When House of the Dragon first debuted in 2022, it became an instant hit, carrying forward the legacy of its behemoth ancestor. The second series in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire franchise, the fantasy drama is a prequel that chronicles the rise and fall of House Targaryen, beginning 172 years before the birth of Daenerys Targaryen and exploring the events that cause the devastating Dance of the Dragons. House of the Dragon has been widely acclaimed and quite popular, often superseding the success of Game of Thrones.

That runaway success has also often overshadowed other brilliant works of fantasy television that could easily compete with House of the Dragon’s grandeur and complexity. From other shows inspired by Game of Thrones to adaptations of prominent fantasy literature and network original animation that swept prestigious awards, there are some truly fantastic fantasies out there that deserve your love and attention. With that in mind, here’s our selection of the best fantasy shows you could stream right now instead of House of the Dragon.

1

‘The Wheel of Time’ (2021–2025)

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Developed by Rafe Judkins and adapted from Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson’s novel series of the same name, The Wheel of Time follows Moiraine Damodred, a member of a powerful all-female magical organization called the Aes Sedai. Moiraine leads five young people on a perilous journey through the world on a quest to discover the Dragon Reborn, prophesied to either save the world from evil or destroy it entirely. Rosamund Pike leads the cast as Moiraine, with Daniel Henney, Josha Stradowski, Marcus Rutherford, Zoë Robins, Sophie Okonedo, and more in significant roles.

At the time of its premiere, The Wheel of Time, just like House of the Dragon, was a breakout success, amassing popularity from genre fans across shows and books. An epic tale of love, war, and destiny that unfolds through magic and wonders, the show comes to life with striking visuals and dramatic action pieces that are sure to thrill any fantasy fan. Despite running alongside strong high-fantasy contenders, The Wheel of Time earned critical acclaim for its fantastic world-building and engaging plots. The only real negative is its untimely cancellation after just three seasons.

2

‘The Witcher’ (2019–Present)

Image via Netflix

Created by Lauren Schmidt-Hissrich and based on the book series by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, The Witcher revolves around three characters — Geralt of Rivia, a mutated monster hunter; Yennefer of Vengerberg, a powerful sorceress; and Princess Ciri of Cintra. Set in a fantastical land inhabited by humans, monsters, and beasts, their lives converge as they navigate shifting timelines, political corruption, magical threats, and their shared destiny. Henry Cavill (and later Liam Hemsworth) stars as Geralt, with Anya Chalotra, Greya Allen, Joey Batey, and Anna Shaffer as main characters in all seasons.

In terms of its production values, scope, world-building, and conceptual design, The Witcher comes very close to House of the Dragon. While the show started as Netflix’s response to fill the void left by Game of Thrones’ ending, it grew into a distinctive fantasy show with heavy themes, praiseworthy visual design, and practical-heavy effects. Critics have widely praised the art design and sweeping tales of monsters and mages, though, to be fair, they have also criticized the later seasons for the very prominent cast changes and deviations from the original material.

3

‘The Legend of Vox Machina’ (2022–Present)

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Developed by Chris Prynoski and Critical Role Productions, The Legend of Vox Machina is based on the first campaign of the Dungeons & Dragons web series Critical Role. The Prime Video series follows a team of rowdy misfits who try to save the realm of Exandria from magical forces, dragons, and personal demons, evolving from rogue mercenaries to powerful heroes. Laura Bailey, Taliesin Jaffe, Ashley Johnson, Matthew Mercer, Liam O’Brien, Marisha Ray, Sam Riegel, and Travis Willingham reprise their voice roles from the original campaign.

The Legend of Vox Machina might have begun as an adaptation of a legacy game, but has since grown into a distinctive animated series that fans can easily enjoy without prior knowledge of D&D. The adult fantasy animated series has become noteworthy for its rich world-building and intelligent narrative, which balances heart, humor, and fast-paced action, often compared to animation giants like Castlevania and Arcane. Though critically acclaimed for its animation, character design, and voice acting, The Legend of Vox Machina is still a pretty underrated gem of the genre.

4

‘Castlevania’ (2017–2021)

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One of Netflix’s earliest major adult animation productions, Castlevania is a dark fantasy series adaptation of the Japanese video game series by Konami, created and written by Warren Ellis. The action-horror series follows Trevor Belmont, the last surviving member of his disgraced clan, as he joins Speaker magician Sypha Belnades and the half-vampire Alucard to protect the land of Wallachia from Vlad Dracula Tepes and his vampire legions. The show’s ensemble voice cast includes Richard Armitage, Alejandra Reynoso, James Callis, Graham McTavish, Emily Swallow, Theo James, and more.

Castlevania carved the path for similar high-profile, original mature animation for Netflix, taking the streamer’s animated library to great heights. Heavily influenced by Japanese animation styles and the game’s artwork by Ayami Kojima, Castlevania is a stellar game-to-show adaptation that excels in its visual and narrative styles and scope. The show’s highly acclaimed visuals, action pieces, character designs, and dark themes make Castlevania a great competitor for House of the Dragon.

5

‘Blood of Zeus’ (2020–2025)

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A Netflix adult animated series created and written by Charley and Vlas Parlapanides, Blood of Zeus adapts ancient Greek mythology into a high-stakes fantasy action story, independent of the traditional canon of Greek myths. The series revolves around Zeus’s demigod son, Heron, who is tasked with saving Olympus and Earth from the wrath of a goddess. Derek Phillips, Jessica Henwick, Mamie Gummer, Jason O’Mara, and Claudia Christian voice the main characters.

Blood of Zeus is a high-stakes fantasy adventure that’s sure to sweep any fantasy animation fan off their feet. The series remarkably reimagines gods, titans, giants, demons, automata, and various mythical creatures from Greek legend in a fresh new tale of power and divine politics, depicted through stunning animation. Despite the critical acclaim and prestigious accolades for its visuals, epic battle sequences, and voice acting, Blood of Zeus has remained a criminally overlooked series in Netflix’s animation library.

6

‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ (2022–Present)

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Developed by J. D. Payne and Patrick McKay and inspired by J.R.R Tolkien’s Middle-earth legendarium, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is an epic fantasy series adapted from the appendices and associated materials of The Lord of the Rings. Set thousands of years before the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, beginning in a time of relative peace, the show explores the forging of the titular rings and the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron. The show’s ensemble international cast stars Morfydd Clark, Robert Aramayo, Benjamin Walker, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Daniel Weyman, and more as key characters.

The first screen adaptation of Middle-earth’s Second Age, The Rings of Power succeeds in alluring fans with its luxurious art and panoramic world-building. Boasting exquisite production values, it is the most expensive television series ever made and is unarguably more opulent than House of the Dragon and just as complex as the HBO hit. While the series still pales in comparison to Peter Jackson’s interpretation of The Lord of the Rings, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power manages to grasp the thematic spirit of the 20th-century literary classic and expand its mythos in new directions.

7

‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ (2026–Present)

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Created by George R.R. Martin and Ira Parker, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a prequel to Game of Thrones and a sequel to House of the Dragon, adapted from Martin’s Tales of Dunk and Egg novella series. Set a century before the events of Game of Thrones, the series chronicles the adventures and misadventures of Ser Duncan the Tall, a naïve hedge knight, and his bald, young squire, Egg, who is secretly Prince Aegon Targaryen. The show illustrates their lives and journeys before they become Lord Commander of the Kingsguard and King Aegon, respectively. Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell star as the titular central characters.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a delightful rendition of Martin’s original novellas and a great contrast to its predecessor shows. The series stands out in the franchise with its lighter narrative, swapping high-end political warfare for a more intimate, character-driven story. Hailed by many as one of the best HBO shows of 2026, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has earned critical acclaim for its style, tone, and cast performances, as well as some criticism for its skewed gender representation and for missing out on female characters.

8

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

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David Benioff and D.B. Weiss’s epic fantasy drama that first brought life to George R.R. Martin’s literary saga, Game of Thrones is a cultural phenomenon and an undeniable television landmark. A generation-spanning tale of power, politics, and moral ambiguity, the series follows a raging civil war that tears apart the seven kingdoms, with multiple contenders vying for the coveted Iron Throne, while elsewhere the rise of a princess from a disgraced dynasty and an ominous supernatural enemy threaten them all. The massive ensemble cast includes Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, Emilia Clarke, Lena Headey, Sophie Turner, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, and many more.

The show that paved the way for House of the Dragon, Game of Thrones completely redefined fantasy television, setting new standards and bringing new dimensions to the genre. From its sweeping production to record-breaking results, the fantasy drama boasts grandeur in every aspect, even if it didn’t exactly sign off on a high note. While House of the Dragon opened to a bigger success than its predecessor, Game of Thrones undoubtedly rivals the prequel in production, casting, and expansive world-building.

Big Brother legend Janelle Pierzina clapped back at a fan who claimed that she was a supporter of President Donald Trump and the Republican party’s so-called “MAGA” movement.

The online exchange began on Monday, August 10, when a Big Brother fan compared current houseguest Haley Thogmartin to Janelle.

“Haley isn’t wrong calling herself Janelle cause if season six of BB aired TODAY yall would HATE Janelle who is also MAGA…. #BB28,” the user wrote via X.

Hours later, Janelle saw the post and responded to the fan’s assumption.

Related: ‘Big Brother’ Legend Janelle Addresses Rumors She’s Joining Season 28

Janelle Pierzina seemingly has other obligations this summer instead of returning to the Big Brother house for season 28. “No, I’m not doing #BB28,” the four-time player, 46, wrote via X on Thursday, June 25. “Between selling houses, running Airbnbs, raising three kids, and pretending I know what day it is, I don’t have time […]

“Stop labeling everyone MAGA just to create hate. Since you like spreading lies about people let me clear some things up,” the four-time player wrote via X. “I’m politically independent. Socially very liberal, fiscally conservative, and anti-big-government. Pro-choice. Pro-LGBTQ rights. Pro-individual freedom. Lower taxes, less government waste, controlled immigration, and no foreign wars. I don’t need every one of my beliefs to fit neatly into a political party.”

Janelle further argued that compared to when she first played Big Brother in 2005, everyone would be considered conservative in today’s political landscape.

“By today’s standards everyone from BB6 would be labeled MAGA by Twitter,” she continued. “There are several people from BB6 that would have been kicked out for saying the N word, none of them were from my alliance. So basically go f*** yourself and stop spreading lies. 🖕”

Janelle made her Big Brother debut in season 6, going on to become an instant fan favorite. She was a member of the underdog Sovereign Six alliance alongside Kaysar Ridha, Howie Gordon, Rachel Plencner, James Rhine and Sarah Hrejsa, whose goal was to unite against the remaining members of the house.

The realtor proved herself to be a challenge beast after winning multiple competitions to ensure her continuation in the competition. Janelle ultimately came in third place behind runner up Ivette Corredero and winner Maggie Ausburn.

The following season, Janelle returned to the Big Brother house to compete in its inaugural all-star season. During Big Brother 7, Janelle set the record for most individual competitions won in a single season with a total of nine wins. Despite her challenge prowess, Janelle came in third place for a second time, but she did take home the title of America’s Favorite Player.

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Related: Taylor and Janelle Discuss ‘Big Brother’ Tactic People Are ‘Fearful’ to Use

Big Brother legends Taylor Hale and Janelle Pierzina are weighing in on a strategy they think houseguests should use more often. While discussing how the fear of being attacked online has changed the game, Hale, 28, exclusively gave Us Weekly her advice for players who want to be villainous without getting lambasted on social media. […]

Janelle came back to the Big Brother house in season 14 as a coach alongside Mike “Boogie” Malin, Dan Gheesling and Britney Haynes. A twist later led the coaches to become players in the game. She finished in 12th place.

In 2020, Janelle came back for the second all-stars season alongside season 6 pal Kaysar. The duo were targeted early and Janelle was evicted during the third week of the competition.

Janelle has not played Big Brother since. However, she has been an active viewer and has shared her thoughts on the season and players via her social media channels.

Scott Eastwood’s connection to war movies goes back to the beginning of his acting career, when he appeared in Flags of Our Fathers, the acclaimed Oscar-nominated war drama directed by his father, Clint Eastwood. Nearly two decades later, Eastwood has continued to return to the genre, with his latest being the World War II thriller Lucky Strike, which is set to release at home this week. Now, as Lucky Strike brings Eastwood back into the spotlight, one of his earlier WWII movies is also enjoying a resurgence on streaming. The timing may be more than a coincidence, as the film also stars Jon Bernthal, who is having what’s perhaps the biggest moment of his career right now.

Both Bernthal and Eastwood were part of a star-studded ensemble for the acclaimed World War II film, alongside major stars including Brad Pitt, Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman, and Michael Peña. The actors play members of an American tank crew fighting their way through Nazi Germany during the final days of the European theater of World War II. Pitt leads the pack as battle-hardened Army Sergeant Don “Wardaddy” Collier, who takes his crew deep into enemy territory despite the increasingly insurmountable odds stacked against them.

Written and directed by David Ayer, Fury highlights the gruesome realities of war and, through visceral battle sequences, reinforces its raw and grounded depiction of one of history’s most brutal conflicts. The movie was both a commercial and critical success and has remained a favorite among WWII aficionados over the years. Fury recently streamed on Netflix, but after the streamer lost its license to the film a couple of months ago, fans have turned to other platforms to revisit the acclaimed war movie, enough for it to still earn a spot on trending charts, according to FlixPatrol. Fury can be purchased through several digital storefronts, including the Apple TV Store, where the movie is currently trending worldwide, as well as on the French M6+ service where it currently ranks as the 3rd most-watched title in France.

Which Other Jon Bernthal Project Is Trending Right Now?

With his star arguably shining brighter than ever, Bernthal’s current success has brought renewed attention to some of his past projects. Several of his older movies have been climbing streaming charts following the record box-office success of both The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Among them is Those Who Wish Me Dead, his latest collaboration with Taylor Sheridan, in which he stars alongside Angelina Jolie in the survival thriller. The movie has recently seen a resurgence on PVOD. Elsewhere, one of Bernthal’s earlier action hits, The Accountant, as well as The Many Saints of Newark, The Sopranos’ prequel in which he plays Johnny Soprano, have both resurfaced on the top charts on HBO Max.

Considering the kind of year Bernthal has had, there’s little doubt that audiences will be watching closely to see what the actor chooses to take on next. Stay tuned at Collider for more updates.

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Release Date

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October 17, 2014

Runtime

135 Minutes

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There has been no conflict quite like World War II, and when one goes through the annals of human history, that becomes abundantly clear, pretty quickly. So far, it has been a tremendous year for fans of World War II movies and shows, as there has been significant number of new projects on screens both big and small. At the turn of the year, Prime Video offered us the opportunity to see the conflict through Nazi eyes with its sleeper hit The Tank. Maintaining that trend, at about the same time, Hermann Wilhelm Göring was the center of attention as the digital debut of Nuremberg, the 2025 sleeper hit that grossed $70 million at the box office, came to streaming. Starring Russell Crowe and Rami Malek, Nuremberg emerged as a fan-favorite away from the big screen as more projects advanced.

As summer rolled in across the Northern Hemisphere, director Rod Lurie‘s Lucky Strike got its theatrical release in late June. While the film endured a disappointing box office run, grossing $1.5 million against a reported budget of $10 million. Lucky Strike turned to the PVOD market to salvage the situation, and it did, outperforming the horror movie Passenger, the Hugh Jackman-led period drama The Death of Robin Hood, and Guy Ritchie‘s action movie In the Grey. Centered on the Battle of the Bulge, the movie follows a soldier who is stranded behind enemy lines armed with nothing but his tenacity and a pack of Lucky Strike cigarettes. The film stars Scott Eastwood and Colin Hanks. However, just before the end of spring, Hollywood’s preeminent World War II aficionado, one whose son starred in Lucky Strike, dropped a gripping docu-series on humanity’s deadliest conflict.

On May 25, 2026, Tom Hanks returned to his fascination and decades-old passion for WWII history, with the documentary series titled World War II with Tom Hanks. Hanks’ career has seen him star in World War II movies such as Saving Private Ryan and Greyhound. The docu-series premiered with three episodes on Memorial Day. Overall, World War II with Tom Hanks consists of 20 episodes, with the last batch arriving on July 27. Done in collaboration with the History Channel, the series has gone on to become a streaming hit, dominating global streaming charts according to FlixPatrol. The series has flirted with the Amazon top 10 in the United States, while its standing on the Apple TV Store is far more revered, with comfortable top 10 standings in Australia, Canada, and the United States.

What Is ‘World War II with Tom Hanks’ About?

With Hanks serving as narrator, World War II with Tom Hanks spans the entirety of the Second World War, beginning with the unexpected invasion of Poland. The conquest of much of Western Europe is covered, even as the Axis Powers emerge and unite, with the conflict taking on a global feel. Adolf Hitler‘s expansion into Joseph Stalin‘s Soviet territory with Operation Barbarossa, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, which effectively brings America into the conflict, among a host of other plots are explored. World War II with Tom Hanks covers World War II across land, air, and sea, even as the spotlight focuses on the world leaders of the time: Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Joseph Stalin, Erwin Rommel, Hideki Tojo, and the Nazi leader, Hitler.

Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

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Release Date

July 24, 1998

Runtime

169 minutes

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Writers

Robert Rodat

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Gary Levinsohn, Ian Bryce

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They rock! Demi Lovato reunited with her ex-boyfriend Joe Jonas and the Jonas Brothers to celebrate the upcoming premiere of Disney’s Camp Rock 3.

Lovato, 33, posed with Joe, 36, and his brothers Kevin Jonas and Nick Jonas at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, on Monday, August 10, for the world premiere of their Disney Channel original movie. (Lovato starred in the original Camp Rock films as Mitchie Torres while the Jonas Brothers played members of fictional band Connect 3.)

The Jonas Brothers produced Camp Rock 3 alongside Lovato, in addition to reprising their onscreen roles alongside Wizards of Waverly Place’s Maria Canals-Barrera as Connie Torres, the director of a summer music camp. (Joe and Lovato dated in 2010 and have since become close friends.)

The long-awaited sequel introduces Liamani Segura (Descendants: Wicked Wonderland), newcomer Hudson Stone and Malachi Barton (Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires) as the next generation of Camp Rock campers.

Disney’s musical comedy revolves around Connect 3 returning to Camp Rock to find an opening act for their tour when their previous choice backs out at the eleventh hour.

A synopsis reads, “As campers vie for the chance to open for their favorite band, tensions rise and friendships are tested, leading to unexpected alliances, revelations, and romances. Camp Rock’s all-new campers include bold and determined Sage (Segura) and her easygoing brother, Desi (Stone); cello prodigy Rosie (Lumi Pollack); drummer with his own beat Cliff (Casey Trotter); choreo queen Callie (Brooklynn Pitts); intimidating influencer Madison (Ava Jean); and camp bad boy Fletch (Barton).”

Earlier this year, Lovato opened up on the “Not Gonna Lie” podcast about giving the Camp Rock 3 cast the advice she wished she’d received as a budding Disney Channel star.

“I wish that I had gotten advice, and I think it would have saved me a lot of trial and errors, like, figuring out s*** my own kind of thing,” Lovato initially explained in the January podcast episode. “I’m grateful for the path I’ve had without a mentor [and] without advice from others. I would love to be a mentor to somebody and guide someone through the journey that I went on.

She noted, “There’s no manual on how to be a pop star, and there’s certain things I would tell [them].”

Lovato later elaborated specifically on the “mini pep talk” she gave the young stars of Camp Rock 3 when they initially met.

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“I met them as a group and I was, like, ‘Hey guys,’ and I gave them some advice like, ‘Don’t be afraid to ask for time off, like, take care of yourself first,” she remembered. “It’s really important that you take care of your mental health so you can do the other things you want to do, like performing and acting.’”

She stressed, “‘If you don’t have your mental health or if you get burnt out, that can all go away. It’s important to take care of yourself.’”

Camp Rock 3 premieres on the Disney Channel Thursday, August 13, at 8 p.m. ET and debuts on Disney+ the following day.

Father-daughter relationships in movies are fairly common in film, with some of the most touching and profound movies properly reflecting on the poignant connection. However, mother-son bonds are seemingly less discussed in cinema and are arguably more complex in the instances where they are, as seen in films like Hereditary and the science fiction franchise Dune.

Most portrayals of mother-son bonds in pictures depict layered and sometimes even challenging connections. However, there are also exceptional movies that showcase healthy and loving relationships between mothers and sons. As such, we invite readers to take a look at some of the best movies about mother-son relationships, ranking these films based on their quality and analyzing the special connections they portray.

30

‘You Were Never Really Here’ (2018)

Image via Amazon Studios

You Were Never Really Here is a brutal modern neo-noir thriller in which Joaquin Phoenix gives one of his greatest performances as Joe, a veteran of the Gulf War who has found a new life in New York City as a vigilante who rescues young girls from being trafficked. Joe’s mother is played by Judith Roberts, and she provides the only tangible, emotional bond within his life as he wrestles with dark thoughts and suicidal ideation.

You Were Never Really Here is a complex morality tale because it shows Joe’s selflessness within his decision to protect his elderly mother, despite the fact that he is otherwise a loner. The tender relationship between the two characters is best identified through the brilliant musical score by Jonny Greenwood, who offered a poignant aura of peacefulness within an otherwise ruthless R-rated crime thriller. —Liam Gaughan

29

‘Beau is Afraid’ (2023)

A24 / Courtesy Everett Collection

Beau is Afraid is not the first Ari Aster film to deal with complex depictions of mother-son dynamics, but it might be the weirdest. Joaquin Phoenix gives his strangest, most ridiculous performance to date as Beau, a self-loathing, immature loner who tries to visit his mother Mona Wassermann (Patti LuPone) in what becomes a dangerous and absurd journey across an apocalyptic America.

Beau is Afraid is just as polarizing as everything else that Aster has made, so it shouldn’t be surprising that it is destined to be a cult classic because of all the subtle thematic subtext and symbolism that is packed in. It’s by far one of the weirdest mainstream films to be released in the past decade, and the fact that Aster is continuously able to make such disturbing and thought-provoking features is a win for film fans everywhere. —Liam Gaughan

28

‘Marvin’s Room’ (1996)

Image via Miramax Films

Marvin’s Room is a heartfelt family drama about a complex dynamic of sisters, mothers, siblings, and redemption. Meryl Streep stars as a single mother who tries to take care of her two sons, played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Hal Scardino, while reconnecting with her sister (Diane Keaton) after many years apart.

Marvin’s Room is unabashedly sentimental and catches all of its stars at an interesting point in their respective careers. Streep being vulnerability and pathos to the role of a complex mother who struggles to drift beyond her family legacy, DiCaprio has an early breakthrough role as a teenager dealing with significant mental health issues, and Keaton delivers a deeply moving Oscar-nominated performance as a woman who seeks to make up for lost time as she reaches the end of her life; it’s a feat of acting that is bound to be more powerful in the wake of her recent passing. —Liam Gaughan

27

‘Only God Forgives’ (2013)

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Only God Forgives was a polarizing film from Nicolas Winding Refn, who reunited with Ryan Gosling after the success of Drive to make a stylized, hypnotic crime thriller that divided audiences when it debuted at the Cannes Film Festival in 2013. Gosling stars as an underworld criminal in Japan who decides to seek vengeance for the death of his brother (Tom Burke) at the urging of his mother (Kristin Scott Thomas), who is a force of pure chaos.

Only God Forgives offers a commentary on violence by showing how a deeply misguided, troubled man is under the domain of a parent who treats him like property. There is a tremendous amount of dark comedy, as Thomas gives a wild performance that works within the ridiculous and sensationalist pulpy atmosphere that Refn created. The film’s Oedipal themes make it even more disturbing. —Liam Gaughan

26

‘Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore’ (1974)

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Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore was an early film from Martin Scorsese that won Ellen Burstyn the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance as a single mother who attempts to raise her son (Alfred Lutter) as she works shifts as a waitress. Although there’s a tremendously charming performance by Kris Kristofferson as her love interest, Burstyn’s performance is what makes the film so effective, and it proved that Scorsese is one of the more underrated feminist directors to emerge from the New Hollywood era.

Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore holds up because it offered a demystified, grounded depiction of working-class life that thoughtfully represented the experiences of single mothers. While it felt like a slice of real life when it made its debut in 1974, Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore now stands as a beautiful representation of American life from 50 years ago. —Liam Gaughan

25

‘American Gangster’ (2007)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Ridley Scott’s well-directed crime drama counts on great performances and an interesting narrative. The story centers on an outcast in New York City (Russell Crowe) charged with bringing down Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington), the man who inspired this semi-biographical movie.

Washington’s impeccable efforts are one of the best aspects of this Ridley Scott picture, though the supporting cast is also excellent (Ruby Dee, who plays Mama Lucas, even earned an Oscar nod for her role). Although the mother-son relationship at American Gangster‘s center is not the most prominent aspect, the bond between the two certainly plays a role in the film, representing family values and integrity. It is evident that Ruby Dee’s character is a central one and an anchor in Frank’s life, with her disapproval of his choices being a turning point for the character.

24

‘Donnie Darko’ (2001)

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Perfect for fans of psychological dramas who haven’t yet watched this iconic 2000s cult classic, Richard Kelly’s Donnie Darko stars Jake Gyllenhaal and follows a troubled teenager plagued by visions of a man in a large rabbit suit who manipulates him to commit a series of crimes.

This captivating watch sustains its surrealist mood throughout, delivering a thoughtful message about fear, depression, sexuality, and identity. Family dynamics also play a poignant role in its narrative, particularly Donnie’s relationship with his mother, Rose (Mary McDonnell). While Donnie Darko is not inherently a movie that solely focuses on a mother-son relationship, it offers a nuanced portrayal of the bond between Donnie and his mother, contributing to the film being regarded as a compelling exploration of the bond between the two.

23

The ‘Dune’ Franchise (2021–Present)

Image via Warner Bros.

After two flawless entries, Denis Villeneuve‘s science fiction hit Dune has proven to be one of the most promising film franchises. With memorable characters and an intriguing plot, this book-to-screen adaptation tells the story of Timothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides, a brilliant and seemingly gifted young man who is born into a great destiny beyond. His mother, played by Rebecca Ferguson, helps him find his fate.

Both Dune installments are unforgettable for plenty of reasons, including their absorbing storyline, astounding sound, and striking cinematography. However, the bond shared between its characters also stands out, particularly between Jessica and Paul. Jessica is an integral figure in her son’s rise to power, so their relationship, although incredibly flawed and even toxic at times, is also a key aspect of the movie.

22

‘Psycho’ (1960)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Alfred Hitchcock‘s Psycho is one of the filmmaker’s most famous works, and it is not difficult to understand why. The masterfully directed black-and-white 1960 picture centers on Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), a secretary on the run for embezzlement who takes refuge at an isolated California motel owned by a shy man (Anthony Perkins) and his mother, with terrifying consequences.

Psycho — the first adaptation of the 1959 novel of the same name — is a perfect horror thriller by the legendary director. Through its fantastic build of tension and suspense, the masterful movie has revolutionized the horror genre and continues to influence several films in the category to this day. Although the film does not showcase the relationship between the two, it is clear that the protagonist’s mother holds power over him. After all, there would be no Norman Bates without Norma Bates.

21

‘Jojo Rabbit’ (2019)

Image via Searchlight Pictures

One of the most emotionally devastating World War II movies is told from the perspective of a ten-year-old boy named Johannes “Jojo” Betzler (Roman Griffin Davis) living in Nazi Germany during the later stages of the war with his mother Rosie (Scarlett Johansson). Their life takes a wild turn when Rosie hides a Jewish girl in their home.

Taika Waititi‘s Oscar-winning Best Picture nominee is a remarkable film (though possibly not to everyone’s taste, considering the comic way it deals with sensitive themes), anchored by incredible acting efforts and striking cinematography that contrasts with the dark times it is set in. Still, one of Jojo Rabbit‘s strongest aspects is the positive, even if tear-jerking, bond shared between Johannes and Rosie.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi ended with one of the biggest power shifts in the sequel trilogy. Supreme Leader Snoke was dead, Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) had seized control of the First Order, and the Resistance had been reduced to a handful of survivors escaping Crait aboard the Millennium Falcon. By the time audiences caught up with Kylo again in The Rise of Skywalker, however, his reign was already well underway. That left a sizable chapter of Kylo Ren’s story largely unexplored. We knew he had declared himself Supreme Leader after killing Snoke, but the movies never really showed what happened when he returned to the First Order and actually had to claim that authority. Now, Star Wars is finally returning to the immediate aftermath of The Last Jedi to show exactly how Kylo Ren’s reign began.

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Marvel’s new five-issue series Star Wars: The Fall of Kylo Ren, written by Charles Soule with art by Will Sliney, follows Kylo Ren during the period between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. A new preview of the first issue reveals that Kylo returns to the First Order after surviving a major ordeal and immediately finds that Snoke’s death has left considerably more instability behind than he may have expected.

The preview opens with Kylo traveling aboard his TIE Silencer, reflecting on the trials that have prepared him to move forward and “meet his destiny.” He soon contacts the Finalizer and makes his new position perfectly clear, identifying himself as the Supreme Leader and ordering the ship to prepare for his arrival. Things aren’t exactly going well in his absence. At Hetzal Prime, General Hux and Admiral Pryde are overseeing a battle that threatens the Finalizer itself. Hux is already clashing with Pryde, threatening to strip the admiral of his rank if he doesn’t get into position within sixty seconds. Pryde responds with open contempt for Hux, suggesting the cracks Kylo later identifies within the First Order were already becoming impossible to ignore.

‘The Fall of Kylo Ren’ Picks Up After ‘The Last Jedi’

Kylo’s arrival quickly changes the situation. When enemy soldiers board the Finalizer, he tears through them with his lightsaber before ordering the First Order fleet to retreat from the battle entirely. It’s a striking introduction to Kylo as Supreme Leader because he’s walking into an organization that is already struggling to function without its former leader. When Hux and Pryde welcome him back, Kylo isn’t interested in celebrating his return. He tells them that the First Order, once the most powerful military force in the galaxy, has become “a disgrace.” More importantly, he says he can sense the disunity spreading through its ranks.

That immediately puts a different spin on the version of the First Order seen in The Rise of Skywalker. Kylo may have technically become Supreme Leader aboard Snoke’s flagship in The Last Jedi, but killing his master was only the beginning; actually controlling the enormous military organization Snoke left behind was another matter entirely. The preview also puts Hux and Pryde’s eventual roles in The Rise of Skywalker into sharper focus. Hux’s resentment of Kylo ultimately becomes so intense that he betrays the First Order simply because he wants to see Kylo lose, while Pryde proves considerably more loyal to the cause. The Fall of Kylo Ren now has an opportunity to show how those divisions developed during Kylo’s rise.

Soule has already explored crucial pieces of Kylo Ren’s history in The Rise of Kylo Ren, which chronicled Ben Solo’s transformation following the destruction of Luke Skywalker’s Jedi Temple. The Fall of Kylo Ren tackles the other end of that story. Instead of showing how Ben Solo became Kylo Ren, the new series can finally explore what happened when Kylo got everything he thought he wanted. That’s an especially interesting missing piece considering how little time The Rise of Skywalker spends with Kylo as Supreme Leader before Emperor Palpatine’s return changes the direction of his story. The Last Jedi leaves him at the absolute height of his power, having killed Snoke, rejected both the Jedi and Sith masters who shaped him, and taken the First Order for himself. The next movie largely skips over what he actually did with that power.

The Fall of Kylo Ren is finally filling in that blank when it releases on August 12.

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Release Date

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December 13, 2017

Runtime

152 minutes

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Director

Rian Johnson

Writers

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Rian Johnson

Producers

Kathleen Kennedy, Ram Bergman, Leifur B. Dagfinnsson

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For the latest season of her Roku Original docuseries, Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross, actress and fashion icon Tracee Ellis Ross jetted to Thailand. Obviously, she packed plenty of cute looks for the trip — including a black and white string bikini, which she wore while taking a dip in a pool nestled beneath vegetation. Decorated with micro floral motifs, the swimwear choice quickly caught my eye, sending me on a search for something similar. Luckily, I found an Amazon lookalike that costs just $24.

While the eye-catching print is nearly identical, the inspired-by version might be even more polished than the original, boasting a fuller-coverage design and supportive criss-cross back straps. It also includes luxe gold hardware, which adds an expensive touch.

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Still, I’d be remiss to neglect the rich fabric. The fully-lined set is soft and stretchy, quickly drying after a dip in the pool. Even better? The material sculpts and defines, creating an hourglass silhouette that lifts, smooths and tucks.

Related: Not Too Late! Snag Meghan Markle’s One-Piece Swimsuit Style for $38

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Shoppers are just as impressed, with one reviewer claiming the two-piece “creates confidence.”

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Another shopper praised its push-up capabilities: “This suit is everything. . . I’ve never had a swimsuit hold the girls up this well! It is worth every penny!”

It’s easier than ever to steal Ross’s Thailand-approved look with this ultra-flattering $24 swimsuit. With such a high-end design and all that customer praise, it’s sure to go quickly.

Get the Herseas Bikini Set for $24 (was $40) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more supportive bikinis here and don’t forget to check out Amazon’s full swimwear lineup for more great finds!

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Related: Eva Longoria’s Confidence-Boosting Bikini Look Never Goes Out of Style

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There are a few men who hold the title of “Spider-Man” in the world of Marvel comics. Fans met many of them in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and its follow-up film, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. The character is more about the mantle of Spider-Man than the one behind the mask, as the Phil Lord and Chris Miller film taught audiences. That means, though, that fans have their favorite version of the character and some want to see other heroes get to take on the action as Spider-Man outside of Peter Parker. Which is what makes Marvel’s next release so exciting.

Introduced in 2011, after being inspired by Donald Glover‘s character Troy in the show Community, Brian Michael Bendis and artist Sara Pichelli brought to life a new Spider-Man hero: Miles Morales. The Brooklyn-based web-slinger is incredibly smart, has parents who love him and want to protect him, and he’s the kind of New York kid who isn’t going to let some villain take over his city. There are some similarities between Miles and Peter, but for the most part, Miles has his own set of powers and is his very own version of Spider-Man. The new comic, Miles Morales: Spider-Man by Bryan Edward Hill with art by Nico Leon, allows Miles to come into his own.

Miles Morales: Spider-Man highlights aspects of Miles Morales that make him the best new Spider-Man and the ways in which he is a different hero. In a preview of the new issue, Valentina and Miles are working on a project together; he uses his intelligence to impress her. She’s also a highly intelligent person, and it leads to the two of them having a cute back-and-forth, intercut with Miles trying to find the best way he can to be Spider-Man for New York. And that does include saving a construction worker.

Anyone Can Wear the Mask But Who Is the Best?

The debate over the best Spider-Man ranges from talking about Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Holland to the characters who take on the mantle. But the reality is that every Spider-Man has something to offer fans. With Miles Morales, he’s our new young hero who is still trying to figure out what being Spider-Man means to him, in the same way that Peter did when he first started. Miles Morales: Spider-Man allows fans to enter this journey with Miles and delivers a fresh take on a beloved hero.

You can see Miles in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, and in Miles Morales: Spider-Man when it hits shelves this week.

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Release Date

December 14, 2018

Runtime

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117 minutes

Sequel(s)

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Don’t Use), Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse

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