By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 14 seconds ago

One of the most fascinating things about insanely talented writers is that they are typically overly critical of their greatest works. Sometimes, this is because they lack confidence in themselves and worry that everything (no matter how successful) could always be better. Other times, it’s simply because they were writing under a tight deadline and became convinced they could have done better if they only had more time. This actually happened to some of the greatest writers of Star Trek: The Next Generation when they were working on one of the show’s best episodes: “Yesterday’s Enterprise.”

These days, fans look back on this episode as a defining episode of the series, one that demonstrated how much potential TNG really had. At the time, though, the writers (including future Deep Space Nine showrunner Ira Steven Behr and future Battlestar Galactica showrunner Ronald D. Moore) feared that the episode would be a disaster because they had to work over Thanksgiving and turn a completed script in by the end of the weekend. However, the sheer quality of the episode proved one thing once and for all: if there’s anything these guys can do, it’s work well under pressure!

Star Trek Into Darkness (Literally)

Why did the writers for “Yesterday’s Enterprise” have to work on the episode over Thanksgiving? This had everything to do with the episode’s special guest stars, Denise Crosby and Whoopi Goldberg. Crosby’s character had been killed off back in Season 1, so she was busy with other projects during filming for Season 3. Meanwhile, Goldberg was a big-deal movie star who only appeared on Star Trek because she loved the franchise so much. The episode was originally going to be written after Christmas, but to accommodate both actors’ schedules, the writers had to suddenly have a completed script by the end of Thanksgiving weekend.

According to the reference book The Making of Yesterday’s Enterprise, Ira Steven Behr said that the writers (which included himself, Ronald D. Moore, Hans Beimler, and Richard Manning) were understandably grumpy about having to work over a holiday weekend. In order to get the episode done under the deadline, each writer was given a different portion of the script to handle. For example, Moore was the main guy handling the romance between Tasha Yar and the time-displaced Richard Castillo.

Dropping Everything For Some Very Special Guest Stars 

Despite having a game plan, they feared the episode would suck; according to Star Trek: The Next Generation–The Continuing Mission, Eric Stillwell (who developed the story) claimed, “Most of the writers were not very happy with the script. They thought it was going to be horrible, because they don’t like having to write [something] and make it work in three days.” However, these writers embraced a silver lining: they finally got to write the kind of dark, tension-filled episode that various Trek bigwigs (notably, Gene Roddenberry himself) always rejected. Fortunately, their hard work paid off, and “Yesterday’s Enterprise” became the third highest-watched episode of the entire series.

It’s hard to understate the influence of “Yesterday’s Enterprise,” which became a favorite episode of Denise Crosby, Rick Berman, and episode director David Carson. It won an Emmy and was voted the best episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation on six different occasions. And, for better or for worse, Roberto Orci later said this episode was the primary influence of Star Trek (2009), which kickstarted the Kelvinverse. Ironically enough, though, this insanely successful and influential TNG episode was written by four annoyed writers over three days, all of whom thought it would be completely awful and just wanted to eat some leftover turkey!

What started as growing concern across social media has taken a different turn after new information surfaced about influencer Kamar Williams. After days of fans searching for answers and hoping for the best, Kamar and his twin brother, Kiyel Williams, are finally providing some clarity on what led to his sudden disappearance.

RELATED: Prayers Up! Influencer DreamDoll Bri Passes Away After Early Morning Shooting Into Lamborghini SUV (UPDATE)

Statement Reveals Why Kamar Williams Went Missing

A statement released on behalf of Kamar Williams’ family confirmed that the influencer, who is one-half of the popular content duo 80KTwins, has made contact with his loved ones after leaving home earlier this month. According to the statement, Kamar explained that he stepped away from social media and those around him because he needed a mental health break. He reportedly told Kiyel that he had been dealing with overwhelming anxiety and wanted time alone to focus on his emotional well-being, reflect on his identity, and think about the direction of his life.

