Entertainment
6 Most Universally Beloved K-Dramas of All Time, Ranked
Some K-dramas are popular, while others are truly beloved. They are shows that go beyond demographics, language barriers, and even the passage of time, becoming cultural icons on their own merit. These are the dramas you recommend to a skeptical friend, only to have them return a week later, with dark circles under their eyes and emotionally devastated, but hooked on the K-drama world.
The following six series did more than just set ratings records or launch international careers; they captured the global imagination. Whether it’s the campy, glorious chaos of a high school romance or the subtle, mundane beauty of neighbors sharing side dishes in 1980s Seoul, each of these shows represents a different dimension of K-drama magic. These are the six most universally beloved K-dramas of all time.
6
‘Boys Over Flowers’ (2009)
Boys Over Flowers is the original K-drama gateway, introducing a generation of international viewers to Korean television. It peaked at a staggering 35.5% viewership in Korea nationwide and became a pan-Asian phenomenon, airing in over 180 countries and catapulting Lee Min-ho to superstardom. The drama inspired multiple international remakes, an original soundtrack that still evokes nostalgia, and a fashion legacy that elevated even everyday looks and fashion across the world, inspiring a so-called flowerboy appearance. Critics may wince, but Boys Over Flowers is untouchable, serving as a cultural artifact and a rite of passage for any K-drama fan.
Boys Over Flowers follows Geum Jan-di (Koo Hye-sun), a working-class girl who saves a bullied student from the prestigious Shinhwa High School and receives a swimming scholarship there, before realizing it’s merely a viper’s nest of privilege and cruelty. There she meets the F4, four obscenely wealthy heirs who rule the school, led by the explosive Gu Jun-pyo (Lee); Jun-pyo torments Jan-di, but she defies him, and he falls hopelessly in love. What follows is a glorious, untamed melodrama featuring amnesia, kidnappings, arranged marriages, and enough longing stares to power a small city. The fashion is, by today’s terms, questionable; the hairstyles and accessories are infamous; and the plot is like a telenovela on fast-forward, but it’s all irresistible.
5
‘Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo’ (2016)
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is an intriguing case study of international versus domestic love. While its Korean ratings were modest, the drama became a staggering international sensation, garnering over two billion views on China’s Youku platform and igniting a fervent global fandom that still seems very active. IU and Lee Joon-gi gave career-defining performances, with Lee’s portrayal of the tortured outcast, Prince Wang So, inspiring numerous fanfictions and art. The show’s original soundtrack was a chart-topping success in its own right, too, while tourism in filming locations increased. It’s a legendary series at this point, and it launched most, if not all, of its main cast into stardom, including Kang Ha-neul and Nam Joo-hyuk, who were arguably already very popular in South Korea.
Moon Lovers follows Go Ha-jin (IU), a modern-day woman dealing with a broken heart, when she nearly drowns during a solar eclipse and ends up in the body of Hae Soo, a Goryeo-era noblewoman. She awakens in a palace teeming with beautiful, dangerous princes (eight in total) and is immediately drawn into a dynastic power struggle. Hae Soo is torn between the gentle warmth of the 8th Prince, Wang Wook (Kang), and the wounded, outcast intensity of the 4th Prince, Wang So (Lee). The romance that comes from her chemistry with Wang So is passionate but merciless, with the K-drama ending with a finale so devastating that it prompted fan petitions for a rewrite/sequel. It’s the K-drama equivalent of a cult classic that transcended its “cult” status, showing that some love stories are universal and forever.
4
‘Descendants of the Sun’ (2016)
Descendants of the Sun has a special cultural impact; it aired simultaneously in China and South Korea, reaching a staggering 38.8% viewership in Korea nationwide and over 2.6 billion views in China. It was the most profitable show of the time, accruing revenue from viewership, sponsorships, advertising, and reruns, and it won the Grand Prize at the Baeksang Arts Awards, catapulting Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo to superstardom. Their subsequent real-life marriage and divorce only added to the show’s mythology. Fashion and beauty brands associated with the show, in particular Song Hye-kyo’s looks, saw a rise in sales, while Song Joong-ki was declared “Nation’s Husband” in China. Production-wise, this was the first highly popular K-drama that was entirely pre-recorded before airing—many of the most popular shows at the time were filmed while airing.
Descendants of the Sun follows Captain Yoo Si-jin, the leader of a South Korean special forces unit, and trauma surgeon Dr. Kang Mo-yeon, who meet in a hospital emergency room and instantly hit it off. What begins as a flirtatious push-and-pull in Seoul escalates when both are deployed to the fictional war-torn nation of Uruk. The romance that develops between them is a masterclass in old-fashioned, big-sweep melodrama, heightened by the constant threat of danger and death, making every stolen moment feel important. Descendants of the Sun is, above all, a love story about two people whose principles and careers keep getting in the way of their happiness, making it a standout in the romantic drama genre. It may not be the most complex K-drama ever produced, but its sheer euphoric reach throughout Asia and beyond solidifies its place on this list.
3
‘Goblin’ (2016–2017)
Image via Hwa&Dam Pictures
Goblin is undoubtedly one of the gems that redefined what a Korean drama could be. The series finale received a near-impossible 20.5% viewership on cable, setting a new record that lasted for years. This is another drama with an iconic original soundtrack that became a phenomenon in its own right, topping charts across Asia and earning platinum status. Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun‘s chemistry wowed international audiences, while Lee Dong-wook‘s grim reaper became so iconic that the actor’s career skyrocketed. The show received the Grand Prize at the Baeksang Arts Awards and dominated the year-end ceremonies, winning 26 awards in total.
Goblin follows Kim Shin (Gong), a 939-year-old man cursed with immortality and an invisible sword lodged in his chest, which can only be pulled out by a human bride who sees it, eventually granting him death. His bride appears in the form of Ji Eun-tak (Kim), a naturally upbeat senior high school student who can see the dead and claims to be the one he has been waiting for. A grim reaper with amnesia (Lee) shares Kim Shin’s large home with him, and he quickly falls for a sunny chicken shop owner with her own secrets. This dense, fantastical premise should collapse under its own weight, but instead it becomes a meditation on mortality, memory, and the unbearable pain of loving someone you are doomed to lose. It is, quite simply, the fantasy romance K-drama against which all others are now measured, and its emotional devastation is the type that audiences actively seek to experience over and over.
