The K-Drama market has long relied on a combination of formula and versatility. While exceptions always exist, by and large, as long as a new series delivers time-honored tropes through a skillfully fresh concept, audiences will turn the show into appointment viewing. 2023’s My Demon might not count as new by airdate standards, but the smash-hit genre mash-up (fantasy rom-com with a mystery-thriller edge) fits the bill and then some.

Writer Choi Ah-i, one of the minds behind the sensationally clever Mr. Queen, combines numerous top-tier tropes into a nearly pitch-perfect package: a marriage of convenience, a fated love story between a supernatural entity and a human (with a side of reincarnation), expertly timed banter, bucket-loads of formative trauma, sneakily potent themes, and a conventionally attractive couple gazing into each other’s eyes as the rousing music swells. This irresistible binge-watch will make you splutter with laughter, kick your heels in delight, and maybe shed a subtle tear or two.

What Is ‘My Demon’ About?

Jeong Gu-won (Song Kang), an immortal demon, offers humans their greatest wish in exchange for collecting their souls 10 years later. Gu-won suspects he was born human, but aside from some recurring dreams, he can’t recall any memories. It’s puzzling, but not a huge concern when he spends his days and nights slinking around in black leather and rocking a disdainful smirk. Inconveniently for his hellish business, however, an accident robs him of his fancy powers — unless his hand is touching a specific human woman.

Meet Do Do-hee (Kim You-jung), the heir apparent to a massive family-owned corporation. The merciless chaebol entrepreneur wields razor-sharp intelligence and cut-throat confidence from the top of her perfect hair down to her clacking high heels. Only Do-hee’s adoptive mother, Joo Cheon-sook (Kim Hae-sook), has witnessed Do-hee’s heart-of-gold vulnerabilities, all of which stem from her birth parents’ deaths. Do-hee refuses to let anyone new into her life, because the chance of losing more people she loves isn’t worth the risk. Cheon-sook’s will forces Do-hee’s hand, stipulating that she can only stay on as CEO if she marries within one year.

To make matters worse, Do-hee’s adoptive siblings aren’t exactly pleased about their mother’s favoritism for the sister they despise; their jealousy kicks off a succession power struggle that includes mysteries, manipulations, and multiple assassination attempts. Since Gu-won, now the person desperate enough to make a bargain, depends upon his powers, and Do-hee simultaneously wants to claim her inheritance and needs someone to protect her life, they agree to a mutually beneficial — and mutually disdainful — contract marriage. Enemies-to-lovers sparks fly, and they’re a glorious inferno.

Watching My Demon is a little like opening a bottle of champagne: its whimsical and zany tone pops forth like sparkling bubbles. To stretch the metaphor further, the show is pleasantly intoxicating thanks to a wealth of charming characters with believable inner lives, a compelling network of relationships, pacing that moves at an engaging clip but doesn’t sacrifice character development or intimate emotional interplay, and satisfactorily tight plotting. My Demon largely rejects common narrative shortcuts in favor of nimbly sliding past viewers’ expectations, yet always knows when to enthusiastically and unashamedly commit to the characteristic K-Drama spectacle. Nowhere else will you see two leads fighting villains by dancing a magical tango.

As for that main couple, Gu-won and Do-hee’s courtship is so electrifying that it almost circles back around to distressing. Their bristling rapport snaps between whiplash-inducing bickering and head-over-heels sensitivity, even after their earlier hostility has mostly faded into smitten devotion. Since both actors could have chemistry with a slab of motionless plastic, it’s My Demon‘s sneakily deft characterization that provides the performers a runway to brandish their exceptional skill. Gu-won isn’t the brooding bad boy archetype but a mischievous tempter, only for Song to temper that irreverent swagger with startled complexity once he starts rediscovering his lost compassion. Every Kim performance radiates the sense that she’s left everything on the table, no stone unturned; here, she’s sensational at depicting the legitimate power of Do-hee’s infamous ice princess persona as well as how it shields her inescapable, terrified loneliness. Immortal or mortal, devil or human, the duo are equally wounded and equally made for each other.

Ultimately, My Demon does dance around its themes about the cost of human connection — the inherent need for it, the courage love requires, unhealthy but completely normal responses to grief, being another person’s personal heaven and their hell — instead of wrestling with the ethical complications to their fullest extent. Although some later-stage choices lean repetitive and lackluster, those emotional beats only fizzle out because My Demon‘s opening salvo blazes so high. Choi Ah-i knew their goal from the start and achieved it by creating an earnest, sparkling, enchanting rom-com that’s both warmly familiar and wildly inventive.

