It’s a new era for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and certainly a new era for Tom Holland‘s Spider-Man. After “Peter Parker” has been erased from the minds of those in the MCU, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is about to introduce audiences to a new take on the web-slinger as he navigates life in New York City apart from his entire support system. With trailers that echo many of the most iconic Spider-Man comic book covers and a title that does the same, we’ve put together a list of Spidey comics that you ought to give a shot.

Before Brand New Day swings into theaters, brush up on your Marvel knowledge with these popular Spider-Man stories that will have you in the mood to read more. From single issues of The Amazing Spider-Man to multi-issue arcs that changed the character’s status quo, we’ve got a little bit of everything for die-hard wall-crawler enthusiasts. So get those web-shooters ready, because here comes your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man!

Spider-Man: Coming Home (2001)

Image via Marvel Comics

Not to be confused with the first Tom Holland movie, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Coming Home was an arc penned by J. Michael Straczynski (the guy who made Babylon 5, a sci-fi classic that has aged like fine wine) during his highly-popular run with the character. With this six-part return to form, Straczynski re-examined Spidey’s origins and begins moving Peter in a bold (and profound) creative direction. It’s the type of Spidey story perfect for newcomers who are already familiar with the basics.

Coming Home (also called “The Spider Totem” by many) is a strong beginning chapter to Stracynski’s multi-year run on Amazing Spider-Man. Peter’s discovery that his powers may not have been an accident, but destiny is a stunning revelation that sets the stage for the next arc on this list. Oh, and did we mention that this is a period of separation for Peter and MJ? Yet another reason to give it a read ahead of Brand New Day.

Spider-Man: The Other (2005)

Image via Marvel Comics

Long before the MCU, Marvel Comics was already taking cues from the brand’s most successful live-action outings. In the case of Stracynski’s “The Other,” Spider-Man undergoes a transformation that gives him organic webs, increases his strength, and offers him an array of unusual spider abilities he didn’t have before (including stingers!). Considering this is one comic that could offer insight into Peter’s transformation in Brand New Day, fans shouldn’t leave it off the list.

The Other was a 12-part, four-act crossover that took place across several books: The Amazing Spider-Man #525–528, Marvel Knights Spider-Man #19–22, and Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #1–4. Collected editions make this an easier read, but for those hoping to track down those individual issues, be sure to consult some online resources to discover the official reading order. While some of the changes made to Peter’s power set were reversed following the next arc on this list, The Other is a wild ride that makes for a fun swing.

Spider-Man: One More Day (2007)

Image via Marvel Comics

Spider-Man: One More Day is the most hated Spider-Man story ever written, and for good reason. It’s an abomination that reset Spidey to his “default” setting and stripped the character of all the major growth and change he endured during Straczynski’s larger Amazing Spider-Man run — it even undoes one of the most perfect Spidey comics out there. It’s a real tragedy that has yet to be undone by Marvel, and it continues to be despised by fans everywhere. That said, it’s pretty relevant to the latest MCU picture.

At the end of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Peter is forced to give up his happy life with MJ (Zendaya), much like Peter and Mary Jane are forced to give up their marriage to save Aunt May in this story here. It sets the stage for the “Brand New Day” arc that would follow, as well as Spider-Man’s new place within the Marvel Universe. While Straczynski famously didn’t agree with the final direction of One More Day (that was Joe Quesada‘s doing), it has had major ramifications in Spider-Man comics for the past 20 years.

“Denial” From Peter Parker: Spider-Man #14 (1999)

Image via Marvel Comics

With Mark Ruffalo‘s Bruce Banner/Hulk returning for Brand New Day, we thought it would be fun to revisit one of Spidey’s most memorable tussles with the Green Goliath in Marvel Comics. For that, we turned to “Denial,” a story from the pages of Peter Parker: Spider-Man #14, in which a grief-stricken Spidey — who believes Mary Jane has been killed — takes out all his rage, anger, and pain on the Hulk. Written by Howard Mackie with art by the magnificent John Romita Jr., “Denial” is an excellent one-and-done tale that will have you weeping with the wall-crawler.

While Spidey and the Hulk have battled one another before — and certainly have fought at each other’s sides as well — this issue of Peter Parker: Spider-Man takes the cake for their on-page squabbles. For one thing, it’s perhaps the most emotionally-driven Spider-Man vs. Hulk (whose solo outing is a Marvel movie better than its given credit for) battle on the list, but secondly, it’s a story about grief and understanding that feels quite relevant to the plot of Brand New Day. Don’t miss out on this one before these two Marvel icons are united on the big screen.

“The Punisher Strikes Twice!” From The Amazing Spider-Man #129 (1973)

Image via Marvel Comics

In addition to the Hulk’s return in Brand New Day, Spider-Man will also be joined by Jon Bernthal‘s Frank Castle, aka The Punisher. Hot off The Punisher: One Last Kill, Frank is back in action for Spidey’s latest big-screen outing. With that being the case, there’s no reason not to go back and revisit their first comic book appearance together (and Punisher’s first period) in “The Punisher Strikes Twice!” Penned by Gerry Conway​​​​​​​ with art by Ross Andru for The Amazing Spider-Man #129, this 19-page tale introduced Punisher as an antagonistic force who eventually discovers that Spidey isn’t really his enemy (go figure).