“It is sometimes difficult to reflect on yourself and understand your own identity, especially when you have a twin around all the time. I apologize for worrying y’all. I did not realize that my absence would result in such an abundance of love and concern,” the he revealed.

Influencer Asks For More Time To Heal

Furthermore, Kamar also thanked everyone who showed concern during his absence. He apologized for worrying his family and supporters, saying he never expected so many people to rally behind him. He also revealed that his publicist connected him with an organization where he can receive mental health support and asked for a few more days of privacy while he continues focusing on himself. Kamar additionally expressed that men don’t always receive the same level of emotional support during difficult times and said the outpouring of love reminded him that people genuinely cared.

“Sometimes it feels as though men do not receive the same level of emotional support when they are going through difficult situations. Women often have their best friends and homegirls. I have a supportive family, but sometimes it feels like family members do not always understand your struggles or take what you are experiencing seriously,” he shared.

How Kamar Williams’ Disappearance Unfolded

Before the update, Kamar’s disappearance had sparked widespread concern online after Kiyel revealed that his brother had not been seen since the evening of July 13. In an Instagram post, Kiyel told followers that Kamar left their Atlanta-area home and never returned, adding that his phone location had been turned off and that no one had heard from him. He later urged people to stop falsely claiming they had found Kamar after receiving numerous misleading messages.

On Saturday, Kiyel finally shared the news many had been hoping for, posting a video on Instagram with the caption, “Kamar I’m glad your safe brudda❤️ and thank you guys for all the support in this hard time❤️ he will answer all your questions when he comes back home, stay posted in the mean time🙏🏾❤️.” The update reassured supporters that Kamar was safe as he continues taking time away to prioritize his mental health.

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Sofía Vergara is living out our European summer dreams, and she has the perfect Mediterranean wardrobe to match. Out of everything she wore in Italy, we’re still thinking about her billowy maxi dress style. Thankfully, the look is hiding on Amazon!

A few days ago, Vergara posed in Ponza looking every bit Italian. Her secret was a breezy, blue-and-white floral maxi dress that needed only sunnies to look complete. With the loose fit, slouchy off-the-shoulder straps and sweetheart neckline showing just enough, the romantic dress style is the definition of la dolce vita.

The Grace Karin Off-Shoulder Maxi Dress on Amazon nails Vergara’s Italian vacation moment, down to the relaxed off-the-shoulder straps, sweetheart neckline and smocked waistband. Like Vergara’s, the straps give it an effortless yet glamorous vibe while the waistband adds shape without squeezing. Talk about a box-checker!

Get the Grace Karin Off-Shoulder Maxi Dress for $53 (was $56) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Plus, the floral print looks straight out of a boutique. It mixes light, medium and dark blue florals for an Amalfi Coast appeal no matter how you style it. As such, this maxi dress works with sneakers for errands, then gold sandals and a clutch for dinner. It’s no wonder shoppers wear it for baby showers, vacations, weddings and everything in between.

One five-star shopper wrote, “The floral pattern is soft and pretty without looking overly busy, and the overall design feels flattering and flowy while still being comfortable enough to wear for several hours . . .  It has that easy, put-together look without needing a lot of accessories or styling.”

Another happy reviewer shared, “I felt like a princess in it. The material is soft and silky, and I actually picked this over a much more expensive dress for my niece’s wedding. Plus, it has pockets!”

So no, you don’t need a ticket to Ponza to nail the look. This Vergara-approved dress style serves Mediterranean vibes in Milwaukee, Tallahasee or wherever you choose to wear it. Flowy and luxe, it makes every day feel like a European vacation.

