In the realm of fantasy, the Lord of the Rings trilogy reigns supreme as possibly the greatest cinematic achievement the genre has ever seen. Based on the seminal, pioneering novels by J. R. R. Tolkien, the trilogy follows Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) on a quest to destroy the One Ring, a powerful item capable of subduing all the free people of Middle-earth. The movies broke new ground, dominating the box office and earning a whopping 17 Oscar wins out of 30 nominations. In short, they revolutionized fantasy and marked a distinct before and after, influencing every genre movie released since.

A huge reason behind their success is Howard Shore’s iconic score, which effortlessly captures the mythical, mysterious, and inviting nature of the franchise. The opening track of The Fellowship of the Ring, aptly titled “One Ring to Rule Them All,” is among the most evocative compositions in cinematic history, becoming deeply influential and universally known. Indeed, few cinematic scores have ever achieved the same level of mainstream acclaim or awareness. And yet, one can easily argue that at least three fantasy movie scores are better than The Lord of the Rings. Of course, it’s all a matter of perception and personal taste, and many of you might already be convinced that Shore’s work in Peter Jackson‘s trilogy is simply unbeatable. However, these three movie scores are just as iconic and acclaimed; they all arguably surpass The Lord of the Rings in terms of mainstream awareness, and they might also be better representatives of the fantasy genre.

‘Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl’ (2003)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Gore Verbinski‘s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is not a perfect movie, but damn it, it’s fun. The story centers on blacksmith Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), who harbors a crush on the governor’s daughter, Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley). When she gets kidnapped by a band of pirates, Will reluctantly teams up with infamous pirate Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) to rescue her. As for the kidnapper, they’re a band of undead pirates led by Captain Hector Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), on a quest to reunite all the pieces of an ancient Aztec cursed treasure so they can regain their mortality.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is a genuine adventure masterpiece, a riotous and thrilling journey that single-handedly revived the swashbuckling genre on the big screen. A huge reason behind its success is Klaus Badelt‘s epic, exhilarating score, which has become synonymous with the adventure genre as a whole. At that point, Badelt was a relative newcomer with only a few movies under his belt. Collaborating with Hans Zimmer for most of the score’s primary themes, Badelt composed an unforgettable score capable of waking the sense of wonder and adventure in anyone who hears it. Indeed, the film’s most famous theme, “He’s a Pirate,” perfectly captures the very essence of pirate life: it’s exciting, enthusiastic, slightly over-the-top, and instantly iconic. Today, the Pirates franchise might not be what it once was, but the score, especially for the first three movies, is among its best and most acclaimed aspects. Listen to “He’s a Pirate” and tell me you don’t want to set sail to the high seas on your own outlaw escapade.

‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ (2001)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

In many ways, the Harry Potter saga is intrinsically tied to The Lord of the Rings. Both Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and The Fellowship of the Ring premiered in 2001 to massive critical and commercial acclaim; both played a pivotal role in revitalizing the fantasy genre on the big screen, both were based on literary juggernauts that marked their respective generations, and both spawned billion-dollar film franchises that remain influential to this day. As it turns out, they also both have arguably the most celebrated and well-known scores in the fantasy genre, but while the Rings movies are objectively better by almost every metric, the Boy Who Lived wins the battle for score supremacy.

Composed by the one and only John Williams, the score for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone pretty much defined the concept of magic for an entire generation. It’s whimsical, playful, haunting when it needs to be, yet joyous throughout and simply impossible to forget once you’ve heard it. Like the first two movies, the score has a childhood aspect that fits with the story’s tone; however, it’s also surprisingly versatile, easily transitioning to a darker, more somber tone when the moment calls for it. Of all the tracks in the first movie’s soundtrack, it’s “Hedwig’s Theme,” the one considered the main theme of the entire Potter saga, that easily stands out. In fact, “Hedwig’s Theme” might as well be the unofficial soundtrack to fantasy as a whole; chances are that, if you think about the genre, the opening notes to this masterful tune come to mind. To put it simply, “Hedwig’s Theme” is to fantasy what the “Star Wars Main Theme” is to science fiction. There’s really not much else to say.

