Prince Harry has long spoken about the similarities he sees between Meghan Markle and his late mother, Princess Diana, and according to a new book, those parallels may run far deeper than many realized. In “Divide & Rule,” author Catherine Mayer argues Meghan Markle’s turbulent royal journey echoed Diana’s in ways that ultimately shaped Harry’s decisions, including his determination to step back from royal life.

For Prince Harry, protecting Meghan Markle reportedly became deeply personal. The Duke of Sussex has repeatedly suggested he feared history could repeat itself, believing his wife faced many of the same pressures Diana endured from both palace life and relentless media scrutiny.

Mayer writes that Harry became determined to protect Meghan “in a way he could not protect his mother” from what he viewed as threats from both the institution and the press.

Harry Saw Familiar Patterns In Markle’s Royal Struggles

According to Mayer, royal women have historically faced intense scrutiny, often finding themselves embraced by the public one moment and vilified the next. The author argues that Diana and Meghan followed strikingly similar paths, both entering the Royal Family as symbols of change before becoming deeply polarizing public figures.

Meghan was initially celebrated as a modernizing force within the monarchy and briefly soared in popularity following her marriage to Harry in 2018. But Mayer argues the shift happened quickly.

The author describes Meghan as someone later portrayed by critics as “too ambitious” and “too difficult,” comparisons she says echoed how other royal women, including Anne Boleyn and Diana, were viewed when they challenged expectations.

Like Diana before her, Meghan increasingly became a lightning rod for public criticism.

Meghan Markle And Princess Diana Both Struggled With The Weight Of Fame

One of Mayer’s strongest parallels centers on fame itself. According to the book, Meghan and Harry’s marriage briefly pushed both royals to extraordinary levels of popularity, with Harry even surpassing Queen Elizabeth II at one point while Meghan climbed to sixth place in royal approval rankings.

But Mayer argues Meghan quickly learned a difficult lesson Diana knew all too well. “Soon enough, she learned the difference between manageable celebrity and her new level of fame: one opens doors, the other imprisons you,” the author writes.

Mayer suggests Diana experienced the same suffocating pressure decades earlier, with the late princess also struggling under the weight of constant attention and public obsession. “Princess Diana found herself in a similar position. And she, too, felt suffocated,” the author notes.

For Harry, watching Meghan navigate overwhelming fame may have intensified fears that his wife was following an all-too-familiar path.

Princess Diana’s Death Still Shapes Harry’s Fears

Mayer also revisits the aftermath of Diana’s tragic death in 1997, recalling a moment outside Buckingham Palace when a hotel worker pointed toward the monarchy and said, “They killed her.” The author stresses that the accusation was not intended literally but rather reflected public anger toward the Royal Family and perceptions that Diana had been left vulnerable.

After revisiting Diana’s story for the book, Mayer admitted her perspective had shifted. “In 1997, I remained dry-eyed. Now, I weep for Diana, and the damage such forces continue to inflict,” Mayer writes.

Harry has openly acknowledged fearing that Meghan’s treatment mirrored the pressure his mother faced decades earlier.

Why Meghan Markle Still Sparks Such Strong Reactions

Mayer also argues that Meghan’s significance extends far beyond royal gossip. The author points to Meghan’s unprecedented global recognition, noting that her name recognition recently reached nearly universal levels in international polling.

According to Mayer, Meghan’s identity as a woman of color and her public association with social causes have only intensified public opinions surrounding her. While critics blame Meghan for damaging the monarchy’s reputation, supporters, including members of the so-called Sussex Squad, argue that misogyny, racism, or a mix of the two fueled much of the hostility directed at her.

Mayer ultimately poses one lingering question to critics who continue calling for Meghan to disappear from public life: “What exactly has she done to earn such hostility?”

For the author, Meghan’s story may not perfectly mirror Diana’s, but the similarities are difficult to ignore, especially through Harry’s eyes.

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 4 seconds ago

While I mostly lurk these days, I’m still hanging around on X, formerly known as Twitter. Admittedly, the place has become a real hellscape, with a feed constantly serving up ragebait and idiots constantly asking Grok to do their thinking for them. Speaking of idiots, X is filled with people who pay for blue checks, and as you might imagine, the people who pay extra to force their comments to the top almost never have anything interesting to say. Why am I still there, then? Because every single day, there’s some insanely brilliant bit of sh*tposting that makes me utter the motto every Twitter veteran: “I’m never leaving this site.” 

For example, even though the last House episode aired nearly a decade and a half ago, new fans are constantly discovering the show. New haters, too, as evidenced by one user (@jan_murray) starting Season 1 and griping about the show’s repetitive episode formula. Normally, this would be no big deal; people posting bad media takes on X is hardly anything new. What made her critique noteworthy, though, is that House star Hugh Laurie actually provided a response so wonderfully sarcastic and withering that it’s like he brought his famous TV doctor back for one last rodeo. A Golden Globe-winning actor dunking on a random fan out of nowhere? Man, I’m never leaving this site!

The New Main Character Is Here

All of this began with X user Janet Murray’s capsule review of House. Admitting that she was “late to the party,” she described starting Season 1 and getting annoyed with its repetitive story structure. “Patient has mysterious illness. Hugh Laurie (House) gets diagnosis wrong. Patient nearly dies.” She goes on to describe how the titular characters will get the diagnosis wrong again and nearly get fired, with the patient almost dying again. Finally, “Hugh Laurie has last minute leftfield idea. Gets diagnosis right. Doesn’t get fired.” She ends her critique with a rhetorical question: “Eight seasons of this?” 

As expected, many House superfans began mocking her criticisms. But that was nothing compared to Hugh Laurie, House himself, coming into the comment section like a wrecking ball. He immediately began with his character’s signature snark, criticizing her use of brackets in the original post. The actor then sarcastically noted that the crew tried a couple of episodes where “House gets it right the first time, but they were only 6 minutes long. NBC weren’t happy.“ He then joked that they tried episodes “where House never gets it right and the patient dies. The audience wasn’t happy.”

Making A House Call

Honestly, this was already brutal enough, but Laurie wasn’t done. Continuing, he wrote, “One could apply your trenchant analysis to other art forms: JS Bach wrote 30 Goldberg variations on the same chord structure; Frida Kahlo painted 50 portraits of herself…The point is, or was, variations on a theme; if all you see is hospital, medical blah blah, then it wasn’t meant for you.” As if he could hear the House fandom crying for him to finish her, Laurie added an absolutely devastating final sentence: “Nonetheless, I look forward to your first novel!”

Aside from the relative novelty of a famous actor talking sh*t to a sh*t poster, what makes Hugh Laurie’s response so great is that it might as well have been written by House. From the initial mocking of her communication to dragging her for not understanding media, the whole thing feels like a (slightly) more polite version of the TV doctor’s famous onscreen takedowns. Plus, Laurie’s final dig, essentially pointing out that this is creative criticism from someone who hasn’t created much, feels like the kind of thing House might throw out, mid-argument, before dramatically walking away.

The Diagnosis Is Correct

Beyond the sarcasm, Laurie offers some pretty spot-on media analysis. Most great new stories are, in fact, variations on stories we have seen before. Joseph Campbell pointed this out in his groundbreaking 1949 book Hero with a Thousand Faces. According to him, most great myths (ranging from The Odyssey to the Bible) tell the same essential story using different variations of the same tropes. He called this the “monomyth,” and his theories influenced George Lucas. This is why the first Star Wars, despite being sci-fi, has so many King Arthur callbacks: a magical mentor, an enchanted sword,  and a hero of destiny who has to rescue a damsel in distress from a terrifying castle.

While many fans and even a few of the show’s actors have been hoping for a House revival, nothing has been announced. Realistically, we may never get another TV series that brings back Hugh Laurie’s famously cantankerous physician. However, this hilarious kerfluffle over on X is a reminder that fans can effectively summon House back for more wit and wisdom whenever they want. All they have to do is say something really, really stupid where Hugh Laurie can see it, and then brace themselves for the most hilarious clapbacks in celebrity history!

