Entertainment
15 Movies To Watch if You Love Transformers
Fans of the Transformers franchise have a great catalog of films to enjoy, rewatch, dissect, and everything in between. But when they run out of Transformers films to watch, they, thankfully, have another, even larger, catalog of films to view that are just like the robots in disguise, whether because they share similar characters, thematic ideas, or even action sequences.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a film with giant robots or giant beings fighting each other. It can be an entry in a franchise soon to be connected with Transformers or even a movie that simply features a large, city-wide disaster. Whatever the case, plenty of films resemble the Transformers saga, making them ideal for fans to enjoy before the next installment in the franchise arrives. It’s also safe to say that a lot of the films below are arguably better than most of the Transformers films, anyway, so that’s a much-appreciated bonus.
15
‘Pacific Rim: Uprising’ (2018)
Be warned: Pacific Rim: Uprising is not nearly as good as its prior installment (most mecha movies, in all honesty), but it finds itself differing from it in a way that could most definitely appeal to fans of the Transformers franchise. It serves as a complaint from fans of the Pacific Rim franchise, because it’s different from the original film in a way they didn’t like, but Pacific Rim: Uprising‘s Jaegers move far faster and more agile than the likes of the first project.
This aspect makes the action a lot faster-paced in its choreography, which is a landmark of the action in Transformers. They may be giant robots, but boy, do they move fast. So, while the quicker movements in Pacific Rim: Uprising may be a bit of an antithesis to the physical language in Pacific Rim, it serves fans of Transformers relatively well. That doesn’t stop the movie from being quite mediocre, though, so go in with lower expectations.
14
‘Robot Jox’ (1989)
While it may be an older film, and some Transformers fans are most certainly more used to the high-octane visual effects from the more modern films, Robot Jox is a great watch for fans of the classic era of the franchise. The original series in the Transformers franchise, The Transformers (also called Transformers: Original Series), first aired just a few years before this movie came out: 1984.
This means that fans of this original show can bask in the glory of those, well, glorious 80s vibes that can be found in the series. Robot Jox is a staple of mecha projects from the 80s (and even early 90s), which means it’s also a pretty monumental movie when it comes to mecha projects. It can’t balance tone too well, but over the years, it’s found a niche fanbase who see it as a “so-bad-its-good” film, which can make it a comedic watch for those looking for something new, too.
13
‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ (2021)
Titanic creatures kicking the crap out of each other will always have great cinematic appeal. It doesn’t matter if it’s giant robots, kaiju, monsters, or aliens; there is something spectacular about larger-than-life beings making Earth their battle ring. Such movies keep audiences’ eyes glued to the screen for hours.
Godzilla vs. Kong features a giant monster fighting another giant monster before they eventually team up to fight another robotic monster. It’s a great parallel to the Transformers saga, capturing the sheer awesomeness of the monster-battle concept. Opening at the height of the pandemic, Godzilla vs. Kong proved to be a much-needed distraction by simply being one of the best recent monster movies. Thankfully, Warner Bros. Pictures seems to have zero plans to halt production on their MonsterVerse films, so fans can expect many more giant monsters fighting more giant monsters.
12
‘Cloverfield’ (2008)
From the brilliant mind of Matt Reeves, the man who directed The Batman, Cloverfield remains a groundbreaking film that changed the cultural zeitgeist. When a giant monster begins rampaging in New York, a group of friends struggles to get out alive while attempting a daring rescue.
Fans of Transformers will love Cloverfield for its giant monster and the sheer amount of destruction it causes throughout the film’s 1-hour and 25-minute runtime. One of the strongest aspects of any Transformers film is the excitement that comes from watching giant robots destroy everything in their wake. The robots in disguise also do a pretty good job of making the humans in the films feel small and at the mercy of something much larger, which Cloverfield does pretty much perfectly.
11
‘Kong: Skull Island’ (2017)
Another film that does a great job of making humans feel small among giant action sequences is Kong: Skull Island. However, it differs from Cloverfield in the sense that the film’s protagonist is the giant creature, getting to fight other gargantuan monsters on the island he calls home. Meanwhile, the humans unexpectedly exploring the island attempt to survive the rampage.
Kong: Skull Island is one of the best and most rewatchable movies in the MonsterVerse because of its competent direction and surprisingly emotional story. It succeeds as a summer blockbuster smash hit without feeling too shallow, even if it still prioritizes spectacle and action. It does what most Transformers films honestly fail to do, making the story just as important and resonant as the monster action.
10
‘Mazingrer Z: Infinity’ (2017)
A landmark mecha film that many outside of the anime fanbase unfortunately don’t know about is Mazinger Z: Infinity. The Mazinger franchise has been pretty dang beloved over the years, and for Transformers fans who haven’t visited this universe before, Mazinger Z: Infinity is a pretty great movie to check out.
Fans gave mixed reactions for the exact reason that Transformers fans might enjoy it: they felt it was an unnecessary revisit to the franchise, which also makes it more palatable for newer fans. When the world’s longest era of peace is interrupted, the former pilot of Mazinger Z, Koji Kabuto (Showtaro Morikubo and Wayne Grayson), finds a wild discovery beneath Mt. Fuji, which spawns a conflict with a classic villain.
9
‘Edge of Tomorrow’ (2014)
Edge of Tomorrow can be best described as Groundhog Day meets robotic action and war. The plot centers on William Cage (Tom Cruise), who battles through the same day of an alien invasion over and over, losing the war each time. However, he gets better with each redo, bringing him closer to beating the aliens once and for all.
Most Transformers movies end with an act three big war/invasion battle, which is done perfectly in Edge of Tomorrow. Not to mention that the soldiers in Edge of Tomorrow wear mechanized suits to help them combat the alien threat, capitalizing on the desire to be an automaton, even if just for a while. Edge of Tomorrow also just so happens to be one of the most underrated action blockbusters of all time and is worthy of a watch no matter what someone is a fan of.
8
‘Independence Day’ (1996)
As stated, the end of almost every Transformers film pretty much always has an end-of-the-world scenario where humans must team up with the robots to stop an incoming invasion. As arguably the original apocalypse flick, Independence Day pretty much defined a lot of the typical tropes seen in modern doomsday sequences in film.
The story sees aliens invading Earth, and with far inferior technology, humans must use their sheer indomitable spirit to make it out alive and win the day. This type of scenario is the same that many humans face in the Transformers films. Being far outmatched by the incredible might of the Decepticons, humanity typically needs to get creative and find incredible willpower to make it through to help the Autobots keep the planet safe. Beyond its similarities with the robotic vehicles saga, Independence Day is a seminal and triumphant sci-fi action spectacle that lends itself to multiple rewatches.
7
‘The Terminator’ (1984)
When it comes to robots in the film, it doesn’t ever really get more classic than The Terminator. When a cyborg assassin comes to the present day with a mission to kill the young Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), she must team up with Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn) to escape. She soon learns her unborn son will lead the fight against the evil Skynet one day, thrusting her into the middle of a deadly adventure.
The Terminator features humans helplessly going up against advanced robotic beings who seek to destroy everything they know and love. Aside from that, The Terminator is one of director James Cameron’s best movies and continues to be a blueprint for filmmaking (especially low-budget filmmaking) to this day. The Terminator is one of the first and best examples of humans fighting against tech greater than themselves to stay alive.
