At its best, Kim’s Convenience was one of the most heartfelt sitcoms on television. Ironically, for a show celebrated for representing the Korean Canadian immigrant experience, the series eventually stumbled due to a lack of Asian voices in the writer’s room. The CBC series followed the Kim family — parents Appa (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee) and Umma (Jean Yoon), who run a humble corner shop in downtown Toronto. As first-generation immigrants, they frequently come across generational and cultural gaps with both their children and the city’s diverse customers.

Even after closing hours, their responsibilities didn’t end. Their artistic daughter, Janet (Andrea Bang), who also helps at the store, struggles to break away from the family business and find independence. Meanwhile, Appa and Umma attempt to reconnect with their estranged eldest son, Jung (Simu Liu). For a story that’s all about nuance, Kim’s Convenience requires a writer’s room that’s able to capture these different perspectives without undermining a person’s experiences, especially working-class immigrants. Unfortunately, behind all the laughs, Kim’s Convenience ultimately failed because of this one mistake.

Kim’s Convenience Was Unexpectedly Cancelled After 5 Seasons

Image via Netflix

Despite rave reviews, Kim’s Convenience abruptly ended after five seasons on April 13, 2021. The cancellation followed the departure of co-creators Ins Choi and Kevin White, who left the show to start other projects. The show’s producers, Thunderbird Films, decided that they could not continue with another season without Choi and White, as they could not guarantee the “same heart and quality.” In the aftermath, the show’s leading stars publicly expressed their hurt from the cancellation. While Lee didn’t discuss the behind-the-scenes of what actually happened, he admitted that the show “died from within,” noting that a show as good as Kim’s Convenience would eventually falter if the internal issues aren’t properly resolved.

Meanwhile, Liu shared his side of the story as to what happened. The actor revealed that many producers were white and that the writer’s room lacked East Asian and female representation. Aside from Choi, there were reportedly no Korean writers shaping stories about a Korean Canadian family. Yoon expressed the same sentiment, doubling down on the “lack of Asian female, especially Korean writers in the writers room…” These characteristics became increasingly evident in later seasons. Storylines grew culturally clumsy, including moments such as Umma being mistaken for a server by a white jury member and the “naked Zumba” gag, in which nude-colored shorts made it appear as though she was naked from the waist down.

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The Kim’s Convenience Spin-Off ‘Strays’ Stars the Only White Character from the Original Show

Image via CBC Television

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The final nail in the coffin came shortly after the Season 5 finale. About five months after Kim’s Convenience ended, CBC released a spin-off to the original show titled Strays. Instead of featuring the Kim characters, Strays stars Shannon Ross (Nicole Power) as she takes on a new career path as executive director of an animal shelter. Fans may remember Shannon from Kim’s Convenience as the manager of Jung’s workplace, Handy Car Rentals, and also his former girlfriend. Considering the majority of the cast were Asian, the fact that the singular white woman from the original show — rather than the main Korean-Canadian family — got a spin-off does not look good from a representation standpoint.

However, in the producers’ defense, making Shannon the lead character of Strays was not an accidental choice. For context, Kim’s Convenience was initially created by Choi as a play that premiered on July 6, 2011. Shannon is the only character who did not originate from the play and was created specifically for the television series. Following Choi’s departure, the producers still retained the rights to Shannon’s character, giving them the creative liberty to develop a spin-off without Choi’s involvement. Although Shannon’s prominence may come across as non-representational, it is also largely a matter of logistics — and an attempt to keep the Kim’s Convenience universe alive.

Paul Sun-Hyung Lee Supports Nicole Power, While Simu Liu Comes “Full Cricle” After the Cancellation

Image via Netflix

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Although the disappointment surrounding Kim’s Convenience‘s cancellation still lingered, Lee publicly voiced his support for Power. They first met during the production of Season 1 in 2016, when they shared several scenes. Lee went on to praise her work ethic throughout the series and ultimately expressed his support for the spin-off as well, citing that, “There are super fabulous and talented actors who are part of that cast and I’m also a fan of the writers as I worked with many of them during my time at Kim’s and consider them friends too.”

