Entertainment
19 Best Hulu Thrillers to Stream Right Now (July 2026)
Summer is a good time to watch a thriller. Why? Maybe it’s the hot sun and cool air conditioning that make an ideal setting to watch people in jeopardy and twist endings.
Hulu just added a couple of new suspense films that Watch With Us recommends you watch as soon as possible.
The White Lotus’ Patrick Schwarzenegger stars in the psychodrama Daniel Isn’t Real, while the Argentine movie The Secret in Their Eyes (no, not the one with Julia Roberts) combines politics and thrills in a well-produced film you won’t soon forget.
‘Daniel Isn’t Real’ (2019)
Miles Robbins and Patrick Schwarzenegger in Daniel Isn’t Real. Samuel Goldwyn Films / courtesy Everett Collection
Normally, people leave their imaginary friends behind as they grow into adults. Luke (Miles Robbins) did that earlier than most since his made-up buddy, Daniel (Patrick Schwarzenegger), was a bad influence. But when college life becomes too much to handle, Luke literally unlocks Daniel from his subconscious to help him out. At first, Luke’s grades improve, and he begins seeing a cute artist, Cassie (Sasha Lane), but Daniel’s influence soon takes a darker turn. When people start dying, Luke has to subdue a monster only he can see.
Are you ready to return Runway? Not the runway, but Runway, the fictional magazine where Meryl Streep‘s Miranda Priestly reigns supreme? The Devil Wears Prada 2 finally arrives on Hulu in July, and you’re invited to the fashion movie event of the year – as long as you have a subscription. Miranda isn’t the only […]
Daniel Isn’t Real is a horror-thriller that fully exploits its evil imaginary friend premise. It’s easy to see Daniel’s appeal since he’s everything Luke isn’t – charming, attractive and assertive. That makes it easy for him to take over Luke and do terrible things in the name of helping him out – after all, isn’t that what friends are for? The film’s jaw-dropping ending leaves no doubt who Daniel really is and where he comes from, but that’s a surprise best discovered on one’s own.
‘The Secret in Their Eyes’ (2009)
Soledad Villamil (center), Ricardo Darin (right) in The Secret in Their Eyes Mario Antolini/©Sony Pictures Classics/courtesy Everett Collection
In June 1974, Liliana Colotto (Carla Quevedo) is raped and murdered. Benjamín Espósito (Ricardo Darín) is assigned the case, and he personally promises Lilianna’s distraught husband, Ricardo Morales (Pablo Rago), that he will find her killer. Through some detective work and a little luck, he believes it’s Isidoro Gómez (Javier Godino), a man who was seemingly obsessed with her. But bringing him to justice at a time in Argentina when corruption runs rampant proves to be impossible, and both men are left wondering if they’ll ever find a resolution to Liliana’s murder.
The Secret in Their Eyes is a political thriller in which the identity of the killer is never really in doubt. The evidence strongly suggests Isidoro is the culprit, but the film’s suspense is generated by the quest to find him and prove that he is guilty of the crime he’s accused of. Like the recent Oscar-nominated Brazilian thriller The Secret Agent, the film shows how a corrupt system crushes people who follow the law and lets those who break it get away with their crimes if they know the right people. The film’s ending is both shocking and heartbreaking, and it will cause you to think about what justice really means and how far one is willing to go to get it.
‘Americana’ (2023)
Gavin Maddox Bergman, Sydney Sweeney in Americana . Lionsgate /Courtesy Everett Collection
Americana opens with a young boy killing a grown man with a bow and arrow, and it doesn’t let up from there. The film largely takes place in a small South Dakota town, where several of its citizens try desperately to leave in any way they can. That involves the theft of a million-dollar ghost shirt, which could finance struggling waitress Penny Jo’s (Sydney Sweeney) country music dreams or Mandy’s (Halsey) desire to leave her no-good husband. But stealing only leads to bigger and bloodier acts, until most people are leaving town in caskets rather than cars.
Sydney Sweeney has been candid about what goes into stripping down for nude scenes in Euphoria and other projects. After Euphoria premiered in 2019, Sweeney, who plays Cassie, opened up about the downsides of being naked on screen. “I don’t think as many people took me seriously in Euphoria because I took my shirt off,” […]
Americana harkens back to the ‘90s, when Tarantino-esque crime dramas had non-linear narratives and an eclectic cast of down-on-their-luck characters using violence as a way to advance in life. Americana isn’t nearly as good as Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction or Jackie Brown, of course, but it’s a decent thriller that weaves a compelling story. Sweeney stands out as a wannabe LeAnn Rimes with a stutter, while her Euphoria costar Eric Dane is chilling as a man who doesn’t think twice about killing others to get what he wants.
Americana starts streaming on June 26.
Maika Monroe in In Cold Light Saban Films /Courtesy Everett Collection
Ava (Maika Monroe) has a hard life. Busted for dealing drugs, she spent two years in prison before being released for good behavior. She vows never to go back, and she takes any job she can get to restart her life. She winds up cleaning rodeo stalls for her father, Will (Troy Kotsur), who hasn’t quite forgiven her for becoming a criminal. What he doesn’t know, and what Ava quickly finds out, is that her brother, Tom (Jesse Irving), has picked up where she left off and is knee-deep in the local drug trade. When tragedy strikes, Ava is forced to return to the criminal underworld she promised she had left behind for good.
In Cold Light is a gritty crime thriller that doesn’t exploit characters or all the awful things that happen to them. Ava is a mess, but she’s not a bad person. She genuinely wants to leave her criminal past behind her, but the same circumstances that forced her into a life of crime in the first place keep pulling her back. Monroe is mostly known as a “Scream Queen,” but she shows some seriously impressive dramatic chops in this movie. Her Ava isn’t all that likeable, but it’s to Monroe’s credit that she doesn’t really ask to be liked in the first place.
Rachel McAdams in Send Help. Brook Rushton / © Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection
Like thrillers with some healthy doses of horror and comedy thrown in? Then Sam Raimi’s fun and funny Send Help should satisfy you. Rachel McAdams stars as Linda Liddle, a meek corporate strategist who finds herself stranded on a deserted island with her egotistical boss, Bradley Preston (Dylan O’Brien).
Since Linda knows how to survive without modern conveniences, the power dynamic between the pair shifts in her favor. But Bradley’s resentment grows into a murderous rage, and soon they’re locked in a battle of wits where only one will emerge victorious.
Rosamund Pike in Hallow Road XYZ Films / Courtesy Everett Collection
Teenager Alice (Megan McDonnell) is in trouble, and she doesn’t know what to do. After a fight with her parents, Maddie (Rosamund Pike) and Frank (Matthew Rhys), she angrily leaves the house in her car, driving down the titular Hallow Road with no destination in mind. When she hits a woman with her car, she stops and calls her parents for advice. They tell her to refrain from calling the cops and wait for them to arrive at the scene to take care of it.
Are you ready for May? Hulu sure is. The Disney-owned streamer is ready to convince you to ignore the sunshine, stay in and tune into its programming. And who are we to stop them? Hulu has scheduled enough exciting content to keep you indoors for days at a time. At the top of Watch With […]
That’s the intriguing set-up of Hallow Road, a thriller that devolves into something more horrific as time progresses. The film is mostly set in Maddie and Frank’s car as they drive to help their daughter, who tells them another couple has stopped to help. But nothing is what it appears to be in Hallow Road, and the thriller constantly makes you question whether what you’re watching — and hearing — is real or not. The ending poses more questions than answers, but in Hallow Road’s case, that‘s a good thing.
Sean (Ross Marquand) has a lot on his mind when he climbs up on his roof late at night to fix a broken light bulb. His wife, Andrea (Sarah Bolger), is expecting their first child, and his job as an elementary school security guard is more stressful than he bargained for. That still doesn’t explain the unidentified flying object he sees in the night sky right before an unknown white light knocks him off the roof and into a hospital bed. Even after he recovers, Sean is plagued by visions of a mysterious spacecraft, which he draws with an artistic ability he’s never possessed before. What’s going on with Sean? And is a close encounter with an unknown kind to blame?
Descendent is a thriller with a creepy sci-fi edge that works all too well. It’s unsettling, especially when Sean believes the unborn child his wife is carrying could be affected by his encounter. The movie works as a metaphor for all the fears expectant fathers face when they are about to become parents. Can they be responsible for another living being? And what kind of person will their child become? Descendent poses these questions subtly, even as it depicts one man’s descent into uncertainty — and maybe insanity.
‘Dangerous Animals’ (2025)
Hassie Harrison in Dangerous Animals IFC Films /Courtesy Everett Collection
The deadliest creature in Dangerous Animals isn’t a shark, it’s Tucker (Jai Courtney), a serial killer who uses sharks to dispose of his prey in ritualistic fashion. As long as Tucker gets his kills on VHS, he’s okay with letting the sharks deliver the decisive blows.