Fantasy TV is often dominated by the biggest and flashiest names in the genre. Shows like Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power dominate most of the conversation, and for good reason. However, the catch is that while everyone is busy binge-watching the greats, a bunch of other brilliant fantasy shows get left behind.

Some of these shows premiered before the audiences started appreciating fantasy TV, and some lacked the marketing power of bigger franchises. Despite that, many of these overlooked series delivered the same sense of wonder and imagination that viewers appreciate in the more popular titles. For anyone looking to venture beyond the mainstream, here are the forgotten fantasy shows that are perfect from start to finish.

‘The 10th Kingdom’ (2000)

Image via NBC

The 10th Kingdom is a true blue fantasy adventure for the whole family. The miniseries focuses on what happens after the happily ever after, and in doing so, it delivers a clever, funny, and surprisingly ambitious story that feels like a love letter to the genre. The narrative follows young New Yorker Virginia Lewis (Kimberly Williams), whose ordinary life is turned upside down when a magical mirror transports her and her father, Tony Lewis (John Larroquette), into a realm made up of the Nine Kingdoms. There, familiar fairy tales have continued long after their original endings, and descendants of legendary characters now rule kingdoms of their own.

Now, when Snow White’s grandson, Prince Wendell (Daniel Lapaine), is transformed into a dog by the Evil Queen (Dianne Wiest), Virginia finds herself entangled in a quest that could determine the fate of the entire realm. The 10th Kingdom is genuinely one of the most creative fantasy shows of the 2000s. The series constantly finds inventive ways to reinterpret fairy-tale mythology and weaves together characters, locations, and lore from classic stories into a world that feels both familiar and yet completely original. This is what gives The 10th Kingdom a charm that holds up even today. This show is the definition of a forgotten gem that deserves to be rediscovered.

‘Neverwhere’ (1996)

Image via BBC

Neverwhere, created by Neil Gaiman, is a six-part BBC miniseries that takes a simple premise and transforms it into one of the most imaginative fantasy worlds ever put on television. The story follows Richard Mayhew (Gary Bakewell), an ordinary London businessman whose life changes forever after he helps an injured young woman named Door (Laura Fraser). That single act of kindness traps Richard in London Below, a hidden realm that exists alongside modern-day London.

As Richard searches for a way home, he joins Door on a dangerous adventure while being pursued by the sinister assassins Mr. Croup (Hywel Bennett) and Mr. Vandemar (Clive Russell). Neverwhere really shines in its worldbuilding because of how the show takes familiar London landmarks and transforms them into fantastical locations. It’s easy to tell that the show was made on a modest budget, but what it lacks in technicality, it more than makes up for with its compelling storytelling.

‘Pushing Daisies’ (2007–2009)

The premise of Pushing Daisies sounds absurd on paper, but the show is whimsical and quirky in all the right ways. The series follows pie-maker Ned (Lee Pace), who has the extraordinary gift of bringing the dead back to life with a single touch. Of course, that ability comes with strict rules, and if Ned touches someone a second time, they die forever. If he leaves a revived person alive for more than a minute, someone else nearby must die in their place. Chaos ensues when the protagonist starts helping private investigator Emerson Cod (Chi McBride) solve a murder and ends up resurrecting his childhood sweetheart, Charlotte “Chuck” Charles (Anna Friel), whom he does not want to lose again.

Aside from this hooking premise, Pushing Daisies feels like a storybook come to life with its colorful, elaborate sets and playful dialogue. Ned and Chuck’s love story is the most heartwarming part of the show. The two are hopelessly in love, yet can never physically touch each other without catastrophic consequences. Most would treat that limitation as a gimmick, but Pushing Daisies turns it into the emotional heart of the series. The fantasy comedy revolves around the idea of death itself, but never feels cynical. Even years after its cancellation, audiences still celebrate it as a one-of-a-kind TV masterpiece that ended way too soon.

‘His Dark Materials’ (2019–2022)

Image via HBO

Advertisement

His Dark Materials, based on Philip Pullman‘s acclaimed novels, begins with the story of Lyra Belacqua (Dafne Keen), a seemingly ordinary orphan living at Jordan College in an alternate version of Oxford, where every human soul exists outside the body as an animal companion called a daemon. Things take a turn when Lyra’s best friend mysteriously disappears, and she sets out on a journey to find her. Along the way, she crosses paths with armored polar bears, witches, scholars, angels, and Will Parry (Amir Wilson), a boy from another world whose destiny becomes linked to her own.

His Dark Materials is one of those rare shows that grow with the audience. Season 1 has all the makings of a classic fantasy, but as the story progresses, the show makes way for its more philosophical themes to coexist with its elements of adventure and wonder. The series stays true to Pullman’s immersive world-building and, across three seasons, tells a complete story with a powerful emotional payoff.

‘The Almighty Johnsons’ (2011–2013)

Image via TV3

The premise of The Almighty Johnsons could have easily taken a ridiculous turn, but the New Zealand series remains surprisingly grounded till the very end. The show follows Axl Johnson (Emmett Skilton), an ordinary student who discovers he is actually the reincarnation of Odin on his 21st birthday. Not just that, but all his family members are reincarnated Norse gods, whose divine abilities are weakened. It’s up to Axl to find the reincarnation of Frigg (Siobhan Marshall), Odin’s destined wife, to restore his family’s full powers.

The reason why The Almighty Johnsons is so entertaining is that the show runs wild with this setup. It treats mythology less like a spectacle and more like a series of relatable family problems in modern Auckland. This approach gives The Almighty Johnsons a personality that is unlike the standard, flashier fantasy shows. The series builds its fantasy through sharp writing and the idea that ancient gods might be just as confused and emotionally complicated as everyone else.

‘Carnivàle’ (2003–2005)

Image via HBO

HBO’s Carnivàle is one of the most underrated fantasy shows of all time. The series is set during the Dust Bowl years of the Great Depression and follows Ben Hawkins (Nick Stahl), a young farm boy with mysterious healing abilities who joins a traveling carnival after his mother dies. As Ben travels across the American Southwest with the carnival’s collection of performers, fortune-tellers, and outcasts, he becomes haunted by strange visions that seem connected to a drifter named Henry Scudder (John Savage). Simultaneously, in California, charismatic preacher Brother Justin Crowe (Clancy Brown) begins discovering supernatural powers of his own, completely unaware that his path and Ben’s are leading toward an inevitable confrontation.

Carnivàle blends intimate character drama with a grand battle between good and evil. The show’s mythology is extremely ambitious. It draws from religion, folklore, tarot symbolism, prophecy, and even American history, but never loses sight of the character arcs that drive the narrative. Carnivàle also remains one of the most visually stunning fantasy shows ever produced, accurately portraying the era in which it is set. However, the show’s greatest strength is how confidently it embraces mystery. It trusts the audience to piece together clues and symbolism, which makes for the kind of active viewing experience that the fantasy genre calls for.

‘The Magicians’ (2015–2020)

Image via SYFY

The Magicians is a treat for anyone who loves Harry Potter but wants a story that feels more grown-up. The series, based on Lev Grossman‘s novels, begins with Quentin Coldwater (Jason Ralph), who discovers that magic is real when he is unexpectedly accepted into Brakebills University, a secret institution that trains magicians. Things quickly become far more complicated as Quentin and his fellow students learn that magic is dangerous, unpredictable, and often comes with devastating consequences. The real twist comes when they discover that Fillory, the magical fantasy world from Quentin’s favorite childhood books, isn’t fiction at all.

Not only is it real, but it’s also far more dangerous than anyone imagined. Now, Quentin definitely serves as the entry point to the story, but The Magicians quickly evolves into a true ensemble show. It follows characters including Julia Wicker (Stella Maeve), Eliot Waugh (Hale Appleman), Margo Hanson (Summer Bishil), and more as they grow, fail, lose friendships, and deal with personal struggles along with the magical threats they face. The series isn’t afraid to tackle dark themes like depression and addiction, but even then, it never loses its sense of wonder. Obviously, the cast’s brilliant performances allow such tonal shifts to work without ever feeling disjointed. The Magicians kept reinventing over its five seasons, and is easily one of the distinctive fantasy shows of the last decade.

