Entertainment
10 Greatest Crime Sci-Fi Movies of All Time
The broad umbrella that is science fiction has allowed filmmakers to take their audiences to galaxies far, far away or terrify them about the potential threats of artificial intelligence. Whether on Earth or in space, the sci-fi films we adore have pushed our imaginations to the brink as we ponder the what-ifs. With such a vast ability to tell stories, sci-fi subgenres have provided some unique narratives, especially in the crime department.
While we might think of sci-fi as space adventures, the truth is, there’s also a hell of a lot of crime! For this list, we are going to examine the greatest crime sci-fi movies of all time. From dream heists to cyber cops patrolling the streets, these sci-fi crime thrillers have given us extraordinary cinematic moments we continue to celebrate. Even in advanced, futuristic civilizations, crimes are aplenty!
10
‘Gattaca’ (1997)
Directed by Andrew Niccol, Gattaca tells the story of a society strictly divided by genetic engineering where parents can choose their children’s traits, creating an elite class of “Valids.” Vincent (Ethan Hawke), a naturally conceived “In-valid” born with a weak heart, assumes the identity —including blood and hair samples— of genetically superior but paralyzed athlete Jerome Morrow (Jude Law), to travel to space. Just before Vincent’s scheduled launch, a mission director is murdered at the facility, and an eyelash Vincent drops at the crime scene brings the police sniffing around, forcing him to evade genetic background checks.
A retrofuturistic thriller that questions humanity’s spirit in the face of ambition and perseverance, Gattaca brings an all-star cast to a genuinely fascinating premise. Between identity theft and murder, crime is more than abundant. By slipping into a neo-noir-style murder mystery, Gattaca remains gripping from start to finish, and through the exploration of genetic engineering and biometrics, it forces a conversation about a future where DNA dictates your destination. The atmosphere built for the film is a key factor in its brilliance, pairing sleek retro-futurism with stark, cold architecture. Even with crime front and center, the film is a genuine underdog story.
9
‘Predestination’ (2014)
Shall we continue praising Ethan Hawke by discussing another of his exceptional films? This time, it’s 2014’s Predestination. Directed by Michael and Peter Spierig, the thriller follows Temporal Agent (Ethan Hawke) as he travels through history to stop major crimes before they happen, including the mass-casualty terrorist known as the “Fizzle Bomber.” As he investigates future crimes, he meets a mysterious confession-story author (Sarah Snook) who shares a story that leads to a major clue about mind-bending time travel and the bootstrap paradox.
An airtight thriller that flawlessly honors madcap science in order to keep you guessing what the big twist might be, the Spierigs’ film elevates typical time-travel tropes into a tragic, character-driven study of identity and fate. Predestination leaves no loose ends while ensuring the story never veers into uncontrollable territory. It’s a carefully plotted story that works as a slow-burning crime caper. Once again, Hawke does extraordinary work, providing a melancholic, grounded presence as the story’s emotional anchor. If you’re coming to the film fresh, you’d expect Snook to dominate, and she does in a breakout performance that’s almost chameleon-like, finding great nuance to a part that easily could have veered into cheesy territory.
8
‘Dark City’ (1998)
Being accused of murder is quite horrible when you can’t remember a single thing; that’s the premise of Dark City. Directed by Alex Proyas, Dark City follows John Murdoch (Rufus Sewell), an amnesiac man who awakens in a perpetually dark, noir-style metropolis. Accused of a string of murders, he soon ventures into the city, a dangerous setting that seems to change all the time.
Dark City is all about establishing a mood, and Proyas does so impeccably. Drawing inspiration from German expressionism in classical cinema, the oppressive atmosphere plays an essential role in the storytelling. For a story that could easily be overwhelming and confusing, the lore and worldbuilding are excruciatingly clear, quite fascinating, and it keeps the narrative gripping. The film uses a classic noir setup to establish the story; you’re hooked on a grounded crusade for the truth. A breathtaking film, we’d likely be championing Dark City today had it not been for the Wachowskis’ masterpiece a year later.
7
‘Upgrade’ (2018)
Another entry in the underrated masterpiece department comes the gripping Leigh Whannell cyberpunk action thriller Upgrade. Set in a hyper-connected near future, the story follows mechanic Grey Trace (Logan Marshall-Green), an analog purist living with his wife, Asha (Melanie Vallejo). When a corrupted self-driving car crash leaves Asha dead and Grey a quadriplegic, a rogue billionaire offers him a controversial cure: SYNAPSE, a clandestine evolution of the original STEM (Simon Maiden) implant that merges directly with the spinal cord.
Mixing a steadfast revenge thriller with a terrifying AI crime story, Upgrade is a brutal, full-throttle story with a killer twist. Through a grimy cyberpunk atmosphere with a technophobic lead character, Whannell expertly makes the setting quite claustrophobic. In turn, Marshall-Green delivers a career-best performance. A clever twist on the body-snatcher story, Grey’s journey is mesmerizing, as he slowly figures out who’s in control. While there are quite a few films that watch a lead character embark on a daring quest alongside a crime-finding artificial intelligence cohort, Upgrade’s iteration is refreshing.
6
‘Minority Report’ (2002)
Steven Spielberg has made extraordinary science fiction films in nearly every decade of his storied career. At the turn of the century, his entry was the exceptional Minority Report. Set in Washington, D.C., in the year 2054, the story follows a specialized police unit called “Precrime” that uses three psychic humans—the “precogs”—to predict and prevent murders before they happen. The plot shifts into overdrive when the head of the Precrime unit, Captain John Anderton (Tom Cruise), is unexpectedly identified by the precogs as the perpetrator of a future murder, forcing him to go on the run to prove his innocence.
A high-octane philosophical thriller, Minority Report forces a rich conversation about fate and free will, the ethical boundaries of preventative law enforcement, and the consequences of government surveillance. The high-profile combination of Cruise and Spielberg proved worthy. Looking back today with a new lens, Minority Report was ahead of the curve in its exploration of personalized targeted advertising, biometric surveillance, and gestural computer interfaces. Perhaps we should be worried if the concept of precogs arrives next!
5
‘Blade Runner 2049’ (2017)
Rarely are sequels better than the original, especially when it helps to reboot a franchise, but Blade Runner 2049 sure came close! Directed by Denis Villeneuve, Blade Runner 2049 serves as a sequel to the 1982 classic. Fret not, we’ll get to Blade Runner soon. The sci-fi noir crime drama follows Officer K (Ryan Gosling), an LAPD “blade runner” who hunts and decommissions rogue synthetic humans known as replicants. After uncovering a buried secret that proves replicants can reproduce biologically, K embarks on a quest to find Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former blade runner who has been missing for 30 years.
At its heart, Blade Runner 2049 works as a smart dissertation on humanity and personhood, marrying a hard-boiled detective story with a philosophical exploration of the nature of the soul. Villeneuve takes the gritty confines of the original and deliberately forces his audience to absorb the world, from the radioactive, blood-red ruins of Las Vegas to the rising sea walls of Los Angeles. Though Ford is more than present, it is Gosling’s story; together, they work profoundly well, alongside a dynamite ensemble. Every frame, every sound, every image of this film is worth watching. Some may call it better than the original, but that’s a tough sell.
4
‘Looper’ (2012)
Science fiction writers love time travel, but not every screenwriter can tackle the loop well. Fortunately for writer-director Rian Johnson, his skill set is on full display in Looper. Johnson’s masterpiece tells the story of Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a 2044 “looper” who kills targets sent back in time by future syndicates. When his older self (Bruce Willis) is sent back to be killed, he escapes, causing young Joe to hunt his future self, who is trying to kill a child destined to become a crime boss.
