If you’re looking for the perfect adventure franchise to binge with “spooky season” just around the corner, there’s no better reason to revisit The Mummy movies. Currently, all three entries in the original Brendan Fraser trilogy can be found streaming for free on Tubi through the end of the month. That’s right, these monster adventure flicks are available on the platform free-of-charge, but only through September 30. Given that we’re about a month out from Halloween, the time to revisit these cinematic delights is right now — especially if you don’t already own all three at home.

‘The Mummy’ Trilogy Is Still One of the Best Monster Adventure Sagas Ever Made

Image via Universal Pictures

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Whether you’ve rewatched The Mummy and its sequels again and again, or if you’ve always meant to give these adventure flicks a try but haven’t had the occasion, consider this your warning sign that they’re about to be hidden behind some sort of streaming paywall. Tubi, however, is a free platform with a vast catalog, one that currently (but only for a limited time) includes these Brendan Fraser adventures. Beginning with The Mummy, director Stephen Sommers re-imagined the classic Universal Monster as an action-packed period piece set during the golden age of archeology in the mid-1920s. When American mercenary Rick O’Connell (Fraser) encounters British Egyptologist and librarian Evelyn “Evie” Carnahan (Rachel Weisz), they find themselves on an adventure headed toward the lost city of Hamunaptra, where they uncover a tomb that was meant to be buried by the sands of time, leading to the resurrection of the evil priest Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo), who brings the biblical 10 plagues of Egypt with him.

While The Mummy is an absolute classic that proves that action blockbusters can be as witty and intelligent as they are earnest, the story doesn’t end there. Sommers reunited the main cast for the sequel, The Mummy Returns, where Imhotep is revived once more in an effort to conquer the Scorpion King (Dwayne Johnson) and his cursed army. Now married, Rick and Evie fight to save their young son, Alex (Freddie Boath), who has been abducted by the titular mummy as only he, with the Bracelet of Anubis, can lead Imhotep to the Scorpion King’s tomb. In many respects, the sequel recaptures the tone and feel of the original, furthering Rick and Evie’s arcs as they find themselves on a mission more personal than before. Of course, some may be satisfied with Sommers’ inspired duology of Mummy flicks and conclude the adventure there. But if you’re curious, Fraser returns for one final installment, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, in which an older Rick and Evelyn (now played by Maria Bello after Weisz was unavailable to reprise her role) find themselves in postwar China with their derelict son Alex (now Luke Ford) dealing with a new undead adversary: Jet Li‘s Qin Shi Huang. Only Fraser and John Hannah (who plays Evie’s brother Jonathan Carnahan) reprise their roles in this one, which is a mixed bag but still mostly fun.

Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz Are Returning to ‘The Mummy’ Once More

No matter which entry you revisit, you’ll find that The Mummy movies are fast-paced, humor-laden, action-packed adventures that reinterpret a horror icon into a dark fantasy foe worth vanquishing over and over again. The period setting gives The Mummy series an Indiana Jones-like quality while adding to the mystery and suspense, leaning into the pulpy flavor of the tales that inspired it in the first place. While Tubi offers several “Mummy” movies beyond these three (most of which are low-budget horror flicks), these highly bingeable films are the only official entries in the Fraser-led collection — at least for now. Fans have been excited to learn that the original cast, including Fraser, Hannah, and, yes, Weisz — as well as Oded Fehr as Ardeth Bay — are set to reprise their roles for a fourth entry, and we can only hope it recaptures the energy of first two.

We’re excited to hear the news that the upcoming (and untitled) Mummy 4 isn’t just going to be nostalgia bait, but even if it were, it would likely outshine the third entry based on its cast alone. (Okay, in all seriousness, Tomb of the Dragon Emperor has its moments. It’s certainly not terrible, even if we’re still mad that Weisz was replaced.) So, with Halloween nearly upon us and another Mummy in the works, there’s no better time than right now to refamiliarize yourself with this iconic collection of monster-themed adventures. Since they’re still streaming for free through the weekend, we know how you’ll be spending your Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights… And hey, if you find yourself loving Sommers’ first two Mummy re-imaginings especially, check out his other Universal Monsters homage: the Hugh Jackman-led Van Helsing, which is better than you probably remember.

The Mummy and its sequels are available for streaming on Tubi.

The Lord of the Rings has made a name for itself on the page and on screen alike, and while the trilogy is one of the best book-to-movie adaptations, it does make changes. Fans can point to many examples, and they do; however, Peter Jackson‘s film’s alterations to one of J. R. R. Tolkien‘s characters stand out. Of course, many have a lot to say about the portrayal of Faramir (David Wenham), whose temptation by the One Ring is the exact opposite of the books, but there is a more significant character whom the films drastically change.

Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) is one of the primary heroes of the series, and while he plays an instrumental role in both the books and the films, the adaptation fundamentally changes his character. In many ways, this change is less about what he does and more about how he does it, because in both versions, Aragorn is a member of the Fellowship, the leader of the Armies of Men, and the rightful ruler of Gondor and Arnor. Yet, the films add a reluctance to his character that Tolkien never established and expand certain aspects of his story. The result works for the films, and Mortensen’s Aragorn is understandably a fan favorite, yet it’s important to recognize that he isn’t exactly like the character Tolkien wrote.

