When it comes to TV, it’s not exactly uncommon for a show’s first season to be its best. Especially when it comes to sci-fi series, the first season is where the characters and settings are introduced, and where the mechanisms and plot points begin to take place. That was especially the case for Westworld, an HBO series that first premiered in 2016 and blew viewers’ minds with its first installment.

With that said, however, the next three seasons of the show that followed famously lost track of what made Season 1 so compelling. With increasingly complicated plot mechanics and a world that was ever-expanding, Westworld de-prioritized the emotional depth and character development that made Season 1 such a standout. The show was then canceled after Season 4. But as fans of the series still mourn the ending, and how the storyline panned out over the seasons, one Netflix series could be the perfect replacement. Pantheon, which premiered on September 1, 2022, is a must-watch for Westworld fans.

What Is ‘Pantheon’ About?

Pantheon centers around a lonely, heavily bullied teenager named Maddie Kim (Katie Chang), who is going through a journey with grief after losing her father, David (Daniel Dae Kim), two years prior. The series kicks off when, after receiving mysterious messages online and getting worried that she’s been hacked, Maddie realizes that the person trying to contact her is her deceased father — well, sort of. As it turns out, David, once a brilliant software engineer, had his mind uploaded to a computer before his death and lives on through technology.

By doing so, David became a UI, or uploaded intelligence: an AI variant referring to digitized human consciousness. In Pantheon, a person’s mind can be scanned and uploaded onto a computer network, allowing it to live on digitally—interacting with other UIs or even shaping the physical world through technology. When Maddie and David reunite, he discovers that his reality has completely changed. He has missed two years of his daughter’s life; she’s grown and evolved, and he’s missed it all. Moreover, his daughter and wife have had the chance to mourn him and now have to readjust their entire lives to his return to existence.

In addition to Maddie and her family’s storyline, the series also follows Caspian (Paul Dano), who seems like a typical teenager obsessed with his computer and dealing with a rough situation at home with his mother and an abusive father. Things are not as they seem, and the little family might be closely tied to these large tech companies and the technology they use. Eventually, Maddie and Caspian’s paths cross, and we start on a journey questioning what humanity is, whether an uploaded brain is ethical, whether the uploaded person is human or just code, and all the other questions that come with this kind of technological advance. The cast of the series also includes Rosemarie DeWitt, William Hurt in one of his final performances, Taylor Schilling, Aaron Eckhart, Raza Jaffrey, Scoot McNairy, Ron Livingston, Maude Apatow, and Anika Noni Rose.

‘Pantheon’ Is a Satisfying and Emotionally Grounded ‘Westworld’ Replacement

With the synopsis of Pantheon alone, it’s clear that both the animated series and Westworld are adding to the ongoing discussion about AI, the rise of technology and the existential questions of what it means to be human. While Delos in Westworld is all about manufacturing physical robotic bodies who, with time, began gaining their own consciousness, Logorhythms in Pantheon does it the other way round, using Uploaded Intelligence to bring human thinking and emotion into computers as the next step in human evolution.

Most importantly, Pantheon delivers on its premise in a way that doesn’t falter or disappoint like Westworld ultimately did to its viewers. Throughout its two seasons, the series expands on its ideas and on Logorhythms’ mission to take over the world, all while keeping the emotional story surprisingly intimate. So, while Westworld had the bigger budget and the flashy robot bodies, Netflix’s animated series takes similar (if not, the same) questions and makes them feel much more personal and emotionally grounded. Westworld’s biggest mistake was becoming more interested in its puzzle than its people. Pantheon makes sure that the same mistake doesn’t happen, and that people and their relationships are at the forefront at all times.

Ultimately, while both series question the idea of robots gaining consciousness, and what that could mean for the future of society, both series approached its stories in different ways. While Westworld inevitably expanded its world looking for “gotcha” moments and twists, Pantheon took that idea and delivered a concise, emotional story, one that was consistent and entertaining all throughout.

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Release Date

2022 – 2023-00-00

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Network

Prime Video, AMC+, HIDIVE

Directors

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Melchior Zwyer, Ed Tadem, Micah Gunnell, David Dwooman Woo, Mari Yang

Writers

Michael Taylor, Scott Gunnison Miller

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Family tensions within the Osbourne clan are once again in the spotlight after Kelly Osbourne made it clear that reconciliation with her older sister, Aimee, is not on the horizon. 

While the famous family built a cultural phenomenon through reality television, Aimee famously chose a different path. 

Now, years after keeping her distance from the spotlight that launched her siblings to fame, the sisters’ fractured relationship appears deeper than ever, with Kelly revealing why she has permanently stepped away.

For years, questions have lingered about the relationship between the Osbourne siblings, particularly because Aimee chose a dramatically different path from the rest of her famous family.

Now, Kelly Osbourne has delivered perhaps her clearest assessment yet of where things stand. 

On Paul C. Brunson’s “We Need To Talk” podcast, the singer was asked whether she believed there was still a chance of repairing her relationship with her older sister. 

Her answer was immediate. “No,” Kelly responded. When Brunson pressed further, the television personality elaborated on why she believed the divide had become impossible to bridge.

“No… I respect her, I accept her, but we’re different, and that’s okay…” she said.

Kelly Felt Aimee Wanted Nothing To Do With The Family Spotlight

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During the chat, Kelly Osbourne also suggested the problem went beyond simply having different personalities or lifestyles. 

According to her, the relationship became emotionally draining because Aimee never made her feel accepted.

“If you’re not going to accept me for who I am, and constantly be trying to change me and say horrible things about me, and truly seem to thrive when I’m not doing well, I don’t want you in my life,” she explained.

Long before reality television transformed the Osbournes into household names, Aimee had already decided she wanted no part of it.

While Sharon, Ozzy, Kelly, and Jack opened their doors to MTV cameras, Aimee famously stepped away, choosing privacy over participation.

That decision has long fueled speculation about whether she simply disliked reality television or whether she was distancing herself from the family itself.

Kelly has previously admitted she often felt as though Aimee was embarrassed by the family and their public image. The choice not to appear on “The Osbournes” became one of the defining differences between the sisters, with Aimee pursuing a much more private life while her younger siblings became reality TV stars.

Kelly Osbourne’s Brother Jack Also Admitted The Family Rift Runs Deep

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Kelly is not the only Osbourne sibling to acknowledge the distance. Before Ozzy Osbourne’s death, Jack Osbourne spoke candidly about his relationship with Aimee during an appearance on the “Disrespectfully” podcast, making it clear the estrangement extended beyond Kelly.

“I’ve never had the conversation with her, we’re not close at all,” Jack admitted, adding, “We don’t have a great relationship, she’ll be the first to tell you that, so it’s no secret.”

He also reflected on why Aimee chose not to participate in “The Osbournes,” explaining that she had very different ambitions at the time.

“Back then she really wanted to be a musician and the kind of musician she wanted to be was like a Fiona Apple, Mazzy Star, like this kind of obscure, mysterious, moody…” he said.

According to Jack, Aimee viewed reality television as incompatible with that image. He continued, “She was like, ‘I’m not going to be seen riding coat-tails,’ kind of thing, that’s how she perceived it.”

Jack believed that once the series became a massive hit, Aimee felt trapped by her earlier decision. According to him, she ultimately “dug her heels in and wanted to be relatively private and obscure.”

More From The Blast

Aimee Once Explained Why She Rejected Family Fame

The tension between Kelly Osborne and Aimee has often been discussed through the lens of their estrangement, but Aimee’s own explanation for stepping away from the family’s reality TV empire provided important context for how differently the sisters viewed fame from the beginning.

In a 2020 interview on New York’s Q1043 radio program, Aimee revealed that she never felt comfortable with the idea of growing up on television. Rather than seeing the MTV series as an opportunity, she viewed it as something that could fundamentally alter her sense of self.

