The world has changed since the advent of South Korea culture in 2020. Additionally, in the United States, K-Dramas have begun an endless cycle of popularity in Western pop culture. Netflix was one of the first streaming platforms that caught onto the potential of K-Dramas, first with the acclaimed Squid Game, and then simultaneously conjoining with Korean TV broadcast releases, such as what happened with Business Proposal.

Titles such as Crash Landing On You were internationally distributed on the streaming platform, which made more Western viewers interested in the beauty of K-Dramas. However, some K-Dramas are really underrated and should be viewed and engaged with as much as the popular ones out there. Furthermore, Collider is giving out a compilation of K-Dramas that are better than Crash Landing On You, so you can begin streaming them right away. Without further ado, cook some delicious Korean food at home, sit on the couch, and begin deep diving into these wonderful K-Drama titles.

10

‘It’s Okay Not To Be Okay’ (2020)

Image via Netflix 

Some K-Dramas are well-done but lack the emotional depth that draws viewers in. This is not the case for the very popular K-Drama It’s Okay Not To Be Okay. Even if it is a pretty recent one, this K-Drama has it all: excellent portrayals from both main leads, a storyline that pulls your heartstrings, stunning cinematography, and characters that feel very realistic, which brings more emotion to the viewer in the first place.

It’s Okay Not To Be Okay tells the touching story of a community health worker, named Moon Gang Tae, portrayed by Kim Soo-Hyun, and a popular children’s book writer, named Ko Mun Young, portrayed by Seo Yea Ji. They meet while Moon Gang is working his usual shift at the psychiatric ward, and Ko Moon has come there to read to the children hospitalized there. The catch is that Ko Moon suffers from an antisocial personality disorder and denies love from other people. Slowly, Moon Gang opens their heart, and they fall in love, not without emotional obstacles in the way. When the series was released, its popularity soared to the point that a Filipino remake of the same name was created. One of the most touching stories in a K-Drama, It’s Okay Not To Be Okay is a series that will make you go through a healing process, just like the characters, and needs to be viewed attentively till the very end.

9

‘Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo’ (2016)

Credit to YouTube.

One of the most beautiful performances from the famous Korean actress IU, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is a K-Drama that makes you emotional yet completely entranced by its intricate storyline. What makes this series so compelling to its viewers is the beautiful scenography and cinematography, as well as the enthralling performances from both main leads. Additionally, its stupendous soundtrack will make you want to watch it over and over again.

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo tells the story of a woman named Go Ha Jin (IU), who, after inadvertently falling into an enchanted lake, travels back in time to the Korean Goryeo Dynasty of the year 918. When she arrives there, she is in the body of 16-year-old Hae Soo, who is living in the house of the eighth Prince Wang Wook (Kang Ha-neul). As she desperately tries to find a way to get out of this world, she also meets the ostracized fourth Prince, named Wang So (Lee Joon-Gi), and gets inadvertently pulled into the political and emotional turmoil between the princes. I definitely recommend watching this K-Drama because it’s truly a beautiful story that will keep you hooked till the end.

8

‘Descendants Of The Sun’ (2016)

Image via KBS2

K-Dramas that touch war as a theme are rare for me to watch, but when my sister recommended me Descendants Of The Sun, the plot convinced me. She was right, as this K-Drama is one of the most touching and profound ever seen. It follows the tear-jerking story of the captain of the Korean Special Forces, Yoo Shi Jin (Song Joong-ki), and Kang Mo Yeon (Song Hye-kyo), a doctor working at the Haesung Hospital in Korea. When she is sent to work in the fictional country of Uruk, which is at war, to assist and to cure Yoo Shi’s soldiers who end up injured.

This K-Drama does not have a single issue. It has a perfect storyline, characters that make you relate to them so much, despite the situation that they are in, and a beautiful score. The portrayal by the main leads is something that will make you remember this K-Drama for a very long time. It just touches your heart to the point that you can’t forget about it.

7

‘Hotel Del Luna’ (2019)

Image via tvN

Another unforgettable K-Drama, Hotel De La Luna is a K-Drama that exceeded every viewer’s expectations. It has all those supernatural elements that make the fantasy genre so unique: spirits, magic, ghosts, and much more, which ensures this K-Drama is one of a kind. Its visuals are something that you won’t get enough of, as you’ll want to keep watching it to the end.

Additionally, all the cast do a phenomenal job, but especially its main female lead, IU, who portrays Jang Mal-Wol, the eccentric owner of this ghastly hotel. This series follows her story, as Jang Mal is the owner, bound to it by a powerful curse that forces her to keep the place running. The only way for her to get rid of this curse is that she has to let go of all her resentful personality, open up, and fall in love. One day, she meets a human named Goo Chan-Sung (Yeo Jin-goo), who then later becomes the hotel’s manager after his father forged a deal with Jang Mal. So, the couple’s troublesome and emotional relationship unfolds between these walls, giving viewers a compelling love story that they won’t forget very soon.

6

‘Bad And Crazy’ (2021)

Image via tvN

Now, onto an action K-Drama that has become very popular internationally, Bad And Crazy. This K-Drama is very underrated in its home country, as it gained more attention internationally, drawing in Western audiences. However, Bad And Crazy has a great blend of well-done action fight sequences, phenomenal chemistry between the two male leads’ characters, and awesome comedic one-liner delivery.

Bad And Crazy tells the story of a corrupted but brilliant cop, Soo Yeol (Lee Dong-Wook), who built his way up to the position of officer by surrendering to what his superiors requested of him, often ignoring justice and rightful ways in the process. One day, suddenly, a figure enters his life: an eccentric yet very righteous motorcycle rider, K (Wi Ha Joon), who beats him up every time he has the chance to. The catch? K never appears on any CCTV cameras when Soo Yeol requests to look into him, so everyone thinks he is crazy, even when the chance to be promoted appears. So, Soo Yeol tries to form an unlikely partnership with K to be seen better by his superiors again. This K-Drama will definitely appeal to whoever has thrillers and crime as their favorite genres, and its storyline is truly compelling.

5

‘Strong Woman Do Bong Soon’ (2018)

Image via Drama House JS Pictures

One of the most beloved K-Dramas out there, Strong Woman Do Bong Soon is a K-Drama that will pull your heartstrings but also keep you on edge. The beautiful love story between the characters and the crime subplot ensure that viewers are engaged with the material till the very end. Furthermore, its soundtrack is also very well-done, as it features great songs to listen to.

Strong Woman Do Bong Soon tells the story of Bong Soon (Park Bo-Young), an eccentric yet good-hearted woman who has super strength, which was given to her by her ancestors, so each member of her family has the same quirk. This power can be used only for the greater good, because if not, the power will be taken away. After bravely standing up against gang bullies, Bong Soon meets the childish yet brilliant An Min Hyeok (Park Hyung-Sik), CEO of Ainsoft, which is a famous video game developing company, who offers her a job as his bodyguard, and falls in love with her at first sight. Furthermore, her neighborhood is targeted by a serial killer who kidnaps women, and her childhood best friend, Officer In Guk Du (Kim Ji Soo), is investigating the case. This K-Drama skyrocketed in popularity because of the powerful chemistry between the two main leads, and the story just gets better on each rewatch. Simply a 10/10 K-Drama if you are looking for a rom-com with a splash of action and thriller elements.

4

‘Boys Over Flowers’ (2009)

Image via KBS2

Now onto one of the most famous K-Dramas of all time. Boys Over Flowers was originally based on a 1992 Japanese manga named Hana Yori Dango, written by Yoko Kamio. Its huge popularity spawned the release of an anime, an audio drama, a movie, and a musical in its home country between 1993 and 1997, and various remakes around the world afterward. The first remakes were three Thai series, Meteor Garden, Meteor Rain, and Meteor Garden II, released between 2001 and 2002. Between 2005 and 2008, Japan also did various TV dramas based on all issues of the manga. In 2009, Korea also adapted it with the name of Boys Over Flowers, as its popularity contributed to the first Hallyu Wave, meaning when Korean culture becomes popular in Western countries. Afterward, a Chinese drama adaptation, Meteor Garden, was released in 2018, alongside another Thai one named F1 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers, which are the most famous internationally, along with the Korean one. It features the classic poor girl/rich boy trope with the two main leads having different economic backgrounds, people trying to separate them (his parents), and her changing his heart from bad to good.