‘Pinocchio’ (1940)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

In 1940, Disney released what remains, to many, the studio’s crowning achievement and its most emblematic effort: Pinocchio. An adaptation of Carlo Collodi‘s 1883 novel The Adventures of Pinocchio, the film tells the tale of the wooden puppet who comes to life thanks to the Blue Fairy. It’s renowned as a masterpiece of animation and arguably the defining version of the seminal novel, favoring the more innocent and playful aspects without forgetting about the darker undertones. Although it was a groundbreaking achievement in animation, it wasn’t a success upon release due to World War II. Today, Pinocchio is a crucial entry in Disney’s canon and widely celebrated as a game-changer and masterwork.

It’s not a tradition for Disney movies to win the Oscar for Best Original Song and Best Original Score, but Pinocchio was actually the first movie to do it. Its most famous song, “When You Wish Upon a Star,” is the soundtrack to cinematic childhood, a sweet lullaby with a poignant message that ranks among the greatest compositions in the medium’s history. It has even become the studio’s signature song, playing before most of their movies while the castle logo appears. Pinocchio‘s score perfectly captures the complexities of being a child: it’s gentle and lighthearted but emotional and profoundly evocative to the point of melancholy. There’s real versatility showcased here: tunes like “Little Wooden Head” are sweet and charming, while “Monstro Awakens” and “Desolation Theme” accompany the darker moments. It’s not an overstatement to say the Pinocchio score captured childhood innocence in a way no other movie score has.

Halle Berry has never been one for flashy logos or trend-chasing accessories. Instead, the Oscar winner gravitates toward timeless pieces that make everyday outfits look effortlessly expensive. Her latest handbag choice is a perfect example, and it’s exactly the kind of elegant neutral tote rich moms have been carrying for years.

On May 29, Berry stepped out in New York City wearing a slouchy cream blazer, relaxed blue jeans, neutral sneakers and oversized sunglasses. The casual outfit was chic on its own, but the structured taupe top-handle tote on her arm instantly elevated the entire look. It delivered the kind of polished, wealthy-woman energy that makes even denim feel more sophisticated.

Get the Newbella Top Handle Tote Bag for just $50 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, June 2, 2026, but are subject to change.

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Berry’s elegant tote comes with a designer price tag, but Amazon’s Newbella Top Handle Tote Bag captures the same expensive-looking aesthetic for less than $50. Available in a similar taupe shade, the versatile carryall also comes in classic neutrals like black, cream and brown, making it easy to pair with everything from workwear to weekend outfits.

The real appeal is its clean, structured silhouette. The polished top handle gives it a refined look, while the detachable shoulder strap offers extra versatility when you’re juggling coffee runs, errands or a packed workday. Crafted from smooth vegan leather, the tote has a polished finish that looks far pricier than its budget-friendly price tag. Even better, the spacious interior leaves room for daily essentials like a laptop, wallet, sunglasses case, notebook and more.

Shoppers are equally impressed with the affordable find. One reviewer praised the “quality material” that “feels and looks rich,” while another said they were “very impressed” by how “sturdy” the bag feels and noted that the vegan leather “feels high-end.” Several buyers also highlighted its roomy interior and versatile design, saying it easily transitions from the office to travel days and weekend plans.

The best neutral totes don’t scream for attention — they quietly make everything else look better. That’s exactly what Berry’s bag accomplished with a simple blazer-and-jeans outfit. Whether styled with denim, tailored trousers or a breezy summer dress, a sophisticated tote like this is the kind of wardrobe staple you’ll reach for again and again.

Berry’s tote has rich-mom energy written all over it — shop more chic taupe carryalls below!

Shop more taupe tote bags that we love:

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

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Martha Stewart has spent decades proving that great style doesn’t have to be complicated. While plenty of celebrities rely on statement pieces and head-turning trends, Stewart keeps coming back to wardrobe basics that simply work. Her latest courtside outfit is a perfect example — and it all came down to one easy layer. On May […]

Brooks Nader has swapped her signature string bikini looks for a one-piece swimsuit in preparation for her starring role in the “Baywatch” reboot.

The model shared details about her new preference during a recent interview, where she also discussed her favorite swimwear brand.

Brooks Nader, who will play Selene in the upcoming series, has previously spoken about how she “manifested” the opportunity despite her limited acting experience.

