By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 1 second ago

To this day, the failure of Game of Thrones feels a little bit surreal. Once upon a time, it was one of the most popular shows in the world, and it was lauded as the best example of how to adapt a popular book series into live-action. By the end, though, everything had gone fully off the rails. The writers started debating from George R.R. Martin’s books before running out of books to adapt. As a result, the writing and characterization suffered, and the final season was so universally hated that many of the show’s biggest fans made a Night’s Watch-style vow to never again watch this acclaimed series.

The critical failure of Game of Thrones came as a huge surprise to most of the fandom, but it really shouldn’t have. You see, this show was created by David Benioff, a man who first achieved mainstream success by writing Troy, a blockbuster adaptation of The Iliad starring Brad Pitt. While that film made a profit, it has a 53 percent on Rotten Tomatoes because it’s a poorly-written piece of trash. Between that and its obscenely poor adaptation of the original source material, writer David Benioff had a destiny that even Maester Aemon could see: to completely and utterly f*ck up Game of Thrones. 

A Song Of Ice And Failure

The first film that David Benioff ever wrote was 25th Hour, a Spike Lee film about a man enjoying his last day of freedom before he goes to jail for seven years. It was critically acclaimed, but with a box office of only $23.9 million, clearly overlooked by the general public. Benioff’s next project was Troy, an infinitely more ambitious film. Directed by Wolfgang Petersen and starring big names like Brad Pitt and future Game of Thrones star Sean Bean, this blockbuster earned nearly half a billion dollars at the box office. Less than two years later, Benioff began talks with George R.R. Martin about adapting his famous book series.

Most fans agree that Game of Thrones was good, right until it wasn’t. Why, then, do I think Troy effectively predicted the downfall of this popular HBO series? Simple: Troy might have been Benioff’s breakout film, but it was also a stinker later declared “rotten” over on Rotten Tomatoes. There are many problems with the movie (a movie that both Brad Pitt and his co-star Peter O’Toole later trashed), but most of the biggest problems come from Benioff’s unwillingness to properly adapt the original source material. That means he screwed up a beloved story humans have been studying for literally thousands of years.

Game Of Thrones Choked At The End

The movie’s portrayal of The Iliad is full of major changes from the original text. For example, the gods are removed almost entirely. Some characters die who are meant to survive (like Menalus), and other characters live who were supposed to die (like Paris). Other characters are rewritten for the worst, like war hero Odysseus being simplified to “the smart guy” and captive Briseis being promoted to a Trojan goddess. Finally, the movie condenses a decade-long conflict into a weeks-long skirmish while throwing in plenty of elements (including the Trojan Horse chicanery) that weren’t actually written about in The Iliad. 

In short, the writing in Troy was awful, and those of us who love Greek mythology have despised this film for more than 20 years due to its various inaccuracies. A few years later, Benioff’s Game of Thrones showed the same sloppy disregard for the original source material. Major characters like Young Griff (who claims to be Aegon Targaryen, the rightful king of Westeros) are cut out entirely. In another case, the mystically terrifying and downright apocalyptic Euron Greyjoy was reduced to a cartoonish caricature of swashbuckling swagger. 

That Face When You Read The Script

Fan-favorite character Tyrion was downright sanitized compared to his portrayal in the books, which was already bad enough. Later, his brother’s long journey towards independence was completely forgotten so he could simp for his sister yet again. The Dorne storyline was turned into an amateur side story (the Sand Snakes were just pure cringe), Lady Stoneheart was cut out, and franchise Big Bad the Night King got one-shotted by a little girl.

These are just a few of the problematic ways that the show disappointed its most dedicated fans (don’t even get me started on Daenerys’ dumb heel turn and Bran’s inexplicable importance to the ending). But it’s important to note that the biggest disappointments came from how Game of Thrones veered away from the original text in many frustrating ways. These were unforced errors overseen by lazy showrunners too concerned with wrapping everything up than making sure this show stuck the landing. One of those showrunners was David Benioff, who explained his sloppy approach to literary adaptations over two decades ago.

Now, Our Watch Is Complete

In a 2004 issue of the journal Creative Screenwriting, Benioff discusses his approach to adapting Homer’s epic poem The Iliad into Troy, a blockbuster feature film. “I always followed the route that I thought was better for the movie; if that meant that I was cheating on Homer, then so be it.” To the writer, it was an easy decision to cut or change things from the book in order to create a better film. But Benioff seemingly didn’t know or care that, to major fans of the original source material, major changes would keep us from actually enjoying the movie. 