The 2020s aren’t over yet, but many fans are already claiming it is one of the best decades in terms of video games ever. That claim is hard to argue considering it already houses masterpieces such as Elden Ring and Baldur’s Gate 3. Everyone has their preferences, but each decade has provided fans with incredible video games to play, especially the 2010s.

It felt like there was a big shift in the 2010s in terms of graphics, design, audience, and general vibe, with some claiming that video games are now too realistic and lacking soul and creativity. However, the 2010s are so great because they feature the best of both worlds. That is why this list will crown the best video game from every year of the 2010s based on gameplay, design, narrative, visuals, fan opinion, critical acclaim, influence, originality, and overall quality.

2010: ‘Super Mario Galaxy 2’

Image via Nintendo

Nintendo is one of the greatest video game companies of all time, meaning they have a plethora of video games throughout the 2010s, including 2010’s Game of the Year, Super Mario Galaxy 2. Similar to the first game, this one has Mario traveling around galaxies with his green friend, Yoshi, to rescue Princess Peach from the nefarious Bowser.

Whichever is better, the first or second game, is up to fans, but for those who prefer Super Mario Galaxy 2, it is because of the way it added to an already perfect game with new gimmicks, including Yoshi, and polished mechanics. It is one of the most nostalgic Nintendo games because of its charming vibe and timeless platforming gameplay that was a fantastic start to the decade.

2011: ‘Portal 2’

Image via Valve

2011 was one of the greatest years for gaming in the 2010s, and maybe all time. The Game of the Year was between The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Portal 2, but ultimately the latter won. Years after the first game, Chell wakes up in an abandoned scientific facility where, with the help of a robot, she tries to escape and avoid the harsh punishments GLaDOS is planning for the player.

It was a tough choice between the two, but Portal 2 is one of the most polished and complete gaming experiences that is ageless. The game innovates with its physics-based engine and core mechanics that offer complete agency and solutions. With some of the most stimulating puzzles and fun mechanics, Portal 2 is a charming game with sharp writing and witty dialogue to pair with its riveting gameplay.

2012: ‘Journey’

Image via Thatgamecompany

It is rare for an indie game to be the best of the year, but 2012 was the perfect storm when the lineup wasn’t the greatest, and Journey innovated more than anyone else. Taking place in an atmospheric desert, the player wanders the barren landscape in order to scale the distinct mountain. But this journey will take them from dark caves to the freezing peak.

Even though 2012 wasn’t the greatest year for gaming, that shouldn’t take anything away from Journey, which became one of the best indie video games ever. The serene atmosphere is one of the most calming and immersive in the medium, enhancing the eerie quest to the mountain. Journey is a short but sweet game that somehow remains underrated despite being the best title of 2012.

2013: ‘The Last of Us’

Image via Naughty Dog

The 2010s saw some of the best video games, and that partly resulted in many live-action adaptations, including The Last of Us. In a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a zombie infection, Joel is a grizzled veteran whose next job is to escort a girl across the country. But when he learns she may be the cure to the disease, the adventure becomes even more dangerous.

In terms of storytelling, there might not be a better game than The Last of Us, which didn’t just show fans the plot, but took them through it in immersive detail that expanded the characters, their dynamics, and their growth. Not to mention, the final plot twist is one of gaming’s best and most somber, proving that The Last of Us is easily the greatest video game to come out in 2013.

2014: ‘Mario Kart 8’

Image via Nintendo

Nintendo has a few entries on this list, and while 2014 could have gone a couple of ways, ultimately it was Mario Kart 8 that took the slot. Players can select from a group of characters and set out to compete in a series of Grand Prix races. From anti-gravity waterfalls to haunted mansions, gamers can race anywhere.

Games like Dragon Age: Inquisition and Dark Souls II were phenomenal, but Mario Kart 8 is one of the most influential racing games. Sure, the Switch port is more popular, but they are essentially the same game. Mario Kart 8 is a perfect Mario video game that gave fans a wide roster of playable characters and colorful, intricate courses to play through, delivering the definitive Mario Kart experience that is as chaotic as it is fun.

2015: ‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’

Image via CD Projekt

The recent news of the free remastered version of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has brought it into the limelight again, reminding fans just how good the game is and how much better it will get. Geralt of Rivia has put off his usual gig of monster hunting in order to find Ciri, his adoptive daughter, who is on the run from a spectral group that wants her for her powers.

The Witcher 3 is known for storytelling being ingrained in every aspect of the design, creating unrivaled lore and worldbuilding. The folklore is fresh and expands the many side quests, allowing players to experience mini-adventures that add to the overall fun. The Witcher 3 was the unanimous Game of the Year in 2015, and fans hope that the upcoming The Witcher 4 will follow suit whenever it comes out.

2016: ‘Inside’

Image via Playdead

Fans shouldn’t underestimate indie video games, because some of them are Game of the Year favorites, such as Inside. Set in a brutalist and eerie world, players control a child who escapes from a Big Brother-esque scientific facility. However, the only way to get out is by going deeper into its maw, learning uncomfortable truths at every step.

Inside is a masterclass of design through lighting, using it not only as an atmospheric tool, but as a design mechanic to help guide the player. The stark difference between light and dark in this game immerses players in the gritty style. It may mainly be a walking simulator, but it is one of the best side-scrolling video games because of the puzzles and story experienced on this adventure.

2017: ‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’

2017 was a competitive year for gaming, mainly by Nintendo since the Switch came out. But among all these juggernauts, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is hands down the best. A hundred years after Zelda sealed Ganon away, Link finally wakes up to venture across Hyrule and defeat the Gerudo King before he breaks the seal and destroys the Kingdom.

Breath of the Wild reinvented open-world games by introducing the concept of open air, which allows the player to climb any mountain, soar through any part of the sky, and basically, go anywhere. The traversal and exploration are some of the best, and with design techniques such as making three landmarks visible from every point on the map, it is easy to see why Breath of the Wild isn’t just the best video game of 2017, but of the entire 2010s.

2018: ‘God of War’

Image via Sony Interactive Entertainment

Advertisement

2018 was the most heated argument in terms of gaming, and this list just brought it back by selecting this apparently controversial Game of the Year. God of War follows a mellowed-out Kratos who honors his wife’s final wish for her ashes to be spread over the highest peak. However, along the journey, the gods want something from Kratos’ son, Atreus, making the ascent far more complicated.

Red Dead Redemption 2 and God of War were the front-runners, and while many would choose the former, the latter is the better video game, not just having a renowned narrative, but also boasting satisfying combat. This modern gem of the medium is one of the most fun video games of all time because of the engrossing narrative and father-son dynamics, as well as the acclaimed gameplay.

2019: ‘Disco Elysium’

Image via ZA/UM

Advertisement

This list features not one, not two, but three indie games, which should highlight the rise in popularity and quality of this genre during the 2010s. Disco Elysium has the gamer playing as an amnesiac detective with multiple personalities who must simultaneously figure out who he is while also piecing together a murder that has serious political implications.

Disco Elysium rounded out the 2010s with a bang, sending off the decade with one of the greatest indie titles in recent memory. The worldbuilding is detail-oriented and features complex, political, and emotional ties that connect to the character and plot. The gameplay casts aside usual combat in favor of dialogue, encouraging critical thinking to solve problems, truly making Disco Elysium a unique Game of the Year.

McBee Dynasty star Steve McBee Sr. has officially reunited with his famous family following his release from prison.

“A little more appreciation for the simple things in life….Thank you Lord for all the blessings in my life,” Steve Sr., 53, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, September 12, alongside a video of him returning to his farm in Gallatin, Missouri.

His son Steven McBee Jr. commented, “Best 24 hours we’ve had in a long, long time. So many good memories to make and time to have together as a COMPLETE family!”

Steven Jr., 33, originally shared the news on Friday, September 11, that his dad had been released from custody as he posted a clip of the patriarch meeting up with his grandchildren.

Cole McBee welcomed his dad home by posting a photo of Steve Sr. holding his baby granddaughter Tate, who arrived in August.

“So blessed to have the family back together,” Cole, 27, wrote alongside the photo. “Dad and Tate have officially got to meet now.”

The Justice Department announced in November 2024 that Steve Sr. “pleaded guilty in federal court today to a multi-million dollar fraud scheme involving federal crop insurance benefits he was not entitled to receive.” The reality star confessed to selling “more than 1.2 million bushels of corn and nearly 416,000 bushels of soybeans” to another party in 2018, per the Justice Department.

Steve Sr.’s plea deal required him to pay more than $4 million in restitution, in addition to forfeiting $3,158,923 to the government.