Aragorn Isn’t Supposed to be a Reluctant Hero in ‘The Lord of the Rings’

Image by Nimesh Niyomal

Aragorn is an important character for many reasons, but one major element of his story is his family’s position. As Isildur’s Heir, he has heavy expectations placed on his shoulders, and in the films, he is reluctant to accept that. Aragorn says as much to Arwen (Liv Tyler) in The Fellowship of the Ring. Though she points out that he is not his ancestor, Aragorn says, “The same blood runs through my veins. The same weakness.” This feeling adds an emotional journey as the character slowly accepts his role, proving his worthiness to himself more than anyone else. Plagued by self-doubt throughout the films, Aragorn becomes a brooding character, which is far from how Tolkien intended.

The reluctant hero is a much-loved character trope, but originally Aragorn is far more confident. Tolkien’s version is proud of the legacy he holds and intends to claim his position as King, though he prioritizes destroying the One Ring. This change is most obvious when the Fellowship arrives in Rohan and Aragorn, reluctant to surrender his weapon, cites his ancestry as a reason he shouldn’t need to. While this fits Aragorn’s book personality, film Aragorn would never consider sharing his family history so readily. Aragorn’s change in attitude doesn’t alter the overall plot, but it does make him a dramatically different character in the film than in the books.

‘The Lord of the Rings’ Films Added Stories for Aragorn

Jackson’s adaptation not only changes his nature, but it adds storylines for Aragorn. The most obvious is his romance with Arwen. Although the books mention their relationship, it serves as background information rather than a relevant plot. Arwen herself is barely in the story, and what Tolkien wrote about their romance is mostly in the Appendices. Even that isn’t quite as dramatic as the films make it out to be. While Elrond (Hugo Weaving) doesn’t want Arwen to give up her immortality, he doesn’t resist as much as he does in the film, agreeing to their marriage on the condition that Aragorn first claim his place as King of both Gondor and Arnor. The film series’ forbidden love story highlights both Aragorn and Arwen, and it’s an interesting way to flesh out the character even though it isn’t exactly like the book.

To emphasize the romance and Aragorn’s reluctant hero arc, the adaptation also rewrites the reforging of Narsil into Andúril. In the book, this moment happens before the Fellowship leaves Rivendell, which allows Aragorn to spend most of the story fighting with this sword. But the films take an alternate approach. Elrond reforges the broken sword and delivers it to Aragorn just in time for him to enter the Paths of the Dead. By delaying this event, the films emphasize the drama surrounding Aragorn’s reluctance to accept his destiny and his romance with Arwen. In many ways, these additional stories dive deeper into the lore surrounding Aragorn and his family, which makes sense. After all, the films cannot add appendices to explain these things as Tolkien did. Ultimately, the changes work because the adaptation is done well, but Aragorn is a dramatically different character in the films than in the books.

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Release Date

December 19, 2001

Runtime

178 Minutes

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Writers

Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson, J.R.R. Tolkien

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Producers

Barrie M. Osborne, Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein, Mark Ordesky, Robert Shaye, Tim Sanders

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The Hills star Audrina Patridge is back on the market after confirming her split from country singer Michael Ray.

“I’m not rushing into anything,” Partridge, 41, told People in an interview published on Friday, September 25, when teasing her dating life, noting that she is still open to marriage one day. “I’m starting to figure that out all over again. For me, I think the best person that you’re going to meet is probably through a mutual friend or someone, like, being set up. Go out in person. I’m not a big internet person.”

At this stage in her healing journey, the reality star said she is still figuring out exactly what she’s looking for next in a partner.

“It’s just knowing that someone has a good heart and they’re coming from a good family, and they have good morals and values,” she explained from medicube’s Wellness Club X2 pop-up in Los Angeles. “And you have to agree with those things because if not, you have opposite lifestyles.”

Related: Audrina Patridge Shares Rare Look Inside Her Romance With Michael Ray

Audrina Patridge can’t hide her happiness when it comes to her romance with country singer Michael Ray. “I think for a long time, I wasn’t really looking for anything,” Partridge, 39, exclusively told Us Weekly while attending ChainFEST Los Angeles with Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey on Saturday, October 5. “So when I met him, it […]

Us has reached out to Ray, 38, and Patridge’s rep for additional comment.

While it’s unclear what led to the breakup, some fans noticed that Patridge had recently unfollowed Ray on Instagram.

During an exclusive interview with Us in May, however, the TV personality couldn’t help but gush about the country singer.

“I’m open to it,” Patridge said about possibly getting engaged. “I think when you find someone that actually clicks and makes you happy, and we’ve both been through divorces and all of that, I think we know what not to do and what we want.”

Patridge was previously married to Corey Bohan, with whom she shares 10-year-old daughter Kirra, from 2016 to 2018. As for Ray, he tied the knot with Carly Pearce in October 2019. The singers divorced one year later.

“I feel like Michael is very private,” Partridge added of her relationship. “When we are together, we’re just so present and we usually just stay in at the house or cook dinner. When I met Michael, it was very unexpected. I was kind of in that mindset of, ‘I don’t need a guy. I’m happy being alone. It’s me and my daughter, girl power. We’re gonna travel the world.’ And then I met Michael, and we just clicked with our chemistry.”

