Bohemian style that’s effortlessly cool is exactly the kind of vibe we’re going for when piecing together an everyday athleisure collection. The only problem? The California-esque style can sometimes come with a hefty price tag, especially when browsing elevated retailers like Free People. Now, that doesn’t mean we have to give up on the carefree look just yet; we did a little outsourcing and found easy breezy styles that’ll make you do a double take, starting at $19.

Everything you love about the Free People style is hiding on our list below, which features two-piece sets as well as individual tops, bottoms and athletic dresses with boho details that look almost identical to the real thing. And because we still love the Philly-based retailer, we also included a few athleisure pieces that are actually on Amazon! Browse our favorite easy-going picks that are perfect for picking up the kiddos, running errands, working out and beyond.

17 Free People-Style Activewear Pieces on Amazon

1. Our Favorite: There’s something about this two-piece matching set that simultaneously feels rich yet easygoing for that classic Free People style. The racerback tank is body-hugging, while the loose drawstring pants are ideal for farmers’ markets or yoga classes.

2. Sporty-Chic: The collegiate Ivy League look is back again for fall, and this quarter-zip top and shorts set leans heavily into the vibe. We’ve seen so many Free People pieces with bold striped patterns and fun color combos, like this.

3. Everyday Ease: Exposed stitching is a Free People tell-tale, which is why we instantly added this athletic top to our cart. It looks like a plain shirt from the front; however, the visible threads and open-back design totally set it apart.

4. Comfort MVP: Cargo pants used to be considered ‘ugly’ but not anymore! Celebs like Jennifer Lawrence and Emily Blunt are styling the look again, and this athletic pair brings the style to the hiking trail or grocery store aisle.

5. Designer-Looking: We almost gasped when we saw this Free People-inspired set on Amazon. The cropped top overlay and jogger pants look just like the ever-popular Hot Shot Crossover Set (but for much less).

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6. Anything But Basic: Athletic dresses tend to be a little tight, unless you find a loose and comfy option like this one. The easy, breezy dress flows right over your body; however, it has secret shapewear underneath to hold you in while playing pickleball or mini golf.

7. Top Seller: With over 15,800 five-star ratings, it’s clear that Amazon shoppers adore these high-waisted leggings. The crossover waist, flared leg and chocolate brown color are so Free People. Oh, and the flattering details seal the deal.

8. Versatile Find: Travel days, errand runs and meditation sessions can all be done while wearing this ultra-comfy jumpsuit. Read: You’ll wear it constantly. We especially love the layering capabilities, which are ideal for summer and fall.

9. Mix and Match: Surprise! Free People is actually on Amazon, and this long-sleeve staple is one to snap up fast. The soft, breathable fabric, slimming fit and crew neckline make this find the perfect layering top. Wear it under a ’90s-inspired tank dress, denim jacket or ski pullover.

10. Leg-Lengthening Magic: We love a distressed-looking skirt that feels right at home at the high-end retailer. The best part(s) about this skirt is that it has built-in shorts, an asymmetrical leg and a leg-lengthening hem.

11. Winter Must-Have: Celebrities like Martha Stewart love a half-zip sweater, and this Free People option gets you in on the trend. The color-block details and sporty style give it an après-ski moment that we’ll be wearing on and off the slopes.

12. Soft Statement: This is one of the most interesting-looking athletic dresses we’ve seen by far. The exposed bra, ruched accents and loose fit go so well together.

13. Two-in-One: If you’re looking for loungewear that transitions seamlessly to outdoor wear, you have to check out this bohemian-like set. The color, style and silhouette appear so similar to the Hot Shot Relaxed Set.

14. Travel Must-Have: There’s nothing worse than flying internationally on a chilly plane. This top-selling two-piece lounge set is the solution; it’s cozy, soft and effortlessly chic.

15. Everyday Ease: Free People has loose cropped pants, but we actually like this Amazon find better. The wrap hem feels inherently boho, giving the pants a fun, unexpected twist.

16. Same But Different: If you like the skort style featured above, you’ll adore this two-piece set. It has the same lived-in aesthetic with the addition of a muscle tank top. It takes care of the styling, so you can be out the door in minutes.

17. Last But Not Least: Rolled hems and off-the-shoulder designs are part of the Free People blueprint, so people might think you got this athleisure set at the actual retailer. It comes in five solid colors; however, we like the creamy white best.

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Videos showing Brian Hickerson appearing to slur his words have resurfaced as authorities continue investigating the death of his girlfriend, Hayden Panettiere. Hickerson originally posted the unusual clips to his Instagram Story in May and June, months before Panettiere was found unresponsive at a Greenville, South Carolina, rental. The footage does not establish that Hickerson was intoxicated or connect him to Panettiere’s death. Her official cause and manner of death remain undetermined as authorities await additional testing.

