Horror is a special genre. So is science fiction. In film, both rely on a mastery of tone, pacing and often an understanding of complex effects. It takes a lot of skill to direct a horror movie or a sci-fi movie, and that is even more true when the two genres are brought together. Sci-fi horror movies can be any mix of the two respective genres. It could be a gnarly horror movie with one singular alien element, or a futuristic space film with moments of nerve-wracking terror. No matter how the movie brings its singular elements together, it takes a steady hand behind the camera to make it all work.

The most perfectly directed sci-fi horror movies are the ones that don’t allow their elements to grate against each other, but instead work together to elevate them both. They come from directors who are both steeped within the genres and those who have only once dipped a toe into them. Regardless of their filmographies or skill sets, they all have the correct sensibilities to create films that look deep into the abyss and find all manner of darkness. Cosmic horror, cybernetic slashers and extra-terrestrial threats, all of these and more are front and center in the ten most perfectly directed sci-fi horror movies ever made.

10

‘Possessor’ (2020)

Image via NEON

A cyberpunk assassin thriller meets psychological horror, Possessor is a mind-melting cinematic experience from Brandon Cronenberg, who clearly has taken a few cues from his father’s filmography. Set in a tech-noir future where specialized assassins can take control of an unwitting person’s body in order to perform their killings, the film is the perfect vehicle for Cronenberg to engage in slick sci-fi thrills and disturbing body horror. He also gets a pair of perfect performances out of Andrea Riseborough and Christopher Abbott, as the sci-fi hitwoman and her unfortunate host.

Tasya Vos (Riseborough) is a professional possessor, having successfully performed several vicarious killings, as depicted in the film’s chilling opening scene. Her continued body possessions have taken a toll on her mind and when she takes on her next assignment, things start to unravel. In the body of Colin (Abbott), Vos begins to lose control of her host and their psyches clash, illustrated through some very visceral imagery. Possessor is filled with twists and unexpected deviations into horror that take its premise into more unconventional territory, and Cronenberg’s direction is assured enough to make it all feel cohesive yet nightmarish and ambiguous.

9

‘Annihilation’ (2018)

Image via Paramount Pictures

While Alex Garland’s directorial debut, Ex Machina, dabbled with thriller elements and climiaxed with some violent imagery, his follow-up, Annihilation, is full-throttle horror. Loosely based on the novel of the same name by Jeff Vandermeer, the film is filled with existential dread, making it one of the most effective cosmic horror films, but also features sequences of more visceral physical horror as well. With a majority female cast, the film stands out from similar mission-based sci-fi horror, with thoughtful pacing and deeper character examinations placed between the moments of abject horror and carnage.

Lena (Natalie Portman) is a solider and biologist whose husband Kane (Oscar Isaac) has just returned from a mission inside the Shimmer, an unexplained zone of seemingly supernatural origin that appeared on the sight of a meteor crash. Kane begins to experience major health issues and, in order to solve what happened to him, Lena joins a new squad of specialists heading into the Shimmer. Inside the zone, they encounter unusual mutations, most memorably a horrific bear, and begin to exhibit signs of mutation themselves. Annihilation is another vivid genre effort from Garland, highlighting his ability to combine psychological terror with guttural horror.

8

‘Mad God’ (2021)

Image via Shudder

Mad God represents the unfiltered, uncompromised vision of effects maestro Phil Tippett. Known for his stop-motion work on films like RoboCop and Star Wars, Tippett began production on his passion project in the late 80s, but wouldn’t complete it until thirty years later. As a surreal nightmare, the film may not have a fully coherent plot or internal logic to its madness, but it is a visual masterpiece and is unrelenting in its nihilistic tone. It’s a film with few equivalents, especially in the 21st century, and a perfect showcase for how stop-motion animation can generate horror better than almost any other animated medium.

Set in an apocalyptic future, the film follows a silent protagonist in a gas mask as he descends into a nightmare world of mutant abominations on a mission to destroy it. There’s very little narrative thrust to the film or backstory, just hellish imagery as the protagonist traverses the destroyed world. The dream-like atmosphere and animation make the film all the more unnerving, and even with its short runtime, it manages to leave a lasting impression. Tippett is responsible for some of the most indelible creature effects in film history, and Mad God is the ultimate showcase for his boundless creativity and is easily his most terrifying creation.

7

‘Under the Skin’ (2013)

Image via A24

Under the Skin does exactly as its title suggests, digging deep with its eerie tone and stark imagery that builds its suspense methodically. Based loosely on the novel by Michael Faber, director Jonathan Glazer had originally intended to make a more elaborate effect-driven film before he decided to pare the film back to its bare essentials. That change not only made the film smaller in scale, but also opened up its plot to more ambiguity. Under the Skin is all the more horrifying for how little it explains, allowing the audience to fill in the gaps and leaving its horror quietly harrowing.

An Alien (Scarlett Johansson) in the form of a female human, drives around Glasgow in a van, picking up men that she takes back to a house where she leads them into a black void where they are consumed. There’s no larger narrative at play in the film, which proceeds in a far more abstract, impressionistic way. Glazer uses a voyeuristic style throughout the film, enhanced by the scenes where Johansson attempts to pick up unsuspecting men, which were shot with hidden cameras and real people who were unaware they were being filmed. Under the Skin is a creeping sci-fi horror that slowly, methodically envelops you with its darkness.

6

‘Nope’ (2022)

Image via Universal Pictures

Jordan Peele’s background in comedy has obviously given him some transferable skills for directing horror. Get Out, Us and his sci-fi horror epic Nope all use tight storytelling with setups, payoffs, and expert timing that ratchets and then releases tension, often with humor. Watching his films is like watching a comedian tell a perfectly crafted joke. That his films are also deep with symbolism that’s often rooted in relevant social themes is what makes them some of the best genre films of the 21st century.

Nope follows brother and sister Otis (Daniel Kaluuya) and Emerald (Keke Palmer) who are trying to keep their family ranch, which trains horses for movies and television, financially solvent. They find a potentially lucrative venture when a UFO begins stalking the skies above them. They set out to capture images of the aerial predator, no matter what the cost. Nope is a superlative sci-fi horror about spectacle and exploitation, and it’s Peele’s most epic film yet. Shot on 65mm film for IMAX by cinematographer Hoyt Van Hoytema, the film has the scope of some of the best sci-fi mixed with the violence and terror of some of the best horror.

5

‘The Fly’ (1986)

Image via 20th Century Studios

David Cronenberg is the master of body horror. Even though he has worked across various different genres, horror will always be what he is best known for. He’s combined his talent for instilling terror with sci-fi a number of times, notably with Videodrome, Scanners and eXistenZ. His directorial flourishes are all the more noticeable in what is one of his more accessible and mainstream films, The Fly. Remaking the 1958 sci-fi film, Cronenberg’s updated version is far more visceral, anchored by a bravura performance by Jeff Goldblum and Oscar-winning makeup effects by Chris Walas.

Seth Brundle (Goldblum) is a brilliantly eccentric scientist who has developed advanced teleportation pods. His impatience with his experiment and his burgeoning relationship with reporter Ronnie (Geena Davis) inspires Brundle to use himself as a test subject. His teleportation is successful except for the fact that a housefly has transported with him, mingling their DNA together. As Brundle slowly begins to mutate, Cronenberg combines his love for psychological torment and physical deformation to the extreme. The Fly is both tragic and horrific in equal measure, far surpassing the original and remaining one of its director’s best.

4

‘Predator’ (1987)

Image via 20th Century Studios

When star Arnold Schwarzenegger selected a director to helm the action/sci-fi/horror hybrid Predator, he didn’t choose any of the directors who were known in the 80s for explosive action. He selected John McTiernan, who had only directed one film, the bizarre supernatural horror film Nomads. Schwarzenegger’s instinct paid off since McTiernan not only was able to bring deeply rooted horror elements into the jungle-set action proceedings, but also deftly subvert the tropes of the genre as well.

Predator puts a sci-fi spin on the classic premise from The Most Dangerous Game. A group of mercenaries is sent on a rescue mission in Central America, only to become stalked themselves by a more advanced hunter. What makes the film so effective, is how it plays like a standard Schwarzenegger action film for its first hour, complete with an assault on a guerilla camp that has all the hallmarks of mindless 80s action. Once the film takes a turn into full sci-fi horror as its alien antagonist begins picking the mercenaries off one-by-one, McTiernan takes glee in deconstructing his macho heroes as they turn into helpless victims. Predator works equally as action, sci-fi and horror, with McTiernan deftly blending all three genres together.

3

‘The Terminator’ (1984)

Image via Orion Pictures

While Predator cast Schwarzenegger as the final girl in a slasher film, his iconic role as The Terminator turned him into a high-tech Jason Voorhees. That original film still carries all the hallmarks of slasher and exploitation movies, but under the direction of James Cameron, it was elevated into a sci-fi horror classic. While Cameron would elevate the genres further with his follow-up Aliens, that film deliberately emphasized action over horror, while The Terminator is an unrelenting nightmare.

That’s appropriate given that the film was initially conceived based on a nightmare Cameron had of being stalked by a metallic torso with red eyes. He translated that into the plot of Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) being targeted by a cybernetic assassin from the future to prevent the eventual birth of her son. There’s sci-fi explorations of fate and temporal loops, but the main thrust of the movie is its chase elements. Cameron had many different inspirations for the film, but one of the biggest was John Carpenter’s Halloween. He took Carpenter’s low-budget suspense framework and installed it into an upgraded cyborg body, making The Terminator a totemic slasher film.