Advertisement

The Magicians

Release Date

Advertisement

2015 – 2020-00-00

Directors

Chris Fisher, James L. Conway, Joshua Butler, John Scott, Carol Banker, Scott Smith, Guy Norman Bee, Rebecca Johnson, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Meera Menon, amanda tapping, Bill Eagles, Jan Eliasberg, Kate Woods, Shannon Kohli

Advertisement

Advertisement

• 
• 

  Olivia Taylor Dudley

  Alice Quinn

Advertisement

Advertisement

Denim cutoffs will always have a place in our summer wardrobes, but this season, we’re swapping frayed hems for something far more polished: tailored Bermuda shorts. The longer inseam instantly elevates an outfit, giving off that effortless “quiet luxury” energy while still feeling breathable, comfy and easy to style during hot weather.

Whether you’re channeling Hamptons-style sophistication, European vacation vibes or that polished ‘rich mom’ aesthetic flooding TikTok, tailored Bermuda shorts are the chic staple to wear on repeat. We found the best pairs from Amazon, Nordstrom, Gap, Abercrombie, Quince and more, including comfy pull-on styles, designer-looking picks and flattering options that make legs look miles long.

13 Tailored Bermuda Shorts That Scream ‘Rich Mom Summer’

1. Our Favorite: These pleated, tailored Bermuda shorts strike the perfect balance between polished and relaxed, making them look far more expensive than they actually are. The slightly longer inseam creates that coveted rich-mom silhouette while still feeling lightweight enough for scorching summer days.

2. Runner-Up: With a trouser-inspired fit and soft drapey fabric, these effortlessly skim the body without clinging. No one would ever know they’re actually active wear!

3. Editor-Approved: Long tailored shorts have become a celebrity street-style staple lately, and this pair nails the trend perfectly. The clean front tailoring and structured fit instantly elevate basic tanks and tees.

4. Designer-Looking: These chic Bermuda shorts look straight out of a European designer boutique thanks to the comfortable blend of fabrics and polished silhouette. The relaxed tailoring gives them that understated old-money feel we can’t stop wearing.

5. Everyday Essential: If you want a pair you’ll throw on constantly, these comfy pull-on Bermuda shorts are it. The stretchy waistband keeps things easy while the tailored shape still makes outfits feel put together.

Related: Selma Blair Just Made Summer 2026’s Divisive Shorts Trend Look So Chic

It seems like every time we open Instagram, another influencer is telling Us that something we love wearing is suddenly uncool. We’ve decided to stop paying attention, especially when it comes to the debate about Bermuda shorts. Not everyone wants to rock booty-baring options, and after seeing how Selma Blair styled her denim pair, we’re totally sold on […]

Advertisement

6. Hamptons-Style Pick: Crisp white Bermuda shorts practically scream coastal grandmother meets Hamptons chic. Pair them with a striped sweater and leather sandals for an instantly polished summer outfit.

7. Petite-Friendly: Finding Bermuda shorts that don’t overwhelm shorter frames can be tricky, but this pair hits at the perfect leg-lengthening spot. The streamlined fit creates a flattering, elongated look without feeling boxy.

8. Cool-Girl Favorite: These slouchy, tailored shorts give off effortless downtown energy while still looking sophisticated. Styled with an oversized button-down and sleek loafers, they nail the cool-girl aesthetic.

9. Tummy-Control Pick: A mid-rise waistband and structured fabric help smooth everything comfortably without feeling restrictive. The relaxed leg opening also creates a super flattering silhouette for curvier body types.

10. Linen-Lover Essential: Nothing feels more luxurious in the summer heat than breathable linen Bermuda shorts. This tailored pair looks especially chic with matching linen tops and oversized sunglasses.

11. Under-$40 Find: These expensive-looking Bermuda shorts ring in at a surprisingly affordable price point. Reviewers love the polished fit, easy styling potential and comfy feel.

12. Office-to-Brunch Staple: Tailored enough for casual office settings yet relaxed enough for weekend plans, these knee-length shorts can truly do both. The longer length makes them feel sophisticated instead of overly trendy.

13. Rich Mom Energy: Everything about these polished Bermuda shorts feels incredibly elevated, from the clean tailoring to the luxe-looking fabric. Add gold jewelry, a woven tote and oversized sunglasses for the full rich-mom effect.

Related: These 17 Loose, Breezy Pants Channel Hamptons Rich Mom Style

There’s a certain kind of summer outfit that feels straight out of the Hamptons — iced coffee in hand, beach breeze, not a single thing clinging where it shouldn’t. Loose, flowy pants are the foundation, keeping things easy, polished and somehow always pulled together, even without trying. It’s the kind of look that appears expensive, […]

Real Housewives of Miami star Lenny Hochstein is addressing the sexual assault allegations being made against him in a new lawsuit.

“I’ve never drugged or raped anyone in my life.” Hochstein, 59, claimed to Us Weekly on Monday, June 8. “I know who this girl is. She is a girl I met over a year ago and I have a video of her leaving my house the next morning smiling and dancing.”

Hochstein admitted that he and the woman did participate in sexual activity but he vehemently denied that it was rape.

“I absolutely did not drug anyone,” he told Us. “I did not rape anyone and would never do that in my life.”

Related: Everything to Know About Lisa Hochstein’s Messy Divorce From Lenny Hochstein

The Real Housewives of Miami star Lisa Hochstein and ex-husband Lenny Hochstein announced their split in May 2022 — but going public was only the beginning of their messy divorce proceedings. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Enter your email Please enter a valid email. Subscribe By signing up, I agree to […]

Hochstein alleged there are witnesses who can advocate on his behalf. He also questioned the alleged victim for not reaching out to the authorities.

“If you feel like you were raped, why would you not go to the police?” he continued. “No one from the police has reached out to me.”

Earlier on Monday, news broke that a woman anonymously filed a lawsuit in civil court against Hochstein for sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. According to court documents obtained by Us, the woman, who has been referred to as Jane Doe, accused Hochstein of drugging and raping her after she was invited to a party at his house on Star Island in Miami.

She’s asking the court for more than $50,000, including attorneys fees and costs.

Doe claimed that she was visiting Miami from London in May 2025. While out at the Sopra Club, Doe met another man, who she refers to in court docs as a “decoy,” invited her to the Star Island home for an alleged party. She claimed that when she arrived at the property there wasn’t a party.

After meeting Hochstein, Doe accused him of repeatedly hitting on her and she rejected his advances.

He allegedly “offered to give her a tour of the Star Island” home that ended in his bedroom at around 3 a.m. when he allegedly “kissed” her and she “immediately told him that things would not go any further and that she would not be having sex with him.” She allegedly “repeated the refusal multiple times throughout the night.”

She also claimed he gave her a sleeping pill and she took it because he is a doctor. (Hochstein is a well-known plastic surgeon.)

Doe claimed that after she took the pill, he “began making increasingly aggressive and continuous sexual advances.”

She further claimed that he “attempted to remove her underwear with his hand” which she refused, and she allegedly told him that “she would not be having sex with him.”

Doe claimed that she blacked out shortly after taking the pill and woke up the next morning “extremely hazy” when he “attempted to have sex with her.”

At that point, she “realized that her underwear had been removed from her body at some point during her period of unconsciousness,” per the docs.

Doe claimed that he told her that “she should have sex with him because the two of them had already had sex the night before.”

She alleged that she was “incapable of giving and did not give valid consent to any sexual contact.”

Related: Lisa Hochstein Surrenders, Takes Mugshot After Allegedly Spying on Ex Lenny

UPDATE — 4/15/26, 11:42 a.m. ET: The Real Housewives of Miami star Lisa Hochstein has turned herself in to authorities. Hochstein’s attorney, Jayne Weintraub, confirmed to TMZ on Wednesday, April 15, that the surrender was voluntary and her client “has nothing to hide” as the legal process plays out. Hochstein posed for a mugshot before […]

Advertisement

Doe claimed in a text message exchange between them following the incident, Hochstein told her that he had “given her melatonin.”

However, Doe claimed in the docs that it was Ambien because she remembered what it looked like and researched it online.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

TMZ was first to report the news of the lawsuit filing.

Lenny rose to fame for appearing on Real Housewives of Miami alongside ex-wife Lisa Hochstein. Lisa made her debut during season 2 which aired in 2012. She has remained on the cast since. On the Bravo series, Lenny and Lisa endured multiple issues including their fertility struggles and a tumultuous divorce. The exes split in 2022 and finalized their divorce two years later.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

The ‘80s were a great decade for cinema, and not just a popular one. Although it can sometimes be conflated that it was the decade that brought the end to the “New Hollywood” era because it saw a rise in studios trying to make blockbuster franchises, it’s impressive to see how many legendary directors began their careers over this ten year span.

The ‘80s are seemingly more popular than ever thanks to the wave of nostalgia that has a grasp over all of the media, but not all of the best films of the decade were recognized as such at the time that they were released. In fact, many of these films didn’t get the recognition that they deserved until they became more popular on home media, or in recent years when they became more accessible on different streaming services.

10

‘Bird’ (1988)

Image via Warner Bros.

Bird was a very different film for Clint Eastwood, who at the time was best known for his work on Westerns, action, and war films. Bird is a musical biopic of the legendary jazz player Charlie Parker, who is played by Forest Whitaker in one of the greatest performances of his career; it’s not a traditional “based on a true story” type of film, as Eastwood opts for a more impressionistic approach that approaches Parker’s career in a creative way, often feeling like a jazz song.

Bird stands out as being a truly original and accessible music biopic, which is notable today because of how cliched the genre has become due to films that seek only to appease existing fans of established artists. Eastwood has made many great films, but Bird should be recognized as one of his most underrated.

9

‘Sea of Love’ (1989)

Image via Universal Pictures

Sea of Love was a significant film at the time of its release because it marked the major return of Al Pacino, who had essentially taken almost the entire decade off after a few notable bombs. Although Pacino had reached a point in his career where he was beginning to chew the scenery and give more over-the-top performances, Sea of Love was a grounded crime drama that anticipated the wave of serial killer thrillers that would become more prominent within the ‘90s.

Pacino gives one of his better performances in Sea of Love, but the film is actually stolen by Ellen Barkin, who managed to hold her own against an acting legend. When looking back at Sea of Love, it truly feels like “the type of film they don’t make anymore” because this type of grounded crime story would most likely be turned into a television show in 2026.

8

‘Casualties of War’ (1989)

Image via Columbia Pictures

Casualties of War was a very divisive film from Brian De Palma, who tackled the Vietnam War in a way that truly scandalized audiences. Although there had been films like Apocalypse Now and Platoon that reflected the theme of “war is hell,” Casualties of War presented a scenario in which the American soldiers were unambiguously the villains, as they abused their authority to create terror among the civilians who had their country torn apart by conflict.

Casualties of War presented a far grittier role for Michael J. Fox than he had ever had before, and became even more notable because it was released the same year as Back to the Future: Part II. It also featured a truly terrifying performance from Sean Penn, who was already proving himself to be unparalleled in terms of committing to intense roles that required him to get deep into character.

7

‘Talk Radio’ (1988)

Image via Universal Pictures

Talk Radio is one of the most underrated films by Oliver Stone, and tends to get overlooked in his filmography because it was released in-between Wall Street and Born on the Fourth of July, two massive hits that ended up winning Oscars. Talk Radio starred Eric Bognosian in a true story about a radio host who was known for making transgressive, controversial broadcasts, and was eventually killed in a horrific hate crime.

Talk Radio was ahead of its time in looking at the discourse within the media and how easily it became toxic, as the film holds up even better when considering everything that has occurred within the Internet era. It was also a major role for Bogosian, who adapted his own play as the film’s screenplay, and proved to be a great collaborator to Stone when he was in his best decade.

6

‘Patty Hearst’ (1988)

Image via Atlantic Releasing

Patty Hearst is one of the most underrated films written by Paul Schrader, who has never shied away from tackling material that is bound to ruffle some feathers. The film is based on the true story of a wealthy woman who was kidnapped by a radical anti-authoritarian movement and brainwashed into joining their organization. Although the film may have been too disturbing and avant garde to ever become a major critical darling, Natasha Richardson gives an incredible performance in the titular role, and deserved to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

Patty Hearst confronts its audience with a bleak story and does not direct the viewer to feel a certain way. Given how modern cinema tends to beg its audience to understand a message without giving them any room to figure it out for themselves, it’s refreshing to see a film that is comfortable in its ambiguity.

5

‘Tin Men’ (1987)

Tin Men was a fairly successful film at the time of its release, but tends to be forgotten today. It was directed by Barry Levinson just a year before he would win the Academy Award for Best Director for Rain Man, and starred Danny DeVito and Richard Dreyfuss as two businessmen who have a dangerous feud after they get into a car crash in which they blame each other.

Tin Men is fairly dark for a mainstream comedy, and is willing to paint both of its leads in a fairly negative light. Younger viewers may not be aware that, long before It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, DeVito was a dynamic leading man who could breathe life into oddball characters. Dreyfuss tends to be a much more divisive actor, but he’s rarely been better cast than he was in Tin Men.

4

‘Salvador’ (1986)

Image via MGM

Salvador is another great film from Stone that tends to get overlooked because it was released the same year as Platoon, the masterpiece that won him Best Picture and Best Director. The film is centered around the same period in history and is part of the spiritual “Vietnam trilogy” that Stone made alongside Platoon and Born On the Fourth of July.

Salvador is a great journalism drama that effectively conveys the perspective of a reporter who feels helpless to improve a situation he cares deeply about, despite doing his best to remain objective. Stone rarely fails to get tremendous performances out of his actors, but he made a particularly brilliant choice casting James Woods in Salvador. Woods tends to be a character actor who plays peculiar side characters, so seeing him in a darker lead role earned him a very well-deserved Academy Award nomination.

3

‘Code of Silence’ (1985)

Image via Orion Pictures

Code of Silence was originally written to be a Dirty Harry sequel, but was repurposed into an original action thriller directed by Andrew Davis, the underrated filmmaker behind The Fugitive and Under Siege. The film stars Chuck Norris in his best performance ever as the one noble cop on a corrupt police force.

Code of Silence is one of the most underrated Chicago-set films, as it uses the city’s locations to create a real sense of time and place. Davis has always had a talent for making high-wire thrillers that deal with more intimate themes, and Code of Silence explores the difference between honor and loyalty in profound ways that were unexpected for what looked like a B-movie. Norris is obviously best known for being a renowned martial artist and action star, but Code of Silence proved that he could give a real, sensitive performance in a legitimate crime film.

2

‘Lost in America’ (1985)

Image via Warner Bros.

Lost in America is one of the greatest films by Albert Brooks, a legendary writer, director, actor, and comedian who has had a significant influence on many of the funniest people working today. Brooks is great at taking realistic situations and escalating them to the point of excruciating awkwardness, and Lost in America is a hilarious satire of the “American dream” that doubles as a great road trip film.

Lost in America was released at the right time in the midst of the Reagan-era, and stands up well as a satire of class, privilege, and the illusion of autonomy. Brooks is always great at casting himself to be nebbish characters who bite off more than they can chew, and Lost in America was a great example of how he could present himself as being slightly obnoxious, yet still very charming.

1

‘1984’ (1984)

Image via 20th Century Fox

1984 was one of the all-time best years for films, so it shouldn’t be all that surprising that it also saw the debut of an adaptation of the most legendary novel by George Orwell. Although there have been many films that speak to Orwellian themes or acknowledge some of the ideas that were critical to his work, 1984 is one of the rare examples of a straight adaptation of his text.

1984 is just as bleak as the material called for, which may be why it wasn’t necessarily a successful film at the time of its release. While many of the lines from the novel are faithfully executed, the film also works to make the characters more engaging, and includes a stunning performance by John Hurt at his most devastating. It’s very easy to miss the point with Orwell; just look at what happened with Animal Farm.

Advertisement

1984

Advertisement

Release Date

March 22, 1985

Runtime

Advertisement

113 Minutes

Director

Michael Radford

Advertisement

Writers

Michael Radford, George Orwell

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement