Around this time last year, I made the declaration that The Bear should have ended with Season 4. I felt that the finale, which saw Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) quitting and handing over The Bear to Syd (Ayo Edibiri) and Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), was the perfect bow on top of the series, and that the show didn’t need any more seasons. Well, I’m willing to admit that I was wrong.

The Bear Season 5 brings the show back to the beginning, with eight streamlined, high-energy episodes that embody everything fans love. Once again, a chaotic night of service is at the center of it. This time, the series channels The Pitt and 24 by setting the entire season, except the finale, over the course of one day. Without unnecessary frills and over-the-top cameos, showrunner Christopher Storer strips The Bear Season 5 down to the basics and proves that the series has never needed much more than that.

‘The Bear’ Season 5 Was Made To Be Binged

While the intensity of this show, especially during Season 2, has meant that you might need to take a break between episodes, The Bear Season 5 feels designed to be watched all in one night. The frenetic pacing of the episodes flows easily into one another, making the season feel like one big movie. As the kitchen deals with flooding, storm traffic, overbooked tables, and a lack of food, the tempo never lets up, and the crew is forced to keep moving forward, as if stopping will bring all of this to an end.

The audience is given a break from the unending barrage of conflict with small, quiet scenes between characters. It’s a tried-and-true method, one that feels unique to The Bear. Whether it’s Richie talking some sense into Carmy during a smoke break or Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas) crafting an artistic dish made out of brussels sprouts in her home kitchen, these little interludes allow the viewer to take a breather before being plunged back into chaos. The pace of the episodes only reaches a true hiccup when we follow Uncle Jimmy (Oliver Platt), The Computer (Brian Koppelman), and The Computer’s protégée, Cheese (Elsie Fisher).

Jimmy’s storyline this season mainly consists of him scrambling to get back all the money he’s lost after some bad investments and funding the largest money sink known to man: restaurants. It’s not that Platt isn’t good in these scenes; he and Koppelman have witty banter, and Fisher’s Cheese is a wonderful addition as a vaping Zoomer and the upgraded version of her uncle. It’s just that Jimmy’s conflict never feels as pressing as what’s happening at The Bear. Sure, he’s the guy who is financing all this, but it doesn’t feel like there’s any true threat because we know Ebra’s (Edwin Lee Gibson) plan for franchising is always in the distance, ready to swoop in and save the day. In the kitchen, not only are tensions constantly high, but even if Jimmy pulls through with the money, something can always go disastrously wrong, and that’s where the stakes lie.

‘The Bear’ Season 5 Proves Once Again That the Cast Anchors the Show

I’ve praised Ayo Edebiri in the past for her performance on The Bear, and Season 5 proves her immense talent through and through as she takes Syd from her final steps as an uncertain, burgeoning chef into someone who can not only manage a full team but does it far better than Carmy ever could. Edebiri, who is deft at navigating both comedic scenes and drama, is easily the standout of the entire series, and by the end, it almost makes us wish there was more of The Bear coming with Syd fully at the helm.

Alongside Edebiri is Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who has also been one of the show’s best and most reliable performers. Following the emotional standalone episode “Gary”, written by both Moss-Bachrach and Jon Bernthal, Richie has finally reached his final form. Much like Syd, whose journey was also peppered with insecurity and uncertainty, the season finally confirms that Richie is standing on his own two feet — not only surviving working at The Bear, but thriving. If Carmy’s decision to give the restaurant to Syd and Richie felt sudden at the end of Season 4, Season 5 proves that he knew what he was doing.

Speaking of Carmy, White shines in Season 5 in a way he hasn’t since the beginning. After three grueling seasons of seeing him struggle with his anxiety, his grief, and his trauma, The Bear finally lets viewers see the result of Carmy’s slow growth. White is fantastic as a newly evolved Carmy who not only realizes he’s made the right decision but also acknowledges that his attitude and temper have caused their downfall. For the first time in a long time, it doesn’t feel like White is being overshadowed by his co-stars, and his performance reminds us why we’ve been rooting for Carmy this whole time.

Season 5 also allows the rest of the cast to grow and wraps up each story nicely as they fully embrace their roles with a newfound confidence. Colón-Zayas’s Tina has been a brilliant character since day one, but seeing her finally reach her height reminds us of how far everyone’s come. Lionel Boyce‘s Marcus, who has had a similar trajectory, deals with his fragile relationship with his father in the season while bouncing off of Will Poulter‘s Luca, who is still staging at The Bear. Boyce, who has always had a quietly powerful presence, takes more of the center stage, which only makes us wish we’d gotten more of him in previous seasons.

Poulter is just one example of this show’s ability to turn guest stars into pillars of the series. While there are far fewer cameos to stuff into Season 5 — except for one big party scene at the very end — that doesn’t mean the show lacks in star power. Once again, Jamie Lee Curtis comes sweeping in to stun in every scene she’s in. Though she spends a lot of the season babysitting for Natalie (Abby Elliott), Donna’s arrival at The Bear finally delivers a gut-punch moment that ties everything together for the Berzattos. With so much talent on screen, it’s hard to pick out any weak performances; the cast works perfectly together like a well-oiled machine.

‘The Bear’s Final Season Is Nothing Short of Perfect

The best thing that The Bear has ever done is return to its roots in this final season. No trips to Copenhagen, no Carmy running an errand for a whole episode, no staging at other restaurants. The action centers purely on The Bear. Sometimes, the tension in the show is a little too familiar, with Carmy trying to take control again, Syd still uncertain about her leadership role, and Richie flying off the handle. What used to feel so nerve-wracking feels more like a plot device to move the story forward.

Yet the fate of The Bear has never been as important as the people working there. Through its five seasons, The Bear has not only exposed the pretension of highbrow dining, but it’s also pointed out the abusive and degrading environments these restaurants often become. The series proves that that is not a requirement for greatness, and that clashing egos only cause chaos. When the team collaborates, allows for creativity, and supports one another, everyone is working at their best.

Season 5 also focuses on the passion that these characters have for The Bear. Each character realizes that this job isn’t just a nine-to-five for them; it’s something they love. The show’s main question then becomes: what happens when you love what you do? Does the job get easier, or is the pressure worse? Is happiness worth the sacrifice and pain? In a high-intensity kitchen, it’s easy to see how quickly people can burn out, but it’s the family at the heart of The Bear that keeps it all together. At the end of the day, no matter how bad a fight is, these people will apologize, reconcile, and go back to working with each other as family does.

While the penultimate episode of The Bear is the fireworks show, finishing off a seemingly apocalyptic service, the gentle series finale wraps everything up perfectly. Stripping the show of all the nail-biting anxiety and pretentious trimmings that previously held it back, the episode is saccharine but earned. It’s also hopeful and bright, with a conclusion in which everyone finally finds some sort of peace. I’ve been harsh on this show in the past, but Season 5 proves that I should have trusted the process, because Storer has created nothing less than a masterpiece with The Bear, one that will be sorely missed now that it’s over.

All seasons of The Bear are now available to stream on Hulu.

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Release Date

2022 – 2026-00-00

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Network

Hulu

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Showrunner

Christopher Storer

Directors

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Ramy Youssef

Writers

Catherine Schetina, Alex Russell, Karen Joseph Adcock, Sofya Levitsky-Weitz, Stacy Osei-Kuffour

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Pros & Cons

• Season 5’s pacing and format is superb, making it the perfect binge since it takes place over the course of one day.
• Ayo Edebiri, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Jeremy Allen White, and Jamie Lee Curtis all deliver stunning performances.
• The final season cuts away the extra fat of unncessary cameos and pretentious restaurant jargon and strips it down to the brass tacks.
• The series finale takes all the elements of past seasons to create a neat and hopeful ending that makes us wish the show wasn’t actually over for good.

Editor’s note: The below interview contains spoilers for Dutton Ranch Episode 8.