Johnson treats time travel not as a magical plot device but as a dirty, illegal method used by future mobsters, thus subverting common tropes for a whip-smart crime thriller. Looper is a satisfying story that lets the themes of aging, regret, and the cyclical nature of violence mirror the science-fiction element that drives it. The film navigates the potential paradoxes by focusing first on the characters’ emotional arcs. Like many time-travel-based stories, the script tackles the morality and ethics of attempting to change timelines and the potential consequences that accompany them. Gordon-Levitt and Willis have stellar chemistry, and Emily Blunt provides the necessary groundedness and emotion, truly anchoring the latter part of the film.
3
‘A Scanner Darkly’ (2006)
One of the more distinctive films of the early aughts was A Scanner Darkly. The adult animated sci-fi thriller from Richard Linklater is based on the 1977 novel by Philip K. Dick and is set in a future America that lost its war on drugs. Undercover narcotics cop Bob Arctor (Keanu Reeves) becomes addicted to a mind-altering substance known as Substance D, causing him to suffer a fractured psyche and lose grip on his own reality. As he investigates the source, his brain deteriorates, causing him to spy on himself unknowingly.
A brilliant take on surveillance, paranoia, the loss of identity, and the devastating consequences of addiction, A Scanner Darkly is an introspective philosophical work with groundbreaking rotoscope animation that feels off and slightly dreamlike. This unique technique is not just stylistic; it is integral to the plot, enabling the representation of the scramble suit. It might feel disorienting, even psychedelic, but it’s instrumental. A Scanner Darkly forces you into questioning personal identity crises through the war on drugs and the dangers of surveillance, resulting in a scathing satire directed to perfection.
2
‘Blade Runner’ (1982)
An adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Blade Runner tells the story of Rick Deckard (Ford), a burnt-out blade runner tasked with hunting down and retiring rogue androids—known as replicants— engineered for slave labor but escaped to Earth. Set in the year 2019, the revolt is led by Roy Batty (Rutger Hauer), who seeks their creator, the bioengineers at the powerful Tyrell Corporation, to demand an extension of their lifespans. Throw in a sci-fi love story between Deckard and Rachael (Sean Young), a Replicant girl, and you have a tremendous neo-noir science fiction film.
Directed by Ridley Scott, Blade Runner is all about its atmosphere, as Scott crafts a breathtaking, moody, gritty cyberpunk future set against crime-thriller tropes. Deckard works well as a hard-boiled detective within the world’s specificity. The neon-lit metropolis may look stunning, but how the urban decay is infused gives the world its unique identity. All these years later, there is still a timelessness to Blade Runner— and not just because the franchise continues to expand. Perhaps it’s Barry’s final iconic monologue that the film resonates still today.
1
‘Inception’ (2010)
No one has played with a dream heist quite like Christopher Nolan. Inception follows Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), a professional thief who steals corporate secrets by infiltrating his targets’ subconscious. A chance to have his criminal history erased as payment for the implantation of another person’s idea into a target’s subconscious sends him back into action. Blurring the lines between dream and reality, this multi-layered film uses corporate espionage and a dream heist as the backdrop against a twisted, complex dreamscape.
Tackling themes of memory, grief, and the perception of reality, Inception is one of the most fascinating films ever made. The meticulous heist planning is profound, setting up the mind as the “scene of the crime.” Nolan’s ability to engross audiences while blowing their minds is unmatched. Toss in a masterclass in editing and sound design, and Inception stands out as a unique beast. With a brilliant cast, Inception is an action-packed adventure that goes to places other films never dreamed of (pun intended). The legendary ending is still debated to this day, an expert combination of sci-fi and crime that makes it the pinnacle of the category.
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Summer fashion can be hit or miss, especially when you want to stay cool without losing that grown‑woman polish. That’s exactly why stylish women over 40 keep reaching for wide‑leg pants that are breezy, flattering and endlessly elevated. Even better, there’s a flattering pair for every type of fashionista, from denim wide‑leg trousers and cropped cuts to bold pleated styles and washable silks.
As shopping experts, we perused fan-favorite retailers, including Amazon, Quince, Nordstrom and more, and found 16 wide-leg trousers women over 40 can’t get enough of. The best part is you’ll find breezy fabrics, flattering fits, mom‑loved styles and pieces women of all ages adore. Shop our top picks below with prices starting at just $15.
16 Stylish Wide-Leg Pants for Women Over 40
1. Our Favorite: Designed with an elastic high-waist band and a soft, drapey silhouette, these flowy trousers are a true work‑to‑weekend staple. Shoppers 40 and over rave about the pretty pleating and ultra‑comfortable feel.
2. Tailored to You: With lengths featured in short, regular and tall, these high‑waist pleated trousers are tailored to fit you perfectly. Even better: The polished pants come in plenty of bold colors, including a fiery red and peacock blue.
3. Capri Comfort: Don’t worry about going to the tailor. These wide-leg capris feature a roomy barrel leg and elastic waist in the back that can handle even the busiest mom days.
4. Dramatic Flare: These ultra wide‑leg trousers from Quince earn rave reviews from women of all ages for their incredibly stretchy fabric and flattering high‑waist fit. We like that they come in three separate inseams, so you can get that perfect length right out of the box.
5. Stand-Out Style: While we love our cotton and linen bottoms, these wide-leg silk pants offer a softer feel and more sophisticated appeal. The fact that they’re washable makes them an effortless everyday luxury.
Summer style can lean into skimpy, belly-baring outfits or loose and flowy fits. The former isn’t for everyone, so if you prefer styles that are a little more covered up, we got you covered (literally). The chicest loose dresses are also tummy-hiding, so you’ll feel your best from the grocery store to the park. Just […]
6. Modern Prints: Forget boring monochromes and pared-down hues. These tailored wide-leg pants from Abercrombie & Fitch come in mature prints like houndstooth, pinstripe, plaid and other designs women over 40 love.
7. Take It Easy: Airy and elegant, these linen-blend pants are ridiculously easy to dress up or down. Throw on a well-worn tee and sandals to keep it casual or a button-up and sleek flats to easily elevate the look.
8. Resort Ready: Think of these ribbed wide-leg pants as a sophisticated spin on traditional loungewear. They’re comfortable enough for the couch yet polished enough to leave the house. Reviewers attest to their flattering fit and flow.
9. Petite Perfect: For a more relaxed, easy-wear fit, these petite wide-leg pants offer endless comfort without veering into slouchy territory. The 100% linen fabric is the sweet cherry on top.
10. Cropped and Chic: Featured in quiet-luxury colors like black and beige, these expensive-looking wide-leg pants bring a rich mom edge to your wardrobe. The stretchy pants feature a cropped silhouette that flatters every age, especially 40 and beyond.
11. Designer Favorite: Celebs like Sarah Jessica Parker are fans of Donna Karan, and we can see why after spotting these mid-rise wide-leg pants. With an overall relaxed fit, these pants are tailored in a way that flatters women over 40.
12. Denim Pick: Leave it to Good American to design the sleekest-looking wide-leg denim trousers of the summer. The pants deliver a sophisticated spin on a wardrobe classic, and come in sizes 00 through 24, so everybody can get the same polished look.
13. Sporty Stripe: While these athletic wide-leg pants feel a bit more sporty, they’re the kind of athleisure that actually looks put together. They have a sleek side stripe and drawstring waist to deliver the style and comfort women over 40 gravitate toward.
14. Smocked Waist: Designed with a smocked waistband, these beachy wide-leg pants sit comfortably without digging or squeezing into your midsection. Our favorite part is the chic color choices, including sky blue and dusty pink.
15. Plus-Size Pick: Plus-size girlies over 40, pay attention! These drawstring plus-size wide-leg pants offer that forgiving fit that flatters all your curves. Shoppers say they’re breezy enough for even the hottest summer days.
16. Leg-Lengthening: Thanks to the classic pinstripes, these straight wide-leg trousers will make your legs look a mile long. Pair the style with block heels for an even more elongating finish.
