For the most part, video games are all about gameplay, with these experiences aiming to immerse players in fantastical worlds and engaging mechanics. This medium is meant to give a sense of control unlike any other, with games such as Grand Theft Auto and The Legend of Zelda achieving this. However, video games have evolved into a storytelling medium with great narrative potential.

Great stories take many different forms, but one focus the fans love is character development, which is why this list will rank the ten video games with the greatest character development. Based on aspects such as writing, arcs, progression, gameplay tie-in, relevance, believability, characters, and overall quality, these ten video games do the unthinkable.

10

‘Final Fantasy IX’ (2000)

Image via Square Enix

The Final Fantasy franchise is best known for the sixth and seventh video games, but the greatest in terms of character development is arguably Final Fantasy IX. Princess Garnet wants out of her stuffy castle, so she hires a thief named Zidane to “kidnap” her. After that, the duo embark on an adventure around the world, which turns into a profound exploration of identity and the meaning of life.

This may not be the first game fans think about when imagining great character development, but Final Fantasy IX puts together an incredible ensemble of characters who all individually grow. Some characters have static arcs, and others have philosophical journeys that deeply change who they are. Either way, Final Fantasy IX is an underrated character development masterclass.

9

‘Assassin’s Creed II’ (2009)

Image via Ubisoft

Ubisoft has moved on to a different type of Assassin’s Creed game, but the best in that series is still Assassin’s Creed II in many ways. Ezio is a newcomer assassin in Italy who hunts down the Templar Order to enact his revenge after they framed his father and brothers for treason and had them executed, using whatever methods are handy to him.

Assassin’s Creed II is one of the best action games that boasts an incredible style of gameplay, but it is also known for having magnificent character development. Ezio Auditore transforms from a brash and eager kid into a wise and polished master assassin. The arc structure is normal, but it is still a coming-of-age story mixed with a revenge tale that is so captivating to play.

8

‘Far Cry 3’ (2012)

Image via Ubisoft

Known for its chaotic style, the Far Cry franchise is one of the craziest out there, boasting a masterclass of character development, Far Cry 3. Jason Brody and his friends are enjoying their tropical vacation when all of a sudden, ransomers kidnap them. Barely escaping, Jason dedicates himself to freeing his friends and getting off the island, although his priorities might start to change the more he is in the jungle.

This game is all about Jason Brody and the madness that he experiences while trying to save his friends. Starting as a cowardly brat, the jungle slowly changes him, making him more heroic, and then eventually into an insane madman like the rest of the villains. Vaas is an excellent foil and incredible villain who further pushes his downfall arc. Not only that, but Far Cry 3 works his degradation into the mechanics, making for a more fluid and engaging change.

7

‘Life is Strange’ (2015)

Image via Square Enix

A lot of the games on this list have some sort of action or combat, but Life is Strange is solely focused on the story and character development. Max Caulfield is just a normal photography student, that is, until she gains time-warping powers. With the help of her childhood best friend, the two of them investigate the dark secrets of their small town while learning the consequences of messing with time.

The time-travel mechanic does overshadow the subtlety of their growth and dynamic, but in the end, Life is Strange still has a profound view of change. By constantly undoing mistakes, Max realizes she is taking the easy way out, putting herself at risk in the future. This unique lesson double-acts as a distinct form of character development that highlights the narrative prowess of Life is Strange.

6

‘God of War’ (2018)

Image via Sony Interactive Entertainment

The original games in the franchise were all about rage, violence, and revenge, but the 2018 God of War took Kratos out of Greece and into the Norse realm of Midgard. Living a new and more peaceful life, his wife unexpectedly dies, leading him and his son Atreus to scatter her ashes at the highest peak. However, the Norse gods have their sights set on Atreus, and will stop at nothing until they get him.

While fans don’t get to see Kratos’ change from the original games to this one, God of War 2018 still highlights his growth. This game completely recontextualized Kratos and his whole dynamic, making him a much more reserved personality who is ashamed of his past. He still isn’t perfect, but God of War takes players along the cycle of how Kratos is trying to be a better man and father.

5

‘The Walking Dead Series’ (2012-2018)

Image via Telltale Games

It might be cheating to include an entire series, but The Walking Dead telltale games are all phenomenal. Split into different seasons, this game franchise is based on the comic and TV show of the same name. Lee Everrett and Clementine are two survivors of the zombie apocalypse, and these games chronicle their lives from new survivors to hardened veterans.

The Walking Dead season one has one of the bleakest endings in video game history, but that only serves to act as a major moment in developing Clementine. This is a game all about choices, and each one the player makes, Clementine sees. Every decision, good and bad, changes Clementine for better or worse, making her character development entirely up to the way gamers play the game.

4

‘Red Dead Redemption 2’ (2018)

Rockstar Games publishes some of the greatest masterpieces out there, and in terms of character development, Red Dead Redemption 2 takes the cake. Arthur Morgan is the leader of a cowboy gang set in the dying age of the Wild West. Confronted by his own mortality, he sets out on one last adventure, looking to redeem his past failures.

In terms of a single character and their arc, Arthur Morgan is revered as having the best character development in video games. Beginning as a loyal outlaw, Red Dead Redemption 2 forces the players to embody his role and emotions, feeling the pain with him and learning his philosophy was a lie. Right until the end of the game, Arthur goes through one of the most compelling character arcs put on screen.

3

‘The Last of Us’ (2013)

Image via Naughty Dog

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The Walking Dead was based on the TV show, but The Last of Us is the other way around, being a video game that inspired a show. Years after a zombie apocalypse pushed humanity into hiding, Joel is a veteran whose next mission is to escort a girl across the country. However, when he learns she may be humanity’s last hope for a cure, he protects her with everything he’s got.

The character development and story were so good in this game that it is the only renowned live-action TV adaptation. The Last of Us is all about Ellie and Joel’s dynamic, which has its ups and downs, but ultimately grows in this slow-burning adventure. By not shying away from the ugly truth, players learn that the relationship they have come to love takes priority over the rest of the world, culminating in a shocking twist that highlights the development of Joel, proving The Last of Us is a remarkably influential video game.

2

‘Mass Effect Series’ (2007-2012)

Image via BioWare

Similar to The Walking Dead game series, this entry features an entire trilogy of games with the Mass Effect Series. Players control Commander Shepard, who must take their squadron out into the galaxy in order to defeat a machine race known as the Reapers, needing to unite multiple planets and species to aid in the fight or risk losing everyone.

It may be unfair to include an entire trilogy, but each game in it is a flawless depiction of micro character development throughout a grand cast. Since the games carry save files, relationships, choices, and moments are brought to the next game, making the development personal to each specific player. Mass Effect wields its interconnected narrative web through the micro-changes of the many characters and their growth.

1

‘Disco Elysium’ (2019)

Image Via ZA/UM

Almost all the games on this list were AAA blockbusters, but the indie scene is also home to some character development sensations, including Disco Elysium. The players control an amnesiac detective who wakes up in a hotel room, now needing to use his multiple personalities to remember who he was and solve a murder that has some serious political implications.