In short, that’s what happened with Game of Thrones. After relatively faithfully adapting earlier books, the show kept making bigger and bigger changes that angered the fandom. This culminated in a slopfest of a final season that very nearly ruined one of the biggest franchises in television history. All of this happened under the not-so-watchful eye of David Benioff, a man whose entire Hollywood career was built on badly adapting a beloved, swords-and-sorcery literary epic. Seriously, go watch Troy, and then listen to your favorite mythology bro tell you everything that movie got wrong about Homer’s ancient classic. After that, you’ll know why Game of Thrones’ failed fate was sealed long before its first episode ever aired on HBO.

Jessie James Decker is getting candid about another body change, and this time, she’s ready to go smaller. The country singer revealed she has officially decided to downsize her breast implants, five years after first undergoing cosmetic surgery.

During a recent Q&A on Instagram, Decker responded honestly when a fan asked about her breast augmentation journey. “I’ve officially decided to downsize,” the singer shared on her Instagram Stories. “I’m trying to figure out when and where, but I am ready.”

Decker, who previously opted for implants around the “400-plus” cc range, admitted they no longer feel right for her body, especially as she continues prioritizing fitness. “They have been a fun ride, so to speak, and I, of course, won’t ever have small ones, but any means,” she explained. “But the more in shape I’m getting, they just become more annoying and obvious to me how big they are for my body. I’m ready.”

Decker Previously Joked She Went ‘Big Or Go Home’

The announcement comes years after Decker openly discussed her decision to undergo breast augmentation in 2021 after welcoming children. At the time, the “Wanted” singer jokingly admitted she decided to “go big or go home.” “After deciding we were done having babies, I was finally ready to go big or go home, ha!” she previously wrote.

Decker explained she had first undergone a breast reduction and lift after feeling unhappy with changes to her body following pregnancies. “I had breast reduction and lift a couple years ago when they were hanging down to my belly button,” she candidly shared. “They were so big and perky before children, and I wanted them back … plus some.”

Pregnancy Changed How Jessie James Decker Felt About Her Implants

However, Decker later admitted she began second-guessing the larger implants after unexpectedly becoming pregnant with son Denver. “If I had known we were going to have another, I wouldn’t have gone so big,” she admitted in 2023. “When I’m pregnant, they get massive. Like, quadruple in size. Definitely need a reduction in the future.”

Decker shares four children, Vivianne Rose, Eric “Bubby” Thomas II, Forrest Bradley, and Denver Calloway, with husband and former NFL player Eric Decker.

While discussing family life last year, Decker made it clear she and Eric are likely finished growing their family. “Well, [Eric] is snipped, so if I were to get knocked up again, it’s because of that two percent chance!” she joked to Us Weekly.

The singer also reflected on raising her toddler, Denver, alongside her older children. “Denver’s starting to walk, which is cool,” Decker said. “We’re obviously not sleeping very much, [but] it’s amazing to be able to do it all over again. It’s fun that the kids are older and getting to do this with us, watching their little baby brother grow up.”

Decker Previously Broke Down Over Cruel Body-Shaming Comments

Decker’s latest comments about wanting to downsize her implants come years after she candidly opened up about the emotional toll online body criticism had taken on her. Back in 2022, the singer tearfully addressed harsh comments about her appearance after trolls began criticizing her weight and body shape online.

“They’re talking about, apparently, how fat I’ve gotten, and how boxy and how terrible my body looks,” Decker said at the time. “It’s pretty awful, and I just can’t believe this is still happening in the world, like that people are doing this.”

Jessie James Decker Refused To Let Weight Gain Define Her

The country star admitted she had gained weight but pushed back on the idea that it should matter to anyone else. “I used to obsess over it, try to stay a certain weight, and most recently, over the past year, I decided to just let myself live,” she explained.

“I work out, and I eat what I want, and I 100% am 10 lbs. heavier than what I used to be,” she continued. “Truthfully. I used to weigh like 115 [lbs.], and I’m not anymore! I eat what I wan,t and I’m happy with that.” Still, Decker admitted the relentless criticism impacted her confidence, saying the hateful comments sometimes made her question herself.

“I cannot believe there are people out there that say these things about people. How can you wake up and live with yourself?” she said while becoming emotional. “And it does make you stop and look in the mirror and go, is there something wrong with me? Am I gaining weight, is there something wrong with me?”

The world of Friday the 13th is finally returning, but this time audiences are heading back to Camp Crystal Lake long before Jason Voorhees became one of horror’s most iconic killers. A24 and Peacock’s upcoming prequel series Crystal Lake is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated horror television events in years, blending psychological horror, slasher roots, and prestige television storytelling into a fresh take on the legendary franchise.

