Science fiction is such an expansive genre that can encompass such epic films that sometimes it’s easy to forget how successful it can also be as a vehicle for thrills. Unstoppable killing machines, time-travel doppelgängers, and the Sun itself all feature as antagonists in some of the best sweat-inducing sci-fi thrillers. These movies use their high concepts in the name of taut, tense action, psychological torment, and cosmic terror. The subgenre can be so broad that many movies might technically fit within it — after all, films can be thrilling in so many different ways, but the best are thrillers from top to bottom.

These sci-fi thrillers can be unrelenting or quietly cerebral, but they are all incredibly well made. Many of them were underrated gems that became cult classics that are now considered among the best of the genre. They come from some of the most beloved filmmakers to have worked in the sci-fi genre, and are often based on works by the most critically acclaimed authors. They can be high-tech or low-budget, but they are all among the greatest sci-fi thrillers ever made.

10

‘Looper’ (2012)

Image via TriStar Pictures

Advertisement

Before Rian Johnson ventured to a galaxy far, far away for The Last Jedi, he proved his sci-fi genre skills with Looper. With one of the most clever time travel thriller conceits since The Terminator, the film offers paradoxical action between Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis, playing past and future versions of the same character. Johnson never tries to bog the film down with convoluted explanations of its time travel logic, but instead uses it as a jumping-off point to tell a story about cycles of violence.

Gordon-Levitt plays Joe, a contract killer who specializes in killing targets sent from the future, also known as a looper. Loopers operate with the knowledge that one day they will be asked to kill their future selves to close the loop. When that happens to Joe, he accidentally lets his future self go free, putting both their lives in danger. The two actors play well off of each other as their opposite selves, and the film embraces its pulp sensibilities in some clever and killer uses of time travel.

9

‘Snowpiercer’ (2013)

Image via Radius TWC

Advertisement

Bong Joon Ho‘s dystopian sci-fi thriller Snowpiercer features a relentless pace wrapped in a social satire as its characters literally engage in class warfare as they fight their way up the economic food chain. Based on the French graphic novel of the same name, the film is set on a high-tech train traveling across a frozen Earth, its passengers the only humans left alive. Even in a winter apocalypse, economic disparity persists, as the lower classes occupy the rear of the train, and the elite take up residence in the front. It’s a blunt metaphor, but it gives Bong lots of cars to populate with colorful characters, wild visuals and some spectacular setpieces.

Chris Evans plays a lower-class citizen who begins a revolt that moves from the caboose to the cab. It’s equal parts brutal and beautiful as the group moves through each train car, revealing the darkness and deception that lies beneath the opulence of the wealthy class. The film isn’t afraid to get its characters dirty, and Evans gives one of his best performances as an anti-hero who is on the polar opposite end of the morality scale from Captain America. Bong is as adept at juggling the various tones of the film as in his other masterpieces, Parasite, Memories of Murder, and The Host, and Snowpiercer is one of the most fiercely uncompromising sci-fi films of the 2010s.

8

‘Under the Skin’ (2013)

Image via A24

Advertisement

Under the Skin is a sci-fi psychological thriller that borders on horror in some of its imagery. It’s not a propulsive film like Snowpiercer but a more contemplative one that does exactly as its title implies, digging deep with an unnerving feeling that stays hooked into you for days. It’s sparsely made with understated performances that make its close encounters feel far more threatening than any of the bombastic destruction of movies like War of the Worlds or Independence Day.

Scarlett Johansson plays an extraterrestrial who wanders Glasgow in the form of a human woman, looking for men to abduct and bring back to her empty void. That may sound like a clumsy sexual euphemism, but it’s very much the basis of the film’s plot, which is light on exposition and heavy with atmosphere. A dread hangs over the entire movie, and while there’s violence and some upsetting deaths, it’s less about getting you to grip your seat than it is to make you squirm in it. Under the Skin was directed by Jonathan Glazer, and it has the same ability to fill you with dread and despair as his holocaust drama The Zone of Interest.

7

‘Sunshine’ (2007)

Image via Searchlight Pictures

Advertisement

Danny Boyle and Alex Garland, the same madmen behind the increasingly unhinged 28 Days Later franchise, followed the first of those zombie films with the ticking clock space thriller Sunshine. Set in the near future where the dying sun has put all of humanity at risk of extinction, the film is an existential nightmare, and the filmmakers use its cosmic setting to explore religion, spirituality, and fanaticism. Interestingly, Sunshine is far more interested in the philosophical and psychological aspects than it is in being a true hard sci-fi film.

Cillian Murphy leads the terrific ensemble cast, which includes Chris Evans, Michelle Yeoh, and Rose Byrne, as the crew of scientists headed to detonate a bomb to revive the dying sun. Each struggles with the isolation and cosmic indifference of the yellow giant that is responsible for all of their lives. In addition to that ever-present reminder of their mortality, they face peril at every turn, in the form of physical obstacles and human ones as well. The film’s third act goes directly into more conventional thriller territory with a secondary villain reveal that some viewers and critics were disappointed with, but it’s a natural extension of the film’s themes and definitely gives the finale a jolt of thrills. Sunshine is an underrated sci-fi thriller that, unfortunately, was a failure when it was originally released, but has since earned a devoted fan following.