Tucker’s latest victims are a pair of strangers, Zephyr (Hassie Harrison) and Heather (Ella Newton), both of whom he intends to feed to the sharks. Zephyr’s one-night stand, Moses (Josh Heuston), soon comes looking for her, but he’s far from prepared to deal with Tucker or the threat he represents to their lives.
Dangerous Animals is streaming on Hulu.
In 1977, former technology professor Armando Solimões (Wagner Moura) flees persecution in an act of resistance against the authoritarian regime of the Brazilian military dictatorship. Armando relocates from São Paulo to Recife during the carnival holiday in an attempt to start over and protect his young son (Enzo Nunes), but in his new and highly surveilled environment, he finds himself hounded by paranoid neighbors and the constant sense that he is being watched.
The Secret Agent sadly did not end up taking home any of its four Academy Award nominations, but it still handily reigns as one of the best films from last year. The Portuguese-language thriller is rich in a unique style and visual sensibility, which perfectly carries its intelligent political commentary and weighty themes. Moura (of Narcos fame) gives an impressively nuanced and restrained performance that evokes startling power with subtle physicality. Ultimately, The Secret Agent is top-notch filmmaking and a can’t-miss modern masterpiece.
Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu in Hustlers. STX Entertainment / courtesy Everett Collection
In 2007, stripper Destiny (Constance Wu) dances in a New York City club to make ends meet, but she’s barely getting by. When the club’s extremely popular dancer Ramona (Jennifer Lopez) decides to take Destiny under her wing, the two make a powerhouse team. Destiny finds her money problems solved — until the following year’s financial crisis. Struggling and newly a single mom, Destiny joins Ramona and two other dancers in a scheme to drug wealthy men and steal their money. But when cracks start to show in their operation, it’s only a matter of time before their house of cards comes crashing down.
Hustlers is widely considered to feature the career-best performance for Lopez, who received major awards attention at the time, including a Golden Globe nomination. Director Lorene Scafaria gives Martin Scorsese-like energy to her film that is kinetic, emotional and exciting; a perfect mix of sexy, funny, shocking and scary. While avoiding being a cautionary tale of “girls gone wild,” Hustlers is instead an empathetic portrait of rage against an unjust system, the lengths people are forced to go to regain their autonomy — and the collateral damage that will always follow.
Buried under a mountain of debt and an impending audit that will reveal his embezzlement, Andy (Philip Seymour Hoffman) decides to employ his younger brother Hank (Ethan Hawke) for a desperate scheme to rob their parents’ jewelry store. Laid out in a nonlinear narrative showing differing perspectives, Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead follows Andy and Hank as their heist goes horribly wrong, with their father (Albert Finney) seeking justice against criminals he has no idea are his own children.
Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead made several “best movies of the year” lists in 2007, cracking the top 10 at publications like The Hollywood Reporter, The New York Times and Entertainment Weekly. Director Sidney Lumet‘s final film before he died four years later was hailed as a triumphant return to form for the veteran filmmaker. It’s a tense, hypnotizing thriller that deftly explores family dysfunction and features incredible performances from Hawke and Hoffman.
Sovereign tells a story of two fathers — Jerry (Nick Offerman), who homeschools his son Joe (Jacob Tremblay) and believes in the sovereign citizen movement, and John (Dennis Quaid), a police chief who looks on with pride as his son, Adam (Thomas Mann), starts his new job as an officer. Neither man knows it yet, but their paths will soon collide violently, changing all their lives forever.
Sovereign is best watched without knowing too much of the plot going in. All you need to know is that it’s very good, with a surprisingly somber performance from Parks and Recreation star Offerman. A thriller grounded in reality, Sovereign is based on a real-life incident but told with appropriate but respectful dramatic license. It’s a tragedy for everyone involved, and it’s an indication of Sovereign’s strength as a movie that it can make you feel empathy for people even when they do terrible things.
No one does “weird, tense thriller” like Nicolas Cage — when you see this actor, you know to expect the unexpected, and The Surfer doesn’t disappoint. Cage plays a father known only as The Surfer, who is desperate to purchase his childhood home on the beach so he can surf with his son (Finn Little).
But a battle over beach territory soon begins, with local self-proclaimed surf guru Scally (Julian McMahon) and a local homeless Bum (Nic Cassim) vying for control of the waves. Rapidly escalating feats of obsession and toxic masculinity swirl around the three men. Before long, they’re not just competing for territory — they’re competing for their very survival.
Everyone loves a good thriller. From 1960’s Psycho to 2024’s Conclave, suspense movies have been around for decades and will always find an appreciative audience. The genre has been in a bit of a slump lately, with fewer thrillers released in theaters than in its heyday in the ‘90s. That decade was arguably a high […]
In modern dating, where is the line between being awkward and being creepy? Between bad sex and sex that isn’t consensual? Is it possible to actually feel safe when going on a date with a stranger? These are the questions asked in Cat Person, an indie film based on the viral short story by Kristen Roupenian. It follows Margot (Emilia Jones), a college student who works at a movie theater concessions stand. When an older customer named Robert (Nicholas Braun) asks her out, Margot begins viscerally imagining the worst-case scenario.
Cat Person is a comedic psychological thriller that plays with our perceptions of romance, dating and sex. If you’ve ever wondered if your new Tinder match might be a serial killer, you won’t want to miss this highly underrated film.
Daisy Edgar-Jones and Harris Dickinson in Where the Crawdads Sing Michele K. Short /© Sony Pictures Entertainment /Courtesy Everett Collection
After being abandoned by her family and left to fend for herself in the marshlands of North Carolina, Kya Crawford (Daisy Edgar-Jones) doesn’t know if she wants everyone to leave her alone or if she desperately wants a friend. Reviled by the nearby town, she nonetheless connects with two local boys — sweet and earnest Tate Walker (Taylor John Smith) and handsome football hero Chase Andrews (Harris Dickinson). When one of them is found dead, the town immediately suspects Kya — and as she tries to prove her innocence, we’re left to wonder what really happened in that wild marsh.
Stunning cinematography and a magnetic performance from Edgar-Jones (plus an original Taylor Swift song!) make this a captivating, lush thriller about what happens to people who are forced to make their own way in the world — for better or for worse.
Hope Goldman (Elizabeth Banks) is a successful owner of a Los Angeles skincare clinic who is upset that a rival aesthetician, Angel (Luis Gerardo Mendez), is stealing her clients. When her tires are slashed and someone seems to be stalking her, she hires a life coach, Jordan (Lewis Pullman), to help her. Will Hope and Jordan find out who is harassing her before her personal life is compromised and her career is destroyed?
Skincare is a psychological thriller that takes its time to build up tension. It’s more interested in focusing on Hope and her gradual breakdown as she compromises her own morals to solve her problems. Banks and Pullman have great chemistry together as an unlikely duo pulled into a complicated web of lust and violence. Skincare has an unusual premise, but it’s a satisfying suspense movie that will make you think twice about applying that cold cream to your face.
A Simple Favor star Anna Kendrick is on everyone’s mind in the lead-up to the release of the sequel, Another Simple Favor. Kendrick has been a delightful presence on movie screens since she debuted in the 2003 indie comedy Camp. She’s also prolific, having appeared in over 40 movies since then, including three Pitch Perfect […]
A woman walks down a hall in ‘Boston Stranger.’ Hulu
Thrillers based on real-life events are usually creepier than fictional stories, and Boston Strangler is one of the better ones out there. Boston newspaper reporters Loretta McCaughlin (Keira Knightley) and Jean Cole (Carrie Coon) investigate a series of murders they believe are caused by one man. But the police are reluctant to admit they have a serial killer on their hands until Loretta and Jean’s persistent reporting forces the authorities to face the hard truth — there’s a Boston Strangler on the loose, and he’s preying on the city’s women.
Fans of Zodiac will like Boston Strangler as the film borrows liberally from David Fincher’s 2007 masterpiece. That’s OK, though, as it works well in depicting its protagonists’ dogged investigative efforts to catch a slippery killer. Knightley in particular stands out as a reporter fighting not only the police force’s indifference to her work, but also a sexist workplace that continually undermines her efforts.
Gretchen (Hunter Schafer) is a teenager who has every reason to be moody. She’s still getting over the death of her mother, and her dad’s work has taken her away from her home. Stuck in a remote resort in the Bavarian Alps, Gretchen notices some unusual things, like strange screams in the distance and a hooded woman who seems to be stalking her. She begins to suspect her father’s employer, the weird Herr Koning (Dan Stevens), is behind it all, but how can she prove it and stay alive?
Cuckoo lives up to its title — it’s genuinely bonkers in all the right ways. The film’s bucolic European setting is used effectively, with the Alps casting sinister shadows over Gretchen and her family. Schafer is a great addition to the Final Girl Hall of Fame, and Stevens adds another madman role to his already impressive resume of unhinged weirdos.
