Video games are all about the gameplay, and while that can include puzzle solving, exploration, and role-playing, it is mostly about the combat, whether that be shooting, slashing, or punching. With games such as Elden Ring and Halo, this medium is ripe with a variety of options to beat stuff up. However, why complicate things with fantasy, sci-fi, and shooters when fans can simply play fighting games?

The fighting genre is defined by its 2D side-scrolling style, where characters battle it out until only one is left standing. This ultimate battle between players is riveting, which is why this list will rank the ten greatest fighting games of all time. Based on gameplay, design, combat, originality, influence, polish, networking, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and overall quality, these are the best games to beat something up.

10

‘Injustice 2’ (2017)

Image via DC, NetherRealm Studios

Superhero games have been getting better, but DC, in particular, has always delivered the best of the best, including a fantastic fighting game, Injustice 2. With Superman’s insurgency stopped by Batman, a new villain threatens the world: Brainiac. Allying with the remnants of Superman’s regime, Batman challenges the alien villain to save the planet.

Made by NetherRealm Studios, a veteran in the fighting game scene, Injustice 2 features polished, brawling gameplay that is a staple of the company. The most popular DC heroes and villains come together for a fighting game extravaganza. The story isn’t anything special, but the armor system and customizable characters, paired with the interactable stadium and in-depth controls, create a love letter to the DC universe.

9

‘Dragon Ball FighterZ’ (2018)

Image via Arc System Works

Like Injustice 2, many other franchises get fighting game adaptations, and one of the best comes from the hit anime, Dragon Ball. While there are many games in this franchise, Dragon Ball FighterZ is the best. A new Android descends onto Earth, instantly reviving classic villains and creating evil clones of Goku’s friends, starting a war between old enemies and new friends.

No anime game is as good as Dragon Ball FighterZ, a sci-fi video game masterpiece, and it achieved this feat by delivering a well-crafted fighting experience that honors the series while being something new. The captivating visuals create an explosive and dynamic feast that is a spectacle to witness. However, it doesn’t overshadow the fast-paced gameplay with combo attacks and strategic chess-match fights.

8

‘The King of Fighters ’98 (1998)

Image via SNK

Fighting games have been around for a while, but they are known for the arcade era, which expanded into the 1990s. Aptly named, The King of Fighters ’98 is one of the best fighting games. It isn’t the most well-known franchise and doesn’t have a canon story, but it is supposed to be a Dream Match between alive and dead characters from different times with separate allegiances.

While the ’80s were the peak of the arcade era, the 1990s had plenty of hits, including this one, which captures that nostalgic feeling with classic combat and great visuals. The King of Fighters ’98 has a magnificently balanced roster where characters offer different strengths. This perfect selection, paired with its refined combat, results in a polished fighting game masterpiece that is tactile and thrilling.

7

‘Tekken 5’ (2004)

Image via Namco

Out of all the fighting games, there are a few franchises that stick out as legendary, such as Tekken. Out of all the great games in this series, Tekken 5 takes the cake as the best overall experience. After the death of their leader, the corporation is taken over by the undead father, who announces the fifth King of the Iron Fist Tournament, with the winner taking over the company.

All the Tekken games are great, but Tekken 5 changed the formula and the way the franchise operates, because anything else would be a downgrade. Returning to its fast and fluid roots, this game also delivers rich worldbuilding and fascinating lore to expand the universe. Tekken 5 is a masterpiece that mixes its gimmicks with tight gameplay that creates a definitive entry in the franchise.

6

‘Guilty Gear Strive’ (2021)

Image via Arc System Works

Some of the best fighting games are older titles, but the newest one featured on this list is Guilty Gear Strive, which came out in 2021. Sol embarks on one last mission to confront his former friend and the creator of a deadly weapon, hoping to end the hundred-year tragedy of the Gears Project.

It may have had the least time to establish itself, but Guilty Gear Strive is already a modern classic and must-play fighting experience. This game features one of the best and most dynamic art styles on this list, showcasing its vibrant style and art direction with visual spectacle. The Roman Cancel system offers more gameplay opportunities that spice up the perfected formula, making Guilty Gear Strive an innovative modern masterpiece.

5

‘Mortal Kombat’ (2011)

Image via NetherRealm Studios

Out of all the fighting game franchises on this list, Mortal Kombat is arguably the most popular and relevant, and with so many classics, Mortal Kombat 9, also known simply as Mortal Kombat, is the best. After Armageddon, Raiden sends visions to his past self, who must interpret these messages in order to stop the events of the first three games from happening.

As a franchise, Mortal Kombat is highlighted by its brutal style and overly gory combat, and this game dials it up to eleven. The fatalities are gruesome, and the story is surprisingly complex for a fighting game. This seminal title completely redefined the gameplay and style, and also saved the franchise. Mortal Kombat ignited that competitive edge among gamers that most games don’t, becoming a staple in one of the most iconic gaming series.

4

‘Vampire Savior: The Lord of Vampire’ (1997)

Image via Capcom

When it comes to fighting games, it is hard to beat Capcom, which has many incredible franchises, including Darkstalkers, and the third one, Vampire Savior: The Lord of Vampire, is the greatest. When the demon lord learns that his realm is collapsing, he creates a dimension and brings the strongest darkstalkers into it, hoping to harvest their souls for power.

This hyper-stylized gothic game is superbly macabre, showing off its avant-garde aesthetic for all to see. Vampire Savior is more than visually stunning; it is also a technical marvel that abandons the round system in favor of an uninterrupted fight. The gameplay is blisteringly fast, and Vampire Savior rewards an aggressive style where momentum is the key to victory, making it one of the best video games of the 1990s.

3

‘Soulcalibur’ (1998)

Image via Bandai Namco Entertainment

Fighting games were mostly 2D side-scrolling titles, but the 1990s started the shift, specifically with the groundbreaking game Soulcalibur. The Soul Edge is a legendary artifact that holds great power, and the potential of this sword gathers dozens of the strongest warriors in the 16th Century to find it. Some want to destroy it and make sure no one uses its powers for evil, while others want to harness it for themselves.

Soulcalibur is one of the highest-rated games on Metacritic, and for good reason, as it revolutionized the fighting genre and the gaming industry. Indeed, introducing 3D rotating movement innovated and laid the blueprint for the genre going forward. This fluid movement was a technical achievement that enhanced arcade gaming, and the port was even better, bringing this style to home consoles.

2

‘Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’ (2018)

Nintendo is known for its accessible gameplay style and innovative mechanics, which are felt in its fighting franchise, Super Smash Bros. From the game-changing title on the GameCube to the fan-favorite on the Wii, the best is the most recent, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. In the campaign mode, a cosmic entity captures all Nintendo characters, leaving only Kirby to save the day.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the largest video game crossover, bringing characters such as Steve from Minecraft, Sora from Kingdom Hearts, and Snake from Metal Gear Solid into one game. Its expansive roster, creative spirits, familiar items, and imaginative level design pair nicely together, creating a new experience every match. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a smorgasbord of fighting that balances combat through chaos and unscripted events. Over-the-top, unexpected, and dynamic, this modern video game masterpiece is a collaboration of creativity and passion.

1

‘Street Fighter II’ (1991)

Image via Capcom

The top of this list could have gone either way, but the most influential and popular fighting game franchise is arguably Street Fighter, and while the second and third games are both masterpieces, Street Fighter II is the magnum opus. A worldwide fighting tournament hosted by the ruthless M. Bison is underway, and some of the strongest fighters on the planet convene to give each other a good beatdown.

Street Fighter II isn’t just the greatest fighting game; it is one of the best video games of all time, proving to be the most iconic and influential by delivering a perfect brawling experience, whether fans play at home or in the arcade. The six-button layout, combinations, and introduction of special moves were foundational mechanics that influenced the history of video games, even further highlighting the influence it had on the industry. Street Fighter II is a landmark of the 1990s and the definitive fighting game that stands atop this list.

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Street Fighter

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October 16, 2026

Director

Kitao Sakurai

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Writers

Dalan Musson

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Jacob Elordi’s absence from this year’s Cannes Film Festival was initially blamed on a reported foot injury, but the actor is now facing growing online scrutiny after being spotted looking perfectly relaxed during a series of outings with rumored new girlfriend Kendall Jenner. 

From beach trips in Hawaii to double dates in Los Angeles, fans have started questioning whether the actor exaggerated his condition to skip Cannes altogether. 

Now, the rising Hollywood star is dealing with fresh speculation about both his career choices and his new romance.

Jacob Elordi raised eyebrows earlier this month after pulling out of the Cannes Film Festival amid reports that he was recovering from a broken foot.

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At the time, many assumed the “Euphoria” actor was sidelined by a legitimate injury that prevented him from traveling to France for the prestigious event. 

However, public reaction shifted quickly after new photos emerged showing Elordi vacationing in Hawaii with Kendall Jenner.

The actor appeared carefree during the tropical getaway, where the pair were photographed lounging on the beach, driving around together, and enjoying what looked like the early stages of a very public romance.

Critics online immediately focused on one detail: there was no visible orthopedic boot, cast, or sign that Elordi was recovering from a serious injury.

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The skepticism only intensified after he was also spotted behind the wheel during a Los Angeles double date with Kendall, Kylie Jenner, and Timothée Chalamet.

Elordi’s Romance With Kendall Is Fueling Debate

Beyond the injury speculation, some industry watchers are now discussing whether Jacob Elordi’s connection to Kendall could affect how Hollywood views him moving forward.

The 28-year-old has spent the last few years building serious credibility with roles in projects like “Wuthering Heights,” “Frankenstein,” and HBO’s “Euphoria.” 

However, some insiders reportedly worry that stepping into the Kardashian-Jenner spotlight could complicate that carefully crafted image.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, an insider revealed that Cannes attendees viewed Elordi’s absence as “a bad look,” though many within the industry have already moved on.

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 “There’s very much an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ mentality surrounding it,” the source explained.

Still, conversations about the so-called “Kardashian curse” have resurfaced online, especially after Chalamet’s multiple Oscar losses earlier this year while dating Kylie.

Some social media users have also questioned whether Kendall’s reality TV background could clash with Elordi’s growing reputation as a serious dramatic actor.

Jacob Elordi Still Holds Strong Hollywood Power

Despite the chatter, insiders insist Elordi’s standing in Hollywood remains extremely strong for now.

“The bigger issue for Jacob is his ego – if he ever hits a rough patch with a streak of unsuccessful films or TV projects, the criticism and karma could come fast,” the insider said.

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However, the source emphasized that the “Kissing Booth” star’s recent success has earned him significant respect within the entertainment industry.

“But at the moment, he remains one of the most sought-after young actors in the industry,” they added.  The insider also noted that many people are still choosing to believe the actor’s explanation regarding the injury.

“And despite these recent appearances, especially with him being seen out and about with Kendall, people are still largely taking him at his word that he’s injured,” they shared.

Even so, there remains disappointment surrounding his Cannes absence because festival organizers likely would have accommodated his condition.

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“Even though Cannes would have gone out of its way to accommodate him and minimize any walking, there is still some lingering disappointment that he chose not to attend,” the source explained.

Elordi And Kendall’s Romance Has Been Heating Up Fast

Rumors about Jacob Elordi and Kendall Jenner first exploded after the duo reportedly got very close during Justin Bieber’s post-Coachella party last month.

According to reports, the two were seen “making out and all over each other,” with insiders later claiming Kylie played matchmaker.

The rumored lovebirds had already crossed paths for years before the romance rumors intensified. 

Elordi attended Kendall’s birthday celebration back in 2022, and they were later spotted in deep conversation at the Vanity Fair Oscars party earlier this year.

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That same Oscars night was bittersweet for the actor, professionally, after he lost the Best Supporting Actor award for his role as the creature in “Frankenstein.” 

Still, his personal life appears to be thriving as he spends more time with the socialite publicly.

Jacob Elordi And Kendall Jenner Both Have High-Profile Dating Histories

Elordi and Kendall are no strangers to high-profile romances, which may explain why their relationship instantly became headline news.

Before the “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” star, Elordi was linked to several famous women, including model Kaia Gerber and influencer Olivia Jade Giannulli.

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Kendall, meanwhile, has dated a string of celebrity athletes and entertainers over the years, including Devin Booker, Ben Simmons, and rapper Bad Bunny.

Her younger sister, Kylie, has also remained firmly in the spotlight through her long-running relationship with Chalamet, whom she has been dating since April 2023.

While Marvel’s big ensembles in recent years have failed to garner as much interest as they once did, there is one exception. Fans have been waiting with bated breath for a reboot of the X-Men, and Disney+’s X-Men ‘97 was the first to answer the call. The animated series isn’t a reboot, but a direct continuation of the beloved series from the ‘90s.

X-Men ‘97 acts as the next season in a natural progression of the series, which concluded its first season with the arrival of a great evil. Apocalypse was handled haphazardly in the live-action films, but now he can be seen as he was always meant to be. The only downside is that it has been two years since X-Men ’97 Season 1, and fans are getting antsy. The good news is that a recently screened trailer has revealed that much more is on the horizon.

‘X-Men ‘97’ Season 2 Will Feature Some Anticipated Mutant Teams

At the Comic Con Revolution Ontario, the Season 2 trailer of X-Men ‘97 premiered. Only shown for a select few, the news soon spread about the contents of the trailer. According to Comicbook.com, the new season appears to pick up right where the last one left off, with the rise of Apocalypse and the X-Men dispersed through space and time. This occasion is perfect to introduce not just fan-favorite characters from the comics but fan-favorite teams.

The trailer teases the arrival of X-Force and X-Factor, who are needed to set the timeline right. As is Bishop’s way, he gathers these teams to aid the main squad in their fight against one of the biggest X-Men comic villains. These teams typically stray from the central mutant team, which is why they are needed so desperately. X-Force is usually run by Cable, Scott Summers’ time-traveling son. X-Factor was another offshoot of the X-Men, who believed that the current lineup wasn’t living up to Xavier’s dream. This team contained some of Xavier’s original X-Men.

X-Men ‘97 will show the return of Cable, whose birth was featured in Season 1. Archangel is often the uniting face of X-Factor and is reported to be in the trailer as well. Other mutants who will make an appearance include Colossus, Wolfsbane, and Multiple Man. This is a chance to show many fan-favorite characters that the live-action films could have done better at getting right. The live-action Deadpool films were the closest to featuring these underrepresented characters.

Josh Brolin starred in Deadpool 2 as Cable, while X-Force was also tragically decimated in the film. These interpretations were no way for these characters to make their live-action debut, but it looks as though X-Men ‘97 will be setting things right in the timeline. While New Mutants was unfairly maligned, it will be a joy to see Wolfsbane get a fair shake in the upcoming season as well. Of course, the leaked trailer has left fans wanting more, especially regarding concrete news about the upcoming series. There is still no confirmed release date for the highly anticipated second season. Hopefully, not even Apocalypse can stop X-Men ‘97 from debuting this summer.

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Release Date

March 20, 2024

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Directors

Jake Castorena

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Beau DeMayo

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Yolanda Hadid made a rare red carpet appearance with her daughter, Bella Hadid, at the Cannes Film Festival.

The RHOBH alum, 62, turned heads in a bright red cinched-waist dress, paired with matching silver earrings and a necklace, while her daughter Bella, 29, wore in a gold Elie Saab gown on Monday, May 18, in Cannes, France.

Their visit to the Chopard Miracle Gala Evening on Monday was the first time Yolanda and Bella walked the red carpet together since October 2022, when they attended the God’s Love We Deliver 16th Annual Golden Heart Awards in New York City.

Meanwhile, Bella brought along her brother Anwar Hadid when she attended a screening of French drama Another Day at the film festival on Sunday, May 17. For Sunday’s red carpet gala, Bella wore a strapless satin gown in a pale gray shade with a bejeweled bodice and a dramatic train, with her hair styled in an updo by OLAPLEX Ambassador Jacob Schwartz.

Yolanda has largely retreated from the spotlight following her divorce from ex-husband David Foster in 2016. (Foster has since wed American Idol star Katharine McPhee, having previously been married to B.J. Cook, Rebecca Dyer and Linda Thompson. Yolanda was married to real estate developer Mohamed Hadid from 1994 to 2000 and they share three children: daughters Gigi and Bella and son Anwar.)

In August 2024, Yolanda confirmed that she’d gotten engaged to her boyfriend of five years, Joseph Jingoli. The model revealed to People that Jingoli, 66, had actually popped the question while they were vacationing in her native Holland in 2022.

The two never made it down the aisle, as People reported that they separated on amicable terms in January 2025.

Related: Former ‘Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ Stars: Where Are They Now? 

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While some Real Housewives of Beverly Hills stars have been a part of the Bravo hit since season 1 — looking at you, Kyle Richards — others have proved that diamonds aren’t forever. The sixth installment in the Real Housewives franchise was announced in March 2010 and aired its first season seven months later. At the […]

Any fans hoping that Yolanda’s return to the spotlight could lead to a comeback on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills probably shouldn’t get their hopes up.

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight in October 2022, Yolanda suggested that filming the Bravo show wasn’t conducive to her lifestyle. (Yolanda announced in December 2012 that she’d been diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease, which can cause fatigue, muscle pain and cognitive issues.)

“The first season I went on, I was diagnosed with neurological Lyme disease, and I struggled every day of the season,” she said at the time. “I kind of stayed on because I thought, ‘OK, I’ll be better next season.’ I didn’t know Lyme disease was a life sentence. And now, here we are 10, 12 years, later I’m still struggling with it.”

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Yolanda said she was “never [working] with a full set of brains on the show” because of her ongoing battle with chronic Lyme. The former RHOBH star also admitted that her feelings were deeply hurt by some of her costars speculating about her health.

“Those things were very hurtful, and not just hurtful to me but hurtful to my children and my family who loves me. And they knew I was fighting for my life,” she noted. “So, from that perspective, it wasn’t a good experience for me. And, you know, that was the taste I was left with.”

Yolanda was a diamond-holder on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills between seasons 3 and 6.

Spoiler Alert: This list contains spoilers for the movies mentioned.

What is the most important part of a movie? Is it the beginning, the middle, or the end? Ideally, a good film would do all of these elements well, and in this list, we will be focusing on the best DreamWorks Animated movie endings.

The ending of a movie is a very important element. If a movie does not have a satisfactory conclusion, it can leave audiences with a bad taste in their mouths. It can spark feelings of confusion, disappointment, or even anger and frustration that the two-hour-long emotional journey viewers invested in was for naught. Luckily, these 10 examples finished strong and left fans happy, satisfied, and sometimes wanting more.

10

‘Shrek the Third’ (2007)

Image via DreamWorks

Body swapping, shipwrecks, and more. The third installment in the highly successful Shrek franchise is a solid addition to the canon, but some would argue not one of the best. Despite its flaws, Shrek the Third throws the beloved characters into some fascinating circumstances, namely parenthood.

As Shrek (Mike Myers) finds out he’s about to be a dad, a swirl of emotions rages inside him. As the movie goes on, he works his way through apprehension and feelings of inadequacy. The end of the movie is highly rewarding as audiences get to see Shrek be the hero once again, diving into fatherhood with gusto. The character design of Shrek’s triplets is absolutely adorable, and watching Shrek and Fiona (Cameron Diaz) add another chapter of life to their “happily ever after” is sublime.

9

‘Madagascar’ (2005)

Image via DreamWorks Animation

When four animals team up to leave the city zoo, they are in for a wild adventure in Madagascar. Featuring the voices of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, and Jada Pinkett Smith, Madagascar is a hilarious comedy that is full of talent and humor. Watching the protagonists, who have spent most of their lives in the urban jungle, adapt to feral conditions and learn to hunt and fend for themselves is highly entertaining. At the end of the film, many plotlines are tied up, and Alex the lion (Stiller) and Marty the zebra (Rock) are able to resolve their conflict with a creative solution. Tensions between the two best friends were high after Alex bit Marty when his wild nature started to take over, but a beach full of fresh sushi provides a happy alternative to Marty’s hunger, and there can be harmony in the friend group again.

One of the best moments in the finale comes from the penguins. The flippered foursome of Skipper (Tom McGrath), Kowalski (Chris Miller), Rico (Jeffrey Katzenberg), and Private (Christopher Knights) stole every scene they were in. The penguins were so popular that they got several spinoff movies and TV shorts. The ending to Madagascar finishes with their trademark humor. As the main characters wave goodbye from the bow of a large ship, the penguins lazily sunbathe on the beach nearby. When one of the penguins asks Skipper if they should tell the others that the boat is out of gas, he replies, “Nah, just smile and wave boys. Smile and wave.”

8

‘The Bad Guys 2’ (2025)

Image via DreamWorks Animation

Everybody dies. At least that’s what the end of The Bad Guys 2 wants viewers to believe. It is a punchy and hilarious edit when the action cuts mid-sentence from a shuttle crashing into the atmosphere with all of the heroes inside to a funeral with all of their photos next to a casket and public mourners.

The Bad Guys and The Bad Guys 2 use misdirection very well, and with their sleek animation and thrilling action, the movies feel more like James Bond or Bourne installments than anything else. The true motive behind the fake deaths is revealed as the main characters are recruited to be secret agents. It is a more than fitting end for the unlikely heroes, and it is a sophisticated and smart conclusion that befits the Bad Guys franchise.

7

‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ (2022)

Image via Universal Pictures

After racing against each other and fighting to have a solitary magical wish for their own, the characters in Puss in Boots: The Last Wish come together at the very end of the movie to defeat a common enemy. It is a rousing ending full of action and excitement, and the emotional sentiments that follow are heartfelt and touching.

Throughout the movie, Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) is grappling with his own mortality as he realizes he is down to his last life and Death (Wagner Moura) is literally staring him in the face. After the wish that could have given him more lives is destroyed, Puss turns to his lost love, Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek), and says, “Kitty, one life spent with you is all that I could wish for.” The emotional hits keep coming as Goldi (Florence Pugh) realizes she has had the perfect family all along, and the little dog known as Perrito (Harvey Guillén) decides to keep his name, because that is what his friends call him, and he has finally found a place to belong.

6

‘Kung Fu Panda 2’ (2011)

Image via Paramount Pictures

A sequel to the highly successful first film, Kung Fu Panda 2, saw many of the stars like Jack Black, Jackie Chan, Angelina Jolie, and Dustin Hoffman reprise their roles. The story of the second movie follows the main characters as they face a new enemy. However, one of the most interesting elements of the sequel is the character journey Po (Black) embarks on as he discovers the truth about his past and his birth family.

After learning about the circumstances that led to his adoption by Mr. Ping (James Hong), Po returns at the end of the movie and talks to him. As he explains that he has learned about where he came from and the tragic circumstances that led to their meeting, he says, “I know who I am,” and adds, “I’m your son.” It is a stirring moment full of emotion, and it speaks volumes about found family, identity, and the love between parent and child.

5

‘Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas’ (2003)

Image via DreamWorks

After an arduous journey with numerous perils and a life-or-death wager, the goddess Eris (Michelle Pfeiffer) asks Sinbad (Brad Pitt) a simple question. If he gets the Book of Peace, it would be a happy ending, but if he didn’t, would he go back and take the place of his friend Proteus (Joseph Fiennes), who had wagered his life on Sinbad’s success? The stakes couldn’t have been higher, as not only were the lives of the two heroes at risk, but the well-being of everyone else that depended on them, Proteus’ subjects and Sinbad’s crew.

At the very moment Sinbad has gone back and agreed to give his life instead of Proteus’, the blade of the executioner shatters into pieces, and Eris appears again. It turns out it was all a test to see if Sinbad would keep his word and go back to die. It is a fascinating and dramatic ending full of tension. From the stained blood on the executioner’s block to the subtle gestures and vocal nuances given in the performances, it is exceptional. Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas is one of DreamWorks’ most underrated triumphs and definitely has one of its best endings.

4

‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2010)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Not only does How to Train Your Dragon have an awesome intro and starts strong, but it also has a surprising finale and ends with a flourish. After Toothless (Randy Thom) saves Hiccup’s (Jay Baruchel) life, Hiccup awakes in his house to find two shocking surprises. The first is that Toothless, a dragon, is allowed to be inside his house, especially given his father, Stoick’s (Gerard Butler), predisposition towards dragons. And the second is that he has had the lower part of his left leg amputated.

The fact that Hiccup lost his leg was quite a shock for audiences as well, especially in the genre of kids’ movies which tend to play it safe. Having a real consequence to battle, and the significance that Toothless was missing the left part of his tail, is not lost on viewers. As Hiccup takes the first few, unsteady steps on his new leg, he is met with another surprise when he opens the front door to the house and sees dragons and citizens of Berk living together in harmony. The end monologue narrated by Hiccup ties back to the beginning of the story, and it is a fantastic finale.

3

‘The Prince of Egypt’ (1998)

Image via DreamWorks Pictures

Based on the life of Moses, The Prince of Egypt was DreamWorks second animated film ever and one of its most accomplished. The predominantly hand-drawn animation is visually stunning, and the music and voice acting are superb. The cast is packed full of talent, including Val Kilmer, Sandra Bullock, Ralph Fiennes, and Michelle Pfeiffer. The entire movie is a masterpiece, and the ending has three great takeaways.

At the end of the movie, after Rameses (Fiennes) has reluctantly let the Hebrew people go after subjecting them to slavery, he has a change of heart and decides to pursue and overtake them in the desert. As Moses (Kilmer) and the people are pinned with Rameses and his soldiers behind them and a vast sea in front of them, God intervenes, and a miracle takes place. The parting of the Red Sea is a fantastic achievement in animation and reportedly took around two years to complete.

After the people reach safety and the sea crashes down behind them, drowning their pursuers, Tzipporah (Pfeiffer) turns to her husband and says, “Look. Look at your people, Moses. They are free.” This moment signifies the full-circle story arch the movie has shown where Moses started out as the son of a slave, was adopted to be a prince of Egypt, and is now the leader of a nation. For the third and final bookmark at the end, as the very last few frames of the movie roll, Moses walks down the mountain holding two stone tablets with the 10 Commandments written on them. The melody “Deliver Us” from the opening of the movie plays, and the voice of Moses’ mother is heard one last time. There is so much meaning in this conclusion that now the people have been physically delivered from bondage, there is a need for spiritual delivery from sin, and these new Commandments will begin a whole new era in Israel’s political and religious history. It is a finale full of meaning and symbolism and a perfect 10/10.

2

‘Shrek’ (2001)

Image via DreamWorks Animation

A fairy tale like none other, Shrek blew the fantasy genre apart, and the ending was as outrageous and unexpected as the rest of the film. After the unlikely hero, an ogre named Shrek (Myers), had fallen in love with the princess he was sent to rescue, he crashed her wedding to Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow). After Shrek kisses Fiona (Diaz), the shapeshifting spell she had been under her whole life is lifted, and she remains an ogre.

The ending to Shrek is a fantastic, fractured fairy tale moment. Flipping so many tales like The Frog Prince and Beauty and the Beast on their head, where being anything but human is a form of curse or punishment, Fiona’s “love’s true form” is revealed as an ogre, not a human. This surprising ending is all the sweeter because Shrek finds out that Fiona loves him, too, and he never thought romance would be a storyline he would be a part of. Shrek’s ending suited the rest of the film perfectly. It was surprising, unique, and it told the story it wanted to tell without making any apologies.

1

‘How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World’ (2019)

Image via Universal Pictures

As the third feature-length movie in the How to Train Your Dragon franchise, The Hidden World saw Hiccup (Baruchel) and Toothless (Thom) step into pivotal roles. As both Hiccup and Toothless become rulers of their respective communities, their character journeys are fulfilled as they grow into the leaders they were always meant to be. At the end of the film, Hiccup realizes that he has been trying to build a world based on his wants, and it is time to think about Toothless and the other dragons’ needs. In a moving scene, the people of Berk take the saddles off their dragons and bid tearful farewells.

If this scene wasn’t emotional enough, an even more poignant moment happens within a flash forward. The final sequence shows Hiccup and Astrid (America Ferrera) with their two children, sailing to a location surrounded by mist. Through the fog, Toothless, his mate, and three little dragons become visible. After a moment of trepidation, wondering if Toothless would remember him or not, all fears are put to rest, and Toothless and Hiccup have a beautiful and joyous reunion. Hiccup also gets the opportunity to teach his children how to respect and interact with dragons. It is a lovely conclusion full of heart and emotional payoff for fans of the films. Hiccup’s final words about dragons waiting until the world is worthy enough for them to return are the icing on the cake.

It was recently announced that Peter Berg would be directing the live-action Call of Duty adaptation, with Taylor Sheridan penning the script. This wouldn’t be the first time that Berg has directed a military action movie, nor is it his first time adapting a game. The filmmaker’s original brush with existing IP came in 2012, when he made a movie for Hasbro that was designed to replicate the success of Michael Bay‘s Transformers franchise. Instead of integrating different properties into the already established Transformers universe, Hasbro attempted to launch separate franchises based on its IP. First out of the gate was G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, which underperformed with around $302 million worldwide against a reported budget of $175 million. Incidentally, Berg’s movie grossed an almost identical amount during its run.

Like the G.I. Joe movie, Berg’s big-budget bomb also found success on streaming platforms recently. His film grossed $303 million worldwide against a reported budget of around $220 million, and is said to have lost Universal $150 million. Berg intended to make an epic action-adventure film that highlighted naval warfare in a way that Hollywood hadn’t in years — at least not since Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. Headlined by Russell Crowe, Master and Commander was reappraised a few years ago, around the same time as the release of Greyhound, starring Tom Hanks. Greyhound remains hugely popular on Apple TV, more than five years after its release. A sequel is in the works.

Here’s the Sci-Fi Alternative to ‘Greyhound’ That’s Spiking on Streaming

No follow-up was made for Berg’s film, however. We’re talking about Battleship, starring Taylor Kitsch, Liam Neeson, Tadanobu Asano, Rihanna, Brooklyn Decker, and others. The movie received poor reviews and is now sitting at a 34% score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, where the consensus reads, “It may offer energetic escapism for less demanding filmgoers, but Battleship is too loud, poorly written, and formulaic to justify its expense — and a lot less fun than its source material.” Berg and Kitsch reunited on the critically acclaimed military action film Lone Survivor, and then on the recent Netflix Western series American Primeval.

According to FlixPatrol, Battleship was among the most-watched movies on the domestic Prime Video chart this week. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

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Release Date

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May 18, 2012

Runtime

131 minutes

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Writers

Erich Hoeber, Jon Hoeber

Producers

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Duncan Henderson, Scott Stuber, Bennett Schneir, Brian Goldner

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Jack Ryan used to be one of Hollywood’s most recycled protagonists, with four actors across five films and absolutely zero staying power. Then Prime Video handed the role to a guy best known for staring at a camera on NBC’s The Office. John Krasinski has now logged more time as Tom Clancy’s CIA analyst than Harrison Ford, Alec Baldwin, Ben Affleck, and Chris Pine combined, logging four seasons and 32 episodes of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan on Prime Video.

Instead of dropping auditioning action heroes into constantly rebooted IP, creators Carlton Cuse and Graham Roland took their time, building an entire series around Krasinski’s on-screen charm and surprising physicality. The character is better for it, and so are the fans, which makes the franchise’s next act even more exciting.

Jack Ryan Needed a Long-Form TV Evolution Beyond the Movie Reboots

To understand why Krasinski’s take on the desk-junkie-turned-globetrotting-spy works so well, we have to look at all the Jack Ryan replicants that came before. Baldwin introduced the character in The Hunt for Red October and promptly handed the keys to Ford, who headlined two films before Affleck slid in for The Sum of All Fears and Pine wrapped the character’s theatrical era with Shadow Recruit.

Each iteration treated Jack Ryan like a relay baton — passed off before anyone could get totally comfortable in his shoes. The stories reset, the supporting casts evaporated, and whatever emotional stakes the previous actor had built got recycled or outright trashed. The IP survived, but no one had the narrative resilience to make the literary icon their own.

All 4 Seasons of Prime Video’s ‘Jack Ryan’ Build a More Human Hero

Krasinski’s Jack Ryan did the opposite. When the series premiered in 2018, Ryan was a desk analyst dragged into the field by a terror plot he’d flagged before anyone else was even paying attention. The Suleiman storyline of Season 1 gave Krasinski a protagonist who was right about everything and trusted by almost no one. It also gave audiences an in. That first installment felt a bit like fans were learning who this new interpretation of the character was, right along with the actor playing him.

By Season 2, Ryan had graduated to an entanglement in Venezuelan election interference, a conspiracy that required him to operate with far less institutional cover than before. Season 3 sent him fully rogue across Europe, chasing a Cold War sleeper agent conspiracy, wanted by his own government, and running on nothing but instinct. Here, Krasinski got to unravel, throwing everything he had at the character (and at those many action sequences). Come Season 4, the crisis moved closer to home, with CIA corruption dismantling the institution Ryan had spent three seasons trying to serve, putting Krasinski in the tough spot of taking all of his external work from seasons past and turning it internal.

What’s notable across all of it isn’t just the geopolitical plotting; it’s the way Krasinski fine-tunes Ryan’s particular brand of exhaustion and conviction depending on where the season’s crisis is coming from. Jack Ryan navigating domestic betrayal is different than Jack Ryan operating behind enemy lines, and Krasinski understands that distinction well enough to play each version as its own thing rather than defaulting to a single setting.

What ‘Ghost War’ Means for the Future of John Krasinski’s Jack Ryan

Image via Amazon MGM Studios

Now comes Ghost War, directed by Andrew Bernstein from a screenplay by Aaron Rabin and Krasinski himself, from a story by Krasinski and Noah Oppenheim, which means the actor has graduated to actively shaping what the character does next. The cinematic continuation brings back Wendell Pierce and Michael Kelly alongside a new addition in Sienna Miller. The setup involves Ryan and the team confronting a past danger they thought they’d taken care of, meaning Krasinski will once again pull from the well he’s built to add a new layer to the character.

Now obviously, actors like Ford, Baldwin, and even Affleck brought something to the character during their tenures, but Krasinski’s been able to blend his comedic ability, growing dramatic chops, and hard-earned physicality to make his Ryan multifaceted in a way none of the others were. His good-natured response to a question posed during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where the host quizzed him on which actor he’d best in a fight, is proof of why his take on the CIA hero just works. While he jokingly said he’d fight all of them at once, he named Ford as the one who’d give him the most trouble. Which is both the correct answer and a fairly good encapsulation of why Krasinski has become the definitive version of the character — he’s self-aware enough to know he’s in rarefied, slightly absurd company, and confident enough not to pretend otherwise.

None of this is to suggest Prime Video’s Jack Ryan belongs in a conversation with the prestige spy drama heavyweights. What it has done is build a franchise around a single performer’s ability to carry continuity across years. That’s something five films with four actors never managed. Ford would probably win in a fight, but Krasinski has the longest run, and in franchise terms, that matters.

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Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan

Release Date

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2018 – 2023-00-00

Network

Prime Video

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Showrunner

Carlton Cuse

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Directors

Jann Turner, Andrew Bernstein, Dennie Gordon, Kevin Dowling, Lukas Ettlin, Patricia Riggen, David Petrarca, Phil Abraham, Carlton Cuse, Morten Tyldum

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Vivica A. Fox is pushing for a third “Kill Bill” movie more than two decades after the franchise first captivated audiences. The actress is actively manifesting another installment, expressing hope that director Quentin Tarantino will eventually return to the iconic story. Fox also reflected on how thrilled she was to land a role, recalling the intense and grueling training she underwent to prepare for her action-heavy scenes.

Tarantino previously entertained the idea of another “Kill Bill” movie, but later changed his stance, saying the story was complete.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, Vivica A. Fox expressed her desire for “Kill Bill 3.” In “Kill Bill Vol. 1,” released in 2003, Fox portrayed the role of Vernita Green, aka Copperhead, an elite assassin-turned-housewife.

The saga follows former assassin Beatrix Kiddo (Uma Thurman), known as The Bride, as she exacts revenge on the five people who betrayed her, including Copperhead. The Bride killed Copperhead in an action-packed fight in the latter’s kitchen, with the scene ending in Vernita’s daughter, Nikki, seeing the carnage.

“I’d love for us to be able to do Kill Bill 3 soon,” Fox said. Despite her character’s death, the 61-year-old actress said she could return as a presence warning her daughter. At the end of their fight sequence, The Bride addressed Nikki, saying, “When you grow up, if you still feel raw about it, I’ll be waiting,” implying that she’s expecting the girl to avenge her mother’s death.

Fox also presented the idea of appearing in a flashback sequence if “Kill Bill 3” gets made.

Vivica A. Fox Felt Like She Was Training For The Olympics

Fox performed almost all of her own stunts in her fight scene, except for falling on the glass table. According to the actress, she underwent six months of intense training as preparation.

In an interview for Cocoa Butter in 2025, Fox said the choreographed fight was “vicious,” and she went down several dress sizes. “I literally went from like a size 8/10 down to a size 2. I couldn’t even hold onto the weight,” she explained.

The actress also reminisced about that time with the Daily Mail, saying, “I thought we were like training for the Olympics, but everyone was so dedicated, check their egos at the door, and that’s why the film has become a classic.”

While her character died in “Kill Bill Vol. 1,” Copperhead returned for “Kill Bill Vol. 2” in flashback sequences.

Vivica A. Fox Keeps In Touch With Quentin Tarantino

The actress was asked whether there have been discussions about a third “Kill Bill” movie. “Keep putting it out there in the universe, we just need for Quentin to pick it up and make another,” she responded.

Fox said she had been in contact with the director over the years, and they also see each other at various events. The actress gushed about being cast in “Kill Bill,” expressing how “thrilled” she was to have had the opportunity to work with other stars, including Thurman, Lucy Liu, and Daryl Hannah. She also praised Tarantino, saying, “His contributions as a filmmaker is just undeniable.”

Quentin Tarantino Had An Idea For ‘Kill Bill Vol. 3″

In an interview with Andy Cohen on “Radio Andy” in 2019, Tarantino was asked about the possibility of a third “Kill Bill” movie. At that time, the filmmaker said he had just discussed it with Thurman, revealing that he had an idea.

Tarantino said that he’s toying with the idea of what happened to The Bride after the events in the two movies, but doesn’t want a nonsensical plot. “She doesn’t deserve that. The Bride has fought long and hard,” he explained.

Despite not revealing details about his idea, he shared his timeline, saying, “Now I have an idea that would be interesting. I wouldn’t do it for a little bit. It would be like at least three years from now, or something like that. But it is definitely in the cards,” he said.

The Director Shut Down The Idea Of ‘Kill Bill Vol. 3’

Tarantino teased fans in the years following, even sharing the potential plot for the third movie. In a 2021 appearance on “The Joe Rogan Experience,” the director said it would be set 20 years after the events in Vol. 2, focusing on The Bride and her daughter, B.B.

“The idea of casting Uma and casting her daughter, Maya, and the thing would be f-cking exciting. I mean, Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah) is still out there, Sophie Fatale (Julie Dreyfus) got her arms cut off, she’s still out there. They all got Bill’s money. Gogo (Chiaki Kuriyama) had a twin sister, her twin sister could show up,” Tarantino said.

In a 2024 episode of the “Club Random Podcast” with Bill Maher, however, Tarantino firmly said he’s not doing “Kill Bill Vol. 3.” The director believes the story had a logical conclusion and told Maher, “I did it, I killed Bill.”