Yellowstone may have originally ended with its fifth and final season two years ago, but Taylor Sheridan‘s iconic neo-Western franchise has endured thanks to two spin-off series revolving around the next generation of Duttons. While Kayce (Luke Grimes) has put down roots to protect his home state of Montana on the CBS procedural Marshals, his older sister Beth (Kelly Reilly) and her husband Rip (Cole Hauser) have moved to Texas for a fresh start on the aptly named Dutton Ranch.

Beginning again, miles away from the original Yellowstone, is easier said than done after a devastating illness sweeps through their new herd, forcing Beth and Rip to reach out for help from their most prominent rival, Beulah Jackson (Annette Bening). Yet these two families slowly become more and more connected in ways that go beyond unexpected employment. Beth and Rip’s adopted son, Carter (Finn Little), has fallen for Beulah’s granddaughter Oreana (Natalie Alyn Lind).

That complicated dynamic culminates in a publicly embarrassing display for Beth and Rip at the same party where Beulah officially confirms her bad-apple son, Rob-Will (Jai Courtney), as her heir after initially promising Joaquin (Juan Pablo Raba) that he would be rewarded. Even after Beulah’s heart attack, it’s clear that Joaquin may be preparing to cut ties with his own family, especially once he goes to Sheriff Handy Wade (Josh Stewart) with what he knows about the disappearance of the 10-Petal’s former ranch hand. Ahead of the premiere of Episode 8, “Whiskey Limits,” Collider spoke with Raba about Joaquin’s biggest personal betrayal, how that mysterious phone call sets up next week’s Season 1 finale, and why Beulah’s eldest son is now willing to fight dirty.

COLLIDER: When Joaquin buys himself a cowboy hat for the first time, it does feel like a symbolic moment for the character, but what does that scene really represent for him at this point in the season?

JUAN PABLO RABA: I love that you bring it up. So, here’s the deal. It became a whole thing on the show because, from the beginning, I was wondering, like, “Why don’t I have a hat?” And I was busting everyone’s chops about it. I was talking to the girls in wardrobe, “When are we getting a hat? Why doesn’t Joaquin have a hat?” Now, I understand why he didn’t have a hat. It’s because we had to make a moment out of it.

The day that we shot that scene, my God, the crew, and wardrobe, and everybody’s so fantastic, we made a Hat Day out of it. They made a piñata of Joaquin with a hat. It was very symbolic.

If you read it on paper, you’re like, “Oh, Joaquin goes and buys a hat.” There was so much more to it. It’s that moment where Joaquin says, “Okay, everything that I’ve done, everything that I’ve worked for, I have accomplished. I put Rob-Will out of the picture. My mother’s tired. This is it. This is my moment. I’m the prince — I’m going to get my crown, and I’m going to go to that party, and I’m going to get crowned in front of everybody else.” That hat moment became so important because it’s not only buying a hat; it’s the moment he realizes, “I’m going to get it. I did it. I won!”

‘Dutton Ranch’s Juan Pablo Raba Explains Joaquin’s Reaction to Beulah’s Betrayal

“Despite you hurting me in this way, I still love you, and I’m still here.”

Image via Paramount+

As the audience, we’re definitely made privy to a conversation that Joaquin isn’t: the exchange in Beulah’s office when Rob-Will pressures her to announce him as her official successor over Joaquin. For Joaquin, what do you think that moment does, especially on the heels of any current feelings that he’s having towards her that are probably a lot more conflicted now that she’s publicly said, “Rob-Will is the prince”?

RABA: That moment, he realizes, “I’m not going to get it. I did everything right, and I still didn’t get it. I still don’t belong. They still make me feel like I am not a Jackson.”

But yeah, he really loves her. I think there are only two people in Joaquin’s life that he actually loves because he has felt some kind of love from them, too, which is Beulah and [Oreana]. Those are the only two human beings that he feels some kind of real empathy towards. So, it just shows, “Despite you hurting me in this way, I still love you, and I’m still here. You made a fool out of me. You lied to me. You made me feel I’m not worthy, but I’m still here. I can’t help this feeling I have for you.” So, it becomes even more heartbreaking.

In terms of Joaquin’s dynamic with Oreana, you and Natalie don’t really have a chance to share the screen a lot this season, but there is that moment in the waiting room when the two of you just embrace. Did the two of you have any conversations about that relationship and his support of her, even though his feelings about her dad aren’t as kind?

RABA: Well, in my backstory, I always thought — and this is something I shared with Natalie and with the writers — that even if we don’t get to play it too much, these two really need to have a bonding connection. Especially because Rob-Will, being the kind of human he is and the absent father, I’m pretty sure there were plenty of times when Joaquin read Oreana her bedtime story, when he tucked her into bed, where he told her that everything was going to be all right. Of course, she’s at a time in her life where she wants to rebel against a bunch of stuff, but her tío is something very important to her because that’s probably her only fatherly figure.

I feel like in that embrace, there’s a lot that has been said. Then also, you have to think that it doesn’t matter how complicated Beulah is; she’s still the matriarch. She still holds the reins, and she holds them close. It doesn’t matter what other people feel about her. If she falls, everybody’s going to be there either to pick her up or to watch her fall, but there are a lot of people who are going to be there to watch what happens with her.

Despite showing up for Beulah after the incident, it seems like Joaquin’s pretty much done with the Jackson family. Is there any one moment that drives him to cut ties, or is it a steady progression of mounting disrespect that kind of all culminates in him deciding to break away?

RABA: I think there are two huge moments for Joaquin, and they’re both equally heartbreaking. The first one is realizing Beulah will not give him the throne while doing everything correctly. He’s spent all his life with only one objective, and he’s done everything that had to be done. So, that’s heartbreaking.

But the other one, and I think this one is even more heartbreaking, is the moment he makes the call, because he’s smart. He knows that by making that call, he’s going to change everyone’s life trajectory. He had the possibility to make that call for years, and he hasn’t done it. He knows that by doing this, everything’s going to change, and he’s going to try to get what he thinks he deserves, but now, he is willing to play dirty.

‘Dutton Ranch’s Juan Pablo Raba Discusses the Possibility of Joaquin Teaming Up With Beth and Rip

“Yes, he wants the power, but he doesn’t want the violence that comes with it.”

Image via Paramount+

I’m glad you brought up the phone call, because it’s setting up a huge finale. Beth and Rip have, almost surprisingly, had to get involved with the 10-Petal — not just as a way to keep an eye on their rivals, but also to stay afloat themselves. Do you think there’s a possibility of Joaquin now teaming up with them?

RABA: Carly, I would love to give you any kind of answer, but I have no clue. The season finale is such a cliffhanger, and things change so much from where they started that I think the possibilities are endless. I’m just going to say that I only had one strong scene, one with Beth and one with Rip, and the one with Rip really, really helped me understand how I wanted to play this character.

I’ve got to tell you, it’s scary to think that you’re going to get into a truck at night with a guy like Rip who is holding a gun right there. The moment this guy stops the truck, he’s terrified. Anything can happen right now, and I was not going to play this with macho and bravado. I was going to play this as human as possible, and just going to be scared to death of what’s going to happen. I was not going to play into the kind of Yellowstone masculinity of, “I’m a cowboy. I’m tough. You put a gun to my face, and I laugh at you.” No, I was going to be really scared because he doesn’t know how to deal with this. This is not what [Joaquin] wanted to do. He wanted to be a rancher. Yes, he wants the power, but he doesn’t want the violence that comes with it.

We do see Joaquin go to Sheriff Wade with what he knows about Wes’s murder and Rob-Will’s involvement in it. Has he just been holding onto the evidence in his back pocket with the possibility of using it, and why is he playing that card now?