A lot of the games on this list use character development as a set story that players experience, but the reason why Disco Elysium is number one is that the players themselves develop the protagonist. The well-written themes of politics, philosophy, failure, and addiction meld into the multiple psyches of the character, with players having full freedom over which one wins. Disco Elysium is one of the greatest video games of all time because the character development is an intimate process of player agency that can be different each playthrough.

Ellen DeGeneres is expressing her sympathy for her friend, Kris Jenner, as she mourns the loss of her mother.

Posting via her Instagram on Friday, July 17, DeGeneres shared condolences to Jenner from herself and her wife, Portia de Rossi, after hearing the news of Mary Jo “MJ” Shannon’s death.

“Portia and I know how much you loved your mother and what a special force she was in your life and your entire family‘s life,” DeGeneres, 68, wrote alongside a photo of Jenner and MJ. “I can’t imagine the grief that you’re feeling right now. We’re sending you our love. @krisjenner.”

Jenner’s daughters, Kourtney Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian, responded to the tribute in the comments section.

Related: Kris Jenner’s Mom Mary Jo ‘MJ’ Shannon Dead at 91

Kris Jenner’s mother, Mary Jo “MJ” Shannon, has died at age 91, less than two weeks before her 92nd birthday. “Today, we said goodbye to my beautiful Mommy MJ. 😞💔,” Jenner, 70, wrote via Instagram on Thursday, July 16. “There are no words that could ever capture what she has meant to me or the […]

“Awww that’s so sweet ❤️❤️,” wrote Kourtney, 47, while Khloe, 42, gushed, “You are the sweetest!!! You’re such a great friend to my mommy ❤️❤️.”

Sharing a lengthy tribute via her Instagram account on Thursday, July 16, Jenner announced her mother had died just two weeks before her 92nd birthday.

“Today, we said goodbye to my beautiful Mommy MJ. 😞💔,” Jenner wrote. “There are no words that could ever capture what she has meant to me or the heartbreak of having to say goodbye. My mom was the heart of our family. She taught me everything that truly matters … to love your family fiercely, to be kind, to show up for the people you love, and to never take a single moment together for granted. She taught us that family is everything.”

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Related: Kim Kardashian Breaks Silence on Grandmother Mary Jo ‘MJ’ Shannon’s Death

Kim Kardashian is paying tribute to grandmother Mary Jo “MJ” Shannon after her death at age 91. “My sweet Grandma MJ, my best friend, my gossip buddy, my forever twin…” Kardashian, 45, wrote via Instagram on Thursday, July 16. “You taught all of us the importance of family, and those values are something we’ll carry […]

The Kardashians star added, “She showed us how to love unconditionally and how to find joy in the little moments. She showed me how to face life’s challenges with resilience and faith. Mom, thank you for every sacrifice you made, every piece of wisdom you shared, and every moment you loved us so completely. I will miss our daily talks, your smile, your laughter. Our hearts are broken, but we find comfort knowing that love like yours never truly leaves us. Your love will live on in our family, in our traditions, in every moment we are together, and in every life you touched.”

Kim Kardashian paid tribute to MJ later the same day on her own Instagram account, affectionately describing her late grandmother as her “best friend, [her] gossip buddy [and her] forever twin.”

“You taught all of us the importance of family, and those values are something we’ll carry with us forever!!!!! You were the woman who showed me what it meant to be a hardworking businesswoman,” Kim, 45, wrote.

55 years ago, The French Connection laid the foundation for the perfect movie car chase. William Friedkin‘s iconic crime thriller, as well as 1968’s Bullitt, nailed this type of riveting, elaborate action set piece so well that anyone trying to re-create its magic was foolish. Nevertheless, car chases remained an enduring aspect of action thrillers, with the occassional innovation like Mad Max: Fury Road, a movie that’s practically one long car chase.

However, everything changed with the release of Paul Thomas Anderson‘s Best Picture-winning masterpiece, One Battle After Another. After experiencing the film’s exquisite and breathtaking climactic car chase across a desert highway, not only did we realize we were watching pure greatness; we also discovered that car chases would never be the same.

Paul Thomas Anderson Takes a Minimalist Approach to Car Chases in ‘One Battle After Another’

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

One Battle After Another, which finally brought Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio together, is the director’s most ambitious film to date. The acclaimed auteur behind There Will Be Blood and The Master never seemed interested in including heists, shootouts, and high-octane chase sequences in his repertoire, but Anderson took an incredible leap as an artist with his latest achievement, which earned him his long-awaited Oscar for Best Director. Having cited The French Connection as one of his influences for One Battle, Anderson reminded audiences of the vigor and dramatic propulsion possible in a classic car chase — which fit perfectly into this story about a washed-up revolutionary, Bob Ferguson (DiCaprio), on the trail of an old foe, Col. Steven J. Lockjaw (Sean Penn), who himself is on the hunt for Bob’s daughter, Willa (Chase Infiniti).

The film culminates in a breathtaking, four-minute car chase on an empty desert highway, set against a backdrop reminiscent of a John Ford Western in Monument Valley. Following her escape from Lockjaw, Willa is running for her life as she is chased by Tim Smith (John Hoogenakker), an assassin for the white nationalist group the Christmas Adventurer’s Club. Chasing him from behind is Bob, who is trying to protect his daughter, unaware that Willa is capable of standing her ground. What manifests is a chase sequence that is so effortlessly crafted that it’s a wonder Anderson hasn’t directed more action movies.

Anderson takes a minimalist approach to directing the climax of One Battle After Another by removing any musical score and extraneous dialogue. The cinematography is surprisingly straightforward, cutting between close interior shots of the drivers inside the cars and sweeping panoramic shots of the cars as they ebb and flow along the hilly road. What it lacks in over-the-top spectacle is made up for by the scene’s jaw-dropping visual scope, as the vast horizon of this open yet ominous land shrinks the presence of each car down to a molecule. Anderson keeps the camera steady and focused, which only makes the extended sequence more hypnotic, and the film’s expert production design and location scouting allow for this unique road to act like a roller-coaster ride for the viewer, creating an immersive experience that outmatches anything put out by the Marvel Cinematic Universe in years.

The Grand Dramatic Weight of the Car Chase in ‘One Battle After Another’

A true full-meal movie, One Battle After Another perfectly infuses Anderson’s idiosyncratic vision, as he reflects on aging, generational divides, and the rise of fascism in contemporary America, while also handling the demands of a big-ticket blockbuster event. With each action set piece, you’ll forget that you were previously watching a strange, darkly comic movie about radical revolutionaries and a military general with particular fetishes. The film’s sweeping climax carries the weight of American democracy, with this chase symbolizing the older generation, represented by Bob, trying to wake up and face the dangers of today, only to be encouraged that the youth — Willa in this case — is ready to fight back against fascism, including the Christmas Adventurer’s Club. The patience and methodical blocking of the desert chase create a distinctly cerebral action climax that reflects on America’s past, present, and future.

In an era where action keeps getting needlessly bigger and more boisterous, this triumphant sequence in One Battle After Another proves that expert filmmaking, location scouting, and attention to orientation and blocking are essential to providing awe-inspiring thrills. Bells and whistles are overrated—sometimes, all you need is an unsettling stretch of road in a desert.

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One Battle After Another

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Release Date

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September 26, 2025

Runtime

162 minutes

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Director

Paul Thomas Anderson

Writers

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Paul Thomas Anderson, Thomas Pynchon

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A&E’s two part docuseries Scott Peterson: The New Evidence breaks down mistakes made by the Modesto Police Department when they investigated pregnant Laci Peterson’s disappearance. In part 1, legal expert Chris Pixley broke down how the Los Angeles Innocence Project’s arguments that police always believed Laci’s husband, Scott Peterson, was guilty for the murder. Part 2 continued to look into how police may have botched the investigation, leading to Scott being arrested and found guilty of Laci and their unborn son Conner’s death.

Keep reading to find out the biggest bombshells made in Scott Peterson: The New Evidence following its Friday, July 17, premiere.

Inside the Burglary That Took Place When Laci Peterson Went Missing

The LAIP has theorized that the burglary that took place at the home of Laci and Scott’s neighbors, the Medinas’, was linked to her death.

Steven Todd and Donald Pearce burglarized the Medinas’ home after the family left to go out of town at 10:30 a.m. on December 24, 2002. Meanwhile, Scott left to go on a boat ride at 10:08 a.m.

The exact date of the robbery has never been confirmed, but the state claimed it took place on December 26, 2002.

Related: How Long Has Scott Peterson Been in Prison After Overturned Death Sentence?

More than two decades after Laci Peterson vanished on Christmas Eve 2002, her husband Scott Peterson remains behind bars — but his legal team is still fighting to overturn his conviction. Scott was found guilty in November 2004 of murdering his pregnant wife and their unborn son, Conner, and his case continues to draw national […]

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“I think what happened was the Modesto police changed the date of the burglary because it certainly would’ve undercut their theory on Scott,” Scott’s former defense attorney, Mark Geragos, said. “Because if it has happened on the 24th, it’s the definition of reasonable doubt.”

Pixley said that the “LAIP had found nine new witnesses only identified by their initials” who connected Laci’s “disappearance to the burglars.” He said that the findings “only further reinforces the fact that the police should’ve been investigating the burglary as related to Laci’s disappearance.”

Former Detective Ninette Toosbuy said that it was “investigatively negligent” for officers to not look into the robbery. “I believe that the reason they were dismissive or ignored the Medina burglary is they felt, at that time, reasonably sure that they knew what had happened,” Toosbuy said of police.

Pixley also shared that two neighbors reported they believed their homes were being scoped out for burglaries on December 23, making it likely they would have robbed the home the following day.

Witnesses Claimed They Saw Laci Peterson With the Burglars

The LAIP believes that Laci confronted the burglars when she saw the robbery happening and they killed her. Additionally, seven witnesses saw the suspicious van driven by the burglars on the day that she disappeared, but police never investigated it. One witness recalled seeing a pregnant woman being pushed into the van by a man who appeared homeless.

An emotional moment in the docuseries took place when Pixley called eyewitness Diane Jackson, who told Pixley she called police about seeing the van outside of the Medinas’ home. She added that she believes Scott didn’t commit the murder because it’s extremely unlikely that he killed Laci when the burglary was happening at the same time.

Police Found Burning Van 1 Day After Laci Peterson’s Disappearance

A burning van was found by police in an alleyway a mile and a half from the Petersons’ home on Christmas day in 2002.

“That van fire was investigated and ultimately that investigation was closed without [being connected] in any way to the Peterson case,” Pixley said. “The Los Angeles Innocence Project is arguing that the van fire should’ve been viewed as being potentially related to Laci Peterson’s disappearance. That it should’ve been viewed as related or potentially related to the Medina burglary and that the van fire, along with the Medina burglary, should have been investigated as part of Laci Peterson’s missing person case but was not.”

A stain was found on a mattress in the van, which the state tested and claimed it wasn’t blood. However, one test found potential traces of male DNA and could not rule out the presence of female DNA.

Related: Where Scott Peterson Stands With His and Wife Laci’s Family After Her Murder

Netflix Convicted murderer Scott Peterson originally had the support of his and Laci Peterson‘s family after her death — but allegiances have since shifted. American Murder: Laci Peterson, which premiered on Wednesday, August 14, highlighted the voices of Laci’s family and friends two decades after her death. Laci went missing in 2002 while she was […]

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Scent Dogs Were Used to Track Laci Peterson’s Scent During the Investigation

Scent dogs were used to search the area near where Laci disappeared, and police claimed that a dog picked up her scent in the Airport District.

Pixley spoke to forensic evidence expert Maneek Sinha, who said she believes there was potential cross contamination when the dogs were trying to find Laci. One handler accidentally gave a dog one of Scott’s slippers instead of Laci’s, which could have confused the dog.

Sinha added that “there are a number of wrong convictions based on dog scent evidence” and that “jurors view dog scent evidence the same way they view other evidence.”

Despite potentially not being 100 percent correct, Pixley said the dog scent evidence was some of the only forensic evidence presented by prosecutors during the trial.

Police Allegedly ‘Destroyed’ Evidence in Laci Peterson’s Case

The LAIP believes that police “suppressed and destroyed evidence” during the investigation, specifically when it came to the evidence from the Medina burglary.

Toosbuy noted that the evidence was destroyed as the investigation into Laci’s disappearance continued, and she called “the timing of the destruction suspicious.”

Another example of police not following through with a lead was when corrections officer Xavier Aponte called in a tip that an inmate was discussing the burglary in 2003.

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Related: Netflix and Peacock’s Dueling Scott Peterson Docs: How They Compare

Courtesy of Netflix Netflix and Peacock are both revisiting Scott Peterson‘s conviction for pregnant wife Laci Peterson‘s murder in two different documentaries. In July 2024, Peacock announced its three-part docuseries, Face to Face With Scott Peterson, which featured Scott breaking his silence two decades after he was found guilty for the murder of Laci and […]

“The information he had connected the Laci Peterson case with the Medina burglary. At the correctional facility, dorm officers moderated and recorded all the inmate phone calls. One of the officers brought a recording of the call to the attention of Lt. Aponte, who immediately called the tip line to report it,” Pixley said. “The recording was of a conversation between inmate Shawn Tenbrink and his brother Adam Tenbrink. Both of whom were associated with the airport district and the Medina burglars.”

While discussing Laci, Adam said he “heard that Laci had seen Steven Todd and his coconspirators committing the burglary and they made some sort of verbal threat to Laci.”

The defense did not have any of this information during the trial, and police kept no record of Aponte’s report.

Inside the Timing of Conner Peterson’s Death

Dr. Greggory DeVore testified during the trial that Conner died on the same day that Laci went missing based on studies from 1984. However, the LAIP doctor used more recent studies to determine that Conner likely died some time between December 28, 2002, and January 5, 2003.

Pixley said that the new discovery “completely contradicts the state’s timeline.”

“If Conner Peterson died at any point after December 24, Scott Peterson is not involved in that death because from that date forward, he was under constant surveillance, he was the suspect in the case and he was being followed by the media,” Pixley said.

The LAIP Is Critical of the District Attorney’s Office

Not only does the LAIP question how Modesto police handled the investigation, but the group is also critical of the DA’s office.

“They’re arguing the prosecutor’s office in Stanislaus County has engaged in a pattern of conduct where they have routinely abused the constitutional rights of the defendants. And just last year, a landmark settlement caused their conduct into question,” Pixley said.

The docuseries explained that Frank Carson sued Stanislaus County after well-known meth addict Korey Kauffman stole items from his property. Kauffman later went missing, and authorities went after Carson.

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Related: How Long Has Scott Peterson Been in Prison After Overturned Death Sentence?

More than two decades after Laci Peterson vanished on Christmas Eve 2002, her husband Scott Peterson remains behind bars — but his legal team is still fighting to overturn his conviction. Scott was found guilty in November 2004 of murdering his pregnant wife and their unborn son, Conner, and his case continues to draw national […]

“Frank Carson was quite controversial to the DA’s office. He was a very aggressive defense attorney. He was well-known and much disliked by all law enforcement people, but particularly the DA’s office and by the DA herself,” Carson’s attorney Gary Gwilliam said of Birgit Fladager, who was also involved in Scott’s case.

Carson went to jail after he was accused of masterminding the murder plot despite no forensic evidence tying him to the case. The case eventually went to trial in 2019 and he was found not guilty of all charges.

“This was a DA that I believe was corrupt,” Gwiliam said.

Following Carson’s arrest, his legal team filed a massive civil rights and malicious prosecution lawsuit against Stanislaus County. However, Carson died before he could get justice and he ultimately won $22.5 million in settlement payout.

“If a DA’s willing to prosecute an attorney that they dislike, then it’s not much of a step to say that they will happily prosecute someone like Scott Peterson,” Pixley said.

Inside Laci Peterson’s Final Day

Laci’s last known contact was during a phone call with her mother on the night of December 23, 2002.

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“It’s plausible to believe that Laci was with the dog sometime immediately prior to 10:18 a.m. Karen Servas found Scott and Laci’s dog wandering in the street with its leash on around 10:18 and she placed the dog behind the gate of their home,” Pixley recapped. “At some point, Laci Peterson took her dog for a walk. There are 15 eyewitnesses that see Laci walking her dog after the time Scott Peterson has left for the Berkeley Marina.”

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Related: Scott Peterson Speaks Out 20 Years After Wife Laci’s Murder: Revelations

Scott Peterson did not hold back while being interviewed for the first time two decades after he was convicted for the murder of his pregnant wife, Laci Peterson. During Peacock’s Face to Face With Scott Peterson docuseries, which premiered on Tuesday, August 20, Scott, 51, was interviewed from prison by director Shareen Anderson about the […]

Pixley went on to reiterate the version of events of what the LAIP thinks is what happened.

“Laci returns home, sees a suspicious van across the street and goes over to see what’s going on. Laci Peterson confronted career criminals who are engaged in the burglary of her neighbors’ home, whether it was intentional, whether it was an accident that brought harm to her,” he said. “If you’re committing a burglary that is a felony, you know that that’s a crime that’s gonna put you in prison and some nosy neighbor comes along and you can’t shut her up, you may very well trundle her into the back of your van to get her out of the way. Now that you’re ready to leave the crime scene and she’s seen you, what do we do with this nosy, loud lady?”

When Martha Stewart wears a pair of shoes once, we take notes. But when she wears the same option nonstop all summer? We add it to our carts immediately — which is the case with these comfy Crocs sandals. Lucky for Us, Stewart’s exact pair is marked down right now!

Stewart reached for the Crocs Y-Strap Sandals while attending the 2026 Masters Tournament, celebrating the Knicks’ championship win, strolling around New York City and more. It’s no surprise she owns the style in multiple colors, and with a price tag of just $45, we’re tempted to follow her lead!

Get the Crocs Soho Y-Strap Sandals for $45 (was $60) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

These Stewart-approved Soho Y-Strap Sandals land somewhere between practical walking shoes and ones you’d wear to a Hamptons lunch. The silhouette is sleeker than a clog, featuring a stylish double-strap design and a height-boosting platform.

Related: Kate Middleton Traded Heels for This Luxe yet Comfortable Alternative

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Kate Middleton usually wears either sneakers or stilettos, especially during royal engagements, but her latest footwear style combines the comfort of flat shoes with the polish of heels. Her chocie presumably cost thousands, but we found the comfy-chic look for only $61 on Amazon! To celebrate Armed Forces Day, the Princess of Wales brought Prince […]

However, it’s the feel that makes these chic sandals a no-brainer. The classic Crocs footbed ensures your feet aren’t screaming after farmers’ market runs and afternoon errands, offering support, stability and cloud-like comfort.

One happy reviewer called them “great for all-day walking” and wrote, “I was always battling blisters on my feet and toes in different tennis shoes, and I feel like my feet suffocate in closed-toed shoes all day. I walked five miles at Magic Kingdom today, and my feet did not ache, blister or swell! They are so bouncy and supportive.”

“These Crocs are so comfortable,” said another happy fan. “You feel like walking in a cloud, and it gives you a little height! The color is fabulous, plus I got a lot of looks and compliments!”

Whether you wear the sandals with dresses, matching sets or tailored white pants like Stewart, you’re bound to appear effortlessly stylish.

Stewart’s endorsement is unspoken but loud. If she’s wearing these rubber shoes on repeat, that’s all we need to know. Snag her pair before it sells out, and hurry!

Get the Crocs Soho Y-Strap Sandals for $45 (was $60) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more chic sandals, and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

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If you’ve been eyeing a $600 pair of sandals, same, but nothing can justify the price tag for something you wear for three months of the year. That said, if you want to look like you dropped triple digits, these 13 luxe-looking sandals nail the assignment. Nobody at brunch will be able to tell the […]

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Andy Cohen is hitting a new milestone with his boyfriend Kevin Sobieski.

The Bravo exec, 58, went Instagram official with Sobieski, 42, on Friday, July 17, posting a happy snap of the couple together.

“Date Night ♥️🌟🌈☀️⚡️” Cohen captioned the post.

Earlier this month, Cohen poked fun at the 16-year age gap between himself and Sobieski.

During a segment on the July 8 episode of Watch What Happens Live, a fan asked guest Georgia McCann what her thoughts were on her Next Gen NYC costar Ava Dash “canoodling” with Kyle Cooke, who is 17 years older than her.

“Oh, um, I don’t know,” McCann, 28, replied. “I have suspicion it might be, like, securing a season 3 contract moment, because when does a woman hook up with a man 18 plus years older for anything?”

The camera then cut to Cohen, who was taking a sip of his drink. “Don’t put the camera on me!” he joked while shaking his head. Cohen then covered his face with a card and quipped, “I’m only in a 16-year age-gap relationship.”

Cohen opened up about his romance with Sobieski on the June 8 episode of his radio show.

“I don’t want to be with the wrong person. I value my time too much. I value my life too much,” Cohen said on SiriusXM’s Radio Andy. “I have great friends and a great life and great kids. My criteria about what I was looking for never changed. It’s always been a feeling for me. I’ve always followed the feeling. I am really happy to say that I met the person.”

Cohen, who first hit it off with Sobieski at a friend’s Fourth of July party in 2025, praised his boyfriend’s personality traits as well as his ability to connect with his kids, Ben, 7, and Lucy, 4.

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“This man is kind and strong and smart and he is an adult and he loves my children and they love him and I love him,” Cohen gushed. “Introducing him to the kids and just entering him into the equation of my family so slowly, I have to say it has been so easy.”

Since they’ve been together, there haven’t been any fights or disagreements, Cohen said.

“We just view life the same way and one year later I still can’t believe I found him,” he continued. “I do share everything with you guys on the radio, but I just thank you for giving me space here, not that you had a choice, but I just wanted to be smart and slow before saying anything about this.”

Science fiction television has explored everything from time loops and alternate histories to artificial intelligence and virtual realities. But the genre’s greatest shows understand that no matter how outlandish the premise may be, compelling sci-fi is ultimately rooted in human stories. As technology becomes increasingly intertwined with everyday life, these series use futuristic concepts to examine human choices.

Over the last two decades, television has delivered some of the most ambitious sci-fi stories ever made, pushing the boundaries of imagination while remaining grounded. Whether imagining the pursuit of a perfect utopia or charting humanity’s future among the stars, here are the most perfect sci-fi shows of the last 20 years, ranked.

10

‘Bodies’ (2023)

Image via Netflix

One murder mystery is already complicated enough. But when four English detectives from four different eras find the same dead body in the same alleyway, something’s clearly amiss. Bodies is a trippy take on the bootstrap paradox, a.k.a. an infinite time loop that seems to go on forever. But these detectives each have their own tricks to figure out who is behind the murder and break the loop.

The thrill of Bodies lies in watching how police work is done across these four periods, and the discrimination these detectives face in their respective eras, which only complicates their work. Whether it’s 1941, when Jews were heavily marginalized, or 2023, where being a Muslim in racially charged England is still a reality, Bodies is both a solid sci-fi work and a commentary on societal beliefs.

9

‘Years and Years’ (2019)

Image via HBO

Set over 15 years, Years and Years chronicles the lives of the Lyons family. Average though they may be, the world around them is slowly crumbling under authoritarianism and rising anti-immigrant sentiment. With populist leader Vivienne Rook (Emma Thompson) driving the nation through fear and hate, it’s people like the Lyons who are pulled apart during a global crisis.

The genius behind Years and Years is that dystopia doesn’t happen overnight, which gives the show its realism. 15 years ago, people wouldn’t have imagined talking to an AI machine through a phone screen, yet here we are. Like real life, technology in Years and Years slowly blurs the lines between objective truth and subjective truth to fuel political means, no thanks to deepfakes and hoaxes.

8

‘Night Sky’ (2022)

Image via Prime Video

Most sci-fi stories focus on young heroes confronting the unknown, but Night Sky takes a different approach by placing an elderly couple at the center of its mystery. Irene York (Sissy Spacek), a retired teacher struggling with illness, and her husband, Franklin (J. K. Simmons), live a quiet life in rural Illinois. Hidden beneath their shed, however, is a chamber that transports them to a mysterious, deserted planet.

Though it lasted only one season, Night Sky proves that sci-fi belongs to everyone, showing how ordinary people respond to the extraordinary. While younger, more tech-savvy characters might focus on understanding the mechanics of the unknown, Irene and Franklin approach it with empathy, resilience, and a deeply human perspective. In doing so, Night Sky suggests that compassion matters far more than youth or technological expertise.

7

‘Black Mirror’ (2011–Present)

Black Mirror immediately took the world by storm with its infamous pig-intercourse scene in its debut episode. If that’s any indication that the anthology series isn’t afraid to push boundaries, it does its job well. Each episode tells a different story set in a world shaped by emerging technology, from virtual reality to simulated worlds.

But for all of its hard tech, Black Mirror is really a story about how technology exposes the uglier side of human nature rather than making life easier, as it’s supposed to. Whether it’s a memory implant that allows someone to replay every interaction with his wife or a digital afterlife used to overcome mortality, the series repeatedly shows that technology comes with consequences. At its most extreme, those consequences can even lead to death.

6

‘For All Mankind’ (2019–Present)

Image via Apple TV

No other show commits more to the alternate Space Race plot than For All Mankind. Set in a world where the Soviet Union beats the United States to the moon, the series prolongs the space race with even higher stakes. The moon is no longer the objective, and these astronauts have their sights set on building life on Mars.

With each season set in a different decade, For All Mankind shows how changing eras affect not only the technology required to send people into space, but also the emotional toll on its astronauts, engineers, and their families as they grapple with ambition, loss, aging, and the sacrifices required to push humanity forward. And with every breakthrough comes a new set of political and societal consequences that can either empower humanity or expose its darker impulses.

5

‘Pluribus’ (2025–Present)

Image via Apple TV

Pluribus challenges the idea that a perfect society can ever be truly ethical. Carol Sturka (Rhea Seehorn) is one of just 13 people immune to an extraterrestrial virus that has transformed humanity into a hive mind. Unlike most sci-fi dystopias, the infected — known as the Others — have created a peaceful, efficient world dedicated to making everyone happy. Yet it is the immune who suffer, forced to live outside a society that insists happiness is only one infection away.

The show’s central conflict lies in Carol’s refusal to join. Though surrendering would end her isolation, she questions whether happiness imposed by a collective is freedom at all. This philosophical conflict is the momentum that makes Pluribus addictive to watch from start to finish — the show sees Carol repeatedly questioning whether a perfect society is worth having when nobody gets to choose it.

4

‘Severance’ (2022–Present)

Image via Apple TV

Severance is the ultimate commentary on corporate culture. At Lumon Industries, employees undergo a procedure called severance that surgically splits their consciousness into two identities: an “outie” who exists outside the office and an “innie” who knows nothing beyond work. Designed to create the ultimate work-life balance, the process instead traps employees in a dystopian system that strips away their autonomy.

Severance ups the scares by turning the dream of perfect work-life balance into a nightmare. They never go home, never sleep, never see family, and exist solely to labor for Lumon. More eerily, they’re not allowed to question their superiors. One moment it’s funny because of the absurd office culture; the next it’s disturbing because the characters are trapped in a system they barely understand.

3

‘Andor’ (2022–2025)

Image via Disney+

Set before Rogue One, Andor follows Cassian Andor’s (Diego Luna) transformation from a cynical survivor into an important asset of the Rebellion. Removed from the Jedi and Sith conflicts, Andor explores the formation of the Rebel Alliance through espionage and resistance. Alongside Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly) and Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård), Cassian witnesses the Empire’s oppression and the sacrifices required to challenge it.

Rather than focusing on destiny or mythic heroes, Andor examines authoritarianism through a deeply human lens. Real life is no stranger to political violence, corporate corruption, and the moral compromises required to fight tyranny. It’s this mature and grounded approach that sets Andor apart, as the series asks what people are willing to sacrifice for freedom, whether their reputation, relationships, morality, or even their lives.

2

‘The Expanse’ (2015–2022)

Image via SYFY

Based on the novel series by James S. A. Corey, The Expanse is set in the 23rd century, when humanity has colonized the Solar System. Earth is governed by the UN, Mars has become an independent military power, and Belters live in harsh conditions while supplying the resources that keep the inner planets running.

Despite technology being light-years more advanced, humankind in The Expanse has not changed one bit. The Solar System exists in a Cold War-like state, with the constant possibility of conflict looming over Earth, Mars, and the Belt. Yet the real victims are the working-class Belters, who are trapped in a system that depends on their labor while denying them access to basic resources. The series also refuses to offer easy heroes, as each character’s good intentions often carry risky consequences.

1

‘Dark’ (2017–2020)

Image via Netflix

Dark is proof that some of the best sci-fi shows are the ones that reward viewers for the effort they invest. At first, the Netflix series follows a missing-child investigation in the small German town of Winden. However, the mystery soon becomes far more complex when it is linked to a time-traveling wormhole connecting 1953, 1986, and 2019.

Traditionally, the goal of solving a mystery is to identify the perpetrator. Dark, however, challenges viewers to ask not only who is responsible, but also when an event occurred and how it influences events decades earlier or later. The series brilliantly shows how characters’ attempts to change events often become the very cause of them — all made possible thanks to its combination of hard sci-fi concepts and incredible casting.

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Dark

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Release Date

2017 – 2020

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Netflix

Showrunner

Jantje Friese

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Directors

Baran bo Odar

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  Louis Hofmann

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  Jonas Kahnwald

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  Lisa Vicari

  Martha Nielsen

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For the past couple of months, few stories have been as popular on streaming as Rip (Cole Hauser) and Beth’s (Kelly Reilly) new life in South Texas. Dutton Ranch, the latest big hit in Taylor Sheridan‘s Yellowstone universe, has dominated the streaming ranks ever since its debut, culminating in the jaw-dropping finale on July 3 that saw many explosive ends to plot threads. Two weeks on and, at the time of writing, the series remains the most-watched show on Paramount+ in the world. But in terms of gripping ranch drama, there is another on the horizon sure to steal attention.

The series in question is My Life With the Walter Boys, which follows a teenage girl stuck in a romantic love triangle with two brothers (sound familiar, The Summer I Turned Pretty fans?), as Jackie (Nikki Rodriguez) and her complex ménage à trois with Cole (Noah LaLonde) and Alex Walter (Ashby Gentry) take center stage. However, in the second season, ensemble characters are offered the chance to shine, including George (Marc Blucas), Danny (Connor Stanhope), and Kiley (Mya Lowe), even if some complain that Grace (Ellie O’Brien) was sidelined.

The series first debuted in December 2023 and became somewhat of a sleeper hit for Netflix, scoring a respectable 7.5 million views in its opening weekend. However, Season 2 smashed these numbers, debuting with 11.8 million views in its first four days of release, marking a 57% viewership increase from Season 1. This certainly leaves the show in good standing heading into the upcoming third season, which is set to hit Netflix on August 6.

What Will Happen in ‘My Life With the Walter Boys’ Season 3?

After an explosive Season 2 finale, the stakes are high heading into My Life With the Walter Boys Season 3. But what can fans expect from the third season? Showrunner, creator, and executive producer Melanie Halsall has promised an “emotional” first episode, adding that, “a lot of this season, more than other seasons, is about growing up, maturing, and stepping up.” Whatever happens, fans can rest assured that their favorite teen romance is already renewed for a fourth season.

My Life With the Walter Boys Season 3 hits Netflix on August 6. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

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Release Date

December 7, 2023

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Netflix

Directors

Jerry Ciccoritti, Winnifred Jong, Nimisha Mukerji

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Writers

Melanie Halsall, Ali Novak

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  Nikki Rodriguez

  Jackie Howard

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90 Day Fiancé star Kenny Niedermeier has shared a rare piece of good news amid his stepdaughter Hannah’s hospitalization.

Posting via his Instagram Story on Friday, July 17, Kenny, 63, uploaded a photo of Hannah, 13, from her hospital bed.

“She came out of the latest procedure very well,” he wrote on the image. “More updates soon. Thank you all again for all the care and kindness. We are grateful.”

Kenny has been by Hannah’s side throughout her health ordeal after she was rushed to the United States for urgent medical treatment from her home in Mexico.

Related: 90 Day Fiance’s Kenny Niedermeier Supports Hannah Amid Hospitalization

90 Day Fiancé star Armando Niedermeier-Rubio is receiving support from his husband, Kenny Niedermeier, amid his daughter Hannah’s hospitalization. “Hannah told me to tell you all, thank you for all the love she is receiving from all of you,” Kenny, 63, wrote via Instagram on Thursday, July 16, with a photo of Hannah in bed […]

Hannah’s father, Armando Niedermeier-Rubio, 37, revealed via Instagram on Tuesday, July 14, that Hannah’s condition had rapidly deteriorated before she was hospitalized.

In an emotional video, the TLC reality star detailed the moment he noticed his daughter’s face was “droopy — half of her face — and her lips and stuff.”

“Half of her body had no strength. So [I] immediately took her to the doctor,” he shared via Instagram on Tuesday. “When we got to the doctor, they did tell us her levels were normal in the sense of no high blood pressure. Which was strange to the doctor because she said usually with stuff like this, she knew with the symptoms that it was something with the brain, but it was strange given her age and also the fact that she didn’t have high blood pressure, which would be a huge symptom for that.”

After being airlifted from Mexico to another hospital in Arizona, Hannah learned through a scan that there is some blood in her brain.

Kenny had been in Ohio for a family funeral when Hannah fell ill and immediately flew to Phoenix to be with his stepdaughter after receiving word of her diagnosis.

Meanwhile, Armando has struggled to get permission to get across the border to support his daughter.

“I went to the border. The hospital directly sensed the gravity of the situation, how Hannah was being airlifted to Phoenix ICU,” Armando who currently resides in Mexico, explained via Instagram on Thursday, July 16. “They sent all the necessary documents to the border. When I arrived at the border, I arrived with my documents as well.”

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Related: 90 Day’s Armando Breaks Down in Tears Over Daughter’s Health Battle

90 Day Fiancé’s Armando Niedermeier-Rubio broke down in tears as he discussed his daughter Hannah’s mysterious medical issue. “I don’t want to lose her,” Armando, 37, said while fighting back tears via an Instagram vlog on Thursday, July 16. “Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers, guys. Thank you all that supported [us] … […]

Despite the situation, Armando claimed he was forced to stay put but is now working with an immigration lawyer as he attempts to gain entry into the U.S.

“Never was the letter from the hospital reviewed and never were any of my documents asked of me — nothing was checked,” he claimed. “I was just told, ‘Nope, we do not do this here. … There’s no option for you,’ and on my way I went.”

Kenny and Armando appeared on season 2 of 90 Day Fiance: The Other Way in 2019. The couple met in an online support group for gay fathers. After dating long distance, Kenny moved to Mexico to be with Armando. He became Hannah’s stepfather after Armando previously welcomed his daughter with his late wife.

From epic fight scenes to high-octane thrills, action films are a favorite genre because of the exhilarating adrenaline rush they provide. Throughout cinematic history, action films have evolved not only with technological advancements but also through the stories they tell and the variables that define the genre.

Many filmmakers strive to execute perfection, but achieving that high bar can be exceedingly difficult, especially when you have near-flawless movies to compare to. When it comes to action thrillers, the films on this list are simply exceptional. So much so that they’ve become the blueprint others look to. From fight styles to historical thrillers, these movies’ influence is so rich that you can tell when future films pay tribute to them. It’s time to honor the brilliant action films that truly packed a bunch and went out with a bang.

1

‘Die Hard’ (1988)

Image via 20th Century Studios

While there will always be debate over whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie, there is no debate about how spectacular an action movie it is. Directed by John McTiernan, based on the novel Nothing Lasts Forever by Roderick Thorp, the film follows New York City police detective John McClane (Bruce Willis) as he becomes entangled in a terrorist plot to seize control of a Los Angeles skyscraper during a Christmas Eve party. Helping to redefine the genre, Die Hard became a beloved film thanks to the everyman character Willis played, especially against one of the most recognizable villains, Hans Gruber, portrayed by Alan Rickman.

The exciting thriller finds a strong balance of humor, suspense, and non-stop action that leads into the high-stakes situation. The action in Die Hard is primarily contained within the Nakatomi Plaza building, which adds an element of claustrophobic tension — there’s no big, wide, open field to fight in. Through smart pacing and genre-blending, Die Hard goes beyond the typical action flick, as bringing romance and comedy into things provide a fulfilling experience. In the ’90s, Die Hard became the blueprint for other heist-based action thrillers like Speed. Without Die Hard and its subsequent sequels, the landscape of action cinema may not be what it is today.

2

‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

It’s not the first, nor is it the last, but Mad Max: Fury Road is simply the best in the franchise. Part of the epic George Miller universe, Mad Max: Fury Road brought the iconic post-apocalyptic dystopian action film into the 21st-century universe of filmmaking. No doubt the first three films have a place in history, but looking back, especially compared to the new era of the franchise, they simply do not hold a candle to Mad Max: Fury Road. The fourth installment follows Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy), who joins forces with Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) against warlord Immortan (Hugh Keays-Byrne) and his army. Setting out on a large-spanning road battle in the desert wasteland where petrol and water are scarce commodities, Mad Max: Fury Road is a relentless thrill ride that keeps your heart racing from start to finish.

With a large majority of film fans calling it the best action movie of all time, there’s certainly no denying its expansive impact on blockbuster films today. Visually dynamic with compelling imagery, Mad Max: Fury Road is an example of a thriller that redefines how certain movies can get away with a character-driven story. Yes, there is a plot with clear and present objectives, but we come to the film for the explosive action and the visceral, immersive experience. Miller makes you feel as if you’ve stepped into this exuberant environment of dust, sand, and road rage. With eccentric characters and compelling themes, Mad Max: Fury Road is visual storytelling at its finest. Never feeling monotonous, the film left viewers craving more. Luckily, Miller delivered.

3

‘Seven Samurai’ (1954)

Image via Toho

To earn the title of a masterpiece goes beyond the basics of the work itself — it must be evocative enough that its inspiration can point back to the piece. In the world of Japanese action films, all roads lead back to Seven Samurai. Directed by Akira Kurosawa, Seven Samurai transports audiences to the Sengoku period of Japanese history, telling the story of a village of desperate farmers who hire a samurai to combat bandits who return after the harvest to steal their crops. Tackling themes of honor, duty, class, and camaraderie, the action-packed film is rooted in a rich and profound human drama.

The epic unfolds in three parts — the recruitment, the training, and the battle against the bandits — yet never wavers from its mission to pursue ambitiously innovative storytelling. The film doesn’t solely rely on flashy fight scenes. They’re earned by tying them back to the emotional stakes and overall compassion you have for the samurai and the villagers. Even Kurosawa’s filmmaking techniques are profound for the time, providing an emotionally charged immersion.

We live in a time when remakes and reboots come naturally, so it should come as no shock that Seven Samurai has inspired not only Japanese films but also Western action flicks. The most resounding example was the Western remake, The Magnificent Seven. Though samurai were swapped out for gun-slinging cowboys, the heart of the action remained present. Without Seven Samurai, we likely wouldn’t even have epic team-up films like The Avengers. As I said, all roads lead back to it.

4

‘The Matrix’ (1999)

Image via Warner Bros.

Just at the turn of the century, the entire realm of science fiction was reshaped thanks to the sheer brilliance of The Matrix. The brainchild of visionary directors, the Wachowskis, we entered the Matrix and, in a manner of speaking, we’ve never left. One of the most influential films for its story, filmmaking, and special effects, the groundbreaking movie follows computer hacker Neo (Keanu Reeves), who discovers that the reality he knows is actually an elaborate simulation created by intelligent machines. In turn, Neo learns that humans are unknowingly enslaved by these machines to serve as a power source in the real world. Led by Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), Neo joins a rebel group that all believe him to be “The One.” If he is what they believe him to be, then Neo is the prophesied individual who has the power to manipulate the Matrix and free humanity from its grip.

Science fiction at the forefront, with martial-arts-centric action woven in, the Wachowskis instilled a deep philosophical theme about the nature of reality, free will versus determinism, and the search for truth. Perhaps the moment we’ll all forever recall is the bullet-time visuals. No backbend has ever been more exciting and enthralling. Championing the blend of cyberpunk elements with modern philosophy through the guise of a sci-fi martial arts thriller, The Matrix was never too much. It was groundbreaking, and many films since have tried to replicate the massive cultural phenomenon it sparked. Did any film in the franchise reach the peak of the original? That’s up for debate, but there never would have been a franchise had this blueprint not been executed perfectly.

5

‘The Dark Knight’ (2008)

Image via ©Warner Bros./Courtesy Everett Collection

No single film influenced the superhero genre quite like The Dark Knight. The second entry in the Christopher Nolan Batman reboot, The Dark Knight follows vigilante Batman (Christian Bale), police lieutenant James Gordon (Gary Oldman), and district attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) as they form an unlikely alliance to dismantle organized crime in Gotham City. Their plans are dismantled by the Joker (Heath Ledger), an anarchist mastermind who seeks to test Batman’s limits by pushing him to the brink of what he’ll do to save Gotham City from chaos. The Dark Knight changed cinema forever. From Ledger’s career-defining performance to the way plot and action should go hand in hand in superhero blockbusters, the boom in superhero films changed the moment Nolan introduced the film to the world.

A near-flawless superhero film, The Dark Knight garnered immense praise. Nolan’s dark vision for the film produced a thrilling crime saga that combined real-world commentary with comic-book tropes to craft a complex tale of morality and corruption through the lens of heroism. There’s an explosive intensity in watching the complexity of the psychological battle that can be equally gripping as the physical battles. The Dark Knight is unlike any other superhero film. Chances are, there will never be one better. It’s a modern masterpiece that set the bar to new heights.

6

‘Gladiator’ (2000)

Image via DreamWorks Distribution

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When bringing audiences to ancient Rome, it’s almost inevitable that the story will feature some sort of action. When Ridley Scott arrived with Gladiator, our image of ancient Rome was shaped for good. An epic action-adventure period piece, Gladiator answered “yes” to the question, “Are you not entertained?” Gladiator follows Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe), a respected Roman general betrayed by the corrupt new Emperor Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), the son of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris), who murders his father to seize the throne. Commodus murders Maximus’s family and enslaves him, forcing him to become a gladiator to seek bloody revenge and restore honor to Rome. As he rises through the ranks of the arena, Maximus is determined to avenge the murders. Through thrilling gladiator battles and rich visuals, the historical drama became the blueprint of every Roman epic that followed. And none, not even the sequel, reached the same thumbs-up.

Loosely based on real events in the Roman Empire, Gladiator made history exciting while revitalizing the epic. What helped differentiate the film from others was the emotional range Crowe and Phoenix brought to it. They give you a reason to invest. Despite the historical setting, the revenge story was universal. As a director, Scott knows how to craft something captivating. Whether in space or in the past, his innate ability to bring an action-filled atmosphere to life is unlike that of many directors. Pair it with Hans Zimmer‘s score, and you’re truly in for a treat. Gladiator is cinema at its finest.

7

‘Lethal Weapon’ (1987)

Image via Warner Bros. / Courtesy Everett Collection

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It’s about time we brought a buddy-cop action film to light, and what better film than Lethal Weapon? Directed by Richard Donner, the film follows two mismatched LAPD detectives: Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson), a volatile former Special Forces soldier struggling with suicidal impulses after his wife’s death, and Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover), a seasoned homicide sergeant and devoted family man. The pair becomes partners to investigate a young woman’s apparent suicide during the Christmas season. While they clash during their mission, they uncover a massive drug-smuggling ring run by ex-Special Forces mercenaries. Becoming a dynamic duo that set off a media franchise, Lethal Weapon‘s ability to bring comedy to the odd-couple-style action film gave credence to the action style audiences were seeking.

If Die Hard or The Godfather wasn’t your dad’s favorite film, chances are that Lethal Weapon was. With humor built in, Lethal Weapon introduced a necessary amount of over-the-top action. A character-driven study on how unlikely team-ups in police films work wonders, Lethal Weapon may feel dated today, but its influence is timeless. The film may have had moments of lightness amid the action, but its ability to infuse dark elements, including the topic of suicide, helped future action films go beyond big booms. Tackling important themes allowed the genre to level up.

8

‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ (2000)

Image via Sony Pictures Classics

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Western audiences have always had an affinity for martial arts films, but the fascination exploded after the 2000 epic Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Based on Wang Dulu‘s novel of the same name, the film follows two master warriors, Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun-fat) and Yu Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh), who are faced with their greatest challenge when the treasured Green Destiny sword is stolen by a mysterious thief — the fiery, rebellious aristocrat Jen Yu (Zhang Ziyi). A breathtaking action film that pushes the genre’s boundaries, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon tackles poignant themes of duty, desire, and hidden potential.

Ang Lee‘s martial arts film blended action with romance. They may not seem like a formidable pair, but they are, just like the fight choreography that utilizes a balletic approach. The gravity-defying action brought Western audiences to the cinema, where they were met with an action-thriller style they likely hadn’t seen before. Introducing wuxia, known as martial arts fantasy, to a global audience paved the way for other Asian films. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon isn’t just an action flick; it’s a visually spectacular, emotionally resonant film that brought cinema some of its most iconic fight sequences.

9

‘John Wick’ (2014)

Image via Summit Entertainment

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It’s safe to say that when you employ Keanu Reeves for an action film, it’s going to be something extraordinary. If we simply look at this list alone, Reeves is the greatest action star. Whether you believe it or not, he claimed his stake in the conversation upon taking the titular role in 2014’s John Wick. Directed by Chad Stahelski, John Wick follows the legendary retired hitman as he’s pulled back into the criminal underworld he left behind after sadistic mobster Iosef Tarasov (Alfie Allen) and his thugs steal his car and kill the puppy, a final gift from his recently deceased wife. John unleashes the remorseless killing machine within and sparks a relentless quest for vengeance that uncovers the secret world of assassins and their strict rules. Marrying the mythology of the criminal underworld with stylish direction, well-choreographed fight scenes, and committed performances, the practical action thriller became a standout modern hit that launched a newfound action franchise.

Having the steadfast Reeves in the central role, it was a shoo-in that the film would garner attention. His strong performance proved that John Wick was a triumphant return to form for the actor. With strong material and a bold vision around him, Reeves helped to amplify the action genre again, as he did with The Matrix. As a clean and kinetic film, John Wick benefited from viral word-of-mouth, helping launch it to the peak of contemporary action films. With Marvel essentially taking over the action blockbusters in the 2010s, John Wick reinvigorated the action-thriller genre.

10

‘Casino Royale’ (2006)

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

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Now, some of you die-hard James Bond fans might be perplexed as to why it would take Daniel Craig‘s first time as 007 to earn the moniker of a blueprint masterpiece. Others may understand completely. Either way, fans are united that Casino Royale is an extraordinary film that may be one of the best in the entire franchise. Examining what came before and after, Casino Royale supercharged the franchise while imploring future spy thrillers to match the execution of Martin Campbell‘s action movie. Casino Royale finds Bond as he’s sent to Madagascar, where he discovers a link to Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen), a financier of terrorist organizations. Learning that he is to raise money for a high-stakes poker game, Bond heads to Montenegro as he sets out to bankrupt him at the table. As he sets out to defeat his new enemy, he falls in love with Vesper Lynd (Eva Green), a British Treasury agent, who becomes entangled in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game.

Years after Die Another Day, Craig rebooted the franchise despite his divisive casting. Nevertheless, he tackled the role with extraordinary vigor. Despite the boyish good looks, he was still rough around the edges, making him an engaging character. Between his devastatingly wonderful chemistry with Green’s Vesper as well as his ability to elevate Mikkelsen’s Le Chiffre into a formidable and terrifying presence, Craig proved his worth as the 21st-century Bond. As we await his replacement, filling Craig’s shoes will be a difficult task, but what’s clear is that Craig changed how Bond films should be tackled. No longer was the franchise leaning on campy action — instead, it appealed to modern audiences who sought graphic, visceral action sequences. And Casino Royale delivered. It was a complete game-changer.