Even with the year still getting prominent releases week after week, 2026 has already been an exceptional year when it comes to filmmaking of all genres and styles. From massive high-budget blockbusters like Project Hail Mary to exceptional low-budget hits like Obsession, the year has continuously found ways to deliver outstanding cinematic experiences one after another. However, the year isn’t only defined by its most popular of successes, as there are also a number of amazing hidden gems released during the year.

Working outside of the traditional blockbuster or streaming avenues of marketing and release, many of these great films largely rely on word of mouth from critics and audiences in order to gain notoriety and success. While these films may be in a state of complete obscurity for general audiences nowadays, one can hope that after months of success and praise, more people can place these films on their own personal best-of-2026 lists where they truly belong.

9

‘Saccharine’

Image via Sundance

Abstract psychological horror has been a prominent trend in recent years, not just in the biggest horror blockbusters but also in the array of horror hidden gems of the 2020s. Taking it a step further with themes of body dysmorphia and the mental toxicity inherent to diet culture and eating disorders is Saccharine, which acts as the psychological horror response to rising interest in quick weight loss drugs. The dynamic body horror story brings together its elements with enough fun camerawork and paranormal concepts to make for an exceptionally impactful time.

The film follows a medical student who, on her quest to lose weight, ends up succumbing to an obscure weight-loss craze involving eating literal human ashes. While it seems to have great success at first, she begins to be in over her head when the ghost of the person she’s eating begins haunting her, forcing her to eat more and more food and eating away at her body.

8

‘Jinsei’

Jinsei is a passionate and deeply personal feat of animation from its opening scene to the very end, telling a man’s 100-year life story as his life evolves and changes between struggles, friendships, betrayals, and worldwide fame. Almost entirely brought to life by director, writer, and sole animator Ryuya Suzuki, Jinsei is a glorious example of perseverance and dedication within the craft of animation. With so many different eras and styles that it tackles, the lofty film experience is at the very least worthy of respect for its craft.

While the hand-drawn style of animation may seem strange at first, its overwhelming sense of character and charm quickly wins over the audience. As the story changes and evolves throughout different styles and genres, it reaches a point of enlightened reflection upon the intricacies of life in its many changes. The film is everything one would want out of a wild, unrestrained passion project, being a massively ambitious artistic vision that consistently delivers.

7

‘Power Ballad’

Image via Lionsgate

Few filmmakers understand the emotionally charged power that music can hold in the cinematic medium quite like John Carney, whose career, including the likes of Sing Street and Begin Again, has made amazing emotional strides thanks to the deeply personal power of music. Power Ballad is simply his latest exceptional music-based comedy that makes use of his magical understanding of music. With charming comedy and compelling characters, Power Ballad is the year’s best cinematic music experience so far.

The outstanding musical sees the unlikely meeting of Rick (Paul Rudd), a past-his-prime wedding singer, and Danny (Nick Jonas), a fading boy-band star looking to kickstart his solo career. The duo ends up having a great night of playing music and writing songs together, yet things go awry weeks later when Danny ends up stealing one of Rick’s songs and turning it into the biggest song in the world.

6

‘Mile End Kicks’

A quirky, feel-good rom-com full of personality and charm as it brings to life a distinct era and culture not too long ago, Mile End Kicks is one of many great Canadian films released in 2026. The film sees Euphoria star Barbie Ferreira as a young music critic moving to Montreal as inspiration so that she can write a book on Alanis Morissette‘s Jagged Little Pill. However, her plans quickly get complicated when she ends up being romantically involved with two members of an indie band that she begins covering, becoming their publicist in the process.

There’s a genuine earnestness to the characters and their chemistry that makes Mile End Kicks an exceptionally fluid and uncompromising rom-com experience. It cuts to the heart of the dumb decisions of young 20-somethings looking to throw caution to the wind, follow their dreams, and make as many friends as they make mistakes. Ferreria absolutely brings it for a killer lead performance, but the two male leads, Devon Bostick and Stanley Simons, also do a great job.

5

‘Rose of Nevada’

Image via TIFF

It’s easy for a time travel movie to largely focus on the hard science and intricacies of its concept, although Rose of Nevada is much more interested in how this concept can be utilized for themes of collective trauma and the living beating heart of a community. The film sees a mysterious boat returning to a fishing village 30 years after initially vanishing. When two young men (George MacKay and Callum Turner) join the crew looking for money, they end up being transported back in time and mistaken for the original crew.

With an intricate premise at its center, it would certainly be easy for Rose of Nevada to take a more traditional approach in terms of logic akin to other sci-fi films. However, the brilliance of Rose of Nevada instead comes from its psychological examination of these characters now thrust into this situation, how they adapt to taking over the roles and lives of people of the past, and losing touch with their original time. It’s a soft sci-fi masterpiece that will assuredly grow into a classic once more people witness its greatness.