6
‘Promare’ (2019)
In a post-dystopian world in which a massive outbreak of spontaneous human combustion races across the planet, the world finds its response in a team of mech pilots called Burning Rescue. However, not all is easy when they’re facing off against a terror group known as Mad Burnish and the police force, called the Freeze Force.
Depending on the era of Transformers one likes, the post-apocalyptic vibe can fit the vibe of whatever era they are watching, as the destruction during the war for Cybertron can most certainly be considered apocalyptic. And, as most “watch this because you like Transformers” films have, Promare features some iconic mech action.
Entertainment
3 New Netflix Shows to Watch in February 2026, Ranked by IMDb Rating
Netflix has rarely had a month where it didn’t have an abundance of new shows to watch.
That’s not going to change in February, thanks to an assortment of shows borrowed from other networks.
All of Watch With Us‘ picks for the three new Netflix shows to watch in February 2026 originated on another network or streamer.
This month’s selections include a sitcom revival, a tense police procedural and a sci-fi series that was even more successful than Star Trek.
3. ‘Night Court’ (2023 – 2025)
The original Night Court was one of the fan-favorite sitcoms on NBC that could get away with almost any kind of joke thanks to the late Harry Anderson and the rest of the cast. For the recent revival series, Saturday Night Live veteran Melissa Rauch plays Abby Stone, the daughter of Anderson’s character, Judge Harry Stone.
Abby follows in her father’s footsteps by becoming a night court judge, and she convinces Harry’s friend, Dan Fielding (John Larroquette), to return to the court as a defense attorney, rather than resuming his role as the prosecutor on the first series. Dan’s grown a heart over the last three decades, and Larroquette does spectacular work bringing out his character’s humanity while retaining the wit that made him so much fun to watch in the ’80s.
Night Court is streaming on Netflix.
2. ‘Prodigal Son’ (2019 – 2021)
Malcolm Bright (Tom Payne) never brought his father, Martin Whitly (Michael Sheen), to his school’s career day … and for good reason. As seen in Prodigal Son, Martin was a prolific serial killer until his son helped the police bring him to justice. Malcolm’s greatest fear is that he will turn out just like his father, and those feelings have sabotaged his personal and professional relationships.
In the present, Malcolm is coaxed into resuming his career as a criminal profiler, but he soon realizes that he needs his father’s insight to crack the case. Martin is only too happy to help his son, because this is his way of worming back inside Malcolm’s head so he can manipulate him for his own ends. This isn’t some heartwarming tale of reconciliation — it’s like living with Hannibal Lecter as your father.
Prodigal Son is streaming on Netflix.
1. ‘Stargate SG-1’ (1997 – 2007)
The Stargate movie didn’t make a big splash in theaters, but the franchise took hold on television and became the longest-running American sci-fi series to date. Stargate SG-1 started on Showtime and shifted to Syfy halfway through its run, which may be why it’s considerably darker in the earlier seasons. This series picks up after the movie, with Jack O’Neill (Richard Dean Anderson) reuniting with archeologist Daniel Jackson (Michael Shanks) after he elected to remain behind on an alien world.
When an ancient threat to humanity arises, Jack and Daniel from the SG-1 team, with Samantha Carter (Amanda Tapping) and an alien warrior named Teal’c (Christopher Judge), explore the galaxy through the Stargate network and discover a way to defeat their common enemy before Earth itself is threatened. There are over 200 episodes, so this show will keep you busy for a long time.
Stargate SG-1 will stream on Netflix on February 15.
Entertainment
The 14 Best Cashmere-Blend Knits, According to a Fashion Editor
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Despite the glamorous job title, most fashion editors are far from millionaires. This makes my line of work extra tricky. While I want to look stylish and rock high-end labels, sacrificing an entire paycheck on clothes isn’t the smartest move. That’s why I pay close attention to details like material. Rather than splurging on full cashmere, I’ve found that cashmere-blend pieces can be just as luxe. The right design gives off an expensive vibe while also saving me hundreds of dollars.
If you’re not ready to drop a ton of dough on one winter essential, I’ve gathered a few cashmere-blend sweaters and other knit staples that I think are worth adding to your wardrobe. These turtlenecks, crewnecks, cardigans and more are soft, warm and seem like they’re right off the runway. I promise, no one will ever know the difference — and I won’t tell if you don’t!
14 Cashmere-Blend Knits That Look and Feel Like Luxury
1. Everyday Ease: When you don’t have much time to get ready, you’ll be grateful for this oversized turtleneck. Made with 15% cashmere, the soft, slightly chunky pick feels like a warm blanket . . . and the cream option looks straight out of Meghan Markle‘s closet.
2. Classic Crew: A timeless cashmere-blend crewneck acts as the perfect base. Sure, the solid staple works well on its own, but it can also be layered over a button-down or under a blazer for a totally different vibe.
3. Polished Prep: Rather than paying big bucks for a designer quarter-zip top, save a few hundred by scooping up this cashmere-blend version. You’ll be surprised by how often it comes in handy, whether you’re wearing it with work trousers or throwing it over leggings post Pilates.
4. Pop of Color: You might think neutrals are the trick to looking expensive, but 2026 is all about colorful fashion. Trade your basic, neutral knit for a fuzzy purple alternative and watch how quickly it enhances your outfit and boosts your mood.
5. Spring-Ready: For me, navy striped designs signal warmer days ahead. It’s worth it to scoop up this wool-cashmere cardigan now, then work it into your wardrobe once spring arrives, giving your outfit a fun, nautical twist.
6. Rich Mom: There’s something extra luxurious about a cap-sleeved sweater. The eye-catching cut just feels different and fancy, spicing up the most basic of bottoms and helping you nail wealthy, Upper East Side elegance.
7. Wardrobe Staple: This cable-knit crewneck is one you’ll likely break out every winter. Aside from being cozy and warm, the textured design never feels dated, so it’s a worthy investment — even at half off!
8. Celebrity Inspired: If you tend to take fashion cues from the stars, add a red cardigan to your rotation. Not only will the bold shade add life to your outfits, but the piece is easy to throw on in a pinch. Just make sure your white tee is visible, and you’ve got yourself a paparazzi-worthy look.
9. Sleeveless Style: Cashmere is typically associated with the colder weather, but Quince’s blended tank is something you can work into your summer wardrobe, too. You’ll love how the added texture amps up simple bottoms when it’s too warm to layer.
10. Luxe Loungewear: No offense to my everyday sweats, but Intimissimi’s palazzo pants feel straight out of a Nancy Meyers movie. The soft, quality fabric will make weekends on the couch feel downright romantic, and no one will blame you if you choose to wear them multiple days in a row.
11. Very Versatile: If you’re searching for a black dress to wear to weddings, baby showers and date nights, Quince has you covered. This 5% cashmere midi looks as almost regal, thanks to the plisse pleats. At the same time, it has a simple yet chic appearance that can be styled with bold jewelry and heels or dressed down with white sneakers.
12. Quite the Charmer: While Nordstrom’s embellished knit is a tad pricier than other options on this list, it’s a small price to pay for a piece that seemingly does it all. It’s jewelry and clothing rolled into one, and while the top is warm enough for winter, you’ll still be reaching for it in the early days of spring.
13. A Little Extra: If you’ve had your fill of sweaters, grab yourself a chic poncho, which will instantly enhance your current knitwear collection, and can even be layered over a coat.
14. Secretly Warm: You won’t need to bundle up if you opt for a toasty tee. Uniqlo’s high-tech design converts body moisture into heat (cool), and since it’s made from 9% cashmere and 6% spandex, you’ll have no problem wearing this soft, stretchy find on repeat.
Entertainment
Perfect, Unrated Comedy Thriller Will Help You Reach Your Final Form
By Robert Scucci
| Published