Later this year, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Brooks Nader will appear on the small screen as part of the lead cast of the upcoming Baywatch reboot.

In preparation for the role, Nader has embraced a wardrobe change by trading her iconic bikinis for one-piece swimsuits.

She revealed to Page Six that she is now “100% into one-pieces” and particularly loves Tropic of C, a sustainable swimwear and clothing brand known for its eco-conscious designs.

Even before making her debut in the new series, the model has already been showcasing the look in public appearances.

During the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show last Saturday night, she walked the runway in a black one-piece featuring a daring thong back.

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That same evening, she posed for a shot with other models wearing a red one-piece, which she paired with an oversized white belt.

Brooks Nader’s Role In ‘Baywatch’ Reboot

Nader was announced as part of the cast for the highly anticipated Baywatch revival in March and is set to share the screen with “Arrow” star Stephen Amell.

They will be joined by a number of fellow cast members, including Jessica Belkin as Charlie Vale, Hassie Harrison as Nat, and Thaddeus LaGrone as Brad.

In the series, Nader takes on the role of Selene, who is described as the “sharp-tongued” Captain of the Zuma Beach lifeguard team.

Nader’s character is also said to be exceptionally skilled at her job, though her methods often clash with those of Baywatch captain Hobie Buchannon, played by Amell.

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Their contrasting philosophies on rescue operations are expected to create ongoing tension and rivalry throughout the show.

The latest reboot will span 12 episodes and is set to premiere on Fox in Fall 2026 as part of its 2026–2027 television season.

Brooks Nader Claims She ‘Manifested’ Her ‘Baywatch’ Role

Nader’s casting in the reboot may have come as a surprise to some fans, but the model believes the opportunity was years in the making.

“When I shot my Sports Illustrated cover in the red one-piece, I picked that one off the rack because I was like, ‘This is so Baywatch. I have to shoot in this,’” she revealed to the outlet.

She added, “Lo and behold, it became the cover, which was amazing. It’s kind of a full-circle moment … and that dream became a reality. … My superpowers are scaring me!”

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Nader also revealed that spending more time living in Los Angeles and recognizing the city’s strong connection to the iconic series also played a role in her “manifesting” her role on the show.

“I don’t know, I feel like I have been hoping for that one for a really long time, and it finally came true,” she added.

The Reality Star Got Advice From An OG ‘Baywatch’ Star

Preparing for the role was no easy task for Nader, but she did receive some valuable advice from original Baywatch star Carmen Electra.

Electra first portrayed Lani McKenzie in the original series beginning in 1997 and would not be reprising the role in the upcoming reboot despite earlier speculations.

“She’s so kind and sweet, and was so complimentary of the series and the new cast. She’s excited for it,” Nader told People Magazine about meeting Electra.

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“So that was really special because she’s an icon, obviously,” the model added.

Brooks Nader Says She Has Gotten ‘So Close’ To The Female Cast Of ‘Baywatch’

Nader’s experience on the set of ‘Baywatch’ is one that will remain etched in her memory, thanks to the strong bond that developed among the cast and crew.

“I think all the ladies and the males of the cast have a great, great bond and an amazing workflow together. The girls and I are all so close,” she said in her chat with People.

Nader continued, “It’s easy to get along with these girls…. So it’s like a little sorority.”

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By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 4 seconds ago

Right now, something unthinkable has happened: the latest blockbuster Star Wars movie is getting trounced at the box office by a pair of low-budget horror movies (Obsession and Backrooms). It was already bad enough when The Mandalorian and Grogu earned less in its opening weekend than Solo, making it the weakest opening for a live-action film in the franchise’s entire history. But then its box office dropped by over 69 percent in its second weekend, with audiences overwhelmingly deciding they’d rather see possessed girls and haunted spaces than Baby Yoda. For diehard sci-fi fans, this left only one real hope: that the next Star Wars movie will be much more successful.

That next movie is Star Wars: Starfighter, which has a stacked cast of major Hollywood names like Ryan Gosling, Amy Adams, Mia Goth, and Matt Smith. Those big names might be enough to put butts in theaters, and audiences seem generally excited to see a movie that takes a new approach to the franchise. However, the box office for Starfighter is likely to dwindle once moviegoers realize that it has the same basic plot as The Mandalorian and Grogu: namely, a stern pilot bonding with a Force-sensitive child whom he must protect.