2
‘Crash Landing on You’ (2019–2020)
The almost immediate global response to Crash Landing on You was unprecedented; it spent 22 weeks on Netflix’s global top ten list, becoming the platform’s third most-watched non-English series at the time. It broke viewership records in Korea and Japan and sparked countless parodies, fashion guides, and even real-life travel inquiries about the Swiss village where the bittersweet finale takes place. The romance between Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin felt so genuine and electric that, when the two actors married in real-life, fans celebrated it as a collective win. Crash Landing on You received numerous Baeksang nominations and a Seoul International Drama Award, but its true legacy is simpler: it was the drama that consoled a divided world, reminding millions that love can cross any border, even if only in their imaginations.
Crash Landing on You follows Yoon Se-ri (Son), a South Korean chaebol heiress and fashion mogul who tests a paragliding suit one day and is caught in a freak tornado; she wakes up tangled in a tree in the North Korean demilitarized zone. Captain Ri Jeong-hyeok (Hyun), an elite North Korean officer, discovers Se-ri and decides, against all logic, to hide her in his village near the border and help smuggle her back home. What follows is a love story so epic and seemingly impossible that it serves as a metaphor for every political, emotional, and familial barrier that separates two people. The North Korean village setting, complete with squads of goofy soldiers and gossipy ladies, brought warmth to the series and humanized one of the world’s most isolated countries. The show is also frequently credited with sparking a new Korean Wave, and we could argue that Crash Landing on You is responsible for many of the modern K-dramas of the 2020s.
1
‘Reply 1988’ (2015–2016)
Reply 1988 not only succeeded but also inspired awe. Its final episode received a 19.6% cable rating, breaking the record that was later surpassed by Goblin. More remarkably, Reply 1988 sparked an annual rewatch ritual across South Korea (and even some other countries), proving its extraordinary emotional impact. The show’s nostalgic recreation of 1980s Korea, including the Olympic spirit, the music, the food, and the fashion, sparked a retro craze (“newtro”) that increased sales of everything from tracksuits to vintage sneakers. It won the Grand Prize at the Baeksang Arts Awards and has been voted the best Korean drama of all time by countless critics. Its true achievement, however, is more profound: it shows viewers that the most epic story ever told is unfolding right here, within us.
Reply 1988 takes place on a single, unremarkable street in Seoul’s Dobong district in the late 1980s, where five families with teenage children live lives of ordinary, exquisite humanity. Reply 1988 lacks a central conflict, a supervillain, or a fateful curse, instead featuring neighbors sharing food through open doors, teenagers obsessed with cassette tapes and first loves, and parents who are equally concerned with money and each other. The plot revolves around Sung Duk-seon (Lee Hye-ri) and the four boys who grow up alongside her, one of whom will become her husband—a mystery that the show keeps until the final episode. When the finale returns to the alley for the final time with the signature voiceover, it’s laced with nostalgia and sadness that will still make you happy; the ending adds to the reasons why Reply 1988 is the best Korean drama ever made.
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While we’re still in the middle of the summer heat, July is quickly coming to an end, which means Netflix is preparing to say goodbye to a handful of beloved classics, cult favorites, and blockbuster hits. Fortunately, we still have a few days left to squeeze in one last movie marathon before the streamer refreshes its catalog for August.
Whether you’re in the mood for a timeless romantic comedy, a thought-provoking sci-fi thriller, or an action-packed superhero adventure, we’ve made sure that this selection has something for just about everyone. Several of these films were major box office successes, while others earned Academy Award recognition or have since become modern classics that continue to influence movies today. From Julia Roberts‘ irresistible rom-com charm to Alex Garland‘s chilling vision of artificial intelligence, every movie on this list has earned its place. If any of them have been sitting on your watchlist, or you’re simply looking to revisit an old favorite, now’s the perfect time to hit play. Here are the best movies leaving Netflix in August.
’27 Dresses’ (2008)
Leaving August 1
Everyone loves a good wedding, right? Well, no one loves them more than Jane Nichols (Katherine Heigl), a hopeless romantic who has served as a bridesmaid 27 times, but has yet to experience her own happily ever after. When her younger sister Tess (Malin Akerman) catches the attention of Jane’s longtime crush and boss, George (Edward Burns), she’s forced to put her own feelings aside and once again help plan the event she’s been dreaming of for herself her whole life. Meanwhile, cynical wedding reporter Kevin Doyle (James Marsden) sees Jane’s unusual story as the perfect article, prompting him to get close to her for the wrong reasons. But after spending time together, both of their perspectives on love start to change.
While 27 Dresses didn’t exactly win critics over, audiences definitely were. The romantic comedy grossed $162.7 million worldwide against a $30 million budget, proving to be a major box office success. Over the years, it has earned a loyal following and is now considered one of the best wedding-themed movies of all time. If you’re looking for an easy, feel-good watch, this is well worth adding to your end-of-summer movie marathon.
‘Hacksaw Ridge’ (2016)
Leaving August 1
War movies often focus on soldiers who become heroes by taking lives. Hacksaw Ridge tells the extraordinary true story of a man who became one by doing the exact opposite. Directed by Mel Gibson, the film follows Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield), a devout Adventist who enlists in the U.S. Army during World War II but refuses to carry a weapon because of his religious beliefs. Ridiculed by other soldiers and nearly court-martialled for his decision, Doss eventually proves his courage during the Battle of Okinawa, where he risks his life to save dozens of wounded men without ever firing a single shot.
Hacksaw Ridge was both a critical and commercial success, earning more than $180 million worldwide and receiving six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Garfield. The emotional and deeply inspiring story of Desmond Doss, Garfield’s heartfelt performance, and Gibson’s gripping direction make Hacksaw Ridge one of the most acclaimed war films of the past decade.
‘Atonement’ (2007)
Leaving August 1
Do you feel like you need a good cry? Look no further than Atonement. Based on Ian McEwan‘s novel, Joe Wright‘s period drama follows Cecilia Tallis (Keira Knightley) and Robbie Turner (James McAvoy), two young lovers whose future is torn apart after Cecilia’s younger sister, Briony (Saoirse Ronan), makes a false accusation that changes their lives forever.
As World War II begins, the consequences of Briony’s impulsive, childish decision continue to haunt them, turning what begins as a passionate romance into a devastating story of love, guilt, and… well, atonement. Beautifully acted and emotionally devastating, Atonement remains one of the finest literary adaptations of the 21st century, and one you should definitely watch more than once.
‘Pretty Woman’ (1990)
Leaving August 1
Some movies simply never go out of style, and Pretty Woman is one of them. More than 35 years after its release, the rom-com remains one of the most beloved feel-good classics, thanks largely to the effortless chemistry between Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. Roberts stars as Vivian Ward, a free-spirited escort whose chance encounter with wealthy businessman Edward Lewis (Gere) turns into an unexpected week of luxury, self-discovery, and, of course, romance. What begins as a business arrangement slowly blossoms into a relationship that neither of them saw coming.
It’s hard to overstate just how big Pretty Woman was when it hit theaters. The film became a worldwide phenomenon, grossing more than $460 million against a budget of just $14 million and turning Julia Roberts into one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. She also earned her first Academy Award nomination for the role, making it a must-watch for fans of both Roberts and the rom-com genre.
‘Ex Machina’ (2015)
Leaving August 1
Art has an interesting way of reflecting society’s greatest fears, and while AI has seemingly become part of our everyday lives today, that wasn’t the case when Ex Machina was released in 2015. Written and directed by Alex Garland in his feature directorial debut, the sci-fi thriller follows Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson), a young programmer who wins the opportunity to spend a week at the secluded home of his company’s eccentric CEO, Nathan (Oscar Isaac). There, Caleb is introduced to Ava (Alicia Vikander), a humanoid robot whose intelligence and complexity soon blur the line between human and machine. As Caleb begins questioning Ava’s true nature, the movie evolves into a tense psychological thriller that explores consciousness, manipulation, and the ethical dangers of creating artificial intelligence.
Despite its modest $15 million budget, Ex Machina became both a critical and commercial success, grossing more than $36 million worldwide. It also won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, beating out blockbuster contenders like Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Mad Max: Fury Road. More than a decade later, Ex Machina feels more relevant than ever, making now the perfect time to revisit one of the most realistic sci-fi films ever made before it leaves the streamer.
‘Borat’ (2006)
Leaving August 1
Some love it. Some hate it. But the reality is that Borat is one of the most influential comedies of the 2000s. Sacha Baron Cohen‘s mockumentary really pushed the boundaries of cringe comedy, blending scripted humor with hidden-camera pranks that caught unsuspecting people completely off guard. The movie follows Borat Sagdiyev (Cohen), a fictional journalist from Kazakhstan, as he travels across the U.S. to learn about American culture for a documentary. Along the way, his outrageous behavior exposes prejudice, hypocrisy, and social attitudes in ways that are often as shocking as they are funny.
Borat became a massive box office success, earning more than $260 million worldwide and turning countless catchphrases into pop culture staples. The film was also a critical darling, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay, while Cohen took home the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. Nearly two decades later, Borat remains as provocative, quotable, and unforgettable as ever.
‘Spider-Man’ (2002)
Leaving August 5
As one Spider-Man swings onto the big screen this summer, another is preparing to leave the small screen. With Spider-Man: Brand New Day just around the corner, there’s never been a better time to revisit Sam Raimi‘s 2002 superhero classic. Starring Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker, the film follows a shy high school student after he’s bitten by a genetically altered spider, granting him superhuman abilities. As Peter embraces his newfound powers, he must also learn that “with great power comes great responsibility” while facing off against the Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe).
It’s easy to forget just how revolutionary Spider-Man was. The film helped kick-start the modern superhero boom, becoming the first comic book movie to earn more than $800 million worldwide and proving that audiences were ready to embrace superheroes on the big screen. More than two decades later, it remains one of the genre’s defining films. If one movie isn’t enough, Spider-Man 2 and Spider-Man 3 are also leaving Netflix this month, making now the perfect excuse to revisit the entire trilogy before it’s gone.
Influencer Jen Hamilton confirmed she will keep her last name despite the breakdown of her marriage to estranged husband Brian Hamilton.
“It’s my name now,” she vowed via Instagram on Monday, July 27. “I made this name special and I’m gonna keep it.”
Jen announced her separation from Brian after “15 years of shared history” on June 15 and has since accused him of living a “double life.” (Brian has not responded to Jen’s accusation, as of publication.)
“Yes, he had a double life with a woman who was 56 years old. Yes, I should have left him way earlier — giving myself grace,” Jen, 35, said on Monday. “I am so fortunate to have the means and resources to leave a bad relationship. There are so many women who are unable to do so, whether from finances, resources, etc.”
Jen acknowledged her privileged situation while promoting her Sisterhood of Solidarity fashion line, which features “girl power” slogans such as “I Survived,” “Choosing Myself Today,” and “G.Y.A.U. (Get Your Ass Up).” Last week, the influencer promised that “100 percent of the proceeds will go to charities that help women rebuild their lives.” (Jen has also promised that all other merchandise bought from her website through the end of August will also benefit women’s charities.)
In her latest video, Jen shared the exciting news that she’d raised “over $50,000” in the last few days alone.
“Is what I’m going through just the most craziest s*** I’ve ever heard of in my life? Nope. It is awful though,” she said. “I love to take something awful and turn it into something good for other people.”
Earlier this week, Jen — who works as a nurse — opened up more than ever before about what allegedly led to the end of her marriage.
“While I was at the hospital, taking care of people, he found the time to have a whole other life. As someone who’s never even passionately kissed anyone else in my entire life, this has broken me beyond comprehension,” Jen told her Instagram followers on Sunday, July 26. “I’m done being people’s PR manager. My kids know, everybody in my orbit knows, so I’m just going to give you the nitty-gritty details so it can give you enough information to be, like, ‘OK, I get it.’”
Jen said that she “repressed [her] own natural human desires” throughout their marriage because Brian allegedly showed little interest in intimacy.
“A direct quote I got [from another woman] was, ‘I knew about you. He talked about you all the time. But I didn’t know you had so many followers,’” Jen claimed. “I’ve never, ever in my life told this man a lie. Even when I was getting next-to-no physical affection whatsoever, I would not in a million years look at another guy like that.”
Influencer Jen Hamilton is in her carefree era amid her divorce from husband Brian Hamilton. Jen, 37, took to Instagram on Sunday, July 26, to share a mirror selfie in which she showed off her sexy ensemble for a night out: a certifiable black high-neck “revenge” top with sheer patterned sleeves, paired with high-waisted jeans, […]
“Secrets and hiding are what I believe made all this possible, so the way I’m dealing with it is by not having any secrets,” she concluded.
Jen and Brian got married in August 2012 and they share two sons, Ellis and Luke.
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Martha Stewart knows how to make loungewear look like anything but. Instead of frumpy sweats, Stewart opts for the chic outfit that makes anyone look put together. We found her easy look hiding on Amazon!
Stewart left the TODAY Show in a matching button-up shirt and lounge pants, finishing the outfit with polarizing Crocs sandals. The internet had opinions about her shoes, but her two-piece set style was a resounding ‘yes’ from fashionistas and comfort connoisseurs alike. Somehow, it’s only $51!
