“Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Kim Zolciak is facing a difficult challenge, as her son, Kroy Biermann Jr., has been indicted in Georgia on multiple criminal charges. The news of her son KJ’s legal woes comes days after he was arrested and accused of sexually assaulting one of his classmates. Since his arrest, Zolciak has advocated for her son and denied the claims. Before the indictment, KJ also wrote to the judge, asking for his release.

According to TMZ, Zolciak’s son has been indicted on seven criminal charges by a grand jury. Some of the charges include aggravated sodomy, aggravated sexual battery, three counts of aggravated sexual battery, and false imprisonment.

KJ was arrested last month, according to The Blast, for alleged aggravated sodomy and sexual battery after one of his high school classmates accused him of assaulting her at a Lifetime Fitness in April.

The legal documents state that KJ allegedly asked his classmate to go to a different part of the facility, and on the way there, he forced her mouth on his private area and “digitally penetrated her v-gina.”

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‘RHOA’ Star Kim Zolciak Defends Her Son After His Arrest

Zolciak broke her silence after her son’s arrest, telling TMZ that she was disheartened by the “reckless” claims.

“The allegations being made against my son are nothing short of reckless and deeply troubling. He categorically denies ever being involved with this woman or engaging in the conduct she has alleged,” she said.

According to Zolciak, who has four other children with former NFL star Kroy Biermann, her son voluntarily took a lie detector test and “passed.” She also noted that police documents stated no male DNA was found on the alleged victim.

Zolciak said that KJ’s alleged victim has made “similar allegations involving two other people, which raises serious concerns that deserve to be carefully examined,” adding that the accusations can have “devastating consequences.”

Lawyer Representing Kim Zolciak’s Son Breaks Silence

Speaking with Us Weekly, Jason Sheffield, Zolciak’s son’s attorney, said that despite the family’s life in the public eye, they deserve some privacy.

“First and foremost, this is not the kind of information that should be for public dissemination. These are juveniles,” Sheffield said. “Secondly, my client is 100 percent innocent and tried to present evidence to the arresting officer, including a passed polygraph by a notable and respected sex offender polygrapher.”

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Zolciak’s Son Wants Out Of Jail

Since being locked up, Zolciak’s son has made a new request to the court, asking to be released.

Sheffield wrote to the court on his client’s behalf and cited his “strong academic achievement” and participation in “extracurricular and community-based activities.”

“He is an accomplished football player who has received scholarship offers based upon his athletic ability,” he noted further.

Sheffield went on to say that KJ has five other siblings and is “surrounded by an established community of extended family, friends, coaches, teachers and others who remain actively involved in his life and continue to support him and his family during the pendency of these serious allegations.”

Zolciak Celebrated Son’s Birthday In May

Zolciak’s son was arrested three months after the reality star celebrated his birthday in late May 2026. The Bravo star shared a carousel of images on her Instagram and posted a heartfelt caption all about how her life has changed for the better with KJ in it.

“You taught me strength, compassion, patience, and what the mother-son bond truly means. You are my heart walking outside of my body, and every day you amaze me,” she wrote. “No matter how old you get, you will always be my baby, my greatest blessing, and one of my proudest accomplishments. I am grateful every day that I get to be your mom.”

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Tyler Perry is calling out Allstate after the insurance company reportedly denied the claim of a now-displaced 81-year-old woman. The ‘Hell Hath No Fury Like a Woman Scorned’ playwright aired the company out on social media after it failed to pay the Illinois woman’s homeowners’ insurance claim.

RELATED: Whew! Tyler Perry Puts Insurance Companies On Blast For Reportedly Dropping Policies Ahead Of LA Wildfires

 Allstate Reportedly Denied Illinois Woman’s Insurance Claim Following Water Damage

Allstate is in hot water after it reportedly failed to pay on an 81-year-old woman’s homeowner’s insurance claim in Markham, Illinois, and Tyler Perry is on her side.

Brenda Daurham says she has lived in her home for decades, and she has paid homeowner’s insurance premiums for more than 40 years. After a burst pipe in Daurham’s kitchen in February, there was major water damage after the home was flooded.

Afterward, she called Allstate, and Daurham was apparently assured she was covered under her policy. Subsequently, Excel Fire and Water Damage Restoration Services worked on the property, and Daurham thought the work was covered. The price for the work was $17,827.96.