By the time summer rolls around, I want my wardrobe to do as little work as possible. The last thing I want to do on a hot morning is piece together an outfit when it’s already 85 degrees outside. That’s exactly why matching sets become my unofficial summer uniform every year. I’ve spent more hours […]
By Robert Scucci
| Published
Here’s the advice that I’ll keep screaming from the mountaintops until I’m blue in the face: any sci-fi thriller from the ’90s that has a punishing critical score on Rotten Tomatoes is probably way better than its reputation suggests because critics back then didn’t know how to have fun. 1995’s Virtuosity caught my eye on Tubi, and it gets by on star power alone, with Denzel Washington pitted against a comically menacing Russell Crowe. That’s enough to make any movie lover want to watch it. But then I saw its 30 percent critical score on Rotten Tomatoes, followed by its not-much-better audience score of 32 percent.
This is one of those “hate to say I told you so” moments, but here it comes anyway: Virtuosity is needlessly over the top, makes no scientific sense whatsoever, and, as the kids would say, is absolutely dripping with rizz. So much so, in fact, that calling it over the top and completely nonsensical isn’t a criticism. This whole thing plays like a satire, and if you don’t go into it respecting its campiness, you’ll probably agree with critics and audiences alike.
If you go into this film with an open mind, and primed to be fully entertained by Washington’s dead seriousness coupled with Crowe chewing every scene he’s in like a beaver who just recovered from jaw surgery, then you’re going to have one hell of a time watching Virtuosity.
The Ole Sexbot Switcheroo
I don’t even really want to get into the nitty-gritty of Virtuosity’s science because the less you know about it, the better. The rules are beyond silly, and to the film’s credit, it just lets them not make sense, trading hard science for pure entertainment value.
The plot centers on Parker Barnes (Denzel Washington), an LAPD officer turned prison inmate after revenge-killing terrorist Matthew Grimes (Christopher Murray), who murdered his wife and daughter. In the ensuing shootout, he also killed two innocent bystanders. He now spends his days testing an experimental police technology known as SID (Sadistic, Intelligent, Dangerous), which trains officers to hunt artificial intelligence antagonists whose personalities are sourced from a laundry list of infamous serial killers. I know, it’s insane, but it gets even crazier in a minute.
After a botched training exercise involving a virtual killer named SID 6.7 (Russell Crowe) results in the death of a fellow inmate, the SID program is set to be terminated. The project’s head programmer, Dr. Darrel Lindenmeyer (Stephen Spinella), worries that he’ll never complete his work, so he tricks his employee Clyde (Kevin J. O’Connor) into activating one of the female personalities, Sheila 3.2, inside a fully operational android body. What Clyde doesn’t know is that he’s not about to get freaky with a psychologically unhinged robot. Instead, he’s being manipulated into bringing the 6.7 model to life, who promptly trashes the lab and embarks on a real-world rampage.
SID 6.7, when fully suited up, has healing powers not unlike the T-1000 from Terminator 2: Judgment Day, but he can only heal when he rubs up against glass. SID 6.7’s mind also channels data from Matthew Grimes and uses that knowledge to taunt Parker into playing dirty with him.
Parker is told by LAPD Chief William Cochran (William Forsythe) that if he successfully apprehends SID 6.7, he’ll receive a full pardon. However, he first needs to undergo a psychological evaluation with the partner being forced upon him as part of the arrangement: Dr. Madison Carter (Kelly Lynch), an expert in criminal psychology.
Pure Popcorn Insanity
Once Virtuosity establishes its major players, it becomes an all-out free-for-all in the most unhinged way possible. Russell Crowe wasn’t yet a household name, and you can tell he was hungry, using every opportunity to dial his charisma to 11. His delivery reminds me of Butters from South Park when he’s transitioning into Professor Chaos, except there’s no cute sense of naivety here. The cackling, over-annunciating, and body language are all so extra, but they work shockingly well in this context. He’s the perfect “movie psycho,” if that makes sense. No real person acts like this, but I don’t want to watch real people here.
Denzel Washington’s willingness to play everything straight only amplifies Crowe’s exuberance, making every exchange they share feel bigger and more animated. You’ll have so much fun watching Virtuosity that you won’t even mind that our villain’s interactions with broken glass are wildly inconsistent, or that this entire mess started because a scientist tricked another scientist into thinking he was activating a sex bot for research purposes.
Fortunately, Virtuosity doesn’t undermine itself with its own junk science because it quickly lays out the rules and gets the hell out of the way so we can watch stuff blow up in retro-futuristic fashion. Criminal psychology is bogus in that “let’s rattle off a bunch of serial killer names and use jargon to sound smart” way that movies like this love, but it’s never enough to take you out of the picture.
Virtuosity succeeds as a fun action thriller because it sticks to the one golden rule that actually matters: don’t overexplain things. Things just happen in Virtuosity, and you just have to roll with them. Sometimes that’s all you need. This isn’t, wasn’t, and never will be award-winning material, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s meant to be fun, quotable, and visually enthralling entertainment, and I wish they still made more movies like this.
As of this writing, you can stream Virtuosity for free on Tubi.
One of the most challenging things about video games is keeping the players’ attention for the entire span. Games such as Red Dead Redemption 2 and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild are masterpieces, but they have some pacing issues that can make it hard to find entertainment in every second of gameplay. This is a common issue, but some games manage to balance their pacing with breathtaking gameplay and visuals.
In a time when attention spans are at an all-time low, player retention is harder than ever, but this list will provide viewers with 10 video games that will have players hooked from start to finish. Based on aspects such as gameplay, narrative, visuals, pacing, originality, design, popularity, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and overall quality, these ten titles are must-play games that don’t have a second of dull gameplay.
‘Mafia’ (2002)
Most of the games on this list are newer titles, but the oldest one featured is Mafia, a true classic that was flawless from start to finish. Set in the 1930s in a fictional city named Lost Heaven, a cab driver named Tommy Angelo saves two men who happen to be mafia members, thus starting his rise within the crime family.
Players fully immerse themselves as a mafia member in the 1930s, with the game having an incredible sense of realism that grounds the players with laws. Mafia is much different than other open-world sandbox video games, using its intriguing world as a backdrop for the fascinating and cinematic narrative, which takes center stage.
‘Subnautica’ (2018)
With the second game releasing not too long ago, fans might have forgotten how perfect the first Subnautica was. When players crash-land onto a planet almost entirely covered by water, they must build their base and survive the harsh conditions. By finding other broken vessels, the aim is to find a way off this planet, but many more mysteries lie deep beneath the sea.
Subnautica doesn’t do any hand-holding, throwing the players right into the abyss to figure out what they need to do and how to do it. This approach made the beginning immediately engaging, with gamers slowly realizing what they need or want to do, from exploring the ocean to collecting materials to building a base and other tools. Subnautica is a fantastic open-world game that lets players freely roam, even into the jaws of a Leviathan.
‘Hollow Knight’ (2017)
A lot of indie games are becoming the best titles of the year, with one such example being Hollow Knight. The Kingdom of Hallownest is a bug-filled world with wonders and mysteries at every corner, but when a plague turns every creature hostile, it is up to the protagonist to travel around and defeat the source of the mayhem.
Hollow Knight is a definitive modern Metroidvania game, using its fluid and satisfying platforming and traversal alongside seamless exploration to deliver a fascinating and rewarding experience. Whether it be the lore that players learn or the precise combat and platforming that hooks players, Hollow Knight is jam-packed with entertainment value from start to finish.
‘God of War’ (2018)
There are big games on this list, but the most popular is arguably God of War, which revived the franchise, bringing it to new heights. After the passing of his wife, Kratos sets off on an adventure through the Nordic realms to scatter her ashes at the highest point in the world alongside his son, Atreus. However, the gods have an interest in his son, making the journey much more dangerous.
