Earlier this year, the Aaron Taylor-Johnson crime thriller Fuze exploded into theaters. A tale of high-octane action and high explosives, the film didn’t make a huge crater in the box office. Now, the countdown is on to its streaming release date, which is coming sooner than you might think.

Fuze centers around an unexploded bomb, seemingly left over from World War II, that’s unearthed on a construction site in the heart of London. The military and police, commanded by Zuzana Greenfield (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), secure the area and evacuate the surrounding civilians while Major Will Tranter (Taylor-Johnson) and his team are sent in to defuse the device. Amidst the unrest, George Karalis (Theo James) and his crew, including the mysterious X (Sam Worthington), break into a now-abandoned bank to steal a fortune in uncut diamonds. However, all is not as it seems, as the plot goes through more complications than a booby-trapped detonator; when the dust clears from the explosive climax, you might not believe who’s still standing in the rubble.

Fuze will hit streaming on HBO Max starting on September 4. The film is from director David Mackenzie, who had a critical and financial hit with another bank-robbery thriller, the Taylor Sheridan-penned Hell or High Water, back in 2016. The script is by Ben Hopkins (Inside). It was released in theaters earlier this year, and garnered $5 million USD at the box office. It earned solid reviews from critics, and holds a 72% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. In his review, Collider’s Ross Bonaime called the film “mediocre,” but praised fun performances from Taylor-Johnson and James.

Where Can Aaron Taylor-Johnson Be Seen Next?

Taylor-Johnson will next be seen howling at the moon this Christmas Day as he reunites with Nosferatu director Robert Eggers for the horror film Werwulf. Next, he’ll star alongside Benedict Cumberbatch and Eva Green in the Cary Joji Fukunaga-directed thriller Blood on Snow; it’s an adaptation of a novel by best-selling crime writer Jo Nesbø. He’s also slated to appear in Cry to Heaven, a historical drama that will be the first film directed by Tom Ford in a decade; a tale of a noble and a castrato in 18th-century Italy, it’s based on a non-horror novel by the late Anne Rice. Taylor-Johnson will also appear with Alicia Vikander in Enigma Variations, a globe-trotting Netflix romance miniseries.

Fuze will stream on HBO Max starting on September 4. Stay tuned to Collider for future updates.

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Release Date

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April 24, 2026

Runtime

98 minutes

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Director

David Mackenzie

Writers

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Ben Hopkins

Producers

Gillian Berrie, Callum Grant, David Mackenzie, Sebastien Raybaud

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We all love a quick fix now and again. While long-running television shows sometimes require a longer commitment, the beauty of a miniseries is that it is built to satisfy audiences through a single storyline. The 20th century was filled with iconic miniseries, many of which aired on network television. Then, at the start of the 21st century, they shifted over to the premium cable channels. Now, we seem to be living in a golden age of miniseries thanks to the streamers.

Since 2010, there have been an abundance of extraordinary miniseries. With more freedom on the streamers, the way stories can be told in miniseries has changed drastically. Darker, more complex narratives have come to the forefront. Daring and bold risks are taken. From dramatizations of shocking true stories to sensational adaptations of classic works, the six titles on this list represent some of the best miniseries since 2010. Though there are certainly many others that could have slipped in, these six are at the tippy top of the list.

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‘Adolescence’ (2025)

Image via Netflix

By no means is Adolescence an easy series to watch, but it sure is a fascinating product! The enthralling Netflix psychological drama tells the story of Janie Miller (Owen Cooper), a 13-year-old schoolboy who becomes the center of a scandal after he is arrested for murdering a girl in his school, Katie Leonard (Emilia Holliday). The series then follows Jamie’s parents, Eddie and Manda (Stephen Graham and Christine Tremarco), as they navigate the police and legal system as they handle the great shock of the event and the revelations about their own son. Adolescence tackles the real themes of toxic internet culture, peer pressure, male rage and the distorted ideals of modern masculinity. A truly harrowing film, Adolescence is built on pure, raw emotion.

The one-shot wonder took the streaming world by storm with its pristine four-episode series. Each tightly plotted episode is filmed in a single continuous take. By doing so, it captures the range of emotions, pure chaos, and dark intimacy of the situations. From the initial arrest to the series-defining psychologist session between Jamie and Briony Ariston (Erin Doherty), the series feels terrifyingly immersive. Created by Jack Thorne and Graham and directed by Philip Barantini, Adolescence became a transcendent piece that, on the surface, may have seemed like an extraordinarily extensive crime that was still rooted in reality. It was essentially presented without flaw. The series catapulted Cooper to great heights, sweeping the awards with win after win. Adolescence was not a whodunnit, but rather a masterful why-dunnit.

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‘Chernobyl’ (2019)

Image via HBO

The thought of telling the story of a horrible human tragedy may not be the biggest seller for a series, but Chernobyl was executed perfectly. Written by Craig Mazin and directed by Johan Renck, Chernobyl used only five tightly curated episodes to explore the catastrophic nuclear accident in Ukraine. The series dramatizes the explosion, the immediate chaos, the massive cleanup efforts, and the intense political cover-up and systemic lies by the Soviet government. Brought to life through an exceptional ensemble, featuring Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, Emily Watson, Jessie Buckley, and Paul Ritter, Chernobyl doesn’t rewrite or sanitize history but captures the devastation through meticulous historical accuracy and visceral horror.

Rather than playing it like a documentary, Chernobyl treats its story as a human-driven dramatization. The series doesn’t attempt to soften the reality, instead providing a stark, grim reality. Viewers are dropped straight into the apocalyptic nightmare and the horrendous aftermath that dissected how bureaucratic lies, cover-ups, and systemic arrogance caused and worsened the catastrophe. Renck’s direction features a bleak color story that gives the series a lived-in, real-time atmosphere. Chernobyl pushes beyond a retelling to use the overarching theme of the cost of truth to serve as a harrowing reminder of what happens when a government decides to suppress scientific fact.

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‘The Haunting of Hill House’ (2018)

Image via Netflix

The Netflix and Mike Flanagan collaboration served as one of the very best in streaming history. Launching a craving for short-form horror storytelling, The Haunting of Hill House, the first series in a string of hits, revitalized the genre for the small screen. Taking inspiration from Shirley Jackson’s novel, the series splits across two timelines. In 1992, Hugh and Olivia Crain (Henry Thomas and Carla Gugino) and their five kids move into a massive mansion to fix it up and sell it. The house slowly drives the family mad with terrifying visions. One tragic night, they flee the house, leaving Olivia dead inside. Twenty-six years later, a new family tragedy forces the grown-up siblings and their father to reunite and face the dark ghosts of their past. The Haunting of Hill House masters a ghost story with an exploration of grief, trauma, guilt, and pain and how it stays with an individual through time.