However, she later learned that her claim was denied due to policy exclusions involving deterioration, seepage, and wear and tear. Now, the restoration company has reportedly placed a lien on Daurham’s property. In addition, she has been displaced since the pipe burst.

“They said everything was covered,” said Daurham, per FOX Chicago. “I didn’t have to worry about a thing… You think you have insurance, you think you are covered, and I had the highest of everything… then when something happens, they don’t cover anything.”

Daurham added that the ordeal sent her to the emergency room.

“It’s horrible, it’s devastating. I can’t even stand it any longer, that’s why I had to go to the hospital cause I felt like I was having a breakdown,” she said, per FOX Chicago.

Tyler Perry Airs Out Allstate

Upon hearing the news, Perry took to Instagram and aired Allstate all the way out for denying Ms. Daurham’s claim, chile! He shared the news clip of her story along with a play on the company’s slogan, claiming folks are “in good hands” with Allstate insurance.

“HEY ALLSTATE!! Step to the front real quick,” he wrote. “This woman is 81-years-old. You call this being in good hands?”

The 56-year-old also offered Miss Brenda some encouragement.

“Don’t worry Ms. Daurham,” Perry added. “Help is on the way.”

Tyler Perry Donated More Than One Million Dollars After Supreme Court Halted SNAP Benefits Order

Not only did Perry offer to help Daurham, but he also donated more than $1 million to programs that help feed families during the government shutdown last November, per The Shade Room.

Tyler donated close to $1.4 million to organizations after the shutdown affected Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The filmmaker gave to the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Baby2Baby, Goodr, Caring for Others, All for Lunch, Ron Clark Academy, and Meals on Wheels Atlanta.

“If you’ve never been poor, then you may not fully understand the life-changing impact SNAP benefits mean to hard-working people, to our seniors, and to our children,” said Perry, per PEOPLE. “For millions of people, it could mean extreme hunger. For newborns, it could mean a lack of access to formula.”

In addition, the ‘Madea’ creator called out insurance companies during the Los Angeles fires in 2025, per The Shade Room. Perry took to Instagram and minced no words.

“Watching a daughter use a garden hose to try and protect her 90-year-old parents’ home because their insurance was canceled was just gut-wrenching to me,” he wrote. “Does anyone else find it appalling that insurance companies can take billions of dollars out of communities for years and then, all of a sudden, be allowed to cancel millions of policies for the very people they became rich on? People who have paid premiums all of their lives are left with nothing because of pure greed,” he added. “As I am in the process of trying to figure out what steps to take to do all I can to help as many as I can, I am keeping everyone in my prayers.”

RELATED: Ben Crump Says Tyler Perry Will Cover Funeral Costs For Nolan Xavier Wells As His Mother Details Last Time She Saw Him Alive

On this episode of ‘Stepping Into The Shade Room,’ two-time Olympic gold medalist Claressa Shields is sitting down to discuss everything from severe childhood trauma, her relationship with Papoose, “mistress” allegations, training Chrisean Rock, her acting dreams, and more. As she chats with host Thembi, Shields gets candid about her life in and out of the ring.

Claressa Shields Opens Up About Overcoming Childhood Abuse

About 12 minutes into the conversation, Claressa Shields spoke about being sexually assaulted at the age of five. Per Shields, the act was committed by her mother’s boyfriend. And she and her mother never spoke about the incident until she was around 16 or 17 years old.

“I felt like she chose the relationship over me,” Shields told Thembi. “… We didn’t have a good relationship. It was always, like, me fighting her boyfriends and me having beef with them. I just didn’t like the men that used to be around.”

Shields explained that as she got older, she forgave her mother and felt free enough to share her story.

She Sets The Record Straight On “Mistress” Claims

Around the 30-minute mark, Shields discussed her romance with Papoose. She doubled down on stating that she has never been the rapper’s “mistress” or “sidechick.”

“It’s been lies that’s been told. But it has nothing to do with us,” she said. “… I was never no damn mistress. I was never no sidechick. Get the f**k out of here. That doesn’t make sense. When they realize what happened on the other side, that’s when you can understand…”

Furthermore, scroll above to watch as Claressa Shields delves deeper into her romance with Papoose and their life before their relationship went public. Additionally, she speaks about her previous engagement. Lastly, the pro-boxer speaks on her family plans and more!