As for Liu, in a conversation with Collider’s Therese Lacson, he reflected on the cancellation and said he is “currently at a place where he’s just so grateful that it all happened.” While he acknowledged his disappointment, Liu did not deny that his public criticism stemmed from personal frustration as well. “I certainly wasn’t where I wanted to be — and especially when you don’t feel like you’re getting the material that is emblematic or indicative of your skill level,” the actor said, continuing to say, “It’s a very specific trigger that is repeated at many points in my career, that I’m not being seen. When I feel that way, it’s really hard to rein me in.” It’s an understandable response, given that he was only beginning to break through at the time and had yet to become widely known as Marvel’s Shang-Chi or take on his subsequent high-profile projects. Although the cast of Kim’s Convenience has now moved on, it’s hard to deny that the legacy of a great sitcom has ultimately been marred by the way it ended.

Viewers who grew up on Disney Channel can’t help but feel nostalgic watching their favorite stars grow up. Since ‘Jessie’ ended in 2015, the cast has experienced major life changes. In 2019, they faced the heartbreaking passing of Cameron Boyce, who played Luke on the hit show. Since then, stars like Skai Jackson, Karan Brar, Debby Ryan, Peyton List, and Kevin Chamberlin entered new chapters. From building families to taking on fresh projects, the cast has continued to grow, on and off screen. Recently, some of the cast linked up, and while Cameron’s absence was deeply felt, fans also noticed that Skai wasn’t present.  The actress later spoke out, explaining why she didn’t attend.

RELATED: Congratulations! Debby Ryan And Husband Josh Dun Welcome Baby Girl (VIDEO + PICS)

‘Jessie’ Cast Members Reunite In New York City

On Sunday, Kevin Chamberlin, best known as the beloved butler Bertram on ‘Jessie,’ took to Instagram to share a series of photos alongside Debby Ryan, Karan Brar, and Peyton List. The caption read, “It feels like a party every day with @debbyryan @karanbrar @peytonlist.”

Under the post, the Cameron Boyce Foundation account dropped a series of purple heart emojis, calling them “our favorite people and showing love. Debby Ryan also shared her own carousel, including a photo of the ‘Data’ playbill, writing, “Karan’s play is so good,” adding, “sharp and intense and timely and his performance is so compelling.”

She wrapped up her caption by reflecting on their growth, writing, “Karan & Peyton are 9 years older than I was when we started filming Jessie. Currently NINE years older than the character of Jessie. And they and Kevin are living in NYC for real and thriving in theater. I have a kid of my own… family.”

Karan Brar also expressed his gratitude thanking Debby and Kevin, writing, “Can’t believe these two came all this way to see me yap on stage.”

Just weeks earlier, Kevin had also linked up with Peyton and Karan, sharing a heartfelt message about their accomplishments. He wrote, “So insanely proud of both Karan and Peyton on their NYC theater debuts. Watching these two artists grow, constantly challenge themselves, and experience all that life has to offer has been an incredible gift. Don’t miss @peytonlist in Heathers (she’s brilliant) and @karanbrar in Data (he’s phenomenal) if you’re going to be in New York anytime soon.”

Peyton replied, “Love you forever Uncle Kev,” while Karan added, “Love you more than you know, Kev.” 

Skai Jackson Explains Why She Wasn’t In Attendance At The ‘Jessie’ Link-Up

While many ‘Jessie’ fans were feeling nostalgic, some took to Skai Jackson’s comments to question why she wasn’t pictured with the rest of the cast. One person wrote, “Why didn’t you come to the Jessie reunion?” The actress responded:

“It wasn’t a reunion. They all just happened to be in NYC and linked up. I don’t live in NYC, some of them do! Karan sent me the photo days ago.”

Under a post on The Shade Room Teens, Skai also addressed speculation about possible cast tension after a commenter wrote, “Ofc she was gonna speak on it but again she don’t like Emma for some reason so she definitely still wasn’t coming.” She quickly shut that down, replying, “Who told you that? Y’all are too invested in other people’s lives and always loud and wrong.”

Another commenter asked, “So a reunion?” Skai clarified, “A reunion is something that’s planned in advance. That wasn’t planned, they just all happened to be there. Hope that helps!”

Social Media Reacts 

Many gathered under The Shade Room Teens as they reacted to the nostalgic reunion. While many were happy to see the cast together, others mourned Cameron Boyce, wishing he was there. Others continued to debate Skai Jackson’s absence from the link-up. Some quickly entered the chat to defend the actress, urging people to leave her alone.

.lInstagram user @angelkaior wrote, “Everyone still looks the same 🥹”

Instagram user @shanoyaaaa added, “reunion just won’t hit without cam”

While Instagram user @Зeyes3eyesz wrote,””Skai got left off bad and boujie

Instagram user @yyajarihsa wrote. “LEAVE SKAI ALONE OMG !!”

Instagram user @marstheemartiann added, “Mind you she’s also a new mom, y’all want her to be shady so bad for no reason”

While Instagram user @ceethreee_ wrote,”Girl you know you wouldn’t have came anyway”

Instagram user @itsmiishaaa wrote, “Not like she won’t Al herself in the pictures lol”

Instagram user @bella_chapo_ added, “When yall gona learn to leave miss skai tf alone?! She not scared of yall she gets yall together all the damn time now find something safe to do”

While Instagram user @loveeeeeeee.bri wrote, “The reunion we all have been waiting for.Really wish Skai was there. RIP Cam!!!! We miss u ❤️❤️❤️”

Instagram user “Cameron not being there makes me so sad 😢🕊️”

Instagram user @briaamanii added, “Cameron ain’t got no business being goneeee”

RELATED: Too Cute! Skai Jackson & Baby Kasai Serve Mommy-Son Goals During Pumpkin Patch Trip (PHOTOS)

The Nader sisters are turning heads and embracing their most confident selves in a bold new campaign with women’s personal care brand Jukebox by Dr. Squatch. Spotted in eye-catching bubble-inspired looks on the streets of New York City, the reality stars are ushering in a new era for the brand, which is rolling out new packaging, expanded product categories, and new scents now available at Walmart and Target nationwide. But the Nader sisters’ campaign is about more than just a glow-up. Instead, it’s all about confidence, manifestation, and owning your power.

Inside The ‘Sisterhood Of Naked Ambition’ Campaign

At the center of the launch is Jukebox’s latest campaign, “Sisterhood of Naked Ambition,” which leans into themes of empowerment, self-expression, and chasing big dreams. The concept highlights the idea that even the smallest moments (like thoughts in the shower) can spark major life goals.

Through the campaign, the Nader sisters are encouraging women to take control of their own narratives and embrace the power of manifestation.

Nader Sisters Share Their Self-Care Rituals And Big Dreams

All four sisters, Brooks, Mary Holland, Grace Ann, and Sarah Jane, are bringing fans along for the journey on social media, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how their everyday routines fuel their ambitions. From shower rituals to self-care moments, the campaign emphasizes how confidence starts from within, and how those quiet moments can translate into big-time success.

“We are all obsessed with how Jukebox makes us feel, both in and out of the shower,” Brooks Nader said. “All of my sisters and I have been able to achieve some of our wildest dreams and biggest ambitions, some of which started as a shower idea.”

“It’s amazing what smelling good and feeling refreshed can do for your confidence,” Nader added. “Not only do I feel great in my skin when I use Jukebox, but I’m empowered to take on whatever is next for me.”

Jukebox Calls Nader Sisters Collaboration A ‘No-Brainer’

According to Jukebox, teaming up with the Nader sisters was an easy decision, thanks to their close bond and shared message of empowerment.

“Partnering with the Nader sisters to introduce this new era of Jukebox was a no-brainer,” Maggie Dunn, Head of Jukebox, said. “Their sisterhood is magnetic, the spirit of girlhood and confidence to pursue their own dreams and cheer one another on is what Jukebox is all about. We want every woman to feel that same joy and freedom to be fully herself when she lathers up with Jukebox, and take that feeling with her everywhere she goes.”

“We’re so excited to be working with the Nader sisters to bring our ‘Sisterhood of Naked Ambition’ campaign to life and introduce the new look of Jukebox,” Dunn added. “Their dynamic perfectly captures the kind of girlhood we celebrate, joyful, supportive, and unapologetically ambitious.”

Sydney Sweeney’s Bathwater Campaign Divided Fans Online

The brand’s latest push also follows one of its most talked-about campaigns yet, starring Sydney Sweeney. The actress partnered with Dr. Squatch to launch a limited-edition soap called Sydney’s Bathwater Bliss, a product made using her actual bathwater. Only 5,000 bars were released, instantly turning the campaign into a viral moment across social media.

While some fans embraced the concept as bold and hilarious marketing, others were quick to criticize it, with many questioning the idea altogether. Sweeney addressed the backlash, telling WSJ Magazine, “It was mainly the girls making comments about it, which I thought was really interesting.”

“They all loved the idea of Jacob Elordi’s bathwater,” she added, referencing a provocative moment from the film Saltburn in which Barry Keoghan’s character consumes bathwater belonging to Jacob Elordi’s character.

Limited-Edition ‘Naked Ambition Crystals’ Add A Twist

As part of the campaign rollout, fans will have the opportunity to get their hands on a unique, limited-edition item: Naked Ambition Crystals. The crystals are sourced from Jukebox soap bars “wished upon” by the Nader sisters, adding a manifestation-inspired element to the launch.

Available as a gift with purchase on the brand’s website starting Monday, March 30 at 11:11 a.m. ET, the crystals will only be offered while supplies last, making them a must-have for fans looking to channel a little extra luck.

Howard Stern has opened up about his unexpected friendship with the late Carolyn Bessette, though he has promised not to reveal how they became close.

“I knew the real Carolyn Bessette,” the DJ, 72, revealed The Howard Stern Show on Monday, March 23 (via Rolling Stone). “I won’t say I knew her well, but we had many, many conversations, more than casual conversations. She was very lovely. She was a really nice woman … I don’t want to go into how I knew her, but I knew her. I know enough to keep my mouth shut about that.”

Stern went on, “Some stuff you do have to keep private … But she was very nice to me, very open and talkative. She didn’t give me the nose-up-in-the air kind of thing. I don’t have any juicy, gossipy story.”

The radio legend confirmed he had been watching Love Story — Ryan Murphy’s dramatization of Bessette and John F. Kennedy Jr.’s marriage — during his most recent break from The Howard Stern Show.

Related: JFK Jr., Carolyn Bessette ‘Had a Name Picked Out’ for Child Before Death

In March of 1998, John F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife, Carolyn Bessette, attended the wedding of friends Betsy Reisinger and Kenan Siegel in Miami. Photos from the event show the couple wrapped in a tight embrace, with Bessette’s arms around Kennedy’s neck, her head tilted back as she laughs with abandon. “Carolyn and John […]

Stern also knew Bessette’s late husband JFK Jr., having posed for the cover of Kennedy’s George Magazine in 1996. On Monday’s Stern Show, he revealed why he agreed to do a George photo shoot in an era when he was very selective about doing any magazine covers.

“I would do Rolling Stone and that was the only one,” Stern said. “But when John Kennedy Jr. [asks], who is literally American royalty and the nicest guy in the world … he was a super nice guy. And there was the opportunity that perhaps he’d come on the show.”

Stern revealed that Kennedy even showed up for his cover shoot, which cast him as George Washington in colonial attire. (George frequently had its cover stars dress in costumes from the Revolutionary War era.)

“He actually showed up to the shoot,” Stern remembered. “It’s one of the worst covers I ever did, and I did a lot of bad ones. They convinced me to be chopping down a cherry tree with a chainsaw dressed up in colonel garb. I guess I was supposed to be George Washington, but George Washington didn’t wear this s*** I was wearing. I looked like Paul Revere in drag.”

The Stern Show host added, “John and the photographer did that thing they do to supermodels. They go. ‘Gorgeous, you look great. This is the greatest cover.’ I’m posing while the guy is clicking away, and I’m posing like I’m Cindy Crawford or one of the Hadid sisters. That was before I knew about photo approval. I guess I kind of look like Captain Hook or something.”

Related: Carole Radziwill’s Most Emotional Revelations in New JFK Jr. Documentary

Carole Radziwill opened up about her “last summer” with close friends John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy in the gripping CNN docuseries American Prince. The three-part series revolved around John’s lifelong struggle with his family’s legacy as well as his whirlwind courtship and marriage to Carolyn before they died in a 1999 plane crash […]

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In return for shooting the George cover, Kennedy granted The Howard Stern Show a rare interview in 1996, where he candidly discussed his relationship with Bessette. (Bessette and Kennedy got married at the First African Baptist Church on Cumberland Island, Georgia, in September 1996.)

Kennedy, Caroline and her sister Lauren Bessette were all killed in July 1999 when his private plane crashed off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.

The trio was en route to John’s cousin Rory Kennedy’s wedding to Mark Bailey at the Kennedy family compound in Hyannis Port when their plan encountered bad weather.

Paradise just introduced a possible time travel twist with Link potentially being exposed as Sinatra’s deceased son Danny.

During the Monday, March 23, episode of the hit Hulu series, Sinatra (Julianne Nicholson) met with Link (Thomas Doherty) and accidentally caught wind of his real name: Danny. She found out that their birthdays match as well, which made Sinatra even much sure that her son was actually alive.

“I think this season it goes so much deeper in understanding that the world is so much bigger than what we understand it to be on the day-to-day and the idea of quantum physics and different timelines happening at the same time, and people coming into our lives at different times,” Nicholson told TV Insider. “When you think you’re deep, go deeper.”

Paradise, which premiered in January 2025, initially appeared to be set in a serene and wealthy community forced to face the realities of a shocking murder. But Dan Fogelman‘s political thriller featured a twist when Paradise was revealed to be an underground bunker housing the world’s most prominent individuals after an apocalyptic event destroyed the rest of humanity.

Related: Who Is Alex on ‘Paradise’ Season 2? Hulu Show’s Mysterious Twist Explained

Paradise has introduced several unanswered questions, but Alex’s identity might be the most mysterious of them all. Season 2, which premiered in February, mentioned Alex as an enemy Link (Thomas Doherty) was determined to kill after finally finding the bunker. The name was mentioned again when Sinatra (Julianne Nicholson) got out of the hospital and […]

The cast previously spoke to Us about how they kept the show a secret before its premiere.

“The biggest lengths [we had to go through to keep the twist secret] are happening now when we’re actually talking to people about it,” Nicholson shared at the time. “When we were on set, everybody knows what’s up, so we don’t have to be that secretive.”

She continued: “But now the trick is how do you grab people’s attention and assure them that this is something different without giving away any of the details? But we’re very excited for people to get on the ride with us.”

Ahead of the show’s return, Sarah Shahi promised that Paradise fans can look forward to more onscreen twists and turns.

“It is a roller-coaster ride. [Creator Dan Fogelman] is just so good at taking the audience and pulling the rug out from underneath them,” she told Us in January. “Just when you think you know what’s happening, [something surprising happens], and then you’re like, ‘Oh, my God. I didn’t even see that coming.’”

Related: Who Is Shailene Woodley on ‘Paradise’? What to Know After Shocking Birth Scene

Shailene Woodley‘s character on Paradise was shrouded in mystery — until the season 2 premiere revealed a pregnancy twist and a shocking death. The Hulu show returned for its sophomore season on Monday, February 23, where Woodley’s Annie was the focus of the premiere episode. Before the doomsday event, Annie had a tough childhood looking […]

In addition to Brown, Nicholson and Shahi, the show also stars Nicole Brydon Bloom, Aliyah Mastin, Percy Daggs IV, Jon Beavers, Krys Marshall, Gerald McRaney and Enuka Okuma.

Brown, 49, who is also an executive producer on the show, recently reflected on holding onto so many secrets about the show.

“I like knowing [what will happen on my projects]. But I feel like it’s a question you only ask in TV. Because if you’re doing a film or play, you know the beginning, the middle and the end,” he noted to Us earlier this month. “The idea that you don’t have to know or have it spoiled for you … it is also like I get a chance to help craft the arc of where it ultimately goes to. So I don’t mind knowing.”

New episodes of Paradise air Mondays on Hulu.

You may have missed it, but one of the most action-packed World War II thrillers of all time was released in theaters late last year. The sequel to Jelmari Helander‘s 2023 breakout hit, Sisu, hit the big screen back in November and didn’t make much of a splash at the box office. However, reviews from both critics and fans heaped praise on the sequel, with some considering it even better than its predecessor. This week, that movie was added to Netflix this week and has quickly risen through the streamer’s ranks, helping to establish it as a potential cult classic in the making.

Sisu: Road to Revenge sees star Jorma Tommila return to his leading role as a Finnish folk hero who just wants to try and rebuild his life after the loss of his family. This time around, he’s joined by Avatar‘s Stephen Lang, who plays Russian officer whose deadly actions set the events of both films in motion. This sequel ups the ante in every way, making for one of the wildest action romps in quite a while. And not only is Sisu: Road to Revenge gaining more popularity by the day, but it’s also the kind of movie that gets more fun each time you watch it.

More ‘John Wick’ Than ‘Saving Private Ryan’

While Sisu: Road to Revenge is set at the end of World War II, it doesn’t share a ton of DNA with most other films that take place in the same era. Its attention is focused much more on delivering thrills through explosive and death-defying set pieces. Planes, trains, tanks, and trucks all get in on the action, as the two men at the center of it all try desperately to take the other out.

The first Sisu was met with rave reviews when it made festival debuts back in 2022, and a big reason for the excitement from viewers was that Helander’s film delivered some of the best big screen action since the launch of the John Wick franchise. John Wick set an almost impossible bar for every action movie that has been released in the last 12 years, and very few have been able to leave a lasting impact in the wake of what Keanu Reeves and Chad Stahelski accomplished. Sisu, however, was able to take some notes from the action of the Wick films while still carving out its own lane and creating something unique.

‘Sisu’ Should Be a Lasting Franchise

Anyone who has seen either of the two existing Sisu movies has likely become a quick fan of this budding franchise. The action is top-notch, the thrills never cease to impress, and they have both been tight, 90-minute affairs. These are the kinds of movies action fans have been begging for, but Sisu will likely need some help from the likes of Netflix, on-demand, and physical sales in order to continue with a third or fourth installment.

While Sisu: Road to Revenge only cost a little over $12 million to produce (a downright miraculous budget by today’s standards), it made less than $10 million at the box office through its theatrical run. In the previous eras of home video and physical media, the Sisu sequel would’ve had a very easy path to profitability, especially given how well-liked the film is by those who have seen it. But with streaming changing how films make money, the climb is going to be much steeper.

The good news is that the low price tag of these Sisu movies make them much easier to green-light than other projects. Popularity on Netflix will help the franchise’s case even more. After all, the Sisu films are still much less expensive than even most streaming original movies, so it shouldn’t take much for them to be seen as quality investments, even just from a streaming perspective.

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Release Date

November 21, 2025

Runtime

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89 minutes

Director

Jalmari Helander

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Writers

Jalmari Helander

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Producers

Petri Jokiranta, Mike Goodridge

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Superhero movies have been one of the most successful genres of cinema in the 21st century. Though it has slowed down since its peak days in the late 2010s, superhero films are still a force to be reckoned with in cinema, especially at the box office. A host of great superhero movies have hit screens over the last 10 years, primarily from the two powerhouse franchises, the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the DC Universe, but only a handful of them can be called true masterpieces.

One of the most common criticisms of superhero movies is that they’re too superficial — empty joyrides with no real thematic depth. But that’s not the case with these films, as they successfully balance entertainment with artistry and bombastic effects with human emotion, creating experiences that are truly mindblowing. Here’s our ranked selection of the greatest superhero movie masterpieces of the last 10 years, including some of the most successful films of all time.

8

‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ (2021)

Image via Marvel Studios

Directed by Jon Watts, Spider-Man: No Way Home is the third movie in the MCU’s Spider-Man trilogy, starring Tom Holland as the wall-crawling hero. Set shortly after he was outed as Spider-Man at the end of 2019’s Spider-Man: Far From Home, the film follows Peter Parker (Holland) as he seeks help from Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) to make his identity secret again, but inadvertently causes a world-threatening crisis that pulls visitors from other realities into the MCU. Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Jon Favreau, Tony Revolori, Benedict Wong, and Marisa Tomei reprise their roles from previous films, and the movie also features Jamie Foxx, Willem Dafoe, Alfred Molina, Andrew Garfield, and Tobey Maguire in familiar roles.

Spider-Man: No Way Home is essentially a crossover that brings together all the different live-action Spider-Man franchises we’ve had so far to create the biggest, most spectacular Spider-Man movie of all time. Pairing an explosive, multiversal story with heartbreaking emotional moments, the film is an effective tribute to Spider-Man’s cinematic legacy that wraps up one era of the character and opens the door to the next. Appropriately, the movie was a critical and box office success when it came out in 2021, becoming the highest-grossing film of the year, and though it technically ends the MCU’s first Spider-Man trilogy, it’s set to be followed by a new triad of films starting with 2026’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

7

‘Deadpool’ (2016)

Image via 20th Century Studios

A spin-off of 20th Century Fox’s X-Men film series, Deadpool was directed by Tim Miller in his directorial debut and stars Ryan Reynolds as the titular Marvel Comics antihero. The movie follows mercenary-turned-test-subject Wade Wilson (Reynolds) as he hunts down the people responsible for his abilities, disfigured appearance, and the kidnapping of the love of his life, Vanessa (Morena Baccarin). Ed Skrein, T.J. Miller, Brianna Hildebrand, and more appear in supporting roles.

A long-awaited superhero comedy, Deadpool was a cultural phenomenon when it hit theaters in the 2010s, becoming the highest-grossing R-rated film up to that point and a resounding critical success. Anchored by Reynolds’s lead performance, it’s a witty, irreverent, and wildly fun movie with a lot of heart and an equivalent amount of guts. Action-packed yet surprisingly poignant, the film is easily one of the most popular superhero movies of all time, and it stands out with its wry, meta comedy and fourth-wall-breaking satire of the genre.

6

‘The Batman’ (2022)

Image via Warner Bros.

Directed and co-written by Matt Reeves, The Batman is a DC superhero film that reboots the Batman franchise, introducing audiences to a new version of the hero played by Robert Pattinson. The movie follows Batman as he investigates a mysterious serial killer targeting Gotham City’s rich and powerful, uncovering long-buried secrets about the city and his own family. The film also stars Zoë Kravitz, Paul Dano, Jeffrey Wright, John Turturro, Peter Sarsgaard, Andy Serkis, and Colin Farrell in significant roles.

Essentially a mystery-thriller film that takes Batman back to his detective noir roots, The Batman was a critical and commercial success when it hit theaters in 2022, earning praise for its gritty narrative and effective performances, as well as its cinematography and music. It’s a dark and brooding crime movie that earns its longer-than-usual runtime with its gripping story, and though it may not top Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight for the title of greatest Batman movie, it is one of the most authentic depictions of the character outside of the graphic medium. The Batman also inspired The Penguin, a spin-off series starring Colin Farrell that premiered on HBO in 2024, and a sequel, The Batman: Part II, is expected to arrive in 2027.

Which MCU Hero Are You?

5

‘Superman’ (2025)

Image via Warner Bros. / Courtesy Everett Collection

The first film of James Gunn and Peter Safran’s rebooted DC Universe, Superman was written and directed by Gunn, with David Corenswet starring as the iconic title character. The film follows Clark Kent / Superman (Corenswet) as he faces off against his archenemy Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), simultaneously exploring Clark’s budding romantic relationship with fellow reporter Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan). The movie also features Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, and more in supporting roles.

Most people expected Superman to be a success when it hit theaters in July 2025, but the film still managed to surprise critics and audiences everywhere with its wholesome, warm, and timely story. Hopeful, inspiring, and true to the essence of Superman’s character, the film isn’t just a superhero movie; it’s a celebration of humanity’s best instincts, a film that encourages viewers to be the best we can be without being naive or condescending. Easily one of the greatest superhero movies of the 2020s so far, the film is set to be followed by a sequel, Man of Tomorrow, that’s scheduled to arrive in 2027.

4

‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (2018)

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

Directed by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is an animated film about Miles Morales, a young boy bitten by a spider and granted superpowers. After meeting a Spider-Man from another universe, Miles teams up with a team of multiversal Spider-People to save his world from the plans of the Kingpin. Shameik Moore leads the voice cast as Miles, with Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, Mahershala Ali, Brian Tyree Henry, Lily Tomlin, Luna Lauren Vélez, John Mulaney, Kimiko Glenn, Nicolas Cage, and Liev Schreiber in supporting roles.

A groundbreaking animated film that combines computer animation with hand-drawn comic-book-style illustration, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse may not be the first animated comic-book movie, but it is the first to capture the aesthetics and energy of its source medium. The film was a massive worldwide success when it hit theaters in 2018, grossing over $394 million and earning universal acclaim. The film also won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, and inspired a multimedia franchise that includes 2023’s Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, which is set to arrive in 2027.

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‘Logan’ (2017)

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Directed by James Mangold, Logan is a neo-Western superhero drama that’s the third and final movie in the Wolverine trilogy. Starring Hugh Jackman as the titular mutant hero and set in a dark near-future where mutants have been decimated, the film follows an aging Logan and a terminally ill Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) as they try to protect a young mutant named Laura (Dafne Keen) and get her to a safe haven. Richard E. Grant, Boyd Holbrook, Stephen Merchant, and more appear in key supporting roles.

Widely hailed as one of the best superhero films ever made, Logan is a heartbreaking film about mortality, legacy, and redemption that concludes the Wolverine saga with beauty, grace, and graphic violence. The movie’s bittersweet story is brought to life through compelling performances, particularly by Hugh Jackman and Dafne Keen. The film also balances its emotional depth with tightly-choreographed action sequences that earn its R-rating, and it was both a critical and commercial success in its day, receiving several accolades.

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‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019)

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Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, Avengers: Endgame is a sequel to 2018’s Avengers: Infinity War, with the two films working together as the concluding chapter of the MCU’s Infinity Saga. Set five years after the villain Thanos (Josh Brolin) erased half of all life in the universe, the movie follows the surviving heroes as they attempt a risky time-travel heist to bring back the dead. The film’s massive ensemble cast includes Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Paul Rudd, and many more.

Avengers: Endgame is the highest-grossing superhero movie of all time because of its status as the final film in a decade-long saga, but it’s one of the greatest superhero movies of all time because it is also a masterpiece. The film successfully captures both the massive scale of the MCU and the individual emotional beats of specific heroes, creating a cinematic experience that’s simultaneously spectacular and heartfelt. Sure, there’s plenty of fan service and quipping, but the performances, visuals, and music — not to mention the solid scientific research that went into crafting its story — make it an undeniable triumph of the superhero genre.

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‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ (2022)

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Directed and co-written by Ryan Coogler, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is an MCU superhero film that’s a sequel to his 2018 hit Black Panther. The film is set in the advanced nation of Wakanda, which is devastated by the death of its king, Black Panther / T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman), and follows T’Challa’s family and friends as they deal with a new Vibranium-weilding threat: the superhuman Namor (Tenoch Huerta Mejía), king of the underwater nation of Talokan. Letitia Wright leads the ensemble cast as Princess Shuri, with Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Winston Duke, Michaela Coel, Martin Freeman, Angela Bassett, and more in key roles.

Though initially planned as a straightforward MCU sequel, the death of Chadwick Boseman changed everything for Wakanda Forever, and the film Ryan Coogler made is a lot more than just a sequel. A profound meditation on grief and a worthy tribute to the late star’s legacy, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a truly elevated film that looks and operates like a superhero movie, but transcends the genre with its powerful narrative. The film was a huge box office success and earned critical acclaim, winning several awards, including an Oscar and a Golden Globe.