Entertainment

The 10 Greatest Movies That Never Take Themselves Too Seriously

Published

4 hours ago

1 August 2026

Michelle Monaghan sitting down next to Robert Downey Jr in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.

Some movies have a lot of promise, but shoot themselves in the foot by taking themselves too seriously. They get dark and dour where they should have stayed lighthearted, straining for profundity when simply being entertaining would have sufficed. This problem is particularly acute when it comes to many recent superhero and blockbuster movies.

The titles below are object lessons in the opposite approach. They are great precisely because they remain fun (and perhaps a little goofy) the whole way through. These movies never feel like they’re trying to prove anything beyond fulfilling their entertainment quota, which is why we love them even more. It doesn’t make them meaningless or unimportant; it just makes them enjoyable.

‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’ (2005)

“Who taught you math?” This crime comedy was Shane Black‘s directorial debut, and it remains delightful more than two decades since it came out. In it, small-time thief Harry Lockhart (Robert Downey Jr.) accidentally lands a Hollywood screen test before becoming entangled in a murder investigation alongside sarcastic private investigator Perry van Shrike (Val Kilmer) and aspiring actress Harmony Lane (Michelle Monaghan). The increasingly convoluted mystery serves as the perfect playground for Black’s razor-sharp dialogue and relentless self-awareness.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang strikes a great balance between mocking the conventions of noir thrillers while also being suspenseful and compelling. Crucially, every joke feels like part of the narrative rather than a distraction from it. Not to mention, the easy chemistry between the leads does a lot of heavy lifting, taking moments from simply funny to outright hilarious. Fast, stylish, and endlessly quotable.

‘Big Trouble in Little China’ (1986)

The cast of Big Trouble in Little China standing together

“It’s all in the reflexes.” Although a box office flop, Big Trouble in Little China was charming enough to have a second life on home video, eventually establishing itself as a cult classic. Frequent John Carpenter collaborator Kurt Russell takes on a different kind of role here as truck driver Jack Burton, a swaggering hero who is also frequently confused, frequently outmatched, and frequently rescued by more capable people around him.

When his friend Wang Chi’s fiancée is kidnapped by an ancient sorcerer beneath San Francisco’s Chinatown, Jack stumbles into a world filled with martial arts masters, monsters, magic, and centuries-old conspiracies. It’s all very ridiculous, but Carpenter embraces that. The fight scenes are impossible, characters fly around ridiculously, and the madness relentlessly escalates. Every outrageous beat is delivered with complete confidence, ensuring we come along for the ride.

‘Hot Fuzz’ (2007)

Nick Frost and Simon Pegg in a car holding ice cream cones in Hot Fuzz

“The greater good.” The entire Cornetto Trilogy is an example of a cast and crew turning lack of seriousness into high art. Hot Fuzz, in particular, begins as a fish-out-of-water comedy before exploding into one of the funniest action films ever. London’s most accomplished police officer, Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg), is reassigned to the seemingly idyllic village of Sandford after making his colleagues look bad. However, this sleepy hamlet quickly becomes an unlikely battleground after a series of mysterious murders.

The visual gags and physical comedy are off the charts here, producing countless iconic moments, like the chanting hooded conspirators, the runaway swan, the sea mine, the church steeple impalement, and “Ever fired two guns whilst jumping through the air?” As with Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, this is a movie that celebrates its genre while also poking fun at its excesses, and it radiates pure joy from beginning to end.

‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ (2014)

“We are Groot.” Just as the DCU was getting a little too grim and gritty, Marvel pivoted in the opposite direction with Guardians of the Galaxy, proving once again that superhero movies can embrace complete absurdity without sacrificing any emotional punch. Here, a thief (Chris Pratt), an assassin (Zoe Saldaña), a genetically enhanced raccoon (Bradley Cooper), a walking tree (Vin Diesel), and a revenge-obsessed warrior (Dave Bautista) reluctantly join forces after becoming caught in an intergalactic struggle over an immensely powerful artifact.

The setup sounds like the start of a bad joke, but James Gunn turns it into one of the most charming blockbusters of the 2010s. The constant jokes never diminish the genuine relationships developing between the characters and, perhaps most important of all, the soundtrack plays a crucial role in establishing the film’s playful personality. This recipe resonated, carrying Guardians to a $773m box office haul.

