The 1980s gave horror fans slashers, splatter, video-store trash, punk energy, monster suits, synth dread, practical-effects miracles, and the kind of cheap weirdness that can make a terrible movie lovable. So when an ’80s horror movie actually turned out bad, it had committed a special crime.

It had the easiest decade in horror history to be entertainingly stupid and still found a way to be dead air. The movies on this list, therefore, are not the fun-bad legends you defend at 2 a.m. with pizza and friends. These are the ones that test your soul, your patience, your eyesight, your hearing, and occasionally your belief in editing as a human invention.

6

‘Monster Dog’ (1984)

Image via Union Films S.A.

Monster Dog is basically Vince Raven (Alice Cooper) starring in a werewolf-adjacent horror and that should be impossible to fully waste. Give him fog, dogs, a cursed family past, a creepy mansion, and a music-video mood, and even a weak movie should at least stumble into cult pleasure. But Monster Dog, oh boy. It somehow takes all of that and makes it feel like someone left a haunted-house attraction running after the staff went home.

The strangest thing is how little danger seems to live inside the frame. Cooper has presence, obviously, but the movie keeps trapping him in scenes that move like wet cardboard. The dubbing gives everyone that disconnected dream-mouth quality where emotions seem to be happening three rooms away from the actors. The dog attacks rarely have bite. The mystery feels like it was assembled from leftover Gothic scraps. Even the rock-star angle barely gives the movie juice, which feels insane considering the man at the center literally built a career out of theatrical horror. The movie is sleepy, murky, and weirdly allergic to its own best selling point.

5

‘Don’t Go in the Woods’ (1981)

Image via Seymour Borde & Associates

This movie feels like a slasher made by people who heard about suspense from a guy at a gas station. Don’t Go in the Woods follows a group of campers wandering through the wilderness while a wild killer picks off random people, and that sounds like perfectly usable early-’80s forest-horror material. Woods, screams, isolation, bad decisions, cheap gore, lost hikers, dirtbag survival panic; the genre practically builds itself.

Then the movie starts moving, and the whole thing becomes a punishment hike. Characters appear with the personality of disposable paper plates. Victims seem dropped into the film just so the body count can keep coughing. The killer has none of the creepy backwoods presence that makes this kind of thing work. The editing feels allergic to geography, so the forest never becomes a place, just a pile of trees the movie keeps pointing at. There is a strange anti-rhythm to it, like every scare happens half a thought after it should. Even the title starts to feel less like a warning and more like a review: don’t go in the woods, and maybe don’t press play either.

4

‘Blood Lake’ (1987)

Image via United Home Video

Some movies are amateur in a charming way. Blood Lake is amateur in the way a family vacation tape becomes unbearable after the fourth minute and then somehow keeps going. The setup promises lake-house slasher trash, the kind of thing where teens drink, flirt, water-ski, ignore obvious danger, and eventually learn that cheap summer freedom comes with a body count. That is a perfectly fine formula. Horror fans have forgiven much worse when the vibe has a pulse.

The problem is that Blood Lake has the dramatic urgency of people waiting for someone’s uncle to fix the boat motor. Scenes sag. Conversations stretch into nothing. The characters talk like the script was discovered under a cooler. The lake barely feels threatening, the killer barely feels present, and the horror barely feels like a priority. It is one of those movies where the dead space becomes the main character. You keep waiting for the grimy home-video texture to become part of the charm, but charm requires at least a little rhythm, a little madness, a little accidental poetry.

3

‘Zombie Nightmare’ (1987)

Image via Shapiro Entertainment

A zombie revenge movie with Adam West (Adam West), Tia Carrere (Tia Carrere), a heavy-metal soundtrack, and a dead man rising to punish the punks who killed him should be gloriously dumb. That combination should deliver at least one perfect video-store fever dream. Instead, Zombie Nightmare has the energy of a movie that keeps forgetting revenge is supposed to feel satisfying.