4

‘Faces of Death’

Image via IFC

Releasing 36 years after the previous entry of the cult classic horror franchise, as well as being the only film that isn’t a documentary, 2026’s Faces of Death instead builds off of the exploitative nature of the original films to comment on desensitization in the social media era. Especially considering that the original film was little more than a shocking display of real-life death and gore that was banned in many countries, this takes a much more insightful and layered approach to the concept with both a fun execution and an important message at its core.

The film follows a website content moderator tasked with removing overly violent and sexual videos from a social media platform, as she soon comes across a series of videos recreating the death scenes from the classic Faces of Death films. While initially debating with herself whether these recreations are real or not, she soon goes down a rabbit hole once they go viral, looking to take down the serial killer responsible. It’s a perfect mix of intelligent storytelling and gnarly and gory kills that makes it one of the year’s best slashers as well as feeling tailor-made for the social media era.

3

‘Buffet Infinity’

Analog horror has been bigger than ever in recent years, from prominent original feature films like Skinamarink to one of the biggest analog horror series, Backrooms, becoming a massive blockbuster success. However, Buffet Infinity is arguably one of the most unique approaches to analog horror to date, adding in a heaping dose of comedy and working exceptionally well in the feature-length format. The film acts as a collection of cheap, locally produced TV commercials, telling a story of a mysterious new buffet business growing more successful, taking over competition, and with a sinister conspiracy unfolding all the while.

Buffet Infinity’s greatest strength is from its fundamental understanding of the inherent absurdity and silliness of analog horror, utilizing the abstract nature of the horror subgenre for comedy and lighthearted fun. However, its lighter moments don’t take away from when the film decides to go all in on horror and thrills, as it starts off subtly before growing to all-encompassing dread and destruction. It’s a wild swing for the fences in all the best ways and is easily one of 2026’s most creatively distinct experiences yet.

2

‘The Furious’

Image via Lionsgate Entertainment

A high-energy Hong Kong action film that doesn’t hold back in terms of the ruthlessness and catharsis of its action sequences, The Furious is easily the year’s best action movie and one of the most stylishly entertaining action experiences in years. The film sees Xie Miao as a mute man fighting to save his daughter after she has been kidnapped by a local trafficking ring, taking down anyone and everyone who stands in his way. He soon ends up teaming with a journalist (Joe Taslim) who is on his own quest of revenge, as his wife went missing while investigating this trafficking ring.

It harkens back to films like The Raid in terms of its over-the-top brutality and satisfaction in its action, with the film oftentimes going to absolute extremes and constantly leaving the audience in awe of its craft. When so many of the year’s other prominent action films are quick to rely on large CGI setpieces and pre-existing properties, The Furious is a great reminder that satisfying, top-of-the-line action is all it takes to create a masterpiece action thriller.

1

‘Blue Heron’

Sophy Romvari‘s powerful story of perseverance and grief’s continuous conversations with memory is one whose mastery speaks for itself while watching the film. Blue Heron is the type of masterpiece that easily could have become a major award-winning icon if released during the fall months, but seems doomed to be little more than a cult classic loved to death by die-hard film fans, never scratching past the surface of popularity. However, the sense of deep personal connection in every frame of the film simply wouldn’t be possible without this smaller scale and underground energy that the film exudes.

The film follows the memories of Sasha, the young daughter of a Hungarian immigrant family who relocate to Vancouver Island and deal with the increasingly dangerous behavioural issues of their oldest son, Jeremy (Edik Beddoes). It’s one thing to simply tell a story of a painful family experience, but the brilliance of Blue Heron is how it plays with the rose-tinted nature of memory, and how we often blind ourselves to the truth of painful situations to make for more uplifting memories. Similarly to one of 2020s other dramatic masterpieces about memory, Aftersun, Blue Heron only gets better and better upon rewatch and is an emotional tour de force from beginning to end.

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Blue Heron

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Release Date

March 21, 2026

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Runtime

91 minutes

Director

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Sophy Romvari

Writers

Sophy Romvari

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If you’ve ever dealt with that uncomfortable, overly full feeling after a meal, you’ve probably searched for a solution. You’re definitely not alone, and that’s why Physician’s Choice Digestive Enzymes have become such a hot topic lately. The doctor-developed supplement has even inspired a viral TikTok trend that lets shoppers watch the enzymes in action in real time before they ever take a capsule.

The so-called “Viral Pudding Challenge” involves opening a Digestive Enzyme capsule over pudding and watching its contents get to work breaking it down, a simple visual demonstration of enzyme activity. While the challenge isn’t meant to replicate human digestion, it offers an easy way to understand how the product’s blend of 16 digestive enzymes is designed to help break down proteins, carbohydrates, fats, dairy and more when taken before or during meals.

Get the Physician’s Choice Digestive Enzymes for $20 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Beyond the viral videos, Physician’s Choice Digestive Enzymes were developed with doctors and formulated to support comfortable digestion after meals. Along with 16 digestive enzymes, the formula also includes probiotics and prebiotics to help support digestive enzyme health, making it a convenient addition to everyday wellness routines, especially before heavier meals or foods that don’t always agree with you.

It’s easy to see why the digestive supplement has become both an Amazon bestseller and a TikTok favorite. Just take one capsule 30 minutes before your meal and let the formula do the rest of the work. Each bottle comes with a one-month supply, and it’s safe to take any time you need it.

Shoppers say it doesn’t take much time at all to feel the difference after taking the enzymes. “It has helped me improve digestion and feel less heaviness after meals,” wrote one five-star reviewer. “The capsules are easy to take and the results were noticeable in a short time.”

“I haven’t experienced any negative side effects, and the product seems to be gentle on my stomach,” said another. “Overall, it’s been a great addition to my wellness routine.”

Whether you’re curious about the viral pudding challenge or you’re just looking for a little extra digestive support after meals, Physician’s Choice Digestive Enzymes might become your favorite new daily staple. At just $20 on Amazon, it’s an easy and affordable wellness upgrade that has already earned thousands of devoted shoppers.

Get the Physician’s Choice Digestive Enzymes for $20 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Former child actor Blake Garrett’s official cause of death has been revealed.

According to documents from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Tulsa, Oklahoma exclusively obtained by Us Weekly on Monday, July 13, Garrett’s probable cause of death is listed as acute fentanyl toxicity. His death was ruled an accident.

The summary report also stated that Garrett was residing in a sober living house in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the time of his death.

Garrett’s mother, Carol, confirmed to TMZ in February that the How to Eat Fried Worms actor had died. He was 33. Carol told the outlet that Garrett visited an emergency room in Tulsa one week before his untimely death. Garrett experienced “intense pain” before he was later diagnosed with shingles, per the outlet.

Related: ‘How to Eat Fried Worms’ Child Actor Blake Garrett Dead at 33

How to Eat Fried Worms actor Blake Garrett has died. He was 33. The former child star died on Sunday, February 8, Blake’s mother, Carol Garrett, told TMZ on Monday, February 9. According to the outlet, Blake’s family is waiting for autopsy results from a medical examiner in Oklahoma to determine his cause of death. […]

According to Carol, Garrett moved to Tulsa to focus on his sobriety, adding that she believed her son had “truly turned things around.”

Garrett started acting professionally as a child, appearing in local productions of Aladdin and His Magical Lamp and Peanuts: A Charlie Brown Tribute. He later joined the touring cast for Barney’s Colorful World International Tour. Garrett later made his on-screen debut at age 11 in 2004’s Barney’s Colorful World, Live!, a straight to VHS production.

Two years later, Garrett appeared in his first and only feature film, How to Eat Fried Worms, as Plug, a friend of classroom bully Joe, portrayed by Adam Hicks. The children’s movie also starred Luke Benward, Hallie Kate Eisenberg, Kimberly Williams-Paisley and Tom Cavanagh.

“I play the bully’s henchman,” Garrett said of his on-set experience during an August 2006 interview with The Oklahoman. “But everybody got along on the set.”

Garrett also recalled a fun on set moment where he and the cast got to ride bicycles for a scene.

“There was one scene where we were riding on a gravel road and got to slide to a stop. The guys who could ride worked on that scene. They had a camera on the ground, and in one scene I slid and gravel hit the camera,” he said. “They really liked that shot, and that’s the one they used in the movie.”

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Garrett’s performance in How to Eat Fried Worms earned him a 2007 Young Artist Award. The entire cast also won Best Young Ensemble in a Feature Film that same year.

After working on the film, Garrett returned to Edmond, Oklahoma, to complete his schooling at Summit Middle School. Garrett opted to live the rest of his life out of the spotlight.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Madonna is celebrating milestones in her decades-long career as “Confessions II” continues to make waves on the Billboard charts. The music icon took to social media to thank her fans for their unwavering support, sharing a heartfelt message of gratitude as the new record reached new achievements. Her latest release marks yet another successful chapter for the singer, whose influence continues to span generations.

Madonna’s latest album, “Confessions II,” the sequel to 2005’s “Confessions on a Dance Floor,” was released on July 3. The highly anticipated record was met with widespread critical acclaim, with critics praising how it blended infectious dance music with heartfelt, introspective themes.

On July 13, the 67-year-old singer took to social media to express her gratitude to the people who worked on the project with her and, most importantly, to her fans, for their unwavering support.

“Words cannot express how Grateful and Surprised I am By the incredible reception… Thank You – to everyone who has been a part of this and who has helped make this dream come true. Especially my Fans,” the singer wrote, adding that she was still “pinching” herself.

“Confessions II” is Madonna’s 15th studio album.

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The Queen Of Pop Makes Billboard History

“Confessions II” debuted at the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart, marking Madonna’s first No. 1 album in the 2020s. While that in itself was impressive, the achievement also made the singer the only music artist to have No. 1 albums in four different decades: 1980s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s.

Her latest release launched with 134,000 equivalent album units in the first week alone, with a significant share attributed to physical copies, including a vinyl record that sold 59,000 units. The metric is computed using a modern industry formula that includes streaming, digital downloads, and physical copies, per Billboard.

Madonna Joins Elite Group Of People With Another Recognition

“Confessions II” also marks Madonna’s 10th No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart. Her first record to achieve the top spot was her sophomore album, “Like a Virgin,” released in 1985. Moreover, she has 12 No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, which tracks an individual song’s popularity.

Madonna is the latest to join the elite club of artists who have achieved at least 10 No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 and at least 10 No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, which includes only three others: The Beatles, Taylor Swift, and Drake.

The Singer Has The Most No. 1 Songs On The Billboard Dance Club Songs Chart

In 2020, Madonna’s song “I Don’t Search I Find,” from the album “Madame X,” climbed from No. 2 to the top spot of Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart, marking her 50th song to reach No. 1 on the chart. She tops other artists including Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Janet Jackson.

With the achievement, she became the only artist to have at least one No. 1 song on the Dance Club Songs chart in five different decades. Furthermore, Madonna was the first artist to have 50 top songs on any Billboard chart.

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With the release of another dance album, Madonna could soon add to her record-setting tally of chart-topping dance club songs.

Madonna’s Failed Biopic Led To Her Latest Album

There was a seven-year gap between “Confessions II” and Madonna’s last album, “Madame X.” The singer said she had been working on a biopic for a few years, but in the end, her deal with Universal Studios fell through. Netflix then reached out to work with her on a series, but it didn’t move forward either.

“Good thing I have another job because I need to work, I need to create, I need to do what I was put on this earth to do,” Madonna told Interview Magazine. That was when she decided to create a dance album, specifically, a sequel to “Confessions on a Dance Floor.”

Madonna said she wrote some songs about “family trauma,” adding that her daughter, Lola, also approached her to write a song together, which the singer said helped heal their relationship. That also reinforced the idea of releasing a new album. “I thought the world is in a very dark place and people need to dance,” Madonna said.

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A major Marvel rumor is making waves online, with reports claiming that Adam Driver is being lined up to play Magneto in Marvel Studios’ highly anticipated X-Men reboot.

The casting rumor quickly gained traction after surfacing through industry scoopers before spreading across social media, Reddit, and several entertainment news outlets. While Marvel Studios has yet to confirm the report, Driver’s name has rapidly become one of the most talked about possibilities for the iconic mutant leader.

If the rumor proves true, Driver would become the third major actor to portray Erik Lehnsherr on the big screen, following legendary performances by Sir Ian McKellen and Michael Fassbender. The role is widely considered one of Marvel’s most complex characters, requiring an actor capable of balancing both villainy and sympathy, something many fans believe Driver has consistently demonstrated throughout his career.

Adding even more excitement to the speculation is the timing. Marvel Studios is expected to return to Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con later this month, and many insiders believe the presentation could serve as the stage for the studio’s first official X-Men casting announcements. While rumors continue to point toward Hall H as the place where Marvel could unveil its new mutant lineup, the studio has not confirmed that any X-Men casting announcements are planned, making the speculation just that for now.

Recent reports have suggested Marvel is assembling a fresh roster of mutants following the events of Avengers: Secret Wars, with younger actors reportedly being sought for characters like Cyclops, Jean Grey, Storm, and Nightcrawler. Veteran actors are still believed to be in the mix for legacy characters such as Magneto and Professor X, making Driver’s rumored involvement a believable fit if Marvel chooses to go that route.

Magneto, Marvel

Driver is no stranger to blockbuster franchises, having portrayed Kylo Ren throughout Disney’s Star Wars sequel trilogy while also earning Academy Award nominations for Marriage Story and BlacKkKlansman. His ability to portray emotionally layered characters has made him a longtime fan favorite for several Marvel roles.

For now, however, fans should approach the rumor with caution. Marvel Studios has remained silent regarding its X-Mencast, and numerous names have been linked to the reboot over the past year without becoming official.

With San Diego Comic-Con just around the corner, fans may not have to wait much longer to learn who will lead the next generation of Marvel’s mutants. Whether Adam Driver ultimately dons Magneto’s iconic helmet remains to be seen, but if the Hall H rumors prove accurate, the official reveal could be just days away.

With just two seasons under its belt, ABC’s High Potential is already one of the network’s standout procedurals, alongside 9-1-1, The Rookie, and Will Trent. The series follows Morgan Gillory (Kaitlin Olson), a former night cleaner for the LAPD who now works as a Major Crimes consultant due to her High Potential Intellect condition. Season 2 of High Potential leaned further into the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Morgan’s ex, Roman Sinquerra, as she and the rest of her team started to get more clues about why he had to go into hiding.

Season 3 of High Potential already promises some shakeups after the departure of showrunner Todd Harthan. It was already announced that the series will now have two new showrunners for Season 3: Nora and Lilla Zuckerman. Now, another change has been confirmed ahead of Season 3. After previously premiering each of its seasons as part of ABC’s Fall lineup, High Potential will now start airing its third season in early 2027 alongside the rest of ABC’s Spring lineup.

What Does a Mid-Season Premiere Mean for ‘High Potential’ Season 3?

The only downsides of a mid-season premiere are that fans will have to wait a few months longer for High Potential to return, and that the season will be a few episodes shorter than last season. Aside from that, High Potential fans have no reason to worry about this change. The Rookie has been a part of ABC’s mid-season lineup for three seasons now, and Will Trent has for the entirety of its run. Both of these shows are still going strong, and it’s likely that High Potential will follow suit when it returns. The show’s super-sized second season meant more weekly cases, as well as more individual storylines for the rest of the ensemble cast, but the show’s first season already proved that it also knows how to deliver a complete season with fewer episodes.

ABC’s Fall 2026 lineup will have newcomer RJ Decker returning to air its second season during High Potential‘s former post-Dancing with the Stars slot on Tuesday nights. Otherwise, the network will have the same Thursday night procedural lineup as last season: 9-1-1, then 9-1-1: Nashville, followed by Grey’s Anatomy. It is pretty standard for ABC’s Monday and Tuesday night procedurals to air mid-season due to Monday Night Football and Dancing with the Stars, and after High Potential‘s extremely successful second season, it will very likely continue to thrive when it returns mid-season.

‘High Potential’ Season 3 Already Promises a Suspenseful Return

Season 2 of High Potential left off with multiple cliffhangers for fans to wonder about until it returns in the spring. The explosive season finale gave Morgan reason to doubt whether Roman was who she thought she was, when notorious fixer Willa Quinn (Jennifer Jason Leigh) shared private files with her that suggested that Roman worked with and then possibly even killed a dirty FBI agent back then. Karadec (Daniel Sunjata) is also reeling from a major reveal, as he just found out that his ex-fiancée and now girlfriend, Lucia (Susan Kelechi Watson), has a criminal history that she’s been hiding from him. Lucia was just arrested for her complicity in a recent murder (among other crimes), and now, Morgan and Karadec are leaning on each other more than ever. Most shocking of all, the season ended with Captain Wagner (Steve Howey) getting stabbed in what looks to have been a setup by his father (Clancy Brown).

Just based on plot alone, Season 3 of High Potential already has the makings to mark a major shift for the hit procedural, because Season 2 heightened the stakes more than ever before. Especially if Wagner does die from his stab wounds, High Potential‘s tone is likely to feel much heavier in Season 3. With new showrunners and a new mid-season release schedule as well, High Potential will have gone through some significant changes by the time Season 3 premieres, and it will be exciting to see how the show shakes things up when it returns. With so many major Season 2 storylines still being tackled and the Roman mystery getting closer to being solved, Season 3 will be sure to pack a major punch, even with fewer episodes than last season.

High Potential is available to stream on Hulu.

Nina Dobrev just made a strong case for giving your favorite jeans the rest of the summer off. When temperatures climb, a crisp white dress feels just as easy to throw on while looking infinitely more polished. It’s the kind of effortless outfit formula that works for everything from brunch to date night.

While out in New York City on June 30, the actress made her way to Live with Kelly and Mark wearing a fitted white ribbed minidress, white peep-toe heels and oversized sunglasses. The simple look proved that sometimes the chicest summer outfits are also the easiest to recreate. Even better, we found a nearly identical version for just $26.

Get the Nufiwi Rib Knitted Mini Dress for just $26 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, July 13, 2026, but are subject to change.

The Nufiwi Rib Knitted Mini Dress captures the same sleek, minimalist vibe as Dobrev’s look without the designer price tag. The sleeveless crew neckline, bodycon silhouette and ribbed knit fabric mirror the details that made her outfit feel elevated, while the thicker material gives the dress some structure. The same pick comes in sizes small through large and pairs easily with almost any type of footwear.

Related: Love Sienna Miller’s Wimbledon Style? Copy Her Chic Neutral Set

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Sienna Miller may not have been on the court, but she still served one of the best looks at Wimbledon. Her effortlessly elegant neutral matching set style felt perfectly at home among the tournament’s famously chic crowd, proving once again that understated style always wins. The actress was spotted attending the 2026 Wimbledon Tennis Championships […]

Beyond looking chic, this dress is the kind of versatile staple you’ll wear on repeat all season. Pair it with flat sandals for daytime errands, layer on gold jewelry for dinner or throw a blazer over your shoulders when evenings cool down. The classic white color makes it easy to dress up or down.

Shoppers say the piece is just as practical as it is stylish. One reviewer called it the “perfect in between” dress for transitioning from summer to fall, while another buyer described it as a “super cute summer dress,” adding that the thicker knit fabric stays comfortable even on warm days.

If you’re looking for an alternative to denim during the hottest weeks of summer, the Nufiwi dress checks every box. It delivers the same clean, polished look Dobrev rocked in NYC for a wallet-friendly $26, making it an easy addition to any warm-weather wardrobe.

Love Dobrev’s white summer dress but prefer a different silhouette? Shop more Amazon favorites below!

Shop more ribbed white dresses that we love:

Not your style? Explore more white dresses here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping

Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

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Related: Isla Fisher’s Waist-Defining White Dress Was a Wimbledon Win

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Isla Fisher may have attended Wimbledon to watch some tennis, but the actress’ outfit ended up competing for the center of attention. The Confessions of a Shopaholic star stepped out in a waist-defining white midi dress that struck the perfect balance between timeless elegance and fresh summer style. One look, and we immediately started searching […]

The summer of 2026 was a difficult time for big-budget IP movies. From the disappointment of The Mandalorian and Grogu to the outright failure of Supergirl and Masters of the Universe, would-be blockbusters are dropping like flies during the months that meant big business once upon a time. On the contrary, bold original ideas like Backrooms and Obsession and nostalgic, non-IP plays like The Devil Wears Prada 2 have made huge waves with both critics and audiences, proving that we might just be experiencing a new dawn for the movie-making business.

If audiences aren’t showing up to the movie theater, it sends a loud and clear message. Many fans feel like they’ve been deceived by big, IP-driven movies (and subsequent TV shows), and they just aren’t interested in more of the same. However, that shouldn’t spell doom for these franchises, especially because there’s a perfect medium to continue these stories beyond the possibilities of filmmaking: video games, of course. It’s not like it’s some wild idea coming out of nowhere — most major franchises like Star Wars and Harry Potter have their fair share of video games, many of which are genuinely incredible. However, all those projects have thus far been side dishes to the main course: movies. But with so many high-profile failures, it might be time for these franchises to give the movies a rest and focus exclusively on video games instead.

Video Games Present New Opportunities for Expansion

Image via 2K

The medium of video games is rich, both visually and narratively. Some of the all-time best entries in the medium are widely recognized for their challenging, thought-provoking narratives — The Last of Us, Silent Hill 2, BioShock — and their stunning, immersive visuals — Ōkami, Concrete Genie, Alan Wake II. Thus, the realm should be a no-brainer for daring franchises like Harry Potter to truly go all-in. The 2023 hit Hogwarts Legacy already did wonders for the Wizarding World, expanding the lore and immersing viewers in the wonder of Hogwarts in a way that the movies simply never could.

Moreover, video games are unconstrained by one of cinema’s biggest limitations: runtime. Whereas a movie that’s over two hours can become a true test of endurance, video games thrive the more time is spent experiencing them. Some surpass triple digits of playtime, but gamers never get tired, so long as the game provides enough quests, a compelling central story, and appealing visuals. The type of complex, intricate stories that great worldbuilding demands can only fully work in mediums where runtime isn’t an issue; for centuries, these worlds existed in literature, but now, video games provide a new venue to create these daring, ambitious, and awe-inspiring realms.

Think of how incredible it would be to explore the story of the Sith in a video game that truly goes in-depth to explore the nature of the Force, allowing you to experience the Dark Side firsthand. Hogwarts Legacy made you feel like an actual student at this incredible school, a childhood dream for many fans; how great would it be for a game that allowed you to be a working part of the Wizarding Community? Even better, it’d be great to experience the Wizarding World outside of the UK, the place where most of the franchise takes place.

Especially, superheroes could greatly benefit from a video game to expand their lore and characters. Out of all the genres, superheroes get the most disrespect in cinema, deservedly so, as many high-profile movies settle for offering a simple formula that seldom experiments with itself. Yet, previous superhero video games have challenged these notions with intricate and memorable storylines that reveal more of the heroes and the world they inhabit. Batman and Spider-Man have had their fair share of great video games, but what about Superman or the Fantastic Four? The great comic book that is Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow would’ve worked a thousand times better in video game form than in a rushed, 108-minute movie with watered-down visuals and a basic misunderstanding of the source material.

Big IPs Have Already Found Success in Video Games

It’s not like the suggestion that franchises should focus on video games is entirely radical. Indeed, and as previously mentioned, most have already found great success in the medium, to the point where some of their all-time best storylines originated in video games. Star Wars has Knights of the Old Republic, a masterpiece of worldbuilding and storytelling that is far better than nearly every movie or TV show that Disney produced in the last decade — except for Andor, of course. Then there’s the recent games, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, which introduced the fan-favorite Cal Kestis, played by Cameron Monaghan. Kestis is among the most compelling and personable additions to modern Star Wars, far more than Pedro Pascal‘s Mando or Daisy Ridley‘s Rey.

The Caped Crusader, too, has experienced some of his greatest storylines in video game format. The Arkham games are the peak of modern Batman narratives, surpassing the comic books and pretty much eclipsing anything cinema has made with the character in the last 16 years or so. Indeed, at a time when the future of Batman seemed uncertain on the big screen following the disappointing conclusion of Christopher Nolan‘s Dark Knight trilogy, the Arkham games were a source of comfort for loyal fans. As for Potter, it wouldn’t be an overstatement to say Hogwarts Legacy saved the franchise’s reputation after the needlessly convoluted and outright terrible Fantastic Beasts trilogy nearly ruined it.

What do all these titles have in common? Well, these video games are daring and willing to go places movies would never. It’s virtually impossible to imagine the current version of Star Wars doing anything remotely as interesting or subversive as the now-iconic twist in KOTOR. Video games are also willing to use a character’s catalog and lore to their full potential. Arkham Asylum, for example, features countless Batman villains, from Victor Szaz to Killer Croc to Poison Ivy and Scarecrow. Incredibly, it also does them justice, respecting their unique powers and traits while making them major players in the overall ensemble. It’s hard to see James Gunn‘s family-friendly DCU or Matt Reeves‘ hyper-realistic take following suit with as much faithfulness.

Video Games Are the Art Form of Today

Image via IOI

Fewer people are going to the movies, that much is true. If staying at home is many people’s go-to choice now, franchises need to figure out a way to become part of that experience. Streaming movies often have a negative connotation attached to them, similarly to how straight-to-TV movies were perceived during the ’90s and 2000s. Video games have none of those burdens. In fact, the medium is only earning more respect as the years go by. It’s not a perfect industry by any means, and the constant issues with pricing and microtransactions are certainly a huge issue playing against it.

And yet, I can’t help but think just how high these franchises could go if they pivoted to video games. The advantages are there: the immersive aspect is just too good a hook to ignore, the non-canon quality allows for more experimental and daring storytelling, and the extended runtime provides a vast world of options to build something from scratch, to name a few. It’s no surprise that many big IPs are making major moves in the video game space: James Bond recently released a critically acclaimed game, and everyone’s favorite Canadian mutant is getting ready to make a splash come September. If anything, the question should be: why are these franchises not investing more in video games? The writing is certainly on the wall, and it’s about time they realize it.

General Hospital 2-Week Spoilers for July 13 – 24, 2026 stun with Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart) getting very suspicious and Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna) hunting for something that he really needs before time runs out on him.

The two weeks from July 13th through the 24th bring lots of spoilers including the last day of July sweeps which is Monday the 20th. And we’ve got a new face coming to Port Charles, a return, lingering questions, and a big secret spilled.

General Hospital: The 16,000th Episode Milestone – July 13th Through 17th

On Monday, July 13th, we have got GH hitting an amazing milestone with its 16,000th episode. General Hospital debuted as a 30-minute soap back on April 1st, 1963. It used to air in black and white, and it didn’t start airing in full color until 1967.

We also have Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) popping back up on Monday, and very soon he will be on a flight back to Port Charles. But when we first get a glimpse of him, it looks like Jason is still in a cell on lockdown at the WSB Black Site Prison in Indonesia. But since Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) negotiated his release with Z (John Oliver), they are going to let him go. But Jason looks not only pretty beat up.

But also pretty beat down. Also on Monday, Dean Geyer debuts as Dr. Tristan Roberts, who’s going to get into it with Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud) soon. He’s a top surgeon looking for a fresh start in Port Charles, but some people that he knows from his past are in town that may interfere with that.

GH: Chase & BLQ Struggle

Harrisson Chase (Josh Swickard) and Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton) have a conversation that picks back up from Friday after she confessed to framing Willow Tait (Katelyn MacMullen). And Brook Lynn asks Chase if she has pushed him towards Willow. I suspect that Chase is going to demand that Brook Lynn finds a way to undo what she did.

Lucas Jones (Van Hansis) asks Britt what she’s going to do with her fresh start. She will be back up working at General Hospital soon and she’s going to be bickering with the new doctor, bonding with Isaiah Gannon (Sawandi Wilson), and dealing with drama with Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst). Britt also makes an accusation against somebody on Monday. We’ll see who it is, but I know Carly Corinthos (Laura Wright) is not happy to see Britt back in Port Charles.

General Hospital Spoilers: Tracy Flips on Laura

Also, Laura Spencer (Genie Francis) horrifies Tracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliot), who asked Laura if she has lost her mind. And with Elizabeth telling somebody it’s brilliant that they are filling the open seat on the hospital board, I assume that Laura is going to put Willow on the GH board, which will definitely make Tracy lose her entire mind.

Also, Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) and Valentin continue catching up from Friday. So, we’re going to have them talking about Charlotte Cassadine (Bluesy Burke), and Valentin’s going to discuss the pardon he got from the WSB. And he tells Anna how worried he was about her. And she tells Valentin she was worried about herself, too. Anna claims she’s fine now. They have a hug. And we have her asking somebody how they know that. So, it could be something in her conversation with Valentin that surprises Anna or this could be a conversation with Ghost Peter August (Wes Ramsey) in her head after Valentin leaves her apartment.

Carly is surprised and we also have her in a conversation with Jack on Monday. So, that may be who stuns her. He tells Carly that something is always a mistake. And I think that something is trusting Valentin. But Carly is still determined to get revenge on Jack. So I am wondering if she’s going to lash out.

