Prime Video has had a big year so far with the return of comic book projects like Invincible (starring Steven Yeun) and The Boys (starring Karl Urban). While the streamer has confirmed that a new season of Invincible will be released next year, the same can’t be said for The Boys, which recently wrapped up a five-season run after debuting its first season all the way back in 2019. One of Prime Video’s biggest shows to emerge in the last few years is also set to return with a new season later this year, and the series in question is Reacher. Led by towering action behemoth Alan Ritchson and based on the source material by Lee Child, Reacher has become one of the most popular TV shows in the world, and it’s already been picked up for Season 5 ahead of the Season 4 premiere.

Before Prime Video had Reacher, though, it had Jack Ryan, the Tom Clancy-inspired series starring John Krasinski. When Jack Ryan first arrived, Krasinski was mostly known for playing Jim Halpert in The Office, but the Prime Video original espionage thriller helped him become one of the most well-known action stars in the world. Jack Ryan aired four seasons over a handful of years, and while most fans thought that the story of Jack Ryan had reached a natural end following the conclusion of Season 4, Prime Video brought the character back recently for a new sequel movie, Ghost War, which is now streaming around the world. Both Reacher and Jack Ryan fans have been flocking to Ghost War over the last week, which has helped make it one of Prime Video’s most-watched titles of the year so far.

What Is the Original ‘Jack Ryan’ Series About?

A condensed version of the original synopsis for Jack Ryan reads as follows:

“When brilliant CIA analyst Jack Ryan uncovers a suspicious trail of bank transfers, he’s pulled from behind his desk and thrust into a deadly global conspiracy. Chasing rising terrorist threats across Europe and the Middle East, Ryan must outmaneuver enemies — and survive long enough to stop them.”

Jack Ryan was written and created for TV by Carlton Cuse and Graham Roland. Roland is best known for his work writing and creating Dark Winds, the supernatural Western series produced by Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin.

Check out all four seasons of Jack Ryan and the spin-off film, Ghost War, on Prime Video and stay tuned to Collider for more streaming updates.

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May 20, 2026

Runtime

105 Minutes

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Andrew Bernstein

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Millie Bobby Brown is reflecting on the most difficult aspect of adoption.

Sharing her motherhood experience on the Thursday, June 11, episode of Kylie Kelce’s “Not Gonna Lie” podcast, the Stranger Things actress, 22, admitted some parts of the process can be tougher than others.

“Every journey is different. Waiting for the call is the hardest part,” Brown said.

Sharing her advice for others going through a similar journey, Brown added, “I just would always encourage you to understand that every journey is different. Don’t compare yourself to others, don’t compare yourself to statistics, don’t compare yourself to other families, but your baby is out there, and you’ll find each other.”

Related: Millie Bobby Brown Makes Rare Comment About Adopting Her Infant Daughter

Millie Bobby Brown is opening up for the first time following the news that she and husband Jake Bongiovi adopted a baby girl. While playing a game with TIME and her Stranger Things castmates on Thursday, October 16, Brown, 21, revealed her daughter is the one thing she can’t live without after Noah Schnapp thought the answer was Bongiovi, 23. […]

Brown and her husband Jake Bongiovi, who tied the knot in May 2024, announced the arrival of their baby girl via adoption last year.

“This summer, we welcomed our sweet baby girl through adoption,” Brown and Bongiovi wrote in a joint Instagram statement in August 2025. “We are beyond excited to embark on this beautiful next chapter of parenthood in both peace and privacy. And then there were 3. Love, Millie and Jake Bongiovi.”

In the podcast, Brown also clapped back at the harsh criticism she’s received since becoming a first-time parent.

“I was like, ‘This is vicious, you are vicious,’ and I don’t have time for angry women that just need to bring you down, especially when it comes to motherhood,” Brown said on the podcast. “I’ve never experienced anything like this. It’s like, I can always deal with the, ‘Oh, my God, you showed your nipples? What a bitch!’ I’m like, ‘Whatever.’ I don’t care about that, but when you’re like, ‘You didn’t put a hat on your baby?’ I’m like, ‘Try putting a hat on my baby. I dare you [to] put a beanie on her.’”

Brown continued, “Stay in your own lane, put a hat on your baby and put a sock in your mouth. Sorry, the English is coming out of me, but it’s so true. Like, shut up.”

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Related: Millie Bobby Brown’s Baby Crashes ‘Stranger Things’ Cast Interview — Sort Of

Millie Bobby Brown and husband Jake Bongiovi’s infant daughter just made her interview debut — sort of. Brown, 21, and her Stranger Things castmates teamed up for BuzzFeed’s “The Kitten Interview” to play with rescue cats while discussing season 5 of the Netflix series. “That’s my child,” Brown quipped at the start of the Monday, […]

The Enola Holmes 3 star has long been open about her desire to start a family at a young age.

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“My mom actually had her first child at 21, and my dad was 19,” she said on an episode of the “Smartless” podcast in March 2025. “And you know, it’s been my thing since before I met Jake. Since I was a baby, I told my mom, like, baby dolls. I wanted to be a mom just like the way my mom was to me.”

Brown added that Bongiovi was well aware of “how important it is” for her to not wait too long to have a child.

“I want to focus on really establishing myself as an actor and as a producer, but I also find it’s so important to start a family for me personally,” she said at the time. “It’s a huge thing. Jake was like, we cannot do that until we get married. So that was his thing.”