Aimee made it clear that she left not because she didn’t love her family, but because she feared reality television would define her before she had a chance to define herself.

“For me, I had grown up around having a pretty well-known dad anyway, and I always really valued my privacy within that family,” she said.

Aimee added, “And for me personally, and for who I am, you know, as far as morally and also just to give myself a chance to actually develop into a human being as opposed to just being remembered for being a teenager, it didn’t really line up with what I saw my future as.”

Kelly Osbourne’s Family Reunited For Ozzy’s Farewell Despite Longstanding Tensions

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One of the most striking moments in the Osbourne family’s history came when Aimee and her family temporarily set aside their differences after Ozzy’s death.

On July 30, 2025, Ozzy’s funeral procession moved through Birmingham, England, drawing thousands of grieving fans to the city streets. Kelly, Sharon, Jack, Aimee, and Ozzy’s son Louis all gathered to honor the Black Sabbath legend. 

For many observers, Aimee’s appearance was noteworthy in itself. Dressed in a black veil, beret, and black suit, she appeared visibly emotional as the family stopped at the Black Sabbath Bridge to view tributes left by fans. 

Kelly, meanwhile, paid tribute to her father with blue-tinted glasses reminiscent of Ozzy’s signature look. 

The images quickly circulated across entertainment outlets because they presented a rare sight: the entire immediate Osbourne family united in public.

I always love hearing what beauty products celebrities can’t live without. Sarah Jessica Parker’s answer will probably surprise you: It’s lip gloss! But not just any lip gloss — her all-time fave is an iconic drugstore formula.

In an interview with AirMail, Parker revealed she can’t go without CoverGirl Clean Fresh Yummy Plumper Gloss in shade Blingtastic, an early 2000s-coded rose gold shimmer. You can take the girl out of Sex and the City, but you can’t take the Sex and the City out of the girl.

Get the CoverGirl Clean Fresh Yummy Plumper Gloss for $13 at CVS! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

With early aughts makeup trends coming back into style, it’s only a matter of time before you see people rocking this frosty lip gloss. It does have a lot more going for it than its shimmery color, though. Unlike the sticky glosses that ruled the early 2000s, this formula feels soft and nourishing on lips because it’s infused with hyaluronic acid, acai and gogi-berry extract.

The CoverGirl lip gloss also provides a slight plumping effect that doesn’t sting. You’ll experience a refreshing cooling sensation that’s much more enjoyable to wear. The lip glosses of the early 2000s could never!

SJP is far from the only fan of the gloss, either. CVS shoppers say this multi-tasker is essentially “glass lips” in a tube. “I’m on my second tube now, and I love it,” one customer wrote. “It gives glassy lips, a subtle plump, and feels like a minty ice cube on my lips. It feels so different from other plumpers. I’ve tried Maybelline’s plumper and that felt like pain. These can be a little shocking at first, but then they just feel so cool and refreshing, like a sip of mint lemonade on a hot summer’s day.”

Even lip gloss haters will fall in love with CoverGirl Clean Fresh Yummy Plumper Gloss, and at its affordable price, it’s really tough to beat. Thank SJP for the recommendation!

Get the CoverGirl Clean Fresh Yummy Plumper Gloss for $13 at CVS! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more from CoverGirl here and more lip-plumping gloss here!

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Michael J. Fox has spent more than three decades turning one of the most difficult moments of his life into a mission that has helped millions. 

However, at the 2026 Emmy Awards, the actor reminded viewers that the path from fear to advocacy was anything but easy. 

As he accepted The Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, Fox delivered an emotional speech that left many in the audience visibly moved, revealing the private doubts he carried after his Parkinson’s diagnosis and the support that ultimately changed everything.

Long before he became one of the world’s most recognizable advocates for Parkinson’s research, Michael J. Fox was a young actor grappling with a devastating reality behind the scenes.

During his acceptance speech, Fox reflected on the uncertainty that followed his diagnosis at age 29. While his career was still thriving, he admitted he wasn’t sure how audiences would react if they learned he was living with the neurological disorder.

“Initially I kept my Parkinson’s diagnosis a secret. I worried it would affect my work and relationships with audiences,” the icon shared per the Daily Mail.

The concern wasn’t just about Hollywood executives or future projects. Fox revealed that he questioned whether the very people who had supported his career would see him differently.

He admitted to wondering if fans would “laugh if they knew I was sick?” Instead, the response he received became one of the most important turning points of his life.

“I was stunned by the support from all of you, so uplifted and I hadn’t lost what I do,” Fox shared.

That acceptance helped reshape his perspective. Rather than letting the disease define him, the 65-year-old realized he could use his platform to make a difference while continuing the work he loved.

“They couldn’t take it away from me. And it’s because you stood up for me. I appreciate it,” he noted.

Fox Credits An Unlikely Inspiration For His Life’s Mission

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While much of the attention focused on Michael J. Fox’s comments about Parkinson’s, he began his speech by talking about the humanitarian legacy behind the award itself.

The “Back to the Future” actor explained that Bob Hope was a larger-than-life figure in his household as he grew up. To Fox’s parents, Hope represented far more than entertainment.

“To them, Bob was more than an entertainer. He was a selfless champion of soldiers and military families like mine for decades,” he revealed.

Fox described how Hope repeatedly spent holidays away from home, traveling to visit troops stationed around the world. 

For the Hollywood star, those examples of service and commitment took on new meaning years later when he found himself facing a challenge he never expected.

According to Fox, “I couldn’t have known how these lessons would resonate in my own life, until my late 20s, when my life handed me a role I wasn’t looking for.”

Michael J. Fox Honors Family And Foundation During Emotional Emmy Moment

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As the speech continued, Fox shifted focus from the diagnosis itself to the work that followed.

He spoke passionately about building a movement dedicated to improving life for Parkinson’s patients and funding research to find better treatments.

“I understood that accepting Parkinson’s didn’t mean I had to surrender to it. It just meant I had to do everything I could for everyone living with this disease,” she remarked.

The star became emotional as he recalled the effort required to launch and grow the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

After collecting himself, Fox highlighted the progress researchers and advocates have made through the foundation’s work.

“I’m proud of the progress we’ve made to benefit Parkinson’s patients and families,” he said, adding, “We move closer to eradicating this disease forever.”

The evening’s most touching moment arrived near the end, when Fox turned his attention to the people who supported him throughout the journey. He thanked his wife of 38 years, Tracy Pollan, their four children, and other family members who stood by him through decades of challenges.

He praised them “for their sacrifices, for their patience, and for their love. You have no idea.”

More From The Blast

The Actor And Ford Turn Friendship Into Parkinson’s Awareness Campaign

If Michael J. Fox’s Emmy speech showed how deeply his Parkinson’s journey has resonated with audiences, his latest project with Harrison Ford shows his advocacy work continues far beyond the awards stage.

Just days before Fox received the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, The Michael J. Fox Foundation launched a new awareness campaign titled “So… Your Friend Has Parkinson’s,” featuring Fox and his “Shrinking” co-star Harrison Ford. 

Rather than focusing on medical jargon or fundraising statistics, the campaign tackles a simpler question: how should people respond when someone they care about reveals they have Parkinson’s? 

Created in partnership with Ryan Reynolds’ Maximum Effort production company, the campaign uses the natural chemistry between the two actors to make a difficult conversation feel approachable. 

Fox and Ford discuss common mistakes people make when trying to help, while also highlighting the emotional realities many Parkinson’s patients face, including isolation and the feeling that others no longer know how to interact with them. 

Foundation CEO Debi Brooks said, “The world has taken notice of the special relationship between Michael and Harrison. Our brand campaign combines humor and compassion to highlight the very serious purpose behind our work.” 