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Although Patridge revealed she’s been single since July, the recent breakup didn’t prevent her from having a good summer.

As seen on Instagram, the California resident was able to enjoy a family trip to South Dakota.

“Back to our roots,🤍” Partridge wrote via Instagram on August 12. “Adventures from the Black Hills to the family farm, sharing our family history with her at the sweetest age… when she wants to hear allll the stories. #summertrip #southdakota #familytrip.”

Burgundy is coming for black’s spot as fall’s most wearable shoe color. The deep wine shade has the same go-with-everything appeal, but adds just enough richness to make even simple trousers and a blazer feel more expensive. Regina King just showed Us exactly why it deserves a place in the fall rotation.

On September 22, King stepped out in New York City wearing glossy burgundy pointed-toe pumps with sleek black slacks, a navy blazer with gold buttons and a black shoulder bag. The unexpected pop of oxblood gave her otherwise classic outfit a luxe fall update without overpowering it. While we couldn’t confirm the exact pair, we found a stylish lookalike for $36 on Amazon.

Get the Sumojio Closed Pointed Toe Pumps for just $36 (Was $50) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, September 25, 2026, but are subject to change.

The Sumojio Stiletto Pumps capture the same glossy patent finish, pointed toe and deep burgundy shade. They have a 3-inch stiletto heel and easy slip-on design, and come in sizes 6 to 10. They also come in chocolate brown, beige and other neutral shades, but the burgundy is the one to grab if King’s outfit is your inspiration.

Related: Selena Gomez Puts a Sexy, Sophisticated Spin on the Capri Trend

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Selena Gomez just gave one of 2026’s biggest retro pants trends a seriously sexy upgrade. Capris have been making their way back into fashion, but her slim-fitting take feels considerably more sophisticated than the pedal pushers of decades past. The curve-skimming silhouette is proof that showing a little ankle isn’t the only way to make […]

Shoppers say they’re surprisingly easy to work into an everyday wardrobe, too. One reviewer called them “incredibly versatile,” adding that they “elevate almost any outfit” and “can be worn with an elegant or casual dress, dress slacks, jeans or even leggings.”

And despite the slim stiletto heel, comfort scores high marks. Another buyer called the pumps “incredibly comfortable,” noting that they are “padded very well on the inside” and offer “great cushioning.”

Take a cue from King and give your basic black pumps the night off. The glossy burgundy shade brings instant richness to black trousers, denim and fall dresses alike, while the pointed toe keeps everything sleek. Grab the $36 Sumojio pumps on Amazon to recreate King’s luxe fall shoe moment for less.

Love King’s rich burgundy shade but want a different silhouette? Keep scrolling for more stylish options.

Shop more burgundy pumps that we love:

Not your style? Explore more burgundy shoes here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

UsNow Fall Sale Alert: These chic fashion finds are up to 60% off – plus free shipping

Welcome to fall with our biggest sale of the season. Our favorite dresses, tops, handbags, and shoes are all on sale + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

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Related: We’re Copying Dakota Johnson’s Rich-Looking Plaid Blazer for $35

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There’s nothing wrong with a simple jeans-and-tank outfit, but Dakota Johnson reminded Us how much better it can look with the right fall layer. A cropped plaid blazer adds structure without covering up your entire outfit, while the classic print brings an expensive-looking touch to even your most-worn denim. Consider it an easy way to make […]

Trippie Redd has social media talking after sharing a cozy photo with a mystery woman. While the rapper did not identify the woman or provide any context about their relationship, folks quickly brought up his history with Coi Leray.

Related: Yikes! Trippie Redd Seemingly Calls Coi Leray A Female Dog While Claiming He’s Not Allowed To See Daughter Miyoco

Trippie Redd Pops Out With Mystery Woman

On Thursday, September 24, Trippie Redd had the internet raising eyebrows after a recent photo was shared to his Instagram account. In the photo, the rapper stands behind a woman as they pose for a mirror selfie. The unidentified woman wore an olive-green top and white shorts while Trippie stood behind her with his arms around her waist. The post quickly circulated on social media, with some users questioning whether Trippie has entered a new relationship. However, at this time he has not publicly confirmed the woman’s identity or addressed the speculation surrounding the image.

Social Media Reacts

After the photo hit the timeline, folks quickly brought Coi Leray into the conversation, as she and Trippie Redd share a daughter, Miyoco. See some of the reactions from The Shade Room Teens comment section below.

Instagram user @loyalnene wrote, “He definitely got a type but she will never be @coileray 😂😂😂 he still playing himself”

Another Instagram user @sportyspicce wrote, “A deadbeat always got a gf lmao amazing”

While Instagram user @ashantiiii_backk wrote, “She better not let him get her pregnant 😂😂”

Instagram user @kaylaheuraynorr wrote, “she ain’t Coi tho 😭”

Another Instagram user @kssimonee wrote, “No Trippie slander will be tolerated thangya”

While Instagram user @_bxitznoniii wrote, “He gone cheat on her next 😂”

Instagram user @trxvxis wrote, “She was talking to JustinLaBoy what’s the issue”

Another Instagram user @iheartnyema wrote, “I can’t respect nobody who don’t take care of they kids”

While Instagram user @mainoppn3 wrote, “just be giving it OUT 😂”

Coi Leray Previously Addressed Where She Stands With Trippie Redd

The latest chatter comes after Coi Leray recently opened up about her current situation with Trippie during a sit-down interview with Jason Lee. The former couple shares their daughter, Miyoco, and Coi explained that they are handling their ongoing co-parenting situation in court. Coi’s comments followed Trippie’s social media posts in August, when he claimed he was being prevented from seeing his daughter. Although he did not name Coi directly, social media users connected his comments to their co-parenting situation.