By maintaining a human-centric narrative, Flanagan ensures a genuine blend of terror with profound heartbreak of a family experiencing trauma. Through its core supernatural elements, The Haunting of Hill House uses the scares as a unique metaphor for how each family handles sorrow, depression, and loss. Trauma is established as the true monster of the story, not the physical manifestation of a ghost haunting the home. Flanaghan’s experience as a horror director allowed for a sublimely crafted thriller. He evokes a ghoulish atmosphere where dread lurks around every corner. The technical craftsmanship made The Haunting of Hill House better than some big screen frights. The Haunting of Hill House pushed horror to new storytelling directions. Without The Haunting of Hill House, we would never have experienced The Haunting of Bly Manor, Midnight Mass, or The Fall of the House of Usher.

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‘The Night Of’ (2016)

Image via HBO

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Crime thrillers have seen a rise over the last few decades. Moving beyond a typical police procedural, miniseries have the power to take a single narrative and allow it to unfold over the course of a couple of episodes. One of the very best at the beginning of the trend was the incomparable The Night Of. Based on the British series Criminal Justice, the eight-part crime drama centered around Pakistani-American college student Nasir “Naz” Khan (Riz Ahmed), who is accused of a brutal murder of Andrea Cornish (Sofia Black-D’Elia) after an eventful night out. Awaiting a trial at Riker’s Island, Naz endures the treacherous prison environment while being reprsented by a determined lawyer, John Stone (John Turturro). The series examines the flaws, pressures, and broken American legal system through the police investigation and Naz’s trial.

The Night Of is a masterclass in tension-building and storytelling. Through eight episodes, The Night Of mixes a gripping murder mystery with an in-depth examination of how individuals can lose the potential of justice through predetermined opinions and biases. By putting the spotlight on intricacies and flaws, the justice system is put on trial itself, bringing forth the pressure and prejudice can trap the innocent. Through depictions of race, class discrepancy, and immigration, The Night Of continues to have a timelessness to it. Perhaps the most haunting part of the series is the moral ambiguity. The Night Of refuses to neatly resolve the story, making it feel raw and hauntingly authentic. Even if freedom is granted to the innocent, does it mean any institutional change will come?

5

‘The Queen’s Gambit’ (2020)

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What happens when you unite a period coming-of-age story with the game of chess? You get The Queen’s Gambit. Based on Walter Tevis‘ novel, the series tells the story of Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy), a chess prodigy in the 1950s and 1960s who rises to the top of the game while dealing with drug and alcohol dependency. the series documents her journey as a young orphan who is taught the game of chess by Mr. Shaibel (Bill Camp), the orphanage’s custodian. Beth develops her skills as a cash-earning tournament chess champion, her adoptive mother Alma (Marielle Heller) pushes her to continue her journey to the top while reaping the financial benefits. The Queen’s Gambit depicts Beth’s brilliance at the chessboard as she faces off against her greatest foe: her inner demons.

Written and directed with precision by Scott Frank, The Queen’s Gambit is storytelling at its finest. One of the most popular series in Netflix history, The Queen’s Gambit was a captivating narrative with exceptional acting, breathtaking cinematography, and an overall vision that took Beth’s story beyond the board game. It miraculously transforms a slow-moving game and turns it into a high-stakes thriller. Rather than extend the series in hopes of a multi-season run, The Queen’s Gambit tells Beth’s story in an effective seven episodes. Taylor-Joy rises to superstardom through her quiet power, intense focus, and emotional realness. With strong attention to detail in the production design, The Queen’s Gambit immaculately brings the viewer into the action through the retro-set aesthetic. The Queen’s Gambit made history as the first streaming series to win Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series.

6

‘When They See Us’ (2019)

Image via Netflix

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One of the most important miniseries of all time is none other than When They See Us. Fearlessly brought to life by Ava DuVernay, the four episode drama tells the harrowing tale of the Central Park Five, now proudly known as the Exonerated Five. ​​​​​​​The gut-wrenching series follows five Black and Latino teenagers from Harlem— Kevin Richardson (Asante Blackk), Antron McCray (Caleel Harris), Yusef Salaam (Ethan Herisse), Korey Wise (Jharrel Jerome), and Raymond Santana (Marquis Rodriguez)—who were wrongfully accused and coerced into false confessions, and convicted of the 1989 assault and rape of a white female jogger in New York City. It chronicles their fight to clear their names, spanning 25 years from their initial questioning to their eventual exoneration in 2002. When They See Us is a tale of stolen innocence, the dehumanization of Black and Latino youth, the power of family resilience, and how media bias.

Not always the easiest story to watch, When They See Us uses historical authenticity to ensure an accurate representation of the events. In doing so, DuVernay exposes the deep-seated systemic racism and police coercion of the ordeal. Instead of a mystery, the true-crime drama focuses on the emotional aftermath and how it altered the lives of the accused, their families, and the lasting trauma caused by the legal system. The series boasts a brilliant ensemble, also featuring Michael K. Williams, Aunjanue Ellis, Vera Farmiga, John Leguizamo, Felicity Huffman, and Niecy Nash. A vibrantly shot series that brought a raw depiction of trauma to the screen, When They See Us makes the uncomfortable truths hit home harder than before.

Fans have been fascinated with the stars of Welcome to Plathville since the show’s 2019 debut — and the family’s love lives have become an integral part of the series.

The TLC series follows the lives of Kim Plath and estranged husband Barry Plath and eight of their nine children: Ethan, Micah, Moriah, Lydia, Isaac, Amber, Cassia and Mercy. Their eldest daughter, Hosanna Plath, has not been featured.

As the kids started to grow up, their romantic entanglements became more prominent, including Ethan’s marriage to and divorce from Olivia Plath.

When Olivia and Ethan called it quits in 2023, she claimed a lot of it had to do with Ethan’s family allegedly wanting to control their marriage and run their lives.

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When Micah began dating Veronica Peters that same year, the family couldn’t predict that she too would point the blame at their eventual split on the Plaths.

“I’m just getting gaslit by everybody,” Veronica claimed during an August 2025 episode of the show, which aired one month after she confirmed the couple’s split.

Scroll down to see the Welcome to Plathville cast’s dating history:

A simple question during a comedy interview recently unexpectedly created one of music’s most talked-about cross-genre moments. 

Doja Cat found herself at the center of a viral conversation after admitting she had no idea who chart-topping country singer Ella Langley was. 

What followed wasn’t a celebrity feud or a heated back-and-forth, but a candid explanation from the rapper and a clever response from Langley that had fans applauding her ability to laugh off the situation.

The unexpected moment unfolded during Doja Cat’s appearance on Caleb Pressley’s “Sundae Conversation” on August 23.

After steering the conversation from a joke involving Darth Vader and elevators, Pressley suddenly asked the rapper, “Did you think I was talkin about Ella Langley?” before following it up with, “Are you an Ella’s Fella?”

The question appeared to catch Doja completely off guard. “I don’t know what that is,” she replied. 