A girl aims a gun in Eileen. Neon
Eileen Dunlop’s (Thomasin McKenzie) life is pretty drab. She lives in Massachusetts, where the winters are long and bleak, and she works at a juvenile detention facility for teenage boys, which is about as exciting as it sounds. But one day, in walks the platinum blonde Rebecca Saint John (Anne Hathaway), and Eileen’s life is forever changed — at first for the better, and then for the worse. Who is Rebecca, and what exactly does she want from Eileen besides mere friendship?
Eileen is an excellent thriller that’s also a compelling character study as it follows both women’s interest in a young inmate, Lee Polk (The White Lotus star Sam Nivola), who Rebecca suspects is hiding a dark family secret. Hathaway is in full movie-star mode as the glamorous Rebecca, and McKenzie is convincing as the sexually repressed Eileen. The film is a straightforward thriller with a deliberately anti-climactic ending that may anger some and please others.
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Sidney Starr is in police custody amid accusations of sexual assault against a minor. Details of the case are still developing, but a new mugshot from the felony arrest is sparking strong reactions on social media. So far, local reports say the transgender model, whose legal name is Sidney Favors, committed battery and molestation of a juvenile. Starr has appeared on TV programs like ‘Baddies,’ ‘Star,’ ‘Baddies ATL’ and ‘Empire.’
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What Is Sidney Starr Accused Of Doing?
According to 11Alive, officers from the Hapeville Police Department arrested Sidney Starr on Sunday (August 2) in their jurisdiction. Officers detained the reality TV star at the Embassy Suites located at 3450 International Blvd after responding to a call and investigating the scene. Following the arrest, cops reportedly took Starr to the Fulton County Jail without incident. At this time, per 11Alive, police are withholding additional information because the case involves a minor.
“Because this case involves a juvenile, no additional information will be released from our agency,” the Hapeville Police Department told FOX 5 Atlanta.
The gender of the juvenile victim and who, if anyone, called the police remains unclear. As of Monday (August 3) afternoon, Starr was still in custody.
Mugshot Surfaces Amid Felony Charges
Once at Fulton County Jail, Sidney Starr was booked and processed under the name Sidney Favors. Sidney faces multiple charges including sexual battery against a child under the age of 16, aggravated child molestation and sodomy, per court records 11Alive cited. The Hapeville PD has reportedly referred the case to the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. It’s unknown whether Starr could be facing additional charges.
Sidney Starr’s mugshot appears to show them with minimal makeup aside from what looks like tinted eyebrows. Starr’s eyes appeared low with bags underneath. Their hair was braided into straight-back cornrows. Also, they seemed to be wearing a dark-colored jail uniform at the time of the mugshot photo.
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What Do You Think Roomies?
2026 has been a benchmark year for Rebecca Ferguson so far, though it started with one of the bigger flops of her career. Ferguson teamed up with Chris Pratt for the AI sci-fi thriller, Mercy, which struggled at the box office under the weight of its $60 million budget. The film went on to become one of the biggest streaming hits of the year on Prime Video. Ferguson will return to one of her most famous roles later this year, when she stars as Lady Jessica in Dune: Part Three, which is expected to become one of the biggest sci-fi movies of all time. Ferguson recently confirmed that she would only have one scene in the film, though, which will be a major adjustment to fans who have become accustomed to her being a key figure in the first two movies.
Ferguson let this Dune: Part Three detail slip while she was on the press tour for her Apple TV sci-fi phenomenon, Silo, which just returned a few weeks ago for its third season. Not only is Silo streaming on Apple TV, but the first season of the show is also available to watch on Prime Video, providing a perfect opportunity for those who want to test a few episodes and see if it’s worth investing in an Apple TV subscription. Unfortunately, Prime Video recently announced that this won’t be the case for much longer, as Silo Season 1 is officially departing the platform in less than two weeks. The last day to watch the first season of Silo on Prime Video will be on Thursday, August 13.
Is ‘Silo’ Season 3 Worth Watching?
Silo Season 3 has been a hit with critics so far, earning a flawless 100% rating on the aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes. However, the audience-driven Popcornmeter tells a different story. Silo Season 3 currently sits at a Rotten 59% rating from fans, which is lower than both the 70% held by Season 1 and the 67% held by Season 2. Fans have been critical of Juliette’s memory loss in Season 3, which is causing her to forget key elements of the series, the very same elements that fans resonated so strongly with in the first two seasons. Critics agree that this is a vital part of her journey, but only time will tell if the two parts of the audience will meet in the middle by the end of the season.
Check out the first season of Silo on Prime Video before it’s removed soon, and stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of the show.
- Release Date
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May 5, 2023
- Network
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Apple TV
- Showrunner
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Graham Yost
- Directors
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Morten Tyldum, David Semel, Michael Dinner, Aric Avelino
- Writers
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Graham Yost, Hugh Howey, Jeffery Wang, Lekethia Dalcoe
Endings really are the best part of any film, especially in horror. The horror genre, in particular, has some of the most captivating and iconic endings in film history, both strikingly executed and well set up. A perfect ending is essential to turn any story into something magnificent. Without it, an otherwise good movie could easily fall apart. It’s the endings that have turned some horror movies into legendary classics, and as these last six years are anything to go by, the 2020s so far have some truly terrifyingly amazing conclusions.
The following are some of the greatest, most talked-about, and satisfying endings in modern horror. They’re truly special and give these stories a perfect send off and a relief for the audience. Some of these are bone-chillingly terrifying, others are bittersweet, but they’re undoubtedly the finales these films needed and what we all wanted. From a body horror romance to 2026’s latest box office-smashing masterpiece, here are ten of the best horror movie endings of the 2020s so far.
10
‘Together’ (2025)
2025 was an incredible year for horror that was marked by endless excellence. But so many good ones slipped under the wave of other big hits. Among them was Michael Shanks‘ Together, a body horror drama starring Dave Franco and Alison Brie as a struggling couple who must find a way to stop their bodies from forcibly merging after drinking contaminated water in a cave. We follow this couple through several horrifying situations and see as they painfully try to fight their affliction, but, in the gruesome finale, they give in to their fate and decide to merge as one single new person.
The merged transformation is one of the most brutal, disgusting, and ultimately tragic scenes in modern horror. It was built up throughout the story, and it seemed inevitable to happen, but it’s still so graphic and shocking to see, especially as the effects done to achieve the couple’s merge look so intense and painful. Together didn’t make the hugest impact in 2025, but its conclusion is truly a remarkable highlight that every horror fan should see. Over time, perhaps the ending will turn this underrated gem into a cult favorite.
9
‘The Ugly Step Sister’ (2025)
If you think Together‘s conclusion was the most disgusting, you clearly haven’t seen this next one. Also released in 2025, Emilie Blichfeldt‘s Norwegian dark comedy The Ugly Step Sister is truly one of the year’s greatest international horror cult classics. A twisted retelling of Cinderella, it follows Elvira (Lea Myren), the “ugly” stepsister who goes to extremely dark lengths to alter her body to win over the prince of her dreams. To achieve this, she goes too far, damaging her body, mutilating her own feet to fit small shoes, and, most disgustingly, ingesting a parastatic tapeworm to lose weight. By the end, she’s a broken, deformed shell of her former self who not only loses her happily ever after, but has to vomit up the tapeworm, which has multiplied inside her.
It is an ending that will have any viewers dry heaving long after the end credits. The Ugly Step Sister is a film that certainly pulls no punches when telling a brutal, unrelentingly shocking body horror reimagining of a classic literary tale. The ending complements the story, leaving audiences with something they certainly won’t ever forget anytime soon. It’s so stomach-churning, so painful to watch, and ultimately so fascinating to experience.
8
‘Oddity’ (2024)
Irish filmmaker Damian McCarthy is steadily rising through the ranks in modern horror, thanks to a string of small notable successes, with his most recent horror hit Hokum becoming a standout of 2026. But it was his rise in 2024 with the release of his supernatural mystery thriller Oddity that really put him on the map. Arguably the scariest film of that year, Oddity follows the despicable doctor Ted Timmis (Gwilym Lee) as he tries to get away with orchestrating his wife’s murder. But he didn’t count on her blind psychic twin sister, Darcy (Carolyn Bracken), to come after him using her supernatural abilities. Though she was ultimately killed by him in the end, Darcy did leave one last trap for Ted, leaving a cursed bell for him as a gift that, once it rang, unleashed a murderous ghost that creeps up behind him.
Oddity is a tense, shocking mystery thriller that provides endless scares and a dark, ominous atmosphere. Its ending is just as dark, but also very satisfying, as it was building to see a hated antagonist finally getting his well-deserved comeuppance. It shows that in horror movies, crime doesn’t always pay and comes back to bite someone in the most eerie ways possible. You’ll be scared, but cheer at the same time, and it’s a well-set-up and executed finale that was well worth waiting for in the whole story.