Related: Coi Leray Opens Up About Repairing Her Relationship With Benzino & Shares How She REALLY Feels About Him (VIDEO)

There are still plenty of stories waiting for Alan Ritchson if Prime Video’s Reacher keeps Jack Reacher wandering into trouble for years to come. The series has never been tied to adapting Lee Child’s novels chronologically, either, leaving more than two decades of stories sitting on the shelf whenever the writers start looking for their next adventure. Child already has one he’d particularly like to see. Speaking exclusively with Collider about which novels could work for future seasons, the author singled out one of his best novels as a story he’d be keen to see Ritchson tackle.

The Midnight Line, the 22nd novel in the series, immediately came to mind when Child was asked which stories he’d like to see come to life in the television series. His reasoning has considerably more to do with the story’s emotional core than finding another opportunity for Reacher to break some bones. Child also pointed out that Ritchson’s reputation as being extremely socially and politically aware was another reason why the book would both be a good fit for the series and for him as an actor and as a person. He told Collider:

“The Midnight Line I would like to see, because that’s a very compassionate story in terms of the addict. That was my feeling about it, because the Oxy thing shows up in all kinds of crime fiction, but the actual victim, the actual addict, is always just a cipher. The addict is never really there, other than maybe you’ll follow them to the dealer’s house for a clue, but the story of the addict is never there. I wanted to present it from the addict’s point of view, trying to make it sympathetic and understandable. I’m not surprised Alan likes that because he has a social conscience. He’s aware, and that Oxy addiction is a terrible thing.”

What Is ‘The Midnight Line’ About?

Published in 2017, The Midnight Line begins with one of those beautifully simple Reacher premises that inevitably becomes much bigger. Reacher spots a West Point class ring in the window of a Wisconsin pawn shop. Knowing how difficult earning one would have been, he can’t understand why its owner would willingly give it up, so he decides to find her. That decision leads Reacher to Serena Rose Sanderson, a former Army officer whose life has been devastated by injuries and opioid addiction but, rather than treating addiction as another piece of criminal-world scenery, Child deliberately wanted the novel to focus on the person living through it.

During his conversation with Collider, he recalled seeing how easily legitimate injuries could lead people toward dependency in Wyoming. “I have a place in Wyoming where there’s a lot of horse people, rodeo riders and so on, who are always banged up and injured,” said Child, “and the doctors would be just handing out oxycodone like candy and producing massive addiction problems.” The Midnight Line would present an interesting change of pace for the television series. Reacher is still Reacher, and trouble inevitably finds him, but the story gives him a problem that can’t simply be punched away. Child also noted that Ritchson himself has talked about wanting to tackle The Midnight Line. If Reacher keeps running long enough, both Richson and Child already seem to agree on at least one destination they’d like the big guy to visit.

Reacher is streaming on Prime Video. Lee Child was speaking exclusively to Collider in support of Chain Reaction, the latest Jack Reacher novel, which arrives October 20. Child will also co-write Zero Margin, the first Frances Neagley novel, with Yasmin Angoe, arriving in spring 2027. Sign up for a free trial of Audible to listen to the Reacher novels and more.

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Release Date

February 3, 2022

Network

Prime Video

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Showrunner

Nick Santora

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Directors

Omar Madha, Carol Banker, Julian Holmes, Lin Oeding, M.J. Bassett, Norberto Barba, Stephen Surjik, Thomas Vincent

Writers

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Cait Duffy

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Roommates, it looks like Papoose is fed up with the “false narratives” regarding his divorce from Remy Ma. He took to social media on Friday (Sept. 25) with screenshots of alleged text messages between him and his divorce attorney. Pap did not reveal the lawyer’s identity. But in his caption, he seemed to emphasize that he’s been trying to move the process along for months. This comes after Remy previously challenged him to “prove his love” for his girlfriend, Claressa Shields, by signing the divorce docs.

RELATED: Remy Ma Seemingly Challenges Papoose To “Prove His Love” For Claressa Shields At Their Upcoming Divorce Hearing (VIDEO)

Papoose Says He Initially Wanted Visitation Rights Only In The Divorce

The text screenshots appear to begin on January 11 of this year. At 12:46 p.m., on that day, Papoose (the sender) appears to tell a contact listed as ‘Jersey Divorce Attorney’ that he’s decided to “let her keep all of the properties.” Furthermore, the text added: “All I want is visitation with my [redacted]. I just want her out of my life. And divorce finalized.” It’s presumed that the redacted name refers to Papoose and Remy Ma’s 7-year-old daughter, Reminisce MacKenzie.

The following day, Pap appeared to inquire about the lawyer speaking to “her.” About a week, again on Sunday, Papoose asks his lawyer whether he can speak to the judge and then proceeds to explain about what.

