This week, Netflix added a fantastic but highly underrated movie from 2013 that is just as relevant as ever.

Sofia Coppola‘s The Bling Ring is a darkly comic crime film based on a real-life criminal group known as the “Bling Ring.”

The movie features Emma Watson, Taissa Farmiga, Leslie Mann and Paris Hilton.

Misunderstood and overlooked at the time, The Bling Ring is a sharper satire on celebrity culture than critics at the time would give it credit for.

Watch With Us breaks down why it’s well worth your time, and why you need to stream it this week.

Related: The Bling Ring: Where Are Alexis Neiers, Rachel Lee and the Rest Now?

The Bling Ring — consisting of Rachel Lee, Nick Prugo, Alexis Neiers, Courtney Ames and Diana Tamayo — became infamous for stealing roughly $3 million in cash and belongings from Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, Orlando Bloom, Audrina Patridge and many more from 2008 to 2009. The teens and 20-somethings became household names themselves following their […]

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‘The Bling Ring’ Is Based on a Crazy True Story

The Bling Ring follows a group of privileged, fame-obsessed LA teens, including Marc (Israel Broussard), Rebecca (Katie Chang), Nicki (Emma Watson) and Sam (Taissa Farmiga), who begin burglarizing the homes of celebrities together, stealing their jewelry, clothes, cash and other valuables. Using the internet, the group is able to track celebrities’ whereabouts and approximate when they won’t be home, allowing them to slip in and out with arms full of stolen possessions, which they then frequently resell.

The film is inspired by the real-life Bling Ring as chronicled in a 2010 Vanity Fair article titled “The Suspects Wore Louboutins” by Nancy Jo Sales. Each character is based on a real person: Nick Prugo, Rachel Lee, Tess Taylor, Alexis Neiers and others. The real Bling Ring robbed the homes of several celebrities over the span of one year, between 2008 and 2009, and their victims included Paris Hilton, Audrina Patridge, Orlando Bloom, Megan Fox and Lindsay Lohan. In the end, the thieves had made away with assets totaling roughly $3 million, though they were ultimately caught and all received various sentences.

It’s a Prescient Satire of Internet Celebrity Culture

At the time, critics felt that Sofia Coppola took too morally ambiguous a route in her depiction of the Bling Ring, not doing enough to outwardly condemn the actions of the characters in her film. Years later, however, more astute and media-literate viewers keenly understand the sharp satire of the movie. It even ends on a note that couldn’t be more of a condemnation if it tried: on a talk show, 30 days after her release from jail, Nicki recounts being in the same correctional facility that housed Lohan at the same time, then faces the camera and cheerily promotes her own website.

But even before this moment, the movie does an excellent job at depicting the increasingly flimsy barrier between fans and celebrities during a time when social media was still in its infancy. The mythos of celebrity has now been destroyed by apps like TikTok, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram, with fans having an unprecedented level of access to the inner lives of famous people. Thus, Coppola does something subversive in her film — she sympathizes with the perpetrators of the crimes depicted and places subtle blame on the encroaching systems in place, which foster a perceived right to cross boundaries.

Emma Watson Gives the Best Performance of Her Career

Emma Watson has had some difficulty trying to establish a confident acting career separate from her childhood fame in the Harry Potter franchise, and has seen mixed results in movies like Little Women, Beauty and the Beast and Noah. However, she delivers the clear high-point of her filmography as Nicki Moore (AKA Neiers) in The Bling Ring, and critics were right to single her out as the best performance in the movie.

Related: New on Netflix in March 2026 — The Full List of Movies and TV Shows

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Is it March already? Yes, it is, and Netflix is celebrating as if it were Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas, all rolled into one month. How else can you explain the packed slate the world’s most popular streamer has set for its millions of subscribers? On the TV side, the hit series Virgin River returns for […]

Watson’s performance transcends any perceptions at the time that hers was only stunt casting, playing against the goody-two-shoes type she had cultivated for years playing Hermione Granger. Indeed, Watson goes from brainy to brainless in embodying Nicki, but she thoroughly proves her range playing the party girl and celebrity wannabe, evoking dead-eyed, LA-girl narcissism as if she were born into it. Watson turns lines like “Your butt looks awesome” and “I wanna rob” into comedic, meme-worthy gold, delivering them with a canny earnestness that is both cringey and delightful.

Stream The Bling Ring on Netflix.

There have been many television shows about love, but none have captured our hearts quite like Bridgerton. Created by Chris Van Dusen and based on Julia Quinn‘s book series, Bridgerton has given us four seasons of romance that never gets old. In each season, one of the Bridgerton siblings navigates the highly competitive social season in which young marriageable nobility and gentry are introduced into society. Set in the Regency era, Bridgerton explores alternative history in a delightful manner.

For four seasons, we’ve witnessed some of the most brilliant romantic gestures, confessions of love, and acts of admiration that have set the bar high for our prospective lovers. Across 32 episodes, there have been countless romantic scenes, but these are easily the most romantic scenes of all time. Depending on your favorite Bridgerton couples, you might rearrange the order, but you simply can’t discount how passionate these scenes were. Some even changed our view of love forever.

10

“I’m the tea that you are having.”

Season 4, Episode 4 “An Offer from a Gentleman”

Image via Netflix

Even the adults need some loving! For four seasons, we’ve watched as Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell) played a mother. With each of her children making their way into society, she served as the person to help usher in their new chapters. But perhaps seeing love bloom gave her an itch that she needed to scratch. Enter Lord Marcus Anderson (Daniel Francis), the brother of her dear friend, Lady Agatha Danbury (Adjoa Andoh). The pair had been flirting, but it was time to take it to the next level. Violet was finally willing to give herself permission to love again. With the residence free of kids, Violet, in a robe, awaited Marcus’s arrival with anticipation. Though he may not have been prepared for the evening Violet had ready for him, he was certainly not unwilling to engage.

“Mrs. Wilson told me you were serving tea somewhere new,” he said. Violet, in a moment of beautiful seduction, responded, “I am the tea that you are having.” We’ve seen many of her children be quite forward with their feelings and desires, but for Lady Bridgerton to be so confident and deliver fervently what she wanted was a powerful moment. She reclaimed herself, ready to give herself over. Even with a complete gentleman by her side, willing to take things slowly, she was raring to go! Intimacy is important in any relationship, and this moment proved that they could, should they want to, be a complete pair. As showrunner Jess Brownell told Tudum, “This scene is Violet choosing herself. She’s spent so much of her life being the emotional anchor for her family. This is her finally allowing herself to ask [for] what she wants.” As she continued, “We wanted people to understand that the mamas are just as horny. They’re human.”

9

Francesca and John Meet in Silence

Season 3, Episode 3 “Forces of Nature”

Image via Netflix

When words fail, sometimes silence is equally romantic. Though not the primary focus of Season 3’s storyline, Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd) makes her debut in society. Though she may not have wanted to live the life of a diamond, desiring a quiet life on her own, there were some very eligible suitors in front of her. But there was one quiet man who seemed to be the best option to court her: John Stirling, the Earl of Kilmartin (Victor Alli). Though Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) had her mind set on pairing her with Lord Samadani (David Mumeni), it was her chance encounter with John that changed everything.

After departing the Innovation Ball, an overwhelmed Francesca is joined by John, who is very interested in her. But he’s also keenly aware of her desire for quiet, so he utters some beautiful words, “Perhaps we can enjoy the silence together.” At that moment, Francesca feels acknowledged. The two simply stand, looking outward, as a smile comes onto her face. She’s hooked. He’s taken. And it was the start of a beautiful relationship. Sadly, Season 4 took it away from us as John’s shocking death brought an end to her joy.

8

Benedict’s Love Confession to Sophie

Season 4, Episode 5 “Yes or No”

Image via Netflix

Season 4 brought us the story of Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson), the fluid playboy of the family. In a Cinderella-inspired plot, Benedict initially falls for a mysterious young woman in a mask, only to discover that it is Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), the illegitimate daughter of the previous Lord Penwood and now a maid to her evil stepmother, Lady Araminta Gun (Katie Leung). During the first part of the season, we watched the spark between them, but their social classes prevented anything from happening. But when we returned for the second half of the season, Benedict no longer could live without her. He knew the stakes of being with a maid, but it no longer mattered to him. “How else am I to be with a woman society has made it impossible for me to be with?”

The scene played out like a class-discrepancy scene should. He, decked out in his formal wear, and she, dressed as his servant. But all that melted away when he uttered, “I love you, Sophie. You’re the person I have been searching for all my life.” No matter what would happen, this gesture was what they both desired. So much so, they officially consummated their forbidden love. “That little arm gesture just did me in. That’s saying, ‘I’m here. I’m surrendering. But now it’s up to you.’ Seeing her then make the full walk back to him, I had full-body chills on the day. And I have chills when I watch it, because it’s a chemistry and an understanding of character that you can’t direct. You just have to stay out of the way of it,” episode director Gia-Rayne B. Harris revealed to Gold Derby. The scene became an integral part of their journey together. One that has made them a beloved couple.