Tony (Jon Mikl Thor) is a good-hearted muscle guy whose death leads to voodoo resurrection and shambling payback. On paper, beautiful nonsense. On screen, the zombie lumbering is so stiff, so slow, so weirdly unthreatening that every kill feels less like supernatural justice and more like someone missed their bus and decided to murder time. West wanders through the police material with the glazed confidence of a man who knows nobody can hurt his legacy now. The soundtrack keeps trying to pump blood into a corpse the movie itself has already abandoned. It has metal. It has zombies. It has revenge. It has almost no pleasure in any of those things. That is unforgivable.

2

‘Things’ (1989)

Image via Intervision

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Things is the kind of movie that makes you question whether cinema was a mistake. Calling it badly made almost feels too polite, because “badly made” suggests recognizable pieces failing to connect. This thing feels transmitted from a cursed basement through damaged cables into the softest part of your brain.

There is a plot somewhere involving an experimental fertility procedure, disgusting little creatures, and people trapped in a house, but plot becomes irrelevant once the movie starts attacking basic human comprehension. The sound is legendary for all the wrong reasons. People speak like their dialogue was recorded inside a shoebox during a power outage. No dig intended at technological limitations of that time (think about The Godfather that came 17 years before it). Scenes drag past the point of awkwardness into a new emotional climate. The creatures look absurd, but the real horror is the dead time between them. Then there is the random newswoman material, the endless wandering, the feeling that every cut is a cry for help. Most bad horror movies fail to scare. Things feels like it was made by fear itself, specifically the fear of being trapped forever in a conversation you cannot hear properly.

1

‘Hobgoblins’ (1988)

Image via American Cinema Marketing/ Shout! Factory

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Hobgoblins is the grand champion on this list because it manages to be cheap, ugly, irritating, unfunny, lifeless, and smug about its own nonsense at the same time. Little alien creatures escape from a film studio vault and mess with people by making their fantasies come true in dangerous ways. That concept could have been nasty fun: fake glamour, sleazy dreams, puppet chaos, ’80s trash culture eating itself. Give that premise to the right maniacs and you get a filthy little cult gem.

Hobgoblins gives you puppets that look like carpet samples with eyes, characters who make every room worse by entering it, and comedy that lands with the force of a damp sock. The nightclub scenes feel like time has been legally frozen. The phone-sex subplot is painful in a way that bypasses laughter and goes directly into spiritual fatigue. The creatures barely function as monsters, yet the humans are so unbearable that rooting for anyone becomes work. Plenty of bad horror movies are incompetent. This one feels like it is actively wasting the viewer’s night while grinning from behind a pile of lint. A true 0/10. No scare. No fun. No mercy.

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Hobgoblins

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Release Date

July 14, 1988

Runtime

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68 Minutes

Director

Rick Sloane

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Writers

Rick Sloane

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Summer outfit ruts are real. After months of reaching for the same tees and tanks, it’s easy to start craving something that feels a little more special without sacrificing comfort. A pretty, boutique-looking blouse provides that perfect happy medium, completely refreshing your wardrobe with minimal effort.

That’s the reason why the Sampeel 3/4 Length Sleeve Lace Eyelet Blouse keeps landing in carts. With more than 1,300 five-star ratings on Amazon, it’s the kind of high-end-looking piece that doesn’t carry a boutique price tag. Right now it’s marked down by 45% for Prime Day, which makes grabbing a couple of colors feel like a small indulgence rather than a splurge.

Get the Sampeel 3/4 Length Sleeve Lace Eyelet Blouse for $14 (Was $26) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Related: Copy Katie Holmes’ Go-With-Everything Tote Bag for Just $23

Katie Holmes has a knack for making the most practical wardrobe staples feel unexpectedly chic. The secret? Her accessories, which always seem to pull her entire look together, whether she’s using them to spice up baggy jeans, enhance breezy dresses or make separates seem extra polished. That’s exactly why her latest go-with-everything tote bag caught […]

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The eyelet-lace floral design is what sets it apart from your standard summer top, and the 3/4-sleeve length hits a flattering spot on the arm. It’s made from a cotton blend that breathes well in warm weather, and its crew neck pairs well under blazers or on its own with jeans. Sizes run from S to XXL, and the color range is generous: crisp white, soft light blue, magenta pink and several more.

The details aren’t the only thing shoppers love. One reviewer praised the flattering fit, adding that “the fabric feels luxurious and high-quality.” Another shopper called it a versatile closet staple, writing, “It can be worn everywhere. Daytime to work, evening out to dinner,” and even admitted they were “thinking of buying in more colors.”

That kind of versatility is rare at this price point. Pair it with white denim and sandals for brunch, tuck it into a pencil skirt for the office or layer it under a cardigan once the weather turns. The eyelet detail does the styling work for you, so you don’t have to pile on accessories to feel pulled together.

A final reviewer summed up the appeal best: “This is so cute and so comfortable.” According to the shopper, they’ve worn it twice already and “got a lot of compliments” each time.

At just $15 during Prime Day, it’s hard to argue with picking up two. Whether you’re tired of basic tees or simply looking for an easy way to make everyday outfits feel a little prettier, this bestselling blouse delivers the boutique look without the boutique price tag.

Get the Sampeel 3/4 Length Sleeve Lace Eyelet Blouse for $14 (Was $26) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more from Sampeel here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

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Related: Katie Holmes’ Comfy ‘Dad Sandals’ Are Trending — Her Look Is on Amazon

Katie Holmes has a knack for turning practical pieces into must-have fashion moments. One of her most memorable warm-weather looks featured chunky ‘dad sandals’ paired with a flowy white skirt, soft V-neck sweater and black shoulder bag. The outfit struck the perfect balance of comfort and style, proving that sensible footwear can still look incredibly […]

Roomies, A$AP Rocky has the internet talking again after a recent tour stop sparked a wave of reactions online—and this time, he used the moment to directly respond to the ongoing chatter surrounding him. The Harlem rapper paused during his ‘Don’t Be Dumb’ tour performance to address several rumors and narratives that have followed him throughout his rollout, making it clear he was ready to set the record straight.

RELATED: Fans Are Mentioning Rihanna After A$AP Rocky Drops SPICY Comment About Pretty Women At Recent Concert (WATCH)

A$AP Rocky Ain’t Letting ANYTHING Slide

During the show, Rocky called out critics over a string of viral topics that have circulated online in recent weeks. He pushed back on claims about his wardrobe, ticket sales, and personal life, telling the crowd he feels frustrated with the constant speculation surrounding him. “Fuck the internet,” Rocky told the audience. “First they was saying n***a was wearing thongs, then they was saying n***as show wasn’t selling out, nobody wasn’t coming, then they saying I’m disrespectful to my wife. Suck my d**k, n***a.“

A$AP Rocky goes off on the internet 👀

“F*ck the internet. First they was saying I was wearing thongs, then they was saying the show wasn’t selling out, nobody wasn’t coming, then they saying I’m disrespectful to my wife… suck my d*ck.” pic.twitter.com/ZZFK8TGL0F

— Kurrco (@Kurrco) June 27, 2026

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Wait… Who Brought Up A Thong?

Now, A$AP Rocky had the internet in a frenzy after a viral clip from his tour sparked wild speculation about what fans thought they saw on stage. The conversation quickly spiraled online, but Rocky and his creative agency AWGE wasted no time flipping the narrative right back on everyone.

After the footage began circulating, showing what some users believed was a fashion choice involving thong underwear, AWGE stepped in with a sharp response and turned the moment into a marketing play instead. The label teased its own branded line of thongs while shutting down the rumors, writing, “Don’t be dumb you played yaself,” and adding that what people saw was simply a mic pack. In true Rocky fashion, he and his team flip the situation back onto the internet, spark debate among fans, and reject claims of confusion.

RELATED: Spicy Date Night! Footage of Rihanna Dippin’ It Low For A$AP Rocky During Night At Magic City Is Turnin’ Heads (WATCH)

The momentum that Apple TV has accumulated with a series of hit shows in the last few months isn’t slowing down, with another sure-fire winner around the corner. Apple’s streak began with the comedy-drama Margo’s Got Money Problems, and continued with the sci-fi series Star City, the humorous crime thriller Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, and the horror comedy Widow’s Bay. Each of these titles is “Certified Fresh” on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, with Widow’s Bay emerging as a bona fide cultural phenomenon. Even Cape Fear, arguably Apple’s biggest bet this summer, received positive reviews despite not hitting the viewership benchmarks it was projected to. This streak will continue when one of the most acclaimed sci-fi shows on Apple returns with a new season this week.

The show in question debuted in 2023 and returned with a second season in 2024. Over that period, Apple has cemented itself as the go-to hub for sci-fi content, thanks to shows such as Severance, Foundation, and more recently, Pluribus. Don’t forget, the streamer’s longest-running series is the sci-fi hit For All Mankind, which will conclude its six-season run next year. The 2023 series, created by Graham Yost, has already been renewed for a fourth and final season, which will be released in 2027. The show stars Rebecca Ferguson in the lead role, with Tim Robbins, Steve Zahn, and Jessica Henwick in supporting roles.

Here’s When Apple’s Hit Sci-Fi Series Returns

We’re talking, of course, about Silo. The show holds an overall 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with both previous seasons being “Certified Fresh” on the aggregator. The show’s third season is set to premiere on July 3. A new episode will be released weekly, with the 10-episode season coming to an end on September 4. The show is based on a series of dystopian novels by Hugh Howey, which take place in a future where humankind lives in underground silos with their own social hierarchies. Ferguson plays an engineer who becomes entangled in the many conspiracies surrounding the survival and subjugation of humanity. Think of it as a combination of Snowpiercer and Apple’s own Severance. You can watch the show on Apple TV, and stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

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Release Date

May 5, 2023

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Network

Apple TV

Showrunner

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Graham Yost

Directors

Morten Tyldum, David Semel, Michael Dinner, Aric Avelino

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Writers

Graham Yost, Hugh Howey, Jeffery Wang, Lekethia Dalcoe

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Jennifer Lopez is officially getting ready for an empty nest as she took to social media to share a series of wholesome photos from the high school graduation of her twins, Max and Emme [also known as Oskar].

Last month, the singer was full of pride when she revealed that her twins got into all five colleges they applied for with scholarships.

Meanwhile, Jennifer Lopez’s ex-husband, Marc Anthony, has been MIA, and she didn’t hesitate to throw shades at him on how she raised them “with very little help.”

Lopez is seemingly reminiscing on how things have been on the home front as she took to her Instagram account to share several photos that include some from her children’s graduation.

Beginning with photos of herself posing on a couch and another close to a bathtub, the post also featured one where she’s seen tightly embracing Max while closing her eyes and resting her hand on his cheeks.

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Another photo sees her child, Oskar, sit in front of a sign that reads, “Class of 2026.”

One other slide captured a close-up photo of Oskar’s graduation cap, which read, “Not my first rodeo,” while another had several graduation-themed cupcakes.

“They say I got lucky… and I don’t disagree… Just this feeling,” Lopez captioned the post.

Fans Congratulate The Singer On The Twins’ Graduation Post After Emme Revealed Their New Identity And Pronouns

In the comment section of Lopez’s new post, fans were full of praise for the singer while congratulating her twins.

A person wrote, “I love you all!! Congratulations to the coconuts! So happy for them. You are a wonderful mother at all times.”

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Another fan noted, “Congratulations to Emme and Max!!! So proud of them & their hard-earned work and future success!!”

The celebrations mark a phase of major transitions for the family, as it comes after a social media post revealed that Lopez’s child, Emme, is now going by the name “Oskar Muñiz.”

The now-deleted post, which announced that the student in question was going to study theater and visual arts at Sarah Lawrence College, tagged Oskar’s Instagram account, which has a profile picture of Lopez’s child.

In the post, Emme was not only referred to as Oskar but was also described using he/him pronouns.

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The Singer Struggled To Stop Her Tears As She Watched Max Graduate

Meanwhile, Max has yet to share his preferred college destination, unlike his twin sibling, who is likely going to Sarah Lawrence College.

Earlier this month, the “Maid In Manhattan” actress attended his graduation and struggled to keep the tears from flowing down her face as she watched him graduate.

Photos obtained by Page Six showed her Lopez emotional as she hugged him tightly in another wholesome shot.

At the event, she was in the company of her parents, Guadalupe Rodríguez and David Lopez, manager Benny Medina, and Oskar.

Jennifer Lopez Has Been Helping Her Children Prepare For College Life

The “Ain’t Your Mama” singer has been beaming with pride on the stellar academic performance of her children so far.

During a May appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” she revealed that she has been a major figure in their transition to college life and has been helping them arrange their stuff.

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“I do all the things,” she told Kimmel. “We have sheets at the house. We’re gonna pack up their rooms here, and they’re going to take all the things that they want to take to their dorms.”

Lopez then shared that she was going to miss them and hoped they wouldn’t stay away for too long.

“Then, they’re gonna get there and realize their dorms are too small,” she stated. “They’re going to miss home, I hope and want to come back real soon. That’s my plan.”

The Singer Revealed Both Her Kids Got Scholarships

The road to graduation wasn’t without its own challenges. The singer recently opened up about how proud she is of both of them for overcoming academic hurdles related to ADHD and getting into all 5 universities they applied to with scholarships.

She made the remark in a chat with Extra, saying she’s so proud of them as they’ve seemingly achieved their set goals.

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“They all got into all five colleges that they applied to. They both got a scholarship, you know, one scholarship to each. Each one got a scholarship to a school. And I just felt like they work so hard,” she said.

“I watched how hard they worked, from the time they were like… when school gets serious in the fifth grade, and they just worked hard,” she continued. “They have ADHD, and so they need to learn differently, and there were struggles and times, and I’m just so proud of them because they did what they said they were going to do, and they’re good people.”

Jennifer Lopez Takes A Jab At Her Ex-Husband, Marc Anthony

Lopez recently took a subtle dig at her ex-husband, Marc Anthony, who has notably been absent from graduation photos of the twins.

During an appearance on the “SmartLess” podcast, she dished on how she has become increasingly “emotional” as they prepare to leave for college.

“It’s crazy. And now I can really look at my life, appreciate it for what it is and what I’ve created for myself and be really happy,” she told hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett.

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She continued, “Both my kids got into all their colleges, and they both got scholarships, and they’re going where they want to go.”

“It’s just … I was like, ‘You did that sh-t all by yourself.’ That’s great. Like, ‘You had very little help,’ you know?” Lopez added.

Can you believe that it’s been 45 years since Raiders of the Lost Ark first graced the silver screen? When George Lucas and Steven Spielberg get together, incredible things happen, and that was certainly the case here with the very first Indiana Jones adventure. Harrison Ford stars as Indy in this pulse-pounding, globe-trotting thrill, and after all this time, it continues to prove itself to be not only the best adventure movie of all time, but perhaps one of the best films ever made.

Raiders is a masterclass in action, character work, suspense, and pulp-inspired storytelling that helped shape pop culture more than we dared believe it could. Spawning several sequels, a television show, video games, and even comic books, Indiana Jones revived the B-picture genre as an A-list form of entertainment. So, what makes Raiders the best adventure movie ever made? Here are some of the reasons we consider the first theatrical Indy outing to be superior to all others.

It’s Harrison Ford At His Best as Indiana Jones

Image via Paramount Pictures

In his career, Harrison Ford has played Indiana Jones in live-action on six separate occasions (yes, including that one episode of The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles), but when you put them all together, he’s still at his best here in Raiders. His cowboy-like swagger commands every moment he’s on the screen, from that initial introduction with the whip to the moment he shows up with a rocket launcher threatening to blow up the Ark of the Covenant. Ford perfectly embodies Indiana Jones in the same way he does Han Solo, with natural charisma.

Additionally, Raiders of the Lost Ark also allows Ford to explore his more sensitive side. Apart from being a badass teacher-turned-adventurer (and he’s certainly that), the film allows it’s leading star to occasionally offer glimpses of the man underneath, yet without removing that masculine exterior. We see this in his despair at Marion’s (Karen Allen) apparent death, as well as his several defeats at the hands of René Belloq (Paul Freeman). No matter his emotional state, Indy is still Indy.

All the Incredible Sets and Locations

Image via Paramount

It’s not uncommon for movies, and especially Hollywood blockbusters, to be filmed on large blue-screen sets these days. While there is a time and place for digital scenery, Raiders is impressive for its attention to detail and masterfully-constructed set pieces that make the whole thing feel larger than life. The snake temple in Tanis, for example, is a brilliant piece of work that is as much a character as those trying desperately to escape the slithering around them (the use of real snakes also perfectly adds to the suspense).

Additionally, the film’s on-location shoots in Tunisia and Hawaii, in particular, perfectly simulates Egypt and Peru is that we instantly believe it. It doesn’t feel like some poor digital recreation that takes us out of the adventure, but rather adds to the mystique and overall production value. While Raiders spent plenty of time in the studio, its use of place elevates the material.

The Perfect Mixture of Science and Religion

Image via Paramount Pictures

It can be quite difficult for modern blockbusters to so effortlessly balance the notions of science and religion in the same way that Raiders of the Lost Ark does. For every Disclosure Day that does the mixture injustice, there is a Project Hail Mary that honors both faith and fact in different ways. But back in 1981, Raiders of the Lost Ark perfected the idea by sending a skeptic archeologist after one of the most enchanting biblical discoveries out there, forcing him to confront the supernatural despite his opposing beliefs.

Raiders of the Lost Ark never shoves religion down one’s throat, but it does highlight this Old Testament object as a source of incredible power desired by the Nazis in their growing schemes to take over the world. Because the Ark is so central to the plot (not unlike the Holy Grail in The Last Crusade), Indy and those in search of the relic are forced to confront it through more secular, scientific methods — at least until they cannot deny its power. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, Raiders feels like it’s made for everyone.

The Practical Effects Still (Mostly) Hold Up

Image via Universal

For years now, audiences have lamented the absence of practical effects in many blockbusters, with many noting the decline in quality of CGI over the years. Wherever you fall in that debate, there’s no doubt that Raiders of the Lost Ark‘s use of practical effects is part of its charm. From the giant boulder that nearly crushes our hero to the sweeping car chases and explosions, everything about the film feels real, tangible, and authentic. Yes, even the infamous face-melting sequence.

Admittedly, not every practical effect used in Raiders holds up to scrutiny. Belloq’s demise, for instance, could have been done better today. That said, there’s a certain charm to terrifying moments like Arnold Toht’s (Ronald Lacey) face melting before our eyes that we cannot deny — the technical aspects alone are so enrapturing as we wonder how Spielberg and company pulled it off.

The Romance Between Indy and Marion

Image via Paramount Pictures

Not all of Indiana Jones’ on-screen romances are particularly engaging, but what made Marion Ravenwood great from the get-go was that she was a woman who could rival Indy’s confidence. When we first meet her in Nepal, she’s drinking her customers under the table, and when Indy arrives looking for her father’s amulet, she is not duped by his pleas, but rather sees right through them. Marion knows Indy better than perhaps anyone, and it’s for this reason that the pair work so well together — and always return to one another.

Raiders of the Lost Ark doesn’t make more of its romantic subplot than it ought, yet Marion remains an important fixture in Indy’s journey that makes it all worth it in the end. The chemistry between Ford and Allen is exceptional, rivaling even the riveting on-screen romance between Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz in The Mummy. Without it, Raiders would be without its heart.

It’s Loaded With Meaningful Action

Image via Paramount Pictures

Another thing that sets Raiders of the Lost Ark apart from its contemporaries is the film’s purposeful use of action. There are no over-the-top overly-choreographed fight sequences just for the sake of it, nor does anything come across as ham-fisted or inauthentic. Every action sequence has a clear purpose, and in the moments where Raiders teeters toward redundancy, the picture reins itself in.

One famous behind-the-scenes tidbit from the set of Raiders is that Ford suggested that the initial three-page whip-versus-gun battle between Indy and the Arab swordsman be cut short. Rather than repeat the same “Indy’s whip saves the day” beat as previously expressed earlier in the film, our hero takes the villain down with a single shot — and it works masterfully in the picture. Just another example of how self-restraint can do wonders in moviemaking.

John Williams’ Triumphant and Immersive Score

Image via Paramount Pictures

Although John Williams had already blown audiences away with his scores for Star Wars and Superman, the composer defied the odds by doing so once again with Raiders of the Lost Ark. The famous “Raiders March” is a well-known piece of musical genius that sets a clear tone for the picture, establishing Indy as our leading hero, highlighting each romantic beat, and keeping us on the edge of our seats. It doesn’t just do everything that a good score should do, it excels with each new track.

Part of the reason that the Indiana Jones saga is so thoroughly rewatchable is because of Williams’ score. The rousing tune encourages the viewer to participate in the excitement and every time that familiar trumpet blast is heard, one is instantly transported to 1936 — or, at least 1981.

Visually Speaking, ‘Raiders’ Is Stunning

Image via Paramount Pictures

These days, even big-budget blockbusters feel like they’re shot like commercials and advertisements, but back when Raiders was first released, every shot was constructed like a painting. Part of this was the limited 35mm film stock that forced the filmmakers to be more selective with their time and resources, and part of it was the creative eye of cinematographer Douglas Slocombe, who shot the original trilogy.

In short, Raiders of the Lost Ark still looks great. The shot compositions, character blocking, and expert lighting techniques all combine to craft something that few can emulate today. It’s not just popcorn entertainment (though it is certainly that), it’s truly a work of cinematic art. No wonder it’s considered a crown jewel on the “Mount Rushmore” of Spielberg movies.

The Tight Script Hits All the Right Beats

Image via Lucasfilm

A great film starts long before the cameras ever roll, and Raiders of the Lost Ark was destined for greatness the moment Lucas and Spielberg cracked the Indiana Jones character. Soon after, Lucas and Philip Kaufman went to work on the story, with Lawrence Kasdan penning the screenplay. Frankly, it’s one of the more perfect screenplays out there, especially when it comes to the adventure genre.

Raiders hits every story beat exactly when required, expertly balancing character work with plot in a 115-minute adventure that gives its heroes room to breath while never letting up on the stakes. There’s no excess fat here, as Raiders is well-trimmed and thoroughly brought to temperature. Not once are we bored, and that’s part of the magic.

‘Raiders’ Is George Lucas and Steven Spielberg At Their Best

Although both Steven Spielberg and George Lucas had their own respective careers and creative visions apart from one another, the two will always be tied together by Indiana Jones. Raiders of the Lost Ark is truly the pair at their collaborative and creative best, as Spielberg’s clear cinematic vision is on full display while Lucas’ role as a creative force magnifies the hero and his journey. Without one or the other, Raiders would not be what it is today.

No matter if you adore Star Wars or think Jaws is the best movie ever, when it comes to the adventure genre, Lucas and Spielberg knew how to evoke all the stories they grew up with and repurpose them into an action-packed thrill worthy of its title. As one of the most recognizable heroes in film history, Indiana Jones was only ever possible because of these two filmmakers. It’s just a shame they weren’t creatively involved in Ford’s final installment as the character.

Queer Eye alum Jonathan Van Ness revealed that they recently had to rehome their pet dog George.

“This has been such a devastating event and I’m sharing to say for every animal family, its not easy, but Im so glad we can show up for these creatures & each other,” Van Ness, 39, announced via Instagram on Friday, June 27.

The celebrity hairstylist explained that there was an incident in their home recently where the pit bull mix physically lashed out at their cat Liza, breaking her jaw in the process.

“This is not a fun pet and family update. That is our cat Liza,” he explained. “Three weeks ago, I think it was June 2nd, our beloved dog George had a situation with Liza where they were trying to cross each other on the stairs. Liza was pissed and she gave him a little swat but George freaked out and went for her.”

Related: Biggest Celebrity Dog Controversies: Rehoming Backlash and More 

Many stars have come under fire for their pet ownership, including Rachel “Raquel” Leviss and Pete Davidson. The Vanderpump Rules star and then-fiancé James Kennedy adopted their pooch, Graham Cracker, amid their early courtship. After they split in December 2021, Leviss retained custody of the dog, but many costars called out his poor behavior. “Rachel would bring […]

Van Ness said that the ordeal was totally shocking for them and husband Mark Peacock because their animals usually get along well. (Prior to this incident, the couple owned eight pets: five cats and three dogs.)

“[George] wasn’t like biting her, but roughhousing [and] going for her and ended up breaking her jaw,” the Queer Eye star said. “I got George off of her, I couldn’t tell what the immediate damage was until I got to Liza and saw what I knew was a broken jaw.”

In the midst of the chaos, Van Ness “started screaming, crying [and] howling” for Peacock to help them get Liza to safety. The couple eventually rushed the cat to a local vet to perform emergency surgery.

“I knew instantly that if she made it, we weren’t gonna be able to keep George and thank God for the people at the animal hospital, they performed a literal miracle on her,” he recalled. “I didn’t think she was gonna make it, and I thought I was gonna cancel my shows.”

Once Liza was out of the woods, Van Ness and Peacock chose to have George immediately removed from their home.

“[George has] been with us for four years, all the animals got along so well for the most part and this just came completely out of the blue. It’s been so gut-wrenching,” they said.

Van Ness confirmed that they quickly found George a new foster home where he could receive individual care without other pets around.

“Our theory on George is that he is not a three dogs, five cats sort of dog and he just needs to be the only dog in the house,” they suggested.

Their announcement drew an array of responses, with some questioning whether Van Ness and Peacock had done what was best for George.

“Why not rehome the cat who was the agitator? If the dog doesn’t have a pattern of aggression?” one person asked, with another chiming in, “If not biting attacking and had been absolutely fine for 4 years… I don’t understand the sudden rehoming/only a one dog home.”

“Pets just like humans have disagreements,” the commenter went on. “There are children that rough play accidentally break their siblings arm or whatever… sports accidents… everyone has to do what’s best for them. But that seems like a sudden conclusion to jump to.”

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However, many sympathized with Van Ness and Peacock’s decision to prioritize the safety of their cat after such a severe injury.

“As a vet tech, I think you made the best decision for everyone involved,” one person noted. “While I understand the people on the dog’s side, it was a choice that needed to be made and it would be cruel to punish the cat, when they are the one suffering for the dog’s actions.”

Another Instagram user added, “This is so heartbreaking and of course such a tough situation to be in. Ignore the people saying you shouldn’t have rehomed the dog, some dog people are genuinely crazy. Liza almost died and that’s such a serious angry thing. It sounds like you’ve done the most rational, if not difficult thing. A lot of people wouldn’t do that.”

Biblical epics have a history of big box office hauls, and one of the most famous arrived over two decades ago, when The Passion of the Christ earned over $612 million worldwide and became the highest-grossing Christian movie of all time. This is despite huge controversy which overshadowed the release of the film, including some claims that it promoted anti-Semitic tropes. Co-produced and directed by Hollywood veteran Mel Gibson, the film has since become one of the most famous of its kind, with it now confirmed that a sequel, 23 years later, is coming to the big screen next year.

Titled The Resurrection of the Christ, the film is set to be split into two parts, released almost two months apart. The anticipation for The Resurrection of the Christ — for better or for worse — continues to build, and one of Gibson’s most underrated performances is about to become available to stream for free. A neo-noir thriller released in 2019 by Brawl in Cell Block 99 director S. Craig Zahler, Dragged Across Concrete features a Gibson performance that earned plenty of critical praise, and even earned a Best Actor nomination at the Saturn Awards following its premiere at the 75th Venice International Film Festival.

The film follows Detective Brett Ridgeman (Gibson) and Detective Anthony Lurasetti (Vince Vaughn) as they descend into the criminal underworld after they are suspended for assaulting a suspect on video. The film had a limited theatrical release, earning less than $1 million in a brief box office run, but earned much more success on VOD, where it made more than $1.5 million. If this action gem seems enticing, you’re in luck, as Dragged Across Concrete will be available to stream for free on Plex this July.

‘The Resurrection of the Christ’ Release Date Has Been Moved

Image via Lionsgate

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It would be impossible for a Passion of the Christ follow-up not to face issues before its debut, but few expected it to have its release date changed already. It was announced in late May that Day Drinker, an action thriller lined up to try and revitalize Johnny Depp‘s career following the legal battle with his ex, Amber Heard, has taken over the release date of The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One (March 26, 2027). Gibson’s biblical epic has now been postponed to May 6, 2027.

Dragged Across Concrete is streaming on Plex this July. Make sure to stay tuned to Collider for the latest streaming stories.

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Release Date

March 22, 2019

Runtime

159 minutes

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Director

S. Craig Zahler

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