Produced by A24, Crystal Lake serves as a prequel to the original Friday the 13th film and will explore the dark origins surrounding Pamela Voorhees, Camp Crystal Lake, and the tragedy that changed horror history forever. The series is being developed for Peacock and is currently scheduled to premiere on October 15, 2026.

Leading the cast is Linda Cardellini as Pamela Voorhees, the grieving mother whose descent into madness became the catalyst for the franchise’s blood-soaked legacy. The role marks a major shift for Cardellini, who is best known for projects like Dead to Me, Scooby-Doo, and Freaks and Geeks. Joining her is Callum Vinson as a young Jason Voorhees, giving fans their first real look at the character before he became the masked killer audiences know today.

Additional cast members include William Catlett, Devin Kessler, Cameron Scoggins, and Gwendolyn Sundstrom, alongside recurring appearances from Nick Cordileone, Joy Suprano, Danielle Kotch, and Christopher Denham.

The series has undergone a fascinating development journey. Originally announced in 2022 with Bryan Fuller attached as showrunner, the project later shifted creative direction before landing with writer and producer Brad Caleb Kane. Kane has described Crystal Lake as more than a traditional slasher series, calling it a psychological thriller inspired by paranoid 1970s cinema. According to Kane, the show will still feature brutal kills and rivers of blood, but the violence will be grounded in character, trauma, and atmosphere rather than simple shock value.

Linda Cardellini (Pam Voorhees) and Callum Vinson (Jason Voorhees)

That approach feels perfectly aligned with A24’s modern horror identity. Over the past decade, the studio has transformed genre filmmaking with films like Hereditary, Midsommar, and Talk to Me, often emphasizing emotional dread and layered storytelling over traditional jump scares. Crystal Lake appears poised to bring that same elevated horror style into the Friday the 13th universe while still honoring the franchise’s campfire slasher roots.

Filming reportedly took place in New Jersey, including locations tied to the original 1980 movie, giving the project an extra layer of authenticity for longtime fans. Production wrapped in late 2025, and recent updates suggest the series is now deep into post-production.

For horror fans, Crystal Lake represents something the franchise has never truly explored before: the emotional and psychological foundation behind the Voorhees family tragedy. Instead of simply revisiting Jason’s kills, the series aims to show how the legend of Crystal Lake was born in the first place.

And with A24 involved, expectations are understandably sky high.

Sienna Miller is getting real about mothering three kids in different phases of life after welcoming a newborn.

“I would say the teenage girl would be harder to juggle until the transatlantic flight I took yesterday with the toddler and the newborn,” Miller, 44, said during a Thursday, May 15 appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. “The toddler now wins, hands down.”

She added, “It was an absolute disaster. There’s no negotiating. No is no.”

Miller recalled the “looks” she was given on the flight while having a child throwing a tantrum.

“The baby’s screaming. She’s screaming,” Miller continued. “I got to the line, the immigration line, and just broke down. I was just like, ‘What do I do?’”

Miller shares eldest daughter, Marlowe, 13, with ex-fiancé Tom Sturridge. She and boyfriend Oli Green have two kids — a daughter born in January 2024 and a second baby born three weeks ago.

“It’s crazy to be talking words and wearing, like, a dress,” Miller said on Thursday. “What has happened from pajama gate?”

Miller confirmed to E! News on Monday, May 11, that she had given birth to her second baby with Green, 29.

“It’s happened,” she confirmed. “I have a tiny baby next door.”

Miller joked, “It feels like stringing sentences together is a bit challenging. I’m on very little sleep, but I’m madly in love with my baby.”

Miller announced her pregnancy in December 2025 when showing off her baby bump at the British Fashion Awards.

Miller has been romantically linked to Green, a fellow actor and producer, since 2022.

“I didn’t expect to take it seriously,” she told Harper’s Bazaar in June 2024. “And then quite quickly, I fell in love.”

The couple made headlines for their 14-year age gap, which Miller addressed in the same interview.

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“I wasn’t like, ‘I’m gonna get a younger boyfriend,’” she recalled. “It was more, ‘F***! Why are you young? That’s so annoying.’”

However, the age gap ended up being a huge plus for Miller, who praised her man for how he treats her.

“There is a difference in the way that generation of men respect women,” she continued. “It’s specific to him, he is very wise and well-adjusted, but I do believe it’s also that generation. They have grown up with a slightly more level playing field. I see it in his female friends as well as in the men.”

David Letterman made a fiery return to his old stomping grounds to stand in solidarity with Stephen Colbert as his tenure on the network comes to an end. 

The late-night legend did not hold back his frustration, openly criticizing the network’s leadership and participating in a chaotic display of defiance.