‘The Princess Bride’ (1987)

A wounded Wesley (Carey Elwes) protects Buttercup (Robin Wright) with a sword in the forest in The Princess Bride

“As you wish.” Boasting one of the finest scripts of all time, The Princess Bride immerses us in a fairytale world of adventure, love, wit, danger, sword fights, and killer one-liners. Buttercup’s (Robin Wright) romance with the farmhand Westley (Cary Elwes) quickly evolves into an extraordinary journey involving pirates, revenge, kidnappings, miracle workers, giants, and one of cinema’s most colorful collections of supporting characters.

Practically every scene is iconic and practically every conversation is quotable, whether it’s Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin) confronting his enemies or Vizzini (Wallace Shawn) repeatedly declaring situations “inconceivable.” Quirkiness aside, the movie is deeply in love with storytelling itself, and that shines through from the first scene to the last. Although it’s clever, meta, and weirdly postmodern, The Princess Bride ultimately places heart over artifice. It’s no mere empty exercise in style or pastiche.

‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ (1981)

“It’s not the years, honey. It’s the mileage.” With Raiders, Spielberg made cinematic alchemy out of the boys’ adventure serials that had charmed a previous generation. Harrison Ford turns in his most beloved performance as the whip-wielding archaeologist racing against the Nazis to recover the legendary Ark of the Covenant, traveling from South America to Nepal, Cairo, and beyond. These are world-hanging-in-the-balance stakes, yet the movie never becomes self-important.

The feeling of fun is inexhaustible, with the movie serving up one marvelous set piece after another, from the opening temple escape to the truck chase across the desert. While these sequences are grand and intense, Indy himself is no invincible superhero; instead, he’s someone who continually improvises his way through disasters with equal parts courage, luck, and sheer determination. His frequent mistakes make him feel wonderfully human.

‘The Big Lebowski’ (1998)

“The Dude abides.” The Big Lebowski is one of the greatest stoner noirs, spinning a quotable comedy around a bizarro mystery and the most laid-back protagonist imaginable. Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski (Jeff Bridges) is mistaken for a millionaire sharing his surname and becomes unwillingly entangled in a kidnapping plot involving nihilists, pornography, artists, bowling tournaments, and increasingly surreal misunderstandings. Rather than solving the situation through brilliant deduction, the Dude mostly stumbles from one strange encounter to another, somehow surviving through sheer persistence.

Through it all, the Coen brothers delight in treating absurd situations with complete sincerity. Indeed, the film itself is as easygoing as its central character, which is why it works so well. The Big Lebowski is so totally committed to its oddball wavelength that it somehow succeeds against all odds, and it’s now one of the most enduring movies of the 1990s.

‘Back to the Future’ (1985)

BACK TO THE FUTURE, from left: Christopher Lloyd, Michael J. Fox, 1985

“Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.” Back to the Future is a masterclass in fusing high-concept sci-fi with infectious humor. Teenager Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) is accidentally transported from 1985 to 1955, where he must ensure that his parents fall in love while finding a way to return home before he accidentally erases his own existence.

Crucially, unlike most time-travel stories, the movie never gets bogged down in scientific explanations, instead focusing on memorable characters and stellar comedic timing. Sure, the mechanics of the time-travel don’t really make sense, but when the script is so cleverly constructed and the performances are so lovable, who cares? Not to mention, there’s an irresistible optimism to Back to the Future, making it a feel-good gem to return to again and again. Like the DeLorean, it transports us back to a simpler time.

‘Burn After Reading’ (2008)

Brad Pitt as Chad Feldheimer dancing in Burn After Reading.

“What did we learn?” The Coen brothers strike again. Although not as druggy and hazy as The Big Lebowski, Burn After Reading is arguably more unhinged in its own way. When a disc containing supposedly classified information falls into the hands of two dim-witted gym employees (Brad Pitt and Frances McDormand), they attempt to blackmail its owner (John Malkovich), triggering a chain reaction of misunderstandings involving intelligence agencies, paranoid ex-spouses, cosmetic surgery, and increasingly catastrophic decisions.

Here, the Coens derive enormous comedy from the gap between the characters’ confidence and their actual intelligence. Nearly everyone believes they are participating in an elaborate conspiracy when, in reality, they’re just… not. In addition to the phenomenal writing, the stacked cast gives us wonderful performances, from Pitt’s dim-witted cheerfulness to McDormand’s delusional entitlement to Malkovich’s volcanic frustration.

‘In Bruges’ (2008)

Ken (Brendan Gleeson) points his gun at Ray (Colin Farrell) who is holding a gun to his own head in In Bruges

“You’re an inanimate f—ing object!” Finally, we have In Bruges, which might still be Martin McDonagh‘s masterpiece. After a botched hit leaves him emotionally shattered, young hitman Ray (Colin Farrell) is ordered to lie low in the picturesque Belgian city of Bruges alongside his older partner Ken (Brendan Gleeson). But Ray grows increasingly restless, and their temporary exile spirals toward tragedy, absurdity, and violence.

In Bruges is a remarkable balancing act between humor and darkness, depth and ridiculousness. Somehow, even when touching on genuinely powerful ideas, it still feels light and nimble. The stars practically sing McDonagh’s colorful dialogue (it’s like Tarantino, had he been born in Ireland and read too much existentialism), and Ralph Fiennes nearly steals the film with his explosively funny supporting performance as mob boss Harry. What a classic.

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Anya Taylor-Joy’s Near-Perfect Sci-Fi Masterpiece Is Officially a Must-Watch #1 Hit

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4 minutes ago

1 August 2026

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Anya Taylor-Joy is quietly having one of the biggest years of her career, and things aren’t going to slow down as 2026 goes along. Taylor-Joy can be seen starring opposite Timothy Olyphant in the new Apple TV crime thriller series, Lucky, which has aired its first few episodes. ATJ previously starred in one of Apple TV’s biggest ever sci-fi movies, The Gorge, which is still in the top 10 more than a year removed from its global premiere. After reprising her role as Princess Peach in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which was the first film of 2026 to reach $1 billion at the global box office, she’ll star in another sci-fi blockbuster later this year, Dune: Part Three. The massive time jump between Dune: Part Two and Part Three allows her to step into a much larger role as Alia Atreides.

Anya Taylor-Joy has starred in plenty of important sci-fi projects in her young but impressive career, but arguably the best of all came back in 2024 when she teamed up with Chris Hemsworth for Furiosa. The Mad Max: Fury Road prequel film saw ATJ step into the role of Furiosa, who was previously played by Charlize Theron in the 2015 sci-fi film. Furiosa earned immaculate scores of 90% from critics and 88% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, but the film struggled at the box office under the weight of its $168 million budget, only just managing to earn it back and gross $174 million globally. Furiosa has found a home streaming on HBO Max since the end of its theatrical run, and the film is still charting in the top 10 in more than 10 countries, and it’s also found success on VOD.

Is George Miller Making Another ‘Mad Max’ Movie?

George Miller has confirmed that he has another idea for a new Mad Max movie, but it’s unclear at this time if the film will ever get made. After losing a fortune footing the bill for Furiosa, Warner Bros. reportedly passed on Miller’s next Mad Max movie, which he plans to make before selling the franchise outright to a big studio. If Miller can convince a studio to provide funding for his final Mad Max movie, fans could see another chapter of the Wasteland in the next few years.

Check out Furiosa on HBO Max and stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of Anya Taylor-Joy’s future projects.

Release Date: May 24, 2024
Runtime: 149 minutes
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Director: George Miller
Writers: George Miller, Nico Lathouris
Producers: Advertisement

Doug Mitchell, George Miller

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How many “Chucky” movies are there? Where to watch the “Child’s Play” franchise in order

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17 minutes ago

1 August 2026

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He always comes back!

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Jennifer Aniston’s Vacation Flip-Flops Have a $15 Lookalike

Published

30 minutes ago

1 August 2026

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Gigi Hadid attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating

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Jennifer Aniston has a knack for making the simplest vacation outfits feel incredibly chic. During a recent getaway, the actress reminded us that you don’t need designer accessories or over-the-top trends to look polished — sometimes all it takes is a simple pair of black flip-flops. Even better, recreating the look costs just $15.

The Friends alum was recently spotted vacationing in Mallorca, Spain, pairing classic black flip-flops with light-wash loose jeans, a crisp white tank, a black beach hat and a roomy brown tote. The relaxed outfit perfectly reflected her signature laid-back aesthetic, and while we don’t know the exact sandals she packed, recreating the look is surprisingly affordable.

Get the Kidmi Memory Foam Thong Flip Flops for $15 (Was $27) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

The Kidmi Memory Foam Thong Flip Flops deliver the same versatile look as Aniston’s vacation footwear — no celeb budget needed! Available in her exact black shade, along with cream, brown and several other neutral colors, the sandals come in sizes 6 through 11.5. They’re also a customer favorite, with more than 1,000 pairs purchased in the past month alone.

Looks aside, these flip-flops are designed for days when you’re constantly on the move. The cushioned memory foam footbed wrapped in vegan leather helps soften every step, while the non-slip rubber outsole provides extra grip whether you’re strolling a seaside boardwalk, exploring a new city or heading to the neighborhood pool.

The comfort has shoppers raving. One reviewer who packed them for a vacation to Mexico said they walked “around 5,000+ steps a day” with “no worry or blisters.” Another buyer described the memory foam footbed as “cushioned and supportive,” adding it felt like “walking on little clouds.”

If there’s one lesson to take from Aniston’s vacation wardrobe, it’s that the classics rarely disappoint. A comfy pair of black flip-flops goes with practically everything you’ll pack, making these $15 sandals an easy addition to your summer lineup.

Get the Kidmi Memory Foam Thong Flip Flops for $15 (Was $27) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

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

UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping

Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

Shop the UsNow Summer Sale –>

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Copy Sofia Vergara’s Greek Vacation Tank Dress Look for Just $20

Published

47 minutes ago

1 August 2026

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Packing for a Greek vacation is one thing. Finding a dress that can handle sightseeing, long dinners by the water and every photo in between is another. Luckily, Sofia Vergara may have just found the ultimate suitcase staple — and you can steal the look for just $20.

Vergara was recently spotted soaking up the sun in Greece wearing a black spaghetti strap bodycon maxi dress styled with slip-on raffia sandals, a matching raffia shoulder bag and white cat-eye sunglasses. The effortlessly chic look proved you don’t need a complicated outfit to make a statement on vacation. Better yet, we found a nearly identical version that captures the same easygoing elegance for just $20 on Amazon.

Get the Lillusory Bodycon Spaghetti Strap Maxi Dress for $25 (Was $30) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

The Lillusory Bodycon Spaghetti Strap Maxi Dress delivers the same sleek, minimalist vibe as Vergara’s vacation-ready look. Available in classic black along with brown, pink, white and several other colors, it’s the kind of versatile staple you can wear on repeat all season long. It also comes in sizes XS through XL, making it easy to find your perfect fit.

What makes this dress especially worth packing is its versatility. Pair it with raffia sandals and a woven tote for beachside lunches, then swap in a denim jacket and ankle boots once temperatures cool. As one shopper put it, it’s a “versatile” dress with “hundreds of ways to style this,” making it a piece you’ll keep reaching for long after vacation ends.

The soft, stretchy fabric hugs in all the right places without feeling restrictive, while the delicate spaghetti straps and double-lined construction help create a smooth, flattering fit. It’s also earned more than 1,800 five-star ratings from Amazon shoppers. One reviewer called it “buttery soft and comfortable” and “super easy to walk in and wear for hours,” exactly what you want when you’re exploring charming streets or lingering over dinner with an ocean view.

Whether you’re planning a Mediterranean getaway or simply want to bring a little vacation energy to your everyday wardrobe, this easy maxi dress is the kind of timeless piece you’ll wear again and again. At just $20, it’s an effortless way to channel Vergara’s polished vacation style without splurging.

Get the Lillusory Bodycon Spaghetti Strap Maxi Dress for $25 (Was $30) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

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

UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping

Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

Shop the UsNow Summer Sale –>

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The Miz Warns One Mistake Could Ruin His World Record Attempt

Published

1 hour ago

1 August 2026

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Mike “The Miz” Mizanin has faced John Cena in the main event of WrestleMania, starred in movies, and spent years performing under the bright lights of WWE. However, his next challenge comes with a different kind of pressure and a staggering number of hot dogs. On Saturday, August 1, the Ohio native will team up with Smirnoff Ice in Put-in-Bay to attempt two Guinness World Records: the Largest Display of Hot Dogs and the Largest Hot Dog Party.

Although the concept may sound like a lighthearted way to celebrate summer, The Miz revealed in an exclusive interview with The Blast that there are strict rules behind the attempt. If even one participant fails to follow the instructions, it could jeopardize the entire record-breaking event.

When asked how he was handling the pressure of attempting two records in a single day, The Miz pointed to his lengthy WWE résumé as proof that he knows how to perform when the stakes are high.

“Well, I’m a pressure player. That’s what I like. I thrive on pressure,” he told The Blast. “I beat John Cena in the main event of WrestleMania 27 and retained the WWE Championship. So in the lights of the brightest, that’s when I step up to the plate.”

The WWE Superstar will serve as the host of the event, but his responsibilities will go beyond keeping hundreds of attendees entertained. He will also have to make sure everyone understands and follows the requirements necessary for Guinness World Records to recognize both attempts.

“It’s basically me being the host that I can be, Smirnoff Ice being the product that it is, and basically putting on a party of a lifetime, but not only that, everyone needs to follow directions,” The Miz explained. “So I’m gonna make sure that everyone is following the directions, so we can break two records.”

He added very confidently, “If everyone doesn’t come together as a cohesive team, this will not happen, but we’re not talking about that because this is gonna happen.”

The Hot Dog Display Comes With A Surprising Rule

Smirnoff Ice and an eagle — Smirnoff Ice

The first goal is to create the World’s Largest Display of Hot Dogs, which The Miz was told will be larger than an NFL logo. However, simply arranging a massive number of hot dogs will not be enough to secure the title. According to The Miz, every hot dog must have a condiment, and separate participants will be responsible for adding those toppings.

“Now, it’s weird, because you have to have a condiment on there, and each hot dog will have a different condiment, and a different person has to put that on there,” he shared. “So there’s going to be a lot of direction, a lot of people.”

Once the display is completed and officially recognized, the event will immediately transition into the attempt to hold the world’s Largest Hot Dog Party. “And then right after we break the record for World’s Largest Hot Dog Display, we’re going right into the World’s Largest Hot Dog Party, and it is going to be big,” The Miz declared. “It’s gonna be gigantic.”

One Participant Could Jeopardize The Entire Attempt

Smirnoff Ice inside a doggie bag — Smirnoff Ice

The Miz emphasized that Guinness World Records does not simply hand out titles to anyone who gathers enough people and supplies. The organizers held an hour-long meeting ahead of the event to review the requirements and make sure every detail was accounted for.

While The Miz did not want to introduce any negativity, he acknowledged that one person failing to complete their assigned role correctly could affect everyone involved. “There’s a lot of rules in the Guinness Book of World Records. They don’t just give it to everybody,” he told The Blast. “You don’t just throw something together, and it happens.”

“I’m not going to put negativity out there, but if someone doesn’t do what they need to do, they can ruin it for the entire city,” he continued. “And for the entire state of Ohio. And I’m not going to let that happen as host.”

The Miz admitted that the amount of planning behind the event may surprise those who initially viewed it as nothing more than a giant hot dog party. “It sounds like a joke. It sounds funny, but it’s a lot of work. It’s for real,” he said. “We’re gonna break two records, and it’s gonna be the best time ever.”

Returning To Ohio Makes The Event Personal For The Miz

Beyond the possibility of adding two Guinness World Records to his list of achievements, the event holds personal significance for The Miz because it brings him back to his home state. He grew up visiting the Put-in-Bay and Sandusky areas with his family, making his return especially nostalgic.

“As soon as they said Cleveland, Put-in-Bay, I instantly remembered memories, my family and I, being at the beach, you know, going in that area of Sandusky where you’d go to Cedar Point,” he shared. “It just brought back such fond memories.”

For The Miz, returning to a place tied to his childhood while attempting something unprecedented makes the occasion different from many of the other partnerships he has taken on throughout his career. “When you can go home, to the Cleveland area and go to Put-in-Bay, where I used to go as a kid with my family and break a couple world records. It feels warm in my heart,” he said. “Like I’m giddy about it. I’m excited about it, and I can’t wait to do it.”

His friends have already been reaching out about participating. “My friends are already texting me, going, ‘Hey, we’re doing this. It’s happening,’” The Miz revealed. “And I go, guys, I know. Not every day you get to break two world records in one day.”

The Miz Has One Rule For His Own Hot Dog

The Miz seen heading into the DWTS studio on Sunday — MEGA

The Miz may be willing to oversee hundreds of uniquely topped hot dogs, but his personal order is far less complicated. He named ketchup and mustard as his go-to combination, with relish or cheese occasionally making the cut.

Chili, however, is not welcome anywhere near his hot dog. “Some people like chili. I’m not that guy,” he admitted. “I’m not a chili on my hot dog type of person. It gets too sloppy. Too messy. Not for me.” He is not particularly interested in onions, either, joking that he does not want the bad breath following him around for the rest of the day.

Whether every topping involved in the display meets The Miz’s personal approval will not matter nearly as much as every participant following the official directions. With the supplies secured, hundreds of people registering, and extensive preparations underway, the WWE Superstar is confident Ohio will end the day with two new records.

“With Smirnoff Ice’s help, my help, my friends from Cleveland’s help, and everybody that’s gonna be a part of this event at Put-in-Bay,” he said, “Oh, man, it’s gonna be something special. It’s gonna be something to watch.”

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Yahya Abdul-Mateen II reacts to shocking “Wonder Man” cancellation: ‘See you at the Emmys’

Published

1 hour ago

1 August 2026

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The Emmy-nominated actor weighed in on Marvel canceling his series after previously ordering a second season.

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Matt Damon’s Taylor Sheridan-Style Neo-Western Officially Makes Shock Streaming Comeback

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1 hour ago

1 August 2026

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2026 has been one of the biggest years of Matt Damon’s career — possibly the biggest, which says a lot when you’ve had the career that he has. Damon opened 2026 by reuniting with his long-time friend and collaborator Ben Affleck for The Rip, the Netflix original crime thriller that dropped back in January. The film picked up over 100 million views before it finally lost steam in March. Damon followed his work in The Rip with the most ambitious project of his entire career, The Odyssey, the new historical epic from director Christopher Nolan. The film is already shattering records at the box office on its way to becoming one of the highest-rated movies of all time. Damon may be one of the best actors of all time, but not all of his projects are certified hits.

Back in 2021, when the movie industry and the world as a whole was still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, Damon starred in a largely forgotten drama that’s making a comeback on streaming. Damon features alongside Camille Cottin and Abigail Breslin in Stillwater, which earned less than $20 million at the box office due to the social distancing restrictions and theater closings happening at the time. With The Odyssey now out in theaters, fans are naturally curious to check out some of Damon’s recent work, and although Stillwater is not currently on streaming in America, the film is picking up steam on VOD in a handful of countries around the world. It’s quietly becoming one of the biggest VOD hits of the summer.

What Is ‘Stillwater’ About?

Stillwater follows a rugged man named Bill, who travels from Oklahoma to France to help his daughter, who is in prison being framed for murder. Bill is the definition of a fish out of water, and he couldn’t be further from the comforts of home in this story, but it forces him to confront how far he’s willing to go to protect those he loves. The film is reminiscent of what fans have seen writer Taylor Sheridan pull off in recent years with his movies and shows, especially with its focus on a grizzled blue-collar worker from Oklahoma. Stillwater earned solid scores of 75% from critics and 71% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes.

Check out Stillwater on VOD platforms like Prime Video and stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of Matt Damon’s future projects.

Release Date: July 30, 2021
Runtime: Advertisement

140 minutes
Director: Tom McCarthy
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Which Chicago Fire Stars Are, Aren’t Returning for Season 15?

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2 hours ago

1 August 2026

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Chicago Fire is going through some cast changes — which means not everyone is returning for season 15.

The One Chicago franchise has been known for making headlines over the years as cast members often come and go across all three shows: Chicago Fire, Chicago Med and Chicago P.D. Before Chicago Fire returned for season 15, multiple outlets confirmed that Joe Miñoso was leaving the hit NBC series.

Off screen, showrunner Andrea Newman exited the show after more than a decade.

Newman, who worked on Chicago Fire for its entire 14-season run, confirmed her departure in April, with coexecutive producer Victor Teran taking over the role. Newman joined Chicago Fire after the pilot as coexecutive producer before being promoted to executive producer. She was then named coshowrunner before becoming the sole showrunner in 2023.

“Working at Chicago Fire, with the absolute best cast and crew in the business, has been the highlight of my career,” Newman said in a statement. “Like so many others, I was inspired to get into TV writing because of Dick [Wolf], so what a thrill it’s been to work with him and the amazing Wolf team of Peter Jankowski, Rebecca McGill and Anastasia Puglisi. I’m so grateful to them, Derek Haas and the NBC and Universal execs who have been so supportive of the show all along the way. After 14 years, you really do become a family and working with this group will always feel like home.”

Jankowski, meanwhile, released a separate statement, which read, “We’re sad to say goodbye to Andrea. She’s been at the center of the heart and soul of Chicago Fire since the beginning, and the show thrived under her watch. We’re grateful for her commitment to the development of the next generation and know the show will be in great hands with Victor taking the reins.”

Keep scrolling to see who is — and isn’t — returning in season 15 of Chicago Fire:

Taylor Kinney

While not everyone will remain on Chicago Fire, there is no show without Kinney’s character, Kelly Severide.

David Eigenberg

Eigenberg is expected to return as Herrmann in season 15.

Christian Stolte

The expectation for now is that Stolte returns as Mouch.

Joe Miñoso

Miñoso played firefighter Joe Cruz since Chicago Fire premiered in 2012. According to reports, the actor is expected to appear in several episodes during season 15 before his exit.

Miranda Rae Mayo

Since Mayo has played Stella on Chicago Fire since 2016, the expectation is that she sticks around despite the possible shakeups behind the scenes.

Hanako Greensmith

Greensmith is expected to remain on the show as Violet.

Jocelyn Hudon

The assumption is that Hudon will be back as Lizzie again.

Da’Vinchi

Da’Vinchi joined the next season as Marcus Burke, according to Deadline. Da’Vinchi will portray a new firefighter candidate who is described as “roguish and funny with a wry sense of humor, and also a little defiant.”

Dermot Mulroney

Mulroney was missing for several episodes in season 14 when he was written off the show with a story line that required him to be off screen. Mulroney appeared on Chicago Fire as Dom Pascal until Rob Morgan took over his position at Firehouse 51. Mulroney returned in the May 2026 finale after his future in the franchise seemed unclear.

He is expected to return in season 15 to wrap up his story line.

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Ariana Grande Sparks Wild Theories With New Song

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2 hours ago

1 August 2026

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Ariana Grande at the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards

Ariana Grande has got fans debating the inspiration behind her latest song!

The sensational singer/actress sent fans into a frenzy after releasing “Bad Thing (Bunny Hop)” on Friday, July 31, as part of her new album, “Petal.”

The steamy lyrics had many believing Ariana Grande wrote the song for Ricky Alvarez, her ex-turned-current boyfriend. The former couple reunited following the end of the entertainer’s romance with Ethan Slater.

The song in question made waves after its Friday release, with the official visualizer and lyrics dropping on YouTube. The track featured what appeared to be Grande’s confessions about a lover she’s head over heels for, with some of the words hinting at Alvarez.

The song’s second verse read: “You know you make a real good boyfriend. In my dreams, and in real life. Meet you by the staircase where we fell in love, let’s do it twice.” There were also lyrics about Grande wasting time with other men while her lover was “a good boy through all of this noise.”

The catchy chorus saw Grande asking if the man has “been this fine the whole damn time,” with another verse noting their chemistry “never used to be like this.” The love confession sent fans spiraling on X, with many theorizing she wrote the song for Alvarez, as it seemingly depicted their situation.

Fans Speculate The Inspiration Behind The Singer’s ‘Bunny Hop’ Title

Ariana Grande on the red carpet — Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency / MEGA

Although Grande’s new song is titled “Bad Thing (Bunny Hop),” the words bunny hop did not appear in the lyrics. Some fans speculated the track’s title was a hard launch of the singer’s rekindled romance with Alvarez, with one X user writing:

“Guys, she was dating Ricky during the time she was cosplaying as a f-cking playboy bunny, like come on.”

The fan’s comment referenced Grande’s 2016 “Dangerous Woman” album cover art, where she posed in a black latex rabbit mask. Another X user agreed with the theory, claiming the singer added “Bunny Hop” to the song’s title to reference her relationship with Alvarez during her “Dangerous Woman” era.

The Song’s Lyrics Have Fans Screaming Ricky Alvarez

The theories continued, with more fans arguing that the song’s lyrics pointed to Alvarez. An X user pointed out that Grande mentioned the word “twice” and “a staircase” where they fell in love. “It takes me back to the honeymoon tour when he was always there for her by the stage staircase,” they wrote.
A fellow supporter noted the song was about Alvarez and his intimate relationship with the “Sam & Cat” alum. Someone else claimed the lyrics showcased Grande’s regret of not choosing the dancer sooner. When an X user argued the song wasn’t about Alvarez, a fan disagreed, stating:

“In the lyrics she talks about ‘trying a second time.’ And bunny hop is that expression for someone who jumps from one relationship to another. So it makes sense that it’s for Ricky.”

The Entertainer’s Ex Was Blindsided By Her New Relationship

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Days before Grande dropped her new song, The Blast reported that her rekindled romance with Alvarez was not something her ex expected. The duo’s relationship began trending months after her separation from her “Wicked” co-star, Ethan Slater, was announced.
An insider claimed Slater learned of their rekindled relationship through mutual friends, while another source noted the couple’s romance was not a rebound. They alleged that Grande and Alvarez had connected during her relationship with Slater, but they never crossed the line.
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The source explained that the singer began connecting more with Alvarez as her romance with Slater ended, rekindling their friendship before it became something intimate. Another source claimed the dancer was grateful for a second chance and was “very happy being back in her life.
Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez’s Relationship Timeline

Grande and Alvarez reportedly first crossed paths in 2014 when the latter joined the entertainer’s backup dancers. They went from performing together at the Radio Disney Music Awards to hitting the road for Grande’s 2015 Honeymoon Tour.
Cosmopolitan reported that they first sparked dating rumors in June 2015 when they shared a kiss onstage during a performance at New York City Pride. The following month, she and Alvarez sparked controversy for the doughnut-licking incident.
In 2016, they attended The Creators Party, presented by Spotify, as a couple, with Grande opening up about their romance in an interview months later. However, their relationship did not survive the rest of the year as they broke up in July.
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Did Ariana Grande write “Bad Thing (Bunny Hop)” for Ricky Alvarez?

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Entertainment

Inside John Cusack’s Life Out of the Spotlight

Published

2 hours ago

1 August 2026

NewsAdmin

John Cusack became a bona fide movie star as a teen, but over the years he has opted to live a quieter life.

Cusack made his film debut in 1983’s Class. One year later, he appeared in Sixteen Candles alongside Molly Ringwald, Michael Schoeffling and Anthony Michael Hall. His performance led to him starring in Better Off Dead, The Sure Thing and Say Anything.

While Cusack cemented himself as a teen idol in the ‘80s, the actor started to expand his horizons. He pursued roles in various genres including the crime thriller Grifters, black comedy Grosse Pointe Blank, romantic comedy Serendipity and more.

Cusack has appeared in fewer projects in recent years. His last film credit is for the film Fog of War, which was released in 2025. The following year, Cusack explained why he stepped away from acting during a rare appearance at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2026.

“I wanted to tell a story, but I didn’t want to negotiate telling a story,” he said while explaining his graphic novel Momo. “When you ask somebody to put $20 or $30 million into a bank account [to finance a film], they want to have an opinion and they’re afraid and all that stuff.”

Keep scrolling to see what Cusack has been up to since stepping out of the spotlight:

John Cusack Makes Rare Appearances at Screenings of His Past Films

Every once in a blue moon, Cusack will make an appearance at a screening for one of his previous movies and do a Q&A for fans. In January 2026, the actor showed up for a showing of Serendipity at the Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall in Munhall, Pennsylvania, as well as a screening for Say Anything in El Cajon, California. More recently, he attended a screening for Grosse Pointe Blank in Chicago back in June 2026.

John Cusack Wrote a Graphic Novel

During Comic Con 2026, Cusack proudly shared that he wrote a graphic novel titled Momo.

“I got this beautiful, wonderful artist, Ignacio [Noé], to do the illustrations,” he said at the time, per Variety. “Nobody edited anything I wrote or what he drew, and so, it’s really a piece of work done by two people. … It was just me and Ignacio’s story, and that doesn’t happen today. It’s an anti-algorithm thing, like, there’s no committee and there’s no computer up in Seattle that’s poll-testing it.”

John Cusack Is a Political Activist

Cusack identifies as a Democratic Socialist. He has been candid about being anti-war and speaking out against President Donald Trump. On his Instagram page, Cusack frequently collaborates with the Freedom of the Press Foundation to advocate for spreading the truth.

John Cusack Is Selective About His Projects

The actor candidly shared at a 2025 screening for Say Anything that he doesn’t enjoy how the movie industry has prioritized making sequels or reboots.

“I was lucky that I never had the desire, or no one asked me to do any sequels. There’s one that I think would be interesting to do, which would be 1408,” Cusack quipped, per People. “Just because … I think today, you know, most movies suck. There’s still the horror psychological, you know, that Rod Serling kinda stuff. That’s still pretty pure. If you can pull off something like that, it’s fun.”

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