Fame can open doors to incredible opportunities, but it also comes at a personal cost. For Jennifer Garner, that price included years of relentless attention from the paparazzi that often intruded into her private life. Reflecting on those experiences, the actress recalled a few dangerous and unsettling encounters that left a lasting impression.

For decades, paparazzi have earned their livelihood by capturing candid moments of celebrities, often trailing them in hopes of capturing exclusive photos. The practice has long sparked debates about privacy and the boundaries when it comes to public figures.

Jennifer Garner has had many run-ins with paparazzi, especially when her children were little. The actress acknowledged that her fame afforded her children privileged lives, but she also highlighted the dangers that come with the territory.

“It was totally ludicrous. And it felt like ‘Poor little me, my poor little kids who have everything in the world,’ but it was a danger to everyone around us,” she said in an episode of the “Shut Up Evan” podcast.

The actress, who shares three children with ex-husband Ben Affleck, recalled how cars of paparazzi would chase her through stoplights or drive on hills or other people’s lawns just to capture a photo of her with her children.

The Actress Said Her Children Paid The Price For Their Parents Being Famous

When an alien invasion comes to Earth, it is inevitable for us to call on the military to fight back, which is why there have been so many great military science fiction movies. They’re certainly thrilling entertainment, pitting familiar weaponry against otherworldly threats. The use of the military often grounds them so that they become more realistic, but some movies imagined a futuristic or an alternate military force created specifically for the movie’s narrative. Nevertheless, they all make great entertainment.

Here, we take a look at the greatest military sci-fi films, familiar blockbusters that utilize the military aspect to its maximum effect, from social commentary to incredible battle sequences. The unforgettable heroes from these movies face terrifying enemies in high-stakes, world-ending conflicts. From one of the best sequels of all time to the highest-grossing movie of all time, these are the best military sci-fi films ever.

7

‘Independence Day’ (1996)

Image via 20th Century Studios

Independence Day sees a coordinated alien invasion threaten Earth. As the enormous UFOs position themselves over large cities and start to destroy them, the film follows scientist David Levinson (Josh Goldblum), who discovered the alien signal, ace Marine pilot Steven Hiller (Will Smith), and US President Whitmore (Bill Pullman), as they try to launch a response and organize a counterattack.

With the backdrop of American Independence Day, it is only apt that this Roland Emmerich blockbuster features one of the best military warfare scenes in a sci-fi film. The film is famous for its colossal destruction sequences, iconic quotes, and thrilling battles, but it also balances them with genuine emotional stakes. The thrilling aerial dogfights, especially when Hiller goes one-on-one with the alien spaceship, are immersive and rousing. It is no wonder that Independence Day is one of the defining blockbusters of the 1990s that still resonates today.

6

‘Pacific Rim’ (2013)

Image via Kerry Hayes/©Warner Bros. Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

When Kaiju monsters begin emerging from a portal beneath the Pacific Ocean, humanity responds by constructing gigantic robotic weapons called Jaegers in Pacific Rim. The film follows ex-Jaeger pilot Raleigh (Charlie Hunnam), who’s called back into duty after the Jaeger program fell. He’s paired with the rookie Mako Mori (Rinko Kikuchi) to battle increasingly dangerous Kaiju that attack major cities.

Pacific Rim stands out because it reimagines what the military would look like in the face of otherworldly threats like Kaiju. Guillermo del Toro draws inspiration from Japanese manga and anime, namely Gundam and Evangelion, creating a unique universe that’s both thrilling and creative. The Jaegers themselves feel like genuine military hardware by showing what it takes to pilot them and the robots’ capabilities. Pacific Rim boasts spectacular visual design and jaw-dropping action sequences, and it’s still unmatched by other monster movies. It may have enjoyed only modest box-office success, but it has since become a modern cult classic.

5

‘Transformers’ (2007)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Michael Bay‘s Transformers follows Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf), who unexpectedly gets caught in the middle of a robotic war between the Autobots and the Decepticons after his first car turns out to be a Transformer. The military, namely the Special Ops team led by Captain Lennox (Josh Duhamel) and Sergeant Epps (Tyrese Gibson), also gets involved as the Decepticons are after state secrets to revive their leader, Megatron, and obtain the powerful All Spark.

Transformers may be remembered for its explosive spectacle, but the film distinguishes itself by effectively integrating modern military operations into its story. In doing so, it grounds itself as much as it can, making the plot more exciting than just a robot vs robot film. It treats the Decepticons as real threats, and the military portrayed in the film responds fearlessly. The action sequence where the soldiers battle Scorponok is blockbuster filmmaking at its best. On top of that, Bay’s large-scale action sequences remain visually impressive thanks to groundbreaking visual effects that still look gorgeous today. The subsequent sequels still incorporate the military, but this first film is the gold standard.