“The Punisher Strikes Twice!” is an important story not just because it was the first appearance of the Punisher, but because it had ripple effects on Spider-Man comics still seen today. It was also the introduction of the Jackal, a long-time, intelligent enemy of the web-slinger who had been active in comics for some time as Professor Miles Warren before revealing his green-costumed appearance here. Still, the main feature here is The Punisher, who is as bold-headed, violent, and persistent as ever.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2008)

Image via Marvel Comics

The comic book story arc that the new MCU film takes its name from, Brand New Day is probably the most direct source of inspiration for this new solo Spidey outing. Marvel’s post-“One More Day” initiative for Spidey and his supporting cast, the title, “Brand New Day,” was printed on the cover of every issue of The Amazing Spider-Man from #546 to #564, though many consider the arc to last through #647. With a rotating roster of writers and artists, Marvel revamped Spider-Man comics while taking Peter back to his more traditional status quo.

Even if you hated One More Day (and still do, like this author), Brand New Day is a fun Peter-centric Spidey arc that allows the character to exist as many of us know him well into his adulthood. Back to being a bachelor, he struggles with finances, wrestles with his superheroics, and has returned to mechanical web-shooters. Nobody remembers Peter’s secret identity after Civil War either (still considered one of the greatest Marvel stories of all time), which is probably the biggest crossover between comics and the screen.

Amazing Fantasy #15 (1962)

Image via Marvel Comics

For those who haven’t already tracked it down, Amazing Fantasy #15 is the very first appearance of Spider-Man. Penned by Stan Lee with art by Steve Ditko, the final issue of Amazing Fantasy sparked the wildfire that was Marvel’s signature superhero. While the character would quickly graduate to his own book with The Amazing Spider-Man #1, it was this first tale (simply titled “Spider-Man!”) that is at the very foundation of the Peter Parker character.

While it’s unlikely that Amazing Fantasy #15 will heavily factor into Brand New Day, this short 11-page adventure deserves the spotlight. Lee and Ditko likely had no idea what they had done by bringing the web-slinger to life, nor how it would change their lives and careers forever. With an iconic cover drawn by Jack Kirby himself, Amazing Fantasy #15 is the comic we have to thank for all the Spider-Man movies we’ve been blessed with since.

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Spider-Man: Brand New Day

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Release Date

July 31, 2026

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Runtime

150 Minutes

Director

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Destin Daniel Cretton

Writers

Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Steve Ditko, Stan Lee

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By TeeJay Small
| Published 11 seconds ago

Since The Sopranos concluded back in 2007, series creator David Chase has remained mostly quiet. Sure, he’s stepped outside for anniversary events, wrote the Sopranos sequel film The Many Saints Of Newark, and even directed a very underwhelming family drama titled Not Fade Away in 2012. Mostly, though, he’s remained as cryptic and shadowed as possible, coasting on the success of TV’s greatest show. Things seem to be changing, however, now that Chase is promoting his new miniseries Project: MKUltra.

Per Variety, David Chase began openly toying with some new project ideas during a recent appearance at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival in the Czech Republic. While addressing the crowd, the seven-time Emmy winner explained “I’d like to do a story … about four people, Italian Americans, going back to the old country, and what surprises they have in store for them.” This idea was apparently inspired by Lorraine Bracco, who portrayed Dr. Melfi in The Sopranos, after she purchased some extremely cheap property in Italy.

A Fish Out Of Water Scenario

Chase says he’s interested in exploring this idea, where a group of Sopranos-style guidos move overseas to capitalize on cheap Italian real estate, only to learn that they’re not as authentically Italian as they thought. “This happens a lot lately,” Chase said to the crowd, “Italian Americans who buy property in Italy … all kinds of Americans are buying these houses and moving there because things in our country are questionable.” He even stated that he’s interested in joining forces with some of his previous collaborators, including John Magaro, Jack Huston, Will Brill and Bella Heathcote.

If you’re a Sopranos super-fan, this premise should sound all too familiar. Chase previously explored themes of clashing Italian-American identity in the Sopranos season 2 episode “Commendatori.” During that episode, Tony Soprano, Paulie Gualtieri, and Chris Moltisanti pack their bags and head to the boot for the very first time, hoping to close a few new deals with their connected friends from overseas. In doing so, they experience some serious culture shock, trip over their Americanized Italian accents, and meet Furio, who later joins the North Jersey crew.

Ironically, David Chase himself has a cameo in the “Commendatori” episode. He plays a snooty Italian who sticks his nose up at Paulie outside of an espresso shop. This interaction, and several others like it, make Paulie feel like a complete fish out of water, even though he’s identified as an Italian all his life. By the time the mobsters return home, they’re shocked to learn that they find more comfort in the presence of McDonald’s Golden Arches and Exxon Mobile gas stations than they do in front of Mount Vesuvius and the Trevi Fountain.

Personally, I’d really like to see David Chase follow through on this idea. I have my doubts about it turning out as groundbreaking as The Sopranos, but I’m certain there are millions of fans across the world that would love to get Chase’s comedic take on the state of modern politics, and the cultural divide between ‘real’ Italians and the gang you’d find pumping their fists on the Jersey shore boardwalk.

Tia Mowry and Cory Hardrict have reportedly agreed to a written plan for co-parenting their two kids. According to a TMZ report, the new agreement cites terms involving custody exchange and how they approach each other’s private space. Neither of them has commented publicly on the updated deal.

