Entertainment
10 Greatest Dark Fantasy Movies of the Last 25 Years, Ranked
The fantasy genre is perhaps the oldest and most diverse genre of storytelling, able to bring to life fantastical worlds full of heroes and monsters limited only by the imagination of the storyteller. One of its more popular subgenres is dark fantasy, which focuses more on the nitty-gritty parts of the fantasy world. Morality is complex, heroes don’t always come home alive, and the themes explored are aimed at a more mature audience.
The 21st century has seen more than its fair share of dark fantasy movies. Be it live action or animation, they’re sure to leave an impression thanks to their visuals and storytelling, which makes use of the more mature settings to tell stories that really stick with you after viewing. These are the best dark fantasy movies of the last 25 years, proving that fantasy can handle remarkably dark settings and premises without losing its distinct essence.
10
‘Constantine’ (2005)
John Constantine (Keanu Reeves) is a cynical master of the occult who travels the world to stop the plans of demons and other supernatural beings. Unfortunately, he has terminal lung cancer and, due to an attempted suicide, is condemned to Hell when he dies. He uses the time he has to help detective Angela Dodson (Rachel Weisz) investigate the death of her sister, which leads the two to learn of a plot by the Devil’s (Peter Stormare) son, Mammon, to usurp his father and rule the Earth.
Constantine takes a lot of liberties in adapting the Hellblazer comics, but for what it is, it’s a fun time. It does a good job building a surreal and dark atmosphere with the demon incursions, and while Reeves is far from a perfect match for John Constantine, he delivers a solid performance that captures just how fed up with everything his character is. The best performances, though, come from Stormare, whose brief appearance as Lucifer steals the entire show, and Tilda Swinton, who perfectly melds into her role as the angel Gabriel.
9
‘Hellboy’ (2004)
Hellboy (Ron Perlman) is a demon who was summoned into the world by Grigori Rasputin (Karel Roden) during the closing days of World War II and was raised by a scientist named Trevor Bruttenholm (Sir John Hurt). In the modern day, Hellboy works for the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defence to protect the world from occult horrors, alongside his partner, a psychic fish-man named Abraham Sapien (Doug Jones). Unfortunately, Rasputin returns to bring about the apocalypse, and Hellboy is integral to his plans.
Hellboy is a match made in heaven, combining the vivid world of Mike Mignola‘s comics with the vision of the king of dark fantasy films, Guillermo del Toro. The result is a blast of a film that has plenty of action and pathos, especially when Hellboy struggles between his dark destiny and his desire to do good. It also looks gorgeous for an early 2000s film, with some pretty good CGI that still holds up, and phenomenal practical effects, especially on Perlman to turn him into the titular demon.
8
‘Corpse Bride’ (2005)
Victor van Dort (Johnny Depp) is arranged to marry Victoria Everglot (Emily Watson) so that her impoverished family can regain their wealth, and his newly rich family can gain social status. While Victor and Victoria do like one another, Victor is too nervous to memorize his vows, so he goes into the woods to practice. There, he unknowingly pledges his love to Emily (Helena Bonham Carter), a young woman who was killed on her wedding night and takes Victor with her to the Underworld.
Corpse Bride‘s macabre aesthetic and rather morbid style might at first seem depressing, but the film balances it out with a rather interesting choice to portray death. Instead of something to be feared, death is portrayed as liberating—though still not something one should seek out before their time—with the denizens of the Underworld being free to cut loose and have fun. It’s also a beautiful love story with plenty of twists and turns, and a strong emphasis on the sacrifices required to make a relationship work.
7
‘The Green Knight’ (2021)
On Christmas Day, the court of King Arthur (Sean Harris) is visited by a mysterious Green Knight (Ralph Ineson), who proposes a game: he will offer his axe to any knight who strikes a blow on him, provided that, in one year, the knight will seek him at the Green Chapel and receive the same blow. Arthur’s nephew, Gawain (Dev Patel), accepts the challenge and cuts off the Green Knight’s head, but he just picks it up and rides off. A year goes by, and Gawain chooses to uphold his promise, but the journey to do so is fraught with more dangers than he first realized.
The Green Knight plays out like a lucid dream. The movie is full of strange events and characters that make you question what is real and what is not, from mist walking giants to loyal foxes. The story is a solid coming-of-age tale, with Gawain forced to grow from an impetuous youth who doesn’t know his way through the world to a knight who values the importance of honor and chivalry, but still has the same flaws as any man.
6
‘A Monster Calls’ (2018)
Conor O’Malley (Lewis MacDougall) is a young boy who is struggling to accept the fact that his terminally ill mother (Felicity Jones) will die soon, and he will have to live with his strict grandmother (Sigourney Weaver). One night, he sees a yew tree transform into a giant monster (Liam Neeson) who seeks him out. The monster will tell Conor three stories, after which the boy must tell a fourth that is linked to a recurring nightmare.
A Monster Calls is minimal in its use of fantasy elements, which makes their inclusion all the more potent. They are used to highlighting the film’s major themes of grief, loss, and the complexity of the human experience, with the monster’s stories having similarities to the struggles Conor is experiencing. Speaking of the two main leads, they are fantastic: Neeson gives the right level of comfort and fury that makes you question the monster’s intentions for Conor, while MacDougall goes all out in portraying Conor’s grief, especially during the climax.
5
‘ParaNorman’ (2012)
Norman Babcock (Kodi Smit-McPhee) is a young boy who possesses the ability to speak to the dead, which makes him a social outcast. One day, he is approached by his deranged uncle, Mr. Prenderghast (John Goodman), who tells Norman he must take up a yearly ritual to keep the community safe from a witch’s ghost. Norman initially ignores him, but strange things begin happening around town, from cryptic visions to the dead walking.
ParaNorman uses its dark aesthetic to tell a beautiful story about fear. It’s explored from multiple angles, such as how fear can prevent us from achieving our full potential, or how our fear of the unknown can lead to terrible actions with long-reaching consequences. Combined with how relatable Norman’s attempts to find belonging are, and you have a movie that balances images usually reserved for horror films with heartfelt storytelling that really sticks with you.
4
‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio’ (2022)
Griefstricken over the loss of his son, a woodcarver named Geppetto (David Bradley) chops down a pine tree that grew over his grave to carve into a puppet in his likeness. A passing wood sprite (Tilda Swinton) takes pity on the grieving father and uses her magic to bring the puppet to life, naming him Pinocchio (Gregory Mann) and assigning a cricket who lived in the tree named Sebastian (Ewan McGregor) to be his conscience. Unfortunately, Pinocchio’s lack of self-control leads him into trouble, and various factions seek to exploit him, especially when it’s made apparent that he cannot die.
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio is the darkest and most creative adaptation of Carlo Collodi’s story, partially because of its themes of death and the price of immortality. Del Toro explores such complex issues through Pinocchio’s talks with the wood sprite’s sister, Death (Tilda Swinton), who argues that Pinocchio’s immortality is more of a curse than a blessing. Del Toro also decided to change the idea of Pinocchio having to turn human to be considered a real boy, and instead emphasizes Geppetto coming to love him as much as his real son.
3
‘The Shape of Water’ (2017)
Elisa Esposito (Sally Hawkins) is a mute woman who works as a janitor at a secret government research facility during the Cold War. One day, soldiers bring in an Amphibian Man (Doug Jones) captured in South America, which they plan to vivisect in the hopes that his biology can give them an edge over the Soviet Union in the space race. Elisa bonds with the creature in secret and recruits her friends to both smuggle him out of the facility and help him escape into the wild.
The Shape of Water is the second fantasy movie to win the Academy Award for Best Picture after The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, and it’s more than deserving of such praise. Taking inspiration from Creature From the Black Lagoon, del Toro instead uses the idea of a fish-man to explore themes of “the other,” namely, in how we, as humans, tend to ostracize, fear, or even destroy that which we do not understand. Yet its story remains a hopeful one, as while there are wicked people who will do just that, others are willing to embrace and try to understand the unknown, leading to beautiful discoveries, such as romance.
2
‘Coraline’ (2009)
With her parents too busy to give her attention, young Coraline Jones (Dakota Fanning) explores the Pink Palace Apartments they have moved into, meeting all sorts of eccentric neighbors and the landlady’s grandson, Wyborne “Wybie” Lovat (Robert Bailey Jr.). During her explorations, Coraline finds a door in the wall that leads to an alternate world where everyone has black buttons for eyes, and everything caters to Coraline’s every whim. Her Other Mother (Teri Hatcher) offers to let her stay forever if she sews buttons onto her eyes, but a black cat (Keith David) who can travel between both worlds warns Coraline that all is not as it seems.
Coraline was the first film to come from Laika Studios, and is by far one of the best stop-motion films ever made. The puppets are constructed and move with incredible attention to detail, resulting in life-like interactions and designs that give the film a unique identity, even when compared to director Henry Selick‘s other stop-motion films. Where it truly shines is its story, which is a cautionary tale about being careful of what you wish for and appreciating what you have, and it is not afraid to scare kids as the mask of beauty is pulled away to reveal how rotten and fake the Other World is.
1
‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ (2006)
Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) is a young girl living in Francoist Spain, and is moving with her pregnant mother to live with her Falangist stepfather, Captain Vidal (Sergi López). One day, she follows some fairies down into a labyrinth, where she meets a faun (Doug Jones), who tells her that she is the reincarnation of Princess Moanna of the Underworld. To reclaim her throne and memories, Ofelia must perform three dangerous tasks, all while trying to care for her mother as her health declines, while Vidal hunts down rebels.
Pan’s Labyrinth is frequently cited as possibly the greatest fairy tale film ever made, and it’s by far del Toro’s masterpiece. The film uses the fantastical world to mirror the real-world dangers that Ofelia is navigating, making the monsters all the more terrifying, and harkening back to how classic fairy tales were quite dark in order to impart important life lessons to children. This approach leads to a beautifully bittersweet ending that makes you question how much of the magic was real or not.
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Entertainment
‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Meets ‘The Lord of the Rings’ in This Fantasy Adventure Sleeper Hit
While science fiction has been dominating entertainment in 2026, fantasy has been on the rise lately, with the release of Masters of the Universe, Season 4 of The Legend of Vox Machina, and, arguably, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which has reached $1 billion at the global box office. With many fantasy-adventure projects coming out, it’s no surprise that fans of the genre are revisiting one of its most underrated films, which features a star-studded cast but was seen as a box-office disappointment despite high praise.
Recently, a handful of projects that were seen as disappointments at release have found new audiences on streaming. One current example is the Battleship movie — based on the board game of the same name and featuring a slew of A-list celebrities — which was one of the “biggest box-office bombs of all time,” but has made a streaming comeback. Now, another movie based on a popular board game has found a new audience on streaming.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves was a 2023 fantasy heist film based on the Dungeons & Dragons franchise. Recently, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves dominated Pluto TV’s Top 10 Movie charts during the weekend, ranking #1 in the U.S., just above Top Gun: Maverick. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves stars Chris Pine as Edgin the bard, as he embarks on a heist with his friend Holga the barbarian (Michelle Rodriguez), Simon the wizard (Justice Smith), and Doric the druid (Sophia Lillis) to take back a magic artifact from their former friend and con artist Forge (Hugh Grant), and regain the trust of Edgin’s daughter, Kira (Chloe Coleman). Alongside the main cast, the film also features Bradley Cooper as Holga’s ex-husband, Marlamin; the Australian comedy group Aunty Donna; and a live-action cameo from the main characters of the Dungeons & Dragons TV series.
Is ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ Worth Watching?
Since its release, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves has grossed over $208 million worldwide and was seen as a box-office disappointment. However, the movie was highly praised, earning a 91% Certified Fresh critics’ score and a 92% Verified Hot audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. According to critics, ScreenRant praised the movie’s action sequences and special effects, but there were moments where it may be hard to keep up with the Dungeons & Dragons references, especially for those who have not played the board game. Meanwhile, CBR also praised the movie, most notably the cast, who were able to bring their characters’ personalities and archetypes to life.
Collider’s Carly Lane gave Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves a “B+” rating. She praised the movie for being thoughtful and playful in its execution, and for its filmmakers, Jonathan Goldstein, John Francis Daley, and screenwriter Michael Gillio, for adapting a franchise without shoving Easter eggs or fan service into every scene.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is available to stream on Pluto TV. Follow Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
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March 31, 2023
- Runtime
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134 minutes
- Producers
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Nick Meyer, Brian Goldner, Jeremy Latcham
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The twisted true crime series has hosted a number rising and veteran actors over the years.
Taylor Swift made a surprise appearance at the premiere of the highly anticipated fifth installment of “Toy Story,” more than a week after revealing that she had recorded a song for the film.
The pop superstar arrived at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, walking the red carpet in a patchwork dress. Later, Swift performed the song “I Knew It, I Knew You,” followed by a duet with legendary composer Randy Newman.
Swift has long been a fan of the “Toy Story” franchise, and her involvement was strictly kept under wraps, making the surprise reveal of her contribution to the film’s soundtrack even more exciting for fans.
On June 9, Taylor Swift was among the stars who attended the “Toy Story 5” premiere at the Dolby Theatre in L.A. The singer stunned in an adorable off-shoulder corset mini dress from Erdem’s 2026 fall/winter collection that she accessorized with a sparkling horseshoe pendant and gold heeled sandals.
Swift’s appearance was a welcome surprise. On June 1, the singer finally confirmed rumors that she was somewhat involved in the latest “Toy Story” movie. In an Instagram post, she shared with her millions of followers that she penned the original song “I Knew It, I Knew You,” for the film.
“I’ve always dreamed of getting to write for these characters who I’ve adored since I was a 5 year old kid watching the first Toy Story movie,” she wrote.
Tom Hanks Signed An Autograph For The Singer
According to USA Today, Swift had a fangirl moment with the film’s stars and asked Tom Hanks, who has voiced Sheriff Woody Pride for more than three decades, for an autograph.
The 36-year-old singer reportedly brought her VHS copy of the first “Toy Story” movie, which was released in 1995 when she was just 5 years old.
“I didn’t get a selfie, but I did sign her original VHS of the first ‘Toy Story.’ I told her she should have brought an original VHS machine, and we could have signed it. And that could go in the Smithsonian as well,” Hanks said of his interaction with Swift.
Taylor Swift Performed Her New Song Live For The First Time
Following the “Toy Story 5” screening, Swift took the stage for a surprise performance. Donning a flowing yellow dress, she sat behind the piano and did a stripped-down version of “I Knew It, I Knew You.”
The song, written specifically for Jessie’s character, is included in the “Toy Story 5” soundtrack. It marks Swift’s latest project with longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff, whom she worked with on several of her albums.
However, the surprise didn’t stop there. Next, composer Randy Newman took his place on the piano and performed a duet of “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” the main theme song of the “Toy Story” franchise.
A Decoy Was Created To Keep The Secret
After Swift’s revelation on June 1, “Toy Story 5” VFX Supervisor Thomas Jordan revealed that only a handful of people knew that Swift had a song in the movie. Jordan said the singer saw an early version of the film in February, wrote a song, and asked them if they wanted it.
The team then created a decoy version of “Toy Story 5,” one where Swift’s song wasn’t included, so they could show Pixar/Disney employees and press the film without spoiling the surprise. Jordan said that even the majority of the crew who worked on the movie did not know about Swift’s involvement.
Rumors Of Taylor Swift’s Involvement Spread In April
Despite the secrecy, eagle-eyed Swifties were quick to figure out several clues.
On April 30, Swift’s official website displayed a countdown clock, but it quickly disappeared. Those who saw it, however, noted that the background showed a blue sky with a few puffy clouds, which was similar to the wallpaper from “Toy Story.”
Later, the singer was spotted wearing a sky-blue dress paired with a yellow purse and red shoes, the signature colors of the “Toy Story” franchise. Then, billboards that featured the “TS” initials with a sky and clouds background appeared at different locations, sparking further speculation. It wasn’t until Swift’s Instagram post, however, that the rumors were confirmed.
In a post on June 5, Swift wrote, “Being a Toy Story kid from the age of 5 til now… is an adventure I plan to be on, to infinity and beyond.”
Love Island USA‘s Sol Dean got brutally honest about how the “taste” of Gabriel Vasconcelos‘ kiss made her reconsider exploring a romance with him.
During the Tuesday, June 9, episode of the Peacock show, Sol and Gabriel bonded at Soul Ties before they gave into the chemistry with a kiss.
“Gabe, he’s obviously handsome. But I can taste people’s pheromones when I’m kissing them,” Sol explained in a confessional.
The bombshell blamed the kiss for shifting her interest, adding, “Sometimes it just turns me off. My body’s just like, ‘That was not it, girl.’”
Love Island USA is all about coupling up — so which Islanders are currently together and which have already called it quits in the villa? Peacock’s popular dating show returned in June 2026 with contestants Aniya Harvey, Beatriz Hatz, Bryce Alakai Dettloff, KC Chandler, Mackenzie “Kenzie” Annis, Melanie Moreno, Sincere Rhea, Sean Reifel, Trinity Tatum […]
Gabriel’s fizzled-out romance with Sol came amid him being coupled up with Beatriz Hatz. Their future remained unclear after he secretly made a move on Sol, who also formed a bond with Sincere Rhea.
The newcomer previously turned heads when the Islanders had to read out sex facts and figure out which of them it was about during a challenge. One of the revelations was that an Islander slept with someone in their 50s.
“I was out and I was having a good time with my friends. She started talking to me and she was hot as f*** for her age,” Gabriel, who is 26 years old, said about his encounter with the 52-year-old. “We had a good night together. She had a lot of experience.”
Gabriel’s sexual history was then joked about when narrator Iain Stirling compared him to a “reverse Leonardo DiCaprio” due to the actor’s dating history. In addition to Gabriel and Beatriz, season 8 of Love Island USA features Aniya Harvey, Bryce Alakai Dettloff, KC Chandler, Mackenzie “Kenzie” Annis, Melanie Moreno, Sincere Rhea, Sean Reifel, Trinity, Corbin Mims, Kayda Bosse and Zach Georgiou.
Sol, Jen Terry and Caleb McDaniel are the newest group of bombshells who entered the villa in hopes of breaking up some couples.
Love Island USA follows a group of singles who must pair off in order to stay in the show’s luxury villa. The contestants — referred to as Islanders — live in isolation in a villa under constant video surveillance. They must be coupled up to remain on the show and earn a shot at the $100,000 prize.
While the islanders are filming nonstop for weeks, viewers are watching daily episodes and casting votes that affect the couples and the fate of the contestants.
Before viewers tuned in, Peacock issued a message to remind the audience to be kind.
“The Villa runs on good vibes, and so does this community. We love seeing your reactions, opinions, and debates, but everyone deserves to feel safe and respected,” read their statement. “This is a space for fun, not negativity – so keep it kind, keep it positive, and remember: this is LOVE Island!”
New episodes of Love Island USA are released six days a week — except for Wednesdays — on Peacock.
Join Us Weekly and Bracketology.tv in our first-ever Love Island USA fantasy league! This is your chance to predict who you think will win Season 8 and rank the Islanders weekly based on how confident you are that they will survive the next elimination. You will be playing against our editors, get access to exclusive content and have the chance to win fun prizes. Sign up for free today!
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“It seems like she’s doing everything she wants to do,” Carmen Electra said of Pamela Anderson’s recent success.
Love Island USA‘s Sincere Rhea claimed Mel Moreno‘s behavior in the villa was putting their future as a couple at risk.
The Tuesday, June 9, episode of the Peacock show picked up with Sincere questioning how Mel was behaving with other guys – while not allowing him to explore connections with other women despite them not being “closed off” as a couple.
“I feel very disrespected,” Sincere told Mel in a heated argument. “You’re sitting there kissing every single body.”
Sincere specifically called out how Mel went back and forth between kissing him and Corbin Mims over and over again in a challenge, adding, “You were literally going ping pong with me and Corbin. It’s embarrassing. I felt disrespected and embarrassed.”
Mel, for her part, tried to apologize.
“I’m sorry. But do you know that I didn’t know that that was Corbin, right? I couldn’t see,” she told Sincere, who fired back, “But you could feel … He’s clearly different than I am.”
He continued: “Have your fun and explore. You are here to play this game but don’t play the game with me. I’m here for a reason. Then the cherry on top was when all they did was say Caleb [McDaniel] and then you started jumping up and down. We literally saw his feet and you were tweaking.”
Mel defended her reaction by saying she was more excited for Kenzie Annis.
“I keep hurting his feelings and I’m not trying to hurt his feelings,” she explained in a confessional. “I’m not doing anything on purpose but I think sometimes I guess I just do too much. He genuinely believes I knew it was Corbin. I did not. Me having fun and challenges does not delete everything I feel about Sincere, and I hate that he thinks that way. I f**ked up. ”
While Mel tried to apologize, the damage was done. Sincere started to heavily pursue new bombshell Sol Dean, who was just as interested in him. They kissed twice in secret before Mel walked in on them — and Sincere came clean.
Sincere tried to argue that he was still committed to Mel but she was clearly worried about their future together not that he was exploring with other women. Tuesday’s episode was also brought for KC Chandler and Aniya Harvey as they tried to figure out who closed off they actually were.
Love Island USA is all about coupling up — so which Islanders are currently together and which have already called it quits in the villa? Peacock’s popular dating show returned in June 2026 with contestants Aniya Harvey, Beatriz Hatz, Bryce Alakai Dettloff, KC Chandler, Mackenzie “Kenzie” Annis, Melanie Moreno, Sincere Rhea, Sean Reifel, Trinity Tatum […]
Meanwhile Zach Georgiou and Kayda Bosse realized they both had to explore other options because the other wasn’t completely writing anyone new off yet. The various cracks in the villa relationships came as Peacock opened voting up for the first time this season.
Viewers will have the chance to choose who each bombshell should pair up with — and that will ultimately decide the next recoupling.
New episodes of Love Island USA are released six days a week — except for Wednesdays — on Peacock.
Join Us Weekly and Bracketology.tv in our first-ever Love Island USA fantasy league! This is your chance to predict who you think will win Season 8 and rank the Islanders weekly based on how confident you are that they will survive the next elimination. You will be playing against our editors, get access to exclusive content and have the chance to win fun prizes. Sign up for free today!
Entertainment
Forget Deadpool, Ryan Reynolds Has Another Cult Classic That Deserves a Comeback [Exclusive]
Rumors continue to swirl around Welsh football club co-owner Ryan Reynolds, as the fingers of MCU fans are kept tightly crossed, wishing for Deadpool to join the Avengers for the upcoming Doomsday. Scheduled for release on December 18, the confirmed involvement of a jaw-dropping ensemble — including Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Florence Pugh, Pedro Pascal, and more — is impressive enough, but a cryptic post on Reynolds’ social media and his vague comments at the Toronto International Film Festival caught the attention of fans across the world.
It is now considered a realistic possibility that Reynolds will appear in Doomsday, although a cameo is most likely. Deadpool’s return is perhaps at the top of fans’ list of Reynolds character reprisals, but another that some will be hoping to see again comes from one of the actor’s early cult classics. The hugely underrated Just Friends, a comedy flick released in 2005 co-starring Reynolds and Amy Smart, was initially panned by critics upon release, with reviewers supposedly feeling “shortchanged” by a “lackluster” comedy.
However, time has been kind to Just Friends, with the film now considered a comedic gem from the mid-noughties, thanks to its subversion of comedy stereotypes and a frankly iconic performance from Scary Movie‘s Anna Faris. During a panel hosted by Collider’s Maggie Lovitt at the recent Indiana Comic Convention, Reynolds’ co-star Smart spoke of her love for the project, naming it as the one movie she’d love to return to. “I hope that we do a Just Friends 2. I just want that one,” Smart said. But where would Chris and Jamie be over two decades on? “There’s so many variations. I do think Chris and Jamie got married, I think they have kids, but I don’t know what kind of drama ensues,” Smart answered.
Was ‘Just Friends’ a Box Office Hit?
Sure, the movie proved unsuccessful with critics, but could Just Friends find enough of an audience for financial success? Against a reported production budget of $25 million, Just Friends just missed out on the all-important $50 million mark, with a total box office haul of $42 million. Split between $32 million in domestic revenue and a further $10 million from overseas markets, the film failed to even open inside the U.S. top five in its first weekend, although it faced the all-conquering Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
For the latest movie news, stay tuned to Collider.
- Release Date
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November 23, 2005
- Runtime
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96 minutes
- Director
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Roger Kumble
Entertainment
“Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” actors Jane Seymour and Joe Lando look back on their short-lived romance
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Seymour and Lando played beloved couple Michaela Quinn and Byron Sully on the 1990s TV series “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.”
Ariana Grande is back on the road for the first time in years, but her return to touring has arrived alongside major changes in her personal life.
Just days after launching her highly anticipated Eternal Sunshine Tour, news emerged that the singer and her “Wicked” co-star Ethan Slater had quietly ended their relationship months ago.
While the breakup surprised some fans, sources close to Grande claim the split reflects a familiar pattern that has played out throughout several chapters of the pop star’s life.
The breakup became public just two days after Ariana Grande kicked off her Eternal Sunshine Tour in Oakland, California.
Sources revealed that the singer and Ethan Slater had actually ended their relationship several months earlier after nearly three years together.
By the time the news surfaced, some fans had already noticed the pair had not been photographed together for months.
Their romance began in late 2022 while filming the two-part “Wicked” adaptation, where Grande portrayed Glinda and Slater played Boq.
At the time, both stars were married. Grande later separated from her husband, Dalton Gomez, while Slater filed for divorce from Lilly Jay shortly after news of his relationship with Grande became public.
However, because of the timing, the relationship immediately attracted scrutiny and accusations that the pair had become involved while still with their spouses.
The “God Is A Woman” singer repeatedly denied claims of an affair, but the controversy reignited discussions about her past relationships and dating history.
Now, sources say the romance ultimately faded as Grande shifted her focus toward a demanding new chapter in her career.
Grande’s Inner Circle Claims A Familiar Pattern Has Emerged
According to insiders, those close to Ariana Grande have observed a recurring trend when it comes to her relationships.
“Ariana and relationships have always been a bit of a complicated mix. She tends to fall hard and fast, and when she does, it’s all-consuming,” one source told the Daily Mail.
The insider claimed that the 32-year-old often becomes fully immersed in whichever relationship she enters, but major career opportunities can eventually redirect that focus. According to the source, a new film, album, or tour can quickly become her primary focus.
“The person she’s with gets her full attention, and it’s easy to get swept up in that. But then something shifts. That’s a pattern people around her have seen play out more than once,” they added.
The source also revealed that Slater reportedly hoped the relationship would continue. However, Grande reportedly “followed her own instincts,” and decided it was time to move on.
Despite the breakup, another source stressed that the separation was amicable and that both stars remain supportive of one another.
Ariana Grande Entered A New Era After Leaving The World Of ‘Wicked’
For much of the past three years, Grande’s life revolved around “Wicked.” The former Nickelodeon star transformed her appearance for the role, traded her signature brunette hair for blonde locks, and largely stepped away from music while bringing Glinda to life on screen.
However, once excitement surrounding “Wicked: For Good” began winding down, Grande quickly pivoted back to her music career.
In August 2025, she surprised fans by announcing the Eternal Sunshine Tour, her first major tour since 2019.
The ambitious schedule includes 40 shows across North America and Europe. Following stops throughout California, the southern United States, New York, Boston, Montreal, and Chicago, Grande will head overseas for a lengthy run at London’s O2 Arena.
The tour supports both her 2024 album “Eternal Sunshine” and her upcoming album “Petal,” which is scheduled for release on July 31.
While fans initially speculated that the new music could be inspired by her breakup, reports indicated that “Petal” was not created around her relationship with Slater or their split.
Grande’s Health Continues To Worry Fans And Loved Ones
As Ariana Grande embarks on months of performances, concerns about her health have resurfaced. During the “Wicked” press tour, reports suggested some of her loved ones feared she was “not in a healthy place” and had been struggling under mounting pressure.
Additional concerns emerged after a frightening incident at the Singapore premiere of “Wicked: For Good,” where an overzealous fan reportedly confronted her.
Friends and family are also said to worry about the Grammy Award winner’s anxiety levels and lingering PTSD stemming from the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing.
“The concern from people close to her is that she’s spent so much time taking care of everyone else that she hasn’t given herself the opportunity to slow down and recharge,” one source said.
Another insider claimed that those around her remain anxious about the demands of touring. According to them, “People who know her well and care deeply are anxious that she might have taken on too much.”
The source noted that Grande’s perfectionist tendencies add another layer of pressure because she remains heavily involved in nearly every aspect of the production.
Ariana Grande Faces Growing Concern As The Tour Moves Forward
Grande’s ongoing tour began on June 6 and in a matter of hours, photos and videos from the opening nights quickly sparked concern among fans, many of whom commented on her noticeably thin appearance and apparent lack of energy.
“I just can’t look at some of these pictures, it breaks my heart,” one fan wrote. Another added, “I hope she’s taking care of herself throughout this tour.”
A third supporter expressed concern that the demanding schedule could impact her overall wellbeing.
The scrutiny is something Grande has addressed before. During a 2024 interview, she reflected on spending much of her life under public observation.
“I’ve been kind of doing this in front of the public and kind of been a specimen in a petri dish, really, since I was 16 or 17,” she said.
The Hollywood star also criticized people who felt comfortable commenting on others’ bodies, describing the behavior as “really dangerous for all parties involved.”
Despite her public stance, sources say Grande is fully aware that concern about her wellbeing has intensified only days into the tour. Her inner circle is reportedly monitoring the situation closely and hopes she adopts a healthier routine once the tour settles into a rhythm.
Still, some worry the larger issue may come after the final show. “They’re hopeful that she’ll slow down,” one source suggested, but the fear remains that Grande may jump directly into another major project without taking time to rest after the tour concludes in September.
Amanda Batula made a declaration of love to husband Kyle Cooke on In the City, just months before she told him she was done with their marriage.
“My biggest fear is losing you,” Amanda, 34, told Kyle, 43, on the Tuesday, June 9, episode of the Bravo series. “And that’s scary. And I get frustrated with how badly I want it to work.”
Amanda’s honesty about her feelings toward Kyle, whom she married in September 2021, came to light amid her and Kyle’s conversation about her moving out of their shared apartment in New York City.
“Do you feel like you’re in love with me?” Kyle asked as the pair had lunch together in October 2025. Amanda didn’t hesitate, responding, “Yes, that’s why I’m doing this. Are you even still in love with me?”
“Of course, I love you,” Kyle said. Amanda interrupted asking again, “Are you still in love with me?”
Kyle started to laugh because of how intensely Amanda was looking at him across the table. “Of course. Stop! I love you,” he responded.
Amanda was also giggling as she pointed out to him, “I’m a f***ing catch and I want you to treat me like that.”
Kyle Cooke and Amanda Batula in summer 2025. Courtesy of Kyle Cooke/Instagram
Kyle got serious, responding, “K. Then let’s bring that back.”
Amanda explained that while they were living apart, she wanted to feel like Kyle was “doing everything you can to fight for this relationship and that you don’t want to lose me.”
“OK,” Kyle replied.
Earlier in their conversation, Amanda confirmed that she had gotten the keys to her new apartment — a furnished property with a year-long lease as opposed to a month-to-month setup she initially pitched — and would be moving that week.
“This hasn’t been an easy decision for me to make,” Amanda claimed to Kyle. “The reason that I feel like I’m able to get through it is because I’m really hoping this move is going to make a shift in our relationship.”
When Kyle asked whether he would be getting a key, Amanda said “no,” but reminded him that she would be keeping her keys to their place.
“You tell the front desk you’re coming to see me. Then you go to the elevator, push my floor and just go up. You don’t need keys,” Amanda explained.
Kyle called the situation “uncharted territory,” wondering whether Amanda would give him a “heads up” when she was coming over. She agreed, saying she would text before dropping by.
Amanda Batula and Kyle Cooke in July 2025. Courtesy of Kyle Cooke/Instagram
As Kyle tried to get onboard with their relationship shift, he asked Amanda to do one thing for him.
“Speak to me like we’re making decisions together, not that you’ve already made up your mind,” he said. “That’s all I’m saying.”
Amanda nodded in agreement, telling him, “OK. You’re not single. I’m not single,” once again outlining their new roles while living separately.
“I know, I still have my wedding ring on,” Kyle said before noticing that Amanda wasn’t wearing hers. “What the s*** is that?”
Amanda laughed it off, claiming, “I don’t have any jewelry on!”
Kyle and Amanda later outlined their guidelines to living apart while still being together, with Amanda saying, “I feel like we should be at each other’s places at least two times a week.”
She also wanted to keep up with couples therapy weekly, telling Kyle, “I think that’s going to be our saving grace.”
Kyle, for his part, was in total agreement.
Amanda Batula admitted on Summer House that couples therapy was her and husband Kyle Cooke’s “last option” to save their marriage — just months before they announced their divorce in January. “Last weekend was really, really bad,” Amanda, 34, said during the Tuesday, April 7, episode of Summer House, which filmed in August 2025. Amanda […]
While Amanda admitted to Lindsay Hubbard during the episode that she felt like she was in a “weird limbo” by living on her own amid her marriage to Kyle, she told the cameras she was hopeful for their future.
“The plan is still the same. To try and reconnect again. We’re not dating other people. We’re not seeing other people,” Amanda insisted. “This is to create space to actually try to date each other again. In my delusional little mind I think that this could actually work.”
Just a few months after Kyle and Amanda filmed In the City, they announced their split. The pair were married four years before they released a statement in January saying they’d parted ways. (Amanda later revealed that she was the one that initiated the statement and told Bravo they were breaking up.)
The following month, rumors surfaced that Amanda was hooking up with Summer House costar West Wilson, but they downplayed the speculation. However, Amanda and West, 31, later released a joint statement on March 31, confirming that their platonic relationship had turned romantic.
Kyle Cooke and Amanda Batula in September 2025. Courtesy of Kyle Cooke/Instagram
The development sent shockwaves through the Bravo universe because of how soon after Kyle and Amanda’s split she moved on with West.
West’s past romance with Summer House costar and Amanda’s former BFF Ciara Miller also raised eyebrows among the cast. (West and Ciara, 30, dated in 2023 but were very cozy during summer 2025 and into the fall after season 10 of Summer House.)
“Was there any physical activity? I don’t care if there’s any emotional affair, because at this point that’s subjective. Did you ever hook up in 2025?” Kyle asked West and Amanda during part 3 of the Summer House reunion, which aired on Tuesday, trying to get clarification on their timeline.
West replied, “No, f*** no.”
West Wilson weighed in on Kyle Cooke and Amanda Batula’s marriage — and rocky relationship — two months before confirming his romance with Amanda. “They are very different people,” West, 31, exclusively told Us Weekly in January of Kyle, 43, and Amanda, 34, after the then-couple’s marriage struggles were teased in a trailer for season […]
Amanda was on the same page, telling Kyle, “On my f***ing life, on the dogs’ life, no,” referring to the exes’ two puppies.
While Lindsay, 39, told Kyle that “an emotional affair is so much worse,” he admitted he agreed, but added, “But we’re never going to be able to prove that.”
The Summer House reunion concluded with Kyle telling Amanda off stage, “I hate when our 10-year relationship gets talked about as if it was 100 percent bad.”
The former couple exchanged a big hug and Kyle cried as Amanda responded, “I know. I’m sorry.”
Kyle later told host Andy Cohen that he made a “big effort to just be at peace” when he and Amanda called it quits.
However, he confessed, “I don’t know where we go from here. … This was not something I ever thought was going to be possible.”
In the City airs on Bravo Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET.
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