RELATED: Keri Hilson On Beyoncé Regrets, “It’s Britney B*tch” Origin, Erasing Her “Rihanna” Tattoo & More | SITSR (Exclusive)

The cast of MobLand will all be returning for season 2 — but who will be part of season 3 after rumors of a cast member being fired?

The hit crime drama, which premiered in 2025, follows Harry (Tom Hardy) as a fixer working for the Harrigan crime family led by Conrad (Pierce Brosnan) and Maeve (Helen Mirren). Paddy Considine, Joanne Froggatt, Lara Pulver, Anson Boon and Mandeep Dhillon also star.

Concern about the show’s future arose after multiple reports released in 2026 claiming there was drama behind the scenes on set. (Mobland had already completed production for season 2 amid plans for a renewal).

According to Puck, Hardy was allegedly fired from the series after filming wrapped on season 2. A source told The Hollywood Reporter at the time that Hardy “refused to come out of his trailer for hours at a time.”

Variety, meanwhile, reported that Hardy “was not fired,” with an insider close to production claiming that “the door is not closed for season 3 and things are being worked through creatively.”

Hardy’s rumored exit wasn’t the first time MobLand faced speculation about offscreen drama. In December 2025, the Daily Mail reported that Mirren wasn’t thrilled by Hardy’s lateness, which she addressed in a light-hearted manner.

“Things I love,” she wrote via Instagram at the time. “Tom Hardy for his brilliance on screen [and] his dedication off screen.”

Mirren went on to praise Hardy’s “good heart” and “especially the HardyHugs I get when onset with him which is not nearly enough in my opinion.”

Keep scrolling to see who will — and won’t — return in season 2:

Tom Hardy

Hardy had filmed his scenes as Harry for season 2 when speculation began about his future on the show. Deadline, however, confirmed in June 2026 that Hardy would reprise the role.

Pierce Brosnan

Season 2 — and season 3 — will center around the Harrigan family, including the patriarch.

Helen Mirren

Similar to Brosnan, Mirren will return as Maeve.

Paddy Considine

Considine’s Kevin is expected to play a big role.

Joanne Froggatt

Froggatt is likely returning as Jan.

Lara Pulver

Fans hoping to see Bella will likely get their wish with Pulver coming back.

Anson Boon

Boon’s Eddie will be in future episodes of the show.

Jasmine Jobson

Jobson is returning after playing Zosia on the show.

Mandeep Dhillon

Dhillon is also expected to be back in seasons 2 and potentially 3.

Daniel Betts

With Betts’ Brendan being killed, it is unlikely he will appear on screen.

Geoff Bell

The same goes for Richie, who was killed off on screen.

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Janet McTeer

McTeer is expected back as Kat.

Jordi Mollà

Mollà, meanwhile, will likely appear as Jaime again on the show.

Toby Jones

Jones’ role a.k.a Colin is expected back.

What began as a trip to the repairman is now a story time the internet can’t get enough of! Taina Williams recently told her fans that someone took her car on a joyride with other women. And when date night was over? He brought the luxury vehicle back without gas, chile! Now, social media users are cuttin’ up with reactions.

RELATED: You Got Served? Taina Williams Reacts To Essex Roasting Emmy While Fans Pick Sides (VIDEOS)

Taina Williams Shares Repairman Story With Fans

Williams started her story time by revealing that she took her G Wagon to get one of its scratched rims fixed. She said the guy who did the repair took her car for a “joyride, for a night out.” Taina also said that buddy had “multiple” girls in her vehicle, but she definitely didn’t let the incident slide.

“…I went crazy. Like, I can’t even believe how unprofessional someone could be? And then leave evidence. They left evidence,” Taina Williams said.

Afterward, she took her fans on a tour of the inside of vehicle the repairman used. The evidence left behind included a red solo cup, ruined pink floor mats, makeup on her custom pink seats, hair strands and a McDonald’s receipt. Her caption on the video read, “My blood is boiling.” Williams said her car was completely spotless at drop-off and that even her kids don’t get in that particular car. She added that her car was given to a trusted person who handles their vehicles, and he passed it off to the person who took it on a joyride. She wants him exposed, but said no one will share the man’s Instagram. “Then, they give me my car back with no gas,” Taina added, saying that she can’t sleep at night following him getting away with it.