“I want the judge to understand that there are 3 properties in which half are legally mine. I’m giving them to her in exchange for her to go on with her life and leave me alone. This woman has publicly lied on me. Tried to destroy my lively hood. All I want in return is to be able to see my [redacted] and to be divorced from her.”

Then on January 21, Papoose inquires about a judge’s ability to “force” a signature within a time frame, 24 hours. A few weeks later, on February 10, Papoose again reached out and wrote, “Hey hope all is well. Any word on her signing the offer and granting my divorce?” The alleged lawyer responds, “No word. I’ll send a more formal letter.” Pap then asks whether failing to sign is a court violation, to which the lawyer affirmed it was. On February 15, the lawyer reached back out and said they had received a reply. Pap responded, implying Remy was “angry” that he celebrated Valentine’s Day with Claressa Shields.

“All this time no response all of a sudden she sends this ridiculous response. At this point I’m going to list all that I’m requesting. The previous deal is off the table I’m gonna maintain my half in all properties. And I’m requesting to paid for all the music I wrote for her,” Papoose texted.

In the last texts shown, Papoose tells his lawyer that he’s “had enough” of Remy Ma. “…and a fight is inevitable. I tried to be nice,” he added.

Papoose Explains Texts & Divorce Delays

Meanwhile, in the caption of his post, Papoose broke down the timeline of divorce delays. Also, he encouraged her supporters to go be at her side rather than pummel him with “false narratives & fake news.” He later claimed that Remy Ma has tried to rekindle their relationship multiple times and he’s “repeatedly declined.” His caption says:

“This is the conversation between me & my attorney over the past year. Be sure to notice the dates. The only thing between us are three properties. As you can see, since January 11th, I told my attorney to inform her that she can keep all 3 properties. All I ask for is visitation with you know who” 🙏🏽 Her & her attorney did not respond to that offer. We had court on January 21st, 2026. My attorney informed the court that we had made an offer, and the judge ordered her & her attorney to respond to that offer by the following Monday. However, the judge scheduled our following court date for March 24th, and they still did not respond! On Valentine’s Day (February 14th, 2026), we finally got an insane response that made no sense considering the fact that I said, ‘Take everything take everything and just let me go.’ To those of you who are fans of her: continue to support her. Instead of coming at me with false narratives & fake news, why don’t you use that energy to help her move on? We had a in person court date that she did not even show up to. I have allowed her to lie about me because I knew the truth was too ugly for her. She chose to violate the marriage I waited for her to stop, and I even attended therapy with her. One day, I woke up and realized she was never going to stop. At that point I decided to move on with my life! Since I moved on, she has tried to get back with me numerous times, I repeatedly declined.”

What Happened In Divorce Court Between Pap & Remy Ma?

As previously reported, in a diss to Pap earlier this month, Remy Ma revealed they had a divorce court date set for Sept. 11. In that hearing, Ma allegedly requested dismissal of the divorce complaint, per reporting from Angela Yee. It was until then, and still is now, why Ma allegedly requested the dismissal. Ultimately, the judge denied it, leading to no resolution in the divorce. However, Remy later implied, through social media reactions, that Yee’s reporting was wrong. She never clarified what actually happened during those proceedings. Instead, the same day as the hearing, she teased her new song ‘Why I Get Married?’ featuring Keke Wyatt, which dropped today. Papoose later clapped back with his own diss track and video, ‘Jezebel,’ which has since garnered over two million views.

RELATED: Fans Aren’t Holding Back After Remy Ma Drops Music Video For ‘Why I Get Married’ Featuring Keke Wyatt (VIDEO)

When it comes to writing a story, one of the hardest aspects to nail is the beginning. One would think that’s the easiest part, but in fact, it’s exceptionally difficult to nail the tone, establish the plot, setting, and characters, and hook your audience all at the same time. Audiences should know what to expect from the story right from the get-go, and should trust the story to maintain its momentum all the way through to the end.

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It doesn’t matter what kind of media the story is a part of–it’s still a difficult process. Take in cinema, for example. Plenty of movies are known for their dramatic and intense opening scenes, many of them in the war genre. When it comes to crafting an opening scene for a war movie, it’s really important to get the plot moving, provide some historical context, and give the viewers a reason to keep watching. These are the best war movie opening scenes of all time.

10

‘Beasts of No Nation’ (2015)

Image via Netflix

Beasts of No Nation is set at an unspecified time during an unspecified West African Civil War. The when and the where isn’t really important, as the film is taking a general stance rather than looking at specific historical incidents. The films follows a child named Agu (Abraham Attah), who lives in relative harmony with his family. He begins narrating his struggle during the opening credits as another boy raps in the background. The film then shows Agu and the simple life he lives with his family. They are far from rich, but they seem happy.

That is, until the civil war breaks out. The family is suddenly forced to upend their entire lives and abandoned everything they hold dear, desperately struggling to get to safety, along with everyone else in their village. The movie depicts how civil wars disrupt family lives and turn towns into mad scrambles for survival. It’s a really creative and profound intro sequence that feels truly singular in the genre.

