A clip from a 2017 interview with Jon Bernthal is making the rounds online, bringing renewed attention to the actor’s passionate defense of pit bulls. In the resurfaced footage, the “Punisher” star argues that fear of the breed is rooted in unfair stereotypes, even going so far as to describe it as “dog racism.” His past comments have reignited online discussion about the stigma surrounding the dog breed.

On August 1, “The Howard Stern Show” reuploaded a 2017 interview featuring actor Jon Bernthal, in which he defended pit bulls. The resurfaced clip quickly gained traction, with numerous media outlets and social media accounts highlighting his remarks, turning them into a trending topic online.

The conversation turned to pit bulls when Howard Stern asked the actor about a 2009 incident in Venice Beach. Bernthal was arrested following an altercation with a drunk individual who attempted to grab his pit bull. The actor punched the man, who ended up unconscious after hitting his head on the ground.

Stern asked why his pit bull didn’t attack, to which Bernthal answered, “My dogs are the greatest, and they’re unbelievably well trained.” He further added that the stereotype against pit bulls being aggressive is just “dog racism.”

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“To be afraid of a breed of dog is completely ridiculous. It’s like being afraid of somebody for their race or their sexual orientation,” Bernthal told Stern.

The Actor Placed The Responsibility On Dog Owners

Bernthal admitted that it would “suck” to be bitten by a pit bull. However, he claimed that “they’re no more likely to bite you than a chihuahua or any other breed of dog.”

Moreover, the actor believes that a dog’s behavior depends largely on its owner and how it is raised and trained, regardless of the breed. “I think that a lot of knuckleheads, unfortunately, are attached to that breed of dog,” he added.

The resurfaced clip sparked an online debate. While many agreed with his view, others argued that genetics also play a role. One said mixed breeds are responsible for many attacks, but when it comes to specific breeds, “pit bulls are by far the most dangerous.” One person commented, “If you meet a pit bull who’s an a-shole it’s because an a-shole human taught them to be an a-shole.”

Jon Bernthal Is An Advocate For Pit Bulls

Bernthal has long been vocal about his love of pit bulls. In 2014, he shared that he often traveled by car to work instead of taking a plane, as he wanted to bring his pit bulls, Boss and Venice, with him.

“They’re beautiful. They’re sweethearts,” the actor said, adding that apart from them being his best friends, he wanted to change the public’s perception about the breed. “It’s pretty sick and twisted how people feel about them a lot of the time, and my dogs are total sweethearts,” he told Live Science.

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In 2015, Bernthal, who starred in “The Walking Dead” for two seasons in 2010 to 2012, said there wasn’t a day when his dogs were not on set with him, and they were also his companions to meetings and auditions. “Our dogs are part of our family,” he said, per CBS News.

The Actor’s Father Served As Chair For The Humane Society

Bernthal isn’t the only one in his family advocating for pit bulls. His father, Eric, served as chair of the board of directors for the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) until 2019.

In 2012, the Maryland Court of Appeals declared pit bulls and pit bull mixes “inherently dangerous” breeds. Through his leadership, Eric and the HSUS fought the decision and called out Maryland lawmakers for issuing a “death warrant” for thousands of dogs in shelters. The court ruling was overturned, and a new breed-neutral bill was enacted.

Bernthal credited his father for inspiring his passion for dogs, especially pit bulls, saying Eric “loved dogs to an insane level.”

Fatal Dog Attack Statistics

Pitbulls was specifically bred for hostility , strength, and bite power for illegal dog fighting

Some are good , some are bad, but numbers show they’re the most hostile danger. Many dogs as they age become confuse and sometimes attack an owner, this is a breed I wouldn’t risk. https://t.co/QDEwuJp0Ng pic.twitter.com/bNEYwa8xt9

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— Ellen the Shark (@ApertureBlazeRB) August 1, 2026

The role of breed in dog attacks remains a divisive issue, with pit bulls and Rottweilers at the center of discussion.

In 2025, there were 84 reported fatal dog attacks in the U.S. and Canada, with 64 involving dogs identified as pit bulls. Despite the statistics, several studies have shown that a dog’s breed does not correlate to its aggression.

Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) have previously warned against breed-specific fatality statistics, as they often rely on visual identification, which may be inaccurate.

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Many of history’s greatest fantasy books go on to receive exactly as much love and praise as they deserve. Inevitably, however, the years have seen many other exceptional works of fantasy literature which have been all but forgotten, even though they’ve only gotten better with age. Of course, saying that they’ve been “forgotten” is a bit of an exaggeration for dramatic effect, but there’s no denying that these great fantasy books haven’t been read by nearly as many people as they deserve.

These are, through and through, some of the greatest fantasy books of their time. Some of them are the work of huge names in fantasy literature like Ursula K. Le Guin and her Powers. Others are by considerably smaller names, like Katharine Kerr‘s The Silver Mage, the most tragically forgotten fantasy books of all time have all aged like the finest of wines. No matter their origin, these fantasy books are worthwhile and unworthy of their forgotten status.

‘Marianne, the Matchbox and the Malachite Mouse’ (1989)

Image via Gateway

The winner of several big awards and one of the most prolific authors of feminist speculative fiction of her generation, Sheri S. Tepper was nothing short of an absolute legend. Marianne, the Matchbox and the Malachite Mouse is one of her best works, the final installment in the Marianne trilogy, where the titular character’s magical past begins to feel like a distant dream while she struggles in the real world.

But even though it’s one of Tepper’s best works, it’s still one of the most underappreciated fantasy novels of the ’80s. It’s a really strong ending to the series, one that’s every bit as creative as it is emotionally satisfying. Tepper finds ways to introduce fresh new ideas to the world of Marianne even as it’s coming to an end, all through the wit and fast pacing that makes her voice as an author so unique.

‘Powers’ (2007)

Image via Clarion Books

Ursula K. Le Guin is one of the greatest and most important authors of speculative fiction of the 20th and 21st centuries, and over her illustrious career, she wrote several of the best fantasy books and book series the world has ever seen. One such series is the YA trilogy Annals of the Western Shore, whose conclusion is the exceptional Powers, following a young boy raised as a domestic slave who can see the future.

Thankfully for fantasy readers not looking to get into a full new series right now, each book in Annals of the Western Shore follows a different main character, making Power—the best of the bunch—easily understandable by itself. It’s one of those fantasy books better than most movies out there, a nuanced exploration of freedom and power that even those who don’t typically love YA fantasy should consider reading.

‘Myth Conceptions’ (1980)

Image via Ace

Robert Asprin isn’t exactly a mainstream literary fantasy giant, which makes the discovery of his work all the more satisfying. He was arguably best known for his comedic work, his amusing Myth Adventures series in particular being one of the most enjoyable fantasy comedy book series of not just the 20th century, but perhaps of all time. Myth Conceptions, the second installment, where a court magician has to oppose the world’s mightiest army, is the best of the bunch.

Asprin’s writing style across the whole Myth Adventures series is delectably accessible and amusing, and Myth Conceptions in particular blends Asprin’s universally appealing sense of humor with some surprisingly deep worldbuilding and razor-sharp dialogue. It’s not high art, but anyone who loves their fantasy with a hearty side of puns and banter is pretty much guaranteed to love this underrated gem.

‘Sword-Dancer’ (1986)

Image via Daw Books

Well-known for her work in both fantasy and historical fiction, Jennifer Roberson isn’t a particularly big name outside of niche fantasy fan circles, but she absolutely deserves to be. For reasons why, one needn’t look further than Sword-Dancer, the first chapter of the Tiger and Del series. In it, a legendary mercenary and a mysterious warrior team up on a dangerous rescue mission across the desert.

It’s one of the most near-perfect fantasy books nobody remembers, a really underappreciated book written by a really underappreciated fantasy author. Led by a pair of deeply compelling characters and told with a sense of adventure that fans of the genre can always appreciate, it’s a page-turner that should be perfectly able to get anyone instantly hooked on Tiger and Del.

‘The Silver Mage’ (2009)

Image via Penguin Random House

Many fantasy book series run for several years and many installments, but Katharine Kerr’s Deverry Cycle, a sweeping narrative of Celtic fantasy spanning several centuries, is on a whole other level. A whopping 23 years after the publication of Daggerspell, the first novel in the series, came the fifteenth installment, The Silver Mage. It’s the highest-rated chapter in the series on Goodreads, and for good reason.

Of course, getting to this point in the Deverry Cycle already means that the reader has fallen in love with the world of Deverry deeply enough to read fifteen books’ worth of it. But even if one were to (for some reason) start here, The Silver Mage would still be an incredible novel in its own right. The writing is hugely accessible, different arcs and plot lines are brought to deeply satisfying conclusions, and the bits of Celtic folklore are the cherry on top.

‘Dragonsong’ (1986)

Image via Aladdin

When a story blends elements of science fiction and fantasy, it’s referred to as science fantasy. It’s the genre that has given us some of the greatest sci-fi and fantasy novels of all time, including the awfully underrated Dragonsong by Anne McCaffrey. It’s the third installment in the 24-novel Dragonriders of Pern series, and it’s also one of the best fantasy books of the last 50 years.

As one of the best YA fantasy books of its time, Dragonsong is the perfect bridge for younger science fantasy readers to transition into more mature novels. And yet, even older readers ought to consider adding it to their library, because it really is that good of a book. With its richly detailed worldbuilding, heroic protagonist, and deeply emotional story, it’s a wonderful piece of uniquely ’80s-y fantasy literature.

‘The Dying Earth’ (1950)

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It’s not just younger readers who deserve great fantasy books, but grown adults too; and as far as underappreciated fantasy books for adult readers go, it doesn’t get much more timeless than the 76-year-old book The Dying Earth. It’s the first (and best) chapter of the book series of the same name by Jack Vance, a collection of science fantasy short stories set in a distant future when humanity is disappearing, and civilization is decaying.

Part post-apocalyptic, part fatalistic adventure, and part sword-and-sorcery gem, The Dying Earth is easily one of the best fantasy books of the 1950s. It was considerably praised upon release and even went on to influence elements of Dungeons & Dragons, and yet, it has faded into relative obscurity over the years. Even still, it has aged like fine wine, blending science and magic in ways so delightfully creative that they’re also endlessly re-readable.

‘The High King’ (1968)

Image via Holt, Rinehart and Winston

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The fifth and final installment of Lloyd Alexander‘s The Chronicles of Prydain series, The High King is top-tier children’s fantasy from the mid-20th century. It is, indeed, one of the best books of the 1960s when it comes to fantasy for the smallest readers of the family, and it’s even hugely enjoyable for fans of the genre who are well into their adult years.

The book delivers powerful character arcs, sky-high and wonderfully emotional stakes, and a timeless message about heroism that you always expect from a Hero’s Journey tale like this one. Today, The High King remains a childhood classic for many readers even after almost six decades of its publication—but that’s still not nearly as big of an audience as it deserves.

‘Troy: Lord of the Silver Bow’ (2005)

Image via Ballantine Books

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David Gemmell was a master of heroic fantasy and has proven to have been massively influential over the years, yet his Troy trilogy still doesn’t deserve even a fraction of the love and praise it deserves. The series is historical fiction just as much as it is fantasy, and its opening installment, Troy: Lord of the Silver Bow, just so happens to be the best of the three.

It’s a fantastic introduction to Gemmell for those unfamiliar with him. Like the rest of the author’s work, Lord of the Silver Bow blends highly stylized depictions of violence and brutal combat with deeply layered character development and vivid worldbuilding. It’s a book that’s just as much of a must-read for fantasy fans as it is for history buffs.

‘Tigana’ (1990)

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Canadian writer Guy Gavriel Kay is one of the most accomplished names in the modern history of fantasy literature. He revolutionized historical fantasy and helped Christopher Tolkien edit J. R. R. Tolkien‘s The Silmarillion, and yet there are those who’d argue that his biggest achievement is Tigana. This masterful high fantasy epic follows a band of rebels seeking to overthrow a pair of rival tyrants.

It’s one of the best fantasy books of the 1990s, hugely elevated by Kay’s lyrical, poetic, absolutely gorgeous prose. Within a single tightly-paced book, you get the thematic and emotional scale of an entire epic saga of fantasy novels. That’s just the kind of artist that Kay was. Complex, creative, and bittersweet, Tigana is a must-read for anyone who loves fantasy.

Phil Collins has enjoyed one of the most celebrated careers in music, first rising to fame as the drummer and later the lead singer of Genesis before launching a successful solo career. The musician concluded his final tour in 2022, and at 75 years old, he is reflecting on the frightening health scare he had in 2024 that left him believing he was nearing the end of his life.

Phil Collins has faced a number of health challenges over the past two decades that have significantly affected his ability to perform. Among them is a spinal injury that caused mobility issues and a few knee surgeries.

In 2023, the singer was more than a decade sober before he had a relapse that eventually sent him to the hospital in 2024 for alcohol addiction and organ failure. His health was in such dire condition that he was placed on life support, and his family and close friends were called to say goodbye.

“My kidneys were packing up, my organs were just seizing up. People were coming to say goodbye,” Collins told The Sunday Times. Admittedly, he said he was mostly unconscious at that time, but noted that those who were closest to him feared it was the end. “It could all have gone so terribly wrong,” he said.

All The Singer’s Five Children Were By His Bedside

Collins added that important decisions had to be made, such as whether to keep him on life support. All of the drummer’s children visited him to say their final goodbyes.

He has been married three times and is the father of five children. He shares Joely and Simon with his first wife, Andrea Bertorelli. He later welcomed daughter Lily Collins, best known for starring in “Emily in Paris,” with his second wife, Jill Tavelman. With his third wife, Orianne Cevey, he has two sons, Nicholas and Mathew.

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Fortunately, he went on to recover. “I haven’t had a drink since,” he proudly shared. His recuperation wasn’t swift, though, as he spent seven months in a hospital in Switzerland.

Phil Collins Years For Companionship

Collins is currently based in Switzerland and has a live-in nurse who helps care for him following his health crisis. The singer admitted that he would like to find love again and misses certain parts of being in a relationship.

“I’d love to be in love again. I would love a relationship. Kissing somebody, for example. You know, pretty basic stuff,” the singer confessed.

Following his split from his third wife, he entered a relationship with news anchor Dana Tyler in 2007, which lasted until 2020.

At his age, however, Collins said love may no longer be in the cards for him. “I think it’s probably too late for that. I’m not a very social person. I don’t you know, I don’t go out,” he said.

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Lily Collins Wrote An Open Letter To Her Father

Lily didn’t always have a close relationship with her father, which he detailed in her 2017 memoir “Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me.” The actress said her bond with Collins deteriorated after her parents’ divorce.

Lily also penned an open letter to him in the chapter “A Letter to All Dads,” in which she later realized that many of her insecurities stemmed from “issues” with her father. “I forgive you for not always being there when I needed you and for not being the dad I expected. I forgive the mistakes you made,” she wrote.

The father and daughter have since mended their relationship, and Collins shared that he spent the New Year in London with family and Lily. “I have a wonderful relationship with Lily now. So everything has a happy ending, most of the time,” he said.

Phil Collins Is Not Closed Off To Performing Again

Collins last performed at “The Last Domino? Tour” in 2022 with Genesis. At that time, he announced his retirement due to multiple health issues.

In May, however, Collins shared a positive update on his health, revealing that he feels the healthiest he has in a long time. The musician has unfinished songs and ideas that he’s toying with, as well as a few finished works, and he isn’t opposed to the idea of returning to the stage. “I would contemplate… I’m constantly saying to myself, I better go back down to my studio at home,” he said.

Collins will be inducted at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for a second time in November, this time in recognition of his solo career.

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In the mid-1990s, a groundbreaking mecha series emerged from producers Gainax and Tatsunoko Production, forever changing the sci-fi genre. Set in the year 2015, 15 years after a devastating global catastrophe, the anime follows a reluctant teenage boy who is recruited by his estranged father to pilot a mysterious biomechanical weapon against monstrous creatures called Angels that threaten humanity.

Running for 26 episodes between October 4, 1995, and March 27, 1996, Neon Genesis Evangelion remains one of the greatest anime series ever made. It debuted to widespread critical acclaim and today holds a rare 100% Certified Fresh critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, alongside an 89% audience score. Over the past three decades, the series has profoundly influenced anime and sci-fi while remaining one of Japan’s most commercially successful multimedia franchises through television, films, merchandise, and home video releases.

Now, one of the most essential sci-fi anime ever made is heading to a new streaming home. According to Polygon, Neon Genesis Evangelion will arrive on The Criterion Channel on September 1, 2026, through a partnership with North American distributor GKIDS. The collection will include three entries from the franchise. First is the original 26-episode series, available in the Japanese dub and the original English dub, the latter streaming officially for the first time. Also included is Evangelion: Death (True)², the 1998 feature-length recap film, and The End of Evangelion, the acclaimed 1997 movie that serves as the alternate conclusion to the OG series.

The Legendary Mecha Series Has Aged Like Fine Wine

Directed by Hideaki Anno, Neon Genesis Evangelion concluded with two famously divisive episodes that many viewers found confusing. In response to the mixed reception, Gainax released The End of Evangelion, written and co-directed by Anno, which has since become one of the most celebrated anime films ever made.

Anno later revisited the franchise with the four-film Rebuild of Evangelion series, released between 2007 and 2021. Rather than serving as straightforward remakes, the films gradually branch off from the original story before delivering an entirely new conclusion. While the Rebuild films will not be part of Criterion Channel’s lineup, they are available on Prime Video until they leave the service in mid-August.

Neon Genesis Evangelion arrives on The Criterion Channel this September. Stay tuned to Collider for the latest entertainment news.

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Release Date

1995 – 1996

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Network

TV Tokyo

Directors

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Keiichi Sugiyama, Masahiko Otsuka, Tensai Okamura, Shoichi Masuo, Minoru Ohara, Seiji Mizushima, Tetsuya Watanabe, Ken Ando

Writers

Akio Satsukawa, Yoji Enokido

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• 

  Megumi Ogata

  Shinji Ikari (voice)

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  Kotono Mitsuishi

  Misato Katsuragi (voice)

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Taking charge of a beloved franchise is no mean feat, but to try to turn around the fortunes of a sinking cinematic ship is much harder. This was the task Dan Trachtenberg had to undertake when he was given the keys to the Predator franchise, looking to bring back quality and refresh the IP for a new generation. Trachtenberg started impressively with Prey in 2022, which earned a pair of Critics’ Choice Awards. He then followed with the animated Predator: Killer of Killers last year, but his biggest task came later in that same year with Predator: Badlands.

The film might’ve flopped at the box office, earning just $184.6 million against a $105 million budget, but the reaction from both critics and audiences was overwhelmingly positive, represented by an 86% critics’ score and 94% audience score on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. After three movies, it was clear that the future of the franchise was at least in creatively fresh and exciting hands with Trachtenberg, the sort of freshness that was obvious to anyone who enjoyed the director’s 2016 debut, 10 Cloverfield Lane.

Although in much less high-profile circumstances, 10 Cloverfield Lane saw Trachtenberg take charge of another franchise following the success of 2008’s Cloverfield. Unlike Predator: Badlands, 10 Cloverfield Lane was a notable box office triumph, turning a small $15 million production budget into $108 million worldwide. The film follows Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), who is kept in a bunker by Howard (John Goodman), a man who convinces her that the world outside has been ravaged by aliens. If you’re a fan of Trachtenberg’s work on Predator but haven’t seen his debut, then you’re in luck, as 10 Cloverfield Lane is available to stream on Paramount+ this month.

Dan Trachtenberg Directed an Episode of a Smash Hit Sci-Fi Series

Trachtenberg hasn’t just unleashed his sci-fi prowess on the big screen. In 2016, he directed the Season 3 episode of Black Mirror, “Playtest,” which follows an American traveler (Wyatt Russell) who signs up to test a revolutionary game to try and earn some cash. However, when the game starts to blur the line between reality and nightmare, the walls of his mind begin to crumble. A perfectly shocking, uncanny episode of Black Mirror, “Playtest” is a gem among the series’ vast catalog.

10 Cloverfield Lane is available to stream on Paramount+ this month. Make sure to stay tuned to Collider for the latest streaming stories.

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Release Date

March 10, 2016

Runtime

103 Minutes

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Director

Dan Trachtenberg

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Nothing in this world is perfect; at least, that is what everyone says. It is hard to argue with this, because even in a lot of people’s favorite medium, anime, there are dozens of fantastic but flawed works. Films such as Princess Mononoke and Paprika are legendary works, but they do have a handful of flaws that hold them back from being perfect.

However, that doesn’t mean it is impossible, because this list will highlight ten anime movies that don’t have any flaws in their own respect. Based on aspects such as consistency, pacing, animation, writing, directing, influence, critical acclaim, and overall quality, fans will have a tough time finding things to complain about in these films. These movies have genuinely become institutions of the medium, being perfect as long as they achieve what they set out for.

Image via Animate Film

Kicking off this list is an underrated classic that fans either love or haven’t heard of: Ninja Scroll. Jubei is a swordsman for hire who wanders around the feudal country looking for work. After getting involved with a woman and her revenge story, he tries to clean his hands of it, but her enemies have different plans, thrusting him into a government conspiracy where he will meet an old friend.

Truth be told, Ninja Scroll doesn’t have the best story; it is rather predictable and bland. Some might view that as a flaw, but the simplicity gives way to what the movie really aims to accomplish: fight scenes galore! The animation and art are absolutely stunning, and this visual masterclass makes each fight scene just as striking, with plenty of thrills and riveting moments that make this simple but effective revenge tale one of the best action anime movies.

‘Redline’ (2009)

Image via Tohokushinsha Film

A lot of the movies on this list are narrative masterclasses, but films such as Redline are all about the animation and exhilaration. JP finally gets his chance to star in the titular race that he has always dreamed of, but the host planet was forcefully chosen, and they don’t want the race to expose their secret weapons, prompting them to try and stop all the racers before they cross the finish line.

Some movies are flawless because of a handful of aspects, but Redline is perfect because what it does, it does well. This movie is a high-octane experience from start to finish, and when it speeds up, it doesn’t slow down. Redline is a beloved anime film that fans enjoy simply because of the flawless animation and exhilaration that can make viewers overdose on hype-inducing moments.

‘Look Back’ (2024)

Image via Avex Pictures

Tatsumi Fujimoto is an acclaimed manga author best known for his hit series, Chainsaw Man, but he has also delivered a handful of one-shots which have been turned into movies, including Look Back. Fujino was always passionate about art, but when one of her classmates was better than her, she dropped it completely. After the two would-be rivals meet each other, her passion reignites, beginning a lifelong friendship.

It may be shorter than most movies, but it is precisely because of that tight pacing that Look Back becomes a flawless anime film. The dynamic and relationship of the two characters is an absolute wonder, going through highs and lows of tragedy and redemption, ending in a bittersweet manner that proves why Fujimoto is one of the best modern mangaka.

‘The Night is Short, Walk on Girl’ (2017)

Image via Toho

Some of the best avant-garde anime movies come from Masaaki Yuasa, including The Night is Short, Walk on Girl. An unnamed protagonist has a crush on one girl who only believes in fate, so to win her over, he tries to convince her that their love is fated. Trying to get her a childhood book, he works tirelessly to win her over as she continues her walk down the red string of fate, seeing what the world brings next.

This movie has a visual style unlike any other, proving to be a stunning display of style and art that hooks viewers with its vibrant colors and uniqueness. The Night is Short, Walk on Girl isn’t just a piece of eye candy, but it also has a profound message hidden beneath its fascinating love story. It may be a forgotten anime film, but it is still perfect and a must-watch.

‘Spirited Away’ (2001)

Image via Toho

Studio Ghibli is the most acclaimed anime studio of all time, so it is only natural that their magnum opus, Spirited Away, earns a spot on this list. When a young girl and her family move to a new house, they find an amusement park behind it. When her parents are turned into pigs, she must travel into the supernatural hot springs resort in order to find the witch capable of reversing the curse.

As one of the most popular and renowned anime movies, there is no denying that Spirited Away is without flaws. Influence aside, it is a perfect display of hand-drawn animation that is so incredibly detailed it almost feels impossible. Plus, with a whimsical vibe, charming aesthetic, and a relatable coming-of-age story, Spirited Away is a family-friendly movie that anyone can, and will enjoy.

‘Ghost in the Shell’ (1995)

A new anime series came out remaking the iconic series, but the film of Ghost in the Shell is still the definitive version. Motoko Kusanagi is the leader of an elite squad that deals with cyber-terrorism events, and the latest case involves a mysterious killer that erases the memories of their victims. However, when the mystery gets personal, will Motoko keep her cool?

Like a lot of movies on this list, Ghost in the Shell is a visual spectacle that highlights its animation prowess through a hand-drawn style. Its original worldbuilding, philosophical themes, and thought-provoking discussion have made it a timeless story that only gets more relevant as time passes. As technology improves and society progresses, Ghost in the Shell proves to be timeless and ever-iconic.

‘A Silent Voice’ (2016)

Image via Shochiku

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Some of the best anime movies are high school dramas, and A Silent Voice is arguably the most flawless of the bunch. Years ago, Shouya used to bully a girl in school for being deaf, and years after she left, he still carried the guilt. However, when they are reunited again, he aims to right his past wrongs and redeem himself.

A Silent Voice displays one of the best examples of character development in anime, and to do that in a movie is even more impressive. This touching tale will have viewers bawling by the end of it, showcasing its emotional story, achieved through visual and thematic storytelling that further enhances the messages and themes. It all leads to a satisfying and uplifting ending, the ultimate cathartic conclusion.

‘Akira’ (1988)

Image via Toho

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When it comes to the most influential anime movie, it usually comes down to Spirited Away and Akira, with the latter also being a perfect film. Decades after a nuclear explosion destroyed the world, a rebuilt Neo-Tokyo is now a corrupt hellhole. When a biker gang gets involved in a government conspiracy, one of the members gains strange powers that could destroy the city again.

Akira was the film that put anime on the map in the West, also proving that it could be a serious and mature medium instead of simple entertainment for children. This technical masterpiece used 24 frames per second, which added a visceral weight to the movement and action. Akira is one of the best anime films of the past 50 years, and it didn’t earn that status by having any flaws.

‘Grave of the Fireflies’ (1988)

Image via Studio Ghibli

Akira wasn’t the only flawless anime movie to come out in 1988; It was paired with Studio Ghibli’s second film on this list, Grave of the Fireflies. After the bombing of Hiroshima, a boy and his little sister wander the wasteland in search of food, water, and anything else they will need to survive, but it may already be too late.

As opposed to other Studio Ghibli films, Grave of the Fireflies is a deeply tragic, depressing, and bleak movie that is a departure from the usual formula. It removes the suspense of wondering if they will survive and replaces it with a hollow feeling of knowing what will happen. Grave of the Fireflies is a grim depiction of the war and a defining anti-war experience that will haunt anyone who watches it.

‘Perfect Blue’ (1998)

Image via Rex Entertainment

Satoshi Kon was a legendary director who passed away too soon, but he left an untouchable legacy, including his best film, Perfect Blue. Pop idol Mima wants to break out into the acting industry, but after leaving her group, they begin to gain popularity. Not only that, but a stalker throws Mima into a spell of psychosis, unable to tell reality from fantasy anymore.

It may be confusing at times, but Perfect Blue‘s editing is entirely intentional, creating a disoriented feeling that puts viewers in the shoes of Mima, having them question what is real and what is fake. This brilliant tactic added to the thought-provoking nature and immersion of the story, creating a compelling anime movie that aged like fine wine. Perfect Blue has a tight pace and non-stop thrills that make it the best of the best.

Robert Irwin has suffered an injury to his face during a crocodile research trip in northern Australia.

The Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro host, 22, shared a gruesome selfie that captured his injury via a Sunday, August 2, Instagram Story. “Tree: 1, Robert: 0,” Robert wrote over the photo which showed blood dripping down his nose and soaked through his khaki shirt.

The DWTS season 34 champion, who is currently traveling through the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve in Australia’s Far North Queensland, had previously shared via his Instagram Stories that he is camping in the remote Cape York Peninsula for one month while tackling his annual crocodile research expedition. (The reserve was established in 2007 to honor Robert’s late father, Steve Irwin, and his animal conservation efforts before he died at the age of 44 in 2006.)

As part of his trip, Robert built a crocodile trap, per footage shared via his Instagram Stories, and examined large crocodile footprints as well as spotting multiple crocodiles lurking in the water.

“We’re back on our annual crocodile research trip in remote northern Australia. First things first, it’s time to find signs of where crocs have been,” Robert captioned a Saturday, August 1, Instagram video of himself finding a muddy crocodile footprint. “It doesn’t get better than a footprint like this, what a whopper.”

Robert’s mom, Terri Irwin, took to the video’s comments section to provide context surrounding Robert’s annual adventure. “We are learning so much with our crocodile research. It’s the longest running telemetry study, helping us find out where they travel, nest, and go to escape extreme flooding events. We have discovered they can hold their breath more than eight hours, how their body temperature affects their movements, and that they can travel more than 60km per day,” Terri, 62, wrote. “It’s really exciting to be able to provide so much new data on these gorgeous animals!”

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Just a few days prior, Robert shared behind-the-scenes footage of himself on the set of his DWTS spin-off reality series as the host continues to juggle U.S. showbiz pursuits with his animal conservation work in Australia, where he was born.

In January, he opened up to The West Australian about how he splits his time between the southern and northern hemisphere. “Being in L.A. for the last three months has been wonderful, but I am not a city kid,” Robert admitted at the time. “I live out in the bush and have grown up there, so it’s good to be back where there’s a bit of greenery.”

Last month, he shared a video of himself at the Irwin family’s Australia Zoo while holding a baby freshwater crocodile for the camera. “You can hear the vocalizations that he’s making, he’s only a young fella so at this size, he’s making those cute little frog noises,” he told fans in the July 22 clip alongside a caption that read, “How cute are those little squeaks?!”

Following humanity’s desperate attempt to find a new home as Earth succumbs to environmental disaster that ravages mankind’s food sources, Interstellar is an epic film of space exploration, survival and hope that is awe-inspiring, deeply profound, and incredibly philosophical with its meditations on society and family. The Christopher Nolan epic was immediately regarded as a sci-fi classic and one of the most moving and magnificent films ever made, one that has lost none of its impact in the 10 years since its release.

Naturally, such is the captivating power of the film, many fans have eagerly sought out other contemplative and insightful science-fiction films that can deliver a similar experience that juggles meditative poignancy with a divine sense of spectacle. From the surreal to the scientifically accurate, and from space exploration to the subconscious, these 10 movies are sure to twist the mind while snatching viewers away on epic adventures far beyond their wildest dreams. So strap yourself in and prepare for take-off!

15

‘Project Hail Mary’ (2026)

Image via Amazon MGM Studios

Interstellar was released as an epic, visually astonishing space adventure that captured the amazement and imagination of the masses with its intricate, cerebral sci-fi plotting. For 12 years, the mind-bending Christopher Nolan masterpiece was somewhat alone in this regard, but not anymore. Marking a defining triumph of 2026 cinema, Project Hail Mary left millions of moviegoers transfixed with its cosmic brilliance, stunning special effects, and its high-stakes save-the-world story.

Admittedly, its unabashedly charming tone may have played a significant part in its cultural impact as well, with the movie following the friendship that blossoms between lone astronaut Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) and Rocky (James Ortiz), an alien lifeform on a similar mission to save his own homeworld. Project Hail Mary may revel in a warm and gentle air of heroic optimism and fun-loving quirkiness, whereas Interstellar delivers a more urgent and fiercely dramatic experience, but both films stand as two of science-fiction cinema’s most visually gorgeous and epic pictures of the 21st century so far.

14

‘Primer’ (2004)

Image via THINKFilm

True to form for Christopher Nolan, Interstellar immerses itself in mind-breaking concepts of time manipulation and non-linear storytelling. While the entirety of its $7,000 budget probably didn’t even amount to a fraction of what Interstellar spent on just catering alone, Primer delivers a similar cerebral experience of confounding high-concept science-fiction as it follows two ambitious college graduates who accidentally invent a time travel device and find themselves at a philosophical impasse concerning whether to exploit it for self-gain or treat it with caution.

Written, directed by, and starring Shane Carruth, himself a college graduate with a degree in mathematics and experience as an engineer, the dialogue is unapologetically dense and technical, but it imbues the 77-minute thriller with an engrossing sense of tension and complexity that remains scintillating even on repeat viewings. A defining gem of indie cinema and low-budget sci-fi in the 21st century, Primer is perfect for those who love the challenging and thought-provoking scientific detail of Interstellar.

13

‘Armageddon’ (1998)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Billed as a sci-fi action movie, Armageddon is blatant disaster blockbuster bombast at its popcorn-chugging best. Directed by Michael Bay, it unfolds as NASA discovers a large asteroid on a trajectory to hit Earth in 18 days’ time and wipe out all life on the planet. In a desperate bid to save the world, the space organization recruits a team of deep-sea oil drillers led by Harry Stamper (Bruce Willis) who are to land on the asteroid, dig to its core, and ignite a bomb that will see it shatter before striking Earth.

It is utterly ridiculous, and those who enjoy the scientific intensity of Interstellar probably won’t be too amused by Armageddon’s storytelling, tone, or premise. However, those who enjoy Interstellar as a visually magnificent picture with save-the-world stakes could find the guilty pleasure indulgence Armageddon has to offer. Buoyed by its outstanding ensemble cast, impressive and surprisingly ageless visuals, and its sweeping tone of all-American heroism, Armageddon is an easily digested epic about saving the world that, in its broad strokes, runs a little like Interstellar for dummies, and there is nothing wrong with that.

12

‘Event Horizon’ (1997)

Image via Paramount Pictures

One of Interstellar’s most pressing and thought-provoking ideas is the notion of what exists beyond the event horizon of a black hole. In the film, Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) discovers a hyper-dimensional physical representation of a timeline created by humans from a more advanced future when he ventures into “Gargantua” to unearth the essential facts that will save humanity. Event Horizon depicts something a little different with its exploration of black holes as it follows Captain Miller (Laurence Fishburne) and his crew as they are tasked with investigating the mysterious re-appearance of the Event Horizon after it vanished on its maiden voyage seven years prior.

A recommendation for those who can stomach graphic visual horror, the crux of Event Horizon’s premise is that the titular ship’s venture beyond the known universe steered the crew to Hell, where they suffered all manner of agony and evil before the ship returned unmanned. It is certainly a unique theory about where black holes may lead, but propped up by an assembly of great performances—particularly from Sam Neill in a frightfully villainous role—and an unrelenting sense of atmospheric unease, Event Horizon earns its stripes as a niche gem of horror sci-fi cinema.

Image via Warner Bros.

Almost immediately after its release, many were quick to compare Interstellar to the likes of 2001: A Space Odyssey on account of its visual mastery, thematic depth, and its complex yet grounded focus on the nature of space travel. The similarities are certainly clear, but it is arguably 1997’s underrated sci-fi epic Contact that stands as the film most like Interstellar that audiences have seen, not only because of its spectacle and sci-fi themes, but because of its intimate focus on familial connection, the intersection of science and love, and the way it explores humanity’s standing in the universe.

Based on the novel by Carl Sagan—whose work was a foundational inspiration for Interstellar—Contact follows SETI scientist Dr. Ellie Arroway (Jodie Foster) as she discovers irrefutable evidence of intelligent alien life and becomes obsessed with being the first to make direct contact, a desire that may be thwarted by suspicious government figures and religious fanatics. Also featuring Interstellar star Matthew McConaughey in a major role, and leaning heavily on the work of theoretical physicist Kip Thorne—the leading scientific consultant on Interstellar—Contact is perhaps the closest movie to Interstellar that exists.

10

‘The Fountain’ (2006)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

While it has attracted criticism for being incredibly difficult to grasp, The Fountain has developed a cult following courtesy of its arresting aura and its philosophically charged clashing of three distinct and different stories. In the modern day, Dr. Tommy Creo (Hugh Jackman) searches desperately for a cure for his wife’s terminal illness. The film also explores the manuscript she writes about a 16th-century Spanish conquistador on a mission to find the Tree of Life, while in the distant future, a space traveler nurtures the dying Tree of Life as he travels to the heart of a dying star.

With themes of loss, obsession, and yearning permeating across all three stories – all of which feature Hugh Jackman in the prominent role – The Fountain excels as a powerful depiction of grief. Its balancing of arthouse adventure, drama, sci-fi, fantasy and mythos, and heartbreaking romance makes for an emotionally overwhelming film that, regardless of whether viewers love it or hate it, is difficult to forget. Its enormity and thematic weight make it an intriguing watch for fans of Interstellar.

9

‘Gravity’ (2013)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

One of many testaments to the notion that Alfonso Cuarón stands among the greatest directors of the 21st century, Gravity thrives as a relentlessly scintillating sci-fi thriller that depicts a desperate fight for survival while frying the nerves of audience members. It follows astronauts Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) and Matt Kowalsky (George Clooney) as their routine spacewalk becomes a deadly affair when they are struck by space debris.

A ceaselessly pulsating story wrapped in grief and dread that plays on common fears surrounding the vast vacuum of outer space, Gravity realizes its heart-stopping story with breathtaking visuals and searing performances to be a riveting yet exhausting viewing experience. The sci-fi film was nominated for 10 Academy Awards and went on to win seven, with Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Visual Effects among its most defining achievements.

8

‘The Martian’ (2015)

Image via 20th Century Fox

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A cerebral sci-fi thriller that was celebrated for its commitment to scientific accuracy while delivering a great spectacle, The Martian is perhaps the most logical next viewing experience for lovers of Interstellar. It also, quite funnily, stars Matt Damon as an astronaut abandoned on a distant planet (in this case, Mars), just to really appeal to fans of Nolan’s sci-fi classic. Desperate to survive, Mark Watney (Damon) uses his resourcefulness to survive the inhospitable conditions of Mars as the greatest scientific minds on Earth try to figure out a way to rescue him.

The Martian is a brilliant feat of intelligence, both in terms of its scientific basis and its narrative prowess. The manner in which it blends such information-heavy plotting with a lively and energetic story of survival is quite ingenious. Complemented by its awe-inspiring visual display and great performances from all involved, including another Interstellar star in Jessica Chastain, The Martian is arguably the most perfect film for sci-fi lovers to immerse themselves in.

7

‘Ad Astra’ (2019)

Image via 20th Century Studios

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Directed, co-written, and co-produced by James Gray, Ad Astra is a meditative sci-fi journey that explores father-son relationships with a delightfully restrained and distant lens that imbues the film with a somber melancholy from start to finish. Brad Pitt stars as Roy McBride, an American astronaut sent on a mission to Neptune to investigate a series of devastating power surges that might be tied to the fate of his father, who went missing on a space mission years prior.

Methodical in its pacing and hinging on a wonderfully taut performance from Pitt while also featuring some sublime cinematography courtesy of the brilliant Hoyte van Hoytema, Ad Astra is an enrapturing sci-fi drama that tends to have a hypnotizing impact on viewers. Even though it does have some flaws, Ad Astra is an underrated little gem of sci-fi cinema defined by its atmospheric intrigue as well as its existential questions that are sure to linger on the mind.

6

‘Sunshine’ (2007)

Image via Fox Searchlight

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With an entrancing screenplay from Alex Garland and the ever-brilliant direction of Danny Boyle, Sunshine is a fascinating sci-fi adventure, especially when viewed in conjunction with the writer-director duo’s previous film, 28 Days Later. Whereas that was a dramatic and socially aware zombie flick, Sunshine almost runs more like a monster horror movie, especially in the second half. Its basic premise focuses on a crew sent into space to reignite the dying sun with a nuclear warhead, a mission that turns deadly when an accident occurs, and a long-lost ship that once had the same mission encountered.

The movie features an all-star cast of international actors, which includes Cillian Murphy (another 28 Days Later alumnus), Chris Evans, Michelle Yeoh, Rose Byrne, Benedict Wong, and Cliff Curtis. Every single one of them excels as the spiraling story explores horror aesthetics as well as rich and contemplative issues of survival, sacrifice, and humanity. It is a thoroughly entertaining film that functions as both a hard-core sci-fi thinkpiece and an engaging, action-packed thriller with intense stakes.

President Donald Trump weighed in on the Nancy Guthrie investigation after a new report raised concerns over Pima County Sheriff’s Department’s methods.

“Some people haven’t liked the way the local community is running it. They haven’t liked the way the sheriff’s run it,” Trump, 80, told reporters inside Air Force One, per reporting by Fox News on Sunday, August 2. The president’s comments regarding Sheriff Chris Nanos come after The Wall Street Journal published an article one day prior that listed possible mistakes made by Nanos and his team.

“But we would like to give them the benefit of the doubt. We’re there anytime they need us as well. It’s a terrible thing,” Trump continued. The president also confirmed that the FBI are currently “involved to an extent” despite the “local community really [running]” the investigation.

The Wall Street Journal’s report — published six months after the 84-year-old mother of Today host Savannah Guthrie was kidnapped from her bedroom in Tucson’s Catalina Foothills — stated that Pima County Sheriff’s Department’s investigation “failed to seal off the property with police tape to protect sensitive crime-scene evidence, allowing reporters, livestreamers, and Amazon and pizza delivery drivers entry to the porch.”

Related: Donald Trump Says There Are New ‘Clues’ in Search for Savannah Guthrie’s Mom

President Donald Trump claims there are new “clues” in the ongoing search for Today cohost Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother, Nancy. “I’ll give you a little statement — I think we’re doing very well in that regard,” Trump, 79, said while speaking to reporters on Air Force One on Friday, February 6. “You’d be surprised to […]

Some of that evidence includes the dried blood that was found on Nancy’s front porch that was later confirmed to be hers, and, per the report, is now believed to be connected to her abduction.

Trump has publicly commented on Nancy’s disappearance, and the FBI’s involvement throughout the investigation, multiple times. During a June 23 statement, shared via social media by Scripps News, the president shared his hope for locating her. “I mean, Savannah’s gone through a rough — that family’s gone through hell. I hope they find her,” he told members of the press at the time.

In February, Trump also spoke to reporters about why the FBI had not taken the lead on Nancy’s investigation. “They [Pima County Sheriff’s Department] didn’t want to let go of it, which is fine. It’s up to them. It’s really up to the communities,” he said during a White House press conference per Fox News. “But ultimately, when the FBI got involved, I think, you know, progress has been made.”

On Saturday, August 1, Savannah, 54, marked six months since her mom’s disappearance via an Instagram post that pleaded for Nancy’s return. “Six months ago, someone took her out of her bed in the dead of night,” she said in her video. “We have lived every moment, every breath, and every heartbeat in agony and despair ever since. Every day, we wake up and try to be strong and go on because that’s what our joyful and resilient mom taught us to do, but make no mistake — our hearts are in ruins.”

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The TV star continued, “We are begging for help. We are desperate. We need someone to come forward. Someone knows something. Someone suspects something. Someone recognizes the writing in the ransom demand notes. Someone has noticed something different, strange, troubling or just unusual — perhaps with someone they deeply love. Perhaps they are afraid to come forward. Perhaps they are conflicted. Perhaps they are angry or upset for being in this situation. There is a way out — to tell what you know.”

Nancy was last seen on January 31, one night prior to her disappearance. While authorities have released Nest doorbell footage of a masked figure approaching Nancy’s home, no suspects have been named.

Authorities and the Guthrie family are offering rewards for credible leads.

Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro contestant Natalie Jolley has reunited with Stephani Sosa after suffering a controversial injury during the reality TV competition.

In an Instagram Reel posted on Saturday, August 1, Stephani, 26, danced alongside Natalie, 20, and fellow contestant Jake Monreal at Dancing With the Stars Con in Palm Springs, California.

“We made it 🤍🥹🥰 @dancingwiththestars @thenataliejolley @jakemonreal33,” Stephani captioned the clip.

Days prior to the appearance, DWTS: The Next Pro aired an episode in which Stephani accidentally struck Natalie in the face while the pair were rehearsing for a group number. Natalie sustained a black eye and was eliminated from the competition at the advice of medical professionals.

Related: Ezra Sosa Comes to Sister’s Defense After Accidental ‘DWTS: Next Pro’ Injury

Ezra Sosa is defending his sister, Stephani Sosa, after she accidentally injured fellow competitor Natalie Jolley on Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro, resulting in the contestant’s elimination. “My sister apologized to Natalie [and] they didn’t air it,” the DWTS pro, 25, commented on a Tuesday, July 28, TikTok video showcasing the moment Stephani, […]

“That was really hard for me,” Stephani recalled during the Thursday, July 30, episode of the “Viall Files” podcast. “I know Natalie, like, personally. We went to the same dance studio, and it just broke my heart that she left the competition early.”

She continued, “It was a really hard week for me because I just felt horrible, and she’s such a beautiful dancer in person. It was really hard for me.”

Stephani, the sister of DWTS pro Ezra Sosa and previous troupe dancer herself, explained that she went up to Natalie to “check on her” after the incident.

“I was just telling her how sorry I am ‘cause I felt so bad. I know how hard she’s worked to be there, you know, we all worked really hard, so that broke my heart. I’m just sending her so much love,” Stephani said.

The twosome have since reconnected after the show. “We actually worked together before the show [came out],” Stephani added. “She’s like a little sis. It’s cute.”

Natalie, for her part, issued a statement after her elimination and thanked fans for the “love and support” she had been receiving since.

“Being part of @dancingwiththestars The Next Pro has been one of the biggest honors of my life, and although my time on the show ended unexpectedly, I’m walking away with so much gratitude for this opportunity. Sadly, during rehearsals, I suffered a black eye and a concussion in an accident. I did everything in my power to stay in the competition, but the medical team determined that my injuries would prevent me from continuing,” she wrote via Instagram on Wednesday, July 29. “This was my first experience dancing on commercial television, and while I was definitely intimidated at first, I found my confidence as the days went on. If there’s one thing this experience has taught me, it’s to do the scary thing. Put yourself in uncomfortable situations and watch yourself grow!”

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She continued, “I’m so grateful for the time I was able to spend in the house and on stage—for the experiences, the challenges, and the people I met who I now call family🥹❤️. I truly believe everything happens for a reason, even when it’s hard to understand in the moment. I’m choosing to trust the process, keep moving forward, and believe that what’s meant for me will always find me. I know this is only the beginning as I continue to learn, grow, and come back even stronger!!”

In the comments section, Stephani added, “I love you so much ❤️.”

Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro airs on ABC Mondays at 8 p.m. ET.