This update follows CBS’s 2025 announcement that the show would end for “financial reasons” after Skydance Media’s acquisition of Paramount. 

On Thursday, 79-year-old Letterman returned to the Ed Sullivan Theater for one final appearance on the show he founded over three decades ago. 

Joining the 62-year-old Colbert, Letterman used his platform to air his grievances about the cancellation of the franchise, jokingly saying, “I have every right to be p-ssed off, so I’ll be p-ssed off here a little bit.” 

He reminded the audience that the theater was rebuilt under his watch and that he paved the way for Colbert’s success, emphasizing that while a network can take away a show, they cannot silence a person’s voice.

The veteran comedian also took a lighthearted jab at the future of other late-night hosts, questioning what would happen to “the Jimmys” now that the landscape is shifting.

The evening took a destructive turn when the two hosts headed to the roof of the theater to vent their frustrations on network property. Letterman expressed that destroying the furniture brought “true joy” to his heart as they tossed Colbert’s desk chair and the iconic guest sofas off the building. They even launched a commemorative cake sent by CBS to mark the show’s 1993–2026 run.

David Letterman Did Not Buy CBS’s Explanation For Ending ‘The Late Show’

While Letterman’s recent rooftop rebellion with Colbert was a physical display of his anger, his verbal attacks on CBS have been equally sharp.

In a recent interview, the legendary broadcaster didn’t mince words, describing the network executives as “lying weasels” for their handling of the show’s departure. 

Although Letterman admitted he no longer feels a personal sense of ownership over the program, he remains fiercely protective of the legacy he built and the staff currently working there. The Blast reported that he compared the news of the shutdown to a poorly handled robbery.

Letterman also explicitly challenged the network’s claim that the move was a financial necessity due to the rise of streaming, insisting instead that the budget explanation was merely a cover for the true nature of the Skydance deal.

How David Letterman Feels About Stephen Colbert’s Replacement

Beyond his criticism of the network’s honesty, Letterman has also dissected the specific strategy CBS is using to fill the void left by Colbert’s departure.

During an appearance on “The Barbara Gaines Show” podcast, the former host explained that the network is prioritizing profit by drastically cutting production costs. 

Instead of a traditional variety show, the 11:35 p.m. slot will be handed over to Byron Allen’s “Comics Unleashed,” followed by “Funny You Should Ask” at 12:35 a.m., per The Blast. 

While he admitted that replacing a high-budget production with a simpler comedy talk show is a “pretty good idea” financially, it marks a significant departure from the established late-night format.

Stephen Colbert Was Suprised By The Cancellation Of His Show

Amid the corporate tension and set-piece destruction, Colbert broke his silence on the surprising end of his tenure. The comedian revealed that the news of the show’s cancellation came without any warning, catching him completely off guard just after he had signed a new contract. 

While CBS maintains that the decision was based on profitability, Colbert admitted he was shocked to see the “Late Show” franchise being retired entirely rather than simply finding a new host, as reported by The Blast.

Notably, even with his departure looming, Colbert has remained candid on-air, continuing to offer sharp critiques of President Donald Trump. This persistence has led some, including several US senators, to wonder if the cancellation was influenced by political pressure rather than just financial concerns. 

Stephen Colbert Is Already Looking At New Career Choices

While the political and corporate fallout of his cancellation remains a hot topic, Colbert is already preparing for a major creative shift.

The Blast confirmed that as his late-night era draws to a close this May, the 62-year-old host is moving into blockbuster filmmaking as a screenwriter for a new “The Lord of the Rings” project. 

Working alongside his son, Peter McGee, and collaborator Philippa Boyens, Colbert is co-writing a film titled “Shadow of the Past.” The host, a lifelong fan of J.R.R. Tolkien, developed the story after discovering elements from the original books that were left out of the initial movie trilogy.

Movies that center on the battles fought by members of the military certainly have their place, but sometimes it’s more fun to see what (albeit, fictional) soldiers might do against an alien combatant rather than another flesh-and-blood human being. It’s with this idea in mind that the military science fiction subgenre was likely born, and though the idea certainly exists across every storytelling medium, it’s the movies that typically offer the best military vs. alien warfare.

Whether you prefer realistic depictions of alien invasions, comic book-inspired tales, or one-on-one conflicts between man and extra-terrestrial beast, there are plenty of options to choose from. For all you action lovers out there, we’ve put together a list of some of the best action-packed military vs. alien movies we could muster. While you have no doubt seen some of these, others may have slipped over your watchlist. So, let’s rouse the troops and look to the skies, because these are the alien invasion movies that you’ve just got to see.