9

‘Dunkirk’ (2017)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Dunkirk is set in 1940, early on in the Second World War. After France was swiftly invaded and defeated by the Third Reich, hundreds of thousands of Allied soldiers were forced into a mass evacuation from the Northern port of Dunkirk. Just across the English Channel from safety, the rescue turned into a race against time as the German war machine rapidly advanced behind the Allies, pushing them towards the sea.

The movie begins with British soldiers walking down the streets of a French town, where pamphlets are being dropped from the sky. The pamphlets inform them of the evacuation, causing a mad scramble to escape the town. This is all interspersed with blocks of text providing short history lessons so the audience understands why the evacuation must happen. This introductory sequence shows how quickly things spiralled out of control, and the chaotic race against time to rescue countless lives from hostile territory.

8

‘Letters from Iwo Jima’ (2006)

Image via Warner Bros. 

Despite being an American film, Letters from Iwo JIma very much follows the Japanese side of the Battle of Iwo Jima, at the end of the Second World War. The movie begins not in 1945, but in the present-day when a team of excavators and archaeologists is searching the tiny island of Iwo Jima for relics from the war. What they dig up is a box full of folded letters, all written by Japanese soldiers.

Then the film transitions back to 1945. Japanese soldiers are depicted writing letters, with their narration playing over their mundane work. The camera gains a washed-out, almost monochrome aesthetic as the main characters dig trenches and prepare defenses for when the Americans arrive. They ruminate about their lives back home, and watch as a prominent military official flies overhead in a plane, coming in for a landing. The movie’s opening is somber and not very action-packed, but it’s very emotional and respectful towards those who fought in the engagement.

7

‘300’ (2007)

Image Via Warner Bros

300 might be based on a graphic novel, but that graphic novel was also based on true events. The movie is set during the Greco-Persian Wars, which occurred approximately 2,500 years ago. The movie begins with the graphic novel’s original monologue, which is a real killer way to open up. The first iconic lines are “we march,” referring to the Spartan warriors approaching the pass of Thermopylae, where the battle that the film is about takes place.

The movie then cycles through the early life and career of the King of Sparta, Leonidas I (Gerard Butler), albeit it’s likely a highly fictitious version of things. In any event, the slow-motion, the wide angles, and the cinematic scale all come together like an elaborate puzzle that thoroughly displays Zack Snyder‘s signature flair. It’s an introduction that exudes power and strength, hyping audiences up for the slaughter to come.

6

‘1917’ (2019)

Image via Universal Pictures

1917 is one of those movies that looks like one continuous shot, so it’s kind of all one scene, if you really want to be technical. In any event, the movie still does a great job at setting the stage. Set during World War I, the movie opens with two sleeping British soldiers in a picturesque field, who are abruptly woken up by a runner. They briefly talk about their past experiences and their time on the front, as well as when they hope their relief is coming.

They make their way to the command bunker, where they are assigned a mission to deliver a message several miles down the line. They set off at once, navigating No-Man’s Land and passing deceased soldiers and horses. This opening scene, with its one-shot format, lets you know that there will be very little time to breathe in this film. It also doesn’t waste any time with politics or bureaucracy, diving straight into the plot.

5

‘Casablanca’ (1942)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Casablanca is considered to be one of the greatest cinematic masterpieces of all time, and its opening scene is just one of the hundreds of reasons why. The movie is set during World War II, during the Nazi occupation of North Africa, including the titular city of Casablanca, Morocco. The opening credits depict actual wartime footage, accompanied by a narration of how the Nazis moved in to Morocco and came to occupy much of Northern Africa.

The scene then erupts into chaos, with local law enforcement and Nazi officers rounding up political opponents and arresting people for seemingly no reason. In the midst of the pushing and shoving crowds is the movie’s protagonist, nightclub owner Rick (Humphrey Bogart). This scene is just so well done. It provides a brief, but not overwhelming history lesson, establishes the setting, and shows what life in Nazi-occupied Africa was really like.

4

‘Civil War’ (2024)

Image via A24

2024’s Civil War is set during a fictional Second Civil War in the United States of America. A tyrannical president has taken a third time and dissolved the FBI before executing airstrikes on American civilians, prompting a massive wave of armed resistance. The movie opens up with the president, played by Nick Offerman, rehearsing a speech to deliver on television. The speech is about how his forces are close to victory, and how the opposition will be allowed to rejoin the US when he wins.

This is interspersed with footage of riots and protests, which aren’t fictional–they are actual footage from real events, although in a vastly different context. Meanwhile, a journalist named Lee (Kirsten Dunst) is watching the president deliver his speech on TV. In the distance, something explodes, lighting up the night. This opening scene is tense, and does a fantastic job of establishing the story, and what sorts of events lead to such a conflict.

3

‘Apocalypse Now’ (1979)

Image via United Artists

Apocalypse Now is based on the 1899 novella Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. While the setting and time of the original story are vastly different, the core themes of anti-imperialism and trauma are still very much there. The movie opens up in the city of Saigon, Vietnam, where an American military assassin named Willard, played by Martin Sheen, is waiting in a hotel room and slowly losing his mind with boredom as he awaits his next assignment.

He is a seasoned veteran of the Vietnam War, currently serving on his third tour. The movie makes it clear that his sanity is pretty much already gone. He dances in his underwear, does somersaults over his bed, and narrates how maddening the monotony of doing nothing is. It might be a bit of a goofy scene, but it’s a great look at how you don’t necessarily need to be in live combat to develop PTSD, and how it can stick with you at all times, especially when you have little else to do but think.

2

‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ (2022)

Image via Netflix

Set during the First World War, All Quiet on the Western Front is the third adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque’s classic novel. It opens up a serene, quiet winter scene. Snow drifts lazily down from the boughs of trees, a mother fox and her cubs sleep soundly in their dens… and a pile of bodies lays in a pool of muck and blood. Immediately, the silence is shattered with gunfire and explosions.

The film then transitions to a frontline German soldier, a young man who is clearly a new recruit. He walks past traumatized infantry in a trench before he is ordered up the ladder. His friend is killed in front of him, and he charges out to meet the French military. He is quickly swept up in the chaos, using his spade to attack a Frenchman before the screen cuts to black with another haunting silence. Right away, the movie lets the audience feel how horrific the war really is, and how many young lives were lost in such a senseless conflict.

1

‘Saving Private Ryan’ (1998)

Image via DreamWorks Pictures

Saving Private Ryan opens up with a wizened old veteran visiting the graveside of his fallen comrades. This brief scene quickly transitions to a flashback, depicting Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944–D-Day. Anyone who knows anything about D-Day knows that Omaha Beach was the worst place you could possibly be, as this landing sector saw the highest amount of casualties.

What results is a 20-minute sequence where American forces storm the beaches, pinned down by German defenses. The scene is widely known as being one of the most visceral, gruesome, and hauntingly realistic depictions of frontline combat in cinema. It was reportedly so intense that the movie studio had to set up a hotline for traumatized veterans who had actually been there. The fact that the movie opens up on something this intense lets you know what you’re in for. It opens up on action, and it lets viewers appreciate the sacrifice and the courage of the Allied troops.

Cartoon Network’s Over the Garden Wall is 12 years old this year, but it’s still the undefeated champion of autumnal binge-watching. The animated miniseries is only 10 episodes long, and at 11 minutes per episode, the entire show runs the length of a movie. Find it on Hulu and watch it over the first weekend of autumn to get into the spirit of the season. Elijah Wood voices Wirt, an intrepid pubescent adventurer who’s just trying to get himself and his brother Greg home without getting stuck in the mysterious “Unknown.”

Over the Garden Wall was part of a wave of creepy, off-kilter media for kids, kicked off by the success of Coraline, which is still one of the scariest horror movies ever despite its PG rating. There’s no other show or movie that captures the spirit of fall as perfectly as Over the Garden Wall. With mystery, darkness, whimsy, and a song every episode, this miniseries will be loved by scaredy-cats and horror-enthusiasts alike.

‘Over the Garden Wall’ Evokes the Warmth and Nostalgia of Autumn

Image via Cartoon Network

Over the course of the miniseries’ 10 short episodes, the setting slips from late summer to harvest season to winter. It’s not clear what period Over the Garden Wall is supposed to be set in; the silhouette of the clothes, the hard-to-place accents, and persistent moral anxiety give the miniseries a distinctly Victorian feel, but there’s a timeless nostalgia to the setting. The show isn’t concerned with period-specificity. Instead, Over the Garden Wall evokes the sense of childhood, but the nostalgia is not without the slight bitterness of something lost.

There are three episodes of Over the Garden Wall that secure its place in the autumn canon. The first is episode 2, “Hard Times at the Huskin’ Bee,” in which Wirt and Greg happen upon a village of people with pumpkins on their heads. It looks like they’re having a harvest celebration, but there are clues that something more sinister may be going on. Next is “Songs of the Dark Lantern,” the most musical episode in the series, in which an ensemble of town folk regale Greg and Wirt with songs. The imagery of the episode recalls Disney’s timeless autumn classic, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad.

“Into the Unknown,” the second-to-last episode of the series, is actually set on Halloween, featuring Greg and Wirt celebrating in costume. This episode’s soundtrack and design recall the 90s, giving new context for the world the boys have been traveling through, up to this point only called “The Unknown.” Cartoon Network doesn’t shy from a dark edge, and Over the Garden Wall is no exception. While ultimately very cozy and warm, the series hints at a descent into something dark and grim. The meaning of the show has been interpreted in many ways: as an allegory for depression, the entry into the dullness of adulthood, or for death itself.

This Hulu Binge is Never Scary, Only Spooky

The sweeping overtures, rich, hand-painted environments, and persistent chipperness of Greg, the younger of the brothers, gives a distinct storybook-feel to Over the Garden Wall. It’s a visual treat, recalling animated Disney classics like Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. The artistry is beautiful, and it adds to the sense of nostalgia, but the show itself is not overly self-serious. The writing is properly funny, with adorable quips from Greg and hilarious emo rants from Wirt. Each character the brothers encounter is fully-fledged and richly developed, creating a layered, interesting world for the main characters to play in.

In that world is a dark, mysterious figure, known as The Beast. The woodsman from the very first episode warns the boys of this evil, out there in the woods. Throughout the show, the boys are warned to be wary of The Beast and suspicious of those they encounter in The Unknown. As they travel deeper into the woods, they encounter increasingly dangerous characters, including an evil witch and a possessed maiden. Each of these characters feel folkloric, giving the brothers and their friends the obstacles they need to develop courage, strength, and wit.