7
‘When Evil Lurks’ (2023)
Hailed for its nonstop intensity, Demián Rugna‘s 2023 demonic disaster thriller When Evil Lurks is sure to scare the pants off anyone who sees it. The story follows a pair of farming brothers in Argentina, Pedro (Ezequiel Rodriguez) and Jimi (Demián Salomon), as they try to save Pedro’s family and prevent a demonic force from being born by killing a possessed body that’s spreading evil throughout the country. But the evil was too powerful, and not only did Pedro fail to stop the demon from rising, but his last surviving child, Jair (Emilio Vodanovich), had now become possessed as well, leaving Pedro to collapse in despair as the evil would now consume the world.
It’s truly a dark, depressing kind of horror film that really felt like it was building up to a bleak resolution throughout much of the story. And, boy did it end as such. When Evil Lurks certainly has one of the most downer finales of the 2020s, a real gut-puncher that’s just as brutal and unforgiving as the rest of the film. You’ll be gasping for air the moment you see just how shocking this feels to see for the first time.
6
‘Nosferatu’ (2024)
Filmmaker Robert Eggers cemented his legacy as one of the biggest names of horror this decade, thanks to his chilling hits that pack shocking terror, eerie suspense, and memorable folk horror storylines. It’s his 2024 reimagining of Nosferatu that has established him as the modern master of dread, a striking and visually creepy remake that brings this iconic tale to the modern age. Much like its 1922 original, the ending is nearly the same, but with more emotional weight and heavier acting, showing the dreaded vampire Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård) as he’s finally defeated by the beautiful Ellen Hutter (Lily-Rose Depp), who sacrifices herself to distract Orlok long enough to perish in the sunlight.
It’s probably one of the saddest happy endings in horror this decade. Sure, evil is vanquished, the heroes won, and the town is saved from damnation, and it’s emotional to see Ellen die along with him, but it’s so satisfying to see this menacing, terrifying bloodsucker finally being taken down. Nosferatu is an emotional roller-coaster ride that evokes profound feelings out of the audience, and this ending is the powerful high note this type of masterpiece needed to end on.
5
‘Weapons’ (2025)
Whereas When Evil Lurks and Nosferatu‘s endings were dark and bleak, this next one is just straight-up insane. From comedian and filmmaker Zach Cregger comes Weapons, 2025’s most wild, chaotic, and disturbingly thrilling horror mystery film. Josh Brolin and Julia Garner star as a worried parent and a school teacher who learn a sinister witch, Gladys Lilly (Amy Madigan), has used a mind-control spell to kidnap a classroom full of children to use their life force to cure her illness. In the end, after the pair confronted Gladys and her small army of possessed victims, Gladys’ captive nephew, Alex (Cary Christopher), put an end to her reign of terror by using her magical spell against her, sending the possessed children to chase her around the neighborhood and brutally rip her apart.
What better ending to complement a wild, fun horror thrill ride than this bonkers finale? Weapons is captivating from start to end, providing audiences with an experience that’s so horrifying and bizarrely exciting at the same time. This couldn’t have ended with a more graphic and satisfying payoff. Really, no horror fan is going to forget this conclusion any time soon.
4
‘Pearl’ (2022)
Slicing its way into slasher history, director Ti West‘s X trilogy has been keeping the slasher subgenre booming in the 2020s. A fresh mix of horror, drama, and even dark humor, these three films are on their way to becoming classics. But for this next one, we journey to the gripping second installment, Pearl, released in 2022. A prequel to X, this story follows the antagonist of the first film, Pearl (Mia Goth), in her youth in the 1910s as her fading dreams and stagnant farm life slowly cause her to snap into a violent rage. In the end, after succumbing to her darker impulses and going on a killing spree, her husband, Howard (Alistair Sewell), finally returns home from WWI to find her parents murdered and her welcoming him with an eerie, long smile.
Pearl is an excellent blend of slasher terror and character drama all wrapped together into a well-paced and perfectly acted story. This ending is the cherry on top, as it concludes with a skin-crawling downer that greatly sets up how the events of the first film would come to be. It’s also a perfect scene for actress Mia Goth to show off her remarkable acting talents, cementing her role as one of the most captivating performances in horror of the 21st century so far.
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‘The Substance’ (2024)
2024 was an acclaimed year for horror, thanks largely to Coralie Fargeat‘s masterpiece The Substance. A flawlessly directed, perfectly written, and incredibly acted gruesome body horror drama, The Substance stars Demi Moore as fading TV celebrity Elizabeth Sparkle, who takes a mysterious, highly unstable street drug to give her a temporary youthful body to use called Sue (Margot Qualley). But when her ambition and ego get the better of her, her overuse of the drug while in Sue’s body causes a terrible mutation. In one of the most brutal endings in recent cinema history, Elizabeth’s grotesque mutated form graphically falls apart into heaps of flesh and blood on the stage of a New Year’s Eve show.
The Substance is by all means one of this century’s greatest body horrors, and a disgustingly beautiful one at that. This ending is a perfect yet incredibly bleak one and is a sad note to go out on, showing just how brutal the main character’s fall from grace has truly come. It’s violent, intense, and doesn’t skimp out on gore. What it achieves is truly horrific, and it’ll leave any new viewers stunned long after seeing it.
2
‘Sinners’ (2025)
One of the biggest pop-cultural sensations of this decade so far is Sinners, Ryan Coogler‘s vampire action thriller magnum opus that’s not just one of the greatest horror movies this century; it’s one of the best movies, period. A flawless blend of pulse-pounding action, intense dread and terror, heartbreaking drama, and wonderful music, this story is about the two twin criminal brothers, Smoke and Stack (Michael B. Jordan), and their musically gifted cousin Sammy (Miles Caton) as they struggle to survive the night after the opening of their new juke joint is interrupted by a growing army of vampires. In the end, Stack becomes a vampire, but the others are defeated, and Smoke sacrifices himself, so Sammy can run off to live his best life as a musician.
It doesn’t even end there, as, after Sammy drives off into the sunrise, the end credits see him decades later near the end of his life, and a still immortal Stack comes to speak with him one last time. This, too, is just as brilliant and emotional, coupled with the incredible feeling of watching Michael B Jordan’s and Old Sammy’s actor Buddy Guy‘s performances. Emotionally charged, well set up, and endlessly enjoyable, Sinners‘ ending is truly one for the cinema history books.
1
‘Obsession’ (2026)
Number one goes to the bleak, intense, and unbelievably shocking finale to Curry Barker‘s 2026 instant horror classic Obsession. The story is of a twisted romance, following helpless romantic Bear (Michael Jonston) as he unwisely uses a powerful magical wish toy to make his crush Nikki (Inde Navarrette) obsessionally fall in love with him, but with disastrous consequences. By the end, Nikki’s unhinged state has caused her to murder two of her closest friends, and Bear is left with no choice but to end his life in order to break the wish spell and set her free. But, as the credits roll, she screams in terror and confusion after snapping back to reality, while bodies lie around her, and she’s likely going to be implicated in all of these horrible crimes.
Not only considered one of the most captivating horror films of this century, but just one of the all-time greats now, this tremendous blend of supernatural terror and dark romantic drama is a nightmarish experience that’s too hard to look away from. Obsession‘s ending is truly striking and an unforgettable one that plagues the mind and fills viewers with terror and shock long after seeing the film. It’s perfect in every way and emotional, and deserves the top spot as the best horror movie ending of the 2020s so far.
People love a good mystery movie. They are inherently compelling and intriguing, and a skilled screenwriter or discerning director knows just when and what breadcrumbs to feed us so that we keep following them down the path to the truth. Whether that truth is satisfying or not comes down to the individual story we’ve been told and whether the facts of it add up to something greater. Often, films or series can whet our appetites with clever clues and plot machinations, only to turn our stomachs sour with an unsatisfying ending that leaves too many plot threads dangling or ties them up in too tidy a bow.
Crafting a compelling and narratively satisfying mystery can be like pulling off a magic trick, and if a filmmaker tips their hand too soon, it can ruin the whole show. While we all patiently wait to see if the second season of Widow’s Bay still has some tricks up its sleeves, it’s the perfect time to revisit those mystery movies that have both interesting setups and satisfying payoffs. They give you a puzzle, they solve it in front of you, and the result is a wonderful sight to behold. These are ten mystery movies that are perfect from the first scene to the last.
‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ (1939)
It’s hard to create any list of mystery movies without including the character of Sherlock Holmes. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle‘s iconic detective has been adapted across a variety of mediums with varying degrees of success over the years. In film, the actor probably most associated with the character, at least for those whose viewing habits extend beyond a couple of decades, is Basil Rathbone, who appeared in fourteen separate films as Holmes, alongside Nigel Bruce as Watson. The first one, The Hound of the Baskervilles, is still the best, a gothic film thick with atmosphere and a classic mystery.
