Hayao Miyazaki is the guy, if you’re talking Japanese filmmakers who work within the animation field. There are significant directors who are – or have been – his contemporaries, like Isao Takahata (best known for Grave of the Fireflies, who co-founded Studio Ghibli alongside Miyazaki and producer Toshio Suzuki), and some animators/directors who worked before Miyazaki are also noteworthy. There’s Osamu Tezuka, and though he’s best known for being the godfather of manga, he did also direct some works, and had his manga be adapted on a great many other occasions, too. For what it’s worth, Hayao Miyazaki has also worked as a manga artist, with one of his first movies, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, being an adaptation of his manga series of the same name (the manga technically ending some years after the movie came out).

Alongside Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, there were some other great movies Miyazaki directed in the 20th century, including what was technically his first feature film, 1979’s Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro, and Princess Mononoke (1997), which could well be his masterpiece. No, okay, there are lots of movies that Miyazaki made that can compete for that top spot, since he’s so consistent and, of his 12 feature films, not one comes anywhere remotely close to being bad. He’s made five movies in the 21st century so far, and though he has talked about retiring at multiple points, no retirement plans have ever stuck, so the possibility of there being a 13th Hayao Miyazaki movie technically isn’t impossible. Still, his most recent one is a great swansong, and the oldest movie here is also considered a magnum opus for Miyazaki in the eyes of many. It has to be stressed, again, that ranking Hayao Miyazaki’s 21st-century movies is hard, since the “worst” one is still very good (and then the best ones are outright masterpieces).

5

‘Ponyo’ (2008)

Image via Studio Ghibli

Ponyo would make for a nice double feature with My Neighbor Totoro. That one was probably the gentlest movie Miyazaki directed in the 20th century, and then Ponyo’s the calmest and most peaceful he’s done in the 21st century. Put another way, it’s particularly family-friendly, perhaps being the most suitable movie for all ages that Miyazaki has directed, with that target audience maybe reflected by the fact that the protagonist here – a five-year-old boy – is especially young.

The story concerns him finding a creature named Ponyo who looks a bit like a goldfish, but she also yearns to be a human. Further, she has a magical father who doesn’t want her to remain on land, and that’s about as intense as things get, conflict-wise. Ponyo is just a nice and fairly relaxing movie, albeit one that might be a little more enjoyable for younger viewers than those who are teens or older. There’s still a lot to like and appreciate, even if you’re an adult, but debatably a little less than what you might find in some of Hayao Miyazaki’s (even better) films.

4

‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ (2004)

Image via Studio Ghibli

Even vaguely having to suggest Ponyo was the “worst” of Miyazaki’s 21st century movies didn’t feel as awful as putting a classic like Howl’s Moving Castle here, as the “second-worst.” Again, it’s still great. It is another excellently made fantasy movie directed by Miyazaki, and contains more by way of imaginative sights and ideas than you’ll find in some directors’ entire filmographies. And that he did this one only a few years after what many consider to be his best and most complete film is all the more impressive.

Though there is a sense of comparing it to that one, and feeling like Howl’s Moving Castle just isn’t as great, and that it’s possibly the closest Miyazaki came to giving the people what they wanted (not selling out, mind you, nor anything even close). If you watched Howl’s Moving Castle before all the other fantasy movies Miyazaki did that preceded it, it’d probably feel more surprising and grand, but still, Miyazaki doing his Miyazaki thing remains worth celebrating regardless. Nothing here rings of being an outright retread in any sense, either, so maybe that’s the main thing. Howl’s Moving Castle remains a vital part of a fantastic filmography, make no mistake, even if there are a few Hayao Miyazaki movies that are even stronger.

3

‘The Wind Rises’ (2013)

Image via Toho

The Wind Rises is unusual, as far as Hayao Miyazaki movies go, because there isn’t anything by way of fantastical or sci-fi elements here. You can say that about Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro, though that film is still heightened, and certainly contains strong adventure and comedic elements. The Wind Rises, though, is a more grounded affair, and sees Miyazaki doing a biopic of sorts. Well, it is about Jiro Horikoshi, who really existed, but some liberties are taken with certain parts of the real-life story. Horikoshi was an aeronautical engineer who did design planes that ended up being used by Japan during World War II, though the focus of The Wind Rises isn’t really on the war, with most of it taking place in the 1920s and 1930s (some things regarding the war are touched upon near the end).

It’s hard to recommend in the same way you might be able to recommend other Hayao Miyazaki movies, since The Wind Rises isn’t technically as conventionally fun/entertaining. No one goes on an adventure, and there aren’t any creatures or examples of sci-fi technology that stand in for other things, but the film still proves compelling as a historical drama and a romance film. It’s Miyazaki doing something a bit different and unexpected, and doing it really well. It would’ve made for an interesting and quite fitting swansong, but stands now as his penultimate film… and then might slip back further if Miyazaki’s “current” swansong doesn’t actually end up being his last movie.

2

‘The Boy and the Heron’ (2023)

That swansong, for now, is The Boy and the Heron. This one is all about legacy, and a fair bit of it thematically deals with growing old, so reading into it that way, as a particularly personal film on Hayao Miyazaki’s part, does prove enriching. It’s also something that visually seems willing to reference every past Miyazaki film in one way or another, but not really in a greatest hits sort of way, since it’s not literally revisiting old characters or settings directly. You more just feel like Miyazaki is thinking back on all the art he has created, and then reckoning with what might happen in the future, when that work exists but he no longer does.