Get the Grace Karin Off-Shoulder Maxi Dress for $53 (was $56) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

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

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Cindy Crawford knows a thing (or three) about flattering fashion, as seen from her latest wrap dress style. Crawford wore the dreamiest white dress that screamed ‘summer in Calabasas,’ and we found the waist-snatching look for only $50. In an Instagram post, Crawford blessed Meaningful Beauty’s followers while promoting a new SPF. We couldn’t focus on […]

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Roomies, B2K is officially back in their music bag! Omarion, J-Boog, Raz-B, and Lil’ Fizz just dropped ‘Mileage,’ marking the group’s first single and music video together in more than two decades. While fans are hyped to see the group release new music together again, Pretty Ricky’s Spectacular Smith entered the chat with a few thoughts. Now, social media is debating whether he’s throwing shade or just being petty.

RELATED: Omarion Clears The Air After Fans Called Him Out Over His Slick ‘Em Comment At Verzuz (PHOTO + VIDEO) 

Spectacular Smith Chimes In After B2K Returns With NEW Music

B2K’s new ‘Mileage’ track focuses on embracing fresh starts and leaving the baggage from past relationships in the rearview. The group is doing just that as they step into a new chapter, bringing their signature harmonies together for a more grown and refreshed sound.

Once The Shade Room shared a lil’ teaser clip of the single, Spectacular Smith slid into the comment section with a reaction of his own. He came through with some jokey jokes, calling out Fizz before doubling back with another comment claiming B2K was the reason he couldn’t hop on his recent Southwest flight because the agent was a super fan of the group. As TSR previously reported, Spectacular had a little tiff with a Southwest Airlines agent who allegedly stopped him from boarding his flight over his carry-on items. “Didn’t I tell y’all take that damn Fizzle Pop Verzuz off. 😂🧹🧹🧹” Spectacular added, “Sent that Southwest agent to not let me on my flight. 👀 I know he was y’all super fan. 😂🧹”  

Social Media Weighs in On B2K’s New Era

More reactions kept rolling into The Shade Room’s comment section, with plenty of fans showing love for B2K’s new single. Plenty of Roomies said they were happy to see the group put their differences aside and bring back those classic R&B vibes.

Instagram user @mskelly_d wrote, “This is all we ever wanted, for y’all to get back as a group.❤️🤞🏽🔥” 

Instagram user @rr_romee wrote, “This song is a vibe 🔥🔥” 

While Instagram user @dominiquechinn wrote, “The way men able to work things out has to be studied, women so different with that. It’s nice they are able to put the differences to the side and give the world some new music.” 

Then Instagram user @candaceeee4 wrote, “They look gooooood 😍..but ima have to try and listen in the car cause idk!” 

Another Instagram user @_pettyking wrote, “They might’ve lost the Verzuz 👀🤭 But THIS is a winning song! 🎵” 

Instagram user @chantellel0ve wrote, “Fizz still fine as my 7th grade brain remembers. 😂😍” 

Then another Instagram user @anjleigh wrote, “Finally J-Boog has a part ❤️🔥” 

While another Instagram user @flos_agri wrote, “🔥🔥🔥🔥 it’s actually a really good song.” 

Finally, Instagram user @love260 wrote, “Just add @chrisbrownofficial as a feature and we litt 😍” 

B2K & Pretty Ricky Previously Went Track For Track During Verzuz

B2K previously had the internet buzzing when they linked up with Pretty Ricky for a Verzuz battle in June. The guys went track for track, running through their biggest hits and giving fans a full dose of nostalgia. The Verzuz also delivered plenty of viral moments, with the groups playfully taking shots at each other and bringing fans onstage for a full VIP experience. Swipe below to see what went down.

RELATED: Social Media Goes Off Over B2K And Pretty Ricky Verzuz As The TL Brings All The Smoke (VIDEOS) 

In Archer, even Sterling Archer’s (H. Jon Benjamin) biggest enemies refer to him as “The World’s Most Dangerous Spy.” To his co-workers at ISIS — the spy agency, not the terrorist group — he’s simply the alcoholic, womanizing secret agent who’s practically a nepo baby because his mother runs the agency. Premiering in 2009, Archer was a stylish, sophisticated breakthrough between long-running animated series like The Simpsons and South Park. While its cartoonish aesthetic might suggest otherwise, the series still stands as one of television’s sharpest adult comedies three years after its series finale.

Rather than centering on a dysfunctional family, Archer follows an equally dysfunctional spy agency. Unlike the prestigious CIA or FBI, ISIS is underfunded, over-the-top, and staffed by spectacularly unqualified employees, with Archer serving as its poster boy. Packed with obvious homages to the spies of yesteryear, Archer gives audiences the bad boy of espionage — not because its hero has gone rogue, but because it’s almost unfathomable that someone so immature can also be such a well-oiled killing machine.

What Is ‘Archer’ About?

Archer has every espionage trope in the book: the suave 007 persona, expensive cars, and a Cold War-like rivalry with the KGB. The catch, however, is that Archer is no James Bond. He’s a childish, narcissistic operative with a severe Peter Pan complex and glaring mommy issues. In today’s climate, he’s a walking red flag, displaying the kind of politically incorrect behavior that would never fly today — think the early seasons of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, only even cruder and occasionally bordering on illegal. Somehow, despite all his flaws, Archer is an exceptional field agent. Alongside his reluctant partner — and on-again, off-again lover — Lana Kane (Aisha Tyler), Archer bumbles through missions like it’s child’s play, fighting off everyone from cyborg assassins to Chinese triads.

Archer isn’t the only eccentric character in the show. Ironically, he works for his emotionally detached mother, Malory Archer (Jessica Walter), who runs ISIS. Since Malory rarely spent time raising him, the two have a deeply complicated relationship, one built on constant insults and petty jabs. Archer’s abrasive behavior also affects the rest of ISIS’s equally maladjusted staff, including the insecure accountant Cyril Figgis (Chris Parnell), the masochistic office assistant Cheryl Tunt (Judy Greer), the borderline intrusive head of HR Pam Poovey (Amber Nash), the mad scientist Dr. Algernop Krieger (Lucky Yates), and bomb specialist Ray Gillette (Adam Reed).

‘Archer’ Pays Homage to Spy Classics with a Comedic Twist

The first four seasons of Archer follow an episodic mission-of-the-week format, usually tied together by an overarching storyline revolving around Archer’s messy personal relationships, whether with Lana, Malory, or someone outside ISIS. Each episode throws the show’s titular character into a hyper-specific mission built around familiar espionage clichés, only with an unmistakably indecent twist. These escapades range from hunting down a mole inside the agency — where Archer somehow gets an erection during a gun standoff — to protecting the 16-year-old daughter of a German billionaire who has the hots for him.

By the middle of its run, Archer began shaking up its formula by parodying some of Hollywood’s beloved works. The Miami Vice-inspired fifth season follows ISI after its dissolution by the FBI, forcing the team to sell counterfeit cocaine to stay afloat. Season 7 borrows from Magnum, P.I. as ISIS relocates to Los Angeles and opens a boutique private investigation agency in Hollywood. After Archer falls into a coma following the Season 7 finale, the series conceived what is now referred to as the “coma dream” trilogy: the 1940s noir-inspired Archer: Dreamland, the Tales of the Gold Monkey-inspired South Pacific adventure Archer: Danger Island, and the Alien-inspired sci-fi romp Archer 1999.

Between the Crude Jokes, ‘Archer’ Has Plenty of Heart

Image Via FX

Archer’s proneness for utter disrespect might make him a difficult character to root for, but what makes him so endearing to watch is that everyone else at ISIS is more than willing to knock him down a peg. He might be excellent on the field, but when it comes to his cognitive abilities and emotional quotient, he’s nothing but weaponized incompetence, giving his co-workers more reason to push back against his nonsense. Because Archer’s carelessness constantly gets him into messes during missions, almost every episode sees him swallow his pride and ask his teammates for help, much to their amusement.

While Archer keeps the momentum going with its offensive jokes, explosive missions, and bureaucratic side plots, it also knows when to take itself seriously. Archer may be rude, but he’s not heartless. Much of his hypermasculine bravado is a defense mechanism, and whenever his teammates are in real danger or he loses someone he loves, those walls come down. Throughout the series, expect surprising sacrifices, unexpected deaths, and a farewell nobody saw coming. While 145 episodes may seem like one too many for a spy series — after all, there are only so many missions audiences can follow — Archer gives classic espionage an eccentric edge, taking cues from the spy television of its heyday while reinventing the genre for modern audiences.

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Release Date

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2009 – 2023-00-00

Directors

Casey Willis, Matt Thompson, Justin Wagner, Pierre Cerrato, Adam Reed, Megan Johnson, Chi Duong Sato, Omaka Schultz, Kim Feigenbaum, Stephen Slesinski, Marcus Rosentrater

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Writers

Mark Ganek, Matt Roller, Asha Michelle Wilson, Mike Arnold, Shane Kosakowski, Shana Gohd, Brittany Ann Miller, Alison Zeidman, Miles Woods, Mehar Sethi

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Even if you’re not going all out for Summerween, there are a handful of spooky movies worth adding to your queue. On top of the entertainment factor, many classics include serious summer fashion inspiration — and The Witches of Eastwick leads the pack. While we still dream of that overalls outfit worn by Cher, another look that lives in our mind rent-free is Susan Sarandon’s polka-dot one-piece — a style that, surprisingly, is still sitting on Amazon for under $50.

Of course, it wasn’t technically Sarandon who wore the adorable fit — it was her character, Jane Spofford, who paired the skirted design with a bold white visor, frilly socks and sneakers for a heated tennis match. Still, the modern version of this ‘tennis swimsuit’ doesn’t require you to pick up a racket. The style will look just as sweet lounging by the pool or at the beach. It’s even a great go-to for family parties where you don’t want to show too much.

Get the Holipick Tummy Control One Piece Swim Dress for $40 on Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

The Holipick Tummy Control One Piece Swim Dress nails Sarandon’s on-screen look, and comes with the added benefit of ruched, spandex-blend fabric, which holds you in like shapewear while flattering the midsection. Aside from padding that stays in place, the straps are removable, saving you from tan lines. The chic skirt layer is also much appreciated, letting you wear the piece from the sand to a boardwalk lunch, no coverup required.

Related: Shoppers Say This Slimming Swimsuit Made Them Look ’10 Pounds Lighter’

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We get it: Wearing a swimsuit feels like the universe toying with your confidence. But with the right one-piece swimsuit, you’ll forget about your insecurities and actually enjoy the inevitable photo ops. Arguably some of the most slimming swimsuits are on Amazon, and this bestseller delivers all the flattery for only $38. This Holipick Tummy-Control […]

Of course, Jane’s iconic suit featured a black and white polka-dot pattern, so fans of the film will surely want to select that option when shopping this lookalike. Still, that’s not the only one worth buying — the same style comes in plain black, hot pink and even a playful tie-dye print. Even better, sizing extends beyond the usual large, going from XXS straight through to 22 plus.

Over 100 shoppers have purchased the polka-dot version over the past month, and reviewers are thrilled with the fit, noting that the design is perfect for all ages.

“I love this swim dress! Good quality and true to size,” one person wrote. “As a 59-year-old woman, I find it difficult to find something appropriate without being matronly. I am 5’3, 130 lbs, and in reasonably good shape. I wanted something cute that would let me move without constantly adjusting my suit. This is it! Whether you’re 29 or 59, this suit is adorable!”

“Great fit and fabric,” another shopper said. “Bought this for a cruise. In my 40s. Love the coverage and I’m always a sucker for polka dots. It holds up nice even when the straps aren’t used. I’m 5’2, 130ish lbs. Got a M.”

Fun fact: Sarandon herself was 40 years old when The Witches of Eastwick was released, confirming that this cute suit is not just reserved for trendy 20-somethings!

Plenty of movie outfits have remained relevant over the years, and this swimsuit look deserves some love — and a spot in your 2026 summer wardrobe. Grab the forever-cute, witch-approved style and make your next waterside hang even more magical.

Get the Holipick Tummy Control One Piece Swim Dress for $40 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

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

Related: 17 Boutique-Looking Swimsuits on Amazon (Under $40!)

Boutique swimwear is gorgeous — until you see the price tag. Luckily, Amazon is filled with affordable swimsuits that capture the same elevated look thanks to thoughtful details like scalloped trims, textured fabrics, feminine florals and sophisticated silhouettes. The hardest part is convincing everyone you didn’t spend three times as much. Whether your style leans […]

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Christopher Nolan has done it again.

Universal Pictures’ The Odyssey has stormed into theaters with a massive worldwide debut, earning $264.1 million globally during its opening weekend. The epic adaptation of Homer’s classic poem collected $124.5 million domesticallyand another $139.6 million internationally, making it the biggest global opening of Nolan’s career.

The impressive debut surpasses the global opening weekends of Nolan’s previous films, including The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises, Inception, Interstellar, and even the Oscar-winning Oppenheimer. While The Dark Knight films still posted larger domestic openings, The Odyssey now stands as Nolan’s strongest worldwide launch to date.

Produced on a reported $250 million budget, The Odyssey was already one of the most anticipated films of 2026. Universal heavily leaned into Nolan’s reputation for delivering large-scale cinematic experiences, and audiences responded in force. Premium large-format screenings, especially IMAX 70mm presentations, sold out across the globe, with some North American theaters even adding overnight showtimes to meet demand.

The Odyssey [credit: Universal Pictures]

The film has also been embraced by moviegoers, earning an “A” CinemaScore and an audience score in the high 90s on Rotten Tomatoes, signaling strong word-of-mouth that could help fuel a lengthy theatrical run.

Starring Matt Damon as Odysseus, the film follows the legendary king of Ithaca on his perilous journey home after the Trojan War. The ensemble cast also includes Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie, John Leguizamo, Elliot Page, Himesh Patel, Mia Goth, and Samantha Morton.

Following the critical and commercial success of Oppenheimer, expectations for Nolan’s next project were exceptionally high. Based on its opening weekend performance, The Odyssey appears well on its way to becoming another landmark achievement for the acclaimed filmmaker and could ultimately challenge the highest-grossing films of his career if its momentum continues in the weeks ahead.

A horror movie with substance is a pretty great thing. Take a look at The Substance… maybe? That one is almost mindless, to be honest, with how in-your-face it is, with its satire and what it’s ultimately trying to say, but it is saying a lot. And there are other classic horror movies, naturally, that are about more than just being scary, including the likes of Get Out, The Exorcist, and Hereditary.

For those that aren’t too complicated and are all about delivering scares, or maybe entertainment value, in the case of the ones that are more comedy/horror hybrids, you’ve got a few below. These work as great mindless horror movies, and are the kind you can watch and appreciate with your brain more or less switched off. That’s not to say they’re all completely lacking substance, if you want to dig in, but social commentary and deeper messages don’t really feel like they’re focused on, for the movies below.

10

‘Phenomena’ (1985)

Image via New Line Cinema

Of all the Dario Argento movies out there, Phenomena is easily one of his more underrated efforts. Yes, Suspiria might be easier to recommend, and something like Deep Red feels more important within the bounds of the horror genre and its history… but Phenomena is really fun. It’s kind of goofy, though it never becomes an outright comedy, so its more bombastic elements end up feeling more endearing than tongue-in-cheek or anything like a horror parody.

It’s about a young girl who can communicate with insects, and then there are ways that ability ultimately allows her to assist in an investigation to catch a killer at large. It’s quintessentially one of those “you just have to roll with it” kind of movies, but if you’re in the mood for something more than a little strange, Phenomena delivers. Also, if you’ve liked any other Argento-directed movies and have overlooked this one, remedy that as soon as you can!

9

‘Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter’ (1984)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Most Friday the 13th movies work as mindless horror films, and that’s okay some of the time, because some of them can be fairly entertaining. You’ve got an almost unstoppable killer, and then a group of (usually young) people who have to try (and usually fail) to survive that killer. It’s not like Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter really goes beyond this sort of simple story, but it executes all the recognizable and expected conventions of the series the best.

There are some decently fun characters/victims, the violent special effects are done well, it’s a frequently entertaining movie, and it being framed as a finale does give it a tiny bit more oomph than most Friday the 13th movies. Of course, it was not genuinely “The Final Chapter,” but it did end up being the best chapter, and perhaps the only Friday the 13th movie that’s an actually essential watch.

8

‘Terrifier 3’ (2024)

Image via Cineverse

All the Terrifier movies are mindless, truth be told, though the second and third ones are a good kind of mindless. The first Terrifier might well be too narrative-free and thrown-together. It’s barely got a story or a reason to watch, beyond Art the Clown having an undeniable presence as a villain, and the violence being consistently grisly and over-the-top. Terrifier 2 and 3, make no mistake, are also very focused on Art the Clown doing his Art the Clown thing, and showcasing grisly sights.

Terrifier 3 has more by way of a reason to care, because there was a bare minimum kind of story in Terrifier 2, and it’s continued well in Terrifier 3 (the whole aftermath of it all). It’s still a very blunt and straightforward affair, and Terrifier 3 is not the kind of thing you can watch unless you, at the very least, don’t mind very in-your-face on-screen violence, but at least it and Terrifier 2 feel more or less like actual movies. Also, Terrifier 3 stands out for being perhaps the grisliest Christmas movie ever made, too.

7

‘House’ (1977)

Image via Toho

House is about people going to a house, and then weird things happen to them. It is the set-up for a great many horror stories out there, sure, but very few of them play out with quite the same atmosphere and tone as can be found in House. Most of it’s incredibly silly, though the way it feels a lot like a fever dream can make certain parts perhaps a little eerie.

It’s subjective. Some might watch House and find not one second of it actually frightening, and that’s of course valid, but more than that, it’s also understandable. House is essential, as far as comedy-horror movies go, and it’s so well-regarded and widely discussed as a cult classic that it might well have graduated beyond “cult” status, instead now just existing as a flat-out classic comedy/horror film.

6

‘Evil Dead II’ (1987)

Image via Rosebud Releasing Corporation

Honestly, any of the Sam Raimi-directed Evil Dead movies could’ve gone here. The first is straightforward and generally a bit more frightening than you might expect a low-budget movie made well over 40 years ago to be. The third, Army of Darkness, is, admittedly, barely a horror movie. Evil Dead II exists rather ideally between those two extremes, and works as both a horror movie and a rather goofy comedy.

The narrative here kind of remixes a lot of what went on in 1981’s The Evil Dead, though with a few new elements to ensure it never runs the risk of feeling like a retread. Even when things are familiar, the goofiness gives it all a whole new flavor. You can find some of it creepy, and then find the rest of it hilarious. Emotionally/viscerally, Evil Dead II is a great and varied ride, and finding deeper meaning here would require some stretching of the sort that would make Mister Fantastic blush.

5

‘The Return of the Living Dead’ (1985)

Image via Orion Pictures

If you’re talking about mindless horror movies, and you don’t mention anything zombie-related, can you really/honestly say you’re talking about mindless horror movies? It’s more than fitting to talk about something like The Return of the Living Dead here, since zombies themselves are kind of brainless/mindless foes, a lot of the time, and surviving them can be a rather simple affair, at least as far as what the characters have to do is concerned.

The original Dawn of the Dead has a fair bit by way of social commentary, of course, and maybe you get some Cold War/nuclear weapons-related paranoia explored in The Return of the Living Dead, but it largely exists to be a zombie-related romp. Like Evil Dead II, it rides the line between horror and comedy quite well, and it’s certainly an entertaining watch if you like yourself some B-grade (or maybe B-plus-grade? Since it is good) horror.

4

‘Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack’ (2001)

There are certainly Godzilla movies that are more frightening (or at least more intense) than Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack, but Godzilla himself is frightening enough here that you can still consider this something of a horror film. He’s unforgiving and driven by vengeful spirits here, with this Godzilla film also having a fantastical/supernatural spin by making Mothra and King Ghidorah legendary/mythical figures.

You get a bit of science fiction here, but less than you usually do with the Godzilla series. Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack is ambitious with the genres it tackles, and is a highlight for the series. It unpacks a little by way of substance, by making the Godzilla series have some ties to folk tale sort of things, and through it exploring certain traumas around World War II that linger, yet it’s also extremely entertaining and approachable (at least as much as the recent Godzilla Minus One, though that one did ultimately have more crossover appeal, internationally speaking).

3

‘Dead Alive’ (1992)

Image via Trimark Pictures

Sam Raimi was mentioned before, as someone who made a fair few great horror movies before moving on to bigger (and maybe not entirely better, aside from Spider-Man 2) things later on. The same can be said for Peter Jackson, whose low-budget horror movies mostly come from his first few years as a feature film director, all before he became legendary to most by helming The Lord of the Rings (2001– 2003).

Of his smaller horror movies, the best is Dead Alive, which is called that in America, but referred to sometimes as Braindead in other parts of the world. If your brain is genuinely dead, then you can’t experience it, sadly. But if you’re more, uh, braintired, then Dead Alive/Braindead is very much worth watching. It is a broadly funny, kind of silly, and very much over-the-top zombie movie that quite gleefully doesn’t try to be much more than sheer entertainment for 103 minutes, which it thankfully very much succeeds at doing.

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‘Gremlins’ (1984)

Image via Warner Bros.

The least scary movie here would have to be Gremlins. It would be a bit intense if you watched it when you were a kid, and it is pretty dark how it feels so much like a family movie before things go off the rails. Though if you watch it when you’re an adult, you won’t be too alarmed by it going off the rails. Gremlins is more successful as a comedy than it is a horror movie, because it feels more into being silly.

There is Gremlins 2: The New Batch as well, which feels even less worthy of being called a horror movie. So, Gremlins is being snuck onto here, even with it only just being a little horror-related. It’s a fantastic monster movie where the monsters are much tinier than what you’ll find in the majority of monster movies out there, and it works so well as a Christmas film, too (even more so than the previously-mentioned Terrifier 3).

1

‘Grindhouse’ (2007)

Image via Dimension Films

There is another epic-length movie Quentin Tarantino was involved with that’s also kind of two movies in one (Kill Bill), and that whole bloody affair is probably better than Grindhouse, but also, it’s not a horror movie. Grindhouse more or less is, even if Planet Terror (directed by Robert Rodriguez) has more by way of horror elements than Death Proof, which is Quentin Tarantino’s segment.

Death Proof is more of a thriller, and then it’s got one fantastic action sequence near the end, though the central villain there does feel like he’s out of a horror movie. Planet Terror sees Rodriguez doing a tongue-in-cheek and ludicrously gory zombie film (of sorts), and it’s pretty glorious. There are also fake trailers for “horror movies” that didn’t exist, included in the overall cut of Grindhouse, with a bunch of those movies ultimately actually getting made: Machete (2010), Hobo with a Shotgun (2011), and Thanksgiving (2023).

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Grindhouse

Release Date

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April 6, 2007

Runtime

191 Minutes

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