General Hospital Spoilers: Jason Explains Himself

On Tuesday, July 14th, we’ve got Jason explaining his choices. I wonder if he’s telling Danny Morgan (Asher Jared Antonyzyn) why he confessed to shooting Ross Cullum to protect Rocco Falconeri (Finn Carr). I’m betting Jason might be a little ticked off to find out Danny told Brennan that Rocco shot Cullum. We’re also gonna see Jason explaining his plans for the future, which includes some big life changes.

We also have Liz standing her ground. This week, Elizabeth seems to be on edge while she is chatting with Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna). So, Liz may be sharing her suspicions, and I can see her telling Dante about Jack and Drew’s strokes and just the strange circumstances.

We have Jordan Ashford (Tanisha Harper) failing at something on Tuesday. This week she shows up at Portia Robinson’s (Brook Kerr) house and things look tense and I can totally see Jordan going to ask Portia to get Isaiah to drop the charges and show Curtis Ashford (Donnell Turner) mercy as father of her unborn child. But with Curtis continuing to target and harass Isaiah, why would Portia ever say yes?

Kai Taylor (Jens Austin Astrup) finds out something shocking and it may be that Willow is responsible for Drew being locked in. Valentin is suspicious and this may be his spidey senses tingling about Anna. With Peter in her head, she’s not acting quite like herself and Valentin may sense what is off there.

GH: Anna Desperate for Answers

On Wednesday, July 15th, Anna’s looking for answers. Liesl Obrecht (Kathleen Gati) helped her by sketching the room below Wyndemere and telling Anna that she knows she was held on Spoon Island. Meanwhile, Josslyn unpacks a secret. I suspect that she is going to tell Liesl the truth that Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) died a hero.

Nina Reeves (Cynthia Watros) and Brennan plan their next steps. They got to go out to Wyndemere to try and find that black box that Ross Cullum stole. General Hospital summer spoilers confirm that Jack finds it. However, it might be too late to stop Drew by that point.

Curtis is showing gratitude and this may be to Jordan for going to Portia to advocate for him. And Gio Palmieri (Giovanni Mazza) and Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali) get amazing news and I expect it is about the showcase that Brook Lynn is setting up for them.

General Hospital Spoilers: Liesl Flies Off the Handle

On Thursday, July 16th, Emma Scorpio Drake (Brayden Bruner) and Gio talk about their future and Isaiah interrupts Curtis and Portia. I’m sure Curtis is going to continue his hostility. And I do wonder if Isaiah’s letting him know about the civil suit.

Liesl is raging. She’s furious about Cassius getting the villain edit while Cullum is hailed a hero. We also have Anna grilling Britt and I’m sure it’s all about Cullum and Jens Sidwell (Carlo Rota) and Chase and Cesar Faison’s (Anders Hove) final project. Also this week, Molly Lansing-Davis (Kristen Vaganos) comes to see Cody Bell (Josh Kelly) at the stable.

So, Molly may tell him that she’s going to cancel her book tour because of an opportunity at work. We know that Cody is signing up for a thankless task soon. And my guess is that it has something to do with his nephew James West (Gary James Fuller), who is devastated about his dad and still has no idea that Cassius was pretending to be Nathan West (Ryan Paevey).

GH Spoilers: Carly Draws the Line

On Friday, July 17th, Carly draws a hard line with Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard). I’m sure it’s about Valentin. And we know that Sonny is soon going to enlist Brick to help split them up. I’m sure he’ll be happy to do it because he’s got a crush on Carly. Valentin is clear on what he feels and what he wants. Anna is his past. Carly is his future. And I’m sure Valentin is going to make that very clear to his new lady love.

We also have Lulu warning Ethan Lovett (Nathan Dean Parsons) and it may be about Ava Jerome (Maura West) and Josslyn and Trina do some catching up. Josslyn has got to tell her bestie that she is WSB. Plus, Emma is bothered by the reveal of Josslyn’s status as an agent. Nina opens up to Brennan. She’s worried about Willow and knows that their time is running out.

General Hospital: Curtis’s Trial and Major Reckoning – July 20th Through 24th

Then the week of July 20th through the 24th, we are looking at Curtis’ trial kicking off very soon. And Portia is going to go into labor while she is on the witness stand, forcing Isaiah and Curtis to set their animosity aside, at least in the short run. Britt is at complete and total rock bottom when Jason returns to Port Charles, and he may not make things easier on Britt. Jason is readjusting to life in Port Charles and is taking things in a whole new direction that may not include her.

Carly and Valentin are all in, but they’re going to have many haters, chiefly Sonny and Brennan. And Nina gets closer and they may get romantic while they are trying to help Willow. Drew’s recovery begins and he’s got revenge on his mind but may not get what he wants. Anna struggles with ghost Peter who wants her to do bad things. Kelly Krueger debuts soon as Serena Baldwin, who is back to help Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring) fight battles over Deception. And Tracy faces off soon with Lucy over the Brook Lynn stock stuff.

Plus, Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn) and Diane Miller (Carolyn Hennessy) are about to hire another lawyer. Ric’s already in town, and Martin Gray (Michael E. Knight) just came back, and I think either of them would be a fun addition to the firm.