7

Daphne’s Rain Confession

Season 1, Episode 8 “After the Rain”

Fret not, we’ll get to the most iconic scenes in Bridgerton history soon, but first, we must discuss the culmination of the series’ first primary romantic plot line. Bridgerton initially quenched our thirst thanks to the slow-burn romance of Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page). For the most part, the grand declarations of love within this duo had come from Simon, but in the season finale, Daphne goes all in. And in the rain! Could it be more romantic? Though Simon is stuck honoring his father’s self-imposed wish, Daphne professes her love for the drenched man standing right in front of her.

“I love all of you, even the parts you believe are too dark and too shameful,” she begins. “Every scar. Every flaw. Every imperfection. I love you.” There it is. Out in the open. Simon could easily run away, or he could toss aside what his father taught him and choose to love him the way that she feels for him. Of course, he’s going to pick the latter! Between the rain-soaked confession and the sweeping cinematography, it’s a perfect climax.

6

“You are the bane of my existence and the object of all my desires.”

Season 2, Episode 5 “An Unthinkable Fate”

Image via Netflix

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After setting the bar quite high in Season 1, the follow-up romance needed to be something extraordinary. What we got was a dazzling will-they, won’t-they chase between the eldest Bridgerton child, Anthony (Jonathan Bailey), and Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley). The enemies-to-lovers pipeline was on full display as the determined aristocrat was destined to win the heart of the headstrong sister of his original intended, Edwina Sharma (Charithra Chandran). The sexual tension between them was steamy. But when Anthony utters the following, “You are the bane of my existence and the object of all my desires”? Oh, how could you not swoon!

The two get closer and closer as their intimacy reaches a boiling point. Kate can no longer contain her complicated feelings for the viscount. She knows she has a duty to her sister, so all she can think of doing is heading back to India. And that clearly won’t work for Anthony. As he’ll tell her, “India isn’t far enough away” to escape his feelings for her. The scene becomes a pivotal moment in their romance, and their emotional turmoil is literally boiling over. They’re forced to confront their mutual attraction, admitting that distance will simply not stop their connection. Filled with intensity, the scene is how all steamy love stories should play out.

5

Benedict and Sophie’s Dance in the Gazebo

Season 4, Episode 1 “The Waltz”

It’s safe to say that Season 4 played out like a magical fairytale. The first ball of the season is a masquerade ball, and mother dearest is adamant that Benedict start to get serious. The freewheeling second son loves to play fast and free, but he knows that the love he seeks is not in the ladies of the ton. It would take someone miraculous to woo him. And wouldn’t you have it, a mysterious Lady in Silver. Ultimately, a party crasher, it doesn’t matter; Benedict is taken by her. Like the scene straight out of Romeo and Juliet, we know that this is a forbidden love of two individuals from two worlds, but they don’t. Not yet, at least. Instead, they’re going to make the most out of their evening with a waltz in the gazebo.

Dancing under the moonlight inside the flower-covered gazebo, our social season kicks off in an unexpected manner. The entire ball is quite ravishing, but their intimate moment within the gazebo sets the tone for the entire romance. We know how much he wants to give her a peck, but his tenderness prevents him. Instead, he removes her glove and kisses the inside of her wrist. And we all know that glove is the unsung hero of the season. A departure from the other romances on Bridgerton, the change of pace, especially for the family flirt, is the start of something extraordinarily special.

4

The Garden Confession

Season 1, Episode 4 “An Affair of Honor”

Image via Netflix

On the verge of becoming a princess, leave it to Daphne to go mess it up. Prince Friedrich (Freddie Stroma), the prince of Prussia and nephew of Queen Charlotte, seemed like the perfect match for the eldest Bridgerton daughter, but while he was perfect, he lacked the passion that Simon had. Deep down, Daphne knew it. So, she ran out for some fresh air, only to be intercepted by Simon, intending to say goodbye. But Simon is going to be kept around a bit longer.

