Young and the Restless 2-Week Spoilers for May 25-June 5, 2026 indicate Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman) is doing something heroic despite his hatred of Victor Newman (Eric Braeden).

And Nick Newman (Joshua Morrow) finds himself cornered and cannot keep lying about his addiction anymore. We’re going to get into all these spoilers for the two weeks of May 25th through June 5th, including big action for Diane Jenkins (Susan Walters) who seems to be missing, plus Billy Abbott (Jason Thompson) who’s celebrating and some people who may not be celebrating on his behalf.

Young and the Restless Spoilers Monday, May 25th: Encore Episode

Monday, May 25th, it is Memorial Day, so we’re getting a rerun. This episode originally aired July 3rd, 2019. And I’m thinking there’s a particular reason that this episode was chosen for the rerun. Fans may recall this episode. It was back when Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford) was CEO at Dark Horse because Adam Newman (Mark Grossman) got Phyllis to hack the servers and snatch the company away from Nick and then Phyllis was appointed CEO by Adam.

So, I wonder if that was why they chose this episode because it was another case of Phyllis working with somebody to use hacking or AI whatnot to steal a Newman corporation. Also, in this episode, Summer Newman (then Hunter King) was day-drinking until Phyllis yanked her out of that bad scene.

And Calvin Boudreau showed up in Genoa City. He was that older rich guy that Chelsea Lawson (Melissa Claire Egan) had gotten to marry her. She was gold digging. She came to town after lying to Calvin about why she was returning and she was out on a dinner date with Nick when her husband popped up and blew apart some secrets that Chelsea was hiding.

Y&R Brings Us Back to Elena & Devon

We also had a date night on that episode. Elena Dawson (Brytni Sarpy) and Devon Hamilton Winters (Bryton James) were out at a carnival and Victor and Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) went to the same carnival. Plus, Victor told Victoria and Abby that he was starting an experimental treatment. So, this was back when Victor was still CEO of Newman and he was faking a neurological issue. He was trying to trick his family and manipulate and test them like usual.

Tuesday, May 26th on Young and Restless: Matt Faces Nick

Tuesday, May 26th is our first new Young and the Restless episode of the week. And we’ve got Phyllis losing leverage to get what she wants from Victor. So, it looks like he gets his hands on Matt Clark (Roger Howarth), which means Phyllis is screwed, thanks to Patty Williams‘ (Stacy Haiduk) phone call alerting them. Matt is captured by the Newmans and they lock him in that little gym in Victor’s house and Nick is facing off with Matt in the gym.

But the bad guy is looking pretty laid-back. Obviously, Nick hates Matt. But the guy doesn’t remember anything, so this should be pretty confusing for Nick and Matt both. Patty makes a distress call about Jack, so we’ll wait and see what that is. It sounds bizarre, right?

Adam hears from Billy that Sally Spectra (Courtney Hope) is pregnant. But honestly, Billy should have let Sally tell her ex. Maybe Adam just overhears and Billy didn’t mean to spill it. It is a sensitive subject since Sally and Adam’s baby girl died.

Young and the Restless Spoilers for Wednesday, May 27th: Nick’s Life on the Line

Wednesday, May 27th, Devon gets a promise from Abby Newman (Melissa Ordway) and I’m sure this is about Mariah Copeland (Camryn Grimes) and keeping Dominic Winters (Ethan Ray Clark) safe. Hopefully, Devon is going to have a shift towards forgiveness after his talk with Mariah at the mental hospital. Lily Winters (Christel Khalil) gets closer to Cane Ashby (Billy Flynn) as she is increasingly convinced that he has really changed after him saving Malcolm Winters (Shemar Moore).

You know what’s frustrating me about this is we’re not seeing Shemar Moore getting more screen time. So, this is all happening offscreen and I hope we’re not going to go through this whole process and we never actually see Malcolm. Also, Nick’s life is in danger. Looks like he ODs again.

He’s on a tense phone call looking sweaty while Noah Newman (Lucas Adams) Sienna Bacall (Tamara Braun), Sharon Newman (Sharon Case). And Victor are standing there nearby and they watch in horror as Nick collapses. He’s been popping pills and he has been lying. He’s been sweating. Looks like a textbook junkie. This is all really bad. Hopefully, it’s a turning point for him. Also this week, Noah and Sienna have a very serious talk.

Thursday, May 28th on Y&R: Update on Malcolm Winters

Then, on Thursday, May 28th, Holden Novak (Nathan Owens) and Stephanie Simmons (Vivica A. Fox) get an update on Malcolm’s condition. I am expecting good news. Victor shocks everybody with a decision about Nick’s addiction. So, I’m wondering if Victor agrees that they’ll bring in Jack to talk some sense to Nick, get him to rehab and be his sponsor. Victoria Newman (Amelia Heinle) needs Jack’s help.

So, Victoria goes looking. She finds him in Crimson Lights and she may ask Jack to come help Nick or it might be about Nikki because of this terrible headache she’s having in her room at the GCAC. She’s telling Victoria that she had this awful headache and she thought it went away. But it came back and it seems much worse. Nikki looks to be in kind of bad shape.

And I’m wondering if it’s a health crisis, maybe a flare tied to her multiple sclerosis. Also this week, Claire Grace Newman (Hayley Erin) and Holden share a sweet moment gazing at each other still in New York. And Nikki has haunting dreams. And I wonder if she’s blaming her DNA on Nick getting hooked on pills.

Young and the Restless Spoilers for Friday, May 29th: Nick Forced to Face His Problems

Friday, May 29th, Victor and Nikki give Nick no choice but to finally face his addiction head-on. And I hope he is heading to rehab ASAP. Jack is stunned by the news Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor) gives him about Diane Jenkins (Susan Walters). So, Kyle arrives at the Abbott mansion and he’s telling his dad that he’s afraid Diane’s missing and Kyle tells Jack that Diane hasn’t been to work at Jabot in two days. Her bed hasn’t been slept in in two days. And Kyle says none of this is normal.

And this might have something to do with Patty because remember she sent Jack flowers last week saying that she’s going to give him space and Patty said she won’t contact him. But then said in her note that Jack may soon have a reason to reach out to her. So, is Diane turning up missing the reason that she expects Jack will reach out? And obviously he will.

So, we’re also getting a she villain reunion where Phyllis spends some time with Patty and Phyllis is giving Patty a little history lesson. And I wonder if Phyllis is going to bring Patty up to speed on Matt’s horrible crimes over the years like raping Sharon and other women. Framing Nick for murder, being a disgusting fentanyl dealer, trying to blow up Noah, Sienna, Nick and Sharon at that gas station, trying to kill Noah in that car crash in LA. There’s just a whole list.

Young and the Restless Spoilers Week of June 1st-5th: Nick Finally Gets Help

Then the week of June 1st through the 5th, hopefully we are going to see Nick getting shipped off to inpatient rehab. Maybe with Matt captured and confined and amnesiac, Nick can relax enough to seek treatment and take care of himself. But also, if Victor and Nikki tag team him, I don’t think Nick will have much choice but to go.

We should also find out what’s going on with Diane and whether somebody grabbed her and stashed her or if she just went off the grid on her own, had a tech-free spa weekend. I kind of doubt it because I think she would have left a note. And if crazy Patty does have Diane, it’ll be messy because Patty hates Diane and it could even be dangerous. Nikki may be in a health crisis and we should learn more. Again, it may have something to do with her MS.

Victor & Nikki May Finally Reunite on Young and the Restless

And this could be the catalyst that reunites Victor and Nikki because despite his cruelty, Victor isn’t going to want Nikki in pain or struggling with this disease. We might be seeing a redemption arc for Matt soon. I think we’ll find out more when his memories come back. If Roger Howarth’s character leans right back into villain or if he hates his past and hates what he’s done even after the memories come back and decides he wants to be a better man.

I’m also hoping we’re going to get a glimpse of Malcolm during recovery. We should also see Lily and Cane getting much closer. They could be heading towards a full-blown reunion soon. We may also get some ripple effects from Sally and Billy’s baby news since Adam probably fills in Chelsea and that would absolutely shock her as well.

Anime is more popular than ever, but that also means that manga, the source material for the majority of anime, is also feeling the effects. This medium has gained millions of new readers exploring worlds on paper to see what happens after the latest season. Of all the demographics, shōnen is by far the most famous, with hit series such as One Piece. But over the past decade, fans have noticed these series aimed at teenage boys getting increasingly darker.

Maybe it is because more than just teenagers read shōnen manga now, but a new sub-demographic has spawned out of it: dark shōnen. It isn’t official; it’s more of a fan delegation, but dark shōnen are revered as some of the greatest the modern day has to offer. That is why this list will rank the ten best dark shōnen manga of all time based on writing, art, creativity, darkness, entertainment value, popularity, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and overall quality.

10

‘The Promised Neverland’ (2016-2020)

Image via Shōnen Jump

Fans may remember this series for its infamous anime ending, but readers can rest assured, the manga is nowhere near that bad. The Promised Neverland follows a group of orphans in a top-of-the-line facility made to train them well and find new parents more easily. However, when they learn that they are being raised as monster food, the children must plan a great escape into the unknown world.

The manga’s ending wasn’t renowned, but it was certainly better than the anime. The Promised Neverland delivered the best first few chapters in manga history, setting up its dark twist perfectly with a thrilling and haunting payoff. Unlike battle shōnen manga, this one focuses on its storytelling prowess, creating a gripping narrative from start to finish that embodies the spirit of dark shōnen.

9

‘Kagurabachi’ (2023-present)

Image via Shonen Jump

As mentioned, dark shōnen manga have picked up in popularity recently, and the most recent hit sensation is Kagurabachi. Chihiro is the son of a master blade smith, but after his father is murdered, he goes on a blood-fueled quest for revenge. However, he must also recover the six blades his father forged before his death from the hands of evil.

It may be the newest manga on this list, but Kagurabachi has already established itself as a modern icon, and as it continues, it has the potential to be even higher on this list. Known for its magnificent panelling that perfectly frames the action, it is easy and gorgeous to read this action masterpiece. Kagurabachi has an anticipated anime coming out in 2027, with many believing it could be the next big thing.

8

‘Blue Exorcist’ (2009-present)

Image via Studio VOLN

Before many of the popular dark shōnen manga, there was Blue Exorcist, a pioneer of this demographic that didn’t get enough recognition. Rin has always been different, but when he learns that his father is Satan, he enrolls at a demon-killing academy to learn the craft. The other students fear him, but he doesn’t let that get in the way of his goal to defeat Satan himself.

Blue Exorcist may not get its due, but this manga is a cult classic with a dedicated fandom that understands how incredible it is. Starting as a fairly generic shōnen, it has evolved with every arc, becoming darker and more engaging. The plot developments are unexpected and refreshing, creating unique supernatural scenarios that enhance the character development, dynamics, and visual style.

7

‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ (2018-2024)

Image via Shounen Jump

Out of all the dark shōnen manga on this list, Jujutsu Kaisen is arguably the most popular. Yuji Itadori is a fairly normal kid, but when he accidentally swallows the finger of an ancient demon, he is thrust into the world of the supernatural and sorcery. Some want to execute him, and others want to use him in their evil schemes, but Yuji only wants to use his power to save as many people as possible.

Jujutsu Kaisen is the definitive dark shōnen manga, even if the ending is unfortunately less than ideal. It may not have been the best manga ending ever, but that didn’t take away from the years of the greatest fight scenes put to paper. Jujutsu Kaisen is a masterclass of action that helped popularize dark shōnen with its brutal fights, shocking deaths, and supernatural intrigue.

6

‘Dai Dark’ (2019-present)

Image via Gessan

Fans may know Dorohedoro, one of the greatest seinen manga series of all time, but the creator is back with a new title, this time being a shōnen. Dai Dark is set in a grotesque gothic version of space, following Zaha, an entity whose bones are rumored to grant any wish. This rumor puts him in constant danger, with bounty hunters and organizations trying to kill him.

Dai Dark doesn’t reach the heights of Dorohedoro, but it makes its dark aesthetic available to a wider audience. No other manga boasts as impressive and unique a visual style as Dai Dark, creating a dark, yet quirky atmosphere with endearing characters. The manga’s black comedy and chaotic worldbuilding create a hilarious, surreal sci-fi experience unlike anything fans have ever seen.

5

‘Black Butler’ (2006-present)

Image via GFantasy

The historical genre has gotten more and more popular over the past decade, and one of the original manga series within this genre was Black Butler. Ciel is the sole survivor of the Phantomhive family, which dedicated itself to handling the Queen’s dirty business. Alongside his demon butler, Ciel takes on messed-up and gruesome jobs to make Victorian London a better place.

Black Butler is a fantastic historical manga that blends Victorian-era mystery intrigue alongside a dark and supernatural plot. This manga knows when to deliver an action-packed fight scene and when to use its gothic style. Black Butler can get shockingly real while handling uncomfortable subject matter, yet it maintains its entertainment value with constant mystery and borderline horror.

4

‘Chainsaw Man’ (2018-2026)

Image via Shounen Jump+

This list mentioned Jujutsu Kaisen‘s lackluster ending, but one other modern series one-upped it with an even worse conclusion: Chainsaw Man. Denji and his pet demon Pochita have had a rough life, but when Makima brings him to the demon-hunting association, he learns of simple luxuries he could only dream of. However, his life is in constant danger as they hunt for the Gun Devil.

If it wasn’t for one of the worst endings in recent memory, Chainsaw Man could have earned the top spot. Regardless, the vast majority of this dark shōnen is flawless in the way it uses its characters, humor, and narrative. Chainsaw Man is a chaotic masterclass of dark comedy, excellent characters, and subverting expectations by deconstructing heroic ambitions with flawed and eccentric characters.

3

‘Attack on Titan’ (2009-2021)

This list features some of the best manga series of all time, but it also includes some horrible endings, and Attack on Titan is yet another candidate. After the Titans destroy his village, Eren Yeager vows revenge, but when he gains the ability to turn into a Titan, he uses his newfound power to lead humanity outside the walls and face their true enemy.

Some dark shōnen manga are hard to differentiate from the seinen demographic, and many fans were surprised to learn Attack on Titan was shōnen. Either way, this now-iconic title is a renowned classic that delivered one of the most riveting and exhilarating stories in manga history. Attack on Titan is a masterful shōnen manga that few series can compete with, thanks to its plot twists, dark moments, and compelling narrative.

2

‘Claymore’ (2001-2014)

Image via Jump SQ

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Berserk is arguably the best manga of all time, but for fans wanting something similar in the shōnen demographic, Claymore is the series to read. Yoma are feared creatures that rule the land, but the titular organization is there to fight these creatures and restore peace. Clare may be a low-ranking member, but her quest for revenge makes her a feared warrior.

Boasting a fantastic world seeping in dark fantasy storytelling and lore, Claymore and its relentless darkness dazzle at every corner. The grim and relentless setting enhances the depressing story of haunting revenge and brutal fights. Not to mention its corrupted system and diabolical monsters further accentuate the dark aesthetic that has fans confused about how Claymore is just a shōnen.

1

‘Death Note’ (2003-2006)

Image via Shonen Jump

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Dark shōnen manga are mostly highlighted by battle series such as Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man, but the best of the demographic has no fights. Death Note follows Light, a brilliant high schooler who finds a notebook that can kill anyone. With it, he wants to create a perfect world with no criminals and himself as god, but the world’s smartest detective is on the case to stop his madness.

Some readers have complained about the middle and end after L left the series, but that is just because the first third is some of the most riveting content in manga history. Replacing physical battles with psychological warfare, Death Note is the greatest game of cat-and-mouse. The intellectual strategy is well-thought-out and pairs well with its philosophical debate, which is still relevant and fascinating. Death Note isn’t just a dark shōnen; it is also one of the best manga series of all time.

By Rick Gonzales
| Published 22 seconds ago

It’s now nearing fifteen years old, and Brad Pitt’s apocalyptic zombie movie World War Z is suddenly blowing up big on streaming. It’s the most-watched movie on Paramount+ in the United States and one of the most-streamed films in the world this week. Except for in China, where the film was banned upon release.

World War Z is the 2013 Brad Pitt zombie-apocalypse film based on the 2006 novel World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by best-selling author Max Brooks (son of legendary filmmaker Mel Brooks). Brad Pitt plays Gerry Lane, a former UN agent who is stuck in heavy Philadelphia traffic with his wife, Karin (Mireille Enos), and their two daughters, Rachel and Connie. While trying to maneuver through the slog, the city is overcome by zombies.

As the city falls, the Lanes are able to escape to Newark, New Jersey, where they take refuge with a couple and their son Tommy in an apartment. Things quickly go bad as the Lanes have to move fast when the zombies invade, turning Tommy’s parents into the hungry undead.

Brad Pitt’s character, Gerry, is able to contact an old friend, Deputy UN Secretary-General Thierry Umutoni, who is able to get a helicopter to Gerry and his family, which now includes Tommy, as they barely escape the zombie horde. The Lanes are taken to a U.S. Navy vessel sailing safely in the Atlantic. Onboard are scientists and military personnel who are studying the nature of the infected.

World War Z then takes on a global outlook. Gerry and crew head over to a military base in South Korea, where they are promptly attacked by zombies. Not all survive as Gerry finds that his next destination is Jerusalem. When Gerry arrives, he finds large walls built to surround the city. Safety behind the wall doesn’t last, as the zombies, upon hearing the celebratory singing of refugees inside, team up to scale the walls and overrun the city.

How China Killed The World War Z Trilogy

Initially, Paramount saw World War Z as a trilogy. The film’s successful opening in the United States left Paramount thrilled, so they announced they were moving ahead with a sequel. They found a new director and a new screenwriter. But time moved on, and nothing materialized.

The sequel film went through its share of pre-production, and at one point, David Fincher was involved, but it was eventually canceled. If you’re wondering why, blame China. Hollywood has now become totally dependent on the Chinese box office, and the original World War Z was banned in the country. The sequels would be too.

Solstice Studios CEO Mark Gill said at the time: “It’s not cultural, it’s government policy… And the reason it’s government policy is that you have a government trying to maintain control over a population where there is a fair amount of unrest. One of the things that seems to particularly stir revolts or riots is superstition.”

China’s government policy automatically bans movies featuring zombies or ghosts from being shown in the country. For this reason, films like Jordan Peele’s Get Out or the zombie hit Zombieland also never saw a release in China.

World War Z’s Reception

Nevertheless, World War Z did, without Chinese money, a respectable job at the box office. Director Marc Forster was handed a budget that started at $125 million, eventually ballooning to upwards of $200 million, and he rewarded Paramount’s faith by bringing in nearly $541 million at the box office.

World War Z earned surprisingly strong reviews from critics and audiences alike. Critics praised the movie for turning what looked like a doomed blockbuster into a tense, fast-moving zombie thriller that leaned more on large-scale suspense than gore, with many reviewers singling out its globe-trotting pace and massive action sequences as highlights. Some longtime fans of Max Brooks’ novel criticized the film for abandoning almost everything that made the book unique, but general audiences were far more forgiving. .

West Wilson seems unfazed by his “Summer House” co-star, Ciara Miller, and her accusations against him. In a new episode of his “Show Me Something” podcast, the Missouri native opened up about his surprising romantic relationship with Amanda Batula and how the negative attention has affected him.

Part 1 of the “Summer House” reunion airs tonight, May 26, on Bravo. According to a previous report from The Blast, Miller takes aim at Wilson and Batula over their new relationship.

In the teaser, Miller, who dated Wilson back in 2023 and had been friends with Batula since 2020, told Batula that Wilson was only hooking up with her to “embarrass me.”

“He wants to embarrass me. He wants to get his last little words in. And I hope it works, because he’s with you to spite me,” Miller said.

However, Wilson said that her claims about him are simply untrue.

West Wilson Says Miller’s Accusations Aren’t ‘Worth Reacting To’

Regarding his reunion performance, Wilson said, “I was a deer in the headlights for a lot of it” before responding to Miller’s above claims about him.

“I was just like, why is that something I would ever do? That’s the thing with this reality TV sh-t. So many people interpret things differently. If I tried to fight everyone’s different opinion on sh-t I’ve done, I would be f-cking dead and on the floor. It’s just not worth reacting to sh-t like that. But [that’s] obviously not the case,” Wilson said.

West Wilson Says It Was ‘Hard To Finish My Thoughts’ At The ‘Summer House’ Reunion

Elsewhere in the “Show Me Something” episode, Wilson spoke with his co-host about the timeline of his relationship with Batula. (The pair announced their relationship in March 2026 after months of speculation.)

“We’ve seen the growing online speculation, so while this is still very new, we wanted to provide some clarity,” the pair wrote in a joint Instagram statement at the time. “It was never our intention to purposely hide anything. Given the complicated relationship dynamics involved and the scrutiny that comes with being on a reality show, we need a little space to process things privately before speaking on it.”

According to Wilson, while he attempted to address the “false narratives” circulating about him, filming the reunion was a bit of a challenge.

“I did feel like it was hard to finish most of my thoughts, but the main one was that anything was happening during the summer. Everyone watches that back now and is like, ‘They’re all over each other.’ I do think we made it clear that wasn’t happening,” he said.

He added, “Everything else is up for interpretation, but I mostly just tried to apologize and hope it comes across. I’m not known to be a strong reunion player, so you just kind of get through it.”

Wilson Says He’s Been In ‘Survival Mode’ Over The Last Two Months

Wilson also took a moment to share how he’s been handling the amount of negative attention following him and Batula over the last several weeks, saying it feels like he’s been in “survival mode.”

“I was just trying to survive and keep it moving and stay distracted. I kind of have run out of steam the last few weeks. I’ve had a lot of time to think and reflect,” he said.

Wilson went on to acknowledge the hurt he’s caused Miller and Batula’s estranged husband, Kyle Cooke, before addressing his behavior in the last few episodes of “Summer House.”

“Even though there’s so much gray area up for interpretation, at least with Ciara and I … the end of summer, we were canoodling again. I told [my co-star] I wasn’t trying to be a boyfriend or whatever. I think it’s still a shock to the system, and people feel betrayed. I’m not trying to convince anyone that their feelings don’t matter,” he said.

Where Does Miller Stand With Batula Today?

According to a previous report from The Blast, Miller recently shed light on where she stands with Batula. When asked whether she was 100% done with her, Miller said, “Yeah, for sure.”

She added, “For sure. I wouldn’t do this to my worst enemy.”

Part 1 of the “Summer House” reunion airs tonight, May 26, at 8 PM EST on Bravo.

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 3 seconds ago

Remember that plot point in Jurassic Park about extracting dinosaur blood from ancient mosquitoes that were trapped in amber millions of years ago? Certain films are like that, and revisiting them is like stepping into memories from a lifetime ago. When you revisit these movies, you get more than the usual reassuring wave of nostalgia. You get to touch the still-warm blood of who you were when you first watched the film and (at least, until the credits roll) bring a version of your past self, happy and carefree, into the roaring chaos of the present day.   

For me, the ultimate example of this phenomenon is Ghost World (2001). It’s a movie I fell in love with when I was a lot like its characters: too smart and too smart-mouthed for my own good, hoping that enough wit and sarcasm could hide the fact that I was terrified about figuring out what to do with my life. It’s somewhat bittersweet to return to the film with the sobering knowledge that growing up is a lie. You never figure out exactly what you’re supposed to do or who you’re supposed to be. But for anyone who wants to escape into the past with the smartest, sexiest film you’ve never seen, Ghost World is now streaming for free on Tubi.

Sick, Grad World

The premise of Ghost World is that two young girls (played by Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson) have just completed high school and don’t know what to do with the rest of their lives. Young Enid must complete a remedial art class, but she and her toxic bestie still find the time to prank a sad man (played by Steve Buscemi) who posts a personal ad trying to reach a woman he recently met. This kicks off a very unconventional friendship between Enid and a man two and a half times her age, but her carefree drama eventually threatens to destroy both their lives.

Ghost World is a brilliant adaptation of the Daniel Clowes comic of the same name. As such, the movie lends itself to a very breezy, episodic structure. While Enid’s strange friendship with sad sack Seymour is the narrative anchor, the movie finds plenty of time to showcase her bizarre, slice-of-life adventures with Rebecca. Sometimes, this includes watching a shirtless dude practicing his nunchuck skills and shocking people with the Batgirl helmet she snagged from the local sex shop. Other times, it includes shocking people with hilariously vulgar language. Much of this dialogue would get you instantly canceled today, but for Gen X and Millennial audiences, that’s just part of this film’s quirky, throwback charm.  

How Do You Do, Fellow Kids?

While Ghost World is impeccably written, it’s the pitch-perfect cast that really brings each insane character to life. There are some sublime choices for the supporting cast, including charismatic character actor Patrick Fischler as a video store clerk and comedy legend David Cross as a pushy vinyl enthusiast. Illeana Douglas, meanwhile, does an impeccable job of playing the kind of teacher you love to hate. Finally, the late, great Brad Renfro is the perfect audience surrogate as the friend and put-upon convenience store worker bouncing uncomfortably between the chaos of his two messiest friends.

Speaking of which, the messy relationship at the heart of Ghost World is believable largely because of the chemistry between Thora Birch and Scarlett Johannsenn. A teenage ScarJo is compelling as a young woman trying to build her future with a friend still rooted firmly in the past. As our hilarious lead, Thora Birch quickly establishes that American Beauty was no fluke and that she’s one of the most talented actresses in Hollywood. Surrounded by such a quirky young cast, Buscemi dials down some of his usual weirdness, allowing him to perfectly embody the beleaguered everyman who gets caught up in the hypnotically weird, eternally unpredictable miasma of teenage melodrama.

Teenage Wasteland

Part of why Ghost World works so well is that it’s the anti-coming-of-age story. The film is tempestuous in its own moods, careening from restless hyperfixations on trivial matters to existential ennui at the drop of the hat. In that way, it mirrors the plight of its young protagonists who now realize they must answer a question they’ve been hearing for years: what do you want to do with the rest of your life? Like all teens, though, they can’t plan for tomorrow because they don’t know who they are today, giving the film an electric tension that crackles through even the simplest scenes.

If you’re still having trouble understanding what Ghost World is about, don’t worry: that’s a feature, not a bug. Director Terry Zwigoff (who would later bring us the relentlessly raunchy Bad Santa) has captured the vibe of the Daniel Clowes comic well enough that this film has multitudes. You can enjoy it as a time capsule of your own lost youth, the perfect balm to the aches (and not just the ones in your back) of getting older. But you can also enjoy it as a poignant meditation on the intersection of sex, youth, and identity. Alternatively, you can simply enjoy it for scene after scene of the darkest, weirdest comedy ever put on film.

Care to set foot into a simpler world of existentialist Millennial whimsy? Relive the unique dread of planning your entire life when you can’t even plan your weekend? Maybe you just want to lose your sh*t at one Thora Birch stinger after another. For all these reasons and more, now is the perfect time to watch Ghost World on Tubi. You can stream this coming-of-anxiety film for free on Tubi. The money you save may one day fuel your real passion: becoming the kind of vinylhead so weird that local teenagers treat you like a zoo attraction just waiting to be put down.

Days of Our Lives 2-Week Spoilers for May 25-June 5, 2026 stun as Gwen Rizczech (Emily O’Brien) raging over a betrayal. Plus, Abe Carver (James Reynolds) confesses something startling.

We’re going to get into the spoilers for the two weeks of May 25th through June 5th, including more fallout for Gabi Hernandez (Cherie Jimenez), Amy Choi (Shi Ne Nielson) grieving and angry, and so much more.

Monday, May 25th on Days of Our Lives: Brand-New Episode

Monday, May 25th, it is Memorial Day, but we don’t have a rerun because we are on streaming. That’s actually one of my favorite things about them being on Peacock. No preemptions. Jennifer Horton (Melissa Reeves) and Jack Deveraux (Matthew Ashford) have a serious talk about their kids on Monday. So, looks like they’re back to Salem for Abigail Deveraux (Marci Miller) four-year deathiversary. And things are getting tense.

Jack has got to mention to Jen that he went to see Gwen and wants her to be part of their lives this week. Looks like Jen is comparing their kids, Abby and JJ Deveraux (Casey Moss), to cupcakes, vanilla, and chocolate. Meanwhile, Jack’s wife probably considers Gwen a crap cake rather than something more tasty and appealing.

And I just wonder if Jack’s going to man up and stand up for his right to have a relationship with his other daughter. JJ is also back to Salem, likely for his sister Abby’s deathiversary. If you remember, JJ left town to clear his head. He left the Salem PD after he froze during a confrontation. He didn’t fire at a killer when he should have. And that is why Shawn Brady (Brandon Beemer) wound up shot.

DOOL Spoilers: Amy Choi Devastated

Amy is crushed by what is recovered from the river. So, I suspect it may be Sophia Choi‘s (Rachel Boyd) body. And this week, Philip Kiriakis (John-Paul Lavoisier) is in uniform for Memorial Day. He’s in his Marines uniform. Those are so handsome. I love those dress blues. He’s up at the pub and tells Amy he is very sorry for her loss. And again, I love they’re doing a nod to Memorial Day with so many characters that were veterans over the years.

Philip opens up to Brady Black (Eric Martsolf). Sure, it’s about Gabi’s treachery and spying that nearly toppled Titan, but will Brady join Philip in hating on Gabi or recommend calm? Gabi and Gwen share tea and sympathy. Or maybe it’s margaritas and malice. Gabi is upset that Philip dumped her but also mad at herself.

And Gwen’s upset at Xander Kiriakis (Paul Telfer) and also at EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel). And if Gwen figures out Xander’s two-timing her with Crazy Kristen DiMera (Stacy Haiduk), I think she will definitely lose it. Sarah wants Xander to reconsider moving in. She wants him to change his mind. Sarah kisses Brady in front of Xander this week, and Sarah might be deliberately provoking him, so Xander won’t stay there.

Days of our Lives Spoilers for Tuesday, May 26th: Sarah & Xander Fess Up

Tuesday, May 26th, Xander and Sarah admit some difficult truths. Obviously, they still love each other, and it’s hard for them to see people with them when they do still have those feelings. Jennifer talks about a truce with Cat Green (AnnaLynne McCord). Obviously, Jennifer still hates Cat, but since they’re both in Salem, civility is helpful, and this could put a foot in the door that grows into a chance for Chad DiMera (Connor Floyd) and Cat to date down the road.

EJ tells Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman) that Tony DiMera (Thaao Phenglis) is planning to oust him as CEO, and EJ is going to tell him that Tony offered the job to Gabi. And of course, that upset EJ who offered to take the job himself. But Johnny’s attention may soon be divided because this week Sarah calls Chanel Dupree DiMera (Raven Bowens) and says her biopsy results are in.

But Sarah won’t tell Chanel over the phone and she tells her to come to the hospital and to bring Johnny. And that sounds very ominous. Alex Kiriakis (Robert Scott Wilson) and Joy Wesley (AlexAnn Hopkins) are hanging out as co-parents and are bonding over adorable little Kelsey.

Days Spoilers for Wednesday, May 27th: Gabi Has a Heart-to-Geart with Ari

Then on Wednesday, May 27th, Gabi opens up to Arianna Horton (Vico Escorcia). I’m guessing it’s about Philip. And I wonder if Gabi will tell Ari the truth about her dodgy corporate spying because Gabi just did Ari dirty, paying off Liam Selejko (Hank Northrop). And I bet it’s going to bite Gabi soon. Amy Choi wants vengeance this week. She’s talking to somebody up at the pub. Maybe her husband Jason Choi (Steven O Young).

And Amy says she wants Holly Jonas (Ashley Puzemis) prosecuted for manslaughter. Tate Black (Leo Howard) is pressing Holly to do the right thing. And it may be about Sophia’s memorial because it looks like they are going. Tate is in a suit and tie, which we rarely see him in, and Holly is in a nice conservative black dress. So, right after Amy says she wants her arrested, Tate and Holly walk into the pub, and they may actually overhear what Amy is saying, and that may really worry Tate.

Marlena Evans (Diedre Hall) puts EJ under hypnosis again. And I wonder if he will recall things about him and Cat, you know, that maybe she’s also forgotten. Right now though, EJ really is a smitten kitten and he just wants, I don’t know, some kind of positive sign that they have a history and that he belongs with Cat. Paulina Price (Jackée Harry) is upset and she is getting some comfort from her stepson Theo Carver (Cameron Johnson). No doubt it’s about leaving Abe so he can be with Lexie Carver (Nikki Crawford)

Days Spoilers for Thursday, May 28th: Johnny & Chanel are Hopeful

Thursday, May 28th, Chanel and Johnny share a moment of hope. I wonder if there is some treatment option. You know, maybe they can take the lump out surgically or they can wait on treatment until Chanel gives birth. A new hunk pops up in Salem. It’s Gus (Michael Ocampo), who is Javi’s new boyfriend.

He’s on the way to meet Gus when Javi runs into Leo. Abe tells Theo the truth about something. And I wonder if this is about him loving Paulina Price (Jackée Harry) and not wanting to let her go. Lexie wants answers from her brother EJ. And I wonder if she will be upset or thrilled that Stefano DiMera (Joseph Mascolo) kept her alive so EJ could bring her back one day.

Days of our Lives Spoilers Friday, May 29th: Eli Consoles Lani

Then on Friday, May 29th, we’ve got Eli Grant (Lamon Archey) comforting Lani Price (Sal Stowers). I’m sure she’s upset about the Chanel cancer stuff and the Paulina and Abe split. The Lexie thing is going to rock Lani, too. And I’m sure Eli as well. I am so glad that Lamon Archey is back. Two days. That’s exciting stuff for me. Plus, Foster asks Julie out for dinner.

And I wonder if this is going to be a sweet new romance. I mean, I don’t think it’s going to be a torrid thing or anything, but maybe friends and more. Holly shares with Sarah that she is struggling emotionally, and Marlena gets support as she faces John’s death anniversary.

Technically, John died on June 2nd, which is next Tuesday. Marlena goes to John’s grave with flowers and sits with him. And that same day, Belle Black (Martha Madison) and Brady are playing with the chess set that Stefano left John. And Brady is looking at the queen piece. And then Belle notices there’s a piece missing. And of course, it is a pawn. Spoilers say that Brady and Belle make a discovery. So maybe there’s something hidden in the case or inside the queen chess piece.

Week of June 1st-5th on Days of Our Lives: Marlena’s New Mystery

The week of June 1st through the 5th, we may be starting a whole new puzzling mystery tied to Marlena’s chess set that Stefano left for John. Gwen is going to be stunned when she finds out Xander and Kristen are bumping private parts. Gwen and Xander had that no strings attached thing, but she also considers Kristen a friend.

So, I’m sure Gwen is going to see this as a double betrayal, especially since Xander just blew off Gwen when she asked him to be more than just a source of cheeky fun. Leo may turn to Marlena for comfort and advice after seeing Gus with Javi because Leo may need to vent a little bit.

Days of our Lives Spoilers: Abby’s Family Remembers Her on the Anniversary of Her Death

Plus, Jack, Jennifer, and JJ are going to gather for Abby’s death anniversary. And I wonder if there’s going to be some talk among them about finding her remains that have been missing for so long. And I do wonder if Jack and Jennifer are going to ask Chad if he talked to EJ about whether it would be possible to resurrect Abigail like he did Lexie. But if EJ is telling the truth, then the answer is no. But how often does EJ actually tell the unfiltered truth?

So, I’m very suspicious that he might have Abby in a person pod. Ari may find out why Liam and his son Gage are getting ready to leave town and Gabi’s gonna be in big trouble for paying off the guy that Ari’s crushing on. Plus, some more fallout from Philip finding out that Gabi screwed over Titan.

The Fast and Furious franchise has proven that a good racing movie can provide plenty of great rewatch value. Features like Christian Bale’s Ford vs. Ferrari, Jason Statham‘s Death Race, Asif Kapadia’s Senna, Chris Hemsworth’s Rush, Tom Cruise’s Days of Thunder, and many more are a testament to the fact that the audience is always in for a ride when the characters are compelling, and the environment is immersive.

Last year, Brad Pitt and director Joseph Kosinski’s F1 saw success executing the same tropes while providing a highly immersive experience thanks to IMAX screens and Hans Zimmer‘s compelling soundtrack. Not only did the sports drama become a commercial success by earning $634 million worldwide, but it also received critical acclaim, earning nominations and winning multiple awards at the Oscars, the Critics’ Choice Awards, and the British Academy Film Awards.

But before F1 created a wave, an underrated racing movie moved the needle with its cinematography and story. Neill Blomkamp’s 2023 biographical sports epic and loose video game adaptation, Gran Turismo, seamlessly blended an underdog story with a high-octane racing dream. Starring Archie Madekwe as real-life racer Jann Mardenborough, who successfully transitioned from playing Gran Turismo to racing on track. Playing Jann’s cynical, tough-love trainer is Stranger Things icon and MCU star David Harbour.

Based on real-life events, we follow a working-class teenager, Jann, who spends his days mastering the Gran Turismo driving simulator. Things take a turn when he enters the GT Academy, a real-world marketing contest created by Nissan and PlayStation to turn the world’s best virtual gamers into actual, track-certified professional race car drivers.

Gran Turismo Has Brilliant Visuals

Though underrated, the feature is loved for its compelling performances by Madekwe, Harbour, and Orlando Bloom as Danny, an idealistic, fast-talking Nissan Motorsports marketing executive who conceptualizes the GT Academy. Blomkamp brought a highly kinetic, visceral energy to the racing sequences by employing video game aesthetics, like vehicle customization graphics, and specific camera angles over real-life race tracks. The visuals, combined with high-octane races and seamless execution, make the movie a great watch and very easy to understand even for casual onlookers. It greatly divided its audiences on Rotten Tomatoes: critics gave it a 65% rating, whereas audiences gave it a near-perfect 98% rating. Nonetheless, the feature was a moderate commercial success, earning $122 million on a modest $60 million budget. For audiences who’d like to check out the film for the first time or revisit it, the time is right as Gran Turismo is coming to HBO Max on June 1.

Stay tuned to Collider for more such updates.

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Release Date

August 25, 2023

Runtime

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135 minutes

Writers

Jason Hall, Zach Baylin

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Producers

Asad Qizilbash, Carter Swan, Dana Brunetti, Doug Belgrad

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