Rock ‘n’ roll is a very happy and energetic genre, and its upbeat melodies can be a little deceiving sometimes. Especially considering that early rock icons were marketed as writing simple songs for the youth, a lot of people ignored the darker, more sensitive subjects being discussed in classic rock tracks.

Especially once rock ‘n’ roll became mainstream, the themes began to vary. Musicians didn’t feel compelled to only write about love or dancing or having fun. They could use the strength of the genre to tackle important social issues, or expose their vulnerable feelings. Bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Queen, and artists like Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young, often put out songs that, on the surface, sounded fun and carefree, but the second the listener paid attention to the lyrics, they become a lot more serious.

10

‘Help!’— The Beatles (1965)

“Help!” is perhaps the clearest example of a song that is deceptively cheerful, but actually is downright heartbreaking. From The Beatles’ 1965 album by the first name, “Help!” opens the album with an upbeat, energetic rhythm and harmonies that immediately pull you in. John Lennon sings the lead, with Paul McCartney and George Harrison singing backing vocals with an anticipatory call-and-response. They essentially “prod” Lennon into sharing his story in verses like “(I never need) I never needed anybody’s help in any way.” The song is very dynamic and pleasant to listen to, but paying attention to the lyrics quickly makes the listener realize that, far from being a happy song, it’s a genuine cry for help.

“And now my life has changed in oh so many ways / My independence seems to vanish in the haze / But every now and then I feel so insecure / I know that I just need you like I’ve never done before,” Lennon sings on the second verse, baring his soul. Then, in the chorus, his pleas get even more urgent. “Help me if you can, I’m feeling down / And I do appreciate you being ’round / Help me get my feet back on the ground / Won’t you please, please help me?” This is John Lennon’s most vulnerable confession, and it’s the fact that it’s genuine and honest that made “Help!” one of his favorite Beatles songs.

9

‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ — Queen (1978)

Yes, “Don’t Stop Me Now” might be the go-to party song, but the intense, bordering on manic excitement it expresses is not as happy as it may seem. In fact, it was exactly the type of song that had Freddie Mercury‘s bandmates worried about the frontman. When Mercury brought the song to Queen, his bandmates didn’t see this party song as amusing as the singer did. “I’m a rocket ship on my way to Mars on a collision course / I am a satellite, I’m out of control / I’m a sex machine ready to reload like an atom bomb / About to whoa-oh, whoa-oh, oh, explode,” Mercury sings.

Guitarist Brian May felt uncomfortable when he first heard the lyrics. He believed that Mercury’s idea wasn’t exciting but dangerous. It was a song about someone getting out of control and putting himself (and others) in danger. “I didn’t really take to it in the beginning. I didn’t feel totally comfortable with what Freddie was singing at the time,” May admitted. “I found it a little bit too flippant in view of the dangers of AIDS and stuff.”

8

‘Born in the U.S.A.’ — Bruce Springsteen (1984)

Maybe the most misunderstood rock ‘n’ roll track in history. Bruce Springsteen released this song in 1984 on his album by the same name, and the title and chorus make this song feel like a patriotic cry, while in reality, it’s a highly critical and grim song. “Born in the U.S.A.” was used by Ronald Reagan for his political campaign for its seemingly patriotic themes, but if listeners pay attention to the lyrics beyond the chorus, it becomes clear that it’s not a celebration at all.

“I had a brother at Khe Sanh / Fightin’ off them Viet Cong / They’re still there, he’s all gone / He had a woman he loved in Saigon / I got a picture of him in her arms, now / Down in the shadow of the penitentiary / Out by the gas fires of the refinery / I’m ten years burnin’ down the road / Nowhere to run, ain’t got nowhere to go.” This song is told from the perspective of a Vietnam veteran, and it shares, explicitly, how his country completely abandoned him. Now he’s scarred, can’t find a job, and lost the people he loved. “Born in the U.S.A.” is Bruce Springsteen’s demand for his country to do better for its people.

7

‘Paranoid’ — Black Sabbath (1970)

Black Sabbath is so energetic and intense that, a lot of the time, people can get lost in the rhythm and not realize the themes of the songs are much darker than they initially thought. And not darker in a cool, brooding sense; dark in a vulnerable sense. “Paranoid” is proof of that. Released in 1970, this song is one of Black Sabbath’s most popular hits, but if you listen to the lyrics over Ozzy Osbourne‘s strong vocals, it’s clear “Paranoid” is a cry for help.

“Can you help me / Occupy my brain?” Osbourne asks in the song. “I need someone to show me / The things in life that I can’t find / I can’t see the things that make true happiness / I must be blind.” Despite the hard rock, heavy metal sound, in essence, this song is about a man who can’t find a way out of a dark space, and feels like his inability to see the good in the world is his own fault.

6

‘Go Your Own Way’ — Fleetwood Mac (1976)

No band has written breakup songs better than Fleetwood Mac, and “Go Your Own Way” is one of those songs. From their legendary 1976 album, Rumours, this song was written by Lindsey Buckingham after his infamous breakup with Stevie Nicks. Unlike Nicks’ counterpart, “Silver Springs,” which is vulnerable and beautifully sad in both lyrics and melody, Buckingham’s take on their breakup was more upbeat, hiding his pain in lyrics that don’t necessarily match the vibe of the melody.

“If I could / Baby, I’d give you my world / How can I / When you won’t take it from me? / You can go your own way / Go your own way / You can call it / Another lonely day,” he sings, sounding almost vindictive. It is honestly a tried and true breakup trope, to hide your vulnerability behind feelings of spite. But while “Go Your Own Way” can be deceiving at first, in the end, it’s clear that it is, deep down, a sad song.

5

‘Gimme Shelter’ — The Rolling Stones (1969)

“Gimme Shelter” was a great duet between Mick Jagger and gospel singer Merry Clayton. These two vocal powerhouses deliver an incredible performance over a fast-paced melody and rhythm that immediately makes you bob your head to it. In contrast, the lyrics are shockingly, explicitly dark, with references to extreme crimes and war. “It was a very moody piece about the world closing in on you a bit,” Jagger said about it. “When it was recorded, early ’69 or something, it was a time of war and tension, so that’s reflected in this tune.”

This song, which opens the Rolling Stones’ album Let It Bleed, uses natural disasters to evoke the feeling of impending doom. “Ooh, a storm is threatening / My very life today / If I don’t get some shelter / Ooh yeah, I’m gonna fade away / War, children / It’s just a shot away,” Jagger and Clayton warn. It’s still a great song to jump around to, but it’s worth paying attention to the lyrics as well.

4

‘Jump’ — Van Halen (1983)

The most popular Van Halen song hides a deeper, much more sinister meaning behind the lyrics. “Jump” is believed to be a song about taking chances and being brave, but the real inspiration is incredibly dark. “So can’t you see me standing here? / I’ve got my back against the record machine / I ain’t the worst that you’ve seen / Ah, can’t you see what I mean? / Ah, might as well jump / Go ahead and jump,” the song shouts. Is it about taking a leap of faith? Maybe. It could be argued that the fans’ interpretation is what matters, but when David Lee Roth wrote it, he was remembering a grim news report he’d seen.

“Jump” was inspired by the story of a man standing on the edge of a building, threatening to jump to his death. Roth said that he imagined an onlooker telling the suicidal man to “go ahead and jump,” and he turned those words into a hit song. Knowing the real story behind this seemingly cheerful track makes it deeply unsettling.

3

‘Rockin’ in the Free World’ — Neil Young (1989)

“Rockin’ in the Free World” is Neil Young‘s ultimate rock stadium anthem, but just because it’s the perfect mosh-pit song, it doesn’t mean the lyrics are hopeful or positive. Despite what the title and the rock guitars might initially lead you to believe, this is Young’s most famous protest song. The chorus, which chants “Keep on rockin’ in the free world,” sounds like a happy refrain about freedom, but it’s actually a direct demand at the people in charge, asking them to do better.

“There’s colors on the street / Red, white, and blue / People shuffling their feet / People sleeping in their shoes,” he shouts. There is also direct criticism against George H. W. Bush’s administration, mocking his inaugural address through the lyrics “We got a thousand points of light / For the homeless man / We got a kinder, gentler machine gun hand.”

2

‘Every Breath You Take’ — The Police (1983)

While “Every Breath You Take” has for a long time been publicized as a love song, it’s the kind of song that, as times change, becomes less and less charming and more and more unsettling. The lyrics talk about a “heartbroken” man who promises the person who abandoned him that he will be following her every move and she will never be free of him.

“Every single day / And every word you say / Every game you play / Every night you stay / I’ll be watching you / Oh, can’t you see / You belong to me? / How my poor heart aches / With every step you take?” Sting sings tearfully. This song was The Police‘s greatest hit, but despite its musical greatness, the disturbing lyrics become impossible to ignore the moment you pay attention to their meaning.

1

‘Maxwell’s Silver Hammer’ — The Beatles (1969)

“Maxwell’s Silver Hammer,” from the last album The Beatles ever recorded, Let It Be, sounds incredibly cheery, almost childish, at first, but the lyrics couldn’t be further from that. In fact, it tells the story of a serial killer. Maxwell Edison is a student who murders his colleagues, teachers, and even the judge trying him with a silver hammer.

“Bang! Bang! Maxwell’s silver hammer / Came down upon his head / Clang! Clang! Maxwell’s silver hammer / Made sure that he was dead,” the chorus sings. The “bang, bang” exclamations are accompanied by the sound of drummer Ringo Starr hitting an anvil, which only makes it feel more absurd despite the dark lyrics. It was Paul McCartney who came up with the song, but every other Beatle seemed to hate it. Even so, the stark contrast between the lyrics and melody make for a very interesting track.

The Bold and the Beautiful delivers Darcy Dylan (Kelly Sullivan), newly arrived to LA, and I think that The Bold and the Beautiful really hit the jackpot casting Kelly Sullivan in this role.

We’ve also heard that Melissa Dylan’s (Sydney Bullock) mom is not going back to the Midwest. Darcy will be staying right there in Los Angeles. And at the moment, her focus is on her daughter Dylan. But since Darcy is going to stay in LA, she’s going to need some romance at some point or another. We’re going to talk about the romantic possibilities for Dylan’s mom.

Bold and the Beautiful: Darcy Dylan Sticking Around

So, we know from actress Kelly Sullivan herself that her character is going to be around. She said in an interview that Darcy’s not going anywhere and only bought a one-way ticket. And she said Dylan might be her ticket and Darcy might have been waiting on a moment like this. Kelly Sullivan also said that she doesn’t see Darcy as the kind of woman who has retirement savings and that her character is all about the tabloids, the haves and have nots, and said that Darcy is not the type to shy away from an opportunity that might be right around the corner.

So, that sounds like not only is Dylan’s mom sticking around, but she might find herself a shovel and do some gold digging while she is in Los Angeles. We already saw Darcy vibing with Deacon Sharpe (Sean Kanan) when Dylan introduced her mom to her boss at Bikini Bar. Both Darcy and Deacon were flirting their butts off and they were clearly digging each other.

Darcy & Deacon Hit it Off on B&B

So, Dylan did tell her mom, Darcy, you know, slow your roll because Deacon is in a relationship. However, it did not escape Darcy’s attention that Deacon was not wearing a wedding band, and she told Dylan that. So, Deacon and Darcy definitely had chemistry. There was a whole vibe. And sure, Deacon is with Taylor Hayes (Rebecca Budig), but she rejected his proposal.

That really stung Deacon. And fall spoilers for The Bold and the Beautiful say that Taylor’s rejection is going to keep eating at Deacon because Taylor won’t marry him, but she’s married Ridge Forrester (Thorsten Kaye) several times before and she proposed to him only a couple of years ago. So, all of this is going to keep weighing on Deacon. So, in the end, he and Taylor just may not last, period.

Of course, there’s still Sheila Carter (Kimberlin Brown) waiting in the wings. She is never going to give up on Deacon, but they are divorced and Sheila’s been psycho for so long that people struggle to believe that she’s changed. Now, Deacon does think she has, but it’ll take a long time for Sheila to be widely accepted everywhere, if ever.

Bold and Beautiful: Sheila May Win Deacon Back

So, there’s definitely a chance that Deacon and Darcy could spark if Deacon ends up walking away from Taylor because she will not marry him, but he doesn’t want to get back with Sheila, especially if Darcy tells Deacon any woman who turned down his proposal is crazy.

So, I do think Deacon could be a good option for Darcy. However, I will say that Deacon seems like a really long shot because Brad Bell is so pro-Sheila that it definitely feels like Taylor’s a placeholder and that Deacon will eventually go back to Sheila. We might even wind up with one of those irritating long-term love triangles that Brad Bell loves. They might do with Deacon, Sheila, and Taylor the same way they did with Brooke Logan (Katherine Kelly Lang), Ridge Forrester (Thorsten Kaye), and Taylor, you know, triangling forever.

They also did it with Brooke, Bill Spencer (Don Diamont), and Ridge. And of course, they did it with Steffy Forrester (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood), Liam Spencer (Scott Clifton), and Hope Logan (Annika Noelle). So, there is another option for a love interest that’s more intriguing, and that is Wyatt Spencer (Darin Brooks).

Wyatt & Darcy Romance Ahead on B&B?

In that recent interview that Kelly Sullivan did, she said it would be fun if Wyatt was Darcy’s new love interest because Kelly really likes Darin Brooks. Kelly talked about how funny that Darin is, and he really is. Kelly also has good comedic timing that’s supposed to come into play for Darcy.

Also, let’s be honest, Wyatt’s barely been seen. Wyatt has been back in LA for quite a while now with almost no screen time. And it would be really funny for Darcy to find out that Wyatt was once engaged to his stepmom Katie Logan (Heather Tom). I bet Darcy would love hearing that gossip.

Bold and the Beautiful: Darcy Goes Digging?

Now, somebody else to consider, more of a genre of person, is that Darcy may be the type to go after a married man, especially if she’s a gold digger. I mean, Dylan doesn’t seem like an opportunist. This week, though, Katie and Electra Forrester (Laneya Grace) are griping about Dylan and are talking crazy, saying that she got a job at Bikini Bar to see more of Will Spencer (Crew Morrow), which is completely insane. Dylan already worked for Deacon at Il Giardino and I’m sure he’s the one who transferred Dylan to Bikini Bar and it was a brand new restaurant.

Dylan started there the day it opened. So, how would it be Will’s favorite place to go when he had never been there before? This is just Katie and Electra’s delusions. But as for Dylan’s mom, she might actually be an opportunist. So, Darcy might have packed a shovel in her carry-on bag and may be planning to do some serious gold digging. If so, the soapiest option for Darcy to go after would be Bill Spencer.

Bold and the Beautiful: Darcy Targets Bill?

I mean, since Katie’s been so nasty to Dylan, why not target her man? And of course, we all know Bill’s track record. He’s a known cheater. I mean, all the men on The Bold and the Beautiful are cheaters, honestly. Eric Forrester (John McCook), Ridge, Deacon, all of them. But Bill has broken Katie’s heart many times before. So, it’s not unprecedented to think that Bill might do it again. And of course, there’s the fact that, remember Katie threw it in Dylan’s face that Electra is the love of Will’s life.

Let’s not forget who the love of Bill’s life is. Katie was dropped when Bill told Brooke that she was the love of his life and always would be. So, honestly, you never know with Dollar Bill. And of course, Darcy could always set her sights on another married rich man, you know, Ridge or Eric Forrester, because they’re filthy rich, both cheaters.

Also, what she would have to consider since if she is gold digging is that Forrester Creations may be in the toilet financially because of the bad decisions Ridge and Steffy keep making. Fall spoilers for The Bold and the Beautiful say the Forresters take a hit financially with the drama going on between Forrester Creations and House of Logan. And I’m sure Ridge and Steffy will find a way to pull the Forresters out of this. But for now, their family empire is at risk.

Bold and the Beautiful: Wyatt’s the Top Option

So, if Darcy wants to make sure her gold digging really pays off, going after Ridge or Eric might not be the right bandwagon for a gold digger to jump on right now. And Deacon’s got money, too. Not dollar billions or anything, but enough to keep Darcy in, you know, rhinestones, nachos, and margaritas. Honestly, I would say in the end with all the options that the likeliest one for Dylan’s mom’s new love interest is going to be Wyatt Spencer.

I also think it would be really interesting if he got with Darcy and then it wound up being a love triangle with Wyatt and Darcy and Shauna. That way Wyatt could have two hot cougars chasing him. I bet Bill would absolutely high-five his son Wyatt over that action. And we know he likes older women because of Katie. So, I think that would just be a blast to watch because they’d be wasting Darcy if they don’t give her a romantic interest. And a whole pile of fans would love to see Wyatt around a lot more. I know I would.

And I think both Katie and Bill’s reactions to Wyatt dating Darcy would be hilarious. Katie might be jealous and Bill might be impressed. And if it flipped into a love triangle, Katie might lose her mind. And I do think Heather Tom and Kelly Sullivan will be really fun to watch playing across from Darin Brooks. So, we’ll watch and see who Darcy winds up with.

Viola Davis has been ranked the most fabulous Gen X actress in Hollywood, but the acclaimed performer says there was once “no evidence of greatness” in her life. The 61-year-old landed the No. 1 position on AARP’s Movies for Grownups list of the 25 Most Fabulous Gen X Actresses.

Charlize Theron, Halle Berry, Penélope Cruz and Drew Barrymore completed the top five, while other major names such as Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lopez, Cate Blanchett and Salma Hayek also earned spots. For Davis, the honor reflects a journey that began in poverty and eventually led her to some of the most celebrated roles of her generation.

5

Davis spoke candidly to AARP’s Movies for Grownups about growing up as one of six children in condemned apartments. The actress has previously discussed searching through garbage cans for food and living in rat-infested homes.

“I grew up in abject poverty,” she told the publication. “There was no evidence of greatness in my life. So I had to have magic … I had to dare to ask the big, big question: ‘What if, Viola? What if there’s something out there for you?’”

Davis said surviving those difficult circumstances gave her the strength she would eventually need to build her career. “I have the ability to survive the hard stuff,” she explained.

Her breakthrough film performance came in 2008’s “Doubt,” in which she appeared opposite Meryl Streep. Despite limited screen time, Davis’ performance as an anguished mother earned her her first Academy Award nomination and helped launch an extraordinary run across film and television.

The Actress Refuses To Let Hollywood Limit Her

5

Davis also explained that she no longer allows other people’s expectations to determine which roles she can pursue. “I can do the hard stuff. It doesn’t matter if people think I’m beautiful. It doesn’t matter if people think Viola at 61, you can’t do an action movie, you can’t do a love scene, you can’t do A, B, and C,” she said. “My ability to overcome and to challenge and to believe in my ability is mine.”

That philosophy has allowed Davis to move between emotionally demanding dramas, action movies and major franchises without accepting the limitations traditionally placed on older actresses.

Her No. 1 ranking also reflects the larger purpose behind AARP’s list, which recognizes women who have continued expanding their influence instead of disappearing from the screen. Many of the actresses included have launched production companies, developed their own projects, and moved behind the camera as producers, directors, and entrepreneurs.

Viola Davis Says Her ‘Value Is Going Up’

5

Davis acknowledged that women over 40 and 50 have historically been made to feel invisible in Hollywood. “When you come to Hollywood, I think women over 40, then over 50, you feel like you’ve just sort of disappeared and fallen off a cliff,” she said. “Like you’re invisible. So, it’s nice to know that that’s not true. I feel like my value is going up. It feels fabulous.”

Davis’ comments challenge Hollywood’s long-standing tendency to sideline women as they get older. Instead of fading from the spotlight, the actresses honored by AARP are taking on some of their boldest projects yet while gaining more control behind the scenes.

Charlize Theron And Halle Berry Complete The Top Three

5

Charlize Theron earned the No. 2 position on the list. The actress has built a career that spans glamorous roles, intense dramas and physically demanding action projects. “More interesting stories come my way about what we consider real people … than about glamorous, beautiful people,” Theron previously told W Magazine.

Halle Berry placed third and used her own remarks about aging to challenge society’s treatment of older women. “Women are told that when we reach a certain number, we’re no longer valuable. I believe the opposite… Society should look at us as jewels as we get older. Because the older women get, the more formidable we are,” Berry told AARP.

Penélope Cruz ranked fourth, while Drew Barrymore secured the fifth position. Barrymore has also openly embraced her current stage of life. “I have no issues with aging. This is the happiest I’ve been in my life,” she told AARP.

Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lopez And Other Stars Earn Spots

5

Jessica Chastain followed the top five at No. 6, while Amy Poehler ranked seventh. Nicole Kidman, Rachel Weisz, and Lucy Liu completed the top 10. The remaining honorees included Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lopez, Cate Blanchett, Naomi Watts, Salma Hayek, Regina King and Reese Witherspoon.

Rose Byrne was the youngest actress selected and ranked No. 18. Toni Collette, Sarah Paulson, Amy Adams, Kate Winslet, Kerry Washington, Taraji P. Henson and Kristen Wiig completed the 25-person list.

Together, the honorees represent a generation of actresses who continue to command major roles while pushing for equal pay, creating their own projects and rejecting stereotypes surrounding age.

A former teacher in Texas was arrested for a second time after he allegedly had an improper relationship with two underage students.

Jesse Orta has been accused of having a sexual relationship with two 17-year-old girls while he was a teacher at Somerset Academy in San Antonio, according to KENS 5. His alleged crimes date back to November 2023 when he was accused of being involved in an inappropriate relationship with one student. The original allegations led to police learning that he allegedly had a second relationship with another 17-year-old in 2024.

In the first case, Orta, 34, was accused of having sexual contact with a student in his office. Investigators launched an investigation into Orta, who worked at the school as a band teacher, after students reported concerns about his behavior.

Orta later resigned from his position, but investigators believed he continued to have a relationship with the student.

Related: Louisiana Teacher of the Year Charged With Child Sex Crimes

A Louisiana teacher at Broussard Middle School – who was previously named Teacher of the Year in September 2025 – has been arrested and charged with child sex crimes. Christie Oster was arrested on Wednesday, January 28, and charged with indecent behavior with juveniles and carnal knowledge of a juvenile, according to online records viewed […]

Police learned about Orta’s relationship with the student after the minor told her mother she had tried to end the relationship. She claimed that Orta threatened to take his own life if she did so, according to investigators.

Orta was first arrested in October 2024 after he was accused of recording a girl getting in and out of the shower, according to an arrest affidavit viewed by KSAT.

The affidavit stated that a woman discovered the recording in a “personal file” on Orta’s cellphone. She then contacted authorities, and police officers took his phone as evidence.

Officers ultimately confirmed that Orta had recorded the girl without permission.

Meanwhile, the first student he allegedly had a relationship with told police that she had sexual encounters involving Orta.

The outcome of his first arrest is not currently clear, but Orta was arrested for a second time on Monday, September 7, in connection to the child pornography allegations and the alleged inappropriate relationships. He was released on bond on Tuesday, September 8.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Related: Indiana Teacher Allegedly Sent Sexually Explicit Photos to Underage Girl

An Indiana teacher has been arrested after he allegedly sent sexually explicit images to an underage girl in Tennessee. Indiana State Police announced that Hunter Vires was arrested on Wednesday, June 3, following a multi-agency investigation. Authorities in Indiana initially became aware of the allegations about Vires, 24, in early May when the Elizabethton Police […]

He was indicted on two counts of improper relationship between educator and student and one count of possession of child pornography for both instances.

It is not currently clear whether Orta has entered a plea or retained legal counsel following his latest arrest. The San Antonio Police Department did not immediately respond to Us’ request for comment regarding the case.

Parents, teachers, and guardians interested in learning more about protecting children from exploitation can find useful tools and information at Know2Protect.

Production on season 16 of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” is underway. Joining this season are “Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles” alum Tracy Tutor and “King of Queens” star Leah Remini. Now, following the latest update, “Housewives” executive producer Andy Cohen shares his thoughts, revealing that Remini has been in talks to join for years.

The rest of the Season 16 “RHOBH” cast is expected to include Kyle Richards, Sutton Stracke, Erika Jayne, Dorit Kemsley, Bozoma Saint John, and Rachel Zoe. Jennifer Tilly is also said to return as a friend of the show.

4

Cohen took to a September 2026 episode of SiriusXM’s “Radio Andy” to react to Tutor and Remini becoming full-time cast members on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” He stated, “The big announcement is that Tracy Tutor is joining ‘The Housewives of Beverly Hills’ and Leah Remini is joining. It’s really great.”

After that, the “Watch What Happens Live” host stated, “We have been dancing around both of them for years.” He then said of Tutor, “Almost every time she’s on ‘Watch What Happens Live,’ we have the conversation.” He added that they’ve had a “public flirt” about her potentially joining the long-running Bravo series.

Cohen explained, “Where I’m like, ‘Would you?’ and she’s like, ‘I would.’” After that, he noted that Tutor has some connection to many of the women on the cast.

Advertisement

He added, “Every time she’s on, it is very clear that this makes very good sense.”

The ‘Watch What Happens Live’ Host Spoke Highly Of Leah Remini

4

Cohen went on to discuss the addition of the “King of Queens” alum. He said, “And Leah Remini, we have spoken behind the scenes for several years about this with her.”

After that, the dad of two stated, “She’s such a big star. She has such a huge profile, and this show is so different.” Cohen’s cohost, John Hill, then chimed in, calling her “so entertaining” and “so talented,” before noting her extensive history in Hollywood.

Cohen then said, “She’s also, like, tough. I mean, she really has it. So, very excited about that. At the end of the clip, he gave an update, stating that they were about a month into filming “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” The “WWHL” host added about the season, “It’s going gangbusters.”

Both Ladies Announced Their ‘RHOBH’ Casting In August

4

Tutor confirmed on August 19 that she would begin filming with the cast of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” in an Instagram post. She stated, “Well… the secret’s officially out. I’m joining the cast of ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,’ and I could not be more excited for this next chapter.”

The “Million Dollar Listing” alum continued, “Beverly Hills is home. I’ve raised my girls here, built my career here, and now apparently I’ve decided to let you all even further into my life.” After that, she said she’d experienced a range of emotions about deciding to join the show, including excitement and nervousness.

Advertisement

Regarding Remini, she confirmed the news on social media by sharing the headline about her casting and saying, “It’s true.” Cohen responded in the comments section on Instagram, “AT LONG LAST!!!”

Andy Cohen Previously Discussed Tracy Tutor Joining ‘RHOBH’

4

After the news of Tutor being cast on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” Cohen was interviewed by Variety, where the reporter asked for his thoughts on the “Million Dollar Listing” alum appearing on a different Bravo show.

First, he called her casting “a very long time coming.” Cohen then noted their history, with her numerous appearances on “WWHL” before highlighting her “great” personal story. The 58-year-old also called Tutor “aspiration” before adding, “If the hallmark of being a great ‘Real Housewife’ is speaking how you feel, she’s certainly a bullseye.”

The ‘Housewives’ Producer Was Recently Mistaken For A Grandpa

Cohen took to Instagram on September 10 to share an adorable video of himself walking with his daughter. In it, he shared that he’d picked her up from her first day of school and, on the way home, a “little kid” asked if he was the little girl’s grandfather.

He then took off his sunglasses and revealed, “I said no, I’m her daddy,” as his daughter could be heard laughing off camera. After that, he said to his daughter, “Lucy, am I your grandpa?” She responded in the affirmative, and he lamented, “What a day.”

Advertisement

Aaron Rodgers is opening up about his former relationship with actress Shailene Woodley and the events surrounding their breakup.

The NFL star, during a podcast appearance, reflected on the breakdown of their relationship, making a surprising claim about what allegedly happened shortly after he proposed. They were once one of Hollywood’s most unexpected couples, moving quickly from dating to engagement.

Now, Rodgers’ latest comments have brought renewed attention to their past relationship, adding another layer to the story of how their romance fell apart.

5

Rodgers said he proposed to Woodley in December 2020 and that she accepted, but he now claims the relationship changed almost immediately.

During an appearance on Thursday’s episode of the “Not Just Football” podcast, Rodgers alleged that only a couple of days after the proposal, Woodley told him she wanted to be with another man before they got married.

He recalled the moment bluntly: “She said yes. … A couple days after that she tells me, ‘Before we get married I gotta go f-ck this guy.’”

Rodgers said he believes Woodley may have felt pressured to make a decision about marriage, but emphasized that the actress could have declined the proposal.

The quarterback claimed their attempts to repair the relationship the next year ultimately failed, leaving him with a very different understanding of when their engagement actually ended.

“We had a couple of times where we tried to get reunited, and nothing ever happened,” he noted, per Page Six. “There wasn’t even a relationship in ’22 to break off. She literally told me, ‘I don’t want to be with you,’ after we tried some reconciliation in 2021.”

The Quarterback Disputes His Ex-Fiancée’s Account Of Their Breakup

5

Rodgers also pushed back against the emotional account Woodley has previously given about the end of their relationship.

Woodley once described the breakup as a deeply painful period and claimed she experienced depression, anxiety, and what she called “complete soul detachment.”

In a December 2024 interview with Outside, the actress shared that she had gone through a traumatic period in early 2022 and described the relationship as both “beautiful and toxic.”

Seemingly addressing her remarks, Rodgers said, “Cause her story is that I ruined her life and gave her a crazy depression because I left her, but in actuality she told me that and took off the ring by March.”

Woodley has not yet publicly responded to Rodgers’ allegations.

Shailene Woodley And Aaron Rodgers’ Engagement Was Brief But Highly Publicized

5

Rodgers and Woodley first sparked romance rumors in 2020, during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Their relationship became public in early 2021, when Woodley confirmed that they were engaged during an appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”

Cosmopolitan detailed the rapid progression of their romance, noting that the pair had gone from a relatively private romance to an engagement within months.

Rodgers now says the relationship was already failing soon after the proposal, while Woodley’s later comments suggest she experienced the period as deeply painful.

The contrast is evident in Rodgers’ claim that there was no relationship to “break off” in 2022, a statement that sharply differs from the public perception that their engagement lasted until that year.

Shailene Woodley Previously Described A Difficult Period In Her Life

5

Woodley has offered a very different perspective without directly laying out the specific events Rodgers now describes.

In her 2024 interview with Outside, she said she had reached what she considered “the lowest point” of her life after a traumatic experience in 2022.

Woodley connected that period with profound emotional pain and said she felt she had lost her sense of self and happiness.

“I felt like I lost my soul, my self, my happiness, my joy,” the actress told the publication at the time. “I really understood depression and anxiety and, like, complete soul detachment.”

Aaron Rodgers Has Since Moved On With His Wife

5

The former couple has taken very different paths since ending their engagement. Rodgers has married a woman named Brittani, whom he first met in 2017 and later reconnected with after both had experienced other relationships.

According to People Magazine, the NFL star said they eventually eloped in 2025 and described his wife as someone who had a transformative effect on his life.

He has also said that Brittani helped him repair his relationship with his estranged family. Rodgers is also preparing for what he has indicated will be his final NFL season, making his personal reflections part of a broader conversation about the next stage of his life.

Woodley, on the other hand, has continued her acting career and has largely kept her personal life private.

Denise Richards is making a splash after quietly undergoing an expensive facelift with one of Hollywood’s most sought-after specialists.

The actress kept the procedure largely under wraps. However, her latest transformation has now put her connection with celebrity plastic surgeon Dr. Ben Talei in the spotlight, drawing fresh attention to the result.

Long before this beauty headline, Denise Richards had already built a career in the Hollywood spotlight, from her breakout roles in the 1990s to reality TV and years in front of the cameras. Her latest beauty decision adds another unexpected chapter to that journey.

5

Richards did not exactly dip a toe into the cosmetic surgery world. After years of relying mainly on Botox and fillers, the actress decided to take a much bigger step and completely refresh her look, turning what started as a thought about her neck into a full facial makeover.

The 55-year-old actress ultimately underwent a deep-plane facelift performed by Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Ben Talei. The procedure also included a brow lift, upper eyelid lift, lip lift, and fat grafting, making it a much more extensive transformation than Richards initially planned.

Richards has explained that a well-known friend who had kept her own procedure private pushed her to go further, in her words, “And then a friend of mine, she’s very well-known, and she’s not public about hers, and she said to me, ‘You have to do the whole thing’.” The advice appears to have been the nudge that turned a simple thought about her neck into the full makeover

The $200,000 Makeover Finally Took Center Stage

5

After keeping the work relatively low-key for months, the transformation was impossible to miss when the actress appeared at the 2026 Daytime Beauty Awards in Los Angeles. She arrived on the red carpet alongside Dr. Ben Talei, putting the surgeon responsible for her new look right beside her as cameras captured the finished result.

The Daily Mail reported that the Beverly Hills-based specialist performed Richards’ deep-plane facelift, a procedure that cost around $200,000. The outlet also noted that the actress looked fresh-faced as she posed in a sheer floral-embroidered dress, giving everyone a very clear look at the results.

This wasn’t simply about one procedure changing one feature. The combination of treatments created an overall transformation that Richards herself has described as one of the best things she has done for herself, making the six-figure price tag an especially eye-catching part of her Hollywood makeover.

More From The Blast

Denise Richards Chose A Hollywood Surgeon Known For ‘Natural Results’

5

The facelift did not land just any surgeon in Richards’ corner. She turned to Dr. Ben Talei, a Beverly Hills specialist whose reputation has long been tied to keeping dramatic facial work looking surprisingly natural.

The Hollywood Reporter previously named Talei among Hollywood’s go-to specialists for natural-looking results, highlighting his deep-plane facelift technique, AuraLyft.

The surgeon is known for an approach designed to refresh the face while maintaining a natural appearance, making him a notable choice for someone seeking a major transformation without an overly altered look.

It is quite possible that Richards entrusted Talei with a very comprehensive transformation because of this reputation. She wasn’t just looking for someone to do a facelift; she was looking for someone who had already earned attention in the celebrity beauty world.

Fans Could Not Stop Talking About The Transformation

5

The facelift may have started as a deeply personal decision, but once Richards shared the results, the internet quickly had plenty to say. The before-and-after photos drew largely positive reactions, with fans praising how noticeably refreshed she looked while still recognizing the actress they already knew.

As reported by The Blast, social media users applauded Richards for being open about the work, with one fan saying she “deserved this facelift” and another saying she looked like “her younger self.” Others praised the result for appearing natural and encouraged her honesty about the process.

That reaction also added another layer to Richards’ decision to speak so openly about cosmetic surgery. Rather than letting the transformation be mistaken for a mysterious Hollywood glow-up, she chose to show exactly what changed, giving fans a rare look at how much can go into the appearance they see on screen.

Denise Richards’ Facelift Drama Wasn’t As Simple As A Beauty Reveal

5

The facelift came with an unexpected twist when Richards revealed that she had actually been considering how and when to tell the public about the procedure.

The actress said she had spent months weighing the idea of going public, knowing that her face had been part of her career for decades and that any major change would inevitably draw attention.

The Blast reported that the situation became more complicated when her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers, allegedly tipped off the press before Richards was ready.

She claimed a photographer appeared outside a scar-microneedling appointment, while Phypers allegedly told someone she had undergone a facelift and called it “botched.”

Rather than let the leak control the story, Richards eventually opened up on her own terms, describing the results as “shocking” in a positive way. The experience also encouraged some celebrity friends to share their own cosmetic procedures with her privately.

Roomies, Lil Durk’s fate is now in the hands of a Los Angeles jury, and as the wait continues, the rapper appears to be keeping his composure inside the courtroom. With deliberations stretching into a second day, Durk shared a few notable moments with his legal team and family before jurors got back to the business of deciding his future.

RELATED: Lil Durk’s Case Takes Another Turn As Jury Deliberations Begin

Lil Durk Appears In Good Spirits As Deliberations Continue

According to journalist Michael Blackshire via X, who appears to be attending the trial, Lil Durk walked into court smiling on Thursday as the jury continued deliberating in his murder-for-hire case. His attorney, Drew Findling, patted him on the back and complimented his tie before Durk went on to hug Brian Steel and Christy O’Connor and shake hands with attorneys representing OTF Dede and David Lindsey before taking his seat.

Lil Durk walked into court while smiling. Drew Findling patted him on the back and complimented Lil Durk’s tie. Lil Durk hugs Brian Steel and Christy O’Connor and shakes the hands of OTF Dede and David Lindsey’s lawyers before sitting down.

— Michael Blackshire (@Blackshireflick) September 10, 2026

Shortly after sitting down, Durk turned toward the audience and spotted his mother. The rapper smiled when he saw her, and she smiled right back — a brief but seemingly meaningful moment as he waits to learn whether he’ll walk out of the courtroom a free man or face a potentially life-altering sentence.

Lil Durk turns his head while sitting down and looks at the audience and see’s his mom. He smiles at her and she smiles back.

— Michael Blackshire (@Blackshireflick) September 10, 2026

What’s Going On With Lil Durk’s Case?

The jury began deliberations on Wednesday in Durk’s federal murder-for-hire trial in Los Angeles, but was unable to reach a verdict before ending for the day. Near the end of Wednesday’s proceedings, jurors asked the judge for access to digitized evidence, which was provided Thursday morning before deliberations resumed.

About an hour into Thursday’s deliberations, jurors sent another note to the judge seeking clarification on the stalking charges, specifically asking for more information about what constitutes “intent.” They also requested clarification regarding the nature of the allegations involving Durk and his co-defendants. The jury returned from lunch on Thursday and continued deliberating.

Big move: the jurors sent the just TWO NOTES THIS MORNING. Asking for clarification on specific words and phrases related to the stalking conspiracy charge and intent to murder. Judge said he couldn’t give more info beyond just re reading them the definitions in the instructions.…

— Trap Lore Ross (@traploreross) September 10, 2026

Advertisement

Here’s What He Could Be Facing If Found Guilty

Durk is facing five charges in connection with the case, including allegations related to murder-for-hire and stalking resulting in death. Prosecutors allege the case involves an attempted hit targeting rapper Quando Rondo that ultimately resulted in the death of his cousin, Saviay’a Robinson, in 2022. Durk has pleaded not guilty and has denied the allegations.

If jurors are unable to reach a verdict, deliberations are expected to continue on Friday. If convicted on the murder-for-hire charges, Durk could face life in federal prison without the possibility of parole. He is also expected to face a separate federal racketeering trial regardless of the outcome of the current case.

Folks On X Ain’t Come To Play

Over on X, fans ran straight to Michael Blackshire’s comments with plenty to say about Lil Durk’s courtroom demeanor. All we can say is… everybody had their own opinion!

Moms never leave

— aboki (@lanrelndn) September 10, 2026

Advertisement

He’s coming home.
Free SMURK

— THEO (@oladapokinginn) September 10, 2026

realest moment in the whole room honestly

— Dragan Pavlovic (@DefiDragans) September 10, 2026

I rather do a 100 years than see my mom hurt

— Yessie Yames (@91joad) September 10, 2026

He knows he’s guilty lol

— Offline (@OfflineProphe) September 10, 2026

Advertisement

That’s a man walking in knowing his made peace with whatever happens

— Oracle ODF💀🥷🇳🇬🇫🇷 (@Evil_OracleODF) September 10, 2026

No need to be smiling it’s game 7 of the finals

— Dontravious Miller (@DontraviousM98) September 10, 2026

Glad bro on good spirits

— iykyk (@kaliskreem) September 10, 2026

He know he cooked that’s why 😂

— 4KT (@Topfanatic4L) September 10, 2026

Advertisement

RELATED: Trial Watch! King Von’s Son’s Mother Shakema Springfield Testifies In Lil Durk’s Trial, Calls OTF Vonnie A “Liar”

When it comes to California-cool style, nobody does it better than Cindy Crawford. She gives laid-back fashion a rich, luxe edge, as is the case with her chic bomber jacket. We found the summer-to-fall look for only $38!

In a campaign for Omega watches, Crawford posed against a private jet with rolling mountains in the background.  She wore black pants, Nike sneakers and a puffy bomber jacket that turned an otherwise basic outfit into something incredibly sleek, and this chic version has the same effect.

Get the Disamer Bomber Jacket for $38 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

The Disamer Bomber Jacket is the smartest layering style to steal from Crawford right now. It reads more polished than a denim jacket and cooler than a blazer, making leggings look intentional and jeans look modeled.

Related: Jennifer Lopez’s Two-Piece Look Is What Rich Moms Wear to the Office

Advertisement

We get it: your rotation of white tops and black trousers is starting to feel stale. But if anyone knows how to add a fashionable edge to professional attire, it’s Jennifer Lopez. Even though she isn’t crunching numbers at an office, her chic two-piece set style is perfect for the job. We found a Lopez-inspired […]

Like Crawford’s, this piece has a cropped, slightly puffed silhouette, plus a funnel neck and silver hardware. One happy shopper put it perfectly: “I love the way it fits, and the puffiness at the bottom and wrists. It gives that perfect cropped bomber look without feeling bulky.”

Another five-star fan summed up its range: “It’s warm enough for cooler weather, but still lightweight enough for spring and fall. The zip closure works smoothly, and the cropped fit gives it a trendy and flattering shape. I received several compliments the first time I wore it.”

So no, you don’t need a dramatic trench, statement blazer or heavy cardigan to steal the show — just simple sneakers and a sporty bomber jacket that radiates California-cool vibes. Pair it with black pants, white kicks and a watch and suddenly, you’re channeling supermodel energy on a very normal day.

Get the Disamer Bomber Jacket for $38 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

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

UsNow Fall Sale Alert: These chic fashion finds are up to 60% off – plus free shipping

Welcome to fall with our biggest sale of the season. Our favorite dresses, tops, handbags, and shoes are all on sale + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

Shop the UsNow Fall Sale —>

Related: Kate Middleton‘s Classy Blazer Style Belongs in Everyone‘s Fall Rotation

Kate Middleton is probably the classiest gal on the planet, and her designer outfits only further prove that point. However, you don’t need a royal fashion budget to channel her luxe vibe. We found Middleton’s expensive-looking blazer style on Amazon, and our version is on sale for only $43. Back in June, Middleton celebrated Armed […]

Advertisement

The IMDb Top 250 is a list of movies (shock horror: 250, all up) that are there because people who’ve voted for them (on a scale of 1 to 10) on IMDb have largely favored them. It’s a popularity contest, and not the be-all-and-end-all if you want to find the best movies of all time, because that’s a silly thing to try and find, in like an absolute or objective sense.

But as one of the tools you can use to find good movies (and good movies that are likely to be approachable), the IMDb Top 250 has value. While movies like The Shawshank Redemption (#1 for 18 years and counting) and The Godfather have always been staples of the list, others have come and gone since 1996, when the list was first created. These are some of the best movies that used to be on the IMDb Top 250, as they can be found on IMDb Top 250 Informer, which is a database keeping track of all the movies that are – and have been – on the ever-changing IMDb list in question.

10

‘The Crow’ (1994)

Image via Miramax Films

It was only during the first two years of the IMDb Top 250 that The Crow found itself there. This is a trailblazing comic book movie, not really compromising the darkness of its source material and very much earning its R-rating, and it’s endured as a cult classic for sure. But as for that time in the Top 250, it was really just in 1996, and some of 1997.

It’s always had a rating of more than 7/10, but less than 8/10, and while movies in that range could be in the Top 250 back in the day, ratings over 8/10 are needed now. Also, The Crow was on the list at a time when it had only received a little over 1000 votes, which demonstrates how much more power users had over the list and its rankings back then, compared to now, because nowadays, The Crow has more than 233,000 ratings from IMDb users.

9

‘The Unbearable Lightness of Being’ (1988)

Image via Orion Pictures

The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988) has a little to do with the novel of the same name, but not a ton. It makes the highly philosophical and abstract book a little more digestible, and maybe conventional, though it retains the feeling of being “art” (or at least arthouse) through some of its stylistic choices and the general way it’s presented.

It’s also kind of an epic, at nearly three hours in length, and plenty of it’s visually striking and emotional in an odd sort of way. Like a few other films here, The Unbearable Lightness of Being probably isn’t for everyone, but it was for the people on IMDb during the first year or so of the Top 250’s existence, as it was #200 in April 1996, but then gradually fell to #245 by October 1997, and then fell off the list entirely after that (and has since never returned).

8

‘Once Were Warriors’ (1994)

Image via Footprint Films

In New Zealand, Once Were Warriors is beyond treasured, and it’s honestly great enough that it should be treasured outside New Zealand, too, even if it is a very New Zealand movie (so it will obviously resonate there the most). It had a good run throughout the first few years of the Top 250’s existence, getting as high as #33 in 1996, and then falling (occasionally steadying or rising a few places) as the rest of the decade went on.

1999 was the last time it was in the Top 250, at #214. Of all the Top 250 movies that are or have been, this is probably one of the heaviest-going on an emotional front, but Once Were Warriors does need to be, and it goes to some dark places for good reason and in a generally respectful/empathetic manner. It’s a very impactful film, and it should be noted that it does remain highly-rated on IMDb, with a rating of 7.9/10, at the time of writing.

7

‘West Side Story’ (1961)

Image via United Artists

The 2021 version of West Side Story has never been in the IMDb Top 250, while the 1961 version was for a few years, but never particularly high up there. It hovered between the 200th and the 250th spot between 1997 and 2001, before being absent from the list in the last quarter of a century… despite still holding up amazingly, and being one of the best musicals ever.

Okay, there are a couple of things that date the film, but so much about it still resonates emotionally and in terms of sheer spectacle. It’s one of the most expressive and theatrical musical movies ever made, and even if a rating of 7.6/10 is quite good (this is around what it had back in the day, when it was in the Top 250), it does feel a little low for something as monumental as 1961’s West Side Story.

6

‘The Irishman’ (2019)

image via Netflix

There will always be people throwing the term “overrated” at The Irishman, and oh well. What can you do about it? Time will probably be kind to this one, anyway. It’s the kind of film where the critics seemed a bit more switched on and aware of what it was going for, though the people who saw it earlier were enthusiastic enough to have it temporarily find a spot on the IMDb Top 250.

It had a rating of 8.4/10 two days after it debuted on Netflix, so it wasn’t like it fell out of the Top 250 just because it went to Netflix and became more widely available. That was in late November 2019, being in the top 100, but then it fell steadily throughout December 2019. It was last spotted in the Top 250 in January 2020, with a score of 8.0/10. It’s since dropped to a 7.8/10, so the consensus isn’t really that it’s absolutely top of the line, as far as Martin Scorsese films go… but 7.8 is still a pretty good score for this particular site.

5

‘The Right Stuff’ (1983)

Image via Warner Bros.

The last time The Right Stuff was in the Top 250 was back in 2005. It had hovered around the 180 to 250 spot for the first half of that decade, and then same for the first few years of the Top 250’s existence, too (the late 1990s). So, it’s not fair to call it always underappreciated on IMDb, but it’s a bit underrated on there at the moment, and remains underappreciated more generally.

It’s one of the best movies of all time. It is. Just flat out. Though if you think that’s too hyperbolic, maybe you’ll be okay with the statement that: “It’s just about the best non-sci-fi space-related movie of all time.” It’s about the lead-up to – and then the early years of – the Space Race, and it does a lot within its epic runtime, balancing all sorts of things tonally while having a good many interesting characters (well, characters based on real-life people). It’s great. The runtime might look daunting, but you’re missing out if you let it put you off watching this.

4

‘The Blues Brothers’ (1980)

Image via Universal Pictures

The people of IMDb used to be cool enough to have The Blues Brothers in the Top 250, but no longer. It’s still got a score of 7.9/10, which is pretty high for a cult classic, as if something’s a true cult classic, it’s probably not going to be for literally everyone… yet The Blues Brothers does have a bit of everything.

If you want comedy, it’s funny. If you’re after action, there are some amazing car chases. If you want music, you’ve got an abundance of that. If you want something faith-based, it is about two men on a mission from God. If you want something that celebrates blues, R&B, and soul music, few films celebrate those things more sincerely. If you want romance, horror, science fiction, or fantasy… okay, The Blues Brothers doesn’t really fit into those genres. But just about everything else…

3

‘Spider-Man 2’ (2004)

Image via Sony Pictures Entertainment

Advertisement

The Spider-Verse movies have stayed strong in the IMDb Top 250 since they both came out (in 2018 and 2023, respectively), Spider-Man: No Way Home has remained in there (albeit fallen quite a bit, from cracking the top 10 to now hovering around #200), and then the more recent Spider-Man: Brand New Day had a short stay in the Top 250… like, very short. About a week. It should be fine, though. It can dry its tears with all the money it has.

As for Spider-Man 2, it never broke the top 150, but since its 2004 release and for most of 2005, it did hover between the #150 and #250 spots. Seeing it leave is a bummer, because it could well be the best of the live-action Spider-Man movies, and it’s also just a phenomenal comic book/superhero movie generally. A comeback to the extent that it returns to the Top 250, after being absent from there for more than two decades, seems unlikely, but one can dream…

2

‘Titanic’ (1997)

Since it currently has a rating of 8.0/10, and some movies that have snuck onto the IMDb Top 250 have a rating of 8.1/10, it feels more likely that Titanic will get back onto the list one day than the other movies mentioned here. This does feel due to the resurgence the movie has had popularity-wise. That sounds wild. But, like, Titanic was obviously a hit when it came out, to put it mildly. The box office success and Oscar wins did lead to some backlash, as happens with wildly hyped movies.

For some, it also probably felt kind of uncool to like for a while, because Titanic is unabashedly sentimental and melodramatic. But there’s a backlash to being cynical now, to some extent, and that’s led to a re-evaluation of Titanic on the part of some people (there are, of course, those who’ve always loved it, and good for them, because they’ve always been right). Titanic was once at #4 on the IMDb Top 250, in 1998, but it fell out of the Top 250 at the end of that same year. It probably won’t bounce back quite that high again, but getting back onto the list in some capacity could well happen, eventually.

Image via Universal Pictures

Like Titanic, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial doesn’t really need a spot on the IMDb Top 250, because its reputation is already sufficiently strong, and the idea that it’s a classic is well and truly out there… and has been out there for decades now. Its iconic status means summarizing the plot feels a bit silly, but if you need to know, it’s about an alien getting lost, a boy befriending that alien, and then the two working together to get the alien in contact with his own family.

Its history with the Top 250 is a little strange. It currently has a 7.9/10 rating, and never had a rating that high when it was in the Top 250. A rating of around 7.6/10 or 7.7/10 was enough to get into the Top 250 back then, which is about what E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial had at the time. It’s fallen out of the Top 250 as of 2004, and has remained out ever since, and it’s hard to know why, beyond guessing that maybe some people just find E.T. creepy, or they find Steven Spielberg in full sentimental mode to be a bit much.