10

‘Battle: Los Angeles’ (2011)

For a gritty, intense, and fairly violent take on the battle between U.S. Marines and alien invaders, Battle: Los Angeles is an underrated sci-fi adventure that may just be worth revisiting. Following Aaron Eckhart‘s Staff Sergeant Michael Nantz and his Marine platoon, the movie has no trouble living up to its name as the soldiers fight for the sake of a small batch of survivors. Sure, it’s a bit clichéd, but it’s still perfect for folks looking for a military-focused alien adventure.

Full of shaky action sequences that echo the early 2000s style of Bourne-like action movies and high-stakes that hardly let up, Battle: LA deserves more praise than it initially received. It was largely overshadowed by Skyline at the time, but has since become a cult favorite for many who adore these sorts of action-packed thrills. Director Jonathan Liebesman pushed the concept to the limit as the City of Angels is on the line.

9

‘Stargate’ (1994)

Image via MGM

The father of modern military sci-fi on television, Stargate is another underrated sci-fi flick that takes U.S. Air Force Colonel Jack O’Neil (Kurt Russell) and a small group through an interstellar wormhole that sends them to the Ancient Egypt-inspired world of Abydos. There, they discover that Egyptian mythology is actually fact, but Ra (Jaye Davidson) isn’t an actual god, he’s an alien warlord who seeks to return to and invade Earth. Although not as grand a scale as some of the other films on this list, the stakes remain high.

Stargate would prove such a good idea that it would spawn a trilogy of television shows that continued the military sci-fi adventure, including Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, and Stargate Universe. While the shows are great (and come highly recommended), Stargate the movie is where it’s at if you’re looking for a quick watch that scratches your alien itch. You won’t be disappointed in this Roland Emmerich adventure.

8

‘Pacific Rim’ (2013)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Clearly inspired by the megazord battles of Power Rangers, there’s nothing quite like the original Pacific Rim. When monstrous kaijus begin appearing through a rift in the Pacific Ocean, mankind’s military forces come together to build Jaegers, giant mech suits that require two pilots to fight in-sync. As giant robots battle giant monsters, this military sci-fi flick isn’t your typical boots-on-the-ground soldier vs. alien warfare picture, but it certainly qualifies.

Directed by Guillermo del Toro, Pacific Rim would also spawn a larger franchise, though the original sci-fi masterpiece is still undoubtedly the best of the brand. With shockingly relatable characters and a complex mythology that is both original and engaging, Pacific Rim delivers on all giant fronts. It’s only a shame that we didn’t get a crossover with Godzilla…

7

‘Predator’ (1987)

Image via 20th Century Fox

While not the original “military vs. alien” movie, Predator may be one of the first to come to mind when you think of members of the Armed Forces in conflict with extraterrestrials. When the CIA sends U.S. Army Special Forces operator Dutch Schaefer (Arnold Schwarzenegger) on a mission to the Central American jungle, things go haywire when an alien warrior begins tearing through his entire unit. In many ways, Predator was the first of its kind, sparking a wave of imitators, though it remains firmly on top.

Directed by action movie legend John McTiernan, Predator is everything folks love about Schwarzenegger movies, complete with a solid cast that also includes Carl Weathers and Shane Black. The action movie ended up sparking an entire Predator franchise that continues the idea, but only the original 1987 film really delivers on that initial “military vs. alien” premise — well, except for maybe the Shane Black-directed The Predator, but that movie is terrible so feel free to skip it.

6

‘War Machine’ (2026)

Image via Netflix

Riding on the tail of Predator is the newest Netflix hit War Machine, which tosses Alan Ritchson in with a group of potential U.S. Army Rangers as they seek to accomplish their final task before promotion. Only, upon arriving in the field, they soon find themselves stalked and hunted by a mechanical monster that crash-landed from the stars. Fighting to get their wounded comrades help, they attempt to outrun the machine as it relentlessly pursues them. By the end, it becomes clear that humanity is at war.

War Machine may not be as thrilling as Predator, but it comes from similar bones and (for the most part) sticks the landing. The juxtaposition of Ritchson’s service in Afghanistan with this new intergalactic warfare is fascinating, especially as he works through the trauma of one while surviving the other. War Machine is a great watch if you’re looking for something quick but engaging on a free evening, and it looks like we may even get a sequel down the line.

5

‘Man of Steel’ (2013)

Image via Warner Bros.

Alright, now this one may seem like a strange pick on the surface since Superman (Henry Cavill) is not a member of the military. However, Zack Snyder‘s DC Extended Universe begins with the U.S. Army getting involved with the titular Man of Steel the moment an alien threat shows up in Earth’s orbit. In fact, Snyder even pits the military against General Zod (Michael Shannon) and his elite Kryptonian army, with Man of Steel being the first live-action Superman feature to utilize the U.S. Department of Defense in the making of.

Between the Man of Steel working alongside the military to characters like U.S. Air Force Colonel Nathan Hardy (Christopher Meloni) taking down a handful of invaders single-handedly, there’s enough here in between the superheroics to keep any Armed Forces enthusiast satisfied. It may not be your conventional military vs. alien picture, but Man of Steel honors real-world heroes while highlighting DC’s flagship wonder. It’s a fine balance with some stellar sci-fi action sequences to boot.

4

‘Starship Troopers’ (1997)

Image via TriStar Pictures

Probably one of the first movies that came to mind when you think of aliens vs. soldiers was Starship Troopers — and for good reason. This semi-satirical, propaganda-inspired take on the military industrial complex pits mankind’s Mobile Infantry against a wave of alien bugs who may (or may not) be threatening to take over our world. Director Paul Verhoeven likely had no idea how beloved this movie would be all these years later — we even counted it among the best sci-fi flicks of the ’90s.

Although undoubtedly a critique of American militarism, Starship Troopers arguably plays better when watched straight as an almost patriotic unification of humanity against a common goal. Of course, there’s a lot wrong with the Federation, but these warriors are an elite band that are easy to get behind, between the unstoppable Johnny Rico (Casper Van Dien) to the dazzling Dizzy Flores (Dina Meyer). Plus, it’s just a ton of fun to watch those alien bugs go splat.

3

‘Edge of Tomorrow’ (2014)

Image via Warner Bros.

We’ve seen Tom Cruise as a member of the military before (hello, Top Gun) and we’ve even seen him go up against alien invaders (Oblivion, anyone?), but if you want both of those ideas in one single place, there’s no better action flick out there than Edge of Tomorrow. Billed as “Live. Die. Repeat.” in some markets, this fast-paced Doug Liman picture thrusts Cruise’s Major William Cage, a P.R. rep with no combat experience, right into the fire alongside recent hero Sergeant Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt).

As the pair battle this group of “Mimics,” animal-like alien beings that accidentally give Cage the ability to relive the same day after every death. With the knowledge he gains from his multiple lives, we watch as Cage himself grows into a hero, and fights alongside the United Defense Force (UDF) to wipe out all alien invaders. With thrilling battle sequences and a compelling arc for Cruise’ latest on-screen hero, Edge of Tomorrow is so good that fans have been clamoring for a sequel for years.

2

‘Aliens’ (1986)

Image via 20th Century Studios

Of course, this list wouldn’t be remotely complete without James Cameron’s Aliens. Sure, some might argue that Avatar is the better pick, but there’s nothing that beats the Colonel Marines going up against a hive of xenomorphs on an abandoned alien world. Throw in Sigourney Weaver’s Ellen Ripley, and the whole thing is a recipe for science fiction success topped off by incredible visuals that frighten as much as they do captivate.

Aliens really is the crown jewel of the larger Alien franchise, despite being a sequel. Not only does it offer plenty of alien vs. military showdowns worthy of the name, but characters like Corporal Dwayne Hicks (Michael Biehn) and the android Bishop (Lance Henriksen) made military science fiction cool again at a time when it was not the norm. For so many reasons, Aliens deserves its place here — it may even be the best of the bunch.

1

‘Independence Day’ (1996)

Image via 20th Century Studios

Of course, when it comes to military forces waging war on impending alien invaders, there is perhaps no better movie than Independence Day. Coupling various perspectives, from Air Force pilots and government scientists to the average Joe’s willingness to pick up a weapon and fight, Roland Emmerich outdid himself with this inspiring disaster epic that helped usher in a new wave of sci-fi blockbuster. The stacked cast includes Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, and a host of other great performers.

Independence Day is all you could truly wish for in a movie tackling this caliber of alien vs. military warfare. Not only does it offer an interesting perspective on the inner-workings of the American government at the height of such a crisis, but it’s just too darn exciting to turn off. Even a poor sequel doesn’t dampen our love for the original sci-fi classic, which is an annual tradition for many around the Fourth of July.

Jennifer Lopez is giving fans a rare glimpse at her bare-faced beauty routine, and the internet definitely has opinions. The multi-hyphenate star showed off her makeup-free look during a self-care “day off” while walking followers through her skincare regimen using products from her own JLo Beauty line.

In the video, Lopez appeared fresh-faced as she demonstrated her step-by-step skincare process, which included several products from JLo Beauty. The singer and actress used the brand’s Gel Cream Cleanser, Brightening Serum, Ultra-Hydrating Lip Mask, and Nutrient-Rich Hydrating Mist while sharing a motivational message about consistency and self-belief.