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In one video obtained by TMZ, Hickerson imitated an unidentified woman who allegedly told him that he sounded drunk. He then filmed himself preparing to post a song on social media while apparently discussing and disregarding potential copyright concerns.

Another video showed Hickerson driving through a fast-food restaurant and questioning an employee about the customer ahead of him. Hickerson reportedly asked whether the woman was attractive and attempted to obtain information about her order.

During the clip, he also claimed that he had flirted with an employee at the restaurant before learning that she was 17 years old. He said he continued driving after discovering her age. Although his speech appeared slurred in portions of the videos, there has been no official determination about whether he was under the influence when he recorded them.

Hickerson Was At The Rental When Panettiere Died

Hickerson was inside the Greenville rental on August 16 when Panettiere was found unresponsive. His brother, Zach Hickerson, said he became concerned after he could not reach either of them following church that morning.

“When I left church, I called and texted both of them. When I didn’t reach Brian or Hayden, I just assumed maybe they fell back asleep, so I drove over and went to the Airbnb. When I got there, I knew the code to the building but not the door code to the Airbnb,” Zach told TMZ.

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Zach reportedly knocked loudly enough to wake Brian, who had been sleeping on a pull-out couch bed. The brothers then checked on Panettiere and discovered that she was unconscious.

Hickerson Reportedly Administered Narcan

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Zach said he “immediately called 911 and Brian gave her Narcan.” Narcan is a brand of naloxone used to reverse a suspected opioid overdose. However, its presence or administration does not prove that Panettiere used opioids or that an overdose caused her death. Zach said he and Brian “performed CPR while 911 was on speaker until Fire and EMS arrived.”

According to an official release from the City of Greenville, first responders were dispatched to the residence shortly before 2 p.m. following a report of an unresponsive woman. Emergency personnel attempted to provide medical assistance, but Panettiere was pronounced dead at the scene. She was 36.

Hickerson’s Attorney Urges Public To Await Investigation

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Hickerson later addressed Panettiere’s death through his attorney, Sloan Ellis of the Ellis Hinton law firm. “Hayden’s death remains under investigation and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed,” the statement read. “As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play. Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time.”

Ellis previously worked as a federal prosecutor and has experience working with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the FBI. Her history with those agencies does not indicate anything about the findings in Panettiere’s case.

DEA Assists With Investigation Into Actress’ Death

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The DEA has joined the investigation, which is being led by the Greenville Police Department with assistance from the Greenville County Coroner’s Office. According to ABC News, the DEA is assisting rather than serving as the lead agency.

A police report noted that it remained unknown whether Panettiere had used drugs or alcohol before her death. Hickerson reportedly showed officers a bag containing medications she had been taking.

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Dispatch audio also included emergency personnel discussing a possible overdose, but that description was preliminary and does not represent a medical finding.

The DEA’s participation similarly does not confirm that narcotics contributed to Panettiere’s death or that criminal conduct occurred.

Autopsy Found No Signs Of Trauma

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The Greenville County Coroner’s Office completed an autopsy after Panettiere’s death. Coroner Mike Ellis said there were no visible injuries or signs of trauma that contributed to her passing. Preliminary findings also showed no indication of foul play or suspicious circumstances. Her official cause and manner of death remain pending toxicology results and additional studies.

Those findings will be necessary to determine whether medication, alcohol, illegal substances, a medical emergency or another factor contributed to her death. The resurfaced videos may raise questions about Hickerson’s condition months earlier, but they do not answer what happened to Panettiere.

Until investigators and the coroner complete their work, any connection between the clips, the Narcan and Panettiere’s death would remain speculation.

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The past year has brought several challenges for Dolly Parton. Along with facing health concerns, the country music legend has mourned the deaths of her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, and her brother, Coy Parton. The singer has also canceled some performances and appearances, leaving fans worried. Amid the growing concerns, she is now offering an update on her well-being.

Dolly Parton has ccanceledor missed some high-profile events and awards ceremonies in the past several months, causing worry among her avid fans. The singer ultimately canceled her Las Vegas residency to focus on her healing, and she also missed the grand opening of the newest roller coaster at Dollywood, the theme park that she co-owns.

Parton is now sharing an update with her fans. “I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl,” Parton told PEOPLE.

Carl Thomas Dean, the singer’s husband of 58 years, passed away in March 2025 at 82 years old. While his cause of death wasn’t revealed to the public, reports note he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2019 and had been sick for a while before his death.

The Queen of Country Music said this isn’t the first time in her decades-long career that she’s dealt with health issues, pointing out that in the ’80s, she took a step back from work for several months due to “female issues.”

In the mid-’80s, Parton canceled her tour and went on a hiatus due to endometriosis, which led to a partial hysterectomy. She also battled depression and stayed away from the public eye while she recovered.

“It’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health. But I think because we live in a 24/7 world with social media, everything gets magnified in ways it wasn’t years ago,” she explained, joking that she is now the “Queen of Social Media AI.”

Despite her current health issues, Parton said she is still hard at work. “Seriously, though, even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’,” she said.

Dolly Parton Took A Break To Process Her Grief

A few months after the death of her husband, Parton said that while she had many “beautiful ideas” brewing, she wasn’t sure if she could move forward with them. “I can’t do it right now because I’ve got so many other things that I can’t afford the luxury of getting that emotional right now,” she said, as reported by The Blast.

Parton also said one of the most difficult things was adjusting to her new life after spending almost six decades with her husband. However, she finds comfort in her memories of Dean and said she feels his presence every day.

In July, the singer suffered another loss. Her older brother, Coy “Denver” Parton, died at 82 years old.

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The Country Singer Made A Surprise Appearance At A Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

“Well, the doors are open and I could not be prouder. Good food, real rest, a little music, and people who are genuinely glad you stopped in…that’s what the road has always deserved, and that is what you will find here. Welcome home.” – @dollyparton pic.twitter.com/w5gTYLY8VB

— Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stops (@dptravelstops) June 24, 2026

On June 24, fans were delighted to see Parton in person after she made an appearance at the opening of Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop in Cornersville, Tennessee. It was a welcome surprise, as the singer had just canceled her residency due to health issues.

Parton even cracked a joke, telling the crowd that she decided to open a truck stop as she “couldn’t leave it to beavers,” referring to Buc-ee’s, the popular roadside convenience store chain.

Dolly Parton Is Gearing Up For The Opening Of Her Museum

Parton is, indeed, keeping busy. The singer is getting ready to launch Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum in Nashville, Tennessee.

“Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum is the largest exhibit celebrating her life anywhere in the world, spanning every dynamic decade from the top of the mountains to the top of the world,” the website reads.

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“I am so proud of this. We found this location early one morning. I knew I wanted to do something special in Nashville, and until I saw this building, nothing ever hit me as the right thing to do,” Parton said.

The museum is located on the third floor of Parton’s SongTeller Hotel at 211 Commerce Street, which will welcome guests in September. The museum itself is expected to open in October.

Ariana Grande’s legal efforts to punish those responsible for leaking her unreleased music are gaining momentum.

The singer was granted a motion on Tuesday that will accelerate the subpoena process to identify the individuals behind the alleged illegal leaks.

The lawsuit, initially filed late last month, alleges that 45 unreleased songs were leaked in 2023 alone. It further claims that hundreds of unreleased tracks have been leaked since Grande began her music career in 2011.

After suffering multiple instances in which her unreleased music and videos were leaked online by hackers, Grande recently scored a small legal victory that could fast-track the process of putting an end to the leaks.

The singer had earlier filed a proposed order for expedited discovery, which would allow her to quickly subpoena information that could help identify those responsible for the leaks.

On Tuesday, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Mark H. Epstein granted the request, waiving the typical waiting period attached to such subpoenas.

“Given that there is no one to whom notice can be given anyway, it makes little sense to wait the 16 days,” the judge ruled. “And on the merits of the motion, good cause is shown.”

The Singer Races To Protect Her Unreleased Music

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As to why Grande’s attorneys made the ex parte application for expedited discovery, they explained that it was intended to prevent further leaks and to quickly identify those responsible.

“There is an increased risk that additional content will be stolen or sold, and that the account, subscriber, and login data needed to identify Defendants will be lost,” the filing stated.

Their argument partly centered on the need to subpoena certain online platforms and third-party services connected to the alleged hacking activity as quickly as possible.

These include social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X, and Discord, as well as payment services such as PayPal and Cash App. The singer is not accusing any of these companies of wrongdoing.

Hundreds Of Ariana Grande Songs Have Allegedly Been Stolen

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Grande’s lawsuit over the leak of her unreleased music was filed in July. In it, she claimed that anonymous hackers broke into the personal digital accounts and devices of her photographers and producers using stolen login credentials and phishing schemes.

She noted that in 2023 alone, around 45 songs she had not yet publicly released were stolen or leaked. Over the years since her 2011 debut, that number has reached the hundreds, which she claimed had caused her “irreparable harm.”

Now, serving the subpoenas could take several weeks or months, and it remains unclear how those served will respond. Regardless, the case is due back in court on January 25 for a status hearing, which will assess the case’s current progress and determine what needs to happen next.

Ariana Grande Wants Her Music Leakers Behind Bars

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In a 2024 interview, Grande personally expressed how upset she was about her songs and videos being leaked.

“Before I left for Wicked, the few studio sessions that I did — which are all over TikTok, thank you so much. I’ll see you in jail, literally,” Grande noted at the time on the Zach Sang Show.

She also discussed how a song, “Fantasize,” made for a TV show, was leaked on the video app.

“‘Fantasize’ comes out,” she said. “Comes out. Crazy. Was stolen — by thieves, pirates, or illegally. I’ll pay you more to put it away, to get it back.”

The singer went on to say that there was a positive side to the leak, as she took what people liked about it and incorporated those ideas into Eternal Sunshine.

Ariana Grande Opens Up About Her Upcoming Hiatus

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News of Grande taking a break from the spotlight has been swirling for a while, and the singer sought to address it earlier this month during a performance at Chicago’s United Center.

“It is something that I had decided to plan that I had quietly made a long time ago, and it’s a decision that was made from a thoughtful and empowered place,” the singer said of her proposed break.

“Human beings can need a break sometimes. And also, this can be and will continue to be the greatest experience of my professional and creative life,” she added.

Just three years after the allegedly last Insidious film, Insidious: The Red Door, was released, the 16-year-old franchise is back with a new entry: Insidious: Out of the Further.

The Lambert family — mom Renai (Rose Byrne), dad Josh (Patrick Wilson) and son Dalton (Ty Simpkins) — are taking a well-earned break this time around. An almost new cast, including Amelia Eve and Nope’s Brandon Perea, is introduced, with one familiar face — Lin Shaye’s Elise Rainier, who, despite dying in the first film, has appeared in every sequel since 2010.

Out of the Further is sure to make a killing (pun intended) at the box office this weekend, but it’s also going to spur interest in the previous installments.

Watch With Us has everything you need to know about where to stream all the Insidious movies, each film’s Rotten Tomatoes score and if they’re worth watching.

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‘Insidious’ (2010) — Peacock

Rotten Tomatoes score: 66 percent

What is it about? After they move into their new home, the Lamberts’ son, Dalton (Simpkins), falls into a coma. They soon discover his soul has been taken to another dimension and they hire spiritual medium Elise Rainier to help get him back.

Is it worth watching? Yes. Insidious isn’t a classic, but the first film has enough cheap thrills going for it to make it work. The film was made for only $1 million, which makes it even more impressive.

‘Insidious: Chapter 2’ (2013) — Peacock

Rotten Tomatoes score: 38 percent

What is it about? While the Lamberts rejoice in Dalton’s return, they soon discover Josh has brought back a malevolent spirit that seeks to destroy him.

Is it worth watching? Yes. Chapter 2 is scarier, and Wilson is effective as a possessed dad who wants to kill his family.

‘Insidious: Chapter 3’ (2015) — Peacock

Rotten Tomatoes score: 56 percent

What is it about? This prequel chronicles a still-alive Elise Rainier’s previous encounter with The Further. Tasked with saving a teenage girl, the psychic faces off against an evil entity known as the Man Who Can’t Breathe.

Is it worth watching? Yes. Chapter 3 isn’t as scary as Chapter 2, but it’s still sufficiently atmospheric to creep you out. Plus, it’s always nice to see professional character actress Shaye in the spotlight.

‘Insidious: The Last Key’ (2018) — HBO Max

Rotten Tomatoes score: 34 percent

What is it about? The Last Key is another prequel featuring Elise as she battles the “Key Face” demon she unknowingly released when she was a little girl./

Is it worth watching? No. The Last Key offers nothing new or interesting to the franchise, and it’s not even that scary. The only good thing about it is that Shaye got a nice paycheck out of it.

‘Insidious: The Red Door’ (2023) — Hulu, Disney+ and HBO Max

Rotten Tomatoes score: 40 percent

What is it about? The Lamberts are back, and they’re now a broken family. When college freshman Dalton begins to paint his repressed feelings in art class, he unknowingly unlocks demons from The Further. The only one who can help him is dad Josh, who is still recovering from the events in Chapter 2.

Is it worth watching? Yes. The Red Door is the best film in the Insidious franchise, with stylish direction from Wilson and great performances from the cast. It’s also the first film in the series that has a real budget, which allows it to explore The Further in a way previous entries couldn’t.

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‘Insidious: Out of the Further’ (2026) — Now in Theaters

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Rotten Tomatoes score: 58 percent

What is it about? Gemma is a young mother who finds out that when she’s at her childhood home, she can travel into the Further. After a trip to the otherworldly dimension, she discovers she accidentally brought back several demons who want to stay on Earth permanently. Elise Rainier is the only one who can help her send them back to where they came from.

Is it worth watching? Yes, with caveats. Even though it features a mostly new cast, Out of the Further feels like more of the same. But the jump scares are effective, and Amelia Eve is winning as the terrified Gemma.

