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10 Greatest Movie Musical Characters of the Last 100 Years, Ranked

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Nicole Kidman as Satine in 'Moulin Rouge!'

No movie genre is more misunderstood than the musical. To many, musicals are the epitome of cinematic showmanship, disposable entertainment meant to be enjoyed by turning off one’s brain and indulging in the inherently silly premise of people randomly bursting into song when the mood strikes. And you know what? There is something to that notion; indeed, many movie musicals are silly and proud of it. There’s nothing wrong with a silly musical, but the genre is far more than that.

Nowhere is the genre’s complexity more evident than in its history of rich characters. The musical has been around pretty much since the advent of sound cinema, meaning there’s almost a century of wonderful musical characters to choose from for this list. We are ranking the all-time best musical characters in cinematic history, and the range included will convince anyone of the embarrassment of riches within the genre. From singing nuns to vaudevillain killers, these cinematic figures can light up the screen while belting out an E5.

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10

Satine (Nicole Kidman) – ‘Moulin Rouge!’ (2001)

Nicole Kidman as Satine in 'Moulin Rouge!'
Nicole Kidman as Satine in ‘Moulin Rouge!’
Image via 20th Century Studios

The movie musical was all but dead going into the new millennium. If it was going to ever come back, it needed a serious jolt, the kind Frankenstein used to reanimate his monster. Luckily for the genre, Baz Luhrmann stepped in to become cinema’s version of the doctor, delivering the messy and electrifying triumph that is 2001’s Moulin Rouge! The film is a jukebox musical about the doomed affair between a courtesan and a poet in the final year of the 19th century.

In a career-defining role, Nicole Kidman plays Satine, the cynic and pragmatic courtesan with a death sentence. Satine is a challenging role; as the ultimate courtesan, she must be simultaneously outgoing and reserved, seductive but elusive, guarded but vulnerable. Kidman makes a meal of the role, delivering an unrestrained, courageous performance that rightfully earned her an Oscar nomination and forever altered the course of her career. Moulin Rouge!‘s maximalist approach is not for everyone, and it could easily fall apart under the weight of its sheer excess. It’s Kidman who grounds it and keeps it from becoming caricature, striking the right balance between camp and sincerity.

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9

Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder) – ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’ (1971)

Gene Wilder in his suit, hat and bowtie as Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
Gene Wilder in his suit, hat and bowtie as Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
Image via Warner Bros.

Gene Wilder famously invited you to a world of pure imagination in 1971’s Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Sure, that world turned out to be more the nightmare of a slightly deranged man-child, but it had its charms if one knew where to look for them. The point remains that Wilder’s take on the zany chocolatier is one of cinema’s greatest comedic turns, a perfect combination of “eerie” and “charming” that remains the standard.

It’s hard to do what Wilder does as Willy Wonka, and harder still to make it seem effortless. The great strength in his performance is that he allows the wackiness to speak for itself; rather than trying to seem crazy or going for broke, Wilder allows Wonka’s eccentricities to shine through. His mannerisms are controlled, but his eyes are wild, piercing through his guests, enjoying their comeuppances but never cackling at them. Take his now iconic entrance: he limps, he pretends to fall, then he somersaults. It’s memorable and incredibly fun, but never exaggerated, naturalistic comedy at its finest and a testament to how much of a genius this man was when in his element.

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8

Esther Blodgett/Ally Maine (Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand, Lady Gaga) – ‘A Star Is Born’ (1954, 1976, 2018)

Some stories are timeless, inspiring countless retellings, each offering something new about both the story itself and the societal context in which it was made. A Star Is Born is one such story, with the original 1937 film inspiring three musical remakes, each one great in its own way. The skeleton of all movies is the same: a successful man discovers and falls in love with a woman of extreme talent. Their relationship ends in tragedy due to his excesses and inability to cope with her rising success.

All versions of A Star Is Born are elevated by a tour de force female performance at its center. Three of those versions are musicals, and all three have an icon playing the talented Esther Blodgett (or Ally in 2018). In 1954, Judy Garland delivered what can only be described as one of cinema’s all-time greatest one-woman shows. The story of addiction and struggle painfully mirrored her real life, giving a layer of raw authenticity to her work that has ultimately made it timeless. In 1976, Barbra Streisand played Esther as a rebel in a rock-and-roll world, far more persistent but no less resilient. Finally, in 2018, Lady Gaga played Ally, more wide-eyed and vulnerable but also more human, less a star and more an idol. Each depiction provides something different, proving that Esther is one of cinema’s most malleable characters, a true shapeshifter who can be multiple things at once.

7

Eliza Doolittle (Audrey Hepburn) – ‘My Fair Lady’ (1964)

Audrey Hepburn as Eliza Doolittle smiling in My Fair Lady.
Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison in My Fair Lady
Image via Paramount Pictures
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My Fair Lady taught us two things: one, the rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain, and two, Audrey Hepburn could really do no wrong. Taking on the role famously originated and, it must be said, perfected by Julie Andrews on the stage was no easy task, but Hepburn rose to the challenge. Yes, her singing was dubbed by classic Hollywood’s most famous ghost singer, Marni Nixon, but Hepburn’s take on Eliza Doolittle is no less impressive.

Eliza is not an easy role to play. Her naiveté can be tricky and, in the wrong hands, come across as annoying. Yet, Hepburn is delightful in the role, injecting so much enthusiasm into her portrayal that one can’t help but surrender to her charms, much like Professor Higgins himself. Hepburn is a blast throughout — the physicality, the exaggerated accent, the willingness to (figuratively) fall flat on her face, it all amounts to one of cinema’s most fully-embodied comedic turns. In her hands, the word “influenza” pretty much becomes both joke and punchline simultaneously. In My Fair Lady, Hepburn gives a masterclass in humorous escalation that remains as delightful as it is enchanting. By George, she’s got it!

6

Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta-Jones) – ‘Chicago’ (2002)

Velma Kelly dancing on stage with other dancers in Chicago
Velma Kelly dancing on stage with other dancers in Chicago
Image via Miramax
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Catherine Zeta-Jones won an Oscar for Chicago, and I’m convinced it was largely because of her delivery of the word “Cicero.” As the vaudevillian songstress and murderess Velma Kelly, Zeta-Jones is explosive and tantalizing, almost single-handedly bringing sexy back to the musical genre after decades of stillness. Chicago reworks the musical, focusing on Roxie Hart (Renée Zellweger) and making Velma a large role in her story. However, that approach only allows Zeta-Jones to become the ultimate scene-stealer.

Indeed, Roxie might be the lead, but Velma is the star. From the second she appears on the screen, delivering a seductive and invigorating rendition of “All That Jazz,” Velma commands our attention, and we have no choice but to acquiesce. Zeta-Jones famously agreed to play Velma just so she could sing “All That Jazz” — and insisted on the short wig to make sure everyone saw it was actually her doing all the dancing and singing — and there has seldom been a better match of a perfect role going to the perfect actress. Chicago is arguably the best movie musical of the 21st century, and a large reason for its success is Catherine Zeta-Jones. She is jazz embodied: chaotic, full of life, slightly dangerous, and simply irresistible.

5

Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland) – ‘The Wizard of Oz’ (1939)

Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale, standing in front of yellow flowers and looking surprised in The Wizard of Oz
Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale, standing in front of yellow flowers and looking surprised in The Wizard of Oz
Image via Loew’s, Inc.
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From the moment Judy Garland appears in the black-and-white Kansas portion of The Wizard of Oz, one instantly understands they’re in the presence of a generational talent. As soon as she belts out “Over the Rainbow,” all doubts are gone, and there’s not a dry eye in the house. Garland is instantly captivating as Dorothy Gale, effortlessly embodying the innocence necessary for such a role and blending it with the wide-eye enthusiasm that can only come from raw talent.

The stories of the cruel treatment Garland endured in the set of The Wizard of Oz are infamous and the stuff of Hollywood nightmares. Knowing that, and knowing what would eventually happen to Judy, makes the experience bittersweet for sure. And yet, Judy is so pure, so endearing as Dorothy that one can forget the harshness and get lost in the wonder of Oz. A movie like The Wizard of Oz relies entirely on our ability to suspend disbelief and surrender to the wacky antics on the screen. Judy is crucial to that immersion; it is through and because of her that we become willful spectators in this wonderful world. She is the audience surrogate, making it extremely easy to follow the yellow brick road.

4

Donald “Don” Lockwood (Gene Kelly) – ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ (1952)

Gene Kelly as Don Lockwood standing in front of a bunch of lit up signs in Singin' in the Rain (1952) Image via MGM Studios
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Widely considered an institution of American cinema, Singin’ in the Rain is one of the great triumphs of the seventh art. Set during the transition of silent cinema to sound, it depicts a longtime acting pairing who must deal when only one of them has the voice to perform in a musical. Gene Kelly leads the cast as Donald “Don” Lockwood, a former silent star and the living embodiment of having a song in your heart.

There’s a reason why Singin’ in the Rain has such a reputation as being the apex of the musical genre; if any movie qualifies as joy captured on celluloid, it’s this one. Kelly is integral to that success, playing Don as the ultimate song-and-dance man. Every moment he’s on screen is unforgettable, but his now-iconic performance of the titular song has become quite possibly the most recognizable moment in the musical genre. Kelly was one of a kind when it came to staging a number, and he’s at the peak of his abilities in Singin’ in the Rain. Words cannot do justice to his work; indeed, his is a performance that needs to be experienced. What a glorious feeling, indeed.

3

Maria von Trapp (Julie Andrews) – ‘The Sound of Music’ (1965)

Maria standing in the field and smiling with open arms while looking at the sky in The Sound of Music.
Maria standing in the field and smiling with open arms while looking at the sky in The Sound of Music.
Image via 20th Century Studios
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How do you solve a problem like Maria? In 1965, The Sound of Music took the world by storm. The story of a jolly nun with a divine voice who becomes the governess of a group of seven Austrian children and eventually marries their widowed father captivated audiences, grossing $287 million. Adjusted for inflation, The Sound of Music grossed more domestically than Avatar, currently the highest-grossing movie. To call it a phenomenon would be a disservice.

At the heart of it all is a truly spectacular Julie Andrews as Maria von Trapp. Her divine voice elevates standards like “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” and the titular song, injecting a sense of pure, gleeful charm into tunes that are already pretty perfect compositions. There’s not an ounce of ego or pretension in Andrews’ performance, just a sense of genuine enthusiasm, an unadulterated and sincere passion that makes even the cheesiest lyrics seem like absolute life certainties. In the process, Andrews herself becomes timeless, her work an ode to the joy of music and a testament to the musical genre’s power to transport and enthrall.

2

Fanny Brice (Barbra Streisand) – ‘Funny Girl’ (1968)

Barbra Streisand as Fanny Brice performing on stage with dancers in 'Funny Girl'.
Barbra Streisand as Fanny Brice in ‘Funny Girl’.
Image via Columbia Pictures
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Hello, gorgeous, indeed. From the second Barbra Streisand steps into the scene as the young ingenue Fanny Brice, audiences knew that a star was born. Reprising the role she originated on Broadway, Streisand was a dynamo in Funny Girl, lighting up the screen with charisma for days and a now-iconic voice that could bring even the staunchest musical hater to tears. Belting out numbers like “Don’t Rain on My Parade” and “My Man,” Streisand became an instant icon.

For her efforts, Streisand won the Oscar for Best Actress, famously tying with Katharine Hepburn. It’s not hard to see why Fanny so transfixed audiences: Streisand is simply spectacular, a ball of energy and charisma, a great big clump of talent. To this day, the role of Fanny is closely related to Streisand, and always will be. The actress defined Fanny for an entire generation, but it’s her voice — the legendary, beautiful vibrato, the pristine technique, the powerful belt that seems to transcend the screen — that made Funny Girl a hit. She is the greatest star, and almost sixty years later, no one has even come close to her standard.

1

Sally Bowles (Liza Minnelli) – ‘Cabaret’ (1972)

Liza Minelli as Sally Bowles performing on stage in Cabaret.
Liza Minelli as Sally Bowles performing on stage in Cabaret.
Image via Allied Artists Pictures
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I’d argue that perhaps no musical role is as synonymous with the genre as that internazionale sensation, Fraulein Sally Bowles. Played to perfection by an incandescent Liza Minnelli in the role that won her an Oscar, Sally is a free-spirited and willingly naive young woman and the main attraction at the Kit Kat Club in 1931 Berlin. Set against the rise of the Nazi party, the film chronicles Sally’s bohemian life and her affair with British scholar and writer Brian (Michael York).

Cabaret is an intense masterpiece of the musical genre, filled to the brim with decadent, exuberant numbers, perfectly staged by the master himself, Bob Fosse. However, it’s also a remarkably dark work, a sardonic look at how easy it is for injustice and cruelty to take over; all it needs is a captive audience. Thus, Sally Bowles is the embodiment of complicity, representing everyone who has ever stayed quiet, preferring contentment over struggle. Sally is willfully blind, joyously ignorant; after all, from cradle to tomb, it isn’t that long a stay. Cabaret is a harsh critique of the inability to act, and it casts the greatest star of her generation to enthrall the audience into going along with its spell — and it works. In the end, life is a cabaret, and Liza is the ultimate headliner.

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Hudson Williams, Dylan O'Brien to maximize their joint fandom, will costar in thriller about 'handheld massagers'

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The film will mark one of Williams’ first new projects since “Heated Rivalry” debuted last year.

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Corey Feldman addresses being left out of Rob Reiner Oscars tribute: 'Family reunion I wasn't invited to' (exclusive)

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King Charles Urged To Help Harry And Meghan Before They ‘Crash And Burn’

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King Charles III and Camilla Queen Consort, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Duchess of Sussex seen at Wellington Arch.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are under renewed scrutiny as debates continue over their future roles and business direction.

Now, a proposed “half-in, half-out” royal arrangement has resurfaced, while the couple continues to struggle as they pursue independent ventures in Hollywood.

Ex-Vanity Fair editor-in-chief, Tina Brown, is now calling on King Charles to step in and assist Prince Harry and Meghan before things go south for the Montecito-based royals.

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King Charles Advised To Act Quickly As Concerns Grow Over Prince Harry And Meghan’s Future

King Charles III and Camilla Queen Consort, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Duchess of Sussex seen at Wellington Arch.
WPA-Pool/ MEGA

A royal commentator has warned that Harry and Meghan could “crash and burn” unless King Charles intervenes with a new arrangement.

Tina Brown, the former editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair, argues that the couple would benefit from a revised role within the monarchy, something similar to the “half-in, half-out” model Harry had previously proposed.

According to Brown, their current financial partnerships, including deals with streaming platforms, may not be as stable as before, making such a shift increasingly important.

She suggested that rather than watching the situation unfold negatively, the royal family should take a more proactive approach.

“The Sussexes’ revenue streams are starting to dry up,” Brown noted in her recent Substack piece. “Before the Sussexes crash and burn, the House of Windsor needs to put aside schadenfreude and grip the problem. Give Harry and Meghan a limited international role.”

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She believes assigning Harry and Meghan limited international responsibilities could offer a practical solution.

Her comments come amid speculation that major media partners may be reconsidering their focus, potentially turning attention toward other senior royals like Prince William and Kate Middleton.

The Sussexes Face Questions Over Future Roles As Royals’

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Project Healthy Minds World Mental Health Day Gala
Steven Bergman/AFF-USA.COM / MEGA

There have also been rumors that Meghan could return to acting, given her past success in series like “Suits” and “Fringe.”

However, according to The Mirror, some observers are suggesting that she and Harry might instead re-engage with royal-style duties, particularly in a charitable or global capacity.

The couple stepped back from official royal responsibilities in 2020 to build a life in California, but ongoing controversies surrounding the royal family have kept discussions about reform alive.

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One idea that continues to surface is whether a flexible role for Harry and Meghan could work.

Queen Elizabeth with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry the Royal Family watch the RAF100 flypast
James Whatling / MEGA

Royal correspondent Jennie Bond previously questioned why a compromise wasn’t possible, asking, “Could it not have worked, half in, half out? He is the spare; he isn’t going to be King, so why couldn’t they have worked out some sort of compromise?”

Bond noted that Harry is a “natural with the crowds: funny, informal, charming,” and the positive reception he often receives during appearances.

Still, a key concern remains: balancing any royal duties with independent commercial ventures.

Despite stepping away from formal roles, Harry and Meghan are expected to travel to Australia soon, where they will take part in philanthropic activities similar to those typically carried out by working members of the royal family.

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Meghan Markle Is Still Laser-Focused On Growing Her Business

Meghan Markle at Invictus Games 2023, day 6, Dusseldorf, Germany - 15 Sept 2023
MEGA

Meanwhile, outlets like The Telegraph and Daily Mail revealed that Meghan has filed for 12 trademarks in Australia for her lifestyle brand, As Ever, in September 2024, with approvals granted in June 2025.

A spokesperson clarified that these filings are standard practice, noting that Australia is just one of several regions where the brand has been registered.

Records show that As Ever spans a wide range of categories, including skincare, pet products, candles, gardening tools, and digital media such as films, TV content, podcasts, and educational programs.

The brand also extends into jewelry, stationery, furniture, yoga equipment, and hospitality services involving food, drink, and short-term stays.

Additional filings show expansion into outdoor décor, craft materials, and food items, particularly spreads like jams, which are a signature part of Meghan’s lifestyle line.

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The brand also includes sauces, non-alcoholic cocktail mixers, and alcoholic drinks (excluding beer), as well as services tied to online broadcasting, content creation, and customizable digital tools for printable stationery.

As Ever To Grow Independently After Parting Ways With Netflix

Meghan Markle attend the Commonwealth Service with the Royal family
James Whatling / MEGA

Earlier this month, it was reported that As Ever and Netflix were going their separate ways, with representatives for both sides confirming that the brand will continue operating independently.

A spokesperson for As Ever expressed appreciation for the collaboration, noting that the partnership with Netflix supported the brand through its launch and first year.

They noted that the company has experienced meaningful and rapid growth, and As Ever is now ready to stand on its own, with plans for further expansion in the coming months.

Someone close to the project described this period as a major turning point, explaining that “Meghan is building with her team and enjoying the creative fulfillment that comes with creating a brand that’s so close to the life she authentically lives.”

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They added: “This year is really about establishing the brand and scaling it.”

A Netflix Source Addressed Claims About A Split From Meghan’s Brand

Prince Harry And Meghan Markle On Stage At One805 Live 2025
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

In a statement to People Magazine, a Netflix representative said the transition had always been part of the plan.

They emphasized that Meghan’s vision, centered on bringing beauty and simplicity to everyday life, was the driving force behind the creation of As Ever, and that Netflix was pleased to have helped bring it to market.

The spokesperson added that Meghan will now take the brand into its next phase independently, while Netflix looks forward to seeing how it continues to grow and resonate with audiences worldwide.

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Kristin Cavallari Avoids Wardrobe Mishap at Laguna Beach Event

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Laguna Beach alum Kristin Cavallari nearly had a wardrobe malfunction but luckily, her ex Stephen Colletti was around to help.

Cavallari, 39, rocked a nearly identical dress to the one she wore in the reality show’s first episode during the premiere event for The Reunion: Laguna Beach. Cavallari paid homage to her past look at the Thursday, March 26, gathering by rocking a white mini dress. Her frock featured a strapless neckline, a fitted bodice and a tight skirt equipped with a cowl waist.

A now-viral clip shared by StyleCaster posted on Friday, March 27, showed the reality star trying to sit down in her dress, but struggling because it was too short. That’s when Colletti, 40, held up a pillow to cover her backside. Lauren Conrad also used her dress to cover up Cavallari while she readjusted herself.

Fans shared their reactions in the comments section. “They don’t make guys like them anymore,” one wrote, while a second added, “Stephen with the modesty pillow!!” A third gushed, “I love this.”

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Kristin Cavallari Teases Her Outfit Ahead of Laguna Beach Reunion GettyImages 2221527012


Related: Kristin Cavallari Teases ‘Laguna Beach’ Reunion Outfit Ahead of Special

Kristin Cavallari is making waves — and we’re not just talking about the oceanfront drama of Laguna Beach. The reality TV star, 38, dropped a sneak peek of her Laguna Beach reunion look and it’s giving still the queen bee energy. In a mirror selfie shared via Instagram Stories on Tuesday, October 7, Cavallari posed […]

Cavallari accessorized with a black choker to get more into the Y2K spirit. For glam, she donned a full beat including dewy skin, brown eyelash, long lashes and pink lips. Her platinum blonde hair was parted down the middle and styled in loose curls.

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She opened up about her outfit choice via Instagram before hitting the red carpet. “Tonight I was like, ‘I have to wear a white dress, and it has to be similar,’” she explained while holding the number out. “So, it’s like an elevated dress from the original.”

In the show’s first episode, Cavallari attended a black-and-white party in a nearly identical look, arriving in a strapless white dress with a fitted top. At the time, she parted her hair to the side and wore her mane down and straightened.

Kristin Cavallari Rewears Same Dress She Wore on 1st Episode of Laguna Beach
MTV; Todd Williamson/JanuaryImages

Following the premiere, Cavallari shared a photo of her look via Instagram. “Someone said Laguna Beach is back….and that means the black choker is too @uncommonjames,” she captioned the post.

Fans shared their thoughts on her look via X on Thursday. “One more [method] of dressing this year. The archive makes its presence felt once again,” one wrote, while a second added, “The iconic white dress! Can’t wait to see the reunion.” A third praised, “She’s fantastic.”

Cavallari starred on seasons 1 and 2 of Laguna Beach, which followed her high school life and friendships.

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HBO’s Best 7-Part Crime Thriller Just Made a Stellar Addition to Its Next Season

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HBO's Best 7-Part Crime Thriller Just Made a Stellar Addition to Its Next Season

Task likely would have gone down in history as one of HBO’s best miniseries, but it was surprisingly picked up for a second season that will see Mark Ruffalo reprise his role as FBI Agent Tom Brandis. Although Season 1 ends with Brandis only beginning his path of healing, it also concludes with the climactic death of Robbie Prendergrast (Tom Pelphrey), a criminal who was dealing with his own personal family issues. Task was always going to face high expectations because of the dichotomy between Robbie and Brandis, which evolves beyond a simple cat-and-mouse game between two men on opposite sides of the law. However, the recent announcement that two-time Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali would be joining the second season suggests that showrunner Brad Ingelsby has another masterpiece on his hands.

While details about where Task Season 2 will go are minimal, Ali is set to play new character Eddie Barnes, a respected DEA agent who leads his own team. Since the first season featured a face-off between Brandis’ task force and Robbie’s crew, it would make sense to add another character who leads their own unit. That an actor of Ali’s quality would sign up for a continuing series indicates that Ingelsby has something very special in mind for the future of Task. While Brandis’ superior, Kathleen McGinty (Martha Plimpton), and the traitorous detective Anthony Grasso (Fabien Frankel) may very well be returning, the inclusion of a potential new nemesis for Ruffalo’s character will take Task in a different direction.

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Mahershala Ali Needs a Role Like HBO’s ‘Task’

Ali is a brilliant actor who has unfortunately not been onscreen as often as his talents deserve due to the unusual development hell surrounding the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s version of Blade; after several directors departed the project and the script was reworked, Ali’s superhero project appears to be dead. Ali isn’t well-served by disappointing blockbuster fare like Jurassic World Rebirth, but he has already proven himself to be well-suited for an HBO series. True Detective was an interesting case in which Ali revamped the anthology show and built back its credibility, which had been eroded after the second season failed to match expectations. Inserting him into a show like Task, which already has an established ensemble of great actors, means that he will have even more space to develop a compelling character.


Mark Ruffalo’s HBO Crime Drama Just Broke a Major Television Rule With Its Latest Episode

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Ali’s character is a logical addition because the season finale of Task leaves several unanswered questions regarding the different criminal organizations involved in the stashhouse that Robbie had stolen from. Even if the money is safely in the hands of his family, the Dark Hearts are still operating, which may explain why the DEA could be involved in the situation. Season 1 revealed that Tom is an inherently skeptical character who is generally unwilling to share responsibility with others, as he was initially dubious about commanding his own task unit; his confidence has likely been shaken further after Grasso’s betrayal. The conflict between the DEA and FBI, who may have different goals when it comes to the criminal situation in Pennsylvania, would seemingly be the complication that Task needs in order to develop into a more expansive series moving forward. Since the first season was so eloquent in fleshing out the backstories for both Robbie and Brandis, there’s an opportunity for Ali to offer an equally compelling story for Eddie that would explain his relevance to the story.

HBO’s ‘Task’ Can Sustain Its Quality Through Expanding Its Cast

The presence of a character like Ali’s Eddie would indicate that Task Season 2 is picking up on an interesting thread from Season 1 regarding the unreliable nature of law enforcement. Beyond Grasso’s role as an informant for the Dark Hearts, it’s hinted that the other members of the FBI can’t be trusted, which is why Tom needs to lock down his own unit. The DEA may have completely different motivations that have less to do with bringing the criminals to justice and more with the seizure of drugs. At the same time, the detail that Eddie is a “well-respected” member of the community would imply he is perceived very differently from Tom, who has kept his private life a secret after dealing with a personal tragedy. Tom’s reputation might be under fire even more in the next season, given that he had allowed Maeve (Emilia Jones) to leave the state without facing any further investigations.

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The addition of a robust supporting cast is essential to Task because the show created a thoughtful balance of established names and rising stars. While Ruffalo was obviously a big draw in Season 1, the series also helped to highlight newer talents like Sam Keeley and Alison Oliver. Ali is the type of universally respected actor who can sustain viewer interest in Task, giving it more opportunities to bring in emerging stars with the potential of being breakouts. It also proves that Task‘s renewal was not an impromptu decision based on the positive reaction to Season 1, but part of a plan that Ingelsby had from the beginning; if the writing for Season 2 is strong enough that one of the greatest living actors wants to be involved, then there is even more reason to believe in the future of Task.

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10 Heaviest War Shows, Ranked

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Two soldiers standing together in The Liberator

A war show is not merely about explosions or strategy; it is about how fear is lodged in the bones of a soldier, the pauses between the commands, and the decisions that must be made when all things are uncertain. The goal isn’t to romanticize war, but instead, to bring you to the trenches, submarines, and the front lines, where you can experience what it is like to be living under pressure at all times.

These ten shows below do that, follow soldiers, commanders, and even observers as they try to find their way through the confusion, make impractical choices, and face loss in its purest essence. Whether it is the untold strain of battle on the front line or the inherent burden of moral quandary in occupied cities, every show depicts the human aspect of war. Let’s have a look at how these shows zero in on that pure depiction of war.

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‘The Liberator’ (2020)

Two soldiers standing together in The Liberator Image via Netflix

War stories often move quickly from one battle to the next, yet The Liberator slows things down to focus on the men who carry those battles with them. The series follows a unit that spends years moving through some of the most difficult campaigns of World War II. From the invasion of Italy to the final push into Germany, the show keeps returning to the same group of soldiers as they face exhaustion, loss, and the pressure of constant combat.

At the center is Felix Sparks (Bradley James), an officer leading a diverse infantry unit made up of soldiers who are often overlooked or underestimated. As the campaign continues, the men face harsh terrain, limited supplies, and repeated encounters with heavy resistance. Each battle leaves visible and emotional damage, and the sense of fatigue begins to shape how they respond to orders and to each other.

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9

‘Catch-22’ (2019)

Christopher Abbott in Catch-22
Christopher Abbott in Catch-22
Image via Hulu 

War is sometimes portrayed through clear objectives and heroic victories, but Catch-22 approaches it from a more unsettling angle. The series blends dark humor with the harsh reality of military life and shows how systems can trap soldiers in situations that make little sense. The tone may appear lighter at times, though the underlying frustration and fear remain constant.

The story follows John Yossarian (Christopher Abbott), a U.S. Air Force bombardier stationed in Italy during World War II. His main goal is simple. He wants to survive and go home. However, the rules of the system make that nearly impossible. Officers continue raising the number of required missions, while a bureaucratic rule known as “Catch-22” prevents anyone from being grounded for insanity if they request it. As Yossarian flies more missions, the risk increases with each flight. Around him, fellow soldiers struggle with the same uncertainty, and the absurdity of the situation slowly turns into something far more serious and difficult to escape.

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8

‘Das Boot’ (2018– )

Das Boot Image via Sky One

War at sea carries a different kind of pressure. There is no open ground, no clear escape, and very little room to step away from the situation. Das Boot builds its tension inside a German U-boat during World War II, where every decision affects the entire crew. The series keeps its focus tight, showing how long stretches of waiting can suddenly turn into moments of extreme danger.

The story follows the submarine crew as they move through the Atlantic under constant threat from Allied forces. Captain Klaus Hoffmann (Rick Okon) must guide his men through patrols that often feel unpredictable and isolating. Inside the vessel, space is limited, and the strain begins to show in small interactions between crew members. At the same time, the series shifts to land, where Simone Strasser (Vicky Krieps) becomes involved in resistance activity in occupied France. As both storylines develop, the show connects personal choices with the larger conflict and reveals how war reaches far beyond the battlefield.

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7

‘Our World War’ (2014)

Image from the BBC miniseries 'Our World War'
Image from the BBC miniseries ‘Our World War’
Image via BBC

Our World War takes a more immediate approach to war. The show presents its events with a sense of urgency and places viewers directly alongside soldiers during the First World War. The focus remains on individual experiences rather than large-scale strategy, which makes each episode feel grounded and personal.

The story draws from real accounts of soldiers who served on the front lines. It follows young men as they leave civilian life and enter a conflict they do not fully understand. As they move through training, trench warfare, and repeated combat situations, the reality of the war begins to replace any early expectations they may have had. Conditions in the trenches, constant artillery fire, and the fear of sudden attack shape their daily routine. Over time, the series shows how quickly innocence fades and how survival becomes the only clear objective.

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6

‘Five Came Back’ (2017)

A group of soldiers in Five Came Back Image via Netflix

War is often remembered through battles, yet Five Came Back looks at how it was recorded and presented to the public. The series focuses on a group of Hollywood filmmakers who left their careers behind to document World War II. Their work placed them close to real combat, where the line between storytelling and reality became increasingly difficult to manage.

The series follows directors such as John Ford (Himself), William Wyler (Himself), and Frank Capra (Himself) as they join the war effort to create films for the U.S. government. They travel with troops, capture footage from active combat zones, and attempt to shape material that can inform and influence audiences back home. As the war moves forward, the emotional weight of what they witness begins to affect both their work and their lives. Through archival footage and reflection, the series shows how documenting war can become its own form of burden.

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5

‘Generation War’ (2013)

A soldier and two women in Generation War Image via ZDF

Generation War takes a broader and more uncomfortable approach to conflict. The series follows a group of young German friends whose lives change completely as World War II unfolds. At the beginning, they share optimism and a belief that the war will end quickly. That confidence fades as reality sets in.

The story centers on Wilhelm Winter (Volker Bruch), his brother Friedhelm (Tom Schilling), nurse Charlotte (Miriam Stein), singer Greta (Katharina Schüttler), and Viktor (Ludwig Trepte), who faces persecution because of his Jewish background. As the war continues, each character moves through different parts of the conflict, including the Eastern Front, military hospitals, and occupied cities. Their paths separate and intersect again under changing circumstances. Over time, the series shows how their early beliefs break down under pressure, and how survival often forces them into decisions they never expected to make.

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4

‘The Pacific’ (2010)

Ashton Holmes and Josh Helman sit among other soldiers, listening to instructions, in The Pacific.  
Ashton Holmes and Josh Helman in The Pacific.
Image via HBO

War in the Pacific theater carries a different weight, and The Pacific makes that clear from the beginning. The environment itself feels hostile, with dense jungles, relentless heat, and long stretches of uncertainty between battles. The series does not rush through these conditions. Instead, it stays with the soldiers as they adjust to a setting where danger can appear without warning.

The story follows several Marines as they move through campaigns such as Guadalcanal and Peleliu. Robert Leckie (James Badge Dale) records his experiences, trying to make sense of the chaos around him. Eugene “Sledge” Sledge (Joseph Mazzello) enters the war with a sense of purpose, though repeated combat begins to wear that down. John Basilone (Jon Seda) gains recognition for his actions, yet the pressure that follows becomes its own burden. As the fighting continues, the series shows how exhaustion, fear, and isolation slowly change the men, leaving marks that do not disappear once the battles end.

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3

‘Band of Brothers’ (2001)

Lipton yelling in World War II uniform in Band of Brothers.
Lipton yelling in World War II uniform in Band of Brothers.
Image via HBO

Band of Brothers takes a wide view of World War II while keeping its focus on a single company of soldiers. The series begins during training, where the men of Easy Company form bonds that will carry them through the war. That early sense of unity becomes important as they move into increasingly dangerous situations across Europe.

The story follows the company from the Normandy landings through the Battle of the Bulge and into Germany. Richard Winters (Damian Lewis) steps into leadership roles while guiding his men through missions that test both skill and judgment. Lewis Nixon (Ron Livingston) remains close to him, offering support while dealing with the emotional strain of the campaign. As the company advances, the series shows how each battle affects the group as a whole. Losses accumulate, responsibilities grow heavier, and the soldiers begin to understand that survival often depends on the strength of the relationships they built before the fighting began.

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2

‘Shogun’ (2024)

Toranaga looking serious standing by the water in Shogun.
Toranaga looking serious standing by the water in Shogun.
Image via FX Networks

The first time John Blackthorne (Toby Stephens) sets foot on Japanese soil, it’s clear he has entered a world that operates under rules he does not understand. The series gradually reveals how culture, politics, and military power intersect in ways that shape every choice the characters make. Nothing is simple, and survival depends on more than skill with a sword or knowledge of strategy.

Blackthorne, a ship navigator whose vessel is wrecked off the coast, must navigate language, etiquette, and shifting loyalties to stay alive. Lord Toranaga (Shōta Sometani) sees potential in him but also tests his loyalty at every turn. As the story moves from coastal villages to court intrigue, Blackthorne becomes deeply involved in a power struggle that affects both Japanese leaders and foreign outsiders. Each decision carries weight, showing how war in this context is as much about patience, understanding, and alliances as it is about combat.

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1

‘Generation Kill’ (2008)

Jon Huertas, Alexander Skarsgård, and Lee Tergesen as soldiers with weapons in a town in Generation Kill.
Jon Huertas, Alexander Skarsgård, and Lee Tergesen as soldiers with weapons in a town in Generation Kill.
Image via HBO

The chaos of a military invasion is rarely portrayed with this level of immediacy. Generation Kill drops the viewer directly into the experience of young Marines confronting a conflict that is confusing, dangerous, and unpredictable. From the first scenes, it becomes clear that the series is less about heroics and more about how soldiers manage responsibility under pressure.

Embedded reporter Evan Wright (Harris Dickinson) chronicles the First Recon Battalion as they move into Iraq, showing both the small moments of camaraderie and the intense pressures of combat. Figures like Sergeant Brad Colbert (Alexander Skarsgård) and Sergeant Antonio Espera (James Ransone) must make split-second decisions that carry serious consequences. By the end, the audience sees how survival often depends on teamwork, judgment, and the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing battlefield.


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Generation Kill
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Release Date

2008 – 2008

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Network

HBO

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Directors

Simon Cellan Jones

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It’s a Damn Shame the Directors of ‘Project Hail Mary’ Never Got To Make This Ridiculous Crossover Movie

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Schmidt and Jenko aiming their guns in 21 Jump Street.

The filmmaking team of Phil Lord and Chris Miller has become among the best in Hollywood. Currently, Project Hail Mary is killing it with critics and at the box office in what’s certain to be one of the best movies of 2026. It should be no surprise. Lord and Miller have had one hit after another for nearly two decades. They’re the team behind Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, The Lego Movie, and in one of the best and most surprising comedies of the century, 21 Jump Street, along with its sequel, 22 Jump Street. Fans really wanted a third movie, and although Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill never returned to their roles, they almost did in the wildest of ways: a crossover with Men in Black.

‘Men in Black’ and ’21 Jump Street’ Were Huge Hits

In the mid-90s, Will Smith was arguably the most popular actor on the planet. After his hit NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, combined with a successful musical career on top of it, Smith took Hollywood by storm. Three years in a row he had films that dominated at the box office. In 1995, there was Bad Boys, followed by an even bigger Independence Day in 1996, and Men in Black in 1997. Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, Smith played James Edwards in Men in Black, a carefree, wisecracking New York City cop who becomes part of a secret organization that tracks down the aliens that live among us. With his ultra-serious, grumpy mentor, Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones), by his side, Men in Black was a fresh and hilarious action comedy done so well that it led to a franchise.

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Fifteen years later, another successful comedy, 21 Jump Street, was a box office hit, although no one expected it. Based on the Fox TV series starring Johnny Depp, another movie based on a show could have failed badly. Instead, thanks to Michael Bacall‘s script, Lord and Miller’s directing talent, and the chemistry shown in laugh-until-you-cry performances from Tatum and Hill, 21 Jump Street surprised everyone and led to an equally funny follow-up, 22 Jump Street. Outside of being entertaining movies, Men in Black and 21 Jump Street seemed to have nothing in common, yet a crossover came so close to happening.

What Would a ‘Men in Black’ and ’21 Jump Street’ Crossover Been About?

Schmidt and Jenko aiming their guns in 21 Jump Street.
Schmidt and Jenko aiming their guns in 21 Jump Street.
Image via MGM

News of a crossover between the two franchises leaked due to a hack of Sony Pictures in 2014. The film, which had the early title of MIB 23, was not going to be directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller. They would have served as producers, with James Bobin, the director of 2011’s The Muppets, being looked at someone who could potentially bring the idea to life. If this seems like an odd choice, go back and watch the film. He and Jason Segel brought Jim Henson’s beloved characters back and made them fun all over again.

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Channing Tatum walks through a vacant Toys R Us with a giant bear on his shoulders in Roofman.


10 Most Essential Channing Tatum Movies, Ranked

“My name is Jeff.”

In a 2022 appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast with Joshua Horowitz, Lord and Miller talked about what could have been. Miller recalled that the “crossover script that was very funny and very crazy that we really adored,” before going into greater detail about the plot. “It was basically the idea was that Jonah and Channing… a thing happened while they were doing their medical school adventure that got them embroiled into the world of Men in Black, and they ended up teaming up to stop an alien takeover type of thing.”

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Lord brought up an additional detail about a hilarious idea from the script. “Like the black suits were like martial arts belts that you had to work your way up to black and that [Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum] were issued powder blue Men in Black suits.” Just that visual alone is enough to sell a movie.

Channing Tatum Revealed Why the Movie Will Never Happen

Unfortunately, the stars of the Men in Black trilogy, Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, weren’t set to be part of the crossover with 21 Jump Street, at least not in leading roles. Perhaps a likely scenario would have seen Agents J and K handing off their duties to Morton (Hill) and Greg (Tatum) or coming in to save the day at the end. Either way, there certainly would have been a lot of comedic potential in having one weird cop and one really dense one tracking down aliens.

MIB 23 has yet to happen, and unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that it ever will. In a 2025 interview with Variety, Channing Tatum explained why, telling the outlet

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“I don’t think it’ll ever happen. The problem is the overhead. It would cost as much as the actual budget of the film — if not more — because of all the producers involved. It’s just too top-heavy. It falls over every time.”

With all of the talent involved, if anyone could have made MIB 23, it would have been them. Still, it’s probably for the best that it never came to be. The Men in Black franchise was already starting to sputter at the end of the third movie. Meanwhile, the less that is said about 2019’s Men in Black: International, the better. Without Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, the concept doesn’t work. If a third 21 Jump Street movie is going to get made, how about a crossover with another alien movie from Phil Lord and Chris Miller? Project Jump Street anyone?

21 Jump Street is available to stream on Paramount+ in the U.S.


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Release Date

March 16, 2012

Runtime

109 minutes

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Director

Christopher Miller, Phil Lord

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