6

’12 Monkeys’ (1995)

Image via Universal Pictures

Advertisement

The second time-travel thriller on this list to star Bruce Willis, Twelve Monkeys is a more surreal and mind-warping film, thanks to the direction of Terry Gilliam. Inspired by the sci-fi short film La Jetée, the film is set in a post-apocalyptic future where a disease has wiped out almost all of humanity, and scientists are using time travel to investigate the origins of the virus that caused it. It’s a looping plot that will definitely have you scratching your head the first time around, but it’s a wild ride nonetheless with some fantastic performances and an ending that hits hard.

Nobody plays burnt out like Willis, and this may be the most burnt out character he’s ever played, a convict of the future used as a time-traveling guinea pig. On his trips back to investigate the virus, he finds himself institutionalized, where he meets another inmate, played by a manic, Oscar-nominated Brad Pitt. Twelve Monkeys offers a pessimistic view of fate, with time travel in the film only proving the futility of any attempt to change the future. It’s a dark, but wickedly entertaining, thrill ride through time.

5

‘The Terminator’ (1984)

For how big the franchise has gotten, and how quickly James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger shot to the A-list, it’s hard to remember that The Terminator was essentially an exploitation film. It may be high concept and have a budget slightly higher than the average Roger Corman production of the time, but it’s still a mean-spirited, nasty little thriller underneath the skin. Cameron got his start on Corman productions, and his directorial debut was Piranha II: The Spawning. While his direction is a big part of what elevates The Terminator, he still has his exploitation sensibilities.

The first movie has more in common with slashers than epic sci-fi. Linda Hamilton‘s Sarah Connor is a fantastic final girl, and Schwarzenegger’s T-800 is the perfect killing machine. As he hunts her down, he leaves a path of bodies that would make Jason Voorhees proud. Sarah, meanwhile, has a passionate romance with her savior from the future, Kyle Reese, played by Michael Biehn, culminating in a steamy ’80s sex scene, though it’s far tamer than the Corman equivalent. All the exploitation hallmarks are there, but they’re executed better than ever. The franchise and Cameron would go on to bigger budgets and more prestigious films, but The Terminator is the original model thriller.

4

‘The Prestige’ (2006)

Image via Warner Bros.

Christopher Nolan has explored several sci-fi worlds to thrilling results. Inception is a mind-heist thriller that owes just as much debt to James Bond as his techno-spy thriller Tenet, and Interstellar is an intergalactic survival film. His best, though, is the dueling magicians drama of The Prestige. Based on the novel of the same name by Christopher Priest, the film is another one of Nolan’s puzzlebox narratives, but here its structure is purposeful in mimicking a magic trick, which the film pulls off right in front of your eyes.

Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman are perfectly cast as Victorian London magicians; one a technical genius, the other a masterful showman. They break from collaboration after a death causes them to become rivals, and their feud escalates to extremes. Jackman’s character seeks out Nikola Tesla to gain an advantage, which is where the film’s sci-fi elements come into play. The Prestige is a film of doubles that explores the nature of obsession with perfection and the sacrifice needed to obtain it. It’s plot twists into a knot that only unravels when Nolan wants it to, like a true magician.

3

‘Minority Report’ (2002)

Image via 20th Century Studios

Steven Spielberg‘s prescient sci-fi noir Minority Report features all the eclectic elements of a classic thriller, from chase scenes to a protagonist framed for murder and a deeper conspiracy he has to uncover. It’s as thrilling as any blockbuster the director has ever made, but with a more cynical tone to it, aside from the slightly jarring happy ending. Tom Cruise is both a solid action lead and a tortured soul driven by a past tragedy. The set pieces are also immaculate, as is expected from Spielberg, who combines stark visuals with slick effects.

Cruise plays John Anderton, the lead officer of PreCrime, an experimental law enforcement unit that uses three psychics, called PreCogs, to predict and prevent violent crimes. When Anderton himself is accused of a future crime, he goes on the run to clear his name and discover who his supposed victim is. Loosely based on a short story by renowned sci-fi author Philip K. Dick, the film’s plot deals with the notion of free will and is set in a future where privacy has been incrementally diminished. Minority Report is one of Spielberg’s best, representing a noirish mix of his gifts as an entertainer with his darker impulses as a thrill maker.

2

‘Blade Runner’ (1982)

Image via Warner Bros.

Two decades before Minority Report turned Dick’s words into a futuristic detective thriller, Ridley Scott made the definitive sci-fi noir with Blade Runner. A visually stunning thriller that has had an immense impact on the aesthetic of so many cyberpunk films, video games, and anime, the film had some of the biggest artists and designers in science fiction, from Syd Mead to Douglass Trumbull, working behind the scenes. It’s an oppressive, rain-soaked movie that uses its atmosphere to immerse the audience in its dystopic vision of the future. The slow burn narrative and measured pacing of the film make it less thrilling than more fast-paced films, but its punctuations of violence hit hard with a more emotional impact and an existential undercurrent.

Harrison Ford is Rick Deckard, a cop who specializes in hunting down rogue replicants, the highly advance androids of the future. He’s given a task of tracking down four especially dangerous replicants, led by Rutger Hauer‘s Roy Batty, whose tragic nature and poetic talents belie his skull-crushing abilities. Deckard’s investigation also brings him into contact with the replicant Rachel (Sean Young), who breaks through his barriers and exposes his emotional frailties, causing him to question the purpose of his entire existence. Blade Runner is a hard-boiled, sci-fi masterpiece.

1

‘Children of Men’ (2007)

Image via Universal Pictures

Thrillers that get under the skin or cut deep emotional wounds are one thing, but a thriller that gets your pulse racing and adrenaline pumping is what the genre was made for. Alfonso Cuarón delivers both deep themes and hard thrills in the dystopic thriller Children of Men. Based on the P.D. James novel, it envisions a future where women have become infertile, leading to societal collapse precipitated by generational hopelessness, communicated in the film’s gritty visuals depicting an England on the edge of total chaos, with clashes between the people and the authoritarian regime becoming increasingly violent. It’s both harrowing and hits a little too close to home.

Clive Owen plays former revolutionary Theo, who has become disillusioned and retreated to the hell of middle management bureaucracy. He’s pulled back into the fray by his estranged wife, Julian (Julianne Moore), who asks for his help in getting a young refugee named Kee (Clare-Hope Ashitey) to safety. Kee is the first pregnant woman in almost two decades, representing a hope for humanity that could be corrupted and used by politicians and violent extremists alike. Children of Men is best known for its bleak visual style and intense action sequences, many of which are made immersive through long, unbroken takes merged through seamless digital effects. It’s Cuaron’s dystopian masterpiece and the greatest sci-fi thriller ever made.

Keith Urban is facing fresh attention offstage as tensions within his family begin to show in subtle but telling ways. 

Months after his split from Nicole Kidman brought an end to their long-standing marriage, new developments suggest the fallout is still playing out behind closed doors. 

A recent social media move by his teenage daughter has only added to the growing speculation, while reports about his personal life continue to fuel questions about where things stand at home.

Keith Urban’s relationship with his eldest daughter, Sunday Rose, appears to have taken a visible hit after she made a quiet but noticeable decision online. 

The Daily Mail reported that the 17-year-old recently unfollowed her father on Instagram, a move that quickly caught attention given the timing. 

Despite the change, Urban still follows his daughter, making the situation even more telling.

The shift comes in the wake of his split from Kidman, which was announced in September 2025, ending their 19-year marriage. 

While the separation has reportedly been finalized from a legal standpoint, it’s clear the emotional impact is still unfolding within the family.

Reports suggest that the country singer’s bond with both Sunday and her younger sister, Faith Margaret, has been strained since the breakup. 

Urban’s New Romance Sparks Tension At Home

Complicating matters further are ongoing rumors surrounding Keith Urban’s personal life. 

The 58-year-old has reportedly moved on with 26-year-old country artist Karley Scott Collins, and that development is said to have created additional tension within the family.

According to reports, Sunday and Faith have taken a firm position by refusing to meet their father’s rumored new partner. 

Sources claim this decision reflects their loyalty to Kidman as they process the changes in their family structure. 

Speaking about the situation, a family friend told Rob Shuter, “The girls are really focused on mum right now. They’re adjusting to all the changes, and it’s natural they want to protect their space.”

At the same time, Urban is reportedly trying to navigate the situation carefully. Another insider shared, “He wants them to be comfortable, but the girls’ priority is their mum and their own well-being.” 

Meanwhile, speculation around his relationship with Collins continues to circulate. Reports have described the connection as “serious,” especially after the two collaborated musically and she joined his 2025 High and Alive World Tour.

Keith Urban Reportedly Hurt By Daughter’s Very Public Omission

In March, Urban was reportedly left shaken after his daughter, Sunday, appeared to publicly snub him during an interview, sparking quiet concern about their relationship. 

As The Blast reported, the teenager, while speaking with Elle Australia, praised her mother, Nicole Kidman, calling her “my biggest inspiration in life” and adding, “She is a key part of everything I do.” 

Sunday also shared advice she’s received from her mom, revealing, “The biggest piece of industry advice Mum has given to me is to always be on time.” 

However, what stood out was the complete absence of any mention of her father, Keith Urban. According to insider claims, the omission hit hard. 

“Keith doesn’t know what to say, but he’s trying to put on a brave front,” the source said, adding that the public nature of the snub has left him “stumped.” 

Urban ‘Feels Like He’s Lost His Daughters,’ Insider Claims

A few days later, The Blast reported that Keith Urban was struggling with a growing distance from his daughters following his split, with claims the situation had become deeply personal. 

According to insider reports, the strain had gone beyond a single public moment, with one source alleging the girls “essentially cut off contact” with their father amid ongoing tension.   

The source added that the situation had “been building for a while.” Reports also claimed Urban had been left emotionally shaken by the distance, with insiders saying he felt “like he’s lost his daughters” and was struggling to process the change.  

While other coverage noted the daughters had grown closer to their mother and primarily lived with her following the divorce, the evolving family dynamic reportedly left Urban feeling isolated as he tried to navigate the relationship.

Keith Urban Focuses On Music As Rumors Intensify

Away from the family tension, Urban is said to be pouring his energy into his career. 

The four-time Grammy winner is reportedly in Nashville, where he is renovating a studio on Music Row while working on new material, including what has been described as a breakup album.

Even as he focuses on music, rumors about his relationship with Karley Scott Collins continue to make headlines. 

At 58, Urban is significantly older than Collins, and their connection has fueled intense public interest. 

However, Collins has pushed back on some of the claims circulating online.

After a report suggested the pair were already living together, she responded directly by sharing the claim and writing, “Y’all, this is absolutely RIDICULOUS and untrue.”

Meghan Markle is once again in the headlines after her self-acclaimed title as the “most trolled person” made waves.

The Duchess of Sussex made the declaration during a speech on her recent trip to Australia with her husband, Prince Harry. While speaking about the dangers of social media, she poured her heart out, advising youngsters via her personal experience as a public figure.

Meghan Markle’s life, daily choices, and actions have never shied away from the media, and over the years, she has been the subject of great public scrutiny. This includes her business, growing lifestyle brand, and decisions concerning her family.

Meghan has weathered through the tough times, and her astrology readings affirm that after boisterous storms comes calm. The “Suits” actress shared a post on social media showing the hopeful messages from her horoscope. “Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, & Aquarius ending the hardest seven years of their lives on April 25,” The string of posts on her Instagram stories began.

She shared the message on Saturday, April 25, which featured two men dancing to one of Celine Dion’s all-time hits, “That’s the Way It Is.” The message resonated perfectly with Meghan, whose birthday is on August 4, making her a Leo. The next reading was a knock at her life, the criticism she had dealt with, and the effect it had on her.

“The tension between who you actually are and what the world around you was willing to see has been exhausting in a way that is hard to explain to people who have not lived it,”  it began. Her astrology post continued, reading, “Your confidence took hits it had no business taking. You questioned your creative direction, your spotlight, your worth.”

They sound like words that run deep as a description of what the Duchess of Sussex may have faced since her status switched when she joined the royal family. The horoscope concluded with a positive message highlighting April 25 as an auspicious day. “April 25, the pressure lifts. You get the space to just exist without fighting for it,” signaling a light at the end of the tunnel for Meghan.

According to US Weekly, Royal watchers have speculated that the seven hardest years of her life, as the post pointed out, refers to the pubic scrutiny she has faced since she tied the knot with Prince Harry seven years ago in May 2018. While Meghan uses social media to promote her lifestyle brand, As Ever, she often warns against its use and the dangers associated with online platforms and the younger generation.

On her recently concluded Australian tour, the former Hollywood star gave a speech about how social media has impacted her life over the years. The media personality and her husband spoke to young people during their visit to Batyr, a mental health charity at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne.

She got candid, saying she was “bullied and attacked” online every day for a decade, tagging herself as “the most trolled person in the entire world.” Harry’s speech echoes similar views. He noted that social media has  “led to so much loneliness for so many people” before disclosing his mental health struggles, which led him to seek help in therapy.

Meghan spiced up her speech at Batyr with words of encouragement as she told her listeners, “Now I’m here,” despite the constant trolls and critics online. Speaking further, she decided to address the issue at the root, highlighting that social media companies were not “incentivized to stop.” 

The Blast reported in an earlier release that the media personality informed her listeners that the clickbait nature of social media was not going to change, hence they had to develop tough skin and become stronger as they navigate the use of online platforms.

“When I think of all of you and what you’re experiencing, I think so much of that is having to realize that you know that industry, that billion-dollar industry, that is completely anchored and predicated on cruelty to get clicks,” she said to the youths. She further noted that she has an ever-listening ear to those going through similar experiences with the media, as they easily resonate with her.

Not Everyone Sees The Mom Of Two As ‘The Most Trolled Person In The Entire World’

Meghan has admittedly had her fair share of one too many bad days in the media, but the title as the person with the most trolls seems to be a stretch to some people, including Texas Senator Ted Cruz. Right from inside Capitol Hill, the politician spoke with news outlets, saying that the title belongs to President Donald Trump.

Cruz explained that Trump is the most trolled person on the planet, and the former Hollywood star is still in the shadows when it comes to internet trolls. As reported by The Blast, he went on to praise Meghan for her work as an actress, referencing her phenomenal role on the hit legal drama TV series “Suits.”

The Texas Senator emphasized that Trump has seen more online hate, and as such, in his opinion, the title goes to the POTUS. His judgment comes as a no-brainer as he has experience in that department. Cruz noted that he gets trolled as well, but often responds to them with laughs or trolls back.

Meghan Markle Recently Gave Royals Another Reason To Frown

Meghan’s brand, As Ever, recently launched new candles in her candle collection as part of a Mother’s Day celebration. She claimed that two of them were inspired by her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The candles are named No.506 and No. 604, and according to reports, the numbers are not random but linked to her children’s birthdays.

This move, allegedly, does not sit right with other members of the royal house. A source described it as “an outrageous use of their titles,” adding that the late Queen Elizabeth II would not have approved of Meghan incorporating the kids into her business. They stated that the late queen previously stressed that the Sussexes should not profit from their titles after dropping their status as working royals in 2020.

The Blast also reports that the former TV personality had her children’s names, email addresses, social media handles, and domain names all trademarked. Some insiders do not view the trademark move as an issue; however, they have eyebrows raised if Meghan’s intention is to use them for the sale of future goods.

The Rookie just killed off a character in a shocking death scene ahead of the season 8 finale.

During the Monday, April 27, episode of the hit ABC series, Monica (Bridget Regan) tried to get away from the Feds and the arms dealer she crossed.

She tried to find a way to run away — after having a conversation with ex Wesley (Shawn Ashmore) — but her trip to the airport took a turn when the driver passed the LAX exit.

Monica accepted her fate by just asking that the driver not shoot her “in the face.” Instead, Monica is shot twice in the chest and her body is left on the side of the road for Tim (Eric Winter), Nolan (Nathan Fillion), Nyla (Mekia Cox), Angela (Alyssa Diaz), Grey (Richard T. Jones) and Garza (Felix Solis) to find before Wesley joined them.

“When [showrunner] Alexi [Hawley] called me — I mean, well, first of all, whenever a showrunner calls you, you have to be worried that it’s the call of death. But truly, I was not surprised. I was thrilled that she lasted as long as she did,” Regan told TV Insider. “If you play with fire, as long as she has, eventually you’re going to get burned. And as I said to Alexi and everybody, I was like, she’s not on her ninth life. She’s on her 37th.”

Regan pointed out that Monica “escaped multiple assassinations and prison time.”

“When her number was finally up, I wasn’t surprised. I thought, fair enough. She’s had an amazing run, four years on this show. I’m only filled with gratitude,” she continued. “But what I was surprised by was just how incredibly sad I was for her. Not that she died, but that she never truly flipped, that she actually succumbed to the dark side and couldn’t find her way back. And I felt like there was this version of Monica that could have been something else, but she just could never get there. So to me, that was the real heartbreak of it all.”

The actress recalled being promised an epic onscreen death, adding, “You hear about all these famous shows where everyone’s dying all the time, like The Sopranos, etc. Everyone’s reading the script, going, ‘Do I die? Do I die? Do I die? Do I die?’ I always had that in the back of my mind because I felt like it was inevitable. Either at some point, she was going to go to jail, or she was going to die.”

For Regan, it was special getting to see Monica go out on her own terms.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

“What’s so fun about her is she is who she is. The ‘not in the face’ line is how she’s always going to be her vain, fabulous, greedy self. That’s just who she is. She can be terribly smug,” she noted. “With Monica, you’re always walking that line. She has to be confident enough that you believe she can hold her own in this criminal world, but I always wanted her to be believable, but there’s also something deliciously over the top about who she is. She’s so fun, and she refuses to be anything but herself. And so yeah, we were always calibrating.”

Regan admitted that wrapping up her time on The Rookie “was emotional,” saying, “It was heavy. I was bummed. I was like, oh man, this is such an incredible show to be a part of. But I did feel like, creatively, it was time for her to go. Because if we’re going to say that she’s messing with all these dangerous criminals from Elijah to Aiden to Cooper Johnson, it would be unbelievable if it didn’t catch up with her at some point.”

The Rookie airs on ABC Mondays at 10 p.m. ET.

It’s true that most great action movies have already been watched enough. However, it’s also true that over time, the genre has built a reputation, which often leaves smaller or less talked-about films slipping through the cracks. For instance, there are movies that arrived at the wrong time, while others simply didn’t get the attention they deserved despite doing a lot right. Despite being incredible.

Anyhow, the films that I’ve circled in this list are those kinds of action films. They’re easier to return to, even years later, because they don’t feel tied to trends that fade quickly. These are movies that quietly hold up, even when they’re no longer part of the present pop culture, as such, so let’s get into it.

5

‘The Long Kiss Goodnight’ (1996)

Image via New Line Cinema

By the time The Long Kiss Goodnight came out, action films had already settled into a familiar rhythm, which makes its setup feel a little unusual even now. The film, directed by Renny Harlin, follows Samantha Caine (Geena Davis), a schoolteacher with no memory of her past, whose life begins to change when fragments of a much darker identity start to return. What makes this interesting is how casually the film introduces that shift and allows the mystery to build instead of rushing straight into action.

With time, Samantha’s transformation into Charly Baltimore never feels like a gimmick, which is where the film quietly stands out. The action is sharp and deliberate, but it’s the character work that gives it the edge. At the same time, the film doesn’t overcomplicate its premise, which keeps everything moving without losing clarity. It’s the kind of balance that feels effortless, even though it rarely is.

4

‘Ronin’ (1998)

Image via MGM

There’s a certain restraint to Ronin that makes it feel very different from most action films of its time. Directed by John Frankenheimer, the film brings together a group of mercenaries led by Sam (Robert De Niro), all hired for an extremely vague job. Instead of relying on exposition, the story allows tension to build through uncertain moments. That uncertainty gives even the quieter moments a sense of unease that carries through the entire film.

Ronin is a standout film because of how grounded everything feels, especially during its action sequences. The car chases, in particular, aren’t exaggerated for a show, which makes them far more intense than expected. At the same time, the film never feels the need to explain every detail, and that trust in the audience works in its favor. It creates a sense of realism that lingers, even after the story moves on.

3

‘The Rundown’ (2003)

Image via Universal Pictures

There’s something surprisingly restrained about The Rundown, especially considering it arrived at a time when action films leaned heavily into excess. It is directed by Peter Berg and follows Beck (Dwayne Johnson), a retrieval expert sent to bring Travis (Seann William Scott) back home, only to get pulled into a situation far more complicated than expected. The setup sounds familiar, but the film takes its time establishing Beck’s personality before throwing him into chaos, which gives the story a steadier foundation.

As things move forward, the film leans into a mix of action and humor without letting either one overpower the other. Beck isn’t written as an unstoppable figure, which makes his hesitation feel more believable in moments that could have easily turned exaggerated. On the other hand, the action sequences remain clear, never losing track of where the characters are or what’s at stake. That sense of control keeps the film engaging.

2

‘Dredd’ (2012)

Image via Lionsgate

Dredd feels unusually focused for a film that is set in such a sprawling, dystopian world. The movie is directed by Pete Travis, and its premise follows Judge Dredd (Karl Urban) and Cassandra Anderson (Olivia Thirlby) as they enter a massive high-rise controlled by Ma-Ma (Lena Headey). Instead of expanding outward, the story locks itself into this one location, which immediately creates a sense of confinement that shapes everything that follows.

That decision allows the film to build tension in a very controlled way, where each level of the building feels like a step deeper into something more dangerous. The action never feels excessive because it’s tied closely to the survival of the characters, and that makes even the quieter moments feel uneasy. Along with that, the film doesn’t spend time overexplaining its world, which helps maintain momentum. It trusts the setting to speak for itself, and that restraint is what gives it lasting impact.

1

‘The Raid 2’ (2014)

Image via Sony Pictures Classics

Following up a film as tightly constructed as its predecessor is never simple, which makes The Raid 2 feel like a very deliberate expansion. Directed by Gareth Evans, the story continues with Rama (Iko Uwais) as he goes undercover, moving away from the contained structure of the first film into something far more layered. That shift immediately changes the tone, because the focus is no longer just survival, but navigating a world that is built on shifting loyalties.

With each passing moment, the scale grows without losing the intensity that defined the original. The action sequences remain precise, but they are now placed within a broader narrative that gives them added weight. At the same time, the film allows its story to breathe, which helps the quieter moments feel just as important as the larger set pieces. That balance is difficult to maintain, but here it feels intentional, giving the film a sense of depth that is difficult to find in most action films.

Advertisement

The Raid 2

Advertisement

Release Date

March 28, 2014

Runtime

150 minutes

Advertisement

Director

Gareth Evans

Advertisement

Writers

Gareth Evans

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Michael Jackson‘s music is seeing a renewed surge in popularity, with Spotify streams climbing following the release of “Michael,” a biopic starring the King of Pop’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the titular role. The film has sparked fresh interest in the singer’s catalog, drawing longtime fans back while introducing his music legacy to a new generation of listeners.

The King of Pop’s Spotify is seeing a spike in streams after the release of “Michael” on April 24, in U.S. theaters. Per information gathered by Luminate, a data and insights company, Michael’s streams increased by 95 just one week after the film premiered, as noted by The Hollywood Reporter on April 27. Combined streams have reached 31.7 million from 16.3 million the previous week.

Additionally, the outlet noted that Michael’s listenership increased by 5 million in a week, soaring from 68 million to 73 million.

The Jackson 5, Michael’s band with his brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon, also saw a boost from the biopic, with streams increasing from 1.3 million to 2.4 million.

‘Michael’ Features Some Of The King Of Pop’s Biggest Hits

A film like “Michael” is bound to include the singer’s iconic songs, and some of those included were “Thriller,” “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Human Nature,” along with The Jackson 5 hits “I’ll Be There” and “Never Can Say Goodbye.”

Advertisement

Michael was known for his unmistakable vocal style, and for the biopic, Jaafar and Michael’s voices were blended. In an interview with “Today with Jenna & Shenelle,” the 29-year-old singer and actor said he did all the performances in the movie, but he was singing “on top of Michael’s track.” The same process was done for Juliano Valdi, the young actor who portrayed a 10-year-old Michael in the movie.

Music supervisor John Warhurst explained the decision to The Hollywood Reporter, saying that while the two actors were capable of singing Michael’s songs, they had to think about whether or not the audience wanted Michael’s vocals to be included in the biopic. “Every movie is different, but here we think people want Michael to be part of it,” Warhurst explained.

Is There Going To Be A ‘Michael’ Sequel?

“Michael” spans the singer’s early childhood through the “Bad” tour, which concluded in the late ’80s. Although the film covers more than two decades of his life and career, several later events, including his death, are not included in the narrative. However, there was an implication at the end of the movie that a sequel was going to be made.

Advertisement

As the final scene faded to black, text appeared, which read, “His story continues,” leading the audience to believe that a second part may be in the works.

As reported by Page Six, 30 percent of the sequel had already been filmed. Lionsgate motion picture chair Adam Fogelson said a sequel was always in mind, but they wanted to see the reception to the first movie before proceeding. “We do have probably 30% of a second film from footage that we already shot, and we will work with all the talent and try to let everyone know what our plan is in the next couple of weeks,” he said.

The Michael Jackson Biopic Is Facing Criticism

Audiences had mixed reactions to “Michael.” According to Rotten Tomatoes, the Tomatometer (based on professional critic reviews) stands at 39 percent, while the Popcornmeter (based on audience scores) is significantly higher at 97%.

One of the issues some people had with the film was that it glossed over or excluded some aspects of Michael’s life that were deemed controversial, per The Blast. Writer John Logan explained the biopic’s direction, saying the filmmakers chose to go with an “uplifting story” for the movie, while admitting that the pop star was a “complicated person.”

Slate critic Sam Adams wrote, “The purpose of a biopic is to show us aspect of a public figure that the public never had access to. But Michael utterly fails at giving us any sense of who Jackson was behind closed doors.”

Advertisement

Michael Jackson Is One Of The Highest-Earning Dead Celebrities

Michael Jackson’s estate has generated billions since his death in 2009. Per Forbes‘ list of Highest-Paid Dead Celebrities for 2025, Michael earned $105 million in that year alone, securing the top spot. Over the past 25 years, the King of Pop has topped the list 13 times, with his highest-earning year coming in 2017, when he reportedly earned $825 million.

With soaring streaming numbers and the biopic, plus a potential sequel, renewed attention on Michael has continued to drive momentum across different platforms, further adding to the estate’s continued posthumous earnings and cementing the singer’s legacy.

Zoë Kravitz has sent fans into a frenzy after stepping out with a dazzling diamond ring that instantly reignited speculation of an engagement with Harry Styles. 

The actress didn’t try to hide the massive sparkler as she moved through New York City, and new details about the proposal have only added fuel to the excitement. 

From a lavish custom design to whispers of a deeply romantic moment, the couple’s relationship appears to have taken a major step forward in a way few saw coming.

Zoë Kravitz turned heads when she was spotted in New York City wearing a striking diamond ring on her wedding finger, casually checking her phone while sporting a “Boy Next Door” cap. 

The understated outfit did little to distract from the eye-catching jewelry, which quickly became the center of attention.

Experts believe the ring is no ordinary piece. According to an estimate shared with the Daily Mail, the diamond appears to be a ten-carat oval stone set in yellow gold, likely custom-made and valued at around $1 million. 

“Zoe’s ring looks to be a ten-carat oval-shaped diamond set in yellow gold. It was probably custom-made and costs around $1 million. It is bezel set, which is popular these days,” Chris from The Diamond Bank in Los Angeles told the outlet. 

Advertisement

The sighting wasn’t the first time she had been seen wearing the ring. Back in December, she was photographed with the same piece on her left hand, quietly sparking early speculation that something serious was unfolding behind the scenes.

Kravitz Said Yes To ‘Romantic’ Proposal Instantly

Behind the scenes, Zoë Kravitz’s engagement reportedly stemmed from a deeply personal, heartfelt moment. 

Insiders revealed that Harry Styles planned an “old-fashioned, romantic” proposal, which she accepted immediately.

According to sources, the “Mad Max: Fury Road” star didn’t hesitate because she is “madly in love with him,” and she values the way he shows up in the relationship. 

One insider noted that Kravitz appreciates how the singer “supports her in a beautiful, kind way.” 

Advertisement

The reaction within their inner circle has also been telling. Friends reportedly weren’t shocked by the engagement, with one source telling Page Six that “no one in their circle is surprised.” 

At the same time, the mood around Kravitz has been described as pure joy, with insiders sharing that she is “on cloud nine” following the milestone moment.

Zoë Kravitz And Harry Styles Built A Low-Key Romance

Kravitz and Styles have largely kept their relationship out of the spotlight, but their timeline reveals a steady progression.

They were first linked in August last year when they were seen holding hands, and by the following month, things appeared more serious as they were photographed spending time with Kravitz’s father, Lenny. 

That moment hinted that the relationship had already moved into a more meaningful stage.

Advertisement

Since then, the couple has been spotted together in multiple cities, including London, Rome, and Brooklyn, often enjoying quiet outings rather than flashy public appearances. 

In one instance, the One Direction veteran visited Kravitz at her hotel in Hampstead, where they were seen holding hands during a coffee date. 

Despite their efforts to remain private, each sighting has added to the narrative of a relationship that has grown steadily stronger over time.

Kravitz Finds Something Different In Styles

For Zoë Kravitz, this relationship appears to stand apart from her past romances. 

Insiders say she feels “different” about Styles than she did about previous partners, including her former husband, Karl Glusman, and ex-fiancé, Channing Tatum.

Advertisement

Kravitz’s relationship history includes her 2019 marriage to Glusman, which ended in divorce in 2021, and her later engagement to Tatum, which was called off in October 2024 after three years together. 

At the time, sources said the split was amicable, with both realizing they were at different points in their lives and had grown apart.

Now, those close to Kravitz believe she has found something more aligned with what she wants in the long term. One insider even shared that she considers the singer her “soulmate.”

There’s also a sense that Styles approached the relationship with intention. Another source previously noted that “Harry wouldn’t have gone public with Zoe if it wasn’t anything.”

Advertisement

Zoë Kravitz And Harry Styles Align On Future Goals

Part of what makes Kravitz and Styles’ relationship work may come down to shared priorities about the future. 

Styles has openly said he wants more than just career success, explaining that he took time away from music to reflect on what he truly wants in life. 

During that period, he considered where he saw himself in five years and realized he valued meaningful relationships, strong friendships, and the idea of building a family.

He emphasized the importance of choosing the right partner, someone who helps him grow and holds him accountable. 

“I want to be fulfilled and I want to be in great relationships with people. I want to have great friendships with people. I want a family. I want these things,” Styles shared during an interview on Apple Music’s “The Zane Lowe Show.”

Advertisement

He added, “It just allowed me to go like, okay, what do I have to do to create space to allow these things to happen? I can’t just expect them to just happen to me.” 

His past relationships, which have included Olivia Wilde, Taylor Swift, Kendall Jenner, and Taylor Russell, as well as more recent links to Ella Kenny and Kim Mupangilai, have all unfolded in the public eye. However, with Kravitz, the approach has been noticeably more grounded.

Rejoice, sci-fi fans — Apple TV, in an elegant little hat-trick maneuver, has simultaneously announced Silo Season 3’s summer premiere date, dropped an enigmatic trailer, and introduced multiple new faces to the show’s already impressive roster. The official press release confirms that Season 2’s last-minute additions, Jessica Henwick and Ashley Zukerman, have boarded Season 3 as series regulars, with Jessica Brown Findlay (Downton Abbey), Laura Innes (ER), Reed Birney (House of Cards), Matt Craven (A Few Good Men), Morven Christie (Grantchester), and Colin Hanks (FX’s Fargo) joining them in undisclosed roles.

Although the streamer doesn’t specify who the newcomers play, based off the context provided by the promotional images, it’s safe to assume they exist in the “Before Times” era that Henwick confirmed (in a Collider exclusive) will play out alongside Silo’s original, far-future timeline. If showrunner Graham Yost‘s dystopian drama continues to follow the overall shape of Hugh Howey‘s book trilogy, then these characters are either responsible for the silo’s creation or exist right on the outskirts — and still find themselves dragged into its harrowing, conspiratorial orbit.

‘Silo’s Second Book Explains How the Apocalypse Happened

Without venturing too deep into the spoiler waters, Howey’s second book, Shift, doubles as a sequel following Juliette Nichols’ (Rebecca Ferguson) next steps after returning to her silo and a prequel divulging the events behind Earth’s cataclysmic destruction. Daniel Keene (Zukerman), the Georgia congressional representative introduced alongside Henwick’s journalist Helen Drew in the final minutes of Season 2’s finale, becomes one of Shift‘s point-of-view characters. After he’s approached by the distinguished and powerful Senator Thurman, Daniel joins a classified project called the Containment and Disposal Facility, or CAD-FAC, a sophisticated subterranean repository for radioactive waste.

Believing he’s contributing to world safety, Daniel applies his architectural degree to the underground facility’s design. Aside from Daniel and Thurman, the initiative’s core leaders include Erskine and Victor, who hold their motivations close to their chests. When the nuclear bombs of mutually assured destruction fall, all four CAD-FAC creators shelter inside the silo. It’s only then, with Earth devastated beyond compare, that Daniel learns his partners’ ruthless intentions, why the attacks occurred, and the project’s actual name — World Operation Order Fifty (its acronym, W.O.O.L., sneakily calls back to book one’s title, Wool).

Related

Forget ‘Silo,’ One of the Most Bonkers Sci-Fi Thrillers Ever Made Is Free to Stream in May

‘Silo’ will return for Season 3.

Advertisement

Are ‘Silo’s New Cast Members Tied to the Past?

Since Birney and Matt stand side-by-side in the images, it stands to reason they’re tackling Erskine and Victor, respectively. Innes, meanwhile, has every appearance of a competent, scheming politician holding the world in the palm of her hand. As for how Findlay, Christie, and Hanks relate to the books’ remaining vital characters, since Christie stands in a political office area, she might be Thurman’s daughter, Anna (who, for added drama, also happens to be Daniel’s ex-girlfriend).

The same logic applies to Findlay’s costume. Daniel’s sister, Charlotte, is a former naval officer, and Findlay’s jacket and baseball cap all but confirm she’s either active in or retired from that profession. Although Hanks stands near Henwick, his contribution is more ambiguous to the point of speculation; his role could subtly connect to the books or be invented for the show’s purposes. When it comes to Silo‘s slippery nature, there’s only one guarantee: book-reading fans and show-only viewers alike should brace themselves for the mind-melting scale that awaits.

Advertisement

Silo

Release Date

Advertisement

May 5, 2023

Showrunner

Graham Yost

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement