Nicole Kidman may not have been sitting courtside at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night, but she still found herself part of the action. The Oscar winner had an adorable reaction after Taylor Swift and sisters Este and Alana Haim honored her with custom Knicks-themed T-shirts during Game 4 of the NBA Finals. The trio’s pun-filled fashion choices quickly went viral as the New York Knicks mounted a historic comeback against the San Antonio Spurs.

Swift and the Haim sisters leaned fully into wordplay for the star-studded matchup, wearing DIY tribute shirts inspired by celebrities and the Knicks.

Swift rocked a shirt reading “Stevie Knicks,” a nod to Fleetwood Mac legend Stevie Nicks, while Este Haim sported “Knickole Kidman” and Alana Haim wore a shirt reading “Knickleback,” referencing the rock band Nickelback.

The group’s courtside look instantly caught attention online as fans praised the playful fashion moment. Mariska Hargitay even joined in on the fun, later changing into her own “Stevie Knicks” shirt after arriving at Madison Square Garden in a simple black top.

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Nicole Kidman Had The Sweetest Response

Kidman clearly appreciated the shoutout. After clips of Swift and the Haim sisters showing off their custom shirts spread online, the “Big Little Lies” actress reposted a video of the trio to her Instagram Stories. “Right there with you girls!” Kidman wrote, adding basketball and heart emojis.

She later reshared a Reel by the Haim sisters that featured the group’s pun-heavy fashion moment. “My girls! I just wanna have fun!” Kidman captioned the upload.

So far, neither Stevie Nicks nor Nickelback has publicly reacted to the now-viral tribute shirts.

Taylor Swift’s Love Of Puns Is Nothing New

For longtime Swift fans, the playful shirt choice felt very on brand. The Grammy winner has become known for leaning into puns and wordplay, especially in recent years.

Swift famously sparked a wave of viral fan reactions after revealing she spends a surprising amount of time thinking about sourdough bread, even gifting homemade loaves to friends and decorating bread bags with handwritten puns inspired by her music.

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Fans have since created countless Taylor-inspired baking jokes online, from “Are You Bready For It?” to “You Knead To Calm Down” and “It’s A Loaf Story, Baby Just Say Yeast.”

Madison Square Garden Was Packed With Celebrities

The Knicks’ dramatic 107-106 comeback win, the largest in NBA Finals history after erasing a 29-point deficit, brought out plenty of famous faces.

Alongside Swift, the Haim sisters, and Hargitay, stars including Timothée Chalamet, Kylie Jenner, Ben Stiller, Tracy Morgan, Jimmy Fallon, Chris Rock, Spike Lee, and Sydney Sweeney all packed Madison Square Garden for the unforgettable Game 4 thriller.

Swift and Jenner were later seen sharing a friendly courtside hug following the Knicks’ dramatic win, a moment that caught fans’ attention given Swift’s complicated history with Jenner’s sister, Kim Kardashian.

Taylor Swift’s Courtside Appearance Comes Amid Wedding Buzz

Swift’s headline-making night at Madison Square Garden also comes as she prepares for her next major chapter with fiancé Travis Kelce. The Grammy winner and the Kansas City Chiefs star announced their engagement in August 2025 after nearly two years of dating, quickly becoming one of entertainment’s most talked-about couples.

In recent weeks, speculation surrounding the pair’s wedding plans has intensified, with rumors swirling that Madison Square Garden itself could play a role in the celebration later this summer. While neither Swift nor Kelce has publicly confirmed the details, reports suggest the couple is planning a highly private, tightly controlled event.

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A report further claimed the venue could accommodate thousands of guests, fueling fan speculation that Swifties might be included in the festivities or surrounding celebrations.

Why Pulling Off A Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce Wedding Could Be A Major Challenge

If reports surrounding Swift and Kelce’s rumored wedding plans are true, keeping the event private may prove to be one of the biggest hurdles.

Luxury wedding planner Colin Cowie, who is not involved in the couple’s alleged plans but has organized weddings for celebrity pairs including Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, as well as Don Henley and Sharon Summerall, recently weighed in on the unique challenge a Swift-Kelce wedding would present.

“Everyone’s going to want to know what it would be like to be a front row attendee at this wedding,” Cowie said, also suggesting that maintaining privacy for an event of that scale would require extensive planning and security. “It’s going to be a massive undertaking to keep this under locks.”

For a couple with Swift and Kelce’s level of fame, and one of the most dedicated fanbases in pop culture, keeping wedding details from leaking could prove nearly impossible.

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PlaqueboyMax has the internet talking once again. The popular streamer recently unveiled a new tattoo that reads “DIVA,” sparking plenty of reactions across social media. While some fans questioned the meaning behind the ink, Max later addressed the chatter during a livestream, explaining why he decided to get it.