The Unknown turns out to be a world in which disaster and tragedy do happen, but like in the fairytales, Over the Garden Wall argues that with an open heart, courage, and love, one will find a way. The dangers the boys encounter are necessarily dark and threatening, so that there’s an adventure worth having. Because the only adventure worth having is one that changes the adventurers. Over the Garden Wall knows that darkness is pleasurable, and it gives the audience just the right dose, balanced with levity and beauty so that viewers of any age and tolerance for fright can enjoy the show.

“Into the Unknown:” the Pleasure of the Dark in Cartoon Network’s ‘Over the Garden Wall’

Image via Cartoon Network Studios

Horror, especially when it’s made for adults, is often extremely bleak. Modern classics like Hereditary, Parasite, and newer contributions like Weapons and Obsession end with a darker world than they started with. In each of those stories, the status quo is always better, and changing it is always punished. By contrast, Over the Garden Wall is distinctly hopeful. Challenging the status quo is necessary and rewarded. The adventuring brothers travel through adversity and danger and learn something about themselves and the world.

Adult media treats hope as naive or cheesy. Children’s media, like Over the Garden Wall, Coraline, and Paranorman treat hope as radical. In the final 3 episodes of Over the Garden Wall, the boys get lost, and it starts to get very cold. A blizzard blows in, and Wirt, always the more pessimistic of the brothers, lays down to sleep. Greg goes out to try and do something, and he meets The Beast, with whom he strikes a terrible deal. Eventually, Wirt realizes his mistake and adventures out to save his brother. Wirt’s transformation is about accepting personal responsibility and filial connection, but it’s also about resisting his own darkest impulses. For Wirt, his dark impulse is toward surrender, but he learns that if hope calls for action, it is never naive.

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Release Date

2014 – 2014

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Network

Cartoon Network

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Showrunner

Patrick McHale

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While the 2000s saw the rise of fantasy blockbusters like The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, it was also a great time for stories that wove more darkness into the genre. The decade marked the rise of Guillermo del Toro as one of the world’s most prestigious directors, in part thanks to his Oscar-winning Pan’s Labyrinth, which intertwined the real and mythical in horrific and beautiful ways. Sweden’s haunting coming-of-age vampire flick Let the Right One In and the Keanu Reeves-led DC-inspired Constantine also possessed the screen, the former being hailed by Roger Ebert as “the best modern vampire movie” at the time and the latter becoming a beloved macabre cult classic with a sequel on the way. Among the best dark fantasies of the era, however, were not just live-action productions, but painstaking and chilling stop-motion animation that launched a prestigious studio.

In 2009, Coraline premiered in theaters and introduced the world to Laika Studios with a fright. The film was based on Neil Gaiman‘s novella of the same name and delivered a horror-fantasy experience that, while made for the whole family, wasn’t afraid to expose younger audiences to true fear through its haunting atmosphere and imagery that ranged from beautiful to nightmare-inducing. Its willingness to respect its viewers and show that being afraid in the face of real danger is not only natural but necessary for true courage to shine through is part of why the story is so highly regarded by both critics and audiences alike. Ahead of Halloween, HBO Max will soon call the modern classic home at least throughout the spooky season.

Coraline will be one of several horror titles arriving on the streaming platform starting on October 1. With that, viewers will be able to venture back to the Other World for another meeting with the button-eyed “Other Mother” for a holiday rewatch. The stop-motion masterpiece follows the titular young girl after her family moves to a new home. While her parents are busy, she takes the opportunity to explore the house, finding something altogether unexpected when she opens a secret door to an alternate reality. This Other World at first appears to be a better mirror of her own and everything she could ask for, until her other family reveals their true colors and tries to keep her there forever. A Nightmare Before Christmas director Henry Selick helmed the project, with Dakota Fanning leading a cast including Teri Hatcher, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, and Ian McShane.

Laika Is About to Return to Theaters With Their New Fantasy Epic

The addition of Laika’s first acclaimed feature to the HBO Max catalog comes as the studio prepares to launch its new feature — Wildwood. The stop-motion giant has been trying to get an adaptation of Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis‘ book off the ground for some time now, beginning development back in 2011. After several delays, though, it’s finally coming to life in theaters on October 23 with a gorgeous, lush style directed by Travis Knight and a star-studded cast including Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Jacob Tremblay, Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, Awkwafina, Angela Bassett, Jake Johnson, and more. At the center of it all is Prue McKeel (Lee), a girl who enters the fantastical, dangerously alive world in the woods outside of Portland to save her baby brother after he’s kidnapped by crows, only to find herself in the middle of a brewing war between the inhabitants and navigating factions of creatures that range from kind to formidable and cruel.

Coraline arrives on HBO Max starting October 1. Stay tuned here at Collider for more on all the biggest films coming to streaming throughout the year.

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Release Date

February 6, 2009

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Runtime

100 minutes

Producers

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Bill Mechanic, Claire Jennings, Harry Linden, Mary Sandell, Henry Selick

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  Teri Hatcher

  Mel Jones / Other Mother (voice)

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