RABA: He keeps it for a reason. That’s what he does. He plays chess. So, his master play was, “Oh, okay, Rob-Will did this. Perfect. That’s my perfect excuse, like, ‘Hey mom, we have to put him away because he’s a lot of trouble. I’m gonna have to clean up this mess. Oh, poor me. What am I going to do? You have to give me the throne, because this guy, he can’t do it right.’”

Then, when Rob-Will comes back, [Joaquin] still doesn’t threaten him. He still doesn’t say, “Hey, get out of here because I’m going to do this.” This is his power play. “Okay, I couldn’t do this the right way. Now I’m going to do it the wrong way. You made me do this. I’m gonna have to play dirty now. I tried to send you to a nice rehab facility. I’m gonna have to put you in jail, but I will do it because I am the right person for this job.” It’s just very confusing because now he feels like he’s being forced into basically a whole persona that he doesn’t want to become.

New episodes of Dutton Ranch premiere Fridays on Paramount+.

Finding a foundation that delivers coverage without looking heavy or cakey is easier said than done. The seemingly endless search is over, thanks to Bethenny Frankel, who reminded Us why she keeps coming back to It Cosmetics CC Cream time and time again. The multitasking formula has earned more than 24,000 five-star reviews on Amazon because of its rare ability to even out skin tone, blur imperfections and leave behind a healthy-looking glow all at the same time.

Frankel recently highlighted the fan-favorite product in an Instagram post, praising the formula as one of her beauty must-haves. After seeing her glowing complexion, we can understand the obsession. The bestselling CC cream combines foundation, skincare benefits and SPF into one easy step, making it especially appealing for anyone who wants polished-looking skin without a complicated routine. Now’s the time to try it, considering it dropped to its lowest price of the year during Amazon Prime Day!

Get the It Cosmetics CC+ Cream for $25 (was $39) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Part of what makes this formula such a standout is its versatility. The 5-in-1 product acts as a full-coverage foundation, color-correcting cream, hydrating serum, anti-aging treatment and SPF, helping streamline your makeup routine without sacrificing results. Even better, it leaves skin looking fresh and radiant and many reviewers agree that it “doesn’t look cakey.”

Shoppers especially appreciate how natural it looks once applied. Many say it provides impressive coverage while still letting skin look like skin. Unlike heavier foundations, it blends easily and creates a smooth, healthy-looking finish that works for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Reviewers frequently rave about how customizable the coverage is. One shopper even called it “is the easiest, most reliable, flexible foundation” they’ve ever used, noting that a small amount creates a natural, no-makeup look while additional product builds coverage.

Others say it’s one of the few complexion products that manages to cover redness and uneven texture without feeling heavy. In fact, many specifically praise the formula because it helps “create a very natural look.”

“I barely have to wear anything else because it gives such a beautiful natural look while still making my skin look flawless,” said another reviewer. “It feels lightweight, blends so nicely, and leaves my skin looking smooth and healthy all day.”

If you’re tired of foundations that look thick and cakey, this shopper-loved CC cream may be the answer. With Bethenny Frankel’s seal of approval and more than 24,000 five-star reviews behind it, it’s easy to see why this beauty staple continues to earn a devoted following.

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Seasoned action director Michael Bay has delivered some truly breathtaking spectacles to the big screen between films like 1996’s The Rock, which pitted Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage against rogue soldiers on Alcatraz, and, of course, the long-running Transformers franchise. While critical opinions on Bay’s work has varied from film to film, what cannot be denied is that a Michael Bay action epic will do wonders at the box office, resulting in the divisive filmmaker continuing to crank out blockbusters year after year.

But in 2005, two years before taking over the world with the first Transformers film, Bay released The Island, a thought-provoking science fiction thriller that, in a rare occurrence for the director, flopped hard at the box office, earning only $35 million at the U.S. box office on a budget of $126 million. Although the film had stiff competition that summer — films like Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Batman Begins and War of the Worlds also released weeks prior — many, including Bay himself, were surprised at the financial outcome.

‘The Island’ Has a Chilling and Thought-Provoking Concept

Featuring an all-star cast including Ewan McGregor, Scarlett Johansson, Sean Bean, and Djimon Hounsou, and a high-concept premise, The Island begins in the year 2019, after a global contamination has rendered the air outside unbreathable, but one island has somehow evaded the event. The remaining population, isolated in a high-tech compound, all await the weekly lottery which picks at random one person to go live on The Island.

What the residents don’t know is that everything they know is a lie — The compound is actually miles underground, the world outside is perfectly habitable and all the residents are actually clones of the rich and famous. The winners of the lottery are selected to be killed and have their organs harvested for donation to their original sponsors, who are blissfully unaware of their illegal clone counterparts.

To the film’s credit, the big questions this idea asks are not ignored. The characters take time to discuss the implications of whether or not these clones are in fact people. While some, namely Dr. Merrick (Bean), the head of the operation, claims they have no souls and are simply tools, the fact that the film’s perspective is told via the clones presents a different picture. The film’s slow-burn opening puts the audience in the shoes of Lincoln Six Echo (McGregor) as he goes about his daily routine while questioning what he thinks he knows.

Michael Bay Takes His Time to Set Up the World

Because Bay spends the first half of the film in Lincoln’s mindset, not only does this trick allow the audience to sympathize with his plight and agree with him, but it also makes the audience want to know more about the world they are in. The viewers are airdropped into an established world without explanation, making the moment where Lincoln discovers the truth about his existence a satisfying answer rather than an exposition dump.

The film also handles its complex moral debate with an interesting mindset. While Merrick’s operation is wildly illegal and questionable, the fact remains that what he is doing is saving lives and allowing the sponsors a longer life and the opportunity to cheat death. Even though that opportunity is killing life that was only created for the purpose of being killed anyway. The film hammers this home when Johansson’s Jordan Two Delta discovers that her sponsor was in a car accident and has a young son. Although Jordan and Lincoln obviously do not want to die, their survival means a death sentence to their original sponsors.

But the film also touches on the human experience in a unique way. Merrick’s original intention was to simply create organs copied off the sponsors for donation, but after trial and error, realized that the only way he could was to create life. This blinds Merrick to the idea that the clones are anything more than a means to an end, but also shows that only life experience and being human can create anything at all. Like most great allegories, these ideas are discussed within the film, but also inspire greater debate after the credits have rolled.

While The Island may not have done well at the time of its release, the film stands out among Bay’s filmography as a think piece of humanity, ethics and survival. Those that see Bay’s films as nothing more than mindless action should not overlook his forgotten sci-fi entry as it shows Bay’s prowess as a storyteller.

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Release Date

July 21, 2005

Runtime

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136 Minutes

Writers

Roberto Orci, Caspian Tredwell-Owen, Alex Kurtzman

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Jennifer Aniston has been serving swimsuit inspiration for decades, and one of her most unforgettable vacation looks is still that dreamy Capri-blue bikini she wore while soaking up the sun in Europe. The timeless triangle silhouette, vibrant blue hue and effortless styling felt equal parts classic and carefree. Years later, it’s still the kind of vacation outfit that makes you want to pack a suitcase and head straight for the Italian coast.

While vacationing in Portofino, Italy, Aniston was photographed wearing the now-iconic blue bikini that fashion fans still talk about today. If you’ve been dreaming of recreating the look without the designer price tag, Amazon has a remarkably similar option for just $25. The Zuvebamyo Two Piece Halter String Bikini comes in a nearly identical shade of blue, as well as black, olive, red and several other colors.

Get the Zuvebamyo Two Piece Halter String Bikini for $21 (Was $25) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Made from an 82% nylon and 18% spandex blend, the swimsuit has a smooth, stretchy feel that’s comfortable enough for long beach days. The sliding triangle top features adjustable neck and back ties, while removable push-up padding lets you customize the fit and coverage.