2

‘The Thing’ (1982)

Image via Universal

Carpenter himself has a clear love for all things horror and sci-fi. Though the director has most often referenced the Westerns of Howard Hawks as his biggest influences, it was another Hawks production that served as the basis for his sci-fi horror masterpiece The Thing. Both Carpenter’s film and the Hawks-produced original The Thing From Another World were both based on the novella Who Goes There? by John W. Campbell Jr. While the Hawks film is a more standard, but effective, monster movie with a plant-based alien stalking the crew of an Arctic research station, Carpenter’s film leans hard into the apocalyptic horror and paranoia from the original novella.

In Antarctica, an American team of researchers is beset by an alien that has been dug up from the ice after crash landing thousands of years before. The alien has the uncanny ability to mimic all living lifeforms, allowing it to hide in plain sight. That allows Carpenter to create a rising tension in the film before unleashing in some of the most horrific displays of horror and gore, utilizing the mind-blowing practical effects by Rob Bottin. As a sci-fi monster, the Thing truly has no visual equal, and Carpenter’s film has only one other that can compare to its perfect mix of genre elements.

1

‘Alien’ (1979)

Image via 20th Century Studios

Ridley Scott’s space horror masterpiece has never been bettered. Even its many sequels and prequels, the best of which don’t try to replicate the original but do something entirely different, have been able to match the utter terror of Scott’s film. Like many films on this list, it’s easy to imagine the lesser B-movie version of Alien. The version that likely would have been made had Dan O’Bannon’s script been produced by Roger Corman and never made its way into the hands of producers Walter Hill and David Giler, who gave it a stripped-down rewrite and brought Scott on to direct. Scott’s visual acuity as a director brings vivid life to the incredible set and creature design of the film, elevating it far beyond its B-movie roots.

Inspired by films like It! The Terror from Beyond Space and Planet of the Vampires, the movie follows a crew of space truckers whose trip back home is interrupted by a distress signal on a lifeless planet. It turns out not to be so lifeless when one of the crew members gets an alien lifeform attached to his face. That crew member subsequently gives birth to the xenomorph in one of the most iconic scenes of either sci-fi or horror, and from there the film doesn’t let up. The deliberate pacing of the first half of the film gives way to expertly executed horror in the second, dominated by a dread-inducing atmosphere and a masterful use of sound, lighting and composition. Alien is perfectly directed, and is the most perfect sci-fi horror film ever made.

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Alien

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Release Date

June 22, 1979

Runtime

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117 Minutes

Writers

Dan O’Bannon, Ronald Shusett

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2026 is going to be a great year for Star Wars fans, who finally get to see their favorite franchise return to the big screen next month with the release of The Mandalorian and Grogu. The film will be a direct continuation of the Star Wars series that helped launch Disney+ all the way back in 2019, and while it is confirmed to bring back Pedro Pascal as the voice of Din Djarin, it’s also set to star newcomers like Sigourney Weaver (Alien) and Jeremy Allen White (The Bear). Plot details about The Mandalorian and Grogu are still being kept under wraps, now less than one month ahead of release, but it’s guaranteed to be another classic Mandalorian adventure, sure to please fans of the hit Disney+ series. The Mandalorian and Grogu isn’t all that Star Wars fans have had so far in 2026 to keep them satiated, though.

The first Star Wars project to come out in 2026 has been Maul: Shadow Lord, the new Disney+ series that was first announced last year at Star Wars Celebration in Japan. The show brings back the legendary Sam Witwer to voice the character as he’s done countless times before, and after premiering with its first two episodes back on April 4, the show is finally set to conclude next week with its final two episodes. Good news for fans, though: Maul: Shadow Lord has been renewed for Season 2, so while it may vanish into the shadows for a while after next week, it will be back eventually. Before Maul: Shadow Lord comes to a head, though, we at Collider are thrilled to debut an exclusive sneak peek at the finale, which can be found below. In the new clip, Maul teams up with Devon, Master Eeko-Dio Daki, Brander Lawson, and his son Rylee to bring the fight to the Empire. Maul even takes down an AT-ST with only his lightsaber in one of the coolest sequences the franchise has ever seen. The sneak peek is a must-watch for fans who have enjoyed the show so far.

What Is ‘Maul: Shadow Lord’ About?

The official synopsis for Maul: Shadow Lord, which was written and created by new Lucasfilm CEO Dave Filoni, reads as follows:

“Set after the events of The Clone Wars, Maul plots to rebuild his criminal syndicate on a planet untouched by the Empire. There, he crosses paths with a disillusioned young Jedi Padawan, who could be the apprentice he is seeking, that will aid him in his relentless pursuit for revenge.”

Plot details about Season 2 are being kept under wraps for now, as is a potential release window. Check out new episodes of Maul: Shadow Lord on Disney+ and stay tuned to Collider for more streaming updates and coverage of the Star Wars universe.

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Release Date

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April 6, 2026

Network

Disney+

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Directors

Brad Rau

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Star Wars

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Taylor Swift is pulling back the curtain on how her songwriting magic really works, revealing that even a simple car ride can turn into a defining creative moment. 

In a new deep-dive interview, the global superstar opened up about the unexpected inspiration behind one of her latest tracks, connecting it directly to a personal moment with fiancé Travis Kelce. 

Taylor Swift revealed that the idea for her song “Elizabeth Taylor” came during a casual drive with Travis Kelce. 

Speaking about her creative process in a new profile for The New York Times Magazine, she explained, “There are so many different ways that a song begins in my world,” before diving into the specific moment that led to the track.

While in the car, Swift found herself passionately explaining why she admires the iconic actress. “I’m riding in the car with Travis,” she shared, recalling how she launched into a detailed reflection. 

The Grammy Award winner continued, “I go on and on in explaining to Travis, like, why I love Elizabeth Taylor so much. She fought for artists’ rights. She was exploited in so many ways, and yet she kept her humanity. She kept her humor. She kept her passion for life.’ I was just going on and on.”

The conversation didn’t stop there. Swift added, “I was like, ‘Her eyes were violet. Some people said they were blue. Some people said they were violet. I think they were violet.’” 

That moment lingered even after they arrived home, eventually triggering something creative.

Swift Turns Emotional Moment Into Song Idea

Taylor Swift described how the conversation stayed with her long after the car ride ended. As soon as they got home, the inspiration hit unexpectedly. 

“We get home. He gets out of the car and I’m just in my head just this intrusive melody….” she said, explaining how quickly the idea began forming.

The moment became urgent, with the “Cruel Summer” hitmaker recalling, “And I’m just scrambling to open my record app on my phone.” 

That instinctive reaction turned her thoughts into the foundation of a song that would later appear on her album.

The track, which includes the line, “I cried my eyes violet, Elizabeth Taylor,” became the second song on her 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” released in October 2025. 

Like many of her songs, it is a mix of personal emotion and cultural references, tying her admiration for the actress into her own storytelling style.

Taylor Swift Connects Song To Legacy And Personal Life

Swift didn’t stop at writing the song, as she also made sure to honor Elizabeth Taylor’s legacy properly. 

During the promotion, she revealed that she contacted the late actress’s estate to secure permission for the references used throughout the track. 

The 36-year-old later described the estate as “lovely” during a radio interview. The response from Elizabeth’s family was equally positive. 

Her son, Christopher Wilding, shared his thoughts on the track, saying he listened to it “the day it became available.” 

He added per PEOPLE, “She and my mom do seem like kindred spirits. They are both the very embodiment of female empowerment,” and praised how Swift reflected similarities between their lives.

The song also fits into a larger narrative surrounding Swift’s latest album, much of which is believed to draw from her relationship with Travis. 

Swift And Kelce Wedding Venue Remains A Secret

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, who began dating in 2023, announced their engagement last August, and since then, fans have been looking forward to the highly anticipated wedding. 

As the big day draws closer, the couple is reportedly going to extraordinary lengths to keep their wedding plans under wraps, with even invited guests left in the dark about one key detail: the location. 

According to The Blast, save-the-date notices have already been sent out, but they deliberately omitted where the ceremony will take place. 

An insider revealed, “There’s a date — but no venue,” adding that the secrecy is completely intentional.  

Sources say the decision is largely driven by security concerns, as the lovebirds fear that revealing the location too early could attract massive crowds and media attention. 

“If the location got out early, it would turn into a circus,” one insider explained, noting that even close friends and family won’t be told until the last minute. 

Despite reports pointing to a possible New York City wedding, the exact venue remains a mystery. 

Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Surprise Guests With Unusual Wedding Gift Request

Meanwhile, Swift and Kelce have reportedly stunned their wedding guests with an unexpected and deeply meaningful request ahead of their big day. 

According to a recent report from The Blast, the duo has made it clear they do not want traditional wedding gifts, with one insider saying, “They don’t need anything.” 

Instead, guests have been asked to donate to a curated list of charities that are important to the couple. 

Sources added that “between them, they have more than enough,” which is why they chose to use the moment to “help others.”  

The request has reportedly taken many guests by surprise, but the reaction has been largely positive, with insiders noting that people “love this idea” because it feels “meaningful” and authentic to Swift’s reputation for generosity.   

The singer and NFL star are also said to be extending that generosity further by planning significant bonuses for staff working at the wedding. 

Sponsored content. Us Weekly receives compensation for this article as well as for purchases made when you click on a link and buy something below.

If you’ve ever planned an outfit around avoiding thigh chafing, you already know how frustrating spring and summer dressing can be. Between warm afternoons, long walks and those first truly mild days, staying comfortable isn’t always as simple as throwing on a breezy dress. The wrong base layer can make things worse — but luckily, there’s an easy fix that makes getting dressed feel so much simpler.

That’s exactly where Thigh Society’s Cooling Shorts come in. At $44 (and 15% off your first order), they’ve become the brand’s bestselling style — and for good reason. Designed to feel lightweight, breathable and barely there, they slip seamlessly into your routine just as the season starts calling for easier, more effortless outfits.

Get The Cooling Shorts for $44 at Thigh Society!

The Cooling Shorts are designed for breathability, stretch and all-day ease. Unlike bulky bike shorts that require layering, they work as underwear and shorts in one, preventing thigh chafing and reducing sweat in a single, lightweight layer that feels like a second skin.

They’re also built to stay put — no rolling down at the waist or riding up throughout the day (a true summer miracle). Wear The Cooling Shorts under flowy dresses and enjoy smooth, no-fuss comfort.

Available in versatile shades like beige, black, almond and more, they’re easy to layer under just about anything. And with a range of lengths to choose from (5-inch to 21-inch), you can customize your coverage depending on your outfit — shorter for mini dresses, longer for maxis or extra protection on especially warmer days.

With more than 12,700 five-star ratings on the brand’s website, reviewers call them “a life saver” during “very hot summers,” pointing to the “super cool, comfortable” fabric. One shopper also loved the “no chaffing” design, saying they “forgot” they even had them on with “skirts and dresses.”

If thigh chafing has ruined your warm-weather outfits, consider this your easy fix. Designed for breathability, movement and everyday wear, The Cooling Shorts make getting dressed feel effortless again. Once you try them, you might not want to wear a dress without them!

Get The Cooling Shorts for $44 at Thigh Society!

Internet users are cracking up at a viral tweet directed toward Klay Thompson amid his breakup with Megan Thee Stallion.

RELATED: Internet Users Are Goin’ IN On Boston Richey After He Shared His Reaction To Klay Thompson Allegedly Cheating On Megan Thee Stallion

More On The Viral Tweet Directed Toward Klay Thompson Amid His Breakup With Megan Thee Stallion

On Monday, April 27, the official X account for The Sims video game shared a tweet via the platform formerly known as Twitter. Furthermore, the tweet featured text accompanied by a video.

“If you can’t handle a Hottie… stay out of the kitchen,” the text read.

Meanwhile, a video clip showed a light-skinned man in an NBA uniform standing in a kitchen amid flames. To date, the tweet garnered more than 2.8 million views.

Internet Users Are Cracking Up

Internet users slid in TSR’s comment section, crackin’ up at the tweet directed toward Klay Thompson.

More On Klay Thompson’s Viral Breakup With Megan Thee Stallion

As The Shade Room previously reported, on Saturday, April 25, Megan Thee Stallion took to her Instagram Story to share a few words, seemingly directed at Klay Thompson. “Cheating, had me around your whole family playing house…got ‘cold feet’ Holding you down through all your HORRIBLE mood swings and treatment towards me during your basketball season now you don’t know if you can be ‘monogamous’???? b*tch I need a REAL break after this one..bye yall,” she wrote at the time.

Subsequently, in a statement to TMZ, Meg confirmed that she chose to end their relationship.

Since then, a WNBA player has addressed rumors linking her to Thompson, Boston Richey has gone viral for his reaction to the breakup, and Megan has announced her early departure from the Broadway show ‘Moulin Rouge.’

RELATED: Fans React As Megan Thee Stallion Announces Early Exit From ‘Moulin Rouge’ Amid Breakup With Klay Thompson (PHOTOS)

Thriller movies engage and entertain audiences through the use of suspenseful storytelling and unexpected twists. When executed well, these films leave audiences with a genuine “thrill” that lasts long after the credits roll. But the masterpieces of the genre are the films that deliver the same thrill every time you revisit them.

Some of these are films that are so dense and layered that they require multiple rewatches to decode their true meanings; others are movies that may not even seem all that good on first watch, but unfold previously unnoticed intricacies that elevate the experience on second viewing. Without further ado, here’s our handpicked selection of thriller movies that are even better the second time around (and don’t worry, we’ve kept the spoilers to a minimum).

1

‘Fight Club’ (1999)

Image via 20th Century Fox

Directed by David Fincher and adapted from the novel by Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club is a psychological thriller that follows a disillusioned white-collar professional suffering an existential crisis that manifests as insomnia, depression, and anxiety. A chance encounter with a soap salesman, Tyler Durden, transforms his life in strange and dangerous ways as the two men create the titular underground club and embrace an intensely nihilistic worldview. Edward Norton stars as the unnamed protagonist and Brad Pitt as Tyler, with Helena Bonham Carter, Meat Loaf, Jared Leto, Zach Greiner, and Holt McCallany in other key roles.

A controversial and polarizing cult classic, Fight Club is a surreal, post-modern thriller that explores philosophical and social themes through a twisted psychological narrative. The film keeps the audience completely entranced throughout its moody, chaotic plot, leading up to a genuinely shocking twist that upends your entire understanding of its story. However, as amazing as that first experience is, it’s only with multiple rewatches that you can fully grasp the deeper meanings and easily missed symbolisms woven into Fight Club’s narrative.

2

‘The Pale Blue Eye’ (2022)

Image via Netflix

Written and directed by Scott Cooper and adapted from Louis Bayard’s 2006 novel, The Pale Blue Eye is a period mystery thriller that blends historical settings and people with a fictional story. Set in 1830, in and around the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, the film follows retired detective Augustus Landor (Christian Bale) as he investigates a series of murders that appear to be linked to black magic rituals with the help of a charming if eccentric cadet by the name of Edgar Allan Poe (Harry Melling). The movie also features Gillian Anderson, Lucy Boynton, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Toby Jones, Harry Lawtey, Simon McBurney, Timothy Spall, and Robert Duvall in his final film appearance before his death.

A gripping Gothic thriller with an unexpected twist, The Pale Blue Eye initially appears to be an occult story, then transforms in the final act into a very different kind of narrative. While the shift can feel convoluted at first watch, revisiting the film with the twist in mind makes it a much better experience, revealing all the subtle clues and red herrings that the story employs in its earlier half. While the movie may have had mixed reviews, particularly in comparison to the novel, The Pale Blue Eye is still a gorgeously crafted Gothic mystery that’s worth a second watch.

3

‘Mulholland Drive’ (2001)

Image via Universal Pictures

Written and directed by David Lynch, Mulholland Drive is a surrealist neo-noir mystery thriller set in the magical world of Los Angeles. The film revolves around the bizarre story of aspiring actress Betty (Naomi Watts) and amnesiac accident victim Rita (Laura Harring), following their growing bond through an inexplicable, dreamlike narrative. The movie also features Justin Theroux, Ann Miller, Mark Pellegrino, Robert Forster, and more in supporting roles.

A surreal and chaotic thriller, Mulholland Drive doesn’t rely on any single twist; instead, it constantly subverts the viewer’s expectations by shifting the narrative, setting, and even the characters in unexpected ways. Arguably the most popular example of Lynch’s dream-logic approach to storytelling, the film is an unsettling blend of reality and fantasy that requires more than one watch to take in fully. To be completely honest, even a second watch may not be enough to grasp the uniquely Lynchian narrative and decipher all its hidden layers.

4

‘Oldboy’ (2003)

Image via Show East

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Directed and co-written by Park Chan-wook and loosely adapted from the Japanese manga by Garon Tsuchiya and Nobuaki Minegishi, Oldboy is a South Korean action thriller film starring Choi Min-sik as Oh Dae-su, a man who is inexplicably imprisoned for 15 years and then released. Seeking revenge on his mysterious captor, Dae-su finds himself pulled into a complicated conspiracy. The movie also stars Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jung, Yoon Jin-seo, and Oh Dal-su in supporting roles.

An extremely grim, brutal, and dark revenge movie, Oldboy is a landmark thriller film that’s internationally renowned for its genuinely twisted story and impeccable action, particularly its highly influential fight sequences. Though the movie has inspired multiple remakes, none of those films had the guts to adapt the original’s sickening twist, which genuinely catches the viewer by surprise. And once you know the ending, every subsequent rewatch just makes the whole experience all the more dark and horrifying.

5

‘The Silence of the Lambs’ (1991)

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Adapted from the novel by Thomas Harris and directed by Jonathan Demme, The Silence of the Lambs is a psychological horror thriller that follows Clarice Starling, an FBI trainee who is recruited to interview Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant psychiatrist and imprisoned serial killer. Hoping to use his insights to catch another killer, Clarice enters into a game of wits with Lecter, revealing her darkest secrets in exchange for his help. Jodie Foster stars as Clarice and Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter, with Scott Glenn, Anthony Heald, Kasi Lemmons, Ted Levine, and more in supporting roles.

The Silence of the Lambs is widely regarded as one of the greatest horror thrillers of all time, and it made history by becoming one of only three films to win all “Big Five” Academy Awards–Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Adapted Screenplay. What really strikes the viewer about the film, whether on the first watch or the second, isn’t the twist or the main investigation; rather, it’s the subtle foreshadowing and detailed performances, particularly Anthony Hopkins’s central performance as the movie’s iconic psychopath. The masterful pacing and cinematography make every rewatch just as enjoyable an experience as the first time you saw the movie.

6

‘The Usual Suspects’ (1995)

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Directed by Bryan Singer and written by Christopher McQuarrie, The Usual Suspects is an iconic crime thriller film that begins with a deadly massacre. As the police interrogate petty criminal Roger “Verbal” Kint, one of only two survivors of the incident, they learn the elaborate sequence of events that led to Kint and a group of other criminals falling on the wrong side of a legendary crime boss known as Keyser Söze. The film stars Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, Benicio del Toro, Stephen Baldwin, Kevin Pollak, Chazz Palminteri, and Pete Postlethwaite in lead roles.

The Usual Suspects is easily one of the most masterfully executed examples of the “unreliable narrator” trope, using the inconsistencies of Verbal’s account to create maximum suspense and unexpected twists, right until its final moments. The film’s puzzle is a scintillating experience the first time you watch it, but it’s only on the second watch that you notice all the small details and easily-missed clues that were hiding in plain sight all along.

7

‘The Game’ (1997)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

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Directed by David Fincher and starring Michael Douglas, The Game is a mystery thriller that follows successful yet lonely San Francisco man Nicholas Van Orton. Haunted by the death of his father, Nicholas dreads his 48th birthday, but on the day, he is visited by his estranged brother (Sean Penn), who gifts him an invitation to join a mysterious game, which soon begins to take over his life. Deborah Kara Unger, James Rebhorn, Peter Donat, and more appear in supporting roles.

Anchored by a stellar Michael Douglas performance, The Game is one of Fincher’s most overlooked ’90s movies, but it’s every bit as thrilling a film as you would expect from the iconic auteur. Though its twist ending has been quite divisive with critics (and retrospectively criticized by Fincher himself), it’s still a startling, unpredictable turn that elicits a lot of shock at the moment. After the fact, however, you may find yourself questioning the twist, which is why it’s best to give the film a second watch, so you can see the subtle mechanisms that move the central character to the right place, time, and state of mind.

8

‘Deathtrap’ (1982)

Image via Warner Bros.

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Directed by Sidney Lumet and based on Ira Levin’s 1978 play, Deathtrap is a black comedy suspense film starring Michael Caine, Christopher Reeve, and Dyan Cannon. Sidney Bruhl (Caine), a famous playwright whose recent plays have all been flops, reveals to his wife, Myra (Cannon), that he has received a promising manuscript from a student (Reeve) and that he’s considering killing the young man so he can claim it as his own. A deadly game of deception ensues where nothing is as it seems. Irene Worth, Henry Jones, and Joe Silver appear in supporting roles.

Despite comparisons to Caine’s 1972 film Sleuth, Deathtrap was generally well-received by most critics, and though it’s not very well-known these days, the film is easily one of the most deviously entertaining films of the ’80s. A highly suspenseful thriller with a very twisted sense of humor, Deathtrap’s now-iconic twist and narrative shift were both quite divisive at the time of its release, but the film is now regarded as a landmark piece of queer cinema history. The reasons why are a huge spoiler, so let’s not get into it; suffice to say, it’s the sort of thing that makes you want to go back and see the whole movie all over again with fresh eyes.

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Release Date

March 19, 1982

Runtime

116 Minutes

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If film studios and executives are hell-bent on continuing the remake trend, constantly farming known movies or IP for new takes, then they need to take a much closer look at the Western genre. There may be an aversion to Westerns because of the price tag that sometimes accompanies the set and costume designs, but the genre has already proven itself as a bountiful well for remakes and reimaginings. The Coen Brothers gave new life to True Grit in 2010 and out shined the original in every way. James Mangold’s 3:10 to Yuma may not have been better than its predecessor, but it was a damn good ride that got a younger generation excited about what Westerns could be.

With that in mind, there’s one widely adored Western from the 1990s that could actually benefit from the remake treatment. It’s hard to imagine a new take becoming better, but with modern technology and the versatility of many current Hollywood stars, there’s no reason a remake couldn’t at least stand up alongside its predecessor. Some may feel this is blasphemous, but it’s time we talked about remaking Tombstone.

Getting a ‘Tombstone’ Remake Right

Image via Buena Vista Pictures

There are certain movies from the ’80s and ’90s that are too good and too impactful to ever be remade. Films like Back to the Future (which keeps gracefully avoiding the reboot trap) or E.T. are virtually impossible to try again. While Tombstone is absolutely fantastic and wildly entertaining, it isn’t exactly in that same territory. Tombstone is a movie that is still as fun to watch as it used to be, but could also benefit from another perspective. The most difficult part would be keeping alive the charm of movies from that era, which Tombstone has in spades. It feels simple and defined in a way that makes it so much better than most modern movies, if that makes sense. If it lost that sensibility and tone, then you can go ahead and throw a remake out the window.

But if the right filmmaker got their hands on Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, especially in the more focused version of their iconic story that is depicted in Tombstone, they could create some real magic. Filmmakers like the aforementioned Mangold, who have a real reverence for Westerns and know how to make something feel tactile, or true blockbuster visionary like Ryan Coogler or Christopher Nolan. Who knows if any of those directors would actually take on a project like a Tombstone remake, but it would need a director of their caliber and style.

There are lots of movies about the gunfight at the O.K. Corral out there, with tons of films depicting the life and career of Wyatt Earp. Tombstone stood out for its modern (at the time) approach to the characters and its focus on the fantastic action pieces. The film only cared about the small sliver of the Earp story that took place once the brothers arrived in Tombstone, Arizona, allowing all the drama to directly build up the gunfight itself. That same narrative idea would be key to making a new version of Tombstone, setting it apart from most other Wyatt Earp movies.

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10 Movies To Watch if You Love ‘Tombstone’

“You called down the thunder, well, now you’ve got it!”

Why Remake ‘Tombstone’ Now?

We don’t need more remakes, let’s make sure we’re clear about that. Original stories or fresh adaptations, like Sinners or The Odyssey, are more than strong enough to become big tent pole events for moviegoers. But there is still an insistence on bringing known IP back to the screen, and it isn’t going to disappear tomorrow. So, if these kinds of rehashes are a necessary evil in the current state of entertainment, why not at least try to make them count?

Tombstone is the perfect balance of a good, well-loved movie that isn’t untouchable. It’s also part of a genre that hasn’t completely permeated pop culture over the last decade or so. Unlike sci-fi films, Westerns can feel fresh again, and something like a Tombstone remake could jump-start the intrigue amongst audiences. And it’s great to think about the plethora of big stars who could actually find unique approaches to those iconic characters. No one can ever replace Val Kilmar’s Doc Holliday, but could you imagine what kind of diabolical, “I’ll be your huckleberry” line deliveries we’d get from a mustached Robert Pattinson?

Western remakes have a knack for evolving to explore the wildest era in American history through the eyes of modern ideals, oftentimes taking new approaches to the core ideas of those classic stories. We could use a new hit Western right now, and a fresh take on Tombstone is a surefire way to get one.

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Release Date

December 25, 1993

Runtime

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130 minutes

Director

George P. Cosmatos

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Writers

Kevin Jarre

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Producers

Bob Misiorowski, James Jacks, Sean Daniel

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Eight years after his leap from making music with The Coup to directing with his absurdist black comedy Sorry to Bother You, the visionary Boots Riley is finally heading back to the big screen next month with a colorful cinematic statement. His next film, I Love Boosters, brings together bright outfits and clothing chaos as it follows a group of shoplifters known as the Velvet Gang who steal from a cutthroat fashion designer played by Demi Moore. Filled with crime, absurd comedy, and plenty of star power, it’s another bonkers effort from the artist, and Alamo Drafthouse is preparing to clear the runway for its arrival. With tickets on sale today, Collider is excited to exclusively share a new installment of the theater chain’s Guest Selects series, highlighting some of Riley’s greatest inspirations.

For a creator with as distinct a style as Riley, it’s unsurprising that he also has an eclectic mix of films that have shaped him and his latest film over the years. Leading off the list is Black Cat, White Cat, a 1988 romantic crime comedy helmed by acclaimed Serbian filmmaker Emir Kusturica. Above all else, for Riley, it’s just fun to watch, constantly presenting new things and keeping the chaos fresh with scenes, like one of a couple frolicking in a sunflower field, that stand among his favorites in cinematic history. He also cites Michel Gondry for shaping his surreal approach to filmmaking, particularly with the film Moon Indigo. The 2013 feature doesn’t just focus on execution, but gets inventive with its setpieces and costumes in a way that conveys just how fun it must’ve been to make.

Riley’s last three Guest Selects will all be screened at select Alamo Drafthouse locations across the U.S. starting next week as appetizers before I Love Boosters arrives. Among those is the surreal fantasy Holy Motors by Leos Carax, which the director loved for its ability to surprise him with what it actually is at its heart. A stellar Denis Lavant performance helped make the piece all the more mind-blowing for him. Riley also highlights Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters, which he believes is Paul Schrader‘s best film, for how it marries three distinct visual styles and makes a statement about art and action. Last but not least is Jacques Tati‘s Playtime, a mostly dialogue-less film that has directly inspired the multi-hyphenate’s sense of physical comedy. The use of space, long-takes, and architecture to make painstakingly crafted humor that Riley is “delighted” to share with more viewers.

Critics Are in Love With ‘I Love Boosters’

Accompanying Riley in his return to theaters is a stacked roster, including a couple of familiar faces from his last cinematic outing. Keke Palmer leads the film alongside Moore, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, and Don Cheadle. Between the star power, Riley’s colorful chaos as both a writer and director, and a timely message about workers’ rights against the leaders of a capitalist society, I Love Boosters won over critics at its SXSW debut earlier this year, earning a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Collider’s Ross Bonaime similarly lauded it in his 8/10 review, saying, “I Love Boosters is an adventure unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, proof that Boots Riley is one of our most adventurous filmmakers, and a film that feels essential in 2026.”

Tickets are now on sale to see I Love Boosters at Alamo Drafthouse on May 22. Check out the exclusive new Guest Selects video in the player above.

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Release Date

May 22, 2026

Runtime

113 minutes

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Director

Boots Riley

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Writers

Boots Riley

Producers

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Aaron Ryder, Allison Rose Carter, Jon Read, Andrew Swett, Boots Riley

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