Following her into the garden, Simon kisses her. Sweetly, passionately. You decide. Nevertheless, it’s a stunning moment between the two. He does apologize for being so bold in his wooing of Daphne, but she’s not the one he has to answer to. It’s her brother. Anthony catches them embracing and accuses Simon of defiling his sister. So, as any man would do, he challenges him to a duel if he will not marry Daphne. And a duel it will be. To make matters even worse, Daphne’s prime rival, Cressida Cowper (Jessica Madsen), may have witnessed it all. The scene showcases the dangers of this romance and the lengths they’ll go to keep it a secret. The action between Simon and Daphne may be comparatively mild, but the aftermath leads to something quite strikingly romantic.

3

Benedict and Sophie in the Bath

Season 4, Episode 8 “Dance in the Country”

Image via Netflix

Season 4 was a rollercoaster journey for Sophie. We must respect her for trying not to mess with the status quo, but let that heart run free! Nevertheless, her evil stepmother accused her of stealing, and so Sophie was arrested. After Benedict and Violet raced to the court to rescue Sophie, they whisked her back to Bridgerton Manor. Benedict was tempted by his love, but he opted to give her the space she needed to decompress. That was until the bath. Never has there ever been a more romantic moment in the tub than this regency soak.

While the scene in the book was pure intimacy, the filmed version was a poetic balance of physical and emotional chemistry. Benedict is there for her to care for her. As Ha told Tudum, “It’s really poetic, isn’t it, for someone to take care of her? It’s like Benedict is washing all her troubles away.” The moment allows her to realize that he is the man she needs. It’s a brilliant evolution of their love. We know where they will ultimately head, but this moment of pure bliss and honesty may have been the official moment of commitment. Let’s just say none of us will ever see a bathtub quite the same way again.

2

Colin and Penelope in the Carriage

Season 3, Episode 4 “Old Friends”

Image via Netflix

Calling all Polin faithful! This one is for you! For the better part of three seasons, we watched as Penelope (Nicola Coughlan), our watchful Lady Whistledown, had a seemingly unrequited love for Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton). She’s felt for him for years, but their friendship has overridden any attempts to become something more. Penelope’s potential engagement with Lord Alfred Debling (Sam Phillips) shatters when he discovers the chemistry between her and Colin. She flees to the carriage, in which Colin follows her. So, now alone, what do they do? Confess their love for one another!

It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Especially Penelope. After he tells her how wrong Lord Debling is for her, he makes his case as to why he’s the one as he has had feelings for her. She can finally express how she’s always felt. And now that it’s all out in the open, they spend the rest of their open-air carriage ride finally giving everything to one another. As Pitbull‘s “Give Me Everything” pulsates, Penelope says, “I would very much like to be more than friends. So much more.” And that’s the invitation to get it on! It’s perfectly steamy, but it doesn’t end at third base. Colin proposes! Though they missed the entirety of a natural romantic relationship, who cares! They were the pair we wanted all along!

1

“I burn for you.”

Season 1, Episode 5 “The Duke and I”

Image via Netflix

It’s the scene that started a revolution. Let’s journey back to Season 1’s sensational moment between Daphne and Simon. Picture it, Daphne and Simon are at the inn on their wedding night. They begin their intimate night alone doesn’t begin as a honeymoon. Instead, they begin by arguing about their marriage, which they both believe does not hold the same weight for each other. But Daphne is mistaken. Simon finally confesses his agony about his situation, but she’s taken off guard when he reveals that he cannot stop thinking of her. “I’m yours, Daphne. I’ve always been yours,” he says as she becomes speechless. Their anger leads to a deep, passionate confession: “I burn for you.”

They both couldn’t have been more wrong about one another, so when they found that commonality of their feelings, it was everything they were missing. Their entire back-and-forth is filled with so much fire that you know it’s going to culminate into something wonderfully passionate. This scene became a pop culture moment that shook up television, getting us all hot and bothered in the process. It crafted endless memes that even the stars couldn’t escape. This dramatic crescendo of a scene epitomizes the entire series.

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Bridgerton

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Release Date

December 22, 2020

Network

Netflix

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Directors

Tom Verica, Tricia Brock, Alex Pillai, Alrick Riley, Bille Woodruff, Cheryl Dunye, Sheree Folkson, Julie Anne Robinson

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Writers

Abby McDonald, Sarah L. Thompson, Daniel Robinson, Oliver Goldstick, Leila Cohan-Miccio, Azia Squire, Sarah Dollard, Eli Wilson Pelton, Janet Lin

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• 

  Luke Thompson

  Lady Violet Bridgerton

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  Ruth Gemmell

  Benedict Bridgerton

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