Entertainment

5 Years Later, These Are the 10 Best Movies of 2021

Published

1 month ago

24 June 2026

Denzel Washington in 'The Tragedy of Macbeth'

It’s already a point of interest to look back on an individual year’s film offerings in a modern context to see which films have maintained their qualities or grown more well-crafted in the years since, yet even by most standards, 2021 was an unusual year for cinema history. The world was still massively recovering from the pandemic, which was largely felt in the slow release of major studio films as well as in releasing films in theaters and for premium digital rental or on streaming at the same time.

However, even if the actual release structure of the films was strange, the inherent quality was certainly there for the year’s best films. The year saw the release of iconic blockbusters, memorable indie films, and everything in between that helped bring a sense of normalcy back to filmmaking after the even more chaotic year of 2020. This makes returning to the 2021 films 5 years later that much more interesting, as the very best have maintained their qualities beyond the wild times of pandemic-era thinking.

10

‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’

The Tragedy of Macbeth is one of the most striking and clear-cut collaborations of sheer talent from just about everyone involved in terms of bringing to life this Shakespearean classic to the modern age. Through the directorial vision of Joel Coen, exceptional performances from Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand, and amazing cinematography from Bruno Delbonnel, the film truly comes to life as a work of art. What’s rather sad is that the film’s legacy and staying power have felt limited in the years since its release, as it was originally made for Apple TV+.

However, the quality is certainly there to revel in and be inspired by, with beautiful black-and-white visuals complementing the powerful performances and classic storytelling at its center. Joel Coen still hasn’t had another feature-length directorial work since the release of this film. Yet, he’s already proven his directorial strengths this decade with this masterclass of Shakespearean brilliance.

9

‘Judas and the Black Messiah’

Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya) giving a speech in Judas and the Black Messiah

Judas and the Black Messiah operates in a wholly individual spot as far as award-contending dramas, making use of the extension given to 2020s slate of films during the pandemic to release and compete alongside 2020 films like Nomadland and Mank despite releasing in February 2021. This makes the film often forgotten in the pantheon of 2021 as a year in film history, which is a shame considering just how striking and emotionally powerful this story of real-life revolution and heartbreak truly is.

The film truly comes into its own thanks to a masterful central performance from Daniel Kaluuya as the late Fred Hampton, building up his truly electrifying presence as a public speaker and a true visionary that people would latch onto and see hope for the future in. It makes the impending fall and betrayal of the story all the more painful, knowing that such strong will and battle for rights will be snuffed out by higher powers before it even has a chance to flourish and make a change.

8

‘The Green Knight’

Sir Gawain lifting his axe to the sky in The Green Knight (2021) — Sir Gawain lifting his axe to the sky

There have been a multitude of fantasy films that have either directly adapted or found great inspiration from the Arthurian tales of the past, yet The Green Knight stands out as one of the most beautiful and original takes on this all-time classic material. David Lowery’s distinct vision of pain, perseverance, and growth told through the story of Sir Gawain arguably makes it one of the all-time greatest adaptations of Arthurian tales to film to date.

It’s a ruthlessly intense fantasy film that is quick to delve into the sheer darkness and psychological gravitas of Gawain’s journey, made all the more impactful by a striking lead performance by Dev Patel. The film truly goes all out in terms of bringing to life a sprawling, multi-layered adventure not just for Gawain to experience, but for the audience to witness and share every step of the way. Time has only been kind to this fantasy masterclass, as more and more people have grown to appreciate its brilliance.

7

‘Pig’

Nicolas Cage as Rob looking at something while holding a piece of food in Pig — Nicolas Cage as Rob in Pig

To an unfamiliar person, the plot and synopsis of Pig make it seem like little more than an overly nonsensical action thriller that feels ripped out of Nicolas Cage’s previous era, à la Bangkok Dangerous or Face/Off. However, Pig couldn’t be more different tonally than a goofy action movie, as this story of a lonesome man traveling into the city to retrieve his lost pig is one of the most emotionally touching and beautiful experiences that 2021 cinema has to offer.

There is a real sense of earnestness and raw vulnerability to the execution of Pig that makes it stand out that much more as an emotionally moving piece of art. Cage easily gives what is his best performance not just of the 2020s so far, but what was his best performance in decades through this film, with such deep range and emotional depth to his character amplifying an already powerful script into icon status.

6

‘Dune’

Timothée Chalamet holding a sword in 'Dune Part One'. — Timothée Chalamet in ‘Dune Part One’.