Related: New Look? Social Media Reacts As PlaqueboyMax Debuts Facial Dermal Piercings (PHOTO)

Streamer PlaqueboyMax Reveals New Tattoo

On Tuesday, June 9, PlaqueboyMax took to social media to give fans a first look at his latest tattoo. The streamer shared a shirtless mirror selfie on social media, showing off the fresh ink placed along his ribcage. The tattoo features the word “DIVA” written in all capital letters. Max later followed up with a TikTok video, giving viewers a closer look at the tattoo and putting the new addition on full display. The reveal quickly made its rounds online, with fans and critics alike sharing their thoughts on the unexpected choice.

PlaqueboyMax Explains What “DIVA” Means To Him

The new tattoo arrives shortly after PlaqueboyMax made headlines for his diamond face piercings, which also sparked debate across social media. During a recent livestream, Max addressed some of the backlash surrounding his latest body art while showing off the tattoo to a friend. As they discussed the online reactions, the friend first questioned whether the tattoo was real before asking what the word “DIVA” meant to him.

In response, Max explained that the tattoo symbolizes confidence and his unapologetic self.

“I’m a bad b****. I’m going to do whatever I want on some fly sh**,” he said. “Bad b****** are the most confident people in the world.”

Max went on to suggest that some people have been trying to label him or question his masculinity because of the tattoo. However, he made it clear that the ink reflects his confidence and willingness to do what he wants, regardless of outside opinions.

Social Media Reacts

Social media users chimed in on The Shade Room Teens’ comment section with reactions to Max’s explanation.

Instagram user @the_next_king10 wrote, “These 🥷🏽s don’t let the girls have 💩 no more 🤦🏽‍♂️‼️”

Another Instagram user @officialmagicgod wrote, “He thinks he Beyoncé”

While Instagram user @itsmealiajah wrote, “I only like him cause he doesn’t care to be in a box meaning don’t care for labels like yall let a lot of things stop yall cause it’s consider gay”

Instagram user @jade.arie wrote, “He’s definitely not beating those allegations now 🤣 💀💀”

Another Instagram user @iwocwitalean wrote, “Diva was the only word to make him feel confident?”

While Instagram user @banksbig4 wrote, “Diva definiton – a female version of a hustler 🤨”

Instagram user @ibdattprettymf wrote, “I really hope DIVA is his mother name 🤣”

Another Instagram user @jatoyriarchive wrote, “This is too far with the trolling…”

While Instagram user @charity.deniise wrote, “Be who you areeeee”

RELATED: Yikes! Social Media Pops Off After NBA YoungBoy Calls Out PlaqueBoyMax Over Music Critique

Social media users are reacting to an apparent post from Karmelo Anthony‘s alleged girlfriend following his conviction and sentencing for the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf.

RELATED: UPDATE: Karmelo Anthony Found Guilty & Sentenced To 35 Years In Prison For Fatal Stabbing Of Austin Metcalf (PHOTOS)

More On The Apparent Post From Karmelo Anthony’s Alleged Girlfriend Following His Conviction & Sentencing

According to The U.S. Sun, Karmelo Anthony’s alleged girlfriend, Valeria Perez, took to TikTok following his conviction and sentencing on Tuesday, June 9. In the caption of a video reposted to an apparent backup account, Perez wrote, “Hold your head high, my sweet boy. You’re not alone we’re fighting for you, always. I love you more than words [red heart emoji]…”

See the TikTok, which featured various photos of the pair, by clicking here.

Social Media Users Are Reacting To The Apparent Post From Karmelo Anthony’s Alleged Girlfriend

TikTok users entered the comment section of the post from Karmelo Anthony’s alleged girlfriend.

TikTok user Diona Lane wrote, “Justice for Karmelo”

While TikTok user Kennedi Mccorkle added, “girl be so real…”

TikTok user Bash wrote, “Praying for you both princess”

While TikTok user ragexrae added, “Girl don’t make me cry… he had a family!”

TikTok user YKbosswhit wrote, “Stay strong sweetheart…”

While TikTok user Kamm.3_ added, “Your dude has the temperament of a child. Threw half of his life over a damn tent and ego…”

TikTok user Jaysten wrote, “Justice for Karmelo”

While TikTok user thejuicendsqueeze added, “FREE MELO… continue loving him out loud ! We are all routing for him !”

More On His Conviction & Sentencing

As The Shade Room previously reported, Karmelo Anthony was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison on Tuesday, June 9. Furthermore, the decision was handed down by an all-white jury following the fatal stabbing of fellow high school student Austin Metcalf on April 2, 2025. The stabbing reportedly occurred after an apparent conflict during a track meet.

Subsequently, his lawyers reportedly filed their notice of appeal. This, as his alleged uncle and parents spoke on his sentencing, and as a new mugshot of the 19-year-old surfaced.