Social Media Users Are Crackin’ Up At Tai-Tai’s Story

After The Shade Room reposted the clip on Instagram, the roommates wasted no time flooding the comment section with reactions. Some people got a good kiii out of the situation. Others mentioned the man recently arrested for scamming at least 26 woman out of $1.3 million by posing as an NFL player and investor. A few more sided with Taina Williams to expose the repairman, and also called for the “trusted” person who handed over the vehicle to be called out.

@jryanil commented, “Presssss chargessssss they all going to jail smh.”

“Lmaoooo I had this happen with valet but Lexus car app shows you location and gives you updates!! I called the valet company so quick like bring my sh*t back!!!!!,” @cinderellea_ said.

“This happened at the dealership with my old Lexus!!!!!!! They sent it to a detail shop and we tracked it all over town that weekend😂😂😂,” @alexatequila added.

“Exactly why I be taking my car to the mechanic with no gas in it😭my shit be saying ‘fuel reserve 20mi’ 🤣,” @kaykinoee joked.

“Whoever you gave your car to, that is who should be tagged and exposed since he is protecting the person of interest lol,” @markchoppa commented.

“I saw a chick on tiktok pull up to the date with the POLICE!!! Because, “fix my car! Why are you at a restaurant with a babe??” 🤔🤯,” @bri.ni replied.

“First the NFL player now the Mechanic … City boysssssssss are wild 😂,” @kitacaakes wrote.

“Emmy talking bout “on your seat!!!” 😂😂😂😂😂,” @thearlettasamuel said.

“I honestly feel she should’ve put his business on blast. This is unacceptable and we need to know who! 🥴,” @stone_gem6 commented.

“That happened to my mom. She took her car to a new shop for a belt to be replaced. The guy let his 17 year old daughter drive it to the store. We got a call my mothers car was totaled. She won in court and he closed the shop,” @day_teisha added.

“I wish she would’ve taken it to the Dealership rather than a “trusted person”. It’s evident that “trusted person” can’t be trusted,” @sincerly_nasirah_ said.

Taina & G Herbo’s Family Keep The Jokes Coming 

This isn’t the first time recently that Taina Williams, her fiancé G Herbo or their kids have given the internet a good kiii or story time. A few months ago, their daughter Emmy had fans crying laughing after teasing Taina over heart diamond studs from G Herbo.

Then, last month, Emmy and Essex had their mom picking sides as they roasted each other. Fans couldn’t help but share stories of their own sibling rivalries. Most recently, an AI-created video of G Herbo dancing had fans and celebrities like Sexyy Red cracking up!

RELATED: Issa Kiii! Bambi Has Fans Crackin’ UP At Her Attempt To Get Her Kids Ready For Their Compton Trip (WATCH)

Christine Wonsley shared a post on social media ahead of her birthday with a message to her late son, Nolan Wells. The family celebrated what would’ve been Nolan’s 19th birthday in August, and Wonsley shared an adorable baby picture of her “birth date” twin on Wednesday, September 2.

RELATED: Teens Who Traveled With Nolan Wells Reportedly Launch Search Of Horn Island As Ben Crump Reacts To Them Hiring Trump Attorney

Christine Wonsley Shares Birthday Post With Baby Picture Of Nolan Wells

Christine Wonsley shared a message to her late son on Threads on Wednesday, noting that she and Nolan called themselves “birth date twins.” Nolan would have celebrated his birthday on August 19.

“It’s my birthday month and you aren’t here to celebrate with me,” she wrote. “I always joked and said we were “almost” birth date twins. We both have milestone birthdays this year and you’re gone. My heart hurts so badly. Guys pray for me because this is the hardest reality I’ve ever had to face. #JusticeForNolanWells #IStandForNolan #NolanMatters.”

The Shade Room reported that Nolan was found dead off of Horn Island two days after he went missing. The teen had been on a Fourth of July outing with a group of mostly white friends. Discrepancies unveiled during the investigation prompted the family to hire civil rights attorney Ben Crump. Subsequently, the lawyer called for transparency.

Wonsley Shared A Video Of Nolan’s 19th Birthday Cake On Instagram

Wonsley recognized her son’s 19th birthday on August 19, and she shared a video of his birthday. The Dolce Bakeshop made the cake for the family.

“Brooke at @dolcebakeshopms blessed our sweet sonshine, Nolan, with this beautiful birthday cake! Our family absolutely enjoyed every bit of this masterpiece,” she wrote. “Thank you again 🩵. #JusticeForNolanWells #IStandForNolan #NolanLifeMatters.”

Wonsley Will Be Honored By The National Asian Pacific American Women Forum

The National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum is honoring Wonsley at the organization’s 30-year anniversary. The event is in Los Angeles next month. Wonsley shared NAPAWFs post that includes a photograph with Nolan and her husband, Elmore, on Instagram to note the event. The NAPAWF captioned the post:

“This October, we are proud to recognize Christine Wells-Wonsley as an honoree at NAPAWF’s 30th anniversary event in Los Angeles,” it reads. “Christine is the mother of Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old Black and Filipino American young man whose death has left his family grieving and searching for answers. A Black and Filipina nurse practitioner who has spent her career caring for others, Christine is now demonstrating immense courage and determination as she advocates for her own family and calls for a transparent investigation.”

“Our organization was founded to ensure AANHPI women have the power to advocate for themselves, their families, and their communities. We are honored to uplift Christine as she embodies this mission and continues to fight for Nolan. A portion of funds raised through the evening will support the Wells-Wonsley family through this incredibly difficult time.”

RELATED: Nolan Wells’ Mom Responds To Comments From His Friends As Congressional Black Caucus Requests DOJ Open Separate Investigation

Inde Navarrette is continuing her rapid rise in Hollywood, signing on to both star in and executive produce Apple Original Films’ upcoming sci-fi thriller The Waffle House Index.

Apple has acquired the project, which will come from Apple Studios with Plan B Entertainment producing. Louis Paxtonis set to direct from a screenplay written by Andrew Nunnelly.

For Navarrette, the project represents another major step forward following the massive success of Obsession, while also giving the actress a significant role behind the camera as an executive producer.

A Waffle House, Killer Crocodiles and Aliens

Despite its unusual title, The Waffle House Index appears ready to take audiences on an even stranger ride than its name suggests.

The film centers on a Waffle House waitress whose already difficult night takes a dangerous turn when an armed stranger arrives during her shift.

From there, things escalate dramatically.

Inde Navarrette for Schön!

The story reportedly involves a massive flood, killer crocodiles, a nuclear explosion, a mysterious bunker beneath the Waffle House and even aliens, combining elements of disaster movies, survival thrillers and science fiction into one ambitious story.

The title itself is inspired by the real-world “Waffle House Index,” an informal method of measuring the severity of a natural disaster based on whether local Waffle House restaurants are able to remain operational.

The concept generally uses three levels. Green indicates a restaurant is operating normally, yellow signals limited service or supplies, while red means the restaurant has closed entirely and conditions in the surrounding area could be severe.

That real-world concept appears to serve as the jumping-off point for a movie that quickly ventures into much bigger sci-fi territory.

Navarrette’s Breakout Run Continues

The Waffle House Index arrives as Navarrette continues what has become a breakout period in her career.

She currently stars as Nikki Freeman in Obsession, the horror thriller that became a major theatrical success after earning strong attention following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Navarrette’s performance has also generated awards attention, with Focus Features reportedly preparing a Best Actress Oscar campaign for the actress.

Her career is expanding well beyond Obsession.

Navarrette has also landed the role of Rogue in Marvel’s upcoming X-Men film and is attached to the upcoming horror project Invertigo.

Before her recent run of major film roles, Navarrette appeared as Estela de la Cruz in 13 Reasons Why and played Sarah Cushing on Superman & Lois. Her other credits include Trap House and Wander Darkly.

Now, The Waffle House Index gives Navarrette the opportunity to take another major step in her career by serving as both the film’s leading star and an executive producer.

Apple has not yet announced a release date for The Waffle House Index.

Tyreek Hill has apparently decided to have a little fun with one of the wildest NFL-related stories making rounds online. And while Daejon Love allegedly used Hill’s name to help build his larger-than-life football persona, Hill is now flipping the script and joking about the supposed connection himself.

