The X-Files may be getting yet another revival, this time under the watch of Ryan Coogler. However, Coogler’s take on the franchise is expected to introduce a new pair of central characters, though they bear some similarities to FBI legends Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. Details on the reboot remain scarce, but whispers of David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson potentially returning have swirled around. While we wait to see whether Coogler can pull off a reunion, his reboot may not be the only way Mulder and Scully could return. New details surrounding a potential Season 12 of The X-Files have emerged, and there’s reason to believe the iconic duo isn’t quite done yet.

Chris Carter, the creator behind the iconic sci-fi series, has been busy revisiting The X-Files himself while promoting his new director’s cut of the franchise’s 2008 standalone movie, The X-Files: I Want to Believe. Working on the new cut, subtitled Vrach Frankenshteyn, has sparked in Carter a desire to continue Mulder and Scully’s story. He recently confirmed in an interview with Collider that he would be interested in continuing The X-Files, provided the timing is right. Explaining that he has no intention of stepping on Coogler’s toes, Carter expressed “complete respect for him and his vision” and wants any continuation of his story to coexist without conflicting with the upcoming reboot.

Now, Carter has revealed during an appearance on Seriously Obsessed with Annie and Jenn that he’s already let Duchovny and Anderson in on his ideas and plans, and is working toward getting them back. Carter made it clear that he has no interest in continuing the series without its two iconic leads, saying, “I mean I can’t and don’t want to do it without them.” He explained that he has separately met with both Duchovny and Anderson to discuss what he has in mind, even though neither actor was aware of his plans when the series last came to an end in 2018. “I’ve already teased it to David, and I’ve teased it to Gillian, but they’re very busy people,” Carter explained. “They’ve got lots going on. They know what I’m aiming for and at, and they didn’t before when the show came to an end there.”

Ryan Coogler’s Reboot Could Be the Key to Bringing Mulder and Scully Back

Coogler’s upcoming reboot could unexpectedly work in Carter’s favor to help bring back the iconic duo. Carter has made it clear that he doesn’t want his plans for Mulder and Scully to interfere with what Coogler is building, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the two projects have to exist in isolation. A brief appearance from Duchovny and Anderson in the reboot could give fans an update on where Mulder and Scully are now, while potentially creating a natural path toward continuing their story elsewhere. It could even allow Carter to address some of the lingering issues from Season 11 without forcing Coogler’s new series to carry that baggage.

There is, of course, plenty of skepticism surrounding a reboot of The X-Files with different characters from what fans have followed for decades. But bringing back the franchise’s original stars, even briefly, could be the perfect way to bridge the old and new versions of the series. “I really want to see what he’s doing, and I don’t want to take away from it in any way,” Carter told Collider. That leaves the door open to a scenario where Carter and Coogler’s respective takes on The X-Files could potentially benefit one another.

For now, though, fans will have to wait and see whether Carter’s plans for Mulder and Scully ever make it beyond the idea stage. Carter’s newly released Vrach Frankenshteyn cut of The X-Files: I Want to Believe is available to stream on Hulu. Stay tuned for future updates.

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Release Date

1993 – 2018-00-00

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Network

FOX

Directors

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Rob Bowman, David Nutter, R. W. Goodwin, Michael W. Watkins, Tony Wharmby, Daniel Sackheim, Michael Lange, Cliff Bole, David Duchovny, Jim Charleston, James Wong, Peter Markle, Rod Hardy, Thomas J. Wright, William A. Graham, Jerrold Freedman, Joe Napolitano, Kevin Hooks, Larry Shaw, Richard Compton, Tucker Gates, Allen Coulter, Barry K. Thomas, Brett Dowler

Writers

jeffrey bell, Frank Spotnitz, Howard Gordon, David Amann, Darin Morgan, Steven Maeda, Greg Walker, Chris Ruppenthal, Kim Newton, Paul Brown, Sara B. Cooper, Thomas Schnauz, Tim Minear, William Gibson, Jeff Vlaming, Charles Grant Craig, Chip Johannessen, Chris Brancato, Daniel Arkin, Gillian Anderson, Jessica Scott, Jim Guttridge, Kenneth Biller, Larry Barber

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Jack Osbourne has felt dad Ozzy Osbourne’s presence in the days, weeks and months following the iconic rocker’s death.

“I was on a shoot, I had to go down to Mexico. … It was a hellacious travel day and I woke up and I’m in a pissed off mood,” Jack, 40, said on a Friday, September 4, episode of the Good Night with Ben Gleib YouTube show. “I end up getting to the airport and I’m just in my head having one of those real negative, like s***y just whatever moments. And I got my backpack on, headphones marching through this airport and someone comes running up next to me and bumps me.”

He continued, “At which point, I’m like, ‘The f***?’ And I look up and this guy runs off. He was clearly late for a flight and he’s wearing a Black Sabbath patch on the back of his vest. I’m like, ‘OK, message heard.’”

Jack recalled getting a connecting flight through Guadalajara and experiencing another sign.