If you’re of a sound mind and in good health, and everything is going great in your life, you probably won’t ever find yourself manipulated into joining a cult. Or, if you’re like Ansel Roth (Leland Orser) from 2014’s Faults, you’re so against the idea of cults separating families and ruining lives that you devote your own life to seeking out victims and reprogramming them so they can go back to the way things were before running away from home.
This is where things get messy, because what if you also owe a ton of money to your loan shark publisher at the same time a desperate family tracks you down so you can reunite them with their estranged daughter? You have no guarantees that you can help them, but you can probably get the cash you need, put on a good show, walk away relatively unscathed, and move on with your life.
At least that’s what Ansel thinks will happen in Faults, but it’s only a matter of time before his reckless behavior catches up with him.
One Sad, Sad Man’s Disingenuous Redemption Arc

In Faults, Ansel Roth is living a very sad life, traveling from cheap hotel to cheap hotel, trying to push his new book. Though his first published work was a highly successful tome about deprogramming cult victims so they could go back to their old lives, his new book is simply a cash grab meant to recoup losses from his recent divorce and other life failings.
Though he has trouble selling his new book, he’s at least able to work out a free room and meal per hotel visit, and otherwise lives out of his car. It’s all really pathetic, but there’s also a sense of entitlement that makes the whole situation disproportionately funny, particularly when he argues over fraudulent meal vouchers and steals all the towels and remote batteries from whatever room he’s about to get kicked out of.