Related: Jennifer Aniston’s Go-To $40 Flip Flops Have Built-In Arch Support

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Jennifer Aniston has a knack for making practical purchases look aspirational. While plenty of celebrities chase the latest designer shoe trend, the actress built her style around pieces you can wear for hours, without ever thinking about them. That’s exactly why her latest favorite isn’t a luxury sandal at all, but a supportive flip-flop with all-day […]

This lookalike is also a shopper favorite on Amazon. One reviewer said the “fully adjustable” design finally worked for her mom body and that it absolutely “nailed it.”

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Whether you’re planning a European getaway or simply want to channel Aniston’s effortlessly chic vacation style closer to home, this $21 bikini delivers the same timeless look for a fraction of the price. It comes in sizes XS through L.

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Brooke Shields has spent decades in front of cameras, so she knows exactly what works when it comes to eye makeup. Not every mascara delivers the kind of definition that shows up on film, and even fewer can create noticeable length without clumping or smudging. That’s why we took notice when Shields revealed the tubing […]

Over the course of the last 30 years, filmmakers of the stature of David Fincher and Christopher Nolan have gifted cinephiles around the world with some of the greatest psychological thrillers of modern times. Whereas a regular thriller is all about external stakes and physical danger, a psychological thriller is more about character-driven moral conflicts and mind games, most of the danger coming from the characters’ own interiority.

Whether it’s a crime thriller about a desperate father looking for his kidnapped child, an action thriller about a superhero fighting crime, or even a horror thriller about a kid who can see dead people, the best psychological thrillers that the big screen has seen since 1996 are true icons of the genre. If we get films that are even half as good for the next 30 years, fans of psychological thrillers will be able to consider themselves very lucky.

10

‘Prisoners’ (2013)

Image via Summit Entertainment

After his exceptional work in his native Canada, Denis Villeneuve made the jump to Hollywood with Prisoners—such a masterful thriller that it’s no wonder he’s had such an immensely successful career in the United States since. With a stacked cast and a perfect script that leads all the way to one of the most perfect final movie shots of the 21st century, it may very well be one of the greatest kidnapping thrillers ever made.

All of the tension and suspense in Prisoners comes from its powerful thematic exploration of loss and grief, as well as from the internal mental degradation of its characters, making it a perfect example of an incredible psychological thriller. Perfectly paced, psychologically deep, and profoundly atmospheric (in no small measure thanks to Roger Deakins‘ flawless camerawork), it’s one of the best outings of Villeneuve’s career.

9

‘The Sixth Sense’ (1999)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

The Sixth Sense wasn’t M. Night Shyamalan‘s first film, but it sure was the one that made him a household name, as well as the one that established the signature tropes that characterize his work today. It’s also the only film of his that has ever obtained a Best Picture Oscar nomination, and for good reason: It truly is one of the best horror thrillers of the late 20th century.

The film is generally best-remembered for having one of the best twist endings of any movie, but that’s by no means the only thing that it has going for it. It’s also a thematically profound and tenderly moving exploration of grief, trauma, and human connection, bolstered by a trifecta of outstanding performances by Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, and Haley Joel Osment. Tense, creepy, and endlessly rewatchable even once you know the twist, it’s a masterclass in both psychological horror and psychological thriller filmmaking.

8

‘The Dark Knight’ (2008)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

For years, Christopher Nolan has been widely regarded as the king of Hollywood blockbusters. But even the greats have to start somewhere, and in Nolan’s case, the movie that put him in that aforementioned throne was the masterful The Dark Knight. Still hailed by many as both the greatest comic book movie and the greatest superhero movie to date, The Dark Knight stands out because it’s far more than just a superhero movie: It’s a proper action thriller masterpiece through and through.

Gritty, realistic, and packed with some of the most suspenseful and impressively-filmed set pieces in all of Nolan’s filmography, The Dark Knight is one of the most thrilling movies of all time. Further bolstered by Heath Ledger‘s Joker, far and away one of the most memorable movie villains of the 21st century, this action masterpiece is proof that there’s plenty of creativity and originality to be found in the superhero movie genre.

7

‘The Departed’ (2006)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

It was The Departed that finally earned Martin Scorsese the Best Director Academy Award that he had deserved for decades, and for good reason. It’s one of the most intense gangster movies of all time, a crime thriller with one of the best ensemble casts and some of the best writing that the genre has seen at any point during the last three decades.

There are plenty of external sky-high stakes and threats in The Departed, but what makes it one of the best psychological thriller masterpieces of the 2000s is how the bulk of its narrative revolves around paranoia, identity crises, and cat-and-mouse tension. Brilliantly edited, shot, and paced in ways that one might expect from virtually any Scorsese project, it’s a magnetic work of thriller filmmaking.

6

‘Fight Club’ (1999)

Image via 20th Century Studios

Every generation has a master of the thriller genre, and there’s a very strong argument to make that David Fincher is the genre’s kind today. He’s the mind behind Fight Club, one of those must-watch ’90s cult classics, based on the novel by Chuck Palahniuk. Though it was originally a commercial and critical failure upon release, it found a second life and a cult appreciation upon its home video release.

Anyone even slightly familiar with Fight Club, as well as with the mind-blowing third-act twist that completely recontextualizes the entire narrative, will know precisely why this is one of the most psychologically intense thrillers ever made. It’s a brilliant critique of modern consumerist culture and male toxicity which has aged like fine wine, so great that breaking the first rule is pretty much obligatory in this case.

5

‘Parasite’ (2019)

If there was any South Korean filmmaker who would one day be able to bring home the first Best Picture Academy Award ever won by an international motion picture, it had to be someone of the stature of Bong Joon Ho. Indeed, Parasite is nothing short of historic, but it also happens to genuinely be one of the best dark comedy movies of the 21st century thus far.

It’s one of the most masterfully genre-bending masterpieces of modern times. It works as a dark comedy every bit as well as it does as a psychological thriller, as a social drama, and as a powerful allegory for class disparities in South Korean society. It’s intense, vibrantly paced, full of excellent performances, and complete with one of the most breathtaking third acts that South Korean cinema has ever had to offer.

4

‘No Country for Old Men’ (2007)

Image via Miramax Films

The Coen brothers have made several of the most exceptional thrillers of modern times throughout the entirety of their careers, and it’s no coincidence that one of their best is also the one that became their first film ever to win the Best Picture Oscar, No Country for Old Men. Blending the syntax and tropes of both the neo-Western and neo-noir genres, they crafted a deeply hard-hitting tale about the dangers of modernization and the dark side of progress.

No Country is one of the best neo-noir thrillers of the last 50 years, with a relentless sense of cat-and-mouse tension and a philosophical complexity that make it an undeniable psychological thriller, even if it contains elements of several other genres. It’s a bleak, masterfully paced exploration of the very concept of fate, bolstered by Javier Bardem‘s Anton Chigurh, another one of the 21st century’s greatest villains.

3

‘Fargo’ (1996)

Image via Gramercy Pictures

As if any more proof were needed that the Coen brothers’ psychological thrillers have dominated the genre over the course of the last 30 years, there’s also Fargo, praised by some as the duo’s greatest film. It’s the type of ’90s thriller that holds up better than most of today’s movies, a delectably quirky and humorous yet undeniably bleak and violent neo-noir unlike any other we’ve seen since 1996.

It’s a film all about how a cascade of bad choices shatters ordinary lives—both externally and psychologically—, brilliantly subverting the tropes of the traditional crime thriller in all sorts of genius ways. Balancing irresistible suspense and hilarious absurdity consistently over the course of just under an hour and 40 minutes can’t be easy, but then again, the Coens have never been ordinary filmmakers.

2

‘Oldboy’ (2003)

Image via Show East

Bong Joon Ho isn’t the only exceptional South Korean master of the thriller genre in town: There’s also Park Chan-wook, whose Venceance Trilogy as a whole is one of the greatest thematic trilogies in the history of cinema. There’s really no question regarding which installment of the series is the best of the bunch, though. It has to be Oldboy, almost universally praised as the greatest movie in Park’s stacked filmography.

It’s the second chapter of one of the best R-rated movie trilogies ever, itself one of the best R-rated thrillers of the 2000s by far. It’s brutally shocking to the point that it’s definitely not for the faint of heart, but those who enjoy action thrillers that challenge their stomachs ought to watch this one at least once in their lives. It’s one of the most gripping revenge thrillers in history, balanced with a psychological tragedy that’s tremendously effective.

1

‘Memento’ (2000)

Image via Newmarket Films

Conversations about psychological revenge thrillers can never possibly be complete without talking about Memento. Well before he sat on the throne of Hollywood blockbuster filmmaking, Christopher Nolan was but an up-and-coming indie filmmaker, and Memento was the masterpiece that truly put him on the map. As one of those rare thriller movies without any flaws, it’s no wonder why it’s still referred to by many as Nolan’s best movie to date.

What’s not to praise about this absolute masterpiece? Nolan’s reverse-chronological writing is some of the best of his career, his airtight direction is every bit as admirable, Guy Pearce‘s lead performance is criminally underrated, and the structure of the film is challenging without ever feeling confusing. Endlessly rewatchable and emotionally engrossing, Memento is the peak of what the psychological thriller genre has had to offer over the course of the last three decades.

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Memento

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Release Date

October 11, 2000

Runtime

113 minutes

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Let’s face it, first-person shooters are a dime a dozen nowadays. They’re made en masse, collectively plastered all over digital storefronts, and many of them lack any real substance or meaningful impact. There are hundreds of FPS games out there, mainly because, as far as games go, they’re easy to make and don’t require a whole lot of innovation. Sure, some of them try to do things differently, and some of them have a bit more to them, but for the most part, it’s considered a lazy genre.

This isn’t always the case, though. The FPS genre wouldn’t be nearly so popular if it weren’t for the huge collection of titles that made it what it is today. Beginning back in the 1990s, the FPS genre has come a long way. In the last quarter century or so, some have come out that have completely shattered all expectations, and have done better than anyone ever expected them to. These are the best FPS games of the last 25 years.

10

‘Superhot’ (2016)

Image via Superhot Team

Superhot is an independent FPS game with one heck of a gimmick: time only moves when you do. What this means is, if you’re standing still, all the enemies will, too, and their bullets will hover in the air. Once you move, time resumes its normal progression. Players will absolutely need this tool because it only takes one shot to die, meaning it’s not just a first-person shooter — it’s a puzzle game on top of that. Every move must be carefully thought out before it is executed.

It might not be the prettiest game to look at — in fact, there isn’t much of anything to look at. It’s incredibly minimalistic, featuring blank, featureless white walls, humanoid-shaped enemies with no discernible features, and rough impressions of objects rather than meticulously detailed models. But truth be told, it doesn’t need any of these things. Graphics schmaphics. The core element here is the gameplay, which is so simple, yet insanely entertaining. There are no other shooters like this one out there, which is why it became quite a trending topic at the time of its release.

9

‘Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Vegas 2’ (2008)

Image via Ubisoft

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 is the last single-player experience to come out in the Rainbow Six franchise, which is based on the Tom Clancy novel of the same name. It was also the most recent game to come out before the primarily multiplayer Siege, which remains an extremely popular game and a competitive e-sport. Something about the Vegas subseries just hit different, though. For one, it was the first installment to include a third-person cover system, meaning you had a dedicated button to take cover and change the view to third-person, allowing you to assess your environment more and take safer shots.

The game’s story is set during a massive terrorist attack on Las Vegas, with the international counter-terrorism unit Rainbow sent to stop it. Players take on the role of Bishop, a team leader, and can play either alone or with friends in co-op. They’ll also be able to control a team of two other operators, Michael and Jung, via a series of commands. Players can order their team to breach doorways in various ways, move to a specific location, shoot at a specific enemy, disarm bombs, throw grenades, or even ascend or descend a wall by rappelling. There may be only seven missions, but they’re all fairly long, and the game is not only fun but also fairly challenging, encouraging players to think tactically rather than resorting to the typical run-and-gun that many shooters favour.

8

‘F.E.A.R.’ (2005)

Image via Vivendi Universal Games & Sierra Entertainment

F.E.A.R. was pretty revolutionary for its time, as it was one of the first games to seamlessly blend a first-person shooter and a horror game all into one coherent experience. The player takes on the role of an operator for F.E.A.R., which stands for “First Encounter Assault Recon.” The main goal of this government organization is to locate and neutralize any paranormal or unexplained threats that may threaten the public. In this instance, it’s the vengeful ghost of a little girl named Alma.

However, the experience also includes actual gunfights between rogue soldiers. The game can switch from fast-paced action to creeping, slow-paced horror in the blink of an eye. Make no mistake, either; this game was lauded for being genuinely scary. Alma became an iconic character in the horror gaming community, and the game went on to spawn a few sequels, though the original remains the strongest entry. There really isn’t another shooter out there that had the ambiance of this game, which is why it’s still remembered fondly by many.

7

‘Titanfall 2’ (2016)

Image via Electronic Arts

The first Titanfall game was a multiplayer-only experience and felt more like an experiment. Players controlled a soldier in a world of the future, where space travel has become normalized. These soldiers are highly trained and capable of freerunning and using parkour, making combat a very three-dimensional experience. However, that wasn’t where the game truly stood out. Players could also, at certain times, summon their customized titan, a giant mech that they could embark and disembark from at will.

The first game was solid, but lacked any substance beyond the multiplayer. Titanfall 2 turned everything that made the first game fun and added so much more to it. For one, it had a campaign that was surprisingly awesome. Not only were players able to use their mechs in single-player missions, but they also had unique abilities like time travel, which crafted a surprisingly complex narrative. Titanfall 2 is brilliant in all the right ways, yet it is highly underrated.

6

‘Far Cry 3’ (2011)

Image via Ubisoft

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Far Cry 3 is widely considered to be where the franchise peaked. The games have always been about survival against criminal gangs or warlords, a theme that the third one follows. This time, it takes players to the fictional Rook Islands, which are located somewhere in Southeast Asia. During a skydiving trip, Jason Brody, his brother, and his friends accidentally land off-course, becoming captured by a band of pirates led by Vaas Montenegro. Escaping the pirates, Jason now has to rescue his friends, using a variety of weapons and skills to do so.

Where this game really shines is in its narrative. Actor Michael Mando serves as both the voice and likeness of Vaas Montenegro, who is one of the finest villains ever created in a video game. He’s often been described as a psychopath, and he seems perfectly aware of this comparison; in fact, he actually seems to embrace it. His speeches about the definition of insanity, combined with his random outbursts of anger, make him extremely fun. He’s kind of creepy, but so deliciously evil that it’s hard not to love him. Even without Vaas, though, this game would still be pretty good. The open world of the Rook Islands is beautiful; there are tons of interesting characters, fun weapons to use, and some great places to explore. Far Cry is still going on, but it’s unlikely they’ll ever be able to top its third entry.

5

‘Borderlands 2’ (2012)

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Borderlands 2, like its predecessor, allows players to take on one of four different roles. They can play as Zer0, an assassin; Maya, a magical gunslinger called a Siren; Salvador, a short but beefy guy able to dual-wield any two weapons; or Axton, a classic commando. Like the first installment, the game takes place on the planet Pandora, where a lot of treasure hunters flock to in search of a mythical hoard of goodies known as The Vault.