Pressley then asked, “Do you like Ella Langley?” to which Doja responded again, “I don’t know what that is.” The host seemed surprised by the answer given Langley’s massive success in country music. 

At the time of the interview, Langley’s hit “Choosin’ Texas” had spent 19 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, making her one of the most talked-about names in the genre.  

Even so, Doja’s confusion appeared genuine, though Pressley briefly wondered whether she might simply be joking.

3

Rather than walk back the remark, Doja Cat addressed the situation directly during an Instagram Live session two days later. 

“I really don’t just give a f*co about country music, and I don’t understand what’s so hard to believe about that,” she said per E! News, adding,  “I never cared. I like that one Keith Urban song from 2004.”

While her comments stirred debate among fans, Doja stopped short of criticizing Langley personally. In fact, she offered several compliments after listening to “Choosin’ Texas” during the livestream.

Calling Langley “probably a fine lady,” the 30-year-old admitted the music simply wasn’t for her. “This is not my vibe, but she has a very pretty voice. If this is No. 1 on the charts, I’m sure it’s on the radio. I could see them playing this sh-t on the radio. I don’t like it, but that’s fine. It’s very earwormy it sounds like, it’s like [a] catchy melody. I get it, and she’s pretty,” she said.

Doja Cat Gets A Playful Response From Langley

If anyone expected Langley to fire back, the singer chose a much lighter approach. Instead of posting a lengthy statement or addressing the comments directly, the 27-year-old leaned into the viral moment with a subtle joke on Instagram. 

Sharing a collection of photos and videos of herself from her recent travels and performances, Langley referenced Doja’s confusion with a simple caption. “Ella Langley? What is that?”

The post itself wasn’t related to Doja, with some slides showing Langley on an airplane and others capturing the Alabama native getting her makeup done, holding a butterfly or cuddling with an adorable dog.

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While Langley chose humor over confrontation, many of her fans were far less restrained in their reactions.

Some fans openly defended the country star’s musical success, with one commenter writing, “She jealous because you have actual talent and don’t need to sing about your kitty cat.” 

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Others praised Langley for handling the situation with grace instead of escalating it into a public feud. 

“LOL I love you so much @ellalangleymusic this has me rolling you trolling @dojacat wish she didn’t mess with the smoke lol. We all know god wins over the devil every time,” another supporter commented.

A number of fans also took issue with what they perceived as Doja Cat’s attitude toward country music as a whole. One follower argued, “It’s not even about knowing, it’s just the disrespect she has towards you and country music. She seems miserable.”

Others used the moment to showcase Langley’s growing popularity. One commenter claimed, “Literally never even heard of Doja whatever until something was said about Ella. Ella has literally been the album of everyone’s summer.”

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Doja Cat’s AI Feud With Tyga Showed Her Unfiltered Side

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If Doja’s blunt comments about Langley surprised some fans, they were hardly the first time the rapper made headlines for saying exactly what was on her mind.

Just weeks before the country music debate erupted, Doja found herself in another viral controversy after taking aim at Tyga over his AI-assisted album “$tarface.” 

During an August livestream, the Grammy winner criticized the rapper’s decision to incorporate artificial intelligence into the project and didn’t mince words.

“Nobody asked me anything about Tyga, but I felt like saying this,” Doja said per PEOPLE before adding, “Tyga is a penis for making an AI album.” 

The criticism quickly gained traction because Tyga had recently acknowledged using AI tools while creating portions of the album’s production. Although he stressed that he wrote and performed all of the lyrics himself, the admission sparked a wider debate about artificial intelligence’s role in modern music. 

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Tyga eventually responded during a TMZ Live appearance, choosing not to escalate the dispute despite the insult. Instead, he defended his creative choices and argued that AI should be viewed as a tool rather than a replacement for artists. He compared the backlash to the criticism Auto-Tune once faced when it first entered mainstream music. 

The rapper also took a playful swipe back at Doja, saying he respected her artistry while calling one of her projects a “demonic album.” Despite the disagreement, Tyga made it clear there was no personal animosity between them.

There’s something intrinsically exciting and high-energy about action movies that makes the genre one of the most fun and explosive styles of filmmaking that cinema has to offer. From massive-scale blockbusters that make the most out of their glorious setpieces to smaller-scale films with a raw dedication to choreography, incredibly fun action movies can take all different shapes and sizes. This has been even further exemplified within the 21st century, with so many amazing and incredibly fun action movies being released.

More than simply the most successful or recognizable action movies of the 21st century, these films have an inherent fun factor that keeps audiences engaged from beginning to end, with their stellar action still leaving an impact after audiences finish witnessing its greatness. Considering just how much fun factor can impact the memorability and lasting impact of a film, it doesn’t come as a surprise that these incredibly fun action movies are also some of the most celebrated of the 21st century.

8

‘Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl’ (2003)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

With exceptional directing from Gore Verbinski and a stylish combination of practical action and groundbreaking visual effects, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl made waves as a deeply enthralling icon of action-adventure. A lot of the film’s continuous fun factor can be traced back to the sheer memorability of these characters and set pieces, from Johnny Depp‘s legendary turn as Jack Sparrow to the fledgling duo Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley).

Seeing these memorable characters in wild action setpieces aboard the high seas, especially when the plot delves into massive fantasy elements, makes it one of the most engaging and electrifying blockbuster experiences that the 2000s have to offer. It makes the absolute most out of every aspect of its massive budget, with Verbinski’s distinct style of action filmmaking utilizing the blockbuster scale better than many modern blockbusters could hope to achieve. It all comes together to make the action movie incredibly rewatchable and a fan-favorite that has stood the test of time and only grown in appreciation in the decades since its release.

7

‘Top Gun: Maverick’ (2022)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Rarely does a legacy sequel ever live up to the stature and quality of the original film, especially when said sequel releases 36 years after the original iconic action film. However, Top Gun: Maverick is the rare exception to the rule, being a legacy sequel that not only lives up to the stature of the original film, but in many ways surpasses it to create an even more fun and even more enthralling action experience. It does just about everything one would want a legacy sequel to do, raising the stakes and upping the ante while still staying true to the timeless strengths that made the original such an icon in the first place.

Tom Cruise is as charming and charismatic as ever; the supporting cast each shine in their own distinct ways and leave a prominent impact, and the practical fighter jet action is a glorious sight to experience on the big screen. It’s a beautiful marriage of old and new action filmmaking styles that deeply resonated with audiences, being one of the faces of blockbuster success in the 2020s and a pillar of Cruise’s modern career.

6

‘RRR’ (2022)

Image via DVV Entertainment

Arguably more than any other culture of action filmmaking, Indian action movies have a fundamental understanding of spectacle and fun-factor that many traditional Hollywood blockbusters could only dream of coming close to. However, no action movie from India has broken through cultural barriers and become a worldwide phenomenon quite like RRR, whose story of revolution and fighting against tyrannical oppressors, with glorious spectacle, made waves across the world. The execution proves to be so invigorating that it never falters in amping up the audience, whether it be through slow-motion action or high-energy dance numbers.