To make matters worse for Ansel, his manager, Terry (Jon Gries), not only severs ties with him because he’s not moving any units, but demands payment for past debts within a week, or else. He even sends one of his goons, Mick (Lance Reddick), to threaten him in person as Ansel travels the country on his increasingly pathetic book tour.
Desperate for cash, and considering the possibility that his entire career is a joke, Ansel is approached by Evelyn (Beth Grant) and Paul (Chris Ellis) about their daughter, Claire (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), who ran away to become a member of Faults, an elusive cult that preys on the innocent. Ansel, in his infinite wisdom, agrees to help deprogram her for the exact amount of money he owes Terry so he can put all of his failures behind him and move on with his life.

The plan is simple at first. Ansel, with Evelyn and Paul’s permission, hires actors to stage Claire’s abduction. Staying at yet another seedy motel, Ansel gets to work with Claire, who doesn’t know her parents are staying in the adjoining room, waiting for her breakthrough. Matters are continually complicated by Claire’s resistance to treatment, along with Mick making surprise appearances to collect the rest of the money Ansel owes Terry.
A Masterclass In Manipulation

Faults takes a deep dive into the exact kind of cult level manipulation you’re familiar with if you’ve watched any documentaries on the subject, but subverts expectations every step of the way. Ansel knows all the methods used to deprogram someone and has had mixed results in the past. He believes he needs to break Claire’s spirit and rebuild her from the ground up so she can assimilate back into her family and put Faults behind her.
Claire, on the other hand, has her own ideas about how things should work. She’s incredibly stubborn, and her behavior, along with external forces beyond her control like Terry and Mick’s looming presence, pushes Ansel into increasingly compromising positions. Constant money runs and impromptu detours during deprogramming sessions leave him sleep deprived, slowly wearing away his resolve and, in many cases, giving Claire the upper hand.

What’s so enthralling about Faults is just how deeply everybody digs themselves in for their own selfish reasons. Ansel needs money. Claire doesn’t want to leave her cult. Her parents want everything to go back to the way it was, even if the way things were years ago no longer serve Claire, who is now an adult.
On some level, everybody is manipulating everybody else, and Faults makes you question who’s actually the real article. Half the fun is figuring out who’s pulling one over on who, and this feeling of distrust and animosity is pushed onto the audience in ways that make you never really want to root for anybody, while also hoping the right party gets what they’re looking for.


As of this writing, Faults is streaming for free on Tubi.
Entertainment
Ian McKellen says Magneto absolutely 'destroys' New Jersey in“ Avengers: Doomsday”: 'Sorry about that'
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“My fault,” the Marvel star said.
Entertainment
Bridgerton Author Julia Quinn Teases Potential Season 4 Death After Rumors
Bridgerton author Julia Quinn is sending fans a warning message that the tears might be flowing before season 4 comes to a close.
“I can just say, get your tissues ready, because it’s rough,” Quinn exclusively told Us Weekly of the events that transpire in part 2 of the Netflix series. “When I visited the set, they were filming scenes and I saw a scene that was — at the same time incredibly joyful and just heart wrenching — so, yeah, you’re gonna need tissues for part 2.”
Eagle-eyed fans began speculating that there could be a major character death after a teaser for the second half of the season showed Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell) dressed in all black attire — sparking rumors of a potential funeral. While it’s unclear whose death or funeral viewers might potentially see play out, fans have pointed to a couple characters as options.
Readers of Quinn’s book To Sir Phillip, With Love know that Eloise’s love story with Phillip (Chris Fulton) begins after Marina’s (Ruby Barker) untimely death. But it’s also possible that Francesca’s (Hannah Dodd) husband, John (Victor Alli), could end up dead as Quinn’s When He Was Wicked centers around the pair’s marriage — and the Bridgerton sibling’s journey to find love again with John’s cousin Michael. (The series notably introduced Masali Baduza’s character Michaela instead of Michael in the season 3 finale.)
“I just remember when they introduced John last season, and he was so awesome. I was just like, ‘Oh.’ Because in the books, you don’t get to know him as well as the show. And I was like, ‘You’re just making it so much worse,’” Quinn told Us regarding if and when John’s time comes. “He’s so wonderful.”
Aside from the potential onscreen death, fans have also weighed in on several moments from the first half of season 4 — which begins with Benedict’s (Luke Thompson) Cinderella-inspired meet-cute with maid Sophie (Yerin Ha). Despite Benedict’s social class preventing him from marrying Sophie, he begins to fall in love with her and ultimately asks her to be his mistress.

Quinn, meanwhile, wanted to make sure that viewers of the series — which takes place in the Regency era of England — were aware of how unusual it would be for someone of Benedict’s rank to ask for Sophie’s hand in marriage.
“It wasn’t so much a scene,” Quinn told Us when asked whether there was anything from the books that she wanted included in season 4. “It’s just saying, ‘You have to make sure that viewers understand how unprecedented it would be for him to offer her marriage.’”
“That’s something I just said, ‘You need to make sure they understand this, because it’s going to seem really awful,’” Quinn continued of Benedict’s offer to Sophie. “And so that’s why I’m always telling people, ‘Hey, the big deal is not that he does this, not that he asked her to be his mistress, because that’s what would happen.’”
Quinn noted that Benedict’s controversial question is a “huge part” of her third book, An Offer From a Gentleman.
“I mean, the characters do — I don’t know if I call them stupid things — but they don’t always make the right choice right away, or they don’t always make the bold choice right away, and they have to learn,” she explained to Us. “And again, I don’t want to have perfect people. I want them to grow and learn, and so that’s why they do some of the things they do.”
As fans await to find out how Benedict and Sophie’s love story plays out in part 2, Quinn is launching her JQ Editions to recommend similar historical romance novels.