Khloé Kardashian launched her weekly video podcast “Khloé in Wonder Land” in January 2025. The podcast featured unfiltered conversations with special guests, from famous family members to Hollywood stars. She also shared personal stories and candid reflections on her life, career, and high-profile relationships. Ahead of the show’s season 3 release, she revealed her future career plans and whether or not she would ever return to acting.

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In a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter about her future career plans, the “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” reality star revealed that she is excited for this new season “because it’s going to be longer” than the first two.

“I have more room to diversify a bit and see what has stuck with my audience versus what has not,” she said. “The biggest thing that I want to do is branch out a little bit more.”

Although she said that she enjoyed filming the family episodes, and they were a big hit with her audience, she wanted to branch into “different genres.”

Khloé Wants To Explore Conspiracy Theories And ‘Crazy Stuff’

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She said she wants her podcast to focus more on conspiracy theories and other “crazy stuff.” She also wants to try to cover “self-help-type things,” which she thinks will be a big hit with her viewers.

“Other doctors that know how to break down whatever issues are so fascinating. I did something with Dr. Amen, and the amount of people that got all this positive knowledge from him made me feel so good because it’s almost like I was giving back to people that couldn’t afford to see him themselves or didn’t have access to his clinics,” she said. “So that makes me feel good when I’m able to provide real information to people where they have a takeaway.”

“I could go from a celebrity to a doctor to a conspiracy theorist, and I have more room to play,” she continued. “I love how all over the place it is, but that’s why it’s Khloé in Wonder Land because my brain is fascinated by anything and everything.”

Will Khloé Kardashian Make A Return To Acting?

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Although some fans want to see her star in a big project alongside her sister, Kim Kardashian, Khloé said she isn’t looking to return to acting in the near future.

“I get asked to act all the time and to do these roles. I’m never gonna say never, but currently it’s not something I feel like makes my heart happy,” she said. “It’s not like where my passion is with anything.”

Although she wouldn’t name any specific projects, she did say that she gets asked to star in a movie “all the time.”

“People will say someone wants you for a movie, and I’m like, no, no, no. I have taken meetings with people who wanted to do a scripted series with me, and I just don’t know if it’s my thing,” she added.

Khloé Kardashian Might Embrace A Career Behind The Camera

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Khloé currently serves as executive producer for “The Girls,” a reality show that features her famous friends: Nicole Williams English, Olivia Pierson, Khadijah Haqq-McCray, Natalie Halcro, Malika Haqq and Yris Palmer. 

“I really do enjoy it. I think with your friends, it’s a different level of work involved because it does get very personal. But I still really enjoy it,” she said of producing more reality shows with people outside of her famous family.

“I like being a therapist in a way to people,” she continued. “But businessly, I find it really cool, really creative. I like the ins and outs of it all. So yeah, I could see myself doing more.”

All six episodes of her unscripted series, “The Girls: A Khloé Kardashian Project,” are now available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu.

Hayao Miyazaki is the guy, if you’re talking Japanese filmmakers who work within the animation field. There are significant directors who are – or have been – his contemporaries, like Isao Takahata (best known for Grave of the Fireflies, who co-founded Studio Ghibli alongside Miyazaki and producer Toshio Suzuki), and some animators/directors who worked before Miyazaki are also noteworthy. There’s Osamu Tezuka, and though he’s best known for being the godfather of manga, he did also direct some works, and had his manga be adapted on a great many other occasions, too. For what it’s worth, Hayao Miyazaki has also worked as a manga artist, with one of his first movies, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, being an adaptation of his manga series of the same name (the manga technically ending some years after the movie came out).

Alongside Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, there were some other great movies Miyazaki directed in the 20th century, including what was technically his first feature film, 1979’s Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro, and Princess Mononoke (1997), which could well be his masterpiece. No, okay, there are lots of movies that Miyazaki made that can compete for that top spot, since he’s so consistent and, of his 12 feature films, not one comes anywhere remotely close to being bad. He’s made five movies in the 21st century so far, and though he has talked about retiring at multiple points, no retirement plans have ever stuck, so the possibility of there being a 13th Hayao Miyazaki movie technically isn’t impossible. Still, his most recent one is a great swansong, and the oldest movie here is also considered a magnum opus for Miyazaki in the eyes of many. It has to be stressed, again, that ranking Hayao Miyazaki’s 21st-century movies is hard, since the “worst” one is still very good (and then the best ones are outright masterpieces).

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‘Ponyo’ (2008)

Image via Studio Ghibli

Ponyo would make for a nice double feature with My Neighbor Totoro. That one was probably the gentlest movie Miyazaki directed in the 20th century, and then Ponyo’s the calmest and most peaceful he’s done in the 21st century. Put another way, it’s particularly family-friendly, perhaps being the most suitable movie for all ages that Miyazaki has directed, with that target audience maybe reflected by the fact that the protagonist here – a five-year-old boy – is especially young.

The story concerns him finding a creature named Ponyo who looks a bit like a goldfish, but she also yearns to be a human. Further, she has a magical father who doesn’t want her to remain on land, and that’s about as intense as things get, conflict-wise. Ponyo is just a nice and fairly relaxing movie, albeit one that might be a little more enjoyable for younger viewers than those who are teens or older. There’s still a lot to like and appreciate, even if you’re an adult, but debatably a little less than what you might find in some of Hayao Miyazaki’s (even better) films.

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‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ (2004)

Image via Studio Ghibli

Even vaguely having to suggest Ponyo was the “worst” of Miyazaki’s 21st century movies didn’t feel as awful as putting a classic like Howl’s Moving Castle here, as the “second-worst.” Again, it’s still great. It is another excellently made fantasy movie directed by Miyazaki, and contains more by way of imaginative sights and ideas than you’ll find in some directors’ entire filmographies. And that he did this one only a few years after what many consider to be his best and most complete film is all the more impressive.

Though there is a sense of comparing it to that one, and feeling like Howl’s Moving Castle just isn’t as great, and that it’s possibly the closest Miyazaki came to giving the people what they wanted (not selling out, mind you, nor anything even close). If you watched Howl’s Moving Castle before all the other fantasy movies Miyazaki did that preceded it, it’d probably feel more surprising and grand, but still, Miyazaki doing his Miyazaki thing remains worth celebrating regardless. Nothing here rings of being an outright retread in any sense, either, so maybe that’s the main thing. Howl’s Moving Castle remains a vital part of a fantastic filmography, make no mistake, even if there are a few Hayao Miyazaki movies that are even stronger.

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‘The Wind Rises’ (2013)

Image via Toho

The Wind Rises is unusual, as far as Hayao Miyazaki movies go, because there isn’t anything by way of fantastical or sci-fi elements here. You can say that about Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro, though that film is still heightened, and certainly contains strong adventure and comedic elements. The Wind Rises, though, is a more grounded affair, and sees Miyazaki doing a biopic of sorts. Well, it is about Jiro Horikoshi, who really existed, but some liberties are taken with certain parts of the real-life story. Horikoshi was an aeronautical engineer who did design planes that ended up being used by Japan during World War II, though the focus of The Wind Rises isn’t really on the war, with most of it taking place in the 1920s and 1930s (some things regarding the war are touched upon near the end).

It’s hard to recommend in the same way you might be able to recommend other Hayao Miyazaki movies, since The Wind Rises isn’t technically as conventionally fun/entertaining. No one goes on an adventure, and there aren’t any creatures or examples of sci-fi technology that stand in for other things, but the film still proves compelling as a historical drama and a romance film. It’s Miyazaki doing something a bit different and unexpected, and doing it really well. It would’ve made for an interesting and quite fitting swansong, but stands now as his penultimate film… and then might slip back further if Miyazaki’s “current” swansong doesn’t actually end up being his last movie.

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‘The Boy and the Heron’ (2023)

That swansong, for now, is The Boy and the Heron. This one is all about legacy, and a fair bit of it thematically deals with growing old, so reading into it that way, as a particularly personal film on Hayao Miyazaki’s part, does prove enriching. It’s also something that visually seems willing to reference every past Miyazaki film in one way or another, but not really in a greatest hits sort of way, since it’s not literally revisiting old characters or settings directly. You more just feel like Miyazaki is thinking back on all the art he has created, and then reckoning with what might happen in the future, when that work exists but he no longer does.

If that sounds a bit emotionally intense, that’s because The Boy and the Heron kind of is. It’s the darkest Miyazaki film that isn’t Princess Mononoke, and it honestly gives that one a run for its money, in any event. Technically, The Boy and the Heron does astound, looking especially visually grand and creative with all the sights it depicts throughout. The core story, about a young person discovering some sort of strange world, might seem familiar at first, but it’s where The Boy and the Heron goes thematically that ends up making it not just compelling, but genuinely up there as one of the very best Hayao Miyazaki films (time will likely be kind to it, too).

1

‘Spirited Away’ (2001)

Image via Toho

So, Spirited Away has the reputation it does for good reason. It’s a perfect entry point into Japanese animation, if you’ve not already watched something kid-friendly that’s a series (the way a lot of people growing up over the last couple of decades seem to have done). Spirited Away is also mostly kid-friendly, for what it’s worth, but not to the extent of My Neighbor Totoro or Ponyo. It’s a bit darker, and definitely creepy at times, even if most of it can probably be handled by younger viewers. It’s about how the world is vast, confusing, and overwhelming, especially when you’re young, which is what the fantasy world here represents (and then some). And it is all animated and executed in a way that proves sometimes frightening and confounding if you’re an older viewer, too.

Maybe that’s the thing about Spirited Away resonating and being suitable for all ages without necessarily feeling like a kid’s movie. Anyone can relate to feeling lost in some way, and having to scrape by with the help of others, or just make the best of a bad situation. The specific bad situation in Spirited Away is getting stuck in an otherworldly realm and having your parents turn into pigs, which isn’t literally relatable, but the emotions are still there, and what the whole journey stands in for is what counts. It’s a bit like not being able to relate to being a witch, like the titular character in Kiki’s Delivery Service, but still being able to relate to having to go somewhere and effectively be an independent adult for the very first time. All these are obvious observations, but Spirited Away is about as discussed as animated movies get, so what else can you do? Oh, you can technically do one other thing: gush about how good it looks. Even by the high standards of Studio Ghibli, Spirited Away really does look absolutely phenomenal.

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Spirited Away

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Release Date

July 20, 2001

Runtime

125 minutes

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• 
• 

  Rumi Hiiragi

  Chihiro (voice)

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In 1968, the Motion Picture Association of America introduced the R rating, replacing the old censorial Hays Code with a system to more effectively let parents know about a film’s mature contents. Over the course of the past 50 years in particular, the R rating has given us several of the greatest science fiction movies ever made. They may not be for kids, but they sure are essential viewing for any sci-fi fan old enough to experience them.

Whether it’s a brutal post-apocalyptic action movie like Mad Max: Fury Road, a space exploration horror thriller like Alien, or any other sort of sci-fi gem that the MPA deemed worthy of an R rating, these truly are some of the greatest movies that the genre has ever produced. They may be bloody, sexually graphic, or simply too dark to be family-friendly; but in any case, they’re absolutely legendary.

10

‘Donnie Darko’ (2001)

Image via Newmarket Films

The 1990s were deeply transformative for cult cinema, shifting away from midnight theater screenings while taking advantage of the booming popularity and democratization of home video. It was thanks to masterpieces as iconic as Donnie Darko, one of the biggest sci-fi cult classics of the 21st century, that the midnight circuit of cult cinema regained its popularity throughout the 2000s.

Much like a lot of the best cult classics of all time, Donnie Darko was an all-around failure upon release, only growing in popularity as the years went on. Today, it’s widely recognized as one of those sci-fi movies that get better with every rewatch, a genre-blending masterpiece that’s as thought-provoking as it is delightfully bizarre. In spite of its R rating, it’s one of the most essential coming-of-age teen sci-fi movies ever made.

9

‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

After the tragic passing of his close friend and producing partner Byron Kennedy, George Miller distanced himself from the world of Mad Max following the critical disappointment that was Beyond Thunderdome. He came up with ideas for a fourth installment in the late ’90s, but it wouldn’t be until 2015—a whopping 30 years after the release of its predecessor—that Mad Max: Fury Road would finally see the light of day.

In the end, Fury Road turned out to be not only the best Mad Max installment to date, but even one of the best sci-fi action movies in film history. Full of delectably over-the-top action and world-building that only a director as masterful as Miller could have possibly gotten away with, it’s a perfectly-shot, perfectly-edited, and perfectly-paced two-hour chase scene that doesn’t lose any of its punch on rewatch.

8

‘The Matrix’ (1999)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Back in 1999, the Wachowskis‘ The Matrix proved downright revolutionary in several senses. Its visual effects broke new ground in the industry, its highly philosophical story and trans allegory showed a new face of what Hollywood sci-fi action was capable of, and its pastiche action scenes inspired by anime and martial arts films changed the face of Hollywood action.

It’s still widely remembered as one of the best sci-fi movies since 1990, a modern classic that has become one of the most essential cornerstones of sci-fi pop culture. Incredibly entertaining, incredibly thought-provoking, and incredibly stunning in terms of its timeless production values, it’s the sort of R-rated sci-fi gem that simply doesn’t get old.

7

‘The Terminator’ (1984)

Image via Orion Pictures

Canadian visionary James Cameron is nowadays well-known as a master of pushing boundaries and breaking new ground in Hollywood, but that wasn’t always the case. Rolling into 1984, the only feature under his belt was Piranha II: The Spawning. He needed a genuine hit in order to establish himself as a respectable filmmaker, and The Terminator ended up being exactly what he needed—and then some.

Where can one even begin singing the praises of this essential ’80s classic? It’s one of the most perfectly-plotted sci-fi movies ever made, full of iconic characters and unforgettable moments, and the masterpiece that further propelled Arnold Schwarzenegger into international superstardom. The ’80s are full of foundational sci-fi classics, and this is undoubtedly one of the best and most important.

6

‘The Thing’ (1982)

Image via Universal Pictures

If there were a hypothetical Mount Rushmore of horror filmmakers, then John Carpenter would definitely need to be right up there as one of the most important, subversive, and groundbreaking directors that the genre has ever seen. For proof, one needn’t look much further than The Thing, which is far and away one of the scariest sci-fi movies of all time.

Carpenter designed the film to be a more faithful adaptation of John W. Campbell Jr.‘s novella Who Goes There? than 1951’s The Thing from Another World. In the end, he succeeded not only at that, but also in making one of the most powerfully atmospheric, visually striking, and perfectly-acted sci-fi horror movies the big screen has ever seen. Carpenter’s filmography is packed with gems that could very reasonably be considered his magnum opus, and this is one of the strongest contenders.

5

‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ (2004)

There’s a very strong argument to be made that Charlie Kaufman is the single greatest screenwriter currently working in Hollywood, and there’s probably no better proof of that than the movie that earned him his first and only Best Screenplay Oscar: Michel Gondry‘s Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, both delivering some of the strongest work of their careers, it’s built on one of the best screenplays in film history.

Its science fiction elements are relatively subtle, and all in perfect service of a poignantly raw, realistic, and emotionally riveting exploration of love, connection, and the power of memories. Kaufman and Gondry flawlessly balance surrealism and character-driven drama in such a way that Eternal Sunshine has aged wonderfully as the greatest R-rated sci-fi film of the 21st century so far.

4

‘Blade Runner’ (1982)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Back in 1982, Ridley Scott‘s Blade Runner was nothing short of a catastrophic failure both commercially and critically. Little did anyone know, home video would eventually allow it to become a cult classic of such a tremendous caliber that today, it’s a sci-fi classic that’s just about as mainstream as they come. Today, one could point at it as one of the most massively influential films the genre has ever produced.

Blade Runner is, indeed, one of the best sci-fi movies in film history. Based on the dystopian novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick, it’s one of the most essential and special neo-noir movies of the latter half of the 20th century. Wonderfully directed, written with the utmost patience and intelligence, and bolstered by Vangelis‘ flawless score, it really is one of the greatest Hollywood masterpieces of the ’80s.

3

‘Children of Men’ (2006)

Image via Universal Pictures

Alfonso Cuarón has spent his entire career enshrining himself as one of the most incredible filmmakers in both Mexico and Hollywood, but well before he was an Oscar-winning auteur, he made Children of Men. This is one of those sci-fi movies that are definitely not for kids, a dystopian action thriller based on P. D. James‘ 1992 novel of the same title.

It’s one of the sci-fi movies from the past couple of decades that have aged the best, its messages on the importance of compassion, the collapse of human civilization, and the treatment of refugees around the world still being awfully timely in 2026. With its incredible cast, its perfect script, and Cuarón’s airtight and technically masterful direction, it’s a must-see for anyone who loves dystopian sci-fi and bleak action thrillers.

2

‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ (1991)

Image via Tri-Star Pictures

As fantastic as The Terminator was, it would be an understatement to say that James Cameron one-upped himself in virtually every sense imaginable with the film’s sequel, Terminator 2: Judgment Day. At the time of its release, this action epic was the single most expensive movie ever made. Every single one of those pennies went exactly where they needed to go, because Terminator 2 still feels like a refreshingly modern action thriller over three decades after its release.

There are only a few R-rated action movies that can be called masterpieces from top to bottom, and it’s pretty much beyond any sort of debate that Terminator 2 is one of them. The way it blends jaw-dropping action sequences with a surprisingly emotional story full of compelling character dynamics has aged like fine wine, resulting in a gem that’s an absolute masterclass in how to make a timeless R-rated sci-fi movie.

1

‘Alien’ (1979)

Image via 20th Century Fox

Before Blade Runner flopped, Ridley Scott’s Alien was a major R-rated sci-fi hit. Today, it’s still widely remembered as both one of the greatest sci-fi films and one of the greatest horror films of all time. It altogether revolutionized sci-fi horror, proving that a slow-burning atmosphere and a character-driven approach could make the genre far scarier and more emotionally compelling than it ever had been before.

What’s not to love about Alien if you love either science fiction or horror? It contains some of the strongest visuals either genre has ever seen, some of the most iconic scenes in all of New Hollywood cinema, and one of the best final girls in horror movie history, in the form of Sigourney Weaver‘s legendary Ellen Ripley. It’s pretty much the perfect R-rated sci-fi masterpiece, and a must-see for sci-fi lovers.

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Alien

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Release Date

June 22, 1979

Runtime

117 Minutes

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Writers

Dan O’Bannon, Ronald Shusett

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