Entertainment
The 15 Most Underrated Apple TV Shows, Ranked
With so many scripted television shows on the air, it may seem impossible for casual audiences to keep up with the mountain of series. Gone are the days of a handful of TV networks with a manageable quantity of scripted shows. Now, announcements of new streaming platforms keep coming out of the woodwork, and with them, a batch of new, intriguing scripted television shows. Understandably, many of these shows and, frankly, entire streaming platforms like Apple TV get lost in the noise.
Although a few of Apple TV’s shows are internationally beloved (say the treasured, critically acclaimed Ted Lasso, or even the comedy series Shrinking), many, often just as great, have fallen under the radar despite their great quality. This is unfortunate because Apple TV’s content development has been consistently stellar since its launch. With a collection that ranges from workplace comedies to horror, science fiction, and true crime dramas, these are Apple TV’s most underappreciated television shows.
15
‘Physical’ (2021–2023)
With Rose Byrne at its center, Annie Weisman‘s entertaining comedy TV show tackles themes of identity and self-discovery while illustrating the story of a woman struggling to find her place in the world. Sheila is a quietly unhappy homemaker who struggles with her marriage and lifelong battle with bulimia. When she stumbles upon the fascinating world of aerobics, Sheila reclaims her power and self-confidence.
This Apple TV dark comedy may not be fit for everyone’s liking. Still, Weisman’s underrated series offers viewers a believable, three-dimensional, layered protagonist (brought to life flawlessly by Byrne) that they may even relate to at some point. Part of what makes Physical a good show is the poignant messages it sends on the topics it deals with, particularly how it sheds light on the importance of embracing oneself.
14
‘The Reluctant Traveler’ (2023–Present)
For those who enjoy engaging documentaries or reality TV shows about exploring new cultures, The Reluctant Traveler is a great pick. The 2023 series centers around Levy’s journey as he visits different countries, meets different people, and enjoys some of the world’s most remarkable hotels.
The Reluctant Traveler is quite different from other reality series centering around celebrities, as it doesn’t solely focus on Levy’s experiences but also introduces interesting aspects of worldwide culture to viewers. Levy’s joy in the show as he travels around the globe and makes new connections is infectious, making the Apple TV series an enjoyable watch fit for those who like to explore new places without leaving the comfort of their homes.
13
‘Bad Monkey’ (2024–Present)
Image via Apple TV+
Following his success co-creating Ted Lasso and Shrinking for Apple TV, Bill Lawrence set his sights on adapting Carl Hiaasen‘s 2013 crime fiction novel Bad Monkey. When a severed arm is fished out by a tourist off the coast of the Florida Keys, a suspended police detective, Andrew Yancy, is pulled into a conspiracy and corruption scandal that covers both Florida and The Bahamas.
Joining Vince Vaughn as Andrew Yancy in Bad Monkey is an ensemble of actors, including Rob Delaney, John Ortiz, Jodie Turner-Smith, and L. Scott Caldwell. Like its streaming platform colleague, Slow Horses, Bad Monkey excels at using a comical lens to approach its often very serious material. During its ten-episode first season, Bad Monkey touches on spirituality, grief, gentrification, medical corruption, and more. Vince Vaughn leads the cast with a spectacular performance that plays to all of his many strengths. His performance as the loquacious, empathetic, and intelligent Yancy is the true standout of the series.
12
‘Big Door Prize’ (2023–2024)
“What if you could find out your life’s potential?” That premise drives the two seasons of Apple TV’s The Big Door Prize. Adapted by Schitt’s Creek writer David West Read from M.O Walsh‘s novel of the same name, the show follows the events that occur after a machine mysteriously arrives in a small town and begins revealing to the residents their “life potential.” It’s a high-minded concept that the show successfully grounds via its ensemble of relatable characters.
Led by Chris O’Dowd, The Big Door Prize examines themes of unfulfillment, grief, love, life paths not chosen, predestined futures, and more, admirably never shying away from attacking heady questions. To its credit, The Big Door Prize maintained a strong grasp on its emotionality while always centering its characters’ emotional growth. Sadly, it never found an audience, but it remains one of Apple TV’s most insightful efforts.
11
‘Black Bird’ (2022)
Taron Egerton and Paul Walter Hauser, along with Greg Kinnear, Sepideh Moafi, and Ray Liotta (in one of his final roles), combined their considerable efforts for Black Bird, Apple TV’s six-part true-crime limited series. Created by Dennis Lehane and based on the autobiographical novel by James Keen with Hillel Levin, Black Bird tells the true story of convict James Keene and how he gained the trust of convicted serial killer and rapist Larry Hall.
Black Bird is an excellent crime television show despite being criminally underseen by general audiences. Anchored by a charismatic, Emmy-nominated performance from Taron Egerton and a dark and disturbing Emmy-winning villain performance from Paul Walter Hauser, Black Bird is an excellent cat-and-mouse story that shows how truly depraved and evil humans can be.
10
‘Hijack’ (2023–Present)
Idris Elba‘s Hijack plays out in real time over its seven-episode run. Elba plays Sam, a business negotiator whose seven-hour flight from Dubai to London is hijacked by an unknown group of agitators. Lupin co-creators George Kay and Jim Field Smith are behind the show. Hijack is a tense, heart-racing thriller that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats for its entire run.
The story is simultaneously told via the events in the air and on the ground, with Sam attempting to de-escalate the hijacking as well as dissuade the government officials from shooting down the plane as it heads for the heart of central London. As the various players in the story are revealed, the full scope of the conspiracy is made clear, and various professional and personal stakes are put to the test. With an original approach to its classic genre, Hijack is a riveting thriller and a worthy showcase for Elba.
9
‘Mythic Quest’ (2020–2025)
Not satisfied with one beloved sitcom, Charlie Day and Rob McElhenney teamed up with It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia producer and writer Megan Ganz to create this video game studio set comedy. In Mythic Quest, McElhenney portrays Ian Grimm, the visionary creator of the titular Mythic Quest, a successful online role-playing game. For those who may not be familiar with the video game world, Mythic Quest offers a hilarious and insightful behind-the-scenes look into the industry.
Joining Ian (pronounced “Eye-In”) in the office sitcom structure are David (David Hornsby), the game’s executive director, Poppy Li (Charlotte Nicdao), its lead engineer, Brad Bakshi (Danny Pudi), head of monetization, C.W Longbottom (F. Murray Abraham), the game’s head writer, Jo (Jessie Ennis), David’s assistant and a couple of game testers played by Ashly Burch and Imani Hakim. Boasting a collection of excellent performances and some standout episodes, Mythic Quest appropriately balances its humor and emotions, delivering one of Apple TV’s most beloved series.
8
‘Servant’ (2019–2023)
Armed with an excitingly bonkers premise and with storied supernatural filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan serving as an executive producer and frequent director, Apple TV’s Servant is one of the platform’s most audacious offerings. Created by Tony Basgallop, the psychological horror show follows a grieving couple who hire a young nanny, Leanne Grayson, to care for their reborn doll, whom the mother believes is her still-alive son. As can be expected, Leanne’s sudden introduction to this environment leads to even stranger occurrences.
Despite receiving great praise from horror icons like Stephen King and Guillermo del Toro, Servant remained largely underappreciated during its four-season run. Along with excellent direction and a consistently eerie mood, Servant boasted noteworthy performances from its four leads: Toby Kebbell and Lauren Ambrose as the married couple, Sean and Dorothy Turner, Rupert Grint as Julian, Dorothy’s brother, and Nell Tiger Free as the young nanny thrust into this world. Eerie but refreshing, Servant is one-of-a-kind and one of Apple’s undersung crowning jewels.
7
‘Acapulco’ (2021–2025)
Cisneros, Shuman, and Winsberg‘s hilarious Acapulco depicts the dream of a young Mexican man (played by both Enrique Arrizon and Eugenio Derbez) coming true when he gets the job offer of a lifetime at a decades-old, well-respected, and preserved resort in Acapulco, which is located on a semicircular bay in Mexico. However, things get complicated when he soon realizes the job is far more troublesome than he ever anticipated.
The charming Acapulco remains one of Apple TV’s lesser-known shows and certainly deserves more love. Produced by the Emmy-winning Eugenio Derbez and featuring effective acting performances on top of an enthralling plot, this comedy series will have comedy fans hooked. It was inspired by the 21st-century Mexican film, How to Be a Latin Lover.
6
‘Schmigadoon!’ (2021–2023)
Perfect for those into the comedy, musical, and fantasy genres, this fun Ken Daurio and Cinco Paul Apple TV original follows a couple of doctors (played by the fantastic Keegan-Michael Key and Cecily Strong) who, while on a backpacking trip, unearth a magical town in which everyone acts like they’re in a classic musical and become trapped in the musical theater universe.
While critically acclaimed — Cinco Paul, for one, took home the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for the song “Corn Puddin’” — Schmigadoon! is generally an overlooked series by the streaming platform and was, unfortunately, not renewed for a third season. Nonetheless, Daurio and Paul’s show is worth watching, especially if audiences are on the lookout for an entertaining and lighthearted viewing.
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Aubry! Tiffany! Joe! Rizo! Jonathan!
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Where is the cast of “The Mighty Ducks” now? See where Joshua Jackson and the stars of the '90s classic are today
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Catch up with the underdogs of Disney’s beloved sports film since they left the rink.
Meryl Streep and Martin Short may still refuse to officially confirm their romance, but people in their inner circle believe the pair have stopped hiding what’s really going on.
Over the last year, the Hollywood icons have quietly gone from co-stars to inseparable companions, leaning on each other through personal grief, career transitions, and life-changing moments.
While the actors continue to publicly brush off relationship rumors, insiders now claim their chemistry has become impossible to ignore both on and off screen.
Rumors surrounding Meryl Streep and Martin Short first exploded while they filmed “Only Murders in the Building,” where they played romantic interests, Loretta Durkin and Oliver Putnam.
Fans immediately became obsessed with their playful energy during interviews, public appearances, and red carpet events promoting the Hulu series.
The speculation intensified even more after the pair were spotted together several times throughout 2024, looking unusually affectionate.
The timing also came during major personal changes in both of their lives. Streep quietly separated from husband Don Gummer in 2017 after decades of marriage, though the split was not publicly revealed until October 2023.
Short, meanwhile, had spent years rebuilding after the devastating loss of his wife, Nancy Dolman, who died from ovarian cancer in 2010.
Sources claim Streep and Short connected deeply through shared experiences, eventually becoming one another’s closest emotional support systems.
Streep Reportedly Helped Short Through Family Tragedy
Meryl Streep and Short’s relationship reportedly became even stronger earlier this year following a heartbreaking tragedy in the latter’s family.
The actor was devastated after losing his daughter, Katherine, in February following her battle with mental illness. According to insiders, the loss reopened emotional wounds connected to Dolman’s death years earlier.
“Martin knows all too well about loss. When he lost Nancy to cancer, that was the most life-altering thing that had ever happened to him, so when his daughter died, those same feelings came back and opened some emotional wounds that he never wanted to revisit,” one source told the Daily Mail.
Friends reportedly watched Streep step in as one of the biggest sources of comfort in Short’s life during the difficult period.
“But this time around, he had Meryl, Steve [Martin, also a co-star] and other friends are really there for him,” the insider continued, adding, “Meryl has been such a force and impact to his life, and has absolutely taken on the role of Martin’s rock.”
The source also said the pair’s children have embraced the relationship and are happy their parents found companionship later in life.
Meryl Streep Is Reportedly Scaling Back Her Hollywood Ambitions
As their relationship deepens, insiders say Streep has started shifting her focus away from nonstop Hollywood work.
The “Devil Wears Prada” star, now approaching 80, reportedly feels she no longer has anything left to prove professionally after decades dominating the film industry.
“Meryl has been able to do what she has wanted for quite a while, but she is doing that even more because she doesn’t have anything else to prove,” an insider shared.
The source added that the three-time Oscar winner does not “need any other awards or fanfare.” Instead, her current priority is said to be “enjoying life and being happy.”
A major part of that happiness reportedly comes from spending time with Short, who insiders say constantly lifts her spirits.
“He has invigorated her life so deeply, and loves the love that they share, and now wants to be surrounded by it at all costs,” the insider said.
Although Streep recently returned as Miranda Priestly in “The Devil Wears Prada” sequel, sources claim she plans to take only occasional acting jobs and voice work moving forward while focusing more on her personal life.
Streep And Short Continue Fueling Romance Speculation
Despite insisting they are only friends, Meryl Streep and Martin Short have continued making public appearances that keep fueling romance chatter.
Last August, the duo held hands during an “Only Murders in the Building” promotional event, immediately sending fans into a frenzy online.
The actors were later spotted dining together at celebrity-favorite Italian restaurant Giorgio Baldi in Los Angeles.
More recently, insiders claimed the pair enjoyed another intimate dinner together at Chateau Marmont earlier this month.
According to witnesses, the stars spent most of the evening whispering privately while “holding hands under the table.” The hotel’s strict no-photo policy reportedly helped them relax without cameras or public scrutiny.
Sources described them as “acting like teens” throughout the dinner while making it “obvious they’re more than friends.” Even though they reportedly left separately around 11 p.m., insiders insist their chemistry was undeniable.
Meryl Streep And Martin Short’s Friends Believe ‘They Are In Love’
People close to the actors reportedly no longer question the seriousness of their relationship.
“What was interesting is that they’ve both been denying they’re in a romantic relationship,” one insider revealed, adding, “But seeing them inside the Chateau there’s no doubt they are in love.”
Friends allegedly believe the relationship works because both stars understand grief, fame, and aging in ways very few others can.
Sources also say Short has brought renewed joy into Streep’s life by constantly making her laugh and helping her embrace a slower pace after decades in Hollywood.
Meanwhile, those close to them are reportedly emotional seeing him genuinely happy again following years of personal heartbreak.
“After all the tragedies Martin’s been through, with so many people close to him dying, it was beautiful to see him so happy,” the insider said.
“Selling Sunset” is heading into its milestone 10th season with a cast shakeup that nobody saw coming.
Just weeks before cameras are set to roll again, multiple familiar faces have reportedly been cut from the Netflix hit, leaving fans stunned and insiders scrambling to explain what happened behind the scenes.
While some longtime stars are out, controversial fan favorites are suddenly back in the mix, setting the stage for one of the franchise’s messiest and most dramatic seasons yet.
“Selling Sunset” reportedly cleaned house ahead of season 10, with Emma Hernan, Mary Bonnet, Chelsea Lazkani, Alanna Gold, and Sandra Vergara all getting axed from the series.
According to a report from TMZ, the decisions were made back in April as producers prepared for filming to begin only weeks later.
The massive overhaul marks one of the show’s biggest cast changes and immediately sparked questions about the direction Netflix wants the franchise to take moving forward.
Bonnet herself appeared to hint that major behind-the-scenes changes were already happening during an interview earlier this month.
“Netflix wanted a change-up,” she admitted per the Daily Mail, while teasing that there were “changes” coming that she “just can’t say.”
At one point, Bonnet also appeared uncertain about when filming for season 10 would even begin, fueling speculation she already knew her future with the show was over.
Meanwhile, insiders claim another familiar Netflix face may soon enter the chaos. Alex Hall from “Selling the OC” is reportedly being considered for the cast while the spin-off remains on indefinite pause.
‘Selling Sunset’ Brings Back Christine Quinn And Heather Rae El Moussa
While several stars are reportedly out, “Selling Sunset” is also reviving some of its most recognizable faces.
Bre Tiesi, Christine Quinn, Amanza Smith, and Heather Rae El Moussa are all expected to return for the upcoming season.
Quinn’s comeback, especially, sent shockwaves through the fanbase because she left the show in 2022 amid explosive drama and accusations she fiercely denied.
The former breakout villain was accused of offering one of Emma Hernan’s clients $5,000 to stop working with her, claims Quinn publicly rejected.
Even Bonnet admitted Quinn remains valuable television despite their complicated history. “Christine’s always, she’s good for the show. Wasn’t happy about the way she left, I mean the things before, but everyone grows and hopefully she has,” Bonnet said.
Davina Potratz also supported Quinn’s return, saying, “I think Christine is a great choice for return because she’s a fan favorite and everyone loves her. She’s very funny. And I think she’s great for the show.”
Potratz suggested producers may be trying to restore the energy from Selling Sunset’s earlier seasons after fans complained the series drifted too far from its original appeal. “I feel like the fans kind of want more of what it originally was,” she explained.
‘Selling Sunset’ Drama Destroyed Major Friendships Behind The Scenes
Several of the cast exits follow years of growing tension and explosive personal feuds within the Oppenheim Group.
Lazkani and Bonnet, once close friends, spent the last two seasons tearing into each other after a disastrous listing appointment damaged their relationship.
The conflict reportedly began when Lazkani arrived late to an open house, and Bonnet criticized her revealing outfit in front of Jason and Brett Oppenheim.
Lazkani fired back by telling Bonnet, “If you wanted to be woman-to-woman you would’ve pulled me aside, but doing it in front of two men, I just think it’s a little bit of a low blow.”
Their friendship never recovered. Even after Bonnet experienced a frightening home invasion, she reportedly refused the flowers Lazkani sent her afterward.
Emma Hernan also became embroiled in controversy during her run after Chrishell Stause accused Hernan’s boyfriend, Blake Davis, of saying “pronouns are dumb” regarding Stause’s nonbinary spouse, G Flip.
Hernan denied the accusation completely, insisting Davis merely referred to G Flip as Stause’s “wife.”
Davis later clarified, telling the Daily Mail, “I regretfully referred to G Flip as Ms Stause’s wife.” The drama eventually contributed to Stause stepping away from the show after saying it was “no longer good for my mental health.”
‘Selling Sunset’s Newer Cast Members Also Faced Controversy
Some of “Selling Sunset’s” newest additions also struggled to connect with audiences before reportedly being let go.
Alanna Gold faced backlash after claiming she and her husband owned Pioneertown, California, prompting furious reactions from locals.
She later apologized and clarified that they had only “invested in a home and other properties there.” Sandra Vergara, Sofia Vergara’s adopted sister and biological cousin, only lasted one season before reportedly exiting.
During her short time on the series, she clashed with multiple cast members and emotionally denied accusations that she once keyed a car belonging to Stause’s assistant.
Insiders claim one challenge for newer additions is that they often lack genuine relationships with the rest of the cast before filming begins.
“Sandra Vergara didn’t really know anybody before joining,” one source explained, adding, “It’s hard anytime they add a new person that doesn’t have a real behind the scenes connection with anyone in the cast.”
‘Selling Sunset’ Producers Reportedly Want Bigger Drama For Season 10
Behind the scenes, insiders claim producers became desperate to revive “Selling Sunset’s” original formula by bringing back cast members with deeper history and bigger personalities.
According to sources, Quinn was not actively trying to return to the show. “Christine was not looking to be back on Selling Sunset,” one insider told the Daily Mail last month, adding she “didn’t reach out” to producers herself.
Instead, producers allegedly pursued her because “she brings the most drama and that’s what they need right now with the new season – more drama.”
The insider even claimed producers sometimes “bribe cast members with more money just for them to return.”
Quinn reportedly hesitated because of concerns about how she would be portrayed after previously being edited as the show’s villain.
“She was made out to be a villain and she’s not like that at all in real life,” the source said. Still, producers reportedly believe Quinn’s long history with the cast gives the series something newer stars could never fully recreate.
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Trends come and go, but Christie Brinkley reached for the timeless silhouette that outlasts them all. While hosting the Billy Joel: And So It Goes event, Brinkley donned bootcut jeans with a band T-shirt, a buttery leather jacket and edgy sandals. The best part? Her outfit formula flatters anyone. No matter how old you are, how long your legs are or what shape your body is, bootcut jeans can make you look and feel like a model.
While we don’t know where Brinkley’s exact jeans are from, it’s safe to say they’re out of our budget. We ran straight to Amazon to find a similar cut and landed on Luvamia High-Waisted Bootcut Jeans — only $30!
Get the Luvamia High-Waisted Bootcut Jeans for $30 (was $36) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.
The Luvamia High-Waisted Bootcut Jeans on Amazon understand the assignment. They’re designed with a slim fit through the thigh, a subtle kick at the hem and a high waist that smoothes your tummy and elongates your legs. The denim has just enough stretch to feel like leggings without losing its shape.
One five-star reviewer shared, “I think the higher waist helps hold in a bit of the tummy area, without giving a muffin top. The stretch of the fabric is nice and holds up through a whole day without getting stretched out.”
Sandals season is in full swing, and if you’re anywhere near New York City, you’ll see gold everywhere. Rich moms wear gold sandals nonstop, and Martha Stewart is part of the fandom. The A-lister probably has endless shoe options, and yet she reaches for the same sandals nonstop. We’re following suit, especially since Stewart’s classy […]
Patch pockets on the back are a nice touch, too, positioned in a way that lifts instead of flattens. Pair these retro bootcut jeans with a leather jacket and sandals à la Brinkley, or throw on a white tee and sneakers for something more downtown. They’re pants that go from school pickup to dinner reservations without a wardrobe change.
Brinkley’s bootcut jeans style is both nostalgic and current, nodding to the ’70s, early 2000s and now. It’s no wonder they’re in heavy rotation on city streets. They flatter curves, balance proportions and pair with absolutely everything in your closet. If there’s one denim style worth owning right now, this is it!
Get the Luvamia High-Waisted Bootcut Jeans for $30 (was $36) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.
Not what you’re looking for? Shop other summer jeans here and don’t forget to check out Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!
Not blue, not white! Katie Holmes stepped out in New York City rocking retro purple jeans. Unconventional, yes, but so incredibly chic. The pants gave Holmes’ style a vintage flair, and we found the fun look for 30% off on Amazon. In an iconic head-turning outfit, Holmes paired purple jeans with a simple black cardigan, […]
A story’s climax is a pretty decisive factor in its level of quality, and motion pictures are no exception. Regardless of how great a film’s first two acts are, if its climax isn’t able to stick the landing, chances are that the movie as a whole will end up falling flat. There are many factors that can make a movie climax great, and one of the most frequently successful is a well-constructed sense of suspense.
Indeed, whether it’s a thriller like Se7en or a non-thriller like The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, cinema’s most suspenseful climaxes are proof of just how effective nail-biting tension can be in making a film unforgettable. Sky-high stakes and agonizing anticipation are what suspenseful scenes are all about, and the climaxes of these ten masterful gems of cinema definitely check those boxes.
There are spoilers ahead!
10
‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ (1966)
Sergio Leone is one of the most groundbreaking figures in the history of cinema, the father of Spaghetti Westerns and the author of some of the best Westerns in movie history. That includes what may very well be the greatest Western movie ever made: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, a bounty-hunting adventure epic led by Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, and Lee Van Cleef all at their best.
This trio of big-screen legends are at the center of one of the greatest movie climaxes of all time. We’ve grown to be so fascinated by this group of badass antiheroes that their iconic Mexican standoff, set to the tune of Ennio Morricone‘s transcendental score, is quite literally one of the greatest scenes in the history of cinema. It’s a simple sequence that oozes suspense, because we truly don’t know who will come out on top. In hindsight, Angel Eyes’ death and Blondie riding off into the horizon with the gold feels inevitable; but during the film’s climax, it feels like anything could happen.
9
‘The Terminator’ (1984)
Canadian filmmaker James Cameron is a master of many things. He’s a master of the box office, a master of the action movie genre, and—of course—a master of breathtaking climaxes. Many of his films have third acts full of suspense, but none make it harder to not bite one’s nails than The Terminator. It was only Cameron’s second-ever film (a very effective redemption after his abysmal debut, Piranha II: The Spawning), yet you could already tell that you were in the presence of a master of his craft.
The Terminator has one of the most thrilling movie climaxes ever, where a Terminator who seems like he cannot be killed chases Kyle Reese and Sarah Connor through a factory, costing Reese his life. On top of being emotional, this climax is brimming with tension. A villainous force of nature that endures anything the hero throws at them tends to be a staple of the ’80s slasher genre, and The Terminator‘s climax almost makes it feel like a horror movie. It works wonderfully.
8
‘The Dark Knight’ (2008)
Christopher Nolan is another filmmaker who always knows how to make a climax that hits the spot, and there is perhaps no greater example of that aspect of his work than The Dark Knight. This isn’t just one of the greatest comic book movies ever made: It’s regarded by many as the single best superhero film in history, a reputation that has remained intact for what almost amounts to two decades by now.
Largely, The Dark Knight‘s quality comes from its having one of the best blockbuster movie climaxes of all time. The first half of the climax is a fight for the very moral heart of Gotham, where its citizens are every bit as important as Batman and the Joker; while the second half of the sequence forces the Caped Crusader to face the monster that Harvey Dent has become. And throughout all of these scenes, Nolan’s exceptional construction of a sense of suspense never lets up even a little bit.
7
‘Mission: Impossible — Fallout’ (2018)
Ever since its Brian De Palma origins back in the ’90s and all the way until its recent conclusion, the Mission: Impossible franchise remained one of the most widely respected and beloved action movie series in the world. But there’s really no question as to which of its installments is the best of the bunch: It has to be Mission: Impossible — Fallout, the M:I film that also happens to have the highest stakes of the whole series.
Those stakes are at their most pressing in the film’s climax, where Ethan Hunt chases after Walker on a helicopter to stop him from blowing up a nuclear bomb. This entire action-packed and tension-filled third act is a big reason why M:I — Fallout is one of the most exciting movie masterpieces ever. Packed with death-defying stunts that only make the whole thing more suspenseful, it’s arguably the best climax of the franchise.
6
‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ (1957)
It’s not only thriller nor only action movies that have immensely suspenseful climaxes, and proof of that is The Bridge on the River Kwai. This WWII epic was directed by David Lean, the master of the epic movie genre, and it made it all the way to seven Academy Award victories (including Best Picture). It all culminates in one of the best epic movie climaxes the world has ever seen.
Colonel Nicholson realizes his foolishness in bringing a bridge for the enemy and, after being mortally wounded by his own side, falls on the detonator plunger, destroying the bridge as he dies. Aside from being thematically brilliant, perfectly symbolizing the madness and pointlessness of war itself, this climax combines high-stakes narrative irony, excellent performances, and intense moral conflict to deliver a sequence packed with irresistible suspense.
5
‘Jaws’ (1975)
It was Steven Spielberg who fathered the concept of what we now know as blockbuster cinema, and he did so with 1975’s Jaws. An unprecedented kind of film in not just Hollywood, but the entire film industry, this creature feature has aged wonderfully as one of the greatest horror films of the 20th century. What follows one of the scariest movie opening scenes of all time is a rousing tale about the conflict between humanity and nature.
It all leads to a climax that’s incredibly tense for the same kinds of reasons that The Terminator‘s third act is so tense. Here we finally get to see the shark unleash the full might of his almost-supernatural rage, as he ravages the Orca and devours Quint in a jaw-dropping twist. Technically, the whole scene is flawlessly executed; and narratively, it feels like everythign the story has been building up to this whole time.
4
‘Uncut Gems’ (2019)
After the incredibly suspenseful parade of pure chaotic tension that was Good Time, the Safdie brothers followed up their success with Netflix’s Uncut Gems. Starring Adam Sandler at his very best, this is one of the most anxiety-inducing movies of the 21st century, as well as one of the most intense crime movies ever made. People who love thrillers that make them suffer through their whole runtime ought to check this one out.
All of gambling addict Howard Ratner’s stupid mistakes come to crash down on him in the movie’s final act. In a sad twist of irony, it doesn’t end up mattering that Howard’s final bet pays off and earns him over a million dollars: He’s still killed by an enraged Phil, who then kills Arno and starts looting Howard’s store. It’s a climax every bit as chaotic, stressful, and impeccably acted by Sandler as everything that’s come before, and that results in a sense of suspense that should be able to have anyone watching with their eyes half-covered.
3
‘Alien’ (1979)
Back in 1979, Ridley Scott practically revolutionized sci-fi horror with Alien, a film that has aged like fine wine in virtually every sense imaginable. The franchise that it spawned has definitely had its ups and downs, but the original is still one of the scariest horror movies ever made, introducing the world to one of cinema’s most iconic monsters: the bloodthirsty Xenomorph.
For the most part, Alien is a very slow-burning film, and that’s precisely where the potency and engrossing nature of its eerie atmosphere comes from. That slow pace continues on all the way until the climax, where Scott makes us think that Ripley has made it safely off the Nostromo, only to surprise us—and definitely surprise Ripley—with the reveal that there’s a certain undesired stowaway aboard her shuttle. It’s an incredibly tense and scary scene, and Sigourney Weaver acts the hell out of it.
2
‘The Silence of the Lambs’ (1991)
The latest film to achieve the honor of winning all five Big Oscars (Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Screenplay) is The Silence of the Lambs, which also happens to be the only horror movie that’s ever won Best Picture at the Academy Awards. That’s hardly a surprise. It is one of the best thriller masterpieces of the last 80 years we’re talking about, after all.
Bolstered by Jodie Foster‘s incredible lead performance, the film’s final act is a masterclass in suspense, horror, and narrative catharsis. Clarice finally finds Buffalo Bill and confronts him at his base of operations, where he has to face the serial killer in complete darkness. She kills him, rescues who would have been his next victim, and escapes. It’s a simple enough confrontation, but it’s one so packed with nail-biting suspense that it’s almost unbearable how tense it is.
1
‘Se7en’ (1994)
David Fincher is arguably the modern king of the thriller genre, and there’s no film of his that better demonstrates all the reasons why than Se7en. This isn’t just a serial killer thriller: It’s a film so bleak and so cynical in its views of humanity that it almost feels like a horror film throughout its entire runtime, and that bleakness and cynicism are precisely what make its climax one of the thriller genre’s most iconic sequences.
“What’s in the box?” is a question that all fans of the genre are perfectly familiar with. In one of the best thriller movie climaxes ever, John Doe reveals that he killed Detective Mills’ pregnant wife, manipulating the cop into killing him in a fit of rage. Thus, the final sin of Wrath was fulfilled, and Doe emerged victorious in the end. It’s an ending so tragic and suspenseful that it’s almost difficult to watch, but that’s precisely the charm of a well-executed thriller movie climax.
Entertainment
“Power Book III: Raising Kanan” final season trailer reveals the fate of Patina Miller's Raq
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Kanan appeared to kill his mother in the season 4 finale cliffhanger.
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The eldest son of Victoria and David Beckham first opened up about being estranged from his parents in January.
Two years after the latest film entry in one of the greatest robotic sci-fi franchises hit theaters, confirmation has emerged that the franchise is set to return to theaters soon. When it comes to robotic sci-fi franchises, the likes of Star Wars, The Terminator, and Transformers are among the genre’s biggest names. However, the franchise currently making headlines is the latter, whose most recent installment, Transformers One, was released in September 2024 to positive reviews from critics, though it underperformed at the box office.
As one of the most popular franchises of all time, Transformers is produced by American toy company Hasbro and Japanese toy company Takara Tomy, with ownership currently shared between the two companies. Since the 1980s, the franchise has expanded across multiple film installments, one of which is set to return to theaters this fall. Titled The Transformers: The Movie, it was the franchise’s first feature film and was released in 1986 to generally negative reviews and a disappointing box-office performance. To make matters worse, the film upset audiences by killing off the Autobots’ leader, Optimus Prime, sparking backlash and even leading to a letter-writing campaign.
Now reports confirm that Hasbro and specialty distributor Fathom Entertainment have teamed up to theatrically re-release The Transformers: The Movie, which has since developed a cult following. The screening is timed to its 40th anniversary. Beginning September 17, 2026, the sci-fi classic will roll out in theaters across the U.S. through September 21. It will be presented in 4K while select international markets are expected to launch day-and-date with the U.S.
Did the Transformers Franchise Have a Strong First Film Entry?
As the first film entry in the Transformers franchise, The Transformers: The Movie delivers the familiar conflict between the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons. At the same time, it aimed for something far more ambitious and unexpected by taking bold creative risks, including killing off several well-known characters — most notably one of the franchise’s most beloved heroes, Optimus Prime. This year, Hasbro embraced the film’s infamous reputation and the nostalgia surrounding it by launching an Apology Tour packed with exclusive merchandise and new toy lines, seemingly in an effort to make amends with longtime fans.
Featured in the stellar voice cast of The Transformers: The Movie are franchise veterans Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime and Frank Welker as Megatron, alongside Orson Welles as Unicron, Judd Nelson as Hot Rod/Rodimus Prime, Leonard Nimoy as Galvatron, Eric Idle as Wreck-Gar, and Robert Stack as Ultra Magnus.
The first Transformers film re-releases in theaters this September.
- Release Date
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August 8, 1986
- Runtime
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84 minutes
- Director
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Nelson Shin
- Writers
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Ron Friedman
- Producers
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Joe Bacal, Lee Gunther, Margaret Loesch, Tom Griffin
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Norman Alden
Hot Rod / Rodimus Prime (voice)
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Jack Angel
Optimus Prime / Ironhide (voice)
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Michael Bell
Soundwave / Megatron / Rumble / Frenzy / Wheelie (voice)
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Gregg Berger
Galvatron (voice)
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