The art of adapting a book is genuinely difficult. Follow it too closely, and you risk doing nothing differently, failing to properly translate the literary language into the cinematic form. Conversely, if you change too much, you risk altering the very fabric of the story, not only alienating the fans of the source material but perhaps even offending them. It’s no surprise that so many movie adaptations fail these days: they either fail to respect the source material enough or they don’t do enough to stand out, merely settling for being “meh” rather than “wow.”

We’re here to discuss the ones that actually pull it off, the rare movies that take the source material and not only respect it but, more importantly, understand and elevate it. They take everything that worked on the page and successfully translate it into the cinematic language we all know and love. A few make significant changes to the text, but they still maintain the story’s essence, delivering something that might seem different but is the same at its core. These movies are true masterclasses in how to adapt a book for the big screen, the standard that many screenwriters and directors should follow.

‘The Wizard of Oz’ (1939)

Image via Warner Bros.

Adapting a book for the big screen doesn’t always mean doing a one-on-one version—in fact, it rarely means that. The best movie adaptations can make significant alterations to the source material yet still keep the vibe of the story, the core themes, the nature of the characters, and the basic tone. A truly masterful movie, however, finds a way to enhance everything that worked on the page in an inherently cinematic language. In the case of The Wizard of Oz, it was through the use of color and song.

Now, there are a ton of differences between The Wizard of Oz and its source material, Frank L. Baum‘s book series. Yet, the movie is so whimsical, so heartfelt and purely enjoyable that you not only forgive them but actually get fully on board with them. By the time Dorothy leaves the sepia of Kansas to enter the Technicolor world of Oz, you are fully immersed in the movie, and there’s no going back. The use of Technicolor was key in turning The Wizard of Oz into the pinnacle of fantasy, and important changes, like having Judy Garland wear a red wig in pigtails and changing the slippers from silver to ruby, gave the movie an identity. Indeed, the iconography has become part of cinema’s very fabric. The songs, written by Harold Arden and E.Y. “Yip” Harburg, added further charm and expanded on the emotional themes of the story, especially the sorrowful theme “Over the Rainbow.”

‘The Godfather’ (1972)

Image via Paramount Pictures

The movie adaptations that greatly surpass their source material, to the point where they become the standard of their respective franchise, can be counted with one hand. In a way, they begin and end with The Godfather, Francis Ford Coppola‘s big-screen adaptation of the gangster novel by Mario Puzo. Both the movie and the book tell the story of the Corleone Family, headed by Don Vito Corleone, whose son, Michael, begins to take over as a series of conflicts threaten the clan’s dominance.

The difference between the book and the movie is quite significant here. The former is highly regarded indeed, but its adaptation is arguably the best American movie of all time. It’s to both Coppola and Puzo’s credit, as the screenwriters, that they took the book’s sprawling and at times messy narrative and turned it into a streamlined family tragedy. Subplots were outright removed, and storylines were sharpened. The themes of ambition, generational baggage, crime, and the allure and corruptive force of power are intact, but by focusing on a tight-knit group of characters and how their influence poisons those around them, the movie is much more powerful. The Godfather is widely attributed with shaping our modern perception of the mafia; the book introduced this new idea of the mob, and the movie perfected it.

‘The Princess Bride’ (1987)

Image via 20th Century Studios

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The Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern’s Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure, The “Good Parts” Version is the seminal fantasy romance written by William Goldman in 1973. Highly humorous, ironic, and self-referential, the book is a masterpiece of metafiction where the author presents an abridged version of another tale, providing constant commentary on the side. It is widely celebrated as a wholly original and delightful work, a singular fantasy that worked perfectly in its original form. How to adapt such a tale?

As it turns out, only Goldman could do it. The film adaptation of The Princess Bride is just as charming and imaginative, and possibly funnier. Goldman’s genius begins with how he replicates the metaphictional quality of his book: rather than using the same trope, the movie frames the story of farmhand Westley (Cary Elwes) and his love, Buttercup (Robin Wright), as a fairy tale being told by a grandfather (Peter Falk) to his sick grandson (Fred Savage). From there, the movie stays just as fresh, fast-paced, quick-witted, and outright irresistible as the book. The legacy of both works has only gotten better with time—the movie is perhaps better known, though. However, Goldman’s adaptation remains the gold standard for how to take a truly singular work and replicate it in a new form while still respecting everything that makes it unique.

‘The Remains of the Day’ (1993)

Image via Columbia Pictures

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Few writers are as prominent or highly regarded as the mighty Kazuo Ishiguro. The Nobel Prize winner is behind multiple modern classics, but his magnum opus is undeniably The Remains of the Day, a tale of the conflict that arises between duty and the pursuit of personal fulfillment. The plot chronicles the life of devoted butler Stevens, whose blind loyalty to his master, Lord Darlington, slowly shapes his life, even as changes around the world and his own bond with the housekeeper, Miss Kenton, introduce conflict to his otherwise rigorous existence.