4

‘Avatar’ (2009)

Image via 20th Century Studios

Avatar follows Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), who is recruited to participate in the Avatar Program on the alien moon of Pandora. With his Marine background, he is recruited by Colonel Quaritch (Stephen Lang) to gather information about the land’s valuable resources. As Jake learns the Na’vi culture and becomes close with Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña), he begins questioning the operation he was sent to support.

While Avatar is celebrated for revolutionizing visual effects, also close to its DNA are the war sequences that appear in all three movies so far. In this aspect, the military science fiction elements are compelling. James Cameron presents a technologically advanced military that contrasts with the Na’vi’s more traditional way. As Jake assimilates to the Na’vi, there are fun sequences where the Na’vi wield firepower and follow Jake’s Marine training. Every battle feels meticulously choreographed, with believable tactics and cutting-edge equipment that make the conflict feel grounded despite its fantastical setting. It’s one of the many reasons that Avatar is thoroughly entertaining to the tune of over $2 billion worldwide.

3

‘Edge of Tomorrow’ (2014)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Advertisement

Edge of Tomorrow follows PR officer William Cage (Tom Cruise), who’s shoved into the frontline of combat against an unstoppable alien species named the Mimics. Without proper training, Cage is killed within minutes, but he finds himself trapped in a time loop that makes him relive the same day. He teams up with the legendary Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt) and uses his ability to improve and find the aliens’ weakness.

Based on a manga, Edge of Tomorrow puts a new spin on the Groundhog Day time-loop formula. It combines the sci-fi premise with the structure of a military campaign, smartly focusing on Cage, who is not hero material at first, but then we see him develop and win after countless failures. The large-scale invasion and combat are among the most fascinating sequences in the movie. Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt have a great dynamic, and their presence is a large reason why the film became so beloved. Edge of Tomorrow has emerged as a favorite after it was released in theaters, and there have been talks of a sequel brewing.

2

‘Starship Troopers’ (1997)

Image via TriStar Pictures

Advertisement

Starship Troopers follows Johnny Rico (Casper Van Dien), a high school graduate who enlists in the Mobile Infantry after his friends join the military. As humanity, now ruled by the United Citizen Federation, launches a campaign against the alien Arachnids following a devastating attack on Earth, Rico rises through the ranks while experiencing the brutal realities of war.

Initially dismissed for promoting fascism, Starship Troopers has been reappraised as a deceptively masterful satire. Its only fault is that it was released at a time when everything was more optimistic. Paul Verhoeven deliberately presents a world where militarism, propaganda, and nationalism are glorified to uncomfortable extremes. The film works equally well as an adrenaline-fueled war movie and as a critique of authoritarian societies. Its practical creature effects and large-scale battles have only become more appreciated with time. With its social commentary, Starship Troopers has now become a quintessential military sci-fi film.

1

‘Aliens’ (1986)

Image via 20th Century Fox Film Corp. All rights reserved. /Courtesy Everett Collection

Advertisement

Aliens follows Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) as she reluctantly accompanies a squad of Colonial Marines to investigate a human colony that has mysteriously gone silent on LV-426, the moon where she initially encountered the Xenomorph. Logically, the suspicion is that the hyper-violent alien is behind the event. When they find themselves there, they discover they’ve walked directly into a Xenomorph hive.

James Cameron took Ridley Scott‘s claustrophobic horror masterpiece and transformed it into one of cinema’s greatest military action films. Aliens remains the benchmark for military sci-fi because it perfectly blends horror and action. Cameron gives every member of the Colonial Marines a distinct personality, making their inevitable losses genuinely impactful. The Xenomorphs remain terrifying despite the characters being armed, unlike in the first film, allowing Ripley to turn into one of cinema’s greatest action heroes. The film’s relentless pacing, groundbreaking visual effects, and unforgettable final boss showdown have influenced nearly other blockbusters that followed.

Former NFL player and “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” cast member Marcellus Wiley is denying allegations of rape in new court filings.

Marcellus has been a topic of conversation since the beginning of July 2026 when his wife, Annemarie Wiley, accused him of physically and sexually assaulting her. He was arrested during the Fourth of July weekend and booked into a Florida jail.

Since then, Marcellus Wiley has been fighting to clear his name, and during his latest court appearance, he said that Annemarie’s claims of r-pe were actually moments of “marital intimacy.”

In new court documents, Marcellus, who played a majority of his career with the Buffalo Bills, fired back at the claims his wife, Annemarie, made about him earlier this month.

“We did not have a perfect marriage. We experienced disagreements, frustrations and periods of marital strain,” he wrote in court documents obtained by Us Weekly. “However, I have never physically abused, sexually assaulted or intentionally harmed my wife at any point during our relationship, either before we were married or during the more than 12 years that we have been husband and wife.”

Annemarie Wiley Claimed Marcellus R-ped Her More Than Once

According to a previous report from The Blast, Annemarie alleged that Marcellus had abused her in more ways than one after his Fourth of July arrest. She said at the time that she had been a victim of Marcellus’ “continuing and escalating pattern of physical violence, sexual abuse, verbal and emotional abuse, financial control and intimidation.”

Responding directly to the claims, Marcellus denied his estranged wife’s allegations and instead categorized them as moments of “marital intimacy.”

“That allegation is completely false. I have never forced, coerced or sexually assaulted my wife,” he said. “Those allegations are profoundly painful to read because they bear no resemblance to the relationship I believed we shared. Until these proceedings were filed, Annemarie and I remained husband and wife living together in the same home with our three children. We had not separated.”

Following his arrest, Annemarie requested that Marcellus have no visitation with their children for the time being. He was ordered to stay 500 feet away from his estranged wife and was barred from using their children to relay messages.

In court, Marcellus said that the loss of contact with his children has been one of the most challenging parts of his and his wife’s ongoing legal woes.

Advertisement

“My children know me as the father who wakes them up for school, prepares them for the day, drives them to school, picks them up each afternoon, coaches their teams, attends their practices and games, helps with homework and spends virtually every afternoon and evening with them,” he said. “That has been their daily routine for years.”

Marcellus Arrested After Allegedly Poking His Wife In The Face

Marcellus was arrested by Florida police officers earlier this month after Annemarie told them that he allegedly poked her in the cheek during an argument.

She also claimed that the former ESPN employee threatened to k-ll her.

Annemarie told police during the time of Marcellus’ arrest that she planned on divorcing him due to his alleged “unreported history of violence” towards her in the past.

Marcellus was booked into a Florida jail and charged with alleged domestic battery, per The Blast.

Advertisement

Marcellus Has Been Accused Of Misconduct Before

Before his arrest, Marcellus had been accused of more sexual misconduct by four different women. Two of the women claimed Marcellus assaulted them in the ’90s when he was playing football for Columbia University. A third victim alleged that Marcellus r-ped her when she turned 18 after allegedly grooming her since she was a minor. The last victim accused Marcellus of r-ping her after he invited her to his hotel room to allegedly speak about their work as ESPN employees.

Marcellus denied the allegations in a YouTube video, claiming the women were out to ruin his reputation and secure a massive paycheck.

“As they say, assassination by accusation. That’s their goal. They’re trying by lying. They don’t want justice. They want just ice. Money, bling, things,” he said. “For every one of them, I either saw, communicated through email, text, phone, was invited by these individuals after these dates to engage, to be intimate or all the above, after the dates that are in question.”

Brad Pitt is facing another painful development in his fractured family life after his youngest daughter, Vivienne, moved to legally remove his surname.

The 18-year-old’s court filing follows similar steps by several of her older siblings, deepening the public impression of a widening divide between the Oscar winner and the six children he shares with ex-wife Angelina Jolie.

5

Vivienne Marcheline Jolie-Pitt has filed a petition in Los Angeles County Superior Court asking to become Vivienne Marcheline Jolie, according to court documents obtained by the Daily Mail.

The filing lists her reason for seeking the change as “personal,” without offering any further explanation.

A hearing has been scheduled for November 2, when the court is expected to consider the request.

Vivienne, who turned 18 this year, is the youngest of Pitt and Jolie’s six children and was born in 2008 alongside her twin brother, Knox.

Her decision is particularly significant because it moves beyond the informal use of a shortened name and places the matter before a judge.

Representatives for Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have not publicly addressed the filing.

Vivienne Had Already Distanced Herself From Brad Pitt’s Name

5

The court petition was not the first indication that Vivienne no longer wanted to be publicly identified by her father’s surname.

In May 2024, she was credited as Vivienne Jolie in the Playbill for the Broadway production of “The Outsiders,” which she worked on alongside her mother.

At the time, it was unclear whether she had legally changed her name or was simply using Jolie professionally.

Her new petition answers part of that question by showing that she now wants the change formally recognized.

Vivienne’s work on “The Outsiders” also marked a rare public professional appearance for the teenager.

Jolie served as a lead producer on the Tony-winning musical, while Vivienne was credited as a producer’s assistant and frequently appeared with her mother during the production’s promotional run.

Brad Pitt Reportedly Finds The Family Rift ‘Deeply Painful’

5

Vivienne’s filing arrives as Pitt continues to face questions about his relationships with his children following his long and bitter separation from Angelina Jolie.

A source recently told the Daily Mail that Pitt views the estrangement as “deeply painful” and “believes Angelina’s role in how things unfolded is the ultimate betrayal.”

Those claims have not been publicly confirmed by Pitt or Jolie, and the children have largely avoided discussing their relationships with their father in detail.

However, the repeated decisions to stop using Pitt’s surname have kept the family divide in the spotlight.

For the actor, Vivienne’s move may be especially difficult because she is now the latest of his children to pursue a formal break from the Jolie-Pitt name that once symbolized one of Hollywood’s most famous families.

Zahara And Maddox Also Move To Drop Pitt

5

Vivienne’s petition comes only weeks after Zahara, 21, and Maddox, 24, published legal notices announcing their own efforts to remove Pitt from their surnames.

One notice stated, “Petitioner Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt to Zahara Marley Jolie.”

The second read, “Petitioner Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt to Maddox Chivan Jolie.”

Their hearings are scheduled separately, with Maddox due in court on September 14 and Zahara on September 28.

Zahara had already introduced herself publicly as Zahara Marley Jolie during a 2023 sorority ceremony at Spelman College. Maddox, meanwhile, reportedly filed his petition in late May.

Their legal notices confirm that both are now seeking court approval rather than simply using different names socially.

What Happens Next In The Jolie-Pitt Name Cases?

5

California law requires adults seeking a legal name change to publish an Order to Show Cause in a newspaper for four consecutive weeks before their hearing.

The notice allows anyone with a valid legal objection to appear and explain why the request should not be granted.

In most uncontested adult name-change cases, judges approve petitions when the required paperwork and publication rules have been satisfied.

The court hearings for Maddox, Zahara, and Vivienne will therefore determine whether their requested names become official on government records.

Shiloh Jolie already completed that process after filing to remove Pitt from her surname when she turned 18. Her lawyer later described the move as an “independent and significant decision following painful events.”

With multiple children now taking the same legal step, the surname issue has become more than a private family matter.

It is now a visible symbol of the lasting fallout from Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s divorce and the unresolved fractures that continue to surround their family in the public eye today.

Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of New York City” has been off the air since February 2024. Now, the network has revealed not only the premiere date for the show’s long-awaited 16th season, but also released the trailer, featuring returning stars Sai De Silva, Jessel Taank, and Erin Lichly. Carole Radziwill is also returning after leaving in 2018.

4

“The Real Housewives of New York City” will premiere on September 8. Per the offical description of the show, “The city that never sleeps lights up when this ambitious group of Housewives takes on another unforgettable season.”

It continues, “From the concrete jungle to the sandy beaches of a private island, they work hard and play even harder as some friendships grow stronger, new ones form, and others take unexpected turns. When pieces of the past resurface and new tensions emerge, the women find themselves navigating shifting loyalties and fractured friendships.”

Also on the cast this season are newbies Hailey Glassman, Erika Hammond, and Daisy Toye.

Bravo Has Unveiled The ‘RHONY’ Season 16 Trailer

In addition to revealing the premiere date for “RHONY” season 16 on July 21, Bravo also gave fans a first look at the season. The trailer begins with a toast to “authenticity,” “honesty,” and “living fully in who we are.” After that, the trailer teases the changing dynamics between the ladies, including de Silva and Taank going head to head.

From there, the new cast can be seen, starting with Toye, as a voiceover from her top client, Martha Stewart, calls her “makeup artist to the stars.” The media legend then appears in the trailer, seemingly in Toye’s kitchen.

Next, Glassman is introduced, with a collection of funny moments. After that, though not new, Radziwill can be seen, proclaiming, “I can’t believe I’m back,” before joking that she only has five “good summers” left. Next up is Hammond, who shows up on screen wearing “the Jlo dress.”

This section also features glimpses of a cast trip to Hammond’s private island. The rest of the trailer shows a mix of personal struggles and clashes between the “RHONY” stars, including discussions of marital issues, a flooded home, and Radziwill being confronted about her inclusion in the Epstein files.

‘RHONY’ Fans Are Reacting To The Season 16 Trailer

4

As mentioned, “The Real Housewives of New York City” has been off the air for quite some time, over a year to be exact. Because of this, longtime fans of the show have been mixed, with some waiting for its return and others saying it’s time for Bravo to turn its attention elsewhere. The same remains true following the trailer’s release.

One person expressed an openness, writing, “I’m coming in with an open mind. Carole making a triumphant return offers promise for RHONY. I want this show to work!” Someone else said, “I didn’t expect this to have this trailer today, but I’m not complaining. I actually enjoy this new RHONY. The girls are working this season.”

However, many people aren’t looking forward to the new season. One person said, “Can we just cancel this show? This trailer is giving nothing.”

Lastly, a different “RHONY” fan stated, “Definitely won’t be watching this rubbish. I haven’t watched an episode since they got rid of the OG’s.”

4

Bravo announced in March 2026 that Radziwill would return to “The Real Housewives of New York City.” However, as confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter, the noted journalist was bumped up to full-time. She previously opened up about her return in a New York Times interview.

Radziwill said, “To go back to something that I was such a big part of, you know, is a bit of a risk for me. Andy said that I could film as much or as little as I want.” Andy Cohen also discussed her coming back to the show in an email to the outlet.

He said, “My pitch was essentially to join us in a way that should be light, fun, and additive to the show. And, hopefully, somehow, to her life.”

Erin Lichy Has Already Teased The New Season

4

Lichy spoke to Us Weekly about “The Real Housewives of New York City” season 16 in a June 2026 interview. Regarding what fans can expect, she shared, “It’s gonna be good. We have some new people that really mesh well with us. They bring some spice. I feel like I found some besties.”

She continued, discussing Radziwill’s return, “She brings a whole other element, and seeing her sort of overcome what happened with Love Story, while our show was being filmed, was really interesting.”

TV shows based on video games have become all the rage lately, thanks to breakout hits like The Last of Us and Fallout. Now, FX is getting in on the action with Far Cry, which will be quite different from other video game adaptations. For starters, Far Cry will be an anthology series, which is fitting, given each of the Far Cry​​​​​​ games features a different protagonist and setting. The Far Cry series also boasts some impressive creative talent in the form of producers Noah Hawley and Rob Mac, who previously delivered iconic series for FX in the form of Alien: Earth and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. A new update has revealed a change to the series that might alienate longtime fans​​​​.

The official Twitter account for FX recently revealed that Steve Buscemi will be joining the cast, alongside the following message: “Welcome Steve Buscemi to the world of FX’s FARCRY. Hope you’re ready to get thrown into the deep end, lose your mind, and make a few catastrophically bad decisions along the way.” While the addition of Buscemi is an excellent one, it’s the title that stands out as it’s been shortened from two words to one. This might not seem like a big deal at first, but it shows that FX either doesn’t have that much faith in Far Cry as a franchise, or it mistakenly thinks the name needs to be changed.

The ‘Far Cry’ Name Change Feels Superfluous at Best, and Misguided at Worst

Image via Ubisoft

What makes the Far Cry name change so confusing is the fact that other video game adaptations didn’t feel the need to change their names. That’s because the name of a video game is part of the selling point, especially if it’s part of a long-running franchise. If you hear the word “Mario,” you automatically know you’re about to watch a Super Mario movie. Resident Evil brings visions of super-mutated zombies stalking around with loaded handguns to mind. Even Halo, which took a fair amount of liberties with its source material, still kept the title of the video games it was based on. Far Cry changing the title feels like the series is attempting to distance itself from the source material, rather than embrace it.

That’s a change that could hurt the series, as it’s releasing in a time when studios are attempting to capture the essence of video games rather than shy away from them. Part of what makes The Last of Us so compelling is that it manages to replicate events from the video games while also expanding on the mythology. Likewise, Fallout tells an original story set within the world of the video games, allowing newcomers to fully immerse themselves while still pleasing fans. Far Cry should take a page from that book, especially when it comes to the title. You don’t need to change anything about the series, especially since the anthology format is capturing what fans of the games actually love.

The ‘Far Cry’ Series Needs To Avoid the Mistakes The Movie Made

Far Cry fans will also be quick to point out that the FX series won’t be the first time the video games were adapted into another medium. That “honor” goes to 2008’s Far Cry, directed by Uwe Boll. Boll is a filmmaker who instills fear in video game fans, as his adaptations tend to have little to nothing in common with the games they’re based on. Far Cry is no different; it was critically panned and wound up a box office bomb. Netflix would have far more success with Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix, which takes the plot of Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon and puts an anime-style spin on it. If FX wants to make sure its take on Far Cry stands out, it needs to embrace everything that makes the video games so great, and that includes the title.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Network

Hulu

Advertisement

Directors

Noah Hawley

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Call of Duty is a massively popular first-person shooter franchise that began way back in 2003. The games are developed by three different studios: Sledgehammer, Infinity Ward, and Treyarch, who pump them out once a year. This strategy has had varying results: some games, especially in recent years, have been atrocious and clearly rushed, and it doesn’t help that each one feels exactly the same, either.

However, once upon a time, the Call of Duty franchise was actually respected and was doing pretty well for itself, producing not just great games, but great stories, too, which few people expect from the series, at this point. Since there are over 20 installments, one might be curious to know how they stack up against each other. Here we have the definitive ranking of the 10 best Call of Duty games.

10

‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare’ (2019)

Image via Activision

The 2019 iteration of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare was a complete and total overhaul of the franchise, one that ultimately worked out at first. Let’s start with the campaign: the missions were more grounded and realistic, although it did have a few ridiculous moments. Overall, though, it presented a conflict in a fictional Middle Eastern country that felt pretty real. There’s also the “Clean House” mission, which was lauded for its tight quarters and true-to-life depiction of a raid on a terrorist safehouse.

The multiplayer was also reworked, coming out along with the free-to-play Call of Duty: Warzone, a battle royale game accessible either on its own or across any of the newer games. Warzone has gotten a bit old now, but at its inception, it was really fun. This 2019 reboot also brought Spec Ops back, which was very challenging and encouraged co-op play across six classic missions and eight new missions. Overall, it was a step in the right direction, so it’s kind of a shame that it didn’t last.

9

‘Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare’ (2016)

Image via Activision

Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare is an entry that kind of gets overlooked due to the abysmal reception of its announcement trailer, which garnered an enormous amount of dislikes. Actually give the game a try, though, and it might surprise you. The zombies and the multiplayer aren’t really anything special or new to write home about, true — where this game really shines is in its campaign. The conflict is an interplanetary war between Earth and Mars, but there are no aliens. It’s got a lot of spaceships and stuff, but all the enemies are either robots or humans. This campaign is actually one of the best the series has to offer, surprisingly emotional in all the right ways and insanely fun to play.

Not only can players customize their weapons, but they can also customize their starfighter. The game seamlessly switches between flight combat sequences and ground combat pretty often, and even offers side missions. The flight controls are tight, responsive, and satisfying, and there’s a ton of cool weapons to play around with. Plus, you get to see the surface of numerous planets and moons, including Titan, Europa, Mars, and the Moon. The campaign even offers hardcore modes that add new mechanics and permadeath, if you’re gutsy enough. If the Call of Duty name weren’t slapped onto it, this would actually be a solid space shooter that would have gotten a lot more love.

8

‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’ (2011)

Image via Activision

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 was really blasted upon release, with many feeling that it wasn’t a complete game and didn’t add anything to the franchise. Looking back, however, maybe people were a little too harsh. The campaign is about World War III, and has a lot of interesting, although heavily overdramatized missions. The Spec Ops was a vast improvement over the previous iteration, and even added Survival mode in lieu of zombies.

Multiplayer was about the same as ever, just with more impressive visuals. It was easy to hate this game at the time, but considering the games have been less than stellar in recent years, going back to this one is actually kind of a nostalgic treat. The story wrapped up the trilogy in a really satisfying way, and had some surprisingly emotional moments, too. The game was lacking in some aspects, but it remains fun to play and revisit to this day.

7

‘Call of Duty: Black Ops II’ (2012)

Image via Activision

Call of Duty: Black Ops II was the first game in the series to offer a futuristic setting, the far-away year of… 2025. Though it was noticeably more advanced than real life — much of the technology presented in the game still has yet to be invented. The campaign flashed back and forth between the 1980s and 2025, exploring the story of Alex Mason and his son, David, respectively, as they seek to tear down a vengeful terrorist.

This game came with some really special zombies maps, some of which maintain their legendary status. Multiplayer, as usual, was nothing new, but people still play it even now, owing to its popularity. The campaign was actually very experimental, too, adding strategy-based side missions known as “Strike Force,” and was the first in the series to have a story with multiple endings and variants, which would differ based on a player’s personal choices. It loses some points in some departments, but overall, it was a pretty great effort.

6

‘Call of Duty’ (2003)

Image via Activision

The original Call of Duty was very different in a lot of ways from the rest of the franchise; yet there’s a hokey charm to it that’s impossible to hate. Unlike later entries, this game does not have regenerating health, which is kind of a turn-off for a lot of people, since the game can be pretty hard. However, it makes up for this with the ability to save pretty much wherever you want rather than relying solely on checkpoints.

This game established the basic formula of having three main protagonists in different areas of World War II. There’s the American campaign on the Western Front, the British campaign behind enemy lines, and the Soviet campaign on the Eastern Front, each with a unique vibe. Though the campaign and the multiplayer were the only modes, they are both simple and easy to get into. This one was made even better with the release of its stand-alone expansion pack, Call of Duty: United Offensive, which also deserves some love. Mostly, it just added some extra weapons and maps to multiplayer, plus 13 new campaign missions, but it was just as good as the base game.

5

‘Call of Duty: World at War’ (2008)

Image via Activision Publishing, Inc.

Call of Duty: World at War is the darkest and grittiest entry in the series and the final installment set during World War II until 2017. The campaign took players to the Eastern Front and the Pacific Theatre, featuring both American and Soviet protagonists. The violence in this game is absolutely brutal: gore is cranked way up, and many characters die in gruesome and horrific ways, owing to the true nature of the conflict.

It was actually the first game in the series to introduce the Zombies mode, although only one map was offered at the start. Players could also download three other, more fleshed-out maps, which have gone down in history to be among the series’ finest. Verrückt, Der Riese, and Shi No Numa represent the very best Zombies has to offer, and established what made the mode so popular to begin with. The multiplayer was dark and debilitating as well, feeling noticeably more mature than the previous installment. World at War is an absolute classic that deserves every bit of love it received.

4

‘Call of Duty 2’ (2005)

Image via Activision

Call of Duty 2 is often ignored by the modern community, but words can’t really explain how awesome it actually is. The campaign is much like the first game, following three British, American, and Soviet protagonists in different battles of the Second World War. The game wasn’t limited to Europe this time, though, as the British campaign is fought primarily in North Africa, which was a nice change of scenery.

The visuals are much better than the previous game, and it also added regenerating health to the franchise, which is great. Multiplayer was even more fun than it was in the original, with a pool of interesting weapons to use and some really interesting maps. This game is still alive and well thanks to an active modding community, many of them offering custom campaigns, but it isn’t just a modder’s paradise, as pretty much everything is absolutely spot on.

3

‘Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare’ (2007)

Image via Activision

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare was the first entry into what many consider to be the Golden Age of the franchise. As the title implies, it was the first game in the series that wasn’t set during World War II, instead focusing on a fictitious, modernized conflict in the Middle East. The campaign brought some classic and iconic characters, as well as some unforgettable missions. Everyone who played remembers how they felt when they first saw the nuke go off in the early mission “Shock and Awe.”

In regards to multiplayer, it was the first game in the series to actually have the “Create a Class” system, allowing players to customize their loadouts and equipment. It also had an Arcade mode, which took the player through the campaign, but had a score system that allowed you to compete with other players. This game was so good that it was even remastered with the release of Infinite Warfare, and many players still insist that this one is the best. They’re not necessarily wrong, either.

2

‘Call of Duty: Black Ops’ (2010)

Image via Treyarch

Call of Duty: Black Ops was set up as a sort of sequel to World at War, only this time, it was set during the Cold War. The campaign missions in this game are all about espionage and daring operations behind enemy lines rather than frontline combat, so it made for a nice change of pace. This game also had one of the best storylines in the franchise, if not the very best, with one heck of a plot twist, too.

The Zombies mode was refined and perfected for this game, introducing some interesting maps and concepts. Multiplayer felt distinctly different from the others, even though, conceptually, it wasn’t that different at all. The game was also the first to feature the fan-favourite map “Nuketown,” which gets reworked, remastered, and re-released in pretty much every Treyarch-helmed Call of Duty game even 16 years later. There’s just no way Treyarch can ever top this game, to be frank, as it wouldn’t be wrong to call it a masterpiece.

1

‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’ (2009)

Image via Activision

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is one of the best FPS games ever made. Why? Because it’s so simple. The multiplayer doesn’t do anything fancy other than elaborating and expanding the Create a Class system, and the campaign doesn’t try anything too experimental, either. This game was the first to feature the Spec Ops mode, but these missions were extremely simple, often short, and effectively challenging.

There’s a lot to be said for the campaign though, as it made a bold move by being about a fictional Russian invasion of the United States. It was cinematic and incredibly fun to play, and even offered some pretty surprising twists. More iconic characters came into play, as well as some beloved maps like Terminal, which also gets reworked and rereleased in other games every now and then. Modern Warfare 2 is definitely one of the best games in the franchise and a favorite for many. In fact, it wouldn’t be wrong to call it the very best.

Lucy Hale is mourning the sudden loss of her father, Preston Hale, while finding comfort in the “beautiful” final moments they shared. The “Pretty Little Liars” alum announced on Monday that her father died unexpectedly on July 17 at age 68. Although Lucy Hale did not disclose his cause of death, she reflected on their evolving relationship, his unconditional love, and the final phone call she now considers a meaningful gift.

4

Hale shared the devastating news on Instagram alongside a collection of family photographs and videos.

“I can’t believe I’m writing this, but my sweet daddy suddenly passed away on Friday,” the 37-year-old actress wrote. “My dad was mind-numbingly funny, sensitive, and deeply kind,” she continued. “He adored his family, all his grandbabies, his dogs (and mine), his lifelong friends, and my stepmom, Stacy, the love of his life.”

Preston spent much of his life working in farming and the cotton industry, something his daughter said made him immensely proud. “He was so proud of his career in farming and of his hometown of Milan, Tennessee,” Hale wrote. “A true Southern man with a genuine soul and a love for fishing, hunting, golfing, and farming. I will miss buying him Bass Pro Shop gift cards.”

The Actress Treasures Their Final Conversation

Hale acknowledged that her relationship with her father changed over the years, but said the connection between them remained strong. “And he unconditionally loved me and my sister,” she wrote. “He never judged. Our relationship took on many forms over the years, but through it all was a deep soul bond. Our last conversation was beautiful. The last time I saw him was beautiful. Our last phone call was perfect.”

The actress did not disclose what they discussed during that final conversation. However, her words suggest she has found some comfort in knowing their last interactions were filled with love rather than unresolved conflict.

Advertisement

Hale’s older sister, Maggie Clarke Lewis, happened to be visiting her in Los Angeles when they received the news of their father’s death. “My sister happened to be in town visiting me in Los Angeles, which is rare, when we got the call,” she explained. “She was sitting no more than three feet away from me. That’s something only God and my dad could have orchestrated.”

“I can’t imagine receiving that call alone or walking through those first surreal days by myself,” Hale continued. “I got to be with my sister. He knew I needed her. Thank you, Daddy, for that parting gift.”

Lucy Hale Finds Comfort In Her Spirituality

4

Hale said her spiritual beliefs have helped her process the sudden loss. “My spirituality and my beliefs are bringing me so much comfort right now,” she wrote. “I know my dad isn’t gone, he’s simply taken a different form. I’ll look for him everywhere, and I know without a doubt that he’ll stay with us. He’ll keep surprising us, sending little signs, and somehow still making us belly laugh.”

The actress concluded her tribute by thanking Preston for the influence he had on her life. “You are a legend, Daddy. Thank you for the lessons, the memories, the unconditional love, and for being the exact father I needed in this life. I’ll love you in this lifetime and all the others,” she said.

“Watch over us. Rest easy,” Hale added before asking followers to pray for her stepmother “as she navigates this incredibly difficult time.”

Advertisement

Preston Hale Leaves Behind A Farming Legacy

4

According to Preston’s official obituary, he was born in Milan, Tennessee, on May 5, 1958, and was raised by his grandparents, O.P. and Doris Hale. His family said farming was “in his blood.” Preston worked on his family’s farm before attending Memphis Cotton School, which led to a 20-year career in corporate cotton management with Dunavant Cotton.

He later returned to Milan and spent another 17 years working with Shoaf Farms. Altogether, his career in cotton management and farming spanned approximately 37 years.

Outside work, Preston enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, dancing, and listening to music. He belonged to the Milan Country Club and served on its board. “In 2008, he married the love of his life, Stacy,” the obituary stated. The couple celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary just two days before his death.

Preston is survived by Stacy, daughters Lucy and Maggie, stepdaughters Lindsay, Rachel, and Meredith, and nine grandchildren. His funeral was scheduled to take place in his hometown of Milan, Tennessee. “To know Preston was to know someone who made people feel welcome,” his obituary read. “He never met a stranger and had a gift for making others laugh and feel at ease.”

Hollywood Rallies Around The ‘Pretty Little Liars’ Star

4

Hale’s tribute received an outpouring of support from friends, former co-stars, and other members of the entertainment industry. “Pretty Little Liars” creator I. Marlene King offered her condolences, as did Hale’s former castmates Ashley Benson, Janel Parrish, and Nicholas Gonzalez.

The loss comes only months after Hale discussed how her father’s demanding career inspired her humanitarian work. While speaking about becoming a Global Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations World Food Program, Hale described the effort required to produce a successful crop.

Advertisement

“My dad is a farmer, my mom is a nurse, and I feel really passionate about women and children,” she previously told PEOPLE. “I’ve been an actress for going on two decades, and I love what I do, but I’ve always had a dream of helping in a bigger way.”