Right from the introduction, where players learn controls through various challenges, including a fight against a troll and one of the greatest boss fights in video game history, God of War boasts an unrelenting pace of pure exhilaration with moments of genuine heartfelt storytelling and emotion. The next God of War game is highly anticipated, but it is going to be difficult to top this adventure, which had some of the best combat and narrative design.
‘NieR: Automata’ (2017)
NieR: Automata is set in the distant future, with all of humanity now living on the moon after aliens took over the Earth. However, humanity still fights in the form of a handful of androids sent down to Earth to battle against machines made by the alien invaders, starting a proxy war for their homeland.
This video game can’t just be put down after beating it, because NieR: Automata has multiple endings that paint a full picture, but the replay is just as good as the first time. It constantly switches genres from 3D action to twin-stick shooter to 2D platformer, offering a variety of mechanics that always make gameplay fresh and enjoyable.
‘Disco Elysium’ (2019)
Indie games feature some of the best narratives of all time, and one of them is Disco Elysium, where players play as a drunk, amnesiac detective. After waking up with no memories, players must solve a politically charged murder of great importance while trying to remember their own struggles. By using the many personalities in their head, players slowly unravel the mystery.
Disco Elysium rejuvenates the RPG genre by taking the focus away from combat and looting and instead using dialogue as combat. The voices in the player’s head are the skills, upgraded and utilized, each to look at things in a new light, revealing new secrets and lore. With some of the greatest dialogue in video games and a politically important narrative, Disco Elysium is an indie game masterpiece.
‘Batman: Arkham Asylum’ (2009)
Comic books and movies are mainly where the superhero genre lives, but video games are an underrated medium in that regard. Batman: Arkham Asylum follows the titular Caped Crusader navigating the prison with the rest of his rogues’ gallery after the Joker locked him inside. From stopping Joker’s takeover of the prison to defeating many other villains, this adventure is one nightmare Batman wants to wake up from.
Batman: Arkham Asylum is the best superhero video game other than its sequel, but it has a better pace that makes the entire game perfect. From side objectives like collecting Riddler trophies or finding videotapes to the engaging main storyline, this game has much to offer. Plus, Batman: Arkham Asylum invented a new combat system that is cathartic and riveting, enhancing the vibe and gameplay in every mission.
‘Luigi’s Mansion 3’ (2019)
Nintendo is one of the biggest gaming companies in the world, and they prioritize creativity and accessibility; Luigi’s Mansion 3 is one of the best examples. When the titular character and his friends go on a vacation, Mario, Peach, and Daisy are captured by ghosts, leaving Luigi alone to navigate the haunted mansion, defeat the spooky residents, and save his friends.
Luigi’s Mansion 3 is a surprisingly beautiful game, boasting charming visuals that are polished and stylized. However, the gameplay kicks off right away, delivering the simple yet engaging vacuum mechanic. Each area introduces a new gimmick, fresh scenery, and different enemies to spice things up, always making it fun. As one of the greatest games on the Nintendo Switch, Luigi’s Mansion 3 is perfect from start to finish.
‘Control’ (2019)
Control has a sequel on the way that looks absolutely phenomenal, but until it comes out, the original is more fitting for this list. The Federal Bureau of Control is a top-secret government facility, but when Jesse Faden enters it looking for her brother, she accidentally becomes the director, now needing to fight off a supernatural entity known as the Hiss.
Remedy Entertainment is known for its new-era weird concepts, and Control embodies that innovation perfectly, creating a worldbuilding masterpiece that is bizarre yet captivating. The telekinetic powers offer a fun gameplay loop with engaging combat that has fluid control and creative solutions. Control has logic-defying levels that up the imaginative scale and offer some of the best moments a gamer could have.
‘Resident Evil 4’ (2005)
The Resident Evil franchise is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, and it already has one of the best games of the year and has a movie on the way. However, the pinnacle of the franchise is still Resident Evil 4. Leon S. Kennedy travels to Spain to rescue the daughter of the president from a cult that has been mind-controlled by an evil parasite, making everyone mindless and hostile.
Known for its revolutionary over-the-shoulder camera angle that redefined action-horror games, this pioneering survival horror also had a groundbreaking inventory management system that made everything more immersive. Resident Evil 4 isn’t just a compelling game; it has a distinct style that is scary and exhilarating, establishing itself as one of the greatest video games of all time.
Resident Evil 4
- Released
-
January 11, 2005
- ESRB
-
M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language
Doctor Who fans were hit with the shocking news that the BBC is putting the long-running science fiction series into competitive tender, effectively ending the current era of Who. The writing had been on the wall for a while, as the BBC severed ties with Disney following the conclusion of the second season of Ncuti Gatwa‘s tenure as the 15th Doctor. On top of that, showrunner Russell T. Davies and his Bad Wolf production banner also departed Doctor Who, fueling rumors that the show was canceled. However, Davies offered some rather pointed words concerning these rumors.
Speaking to Gaydio, Davies clarified that Doctor Who wasn’t canceled. He also explained what a competitive tender means, as someone who actually has knowledge of the inner workings of the television business:
“It’s extraordinary to see newspapers who should know better saying the show has been cancelled…It’s the opposite. It’s been put out to tender, and I understand that’s an industry phrase and people might not understand what a show being put out to tender means. Being put out to tender means – and this will happen to every BBC show, it’s happened to Casualty, it’s happened to the weather – it means the programme is pitched to be made by an independent company, as opposed to the BBC.”
This means that, in a similar vein to the previous Disney/BBC deal, the BBC is looking for someone to help co-produce a new era of Doctor Who. On the one hand, this means that Doctor Who will return to the screen at some point. On the other hand, the competitive tender has revealed that revitalizing an iconic science fiction franchise isn’t as easy as it seems.
The BBC Is Facing Major Hurdles When It Comes to ‘Doctor Who’
While the BBC has already reached out to potential co-producers, there’s an air of uncertainty around taking on such a high-profile project. A report from Deadline Hollywood reveals that most producers have reservations about investing money and creative energy in Doctor Who, especially as the shadow of the Disney breakup looms large. One of these producers even bluntly said, “You’d have to be mad” to tackle such an enterprise. It’s not hard to see their point: Doctor Who has more than 60 years of history behind it, and certain expectations when it comes to telling stories within its universe. Any new producer will be hard-pressed by longtime fans to keep those standards, which is the kind of pressure that would make anyone nervous.
The report also says that producers feel Davies’ tenure was less of a boon and more of an anchor around Doctor Who‘s neck, as ratings started to tank and episodes lacked the perfect mix of sci-fi trappings and social commentary that defined some of the series’ best eras. His departure paves the way for a new creative voice to not only steer Doctor Who back on track, but also bring something new to the table. In fact, one writer has thrown his hat in the ring to take over showrunning duties, and it’s none other than J. Michael Straczynski. Given Straczynski’s tenure scripting character-defining runs on Amazing Spider-Man and Thor, not to mention creating a truly excellent sci-fi series in Babylon 5, he definitely has the chops to bring new life to Doctor Who.
A Brief Hiatus Led To The Resurgence of ‘Doctor Who’ in 2005
Doctor Who is no stranger to being off the air, as it went off the air in 1989 due to declining ratings. Though a television movie was made in 1996 to revive the series, it received extremely poor ratings. It wasn’t until 2005 that Doctor Who returned, and under Russell T. Davies no less, who not only shook up the series by making the Doctor the last of the Time Lords but also launched another series, Torchwood, in the process. With Deadline reporting that Doctor Who might be off the air until 2028, this is another chance for the series to get a new lease on life. A lot could change in two years, and a producer might come up with a take that the BBC loves.
A key element of Doctor Who is the concept of “regeneration”, where the Doctor shifts into a new form and a new actor. With Russell T. Davies’ departure and the dissolution of the Disney deal, the time has come for Doctor Who to undergo a creative regeneration of its own.
- Release Date
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May 11, 2024
- Network
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BBC One
- Directors
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Alex Pillai, Peter Hoar, Ben Chessell, Julie Anne Robinson, Jamie Donoughue, Amanda Brotchie, Dylan Holmes Williams
- Writers
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Steven Moffat, Pete McTighe, Kate Herron, Inua Ellams, Juno Dawson
- Franchise(s)
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Doctor Who / Whoniverse
The first game officially marketed with the term “survival horror” was Capcom’s Resident Evil. Back then, the genre was defined by fixed camera angles and tank controls, but it has since evolved into fully immersive experiences that genuinely make you feel like you’re trapped inside a horror movie. The graphics have become hyper-realistic, the scares have become more creative, but the core appeal remains exactly the same.
It’s about the eerie atmosphere, about the grotesque monsters, about that specific kind of dread you feel when you’re low on resources, something is coming, and you have no idea if you’re going to make it out of the next room. When it works, no other genre comes close to what it makes you feel. So, with that in mind, here are the 10 greatest survival horror games ever made, the titles that set the gold standard for the genre.
10
‘The Evil Within’ (2014)
Image Via Bethesda Softworks
The Evil Within comes from Shinji Mikami, the man who created Resident Evil, and it shows. You play as Sebastian Castellanos, a detective investigating a gruesome mass murder at a psychiatric hospital. The case quickly spirals into something far darker when Sebastian finds himself trapped inside the twisted mind of the game’s antagonist, Ruvik.
Because the story takes place inside the subconscious mind, reality is constantly breaking apart. Hallways can stretch infinitely, rooms will flip upside down, and entire structures will crash together. If you turn around, an exit you just used may no longer exist, essentially locking you into a room with an entity you can’t escape. It’s an unpredictable, nightmarish world that feels like a fever dream you can’t wake up from.
9
‘Until Dawn’ (2015)
Until Dawn is a different kind of survival horror experience in that it plays more like an interactive slasher film. Eight friends reunite at a mountain lodge a year after a tragedy and, in classic horror movie fashion, things go terribly wrong. The game begins like a classic whodunit, where the group is stalked and terrorized by a masked assailant who sets up lethal, Jigsaw-style traps. But midway through, it switches genres entirely and turns into something far scarier.
You control all eight of the friends at various points through the night, making choices that decide who lives, who dies, and how the whole thing ends. The genius of Until Dawn is that everyone is survivable and everyone is killable, depending entirely on your decisions. The butterfly effect system tracks your choices across the game, and the consequences of the smallest choices can show up hours later in ways you genuinely did not see coming. Moreover, the game asks players to identify their biggest fears, whether that’s clowns, needles, snakes, or dogs. It then uses those answers against them. The environment. The jump scares. Background props. Even the masks worn by enemies. All of it changes based on what the player finds most frightening.
8
‘Silent Hill 2’ (2024)
The original Silent Hill 2 is widely considered one of the greatest horror games ever made, and James Sunderland’s descent into the fog-choked streets of Silent Hill in search of his dead wife still remains one of gaming’s most psychologically complex stories. So, remaking it was always going to be a tightrope act, but Bloober Team pulled it off. The remake preserves everything that made the original iconic while bringing the visuals, combat, and exploration up to a modern standard.
The town isn’t a conventional spooky setting; it is a purgatorial, hallucinatory realm. It draws people in and manifests their innermost anxieties. Pyramid Head, the Nurses, the Lying Figures, they are all expressions of James’ guilt and his subconscious repressions. And then, of course, there are the Mannequins… pure nightmare fuel. They’ll force you to hit pause, accept that this is where your playthrough ends, and you are perfectly fine with never hitting play ever again.
7
‘Resident Evil Requiem’ (2026)
Resident Evil Requiem does something no game in the franchise has attempted before. It combines the claustrophobic first-person dread that made Resident Evil 7 and 8 so effective with the third-person action of Resident Evil 4. When you play as Grace, you’re in first person, and it feels like a literal horror movie. Weapons are weaker, and resources are painfully scarce. Then the game switches to Leon, and it almost feels like an entirely different genre. Leon is more experienced, better equipped, and capable of tearing through infected hordes with relative ease.
The story ties up decades-long loose ends regarding the fall of Umbrella, while rewarding longtime fans with callbacks to multiple entries across the series. At one point, you even get to revisit the iconic Raccoon City Police Department from Resident Evil 2. The real star of the game, however, is Victor Gideon. Easily one of the franchise’s strongest villains in years, Gideon feels like a Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine) or Joker-type character combined with the physicality of a classic Resident Evil Bio-Organic Weapon.
6
‘Outlast 2’ (2017)
Outlast 2 is one of the most terrifying games ever made, and it earns that distinction through one very deliberate design choice: you cannot fight back. At all. All you can do is hide or run away. You play as Blake Langermann, a journalist who crashes in the Arizona Desert while investigating the murder of a pregnant woman and ends up trapped in a religious cult that has completely lost its grip on reality. Your only tools are a camcorder, a microphone, and your legs.
The night vision on the camcorder is your lifeline in the dark, but it runs on batteries, and once those run out, you will truly experience fear in its rawest form. The game forces you to explore because you desperately need batteries, knowing full well that if anyone happens to be inside, you are going to spend the next 15 minutes trying to get away. Outlast 2 is not a game for everyone, but if you want to know what genuine helplessness feels like, this is it.
5
‘MADiSON’ (2022)
To understand why MADiSON matters, you have to understand what P.T. was. In 2014, Konami released a free playable teaser on the PlayStation Store called P.T., which turned out to be a demo for a new Silent Hill game directed by Hideo Kojima. It was set in a single looping corridor of a house, and it was so frightening, so atmospherically perfect, that it became a landmark moment in horror gaming overnight. It is also the reason Resident Evil 7 went first-person. Then, Kojima fell out with Konami, the Silent Hill game was cancelled, and P.T. was permanently removed from the PlayStation Store. After P.T.‘s removal, a bunch of clones came out, and MADiSON is widely regarded as the best and most polished one out of them all.
You play as Luca, a teenager who wakes up with his hands covered in blood and a cursed vintage camera. You have no weapons and cannot fight back. All you can do is use the camera. The flash acts as a limited light source, and developing the photos can reveal hidden pathways or trigger environmental changes. The game was even scientifically ranked as the scariest horror game ever in the Science of Scare Project, where it provoked the highest average heart rates in players compared to any other game.
4
‘Alan Wake 2’ (2023)
In Alan Wake 2, you play through two connected storylines. One follows Alan Wake, an author trapped in a nightmare dimension called the Dark Place, and the tone feels straight out of Twin Peaks or The Twilight Zone. The other follows FBI agent Saga Anderson, who is investigating a series of ritualistic murders in a town called Bright Falls, and her story feels very much in the vein of something like True Detective. But as you keep playing, the two stories slowly start to overlap, and you find yourself questioning what is real and what is not.
One of its coolest mechanics lets Alan rewrite parts of the story. And as you make changes to the plot, the world literally changes around you in real time. For example, you can apply a “Murder Cult” plot in a subway tunnel, which turns it into a bloody ritual site, opens new pathways, and introduces chanting cult members into your surroundings. Or you can apply a plot thread about a detective being shot, which creates a trail of blood for Alan to follow deeper into the chapter. Visually, as well, the game is on another level. Every level is created with immaculate attention to detail. And the game even incorporates live-action cutscenes and elements. The actors look identical to their in-game versions. And these real-world elements are not just for cutscenes; they actually interact with the playable world as well.
3
‘Resident Evil 2’ (2019)
Resident Evil 2 remake does what the original game did best, then expands on it in all the right ways. It follows Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield as they try to survive the zombie outbreak in Raccoon City, with most of the game taking place inside the Raccoon City Police Department. The RPD itself is still one of the most iconic survival horror locations ever made, and the remake adds new rooms, new puzzles, and even some entirely new sections to the story while staying true to the horror roots that made the original a classic.
The thing that elevates this remake above almost everything else in the genre is Mr. X. This massive Tyrant is introduced partway through the game, and from that point on, he is an ever-present threat. He constantly stalks you through the police station with no fixed patrol pattern, no way to permanently stop him, and a footstep sound that will haunt you for weeks.
2
‘Alien: Isolation’ (2014)
Alien: Isolation takes place exactly 15 years after the events of the original 1979 Alien film. You play as Amanda Ripley, daughter of Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), as she investigates the disappearance of her mother. That search leads her to the Sevastopol space station, a remote facility that has become overrun by a single Xenomorph.
The Xenomorph in here is powered by a groundbreaking two-tier AI system. One layer, known as the Director AI, is always aware of the player’s general location and keeps nudging the Xenomorph in that direction. The second layer is the on-screen hunter. It is fundamentally blind to your true location unless it sees, hears, or smells you. In a lot of ways, it’s like if Mr. X from Resident Evil 2 was always aware of your location and kept coming closer, instead of just roaming around randomly.
1
‘Resident Evil 7: Biohazard’ (2017)
By 2017, the Resident Evil franchise had drifted so far from its survival horror roots that many fans had written it off entirely. Then Capcom switched to first-person, stripped away much of the action, and delivered what is arguably the scariest game in the entire franchise. Resident Evil 7 genuinely feels like being trapped inside a horror movie, something halfway between The Evil Dead and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. You play as Ethan Winters, searching for his missing wife Mia in a Louisiana plantation owned by the Baker family, and things get very bad very quickly.
If you’ve played it, you know the moment. You’ve worked your way through the house, found some clues, and started to get your bearings. Then you open the basement door, and you see Mia crawling up the stairs toward you. That image. The way she moves. Her blackened eyes and demonic voice. It’s probably burned into your brain. And that’s just the beginning. The Baker family is among the greatest horror antagonists in gaming history, and each of them gets a sequence that is distinctly grotesque in its own way. Nearly a decade later, Resident Evil 7 still remains the gold standard for modern survival horror.
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Raise your cozy coffee mugs in tribute.
“Summer House” fans are excited they can finally say goodbye to West Wilson. According to a new report, the Missouri native, who initially charmed the Bravo fandom as a new cast member in February 2024, has been axed from the long-running television program following his dating scandal with Amanda Batula.
Rumors had been swirling for some time that Wilson would not be asked back to the Bravo reality series; however, TMZ confirmed the news today, June 15, 2026.
According to the publication, a source close to the show said that the sports journalist-turned-TV personality was not asked back for the next season, which will begin shooting during the July 4th weekend.
While Wilson, 31, won’t be part of the main cast, the insider said the “Show Me Something” podcast host could make a cameo at some point during the upcoming season.
Wilson’s firing comes as no surprise, considering he was on an island by himself after confirming his romance with co-star Batula following months of intense speculation, per The Blast.
West Wilson In A Bad Place With His ‘Summer House’ Co-Stars
Wilson’s romance with Batula left a sour taste in the mouths of his “Summer House” co-stars, including his former bestie, KJ Dillard. According to The Blast, Dillard told Carl Radke that he and Wilson were no longer communicating.
“I know people make mistakes. I’m someone that gives grace, trust me,” Dillard said. “I’ve made plenty of mistakes, and people have given me grace, but it just seems like he’s not learning from his mistakes.”
Dillard went on, likening Wilson to his father, with whom he has said he has had a strained relationship. “My dad has apologized to me and said, ‘I’m gonna do this. I’m gonna be better.’ Then, it just continues to repeat these cycles. It’s just like, ‘What is going?’”
Radke Blasted West Wilson During Previous Interview Over Lack Of ‘Accountability’
Radke, meanwhile, blasted Wilson during a previous interview, per The Blast, accusing him of failing to take ownership of his behavior and how his actions impacted the rest of the cast.
“I think a lot of us were hoping to feel the feeling you get when someone actually apologizes and takes accountability,” he said. “Especially watching it now, I didn’t feel it, and that’s what’s hard.”
According to Radke, Wilson’s secretive relationship with Batula not only hurt her estranged husband and their “Summer House” co-star, Kyle Cooke, but it also hurt Ciara Miller, whom he dated in 2023.
“People are really hurt. Ciara, Kyle. I mean, I’m looking at him right now. He’s my best friend, and watching that s–t, the footage of West at his family house with Kyle. Like, he not only brought Ciara home, he brought Kyle home. And then does that. It’s just diabolical,” Radke said.
Wilson’s Firing Comes After He Appeared To Steer Viewers Away From A New ‘Summer House’ Episode Scheduled To Air
Wilson’s firing also comes after he told his podcast listeners that he hoped the 2026 NBA Finals would spill over into Tuesday, June 16, so people would watch the contest instead of a new “Summer House” episode that’s scheduled to air.
“If the Spurs win Saturday and they go back to MSG and they play Game 6, it will be Tuesday night [at] the same time they air this f-cking, g-d-mn bonus episode,” he said. “Give me f-cking Knicks in 6 at the same time this sh-t is on TV. I will be the happiest person in the motherf-cking world.”
Bravo mainstay Lindsay Hubbard took issue with his words, calling him “trash” in a social media post and blasting him for appearing to sabotage their show.
Viewers Are Feeling Good About Wilson’s Firing
Online, viewers seem happy about Wilson’s firing, as one user said, “F boys having consequences for their sh-tty behavior is so satisfying to see.”
Another user referenced a popular scene from “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” during which NeNe Leakes tells Phaedra Parks, “You can never win when you’re dirty.”
“Fine with me,” a third person wrote about Wilson’s firing. “I think he was a completely different person than who he portrayed himself to be on TV.”
Magic is an integral part of the fantasy genre, and is often the driving force behind many of a fantasy story’s core events. In fantasy literature, these systems of magic are generally divided into two categories: hard or soft magic. Hard magic means it is a complex magic system with specific rules and drawbacks, with soft magic systems being freer, loosely defined, and easier to use.
Likewise, fantasy is commonly divided into two types: high and low. High fantasy is set in a world separate from that of our own, with its own set of rules, whereas low fantasy often intertwines with our own world. High fantasy tends to make use of hard magic systems a lot, and this is seen in movies, books, and TV shows. In fact, many high fantasy TV shows have really imaginative or interesting magic systems, which serve as one of the best parts of the series.
‘The Color of Magic’ (2008)
The Color of Magic is a two-part miniseries based on the first Discworld novel by Terry Pratchett. The series is primarily a fantasy-comedy, one that satirizes and parodies standard fantasy tropes to a ridiculous degree. The universe gets its name from the shape of the planet: it is a flat disc which sits on the backs of four giant elephants, which in turn sit on the back of a giant sea turtle flying through space. Sound absurd? It’s supposed to.
The Color of Magic is part of the wizard-themed subseries of the entire saga, meaning magic is delved into heavily. The magic system of Discworld is loaded with irony. First, the primary job of a wizard isn’t even to use magic, because magic is often extremely cumbersome to use, complex, and hard to control, often resulting in disaster. In this series, wizards treat magic like loading a musket. They go through a complex series of mathematical calculations to lock the spell in their brain for future use. When they need it, they use it, and it’s gone in seconds. Then they have to repeat the process all over again. Moreover, it often leaves one physically exhausted. It’s funny how lame magic actually is in Discworld, but it’s also an interesting and unique concept.
‘Dragon Age: Absolution’ (2022)
Dragon Age: Absolution received mixed reviews from audiences, since it is, after all, a video game adaptation. A lot of video game adaptations are pretty terrible. Whatever you think about this show, the magic system it borrows from the world of the games is pretty spectacular. See, in the Dragon Age universe, magic comes from a limbo-like dimension known as the Fade, which is tied to the world of dreams.
This means that only sapient species that can dream can use magic. Dwarves, for example, cannot dream, and thus, cannot use magic. Those who can access magic are born with the innate gift of it — it is not something that can be learned or acquired. The way spells work is that the magic user reaches through the Veil, drawing energy from the Fade, and using it to warp reality and physics to their will. This, like many RPG games, comes at the expense of mana, a magical energy similar to one’s stamina. The miniseries doesn’t delve into this too deeply, but the games do, and, while it might be very similar to other magic systems in fiction, it’s still interesting.
‘The Witcher’ (2019–Present)
The Witcher is one of those shows that’s had a less-than-impressive reception over the years, although it was loved during its first season. The series is based on the novels by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, so the show, appropriately, borrows its magic system from that. There are two major veins of magic in this world, which are used by two drastically different types of individuals.
The first is the magic used by the titular Witchers. This magic form is incredibly simple, with all Witchers having access to it, a privilege that they earn in the process of becoming a Witcher. To cast spells, they write a rune in the air, with each rune representing its own spell. For example, a fire rune will cast a fire spell. The second form of magic is that used by mages and sorceresses, which is a more classic magic system. These people tap into their own life force to cast spells, which are highly unstable and require exceptional control, so this is only limited to a few individuals. The magic isn’t too deep in this show, but it is fun to watch, and it really makes you feel the gravity and chaos of using it.
‘One Piece’ (1999–Present)
There’s some debate about whether the magic system in One Piece is even a magic system at all. It’s pretty simplistic, but it stands out amongst the others because of how truly unique it is. In this world, pirates rule the seas, many of them possessing magical or supernatural powers. However, these are not gifts given naturally. See, one can only gain these powers by eating Devil Fruits, which are surprisingly common.
Most people choose not to indulge in Devil Fruit, though. This is because there is only one kind of each fruit, meaning each individual fruit grants a unique ability. Once a person has claimed it, they will be the only person in the world with that power. As a result, there is no telling what ability one will get — some abilities are pretty volatile and are more dangerous to oneself than to others. On top of that, eating the fruit will curse the consumer, meaning they will lose their ability to swim, and will never be able to relearn how. This is obviously not a good idea in a primarily oceanic world. What’s great about this magic system is that it’s simple, but there’s also a genuine risk to using it, clearly explaining why not everyone is capable of it.
‘The Legend of Vox Machina’ (2022–Present)
The Legend of Vox Machina is actually based on a custom Dungeons & Dragons campaign played by the Critical Role podcast. What’s pretty neat is that the podcast members actually voice their in-game characters in the show. That aside, the fact that it is based on one of the most iconic tabletop role-playing games means that the magic system used in the show works much the same way as it does in the RPG.
There are three schools of magic: arcane, divine, and natural. Arcane magic is basically shooting magic missiles, enchanting items, and using magical energy itself. Divine magic is more about casting miracles, relying on the power of deities and the light. Lastly, natural magic concerns the elements, especially manipulating the earth or plants. While it might not be an original magic system since it’s borrowed from the RPG it’s based on, it’s so classic that it’s hard not to love it.
‘The Shannara Chronicles’ (2016–2017)
Magic in The Shannara Chronicles comes from the book series of the same name by Terry Brooks. Although, it should be noted that this show is technically low fantasy, since it takes place on Earth, thousands of years after a nuclear apocalypse. However, many still consider it high fantasy since this Earth barely resembles the one we currently know. In any event, the source of magic comes from deep within the Earth itself — an ancient and mystical force that is tied to faerie culture.
Magic manifests in many ways. There are magical talismans, which only work in the hands of the gifted, and there is the traditional form of magic casting. However, this is very unpredictable and dangerous, and requires highly-specialized training in order to wield effectively without accidentally blowing yourself up or dying of exhaustion. There’s also dark magic, which draws upon the power of the Void. It’s a bit complex to explain in full detail here, but needless to say, not everyone is born with the ability to access this. The books explain it in more detail, and while it is pretty traditional in the fantasy world, it’s still entertaining.
‘Shadow and Bone’ (2021–2023)
Shadow and Bone is based on a novel series by Leigh Bardugo, which occurs in her expansive universe known as the Grishaverse. Sadly, the show was cancelled due to low viewership. Still, this is a treatment it didn’t deserve, because people loved its witty dialogue, immersive world, and intriguing magic system. Magical individuals are called Grisha, who divide themselves into three orders.
There are the Corporalki, who manipulate the human body. Some can change their shape, some serve as healers, and others use it as a weapon. Then there are the Etherealki, who can summon aspects of nature, such as light, shadow, air, and fire. Lastly, there are the Materialki, who can manipulate things like metal, poison, and stone. Each order has their own suborders based on what they can control. Interestingly, the magic is performed via hand gestures, so if a Grisha’s hands are bound, they are unable to use magic. This is actually quite a unique one that suits its universe perfectly, and that is fun to not only imagine, but to see play out on screen.
‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ (2005–2008)
The magic in Avatar: The Last Airbender is admittedly, pretty simplistic, but that’s what makes it so great. You have to understand that this is primarily a show geared towards kids, so simplicity is strength. The series takes place on a continent consisting of four nations. Each of the four nations corresponds to one of the four elements, i.e., air, earth, fire, and water. Certain gifted individuals born on these continents, known as “benders,” can manipulate the element of their nation.
For example, a gifted person from the Water Nation would be able to bend water. What’s notable is that most benders cannot conjure their elements from thin air; they can only manipulate what already exists around them. Firebenders seem to be able to conjure fire, but that’s about it. Earthbenders must use the rocks beneath their feet, water benders must use a nearby water source, and airbenders use the surrounding air. Amongst them all, however, is the eponymous Avatar, a chosen one destined to master the art of bending in all four elements, and bring peace to the land. If you weren’t a child of the 2000s, you likely won’t understand the impact the magic in this show had. Playground debates and discussions were everywhere about which element was best. It’s simple, but it works, and that’s why people love this one.
‘The Dragon Prince’ (2018–2024)
In The Dragon Prince, there are three major sapient species: the humans, the elves, and, of course, the dragons. However, only elves and dragons are able to use magic. This actually causes humanity to begin a war with dragons and elves, which is pretty ill-advised. Let’s face it, having a non-magical force go up against two magical forces is probably not going to end well. However, magic can still be accessed by humans via Primal stones, it’s just that humans are the only species that doesn’t have the innate ability.
Anyway, there are two forms of magic: Primal magic, and Dark magic, with Primal being the most common kind. Primal magic is derived from six Primal sources: the sun, the moon, the sky, the earth, the ocean, and the stars. In order to make the magic physically manifest into a spell, one must draw a rune into the air and utter an incantation in Ancient Draconic, the language of dragons. It might be a bit of an amalgamation of a bunch of different fantasy magic systems throughout literature, but the show makes it its own by adding a special flair to it.
‘The Wheel of Time’ (2021–2025)
The Wheel of Time is another series that’s technically low fantasy since it is set in our world, (albeit thousands of years in the future). However, it’s so far removed from reality that many consider it high fantasy anyway. The magic in this show comes from the original novel series by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson. It starts off with one’s innate ability. Every individual has a unique power level, some being very gifted, others, not so much.