If that sounds a bit emotionally intense, that’s because The Boy and the Heron kind of is. It’s the darkest Miyazaki film that isn’t Princess Mononoke, and it honestly gives that one a run for its money, in any event. Technically, The Boy and the Heron does astound, looking especially visually grand and creative with all the sights it depicts throughout. The core story, about a young person discovering some sort of strange world, might seem familiar at first, but it’s where The Boy and the Heron goes thematically that ends up making it not just compelling, but genuinely up there as one of the very best Hayao Miyazaki films (time will likely be kind to it, too).

1

‘Spirited Away’ (2001)

Image via Toho

So, Spirited Away has the reputation it does for good reason. It’s a perfect entry point into Japanese animation, if you’ve not already watched something kid-friendly that’s a series (the way a lot of people growing up over the last couple of decades seem to have done). Spirited Away is also mostly kid-friendly, for what it’s worth, but not to the extent of My Neighbor Totoro or Ponyo. It’s a bit darker, and definitely creepy at times, even if most of it can probably be handled by younger viewers. It’s about how the world is vast, confusing, and overwhelming, especially when you’re young, which is what the fantasy world here represents (and then some). And it is all animated and executed in a way that proves sometimes frightening and confounding if you’re an older viewer, too.

Maybe that’s the thing about Spirited Away resonating and being suitable for all ages without necessarily feeling like a kid’s movie. Anyone can relate to feeling lost in some way, and having to scrape by with the help of others, or just make the best of a bad situation. The specific bad situation in Spirited Away is getting stuck in an otherworldly realm and having your parents turn into pigs, which isn’t literally relatable, but the emotions are still there, and what the whole journey stands in for is what counts. It’s a bit like not being able to relate to being a witch, like the titular character in Kiki’s Delivery Service, but still being able to relate to having to go somewhere and effectively be an independent adult for the very first time. All these are obvious observations, but Spirited Away is about as discussed as animated movies get, so what else can you do? Oh, you can technically do one other thing: gush about how good it looks. Even by the high standards of Studio Ghibli, Spirited Away really does look absolutely phenomenal.

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Spirited Away

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Release Date

July 20, 2001

Runtime

125 minutes

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• 
• 

  Rumi Hiiragi

  Chihiro (voice)

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In 1968, the Motion Picture Association of America introduced the R rating, replacing the old censorial Hays Code with a system to more effectively let parents know about a film’s mature contents. Over the course of the past 50 years in particular, the R rating has given us several of the greatest science fiction movies ever made. They may not be for kids, but they sure are essential viewing for any sci-fi fan old enough to experience them.

Whether it’s a brutal post-apocalyptic action movie like Mad Max: Fury Road, a space exploration horror thriller like Alien, or any other sort of sci-fi gem that the MPA deemed worthy of an R rating, these truly are some of the greatest movies that the genre has ever produced. They may be bloody, sexually graphic, or simply too dark to be family-friendly; but in any case, they’re absolutely legendary.

10

‘Donnie Darko’ (2001)

Image via Newmarket Films

The 1990s were deeply transformative for cult cinema, shifting away from midnight theater screenings while taking advantage of the booming popularity and democratization of home video. It was thanks to masterpieces as iconic as Donnie Darko, one of the biggest sci-fi cult classics of the 21st century, that the midnight circuit of cult cinema regained its popularity throughout the 2000s.

Much like a lot of the best cult classics of all time, Donnie Darko was an all-around failure upon release, only growing in popularity as the years went on. Today, it’s widely recognized as one of those sci-fi movies that get better with every rewatch, a genre-blending masterpiece that’s as thought-provoking as it is delightfully bizarre. In spite of its R rating, it’s one of the most essential coming-of-age teen sci-fi movies ever made.

9

‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

After the tragic passing of his close friend and producing partner Byron Kennedy, George Miller distanced himself from the world of Mad Max following the critical disappointment that was Beyond Thunderdome. He came up with ideas for a fourth installment in the late ’90s, but it wouldn’t be until 2015—a whopping 30 years after the release of its predecessor—that Mad Max: Fury Road would finally see the light of day.

In the end, Fury Road turned out to be not only the best Mad Max installment to date, but even one of the best sci-fi action movies in film history. Full of delectably over-the-top action and world-building that only a director as masterful as Miller could have possibly gotten away with, it’s a perfectly-shot, perfectly-edited, and perfectly-paced two-hour chase scene that doesn’t lose any of its punch on rewatch.

8

‘The Matrix’ (1999)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Back in 1999, the Wachowskis‘ The Matrix proved downright revolutionary in several senses. Its visual effects broke new ground in the industry, its highly philosophical story and trans allegory showed a new face of what Hollywood sci-fi action was capable of, and its pastiche action scenes inspired by anime and martial arts films changed the face of Hollywood action.

It’s still widely remembered as one of the best sci-fi movies since 1990, a modern classic that has become one of the most essential cornerstones of sci-fi pop culture. Incredibly entertaining, incredibly thought-provoking, and incredibly stunning in terms of its timeless production values, it’s the sort of R-rated sci-fi gem that simply doesn’t get old.