RELATED: UPDATE: Karmelo Anthony’s NEW Appearance Has Social Media In Shock Amid State Prison Transfer (PHOTO)

A major reason we continue to adore action films is the heroes who lead the crusade and save the day. But the truth is, every great hero needs an equally great villain. The day couldn’t be saved if the villain didn’t do something nefarious! With such a rich catalog of action flicks, determining who the greatest villain is is no easy feat, but we’re here to save your day and give you 10 iconic baddies whose impact has gone beyond the screen.

The 10 villains on this list are simply iconic. Their work on screen is notorious. Some are known for their despicable and dastardly deeds. Others have been a thorn in our protagonists’ side for ages. No matter what, they have also influenced the genre and the bad guys who followed. Some villains have appeared across multiple films, while others were one-and-done. Together, they made evil look cool.

10

Le Chiffre

‘Casino Royale’

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

The truth is, we could make this list an entire best-of James Bond villains, but we’ve been there, done that. Instead, the ones that do appear here are crucial players in the franchise and villains at large. We begin with Le Chiffre. Though the character did appear in the 1967 satire iteration of Casino Royale, as played by Orson Welles, the predominant version of the Bond villain came in the 2006 film. Kicking off the Daniel Craig tenure as 007, he faced off against the terrorist financier in a high-stakes poker game at a casino in Montenegro. An associate of SPECTRE, Le Chiffre’s genius proved to be a great threat to Bond. Not a mastermind like other villains, Le Chiffre was a snake in a tuxedo. Best known for the infamous torture scene, Le Chiffre served as a perfect sparring partner for Bond.

Played by Mads Mikkelsen, Le Chiffre is a chilling presence, instilling fear with just one look. One of the more intellectual minds Bond faced off against, Le Chiffre is a desperate, flawed survivor rather than a world-dominating mastermind. Driven by fear, Le Chiffre goes to great lengths for success, and cool under pressure, he provided the perfect psychological counter for the agent. Grounded in his menacing presence, Mikkelsen’s performance elevates Le Chiffre as a top-tier villain. Anyone who can come close to defeating Bond gets bonus points.

9

Tony Montana

‘Scarface’

Image via Universal Pictures

Being the protagonist in a story doesn’t guarantee you’ll be a hero. Though you may be the hero of your own destiny, Tony Montana is known as a villain for his actions in the film Scarface. Played by Al Pacino, Tony is a ruthless Cuban refugee who arrives in Miami and rises from poverty to become a powerful, wealthy drug kingpin before his violent empire crumbles. Driven by desperate ambition, Tony’s takeover of a cocaine cartel comes at a cost. Loosely based on the Al Capone-era mobsters, Tony is all bravado. Known for the nickname “Scarface” after being slashed in the face as a young man, his rise to villain, not hero, comes through his unapologetic ruthlessness.

Tony is a man who rules by sheer willpower, street intelligence, and fearlessness. He is loud and fiercely proud of his identity. The truth is, Tony Montana’s cultural footprint is vast. Pacino’s portrayal is not only iconic but also one of his best. He completely transforms into the role. With a thick Cuban accent and signature white suit, Tony’s violent paranoia and fatal disregard for limits make him a fascinating anti-hero. His larger-than-life arrogance has made him a pop culture icon. As a fictional character, Tony serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of money and power and how they reveal one’s true nature. Though we fondly remember this villain for the catchphrase “Say hello to my little friend,” the man we call Scarface is a rich character study of how villains can lead a story just as well as heroes.

8

Bill

‘Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2’

Image via Miramax Films

Like our previous entry, being the titular character comes with some great perks. But unlike Scarface, Bill is not the main character. Instead, he’s the catalyst of the hero’s journey in Quentin Tarantino’s masterpiece films Kill Bill Vol. 1 and 2. Portrayed by David Carradine, Bill is the former leader of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, the Bride’s (Uma Thurman) former lover, and the father of her daughter. Known by name in the first film before being seen in the second, Bill is a deliciously complex and deeply layered mastermind. Bill leads by sheer reputation. The utterance of his name brings both fear and respect. He engages in mind games in which intellectual and emotional actions serve as weapons in their own right.

He may be able to wield a weapon and disarm any enemy with his martial arts prowess, but what makes Bill a brilliant villain is how real he is to the hero. He’s not a mysterious mastermind the Bride must defeat. Their personal connection makes him a unique film villain. He’s a lethally arrogant foil whose psychological warfare leads to the infamous bloodbaths, and he’s more of an emotional obstacle than a physical one. He’s the architect of The Bride’s trauma who made her the ruthless protagonist we champion in both films. There have certainly been dominating villains who don’t need to fill the screen to assert their dominance, but none like the Snake Charmer. Bill proves the greatest threats are the ones that are closest to home.

7

Agent Smith

‘The Matrix’

Image via Warner Bros.

The world of science fiction action movies was forever changed when the Wachowskis gave the world The Matrix. Not only one of the greatest films in terms of craft, but The Matrix is also renowned for its world-building. To create a dangerous simulated reality for Neo (Keanu Reeves), he needed an adversary to defeat. His name was Agent Smith. Played by Hugo Weaving in the original trilogy, Agent Smith is a sentient computer program and enforcer for the Machines designed to police the virtual world. He evolves into a rogue computer virus capable of replicating itself. Agent Smith is driven by a nihilistic outlook with a mission of destroying the Matrix, the Machine world, Zion, and humanity as a whole.

Known for his signature sunglasses, sharp black suit, and always referring to the protagonist, Neo, as “Mr. Anderson,” Agent Smith is just plain cool. Agent Smith is a premier action villain because he serves as the perfect foil to the hero. The action sequences they engage in are top-tier. Whether as an authoritative enforcer or reality-threatening virus, Agent Smith is a menace to Neo, exactly as a villain should. Weaving brought an exceptional performance to the screen through his commanding, dry, and relentless pursuit. Add in his hauntingly chilling monologues, and Agent Smith is a fascinating character study. The character evolves in The Matrix Resurrections, in which Jonathan Groff and Yahya Abdul-Mateen play interactions of the character, but they’re still rooted in Weaving’s take.

6

Blofeld

James Bond

Image via United Artists

There is no more iconic Bond villain than Ernst Stavro Blofeld. A criminal mastermind with aspirations of world domination, Blofeld has been the face of the Bond baddies for decades. Codenamed Number 1, Blofeld became the architect of the evil villain archetype. Focused on a tour of terrorism, extortion, and revenge, Blofeld appeared in an array of films in various capacities. His first two film appearances were never via name or face; all viewers saw was his lower body, which was visible as he stroked his trademark white cat. Much like Bond himself, there have been a variety of actors who have tackled the part in the various Bond eras. From Telly Savalas and Donald Pleasance to Max von Sydow and Christoph Waltz, every actor has brought new insight to the infamous villain. Only Waltz, who also had a new backstory, didn’t take on the bald Blofeld, who notoriously inspired Dr. Evil in the Austin Powers franchise.

Blofeld is a brilliant, calculating tactician aiming for complete and total domination. By creating SPECTRE, Special Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion, Blofeld’s utter control spans beyond his on-screen appearances. Like a good action villain, Blofeld’s psychology is rooted in vendettas. It’s deeply twisted and personal, but wonderful for the plot. Blofeld is the epitome of an action villain because he has no tolerance for failure. And failure only means coming back harder the next time. Because he’s not on the ground running the mission, Blofeld’s character also set the blueprint for how henchmen operate. Blofeld has a resume of devastating actions, including assassinating Bond’s new wife, Tracy, right after their wedding in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. In the history of James Bond, Blofeld is a shape-shifting threat, yet no matter the version, he remains an incredible antagonist.

5

The Joker

‘The Dark Knight’

Image via Warner Bros.

When it comes to the best Batman villain, hands down, the answer is The Joker. The character has been played multiple times in various forms in a variety of projects, but for the sake of this list, we are going to focus on Heath Ledger’s Academy Award-winning iteration of The Dark Knight. Even though we generalized other entries, this one is necessary. Let’s discuss. The grinning, clown-makeup villain has always served as a major foil for Batman, but up against Christian Bale’s version, a nuanced monster emerged. In The Dark Knight, Joker is a psychopathic, anarchist mastermind. Thematically, he is the ultimate opposition to Batman. The Caped Crusader stands for law, order, and the belief that humanity can be saved. That’s not the case for Joker. He believes that civilization is a fragile illusion and that everyone is inherently corruptible under the right pressure. And there lies the inciting event.

Instead of serving up typical superhero film tropes, Joker embodies pure, unpredictable chaos, testing the psychological limits of both Gotham’s citizens and Batman himself. Through Ledger’s legendary performance, the villain was seen as more than a gimmick. He operates without an overly sympathetic, tragic backstory. By giving the character a rich history to play with, the objectives are more tangible, realistic, and most importantly, believable. Joker manipulates the environment, both physically and psychologically. He pushed Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) to utter madness. He forces Batman to break his strict moral code. Joker did what no other iteration could do. The Dark Knight version of the Joker goes beyond the comics, becoming a key figure in cinema history.

4

Scorpio

‘Dirty Harry’

Image via Warner Bros.

Sometimes, the greatest villains in cinema are the ones that are inspired by the world around us. Such is the case for Charles “Scorpio” Davis, the main antagonist in the original Dirty Harry. loosely inspired by the real-life Zodiac Killer, who terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area, the psychopathic serial killer is a former stadium groundskeeper who extorts the city by going on a sniping spree, kidnapping a young girl, and holding a bus full of children for ransom. Though Inspector Harry Callahan’s (Clint Eastwood) morality is grey, making him a fascinating antihero without certainty, the villain of this story is Scorpio. Played by Andy Robinson, Scorpio acts as the perfect dark foil for Harry. He is completely remorseless, unhinged, and calculating. Because he knows that Harry will use dirty tactics, he pushes the legal system to its absolute breaking point.

Scorpio is based on real-world terror, which makes him a fervently horrific presence. He takes sheer pleasure in his actions, which involve the safety and lives of the innocent. His willingness to go to extremes and derive pure joy from it makes him despicable. It’s purely sadistic and outwardly cowardly. His utter disregard for human life sets him up as one of the worst individuals, but he is a masterfully crafted character. Robinson’s chilling performance helped make the film a massive cultural phenomenon, cementing Scorpio as the quintessential antagonist in gritty crime cinema. Many have tried to replicate Scorpio’s reign of terror; very few have come close.

3

Raoul Silva

‘Skyfall’

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

Being the greatest Bond villain and the greatest action movie villain is slightly different, as the criteria change. Raoul Silva may not have the top slot in the former, but he certainly soars to the top in the latter because of Javier Bardem’s career-best performance. The main antagonist of Skyfall, Silva is a former MI6 agent-turned cyberterrorist with a personal vendetta unlike any the Bond universe has seen. Silva has a thirst for revenge upon being betrayed and left to die by M (Judi Dench). Having the insight and ability to maneuver as a prestigious MI6 agent, Silva can infiltrate the organization that essentially told him his life was meaningless. Silva’s homicidal resentment stems from a mother-son relationship gone sour.

Known for his bleached-blonde hair, eccentric wardrobe, and calculated, eerie demeanor, Silva serves as a dark mirror image. And when he reveals the aftermath of the hydrogen cyanide capsule, nightmares are officially born. Using the fears of modern tech anxieties, Silva was a foe of the digital age. A villain filled with bitter rage, Silva was driven to the brink of insanity and lacked all semblance of morality. There’s a pathos to him that no other villain has had. It may be a shock that the villain actually succeeds in his mission to kill M, but it ultimately propels Bond. Vengeance can be similar yet different depending on perspective. Bardem’s visceral performance makes him a formidable villain that you love to watch in action. There’s a quiet demeanor to him in his pristine form, but bubbling inside is a monster. His iconic monologue while holding Bond prisoner is how a great actor portraying a villain should deliver such material. Silva is the blueprint for the modern bad guy.

2

The T-1000

‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’

Image via Universal Studios

The Terminator was a good sci-fi action film. Terminator 2: Judgment Day is an extraordinary sci-fi action film. A key cog in that assessment is the brilliance of its villain, the T-1000. After meeting the original Terminator and seeing how near-indestructible he was, the sequel had to find an even better foe. Played by Robert Patrick, the upgraded android assassin was sent back in time to kill a young John Connor (Edward Furlong). The villain is most notorious for its make-up: the T-1000 is made of a liquid metal called mimetic polyalloy. This composite allows it to regenerate from damage, form its limbs into stabbing blades, and mimic others’ appearances. The T-1000 serves as a genius evolution of the franchise’s villains, solidifying it as a long-running pop culture series.

The T-1000 masterfully combines the relentless, unstoppable nature of a slasher villain with terrifyingly sleek sci-fi technology. Opposed to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s brute force as T-800, the T-1000 is a mimetic polyalloy nightmare. Because he can serve as a chameleon out in the world, he stalks his prey by disguising himself through voice and appearance. Then, he could literally slip through the cracks and get in or out of places with ease. The T-1000 is a fervent threat because you simply cannot predict its next moves. Whether posing as a Los Angeles police officer or in total liquid form, the T-1000 was a great threat. Patrick’s chilling performance allowed the film to supersede its predecessor — not a simple task.

1

Hans Gruber

‘Die Hard’

Image via 20th Century Studios

Controversial to some and praised by others, Hans Gruber is the GOAT. Bruce Willis was phenomenal as John McClane, but Die Hard would never have launched a franchise without its seminal villain, Hans Gruber. Brought to life by the late, great Alan Rickman, Hans Gruber looked the part of a premier supervillain in an average Joe world. The iconic, calculated German terrorist and master thief orchestrates the takeover of the Nakatomi Plaza skyscraper in Los Angeles to steal $649 million in bearer bonds. Setting up a hostage situation that pits hero versus villain, Hans Gruber is always five steps ahead and pivots brilliantly when things go wrong. Establishing the gold standard of villains post-Die Hard, Hans Gruber replaced one-dimensional Cold War-era villains with an intellectual threat who forces the hero into a psychological chess match.

Hans Gruber can morph into anything to stay ahead of McClane. When they have their first face-to-face encounter, his ability to play a frightened, escaped partygoer keeps his ploy moving, requiring McClane to catch up. By then, Hans Gruber had established a new alias. There are no henchmen needed, as Hans Gruber is a credible, hands-on threat. Whether manipulating the FBI or having his men shoot the glass to stall a barefoot McClane, this villain knows how to win. But, of course, the moment we all discuss this unofficial Christmas film is his literal fall from grace. It’s so iconic that it’s still imitated in action thrillers today. Rickman’s performance is perfectly raw and wonderfully camp. For that, Hans Gruber is simply scrumptious. Christmas doesn’t start until the villain drops!

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Release Date

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July 15, 1988

Runtime

132 minutes

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Writers

Jeb Stuart, Steven E. de Souza, Roderick Thorp

Producers

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Lawrence Gordon, Joel Silver

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Adventure stories go way back. We’re talking centuries, or even millennia. Long before fantasy epics, spy thrillers, and action blockbusters dominated popular culture, readers were captivated by tales of daring voyages, hidden treasure, dangerous quests, and journeys into the unknown.

With that in mind, this list looks back at the greatest adventure books ever written, the ones that truly built the genre into what it is today. From 17th-century classics to more modern bangers, these tales have come to define what adventure should be. They span a range of styles and tones, but all offer entertaining plots, memorable characters, and a sheer sense of unadulterated excitement at venturing into the unknown.

10

‘Robinson Crusoe’ (1719)

Image via Daniel Defoe

“I learned to look more upon the bright side of my condition, and less upon the dark side.” Robinson Crusoe remains surprisingly readable for a novel that’s over 300 years old. The title character is stranded on a deserted island following a shipwreck, where he must draw on all his resourcefulness to make it out alive. It’s one of the most influential adventure books, introducing so many of the genre’s core ingredients: the castaway hero, the struggle against nature, survival through ingenuity, and the exploration of unknown lands.

Beyond its impact on the adventure genre, Robinson Crusoe is widely regarded as a milestone in English literature more generally, and a major breakthrough in the development of realist fiction. Indeed, the book’s attention to detail was unusual for the time, going in-depth with everything from building shelter and growing crops to taming animals.

9

‘Don Quixote’ (1605)

Image via Maple Press

“Too much sanity may be madness.” At first glance, Don Quixote boasts a simple premise: an aging man reads too many chivalric romances, loses his grip on reality, and wanders Spain believing himself to be a heroic knight. Accompanied by his practical and increasingly loyal squire Sancho Panza, Don Quixote embarks on a series of wandering misadventures, mistaking inns for castles, windmills for giants, and ordinary people for figures from epic legend.

Yet Miguel de Cervantes transforms that setup into one of the most important novels ever written. The protagonist’s delusions create endless humor, but the novel never treats him as merely a joke. Readers laugh at his mistakes while also admiring his courage and idealism. In many ways, he’s more noble than the supposedly sane people around him. Indeed, the character gave us the word “quixotic,” someone or something that is exceedingly idealistic.

8

‘Eye of the Needle’ (1978)

Image via Penguin Publishing Group

“You can’t stop what you can’t see.” Eye of the Needle is a taut espionage story from Ken Follett, the author of beloved historical epics like The Pillars of the Earth. It follows Henry Faber, a ruthless German spy operating in Britain during World War II, who uncovers crucial intelligence about the upcoming Allied invasion plans. As British intelligence closes in, Faber becomes trapped on a remote island alongside a lonely, unhappily married woman, creating a deadly psychological cat-and-mouse game.

The narrative momentum here is off the charts. Follett keeps us hooked by constantly escalating the danger and upping the stakes. Readers understand the danger Faber poses, which makes every close call feel agonizingly suspenseful. It also helps that Faber himself is an unusually complex antagonist. Rather than being a cartoon villain, he’s intelligent, disciplined, resourceful, and often disturbingly sympathetic despite his brutality.

7

‘Master and Commander’ (1969)

Image via W. W. Norton & Company

“The lesser of two weevils.” This book was the basis for the Russell Crowe blockbuster Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. In it, Captain Jack Aubrey and ship surgeon Stephen Maturin navigate naval warfare during the Napoleonic era aboard the HMS Sophie. A huge part of what makes the novel extraordinary is its immersive authenticity. Author Patrick O’Brian convincingly shows us the ups and downs of shipboard life, down to the painstaking details of nautical maneuvering.

At the same time, the book is no dry history lesson. The characters are colorful and the action scenes compelling. The naval battles, in particular, are among the finest ever written, emphasizing leadership and strategy as much as raw violence. Every engagement becomes a tense contest of intelligence and nerve, where so much comes down to the captain’s ability to make split-second decisions.

6

‘Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas’ (1870)

Image via Penguin Random House

“The sea is everything. It covers seven tenths of the terrestrial globe.” Another classic that practically spawned a whole subgenre, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas follows Professor Aronnax after he is captured aboard the Nautilus, a revolutionary submarine commanded by the mysterious, brilliant Captain Nemo. Together, they journey across the oceans, encountering underwater forests, giant sea creatures, shipwrecks, and hidden civilizations beneath the waves.

The book radiates a sense of wonder throughout, envisioning the sea as an almost magical frontier, boasting hidden treasures as well as threats like monstrous squids. This central idea, that of cutting-edge technology transporting people to completely unknown worlds, would form one of the pillars of the entire sci-fi genre. Finally, Nemo himself is simply a great character, idealistic and troubled, neither hero nor villain, driven by competing motivations.

5

‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ (1844)

Image via Penguin Random House

“All human wisdom is contained in these two words: wait and hope.” Revenge stories existed long before The Count of Monte Cristo, but few have ever matched the sheer scale and satisfaction of Alexandre Dumas‘ masterpiece. It centers on Edmond Dantès, a young sailor falsely imprisoned after being betrayed. After years of isolation, Dantès escapes, discovers a hidden fortune, and reinvents himself as the mysterious Count of Monte Cristo in order to systematically destroy the men who ruined his life.

Every stage of the protagonist’s journey feels like an adventure in its own right. The prison escape is thrilling, the treasure hunt is exhilarating, and the Count’s carefully orchestrated campaign of revenge unfolds with the suspense of a masterfully constructed thriller. The novel constantly introduces new twists, disguises, schemes, and revelations to keep readers engaged across its considerable length (1200 pages!).

4

‘The Hobbit’ (1937)

Image via HarperCollins Publishers

“I’m going on an adventure!” The Hobbit is one of the most imaginative, groundbreaking fantasy stories ever, but it’s also simply a wonderful and breezy adventure. Here, the quiet life of comfort-loving hobbit Bilbo Baggins is interrupted when the wizard Gandalf recruits him to accompany thirteen dwarves on a quest to reclaim their mountain homeland from the dragon Smaug. Along the way, Bilbo encounters trolls, goblins, giant spiders, elves, and the mysterious creature Gollum deep beneath the Misty Mountains.

It’s classic hero’s journey stuff. Bilbo’s growth from a timid homebody into a resourceful adventurer gives the story its emotional power. While the plot is relatively straightforward, it’s hugely elevated by the rich, vivid backdrop. Middle-earth is one of the fully realized places in all of literature, thanks to the depth and care with which J. R. R. Tolkien fleshed out its history, cultures, and languages.

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‘The Three Musketeers’ (1844)

Image via Wordsworth Editions

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“All for one, and one for all!” Alexandre Dumas strikes again. In The Three Musketeers, young swordsman d’Artagnan travels to Paris hoping to join the King’s Musketeers, only to become entangled in political conspiracies, forbidden romances, and dangerous rivalries alongside Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. Dumas writes his story with infectious enthusiasm, constantly propelling the story through duels, secret missions, betrayals, and narrow escapes.

The pace is truly relentless. The plot constantly moves forward, carrying readers from one thrilling situation to the next. Duels lead to conspiracies, conspiracies lead to secret missions, and secret missions lead to even greater dangers. The novel also excels at combining adventure with political intrigue. Set during the reign of Louis XIII, it weaves fictional heroes into real historical events involving powerful figures like Cardinal Richelieu.

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‘The Lord of the Rings’ (1954)

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“I wish it need not have happened in my time.” Fantasy literature is divided into two eras: before The Lord of the Rings and after it. Building on the solid foundation of The Hobbit, Tolkien’s magnum opus follows Frodo Baggins after he inherits the One Ring and embarks on a journey to destroy it. He’s joined by a lovable fellowship of companions, though their path is perilous and haunted by tragedy.

Importantly, the adventure here is driven by character rather than spectacle alone. The protagonists each undergo meaningful growth throughout the story. Sam’s loyalty, in particular, has become legendary because it embodies the novel’s belief that ordinary acts of courage can change the course of history. Aside from the magic and balrogs and giant spiders and orcs, The Lord of the Rings is fundamentally a story about friendship, sacrifice, hope, mortality, corruption, and the burden of responsibility.

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‘Treasure Island’ (1883)

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“Fifteen men on the dead man’s chest. Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum!” The Platonic ideal of the adventure novel, and the origin point for modern pirate mythology. Treasure Island follows young Jim Hawkins after he discovers a treasure map connected to the legendary pirate Captain Flint. Jim joins an expedition to locate the buried treasure, only to discover that many of the crew members, including the charismatic Long John Silver, are secretly pirates planning mutiny.

The plot wastes very little time, moving quickly from mystery to voyage to conflict. Every stage of the adventure introduces new threats and complications. That said, the book’s greatest strength is probably the characters. Long John Silver, in particular, is a phenomenal creation. He’s charming, intelligent, humorous, ruthless, and endlessly adaptable. Both Jim and the reader are often unsure whether to trust him, fear him, admire him, or all three at once.

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Treasure Island

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Release Date

July 19, 1950

Runtime

96 minutes

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Director

Byron Haskin

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2026 has been the year of Jon Bernthal so far, and things are only going to get busier for the star as we inch closer to the end of the year. After starring in the Netflix show His & Hers, Bernthal reunited with Ebon Moss-Bachrach in the surprise Bear prequel episode, Gary, which was shadow-dropped on Hulu a few months ago. Bernthal was disappointingly absent from the second season of Daredevil: Born Again, but fans didn’t have to wait long to see him return to his signature role as Frank Castle. Exactly one week after the Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 finale, Bernthal starred in the Disney+ Special Presentation, The Punisher: One Last Kill, which is expected to lead directly into his next MCU appearance. Bernthal will make his big-screen debut as Frank Castle this summer in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which is coming to theaters on July 31.