RELATED: My Man, My Man, My Man! Tia Mowry Goes IN About Her Relationship Details And Spills Tea On New Boo (VIDEO)

New Agreement Reportedly Talks Of Custody & Visitation

TMZ cited court documents in their report about Tia Mowry and Cory Hardrict. The ex-couple reportedly agreed that neither of them will visit each other’s home unless the other parent extends an invite or for an agreed-upon exchange of the kids. They share two children: a 15-year-old son, Cree, and an 8-year-old daughter, Cairo.

Additionally, it appears Tia Mowry has no issue with Cory being with their kids during her custodial time. However, he will have to reportedly spend that time “with both minor children,” per TMZ. There’s apparently an exception if the circumstances call for it. Moreover, the agreement gives Cory Hardrict a hard cutoff time of 9 p.m. to return their kids to her.

Recap Of Tia Mowry & Cory Hardrict’s Divorce 

It’s unclear what situation, if any, sparked the new agreement between the co-parents. PEOPLE reports that reps for Tia Mowry and Cory Hardrict have not responded to a request for comment.

However, they’re a few years removed from their divorce. Tia announced in October 2022 that she and Cory were splitting up after 14 years of marriage. She didn’t explain the reason, but her public statement acknowledged that it wasn’t an easy decision.

“These decisions are never easy, and not without sadness. We will maintain a friendship as we co-parent our beautiful children,” Mowry’s statement said.

Hardrict later denied that cheating was the reason for the breakup. They finalized their divorce the following year in April 2023, amid what would’ve been their 15th anniversary. At the time, they agreed on joint physical and legal custody of their Cairo and Cree and that neither parent would introduce a new partner to their kids before the six-month dating mark.

Tia Is Boo’ed Up & No Longer Hiding It! 

Speaking of dating. In April, Tia Mowry turned heads after photos surfaced of her holding hands and kissing a mystery man. By then, she had already spoken about manifesting her new romance, being in love and even seemingly soft-launched him in some vacation photos.

However, after the viral photos in April, the new boo didn’t stay a mystery long. Within days, her new bae had been identified as Javoné Williams, an educator and publicly recognized artist. Since then, Tia Mowry has been less reserved with sharing her relationship. In May, she dropped a baecation dump showing her man’s entire face. Then last month, during a radio interview, she bragged about the quality of man Javoné is. Mowry praised his emotional intelligence and his intentionality, calling him a “wonderful human being.” She also revealed that he has kids in the same age range as hers. However, she didn’t say whether they’ve met each other’s children yet.

RELATED: Fans Are Wondering If Jhené Aiko & Larry June Are Dating After New Instagram Clues (PHOTOS)

Social media users are mentioning Emily B while goin’ IN on Fabolous‘ bedazzled ‘fit.

RELATED: Issa Bae Watch?! Social Media Users Believe Emily B Has “Moved On” After She Posted Footage Of Kountry Wayne (WATCH)

More On Fabolous’ Bedazzled ‘Fit

On Sunday, July 19, The Shade Room reposted footage of Fabolous apparently out and about in New York City. In the clip, Fab donned a bedazzled New York Yankees jersey, black shorts bedazzled with silver stones,  and white Air Force 1 sneakers.

Check out the clip of his ‘fit below.

Social Media Users Are Mentioning Emily B While Goin’ IN On Fabolous’ Bedazzled ‘Fit

Subsequently, social media users reacted to Fabolous’ bedazzled ‘fit in TSR’s comment section. Additionally, some started mentioning Fab’s ex, Emily B., the mother of his three children.

Before Fabolous Donned His Bedazzled ‘Fit, Emily B Had Shared A Message About Their Daughter Journey

A few months before Fabolous turned heads with his bedazzled ‘fit, Emily B had shared a message about their youngest child, their daughter named Journey. As The Shade Room previously reported, on World Autism Day in April, Emily B shared a message, revealing that their youngest daughter has autism and is nonverbal. Additionally, B shared that Journey also has a rare condition called PHACE syndrome. Per Google Search, PHACE syndrome is a “rare congenital condition characterized by large facial infantile blood vessel birthmarks. Additionally, it also includes defects of the brain, heart, artery, and eyes.

RELATED: Emily B Opens Up About Youngest Daughter’s Rare Diagnosis On World Autism Day (PHOTOS)

Cardi B has got tongues wagging following her latest public appearance with soccer player Maduka Okoye.

The duo initially sparked romantic chatter after what fans interpreted as a flirty exchange during Paris Fashion Week earlier this month.

The timing of the connection, however, raises eyebrows, as the rapper’s baby father, Stefon Diggs, is knee-deep in a legal battle for sexual assault allegations.

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It seems Cardi and Okoye pursued the connection formed during the fashion event and ended up in Italy enjoying a dinner date.

The pair were spotted keeping each other company at Gio’s restaurant at the St. Regis, looking over the Venice canal as they grabbed a bite, joined by other friends.

Although the Nigerian athlete and Cardi engaged in no PDA, they sat next to each other and appeared super chatty. The “Bodak Yellow” rapper stole all the attention in a plunging turquoise blue figure-hugging dress, with her jet black hair falling down her shoulder.

Eyewitnesses told TMZ the pair also watched a fireworks display from the hotel above the restaurant.

What Happened Between Cardi B And The Nigerian Athlete At PFW?