Though the film makes several notable changes to Doyle’s original, it still captures the spirit of the story, from its horror-tinged aesthetic to the Victorian-era setting. It follows Holmes and Watson as they investigate a supposed curse that’s been placed upon the Baskerville family and a demonic dog that haunts the moors surrounding their Devonshire estate. The Hound of the Baskervilles is the most famous Holmes mystery, and it’s been adapted, in one form or another, more than any other. but the Rathbone film set the cinematic standard for the character.
‘The Maltese Falcon’ (1941)
Doyle’s legacy was succeeded by authors like Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett, whose hard-boiled detective novels became noir classics. Those two, along with authors like Mickey Spillane and James M. Cain, provided almost all the subgenre’s golden age. The Big Sleep, Double Indemnity, and Kiss Me Deadly all offer scintillating mysteries in perfect movies, but The Maltese Falcon came first and was the crystallization of the noir template. It’s got a hard-boiled detective, a femme fatale, a MacGuffin to kill for, and one hell of a mystery.
Humphrey Bogart plays Sam Spade, a private eye who gets more than he bargained for when his partner is killed, and he’s pulled into a conspiracy involving the titular statue and the underworld figures who covet it. Directed by John Huston, the film was actually the second adaptation of the Dashiell Hammett novel on which it was based, but has completely eclipsed it. It’s a seminal film noir and, in addition to Bogart giving a bona fide movie star performance, it features a killer supporting cast which includes Mary Astor, Sydney Greenstreet, and Peter Lorre. It’s a dark labyrinth you’ll love to get lost in.
‘Rear Window’ (1954)
Alfred Hitchcock‘s career has plenty of mysteries, at least when it comes to the film. Vertigo is a masterpiece, North by Northwest is an immaculate spy thriller, and Rear Window is a masterclass in sustained suspense. Set entirely in a single location, the film never feels stagnant or restricted thanks to incredible set design and tight pacing.
Photojournalist Jeff (James Stewart) is confined to his apartment in a wheelchair with a broken leg, passing the time by watching his neighbors across the courtyard from him. Jeff’s peeping gets him more than he expects when he believes one neighbor has murdered his wife. It’s a classic premise that has inspired more than a few other voyeuristic thrillers, but Rear Window remains unsurpassed. It’s a contained mystery thriller that keeps you in the thick of it from its very first frame.
‘A Shot in the Dark’ (1964)
Peter Sellers‘ most iconic character of the bumbling Inspector Clouseau was introduced in Blake Edward‘s The Pink Panther. That film holds its own special place in film history, but many forget that Sellers’ character was but one member of a larger ensemble in it. In its superior sequel, A Shot in the Dark, the spotlight is all on Sellers, and he absolutely shines. The broad characteristics of Clouseau, such as his exaggerated French accent and pratfalls, become even more pronounced, and the film is a slapstick classic.
When a murder occurs at the estate of a millionaire, Clouseau is called upon to take the case, and he quickly becomes embroiled with certain members of the household while ignorantly dodging attempts on his life. From the moment Sellers is on screen, he’s making you laugh; even when he isn’t, there is plenty more to admire in Edwards’ direction and the widescreen cinematography. Rather than feeling disjointed, the result is a perfectly balanced comedy mystery that will keep you entertained from beginning to end.
‘The Conversation’ (1974)
Though it was slightly overshadowed by director Francis Ford Coppola‘s other film released in 1974, The Conversation is every bit a masterpiece. Where The Godfather Part II is sprawling and epic, The Conversation is intimate and claustrophobic, a mystery thriller set in the world of surveillance that, despite being written years before, was made all the more relevant for its proximity to the Watergate scandal. In today’s political circus where constant surveillance is part of modern life, the mystery is still captivating with its slow-burn suspense.
Gene Hackman plays Harry Caul, a cautious and paranoid surveillance expert whose current job has him overhearing a potential threat of murder, putting him in the middle of a mystery involving an affair and a powerful executive. Inspired by Michelangelo Antonioni‘s Blow-Up, Coppola advanced that film’s themes of perception and reality through images by applying them through sound recording. There’s something particularly paranoid about The Conversation that makes it still feel applicable. The final scene is a cynical summation of our futile attempts to maintain control.
‘Missing’ (1982)
The ’80s were a prime time for thrillers, many of them built around solid mysteries. While the decade is better known for its sweaty, sexy thrillers like Body Heat and neo noirs like Blood Simple, there were also some less lurid films built on real events, like Costa-Gravas‘ Missing. A political thriller based on the murder of American journalist Charles Horman after the Chilean coup led by Augusto Pinochet, the film finds its emotional anchor in Horman’s father and wife. It’s incendiary and absorbing, exposing the political corruption and government complicity that played major roles in Horman’s execution.
Jack Lemmon plays Horman’s father Ed, who travels to Chile to search for his son. He meets his daughter-in-law Beth (Sissy Spacek), who holds conflicting political views to those of the conservative Ed. As Ed is repeatedly stonewalled by the U.S. government in his investigation, his politics change. The film expertly captures the frustrations of American bureaucracy and diplomacy, which more often than not ignore the human cost of political calculations. Missing is a character drama wrapped in a political thriller whose central mystery isn’t about how someone died, but why they did.
‘Lone Star’ (1996)
John Sayles‘ neo-Western mystery Lone Star is one of the best written and most underrated films of the ’90s, a keenly observed drama about the racial and cultural divides that exist in America, illustrated through a small Texas border town with a history of violence and deception. Featuring a stellar lead performance by Chris Cooper and incredible support from Kris Kristofferson, Elizabeth Pena and some outstanding early work by Matthew McConaughey, it’s a stark counterpart to many of the other ’90s crime films, particularly those made in the wake of Quentin Tarantino‘s success.
Sam Deeds (Cooper) is a county sheriff in South Texas leading an investigation into a discovered skeleton that is revealed to be that of the corrupt sheriff who preceded Sam’s father (McConaughey). The investigation leads Sam to learn some uncomfortable truths about his father, while the film explores the broader historical revisionism that papers over these same kinds of truths within American history. The solving of the film’s mystery is more akin to picking at a scab and uncovering the bloody truth underneath. Lone Star is another quiet classic from Sayles from one of the most exciting eras of independent filmmaking.
‘Memento’ (2001)
As the film that truly put Christopher Nolan on the map as a filmmaker, Memento often gets reduced to discussions of its non-linear narrative, but it is far more than just a gimmick. The story alternates between forward and reverse chronology to meet in the middle at the end, which puts the audience in the same position as the anterograde amnesiac protagonist. It’s a delicate balancing act that risks becoming alienating or incomprehensible, but Nolan clearly had the confidence, or hubris, to pull it off. It demands attention, and it rewards repeat viewings.
Guy Pearce plays Leonard Shelby, an investigator who can’t form new memories following the attack that also killed his wife. He’s now committed to tracking down her murderer but must rely on polaroids and tattoos to keep track of his clues. The film’s structure was criticized by some critics and lauded by others. It’s futile to argue if the narrative, or mystery, would be just as interesting if it were told in linear fashion, since the structure is an integral part of the story. How a story is told is just as important as the events that transpire within it, and Memento is told perfectly.
‘Mother’ (2009)
Bong Joon Ho has made many films with mystery elements embedded within them, from his Academy Award-winning masterpiece Parasite to the sci-fi thriller Snowpiercer and his greatest film, Memories of Murder. Mystery is also at the heart of his wrenching neo-noir thriller Mother, a film that’s focused on the power of maternal love as an overwhelming force that can harm just as easily as it can heal. Just like Bong’s best films, Mother is a deft balance of tones that, in less assured hands, would result in narrative whiplash.
Kim Hye-ja plays the titular mother, a widow with an intellectual disabled adult son. She fiercely defends him from mockery and abuse, but when he is accused of the murder of a young woman, she pushes herself to the brink to clear his name and find the real killer. The mystery of Mother doesn’t offer simple satisfaction, and the deeper the main character digs, the dirtier she gets. Bong’s darkest films often end lingering, with the characters more haunted than before. By the end of her story, the Mother just wants to forget, but the film itself is unforgettable.
‘The Nice Guys’ (2016)
Now for something completely different. Even if there’s plenty of bloodshed and lots of bodies in The Nice Guys, it ends pretty far from the somber tone set by some of the preceding mystery films. You’d expect no less from Shane Black, the quick-witted screenwriter who came to fame with punchy action comedies like Lethal Weapon. His directorial career has seen its own highs (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang) and lows (The Predator), but anyone who’s made a stone-cold classic like The Nice Guys should get to do whatever they want. It’s easily one of the most entertaining mysteries to unravel.
