Just days after Princess Kate Middleton traversed multiple mountains in the United Kingdom, she stepped out at Wimbledon.

Kate, 44, sported a blue pantsuit as she attended the tennis tournament on Thursday, July 2, as patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. During her visit, the Princess of Wales visited The Queue, where she met other Wimbledon attendees, the club’s Honorary Stewards and children from Shine Camera Club. (The Shine Camera group is a photography elective within the SHINE Merton charity.)

After her meetings, Kate even watched one of the tennis matches.

Earlier this week, Kate completed the National Three Peaks Challenge, a mountaineering event across peaks in Scotland, England and Wales.

Related: Kate Middleton Gets Visibly Emotional During Standing Ovation at Wimbledon

Kate Middleton made it back at Wimbledon — and everyone is more than happy to see her in attendance. The Princess of Wales, 43, attended the ladies’ singles final of the Wimbledon Championships alongside club chair Debbie Jevan on Saturday, July 12. Multiple videos of the moment she entered the arena showed the Princess visibly […]

“I have taken on the National Three Peaks Challenge, not simply as a physical endeavour but as a chance to explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back,” the princess wrote via Instagram on Sunday, June 28. “The Royal Marsden [hospital] is a place that holds great meaning for me and whose care and expertise are life changing for so many people.”

She continued, “Through this challenge, I want to raise awareness for the deeper impact of serious illness and the importance of holistic healthcare. Every individual is different, and ensuring there is a whole person approach to care enables those living through cancer to manage the deeply personal challenge of diagnosis. Holistic therapies complement clinical pathways and support patients’ ability to maintain their wellbeing, resilience and quality of life during an exceptionally difficult time.”

Kate was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in 2024, shortly before undergoing a preventive round of chemotherapy as treatment. Kate confirmed in January 2025 that she is in remission.

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“Cancer doesn’t just affect the body. It changes how you think and feel and profoundly affects every aspect of life,” she wrote on Sunday. “I know this personally and that the journey through and beyond treatment requires more than medicine alone.”

Related: Kate Middleton Shares Candid New Message About the Effects of Cancer

Princess Kate Middleton is opening up about the way her cancer diagnosis impacted every facet of her public and private life. “Every year, hundreds of thousands of people in this country hear the words no one wants to hear,” Kate, 44, began in a Sunday, June 28, Instagram statement. “What follows is a path that […]

For Kate, taking part in the National Three Peaks Challenge helped raise awareness for “holistic cancer care.”

“This challenge will support the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, helping to transform access to, and understanding of, holistic care that will enhance recovery and healing for patients across the UK,” Kate continued at the time. “Healing, whether personal or collective, is not just about fixing what is wrong. It is about finding balance in how we live. Between effort and acceptance, between control and trust, between thinking and simply being. Because in the end, bravery isn’t just about pushing forward. It is about knowing how to stay grounded, connected and present, no matter the terrain or landscape you are walking.”

Movie lovers love to toss around the word “classic.” But what actually makes a movie a classic? A classic film must demonstrate enduring cultural impact, exceptional artistic achievement, and the unique ability to resonate with audiences for generations. These films stand the test of time. They possess a rewatchability that draws audiences back again and again. A great classic should be so brilliant that it can never be remade again.

The trouble is, studios love to remake the classics because, well, they know the rewards it could reap should they take the risk. They have a nostalgic appeal that draws audiences in, but they rarely surpass the original. When it comes to action flicks, these 10 classic action films should never be remade. Their original impact deserves to stay intact instead of being potentially tarnished. While some titles have launched beloved franchises, rebooting them with a new face is simply not what audiences want to see.

1

‘Die Hard’ (1988)

Image via 20th Century Studios

When you rewrite the script for how action films can be made, you automatically become an instant classic. That’s what happened with Die Hard. Directed by John McTiernan and based on the novel Nothing Lasts Forever by Roderick Thorp, the unofficial Christmas movie follows New York City cop John McClane (Bruce Willis) as he travels to Los Angeles on Christmas Eve in hopes of reconciling with his estranged wife, Holly Gennaro-McClane (Bonnie Bedelia). His plans are interrupted when a gang of heavily armed criminals, led by the ruthless Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman), takes over the Nakatomi skyscraper, forcing McClane to take them on alone. Drawing up the blueprint of a singular set action thriller, Die Hard proved that the vulnerable everyman hero is just as alluring as the invincible, muscle-bound ones of the era.

One of the most entertaining films of the ’80s, Die Hard infused itself into pop culture thanks to its iconic quotes and the most brilliant villain in action history. Die Hard had a simple premise, but it was executed to perfection. It brought out the concept of the hero-villain meet-cute that many films have tried to replicate since. So, why would anyone try to replicate perfection? Die Hard launched Willis into elite action-hero status, giving him the opportunity to continue McClane’s story. The truth is, no one will ever be John McClane other than Willis. The film was a lightning-in-a-bottle project that captured the aura of the decade. There was a specificity to the imagery and chemistry. The film launched the “Die Hard on a Blank” subgenre, so trying to redo it and recapture that magic would be nearly impossible. While there are certainly capable actors like Glen Powell who would serve as a logical modern choice, finding a new Rickman to play a perfect Hans Gruber is harder than that infamous fall.

2

‘Dirty Harry’ (1971)

Image via Warner Bros.

Clint Eastwood has had a storied career, both as an actor and director. One of the most iconic roles is none other than Inspector Harry Callahan in Dirty Harry. In the first film of the franchise, Callahan is a no-nonsense San Francisco police inspector who takes on dirty jobs that no one else wants to do. Callahan hunts down a psychopathic sniper known as the “Scorpio Killer” (Andy Robinson), who is terrorizing the city by murdering innocent people and demanding ransoms. Dirty Harry examines the harsh clash between the strict legal system and street-level justice. A gritty action thriller that defined the ’70s, Dirty Harry defined the loose cannon cop genre by introducing one of cinema’s greatest anti-heroes.

Dirty Harry launched the lone wolf protagonist thanks to Eastwood’s masterful performance. While the character continued throughout the franchise, the first film was released during a time of high social tension and rising crime rates. The film captured the frustrations of society as they felt alienated by rapid societal shifts and the challenging questions about whether the legal system is too lenient on violent criminals. Dirty Harry is a period piece, and thus, trying to rework it as a modern remake would lose steam quite quickly. Callahan is a tough-on-crime character. That approach would simply not resonate with audiences today, given the societal disdain for modern policing. In fact, it might cause Callahan to be the lesser of two evil villains. The truth is, Harry Callahan belongs to Eastwood. No one can match his swagger and delivery.

3

‘Enter the Dragon’ (1973)

Image via Warner Bros.

Certain films have a legacy as cinematic touchstones for their impact on their genre and history. For martial arts movies, that film is Enter the Dragon. Perhaps the greatest martial arts film ever made, Enter the Dragon served as Bruce Lee‘s final film appearance before his death. For that reason alone, even thinking about remaking the classic would be disrespectful. The classic martial arts film follows a Shaolin monk named Lee, who is recruited by British intelligence to infiltrate a private martial arts tournament. Lee is tasked with gathering evidence to expose the host, a renegade former monk named Han (Shih Kien), who operates an illegal drug and human trafficking ring. Enter the Dragon‘s massive impact on cinema was felt instantly, single-handedly igniting a worldwide martial arts craze.

Lee was a Hong Kong legend, and thanks to Enter the Dragon, he became the first Asian actor to serve as an undisputed leading man in a major Hollywood-Hong Kong co-production. Lee turned into an immortal global icon thanks to this film. Enter the Dragon found the perfect cross-section of traditional martial arts and James Bond-style espionage thriller. But now, more than 50 years later, Enter the Dragon is untouchable. Enter the Dragon captured a moment in time by breaking barriers and establishing martial arts in Western mainstream culture. Enter the Dragon was Bruce Lee. No one can deliver what he did with such impact.

4

‘First Blood’ (1982)

Image via Tri-Star Pictures

Sylvester Stallone is a character maker. In the ’70s, it was Rocky Balboa. In the ’80s, John Rambo. First Blood served as the vehicle that launched the character and an iconic franchise, one that can never be matched today. The action thriller followed John Rambo, a traumatized Vietnam War veteran whose PTSD is triggered when a small-town sheriff, Will Teasle (Brian Dennehy), wrongfully arrests and abuses him. Rambo escapes to the mountains and uses his elite combat and survival skills to wage a one-man war against the police. Unlike the more bombastic films that followed in the series, First Blood was grounded as a psychological drama rooted in the era. First Blood tapped into themes of systemic neglect, PTSD, and the harsh discrimination Vietnam veterans faced from the divided American public upon returning home.

First Blood was a direct response to the Vietnam War. While there have been countless Vietnam War-period films, First Blood was a modern Vietnam War film; thus, it would not have the deep impact it originally had. First Blood subverted the high-octane action films of the time with genuine emotional resonance and worked as a wonderful exploration of a vet’s heartbreaking journey with PTSD and his attempt to return to society. There have been films since First Blood that have explored modern wars and their effects on their veterans in a similar vein. That said, should it be remade, it would only be done to capitalize on the film’s original success. The only way to remake First Blood is to stray away from the Ted Kotcheff-directed film and stick strictly to what is prescribed in David Morrell‘s novel, which is significantly bleaker. Oh, and the book ends with Rambo being killed, so that would be quite different than the 1982 film!

5

‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ (1981)

Image via Paramount Pictures

If you’re sensing a trend, a major reason why audiences may not want to see a remake of a classic action film is that there is simply no way to replace the original. No one will ever come close to having the allure that Harrison Ford brought to Indiana Jones. He may be best remembered for Han Solo, but Indy is his greatest character achievement. Launching a beloved franchise, Raiders of the Lost Ark tells the tale of the titular globe-trotting archeologist as he races against Nazi forces to recover the biblical Ark of the Covenant, believed to possess supernatural powers that would make the army invincible. Alongside his old flame Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), Indy battles through booby traps and enemies to secure the treasure. And snakes. Why did there have to be snakes? Relaunching the adoration for genuine action-adventure flicks, Raiders of the Lost Ark combined George Lucas‘ concept, Steven Spielberg‘s masterful direction, Ford’s charismatic performance, and John Williams‘ iconic score to craft a nostalgia-filled benchmark for cinematic storytelling.

While the character is so iconic that many actors today could conceivably wear the brown fedora and crack the whip, if you go back to the aforementioned roster — Ford, Lucas, Spielberg, and Williams — never again could that be replicated. Raiders of the Lost Ark brought escapism to the big screen as they journeyed with the ultimate action hero. He was flawed. He got bruised. He made mistakes. But Indy was the face of resilience. He got knocked down and proudly got up again. The film was perfectly made using the practical magic of ’80s filmmaking. As seen in the subsequent 21st-century sequels, once you introduce CGI into the mix, Raiders of the Lost Ark loses its charm. Raiders of the Lost Ark is an action-adventure at its finest. As much as Hollywood tried to pass the baton to Shia LaBeouf in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, it’s always going to be Ford. Anyone else would be blasphemy.

6

‘Speed’ (1994)

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

We often say we “have the need for speed,” but I can assure you we do not have a need for a Speed remake. While action fans love an adrenaline rush in film form, Speed is a masterpiece as is. Directed by Jan de Bont, the high-octane thrill ride centers on a vengeful extortionist, former bomb squad officer Howard Payne (Dennis Hopper), who rigs a Los Angeles city bus with a bomb that is armed once the vehicle hits 50 miles per hour, exploding if it drops below that limit. It’s up to LAPD SWAT Officer Jack Traven (Keanu Reeves) and quick-thinking passenger Annie Porter (Sandra Bullock) to take the wheel and save the day. Navigating heavy LA traffic and an unfinished freeway gap, Speed is a brilliant high-concept thriller that made the unthinkable imaginable.

Often, action movies have moments of levity or time to breathe. Not here. Speed was a relentless film whose momentum was unmatched. The stakes were high. The fear was consistent. And, perhaps, most importantly, it established Reeves as an action star and Bullock as an eventual legend. Though the plot overshadowed them, perhaps making them replaceable, Speed can’t be remade because it would simply be seen as a gimmick today. The film became a masterpiece because of the bus. By the time a sequel arrived, sans Reeves and aboard a cruise liner, it proved that Speed was an enigma. A third film might be more conceivable, but other films and series have stolen the other logical vehicles that might have been used. Speed is a quintessential ’90s movie, and it should stay that way.

7

‘The Terminator’ (1984)

Image via Orion Pictures

Director James Cameron has given Hollywood a lot of historic cinematic moments — a romantic epic set on an infamous, ill-fated cruise and a universe of blue-tinted beings who serve as a PSA for conservation awareness, to name a few. But before those projects were a twinkle in his eye, Cameron introduced the world to the cross-section of science fiction and action with the groundbreaking The Terminator. Now, before we begin, a remake of the film would be a substantial step up from the original because the budget that Cameron was working with was quite measly. And it showed. And yet, it launched a beloved franchise that got better. That said, The Terminator needed to be a bit of a B-film to capture attention. A remake would lose that charm.

In the iconic film, a time-traveling cyborg (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is sent back in time to 1984 from a post-apocalyptic future where a hostile AI defense network known as Skynet wipes out most of human civilization. Facing defeat by a human resistance led by John Connor, the T-800 is on a mission to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) to prevent her from ever giving birth to her eventual child. To counter the attack, the human resistance sends a lone soldier, Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn), to protect Sarah and ensure John’s birth. The high-octane thriller explores themes of humanity’s dangerous reliance on technology, the ethical dilemmas of artificial intelligence, and questions whether our fate is predetermined. Every one of those themes is pertinent today, but to explore them in a remake of The Terminator would be futile.

The original film became a classic because of how it was precisely presented. There would be no way to replicate that lighting in a bottle again. The film has influenced the genre by giving sci-fi action thrillers more slasher-like stories with an iconic final girl. But once again, The Terminator‘s massive success was thanks in part to Schwarzenegger’s performance. He was chilling, terrifying, and perfectly cast. The plot of this film would never be able to be replicated with anyone but the iconic actor. Ask yourself, do you really want to hear anyone else attempt to utter the line, “I’ll be back.” The answer is no. Technology has caught up to the prescribed sci-fi in the original film, making it nearly impossible to capture the same story as anything but a hokey period piece.

8

‘The Matrix’ (1999)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

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To be considered an influential film is a great honor. To be able to earn that distinction across multiple genres is a mark of sheer greatness. For The Matrix, the iconic film by the Wachowskis changed science fiction, action, and martial arts films the moment it dropped in theaters in 1999. The high-concept thriller follows a computer hacker named Neo (Keanu Reeves), who discovers that the everyday world is actually a complex simulated reality. Created by intelligent machines, this illusion keeps humanity docile while their bodies are harvested for energy. Contacted by a mysterious rebel leader named Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) and his ally Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), Neo joins the rebellion to break free and rage against the machines. The Matrix expertly merged mind-bending philosophical concepts with groundbreaking visual effects into a mainstream cyberpunk blockbuster.

The Matrix revolutionized cinema. Perhaps most importantly, the film introduced and popularized bullet time, a visual effect that allowed the camera to pan around a scene at normal speed while the action unfolded in extreme slow-motion. Don’t deny it, after watching Reeves do that infamous backbend, you too tried to replicate it. That moment was just one of many things that became inherent in the pop culture lexicon. From the concept that our reality could be a simulation to the choice between the red pill and the blue pill, The Matrix was a crucial part of the time capsule during the turn of the century. It could never be replicated. Attempting to remake it would feel like an unnecessary copy and paste. The film did launch a franchise, allowing for the story to continue. A clean slate would mean wiping out the entire IP to start over. Fans would rather have the chance to relive the original film once again rather than watch a new take on it.

9

‘The Rock’ (1996)

Image via Hollywood Pictures

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The ’90s were the decade of the blockbuster. Thanks to those big-budget, massively epic films, audiences swarmed to the theater for their chance to see things blow up. Two titans of that concept were director Michael Bay and producer Jerry Bruckheimer. One of their great collaborations was 1996’s action thriller The Rock. The film follows rogue U.S. Marine general Frank X. Hummel (Ed Harris), who hijacks Alcatraz Island, holding tourists hostage and threatening to launch deadly nerve gas rockets at San Francisco to secure financial reparations for families of fallen, unacknowledged soldiers. To stop the attack, the government pairs a nervous FBI chemical weapons expert, Dr. Stanley Goodspeed (Nicolas Cage), with a notorious, imprisoned ex-spy, Captain John Patrick Mason (Sean Connery) — the only man who has ever successfully broken out of the infamous island prison. Perfecting the blockbuster formula with an escapism story and a top-tier all-star cast, The Rock was the peak of high-concept, stylized action flicks.

The Rock has been why we sought out “Bayhem” ever since. Bay’s signature visual style and direction became the blueprint for future directors of the genre. The stunts, the car chases, the pyrotechnics — it was all real, tactile stunt work. That was a major allure of the film. Certainly, that can be replicated, but it wouldn’t have that Bay touch. The Rock had unmatched star power with its unlikely duo dynamic. It caught both leads at just the right time in their career. Connery channeled a mature, rogue version of James Bond while Cage, fresh off his Academy Award for Leaving Las Vegas, proved that action was in his blood. Without The Rock, he may not have had Con Air or Face/Off, two other films that studios should keep their hands off of. The Rock emerged as a cult classic film because the ingredients of this recipe resulted in a perfect feast. Attempting to find those perfect ingredients would be a difficult task. The Rock is a flawless standalone film and deserves that distinct honor.

10

‘To Live and Die in L.A.’ (1985)

Image via MGM/UA Entertainment Co.

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Perhaps the greatest action film in William Friedkin‘s vast list of classics is To Live and Die in L.A. Based on the 1984 novel by former U.S. Secret Service agent Gerald Petievich, the film uses a neo-noir crime thriller style to tell the story of a reckless, vengeance-driven Secret Service agent Richard Chance (William L. Petersen), who resorts to unethical and illegal methods to catch a brilliant, murderous counterfeiter, Eric “Rick” Masters (Willem Dafoe), who killed his partner, Jimmy Hart (Michael Greene). Consumed by grief and a desire for revenge, Chance abandons the law as he’s paired with a nervous, by-the-book partner, John Vukovich (John Pankow). As Chance crosses the line from lawman to criminal, the line between him and the man he is hunting becomes dangerously blurred. To Live and Die in L.A. recalibrates the typical Hollywood hero cop story as it tackles corruption, moral ambiguity, and the dark paths obsession leads to.

The film was celebrated for its moral gray areas. As the film progressed and the pursuit intensified, the line between hero cop and villain criminal dissipated as the environment of the chase was consumed by their own obsession. By forcing the audience to question the moral ambiguity, the cop genre’s subversion led to a new realm of storytelling. To Live and Die in L.A. is distinctly ’80s. With the sun-soaked Los Angeles giving way to the gritty underbelly of the city, set to the hypnotic Wang Chang atmospheric score, reclaiming that sound and imagery in a remake would be quite difficult. To Live and Die in L.A. wasn’t crafted as a period piece, but a product of its time. A remake would become a period piece, and the story told through a modern lens would resonate entirely differently. At the time, the story ended with a twist ending and virtually no heroes. That was bold then. The truth is, the film’s success came from the Friedkin touch. Is there anyone else who could do what he did? All signs point to no.

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To Live and Die in L.A.

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Release Date

November 1, 1985

Runtime

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116 minutes

Writers

Gerald Petievich

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• 
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  William Petersen

  Richard Chance

• 

  John Pankow

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  John Vukovich

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  Debra Feuer

  Bianca Torres

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Finding lasting love is never simple when you’re part of the Kardashian-Jenner family, where every new romance is immediately met with skepticism. 

Kendall Jenner’s relationship with Australian actor Jacob Elordi has already weathered claims that it’s nothing more than another carefully orchestrated publicity move. 

However, behind the scenes, the supermodel has quietly taken a significant step that suggests their romance is becoming far more serious, one that also shines a light on her complicated bond with Caitlyn Jenner.

Ever since Kendall Jenner and Jacob Elordi were first linked earlier this year, the couple has kept much of their romance away from the spotlight. 

While they’ve been photographed enjoying discreet vacations together, many critics dismissed the relationship as another Kardashian-Jenner “showmance” allegedly masterminded by family matriarch Kris Jenner.

However, new developments suggest Kendall is treating the relationship very differently.

After reportedly being encouraged by sister Kylie Jenner to move Elordi out of the “friend zone,” Kendall introduced the “Wuthering Heights” star to the people closest to her. 

Elordi has already met Kris along with sisters Kim, Khloé, and Kourtney Kardashian, as well as several of the family’s celebrity friends. 

However, the biggest milestone wasn’t introducing him to Kris. Instead, it was bringing him to meet Caitlyn, something insiders describe as both highly unusual and deeply meaningful given Kendall’s long-standing approach to keeping that part of her life separate.

Kendall Arranges A Private Meeting With Caitlyn

According to a Daily Mail insider, Kendall Jenner quietly introduced Jacob Elordi to Caitlyn in a few months ago during a private visit to the 76-year-old’s $3.5 million Malibu hilltop home.

“Kendall finally introduced Jacob to Caitlyn in May,” the source revealed. The insider emphasized just how significant the meeting was, explaining, “This is a very big deal because Kendall does not introduce a lot of her friends or lovers to Caitlyn.”

While Kris is known for immediately welcoming the people in her children’s lives, Caitlyn’s situation is very different.

“Everyone meets Kris right off the bat because she is so social and involved with her kids, but not Caitlyn, who is more of a recluse these days, so this is very special and unusual,” the source continued.

Rather than making the introduction into a formal family gathering, Kendall kept everything intentionally relaxed. “Kendall brought Jacob over to Caitlyn’s house for a casual meet and greet,” the insider shared, adding, “They hung out for a while one afternoon, it was not a big deal, it was super chill.”

According to the source, the visit went smoothly as Kendall revealed that it was nice and everyone liked each other.

Kendall Jenner Wanted The Introduction To Stay Drama-Free

The intimate meeting wasn’t simply about introducing a boyfriend. It was carefully planned with Kendall’s own comfort in mind.

According to the source, the reality TV star struggles with anxiety and wanted the meeting to be low-key and void of drama. 

The meeting also mattered to Jacob Elordi himself. Family has long been one of the actor’s top priorities, making it important for him to get to know both of Kendall’s parents.

“Jacob is very close to his mother Melissa and has said that family is everything so this was a must for him,” the insider said. 

They added that Kendall sees her boyfriend’s relationship with his mother as one of his most attractive qualities.

Kendall Has Never Hidden The Challenges In Her Relationship With Caitlyn

Although Kendall and Caitlyn Jenner remain close in many ways, political differences and family tensions have complicated their relationship. Still, the 30-year-old has made it clear she doesn’t want her father to feel isolated. 

In an October 2025 episode of “The Kardashians,” Kendall admitted that she always wanted to “include” the media personality because she didn’t “have a lot outside of her family and I think that she gets lonely.”

She also added, “You don’t ever want someone to be sad, especially your dad and someone you love and care about.” The family’s history helps explain the emotional complexity.

Caitlyn married Kris in 1991 before welcoming Kendall in 1995 and Kylie two years later. She also became stepfather to Kim, Khloé, Kourtney, and Rob Kardashian following the death of their father, Robert Kardashian, in 2003.

Following the former couple’s 2014 split and Caitlyn’s public transition the following year, relationships within the family shifted. 

In 2023, Caitlyn, however, acknowledged during an appearance on “This Morning” that she and Kris remained cordial but were no longer particularly close.

Kendall Jenner Is Supporting Caitlyn During A Difficult Chapter

Recent events have given Kendall another reason to reconnect with her father.

Caitlyn has largely stepped away from the Hollywood spotlight, making only occasional public appearances, including one at the IAC National Summit at The Diplomat Beach Resort earlier this year.

Behind the scenes, she’s also endured a heartbreaking personal loss. Sophia Hutchins, Caitlyn’s longtime manager, business partner, and best friend, died in a tragic ATV accident in Malibu on July 2, 2025, at just 29 years old.

Since then, Kendall has reportedly made a conscious effort to spend more time with the media personality while navigating her own growing relationship with Elordi.

“Kendall wants to be there for Caitlyn,” a source shared, adding, “She has been sad and lonely since Sophia died a year ago.”

A surfaced clip and an ongoing federal case have brought Pooh Shiesty and Gucci Mane back into the spotlight, reigniting questions about what really went down behind the scenes at 1017 Records. What was once viewed as a simple label connection between the two rappers is now being revisited under a much more serious lens.

RELATED: No Way! Prosecutors Reportedly Release Photos Showing Moment Pooh Shiesty & Others Allegedly Robbed Gucci Mane At Gunpoint

Pooh Shiesty & Gucci Mane Situation Takes New Turn

On Wednesday, July 1, social media erupted after an alleged video began circulating online, shared by Livebitez on Instagram. And, it allegedly shows Pooh Shiesty alongside another man confronting an individual dressed in yellow with his face obscured. While many online users speculated the person in the clip could be Gucci Mane, that has not been confirmed. Additionally, the footage itself has not been authenticated by either artist. The dispute between Gucci Mane and Pooh Shiesty stems from allegations tied to a kidnapping and robbery that prosecutors claim were part of efforts to force Shiesty’s exit from 1017 Records.

Alleged Video Of Robbery Surfaces

In the circulating recording, a voice believed to be Gucci Mane can be heard referencing Pooh Shiesty’s status with 1017, allegedly saying, “I dropped you, Pooh Shiesty’s dropped from 1017… Bro we just did that, that’s done. You dropped. You said you wanted to be dropped, you dropped.”

Another portion of the clip appears to show Pooh Shiesty responding, saying, “Let them know you dropping me… Real n*gga, ain’t never did no police sh*t or none of that. Tell them what’s going on.” Now, questions remain surrounding whether the clip reflects a real exchange or has been taken out of context.

The footage has also reportedly been referenced in court filings, where prosecutors have cited screenshots while opposing bond requests tied to Pooh Shiesty’s ongoing federal case. Shiesty, whose legal name is Lontrell Williams, remains charged alongside eight co-defendants. Fellow parties include his father and rapper Big30, with all parties denying the allegations. The case is currently scheduled for trial on February 22, 2027, as continued speculation and online discussion keep the situation in the public eye.

The Internet Is Breaking This Down Frame By Frame

Folks ran straight to Live Bitez’s Instagram comment section after the clip surfaced. And, they definitely ran it UP with theories and takes. Some users claim Gucci Mane is plotting as the video plays out in real time. Others say Pooh Shiesty actually appears to be the one in a stressed position. Meanwhile, plenty of people stay confused overall, questioning why someone is even recording in the first place.

One Instagram user @_goddess_virgo commented, “Who tf records a kidnapping 😂😂😂”

This Instagram user @dadadon1998 said, “lol so yall was expecting Gucci to turn up in get kill 😂😂😂 ion think soo“

And, Instagram user @lucci_hushmoney_ added, “Gucci wasn’t even scared 😩🤣Bro look like y’all got it go head but He did step back quick /when was like where U going 🤣”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @solochaching wrote, “Bra with the gun look disappointed like ‘why we gotta do gucci like this’ 😂😂😂”

While Instagram user @kingghxst803 shared, “‘No police shi’ but lemme record the whole crime I’m committing“

Then Instagram user @miamibizoe said, “Like they filmin a vlog 😂😂😂 man won the crash out Olympics“

But, Instagram user @risk__taker868 joked, “‘Nah say it nigga’ 😂😂😂😂 Pooh a menace lol“

Instagram user @mr.exitfilmz added, “Body language saying wait till I get out of this“

RELATED: Federal Heat! Pooh Shiesty Pleads Not Guilty In Gucci Mane Kidnapping Case As The Timeline Talks (PHOTO)

Are you ready to say goodbye in July?

You’ll be saying a lot of fond farewells if you’re watching Paramount+, as the streamer has scheduled a handful of season and series finales.

The acclaimed drama The Chi is wrapping up its five-season run, while the Yellowstone spinoff Dutton Ranch, Tyler Perry’s Zatima and RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars are all finishing their latest hit seasons.

It’s not all goodbyes, though; Big Brother returns for another season full of housemate drama, while Star Trek: Strange New Worlds beams up new adventures in season 4.

Continue reading for our full list of all the new Paramount+ movies and shows streaming in July.

July 1

Clifford the Big Red Dog (Season 1-2)
Clifford’s Puppy Days (Season 1-2)
Garfield and Friends (Season 1-7)
Goosebumps (Season 1-4)
Magic School Bus (Season 1-4)
PAW Patrol: Fire Rescue (new special)
Super Duper Bunny League (Season 1-2)
Aeon Flux
An Officer and a Gentleman
Anthropoid
Bad News Bears
Big Night
Boomerang
Borg vs. McEnroe
Carriers
City of God
City of Men
Critical Condition
Deepwater Horizon
Down to Earth
Everybody Wants Some!!
Extract
Fences
Flight
Focus
Gemini Man
Glory
Good Boys
Good Morning, Vietnam
Grease 2
Hacksaw Ridge
Here and Now
Imagine That
Kiss The Girls
Marathon Man
Men, Women & Children
Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life
Nightwatch
Out of the Furnace
Overdrive
Rio
Road Trip
Serendipity
She’s All That
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow
Sleepy Hollow
Steel Magnolias
Super 8
The Commuter
The Dutchman*
The Expendables
The Expendables 2
The Expendables 3
The Expendables 4
The Island
The Kid
The Longest Yard
The Machinist
The Perfect Gamble*
The Ring
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Related: New on HBO Max in July 2026 — The Full List of Movies and TV Shows

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HBO Max is bringing it in July 2026 – and by “it,” I mean some pretty amazing new movies and TV shows to watch. At the top of Watch With Us‘ list is the streaming debut of The Drama, the much-talked-about A24 movie starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson about a couple whose upcoming wedding is […]

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By Robert Scucci
| Published 11 seconds ago

With Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey fast approaching, it’s time to get back into all of the great historical epics that have come out over the years. Gladiator (2000) is always a no-brainer thanks to Russell Crowe’s magnetic performance as Maximus Decimus Meridius, and if you want to channel your inner Spartan while a single tear runs down your cheek because you’re 37 and need to accept the fact that you’re never getting the abs back, you can fire up 300 (2007) to get your fill. Between those two films, though, is a little $185 million historical epic called Troy (2004), which wasn’t exactly a critical darling upon release (53 percent on Rotten Tomatoes), but has remained a fan favorite for decades.

Here’s the thing about historical epics based on Ancient Greek mythology: they almost always lose points for not properly representing the source material. But here’s my counterpoint: this is a movie, everybody speaks American English, and our main hero’s weakness is his heel because his mother dunked him upside down in the River Styx to make him immortal, but the water didn’t touch the spot where she was holding him. In other words, let’s suspend some disbelief, watch some epic battles, and enjoy the show.

I’m No Scholar, But Troy Is Badass

I hate long movies that don’t earn their runtime, but Troy is built differently because it fully commits to spectacle. There are plenty of names being said out loud that made me think, “Oh, that’s how you pronounce that; I’ve only ever read it before,” followed immediately by enough cinematic violence to distract me from the fact that I should probably brush up on both my history and my phonics.

Here’s the short and sweet version of what happens in Troy because, if I’m being real, I’m not watching this one for the plot. I’m watching it to see thousands of extras get leveled while armies wage war against each other and burn everything to the ground.

After Paris (Orlando Bloom), a prince of Troy, sparks a forbidden romance with Helen (Diane Kruger), the wife of Spartan King Menelaus, tensions between the two kingdoms explode into all-out war. The Greek armies unite under the ambitious Agamemnon (Brian Cox), bringing along their greatest warrior, Achilles (Brad Pitt), whose legendary fighting skills are matched only by his pride and ego. As Troy braces for invasion, noble prince Hector (Eric Bana) struggles to defend his family and city from destruction. What follows is a massive clash driven by love, revenge, ambition, and the pursuit of glory during a time when nothing else really mattered.

Beyond Epic In Scope And Scale

Filmed during that sweet spot in movie history where CGI enhanced a film instead of completely replacing practical filmmaking, Troy never feels like a green screen experience. Sure, digital effects were used to fill out backgrounds with massive armies and sprawling naval fleets, but the production still relied on thousands of extras swinging rubber swords during combat sequences so everybody could safely hack away at each other with reckless, military-sanctioned abandon. It’s even been reported that Brad Pitt and Eric Bana spent days rehearsing their final duel without stunt doubles to make sure audiences got the best fight sequence money could buy.

Speaking of Brad Pitt, his portrayal of Achilles is second to none. He brings a certain level of nonchalance to the role, like he’s a party guy who just so happens to be exceptionally gifted at war. He’s untouchable and unflappable, and he commands the screen whenever he shows up while channeling serious dude-bro energy anytime somebody asks anything of him. When we’re first introduced to him, he effortlessly kills Boagrius (Nathan Jones), a giant hulk of a man, while violently hungover and not even having eaten breakfast yet. It’s poetry in sandals, and it’s ridiculously fun to watch play out.

For every bit of charisma in Troy, however, there’s also a healthy amount of corn you need to chew through. The most egregious moment, to me, is when Ajax lets out his battle cry in the middle of combat, bellowing, “I am Ajax, breaker of stones! Look upon me in despair!” Don’t get me wrong, that’s an objectively badass thing to say, but Troy is set in 1184 BC and he delivers the line like he knows there’s a camera crew behind him and he wants to sound as cool as humanly possible. Moments like that can take me out of movies like Troy, but it’s also worth mentioning that this is still an incredible quote to casually work into real life whenever the opportunity presents itself.

In 2026, Troy’s legacy has far exceeded its initial reputation, which is reflected in its much stronger 74 percent Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes. The critics may have gone hard on this movie at the time, but it’s also worth remembering that critics don’t always know how to have fun. Troy is fun. It’s pure popcorn spectacle wrapped in armor, and if you’re looking for next-level fight choreography and carnage, it really doesn’t get much better than this.

As of this writing, Troy is not available through standard streaming subscriptions, but it can be rented or purchased on demand through Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV+.

If you thought Helluva Boss had already reached peak horniness, Vivienne Medrano has some news for you. The creator recently revealed that one upcoming Season 3 musical sequence pushes the show’s adult humor even further, to the point that even series star Brandon Rogers was caught off guard. Speaking during an interview with Collider’s Steve Weintraub at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Medrano teased an upcoming sequence arriving in October that she believes is one of the coolest moments in the new season.

While she couldn’t reveal exactly what happens without spoilers, she admitted the reactions from people who have already seen it weren’t quite what she expected. For Medrano, the sequence always felt less like an excuse to shock audiences and more like a slick, stylish music video. She knew it was raunchy, but she viewed it as a creative showcase more than anything else. That changed once she started hearing how other people responded. Medrano told Collider:

“We have a sequence in Season 3, so I can’t reveal what it is, but people will see in October, that I think is cool. It’s so funny because I was like, ‘I know this is raunchy,’ but I just thought, ‘This is a sleek music video. It’s so cool.’ Then seeing people react to it… Brandon Rogers, who is our main character, is known for doing outlandish, crude, he’s-naked-in-the-street comedy, and seeing him be like, ‘That was a lot,’ I was like, ‘Really? It was a lot to you?’ Then, the fact that Prime is letting us put that out on their platform.”

Brandon Rogers Has Been Teasing a Steamier Season 3, Too

Medrano isn’t the only member of the Helluva Boss team to hint that Season 3 is dialing up the show’s already unapologetic energy. In an interview last year with Collider, Rogers was asked to describe the upcoming season in just three words, and his answer painted a pretty clear picture.

“More, horny, more horny… Jesus. No, wait, we can’t say Jesus in Hell, that’s a swear. Well… bigger, faster, redder… sexier.”

Those comments line up neatly with Medrano’s latest tease. While she emphasized that the October sequence stands out because of its stylish presentation as much as its explicit content, she also admitted that Helluva Boss is “pushing the boundary on the horny content in Season 3.” Her comments also suggest the move to Prime Video hasn’t changed the series’ creative identity. Rather than toning things down for a larger streaming audience, Medrano admitted she was pleasantly surprised the platform was willing to let the sequence remain exactly as intended.

That should come as welcome news for longtime fans. Helluva Boss has built its audience by balancing outrageous comedy with increasingly emotional storytelling, and Season 3 doesn’t appear interested in sacrificing either side of that equation. If Medrano and Rogers are any indication, the next batch of episodes will be bigger, bolder, sexier, and apparently just shocking enough to make even Blitzø’s voice actor do a double-take.

Helluva Boss Season 3 premieres on October 14, 2026. Stay tuned at Collider for more.

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Release Date

October 31, 2020

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Network

YouTube, Prime Video

Directors

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Vivienne Medrano

Writers

Brandon Rogers

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  Brandon Rogers

  Blitzø (voice)

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  Richard Steven Horvitz

  Moxxie (voice)

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Whew! Lonzo Ball is setting the record straight after his family’s personal life became a hot topic online. Following days of speculation, the NBA star is speaking out to clear the air and share his perspective on a situation involving his parents, LaVar and Tina Ball, that has had social media talking.

RELATED: Moving On? LaVar Ball Reveals Near 30-Year Marriage To Wife Tina Is Over, Social Media Sounds OFF (VIDEO)

Lonzo Ball Speaks On LaVar & Tina’s Divorce

During a recent appearance on ‘Ball in the Family Podcast,’ Lonzo Ball addressed his parents’ divorce after LaVar Ball previously revealed that he and Tina Ball had separated during an appearance on N3on’s YouTube channel. While LaVar didn’t explain what led to the split, Lonzo didn’t hold back, saying his mother “didn’t want to leave” and was “d*mn near forced to leave.” He also revealed that he personally helped Tina move out and said he’s glad she did.

Lonzo went on to shut down speculation that Tina left because of LaVar’s health, calling those claims “a myth” and making it clear their separation had nothing to do with him losing his foot. Despite admitting his parents “don’t f*** with each other,” Lonzo said he loves them both and emphasized that they’re both doing well, adding, “It didn’t work out, and it is what it is.“

Here’s What Prompted Lonzo To Speak

Lonzo’s comments come just days after LaVar publicly confirmed that he and Tina Ball had ended their nearly 30-year marriage during an appearance on streamer N3on’s YouTube channel. At the time, LaVar shared that Tina chose to “go her own way” and insisted there was no bad blood between them, even revealing that he’s already seeing someone new.

He also reflected on Tina’s 2017 stroke and said her health never changed how he viewed her, calling her “beautiful” throughout her recovery. However, after online speculation suggested Tina left because of LaVar’s recent leg amputation due to diabetes complications, Lonzo decided to speak out, making it clear that narrative was false and that his parents’ separation stemmed from issues unrelated to his father’s health.

The Comment Section Was In Detective Mode

Fans also flooded the ‘Ball in the Family Podcast’ Instagram comment section after Lonzo’s remarks began making the rounds, and they didn’t hold back. Some praised Zo for speaking up and defending his mom, saying they were glad someone finally addressed the rumors head-on. Others, however, felt there was more to the story, with several commenters insisting that something “fishy” must have happened behind the scenes.

One Instagram user @el_wongies claimed, “You know damn well that as long as dip is in the league, Tina we’ll always be taken care of financially that boy loves his mama as he should“

This Instagram user @babyscill444 added, “‘She did not leave him cuz he lost his foot’ 😂😂”

And, Instagram user @c0rey.st0ry said, “Respect. Bro had his mom back because you can tell by Tina’s character she would’ve never told her side.“

Meanwhile, Instagram user @thebenefields wrote, “This is how it should be. [Boys] were raised right. Not picking sides and supporting both parents that helped them get to where they are. Love it“

While Instagram user @cooper_chirafisi joked, “Brotha cleared up nothing cmon Zo spill man 😂”

Lastly, Instagram user @anabellababii claimed, “I knew Tina didn’t just leave. Sending love to your whole family for some healing. ❤️‍🩹”

X Had A LOT To Say About This

Folks wasted no time taking the conversation to X, where they shared plenty of thoughts on the Ball family’s latest headlines. While many accused LaVar Ball of playing the victim, others claimed they noticed the way he treated Tina during the family’s reality show years ago and said the split didn’t completely surprise them. Meanwhile, plenty of users shifted their focus to Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo, saying they simply felt for the brothers as they watched their parents’ divorce play out so publicly.

Lonzo Ball revealed his mom Tina was “forced” to leave despite LaVar Ball claiming she “chose” to leave on N3ON’s stream 😳 pic.twitter.com/MhUw5zPMdE

— clip 🛸 (@clippedszn) July 1, 2026

When Lonzo come to grips with how horrible his dad has been to him and his mother… https://t.co/byRuZwL1Zb

— 4Extra’s good hand (@TwinOfTiger) July 1, 2026

Are men upset with Lonzo ball for clearing up the suspicions and letting the truth out after folks went on a podcast to trash his mama??? Is it bothering yall that yall can’t run free with takes now ?

— Angela Rockford (@angie_goodwood) July 1, 2026

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Men were so mad at me when I said that this relationship was incredibly toxic and Lavar Ball’s insufferable presence was enough to end this marriage. He is a jerk! https://t.co/yS2QrbMqCF

— Black Archie Character (@ppppp1245688) July 1, 2026

The burden the oldest has to carry when so much family stuff is going on. Great that the kids are old enough and stable enough to at least make the process easy even though I can imagine deep down inside, that inner child is hurt and sad.

I think in another universe 9/10 times,… https://t.co/9hxC7BqY19

— Ramone Dilon Jonet Dixon (@greatsince1986) July 1, 2026

So basically Lavar is using his power to manipulate the audience into thinking Tina Left him for no reason.

“She was Forced to Leave” ; “I Helped her Leave” – Lonzo Ball! https://t.co/0bITyOd4f0

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— Michael Jesus Santos (@MichaelJesusS7) July 1, 2026

Lonzo said he’s glad his mother moved on. Did you not watch the video?

— Sgt. Nemesis (@NemesisSgt) July 2, 2026

Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive books are not exactly small, breezy reads you knock out on a train journey quickly. They’re enormous, dense, character-packed fantasy epics with wars, ancient magic, giant swords, you name it, so the idea of a TV adaptation that plays fast and loose and gives us an on-the-surface adaptation is a concern. Luckily for us, though, Apple TV do not like to do things the easy way.

Sanderson has now officially confirmed that the first season of Stormlight is set to run for 10 episodes, sharing the update while he was discussing his rapidly expanding slate of projects and revealing that he’s going to be taking on a key role in the writing process.

“Stormlight, I’ll write a huge chunk of it – which is a 10 episode television show. I am the primary writer on both of those.”

Plenty of folks have understandably been nervous about how the massive Cosmere story will translate to television, so it’s enormously reassuring to hear that Sanderson is not just offering notes from the sidelines, rather he’s one of the main creative voices shaping the series.

‘The Stormlight Archive’ Has a Huge Story To Adapt

Set in the world of Roshar, The Stormlight Archive follows several characters whose lives collide during a brutal war, as long-buried powers and ancient truths begin to resurface. The saga began with The Way of Kings in 2010 and currently spans five novels, with Wind and Truth closing out the first major arc. The GoodReads synopsis for the book series reads:

Brandon Sanderson’s epic fantasy cycle tells the story of Roshar, a world of stone and storms. Uncanny tempests of incredible power sweep across the rocky terrain. It has been centuries since the fall of the ten consecrated orders known as the Knights Radiant, but their Shardblades and Shardplate remain: mystical swords and suits of armor that transform ordinary men into near-invincible warriors. As brutal wars rage over the control of these magical weapons, an ancient text called The Way of Kings tells of ancient times, the Knights Radiant, and perhaps the true cause of the war. The Knights Radiant must stand again.

The Stormlight Archive is in development for Apple TV. Stay tuned to Collider for all the latest news and updates from Brandon Sanderson and the growing slate at Apple TV. The Wheel of Time streams on Prime Video.

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Release Date

2021 – 2025-00-00

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Network

Prime Video

Showrunner

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Rafe Judkins

Directors

Sanaa Hamri, Ciaran Donnelly, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Thomas Napper, Maja Vrvilo, Wayne Che Yip

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Writers

Amanda Kate Shuman, Dave Hill, Rohit Kumar, Justine Juel Gillmer, Celine Song, Rammy Park, The Clarksons Twins, Katherine B. McKenna

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By TeeJay Small
| Published 21 seconds ago

If you’re a fan of high-octane action thrillers, you’re probably already aware of Martin Scorsese‘s hit 2006 film The Departed. Doubly so if you’re from the Boston area, since many fans see the film as the most quintessential Boston movie of all time.

Right now, The Departed is streaming on MGM+, but it desperately needs a better streaming home, where a wider selection of viewers can marvel at this masterpiece. With all due respect to the MGM+ subscribers in our midst (all five of you,) I think a Best Picture winner from one of the greatest living filmmakers deserves a little more prestige than a streaming service most people have never heard of.

A Cinematic Masterpiece All Around

In case you’re out of the loop on this one, The Departed is a crime thriller loosely based on the real life story of infamous Boston mobster Whitey Bulger. It also serves as a remake of a 2002 Hong Kong film titled Infernal Affairs. The film centers on a Whitey stand-in by the name of Frank Costello, as well as his coterie of criminals, crooks, and dirty cops on the payroll. As one of the most dangerous men in Boston, Costello commands a crew of murderers, thieves, and full-on terrorists, even as undercover police infiltrate his inner circle.

One of the most impressive elements of The Departed, besides Scorsese’s impeccable direction, is the absolutely stacked cast. Costello is portrayed by a scenery-chewing Jack Nicholson, while multiple A-listers including Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, and Alec Baldwin offer some of the best performances of their entire careers. Vera Farmiga, Anthony Anderson, and Kevin Corrigan also appear in highly memorable bit parts.

Gets Better With Each Repeated Viewing

As a thoroughbred Bostonian dirtbag myself, I grew up on a steady diet of The Departed, with frequent rewatches each year. At this point, I can practically quote the movie from front to back. While I wouldn’t necessarily put it on the same level as Goodfellas, I think that The Departed is the best modern mob story, showcasing the ways organized crime has evolved in the 21st century and beyond.

The academy certainly seemed receptive to the film as well, since The Departed swept four categories at the Oscars in 2007. Most notably, the film took home the statue for Best Picture, though it also serves as Scorsese’s only win in the Best Director category.

If you’ve got an MGM+ subscription, be sure to throw The Departed on your watch list before it bounces to yet another streamer. Otherwise, consider renting it on digital stores like Amazon, or do yourself a real favor and pick up a 4k Blu-ray. Watching the movie from the comfort of your couch is guaranteed to bring all the charm of Boston to your personal abode, without the exceptional cost of a visit to the city on the hill.