Borderlands 2 is another FPS game with one phenomenal villain, this time in the form of Handsome Jack. Like Far Cry 3, the game is open world, lets players drive vehicles, and has a lot of RPG elements. However, where Borderlands 2 really shines is in its weapons. There are billions, literally billions, of possible weapons to pick up. Sure, a lot of them look the same, but their attributes are randomly generated, so no experience of the game is going to be the same every time. It’s loud, crazy, explosive, and hilarious, and it’s fantastic.

4

‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’ (2009)

Image via Activision

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The Call of Duty franchise isn’t exactly high art. It hasn’t been known for producing thought-provoking pieces of fiction, and has been criticized for churning out a new game every year that is basically the same every time. However you feel about it, the original Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 definitely deserves a spot on this list. It doesn’t do anything too remarkable with itself, and its gameplay is pretty much the same as the rest of the series. Sure, they added a new co-op challenge mode called Spec Ops, but that’s about it.

Still, it’s one of the few Call of Duty games where the campaign is praised for being just as good as the multiplayer. The storyline follows a Russian invasion of the United States, with players taking on the role of a US Army Ranger caught in the middle of it. Players also take on the role of a special forces operator working behind enemy lines to bring the leader of the Russian invaders to justice. Believe it or not, there are some surprisingly emotional moments in this game. Besides that, though, the cinematic scale is excellent, the visuals are crisp and way ahead of their time, and the multiplayer included a lot of maps that remain fan favourites. It’s simple, but it works.

3

‘Half-Life 2’ (2004)

Image via Valve

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Half-Life is a franchise synonymous with incompletion, as the story never got a proper conclusion, even 20 years later. Half-Life 2 wasn’t exactly the last installment in the series, but it was the best. The thing about Half-Life is that they’re not just about running and gunning; they also involve solving environmental puzzles, platforming, and exploring, along with the action. It’s also a series with really good physics, to the point that it kind of feels like it’s trying to show off how good its engine can be.

Anyway, the series is about Gordon Freeman, an engineer with the company Black Mesa, who must fight off an alien invasion using a variety of weapons at his disposal. It looks kind of outdated by today’s standards, but the game remains a pretty active entity. Thanks to an extensive community, numerous mods have been made of the game that eventually became their own stand-alone titles. There’s so much that this game did for the medium that it would be impossible to list it all here. Of course, it’s entertaining, but it’s revolutionary to boot.

2

‘BioShock’ (2007)

Image via 2K Games

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BioShock had a couple of different influences. Mainly, it was inspired by the System Shock series of FPS games, but it also took inspiration from Ayn Rand‘s novel, Atlas Shrugged. Though this is a linear FPS game, it does feature some RPG elements. The story follows Jack, a man of the 1960s who survives a mysterious plane crash over the ocean. Seeking solace, he arrives at a lighthouse, which lets him descend into the underwater city of Rapture.

Rapture was formerly a utopia, intentionally cut off from the rest of society. Unfortunately, a genetic material harvested from sea slugs known as ADAM causes an epidemic of addiction, which was only made worse when a revolution occurred in the city, turning it into a desolate wasteland. Mindless survivors still wander the ruins, and remnants of a thriving society survive. In this game, players don’t just shoot guns; they cast spells, too, through the use of special “plasmids.” It’s a little bit of fantasy, a little bit of steampunk, and a little bit of sci-fi, with a narrative that is utterly unparalleled. Almost everyone knows its iconic plot twist by now, which continues to floor players all across the world. This game is, by all accounts, perfect.

1

‘Halo 3’ (2007)

Image via Microsoft Game Studios

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Halo is one of the most genre-defining first-person shooter franchises in history, beginning back in 2001. While the first two games were incredible, the third one has got to be the best. A lot of new things were introduced here. The game introduced Forge mode, a sandbox mode where players could design and modify their maps based on existing ones, with a surprising level of customization. It also added a lot of new weapons and vehicles to play around with.

While the story did conclude the first arc of the Halo universe, we know now that it wasn’t really the end, because the franchise is still on. Like the previous game, the story is basically about Master Chief, a genetically modified super soldier called a Spartan, as he fights a war with the Covenant, an alien coalition intent on destroying humanity in the 26th Century. Halo 3 is another game that is pretty simple in every way, yet it still has a lot of unique quirks to it. The game remains popular even to this day, and is a legendary Xbox 360 title with an impressive legacy, which is why it’s arguably the greatest FPS game of the last quarter century.

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Release Date

2022 – 2024

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Paramount+

Showrunner

Kyle Killen

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Directors

Jonathan Liebesman, Craig Zisk, Dennie Gordon, Roel Reiné, Debs Paterson

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Writers

Justine Juel Gillmer

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The past ten years have seen massive development in many areas, including increased popularity in new forms of entertainment, especially anime. What started as a niche medium in the West has now exploded into a worldwide sensation that almost everyone consumes. While there are popular masterpieces like One Piece and Naruto, the last ten years have introduced fans to a slew of modern classics.

Anime has only gotten better and more popular over the past decade, which is why this list will rank the greatest anime shows from the past ten years. Based on elements such as story, writing, animation, entertainment value, originality, influence, popularity, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and overall quality, these ten series are the highlights of the past ten years. This list will include any anime that came out from 2016 to the present day.

10

‘Dr. Stone’ (2019–2026)

Image via TMS Entertainment

Dr. Stone marked seven years of shōnen excellence. After the world is suddenly enveloped in a mysterious green light that petrifies all humans, humanity stands still for thousands of years. But when Senku is unpetrified, he starts rebuilding society one step at a time, but not without a few surprises along the way.

Dr. Stone may not be a typical battle shōnen, but it is one of the most unique concepts of the past decade, with each season improving upon the next. Through science and the unrelenting progression of human desire and knowledge, this anime represents the best of humanity and its combined effort to make the world better. Dr. Stone is a triumph of the human spirit and a marvellous new anime that everyone needs to watch.

9

‘Grand Blue Dreaming’ (2017–Present)

Image via Prime Video

Everyone loves to laugh, but anime humor is very hit or miss, with a Western audience finding it hard to enjoy. However, one of the most universally beloved anime comedies is Grand Blue Dreaming. Iori moves to a seaside town for university, staying with his cousins. However, after being roped into the diving club, he spends most of his time drinking and enjoying the ocean view.

After a long wait, fans finally got the second season they deserved, officially reviving interest in this phenomenal comedy series. Grand Blue isn’t just drinking and jokes, but it also features a profound story with genuine moments of self-discovery and reflection. This emotional weight, added to its hilarious style and eccentric characters, makes Grand Blue a must-watch comedy.

8

‘Demon Slayer’ (2019–Present)

Image via Ufotable

While it was a collection of shows and the free time the pandemic brought that created the modern anime boom, one anime in particular exploded the most: Demon Slayer. After a demon named Muzan killed his entire family, leaving only him and his demonized sister, Tanjiro sets out to kill Muzan and hopefully reverse his sister back into a human.

Fans have criticized its story, but Demon Slayer is one of the most popular anime series of all time, and arguably the most influential of modern shows. Its style and animation feature some of the best anime has to offer, delivering stunning visuals and stellar fight scenes. Demon Slayer has built a legacy out of its visually stunning nature, easily being a highlight of the past ten years.

7

‘Golden Kamuy’ (2018–Present)

Image via Crunchyroll

After announcing that the final season would air in 2026, Golden Kamuy announced a final project in 2027 that will actually conclude this historical story. When a soldier hears about a stash of hidden gold, he teams up with an Ainu girl to find her people’s treasure. The map is tattooed on dozens of criminals, creating a mad dash to find them before the military does.

The historical genre has made an unexpected resurgence in recent times, and Golden Kamuy is one of the best, offering an authentic look back while also including a modern flair. From endearing characters to bizarre fight scenes and hilarious moments, Golden Kamuy is one of the weirdest and funniest action anime, delivering an over-the-top adventure that doesn’t get in the way of its masterful writing.

6

‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ (2020–Present)

Image via MAPPA

If Demon Slayer isn’t the most popular or influential anime of the past ten years, then it is definitely Jujutsu Kaisen. After Yuji accidentally swallows the fingers of an ancient demon, he is thrust into the world of sorcery. Some want to execute him, and others want to use him in their evil schemes, but all he wants to do is use his newfound powers to save as many people as possible.

Jujutsu Kaisen is a worldwide phenomenon that earned its reputation through incredibly fluid animation and gorgeous fight sequences. As one of the greatest modern action anime, it excels in its imaginative powers and creative battles. It may not be the best anime this decade produced, but it is one of the most popular, influential, and engaging, serving up nothing but some of the most entertaining episodes the medium has to offer.

5

‘The Apothecary Diaries’ (2023–Present)

Image via Nippon TV

As mentioned, historical anime are getting more popular, and one of the most recent masterpieces this genre gave fans was The Apothecary Diaries. Maomao works as an apothecary at a brothel, but when she is kidnapped and sold to the royal palace, she uses her medicinal and detective skills to solve mysteries around the imperial court.

Not many modern anime shows get as many episodes and seasons as The Apothecary Diaries, which already has 50 episodes in three years, with a new season and movie coming out at the end of 2026. This volume of episodes only proves how popular and engaging this anime is, delivering episodic mysteries, slice-of-life moments, fascinating plot developments, and an overall story that uses its characters exceptionally.

4

‘Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’ (2022–Present)

Image via Netflix

While it initially ended with one season, Trigger just announced that Cyberpunk: Edgerunners would receive a second season, bringing back one of the most vibrant series of the 2020s. After David’s mother dies, he decides to join a gang with his cybernetically advanced spine to seek revenge for her death. However, all he gets is more trauma and tragedy.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is full of life and dripping with style, using its magnificent world-building to make the city feel like its own character. Heartbreak is around every corner, and this tragic anime doesn’t pull any punches, creating a gut-wrenching yet beautiful experience. As one of the best cyberpunk anime series, it delivers a gripping story with over-the-top animation and a colorful style.

3

‘Vinland Saga’ (2019–Present)

Image via Wit Studio

This list features not one, not two, but three historical anime series, highlighting how great this genre is becoming, and the greatest it has to offer is Vinland Saga. A group of Vikings murders Thorfinn’s father, and while the child seeks revenge, he first joins their Viking crew to get strong enough. However, he will learn many life lessons along the way, even questioning his purpose.

Featuring some of the best character development in anime, Vinland Saga breaks down its characters and slowly builds them back up using philosophical theories, personal goals, and overarching themes. One season, fans are enjoying its thrilling action and sprawling war plot, and the next, they are witnessing a beautiful, grounded masterclass of storytelling. Vinland Saga is a modern masterpiece that will be one of the greatest anime series ever when it ends.

2

‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ (2023–Present)

Image via Madhouse

The 2020s are highlighted by a handful of anime, including Jujutsu Kaisen and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, and the latter in particular is a masterpiece of the past ten years. Frieren and a couple of pupils set off on a nostalgic quest along the same route she went with her initial party to kill the demon king. Going to speak to those fallen, their adventure is full of ups and downs.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End proves that a show doesn’t need constant action and high stakes to retain attention, rather focusing on the side quests and simple days of an adventure. It proves that stopping to sniff the roses isn’t just filler, but a calming and compelling plot that feeds into core themes and motifs. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a masterful fantasy anime and a staple of the 2020s.

1

‘Mob Psycho 100’ (2016–2022)

Image via Bones

It was difficult to decide whether 2016 or 2017 should be the cutoff for this list, but since the former includes Mob Psycho 100, it had to include that year. Shigeo is the world’s strongest psychic, but he just wants to live an average life. However, since he suppresses his emotions, his psychic powers explode, making life more difficult for him, his friends, and his enemies.

The past decade has included some real heavy hitters, but none hit harder than the champion of the past ten years, Mob Psycho 100. It isn’t just the best anime since 2016; it is one of the greatest anime series of all time, and it earns this status through its endearing characters, compelling development, staple comedy, stunning animation, creative fights, and imaginative directing.

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Mob Psycho 100

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Release Date

2016 – 2022

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Tokyo MX

Directors

Katsuya Shigehara, Kenichi Fujisawa, Yohei Shindo, Hiroshi Takeuchi, Tsuyoshi Tobita, Takashi Kawabata, Shohei Miyake, Yoko Kanamori, Toshiyuki Sone, Tomoaki Ohta

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Writers

Hiroshi Seko

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  Setsuo Ito

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  Shigeo ‘Mob’ Kageyama (voice)

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  Takahiro Sakurai

  Arataka Reigen (voice)

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There is an unspoken Hollywood adage: With a long-running franchise, comes a more ridiculous retcon. Retcons themselves can be a useful storytelling tool when they’re used to expand a universe or add new layers to beloved characters. Without retcons, there would never be X-Men: Days of Future Past and a Creed trilogy. Even the Fast & Furious franchise would be dead decades ago if they did not retcon Dominic Toretto into globe-trotting heist masterminds. However, most of the times, retcons are just simply lazy excuses when the filmmakers ran into a storytelling obstacle. And yes, unfortunately, the Toretto family is guilty of some of the worst ones.

The movies on this list, except for one, are part of enduring movie franchises. These movies have the responsibility to continue and therefore, make increasingly weird choices in order to do so. These retcons include undoing hard-earned victories or resurrecting obviously dead characters, and these choices frustrated fans and even left lasting scars on some of Hollywood’s biggest franchises.

7

‘Fast X’ (2023)

Image via Universal Pictures

With all the villains from the previous movies being either locked up or turned into one of the family members, Fast X introduces Dante Reyes, played by Jason Momoa as the big bad for the final installments of the physics-defying franchise. Dante is revealed to be the son of drug lord Hernan Reyes, the villain defeated in Fast Five. Dante was present in the events of that movie and has spent the last decade meticulously planning revenge against Dominic Toretto and his family.

While not impossible, this retcon is hilarious because during their recon in Brazil, Dom and his crew never even noticed the hulking son of their main target. Dante himself is a larger-than-life character so it feels difficult to suspend disbelief that he is part of the Reyes family. He could very well be his own man. Momoa’s performance is entertaining, and arguably one of his best yet, but this is just another example of the series trying to reach for straws. The franchise has increasingly relied on surprise connections to create new villains, and by this point the formula was becoming predictable. In their defense, it’s the tenth film in the long-running franchise after all.

6

‘Spider-Man 3’ (2007)

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

The first Spider-Man established that Uncle Ben’s death was caused by a criminal Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) selfishly allowed to escape. That tragic mistake formed the foundation of Peter’s guilt and ultimately inspired him to become Spider-Man. Spider-Man 3 rewrites this history by revealing that Flint Marko (Thomas Haden Church), who later becomes the Sandman, was actually the man who fired the fatal shot.

Sam Raimi‘s Spider-Man movies, albeit great and influential, follow a formula. The villain has to have a personal connection with Peter and later, Mary Jane becomes the damsel in distress. In this third film, there are too many coincidences, and Sandman being the person who killed Uncle Ben, is the biggest offender of them all. The reveal feels unnecessary because Sandman was already a sympathetic and complex villain without being connected to Uncle Ben. Instead of enriching the story, the retcon makes the universe feel smaller as though New York City only consists of ten people max.

5

‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’ (2017)

Image via 20th Century Studios

The first Kingsman film features one of its most shocking moments when Harry Hart (Colin Firth) is shot directly in the head by the big bad, right after defeating a congregation of crazed villains. His death serves as a turning point for Eggsy’s (Taron Egerton) growth, forcing the young recruit to step into the role of hero. Instead of committing to it, Kingsman: The Golden Circle reverses this by revealing that Harry survived thanks to advanced medical technology developed by the American Statesman organization.

The retcon damages the emotional weight of the original film because Harry’s death was supposed to matter. It demonstrated that the superspy world is dangerous and that even the best spy could die. Bringing him back feels very much like an empty fan service, even though Colin Firth is spectacular and charismatic. The explanation itself stretches credibility even within the fantastical world of Kingsman. In doing so, the film kept it small and went back to Harry, instead of expanding the universe and putting the focus on new characters like the Statesman agents, who are practically window dressing in the film.

4

‘Halloween: Resurrection’ (2002)

Image via Dimension Films

Halloween H20 appeared to provide a definitive ending to Laurie Strode’s (Jamie Lee Curtis) story. After years of trauma and fear, Laurie finally confronted Michael Myers and decapitated him in a brutal final showdown. Released just four years later, Halloween: Resurrection immediately undoes this by revealing that Michael had secretly switched places with a paramedic before the decapitation. Laurie had unknowingly killed an innocent man while Michael escaped unharmed, allowing the killer to continue his rampage.

H20‘s ending was celebrated because it gave the franchise a rare sense of closure. So naturally, fans hated this retcon because it invalidated one of the most satisfying endings in slasher history. Laurie’s victory was meaningful because she finally overcame the monster that had haunted her life. By introducing a last-minute body-switch explanation, the sequel effectively tells audiences that the emotional payoff they celebrated never actually happened. Nevertheless, the film shows that the Halloween franchise is everlasting. This is evidenced by five films, including three that continued Laurie’s story, released after this one.

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‘Spectre’ (2015)

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

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For decades, Ernst Stavro Blofeld is portrayed as the ultimate James Bond’s nemesis. After losing the rights to the character for several years, Spectre brings the adversary to face off against Daniel Craig‘s Bond. However, the new backstory reveals that Blofeld (Christoph Waltz) and Bond grew up together after Bond was taken in by Blofeld’s father. Blofeld became jealous of the attention Bond received and spent years building a global criminal empire. Taking a page from Fast & Furious villains, Blofeld claimed that all his previous enemies are part of his organization.

But that sounds like a stretch, right? What are the odds of Britain’s greatest spy and the world’s most dangerous man being foster brothers? In previous iterations, Blofeld was frightening because he represented a vast criminal threat with ambitions beyond Bond himself. Turning him into a jealous surrogate brother reduces his mystique and makes his motivations petty. Skyfall was acclaimed because it explored Bond’s personal side, but Spectre took it too far, making it downright ridiculous. Instead of being personal for Bond, this somewhat mirrors Austin Powers and Dr. Evil’s story, in which they are secretly twin brothers.

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‘F9: The Fast Saga’ (2021)

Image via Universal Pictures

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The writers of the Fast & Furious franchise are like The Avengers travelling in time. They have moved timelines to work around Han’s (Sung Kang) death in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. As the breakout character of the spin-off, Han was brought back until his death seemed certain in the post-credit scene of the sixth film. Apart from revealing that Dom has an actual brother, one of the most surprising moments in F9: The Fast Saga is that Han is actually alive, thanks to the help of Mr. Nobody (Kurt Russell).

As one of the fan-favorite characters, many fans are happy to see Han return. But the problem is that the explanation requires audiences to disregard years of established continuity and emotional investment. Han’s death shaped major storylines, particularly Deckard Shaw’s (Jason Statham) redemption arc. Once Han is revealed to be alive, many of those emotional beats lose their impact. The retcon highlights a growing problem in the franchise where death becomes increasingly meaningless because any character can potentially return. Up next, Gisele (Gal Gadot) is slated to return in Fast Forever, even though her death set up Han’s journey in Japan. It’s so confusing.

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‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ (2019)

Image via Lucasfilm

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Perhaps no modern blockbuster retcon generated more backlash than the revelation that Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) somehow survived his apparent death in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. This reveal undermines Anakin & Luke Skywalker’s story from the previous six films. Palpatine is said to be a clone created by Sith cultists, and shares a lineage with Rey (Daisy Ridley). The movie couldn’t even muster a proper explanation, as Oscar Isaac‘s Poe said it best: somehow Palpatine returned.

The retcon is widely criticized because it shows that the sequel trilogy was made without a clear plan in mind. The previous films never properly set up Palpatine’s return. But after the fan backlash for Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the folks at Disney and Lucasfilm thought they needed to course correct and win back those fans who had blown things out of proportion. They opted for the safe route: bring back J.J. Abrams and reinforce nostalgia by bringing back Palpatine, instead of developing Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) further to threaten Rey and the new rebellion. Star Wars never fully recovered after this mess. The franchise resorted exclusively to making shows set in past timelines and never explored post-Rise of Skywalker storylines. This hopefully will change with next year’s Star Wars: Starfighter.

Jersey Shore’s Jenni ‘JWoww’ Farley is taking aim at people who criticized her for not inviting them to her wedding to Zack Carpinello.

Taking to her Instagram on Thursday, June 25, Farley, 41, doubled-down on her decision to leave some people off the guest list, telling them via a video: “You proved my point.”

“I’m doing this once because it’s so infuriating that while I am trying to enjoy being a wife to my husband, I am now getting caught up in retweets and tabloids about who was invited and who wasn’t invited, and who retweeted it, and who commented under it,” she said.

Farley continued, “And I’m just sitting here being like, ‘If you were a true friend, if you were a true family member, none of this would be public right now, you would have came to me.’ But you can’t come to me, because then you can’t play victim to your own fake-ass narrative, because the reality is less than 50 people were in it, and these 50 people would f**king go to jail for me. That is the fact.”

Related: Jenni ‘JWoww’ Farley Talks Snooki and Jionni Divorce Rumors

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The Jersey Shore: Family Vacation star went on to explain that the guest list for the surprise wedding was limited. She added that the couple knew these people would attempt to attend or if they were unable to make the event, they would still be happy for her.

“Not only would they be happy, they would not sh*t talk if they even weren’t invited,” she said.

Farley suggested that those complaining only had themselves to blame for the situation and added that running to the tabloids and putting her on blast via social media “proved” her point that she was right to not invite them in the first place.

“You’re in it for the wrong reason, you’re not in it to show love, you’re not in it for the most beautiful part of my life, which is getting married to the person I could not love more, while my children are by my side,” she said.

She continued, “You’re in it for the f**king drama, and it’s a f**king joke. So I’m saying this once, and I’m saying it with my whole chest. You get what you deserve, and when you continue to play victim to your own narrative, and you continue with this bullsh*t, you will never succeed in life.”

Farley and Carpinello surprised their friends and family by tying the knot in a secret wedding ceremony on Wednesday, June 24.

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“After all these years together, being able to celebrate our love surrounded by the people who have supported us throughout our journey meant everything,” the couple said in an exclusive statement to Us Weekly. “The day was filled with laughter, happy tears and so much gratitude. We couldn’t be more excited for this next chapter of our lives.”

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MTV shook up reality TV — and introduced fans to the GTL lifestyle (a.k.a. gym, tan, laundry) — in 2009 with the premiere of Jersey Shore. The series quickly made household names out of stars Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, Vinny Guadagnino, Jenni “JWoww” Farley, Angelina Pivarnick, Paul “DJ Pauly D” DelVecchio, Ronnie Ortiz-Magro, Samantha “Sammi Sweetheart” […]

Guests arrived at Madison Modern Social in Old Bridge, New Jersey, expecting a film premiere of Farley’s new movie, Nanny Cam, only to discover the venue had been transformed with deep red décor and elegant floral arrangements inspired by a modern-day Beauty and the Beast fairytale.

Old Bridge Mayor Debbie Walker officiated the ceremony, which also featured meaningful roles for Farley’s two children. Farley shares daughter Meilani, 11, and son Greyson, 10, with ex-husband Roger Mathews, whom she split from in 2019.