Peacock is closing out summer with a slew of new movies, shows and reality TV reunions that will have everyone talking.

Love Island, The Valley and Married at First Sight will all have reunions this month, promising more fireworks in August than there were on the 4th of July.

Summer lovers will get their chance to swoon with Halle Bailey and Bridgerton heartthrob Regé-Jean Page by streaming their sunny romance, You, Me & Tuscany.

Peacock is also streaming two 2026 breakout hits, the horror film Obsession and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.

August 1

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
Almost Famous
The Angry Birds Movie
Armageddon
Battleship
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
The Big Short
The Boy Next Door
Bring It On
The Cable Guy
Clash of the Titans
Clueless
Couple Retreat
Dear Evan Hansen
Escape Room
Escape Room: Tournament of Champions
Exodus: Gods and Kings
F9: The Fast Saga
The Faculty
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Field of Dreams
Fifty Shades of Grey
Fifty Shades Darker
Fifty Shades Freed
Flashdance
Flushed Away
Fool’s Paradise
Footloose
Friday Night Lights
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Good Boys
Good Will Hunting
Gremlins
Gremlins 2: The New Batch
Grown Ups
Grown Ups 2
The Help
Insidious
Insidious: Chapter 2
Insidious: Chapter 3
Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius
Keanu
Kindergarten Cop
Knock Knock
Kung Fu Panda
Kung Fu Panda 2
Kung Fu Panda 3
Lemony Snicket’s a Series of Unfortunate Events
Let’s Be Cops
The Lincoln Lawyer
Little Miss Sunshine
Major Payne
The Matrix
The Matrix Reloaded
The Matrix Revolutions
Mean Girls
Mean Girls 2
Megamind
Mud
National Lampoon’s Animal House
Neighbors
Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising
Old
Old School
One Hour Photo
Peeples
Pineapple Express
Predator
The Predator
Pretty in Pink
Robin Hood
Save the Last Dance
The School of Rock
Seabiscuit
The Secret Life of Pets
The Secret Life of Pets 2
She’s All That
Sideways
Source Code
Troy
Twins
Uncle Buck
Wrath of the Titans

August 2

The Killer Among Us, Season 1 – Finale (Oxygen)

August 3

The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Season 17 – Finale (Bravo)
Ms. X, Season 1 – Premiere (Peacock Exclusive)

August 6

The Valley, Season 3 – Reunion Part 1 (Bravo)
The Ballad of Wallis Island

August 7

You, Me & Tuscany – Premiere (Peacock Exclusive)

August 9

Unknown Serial Killers of America, Season 2 – Premiere (Oxygen)

August 10

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th, Season 5 – Premiere (Bravo)
The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Season 17 – Reunion Part 1 (Bravo)
Kim’s Convenience, Seasons 1-5
Copshop

August 11

Marry Me

August 13

The Valley, Season 3 – Reunion Part 2 (Bravo)

August 16

Oppenheimer

August 17

The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Season 17 – Reunion Part 2 (Bravo)

August 18

The McBee Dynasty: Real American Cowboys, Season 3 – Finale (Bravo)

August 20

We Are Pat
The Valley, Season 3 – Reunion Part 3 (Bravo)

August 21

The 355
She Dances

August 24

The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Season 17 – Reunion Part 3 (Bravo)
Days of Our Lives, Season 62 – Premiere (Peacock Exclusive)

August 25

Borderlands

August 27

The Undeclared War, Season 2 – Premiere, All Episodes
Married at First Sight, Season 20 – Finale (Peacock Exclusive)
Married at First Sight, Season 20 – Reunion (Peacock Exclusive)
The Woman in the Yard

August 28

Fear Lake Lanier

August 31

Love Island USA, Season 8 – Reunion (Peacock Original)
Mama June: From Hot to Not, Season 8 – Premiere (We TV)

NEW EPISODES WEEKLY:
The Dan Patrick Show (Monday through Friday)
PFT Live (Monday through Friday)
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz (Monday through Friday)

MLB & SNB
August 1: MLB – Giants vs. Padres
August 1: MLB – Tigers vs. Athletics
August 2: MLB – Milwaukee Brewers vs. Los Angeles Angels
August 2: MLB – Giants vs. Padres
August 2: MLB – Tigers vs. Athletics
August 2: MLB Sunday Stretch #14
August 2: MLB – SNB #18: Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
August 2: MLB – Game of the Day #126
August 3: MLB – Game of the Day #127
August 4: MLB – Athletics vs. Reds
August 4: MLB – Game of the Day #128
August 4: MLB – Giants vs. Rangers
August 5: MLB – Giants vs. Rangers
August 5: MLB – Athletics vs. Reds
August 5: MLB – Game of the Day #129
August 6: MLB – Athletics vs. Reds
August 6: MLB – Game of the Day #130
August 7: MLB – Athletics vs. Red Sox
August 7: MLB – Game of the Day #131
August 7: MLB – Tigers vs. Giants
August 8: MLB – Athletics vs. Red Sox
August 8: MLB – Game of the Day #132
August 9: MLB – Cincinnati Reds vs. Washington Nationals
August 9: MLB – Athletics vs. Red Sox
August 9: MLB Sunday Stretch #15
August 9: MLB – Tigers vs. Giants
August 9: MLB – Game of the Day #133
August 9: SNB #19: Houston Astros vs. San Diego Padres
August 10: MLB – Game of the Day #134
August 10: MLB – Astros vs. Giants
August 10: MLB – Rays vs. Athletics
August 11: MLB – Game of the Day #135
August 11: MLB – Astros vs. Giants
August 11: MLB – Rays vs. Athletics
August 12: MLB – Rays vs. Athletics
August 12: MLB – Astros vs. Giants
August 12: MLB – Game of the Day #136
August 13: MLB – Game of the Day #137
August 14: MLB – Game of the Day #138
August 14: MLB – Rangers vs. Athletics
August 14: MLB – Rockies vs. Giants
August 15: MLB – Rockies vs. Giants
August 15: MLB – Game of the Day #139
August 15: MLB – Rangers vs. Athletics
August 16: MLB – Baltimore Orioles vs. Tampa Bay Rays
August 16: MLB Sunday Stretch #16
August 16: MLB – Rockies vs. Giants
August 16: MLB – Rangers vs. Athletics
August 16: MLB – Game of the Day #140
August 16: SNB #20: Seattle Mariners vs. Houston Astros
August 17: MLB – Game of the Day #141
August 17: MLB – Athletics vs. Royals
August 18: MLB – Giants vs. Guardians
August 18: MLB – Game of the Day #142
August 18: MLB – Athletics vs. Royals
August 19: MLB – Giants vs. Guardians
August 19: MLB – Game of the Day #143
August 19: MLB – Athletics vs. Royals
August 20: MLB – Giants vs. Guardians
August 20: MLB – Athletics vs. Royals
August 20: MLB – Game of the Day #144
August 21: MLB – Giants vs. Red Sox
August 21: MLB – Game of the Day #145
August 21: MLB – Athletics vs. Astros
August 22: MLB – Athletics vs. Astros
August 22: MLB – Game of the Day #146
August 23: MLB – Athletics vs. Astros
August 23: MLB – Cincinnati Reds vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
August 23: MLB – Game of the Day #147
August 23: SNB #21: San Francisco Giants vs. Boston Red Sox
August 24: MLB – Game of the Day #148
August 24: MLB – Reds vs. Giants
August 24: MLB – Twins vs. Athletics
August 25: MLB – Game of the Day #149
August 25: MLB – Reds vs. Giants
August 25: MLB – Twins vs. Athletics
August 26: MLB – Reds vs. Giants
August 26: MLB – Game of the Day #150
August 26: MLB – Twins vs. Athletics
August 27: MLB – Game of the Day #151
August 27: MLB – Diamondbacks vs. Giants
August 28: MLB – Game of the Day #152
August 28: MLB – Orioles vs. Athletics
August 28: MLB – Diamondbacks vs. Giants
August 29: MLB – Arizona v Giants – Game 1
August 29: MLB – Game of the Day #153
August 29: MLB – Diamondbacks vs. Giants – Game 2
August 29: MLB – Orioles vs. Athletics
August 30: MLB – Miami Marlins vs. Washington Nationals
August 30: MLB Sunday Stretch #17
August 30: MLB – Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs
August 30: MLB – Diamondbacks vs. Giants
August 30: MLB – Orioles vs. Athletics
August 30: MLB – Game of the Day #154
August 30: SNB #22: Houston Astros vs. New York Mets
August 31: MLB – Giants at Atlanta
August 31: MLB – Game of the Day #155
August 31: MLB – Athletics vs. Rangers

Motocross
August 15: Supermotocross – Race Day Live – Unadilla
August 15: Supermotocross Rd. 26: Unadilla
August 22: Supermotocross – Race Day Live – Budds Creek
August 22: Supermotocross Rd. 27: Budds Creek
August 29: Supermotocross – Race Day Live – Ironman
August 29: Supermotocross Rd. 28: Ironman

Premier League
August 22: Premier League – Nottingham Forest v. Leeds United
August 22: Premier League – Ipswich Town v. Sunderland
August 22: Premier League – GOAL RUSH
August 22: Premier League – Brentford v. Spurs
August 23: Premier League – Brighton v. Aston Villa
August 29: Premier League
August 30: Premier League

Women’s soccer
August 15: Women’s Soccer – DC Power FC vs. Carolina Ascent FC
August 15: Women’s Soccer – Lexington SC vs. Brooklyn FC
August 15: Women’s Soccer – Fort Lauderdale United FC vs. Sporting JAX
August 15: Women’s Soccer – Dallas Trinity FC vs. Tampa Bay Sun FC
August 22: Women’s Soccer – Sporting JAX vs. Tampa Bay Sun FC
August 22: Women’s Soccer – Dallas Trinity FC vs. Carolina Ascent FC
August 23: Women’s Soccer – Brooklyn FC vs. DC Power FC
August 28: Women’s Soccer – Fort Lauderdale United FC vs. Brooklyn FC
August 29: Women’s Soccer – Lexington SC vs. DC Power FC
August 29: Women’s Soccer – Carolina Ascent FC vs. Tampa Bay Sun FC
August 29: Women’s Soccer – Sporting JAX vs. Dallas Trinity FC

Tour de France
August 1: Tour de France Femmes – Stage 1
August 2: Tour de France Femmes – Stage 2
August 3: Tour de France Femmes – Stage 3
August 4: Tour de France Femmes – Stage 4
August 5: Tour de France Femmes – Stage 5
August 6: Tour de France Femmes – Stage 6
August 7: Tour de France Femmes – Stage 7
August 8: Tour de France Femmes – Stage 8
August 9: Tour de France Femmes – Stage 9

WNBA
August 2: WNBA – Los Angeles Sparks vs. Portland Fire
August 3: WNBA – Seattle Storm vs. New York Liberty
August 9: WNBA – Dallas Wings vs. Minnesota Lynx
August 10: WNBA – Toronto Tempo vs. Atlanta Dream
August 17: WNBA – Dallas Wings vs. Golden State Valkyries
August 23: WNBA – Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky
August 24: WNBA – Atlanta Dream vs. Los Angeles Sparks

Additional sports dates
August 1: IMSA – Porsche Carrera Cup – Road America #2
August 1: 2026 AIG Women’s Open – Round 3
August 1: IMSA – Road America 120
August 1: IMSA – Qualifying – Road America
August 1: Lamborghini Super Trofeo – Road America #2
August 1: USA Swimming Toyota National Championships – Day 5
August 2: IMSA – Motul SportsCar Endurance Grand Prix
August 2: 2026 AIG Women’s Open – Final Round
August 5: World Athletics U20 Champs – Day 1 AM
August 5: World Athletics U20 Champs – Day 1 PM
August 6: World Athletics U20 Champs – Day 2 AM
August 6: World Athletics U20 Champs – Day 2 PM
August 6: NFL – HOF Game: Arizona Cardinals vs. Carolina Panthers
August 6: U.S. Gymnastics Champs – Senior Men Day 1
August 7: World Athletics U20 Champs – Day 3 AM
August 7: World Athletics U20 Champs – Day 3 PM
August 7: U.S. Gymnastics Champs – Senior Women Day 1
August 8: World Athletics U20 Champs – Day 4 AM
August 8: World Athletics U20 Champs – Day 4 PM
August 8: U.S. Gymnastics Champs – Senior Men Day 2
August 9: World Athletics U20 Champs – Day 5
August 9: U.S. Gymnastics Champs – Senior Women Day 2
August 12: Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Day 1 (Prelims)
August 12: 2026 U.S. Amateur Golf – Round of 64
August 12: Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Day 1 (Finals)
August 13: Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Day 2 (Prelims)
August 13: 2026 U.S. Amateur Golf – Round of 32
August 13: Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Day 2 (Finals)
August 14: Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships – Individuals All-Around Finals Day 1
August 14: Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Day 3 (Prelims)
August 14: 2026 U.S. Amateur Golf – Quarterfinals
August 14: Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Day 3 (Finals)
August 15: Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships – Groups All-Around DAY 2
August 15: Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Day 4 (Prelims)
August 15: 2026 U.S. Amateur Golf – Semifinals
August 15: Pan Pacific Swimming Championships – Day 4 (Finals)
August 16: Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships – Individuals and Group Apparatus Finals Day 3
August 16: 2026 U.S. Amateur Golf – Championship Match
August 21: Liga MX – Juárez vs. America
August 22: La Vuelta a Espana Stage 1
August 22: IMSA – VP Racing SportsCar Challenge – VIR #2
August 22: IMSA – Ford Mustang Challenge – VIR #1
August 22: IMSA – VP Racing SportsCar Challenge – VIR #1
August 22: IMSA – Virginia Is For Racing Lovers Grand Prix
August 22: IMSA – Qualifying – VIR
August 22: Liga MX – Chivas vs. Tijuana
August 22: Liga MX – Tigres vs. Atlante
August 23: La Vuelta a Espana Stage 2
August 23: IMSA – Ford Mustang Challenge- VIR #2
August 23: IMSA – Michelin GT Challenge at VIR
August 24: La Vuelta a Espana Stage 3
August 25: La Vuelta a Espana Stage 4
August 26: La Vuelta a Espana Stage 5
August 27: La Vuelta a Espana Stage 6
August 27: La Vuelta a Espana Stage 7
August 28: La Vuelta a Espana Stage 8
August 29: Kentucky Downs 2026
August 29: Big Ten Football – San Jose State vs. USC
August 30: La Vuelta a Espana Stage 9
August 30: Purina’s Incredible Dog Challenge 2
August 30: Kentucky Downs 2026
August 30: NFL Special