Get the Bwq Two-Piece Outfit Set for $51 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.
This Bwq Two-Piece Outfit Set channels Stewart’s breezy, effortless energy beautifully. It’s 100% cotton, so it actually breathes during the summer months, and it doesn’t cling when you start to sweat. Relaxed, not sloppy, it keeps you equally classy and comfortable.
Trends come and go, but the rich mom travel tote isn’t going anywhere. Just ask Nicole Kidman, who boarded a plane carrying the most expensive-looking bag we’ve seen all summer. We found the quadruple-digit style for only $25! On her private flight home from Wimbledon, Kidman wore a slouchy striped button-up, relaxed jeans and clean […]
The button-front shirt is swoon-worthy in itself, with a proper collar and rollable sleeves that go up for errands and down for dinner. We also love the pants, designed with a wide leg, cute tie detail and stretchy elasticized waistband — the real luxury.
One five-star shopper wrote, “It looks like, feels like and wears like a work-casual set from a major boutique or brand, not like a lounge set. At work, the feedback was very positive.”
Another happy reviewer shared, “I’m always on the lookout for great outfits for summer vacation — versatile pieces that are lightweight, good looking and easily able to dress up or down . . . It’s perfect for resort lounging or day trips through the city.”
Like Stewart’s, this elevated lounge set photographs well, travels beautifully and saves you from staring at your closet at 7 a.m. Wear it with sneakers for a farmers market run, sandals for brunch or, if you’re feeling bold, green Crocs for a morning stroll.
Get the Bwq Two-Piece Outfit Set for $51 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.
Looking for something else? Explore more outfit sets, and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!
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New allegations surrounding Tom Sandoval’s split from Victoria Lee Robinson are painting an even darker picture of their relationship.
According to one of the reality star’s longtime bandmates, Robinson allegedly wanted the Ariana Madix treatment and repeatedly threatened to destroy Sandoval’s reputation while subjecting him to violent outbursts behind the scenes.
The claims come on the heels of the former “Vanderpump Rules” star obtaining restraining orders following an alleged domestic incident.
Tom Sandoval’s manager and drummer, Jason Bader, believes Victoria Lee Robinson’s alleged behavior was fueled by a desire to become the next woman at the center of a headline-making scandal.
Bader, who has toured extensively with Sandoval & The Most Extras, described Robinson as “a fame-hungry, ruthless sadist,” claiming she often spoke about wanting the same level of attention Ariana Madix received after Sandoval’s affair with Rachel “Raquel” Leviss became public.
“She is a very messy person and would be so violent with him,” Bader told the Daily Mail, adding, “She scared me. She will do whatever it takes for the betterment of herself.”
According to Bader, one heated argument left a lasting impression. He claimed Robinson shouted, “I am going to ruin you. I am going to get the Ariana treatment. I hate you. I don’t want to be with you.”
The allegation comes as Sandoval continues pursuing legal protection against both Robinson and her father, following an alleged altercation that escalated into a criminal case last month.
Sandoval Allegedly Spent Months Trying To Avoid Escalating Fights
While the legal battle has centered on one violent incident, Bader claims the relationship had been unraveling long before police became involved.
According to him, the model repeatedly became physically aggressive with Tom Sandoval while accompanying the band on tour, alleging that she punched, kicked and even spat on Sandoval on several occasions.
“She is the worst person I have ever met in my entire life. I have never met someone so two-faced, manipulative and evil. It was sick watching it all go down. I have never experienced anything like it,” Bader told the outlet.
Despite witnessing repeated confrontations, he said he never saw Sandoval become physically aggressive.
“Tom is someone who has the ability to defend himself and physically match up with people because he’s a wrestler. Even when people are getting rough with him, like fans, he wants to de-escalate the situation,” Bader explained.
He also recalled an October tour stop in Fort Lauderdale where security allegedly had to intervene after Robinson became physical with Sandoval.
Tom Sandoval’s Relationship Allegedly Left His Band On Edge
According to Bader, the alleged turmoil wasn’t limited to Sandoval alone.
He claimed Robinson’s presence on tour created constant tension among the musicians, alleging that she frequently stayed out after concerts, partied with fans and invited people back to the tour bus.
“She was not good at hiding that,” he said. One incident, Bader recalled, unfolded just outside the band’s tour bus after Sandoval began playing his trumpet following a show.
“Tom played his trumpet outside of the bus and Victoria got very angry. She ran out and just started attacking him. She was punching him in the chest and his head. She was kicking and spitting at him, just saying horrible things,” Bader alleged.
Crew members quickly escorted Robinson back onto the bus before more fans noticed what was happening.
Bader admitted the repeated incidents pushed him to consider leaving the band altogether.
Tom Sandoval’s Court Filing Echoed His Bandmate’s Claims
Bader’s account closely mirrors allegations Tom Sandoval later made in court.
According to documents reviewed by the Daily Mail, the reality star accused Robinson of repeatedly striking him in the face and head, claiming the alleged attacks left him with blurred vision and injuries to his ear and neck. He also submitted photographs that he said documented those injuries.
The filing followed a June 3 confrontation involving Robinson and her father. Surfaced footage from the incident reviewed by PEOPLE showed Sandoval arguing with the pair before pushing Robinson’s father into a brick fire pit.
Sandoval claimed he was attempting to stop his ex-girlfriend from recording him without his consent when her father “lunged at him.”
The latter denied that version of events, revealing that he intervened because Sandoval was “overpowering and twisting” his daughter’s arm.
Following the altercation, Sandoval obtained restraining orders against both Robinson and her father.
Judge Denies Robinson’s Request For Court Protection
After Tom Sandoval obtained a temporary domestic violence restraining order, Robinson filed her own petition, accusing the restaurateur of physically and verbally abusing her throughout their roughly two and a half year relationship.
In court documents obtained by PEOPLE, she alleged Sandoval shoved her down a flight of stairs at his home, pushed her onto a hotel floor during a trip to Nashville, and violently twisted her arm during the June 3 confrontation that ended with her arrest.
Robinson also claimed her ex-boyfriend shoved her father into a fire pit and asked the court to extend protection to him as well.
However, on July 6, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge denied Robinson’s request for a temporary restraining order, ruling that Sandoval’s existing restraining order, granted on June 25, remained in effect and that Robinson’s petition would instead be considered at the already scheduled hearing.
The judge determined that a properly noticed hearing was required before her request could be granted, leaving Sandoval’s temporary protections in place for the time being.
Journalist Kaitlan Collins is breaking her silence after President Donald Trump continued to attack her looks, comparing her to trans actress Dylan Mulvaney and claiming the CNN reporter needs to smile more.
“I’ve always felt this, regardless of who’s the president … it’s really not about me, and I don’t want it to be about my reaction. If you let it become about that, then it becomes a back-and-forth between the two of us,” Collins, 34, said on the Monday, July 27, episode of The Daily Show. “Instead, I think it’s more important to remind people in those moments when he is insulting me, he is criticizing me … it’s important to put the reminder back on the work, on the question, and on the non-answers that we get.”
The Daily Show host Jon Stewart pointed out that the ballroom in the Waldorf Astoria was largely silent while Trump lit into her at the White House Correspondents Dinner on Friday, July 24.
“I’ve covered Trump for 10 years so I’ve listened to pretty much all of his speeches with very little exception. I actually think it’s helpful for people to listen to [his speeches] in their entirety, which people really don’t these days. In the room, I was not surprised when he insulted me,” she said. “That happens pretty regularly inside the Oval Office — this was just a bigger venue where it was happening. What was most surprising to me is that the room was filled with a lot of his staffers, his cabinet, his allies, Republicans in Congress. It was so quiet in the room during the president’s remarks.”
Trans actress Dylan Mulvaney is seemingly lending her support to CNN reporter and anchor Kaitlan Collins after President Donald Trump compared the two women during the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner. On Saturday, July 25, Mulvaney, 29, shared an inspirational quote attributed to former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt via her Instagram Stories — the same […]
Collins’ comments come after Trump, 80, made controversial remarks about the CNN anchor’s appearance at the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Friday.
“[Collins is] a young, attractive woman. She never smiles,” Trump said of Collins — one of many instances in which the commander-in-chief has commented on her appearance. “I said, ‘Kaitlan, do you ever smile? Smile. You have a nice position, you’re at CNN fake news, you should be a happy person. So smile, Kaitlan, just smile.”
The president then made a comment about previously mistaking Collins for transgender actor Mulvaney, 29.
“I thought Kaitlan had really made it big with a major new sponsorship, but then I was informed that it wasn’t her on the Bud Light can; it was Dylan Mulvaney.” (Mulvaney, a vocal LGBTQ+ activist, received backlash by right-wing politicians and anti-trans influencers for her 2023 campaign with Bud Light in which her face was placed on beer cans.)
President Donald Trump took aim at frequent target Kaitlan Collins during this year’s rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner. “I want to personally congratulate CNN’s Kaitlan Collins on receiving her award. It was all about me. It’s a fake — she shouldn’t get the award, it was a fake,” Trump, 80, said during the Friday, July […]
Collins hinted that she was unbothered by Trump’s remarks on Saturday, July 25, sharing an empowering quote from the former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt via her Instagram Story.
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent,” the quote read as part of Collins’ recap of the celebratory evening, in which she received an award for her reporting on Trump’s infamously contentious Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Mulvaney responded to the viral moment on Sunday, July 26, sharing a TikTok video thanking the president for “reminding me that I am more powerful than I even knew.”
Candace Owens is defending Jimmy Kimmel amid their respective feuds with President Donald Trump. “What I enjoyed most without question was the absolute whiplash from Trump’s Truth Social post about me, followed almost immediately by their administration crying about the left’s rhetoric,” Owens, 37, said on a YouTube live stream on Wednesday, April 29. She continued: […]
“To quote my favorite recording artist, Shea Diamond, ‘I am America,’” she added.
That same day, Trump doubled down on his comparison between Collins and Mulvaney by sharing an AI-generated image via TruthSocial of the anchor seemingly morphed with the former SIX The Musical star.
In the photo, Collins’ face appeared to be placed on Mulvaney’s body, holding a can of Bud Light, which Mulvaney did in 2023 to promote her partnership with the brand amid March Madness.
When asked to comment on Trump targeting the reporter and her looks, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle told Us in a statement, “The liberal media can dish it but they can’t take it.”
Hollywood’s relationship with superhero movies has shifted radically in the years since the COVID-19 pandemic, with these massive franchises no longer having the same sway that they once did. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has struggled to maintain the same degree of consistency in the aftermath of the “Infinity Saga,” and not every installment has been successful. DC Studios has faced near-constant setbacks and seems to be questioning which direction to pursue after every misfire. HBO’s The Franchise is a hilarious but surprisingly truthful look at the process of making big-budget superhero films in Hollywood, and it has become even more relevant in the two years since its premiere.
‘The Franchise’ Offers a Brutal Assessment of Hollywood
The Franchise takes place on the set of a superhero film named Tecto: Eye of the Storm, a big-budget but not integral installment in a connected cinematic universe. While the set has already been rife with all sorts of creative and technical issues, the pressure on the cast and crew intensifies when they must accommodate changes being made to the upcoming film Centurios 2, a more significant crossover event within the overall saga. The Odyssey‘s Himesh Patel stars as Daniel Kumar, the overworked assistant director trying to keep the Tecto set stable, with Aya Cash playing his ex-girlfriend Anita, a producer who joins the project. Daniel’s intention to keep Tecto: Eye of the Storm on schedule is undermined by the film’s director, Eric Bouchard (Daniel Brühl), who views himself as a “prestige” filmmaker and therefore above complying with the studio’s mandates.
The Franchise might take place in a slightly heightened version of reality, but the show feels authentic in its exploration of the expectations placed on crew members during the production of films with significant consequences. The major issue Daniel faces is that failing to stay on schedule won’t just harm this movie but could also cause ripple effects that impact the studio’s entire upcoming slate. At the same time, being forced to make something that only serves as a setup for future installments is a cynical enterprise, and one that makes it hard to find any joy in. Daniel is a compelling character because he has become so dejected by the “slop” he’s making that he only cares about protecting people’s jobs. There surprisingly aren’t many people who are willing to improve the film out of sincerity; Anita only wants to be involved so that she can get the opportunity to do more “serious” work, and Eric’s process of “elevating” the material stems from a lack of respect for others and insults the very job that he was hired to do.
‘The Franchise’ Has Become Even More Relevant
The Franchise exposes an ugly side of the superhero film complex that has become startlingly clear in the years following the show’s release; many actors have complained about the constraints placed on them when signing up for superhero films, especially when directors aren’t given the creative freedom to execute their vision. The Franchise was released only a year after the disastrous 2023 slate of DCEU movies, in which a combination of reshoots, changing creative direction, a major shift in leadership, and the off-screen activities of some stars resulted in four colossal box-office bombs. The Franchise is a surprisingly empathetic series because it doesn’t offer a judgment on those who greenlight or enjoy superhero films, but rather explores how the pressure to pull off such a complex multimedia franchise has become excruciating for those who see it as a day job. The saddest part is that Daniel is a character who seems to love cinema, but has had to stifle his artistic objections so that he can keep his head above water.
The Franchise might have struggled to connect with HBO viewers because it is a very fast-paced show with many inside jokes for those who know a lot about filmmaking behind the scenes, but it has increasingly resembled reality. In 2026, many of the show’s wilder predictions have been borne out; Supergirl had a chaotic production that involved two competing cuts, and Avengers: Doomsday reportedly began its massive shooting schedule without a completed script. As dispiriting as it can be to see what blockbuster filmmaking has turned into, The Franchise is wise and witty enough to make light of the situation.
Shaquille O’Neal is merging his passion for sports and true crime to television with the new series he’s executive producing, “Game Day Murders.” While promoting the project, the NBA legend opened up a couple of cases that had a profound impact on him, with one making him want to intervene as he watched the events unfold in a documentary.
The Shaquille O’Neal executive-produced true crime series, “Game Day Murders,” premiered on July 27 on Investigation Discovery, and the sports icon is sharing his love of the genre. Unbeknownst to many, the former basketball star is a self-confessed “true crime junkie” and spends a lot of time watching documentaries about famous cases.
While promoting his new show, O’Neal shared some of the cases that have left a lasting impression on him, a notable admission from someone who says he’s seen just about everything the genre has to offer.
One of them was “American Murder: The Family Next Door,” which focuses on Chris Watts, who murdered his pregnant wife, Shanann, and their two young daughters. He concealed their bodies at a remote oil-storage site. The documentary showed body cam footage of Watts lying to authorities and appearing oblivious to what happened to his entire family.
“When it gets down to it, he buried his family in that oil. I wanted to jump through the TV,” O’Neal told US Weekly.
The Sports Icon Is Invested In The Murdaugh Murders
Another saga O’Neal followed was the case of Alex Murdaugh, who was convicted of killing his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, in 2023, following a highly publicized trial. O’Neal described the case as his “favorite for a while.”
The case was the subject of the Netflix documentary “Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal.” The case drew international attention due to Alex’s power and influence in South Carolina. The show also looked into other suspicious deaths tied to the prominent family.
Alex’s conviction was overturned in May 2026 due to jury interference, and he is scheduled to face a retrial sometime in 2027. Apart from being accused of murder, Alex is also serving time behind bars for financial crimes.
Shaquille O’Neal Shares What He Loves About True Crime
The true crime genre boom began in the mid-2010s, sparked by documentaries and podcasts that delved into some famous cases. The genre quickly became a cultural phenomenon as audiences were drawn to the blend of investigative storytelling and real-world mysteries.
In an interview with Page Six, O’Neal said he likes the genre because “everybody has that detective in them.” He compared it with watching films and used the Sylvester Stallone-led movie “Rocky” as an example, saying that despite the setbacks, the audience knows “he’s gonna go through this crazy comeback, and he’s going to win the last fight.”
When he watches true crime, on the other hand, “You don’t know what’s gonna happen next,” O’Neal said.
The NBA Icon Is Merging His Interests
“Game Day Murders” is a six-episode series that focuses on sports tragedies. “I’ve been a sports guy, I’ve been a true crime guy, and finally, we’re going to merge the two together,” O’Neal said about his new show.
The first episode tackled the case of Patrick Dennehy, a Baylor University basketball player who was murdered. “Sports create obsession, I’ve seen it firsthand. But when that obsession breaks the wrong way, it’s something else entirely. People aren’t ready for this show,” O’Neal teased.
“Game Day Murders” is hosted by sports anchor Lindsay Czarniak.
Shaquille O’Neal Wants To Honor The Victims’ Legacies
O’Neal said creating the show was a way to honor the legacy of the victims and not “sensationalize” the tragedies. The former basketball star said each episode was approached with respect, and the goal is to show audiences “how we could band together in tough times.”
“‘Game Day Murders’ offers a compelling look at the cases that shocked fans, shattered expectations, and altered the fabric of the world of sports,” Investigation Discovery President Jason Sarlanis said.
New episodes of “Game Day Murders” will air on Mondays at 10 p.m. ET and can also be accessed on streaming services carrying Investigation Discovery. Future episodes will focus on Mike Danton, Lorenzen Wright, Troy Causey, Dernell Stenson, and Sean Taylor.
Ryan Reynolds may have given Marvel fans plenty to celebrate with the announcement of another “Deadpool” movie, but behind the blockbuster reveal, fresh questions are emerging about his standing in Hollywood.
While the actor has continued landing major projects despite the legal controversy surrounding his wife, Blake Lively, insiders claim not every studio has been eager to move forward.
Even so, those closest to Reynolds believe time and another hit film could quickly shift the conversation.
Reynolds gave fans something to celebrate during his appearance at Fanatics Fest in New York City, where he confirmed that Marvel’s foul-mouthed antihero isn’t finished yet.
The actor revealed that “Deadpool 4” is officially on the way, extending a franchise that has become one of the most successful superhero series in recent memory.
“There’s eventually, you know, remotely, another Deadpool film,” the Hollywood star revealed during “The Art of Deadpool” panel, per IGN.
Since “Deadpool” debuted in 2016, followed by “Deadpool 2” in 2018 and “Deadpool & Wolverine” in 2024, the films have collectively generated nearly $3 billion at the worldwide box office.
The announcement also marked one of Reynolds’ biggest career updates since his wife, Blake Lively, became embroiled in a lengthy legal dispute with her “It Ends With Us” co-star and director, Justin Baldoni.
Reynolds Hasn’t Escaped The Fallout Entirely
While Ryan Reynolds continues developing new projects, the legal battle has reportedly had consequences.
According to one studio executive, companies have become reluctant to pursue new collaborations with Reynolds while the headlines continue.
“There are some studios who are still stepping back from Ryan,” the source told the Daily Mail.
They added, “They think he’s a really nice guy and a great actor. He’s actually really pleasant to work with. But his fee is high and they don’t want to deal with the baggage in the press that he comes with right now because of the lawsuit.”
The executive emphasized that the hesitation isn’t universal but acknowledged that “there are definitely still companies distancing themselves from him at the moment because of his wife.”
Ryan Reynolds Still Has Powerful Allies In Hollywood
Despite reports that the legal drama has complicated his professional life, Reynolds hasn’t found himself short of supporters.
Several major studios continue to stand behind his production company, Maximum Effort, with Warner Bros., Disney, Netflix and Amazon all backing projects connected to the actor, including “Animal Friends,” “Aunt Roxie,” “Rachel Nevada,” “Boy Band” and “Reality Vice.”
One insider dismissed suggestions that the actor has become untouchable in Hollywood. “His production company still operates as status quo. It doesn’t seem like people are unwilling to work with him from a film perspective,” the source said.
Another source argued that the 49-year-old’s influence remains difficult to ignore.
“He’s made people afraid of him over the years because he’s quite powerful in Hollywood — and he knows it,” the executive told the outlet.
The insider added that Reynolds has generated enormous profits throughout his career, which is one reason many of his business ventures have remained largely insulated from the legal controversy.
Reynolds Believes Another Blockbuster Can Change The Narrative
Amid the drama, people close to the 49-year-old say he isn’t pretending the controversy has had no effect, but they also insist he doesn’t believe it defines his future.
“There’s no question the situation has dented his image to an extent, but Ryan is confident he’ll recover more quickly the more he focuses on his own projects and lets his work speak for itself,” one insider said.
Another source explained that Ryan Reynolds sees himself as “a husband who has supported his wife through a difficult chapter” rather than someone whose own actions created the headlines.
The insider added that the “Free Guy” star believes public attention will eventually shift away from the legal battle and back to his work.
“Ryan believes that over time he’ll be able to separate his films, business ventures, and public image from Blake’s legal issues.”
Ryan Reynolds Previously Said Goodbye To His ‘Disneyland For Adults’
Reynolds’ confidence in the future of his business empire comes after one of his highest-profile ventures had already undergone a major change.
Earlier this month, Aviation American Gin’s Portland visitor center and distillery officially closed after welcoming its final guests on June 28, bringing an end to the attraction Reynolds once jokingly described as “Disneyland for adults.”
Opened in 2022, the venue gave visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the brand through guided tours, tastings and interactive experiences before Diageo announced it would shut the facility as part of a broader operational strategy.
“After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to close the Aviation American Gin Visitor Center in Portland, Oregon,” Diageo revealed in a statement to KGW.
The company added that the move reflected “evolving business needs” while emphasizing the gin brand “remains an important part of Diageo’s portfolio.”
Production has since shifted to other facilities, but Reynolds remains involved with Aviation despite the closure of its fan-favorite destination.
What a fabulous year Anne Hathaway is having. She has five projects of different shapes and sizes on her slate in 2026, with three having already been released. She began the year with David Lowery‘s new psychological drama Mother Mary, and then reprised her role as Andy Sachs in The Devil Wears Prada 2, which grossed nearly $700 million worldwide. She can currently be seen in Christopher Nolan‘s latest epic, The Odyssey, which will likely surpass The Devil Wears Prada 2 in box-office returns, and has earned a tremendous 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Up next, Hathaway will star alongside Ewan McGregor in the mysterious sci-fi movie The End of Oak Street, before wrapping up 2026 with the red-hot literary adaptation Verity.
Perhaps this streak of movies, aimed at different audience demographics, might shed light on some of Hathaway’s more overlooked work. In the last decade, she has starred in several movies that slipped through the cracks. Many of them received enthusiastic reviews. At the top of this list are the dramas Armageddon Time and She Came to Me. Hathaway also starred in a handful of edgier titles, such as Mother’s Instinct, Eileen, and Serenity. However, one of her most acclaimed roles came in a movie that will turn 10 next year. The movie in question is currently streaming in North America on Netflix, but it’s set to be removed from the platform soon.
Anne Hathaway Took on Ted Lasso Himself in This Critically Acclaimed Sci-Fi Movie
We’re talking about the character-driven sci-fi movie Colossal, in which Hathaway played an alcoholic who discovers that her demons manifest in the form of a city-destroying kaiju. Colossal was directed by Nacho Vigalondo, best known for the Spanish-language mind-bender Timecrimes, as his second Hollywood project. It also featured Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis in a supporting role and received positive reviews. The movie now holds a “Certified Fresh” 82% score on Rotten Tomatoes, where the consensus reads, “Colossal‘s singular strangeness can be disorienting, but viewers who hang on may find that its genre-defying execution — and Anne Hathaway’s performance — is well worth the ride.” Despite the positive reviews, the movie grossed under $5 million at the box office. You can watch it on Netflix until August 10. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
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April 6, 2017
- Runtime
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109 minutes
- Director
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Nacho Vigalondo
- Producers
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Dominic Rustam, Nahikari Ipiña, Nicolas Chartier, Russell Levine, Zev Foreman
Defining historical fiction is simple enough: We’re talking about fictional stories that take place in a real, recognizable period sometime in the past. Beyond definitions, however, it’s difficult to pin down what it is that makes a historical fiction book truly legendary. It can be the accuracy of its recreation of the period it’s set in, the story itself being emotionally compelling, or a balance between rigorously realistic worldbuilding and entertainment value. When all of those elements interact, you get a generation-defining masterpiece.
There have been many great historical fiction books through the years, but masterful ones? The sort that revolutionize the genre and go down in history as groundbreaking works of literature? Those are but a precious few. From foundational classics like War and Peace to modern masterpieces of the genre like The Nightingale, the best works of historical fiction should all be considered essential reading.
10
‘War and Peace’ (1869)
It’s always a daunting task to pick up a literary behemoth that’s well over 1,200 pages long, but War and Peace is such a foundational classic that virtually anyone and everyone should read it at least once in their lives. Penned by Russian author Leo Tolstoy, one of the greatest and most influential novelists in human history, it’s a riveting epic set during the Napoleonic Wars. In the eyes of many, it may very well be the greatest novel ever written.
Rather than feeling like a dry history lesson (a pitfall that many historical fiction novels end up trapped in), War and Peace injects its wonderfully-paced narrative with melodramatic moments of romance, heroism, and battle. For that alone, it’s one of the best epic books of all time. Add to that the fact that Tolstoy’s descriptive, almost cinematic prose has aged like truly fine wine, and there should be no room for surprise that this classic is still as praised as it often is.
9
‘Memoirs of a Geisha’ (1997)
Although Arthur Golden‘s Memoirs of a Geisha has historically been scrutinized for perpetuating Orientalist stereotypes (a very valid piece of criticism), it’s still one of the best books of the 1990s. After all, in spite of all its issues, it’s still one of the most acclaimed historical fiction novels written in modern times, very effectively transporting readers into an absorbing world set in 1930s Kyoto.
Those looking for an actually accurate insight into geishas’ life and cultural significance are better off looking elsewhere, but those looking for a ravishingly entertaining and moving historical fiction novel ought to add Memoirs of a Geisha to their to-read list. Atmospheric, romantic, and greatly elevated by Golden’s meticulously detailed writing, it’s a captivating story whose pages pretty much turn themselves.
8
‘The Name of the Rose’ (1980)
The Name of the Rose was the debut novel of Italian novelist, philosopher, and cultural critic Umberto Eco, and it’s every bit as great a book as one would expect from the work of such a talented multi-hyphenate. Set in an Italian monastery in the early 14th century, this murder mystery blends several elements from disciplines that fascinated Eco throughout his lifetime, from semiotics to Medievalism to literary theory.
But far from being purely intellectual or in any way pretentious, The Name of the Rose is irresistibly entertaining from start to finish, one of the best mystery books of all time. The winner of several awards and one of the highest-selling fiction books ever written, it’s a work of art as philosophically profound as it is immensely thrilling. Brilliantly meta and powerfully symbolic, it’s an engrossing whodunnit exploring the fiction between faith and reason.
7
‘Shōgun’ (1975)
Before it served as the basis for one of the best TV dramas of the last decade, Shōgun was an exceptional novel written by British-American author James Clavell. It chronicles the end of Japan’s Azuchi-Momoyama period and the dawn of the Edo period in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Though it’s loosely based on real events and characters, it’s ultimately a made-up story—and what a fascinating piece of fiction it is.
Through and through, it’s one of the best books of the 1970s, an enrapturing and almost perfectly researched story that should be able to get anyone interested in Japanese culture and history. As epic and ambitious as it is deeply immersive, Shōgun is built on intricate political mystery, profoundly immersive worldbuilding, and culturally nuanced writing.
6
‘The Nightingale’ (2015)
Though many of the historical fiction novels that deserve to be called nearly-perfect masterpieces come from the 19th and 20th centuries, the genre has also seen several great outings throughout the 21st century. Most notably among those, perhaps, is Kristin Hannah‘s The Nightingale, one of the best World War II books ever written. With a film adaptation starring Dakota and Elle Fanning set to release in 2027, it’s about as perfect a time as any to read this masterpiece, one of the best novels of the 2010s.
The book was inspired by the accounts of the Belgian Resistance member Andrée de Jongh, who helped downed Allied pilots escape Nazi-occupied territory. It’s a wonderfully sentimental page-turner, focusing on something that World War II books all too rarely turn the spotlight on: the course of female war heroes. It’s a deeply moving work of historical fiction that makes it obligatory to keep a box of tissues by one’s side when reading, lest the inevitable flow of tears ruin the pages of the book.
5
‘The Hunchback of Notre-Dame’ (1831)
At this point, there’s pretty much no need to introduce either The Hunchback of Notre-Dame or Victor Hugo himself. It’s nothing short of one of the best books of all time, and the fact that it isn’t even Victor Hugo’s best historical fiction book speaks volumes about the quality of the French Romantic author. Set in Paris in the late 15th century, this French Gothic masterpiece is one of the defining paragons of Romanticism, and a must-read for anyone and everyone.
Paris’ Notre-Dame cathedral would have very likely been demolished at some point had Victor Hugo not written this love letter to the depth and value of Gothic art.
Victor Hugo wrote The Hunchback during a time of cultural conflict, when urban development was being championed over cultural preservation. Paris’ Notre-Dame cathedral would have very likely been demolished at some point had Victor Hugo not written this love letter to the depth and value of Gothic art. A tragic love story, a fierce political critique, a psychologically deep character study, and a quintessential cornerstone in the history of literature, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame is historical fiction at its best.
4
‘I, Claudius’ (1934)
Written by English novelist, poet, and critic Robert Graves, I, Claudius is written as though it’s the autobiography of the Roman Emperor Claudius, who ruled during the mid-1st century. Though it’s mostly fiction, the book is inspired by accounts by the Roman historians Suetonius and Tacitus, making it a novel that Roman Empire history buffs are virtually guaranteed to enjoy from start to finish.
This is a pioneering masterpiece of 20th-century historical fiction, a masterclass in how to make history feel like the perfect foundation for an urgent, refreshingly modern political thriller. Narrated by one of the most fascinating unreliable narrators in the history of literature and fueled by delectably sky-high stakes, I, Claudius presents a flawless balance between psychological realism and period-specific drama.
3
‘The Pillars of the Earth’ (1989)
Written by Welsh author Ken Follett and set in 12th-century England, The Pillars of the Earth surprisingly became Follett’s best-selling work, despite the fact that he’s mostly known for his work in the thriller genre. This gripping epic interweaves equally enthralling plot lines together in a vibrant, character-driven, historically accurate tapestry of pure historical fiction bliss.
Board game, video game, and television adaptations of The Pillars of the Earth have existed through the years, but nothing has ever been able to match the level of scale and meticulous historical detail of the original. Follett crafts this Medieval world in such a detailed, profoundly immersive way that throughout the decades that the novel’s story spans, never does the story grow any less absorbing.
2
‘Les Misérables’ (1862)
As exceptional as The Hunchback of Notre-Dame is, there’s simply no denying that Victor Hugo’s magnum opus is the literary behemoth Les Misérables, whose nearly 1,500-page count is as daunting as it is hugely rewarding. It’s one of the most ambitious books of all time, a source of endless adaptations and a pillar of pop culture, widely regarded as one of the greatest novels ever written—regardless of genre.
This French masterpiece follows the lives of several characters throughout the early and mid-19th century, diving deep into the history of France, Parisian culture and art, moral philosophy, and the many dimensions of love. In other words, it’s one of the most complete and well-rounded works of historical fiction ever written. Transcending the boundaries of the printed page, Les Misérables has endured the test of time as one of the most timeless stories the human imagination has ever concocted.
1
‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ (1846)
Few authors from his generation were ever as important as French novelist and playwright Alexandre Dumas, whose adventure novel The Count of Monte Cristo is arguably the greatest historical fiction book ever written. Serialized from 1844 to 1846 and then published in book form in 1846, the novel takes place throughout Europe between 1815 and 1839. At the time of the book’s publication, it was only recent history, but enough to allow it to qualify as historical fiction. Today, that genre label is a defining dimension of the book rather than just a technicality.
Expanded from plot outlines suggested by Dumas’ frequent collaborating ghostwriter, Auguste Maquet, The Count of Monte Cristo still works as a wonderfully entertaining character piece nearly two centuries after its publication, surprisingly so considering its age. Exploring timeless themes of hope, justice, and revenge, it’s one of those classic adventure books that are still a must-read in 2026. It’s thrilling, well-paced, psychologically complex, and impossible to put down.
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