The future of video games is in a very weird spot, with PlayStation shifting out of the physical market and Nintendo raising its prices above what many fans expected. However, Xbox is in the weirdest spot, with many unsure what the new console will look like, and with fewer exclusives and more playoffs, the future is looking bleak. On the other hand, fans can at least appreciate the past glory of Xbox.

Even though not all the consoles were successes, they all had something special, but Microsoft’s best video game console is easily the Xbox 360. That is why this list will rank the ten greatest Xbox 360 video games of all time based on how iconic they are, how much they define the console, gameplay, narrative, visuals, originality, influence, popularity, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and overall quality. This list will feature games that are best defined by the Xbox 360, not necessarily exclusives.

Image via Bethesda

The Elder Scrolls is one of the biggest fantasy franchises, but they used to be timed exclusives for Xbox, including The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion on the Xbox 360. When a number of demonic gates open up in the world of Cyrodiil, the player must set out on an adventure to close these gates before monsters take over the world and man.

The series is moving back to Xbox, and maybe The Elder Scrolls VI will be a defining game for the next Xbox the same way The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is on the Xbox 360. It may have some technical and design issues, but this game redefined what could be done with open-world fantasy adventures, proving to be a staple on this console.

9

‘Viva Piñata’ (2006)

Image via Rare

Xbox is usually known for its first-person shooters or sci-fi adventures, but the Xbox 360 was a console for everyone, like Viva Piñata. This life simulator has players taking care of a neglected farm in order to attract piñata animals, which they can then breed and create new creatures while also fending off farm invaders.

Viva Piñata doesn’t feel too much like an Xbox game, but it was a key part of a lot of childhoods. However, this isn’t just a kid’s game; Viva Piñata is a fun experience for adults as well, with surprising maturity and fun. This video game proved the Xbox 360 wasn’t just a dull and grey console, but it could be full of color and life-simulator elements that are simply a joy to play.

8

‘Gears of War’ (2006)

Image via Microsoft Game Studios

Right after the fun and colorful game of Viva Piñata, fans might get whiplash with Gears of War, which just proves how versatile the Xbox 360 was. A subterranean race known as the Locust Horde is devastating the planet, and the only hope for humanity is Delta Squad, which fights a desperate last stand to save the world.

The Xbox 360 has some of the greatest first-person shooters of all time, but it also boasted some third-person shooters that were critically acclaimed, like Gears of War. The second game is just as good, but the first game reflects the console better and is the most iconic of the franchise. This game proved the Xbox 360 was a next-gen console, with magnificent graphics and revamped controls to make it a culturally significant Xbox game.

7

‘Fable II’ (2008)

Image via Lionhead Studios

Each of the big three video game companies has its own fantasy franchise, and while it is the least popular of the bunch, Fable is still an excellent series. A new game is coming out in 2027, which could revitalize the franchise, but for now, Fable II is the best. Players start as an ordinary street punk, but will rise to fame by becoming the hero who will save the world from the evil tyrant trying to alter the future of the kingdom.

The new game won’t be an Xbox exclusive, unfortunately, but fans at least have Fable II, which is one of the best fantasy adventure video games ever. The ending is underwhelming, but the rest of the game is an absolute delight, featuring one of the most unique fantasy settings with a whimsical world and in-depth life simulator aspects. Fable II is a staple of the Xbox 360 and its best fantasy game.

6

‘Grand Theft Auto IV’ (2008)

Image via Rockstar Games

Grand Theft Auto is one of the biggest franchises ever, and one classic entry on the Xbox 360 is Grand Theft Auto IV, which follows an Eastern European immigrant who moves to Liberty City to realize his American Dream. However, he is quickly thrust into the dark underworld of organized crime, now needing to pay off a debt through less than noble means.

The next GTA game is going to break records, and while it will likely be better on PS5, GTA IV is definitively an Xbox 360 video game. The game has a fascinating and complex physics system that makes everything feel more real and engaging, proving why it is among the best of the franchise. GTA IV also had DLC expansions that were exclusive to the Xbox 360, proving why they are perfect together.

5

‘Halo: Reach’ (2010)

Image via Microsoft Game Studios

Xbox has a handful of iconic video game franchises, but its best is Halo, which is always a definitive experience on every console. The Xbox 360 has a handful of Halo games, such as Halo: Reach. Taking place before the events of the older games, it features the last stand of Noble Team, which fights against the Covenant alone.

Halo: Reach has one of the bleakest video game endings in history, but that is also what made it so iconic, furthering its legacy on the Xbox 360. The multiplayer content was some of the best in the franchise, and players had more customization options than ever before, and that isn’t to mention the campaign, which might have the best story in the franchise.

4

‘Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare’ (2007)

Image via Activision

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The Xbox 360 is a shooting console, and that means Call of Duty games did extremely well on it, including Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. Controlling either a British SAS squad or the US Marines, players are sent out to accomplish a dangerous mission where they must stop a Middle Eastern dictator from starting a global nuclear war.

Either this one or Modern Warfare 2 would be acceptable on this list as they are both defining Xbox 360 video games, but the first one is infinitely more iconic and represents the console better. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare was a multiplatform game, but it is an essential Xbox 360 game. There was no place to play it other than this console, which had a major player base. The snappy gunplay is extremely addictive, and the immaculately paced campaign is well-designed, proving Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is a staple FPS of the generation.

3

‘BioShock’ (2007)

BioShock is one of the most acclaimed games of all time, meaning it has expanded to pretty much every other console. However, it was a timed Xbox 360 exclusive, making it perfect for this list. After surviving a plane crash, Jack finds refuge in a lighthouse, but when descending into it, he discovers a failed utopia known as the Rapture, where political mayhem and genetic experimentation have taken over.

