenty of times over the years, but it’s been a while since they teamed up for a movie. That’s set to change soon with the release of Viva La Madness, (co-starring Jason Isaacs and Camila Mendes), which has been dated for release in theaters on January 21, 2028. The film follows an unnamed protagonist who lies low in the Caribbean, waiting for the attention from his past job to fade before he returns to London.

Check out Mutiny in theaters and stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of Jason Statham’s future projects.

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Release Date

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August 21, 2026

Runtime

95 Minutes

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Director

Jean-François Richet

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Meghan Markle once vocalized her issues with a potential move back to England with husband Prince Harry and their two children.

“Sorry, I have a problem with that,” Meghan, 45, told The Cut in a 2022 profile, claiming that she likely couldn’t pick up son Prince Archie, 7, and daughter Princess Lilibet, 5, from school due to public attention. “That doesn’t make me obsessed with privacy, that makes me a strong and good parent protecting my child.”

Harry, 41, and Meghan stepped down from their official duties as senior working royals, instead settling in Montecito, California, with their two kids in tow. While speaking with The Cut, Meghan revealed that she personally handled school drop-off and pick-up.

After relocating to the United States, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex launched a production company together as Harry joined the boards of multiple for-profit organizations while Meghan launched her lifestyle brand, As Ever. Harry even claimed to the BBC in 2025 that he couldn’t “see a world” where he felt comfortable traveling to his native England with his family. (Harry had filed a lawsuit for enhanced security protections, which was ultimately shot down in court.)

Related: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to Move Back to U.K. 6 Years After Royal Exit

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly moving back across the pond six years after leaving the U.K. People reported on Wednesday, August 19, that Harry, 41, and Meghan, 45, are relocating their children to the U.K. for an extended period starting this month. The pair’s son, Prince Archie, 7, and daughter, Princess Lilibet, 5, […]

Despite the legal defeat, news broke on Wednesday, August 19, that Harry and Meghan planned to move back to the U.K. in time for Archie and Lili to start school this fall. The New York Times, CNN, BBC and more outlets have reported that the family will retain their Montecito property.

Neither Harry nor Meghan has publicly addressed their moving plans. Us reached out for comment.

Related: How Prince William and Kate Are Reacting to Harry’s U.K. Move: Expert

A royal expert is shedding light on how Prince William and Kate Middleton are likely reacting to the news that their estranged family members Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are moving back to the U.K. “All I can think of is: here we go again,” Brothers and Wives author Christopher Andersen exclusively tells Us. “For […]

Harry and Meghan’s move comes less than one month after they brought Archie and Lili to the U.K. for the first time in four years. During the visit, the young royals had the chance to visit with estranged grandfather King Charles III amid his ongoing battle with an undisclosed form of cancer.

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“Certain topics were off limits,” a source exclusively told Us in July of the low-key family reunion at Charles’ Highgrove House estate. “They [all] agreed beforehand that they would not discuss any topics making headlines in the press, including [Harry’s] court case.”

Per the insider, Charles, 77, and wife Queen Camilla sought “personal time” with their grandchildren.

“They wanted it to be lighthearted and positive,” the source added at the time. “The point of the meeting was to spend time with them, and that was the only thing on the agenda.” 

If you only look at big-screen box office numbers, Marvel is having a banner year so far with its only theatrical release, Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The film has already grossed over $2 billion at the box office in less than three weeks, and it’s poised to finish its global run as one of the three or four highest-grossing movies ever made. The next film on the slate for Marvel Studios, Avengers: Doomsday, is likely to find similar box office success, as it’s already tracking ahead of Spider-Man: Brand New Day in pre-sales. On the small screen, Marvel has unleashed several new seasons of established TV shows like Daredevil: Born Again and X-Men ‘97. The only new series to be released was Wonder Man, which has spent quite a bit of time in the news cycle, especially in recent weeks.

Wonder Man was a massive hit among critics and audiences, registering scores of 91% and 87% on the aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes. The show was picked up for Season 2 a few weeks after Season 1 was dropped as a binge, but Marvel went back on its word and announced it had been canceled and would not return — this news broke on the premiere day for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which was directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, who was the key developer for Marvel’s Wonder Man. Marvel has yet to publicly share why Wonder Man was canceled after initially being renewed, but when leading star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II was asked this very question during a recent interview with Vanity Fair, he said:

“I was told that it had something to do with the viewership numbers. I wasn’t told what those numbers were, but ultimately, for whatever reason it was, I think they decided that it didn’t make sense for business, and that’s the decision that we live with and we keep on marching forward.”