Sparks first began flying between the athlete and the entertainer during the Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture show. Cardi and Okoye found themselves sitting next to each other, and he proved to be the perfect gentleman as he held her hand, helping her to her seat.

The swoon-worthy moment caught the attention of fans, according to Page Six, who couldn’t help but gush about how “good” they looked together.

For the show, the Grammy winner stunned in a zebra print ensemble with chunky knee-high platform boots. Okoye, on the other hand, rocked a mint-green two-piece with a white inner shirt.

The flirting continued as Cardi and Okoye were later seen having a moment on the terrace of a Parisian restaurant, with the rapper failing to control her laughter.

Fans React To Cardi B’s Interaction With Soccer Star

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The timeline has since gone crazy with news of Cardi and Okoye’s Italy sighting, with the reactions ranging from harsh criticism to complete adoration.

One fan warned, “It’s gonna be another embarrassing situation like the last.. I like her but…” Another harsh comment read, “All she does is hop from one man to another. Does she even have time to take care of her kids?”

However, this user cheered, “As long as they are both single, then they should be having fun,” while another added, “She should have fun, but sis, I don’t want you to get pregnant again, please.”

Stefon Diggs’ Sexual Assault Case Could Involve Private Texts

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The chatter about Cardi’s love life comes after her baby father, Stefon Diggs’ civil case involving influencer, Christopher Griffith, took a dramatic turn.

Griffith, who countersued the NFL star following a social media rift, accused him of sexual assault and claims he has evidence to prove it.

As reported by The Blast, Griffith, in his latest filing amid the ongoing legal battle, alleged he turned over to the court scores of files containing details of his communication with Diggs.

The material submitted reportedly contains over 100 pages of iMessage texts and Instagram DMs between both parties, per the court’s request.

The drama between Griffith and Diggs began last October when the Patriots receiver filed a defamation suit, alleging that the Internet personality spread lies about their time at Diggs’ Maryland home in May 2023.

It soon escalated when Griffith fired back in his countersuit, claiming the athlete drugged him and later assaulted him after he refused sexual advances.

Cardi B And Stefon Diggs Caught In Heated Clash

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Amid Diggs’ legal drama, his relationship with Cardi B made headlines when they were caught in a spat outside a coffee shop and gym in Maryland.

Viral footage captured the New York rapper visibly angry as she yelled and gestured at the football player who leaned against the vehicle. However, there was no audio revealing what was said.

Following the altercation, Diggs broke his silence, dismissing any rumors that they were breaking up. “That’s my child’s mother. I love her to death,” he said, according to The Blast.

Cardi and the Viking alum debuted their romance in May 2025 and months later confirmed they were expecting a son together.

Whether it’s buying shirts and jeans or notebooks and pencils, back-to-school shopping is all about preparing for the school year ahead. One of the most important must-buys are sneakers, as kids wear them through their lessons and for fun afterwards. We turned to the reliable picks at Skechers to make sure that girls and boys are ready to show up in style.

The great thing about Skechers is the brand prioritizes comfort and supportive features without forgetting about looking like shoes young ones actually want to wear. So, both parents and kids will be happy. Whether they prefer more laid-back designs or can’t wait to rock cool light-up choices, these sneakers might actually have them looking forward to kissing summer goodbye — probably not, but we can dream, right?

11 Supportive, Stylish Skechers Sneakers for Back to School

1. Our Favorite: Available in girls’ and boys’ versions, these sneakers are made for mini athletes. They have breathable mesh uppers and cushioned midsoles, and since they’re made of washable materials, you can easily clean them off at the end of the day.

2. Posh Princess: For the kids who love princesses, these non-lace light-up sneakers come in pink and blue options. Both feature glittery mesh and ribbon lace keeper details for royal touches.

3. Serious Support: No more constant untied laces, because this sporty slip-in option lets them put their own shoes on. Plus, the Air-Cooled Goga Mat insoles offer high-rebound cushioning for really active little ones.

4. Peace of Mind: These machine-washable Skechers shoes have a secret: There’s a hidden compartment to place a locator tag in the insole. So, if the absolute worst were to happen, you can have control over tracking them down.

5. Cute and Caring: The kid who can’t get enough color will love these Care Bear sneakers. The high-top design is adorable, and they feature all the beloved characters.

6. Cozy Contour: Available in two easy colorways, these hands-free, slip-on sneakers don’t play about their support. With contour foam and a cozy fit, they were designed to feel like their feet are wrapped in a puffer jacket.

7. Pink Lady: If they love pink but don’t want to go too overboard, this pretty slip-in pair does the trick with just a hint of sparkle. The fixed stretch laces still offer a fitted feel even though there’s no tying involved.

8. Charming Choice: It’ll look like their shoes are wearing a necklace, thanks to this white pair with rose gold charms. Even though they’re fashion sneakers, they offer supportive memory foam insoles.

9. Flashy Fit: They’ll have their choice between blue and red sneakers, but both options have light-up features. The lightning-themed shoes have adjustable instep straps, so kids can put them on themselves.

10. Bold BFFs: For a less colorful Care Bear option, this pair has a white base and features the characters. However, our favorite part might be the cute heart charm on the laces.

11. Stylish Slip-In: Choose between the five colors for a personalized feel, and they’ll be ready to play in these well-cushioned, slip-in sneakers. The special Heel Pillow ensures their feet stay in place.