BioShock is a political critique of Randian objectivism, which favors self-interest, and the game displays this through the failed world and greed of its inhabitants. This thematic masterpiece boasts one of the best narratives in video game history, wrapping it up with a historic plot twist. BioShock is a sci-fi masterclass that captivates the viewers through its engrossing aesthetic and vibe that all began on the Xbox 360.

2

‘Mass Effect 2’ (2010)

Image via Electronic Arts

One of the greatest sci-fi franchises is Mass Effect, and while every title in the trilogy is a masterpiece, the best on the Xbox 360 is arguably Mass Effect 2. This game also follows Commander Shepard, who seemingly dies, only to be brought back to life by the organization Cerberus. With the disappearance of several human colonies, players are tasked with defeating the alien race causing this mayhem.

Xbox is home to some of the best sci-fi video games of all time, and Mass Effect 2 proves that, boasting a sprawling narrative that involves grand political intrigue with emotional weight and personal character writing. The branching narrative is in-depth and complex, shaping the world through the choices the player makes, proving its worldbuilding prestige that defined the acclaim of this game.

1

‘Halo 3’ (2007)

Image via Microsoft Game Studios

2007 might have been the best year for Xbox, because the Xbox 360 delivered Modern Warfare, BioShock, Mass Effect, and Halo 3 all in the same year. This list already had one Halo game, but the best on this console is hands down the third, as it continues the fight against the Covenant, which never seems to end, but Master Chief hopes this time will finally be the end of this war.

The 2000s were a defining era of video games, and that is largely thanks to the Xbox 360, which shaped the decade with renowned titles such as Halo 3. This game was more than a fun time; it was a multiplayer sensation that created bonds across the globe. Halo 3 perfected the mechanics and gameplay established in the others, making it a polished experience with incredible gunplay and an engaging campaign. Halo 3 isn’t just the best Xbox 360 game, it is one of the best Xbox games of all time, becoming a landmark of the medium and forever iconic.

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Halo

Release Date

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2022 – 2024-00-00

Network

Paramount+

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Showrunner

Kyle Killen

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Directors

Jonathan Liebesman, Craig Zisk, Dennie Gordon, Roel Reiné, Debs Paterson

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Winning any Academy Award is an extraordinary achievement. Winning both Best Picture and Best Director in the same year is far rarer—an accomplishment reserved for films that excel not only in storytelling but also in the artistry behind the camera. These are movies that combine exceptional performances, unforgettable screenplays, and visionary ideas to create works that have stood the test of time.

Sure, there are plenty of Oscar-winning films that have faded from popular memory, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t continue celebrating them decades later. As such, from romantic comedies, historical epics, to intense crime dramas, these are the movies that prove near perfection happens when inspired direction creates an outstanding film.

10

‘The Apartment’ (1960)

Image via United Artists

C.C. Baxter (Jack Lemmon) is a lonely insurance clerk who lends his apartment to company executives for their extramarital affairs in hopes of climbing the corporate ladder. But his carefully ordered life begins to unravel when he falls for elevator operator Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine), only to discover that she herself is involved with his married boss.

Like all great leading couples, Lemmon and MacLaine are perfectly matched. Of course, much of this is made possible by Billy Wilder‘s brilliant direction and sharp screenplay, which remain as insightful about loneliness, workplace politics, and human decency today as it was in 1960. It’s little wonder why The Apartment scored the big awards at the Oscars as it cemented its place as one of Hollywood’s greatest romances.

9

‘It Happened One Night’ (1934)

Image via Columbia Pictures

Spoiled heiress Ellie Andrews (Claudette Colbert) flees her disapproving wealthy father as he attempts to control her personal life, only to cross paths with cynical newspaper reporter Peter Warne (Clark Gable). And while the two constantly bicker as they find themselves traveling across America together, an unlikely romance begins to brew.

As one of cinema’s earliest and most influential screwball comedies, there’s no doubt that Frank Capra‘s direction gave the film an infectious energy that still feels effortlessly modern. Gable and Colbert share sparkling chemistry, elevating every witty exchange into comic gold. And as one of the only three films to ever win the “Big Five” Academy Awards, it’s clear that It Happened One Night set the standard for the genre that countless filmmakers have tried—and rarely managed—to replicate.

8

‘Schindler’s List’ (1993)

Image via Universal Pictures

Set during World War II, German industrialist Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson) gradually transforms from a war profiteer into an unlikely humanitarian. Using his factories as a refuge, Schindler risks everything to save more than a thousand Jewish men, women, and children from the horrors of the Holocaust.

Like many of his legendary films, Steven Spielberg directs Schindler’s List with extraordinary restraint, allowing the devastating reality of the Holocaust to speak for itself rather than relying on manufactured melodrama. Neeson delivers a career-defining performance, with Ralph Fiennes‘ terrifying portrayal of Amon Göth remaining one of cinema’s most chilling villains. Simultaneously heartbreaking and surprisingly hopeful, the tale remains one of the most important films ever made.

7

‘All About Eve’ (1950)

Image via 20th Century Studios

Ambitious young actress Eve Harrington (Anne Baxter) charms her way into the inner circle of Broadway legend Margo Channing (Bette Davis), presenting herself as nothing more than an adoring fan. But as Eve slowly manipulates everyone around her to advance her own career, admiration gives way to deception, betrayal, and ruthless ambition behind the glamorous curtain of the theater world.

Joseph L. Mankiewicz crafts one of Hollywood’s sharpest screenplays, filled with razor-edged dialogue that remains endlessly cutting. Davis is a true force of nature, giving one of the defining performances of her career, while Baxter’s calculating Eve grows equally compelling. Even decades later, All About Eve‘s observations about fame, aging, and professional insecurity remain startlingly relevant. Luckily, this is one classic film that has managed to escape the clutches of a modern remake (so far).