Especially for those not familiar with the filmmaking trends of Indian action films, RRR came across as a breath of fresh air and a glorious explosion of spectacle and flair. This signature sense of raw, powerful energy and setpieces makes it an exceptionally fun time, even when it delves into darker subject matter, because it always finds this balance that has the audience rooting for the heroes in moments of pure wonder. At the very least, no other action movie utilizes its top-notch choreography to create a one-of-a-kind musical number, complete with the scale of a flash mob and extremely catchy music.

5

‘Baby Driver’ (2017)

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

A great and well-suited soundtrack can make all the difference in terms of getting the audience invested in an action movie, with great music doing a lot to amplify the style and energy of an already great action sequence. Baby Driver understands this phenomenon more than any other action film, setting up many of its action sequences specifically to align with the tempo and energy of the soundtrack. It makes for an incredibly satisfying blending of action and music that is unlike any other action movie out there.

The stylish and satisfying editing of the film works at every moment to create all sorts of fun for the viewer, as it just feels good when the action lines up with the music so seamlessly, especially when said music includes all-time greats from Queen, The Beach Boys, and Focus. It never loses its appeal and fun factor no matter how many times it’s watched, being one of the most creative and distinctly original takes on an action movie in the 21st century.

4

‘The Raid’ (2011)

Image via PT Merantau Films

One specific region of the world that has truly found its calling in the world of exceptional action filmmaking built on choreography and masterful stuntwork is Indonesia, with the undeniable face of extremely fun Indonesian action being Gareth Evans‘ masterpiece, The Raid. This ultraviolent action movie understands the sheer catharsis and joy of watching such ruthless carnage unfold on-screen, with the magnitude and craft of its action elevating the stakes to create one of the most consistently engaging action movies out there.

It’s one of those cases where the exceptional craft on display in the film serves to amplify the fun of the entire experience, as each amazing moment of action and stunt choreography proves to be more hype and awe-inspiring than the last. Rarely has non-stop death around every corner and visceral carnage been so wildly fun to experience, yet The Raid capitalizes on the fun of its carnage to create an unforgettable icon of the action genre.

3

‘Kill Bill Vol. 1’ (2003)

Image via Miramax Films

A love letter to martial arts movies and action movies of the past, the first film in Quentin Tarantino‘s action movie masterpiece, Kill Bill Vol. 1, might just be the most cathartic and entertaining revenge movie ever made. With an iconic soundtrack, a stern and powerful lead performance by Uma Thurman, and a great array of blood being spilled in cathartic action sequences, the film has been at the forefront of extremely fun R-rated action movies ever since its release. The various battles in Japan, especially, are some of the wildest and most fun action scenes of the 2000s that almost single-handedly cemented the film’s classic status.

Tarantino’s love and appreciation for the action genre is on full display in this film, as it combines elements from martial arts films, westerns, and 70s exploitation films to create a full display of personality and charm. The film’s influences and stature within the action genre have only grown over the years, with its overwhelming sense of fun standing tall as one of its greatest strengths.

2

‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ (2022)

Image via A24

Fueled by a seemingly endless sense of creative possibilities and some highly impressive action choreography and stunts, Everything Everywhere All at Once‘s sense of energy and fun was so infectious that it became the first action film to win Best Picture since The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. The multiverse as a concept simply lends itself to a base level of comedic fun, yet Everything Everywhere All at Once goes all out to maximize the comedy, satisfying action, and emotional impact of the multiverse in the cinematic form.

The film became an immediate fan-favorite for good reason, as it has such a joyous, tongue-in-cheek tone in every aspect of its filmmaking, having such a blast creating all of these action sequences and concepts that said joy translates to fun for the audience. It also certainly adds to the fun of the film that Everything Everywhere All at Once is as much a comedy as it is an action film, embracing a sense of absurdity and wild comedic nonsense that has audiences laughing at the action as often as they are impressed by it. All of this comes together to make an extremely fun viewing experience and easily one of the best films of the 2020s so far.

1

‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Not a particularly surprising choice for the top spot, yet George Miller‘s ruthless post-apocalyptic masterpiece Mad Max: Fury Road lives up to its reputation and more so as one of the greatest action movies not just of the 21st century, but of all time. This unrestrained mixture of practical action, dynamic characters, and outright madness took the world by storm and elevated the Mad Max franchise into the modern age, with a sense of catharsis that sees action filmmaking at its very best and most fun.

For a film that is primarily a massive-scale vehicle chase across the desert, it continuously finds ways to stay engaging and extremely fun in its execution, utilizing its blockbuster budget and scale to create a beautiful concoction of chaos and carnage. The film is as impressive to witness as it is electrifyingly fun to experience, being the type of extremely entertaining action masterpiece that blockbuster filmmaking was made for. It was already heralded as one of the best action movies when it was released, and will continue to build up its legacy throughout the rest of the 21st century.

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Mad Max: Fury Road

Release Date

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May 15, 2015

Runtime

121 minutes

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Director

George Miller

Writers

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Brendan McCarthy, George Miller, Nico Lathouris

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Se7en is such a dark and effective crime thriller that it’s very easy to overlook how silly the title is, given it replaces a “v” with a “7,” and so is seemingly pronounced “Sesevenen.” It was arguably David Fincher‘s first great film, and has a plot that follows two detectives going after a dangerous serial killer who appears to be committing a series of murders that are each based on one of the seven deadly sins.

It’s the sort of movie that’s proved to be influential and remarkably popular in the years since its release (even getting a 4k remaster), and at the same time, it’s possible to see certain titles released before Se7en as influencing it and its dark neo-noir narrative. The following movies all have certain similarities to Fincher’s 1995 film and are worth checking out for fans of dark, twist-filled, and sometimes stomach-churning crime, thriller, and mystery movies.

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‘Resurrection’ (1999)

Image via Columbia TriStar Home Video

One of the many abstract police procedural films of the ’90s that were directly influenced by and inspired by the success of Se7en, Resurrection adds a layer of biblical allegory to its string of mysterious homicidal murders. The film sees a jaded detective set to take down a ruthless killer in Chicago, leaving behind ironic bible quotes alongside his mutilated and dismembered victims. The Easter-centric horror crime film is pretty compelling in its execution, even if far from the most original story being told.

Resurrection proves to be so similar stylistically and conceptually to Se7en to the point where it could be considered a ripoff, yet considering just how masterful Fincher’s magnum opus is, even a ripoff manages to feature some compelling attributes. There’s a pretty effective cast, with the likes of Christopher Lambert, Leland Orser, and even David Cronenberg in a rare acting role putting in a great performance. —Robert Lee

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‘Strange Darling’ (2023)

Image via Magenta Light Studios

One of the greater strengths of Se7en is how the complete picture of its narrative and wider messaging makes the earlier entries all the more beautiful and impactful with this newfound context, a facet similarly shared by modern cult classic Strange Darling. The film purposefully keeps information hidden from the audience through its non-chronological story, telling its chapters out of order for maximum impact in its story of a one-night stand turning into a deadly chase through the woods.