Related: Jack Osbourne Breaks Silence on Ozzy Osbourne’s Death With Sweet Tribute

Jack Osbourne has broken his silence following the death of his father, Ozzy Osbourne, last month. “I haven’t really wanted to post anything since the passing of my father. My heart has hurt too much,” Jack, 39, wrote in an Instagram post early Wednesday, August 6, which he shared alongside a remembrance video of photos […]

“I’m in the back of the plane,” he said. “I’m sat there. I just want to get home to see my kids. And then I take my headphone[s] out because they’re making the announcement. I’m like, just making sure I’m on the right plane.”

He continued, “All of a sudden, I hear my dad’s music playing. And I look over to my right and there must’ve been this 65-70 year old Mexican cowboy dude sat there, just watching one of my dad’s music videos. I’m just kind of like, ‘What the f***?’ OK, message heard. Message heard.”

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News broke in July 2025 that Ozzy died after a battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 76. Months later, Jack opened up about learning of his father’s death after just spending a week in the U.K. with his family.

“I woke up in Los Angeles to a knock at my house door, at around 3:45 in the morning. Someone who’s worked for my family for probably 30 years now was knocking on my door. When I looked through my window and saw it was him, I just knew something bad had happened,” Jack explained in a YouTube video in September 2025.

He continued, “I was informed that my father had passed. … Immediately, I don’t know … just pain. Sadness and pain. So many thoughts. You go through this of like, feeling sad and frustrated and angry. … But there was a level of like, OK, he’s not suffering anymore, he’s not struggling, and that is something.”

Ciara and husband Russell Wilson’s starting lineup is getting a little bigger.

“One more person to love,” Ciara, 40, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, September 6, announcing her pregnancy alongside several vintage-looking videos and photos of the singer and her former NFL quarterback husband, 37, revealing the pregnancy news.

In the video and pics, Ciara could be seen rocking a simple pair of blue jeans and a white top that accentuated her growing baby bump. The couple posed alongside a clothesline featuring t-shirts boasting the names of the blended family’s children alongside a nameless white onesie representing the baby-to-be.

Ciara and Wilson, who have been married since 2016, are already the parents of daughters Sienna, 9, and Amora, 2, as well as son Win,5. (Ciara also shares eldest son Future, 11, with rapper ex Future.)

Shortly after Ciara gave birth to Amora in December 2023, Wilson already had future babies on the brain.

“My husband’s been the one doing that. He’s the one to pick this thing off,” the singer exclusively told Us Weekly in July 2026, revealing whether a fifth baby was in the cards for the couple. “I will tell you, when I was giving birth to Amora, … he was like shortly after, ‘So cinco?’ and I’m like, ‘Wait a minute now, like slow it down, sir. We just had a baby here. Let’s be in this moment here, sir.’”

According to Ciara, she quickly told Wilson (“in a laughing way”) that his comment was “disrespectful” to hear in the delivery room.

“I love being a mom. It’s my favorite job of all, and I couldn’t stand here and tell you that I don’t see that happening one day in our lives to have cinco because why not?” she added to Us. “I think the greatest discovery for me is learning that I can figure it out.”

Ciara continued at the time, “From the first day that I decided to be a mom, I was definitely really like, ‘OK, what’s this world going to be like?’ A little uncertain, but I also had great faith and confidence in myself that it was going to be a beautiful chapter. I’m so glad that, over the years, in the midst of all my ambition and drive and determination and goals, that I feel I’ve been committing to living my life because we can’t get it back. I don’t want to look back and say, ‘Man, I wish I would have.’”

Related: Russell Wilson and Ciara’s Relationship Timeline

Russell Wilson and Ciara have been going strong since they first started dating in 2015. Ahead of their July 2016 nuptials, the couple spoke candidly about their decision to remain celibate until marriage. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Enter your email Please enter a valid email. Subscribe By signing up, I […]

Ciara further gushed that motherhood “fills [her] cup up so much.”

“It’s a part of me being me. So I say, why not?” she teased of potentially having another baby. “Well, when the time is right, how about that?”

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Ciara and Wilson celebrated their 10th anniversary earlier that year amid his NFL retirement. After 14 seasons playing pro football, Wilson confirmed in June 2026 that he was hanging up his cleats and inking a deal with CBS Sports to serve as an analyst.

“As I enter this next chapter with CBS Sports and ‘The NFL Today,’ I’m so blessed to continue doing what I love most — being around the greatest game in the world,” he said in a social media video. “I thank you, football. I am forever grateful.”

Ciara responded to Wilson’s announcement via Instagram comment, calling her husband “the best in the world.”

B-movie legend Bruce Campbell has recently revealed the extent of his current health challenges, resulting in an outpouring of love and respect from colleagues and fans alike. Campbell has made huge contributions to the horror genre, and no matter the outcome of his battle with cancer, he will live on forever though his work. Now, one of his finest collaborations with friend and director Sam Raimi has found a new streaming home.

The Evil Dead began with $90,000 USD, a cabin in Tennessee, and a cast and crew who’d never made a movie before. The result was a phantasmagoria of speeding cameras, demonic possession, and goopy special effects. It became a huge sleeper hit, and launched Raimi and Campbell into stardom. Campbell stars as Ash Williams, an everyman who finds himself drawn into a living nightmare when an ancient grimoire known as the Necronomicon unleashes the demonic Deadites. Campbell and Raimi reunited for Evil Dead II, which upped the ante for both horror and comedy; once more confronted with the Deadites, Ash goes action hero in one of the most over-the-top climaxes in horror history. Both films were such successes on home video that Raimi and Campbell were given the chance to finish off their trilogy with the wildest entry yet.