This year, those in attendance at CinemaCon were the first to hear new details on David Leitch‘s upcoming heist movie, How to Rob a Bank, where he took to the stage with one of the film’s many stars, Pete Davidson. While on the ground at the con, however, Collider’s Steve Weintraub got the chance to pick the Bullet Train and Fall Guy director’s brain, including his most exciting projects on the slate.

According to Leitch, How to Rob a Bank is “a little bit of a Robin Hood for the digital age,” starring Nicholas Hoult, Zoë Kravitz, Anna Sawai, Tati Gabrielle, Davidson, John C. Reilly, and Christian Slater. In the movie, a group of bank robbers post their heists on a YouTube channel as tutorials, taunting and misdirecting law enforcement, who are hot on their trail. “There’s law and there’s justice, and we’re examining that theme.”

You can read the full conversation below, where Leitch not only shares details on How to Rob a Bank, but gives an exciting update for Netflix’s Gears of War adaptation and talks about finally getting Jason Statham Stole My Bike off the ground, and what Statham fans can expect from the action-packed comedy.

Netflix Is “100% Behind” David Leitch’s ‘Gears of War’ Adaptation

The streaming giant officially announced plans for the video game adaptation in 2022.

COLLIDER: Let’s start with the most important question. If someone has never seen Fall Guy, should they watch the extended cut or the theatrical cut?

DAVID LEITCH: Wow. I’m one of those people who ends up really liking the theatrical cut. I think a lot of directors do the extended cut because there are a lot of gems in there, but I usually end up letting those things go, and then I enjoy the tightened version of the film. So look, if you’re a huge Fall Guy fan, watch the extended cut. The unicorn sequence alone is worth it. There are some great alts that Ryan [Gosling] and Emily [Blunt] came up with that are really fun moments. I love it, but I really am a fan of the theatrical cut, I’m not going to lie.

Is Gears of War ever going to happen?

LEITCH: Gears of War, I think, is going to happen.

Video game stuff is more popular than ever.

LEITCH: We have a great draft that’s in progress that’s in really great shape. The studio’s more determined than ever to make it. Netflix is 100% behind it. The Coalition is fired up, as well. They have their game releasing this year, as well, and so it’s all lining up that that movie will happen.

The thing with you is you’re in a very, very lucky, fortunate position where you get to keep working. With so many directors, it’s a long break. You’re about to do Jason Statham Stole My Bike, which is obviously the greatest title in cinematic history, but what is it like knowing that you can keep going?

LEITCH: I feel really fortunate to be in this position. I love directing, and I love being on set. The physical production aspect of making films is one of my favorite things. I think part of it is just coming up as a performer and then a department head, as a stunt designer. Being on set and the physical making of the movie is really where I feel so much at home. So, I’m not afraid of that work. I like doing it.

I think a lot of directors like the break, and more power to them, but I feel like if I invested in the project and I really have a vision of what I want to make, I don’t really want to wait. I would like to make it. So I feel lucky to have things lined up that I’m passionate about that are ready to go. It’s really fortunate. It’s not daunting to me. People always ask me, like, “Man, don’t you want to take a break?” And I’m like, “Not really.”

Again, you won the lottery. It’s really hard.

LEITCH: Yes, I have. I’m very fortunate to be in that position. And again, it’s champagne problems.

‘How to Rob a Bank’ Is David Leitch’s Most Punk Rock Movie Yet

“I always find a heart in my films, but this has something that’s even more relatable.”

How to Rob a Bank: What do you want to tell people about it who don’t know anything?

LEITCH: This is not your typical heist movie. This is a movie that turns that genre on its head. What’s exciting about the movie is it’s a heist movie for the social media age, and not only is it a fun, provocative punk rock film that I’m so excited about, it has something to say, and it is sort of holding up a mirror to society right now in a way that I don’t always get to do as a filmmaker, and that’s what’s really exciting to me about How to Rob a Bank.

You must have done test screenings or friends and family screenings. How was the reaction to the finished film? What did you learn from those screenings?

LEITCH: We had two incredible test screenings. I always take away bits and pieces from our test screenings, but they were overwhelmingly positive. This is a movie that is going to resonate with a lot of people in a lot of walks of life. It’s asking a lot of questions about where is our society going and what are our society’s priorities?

On the surface, it’s a little bit of a Robin Hood for the digital age, but it has even, again, more things to say than that, all wrapped up. A little thing that we like to do at 87North, and I like to do, is I still want to make it entertaining and I want to make it commercial, but at the same time, again, it’s subversive, it’s punk rock, and it has something to say.

How would you describe the camera shots you did? Did you change your style at all? Was the material aligned with your aesthetic?

LEITCH: The story revolves around a group of bank robbers who’ve created a YouTube show called How to Rob a Bank. What they’re doing is they’re posting their heists online as tutorials and teaching people how to do it and get away with it. So I really leaned into the Prosumer camera aesthetic for those videos, and those videos are not only high-action heists, they’re also sort of commentaries about the bank robbers’ worldview and what needs to be happening for change.

In a fun, subversive way, they’re entertainers, so I really leaned into part of the movie as this fun YouTube Prosumer punk rock mashup of, like, “I’m making a YouTube show.” Then the other half of this movie we shot on film, shot on 35, and it’s the grounded reality of their lives and where they are in the world and what’s driving them to take such risks and expose themselves to make change.

We’re at a crossroads in the real world in terms of the haves and have-nots. I don’t want to use the term “affordability,” but I think everyone feels that it’s getting more expensive to live. You obviously made this a while ago, but how does what’s going on in the real world and what people are really talking about in the movie, and is the timing sort of like, “Wait, what?”

LEITCH: Yeah, the timing is like, “wait, what” 1,000%. This is a tale as old as time. What happens is there’s a certain point in societies where the wealth aggregates in a certain place, and then the people have to take the power into their own hands. This is just a moral tale revolving around that, wrapped up in a really fun action movie package with an incredible cast. I mean, you have John C. Reilly playing a burned-out FBI agent five years away from retirement, you have Zoë Kravitz playing a hacker on house arrest, and they become this odd couple that has to chase these bank robbers who are highly elusive. The videos are becoming misdirection, and they’re a really smart group of people, but even those people are realizing that the system isn’t even working for them.

He’s an FBI agent. There’s law, and there’s justice, and we’re examining that theme. Again, it’s kind of wild how much of a mirror this holds up to society. I think that’s why it’s so entertaining to the audience. Whatever you feel about the world today, you’re going to find someone you can relate to, a character in this movie. A lot of my films have a heart. I think Fall Guy had a romantic heart, and in Deadpool, Julian [Dennison]’s character, Firefist, had a huge heart. I always find a heart in my films, but this has something that’s even more relatable dramatically that I’m really excited as a filmmaker to have been able to do. You’re going to go on the ride with these guys, and then you’re going to, hopefully, relate.

David Leitch Talks Next Movie: ‘Jason Statham Stole My Bike’

“Mayhem ensues.”

Ian West/PA Images/INSTARimages

I definitely have to ask you about the greatest title in cinema history. Jason Statham Stole My Bike. What the hell is this movie about, besides Jason having his bike stolen? If that’s even what the movie’s about.

LEITCH: Well, it’s not. I don’t want to get into many of the details because it is the greatest film title of all time, as you said.

It really is.

LEITCH: It’s really fun.

It’s an amazing title, and I’m not being facetious.

LEITCH: Yeah, it’s an amazing title. It forces you to ask a lot of questions, and I think that’s the biggest thing. So I don’t want to give you too much because I want people to still live with the mystery of it all. But look, it’s Jason playing Jason in a movie that he’s going to have to… What’s the best way to describe it? I don’t want to give too much.

I don’t want you to get in trouble.

LEITCH: I wouldn’t even get in trouble. It’s Jason playing Jason and…

Let me just say this: I love Jason Statham, and I love his movies, but I’ll be honest and say he’s playing the same person in every film. Is he playing the same person in this, or is there a different Jason Statham?

LEITCH: No, he’s playing Jason Statham. He’s playing himself. I think that that’s what’s really interesting about it to me. I think it’s different than some of these other meta movies. We’re just really trying to capture something comedic and fun. Obviously, there is some self-righteousness going on. There is a four-quadrant element to it. It’s fun, and it’s family, and it’s a chance for Jason and I to do something we’ve been wanting to do for a long time together, and that’s, really, get together and make a story with a heart.

Is it PG-13 or R?

LEITCH: It’s PG-13.

And who’s making it? I actually don’t know.

LEITCH: Black Bear. Amazon International and Black Bear.

Where are you filming?

LEITCH: London and Malta.

I love Malta.

LEITCH: We’re playing Malta for Malta.

I was going to ask you because there’s a great tax break there, but it’s also beautiful, and no one films Malta for Malta, or not many do that. So is a huge part of the story Malta?

LEITCH: Yeah.

Now there’s a little bit more meat on the bones in terms of what this movie is about. When are you going to announce any of the cast, or can you tell me anything right now?

LEITCH: This thing is one of those beautiful moments where you say, “I’m lucky and I get to work a lot.” Jason and I had a window of time. We both had a window, and we had had this script presented to us a while back, probably two years ago now, and Jason and I talked about it, and we thought it’d be really fun to do. It was a really fun concept, and we were just trying to find windows that lined up. He called me in January, and I was posting How to Rob a Bank, and he’s like, “I got a window. My other movie fell through. I have a window in summer. Could you make it work?” And I’m like, “Let me think.” I’m like, man, I’m just finishing post, and I have something potentially in late fall. Can I squeeze that in? I thought about it for like five minutes, and I’m like, “You know what? Screw it. Yes! We’ll figure it out. Let’s go.”

It’s a small movie and it’s really a sweet, funny action. There’ll be a lot of action, but you’re going to see Jason be fun. I think that’s what’s really exciting. Jason has such great comedic instincts and he gets to do it a lot. He did it in Spy, but he doesn’t get to do it a lot is what I should say, and I think people want to see him in those roles. We have a real opportunity here to give people something fun and interesting and escapist, and again, with a heart.

How long is the shoot?

LEITCH: It’s a short shoot. Again, it’s not far off from How to Rob a Bank. It’s a 45-day shoot.

How to Rob a Bank opens in theaters on September 4. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

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September 3, 2026

Writers

Mark Bianculli

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Finding a pair of workout shorts that you love can feel almost impossible. More often than not, they either constantly ride up, chafe or require endless adjusting — and you can almost always forget about comfort. There are, however, a few exceptions, one of which is the BMJL High Waisted Running Shorts that Amazon shoppers swear by. Priced at just $20, they’re quickly becoming a go-to for everything from long runs to daily errands.

Part of their appeal comes from their rare ability to combine comfort, performance and style into one affordable workout staple. With more than 9,000 happy shoppers and plenty of glowing reviews, it’s safe to say these shorts solve many of the most common complaints that come with traditional athletic shorts.

Get the BMJL High Waisted Running Shorts for $20 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Designed with a high-rise waistband and built-in liner, these shorts are made to stay comfortable while you’re on the move. The lightweight fabric feels breathable even on hot days, while the relaxed outer layer provides plenty of freedom to walk, run, stretch or simply lounge.

Related: I Tried the $15 Yoga Shorts Amazon Shoppers Deem ‘So Comfortable’

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I used to dread Pilates days when it got warm enough for shorts because finding a pair that felt supportive and flattering seemed nearly impossible. That changed when I found Sogetdo V-cross high-waisted workout shorts on Amazon, which instantly made me feel more confident the second I put them on. For me, the biggest hurdle […]

They’re also surprisingly versatile. While they’re technically running shorts, shoppers say they reach for them far beyond workouts. Whether you’re heading to the gym, walking the dog, running errands or packing for vacation, they’re the kind of easy staple that quickly earns a permanent spot in your rotation.

Many reviewers say the biggest selling point is how surprisingly relaxed they feel: “Finally a pair of running shorts that are comfortable!” wrote one five-star reviewer. “No chafing, rubbing or riding up. They stay in place while running and the built-in liner is very soft and comfortable.”

Others agree that these shorts check all the boxes. “The length is perfect—short enough to feel flattering and breathable, but still provides enough coverage to feel comfortable during workouts or just running errands,” shared another five-star shopper.

If you’ve spent years searching for athletic shorts that don’t bunch, ride up or leave you constantly readjusting, these shopper-loved running shorts may finally be the answer. Comfortable, flattering and budget-friendly, it’s easy to see why so many people keep adding them to their carts.

Get the BMJL High Waisted Running Shorts for $20 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more running shorts here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

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Related: Finally, Waist-Flattering Running Shorts That Tuck You In Without Squeezing

Running is challenging, but finding comfortable running shorts that fit and flatter? Now that’s an even harder battle. If they don’t squeeze, they slide. If they don’t shift down, they ride up. I found myself settling, assuming it’s normal for my running shorts to shift around mid-mile. This was, however, until I tried lululemon’s bestselling […]

A challenge on Love Island USA was halted after an Islander dramatically walked off.

During the Friday, June 12, episode of the Peacock show, Aftersun hosts Ciara Miller and Tefi Pessoa appeared to help guide the Islanders on their newest challenge. They were tasked to choose which person in the villa matches the positive — and not so positive — prompts.

Sol Dean, specifically, got pie thrown in her face multiple times in response to negative questions including who was breaking girl code. She got visibly emotional — with Ciara sand Tefi stepping in to comfort her.

While the guys made excuses for why they chose Sol, she stepped away before returning to finish the challenge of. She continued to be upset with the larger group for shaming her for exploring a connection despite that being her objective as a Bombshell on Love Island USA.

Love Island USA follows a group of singles who must pair off in order to stay in the show’s luxury villa. The contestants — referred to as Islanders — live in isolation in a villa under constant video surveillance. They must be coupled up to remain on the show and earn a shot at the $100,000 prize.

While the islanders are filming nonstop for weeks, viewers are watching daily episodes and casting votes that affect the couples and the fate of the contestants.

While the Islanders paired off during Day 1, it didn’t take long for those bonds to shift. There was also the arrival of bombshells, who tempted several Islanders to reconsider their connections.

Before viewers tuned in, Peacock issued a message to remind the audience to be kind.

“The Villa runs on good vibes, and so does this community. We love seeing your reactions, opinions, and debates, but everyone deserves to feel safe and respected,” read their statement. “This is a space for fun, not negativity – so keep it kind, keep it positive, and remember: this is LOVE Island!”

Related: ‘Love Island USA‘ Season 8 Couples: Who Is Still Together? Who Broke Up?

Love Island USA is all about coupling up — so which Islanders are currently together and which have already called it quits in the villa? Peacock’s popular dating show returned in June 2026 with contestants Aniya Harvey, Beatriz Hatz, Bryce Alakai Dettloff, KC Chandler, Mackenzie “Kenzie” Annis, Melanie Moreno, Sincere Rhea, Sean Reifel, Trinity Tatum […]

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Host Ariana Madix has also had to previously issue a message for those Love Island USA viewers who are taking things too far when expressing their frustrations with the show.

“I do want to say something to some of those people who are online,” she said during a June 2025 episode of Aftersun. “Don’t be contacting people’s families. Don’t be doxxing people.”

Ariana questioned the behavior she saw on social media.

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“Don’t be going on islanders’ pages and saying rude things. You still have time to delete all of that because the islanders don’t have their phones,” she noted. “So we are giving you a chance because this is a fun, amazing and beautiful show. We should be thanking each one of these islanders every single day for giving us themselves.”

New episodes of Love Island USA are released six days a week — except for Wednesdays — on Peacock.

Join Us Weekly and Bracketology.tv in our first-ever Love Island USA fantasy league! This is your chance to predict who you think will win Season 8 and rank the Islanders weekly based on how confident you are that they will survive the next elimination. You will be playing against our editors, get access to exclusive content and have the chance to win fun prizes. Sign up for free today!

Taylor Swift has always had a friend in Toy Story, so imagine her excitement to record an original song for the fifth movie.

Appearing on the Toy Story: 30 Years and Beyond special on 20/20 that aired Friday, June 12, Swift, 36, opened up about her involvement and revealed the moment that made her particularly emotional.

Swift wrote “I Knew It, I Knew You” to accommodate a new backstory for cowgirl figurine Jessie (voiced by Joan Cusack).

Speaking on the 20/20 special, Swift shared that one line she wrote for the song really tugged on her heartstrings.

““For Jessie, I feel like the line, ‘I watched you drive around the bend for what I thought would be the last time I saw my friend,’ that hits me really hard because that movie just broke my heart,” Swift said. “So I’m really happy to like, give her a happy moment. ”

Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, who voiced Woody and Buzz Lightyear respectively, detailed how Swift’s involvement was shrouded in secrecy.

“They literally pulled us into a room and said, ‘Shut the door,’” Hanks, 69, said. Allen, 73, added, “I thought they were going to say, ‘Aliens are real.’”

In the special, Swift added that she was “grateful” to be allowed to create music for the latest Toy Story instalment.

“I felt wonderful knowing that I had Randy [Newman]’s blessing to write for this film, given that I’m the first songwriter to get to partake in the Toy Story world outside of Randy,” Swift said in a preview for the 20/20 sit-down. “I was absolutely dazzled by [the movie]. It is my favorite Toy Story movie. Don’t mind me, just really liked the movie.”

Swift recently joined forces with Newman, 82, as they performed a duet of his song “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” at the Los Angeles premiere on Tuesday, June 9. The 14-time Grammy winner also sang “I Knew It, I Knew You” for the first time during the screening.

Swift, a childhood fan of the Toy Story franchise, collaborated with Jack Antonoff on the new song.

“It’s a *Toy* Story ,” Swift wrote via Instagram on June 1, announcing the single. “I’ve always dreamed of getting to write for these characters who I’ve adored since I was a 5 year old kid watching the first Toy Story movie. I fell instantly in love with Toy Story 5 when I was lucky enough to see it in its early stages, and I wrote this song as soon as I got home from the screening. Sometimes you just know, right?”

Days later, Swift revealed via Instagram that her songwriting journey felt like a “musical departure and coming home.”

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“Creating something for Jessie was a new challenge and also felt like second nature all at once,” the pop star mused in a June 5 upload. “And being a @toystory kid from the age of 5 til now … is an adventure I plan to be on, to infinity and beyond. Thank you to the brilliant Andrew Stanton for imagining me for this, all those years ago, when you wrote this newest film. Thank you to the incomparable @randynewmanofficial for the gorgeous sonic tapestry of songs and scores you’ve meticulously woven over the years. You created the Toy Story musical world, and we are lucky to get to live in it.”

Swift concluded, “By we, I mean myself and my pal @jackantonoff. We wrote this with so much adoration for these characters that made us laugh and helped us learn lessons and think outside the backyard all throughout our childhoods.”

Toy Story 5 hits theaters Friday, June 19.

Remaking television shows doesn’t usually work out, as it’s a much different process than that of remaking a film. The best remakes are those that either change something substantially different about the original, or improve upon aspects that weren’t well done the first time. Given that a majority of high-profile remakes tend to be of classic shows that already have name recognition, there’s little that they can do to distinguish themselves from their predecessors.

It is more creatively productive to make a prequel, continuation, or spinoff to a great series than trying to start it again from scratch. Seeing the same story made twice is generally not that interesting; it tends to irritate those who were fans in the first place, and confuse those who never understood the hype to begin with. This process is even more challenging when discussing classic shows that should be considered untouchable.

10

‘The Wire’ (2002–2008)

Image via HBO

The Wire is a series that is impossible to revisit because it was originally created under very unique circumstances. Creator David Simon was a journalist on the crime beat in Baltimore, and spent over a decade compiling research about what he saw as the city’s infrastructural issues; The Wire became one of HBO’s greatest shows ever because there was so much attention to detail, which wouldn’t have been possible if someone less passionate than Simon had been working on it.

It seems unlikely that a network would give so much control to a creator to make a niche show like The Wire, especially if it wasn’t a ratings hit. Although The Wire is now remembered as being one of the greatest shows of all time, it was never a massive hit when it was airing and was often on the verge of cancellation.

9

‘The Sopranos’ (1999–2007)

Image via HBO

The Sopranos is a masterpiece in storytelling that was also a masterclass in acting, as it may have the single greatest ensemble within the history of dramatic television. While James Gandolfini’s performance as Tony Soprano is among the finest of all-time, every single character on The Sopranos was well-articulated and fleshed out; there wasn’t a single weak link in the show, which is impressive given that it ran for six seasons.

It would ultimately be impossible for anyone else to take over the role of Tony, as there’s nothing in The Sopranos that could be improved upon. Although HBO did release the prequel film The Many Saints of Newark, which featured a very strong performance by Michael Gandolfini in the role played by his father, it was unfortunately not the box office success that Warner Bros. was hoping it would be.

8

‘Twin Peaks’ (1991–2017)

Image via ABC

Twin Peaks is a miracle of a television show that managed to survive cancellation and pushback because of the unparalleled genius of David Lynch. Lynch was a filmmaker, first and foremost, so the notion of him making a dramatic crime series was unheard of. Although Lynch briefly left the production to work on his 1990 masterpiece Wild at Heart, which won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, he cared deeply about the fate of Twin Peaks and returned to direct the season two finale in order to set the story straight.

Twin Peaks isn’t a show that can be explained or calcified by a single reading, as it is the ultimate work of an expressionistic artist who is sadly no longer alive. Although there have been many television shows since that have tried to be “Lynchian,” there will never be another Twin Peaks.

7

‘Pushing Daisies’ (2007–2009)

Image via ABC

Pushing Daisies is one of the most unique and entertaining mystery shows of the 21st century, and was an early sign of the genius of Bryan Fuller. While it was sadly canceled at the end of its second season, Pushing Daisies had a long shelf life because of how rewatchable and clever it is; Fuller became such a renowned showrunner that he was enlisted to do NBC’s Hannibal, a series that managed to surpass everyone’s expectations with how cleverly it reinvented the mythology of the characters.

Pushing Daisies showed a level of ingenuity and creativity that hasn’t been seen on network television since, as there aren’t procedures today that are willing to take such bold artistic chances. Pushing Daisies is the ultimate example of what a cult show looks like, and doing anything to reinvent its story would seem like a counterintuitive enterprise.

6

‘Bones’ (2005–2017)

Image via Patrick McElhenney/TM,  ©20th Century Fox Film Corp; Everett Collection

Bones is a show that is in no need of a remake because the original series did everything possible with the concept. It’s very rare to see a series that airs for so long without ever experiencing a significant dip in quality, but Bones had 12 seasons and managed to end on a high note; even when some of the seasonal storylines got a bit silly, the excellent chemistry between Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz managed to elevate the material because of how committed they were to their performances.

Bones had so many episodes that it’s hard to imagine anyone being able to do something different with the material. While a reboot would be a bad idea, Bones could have an interesting revival series if the original cast were all to return and show the same level of dedication they did initially.

5

‘Castle’ (2009–2016)

Image via ABC

Castle is a show that is often remembered for its off-screen drama, but it is easy to forget just how entertaining it was in the first few seasons. Not only was Castle an interesting spin on the familiar buddy duo detective mystery premise, but it snuck in some clever satire of the genre itself, and also had some fun commentary on the literary world of celebrities.

Castle was a series that worked well until a certain point before the concept got unbelievable, and the tension between the stars did nothing to help it make any improvements. It’s hard to imagine that a remake could do anything differently, especially since the eighth season of Castle ended on such a sour note after it was prematurely cancelled by ABC that it effectively killed any enthusiasm for anything related to the series going forward.

4

‘Breaking Bad’ (2008–2013)

Image via Netflix

Breaking Bad is one of the very few shows that could be described as “perfect,” as there isn’t a single false note within Vince Gilligan’s ambitious crime epic. Mapped out like a five-act Shakespearean tragedy, Breaking Bad pulled off a rare feat in television history by turning a seemingly sympathetic hero into a completely psychopathic villain by the end of its run.

Breaking Bad does not need a reboot because there is still room to do spinoffs in the original continuity, as long as Gilligan is involved somehow or at least gives his creative approval. While there was initially some doubt as to whether making the prequel Better Call Saul was a good idea, it ended up being a masterpiece in its own right, and a show that some would argue is even better than the original Breaking Bad.

3

‘Boardwalk Empire’ (2010–2014)

Image via HBO

Boardwalk Empire is among the last of HBO’s truly epic shows because it was given a tremendous budget and included a painstakingly authentic process of ensuring that the historical details felt realistic. This level of dedication to perfection is what distinguished Boardwalk Empire from all the other wannabe gangster dramas at the time; the pilot was even directed by Martin Scorsese, who has made more great crime films than any other director in history.

Boardwalk Empire required that level of commitment from HBO, but it’s less likely that the network would give it that much attention now, especially since it is now controlled by a new parent company in Paramount Pictures. Larry Ellison has made no indication that he has any interest in making dramas for adults like Boardwalk Empire, as the new conglomerate is almost entirely centered on appeasing fanboys and families.

2

‘The Shield’ (2002–2008)

Image via FX

The Shield is one of the most underrated shows of all-time, and doesn’t receive nearly enough credit for how ambitious it was at a time when non-HBO networks weren’t known for pushing the boundaries with controversial material. The Shield is the exact type of show that would initiate toxic discourse if it was released today because of how illiterate the average commenter and entertainment writer is; the show presented complex ideas about divisive issues, and was incredibly bold in how it demythologized the way that television traditionally had lionized law enforcement.

Remaking The Shield would also be an impossible task because of how perfectly the original show ended; “Family Meeting” is one of the best finales ever, as it gave Vic Mackey (Michael Chiklis) the exact fate that he deserved. There’s no way that it could ever be improved upon.

1

’24’ (2001–2010)

Image via 20th Century Fox Television

24 is a series that was ahead of its time because of its construction, as each season of the show took place over the course of a single day, with the episodes playing out in real time. It was an innovative concept that worked because it was released during a time where there were still seasons that had over 20 episodes; even The Pitt, a contemporary show that also uses the real-time format, only has 15 episodes a season.

24 is also a show that has been unsuccessfully rebooted, as the sequel series 24: Legacy failed to take off and was canceled. The politics of 24 have always been fairly murky, and it is hard to imagine the series being made today without completely changing its worldview and redefining how the actions of Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) are supposed to be received.

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24

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Release Date

2001 – 2014-00-00

Showrunner

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Robert Cochran

Directors

Robert Cochran

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Writers

Robert Cochran

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2011 might not have been a classic year in cinema history, but it marked an important twelve months of change for the industry. A battle began to emerge with the widespread move from film stock to digital, with the first online cries for classic cinema to return. Hollywood had long been skeptical about certain new technologies, and 2011 saw many of said skeptics finally adopt new practices.

As well as this, theatrical attendances began to drop significantly for the first time in a decade that would see audiences shift from attending across the theatrical line-up to saving their spending money for the burgeoning cinematic universes. So, in a year remembered as a transitional period, it’s worth reminding oneself of the genuinely great cinema we also received. With that in mind, here’s a look at the ten best movies of 2011.

10

‘Take Shelter’

Image via Sony Pictures Classics

Jeff Nichols‘ 2013 psychological disaster thriller Take Shelter might not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking of 2011, but its place on this list is well-deserved. Starring Oscar nominee Michael Shannon and Oscar winner Jessica Chastain, the film follows one Ohio family man’s sudden visions of an apocalyptic future, and his efforts to save those closest to him.

In modern Hollywood, it feels as if suspense is built in a rush. For Nichols’ most underrated movie, Take Shelter, attention to detail is used to craft a meticulously ascending tension that explodes in a storm of both real and marital proportions. What might seem like an average disaster thriller is, in fact, a clever analysis of paranoia and community.

9

‘Crazy, Stupid, Love.’

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

2011 was dominated by the more “serious” genres, but that doesn’t mean we didn’t receive some great comedy. The funniest film of 2011, and one that has aged like a fine wine since, is Crazy, Stupid, Love, which is best described as ancient Greek comedy meets four of the best modern actors: Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, and Emma Stone.

The twisting, turning romantic lives of Cal (Carell), Jacob (Gosling), Emily (Moore), Hannah (Stone), and more are explored in hilarious and heartwarming detail in Crazy Stupid, Love, all culminating in one of the most jaw-dropping, cathartic twists in 2010s Hollywood. Directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, romantic comedies don’t get much better than this.

8

‘Oslo, August 31st’

Image via Nordisk Film Distribusjon

Joachim Trier‘s most recent film, Sentimental Value, stole hearts, minds, and even an Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. 15 years prior, he released only his second ever feature film, and the talent that would one day secure Oscars gold was clear for everyone to see.

Oslo, August 31 is a detailed and emotionally devastating story — something that will come as little surprise to anyone who has seen either Sentimental Value or The Worst Person in the World. A tender tale of a day-in-the-life of a young recovering drug addict, this profound achievement succeeds in being both bold and quiet.

7

‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2’

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Rarely does the highest-grossing movie of the year also rank as one of the best in terms of quality. In 2011, the stars aligned for the final installment in the magical Harry Potter franchise. In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, the eighth film in the franchise, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson)’s mission to destroy the Horcruxes comes to an explosive end via one of the most satisfying cinematic battles ever.

For what it lacks in nuance and misses out on in a disappointing villain death, Deathly Hallows: Part 2 more than makes up for in sheer entertainment value. After two underwhelming previous installments, the pressure was on for director David Yates and co to nail the landing, and they did so with awe-inspiring visuals, a surprisingly emotional core, and some of the franchise’s best performances.

6

‘Submarine’

Image via The Weinstein Company

2011 was a strong year for British film, with Olivia Colman stunning in Tyrannosaur, John Boyega breaking onto the scene in Attack the Block, and Saoirse Ronan showcasing her early talent in Hanna. But the best of the bunch from across the pond actually comes from one of the two main characters in the beloved comedy The IT Crowd.

Richard Ayoade‘s coming-of-age drama Submarine follows the eccentric outcast Oliver Tate (Craig Roberts), who struggles to find romance in school whilst also attempting to repair his parents’ marriage. Hilariously awkward in all the best ways, Submarine taps into the genuine anxiety and confusion that surrounds understanding love and romance at a young age, in all its many ungainly facets.

5

‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’

Image via Sony Pictures

He might be best known as 007 or private detective Benoit Blanc, but one of Daniel Craig‘s best-ever performances came in this 2011 adaptation of author Stieg Larsson‘s 2005 novel, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Directed by the great David Fincher, just a year after delivering The Social Network, the film follows disgraced financial reporter Mikael Blomkvist (Craig) as he attempts to redeem his career by solving a 40-year-old murder.

Craig’s pitch-perfect performance in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is only bettered by a jaw-dropping turn from Rooney Mara as hacker Lisbeth, for which she was nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards. This was one of five nominations the adaptation earned at the 84th edition of the biggest event in the cinema calendar, with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo winning for Best Film Editing.

4

‘Melancholia’

Image via Nordisk

One of the most thought-provoking movies of 2011 is Melancholia, the 12th feature in the filmography of a man never afraid of symbolic ambiguity, Lars von Trier​​​​​​. The film tells the tale of two sisters, played by Kirsten Dunst and Charlotte Gainsbourg, as they live their final days before doomsday strikes and a planet collides with Earth.

An existential masterpiece that captures both the broad and the fine, Melancholia is satisfied with being indefinite, allowing a selection of top-tier performances and some unusual set pieces to capture an essence of humanity on the edge. Key to the film’s success is Dunst, whose turn as the depressed, enigmatic Justine is perhaps her very best.

3

‘The Tree of Life’

Image via Merie Wallace/©Fox Searchlight/courtesy Everett Collection

There’s no doubt that this pick will prove divisive, as plenty of audiences reacted poorly to Terrence Malick‘s The Tree of Life. However, others have labeled the film his magnum opus, as his many layers of meaning are peeled back through some of the finest cinematography of the year, in a film that will live long in your mind once the credits roll.

Compared by the great Roger Ebert to Stanley Kubrick‘s 2001: A Space Odyssey — which is alone enough to put it on this list — The Tree of Life, to those who loved it, was regarded as the very best of 2011. A bold, visceral drama that is as emotionally diverse as it is visually stunning, The Tree of Life has aged like a fine wine.

2

‘Drive’

Image via FilmDistrict

15 years before joining Rocky on a mission to save the universe in Project Hail Mary, Ryan Gosling‘s reputation as one of the best actors of his generation began with a simple Drive. It is this very simplicity that helps Nicolas Winding Refn‘s genius to shine through, as arthouse violence and stylish cinematography help frame one of the most stylish and oddly heartfelt crime dramas of the 2010s.

Following Gosling’s Hollywood action film stuntman turned getaway driver, as he spirals into criminal chaos. A neo-noir gem that blends romance, tragedy, and breathless tension, Drive even earned a nomination for an Academy Award in a year when the Academy seemed to get many decisions wrong.

1

‘A Separation’

Image via Sony Pictures Classics

2011 wasn’t a classic year for American cinema, but thankfully, plenty of international features stood out. One such stand-out, an Iranian production boasting the directorial talent of the genius Asghar Farhadi​​​​​​, is arguably the greatest movie of 2011 entirely. The winner of Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards, A Separation is the most celebrated Iranian film of all time.

Never before have the complexities of marriage, divorce, and the chaos in between been explored in such devastating detail. A tour de force of suspense and intensity, this morally nuanced tale is as dynamic as an action thriller, with all the emotion of a tender drama. Boasting immersive performances and a masterclass in direction, A Separation is an utter triumph.

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Release Date

February 15, 2011

Runtime

123 minutes

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Director

Asghar Farhadi

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The last five years have given HBO some true sleeper hits, but none has reached the level of The White Lotus. Initially conceptualized as a limited series, the show went the anthology route and has since become one of the network’s most celebrated dramas. And it’s easy to see why: creator Mike White weaves a tight narrative about a crime that keeps you guessing to the end. Three seasons have aired thus far, with another one in the works, expected sometime in 2027. But in the interim, Netflix is trying to scratch The White Lotus‘ itch with a brand-new series that follows a similar premise.

There are some distinctions to be made, however. Netflix’s series takes place in Spain and follows relatively young characters. Think Elite meets The White Lotus. And instead of a global hotel chain, this is set in an exclusive resort that only admits the richest of the rich. The titular Oasis is Spain’s most luxurious holiday resort reserved for the wealthiest in society. Its private beaches, VIP facilities, and impenetrable security make for one hell of a summer. However, trouble knocks in paradise when police land at Oasis investigating a mysterious disappearance, and there are secrets to unearth. Everyone is a suspect, and no one is leaving until the culprit is found.

Oasis was created by Ramón Campos, Jon de la Cuesta Olaizola, Javier Chacártegui Horrach, David Orea Arribas, and Ricardo Jornet Gallego. The series stars Ana Garcés (Helena), Tomy Aguilera (Dani), and Victoria Kantch (Celia) and includes Manel Duarte (Pablo), Berta Castañé (Maca), Ada Molina (Sofia), Candela Méndez (Alicia), Álex Mola (Jaén), Laura Simón (Laura), Jan Buxaderas (Oliver), Amanda Palomino (Leo), and Blas Polidori (Jon). These cast members bring to life the guests and staff at Oasis, who carry secrets that could lead to a breakthrough in this case.

What About ‘The White Lotus’?

Meanwhile, production for the France-set season of The White Lotus is in progress. The series has already cast all major roles. News recently broke that Helena Bonham Carter had left the series, but her role was recast. The White Lotus Season 4 follows guests at the titular resort during the Cannes Film Festival. The theme for the season is fame and its effects on people in the age of social media. White aims to explore what “prioritizing likes or the attention of strangers over creating real relationships” does to people and society.

Check in to Oasis on June 19, when the full season drops. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

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Release Date

2021 – 2024

Network

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HBO

Showrunner

Mike White

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Directors

Mike White

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Writers

Mike White

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A comedy can age really poorly these days, but not one as fabulous as this. Its skincare routine is just too good; it’s moisturizing, minding its own business, and ain’t nobody going to dim its lighting. This is a movie about the things you’ll do for your family, even if that’s completely antithetical to who you are as a person, which is probably why it’s so wonderful. And better than that, it’s free to watch.

The Birdcage follows Armand Goldman (Robin Williams), the owner of a drag nightclub in Miami, and his longtime partner Albert (Nathan Lane), the club’s star performer. When Armand’s son announces that he’s engaged to the daughter of a conservative senator, the family tries to stage an extremely normal dinner to impress her parents. You already know exactly how this is going to go.

The cast also includes Gene Hackman (The French Connection) as Senator Kevin Keeley, Dianne Wiest (Bullets over Broadway) as Louise Keeley, Calista Flockhart (Ally McBeal) as Barbara Keeley, and Hank Azaria (The Simpsons) as Agador Spartacus.

Was ‘The Birdcage’ a Success?

The Birdcage hit it big at the box office, with audiences, culturally, and with awards bodies too. The Birdcage cost about $31 million to produce, and went on to gross about $185 million globally, which is just silly money for a comedy like this. It was also the #1 movie in North America the weekend it opened, and it stayed top for a number of weeks, so this wasn’t an under-the-radar performer. As for the critics, they loved it too. It was warmly received and, for those who’ve seen it lately, it still holds up well. Rotten Tomatoes currently has The Birdcage at 84% from critics and 81% from audiences. Awards-wise, it also had real recognition. The cast won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast, and the movie earned an Oscar nomination for Best Art Direction.

Directed by Mike Nichols, The Birdcage is streaming for free now on Fawesome.

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Release Date

March 8, 1996

Runtime

119 minutes

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Writers

Elaine May

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