It Was The Best Of Yodas, It Was The Worst Of Yodas

In some ways, the best thing about The Mandalorian and Grogu was also the worst thing. The film is a spinoff of The Mandalorian, the biggest breakout Star Wars show on Disney+. The series has plenty for franchise diehards to love, including a protagonist who looked like Boba Fett and a plot that revealed more of what happened after the events of Return of the Jedi. But what made mainstream audiences really fall in love with this new show was the growing father/son relationship between the titular stoic warrior and a little Baby Yoda. Whether someone knew their X-Wing from a TIE Fighter, this cute pairing made the show worth watching.

Unfortunately, you can only get so much mileage out of cutesy critters. Hype for The Mandalorian had already dwindled after its lackluster third season. Furthermore, everyone’s collective mania for all things Baby Yoda had already died out years before The Mandalorian and Grogu came out. Even the movie’s biggest fans agree that it was just like a few episodes stapled together into a film, and that’s a problem: mainstream audiences wanted more than just the reheated leftovers of a show that came out seven years ago, but all this new movie could offer everyone was more of the same.

The Next Star Wars Film Is Already Doomed  

How does the failure of The Mandalorian and Grogu potentially doom Starfighter? Disney has done their best to keep the details of this new movie secret, but it has long been rumored that the core plot involves Ryan Gosling playing a pilot who must escort Flynn Gray’s Force-sensitive character to safety. Recently, X user @FivesWalker leaked more alleged details about the movie, claiming that (and beware possible spoilers, kids!) Amy Adams’s character is Force-sensitive and gets killed early on, instructing her Force-sensitive son (played by Gray) to find his uncle (played by Gosling). The grumpy pilot uncle must then protect the kiddo from Mia Goth’s Force-wielding mercenary and Matt Smith’s conniving warlord.

Some of this sounds interesting, and with this much talent, the movie is likely to have some great performances. But at its core, Starfighter is going to have the same plot as The Mandalorian and Grogu: a gruff pilot must protect a Force-sensitive child from mysterious bad guys. That was also the core plot of The Mandalorian, which focused heavily on how villains wanted to capture Grogu for their own nefarious purposes. Plus, @FivesWalker claims that while the uncle and nephew “don’t exactly get along at first,” they eventually bond “in classic Star Wars fashion.”

The Mandalorian and Grogu was the first new Star Wars film in seven years, and it failed because it didn’t offer audiences anything new. Now, Starfighter is meant to take this franchise in a brand-new direction, but it sounds like this movie will also shamelessly copy the core narrative of The Mandalorian. Sadly, it has become increasingly clear that the writers, directors, and producers of this venerable sci-fi franchise are simply incapable of coming up with new ideas. Given that Dave Filoni, the king of recycling old ideas and characters, is now the man in charge of Star Wars, the current state of the franchise can best be summed up by C-3PO: “We’re doomed!”

Kristin Cavallari has some wild stories in her archive!

The on-air personality, as usual, opened up on her podcast, and this time, it was about her date with “a famous,” mystery man a few years ago, which left some vivid scenes in her memory.

Kristin Cavallari ended a 10-year marriage to her ex-husband and former NFL player Jay Cutler in 2020 and recently dated former hockey player Nate Thompson, although they eventually split.

The reality star recalled her unexpected dating experience, and while she kept the name of her date private, she did not hold back on her feelings during and after the encounter. On the recent episode of her “Let’s Be Honest” podcast, she noted that the date happened roughly four years ago, and the two dates started on a very encouraging note.

Admitting that they were one of the best dates she has ever been on with “a very famous man, first at the Sunset Tower Hotel, then at the Beverly Hills Hotel.” The two acquaintances at the time got a suite, swam all day, showered separately, and settled for a nice dinner on the patio for their second date.

Everything seemed to be going well until the conversation took an unexpected turn and the man began discussing the physical insecurities people often feel when getting to know someone new. The guy, in the spirit to quickly get over that phase, informed her about the mole on his private part, asking if she would like to see it.

Cavallari revealed that the moment caught her off guard and completely shifted the atmosphere of the date. In hindsight, the reality star questioned whether the interaction may have been something the man routinely did as a way to create intimacy early on.

The Reality Star Was Glad She Ended Things Very Early

Cavallari continued that she discovered why he was insecure about his private part because it was a direct contrast to the reputation he has held over the years about the size of his manhood. However, the reality star uncovered another layer of turn-offs as soon as her date got out of his swimsuit.

The former E! television personality recalled the famous personality having “the flattest ass and horrible bacne scars,” making her realize his insecurities were probably much more than she thought. Cavallari declared that things changed after that second date, and she never saw the mystery man again. 

She was especially grateful not to have gone overboard with him when it came to the physical intimacy aspect of their meeting. The reality star continued that her date later unraveled to be a full-blown narcissist who wanted to control, making her even happier that she dodged a bullet.

Cavallari insisted that her personality has never been listed as part of anyone on her dating history list, and she would keep it that way. 

Inside Kristin Cavallari’s Expansive Dating History 

The author’s major public relationship was with Stephen Colletti while they were in high school on “Laguna Beach.” The relationship and the love triangle with castmate Lauren Conrad were one of the show’s signature storylines and brought Cavallari before a national audience. 

As stated by PEOPLE, Cavallari went on to become involved with a number of public figures, such as Matt Leinart and Brody Jenner, after “Laguna Beach.” Her most notable relationship was with Cutler, whom she began dating in 2010 and married in 2013 after a split.

The duo welcomed three children, and after their divorce, Cavallari admitted that it was a difficult decision, but it had to happen because it had been weighing her down for years. After her divorce, she was rumored to be in a romance with comedian Jeff Dye, who also appeared with her in public and posted affectionate remarks on Instagram. 

Recently, Cavallari was also rumored to be dating popular social media personality Mark Estes. Their relationship was discussed due to their age difference, but Cavallari later stated that the breakup was not about controversy; it was about timing, priorities, and being at different stages of life.

She also went on to confirm a brief romance with former NHL player Thompson, saying it was one of the deeper relationships in her life. Cavallari admitted that their connection was based on intellectual compatibility and emotional chemistry; however, she decided not to make it more serious because she wanted to invest in herself and her career.

Cavallari Picked Out A Few Relationship Red Flags

Back in March, The Blast reported that Cavallari shared her thoughts on social media behavior in relationships, noting that a male partner hitting the like button on random women’s posts may be a cause for alarm. She believes that regular interaction, particularly by liking someone’s posts regularly, can at times be more deliberate. 

Cavallari advised women not to be too controlling of who their partners follow online, since that should not be enough to raise red flags. Meanwhile, she also noted that there is a difference between being followed and going out of one’s way to sustain attention by communicating with followers repeatedly. 

Drawing from her own experiences, Cavallari revealed that she has received attention from men on social media who she claimed were already in committed relationships. She singled out married men who have regular contact with stories or posts and maintain a public image of a family life online. 

The TV personality remembered one example where a married man had his wife on his profile, but went on to repeatedly interact with her posts. Cavallari acknowledged that the actions were frustrating and that sometimes she would like to see partners be more conscious of those interactions. 

She subsequently attacked what she calls performative loyalty online, stating that some people act one way in public and another way in private. While Cavallari said that, admittedly, everyone has their own personal limits with their relationships, she made note that sometimes, the repeated online engagement might say more than somebody intends.

Kristin Cavallari Reflected On Her Early TV Days

While Cavallari was basking in the glow of the ninth anniversary of her jewelry brand Uncommon James, she also brought back a bit of the past with a revisit to her days on “Laguna Beach” days later. 

The group discussed their pay for Season 1 on the game of “First We Feast” on TikTok with former Season 1 cast members Conrad and Colletti. Cavallari surprised her castmates after recalling earning a slightly higher amount per episode, prompting reactions from both Conrad and Colletti.

Cavallari revealed that she always thought everyone was paid the same and joked that she would have filmed the show for free anyway. However, the producers subsequently increased their pay to become equal, although it was not significantly higher.

It arrived as a result of renewed interest in “Laguna Beach” after the reunion special, and served as a reminder of how far the now-famous rivals Cavallari and Conrad have come, as they are now best of friends.

What wild story will come from Kristin Cavallari next?