“I was thinking, we have all these hopes, these dreams, these desires. And what I realized is that that’s the key,” Lopez said. “We actually create what we want. Whether it’s our dream job or it’s great skin. And we do that with consistency.”

Lopez also credited consistency as one of the driving forces behind her decades-long success. “It’s the believing. It’s the idea that I can create whatever it is I want in my life. And that has been true,” she explained.

Lopez Says Consistency Is The Secret To Results

While finishing her skincare routine, Lopez reflected on how daily habits have shaped both her career and appearance over the years. “And so as I begin this day with my skincare routine, I do it with joy knowing that,” she said. “It leads me to the results that I want. I hope that’s helpful.”

The post quickly gained traction online as fans flooded comment sections with reactions to Lopez’s glowing complexion. Many fans praised Lopez’s youthful appearance, with some insisting the star looks even better in person.

“I stood right beside her at a restaurant a few years ago and thought she was a model.. Her skin was like glass, she is surprisingly tall in heels, and very slim. She looks way better in person,” one person claimed. “She looks beautiful,” another commenter added.

Jennifer Lopez’s ‘Makeup-Free’ Look Sparks Filters And Surgery Debate

Others, however, questioned whether the look was truly makeup-free. “Less makeup certainly, but she has lipstick, eyeliner, and some kind of brow product on,” one critic wrote. Another commenter speculated about cosmetic procedures, claiming, “she has had face neck lifts and lasers… it takes invasive intervention to look like this at 56.”

Some users also questioned whether filters played a role in the video, with comments like, “Camera filters,” and “Makeup free, but there are still filters.”

Lopez Shuts Down Cosmetic Procedure Speculation

As speculation surrounding her youthful appearance continues, Lopez has repeatedly shut down rumors that cosmetic procedures are behind her glow.

The singer and actress has consistently maintained that she has never undergone Botox, injectables, or plastic surgery, even when critics have questioned whether her skin could really look that smooth naturally. “I have never done Botox or any injectables or surgery,” Lopez previously said while addressing online accusations surrounding her appearance.

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At one point, Lopez even responded after a doctor publicly suggested she may have had cosmetic work done, doubling down on her stance. “That’s just my face!!!” she wrote at the time, reiterating her position for what she jokingly called the “500 millionth time.”

Jennifer Lopez Says She Had ‘Great Chemistry’ With Brett Goldstein

While fans continue debating her skincare secrets, Lopez is also gearing up for her upcoming Netflix romantic comedy, and she’s already gushing over co-star Brett Goldstein.

Speaking at Netflix’s Upfront presentation in New York City on May 13, Lopez opened up about working alongside the “Ted Lasso” star and revealed their connection came naturally while filming. “We had great chemistry to begin with,” Lopez said. “It just grew as we did the film together.”

The singer and actress admitted Goldstein was actually very different from what she initially expected. “I expected more of a rough guy, but you get this kind, gentle but also very smart person that is so charming,” Lopez explained. “That was a surprise, I think.”

Lopez also revealed she was already a major fan of Goldstein thanks to his breakout role as Roy Kent on “Ted Lasso.”

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“I was a huge fan of his from him doing Ted Lasso. Roy Kent, that’s one of my favorite characters,” she said. “I thought he was going to be more like the character, but he was so soft-spoken and sweet and totally different.”

Is she really a doctor or isn’t she? That’s the question social media has been debating ALL WEEK about Cheyenne Bryant, who’s built a large platform as Dr. Cheyenne Bryant. Amid promoting her new book, ‘Live Your Promise,’ questions have surfaced about her credentials. Two interviews meant to address the topic have only added more fuel to the dumpster fire blazing online! But, no matter what the internet has to say, Bryant insists she’ll continue to use doctor in her name…and even wear it around her neck!

RELATED: She Snapped? Life Coach Dr. Cheyenne Bryant READS Ne-Yo While Assessing His Dating Choices (WATCH)

Cheyenne Bryant Explains Transcripts Mystery, Blames “Pretty Punishment” For Backlash

Bryant’s Instagram bio currently reads: “psychology expert, life coach and author,” while her handle includes “doctor.” She’s pushing her newly-released book and continuing to promote content about having breakthroughs, navigating marriage, and even intimacy.

Meanwhile, her comment sections are still demanding answers about whether having “doctor” before her name is legitimate. That conversation went mega-viral after her May 12 appearance on ‘The Breakfast Club.’ She explained that she was only clearing up the credentials conversation for her “DocSquad” and not people who don’t like her. “I don’t give a f**k,” were her words for her critics. She later explained that she was enrolled in Argosy University’s doctoral program. The university permanently closed in March 2019, and Bryant claimed she struggled to obtain her school records after it did. She said she contacted financial aid, which offered her a refund in exchange for no credit for any programs or courses she completed at the university. She declined.

