Entertainment
Sci-Fi Hit That Redefined Summer Blockbusters Now On Netflix
By Jonathan Klotz
| Published

Steven Spielberg invented the Summer blockbuster with Jaws, and then did it again with E.T. and Jurassic Park, but in terms of sheer spectacle, Roland Emmerich invented the visual language used by today’s Summer blockbusters with 1996’s Independence Day. The shot of a massive alien ship hovering over the White House and then blowing it to smithereens was everywhere that year, from the Super Bowl to every primetime TV ad break.
Story became secondary, special effects on the biggest screens possible took over as the real reason to go to the theaters, and Hollywood was never the same. Now you can relive the experience on Netflix.
Welcome To Earth

Independence Day wastes no time starting off the massive alien motherships moving into position above the world’s largest cities. In the most realistic moment of the entire film, there’s a group of people who decide to gather directly under the ships to welcome the aliens. That’s when they open up and unleash a devastating blast that destroys Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C. It’s hard to understand today what it was like to see this level of devastation on a scale never seen before, with this budget and looking this good.
The other half of Independence Day, the plot, is supported by an all-time great cast, including Jeff Goldblum, Vivica A. Fox, Judd Hirsch, Mary McDonnell, Randy Quaid, Mae Whitman, Brent Spiner, Bill Pullman as one of the greatest fictional Presidents ever, and the breakthrough role of a sitcom star: Will Smith. No one cares that the plot is as thin as Flat Stanley. From top to bottom, every member of the cast understood the assignment. This is one of the most fun movies ever.
You can pinpoint the exact moment when Will Smith became a movie star. After Captain Steven Hiller is shot down, he walks right over to the alien fighter he took with him, pops open the hatch, and drops a one-liner, “Welcome to Earth,” as he punches the alien in the face. He was no longer The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air; he was King of the Summer Blockbuster.
Independence Day Reshaped Movies Forever

According to Rotten Tomatoes, Independence Day has a critic rating of 69 percent and an audience rating of 75 percent, both of which seem irrelevant. Roland Emmerich’s follow-up to Stargate is a pure popcorn movie. For every bit of horrible dialogue, there’s Bill Pullman’s triumphant speech. For every contrived plot device, there’s an extended dogfight between alien saucers and F/A-18 Hornets. This is the ultimate “turn off your brain” and enjoy movie.
At the time of its release, Independence Day became the second-highest-grossing film of all time with $817 million, making Jeff Goldblum, star of Jurassic Park, the then-highest-grossing film star of all time and one of the most successful box-office stars of the 90s. Decades later, every superhero movie, every Summer blockbuster, can trace its visual style back to Emmerich’s groundbreaking disaster film.
For years, fans wanted more. Finally, in 2016, the sequel, Independence Day: Resurgence, which brought back Pullman, Goldblum, and Hirsch, hit theaters with Liam Hemsworth as the new hotshot pilot. After 20 years, no one cared.
Don’t let the forgettable and pointless sequel deter you from going back and streaming Independence Day now that it’s on Netflix. Some movies are hits, some become cult classics, and then there’s Independence Day, which managed to transcend Hollywood and reshape the world of entertainment in its image. Whether it’s the hundredth time or the first time, you will get hyped when Will Smith punches the alien, Bill Pullman announces today is our Independence Day, and when Randy Quaid gets his revenge. Just don’t think about it too hard. It’s not that type of movie.
Entertainment
Guess The Future Pro Baller This Kid Turned Into!
Before this cool kid in his jersey turned into a professional football player, he was just the star athlete of his high school’s football, basketball and track teams …
He played college ball at Texas A&M, and he’s currently a Tampa Bay Buccaneer.
Entertainment
National Barbie Day: Decorations, Movie Memorabilia
You’ll Never Be Kenough Without …
a Mojo Dojo Casa House
For National Barbie Day
Published
TMZ may collect a share of sales or other compensation from links on this page.
If you’re still a Barbie girl living in a Barbie world, then you know it’s about to be the best day of the year.
This National Barbie Day, celebrate by watching the “Barbie” movie for the 28th time and then treating yourself to a shopping spree.