A night of live music and celebrity sightings at one of New York City’s most exclusive venues reportedly took an unexpected turn after Travis Scott was linked to an altercation that briefly disrupted the event. 

While the disturbance was quickly brought under control, the rapper’s presence became the focus of the incident after witnesses claimed tensions escalated over someone allegedly filming him, leading to reports of bottles being thrown inside the packed club.

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Travis Scott was among the high-profile guests attending a private event hosted by Raising Cane’s at Zero Bond on Saturday night. 

The exclusive gathering attracted a long list of celebrities, including Logan Paul, Jake Paul, Alix Earle, Tate McRae, and NBA player Jordan Clarkson, while 50 Cent entertained attendees with a live performance.

According to Page Six, the atmosphere changed after Scott allegedly noticed someone filming him inside the club. 

Believing he was being recorded, the rapper reportedly confronted the individuals involved, with witnesses claiming the disagreement escalated within moments.

“It all happened really fast,” one insider said, adding, “It started fast and broke up really quickly.”

Jordan Clarkson Reportedly Tried To Calm The Situation

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As tensions flared, security personnel quickly moved in to stop the confrontation before it spread further through the crowded club.

According to TMZ, members of Travis Scott’s entourage allegedly began throwing bottles during the dispute, though the exact circumstances remain unclear. 

Amid the confusion, New York Knicks guard Clarkson reportedly stepped in and attempted to separate those involved in an effort to calm the situation.

Sources told the outlet Clarkson’s intervention wasn’t enough to keep him inside the venue, as he was later escorted out by authorities. 

Despite the brief disruption, no injuries were reported and medical personnel were never called to the scene.

Another High-Profile Party Put Travis Scott In The Spotlight

The reported confrontation at Zero Bond isn’t the first time Scott has found himself at the center of drama during an exclusive celebrity gathering. 

Back in July 2021, the 35-year-old was involved in a heated verbal altercation with Meek Mill at Michael Rubin’s star-studded White Party in the Hamptons. 

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According to reports, the disagreement erupted around 1:30 a.m. and became so intense that the pair had to be pulled apart before it turned physical. 

Witnesses said Meek Mill continued shouting at Scott even after the two were separated, though the cause of the dispute was never publicly explained and neither artist addressed the incident.  

The lavish Fourth of July celebration was attended by an array of celebrities, including Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Lil Baby, James Harden, Alex Rodriguez, Jon Bon Jovi, and Lil Uzi Vert, making the unexpected clash one of the night’s biggest talking points.

Scott Was Previously Involved In A Cannes Yacht Altercation

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In May 2024, Travis Scott was linked to another high-profile altercation during Richie Akiva’s annual The After party, held at a private villa and yacht following the prestigious amfAR Gala in Cannes, France. 

The event drew an A-list crowd that included Cher, Tyga, Future, Joe Jonas, Odell Beckham Jr., and Evan Ross, but the celebration took a chaotic turn when Scott reportedly got into a physical confrontation with music executive Alexander “AE” Edwards, Cher’s boyfriend. 

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According to Page Six, tensions flared after Akiva acknowledged Tyga and Edwards over the microphone, prompting Scott to allegedly snatch it away before Edwards urged him to “let him show love.” 

Sources claimed punches were thrown, “models were flying everywhere,” and someone was even struck by an ice bucket as security struggled to break up the melee. 

Despite the dramatic scene, no serious injuries were reported, and the party continued into the early morning after Scott and his producer, Southside, left the venue. 

Inside Travis Scott’s Arrest And Swift Release In Paris

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A few months after the incident, Scott made the headlines again after he was taken into custody on August 9 after police responded to an incident at the luxury Georges V hotel, where a security guard intervened in a dispute involving the rapper and his own bodyguard. 

Authorities initially detained the singer on suspicion of violence against the security guard, but after roughly 24 hours in custody, the Paris prosecutor’s office lifted the detention order and ended all proceedings, determining the incident was too minor to warrant charges. 

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Scott’s representative later confirmed he had been released with no charges, while sources close to the rapper maintained there had been no injuries or physical violence involving the security team.

The hard science fiction genre takes alluring storytelling and combines it with a genuine respect for scientific principles, granting it a unique place in the world of cinema. Unlike traditional science fiction movies that dabble in fantasy and the supernatural, hard science fiction films build their narratives around plausible scenarios that are rooted in areas such as physics, astronomy, or artificial intelligence and essentially challenge audiences to immerse themselves into a world that feels both extraordinary and believable.

Since 2000, filmmakers like Christopher Nolan and Ridley Scott have embraced this approach with remarkable ambition, delivering visually stunning stories such as The Martian, Ex Machina, and Interstellar that explore humanity’s relationship with science and technology. From intimate character studies like in Spike Jonze‘s Her to the thrilling space adventure of Gravity starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, these are six hard science fiction movies that demonstrate how scientific accuracy and emotional depth can coexist while inspiring curiosity about the real universe, making them the best hard sci-fi films of the 21st century.

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‘Ex Machina’ (2014)

Image via A24

Ex Machina is a thoughtful and realistic exploration of artificial intelligence grounded in contemporary research, notably the Turing Test, which evaluates a machine’s ability to exhibit intelligent behavior, making its central premise feel plausible rather than fantastical. The movie follows a young programmer, Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson), who wins the chance to stay for a week at the private estate of his company’s CEO, Nathan Bateman (Oscar Isaac). When he arrives, Caleb discovers that he’s been chosen as the human component to test the abilities of a beautiful robot named Ava (Alicia Vikander), unaware that she is far more aware and conscious of her surroundings than he or Bateman ever expected.

Ex Machina goes beyond its scientific foundation and raises enduring and thought-provoking questions about consciousness, free will, manipulation, and the responsibilities of technological innovation. Combined with its minimalist storytelling, intelligent screenplay, and compelling performances, especially by Viaknder, who received rave reviews from audiences and critics, Ex Machina demonstrates how hard science fiction can use credible science to explore profound philosophical issues, earning its reputation as a defining hard science fiction film of the 21st century.

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‘Gravity’ (2013)

Image via Warner Bros.

Sandra Bullock and George Clooney star in Alfonso Cuarón‘s Oscar-winning movie Gravity as astronauts, Dr. Ryan Stone and Lieutenant Matt Kowalski, who become stranded in deep space after their space shuttle is destroyed while in orbit and must find a way to return to Earth. The film emphasizes scientifically grounded concepts and features a remarkably realistic depiction of spaceflight and the dangers of Earth’s orbital environment, creating a tense survival story rooted in real-world physics. It also received positive reception from several NASA astronauts, including Buzz Aldrin, who was captivated by the visual effects and impressed by the film’s authentic display of outer space.

Gravity received ten Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Bullock, and went on to win seven of its nominations, notably for Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Visual Effects. While it takes a few dramatic liberties to enhance the narrative, the film’s attention to the challenges of operating in space, such as isolation, limited resources, and the unforgiving vacuum, not only sets Gravity apart from more fantastical science fiction but also deems it to be one of the best modern contributions to the hard science fiction genre.

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‘Her’ (2013)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Her is an endearing hard science fiction movie that features a deeply human exploration of artificial intelligence and the impact it has on society, specifically socialization. Joaquin Phoenix stars as a sensitive and lonely writer, Theodore, who, after being left heartbroken by his failed marriage, connects with an advanced operating system known as Samantha (Scarlett Johansson), sparking an unexpected friendship between man and machine that soon turns into an unconventional romance. Rather than focusing on futuristic action or advanced fantasy-based technology, the film examines how increasingly sophisticated AI could reshape relationships, communication, and personal identity, ultimately solidifying its place on this list.

Its depiction of a highly advanced operating system capable of learning, emotional growth, and natural conversation builds on trends already emerging in artificial intelligence and human-computer interaction, making its premise feel plausible (and even a bit unsettling). Her earned five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Original Score, and Best Production Design, and went on to win for Best Original Screenplay for Jonze. By exploring themes of loneliness, love, consciousness, and the evolving relationship between humans and intelligent machines, Her is the prime example of how to effectively combine scientific credibility with emotional depth without losing its realistic footing.

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‘Arrival’ (2016)

Arrival is widely recognized as one of the best hard science fiction movies in recent years because of its scientifically grounded approach to humans making first contact with extraterrestrial life, which is brilliantly meshed with relatable themes of grief, loss, and morality. Amy Adams stars in one of her best films as Louise Banks, a linguistics professor, who finds herself in a race against time to find a way to communicate with recent extraterrestrial visitors before a potential global war erupts. Instead of emphasizing conflict or spectacle, the film centers on linguistics, communication theory, and the scientific process, portraying how language shapes understanding and perception.

While its exploration of non-linear time is speculative, Arrival is presented through a thoughtful framework that encourages audiences to consider the relationship between language, cognition, and reality, which resonates with audiences on an unusually emotional level. The film’s careful attention to problem-solving and scientific inquiry, combined with its emotional storytelling and philosophical depth, distinguishes it from conventional science fiction, placing it in its own category of an ingenious man versus alien tale. By blending plausible scientific concepts with profound questions about communication, choice, and human experience, Arrival undoubtedly stands as one of the most original and influential hard science fiction films of the 21st century.

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‘The Martian’ (2015)

Image via 20th Century Studios

Ridley Scott’s The Martian is a thrilling adaptation of Andy Weir‘s 2011 novel of the same name, and its strong commitment to scientific realism and problem-solving ultimately makes it one of the best hard sci-fi films released since 2000. The movie follows a group of astronauts who, after landing on Mars, are caught in a severe storm that forces them to evacuate the planet. Shortly after taking off, they realize they accidentally left Mark Watney (Matt Damon) behind, who they believed had died in the storm. With limited supplies and resources, Watney fights to survive on the desolate planet as his team and NASA devise a plan to save him before it’s too late.

The film portrays the challenges of surviving alone on Mars using plausible engineering, botany, chemistry, and spaceflight principles, with Damon’s character relying on scientific knowledge and ingenuity rather than fictional technology. Although it takes a few creative liberties, Scott strived for scientific accuracy, and the film’s depiction of life-support systems, resource management, and NASA’s mission planning is grounded in real science, which was supported by the expertise of James L. Green, the Director of the Planetary Science Division at NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. The Martian demonstrates how hard science fiction can create an exciting and emotionally engaging story while remaining firmly rooted in scientific possibility, making it one of the greatest hard science fiction films of the last twenty years.

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‘Interstellar’ (2014)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Matthew McConaughey stars in Christopher Nolan’s epic science fiction film, Interstellar, as a former NASA pilot, Cooper, who is recruited by a physicist, Professor Brand (Michael Caine), to find a new planet where the human race could survive before Earth becomes entirely uninhabitable, putting the fate of all of humanity in his hands. Guided by the expertise of theoretical physicist Kip Thorne, Interstellar presents scientifically informed depictions of black holes, wormholes, gravitational time dilation, and relativistic space travel, pushing the boundaries of what hard science fiction can achieve on screen.

While some elements become more speculative in the film’s final act, it remains grounded in real scientific theories and explores the practical and philosophical challenges of humanity’s search for a new home, effortlessly captivating audiences from start to finish. Interstellar earned five Academy Award nominations, including Best Original Score and Best Sound Editing, and went on to win for Best Visual Effects. Combined with breathtaking visuals, memorable performances, and the enduring power of human connection, Interstellar exemplifies how hard science fiction can inspire wonder while remaining rooted in credible scientific ideas, securing its place as the greatest hard science fiction film to be released since 2000.

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Interstellar

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Release Date

November 5, 2014

Runtime

169 minutes

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Writers

Jonathan Nolan

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Editor’s note: The below interview contains spoilers for The Vampire Lestat finale.

The Vampire Lestat wrapped up its tour this week — not with a raucous, rousing concert for immortals, but with a quieter reflection on death, love, and personal failures. While it might have felt like a calmer coda compared to the chaotic run viewers have already gone on with Lestat de Lioncourt (Sam Reid), series creator Rolin Jones now confirms that the surrealist, dreamlike review of Lestat’s most memorable moments at the long table was built into the bones of the story from the very beginning.

Between surprising cameos and callbacks to the past — all while Lestat’s head is being hauled around in a bowling bag by Daniel Molloy (Eric Bogosian) in a bowling bag — Louis (Jacob Anderson) is confronted by Armand’s (Assad Zaman) twisted efforts to clear the air between them, including a surprise appearance from someone (Delainey Hayles) who recontextualizes Louis’s entire arc this season. Despite Lestat and Louis ultimately being put back together again by the closing moments of “The Failures,” a fast-forward to Lestat looking out at a city in ruins confirms the arrival of, as Jones ominously teases, “a new sheriff in town,” which will impact everything for a potential Season 4. Below, the series creator discusses Lestat and Louis’ respective reckonings, the Talamasca’s role in the bigger picture (and why they’re so invested in the Great Conversion), why there might be another title change in the show’s future, and more.

COLLIDER: When did the idea to structure Lestat’s portion of the finale around the long table and the “failure finders,” as it’s referred to at one point, really come up in the plotting?

ROLIN JONES: Pretty early on, I gotta say. When we first were doing the Auvergne scenes, we were like, “Hey, we’re doing the monastery scene. Hey, we’re doing the scene where he’s with the players. Hey, here’s the wolf killing and snow.” Then, reality set in, and “Hey, you’re going to be shooting in April in Toronto. There’s going to be some greenery all around.” You’re like, “Huh. Oh boy, what are we going to do?” So when we consolidated all that onto the table and tried to tell the story of Auvergne as time passing, we started grabbing on to that.

We started building the opening credits to it. We talked about it in [Season] 3, but there are actually a lot of references to tables. The table has been there in all seven episodes. In my initial dreaming stages — everybody has them, every show goes through this — we were in a real Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind world by the finale. At some point, you’ve just got to get all the people that represent all of your self-loathing and put them around the table, and have a review of your goddamn three seasons of television life.

The long table concept has been seeded throughout the season. Similarly, there have been breadcrumbs dropped about how long a vampire can survive after their head is cut off. Obviously, Lestat is an older vampire than Louis, so it stands to reason he’s going to be able to survive that experience longer. Is the reason that Louis survives as long as he does because he drank a little of Lestat’s blood in the beer before their decapitation?

JONES: The more immediate thing is there’s somebody that, even in the most screwed-up way, is sitting across from him that he cares about: Regina. Then, I think the beauty of Jacob’s performance is that there is a movement when he gets into that telepathic conversation that goes from, “I’m saving Regina,” to, “Despite the weirdness of what’s going on around me, the barbaric scene around me, what do I owe this person who I iced out for 77 years?” So, some of that comes back to even Lestat, to himself at the altar in the pilot episode. “What am I accountable for? What were the conversations I didn’t have with [Armand]? Where am I culpable for having brought him to this level of extremity?” There’s a real beauty I can see.

I wonder, for all viewers, where the moment is when they can see that. I know the moment I see it in Jacob’s performance, when it moves. It’s so elegant. You could make such a giant landscape painting off of Jacob Anderson’s small choices, minute choices. They’re just infinite.

Rolin Jones Explains the Significance of Paul’s Cameo in ‘The Vampire Lestat’s Finale

“It’s not confirmation that Lestat killed Paul or anything like that.”

Image via AMC

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Going back to the Lestat of it all, you just said it yourself: let’s rehash three seasons and however many decades of failures. One of the ways the episode does that is by bringing back the tenor singer from Season 1 to do a review of Lestat’s performance from a random show in Fort Wayne. What really struck me, though, was Paul showing up. Does his appearance answer the long-standing question about Lestat’s role in his death in one way or another?

JONES: People can go ahead and go, “Oh,” when he describes why everyone is all there. By the way, Lestat murdered, blah, blah, blah. Who’s to say that Lestat’s even right when he says that? In all of our dreams, these things are fragmented. He’s got a full table full of fledglings, and then Marius pops up. Why is that? This is when the breakdown begins. There’s a guy named Enzo, for Christ’s sake, that comes in. We’re trying to replicate what a fever-dream life experience would be there.

For us, Paul was in an hour-long episode and arguably the entire season of manifesting failure and self-loathing. Was this a manifestation of self-love, or giving yourself a break? The fact that he chose not for Louis to say it, but the thing that Louis loved the most in the world seemed to be… of all the things, of all the people that could have shown up in his head, that he had housed that kindness, and saved that. It’ll always depend. If you hate Lestat, you’re going to really hate the fact that that’s Paul there. But if you love Lestat, I think you will understand. I remember when Jacob first heard that that’s who it was going to be, and I think it got Jacob very still and like, “Wow.”

It’s not confirmation that Lestat killed Paul or anything like that. No, no. He says, “I’ve traumatized you.” You probably did traumatize Paul! Paul’s last moments are, “You’re not seeing that guy, right? Grace is married off. She’s going to love it. Everything’s okay. It’s never going to be better than this day. I want the birds to stop. Go.”

I do love the show acknowledging Paul’s feelings briefly when he says to Lestat, “I still wish you were a woman,” and then Sam [Reid] has that little teary, “Me too, sometimes.”

JONES: It’s always like that in dreams, right? There is a character that you have experienced, that you are writing, but they’re also writing in that voice that you experienced them in. So everybody gets a little say. It’s a liminal space, the brain.

One thing that this episode confirms from a worldbuilding standpoint is the Talamasca’s plan. Even in their own spin-off, they were literally making more vampires in secret. What is their driving goal behind making sure that the Great Conversion ends up happening?

JONES: Like everything, you could say that Raglan is the messenger, right? He says it pretty boldly, “There are too many people on the planet. The giant governments of the world have used us to say, ‘Let this go. If you can manage this, if you can herd this, help us along.’” That’s one way. But with Raglan, and if you know the books, there is a personal journey he’s already on, so this idea of the evidence of the soul, he’s quite interested in that. Knowing where it’s going later on, I think that that’s important.

Our Talamasca in our show is, generally, Raglan and James, and that’s already a complex, weird thing. There was some talk when Talamasca was still going. There was some mutual plotting together on that. But they’re always just middle. They’re not the puppet masters. They’re just grease on the wheels, you know? That’s all.

The very last scene of the finale closes the loop on the Failures, with Lestat finishing a recording.

JONES: Album 55. That’s halfway there.

‘The Vampire Lestat’s Rolin Jones Teases an Even Bigger Future — and Potential Title Change

“In a show that is, generally speaking, dominated by male voices, there’s a new sheriff in town, and that will affect everything.”

Image via AMC

What did you want to set up in terms of that last shot of the city in ruins? How does that set a specific tone heading into, potentially, Season 4?

JONES: Doom’s been there the whole time. There’s reference to it in the narration, the rubble. Shit has happened out there. The currency is currently not being run by the dollar anymore. A lot of things happened out there.

Look, the concert wasn’t there. There’s a bunch of stuff that happened off-screen this year that wasn’t there. People who know these books know The Queen of the Damned has chapters full of strict points of view, and that should be very clear. There were some things that were left out of Season 1 because there was a man on a microphone talking about his experience, and those tangential things that helped get you to that last image. But there are a bunch of things that were, for this year and going forward, about the laissez-faire of living here and now as vampires and having awoken something. The show’s about to get pretty big. In a show that is, generally speaking, dominated by male voices, there’s a new sheriff in town, and that will affect everything.

I would say the biggest clue about what’s coming up is: That is what’s happened — how do we get there? Because it won’t be called The Vampire Lestat, if we get it. My guess is we’re going to be doing the books’ titles. You’re going to be hearing a lot of people’s versions of how this happened, too, coming forward.

I’m talking to Daniel [Hart] soon, and we’re going to do a deep dive into the music, but when did you all decide that “Butterscotch Bitch” would be the song to close out the season?

JONES: Very late. Very late in the game. I had that riff for the production of the dream concert, but the lyrics, for a while, he was in his car and he was in hotel rooms putting it together. It’s so artfully done. “Butterscotch Bitch” is like when you walk into a church and you see the Stations of the Cross. It tells this biographical story.

There’s an interior journey story song that he wrote where we had to have made it to the 50,000 [vampires]. I’m basically sitting on the best song that he wrote for this season. You haven’t heard it yet. But until I had it, I think I was playing The Libertines’ “Horror Show” at the end of the credits. After a year with all these songs, Daniel was like, “We’re not going out on the fucking Libertines. Nope, I got it. Don’t worry about it.”

I think the scoring on Episode 7 is the best work he’s ever done on our show. It’s incredible. It’s unbelievable what he managed to do, and we don’t wallpaper a lot on our show. We have a lot of music, but we are borderline 82% of the time scored. That’s impossible. The number of motifs over the three seasons that are being manipulated and played, and the music under the Witches’ Place is just the largest thing you’ve ever heard in your life. I admire the shit out of him. I can’t believe it.

All episodes of The Vampire Lestat are now streaming on AMC+.