While he was eligible for as much as 30 years in federal prison without parole, a judge sentenced Steve Sr. to two years behind bars in October 2025. He began serving his sentence at the Federal Prison Camp in Yankton, South Dakota, last December. (Steven Jr. ultimately served less than a year of his sentence in federal custody.)

Steven Jr. exclusively opened up to Us in July about how his father was coping with life behind bars.

Related: Steven McBee Gets ‘Misty-Eyed’ Sharing Holiday Update From Dad in Prison

The McBee Dynasty’s Steven McBee Jr. got a little teary-eyed while sharing a holiday update from his dad, Steven “Steve” McBee Sr., who is currently serving a two-year prison sentence for crop insurance fraud. “I talked to my dad last night. He wanted to make sure that we posted a video saying Merry Christmas to […]

Advertisement

“Thankfully, we’re down to less than two months now before he gets out … [He was] able to get into a program that allows him to cut down on the time served,” Steven Jr. confirmed to Us. “He’ll be under home confinement for four to six months, but he gets out early.”

In the weeks leading up to his release, Steve Sr.’s family documented renovating his lodge and office as a surprise for their patriarch.

“Got my old man a list of some of my favorite reads (about 20 more coming in tomorrow),” Steven Jr. recently wrote via Instagram as he dropped off a pile of books. “Big believer that reading is single-handedly one of the best things you can do to immediately improve your life and outlook/mindset.”

Steve Sr.’s legal drama played out across the second and third seasons of Bravo’s The McBee Dynasty: Real American Cowboys, where viewers watched him turn over the running of McBee Farm & Cattle Co to his sons.

Before surrendering to prison, Steve Sr. joked on Todd Chrisley’s podcast that he was thinking about his prison sentence as if he was “going on [his] sabbatical.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

The McBee Dynasty star explained that he’d agreed to “plea out to giving one count of a fraudulent statement — not that we committed fraud” to prevent investigators from looking into his son Steven Jr.

“[I decided] OK, get my son off of this. Get all my other people off of it. Get all the other companies [off],” Steve Sr. recalled. “At the end of the day, the buck stops with me. I take that accountability and responsibility.”

He added, “I said, ‘No one else is owning this but me.’ It’s just so crazy it was based on a clerical issue.”

Pokémon has spent decades finding new ways to redesign its original 151 creatures, from regional variants and Mega Evolutions to the increasingly crowded closets of costumed Pokémon in Pokémon GO. Pikachu may remain the franchise’s favorite model and icon to use, but Niantic has now selected someone with a little more muscle for its latest fashion experiment. There is only one problem. Unless players are willing to travel to Japan and purchase a ticket for an in-person event, they may not be able to add this bizarre new version to their collections.

Machamp wearing a modern jacket will debut during Pokémon GO Wild Area: Sendai・Tohoku, giving the four-armed Fighting-type an unexpectedly fashionable makeover. The costumed Pokémon will appear in three-star raids, while an exceptionally powerful “mighty” version can also be encountered in the wild during the event. Machamp wears an oversized jacket over its shoulders, wisely leaving all four arms outside its sleeves. The result looks somewhere between a professional fighter arriving for a championship match and someone making an extremely confident entrance at Fashion Week.

‘Pokémon GO’s New Machamp Is Currently Locked to Japan

Image via Niantic

Advertisement

Unfortunately, Niantic’s announcement states that all gameplay featured during Pokémon GO Wild Area: Sendai・Tohoku will be exclusive to ticket holders. The event will only take place in Sendai and the wider Tohoku region of Japan, meaning international players would need to purchase a ticket and travel there for an opportunity to catch Machamp themselves. This does not necessarily mean jacket-wearing Machamp will remain region-locked forever. Costumed Pokémon introduced during major events sometimes become available again through later celebrations, and players could theoretically acquire one from someone who attended through trading. Niantic has not announced a worldwide release for this particular Machamp, however, leaving most players without direct access for now.

Machamp is only one part of the Steel and Dragon-themed event. Dynamax Dialga and Dynamax Palkia will make their Pokémon GO debuts in Max Battles, while Hisuian Sliggoo and Hisuian Goodra will also appear in the mobile game for the first time. Mighty Bastiodon, Kommo-o, and Lapras will join the newly dressed Machamp in the wild, with GO Safari Balls available to improve players’ chances of catching them.

Pokémon GO Wild Area: Sendai・Tohoku runs from November 6 through November 8, 2026, between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. JST each day. For everyone unable to make the trip, the wait begins to see whether Machamp eventually takes its new jacket on a worldwide tour.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Released

July 6, 2016

Developer(s)

Advertisement

Niantic, The Pokemon Company, Nintendo

Franchise

Pokemon

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

The historical epic is a staple of cinema, and it’s currently proving to be one of the most popular genres. The 21st century’s headline filmmaker Christopher Nolan delivered the most ambitious of its kind in recent memory with his adaptation of Homer‘s ancient Greek epic The Odyssey, which debuted this summer. Dubbed an “unrivaled cinematic spectacle” in Joe Schmidt‘s review for Collider, The Odyssey is likely to sweep up at the 2027 Academy Awards, and might even break the nominations record set by Ryan Coogler‘s Sinners this year.

Having made over $1.6 billion at the box office and still sailing towards new milestones, The Odyssey is far and away the biggest success in Nolan’s filmography, and is also the highest-grossing historical epic of all time. Part of its success can be attributed to its star-studded ensemble, led by Matt Damon as the King of Ithaca, and including Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Jon Bernthal, Zendaya, and Robert Pattinson.

The historical epic genre’s biggest hit of all time is encouraging fans to seek other examples on streaming. One such example is The Last Samurai, the 2003 gem set in 1878 during the Meiji period in Japan. Hollywood veteran Tom Cruise stars in the film as Civil War veteran Captain Nathan Algren, as he joins forces with director Edward Zwick before the pair would make Jack Reacher: Never Go Back. Also starring Ken Watanabe, Hiroyuki Sanada, Timothy Spall, and others, The Last Samurai is a true hidden treasure in the historical epic genre and is currently one of the ten most-streamed movies on HBO Max in the U.S.

What Is Tom Cruise Making Next?

Recently, Cruise announced that he would be teaming up with The Odyssey‘s Anne Hathaway on a long-awaited Days of Thunder 2, which is scheduled to hit theaters in 2028. But before that, there’s the small matter of his first non-franchise film since 2017’s American Made, the satirical black comedy Digger, which hits theaters on October 2, 2026. Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu in his first English-language film since his 2015 hit The Revenant, the film will be looking to make an impact in next year’s Oscars race.

The Last Samurai is streaming on HBO Max. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

Advertisement

Release Date

Advertisement

December 5, 2003

Runtime

154 minutes

Advertisement

Director

Edward Zwick

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Television is renowned for giving viewers stories they can watch unfurl season after season, long-format odysseys that can either be watched over the years as each season is released or binged watched over the course of a few weeks. However, sometimes people don’t want to have to make such a commitment. Sometimes they want something they can enjoy in its entirety over the course of a lazy weekend nestled on the couch.

From heartbreaking romantic dramas that have become modern sensations of small-screen drama to gripping crime mysteries, absorbing historical epics, and even an international gem for those who like to binge something a little more eclectic and cerebral, these miniseries marvels are perfect to dive into the next time a quiet weekend rolls around. Some are hopeful and happy while others are haunting and heavy, but all 10 of these limited series releases are great for binge-watching in a short span of time.

10

‘The Haunting of Hill House’ (2018)

Image via Netflix

The collaborations between Netflix productions and Mike Flanagan have provided many of the most enthralling horror series in recent years, from bold and modernizing adaptations like The Fall of the House of Usher to clever original ideas like Midnight Mass. The very best of Flanagan’s productions for Netflix, however, is undeniably his debut in the format, 2018’s The Haunting of Hill House. Based on Shirley Jackson’s 1959 novel, its split narrative follows the Crain family, depicting the nightmare they endured as they are besieged by paranormal phenomena while renovating a house in 1992 and, in the modern day, exploring the lingering trauma the survivors continue to live with.

Combining its unique horror allure with beautifully realized character depth and compelling puzzle-box storytelling that ensures every episode asks more questions than it answers, The Haunting of Hill House is horror television at its most fiendishly entertaining. Also, given it starts off slow and methodical before ramping up the intensity, the 10-part miniseries gathers a certain momentum that can become quite irrepressible once the viewer is truly into it.

9

‘The Night Of’ (2016)

Image via HBO

Remembered by the few who have seen it as an underrated gem of 2010s television, The Night Of balances ensnaring crime thrills against a scorching critique of institutional issues as it revolves around the arrest and trial of Nasir Khan (Riz Ahmed). Following a night of partying with a stranger, Nasir awakens to find the mysterious girl murdered in bed next to him. When he is apprehended soon after, the police and prosecution treat it as a closed case, but defense attorney John Stone (John Turturro) represents Khan, believing there is more to the story.

Evolving from a police procedural thriller to a courtroom drama, a private eye mystery, and even to a bleak coming-of-age journey as Nasir learns harsh truths of the world behind bars while awaiting trial, The Night Of packs its eight-episode run with high drama that makes its measured pacing completely addictive. With a total runtime of eight hours on the dot, the HBO miniseries is perfect for a lengthy weekend binge, especially for those who love high-stakes crime dramas that mix thematically bold storytelling with a penchant for plot twists and rich cinematic visuals.

8

‘Normal People’ (2020)

Image via Hulu

Consisting of 12 half-hour episodes, Normal People excels at delivering bite-sized drama that allows viewers to progress at their own pace through a raw, powerful, and heartbreaking story of young love and early adulthood. Opening in a secondary school in Ireland, it follows the romance that blooms between Connell (Paul Mescal), a popular athletic student, and Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones), his ostracized and targeted classmate. Complications in the relationship arise as Connell and Marianne begin to decide what they want to achieve in their lives and the paths they will have to take to get there.

Anchored in the engrossing chemistry between the two stars, Normal People explores the depths and agony of first loves, teenage ambition, and the harsh realities of coming of age with profound tenderness and beauty. Taking viewers on a spellbinding emotional roller-coaster of soaring highs and devastating lows, the 12-part limited series is one of the defining TV releases of the 2020s so far and is a perfect weekend watch, particularly for those in the mood for a romantic tearjerker.

7

‘Godless’ (2017)

Image via Netflix

Buoyed by its on-location filming, its gritty Western allure, clever progressive spin on the genre, and its ticking clock premise, Godless stands as an underrated gem of Netflix’s production catalog as well as a uniquely exciting dose of miniseries action. It largely transpires in a town where almost all the men have been killed in a mining accident. When an outlaw on the run, Roy Goode (Jack O’Connell), stumbles upon the settlement with his former gang hot on his heels, the women realize they’ll have to defend themselves, or the consequences could be dire.

Powered by smart writing that mixes traditional Western tropes with the premise’s female-centric evolution of the genre as well as a litany of exceptional performances, the seven-part miniseries presents an absorbing Old West epic that is only further propelled by its cinematography and sets. Its combination of grounded character drama, mounting suspense, and action impact only makes the miniseries all the more binge-worthy.

6

‘Dekalog’ (1989)

Image via Zespol Filmowy “Tor”

A thematically connected series of 10 stories centered in a Polish apartment complex may not sound like the most riveting binge-watch experience to some, but those who love contemplative, high-minded drama would do well to seek out 1989’s Dekalog. Directed in its entirety by Krzysztof Kieślowski, each of the miniseries’ 10 episodes is inspired by one of the 10 Commandments as different characters in the housing complex face their own ethical dilemmas as they go about their ordinary lives in 1980s Poland.

Considering the episodes tend to focus on standalone stories rather than an overarching idea, Dekalog is surprisingly rewarding to watch over the course of a weekend as it allows the subtle links between episodes to be recognized in full. With the limited series also thriving off the back of its rich atmosphere, distinct visual motifs, and the endlessly fascinating mood of late ‘80s Eastern Europe, Dekalog is one of the most arresting miniseries ever made, though it might not necessarily be to everyone’s taste.

5

‘Station Eleven’ (2021)

Image via HBO Max

Advertisement

Post-apocalyptic drama has given television lovers plenty of addictive and binge-worthy series over the years, from the frenetic high-stakes action of The Walking Dead to the contained, controlled suspense of Apple TV’s Silo. The one thing all series in the genre tend to share is a sense of cynical inhumanity, but HBO’s criminally underrated Station Eleven changes even that, re-envisioning the decimation of mankind as a time when human values of kindness, connection, and community would be strongest.

While the miniseries isn’t ignorant of the darker side of human behavior, HBO’s Station Eleven does well to maintain a sense of optimistic charm as it follows a group of traveling actors navigating the ruins of civilization 20 years after a flu virus wiped out the majority of humanity. Station Eleven’s ability to embed viewers in what is a unique presentation of Armageddon while still delivering plenty of rewarding emotional beats and handling a compelling non-linear narrative with deftness and nous defines the brilliance of its 10-episode run, making for an end-of-the-world drama that is incredibly easy to indulge in over the course of a weekend.

4

‘The Queen’s Gambit’ (2020)

Image via Netflix

Advertisement

Astonishingly, six years have passed since The Queen’s Gambit was released on Netflix, where it became an instant classic of small-screen drama. Many will have already seen the period character drama, but if there are some out there who somehow haven’t enjoyed the series yet, then there is no better time than now to finally get stuck into it. Based on Walter Tevis’ novel, it follows child chess prodigy Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) as she strives to prove herself in the world’s best tournaments while succumbing to issues of addiction, alcoholism, and emotional instability.

The seven-episode show seizes a sense of propulsive momentum that is impossible to resist. This allure is conjured by everything from Taylor-Joy’s ensnaring lead performance to the attention-grabbing period detail, the snappy progression of the story, and even its penchant for ending episodes with tantalizing hooks. Given that many would have binge-watched The Queen’s Gambit within a day, the expanses of a full weekend present more than enough time for viewers to grapple with the depth and divinity of the miniseries.

3

‘Brideshead Revisited’ (1981)

Image via ITV

Advertisement

With a total runtime on the cusp of 11 hours, Brideshead Revisited certainly isn’t the shortest miniseries around, but once viewers find themselves enraptured in its tragic tale of time, nostalgia, war, and societal change, it becomes very difficult to resist that “next episode” button. Based on Evelyn Waugh’s 1945 novel, it follows British Army officer Charles Ryder (Jeremy Irons) as his unit use the Brideshead house—the former home of his affluent friends, the Flyte family—as a temporary base. Remembering back to 1922, Ryder recalls his many experiences and adventures with the Flytes.

Tinged with an air of tragedy and fruitless yearning, Brideshead Revisited is ultimately an enrapturing tale about the passage of time, the impact of war, and the inevitability of cultural change. Supported by its beautiful and meaningful cinematography, wafting narrative pacing, and its thematic interest in the downfall of British aristocracy, Brideshead Revisited has lost none of its impact or allure over the past 45 years and is still a must-see miniseries masterpiece that can easily fill a quiet weekend.

2

‘Sharp Objects’ (2018)

Image via HBO

Advertisement

Combining the slow-burn intensity of murder mystery intrigue with a commanding ability to cultivate the arresting and eerie atmosphere of Southern Gothic aesthetic, Sharp Objects delivers eight episodes of frightful though gripping tension that, once started, is almost impossible to stop. Based on Gillian Flynn’s novel, it follows crime reporter Camille Preaker (Amy Adams) as she returns to her hometown after being released from a psychiatric facility to investigate the murder of two young girls.

Masterfully handled as both an exercise in relentless suspense and a triumph of character-driven drama, the miniseries excels at prying deeper into the inhumanity of the crime while also investing heavily in Preaker’s own trauma tied to her disturbing family life. Complementing this morbid though undeniably engrossing dramatic punch with a knack for delivering shocking plot twists, Sharp Objects imposes itself as one of the most absorbing miniseries of all time, one that is a treat to binge-watch over the course of a weekend.

1

‘Chernobyl’ (2019)

Image via HBO

Advertisement

With a runtime of just five-and-a-half hours spread across five episodes, Chernobyl is one of the shorter miniseries to feature on this list. However, it would probably be the one that takes the longest to watch as well, given how it offsets its gripping sense of tension with a deeply disturbing acknowledgment of the real horrors it depicts. Dramatizing the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster of 1986, it dissects the events that led to the reactor meltdown, the heinous fates of the first responders, the extensive containment operation in the days prior, and the eventual political aftermath.

Strengthened by HBO’s outstanding production value that brings mid-’80s Europe to life with visceral realism, the unrivaled brilliance of the ensemble cast, and the grim though important attention to historical detail, Chernobyl delivers a pressing sense of non-stop tension that can be as ensnaring as it is terrifying. Still, the sheer magnificence of the production, writing, action, and direction is sure to keep viewers coming back, making for a miniseries masterpiece that is as incredibly binge-worthy as it is devastatingly powerful.

Advertisement

Chernobyl

Advertisement

Release Date

2019 – 2019

Advertisement

Network

HBO

Showrunner

Advertisement

Craig Mazin

Directors

Johan Renck

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Fall is when television gets good, as broadcast networks finally bring back fan-favorite shows and debut new ones. And while broadcast might not be what it used to be, streaming has stepped in to fill that gap. Apple TV is keeping the thriller market cornered this season with several shows set to debut in the final quarter of the year. In fact, the streamer has officially started releasing new episodes of its latest crime thriller, and unsurprisingly, it has become a streaming hit.

While Apple TV isn’t immune to bad shows and movies, it produces more hits than flops, and this latest one is no different. Critics have mixed reactions, but they are largely impressed by the story and performances, rating it 86% on Rotten Tomatoes. Titled Last Seen, the thriller follows a dad, Ian (Patrick Brammall), as he searches for his missing child after unearthing evidence that she might still be alive after 11 years. “Last Seen serves its mystery in bold spades, taking a story of familial tragedy to the brink of heart-wrenching and engrossing, while Patrick Brammall’s performance takes this series to the next level,” the critic consensus reads.

Collider’s Carly Lane was impressed by how the show structured its twist. While many thrillers drop their twists for shock value, Last Seen grounds them in character psychology. “Last Seen asserts itself as the type of thriller that isn’t interested in conforming to the genre’s more predictable rules or structure,” she wrote in her review. Meanwhile, ScreenRant‘s Nick Bythrow praised the show’s focus on the characters but was not impressed by some early reveals that, while great for character study, “[make] the execution of its bigger ideas feel messy.” Still, some critics found it underwhelming, with Rebecca Nicholson of the Financial Times calling the show “both predictable and preposterous.”

‘Last Seen’ Has a Decent Apple TV Debut

Sometimes critics’ reviews don’t matter much if a show connects with viewers, and Last Seen seems to be performing well for Apple TV. Its two-episode premiere has pushed the series to fourth position on the streamer’s global top ten chart, according to FlixPatrol’s rankings. It’s not a bad debut for a brand-new show, but the real test is whether it can dethrone Apple TV heavyweights like Ted Lasso and Silo, which are currently dominating the chart. Next week’s episode deals with the aftermath of the life-changing call that Ian receives at the end of Episode 2. “A closer examination of the call turns Ian’s world inside out,” teases the logline for Last Seen Season 1, Episode 3, “The Lie.”

Stream new episodes of Last Seen on Wednesdays on Apple TV. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

Advertisement

Release Date

Advertisement

September 9, 2026

Network

Apple TV

Advertisement

Directors

Christian Schwochow

Writers

Advertisement

Alexei Mizin, Kris Mrksa, Giula Sandler, Ryan van Dijk

Advertisement

Cast

• 

  Patrick Brammall

  Advertisement

  Ian Ridley

• 

  Brendan Cowell

  Henry Reid

  Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Legacy sequels have been more popular than ever in the past few years, like the cinema-saving Top Gun: Maverick, headlined by Tom Cruise. Two years ago, one of the most hotly anticipated legacy sequels made its box office debut, haunting up a frighteningly good global haul. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice earned an enormous $451 million, split between a domestic haul of $294 million and a further $157 million from overseas markets, becoming Tim Burton‘s highest-grossing film in 15 years.

The return of Michael Keaton‘s iconic Ghost With the Most was one of the highlights of the second half of 2024 in theaters, with Wednesday‘s Jenna Ortega adding the perfect fresh blood to a largely returning cast. “Rife with nostalgia, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is intended for ’80s babies,” wrote Martin Tsai in his review of the movie for Collider, calling it a “return to form” for Burton. But as high as the praise was for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, it simply couldn’t live up to the original in the eyes of most fans.

The story of Adam (Alec Baldwin) and Barbara (Geena Davis), who return to their home to haunt the new family who moved in after they fatefully drown in a car accident, is the stuff of Halloween legend. Burton at his practical best, the film is packed with inventive visuals and memorable performances, as well as one of the best impromptu musical numbers ever. As we inch closer to spooky season, Burton’s gothic masterpiece is proving popular again. At the time of writing, Beetlejuice is one of the ten most-streamed movies on HBO Max in the U.S.

A New Fantasy Legacy Sequel Is Hitting Theaters

This weekend, after almost three decades away, Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman reprise their roles as the Owens sisters, Sally and Gillian, in Practical Magic 2. The generational curse is once again getting the duo in trouble, although this time they are the experienced duo, with Sally’s daughters, Kylie (Joey King) and Antonia (Maisie Williams), in the firing line. Although reviews for Practical Magic 2 have been mixed, it still makes for a perfectly fantastical start to the fall season.

Beetlejuice is one of the ten most-streamed movies on HBO Max in the U.S. Make sure to stay tuned to Collider for the latest streaming stories.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

March 30, 1988

Runtime

92 minutes

Advertisement

Writers

Michael McDowell, Warren Skaaren, Larry Wilson

Advertisement

Producers

Larry Wilson, Michael Bender

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement