Entertainment
These 8 Movie Trilogies Are a Masterclass in Tension
Sometimes we seek out movies that are lighthearted and easy to watch. Then, there are those of us who love to get our blood pumping and adrenaline rushing. Whether through a juicy horror thriller, a high-octane action flick, or a tantalizing sci-fi film, if the film is intense, we’re happy. But what if there are trilogies that deliver tension from start to finish? Turn on the TV and prepare to be stressed!
We are here to celebrate eight film franchises that are masterclasses in tension. These films might require your blood pressure to be checked upon completion. Our list will include game-changing sci-fi action flicks, action-packed superhero stories, and sensational spy thrillers. If you spend your weekend binging these fantastic trilogies, you might need something soothing to calm your senses afterward.
1
‘Evil Dead’ Trilogy
Long before Sam Raimi entertained the world with a near-perfect Spider-Man trilogy, he delighted horror fans with the cult classic Evil Dead trilogy. The trilogy chronicles the horrific and darkly comedic misadventures of Ashley “Ash” Williams (Bruce Campbell) as he battles demonic entities released from an ancient Sumerian book. Throughout the films, Ash transforms from an ordinary guy into a chainsaw-wielding, shotgun-blasting icon. The trilogy unfolds as an evolving saga of survival, madness, and time travel. In the 1981 film, five college students vacation at an isolated cabin in the woods, where they discover the inciting Book of the Dead. As the sole survivor, Evil Dead II follows Ash as he returns to the cabin with his girlfriend, Linda (Denise Bixler), only for the demon to haunt her and his own right hand, causing him to chop it off and replace it with a chainsaw. Picking up after the second film, in Army of Darkness, Ash is sucked back in time by a vortex to 1300 A.D., where he is seen as a savior who must battle the army of the undead. Though they may be stylistically different, Ash’s adventures are high-octane entertainment that doesn’t skimp on blood and gore.
What makes this trilogy unique is how they evolve. The first film is pure horror. The second moves into slapstick horror, utilizing the franchise’s signature dark, chaotic humor. By the third film, it’s fully evolved into a fantasy-comedy adventure. The Evil Dead trilogy is a wildly entertaining ride defined by its iconic protagonist. From scared college student to a chainsaw-wielding, one-liner-spouting badass, Ash anchors the film. His adventures are full-throttle and unrelenting. Through Raimi’s dizzying camera work, he simulates the presence of the demonic entity. He uses the famous shaky cam and low-angle propulsive tracking shots to depict the monster itself. With aggressive direction, Raimi keeps the audience in a place of unnerving restlessness. He even masters the balance of claustrophobic quiet and explosive, chaotic violence. The terror is practical and tactical. The jump scares are active. From start to finish, no matter the genre, the Evil Dead trilogy is an escalation in tension.
2
‘Fear Street’ Trilogy
If there is any trilogy that properly depicts the true evolution of horror, it’s Netflix’s Fear Street trilogy. Based on R.L. Stine’s book series of the same name, it follows a group of teenagers in the cursed town of Shadyside, who must uncover the centuries-old secrets of a legendary witch to stop a recurring cycle of mass murders. Set across three distinct times—Part One: 1994, Part Two: 1978, and Part Three: 1666—Fear Street’s eras pay homage to different styles of horror cinema while delivering the spooks and scares from start to finish. Fear Street successfully blends nostalgic 90s slasher thrills with a deep, serialized curse mythology by tackling a multi-generational curse in reverse. Rather than a collection of random kills, the story of Shadyside and its rivalry with affluent Sunnyvale is a captivating, overarching mystery with a satisfying payoff.
The films evolve in tone, shifting from the Scream-inspired, high-energy terror of 1994 to the gritty Friday the 13th camp aesthetic of 1978, and finally ending with a dark period piece set in 1666. Though the frights are at the forefront, the trilogy is anchored by strong interpersonal relationships. From the central queer romance between Deena Johnson (Kiana Madeira) and Sam Fraser (Olivia Scott Welch) to the complex sibling bond of Nick (Ashley Zukerman) and Will Goode (Matthew Zuk), the characters drive the action. You care for the characters, so when you’re met with the relentless dread of classic slashers with deep, generational lore, the franchise sustains nail-biting suspense across 300 years of history. Knowing that the stakes are cyclical and that plot armor proves no one is safe, the audience’s foreknowledge of who survives makes the immediate chase sequences terrifying. Fear Street keeps you on your toes. Just be sure to watch in release order, please.
