Related: Kaia Gerber Steps Out With Parents Cindy Crawford and Randy Gerber
Advertisement
If there is one genre most people can get behind, it is adventure, and that is because it can be spread out into so many other subgenres and handled differently. Video games in particular are great for adventure experiences since they offer a more personal and immersive view, with players controlling their destiny in fantastical worlds. Games such as Dragon Age and Cyberpunk 2077 reflect this.
The adventure genre is timeless, but video games continue to evolve, which is why this list will rank the ten greatest adventure video games of the 21st century. Based on aspects such as sense of adventure, scale, gameplay design, worldbuilding, narrative, visuals, immersiveness, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and overall quality, these titles are the best of the modern age for those wanting to explore some new worlds.
Fans can expect a lot of fantasy games on this list, and that is because that genre pairs perfectly with an adventure, as proven by The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the first game on this list. Geralt of Rivia puts aside his usual monster-hunting duties to search for his missing daughter, Ciri, who is being chased by the titular group of spectral warriors that want to use her for her innate magical abilities.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has a great story, but it captures its adventure perfection through the side quests and narrative lore spread throughout the world. An adventure isn’t about the destination; it is about the journey there, and that is what The Witcher 3 excels at through its side quests, lore, and random encounters. This game is nothing short of a masterpiece, and fans cannot wait until The Witcher 4, which they hope will be on this list in the future.
Nintendo has a vast catalog of game franchises, many of which are adventures, including Metroid, and the best game in that series is probably Metroid Prime. After receiving a distress signal from a nearby planet, Samus Aran goes to investigate. When there, she learns that the ancient planet was taken over by space pirates and used as a genetic testing facility. Now, it is up to her to stop it.
One might not think a metroidvania could present a good adventure, but that familiarity and coming back to a blockade after unlocking what the player needs to pass it is an exhilarating experience that enhances that sense of adventure. Metroid Prime is easy to navigate and keeps the gameplay flowing, proving why it is considered one of the best sci-fi adventure video games of all time.
Adventure stories are smash hits on television, and many great video games adapt well to the small screen in this regard, including The Last of Us. After the zombie apocalypse, a rugged survivor must escort a young girl across the country to safety after learning that she may be the key to creating the cure and saving humanity.
The Last of Us doesn’t exactly focus on joyful exploration, but it is a journey across a country that proves to be a definitive adventure that explores a desolate and decaying country infested by terrifying infected. This is a beloved video game because of its narrative that develops Joel and Ellie into stand-out characters, and this touching dynamic leads to one of the greatest plot twists in video game history.
FromSoftware is known for its dark fantasy video games, and its magnum opus is Elden Ring. After the titular object is shattered, the demigod children of the queen Marika collect them. With the world in turmoil, it is up to the player, the Tarnished One, to travel the Lands Between, defeat the demigod children, reclaim the pieces, form the ring, and become the Elden Lord to rule the land.
FromSoftware games are usually adventures, but none are like Elden Ring, which revamps the formula with a bigger world focused on exploration. With no mini-map, players are thrust into the unknown, which enhances that adventurous spirit when they discover lore, loot, or an impossibly challenging boss. Elden Ring is one of the best modern video games ever, and that is because of its once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Indie games are great, but because of their limited budget, they usually fail to create an adventure as good as the AAA blockbusters, but Outer Wilds is here to prove that wrong. The player is an astronaut in a newly discovered solar system, and their mission is to translate the ruins and lore of the planets before the sun explodes. Thankfully, there is a 22-minute time loop to try and get everything noted down.
Adventure is all about freedom, but games still need progression systems, which are usually handled by gates and keys, inherent obstacles that make the progression more constrictive. Outer Wilds uses a knowledge-based progression system, which feeds into the sense of adventure and makes learning important. This imaginative masterpiece captures the sense of adventure in innovative ways, and that is why it is such an underrated gem and magnificent adventure game that more people need to play.
The Elder Scrolls VI is one of the most anticipated video games ever, and when it comes out, fans have high hopes it will be one of the best adventures, but for now, the best of the franchise is The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. After barely escaping execution, gamers set out on a divine quest of prophecy in order to slay Alduin, the World Eater, a dragon that is said to destroy the planet.
Even though this list includes the best adventure games of the 21st century, most of them are modern, and that is because of the influence Skyrim had on the game industry. It redefined the genre with an ambitious scale, vast open-world, player agency, and incredible side quests and towns that made the adventure even more immersive. Skyrim is among the best sandbox titles and among the greatest fantasy adventure video games.
Rockstar is one of the greatest video game studios, and while Grand Theft Auto may be its magnum opus, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a better adventure experience. Arthur Morgan is the leader of a cowboy gang during the dying era of the Wild West, but after his tuberculosis diagnosis, he doesn’t have much time left, prompting him to set out on one last grand adventure for redemption.
Most of the adventures on this list are either sci-fi or fantasy, but Red Dead Redemption 2 is Western prestige in its purest form, and that is playable. Its incredibly detailed world is full of things to do, from fishing to hunting, horseback riding, shaving, and even eating beans. It may seem pointless, but it immerses the player in the character and the world, making the adventure feel much more personal, also enhancing its narrative, which boasts the best character arc in video games.
It may be unfair to include an entire trilogy of games, but the three Mass Effect games are treated as a collective experience, and they fit so perfectly together as one set adventure. After an ancient race of machines, the Reapers, begin to devour life in the galaxy, Commander Shepard leads the charge to unite the many factions of the galaxy and stop this threat before it gets too large.
