Jennifer Lopez appears to be approaching dating differently after a series of high-profile public relationships and marriages.

Following her divorce from Ben Affleck, the singer and actress is said to have become more selective about the kind of man she would consider welcoming into her life.

Rather than rushing into another romance, Jennifer Lopez is reportedly looking for someone who can match her ambition, success, and lifestyle.

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Lopez is said to be taking a firmer approach to romance and is no longer interested in repeating patterns that did not work in her previous relationships.

A source told Globe Magazine that Lopez used to be extremely patient with the men she dated, often allowing them several opportunities to make mistakes. However, that tolerance is now gone.

“J. Lo used to be the most forgiving person when it came to the men in her life,” the source said. “They would get 10, 20 chances to mess up, but not anymore. One mistake, one comment she doesn’t like, really anything that turns her off, and they are out, no second chances.”

The source also claimed that Lopez now expects the men she dates to undergo “strict vetting” and agree to a set of “non-negotiable rules.”

Her new approach suggests that the actress is no longer willing to overlook behavior she considers unacceptable, even if she is genuinely interested in the person.

The Singer Wants To Keep Her Love Life ‘Under The Radar’

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After years of having her relationships attract intense media attention, Jennifer Lopez is determined to keep her next relationship away from the public eye.

Her previous relationships have often become major entertainment news, meaning even a simple outing with a potential partner can quickly spark speculation and headlines.

A source told the publication that Lopez is particularly cautious about men who could benefit from the publicity surrounding a relationship with her.

“She is very wary of being used,” the source explained. “Any man that goes on a date with her is going to get a huge publicity boost, and it will mean all sorts of potential embarrassment for her if it doesn’t last, so her new rule is that it’s all got to be totally under the radar.”

Jennifer Lopez Is Keeping Her Potential Suitors Discreet

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The source added that Lopez is keeping potential suitors discreet until she knows whether they have a future.

“Until she’s ready to go all in, she’s keeping her dates completely secret,” the insider revealed.

They noted, “Even the men who are high profile have to sneak in and out of her place or meet her in luxury hotels for room service dinners. She doesn’t want anyone riding on her coattails.”

With Lopez’s relationships consistently drawing public attention, her decision to keep new romantic affairs private could allow her to determine whether a connection is genuine before the media gets involved.

The Singer Refuses Bare Minimum And Desires High Quality Men Only

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Jennifer Lopez is unwilling to settle for the bare minimum in her next relationship. The singer is said to have become more selective about the kind of man she wants, placing greater importance on respect, ambition, and compatibility.

Lopez previously addressed her expectations during her Las Vegas residency, making it clear that anyone hoping to win her heart would have to put in genuine effort.

“If you wanted to have my love, you would have to earn it,” she declared. “You would have to treat me right. You would have to respect me.”

According to Star Magazine, Lopez has even considered using a professional matchmaker to help her find the right partner.

A source explained, “Meeting men isn’t an issue for J.Lo; the challenge is meeting quality men.”

The insider also added that Lopez “has very high expectations about who she wants to share her life with,” explaining that her ideal partner should be “super successful, handsome, and at the top of their game in every way.”

Jennifer Lopez’s Marriage History And Net Worth

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Jennifer Lopez’s new approach to dating comes after a long romantic history that includes four marriages. The singer has been married to Ojani Noa, Cris Judd, Ben Affleck and Marc Anthony, with whom she shares her 18-year-old twins, Max and Emme.

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Lopez’s wealth is estimated at $400 million, while she earns roughly $40 million each year.

Her former husbands have also accumulated fortunes of their own, although there is a significant difference between them.

Affleck’s net worth is estimated to be around $150 million, while Anthony’s fortune stands at approximately $80 million. Judd is believed to have about $800,000, while Noa’s current financial standing has not been established.

Lopez has also previously been romantically involved with men whose wealth comes closer to her own. Per She Knows, her former fiancé Alex Rodriguez is estimated to be worth about $350 million, while Sean Diddy Combs is said to have a fortune in the same range as the singer.

With this kind of dating history, Lopez could be seen as seeking someone who is able to match the lifestyle and standards she has established for herself.

John Barrowman’s expensive flight from Los Angeles to London took a turbulent turn before he even reached his destination. The “Doctor Who” actor posted a video from American Airlines’ business class cabin complaining about missing pajamas, an incorrect meal order and what he described as “shady” customer service. However, his attempt to hold the airline accountable quickly backfired as social media users accused the 59-year-old performer of acting like a “diva.”

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Barrowman filmed himself from his seat while his father and husband were seated behind him. “Hi American [Airlines] we have paid for the flagship service,” the Scottish-American actor began.

He explained that the three travelers expected to receive pajamas after purchasing costly business class tickets. “My father and my husband behind and the tickets were very expensive and we get on thinking we’d get pajamas with the flagship service,” Barrowman said.

The actor claimed that complimentary sleepwear was instead distributed only to certain passengers at the front of the cabin. “Then you apparently only give them to the first two rows in business class. What’s that all about?” he asked. “So far you’re not batting very high.”

The video showed the actor addressing the airline directly as he questioned why travelers seated in the same business class cabin appeared to receive different amenities.

‘Doctor Who’ Star Says His Meal Order Was Wrong

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The missing pajamas were not Barrowman’s only complaint. The “Torchwood” star also claimed that the cabin crew made a mistake with his meal and could not provide the same options offered to other premium passengers. “Meal order wrong and then told we don’t have exactly what everyone else is getting on the flight when we all have flagship service,” he said.

Barrowman ended the video by asking American Airlines for an explanation. “Can you explain? Thank you,” he concluded.

John Barrowman Deletes Video After Slamming ‘Shady’ Service

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In the accompanying caption, the actor accused the airline of failing to deliver the premium experience it advertised. “I find that shady and bad customer service. You’re supposed to be pushing this flagship and at the moment it’s not hitting the ball out of the park,” Barrowman wrote.

Barrowman later deleted the video.

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Barrowman’s frustration divided social media. Some people defended his decision to complain, reasoning that expensive premium tickets should come with the service and amenities customers expect. “To be fair if you pay a lot of money for a service then I’d expect the service I paid for,” one person wrote.

Another user argued that the actor had every right to question whether he received everything included with his purchase. “I’m in no way a fan of John Barrowman, but how do people have an issue with him asking for something he’s paid for?” the person commented.

Others were less sympathetic and focused on the spectacle of a celebrity publicly complaining about pajamas while sitting in business class. “The entitlement is off the scale,” one critic wrote.

John Barrowman Previously Addressed Career Fallout

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The flight controversy comes months after the “Arrow” alum opened up about the lasting effects that resurfaced reports of his past on-set behavior had on his career and mental health. During an episode of the “Inside of You” podcast, host Michael Rosenbaum revealed that he and Barrowman had previously recorded an interview that was later cut at the actor’s request.

The pair eventually sat down for another conversation after Barrowman felt more comfortable discussing reports that he had exposed himself and remained naked on various sets after filming explicit scenes. “I’m fully transparent that I did silly things,” Barrowman said. “When I was doing nude scenes, I was making myself comfortable doing stuff and other people were laughing.”

Barrowman maintained that “no one complained” about his behavior at the time. He claimed the controversy grew after an article revisited earlier comments he had made about exposing himself. “It got bigger and bigger and bigger as people started repeating the stories. It blew up into something that was not factually correct,” he explained.

The actor said the publication of the article in May 2021 caused his world to collapse and continued to affect his professional opportunities and emotional well-being.

Despite being the brains behind the powerhouse brand, Good American, Khloè Kardashian and her business partner, Emma Grede, are said to no longer be friendly.

The English entrepreneur, who is also in business with Khloe’s sister, Kim Kardashian, used to be a close pal of the Kardashian-Jenner clan.

However, the relationship took a shocking turn earlier this year with a social media move that revealed there was more behind the scenes.

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With the feud between Grede and Khloè taking center stage, a close source dished on what went down, suggesting the reality star wasn’t putting the most effort into the brand.

“Over time, Khloè just wasn’t as involved – she started canceling events and not promoting the brand,” the insider alleged. “She has a lot on in her personal life, as fans know, but Emma is a businesswoman first and foremost, and that just didn’t wash with her.”

The “KUWTK” star reportedly couldn’t make the business a “priority” due to her personal life, leaving Grede to do the hard work. “I don’t think Khloè & Emma are on speaking terms now,” the informant told The Sun.

It comes as no surprise, as Khloè has previously confirmed on an episode of her podcast that her brand, Good American, was doing well enough to “sustain on its own.”

She is also said to have unfollowed Grede on Instagram earlier this year.

Emma Grede No Longer Wants To Be In Kardashians’ Shadow

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As stated, Khloè isn’t the only Kardashian-Jenner member that Grede has used her business chops for.

In 2019, she collaborated with elder sister Kim on her super-successful shapewear company, SKIMS. Grede also helped launch Kylie Jenner’s brand KHY four years later. 

With her being such an integral part of the Kardashians’ successful empire, the business mogul is ready to stand in her own light, explained a source.

“As her profile has grown over the last few years, Emma wants her own hard work recognized,” noted the insider.

Nevertheless, Grede’s rift with Khloè didn’t extend to her other sisters. “The fallout with Khloè didn’t affect Emma’s relationship with Kim or the rest of the family; they’ve compartmentalized that off, but it’s very much a business-only relationship,” added the informant.

Did Grede Shade Khloè Kardashian On Her Podcast?

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Although neither party has addressed the rumored feud, fans speculate that Grede fired shots at her former business partner on air.

During an episode of her podcast “Aspire” where Cardi B appeared, the duo discussed choosing an entrepreneurial colleague. 

“Oh my God, please y’all – if you ever want to build something, please choose good partners. “Not everybody with money [is a] good partner,” Cardi declared, to which Grede responded, “Oh yeah, say that again.”

Many interpreted it as a jab at Khloè, with the source adding:

“Going their separate ways professionally has not been easy, and it has affected Emma and Khloè’s friendship, because it’s hard to move past ending a working partnership and there are grievances on both sides.”

Khloè Kardashian Has A New Reality Show With Her Girls

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Reports on Khloè and Grede’s friendship come after it was confirmed the socialite is debuting her own reality show with Hulu titled “The Girls.”

The upcoming show follows the lives of her close pals as they navigate friendship and motherhood while being business owners. 

As confirmed by The Blast, the cast includes her group of friends, such as twins Malika and Khadijah Haqq as well as Yris Palmer, Olivia Pierson, Nicole Williams English, and Natalie Halcro.

The big news was shared in a social media clip with Khloè gushing that she was thrilled to introduce her “chosen family” to the world.

A New ‘Crazy’ Direction For Her Podcast

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The new reality show isn’t the only venture the reality star has in store for her fans. As The Blast reported, her video podcast “Khloé in Wonderland” will be quite different from its first season.

The mother-of-two dished about the changes in an interview, revealing she desires to “branch out a little bit more.” 

As for what she hopes to switch up, Khloè teased she was entering “different genres,” dabbling in conspiracy theories, self-help, and other entertaining topics.

Every single Collider Ladies Night interview feels like a privilege and joy to conduct. But, after over a decade of attending San Diego Comic-Con and itching to see more stage time to be dedicated to highlighting powerhouse women in film and television, it’s become the ultimate treat to contribute to moving the needle in that respect by bringing a live edition of the show to one of the event’s biggest stages.

This year I had the honor of sharing the Indigo Ballroom stage with Poorna Jagannathan from Lanterns, Coyote vs. Acme’s Lana Condor, Aimee Garcia from The Walking Dead: Dead City, and Silo star Jessica Henwick. In addition to teasing their respective new projects, each offered some behind the scenes insight into their own unique journey in this industry thus far, including major career pivots, experiencing overnight mega-fame, and more. As is the hope with all Collider Ladies Night conversations, their stories underscore the fact that there are endless ways to hone your craft and find success as an artist.

How Aimee Garcia Learned to “Not Be Defined By What You See”

“If the job doesn’t exist that you want to be, just create it yourself.”

Garcia had top-tier inspiring forces in her corner from the start, her parents.

“My parents came from very humble beginnings in Mexico and Puerto Rico, and they became what they never saw.” Garcia continued, “My mom became the first Latina to graduate Northwestern’s dental school, and was one of only two women in the whole Northwestern dental program.” She added, “My dad became an architect despite never having seen or met an architect in Puerto Rico.”

They were prime examples of not limiting yourself to what you see, and Garcia took that with her to Dexter, and also to her work as a comic writer. “It really inspired me to become a forensic scientist on Dexter. I had never seen a forensic scientist on TV before who was Latina, but because my parents just paved their own way, that really influenced me.” She added:

“I started writing comics, and we wrote the sequel to 47 Ronin, and we were like, ‘Well, why can’t females be samurai?’ And now, because of what A.J. [Mendez] and I wrote, I think very much inspired by my parents to create the change you want to see, there’s female samurais whipping around katanas. That really showed me that if the story doesn’t exist that you want to tell, or if the job doesn’t exist that you want to be, just create it yourself. Create the change you want to see.”

How Lana Condor Learned How to Handle “Overnight Success”

“If you don’t have the right tools and practices in place for your mental health or your physical health during an extreme time of change, it can rock you.”

While Garcia emphasized the importance of having early sources of inspiration in your orbit, Condor’s story highlighted the value of having a strong support system later on in one’s career.

Condor made her feature film debut with a Marvel movie, X-Men: Apocalypse. She had a taste of what it was like to be part of a major studio blockbuster. However, nothing could have prepared her for the monumental success of the Netflix hit To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.

While the first To All the Boys movie was distributed by Netflix, it was made independently. Condor explained, “We made it as an indie, so I honestly didn’t even know if it was going to be seen by anyone.” Ultimately, the movie was seen by enough people to spark a hugely successful franchise and to send Condor’s star soaring in a dreamlike fashion, and that meant she’d have to adapt to getting recognized.

She explained, “Ever since I was a kid, when I would go to the grocery store, I would be a little bit nervous to run into one of my classmates if I wasn’t prepared to.” When you’re the star of a very popular Netflix movie, unexpected grocery store encounters are almost inevitable. Condor continued, “That’s not something that I thought about when it came to my career, and so that’s something that I had to work through and, I guess, open my own heart to people and trust that people have good intentions when they approach you.”

Condor stressed that she discovered she was lucky enough to be surrounded by “incredibly kind” supporters, but it’s still a rather significant shift, and it’s a shift that demands one have certain tools at their fingertips. She continued:

“I think, just naturally, the transition was difficult for me. I’m so blessed and I’m so grateful for that time, but I also think that there’s something to be said about if you don’t have the right tools and practices in place for your mental health or your physical health during an extreme time of change, it can rock you, and I definitely was rocked because I was super young. I didn’t have any of the healing modalities that I have now to take on a responsibility of being in the public eye, which is something that I never thought I would have. So, I won’t lie to you, it was very challenging.”

Now that Condor is firmly on the other side of such a significant change, she’s “so grateful and so happy,” and also well aware of the importance of leaning on one’s community. She laughed and said,

“My husband, I always joke, but it’s not a joke, I always say, if it wasn’t for him, I would be butt-up in a ditch right now. Truly, my husband, he’s incredible. My team, my friends, my family. And I’m sure that you guys all feel the same way, in this industry, in my opinion, we are nothing without our community, without our people. We can’t do it alone. I’ve tried and I failed. So, yeah, I’ve leaned on my people, and I think we all do, and it’s been a really incredible journey, and I’m very grateful for every moment.”

How Jessica Henwick Learned to Celebrate Her Wins

And the recent project that finally made her believe she’s a good actor.

Support from a community is of the utmost importance, but so is being kind to yourself and taking a moment to celebrate your own wins. During her recent in-studio Collider Ladies Night interview for the release of Vladimir and How to Make a Killing, Henwick mentioned how she trained herself to lower expectations. “You always minimize to save yourself.” But, that mentality changed recently. She mentioned, “It’s taken my whole career to get over that and celebrate the wins.” How exactly did she pull that off? She laughed and proclaimed, “Therapy.” Henwick continued:

“I’m Chinese and English, two very reserved, like, swallow-your-success-type cultures, and I think that, interestingly, it’s got me to where I am because I was never content and I was using that to push myself, like, ‘You’re not good enough. You can be better. You can do more.’ But there comes a point where it is diminishing returns to keep beating yourself up, and there’s nothing wrong with celebrating how far you’ve come and taking a second to smell the roses.”

One of the first times she took that second to “smell the roses?” On the set of Kitty Green’s The Royal Hotel.

“It’s one of the projects that I’m most proud of. Getting to work opposite Julia Garner, I came into it going, ‘Oh god, she’s just going to be acting circles around me. She’s so talented.’ And she did. [Laughs] No! I remember the first day on set when I started to be like, ‘Okay, I can hold my own. That chemistry is happening here. It’s not just her acting at me and me receiving. I’m able to be a part of the conversation.’ And, yeah, it’s really funny because I’ve been doing this for, like, 15 years, and that was probably one of the first times when I felt, ‘I think I might be good at this. I think I might be okay at acting.’”

How Poorna Jagannathan Went from Advertising Ace to DC Star

“Some times have been rough and some times have been slow, but I’ve never regretted the decision.”

In Jagannathan’s case, that faith in herself was essential because she opted to take a significant leap when making the full-time commitment to acting.

Jagannathan had actually built a successful career in a completely different lane. She spent two decades working in advertising. While one might suspect making the shift from a stable job to something notorious for being an extremely risky career to pursue, Jagannathan never doubted leaving advertising in the rearview for her primary passion. “I’ve never, ever questioned my decision.” She continued:

“I came to acting really late. I started when I was 35 or something, but I was always in weekend adult acting classes, and those classes felt so radically different from the rest of my life. Eight hours would just go like this, you know? And 12 hours at work, the clock just apparently never moved its hand. So, there was a life force that I felt with acting that I never felt in my other job. Some times have been rough and some times have been slow, but I’ve never regretted the decision.”

While Jagannathan’s career compass never wavered, crystallizing her primary goal for her work as an actor and how to achieve that is taking time, but she’s putting in the work to do it. “I think never have I ever really solidified my vision for my career, which is really to tell our stories, very particular South Asian stories to the world and not be pigeonholed and not be stereotyped, and fight for more diversity in film and TV.”

Jagannathan then turned to the other panelists and emphasized something that made Collider Ladies Night Live a standout panel of SDCC 2026, and beyond. “This panel is an anomaly in the business. When I saw all the names of these amazing women and their accomplishments, I’m usually the only one on panels like this. So, it’s really been my mission, especially against this current backdrop, just to keep telling our stories.”

Eager to see the SDCC 2026 Collider Ladies Night Live panel in full? You can do just that in the video at the top of this article.

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We claim to hate a good shock or surprise in real life, but when it comes to movies, keep ’em coming! Movie lovers watch a film and don’t know what’s coming next. By keeping the audience in suspense, it heightens the stakes and provides a reason to reach the next scene. If there’s one genre that loves suspense, it’s the thriller. From murder mysteries to high-octane action flicks, they excel at building suspense and tension.

There are an abundance of thrillers in cinema history that are brilliantly suspenseful, but we’re here to discuss eight of the very best in the category. From blindsiding murders in the first act to dueling timelines that reveal a dark truth, these films leave you pondering everything that came before, after, and the film as a whole. While there are certainly many other films that could be on this list, these eight are essentials.

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‘Black Swan’ (2010)

Image via Searchlight Pictures

One may not think a film about art could be suspenseful, but Darren Aronofsky knows how to deliver just the right dosage in his brilliant psychological horror thriller Black Swan. The film depicts Nina (Natalie Portman), a dedicated New York City ballet dancer, and her dark descent after being cast in Swan Lake. As Nina strives for artistic perfection, she suffers vivid hallucinations and delusions, blurring the line between what is real and what is in her head, causing a devastating spiral into madness. The film uses the ballet narrative as a mirror for Nina’s internal conflict as her rigid nature makes it hard for her to unlock the dark, passionate side of the Black Swan. A masterpiece in tension and suspense, Black Swan provides a raw examination of the dangerous cost of artistic greatness.

Led by a powerhouse performance from Portman, Black Swan captures a terrifyingly grim world through Aronofsky’s precise, moving camera angles and endless mirrors that trap the audience and invite a sense of confusion similar to Nina. The audience is kept on the edge as Aronofsky blurs the line between chilling hallucinations and reality. With Nina operating as an unreliable narrator, determining what’s true or made up. Her self-destruction is inevitable, but determining how or when it will come is as great as the actress playing that journey. When the film reaches the body horror phase, it’s clear that Nina’s fall is inevitable. There’s no way in which a prima ballerina can be such through mutation. Black Swan is terrifyingly grotesque, and the journey into decay is worth the difficult, visceral watch.

2

‘M’ (1931)

Image via Vereinigte Star-Film GmbH

One of the greatest and subtly influential films of the early days of talkies is the German thriller M. Directed by Fritz Lang in his first sound film, M tells the story of a massive manhunt in Berlin for Hans Beckert (Peter Lorre), a serial killer who targets children. Because the police searches disrupt their own illegal activities, the city’s criminal underworld decides to hunt down the murderer themselves. Building suspense through a menacing whistling clue and a menacing double manhunt, M set the template for modern police procedurals, psychological thrillers, and film noir through its simple yet effective execution. By establishing the modern serial killer thriller, M could do as it pleased. And what it pleased exuded perfection.

A risk perhaps at the time, sound design became a crucial part of the storytelling. The killer’s whistling of “In the Hall of the Mountain King” builds terror before he even appears on-screen. With an audio soundscape established as the primary narrative tool, the dynamic camera angles of stark shadows and silhouettes aid visual storytelling. Together, Lang crafts an aesthetic that subverts expectations. You’re left in suspense as the monster is humanized and the city’s criminal syndicate becomes the villains. M often forces your imagination to fill in the blanks, building dread from the very start. M’s catastrophic tale where the walls close in for the hunted can genuinely be felt in projects still today. ​​​​​​​

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‘Memento’ (2000)

Image via Newmarket Films

Multiple timeline storytelling can be a difficult mechanic to execute, but if there’s one visionary who can do it, look no further than Christopher Nolan and Memento. His early thriller tells the story of Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce), a man with short-term memory loss who cannot form new memories. He uses Polaroid notes and body tattoos to hunt the man who raped and murdered his wife, Catherine (Jorja Fox). Memento uses two alternating timelines—one where color scenes move in reverse, starting with the immediate aftermath of an action and moving backward to explain how it happened, and the other in black-and-white, where scenes move forward in chronological order. When they converge, the truth is revealed, and it’s nothing you or Leonard could have predicted.

Memento brilliantly plays with both the protagonist and the audience through a masterful mystery that you must solve. Instead of just crafting a typical revenge narrative, Nolan’s structure subverts expectations. You cannot lean on past context because the previous scene was actually the future, meaning you must focus on every detail for the truth to unravel. By feeling just as disoriented as Leonard, you share the evocative lack of context of its amnesiac protagonist. Without the ability to predict the past or future, the audience lives in suspense. It can be a dizzying film, but Memento established Nolan’s storytelling prowess through the most complicated conceit right off the bat. ​​​​​​​

4

‘Memories of Murder’ (2003)

Replacing the pristine Hollywood detective film comes Bong Joon Ho’s gritty Neo-noir crime thriller Memories of Murder. Based on the 1996 play Come to See Me by Kim Kwang-lim, local detective Park Doo-man (Song Kang-ho) and Seoul detective Seo Tae-yoon (Kim Sang-kyung) investigate a brutal string of rapes and murders of young women who wear red on rainy days. Bogged down by poor forensic technology and brutal interrogation methods, the detectives chase false leads in a frustrating, ultimately dead-end search for the elusive killer. Through a bewitching blend of dark comedy, satire, and raw tragedy, Bong presents a flawed series of events that show that justice isn’t guaranteed and that evil can come from the ordinary.

Memories of Murder seamlessly moves through tonal genres to keep audiences guessing whether resolution is even possible. What begins as a bumbling odd couple cop story evolves into moments of harsh, brutal sadness. Rooted in an unsolved true crime case, the narrative had an added edge as Bong cast society’s chaotic nature as a reason for the lack of success. Memories of Murder is a film in which suspense stems from frustration. A botched police investigation can truly stunt justice; the ticking clock of upcoming rainy nights, crumbling local clues, and the psychological unraveling of desperate detectives can destroy progress. Bong’s presentation of a suffocating, claustrophobic fear of failure exudes existential dread that leaves a lingering question about where the evil hides in ordinary society. ​​​​​​​

5

‘Psycho’ (1960)

Image via Paramount Pictures

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Simply seeing the name Psycho evokes an evocative reaction. You either immediately see the iconic image or hear the quintessential musical theme. Or, maybe because they were paired together, you experience them both. That’s the sheer brilliance of the Alfred Hitchcock masterpiece. Based on the Robert Bloch novel, the thriller follows secretary Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) who hides out at the Bates Motel after stealing $40,000. While there, she is murdered by the motel owner, Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), who is controlled by his abusive, unseen mother. It launches a hunt for Marion as the truth about Norman is suddenly revealed. Setting the pace for Act One shocking deaths, Psycho established how twists are the best way to build and maintain suspense when literally anything can happen next.

Hitchcock used Psycho to redefine how scary stories can be told. The legendary shower scene that killed off its top-line star deliberately tricked the audience. In turn, it created new tricks for suspense that directors still play with. Hitchcock films use purposeful angles and framing to evoke immediate tension. With terror occurring in a practical, tangible location, Psycho plays with the audience’s fear that the simple and mundane could hide the greatest monsters. Bernard Herrmann’s piercing, string-heavy music cuts like a knife, no pun intended. Psycho is a perfectly curated thriller that leaves you eager for what’s to come. Hitchcock knows how to cause his audiences anxiety! ​​​​​​​

6

‘Rear Window’ (1954)

Image via Paramount Pictures

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Imagine bearing witness to a potential murder, but you’re confined to a room with no way out. It’s voyeurism at its best and worst. Hitchcock again delivers anxiety in the mystery thriller Rear Window. The classic follows L.B. “Jeff” Jefferies (James Stewart), a professional photographer stuck in a wheelchair with a broken leg. Confined to his New York apartment, he passes the time by spying on his courtyard neighbors and comes to suspect that one of them has murdered his wife. With only his nurse, Stella (Thelma Ritter), and his girlfriend, Lisa Fremont (Grace Kelly), by his side, he seeks clues to determine whether Lars Thorwald (Raymond Burr) has murdered his wife. Rear Window is an extraordinary film that turns a story about a broken limb into a life-or-death battle.

Rear Window expertly not only confines Jeff inside his home but also the camera. By framing each and every shot inside his apartment, we can only see what he sees. That fear of the unknown plays straight into the anxiety of the situation. We share Jeff’s vantage through lenses, binoculars, and long shots that put the viewer right in the photographer’s seat. Jeff begins his journey as a seemingly honest man, but obsession takes over, turning his acts of voyeurism into a dangerous game. What makes Lars a terrifying threat is that he is seemingly ordinary, so seeing him as a threat builds into the suspense of the situation. By the time Jeff becomes a literal sitting duck, you’re left pondering what will happen with a dangerous confrontation that potentially cannot be stopped. Rear Window is a beautifully tense thriller where even simplicity can be scary. ​​​​​​​

7

‘The Silence of the Lambs’ (1991)

Image via Orion Pictures

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Earning itself a seat at the award show table, The Silence of the Lambs proved to be a sensational masterclass in tension and suspense. Directed by Jonathan Demme, the adaptation of Thomas Harris’ novel tells the story of rookie FBI trainee Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) as she tries to catch an active serial killer named “Buffalo Bill” (Ted Levine), who skins his female victims. To build a profile, she must interview a brilliant, imprisoned serial killer and cannibal, Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), in exchange for the young cop’s personal details. Built upon a brilliant bond between the hunter and the captive mastermind, The Silence of the Lambs is what nightmares are made of.

The Silence of the Lambs is more than a scary movie about an abominable monster; it’s a harrowing exploration of trauma and fighting against the past to defeat the evils in front of you. Rich in psychological dread, Demme creates extraordinary tension through terrifying mind games, suffocating close-up shots, and the defeat of silence and stillness. He puts you in Clarice’s eye level, building instant intimacy and vulnerability. It further pushes the audience to feel exposed as characters are seen staring directly into the camera. The Silence of the Lambs is a chilling thriller that launched an antagonist to such great heights while making horror thrillers a mainstream genre. ​​​​​​​

8

‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’ (1999)

Image via Paramount Pictures

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It’s quite wild to see where the ensemble has gone since starring in The Talented Mr. Ripley, but the film is proof that dynamic performances elevated the adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s beloved novel. The film follows Tom Ripley (Matt Damon), a struggling young con artist in 1950s New York who is hired by a wealthy shipbuilder to travel to Italy. His mission is to persuade the man’s spoiled playboy son, Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law), to return home. Instead, Tom becomes dangerously obsessed with Dickie’s luxurious lifestyle, leading to murder and a web of elaborate identity theft. With a vibrant backdrop unlike that of typical psychological thrillers, The Talented Mr. Ripley provides a gripping cat-and-mouse game that leaves you eager for more.

Director Anthony Minghella uses a nostalgic aesthetic to create a tense narrative about class and identity. He builds a stylish story through complex characters moving through a dangerous maze where, with one wrong step, can spell disaster. Damon exudes a natural charm that makes him unsuspecting, especially next to Law’s arrogant Dickie. You want to root for Tom despite his actions. There are moments of split sympathy as identity theft is a terrible thing, but that means the charismatic murderer is taken down. While other thrillers go a drastically different route, the jazzy score weaves through the story, building up Tom’s risky double life with an upbeat melancholy. Just like the coastal setting, it’s simply ironic. The Talented Mr. Ripley is a wonderful example of juxtaposed suspense that was well ahead of its time.

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Release Date

December 25, 1999

Runtime

140 minutes

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Director

Anthony Minghella

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Writers

Anthony Minghella

Producers

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Tom Sternberg, William Horberg

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  Gwyneth Paltrow

  Marge Sherwood

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Hailey Bieber has opened up her son’s baby album in celebration of him turning two.

“Our sweet baby is 2. Happy birthday Jack Blues,” the Rhode founder, 29, captioned a Saturday, August 22, Instagram carousel that showed her doting on her and husband Justin Bieber’s toddler child.

In one heartwarming snap, Hailey was seen lying on a pillow as her child’s hand clasped her cheek, while another frame showed Jack Blues as a baby on Hailey’s lap as she fed him a bottle of milk. Additional photos captured the child sitting on a dock with his mom while overlooking a vast lake, and a video also showed the youngster teeing off on a putting green.

Hailey’s celebrity friends showed their approval for her throwback carousel, including Suki Waterhouse who commented on Hailey’s golf video, “That swing tho!!!.” Paris Hilton also shared a smiling face with hearts emoji, while Hailey’s BFF Kendall Jenner hit “like,” as did Kylie Jenner, Karlie Kloss, Emilie Kiser, Hailee Steinfeld and Sami Sheen.

Related: Hailey Bieber Celebrates Son Jack’s 1st Birthday With Adorable New Pics

Hailey Bieber and husband Justin Bieber’s baby boy, Jack, is officially 1! Hailey, 28, celebrated the milestone via Instagram on Friday, August 22, sharing never-before-seen photos with her son. “1 year of you my beautiful boy,” Hailey captioned the social media tribute. “Happy 1st Birthday Jack Blues, you are joy personified🩵.” In the first photo, […]

Earlier on Saturday, Hailey, who gave birth to Jack in August 2024, kicked off her son’s birthday celebrations with a yummy breakfast. “2 ❤️,” Hailey captioned a photo full of pancakes topped with whipped cream.

Adding four red candles atop the breakfast dish, Hailey set the post to the tune of “Everything Hallelujah” by Justin, 32, which includes lyrics about his wife and child.

The Biebers recently enjoyed a European vacation, with both Hailey and Justin sharing glimpses from their getaway via Instagram at the time. On August 2, Hailey shared two photos of herself on a luxurious boat while wearing a tiny pink string bikini. Seated on the floor of the vessel, Hailey captured the mirror selfies with a backdrop of sparkling blue ocean.

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In Justin’s posts from the trip, he shared a look at one of the couple’s dinners which included a bottle of red wine. Additional snaps from Justin showed him puffing on a cigar while enjoying time on the same luxury vessel, holding Hailey’s hand during a sunlit meal and riding in a golf cart with her.

Related: Hailey Bieber Shares Never-Before-Seen Photos of Baby Jack on Mother’s Day

Hailey Bieber is celebrating Mother’s Day 2025 by sharing new photos of her and husband Justin Bieber’s son. “i love being your mommy Jack Blues,” Hailey, 28, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, May 11. “Happy Mothers Day 🤍.” Alongside the message, Hailey shared a black-and-white image of son Jack Blues’ feet positioned on top of […]

Justin and Hailey have been married since 2018, with Hailey revealing in a November 2025 interview with GQ that the pair have learned to take things “a day at a time.” On the family’s evolved dynamic since their son entered the fold, Hailey told the outlet, “We both feel very protective of our son and I don’t think that’s ever going to change, but our life is our life and it is really public, so I think we’re just going to cross every bridge that we need to when we get there.”

She added, “As of right now, I feel really comfortable about the way we are sharing things and not sharing things.”

Dolly Parton doesn’t plan to let her health issues stop fans from enjoying her performances. The singer has revealed that she intends to explore collaborating with companies that create “avatar performances.”

The development comes after Parton canceled her Las Vegas residency in May following its initial postponement from December last year.

Months after Ozzy Osbourne’s family announced plans to create an AI avatar of the late heavy metal pioneer, veteran singer Dolly Parton is now considering a similar approach for herself.

However, Parton’s project would involve “AI performances,” potentially allowing her to continue performing for her numerous fans while dealing with her health issues and even well into the future.

While the Osbourne family enlisted tech company Hyperreal to create his avatar, Parton did not reveal who she would be working with or what kind of avatar she intends to create. Still, she confirmed that the idea is already in the “early stages of development” with her collaborators and team.

Health Issues Forced Parton To Scrap Her Vegas Residency

Parton’s announcement comes on the heels of her canceling her forthcoming Las Vegas residency. The shows were initially scheduled for December, then pushed to May this year, and ultimately canceled.

At the time, she shared a statement telling fans that she still had “some healing to do” amid her health issues. She also apologized to those who had already bought tickets, adding that she hoped her absence would not stop them from making the trip to the city.

“I am truly sorry that I’m going to miss all of you that had tickets to see me in Las Vegas. Well, you get on to Vegas, and you have a big time… And I’ll see you somewhere down the line,” the “Jolene” crooner remarked.

Dolly Parton’s Health Issues Also Kept Her Away From Dollywood

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Concerns about Parton’s health were further fueled when she appeared only via video at the opening of Dollywood’s newest ride, NightFlight Expedition, earlier this month.

In the video, which showed her wearing butterfly wings and flapping them, she told fans that her health issues were the reason for her absence.

“I’ve told you before, all my fans, that I’ve had a few little health issues and sometimes I get a little dizzy and I get dehydrated. And I’m dehydrated,” the singer said in the video recorded by a fan for TikTok.

She added, “So my Nashville doctor has kind of clipped my wings, saying, ‘You ain’t traveling this week.’ So, I guess if your doctor tells you, ‘You ain’t traveling this week,’ you ain’t traveling this week.”

The Singer Is ‘So Proud’ Of Her New Nashville Museum

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Parton recently announced plans to launch her Life of Many Colors Museum in Nashville, which will offer fans an intimate look at her life and career.

Speaking about the project, the singer told PEOPLE Magazine that she is “so proud” of it and explained how she found its location. “We found this location early one morning. I knew I wanted to do something special in Nashville, and until I saw this building, nothing ever hit me as the right thing to do,” she told the outlet.

“I saw a copy of my book Songteller in the lobby of what once was this office building. After touring it and seeing the location, I knew this was it. I wanted to join all my Nashville friends downtown, but I didn’t just want it to be another bar. So, we found a way to bring in my museum on the third floor and make it really special.”

Dolly Parton Has Even More Projects In The Works

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Aside from the museum, Parton also has a new line of dog treats with Purina in the works, as well as a coffee brand called Cup of Ambition Coffee.

The latter is a project the singer has hoped to launch for years, and will begin shipping in September.

“That’s a dream I’ve had for over 40 years, ever since I wrote the line about ‘cup of ambition’ in my song ‘9 to 5,’” Parton revealed. “But, you know, some dreams take longer to come to life than others.”

Classic rock songs are good for more than just blasting through the radio or sitting in the background of a road trip. Music has always had a way of bringing stories to life, and that’s especially true for fantasy books. These novels are packed with richly built worlds, unforgettable characters, and larger-than-life adventures, and the right song can capture that feeling in a way words alone sometimes can’t.

A great classic rock track can match a character’s struggles, set the mood of an entire world, or even make you feel like you’ve stepped right into the story. From epic quests and doomed heroes to dark worlds and characters fighting against impossible odds, here are 10 classic rock songs that are perfect soundtracks for these fantasy books.

10

“Stairway to Heaven” (1971)

For ‘The Lord of the Rings’ by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings follows Frodo Baggins, who discovers that the ring he inherited is the source of Sauron’s power. He must leave the Shire and travel across Middle-earth to destroy it before Sauron can reclaim it. Along the way, Frodo faces dangerous enemies, the Ring’s corrupting influence, and a growing war that threatens the fate of Middle-earth.

“Stairway to Heaven” challenges the idea that “all that glitters is gold,” which fits Tolkien’s story well. The One Ring promises power, but its real danger lies in the desire to possess it. Both the song and the novel explore the temptation of chasing something that seems to offer transcendence or greatness, only to discover that it can lead somewhere destructive.

9

“War Pigs” (1970)

For ‘The Blade Itself’ by Joe Abercrombie

The Blade Itself follows Logen Ninefingers, a feared Northman fleeing his violent past; Jezal dan Luthar, a vain officer preparing for a fencing contest; and Inquisitor Glokta, a crippled torturer investigating treason within the Union. Their lives collide when the mysterious Bayaz draws them into a dangerous expedition, just as war threatens the North and the Union’s enemies close in.

“War Pigs” and The Blade Itself both reject the idea that war is noble or heroic. The song condemns powerful figures who send others to fight while treating human lives as disposable pieces. The Blade Itself takes a similarly cynical view, showing how soldiers and civilians suffer because of those seeking power, territory, and influence. In both, ordinary people are essentially treated like pawns in a much larger game.

8

“Riders on the Storm” (1971)

For ‘The Way of Kings’ by Brandon Sanderson

The Way of Kings shows no mercy to anybody. After being betrayed by Lord Amaram, Kaladin is stripped of his freedom and sent to the deadly bridge crews on the Shattered Plains. Forced to carry massive bridges under enemy fire, he watches fellow bridgemen die as expendable bait. With the help of a mysterious spren named Syl, Kaladin slowly rediscovers his purpose to protect others.

There’s no better song to describe Roshar’s Highstorms than “Riders on the Storm.” Beyond the obvious connection, both evoke the feeling of trying to survive while surrounded by forces far beyond your control. The storm becomes a metaphor for Kaladin’s entire life, as he is constantly pushed into situations that threaten to overwhelm him. The song’s moody atmosphere also fits the harshness of the Shattered Plains, where survival often means enduring whatever comes next rather than trying to control it.

7

“White Room” (1968)

For ‘The Dark Tower’ by Stephen King

Often described as Stephen King’s answer to The Lord of the Rings, The Dark Tower follows gunslinger Roland Deschain across the strange, magical world of Mid-World as he searches for the mysterious Dark Tower, a structure said to hold the multiverse together. Spanning eight novels, this fantasy-horror-sci-fi-Western behemoth connects King’s wider universe through works like Salem’s Lot and It.

“White Room” fits The Dark Tower through its imagery of chasing something that may never truly be reached, much like Roland’s endless journey through Mid-World. Both capture the feeling of being stuck between places and never fully belonging to any of them. No matter how close he gets to the Tower, his journey always comes with another sacrifice, deeply isolating like being in the “white room.”

6

“House of the Rising Sun” (1964)

For ‘The Lies of Locke Lamora’ by Scott Lynch

The Lies of Locke Lamora follows Locke Lamora and the Gentleman Bastards, who secretly con Camorr’s nobles while pretending to be petty thieves. Their latest scheme targets Don Lorenzo Salvara, but a mysterious criminal called the Gray King threatens the city’s underworld. After Locke’s gang is attacked, he must uncover the Gray King’s plans, avenge his friends, and stop Camorr from falling into chaos.

“House of the Rising Sun” is about the consequences of caving in to our vices, and The Lies of Locke Lamora explores a similar idea through a life of crime that eventually comes with a price. Locke and his friends may steal from wealthy nobles, but the story never romanticizes their lives as criminals. When their schemes go wrong, they are the ones who have to face the bloodshed they’ve caused.

5

“Dream On” (1973)

For ‘The Neverending Story’ by Michael Ende

The Neverending Story follows Bastian, a grieving boy who steals a mysterious book and discovers that Fantastica is being consumed by the Nothing. While Atreyu searches for a way to save the Childlike Empress, Bastian learns that he must give her a new name. Once transported into Fantastica, he uses the Auryn to reshape the realm, but each wish comes at the cost of a memory.

“Dream On” and The Neverending Story both explore how our dreams change as we grow older. Bastian initially uses fantasy to escape his insecurities, but Fantastica eventually forces him to confront them. The song’s repeated command to “dream on” reflects what Bastian learns: growing up doesn’t mean abandoning your imagination. Instead, it means learning how to carry those dreams into the real world without losing yourself in them.

4

“Bad Moon Rising” (1969)

For ‘A Game of Thrones’ by George R.R. Martin

A Game of Thrones follows the powerful Stark and Lannister families as political tensions threaten to tear Westeros apart. Ned Stark gets caught in the dangerous politics of King’s Landing, Jon Snow joins the Night’s Watch beyond the Wall, and the exiled Targaryens plot to reclaim their throne. Meanwhile, something ancient is stirring in the far north.

“Bad Moon Rising” is a fitting soundtrack for Westeros because its famous warning, “I see the bad moon a-risin’,” captures the sense that disaster is coming. The song’s references to earthquakes, lightning, and hurricanes mirror the chaos spreading across the Seven Kingdoms. With the great houses inching toward war, one wrong decision could have deadly consequences.

3

“Paint It, Black” (1966)

For ‘The Black Company’ by Glen Cook

The Black Company follows a mercenary band caught between an ancient evil and a growing rebellion. After centuries of imprisonment, the powerful Lady escapes, revives her magical servants, the Taken, and begins rebuilding her empire. As the Circle of Eighteen rises against her, the mercenaries are drawn into a conflict where even the most powerful sorcerers cannot be trusted.

Both “Paint It, Black” and The Black Company share an obsession with what prolonged exposure to death does to people. The song’s emphasis on the color “black” reflects a world so consumed by violence that darkness becomes impossible to separate from everyday life. From its grim atmosphere to its morally ambiguous characters, the two works present a world where brutality is the cost of survival.

2

“Running Up That Hill” (1985)

For ‘The Fifth Season’ by N.K. Jemisin

The Fifth Season follows three women whose lives reveal the harsh realities of a world constantly threatened by earthquakes, climate disasters, and social collapse. All three can manipulate seismic energy, yet they are feared, controlled, and marginalized by society because of their abilities. As a catastrophic Fifth Season begins, their interconnected journeys show how difficult it is to survive in a world shaped by prejudice.

“Running Up That Hill” captures the desire to escape suffering by trading places with someone else. Despite possessing extraordinary powers, the three women have little control over their own lives or futures. Like the song’s desperate attempt to overcome suffering, their journeys become a struggle to climb the hills of a rigid social hierarchy, fighting not for power, but simply for survival.

1

“Hotel California” (1977)

For ‘The Kingkiller Chronicle’ by Patrick Rothfuss

The Kingkiller Chronicle follows Kvothe, a gifted musician and arcanist who recounts the extraordinary story of his life. Now living under an assumed name and secretly running a rural inn, Kvothe’s past has become the stuff of legend: he spent his childhood as a trouper, watched the Chandrian murder his family, and eventually became known as the Kingkiller.

“Hotel California” may be a song about American hedonism, but it also carries a sense of being trapped by and trying to escape our own vices. Kvothe embodies the lyrics, “We are all just prisoners here / Of our own device.” His tragedy is not simply the result of the terrible things that happen to him, but also of his own pride, which repeatedly pushes him toward choices he cannot escape.