“I get so many readers who want to know, like, ‘What do I read after Bridgerton?’ And, ‘I’m new to historical romance, and what should I read?’ And now I can be like, ‘This. This is what you should read. These are my very favorite books,’” she shared. “I do recommend books on social media. But this one it’s going to be six books a year to start out. So these are the top, these are the very, very best. This is me saying, ‘This is the one you should read and I’m mailing it to your house.’”
The famed author is also partnering with Spotify to promote the streamer’s first-of-its-kind Page Match, where readers can connect physical and e-books to audiobooks on Spotify with a single scan.
“My jaw dropped,” Quinn said of seeing the feature for the first time. “I know so many people who have one book that they read and one book that they listen to because they read in bed and they listen to things at the gym. And now, with the Page Match, you can go back and forth seamlessly. You can stay with one book, which I think is incredible for people like me, who don’t split their attention very well.”
Season 4 of Bridgerton part 1 can be streamed on Netflix now. The show returns for part 2 on Thursday, February 26. All of the Bridgerton audiobooks are available in Spotify Premium.
Entertainment
10 Thriller Movies To Watch if You Love ‘Send Help’
So, you work in an office job, and your employers don’t seem to value just how important you are, or, heck, you as a person. But then, you accompany them on a business trip, and just as they’re laughing it up at your expense, the plane begins to nose dive into the ocean. You and another survivor, one of your bosses, make it to a deserted island, where he attempts to establish that he is, in fact, your superior. But, you’re not in the office anymore, and in the battle for survival, only one of you can come out victorious, aka, alive.
What you just read is the plot for Sam Raimi‘s survival horror thriller Send Help, which features a clash of dynamics between the subservient worker and the predatory boss, to see who has the survival instincts to make it back to civilization alive. Right from the start, you can instantly tell this is a Sam Raimi movie. He has a distinct way of telling stories, a way that few directors can capture, and the high-stakes nature of the film won over critics, and has won over audiences. It’s actually shocking that Send Help was released in January, because it doesn’t feel like a traditional “January movie.” Nevertheless, Send Help is definitely a contender of being one of the best films of the year, with a lot of 2026 left to go. So, after you’ve seen the horror play out in this thrilling film, you must still be hungry for more thrillers to satisfy your appetite. Well, you’re in luck, as we have movies that will capture your heart the same way Rachel McAdams did.
1
‘Violent Ends’ (2025)
If you were a big fan of the unabashed violence in Send Help, then this underrated 2025 thriller will certainly bring a smile to your face. Directed by John-Michael Powell, Violent Ends follows Lucas Frost (Billy Magnussen), a guy who really wants out of his family’s violent legacy to try to build a life for himself and his fiancée, Emma (Alexandra Shipp).
But, as the old saying goes, the streets have a long memory, and he is thrust back into this violent, criminal underworld to seek revenge after an armed robbery committed by one of his family members proves fatal. The violence in Violent Ends can be over-the-top at times, but it really does highlight how brutal drug life can be, and why Lucas was so desperate to escape it. It’s truly shocking that no one has talked about this independent film.
2
‘Phone Booth’ (2003)
So, back in the early 2000s, before the rise of the smartphone, the main way that people could make calls while they were in public was through the phone booth. For readers who may be too young to know what a phone booth was, it was a space where you went in, paid a quarter, and made your call. Most of the time, it was a harmless experience, but for Stuart Shepard (Colin Farrell), it became his personal hell.
2003’s Phone Booth is one of the most underrated thrillers of all-time, and it’s not even close. The movie follows Farrell as he’s held hostage by a sniper (Kiefer Sutherland), who forces him to reveal ugly truths about him to the public. Oh, and if he steps out of the phone booth, he gets shot. Every minute of the 81-minute runtime is filled with pulsating tension, and you wind up rooting for a guy who, honestly, you realistically wouldn’t be rooting for.
3
‘The Manchurian Candidate’ (1962)
We are living in strange times, indeed, but not even this crazy decade can match up to the wild and turbulent decade of the 1960s. It was a time of political upheaval, and it seemed like the entire world was on fire, which is why 1962 was the perfect year for United Artists to release The Manchurian Candidate.
Directed by John Frankenheimer and starring Frank Sinatra, the film follows Raymond Shaw (Laurence Harvey), who becomes an unwitting assassin tasked with taking out the presidential nominee, which the communists hoped would lead to an overthrow of the U.S. government. There isn’t a moment that’s wasted in The Manchurian Candidate, as the film was the perfect blend of thriller and satire; and while the movie can be uncomfortable to watch at times, if you’re used to the violence in Send Help, The Manchurian Candidate should be a cakewalk for you.
4
‘Zodiac’ (2007)
Here’s a little history lesson. In the late 1960s, a man had the San Francisco Bay Area in a state of terror, as five people were killed by him in a span of two years. He would go by the name of the Zodiac Killer, who mailed cryptic letters to multiple Bay Area newspapers with detailed information on the police news, and threatened to unleash a reign of terror on the region if the newspapers didn’t print his letters. The scary part is, the Zodiac Killer was never truly caught.
This bizarre and scary time period was chronicled in several films, but the best and most well-known was David Fincher‘s Zodiac, released in 2007 to rave reviews from both critics and audiences. The film did a splendid job in recreating the terror that residents of the Bay Area were feeling at the time, and the notes sent to the newspapers by the Zodiac Killer were indeed creepy. Zodiac has since gained a huge cult following, and is considered one of the best thrillers of all-time.
5
‘Se7en’ (1995)
If you thought Send Help was a crazy thriller, then us millennials have a movie that will certainly send a chill down your spine. Directed by David Fincher and starring Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman, Se7en was a mind-trip that, to this day, those who saw it in the theater still can’t wrap our heads around.
The basic premise of Se7en is this: Freeman and Pitt play two detectives who are trying to stop a serial killer who commits murder based on the seven deadly sins. While Send Help did have some light-hearted comedic moments sprinkled in, you will be very hard-pressed to find that here. The atmosphere is dark and forbidding, and the ending is one of the best in movie history. And, if you’ve seen the movie, yes, we’re still wondering what was in the box.
6
‘Barbarian’ (2022)
When I first saw the trailer for Barbarian, I didn’t know what to make of this movie. So, I decided to go into Barbarian completely blind, not looking into what the synopsis of the movie was about. It was a good idea, because if you think that Barbarian is what you think it is from just watching the trailer, I’m here to tell you, it will certainly catch you by surprise, in a good way.
For Barbarian, giving you a mini synopsis wouldn’t do the movie justice. This is a film that, if you haven’t seen it yet, you should definitely go in blind and watch how things unfold. I will say, that the first act of the film is a masterclass at setting up what is to come in Barbarian, and the whiplash you’ll get from the shift in tone is unforgettable.
7
‘Us’ (2019)
OK, so here’s a scenario for you: You go to a cabin, and one night, you see a family standing quietly and eerily in your driveway. You don’t know who these people are, or why they chose your driveway in the first place. Then, all of a sudden, the people attack you, and once you see them in the light, they unveil who they are: they’re you, except more terrifying.
Us, directed by Jordan Peele, is one of the best psychological horror films of all-time, right up there with Peele’s directorial debut Get Out. It was a movie that explored the darker side of the American experience. Us was kind of a strange movie, yes, but that’s the entire point. It wanted to get people talking, and it did. The ending to Us is, in my opinion, one of the most underrated plot twists in movie history. It was creepy, yet a satisfying way to end what was a great, mind-bending thriller.
8
‘The Fugitive’ (1993)
“I didn’t kill my wife!” I think we can all agree that this line, spoken by Dr. Richard Kimble (Harrison Ford) in the acclaimed 1993 action thriller The Fugitive, is one of the pop culture staples of the 1990s. It was so simple, yet so powerful, and its inclusion in the promotional trailers for the Andrew Davis film did wonders for its marketing. The Fugitive is a manhunt thriller, in which Deputy Samuel Gerard (Tommy Lee Jones) of the U.S. Marshals attempts to locate Dr. Kimble, who is wrongfully accused of killing his wife.
