I love a good trench coat for fall weather — almost nothing else captures that effortlessly chic look the way a belted trench does. Unfortunately, because I’m a petite girlie at only 5’0″, trench coats don’t usually love me back. I’ve tried on countless trench coat styles, only to consistently return them for being too long or too baggy. Honestly, they usually overwhelm my frame and make me look like a little kid playing dress-up. But I think I’ve finally found the trench coat style that actually works for petites, so of course, I had to share.

Instead of trying to make a traditional style work, I’ve pivoted to cropped or short trench coats. They hit at the waist, offering a more flattering fit that complements smaller frames. A tip? When trench coats are labeled ‘short’ or ‘mid-length,’ they usually end up falling at the perfect length for petites. I’ve pulled a selection of my favorite petite-friendly trench coats for anyone in a similar boat. These sell fast, so add them to your cart now.

11 Petite-Friendly Trench Coat Styles

1. My Favorite: This cropped trench coat hits right at the waist for a flattering fit that doesn’t leave you looking lost. The boxy style is so unique, which makes it stand out. Plus, this pick is great for days when it’s not too chilly.

2. Runner-Up: I love this mid-length trench coat because it ends up looking just a little longer than it’s supposed to on my frame, and that’s exactly what I want. This is also a classic, chic pick with the cutest touch of plaid.

3. Polished Look: If you love the cropped look but want something more traditional, try this double-breasted trench. The classic-looking style has a flattering waist-length fit that short girls will appreciate.

4. Such a Classic: This short trench coat hits at just the right length, and has the most sophisticated look. Unlike other double-breasted options, this one has a simpler appearance that won’t overwhelm petite bodies.

5. Made for Petites: Made in petite-friendly sizes, this classic trench coat hits mid-calf to give you a full-length look that appears so stylish and put together. Cinch it in at the waist to give yourself more shape.

6. French Girl Style: This cropped trench isn’t your average fit. Instead, it has a cape silhouette at the back, along with a contrasted collar that gives it a more preppy vibe. You’ll look like you’re strolling through Paris while wearing this one.

7. Cool Girl Fit: Whether you’re wearing a tee and jeans or a dress, this cropped trench coat will pull your entire outfit together. It cinches in at the waist with a built-in belt for a much more structured look that also feels a little edgy.

8. Rich Mom Look: This short trench coat is more versatile than it seems; it features a removable scarf that, when on, makes it look so expensive and luxe. Remove it for a classic, casual look.

9. Pretty Print: A neutral tan shade might be the classic trench option, but you can try a different spin with this brown checked pattern. It’s preppy, on trend and perfect for all of the cozy fall vibes.

10. Stylishly Different: A shorter silhouette makes this double-breasted trench coat work for petite girlies like myself. I really love the contrast between the wider shoulders and the cinched-in belt that feels so flattering.

11. Classic Fit: Opt for a polished, chic look with this simple short trench coat. It’s comfortable, stylish and comes in a four neutral colors, so you can find one that matches your fall wardrobe with ease.

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Related: Not Knits! The Richest Girls Are Wearing This Luxe-Looking Layer

Fall might make you think of cardigans, shackets and denim jackets, but this year, rich girls are reaching for none of the above. Instead, they’re actually incorporating sleek, classy blazers into their day-t0-day rotation. We found 13 luxe-looking layers that nail the aesthetic. If you think blazers are only for the office, these chic picks […]

Science fiction has always been at its best when it does more than depict the fantastical. The genre can use its rich elements, from aliens to parallel universes, to explore ideas that are close and relatable to us. The best sci-fi movies make those concepts feel exciting on the first viewing while leaving enough unanswered questions, visual details, and thematic depth to make you immediately want to experience them again.

Here, we take a look at sci-fi movies that you may have seen before but are still prime for immediate rewatches because of their intriguing themes and stellar filmmaking. These movies have influenced modern classics and will continue to do so. Their ambitious ideas are matched with memorable characters, distinctive worlds, and exceptional filmmaking. They may be very different in tone and style, but once the credits roll, you will probably want to start them all over again.

‘RoboCop’ (1987)

Image via Orion Pictures

RoboCop follows police officer Alex Murphy (Peter Weller), who is brutally murdered during an encounter with criminals. Megacorporation OCP decides to use his body to create the RoboCop program, transforming what remains of Murphy into a heavily armored cyborg designed to enforce the law. At first, RoboCop appears to be the ultimate law enforcer, but then Murphy’s old memories begin to resurface, leading him to question his identity and find the people responsible for his death.

Part of RoboCop‘s enduring quality is Paul Verhoeven‘s sensibilities: he understands how to make it simultaneously ridiculous, violent, funny, and intelligent. Beneath the spectacular action and unforgettable practical effects is a potent satire of privatization, corporate greed, sensationalist media, and consumer culture. The violence is exaggerated enough to be entertaining, and Peter Weller also gives an unexpected emotional dimension to the character’s rigid movements and mechanical voice. It stands as one of the best films of the 1980s, and a new reboot series starring Dan Stevens is currently in the works.

‘Soylent Green’ (1973)

Image via Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Soylent Green follows police detective Frank Thorn (Charlton Heston) as he investigates the murder of a wealthy businessman in dystopian New York. In this future, most people survive on processed food products manufactured by the powerful Soylent Corporation as climate problems, food shortages, and overpopulation diminish real food. As he goes further, Thorn’s investigation exposes a much larger corporate conspiracy.

Soylent Green may be soft sci-fi, but it doesn’t diminish its effectiveness at all. Made in 1973, the issues that become the catalyst for the conflict were so far ahead of their time that they are still relevant today. Part of its enduring appeal is thanks to the future setting that feels grim and recognizable. The real horror comes from what economic and environmental desperation has done to ordinary human life. Even though you may have been spoiled of the film’s famous final twist, Soylent Green is still worth revisiting.

Image via Warner Bros.

Based on Carl Sagan‘s novel, Contact follows Dr. Ellie Arroway (Jodie Foster), a brilliant radio astronomer who has devoted her life to searching the universe for signs of intelligent life. When scientists detect a mysterious signal from the star Vega, Ellie is chosen for the mission to respond to the extraterrestrial beings.

If you’re into sci-fi films, you may have religiously watched Interstellar or Arrival, which Robert Zemeckis‘ Contact feels like a spiritual predecessor to. It packs enormous scientific ideas into something deeply personal, the emotional center remaining in Ellie herself and her determination to understand something that may be fundamentally beyond human comprehension. The movie’s most memorable quality is its balance between science and faith, two elements that remain orbiting each other. It is also exceptionally rewatchable because its questions become richer once you know where the story goes.

‘Silent Running’ (1972)

Image via Universal Pictures

Silent Running follows botanist Freeman Lowell (Bruce Dern), who is stationed aboard the Valley Forge, one of several enormous greenhouse ships carrying forests and ecosystems that humanity hopes to preserve for a future generation. Lowell becomes deeply attached to the plants and to the maintenance robots that assist him. When orders arrive that the botanical missions are too expensive and the remaining forests must be destroyed, Lowell refuses to accept it.

Silent Running may be the least recognizable title on this list to some, but it is one of the best sci-fi films of its era that resonates today. Douglas Trumbull, best known for his groundbreaking visual-effects work in movies like 2001: A Space Odyssey and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, creates a believable sense of scale with the greenhouse spacecraft while keeping the story intimate and character-driven. Dern’s performance captures Lowell’s passion, stubbornness, loneliness, and increasing desperation, and the glacial pace puts the audience in his headspace.

‘Dark City’ (1998)

Image via New Line Cinema

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Dark City follows John Murdoch (Rufus Sewell), who wakes up in a strange hotel room with no memory of how he got there. He then discovers that he is being hunted for murders he does not remember committing. As he flees, Murdoch encounters the mysterious Strangers, pale beings with extraordinary powers who appear to manipulate the entire city.

If you like The Matrix, you might like Dark City too; you may have even caught it on TV. The film has cerebral, thought-provoking ideas and great production design that depicts the titular city as noir, gothic, futuristic, and nightmarish all at once. Its ideas about identity and free will are similar to The Matrix, but it predates The Wachowskis‘ masterpiece by a whole year. Sewell’s understated performance is supported by a strong cast that includes William Hurt, Jennifer Connelly, and Kiefer Sutherland. It is the rare sci-fi film where the world itself is the mystery, making us want to return to it immediately after watching it.

‘The Thing’ (1982)

Image via Universal Pictures

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The Thing starts when a group of American researchers encounters a mysterious Norwegian crew pursuing a sled dog. After bringing the animal back to their station, they soon discover that the creature is actually an extraterrestrial organism capable of perfectly imitating other living beings. The crew on the isolated base is immediately consumed by paranoia as they do not know who to trust.

Initially dismissed by critics, John Carpenter‘s The Thing has become a must-see in the sci-fi genre. Its simple, claustrophobic premise is executed brilliantly and effectively, with Carpenter showing remarkable restraint in showing and explaining the creature, putting the audience in the dark just like the characters. When the creature’s on screen, the practical effects are extraordinary, and the grotesque transformations are still disturbing today because they have a tactile, physical quality that digital effects often struggle to reproduce. During the first watch, audiences are transformed into detectives, trying to figure out who the creature is; upon rewatching, they can instead focus on smaller details.

‘Sunshine’ (2007)

Image via Searchlight Pictures

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In Sunshine, the Sun is dying, and it brings humanity on Earth closer to extinction. A crew of astronauts, which includes physicist Robert Capa (Cillian Murphy), is sent aboard the spacecraft Icarus II to deliver a massive nuclear payload into the Sun in the hope of reigniting it. Their already desperate situation becomes more complicated when they discover an active distress signal from the abandoned Icarus I.

Directed by Danny Boyle, Sunshine is an underrated, near-perfect sci-fi film with an insanely talented ensemble including Murphy, Michelle Yeoh, Rose Byrne, Hiroyuki Sanada, Benedict Wong and Chris Evans—that cast alone warrants a rewatch. Despite the modest budget, the production design is incredible and intricate, further elevated by Boyle’s kinetic and unpredictable style. The characters’ competing ideas about duty, survival, sacrifice, and humanity’s future give the increasingly frantic second half real emotional weight, and the infamous third act will completely catch audiences by surprise

‘Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind’ (1984)

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Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind follows Princess Nausicaä, the young leader of a small kingdom surrounded by a vast toxic jungle. When the militaristic kingdom of Tolmekia invades Nausicaä’s valley and attempts to resurrect an ancient weapon, she becomes caught between opposing sides that see the natural world either as an enemy to destroy or a resource to control. Nausicaä has to find a way to prevent civilization from repeating the destructive mistakes that nearly destroyed the planet in the first place.

In Studio Ghibli’s great filmography, Nausicaä is often overlooked because it’s one of Hayao Miyazaki‘s earliest works. He makes the environmental themes inseparable from the characters, worldbuilding, and adventure. The titular character is extraordinary because her compassion allows her to understand a world that everyone else fails to comprehend. Moreover, the animation remains breathtaking decades later. It is also incredibly rewatchable, especially if you have seen Miyazaki’s other, more popular movies like Princess Mononoke or The Boy and the Heron.

‘Brazil’ (1985)

Image via Universal Pictures

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In a dystopian society where bureaucracy is king despite poor systems, Brazil follows Sam Lowry (Jonathan Pryce), a low-level government employee who dreams of escaping his routine by imagining himself as a hero who rescues a mysterious woman. His fantasies begin to blur with reality when he meets a woman who resembles the one he sees in his dreams. After a bureaucratic error leads to the wrongful arrest and death of an innocent man, Sam becomes increasingly suspicious of the system he works for.

Bureaucracy is always the bane of every citizen’s existence. Terry Gilliam criticizes and satirizes it through a funny, imaginative, and visually spectacular sci-fi film. The surreal, often disturbing imagery in this neo-noir sci-fi perfectly reflects the plot, where everything is complicated and out of proportion. The result is an absurd and unique experience unlike any other. Pryce brings a vulnerable and engaging energy, supported by household names like Ian Holm and a particularly memorable Robert De Niro. With its endless details, satirical ideas, and relevance, Brazil is deserving of a rewatch.

‘District 9’ (2009)

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In Johannesburg, after an alien spacecraft has appeared above the city, thousands of extraterrestrial refugees are relocated to a slum known as District 9. The film follows Wikus (Sharlto Copley), an overly enthusiastic employee sent into District 9 to oversee the aliens’ relocation. However, he is exposed to an alien substance that transforms his body into something more like the aliens.

District 9feels nearly perfect because it seamlessly combines its sci-fi premise with social commentary. The documentary-like style heightens the realism and makes it feel grounded. In his first feature film, Neill Blomkamp balances political allegory with entertainment value, complete with fantastic creature design and great visual effects. Copley’s Wikus is also an effective protagonist because he begins as someone the audience has little reason to admire, and his transformation forces both him and us to reconsider the way he treats the aliens. Released almost two decades ago, the film is still eerily relevant to the political and social climate of today.

Choosing a series to commit to is an ever-evolving task within the streaming era because of the sheer amount of great content that exists. There are plenty of shows that started out strong before petering out in quality and reaching conclusions that weren’t entirely satisfying. There are also shows that suffered from having massive gaps in between seasons, resulting in momentum that is lost; although the streaming model has become dominant within the industry, it is easy to forget that television used to exist on a more regular schedule where viewers could expect to see a new season of their favorite show every year.

It often takes a show a bit of time to find its groove and determine that tone that is most appropriate for the rest of its run, and they benefited from evolving after their first seasons were concluded. This is especially true for these thriller TV shows, each being a sleeper hit that only got better after its first season.

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‘Tokyo Vice’ (2022–2024)

Image via Warner Bros. Discovery

Tokyo Vice is based on the acclaimed non-fiction novel by the journalist Jake Adelstein, who is played in the series by Ansel Elgort. It tells the incredible true story of Adelstein’s time as a reporter at the most powerful newspaper in Japan, where he investigated cases related to the yakuza and mafia.

Tokyo Vice has a specific visual style that is reminiscent of the films of Michael Mann, who served as a producer and directed the pilot. Although the first season established a unique atmosphere and explained the specifics of how the Japanese criminal underworld worked, the second season got richer, deeper, and more emotional in examining the degree to which conspiracies had infected all levels of the nation’s institutions and infrastructure. Although the show was sadly cancelled too soon, the second season is among the most underrated television masterpieces of the decade.

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‘The Leftovers’ (2014–2017)

Image via HBO

The Leftovers is a fascinating adaptation because the first season is a very faithful recreation of the novel, which offers a dark and remorseless look at grief in the aftermath of a cataclysm, an inexplicable event in which a percentage of the entire world’s population disappeared. While it was certainly compelling television, The Leftovers was so hopeless that it became a struggle to watch.

The Leftovers actually improved when it moved beyond the source material and allowed showrunner Damon Lindelof to trek into much weirder science fiction territory, introducing a larger cast of characters and asking more existential questions. It is a very unique series because it opened a ton of potential mystery boxes and satisfyingly resolved them all. The series finale, “The Book of Nora,” is not only the best episode of the show, but one of the greatest finales of the 21st century.

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‘Boardwalk Empire’ (2010–2014)

Image via HBO

Boardwalk Empire was HBO’s solution for the end of The Sopranos, as writer Terrence Winter was tasked with making another mafia show, and it was based on real events within the 1920s in which prohibition had turned gangsters into public heroes. Although the first season is quite strong, it does go to painstaking lengths to establish all of the characters and at times becomes too nasty for its own good.

Boardwalk Empire evolved over time when it expanded its cast, adding great historical figures into the mix, such as Stephen Graham’s terrific take on Al Capone. Although Steve Buscemi’s iconic performance as the corrupt City Treasurer Nucky Thompson had been great from the start, the later seasons of the show painted him as a more complex character who does take his responsibilities seriously, despite being affiliated with a cohort in the mob.

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‘Patriot’ (2015–2018)

Image via Prime Video

Patriot is a very unusual cult show that takes a very different approach to the spy genre than the slick, procedural espionage thrillers that every streamer seems to produce en masse. The series strikes a very unusual tone of being funny and tragic at the same time, and it is admittedly a bit of a challenge to get on its wavelength at the beginning because of how many intentionally subversive choices are being made.

Patriot evolves significantly in its second season because it focuses more on the fractured family dynamic at the heart of the show, with Terry O’Quinn in particular giving one of the greatest performances of his career as an enigmatic spymaster. If Patriot at first felt like it was occasionally at odds with itself, it transformed into an earnest, thoughtful, and painfully truthful series about the lies people tell themselves in order to sleep at night.

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‘Halt and Catch Fire’ (2014–2017)

Image via AMC

Halt and Catch Fire is the single most underrated television show of the 2010s, and should have vaulted to the same degree of success as Mad Men, given that they are both exciting period thrillers about evolving industries that radically reshaped society and culture. Halt and Catch Fire is initially a tough sell because it goes in-depth in exploring the rise of tech startups, and can be somewhat confusing for those who don’t have any background in engineering or business.

Halt and Catch Fire quickly becomes more entertaining because the show offers viewers a blueprint of how to watch it that does not necessitate vast knowledge of technology. It’s not necessary to keep track of all of the processing terms that are being used, as Halt and Catch Fire holds emotional value through the perspectives of its characters and the impact that they have upon the world.

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‘Damages’ (2007–2012)

Image via FX

Damages is a show that was ahead of its time because it elevated what a legal procedural could be and showed that there was an opportunity for award-winning movie stars to do some of their best work on television. The series examines the complex relationship between the law school graduate Ellen Parsons (Rose Byrne) and her new employer, the brilliant attorney Patty Hewes (Glenn Close), who becomes both a dark mentor and an antagonist.

Damages gets even better after its first season because Ellen gains more power and becomes closer to an equal to Patty, making it fascinating to see the cat-and-mouse game that they play throughout the legal system in New York City. The show also continued to add compelling guest stars within its later seasons, including a rare dramatic turn from Martin Short playing against type in Season 3.

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‘Luther’ (2010–2018)

Image via the BBC

Luther is among the most defining crime thrillers of the 2010s because it offered Idris Elba one of the most iconic roles of his career, as he created an onscreen detective unlike television had ever seen. Even though Elba had first gained praise for his amazing performance as Stringer Bell on The Wire, Luther was proof that he could be the definitive lead of a series.

Luther gets better as it goes along because of the way that it distances itself from other British crime shows with its morbid, ambiguous atmosphere and sadistic villains; it occasionally crosses the line from crime thriller into outright horror with its serial killers. The series also benefited from the continued presence of Ruth Wilson, whose performance as a femme fatale anti-hero was perhaps the only time on the show in which Elba was upstaged.

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‘Industry’ (2020–Present)

Image via HBO

Industry is the most exciting show on HBO right now because it is very impressive how a seemingly small-scale story about young employees at a British investment bank has become a sprawling odyssey that explores the global tech market and corporate conspiracies.

Industry is often compared to Succession because they are set within a highly complex world of finance and power, and both force the audience to reckon with characters who are despicable and at times completely unlikeable. Although this is a hurdle that some viewers might struggle to get past in the first season because of how caustic it can be, Industry is worth sticking with because of how much grander the scope gets and the increasingly dark humor that distinguishes it from other HBO dramas. There’s frankly nothing like it on television, and the stage is set for an exciting final season.

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‘The Old Man’ (2022–2024)

Image via FX

The Old Man is an old-fashioned spy thriller based on a popular novel that gives Jeff Bridges one of the best roles of his career. Bridges is an all-time great actor who has been doing terrific work ever since his breakout role in The Last Picture Show, but The Old Man is the most engaged he has been in a project since appearing in the remake of True Grit that was directed by the Coen brothers.

The first season of The Old Man was a breath of fresh air within the spy thriller genre, and it only got better from then on out when it was able to expand beyond the story of the book and get into even more personal territory. While it was sadly cancelled, the second season is so satisfying that it is still worthwhile to finish it off.

1

‘Primal’ (2019–Present)

Image via Adult Swim

Primal is unlike any other animated show, and it could have only ever been made by Genndy Tartakovsky, the creator of cartoon classics like Samurai Jack. Although Tartakovsky is responsible for making many excellent shows on Cartoon Network, being able to work within the expanded content guidelines of Adult Swim gave him the chance to make one of the most brutal, eye-popping, and ambitious animated series of all time.

The first season of Primal is a fascinating thought experiment that takes interesting narrative risks with its fantasy components and wordless style, but the series turns into an epic saga of friendship and futility as it expands. Although Season 2 seemingly closed off the show on a definitive note, Season 3 from early 2026 took a radical fantasy approach to rebooting the premise, making it even more captivating than it has ever been.

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Primal

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Release Date

October 8, 2019

Network

Adult Swim

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Showrunner

Genndy Tartakovsky

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Directors

Genndy Tartakovsky

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• 

  Laëtitia Eïdo

  Mira (voice)

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• 

  Aaron LaPlante

  Spear (voice)

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Gloria Steinem remained steadfast in her desire not to have any children until the very end.

The American journalist and social activist was a nationally recognized leader of second-wave feminism in the United States in the late 60s and early 70s after she published her famous article “After Black Power, Women’s Liberation.” 

Steinem died on Wednesday at the age of 92. While the cause of her death is not known, she reportedly passed away peacefully in her New York home. 

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In 2025, the activist shared that although she admired women who had children, especially those who were doing it by themselves, she was comfortable with her own choice to be childless.

“Especially, I admire women who have raised children, maybe not with the equal help of men frequently,” Steinem confessed. “I have not had to do that, and I think that is huge.”

When asked if she had any regrets on the topic, the women’s rights advocate said she did not. She recalled taking care of her mother, who was not well, while growing up, explaining how it influenced her decision.

“I’ve noticed that other people who were small people looking after big people don’t want to do it again, even though it’s unrealistic as a measure of having children,” Steinem said in an interview.

The cultural icon had previously spoken on this decision. People Magazine reported that in 2016, she declared she had no remorse about her childlessness for a “millisecond.” In her words:

“Not for a millisecond, I have to say. I mean, it’s a choice. And it’s a wonderful choice. But if everybody has to do it, it’s no longer a choice.”

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Her confidence in choosing a child-free life reflects the message she left to fans in her final remarks, urging them to embrace themselves. 

As reported by The Blast, Steinem, in an interview for Netflix, gave her parting words to the world, championing individuality and how media can be used as a tool.

“I wish I could meet each one of you in person, but in a way, this is what allows us now to see each other’s lives, to influence each other’s lives, to respect each other, and to, therefore, perpetuate what we hope is a global democracy,” she shared. 

Gloria Steinem Shared Her Thoughts On Her Feminist Legacy 

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During the interview, Steinem also pushed back against the narrative that followed her entire career. According to the icon, the feminist movement had evolved to become so diverse that she couldn’t be the center of it entirely.

She speculated that her importance in the feminist movement might be tied to the fact that she had outlived a lot of other activists and had kept the wheels turning on activism for a long time.

Steinem emphasized the importance of belonging to a community and recognizing emerging perspectives within social movements, not making an idol of someone.

Hillary Clinton Was ‘Heartsick’ At Gloria Steinem’s Passing 

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While Steinem took a humble approach to her feminist legacy, she seemed to have had a profound impact on the world, including prominent figures like former first lady Hilary Clinton. 

In a heartfelt tribute, the politician shared how her close friend’s vision inspired many to challenge institutional barriers and pursue equal opportunity, per The Blast.

“I’m heartsick, as I think everyone who not only knew her, but followed her, was inspired and challenged by her,” Clinton shared, reflecting on her own early adulthood and the impression the feminist had on her.

She described Steinem as an incredibly smart, beautiful, and talented woman. 

Meghan Markle Shared An Emotional Tribute To Gloria Steinem 

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The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, also shared a deeply emotional post about Steinem on her Instagram following her passing.

Markle praised the personal bond she shared with the activist, both publicly and privately, which began after the royal moved to California from the United Kingdom.

The Blast reported that Megahan shared a quote from Steinem that stuck with her, which read “We are linked, not ranked,” adding that she proudly wore the bracelet Steinem gave her. 

Beyoncé turned 45 yesterday, September 4, and celebrated by making a whopping $2 million donation. The donation comes amid backlash after she revealed pricey merchandise to honor the 20th anniversary of her second album, “B’DAY.”

According to PRNewswire, Beyoncé donated $2 million to the historic Studio Museum in Harlem. Founded in the late ’60s, the Studio Museum is the “nexus for artists of African descent locally, nationally, and internationally.”

“Art tells all our stories; the past and the present, but is not always accessible to everyone,” said Beyoncé. “I have always been impressed with the Studio Museum in Harlem because of its intention to make the museum an integral part of the community. I have been introduced to several of my favorite young and upcoming Black artists through exhibits at the Museum. It is a place of inspiration where all audiences can discover new stories through the canvases of diverse storytellers that reflect our humanity.”

More About The Studio Museum In Harlem, New York

A diverse group of artists and activists founded The Studio Museum, which is known for promoting the work of Black creatives. The studio’s new location is on West 125th Street in New York and opened in November 2025.

The creative space is open to the public and features a range of interactive programming, such as Adult Programs, Studio Sundays, Uptown Fridays, Kids and Families, Group Visits, and more.

Beyoncé Releases Deluxe Edition Of Beloved Album

Also on her birthday, Beyoncé released a deluxe edition of her second album, “B’DAY,” to honor the project’s 20th anniversary. The new album features archive tracks, remastered vocals, and visuals.

“I wanted the album to be big, percussive, hard, up-tempo, and energized, and it was important to me that we used live instrumentation,” she said, per The Blast. “The goal was to blend those two worlds through the art of sampling. I loved the minimalism of a beautiful vocal arrangement over a simple drum loop or a classic guitar like ‘Irreplaceable’…but only if that 808 was banging underneath.”

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Queen Bey Under Fire

Beyoncé didn’t get big smiles from everyone on her birthday. According to another report from The Blast, the “RENAISSANCE” singer came under fire after releasing limited-edition merch ranging from $40 to $1,000.

The priciest item is a Bey Keeper Collector’s Box, designed to hold a collection of Beyoncé’s vinyls. It’s a pine box with green velvet lining, a faux alligator-skin strap, and gold-plated hardware. Beyond the price tag, the Bey Keeper Collector’s Box does not come with the singer’s expansive vinyl collection.

“You can make that w/ kids on a Saturday morning at Home Depot,” someone wrote on Instagram. “Baby, y’all will buy anything, which is why they can sell y’all anything,” another said.

“Vinyls not included!?? Who’s paying $1k for a box full of air??? Now Beyoncé. Was this Jay-Z’s idea?” a third wrote, while a fourth added, “Pine is the cheapest wood, and the same box is on Amazon for $60-90 btw. She’s playing in y’all face atp.”

Bey Is A Billionaire

Other users also questioned why the singer would sell such an expensive item, citing her billionaire status. “Beyoncé being a greedy a** billionaire, what’s new,” they wrote, while another said being a billionaire is exactly why she’s selling the item. “Her rich fans are [the targeted audience]. You’ll be okay, I promise,” they posted.

Beyoncé joined the billionaire club in December 2025 after achieving commercial success with her eighth studio album, “Cowboy Carter.” The singer’s accompanying tour, which sold 1.6 million tickets, became the highest-grossing country tour of all time and earned the 45-year-old several additional accolades, per The Blast.

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No matter how you spin it, Athleta embodies effortless, rich mom style that goes from the Pilates studio to brunch with the girls. I you thought the retailer is all about work and no play, you’ve got it wrong. And this just in: The retailer dropped a brand new fall collection for 2026, and it’s a treasure trove of comfortable, polished and understated pieces that we’ll be living in way past November.

The fresh fall 2026 drop has everything you need to look like a cool A-lister, while feeling like you’re wearing pajamas. It’s all thanks to the high-end details, sumptuously soft fabrics and flattering designs that are practically made for women of all ages, shapes and sizes. We love the inclusivity! Plus, some picks below are already loved by Us Weekly shopping editors — they just come in new fall shades to get you in the PSL mood.

Editor’s Picks: Athleta Fall 2026 Collection

1. Our Favorite: Dreamy pants that feel like loungewear yet look upscale? Yes, please! These new Dream Drape mid-rise pants flow nicely on the body and are so soft, you won’t want to take ’em off.

2. Laid-Back Ease: Errand runs, school drop-off and farmer’s market strolls should all be done while wearing this breezy maxi dress. The white piping gives it an athletic appeal that’s similar to pieces celebs like Dakota Johnson wear on repeat.

3. Game Changer: You don’t need to love pickleball to adore this high-rise skort. The sporty-looking piece is ideal for the court and the supermarket. Plus, shopping editors who have this exact style wore it to the U.S Open (and will wear them again with tights come fall).

4. Same But Different: Love the above skort but want an extra feminine touch? Opt for this plissé option that gives off major tennis vibes. It’s made with a cotton blend that provides a lightweight, breathable feel every time you wear it.

5. Rich Mom: V-neck sweaters can look so frumpy, and then you realize sleek styles like this Athleta option actually exist. The newly launched pick features Tencel fabric that’s soft to the touch, and an oversized fit that’s unbelievably comfy.

6. Designer-Inspired: Can you believe such a chic midi dress is hiding at Athleta? Truthfully, we so can. It looks just like a designer style hanging in a high-end store . . . and right now, it’s on sale for Labor Day.

7. Instant Upgrade: You’ll be wearing jeans constantly soon enough, and these Brooklyn ankle pants will break up the cycle. Made with stretchy, wrinkle-resistant fabric, these pants move with ease. They’re so elevated, you can even wear them to work.

8. Cozy-Chic: Sweatpants may be a no-go in public, but when they look this chic, we’re willing to bend the rules. The creamy shade feels especially mod, especially when styled with a slimming top and Adidas à la Jessica Alba.

9. Editor-Approved: Saying that these Salutation Stash leggings are a must-have for HIIT workouts, coffee runs and beyond is an understatement. This shopping editor slips on these leggings every chance she gets; they’re buttery smooth, sculpting and super flattering. Bonus: They have pockets!

10. Anything But Basic: Boring tops have no place in your closet. This skin-tight tee is the upgrade you didn’t know you needed, thanks to the lightweight feel, soft material and cut-out back that shows off your strappy bra. Yes, this is a tried-and-true pick, too.

11. Pilates Princess: The flared leg on these Elation high-rise pants gives the style a super trendy look that all the rich moms are grabbing up. Pair that with the warm fall-ready truffle hue, and you’re ready for sweater weather.

12. Mix and Match: Is this a workout top or a daytime shirt? Honestly, it’s both! Made with a light, compression design, the mock-neck top is what sporty gal dreams are made of.

13. Comfort MVP: Travel days, movie nights and everything in between call for cozy sweaters that feel like a warm blanket. This classic crewneck sweatshirt got the memo (and matches perfectly with the above sweatpants)!

Widow’s Bay has become one of the year’s biggest smashing streaming hits. Set on a cursed New England island, it is a horror comedy project that earned a 98% Rotten Tomatoes score and nineteen Emmy nominations for its blend of small town characters and monster-scale scares. Matthew Rhys, Stephen Root and Dale Dickey anchor an ensemble that treats its supernatural chaos with true deadpan sincerity, never winking too hard at the audience while still finding real laughs in the town’s collective refusal to acknowledge how strange their lives have become. It is a tricky tonal balance, and the show pulls it off with a confidence that has clearly resonated.

The balance between the two is much harder to find on film than the genre’s popularity might suggest. Plenty of horror comedies lean too hard into parody, sacrificing dread in the name of cheap gags. And for the more serious horror takes, they tend to treat any comedic beat as a tonal failure instead of any kind of release valve. The movies on this list all manage the same trick Widows Bay pulled off weekly this past Spring, letting the absurdity of it all and the total unease coexist in the same scene without either one blocking the other out.

Whether you are drawn to Widow’s Bay for its cursed mythology, its oddball ensemble or simply its willingness to be funny and unsettling in the same beat, these eight films scratch a similar itch. All of them are rooted in the sense that the best horror comedies earn both halves of that label, actively choosing not to fit nicely inside a genre-specific ideology. What binds these kinds of movies together is a shared confidence in tone and a clearcut refusal to apologize for the bizarre nature of their premises.

8

‘What We Do in the Shadows’ (2014)

Image via Unison/Paladin 

Jermaine Clement and Taika Waititi‘s mockumentary follows a house of aging vampires attempting to navigate modern life in Wellington. It shares the same sensibility as Widow’s Bay, treating the supernatural as the mundane, bureaucratic, and deeply funny rather than purely terrifying. The comedy exposes itself through the characters’ sincerity about their own absurdity. Vampires squabble over chores and social status the same way any roommates would, and that deadpan tonal control is the same thing that makes Widow’s Bay’s small-town cast so effective.

The movie also understands horror elements do not need to be softened to coexist with comedy. Truly unsettling imagery sits right next to a punchline without breaking the spell either way. It set the template for an entire generation of horror comedies that followed, Widow’s Bay included. Treating the fantastical with total seriousness, it turns out, is often the funniest choice a filmmaker can make.

7

‘The Cabin in the Woods’ (2012)

Image via Lionsgate

The meta-horror deconstruction project from Drew Goddard and Joss Whedon takes the genre’s most familiar tropes and turns them inside out. It builds comedy directly out of characters and audiences alike, recognizing exactly what kind of story they are trapped inside. That genre-savvy mindset is one Widow’s Bay shares completely. Both have real affection for horror conventions while still finding sharp humor in exposing how they function.

But what truly makes the comparison work is the balance of stakes. The Cabin in the Woods never lets its self-aware humor undercut the actual danger its characters face. Widow’s Bay walks that same line, letting its small-town cast crack jokes and bicker even as the cursed mythology around them remains increasingly threatening. Both projects understand that self-awareness and real tension are not mutually exclusive.

6

‘The Witch’ (2015)

Image via A24

Robert Eggers‘s slow-burn folk horror debut is definitely the most tonally serious entry on this list. Its inclusion makes sense as a study in contrast, showing exactly how far the dread aspect of Widow’s Bay’s tonal spectrum can be pushed. Set in Puritan New England, the film builds its horror through that trademark atmosphere and isolation that Eggers has come to be known for. A small insular community turns against itself as something unexplainable closes in.

That regional specificity, an isolated community wrestling with forces beyond its understanding, echoes the setting that makes Widow’s Bay’s cursed island so effective. Watching The Witch alongside Widow’s Bay highlights just how much shared DNA exists between prestige folk and horror comedy. Both genres mine the same well of communal dread, but just happen to arrive at wildly different emotional ends.

5

‘Vivarium’ (2019)

Image Via XYZ FIlms

Lorcan Finnegan‘s surreal suburban nightmare follows a young couple trapped in an endless, identical housing development. Its absurdist premise carries the same deadpan comedic undertone that runs through Widow’s Bay’s small-town setting. The horror here comes less from any single scare and more from the slow, maddening accumulation of a world that refuses to make sense. It forces its characters, and as much as the audience, to laugh out of sheer disbelief as much as fear.

It’s a specific kind of suburban, systematic horror that mirrors the way Widow’s Bay treats its island community. Ordinary life quietly curdles into something that becomes inescapable in both stories. Widow’s Bay’s town is so used to its own curse that horror and routine have become indistinguishable. Vivarium takes that idea to a more nihilistic extreme, but the comedic despair underneath make it feel like a close cousin of sorts.

4

‘Anomalisa’ (2015)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Charlie Kaufman‘s stop-motion character study is not horror in any traditional sense. But its uncanny visual language, every character outside the lead carrying the same face and voice, creates a very acute and unsettling comedic terror. That sense of fear fits neatly alongside Widow’s Bay’s strange, bizarre sequences and instincts. The humor throughout Anomalisa is bone-dry and melancholic, mining real existential horror out of disconnection and sameness over any kind of supernatural threat.

Its inclusion here is a reminder that horror comedy does not require monsters or curses to unsettle an audience while still being genuinely funny. Widow’s Bay occasionally taps into that same quieter, more character-driven unease. Its cast’s isolation on the island, and the monotony of their ordinary lives do as much work as its literal monsters. Sometimes the scariest thing in a small town is simply how well everyone knows each other.

3

‘Beetlejuice’ (1988)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Tim Burton‘s manic ghost comedy is one of the clearest ancestors of Widow’s Bay’s entire approach. It treats death, hauntings and supernatural bureaucracy with gleeful, cartoonish energy. Michael Keaton‘s chaotic performance as the title character set an early template for a type of horror comedy built on pure anarchic personality instead of restraint. It proved a genre movie can be scary and riotously funny in the same breath.

The films local town setting resembles Widow’s Bay’s own small island premise. A quiet community gets upended by the literal afterlife crashing into ordinary domestic life. Widow’s Bay’s sleepy island operates under the same basic logic, where the supernatural has simply become a part of the daily routine. Both get that horror becomes funnier and not necessarily less scary, when the characters around it treat it as just another Tuesday.

2

‘Swiss Army Man’ (2016)

Image via A24 Studios

The Daniels‘ absurdist buddy comedy follows a stranded man (Paul Dano) and a flatulent, multipurpose corpse. It sounds like pure gross-out material on paper, but the movie finds its footing in an emotional depth and a quiet horror-adjacent dread underneath its whacky premise. It shares Widow’s Bay’s willingness to commit fully to a bizarre concept, without ever undercutting it with irony. Absurdity blended with wide-ranging lead performances like in Swiss Army Man, is the kind of recipe that has fans excited about a Widow’s Bay season two.

That commitment is what makes both jump off the screen, a dedication to that kind of precision stands out across both of their respective mediums. Swiss Army Man never blinks, no matter how strange its plot is. Widow’s Bay carries that same confidence, treating its cursed island mythology as simply the reality its characters live in. Neither one treats it all as a comedic trope that needs some form of constant meta acknowledgment to undercut its irreverent tonal choices.

1

‘An American Werewolf in London’ (1981)

Image via Universal Pictures

John Landis‘ genre-defining werewolf film remains the best example of blending genuine surreal body horror with true character-driven comedy. It follows two American tourists whose backpacking trip turns into a curse that neither of them can escape. The movie never softens its horror in service of accommodating a comedic tone. Some of the era’s most unsettling transformation sequences sit right alongside hilarious dialogue and situational comedy.

That refusal to pick a lane connects every film on this list back to Widow’s Bay. Staying fully committed to both halves of a genre’s identity is harder than it sounds. Decades before prestige comedy became a defined genre category, An American Werewolf in London proved real scares and real laughs could share the same scene. Neither element had to diminish the other, and in the cases on this list, it actually enhances the overall project.

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Release Date

August 21, 1981

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Runtime

97 minutes

Director

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John Landis

Writers

John Landis

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Producers

George Folsey Jr.

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• 

  David Naughton

  David Kessler

• 

  Jenny Agutter

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  Nurse Alex Price

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It’s often hard for television to get the romance genre quite right. Most series tend to be cheesy and predictable, which can sometimes make them feel unrealistic. However, when a romance depicts love in all its messy glory, it becomes so much more watchable. One romantic drama limited series, which aired six years ago, is actually a gorgeous representation of love and the heartaches that go along with it.

What Is ‘Normal People’ About?

Normal People first premiered on Hulu back in April 2020, while the world was in the thick of a pandemic, so it’s possible you missed checking it out. If that’s the case, the 12-episode drama makes for a perfect binge-watch. Adapted from the 2018 Sally Rooney novel of the same name, Normal People follows the complicated relationship between Marianne Sheridan (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell Waldron (Paul Mescal). The two first meet in high school in County Sligo, Ireland, but they couldn’t be more different.

Marianne comes from a wealthy family, yet totally lacks love and support. She’s a complete outcast and seems too shy to connect with anyone. Connell was raised by his single mother, Lorraine (Sarah Greene), and is basically the king of the school. He’s a fantastic student and athlete, and contrasts sharply with Marianne’s isolated world. The two cross paths while Lorraine is working as the Sheridan family’s cleaner, but what unfolds is a twisty, pain-fueled relationship. Throughout the series, Marianne and Connell come together and drift apart as they experience mental health struggles and a world that seems destined to keep them apart.

‘Normal People’s Incredible Cast Makes It a Must-Watch Romantic Drama

Normal People becomes a must-watch show because of the many elements that set it apart from other romantic dramas. The setting in Ireland (and Sweden later on) provides the series with a unique backdrop that instantly makes the storytelling feel far from commonplace. As Marianne and Connell’s relationship progresses, there is a quiet intensity and intimacy that permeates each scene. Whether they’re sharing affection, getting into screaming fights, or going their separate ways, Normal People effectively illustrates all the heartache that comes with young love. The series also highlights class struggles and mental health stigma, while always portraying how hard it can be to be human. With a thread of violence and heartbreak, Normal People isn’t always a breeze to watch, but it never fails to take your breath away with its brutal honesty.

It’s easy to see how Normal People could have fallen apart in the hands of less talented leads. The material is complex and intense, but Edgar-Jones and Mescal only elevate it with their performances. Edgar-Jones has starred in several projects, including Under the Banner of Heaven, Where the Crawdads Sing, and Twisters, but in Normal People, her true breakout role, she brings a broken vulnerability to Marianne that feels painful and real. Mescal has since been nominated for an Oscar for his role in 2022’s Aftersun and stole the spotlight in last year’s Hamnet, but Normal People still remains one of the best showcases for his immense talent. Unsurprisingly, he was nominated for an Emmy for his work in Normal People, and his crackling chemistry with Edgar-Jones is undeniable. Greene, who is also one of the best parts of Apple TV’s Bad Sisters, effectively portrays a mother fighting to raise her child with a conscience, and her performance helps give the series even more gravitas.

Normal People earned a total of four Emmy nominations for its narrative that emphasizes the desperation, longing, and frustration of love. With an impressive 91% Rotten Tomatoes rating, this romance is heart-wrenching but completely compelling from start to finish. Add the series to your must-watch list, but be prepared to shed some tears for these complex yet beautiful characters.

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Normal People

Release Date

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2020 – 2019

Network

BBC

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Showrunner

Alice Birch

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