The sequel games save data from the previous entries, making them a continued adventure and a connected story that will change if gamers replay them. Mass Effect builds a narrative masterclass through emotional storytelling, political intrigue, and lore galore, with some of the best worldbuilding and lore, but the real achievement is its narrative, which helps Mass Effect become one of the best Xbox video games.
If there is one franchise that does adventure the best, it is Uncharted, and while all of their games are perfect, the best is Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. When an old colleague returns to Nathan Drake’s life, they set out on an adventure to find Marco Polo’s fleet, which is rumored to contain a precious artifact, but the adventure will be filled with many twists and turns.
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves does set pieces so well, creating an environment of action, drama, and thrills that makes every moment of the adventure tense and special. From shootouts to dangling off a cliff to climbing up a falling train, every beat in this game serves the purpose of a thrilling adventure. The gameplay is astonishing, and the experience is non-stop exhilaration, helping this globe-trotting adventure earn its place at second on this list.
The Legend of Zelda franchise is home to some of the greatest adventure video games, and while there are many great ones, the best is arguably The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. A hundred years after Zelda sealed Ganondorf away, the land of Hyrule has been taken over by nature and monsters. But with Link finally awake, he sets out on a journey to defeat the Gerudo King and bring Zelda back.
This list features some of the best adventure video games of all time, but Breath of the Wild embodies the spirit of true adventure the best. Exploration is the name of the game, and the game encourages it, specifically through its design decision of having three landmarks present from wherever the player is. A good adventure needs to be set in a good world, and Hyrule is one of the best video game worlds, making exploring it even more engaging. The open-air style and methods of traversal make adventuring easier and grander than ever, helping Breath of the Wild earn its legendary status.
It’s not uncommon for stars to quickly fall head over heels in love while filming a reality TV show — and The Challenge competitors are no exception.
While many fans didn’t think Paulie Calafiore and Cara Maria Sorbello would create a real bond after meeting on Final Reckoning in 2018, they proved the haters wrong. The duo went on to compete alongside each other on War of the Worlds later that year and War of the Worlds 2 in 2019.
Although Paulie confirmed his breakup from Cara Maria in early 2026, some couples have lasted the test of time. Sean Duffy and Rachel Campos met while filming the first-ever season of The Challenge in 1998, then titled Road Rules: All Stars. The pair got married one year later before welcoming nine children.
Scroll through the gallery below to see more Challenge couples whose romance lasted outside the house:
Hey Big Brother fans, we’ve got your veto meeting results from Monday’s real-time ceremony including which allies Kamu Kirk betrayed with that veto. Plus, Drew Campbell is on a leash and barking like a dog but who’s got him on hands on knees?
Haley gripes about having it hard but she’s not the only one. Rick Devens, Dee Valladares & Angela Murray came in with 1:3 odds of being the first HOH and then 1, 2, 3 – they got powers. Kamu, Haley & Chuk Anyanwu have been totally safe too.
Kamu told Drew flat out that the ToolShed wanted to evict him, they wanted to break up the showmance and didn’t like he was pushing for Mallory to stay. Kamu told Drew he’s done with the ToolShed but the big question is whether Drew will take this info back to the vets.
Also Melody Morris told Mallory figuring out the vote flip wasn’t rocket science. She said unlike Kamu, she’d have known in 20 seconds it was Dee and Angela who flipped. And Angela’s deep-diving into paranoia again. She told Devens she’s worried Lala’s coming after her.
Later, the paranoia queen got worked up because Taylor Brown cooked a burger for Kamu. She and Lala like cooking. They talked earlier today about how most of the HGs don’t know how to cook right.
Angela actually said it was Taylor being kiss a*s by cooking for him. Yet Kamu’s half in love with Taylor. Told her he had a crush, wanted them to be Adam & Eve. And said her memory wall photo is his favorite.
Also, Taylor told Melody that Chuk said he had the votes to stay if he’s sitting next to Barrett Pfeiffer. And Melody’s like WTF. She asked Taylor who does Chuk think he has the votes from. Taylor laughed and said it’s that d*mned hat. Melody said it’s crushing his head.
Speaking of Chuk, he told Taylor, “I know so much in this house”. She asked, “About what?” And Chuk says, “Every single thing that has happened to this point. I don’t think there is one week I didn’t know anything that was going to happen.” Wow. I’ll just leave that there.
Also, and this is nothing short of horrifying. Let’s talk about toe lick ick. A group of houseguests were in the yard and obviously bored out of their brains. Yash Patel was picking up a big mug with his toe and trying to drink from it.
Then, Dee leaned over and licked Yash’s big toe. And the whole group exploded in laughter and disgust. She laughed when Devens was saying she licked the whole toe. Dee insisted, it was just the tip and that sent everyone dying again.
Also, Lala died laughing. She and Taylor were watching the TV monitors in the HOH room at the people downstairs. Lala said, “Who’s that in the orange shirt?” Taylor looks and says, “That’s not a shirt – that’s his back – it’s Kamu.” And Lala just lost it.
Also, speaking of easy weeks and who’s not been on the block – Taylor and Yash were talking about that the icons need to be next on everybody’s list. Taylor says she likes and Yash agreed all three of them are cool. Taylor clarified she likes them as people.
But she said as players, they’re just coasting. Yash agreed that none of them have felt any type of heat. Taylor suggested the next house target should be the icons. Of course, the houseguests suspect Dee and Devens have powers, they just don’t know what they are.
Best case is to nominate all three icons side by side to flush the powers and minimize the veto potential. When Drew was asking Dee what her power was, she laughed it off, then asked what’s the good one. Drew said “HOH takeover” and she said, “yeah, I have that one.”