This K-Drama follows the story (same as the manga) of Geum Jan-Di (Ku Hye-Sun), who wins a scholarship to the prestigious Shinwa School, where only the rich and elite can attend. There, she stumbles onto the famous and feared clique of boys named F4, clashing against its leader, troublemaker Gu Jun-Pyo (Lee Min-Ho), to defend her friend being bullied by them. Slowly, she gets entangled in a love triangle with Jun-Pyo and another F4 member, the kind-hearted Yoon Ji-hoo (Kim Hyun-joong). This K-Drama will put you in a difficult position: you will be defending Ji-hoo one episode, and soften your heart towards Jun-Pyo the next. The chemistry of each couple in this love triangle will fascinate you to the point that you won’t know which one to root for in the first place. Simply an iconic K-Drama of the 2000s, which will inspire you to watch all its other remakes (which I also highly recommend)!

3

‘The Heirs’ (2013)

Image via SBS

Another iconic K-Drama of the 2010s, The Heirs, also known as The Inheritors, is one of those K-Dramas that you need to savor each episode before it’s over, because it’s truly a masterpiece. Its characters will become so important to you by the end of the series. It does have some classic clichés of the poor girl/rich boy trope again, just like Boys Over Flowers, so if it’s not something you like, this isn’t the show for you.

The Heirs focuses on the story of Kim Tan (Min-Ho), who is a wealthy heir to his family’s conglomerate, named Jenguk Group, and Cha Eun-Sang (Park Shin-Hye). He was exiled to the USA by his half-brother because he wanted to overtake the family business instead of Kim Tan, and always saw him as a rival, despite Kim Tan trying his best to rekindle his brotherly relationship with him. Furthermore, his family arranged an engagement to another heiress named Yoo Rachel (Kim Ji-Won). While in the States, he meets Eun-Sang because she was looking for her sister, and he falls in love with her at first sight. Furthermore, this is also one of the most popular Min-Ho roles. This story is tear-jerking, wonderful, and very well-done, as the chemistry between the two main leads is something that will keep your attention till the very end.

2

‘Strangers From Hell’ (2019)

Image via OCN

Now onto another K-Thriller that blends psychological thriller and horror all in one, Strangers From Hell, based on a Korean webtoon of the same name, written by Kim Yong-Ki. In total honesty, this K-Thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. It is disturbing, as it tackles heavy themes such as cannibalism, psychological manipulation, loss of identity, mental deterioration, and much more. It gives a claustrophobic feel to the viewer, as they think they are trapped in the series’ location at the same time as the protagonist, going from sane to mad alongside him.

This stunning and wounded K-Thriller tells the story of a 20-year-old man named Yoon Jong-woo (K-Pop group singer Im Si-wan), a graduate student and aspiring crime writer, who moves to Seoul for the duration of his short, unpaid internship. Since he does not have money, he settles into the Eden Residences. There, he finds creepy neighbors and a new (serial killer and obsessive) friend in a dentist named Seo Moon-Jo (Dong-Wook). Slowly, the truth about the Eden Residences and its inhabitants is revealed, turning Yoon Jong into an insane psychopath to survive, giving up on normalcy. Strangers From Hell is a K-Thriller that you shouldn’t watch alone if you are not a fan of the genre (don’t make the same mistake I did), and during the day, if you can, because it will give you lots of jump scares as the story unfolds.

1

‘Tale of the Nine Tailed’ (2020)

Image via TVN

The second most popular K-Drama for Dong-Wook, Tale of the Nine Tailed is something that will fascinate you yet make you want to look up the backstory of the fantasy creature in it. It’s an enthralling story​​​​​, which focuses on a 1000-year-old gumiho, which is an East Asian folktale creature, named Lee Yeon (Dong-Wook), who works with people from the afterlife to find and destroy supernatural threats to the human world. On one of his jobs, he encounters the beautiful Nam Ji-Ah (Jo Bo-Ah), who finds out about his supernatural nature, and is also looking for her parents, who disappeared mysteriously after a car accident she had with them at a young age.

This K-Drama has the beauty of intersecting with different Korean myths and supernatural creatures, so you have to prepare yourself to keep up with each of them, and it will make you want to inform yourself after watching each episode. Each member of the cast did phenomenal performances, but the ones that shocked me the most were those of Dong-Wook and Kim Bum, who portrayed one of the troublemaker villains of the series, Lee Yeon’s half-brother Lee Rang. The chemistry between the main leads was wonderful! Furthermore, the banter and fights between Lee Yeon and Lee Rang were so entertaining to watch.

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Directors

Kang Shin-hyo

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Han Woo-ri

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  Kim Hee-jung

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Actress and activist Shannon Elizabeth recently launched an OnlyFans account, and the massive success has her thinking about how she wants to spend her money. The actress, who has been in show business since the early ’90s, decided to take control of her own career, thus the pivot to the subscription service. Moreover, she’s entering a new chapter in life following a divorce.

In an exclusive video interview with Page Six’s Bernie Zilio, Shannon Elizabeth shared her plans for the future, starting with the one thing she hopes to purchase following her highly successful OnlyFans debut in April. The “American Pie” actress shared that she’s been living with her friends since her separation from Simon Borchert, whom she married in 2021.

While she still doesn’t know whether to rent or purchase a house, she’s sure that she wants to remain in South Africa, where she has been living since 2016. “So, my first thing is figuring out where I’m going to stay and get my own place again,” she shared, saying that all her items have been in storage since her separation in September last year.

The Actress Earned $1 Million On Her First Week On OF

Toward the end of April, just a week after the launch of her OnlyFans account, an insider revealed that the 52-year-old actress earned “more than seven figures” on the service. “She is super happy she now gets to take control and be engaged with her fans,” the source said, adding that her OnlyFans content does not include full nudity, as reported by PEOPLE.

Elizabeth confirmed her earnings in her conversation with Zilio. However, she says the money isn’t in her account just yet. While it may seem like a large amount, she says she will only get a fraction of it. “There’s splits that happen with various representatives and the platform itself,” explaining further that she might get half of the amount before taxes. “It’s not as crazy as it sounds, but it’s still astounding,” said Elizabeth.

Furthermore, she’s going on an upward trajectory and revealed her page is “growing every day.”

Shannon Elizabeth Talks About Her Divorce

Elizabeth was previously married to actor and writer Joseph Reitman from 2002 to 2005. In 2021, she married Simon Borchert. Following her announcement of her intention to join OnlyFans, it was reported that Elizabeth had just filed for divorce.

As the actress told Zilio, she and Borchert separated in September 2025 but only filed for divorce in April 2026 because they had to “do a settlement first.” She admitted to having a tough time navigating her new life, saying, “From September to the end of March, at least, it was really, really, really difficult.” Having to restart from scratch took an emotional toll on her, but once she signed the settlement, “the weight was lifted,” and she began moving forward to the next chapter of her life.

The Actress Is Leaving The Door Open On Acting

Simon Cowell is opening up about the emotional toll Liam Payne’s death took on him behind closed doors. 

Months after the former One Direction singer died, the music mogul admitted he struggled deeply while filming his latest Netflix project. 

Cowell, who first discovered Payne during his teenage years, said the tragedy forced him to step away from work entirely as he tried to process the devastating loss while also guiding a new generation of young artists through the pressures of fame.

Simon Cowell revealed that Liam Payne’s death deeply affected him both personally and professionally. 

During an appearance on the Daily Mail podcast “Tales From the Celebrity Trenches,” the television producer admitted he had an extremely difficult time coping after the singer died at age 31 in October 2024.

At the time, Cowell was actively filming “The Next Act,” a Netflix series centered around building a brand-new boy band. The project closely mirrored the environment in which Payne first entered Cowell’s life years earlier, during “The X Factor.”

Cowell explained that the timing made the tragedy even more painful because he was already working closely with young hopefuls and their families while discussing the risks that come with fame.

“What do you do in a situation like that?” Cowell asked during the interview, adding, “It was so bad, I was in pieces. There were so many things going on in my head.”

The emotional weight became so overwhelming that Cowell temporarily disappeared from work altogether. “I literally just disappeared somewhere for a week to think everything through because I knew I was really, really struggling,” he admitted.

Cowell Opened Up About His Responsibility To Young Artists

While discussing Liam Payne’s death, Simon Cowell made it clear that he sees artist support as part of his responsibility within the music industry.

The producer acknowledged that fame can quickly become overwhelming, especially for younger performers who are suddenly thrust into global attention.

“My responsibility is to go: Look, if it works and you’re successful, that’s a good thing,” Cowell explained, further noting, “However, as your life changes there are going to be times when it’s really stressful, really hard.”

He added that mentorship should not stop once artists become famous. “I will help you prepare for that and be there if you need me,” he said.

His comments carried extra emotion considering his long history with Payne and the rest of One Direction. 

Cowell helped shape the group’s career after discovering the members during “The X Factor” in 2010. The band eventually became one of the world’s biggest pop acts, selling more than 70 million records worldwide.

Simon Cowell Revealed How One Direction Was Created In Minutes

During the podcast, Cowell also shared surprising details about how quickly One Direction actually came together behind the scenes. 

Although the group became a worldwide phenomenon, the 66-year-old admitted there was very little complicated planning involved in forming the band.

“They all had good auditions,” he explained while discussing the members’ original solo performances on “The X Factor.”

However, several contestants struggled during later stages of the competition. “Then, in the middle rounds, certain people for whatever reason, mess up. They didn’t do enough to make it as solo artists,” he continued. 

Cowell recalled instantly noticing something special once the boys appeared together on stage, recalling, “When I saw the boys all on stage, there was a moment thinking: ‘We have got to do something with them.’”

According to Cowell, the final decision was made incredibly quickly. “It took about 25 minutes, being honest with you, to put them all together. It was literally as quick as that,” he shared. 

Cowell Said One Direction’s Chemistry Became Instantly Clear

After creating the group, Simon Cowell said he largely let the members develop their dynamic naturally without over-controlling them. “Then, I just let them do whatever they wanted,” Cowell explained.

It did not take long for him to realize the chemistry between the singers was working perfectly. Only weeks after putting the band together, Cowell said he saw something that convinced him One Direction could become huge stars.

“A few weeks later, I saw them walk around a corner together and they looked amazing,” he recalled. 

The group, made up of teenagers between 16 and 18 years old, would go on to dominate global pop music and build one of the most loyal fanbases in modern entertainment.

Simon Cowell Faces Questions About His Relevance After Netflix Backlash

In February, Cowell reportedly faced mounting pressure over his future in entertainment following the disappointing response to his Netflix comeback series, “Simon Cowell: The Next Act.”

According to The Blast, insiders claimed the project sparked serious questions about whether his once-dominant talent-show formula still worked in today’s music industry. 

Critics slammed the series as outdated, with media outlets calling Cowell “a man out of time,” and describing the show as “anachronistic” and bleak.  

The backlash intensified after the show’s newly formed group, December 10, reportedly debuted at just No. 72 on the charts despite heavy promotion and Netflix backing.   

Industry insiders quoted in reports described the project as a “disaster” and suggested the underwhelming reception had damaged Cowell’s image as a hitmaker. 

One source even claimed the series made it seem as though he had “lost his Midas touch.” 

Beef tallow has become one of the buzziest DIY skincare trends online, and much of that momentum traces back to Nara Smith. Since she first shared her homemade beef tallow moisturizer recipe on TikTok in May 2024, the video has racked up millions of views, sparking a wave of curiosity about rendered animal fat as a skincare ingredient.

With all this renewed focus on beef fat, let’s take a look at what beef tallow actually is, walk through Smith’s viral TikTok recipe and see what dermatologists have to say about the trend.

What Is Beef Tallow for Skin?

Beef tallow for skin is rendered fat from cows — specifically the suet that surrounds the kidneys and other organs — according to UT MD Anderson. It has become a popular DIY moisturizer ingredient on social media.

A 2024 scoping review published in Cureus found that “tallow is rich in triglycerides, specifically oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and linoleic acid, thus lending to its wide range of industrial applications.” The same review noted that beef tallow contains essential vitamins, including vitamins A, D, K, E and B12.

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The skincare appeal comes down to chemistry. Dr. Michele Green, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City, told GQ in May 2026 that beef tallow’s “fatty acids closely resemble the natural oils of the skin, allowing it to effectively replenish moisture.”

Does Nara Smith Have a Homemade Moisturizer Recipe?

Smith, the social media star known for her ASMR-style cooking videos, helped push beef tallow further into the mainstream beauty conversation. She regularly goes viral for sharing DIY recipes, and her homemade beef tallow moisturizer — first posted to Nara Smith’s TikTok in May 2024 — is a perfect example.

The video shows her husband, model Lucky Blue Smith, mixing the moisturizer in their kitchen after running out of his usual product. “This morning, my husband ran out of some moisturizer that he usually uses and he didn’t love it enough to repurchase, so he just decided to make his own,” Nara said at the start of the video.

How Do You Make Nara Smith’s Beef Tallow Moisturizer at Home?

Nara’s beef tallow moisturizer combines beef tallow, beeswax, squalene, jojoba oil, vitamin E oil, hyaluronic acid and glycerin — melted together over a double boiler, mixed in stages and chilled in the fridge to set.

The full method appears in her viral homemade moisturizer recipe on TikTok. Here are the steps as Nara laid them out in the video:

• Combine beef tallow and beeswax in a metal bowl
• Place the bowl over a pot of boiling water
• Once melted, remove the metal bowl from the heat
• In a separate bowl, mix squalene and jojoba oil
• Combine the squalene and jojoba oil into the tallow and beeswax bowl
• Add vitamin E oil, hyaluronic acid and glycerin separately, mixing well after each addition
• At this point, the mixture should be thickening up
• Transfer the moisturizer into a cup of your choice with a lid
• Place it in the refrigerator to set

Smith said the couple tried the homemade moisturizer recipe after their showers and liked it. Because she lives with eczema and dry skin, the formulation deliberately skipped essential oils so the same batch her husband mixed would work on her face and body too.

What Other Ingredients Are in the Homemade Moisturizer Recipe?

In addition to beef tallow, Nara Smith’s homemade moisturizer recipe relies on beeswax, squalene, jojoba oil, vitamin E oil, hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Each ingredient brings a specific moisturizing or skin-conditioning role to the beef tallow moisturizer, and several are backed by published skincare research.

A 2023 study found that beeswax can be used as an occlusive, humectant and emollient. Humectants attract water into the skin to hydrate, while occlusives create a physical barrier to seal in that moisture and prevent evaporation. Emollients are moisturizing treatments that soften and soothe the skin.

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Squalene is the main component of skin surface polyunsaturated lipids and mimics oils found naturally in the skin.

According to a 2009 study, squalene can function as both an emollient and antioxidant. A note on labeling: squalane — the more shelf-stable version of the ingredient — might be the better choice for long-term storage, per Allure.

Jojoba oil is a liquid wax derived from the seeds of the Simmondsia chinensis plant. A 2021 study found it is widely used in skincare to moisturize, balance oil production and soothe skin.

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Hyaluronic acid and glycerin both act as humectants in the formula. According to CeraVe, “both hyaluronic acid and glycerin are humectants and serve the same function of drawing in moisture to hydrate the skin.”

Vitamin E rounds out the ingredient list. The fat-soluble antioxidant is found naturally in the skin, and per Oregon State University’s Linus Pauling Institute, it moisturizes the skin, protects cells in the skin and can also absorb the energy from ultraviolet (UV) light.

As always, viewers should consult their dermatologist before making a homemade beef tallow moisturizer. Everyone’s skin is unique and can have different reactions to certain ingredients.

By Robert Scucci
| Published 22 seconds ago

Sometimes, if you want to see something vaguely original, you have to go back to the 80s for some good old-fashioned sci-fi police work. While there are plenty of dystopian features set in the not-so-distant future from this era, 1984’s Runaway is the most insane one you’ve never heard of. Thankfully, the kind of movies that have stars who would probably rather you forget they exist all end up on Tubi sooner or later, and then we have to talk about them.

Runaway has all the beats you’d expect from a police procedural, except in its version of the future (1991), robots have been modified into murder machines operated by Gene Simmons, and Tom Selleck (and his mustache) has to save the day before there’s too much collateral damage to ever realistically consider repairing.

While I’ll admit to laughing out loud at this film more than writer-director Michael Crichton intended, I have to give it props for being a constant source of entertainment. Everybody plays it super straight in Runaway, which, to me, seems like an impossible task, especially when you consider the fact that this is the villain’s first acting role outside of Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park.

Magnum P.I. And The Guy From Kiss At Constant Odds

Runaway, at its core, tells a story about robots versus humans. First, we have to learn about Sgt. Jack Ramsay (Tom Selleck), one of those classic “damn, he’s good” officers with a troubled past. He used to be a beat cop, but made a career change after his fear of heights resulted in a criminal getting away and murdering six people. Now, he’s a robotics expert working for the “Runaway” squad, a designated task force devoted to homicides involving only robots, an occurrence so common in 1991 that there’s an entire unit for it.

Working alongside his partner, Officer Karen Thompson (Cynthia Rhodes), Jack finds himself in hot pursuit of disgraced defense contractor Dr. Charles Luther (Gene Simmons). Luther went rogue years prior when he realized the technology he created, like robotic smart bombs and heat-guided bullets, could be sold for a profit on the black market. He killed off his whole team and went out on his own, bringing us to the present day, where Jack needs to track him down and lock him up before this sophisticated military tech falls into even wronger hands.

The missing link between our heroes and their enemy is Jackie Rogers (Kirstie Alley), Luther’s ex-lover who has access to the templates he needs to carry out his plan of mass-producing an army of evil robots. After being thoroughly strip-searched, it becomes clear she wants to be on the right side of history when push comes to shove, and it’s the cops against the robot overlords.

As you would expect, Jack is afraid of heights and haunted by his past because of it, so, you know … third-act skyscraper fight. Everything in this movie hinges on simplicity, and if you’ve ever found yourself craving a movie with a clear good guy and bad guy, this is it.

Gene Simmons Has One Face

Throughout the film, we learn just how great Sergeant Jack Ramsay is. He knows everything there is to know about robots, even though it appears that Tom Selleck himself completely glazes over when he has to go into technobabble. He’s framed as the best dad ever, even though his interactions with his son Bobby (Joey Cramer) are minimal, most often involving Jack tucking him in after spending days away from home working cases.

Don’t worry about the potential neglect, though, because Jack has a sophisticated robot house maid that handles all the chores, cooking, and more domestically inclined activities that an active parent would typically engage in. Whether that robot gets wired to explode at the worst possible time is something you’ll just have to find out for yourself.

Runaway’s real draw, though, comes from Gene Simmons. Outside of any KISS-related intellectual properties, this was his first acting role, though it’s been reported that he’d been practicing the craft since 1981 while waiting for the perfect moment to make his feature film debut. Luther, as far as villains go, is pretty stock. He’s a total robot nerd, and his one-liners, if you could call them that, aren’t even memorable. Point in case? I don’t remember any of them.

However, Simmons is really good at making this one face that tells the viewer, without any sliver of doubt, that he’s the antagonist in Runaway. He’s got this signature snarl, so before we even know the full scope of his evil intentions, all you need is a simple shot of him walking around and being himself before saying, “Yup! That’s him! That’s definitely the bad guy!” To Simmons’ credit, it’s a pretty good face, there’s just no great acting or dialogue coming from it.

He does walk around brandishing giant, futuristic guns and has a legion of miniature mechanical spiders to do his bidding, so it’s totally worth checking out for that alone.

Runaway leaves very little to the imagination, but for what it’s worth, it’s a straightforward sci-fi action flick to throw on that doesn’t require a whole lot of mental bandwidth to enjoy. As of this writing, you can stream it for free on Tubi.

Martha Stewart turned a New York City brunch into a full-blown fashion moment, and it’s all because of her denim skirt style. The look has Us tossing our jeans to the wind, especially since it’s just as chic as our go-to pants. To seal the deal, Stewart’s classic look is so much comfier.

Stewart stopped by the Barbour X Tea & Sympathy gathering in the West Village looking effortlessly cool. Her denim maxi skirt was the star, reading ‘put together without even trying’ energy, while elevating her top and sandals ‘fit. This Amazon lookalike has the same effect, and might be just as comfy than Stewart’s.

Get the Cider Tiered Denim Maxi Skirt for $42 (was $50) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Lyocell-and-cotton-blend fabric is the secret to this skirt’s stretchy yet breathable feel. It’s airy enough for warm spring afternoons, but substantial enough for cool summer nights. With a denim structure and loungewear feel, this skirt hangs loosely without clinging. It’s a major win in anyone’s book.

Related: Gwyneth Paltrow‘s Casual-Chic Pullover Gives Effortless Cool-Girl Energy

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It’s fun to experiment with fresh styles, but like Us, Gwyneth Paltrow comes back to casual basics with an elevated twist. Paltrow gave Us inspo for our everyday outfits in a recent Instagram post showcasing her spring style, but it was her casual white pullover that caught our eye. Between the comfy fabric, effortless fit […]

Better yet, the breezy maxi skirt has a tiered construction and high-rise design that visually elongates your legs. Plus, the waistband hits at the smallest part of your torso, creating the illusion of a slimmer middle. Translation: You’ll look as good as you feel.

One shopper called it “super cute and flattering for any shape” and wrote, “It has pockets, which I love, an elastic waist in back and a button-front closure. . . I will definitely wear it dressed up with cute heels and [a] top.”

There’s a reason that breezy denim skirts are taking over rich mom closets. This Amazon winner is equally comfortable and stylish, looking much more polished than a simple pair of jeans. Whether you’re running errands, shopping downtown or attending brunch like Stewart, this wardrobe staple delivers.

Get the Cider Tiered Denim Maxi Skirt for $42 (was $50) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Not what you’re looking for? Shop other skirts on Amazon and don’t forget to check out Amazon’s Daily Deals here!

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 12 seconds ago

In many ways, Thor is the most dynamic character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We first saw him as a serious god who talked like a bad Shakespearean actor and seemed fully engrossed in the tangled mythology of his people. However, Thor: Ragnarok effectively reshaped its titular deity into the MCU’s most consistently funny character. That film capitalized on Chris Hemsworth’s impressive comedy chops and made those first two Thor movies feel like a bad memory.

Now, Kenneth Branagh, the man who directed the first film, wants to direct the final Thor film. In a recent interview, he expressed his interest in returning to the Marvel fold to do one last movie with Hemsworth. However, he doesn’t want it to be a comedic film in the vein of Ragnarok or Love and Thunder. Instead, he wants to direct a gritty, Twilight of the Gods-type story that takes its creative cues from Hugh Jackman’s Logan. Considering that Hemsworth is one of the last vintage MCU superheroes and can’t keep fighting the good fight forever, Branagh’s idea is the absolute best way to take this fan-favorite character on one last ride.

Thor Up From The Floor Up

Younger fans might not remember, but Kenneth Branagh played a major role in the early days of the MCU. The director was arguably best known for his adaptations of William Shakespeare’s famous plays, and in a fun twist, he was chosen to direct the first Thor film in 2011. He ended up being a great choice because early Thor was presented as a kind of Shakespearean character: he’s all pomp and circumstance, barking out old-timey phrases while dealing with the inevitable drama caused by his conniving brother, Loki.

Marvel wanted Branagh to come back for the sequel, but the director refused; he didn’t like the intense hustle and bustle of producing such a large-scale blockbuster, especially if it meant getting almost no break between films. But in a recent interview with Business Insider, he admitted that “Part of me would love to finish my relationship with [Thor]. I’d always wanted to do more and indeed had a couple of ideas, more in the territory of James Mangold’s brilliant Logan.” As a fan of the various other Thor movies, he declared, “I would love to see Chris Hemsworth and the others have their own individual final story that takes Thor into a glorious twilight.”

Somehow, Logan Returned

Obviously, much of Branagh’s desire to direct a Logan-style movie is his personal drive to give the character a fitting, final story. But he also noted how such a film might resonate with longtime fans of the MCU. “There’s also this unique relationship with a large cinema audience that those characters now have that, for people who have grown up with them and their arc, I think it would be something very beautiful to take those characters into their own particular sunset.” This makes sense, of course: part of why Logan hit so hard is that an entire generation grew up cheering for Hugh Jackman in the various X-Men movies.

Sadly, Branagh didn’t offer any details for what his Thor film would look like. Given the comparison to Logan, it’s a safe bet that it will be a more serious movie, one that strips the character of the silliness that has characterized all of his appearances since Thor: Ragnarok. That might be a good thing, though: the critical failure of Thor: Love and Thunder has proven how hard it is to mix the character’s over-the-top humor with more serious storylines. Instead of having Thor’s final days in the MCU be spent playing a Deadpool Lite character, he could ensure he goes out like, well, a god!

Sadly, we’re not likely to ever see this movie. Branagh hasn’t broached the topic with Marvel Studios, and he’s the first to admit that Kevin Feige and other execs likely have their own plans for this popular character. Still, the super-serious Logan effectively revived audience interest in Wolverine after the lackluster fan reaction to X-Men Origins: Wolverine and The Wolverine. Given Thor’s disappointing appearance in movies like Love and Thunder and even Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, a Logan-style movie featuring everyone’s favorite Asgardian may be the best way to ensure that the fandom still believes in this god long after Hemsworth’s contract expires.