7

‘The Terminator’ (1984)

Image via Orion Pictures

Canadian visionary James Cameron is nowadays well-known as a master of pushing boundaries and breaking new ground in Hollywood, but that wasn’t always the case. Rolling into 1984, the only feature under his belt was Piranha II: The Spawning. He needed a genuine hit in order to establish himself as a respectable filmmaker, and The Terminator ended up being exactly what he needed—and then some.

Where can one even begin singing the praises of this essential ’80s classic? It’s one of the most perfectly-plotted sci-fi movies ever made, full of iconic characters and unforgettable moments, and the masterpiece that further propelled Arnold Schwarzenegger into international superstardom. The ’80s are full of foundational sci-fi classics, and this is undoubtedly one of the best and most important.

6

‘The Thing’ (1982)

Image via Universal Pictures

If there were a hypothetical Mount Rushmore of horror filmmakers, then John Carpenter would definitely need to be right up there as one of the most important, subversive, and groundbreaking directors that the genre has ever seen. For proof, one needn’t look much further than The Thing, which is far and away one of the scariest sci-fi movies of all time.

Carpenter designed the film to be a more faithful adaptation of John W. Campbell Jr.‘s novella Who Goes There? than 1951’s The Thing from Another World. In the end, he succeeded not only at that, but also in making one of the most powerfully atmospheric, visually striking, and perfectly-acted sci-fi horror movies the big screen has ever seen. Carpenter’s filmography is packed with gems that could very reasonably be considered his magnum opus, and this is one of the strongest contenders.

5

‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ (2004)

There’s a very strong argument to be made that Charlie Kaufman is the single greatest screenwriter currently working in Hollywood, and there’s probably no better proof of that than the movie that earned him his first and only Best Screenplay Oscar: Michel Gondry‘s Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, both delivering some of the strongest work of their careers, it’s built on one of the best screenplays in film history.

Its science fiction elements are relatively subtle, and all in perfect service of a poignantly raw, realistic, and emotionally riveting exploration of love, connection, and the power of memories. Kaufman and Gondry flawlessly balance surrealism and character-driven drama in such a way that Eternal Sunshine has aged wonderfully as the greatest R-rated sci-fi film of the 21st century so far.

4

‘Blade Runner’ (1982)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Back in 1982, Ridley Scott‘s Blade Runner was nothing short of a catastrophic failure both commercially and critically. Little did anyone know, home video would eventually allow it to become a cult classic of such a tremendous caliber that today, it’s a sci-fi classic that’s just about as mainstream as they come. Today, one could point at it as one of the most massively influential films the genre has ever produced.

Blade Runner is, indeed, one of the best sci-fi movies in film history. Based on the dystopian novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick, it’s one of the most essential and special neo-noir movies of the latter half of the 20th century. Wonderfully directed, written with the utmost patience and intelligence, and bolstered by Vangelis‘ flawless score, it really is one of the greatest Hollywood masterpieces of the ’80s.

3

‘Children of Men’ (2006)

Image via Universal Pictures

Alfonso Cuarón has spent his entire career enshrining himself as one of the most incredible filmmakers in both Mexico and Hollywood, but well before he was an Oscar-winning auteur, he made Children of Men. This is one of those sci-fi movies that are definitely not for kids, a dystopian action thriller based on P. D. James‘ 1992 novel of the same title.

It’s one of the sci-fi movies from the past couple of decades that have aged the best, its messages on the importance of compassion, the collapse of human civilization, and the treatment of refugees around the world still being awfully timely in 2026. With its incredible cast, its perfect script, and Cuarón’s airtight and technically masterful direction, it’s a must-see for anyone who loves dystopian sci-fi and bleak action thrillers.

2

‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ (1991)

Image via Tri-Star Pictures

As fantastic as The Terminator was, it would be an understatement to say that James Cameron one-upped himself in virtually every sense imaginable with the film’s sequel, Terminator 2: Judgment Day. At the time of its release, this action epic was the single most expensive movie ever made. Every single one of those pennies went exactly where they needed to go, because Terminator 2 still feels like a refreshingly modern action thriller over three decades after its release.

There are only a few R-rated action movies that can be called masterpieces from top to bottom, and it’s pretty much beyond any sort of debate that Terminator 2 is one of them. The way it blends jaw-dropping action sequences with a surprisingly emotional story full of compelling character dynamics has aged like fine wine, resulting in a gem that’s an absolute masterclass in how to make a timeless R-rated sci-fi movie.

1

‘Alien’ (1979)

Image via 20th Century Fox

Before Blade Runner flopped, Ridley Scott’s Alien was a major R-rated sci-fi hit. Today, it’s still widely remembered as both one of the greatest sci-fi films and one of the greatest horror films of all time. It altogether revolutionized sci-fi horror, proving that a slow-burning atmosphere and a character-driven approach could make the genre far scarier and more emotionally compelling than it ever had been before.

What’s not to love about Alien if you love either science fiction or horror? It contains some of the strongest visuals either genre has ever seen, some of the most iconic scenes in all of New Hollywood cinema, and one of the best final girls in horror movie history, in the form of Sigourney Weaver‘s legendary Ellen Ripley. It’s pretty much the perfect R-rated sci-fi masterpiece, and a must-see for sci-fi lovers.