Jon Bernthal has officially been playing The Punisher for over 10 years now, after making his debut in the second season of the original Daredevil series on Netflix. It didn’t take fans long to develop an attachment to Bernthal’s rugged portrayal of the MCU anti-hero, which pushed Netflix to green-light two full seasons of a solo series, which aired in late 2017 and early 2019. Bernthal’s recent return as Frank Castle in The Punisher: One Last Kill has also led fans to check out his first Punisher solo project, which has left Netflix and is now streaming on Disney+. Both seasons of The Punisher are now among the top most-watched titles in the world on Disney+, and as more fans continue to watch the show to prepare for Spider-Man 4, it’s not poised to go anywhere anytime soon.

What Is the Netflix ‘Punisher’ Show About?

A condensed synopsis for The Punisher series on Netflix, which also stars Ben Barnes, reads as follows:

“After exacting revenge on those who murdered his family, battle-scarred veteran Frank Castle discovers the conspiracy runs deeper than New York’s criminal underworld, reaching into the highest levels of government and military intelligence. Driven by grief and rage, Castle wages a brutal one-man war where justice and vengeance are indistinguishable.”

The Punisher holds an average score of 64% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes between its two seasons. Fans, however, were much higher on the series than critics, rating it a solid 79% on the audience-driven Popcornmeter. Netflix’s Punisher show was written and created for TV by Steve Lightfoot, who also recently worked as a writer on Prime Video’s Spider-Noir series starring Nicolas Cage.

Check out both seasons of The Punisher on Disney+ and stay tuned to Collider for more streaming updates and coverage of Bernthal’s future projects.

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Release Date

2017 – 2019-00-00

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Network

Disney Channel

Showrunner

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John Romita Sr.

Directors

Mark Goldblatt, Lexi Alexander

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Writers

Gerry Conway

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Chrissy Teigen is mourning the sudden loss of her father, Ron.

“Yesterday I woke up with a daddy and went to bed without one,” Teigen, 40, wrote via Instagram on Wednesday, June 10, alongside a video of her 86-year-old dad. “All the same things happened. Hurried shower. Picked up stuffing from the dog toys. Answered some emails. Avoided some. Laughed with my friends and put on a pretty dress for a friend’s birthday. Took a video. How cute is this dress! And then my dad just like … f***ing died.”

Her emotional caption continued, “I thought that since we talk about it and I’ve come to terms with him always having been an ‘old dad’ that I wouldn’t have fallen to the ground the way I did. I’ve thought about this phone call for years. I’ll be ready.”

Teigen went on to recall writing her father “a letter about how grateful I was for him” after a recent week away.

“[I wrote] about how hard he worked for us growing up and how much I love him. I am forever grateful for the moment I handed him the letter, and all our years before,” she wrote. “If you didn’t know my dad, my dad hated nearly everything in the world that wasn’t a bass guitar, swing dancing, wood carving, animals, YouTube, or his family. I have hundreds and hundreds of videos of him just being mad at things he isn’t even doing, watching, or eating. They make me so happy now.”

Teigen concluded, “God I love you so much. I will talk to you every night. Thank you for being such a great dad. Until we complain again 🤍🤍🤍.”

In the accompanying video, Ron sat at a table discussing his opinion on salmon. “Salmon this, salmon that,” he said with laughter in the background. “I got so much salmon, I’ll never touch another salmon ever again.”

Teigen elaborated on the clip in the comments section, writing, “The video is my dad talking about raising me in the Pacific Northwest. He really loved it but boy did he hate salmon.”

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Related: Chrissy Teigen Explains How She and John Legend ‘Balance Each Other Out’

Alive Coverage for Medium Rare; Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic Chrissy Teigen is opening up to Us Weekly about how she and her husband, John Legend, continue to beat the odds in Hollywood. “We are genuinely best friends. We like being together, we like being with each other. We have the same sense of humor,” Teigen, 38, exclusively told […]

Among the many supportive messages from fellow social media users was one from Teigen’s husband, John Legend.

“We love you so much Papa Ron,” he commented. “I’m so glad you got to spend so much time with your grandbabies. I loved seeing you beam with pride at the beautiful family you helped create. 🤍🤍🤍🤍.”

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Legend, 47, announced on Thursday that a handful of upcoming concerts would be rescheduled due to the family’s loss.

“To my fans in Albuquerque, NM, and Pine Bluff, AR,” he wrote via his Instagram Story. I was so looking forward to being with you this weekend for an Evening of Songs & Stories, but we have had a death in our family and I need to be home with them.”

He noted that the performances would be rescheduled for August and apologized “for any inconvenience this may have caused.”