6

‘Lawrence of Arabia’ (1962)

Image via Columbia Pictures

David Lean‘s sweeping epic chronicles the remarkable true story of British officer T.E. Lawrence (Peter O’Toole), whose leadership during the Arab Revolt transformed him into an international legend during World War I. But as Lawrence becomes increasingly consumed by both war and his own mythology, the line between heroism and obsession begins to blur.

Few films demonstrate the power of cinematic scale quite like Lawrence of Arabia. For one, Lean’s breathtaking direction transforms vast desert landscapes into unforgettable visual spectacles, without ever losing sight of the deeply conflicted man at the story’s center. O’Toole’s magnetic performance thus naturally anchors the entire epic, resulting in a film that remains one of the greatest achievements in large-scale filmmaking.

5

‘Casablanca’ (1942)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

In World War II in the Vichy-controlled Moroccan city of Casablanca, cynical nightclub owner Rick Blaine’s (Humphrey Bogart) carefully guarded self is quickly shattered when his former lover, Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman), unexpectedly walks back into his life—alongside her new husband, a prominent resistant leader. Faced with an impossible choice between love and duty, Rick is forced to decide what kind of man he wants to be.

Michael Curtiz blends romance, political intrigue, and heartfelt drama with astonishing confidence, crafting a film that never really puts a foot wrong. Bogart and Bergman generate unforgettable chemistry, largely thanks to a screenplay that delivers one iconic line after another. Of course, more than 80 years later, Casablanca remains the benchmark against which virtually every great Hollywood romance is measured.

4

‘Amadeus’ (1984)

Image via Orion Pictures

Told through the recollections of court composer Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham), Amadeus reimagines the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce) as a battle between divine genius and ordinary talent. But as Salieri watches Mozart effortlessly create masterpieces despite his childish behavior, his admiration slowly transforms into all-consuming envy.

From the get-go, Miloš Forman‘s direction perfectly balanced lavish historical spectacle with intimate psychological drama. Abraham gives a performance for the ages, portraying Salieri as both villain and tragic victim, while Hulce’s exuberant Mozart brilliantly subverts expectations. And as all great biopics go, any historical inaccuracies become almost irrelevant as the emotional truth of the story remain bold and compelling.

3

‘The Godfather Part II’ (1974)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Francis Ford Coppola‘s extraordinary sequel interweaves two timelines: Michael Corleone’s (Al Pacino) increasingly isolated reign as head of the Corleone crime family, as well as the rise of his father, Vito (Robert De Niro), who grows from impoverished Sicilian immigrant to powerful Mafia boss. Together, the parallel narratives reveal just how power can both build a legacy and ultimately destroy it.

Rather than repeating the success of its predecessor, The Godfather Part II expands its theme with even greater ambition. For one, Coppola’s masterful direction gives equal weight to Michael’s tragic moral decline and young Vito’s unlikely ascent. Meanwhile, Pacino and De Niro deliver two of the greatest performances in gangster cinema. It’s one of the exceedingly rare sequels widely considered every bit as brilliant (and even more so) as the original.

2

‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’ (2003)

Image via New Line Cinema

The final chapter of Peter Jackson‘s monumental trilogy brings the War of the Ring to its breathtaking conclusion. Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) embraces his destiny and Gondor makes its final stand in the war against Sauron. Meanwhile, Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) undertake their last perilous steps towards Mount Doom to destroy the One Ring once and for all.

Sweeping all 11 Academy Awards for which it was nominated, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King represented recognition not only for one remarkable film but for an extraordinary overarching cinematic achievement. Even despite its unprecedented spectacle, Jackson somehow balances it all with intimate character moments of vulnerability. The result? A trilogy’s ending that feels both emotionally satisfying and sensorially awe-inspiring. A true accomplishment of cinema’s fantasy genre.

1

‘Parasite’ (2019)

Image via NEON

Life takes a drastic turn for the impoverished Kim family as they cleverly infiltrate the wealthy Park household by posing as unrelated and highly qualified employees. Unfortunately for them, finding enjoyment in their newfound prosperity is cut short when their elaborate scheme begins to unravel, thanks to unexpected secrets arising from the luxurious home.

Bong Joon Ho‘s direction is nothing short of astonishing as he effortlessly shifts between genres without ever losing control of the narrative. Every visual detail, every line of dialogue, and every plot twist serves a larger purpose, rewarding repeat viewing with new discoveries. Better still, by becoming the first non-English-language film to win Best Picture alongside Best Director, Parasite didn’t just make Oscar history—it earned its place among the greatest films ever made.

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Parasite

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Release Date

May 30, 2019

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Runtime

133 minutes

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• 
• 

  Lee Sun-kyun

  Park Dong-ik

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Next: 10 Most Undeniable Best Picture Oscar Wins, Ranked

It could be argued that we are currently in the midst of a new Golden Age, that of the TV reboot. Scrubs was brought back for a tenth season, with an eleventh on the way. Netflix recently rebooted Little House on the Prairie, which Collider declares is a “must-watch Western masterpiece,” and guilty pleasure Baywatch is back on the beach in January 2027. If you’re still not convinced, consider this: on August 7th, 2026, not one, not two, but three reboots were officially confirmed: Monarch of the Glen, Sherlock Holmes, and Animorphs. But there’s one series that stands out for its absence; one of the most iconic family sitcoms of all time, a 10/10 classic that actually deserves a reboot, certainly as much as, if not more, than Baywatch: The Brady Bunch.

‘The Brady Bunch’ Looms Large in Pop-Culture

That’s right, The Brady Bunch. You know, a lovely lady, Carol (Florence Henderson), who has three very lovely girls — Marcia (Maureen McCormick), Jan (Eve Plumb), and Cindy (Susan Olsen) — meets a man named Mike Brady (Robert Reed), who has three boys of his own — Greg (Barry Williams), Peter (Christopher Knight), and Bobby (Mike Lookinland), and they somehow form a family. With Alice (Ann B. Davis), of course. The concept was groundbreaking at the time, with the Bradys’ becoming the first depiction of two separate families coming together through marriage on television. And for five seasons, the Brady clan was welcomed into family homes nationwide.