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Alien

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Release Date

June 22, 1979

Runtime

117 Minutes

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Writers

Dan O’Bannon, Ronald Shusett

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After a nearly decade-long detour, director Ridley Scott is returning to the sci-fi genre this week. The filmmaker has spent the last several years making period epics of different scales, from the character-focused drama The Last Duel to the sword-and-sandals sequel Gladiator II. None of them, however, was able to break out at the box office. Scott’s last major hit came in 2015, when The Martian grossed more than $600 million worldwide and scored several Oscar nominations. It was followed by what would become his last sci-fi feature in quite some time: a franchise entry that was released to mixed reviews and an underwhelming box-office response in 2017. The movie in question, Alien: Covenant, has its fans, but its divisive reception forced the long-running franchise into hibernation for several years while Scott moved on to other projects.

He’s now back with a new film in a genre synonymous with him. Scott broke out with the landmark hits Alien and Blade Runner, and over the course of his career, has remained attached to both properties in some fashion. He produced Blade Runner 2049, the critically acclaimed legacy sequel directed by Denis Villeneuve, and directed the two Alien prequels, Alien: Covenant and Prometheus. He also executive-produced the franchise’s latest installment, Alien: Romulus, and the television spin-off Alien: Earth. His new movie doesn’t have the legacy of a decades-old franchise to live up to; it isn’t, however, an original film. Scott’s upcoming sci-fi movie is based on a 2012 post-apocalyptic novel by Peter Heller.

Here’s When Ridley Scott’s New Sci-Fi Movie Will Be Released in Theaters

This week, the legendary filmmaker will finally debut The Dog Stars, featuring Jacob Elordi in the lead role. The movie also features Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, Benedict Wong, Allison Janney, and Guy Pearce. The Dog Stars was adapted by Mark L. Smith, the co-writer of the Oscar-winning epic The Revenant. The movie has been produced on a reported budget of $110 million, which is roughly the same budget-range that The Martian and Alien: Covenant occupied as well. Scott is well-known for juggling multiple projects at the same time, and in recent years, has divided his collaborators for orchestrating fast-paced productions using multiple cameras and rapid turnarounds. The Dog Stars will be released theatrically on August 28. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

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Release Date

August 26, 2026

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Runtime

119 minutes

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Quentin Tarantino is one of the greatest filmmakers in Hollywood today, having made a name for himself with modern classics such as Jackie Brown, Kill Bill: Vol. 1, and Django Unchained, and is universally known for his unique style of storytelling, intense action, and intriguing characters. Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, Tarantino grew up in Los Angeles and spent most of his time at a nearby movie theater where his love for film and storytelling flourished into an undeniable passion, leading him to write one of his earliest screenplays at the age of fourteen.

In 1992, Tarantino made his feature-length directorial debut with his crime thriller, Reservoir Dogs, but two years later, the young filmmaker’s career officially took off with his 1994 Oscar-winning classic, Pulp Fiction. Over the years, the writer and director has become a defining figure in modern cinema and continues to captivate audiences with his artistic ambition and unpredictability. Tarantino has delivered a collection of notable flicks, including Inglourious Basterds and Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood, with many of them being credited as some of the finest films to grace the silver screen in years.

10

‘Death Proof’ (2007)

Image via Troublemaker Studios

Kurt Russell stars in the 2007 slasher movie, Death Proof, as a stuntman, Mike, who cruises around picking up young women only to murder them with modified cars that he believes to be “death-proof.” The movie was originally released as part of Robert Rodriguez‘s Grindhouse, which flopped at the box office, leading Tarantino to release Death Proof as a standalone movie. The film’s combination of sharp dialogue, memorable characters, dark humor, and brutal suspense showcases Tarantino’s distinctive filmmaking style, while Russell gives one of his most entertaining performances as a charismatic madman that varies from his traditional good-guy roles.

While Tarantino has cited Death Proof as the worst film he’s ever made, the movie still has several strengths, notably the contrast between its relaxed, conversational first half and its increasingly intense second half, which culminates in a thrilling car chase and a satisfying reversal of power. Tarantino also fills the film with references to 1970s exploitation movies, complete with deliberately rough visual touches that give it an authentic grindhouse feel, effectively immersing audiences in a nostalgic movie-going experience.

9

‘Jackie Brown’ (1997)

Image via Miramax Films

Jackie Brown is a thrilling homage to blaxploitation films based on the 1992 novel Rum Punch, written by Elmore Leonard, and stars Pam Grier as the titular character, a clever flight attendant who, after being caught by the authorities trying to smuggle money for her arms dealer boss (Samuel L. Jackson), decides to play both sides against each other and take off with the money herself. The movie was both a critical and commercial success and earned praise from critics, notably Roger Ebert, who gave the movie four out of four stars, citing it as one of his favorite movies of the year.

Unlike some of Tarantino’s more explosive movies, Jackie Brown is a hangout movie that takes its time, allowing the characters and shifting alliances to develop naturally, which essentially sets it apart from other crime films of its time. The movie earned several award nominations, including an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for Robert Forster and two Golden Globe Award nominations for Grier and Jackson. Its stylish 1970s atmosphere, excellent soundtrack, intricate plot, and emphasis on character over spectacle are just a few qualities that make Jackie Brown one of Tarantino’s most rewarding and underrated films.