Par for the course for Black, the film follows private investigator Holland March (Ryan Gosling) and enforcer Jackson Healy (Russell Crowe), who reluctantly join forces to find a missing teenage girl. Set in Los Angeles in the ’70s, the film is steeped in the political turmoil of the era, but it’s far from some high-minded thriller, yet well above the level of a standard potboiler. Black has a killer sense of humor, and it’s in every perfect little scene of this cult classic. Gosling and Crowe have explosive chemistry, and neither has ever been funnier than they are here. It genuinely doesn’t matter if you find the mystery of The Nice Guys fascinating or not, because you’ll be laughing too hard to care.
For the past week, Will Ferrell‘s first TV comedy as creator, executive producer, and star, The Hawk, the return of Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly‘s western series Ransom Canyon, and the latest Netflix Harlan Coben adaptation, I Will Find You, have dominated the streaming charts. But this past weekend saw a true-crime documentary rise back to the streaming summit, as the nation indulged in the many twists and turns of The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare. So, in a period of change in the Netflix charts, what else should you be watching? To help you decide, here’s a list of three shows you should binge-watch on Netflix this week.
For more recommendations, check out our list of the best shows and movies on Netflix.
Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.
1
‘Best Medicine’ (2026)
Rotten Tomatoes: 73% | IMDb: 6.6/10
Earlier this year, FOX found a surprise medical drama hit in Best Medicine, a remake of the long-running British favorite Doc Martin. Almost four months since the Best Medicine finale aired, the entire first season has made its way to Netflix in the U.S., and is one of the most intriguing, heartwarming, and easily binged shows new to the platform.
The series follows Boston heart surgeon Dr. Martin Best (Josh Charles) as he does what all good TV doctors do: moves to a small town to try and build a new life. However, he soon finds himself alienated by locals as he struggles to adapt to their way of living. Boasting “lovable characters, strong actors, and interesting ideas,” according to Collider’s review, this is one cozy gem you won’t want to miss.
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‘Big Mistakes’ (2026)
Rotten Tomatoes: 80% | IMDb: 7.2/10
With seven months of 2026 in the rearview mirror, it might be time to catch up on those underrated gems that have thus far passed you by. One of the best in this category is Big Mistakes, a clever heist comedy series starring Schitt’s Creek‘s Dan Levy and Taylor Ortega as a pair of siblings who are quickly caught up in a brutal world of underground crime through blackmail.
Co-created by Levy and the genius comic mind of Rachel Sennott, Big Mistakes is one of the best comedies to hit Netflix this year and has rightfully already earned a second season renewal. Alongside Levy and Ortega, the series also includes Laurie Metcalfe, Abby Quinn, Boran Kuzum, Jack Innanen, Elizabeth Perkins, Mark Ivanir, and more, with eight short episodes currently available for your binging pleasure.
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‘Arcane’ (2021–2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 9.0/10
If you’re a fan of animation, then watching the frankly genius Arcane is a must. Set in Riot’s League of Legends world, Christian Linke and Alex Yee‘s steampunk series follows sisters Vi and Jinx as they become caught in a bitter conflict between the underbelly of Zaun and the city of Piltover.
Undeniably one of the best Netflix original series of all time, Arcane shines as a masterclass in stylish animation and a near-perfect example of immersive world-building, earning consistent critical praise and an impressive eight Primetime Emmys. Sadly, just 18 episodes of this masterpiece are available, but for those 18 episodes, you are sure to have the time of your streaming life.
- Release Date
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2021 – 2024
- Network
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Netflix
- Showrunner
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Christian Linke
- Directors
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Barth Maunoury, Marietta Ren, Christelle Abgrall
- Writers
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Amanda Overton, Nick Luddington, Mollie Bickley St. John, Ben St. John, Giovanna Sarquis, Henry G.M. Jones
- Franchise(s)
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League of Legends
The Lord of the Rings fans have a lot to be excited about this year and beyond, with new releases coming at least every few months. The biggest new project on the schedule is the long-awaited third season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. The Tolkien-inspired series officially returns to streaming on November 11. Following TROP Season 3 is The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, which is coming to theaters on December 17, 2027, the same day as Avengers: Secret Wars. Lord of the Rings fans who are also passionate about video games have a new open-world RPG from Warhorse on the way, the same studio that delivered both critically acclaimed Kingdom Come games. No word yet on when the new game will be released.
There is a new Lord of the Rings game with an expansion coming very soon that may have slipped under the radar, though. Free League Publishing recently announced a new expansion for The One Ring tabletop roleplaying game, The White Tower and the Hall of Gold. The new campaign is officially set to launch in September 2026, and it centers around Gondor and Rohan, putting players in the shows of those exploring the last great kingdoms of Men during the Third Age. This is around the same time that Sauron was rising to power as his influence spread like wildfire across Middle-earth. The new expansion is full of lore and exciting new adventures throughout the realms, and it’s set to be released as The Lord of the Rings: Realms of the South for The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying E5 version of the game. The new release includes a comprehensive bestiary also launching in September.
Who Stars in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum’?
The first live-action Lord of the Rings movie in over 10 years is bringing back franchise veterans, including Ian McKellen as Gandalf, Lee Pace as Thranduil, Elijah Wood as Frodo, and Andy Serkis as Gollum. Additional cast members include Anya Taylor-Joy as Seren, Leo Woodall as Halvard, Kate Winslet as Marigol, and Jamie Dornan as Aragorn. Peter Jackson is producing and writing the new Lord of the Rings movie and overseeing the production personally, with the talented Andy Serkis directing. Philippa Boyens, Phoebe Gittins, and Art Papageorgiou also worked on the script for The Hunt for Gollum.
Stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of The Lord of the Rings franchise.
- Release Date
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December 17, 2027
- Writers
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Arty Papageorgiou, Phoebe Gittins, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, J.R.R. Tolkien
- Franchise(s)
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The Lord of the Rings
The appeal of science fiction is the vast worlds that the stories we watch can take us to. A time machine can take us to the past, while a spaceship can take us to, well, space! The latter have served as places where the narratives familiar on our surface become even more extraordinary in the galaxy. Within the larger sci-fi space genre is the space opera, stories that emphasize grand, sweeping adventures, high-stakes drama, and epic conflicts over scientific accuracy; they’re battles of good and evil that only imagination could think up.
The most familiar space opera in pop culture is Star Wars, and since its massive success, the subgenre has found its place on the small screen. Here, we discuss ten near-perfect space operas no one remembers today. The series on this list are set in vast galactic empires, feature interstellar warfare, and chronicle larger-than-life characters, prioritizing epic storytelling, which is why the devoted fans adore them.
‘Buck Rogers in the 25th Century’ (1979-1981)
Back in 1928, Philip Francis Nowlan created an iconic character known as Buck Rogers. Since then, he has appeared in an assortment of media, including comic strips, radio, and novellas. Nearly 50 years later, the character returned to the small screen in the two-season space opera Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, following the adventures of Captain William “Buck” Rogers (Gil Gerard), a 20th-century astronaut accidentally frozen in space for 500 years. Revived in 2491, he discovers Earth rebuilding from nuclear war and uses his piloting skills to defend the planet against alien empires and galactic villains.
Buck Rogers in the 25th Century struck a balance between high-stakes cosmic adventure and unapologetic pulp charm. From evil galactic empires with seductive space princesses to dogfights in sleek, futuristic starfighters, there was a cinematic quality to the television budget. Buck Rogers in the 25th Century chose kitsch over a philosophical sci-fi thriller. By never taking itself too seriously, the series rarely did, relying on clever humor and dazzling visual design that was bright and optimistic. Certainly a product of its time, this gem was meant to entertain first and foremost.
‘Dark Matter’ (2015-2017)
Even though a second season is around the corner, there is a faction of TV-watchers who either forgot about or have never even realized Dark Matter existed. Created by Blake Crouch, based on his 2016 novel, it follows Jason Dessen (Joel Edgerton), a Chicago physicist who is abducted and thrust into the multiverse. He wakes up in alternate realities where his life choices went differently, and he must fight his way back home through a labyrinth of parallel worlds to save his true family from the most dangerous foe imaginable: himself.
A deeply character-driven love story set within a high-stakes multiverse thriller, Dark Matter explores the roads not taken, challenging viewers with a core question: Are you happy in your life? Blending epic space-opera ambition with deeply intimate family drama, Dark Matter uses “space” in terms of the infinite multiverse. It’s the ultimate “what if” story, taking a protagonist and introducing twisted reflections of his life and career, leading to a masterful, multidimensional war fought on a personal level. It may not use the stars as its backdrop, but its space opera sensibility makes it a near-perfect option.
‘Farscape’ (1999-2003)
Farscape chronicles the adventures of Earth astronaut John Crichton (Ben Browder), who is accidentally sucked through a wormhole into a distant, hostile part of the universe. He ends up aboard Moya, a living spaceship, alongside a crew of escaped alien fugitives while being relentlessly hunted by a merciless military empire. The antithesis of Star Trek, Farscape blends space-opera adventure and dark emotional arcs with innovative, groundbreaking puppetry.
The massive allure of the series was the incredible work by The Jim Henson Company and the creatures they created. The series uses a stranger-in-a-strange-land premise, with Crichton using modern science and pop-culture references to survive, often clashing with and enlightening his alien crewmates. It flipped the good-guy tropes on its head, as the merry band of convicts operated in moral shades of grey. If you’re looking for romance, look no further than Crichton and Peacekeeper warrior Aeryn Sun (Claudia Black). Prefer slapstick, bizarre humor, or gut-wrenching psychological horror? Farscape has you covered. It’s a time capsule series that truly delivered on all cylinders.
‘Killjoys’ (2015-2019)
Coming out of Canada was one of the more underrated space adventure series, Killjoys. A thrilling space Western, Killjoys follows three interplanetary bounty hunters who work as a neutral police force. Dutch (Hannah John-Kamen) is a highly skilled, top-tier bounty hunter with a mysterious, dark past. John Jaqobis (Aaron Ashmore) is a kind-hearted, tech-savvy peacemaker who acts as the glue of the group. D’avin Jaqobis (Luke Macfarlane) is John’s older brother and an elite former soldier with combat skills and deep-seated military trauma.
The high-octane series blends the “monster-of-the-week” bounty-hunter format with a surprisingly deep, serialized sci-fi conspiracy, featuring unique worldbuilding and the ability to balance lighthearted humor with serious stakes. The heart comes from the found family dynamic built by the primary trio: each character is distinct enough that you may have a favorite, but together they create the perfect team. Killjoys was a show that let you dip in and out, but for those who journeyed through, it wove a massive, satisfying overarching narrative.
‘Lexx’ (1996-2002)
Another space thriller from Canada with a ‘90s aesthetic is Lexx. Created by Lex Gigeroff and brothers Paul and Michael Donovan, Lexx was a bizarre and darkly satirical sci-fi series about a ragtag group of reluctant misfits who accidentally steal the “Lexx,” an enormous, sentient, dragonfly-shaped spaceship that doubles as the most destructive weapon in two universes. They wander through hostile and chaotic universes, avoiding the clutches of a tyrannical empire.
Leaning heavily into irony, parody, and adult-oriented humor rather than traditional space heroism, its subversion of every space opera trope allowed it to stand out uniquely on its own. Lexx lives and breathes via its band of anti-heroes and pokes fun at the genre within its worldbuilding. Each of the show’s four seasons has a distinct essence. The first two seasons are wild, raunchy space operas; the third season is a darker, slow-burn psychological journey on a literal hell-planet, and the fourth season is a satirical send-up set on modern-day Earth. And yet, they all thrive together as one complete series.
‘Space: 1999’ (1975-1977)
If there might have been a rival to Doctor Who, it was Space: 1999. The classic space drama set in 1999 follows the 311 inhabitants of Moonbase Alpha, a scientific research station on the Moon. When a catastrophic nuclear waste explosion blasts the Moon out of Earth’s orbit, the crew is sent hurtling uncontrollably into deep space. The runaway moon serves as the crew’s unlikely spacecraft as they drift across the universe, encountering strange alien civilizations and cosmic phenomena, and battling for survival.
Across two epic seasons, Space: 1999 combines cinematic hard-sci-fi aesthetics with surreal, philosophical storytelling through breathtaking practical effects, an existential focus, and an adventurous premise. Space: 1999 is revered for its special effects design by Academy Award winner Brian Johnson, who went on to work on Alien and The Empire Strikes Back. With realistic and cinematic weight on the small screen, Johnson helped craft some of the most believable and iconic spacecraft in genre history. By believing in the universe in which the characters occupied, the story of survival resonated.
‘Spaceballs: The Animated Series’ (2008-2009)
There will most certainly be a faction of individuals reading this who will shake their heads at the inclusion of Spaceballs: The Animated Series. For those of us who have great reverence for the Mel Brooks film, the 13 episodes were the perfect way to scratch the itch of our beloved comedy classic. Created by Brooks and Thomas Meehan, the show follows the galactic misadventures of a ragtag space hero named Lone Starr (Rino Romano), a half-man/half-dog Barf (Tino Insana), and Princess Vespa (Daphne Zuniga) as they continually outwit the evil, power-hungry President Skroob (Brooks) and his bumbling henchman, Dark Helmet (Dee Bradley Baker).
Each episode targeted a different blockbuster franchise or pop culture element, such as the Star Wars prequel trilogy, The Lord of the Rings, and video games like Grand Theft Auto. If you admire the Brooks brand of humor, Spaceballs: The Animated Series is exactly what you expect. The series is gloriously nostalgic, and animation allowed the parodies to have fewer budgetary constraints, exaggerating the spectacle. The space oddities are bigger and better than ever, and the animation style was distinct, but the viewing accessibility was, well, not universal. Still, if you were counting down to Spaceballs: The New One, you absolutely tuned in to this short-lived space series.
‘The Expanse’ (2015-2022)
A major reason some of these shows have been forgotten might be the place where they aired. Nothing against Syfy, but the weight of the network was outmatched by the big-name streamers. Nevertheless, Syfy delivered one of the best space shows of the 21st century: The Expanse, set in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system. Now, there are political tensions and military conflicts among three factions: Earth, a militarized Mars, and the working-class citizens of the Asteroid Belt, all while a mysterious alien technology threatens to destroy them.
To some, The Expanse played out like Game of Thrones in space. The series excelled at geopolitics, weaving together the converging interests and deeply flawed perspectives of three major factions through a story of survival, power, and exploitation rather than the classic good-versus-evil. The worldbuilding was some of the strongest in the genre. Leading the ensemble were Thomas Jane as Joe Miller, a gritty, cynical detective, and Shohreh Aghdashloo as Chrisjen Avasarala, alongside an ensemble that served as the heart of the show. The Expanse was an epic and ambitious series that felt cinematic in scale.
‘The Orville’ (2017-Present)
There are very few things that Seth MacFarlane can’t do, and we’re here to celebrate another of his masterpieces, The Orville. The narrative centers on Captain Ed Mercer (MacFarlane), who gets command of the U.S.S. Orville to get his career back on track after a difficult divorce. In a twist of workplace awkwardness, Captain Mercer’s ex-wife, Commander Kelly Grayson (Adrianne Palicki), is assigned to his ship as his First Officer. Joining them are an eclectic mix of humans and aliens.
Inspired by classic Star Trek, The Orville quickly moved away from parody to earn its own identity, positioning itself more as a touching love letter to science fiction space operas. The blend of heart and humor may be different than other MacFarlane projects, yet his stamp is very present. The characters truly drive the action, with each member of the crew grounded in real-world themes. From a visual perspective, The Orville made great use of its big budget: the visual effects, space battles, and alien designs are at a popcorn-blockbuster level. The Orville’s embrace of optimism and hope made it a comforting show, which space operas tend not to be.
‘Vagrant Queen’ (2020)
Sometimes a legacy is born by being canceled too soon — for Vagrant Queen, the Jem Garrard-created series’ single season was near-perfect. Airing on Syfy for ten triumphant episodes, it is a snarky space opera that follows Elida (Adriyan Rae), an overthrown child queen who becomes an outlaw scavenger. When she learns her mother is still alive, she and her crew — Isaac (Tim Rozon), a charming rogue “frenemy,” and Amae (Alex McGregor), an optimistic, tech-savvy mechanic — embark on a dangerous galaxy-wide rescue mission, all while being hunted by an unhinged military leader obsessed with wiping out her bloodline.
Based on the Vault Comics series by Magdalene Visaggio and Jason Smith, Vagrant Queen rejects the typical, gritty doom-and-gloom of modern sci-fi in exchange for colorful and campy adventures. Many hero stories focus on the chosen one arc; here, that’s tossed out the window. Elida is a deposed child queen-turned-scavenger who has absolutely zero interest in returning to her throne. In doing so, her journey explores the nuances of the burden of royal expectations, making her a highly relatable, reluctant hero. The story is fun and funky, leaning into sharp, witty banter and confrontational buddy relationships, featuring an all-female writing and directing team, elevating diverse voices and representation.
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Some handbags only work with certain outfits. However, there are styles that you instinctively reach for day after day because they look good with literally everything. Courteney Cox reminded Us why a woven crossbody bag belongs in the second category. The actress was seen last week carrying the effortlessly chic style with one of her signature casual looks. And unsurprisingly, we’re ready to copy it ASAP.
The Friends alum was spotted in Malibu, CA on July 28, 2026, wearing relaxed blue jeans, a button-up shirt and classic black flats. Instead of relying on flashy accessories, Cox finished the outfit with a black woven crossbody that tied everything together. The timeless texture gave the laid-back look a more elevated feel while still being practical enough for everyday wear.
Get the Dabdays Handwoven Crossbody Bag for $44 (was $46) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
Luckily, recreating the look doesn’t require a designer budget. The Dabdays Woven Crossbody Bag delivers the same woven finish and sleek silhouette for $44 on Amazon. Available in Cox’s classic black, it’s the kind of bag that quietly works with nearly everything already hanging in your closet.
Packing for vacation always sounds easier than it actually is. You want shoes that can survive cobblestone streets, airport terminals and long sightseeing days — all while feeling comfortable and looking effortlessly cool. As it turns out, Courteney Cox may have found the perfect pair, and they’re on sale right now. The Adidas Adilette Comfort […]
The vegan leather bag features an intricate woven design, a roomy main compartment and an adjustable strap that lets you wear it over your shoulder or as a crossbody. A secure zip closure and interior slip pocket help keep everyday essentials organized and safe, whether you’re heading to brunch, running errands or catching a flight.
One shopper who called the bag “stunning and timeless” wrote in a review, “The craftsmanship is evident in every detail, from the stitching to the hardware. It adds a touch of elegance to any outfit.”
Other reviewers say it’s just as functional as it is stylish. A customer praised the “easy-to-adjust” straps, as well as the practical design, which “held all the essentials without being too heavy.”
We’re leaning into the black hue style to get the star’s look. However, if you’re looking for a little more color, the bag also comes in camel, burgundy, silver and several other versatile shades.
Like Cox’s effortlessly cool style, this woven crossbody proves that the best accessories don’t have to steal the spotlight. They simply make every outfit look better. Whether you’re pairing it with jeans, breezy dresses or tailored separates this season, it’s an easy way to add a polished touch.
Get the Dabdays Handwoven Crossbody Bag for $44 (was $46) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
Looking for something else? Explore more from Dabdays here, and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!
UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping
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Gisele Bündchen is giving Us a masterclass in beach style, and honestly, it’s a summertime look that women in their 40s will instantly fawn over. During a beach day in Tahiti, the supermodel reached for a timeless white bikini style that felt equal parts polished, relaxed and endlessly flattering. The best part is you don’t […]
Aaron Rodgers is getting honest about the painful rift that kept his family members at odds with each other for years.
The veteran quarterback credited his marriage to his wife, Brittani, for inspiring a long-awaited reconciliation with his family, while also dropping a subtle nod to those who handled the private conflict publicly.
Notably, Aaron’s wife also supported and encouraged him to do one more year with the Steelers to see how it turns out.
After years of sitting out August exhibition games, Aaron is set to suit up during Pittsburgh’s first two preseason matchups against the Packers and the Jets.
During a candid conversation about his career, Aaron’s personal life also came up. Speaking on his recent family reconciliation, he noted that his wife was a major catalyst for the repair of the long-strained relationship.
Reflecting on the resolution, Aaron noted that while he always believed family disputes should stay out of the media, not everyone in his family adhered to that boundary. This appeared to be a subtle nod to his brother Jordan’s public comments during their separation.
“Now, not everybody in the family adhered to the same thing, but there are different things, situations, experiences, and people that actually change your life,” Aaron admitted to The Athletic.
Nevertheless, he expressed deep gratitude for having closed the rift and for reconnecting with his parents.
Aaron Rodgers Revealed The Role His Wife Played In His Family Reconciliation
Building on his recent reflections, Aaron elaborated further on how his private marriage created the foundation for his family reunion.
The Blast reported that in a candid interview, he explained that his wife, Brittani, provided the steady emotional backing he needed to address a feud that had stretched back to 2014.
Following a viral social media post showing the quarterback reunited with his parents and brother, Aaron addressed the overwhelming public response, admitting that marrying Brittani served as a true catalyst for opening up a dialogue.
“A big part of it was getting married, and having those conversations with my wife that allowed me to kind of open up to the possibility of coming together,” he explained.
Quiet Steps Toward Healing Began Months Before Public Social Media Posts
While recent public posts brought attention to Aaron’s restored family dynamic, the foundation for healing had actually been laid long before the quarterback shared it online.
According to The Blast, the initial steps toward mending their nearly decade-long separation began as far back as 2023, setting the stage for more public milestones in the months that followed.
In April, the family gathered for the inaugural Pleasant Valley High School Athletics Hall of Fame ceremony, where Aaron was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame.
During the event, witnesses noted that Aaron appeared relaxed and in high spirits while sitting, talking, and laughing with his family. Taking the podium to deliver his acceptance speech, he publicly acknowledged and thanked them, offering a clear sign that the tension had dissolved.
Aaron Rodgers’ Wife Also Influenced His Career Choices
In addition to helping him find stability in his personal life, Aaron’s wife also had a say in his career choices. He recently highlighted how his marriage influenced his decision to continue his professional football career, as reported by The Blast.
As the veteran quarterback prepares for his 22nd season in the league, he made it clear that his return to Pittsburgh would likely mark the definitive end of his playing career.
However, before committing to one final run under center, it took a combination of key coaching changes and direct encouragement from his wife to convince him to suit up once more.
The NFL icon admitted that he had initially contemplated walking away after last season, but his perspective shifted significantly following Pittsburgh’s hiring of head coach Mike McCarthy. He also revealed that discussions with his wife, Brittani, were central to making the choice to play one more season.
Despite speaking so lovingly about his wife’s role in his personal life and career, Aaron’s statements sparked a mix of skepticism and defense over his wife’s low-profile identity.
Following his comments regarding his decision to return for one final season, online users immediately zeroed in on his references to his wife, Brittani.
Given that she has intentionally avoided the public spotlight, rumors and sarcastic commentary quickly spread across platforms, per The Blast.
One user joked about how media outlets can track down anyone except Aaron’s spouse, leading to a wave of trolling that targeted the couple’s privacy.
However, another set of fans quickly rallied to the MVP’s defense, pushing back against the online cynicism and pointing out that the athlete has been transparent about his wife’s desire to remain private.
Kamri Peterson recalled the exact moment she found out she would be part of the Dancing With the Stars troupe for season 35.
“I was in a hotel room. I was at a dance convention. I was in a hotel room all by myself. I got the call,” Peterson, 18, told Us exclusively at Dancing With the Stars Con 2026. “I was absolutely shocked and so excited.”
Peterson said it has “been a dream” of hers to return to DWTS since she took part in its short-lived spinoff DWTS: Juniors.
“I was just so excited. I really don’t think I’ve ever been so happy in my entire life,” she gushed. “I called my mom first, and then I called my dad, and then I called one of my best friends’ moms, Felicia, and then my best friend Malakai.”
Several Dancing With the Stars pro dancers began their journey in the ballroom in the troupe. The hit dance competition first introduced its troupe during 2011’s season 12, featuring a selection of performers who didn’t have a celebrity partner but still appeared in group numbers and their own “bumpers” between competitive routines. “When I first […]
News broke on Sunday, August 2, at the first-ever DWTS Con that Peterson will perform in the troupe for the upcoming season of the hit show. When Peterson appeared on DWTS: Juniors in 2018, she was partnered up with Little Big Shots alum Akash Vukoti with help from mentor Witney Carson.
“One of my favorite pros is Witney because she was my pro on Juniors, so I always feel like that’s so fun,” Peterson told Us. “I love Rylee [Arnold] because I grew up with [her], so it’s so fun seeing her.”
She continued: “But literally, there’s Dani[ella Karagach]. I grew up watching Dani even before I was on Juniors. I’d watch her videos on YouTube. Like, I have been a die-hard fan of Dani since before Juniors. I mean, before Dancing With the Stars. So, yeah, I mean, literally everyone. Everyone’s so good.”
Peterson said being on DWTS: Juniors was an experience that shaped her life, adding, “I just remember having the absolute time of my life. Like, literally, my favorite memories ever are from that show.”
She’s even more excited to return to the ballroom in this new chapter.
“This is my first performance with Dancing With the Stars since Dancing With the Stars: Juniors. I’m just so excited,” she shared from the Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs, California. “It’s surreal because this is such a big dream of mine. So it’s been amazing, and I feel like everyone’s had a lot of fun. I’ve had a lot of fun. It’s been amazing.”
ABC has yet to announce the rest of the season 35 troupe members — or the pro roster — but so far, fans can expect to see celebs Ciara Miller, Maura Higgins, Jackson Olson and Guillermo Rodriguez competing in the ballroom this fall.
Peterson, meanwhile, is looking forward to leaving her mark, telling Us, “I want to inspire the younger generation. I want them to see that dance doesn’t have to be so serious. It can also be something that’s just fun because I feel like, at least for me, dance is something that I do because I enjoy it, not because I have to.”
She concluded: “And I feel like sometimes people get a little distracted by the fact that ‘Oh, we have to win, we have to do this, we have to do that,’ but also we dance because we love it, so I think I want to show people that dance can be fun. It doesn’t always have to be competitive and scary.”
Dancing With the Stars returns to ABC with a two-night premiere starting Tuesday, September 15.
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