From dolls inspired by the film that are almost too pretty to unbox to home decor and a build-your-own dreamhouse, your space is suddenly going to look a lot like Barbie Land. It’s exactly what she would want.
Classic Barbie Black & White Poster
Add a touch of vintage Barbie to your home. Inspired by the original doll released back in 1959, this Classic Barbie Black & White Poster features everyone’s favorite blonde in her iconic striped, strapless swimsuit.
Use it as the perfect addition to your retro decor or just as a subtle tribute to the gal who’s been with you through it all.
Barbie The Movie Ken Doll
His job? Beach. Straight out of Barbie Land, this Barbie The Movie Ken Doll comes ready for a day in the sun in a striped matching set, equipped with his very own surfboard.
Whether he’s catching a wave or serenading Barbie on the beach, this Ken is ready for whatever comes his way.
Barbie The Movie Margot Robbie Collectible Doll
Greetings from Barbie Land! This Barbie The Movie Margot Robbie Collectible Doll was crafted in the likeness of the Aussie actress and her role on the big screen.
She’s totally ready for the best day ever in her vintage-inspired pink gingham dress, daisy necklace and pastel pumps. Keep her in the box to display or take her out and pose her for an adventure.
Barbie The Movie President Barbie Collectible Doll
Dance party? Sign her up. This Barbie The Movie President Barbie Collectible Doll was modeled after Issa Rae’s President Barbie character in her sparkly halter top, shimmering white shorts and golden heels.
She’s even got her own satiny “President” sash just so you know she’s that girl.
MEGA Barbie The Movie Replica DreamHouse Building Kit
Build your very own DreamHouse! This MEGA Barbie The Movie Replica DreamHouse Building Kit comes with 1,785 bricks to piece together every detail of Barbie’s iconic three-story home, from her spiral staircase to her pool with the slide.
Plus, it also has fashion, food, and pool accessories for the micro-dolls to have a spectacular day in the sun.
Barbie The Movie Hot Wheels Remote Control Corvette
Come on Barbie, let’s go Barbie. Hop in this Barbie The Movie Hot Wheels Remote Control Corvette and get ready for a wild ride around Barbie Land … and beyond!
Based on a 1956 Corvette Stingray, this convertible is remote controlled, has all the details from the movie and can reach up to 5 miles per hour!
Unofficial Mojo Dojo Casa House Doormat
You’ll know exactly where you are when you’re greeted by this Unofficial Mojo Dojo Casa House Doormat.
The Kens have taken over Barbie Land and they’re leaving their mark … including on your door step. While you may not have saloon doors and horse themed decor, your guests are sure to get a kick out of this doormat.
Unofficial Mojo Dojo Casa House Flag
Okay, we get it. We’re officially in the Kendom.
If you’re Team Ken, fly this Unofficial Mojo Dojo Casa House Flag with pride as you celebrate the total takeover by the Kens.
It’ll take some time but you’ll eventually realize you’re Kenough, just the way you are.
Take Barbie with you wherever you go and sip in style with this limited edition Miniso Barbie Tumbler. Featuring Barbie’s classic logo and her signature hot pink coloring, this cup is a fun nod to your favorite doll. Plus, it holds up to 54 oz., meaning you’ll be totally hydrated while you’re at it.
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All prices subject to change.
Entertainment
Ghostbusters Actress Jennifer Runyon Dead at Age 65
Ghostbusters and Charles in Charge star Jennifer Runyon has died at the age of 65.
A representative for the actress told Us Weekly on Sunday, March 8, that Runyon “passed away after a six-month battle with cancer. She felt loved and blessed by her family and friends. She was beloved by countless people and will be missed.”
Runyon’s friend and Bewitched actress Erin Murphy reflected on her friendship with Runyon via Instagram on Sunday, detailing that she was “so sad to share” the news.
The news was also shared by Runyon’s family via a Facebook post. “This past Friday night, our beloved Jennifer passed away. It was a long and arduous journey that ended with her surrounded by her family,” the post read. “She will always be remembered for her love of life and her devotion to her family and friends.”
The Facebook post continued, “She’s looking down on all of us with her beautiful smile. Rest in peace our Jenn.”
Runyon portrayed a young student who underwent a paranormal assessment conducted by Bill Murray’s Peter Venkman in 1984’s Ghostbusters. She later played Gwendolyn Pierce in season 1 of Charles in Charge.
Murphy, 61, shared a photo of her with Runyon via her Instagram tribute, captioning the image, “Some people you just know you’ll be friends with before you even meet. She was a special lady. I’ll miss you Jenn. My thoughts are with your family and beautiful children.”
Runyon is survived by her husband, Todd Corman, whom she married in 1991, and their two children: son, Wyatt, and daughter, Bayley.
Bayley shared an Instagram tribute to her mother on Sunday, posting a carousel of beautiful photos and one video of the pair goofing around together. “All of the best parts of me came from you,” Runyon’s daughter captioned the post. “I would give anything for one more day together.”
The actress was also recognized for her portrayal of Cindy Brady in 1988’s A Very Brady Christmas after the character’s original actress, Susan Olsen, was unavailable to partake in the project as she was on her honeymoon. In a YouTube interview for MeTV, published in December 2025, Runyon said she loved the chance to portray an iconic TV personality. “I don’t know anybody who would not want to be a Brady once in their life, so it was fun,” she said at the time.
Runyon also appeared in a string of other TV series over the years including Magnum, P.I., Quantum Leap, Beverly Hills, 90210, and Murder, She Wrote.
Entertainment
When does “The Night Agent ”season 4 come out? The latest intel on the Netflix spy thriller's future
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Gabriel Basso headlines the pulse-pounding series.
Entertainment
Shawn Porter Defends Floyd Mayweather’s Boxing Return, He’s Not Broke!
Shawn Porter
Mayweather’s NOT Short on Money
… He Just Loves To Box!
Published
TMZSports.com
Floyd Mayweather‘s decision to unretire has some fans believing the 50-0 fighter is running out of money … but Shawn Porter tells TMZ Sports he’s not broke … he just can’t stay away from the sport he loves.
We spoke with Porter — who retired from boxing in 2021 — after Mayweather announced his return to the pro ring for a rematch with Manny Pacquiao in September, on top of exhibitions with Mike Tyson and Mike Zambidis.
That said, many are questioning whether “Money” has no money … or if he’s really just been champing at the bit to punch some faces again … but Porter can explain.
“This just happens to be the hurt business. In the hurt business, once you’re done with the hurting or getting hurt, you really don’t want to go back into that kind of fire, but at the end of the day, this is his livelihood,” Porter said. “This is what he’s done his entire life.”
“At some point, you gotta get away from this being a financial thing, this being a ‘I wanna be popular’ thing and all that kind of stuff, and you just gotta say hey, this is what this man has done his whole life to provide, and this is what he loves to do. So, he’s gonna do it.”
Mayweather, 49, is hitting the gym hard, too … we were told he’s training daily for his bouts, with a special focus on his upcoming exhibition against Tyson sometime in May in the Congo.
“Yeah, it’s happening,” Tyson told TMZ’s Michael Babcock during their latest interview, “S***, yeah, it’s happening!”
“You think I’d give that up?! I was minding my business! He challenged me!”
His fight against Zambidis is scheduled for June, and Pacquiao II goes down in September.
Entertainment
Joy Behar nearly falls out of her chair on “The View” once again
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Behar famously took a hard tumble as she made her way out to the Hot Topics table in 2022.
Entertainment
“Yellowstone”'s Luke Grimes reveals to Drew Barrymore he once hit on her and Cameron Diaz at a club
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A pal dared the “Marshals” actor to use his best pickup line on the “Charlie’s Angels” stars some 20 years ago.
Entertainment
Bangladeshi Man Extradited to U.S. on Sexploitation Charges
Nearly four years after he was indicted, a Bangladeshi man has been captured and extradited to the United States, where he will be prosecuted for allegedly masterminding an international child sexual exploitation enterprise that targeted minors using social media.
Zobaidul Amin allegedly “used computers and interactive computer services connected through the Internet to trick, extort, and persuade minors to produce sexually explicit images of themselves and send the images to [him] and others, and to transmit to [him] live visual depictions of the minors engaging in sexually explicit activity,” according to the federal indictment against him.
Amin, 28, appeared in an Anchorage, Alaska, court on Thursday, March 5, and entered not guilty pleas to conspiracy to produce child pornography, conspiracy to receive and distribute child pornography, child exploitation enterprise, production of child pornography, receipt of child pornography, cyberstalking, aggravated identity theft and wire fraud charges.
“As alleged in the indictment, Amin used social media applications including Instagram and Snapchat to identify and coerce [hundreds of] minor victims to produce images and videos of sexually explicit and sadistic conduct,” the Department of Justice said in a statement.
He allegedly adopted false identities — often posing as a teenager — to trick his victims into sending him explicit images. Amin was arrested in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he had been studying medicine.
“Amin delighted in sexually abusing hundreds of minor victims over social media,” reads a detention memorandum. “He bragged about causing victims to become suicidal and engage in self-harm. He shared hundreds of nude images and videos of minor victims all over the internet and encouraged other perpetrators to do the same.”
Federal investigators first learned of Amin after a 14-year-old Alaska girl reported her abuse to law enforcement. She said she stopped talking to Amin, and he made good on his threats, sending pornographic images of her to her friends and followers.
Investigators eventually learned his identity and realized he’d done the same thing to hundreds of minor victims. The only way the girls could quell his demands for more pictures was to recruit other victims, he allegedly told them.
“Because he was in Malaysia and his victims were primarily in the U.S., Amin viewed himself as untouchable by law enforcement,” prosecutors wrote. “In one conversation, he told a minor victim that the ‘cops won’t do anything,’ and the ‘cops won’t track me down because I live no where near u.’”
He will be held in custody until his trial, for which no date has been set.
“Yesterday’s return from Malaysia of a Bangladeshi national who allegedly abused and sexually exploited hundreds of minor victims worldwide is another successful example of the Administration’s increased efforts to find criminals hiding abroad,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Together with our international partners and the U.S. Department of State, we are countering online child sexual exploitation, protecting our most vulnerable, and bringing these sick abusers to face justice on American soil.”
Parents, teachers, and guardians interested in learning more about protecting children from exploitation can find useful tools and information at Know2Protect.
If you suspect child abuse, please call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or visit ChildHelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential, and the hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
Entertainment
James Van Der Beek Honored By Family On First Posthumous Birthday
Nearly a month after his passing, James Van Der Beek‘s family is honoring the late actor on his birthday, sharing cherished memories, heartfelt tributes, and personal reflections on social media to celebrate his life and the impact he had on those who loved him.
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Kimberly Van Der Beek Shared Photos And Videos Of The Late Actor
On March 8, James’ wife Kimberly celebrated her late husband on what would have been his 49th birthday. She shared several photos and videos on Instagram Stories, expressing how she missed him “tremendously.”
James and Kimberly share six children: 15-year-old Olivia, 13-year-old Joshua, 12-year-old Annabel, 9-year-old Emilia, 7-year-old Gwendolyn, and 4-year-old Jeremiah.
In the series of posts, Kimberly shared glimpses of James’ life, sharing short videos and photos of their precious moments. The actor loved dancing with his children, going on outdoor adventures, and doing activities with them.
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“The way you were at births, held our newborns, revered me… I will cherish forever,” Kimberly wrote in one post showing James holding their newborn child. “He was the sexiest tree light hanger in all the land,” she captioned a video showing James putting on lights on a Christmas tree.
“Baby, you were the best humanity had to offer. This is a loss I don’t know how to process. I will love you forever,” Kimberly captioned a family photo.
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James Van Der Beek Loved Working On Their Ranch Home
In one video taken less than two years before James’ passing, he is seen clearing overgrowth. Kimberly noted, “Doing what he loved. Working this land.” In another video, the actor is shown placing wood panels on a wall. As Kimberly shared, her late husband loved “building things” for their home.
The Van Der Beek family moved from Los Angeles to Texas in 2020, and, as the couple shared, the decision was driven by their desire to give their children more space and be closer to nature.
They made renovations in the home, with James even sharing a video on TikTok in 2023 showcasing the progress they’ve made on the mudroom.
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Emilia Van Der Beek’s Touching Tribute To Her Father
One of James’s daughters, Emilia, also recorded a video to honor her father’s first birthday after his death. As Kimberly noted, Emilia wanted to make a video post that she helped record, which she uploaded to her account.
The 9-year-old said, “The number one thing for somebody’s passing is to talk to them and let your emotions out,” she said, adding, “I talk to my dad every day. I start with a sentence, and I say, ‘Hi, Dad. I miss you and I love you so much, and I’ll never stop loving you.’”
Emilia also shared a touching message James told him, saying, “If this doesn’t work out the way he wanted it to and the way we wanted it to for him living, I still have to believe in miracles. Miracles can still happen, just later on in life, and they’ll keep coming.”
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James Van Der Beek Said Fatherhood Changed Him
In 2023, shortly after sharing his cancer diagnosis, James shared with “Good Morning America” how fatherhood changed him. The actor said his life shifted, and his children became his first priority. “You know what you genuinely want is to take care of them, to make them feel safe, keep them safe to connect with and feel that joy,” he said.
After his diagnosis, Van Der Beek focused on spending quality time with his family while facing treatments and financial difficulties due to his illness.
Van Der Beek also raised awareness for colorectal cancer, sharing his experiences and opening conversations about the disease to encourage others to be proactive about their health.
James Van Der Beek’s Death

As previously reported by The Blast, James and Kimberly renewed their marriage vows shortly before the actor’s death. The simple ceremony included their children and close friends, with others joining via Zoom.
James passed away peacefully on the morning of February 11, after battling colorectal cancer for nearly three years.
Entertainment
DWTS’ Emma Slater and Ex Sasha Farber Joke About Their Marriage
Dancing With the Stars pro Emma Slater and ex-husband Sasha Farber teamed up for a social media video more than three years after their split.
“‘Your ex-husband is soooo attractive,’” Farber, 41, lipsynced in a Sunday, March 8, Instagram video, while the camera panned to Slater, 37, who added, “‘But you’re my ex-husband.’”
Farber then put his sunglasses on as he nodded to the camera with a smile on his face.
“💀💀💀💀😂😂😂😂 @sashafarber1,” Slater captioned the post before adding, “If you can’t handle that exes can be mature and can be friends, I’m sending you love and positive vibes but I also know it’s not my problem to solve 🥰 meant with love, I’ve just healed [and] moved on from that.”
Farber chimed in in the comments section, writing, “😂😂😂😂.”
Slater and Farber began dating in 2011 before pausing their relationship three years later. After the pair rekindled, Farber proposed to Slater on DWTS in 2016. Slater and Farber exchanged vows two years later. In 2023, the twosome went their separate ways — with Slater revealing the reason for their split was “the kid thing.”
“It’s interesting because I do want to have kids, I just don’t want to delay Sasha’s path in having kids because I know that he is ready for that,” she said during an episode of the “Viall Files” podcast in 2023. “I don’t want to talk about him too much because that’s really for him to say, but it’s about kids.”
She continued, “I do want kids. I don’t know what it is, I’m just figuring that out for myself. It’s not something I take lightly and I don’t want to enter into something that I’m not sure about because I would never do that.”
Slater and Farber’s divorce was finalized in 2024. That same year, Us Weekly broke the news that Slater and fellow DWTS pro Alan Bersten were “hooking up.” The next year, Slater and Bersten, 31, sealed their relationship with a kiss during a live DWTS show.
“Last year on the last show of tour, I was like, ‘I’m gonna kiss her. I’m gonna do it on stage,’” Bersten exclusively told Us Weekly in February, adding that he asked Slater for permission. “I asked her beforehand, because I was pretty scared.”

Slater was surprised by Bersten’s gesture, but was game. “I said, ‘Really?!’ And he says, ‘Yeah, I’m just gonna kiss you,’” she told Us, noting that she still “didn’t think he was gonna do it.”
She continued, “He did it, and then we messed up the dance. Afterwards, the audience was screaming, and it was really loud.”
Farber, for his part, has been supportive of Slater and Bersten’s romance. When asked in an October 2025 TikTok whether it’s “awkward” to work with Slater on DWTS, Farber replied, per a fan video, “No, not at all. Definitely not awkward. I’m really happy for her and Alan and I wish them nothing but the best. That’s all I can say.”
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