8

‘The Hateful Eight’ (2015)

Image via The Weinstein Company

Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight combines his trademark dialogue, dark humor, brutal violence, and morally complex characters with the traditional tropes of the Western genre, delivering a tense mystery that would impress Agatha Christie herself. Set in Wyoming after the Civil War, the movie follows several strangers who all seek shelter from a blizzard in a remote cabin and are forced to confront one another while suspicion and paranoia steadily build around them. The movie features an ensemble cast including Kurt Russell, Samuel L. Jackson, Walton Goggins, and Tim Roth, as well as a haunting musical score composed by the legendary Ennio Morricone.

The gorgeous 70mm cinematography, razor-sharp dialogue, and unpredictable twists give The Hateful Eight the feel of a classic Western mixed with a locked-room murder mystery, making it one of Tarantino’s most ambitious and memorable films. The Hateful Eight received three Oscar nominations, including Best Cinematography and Best Supporting Actress for Jennifer Jason Leigh, and went on to win Best Original Musical Score for Morricone.

7

‘Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood’ (2019)

Leonardo DiCaprio stars in Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood as a former Western TV star, Rick Dalton, who, along with his stunt double and best friend, Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt), tries to find their place in the rapidly changing film industry while the chaos and increasing violence of society begin to creep towards the doorstep of Hollywood’s rising star, Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie). DiCaprio and Pitt give outstanding performances, with their chemistry providing much of the film’s heart and humor, while Robbie shines as the lovely and bubbly Tate.

Tarantino creates an incredibly detailed recreation of late-1960s Hollywood that makes the backdrop and its culture feel like characters themselves, while the alternate-history approach to the Manson murders turns real-world tragedy into a violent, darkly comic fantasy. Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood earned ten Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director, and ended up winning for Best Production Design and Best Supporting Actor for Pitt. With its fantastic performances, authentic atmosphere, and unforgettable finale, Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood is easily one of Tarantino’s most entertaining and emotionally satisfying films to date.

6

‘Kill Bill: Volume 2’ (2004)

Image via Miramax Films

Uma Thurman returns in Kill Bill: Vol. 2 as the fierce assassin, Beatrix, A.K.A. the Bride, who, after leaving a slew of bodies behind her, continues to cross off the names on a list she compiled of those who tried to kill her four years ago before her wedding, including her former boss and boyfriend, Bill (David Carradine). While Kill Bill: Vol. 1 focuses heavily on action and revenge, Vol. 2 slows down to explore Beatrix’s relationships, her past, and her complicated connection with Bill, exposing a more humanizing side to the vengeful heroine without downplaying her physicality and purpose.

The dialogue is sharp and memorable, especially during the long conversations between Beatrix and Bill, while the action sequences feel meaningful because they reflect Beatrix’s growth and determination. The movie also blends martial arts, Western, romance, and drama in a way that only a filmmaker of Tarantino’s caliber could pull off with such precision and originality. The emotional depth, combined with Tarantino’s incredible dialogue, fascinating characters, cinematography, and vivid storytelling, makes Kill Bill: Vol. 2 one of his finest films of all time.

5

‘Inglourious Basterds’ (2009)

Image via The Weinstein Company

Brad Pitt stars in Inglourious Basterds as an Allied officer, Lieutenant Aldo Raine, who, along with a group of American soldiers, join forces with a German actress (Diane Kruger) to take down the leaders of the Third Reich at the premiere of their latest propaganda film, while the owner of the theater, Shosanna Dreyfus (Mélanie Laurent), has a plan of her own hidden up her sleeve. As Raine and everyone else prepare for their plan, they are unaware that the fearsome SS colonel, Hans Landa (Christoph Waltz), has caught on to their elaborate plot, raising the already high stakes to unforeseen heights for everyone involved.

Inglourious Basterds keeps audiences engaged through long, tense conversations, with the opening scene immediately establishing Tarantino’s ability to build suspense with little to no dialogue, cementing it as one of his most distinctive and impressive movies. While the overall cast delivers exceptional performances, Waltz undoubtedly steals the show, conveying his character with charm and intimidation in a way that is both alluring and unsettling. Inglourious Basterds received eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay, and went on to win for Best Supporting Actor for Waltz’s tremendous performance.

4

‘Django Unchained’ (2012)

Image via The Weinstein Company

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Tarantino’s revisionist Western, Django Unchained, is a gripping tribute to the spaghetti Western starring Jamie Foxx as a slave, Django, who, with the help of a German bounty hunter, Dr. King Shutlz (Christoph Waltz), sets out to rescue his wife (Kerry Washington) from a ruthless plantation owner, Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio). The title refers to the 1966 spaghetti Western, Django, starring Franco Nero, who also has a brief cameo in Django Unchained, which provides a bit of comic relief to the extreme intensity of the scene.

The film’s greatest strength is Tarantino’s ability to rawly explore the brutality of slavery while also creating an entertaining and unpredictable revenge story, making it one of the best Westerns in movie history. Foxx gives a tour de force performance as Django, and effectively uses his character’s quiet and reserved demeanor to conceal his wrath until the perfect moment. With its stylish visuals, edgy dialogue, emotional moments, and satisfying action sequences, Django Unchained shows how Tarantino can take a serious subject and turn it into an innovative and unforgettable film. Out of its five Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Django Unchained won for Best Original Screenplay for Tarantino and Best Supporting Actor for Waltz.

3

‘Kill Bill: Volume 1’ (2003)

Image via Miramax Films

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Tarantino’s action-packed hit, Kill Bill: Vol. 1, is a love letter to the Kung Fu and Western genres, celebrated for its vibrant visuals, catchy soundtrack, and creative camerawork. Uma Thurman stars as a former assassin, Beatrix, who hunts down her former boss and boyfriend, Bill (David Carradine), and the people responsible for nearly killing her four years ago. Tarantino had originally planned on releasing both volumes together, but with a runtime of over four hours, he was forced to split the project into two separate films while also cutting several vital scenes.

While both movies are genuine masterpieces, Tarantino’s full vision came to fruition with Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair, which is simply a sight to behold and a must-see for any diehard Tarantino fan. What makes Kill Bill: Vol 1 stand out is how Tarantino brilliantly combines elements of martial arts films, samurai movies, and classic revenge stories to create something that feels both familiar and original. Between its brutal action, Thurman’s powerhouse performance, and distinctive style, Kill Bill: Vol. 1 shows Tarantino at his most energetic and visually creative and is hands down one of his all-time best contributions to contemporary cinema.

2

‘Reservoir Dogs’ (1992)

Image via Miramax Films

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Reservoir Dogs is a vital Tarantino movie that not only led to the director making his first major mark on the big screen but also embodies many of the elements that would go on to define the director’s signature style of filmmaking. The movie follows six criminals, all with pseudonyms, who are hired to carry out a robbery, but when things go horribly wrong, the surviving culprits realize that they were set up by someone in the group, forcing them to smoke the traitor out at any cost.

Reservoir Dogs is a simple but ingenious crime thriller that stands out for its quick-witted dialogue, non-linear storytelling, menacing humor, and intense violence. The characters, played by an ensemble cast of stars including Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen, and Steve Buscemi, are especially memorable and, despite a lack of backstory and details, are incredibly detailed. While the movie takes off running and quickly comes to a slow pace, the tension constantly rising between the criminals manages to maintain and even build up the intensity, showcasing Tarantino’s uncanny ability to create suspense through conversations and character interactions rather than relying only on action.

1

‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994)

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Tarantino’s legendary neo-noir thriller, Pulp Fiction, is an iconic throwback to hardboiled crime fiction and is often considered to be Tarantino’s best movie, mainly because it perfectly captures everything that makes his filmmaking so unique and distinct. The movie follows a non-linear narrative about several different characters whose storylines eventually become intertwined, making the plot unpredictable and engaging from beginning to end. The movie was a massive success, earning praise for its original story and string of compelling performances by an all-star cast including John Travolta, Bruce Willis, and Uma Thurman, and has since been credited as one of the most significant movies of its era.

Tarantino’s rich dialogue turns ordinary conversations into some of the most memorable scenes in the movie, while moments of over-the-top action and unexpected plot twists effectively keep audiences on their toes at all times. Pulp Fiction received seven Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor, and went on to win Best Original Screenplay for Tarantino, marking his first of two wins in the prestigious category. While Tarantino has delivered an array of notable modern classics, the combination of strong characters, clever storytelling, and unforgettable scenes in Pulp Fiction is what ultimately makes it not only an influential masterpiece but also Tarantino’s greatest cinematic achievement (so far).

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Pulp Fiction

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Release Date

September 10, 1994

Runtime

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154 minutes

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After a 10-year gap during which he experimented with long-form streaming and glamorous advertisements, director Nicolas Winding Refn made his long-awaited return to feature filmmaking with Her Private Hell. Starring Sophie Thatcher and Charles Melton, the movie divided critics and audiences and grossed $1 million at the box office. Refn’s last film was the 2016 thriller The Neon Demon, which made around $3.5 million; before that, he directed Only God Forgives, which ended its run with $10 million. All of this is to say that Refn hasn’t replicated, nor shown particular interest in replicating, the box-office success of 2011’s Drive. The movie took a decidedly arthouse approach to mainstream entertainment, and grossed more than $80 million at the box office. Drive remains one of the most acclaimed cult classics of the 2010s, and now, the movie that it was modeled on is available to stream on HBO Max for its fans.

However, the film won’t be around for much longer, as it’s slated to be removed from the platform next month. The movie was originally released in 1967, which makes it nearly 60 years old. It follows a silent assassin who must uncover why he’s being targeted. The classic film was directed by Jean-Pierre Melville, and has influenced everything from Refn’s Drive, the John Wick franchise, and Frederick Forsyth’s bestselling novel The Day of the Jackal, which inspired a 1973 movie and a 2024 series. Defined by its cool aesthetic and Alain Delon’s central performance as the suave assassin, the film also influenced Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver, Luc Besson’s Léon: The Professional, and the Star Wars series The Mandalorian.

Here’s How Long You Have Left to Watch the Influential Assassin Movie on HBO Max

We’re talking, of course, about the landmark neo-noir thriller Le Samouraï. The movie now holds a “Certified Fresh” 92% score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, where the consensus reads, “Le Samouraï makes the most of its spare aesthetic, using stylish — and influential — direction, solid performances, and thick atmosphere to weave an absorbing story.” Quentin Tarantino has spoken about the movie’s impact on fashion, while Variety critic Peter Debruge hailed it as “the coolest film ever made.” You can watch Le Samouraï on HBO Max until September 30, and stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

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Release Date

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October 25, 1967

Runtime

105 Minutes

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Director

Jean-Pierre Melville

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  François Perier

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  Le Commissaire

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  Nathalie Delon

  Jane Lagrange

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This week began on a sad note. On Sunday, August 16, actress Hayden Panettiere passed away at the age of 36. Many former co-stars have spoken out about her passing, which came a few months after the release of her memoir. In addition, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have announced plans to move back to the U.K., drawing mixed reactions. There have been a few more updates in the political world, and The Blast has exclusives ranging from “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” to a legal expert weighing in on the “completely different” strategy playing out in the Tupac murder trial. Check out the latest news and updates in another edition of The Weekly Blast.

Hayden Panettiere Passed Away At Age 36

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Best known for her roles in “Heroes,” “Nashville,” and the “Scream” movie franchise, many fans took to social media to pay tribute to the beloved actress, who was open with her struggles with mental health and addiction.

A doctor once warned her that she could be “dead within five years” if she didn’t get her drinking under control, but she was determined to “leave the world” a better place in final remarks made before her sudden death.

According to the autopsy report, no signs of trauma were found that would have contributed to her death, although 911 dispatch audio said a female was in “cardiac arrest.” The dispatch audio reportedly referenced a possible overdose.

Her mother blamed their estrangement on a “toxic individual,” while actor Jack Coleman called out the “predatory” treatment that she faced from paparazzi. One director who previously worked with the actor also recalled talks about an intervention before her sudden passing.

Questions Have Been Raised About Her Boyfriend, Brian Hickerson

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Hayden Panettiere’s neighbor made some troubling claims about her boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, including repeated calls to 911.

Reports of his money troubles also resurfaced. It is not clear if the two were involved following her death, but one source claimed that he had “inserted himself” into her life. Yet another insider said that they had gotten back together in a romantic relationship before he passed away.

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle To Return To The UK

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Following brutal advice to “disappear professionally” as they faced another major Hollywood flop, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are heading back to the UK with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

One expert claims that the decision has Prince William and Kate Middleton “tearing their heart out,” while others have questioned what the move means for the brothers’ estrangement.

For Meghan Markle, it’s been said that she is dealing with “mixed emotions” regarding the move, which may have been fueled by growing financial concerns.

Ariana Grande Gets Political & More Trump News

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Ariana Grande has asked the White House to stop using her music once again. It’s not the first time that she’s made the request. The singer has never been shy about discussing politics with her fans, and openly supported Kamala Harris during the 2024 Presidential Election.

Meanwhile, current U.S. President Donald Trump is in hot water after he told a little boy that he wouldn’t have jumped in to rescue him after a near-drowning, prompting backlash online.

Trump also threatened “tremendous” consequences for Iran allies and pushed a new crypto bill – the Clarity Act – after his family’s crypto ventures generated more than $1 billion in 2025.

His wife, Melania Trump, is also reportedly about her husband’s allegedly close relationship with his aide, Natalie Harp. The aide’s brother has also spoken out about the “sad” reason she is “infatuated” with the current U.S. President.

The Blast Exclusives: Everything You Missed This Week

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This week, the “Sexiest Data Scientist,” Bianca Stanciu, revealed the unexpected compliment that men secretly yearn for.

Jen Affleck teased a “huge divide” on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” spin-off.

One Vegas attorney broke down the “completely different” strategy playing out in the Tupac murder trial.

Edwin McCain joined a “Big Time Rush” star for an unexpected Olivia Rodrigo cover.

One popular Vegas influencer turned a childhood magic dream into reality with a brand new show.

See inside the $37,000 “Let’s Marry Harry” plane that took Harry Jowsey to Vegas!

Anya Taylor-Joy is on top of the world right now after the release of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which was the first feature film of 2026 to reach $1 billion at the global box office. Other movies such as Michael, Toy Story, The Odyssey, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day have also reached the milestone. Taylor-Joy can also be seen on Apple TV starring in one of the most underrated crime thrillers of the year, Lucky, with Timothy Olyphant. Later this year, she’s confirmed to return and reprise her role as Alia Atreides in Dune: Part Three, which opens in theaters on December 18. Her wacky thriller with Chris Evans, Sacrifice, has been acquired by Netflix for release later this year — safe to say ATJ is as booked and busy as any star in 2026.

One of the most underrated movies of Anya Taylor-Joy’s career came back in 2022 when she teamed up with director Robert Eggers for The Northman. Taylor-Joy previously starred in The Witch for Eggers, who has gone on to direct other hits like Nosferatu. The Northman infamously bombed at the box office due to its bloated $90 million budget — the film grossed only $75 million, but it’s become one of the most popular movies in the world on streaming over the last few years. Right now, it’s available to stream on Netflix, and the streamer has not announced any plans for it to depart the platform anytime soon. Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang, and Ethan Hawke all have key roles in The Northman, which was co-written by Sjón and director Robert Eggers.

What Is ‘The Northman’ About?

The official synopsis for The Northman, which earned scores of 90% from critics and 64% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, reads as follows: “Prince Amleth watches his father slain and his mother stolen away, escaping with one vow burning in his heart: avenge his father, save his mother, kill his uncle. Years later, grown into a fearsome Viking warrior, Alexander Skarsgård’s Amleth infiltrates his uncle’s (Claes Bang) fortress in disguise, aided by a mysterious sorceress (Anya Taylor-Joy), as fate drives him toward a brutal reckoning.” The Northman is the perfect mash-up of Gladiator and Vikings, as it features some all-time great historical action scenes set against the backdrop of a world steeped in immersive Norse lore.

Check out The Northman before it’s removed from Netflix and stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of Anya Taylor-Joy’s future projects.

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April 22, 2022

Runtime

137 minutes

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Superheroes are inescapable nowadays, but there was once a time when they were actually a novelty, especially on live-action TV. Although DC and Marvel now dominate even prestige television programming, it was NBC’s Heroes that reintroduced the genre to larger audiences back in 2006, when most people thought about it only as Saturday morning cartoons. Created by Tim Kring, it imagined a world where some individuals suddenly found themselves dealing with newfound superpowers, and it even introduced traditional comic book structures and narrative formats before they became a thing on visual media. With one of the best first seasons on 2000s TV and three competent following installments, now is the perfect time to binge or revisit Heroes, as it has just arrived on Netflix, too.

‘Heroes’ Told an Original Superhero Story on TV Before the Rise of Marvel and DC

When Heroes first premiered in 2006, “Save the cheerleader, save the world” was repeated ad nauseam among viewers and in marketing pieces, making it one of the most celebrated phrases in 2000s pop culture. It was one of the many things about the series that stuck with the audience, one of the first things people usually remember about it, and the simplest way to describe the story, really, as the cheerleader in question, Claire Bennet (played by the late and great Hayden Panettiere), plays a pivotal role.

It all begins when, after a solar eclipse, seemingly random people around the world discover that they now have superpowers. Claire has superhuman fast healing, Japanese office worker Hiro Nakamura (Masi Oka) controls space-time, New York nurse Peter Petrelli (Milo Ventimiglia) can mimic other powered individuals’ abilities, and so on. The scope of their powers varies between each person, but, in general, they try to keep their abilities concealed — until a common threat brings them together to prevent a catastrophe in New York.

Of course, not every superhuman intends to use their powers for good. The story is put into motion when Claire, the cheerleader, is targeted by a serial killer who has been killing superhumans with particular cruelty. Soon, the few non-powered humans who are aware of this new reality start organizing, too, and what starts as a collection of individual stories about destiny and responsibility quickly grows into a larger conspiracy with stakes being constantly raised for everyone.

‘Heroes’ Also Introduced Typical Comic Book Structure and Devices Into Live-Action Television

Image via NBC

If Heroes sounds too similar to superhero comic book stories, that’s entirely by design. Tim Kring conceived the story to be relatable to the larger audience, but still rooted in a typical comic book structure. The biggest difference from other regular series of that time is that, although Heroes does have four seasons, the story is actually divided into volumes; Seasons 1 and 2 are one volume each, while Seasons 3 and 4 are two volumes a piece, each with its own conflict, dynamics, and looming threat.

Besides structure, Heroes also draws from the storytelling language, framing each episode as if it were an actual comic book issue. They end in cliffhangers more often than not and work like pages in a larger, overarching story where different storylines converge. The same goes for the visual language of the series; the most obvious nod is the in-universe 9th Wonders! comics, but even the framing in most shots feels as if they were taken straight from a comic book. It’s no surprise, then, to learn that big names from the comic book industry also worked on Heroes, like writer Jeph Loeb and artist Tim Sale.

Nowadays, this is all easy to spot in Marvel movies and series, but it was Heroes that blazed a trail for these tools to be incorporated into live-action. Two years before the MCU even began with Iron Man and its crossovers and event-based storytelling filled with post-credits scenes as cliffhangers, the NBC series was already keeping audiences hooked for the following week, excited to see who could even save the proverbial cheerleader. No multiversal shenanigans here, just good old-fashioned character-driven storytelling.

‘Heroes’ Well-Built Mythology Helped Launch and Consolidate Many Acting Careers

Saving the cheerleader to save the world might be the entry point, but as it gets there (and, eventually, past it, too), Heroes builds one of the best and most elaborate mythologies on 2000s television, and that’s saying something considering it aired at the same time as Lost. Besides learning how to control and conceal their powers, each character also has to understand their place among the other superpowered individuals, and that usually comes at a high price in terms of personal sacrifice.

Building mythologies from the ground up often requires sprawling ensemble casts, too, and, luckily, Heroes has that, too. The undeniable best, Zachary Quinto‘s Sylar, easily remains among the best villains in the superhero genre. His polar opposite, Milo Ventimiglia’s Peter Petrelli, brought the actor to a wider audience between his works on Gilmore Girls and This Is Us. And, of course, Hayden Panettiere will always be remembered for her standout roles in Scream and Nashville, among many others, but for some of us, she will always, always be the most important cheerleader in the world.

So, watching Heroes nowadays has an interesting double effect. First, it’s about how superhero stories were told on TV before they became a huge cultural phenomenon, and how much of what made the genre so big was already making Heroes special. Second, it’s like watching a time capsule of actors before they became the stars everyone knows them as today, and not just limited to Quinto, Ventimiglia, and Panettiere, of course. Considering this legacy, there’s just no better weekend binge than Heroes right now.

Heroes is available to stream on Netflix.