Dee was laughing it off and didn’t confirm to Drew she has a power or what it is. But later, she asked Kamu in the storage room, “just to double check, you didn’t tell Drew I had a power?” And Kamu swore that he didn’t.


Now veto results. So, Chuk and Haley have been talking big to each other about whether Kamu uses it or not will reveal him. Chuk already tried to lowkey bully Kamu into using it and he wouldn’t confirm. Then, Lala and Kamu talked about a cover story.
So, Kamu’s plan was to tell Haley and Chuk, when they pressed him, is that he knew Lala would just renominate another of their allies. I mean it’s a flimsy excuse but at least Kamu’s got something in his pocket to say that he and Lala agreed on.
And sure enough, feeds went down for the veto meeting. When they came back, we saw the POV was unused for the first time this season. After the meeting, Drew and Barrett were talking about how Taylor’s the smartest person in the house.
Problem is Drew & Barrett have been their little minions for four weeks straight. Dee & Angela also have Lala & Taylor’s names in their mouths constantly. Dee keeps working on Kamu about Taylor but he won’t hear it. Haley tried it too, remember?
Also, after the veto meeting, things were boiling over. Literally. Someone left a potato boiling in a pan on the stove unattended. Like the whole kitchen was empty and it’s bubbling away. I’ll update you on potato gate later if anything’s interesting.
Another weird incident in the BB28 house. Melody, Mallory, Drew and Barrett, the FAP alliance, held a little celebration to ask the powers that be to get them to jury and not let Kamu use the veto. They found 3 little rocks but not a 4th so they used a Jordan almond.
They had a whole backyard ritual with chanting and everything. Also, Jason is doing something simultaneously hilarious and mean. He’s doing cameos, in drag, dressed as Haley and imitating her.
Jason posted on X: “Having a hard week? Get a Cameo from the Thog Monster”. It’s $67 a pop. I mean I guess since he’s not getting that jury bonus, he’s monetizing while BB28’s still on the air.
Miranda Kerr gave Kris Jenner her flowers for being an inspiration to her.
The Australian model shared her thoughts on cosmetic procedures, revealing whether they have any place in her future. Known for her top-notch skincare regimen and strict diet to maintain her youthful glow, she is not shutting the door to cosmetic procedures.
Unlike Miranda Kerr, who has yet to have facial surgery, Kris Jenner has gone under the knife twice for facelifts. Her most recent procedure became a topic of conversation, with many claiming she was unhappy with the results.

Kerr opened up while speaking on a recent episode of the “Let’s Be Honest” podcast with Kristin Cavallari, where she shared her thoughts on cosmetic procedures. She noted that she is keeping an open mind about the possibility of getting cosmetic surgeries and beauty treatments in the future.
The Australian model explained that she has seen some of her friends look amazing after getting facelifts. “This is interesting. Good research, good research to have,” she said of her observation on people’s facelifts.
“It’s one of those things that I guess you don’t really know until you really know because you think you want to be the best version of yourself,” the Victoria’s Secret Angel continued before talking about the treatments she had tried.
Cavallari asked if Kerr had ever gotten injectables. In response, the supermodel revealed she had tried the AquaGold treatment, which is a micro-infusion facial using a 24-karat gold-plated device with needles thinner than a hair follicle.

The conversation continued with Kerr citing Jenner’s reasoning for getting her facelift, which restored a noticeable glow to the momager’s face. Kerr revealed that she heard the reality TV star saying she opted for the surgery because “she wanted to feel like how she felt on the inside.”
She went on to add that Jenner’s reasoning made a lot of sense, and she resonated with the thought. One lesson the model highlighted while speaking on Cavallari’s podcast was the importance of owning one’s decisions and actions.
“I think that the one thing that’s important is to embrace whatever it is that you’re doing and not be afraid of sharing that or feel guilty for doing something like that,” the mom of four expressed.
On the same podcast, Kerr delved into her experience with lasers and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) treatment. She admitted that she is scared of lasers due to a negative experience she had a long time ago.

Jenner went under the knife last year for a second facelift before her shoot for the cover of the September issue of Vogue Arabia. She explained that getting the procedure refreshed after 15 years was part of her preparation to feel like the best version of herself.
As shared by The Blast, the “KUWTK” mogul explained that getting beauty enhancement was her way of enjoying her aging process, adding that everyone goes through the experience differently.
“If you feel comfortable in your skin and you want to age gracefully – meaning you don’t want to do anything – then don’t do anything,” Jenner noted. She also praised her surgeon, Dr. Garth Fisher, who did her first facelift, for doing a great job on her and other members of the Kardashian-Jenner clan.
The reality TV star did not leave Dr. Steven Lavine’s accolades on the shelf. She applauded his talent on the refresh procedure he carried out on her face.

In another part of Cavallari’s podcast, the 43-year-old model let listeners in on the secrets to her flawless complexion. She revealed that she invests heavily in high-tech skincare devices like red light therapy devices, laser mats, and microcurrent treatments.
She went on to reveal that she discovered the devices worked best when the user was in their birthday suit, after using them incorrectly for a while. “I didn’t realize you are really meant to be in it naked! You are not supposed to be in it in your pajamas!” Kerr jokingly told Cavallari.
The Victoria’s Secret model also shared that noni juice had been a regular drink for her since she was a teenager. According to Kerr, “Noni juice is a superfood, superfruit. It originates from Tahiti, but it can grow in other parts of the world like Australia too.” She takes a 30mL shot every morning of the juice packed with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.

In addition to taking care of her skin externally, the Victoria’s Secret Angel is extra careful about what she eats. She disclosed that she only takes Fabula coffee as it is “mold-free and lead-free” and substitutes traditional cow’s milk for coconut milk.