The Fugitive could have been a one-and-done movie with a simplistic plot, but the acting from Ford and Jones was so powerful, it transformed what could have been a moderately successful movie, into one of the best of the decade. We root for Kimble as he desperately tries to kill his name, while not having contempt for Deputy Gerard, who comes off as a man who’s just trying to do his job. If you love thrillers, The Fugitive is a must-watch.
9
‘Don’t Move’ (2024)
Before he directed Send Help, Raimi served as a producer for a Netflix film that is similar in vibe, but is darker in tone. That move was 2024’s Don’t Move, starring Yellowstone alum Kelsey Asbille as a grieving mother who, after being kidnapped by a serial killer, is injected with a paralytic agent. From there, we spend most of the 92-minute runtime rooting for Asbille’s Iris to escape her captor and get help before the shot takes full effect and her body completely shuts down.
So, just by reading the quick synopsis of Don’t Move, you can already tell that this is a movie that goes to a darker place than Send Help did. This movie is a great example of how to create a high-concept hook, and with the tight pacing, and Asbille’s tremendous job in what must have been a very difficult performance, Don’t Move is a movie that will shock and thrill you for the entire runtime. In fact, before watching Send Help, we highly recommend you watch this film first.
10
‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994)
You can’t be a fan of thrillers, and not be a fan of the 1994 classic Pulp Fiction. We know, it’s technically a black comedy crime film, but there were a lot of moments in this film that will certainly thrill you the same way Send Help does, and add an extra dose on top of it. As great as Quentin Tarantino is, and he’s certainly made a lot of great movies, Pulp Fiction is definitely his magnum opus.
The structure of Pulp Fiction is extremely unique, and one that only Tarantino could create; but to give you a general idea of what the film is about, Pulp Fiction centers on three interwoven storylines that come together to create a satisfying ending. The violence is graphic, the dialogue is quotable and peak cinema. When it comes to crime thrillers, you can’t get any better than Pulp Fiction.
Entertainment
Markiplier’s Gritty Sci-Fi Thriller Crushes Massive Milestone in Breakout Box Office Run
The self-proclaimed King of Five Nights of Freddy’s is now king of the box office. After a strong theatrical debut, breaking industry predictions and earning praise from audiences, Iron Lung continues to exceed expectations despite being self-funded and self-distributed. This horror sci-fi film marks the directorial debut of Mark Fischbach (aka Markiplier), which tells the story of a convict piloting a submersible in a post-apocalyptic universe.
Iron Lung currently sits at a Verified Hot audience score of 89% and a low critics’ score of 43% on Rotten Tomatoes. Additionally, Iron Lung grossed $21.5 million worldwide during its opening weekend, exceeding its reported $3 million budget. Since its release, Fischbach has hosted livestreams reacting to the movie’s box office results, to the point that he got emotional following its opening weekend. According to the YouTuber, he hopes his film will inspire other independent filmmakers, as Iron Lung was able to compete with Disney at the box office.
As of writing, Iron Lung has generated over $26 million worldwide, allowing the film to enter the Top 10 Highest-Grossing films of 2026, now sitting at #10. Fischbach hosted another livestream this week, where he praised Iron Lung becoming the “Number 1 movie in America.” He also announced that Iron Lung will be in theaters for another week and will be distributed in Southeast Asia.
What Is ‘Iron Lung’ About?
Iron Lung takes place in a distant future, where the universe has succumbed to an apocalyptic event called “The Quiet Rapture,” in which the stars and habitable planets have vanished, and survivors now reside in space stations. Fischbach stars in the film, playing Simon, a convict who’s selected to pilot a submersible called “The Iron Lung” on a moon that features an Ocean of Blood in hopes of finding resources. In exchange for his work, he will be granted his freedom. As he navigates this bloody sea, he discovers that he might not be alone in the ocean.
Fischback directed, wrote, starred in, and edited Iron Lung, and also features Caroline Rose Kaplan, Troy Baker (The Last of Us), Elsie Lovelock, Elle LaMont (Alita: Battle Angel), and Seán McLoughlin (Jacksepticeye). Originally, Iron Lung was supposed to have a limited theatrical run in 60 locations in North America. But after a strong fan campaign, in which people contacted their local movie chains to bring the movie to their region, Iron Lung is now available in over 4,000 locations across North America, Europe, and Oceania.
Iron Lung is now showing in theaters. Follow Collider to keep up to date with the latest updates.
- Release Date
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January 30, 2026
- Runtime
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127 Minutes
- Director
-
Mark Fischbach
- Writers
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Mark Fischbach
- Producers
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Will Hyde, Amy Nelson, Jeff Guerrero
Cast
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Mark Fischbach
Speaker #2 (Voice)
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Entertainment
16 Casual-Chic Blouses Bound to Fly Off Amazon’s Shelves
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Fashion emergencies can happen in the blink of an eye. Thankfully, Amazon is always dropping brand-new pieces for endless solutions to style dilemmas. Most recently, the e-tailer just released cozy short-sleeve blouses that fashionistas won’t hesitate to shop.
Starting at just $8, we found versatile options for every occasion (yes, even formal ones!). From slimming styles perfect for dressy occasions to unique prints that transport us to luxe resorts, these picks look expensive without compromising comfort. We even found wool-like picks that come in handy during chilly winter weather. These styles are brand-new, so be sure to add them to your cart before they blow up and ultimately sell out.
Casual-Chic Short-Sleeve Tops on Amazon
1. Our Favorite: Tired of traditional floral prints? This dainty knit sweater is adorned with a floral detail that elevates the otherwise plain top (and no, it’s not flashy!).
2. Runner Up: There’s nothing like the relief of locking down a style you can repurpose on a whim. Use this cap-sleeve top to build the outfit of your dreams. From rich-mom style to sporty-chic, you can create so many looks in this versatile pick.
3. Spring Dream: Do you find yourself daydreaming of sunny spring days? This short-sleeve blouse is a budget-friendly way to bring resort style to life without booking a flight. We love the boho-style detail along the neckline.
4. Elevated Option: When duty calls for a formal ensemble, you won’t regret styling this sleek top. You’ll feel like the ultimate rich-mom, no matter if belly bloat strikes.
5. Fabulous Flare: We can’t count all the ways we love this short-sleeve blouse. Along with a loose-fitting design and a striped print, this eye-catching blouse features a crochet fringe sleeve detail.
6. Every Day Pick: With soft fabric and a subtle V-neckline, you’ll wear this casual-chic blouse with jeans, trousers and everything in between.
7. Workout Ready: If you’re gearing up for outdoor workouts, make sure you keep this stretchy top in rotation. Along with moisture-wicking fabric that helps keep you dry, it also features UPF 50+ sun protection.
8. Deal Alert: Ready to stand out? This short-sleeve T-shirt features an animal-print sleeve, adding an edgy touch. Even better? It’s on sale for half off.
9. Cozy Comfort: Speaking of discounted picks, no one would believe you snagged this ultra-soft sweater marked down for $8.
10. C-Suite Chic: Get ready to live out your CEO dreams. This silky blouse fits seamlessly underneath blazers and work-ready cardigans. The satin-like fabric adds a luxe touch that looks super-expensive.
11. Festive Find: Still looking for festive Valentine’s Day pieces? This short-sleeve number comes in a dreamy pink shade with decorative red, pink and white hearts. If you’re a Prime Member, it’ll arrive ahead of the holiday.
12. Trending Pattern: Bring the viral polka dot trend to life in this silky blouse. A crisp collar and button-down detail add an elevated touch.
13. Dreamy Print: The abstract design on this short-sleeve blouse adds a fabulous touch. If you’re a fan of more laid-back prints, it comes in 17 shades for plenty of variety.
14. Flouncy Sleeves: Tired of tight details constricting your movement? This short-sleeve blouse features a slit detail on the sleeve that allows for free movement.
15. Airy Flair: With breathable fabric and a puff-sleeve design, you’ll feel comfortable transitioning this colorful blouse into the warmer months.
16. Last but Not Least: If you prefer styles that fall below the waist, this loose-fitting T-shirt is the way to go. Soft and roomy, it skims over curves without looking bulky.
Entertainment
The 1980s Thriller So Extreme, It Almost Didn’t Make It Past The Censors
By Robert Scucci
| Published

Most serial killer movies land firmly in the R rated category so they can see a wide theatrical release and score big with horror fans at the box office. 1986’s Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, on the other hand, was deemed so extreme when it made its early rounds through the festival circuit that it was slapped with an X rating by the MPAA despite its positive reception. While several versions of the film have circulated over the years in an effort to secure an R rating, the unrated cut is currently streaming for free on Tubi, and it’s easy to see why the censors were all over this one.
By today’s standards, the violence in Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer feels surprisingly restrained on a practical level. There are still a handful of brutally effective sequences in the second and third acts that will make your skin crawl, but it’s not necessarily the gore that risks putting you off. Much of the violence plays out like crime scene photographs taken after the fact rather than staged acts of carnage. That said, those images alone are more than enough to make you want to wash your eyeballs out with Listerine.

Based loosely on the life of real life serial killer Henry Lee Lucas, who famously claimed responsibility for hundreds of murders, and his associate Ottis Toole, Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer leans into its depravity with a level of casual confidence that’s far more unsettling than stylized cinematic violence. It’s not the crimes themselves that are most disturbing here, but the people committing them as if it were just another day at work.
Simple Story, Complex Characters
Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer wastes no time introducing its three principal characters. We first meet Henry (Michael Rooker) as he drifts from town to town, picking up hitchhikers and stopping at diners. These mundane routines are punctuated by shock cuts of the bodies he leaves behind, but we never actually see him commit the murders themselves. This approach tells you everything you need to know about Henry. He’s completely unassuming, and the contrast between his outward normalcy and the devastation he causes makes it clear how easily he blends in with society.