Five seasons and fade into obscurity? Not by a long shot. The lunchboxes, comic books, trading cards and albums were just the beginning of the Bradys’ long, lengthy run in pop culture. They closed out the 70s with notorious spin-off The Brady Bunch Variety Hour, had two made-for-TV movies — The Brady Girls Get Married (which segued into The Brady Brides series) and A Very Brady Christmas — in the 1980s, and entered the 1990s with The Bradys, an ill-advised series meant to bring dramatic gravitas to the family’s TV exploits. A movie trilogy, one that sees the still very 1970s Bradys in the 1990s, kicked off with The Brady Bunch Movie in 1995. There was a 35th anniversary special in 2004, various specials surrounding the 50th anniversary in 2019, and A Very Brady Renovation in 2019. Oh, and the theme song that has persevered to become an icon unto itself.

Long story short, The Brady Bunch has existed in one form or another every decade since its debut. That’s a level of longevity that any series would envy, and certainly one that should, at the very least, enter the discussion for a reboot. But the Bradys have fallen off the radar following A Very Brady Renovation, and it’s a borderline sin that the 2020s have thus far remained Brady-less. The name recognition alone is enough to draw in viewers, and, if it’s done right, keep them.

What a Reboot of ‘The Brady Bunch’ Could Be

So, if we’ve established that The Brady Bunch is deserving of a reboot, what would that look like? A straight reboot featuring the 1970s-era Brady Bunch could be one direction, and series like The Goldbergs are proof that family sitcoms set in a distinctive era can work. But that puts the reboot in direct comparison to the beloved original, which isn’t necessarily a good sign for its success. Likewise, the premise of the film, with the Bradys, locked in their 1970s era, existing in the 1990s, has been done, and done well.

But one could adapt the concept of the movie to create something for a generation that hasn’t been privy to the magic of the Brady Bunch: create a fresh, circa-1990 Brady family and place them in the present day. It opens a world of possibilities: the Bradys navigating Amazon with dial-up internet; Mike inviting the guys over to watch the Super Bowl on the big screen, a 35″ backbreaking CRT box model; big cell phones, and so on. Maybe Mike invested early in Netflix, when it was just a DVD-by-mail movie rental service, or even Apple, giving a rational explanation for being able to afford six kids and a live-in maid.

Where it could separate itself, however, is by being smarter than its predecessors. The movies used the premise for comic purposes, but never explored the bigger idea of how the Bradys’ kept their wholesome values in a disparate world. Now, the world is even more disparate than the film’s 70s vs. 90s premise. A series would give the opportunity to explore that idea, using it as a means of addressing smart social commentary. And a 1990s Brady family could have a bit of an edge to them, but not too much: they have a long, long history to honor after all.

Anne Hathaway isn’t allowing one of the stranger theories surrounding her pregnancy to linger unanswered.

Just one day after her daring maternity outfit became a major online talking point, the actress found herself at the center of an even more personal debate as some social media users questioned whether her exposed baby bump was actually real.

Rather than issue a lengthy denial, Hathaway seemingly addressed the speculation with four playful words that left little room for interpretation.

Hathaway appeared to have seen the chatter surrounding her baby bump after photos from “The End Of Oak Street” premiere spread across social media.

The 43-year-old responded on Instagram with a behind-the-scenes montage documenting the chaotic process of getting ready for the event.

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“Fake hair, real bump,” Hathaway wrote in the caption, adding that fans could watch as her outfit “literally melts in the heat.”

The joke was particularly fitting because the video actually showed one thing about Hathaway’s appearance that wasn’t entirely natural.

As members of her glam team prepared her hair, a stylist could be seen securing a hairpiece to create additional volume in her ponytail.

“It’s not my hair,” Hathaway freely admitted in the footage. Her baby bump, however, was another matter entirely.

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The cheeky distinction appeared to be Hathaway’s answer to viewers who had begun questioning her pregnancy after seeing photographs and videos from Sunday’s premiere.

Anne Hathaway’s Exposed Baby Bump Sparked A Bizarre Online Theory

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The speculation emerged after Hathaway walked the Los Angeles red carpet in an outfit specifically designed to showcase her growing stomach.

The Oscar winner wore a custom Atelier Prabal Gurung high-low halter top made from celestial-blue and vivid-crimson silk mikado, paired with low-rise jeans.

The unconventional combination initially sparked a fashion debate, with critics particularly fixated on Hathaway’s decision to wear denim with the dramatic top.

However, the conversation soon moved beyond her clothes. Some TikTok users began questioning the appearance of Hathaway’s stomach, with one asking, “Why does it look fake?” The comment reportedly attracted thousands of likes.

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Another viewer claimed, “It does look fake. There’s body makeup on it.”

Other users quickly pushed back against the speculation, pointing out the obvious problem with comparing one pregnant woman’s body to another.

One defender suggested Hathaway’s fitness could contribute to the shape of her stomach, while another questioned why women were scrutinizing her body simply because their own pregnancies had looked different.

Hathaway’s “real bump” response seemingly made clear exactly where she stood on the theory.

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The Pregnancy Rumors Come After Hathaway’s Maternity Outfit Was Already Roasted

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The unusual pregnancy speculation added another layer to what had already been a surprisingly controversial red carpet appearance.

As The Blast reported, Anne Hathaway’s maternity outfit sharply divided fans before questions about her bump even began circulating.

Some critics described the ensemble as “ridiculous” and “tacky,” while others couldn’t understand why the dramatic Prabal Gurung top had been paired with jeans.