Strange Darling succeeds thanks to the core strengths of its two leads, with Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner giving exceptional, layered performances that evolve and change perspective as more information and knowledge is gained while watching the film. It makes for a highly entertaining mystery thriller that gets the audience hooked early on before delivering some truly great twists. The indie film made a large splash when it first released, with it easily being one of the best horror thrillers of the 2020s so far. —Robert Lee

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‘The Bone Collector’ (1999)

Image via Universal Pictures

Combining the absolute star power of Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie to create a pretty underrated crime thriller, The Bone Collector is about as classically executed as psychological crime thrillers get. The film sees Denzel as Lincoln Rhyme, a top homicide detective who is made incapable of working due to an injury that left him paralyzed. However, after a gruesome murder leaves other detectives without answers, Rhyme teams up with a rookie cop (Jolie) to put together the cryptic clues left behind at the crime scene to catch the serial killer.

“Se7en but paralyzed” doesn’t exactly seem like the kind of film that would be that exciting, yet the screen presence of Washington and Jolie, combined with an array of effective twists that play into the inability of Rhyme to actively see these crime scenes in person, makes for a pretty memorable watch. With an exceptional supporting cast rounding out the film, including the likes of Queen Latifah, Michael Rooker, and Bobby Cannavale, the film is easily one of the more underrated Denzel Washington films. —Robert Lee

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‘Faces of Death’ (2026)

Image via IFC

The original Faces of Death was one of the most controversial horror releases of all time, with its quasi-documentary style and sickening usage of real-life death footage making it an infamous icon of the era. However, in the modern era of social media, where users are subjected to horrifying gore and death and have grown completely desensitized to it, this modern reimagining of the classic film evolves it into a new beast entirely. It largely follows a slasher plot, with a serial killer recreating scenes from the original film with his victims and posting them online for massive notoriety, with a local content moderator setting out to stop his conquest of murder.

This type of socially aware messaging on social media in film has often times failed due to feeling half-baked in their execution and like the ramblings of an old person simply not understanding the digital age. However, Faces of Death is instead scarily tapped into the sickening details of social media culture and the gross part of human nature where users actively seek out such sickening material. Combined with an effective game of cat and mouse and some memorable twists, Faces of Death is a must-watch psychological horror film for the modern age. —Robert Lee

26

‘Fallen’ (1998)

Image via Warner Bros

Yet another underrated police procedural psychological thriller from the 90s with Denzel Washington in a leading role, Fallen certainly has much more abstract, fantasy elements than The Bone Collector. The film sees Washington as a homicide detective witnessing the execution of a serial killer, only for his murders to mysteriously continue. While initially believing it to be a copycat killer, they soon realize that something much more sinister and demonic is at play.

Combining together demonic possession and police procedurals doesn’t necessarily seem like it would be an effective combination, yet Fallen soars thanks to some truly memorable twists and turns and an exceptional cast who delivers across the board. Washington himself is great, yet it’s the support of John Goodman, Donald Sutherland, James Gandolfini, and more that truly turn Fallen into a horror fantasy gem of the era. The film also features an amazing twist ending that sticks with the audience, much like how Se7en‘s ending leaves such an undeniable impact. —Robert Lee

25

‘Frenzy’ (1972)

Image via Universal Pictures

While Alfred Hitchcock made most of his movies at a time in history when there were certain restrictions in place content-wise, he was still able to craft his fair share of dark, morbid, and violent films. Frenzy, one of his last ones overall, did have the benefit of being made at a time when you could get away with showing a little more, ensuring that much of it still packs a punch 50+ years later.

There is a dark sense of humor to be found at the heart of Frenzy, but it is still pretty bleak and intense overall, following a chaotic chase to find the serial killer behind a series of murders targeting women in London. It’s worth a watch for anyone who likes a good crime/thriller flick and doesn’t mind the idea of things getting a little mean-spirited (again, in a somewhat funny way, at least at times).

24

‘Longlegs’ (2024)

Image via NEON

Scratching the same sort of crime/thriller/horror itch that Se7en does, Longlegs is perhaps one of the more interesting horror flicks of the decade so far. There is a familiarity with the core premise, which involves the tracking down of a dangerous criminal, but there’s a good deal more to it than that, with various revelations made in the back half that help Longlegs get a little weirder and less predictable.

It’s also a movie that benefits from having a very strange Nicolas Cage performance, and he’s used the perfect amount here for the kind of character he plays. Elsewhere, Maika Monroe is very good in the lead role, and writer/director Osgood Perkins injects the whole thing with a ton of energy from a stylistic viewpoint. It’s an odd sort of blend of horror and crime, but a largely compelling one overall.

23

‘Spiral: From the Book of Saw’ (2021)

Image via Lionsgate

While it’s unlikely to be anyone’s favorite entry in the series, Spiral: From the Book of Saw is a bit over-hated. Yes, being on board with the fact that this is a Saw movie starring Chris Rock can be a bit of an obstacle, and there is a twist here that’s probably the least surprising of any Saw movie twist… but there’s an element on the police procedural side of things that helps it stand out.

In Spiral: From the Book of Saw, there are still some grisly traps and moments of ultra-violence, but it’s also a little like the first movie in that the investigation occurring around the traps/murders proves arguably more important than the other stuff. When the conclusion to the mystery underwhelms, it does hurt the movie overall, but before then, there’s a sense of brazenness and grit to this one that makes it more than watchable.

22

‘No Country for Old Men’ (2007)

Image via Miramax Films

A crime movie where there’s an intentional focus on those outside the law, and an emphasis on how those on the “right side” can’t do much, No Country for Old Men is as stunning as it is bleak. It’s all about the aftermath of a drug deal gone wrong, with one man stumbling across the site and taking a large quantity of cash with him, which makes him the target of a relentless assassin tasked with getting that cash back.

Even if you know how it ends, No Country for Old Men is unwaveringly intense for almost its entire runtime, with a central villain who’s a big reason for that continued sense of dread and/or outright terror. It’s not a feel-good movie by any means, but it is a remarkable film, and likely the best film adaptation of a Cormac McCarthy story to date.

21

‘8MM’ (1999)

Image via Columbia Pictures

Another film starring Nicolas Cage, alongside a noteworthy supporting cast that includes the likes of Joaquin Phoenix, James Gandolfini, Peter Stormare, and Catherine Keener, 8MM works fairly well as a dark and dingy mystery/thriller flick. Cage plays a surveillance specialist who comes across a reel of plastic film and discovers its contents might point to something incredibly disturbing. This, naturally, sets him off on a surprising investigation.