So listen up, you primitive screwheads, because Army of Darkness is now streaming on Prime Video. The film is the ultimate culmination of Campbell and Raimi’s Three Stooges-meets-George Romero sensibility. It takes Ash even further out of his element and deposits him in the Middle Ages (in fact, the film was originally titled Medieval Dead). There, he romances a comely noblewoman (Embeth Davidtz) while battling his own evil doppelgänger, Evil Ash, and an army of Jason and the Argonauts-style Deadite skeletons.

What’s Next for Bruce Campbell?

Campbell has put Ash Williams to rest, after three movies and three seasons of the sequel TV series Ash vs. Evil Dead; he did, however, serve as an executive producer on this year’s Evil Dead Burn and will serve in the same capacity for the upcoming Evil Dead Wrath. He can currently be seen in the indie dramedy Ernie & Emma, which he also wrote and directed. He plays Ernie, a retired salesman who takes a cross-country journey to scatter his wife’s ashes in a series of locations specified in her will.

Army of Darkness is now streaming on Prime Video. Stay tuned to Collider for future updates.

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Release Date

October 31, 1992

Runtime

81 minutes

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Director

Sam Raimi

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Producers

Robert Tapert

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Netflix may have just found its next great franchise, and it’s coming from a familiar cozy-crime place. Richard Osman, the best-selling author behind last year’s star-studded The Thursday Night Murder Club, is once again teaming up with the streamer to bring his latest book series to life. But this time around, there won’t be a two-hour runtime capping the action; instead, We Solve Murders is currently in development to become a television series.

Osman, who rose to prominence as a television producer and presenter, was once best known for long-running comedic quiz and panel shows he often had a hand in creating. Now, he’s the king of cozy mysteries and the powerhouse behind two chart-topping book series, the second of which could prove to be the ideal follow-up for Netflix. We Solve Murders retains the signature warmth, wit, and unlikely-detective appeal Osman is now synonymous with, but provides a bigger, more globe-trotting plot to build a crime series around.

‘We Solve Murders’ Retains the Appeal of ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ but Expands the Scope

Image via Giles-Keyte/Netflix

After a 10-publisher bidding war led to a long-term deal with Penguin Random House imprint Viking in 2019, Osman began building a new legacy with The Thursday Murder Club, an ongoing series focused on four elderly retirees in a British village who solve historical and cold cases. The 2024 debut of We Solve Murders saw him take on a more fast-paced, action-packed type of mystery, introducing a new set of eccentric yet deeply human characters with the same charming prose: the unlikely detective trio of young private security officer Amy Wheeler, her retired cop and pub trivia aficionado father-in-law Steve, and the massively wealthy celebrity novelist Rosie D’Antario.

The first book opens with Amy guarding Rosie on a remote island off of South Carolina, when she finds herself framed for a string of high-profile influencer murders using her own blood. Forced to go on the run, Amy calls her father-in-law for assistance, and he chooses to leave his quiet life behind and join Amy and Rosie on an international quest to outrun the killers and solve a global conspiracy. The second book, We Chase Shadows, is set to be released later this month and will pick up with Amy, Steve, and Rosie at their newly-formed detective agency, embarking on a quest to identify the murderer of a body found with a threatening note at a villa in the Italian hills.

‘We Solve Murders’ Presents an Opportunity for a Massive Mystery Franchise

Image via Penguin Random House/Viking

Developing We Solve Murders as a standalone series presents a unique opportunity to create a broader, more accessible murder-mystery franchise that exists entirely outside the cinematic universe of The Thursday Murder Club. Though the two series certainly share DNA, there’s very little overlap in their plot; the characters are younger, the locations more exotic, the wealth is extravagant, and the action more rooted in trained professionalism as opposed to hobby. And having the main trio come from three different generations – Amy is 28, Steve is in his 50s or 60s, and Rosie is anywhere from 60 to 90 – means that the age-based barrier to entry with the older-skewing movie won’t be a problem, as there will be something for cozy-crime fans of all ages to relate to.

Netflix hasn’t commissioned the series yet, and We Solve Murders remains in development, but it’s an exciting development that could lead to a truly captivating franchise. There’s something deeply appealing about Osman’s writing, the way he approaches his characters with love and respect, and it does feel like the series would present an opportunity to show the depth of the second murder-mystery series. Yes, it’s still a cozy crime story – but it’s also high-stakes, action-packed, and luxuriously backdropped. In other words, it offers the kind of premise Netflix has been known to execute masterfully, so it’s definitely something to keep an eye on as things progress.

Although Queen has had such an extensive catalog, their sound is perhaps most recognized for its genre-defying appeal and theatrical flair. The English rock band, formed in 1970, is best known for their high-energy and anthemic tracks like “We Will Rock You,” “Another One Bites The Dust,” “Don’t Stop Me Now,” “Hammer To Fall,” and, of course, the iconic “Bohemian Rhapsody.” But behind their bombastic discography also lie some mellow, emotional ones. One such track is “Love of My Life,” a 1975 soft rock single that is easily one of the most melancholic love songs of its era — and of all time.

Queen songs have always been characterized as arena-ready. Their brand of music has always aimed to leave a mark and endure through time. True enough, Queen remains one of the most celebrated acts in music history — a success owed in large part to the band members’ (Brian May, John Deacon, and Roger Taylor) artistry and the late Freddie Mercury’s vocal brilliance and unmatched showmanship. Such vocal prowess has been showcased through their slew of songs, including “Love of My Life,” which was a favorite among audiences during its era. In fact, if you look back at some live performances of the song, Mercury would often point the mic toward the audience and let them do the singing — at least for a few verses, as the song had always been a sentimental piece for Mercury himself.

“Love of My Life” Stands as Queen’s Most Tender Yet Poignant Masterpiece

With an opening line like, “Love of my life, you’ve hurt me,” you know it’s not going to be a song that celebrates love in its most blissful form. While considered a love song, it is also one about heartache and despair — a heartbreak anthem, if you will. It expresses the deep emotional pain of love lost, capturing both affection and sorrow in a single song. From their A Night at the Opera studio album, the track showcases Mercury’s powerful voice in a more toned-down, intimate manner. Written by the legendary singer himself, the song features an instrumental arrangement that has only added to its emotional depth.

It is a simple, straightforward love song that delves into the most sorrowful aspects of love. In the song, Mercury is pleading with the love of his life to bring the love back and bring it home to him again, as it means more to him than he can express. Mercury sings, “Love of my life, don’t leave me / You’ve taken my love, and now desert me.” But perhaps the most climactic moment comes in the bridge, where Mercury further expresses his love, singing, “When I grow older / I will be there at your side to remind you / How I still love you.” It is followed by a gentle piano and a haunting guitar melody, yet it stays true to Queen’s musical style. As with many of their other songs, “Love of My Life” still sounds as if it belongs in a Broadway show, albeit in a more subdued manner.

Who Is Queen’s ‘Love of My Life’ About?

Image via Instar Images

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Mercury has never really disclosed who the sentimental ballad is about, though many speculated it was about his ex-girlfriend, Mary Austin. It wasn’t such a wild guess, though. Although they ultimately ended their romantic relationship after Mercury told Austin of his sexual identity, they remained each other’s constant up until Mercury’s tragic demise from AIDS-related complications back in 1991; he was 45. Though they ended their relationship, they still held each other dear, like a married couple.

Following his passing, Mercury left most of his wealth, including his Kensington home and personal belongings, to Austin. Whether “Love of My Life” was truly about Austin remains unanswered. But one fact endures: the legacy of the song is still deeply felt today. Calling Queen simply a great rock band doesn’t even begin to capture their impact. While other legendary acts were already changing the face of rock during their era, Queen carved out a space that was uniquely theirs. Queen has long been praised for their talent in creating iconic tracks, and “Love of My Life” will arguably be remembered as one of their finest.

Barbara Eden is speaking out after news broke that she had cancelled an appearance.

“It’s OK everyone! I’m OK!” Eden, 95, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, September 6. “Oh, my goodness there has been a bit of miscommunication. I’m not suffering from an illness; my doctor very recently prescribed a brand-new medication that turned out to have some nasty side effects. Due to the discomfort, my doctor ordered me to remain at home until it can be sorted out.”

She continued, “What awful timing for this to happen! My deepest appreciation to everyone for the concern. This is just a speedbump! I expect to be out and about as soon as I’m given the go-ahead! Again, my love and thanks to everyone for all the concern.”

Eden was scheduled to appear at the Cinecon Classic Film Festival in Los Angeles on Saturday, September 5, but pulled out hours before for what at the time was described as an “illness.”

“We’re sorry to share that, due to a sudden illness, Barbara Eden will no longer be able to appear in person at Cinecon tonight,” the official Cinecon Classic Film Festival account wrote via Facebook on Saturday. “Barbara is deeply regretful that she had to cancel at the last minute, as she had been very much looking forward to seeing everyone and celebrating with us.”

The message noted that Eden would still be “honored” at the event, where costar Pat Boone would be accepting the Cinecon Legacy Award on her behalf after the screening of All Hands on Deck.

“We know how many of you were excited to welcome Barbara,” the statement continued. “We appreciate your understanding and join you in sending her our best wishes for a speedy recovery.”

The event organizers then shared an official message from Eden, who called the decision to cancel her Cinecon appearance “so difficult.”

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Related: Barbra Streisand Sends Video Message After Cancelling Cannes Appearance

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Barbra Streisand is speaking out after canceling her appearance at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, where she was set to receive the honorary Palme. “I was mesmerized by those images on the screen,” the iconic singer, 84, said via virtual message, per Variety. “They were so powerful that they’re still in my head. I wanted […]

“I have been looking forward to seeing Pat and reminiscing about our time together filming All Hands on Deck!” she wrote via Facebook. “Over the years you, my fans, have enhanced my life and deeply touched my heart! As I moved from job to job I never imagined that I Dream of Jeannie, Harper Valley PTA, my movies or my appearances with Lucille Ball, Paul Newman, Andy Griffith or Bob Hope, to name a few, would have the lasting effect on people that it has.”

She continued, “Honestly during my career I just looked forward to the next job, always grateful I was fortunate to be working in a field that I loved so much. All of you here tonight, and my fans across the world have been a gift that in my wildest dreams as an actor I never expected or could have ever imagined! I’m continually humbled by your appreciation and support.”

Eden noted that she would be with the crowd “in spirit,” concluding, “I’m sending my heartfelt love to each and every one of you!”

Over the course of the last quarter of a century, science fiction fans have been treated to TV shows that have proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that sci-fi television is alive and well in the 21st century. Whether these shows are family-friendly or fully for adults, whether they’re cartoons or live-action gems, and whether they revolutionized the genre or simply added a new masterful entry to its canon, they’re all essential viewing for sci-fi fans.

But while it’s rare enough to encounter a sci-fi show from the past 25 years that’s truly exceptional, to find one that’s downright perfect is all the more of a precious rarity. There are some particular shows, however, that stand out as the closest that small-screen science fiction has come to perfection throughout the 21st century. From animated shows like The Venture Bros. to live-action genre-definers like Firefly, these incredible series are virtually devoid of any significant flaws. In order to qualify for this list, the show’s pilot has to have aired sometime during the last 25 years.

8

‘The Venture Bros.’ (2003–2018)

Image via Adult Swim

Launched in late 2001, Adult Swim has been providing several of the greatest animated series for adults throughout the last 25 years. Case in point: The Venture Bros., one of the breakout hits that helped put their signature absurdist sense of humor on the map. This legendary sitcom is science fantasy at its best, constantly blending genres in its effort to parody classic action-adventure cartoons from the ’60s.

Venture Bros. is far and away one of the best Adult Swim shows of all time. Though its ratings were never stellar, it was the type of show that lent itself perfectly to a cult following: an entirely uncompromised creative vision, deeply layered lore and world-building, and a love letter to nerd culture as a whole. From the hilarious comedy to the irresistibly fun and thrilling action scenes, there’s pretty much nothing to complain about when watching Venture Bros.

7

‘Arcane’ (2021–2024)

Image via Netflix

Who could have possibly predicted that it would be League of Legends, of all games, that would go on to inspire one of the most acclaimed animated TV shows of the last 25 years? Not only that: Arcane may well also be one of the most universally beloved sci-fi and fantasy shows of the 2020s so far, and in a decade that has thus far been full of incredible genre series, that’s no small compliment at all.

It is, indeed, one of the most perfect fantasy shows shorter than five seasons, blending steampunk elements with mystical magic in a way that fans of either genre should find difficult to resist. The animation is some of the most stunning that the small screen has ever seen, the soundtrack is absolutely legendary, the many downright-badass action sequences are perfectly balanced with deeply nuanced character development, and the show as a whole is as easy to love as it is impossible to hate.

6

‘Severance’ (2022–Present)

Image via Apple TV

Apple TV joined the streaming game relatively late into the journey, but they have already had several chances to prove that they’re as capable of making bangers as any other streaming platform. Their sci-fi show output in particular stands out, all thanks to masterpieces of the caliber of Severance, which is easily one of the best thriller TV shows released since 2000.

It’s hard to figure out where one can even begin singing Severance‘s praises. The cast, for one, is absolutely exceptional, each actor delivering their A-game in ways that have been nothing short of career-defining so far. They play some of the most compelling and mysterious characters of any “mystery box” sci-fi show in history, and it’s precisely the compelling layers of those characters and the fascinating mysteries surrounding them that serve as the anchor that makes Severance so difficult to stop watching.

5

‘The Expanse’ (2015–2022)

Image via SYFY

Generally praised as one of the most scientifically accurate sci-fi shows of all time, The Expanse is the adaptation of the masterful book series of the same name by James S. A. Corey (the pen name of Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck). Though the show was canceled by Syfy after only three seasons, it was quickly picked back up by Prime Video for another three seasons. Thus, that leaves us with a show that has a strong argument for being the best six-season sci-fi show in history.

At the very least, The Expanse is one of the best sci-fi shows since 1990, a genre-blending neo-noir space opera that’s unlike anything else the sci-fi genre has seen throughout the last 25 years. Some find its first season a bit too slow-burning, but after things pick up steam, The Expanse never drops in quality. Its seasons keep getting better, more creative, and more exciting as they go on, making it unsurprising that many would consider this one of the biggest sci-fi must-see shows of the 2010s and 2020s.

Hiromu Arakawa‘s manga series Fullmetal Alchemist was still ongoing by the time the anime series of the same name started airing; so, even though it’s still a great show and essential viewing for modern anime fans, it hasn’t aged the best. On the other hand, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood was designed to adapt the manga’s entire arc, and for that reason, it has only continued to age like fine wine over the course of the 16 years since its conclusion.

It’s one of the most universally beloved anime series of all time, as perfectly proven by the fact that it’s the highest-rated anime series and sci-fi series of all time on IMDb. It really is just that good, a faultless and fluffless masterpiece that even those who have never watched an anime show should consider checking out, as long as perfect sci-fi television is their thing. Airtight in its pacing and emotionally resonant to its core, it’s one of the most fascinating stories that animation has told on the small screen since the start of the 21st century.

3

‘Andor’ (2022–2025)

Image via Disney+

When it made the jump to television in the ’80s, the Star Wars franchise kept its small-screen output exclusively limited to animation, and it wouldn’t be until 2019 that they would start to make live-action shows. Only three years later, the world was treated to the first few episodes of what would end up being praised as the best piece of mainline Star Wars media since the end of the original trilogy: Disney+’s Andor.

A prequel show to a prequel spin-off movie may not sound like the kind of series that could be so successful, but that’s precisely what makes Andor so special. It’s one of the most perfect sci-fi shows shorter than five seasons, a deeply thrilling and perfectly-written critique of authoritarian abuse and a celebration of rebellion in the face of such oppression. It’s timely, it’s technically masterful, it’s full of great performances, and it’s a gripping return to Star Wars’ thematic roots.

2

‘Dark’ (2017–2020)

Image via Netflix

Dark, Netflix’s first-ever German-language series, is definitely not a show made for those who prefer science fiction that allows them to turn their brains off and have a few hours of good fun. As engrossing and undeniably entertaining as this time travel and multiverse sci-fi masterpiece is, it’s also a deeply thought-provoking show, one so intellectually challenging that there’s no way of understanding and appreciating it without offering it one’s full attention.

But that attention is never too much to ask, because Dark—one of those rare sci-fi shows that get time travel right—earns it so naturally with its meticulously-plotted narrative that the mental effort of watching it is always rewarding, never overwhelming. From its writing to its visuals to its performances, pretty much everything about Dark is absolutely perfect from pilot to series finale.

1

‘Firefly’ (2002–2003)

Image via FOX

There are many instances of great sci-fi shows that were unfortunately canceled after only one season, well before they could prove their full value and artistic vision—but none of those cases even comes close to being as infamous as that of Joss Whedon‘s Firefly. Easily one of the biggest cult classics in the 21st-century history of science fiction television, Firefly is one of the best single-season action TV shows of all time, a space Western that anyone and everyone who loves the subgenre needs to watch at least once in their lives.

A whopping 23 years after its untimely cancellation and with an animated continuation currently in production, now’s about as perfect a time as any to watch one of the most perfect sci-fi shows the world has ever seen. Firefly is stylish, exciting, emotional, and incredibly fun throughout each of its endlessly rewatchable episodes. The cast ensemble is legendary, the characters are all riveting, and the story is so compelling that it’s impossible to ever get tired of this truly flawless gem of a sci-fi show.

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Firefly

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Release Date

2002 – 2003-00-00

Network

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FOX

Showrunner

Joss Whedon

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Directors

Allan Kroeker, David Solomon, James A. Contner, Marita Grabiak, Michael Grossman, Tim Minear, Vern Gillum

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War is hell, and it’s simply a reality of the world we live in. From the earliest days of cinema, filmmakers have explored violent conflict from all kinds of angles with different intentions. On screen, depictions of war can serve as cautionary tales, tributes to those who served, pure spectacle—or some combination of all of these. The best of these films remain relevant, studied, rewatched, and sometimes controversial.

Even lesser war movies can serve as a respectable entertainment, even as history lessons, but the following intends to single out and praise exceptional motion pictures that explore history and humanity to unforgettable effect. These are all among the greatest war movies ever made, each pretty much perfect from beginning to end.

13

‘Zero Dark Thirty’ (2012)

Directed by Kathryn Bigelow

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

Mired in controversy even before it was released, and artistically resplendent all-around, director Kathryn Bigelow and writer Mark Boal‘s follow-up to Best Picture winner The Hurt Locker (also one of the greatest of all war films), Zero Dark Thirty is a gripping, lengthy and intensely personal examination of the manhunt for Osama bin Laden. In the role that garnered her first Academy Award nod, Jessica Chastain plays CIA analyst Maya, a composite character based on multiple women who were largely responsible for tracking down the leader of Al-Qaeda.

Over two hours of absorbing procedural leads up to a breathless, muscular, intensely realistic reenactment of the successful Navy SEAL mission that took out the most wanted man in the world in May 2011. It’s important to note Zero Dark Thirty has always been highly controversial for its depiction of torture. It’s also been widely acclaimed and even favorably compared to Bigelow’s much-lauded Hurt Locker; which pair to form an uncommonly psychological double bill of the war genre.

12

‘Come and See’ (1985)

Directed by Elem Klimov

Image via Sovexportfilm

From its poetic early stretches to a finale that’s perhaps the most notoriously intense and disturbing in all of film, Elem Klimov‘s Come and See sees the Nazi occupation of Belarus through the eyes of teen Florya (Aleksey Kravchenko, in world film’s most effective loss-of-innocence performance). This darkest of all coming-of-age movies follows the boy as he recesses from a naïve, wide-eyed patriot who dreams of the resistance to a shell of a young man, all within a matter of hours.

In the final scenes of Come and See, the Nazis burn a packed, locked church to the ground. It isn’t seen so much as heard. It’s a scene that probably should be accompanied by a surgeon general’s warning. That’s not to in any way not recommend the movie; it’s a European cinema landmark that every cinephile should watch once, if only once. Sometimes it’s the movies that remind us of what evil looks like and is capable of. Come and See becomes the rarest of things: an exploration of the ugliest parts of humanity that is breathtakingly beautiful in its artistry.

11

‘The Best Years of Our Lives’ (1946)

Directed by William Wyler

Image via RKO Radio Pictures

An ensemble cast including Dana Andrews, Fredric March, Myrna Loy, Teresa Wright, Virginia Mayo and perhaps most notably non-actor and real-life vet Harold Russell, former U.S. Army operative William Wyler‘s critically revered box-office hit (this was the most-attended film in North America post-Gone With the Wind) explores the lives of three U.S. servicemen of varying ranks returning to their homes of varying social stature. This is an essential American drama, and one of the first movies about the social aftermath of the Second Great War.

The ironic title The Best Years of Our Lives is frankly about as captivating as the film itself. This is a picture that explored the intergenerational cost of war in a way that was ahead of its time; it’s still a highly potent work enlivened by terrific performances. Along with the more escapist and purely entertaining Casablanca, this represents the greatest of the Greatest Generation.

10

‘Black Hawk Down’ (2001)

Directed by Ridley Scott

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

Ridley Scott is a visual stylist without peer, one of the most purely talented compositors of moving images to ever live; it’s also not really a hot take to say he’s often only as good as the script he’s working with. In his follow-up to Best Picture winner Gladiator, he’s working with a propulsively dramatic and focused script by Ken Nolan, about military catastrophe, namely the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu, which stranded dozens of U.S. soldiers in hostile Somali desert.

Black Hawk Down is a high-wire act that successfully balances action that’s both fittingly harrowing and pulse-pounding, all while juggling many characters in a way that only strengthens the punch to the gut, the statement about the cost of war. Black Hawk Down was nominated for four Oscars including Best Director, and Roger Ebert named it the best film of Scott’s career, ahead of classics like Blade Runner, Alien and Thelma & Louise.

9

‘Platoon’ (1986)

Directed by Oliver Stone

Image via Orion Pictures

Oliver Stone has directed numerous American movies that are varying levels of controversial, many that are great with some notable misfires. The Oscar-winning, boldly confrontational Vietnam War drama Platoon stands as perhaps his magnum opus. Charlie Sheen stars as an idealistic university student whose idealism and psyche take a hit upon enlisting in 1967. Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe also star.

In addition to directing the picture, and its immersive, groundbreaking action scenes, former Vietnam infantryman Stone wrote the script, notable for its compelling characters who fundamentally spar along the lines of morality and the futility of the war. This is the first Hollywood movie about the Vietnam War written and directed by a veteran, and out of eight nominations, Platoon won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. This is the first of three Vietnam War pictures from Stone, followed by similarly acclaimed Born on the Fourth of July and the tepidly received Heaven & Earth.

8

‘Hacksaw Ridge’ (2016)

Directed by Mel Gibson

Image via Lionsgate Films

Bombastic, graphically violent, and sentimental in the extreme in a way that borders on schmaltz without ever crossing that line, Mel Gibson‘s Hacksaw Ridge tells the story of Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield), Congressional Medal of Honor recipent who never lifted a weapon in battle. It’s a story that almost feels too sensational to be real, but the basic facts that drive the film (Doss rescued 75 men, and ultimately became the first conscientious objector to receive the U.S. Armed Forces’ highest military decoration) simply play out, if in remarkably dramatic fashion.

Garfield received his first Academy Award nod, for a nimble, something like balletic performance that’s still a career-best. Supporting turns from Vince Vaughn, Hugo Weaving, Luke Bracey and the ever-underrated Teresa Palmer are also of great value to the film. This is a picture whose resounding emotional power is hard to overstate.

7

‘Three Kings’ (1999)

Directed by David O. Russell

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

At this point in time, David O. Russell‘s professional reputation is—well, let’s just say it could be better. Still, it’s impossible to ignore the fact that he’s made some of the finest, critically acclaimed and audience-approved American films of the past quarter-century: from Siliver Linings Playbook to American Hustle to The Fighter. Some would even contend his best movie is this dark comedy set in the aftermath of the Persian Gulf War.

George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg and Ice Cube star in the genre-bending thriller with elements of classic American caper in its DNA, but with a modern and even prophetic cynicism. It’s about U.S. soldiers who attempt to steal gold from Saddam Hussein’s troves, when a kidnapping and chaos ensues. The production was infamous (succinctly, Russell was reportedly overbearing on set and even fought with Clooney), but the end result is stunning to this day. In a rave four-star review, Roger Ebert called Three Kings “a weird masterpiece, a screw-loose war picture that sends action and humor crashing head-on into each other and spinning off into political anger.”

Directed by Stanley Kubrick

Image via Warner Bros.

There’s a case to be made for Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb being Stanley Kubrick‘s best war movie (or perhaps its Paths of Glory), but the perfectionist auteur’s penultimate movie absolutely feels like his definitive statement in the genre. Based on Gustav Hasford‘s autobiographical book The Short-Timers (Hasford co-wrote the script along with Kubrick and Michael Herr) Vietnam war pic Full Metal Jacket plays out in two distinct halves: the first playing out in a South Carolina boot camp under the tutelage of an abusive drill seargeant (R. Lee Ermey), then the screen time is dedicated to deployment and all-out warfare.

Though Full Metal Jacket released to critical acclaim and is widely regarded as a remarkably intense (if exceptionally cynical and perhaps even nihilistic) war classic today, it’s worth noting Roger Ebert had a famous dissenting opinion, giving a thumbs down on his TV show, saying in print he felt the movie was “unsure of where to go.” Ebert also famously never embraced Kubrick’s iconic and disturbing sci-fi adaptation A Clockwork Orange.

5

‘Saving Private Ryan’ (1998)

Directed by Steven Spielberg

Image via DreamWorks Pictures

Saving Private Ryan is absolutely not Steven Spielberg‘s only war film, but as was the case with Kubrick and Full Metal Jacket, this arguably feels like an iconic director’s definitive contribution to the genre. As was the case with 1930’s All Quiet on the Western Front, this is a watershed moment in terms of how combat is depicted on-screen, most famously in its hyper-realistic depiction of D-Day. Spielberg’s epic drama centers on a group of soldiers (spearheaded by Tom Hanks‘ Captain John Miller), tasked with the mission of safely delivering the titular officer (Matt Damon) home after his three brothers die in combat.

As sentimental as Full Metal Jacket is cynical (each so very fitting within their respective directors’ filmographies), Saving Private Ryan is specifically an American enterprise, bookended with haunting scenes filmed on-location in the Normandy American Cemetery. For over a quarter-century, Saving Private Ryan has been a uniquely emotional experience for veterans and their families.

4

‘Casablanca’ (1942)

Directed by Michael Curtiz

Image via Warner Bros.

The best WWII film made during wartime remains, quite possibly, the most enduringly beloved winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture. Humphrey Bogart played many iconic, much-quoted roles in the Golden Age of Hollywood, smooth-talking club owner Rick Blaine is the part he’s best remembered for, and one of the best screen heroes of all time.

In Casablanca, expatriate Blaine is gobsmacked when former flame Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) walks into his gin joint (of all the gin joints), only now she’s partnered with noble freedom fighter Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid). There are only two letters of transit out of Casblanca, you see, and this is where the drama kicks off. It’s as absorbing and affecting as screen drama has ever been, and the best thing about Casablanca is how proud we are of everyone in the end; all of the heroes make the difficult, but right choices. This is the best of us.

One of our favorite parts of the Venice Film Festival every year? The incredible outfits attendees wear. This week, we fell in love with Maggie Gyllenhaal’s look, in particular — she arrived rocking a rich-looking navy blue blazer that’s just so polished.

Of course, we immediately decided we need to add a similar style to our closet, and as always, Amazon has Us covered. We found a luxe-looking blazer in the same sleek navy shade for under $45 and immediately hit add to cart.

Get the Allegra K Belted Blazer for $42 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

A big part of what makes Gyllenhaal’s look so appealing is the fact that her blazer is belted. It cinches in her waist and creates more shape in what, traditionally, can be a boxier, unstructured look. The Amazon alternative has a similar belted silhouette, accentuated with gold hardware that makes it feel even more elevated.

Related: Nicole Kidman Just Wore the Blazer Every Stylish Woman Needs

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Nicole Kidman just reminded Us why every stylish woman owns a gray blazer. While black versions tend to get all the attention, soft gray feels just as polished while pairing effortlessly with everything from blue denim to crisp white separates. It’s the kind of piece that instantly elevates an outfit without making it feel too […]

The blazer has long sleeves, a notch lapel collar and a double-breasted silhouette you’ll feel confident in at work. Two functional flap pockets give you space to keep your essentials close at hand, which is especially helpful when you’re on the go. And if you love Gyllenhaal’s look because of the silhouette but aren’t feeling the color, don’t worry — this one also comes in navy, dark gray, and khaki, so you can find a shade that suits you better.

One reviewer said the blazer “looks great with jeans,” but is also “versatile enough to dress up or down, making it a great piece for both work and casual outings.” And unlike many other blazers, it’s machine washable, so no expensive trips to the dry cleaners required.

Fall is the perfect time to add smart styles like this blazer to your wardrobe. Bring it on your next trip as a standalone top or a mid-weight layer draped over another outfit. You can pair it with flowy white pants, like Gyllenhaal, or add jeans, leggings or your favorite dress pants for the office.

Get the Allegra K Belted Blazer for $42 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more from Allegra K here and more blazers here! Don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

Related: Not Knits! The Richest Girls Are Wearing This Luxe-Looking Layer

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Fall might make you think of cardigans, shackets and denim jackets, but this year, rich girls are reaching for none of the above. Instead, they’re actually incorporating sleek, classy blazers into their day-t0-day rotation. We found 13 luxe-looking layers that nail the aesthetic. If you think blazers are only for the office, these chic picks […]

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