Ruth Prawer Jhabvala and an uncredited Harold Pinter translated Ishiguro’s sorrowful, poignant tale into the big screen, and the result was nothing short of masterful. The 1993 movie version of The Remains of the Day is a perfect adaptation, capturing the book’s profound, somber, and deeply introspective tone and complementing it with lush visuals, elegant camera movements, and two outstanding and quietly powerful performances by Sir Anthony Hopkins and Dame Emma Thompson. Both works are melancholy, though Ishiguro’s book is perhaps more hopeful in its conclusion. The true genius of the movie is how it takes a book that relies entirely on a character’s private and fiercely guarded thoughts and translates it into a movie that is pulled back yet no less cinematic.

‘The Lord of the Rings’ (2001-2003)

Image via New Line/courtesy Everett Collection

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Adapting a book is challenging enough, but when the book in question has legions of devoted fans, a comprehensive world that ranks among the most detailed and complex ever created, and a larger-than-life story on a truly sweeping scale, then the task becomes borderline impossible. Such was the challenge that Peter Jackson faced while adapting J. R. R. Tolkien‘s seminal work, The Lord of the Rings. As is well known, the plot centers on the young Hobbit Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood), who must carry the One Ring to the fires of Mount Doom. Aided by the Fellowship of the Ring, Frodo faces the Ring’s corruption as the Dark Lord Sauron amasses an army to take over Middle-earth.

It wouldn’t be an overstatement to call the Lord of the Rings movies the very apex of the fantasy genre. The work that Jackson and fellow screenwriters Philippa Boyens, Fran Walsh, and Stephen Sinclair did is truly impressive in how economically it translates the main events of the books into the big screen. From the get-go, they establish Middle-earth as a place of whimsy and danger, populated by fascinating creatures and haunted by ancient evils while still making it feel tactile and lived-in. Much of the worldbuilding comes organically through dialogue, but exposition is still used effectively. The movies arguably surpass the books when it comes to the massive, jaw-dropping battle sequences; indeed, the action in the trilogy is unlike anything we’ve seen before or since. Tolkien’s lore is deep and mesmerizing, with the author allowing himself the freedom to expand upon it at length. The screenwriters streamline the story while still delving into Middle-earth’s story, making for a saga that is the epitome of what epic fantasy should be.

Jennifer Lopez just reminded Us why high-waisted black pants deserve a permanent spot in our fall rotation. The flowy silhouette has all the makings of a wardrobe workhorse, but its real superpower is the way it visually elongates the legs. Consider this your sign to give jeans a day off.

Lopez stepped out during Milan Fashion Week wearing flowy, high-waisted black trousers with a crisp white button-up, black platform heels and a sleek leather handbag. The wide-leg silhouette practically made her legs look miles long, while the classic black-and-white styling kept the outfit sophisticated and easy to recreate. While we couldn’t confirm her exact pair, we found a $37 lookalike on Amazon.

Get the Btfbm Wide Leg Pleated Dress Pants for $37 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

The Btfbm Wide Leg Pleated Dress Pants capture the same leg-lengthening effect with a high-rise waist, flowy wide legs and front pleats that give them a dressier finish. They also have a double-button closure and functional pockets, and come in sizes S to XXL. Along with Lopez-approved black, there are plenty of fall-ready neutrals to choose from, including beige and army green.

More than 1,100 Amazon shoppers have given the pants a five-star rating, with reviewers especially loving their flattering fit. One shopper said they help “camouflage” areas they’re less confident about while creating “a longer leg line” — exactly the effect that caught our attention on Lopez.

Another reviewer dubbed the pants “an absolute game changer,” calling them “so flattering” while noting that they still “look so professional.” Between the roomy wide legs and polished pleating, they’re easy enough for everyday wear but elevated enough to swap in for your usual office trousers.

Lopez may have worn hers during Milan Fashion Week, but this flattering pants trend works far beyond the front row. Pair the $37 Amazon lookalike with a fitted sweater, button-up or blazer this fall to recreate her leg-lengthening silhouette for less.

Get the Btfbm Wide Leg Pleated Dress Pants for $37 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

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

UsNow Fall Sale Alert: These chic fashion finds are up to 60% off – plus free shipping

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Some fall days call for jeans and a cute sweater. Others require an outfit you can throw on in 30 seconds and still look like you made an effort. Jessica Alba just reminded Us that a coordinated matching set is basically the ultimate cheat code for busy days — comfy enough for errands, but considerably […]

Julie Bowen is opening up about a new romance while keeping one major detail under wraps. The “Modern Family” alum shared what she values most in her partner but declined to reveal his identity.

Bowen was previously married to businessman Scott Phillips for 13 years. The former couple shares three sons.

Julie Bowen Says Her New Boyfriend Is ‘Smart And Funny’

Julie Bowen has a new man in her life, but fans will have to wait a little longer to learn who he is.

The “Modern Family” star revealed the romance while attending Step Up’s 2026 Annual Inspiration Awards in Los Angeles on Friday, September 25.

“I have a lovely friend,” Bowen told PEOPLE, choosing not to name her boyfriend just yet.

The 56-year-old actress was more forthcoming about what attracted her to her mystery man. Bowen described him as “smart and funny,” two qualities she considers essential in a partner.

“I need smart and funny. Those are the two [characteristics I look for in a partner],” she explained.

Bowen Says Looks Aren’t Her Priority

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Looks, Bowen insisted, rank much lower on her priority list. Still, she acknowledged that her new boyfriend isn’t exactly lacking in that department.

“I don’t care what people look like — though he happens to be good-looking,” Bowen said. “But I don’t care what people look like. I like the brains.”

The relationship marks a new romantic chapter for the actress following her marriage to real estate investor Scott Phillips. The former couple wed in 2004 and separated after 13 years of marriage. They finalized their divorce in September 2018.

Bowen and Phillips share three sons: Oliver, 19, and 17-year-old twins Gustave and John.

Julie Bowen Previously Said She Was ‘Done’ With Dating

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Bowen’s latest relationship marks a notable turnaround from her stance on dating several years ago.

During a January 2022 appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” the actress declared that she was “very single” and suggested she was ready to leave dating behind altogether.

Bowen joked that getting her dog was effectively a retirement gift to herself after deciding she was “done” with looking for love.

“I did go on some dates,” she told guest host Adam Devine. She then explained that one man she saw always wanted her to visit his house because he owned a dog.

The experience apparently gave Bowen an idea. She decided that having a dog of her own would let her entertain dates on her terms and send them home when she wanted.

“The dog is my gatekeeper,” she joked.

The Actress Would Have Ended Her Dating ‘Retirement’ For Harry Styles

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However, Bowen said one celebrity could make her reconsider her self-imposed dating retirement.

During the same January 2022 appearance on “Ellen,” guest host Adam Devine brought up Bowen’s crush on Harry Styles. She had seen the former One Direction star in concert the previous November, and her reaction left little doubt about her interest.

Asked whether she would come out of dating retirement for the singer, Bowen immediately replied, “Oh, hell yeah.”

Julie Bowen Said Harry Styles Was More Than Just Good Looks

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Bowen became even more animated as photos of Styles appeared on screen, repeatedly exclaiming, “Look at him!”

The actress then explained that his appeal went beyond his looks. She compared Styles’ energy to that of the show’s DJ, Stephen “tWitch” Boss. She described both men as “gorgeous and sexy,” with an infectious sense of joy.

Bowen joked that the combination made attraction to them feel almost wholesome, then referenced Styles’ hit “Watermelon Sugar.”

“They’re just bringing the joy, and the light, and the ‘Watermelon Sugar,’” she said.

Just months after his ex-wife Christine Baumgartner walked down the aisle with his former friend Josh Connor, Kevin Costner finds himself at the center of a very different story. 

The actor has become one of Hollywood’s most eligible bachelors, regularly sparking romance rumors whenever he’s seen with a new companion. 

Yet behind the headlines, friends say Costner isn’t chasing attention or trying to prove anything. Instead, the Oscar winner remains something far less expected: a romantic who still believes love is worth the risk.

Kevin Costner’s Dating Life Keeps Fueling New Romance Rumors

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For someone supposedly taking things slow, Kevin Costner has certainly kept rumor mills busy. Earlier this month, the 71-year-old was spotted in Santa Barbara with lifestyle coach Jennifer Milburn. 

Witnesses described the pair as “extremely affectionate” as they loaded groceries into a cart packed with everything from steaks and vegetables to cereal and grapefruit juice.

The sighting arrived only weeks after Costner was linked to lifestyle influencer McKenna Wesley, who was first seen with him at a screening of “Field of Dreams” in Arizona.

Those names are only the latest additions to a growing list that has also included Sharon Stone, Jewel, Jennifer Lopez, Kelly Noonan Gores, January Jones, and Brooks Nader.

Despite the speculation, a source close to the “Yellowstone” star insists the narrative surrounding his love life has become exaggerated.

“He has dated a lot of women since his divorce,” the source told the Daily Mail, adding that Costner is “not into trophy girlfriends in their 20s like a lot of Hollywood men his age are.”

Instead, friends describe him as an old-fashioned gentleman who enjoys meeting people but isn’t rushing to label anything.

Costner’s Painful Split Changed The Way He Looks At Relationships

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The attention surrounding Kevin Costner’s dating life stems largely from how public and emotional his divorce became.

For years, he and Christine Baumgartner appeared to have built the kind of Hollywood marriage that could survive anything. They shared three children, a sprawling California home, and more than two decades together.

Then came the divorce filing in 2023. What followed was a lengthy and very public battle over finances, child support, and property. 

Court filings exposed private disagreements, and both sides faced intense media scrutiny.

Friends say the breakup hit Costner especially hard because he never saw it coming.

The end of the marriage also coincided with major changes in his career. After helping turn “Yellowstone” into one of television’s biggest hits, Costner left the series in 2024 amid reports of scheduling conflicts and creative disagreements.

By the time the divorce was finalized, his personal and professional lives had both entered entirely new chapters.

Kevin Costner Still Believes The Right Person Could Change Everything

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Perhaps the most surprising part of Costner’s story isn’t the women he’s been linked to. It’s the fact that he hasn’t given up.

According to those closest to him, the Hollywood star sees things differently. “He’s always out looking for love,” one source explained.

The insider added that Costner remains convinced that the next relationship could be different from the ones that came before. According to them, “He still believes in romance.”

That belief is why friends aren’t shocked to see him continue dating, even after everything he’s been through. 

“So, dating around and seeing if he can find someone that he can have a spark with is always appealing,” the source revealed, further noting, “He’s having fun dating, but he would get married again.”

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Costner’s Ex-Wife Embraces New Life After Finding Love Again

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While friends say Kevin Costner still believes the right woman could eventually lead him back down the aisle, his former wife has already entered a very different chapter.

Less than two years after finalizing her highly publicized divorce from the actor, Christine Baumgartner officially remarried financier Josh Connor in an intimate ceremony at Santa Ynez Ranch in Santa Barbara. 

As The Blast reported, the wedding took place on October 18, 2025, at a private vineyard near where Baumgartner grew up.

 More than 100 family members and friends attended the sunset ceremony, including the children from both sides of the newly blended family. 

Guests described the event as deeply personal rather than extravagant. One attendee told PEOPLE, “It was magical-truly. The setting was gorgeous, but what made it special was the intimacy of it all. This wasn’t a big production. It was authentic, heartfelt, and so very them.” 

Kevin Costner And Christine Baumgartner Reunite For Son’s Volleyball Tournament

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As Baumgartner settled into married life with Connor, she and Costner recently found themselves back in the same place for a far more familiar reason:  supporting one of their children.

The Blast reported that the former couple attended their son Hayes’ beach volleyball tournament in Santa Barbara, California, where photographers captured them watching from the sidelines. 

Despite standing within sight of one another throughout the event, Costner and Baumgartner appeared to maintain a noticeable distance and were not seen interacting. According to the report, both remained focused on the competition rather than engaging with each other.

Costner embraced his usual California-casual style for the outing, wearing a white T-shirt and matching pants, flip flops, and sunglasses.

Baumgartner opted for a relaxed look of her own, pairing a green T-shirt with loose white jeans and a green baseball cap. 

The appearance marked one of the few times the former spouses were photographed at the same event since finalizing their divorce in February 2024.

Madonna certainly had a celebration to remember at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards.

Madonna, 68, was up for 13 trophies during the Sunday, September 27, awards ceremony, ultimately taking home seven Moon Person statuettes for Best Collaboration (“Bring Your Love” with Sabrina Carpenter), Artist of the Year, Best Dance (“Confessions II – The Film”), Best Album (Confessions II), Best Long Form Video (“Confessions II – The Film”), Best Choreography (“Confessions II – The Film”) and Best Cinematography (“Confessions II – The Film”).

“First of all, I would like thank my fingers because I can always count on them,” she began her Artist of the Year acceptance speech. “Some of you were probably not born — most of you were probably not born — but I performed at the first VMAs 43 years ago.”

She continued, “I spent the last year and half finding myself, believing in myself and making the music I want to make, and to me, that really is the definitely of being an artist.”

Related: 2026 MTV VMAs Red Carpet Arrivals: Stars Bring the Fashion Hits

Celebrities delivered all the drama for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Enter your email Please enter a valid email. Subscribe By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive emails from Us Deal of the Day Why Wait for Prime […]

The pop star — who opened Sunday’s show for the first time in two decades — earned the most nominations this year in the categories of Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Album, Best Collaboration, Best Dance, Best Direction, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Choreography, Best Visual Effects and Best Long Form Video.

Madonna, already a 20-time VMA winner, was recognized for her 15th studio album, Confessions II, a sequel to 2005’s Confessions on a Dance Floor. Upon its July release, Confessions II debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.

“I was supposed to make a movie about my life. I worked on my script for two years and spent two years at Universal Studios with the line producers doing budgeting and casting,” Madonna told Interview magazine in June of returning to the recording studio. “We had a falling out, me and Universal, regarding budget. I’ve had an extraordinary life. I’ve had a huge life, so I needed a big budget.”

Instead, the Queen of Pop sought another way to unleash her inner creativity.

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Related: 2026 MTV VMAs Nominees and Winners: See the Complete List

The wildest night in music is finally here. The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards kicked off at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 27, with Snoop Dogg serving as the evening’s host. The network tapped this year’s most-nominated (and most-awarded) artist, Madonna, to open the show, marking the first time the Queen […]

“I thought the world is in a very dark place and people need to dance. I hadn’t worked with Stuart [Price] for a long time,” she recalled of the producer. “We’d just done the Celebration Tour together, but besides that, I didn’t really see or speak to him for probably 15 years.”

She continued at the time, “I was living in New York and I reached out to him, thinking, ‘What if we tried to make Confessions on a Dance Floor: Part II, and reenter the world of inspirational dance music?’ So I came to London and went to his studio, and we were just playing around to see if there was magic between us.”

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Turns out, Madonna and Price admittedly still had a “good” spark in the studio together.

“I went through all this darkness in the beginning, writing these songs with Stuart, and then we went full circle, and I’m like, ‘OK, now what happens? How do we get out of this?’” she added to the magazine. “What happens when you walk into a nightclub or walk onto the dance floor or go to a rave? [Life] can be [heavy], but I always push through and I’m a survivor.”

Madonna has been a staple at the VMAs since the first show in 1984, where she sang “Like a Virgin” in a wedding dress. She also famously performed “Vogue” in 1990 and kissed Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera in 2003.

Taylor Swift had some extra shine to take home after the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards.

Swift, 36, won a total of two Moon Person trophies out of her 11 nominations on Sunday, September 27, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The singer, who was also honored with the inaugural Artist Director Honors, received Video of the Year for “The Fate of Ophelia” and Best Direction for “Opalite.”

While taking home the trophy for Video of the Year, Swift dedicated her speech to the late Dolly Parton.

“To the fans, thank you for voting on it,” she began. “I loved making this video because I wanted it to seem like one continuous shot, so I learned a lot about hiding cuts in places. I want to thank and dedicate this award to one person, without whom this wouldn’t be happening, and that person is the ultimate showgirl, Dolly Parton. Every single song that she wrote, her storytelling was so vivid and so rich. … Listening to her songs, it’s like watching the best music video you have ever seen in your life every single time you hear what she has written.”

Related: 2026 MTV VMAs Red Carpet Arrivals: Stars Bring the Fashion Hits

Celebrities delivered all the drama for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Enter your email Please enter a valid email. Subscribe By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive emails from Us Deal of the Day Why Wait for Prime […]

This year, Swift was also nominated for Best Choreography, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Visual Effects, and Best Pop Song for her hit “The Fate of Ophelia.” She was also up for Best Album for The Life of a Showgirl and Artist of the Year. Lastly, Swift was nominated for Song of the Summer for her Toy Story 5 track “I Knew It, I Knew You.”

While accepting the inaugural Artist Director Honors, she premiered her “Patient Zero” music video, which featured Colin Farrell and Dakota Johnson as a couple. Swift also appeared in the video as Farrell’s ghostly ex who lived through a similarly toxic relationship.

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Swift released an extended edition of her 12 album, titled The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore, on Friday, September 25. The album featured new single “Patient Zero,” as well as three more songs: “Cleveland!,” “Pink Clouding” and “Babylon.”

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Related: Taylor Swift Makes VMAs History With Video of the Year Win

It was a tough battle, but America voted for Taylor Swift as the 2023 Video of the Year winner at the MTV Video Music Awards. “OK, this is unbelievable,” Swift, 33, said after receiving her fourth Moonperson on Tuesday, September 12. “The fact that this is a fan-voted award means so much to me based […]

“About a year ago, you guys did a truly unfathomable thing. Something that completely blew my mind… You gave The Life of a Showgirl the biggest first week for an album in history,” the chart-topping performer wrote via Instagram last week. “I took a trip to Sweden to celebrate with [producers] Max [Martin] and Shellback, my two collaborators on this album.”

She continued, “Really we just wanted to reflect and take in how grateful we were for the moment we were in, but there was a studio there and we did what we do when we feel anything at all: We wrote more songs. I hope you love them, because they were born out of pure gratitude for your exuberance for and celebration of the album we made.”

Animated film has, since its inception, been home to some of cinema’s most iconic villains. The virtually boundless nature of animation leaves room for antagonists who are always a mighty obstacle in the hero’s way — and sometimes, an absolutely terrifying one, too.

Whether they’re from a straight-up animated horror movie like The Nightmare Before Christmas, or from a less scary but equally intense classic like The Hunchback of Notre Dame, some animated villains can truly make young audiences’ skin crawl; and in the best of cases, they can even scare the pants off adults.

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The Coachman

‘Pinocchio’ (1940)

Image via RKO Radio Pictures

Disney’s essential classic Pinocchio is one of those fantasy movies with perfect endings, but before it gets to that destination, the film throws not just one, but several of the House of Mouse’s scariest villains the protagonist’s way. The scariest of the bunch, though, is undoubtedly the Coachman, a man who lures children onto a stagecoach to take them to “Pleasure Island.”

Pinocchio as a whole can be a remarkably scary film considering the age demographic it’s aimed at, but the Coachman in particular feels like he was specifically designed to be as scary as possible. Nearly a century later, it’s still awfully effective. From his design to his sadistic demeanor, he’s one of the most memorable parts of an unforgettable animated classic.

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Chernabog

‘Fantasia’ (1940)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Pinocchio wasn’t the only Disney movie from 1940, nor did it deliver the year’s scariest animated villain. That title has to go to the legendary Fantasia, one of the best movie classics from 1940. This musical anthology introduces eight distinct musical segments, the penultimate one being Modest Mussorgsky‘s “Night on Bald Mountain,” where a giant demon called Chernabog summons monsters to revel in humanity’s suffering.

Considering the fact that he has no dialogue and that he appears only in a single segment of the entire movie, it’s remarkable just how unforgettably scary Chernabog can be. Hailing from Slavic mythology, the character is designed and shown in such a way that it’s impossible not to find him intimidating, and impossible not to celebrate when he and his spirits are finally banished back into the mountain.

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The Horned King

‘The Black Cauldron’ (1985)

Image via Walt Disney Animation

Back in 1985, Disney’s The Black Cauldron was an all-out critical and commercial flop for a wide variety of reasons. As the years have passed, audiences have greatly warmed up to it. Is it one of the best fantasy movies of the 1980s? Not quite. But is it nevertheless full of redeeming qualities? Yes, which is how it has become such a nostalgic cult classic.

It’s almost universally agreed that the most redeeming strength that makes The Black Cauldron entertaining after more than three decades is its iconic villain, the Horned King. With his absolutely terrifying skeletal design, John Hurt‘s chilling voice performance, and the movie’s overall grim tone, it’s no wonder why he’s gone down in history as one of Disney’s most underrated 20th-century villains.

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Shan Yu

‘Mulan’ (1998)

Image via Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

In Disney’s animated classic Mulan, viewers follow a young Chinese maiden who, in order to save her father from death in the army, goes in his place and becomes her country’s greatest heroine in the process.

While Disney Renaissance classics may not be the first group of movies to come to mind when you think of the word “scary”, some certainly had their fair share of fear to generate. The villain of Mulan, the ruthless leader of the Hun Army, is certainly quite terrifying. Visually imposing and intimidating in his demeanor, Shan Yu is quite a force to be reckoned with.

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Claude Frollo

‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ (1996)

Image via Disney

Despite how acclaimed it is, The Hunchback of Notre Dame still feels like one of the most criminally underrated Disney classics. A somewhat watered-down, but still pretty intense adaptation of Victor Hugo‘s dark and tragic novel, it’s about a bell-ringer who must assert his independence from a government minister in order to help a friend.

The vicious minister is Claude Frollo, one of the most genuinely horrifying villains Disney has ever created. What’s particularly scary about him is that he feels all too realistic—Manipulative, abusive, and purely evil, he’s a reflection of all the villains that have defined history.

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Grigori Rasputin

‘Anastasia’ (1997)

Image via 20th Century Studios

One of the most romantic animated films ever, and one of director Don Bluth‘s most acclaimed works, Anastasia is the story of the last surviving child of the Russian Royal Family, who joins two con men to reunite with her grandmother.

While Anastasia struggles to find her family, the sinister Rasputin seeks her death. The villain’s design is creepy to say the least, and the scenes that show him at his most relentlessly violent should be enough to send chills down the spine of anyone who grew up getting nightmares from this antagonist.

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Friends on the Other Side

‘The Princess and the Frog’ (2009)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Disney’s second-to-last traditional 2D-animated feature, The Princess and the Frog puts a fresh spin on some traditional fairy tale tropes. It tells the tale of a waitress who, after trying to turn a frog prince back into a human, faces the same problem herself after kissing him, and has to set out on a journey to fix it.

Although the film’s main antagonist, Dr. Facilier, is intimidating enough, it’s his mysterious spirit friends who are the scariest presence in the movie. Based on Louisiana Voodoo elements, the spirits are so unpredictable and mystifying that it’s hard not to be scared of them.

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General Woundwort

‘Watership Down’ (1978)

Image via Cinema International Corporation

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Based on the 1972 novel by Richard Adams, Martin Rosen‘s British indie classic Watership Down is one of the most subversive animated movies of all time, and quite successfully so. It completely redefines the idea of a children’s fable, mostly thanks to elements as shockingly dark as General Woundwort, a military dictator who runs the Efrafa warren with an iron fist.

A villainous bunny rabbit may not sound like all that intimidating of a concept, but General Woundwort is surprisingly scary. Inspired by the brutality of history’s most terrifying dictators and designed in such a way that just looking at him sends chills down one’s spine, he’s one of the main reasons why Watership Down is still a must-see in 2026.

7

The House

‘Monster House’ (2006)

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There are plenty of surprisingly great horror movies for kids, and Gil Kenan‘s supernatural horror comedy Monster House is undoubtedly one of the very best. Far more than just a vestige of the days when motion-capture-animated movies were all the rage, Monster House is a bona fide modern classic which has only gotten scarier, funnier, and more universally beloved with age.

The mystery of the titular monster house is what the film is all about, and while the character who holds the answer to that mystery may not exactly be a villain, the vengeful spirit that possesses the house certainly is. It isn’t a traditional character by any means, but it’s such a well-written and even better-designed villain that it’s absolutely unforgettable.

6

Hexxus

‘FernGully: The Last Rainforest’ (1992)

Image via 20th Century Studios

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Indie animated musical films aren’t all that common, which makes FernGully: The Last Rainforest an even more precious gem. It’s about the magical inhabitants of a forest and their fight to save their home from a polluting force of destruction called Hexxus.

A beautiful film that celebrates love for nature, FernGully nevertheless isn’t afraid to scare its audience with a terrifying villain. With stunning animation and one of Tim Curry‘s best voice performances, Hexxus becomes a formidable entity that, for the majority of the film’s runtime, feels impossible to defeat.

Pokémon GO players have had plenty of reasons to hunt for Applin since the apple-dwelling Pokémon arrived in the game. Catching one is only part of the job: Evolving it means collecting the right kind of apple, and the one you need depends on which evolution you’re after. The upcoming Harvest Festival is giving players a chance to fill their bags before those choices come up again.

There is another reason to go apple picking this year. Mossy Lure Modules will work differently during the event, and players will be able to choose a reward path that gives them a particular kind of apple. Anyone who has been putting off an Applin evolution might want to make room in their schedule.

Shiny Applin will make its Pokémon GO debut during Harvest Festival: Applin Picking, which runs from Tuesday, September 29, at 10:00 a.m. through Monday, October 5, at 8:00 p.m. local time. Applin may appear in the wild, and catching one during the event will have an increased chance of yielding a Tart Apple, Sweet Apple, or Syrupy Apple once players unlock the first bonus on the event’s GO Pass. As always, finding a Shiny is a matter of luck, so the extra Applin encounters should be welcome.

Shiny Applin Isn’t the Only Reason To Go Apple Picking

Image via Scopely

Mossy Lure Modules will attract only apples during the event. Tapping those apples can award one of the three evolution items or trigger an encounter with an event Pokémon, including Applin and flower-crown Cottonee. Wild encounters will also include Skwovet, Lechonk, and Smoliv, with an increased chance of finding Shiny Smoliv. Players who reach Rank 10 on the event GO Pass can make their Mossy Lure Modules last for an hour, giving them more time to search. The event also includes branching Timed Research with a choice between Tart Apples, Sweet Apples, and Syrupy Apples as rewards. Pick the path that matches the evolution you want, then finish the tasks and claim the rewards by October 5 at 8:00 p.m. local time. Event-themed Field Research will offer additional Pokémon encounters.

Every player will automatically receive the free Harvest Festival GO Pass when the event begins. Ranking it up can earn Pokémon encounters, apples, a Mossy Lure Module, and a Super Rocket Radar, while Rank 20 unlocks extra Stardust from defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts and Leaders, although doing so is considerably less frequent now. A paid GO Pass Deluxe costs $4.99, or $6.99 with enough GO Points to reach Rank 7, and adds rewards such as more encounters, apples, and Mossy Lure Modules. Players can upgrade later and still collect paid rewards from ranks they have already unlocked. There is a little breathing room after the event for claiming GO Pass rewards: They expire on Wednesday, October 7, at 8:00 p.m. local time. The Shiny hunt itself ends with the Harvest Festival on October 5.

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Released

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July 6, 2016

Developer(s)

Niantic, The Pokemon Company, Nintendo

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Franchise

Pokemon

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The MTV Video Music Awards have been making headlines since 1984, and there is not a hint that the ceremony will slow down anytime soon.

Britney Spears, Kanye West, Miley Cyrus and more of the biggest names in the music industry are responsible for the craziest VMAs moments ever. From the Hannah Montana alum’s twerking with Robin Thicke to the Princess of Pop’s kiss with Madonna, celebrities have long used the VMAs stage to incite controversy and keep fans talking for years to come.

Perhaps the most noteworthy VMAs moment of all time came when West ambushed Taylor Swift on stage in 2009 to share his opinion that Beyoncé should have won Best Female Video instead of the “You Belong With Me” singer.

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“Yo, Taylor, I’m really happy for you, I’mma let you finish, but Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all times!” the rapper declared, referring to her “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” hit. “One of the best videos of all time!”

Swift revealed in August 2019 that she wrote a diary entry about the moment. “Ahh… the things that can change in a week,” she noted in a page published in the deluxe version of her Lover album. “Let’s just say, if you had told me that one of the biggest stars in music was going to jump on stage and announce that he thought I shouldn’t have won on live television, I would’ve said, ‘That stuff doesn’t really happen in real life.’ Well … apparently … it does.”

Scroll down to revisit the wildest moments in VMAs history:

The MTV Video Music Awards have officially crowned a new Video of the Year winner.

Host Snoop Dogg presented the trophy to Taylor Swift for “The Fate of Ophelia” at the 2026 ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 27, marking her sixth time winning the accolade.

Swift, 36, dedicated the award to Dolly Parton, who died in August at age 80.

“I want to thank and dedicate this award to one person, without whom this wouldn’t be happening, and that person is the ultimate showgirl, Dolly Parton,” she said in her acceptance speech. “Every single song that she wrote, her storytelling was so vivid and so rich. … Listening to her songs, it’s like watching the best music video you have ever seen in your life every single time you hear what she has written.”

Swift continued, “She handled this thing with such grace and joy and love and gratitude for the fact that she got to do this, and everything that happened in her life and her career, she channeled back into love and gratitude and appreciation for her fans. I am lucky I got to be one of them, and I will always be one of them. I love you all so very much, and I think that we were all very, very … lucky to share this planet with Dolly Parton for a time, and thank you for this amazing moment. I love you all.”

When nominations were announced in August, six artists had the chance to win Video of the Year. Swift earned a nod for “The Fate of Ophelia,” while Ariana Grande was honored for “Hate That I Made You Love Me.” Sabrina Carpenter‘s “Tears” was also nominated, along with Madonna‘s “Confessions II – The Film.” Bruno Mars and Gener8ion rounded out the category for “I Just Might” and “Storm” featuring Yung Lean, respectively.

Related: 2026 MTV VMAs Red Carpet Arrivals: Stars Bring the Fashion Hits

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Last year, Grande, 33, took home Video of the Year for Brighter Days Ahead, the short film that accompanied her album Eternal Sunshine.

“I want to start off, again, with my fans: Thank you so, so, so much. I love you with all my heart,” she said in her acceptance speech at the 2025 awards show. “I have since I was a teenager, since we first crossed paths, and I will for my whole life.”

Grande shared the honor with director Christian Breslauer. She went on to explain the personal meaning behind the project.

“Art has been a safe space for me since I was a kid,” the “Break Free” singer continued. “I’m so grateful that I get to do this with my life and to have such fiercely loving and supportive fans. Thank you for growing with me and being so supportive of me as a human being, navigating in real time which creative itch needs to be scratched next, whether it’s acting, music, musical theater or a little bit of tour.”

She concluded, “This project is about the hard work that is healing all different kinds of trauma and coming home to our young selves and creating safety in our own lives, which is a lifelong process and a daily exercise. If you’re on that journey, please continue onward, because I promise there are brighter days ahead.”

Related: MTV Video Vanguard Winners Through the Years: Nirvana and More

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Grande’s win pressed pause on a three-year streak by Swift, who won Video of the Year in 2022 for All Too Well: The Short Film, 2023 for her “Anti-Hero” music video and 2024 for “Fortnight” featuring Post Malone.

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Swift’s 2024 acceptance speech marked one of her first major public comments about then-boyfriend Travis Kelce, who she married this summer after three years together.

“It was actually the most fun video to make,” she gushed at the time. “Something that I’ll always remember is when I finished a take and I’d say ‘cut,’ and we’d be done with that take, I would always hear someone cheering from across the studio where we were shooting it. That one person was my boyfriend, Travis.”

The “Patient Zero” artist added, “Everything this man touches turns to happiness and fun and magic, so I want to thank him for adding that to our shoot because I’ll always remember that.”