RELATED: Yikes! Man Arrested After Posing As San Francisco 49ers Player To Scam At Least 26 Women Out Of $1.3 Million

Tyreek Hill Jokes About Daejon Love’s Alleged NFL Connection

The Miami Dolphins star recently responded to a viral clip involving Daejon Love, the man accused of allegedly posing as an NFL player while scamming women out of more than $1 million. In the clip, Love reportedly claimed Hill was one of his closest friends and said the two trained together. Hill appeared to play along in a TikTok, jokingly calling Love his “bestie” and claiming they used to train together, even saying Love “ran like a 4.2” and was “really nasty.” Hill also joked that the beach clips circulating online were probably Love “trolling and having a good time.” The video reportedly gained more than 2 million views on X after being used by Love to bolster his alleged NFL connections.

@tyreekhill

That’s my bestie!!! 🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️ #DaejonLove #Sike

♬ original sound – Cheetah Bo Hill

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Daejon Love’s Alleged NFL Persona Targeted 26 Women

As previously reported, Love allegedly maintained a fake NFL identity from 2022 until his Aug. 24 arrest in Boise, Idaho. Investigators allege he used the persona in romance and investment schemes targeting roughly 26 women, with alleged losses totaling about $1.3 million. Love reportedly named Hill, Antonio Brown, and former Buffalo Bills receiver John Brown among his closest NFL friends, but John Brown quickly pushed back after seeing the claims, writing on Facebook, “Boy I never met you stop all that lying!!”

Daejon Love Allegedly Went All-In On Fake NFL Persona

Authorities allege Love went as far as obtaining customized 49ers gear, creating fake financial documents and Instagram content, and presenting himself as an NFL player who had received a lucrative offer from San Francisco. He also allegedly claimed to come from a wealthy Swiss family, worked in real estate, and, in another alleged scheme, presented himself as related to Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love. Love and 18-year-old Taylor Jamie Chan face federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud.

RELATED: Tyreek Hill’s Ex Keeta Vaccaro Is Reportedly Seeking Full Custody Of Their Daughter After THIS Incident

When the clocks go back, it’s not just our sleep schedules that need a little adjusting. Suddenly, the sun seems to clock out before we do, leaving us commuting home in the dark and wondering where the daylight went. While there’s no substitute for getting outside, moving your body and soaking up whatever sunshine you can, your wellness routine can work harder for you as the seasons shift.

Oceanblue Professional Omega-3 2100 with Vitamin K2 & D3 is an easy addition to your daily routine. The addition of vitamin D in the softgel bolsters your immune system, nervous system and bone health. Consider it a small way to keep your routine going when the sun insists on setting before dinner.

Get the Oceanblue Professional Omega-3 2100 with Vitamin K2 & D3 Softgels for $35 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

If your wellness routine already has enough bottles competing for counter space, Oceanblue’s formula takes a two-birds-one-softgel approach. Each daily serving delivers 2,100 milligrams of long-chain omega-3s, including 1,350 milligrams of EPA, 600 milligrams of DHA and 150 milligrams of DPA, along with vitamin K2 and D3. The concentrated formula packs considerably more omega-3s than a standard 1,000-mg fish oil capsule, while supporting cardiovascular, cognitive, eye, joint and everyday immune health.

And because fish oil has a reputation for making its presence known long after you’ve swallowed it, the softgels use a “burpless” orange oil technology designed to avoid that dreaded fishy aftertaste. The omega-3s come from wild-caught fish like anchovies, sardines, herring and mackerel, and the oil goes through 27 rounds of molecular distillation. The result is a supplement that’s a little easier to work into your morning routine (even when it’s happening in total darkness).

The formula is non-GMO and gluten-free, with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. It’s available in several bottle sizes, with the brand estimating the daily cost at about a dollar, making it a relatively simple addition to the winter wellness lineup.

Get the Oceanblue Professional Omega-3 2100 with Vitamin K2 & D3 Softgels for $35 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

What makes a heist film thrilling and exciting? It is not always the robbery itself but often the elaborate planning, the rising tension, and the final execution that toys with the viewer’s patience, making them constantly wonder, “Will they get away with it?” For decades now, the best heist films have demonstrated the power to sweep viewers off their feet with stylish getaways, slick antiheroes, and a pursuit so big that it can tempt the audience as much as it tempts the characters.

While some focus on the detailed planning, others emphasize the extended exposition of the heist itself or the turbulent aftermath. Our curated list below includes some of the best heist films made in the 20th and 21st centuries, each of which has helped further define the genre with meticulous plans, clever twists, and memorable execution styles, becoming benchmarks in their own right. So, without further ado, here’s our ranked selection of some of the greatest heist movies of all time.

8

‘The Thomas Crown Affair’ (1968)

Image via United Artists

Starring Steve McQueen in one of his most famous and stylish films, The Thomas Crown Affair was directed by Norman Jewison and revolves around the titular protagonist, a millionaire businessman and sportsman who orchestrates a multi-million-dollar bank heist. When insurance investigator Vicki Anderson (Faye Dunaway) is hired to investigate, a high-stakes, seductive game ensues between Vicki and Thomas, blurring the lines between rivalry and romance. Paul Burke, Yaphet Kotto, Biff McGuire, and Jack Weston also star in notable roles.

Suave and sleek, The Thomas Crown Affair whisks its audience away into its world of high-fashion and sex appeal. While the film’s reviews at the time were mixed, it’s now regarded as a vintage classic caper that thrives on the chemistry between McQueen and Dunaway and their clever game of wits. Underscored by its Academy Award-winning music by Michel Legrand, The Thomas Crown Affair is one of the early examples of heist films that trade gritty realism for stylish escapism.

7

‘The Great Train Robbery’ (1978)

Image via United Artists

Directed by Michael Crichton and based on his 1975 novel of the same name, The Great Train Robbery (known as The First Great Train Robbery in the UK) dramatizes the real-life Great Gold Robbery of 1855, where three boxes of gold bullion and coins were stolen from a moving train in England. Aboard a train from London to Paris, criminal mastermind Edward Pierce plots an impossible and massive heist to steal a monthly shipment of gold with the help of his mistress Miriam, his chauffeur Barlow, and pickpocket/safe-cracker Robert. The film stars Sean Connery, Donald Sutherland, Lesley-Anne Down, and Alan Webb as key characters.

Dazzling and daring, The Great Train Robbery turns a historical crime story into a high-stakes puzzle that instantly engages and thrills the audience. Anchored by brilliant performances and a rich recreation of Victorian-era England, the film focuses entirely on the clever planning and execution of the robbery. Ranked among Michael Crichton’s greatest masterpieces, The Great Train Robbery is still memorable for its marvelous practical action, especially Sean Connery’s self-performed stunts that add real tension to the film’s climax.

6

‘The Italian Job’ (1969)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Directed by Peter Collinson and written by Troy Kennedy Martin, The Italian Job is a cult classic British comedy caper that stars Michael Caine in one of his most famous performances. The film follows him as Charlie Croker, a charming Cockney criminal who assembles a team of professional thieves to rob gold bullion transported in a security truck through the city of Turin, Italy. Noël Coward, Benny Hill, Raf Vallone, Tony Beckley, Rossano Brazzi, and Maggie Blye appear in other key roles.

The Italian Job is regarded as a cornerstone of British pop culture, featuring peak ’60s aesthetics and a famous catchphrase by Caine that became a symbolic cult feature. The film’s high-stakes plan, thrilling plot twists, and the iconic cliffhanger climax have since remained inspirational for several modern heist comedies. Massively popular at the time of its release, The Italian Job is a major landmark of British cinema, which has since been parodied, referenced, remade, and adapted, and it easily ranks among the top 100 British films of all time.

5

‘Inside Man’ (2006)

Image via Universal

A critically acclaimed heist film by Spike Lee, Inside Man revolves around a high-stakes bank robbery on Wall Street led by criminal mastermind Dalton, which turns into a tense hostage situation. While the NYPD’s hostage negotiator, Detective Keith Frazier, matches wits with Dalton, a powerful fixer named Madeline gets involved with a hidden agenda, turning the crisis into a psychological game. Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, and Jodie Foster play the key characters, supported by Christopher Plummer, Willem Dafoe, and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Inside Man is unlike traditional heist films, moving away from meticulous planning or a perfect getaway and becoming more of a puzzle for the detective and the audience to solve together. It focuses on how the criminal pulls off the heist, narrated through a battle of wits and hidden agendas of its protagonists. Slick, highly stylized, and intelligent, with sharp social commentary, Inside Man ranks among the best bank heist movies of all time, and it’s also the highest-grossing film Spike Lee ever made.