Marvel Studios Recently Canceled Another Project

Wonder Man isn’t the first Marvel project to be canceled recently. After years of delays and behind-the-scenes turnover, Blade star Mahershala Ali confirmed that the film was no longer in development. Kevin Feige also confirmed this news during an interview this summer, saying that he felt like a “failure” and a “loser” for not getting Blade off the ground. Beyond Avengers: Doomsday this year, Marvel fans have Avengers: Secret Wars, X-Men, Ghost Rider, and Black Panther 3 to be excited about.

Check out the first and only season of Wonder Man on Disney Plus and stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of the MCU.

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Release Date

2026 – 2026-00-00

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Disney+

Writers

Andrew Guest, Madeline Walter, Paul Welsh, Zeke Nicholson, Roja Gashtili, Julia Lerman

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Prime Video is streaming a lot of great movies right now.

Last year’s Oscar-winning Best Picture, One Battle After Another, is available to stream, and that Leonardo DiCaprio film should be at the top of your watchlist this month.

But there are other, older Oscar-winning movie masterpieces to watch on Prime Video in August.

The ‘90s black comedy Fargo, the heart-wrenching Casey Affleck drama Manchester by the Sea and the underrated character study Sound of Metal all won their fair share of acclaim when they were released and deserve to be watched in 2026 and beyond.

‘Manchester By the Sea’ (2016)

Lee Chandler (Affleck) is a broken man who does his best to hide away from the world. Something deeply tragic happened to him in the past that led to his current estrangement from others, including his ex-wife, Randi (Michelle Williams). When his older brother, Joe (Kyle Chandler), dies and unexpectedly leaves him to take care of his teenage son Patrick (Lucas Hedges), Lee is forced to come out of his shell and start caring for others. But is he strong enough to raise a teen who doesn’t really know him, let alone like him?

It’s not inaccurate to describe Manchester by the Sea as one of the most depressing American movies made in the last 15 years. Lee’s past tragedy is horrific, and his response to it is equally hard to watch. But the film also contains strains of humor and hope, even with characters who have to grapple with such weighty issues as death. Manchester by the Sea won well-deserved Oscars for Best Actor (Affleck) and Original Screenplay (Kenneth Lonergan), and it was named one of the 10 best movies of the year by The New York Times, Rolling Stone and the BBC.

‘Sound of Metal’ (2020)

Ruben (Riz Ahmed) is a drummer in a punk rock band who tours the country in an old RV with his girlfriend Lou (Olivia Cooke), who is the lead singer. During a loud gig, Ruben experiences a loud ringing in his ears. A visit to the doctor confirms the worst — Ruben has lost most of his hearing, and he’ll lose the rest of it if he continues to play loud music. Ruben insists on resuming his old life, but how can he last when his hearing gets progressively worse, and he relies more on Lou for help?

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Nominated for seven Oscars, Sound of Metal won for Best Editing and, appropriately, Best Sound, but stars Ahmed and Paul Raci, as a deaf Vietnam veteran who shows Ruben that life doesn’t end when his hearing stops, deserved some statuettes, too. The film itself is terrific — an intelligent and moving study of a man whose whole life was making noise and who now has to appreciate the sounds of silence. The film’s ending is pitch-perfect — affirming, sad, hopeful and filled with grace. You won’t forget it, and after watching it, you wouldn’t want to.

‘Fargo’ (1996)

Someone has kidnapped Jean Lundegaard (Kristin Rudrüd), and they want $80,000 to return her to her husband, car salesman Jerry (William H. Macy), in one piece. Meanwhile, pregnant police chief Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand) investigates the murders of three people on a desolate road outside Fargo, North Dakota. These two incidents seem unrelated, but as Marge digs deeper, she realizes there’s a deadly connection between them that could cause even more death — and endanger her and her unborn baby.

Her work in Fargo won McDormand the first of her three Best Actress Oscars, and she’s sensational as a perpetually positive cop who has to investigate some pretty grim crimes. Her innocence is both beguiling – you root for her right from the get-go – and sneakily effective as everyone in the film keeps underestimating her. Beneath her cheery exterior is a shrewd detective who instantly suspects Jerry has something to do with his wife’s kidnapping, and she won’t stop until she finds out what his role is in the plot and what happened to Mrs. Lundegaard. After watching Fargo, you’ll never look at a woodchipper quite the same way again.

Being a couch potato has changed. Because the quality of entertainment continues to soar, being glued to the screen isn’t necessarily a terrible thing. In the age of streamers, movies and films have been elevated to great new heights. One of the biggest platforms dominating the industry is Apple TV. With some of the biggest features and series on the streamer, from Severance to Ted Lasso, the anticipation for the next big hit or continuation of a beloved series is quite high.

Based on the upcoming lineup of titles, Apple TV is about to deliver. From new seasons of iconic shows to big-budget films with Hollywood favorites, Apple TV will be your home for entertainment as the temperatures begin to drop and the leaves start to turn. How many are excited to add to your queue?

1

‘Mayday’

September 4

Image via Apple TV

Apple TV has been the home for some cinema-worthy movies perfect for the small screen. The next film on that list is the upcoming action comedy Mayday. Written and directed by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley, the 1987-set film follows Troy “Assassin” Kelly (Ryan Reynolds), a U.S. Navy pilot stranded in Soviet territory during the Cold War after he is forced to eject from his plane in the hopes of surviving a midair collision with a MiG-29. Stranded in the Russian wilderness, he forms an unlikely alliance with Nikolai Ustinov (Kenneth Branagh), a former KGB agent, to escape enemy territory. A high-concept Cold War comedy, Mayday is destined to unite a plethora of movie-lovers for this unique film. If the trailer’s usage of American pop culture and Neil Diamond’s “America” is any indication, Mayday is going to be a nostalgic good time.

Based on early previews and teases, Mayday leans into a mix of high-flying aerial tension and heartwarming character bonding. Known for action-comedy hits like Game Night and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, Daley and Goldstein hope to replicate the success with a brilliant but unlikely duo. Between Branagh’s classical prowess and Reynolds’s hilarious comedic persona, they may appear like an odd-couple duo, but with both having experience in action films, Mayday could be an underdog hit. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, the creatives revealed that the seeds of inspiration came from Stephen King’s Misery and Midnight Run. Though it won’t receive a theatrical release, the action-packed film will begin streaming on September 4th.

2

‘Last Seen’

September 9

Image via Apple TV

Coming straight out of Australia is the six-episode thriller Last Seen. Based on the novel The Dispatcher by Ryan David Jahn, the adaptation follows Ian Ridley (Patrick Brammall), a former detective, whose life is shattered when his young daughter, Maggie, disappears without a trace. Eleven years later, the now police dispatcher goes on a desperate search after hearing a distress call he believes is from her. He wants, more than anything, to reunite his fractured family, but could his unwavering obsession end up tearing them even further apart? Led by Brammall, best known for Colin from Accounts, the series is destined to follow in the footsteps of Apple TV’s track record for prestige, twist-heavy international mystery thrillers.

With a high-profile and acclaimed creative team, including creator Kris Mrksa and director Christian Schwochow, Last Seen is a dark, high-stakes thriller that’s destined to keep your adrenaline pumping. With the former director of The Crown on board, Last Seen is a sleek-looking drama. Filmed on location in Victoria, Australia, the series will also feature Maxine Peake, Brendan Cowell, Daniel Henshall, Jessica Wren, Zahra Newman, and Chloe Jean Lourdes. The series debuts with two episodes on September 9th, with weekly releases through October 7, 2026.

3

‘Slow Horses’ Season 6

September 16

Image via Apple TV

Though Apple TV has been applauded for its stronghold on sci-fi hits, it’s their gritty espionage thriller Slow Horses that remains one of their very best. Created by Will Smith, Slow Horses is the highly acclaimed adaptation of Mick Herron’s novel series. The series follows the MI5 unit of consigned, disgraced, and displaced agents under the watchful eye of Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman). Despite being treated as corporate rejects, the team constantly stumbles into and unravels dangerous espionage plots that threaten national security, often proving they are still capable agents. The series has maintained exceptional critical acclaim and high scores across previous seasons, and Season 6 is likely to be the same.

After five high-octane seasons of titillating adventures, the sixth season will revolve around the two novels this time, Joe Country and Slough House. After an explosive and game-changing season with some key players shifting seats, Season 6 sees the Slow Horses on the run as Diana Taverner (Kristin Scott Thomas) embroils them all in a fatally high-stakes game of retaliation and revenge. Jack Lowden returns as River Cartwright for Season 6 alongside Christopher Chung as Roddy Ho, Saskia Reeves as Catherine Standish, Aimee-Ffion Edwards as Shirley Dander, Rosalind Eleazar as Louisa Guy, Tom Brooke as J.K. Coe, Jonathan Pryce as David Cartwright, Hugo Weaving as Frank Harkness, Joanna Scanlan as Moira Tregorian, Samuel West as Peter Judd MP, and Ruth Bradley as Emma Flyte. They will also be joined by newcomer Lenny Rush. The new season kicks off September 16th, with new episodes dropping weekly until October 21st.

4

‘Matchbox: The Movie’

October 16

Image via Apple TV

Anything can be turned into a movie nowadays. If you’re a plastic toy, just wait your turn. Your time is coming! The latest iconic big-budget feature film inspired by Mattel’s classic die-cast toy cars is Matchbox: The Movie. Directed by Sam Hargrave, the globe-trotting adventure follows spy and former soldier Sean Walker (John Cena) and his childhood friends as they must reconnect and rely on their former bond together in a frantic international race to stop a global disaster after his long-absent return. The CIA believes Walker and his friends stole the nuclear weapon, so the group decides to re-steal the bomb and clear their names. Produced as an Apple Original Film in partnership with Skydance Media and Mattel Studios, the film will pair Mattel’s iconic, nostalgic 1950s die-cast toy car brand with explosive live-action life for the first time.

Mattel’s legacy in feature films, thanks in part to Barbie, continues the massive industry trend of turning classic childhood toy brands into major cinematic events. The appeal taps into decades of global collectors and fans who grew up playing with the palm-sized miniature cars. Also currently in development are projects based on fellow Mattel brands, including Hot Wheels, American Girl, Barney, Polly Pocket, Thomas and Friends, and Uno, amongst others. Hargrave directs with a proven track record for massive, gritty action sequences, including The Extraction films, and as stunt coordinator for major franchises, including The Hunger Games and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Joining action hero Cera is a major cast of stars including Jessica Biel, Sam Richardson, Danai Gurira, Corey Stoll, Bill Camp, and Teyonah Parris. Matchbox: The Movie comes to Apple TV on October 9th.

5

‘Where’s Wanda?’ Season 2

October 21

Image via Apple TV

If you enjoy things out of your comfort zone, Apple TV’s hot German-language dark comedy Where’s Wanda? is perfect for you. Created by Oliver Lansley and Zoltan Spirandelli, the series follows Dedo and Carlotta Klatt (Axel Stein and Heike Makatsch), who secretly bug their suburban neighborhood with surveillance equipment, aided by their tech-savvy son Ole (Leo Simon), to find their missing 17-year-old daughter, Wanda (Lea Drinda), only to discover their neighbors are hiding dark secrets as no one is who they claim to be. Where’s Wanda? marked Apple TV’s first German-language series, and it was a hit, with the first season earning a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes.

A breakout hidden gem, Where’s Wanda? returns two years later for an eccentric second season. With a high-stakes new plot of searching for a missing person, the tight-knit Klatt parents must navigate an even more absurd crisis when daughter Wanda is caught standing over a dead body. The new eight-episode run promises an electrifying dive deeper into the dark, secret criminal underbelly of their sleepy suburban town as the family tries to prove Wanda’s innocence. But will their quest to protect their family get them all out of trouble, or ultimately lead them further astray? The series is set to return on October 21st, with weekly episodes through December 9th.

6

‘Nocture’

October 30

Image via Apple TV

Audiences love a good, juicy crime drama, and Apple TV has the perfect one right around the corner. Perhaps the most anticipated new series on the lineup is Nocturne. Created by Rowan Joffé and developed by John Hlavin, the series is based on the Joona Linna novels Lazarus and The Sandman by husband and wife team Alexander Ahndoril and Alexandra Coelho Ahndoril, who use the pen name Lars Kepler. Ex-soldier turned homicide detective Jonah Lynn (Liev Schreiber) leaves rough Philadelphia behind for a quiet life in Western Pennsylvania. When the town and his family come under attack by a dangerous, calculating serial killer named Jurek Walter (Stephen Graham), Jonah sends his surrogate daughter and FBI agent Saga Bauer (Zazie Beetz) to go undercover and face Jurek.

On the heels of its most recent crime thriller, Cape Fear, Apple TV has its pulse on extraordinary shows based on gripping titles. With internationally revered source material as the guiding light, Nocturne is set to be a psychological cat-and-mouse series. Joining Scheiber, Beetz, and Graham in the 10-episode series will be Bill Camp, Rory Culkin, Chrissy Metz, Gary Carr, and Poorna Jagannathan. Nocturne will make its global debut on Friday, October 30th with a two-episode drop. The series will release new episodes weekly until its conclusion on Christmas Day.

7

‘Way of the Warrior Kid’

November 20

Image via Apple TV

Rounding out the fall calendar comes the anticipated drama from director McG: Way of the Warrior Kid. Based on the bestselling novel by former Navy SEAL Jocko Willink, the film follows Marc (Jude Hill), a bullied, self-doubting middle schooler who is transformed when his injured Navy SEAL uncle, Jake (Chris Pratt), moves in with him and his mom, Sarah (Linda Cardellini), for the summer. Uncle Jake trains him and institutes “Operation Warrior Kid,” training Marc to build mental toughness, confidence, and courage, rather than just physical strength. With the power to be this generation’s The Karate Kid, the film, with a screenplay from Will Staples, focuses on mentorship and empowerment.

With an already inspiring source material, the uplifting themes center on self-improvement and mental toughness over pure combat, aiming to empower young viewers dealing with bullying or self-doubt. Despite a familiar formula, The Way of the Warrior Kid translates a message-heavy children’s book into a PG-13 feature film, requiring careful balance so it does not feel too preachy or overly cheesy. The cast will also feature Levi McConaughey, Carl McDowell, Darien Sills-Evans, Ava Torres, and Parker Young. The Way of the Warrior Kid makes its Apple TV debut on November 20.

What makes a movie intense? It could be having the constant pressure of sky-high stakes, or the nail-biting tension of well-built suspense, or a fast-paced narrative that just doesn’t let up. Regardless, from 2000 until the present, there have been plenty of films so incredibly intense that they’re bound to go down in history as some of the greatest thrillers, action movies, and survival dramas in the history of 21st-century cinema. In a few decades’ time, cinephiles are bound to speak about these masterpieces in the same breath as paragons of high-intensity cinema like Se7en or The Wages of Fear.

These can be huge genre blockbusters like Mad Max: Fury Road, George Miller‘s momentous return to the Mad Max franchise after a whopping three decades; or even smaller—yet equally legendary—indie features like the groundbreaking character study Memento. Regardless of how it is that a great modern film builds intensity, what really sets it apart is the ability to keep that intensity high and constant for the entire duration of the runtime. These immensely suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat films are proof of just how much intensity can help in making a movie unforgettable.

6

‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

After the tragic passing of his close friend and long-time producer partner Byron Kennedy, George Miller decided to distance himself from the Mad Max franchise after the lukewarm critical reception of Beyond Thunderdome. The idea for Fury Road had been floating in his mind since the ’80s, but it wouldn’t be all the way until the 2010s that the idea would finally materialize. In the end, the result turned out to be not just the greatest Mad Max film to date by a decent margin, but perhaps even one of the greatest action movies of the 21st century.

It’s certainly one of the best sci-fi action movies in film history, directed with the utmost creativity and authority by Miller at the top of his game. Full of over-the-top world-building and surprisingly complex character development considering the virtual lack of dialogue, Fury Road nevertheless stands out mostly because of its tremendous intensity. The film is two hours of pure high-octane adrenaline, a perfectly shot and perfectly edited chase sequence that ends up feeling far shorter than it actually is. Hugely entertaining and visually stunning, it ends up being one of the most unforgettable action flicks of the 2010s.

5

‘Memento’ (2000)

Image via Newmarket Films

Nowadays, Christopher Nolan tends to be recognized as one of the leading spearheads of the Hollywood blockbuster filmmaking game. Even the greats have to start somewhere, though, and Nolan was no exception. Once upon a time, a young up-and-coming indie director named Christopher Nolan premiered Memento at the Venice Film Festival, earning nothing but praise and critical love all across the board. A whopping 26 years—and many far bigger thrillers—later, many would still confidently call this gem Nolan’s magnum opus.

There are many R-rated psychological thrillers that are masterpieces, and Memento is most certainly one of them. Its revenge story about an amnesiac man trying to unravel the mystery of his wife’s murder would be naturally intense in a vacuum, but it’s the incredibly creative way in which Nolan executes that premise that really transforms Memento from a great thriller into a downright masterpiece. There aren’t very many feature films out there that are structured in reverse-chronological order, and that’s because it’s a concept that’s nigh-impossible to execute well. Not only does Nolan pull it off, he turns it into the foundation of one of the most emotionally powerful, thematically strong, and dramatically intense thrillers the 2000s ever saw.

4

‘Gravity’ (2013)

Image via Warner Bros.

Alfonso Cuarón has spent his whole career proving himself to be one of the most chameleonic filmmakers in both Mexico and Hollywood, as perfectly demonstrated by the sci-fi survival thriller Gravity. Though it leans much more heavily toward the “science” part of the genre rather than “fiction,” it’s still a must-see for fans of modern sci-fi movies. Winner of seven Academy Awards, including Cuarón’s first for Best Director, it has aged wonderfully as one of the most essential survival dramas of the 21st century so far.

It’s also one of the best hard sci-fi movies since 2000, anchored by a trifecta of elements without equal: Cuarón’s intense, nail-bitingly suspenseful direction; the strongest, most emotionally potent performance of Sandra Bullock‘s career; and the jaw-dropping visual effects that once led a Mexican reporter to ask Cuarón what it was like to shoot in space. These elements, along with virtually every other one of Gravity‘s spotless technical and narrative qualities, all help make Gravity a genuine edge-of-your-seat thriller all about grief, rebirth, and the heroism inherent to survival and resilience.

3

‘Whiplash’ (2014)

Damien Chazelle so far only has a handful of feature films under his belt, but they have been more than enough to establish him as one of the most exciting young voices currently working in Hollywood. That reputation was established as far back as 2014, when Chazelle’s sophomore feature directing effort, Whiplash, hit theaters. Based on Chazelle’s own 2013 short film of the same name, this Oscar-winning masterpiece is one of the most thrilling movies released since 2000, a testament to just how intense character-driven dramas can get when done and written with enough momentum.

Whether or not Whiplash is Chazelle’s best film or not is irrelevant; the fact of the matter is that it’s easily his most intense, and perhaps even the single most intense movie about music and artistic obsession that the world has seen in decades. Strongly bolstered by Miles Teller‘s potent, transformative performance and a villainous turn from J. K. Simmons that just oozes intensity, it’s not only one of the best-acted dramas of the 2010s, but also one of the most tense. Whiplash is proof that memorable dialogue, strong acting, and rapid-fire pacing are all it takes for a movie to be incredibly intense.

2

‘Oldboy’ (2003)

Image via Tartan Films

South Korean cinema has always been full of absolutely exceptional thrillers, but it has been since 2000 that the country’s thriller output has gained particular international notoriety. And as far as hyper-intense South Korean thrillers go, it doesn’t relly get much more notorious or harrowing than Oldboy by Park Chan-wook, the man behind several of the most intense movies the 21st century has thus far seen. Oldboy is generally regarded as his magnum opus, and even though its reliance on shock value definitely makes it unfit for the faint of heart, it’s nevertheless one of the most essential action thrillers of modern times.

What’s not to love about Oldboy? The action sequences are impeccably directed and relentlessly violent, the plot twists are all among the most genuinely shocking in film history, and the character writing is as complex and layered as it is absolutely gut-wrenching. For all of those reasons and more, Oldboy is one of the most disturbing crime movies in history. It also happens to be a masterclass in how to nail pretty much every kind of intensity that a motion picture can exhibit: Intensity in emotions, in action, in suspense, in twists, in performances, and definitely in the all-around feel of the finished product.

1

‘Uncut Gems’ (2019)

Image via A24

There’s one thing that both Josh and Benny Safdie specialize in, and that’s making some of the most intense movies the world has ever seen. Case in point: Uncut Gems, their most widely-celebrated film, starring Adam Sandler in what may well be the greatest performance of his career—and is most definitely the most intense. Impeccably directed by the Safdies, Uncut Gems is one of the most suspenseful thrillers of the last 100 years, a thriller composed of pure suspense, anxiety, stress, and paranoia.

Fueled exclusively by these emotions, the film creates an experience that’s incredibly disquieting yet absolutely impossible to look away from. Its themes of greed and of the ever-consuming nature of addiction are quite clear, but executed with such artful complexity and such tremendous intensity that it’s impossible not to keep thinking about them even long after the credits roll. Probably the single most suspenseful movie of the last 26 years, Uncut Gems is the sort of thriller which proves just how intense films can get.

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Uncut Gems

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Release Date

December 25, 2019

Runtime

136 minutes

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Director

Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie

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