It simply wouldn’t be right to not include at least one of the prominent blockbusters that released in 2021, seeing as they helped revitalize enthusiasm for blockbuster filmmaking after a year of abandonment during the pandemic. While films like Spider-Man: No Way Home and No Time to Die might have made more money, there’s no question that Dune is the absolute highlight of blockbuster filmmaking for the year in terms of quality as well as cultural impact and legacy.

This extravagant high-budget space opera achieves the previously thought to be impossible in doing great justice and significance to one of the all-time greatest sci-fi novels ever written. Denis Villeneuve’s meticulous filmmaking style exudes prowess and craft in every moment of the film, creating a true sci-fi epic experience that makes the most of the budget and delivers on spectacle in spades. While some have written off the original film following the improvements made to the sequel, there is still an undeniable magic that makes the first part of Dune such an icon.

5

‘Titane’

Agathe Rousselle as Alexia lying on top of a car in Titane.

The only Palme d’Or winner of this decade to not be nominated for an Academy Award, Titane is a strange, ruthlessly bleak and abstract piece of body horror that, between the ruthless carnage and uncomfortable concepts, tells a surprisingly beautiful story of found family and unconditional love. It’s an incredibly difficult balancing act that is pulled off without a hitch, as the moments of horror and shock hit that much harder when the in-between is this story of tense secrecy that leads to familial love despite it all.

Simply describing the insanity of the story doesn’t do the film justice, as it bounces between sickening and chaotic concepts that all build on top of one another until they spiral uncontrollably into complete chaos. However, the bedrock cushioning of love that these characters have built for one another makes the release of tension somewhat beautiful, fully living up to the brilliance and strengths of the body horror genre.

4

‘West Side Story’

Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler as Tony and Maria in 'West Side Story.' — Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler as Tony and Maria in ‘West Side Story.’

The lead-up to the release of Steven Spielberg‘s modern-day remake of the Best Picture-winning musical classic West Side Story certainly had hype, but many were skeptical of the film’s ability to live up to the stature of the original, especially when Spielberg’s last film was the dismal Ready Player One. However, not only did Spielberg far exceed the expectations for this remake, but he proves to be so great at directing musicals that it feels like he’s been doing it his entire career instead of this being his only musical to date.

The film has a perfect balance of tones and styles, knowing when to be high-energy and full of life during the upbeat songs and knowing when to slow down and let the emotions of the song and performances whisk away the audience during moments of bliss and heartbreak. West Side Story, even despite a nonexistent box-office run where it got wiped off the map by Spider-Man, has a sustained and effective legacy thanks to its overwhelming strengths, being an important mark on Spielberg’s modern career outings.

3

‘Licorice Pizza’

Gary and Alana laying side by side on a waterbed in 'Licorice Pizza' — Gary and Alana laying side by side on a waterbed in ‘Licorice Pizza’

While Paul Thomas Anderson‘s legacy of 2020s filmmaking will undoubtedly be defined by his monumental achievements in One Battle After Another, that doesn’t take away from the sweet melancholy charm that he exudes in his prior film, Licorice Pizza. This charming story of young love is chock-full of a lot of the distinct human elements and offbeat comedy that made films like Punch-Drunk Love and Magnolia such major hits in Anderson’s catalog.

The film makes perfect use of its central breakout performance from Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman, tapping into an infectious mixture of whimsy and innocence towards the world that makes their complicated story of love that much more compelling, even with all its flaws. It’s hard to truly get a sense as to how the film’s legacy will grow, considering every other Anderson film is a near-masterpiece, yet the greatness inherent to Licorice Pizza still shouldn’t be ignored or looked past.

2

‘Mass’

While Mass may have been massively overlooked by the various awards bodies when it came to the 2021 awards season, it nevertheless stands as one of the most emotionally heartwrenching masterpiece dramas of the 2020s so far. This underrated gem follows a duo of parents who are connected by their late sons having lost their lives in a school shooting, with one being the shooter and one being a victim. After having had to live with the pain and anger for so long, they take the opportunity to meet for a painful and raw conversation in the basement of a church.

Mass brilliantly cuts right to the heart of the indescribable pain that comes from losing a child, with each character in the film having their own approach to grief and remembrance for what has occurred. The way that the film balances these different perspectives and keeps an exceptionally realistic vision throughout makes it an absolute tour de force in terms of performance art and emotional complexity.

1

‘The Worst Person in the World’

Renate Reinsve as Julie running down the street in The Worst Person in the World.

Especially in an era directly following Parasite‘s massive Academy Awards sweep, the unilateral trend that has defined 2020s film culture over previous decades is a much greater acceptance towards international film and experimental voices as a whole. The Worst Person in the World proves to be one of the best examples of such a compelling foreign language work, with the abstract Norwegian rom-com being a near-perfect exploration of the difficulties and uneasiness of young adulthood.

It would be one thing if the film simply delivered on great performances and complex, layered characters to create and emotionally rich experience, which the film certainly achieves, yet it’s all in the abstract execution that makes the film such a joy to experience again and again. From its exceptionally paced chapter structure to a wide array of compelling cinematography and abstract sequences, the film is far from a traditional romance story in its visual style, a perfect fit considering that its characters prove to be far from typical rom-com archetypes.

The Worst Person in the World

Release Date: October 13, 2021
Runtime: 127 minutes
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Director: Joachim Trier
Writers: Joachim Trier, Eskil Vogt

Anders Danielson Lie
Julie
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Anya Taylor-Joy’s Near-Perfect Sci-Fi Masterpiece Is Officially a Must-Watch #1 Hit

Published

16 minutes ago

1 August 2026

NewsAdmin

Anya Taylor-Joy is quietly having one of the biggest years of her career, and things aren’t going to slow down as 2026 goes along. Taylor-Joy can be seen starring opposite Timothy Olyphant in the new Apple TV crime thriller series, Lucky, which has aired its first few episodes. ATJ previously starred in one of Apple TV’s biggest ever sci-fi movies, The Gorge, which is still in the top 10 more than a year removed from its global premiere. After reprising her role as Princess Peach in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which was the first film of 2026 to reach $1 billion at the global box office, she’ll star in another sci-fi blockbuster later this year, Dune: Part Three. The massive time jump between Dune: Part Two and Part Three allows her to step into a much larger role as Alia Atreides.

Anya Taylor-Joy has starred in plenty of important sci-fi projects in her young but impressive career, but arguably the best of all came back in 2024 when she teamed up with Chris Hemsworth for Furiosa. The Mad Max: Fury Road prequel film saw ATJ step into the role of Furiosa, who was previously played by Charlize Theron in the 2015 sci-fi film. Furiosa earned immaculate scores of 90% from critics and 88% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, but the film struggled at the box office under the weight of its $168 million budget, only just managing to earn it back and gross $174 million globally. Furiosa has found a home streaming on HBO Max since the end of its theatrical run, and the film is still charting in the top 10 in more than 10 countries, and it’s also found success on VOD.

Is George Miller Making Another ‘Mad Max’ Movie?

George Miller has confirmed that he has another idea for a new Mad Max movie, but it’s unclear at this time if the film will ever get made. After losing a fortune footing the bill for Furiosa, Warner Bros. reportedly passed on Miller’s next Mad Max movie, which he plans to make before selling the franchise outright to a big studio. If Miller can convince a studio to provide funding for his final Mad Max movie, fans could see another chapter of the Wasteland in the next few years.

Check out Furiosa on HBO Max and stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of Anya Taylor-Joy’s future projects.

Release Date: May 24, 2024
Runtime: 149 minutes
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Director: George Miller
Writers: George Miller, Nico Lathouris
Producers: Advertisement

Doug Mitchell, George Miller

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How many “Chucky” movies are there? Where to watch the “Child’s Play” franchise in order

Published

29 minutes ago

1 August 2026

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He always comes back!

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Jennifer Aniston’s Vacation Flip-Flops Have a $15 Lookalike

Published

42 minutes ago

1 August 2026

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Gigi Hadid attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating

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Jennifer Aniston has a knack for making the simplest vacation outfits feel incredibly chic. During a recent getaway, the actress reminded us that you don’t need designer accessories or over-the-top trends to look polished — sometimes all it takes is a simple pair of black flip-flops. Even better, recreating the look costs just $15.

The Friends alum was recently spotted vacationing in Mallorca, Spain, pairing classic black flip-flops with light-wash loose jeans, a crisp white tank, a black beach hat and a roomy brown tote. The relaxed outfit perfectly reflected her signature laid-back aesthetic, and while we don’t know the exact sandals she packed, recreating the look is surprisingly affordable.

Get the Kidmi Memory Foam Thong Flip Flops for $15 (Was $27) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

The Kidmi Memory Foam Thong Flip Flops deliver the same versatile look as Aniston’s vacation footwear — no celeb budget needed! Available in her exact black shade, along with cream, brown and several other neutral colors, the sandals come in sizes 6 through 11.5. They’re also a customer favorite, with more than 1,000 pairs purchased in the past month alone.

Looks aside, these flip-flops are designed for days when you’re constantly on the move. The cushioned memory foam footbed wrapped in vegan leather helps soften every step, while the non-slip rubber outsole provides extra grip whether you’re strolling a seaside boardwalk, exploring a new city or heading to the neighborhood pool.

The comfort has shoppers raving. One reviewer who packed them for a vacation to Mexico said they walked “around 5,000+ steps a day” with “no worry or blisters.” Another buyer described the memory foam footbed as “cushioned and supportive,” adding it felt like “walking on little clouds.”

If there’s one lesson to take from Aniston’s vacation wardrobe, it’s that the classics rarely disappoint. A comfy pair of black flip-flops goes with practically everything you’ll pack, making these $15 sandals an easy addition to your summer lineup.

Get the Kidmi Memory Foam Thong Flip Flops for $15 (Was $27) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more from Kidmi 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

Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

Shop the UsNow Summer Sale –>

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Copy Sofia Vergara’s Greek Vacation Tank Dress Look for Just $20

Published

59 minutes ago

1 August 2026

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Packing for a Greek vacation is one thing. Finding a dress that can handle sightseeing, long dinners by the water and every photo in between is another. Luckily, Sofia Vergara may have just found the ultimate suitcase staple — and you can steal the look for just $20.

Vergara was recently spotted soaking up the sun in Greece wearing a black spaghetti strap bodycon maxi dress styled with slip-on raffia sandals, a matching raffia shoulder bag and white cat-eye sunglasses. The effortlessly chic look proved you don’t need a complicated outfit to make a statement on vacation. Better yet, we found a nearly identical version that captures the same easygoing elegance for just $20 on Amazon.

Get the Lillusory Bodycon Spaghetti Strap Maxi Dress for $25 (Was $30) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

The Lillusory Bodycon Spaghetti Strap Maxi Dress delivers the same sleek, minimalist vibe as Vergara’s vacation-ready look. Available in classic black along with brown, pink, white and several other colors, it’s the kind of versatile staple you can wear on repeat all season long. It also comes in sizes XS through XL, making it easy to find your perfect fit.

What makes this dress especially worth packing is its versatility. Pair it with raffia sandals and a woven tote for beachside lunches, then swap in a denim jacket and ankle boots once temperatures cool. As one shopper put it, it’s a “versatile” dress with “hundreds of ways to style this,” making it a piece you’ll keep reaching for long after vacation ends.

The soft, stretchy fabric hugs in all the right places without feeling restrictive, while the delicate spaghetti straps and double-lined construction help create a smooth, flattering fit. It’s also earned more than 1,800 five-star ratings from Amazon shoppers. One reviewer called it “buttery soft and comfortable” and “super easy to walk in and wear for hours,” exactly what you want when you’re exploring charming streets or lingering over dinner with an ocean view.

Whether you’re planning a Mediterranean getaway or simply want to bring a little vacation energy to your everyday wardrobe, this easy maxi dress is the kind of timeless piece you’ll wear again and again. At just $20, it’s an effortless way to channel Vergara’s polished vacation style without splurging.

Get the Lillusory Bodycon Spaghetti Strap Maxi Dress for $25 (Was $30) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more from Lillusory 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

Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

Shop the UsNow Summer Sale –>

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The Miz Warns One Mistake Could Ruin His World Record Attempt

Published

1 hour ago

1 August 2026

NewsAdmin

Mike “The Miz” Mizanin has faced John Cena in the main event of WrestleMania, starred in movies, and spent years performing under the bright lights of WWE. However, his next challenge comes with a different kind of pressure and a staggering number of hot dogs. On Saturday, August 1, the Ohio native will team up with Smirnoff Ice in Put-in-Bay to attempt two Guinness World Records: the Largest Display of Hot Dogs and the Largest Hot Dog Party.

Although the concept may sound like a lighthearted way to celebrate summer, The Miz revealed in an exclusive interview with The Blast that there are strict rules behind the attempt. If even one participant fails to follow the instructions, it could jeopardize the entire record-breaking event.

When asked how he was handling the pressure of attempting two records in a single day, The Miz pointed to his lengthy WWE résumé as proof that he knows how to perform when the stakes are high.

“Well, I’m a pressure player. That’s what I like. I thrive on pressure,” he told The Blast. “I beat John Cena in the main event of WrestleMania 27 and retained the WWE Championship. So in the lights of the brightest, that’s when I step up to the plate.”

The WWE Superstar will serve as the host of the event, but his responsibilities will go beyond keeping hundreds of attendees entertained. He will also have to make sure everyone understands and follows the requirements necessary for Guinness World Records to recognize both attempts.

“It’s basically me being the host that I can be, Smirnoff Ice being the product that it is, and basically putting on a party of a lifetime, but not only that, everyone needs to follow directions,” The Miz explained. “So I’m gonna make sure that everyone is following the directions, so we can break two records.”

He added very confidently, “If everyone doesn’t come together as a cohesive team, this will not happen, but we’re not talking about that because this is gonna happen.”

The Hot Dog Display Comes With A Surprising Rule

Smirnoff Ice and an eagle — Smirnoff Ice

The first goal is to create the World’s Largest Display of Hot Dogs, which The Miz was told will be larger than an NFL logo. However, simply arranging a massive number of hot dogs will not be enough to secure the title. According to The Miz, every hot dog must have a condiment, and separate participants will be responsible for adding those toppings.

“Now, it’s weird, because you have to have a condiment on there, and each hot dog will have a different condiment, and a different person has to put that on there,” he shared. “So there’s going to be a lot of direction, a lot of people.”

Once the display is completed and officially recognized, the event will immediately transition into the attempt to hold the world’s Largest Hot Dog Party. “And then right after we break the record for World’s Largest Hot Dog Display, we’re going right into the World’s Largest Hot Dog Party, and it is going to be big,” The Miz declared. “It’s gonna be gigantic.”

One Participant Could Jeopardize The Entire Attempt

Smirnoff Ice inside a doggie bag — Smirnoff Ice

The Miz emphasized that Guinness World Records does not simply hand out titles to anyone who gathers enough people and supplies. The organizers held an hour-long meeting ahead of the event to review the requirements and make sure every detail was accounted for.

While The Miz did not want to introduce any negativity, he acknowledged that one person failing to complete their assigned role correctly could affect everyone involved. “There’s a lot of rules in the Guinness Book of World Records. They don’t just give it to everybody,” he told The Blast. “You don’t just throw something together, and it happens.”

“I’m not going to put negativity out there, but if someone doesn’t do what they need to do, they can ruin it for the entire city,” he continued. “And for the entire state of Ohio. And I’m not going to let that happen as host.”

The Miz admitted that the amount of planning behind the event may surprise those who initially viewed it as nothing more than a giant hot dog party. “It sounds like a joke. It sounds funny, but it’s a lot of work. It’s for real,” he said. “We’re gonna break two records, and it’s gonna be the best time ever.”

Returning To Ohio Makes The Event Personal For The Miz

Beyond the possibility of adding two Guinness World Records to his list of achievements, the event holds personal significance for The Miz because it brings him back to his home state. He grew up visiting the Put-in-Bay and Sandusky areas with his family, making his return especially nostalgic.

“As soon as they said Cleveland, Put-in-Bay, I instantly remembered memories, my family and I, being at the beach, you know, going in that area of Sandusky where you’d go to Cedar Point,” he shared. “It just brought back such fond memories.”

For The Miz, returning to a place tied to his childhood while attempting something unprecedented makes the occasion different from many of the other partnerships he has taken on throughout his career. “When you can go home, to the Cleveland area and go to Put-in-Bay, where I used to go as a kid with my family and break a couple world records. It feels warm in my heart,” he said. “Like I’m giddy about it. I’m excited about it, and I can’t wait to do it.”

His friends have already been reaching out about participating. “My friends are already texting me, going, ‘Hey, we’re doing this. It’s happening,’” The Miz revealed. “And I go, guys, I know. Not every day you get to break two world records in one day.”

The Miz Has One Rule For His Own Hot Dog

The Miz seen heading into the DWTS studio on Sunday — MEGA

The Miz may be willing to oversee hundreds of uniquely topped hot dogs, but his personal order is far less complicated. He named ketchup and mustard as his go-to combination, with relish or cheese occasionally making the cut.

Chili, however, is not welcome anywhere near his hot dog. “Some people like chili. I’m not that guy,” he admitted. “I’m not a chili on my hot dog type of person. It gets too sloppy. Too messy. Not for me.” He is not particularly interested in onions, either, joking that he does not want the bad breath following him around for the rest of the day.

Whether every topping involved in the display meets The Miz’s personal approval will not matter nearly as much as every participant following the official directions. With the supplies secured, hundreds of people registering, and extensive preparations underway, the WWE Superstar is confident Ohio will end the day with two new records.

“With Smirnoff Ice’s help, my help, my friends from Cleveland’s help, and everybody that’s gonna be a part of this event at Put-in-Bay,” he said, “Oh, man, it’s gonna be something special. It’s gonna be something to watch.”

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Yahya Abdul-Mateen II reacts to shocking “Wonder Man” cancellation: ‘See you at the Emmys’

Published

1 hour ago

1 August 2026

NewsAdmin

The Emmy-nominated actor weighed in on Marvel canceling his series after previously ordering a second season.

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Matt Damon’s Taylor Sheridan-Style Neo-Western Officially Makes Shock Streaming Comeback

Published

2 hours ago

1 August 2026

NewsAdmin

2026 has been one of the biggest years of Matt Damon’s career — possibly the biggest, which says a lot when you’ve had the career that he has. Damon opened 2026 by reuniting with his long-time friend and collaborator Ben Affleck for The Rip, the Netflix original crime thriller that dropped back in January. The film picked up over 100 million views before it finally lost steam in March. Damon followed his work in The Rip with the most ambitious project of his entire career, The Odyssey, the new historical epic from director Christopher Nolan. The film is already shattering records at the box office on its way to becoming one of the highest-rated movies of all time. Damon may be one of the best actors of all time, but not all of his projects are certified hits.

Back in 2021, when the movie industry and the world as a whole was still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, Damon starred in a largely forgotten drama that’s making a comeback on streaming. Damon features alongside Camille Cottin and Abigail Breslin in Stillwater, which earned less than $20 million at the box office due to the social distancing restrictions and theater closings happening at the time. With The Odyssey now out in theaters, fans are naturally curious to check out some of Damon’s recent work, and although Stillwater is not currently on streaming in America, the film is picking up steam on VOD in a handful of countries around the world. It’s quietly becoming one of the biggest VOD hits of the summer.

What Is ‘Stillwater’ About?

Stillwater follows a rugged man named Bill, who travels from Oklahoma to France to help his daughter, who is in prison being framed for murder. Bill is the definition of a fish out of water, and he couldn’t be further from the comforts of home in this story, but it forces him to confront how far he’s willing to go to protect those he loves. The film is reminiscent of what fans have seen writer Taylor Sheridan pull off in recent years with his movies and shows, especially with its focus on a grizzled blue-collar worker from Oklahoma. Stillwater earned solid scores of 75% from critics and 71% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes.

Check out Stillwater on VOD platforms like Prime Video and stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of Matt Damon’s future projects.

Release Date: July 30, 2021
Runtime: Advertisement

140 minutes
Director: Tom McCarthy
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Which Chicago Fire Stars Are, Aren’t Returning for Season 15?

Published

2 hours ago

1 August 2026

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Chicago Fire is going through some cast changes — which means not everyone is returning for season 15.

The One Chicago franchise has been known for making headlines over the years as cast members often come and go across all three shows: Chicago Fire, Chicago Med and Chicago P.D. Before Chicago Fire returned for season 15, multiple outlets confirmed that Joe Miñoso was leaving the hit NBC series.

Off screen, showrunner Andrea Newman exited the show after more than a decade.

Newman, who worked on Chicago Fire for its entire 14-season run, confirmed her departure in April, with coexecutive producer Victor Teran taking over the role. Newman joined Chicago Fire after the pilot as coexecutive producer before being promoted to executive producer. She was then named coshowrunner before becoming the sole showrunner in 2023.

“Working at Chicago Fire, with the absolute best cast and crew in the business, has been the highlight of my career,” Newman said in a statement. “Like so many others, I was inspired to get into TV writing because of Dick [Wolf], so what a thrill it’s been to work with him and the amazing Wolf team of Peter Jankowski, Rebecca McGill and Anastasia Puglisi. I’m so grateful to them, Derek Haas and the NBC and Universal execs who have been so supportive of the show all along the way. After 14 years, you really do become a family and working with this group will always feel like home.”

Jankowski, meanwhile, released a separate statement, which read, “We’re sad to say goodbye to Andrea. She’s been at the center of the heart and soul of Chicago Fire since the beginning, and the show thrived under her watch. We’re grateful for her commitment to the development of the next generation and know the show will be in great hands with Victor taking the reins.”

Keep scrolling to see who is — and isn’t — returning in season 15 of Chicago Fire:

Taylor Kinney

While not everyone will remain on Chicago Fire, there is no show without Kinney’s character, Kelly Severide.

David Eigenberg

Eigenberg is expected to return as Herrmann in season 15.

Christian Stolte

The expectation for now is that Stolte returns as Mouch.

Joe Miñoso

Miñoso played firefighter Joe Cruz since Chicago Fire premiered in 2012. According to reports, the actor is expected to appear in several episodes during season 15 before his exit.

Miranda Rae Mayo

Since Mayo has played Stella on Chicago Fire since 2016, the expectation is that she sticks around despite the possible shakeups behind the scenes.

Hanako Greensmith

Greensmith is expected to remain on the show as Violet.

Jocelyn Hudon

The assumption is that Hudon will be back as Lizzie again.

Da’Vinchi

Da’Vinchi joined the next season as Marcus Burke, according to Deadline. Da’Vinchi will portray a new firefighter candidate who is described as “roguish and funny with a wry sense of humor, and also a little defiant.”

Dermot Mulroney

Mulroney was missing for several episodes in season 14 when he was written off the show with a story line that required him to be off screen. Mulroney appeared on Chicago Fire as Dom Pascal until Rob Morgan took over his position at Firehouse 51. Mulroney returned in the May 2026 finale after his future in the franchise seemed unclear.

He is expected to return in season 15 to wrap up his story line.

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Ariana Grande Sparks Wild Theories With New Song

Published

2 hours ago

1 August 2026

NewsAdmin

Ariana Grande at the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards

Ariana Grande has got fans debating the inspiration behind her latest song!

The sensational singer/actress sent fans into a frenzy after releasing “Bad Thing (Bunny Hop)” on Friday, July 31, as part of her new album, “Petal.”

The steamy lyrics had many believing Ariana Grande wrote the song for Ricky Alvarez, her ex-turned-current boyfriend. The former couple reunited following the end of the entertainer’s romance with Ethan Slater.

The song in question made waves after its Friday release, with the official visualizer and lyrics dropping on YouTube. The track featured what appeared to be Grande’s confessions about a lover she’s head over heels for, with some of the words hinting at Alvarez.

The song’s second verse read: “You know you make a real good boyfriend. In my dreams, and in real life. Meet you by the staircase where we fell in love, let’s do it twice.” There were also lyrics about Grande wasting time with other men while her lover was “a good boy through all of this noise.”

The catchy chorus saw Grande asking if the man has “been this fine the whole damn time,” with another verse noting their chemistry “never used to be like this.” The love confession sent fans spiraling on X, with many theorizing she wrote the song for Alvarez, as it seemingly depicted their situation.

Fans Speculate The Inspiration Behind The Singer’s ‘Bunny Hop’ Title

Ariana Grande on the red carpet — Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency / MEGA

Although Grande’s new song is titled “Bad Thing (Bunny Hop),” the words bunny hop did not appear in the lyrics. Some fans speculated the track’s title was a hard launch of the singer’s rekindled romance with Alvarez, with one X user writing:

“Guys, she was dating Ricky during the time she was cosplaying as a f-cking playboy bunny, like come on.”

The fan’s comment referenced Grande’s 2016 “Dangerous Woman” album cover art, where she posed in a black latex rabbit mask. Another X user agreed with the theory, claiming the singer added “Bunny Hop” to the song’s title to reference her relationship with Alvarez during her “Dangerous Woman” era.

The Song’s Lyrics Have Fans Screaming Ricky Alvarez

The theories continued, with more fans arguing that the song’s lyrics pointed to Alvarez. An X user pointed out that Grande mentioned the word “twice” and “a staircase” where they fell in love. “It takes me back to the honeymoon tour when he was always there for her by the stage staircase,” they wrote.
A fellow supporter noted the song was about Alvarez and his intimate relationship with the “Sam & Cat” alum. Someone else claimed the lyrics showcased Grande’s regret of not choosing the dancer sooner. When an X user argued the song wasn’t about Alvarez, a fan disagreed, stating:

“In the lyrics she talks about ‘trying a second time.’ And bunny hop is that expression for someone who jumps from one relationship to another. So it makes sense that it’s for Ricky.”

The Entertainer’s Ex Was Blindsided By Her New Relationship

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Days before Grande dropped her new song, The Blast reported that her rekindled romance with Alvarez was not something her ex expected. The duo’s relationship began trending months after her separation from her “Wicked” co-star, Ethan Slater, was announced.
An insider claimed Slater learned of their rekindled relationship through mutual friends, while another source noted the couple’s romance was not a rebound. They alleged that Grande and Alvarez had connected during her relationship with Slater, but they never crossed the line.
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The source explained that the singer began connecting more with Alvarez as her romance with Slater ended, rekindling their friendship before it became something intimate. Another source claimed the dancer was grateful for a second chance and was “very happy being back in her life.
Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez’s Relationship Timeline

Grande and Alvarez reportedly first crossed paths in 2014 when the latter joined the entertainer’s backup dancers. They went from performing together at the Radio Disney Music Awards to hitting the road for Grande’s 2015 Honeymoon Tour.
Cosmopolitan reported that they first sparked dating rumors in June 2015 when they shared a kiss onstage during a performance at New York City Pride. The following month, she and Alvarez sparked controversy for the doughnut-licking incident.
In 2016, they attended The Creators Party, presented by Spotify, as a couple, with Grande opening up about their romance in an interview months later. However, their relationship did not survive the rest of the year as they broke up in July.
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Did Ariana Grande write “Bad Thing (Bunny Hop)” for Ricky Alvarez?

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Entertainment

Inside John Cusack’s Life Out of the Spotlight

Published

2 hours ago

1 August 2026

NewsAdmin

John Cusack became a bona fide movie star as a teen, but over the years he has opted to live a quieter life.

Cusack made his film debut in 1983’s Class. One year later, he appeared in Sixteen Candles alongside Molly Ringwald, Michael Schoeffling and Anthony Michael Hall. His performance led to him starring in Better Off Dead, The Sure Thing and Say Anything.

While Cusack cemented himself as a teen idol in the ‘80s, the actor started to expand his horizons. He pursued roles in various genres including the crime thriller Grifters, black comedy Grosse Pointe Blank, romantic comedy Serendipity and more.

Cusack has appeared in fewer projects in recent years. His last film credit is for the film Fog of War, which was released in 2025. The following year, Cusack explained why he stepped away from acting during a rare appearance at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2026.

“I wanted to tell a story, but I didn’t want to negotiate telling a story,” he said while explaining his graphic novel Momo. “When you ask somebody to put $20 or $30 million into a bank account [to finance a film], they want to have an opinion and they’re afraid and all that stuff.”

Keep scrolling to see what Cusack has been up to since stepping out of the spotlight:

John Cusack Makes Rare Appearances at Screenings of His Past Films

Every once in a blue moon, Cusack will make an appearance at a screening for one of his previous movies and do a Q&A for fans. In January 2026, the actor showed up for a showing of Serendipity at the Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall in Munhall, Pennsylvania, as well as a screening for Say Anything in El Cajon, California. More recently, he attended a screening for Grosse Pointe Blank in Chicago back in June 2026.

John Cusack Wrote a Graphic Novel

During Comic Con 2026, Cusack proudly shared that he wrote a graphic novel titled Momo.

“I got this beautiful, wonderful artist, Ignacio [Noé], to do the illustrations,” he said at the time, per Variety. “Nobody edited anything I wrote or what he drew, and so, it’s really a piece of work done by two people. … It was just me and Ignacio’s story, and that doesn’t happen today. It’s an anti-algorithm thing, like, there’s no committee and there’s no computer up in Seattle that’s poll-testing it.”

John Cusack Is a Political Activist

Cusack identifies as a Democratic Socialist. He has been candid about being anti-war and speaking out against President Donald Trump. On his Instagram page, Cusack frequently collaborates with the Freedom of the Press Foundation to advocate for spreading the truth.

John Cusack Is Selective About His Projects

The actor candidly shared at a 2025 screening for Say Anything that he doesn’t enjoy how the movie industry has prioritized making sequels or reboots.

“I was lucky that I never had the desire, or no one asked me to do any sequels. There’s one that I think would be interesting to do, which would be 1408,” Cusack quipped, per People. “Just because … I think today, you know, most movies suck. There’s still the horror psychological, you know, that Rod Serling kinda stuff. That’s still pretty pure. If you can pull off something like that, it’s fun.”

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