4

‘Ocean’s Eleven’ (2001)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Steven Soderbergh’s reimagining of the 1960 film featuring the Rat Pack, Ocean’s Eleven is undeniably the film that established him as the master of modern heist films. The movie stars George Clooney and Brad Pitt as Danny Ocean and Rusty Ryan, professional thieves and best friends, who assemble a group to carry out a major heist targeting three Las Vegas casinos owned by Terry Benedict (Andy García), a ruthless entrepreneur and the current lover of Danny’s ex-wife. The all-star cast also includes Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, Casey Affleck, Don Cheadle, Elliott Gould, Bernie Mac, and more.

Ocean’s Eleven not only launched the titular film series but also became a modern benchmark of the genre. Witty, slick, stylish, and fast-paced, the film boasts one of the most iconic robbery sequences of all time, which became definitive of 21st-century heist films. Pure entertainment in every frame, Ocean’s Eleven continues to earn acclaim decades later for its effortless style, sharp dialogue, and iconic ensemble cast, earning a place on the WGA’s 101 Greatest Screenplays of the 21st Century.

3

‘Ocean’s Twelve’ (2004)

Everett Collection

Following the worldwide success of Ocean’s Eleven, Soderbergh returned with a sequel and the second entry in the titular film series, which picks up three years after the events of the previous film. In Ocean’s Twelve, after Terry Benedict tracks down Danny Ocean and his crew of thieves and demands his stolen money back, the gang is forced to plan a series of complex heists in Europe while dodging a Europol detective and a rival master thief. Ocean’s Twelve adds Catherine Zeta-Jones and Vincent Cassel to the ensemble as new characters, alongside the returning main cast of the previous film.

Ocean’s Twelve deconstructs what Ocean’s Eleven started, trading the crew’s confidence for overconfidence, which brings a completely new dimension to the genre. Instead of clever planning and perfect execution, the sequel finds the crew out of their element as they devise a long con instead of quick robberies. But Ocean’s Twelve is fun and glossy nevertheless, featuring a more experimental visual style and a very worthy rival in Cassel’s Toulour to Clooney’s Danny.

2

‘Dog Day Afternoon’ (1975)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Sidney Lumet’s iconic crime drama biopic Dog Day Afternoon reimagines the real-life 1972 robbery and hostage situation led by John Wojtowicz and Salvatore Naturile at a Chase Manhattan branch in Brooklyn, as chronicled in the Life magazine article “The Boys in the Bank” by P. F. Kluge and Thomas Moore. Portrayed by Al Pacino and John Cazale, the film follows first-time bank robbers, Sonny and Sal, whose plan for a quick bank heist falls apart, trapping them inside and leading to a hostage standoff as police and the media get involved. The movie also stars Chris Sarandon, Charles Durning, Carol Kane, Penelope Allen, and Lance Henriksen.

Dog Day Afternoon is not only one of the masterpieces of heist films but one of Lumet’s most iconic films that defined his crime filmography. Gritty, bold, and daring, the film is acclaimed for subverting genre expectations and focusing on a botched robbery rather than a successful crime. Headlined by Al Pacino’s critically acclaimed performance as Sonny Wojtowicz, Dog Day Afternoon is a brilliant heist film with high-stakes moral ambiguity and social realism.

1

‘Heat’ (1995)

Image via Warner Bros.

Michael Mann’s classic ’90s action thriller starring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in their first on-screen face-off, Heat follows LAPD detective Vincent Hanna, whose life’s mission is to catch Neil McCauley, a professional thief. When McCauley plans one big, last heist before he retires from his criminal career, he finds himself in a head-to-head battle of wits with Hanna, which also starts affecting their personal lives. The film’s stacked cast also features Val Kilmer, Jon Voight, Ashley Judd, Natalie Portman, and Ted Levine in supporting roles.

Featuring some of the most iconic action scenes of late 20th-century Hollywood, Heat is a defining film of its decade and of its genre, noted for its fight choreography and realistic tactical action. Unlike traditional heist films, Heat turns its cops-and-robbers story into a grand tragedy headlined by the legendary first on-screen pairing of Pacino and De Niro. A masterpiece of crime thriller and character drama, Heat remains a major influence on the genre, even three decades later.

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Heat

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Release Date

December 15, 1995

Runtime

170 minutes

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Director

Michael Mann

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Writers

Michael Mann

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