If you get your opinions exclusively from very angry people online, you may have heard there’s been backlash lately against the concept of movie twists. Audiences demand that movies cater to their expectations, and when movies instead surprise them, that’s a deep betrayal.

Fortunately, people haven’t always felt this way (and many people don’t feel that way even now). The first decade of this century brought us some movies with amazing twists. Some were movies that never got the recognition they deserved, while others were huge enough to launch franchises or to turn their filmmakers into stars.

Warning: Spoilers, obviously.

10

‘Atonement’ (2006)

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The book Atonement, by Ian McEwan, has a twist that would seem hard to translate to film. You read a story of war and romance where things go very wrong, but in the end, there are hints of a somewhat happy ending. Then comes a postscript that reveals you’ve been reading a fictionalized account written by one of the characters themselves. The real version of the story ended quite miserably.

How do you adapt that as a movie? Should the last scene be an epilogue revealing that the previous footage was a movie directed by one of the characters? 2006’s Atonement adaptation does not do that. Instead, Briony (Vanessa Redgrave) is once again an author, revealing in an interview that she wrote a fictionalized account of her life. The previous scenes we saw depict the novel she wrote.

That was the right choice. If they instead revealed that what we’d seen was an in-universe movie, with Briony now praising the performances of Keira Knightly and James McAvoy, the whole thing would have come off as a joke. You’re allowed to break the fourth wall, but you must do so with great caution.

9

‘The Mist’ (2007)

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The ending of The Mist breaks several guidelines on what movies can do. Faced with what appears to me a monster apocalypse that has wiped out civilization, our hero David (Thomas Jane) shoots the entire band of survivors he’s traveling with. He kills them out of mercy, with their consent, but this still isn’t the way we’ve been taught movies are supposed to end. In addition to several charming elderly people, this band of survivors includes the hero’s young son, and Hollywood tells us kids that age are immortal. Then, moments later, the military arrives, revealing the world is far from over and they would have been saved had they just held out longer.

It’s even more of a shocking twist if you’ve read the Stephen King novella on which the movie is based, because that ends with the hero and his son surviving and feeling optimistic when they pick up a radio signal. Crazy thing, though? The movie ending (which King has said is the superior one) and the book ending have the same message. Whether the characters live or die, both endings still say: Don’t give up.

8

‘Moon’ (2009)

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Sam Rockell stars as a lone astronaut stationed on the Moon, and along with him is a robot, voiced by Kevin Spacey. The robot appears to be entirely helpful, and it sometimes communicates by displaying the image of a smiley face. Then, at the end of the movie, in a twist that destroys everything we thought about how science-fiction works, the robot… does not turn out to be evil.

Okay, that’s not the real twist of the movie. The actual twist, which comes in multiple stages, may send you into a deep state of worry about the nature of existence. We’re not going to recount it here, and we’re actually not going to recount the twist for many of the movies we’re listing. We’re just going to assure you each twist is good. That’s this list’s twist.

7

‘Mulholland Drive’ (2001)

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With many movies, the big twist is that nothing we’ve seen up to this point was real, that it was all in someone’s head. Mulholland Drive isn’t even the only movie on this list to go that route. But rarely do these movies, after showing you the fantasy, spend much time showing the reality. You might get just a quick glimpse of the character confined in an asylum, and then we cut to credits.

Mulholland Drive’s reality lasts a good half hour. Maybe every movie that tries a twist like this needs to do something similar, because you can’t appreciate someone’s fantasy without knowing in detail what they’re escaping.

Though, it does take a few viewings to even understand what you’re watching. And if you watched it for the first time years ago, without knowing who Namoi Watts is, you might have looked at the two very different versions of the same character, seen what appears to be two clearly different women, and wondered why they cast two actresses who look so much like each other.

6

‘The Fountain’ (2006)

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In The Fountain, we again have what appears to be a single actor (Hugh Jackman) playing multiple characters. Exactly what the connection is between these three men (as well as between the multiple women played by Rachel Weisz), well, that turns out to be the movie’s twist. Some people leave the movie still unclear on the answer, which is surely a testament to how good a twist it is.

The movie also has a more traditional twist, a sort of Twilight Zone twist in which someone does not get the victory they sought. It’s the most famous scene, as you might have seen a GIF of Jackman staring blissfully at some golden light, without your having any idea what the context is. The full scene is a bit different from what you’d expect from the meme, and the sight is all the more impressive when you learn they pulled this movie off using only half the originally planned budget.

5

‘The Disappearance of Alice Creed’ (2009)

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The lowest-budgeted film on the list, however, by a wide margin, would be The Disappearance of Alice Creed. The movie cost just $1.5 million. They must have saved some money on cast salaries, as the cast consists of just Gemma Arterton, Martin Compston, and Eddie Marsan. Those aren’t the leads: That’s the entire cast, as the whole movie has only three characters.

A little bit into the movie, there’s a twist. Then, after a bit, there’s another twist. Then there’s another twist. You’re supposed to go into movies like this knowing nothing in advance, and we hopefully haven’t spoiled anything for you by telling you there are twists, because after all that, once you figure you now know where it’s all going, there’s a twist.

4

‘A Beautiful Mind’ (2001)

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Given all the biopics of Great Men that came out in the years that followed A Beautiful Mind, you might imagine this 2001 movie was a sort of early template that a bunch of later movies iterated on. The truth is the opposite. It plays out like a twist on a bunch of movies that hadn’t even been made yet.

Many movies tell you the story of some figure you’re already familiar with. A Beautiful Mind tells you a story something like that then tells you that a chunk of what it told you isn’t true. Its twist assumes, correctly, that the viewer knows less about the subject of the movie than could be learned by reading the intro to his Wikipedia article (if economist John Nash had a Wikipedia article in 2001, which he did not).

Few biopics attempt anything close to that. Sure, Oppenheimer, to its credit, does have a big twist, but the twist is not, “Actually, there never was an atomic bomb.” If it were, that would have been quite a surprise.

3

‘Memento’ (2000)

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We definitely need one Christopher Nolan movie in this roundup, and Memento’s final twist is one for the ages. What’s really notable about it, though, looking back, is that the movie probably could have got away with having no twist ending at all. The movie already had its gimmick. When a movie’s premise is especially nutty and becomes especially famous, you’ll often discover it doesn’t have a twist ending.

The Truman Show doesn’t end with a twist. Groundhog Day doesn’t end with a twist. The Matrix, despite the wild reveal one-third in, doesn’t end with a twist (unless “the main character, who they said was the Chosen One, really is the Chosen One” counts as a twist). So, Memento could have just been a movie about someone with short-term memory loss, told in reverse, about him tracking down a murderer. It wouldn’t have been as great as it is, but it still then may have permanently shaken pop culture, leaving us forever referring to anterograde amnesia as “Memento disease.”

2

‘Triangle’ (2009)

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Other movies play with time, and you can name several where the twist is the character’s in a loop. You might guess, early on, that’s what’s happening in Triangle. You might even guess one mysterious hooded figure who tussles with the main character (Melissa George) is really the main character herself, from the future.

You’d be right. Except, that’s not all the movie has in store. Time loops can get more complicated than what you’re used to. And then, the movie gets truly weird when it breaks the laws that you assumed were in place and shifts to more horrifying stuff that you’d think was physically impossible. In fact, you should feel silly for thinking the story was constrained by rules at all. It’s a movie. The story can do whatever it wants.

1

‘Saw’ (2004)

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In 1999, The Sixth Sense somehow made everyone agree on what the ultimate movie twist is: What if that guy who’s been on the screen the entire movie turns out to have been dead the whole time? Saw took that and instead offered us: What if that guy who’s been on the screen the entire movie turns out to have been alive the whole time?

That wasn’t its only twist. It also gave us the inconspicuous background character who masterminded everything, the apparent good guy secretly taking orders from the bad guy, and the creepy villain who’s actually just another victim. Also, a man saws off his own foot. It’s hard to even remember that last part was a twist, but it was. The movie’s about a guy (Cary Elwes) figuring out how to escape his bonds without cutting his foot off, but then, he actually does cut his foot off, and we weren’t supposed to expect that.

Of course, Saw isn’t really the best movie of its decade and is probably not truly the one with the best twist. We still wanted to spotlight it to remind you how good twists can get, even in movies that some dismiss as trash. On the other end of the spectrum, 2023 saw the release of the tenth Saw film, and though it was the only movie in the franchise to receive positive reviews, its final twist was a wet wad of nothing. Now that the series is in the hands of new owners, let’s hope it does not forget the importance of twists in motion pictures.

The old owners, incidentally, go by the name of Twisted Pictures.

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Release Date

October 29, 2004

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Runtime

103 minutes

Director

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James Wan

Producers

Gregg Hoffman, Mark Burg, Oren Koules

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  Leigh Whannell

  Adam Faulkner-Stanheight

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Honestly, biopics can play things a bit too safe. That’s actually understating things. To push a bit further, the biopic genre might well be the least ambitious and most conventional, at least overall. These are films that focus on one person, or one part of a person’s life, and there’s always an attempt to condense whatever timeframe is focused on down to a manageable two hours or so.

There are countless biopics that play things safe (and some aren’t even that bad while doing so, to be fair), but what’s more interesting are the ones that stand out as riskier and a little bolder. Enter the following ones, which are among the most ambitious biopics of all time, standing out because they’re epic in length/scope, they make some unusual creative choices, they’re visually bold, or maybe even all of the above.

10

‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ (2013)

Image via Paramount Pictures

The Wolf of Wall Street is intentionally chaotic, all to reflect the life of Jordan Belfort, the controversial figure at the film’s center. He doesn’t physically hurt people to the extent that various main characters in Martin Scorsese’s other films do (including some of his non-crime biographical/historical movies, like Raging Bull), but he’s morally questionable – to put it mildly – in other ways.

There are different kinds of harm when it comes to crime, and The Wolf of Wall Street makes this particular strand of white-collar crime look exciting, until it isn’t, but then even after it isn’t, it’s not really punished. Belfort’s benefited from The Wolf of Wall Street, writing the autobiography the film was based on and then getting to cameo in the film itself, so the movie presents itself as something to take into account when looking at Belfort getting away with things. And that it does all that without feeling preachy and while still being enormously entertaining is even more impressive.

9

‘I’m Not There’ (2007)

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2024 saw the release of a more conventional Bob Dylan biopic in the form of A Complete Unknown, which does what you’d expect while focusing on the most famous part of Dylan’s career that’s already far from unknown. It’s a safe film, which doesn’t really line up with the always ambitious and sometimes even confounding man himself, which is why 2007’s I’m Not There is kind of the more accurate biopic.

It’s more spiritually and thematically accurate, at least, while there’s an obvious breaking from reality by having several actors play different versions (or ideas) of Bob Dylan, reflecting the different personas he’s had throughout his various eras. It’s an approach that would probably also work for David Bowie, if anyone wanted to attempt that. Actually, it could be even more difficult in Bowie’s case (see the documentary Moonage Daydream, which is deliberately fractured and oftentimes overwhelming in its attempts to cover a bit of everything).

8

‘Oppenheimer’ (2023)

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If Christopher Nolan continues making movies in the IMAX format, it’s fair to say “Oppenheimer is his longest movie ever,” rather than “Oppenheimer is his longest movie so far.” There’s a three-hour limit to movies made that way, though if technology improves or changes, then that could change things. Hmm. But it’s outside Christopher Nolan’s control, unless he backs away from IMAX, but that feels unlikely after the success of both Oppenheimer and The Odyssey.

All a bit of a tangent there, but the main thing is that Oppenheimer is huge, and it packs a lot into its long runtime, owing to how fast it’s paced and how dense it proves to be. Maybe it’s even a bit much, but the ambition can’t be faulted, with Nolan covering a lot of history, having a ton of characters, and playing around with structure in interesting ways throughout, thanks to the screenplay and editing.

7

‘Amadeus’ (1984)

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Amadeus has an emphasis on drama over historical accuracy, with some of it having a basis in history, and other parts being heightened or not really verifiably accurate. It largely takes place in the late 1700s, so that probably makes the approach more forgivable, and then Amadeus also gets away with things because the narrative here – and what it all has to say thematically – proves so compelling.

And then Amadeus stands out from some of the other movies here by having two main characters: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri, though the latter does recount the events of the narrative from his perspective. It’s about Salieri resenting Mozart, and living in his shadow, all the while having aspirations of being a famed composer but not finding the same success. It’s a loose biopic, if it’s even a biopic at all, but it’s just too impressive and distinct a film to overlook, for present purposes.

6

‘The Irishman’ (2019)

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Martin Scorsese was mentioned before, because he directed The Wolf of Wall Street, and he is one of those directors who can make movies about as long as he wants them to be, just from goodwill built up throughout his directing career (see also Christopher Nolan, IMAX time limits aside). The Irishman came out the same decade as The Wolf of Wall Street, and was arguably even more ambitious.

Frank Sheeran is the man at the center of this particular story, with it being about his reflecting on his life of violence (a given if you’re a hitman for the mob) and all the death around him in that time (another given). The ambition here comes from the narrative spanning many years without casting different actors in the roles, and having actors who are getting on in years de-aged. The effects aren’t perfect, but the creative choice is undeniably bold, as is the structure of The Irishman and the phenomenal way it’s edited throughout.

5

‘Better Man’ (2024)

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Since the current landscape of music biopics is dominated by fairly bland and/or safe movies like A Complete Unknown and Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere, films like Better Man ought to be celebrated. Specifically, Better Man was regrettably not celebrated at large, since it went above and beyond (or below and beyond?) the majority of box office bombs, since a gross of $22.5 million against a budget of more than $100 million is absolutely disastrous.

That gross does not reflect the quality of the film, though, because Better Man is incredible. If you know nothing about Robbie Williams, that’s okay, because the movie’s about more than just Williams, or maybe it’s accurate to say that it uses the life of Robbie Williams as a springboard to explore surprisingly interesting and intense subject matter. It’s got a lot by way of spectacle, it’s moving at times, and the special effects are flawless. They have to be, because Robbie Williams is depicted as a CGI chimpanzee for the whole movie. Probably should’ve led with that info… that’s the big thing about the movie, and also likely the main reason it cost so much to make.

4

‘Malcolm X’ (1992)

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Spike Lee, in general, is a tremendously ambitious filmmaker, and he’s taken various creative swings over the decades, occasionally striking out… but not all that often, considering how prolific he is. And he definitely didn’t strike out with Malcolm X, which is quite comfortably his longest movie, at over three hours, and one of the few biographical movies he’s made, too (BlacKkKlansman is the other major one, though he does have other films that take place in history without necessarily being biopics).

Malcolm X is indeed about the titular man, and it covers his entire life throughout its nearly 3.5-hour-long runtime. Spike Lee infuses the whole thing with many of the stylistic choices found in his non-biographical movies, and so an unconventional portrait of Malcolm X is painted very effectively here, and the film has more than earned its reputation for being one of the best films of its decade.

3

‘Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters’ (1985)

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It’s easy to call Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters an arthouse film when so much of it looks like artwork brought to life on the screen, and then part of the film is about art, specifically writing. That’s because the titular Yukio Mishima was partly known for being a writer, and then also known for various other things, including a controversial political activist whose life had a dramatic end in 1970.

You know that’s where Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters is always heading, but the journey there is far from straightforward, since this is a biographical movie that also adapts bits and pieces of Mishima’s writing. It’s like an adaptation, a biopic, and something more abstract all at once, but it’s a difficult film to shake or stop thinking about, once seen, and potentially one of the greatest biopics (or semi-biopics) of all time, too.

2

‘Lawrence of Arabia’ (1962)

One of those classics you can still comfortably recommend to people who might not usually like watching older films, Lawrence of Arabia is bigger and better than the vast majority of biographical movies out there. It’s the gold standard in many ways, although it’s potentially unusual for how little time it covers, because there’s an initial sequence set in 1935, and then the rest of the movie takes place in 1917 through to 1918.

T.E. Lawrence did a lot in that time, though, to put it mildly, so Lawrence of Arabia does feel sufficiently packed with things happening for the entirety of its almost four-hour-long runtime. It’s an effortless watch, and you don’t feel like you’ve spent that much time with it, with Lawrence of Arabia feeling essentially flawless on just about every front.

1

‘Napoleon’ (1927)

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Not to be mixed up with the Ridley Scott movie of the same name (even if that one’s admittedly quite ambitious as well), 1927’s Napoleon is wild. Just the fact that it exists is wild. It’s a silent era epic that goes for well over five hours, and it’s only a partial account of Napoleon Bonaparte’s life, since the director, Abel Gance, had planned to make a series of movies that’d ultimately tell the entire life story.

In that sense, Napoleon (1927) had ambition that spanned beyond the film itself. But if you’re only looking at the film that does exist, rather than thinking about what could’ve been, then Napoleon (1927) is still incredibly forward-thinking and adventurous on a technical front, with its camerawork and the famed finale that features a very early cinematic attempt at widescreen. And, again, this film’s more than five hours long. Taking into account all of it being helmed nearly a century ago, it feels difficult to argue that any other biographical film is more ambitious.

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Napoleon

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Release Date

April 7, 1927

Runtime

330 Minutes

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Director

Abel Gance

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Writers

Abel Gance

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  Albert Dieudonné

  Napoleon Bonaparte

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  Nicolas Roudenko

  Napoléon Bonaparte enfante

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Following World War I, the 1920s saw the war genre become one of cinema’s most popular, and that’s a trend that hasn’t really stopped since. It’s a genre that has produced several of the greatest movies in film history, one that has remained timeless thanks to how it puts the very concept of war—the ultimate form of human conflict—into a dramatic package that one can experience safely from the comfort of a seat.

Whether it’s a hilarious satire like Dr. Strangelove or a gut-wrenching drama like Come And See, the best war movies in film history prove how intimately this genre can speak to people’s innermost fears and anxieties regarding the state of the world and its conflicts. Anyone looking to check the most essential war masterpieces off their list ought to watch these gems at least once in their lives.

10

‘Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb’ (1964)

Considering just how serious and inherently sensitive of a topic war is, most of history’s greatest war movies have been dramas. Every now and then, though, war comedies can be of vital importance, exposing the pure idiocy and absurdity of military conflict in a way so exaggerated that one can’t help but laugh. And as far as war comedies go, it doesn’t get much better or much more essential than Stanley Kubrick‘s Dr. Strangelove.

Loosely based on the thriller novel Red Alert by Peter George, who co-wrote the screenplay (one of the best of the ’60s) with Kubrick and Terry Southern, Dr. Strangelove is absolutely brilliant in how it blends the horrifying absurdity of nuclear paranoia with genuinely hilarious dark comedy. Its themes were a product of its Cold War times, but they nonetheless have aged terrifyingly well.

9

‘Incendies’ (2010)

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Nowadays, Denis Villeneuve has firmly established himself as one of the greatest filmmakers currently working in Hollywood; but before he made the jump over the border, he was making some of the best Canadian movies of all time. Case in point, and what some still consider to be his best film to date: Incendies, a mystery drama based on Wajdi Mouawad‘s play of the same name, itself inspired by parts of the life of Lebanese communist militant Souha Bechara.

This film is a gut-wrenching tragedy through and through, and definitely not for those without a remarkably strong stomach, but that doesn’t make it any less of a must-see. But far from just hinging on the shock value of its big twist, it’s a genuinely marvelously-crafted masterpiece dealing with how the cyclical horrors of war only breed violence, trauma, and darkness. It’s a magnificent achievement anchored by Lubna Azabal‘s towering performance.

8

‘Saving Private Ryan’ (1998)

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Steven Spielberg, father of blockbusters, is the mind behind several of the greatest and most entertaining popcorn movies in history. It just so happens, however, that one of his greatest films to date isn’t a popcorn flick at all, but the absolutely devastating Saving Private Ryan. Inspired by the books of Stephen E. Ambrose and accounts of multiple soldiers, it has been widely praised as one of the most horrifyingly realistic and authentic war movies ever made.

A common criticism of action-packed war movies is that they can sensationalize military conflict by making it seem exciting, but that’s definitely not the case with Saving Private Ryan, one of the best Oscar-winning period movies ever. Its combat sequences are absolutely brutal, its character writing is refreshingly nuanced and complex, and Spielberg’s direction is some of the best ’90s cinema ever saw.

7

‘Paths of Glory’ (1957)

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Many still regard Stanley Kubrick as the single greatest filmmaker in the history of cinema, and purely considering that he has made several of history’s greatest war pictures (consider this Full Metal Jacket‘s honorable mention), it isn’t the least bit hard to see why. His best war movie came relatively early into his career: Paths of Glory, whose anti-military sentiments made it severely controversial upon release.

As the years have passed, however, not only have the controversies died down: Paths of Glory is now universally considered one of the most perfect and timeless war movies in film history. It’s one of Kubrick’s quietest, subtlest, and most refreshingly humanist movies, a surprisingly subdued war drama that dares to searingly critique military bureaucracy and institutional hypocrisy. For all those who prefer the human side of the war genre rather than the action-driven side, it’s a must-see.

6

‘The Human Condition III: A Soldier’s Prayer’ (1961)

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Masaki Kobayashi was one of the greatest Japanese filmmakers of all time, and though it’s hard to point to a single one of his films as his best, any installment of his Human Condition trilogy (based on Junpei Gomikawa‘s six-part novel) could have a strong claim to the title. The best of the three is arguably the conclusion, A Soldier’s Prayer, the best way to cap off one of the most universally acclaimed movie trilogies ever.

Bolstered by Tatsuya Nakadai‘s tour-de-force performance, one of the best in the history of war cinema, A Soldier’s Prayer offers a beautifully humane yet undeniably devastating climax to this nine-hour anti-war epic. It’s a film all about the wonders of the endurance of the human spirit, but far from being saccharine or overly optimistic, it never shies away from the horrors of war or the brutality of fighting for survival.

5

‘Schindler’s List’ (1993)

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As if any more proof were needed that Steven Spielberg is far more than just the biggest name in the history of blockbuster filmmaking, Schindler’s List—an entirely serious dramatic biopic that earned seven Academy Awards—is almost universally regarded as his magnum opus. It is, indeed, an achievement unlike anything else that the war biopic genre had ever seen before or has ever seen since.

Schindler’s List is nothing short of one of the best drama movies in film history, an emotionally devastating yet powerfully hopeful celebration of the humanity and compassion that managed to seep itself out of cracks in the darkest corners of the Holocaust. Full of unforgettable moments, performances, and music by John Williams, it really is one of the most hard-hitting war dramas ever made for the big screen.

4

‘Apocalypse Now’ (1979)

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The making of Francis Ford Coppola‘s Apocalypse Now was one of the most infamously hellish production processes in the history of film, but considering that what came out of it is one of the greatest feature films of all time, it’s hard to say that it wasn’t worth it. Hollywood has made plenty of Vietnam War movies over the years, but none have ever been—or will likely ever be—better than this.

A loose adaptation of Joseph Conrad‘s 1899 novella Heart of Darkness, a book written as a scathing critique of Europe’s colonization of Africa, Apocalypse Now transposes those themes to the Vietnam War to speak about the hypocrisy of imperialism, war’s breakdown of humanity, and the psychology of madness. All in all, it’s one of the best American movies of the ’70s, as there’s virtually nothing to point out as a negative when watching this absolute masterclass in war filmmaking.

3

‘Come And See’ (1985)

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The Soviet Union made several of the greatest films of all time throughout its brief existence, many of them war movies, and few of them better than Elem Klimov‘s Come And See. It’s easily one of the heaviest movies of the 20th century, a film so dark that Klimov had to fight through years of censorship and bureaucratic pushback in order to finally get it out there. The result feels entirely like the uncompromised vision of an artist in full control of his craft.

Indeed, Come And See is no traditional war movie. Powerfully surreal, intensely philosophical, and so unapologetically brutal that it almost feels like a horror drama at times, it’s certainly not a masterpiece for the faint of heart. But even still, Klimov’s direction is so perfect and young Aleksei Kravchenko‘s transformational performance as the boy through whose eyes we see the story is so powerful that Come And See is essential viewing for any cinephile.

2

‘Casablanca’ (1942)

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There are countless superlatives that could reasonably apply to Michael Curtiz‘s Casablanca. It’s one of the most romantic movies ever made, one of the most enrapturing Hollywood war pictures ever made, and certainly the best film made in the United States during World War II. There are remarkably few—if any—Golden-Age Hollywood movies more iconic than this, and few war films more deserving of being considered among the greatest ever made.

Indeed, all in all, Casablanca is one of the most perfect feature films in history, even if virtually no one involved in its production actually believed the project would become anything transcendental. Commercially, its performance was nothing extraordinary. But on top of winning three Academy Awards, it has aged as one of the most essential classics in film history, with some of the best acting, some of the most memorable characters, some of the most quotable dialogue, and one of the best endings in movie history.

1

‘Lawrence of Arabia’ (1962)

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There is no film quite like Lawrence of Arabia, a biopic epic made by David Lean, the greatest master of the cinematic epic genre. Winner of seven Academy Awards, this paragon of British-American cinema is not only one of the best historical epics of all time, but also one of the best biopics of all time, and arguably the single greatest war movie in film history.

Staggeringly vast and sweeping in scale yet surprisingly intimate and character-driven in scope and execution, Lawrence of Arabia is a cinematic achievement unlike anything else the Seventh Art has ever seen. It’s visually striking, Maurice Jarre‘s score is legendary, the performances (Peter O’Toole‘s first-ever lead performance most of all) are incredible, the writing is some of the best of the ’60s, and Lean’s direction is some of the best in film history.

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Lawrence of Arabia

Release Date

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December 11, 1962

Runtime

228 minutes

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Director

David Lean

Writers

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Robert Bolt, Michael Wilson

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Carla Jeffery’s twin brother, Carlon Jeffery, shared the poignant final message he sent to his sibling before her tragic death.

Sharing a screenshot of the text via his Instagram Story on Wednesday, September 2.

“Hey sis, call me back when you get this,” Carlon wrote in the message. “I was just calling to see how your day went! I love you to the moon and back sis.”

In the text message, Carlon urged his sister to embrace her “light” and not shrink herself for others.

Related: Disney Channel Star Carla Jeffery’s Family Denies Rumors She Did Drugs

Carla Jeffery’s family is setting the record straight about one online rumor surrounding the Disney Channel star’s death. A family spokesperson told TMZ that Jeffery died in her California home on Tuesday, September 1. Although speculation has spread online about what caused her death, family members insisted the rumors that Jeffery used drugs are not […]

“Your resilience, your grace, your infectious smile that lights up a room. You are truly a light that shines bright. Don’t let anyone.. dim that light.. even yourself,” he wrote

Carlon continued, “The light you carry is special and must be protected at all times. You are the best sister a brother could ask for. I pray we continue to grow closer to one another along this journey.”

Signing off the text, Carlon concluded, “I got your back in this life and the next.”

News broke earlier on Wednesday that the Disney alum had died. She was 33. A cause of death was not revealed at the time.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Carla Jeffery, who passed away on September 1, 2026, at just 33 years old,” read a statement from Carla’s management company, Alexanders Talent, shared via Instagram on Wednesday. “Carla joined Alexanders Talent Management family at the age of 12.”

The statement continued, “For more than 20 years we had the privilege of watching her grow into a beautiful, vibrant and incredibly talented woman whose radiant smile could light up any room.”

The post added that Carla was known for her “joy, humor and bright spirit.”

“Carla was more than a client; she was family,” the statement read. “Our hearts are with Carla’s family and loved ones during this devastating time. We respectfully ask that their privacy be honored as they grieve this unimaginable loss. Rest beautifully, Carla. Your light will never be forgotten.”

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Related: Celebrity Deaths of 2026: Jazz Singer Cassandra Wilson, More Stars

Hollywood mourned the deaths of some of its most legendary stars in 2026. In June, legendary music executive Clive Davis also died at age 94 following a hospitalization for an upper respiratory infection. The following month, G.R.L. member Lauren Bennett died at age 37, while Bonnie Tyler died at 75. Emergency!‘s Randolph Mantooth and Police […]

After rumors began to swirl about what caused Carla’s death, her family set the record straight about whether the actress had been involved in drugs as some people speculated.

“She did not do drugs,” the family told TMZ before claiming there was no foul play and that police are not involved.

Carla  was best known for starring in the Disney Channel Original Movie franchise Zombies. She played the cheerleader Bree in the first three movies.

For anyone who already treats a slow Saturday bake as the best hour of the week, the cultural moment finally caught up. Grandmacore, the nostalgic aesthetic behind the recent knitting and crochet revival, has landed in the kitchen, and younger cooks are framing it as a form of self-care that asks for little more than attention.

The appeal is not just how it looks. Instead, it is what it does to your afternoon, and often to the people sharing it with you.

What Grandmacore Cooking Actually Looks Like

Baking now sits alongside knitting, crochet, gardening and sewing as a “grandma hobby” being rediscovered by younger generations. Gulf News describes young people embracing sourdough baking alongside embroidery, gardening and sewing as part of grandmacore. SheThePeople similarly identifies homemade bread baking as one of the slow, hands-on hobbies gaining traction with Gen Z.

If you have already bought the crocheted throw and lit the beeswax candles, the kitchen is the next natural entry point into the aesthetic, and the easiest one to share with kids.

Why Grandma Hobbies Are Replacing Screen Time for Gen Z Crafters Who Discovered Knitting Through TikTok

Why Nonna’s Kitchen Energy Feels Like Self-Care

Cooking demands attention to a physical task rather than passive scrolling. The Irish Examiner spoke with a young crafter who called cooking, knitting and crochet some of her most mindful time because each activity requires her full focus. The same publication describes baking as a relaxing alternative to scrolling through social media.

Working from scratch, the kind of slow, hands-in-the-dough process associated with a nonna’s kitchen, ends with something you can actually eat. Gulf News ties grandmacore to the satisfaction of making something from scratch, a tangible payoff that a two-hour scroll session simply cannot match. For parents juggling work and family, it doubles as a natural teaching moment, the kind of skill a kid remembers watching a grown-up do.

There is real irony here. Grandmacore’s offline activities are being rediscovered through very online spaces. The Irish Examiner connects Gen Z’s embrace of baking and other grandma hobbies with their visibility on TikTok and Instagram. SheThePeople also notes how nostalgic, hands-on pursuits, often filed alongside granny chic style, are trending across social feeds.

The path from feed to flour follows a simple loop.

• Discover the activity online.
• Feel inspired to try it.
• Put the phone down.
• Physically make something.

Social media gives familiar activities a modern identity without changing the analog experience behind them, which helps familiar activities feel newly relevant to younger generations.

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Why Grandmacore Matters Right Now

Baking and cooking share the qualities driving interest in every other corner of the trend. Hands-on participation. A slower process. Focus. Tangible results. Real time away from a screen.

The Irish Examiner describes baking, sewing, knitting and crochet as useful skills younger people associate with their grandmothers’ generation. Grandmacore reframes those familiar kitchen skills as intentional leisure rather than something simply old-fashioned, validating the hours millennial cooks already pour into scratch dinners and weekend loaves.

TikTok and Instagram may help younger cooks discover the trend, but the reward happens away from the feed. Working with your hands. Focusing on a process. Sharing something you physically made, sometimes with a small helper at the counter. That is what grandmacore is really selling, and the kitchen may be its most rewarding room yet.

Bindi Irwin is marking the 20th anniversary of her father Steve Irwin’s death with a heartfelt post.

Sharing a photo of the Crocodile Hunter and herself as a child via her Instagram Story, Bindi, 28, wrote a lengthy caption alongside it to remember her dad.

“20 years ago today, the world lost the most passionate and dedicated wildlife conservationist. Our family lost our superhero,” she wrote. “My mum lost the love of her life; my brother and I lost the greatest dad. Grief never truly leaves us, we walk alongside it everyday. Where there is enormous grief, there is even greater love.”

Bindi went on to reflect on the decades that have passed since Steve’s death and the legacy he left behind.

Related: Bindi Irwin Remembers Late Dad Steve Irwin on His Birthday

Steve Irwin’s daughter, Bindi Irwin, shared a sweet message in honor of her late father’s birthday. “Happy Birthday, Dad,” Bindi, 26, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, February 22, on what would have been Steve’s 63rd birthday. Her post included a sweet throwback photo of Bindi with her dad when she was a child. “To the […]

“In the last 20 years, I have watched the world mourn my dad with our family. I always thought my dad’s legacy is wildlife conservation; it turns out, his legacy is love. For our planet and for each other,” she continued.

Bindi welcomed daughter Grace Warrior with her husband Chandler Powell in March 2021 and she shared how her child connects with Steve despite him no longer being around.

“I have a 5-year-old daughter who watches his documentaries every morning. She feels utterly loved by her ‘grandpa crocodile’ without ever having met him,” Bindi wrote. “My dad left a lasting impact so poignant that it will ripple out for generations to come. I believe with my whole heart that his love will live on forever. In all of us. In every kindness we show to the Earth. And that is a life and legacy worth celebrating.”

Bindi signed off the post by addressing her late father directly.

“Dad,I love you with my whole heart. Thank you for being our guardian angel,” she wrote. “And most of all, thank you for watching over my daughter now, too. She loves you so much. We all do.”

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Related: How Robert Irwin Honored Late Dad Steve Irwin at the ‘DWTS’ Finale

Forever in their hearts. Bindi Irwin and Robert Irwin have paid tribute to their father, Steve Irwin, many times in the years since his heartbreaking death. Steve — a wildlife conservationist and beloved television personality — died at age 44 after being pierced by a stingray barb in September 2006. He was survived by his […]

For his part, Bindi’s brother, Robert Irwin, shared his own tribute via Instagram, posting a throwback photo of his dad and himself as child.

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“Your legacy is forever,” Robert, 22, simply captioned the snap.

Steve died at age 44 after being pierced by a stingray barb in September 2006. He was survived by his children Bindi and Robert and his wife, Terri Irwin.

Although Bindi and Robert were only 8 and 2 at the time of their father’s passing, they’ve grown to carry on his legacy. Today, the family continues to run the Australia Zoo, which Steve’s parents started in the 1970s.

We live in a society that loves instant gratification. We love a quick fix, we need the satisfaction of having completed something so we can move on to the next adventure. It’s why on television, miniseries and smaller episode orders are the new frontier. But when it comes to movies, audiences don’t necessarily want to be in and out; rather, they want to experience the joy of the cinema for as long as they can.

Though there are certainly some great films that run around ninety minutes, some of the greatest films of all time are longer than two hours, and we’re here to honor them. In 180 minutes or more, a complete story is brought to life through cinematic magic. These films are so perfect that time fades away as we are completely immersed in the action, and by the time the credits roll, we forget how long we’ve been happily glued to our screens. From modern thrillers to beloved classics, these ten titles are over two hours and well worth the time.

‘Oppenheimer’ (2023) – 3 Hours and 1 Minute

Image via Universal Pictures

Trying to condense an entire biography into a single film can often be a struggle, but with someone like Christopher Nolan at the helm, the task was handled with ease. Told across multiple timelines, Oppenheimer traces the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy), from his university days studying quantum physics through the Trinity test, the world’s first successful nuclear explosion, to his moral and emotional turmoil as he sat for his 1954 security clearance hearing during the Red Scare.

Just over three hours long, Oppenheimer is more than just a fascinating true story; it’s a masterclass in performance and direction. The film flies through at a restless pace that pulls you straight into the chaotic world of Los Alamos. By flipping back and forth between color and black-and-white, there are no dull moments, as every scene is informative of Oppenheimer’s psyche. Murphy gives a haunting transformation as Oppenheimer, carrying the weight of the world. Alongside a stellar ensemble, this dialogue-heavy film is like watching the greatest stars do what they do best.

‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994) – 2 Hours and 34 Minutes

Image via Miramax Films

If you keep the action moving at a relentless pace, a multi-perspective thriller will move along at a perfect pace. In Quentin Tarantino’s ’90s-defining Pulp Fiction, four interconnected stories are brought to life as it tells the tale of criminals, hitmen, and boxers in Los Angeles. Jumping back and forth in time through a bookend of a young couple, Pumpkin (Tim Roth) and Honey Bunny (Amanda Plummer), who plan to rob a restaurant, Pulp Fiction uses dark, humorous dialogue, philosophical chats, and random bursts of violence to force the individuals to question their dangerous lives.

Pulp Fiction’s unconventional structure, razor-sharp dialogue, and deeply developed characters make it function as an intricately woven tapestry. Audiences spend their time eagerly waiting to see who or what might pop up next and how it affects future events. With an unpredictable nature to the story, Pulp Fiction keeps you on your toes, as you never know when an incidental overdose or accidental car shooting can disrupt the conversations. By the time the film ends, you’re left highly satisfied thanks to its ultimate character collision, an iconic soundtrack, and high-voltage thrills.

‘Schindler’s List’ (1993) – 3 Hours and 15 Minutes

Image via Universal Pictures

Sitting through a story about a harrowing period of world history may not sound like a fun time, but when it’s a masterpiece like Schindler’s List, it’s worth the length. Steven Spielberg’s historical drama recounts the true story of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), a German businessman who saved over 1,000 Jewish lives during the Holocaust. With the aid of his accountant, Itzhak Stern (Ben Kingsley), Schindler spends his entire fortune bribing Nazi officials and producing fake military goods to keep his workers alive until the war ends.

Despite the topic, the three-hour-plus runtime is crucial for the director. Spielberg carefully plots the story as he builds Schindler’s arc from a greedy, opportunistic war profiteer into a fervent savior. Spielberg provides an immersive feeling inside the grueling suffocation of the Kraków Ghetto and Plaszów concentration camp. Through mesmerizing visual storytelling, Spielberg and cinematographer Janusz Kamiński opt for black-and-white, only to introduce profound flashes of red that evoke a haunting, effective feeling.

‘The Dark Knight’ (2008) – 2 Hours and 32 Minutes

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

The superhero genre was forever redefined thanks to Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight. In the second film in the trilogy, Batman (Christian Bale), Lieutenant Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman), and DA Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) work together to stop organized crime in Gotham City as the city is plunged into pure chaos by the Joker (Heath Ledger), whose mission is simple: prove that regular people and heroes can be corrupted and turned to violent chaos.

A wonderfully refreshing take on the classic hero-and-villain dynamic, The Dark Knight is a full-tilt thriller that wastes no time in its 152-minute run. The narrative moves swiftly, leaving audiences on edge as Batman and his allies are always a step behind the criminal mastermind. While it is still an action film, most of the time is spent enriching its psychological depth, allowing both Bruce Wayne and Harvey Dent to undergo parallel, tragic transformations from heroes into symbols of a broken Gotham. The Dark Knight is also a showcase of the late Ledger at his very finest. ​​​​​​​

‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’ (2003) – 3 Hours and 21 Minutes

Image via New Line Cinema

Whether you choose to watch the original theatrical release or the four-hour director’s cut, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is a true fantasy epic. The third part of the trilogychronicles the final confrontation in Middle-earth as Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) and Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin) approach Mount Doom to destroy the One Ring, while Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) leads the free peoples against Sauron’s armies.

Though it might be difficult to call it a standalone film, in the larger scope of the trilogy, The Return of the King does a phenomenal job of resolving multiple massive storylines. The extended wrap-ups provide crucial closure following long years of war, alongside some much-needed moments of levity and reflection. Like its predecessors, the film is a viscerally extraordinary visual and narrative masterpiece. Earning 11 Academy Awards, The Return of the King earned its status as a landmark cinematic achievement.

‘The Shawshank Redemption’ (1994) – 2 Hours and 22 Minutes

Image via Columbia Pictures

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One of the great adaptations of a Stephen King work, The Shawshank Redemption features one of the most satisfying conclusions in cinema history. The story follows a banker named Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) who spends nearly two decades in a harsh prison after a wrongful murder conviction. Inside the prison walls, he befriends Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding (Morgan Freeman), uses his banking skills to help the corrupt warden (Bob Gunton) and guards launder money and handle finances, and carefully plots his escape.

Every minute of the 142-minute drama is utilized precisely. With a deliberately paced story, writer and director Frank Darabont ensures that an enduring bond between Andy and Red develops, so that the climax is well-earned. The long-spanning story requires a longer run so as not to rush the important beats and erosion of emotional moments. The film depicts the tragic psychological impact of long-term imprisonment, giving the audience the chance to feel life behind the walls. By the end of the film, Andy’s journey becomes warranted and truly triumphant. ​​​​​​​

‘The Sound of Music’ (1965) – 2 Hours and 54 Minutes

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The hills are truly alive with The Sound of Music. Based on the Broadway musical, Robert Wise directs the film about a young nun, Maria (Julie Andrews), who becomes a governess for seven children of the stern Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer), bringing music into their lives as they escape Nazi-occupied Austria.

Without a wasted minute, The Sound of Music fulfills the necessary beats from the stage show while profoundly crafting its own identity, largely due to the astonishing performance of its star. Andrews is simply divine, carrying the story through song, heart, and emotional resonance. The extended runtime furthers the secondary stories, which are necessary for the historical background and the looming threat the protagonists are fighting against. The Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II score is vividly brought to life, and pairing it with the vast Austrian Alps and Salzburg architecture provides a truly remarkable viewing experience. ​​​​​​​

‘Titanic’ (1997) – 3 Hours and 14 Minutes

Image via Paramount Pictures

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The James Cameron epic film operates in two parts, beginning with a forbidden romance between an upper-class young woman, Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet), who feels trapped by her wealthy, abusive fiancé. She meets Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio), a poor, free-spirited artist, in third class. As they fall in love, the ship of dreams strikes an iceberg during its transatlantic voyage, leading to a heartbreaking conclusion.

If you’re a child who grew up in the ‘90s, you most certainly are aware of the Titanic 2-VHS box set. You may have even made jokes at its expense for its runtime. Now, looking back, we savor those three-plus hours for giving us a beautiful romance before tragedy strikes. Cameron uses the first act to establish the vessel’s luxury, class divides, and grand scale before making the Titanic the main character. Without its bold framing device, Titanic wouldn’t be as incredible as it is.

‘Wicked’ (2024) – 2 Hours and 40 Minutes

Image via Universal Pictures

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Theater lovers finally had their wish fulfilled when Wicked was adapted for the big screen. Director Jon M. Chu split the musical into two parts to allow the full story to take shape. The first part of the story, acting as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, depicts how Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) became the Wicked Witch of the West and Galinda (Ariana Grande) became Glinda the Good.

Through themes of government corruption, discrimination, and the ways propaganda shapes public perception, the film explores what it means to truly be “wicked.” Based on Gregory Maguire‘s novel, Wicked has the freedom to dive deeper into the relationships that the stage show has thanks to the expanded runtime. Further, it gives Chu the chance to do extensive visual worldbuilding through beautiful landscape shots and extravagant musical numbers. Fans were enthralled that no song from Wicked‘s first act was cut, ensuring the musical vision remained intact.

‘Zodiac’ (2007) – 2 Hours and 37 Minutes

Image via Paramount Pictures

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Capitalizing on the public’s obsession with true-crime thrillers, David Fincher did the unthinkable in the haunting thriller Zodiac. The film follows the grueling manhunt for the real-life Zodiac Killer in Northern California. As the killer begins to send the San Francisco Chronicle cryptic letters and blood-stained items, demanding they be printed to prevent further murders, San Francisco Police Inspectors Dave Toschi (Mark Ruffalo) and Bill Armstrong (Anthony Edwards) hit endless dead ends as crime reporter Paul Avery (Robert Downey Jr.) and political cartoonist Robert Graysmith (Jake Gyllenhaal) begin independently connecting the clues.

Running just over two and a half hours, Zodiac‘s long pacing masterfully reflects the exhaustion of the endless investigation. Each moment is filled with crucial evidence, false leads, and rich character building. Rather than heading fully into the murders, Fincher showcases how the obsession with resolution destroyed careers, relationships, and the sanity of those involved, forcing the audience to sit through the trauma of the unsolved case and providing a realistically chilling experience.

Multi-hyphenate Rihanna was spotted leaving a Paris restaurant wearing the ultimate unfussy ensemble. The star layered a sleek black blazer over a simple white tee, while pointed-toe heels added a little oomph. But perhaps most notable? Her fall-ready jeans, which were the highlight of her look for Us.

The straight-leg denim style made the singer and style icon look like she had legs for days. The silhouette elongated her figure, creating a streamlined look from head to toe., and while the light blue wash was versatile and effortless, the flattering cut made the bottoms look even more elevated. Better yet? A very similar pair of pants is sitting on Amazon for $33.

Get the Grapent Straight-Leg Jeans at Amazon for $33! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

The Grapent Straight-Leg Jeans feature the same leg-enhancing silhouette, plus a high-rise waist and a frayed hemline. What you won’t see displayed, however, is just how perfect this style is for fall. Whether you pair these jeans with banana boots, a chunky knit sweater or both, they’ll effortlessly fit into your autumn rotation, taking you everywhere from pumpkin patches to upstate getaways.

Related: Jennifer Garner’s Easy, Timeless Denim Style Is All We’re Wearing

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Jennifer Garner wears a ton of denim, but her latest straight-leg style might be the most timeless yet. It’s a cut that never phases out, never clashes and always flatters, instantly elevating whatever you pair it with. We found Garner’s box-checking look on sale for only $39! Last week, Garner posted a funny Instagram Reel […]

While a common drawback of jeans is the discomfort they can cause, that’s not an issue with this Amazon find. Made of soft, stretchy material, these pants move with you, offering the feeling of sweatpants with a more polished look.

One shopper can’t get enough, saying they’re not only comfortable but also lightweight. “These fit like a dream,” they added. Another reviewer also raved about the fit, calling the jeans flattering and saying they “look expensive but are very affordable.”

Take a cue from Rihanna and secure your fall-ready jeans for just $33. With a pair this versatile, you’ll be glad you did.

Get the Grapent Straight-Leg Jeans at Amazon for $33! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more straight-leg jeans here and don’t forget to check out Amazon’s full denim lineup for more great finds!

Related: Low-Profile Loafers Are Taking Over as Fall 2026‘s Most Polished Shoe

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Fall may just be my favorite season. Cozy candles, delicious pumpkin-spice drinks and nostalgic films just do something to me — but the seasonal fashion tops it all. From plaid scarves to chunky cardigans, autumnal style is a step above. While I usually reach for fall-ready boots this time of year, I’m trading them in […]

UsNow Fall Sale Alert: These chic fashion finds are up to 60% off – plus free shipping

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The applause may still be loud, but behind the scenes, those closest to Lionel Richie are reportedly becoming increasingly concerned about the pace of his life. 

The music icon has spent decades performing, touring, recording, and building one of entertainment’s most enduring careers. 

Yet recent health scares have sparked fresh questions about whether the 77-year-old superstar is pushing himself too hard. According to insiders, however, convincing Richie to slow down may be impossible, no matter how worried his family becomes.

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For many artists approaching their eighth decade, retirement would seem like a natural next step. However, according to insiders, Lionel Richie has no interest in that conversation.

Sources close to the singer claim he remains deeply attached to the career that transformed him from a member of the Commodores into one of the most successful solo artists of all time. 

Even after decades of hit records, sold-out tours, Grammy Awards, an Oscar, and his role in co-writing “We Are the World,” Richie reportedly still thrives on the excitement of performing and staying in the public eye.

“Lionel likes to stay busy, he can’t sit still, and loves his career momentum,” one source told the Daily Mail.

Insiders insist money is not the driving force behind his relentless schedule. Instead, they claim Richie simply loves working and being connected to audiences. 

One source put it bluntly, “He puts his health at risk to work super hard even though he is 77 – work is like an addiction for him and he refuses to retire.”

According to the same insider, “He has tons of money, he is worth over $200 million, so that’s not the problem. The issue is he loves being popular, in the news.”

Richie’s Children Are Reportedly Terrified After Recent Health Scares

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While Lionel Richie may be determined to keep moving forward, insiders say his children are viewing things very differently.

According to sources, Nicole, Sofia, and Miles have become increasingly worried following a series of alarming medical episodes involving their father. 

One insider claimed the siblings are “crazy scared they could lose him” and fear he could be dealing with serious heart-related issues.

The concern has reportedly changed family dynamics in unexpected ways. Nicole and Sofia are said to have become especially protective, with one source describing them as being “like moms to him” as they encourage their father to prioritize his health.

Despite juggling careers, businesses, and young families of their own, both daughters reportedly continue making time to check on Richie and assist whenever needed. 

Sources say Miles shares those same concerns, with all three siblings struggling to imagine life without the man they consider the family’s foundation.

Lionel Richie’s Demanding Schedule Raises Questions About His Health

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The fears surrounding Richie intensified after a troubling summer that saw the entertainer experience multiple health-related setbacks.

As The Blast reported, one incident occurred during a concert in June when the singer suddenly stopped performing after telling the audience he felt “dizzy.” 

The show was ultimately cut short, and fans later learned he had been taken to a hospital. Then, just weeks later, fresh concern emerged when Richie appeared to struggle physically during a performance in St. Louis.

He was later admitted to intensive care, where he underwent testing for cardiac-related issues and spent four days hospitalized.

Although insiders say Richie has since returned home and is “feeling OK” while remaining in his “usual jovial mood,” the incidents reportedly reinforced concerns about the workload he continues to maintain.

Beyond his current tour commitments, Richie has also served as a judge on “American Idol” for years, a role he has held since ABC revived the series in 2018. Sources claim even longtime colleague Luke Bryan has urged him to ease up.

“Luke has been calling often to check on him and telling him to take a break,” one insider stated, adding, “Luke is a very grounded guy and has reminded Lionel that family, not work, comes first.”

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Richie Prepares For Major Tour Return With Busy Fall Schedule

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As concerns about Lionel Richie’s health continue to make headlines, the legend himself appears focused on something entirely different: getting back in front of audiences. 

The next phase of the Sing A Song All Night Long tour remains firmly on the calendar, with Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire preparing for a string of high-profile dates throughout September and October. 

According to Richie’s official schedule, the tour resumes with a September 26 stop at San Francisco’s Chase Center before continuing to Chicago, Columbus, and several other cities. 

The performance has become a major talking point among fans because it will mark the duo’s return to the Bay Area after the original August date was unexpectedly postponed. 

Tickets purchased for the original concert will still be honored, while fans unable to attend the new date have been offered refund options through the venue. 

Richie is also slated to return to Las Vegas for another run of his King of Hearts residency at Encore Theater in October. 

Lionel Richie Takes Aim At Usher And Chris Brown’s Tour 

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As Lionel Richie prepares for the next leg of his Sing A Song All Night Long tour with Earth, Wind & Fire, one of the musician’s most talked-about moments in recent weeks had nothing to do with his own concerts. 

During a stop in Phoenix in August, Richie addressed the buzz surrounding Usher and Chris Brown’s massively successful co-headlining R&B Tour and used the opportunity to draw a comparison with an earlier era of touring. 

Speaking to the crowd, Richie pointed out that collaborative tours between major R&B stars were hardly a new concept. 

Referencing his years with the Commodores and the touring landscape of previous decades, he joked, per PEOPLE, “Usher and Chris Brown, see, they trying to do something new! We were doing that forty years ago.” 

He then delivered the line that quickly spread across social media and entertainment headlines: “Only difference is, between then and now, we didn’t go to jail!” 

The comment immediately drew attention because of Chris Brown’s well-documented legal history. However, Richie quickly softened the moment, adding, “We’re fine Christian men. Fine Christian men, that’s right.” The crowd laughed, but the remark became one of the most discussed celebrity comments of the week. 

The story did not end there. Brown later responded publicly on social media rather than escalating the situation. In a lighthearted reply, he wrote, “Damn unk. We love you paw paw.”

If fall looming has you dreading jeans, you’re not alone. There’s nothing worse than stiff fabric and tight waistbands, which is why we’re copying Zooey Deschanel, who swapped basic denim for comfy yet elevated pants. We found her genius pull-on look for only $22!

A few days ago, Deschanel stepped out with fiancée and Property Brothers star Jonathan Scott for a walk. The actress wore a simple black top, Oxford-style sneakers, and wide-leg pull-on pants with a soft, relaxed appeal. The pair was effortlessly polished, just like this luxe-looking twin.

Get the Amazon Essentials Linen-Blend Drawstring Pants for $22 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

The Amazon Essentials Linen-Blend Drawstring Pants are made from a linen-cotton mix that drapes beautifully and actually breathes on those not-too-hot, not-too-cold days. The style comes in a similar grey-stripe print as Deschanel’s bottoms, and the full-length, wide-leg shape makes it almost impossible to tell the difference between the two.

Better yet, the pull-on elastic waistband means no buttons or zippers to fuss with. One thrilled shopper put it perfectly: “I can’t wear jeans or leggings in the summer and was looking for something light and comfortable. I found it.”

Another five-star fan confessed, “If I like something, I buy it in every color imaginable. I’ve purchased almost every color available. They’re the perfect linen pants that can be dressed up or down effortlessly.”

Pair this Deschanel-approved look with a fitted tee and sneakers for errand runs, or throw on a blazer and flats for dinner out. No matter how you style these pants, one thing’s for sure: you’ll be happy you didn’t opt for stiff jeans!

Get the Amazon Essentials Linen-Blend Drawstring Pants for $22 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

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

UsNow Fall Sale Alert: These chic fashion finds are up to 60% off – plus free shipping

Welcome to fall with our biggest sale of the season. Our favorite dresses, tops, handbags, and shoes are all on sale + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

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