3
‘Planet of the Apes’ Reboot Trilogy
Depending on your vantage of the original iteration of Planet of the Apes, you might find it hokey. But it was an important part of the evolution of science fiction cinema. Then, when Tim Burton’s version arrived, it played by the same playbook, yet became even more unintentionally comical. Then, one last reboot came in 2011, and finally, the masterpiece was born. Beginning with Rise of the Planet of the Apes, the franchise chronicles the fall of humanity and the concurrent rise of an intelligent ape civilization. Centering on Caesar (Andy Serkis), a hyper-intelligent chimpanzee, as he breaks free from captivity and is tested in order to liberate his fellow apes. In Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Caesar leads a thriving, peaceful colony of evolved apes hidden in the redwood forests, only to fall into a devastating war against extremist humans and apes. In the conclusion, War for the Planet of the Apes, the apes are locked in an intense, grueling conflict with a ruthless human military faction known as Alpha-Omega. Caesar battles his own darker instincts to exact revenge on the human leader (Woody Harrelson).
Elevating a classic sci-fi premise into a deeply emotional, character-driven epic, the reboot enhanced the story through incredible advanced CGI that gave the apes genuine emotions, with their faces showcasing them all. By making the apes less human and more life-like, the narrative earns stronger stakes. You have an emotional attachment to both humans and animals because you can emotionally relate to their hurt, pain, and joy. This is not a good vs. evil story; the reboot presented a morally grey area driven by survival, fear, and prejudice in which empathy arrives on both sides. With such brilliant stories that ultimately tie together, the Planet of the Apes trilogy is not only highly entertaining but also extraordinary in its action. All built around core emotions. The trilogy proved that science fiction action thrillers can evolve into something genially profound.
4
The Bourne Trilogy
If the premise of the first film doesn’t stress you out, I’m not quite sure what will. Based on the character created by Robert Ludlum, the Bourne trilogy revolves around Jason Bourne (Matt Damon), an amnesic super-assassin trying to uncover his identity and survive rogue intelligence programs hunting him. Across the first three films in the broader franchise, a celebrated, cohesive arc follows Bourne on an unrelenting run around the world. Comprised of The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy, and The Bourne Ultimatum, Bourne is an unconventional anti-hero played by the non-traditional action star, and yet, it was a match made in heaven. Bourne operates as an empathetic, tortured individual on an emotional journey to discover the truth to keep himself alive. The Bourne trilogy redefined the espionage genre, swapping out moments of fantastical camp for grounded, gritty realism.
A major factor in the film’s success is the intense stunts. Whether it was action-packed hand-to-hand combat or epic car chases with real-world vehicles, the action heightened the tension throughout the film. But none of that would have resonated had it not been for the smart storytelling with its paranoiac direction. With fast-paced editing and flawless shaky-cam cinematography, the techniques immersed its viewers in the street-level action. It’s a frantic, chaotic experience that allows the audience to feel as if they’re on the run with the titular character. And yet, the controlled chaos gave the story the legs to stand on. Unlike many spy thrillers, the Bourne trilogy opts for sound over score. Every boom and pow can be heard, almost as if you can feel it without the music-filled underscoring taking focus. The films escalate brilliantly. After Bourne regains his past through a journey of literal self-discovery, the sequels elevate the narrative into an unrelenting global manhunt, bringing the story to full closure.
5
The Dark Knight Trilogy
Often, we think that superhero film adaptations should have an aura of a comic book to them. At least that’s what we were led to believe in the late ’80s and ’90s with the Batman films. They were dark enough, but still had a hint of comic campiness. Then, Christopher Nolan arrived and stripped that all away with his masterpiece The Dark Knight trilogy. In a gritty, real-world take, billionaire Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) transforms from a traumatized, vengeful orphan into Gotham’s greatest protector, fighting systemic corruption, pure chaos, and ultimate destruction to save his city. Set in a hyperrealistic Gotham City, the Dark Knight trilogy showcases a man with no superpowers fighting a cavalcade of iconic villains with true grit, tactical intellect, and cutting-edge technology. Comprised of Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rises, there may not be a greater superhero trilogy in history.
The Dark Knight trilogy moves beyond the standard superhero tropes. Nolan taps into complex themes of justice, corruption, sacrifice, and the toll that vigilantism takes on the human psyche. By giving audiences an emotional journey to watch, the Caped Crusader takes on a whole new cinematic identity. There are certainly extraordinary physical brawls within the three films, but it’s the psychological battles that triumph. Especially in the case of Heath Ledger‘s award-winning take on the Joker. The second film is almost stripped of large-scale action to make way for a mega clash of ideology. Watching the brilliant Batman nearly taken down by a sinister mastermind is tension at its finest. Gotham City was always under attack, but not as threatened as it is in this trilogy. The threat of anarchy led viewers to believe that the city was not only impenetrable but also nearly overrun by the bad guys for good. Nolan’s direction not only reshaped the DC IP but the entire superhero genre for good.
6
‘The Matrix’ Trilogy
Very few films have the power to recalibrate an entire genre of cinema, but anything seemed possible when the Wachowskis gave the world the chance to enter The Matrix. The cyberpunk sci-fi action thriller franchise follows a hacker named Neo (Keanu Reeves) who soon discovers that humanity’s reality is a complex computer simulation called the Matrix. Built by intelligent machines, the simulation keeps humanity pacified while using their bodies as a power source. Neo joins a rebellion led by Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) to free humanity and stop the machines. The epic story, made up of The Matrix, The Matrix Reloaded, and The Matrix Revolutions, blends action with deep philosophical themes that build across the films.
The Matrix is a masterclass of tension: while the Wachowskis entertain you with groundbreaking cinematic innovations, it’s the philosophical idea that our lives might be merely a simulation this whole time. There is an innate claustrophobic, life-or-death peril. There is constant dread within the Matrix, from rogue agents in the simulation to an all-out rage against the machines. The action is unrelenting, especially as the rules constantly shift. The Wachowskis keep viewers on their toes as the rules of the simulation constantly change, causing Neo to continually adapt to his surroundings. What’s worse than a rapidly multiplying Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving)? Perhaps the most intense element of The Matrix is the weight of choice. We watch characters become nearly paralyzed by moral dilemmas— namely, the decision of personal sacrifice for the greater good and questioning the illusion of free will. As much as the bullet time bent our minds, The Matrix is much bigger than it.
7
The Millennium Trilogy
One of the most highly anticipated page-to-screen adaptations in America was Stieg Larsson‘s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. But wouldn’t you know it, the American version is not the first version. In fact, the Swedish version arrived first, alongside The Girl Who Played with Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest. The highly successful Millennium movie trilogy centers on Mikael Blomkvist (Michael Nyqvist), an investigative journalist, and Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace), a brilliant but antisocial computer hacker, as they unravel dark conspiracies, corruptions, and serial murders. The interconnecting films tackle a range of themes, including corporate greed, abuse of power, systemic misogyny, and justice. With a raw, unflinching tone, the film’s portrayal of the unparalleled alliance of the iconic protagonists delivers a heart-pounding blend of intimate mystery and sprawling political thriller.
There is nothing sleek about these Swedish films. And that’s a good thing. Rather than rely on polish you might find in a Hollywood drama, the trilogy relies on a stark, oppressive Scandinavian atmosphere. It allows the ground-level themes to resonate more practically. The films works wonderfully as a compelling arc that builds upon itself. The first film operates as a tight, isolated family mystery. The second and third films then shift into an expansive espionage and legal-conspiracy thriller that brings closure to Lisbeth’s traumatic past introduced in the first film. The high-stakes threats are a ticking clock of abuse. The series revolves around the “men who hate women” overarching theme, presented in an exceptional manner. Directed by Daniel Alfredson and Niels Arden, the Millennium trilogy is rightly suffocating. No offense to David Fincher for his interpretation of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, but he was outmatched.
8
Vengeance Trilogy
If you’re still pressed about the American remake of Oldboy, now’s the perfect time to revisit the original Vengeance trilogy to remind yourself why it was a futile attempt at capturing greatness. Directed by Park Chan-wook, the South Korean film trilogy is thematically linked by revenge, ethics, violence, and salvation. Comprising Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, Oldboy, and Lady Vengeance, the films may not be linked by plot, but they are linked by the consuming, cyclical, and morally devastating nature of their shared themes. In Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, a deaf-mute factory worker kidnaps his former boss’s daughter to pay for his sister’s life-saving kidney transplant, but a tragic accident sets off an escalating, vicious, and senseless cycle of retaliation. In Oldboy, a man who is mysteriously imprisoned in a hotel room for 15 years is given five days to uncover who orchestrated his imprisonment and why. Finally, in Lady Vengeance, a woman wrongfully imprisoned for 13 years for the kidnapping and murder of a child is released, setting out to exact brutal justice and revenge on the true culprit.
Celebrated for Park’s vision, the Vengeance trilogy deconstructs the traditional revenge narratives for an enthralling, visually stunning journey of unrelenting action. The plots give way to an intense set of stories, but what sets these films apart is their intricate visual storytelling. With a bold color palette and meticulously crafted action, the stylistic approach enhances the gruesome subject into pure art that matches the chaotic nature of the central characters. Now, don’t call them heroes, as moral ambiguity reigns supreme. There are no clear-cut heroes or villains as the characters are deeply flawed yet sympathetic, driven by desperation and grief. The Vengeance trilogy begs the audience to question whom to root for as the violence enters an endless cycle. The tension is turned up to full through the concept of an inescapable predetermined fate. Park uses extreme structural symmetry in each film to remind the audience that, no matter the story, every step digs the central character into an inescapable hole they might never pull themselves out of. The technical execution of the films perfectly mirror the psychological and emotional toll of the journey. The Vengeance trilogy is characterized by unpredictability, which makes it a worthy watch.
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By Douglas Helm
| Published
Mad Bull 34 is a bonkers 90s OVA anime series based on the manga series of the same name written by Kazuo Koike and illustrated by Noriyoshi Inoue. While you would be hard-pressed to find a streaming service that lets you easily watch this hyper-violent series, you can check out a rip of it on Archive.org. If you like the buddy-cop genre, a ton of violence, and crass humor in your anime, then this might fit what you’re looking for.
This Cop Doesn’t Play By The Rules
Mad Bull 34 ran from 1985 to 1991 in Shueisha’s Young Jump before eventually getting a four-part original video animation that was released from 1990 to 1992. The series follows the toughest and most imposing cop in the 34th precinct of the NYPD, “Sleepy” John Estes, aka “Mad Bull,” and his partners Daizaburo “Eddie” Ban and Perrine Valley. Mad Bull is basically the definition of a loose-cannon cop, killing criminals without hesitation, and causing a ton of collateral damage while hunting them down.
Problematic Is An Understatement
Mad Bull 34 can be accurately described as problematic in a lot of ways, but if you like the craziness of 90s OVAs then this series is well-animated, full of creatively violent scenes, and zany characters. The series even has an ending theme song that was composed and performed by none other than James Brown, which is a crazy fact on its own.
The first English DVD release of the series came out from Discotek Media in 2013, and outside of DVD rips online, that’s pretty much the only way you’ll be able to watch it at home.
Hard To Find Today
Diskotek Media ended up losing the license of Mad Bull 34 in 2020, so it’s unlikely that there will ever be a full-on Blu-ray or HD re-release of the show; the version available online is at 720p. You can also choose between watching the dubbed version of the original subbed version, though some fans say the dub for the series is pretty good, which isn’t always the case for older anime. One fan on My Anime List even said the voice-acting is “stupendous” and that the dub is the way to go since the “accents are unbelievably well done.”
Not Good, But Not Boring
Mad Bull 34 is set in New York, so the dubbed version would likely lend some authenticity to the series. Of course, the series is also full of profanity at every turn, which probably just doesn’t have the same impact if you’re not hearing it in your native language. Some fans on My Anime List also mention that the series is “so bad it’s good” because it’s so over the top, with one reviewer explaining, “above all else, it is NOT boring.”
A Throwback To A Different Era
Of course, it’s also worth mentioning again that Mad Bull 34 was created by Kazuo Koike, who is best known for the iconic Lone Wolf and Cub. This series is miles away from Koike’s most legendary work, but it’s still interesting to think this series came from the same mind. In any case, you can access the series through the Internet Archive if you want to rewind back to the 90s’ OVA days.
DC Studios made one of its biggest animation announcements yet during the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, officially revealing three brand-new animated series: Absolute Batman, Joker: Laugh Riot, and Krypto. The projects were unveiled by DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran alongside Warner Bros. Animation, signaling a major expansion of the studio’s animated slate.
Each series offers a completely different take on the DC Universe, ranging from mature storytelling to family-friendly adventures.
Absolute Batman Brings DC’s Best-Selling Comic to Animation
Perhaps the biggest reveal of the showcase was Absolute Batman, an adult animated adaptation of the hit comic series from Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta.
Rather than following the traditional version of Bruce Wayne, Absolute Batman reimagines the Dark Knight as a working-class hero with none of the wealth, mansion, or high-tech advantages fans have come to expect. The series will adapt the darker, grounded “Absolute Universe” that quickly became one of DC’s biggest publishing successes.
Scott Snyder will serve as executive producer and showrunner, while Nick Dragotta joins the project as a producer. According to DC, the series asks a simple question:
“When you take away the manor, the money, and the advantages… what’s left is Batman.”
Absolute Batman [credit: DC Studios]
Joker: Laugh Riot Gives the Clown Prince His Own Anime
One of the biggest surprises was Joker: Laugh Riot, an adult anime series being produced with Japanese animation studio SOLA Entertainment.
The premise completely flips the traditional Batman/Joker dynamic.
After Batman is murdered, the Joker launches a violent campaign across Gotham’s criminal underworld to hunt down whoever killed his greatest enemy. As his investigation unfolds, Joker begins drifting closer to becoming a vigilante than a villain, forcing him to question who he really is without Batman.
The series will be directed by Yasuhiro Aoki with Jim Krieg serving as executive producer.
It’s one of the boldest concepts DC has announced in years and marks the company’s newest push into anime storytelling.
Joker Laugh Riot [credit: DC Studios]
Krypto Targets a Younger Audience
Balancing the darker projects is Krypto, a family-oriented animated series centered on Superman’s loyal canine companion.
Created by C.H. Greenblatt (Chowder), the show follows Krypto as he accidentally becomes involved with a group of aspiring criminals. Instead of helping them commit crimes, Superman’s best friend gradually teaches the gang how to become better people.
The series appears aimed squarely at younger viewers while maintaining the humor that Greenblatt is known for.
Krypto [DC Studios]
DC Continues Expanding Its Animation Slate
The announcements demonstrate that DC Studios isn’t relying on a single animation style or audience.
Between mature comic adaptations like Absolute Batman, experimental projects like Joker: Laugh Riot, and all-ages shows like Krypto, the studio appears committed to offering something for every kind of DC fan.
With James Gunn and Peter Safran continuing to build DC’s future across film, television, and animation, today’s reveal suggests animation will remain a major pillar of the new DC era.
By Jeffrey Rapaport
| Published
Gamers and fantasy devotees need look no further than Netflix for their next fix: the streaming platform sports 2016’s Warcraft in its roster, an action fantasy film based on the acclaimed video game series by Blizzard Entertainment. Directed by Duncan Jones, the film delivers an epic tale of fantasy-infused war, magic, and heroism, anchored in the aesthetic and unmistakable sensibility of the beloved videogame.
Beyond The Dark Portal
The film, charting the dueling narratives of the Stormwind humans and Frostwolf orcs, centers around the orcs utilizing dark but powerful magic to save their Horde. Through said magic, a kind of fantasy, sacrifice-powered super-weapon, the orcs open a portal bridging their world to the humans. From there, the two camps wage an exhilarating, cross-dimensional battle.
Battling Out Of Developmental Hell
While the real-time strategy (RTS) games and the hugely popular massively multiplayer RPG game set in the Warcraft universe preceded it, the movie’s origins also predate its eventual theatrical debut. In 2006, Blizzard Entertainment and Legendary Pictures began a collaborative venture for a big-screen feature film, one greeted with global fanfare.
Fanfare sank into disappointment and frustration, however, as die-hard fans watched the effort to turn the fantasy universe into a film endure a slew of delays and massive changes in direction, otherwise known as production hell.
Helmed By A Daring Director
Progress was restored when Duncan Jones (fun fact alert: the son of musical legend David Bowie) took the helm. Jones, having won critical respect and sizable audiences with projects like the sci-fi darling Moon, readily rewrote the Warcraft script. He endeavored to reflect a balanced take on the conflict between humans and orcs, breaking away from the traditional good vs. evil trope.
LOTHAR
For those accustomed to and familiar with the games’ eye-catching, enjoyable, and quintessential animation style, the film will not disappoint. Indeed, it’s a visual marvel, in which the colorful grandeur of Azeroth unfolds via effective special effects and strong CGI. Of particular noteworthiness are the battle scenes, enriched by intense choreography and striking visuals.
Cast-wise in Warcraft, Travis Fimmel performs ably as the charismatic Anduin Lothar. Perhaps the film’s most memorable role belongs to Paula Patton as Garona, the she-orc who leads the orc charge through the inter-dimensional portal.
For The Glory Of The Horde
The film premiered in Paris on May 24, 2016, before being released in the US less than a month later, with Universal Pictures overseeing the US debut. The enormous fanbase for both the games and fictional universe, alongside a talented director’s noticeable visual flair and involvement, was not enough to secure the reviews the film’s producers hoped for. Reviews were decidedly mixed.
Currently, Rotten Tomatoes assigns Warcraft a suboptimal 29 percent, based on 231 reviews. Experts enjoyed Jones’ credible directorial talents and the project’s impactful style, recognizing the cinematic realization of the games’ aesthetic. But the plot struck many as plodding and unoriginal.
Made Hundreds Of Millions But Lost Money
Warcraft also suffered financially, failing to exceed its break-even point of a staggering half a billion dollars. The budget was bloated due to extensive global marketing and distribution costs. Much of this international marketing and distribution effort was directed at China, where the film earned $225.5 million.
But between the nearly fifty million grossed statewide and the $439 million made worldwide, the end result was, sadly, a box-office bust.
As of this writing, Warcraft is streaming on Netflix.
Lizzo stepped out in style at the 2026 BET Awards, drawing attention with her red-carpet appearance, which highlighted her incredible weight loss transformation.
The singer has been open about her intentional move to lose weight, admitting that she once tried Ozempic before focusing on dieting and exercising, as the drug was not suitable for her.
Lizzo also recently reflected on the pressures of the music industry and the challenges surrounding the release of her latest album.
Lizzo Stuns In Shimmering Gown At The 2026 BET Awards
Lizzo commanded attention at the 2026 BET Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday, making a striking appearance as she continued to showcase her recent physical transformation.
The singer stepped onto the red carpet at the Peacock Theater in a sparkling brown gown featuring sheer detailing and a floor-length silhouette.
She completed the look with matching heels, statement jewelry, and her signature voluminous hairstyle worn loose around her shoulders. Her glamorous makeup featured smoky eye shadow, defined lashes, and a soft nude lip, while a touch of blush and highlighter added a radiant finish.
Lizzo was among several high-profile attendees at the ceremony, joining stars including Teyana Taylor, Coco Jones and Jaafar Jackson. The event, hosted by comedian Druski, “honors the individuals who contribute to Black culture as writers, musicians, filmmakers, philanthropists and more,” per the official website.
The evening also recognized several industry trailblazers, with Lauryn Hill receiving the Living Legend Icon Award, Teyana Taylor being honored as Icon of the Year, and music executive Sylvia Rhone being presented with the Ultimate Icon Award.
The Singer’s Look Left Fans Stunned Over Her Physique A Year After She Celebrated Reaching Her Weight Loss Goals
On social media, fans of Lizzo couldn’t help but gush over her dramatic weight loss for transformation, noting how stunning the star looked.
One individual wrote on X, “Body tea!!! Face card? Lethal! We love you,” while a second person noted, “My god she looks STUNNING.”
“Lizzy Lizzo! You look amazing! Beautiful tribute to Ms. Lauryn Hill as well,” another person commented, praising her performance at the entertainment event.
A fourth individual proclaimed, “Lizzo, I’ll always be your biggest fan. No matter what happens to you, I’ll always stand right behind you. Keep going!”
The star’s stunning figure comes a year after she celebrated reaching her weight loss goals.
At the time, she wrote on Instagram, “I did it. Today when I stepped on my scale, I reached my weight release goal. I haven’t seen this number since 2014! Let this be a reminder you can do anything you put your mind to.”
She then shared an image of a graphic which confirmed she had lost 10.5 points on the Body Mass Index (BMI) scale, with body fat reducing by 16%.
Lizzo Opens Up About Body Image And Her ‘Weight Release’ Journey
Lizzo’s connection to the BET Awards stretches back years. In 2020, she won Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and has earned multiple nominations throughout her career.
In recent years, the Grammy-winning performer has spoken openly about what she describes as her “weight release” journey, which began in 2023. Rather than focusing on loss, Lizzo has emphasized personal growth and well-being, explaining that her goal was never about taking something away from herself but about gaining a healthier and happier version of her life.
Speaking on Jay Shetty’s “On Purpose” podcast, she discussed the importance of language when talking about body image, noting that young people often absorb and internalize messages from public figures.
“I want to be very intentional about the words that come out of my mouth because there are young people who are watching me and they’re experiencing what I’m putting into the world,” she explained. “They’re applying it to their own experience and their own life just like I did when I was a kid.”
The “Good as Hell” hitmaker also reflected on how media conversations surrounding weight changes have influenced public perception, urging people to be mindful of the impact their words can have on others.
She acknowledged that her own journey has sparked discussions among fans and said she hopes those conversations can help people feel more comfortable and less fearful when it comes to changes in their bodies.
The Singer Says Authenticity Is The Key To Building A Loyal Fanbase
More recently, Lizzo spoke candidly about her career and the value of authenticity during an appearance on the “Swiftologist” podcast.
During the conversation, she praised Taylor Swift’s ability to build a loyal fan community, suggesting that the pop star’s connection with her audience developed “organically” over time rather than through a calculated strategy, resulting in a community that “backs her up, and that’s what everyone needs to be doing.”
According to Lizzo, authenticity remains one quality that will “never go out of style.” She noted that audiences are often drawn to people who present themselves honestly, both in their work and in everyday life. The singer added that she has noticed some of her most genuine and unfiltered social media posts frequently resonate more strongly than highly curated content.
The discussion also touched on the commercial performance of her latest album. According to figures reported by Rolling Stone, the project sold 2,649 copies in its opening week and did not chart on the Billboard 200, a sharp contrast to the debut of her 2022 album “Special,” which sold approximately 39,000 copies during its first week.
Lizzo Reflects On ‘Soul-Crushing’ Album Performance
Lizzo admitted the numbers initially left her feeling “really stressed and really sad,” especially because she considers the album among her strongest works. For a brief period, she said, she found herself tying her self-worth to its performance, describing the experience as “soul-crushing.”
During that difficult time, Lizzo said she received support from fellow artist SZA, whose real name is Solána Rowe. According to the singer, SZA reached out to check on her well-being and reassured her when self-doubt began to creep in.
Reflecting on the experience, Lizzo acknowledged that she eventually had to accept how much the music industry has changed and recognize that commercial performance is no longer the only measure of an artist’s impact. She said the setback helped her reassess her relationship with success and the expectations she places on herself.
Social media users are goin’ IN on Yung Miami‘s look for the 2026 BET Awards.
RELATED: Yung Miami Issues Apology After Going Viral For Publicly Telling A DJ He Was Putting Her & Other Clubgoers To Sleep (VIDEOS)
More On Yung Miami’s Look For The BET Awards
On Sunday, June 28, Yung Miami popped out amongst a slew of other celebrities for the 2026 BET Awards. Cameras captured her on the carpet at the Peacock Theater, and she appeared to don a gown featuring a pink bedazzled corset paired with an orange skirt.
“My ‘fit is giving very much Miami sunset,” Yung Miami told videographer Kevin Wong.
See photos of her look below.
Social Media Users Are Goin’ IN On Yung Miami’s Look For The BET Awards
Social media users started goin’ IN on Miami’s look in TSR’s comment section.
Instagram user @beresowavey wrote, “Someone said she done spent it all😂”
While Instagram user @theonlyqueenc_ added, “She looks like she hates it too 😭🤣.”
Instagram user @iamaliyahs wrote, “She even mad at her fit lmaoooo”
While Instagram user @kweenmocha added, “Caresha PLEASE. 😂😂😂”
Instagram user @mykid_x3 wrote, “I guess the boosters ain’t come through in time for her🤷🏽♀️”
While Instagram user @chef_ronisha added, “We don’t like it, and SHE DEFINITELY DON’T ‼️‼️‼️”
Instagram user @carefirst_ wrote, “Damn, nobody spent that s**t 🙃”
While Instagram user @domozillionairee added, “Somebody made this dress today 😂😂and she wore it today”
Instagram user @callme.quis wrote, “All these cute fits she been wearing to promote that damn song and she come out with this 😂”
While Instagram user @summerinmiami_xo added, “Fire the stylist!!!! Her face is giving she’s even mad!!”
Instagram user @king.onyx1 wrote, “We been sexy all weekend then this”
To note, Yung Miami donned a wardrobe change during the night.
The Rapper Recently Made Headlines By Way Of LisaRaye McCoy
As The Shade Room previously reported, Miami recently made headlines by way of LisaRaye McCoy. Earlier this month, McCoy took to her Instagram to share a clip alongside the caption, “Challenge accepted. My turn.”
In the clip, she hit a few dance moves to Miami’s latest single, ‘Spend Dat.’
RELATED: Go, AWF! LisaRaye Has The Internet Taking Notes After Hitting Yung Miami’s ‘Spend Dat’ Challenge (WATCH)
What Do You Think Roomies?
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Lizzo slams 'Khia Asylum' meme for 'flopping' pop stars: 'Weapon that targets only women'
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“Even that is backhanded in itself, to name it after” an “extremely talented incredible pillar in the Black community,” Lizzo said of the term.
Entertainment
Iconic Japanese singer, Hayao Miyazaki voice actor, and “Pokémon” star Akihiro Miwa dies at 91
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Miwa voiced characters in “Princess Mononoke” and “Howl’s Moving Castle” during a prolific career that also included voice work in 2009’s “Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life.”
UPDATE 6/29/26 at 3 a.m. ET — During his Sunday, June 28, show in Toronto, Noah Kahan made fans pledge not to poop their pants and dispose of the waste on the floor at his concert.
“This is awkward and it’s fresh in more ways than one,” he said on stage at Rogers Stadium, per footage posted via X. “When you enter this building, you enter a social contract … rule No. 2 besides don’t literally f***ing kill each other is don’t s*** on the floor.”
Kahan then had fans repeat a pledge to that effect. “I solemnly swear I will not s*** my pants, and if I do, I won’t take it from my pants and put it on the floor,” he had fans agree.
Original story below:
Singer-songwriter Noah Kahan has an unusual request for fans planning to attend his Great Divide Tour concerts.
“If you have to poop at a show please, dear God, just go to the bathroom,” Kahan, 29, wrote via X on Saturday, June 27. “Lmao I’ve pooped my pants as much as the next 29-year-old but you guys gotta understand there’s a venue worker out there with a 1000-yard stare after dealing with that.”
Kahan kicked off his Great Divide Tour in Orlando earlier this month, performing at Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park on Friday, June 26.
Like their song says, the Jonas Brothers are only human — and sometimes that means they have accidents on stage. Joe Jonas recalled a particularly embarrassing incident from four years prior during a Thursday, July 13, interview on KIIS FM’s Will & Woody radio show in Australia. The pop star, now 33, was on stage […]
“Holy s*** Philly,” Kahan wrote via Instagram Stories after the show, sharing a backstage selfie.
Without elaborating what happened during the show, Kahan suffered a wardrobe mishap of sorts.
“If that’s what tour is going to be like, I’m going to need to buy significantly more boxers,” he tweeted on Friday.
Kahan later clarified that he had, in fact, previously “s*** myself” during a concert.
“I s*** myself onstage in Charlottesville but that’s because I am dedicated to my craft,” he tweeted later on Saturday, in case anyone was wondering why he was issuing such a personal warning.
Aside from potentially soiling himself, Kahan had been excited to hit the road and perform his greatest hits for some of his biggest fans.
“Every city we play in, I’ve probably played five or six of the venues in that city. I’ve been touring for 10 [or] 11 years now,” he told Rolling Stone last month. “I just wouldn’t be in these venues without those 100, 2,000 [or] 5,000 people that came to those earlier shows.”
At the time, Kahan teased that he was equally “excited for all” of the tour stops.
“We’re still in rehearsals, I just want the show to be as good as it can get before I’m, like, too excited, but I know that the Fenway shows are gonna be insane,” he quipped of performing at the Boston Red Sox’s stadium. “Four shows at Fenway is just nuts, [then] Wrigley Field, Rose Bowl, like, these venues that I’ve just seen on TV growing up, I’m so, so excited for.”
The Boston shows, specifically, hold a special place in Kahan’s heart.
Just like Us, Noah Kahan doesn’t quite understand how Taylor Swift can do it all. “Yo, Taylor Swift must be in such good shape,” Kahan, 29, quipped during his Friday, June 26, concert in Philadelphia, per social media footage. “Holy f***, this is not easy. It’s not even a particularly hot day, I’m just not […]
“Boston, though, is always like, is home for me,” he explained to the outlet. “[I will get] to see my family and all my aunts and uncles and friends and this community of people that have always shown up for me.”
He continued, “I used to buy my own tickets to sell the shows out, like, so many more people now are coming to these shows. I’m never forgetting those moments where we couldn’t sell a show out or we would look out and be at a half-empty room … so every single show I’m excited for ’cause there’s sold out and there’s gonna be thousands of people that have supported me for a long time watching.”
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If your makeup routine feels more like a juggling act than a beauty ritual, you’re not alone. Ogee’s blush, bronzer and highlighter sticks make it easy to streamline your routine, cut down on clutter and deliver a polished look in just a few swipes. Even Halle Berry recommends Ogee’s face sticks!
New at Sephora, Ogee Crystal Contour Collection is a three-piece set designed to simplify your entire complexion routine. According to the brand, the face sticks sell every 38 seconds, and Berry is far from the only celebrity fan — Shakira and Emma Roberts also love the creamy face sticks. Be among the first to snag the sought-after sticks at Sephora while they’re still in stock!
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The formulas are packed with skin-loving ingredients that help create a healthy, radiant finish rather than a heavy makeup look. The creamy texture melts into the skin, making it easy to build up color or keep things sheer and natural. Whether you’re heading out the door in five minutes or touching up before dinner, these sticks make achieving a sculpted, glowy complexion surprisingly effortless.
They’re also foolproof to apply. Unlike powders that often require multiple brushes, these creamy sticks can be blended using just your fingertips. Swipe the product directly onto the skin, then use the warmth of your fingers to tap and diffuse the edges for a seamless finish. Ogee’s face sticks are quick, mess-free formulas that are perfect for rushed mornings, touch-ups on the go or anyone who prefers a more natural, skin-like look.
Shoppers with varying skin types are fans of the formula. “I’ve been dealing with a lot of dryness and redness lately,” one Sephora shopper wrote. “These, however, look beautiful on my skin and never leave it feeling dry or tight. The formula is incredibly creamy and blends seamlessly right into the skin for a natural, dewy finish.”
Another Sephora reviewer said: “The creamy formula melts into the skin, adding subtle definition and a healthy glow without looking heavy. Perfect for a quick, effortless makeup routine.”
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John Oliver’s dreams of being a soap opera star are coming true!
The British comedian, 49, announced on the Sunday, June 28, episode of HBO’s Last Week Tonight that he has booked gigs on both General Hospital and Days of Our Lives.
In March, Oliver appealed for a cameo on ABC’s long-running daytime soap General Hospital after discovering that ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has played the recurring role of Brick for the past decade.
“When John Oliver publicly threw down the gauntlet and said he wanted to appear on a soap, we didn’t hesitate for a second. He was everything you’d hope he’d be: prepared, professional, funny and genuinely kind to everyone on set,” General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini said in a statement to Variety. “He plays an integral character in the story, and I can’t wait for fans to see who he crosses paths within Port Charles.”
General Hospital has had numerous different cast members during its 60-year run, including some familiar faces. John Stamos got his start on the soap opera with his role as Blackie Parish from 1982 to 1984. Even though he starred on the show for only two years, Stamos has discussed the tremendous impact General Hospital had […]
“General Hospital was everything I hoped it would be. It’s a true honor to be a small stain on the history of this illustrious show,” Oliver quipped in a statement.
Oliver said on his show Sunday that he was “filled with scorching-hot jealousy” over Smith’s role on General Hospital.
“To be clear: Soap opera acting is not my Plan B,” the comedian said. “I simply offered my hypothetical acting abilities to any soap that would meet my terms, which were: I wanted to play a character with a ridiculous name, I wanted a juicy story line like murder or slapping and I wanted a dramatic close-up of my face.”
It seems both General Hospital and Days of Our Lives, the stalwart NBC/Peacock soap, answered Oliver’s call.
After 60 years on the air, Days of Our Lives has seen its fair share of memorable stars in Salem. Married…With Children actress Christina Applegate appeared on the soap opera as a 3-month-old baby named Burt Grizell in 1972. Long before marrying Ashton Kutcher and starting a family of her own, Mila Kunis played a […]
“I am happy to say that I’ve already taped a week of episodes on Days of Our Lives, which is clearly a huge honor,” he said. “It’s been home to some of the most renowned soap opera actors like Deidre Hall, Susan Seaforth Hayes and John Aniston. It’s also featured guest appearances from legends like Dick Van Dyke, Betty White and now me.”
Oliver will appear in three episodes of General Hospital airing July 2, 3 and 6. His Days of Our Lives episodes air on August 11, 12 and 14.
General Hospital first began airing in 1963 and follows the lives of the residents of the fictional city of Port Charles, New York.
Days of Our Lives, meanwhile, is set in the fictional city of Salem, Illinois, and premiered on NBC in 1965. In 2022, it moved to streaming service Peacock.
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