Anime is more popular than ever, but that also means that manga, the source material for the majority of anime, is also feeling the effects. This medium has gained millions of new readers exploring worlds on paper to see what happens after the latest season. Of all the demographics, shōnen is by far the most famous, with hit series such as One Piece. But over the past decade, fans have noticed these series aimed at teenage boys getting increasingly darker.

Maybe it is because more than just teenagers read shōnen manga now, but a new sub-demographic has spawned out of it: dark shōnen. It isn’t official; it’s more of a fan delegation, but dark shōnen are revered as some of the greatest the modern day has to offer. That is why this list will rank the ten best dark shōnen manga of all time based on writing, art, creativity, darkness, entertainment value, popularity, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and overall quality.

10

‘The Promised Neverland’ (2016-2020)

Image via Shōnen Jump

Fans may remember this series for its infamous anime ending, but readers can rest assured, the manga is nowhere near that bad. The Promised Neverland follows a group of orphans in a top-of-the-line facility made to train them well and find new parents more easily. However, when they learn that they are being raised as monster food, the children must plan a great escape into the unknown world.

The manga’s ending wasn’t renowned, but it was certainly better than the anime. The Promised Neverland delivered the best first few chapters in manga history, setting up its dark twist perfectly with a thrilling and haunting payoff. Unlike battle shōnen manga, this one focuses on its storytelling prowess, creating a gripping narrative from start to finish that embodies the spirit of dark shōnen.

9

‘Kagurabachi’ (2023-present)

Image via Shonen Jump

As mentioned, dark shōnen manga have picked up in popularity recently, and the most recent hit sensation is Kagurabachi. Chihiro is the son of a master blade smith, but after his father is murdered, he goes on a blood-fueled quest for revenge. However, he must also recover the six blades his father forged before his death from the hands of evil.

It may be the newest manga on this list, but Kagurabachi has already established itself as a modern icon, and as it continues, it has the potential to be even higher on this list. Known for its magnificent panelling that perfectly frames the action, it is easy and gorgeous to read this action masterpiece. Kagurabachi has an anticipated anime coming out in 2027, with many believing it could be the next big thing.

8

‘Blue Exorcist’ (2009-present)

Image via Studio VOLN

Before many of the popular dark shōnen manga, there was Blue Exorcist, a pioneer of this demographic that didn’t get enough recognition. Rin has always been different, but when he learns that his father is Satan, he enrolls at a demon-killing academy to learn the craft. The other students fear him, but he doesn’t let that get in the way of his goal to defeat Satan himself.

Blue Exorcist may not get its due, but this manga is a cult classic with a dedicated fandom that understands how incredible it is. Starting as a fairly generic shōnen, it has evolved with every arc, becoming darker and more engaging. The plot developments are unexpected and refreshing, creating unique supernatural scenarios that enhance the character development, dynamics, and visual style.

7

‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ (2018-2024)

Image via Shounen Jump

Out of all the dark shōnen manga on this list, Jujutsu Kaisen is arguably the most popular. Yuji Itadori is a fairly normal kid, but when he accidentally swallows the finger of an ancient demon, he is thrust into the world of the supernatural and sorcery. Some want to execute him, and others want to use him in their evil schemes, but Yuji only wants to use his power to save as many people as possible.

Jujutsu Kaisen is the definitive dark shōnen manga, even if the ending is unfortunately less than ideal. It may not have been the best manga ending ever, but that didn’t take away from the years of the greatest fight scenes put to paper. Jujutsu Kaisen is a masterclass of action that helped popularize dark shōnen with its brutal fights, shocking deaths, and supernatural intrigue.

6

‘Dai Dark’ (2019-present)

Image via Gessan

Fans may know Dorohedoro, one of the greatest seinen manga series of all time, but the creator is back with a new title, this time being a shōnen. Dai Dark is set in a grotesque gothic version of space, following Zaha, an entity whose bones are rumored to grant any wish. This rumor puts him in constant danger, with bounty hunters and organizations trying to kill him.

Dai Dark doesn’t reach the heights of Dorohedoro, but it makes its dark aesthetic available to a wider audience. No other manga boasts as impressive and unique a visual style as Dai Dark, creating a dark, yet quirky atmosphere with endearing characters. The manga’s black comedy and chaotic worldbuilding create a hilarious, surreal sci-fi experience unlike anything fans have ever seen.

5

‘Black Butler’ (2006-present)

Image via GFantasy

The historical genre has gotten more and more popular over the past decade, and one of the original manga series within this genre was Black Butler. Ciel is the sole survivor of the Phantomhive family, which dedicated itself to handling the Queen’s dirty business. Alongside his demon butler, Ciel takes on messed-up and gruesome jobs to make Victorian London a better place.

Black Butler is a fantastic historical manga that blends Victorian-era mystery intrigue alongside a dark and supernatural plot. This manga knows when to deliver an action-packed fight scene and when to use its gothic style. Black Butler can get shockingly real while handling uncomfortable subject matter, yet it maintains its entertainment value with constant mystery and borderline horror.

4

‘Chainsaw Man’ (2018-2026)

Image via Shounen Jump+

This list mentioned Jujutsu Kaisen‘s lackluster ending, but one other modern series one-upped it with an even worse conclusion: Chainsaw Man. Denji and his pet demon Pochita have had a rough life, but when Makima brings him to the demon-hunting association, he learns of simple luxuries he could only dream of. However, his life is in constant danger as they hunt for the Gun Devil.

If it wasn’t for one of the worst endings in recent memory, Chainsaw Man could have earned the top spot. Regardless, the vast majority of this dark shōnen is flawless in the way it uses its characters, humor, and narrative. Chainsaw Man is a chaotic masterclass of dark comedy, excellent characters, and subverting expectations by deconstructing heroic ambitions with flawed and eccentric characters.

3

‘Attack on Titan’ (2009-2021)

This list features some of the best manga series of all time, but it also includes some horrible endings, and Attack on Titan is yet another candidate. After the Titans destroy his village, Eren Yeager vows revenge, but when he gains the ability to turn into a Titan, he uses his newfound power to lead humanity outside the walls and face their true enemy.

Some dark shōnen manga are hard to differentiate from the seinen demographic, and many fans were surprised to learn Attack on Titan was shōnen. Either way, this now-iconic title is a renowned classic that delivered one of the most riveting and exhilarating stories in manga history. Attack on Titan is a masterful shōnen manga that few series can compete with, thanks to its plot twists, dark moments, and compelling narrative.

2

‘Claymore’ (2001-2014)

Image via Jump SQ

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Berserk is arguably the best manga of all time, but for fans wanting something similar in the shōnen demographic, Claymore is the series to read. Yoma are feared creatures that rule the land, but the titular organization is there to fight these creatures and restore peace. Clare may be a low-ranking member, but her quest for revenge makes her a feared warrior.

Boasting a fantastic world seeping in dark fantasy storytelling and lore, Claymore and its relentless darkness dazzle at every corner. The grim and relentless setting enhances the depressing story of haunting revenge and brutal fights. Not to mention its corrupted system and diabolical monsters further accentuate the dark aesthetic that has fans confused about how Claymore is just a shōnen.

1

‘Death Note’ (2003-2006)

Image via Shonen Jump

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Dark shōnen manga are mostly highlighted by battle series such as Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man, but the best of the demographic has no fights. Death Note follows Light, a brilliant high schooler who finds a notebook that can kill anyone. With it, he wants to create a perfect world with no criminals and himself as god, but the world’s smartest detective is on the case to stop his madness.

Some readers have complained about the middle and end after L left the series, but that is just because the first third is some of the most riveting content in manga history. Replacing physical battles with psychological warfare, Death Note is the greatest game of cat-and-mouse. The intellectual strategy is well-thought-out and pairs well with its philosophical debate, which is still relevant and fascinating. Death Note isn’t just a dark shōnen; it is also one of the best manga series of all time.

By Rick Gonzales
| Published 22 seconds ago

It’s now nearing fifteen years old, and Brad Pitt’s apocalyptic zombie movie World War Z is suddenly blowing up big on streaming. It’s the most-watched movie on Paramount+ in the United States and one of the most-streamed films in the world this week. Except for in China, where the film was banned upon release.

World War Z is the 2013 Brad Pitt zombie-apocalypse film based on the 2006 novel World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by best-selling author Max Brooks (son of legendary filmmaker Mel Brooks). Brad Pitt plays Gerry Lane, a former UN agent who is stuck in heavy Philadelphia traffic with his wife, Karin (Mireille Enos), and their two daughters, Rachel and Connie. While trying to maneuver through the slog, the city is overcome by zombies.

As the city falls, the Lanes are able to escape to Newark, New Jersey, where they take refuge with a couple and their son Tommy in an apartment. Things quickly go bad as the Lanes have to move fast when the zombies invade, turning Tommy’s parents into the hungry undead.

Brad Pitt’s character, Gerry, is able to contact an old friend, Deputy UN Secretary-General Thierry Umutoni, who is able to get a helicopter to Gerry and his family, which now includes Tommy, as they barely escape the zombie horde. The Lanes are taken to a U.S. Navy vessel sailing safely in the Atlantic. Onboard are scientists and military personnel who are studying the nature of the infected.

World War Z then takes on a global outlook. Gerry and crew head over to a military base in South Korea, where they are promptly attacked by zombies. Not all survive as Gerry finds that his next destination is Jerusalem. When Gerry arrives, he finds large walls built to surround the city. Safety behind the wall doesn’t last, as the zombies, upon hearing the celebratory singing of refugees inside, team up to scale the walls and overrun the city.

How China Killed The World War Z Trilogy

Initially, Paramount saw World War Z as a trilogy. The film’s successful opening in the United States left Paramount thrilled, so they announced they were moving ahead with a sequel. They found a new director and a new screenwriter. But time moved on, and nothing materialized.

The sequel film went through its share of pre-production, and at one point, David Fincher was involved, but it was eventually canceled. If you’re wondering why, blame China. Hollywood has now become totally dependent on the Chinese box office, and the original World War Z was banned in the country. The sequels would be too.

Solstice Studios CEO Mark Gill said at the time: “It’s not cultural, it’s government policy… And the reason it’s government policy is that you have a government trying to maintain control over a population where there is a fair amount of unrest. One of the things that seems to particularly stir revolts or riots is superstition.”

China’s government policy automatically bans movies featuring zombies or ghosts from being shown in the country. For this reason, films like Jordan Peele’s Get Out or the zombie hit Zombieland also never saw a release in China.

World War Z’s Reception

Nevertheless, World War Z did, without Chinese money, a respectable job at the box office. Director Marc Forster was handed a budget that started at $125 million, eventually ballooning to upwards of $200 million, and he rewarded Paramount’s faith by bringing in nearly $541 million at the box office.

World War Z earned surprisingly strong reviews from critics and audiences alike. Critics praised the movie for turning what looked like a doomed blockbuster into a tense, fast-moving zombie thriller that leaned more on large-scale suspense than gore, with many reviewers singling out its globe-trotting pace and massive action sequences as highlights. Some longtime fans of Max Brooks’ novel criticized the film for abandoning almost everything that made the book unique, but general audiences were far more forgiving. .

Taylor Swift didn’t attend the 2026 American Music Awards, but did she secure any wins?

Despite having the most nominations going into the awards show, Swift skipped out on the ceremony that took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, May 25.

It was previously announced that Swift led the pack of AMAs nominations this year with eight nods across several different categories. She was up for Artist of the Year, Best Female Pop Artist, Album of the Year and Best Pop Album for The Life of a Showgirl, Song of the Year, Best Music Video and Best Pop Song for “The Fate of Ophelia” and Song of the Summer for “Elizabeth Taylor.”

Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl, released in October 2025, was her 12th studio album and offered insight into her relationship with fiancé Travis Kelce. (The couple famously started dating in summer 2023, after Kelce attended her Eras Tour, and announced their engagement in August 2025.)

“This album probably also feels very happy and confident and free because that’s the way that I get to feel every single day of my life because of my fiancé, who is here tonight,” Swift said about the record during the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards earlier this year. “So, thanks for the vibes.”

Keep scrolling to see whether Swift took home any wins at the 2026 AMAs:

Did Taylor Swift Win Any 2026 American Music Awards?

No, despite racking up the most nominations, Swift did not secure any wins during Monday’s awards ceremony.

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Was Taylor Swift at the 2026 American Music Awards?

Swift was not in attendance at the 2026 AMAs.

The awards ceremony did, however, take place days after Swift made headlines for a surprise outing with Kelce. The pair packed on the PDA while attending Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks at the Rocket Arena in Ohio. (The Knicks eventually won the series, bringing them to the NBA Finals.)

How Many American Music Awards Does Taylor Swift Have?

In 2022, Swift became the most-awarded artist in AMAs history, with a record-breaking 40 wins throughout her career.

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 3 seconds ago

Remember that plot point in Jurassic Park about extracting dinosaur blood from ancient mosquitoes that were trapped in amber millions of years ago? Certain films are like that, and revisiting them is like stepping into memories from a lifetime ago. When you revisit these movies, you get more than the usual reassuring wave of nostalgia. You get to touch the still-warm blood of who you were when you first watched the film and (at least, until the credits roll) bring a version of your past self, happy and carefree, into the roaring chaos of the present day.   

For me, the ultimate example of this phenomenon is Ghost World (2001). It’s a movie I fell in love with when I was a lot like its characters: too smart and too smart-mouthed for my own good, hoping that enough wit and sarcasm could hide the fact that I was terrified about figuring out what to do with my life. It’s somewhat bittersweet to return to the film with the sobering knowledge that growing up is a lie. You never figure out exactly what you’re supposed to do or who you’re supposed to be. But for anyone who wants to escape into the past with the smartest, sexiest film you’ve never seen, Ghost World is now streaming for free on Tubi.

Sick, Grad World

The premise of Ghost World is that two young girls (played by Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson) have just completed high school and don’t know what to do with the rest of their lives. Young Enid must complete a remedial art class, but she and her toxic bestie still find the time to prank a sad man (played by Steve Buscemi) who posts a personal ad trying to reach a woman he recently met. This kicks off a very unconventional friendship between Enid and a man two and a half times her age, but her carefree drama eventually threatens to destroy both their lives.

Ghost World is a brilliant adaptation of the Daniel Clowes comic of the same name. As such, the movie lends itself to a very breezy, episodic structure. While Enid’s strange friendship with sad sack Seymour is the narrative anchor, the movie finds plenty of time to showcase her bizarre, slice-of-life adventures with Rebecca. Sometimes, this includes watching a shirtless dude practicing his nunchuck skills and shocking people with the Batgirl helmet she snagged from the local sex shop. Other times, it includes shocking people with hilariously vulgar language. Much of this dialogue would get you instantly canceled today, but for Gen X and Millennial audiences, that’s just part of this film’s quirky, throwback charm.  

How Do You Do, Fellow Kids?

While Ghost World is impeccably written, it’s the pitch-perfect cast that really brings each insane character to life. There are some sublime choices for the supporting cast, including charismatic character actor Patrick Fischler as a video store clerk and comedy legend David Cross as a pushy vinyl enthusiast. Illeana Douglas, meanwhile, does an impeccable job of playing the kind of teacher you love to hate. Finally, the late, great Brad Renfro is the perfect audience surrogate as the friend and put-upon convenience store worker bouncing uncomfortably between the chaos of his two messiest friends.

Speaking of which, the messy relationship at the heart of Ghost World is believable largely because of the chemistry between Thora Birch and Scarlett Johannsenn. A teenage ScarJo is compelling as a young woman trying to build her future with a friend still rooted firmly in the past. As our hilarious lead, Thora Birch quickly establishes that American Beauty was no fluke and that she’s one of the most talented actresses in Hollywood. Surrounded by such a quirky young cast, Buscemi dials down some of his usual weirdness, allowing him to perfectly embody the beleaguered everyman who gets caught up in the hypnotically weird, eternally unpredictable miasma of teenage melodrama.

Teenage Wasteland

Part of why Ghost World works so well is that it’s the anti-coming-of-age story. The film is tempestuous in its own moods, careening from restless hyperfixations on trivial matters to existential ennui at the drop of the hat. In that way, it mirrors the plight of its young protagonists who now realize they must answer a question they’ve been hearing for years: what do you want to do with the rest of your life? Like all teens, though, they can’t plan for tomorrow because they don’t know who they are today, giving the film an electric tension that crackles through even the simplest scenes.

If you’re still having trouble understanding what Ghost World is about, don’t worry: that’s a feature, not a bug. Director Terry Zwigoff (who would later bring us the relentlessly raunchy Bad Santa) has captured the vibe of the Daniel Clowes comic well enough that this film has multitudes. You can enjoy it as a time capsule of your own lost youth, the perfect balm to the aches (and not just the ones in your back) of getting older. But you can also enjoy it as a poignant meditation on the intersection of sex, youth, and identity. Alternatively, you can simply enjoy it for scene after scene of the darkest, weirdest comedy ever put on film.

Care to set foot into a simpler world of existentialist Millennial whimsy? Relive the unique dread of planning your entire life when you can’t even plan your weekend? Maybe you just want to lose your sh*t at one Thora Birch stinger after another. For all these reasons and more, now is the perfect time to watch Ghost World on Tubi. You can stream this coming-of-anxiety film for free on Tubi. The money you save may one day fuel your real passion: becoming the kind of vinylhead so weird that local teenagers treat you like a zoo attraction just waiting to be put down.

Days of Our Lives 2-Week Spoilers for May 25-June 5, 2026 stun as Gwen Rizczech (Emily O’Brien) raging over a betrayal. Plus, Abe Carver (James Reynolds) confesses something startling.

We’re going to get into the spoilers for the two weeks of May 25th through June 5th, including more fallout for Gabi Hernandez (Cherie Jimenez), Amy Choi (Shi Ne Nielson) grieving and angry, and so much more.

Monday, May 25th on Days of Our Lives: Brand-New Episode

Monday, May 25th, it is Memorial Day, but we don’t have a rerun because we are on streaming. That’s actually one of my favorite things about them being on Peacock. No preemptions. Jennifer Horton (Melissa Reeves) and Jack Deveraux (Matthew Ashford) have a serious talk about their kids on Monday. So, looks like they’re back to Salem for Abigail Deveraux (Marci Miller) four-year deathiversary. And things are getting tense.

Jack has got to mention to Jen that he went to see Gwen and wants her to be part of their lives this week. Looks like Jen is comparing their kids, Abby and JJ Deveraux (Casey Moss), to cupcakes, vanilla, and chocolate. Meanwhile, Jack’s wife probably considers Gwen a crap cake rather than something more tasty and appealing.

And I just wonder if Jack’s going to man up and stand up for his right to have a relationship with his other daughter. JJ is also back to Salem, likely for his sister Abby’s deathiversary. If you remember, JJ left town to clear his head. He left the Salem PD after he froze during a confrontation. He didn’t fire at a killer when he should have. And that is why Shawn Brady (Brandon Beemer) wound up shot.

DOOL Spoilers: Amy Choi Devastated

Amy is crushed by what is recovered from the river. So, I suspect it may be Sophia Choi‘s (Rachel Boyd) body. And this week, Philip Kiriakis (John-Paul Lavoisier) is in uniform for Memorial Day. He’s in his Marines uniform. Those are so handsome. I love those dress blues. He’s up at the pub and tells Amy he is very sorry for her loss. And again, I love they’re doing a nod to Memorial Day with so many characters that were veterans over the years.

Philip opens up to Brady Black (Eric Martsolf). Sure, it’s about Gabi’s treachery and spying that nearly toppled Titan, but will Brady join Philip in hating on Gabi or recommend calm? Gabi and Gwen share tea and sympathy. Or maybe it’s margaritas and malice. Gabi is upset that Philip dumped her but also mad at herself.

And Gwen’s upset at Xander Kiriakis (Paul Telfer) and also at EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel). And if Gwen figures out Xander’s two-timing her with Crazy Kristen DiMera (Stacy Haiduk), I think she will definitely lose it. Sarah wants Xander to reconsider moving in. She wants him to change his mind. Sarah kisses Brady in front of Xander this week, and Sarah might be deliberately provoking him, so Xander won’t stay there.

Days of our Lives Spoilers for Tuesday, May 26th: Sarah & Xander Fess Up

Tuesday, May 26th, Xander and Sarah admit some difficult truths. Obviously, they still love each other, and it’s hard for them to see people with them when they do still have those feelings. Jennifer talks about a truce with Cat Green (AnnaLynne McCord). Obviously, Jennifer still hates Cat, but since they’re both in Salem, civility is helpful, and this could put a foot in the door that grows into a chance for Chad DiMera (Connor Floyd) and Cat to date down the road.

EJ tells Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman) that Tony DiMera (Thaao Phenglis) is planning to oust him as CEO, and EJ is going to tell him that Tony offered the job to Gabi. And of course, that upset EJ who offered to take the job himself. But Johnny’s attention may soon be divided because this week Sarah calls Chanel Dupree DiMera (Raven Bowens) and says her biopsy results are in.

But Sarah won’t tell Chanel over the phone and she tells her to come to the hospital and to bring Johnny. And that sounds very ominous. Alex Kiriakis (Robert Scott Wilson) and Joy Wesley (AlexAnn Hopkins) are hanging out as co-parents and are bonding over adorable little Kelsey.

Days Spoilers for Wednesday, May 27th: Gabi Has a Heart-to-Geart with Ari

Then on Wednesday, May 27th, Gabi opens up to Arianna Horton (Vico Escorcia). I’m guessing it’s about Philip. And I wonder if Gabi will tell Ari the truth about her dodgy corporate spying because Gabi just did Ari dirty, paying off Liam Selejko (Hank Northrop). And I bet it’s going to bite Gabi soon. Amy Choi wants vengeance this week. She’s talking to somebody up at the pub. Maybe her husband Jason Choi (Steven O Young).

And Amy says she wants Holly Jonas (Ashley Puzemis) prosecuted for manslaughter. Tate Black (Leo Howard) is pressing Holly to do the right thing. And it may be about Sophia’s memorial because it looks like they are going. Tate is in a suit and tie, which we rarely see him in, and Holly is in a nice conservative black dress. So, right after Amy says she wants her arrested, Tate and Holly walk into the pub, and they may actually overhear what Amy is saying, and that may really worry Tate.

Marlena Evans (Diedre Hall) puts EJ under hypnosis again. And I wonder if he will recall things about him and Cat, you know, that maybe she’s also forgotten. Right now though, EJ really is a smitten kitten and he just wants, I don’t know, some kind of positive sign that they have a history and that he belongs with Cat. Paulina Price (Jackée Harry) is upset and she is getting some comfort from her stepson Theo Carver (Cameron Johnson). No doubt it’s about leaving Abe so he can be with Lexie Carver (Nikki Crawford)

Days Spoilers for Thursday, May 28th: Johnny & Chanel are Hopeful

Thursday, May 28th, Chanel and Johnny share a moment of hope. I wonder if there is some treatment option. You know, maybe they can take the lump out surgically or they can wait on treatment until Chanel gives birth. A new hunk pops up in Salem. It’s Gus (Michael Ocampo), who is Javi’s new boyfriend.

He’s on the way to meet Gus when Javi runs into Leo. Abe tells Theo the truth about something. And I wonder if this is about him loving Paulina Price (Jackée Harry) and not wanting to let her go. Lexie wants answers from her brother EJ. And I wonder if she will be upset or thrilled that Stefano DiMera (Joseph Mascolo) kept her alive so EJ could bring her back one day.

Days of our Lives Spoilers Friday, May 29th: Eli Consoles Lani

Then on Friday, May 29th, we’ve got Eli Grant (Lamon Archey) comforting Lani Price (Sal Stowers). I’m sure she’s upset about the Chanel cancer stuff and the Paulina and Abe split. The Lexie thing is going to rock Lani, too. And I’m sure Eli as well. I am so glad that Lamon Archey is back. Two days. That’s exciting stuff for me. Plus, Foster asks Julie out for dinner.

And I wonder if this is going to be a sweet new romance. I mean, I don’t think it’s going to be a torrid thing or anything, but maybe friends and more. Holly shares with Sarah that she is struggling emotionally, and Marlena gets support as she faces John’s death anniversary.

Technically, John died on June 2nd, which is next Tuesday. Marlena goes to John’s grave with flowers and sits with him. And that same day, Belle Black (Martha Madison) and Brady are playing with the chess set that Stefano left John. And Brady is looking at the queen piece. And then Belle notices there’s a piece missing. And of course, it is a pawn. Spoilers say that Brady and Belle make a discovery. So maybe there’s something hidden in the case or inside the queen chess piece.

Week of June 1st-5th on Days of Our Lives: Marlena’s New Mystery

The week of June 1st through the 5th, we may be starting a whole new puzzling mystery tied to Marlena’s chess set that Stefano left for John. Gwen is going to be stunned when she finds out Xander and Kristen are bumping private parts. Gwen and Xander had that no strings attached thing, but she also considers Kristen a friend.

So, I’m sure Gwen is going to see this as a double betrayal, especially since Xander just blew off Gwen when she asked him to be more than just a source of cheeky fun. Leo may turn to Marlena for comfort and advice after seeing Gus with Javi because Leo may need to vent a little bit.

Days of our Lives Spoilers: Abby’s Family Remembers Her on the Anniversary of Her Death

Plus, Jack, Jennifer, and JJ are going to gather for Abby’s death anniversary. And I wonder if there’s going to be some talk among them about finding her remains that have been missing for so long. And I do wonder if Jack and Jennifer are going to ask Chad if he talked to EJ about whether it would be possible to resurrect Abigail like he did Lexie. But if EJ is telling the truth, then the answer is no. But how often does EJ actually tell the unfiltered truth?

So, I’m very suspicious that he might have Abby in a person pod. Ari may find out why Liam and his son Gage are getting ready to leave town and Gabi’s gonna be in big trouble for paying off the guy that Ari’s crushing on. Plus, some more fallout from Philip finding out that Gabi screwed over Titan.

The Fast and Furious franchise has proven that a good racing movie can provide plenty of great rewatch value. Features like Christian Bale’s Ford vs. Ferrari, Jason Statham‘s Death Race, Asif Kapadia’s Senna, Chris Hemsworth’s Rush, Tom Cruise’s Days of Thunder, and many more are a testament to the fact that the audience is always in for a ride when the characters are compelling, and the environment is immersive.

Last year, Brad Pitt and director Joseph Kosinski’s F1 saw success executing the same tropes while providing a highly immersive experience thanks to IMAX screens and Hans Zimmer‘s compelling soundtrack. Not only did the sports drama become a commercial success by earning $634 million worldwide, but it also received critical acclaim, earning nominations and winning multiple awards at the Oscars, the Critics’ Choice Awards, and the British Academy Film Awards.

But before F1 created a wave, an underrated racing movie moved the needle with its cinematography and story. Neill Blomkamp’s 2023 biographical sports epic and loose video game adaptation, Gran Turismo, seamlessly blended an underdog story with a high-octane racing dream. Starring Archie Madekwe as real-life racer Jann Mardenborough, who successfully transitioned from playing Gran Turismo to racing on track. Playing Jann’s cynical, tough-love trainer is Stranger Things icon and MCU star David Harbour.

Based on real-life events, we follow a working-class teenager, Jann, who spends his days mastering the Gran Turismo driving simulator. Things take a turn when he enters the GT Academy, a real-world marketing contest created by Nissan and PlayStation to turn the world’s best virtual gamers into actual, track-certified professional race car drivers.

Gran Turismo Has Brilliant Visuals

Though underrated, the feature is loved for its compelling performances by Madekwe, Harbour, and Orlando Bloom as Danny, an idealistic, fast-talking Nissan Motorsports marketing executive who conceptualizes the GT Academy. Blomkamp brought a highly kinetic, visceral energy to the racing sequences by employing video game aesthetics, like vehicle customization graphics, and specific camera angles over real-life race tracks. The visuals, combined with high-octane races and seamless execution, make the movie a great watch and very easy to understand even for casual onlookers. It greatly divided its audiences on Rotten Tomatoes: critics gave it a 65% rating, whereas audiences gave it a near-perfect 98% rating. Nonetheless, the feature was a moderate commercial success, earning $122 million on a modest $60 million budget. For audiences who’d like to check out the film for the first time or revisit it, the time is right as Gran Turismo is coming to HBO Max on June 1.

Stay tuned to Collider for more such updates.

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Release Date

August 25, 2023

Runtime

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135 minutes

Writers

Jason Hall, Zach Baylin

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Producers

Asad Qizilbash, Carter Swan, Dana Brunetti, Doug Belgrad

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West Wilson revealed that he and Amanda Batula are “doing our best” to have a normal relationship amid the Summer House drama.

“Going out in public is kind of scary,” West, 31, admitted during the Monday, May 25, episode of his “Show Me Something” podcast. “There have been so many f***ing stupid f***ing posts on the internet. Once it got to AI ones and s***, I was like, ‘OK, let’s talk about these.’”

West addressed one rumor that Amanda, 34, is “wearing all my clothes.” He went item by item, shutting down the speculation that Amanda had on West’s striped shirt in one now-viral image.

“People do wear striped shirts,” he said. “People just post anything, and it works. A lot of people have been like, ‘She wears your clothes all the time.’ We actually do dress the same.”

West also denied internet speculation that Amanda has been wearing wigs during their public outings.

Amanda and West confirmed in late March that they are more than friends after weeks of rumors. Their budding romance came after Amanda’s separation from fellow Summer House star Kyle Cooke. Amanda was also best friends with Ciara Miller, who dated West in 2023.

During Monday’s podcast, West also denied a social media post claiming that he was discussing getting a Tom Sandoval redemption arc going forward.

“Knowing all my friends that I have a group chat with, they don’t know who the f*** Tom Sandoval is,” he said. “That is not what we talk about in our f***ing group text.”

West added, “It’s not that crazy, it’s just, like, someone made up that they are in a group chat with me.”

Related: Amanda Batula and West Wilson Cozy Up Amid Romance Drama: See Pics

Summer House‘s Amanda Batula and West Wilson cozied up on a New York City outing amid the drama over their newfound relationship. Photos obtained exclusively by Us Weekly show Amanda, 34, and West, 31, side-by-side while taking her dog for a walk in New York City on Thursday, May 21. (Amanda and her estranged husband, […]

West also addressed the rumor that he hooked up with Real Housewives of New Jersey alum Jenn Fessler, which went viral earlier this month after Ciara shared the claims on social media.

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“Jenn was pissed. Jenn made a video being like, ‘West is so nice. He’s not trying to hurt anyone, blah blah blah blah blah,’” he said. “I don’t think [Ciara would] make it up, but I’m sure she believes it. That’s a crazy thing to just post.”

Jenn has continued to vehemently deny that anything happened between her and West.

“In all seriousness, and while I can’t help but be a little flattered, it is not nice nor is it OK to post something categorically untrue and defamatory on social media,” she shared via Instagram on May 9. “Regardless of whatever rumors or apparent ‘evidence’ led you to that conclusion, that is the definition of libel.”