The magic is the One Power, which has two halves: saidar and saidin. Saidar is the female half, which only women can access, whilst saidin is the male half. However, saidin has been tainted by the Dark One, meaning any man who can access the One Power is doomed to lose his mind eventually. The way magic actually works is that gifted individuals, called Channelers, tap into the One Power, and weave magical threads consisting of five elements: fire, air, earth, water, and spirit. Combining the elements can give different effects or weaves. The magic is directly tied to one’s energy, meaning it is completely possible, and not uncommon, for one to actually die from exhaustion from channeling too much. The whole concept of threads and weaving comes from the title itself, with time being a spinning wheel or loom rather than a wheel from a vehicle. The show never really got the chance to delve into it too much, but the magic system is moderately complex, and is one of the most iconic magic systems in all of fantasy.
Candiace Dillard Bassett announced her exit from “The Real Housewives of Potomac” in 2024. Since then, she and former costar Ashley Darby have remained on bad terms. Now, ahead of them both appearing on “Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th,” the former “RHOP” star is giving an update on where they stand.
Bassett interviewed with Kevin Bobby while at LA Pride in June 2026. During the short chat, the reporter mentioned Bassett’s run-in with Darby and Gizelle Bryant for “Ultimate Girls Trip.” Specifically, he asked if there was any chance of reconciling with the two “RHOP” stars.
She said, “What I’ll say about Ashley is that we’ve had some calm conversations and I think my time away from the show has shown me- I think she and I can have a mutual understanding.” After that, Bassett had warm wishes for Darby.
The singer and reality star continued, “I wish her well as a mom, and figuring out her new life outside of her marriage and finding peace.” She went on to essentially congratulate her former foe after her years-long divorce from Michael Darby before saying, “Happy Pride, perhaps subtly hinting at rumors of the former husband’s sexuality.
Candiace Previously Celebrated Darby’s Breakup
Darby went through her breakup in April 2022. After that, Bassett appeared on “Watch What Happens Live” several months later and reacted to Darby’s then-romance with fellow Bravo star Luke Gulbranson.
When asked how she felt about the blossoming relationship, Bassett responded, “As much as I, like, just cannot stand her, I’m really happy for her.” She added, “We have so much fun together. Outside of the show, I would maybe go on record as saying we’d maybe be friends.”
Bassett then emphasized, “outside of the show.”
Many fans of “The Real Housewives of Potomac” are hopeful that Darby and Bassett can someday fully mend their relationship. Because of this, some are hopeful following the former “RHOP” star taking the high road despite their contentious past.
One person wrote, “Lmao!!!! The happy pride was some slick-a-s shade toward Michael! The first thing that came to her mind while trying to prevent herself from uttering his name. I miss her so much on my TV.”
Another “RHOP” fan stated, “I mean, Candiace has spoken about the Ashley/Gizelle of it all many a time, and I think we all know where she stands with everybody. It’s time to end that conversation. More interested in her future prospects. She seems to have been putting a lot of effort into her music.”
Someone else reacted, “I love to hear the maturity! She kept it real cute here.” Regarding the relationship dynamic, another social media user stated, “She always despised Michael. Ashley was just collateral from her beef with him.”
Candiace Recently Dished On NeNe Leakes’ ‘Girls Trip’ episode
As mentioned, Bassett will appear on Bravo’s upcoming “The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th.” The limited series is intended to celebrate 20 years of “Real Housewives,” featuring a principal cast of seven women, as well as dozens of other fan-favorites, including NeNe Leakes from “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.”
After filming concluded, Bassett took to her “Undomesticated” podcast to dish on not only her experience, but also what fans can expect from Leakes. Of course, the upcoming appearance will mark her first time on Bravo since leaving “RHOA” in 2020 and later filing a lawsuit.
Bassett said, “I thought that would have been a great segue for her to kind of come back in if ever she was going to come back in.” She continued, “But I will say, her being on that episode, she was honored, and she was honored not just by the cast in the room, but the production honored her.”
The “RHOP” alum then stated that not only did Leakes attend the party that will be featured in the episode, but that she filmed a scene prior to it.
The ‘RHOP’ Alum Shoots Down Returning To The Show
Years after her 2024 exit, Bassett remains a “Real Housewives of Potomac” fan-favorite. During a December 2025 episode of her podcast, she addressed fans’ questions about whether she had plans to return for season 11.
According to her, “I do not have any plans to return to Potomac at this time. I say that, you never know, as someone who believes firmly in never saying never. I’m not saying it will never happen. But what I am saying is, as you all are badgering and beating down my door to come back like, yesterday, I am not having those conversations.”
Actor Hayden Christensen, best known for portraying Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader in the “Star Wars” prequel trilogy and several other Lucasfilm projects, has drawn the ire of fans who were hoping to catch him at Spacecon in San Antonio, Texas, last Saturday. The actor left the convention early in order to watch Game 5 of the NBA finals between the Spurs and the New York Knicks.
Hayden Christensen Departs Space Con Early To Catch NBA Finals
Christensen appeared on a panel alongside actor Jimmy Smits and Ian McDiarmid at Spacecon on Saturday, before announcing that he was “going to try to catch the second half of the game” in a clip that an attendee uploaded on TikTok.
Several witnesses told TMZ they were “upset” that Christensen left the event early, especially since it cost them a pretty penny to attend. In addition to the cost of the panel, the actor charged $175 for autographs, $225 for autographs on special items, and $210 for photo ops.
Now Play Podcast Claims The Actor ‘F-cked Over Fans’
The Now Playing Podcast responded to a video that featured Christensen holding up a jersey. The video, posted by the San Antonio Spurs, featured the caption, “The Force is with us tonight (and so is Anakin! Hayden Christensen is in the building tonight.”
The podcast channel responded to the post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, to explain the “story behind this photo” and claimed that “Hayden f-cked over his fans to get the photo.”
They claimed that the actor “somehow has a clause no other guests have—for him to do a panel at a con he wants more money so they make it a paid, ticketed event.”
“NEVER on 25 years of con going have I seen people pay to attend panels (which are usually pretty sucky). People paid *$100* per ticket to see Hayden with Ian McDermid [sic] and Jimmy Smith [sic] (both of whom would have done the panel for free…but not Hayden),” they alleged.
They went on to say that the panel was scheduled for 8:15 PM, long before the NBA finals were announced, but they decided to move it to 8 PM due to the game. Although the beginning of the panel “went well,” Hayden allegedly got up and left twenty minutes into the panel.
Ian McDiarmid and Jimmy Smits Reportedly Stayed For The Whole Panel
Although McDiarmid and Smits apparently stayed for the entire time, the podcast channel claimed that “attendees say the entire energy left the room with Hayden.”
They concluded: “The unmatched greed and ego shown by Christiansen [sic] for this photo op is really a sign of unwarranted entitlement and a way to sh-t on fans (not me!) who paid $100 ON TOP OF A CON BADGE just to hear him talk.”
In the comments, many fans pointed out that they had attended paid panels in the past, especially at night. One fan who attended the same Spacecon that Christensen left noted that Tom Hiddleston also had a paid panel; however, it was the day before, and he stayed for the whole time. Other fans also questioned the “clause” Christensen allegedly had and doubted its validity.
At this time, it is unclear if disappointed attendees will be refunded.
Hayden Christensen To Return As Anakin Skywalker In ‘Ahsoka’ Season 2
Even though he might have disgruntled some fans with his decision to leave the convention early, Christensen will return to his role as Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader in season 2 of “Ahsoka,” as announced by The Hollywood Reporter in April 2025.
The announcement was made at the Star Wars Celebration event in Tokyo, Japan. Show creator Dave Filoni, executive producer Jon Favreau, and “Ahsoka” actress Rosario Dawson discussed the inspiration behind the show and the making of season 1.
They then featured a clip between Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka on the screen before Christensen walked out to thunderous applause. “There’s not much I can share, but Anakin will be back for season two,” Christensen said at the time.
Although season 2 of “Ahsoka” was filmed in 2025 and many fans expected it to be released on Disney+ in 2026, the show’s sophomore outing has been delayed to 2027.
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