There is an element of traveling further into an off-putting underworld as 8MM goes along, and it can be fairly involving and suspenseful at times. The acting is also quite strong, at least compared to how the film’s written and directed… in those areas, 8MM can be a little disappointing. It doesn’t come together quite well enough to be a masterpiece by any means, but the stuff that works is generally strong enough to make it recommendable for those who like their crime/thriller movies dark.

One of the main reasons that people go out to the movie theaters to see superhero movies is because they want to have a boat load of fun. Superheroes movies, inherently—most of the time—are fun! Wild action sequences, fun humor, popping visuals, and more, keep people coming out and enjoying these films—a big reason that these projects continue to be as popular as they are.

Whether they’re from Marvel, DC Comics, or a company not part of the big duo, superhero projects have always had audiences leaving the theaters with smiles on their faces in some way, shape, or form. This isn’t to say that every superhero movie needs to be fun, per se, but some of the best ones are, and these projects more than prove that.

8

‘Avengers: Infinity War’ (2018)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

The Avengers franchise is one that is filled with gigantic crossover events—completely made up of them, in fact—and that’s a huge part of what makes them so much fun. There are cameos from characters that people love, great character introductions, and action sequences that are genuinely well-made spectacle. None of the other films in the franchise—no, not even Avengers: Endgame—do these things like the third entry, Avengers: Infinity War, does.

The first part of the two-part finale of the legendary Infinity Saga is one that is commonly considered by most to be the best movie in The Avengers franchise. From minute one to the final second, Avengers: Infinity War has abundantly epic moments. Characters are getting sick introductions, gigantic battles are seeping spectacle and excitement, and the performances across the board are great. Despite this very much being Thanos’ (Josh Brolin) movie, every single Avenger included gets a moment in the sun that gives most of them an arc of some sort. This is some masterful storytelling and balancing on the directors, Anthony Russo and Joe Russo‘s, parts.

7

‘Kick-Ass’ (2010)

Image via Lionsgate

One of the most popular non-Marvel or DC Comics superhero movies of all time comes in the form of not some high-budget epic, but the smaller Matthew Vaughn movie, Kick-Ass. With a budget of only $30 million, this project ends up being one that is incredibly enjoyable. It has excellent humor—truly one of the funnier superhero movies ever made—and the performances from the entire cast help bring it to life.

Kick-Ass has a good balance, though. While it may mainly be a comedic flick, it balances heart, emotion, and drama, blending it into the lightheartedness borderline perfectly. Director Matthew Vaughn absolutely knew what he was doing when he brought this movie to the table, clearly aiming to give people the kind of experience they could walk out of theaters of with a huge smile on their faces—continuing to deliver said smiles to people to this day.

6

‘The Suicide Squad’ (2021)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

If his entire filmography is any proof, James Gunn knows how to make a fun movie. After a bit of a scuffle with Marvel Studios and Disney for a bit there, Gunn got the opportunity to hop over to DC Comics and Warner Bros. Entertainment for a little bit to bring a new product to life. Given the choice, he actually chose to do none other than a Suicide Squad sequel/soft reboot. While many would initially consider this a bad idea, it actually ended up working out very well for everyone, as it was executed excellently.

When The Suicide Squad was released in 2021, Gunn proved that this franchise could be saved, and was worth giving another shot. It’s clear that if there’s anything that the director is great at, its taking characters and franchises that are underrated—like Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy—and showing the world that they’re actually amazing. This movie has great humor, pretty visuals—see: Harley Quinn’s (Margot Robbie) flowery action scene, and a very solid cast. Many consider this to be DC Comics’ Guardians of the Galaxy for the very best reasons. It also has one of the best superhero movie openings of all time, killing off such a plethora of characters in multiple ridiculous ways.

5

‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ (2023)

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

After the massive success of the first movie, fans everywhere—all across the world—were waiting in both excitement and anxiousness for what was going to come next. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse had so much riding on it to be considered a success… and it did, in fact, succeed! This sequel may very well be one of the best superhero sequels of all time, and for very good reasons.

Everything that made the previous movie so great is present in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, featuring an all-new villain, all-new—and way more—Spider-People, and excellent attention to detail, this project is legendary. The visuals are bright, stunning, visceral, and truly beautiful. When it comes to Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, this sequel is going to be hard to beat.

4

‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ (2014)

Image via Marvel Studios

Another incredibly fun, spectacular, hilarious, and visually-popping James Gunn superhero movie comes in the form of his first huge superhero hit, Guardians of the Galaxy. As stated earlier, the director knows exactly what he’s doing when it comes to bringing lesser-known or lesser-appreciated franchises to the theater screen. The greatest case of this is one of Marvel Comics’ most under-appreciated cosmic teams put to page.

Guardians of the Galaxy went from a movie many were unsure about—Marvel Studios were probably not even sure it’d be such a massive success—to a group of heroes that almost immediately became the favorites of fans everywhere. Nobody could have expected the Guardians to become such a gigantic property before 2014, but that’s what Gunn excels at. It’s funny, has great acting, beautiful frames, and inventive space-opera action.

3

‘The Incredibles’ (2004)

Image via Pixar Animation Studios

With Sam Raimi‘s Spider-Man 2 releasing the exact same year, one would most definitely expect another superhero movie to become such a triumph and, arguably, one of the best animated movies ever made. Pixar knows how to bring the heat, and boy, oh boy, do they do exactly that with the revolutionary Brad Bird‘s—known for The Iron Giant—The Incredibles.

This super family—the Parrs—is filled to the brim with some abundantly relatable characters for almost every single demographic that would be sitting down to watch this movie. This story is a classic Pixar tale that’s bursting with heart, extremely well-written characters, unique action and powers, and, clearly, a story that is unforgettable. It is so difficult to step up against The Incredibles, and if that isn’t proof of its quality, nothing is.

2

‘The Lego Batman Movie’ (2017)

Image via Warner Bros.

When it comes to the character of Batman—whose become quite a dark character since the 80s—no one could have ever expected to have a lighthearted, comedy-centric Lego movie to end up being one of the best representations of the character put on the screen. The Lego Batman Movie is a flick that is entertaining for pretty much everyone. It proves that a Batman movie doesn’t need to be dark and gritty to be phenomenal.

The Lego Batman Movie encapsulates the heart and soul of the hero in a way few others have. Alongside that, as stated, it is so funny—potentially one of the funniest superhero movies ever made. Will Arnett‘s performance as the Caped Crusader is unironically a top-tier performance for the character (regardless of it being comedic). The humor has perfect comedic timing, which is very in line with a Lego property. Somehow, The Lego Batman Movie wound up being one of the best superhero movies of the 2010s.

1

‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (2018)

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

No matter what, there has yet to be—and most likely will not be for quite some time—a movie like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. This is a film that is genuinely groundbreaking. It changed the animated film medium forever, inspiring studios to get more creative with their overall art styles, and opening up a world of animated projects that have abundantly unique styling. Alongside this, though, the movie itself is one of, if not the most fun, superhero flicks out there.