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TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle, Season 1 (Monday through Friday)
Meet the Press with Kristen Welker (Sunday)
Sunday Today with Willie Geist (Sunday)
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Related: Why Peacock’s ‘The ‘Burbs’ Is the Only Comedy Show I’m Watching in February

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In February, there’s one comedy show that jumps out as the most intriguing new series of the year. Peacock‘s The ‘Burbs is very loosely based on the 1989 cult comedy classic starring Tom Hanks and Carrie Fisher. Keke Palmer headlines the new series, which re-contextualizes the paranoia of The ‘Burbs and expands upon it. Now, […]

Next-Day News (Below are the days episodes come to Peacock):
Dateline (Saturday)
Nightly News with Tom Llamas (Daily)
Noticias Telemundo (Tuesday through Saturday)
Noticias Telemundo En La Noche (Daily)
Noticias Telemundo Fin De Semana (Sundays and Mondays)
Noticias Telemundo Mediodía (Tuesday through Saturday)

Next-Day Talk Shows (Below are the days episodes come to Peacock):
Access Hollywood, Season 30 (Monday through Friday)
The Kelly Clarkson Show, Season 7 (Monday through Friday)
Late Night with Seth Meyers, Season 13 (Tuesday through Friday)
The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Season 13 (Tuesday through Friday)
Watch What Happens Live, Season 22 (Monday through Friday)

Netflix has evolved from one of the foremost places to stream studio content to a producer of its own excellent original works. Whether it’s dominating the animated landscape with mega-hits like KPop Demon Hunters or taking over the sci-fi genre with shows like Stranger Things, Netflix is a force to be reckoned with in the battle for new and iconic IPs. One area where the channel is slowly making progress is in the action movie genre.

Gripping plotlines, impressive stunts, and nonstop thrills are all par for the course when it comes to action films. Like children’s and family movies, action films are deceptively difficult to execute well. It is not merely a matter of throwing in an explosion here or adding a few more stunts there. A great action movie needs to feel like an odyssey, a rewarding saga that audiences are allowed to participate in. While Netflix makes strides in almost every genre, its foray into action is steadily rising in both quantity and quality. Here are Netflix’s best original action movies so far.

‘Carry-On’ (2024)

Image via Netflix

Whether or not Carry-On can be called a Christmas movie is up for debate in the same vein as the ongoing Die Hard debate. Taron Egerton stars as Ethan Kopek, a TSA agent working on one of the busiest travel days of the year, Christmas Eve. As if his workday wasn’t stressed enough, Ethan soon has an unknown hijacker talking to him through an earpiece, threatening his coworkers and loved ones if he does not let a suspicious package go through the safety check and onto a plane.

Carry-On is full of suspense. Its realistic and close-to-home setting ramps up the stakes and makes it instantly gripping. Egerton is phenomenal in the movie and carries the focus well. Jason Bateman is brilliant as the cold, calculating, and methodical Traveler. Carry-On makes a good watch any time of the year, but especially for action fans who want a little mayhem in their holiday movies.

‘Gunpowder Milkshake’ (2021)

Image via Netflix

If you were to combine the maternal feelings and chaotic felicity of Everything Everywhere All at Once with the fast-paced fight scenes of John Wick, you would get Gunpowder Milkshake. Karen Gillan stars as Sam, an assassin who is used to kicking ass and taking names, who gets saddled with an eight-year-old girl named Emily (Chloe Coleman) who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Gunpowder Milkshake is packed with talent, including Everything Everywhere All at Once‘s Michelle Yeoh. Lena Headey, Carla Gugino, Angela Bassett, and Paul Giamatti are also part of the extremely gifted cast.

Gunpowder Milkshake is refreshingly original and one of the best female-led action movies of the 21st century. There are gorgeous slow-motion sequences that make the visceral visually stunning. Released during the height of the COVID pandemic, Gunpowder Milkshake didn’t receive the attention it deserved. The blend of distinctly feminine elements and gritty action tropes is brilliant, and if you haven’t checked out this absolute triumph yet, this is your sign.

‘Damsel’ (2024)

Image via Netflix

From facing monsters in titles like Stranger Things and Godzilla: King of the Monsters to solving mysteries in the popular Enola Holmes trilogy, there is nothing Millie Bobby Brown can’t do. One of her most epic action movies yet is the 2024 dark fantasy Damsel. In Damsel, Brown stars as Elodie, a young woman who thinks her dreams are about to come true when she is wedded to the young and eligible Prince Henry (Nick Robinson). However, there are darker circumstances and deeper motives at play, and immediately after saying her vows, Elodie is tossed into a deep cavern where a dangerous dragon lives.

Damsel is a fantastic flip on the fairytale genre. It takes back the ground used as an all-too-often trope of sacrificing the lives of innocent young women as a means to an end. Brown proves in Damsel why she is one of the foremost action stars of the day, and the performances given by Robin Wright, Angela Bassett, and the rest of the cast are equally dedicated and captivating. Shohreh Aghdashloo is irreplaceable as the voice of the dragon. The writing in Damsel lifts the character of the dragon off the page and, much like the damsel herself, she isn’t relegated to merely being a plot device, but is in fact an important part of the story.

‘Day Shift’ (2022)

Image via Netflix

In a world where vampire hunting is a money-making enterprise, Bud Jablonski (Jamie Foxx) goes on an all-out killing spree trying to make money fast so his ex-wife doesn’t relocate with his daughter. Day Shift is a gory, nonstop horror-meets-action banger. As the movie makes note, this is nowhere near Twilight. In Day Shift, vampires are soulless, blood-sucking villains, and the hunters like Bud are there to “cut necks and cash checks.”

Foxx is, as always, brilliant, and his odd couple dynamic with Dave Franco as Seth makes for a highly entertaining movie. Day Shift is a perfect choice for dark fantasy-action fans and puts viewers in the mind of films like Blade and Daybreakers. The comedic elements lift the overall tone of the film and keep it from being a straight horror. There have been whispers about a possible Day Shift sequel in the future, and Franco has said he would be up for it and would love to work with Foxx again.

‘Ultraman: Rising’ (2024)

Image via Netflix

Ultraman: Rising is an awesome Netflix original action movie that the whole family can enjoy. It is one of the best animated movies of the past five years and packs a whole lot of punch and heart. The story revolves around protagonist Ken Sato (Christopher Sean), a famous baseball player who returns to Japan after having a successful life and career overseas. Ken’s return to Japan carries the emotional weight of taking over the Ultraman mantle from his father, a source of deep contention between them, and his relocation is made even more complicated when he takes in a baby Kaiju that has lost its mother.

Ultraman: Rising is the latest in a solid canon that has included everything from anime to TV shows. It feels like a capsule story within the Ultraman franchise, and you don’t have to be familiar with any of the other projects to enjoy this spectacular standalone film. Ultraman: Rising has action scenes with superhero themes and a touching undercurrent about family and parenting. The baby Kaiju is absolutely adorable, and watching Ken bond with her makes the movie highly rewarding. If you want a fun action-packed movie with a good story that everyone can watch together, Ultraman: Rising is your next watch.

‘Space Sweepers’ (2021)

Image via Netflix

Set in the future, Space Sweepers follows a misfit crew of scavengers who stumble upon a highly advanced android child. Those onboard The Victory face a crisis of conscience and have to decide whether to turn the robot Dorothy (Park Ye-rin) in for money, or keep her safe. The cast is spot-on, and Space Sweepers delivers one of the more interesting and introspective performances about an android with the identity journey of Bubs (Yoo Hae-jin and Kim Hyang-gi).

Netflix is known for its excellent selection of South Korean TV shows and movies, and Space Sweepers is no exception. It has the ensemble movie format down to an art. Each character is interesting on their own, and the group as a whole is dynamic to watch. Netflix offers an English dub of the movie and subtitles. Space Sweepers is an interesting and enthusiastic fan-favorite that could be poised to reach cult status as time goes on.

‘Enola Holmes 2’ (2022)

Taking after her older brother, the famed detective Sherlock Holmes (Henry Cavill), Enola Holmes (Millie Bobby Brown) has a keen mind for solving mysteries. Instructed by her mother, Eudoria (Helena Bonham Carter), to be cunning and independent, Enola is a leading lady like none other in the Victorian era. Headstrong, fiercely loyal, and abounding with tenacity, Enola tackles cases that get dismissed by other detectives.

The second movie in the trilogy, Enola Holmes 2, is the best of the canon. The romance, action, and intrigue are all dialed up to 11, and the introduction of Moriarty (Sharon Duncan-Brewster) as a villain is excellent. Enola Holmes 2 offers some interesting insights into social and gender issues of the era and is a great watch for fans of period murder mysteries.

‘The Gray Man’ (2022)

Image via Netflix

Directed by The Russo Brothers, The Gray Man stars Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans as combatants. In the movie, Gosling plays Six, a CIA agent with virtually no identity. Evans plays Lloyd, a psychotic hitman who puts a bounty on Six’s head, ensuring that everyone, not only himself, will be trying to end him. It becomes an all-out brawl as multiple agents and assassins get involved, and The Gray Man is full of excitement.

The Gray Man is a divisive movie. It has an abysmal critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, but an audience approval rating of 90%. It seems as though viewers either love or hate this original action movie. While The Gray Man is no Avengers, it has exhilarating action scenes, solid fight sequences, and watching Evans play a villain in an action movie after his long stint as Captain America in the MCU is refreshing. Although there were talks about a possible sequel to The Gray Man, the project has been put on hold for the time being.

‘Vampires vs. the Bronx’ (2020)

Image via Netflix

Bringing some fresh blood (pun intended) to the vampire genre is the dark comedy Vampires vs. the Bronx. In the movie, three young friends notice a strange influx of people to their neighborhood who act out of the ordinary, right as a bunch of locals go missing. When Miguel (Jaden Michael), Bobby (Gerald Jones), and Luis (Gregory Diaz IV) investigate, they find out that the newcomers are actually vampires.

Vampires vs. the Bronx is a funny and bloody action movie. It has a distinct energy and grit to the mise en scène and the storyline emphasizes the importance of a local community. All of the cast are brilliant, and fans of shows like Stranger Things and Buffy the Vampire Slayer need to add this Netflix original to their watchlist.

Vampires vs. the Bronx has a direct contradiction of Rotten Tomatoes scores compared to The Gray Man. It ranks incredibly high with critics, but very low with audience votes. This makes it another movie you have to see for yourself to decide. Movies like Vampires vs. the Bronx and The Gray Man prove that action fans are a highly discerning crowd, and they can’t be swayed by critics’ votes, one way or the other.

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Vampires Vs the Bronx

Release Date

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October 2, 2020

Runtime

85 minutes

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Director

Osmany Rodriguez

Writers

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Blaise Hemingway, Osmany Rodriguez

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Hilaria Baldwin opened up about being misunderstood by the public ever since she got married to husband Alec Baldwin.

“I’ve been trying to clear up misconceptions — it is like I’m the best cleaner in the world — since I met my husband and I entered the public world,” Hilaria, 42, exclusively told Us while promoting Fox’s new show Nation’s Dumbest.

The experience taught Hilaria an important lesson.

“This is what you do. Stop proving things. Just be who you are. The right people are going to see you. And the people who are not going to see you, they didn’t want to anyway,” she noted. “There’s nothing you can do to change that because that’s on them.”

Hilaria continued: “What they’re seeing is actually their own reflection. So at this point, it is what it is. I am who I am. I’m going to forget things. I’m going to know things. I’m not going to know other things. And maybe we’re all surprised — including me — about some of the things that I can somehow pull out of my mind.”

Alec, 68, and Hilaria tied the knot in 2012. They have since welcomed seven children: Carmen Gabriela, 12, Rafael Thomas, 11, Leonardo Ángel Charles, 9, Romeo Alejandro David, 8, Eduardo “Edu” Pao Lucas, 5, María Lucía Victoria, 5, and Ilaria Catalina Irena, 3.

After being thrust into the public eye, Hilaria has gotten to show her authentic self in projects such as Dancing With the Stars, The Baldwins and now Nation’s Dumbest.

“I have moments where I’ll have conversations with myself and I’m like, ‘Hilaria, what’s wrong with you? Why do you put yourself in these situations?’ And I think it is curiosity and that I do believe that people are inherently good,” she said about remaining in the spotlight despite online negativity. “And I do believe that even though the negative can feel loud, there’s so much more good.”

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Hilaria has prioritized working on herself, adding, “I want to be a better person every day. And when I put myself in these experiences, I grow and I learn and I think I make myself a better person. Can I be dramatic sometimes? 100 percent. Will I do it again? Yes, I will be dramatic again. But at the same time, I am somebody where I wear my heart on my sleeve. You only live once, you might as well make it count.”

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While speaking with Us, Hilaria admitted that she has still faced challenges — including with Nation’s Dumbest.

“I was a student that had to work really hard [when I was in school]. So I have ADHD and dyslexia and I was very ashamed of this at different times,” she recalled. “I wasn’t the most social person and I would just have to work much harder than the average person. Doing a show like this was a little scary for me, to be honest, because I think that I’ve grown so much. But I definitely had my moments where I’m like, ‘Oh no, all the trauma’s coming back.’”

Nation’s Dumbest airs on Fox Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET.

Bailey Zimmerman is addressing fans’ concerns after abruptly canceling his upcoming United Kingdom and European tour dates because of an unspecified family matter. The country music star previously announced that he would step away from touring following his scheduled North American concerts in August, giving him time to focus on himself, his loved ones and new music. The unexpected cancellations came shortly after Zimmerman’s legal ordeal involving an incident at Sandia Resort & Casino reached a resolution. Zimmerman has now shared an update about his family while responding to the supportive messages he received after making the difficult announcement.

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The country singer took to Instagram Stories with a reassuring update, confirming that his family is safe while thanking supporters for their concern. “To put everybody at ease… my family is all good! Like I said just gotta take care of some things [red heart emoji],” Zimmerman wrote over a selfie. “Thank y’all for all the messages and the love! It means so much [red heart emoji].”

Zimmerman’s follow-up appears intended to address questions sparked by his original announcement, which did not explain the nature of the family matter. While the musician made it clear that everything is okay, he did not elaborate on what currently requires his attention.

The update comes after The Blast reported that Zimmerman was putting part of his touring schedule on hold to prioritize his family.

Country Star Will Still Perform In North America

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In his initial announcement, the country star acknowledged that fans had been waiting for the overseas concerts and admitted that canceling them had been a difficult decision. “This was not an easy decision and it kills me to have to cancel because I know how excited everyone is… but right now I need to take this time to focus on important family matters,” he wrote. “Everything is okay, it’s just my family needs my attention and that’s what I’ve gotta do,” he wrote.

Although Zimmerman has canceled his UK and European dates, his currently scheduled North American performances in August are still expected to proceed. After completing those shows, the singer plans to step away from the road for additional time while focusing on himself, his family and new music.

He closed the original message by acknowledging the fans who have supported him through changes in both his personal and professional life. “Thank you for having my back on this crazy ride we call life,” Zimmerman wrote, adding a red heart emoji.

Tour Pause Follows Zimmerman’s Recent Legal Ordeal

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Zimmerman’s decision to scale back his touring schedule follows the recent resolution of a separate legal matter involving Sandia Resort & Casino in New Mexico.

The country singer was charged with felony criminal damage to property exceeding $1,000 and misdemeanor falsely obtaining services. The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office later dismissed both counts after he paid the resort the full amount of restitution.

Court documents claim the May incident unfolded before Zimmerman’s scheduled concert, beginning with an allegedly chaotic soundcheck. According to investigators, the singer appeared intoxicated, damaged a guitar, tossed a microphone, kicked cymbals, pushed a member of his band and spat toward a resort security officer.

The performance was subsequently called off, and Zimmerman’s party was reportedly instructed to leave the property. Staff later found damage inside his hotel room that was estimated at roughly $16,000, including broken furniture, damaged electronics, holes in the walls and stained carpeting. Investigators further accused Zimmerman of leaving behind more than $400 in unpaid alcohol expenses.

Zimmerman has said his newly announced break is related to family matters and has given no indication that the decision has any connection to the now-dismissed criminal case.

Bailey Zimmerman Previously Accepted Responsibility

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After details of the New Mexico incident became public, Zimmerman apologized to the Pueblo of Sandia, the resort and the fans who had expected to see him perform. “I want to address the events surrounding my canceled show in New Mexico in May and the reports that have followed,” he said.

“First things first, I want to apologize to the Pueblo of Sandia and to everyone at Sandia Resort & Casino,” the country music star added. “I never meant for any of this to come across as disrespectful. I am deeply sorry for my actions that transpired.”

Zimmerman also emphasized that he accepted responsibility for what happened. “I respect your community and the hospitality, and appreciate the opportunity that was given to me to perform on Native Land. I take full accountability for everything that happened, and I am sorry to anyone who feels hurt or disrespected,” he said.

Bailey Zimmerman Prioritizes Loved Ones After Apologizing To Fans

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He separately apologized to ticket holders, telling them, “To my fans who bought tickets and showed up expecting a performance, I am so sorry, you deserved better from me.”

For now, Zimmerman is keeping the details of his family situation private, but his latest update makes one point clear: his loved ones are okay, and he is taking the time needed to care for them.

Ariana Grande’s new “Petal” music video has ignited a heated conversation about the singer’s appearance, with Meghan McCain joining social media users expressing concern about her health. The video arrived alongside Grande’s eighth studio album, “Petal,” on July 31. While fans have praised the project’s music and visuals, others have focused on the 33-year-old singer’s slender frame.

Grande has not indicated that she is experiencing a health issue, and a person’s medical condition cannot be determined from their appearance. The pop star has also repeatedly asked the public to stop speculating about people’s bodies.

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McCain weighed in on the discussion through X, where she compared the reaction surrounding Grande to the public scrutiny Amy Winehouse faced before her death in 2011.

“This reminds me of the Amy Winehouse era when it was blatantly obvious something was very wrong, but everyone around her just ignored and enabled it. This is very, VERY sad and she clearly needs help immediately,” McCain wrote.

Grande has not publicly responded to McCain’s post.

Ariana Grande’s Appearance Draws Alarming Reactions

McCain’s remarks added to a conversation already unfolding beneath clips and photographs from the “Petal” video. However, her claim that Grande needs help is based solely on the singer’s appearance and has not been supported by any disclosed medical information.

Several X users made similarly extreme observations about Grande’s body, with some comparing her to late singer Karen Carpenter, who died in 1983 at age 32 following complications connected to anorexia nervosa. One user shared a photograph reportedly taken shortly before her death and wrote, “This is singer Karen Carpenter, a month before she DIED of anorexia at only 32 years old,” they wrote alongside a photo of Carpenter and Grande.

They added, “Ariana looks even thinner. She needs help ASAP. Her team and friends need to organize and act, even if it means postponing tour dates or going on a hiatus.”

There is no publicly disclosed evidence supporting such a conclusion about Grande’s health.

Ariana Grande Previously Addressed Comments About Her Body

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This is not the first time Grande’s weight has become the subject of widespread online discussion. During a 2024 interview, the singer became emotional after she was asked how she handles the “overwhelming” pressure women face to maintain a supposedly perfect appearance. “I think that it’s something that is uncomfortable no matter what scale you’re experiencing it on,” Grande said in part at the time.

She described unsolicited remarks about another person’s weight as “uncomfortable” and “horrible,” explaining that such comments can be damaging regardless of whether they are presented as criticism, concern or praise. “Even if you go to Thanksgiving dinner, and someone’s granny says, ‘Oh my God, you look skinnier! What happened?’ or ‘You look heavier! What happened?’” Grande said.

Singer Warned That Appearance Speculation Is ‘Dangerous’

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Grande also argued that commenting on people’s bodies has become far too normalized, particularly on social media. “I think in today’s society, there is a comfortability that we shouldn’t have at all, commenting on others’ looks, appearance, what they think is going on behind the scenes or health or how they present themselves,” she said.

“From what you’re wearing to your body to your face to your everything, there’s a comfortability that people have commenting on that that I think is really dangerous,” Grande shared.

Grande resurfaced the interview in November after body scrutiny surrounding her continued online. “Resharing this from last year, as a loving reminder to all,” she wrote over the clip on Instagram Stories.

In the footage, she acknowledged that “it’s hard to protect yourself from that noise.“

‘Petal’ Video Puts Ariana Grande Back In Control

The discussion surrounding Grande’s appearance risks overshadowing the message of her new video. The audition-themed “Petal” visual reportedly features the singer wielding a garden chainsaw against entertainment executives.

According to Billboard, the imagery serves as a metaphor for Grande reclaiming her narrative and pushing back against those attempting to control her career. That defiant tone reportedly continues throughout the album, which Rolling Stone praised for channeling raw anger into Grande’s latest musical era.

The project has also experienced an immediate commercial response. Songs including “hate that i made you love me” and “stay” entered the top five on Apple Music’s global chart following the album’s release.

Spoiler Alert: This list contains spoilers for House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 6.The fight for the Iron Throne continues in House of the Dragon Season 3. Set about 200 years before Game of Thrones—specifically 172 years before the birth of Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke)—the series chronicles the events that led to the decline of House Targaryen, culminating in the infamous war of succession known as the Dance of the Dragons. What begins as a dispute over the line of succession eventually spirals into one of the bloodiest conflicts in Westerosi history.

Over the course of the series, House of the Dragon begins as an internal conflict over who should inherit the Iron Throne after the death of King Viserys I Targaryen (Paddy Considine). Although Viserys names Rhaenyra Targaryen (Milly Alcock and Emma D’Arcy) his heir, her claim is challenged after he marries her closest confidante, Alicent Hightower (Emily Carey and Olivia Cooke), and fathers sons of his own. As each side continues to take the lives of the other’s family members, this family feud erupts into a realm-shattering civil war — pinnacling in the greatest battles of House of the Dragon, ranked.

7

Shipbreaker Bay

Season 1, Episode 10 “The Black Queen”

Image via HBO

Shipbreaker Bay proves that bloodshed and family grudges are generational—especially when young royals are involved. Sent as Rhaenyra’s envoy, Prince Lucerys Velaryon (Elliot Grihault) arrives at Storm’s End to secure Lord Borros Baratheon’s (Roger Evans) allegiance, only to find Prince Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) already there. Still consumed by the childhood incident that cost him his left eye, Aemond pursues Lucerys through a violent storm atop the colossal Vhagar, while Lucerys flees on his much smaller dragon, Arrax.

The chase is hopelessly one-sided, but Lucerys uses the storm and narrow cliffs to evade the massive Vhagar. Everything unravels when the terrified Arrax disobeys Lucerys and breathes fire at the ancient dragon. Enraged, Vhagar ignores Aemond’s commands and tears Arrax apart with Lucerys still aboard. Horrified by what he has unleashed, Aemond realizes he never intended to kill his nephew. Lucerys’ death becomes the spark that ignites the Targaryen civil war and the infamous vow of vengeance: “An eye for an eye, a son for a son.”

6

Cargyll vs. Cargyll

Season 2, Episode 2 “Rhaenyra the Cruel”

Image via HBO

Cargyll vs. Cargyll is one of the most tragic duels in House of the Dragon because it never should have happened. Twin brothers Ser Erryk Cargyll (Elliott Tittensor) serves Queen Rhaenyra, while Ser Arryk Cargyll (Luke Tittensor) remains loyal to King Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney). In retaliation for Prince Jaehaerys’ murder, orchestrated by Daemon (Matt Smith), Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) orders Arryk on a near-suicidal mission: infiltrate Dragonstone by impersonating his twin, enter Rhaenyra’s chambers, and assassinate her. Arryk initially refuses, but Criston exploits his sense of duty and shames him into accepting.

By the time Arryk reaches Rhaenyra’s chambers, Erryk arrives to stop him, forcing the brothers into a brutal sword fight. Erryk ultimately kills Arryk, but the grief proves too much. Devastated by the fact that he has slain his own brother, he takes his own life not a second later. The mission ends with no victors, only two needless deaths that accomplish nothing beyond further fueling the war. It also just goes to show Criston’s recklessness, poor strategic vision, and his tendency to act based on past grudges.

5

Fall of King’s Landing

Season 3, Episode 2 “Queen’s Landing”

Image via HBO

Although there is not much bloodshed, the Fall of King’s Landing in House of the Dragon proves that strategy can triumph over brute force. When Aemond and Ser Criston Cole leave King’s Landing for Harrenhal with Vhagar, the capital is left heavily unprotected. Meanwhile, Alicent stays behind, already determined to surrender the city to Rhaenyra, even ordering the guards to put down their weapons before Rhaenyra and Daemon arrive on their dragons.

The only major confrontation occurs when Rhaenyra and Daemon encounter Green loyalists, whom Daemon swiftly kills. Even when more troops arrive to challenge them, they are surprised when Daemon’s former City Watch, now known as the Gold Cloaks, turns up to support Rhaenyra’s claim. As for Aemond, although he successfully burns Harrenhal, his victory is short-lived when one of Ser Simon’s sons strikes him through a gap in his armor, leaving him bleeding heavily and injured.

4

Butcher’s Ball

Season 3, Episode 6 “Faceless Men”

Image via HBO

The Butcher’s Ball uses such a deceptively simple trap that it’s baffling Criston and the remnants of the Green army fall for it. Stranded in the Riverlands, Criston and his men stumble upon a camp where everyone appears to be dead. As they investigate, the corpses suddenly spring back to life, revealing they had been playing dead as part of a carefully planned ambush. Just when the Greens think they have regained control, they find themselves surrounded by forces led by the young Ser Oscar Tully (Archie Barnes) and Ser Garibald Grey (Mark Oldridge).

Realizing death is only moments away, Criston still tries to argue that continuing the battle will only claim more lives. Garibald refuses, reminding him that House Tully has already vowed to build a sept from traitors’ bones. Roddy the Ruin (Tommy Flanagan) declares he would rather die with a sword in hand than surrender. Criston offers single combat, but his request is denied. Instead, Alysanne Blackwood (Annie Shapero) kills him with three arrows, triggering the massacre that follows immediately.

3

The Battle of Rook’s Rest

Season 2, Episode 4 “The Red Queen and the Gold”

Image via HBO

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The Battle of Rook’s Rest is Season 2’s biggest heartbreak of a battle. With Criston Cole leading 1,400–1,500 troops to surround Rook’s Rest and intimidate Lord Staunton (Michael Elwyn), Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best) takes Meleys into battle to defend one of the Blacks’ strongest allies. Even when Aegon joins the fight on Sunfyre, he struggles against Meleys, with Rhaenys steadily gaining the upper hand against the inexperienced king and his younger dragon.

The course of the battle changes instantly when Aemond arrives on Vhagar, blindsiding everyone by unleashing dragonfire on Meleys and Rhaenys—but also on Aegon and Sunfyre, severely burning the king and crashing to the ground. From there, the fight becomes hopelessly one-sided, as Vhagar’s sheer size gives him a decisive advantage over Meleys after a long, hard-fought, yet clearly mismatched battle. Rhaenys, the Queen Who Never Was, dies alongside her dragon, while Aegon’s catastrophic injuries leave him unfit to continue ruling, allowing Aemond to assume power as Prince Regent instead.

2

War for the Stepstones

Season 1, Episode 3 “Second of His Name”

Image via HBO

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The War for the Stepstones was a conflict over control of the Stepstones, waged by Prince Daemon and Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) against the Triarchy, a confederation of the Free Cities led by the vicious Craghas Drahar (Daniel Scott-Smith). Lasting nine years, the war dragged on largely because of King Viserys’ complacency. Fearful of “ruining the peace,” he refused to intervene and instead focused his attention on his new son from his marriage to Alicent.

Fed up with the Triarchy hiding in the caves and frustrated by his brother’s inaction, Prince Daemon marched into the Stepstones alone carrying a white flag, seemingly signaling his surrender. The ruse lures Crabfeeder and his troops out into the open, only for Caraxes to rain fire down on them while Corlys’ forces charge in to wipe out the remaining soldiers. Amid the chaos, Daemon pursues Crabfeeder into the caves before emerging with his body split in half, bringing the brutal war to an end.

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The Battle of the Gullet

Season 3, Episode 1 “Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood”

The Battle of the Gullet is arguably House of the Dragon‘s most unforgiving battle to date. First, there’s the factor of it being a naval war, meaning the Blacks and the Triarchy must also contend with Mother Nature as they steer their ships through danger. There’s also the Triarchy’s massive 90-warship fleet, which is divided into two pincers to blind the Velaryon ships by taking advantage of the morning sun’s glare.

But most dangerously, because of the Triarchy’s history with Daemon in Season 1, they now know exactly how to counter dragons. By fashioning heavy scorpion crossbows equipped with grappling hooks, they can bring down even the largest dragons. This weapon ultimately takes down Prince Jacaerys (Harry Collett) and Vermax, with the dragon dying from blood loss while Jacaerys is struck by arrows while struggling in the water. The battle only brings more losses than victories, destroying two wealthy port towns and, more importantly, taking Queen Rhaenyra’s son—a loss that shapes her rule afterward.

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House of the Dragon

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Release Date

August 21, 2022

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HBO

Showrunner

George R.R. Martin

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Directors

Clare Kilner, Geeta Patel

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• 
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  Fabien Frankel

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  Ser Criston Cole

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Two weeks after finishing as runners-up on ‘Love Island USA’ season 8, Carl Schmidt and Aniya Harvey have shared an update on where their relationship stands. During a recent appearance on ‘Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen,’ the pair revealed they are not officially boyfriend and girlfriend, despite saying their connection has continued to grow since leaving the villa. Carl also weighed in on the criticism surrounding KC’s comments about Aniya during Casa Amor.

Related: Issa Wrap! ‘Love Island USA’ Star Clarke Carraway Announces Decision To End Relationship With Taylor Williams

Carl & Aniya Share Relationship Update After The Villa

‘Love Island USA’ Season 8 runner-ups, Carl and Aniya, joined winners Trinity and Bruce on a recent episode of ‘Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen,’ where the couples reflected on life after the villa. While Trinity and Bruce confirmed they are officially dating, viewers were still curious about where Carl and Aniya stand.

When Andy Cohen asked about their relationship status, Carl said the two are intentionally taking things slow after only knowing each other for a short time.

“No, so we are not officially boyfriend-girlfriend yet,” he said.

Carl explained that because he entered the villa during Casa Amor, the pair only had about two weeks together before the finale.

“I honestly feel after two weeks, the connection has just been really strong, and we just feel really, really happy. We just kind of want to keep rolling that as long as we can,” he added.

Carl Weighs In On KC’s Comments About Aniya

Before finding a connection with Carl, Aniya was originally coupled up with KC. Their relationship unraveled during Casa Amor after KC explored a connection with Tierra, whom he ultimately chose to recouple with. Aniya was left single until Carl returned to the villa following Casa Amor. The two quickly built a connection that carried them to the finale. Tensions between KC and Aniya escalated during the show’s Movie Night episode. Islanders watched clips revealing what their partners had been saying and doing during Casa Amor.

During ‘Watch What Happens Live,’ a fan asked Carl about KC’s comments regarding Aniya. Carl said he would not defend everything KC said, but suggested some of the remarks were likely “boy locker room talk.” He also noted that spending weeks constantly wearing microphones can make Islanders forget they’re being recorded at all times.

Social Media Reacts

Fans quickly flooded social media with reactions after Carl and Aniya’s relationship update.

Instagram user @thereall.lakey wrote, “They only knew each for 2 weeks, that very right to take it slow. Yall don’t know how to date. You have to be in the talking stage getting to know each other first before you get in a relationship. Ain’t nobody finna keep riding into relationships to keep falling out of it!”

Another Instagram user @heavenleighdes wrote, “they be wanting these people to hop in a relationship soon as they meet 😂😂😂😂”

While Instagram user @shadyladytree wrote, “Last night was Carl and Anita’s first time seeing each other since the show ended. They don’t have a relationship 🥴”

Instagram user @luvvaskye wrote, “more like lust island 🙄🙄”

Another Instagram user @asutoras wrote, “no chemistry”

While Instagram user @thehannahmwale wrote, “if they end up like Nic and Olandria imma be disappointed ngl”

Instagram user @tifftiffrk wrote, “Carl Is real ad for everything he said!!! They are taking things slow and also speaking for KC because that’s how men talk when women aren’t around but a lot of ppl don’t realize or think it won’t happen. KC and Anita were not exclusive and both had doubts whether anyone wants to admit it or not! 🤷🏽‍♀️ kudos to Carl!”

Another Instagram user @acireluv wrote, “Yes 👏🏽 thank you Carl because it wasn’t that deep for a hate train on KC 😭”

While Instagram user @ajaneetimore wrote, “Now this is a PR relationship”

Related: ‘Love Island USA’ Star Nic Vansteenberghe Claps Back As He Breaks His Silence Following Split From Olandria Carthen

Video games can deliver a whole range of intended experiences, from relaxing and wholesome content in Animal Crossing: New Horizons to terrifying frights in Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. However, one of the most timeless aspects of the medium is boss fights, which pit players against an extra-powerful enemy where they must showcase what they have learned while adapting to the moveset of the opponent.

A boss fight can make or break a game. That is why this list will rank the ten greatest video game boss fights of all time based on aspects such as memorability, originality, difficulty, thematic relevance, moveset, unique mechanics, skill testing, narrative stakes, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and overall quality. From the ones with a massive build-up to the boss fights that happen out of nowhere, each one brings a glorious and tense feeling, which is why gamers love the medium so much.

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Sans – ‘Undertale’ (2015)

Image via Toby Fox

Almost every single boss fight on this list comes from a AAA blockbuster title, except for one indie game that proves this underrated genre is home to some thrilling boss fights. Undertale is one of the most recognized indie titles of all time, and while it has many bosses, none are better than the final fight in the Genocide storyline against Sans.

After the player decides to kill every character in the game, their final opponent is Sans, who is undoubtedly the hardest boss in the game. His battle is intentionally unfair, from attacking the player while in their inventory to dodging attacks, which no other enemy does, to removing invincibility frames; Sans is the ultimate punishment for the player in Undertale if they select the Genocide route.

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Volo – ‘Pokémon Legends: Arceus’ (2022)

Image via Game Freak

Pokémon unexpectedly has some incredible boss fights, such as Whitney, Cynthia, and Red, but the one that makes this list is probably pretty unexpected. Volo is presumably an ancestor of Pokémon Legends: Arceus, who spends most of his time helping the player until the finale of the game, where he challenges the player in what is easily the franchise’s most challenging fight.

Pokémon is a series, and the game can be hand-holdy, but this boss fight subverts those expectations through the most difficult fight in the franchise. Volo’s first team is essentially the same as Cynthia’s, and after winning that, the players fight against Giratina’s two forms, all without healing or changing teams. It is a gruelling and unfair challenge that can only be passed using potions and more than a few revives, proving Pokémon Legends: Arceus was a step in the right direction for Pokémon.

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Phalanx – ‘Shadow of the Colossus’ (2005)

Image via Team Ico

Some games have good boss fights, and then other video games are only boss fights, with the main purpose being to defeat the challenging enemies. Shadow of the Colossus has the player killing 16 Colossi to revive their loved one, and one of these gargantuan beings they must kill is Phalanx, a massive serpent flying around the dunes of the desert.

There are so many boss fights in this game that are deserving of making this list, but Phalanx is arguably the best because of how it subverts expectations. It never once attacks the player, with gamers needing to chase it down on horseback, leap onto the massive creature and scale the beast while slowly chipping away at its health bar. This grand, sweeping cinematic boss fight is a spectacle to behold, but its end is a bleak and depressing note when players learn they killed a peaceful, majestic being.

Image via Konami

Hideo Kojima is a legendary game designer, and his Metal Gear Solid franchise is known for having some of the best boss fights, with two of them being on this list. Let’s start with Psycho Mantis from the first game. This psychic enemy pushes the character and player to the limits by levitating furniture, controlling allies, and breaking the fourth wall.

The boss fight in the game itself isn’t anything special, but it becomes such a memorable experience because of the way it breaks the fourth wall. Psycho Mantis can read Solid Snake’s mind, which is achieved by reading the memory card on the console, highlighting what the player has previously done. Metal Gear Solid goes one step further with the player needing to switch controller ports, so Psycho Mantis can no longer read your movements. It’s an ingenious and creative way to blend gameplay with real life that results in an unforgettable gaming moment.

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Malenia, Blade of Miquella – ‘Elden Ring’ (2022)

Image via Bandai Namco Entertainment

FromSoftware and soulslike games in general are known for their challenging combat and infamous boss battles, earning two spots on this list. The first is Malenia, Blade of Miquella from Elden Ring. With so many boss fights, it was hard to choose one, but the honor had to go to the most popular boss, Malenia, a demigod rotting from within who made so many players rage-quit the game.

Elden Ring is all about dodging, parrying, blocking, and learning the enemy’s movements, and that is tested to the extreme with the Malenia boss fight. She demands frame-perfect timing that is nearly impossible to do repeatedly, not to mention she can heal after landing an attack even if it is blocked. Malenia is a definitive Elden Ring boss that is the reason why so many players love the soulslike genre.

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Ganondorf – ‘The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’ (1998)

Image via Nintendo

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The Legend of Zelda franchise has some fun boss fights like Koloktos, and while that is more mechanically fun, it doesn’t have the same weight as the final fight against Ganondorf/Ganon in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. This three-tiered boss fight starts with an energy-deflecting round that evolves into a dramatic escape from the castle into a final battle against his pig demon form in Hyrule Field.

The first section is the successful first encounter, but the escape from Hyrule Castle is just as gripping. But the epic scale and dramatic weight of the fight in Hyrule Field is the culmination of one of the greatest video games of the century. Ocarina of Time is perfect in many ways, and the final fight against Ganondorf is a thematic conclusion with an operatic finale that feels like a symphony of triumph.

4

Vergil – ‘Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening’ (2005)

Image via Capcom

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One of the best things about the Devil May Cry franchise is that there are plenty of recurring boss fights with everyone’s favorite villain, Vergil, especially in Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening. Vergil isn’t just an enemy, but the brother of Dante, the protagonist, making every encounter a narrative duel of two familiar characters wondering if this will be the last time they face off.

While Vergil’s fights in the fifth game are also incredible, the final fight against him in Devil May Cry 3 is simply outstanding. Vergil is the quintessential rival boss, who reappears to match Dante’s chaotic style with calculated moves. By mirroring the player’s moveset, Vergil becomes a familiar boss fight that forces the player to understand the gameplay and controls more thoroughly.

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Mr. Freeze – ‘Batman: Arkham City’ (2011)

Image via Rocksteady Studios

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Batman is a character with many iconic villains in his rogue’s gallery, and they are brought to vivid life in Batman: Arkham City, specifically Mr. Freeze. After wandering into a frozen GCPD laboratory, Batman must face off against Mr. Freeze in a lethal game of cat and mouse where the player must use their wits, gadgets, and surroundings to defeat the ominous presence.

Most boss fights have a specific pattern and dedicated puzzle or combat solution to take them down, but not Mr. Freeze. Direct confrontation leads to instant death, meaning the player must use everything they have learned in a mini sandbox room to defeat him. This approach makes every playthrough unique, and with endless possibilities, it makes the audience feel like Batman solving a problem through detective work. Batman: Arkham City has many other great fights, but Mr. Freeze is the top of the list for a reason, proving why this is the best Batman video game.

2

Isshin, The Sword Saint – ‘Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice’ (2019)

Image via FromSoftware

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This list mentioned that there would be two FromSoftware soulslike games, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice earned the second spot with Isshin, The Sword Saint. The sword combat in this game is remarkable, and this boss fight shows that off firsthand, but also boasts a couple of other tiers where he wields a spear and a pistol.

A lot of video game bosses have some sort of gimmick to make them fresh and distinct from others, but Isshin is simply a final exam where players need to use everything they learned. Deflecting, counters, reversals — players need to be in top shape, with nothing but mastery to take down Isshin. This final boss is the best way to end Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, making the last battle feel like an earned win.

Image via Konami

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Psycho Mantis from the first Metal Gear Solid was fun and unique, but there is one better boss in the series, and that is The Boss from Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. Once Snake’s mentor, The Boss supposedly defected; the twist is that she did so as part of her mission. When a nuclear warhead was fired, she takes the blame, trading her legacy and pride for the safety of her nation. It is fitting that the greatest boss fight in video game history is named The Boss, but there is more poetic and thematic relevance to this character.

This fight was the climax of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, and the buildup was immaculate, making players dread the moment they have to kill Snake’s mentor. Outside the narrative perfection, it is also technically impressive and engaging, promoting the hand-to-hand combat the two created and stealth mechanics that are so important. It ends in a poetic climax where the burden of killing The Boss is taken from Snake and given directly to the player, concluding in a tragically beautiful final moment that highlights why Metal Gear Solid 3 is a fantastic action video game.