Ford also explained why the project mattered to him, noting, “Parkinson’s affects millions of people, and sometimes the best thing you can do is simply be there. I’m glad we can use this campaign to help people feel a little more comfortable having those conversations.” 

Michael J. Fox Receives Prestigious Lasker Honor For Decades Of Advocacy

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The latest television honor was only one of two major recognitions Fox received this month. The actor was also named the recipient of the 2026 Lasker-Bloomberg Public Service Award, one of the most respected honors in American medicine and public health. 

Often referred to as part of “America’s Nobels,” the award recognizes individuals whose work has significantly advanced public health and medical progress. 

The Lasker Foundation honored Fox for “empowering patients’ voices and accelerating research to find improved therapies and a cure for Parkinson’s disease.” 

The recognition reflects more than two decades of work through The Michael J. Fox Foundation, which he launched in 2000. 

Since then, the organization has committed more than $3 billion to Parkinson’s research, helping fund studies, clinical trials, data-sharing initiatives, and scientific collaborations around the world. 

The Lasker Foundation also pointed out Fox’s role in changing public perception of Parkinson’s. Beyond raising money, he has testified before lawmakers, pushed for increased federal funding, advocated for stem-cell research, and played a key role in efforts that helped pass the National Plan to End Parkinson’s in 2024.

The biggest names in entertainment celebrated excellence in television during the 2026 Emmys.

Mariska Hargitay hosted a star-studded 78th annual ceremony — featuring cameos from newlywed Taylor Swift and New York Knicks MVP Jalen Brunson — but some of the most exciting moments happened while the cameras were not rolling.

From Harrison Ford tearing up during Michael J. Fox’s Bob Hope Humanitarian Award acceptance speech to a heartfelt tribute for the late Catherine O’Hara bringing the house down, Us staff were in attendance at the Peacock Theater to witness it all.

One particularly dramatic moment occurred during a powwow between controversial NFL star Aaron Rodgers’ exes Shailene Woodley and Olivia Munn while Kaley Cuoco shared a sweet kiss with fiancé Tom Pelphrey following his Emmy win for Task. Guillermo Rodriguez even had time to campaign for some Dancing With the Stars votes from Us while attending the industry gala.

Related: Emmys 2026 Red Carpet: Stars Turn Up the Glamour for TV’s Biggest Night

Television’s biggest stars stepped into the spotlight for the 2026 Emmys, bringing plenty of personality to the red carpet. Celebrities showed their sartorial flair while posing for the cameras at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles on Monday, September 14. From bold fashion statements to timeless Hollywood looks, there was no shortage of glamour […]

Keep scrolling to learn what Us saw firsthand while inside at the 2026 Emmys:

A Meeting of Aaron Rodgers’ Exes

One of the most unexpected off-camera moments took place when two of Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers’ exes, Shailene Woodley and Olivia Munn, seemingly had a deep conversation.

Fresh off Rodgers’ controversial comments about Woodley, the Paradise actress was seen shaking her head during her and Munn’s deep conversation. Munn showed support by holding Woodley’s hand.

There is no telling exactly what the two ladies were discussing, but it has certainly been an eventful week to be one of Rodgers’ exes.

Later in the evening, Shailene walked over to join Munn and her partner John Mulaney as they chatted with Jason Segel and his fiancée Kayla Radomski. Woodley hugged Munn, before telling Segel and his fiancée, “Oh, a wedding! Congrats, when and where?! I’ll be there!”

Kaley Cuoco Beamed As Fiance Tom Pelphrey Accepted His Emmy

No one was happier for Task star Tom Pelphrey than his pregnant fiancée Kaley Cuoco when he won the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. The Big Bang Theory actress jumped out of her seat to share a kiss with Pelphrey before he headed towards the stage to accept his award.

Cuoco was visibly emotional — even tearing up at times — as her beau called their family “the crown jewel of [his] life” during his acceptance speech.

The happy couple seemed to be thrilled when they were introduced to Shailene Woodley later in the night. Woodley offered her congratulations to Pelphrey on his big win.

The ‘Pluribus’ Cast Showed Rhea Seehorn Lots of Love

The former Better Call Saul actress was greeted with huge cheers from her Pluribus cast and crew when she won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

Rhea Seehorn returned the love on the Emmy stage during her acceptance speech, as she thanked her “dear beloved cast” as well as the “whole crew, my producers, my writers, the incredible background artists on the show.”

Us witnessed Seehorn looking like she was on cloud nine as she celebrated her first Emmy win after three previous nominations.

Keri Russell was seated nearby and later congratulated Seehorn on her big moment, telling her it was “so f***ing nice what [she] said” in her acceptance speech. The two chatted and posed for a photo together.

The Emmys Bar Was Jam Packed

The backstage bar was a madhouse with celebrities nearly packed wall-to-wall while they refreshed themselves in between televised segments. Nobody Wants This’ Adam Brody hung out with costars Timothy Simons and Jackie Tohn, making sure to hydrate with water and chowing down on popcorn.

Guillermo Rodriguez Campaigned for ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Votes

The Jimmy Kimmel Live! sidekick was outgoing as he greeted fans, taking time to pose for photos and have a few brief conversations.

With the DWTS premiere mere hours away, Guillermo Rodriguez made sure to canvas Us for votes. (He is paired with professional partner Witney Carson on DWTS season 35, which airs a two-night premiere on Tuesday, September 15, and Wednesday, September 16.)

‘The Bear’ Costars Took a Breather

Ayo Edebiri and Abby Elliott — who play Sydney and Natalie on The Bear — were spotted walking back into the Peacock Theater after taking a breather. The two were locked in conversation as Abby held a beverage in her hand.

The Bear’s single Emmy win this year was particularly emotional as the award went to the late Rob Reiner for his guest appearance on the dramedy.

Brooks Nader Was Quite the Attraction

Sports Illustrated cover model Brooks Nader took pictures with people throughout the night as she joined Baywatch costars Noah Beck, Jessica Belkin, Thaddeus LaGrone and Hassie Harrison at the gala.

Nader also delighted in some of the refreshments at her table, chomping down on handfuls of chips.

During a bathroom break, Brooks touched up sister Sarah Jane Nader’s makeup as she relayed a story about someone telling her, “You think you’re all that and a bag of chips.” The two joked about their excitement to change into more comfy clothes after the show ended.

The Nader sisters were later seen exiting the venue arm-in-arm.

Stephen Colbert Had a Late-Night Reunion

The Emmys almost turned into an episode of the beloved “Strike Force Five” podcast when the final season of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert won Outstanding Variety Series. Fellow late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel and John Oliver were among the first to congratulate Stephen Colbert, with the trio hugging before Colbert made his way to the stage.

Colbert delivered a stirring acceptance speech, defending late-night TV as a vital proving ground for young entertainment professionals. He made a quick exit as the ceremony concluded, yet he still stopped to take photos with fans in the lobby.

Lisa Rinna Strutted Her Stuff

The RHOBH alum was seated in the first row with husband Harry Hamlin alongside TV legend Jane Seymour and the casts of Widow’s Bay and Abbott Elementary.

At one point, Lisa Rinna got up to stretch her legs with a little dance to entertain Hamlin.

Jason Segel Was Living His Best Life

It seemed to Us like nobody had more fun at the Emmys this year than Jason Segel. When he wasn’t chatting with Olivia Munn and John Mulaney, he mingled with celebs like Sterling K. Brown during commercial breaks.

The Shrinking actor seemed to take his Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series loss in stride as he soaked in the evening with fiancée Kayla Radomski. (Matthew Rhys won the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series award for Widow’s Bay.)

Schitt Creek’s and ‘Home Alone’ Stars Honored the Late Catherine O’Hara

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when three of the late Catherine O’Hara’s onscreen kids — Home Alone’s Macaulay Culkin as well as Schitt’s Creek duo Dan Levy and Annie Murphy — honored her immense legacy.