“You can’t make up financial aid. It shows that I paid for a doctoral program, alongside my masters program and my undergrad program,” Cheyenne Bryant said.

Ultimately, she explained that she has some transcripts, up to her dissertation, after downloading them from the student portal at the time of attendance. “But everything else, there’s no…holding take for any of our records, which I think is completely effed up.” She explained that the school’s third-party only held the record for two years after the university closed. When DJ Envy pointed out the argument that people allow her credentials to slide because of how she looks, she explained her “pretty punishment” concept.

“…I’ve learned that there’s pretty punishment. And I didn’t really understand that term until I got into my field…I been in my field for 18 years, I didn’t get into my field to become famous…a celebrity,” Bryant said.

Also, she said the people made her famous. Her true intention was to share what she learned from the journey God put her on. “No one goes to college and gets multiple degrees to say I want to be famous. Now do I love it? Yeah I love it, I’m grateful for it, I appreciate it.” 

Bryant Doubles Down On Doctor Credentials

Two days after ‘The Breakfast Club’ interview dropped, Cheyenne Bryant appeared on ‘The Marissa Mitchell Show’ on Fox 5 DC. She was there to promote ‘Live Your Promise,’ and they talked about it in depth. Then, toward the end, she again addressed questions about her credentials. First, she said she was doing “really good” amid the backlash, expressing thankfulness for the “free marketing.” She referenced God in her additional answer, basically saying that her expansion and growth is inevitably going to come with “a heavier cross.”

“My obedience is to God, not to people…as long as I’m in his will and I’m serving and I’m doing his word, my sheep will know my voice. Even the sheep in wolf’s clothing…,” she said.

When Mitchell pushed back about her refusal to provide proof, Cheyenne Bryant said her proof “isn’t something [she] has to prove to individuals.” Adding:

“My proof is already in my credentials, my degrees and also more than just my titles, it’s in how effective I’ve been. All of my sessions have been live for the most part. My sessions with Nick Cannon, Cam Newton, Shannon Sharpe, B. Simone. They have all been for the world to see.”

Bryant added that she’s “effective” at what she does, and that she created her own lane, which can often inspire admiration to convert to envy. When Mitchell asked why she won’t drop “Dr.” from her name if she won’t provide proof of her degree, this was Bryant’s response:

“…I’ve earned the title, I have multiple degrees and I’m not going to prove anything to anybody and we’re going to leave it just as that,” Cheyenne Bryant. “Standing by it because I earned it, absolutely.”

 

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Social Media Users Are Dragging “Dr. Bryant” Across Platforms

Yup, she’s the hot topic on every platform. From X to Meta to Instagram, Threads, YouTube and TikTok. The people want the proof that Cheyenne Bryant is refusing to provide. And the conversations are leading to comparisons to people like, Dr. Sebi, Dr. Umar (who holds an actual Doctor of Clinical Psychology degree), Dr. Dre and even that one 18-year-old who went viral and was later arrested for impersonating a doctor, Malachi “Dr. Love” Love-Robinson. Even skits referencing Cheyenne are going viral. Keep scrolling for a taste of how the internet is dragging the topic to no end!

A black woman with a doctorate gone show it to you before you even ask. Next! 😂

— Tony! Toni! Toné! (@Beebz05) May 14, 2026

Dr. Cheyenne Bryant, Dr. Umar & Dr. Sebi walk into a bar………….

— DuffJuice (@DuffJuice30) May 14, 2026

Chile she done went on Fox to double down 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/diubFtZEEP

— Jamila 🔔 (@_iamjamila) May 14, 2026

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Cheyenne Bryant when you ask what makes her a doctor pic.twitter.com/sq9KL3glO4

— Aye Yo B (@BeSmoove7) May 14, 2026

Sis Said https://t.co/MYsf2XNNVi pic.twitter.com/EQ6E79l7pU

— IT WAS NEVER GOING TO BE ME (@solomonmissouri) May 14, 2026

Should’ve known Cheyenne Bryant was a fraud concerning the degrees because that’s one thing Black women will tell you almost unprovoked

— Atlanta Journal-Prostitution (@285Slim) May 14, 2026

PEEP THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW TO SEE ADDITIONAL REACTIONS FROM THE ROOMMATES.

RELATED: Social Media Shows Jasmin Brown Love Following Dr. Cheyenne Bryant’s Remarks About Her Romance With Cam Newton