Eggs and sushi have no place on her plate, as well as mass-produced meat. The mom of four shared that she gets her dose of animal protein from venison and bison rather than regular meat. The mom of four sticks to cooking with only coconut or avocado oil, and dairy, wheat, and other seed oils are completely off the list.
Last year, Kerr shared her three most important skincare rules to live by with The New York Post. She emphasized the daily use of sunscreen, regular skin hydration inside out, and consistency paired with gentle renewal. The model also encouraged fans to consume fresh summer fruits like berries for their antioxidants.
Is this a sign that Miranda Kerr will go under the knife like Kris Jenner?
Kaia Gerber made a rare remark about brother Presley Gerber‘s battle with addiction.
“When something like that happens in a family, it kind of levels everyone,” the Shards actress, 24, said of her sibling’s struggles in an interview with Vogue published on Tuesday, August 11. “I think that’s also why I started to self-identify as the easy one and never wanted to ask for help. Because it felt like too much to have two children who were needing.”
Presley, 27, and Kaia grew up in the limelight with supermodel mom Cindy Crawford and dad Rande Gerber. The siblings spent their childhood in Malibu.
“Unfortunately all the things that people assume are true. I was in the ocean every day. My brother would go surfing and then walk up to school in his wetsuit with his surfboard, barefoot. You’re with the same kids from preschool to when you graduate,” she said of her and Presley’s upbringing. “There were no Ubers there, so your parents were driving you to parties and then picking you up. There was only so much trouble you could get into.”
Kaia added that she was proud of Presley being candid about his struggles and treatment with his mental health videos on social media.
“My parents for most of our lives were very, very private and didn’t share anything — and now we have this absolute teacher, my brother, who says, ‘I’m gonna be very human for everyone.’ There’s only so much you can hide from the world,” she reflected. “And trying to put a lid on something just makes the person feel like you’re ashamed of them.”
Last year, Presley opened up about the medication he takes for his mental health, which included one milligram of Buprenorphine two times a day. (Buprenorphine is meant to treat opioid use disorder and pain, per the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.)

“The benzos have been fluctuating up and down depending on what’s been going on in my life,” he said in the clip, adding that “unfortunately he’s had a lot of loss in many different forms recently.”
Presley explained that he is on “four classes of medications” which includes a blood pressure, opioid, benzos and antidepressant.
“The thing that scares me are the things you need to take,” he said. “So once you start taking them, you don’t take them, something not good happens.”
While Presley is glad to have the assistance of medication, he also takes additional steps to prioritize his wellbeing.
“I’m just trying to workout, sauna, take baths,” he shared. “I’ve grown up in Hollywood, and there’s a lot of people around that I love to death, but right now, I try not to be around them.”
Presley added that he also cut out drinking and has been sober since July 2025. He concluded his video sharing his hopes that his struggles have inspired others to take care of themselves.
“I am hoping this reaches people in many ways,” he admitted. “So you feel like you’re not alone, because that is how I feel most of the time. I have a feeling if I say all of this, a lot of people will at least know that there’s someone else going through it.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Not many World War II dramas, on both small and large screens, consistently attain a high level of excellence that appeals to audiences globally, with few to no flaws noted. Still, Mel Gibson achieved this with his decade-old epic, which not only received critical praise but also garnered multiple accolades, including two Oscars, three Golden Globe nominations, and nine Australian Academy Awards, including Best Film. A decade later, Gibson’s film is once again in the spotlight, making it an ideal choice for weekend binge-watching.
Renowned for his work in the historical genre, the 70-year-old icon is best known for portraying Max Rockatansky in the first three films of the Mad Max franchise, a role he later passed to Tom Hardy. After years of showcasing his acting prowess, Gibson made his feature film directorial debut in the 1993 drama The Man Without a Face. Over the next 13 years, he directed more notable titles, including Braveheart and The Passion of the Christ, both of which became major successes, before taking a break from directing.
Gibson then made his directorial comeback after an absence of 10 years with Hacksaw Ridge, the 2016 WWII drama currently surging on US streaming charts. The Oscar-winning war biopic is among the most-watched titles on Fandango (Vudu), where it ranks eighth as of this publication. Such a resurgence is unsurprising, given the war film’s gripping premise, laudable performances, and outstanding direction, which earned it positive reception and commercial success during its theatrical run.
Hacksaw Ridge tells the true story of Desmond T. Doss, who won the Congressional Medal of Honor despite refusing to bear arms during WWII on religious grounds. Doss was drafted and ostracized by fellow soldiers for his pacifist stance but went on to earn respect and adoration for his bravery, selflessness, and compassion after he risked his life without firing a shot to save 75 men in the Battle of Okinawa. Portraying Doss in the WWII drama is Andrew Garfield, whose performance earned particular acclaim from critics. Also starring are Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey, Teresa Palmer, Hugo Weaving, Rachel Griffiths, and Vince Vaughn.
Written by Andrew Knight and Robert Schenkkan, Hacksaw Ridge marked a major positive turn in Gibson’s career, which had been in decline following several controversies. Not only did critics love it, as reflected in its 84% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but it also grossed over $180 million, against a production budget of $40 million.
Hacksaw Ridge streams on Fandango (Vudu). Follow Collider for the latest streaming news.
November 4, 2016
139 minutes
Andrew Knight, Robert Schenkkan
Bill Mechanic, Brian Oliver, Bruce Davey, David Permut, Paul Currie, Terry Benedict, William D. Johnson
In today’s age of reboots, legacy sequels and constant reimaginings of famous franchises, it’s normal for filmmakers and studios to try to recast iconic characters who have been embodied by some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Sometimes it works, in the case of Heath Ledger’s Oscar-winning performance as the Joker, a character that Jack Nicholson portrayed with success. But in some cases, famous characters are so perfectly played the first time out that no one else can compare.
That is the case that befalls the iconic title character in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, played by the late Gene Wilder in the 1971 film. Based on the beloved children’s book by Roald Dahl, the film cast the role of the eccentric candyman perfectly and Wilder delivered a performance so good that the countless actors who have tried to recapture his magic have fallen short.
Wilder’s performance in Mel Stuart’s classic is a meme factory for a reason. His flippant disregard for the safety of the naughty children at his factory who disobey his guidelines is a hallmark of the character, even in Dahl’s original book. But what Wilder brings to the table is Wonka’s level of control under his whimsical veneer. From the moment he emerges with a cane and limp, only to ditch the cane and somersault to the crowd’s delight, the audience knows that Wonka has the capability to deceive, but there is a method to his madness.
As the factory tour goes on, and one by one, the naughty children meet their unique demises, Wonka’s calm and control throughout makes the chaos that ensues easier to swallow. It’s no secret that what happens to these kids is pretty dark stuff, be it sending them off to certain danger or transforming them physically, but Wonka plays each situation with a straight face, which leads to the popular fan theory that all this was part of his plan.
When the film was rebooted in 2005 with Tim Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Johnny Depp stepped into the shoes of Wilder’s iconic role. While the film was, on a pure visual level, miles ahead of the 1971 film, whose age shows upon rewatch, Depp’s performance dragged it down. Depp’s Wonka leans far too much on his oddball traits and tries to paint him as a damaged soul due to his past with his father, which was invented for the film. But a Willy Wonka that is too strange and too off-kilter comes off as someone who children would not want to follow into his chocolate factory for any reason.
Wilder’s Wonka had a warm and kind undertone, even as things started going south, which made the audience, as well as Charlie himself, trust and like him. With Depp, he is too detached from the children, even Charlie, who he plans on giving the factory to. To add to the confusion, Depp’s Wonka refuses to let Charlie bring his family to the factory after he’s won, making Charlie hate him, something that the original Charlie never did, even during Wonka’s famous meltdown in the climax.
Even Timothee Chalamet in the more recent prequel Wonka didn’t get the picture. While he certainly nailed some of Wilder’s mannerisms, Chalamet made Wonka a little too charismatic and didn’t balance it out with enough of an edge. Granted, this iteration of Wonka didn’t have any bad kids to punish, but the point still stands. There wasn’t enough to bridge the gap between a kind and open Wonka to one that dispatches children he doesn’t care for.
Gene Wilder was a wonderful actor and he proved it by embodying a famous character so well that nobody who has played the role since can top him. He set the standard for all Wonka actors that, unfortunately, none of them understood properly. A world of pure imagination is only as good as its creator.
The transition to streaming has made access to content easier than it has ever been. Streaming platforms boast libraries that contain a vast array of movies, TV shows and other content that might pick one’s interest. A fan-favorite genre remains action thrillers and there is no shortage of such content within the streaming landscape right now. Netflix, with over 300 million subscribers, opted to offer movie and TV fans plenty to feast on this year, and rightly so. One of the most successful films of the year for Netflix, without question, has been The Rip, the crime thriller starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck as Miami narcotics officers. Despite earning over 130 million views, The Rip is still not as successful as the sci-fi thriller, War Machine (starring Alan Ritchson).
It has been a hectic year for the streamer, as the platform has pushed out even more equally engrossing TV shows to compete with its stellar movie lineup. The release of some intensely bingeable TV shows like the limited series, His & Hers (starring Jon Bernthal and Tessa Thompson), new seasons of The Lincoln Lawyer and Bridgerton, among others, signaled a streaming platform only focused on picking up the pace. Another is the hit spy thriller The Night Agent, which is about to enter its fourth and final season. Only time will tell what project emerges as the biggest Netflix movie or TV show of 2026. But for right now, as some projects fade into the background, previously forgotten shows are returning to the limelight.
At the end of 2024, December 3 to be precise, Netflix debuted all episodes of Black Doves, the Keira Knightley-led spy thriller that also stars Ben Whishaw on its platform. Upon its premiere, the pulse-pounding espionage thriller spent weeks atop streaming charts, which made the decision to renew it for a second season a straightforward one. The show takes on elements of James Bond‘s global espionage and the intense, bone-crunching combat guaranteed for fans of Reacher and blends it into one perfect brew. After some time away from the spotlight, production on Black Doves Season 2 kicked off late last year, and although there is no official confirmation from Netflix, the series is reportedly expected to return sometime in the winter of 2026 or early 2027, according to What’s on Netflix.
With scores of 91% from critics and 65% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, Black Doves is led by Knightley, who plays a spy who is also the wife of the British Defence Secretary. The attempt on her life and that of her husband (Andrew Buchan) sucks her back into a world she thought she’d left behind. Now, Helen and Whishaw’s Sam, former colleagues, seek out those trying to take them out. Season 2 will see numerous stars from the first season return, including Kathryn Hunter (The Front Room), Gabrielle Creevy (The Guest), Ella Lily Hyland (Silent Roar), Molly Chesworth (Call the Midwife), and Agnes O’Casey (The Miracle Club). Sarah Lancashire returns as Mrs. Reed even as new faces join the cast.
Black Doves was written and created for TV by Joe Barton, who also wrote the script for the 2024 Netflix movie starring Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry, The Union. Knightley and Barton executive produce the series, alongside SISTER’s Jane Featherstone and Chris Fry.
Stay tuned to Collider for more about the Season 2 return of Black Doves, and stream Season 1 on Netflix.
December 5, 2024
Netflix
Lisa Gunning
Is Lil’ Kim in love? That appears to be the energy of a recent video montage she shared, which teases new music from Tayy Brown. Aside from having previously worked together, Kim and Tayy sparked dating rumors in early 2024. Last year, reports claimed that he dragged the ‘Crush on You’ rapper on social media. However, this new video appears to show them super locked in, down to him getting a face tattoo (or two) honoring her!
On Monday (August 10), Kimmy took to her Instagram feed with a reel featuring a collection of videos and photos over the years. The cover photo and start of the reel show her and Tayy Brown posing together in black and cream hoodies, respectively. In the selfie, he has blonde locs. According to his IG profile, he last wore that hairstyle in 2022. Another photo in the reel shows them sitting courtside in an empty stadium, while the first video shows them vibing in a kitchen. Meanwhile, one video shows her using filters on Tayy while she cracks up and he playfully urges her to chill out. “I really be the one that play too much,” Lil’ Kim appeared to write on that part of the reel.
Following those playful videos, Lil’ Kim included selfie videos of them chilling on a sofa, seemingly poolside. She had on a black swimsuit while he wore red swimming trunks. Together, they sang along to Usher’s ‘Yeah!’. Other snapshots included a look at roses she’d received, presumably from Tayy Brown. Also, a separate car selfie video shows them kissing on the lips.
And that’s not where the Lil’ Kim’s reel ends! Another standout video shows Tayy Brown getting the name “Kim” tattooed on the side of his neck. She captioned that clip with the word, “Mine” and two emojis, including a red heart. She included other clips from the tattoo day that shows Brown checking out his new ink in the mirror and then turning to face the camera. After he turned around, another face tattoo close to his eye was visible, the letter K with a red heart next to it. The reel ends with a teaser of apparent new music from Tayy titled, ‘Untouched.’ Lil’ Kim’s caption and the reel seemingly described the music status as “loading.”
Keep watching the video below until the end to see the clips described!
And Kimmy isn’t the only one showing public love in the apparent rekindled romance. A post Tayy Brown shared on August 7 shows him smiling in a selfie with Lil’ Kim in the sixth slide. It’s unclear what event the rumored couple was attending.
After Kimmy put the reel out there, her IG comment section quickly flooded with reactions. Some cracked jokes about the age gap between them as he’s 26, while she’s 52. Others applauded her happiness, wishing her well. Meanwhile, a few recalled that in 2025, per HONK Magazine, Tayy Brown accused Lil’ Kim purposefully blocking his career, including pulling his music from streaming platforms and ceasing communication about his career. He claimed to have signed over 65% of his royalties, but said he “didn’t even care” because he “believed in her.” Additionally, he alleged they had a “fake relationship.” It’s unclear when and if Tayy Brown and Lil’ Kim resolved the issues that sparked the internet call-out.
@lorena_gobbit_7 commented, “I know an OBGYN when I see one 😂😂 Nah man listen, these 21+ guys be fun sometimes…whatever makes you smile works for me lol be safe Kim!”
@tiff__718 wrote, “Kim , Keisha, Trina, What’s really going on 🤣🤣.”
@kaybella commented, “That little boy just like enjoying the luxury life he dont care about kim the way he was going off on the internet.”
“I was finna say WHEN DID LIL KIM HAVE A SONNNNN 😂😂😂😂😂😂💯,” @heartless_soullll added.
@thejudge_and_thejury said, “The tatts omgaaaaah🔥🔥🔥🔥im bout to make my young joint tat my name🤣.”
@cravingcandi added, “As long as you’re happy we’re happy for you Kim… but if you ever need us to jump him it’s up bout the Queen 😂😍😍😍❤️❤️🔥🔥”
@miss_mollylee wrote, “As long as the queen is being loved and is happy that’s all that matters! Nobody says anything when it’s the man that’s older with a younger woman so why the double standard here!?! Kim looks happy so does Tay, as long as he treats her right cause she’s been through HELL in her past relationships, and that he treats Royal Reign like the Princess she is, then her fans should be happy for her!! YOU DO YOU QUEEN B, YOU’VE HAD MY SUPPORT SINCE DAY ONE AND ALWAYS WILL!!”
“That little boy just like enjoying the luxury life he dont care about kim the way he was going off on the internet,” @_ucantsit.witus said.
“Be happy gurl,” @love_spirit_star added.
@talentgoddess wrote, “Kim 🐝 is a legend and looks super fun. He’s lucky to be with her.”
@omega_doll_ commented, “👑👑👑Kim 🔥🔥🔥you deserve all the happiness 🐝😍”
What Do You Think Roomies?
Horror trilogies have a harder job than most franchises. The first film can thrive on mystery, but the sequels must expand that fear without explaining it into boredom. A strong trilogy also needs more than just three recognizable titles.
It needs progression, a clear identity, and enough emotional or thematic weight to make the whole journey feel planned rather than prolonged. These five trilogies approach that challenge from completely different directions. None are gentle. All are worth the marathon.
Long before shared superhero universes became Hollywood’s safest business model, the Blade trilogy made a half-vampire warrior feel completely at home inside an R-rated action-horror world. Blade (Wesley Snipes) hunts the creatures that killed his mother while using their own strength, speed, and healing against them. Blade II sends him into an uneasy alliance with vampires facing a more dangerous mutation. Blade: Trinity expands the war again by bringing Dracula and a new group of hunters into the conflict.
The third movie is far messier than the first two, which keeps the trilogy below the top tier. The overall legacy remains enormous. Wesley Snipes gave Blade the stillness, confidence, physical authority, and he never needs to explain why he owns the room. Stephen Norrington’s original turned blood-soaked nightclubs and martial arts into superhero language before the genre had settled on a formula. Guillermo del Toro then pushed the sequel toward creature horror with the Reapers and their splitting jaws. Put the trilogy on for leather coats, silver weapons, vampire politics, and the reminder that comic-book cinema once had real teeth.
Netflix’s Fear Street trilogy follows a group of teenagers trying to break the curse hanging over Shadyside, a town blamed for generations of massacres and violent killers. Fear Street Part One: 1994 establishes the modern group and the rivalry between Shadyside and wealthy Sunnyvale. Fear Street Part Two: 1978 moves into a summer-camp massacre. Fear Street Part Three: 1666 reaches back to the origins of the town’s suffering and connects the separate timelines into one story.
Releasing all three films across consecutive weeks turned the trilogy into a genuine event during the summer of 2021. Director and co-writer Leigh Janiak used R.L. Stine’s books as a foundation while aiming the movies at an older audience than the novels. The result mixes teenage romance, slasher brutality, supernatural mythology, and class anger without losing the energy of a crowd-pleasing horror marathon. Deena Johnson (Kiana Madeira) and Samantha Fraser (Olivia Scott Welch) give the story a relationship worth carrying across centuries, while Ziggy Berman (Sadie Sink) helps make the 1978 chapter especially painful. Fear Street understands how much fun horror can be when every masked killer, hidden tunnel, and old town secret feels connected. Watch all three close together. Shadyside works best when there is no escape between chapters.
The X trilogy explores fame, youth, sex, aging, and self-invention through three films centered on women who refuse to accept the lives handed to them. X brings a small adult-film crew to a Texas farm in 1979, where Maxine Minx (Mia Goth) meets an elderly woman whose buried desires turn deadly. Pearl travels back to 1918 and shows the frustrated young dreamer behind that violence. MaXXXine moves into 1980s Hollywood as Maxine chases mainstream stardom while a killer stalks the city.
Mia Goth connects the trilogy through Maxine and Pearl, two women separated by time but driven by the same belief that ordinary life would be unbearable. Ti West changes genre with each chapter. X is a grimy slasher. Pearl looks like a poisoned Technicolor melodrama. MaXXXine embraces neon crime thrillers, Hollywood sleaze, and the paranoia surrounding the Night Stalker era. The trilogy also understands performance as survival. Pearl creates fantasies because reality feels too small. Maxine turns certainty into armor and keeps walking toward the spotlight no matter what waits around it. Three movies, three decades, one ferocious hunger to be seen. Give them a weekend. You may never hear “I’m a star” the same way again.
John Carpenter’s Apocalypse Trilogy is a thematic collection rather than one continuous saga. It starts with The Thing, that places an alien imitator inside an Antarctic research station and makes every human face suspicious. Prince of Darkness brings scientists and a priest into an abandoned church where an ancient force challenges the line between religion and theoretical physics. In the Mouth of Madness follows an insurance investigator searching for a missing horror novelist whose fiction may be rewriting reality itself. The threats change. The destination remains humanity’s possible extinction.
The progression is deliciously bleak. The first film asks whether a small group can recognize the end before it escapes. The second wonders whether science and faith can understand what is approaching. The third attacks reality, authorship, and sanity until the audience becomes part of the joke. Cosmic horror rarely feels this physical. Blood tests, shared dreams, mirrors, manuscripts, and impossible towns all suggest that human knowledge may be a very small light surrounded by something ancient. Watch these in release order after midnight for best sleep not guaranteed results.
Modern zombie cinema began here and you’ll find out exactly how only once you sit through these films. Night of the Living Dead traps strangers inside a Pennsylvania farmhouse while recently deceased people gather outside and human disagreements become just as dangerous. Dawn of the Dead moves the collapse into a shopping mall, where survivors build a comfortable life among the products of a dead consumer culture. Day of the Dead descends into an underground military facility where scientists and soldiers argue over whether the undead can be understood, controlled, or trained.
These three films share no continuing hero or conventional storyline so the connection is societal decay. Each chapter finds humanity further along in the catastrophe and somehow less capable of cooperating. The zombies evolve from a terrifying crowd into a permanent population, while George A. Romero’s attention shifts through racial tension, consumerism, militarism, and scientific responsibility. Dawn may be the trilogy’s most exhilarating chapter, but the complete set shows how one low-budget nightmare created the language later used by The Walking Dead, survival games, outbreak movies, and almost every modern zombie story. Start at the farmhouse. By the bunker, you may be rooting for the dead.
Ash Williams’ (Bruce Campbell) terrible weekend begins when five friends reach an isolated cabin and accidentally unleash flesh-possessing demons through the Book of the Dead. The Evil Dead treats that nightmare as relentless cabin horror. Evil Dead II returns Ash to the same blood-soaked battle while introducing slapstick, manic camera work, and the chainsaw-handed hero fans now recognize instantly. Army of Darkness then throws him into medieval England, where surviving one cabin somehow becomes commanding an army against the undead. Escalation achieved.
The trilogy’s magic comes from watching horror mutate without losing its handmade energy. Ash starts as a frightened survivor and gradually becomes a boastful action hero whose confidence regularly exceeds his intelligence. Bruce Campbell commits to every possessed hand, collapsing shelf, terrible decision, and glorious one-liner with his entire body. The effects are messy, the camera seems possessed, and the comedy never makes the Deadites harmless. Few trilogies have reinvented themselves this aggressively while strengthening their central character each time. Watch all three together and enjoy cinema discovering a legend one concussion at a time.
This summer has been a season of Spider-Men, Greek heroes with zero sense of direction and a buff Nicholas Galitzine in a leather harness and skit.
Movies in August tend to be less big and noisy and more dark and, well, thrilling. That’s why Watch With Us has put together a list of some of the best thrillers to watch on streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and more.
At the top of our list is the premiere of the 2026 Netflix original The Whisper Man, a serial killer thriller starring Adam Scott and Robert De Niro.
We also recommend streaming the underrated 2024 sequel MaXXXine, starring a never-better Mia Goth as an erotic film actress fighting for her life in a sleazy 1980s Hollywood.
Last but not least, take a trip back to the ‘80s and watch No Way Out, a political suspense flick starring Kevin Costner as a man framed for a crime he didn’t commit — or did he?

When Tom Kennedy’s (Adam Scott) 8-year-old son Jake (Acston Luca Porto) is abducted from their home one night, he has no choice but to contact the one man who can help him – his estranged father, Pete Willis (Robert De Niro). He’s a detective who caught a serial killer known as the Whisper Man 30 years ago, and he thinks that case might hold clues to Jake’s abduction. But the Whisper Man is still behind bars and has had no contact with the outside world. Who kidnapped Jake, and why are they mimicking the crimes of a notorious criminal the world has largely forgotten about?
Based on the hit novel by Alex North, The Whisper Man delivers all the late-summer/early-fall thrills you could ever want. The film conjures a spooky atmosphere filled with dark shadows and strange sounds in the night, which is exactly what a thriller like this should do. It also has a genuinely intriguing mystery, which plausibly connects Tom and Pete’s past with the Whisper Man to Jake’s present disappearance without making your eyes roll. The top-notch supporting cast includes Michelle Monaghan, Hamish Linklater and Michael Keaton.
The Whisper Man begins streaming on August 28.

Maxine Minx (Mia Goth) always wanted to be a Hollywood star, and she eventually got her wish – albeit one with a big asterisk next to it. She’s a porn actress who is at the top of her very adult industry, but she longs to be “legitimate” and act in mainstream movies. She thinks she has a shot when she nabs a part in the cheap horror flick The Puritan II, but Maxine’s shot at stardom is jeopardized by a stalker who is gradually killing all of her friends. Who is this mysterious murderer, and why is he — or she — linked to a past traumatic incident from her past she’d rather forget?
MaXXXine is the third chapter in Ti West’s X horror trilogy, but it’s more satisfying as a Brian De Palma-like erotic thriller than it is a traditional slasher like 2022’s X and 2023’s Pearl. There’s genuine mystery surrounding Maxine’s deadly stalker, with a lineup of suspects that include a scuzzy private investigator played by Kevin Bacon and even Maxine herself. As the unstable but magnetic Maxine, Goth is terrific — she never lets her heroine get lost in a story that’s a bit too complicated for its own good. The ending is a bit of a letdown, but the movie is so entertaining up until then that it’s still worth watching.

Navy officer Tom Farrell (Kevin Costner) is normally a level-headed guy, but when he meets the alluring Susan Atwell (Sean Young) at a party, his caution and restraint go out the window. Against his better judgment, he begins a passionate affair with her, but there’s just one problem — she’s already someone’s mistress. Even worse, that someone is David Brice (Gene Hackman), the U.S. Secretary of Defense who is prone to wild fits of jealousy. He’s not happy when he finds out Susan is cheating on him, and he’s determined to find out who it is. Tom’s identity is unrevealed for now, but soon rather than later, he’ll be exposed, and he’ll learn there’s truly no way out once Brice comes after him.
One of the great ‘80s thrillers, No Way Out has more twists than an overpriced baseball pretzel. There’s so much more to the plot, which includes a gruesome murder, a manhunt, political sabotage and foreign spies, that your head will get whiplash trying to figure out what’s going on. But it somehow all makes sense, with a thrilling story that always manages to include just enough depth to make you care about Tom and Susan as they become embroiled in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game. No Way Out also features some pretty steamy sex scenes, including one in a limo that might make you think twice before ordering that Uber Black car to ride to the airport.
Weekend Open Thread: Mattifying Sunscreen
Frugal Friday’s Workwear Report: Cap-Sleeve Pointelle Crewneck Sweater
Jordan Coyle & Cordiamo take Laya Arena Stakes at RDS
Can Astrology Help Find Gold and Silver Trends? A Financial Astrology Guide
US stocks: Dow closes at record on Mideast optimism; SpaceX, AMD drag Nasdaq
Reform UK And Greens Sink To Lowest Favourability Ratings To Date
Supply chain issues impact Ingredion
Rinn Pharma & Biopharma to join NordicPharmaTrain network
How to Start a Cleaning Business: A Step-by-Step Guide
BDC Weekly Review: Private BDC Q2 Numbers Are Strong
Datadog: Best Of Breed For Multiple Reasons
McDonald’s (MCD) Q2 2026 earnings
Communication cards help banking customers access services or report scams
The Bright Side of Black and White
Suit of the Week: Me + Em
Spider-Man: Brand New Day ending explained: Is Peter Parker alive?
Robinhood files $200M second venture fund focused on YC startups
Price Hikes May Be Coming for PC Motherboards Next
Birthstone pendant necklaces for women by ottomanhands – 18ct gold plated
Galaxy Digital Stock Slides 14% as Crypto Prices Hit Earnings
You must be logged in to post a comment Login