Throughout history, one of the genres that has offered the largest number of tremendous masterpieces has been the psychological thriller genre. These stories, all about suspense driven by the internal emotional and psychological states of its characters, have unsurprisingly given us several of the greatest films the big screen has ever seen. From the birth of cinema as a storytelling medium until the present, this is a genre that has remained one of audiences’ favorites around the world.

From foundational classics like the French masterpiece The Wages of Fear to cornerstones of 21st-century cinema like Mulholland Drive, there may have been many an exceptional psychological thriller over the years, but only a handful of them can be said to be truly perfect. Indeed, there are eight particular movies that have gone down in history not only as some of the genre’s greatest outings, but as some of the most flawless motion pictures the world has ever been treated to.

8

‘The Wages of Fear’ (1953)

Image via Cinédis

French cinema has given the world several of the greatest films of all time, including a few incredible psychological thrillers. Before auteurs like Jean-Luc Godard and François Truffaut rebelled against the classical school of French filmmaking and thus gave birth to the French New Wave, came the many old-school masterpieces whose foundations they wanted to subvert. The peak of pre-New Wave French cinema is arguably Henri-Georges Clouzot‘s The Wages of Fear, one of the best movie classics from 1953.

Exceptional though its 1977 Hollywood remake Sorcerer may be, Wages of Fear is a masterpiece without equal. By tying the physical elements of its high-octane, airtight plot to existential dread, the fragility of the human psyche, and pure human desperation, Clouzot crafted a psychological thriller that was far ahead of its time. Watching Wages of Fear today, it still feels about as modern as any psychological thriller tour-de-force being made nowadays.

7

‘Woman in the Dunes’ (1964)

Image via Toho

One of the most effective and historied forms of psychological thrillers is the erotic thriller, and as far as those go, it doesn’t get much better than Hiroshi Teshigahara‘s Woman in the Dunes. This cornerstone of 20th-century Japanese cinema was based on screenwriter Kōbō Abe‘s own novel of the same name, and after its remarkable critical and commercial success internationally back in 1964, it has stood the test of time as one of the greatest films ever to have come out of the Japanese New Wave movement.

Though Woman in the Dunes may be called one of the most amazing yet forgotten Japanese movies in history, that only means that it’s one of the most underrated dramas and psychological thrillers out there. It’s a sweaty, sandy, psychologically engrossing erotic thriller that’s both fascinatingly existential and visually gorgeous. Watching it, there is virtually nothing at all to complain about to this day.

6

‘Cure’ (1997)

Image via Daiei Film

Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa (no relation to Akira Kurosawa), Cure is still widely remembered as one of the greatest international horror movies perhaps not just of the ’90s, but of all time. This psychological horror thriller is one of those thrillers that are an absolute masterclass in suspense; a perfectly directed, perfectly written, and perfectly performed piece of J-Horror that has since been praised as one of the most influential horror gems ever to have come out of the Japanese scene.

People who prefer more lighthearted horror movies or psychological thrillers are definitely better off looking elsewhere, because Cure is purely cruel and gleefully so. It’s the type of horror film that operates not through jump scares or overt supernatural threats, but through the pure psychological horror of the very real evil that has plagued humanity since times immemorial. It’s atmospheric, it’s potently slow-burning, and it’s a must-see for fans of any of its genres.

5

‘Vertigo’ (1958)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Alfred Hitchcock is still known as the Master of Suspense, and that’s for good reason. He laid many of the foundations that the modern thriller genre still continues to build on top of to this day, and continues to be one of the most massively influential filmmakers in history. As such, it’s no shocker that he directed many of the greatest thrillers in film history, including a few exceptional psychological thrillers—the most perfect of which is arguably Vertigo.

Everyone may point to a different Hitchcock outing as his most flawless psychological thriller, and that’s okay; but throughout history, Vertigo has remained one of the most universally acclaimed movies of Hollywood’s Golden Age. It’s one of the most genius mystery movies of all time, a visually striking and brilliantly meta study on themes of romantic delusion and psychological obsession. No self-proclaimed fan of the genre can be a true fan if they haven’t watched Vertigo at least once.

4

‘Memento’ (2000)

Today, he’s widely seen as one of the undisputed kings of the box office and one of the leading voices in modern Hollywood filmmaking, but back in the day, Christopher Nolan was an up-and-coming indie filmmaker like any other. It was the massive success of his sophomore directorial effort, Memento, that earned him international acclaim and put his name on the map. To this day, many would confidently say that it’s still his magnum opus.

Brilliantly structured in reverse chronological order in a way that invites multiple re-watches, but is never hard enough to follow to make the film frustrating, Memento is easily one of the best mystery movies released since 2000. Anchored by Guy Pearce‘s exceptionally underrated lead performance and what’s far and away the boldest, most daring script in Nolan’s whole filmography, it’s one of the most timeless psychological thrillers of the 2000s.

3

‘Mulholland Drive’ (2001)

Image via Universal Pictures

Throughout the latter decades of the 20th century, David Lynch kept further cementing himself not just as one of the most fascinating arthouse filmmakers of his generation, but as one of the most important and influential surrealist auteurs in the history of cinema. However, not even his biggest fans could have predicted the level of quality of what would soon come to be hailed as the crown jewel of his filmography: Mulholland Drive, one of the most beloved thrillers of the 21st century.

An absolute head-scratcher through and through, Mulholland Drive is perhaps not the most accessible introduction to surrealist cinema for those unfamiliar; but for those who enjoy mind-bending extravaganzas like this, it should prove to be a hell of an unforgettable trip. Simultaneously a powerful critique of the dark side of the Hollywood Dream and a deeply humanist study of identity, duality, and sexuality, it’s a must-see gem for those who prefer their psychological thrillers thought-provoking.

2

‘The Silence of the Lambs’ (1991)

Image via Orion Pictures

Jonathan Demme‘s The Silence of the Lambs is a psychological thriller so terrifyingly bleak and violent that it’s typically also labeled as psychological horror; and with that, it’s the only horror film ever to have won Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Based on the book by Thomas Harris, it introduced the big screen to Anthony Hopkins‘ Hannibal Lecter, far and away one of the best movie villains of all time.

On top of Hopkins and Jodie Foster‘s career-defining and Oscar-winning performances, The Silence of the Lambs continues to shine over three decades after its release as one of the scariest, most suspenseful, and most impeccably made thrillers in film history. Rarely have cat-and-mouse games been this psychologically intense on the big screen, and rarely will a psychological thriller ever reach this level of incredible quality.

1

‘Se7en’ (1995)

Image via New Line Cinema

David Fincher has repeatedly established himself as one of the greatest thriller filmmakers working today, one of the directors most deserving of carrying Hitchcock’s torch as today’s Masters of Suspense. However, after the failure that was his directing debut, Alien 3, he desperately needed a hit to show the world what he was capable of. In came his sophomore effort, Se7en, still remembered as one of the most suspenseful mystery movies of all time.

Never has a darker, crueler, or more nihilistic Hollywood film ever made over $300 million dollars at the box office internationally. It’s precisely that bleak tone that makes Se7en so special, though, serving as the scaffolding for its hard-hitting sense of oppressive moral decay and existential helplessness. It’s the closest that a psychological thriller has ever come to true flawlessness, with some of the greatest directing, best performances, tightest writing, and most impeccably production values that the genre has ever seen or will ever see.

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Se7en

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Release Date

September 22, 1995

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Runtime

127 minutes

Writers

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Andrew Kevin Walker

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Editor’s note: The following contains spoilers for Neagley Season 1

Reacher‘s first-ever spin-off, Neagley, hit Prime Video this month, marking a new era for the franchise. The new series breaks from Reacher‘s established formula, with Frances Neagley (Maria Sten) putting down roots in her hometown of Chicago and launching a new private investigation firm. Most notably, the first season also wraps up with Neagley building her very own team of allies, including a character who serves as a narrative replacement for Jack Reacher (Alan Ritchson) and carries huge implications for Prime Video’s entire saga.

Neagley Builds a New Team in ‘Reacher’s First-Ever Spin-Off

A major part of each season of Reacher involves the eponymous hero establishing a tight-knit group of allies as the plot progresses. Neagley herself served as an integral member of Reacher’s teams throughout the first three seasons of the flagship series. However, Reacher leaving town at the end of each storyline requires a reset of the show’s supporting cast. By the end of Neagley‘s first season, the titular lead has recruited her own team — not just to help her unravel a greater conspiracy, but to investigate new mysteries.

Since Neagley isn’t a nomad who constantly prefers to travel the country as Reacher does, she opts to stay in Chicago, becoming the boss of her own detective agency. While Reacher parts ways with his allies once a season is complete, there’s a stronger sense of stability and consistency within Neagley’s team. Her new employees consist of Gerry York’s (Joel Keller) former assistant, Renee Birdwhistle (Adeline Rudolph), and the street hustler with a heart of gold, Keno (Jasper Jones), both of whom play a crucial role in bringing down Echo Canyon Farm. Detective Hudson Riley (Greyston Holt) also proves to be a loyal sidekick, saving Neagley’s life after she is drugged in Episode 5, “Trip,” but Season 1 suggests that Riley could become something more than an ally and investigative partner.

Neagley Has a New Relationship Outside of Jack Reacher

Neagley’s previous appearances in Reacher have established her haphephobia, or fear of being touched, and in Season 2, she tells Karla Dixon (Serinda Swan) that she’s “not attracted to anybody.” Neagley’s spin-off reveals that her haphephobia is the result of a traumatic event in her childhood, when she witnessed her father killing a man, and has prevented her from ever having a meaningful romantic relationship. At one point, Neagley tearfully confesses to her father, Calvin (Tyrone Benskin), “I’ve never danced with anyone. I’ve never had a first kiss with anyone. A guy reached toward me last night — a guy I really like, and I screamed at him!”

Unveiling the root cause of Neagley’s haphephobia — as well as her romantic interest in Riley — is a major development both for the character and the entire Reacher saga, as author Lee Child previously avoided divulging her backstory in his novels. Before Neagley, it always seemed like romance was never on the table, but it’s exciting that the writers are tackling this subplot head-on. Although Reacher and Neagley have always been close, their relationship is strictly platonic, and Riley and Neagley’s relationship offers a unique dynamic now that the character is leading her own series.

Will Neagley and Riley Get Together in Season 2?

Image via Prime Video

The Season 1 finale, “Touched,” reveals that Riley reciprocates Neagley’s feelings, even asking at one point if it would be okay to kiss her when they’re alone. Unfortunately, Neagley isn’t ready for that, as she’s still processing her haphephobia and the trauma of her childhood. Yet the season’s final scene does show Neagley meeting with a therapist, and it looks like she’s finally taking steps to deal with her long-standing phobia.

Riley is no Jack Reacher, but he proves himself as a man of integrity and an equal to Neagley, and their potential romance raises the emotional stakes for next season. Sten and Holt have remarkable onscreen chemistry that will benefit the series if their characters’ relationship continues to develop in the future. It will be interesting to see whether Neagley and Riley’s mutual attraction develops into a full-blown relationship, which would be a monumental event that allows Reacher fans to finally have someone they can romantically ship Neagley with.

Roseanne Barr has unleashed on her former television son Michael Fishman after he renewed his support for ABC’s decision to cancel the “Roseanne” revival in 2018. The comedian attacked Fishman during an appearance on the “Can’t Be Censored” podcast, calling him several names and warning him to stop publicly discussing her.

Roseanne Barr Launches Profanity-Filled Attack On Michael Fishman

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Barr did not hold back when the podcast host raised Fishman’s recent comments about the controversy that ended the “Roseanne” revival. According to TMZ, Barr called her former co-star a “bigot,” an “ignoramus,” and a “little f-cking worm.”

She then told him to “go and f-ck yourself and stay f-cked till the day you die.” Barr also claimed Fishman has “no f-cking idea” what she was discussing in the 2018 post and accused him of having “no geopolitical context whatsoever.”

Fishman played D.J. Conner, the son of Barr’s character, throughout the original sitcom and its 2018 revival. During her podcast appearance, Barr claimed Fishman returned for the revival only because she fought to be included. She alleged that producers originally wanted to remove him from the project.

Barr finished her message to Fishman with another blunt warning: “Don’t f-cking put my name in your f-cking mouth.”

Michael Fishman Said The Revival Was ‘Rightfully Canceled’

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Barr’s outburst came after Fishman addressed years of criticism surrounding his response to the controversy. In an Instagram video, the former child actor said he continued receiving “ignorant and inaccurate” comments claiming Barr was unfairly targeted for being an edgy comedian.

“So, I guess the world failed to learn the lesson,” Fishman said. “So I’m going to point out. We are perpetuating a lie, and people are using a political smokescreen to justify the indefensible.”

Fishman argued that dehumanizing rhetoric can carry real-world consequences beyond the original statement. “Those justifications, they’re leading to real consequences. Real crimes,” he said.

The actor ultimately defended ABC’s response, declaring, “Dehumanizing people is never a joke. In this case, there was no joke. And the show was rightfully canceled.”

Despite his criticism, Fishman also said he still loves Barr and believes good people can make mistakes. He maintained that caring about his former co-star did not require him to defend her conduct.

ABC Canceled ‘Roseanne’ Hours After The Controversial Post

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The controversy began in May 2018 when Barr posted a since-deleted message comparing Valerie Jarrett, a former senior adviser to President Barack Obama, to the Muslim Brotherhood and “Planet of the Apes.”

Barr deleted the post and apologized, but ABC canceled the highly rated revival within hours. The network said the statement was inconsistent with its values. Other platforms and television channels also removed reruns of the original series from their schedules.

Barr later argued the post was political rather than racial. During a 2018 interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, she said the message was “about asking for accountability from the previous administration about the Iran deal, which Valerie Jarrett is the author of, and that was what was in my head.”

She also said her reaction to the backlash “was shock that they were saying it was racial, when it was political.” Fishman has rejected the argument that political context made the post defensible.

Roseanne Barr’s Son Previously Accused The Cast Of ‘Selling’ Her Out

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Before Barr’s latest attack, her son, Jake Pentland, publicly criticized Fishman for supporting the cancellation. Pentland acknowledged that his mother’s post caused harm, but argued that other cast members continued benefiting from a franchise she created after she was removed from it. He claimed members of the cast took the post out of context and “conspired” to take the revival away from Barr without first asking her “what she meant.”

Pentland also alleged that the cast “prevented her from publicly defending herself.” “I wish him good luck in finding work one day. Hopefully selling the woman responsible for his career out was worth it for him,” Pentland told TMZ.

His frustration centered heavily on the creation of “The Conners,” which allowed much of the cast and crew to continue working without Barr.

Following the cancellation, ABC launched the spinoff with John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf, Sara Gilbert, Lecy Goranson and Fishman reprising their roles. Barr’s character was killed off before the new show began.

‘The Conners’ Continued Without Roseanne Barr For Seven Seasons

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Fishman remained with “The Conners” for its first four seasons before confirming in 2022 that he would not return as a regular for Season 5. Reports at the time said the door remained open for a possible future appearance. The sitcom continued for another three seasons without him and concluded in April 2025 after more than 100 episodes.

Executive producers said the team chose to end the series while it remained ABC’s most-watched comedy, rather than extending it beyond what they believed was the appropriate ending point. The six-episode final season focused on providing closure for the Conner family after decades on television.

Gizmo is officially back! Warner Bros. has released the first teaser for Gremlins 3, offering fans an early glimpse of the beloved Mogwai while announcing that the long-awaited sequel has been delayed nearly a year.

The brief 11-second teaser features Gizmo peeking out of a bag, accompanied by the familiar sounds of mischievous creatures nearby. Although the footage reveals little about the upcoming film, it marks the first official look at the franchise’s return to the big screen after more than three decades.

Originally scheduled to arrive on November 19, 2027, Gremlins 3 will now hit theaters on October 6, 2028, positioning the film for a Halloween-season release. Warner Bros. has not provided a specific reason for the delay.

10.6.28. Only In Theaters. pic.twitter.com/kZVLPrNd12

— Warner Bros. (@warnerbros) September 23, 2026

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Chris Columbus, who wrote the original 1984 film, is returning to the franchise as director and producer. The screenplay has also involved Final Destination Bloodlines filmmakers Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein, with Hannah Marks working on the latest draft. Steven Spielberg, who helped bring the original film to life, is returning as executive producer.

The original Gremlins, directed by Joe Dante, followed Billy Peltzer after he received an unusual Christmas gift: a lovable Mogwai named Gizmo. However, three important rules accompanied his new pet, and breaking them unleashed a wave of mischievous and dangerous creatures upon the quiet town of Kingston Falls.

The film became a box-office success and spawned the 1990 sequel Gremlins 2: The New Batch, which took the franchise in a more comedic direction. The upcoming third installment will mark the series’ first theatrical release in 38 years.

While the new teaser confirms the return of Gizmo, Warner Bros. has yet to reveal the film’s full cast or plot details.

For now, fans will have to wait a little longer before the Gremlins return to theaters.

“Summer House” alum Paige DeSorbo has had a whirlwind time since announcing her exit from the show in June 2025, including making a brief appearance in “The Devil Wears Prada 2.” However, the former Bravo star recently opened up about experiences from her 20s with domestic abuse, revealing she felt like a fraud for not speaking out before.

Paige DeSorbo Says She Didn’t Talk About Her Domestic Abuse Experience

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Variety interviewed DeSorbo in July 2026 and released the interview months later, in September. In it, she spoke about her life after “Summer House” and reflected on being honored by the Purina Purple Leash Project, a charity that creates pet-friendly shelters for domestic abuse survivors.

Regarding her experience with domestic abuse, DeSorbo stated that she “didn’t talk about it ever, to anyone, except maybe a couple close friends and then family” due to embarrassment.

She continued, “I felt like, ‘How could I let this happen to me?’ I didn’t want them to think less of me. I thought that way for the rest of my 20s, and I just really never brought it up.”

The ‘Summer House’ Alum Says She Felt ‘Fraudulent’ For Not Speaking Out

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DeSorbo continued by reflecting on being a public figure who has experienced domestic abuse in the past. She said she felt she was “doing a disservice” by not discussing that difficult period of her life, especially since many of her fans are young women.

The former “Summer House” star said, “I think my ‘character’ on ‘Summer House’ was strong and confident, and the No. 1 thing about domestic violence is it can truly happen to anyone.”

The 33-year-old continued, “I felt like I was a good example of, ‘She doesn’t take sh-t from anyone she’s dating.’ I felt almost a little fraudulent not saying that I had been through this, because it shaped a lot of how I did date in my late 20s.”

Regarding her being honored by the Purina Purple Leash Project, DeSorbo stated, “There’s no other time than a situation like domestic violence where you need someone to have your back. And I feel like a pet having a pet with you could make a difference.”

She Previously Opened Up About Being With An ‘Abusive Man’ In 2024

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DeSorbo took to her “Giggly Squad” podcast in late 2024 to open up about a relationship with a man that had become physically and emotionally abusive. According to her, “I probably got my most insecure when I was 19 or 20. I dated a really physically and mentally abusive man, and it changed my whole course of dating in my 20s.”

She continued, “I don’t even know if I’ve ever even said that on the pod, that I was in an abusive relationship before, but I feel like if I’m going to say it, this is the episode I would say it because I know for a fact, a ton of other girls have been in them too.”

She then called that experience “a very weird time” of her life before stating that she had been “fully brainwashed” by the unnamed man. DeSorbo added, “I was 19, I was 20 years old, I couldn’t even legally drink. It really did change a lot of how I looked at relationships. I’d never been exposed to that ever. I never thought that that could be me.”

Paige Also Shared What She Misses About ‘Summer House’

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Elsewhere in the Variety interview, DeSorbo also discussed her post-“Summer House” life, saying she felt a bit unsure of herself at first without having to film the show.

She explained, “Last summer came at me too fast. I was like, ‘Wait, what do people do in the summer?” However, DeSorbo has now settled into her new schedule, saying, “I’ve relaxed. I think everyone needs a break from being perceived.”

Regarding what she misses about filming the show each July, she admitted, “I would justify all my purchases because I had to film. ‘I need this outfit.’ Now when I’m shopping, I’m like, ‘Well, I don’t need an arrival outfit for Friday afternoon.’ So that part is a little bit sad.”

Paige And Her Podcast Co-Host Hannah Berner Recently Signed A New Deal

DeSorbo launched the “Giggly Squad” alongside fellow “Summer House” star Hannah Berner in March 2020, starting with Instagram Live sessions before it became an official podcast. Most recently, in September 2026, it was announced that the co-hosts and close friends had signed a new four-year deal with SiriusXM.

The new deal makes SiriusXM the exclusive distributor of the top-rated podcast and expands the brand with “new exclusive programming.” This comes after the pair launched the successful “Giggly Squad” tour in September 2024 and published the New York Times bestseller “How To Giggle” in April 2024.

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Roomies, Kirk Franklin has the innanet talking once again after making an unexpected move with his upcoming music! The gospel icon has folks weighing in on just how far artists can go when blending faith with hip-hop, especially after revealing that his new track samples the late Shawty Lo.

RELATED: Watch Yo Mouth! Tammy Franklin Reacts After Husband Kirk Franklin Confronts Man Who Shaded Her (VIDEO)

Kirk Franklin Said, “Y’all Gotta Hear This Beat!”

Kirk Franklin is gearing up to drop ‘This Time,’ a new track featuring GloRilla that samples the late Shawty Lo’s ‘Dey Know’ record. He recently previewed the song on ‘Joe and Jada,; sparking reactions online as fans debate whether the singer is pushing gospel in a new direction or simply finding fresh ways to bring listeners into praise and worship.

Roomies Had Plenty To Say In The Comments

Fans quickly ran to The Shade Room’s Instagram comment section with their reactions to his latest move. While some declared that Kirk is really HIM, several other commenters admitted the collaboration was completely unexpected.

The Instagram user @cthagod commented, “Kirk Franklin aka Holy Lo Featuring Hallelujah Woods.”

This Instagram user @abovethenote said, “lol Kirk said I need the beat to knock alittle bit more.. In Jesus Name!!💯😂😂😂”

And, Instagram user @socialnatrosha added, “As a former ATLien, it’s 🔥😂”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @lifew.shawna shared, “Remind yall, he’s not the only gospel artist to remix a secular music beat.. yall just don’t like him 😂”

While Instagram user @mrcoolbeardguy wrote, “Kirk was definitely stomping in the studio when he made this 😂💯”

Lastly, Instagram user @aa.laidbackaplomb claimed, “The only Kirk I acknowledge is Franklin”

X Had Plenty To Say About Kirk’s New Track

X didn’t miss either, Roomies! Folks ran over there to share their thoughts on Kirk Franklin’s unexpected move, and the reactions are all up and down the timeline. Some X users even joked that Kirk might just be the gospel version of DJ Khaled, because when he drops a record it’s definitely taking OVER!

I love Kirk Franklin

But that new track ain’t it pic.twitter.com/o3fjMquGXV

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— Sagittarius Jones (@SupaFragilistik) September 23, 2026

Ngl Kirk Franklin gotta hit on his hands rn https://t.co/KcJJiR2aI8

— DOUBLE (@igobydouble) September 23, 2026

That sounds like he’s going back to his Black roots. Thank God. Actually, Kirk Franklin sampling Shawty Lo is very on brand. If he hadn’t had that terrible multicultural church period, it probably would have happened earlier. https://t.co/2FD14seRlf

— Brown Butter Evangelist 🍉 (@krysilove) September 22, 2026

Kirk Franklin > DJ Khaled and it really aint even close lmao https://t.co/WVFnXK2HPQ

— R (@iShard757) September 23, 2026

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Kirk Franklin takes it TOO far sometimes.. he needs a good rebuking again

— CL. ✨ (@_ItsCourtneyyyy) September 23, 2026

Someone gotta whoop Kirk Franklin https://t.co/lxgNX3egSv

— Terpene Hunter (@SwishaShock) September 23, 2026

Kirk Franklin is a musician first. A spokesperson for God second.

— Sabelo R. Mkhabela (@SabeloMkabela) September 23, 2026

Dj Khaled.. I mean, Kirk Franklin, got another hit 🔥 https://t.co/WcDWgdqPXD

— CHIN🤴🏾🇯🇲🇭🇹 (@718CHIN) September 23, 2026

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RELATED: Too Soon? Kirk Franklin Has Social Media Hollerin’ After Clowning Marvin Sapp’s $40K Donation Request (PHOTO)

Between Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, and Tom Holland, 2026 has been a marquee year for many of Hollywood’s biggest names, with each star landing multiple totemic movies in the same calendar year. What connects them, besides fame and acclaim? Sharing screentime with Robert Pattinson, who is having perhaps the most stellar 2026 of all. Despite having already starred in and excelled in The Drama and The Odyssey, the actor still has two wildly anticipated films on this year’s schedule: he is set to appear in the end-of-year’s most seismic cinematic event, Dune: Part Three, and at the end of September, Pattinson will officially make his case for an Academy Award for his buzzy performance as Chris Hansen in Lance Oppenheim‘s Primetime. We are watching the perfect blueprint of how to be a movie star in 2026 unroll in front of our eyes, and his success in parlaying his earlier mainstream success to elevate smaller projects should be the formula for future stars.

Robert Pattinson Cashed In on His ‘Twilight’ Fame

Image via Universal Pictures

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Hollywood’s inability to produce new movie stars, especially ones 40 years old and under, is frequently discussed by audiences and talking heads alike. Average viewers are drawn more to comic book characters and pre-established IP, and the Tom Cruises and Sandra Bullocks of the world are rare commodities. Frankly, one of the many factors driving this trend is the refusal by many household names to use their A-list status to prop up and greenlight small, independent films with challenging and unique material. This critique is often thrown at stars like Ryan Reynolds and Chris Evans, who have resigned themselves to churning out indistinguishable action blockbusters.

Stepping away from that pattern is Robert Pattinson, who starred in both an A24 and a Christopher Nolan movie in 2026, and who has broken the rigid confines of 40-and-under actors by becoming a movie star with genuine artistic integrity. The roots of his current viability as a star and dramatic actor go back over a decade, following the conclusion of his five-movie run as Edward Cullen in the wildly popular Twilight series. Since being minted as the ultimate big-screen heartthrob from 2008 to 2012, Pattinson has rejected his screen persona as a swooning “pretty boy” by playing sheer scoundrels in provocative and bold auteur-driven films. He set the tone for his post-Twilight career instantly by working with the probing and experimental David Cronenberg twice. Pattinson has helped elevate the mainstream status of today’s best working filmmakers, including Josh and Benny Safdie, Claire Denis, Robert Eggers, Lynn Ramsey, Kristoffer Borgli, and now Lance Oppenheim, a documentarian making his foray into narrative filmmaking with Primetime.

Robert Pattinson Consistently Plays Daring and Unglamorous Roles

Male stars designated as matinée idols often make themselves appear ugly, both physically and emotionally, to prove they are serious dramatic actors who don’t skate by on their good looks. Throughout the years, these transformations have been met with mixed results, but no one in recent memory has made one’s deconstruction of their movie star sheen look easier than Robert Pattinson. In 2026 alone, he has played paranoid, envious, and slithering characters in The Drama and The Odyssey, in roles not designed to garner sympathy from the audience. Pattinson’s revelatory turns in Good Time and The Lighthouse showcased his mastery of playing self-destructive men on the brink of total collapse. Even with his most “heroic” characters, such as the set of clones rebelling against totalitarianism in Bong Joon-ho‘s Mickey 17, he is a bumbling, vulnerable presence with a peculiar voice and oddball energy.

Granted, unless you’re Leonardo DiCaprio, if you want to be an A-lister in 2026, you have to play ball with Hollywood. Pattinson can’t be described as much of an anti-establishment artist, as he is indeed the current iteration of Bruce Wayne, last seen in Matt Reeves‘ The Batman, which has finally begun filming its sequel. Luckily, despite donning a cape and wearing a mask throughout most of the runtime, he’s not been asked to partake in any expanded universe (at least for now). The standalone and auteurist nature of The Batman is tailor-made for Pattinson’s career approach. Working with Christopher Nolan, arguably the most viable name in Hollywood, has also helped make Pattinson a household name. Nolan, who makes blockbusters that are nothing like the standard blockbuster, lets Pattinson run wild with his conniving and off-putting characters, and his performance as Antinous in The Odyssey has drawn much enthusiasm.

When even your “one for them” projects are creatively liberating, you know you’re in a vaunted class. Robert Pattinson, whose work in Primetime has placed him firmly in the Oscar conversation, is just getting started, and we may be witnessing the prime of our brightest star in Hollywood.

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Primetime

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Release Date

September 25, 2026

Runtime

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110 minutes

Director

Lance Oppenheim

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Writers

Ajon Singh

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David Bowie was the first artist to receive the top honor at the inaugural VMAs in 1984. Seven years later, the network renamed the award to honor Michael Jackson, who was presented the Moon Person in 1988. The name was once again changed in 2019 after Jackson came under fire for sexual abuse allegations in HBO’s Leaving Neverland documentary, with all mentions of the late performer removed from the awards’ website and 2019 broadcast. (Jackson, who died in 2009, denied all allegations against him in the past.)

At the 36th annual VMAs, Missy Elliott made history as the first female rap artist to accept the Vanguard Award, which is not presented every year. In 2018, Jennifer Lopez became the first Latin artist to win the award.  Shakira, for her part, became the first South American artist to take home the honor at the 2023 ceremony.

Scroll through to revisit some of the most memorable Video Vanguard Award winners over the years.

With the rumors that the next Bond has already been cast (with no word on who it might be), everyone’s got a name that they’re throwing into the hat. Whether it’s Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, or Jacob Elordi — the current frontrunners — we can rest assured that the Bond 26 casting announcement will make as many waves as Daniel Craig‘s casting did back in 2005. Although he might not be as young as the other candidates, Peacock’s The Day of the Jackal proves that Eddie Redmayne deserves a spot on the list as a potential underdog for the role. It’s not the classic James Bond, nor the classic Jackal of the book, but Redmayne brings a sleek brutality to the role that still invokes echoes of the 007 agent.

Eddie Redmayne’s Jackal Feels Incredibly Similar to James Bond

The Day of the Jackal showcases Redmayne’s cerebral and brutal sides, as he murders people with the precision and style of a 007 agent. The initial assassination of a right-wing German politician displays the Jackal’s precision and lack of remorse for his victims. He takes his time to set up his weapon, which is a sniper rifle so ingeniously disguised as a suitcase it could literally be Ben Whishaw‘s Q himself that built it. The bullet through the German’s head is so bluntly portrayed, smacking through the exit wound and spraying blood on the ground in an instant, yet Redmayne’s Jackal still holds to his code, not killing unnecessarily, as he doesn’t pull the trigger when presented with the opportunity of eliminating the politician’s bodyguard.

Furthermore, Redmayne’s physicality is brilliant in the role, as a master of disguise, being able to both be handsome and yet blend into a crowd when needed. There’s a reason why Redmayne’s performance as the Jackal earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor. Throughout nearly every persona he takes on, there is a politeness to the Jackal. He’s a businessman, though his remark that he couldn’t care less why his employees want someone dead displays the coldness hidden beneath the veneer of chivalry.

‘The Day of the Jackal’s Romance Gives an Even Greater James Bond Feel to Eddie Redmayne’s Performance

Something that The Day of the Jackal stands out in — compared to previous adaptations — is its romantic elements. The book rarely includes anything like this, yet the 10-part series depicts the Jackal’s home life with his wife Nuria (Úrsula Corberó) and son in Cádiz, displaying a far more sympathetic side than the book or 1973 Edward Fox-led film ever really offered. This addition gives us far more complexity to the character, and many scenes between a coy Jackal and his wife feel eerily similar to the chemistry between Daniel Craig and Eva Green’s in Casino Royale. Nuria sees through the Jackal’s lies surrounding his line of work, wanting him to be completely present at home, and Redmayne shines in these scenes. There is a softness to the character that you can tell he has with nobody else, yet it is clear he is always focused on the next job, even though he wants to be at home more often.

The Day of the Jackal is already a thrilling adventure on its own, with danger around every turn, and Eddie Redmayne’s performance highlights this. He serves as the gravity well around which everything revolves. Not only do we get to see the cold-blooded assassin side of the Jackal, but his relationship at home portrays the inner conflict continually occurring within the character. It’s not James Bond exactly, but Redmayne’s performance is what makes The Day of the Jackal so watchable. And if we end up disappointed by the Bond casting announcement, at least we know that there’s another season of The Day of the Jackal waiting in the wings for us in 2027.

Patrick Clancy opened up about how he dealt with trauma after his ex-wife, Lindsay Clancy, killed their three kids in January 2023, revealing that one “miracle” treatment helped him “the most.”

In an extended clip from his Sunday, September 20, interview on 60 Minutes, Patrick, 36, said that he used EMDR to face the murder of his kids “head on.”

EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a psychotherapy treatment designed to help people heal from the emotional distress and symptoms from traumatic events.

“It’s unpleasant but they get you used to dealing with that,” Patrick said. “And, eventually, you’re better at processing it … After I did it — all of those sessions — the waking up screaming, the horrible dreams, they mostly stopped. I mean, it was like a miracle.”

Patrick went on to say that the “traumatic” memories from the event were “overwhelming.”

“I think the thing that helped the most was EMDR,” he said. “It’s a little unusual. They put you right back in that place that you’ve been trying to avoid for years and you face it head-on.”

The interview marked the first time Patrick has publicly spoken about the murders after Lindsay’s case was declared a mistrial on September 4. She was on trial for nearly seven weeks after she killed their kids Cora, 5. Dawson, 3, and Callan, 8 months, at their Duxbury, Massachusetts, home on January 24, 2023.

While Lindsay, 36, never denied killing her kids, her defense team argued that she should not be held criminally responsible for the murders due to her struggles with postpartum psychosis. Meanwhile, the prosecution argued she was aware of what she was doing when she killed her kids.

Following extensive testimony from psychologists and investigators, the jury deadlocked 11-1 when they were unable to come to a unanimous verdict. The prosecution has not yet announced whether they plan to bring the case back to trial.

Patrick shared many details about the harrowing experience on 60 Minutes, including the wish he made shortly after Lindsay strangled their kids.

“So, I didn’t have all the details of Callan’s condition,” Patrick said of the former couple’s youngest child, who survived for a few days after the attacks. “I just knew that they got a heartbeat back. So I remember … that night, I … really thought there was a chance that Callan would live. And I remember just thinking, ‘Just gimme one. Just gimme one kid, and I would raise him as best I could, and I would give him the best life I possibly could. I’d tell him about his brother and sister.’”

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Related: Lindsay Clancy’s Ex-Husband Choked Up While Describing Their 3 Kids in Court

Lindsay Clancy’s ex-husband, Patrick Clancy, got emotional while describing their three children during his ex-wife’s murder trial after she killed them in January 2023. Lindsay, 35, was arrested on January 26, 2023, and charged with the murders of their children Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 8 months. Three years later, Patrick, 38, took the […]

Patrick added that he was “holdin’ out hope” that Callan would survive. “And then when I got to the hospital, I saw the doctor,” he recalled. “I saw the look on her face, and … I knew that it … it wasn’t gonna be … a good prognosis.”

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The 60 Minutes sit-down segment also included updates about his life today, including insight into his relationship with his wife, Rachel Danis, and their plans to start a family together.

Interviewer Ross Douthat later confirmed “they are having a child” on CBS Mornings.

If you or someone you know is pregnant or just had a baby and is in crisis, help is available. Call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline for free, confidential support 24/7 in English and Spanish at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262).