Meanwhile, Otis (Tom Towles), Henry’s former prison mate and current roommate, is returning from the airport with his sister Becky (Tracy Arnold), who will be staying with them for the time being. When Becky presses Henry about his past, he’s forthcoming about murdering his abusive mother, the crime that landed him in prison. Becky doesn’t immediately see Henry as a bad person because she comes from an abusive household herself and understands how desperate circumstances can push people to extreme behavior that they later regret.
As Becky searches for work and tries to get back on her feet with plans to eventually return home, Otis and Henry embark on an increasingly brutal crime spree that steadily escalates. It begins with Henry killing the call girls he and Otis are seeing, but takes a darker turn after they rob a fence and steal his video equipment. Otis quickly develops a sick fascination with filming their crimes and watching the footage back when they return home.

During this stretch, Henry lays out his philosophy for staying ahead of the law, explaining the importance of constantly changing his MO and staying on the move. As the body count rises, Otis’s lack of impulse control begins to clash with Henry’s colder, more methodical approach. Otis is reckless in a way that somehow makes Henry look almost reasonable by comparison, and that growing tension eventually puts the two men at odds.
A Total Punisher In The Best Kind Of Way
Visually and thematically, Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is far from an easy watch. As a character study, it remains one of director John McNaughton’s most punishing and effective efforts because it refuses to pull its punches. The violence is disturbing on its own, but what lingers far longer is the sheer indifference behind it. Henry can be polite, patient, and accommodating with Becky, only to turn into a monster without warning.

That duality is the film’s most unsettling quality. One moment he’s helping Becky clean up after dinner. The next, he’s stepping out to murder a call girl with the same emotional investment you’d put into a late night gas station run for cigarettes. The lack of distinction between those two worlds is what makes the film so difficult to shake.

Boasting an 89 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is a certified fresh outing that grapples with subject matter that’s rotten to its core. Whether you can handle it is entirely up to you, but if you’re willing to find out, the unrated version is currently streaming for free on Tubi as of this writing.
Entertainment
‘Rush Hour 4’ Production Revving Up on Heels of ‘Melania’ Success
‘Rush Hour 4’
Production in Fast Lane as Ratner Returns to H’wood
Published
“Rush Hour 4” is off to the races … pre-production is starting within weeks, cementing Brett Ratner‘s return to Hollywood, TMZ has learned.
Understand the words comin’ out of our mouth … the fourth installment in the popular franchise starring Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan was greenlit last November — shortly after President Trump randomly said he missed old-school buddy-cop comedies … specifically saying there needed to be another ‘Rush Hour.’
A source with direct knowledge tells TMZ … ‘RH4’ is absolutely happening — and soon — with pre-production set to begin within weeks, as spring arrives.
We hear shooting will begin this fall — and, of course, Chris and Jackie are attached to star.
The film is a big deal for a couple of reasons … mainly, it marks Brett Ratner’s return to Hollywood after he was banished from the industry in 2017 amid #MeToo allegations — which he has vehemently denied. Ratner, who recently helmed the record-breaking First Lady documentary “Melania,” will return as the director and co-producer of ‘RH4.’
Our source tells us … while Brett’s success with ‘Melania’ is great … ‘RH4’ was already fast-tracked after Trump voiced his support — which is also a pretty big freaking deal. Paramount’s handling the release on behalf of Warner Bros.
Bottom line … Detective Carter and Chief Inspector Lee are back for some more moo shu!
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