The visuals are astounding, the comedy is smart, the animation is flowing and done very well, and the vocal performances from literally every single cast member are so dang great. Daniel Pemberton‘s score and the soundtrack also treat the ears and not just the eyes. There is so much that is amazing about Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse that is truly undeniable. Despite this being a Phil Lord and Christopher Miller production, the directors—Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman—do not get the credit they deserve for delivering such an excellent movie.

The golden age of cinema was a brief shining moment when it seemed every movie that came out was a masterclass of its craft. The 2008 Academy Awards were a particular triumph, even if Paul Thomas Anderson didn’t win Best Director. His feature, There Will Be Blood, is remembered as a gold standard of modern cinema, and for good reason. Daniel Day-Lewis stars in the period film about the oil rush that considers the lengths one man will go to achieve success.

There Will Be Blood is a classic American story, particularly because Day-Lewis’ best character, Daniel Plainview, was such a ruthless and remorseless capitalist. Plainview loses everything he cares about, including his humanity, culminating in a final scene that will be quoted forever. There are many memorable quotes in this final sequence, but one of them is the most important.

‘There Will Be Blood’ Is Summed Up In Two Words

Everyone remembers Daniel Plainview’s iconic “I drink your milkshake” speech in one of the most rewatchable scenes of There Will Be Blood, but that isn’t even the most important declaration of the scene. The greatest epic masterpiece comes together in the final sequence after he beats the ruined preacher, Eli (Paul Dano), to death in his bowling alley. After years of strife between the two, Eli’s death marks an end, and Daniel declares: “I’m finished!”

This quote can be taken in a lot of ways, but it signifies the conclusion of Daniel’s character arc, as the oil man spent decades losing his humanity in the name of wealth. This internal struggle was externalized by his dynamic with Eli, who challenges him at every turn from the beginning, when Daniel purchases land from him in exchange for funds for his church.

The film commences with a battle of wits between the two of them as they take turns at humiliating each other. Resentment grows because of this, so that even when Daniel loses his soul, he still holds on to his hatred of Eli. Daniel becomes so corrupted in the end that he loses his son and any chance at having a typical family.

Eli’s return at the end of the narrative proves just how low Daniel has gone. There is no hope for him to ever be redeemed. Daniel’s final moment of triumph is bragging about how he swindled Eli one last time and all the while getting him to renounce his faith. Though it is a triumphant moment for Daniel, it’s a tragedy for the audience, who have watched this man destroy everything for his greed. When he exclaims that he’s finished, viewers truly believe him. That is the conclusion of his story, and it is a dark one.

There Will Be Blood is a story about how capitalism corrupts everything. Even when someone feels as though they have won everything, they have really lost. Daniel murders, betrays, and schemes his way through life. Even though he ends his story technically successful, he has lost his humanity in exchange. This scathing indictment of capitalism is not just Paul Thomas Anderson’s best work, but one of the best movies in modern cinema. No one has done it like Anderson, and every component came together to create a masterpiece.

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Release Date

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December 26, 2007

Runtime

158 minutes

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Director

Paul Thomas Anderson

Writers

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Paul Thomas Anderson

Producers

Daniel Lupi, JoAnne Sellar, Paul Thomas Anderson

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It’s been three years since Cal Kestis returned to us and continued his journey in a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. The wait for the third and final outing is still ongoing but Respawn Entertainment are making sure we don’t go entirely without, as the world of Jedi is returning in a brand-new way.

Hot Toys has officially unveiled a new sixth-scale Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Jetpack Trooper figure, priced at $270 and expected to ship between September and December 2026. The release is limited to just 2,000 units worldwide, with purchases restricted to one per person, so it’s super limited. Standing approximately 30 centimeters tall, the Jetpack Trooper features 30 points of articulation and recreates the specialized Imperial soldiers encountered by Cal throughout Jedi: Survivor. It includes a newly crafted helmeted head, weathered white armor, and the black undersuit worn beneath it. Collectors will also get seven interchangeable gloved hands, an E-11 blaster rifle, utility belt, thermal detonator and a specially designed Star Wars display stand.

Naturally, Hot Toys hasn’t forgotten the most important part of a Jetpack Trooper. It needs the jetpack! Luckily, this one figure includes a magnetically attachable jetpack, complete with translucent exhaust flame effects that can make the Imperial soldier appear to be taking flight when displayed. Additional tubes can be connected to either the jetpack or the breathing apparatus located on the Trooper’s chest plate. At $270, it’s certainly aimed at the more dedicated end of the Star Wars collecting market, particularly given the limited 2,000-unit production run.

When Will Cal Kestis Return?

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor was released in April 2023 as the sequel to 2019’s Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. The game once again follows Cal Kestis as he attempts to survive the growing power of the Galactic Empire while searching for a future beyond its reach. A third Star Wars Jedi game is in development at Respawn Entertainment and is expected to conclude Cal’s story, although fans are still waiting for a full reveal and release date. Until then, the franchise continues to expand outside the games — although this particular piece of the Empire will set collectors back considerably more than a copy of Jedi: Survivor.

The Hot Toys Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Jetpack Trooper is available to pre-order now for $270, and is expected to ship between September and December 2026.

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Released

April 28, 2023

ESRB

T

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Developer(s)

Respawn Entertainment

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Publisher(s)

EA

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Star Wars

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The 1960s were one of the most turbulent times in film history. All around the world, filmmakers were trying bolder, more experimental projects, leading to an increase in special effects and more creative stories. In America, the much-hated Hays Code that had dictated what was and was not acceptable for cinema was finally done away with, leading to a more balanced rating system that is still used today, and more nuanced characters who weren’t constricted by rigid puritan morality.

The fantasy genre saw some success during the 1960s, though admittedly not as much as in decades before or after. There were still a fair few movies that took advantage of the advancements in technology, and while most of them are not going to rank among the genre’s best, the ones that do offer fun, inventive stories that are sure to entertain.

‘Jack the Giant Killer’ (1962)

Image via United Artists

Princess Elaine (Judi Meredith) of Cornwall is nearly kidnapped by a giant sent by the evil sorcerer Pendragon (Torin Thatcher). A brave farmer named Jack (Kerwin Mathews) kills the giant, and as a reward, the King makes him Elaine’s bodyguard and tasks him with taking her to a safe location away from Pendragon’s gaze. Unfortunately, the sorcerer intercepts them and takes the princess, so Jack and some new allies must brave his monster-infested island to rescue her, lest Pendragon use the princess to force her father to abdicate the throne.

Jack the Giant Killer takes heavy inspiration from The 7th Voyage of Sinbad, including the use of stop-motion effects for the creatures, and casting Matthews and Thatcher as the hero and villain, respectively. That said, it’s far from a knockoff, focusing on European mythology instead of Arabian. The result is still a fun adventure with some memorable creature designs, even if the stop-motion can’t hold a candle to Ray Harryhausen‘s techniques.

‘The Fabulous Baron Munchausen’ (1962)

Image via Ústrední Pujcovna Filmu

An astronaut named Tonik (Rudolf Jelínek) travels to the moon and arrives at a dinner party attended by various fictional characters. Among them is Baron Munchausen (Miloš Kopecký). Believing Tonik to be someone native to the moon, the Baron offers to take him back to Earth. However, instead of arriving in the present day, they are transported back to the 18th century, and must contend with the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, massive sea creatures, warring nations, and everything in between.

The Fabulous Baron Munchausen is one of the most visually enthralling adaptations of the book of the same name by Rudolf Erich Raspe. The film makes great use of stylistic animation and lighting tricks to create a one-of-a-kind viewing experience that mimics the sensations of a lucid dream and a storybook come to life. This approach is the result of the film being part of the Czechoslovak New Wave, in which Czech and Slovak filmmakers could try experimenting with new styles.

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‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ (1968)

Image via MGM Home Entertainment

When siblings Jemima (Heather Ripley) and Jeremy Potts (Adrian Hall) find a damaged racecar, they ask their inventor father, Caractacus (Dick Van Dyke), to help save it from being scrapped. After a series of misadventures to sell some of his inventions, he raises the money and fixes up the car, naming it Chitty Chitty Bang Bang due to its funny engine sound. Joined by the lovely Truly Scrumptious (Sally Ann Howes), Caractacus tells the kids a fantastical story about Baron Bomburst of Vulgaria’s (Gert Fröbe) attempts to steal the car, which then seems to bleed into real life.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is based on the book of the same name by Ian Fleming, and famed children’s author Roald Dahl co-wrote the screenplay, so you know it’s going to be a fun time for family audiences. The film is a bright, colorful affair with memorable characters brought to life by its powerhouse cast, and is full of catchy songs by none other than the iconic Sherman Brothers. At the same time, it also has one of the most memorable and vile villains in any family film, the Child Catcher (Sir Robert Helpmann), who takes way too much delight in his job.

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‘The Sword in the Stone’ (1963)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

While hunting with his foster brother, Kay (Norman Alden), in the woods, Arthur (Rickie Sorensen, Richard Reitherman, and Robert Reitherman) stumbles upon the home of a wizard named Merlin (Karl Swenson) and his talking owl, Archimedes (Junius Matthews). Merlin offers his services as Arthur’s tutor, and intends to educate him using his knowledge of the future and his magical powers. Meanwhile, Arthur’s foster father, Sir Ector (Sebastian Cabot), trains Kay for a joust to be held on New Year’s Day to decide the new King of England.

The Sword in the Stone was the first animated Disney film to have a single director—Wolfgang Reitherman, one of Disney’s Nine Old Men—and represented a shift at Disney that would dictate the company’s future. As for the film itself, it’s a relatively low-stakes affair that plays out through a series of educational segments that often see Arthur transformed into different animals. The third act in particular is beloved thanks to a rival sorceress to Merlin named Madam Mim (Martha Wentworth), which leads to an iconic wizard battle.

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‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ (1966)

Image via Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Television

As the Who’s of Whoville prepare for Christmas, the Grinch (Boris Karloff) stares down from his cave and broods over how much he despises the holiday. He eventually settles on a dastardly plan to steal Christmas. Wearing a homemade Santa Claus costume and dressing his dog, Max (Dallas McKennon), as a Reindeer, he goes from home to home and steals all of their presents and decorations.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas has gone down as one of the most beloved and recognized Christmas Specials of all time, and manages to faithfully adapt Dr. Seuss‘ iconic story without over-bloating it. A major reason for its success is the stellar animation by Chuck Jones, known for his work on the Looney Tunes, which both captures the bright colors and warm emotions associated with the holiday season and some iconic facial expressions from the Grinch. Speaking of the Grinch, Karloff was the perfect choice to voice him, giving the green curmudgeon a soft yet commanding voice that sounds like he is in a perpetual state of suppressing some great fury built by decades of indignation.

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‘Yellow Submarine’ (1968)

Image via United Artists

Below the sea is Pepperland, a magical kingdom whose citizens are united in their love of music. Unfortunately, Pepperland is invaded by the music-hating Blue Meanies (Paul Angelis), who petrify its citizens and drain the land of color. Fortunately, one man named Fred (Lance Percival) is able to escape in a Yellow Submarine, which he uses to arrive in Liverpool and recruit the help of the Beatles to save Pepperland.

Yellow Submarine is what happens when you combine the nonsensical storytelling of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland with contagious Beatles music and 1960s psychedelia. It is a unique visual experience that encourages the viewer to come along for the ride, enjoy the music, and choose peace and love over hate and division. If nothing else, it’s a chance to see some of the craziest character designs in animation, as can best be seen through the numerous outlandish designs for the Blue Meanies.

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‘Jason and the Argonauts’ (1963)

Image via Columbia Pictures

Jason (Todd Armstrong) is the sole surviving child of King Aristo, who was overthrown by Pelias (Douglas Wilmer). He unknowingly saves Pelias from drowning and loses a sandal in the process, which identifies him as the man prophesied to bring about Pelias’ downfall. Rather than immediately kill the man who saved his life, Pelias encourages the young hero to seek out the legendary Golden Fleece, hoping that he will be killed by some monster or lost in a storm.

Jason and the Argonauts is one of the most iconic films based on Greek mythology. The acting is appropriately epic as one would expect from heroes, and the stop-motion creatures by Ray Harryhausen look and feel appropriately otherworldly, both in the world yet distinctly not of it. From the gigantic bronze statue named Talos to a legion of skeletal warriors, each creature captures your attention thanks to their dynamic movements, creative designs, and how effectively they challenge the heroes.

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‘Mary Poppins’ (1964)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Frustrated that his children, Jane (Karen Dotrice) and Michael (Matthew Garber), have driven off another nanny, George Banks (David Tomlinson) puts out an ad for a nanny who is no-nonsense, and rips up an ad written by the kids for one who is kinder. The next day, a strong gust of wind blows away the nannies who responded to George’s ad, and a woman named Mary Poppins (Dame Julie Andrews) descends from the clouds with the children’s ad in hand. George reluctantly hires her when Mary Poppins promises to be firm with the kids, but she also takes them on fantastical adventures with her friend, Bert (Dick Van Dyke).

Mary Poppins is Walt Disney‘s take on the beloved books by P. L. Travers, and while the film caused Travers to refuse any further American adaptations of her work, it has gone down in history as one of the best classic fantasy movies, and walked away with five Academy Awards against thirteen nominations. The film is pure, concentrated fun; the songs by the Sherman Brothers are guaranteed to lighten your mood, the characters are lovable, and the story has a strong message for parents about spending time with their children while they’re able to. Special mention must also be given to Andrews for her fantastic ability to switch between warm, friendly smiles one moment and strict, disciplinary tones the next, all while remaining dignified and polite.

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