Lisa Rinna cheered from the audience when Levy mentioned in his speech that O’Hara told him she’d “always say yes” to any character over 60 wearing a miniskirt and a wig. Later in the night, Levy and Murphy relished their reunion as they chatted away at their table.

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Casual Exits

Us observed a relatively calm scene when the stars started exiting the Peacock Theater at the end of the night. Shrinking’s Lukita Maxwell gave costar Luke Tennie a peck on the cheek as they parted ways.

Dance Mom’s Abby Lee Miller was vibrant as ever in bright blue sparkling sneakers as she left the event while Colman Domingo had a few friendly interactions with fans.

There were selfies galore as Emmy winner Jean Smart, Baywatch’s Noah Beck and Stephen Colbert all took time to pose for photos for fans as they headed to the after-parties.

Lady Gaga has spent much of her career turning her personal life into performance art, transforming heartbreak, ambition, and reinvention into chart-topping music. 

Yet the biggest change of her life appears to have happened almost entirely offstage. While fans spent months wondering why the superstar had seemingly vanished after wrapping her world tour, those closest to her now claim she wasn’t retreating from fame at all. 

Instead, she was embracing something she had wanted for years: motherhood.

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For months, Lady Gaga’s absence became a story in itself. The singer, who normally dominates headlines whenever she steps into the public eye, largely disappeared from public view after concluding her Mayhem Ball tour in April. 

Her social media activity slowed dramatically, with most posts focused on promoting Haus Labs rather than offering fans glimpses into her personal life.

That silence fueled endless speculation. Some fans wondered whether she had secretly married fiancé Michael Polansky. Others questioned whether she was simply taking a break after years of nonstop work.

According to insiders, however, the answer was far more life-changing. “The baby is a few months old and she has been a mom for a while, she just kept the baby news quiet,” a source told the Daily Mail.

The insider said Lady Gaga maintained that privacy because she spent most of her time at her secluded Marin County property, far removed from the paparazzi culture that often surrounds celebrity pregnancies and births.

Lady Gaga Is Reportedly Living The Future She Once Described

Long before reports of her baby surfaced, Gaga openly spoke about the future she hoped to build. “What I really want is to be a mom. That’s my next starring role,” she told Stephen Colbert last year.

Friends now say that dream has become the defining focus of her life. “She has been in full nesting mode and has never been happier in her life because being a mother was a very large goal, even more than becoming a successful musician,” an insider said. “This is a dream for her, she is in heaven and relishing every moment.”

That happiness appears to have completely reshaped her priorities. Rather than rushing back into public appearances, Gaga has reportedly devoted herself to creating a stable environment for her child.

Recent photos offered a glimpse of that balance. In one moment, she looked every bit the global superstar as she stepped off a private jet carrying her baby. 

In another, she was spotted in Northern California dressed casually with her child tucked into a front sling.

Lady Gaga’s Inner Circle Says Family Is Now Her Entire Focus

The most revealing details coming from Lady Gaga’s camp have little to do with celebrity and everything to do with family.

“She never leaves the baby, only if she runs out for a quick errand. She is there in the nursery all the time because she doesn’t want to miss a moment,” the source said. “She holds the baby all the time because she wants to bond.”

Insiders also say motherhood has deepened her relationship with Polansky, whom she became engaged to in 2024 after years together.

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“She is also more in love with Michael than ever. He has been so wonderful, he has done everything to make her happy and feel safe. She feels like she won the lottery with him,” the source explained. “She says he is the perfect man in every way.”

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The Singer’s Family Reportedly Played A Major Role In Keeping Her Baby News Private

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If Lady Gaga’s fans are still stunned that she became a mother without the world knowing, those closest to the singer may deserve some of the credit.

After months spent shielding her newborn from public attention, new reports suggest that Lady Gaga’s inner circle worked carefully to preserve the privacy she desperately wanted during one of the most important periods of her life. 

According to PEOPLE, the 40-year-old’s family and trusted confidants helped create a protective bubble around her as she prepared for motherhood and adjusted to life with her baby. 

A source told the outlet that motherhood had been a long-term goal for the singer, explaining, “She always wanted to be a mom. This was something very important to her.” The insider added, “She sounds very happy.” 

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The insider also revealed that Gaga had been preparing for this shift long before the public knew anything about it.

“She was ready to slow down after her tour,” the insider said, referring to the end of her Mayhem Ball run earlier this year. Rather than jump immediately into another major project, Gaga reportedly chose to focus on her growing family. 

Lady Gaga’s Difficult Road To Motherhood Comes Into Focus

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While Lady Gaga’s newfound happiness as a mother has become the dominant story surrounding her private life, those close to the star revealed the road to get there was far more difficult than anyone realized.

As The Blast explained, sources shared that Lady Gaga endured a deeply emotional journey as she pursued the dream she had spoken about for years. 

According to the report, the path to motherhood included both optimism and heartbreak. One insider described it as a process filled with “moments of joy and moments of despair.” 

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Friends reportedly pointed to several factors that made the experience especially challenging. 

The songwriter had long dealt with significant health struggles, including fibromyalgia, the chronic pain condition she has openly discussed for years, as well as lingering physical issues stemming from the hip injury that ultimately required surgery in 2013. 

Sources said those health concerns made the process “a hard road to travel physically.” 

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It may blow your mind that movies have been made for more than a century. That’s a lot of incredible films! With such a rich history and evolution, part of the joy we cinephiles have is comparing films of yore with modern classics. And when it comes to psychological thrillers, though the stories have changed, the core elements have stayed the same.

With hundreds of excellent films over the last 90 years, ten titles stand out as the greatest. From films that literally invented filmmaking devices to movies that reshaped award-show conversations, these movies remain brilliantly influential and timeless. While many films could be swapped in, these ten represent a strong history of the genre.

10

‘Gone Girl’ (2014)

Image via Merrick Morton/TM & copyright ©20th Century Fox Film Corp.

Bringing one of the juiciest thrillers from page to screen takes a genius director who knows their way around a crime thriller. Thankfully, David Fincher masterfully adapted Gillian Flynn’s psychological thriller, Gone Girl. The story follows Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck), who discovers his wife Amy (Rosamund Pike) missing, setting off a media frenzy and a dark psychological game of deception. A twisted series of mind games, Gone Girl takes a typical missing person story and flips the script in glorious fashion. Gone Girl is a wonderfully enthralling thriller that showcases the depths individuals will go to in a toxic relationship.

Morality is out the window as there is no genuine “villain” in the classic sense. Both Nick and Amy are deceitful. It only comes to light when it’s revealed that Amy is alive and meticulously framing Nick for her murder out of revenge. Neither character tells the absolute truth, forcing viewers to question who the real villain is and who the victim is. Fincher also targets the 24-hour news cycle by depicting how quickly the public turns a complex human tragedy into a media circus. Gone Girl exposes the dark side of relationships and why extreme personal grievances have lethal consequences.

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‘Misery’ (1990)

Image via Columbia Pictures

While The Shining easily could earn this spot, since Stephen King was unhappy with the execution, we’ll give it to a movie adaptation he praised: Misery. The hit thriller tells the tale of famous author Paul Sheldon (James Caan), who suffers broken legs following a severe car crash in a blizzard. Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates), a former nurse and his “number-one fan,” rescues him, only to hold him captive in exchange for a new manuscript that brings her favorite character back to life. A battle of wits, Misery turns a thrilling two-hander into a masterclass of claustrophobic tension and human terror.

Directed by Rob Reiner, Misery thrives thanks to its petrifying premise and career-defining performances. The film dives deep into the unhealthy extremes of obsession and control for a perfect power play. Mostly confined to a single setting, Misery amplifies the terror by forcing its protagonist to be at the whims of an unhinged individual. With Annie being the surrogate for unpredictability, viewers are left questioning what might happen next. Bates’ exceptional performance as she switches from a seemingly sweet nurse to an unstable monster. Misery is a masterpiece of psychological dread.

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‘Psycho’ (1960)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Alfred Hitchcock and Psycho forever changed the future of movies. Adapted from Robert Bloch’s novel, Psycho follows a secretary named Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) who is on the run after stealing $40,000. She checks into the Bates Motel, where she meets the shy owner, Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), who says he lives with his overbearing mother in the house up the hill. When Marion goes missing, a search begins as Norman’s twisted truth is revealed. Psycho redefined fear by shifting the image of a horror monster while proving that no one is safe— especially your top-line star.

Psycho reminded audiences that anything can happen in movies. A brilliant bait-and-switch, by killing off Leigh’s character within the first act, Hitchcock kept the audience on edge as to what might happen next. Then, making Norman, a seemingly normal appearing man, the killer proved even the scariest may be lurking right around the corner. With a shrieking score by Bernard Herrmann and masterful direction from Hitchcock, the film’s execution is sublime. It’s a haunting treat that set the tone for years to come. Psycho became the blueprint for the modern horror and psychological thriller. ​​​​​​​

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‘Gaslight’ (1944)

Image via Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

If you’re curious where the term we use often came from, you’re in luck. A movie had a major factor in it. Directed by George Cukor, Gaslight tells the story of Paula Alquist (Ingrid Bergman), a young woman, who marries the charming musician Gregory Anton (Charles Boyer) after a whirlwind romance. Gregory convinces Paula to move back into her London childhood home, where he slowly begins to isolate her while driving her to insanity by telling her the dimming and flickering of the gaslights are merely a hallucination. Both a literal and figurative popularization of the term, the film brilliantly depicted how a person can be slowly driven to doubt their own sanity through calculated mental abuse.

Gaslight builds its suspense not by making you wonder whether Gregory is the source of the action, but by watching Paula break down under the abuse. Gregory hides items, accuses her of losing things, isolates her from friends, and intentionally dims the gaslights, showcasing the dark lengths he’ll go to drive his wife to the brink. Director George Cukor uses dark shadows, claustrophobic Victorian sets, and shifting lighting to make the audience feel as trapped as Paula. Bergman earned an Academy Award for her work, balancing a woman teetering on the edge. A highly influential work, Gaslight is the epitome of a psychological thriller. ​​​​​​​

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‘Se7en’ (1995)

Image via New Line Cinema

The ultimate cop-versus-killer mind game comes in the mind-blowing Se7en. Directed by David Fincher, the thriller follows two homicide detectives, William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and David Mills (Brad Pitt), as they hunt a sadistic serial killer (Kevin Spacey) whose murders are inspired by the seven deadly sins. As the hunters dive further into the mystery, Se7en paints a terrifying portrait of human morality. Se7en builds suspense through a dark, claustrophobic atmosphere in a gritty, unnamed city where dread and hopelessness are the moral of the story.

Fincher builds a world where a dreary color palette, constant rain, and a claustrophobic locale evoke the mood revolving around the protagonists. It’s an unsettling atmosphere to work under, but the crimes they’re pursuing are graphic in nature and completely demoralizing. We don’t get to see the crimes, so filling in the blanks becomes a horrifying game. Spacey’s John Doe is a calculated mastermind whose compelling final act wrapped up the story perfectly. The film’s epic finale remains one of the greatest in cinema history. The final confrontation is a devastating trap that subverts traditional Hollywood resolutions with a bleak, emotional gut-punch. ​​​​​​​

5

‘Vertigo’ (1958)

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Alfred Hitchcock invented a new way of filming that will forever be tied to his masterpiece, Vertigo. The titillating thriller follows retired detective John “Scottie” Ferguson (James Stewart), whose fear of heights is triggered when he becomes dangerously obsessed with Madeleine (Kim Novak), a woman he was hired to follow at the request of her husband, Gavin Elster (Tom Helmore). Scottie trails Madeleine, falling in love in the process, only for a shocking twist to reveal the truth about Gavin and Madeleine. Vertigo transforms a standard mystery into a deeply haunting exploration of human obsession, guilt, and the toxic nature of romantic illusion.

Vertigo taps into fears many viewers share. But the film’s influence on filmmaking is much bigger. Hitchcock’s innovation from the film is the “vertigo effect,” better known as the dolly zoom. The effect simultaneously zooms in while dollying out. This allowed Hitchcock to drop the audience inside Scottie’s terrifying experience of acrophobia. Hitchcock uses intense, expressive lighting and recurring color motifs for Scottie to navigate through. Vertigo doesn’t hide the twist for too long, allowing the story to shift to Scottie’s psychological breakdown as he tries to forcefully recreate a dead woman out of a living one. There are many sensational Hitchcock films; this is the very best. ​​​​​​​

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‘Parasite’ (2019)

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It’s a battle of the social classes in Bong Joon-ho’s game-changing dark comedy thriller Parasite. The Oscar-winning film centers on the Kim family, a struggling, poor family, who infiltrates the lives of the wealthy Park family. While enjoying the perks of the Park’s home, the family eventually discovers a dark secret hidden in the basement that threatens their scam, turning it into a violent nightmare. Showcasing the discrepancy of the rich and the poor, Parasite highlights how the wealthy rely entirely on the labor of the poor while remaining wistfully unaware of their everyday strife. Parasite uses biting commentary to describe how a competitive economic system forces desperate people to fight one another just to survive.

Parasite blends a believable, high-stakes con game with a harrowing exploration of class struggle and the human desperation that comes with it. What begins as a witty dark-comedy heist swiftly becomes a tense thriller with a bloody finale. Bong swiftly shifts the mood effortlessly, proving that the descent into chaos can come when least expected. It represents those at the bottom of the food chain who desperately try to claw themselves out, only to face more hurdles in their path. The film is grounded in realism, as this could be any ordinary family at both ends of the class spectrum. There are no heroes or villains; only individuals stuck in a pressure cooker. Parasite proudly brought foreign language films into the mainstream, changing the genre forever.

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‘Get Out’ (2017)

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Mixing a brilliant social commentary with a high-tension psychological thriller, Get Out flipped the script on traditional horror tropes. Directed by Jordan Peele, Get Out tells the story of a young Black photographer, Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya), who takes a trip to visit his white girlfriend Rose Armitage’s (Allison Williams) family’s secluded country estate. As the weekend carries on, Chris discovers a terrifying plot where wealthy white individuals have their consciousness surgically transplanted into the bodies of healthy Black bodies. He now must fight to survive.

Using psychological paranoia and gaslighting as a means to scare, Get Out traps the audience in a story where the “monster” is the performative act of well-meaning neighbors who overcompensate to prove they’re not prejudiced. Get Out showcases how microaggressions escalate before the Sunken Place is introduced as an allegory for the loss of agency. Peele builds tension through lingering and subtle moments. The world he establishes seems ordinary, only for the mask to whisk away into an uneasy environment where sinister forces lurk within the surrounding individuals.

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‘Inception’ (2010)

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There are certainly many extraordinary Christopher Nolan films, but in the world of psychological thrillers, it doesn’t get much better than Inception. The multi-layered heist thriller tells the story of professional thief Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), who is given a mission to perform inception and plant an idea into the mind of CEO Robert Fischer (Cillian Murphy) in exchange for a clean criminal record. Plagued by trauma and grief, Cobb assembles a team of specialists who go deep within dream layers to complete his mission. Inception brilliantly blends illusion and reality in a high-concept, ticking-clock thriller.

Inception showcases Nolan at his finest, marrying a brilliant concept with a tangible production. With practical effects, a stunning score by Hans Zimmer, and an all-star ensemble willing to play, Nolan presented an intellectually sound narrative that was thoroughly gripping. Even at the end, as the totem kept spinning, it left audiences debating it to this day. Inception is a beast of a film that gets better with every watch.

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‘The Silence of the Lambs’ (1991)

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Award show victories don’t necessarily define greatness, but for The Silence of the Lambs, it was simply icing on the cake. Based on Thomas Harris‘ novel, the film tells the story of Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster), a fledgling FBI trainee who seeks out the assistance of imprisoned serial killer Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) to catch another active murderer. Lecter only agrees to give clues through a quid pro quo where Clarice exchanges traumatizing personal details about her childhood. A gripping thriller that uses intense mind games to build extraordinary tension, The Silence of the Lambs is a thrilling classic.

Director Jonathan Demme brings a claustrophobic feeling to the screen through his shot framing. By using extreme close-ups on actors staring down the barrel, viewers feel as if they are just as exposed and intimately a part of the psychological mind games. The film masterfully focuses on Clarice’s journey. Not only is she forced to rehash her past, but she fights against a male-dominated world she must navigate. Foster does remarkable work, especially in her scenes with Hopkins, who embodies pure terror. Horror doesn’t get quite better than The Silence of the Lambs.

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The Silence of the Lambs

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Release Date

February 14, 1991

Runtime

119 minutes

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Director

Jonathan Demme

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Writers

Ted Tally, Thomas Harris

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Aaron Rodgers may have intended to set the record straight about past relationships, but his latest podcast appearance has instead reignited scrutiny of one of the most talked-about romances of his life. 

Years after his engagement to Shailene Woodley ended, the quarterback’s candid comments have sparked fresh debate about what really happened behind closed doors. 

Now, sources close to the actress are pushing back, describing his remarks as unnecessary and reopening a chapter they thought had long been left behind.

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Before the accusations, uncomfortable reactions, and competing versions of events, there was a relationship many people genuinely believed would last.

Friends who watched Rodgers and Woodley get together saw two unconventional personalities who seemed to understand each other in a way few others could. 

Their relationship unfolded quickly, but to those around them, the speed wasn’t necessarily a red flag.

“They are both very much professionally amazing at what they do, but personally they are both very odd,” a source told the Daily Mail, adding, “So, when mutual friends introduced them, it almost seemed appropriate that they got together because they shared the same weirdness.”

That unusual compatibility became one of the relationship’s biggest selling points. “Their friends thought it was actually a match made in heaven,” the insider added. “They found each other and their similarities and differences attracted one another. Until they didn’t.”

Looking back, however, some believe the whirlwind nature of the romance may have masked deeper problems. 

Rodgers’ Engagement May Have Become A Solution To Problems Already Brewing

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One of the more revealing claims from insiders isn’t about how the relationship ended; it’s about what happened before the ending.

According to a source, the engagement itself may have represented an attempt to hold the relationship together rather than a natural next step. 

While engagements are often viewed as the ultimate sign of confidence, those close to the couple now suggest the decision may have been driven by a hope that commitment would solve existing issues.

“[Rodgers] thought that because they got into the relationship fast, that getting engaged was going to save the relationship; it did the complete opposite,” one source stated.

The insider alleged that tensions were already becoming difficult to ignore. “They couldn’t handle the cracks of their relationship as they just got on each other’s nerves,” the source said.

Complicating matters further was the timing. Much of their romance unfolded during the COVID era, a period that disrupted routines, relationships, and expectations worldwide.

According to the insider, “It was around COVID, so everything wasn’t normal in the first place, so it became his way or the highway, and she didn’t know how to handle it.”

The source’s final assessment was brief but telling, revealing “It was a bad breakup.”

What has surprised many observers is not that the relationship failed, but that it has suddenly resurfaced years later.

The renewed attention stems from a series of startling claims Rodgers made last week while appearing on the “Not Just Football With Cam Heyward” podcast. 

The NFL star alleged that shortly after proposing, the actress told him she needed to “go f*ck another man.”

Rodgers also claimed that despite attempts to work through their issues, Woodley eventually made it clear that she no longer wanted a future together, saying she simply “didn’t want to be with him.”

According to insiders, Woodley had little interest in revisiting a chapter she has largely left behind. That is why Rodgers’ decision to discuss the relationship publicly reportedly landed so poorly within her circle.

An insider noted that Woodley saw Rodgers’ latest comments as a “gaslighting mind game” and had no desire to participate in a public back-and-forth about a relationship that ended years ago.

“It’s so unfair of him to talk about her that way, but she is not surprised as he is a loose cannon who mouths off whenever he wants,” the source said.

More From The Blast

Woodley’s Silent Reaction Speaks Volumes After Rodgers’ Claims

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If Aaron Rodgers’ comments were intended to start a conversation, Woodley made it clear she had no interest in joining it.

The 34-year-old found herself facing questions about her ex-fiancé’s bombshell podcast appearance on Sunday night while arriving at a pre-Emmys fundraiser in West Hollywood. 

As TMZ revealed, a reporter called out, “Any comment about Aaron Rodgers?” Instead of offering a statement, Woodley stopped, turned toward the reporter, and laughed before continuing on her way.

Her reaction, or lack of one, became especially notable because she had just come off a career high. 

The movie star recently earned her first Emmy for Hulu’s “Paradise” and arrived at the fundraiser amid celebrations surrounding that achievement. 

Aaron Rodgers Turns His Attention To Former Packers Teammates

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While much of the attention centered on Rodgers’ comments about Woodley, the quarterback’s podcast appearance wasn’t limited to former romances.

He also used the interview to revisit old grievances involving two former Green Bay Packers teammates. Though he did not initially identify them by name, the comments were widely understood to be directed at Greg Jennings and Jermichael Finley, both of whom have publicly criticized him in the past. 

“I had two teammates who spoke out about me years ago, out of everyone I ever played with who said they didn’t have a good experience with me,” Rodgers said. 

He then delivered his harshest assessment yet of the pair, explaining, “One was bitter because he went to another team and never became a player again. The other just wasn’t a smart person.” 

Rodgers said the criticism from one former teammate hurt more because of how much effort he had put into helping him succeed.

The Steelers quarterback then suggested that both former teammates only become relevant when discussing him.

In his words, “Both of them, no one cares about what they have to say, which is for most people at this point in my life. No one cares what they have to say until they use my name.”

So far, the 2020s have seen the release of several absolutely exceptional science fiction movies. This is a genre that, since the very birth of cinema as a storytelling medium, has been delivering banger after banger every single decade—and what a time to be alive as a sci-fi fan this is, because the last six years have given us several movies bound to be remembered as some of the genre’s biggest classics a few decades from now.

Whether it’s a superhero blockbuster like Superman or an award-winning independent extravaganza like Everything Everywhere All At Once, the best sci-fi films of the 2020s so far are all incredibly creative, incredibly entertaining, and perfectly-understanding of everything that has made fans of this genre tick for decades.

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‘Superman’ (2025)

For years, DC had been lagging behind Marvel in their efforts to craft a cinematic universe as successful as the MCU. Now, it has become James Gunn and Peter Safran‘s responsibility to catch up. And Superman being the franchise’s first-ever feature film, the future is already looking bright for this incredibly exciting superhero blockbuster franchise.

Some genre purists are generally against considering comic book and superhero movies as true sci-fi films, but the elements are all there for Superman to be counted as one, from space travel to high-tech elements. Furthermore, it’s far and away one of the best superhero movies released since 2010, an immensely entertaining and technically admirable adventure that all fans of the titular character should find perfectly satisfying.

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‘The Mitchells vs. the Machines’ (2021)

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Kids and families deserve great sci-fi movies, too; and thankfully, the 2020s have thus far offered many great animated sci-fi spectacles for the little ones of the family to enjoy. Case in point: Netflix’s The Mitchells vs. the Machines, easily one of the best animated movies of the last six years. Full of vibrant energy and with some consistently jaw-dropping animation, it really is a must-see for all those who love modern animated films.

Mitchells is one of the most near-perfect sci-fi movies of the last six years, as well as one of this decade’s best family flicks. With an absurdist sense of humor that should be able to get anyone to cackle regardless of their age, a star-studded voice cast, a deeply emotional story about the beauty of the chaos of family and growing up, and some comments on AI that have aged all too well, it’s one of Netflix’s most memorable animated movies to date.

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‘The Wild Robot’ (2024)

Image via DreamWorks Animation

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Further evidence that families and kids who love science fiction have had the material to have the time of their lives throughout the last six years, The Wild Robot is proof that when they put their minds to it, DreamWorks Animation are still perfectly capable of delivering future animated classics. Based on the 2016 children’s novel by Peter Brown, this is one of the studio’s best works to date.

Wild Robot is also one of the best family movies released since 2010, a beautiful love letter to motherhood, the beauties of connection, and the importance of loving and respecting nature. Colorful and perfectly paced for all the kiddos to enjoy, but also surprisingly mature and thoughtful so that adults can’t take their eyes off of the screen either, it’s a testament to how incredible animated cinema has been throughout the 2020s.

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‘Palm Springs’ (2020)

Image via Hulu

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While it definitely isn’t what it used to be, the romantic comedy genre is most definitely not dead in the 2020s, and there are plenty of great modern rom-coms to prove that. Case in point: Palm Springs, one of the best, sweetest, and funniest films to have come out during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Anchored by stars Andy Sambers and Cristin Millioti at their very best, it’s a Groundhog Day-style timeloop film unlike anything else the subgenre has ever delivered.

Indeed, Palm Springs wears its influences on its sleeve, but the variety of uniquely charming things it does with its premise feels like entirely its own. Its romantic elements are indeed quite beautiful, its comedy elements are indeed absolutely hilarious, and the way it employs sci-fi elements to tell its story about existential dread and the importance of human connection in breaking out of it is phenomenal.

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‘Godzilla Minus One’ (2023)

Image via Toho

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The Godzilla franchise has come an undeniably long way since its 1950s days, but with Godzilla Minus One, the series has returned to its thematic roots of nuclear paranoia, critiques of government incompetence, and celebration of the importance of community. Add to that a riveting study of the nature of heroism, and you get one of the most thematically complex kaiju movies to date.

But on top of being intellectually strong, Godzilla Minus One is also arguably the most entertaining Godzilla film since the 1954 original. The writing is exceptional, the production values are surprisingly solid considering the movie’s relatively modest budget, and the titular cinematic icon is used in absolutely perfect ways. All in all, this is undoubtedly one of the best sci-fi movies of the last six years.

5

‘Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie’ (2025)

Image via NEON

Few 21st-century sci-fi movies are truly perfect, and it’s ridiculously admirable that one of those films is a small-budget time travel comedy made by two guys with nothing but a dream, an RV, and a downright-perfect understanding of copyright laws and fair use practices. Matt Johnson‘s Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, starring him and Jay McCarrol, is a legacy sequel to a show that was itself a legacy sequel to Johnson and McCarrol’s 2007 web series, and the last 26 years have thus far seen very few movies that are funnier.

Part homage to time travel cinema as a whole and part hilarious parody of Back to the Future, Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie is Canadian filmmaking at its most audacious. Full of elaborate guerrilla-filmmaking-style gags and clever man-on-the-street moments that should be enough to have anyone questioning how the hell they got away with any of that, it’s a must-see underappreciated gem that’s bound to go down in history as a timeless comedy cult classic.

4

‘Project Hail Mary’ (2026)

Image via Amazon MGM

Andy Weir is one of today’s bona fide masters of hard science fiction literature, and as such, it’s no surprise that his Project Hail Mary is one of the best sci-fi books of the 2020s so far. It was no surprise, either, that a movie adaptation didn’t take long to materialize; nor was it a surprise that it ended up being one of the best hard sci-fi films of the entire 21st century so far.

Indeed, Project Hail Mary is an absolute blast of a blockbuster, a love letter to old-school sci-fi filmmaking full of stunning visuals, exceptional performances, emotional story beats, and unforgettable set pieces. With a perfect balance between scientific rigor to keep hard sci-fi fans happy, and a focus on emotional character work to satisfy those who aren’t necessarily sci-fi veterans, it really is one of the genre’s biggest must-see films from the last six years.

3

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

Imge via Sony Pictures Animation

Not only is Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse arguably the best animated film from the 2020s so far: It’s one of the greatest films of the last six years, period. It is, after all, the highest-rated movie of the decade on both Letterboxd and IMDb, and it will take something truly special to overtake it. Expectations were sky-high after the incredible movie that was Into the Spider-Verse, and it’s truly commendable that Across the Spider-Verse somehow managed to exceed them all.

For one, this may very well be the single most visually stunning Hollywood blockbuster of the century, full of some of the most staggeringly detailed, colorful, and intricate animation the big screen has ever seen. Add to that an impeccably-written story that studies the Spider-Man mythos as a whole, an exceptional score by Daniel Pemberton, and relentlessly fun pacing that makes the movie’s 140-minute runtime fly right by in a flash, and you get a masterpiece for the ages.

2

‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ (2022)

Image via A24

Many great science fantasy movies have come out since 2020, none of them better than Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert‘s Everything Everywhere All At Once. Every year sees at least a few indie hits come out of nowhere and take the world by storm throughout awards season, but rarely had cinephiles seen a success story quite like that of the seven-Academy-Awards-winner Everything Everywhere.

Like all of history’s best science fantasy flicks, this one is a genre-blending delight that also throws in elements of absurdist comedy, existentialist drama, and middle-age romance. That chaos works wonderfully, the Daniels’ perfectly-calculated direction allowing the film to feel like one of the most exquisitely over-the-top sci-fi action films of the last few years rather than a pure genre mess.

1

‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

As exceptional as Denis Villeneuve‘s Dune from 2021 was, there is virtually no denying that Dune: Part Two is by far one of the best movie sequels of the 2020s so far. Already one of the most beloved sci-fi movies of the 21st century, this adaptation of the second half of Frank Herbert‘s eponymous literary juggernaut is somewhat akin to this generation’s The Empire Strikes Back.

Dark in tone yet incredibly entertaining, epic in scale but deeply intimate and character-driven in scope, and populated with some of the most striking sci-fi set pieces the big screen has seen in many years, this action-adventure epic is a must-see even for those unfamiliar with the source material. Exciting, visually stunning, bolstered by Hans Zimmer‘s amazing score, and elevated by Villeneuve’s downright-faultless direction, it really is the best sci-fi film of the 2020s so far. It will take something huge to top it.

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Dune: Part Two

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Release Date

February 27, 2024

Runtime

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167 minutes

Director

Denis Villeneuve

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Writers

Denis Villeneuve, Jon Spaihts, Frank Herbert

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Note: This article contains spoilers for the final season of My Hero Academia.Since the release of My Hero Academia, it’s become one of the most popular anime out there. It’s taken over Western culture, and a huge reason for that is because of how absolutely awesome the fight sequences can get. The animation from Studio Bones is typically really well done and has resulted in some of the best-looking anime action scenes in the last few years.

Not only do the visuals of My Hero Academia aid the fight scenes’ quality, but the emotional and story stakes within them as well. Because if there’s anything about the series that people truly fall in love with, it’s the characters and how well they’re written. Everyone has their favorite member from Class 1-A, and each member of Class 1-A has an incredible fight under their belt.

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Deku vs. Muscular: Round 2

Image via Studio Bones

The first Deku (Daiki Yamashita and Justin Briner) vs. Muscular (Kosuke Takaguchi and Jim Foronda) fight is one for the books (more on that later), so when the two of them get to have a bit of a rematch in the latter half of the series—My Hero Academia Season 6, Episode 19, “Full Power!” in particular—fans were quite excited. With how much of a struggle Deku faced last time they battled, the contrast between the past and present was absurd.

What better way to power scale this more experienced Deku than to put him up against one of his toughest foes of all time… and have him absolutely wipe the floor with him? No joke, the young hero takes down Muscular in borderline one hit. It’s a short fight, but an incredible one. It truly shows how far he’s come since the beginning of the show and sets the stage for how strong Deku is going to be moving forward—and power-scales how tough his upcoming villains are, too.

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Deku and All Might vs. Wolfram

Image via Studio Bones

Something so special about the My Hero Academia movies is how much effort is placed into making them true spectacles that live up to, and sometimes even surpass, that of the main series. One of the hallmark examples of this is the fight of Deku and All Might (Kenta Miyake and Christopher Sabat) vs. Wolfram (Rikiya Koyama and Keith Silverstein) at the end of My Hero Academia: Two Heroes.

Up until this point in the series, no one really got to see the previous wielder of One For All and the current one actually team up. The final fight of My Hero Academia: Two Heroes rectifies that. Seeing the two heroes (pun intended) go up against such a gargantuan villain is a visual marvel, especially because of how well it is animated.

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Armored All Might vs. All For One

Image via Studio Bones

After All Might lost his powers in his previous fight with All For One (Akio Otsuka and John Swasey), everyone thought that he was out of the game when it came to action. So, audiences were surprised in the best way when he decided to take on All For One for one last battle, using Hercules to armor up and become Armored All Might. Of course, All For One could not pass up this opportunity.

For a good portion of the battle, All Might actually serves All For One quite a beating, lowering his age (which was depleting from energy spent). However, even with the eventual help of Stain (Go Inoue and Robert McCollum), he eventually gets his butt handed to him and almost dies at the hands of his former nemesis. Regardless, though, seeing these two arch-nemeses face off one last time is a special treat.

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Deku vs. Lady Nagant

Image via Crunchyroll

It’s safe to say that fans and critics loved My Hero Academia‘s Dark Hero Arc. To get to see Deku go off on his own and down a pretty dark path was unique and thrilling. Especially with how great that costume looked. But the standout moment of the Dark Hero Arc was his breathtaking fight against Lady Nagant (Atsumi Tanezaki and Erica Lindbeck).

Not only was this the debut of another great character with a unique quirk, but it was another moment in which Deku got to show off just how absurdly powerful he was becoming at the time. Combining one of his new quirks, Fa Jin, with One For All at 45%, Deku traveled at speeds he’d never gone at before to save Kai Chisaki (Kenjiro Tsuda and Kellen Goff). Aside from this, it was the first time Deku had actually been truly challenged during this arc.

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Overlay Deku vs. Shigaraki

Image via Studio Bones

Overlay Deku—unofficially known by fans as “Carnage Deku”—is one of Deku’s cooler and scarier forms in the series. Calling back to his vigilante era not too long ago, the young man has to take on this scarier form not to instill fear in Shigaraki, because he knows he can’t, but to force his body to move via Blackwhip. Due to how broken his body is at the time of the fight, he literally had to puppet his own body by wrapping himself in Blackwhip, which creates this terrifying new look.

What makes this fight interesting is not only the fact that Izuku has to do this, but also that, at this point, he’s lost his Danger Sense quirk, meaning he doesn’t have his little “Spidey Sense”-like power to warn him of danger, with Shigaraki now having it. This forces Izuku to use his smarts (something he’s always been best at) to work around the warning-based power that his enemy now holds. He’s also got a very unique goal in this battle, which is to transfer One For All to him to take his enemy out from the inside.

15

Deku vs. Overhaul

Image via Studio Bones

The conclusion to the Shie Hassaikai Arc in My Hero Academia Season 4 was the first time fans truly got to see Deku use One For All at a controlled 100%. That is, of course, thanks to the help of Eri (Seiran Kobayashi) and her Rewind quirk. After Lemillion (Tarusuke Shingaki) gave his everything to keep Eri out of Overhaul’s hands, it was up to Deku to reach out to her and give her one last chance to escape the evildoer’s clutches.

But it’s after this emotional moment that things get serious. Deku finally gets to go all-out to face a newly upgraded Overhaul and puts on a display of power unlike anything viewers had seen before this moment in the show. With the young hero’s potential fully unlocked, Overhaul comes to regret all he did to young Eri.

14

Deku, Shoto Todoroki, and Tenya Iida vs. Stain

Image via Crunchyroll

There is no villain in the anime series like Stain, the Hero Killer. When the young and vengeful hero, Tenya Iida (Kaito Ishikawa and J. Michael Tatum), seeks to take down the serial killer who put his brother in the hospital, he needs saving from classmates Deku and Shoto Todoroki (Yuki Kaji and David Matranga). This incites a three-on-one fight between the young heroes and this blood-licking villain, which ended up being one of the best team-up fights in the series.

The fight served as a big moment for most of the characters here, too. Deku had just learned to truly control his powers (thanks to Gran Torino (Kenichi Ogata and Charles Campbell), Iida learns a lesson on heroism that changes how he makes decisions for the rest of the show, Todoroki begins to finally use his flames out in the field, and Stain shows that he approves of Deku by saving him from a Nomu.

13

Shoto Todoroki vs. Dabi

Image via Studio Bones

The Final War Arc easily has the greatest fight match-ups in the entire show. Everyone gets paired with characters that perfectly suit them or the character arc they’re in the midst of. Todoroki gets one of the best of the arc when he’s set up to face his long-lost brother, Toya Todoroki (Hiro Shimono and Ernesto Jason Liebrecht), aka Dabi. It’s the debut of Todoroki’s new ultimate move, Flashfire Fist: Phosphor. An ability that allows the cold and hot factors of his Half-Cold Half-Hot quirk into one ability.

This new way to regulate his body temperature sets off what is considered a “cold fire”, which both burns and freezes his enemies at once. The fight seems to end with Todoroki besting his brother after an intense battle of cold and hot. What proceeds, though, is Dabi making an escape after copying the Phosphor ability for himself, giving him a chilling new look.

12

Bakugo vs. Shigaraki

Image via Studio Bones

Before Katsuki Bakugo’s (Nobuhiko Okamoto and Clifford Chapin) heartbreaking death in Season 7, he actually had one of the coolest moments in the series as he had what the canon considers a “Quirk Awakening,” in which a hero upgrades their quirk via intense and near-death means. When this brash and hard-headed hero does so, he shows off his excellent battle sense by analyzing Shigaraki’s (Koki Uchiyama and Eric Vale) patterns in battle and using that knowledge to outpace him and predict his movements.

Bakugo gives one of the most surprising beat-downs in the entire season, dodging the villain at every move, and reaching a speed unlike anything people had seen him accomplish prior. He whoops Shiggy’s butt all across The Coffin in the Sky (a soon-to-be ironic name), and gives one of the most moving quotes in the series, “Hey Izuku, can I still catch up to you?” before his own heart explodes from the exertion.

11

Deku vs. Shoto Todoroki

Image via Crunchyroll

One of the most popular fights in the entire series takes place while the students of U.A. High go head-to-head tournament-style. Deku and Todoroki face each other, and the moment that is born within the fight is one of, if not the most, popular scenes of the entire series. The standoff between the two young aspiring heroes features the green-haired student pushing his peer to move past his mental limits and dissociate the fire side of his quirk from his father, Endeavor (Tetsu Inada and Patrick Seitz).

He continues to pester Todoroki, saying he’s not giving the fight his all and not trying harder. This culminates in one of the best and most famous quotes from the show, where Deku screams (one of the best My Hero Academia quotes), “It’s yours! Your quirk! Not his!” The moment that follows, of the flames finally emerging from Todoroki, is chill-inducing and forces a smile onto anyone watching.