“Jeans? JEANS?! That dazzling top deserves a better companion,” one critic complained.

Yet Hathaway herself appeared completely comfortable with the fashion gamble.

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The look was deliberately constructed around her pregnancy, with the cropped front leaving her stomach uncovered while the fabric cascaded behind her into a dramatic train.

Whatever fans thought about the jeans, Hathaway clearly wasn’t interested in hiding her changing body.

Anne Hathaway Has Been Open About Her Fertility Struggles

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The suggestion that Hathaway might be faking her pregnancy is especially striking given how candidly she has discussed what expecting another child means to her.

Hathaway and her husband, Adam Shulman, already share sons Jonathan and Jack, but the actress has previously spoken openly about experiencing fertility struggles.

When announcing her second pregnancy in 2019, Hathaway specifically acknowledged that conception had not been a straightforward journey for her.

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Her third pregnancy therefore came with considerable surprise.

Anne Hathaway Revealed Why Baby No. 3 Felt So Unlikely

During a July appearance on “Late Night With Seth Meyers,” Hathaway explained that she and Shulman knew what they were doing but were still stunned that they had conceived.

“We were so shocked it went this way,” she said, revealing that they had nicknamed the pregnancy their “buzzer-beater.”

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Hathaway also offered even more perspective on becoming pregnant in her 40s during a chat with Access Hollywood, explaining that she and Shulman approached the possibility with very low expectations.

She said they understood their chances were limited and simply decided to see where life took them.

That reality has made the pregnancy particularly meaningful.

“We’re overjoyed because we just know from personal experience that not everybody gets this,” Hathaway explained, acknowledging that some people never get the pregnancy they hope for.

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The Bold and the Beautiful 2-Week Spoilers for August 10-21, 2026 excite with Steffy Forrester (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) having her life being saved by Sheila Carter (Kimberlin Brown). And it looks like it may be a deathly drop shock. It’s going to be life and death in Monaco and it’s going to change everything.

Also, in the two weeks of August 10th through the 21st, we’ve got R.J. making a pitch. Brooke Logan (Katherine Kelly Lang) is enraged. Will Spencer (Crew Morrow) and Dylan get frisky, and even more. Let’s jump right into it.

On Monday, August 10th, Brooke, Ridge Forrester (Thorsten Kaye), and Steffy are all in Monte Carlo trying to work on Forester Creations international relations. Of course, they’re blaming their issues on Logan and their debut. Ridge is teasing Steffy and Ridge wants to know why she’s looking at her phone, not the amazing view.

And turns out Steffy’s monitoring Finn’s flight to see when it lands. Brooke is sorry Finn couldn’t fly with them, but Steffy says, “You know, I married a dedicated surgeon, so he had to stay behind to take care of a patient.” But Steffy’s really excited to be reunited with Finn in Monaco.

Meanwhile, on the plane, Sheila is crowding Finn’s space to look out the window. She wants to know if he can see the Mediterranean yet. And Finn’s annoyed and tells Sheila, “If you want, you can just have the window seat.” Electra Forester (Laneya Grace) and R.J. Forrester (Brayan Nicoletti) are starting a new venture together.

Electra, of course, is very hurt over the Will split and R.J. is trying to distract her. So, up at the Forester Creations office, we’re going to see Electra in a beautiful dress and R.J. is telling Electra that he thinks the next youth line should be hers.

So, it sounds like R.J. is suggesting to Electra she could replace Hope Logan (Annika Noelle). They come up with a new line to replace Hope for the Future. It’s not a bad idea from R.J. because Hope wasn’t a designer either, so Electra could just be the muse.

Bold and the Beautiful Spoilers: Monaco Romance and Life-Changing Moments

Tuesday, August 11th on The Bold and the Beautiful, Finn Finnegan (Tanner Novlan) and Sheila are still on the flight to Monaco. Finn’s trying really hard to get Sheila to stay far away from Steffy, both in Monaco and back home in LA. So on the plane, Finn’s telling Sheila he won’t tell Steffy that Sheila followed him there, but Finn tells Sheila she needs to turn around and just go home. She may tell Finn, okay, because that’s what he wants to hear. But of course, we know Sheila isn’t going anywhere.

Brooke gets news from Fanny Greyson (Elsa Esnoult) that absolutely sets her off. So Fanny may have inked a deal with House of Logan to do a fragrance line, which of course would infuriate Brooke about Katie all over again. Then on Wednesday, August 12th’s episode of The Bold and the Beautiful, we’ve got Deacon getting romantic with Taylor.

With Steffy and Finn in Monaco, we’ve had Deacon hanging out non-stop with Taylor. And then Deacon drops down to one knee and he asks Taylor to marry him. Deacon asked Taylor, “Will you be my wife?” And she asked Deacon if he is serious. So, if Taylor says yes, that will shock Sheila and Finn and Steffy if she comes home to find a ring on her mom’s finger.

B&B Spoilers: Steffy Waiting for Finn

We’ve got Steffy waiting at the church for Finn on Wednesday. She’s listening to the bells and Steffy says, “Soon, Finn. Soon.” And when he shows up, he and Steffy are going to get fully romantic in Monaco. It is the anniversary of when Finn showed up in Monaco back when Steffy thought Finn was dead. If you remember, they re reunited in front of the church and they’re going to be back in that all important spot. I’m hoping to see a vow renewal. We know they filmed at the church and also on the beach and apparently on a bridge. We’ll talk about that more in a minute.

There’s also scenes coming this week with Steffy and Finn spending some time together on the beach. And then Steffy notices Sheila’s there trying to disguise herself under a head covering. Steffy storms over and blasts Sheila for being there. She’s absolutely furious. And I’m wondering if Finn is going to tell Steffy before that that Sheila was on his flight and flew to Monaco or if that’s when Steffy finds out.

The Bold and Beautiful: Love, Proposals, and New Beginnings

Then on Thursday, August 13th, on The Bold and the Beautiful, Daphne Rose Walton (Murielle Hilaire) tells Carter Walton (Lawrence Saint-Victor) how much she loves him. Then Daphne opens up to Carter while they’re in the CEO office with her saying it’s so unfair that she has this diagnosis. And he tells Daphne it doesn’t mean that she can’t carry a child. You know, she’s just not ovulating.

So, Carter may suggest that they try in vitro. They can use a donor egg. And I still think Steffy’s going to offer them an egg. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have come up. Maybe Daphne will take her up on it, and then they can use Carter’s sperm, and Daphne can at least carry the baby herself and experience pregnancy, which is what she really wanted. Ridge tries to distract Brooke with some romance. So, it looks like she may be upset about the Fanny thing.

Bold and the Beautiful Spoilers: Carter Determined to Have a Family with Daphne

Friday, August 14th, on The Bold and the Beautiful. Carter promises to help Daphne. So obviously Carter is going to do everything he can to make that baby dream a reality. Steffy’s hit by a wave of emotions. Maybe during the beach incident or maybe when Sheila saves her life. We’ll see if it happens on Friday. It may wind up being a literal cliffhanger that plays out on Friday and then carries over to Monday.

So, it’s not confirmed in official spoilers, but I’ve seen leaked photos of Steffy falling off a scenic bridge. She’s screaming. Sheila hears her, pulls Steffy up, even though letting her go would make Sheila’s life easier. And then once Sheila pulls Steffy up, then she hugs Sheila in gratitude. It looks to me so much like when Sheila saved Taylor from falling off the hospital roof a few years ago when Krista Allen was still on The Bold and the Beautiful. So, Steffy is so relieved that Sheila saved her life. Looks like it’s going to change everything as Brad Bell promised it would.

The Bold and the Beautiful: August 17-21 Spoilers

Then the week of August 17th through the 21st, we may get carryover, as I said, from cliffhanger Friday to this life-changing event in Monaco with Sheila saving Steffy. Obviously, Finn would be eternally grateful to his mom, and Steffy will have to be, too. In fact, Ridge will need to thank her.

So will the other Forresters because, you know, Sheila shot Taylor and Steffy, and now Sheila has saved both of their lives. So, if we’re going life for a life, this should seal Sheila’s redemption. When they all get back from Monaco, we could see Steffy tentatively inviting Sheila to be part of the family.

I can’t wait to see all of their reactions if Deacon and Taylor are officially engaged by the time she gets back. Also, once she’s back, I think Brooke’s going to march over to Logan and confront Katie after she hears Fanny’s news. We may see Deacon and Taylor making some wedding plans. Even though they haven’t been together that long, she’s head over heels for Deacon.

Bold and the Beautiful Spoilers: Dylan Gets Closer to Will

Dylan and Will get closer. They have a night of passion soon. I think Katie Logan (Heather Tom) might hate it, but the rest of the Spencers are going to embrace Dylan simply because she’s not Electra and is not a Forrester. Bill Spencer (Don Diamont) wants Will far away from all Foresters. Wyatt Spencer (Darin Brooks) doesn’t want Will mooning over her.

Also, at the end of this month, we have Darcy Dylan (Kelly Sullivan) debuting as Dylan’s mom. I’m excited about that. We may see Steffy officially offering Carter and Daphne an egg to start the in vitro process. I really hope Daphne and Carter get to start a family soon. They have such a sweet story. We’re going to see Electra and R.J. pitching a new youth line with Electra as the brand’s face and name.

Ridge, Steffy, and Brooke may think it’s the perfect way to keep Zende Forrester (Delon de Metz) happy and more importantly to clap back at Hope and Katie for launching Hope’s new line over there. We’ll see R.J. and Electra getting closer both personally and professionally. And we have lots more with the dynamic going on with Dylan and Katie and all that. It’s far from over.

Not only did Jon Hamm win an Emmy for his role as Don Draper on Mad Men, but the show introduced him to his wife, Anna Osceola.

The actors met while filming the series finale of the AMC drama in 2015, as Osceola played Clementine, a receptionist at the retreat Hamm’s character attended.

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Though briefly linked in 2017, Us confirmed the couple’s romance in June 2020. Hamm popped the question nearly three years later, and he and Osceola said “I do” in June 2023.

In 2026, multiple outlets reported that Osceola is pregnant with her and Hamm’s first baby. The actress seemingly confirmed the baby news by showing off her growing belly on a trip to the Hamptons with Hamm in August of that same year.

Scroll below to relive Hamm and Osceola’s sweetest relationship moments:

Brad Pitt is keeping it real about why he can’t participate in certain vices. However, it is not for the reason fans might think.

The “Fight Club” actor’s complicated personal life has continued to play out in the public eye, with his children, shared with ex-wife Angelina Jolie, continuously cutting ties.

However, Pitt has remained largely silent on the issue until now.

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In a new cover story, the award-winning actor gave his commentary on the recently concluded FIFA World Cup, picking issues with how players dramatically fell to draw a foul.

“I’m gonna start a class for flopping, because these guys are terrible,” Pitt revealed, adding, “It’s some of the worst acting I’ve ever seen.”

The Hollywood big shot then teased that his first client will be Brazilian player Neymar, promising to teach him how to sell his falls better.

Diving deeper into the topic, Pitt told Esquire Magazine, “It’s one of those things that’s accepted but that no one likes—like forties acting, when the female actors would swoon. Lawd! Bad acting drives me crazy. It’s why I can’t watch p-rn.”

Brad Pitt Is No Longer Completely Sober

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While the “Mr & Mrs Smith” star might be turned off by x-rated content, he hasn’t completely given up his desire to drink, despite being sober for almost a decade.

After offering the interviewer a glass of wine, Pitt dished on why he ditched the conventional method of staying completely away from alcohol.

“No, I got — I was sober for seven years. And then I got back off the wagon. Yep, nope, not good for me.’ Not in big quantities,” he disclosed, per The Blast.

The 62-year-old noted that he had tried drinking without constrictions, but that always led him back to where he was escaping.

Now, he has to tread carefully, only letting himself take a few glasses so he doesn’t exceed his limit.

The ‘F1’ Actor Made Rare Confession About His Family Troubles

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During the interview, Pitt also broke his silence on the family turbulence he has been experiencing following his split from Jolie.

The duo called it quits in 2019 and were embroiled in a nasty divorce that has dragged on for years. Four of the couple’s six kids have since made moves to drop Pitt’s name from their surname, distancing themselves from the actor.

While he didn’t go into details about the elephant in the room, the two-time Golden Globe winner opened up about a time he battled suicidal thoughts.

According to The Blast, Pitt, who described himself as a “congenital optimist,” recalled a time when things were so dark, he “just didn’t see a way out.’

Luckily, he relied on his survival instincts to pull him out, admitting it wasn’t an easy experience. When asked if it had anything to do with his estrangement from his children, the actor simply answered, “Family stuff. We could leave it at that.”

How Angelina Jolie Feels About Kids’ Estrangement From Pitt

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With the “World War Z” star having a few words to say about the dicey situation, sources close to his ex-wife reveal how she truly feels.

As The Blast reported, an insider debunked speculations that Jolie was responsible for turning the children against their famous father.

Instead, the “Tomb Raider” is said to have moved on and is mainly focused on everyone finding healing. The source added, “If people knew the whole truth, they would have more sympathy for the children and respect them.”

The truth of Jolie’s reaction comes after her and Pitt’s youngest child, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, took legal steps to relinquish her dad’s name.

Daughter Shiloh kickstarted the name-dropping pattern in 2024 after filing to be called Shiloh Jolie. Siblings Maddox and Zahara have since followed suit with flings of their own.

Pitt’s Image Might Be At Stake Amid Family Drama

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With only two out of the six children, Pax and Knox, still bearing the “Babylon” actor’s surname, concerns continue to rise about Pitt’s public image and what that would do for his career.

Attorney Tre Lovell, a family attorney, explained that given his extensive career accolades, Pitt might remain untouched and survive the scandal. 

However, communications expert Kaivan Shroff believes otherwise, telling The Blast, “[Pitt’s] talent remains unquestioned. But when multiple adult children publicly choose to stop using your surname, the conversation inevitably shifts from career to character.”

Reese Witherspoon can breathe a little easier after a frightening family emergency involving her father, Dr. John Witherspoon.

Days after the 84-year-old retired physician was rushed to the hospital following an alarming discovery near the pool at his Nashville condo, he has reportedly been released and returned home.

The reassuring update comes after the “Legally Blonde” star personally addressed the scare and assured fans that her father was receiving excellent medical care.

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John Witherspoon was released from the hospital on Sunday after spending two nights under medical care, according to Page Six.

A source told the outlet that the retired doctor had returned to his luxury Nashville condo following the frightening incident on Friday.

The building’s management has reportedly asked residents to respect his privacy and avoid discussing the situation publicly.

The latest news marks a welcome development after John was discovered face down on the concrete near the building’s pool.

A resident reportedly spotted him from above and alerted staff, setting off the emergency response that ultimately resulted in his hospitalization.

No detailed medical diagnosis has been publicly disclosed, making it unclear exactly what caused the fall or whether any underlying health issue contributed to the incident.

John Witherspoon Was Found Face Down Near His Condo Pool

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The circumstances surrounding the emergency initially caused significant alarm.

According to Page Six, a resident noticed John lying face down near the pool and quickly alerted the doorman.

Building staff then approached him and rolled him over while asking whether he was okay.

“The doorman and building manager rolled him over and they said, ‘Dr. Witherspoon, are you OK?’” a source told the outlet. “He blinked his eyes, and that’s when he was rushed to the hospital.”

Nashville Metro later confirmed that a medical incident had occurred at the residential building, though officials did not publicly identify the patient involved.

That lack of detail initially left questions surrounding the severity of John’s condition until his famous daughter stepped in to reassure concerned fans.

Reese Personally Reassured Fans After The Scare

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As reports about her father’s hospitalization began circulating, Reese Witherspoon addressed the situation herself through a post on her Instagram Stories.

“Earlier today, several outlets reported that my dad was taken to the hospital after a fall,” the actress wrote.

She quickly moved to calm fears about his condition, adding, “I want to let everyone know that he is fine now. He is being taken care of by wonderful doctors and nurses.”

Reese concluded by thanking those who had reached out to her family, saying their support “means the world.”

Her statement was particularly notable because the actress does not frequently share updates about her father’s personal life publicly.

Reese Witherspoon’s Dad Spent His Career Helping Others

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Long before finding himself on the receiving end of hospital care, John Witherspoon spent much of his own professional life treating patients.

He worked as an otolaryngologist, specializing in conditions affecting the ears, nose and throat, before retiring from medicine.

Medicine was deeply embedded in the household. Reese’s mother, Betty, built a career in nursing, meaning both parents spent their professional lives in healthcare.

That environment left a lasting impression on their daughter.

Reese Witherspoon’s Early Childhood Was Shaped By Her Dad’s Military Service

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John also served in the U.S. Army and reached the rank of lieutenant colonel, with his military career taking the Witherspoon family overseas during Reese’s early childhood.

The actress spent several of her first years living on a military base in Wiesbaden, Germany, because of her father’s service before the family eventually settled in Nashville.

Reese has previously explained that growing up around parents who believed they were helping people every day instilled the same sense of purpose in her, even admitting that she once struggled with giving up her childhood dream of becoming a doctor herself.

Although Reese Witherspoon ultimately chose Hollywood instead of medicine, she has frequently connected her ambition to the household in which she was raised.

Her parents have also supported major moments in their daughter’s extraordinary career.

John and Betty attended the 2006 Academy Awards, where Reese won Best Actress for portraying June Carter Cash in “Walk the Line.”

Avatar: Aang: The Last Airbender may be giving fans another adventure with Aang and the original Team Avatar, but it is hardly the only way to keep exploring this world. The Avatar universe has grown far beyond the events of the animated series, with a collection of novels that dig into the lives of the Avatars who came before Aang and, more recently, the ordinary people caught in the middle of the Hundred-Year War.

The books are particularly useful for anyone who finished Avatar Aang wanting more. The movie sends Aang (Eric Nam), Katara (Jessica Matten), Sokka (Román Zaragoza), Toph (Dionne Quan), and Zuko (Steven Yeun) on another adventure years after the original series, but the novels go in the opposite direction, looking back at the history that shaped the Avatar the world would eventually come to know. They make the history of the Four Nations feel considerably bigger than what could fit into an animated series.

The Kyoshi Novels Are a Perfect Place To Start

Image via Abrams Books

If there’s one Avatar book series that makes the case for reading beyond the screen, it’s F.C. Yee’s Chronicles of the Avatar novels. The series begins with The Rise of Kyoshi, set 396 years before Avatar: The Last Airbender (ATLA), when Kyoshi is still an uncertain young woman rather than the intimidating Avatar remembered by history.

Kyoshi’s origin is anything but straightforward. After years of searching for the Avatar, the world believes it has found its next incarnation in Yun; Kyoshi, meanwhile, is an unassuming servant who doesn’t realize the significance of her own bending abilities until everything begins to unravel. Forced to flee with Fire Army officer Rangi, Kyoshi finds allies among the daofei, the outlaws operating in the shadows of the Earth Kingdom, while struggling to figure out what kind of Avatar she wants to become. ATLA occasionally tells viewers that past Avatars were complicated people, but the novel actually gets to live in that complication. Kyoshi is a young woman learning what justice means, dealing with grief, falling in love, and trying to survive a world that suddenly expects her to fix it.

The Shadow of Kyoshi continues that story as Kyoshi travels across the Four Nations attempting to maintain peace while confronting a new threat from the Spirit World. Together, the novels offer a version of the Avatar universe that is more politically complicated and considerably more interested in the consequences of violence. And now, fans can collect both stories in the Kyoshi Novels Ultimate Collector’s Edition, which packages the duology together in a single premium edition with a cloth slipcase, foil stamping, stained edges, die-cuts, and a satin ribbon bookmark.

Yangchen and Roku Show What the Avatar World Looked Like Before Aang

Image via Abrams Books

The other major advantage of the Chronicles of the Avatar books is that each Avatar feels genuinely different. The Dawn of Yangchen and The Legacy of Yangchen move away from Kyoshi’s more aggressive approach and into political intrigue, diplomacy, espionage, and the uncomfortable compromises required to keep the Four Nations from tearing itself apart.

Yangchen is the composed, almost saintly Avatar who Aang encounters through his past-life memories and spiritual connections in ATLA. The novels complicate that image by showing her before she has become the legendary figure Aang knows. In The Dawn of Yangchen, she navigates a corrupt Earth Kingdom city where political loyalty can be bought, while The Legacy of Yangchen heightens the stakes as the Four Nations face the threat of Unanimity, a weapon capable of catastrophic destruction.

Another familiar name in the prequel novels is Roku, whose history is already deeply woven into ATLA after being the center of the start of the Hundred-Year War we come to know in the 2005 series. Randy Ribay’s The Reckoning of Roku takes readers back to the beginning of Roku’s Avatar journey, when he is still struggling with self-doubt and training at the Southern Air Temple alongside a young Gyatso. His friendship with Crown Prince Sozin gives the story an immediate connection to the history fans already know, while the novel fills in the years that the animated series could only glimpse. The Awakening of Roku continues the story three years later, sending Roku north to investigate a mysterious illness threatening the Northern Water Tribe. For fans who want the strongest direct connections to ATLA, the Roku books are an especially natural next step.

The Yangchen books are also getting their own Ultimate Collector’s Edition later this year, bringing both novels together in the same kind of premium package as the Kyoshi collection. For collectors, there’s also a four-book hardcover box set containing both Kyoshi and Yangchen duologies, complete with a bonus character poster.

‘City of Echoes’ Proves You Don’t Need To Be an Avatar

Image via Abrams Books

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Perhaps the most interesting expansion of the universe comes from City of Echoes, Judy I. Lin’s first Avatar Legends novel. Instead of following an Avatar, the story centers on Jin, the young woman fans briefly meet in Ba Sing Se during Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Jin is a refugee living in the Lower Ring, caring for her grandfather while trying to survive in a city that insists there is no war beyond its walls. When her best friend’s family falls into financial trouble, Jin gets pulled into a dangerous world involving the city’s black market, the Silver Fangs, and a conspiracy unfolding as the Fire Nation closes in on Ba Sing Se.

The novel revisits several familiar events from Jin’s perspective, including moments from the Book Two episode “The Tales of Ba Sing Se,” Jet’s attack on the Pao Family Tea House, the aftermath of Jet’s death, and the eventual liberation of Ba Sing Se. It’s the sort of story ATLA could never have fully told because of its focus on Aang’s journey.

Avatar Aang gives fans more of the characters they already love, and the novels offer the history behind those characters, the people living in the corners of the world they never got to visit, and a much clearer sense of how massive the Avatar universe actually is. For fans who aren’t ready to leave that world behind, that’s a pretty good reason to keep reading.