It feels like we’ve been talking about “Wuthering Heights” for months already, and yet it’s only just hit cinemas this month. Billed as a steamy and modern twist on the classic Emily Brontë story, this film was always going to cause a stir, but that doesn’t really seem to be an issue for writer/director Emerald Fennell.

While critics are divided over “Wuthering Heights”, there are plenty of moviegoers who are coming away from the film satisfied. In fact, the film has already recouped its costs from its opening weekend alone. More specifically, while devoted Brontë fans find Fennell’s take on the story to be rather offensive, those who haven’t read the novel are largely unbothered by the controversy surrounding the adaptation.

It takes a brave filmmaker to dive into this kind of project. Even a highly faithful adaptation could upset a few folk. But for Fennell, that’s just par for the course.

Emerald Fennell’s Career Has Been Leading to “Wuthering Heights”

Emerald Fennell’s first big gig was as a writer on Killing Eve. She joined for Season 2 of the Phoebe Waller-Bridge darkly funny series, and to be honest, it’s not surprising she was picked up for that project.

Waller-Bridge and Fennell have a very similar sense of humour, while Killing Eve had plenty of scope for the shocking storylines, sexual themes, and grandiose costume work Fennell has become renowned for since.

From there, Fennell was given the chance to bring her own, original story to the big screen with Promising Young Woman in 2020. She won an Oscar for her screenplay, which was something of a surprise given that many viewers and critics were frustrated by the way the story ended. Like it or love it, though, Fennell’s feature debut was eye-catching with its clash of pastel colours and violent themes.

Promising Young Woman put Fennell on the film map, but it was her follow-up, Saltburn, that made her more of a household name. Bringing together rising star Barry Keoghan and heartthrob Jacob Elordi was always going to be a safe bet for a crowd-pleasing movie. Throw in a catchy ‘00s soundtrack, some risqué nudity, and surface-level shocks, and you’ve got the ideal flick to get viewers excited.

Critics and more seasoned film fans weren’t as happy, though. Indeed, Saltburn is a film that doesn’t really have anything new to say, with predictable plot twists for anyone who has seen the likes of The Talented Mr Ripley and Gattaca. Meanwhile, Fennell’s script is not sharp or incisive enough to truly dig into the issues of classism the novel raises, which leaves the film itself guilty of being more style over substance.

Still, that element of style is definitely a huge positive in Fennell’s body of work. Her eye for a beautiful shot is uncanny, while the production design in all of her films is sublime.

With enough technical ability and mainstream appeal to get noticed, Fennell earned the right to take on a major IP as her next project. And, with a penchant for darkly sexual content and dissecting of class conflict, there was really no reason not to give her the keys to Brontë’s classic tale.

Controversy Is Nothing New For Emerald Fennell

Just as we shouldn’t be surprised that Fennell was given the green light for her take on Wuthering Heights, we also saw the controversy around the release coming a mile off. After all, she’s a filmmaker who revels in subverting expectations and clearly wants her movies to get people talking, for better or worse.

Fennell’s motivations behind Promising Young Woman, for example, were admirable. Released around the time of the #MeToo movement, Fennell always intended this story to confront the systemic problem of how women are treated in modern society.

She also spoke about how the term “empowered” didn’t sit right with her, instead preferring to portray a raw and complex version of the vengeful woman trope. Fennell didn’t want to give her audience easy answers, and she did not want a happy ending. The fact that she went against the grain certainly divided audiences.

When Saltburn hit the big screen, Fennell said she was “thrilled” that it similarly provoked such extreme reactions from viewers. She insisted on keeping the most shocking sexual scenes in the final cut, as they depicted the true “horrors of love”. Interestingly, Fennell even compared Saltburn’s more intense scenes to moments she remembered from her favourite novel – and we all know what that is, don’t we?

Meanwhile, Saltburn itself even led to a new term being coined, with the ‘Saltburnification’ of film now very much a thing. Fennell’s trademark, whether she likes it or not, is to tackle serious, controversial issues through a highly stylised lens and with hypersexualised themes, all the while perhaps only really scratching the surface of what she could and perhaps should say. 

For some, it’s considered the epitome of everything that’s wrong with filmmaking for the social media generation – creating nice-looking content that’s easily digestible yet ultimately shallow. For others, it’s exactly the kind of fast food cinema they crave – just enough to be entertained and feel thrilled for a couple of hours, before moving on to the next trend

Similarly, Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights” distorts Brontë’s story in just the right way to both infuriate those who know enough about the source material to care and be exhilarating for those who don’t. She never wanted to make a direct adaptation, stating such a thing is simply “not possible” given how complex the novel is. But that concept fits perfectly into Fennell’s modus operandi; she doesn’t make films to please everyone, she wants to challenge audiences and ruffle a few feathers.

In many ways, it’s an admirable approach to filmmaking. It won’t guarantee you positive reviews or box office success (though “Wuthering Heights” is proving the latter wrong), but at least Emerald Fennell has a recognisable voice and style.

Other Movies That Fit Fennell's Brand of Shock Storytelling

In a nutshell, the foundations of Fennell’s brand are to paint a lavish, eye-catching picture and adorn it with big, flashy concepts and sexual overtones. What always seems to bring those foundations crashing down, though, for critics, is the handling of the actual story from a substantive point of view. It’s pastel-painted shock-baiting, and it’s not a method that’s wholly exclusive to Fennell, even if she’s its poster child.

There are a few recent films that fit into this niche category. Unless you checked the credits, you’d probably think a movie like Thoroughbreds belonged to Emerald Fennell, particularly for the way it addresses classism through a bloodthirsty lens. Likewise, the intense sexual story at the heart of the recent Nicole Kidman flick, Babygirl, feels aligned with the kind of work Fennell creates.

As for those style-over-substance claims, few films in recent years have suffered similar accusations quite as much as Olivia Wilde’s Don’t Worry Darling. With a strong cast and lofty ideas, this project had so much promise, and it’s hard to deny that it looked incredible, but narratively, it was a mess.

Judging by “Wuthering Heights”’ doubling down on all her trademarks, plus its box office success thus far, Fennell is unlikely to change her ways anytime soon. In this film, she goes all in on controversial depictions of sexual dynamics, heightening problematic elements of the original story to truly rile some people up. That, combined with the whitewashing of Heathcliff and the chopping up of Brontë’s ‘sacred text’, suggests Fennell knows exactly what she is doing, and doesn’t mind, or maybe even enjoys leaning into a divisive and distinctive filmmaking style. 

It might not win her many critical plaudits, but altering course now would arguably be more disingenuous and detrimental to her career. Fennell has established her brand, and it’s allowed her to play around with a beloved classic. This definitely won’t be the last we see of her.

At the end of January, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts announced its slate of nominees for the 79th annual BAFTA awards. The ceremony (which will be available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer) is set to take place on February 22 at the Royal Festival Hall, in London’s Southbank Centre. Viewers can expect to see many of the familiar faces of this year’s awards circuit—some of whom will be hoping to gain momentum in the lead-up to the Oscars.

Like every year, those A-list stars will share the spotlight with a host of British and Irish talent who, for whatever reason, didn’t quite make the cut for those glittering L.A. galas. As a result, the BAFTAs have usually managed to stand out from other ceremonies by giving movies like I Swear and Pillion the chance to go head-to-head with Hollywood juggernauts like Sinners and One Battle After Another. 

In the list below, you’ll find information on ten of the most nominated 2026 Bafta movies—a group that is actually nicely split between those two camps. Read on to learn a bit more about them and use the guide below to find them on services like AppleTV, Netflix, Prime Video and elsewhere. 

One Battle After Another

The current frontrunner for Best Picture and Best Director, Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, has been hyped to the heavens by basically every person who’s seen it since it opened in September. Luckily for us, the film has managed to live up to that billing, and then some, becoming the rare frontrunner that’s as much a hit with audiences as critics. 

One Battle After Another is the story of an ageing revolutionary (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) who puts his struggle to one side in the hopes of giving his daughter a more normal life. However, when a figure from his past (Sean Penn) reappears and takes her prisoner, he decides that it’s time to come out of hiding. If you’ve enjoyed Anderson’s work to this point (especially recent movies like Phantom Thread and Liquorice Pizza), this one aptly feels like a crowning achievement. 

Pillion

One movie that didn’t get a mention on the American awards circuit, despite receiving a ton of buzz from its premier in Cannes and plenty of love from audiences and critics ever since, is Harry Lighton’s debut feature, Pillion. It’s a hot, heavy and very British kink movie (hookup in an alleyway behind Sainsbury’s, withstanding) that’s also an incredibly touching romance. 

Nominated at BAFTA for Original Screenplay, British Film and British Debut, Pillion is a contemporary rom-com set in the world of BDSM culture—perhaps “dom-com” is more appropriate—that focuses on an introverted young lad (Harry “Dudley Dursley Melling) who enters into a sub/dom relationship with a hunky biker (Aleksander Skarsgård). Then, somewhat more awkwardly, he starts to fall in love. 

Sinners 

Ryan Coogler’s Sinners had to settle for 13 nominations at the Baftas (three less than its record haul at the Academy Awards), leaving it one behind Anderson’s film in the ranking of nominees. What’s surprising is that two of the nominations that didn’t cross over the pond were the supporting nods for Delroy Lindo (who grew up in Lewisham) and Wunmi Mosaku (who moved from Nigeria to Manchester when she was one).

That strange snag aside, we can expect Coogler's vampire musical sensation (think Creed meets From Dusk Till Dawn) to win big with the crafts (like Best Score and Cinematography) before falling just short in the most coveted categories.  

I Swear

The other multiple BAFTA nominee that has yet to make much of a splash stateside is Kirk Jones’ I Swear—a movie about a young man with Tourette's syndrome that became an instant critical darling after its premiere in Toronto last September.

I Swear is based on the life of John Davidson, a Scottish man whose experiences with that particular neurodevelopmental disorder were captured in the 1989 television documentary John’s Not Mad. Using that film for inspiration, Davidson is played by Robert Aramayo, who you’ll recognise for his wonderful portrayal of Elrond in Amazon’s Rings of Power. He’s joined here by fellow Rings alum Peter Mullen in the kind of movie you could recommend to anyone. 

Hamnet

Given its subject matter and Irish stars, it’s no surprise that Chloe Zhao’s Hamnet scored a few more nominations here (11) than it did with the Academy (eight)—notably Emily Watson in Best Supporting Actress and Paul Mescal for his Supporting turn as William Shakespeare.

Based on Maggie O’Farrell’s best-seller, the film imagines how the Bard might have written Hamlet as a way of processing the death of his son. Shakespeare purists might scoff at that, but there’s no denying the raw power of Zhao’s film or Jessie Buckley’s central performance as his wife, Agnes. Make sure to have some tissues nearby. 

The Ballad of Wallis Island

Another British indie gem that’s gone a little under the radar outside of BAFTA is The Ballad of Wallis Island, a touching comedy about a lottery winner who decides to use some of his money to reunite his favourite ‘00s folk act on the remote island where he lives.

It’s a charming, funny and moving film that’s elevated by a lovely supporting turn from Carey Mulligan, but Tim Key (The Paper) and Tom Basden (Plebs)—who co-wrote the screenplay—deserve just as much credit.

Marty Supreme

The joint third most nominated movie at BAFTA is Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme, a 1950s-set ping pong hustler romp that might yet earn Timothée Chalamet his first Oscar. 

Based on the life of Marty Reisman, the movie is as stylish, cool and nerve-shredding as anything in the Safdies’ back catalogue, but the most obvious comps have to be Good Time and Uncut Gems—and if you liked Oneohtrix Point Never’s synth-driven scores in those movies, Marty’s is even better. 

Sentimental Value

If you were a fan of Joachim Trier’s The Worst Person in the World from a few years back, you’re going to love Sentimental Value. For one, this touching, intergenerational family drama sees the Norwegian director reunite with that film’s effervescent star, Renate Reinsve, who gives a similarly wonderful performance as the actress daughter of a celebrated filmmaker.

What Worst Person didn’t have is Stellan Skarsgård (Andor), Elle Fanning (Predator: Badlands) and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas in supporting roles. All four performers are nominated, just as they were at the Oscars, and justifiably so. 

Frankenstein

If you’ve just seen “Wuthering Heights” this week and are dying to for more images of Jacob Elordi roaming through dramatic countryside in search of doomed romance, Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein might be the movie for you—especially if you’re fond of Del Toro’s work on recent films like The Shape of Water and Nightmare Alley. 

Elordi is nominated here for playing the “Creature” in what is a loving and fateful adaptation of Shelley’s immortal 1818 novel. 

Bugonia

The last, and certainly not the least, on our list of major BAFTA nominees is Yorgos Lanthimos’ Bugonia. Based on the Korean cult classic Save the Green Planet!, it’s a story of two conspiracy theorists who kidnap the head of a tech company in the hopes of exposing her as an alien.

This is the adventurous Greek director’s fourth collaboration with Emma Stone in just over seven years (the sixth if we’re including adverts and shorts). If you happened to enjoy Poor Things or The Favourite, this will likely be up your alley, too.

Remember the Ice Bucket and Mannequin challenges? Even in 2026, there’s always a new social media fad that everyone wants to get involved with. The latest one that has recently swept social networks has seen celebrities rewind the clock back ten years to 2016. 

Life seemed much easier back then, and everyone has been jumping on the nostalgia bandwagon. But if you’re not keen on sharing pics of the 2016 version of yourself, why not celebrate the year with a movie marathon of some of the year’s best offerings instead? 2016 was an exceptional year of film quality, with some of the best movies of the last decade all having been released that year. 

Here’s a selection of movies that have just turned 10 years old that best represent the highly quality of films that arrived during that magical 12 month period.

1. Arrival (2016)

Before he got lost to the world of sandworms with the Dune movies, director Denis Villeneuve gave the world the emotionally devastating sci-fi film Arrival. Based on Ted Chiang’s novel Story of Your Life, Arrival is an alien invasion movie like few others. Rather than attack, these strange new beings wish to communicate. and so it is left to Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner to find a way to converse with the extra-terrestrials. 

A mesmerising and melancholic and meme-able movie of complex depths, in any other year Arrival would have swept awards season, but it had some very strong competition. 

2. Captain America: Civil War (2016)

Back in 2016, cinema was still caught in the chokehold grasp of superhero movies and the MCU. While in recent years the slate of superhero movies has thinned back to only a couple, 2016 had no less than six, which included X-Men: Apocalypse, Doctor Strange, Batman V Superman, Suicide Squad, and Deadpool. The biggest of them, though, was Captain America: Civil War.

As with many MCU movies, the plot of Civil War was years in the making and follows how political interference with the Avengers causes a team-wide rift between Captain America and Iron Man. Being Team Cap or Team Stark is essentially the comic crowd’s version of Team Jacob or Team Edward, so pick a side and get ready to cheer them on. 

3. The Witch (2016)

2016 was the year that the horror community gained the fantastic Robert Eggers with the release of his feature debut, The Witch. Starring Anya Taylor-Joy as Thomasin, The Witch is a ye olde set, and spoken, story of a Puritan family ripped apart by witchcraft. Featuring Eggers' now trademark attention to historical accuracy, The Witch is incredibly atmospheric and features one of the most iconic animals in recent horror history, Black Phillip. 

Since The Witch, Eggers has gone from strength to strength with The Lighthouse, The Northman, and Nosferatu all winning over critics and audiences alike. All eyes are now on his next project, Werwulf. 

4. Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)

In Hunt for the Wilderpeople, the rebellious Ricky Baker and his foster uncle find themselves on the run from the social services. As the pair travel through the New Zealand bush, they encounter all manner of quirky characters and, more importantly, learn how to bond with one another. 

Directed by Taika Waititi, Hunt for the Wilderpeople features that magic brand of New Zealand humour, so if you’re a fan of that branch of comedy, get this one queued up on your watchlist ASAP. 

5. Green Room (2016)

Directed by Jeremy Saulnier, Green Room is an incredibly intense thriller that pits punk rockers against neo-Nazis with disastrous results. Starring the late Anton Yelchin as one of the punk rockers in over their head, Green Room sets him against Sir Patrick Stewart.

Beloved as Captain Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Professor X in X-Men, Stewart plays heavily against type as the menacing leader of the neo-Nazis. Once seen, it’s hard to see him in the same light. 

6. Moonlight (2016)

Although for a hot minute it looked like La La Land was going to take home the prize, Moonlight won the Academy Award for 2016’s Best Picture. It doesn’t take long to figure out why. Not only is the story – which chronicles the life experience of a Black gay man – incredible, but the performances of the cast are insanely strong, and the film looks and sounds beautiful. 

A movie that is not merely one of the best films of 2016, Moonlight currently sits at number 60 in Sight and Sound’s 250 ‘Greatest Movies of All Time’ list. 

7. Raw (2016)

Julia Ducournau is one of the most exciting directors working within genre cinema. Her 2021 film, Titane, earned Cannes’ prestigious Palme d’Or award, but before that she grabbed the horror crowd's attention with her debut feature, Raw. Set within a veterinary college, Raw is a coming-of-age story told through the genre lens, as new student and life-long vegetarian Justine succumbs to cannibalistic urges after a hazing ritual at the school. Justine must battle with her burgeoning hunger for flesh, acting as a perfect metaphor for the transition from girlhood to womanhood. 

In addition to its compelling narrative, Raw also features some gnarly moments of gore that are rumoured to have had some early festival audiences vomiting and fainting in the aisle. 

8. Ratchet and Clank (2016)

Ratchet and Clank is easily one of the best video-game adaptations in film history, and yet, it is criminally underseen. Anyone who has grown up around a Sony PlayStation will be familiar with big-eared Lombax Ratchet and his robot sidekick, Clank. The pair have been a part of the console since the PS2, and fans of the game series will find a ton to enjoy in the animated movie. 

Featuring the original voice artists from the game, alongside the more famous vocals of Bella Thorne, John Goodman, Sylvester Stallone, and Rosario Dawson, Ratchet and Clank captures the spirit of the series beautifully. Full of references to the games, Ratchet and Clank also retains the games’ wry and sometimes satirical humour while also telling a fun space yarn about friendship and courage. 

9. La La Land (2016)

While La La Land narrowly missed out on the 2016 Best Picture, the film did scoop several Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Lead Actress. A love letter to jazz and Hollywood, the film follows the romance of aspiring actress Mia and musician Seb. Rather than go full sugar-coated schmaltz, La La Land has a kicker of a bittersweet ending that allows it to rise above some of its more sickly sweet peers. 

It also manages to marry drama and musicals in such a way that even the most anti-musical of viewers will get swept away. 

10. Train to Busan (2016)

The zombie movie has been popular ever since George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead was released back in 1968. Though he pioneered the subgenre, there have been several filmmakers that have helped revitalise and revolutionise it, and Yeon Sang-ho’s Train to Busan is a prime example. Set during the outset of a zombie outbreak, the Korean film finds a father and daughter trapped on the titular train surrounded by fast and feral zombies. 

Not only does it feature some of the most stressful zombie encounters in recent history, but the movie also carries an incredible amount of emotional heft and had audiences crying at a zombie film long before 2025 hit, 28 Years Later. 

For some, Valentine’s Day is the most romantic, wonderful time of the year. For others, it’s a celebration they’d rather avoid at all costs. If you’ve just been through a painful breakup or have decided that 2026 is the year you’ll focus on yourself rather than diving into a relationship, February 14 is unlikely to be a day you mark on your calendar.

There are plenty of movies to watch if you hate Valentine’s Day, but if you don’t want to be alone, you could invite your gal pals round for a nice movie night in. This is not a new concept; it’s an increasingly popular post-Valentine’s tradition known as Galentine’s Day.

The following 10 movies will be ideal for anyone seeking stories about female friendship. They’ll make you laugh, make you cringe (in a good way), and will make you truly appreciate the value of platonic relationships – the perfect remedy for romance-averse viewers on February 15.

1. The Edge of Seventeen (2016)

We start with a lovely slice of coming-of-age dramedy, The Edge of Seventeen, which is perfect for teenage viewers, but is equally as effective for Millennials, too. Now a decade old, this funny, sweet, yet surprisingly sharp study of the complex lives of teenage girls stars Hailee Steinfeld and Haley Lu Richardson as Nadine and Krista, whose friendship unravels at the seams.

Granted, the cause of the problem is a boy, but this is still a brilliant movie to watch on Galentine’s Day because ultimately, it reinforces the idea that friends are more important than any romantic relationship – even if you don’t immediately realise that. I’m not an adolescent girl, but I do have a teenage daughter, and I would say this is a very authentic and realistic portrayal of that period of a woman’s life. It’s light for the most part, especially when Woody Harrelson is on screen, but there’s the odd heavy moment that gives this film extra weight you wouldn’t expect.

2. Booksmart (2019)

In a similar vein, Booksmart tackles the topic of friends growing apart as they realise they may have less in common than they thought, while still trying to make time and look out for each other. The Olivia Wilde film highlights the pressures of the education system, societal expectations and norms, and even delves into how young people deal with their sexuality. There’s a lot to digest, but it’s all packaged up into what is genuinely one of the funniest comedies of the past few years.

Booksmart is almost like a tamer version of Superbad, which is high praise for me, indeed. But it’s in no way derivative; instead, it feels fresh and provocative and very genuine. You can catch it on Netflix right now, and given it’s only just over 100 minutes long, there’s really no excuse not to give this a watch at some point, even if it doesn’t make the cut this Galentine’s Day.

3. Bridesmaids (2011)

If I could only pick one movie for this list of recommendations, Bridesmaids would be it. I love this film so much, as does my partner, and my daughter also watched it recently and was a fan. That says a lot about the quality and range of the humour on offer with this Paul Feig movie – it not only holds up 15 years later, but is also accessible for a completely different generation.

It helps that some of the funniest comedians on the planet assemble for this flick – most notably Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy, while the likes of Jon Hamm, Maya Rudolph, and Rose Byrne are also on top form. If you haven’t seen Bridesmaids before, you can still probably guess what it’s all about: one friend is getting married, the other is a bridesmaid but has a ton of personal issues to resolve at the same time. It’s chaotic energy at its finest, and you can see it on Prime Video now.

4. Mean Girls (2004)

Can you believe it’s been more than 20 years since Mean Girls hit our screens and became a pop culture phenomenon? The amount of memes and references this film gave the world is truly a gift; from what to wear on Wednesdays, to where people are allowed to sit, the importance of October 3, and, of course, those annoying folk who try to “make fetch happen”... There’s so much to love about Mean Girls.

This 2000s cult classic not only gave us fantastic quotes, but it also helped two superstars, Rachel McAdams and Amanda Seyfried, get their big breaks. Obviously, it’s Lindsay Lohan who’s the key to this, and while her career choices of late have been questionable, she was superb as the likeable, multi-layered Cady Heron. If you and your friends fancy a gossip-filled, twisting and turning tale of backstabbing and betrayal, you can see the drama unfold on Paramount+.

5. Ingrid Goes West (2017)

Not all friendships are plain sailing. In fact, most of them have their fair share of bumps in the road, but in Ingrid Goes West, we see what happens when that bump becomes more of a mountain. This wild tale sees Audrey Hepburn’s Ingrid attach herself to social media star Taylor Sloane, upending her whole life to get closer to her new friend. However, when their whole relationship is built on lies, it’s all destined to come crashing down.

Not only is Ingrid Goes West a darkly funny and thrilling little comedy, but it’s also a visual treat, and it has a lovely soundtrack, too. If you like films like Shiva Baby and Zola, you’ll love this one, and you can watch it for absolutely nothing on YouTube (as long as you don’t mind the odd advert).

6. Thelma & Louise (1991)

Who would have ever thought that Ridley Scott would make a perfect Galentine’s Day movie? The filmmaker is better known for his blistering action movies and historical epics, with the likes of Russell Crowe, Denzel Washington, and Matt Damon often his leading men. However, back in 1991, he put out one of the finest crime thrillers ever made, with two badass women at the fore.

While Thelma & Louise is an absolute must-watch, you might be feeling more inclined to watch something a bit fluffier and easy-going this weekend. But if you fancy a bit of gunfire, exhilarating car chases, and lots of criminal activity, this is the one for you. Get signed up to MGM+ now and give it a watch.

7. Rocks (2020)

This wonderful little indie film made waves at the BAFTAs a few years back, picking up seven nominations and winning the award for Best Casting. That makes sense, given that Rocks was assembled almost exclusively of genuine schoolkids with no real acting experience, but the young stars absolutely knocked it out of the park.

It’s a story of a teenage girl dealing with the fact that her mother has abandoned her and her little brother, while also trying to navigate school life and maintain her friendships. If you’re into gritty, realist dramas like Aftersun and Fish Tank, you’ll be all over Rocks. It’s important to support independent cinema, and you can do so by watching this endearing flick on Prime Video.

8. Bend It Like Beckham (2002)

Bend It Like Beckham is an absolute staple of British cinema in the 21st century, blending sports drama with rom-com vibes to produce one of the most charming, harmlessly cheesy films you could opt for on Galentine’s Day. It’s a wonderful depiction of post-millennium culture in the UK, with young Indian teenager Jess (Parminder Nagra) striking up a friendship with the more mature Jules (Keira Knightley) to play football, even though her family forbids her to do so.

You don’t have to like football to be invested in Bend It Like Beckham. The sport is purely the backdrop for what is essentially a love story and a journey of self-discovery in one. Anyone over the age of 30 has likely already seen this film before, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t watch it again. And, if you’re younger, well, what better way to get acquainted with the ways of the not-so-distant past? You need not look far, either: Bend It Like Beckham is on Netflix, so what are you waiting for?

9. A League of Their Own (1992)

If football isn’t your bag, how about some American sports? A League of Their Own is an underdog story about a women’s baseball team that rises during World War II, with an all-star cast that includes Geena Davis, Madonna, and Tom Hanks. What starts as a calamitous roster of players and a drunken coach evolves into something truly special, as everyone begins to pull in the same direction.

If you enjoy feel-good, funny sports movies like Tin Cup and Hustle, you’ll find the infectious energy and spirited chemistry from the cast utterly irresistible. Again, much like Bend It Like Beckham, you won’t need to know the baseball rulebook inside out to get on board with A League of Their Own – this is no Moneyball, trust me. You will have to pay to rent this film at the moment, but it’s certainly worth it if you don’t mind watching an older movie.

10. Birds of Prey (2020)

Okay, enough of dramedies, classic comedies, and sports films – how about a superhero movie? And there can only be one pick. After Margot Robbie stole the show in the rather terrible Suicide Squad as Harley Quinn, she was always going to get more screentime. In fact, she only went and bagged her very own movie, along with a whole host of fearless female anti-heroes.

Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) may be quite the mouthful to say out loud, but it’s an absolute delight to watch. The action set-pieces are exquisitely crafted, the story is exactly the kind of thing you’d find in a comic book, and it’s got a killer soundtrack to boot. If you and your girlfriends want to feel empowered this weekend, there’s no better way to inspire badassery and solidify that feeling of sisterhood than seeing a gang of strong women combine forces to save the day. Catch it on Now TV Cinema, but be quick, it’s only on there until the end of February.

It’s already the most talked-about movie of the year, and I am pretty sure "Wuthering Heights" will remain a hot topic of conversation for weeks to come. With the pairing of hugely popular actors Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in the lead roles (despite backlash to the latter), and a release date lined up perfectly for Valentine’s Day, it’s easy to see why so many people are interested in this film.

But that attention comes in two very distinct forms. Before the release, there has been a very vocal subsection of fans outraged by the idea of this distorted interpretation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel from director Emerald Fennell. On the other side, folks who just want to enjoy a steamy romance drama have been hyped up by the trailers and marketing.

As things stand, “Wuthering Heights” sits at 65% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 178 critic reviews at the time of writing. That’s not a bad score by any means, but it will likely continue to drop – it was at 72% just 24 hours earlier. Regardless, I have a feeling the audience score will be a lot higher. So, what’s making this such a divisive project, and why is it likely to split critics and audiences down the middle?

What Critics Are Saying About “Wuthering Heights”

Even among the critics, there is a staggering breadth of positive and negative noise around “Wuthering Heights”.

Sarah Manvel describes the film as: “Astonishing, gorgeous and stupefyingly hot” and adds, “Wuthering Heights is a sensation.”

There’s more praise from James Mottram, who waxes lyrical in his review, saying: “Beautifully costumed, designed, shot and performed, the film is an impeccably made tale of doomed lovers, one that will bring a tear to the eye.”

Those sentiments are not shared by Kate Sánchez, who claims this adaptation is “abysmally dull, despite its constant attempts at shock.” In her review, Deborah Ross lambasts this attempt, stating, “Fennell’s treatment is eye-catching but superficial.”

Likewise, Eric Marchen offers a scathing critique in his review. “Emerald Fennell appears relatively uninterested in the source material, stitching together loose bits and bobs while cutting from whole cloth to fit her pastiche-laced gown of gloom,” he says.

Meanwhile, Troy Ribeiro writes: “This film is bold, confident, and wilfully divisive… As a film, it dazzles; as an adaptation, it strays freely.” And therein, I think, lies the big problem.

Why Emerald Fennell’s 2026 Adaptation Is So Divisive

If you’re going into this modern spin on the Brontë classic hoping for a faithful adaptation, you’re going to be disappointed. And Fennell has already, very candidly, told us exactly what to expect from her take on the 1847 novel.

Explaining why her movie title has quotation marks around it, Fennell told Fandango: “[The book] means a lot to me. It’s very important that everyone who loves it as much as I do, feels almost a part of it.

“You can’t adapt a book as dense and complicated and difficult as this… It’s not possible. What I can say is, I’m making a version of it. There’s a version that I remembered reading that isn’t quite real. There’s a version that I wanted stuff to happen that never did happen.”

In a further affront to the source material to many, the casting of Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, a character described as “dark-skinned” in the novel, really caused a stir. Again, though, Fennell cited her own experience with Brontë’s work in her explanation behind the casting choice, saying Elordi “looked exactly like the illustration of Heathcliff in the first book that I read”.

This is obviously a very personal and subjective interpretation from Fennell. It’s impossible to please everyone, and sometimes – in fact, the majority of the time – creatives simply have to tell the story they want to tell, and just hope it resonates with the audience.

Let’s not forget, Fennell has always been a divisive filmmaker. Her previous work on Promising Young Woman and Saltburn can hardly be described as universally loved. With provocative themes, a darkly sexual tone, and a tendency to go style over substance, Fennell is polarising, to say the least. 

As with any spectrum, there will be extremes, and to that end, I do believe there will be a mass of more casual filmgoers who fall in love with this new iteration of the timeless tale. 

Why Audiences May Enjoy “Wuthering Heights” More Than Critics

To put it simply, if you haven’t read the book, you’ll probably have little to no issue with Fennell’s playful take on Wuthering Heights.

Based on the marketing tactics, this film is clearly being billed as this generation’s next big romantic epic, following in the footsteps of the likes of Gone With The Wind, Titanic, and Moulin Rouge. This is no mean feat, but that ‘crazy in love’ theme will definitely help its chances of striking a chord with a modern audience. In the recent past, gritty films with twisted love stories, like True Romance and Natural Born Killers, excelled in that dangerous realm and have since achieved cult status. That idea of intense, obsessive infatuation was key to the cultural impact of Fennell’s previous movie, Saltburn, and was infamously the foundation for the hugely successful Fifty Shades of Grey series.

What was once taboo is now sought-after, particularly in the book market, with dark ‘romantasy’, ‘enemies to lovers’ and ‘red flag’ relationships like the one Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele shared in E. L. James’ S&M novels, proving to be a huge lure for readers, and in turn, viewers. It says a lot about the habits of modern audiences that Fifty Shades, despite getting poor reviews and causing so much of a stir, still made an absolute killing at the box office. It would seem most people don’t really care about critical consensus in certain cases, and they’re certainly not afraid of controversy; we flock to it because we’re just too curious, aren’t we?

On the other end of the scale, in 2011, Andrea Arnold tried her hand at adapting Brontë’s tale, and was just about as faithful as you could be. It was regarded as a critical darling at the time, but that version of Wuthering Heights failed at the box office. 15 years later, it seems nobody is eager to make the same mistake; Fennell’s version is the polar opposite of Arnold’s in substance, style, and tone.

Even on the small screen, spicy, sexualised romantic period dramas like Bridgerton and Outlander have thrived in recent years. There’s obviously a huge appetite for the direction Fennell has taken the story here, and that will likely translate into more commercial success than critical, at the very least.

In the immortal words of Chazz Michael Michaels, when we look back on Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights”, we may well say, “No one knows what it means, but it’s provocative… it gets the people going.” That’s not a terrible legacy to leave, is it?

As Valentine’s Day brings lovers together for one special night, it’s the perfect time to watch some soppy romance movies. Getting the right film for this occasion is very important – at least, if you want the most famous date night of the year to go smoothly.

There are a lot of obvious picks if you want a nice, simple rom-com. Some folks like to find alternative options for Valentine’s Day, which is a great idea if you know where to look. However, thinking outside the box always comes with the risk of getting things catastrophically wrong.

With the release of “Wuthering Heights” being so intrinsically linked to the big day this year, we felt it was apt to send a warning to any couples hoping the Emerald Fennell adaptation will set the mood. Here’s why it might be best to avoid the new film until after this weekend, plus five others that could spoil Valentine’s Day for you, but are still worth watching at a later date.

1. “Wuthering Heights” (2026)

All of the marketing around this new iteration of Wuthering Heights suggests it’s a love story for the ages. Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi have been professing their love for one another and hyping up their intense connection on the press tour, while the steamy trailers we’ve seen have stoked that fire even more.

While we know this is Fennell’s own interpretation of the iconic novel by Emily Brontë, and features a lot of variation from the source material, it’s impossible to ignore the themes contained within the original story. For a start, Cathy and Heathcliff have a destructive and worryingly codependent relationship. There’s also the fact that the latter, driven by his own miserable upbringing, becomes a tyrant hellbent on revenge against those who wronged him. All of this is the main focus of the 2026 film, and while erotically-charged, it’s hardly the model of a positive, loving relationship.

2. Phantom Thread (2017)

If you’ve watched One Battle After Another recently and fancy browsing through Paul Thomas Anderson’s back-catalogue, you may be tempted to stick on Phantom Thread for Valentine’s Day – especially if you and your significant other have aspirations of being true cinephiles. However, the intense romance intertwined with this period piece is not exactly a lesson in love anyone should be following.

There are very sweet moments shared between Reynolds Woodcock and Alma, including an absolutely delightful little dance scene that gave us one of the most gorgeous shots of any film in the last decade. But this is a story packed with its fair share of controlling behaviour and sharp insults. There’s even one extreme instance of food poisoning. I sure hope no one watches Phantom Thread before cooking a romantic meal for their partner.

3. Marriage Story (2019)

If you only see the poster for Marriage Story, you’d be forgiven for letting the smiling faces of Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, and their on-screen son lull you into a false sense of security. On the surface, the film appears to be a playful story about a happy family. That could not be further from the truth.

This is a brutal story of a marriage breaking down, a man and woman painfully falling out of love, and the impact this has on their child. If you’ve ever seen Kramer vs. Kramer, you’ll be disheartened to learn that this is essentially a modern version of that story. Both are excellent films, but not the kind of thing you want to watch if you’re looking to celebrate your unending love for one another.

4. Anora (2024)

2025’s Oscar-winning picture from Sean Baker is a fun thrill ride that centres around a young girl and her new lover as they get swept up by hedonism and passion. Anora is a nice, romantic film, but only if you switch it off after about an hour. What begins as a sweet story of young love soon descends into absolute chaos. Honestly, you might as well watch Uncut Gems instead – it might just be less stressful.

Anora is full of explicit sex scenes, wild violence, and frankly, some pretty nasty moments of betrayal. After Valentine’s Day, though, you should definitely check this out if you haven’t already. If you’re into frantic and funny misadventures, you’ll love it, and it’s definitely universal enough to make for a successful movie night.

5. A Star Is Born (2018)

This is another one where you could easily be fooled by the poster, and the beautiful songs from the film don’t help either, but trust me, A Star Is Born is only going to leave you both feeling depressed if you watch it on Valentine’s Day. It’s a very painful love story, one filled with harsh truths about the sacrifices we make when we’re in a relationship – albeit with very extreme examples.

My partner and I went to see this at the cinema in 2018, and she had sobbed her heart out by the end. That’s fine for any other day; it may be even a nice bit of catharsis – we can all benefit from a little cry now and then. But on Valentine’s Day, do you really want to be wiping away each other’s tears? If you want something musical, I would recommend Sing Street instead – it’s far more uplifting and has some truly special songs, too.

6. The Worst Person in the World (2021)

If, like me, you’re constantly trying to get your other half to dive into the world of foreign language films, might I suggest you avoid showing them The Worst Person in the World on February 14? It’s a fantastic film, and both Renate Reinsve and Joachim Trier are very on-trend right now thanks to their awards season success with Sentimental Value, but this is not a happy story.

Set over four years, The Worst Person in the World depicts the troubled love life and pursuit of purpose for young Julie. It’s more likely to lead to an existential crisis for those watching than provide any kind of romantic inspiration. Between one-night stands, heated arguments, and cruel break-ups, this will only put you in a bad mood on Valentine’s Day. If you’re looking to inject a little culture into the big day, I’d suggest going for something more along the lines of Paterson or Cold War.

There’s something deliciously masochistic about choosing heartbreak for company on Valentine’s Day. Maybe it’s the comfort of shared pain, or the relief of knowing love doesn’t always look like a perfect rom-com montage. Either way, we all have that one film we press “play” on, knowing full well it’ll leave us emotionally wrecked but cathartically cleansed.

With Emerald Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights” adaptation starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi already stirring up discourse—complete with stormy moors, doomed passion, and the promise of gothic misery—it feels right to revisit the cinematic heartbreak hall of fame. The following films scratch a peculiar Valentine’s itch and remind us that love, however fleeting or flawed, is the fundamental stuff of life. So if you’re craving something tender, tragic, and maybe even a little toxic, gather your tissues and a hefty box of chocolates, and settle in for an emotionally devastating February 14. 

1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Michel Gondry’s Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind has become something of a ‘softboi’ romance cult classic since its 2004 release. Featuring Jim Carrey in one of his most emotionally restrained roles as the moody Joel, and Kate Winslet as the chaotic, neon-haired Clementine, the film follows their strange, fragmented love story. After their breakup, Clementine undergoes a procedure to erase her memories of Joel—and he does the same, only to regret it mid-process.

This movie is an emotional rollercoaster, both tender and devastating. The heartbreak comes from watching their relationship unravel across time and memory, but also from the film’s quiet insistence that love is worth remembering—even when it hurts. In Alfred Lord Tennyson’s immortal words, “‘Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all”.

2. The Fault in Our Stars (2014)

John Green’s adaptation of The Fault in Our Stars remains a masterclass in emotional demolition. Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort play Hazel and Gus, two teenagers with terminal cancer who meet in a support group and fall, unavoidably, in love. You know where it’s going, and yet every rewatch hurts more than the last.

Hazel and Gus’s connection through shared humour, exchanged books, and vulnerabilities brings the story forward, even as their mortal deadlines loom closer. Despite the devastation this film wreaks, it’s a powerful reminder to appreciate small, intimate moments, and to remember that although love can be cruelly brief, there is beauty in choosing to feel it anyway. 

3. Blue Valentine (2010)

“You always hurt the ones you love”, that’s the little Mills Brothers ditty Dean sings to Cindy on his ukulele while they’re falling for each other—and it foreshadows everything that comes to pass in Derek Cianfrance’s Blue Valentine. Starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams as Dean and Cindy, and told in a non-linear fashion, the film tracks the tender beginning and painful disintegration of their marriage. 

Both Gosland and Williams give raw, heartbreaking performances that make Dean and Cindy feel tragically real. While their love for each other is palpably authentic and beautiful, their resentments, exhaustion, and lost dreams make it tragically impossible for them to find their way back to each other. I’d recommend this one only for those who can handle a particularly blue Valentine’s Day.

4. A Walk to Remember (2002)

Every Nicholas Sparks adaptation should come stamped with the warning label “tears ahead”, and A Walk to Remember is a prime example of why. The film (which is set to be rebooted) stars Mandy Moore and Shane West as high schoolers Jamie and Landon. The popular Landon finally notices the quiet Jamie when they both participate in the school play, and their push-and-pull dynamic eventually leads to them falling in love. The catch? Jamie has terminal leukaemia. 

Deeply moving and devastating in equal measure, A Walk to Remember is ultimately a story about choosing love, even when you know the ending. It’s a testament to the bravery of the heart—but boy, will it wreck you on Valentine’s Day (and any day, tbh). Don’t believe us? Just ask Sinners’ director, Ryan Coolger.

5. Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain remains one of cinema’s most aching portrayals of forbidden love. This tragic romance stars Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal as Ennis and Jack, two cowboys whose brief affair in 1960s Wyoming becomes an intense, impossible lifelong attachment.

Ledger and Gyllenhaal are magnetic on screen, and their portrayals convey the tenderness and tragedy of Ennis and Jack’s stolen moments together. The film is ultimately a study in repression and longing that refuses to simplify the cost of love. The ending may wreck you, but the beauty of Brokeback Mountain will stay with you far longer.

6. Moonlight (2016)

My personal favourite for whenever I fancy ripping my heart out of my chest is Berry Jenkins’s Best Picture winner Moonlight. It is the quietest—but perhaps most devastating—film on this list. Told in three acts, Moonlight centres around Chiron, from his childhood growing up Black and closeted in an impoverished neighbourhood in Miami, through his teenage years as an outsider bullied for his sexuality, and as an adult, where a chance phone call leads to the slow disintegration of his armour. 

Moonlight is based on playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney’s unpublished autobiography, and you can tell it is based on lived experience from its specificity and raw emotion. From complex figures like the drug dealer Juan, who takes Chiron under his wing, to Kevin, whose tender reconnection with Chiron years later brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it, Moonlight is the rare film that both exposes and carefully heals the most painful wounds of the heart.

A new wave of horror filmmakers is emerging, with famous YouTube personalities trying their hand at breaking into the movie industry. And, with a built-in following and an already established creative mindset, why not?

In 2025, highly respected YouTube movie critic Chris Stuckmann entered the scene with his directorial debut, Shelby Oaks. While that particular mystery-horror hybrid didn’t go over that well with critics, it’s still very exciting to see new ideas and a different approach to production in this increasingly tough market.

Now, it’s Mark Fischbach’s turn. The high-profile YouTuber known as ‘Markiplier’ is renowned for his gaming videos, and one indie horror title struck a chord with him so deeply that he made it his mission to turn it into a film. In 2026, he’s succeeded, and his debut movie, Iron Lung, has already been making waves – and even breaking a record.

Markiplier’s Iron Lung Is the Bloodiest Movie of All Time

Iron Lung is set in a dystopian world where life in our universe has been mostly wiped out. In a desperate attempt to find more life out there, a convict is sent into the depths of a mysterious ocean of blood in a submarine to see what lies beneath.

Naturally, the film required an obscene amount of blood to make its creepy setting work; a whopping 80,000 gallons of the fake stuff, approximately, as the filmmaker was keen to have a convincing level of practical effects for his bloody body of water.

This ambitious undertaking has earned Markiplier and his team a place in movie history, with Iron Lung thought to feature more fake blood than any other film in history so far. The record was previously held by Fede Alvarez’s gnarly Evil Dead reboot from 2013, which used 70,000 gallons of fake blood.

Unfortunately, Markiplier ended up in the hospital because of this excessive amount. The blood, which is a glycerin-based substance, is safe, generally speaking. However, the filmmaker got so much of it in his eyes that he had to be checked over.

“It’s safe to use… supposedly,” Markiplier said. “My eyes disagree.” In a YouTube video explaining what happened, he added: “My eyes are a bit red… It's actually terrifying. But I’m fine… turns out a lot can happen when you’re going for the record for the most blood in a horror movie. Turns out, if you go too deep into the blood, you have to go to the doctor to make sure your eyes aren’t melting out of your face.”

Iron Lung is Already an Incredible Indie Achievement

If that gruesome record wasn’t enough to earn your appreciation, Iron Lung has done some other very cool things, which are especially impressive considering it’s an independent movie.

For a start, this project has been entirely funded by Markiplier himself. The budget, which comes in at around $3 million, was all out of his own pocket, bypassing any semblance of the traditional studio approach to filmmaking.

Initially, Iron Lung was set to play in just 60 theatres across the U.S. Markiplier wanted more, naturally, and asked his fans to plead with their local cinemas to ask for screenings. That plan worked – and then some – with the movie ending up in over 4,000 theatres, now.

In its opening week, the film grossed close to $40 million. So, not only is Iron Lung a remarkably successful investment for Markiplier, but it’s also clear proof that there’s still a huge market for independent horror films if they’re given the chance to thrive. 

Financial gain aside, all that fake blood has additionally resulted in the real stuff pouring in: Markiplier paired some of the theatrical releases with local blood drives, pulling in nearly 40,000 in donations. A bloody film, and a bloody good deed. 

One of the many everlasting tropes in horror movies is that of the cursed item. Legions of poor, unfortunate souls have stumbled across a range of seemingly harmless objects only to find themselves desperately fighting for survival. What makes these cursed objects so fascinating to watch is that, unlike the traditional masked killer or vengeful ghost, the victim selection is entirely random. 

These items have no bias, and they work on poor bad luck from the user. However, in some cases, sympathy for those on screen can be hard to muster as these strange artefacts typically come with some clear red flags. The breadth of cursed objects on screen is vast, ranging from the traditional antique, like the decorative box in Wish Upon, to the more modern cursed app as seen in Countdown. But which are most powerful? 

Directed by Corin Hardy, 2026’s Whistle is one of the newest recruits to the pantheon of cursed objects and one that is sinister on many levels. Its release has prompted us to delve into the cinematic archives (being careful not to touch anything!) and draft up a list of some of the most formidable cursed objects in films, ranked from least to most powerful, and where to find them. (A quick note: we’ve excluded dolls and animatronics, such as Annabelle or the Five Nights at Freddy’s robots, as they fall more into the ‘haunted/possessed’ category than cursed, and could make up an entire separate list by themselves.) 

10. Spellbook - Hocus Pocus (1993)

At the start of Hocus Pocus, the story of the Sanderson Sisters’ capture is told. As the trio of siblings is executed for being witches, they chant a spell that will enable them to be resurrected. Centuries later, new kid on the block Max ignores stories of the curse, lights the Black Flame candle, and unwittingly brings the Sandersons back. 

While the candle is a little eerie, it is the lead witch Winnie’s book that is creepiest. Bound in human skin and featuring a working eye, the book is full of curses and spells, and its appearance is rather ghastly for what is, at its heart, a kids' movie. 

9. Board Game - Jumanji (1995) 

On the face of it, the titular board game in Jumanji doesn’t look particularly powerful, but the ramifications of playing it prove otherwise. Two siblings stumble across a mysterious board game, but soon after they begin playing, they are met with grown-up Alan Parrish. Alan has been trapped in the game for 30 years, and if they don’t finish the game, they could even suffer the same fate, and everything they unleash could become permanent. 

Playing Monopoly can feel as though it goes on for years, but in Jumnaji it genuinely does. Add to that the eerie sound of the tribal drums during gameplay and that all threats on the spaces and cards come to life, and the game becomes one cursed object you definitely want to avoid. 

8. VHS Tape - Ring (1998)

A couple of decades ago, the tape from Ring would have been deemed far more creepy and powerful. The innocuous-looking VHS tape could easily have been hidden amongst a pile of others in your home, and you wouldn’t realise what it was until it was too late and it had been watched. Now, with the decline of VHS and physical media in general, this happenstance is less likely to occur. Even still, what happens after viewing said tape – the viewer being killed by the vengeful Sadako after seven days – remains horrific. 

Sadly, time has diluted the potency of this cursed object, though the more recent US sequel did try to digitise the cursed tape. This update failed to land, though, as, to be honest, the internet is a scary enough place already.

7. Scarab-Shaped Mechanism - Cronos (1993)

Right from his debut feature, Cronos, director Guillermo del Toro proved himself to be a master of his craft. The film presents an interesting spin on the traditional vampire movie and lore, as it tells of a mechanism that can grant eternal life; the catch being that it has an insatiable appetite for blood. In Cronos, an elderly antique dealer uncovers the artefact and finds himself battling its want for blood as well as a powerful businessman who wants the trinket for himself.  

As with all of del Toro’s other films, the production design of Cronos is immaculate, and the design of the scarab-shaped device is startling. Somehow simultaneously beautifully ornate and macabre, the item is alluring and repulsive in equal measure. The events in Cronos' work are a great deterrent to becoming a vampire. 

6. Mirror - Oculus (2014)

Before Mike Flanagan brought the world The Haunting of Hill House, he was making audiences afraid to look in the mirror with Oculus. Based on his short film Oculus: Chapter 3 – The Man with the Plan, and much like Hill House, the film is told across two time periods. In both, siblings Tim and Kaylie find their fates intertwined with an antique mirror. While the power of the object is not to be trifled with, it doesn’t look too different to any other Gothic-style mirror. 

This is, of course, part of its magic; no one is going to buy something that looks grotesque, and its beauty perfectly masks the malice within. Oculus replica mirrors can actually be purchased, should anyone wish to tempt fate. 

5. Monkey Toy - The Monkey (2025)

Based on Stephen King’s short story of the same name, The Monkey features a wind-up drum -playing monkey toy that racks up a body count that even Freddy, Jason, and Michael combined can’t match. The curse of the monkey is straightforward enough – if you wind the key, someone will die. Yet preventing the devastation proves difficult as the toy appears to have a charm and sway over those who get too close. It’s a good thing for it, too, considering how creepy it looks. 

What parent thinks that this will make an adorable toy for their little bundle of joy makes the mind boggle, but then The Monkey is a horror film, and leaps of logic are to be expected. 

4. Embalmed Hand - Talk to Me (2023)

The cinematic universe that directors Danny and Michael Philippou have created with both Bring Her Back and Talk to Me is terrifying. During Bring Her Back, a ton of cursed-looking items are glimpsed, meaning that the siblings have plenty more frightful tales in the bank, but whether any of them will match the embalmed hand of Talk to Me remains to be seen. Touching the hand and saying, ‘I let you in’, enables a dead person to enter the holder’s body. Apparently, this is safe for around 90 seconds, but after that, the deceased starts to get rather cosy in the host's skin suit. 

As with so many cursed items, the hand is hard to resist, giving the user an intoxicating high with each use, and it quickly becomes the drug of choice for the teens in the film. Poor Mia ignores the rules, though, and finds herself targeted and haunted by hordes of the departed.

3. Aztec Death Whistle - Whistle (2026)

The premise of Whistle sees new kid Chrys find an ancient Aztec Death Whistle in her newly assigned locker. She soon discovers that those who hear it put themselves at the top of the Grim Reaper’s list. As with anything good in horror, despite Whistle being a work of fiction, the idea behind the object and the implications of its use mean that there would be trepidation about approaching even a prop replica. 

The ancient whistle holds so much power; it reaches beyond the screen. The design is unsettling; it looks like a miniature skull, and authentically ancient. Hardy has admitted during interviews that the prop looked so realistic that he noticed people giving the item a wide berth, and who can blame them? 

The ancient whistle is also battered, which alludes to it having cursed thousands of poor souls over the centuries. Another troubling factor is that the whistle summons forth death, not just for the person who blows the whistle, but for anyone in the vicinity who hears it too. This means that even those who are most respectful and superstitious of the object could still find themselves cursed just by accidentally overhearing someone else using it. Now that’s power. 

2. Puzzle Box - Hellraiser (1987)

It takes a truly depraved mind to conjure up something like Hellraiser’s puzzle box, and anyone who has read any of Clive Barker’s books will understand why he was the man for the job. The puzzle box, or Lament Configuration Box to use its correct name, is both a mind-bending puzzle and a gateway to another realm. Within that world reside the Cenobites, a group of beings who believe that pain and suffering produce the greatest pleasure. The ‘reward’ for opening the box is an eternity of anguish at their hands. This promise draws in the adventurous Frank in the first instalment, but after he escapes, his niece Kirtsy is left battling the interdimensional creatures. 

Hellraiser’s puzzle box is a perfect example of an item that no sensible horror fan would ever welcome into their homes; its power is too strong, and yet replicas are easy to buy for those with an affinity for risk.

1. Necronomicon - The Evil Dead (1981)

Books can be scary. Never has that been more apparent than in The Evil Dead. What should be a weekend of fun and frolicks in a secluded cabin in the woods becomes an absolute nightmare for Ash and his friends. Suddenly, Deadites spring forth, possess everyone, and leave Ash fighting for both his life and sanity. The book in question is the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis, aka the Book of the Dead. It is bound with flesh and is filled with gruesome imagery. 

One would hope that it being written in an ancient language would deter people from triggering the curse, and yet, film after film, a safety-averse character begins reading the book, unleashing actual Hell on those around them.  

Despite Valentine’s Day being all about romance, horror films perform surprisingly well during the season of love. Some question why a slew of them arrive in cinemas in February rather than October, but the reality is that horror is very popular during the season of love. Why? Well, they make for great date night movies, allowing audiences to snuggle up to their Valentine. 

While technically any scary movie can fulfil the brief of getting couples cuddling up closely, there is an art to picking the one best suited for Valentine’s. For example, Necromantik will only have a niche viewership with the film being capable of tanking most romantic evenings, so what films are safe, but still somewhat horrifying? After some careful consideration, here’s a selection of Valentine’s Day-friendly horror movies.  

1. Heart Eyes (2025)

Released in 2025, Josh Ruben’s Heart Eyes is the perfect marriage of slasher and rom-com. Paying homage to films from both the world of horror and romantic comedy, it’s the perfect Valentine's selection for those couples with opposing tastes. In appealing to both sides, Josh Ruben’s film puts a stop to those arguments caused by disagreements over what type of film to watch, making the director a real-life Cupid. 

Set on Valentine's Day, Heart Eyes sees singletons Ally and Jay mistaken for a couple by notorious serial killer Heart Eyes. Full of humour, horror, and heart (both literal and emotional), Heart Eyes might just be the greatest Valentine's horror film ever made.

2. Bones and All (2022)

After director Luca Guadagnino launched his career with Call Me By Your Name, Timothée Chalamet returned to work with cannibal romance Bones and All. Adapted from the book by Camille DeAngelis, this is a road-movie romantic horror where runaway ‘eater’ Maren finds her soul mate in the enigmatic Lee. 

Discovering he has a taste for flesh just like her, the pair embark on a relationship, mixed with murderous appetites. Featuring a bittersweet ending, Bones and All gives new meaning to the phrase ‘I love you so much, I could eat you all up.’

3. Lisa Frankenstein (2024)

The release of Season 1 of Stranger Things brought with it a wave of ‘80s nostalgia. Scores of films and television shows have since set their stories within the decade and pumped the screen full of neon and synthwave music. Whilst these projects have provided a fun trip down memory lane, Lisa Frankenstein feels as though it is a lost movie from the era. Starring current scream queen Kathryn Newton, Lisa Frankenstein sees a lonely teenage girl accidentally resurrect a several hundred-year-old corpse. 

Initially afraid, she soon realises that he is harmless and in need of her help. Cue a pile of dead bodies as the pair dispatch various townsfolk to replace his damaged parts. Whilst perhaps too twee for those with a taste for extreme horror and gore, Lisa Frankenstein is ideal for those teen couples experiencing their first Valentine’s Day, especially those who enjoy Beetlejuice, Goth culture, and the ‘80s vibe. 

4. Nina Forever (2015)

Nina Forever is going to need a more robust horror palette to enjoy. Certainly not for the faint of heart, in Nina Forever, Holly and Rob begin dating. All starts well, but Rob is still grieving the death of his last girlfriend, Nina, whose ghost overshadows their relationship and even manifests herself in their bed. 

Featuring plenty of ooey gooey bloodshed, sexy shenanigans, and some interesting commentary about past relationships, Nina Forever is one for the more adventurous couples. 

5. My Bloody Valentine (2009)

There are two versions of My Bloody Valentine. The first was released in 1981 and was in that first wave of titles to copy the Halloween formula of tying a slasher plotline to a popular holiday. Then, in 2009, came the remake, My Bloody Valentine, which followed both the remake and 3D trend, with the slasher one of the first to adopt the newly resurged format of storytelling. 

But which version to choose? The plots of both films are fairly similar, featuring a coal miner who stalks through the town of Harmony during Valentine’s Day, wielding a pickaxe. Purely based on the cast, the remake has the slight edge as it features Jensen Ackles, Jaime King, and Kerr Smith. 

6. Double Date (2017)

If you’d like your Valentine’s viewing to be a little silly and very British in tone, then Benjamin Barfoot’s Double Date needs to be on your list. Written by the film's lead actor, Danny Morgan, Double Date is a wicked black comedy featuring sibling satanists who hunt virgins. Morgan plays 30-year-old virgin Jim, who, after some coaching from his friend Alex, finds himself in the crosshairs of murderous sisters Kitty and Lulu. 

As the foursome goes for a night on the town, the noose starts to tighten around the oblivious Jim’s neck; can he survive the night? Balancing some exceptional instances of cringe comedy against flurries of demented darkness, Double Date promises a hilarious and slightly warped love story.  

7. Your Monster (2024)

Your Monster could easily be mistaken for a common variety of romantic comedy. The colours are all pastel hues, there’s a handful of catchy showtunes, and a downtrodden single lady whose life is changed by the arrival of a mysterious stranger. However, there’s a twist here: singleton Laura finds her head turned by the monster who lives in the closet within her childhood home. Granted, Monster is more Disney’s Beast than Gollum, but he’s not the conventional rom-com lead. 

Do not let its Beauty and the Beast façade and musical numbers trick you – Your Monster masks a real vein of darkness. The final act is sublime, as is the film’s message about self-confidence and empowerment. An easy gateway horror movie, Your Monster is for those who are only willing to dip their toes into the darker side of romance. 

8. Valentine (2001)

Despite being directed by Urban Legend’s Jamie Blanks, Valentine is often forgotten about. At the time of release, the film was panned by critics, but over the last 25 years, it has found its audience. Not as self-referential as Urban Legend, Valentine takes its story of a group of young women stalked by a killer in a Cupid mask very seriously. 

This tone is at odds with some of the campier elements, such as the killer (mask and all) getting a nosebleed after every kill. Valentine will never win any awards for innovation, but it pairs great with drinks and is genuinely worth a watch for Denise Richards’ hot tub sequence alone. Get ready to shout at her for pretty much saying, “Here, killer, killer,” as she hunts the source of the strange noise…

9. Spring (2014)

Directing duo Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson may now be better known for their head-melting sci-fi movie The Endless, and their work on Loki and Daredevil: Born Again, but back at the start of their careers, they were hopeless romantics. Their beautiful debut, Spring, is essentially the love child of Richard Linklater and H. P. Lovecraft. Think Before Sunrise meets Cthulhu. 

Set in Italy, the story follows traveller Evan as he meets and falls for Louise, a woman hiding a devastating secret. A Valentine’s Day movie for those who enjoy making their heart ache, but have more twisted sensibilities, Spring will have you clinging to your lover, lest they vanish. 

10. Lovers Lane (2000)

Those after a more traditional slasher for date night should seek out Lovers Lane. A teen slasher, Lovers Lane sees a group of children punished for the past actions of their parents as they get hunted down by a hook-handed killer. 

It’s also set on Valentine’s Day, making the occasion the kismet opportunity to cross it off your watchlist. It also features an early turn from Anna Faris, who would become the face of the slasher parody, Scary Movie.   

After 14 years, Kathleen Kennedy has stepped down as President of Lucasfilm. While a very vocal section of the Star Wars fandom has been quick to criticise her over that time, she should hold her head high as she departs the company – she brought Star Wars back into the limelight for a whole new generation of fans, mostly hitting the mark with the projects she helped produce.

Sure, The Rise of Skywalker was a bit of a mess, and The Last Jedi was highly divisive due to the way it handled legacy characters like Luke Skywalker. Still, The Force Awakens is excellent, while Andor is one of the very best TV shows ever made, if you ask me. Between the good and the bad, Kennedy comes away with a net positive, and the new man at the helm, Dave Filoni, has some big boots to fill.

However, it’s not just a galaxy far, far away that Kathleen Kennedy has helped to shape. As a film producer, she’s also helped bring to life some of the best and most interesting movies of the past 40 years, including franchises like Indiana Jones and Back to the Future. Here, we take a look at 10 incredible films you probably didn’t know she was involved in, from beloved classics to lesser-seen gems.

1. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

While David Fincher is better known for his dark, psychological thrillers, he does dabble in the more emotional, human side of things from time to time. With The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, which Kennedy produced, he tapped into a wonderful mix of romantic and personable storytelling with a splash of the fantastical. It’s a long one, coming in at two hours and 46 minutes, but this epic tale is worth the time.

If you’re into big, sprawling love stories like the Before trilogy or Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and About Time, you’ll probably find something that resonates with you in this Fincher flick. Brad Pitt is great in the lead role, but I personally think it’s Cate Blanchett who really steals the show as his love interest, Daisy. 

2. Ponyo (2008)

Oddly, there’s a little bit of crossover between Ponyo and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Both stories centre on the idea of what it is that makes us human and how relationships evolve. The only difference is that Ponyo is an animated tale about a goldfish who wants to become a human, so it’s slightly more surreal.

Aside from her immense body of work in Hollywood, Kennedy also dabbled in the world of anime, producing American versions of two Studio Ghibli films. One is Ponyo, and it’s really underrated compared to others, if you ask me. It’s cute, fun, and a perfect way to introduce younger viewers to the world of anime, with a fairly simple story and poppy visuals that make it wholly engaging. Ponyo is only 100 minutes long, and it’s on Netflix, too, so it’s super accessible, which is a nice bonus.

3. War of the Worlds (2005)

If you’re looking for something big and bold, more in line with Star Wars, you’re better off looking at Kathleen Kennedy’s collaborations with Steven Spielberg. They’ve worked together on critical darlings like Schindler’s List, as well as commercial hits like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, but we want to direct you to something a little more leftfield here. When the pair combined for War of the Worlds in 2005, they put a modern spin on the classic H.G. Wells story, with incredible design elements for the robotic aliens causing all the carnage, and the star power of Tom Cruise leading the line.

This is explosive, enthralling sci-fi horror at its finest. If you like dystopian, survivalist films such as A Quiet Place and I Am Legend, then this is the movie for you. It’s also a real popcorn flick that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat and offer the thrills you’re seeking on a Friday night, but it’s also got a bit of heart and sentiment to it – as is to be expected from Spielberg.

4. The Sixth Sense (1999)

Speaking of horror elements, how about a nice ghost story? Kennedy has worked with M. Night Shyamalan a few times – and I was close to including Signs on this list – but the master of the plot twist has never been better than when he delivered The Sixth Sense. This movie was a real pop culture phenomenon when it was released in 1999, with the shocking ending becoming a hot topic of conversation, even leading to various spoofs and references in other shows and movies. 

I went to see The Sixth Sense again in cinemas last year, and I was curious to see how the film would hold up, given I obviously knew what was coming. And let me tell you, it worked brilliantly. It’s really satisfying watching the story unfold and looking for those little clues, just proving how clever the script really is. It’s a great watch if you want something a little bit eerie without being overwhelmingly scary.

5. Twister (1996)

Clearly, there’s a bit of a theme to the kinds of projects Kathleen Kennedy takes on. It seems she’s got a soft spot for big, bombastic disaster movies, like Twister, a quintessential ‘90s blockbuster that has just the right balance of action, thrills, cheesy dialogue and schlocky romance. I mean, you put Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt together 30 years ago, and you just know you’re going to get fantastic on-screen chemistry.

It says a lot about the quality of this movie and its story that the long-awaited sequel, Twisters, found it difficult to improve on what we got in 1996. Still, watching the original and then the follow-up is a great excuse to see colossal storms and Glen Powell rocking a cowboy hat. You can catch both films on NOW TV Cinema at the moment.

6. The Flintstones (1994)

Honestly, you could go through Kathleen Kennedy’s filmography and keep the kids entertained for days. As producer on The Flintstones in 1994, Kennedy helped resurrect an age-old classic of the small screen and made a cracking family movie that works for audiences of all ages in the process. 

One of my favourite things about this film and others like it – such as Paddington and The Addams Family – is that the humour works on different levels for both children and adults. The Flintstones may have first hit our screens back in the ‘60s, but clearly their appeal has endured to this day for a reason. John Goodman and Rick Moranis really capture the charm of Fred and Barney, while the production design is staggering. If I made that film today, I’d be proud, and it was quite the achievement at the time.

7. Jurassic Park (1993)

Speaking of outstanding technical achievements and production design triumphs, there are very few films that can hold a candle (or a flare) to Jurassic Park. This is another spectacular collaboration between Kennedy and Spielberg, and a generation-defining picture. The fact that we’ve now had six sequels to this film and none of them have come close to the original says everything you need to know about its immense quality.

Much has been said over the years about the brilliant core trio in the cast, and it really cannot be overstated just how perfect Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum are together. The designs of the animatronic dinosaurs are awe-inspiring and hold up far better than most CGI today. At the time of writing, you can still catch Jurassic Park on Prime Video for a limited time, but it’s also on Netflix and NOW Cinema.

8. Cape Fear (1991)

It’s refreshing that, among the sci-fi and family flicks, Kennedy also has a dark, violent, and gritty crime thriller in her portfolio. As you can see from this list, she’s worked with true masters of the craft, and Martin Scorsese is certainly right up there as one of the finest filmmakers to ever exist. Interestingly, Cape Fear is probably not even in his top ten best films, but it’s still an absolute banger (that says more about his filmography than the quality of this effort).

If you like seeing Robert De Niro play the unhinged bad guy, this is about as close as he gets to replicating his brilliant work in Taxi Driver. There are so many scenes in this movie that showcase De Niro’s wild side, from the movie theatre conflict to his intense fireworks show, and while he’s absolutely despicable as Max Cady, you just can’t take your eyes off him. You’ll have to pay at least £2.49 to rent this movie, but my word, it’s worth it.

9. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

If I ever get an excuse to write about Who Framed Roger Rabbit, I’m going to take it, so here we are. This was one of my favourite movies growing up, and I’ve grown to appreciate it even more as an adult. For a start, the technical feat of putting cartoon characters alongside real actors – and getting a flawless, dynamic performance from Bob Hoskins in the process – is the stuff of legend. 

To do all that in the context of a gripping neo-noir story and make it work with these larger-than-life characters was a big swing, but Robert Zemeckis knocked it out of the park. Zemeckis and Kennedy previously combined forces for the brilliant Back to the Future, but I’m sure you don’t need reminding about how great that time-travel comedy is. Instead, Who Framed Roger Rabbit is another film that works for kids and adults, with jokes that’ll fly over younger heads but land perfectly for grown-ups. You can catch Who Framed Roger Rabbit on Disney+ right now.

10. Poltergeist (1982)

It’s kind of crazy that Poltergeist was able to get a PG rating. This ‘80s cult classic isn’t pure horror, but it’s definitely not the kind of film I would show my young kids without much trepidation, so bear that in mind if you’re thinking of introducing your offspring to this haunted house movie. I’d say it’s pretty much in line with the old Ghostbusters movies from that era or Gremlins – movies that won’t necessarily give anyone nightmares, but will probably unsettle younger viewers for a while.

Interestingly, this was Kathleen Kennedy’s very first producer credit on a motion picture – not a bad way to start your career, right? It’s also where her working relationship with Spielberg began (he was one of Poltergeist’s writers), so you could say this project set her up for life. You’ll have to pay £3.49 to rent this movie currently, but if you’re looking for something mildly spooky, you can’t go wrong with Poltergeist. 

The hierarchy of power in the new DC Universe is about to change forever. No, Black Adam isn’t coming back, but Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, is stepping into the spotlight, and we couldn’t be more excited.

After a brief and brilliant cameo in James Gunn’s Superman movie (more on that later), Milly Alcock will return for her very own solo film in this year’s Supergirl. We’ve seen a few trailers already that suggest this’ll be another fun ride for this burgeoning franchise, and with Craig Gillespie at the helm, we know Kara is in good hands.

This vibrant character has not been utilised too often on the big or small screen to date. So, unless you’re a devout reader of DC Comics, you’ll need to do a little bit of research into Superman’s crazy cousin before this summer. To help you on your way, here are the six best Supergirl appearances so far, in order of our least to most favourite.

6. Supergirl (1984)

Is the original Supergirl movie any good? Not really. But it’s important to see where the character started so you can truly appreciate how far she has come. This 1984 flick was a spin-off from the epic Christopher Reeve version of Superman, and the plan was to have a whole trilogy around Kara Zor-El. Sadly, that never came to pass, with the film panned for its poor visual effects and messy tone, putting it completely at odds with Richard Donner’s approach to superhero movies.

Helen Slater took on the titular role here for her first-ever big screen outing, and while Supergirl was an unmitigated disaster at the box office and among critics, she wasn’t the main culprit. In fact, screen icons Peter O’Toole and Faye Dunaway, who took on supporting roles in the movie, picked up Razzies nominations for their performances.

5. The Flash (2023)

There are so many things wrong with Andy Muschietti’s The Flash, but Sasha Calle’s turn as Supergirl is certainly not one of them. She was the first Latina actress to take on the role of Kara Zor-El, and brought a fascinating, darker vibe to the character that really worked. I can say with very little hesitation that Supergirl is the best part of this final chapter in the much-maligned DCEU, which is incredible considering Michael Keaton returns as Batman in this movie. 

While Keaton is obviously great, with all the dodgy CGI and the convoluted plot, it’s hard to properly engage with the storyline. Still, there are some fun action set-pieces throughout, and if you’re into nostalgia plays with legacy characters, you’ll be all over The Flash.

4. Superman/Batman: Apocalypse (2010)

If you were disappointed that Zack Snyder’s Justice League and the tantalising tease of more Darkseid never came to fruition, you’ll love seeing more of the ultimate DC big bad in Superman/Batman: Apocalypse. This animated movie sees Superman’s cousin cause all sorts of problems, as she is unwittingly recruited by the overlord of Apokolips. Meanwhile, Batman makes it his mission to stop the destructive duo.

You’ll have to pay £2.49 to rent this film from Prime Video, but honestly, it’s worth it. The sharp, modern animation style is so striking and marries up perfectly with the New 52 era of DC Comics. Meanwhile, you get excellent voice work from the likes of the late, great Kevin Conroy, Andre Braugher, Tim Daly, and Summer Glau to bring this short but scintillating story to life.

3. Supergirl (2015-2021)

Credit where credit’s due, Melissa Benoist had an impressive six-year stint on the small screen as Kara Danvers (the human alias of Krypton’s hedonistic heroine) in the Supergirl TV series. To be a part of the Arrowverse for so long is no mean feat, especially during a time when the superhero market has been so saturated with the rise of the MCU. Still, Supergirl fought off the competition and various villains over the years to produce a consistently solid show.

There are 116 episodes to dive into, and if you really want to get to know this character properly before the new movies crash land in theatres, this is your best chance. You can catch all the episodes on Prime Video or for free on ITVX, and while the show largely has an overarching, continuous plot, you could dip in and out and still enjoy the adventures. For a singular story, make sure you watch Season 3, Episode 9, ‘Reign’, or for something more all-encompassing, you should check out the ‘Crisis on Infinite Earths’ crossover with the rest of the Arrowverse clan. 

2. Superman (2025)

We all thought Krypto, the loveable Super-dog, was the best part of James Gunn’s Superman. That is, until the final moments, when his true owner, Kara, appeared in the Fortress of Solitude. In just a couple of minutes, Milly Alcock gave us everything we needed from this new version of Supergirl: funny, full of energy, very, very drunk, and clearly the kind of relative who’ll give Clark Kent a headache.

Hopefully, we will see their dynamic evolve in the next few years. We’ll certainly learn a lot more about this iteration of Kara when her solo outing hits the big screen later this year, and the fact that Lobo will appear in Supergirl suggests that both these characters will have a role to play in the 2027 project, Superman: Man of Tomorrow.

1. DC Super Hero Girls (2019-2021)

Believe it or not, the very best Supergirl appearance to date comes in an animated series that’s primarily aimed at a younger demographic. While DC Super Hero Girls may focus on teen versions of the likes of Supergirl, Wonder Woman, and Batgirl, it’s actually a great show for kids and adults to watch together.

I’ve watched this with my young son, and we both absolutely loved the episodic nature of the show. DC Super Hero Girls is a brilliant introduction to a wide range of characters from this particular universe. It has a really entertaining vibe, with a brilliant blend of lighter, more playful stories and some more high-stakes adventures. Kara Danvers is a real highlight of the show, and one particular episode titled ‘League Of Shadows’ is a standout that we revisit pretty regularly in our household. It’s got a delightfully dark storyline, and features one of the most catchy songs you’ll ever hear in a TV show.

Valentine’s Day is the day for roses, chocolates, and romance. For many, the day is also for snuggling up with a good rom-com, but for some, those movies just don’t cut the mustard. For every person who goes all mushy when watching Bridget Jones finally get her man, or seeing The Notebook’s Allie and Noah kissing in the rain, there is someone left feeling unmoved. 

There is a whole subset of the audience that is turned away by the overt saccharine of these films, but that doesn’t mean that they are closed off to romance; they just look for it elsewhere. 

If you fall into this category, worry not; there do exist stories of romance that don’t come with a side of cheese and a heavy sprinkling of sugar. You just have to know where to find them. Here we have created a guide that exemplifies some alternative couples to spend Valentine’s Day with. Expect punk rockers, time travellers, petty thieves, and even zombies (yes, zombies), in our wide variety of selections. 

1. Patty and Simon - Dinner in America (2020)

Adam Rehmeier’s Dinner in America is one of the greatest films of the last decade. Vastly different from his debut, The Bunny Game, Dinner in America is a punk-rock love story that deserves to be seen by all. The story revolves around punk singer Simon and pet shop worker Patty. After Patty gives Simon sanctuary from the police, the pair strike up an odd friendship, but that soon becomes something deeper after the pair realise that Simon is the man under the mask of the lead singer Patty is in love with, and that Patty is Simon’s poetry-writing anonymous fan mailer. 

Although drenched with a biting humour, Dinner in America is also overwhelmingly charming, and the moment that Patty begins singing the Watermelon song (which became a hit on TikTok), you’ll be putty in Rehmeier’s hands. 

2. Ed and Lorraine Warren - The Conjuring 2 (2016)

The relationship of Ed and Lorraine Warren is the linchpin of the Conjuring universe, but never is it more prominent than in the second film, The Conjuring 2. As the couple travel to the UK to investigate the Enfield haunting, Lorraine is plagued by thoughts that something terrible is going to happen to Ed. This leads to several sweet and intimate conversations between the two, where the chemistry between Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga shines. 

They might not be the most passionate couple, nor the most historically accurate rendering of their (problematic) real-life counterparts. Yet, they’re still an exceptionally sweet portrayal of marriage, and are surrounded by all the jump scares your heart desires.   

3. Curt and Julie - Return of the Living Dead 3 (1993)

Return of the Living Dead 3’s Curt and Julie might not be on most Valentine’s Day watchlists, but they should be. When the couple sneak into the military facility where Curt’s dad works, they witness an experiment that brings the dead back to life. After Julie dies in a motorcycle crash, Curt uses the same drugs on Julie, bringing his beloved back to the land of the living. Julie, however, isn’t quite the same and is now hungry all the time, with a strong craving for brains! 

At the same time as being a silly and over-the-top gory horror comedy, Return of the Living Dead 3 is also very sweet with its portrayal of Curt and his zombie bride. The last moments are 100% Shakespearian; needless to say, if Shakespeare been like this at school, more kids would have paid attention. 

4. Corky and Violet - Bound (1996)

Directed by the Wachowskis early in their career, Bound is a crime caper that got everyone talking when it was released in 1996. The bulk of the discussion was around the sex scenes between Corky and Violet, but when you look beyond that, this couple are far more than mere titillation. In Bound, ex-con Corky crosses paths with Violet when she begins her plan to rob Violet’s partner, Caesar. 

With Violet herself longing for escape from her boyfriend, the pair grow close and fall passionately in love with one another. That there is a whole taut crime thriller narrative happening around the duo is barely noticeable, as this pairing is electric. 

5. Sarah Connor and Kyle Reese - The Terminator (1984)

James Cameron’s The Terminator is one of the greatest science-fiction movies ever created, but did you know it’s also an epic love story? The main hook of the story is that a cyborg from a future war is sent back through time to kill the young woman, Sarah Connor, who will one day give birth to the man who will defeat the machines. With Sarah’s son, John, aware of the plot, he sends soldier Kyle back to save her. Except Kyle willingly volunteers for the mission, as, having seen a Polaroid picture of a young Sarah, he has fallen in love with her. 

Girls don’t want flowers; they want a man to travel across time on what is essentially a suicide mission, just so he can meet the woman he loves. The motel scene’s admission of love holds up against anything a rom-com has to throw at it. 

6. Johnny Utah and Bodhi - Point Break (1991)

There is one bond that is stronger than a romance, and that is a bromance. Although not overtly romantically linked, Point Break’s FBI agent Johnny Utah and surfer guru Bodhi are clearly made for each other. Yes, Johnny starts dating waitress Tyler, but all the time, the two men are making eyes at each other. The plot, which would go on to be refitted for the Fast and the Furious franchise, has a young FBI agent go undercover as a surfer to try to identify the Ex-Presidents, a gang of bank robbers. 

Unfortunately for Johnny, his target is none other than Bodhi and the complicated feelings that this stirs go far beyond simple respect. It is clearly Johnny’s love for Bodhi that sees him allow Bodhi to escape when he has him in the crosshairs of his gun. The union between Johnny and Bodi is the greatest love story that never got to be. 

7. Bea and Paul - Honeymoon (2014)

While most film couples’ stories conclude with their happy ending, in Leigh Janiak’s Honeymoon, the happy ending is the start of the journey for the lead couple, Bea and Paul. Opening with their wedding, the story shifts to their honeymoon. What initially is a lot of consummating the marriage quickly becomes something more sinister. One night, Paul finds Bea wandering the woods outside their cabin, and from that point on, everything changes. 

Honeymoon perfectly articulates the changing dynamic of a relationship when partners go from partners to spouses, and the concept of suddenly not recognising the person you married. Whilst not the most cheery of Valentine’s Day viewing, Bea and Paul’s love is alluring enough that the viewer is desperate for them to survive their ordeal. 

8. Ray and Colin - Pillion (2025)

In Pillion, the shy barbershop quartet singer, Colin, embarks on a relationship with motorcyclist Ray. Their romance, however, is far from traditional, delving instead into the world of kink as Colin becomes Ray’s submissive. As the relationship continues, Colin begins to develop deeper feelings, which causes problems for Ray. 

Although set within the kink world, Pillion is also endearing, charming, and unexpectedly funny. The interactions between Ray and Colin also straddle a frisson of danger and sweet comedy that make them utterly intoxicating.  

9. WALL-E and EVE - WALL-E (2008)

Who says that love has to be confined to us mortals? Love is love after all, and never is this better exemplified than in Pixar’s WALL-E. Set in the aftermath of a global disaster, the remains of humanity live on a ship floating through space. Earth has been left to robots tasked with cleaning up the mess, but only one remains: WALL-E. The isolation has made him a little peculiar, but he loves nothing more than spending his nights watching Hello Dolly on repeat. 

His life is thrown into disarray when the far fancier EVE robot arrives in search of plant life. WALL-E is immediately smitten, and though it takes him a while to woo over EVE, he eventually does, and their union is capable of making the most stone-hearted burst into happy tears. 

10. Clarence and Alabama Worley  - True Romance (1993)

Upon hearing the title, True Romance, one can be forgiven for assuming that the movie in question will fall into the rom-com genre, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The plot instead follows newlyweds Clarence and Alabama as they travel to Los Angeles to sell the drugs they accidentally find themselves in possession of. Along the way, they find themselves hunted by the true owners of the drugs and the police alike, but luckily, the duo is so cool that they manage to hold their own. 

What True Romance does so well is capture that honeymoon, lustful phase of a relationship beautifully. Although their relationship is always at the forefront, it is never more magical than during the opening 15 minutes, which shows the couple falling head over heels for one another after just one epic date night. 

It’s no secret that the Harry Potter franchise is one of the most popular and successful of all time, but we never expected one of its most nefarious characters to end up being the poster boy for the Chinese Lunar New Year.

Daniel Radcliffe and the titular hero he played spent a decade and eight movies fighting off Lord Voldemort and his wizarding cronies. From Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone right through to the Deathly Hallows two-parter, the fabled Boy Who Lived was someone we could all root for.

Over in China, however, it seems one of Potter’s most troublesome nemeses has finally been forgiven for all the problems he caused. In fact, he’s very likely to get a whole year in the spotlight, and here’s why.

Why Draco Malfoy Is a Big Deal in China This Year

On February 17, China will welcome in a new year. The Year of the Horse is upon us, but it’s Draco Malfoy who is being put forward as the symbol of this joyous celebration.

Turns out, the name Malfoy roughly translates to “Ma Er Fu” in Mandarin. “Ma” means horse, which already helps to align the fictional wizard with the impending occasion. Still, when you consider that “Fu” translates to “good fortune”, it becomes abundantly clear why Chinese citizens are adorning their walls with pictures of the blonde bully.

If there’s even a small chance that these shrines to Malfoy are going to bring luck in the Year of the Horse, then why not hail the Slytherin prince? It’s even more fitting that we are saying goodbye to the Year of the Snake. The Hogwarts sorting hat would have a field day with the way this has all aligned.

Folks in China are really going all in on this trend ahead of the Lunar New Year, too. Red posters (also known as fai chun) with celebratory phrases are not unusual, but these have now been reworked with a young Tom Felton’s face.

Even the actor himself has noticed the craze. He recently took to Instagram to reshare a photo he spotted of a huge electronic banner in a shopping mall that had Malfoy’s smug grin staring back at him.

The Harry Potter Movies Made a Killing at the Chinese Box Office

This may seem unusual, but we really shouldn’t be surprised, given how popular the Harry Potter movies are in China.

According to the Chinese publishing company behind the translated versions of the books, more than 10 million copies of the series were sold even before the final instalment was released in 2007.

The movies have done well over there, too. In 2020, a re-release of the first film raked in a massive $27.6 million. In 2024, a marathon of all eight films added another $42.64 million to the franchise’s global box office figures.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 made waves when it was first released in China, earning a record-breaking $26.5 million in its initial run in 2011. That record may have been snatched away from the fantasy film since then, but clearly, the cultural impact of the Wizarding World has not faded at all – not for Draco Malfoy, at least.

We still might not fully “get it” on this side of the Atlantic, but the Super Bowl continues to be the most sought-after place for advertisers to sell their wares—the kind of rarefied airtime that only the wealthiest companies can afford. 

Want to see Serena Williams unsubtly flog a weight-loss drug? How about 30 seconds of Matthew Broderick selling his soul to AI? Or what about a de-aged Joey from Friends and a de-aged George from Seinfeld joining a de-aged Ben Affleck and Matt Damon in a Dunkin' Doughnuts-themed reenactment of a scene that once helped them win an Oscar? There is still only one place to go!

Even in an era when many of these adverts pop up simultaneously online, there’s still something exciting about seeing them live—and especially the 30-second promos for the biggest upcoming movies of the year. In the list below, which I’ve ranked from least to most anticipated, you’ll find the nine movie trailers that played in the early hours of Monday morning during Superbowl VX—a group of titles that contains new additions to beloved franchises, an original film from one of the greatest living directors, and a sequel that nobody asked for and absolutely everybody’s dying to see. 

Surprisingly, one thing you won’t see is the final, rumoured, and apparently Robert Downey Jr.-focused teaser for Avengers: Doomsday. Read on to discover more about the others and use the guide below to find out where and when you can see them in theatres and on services like Netflix, Prime Video and elsewhere. 

9. Minions & Monsters (July 1)

A pretty straightforward one to start with. Minions & Monsters is the seventh feature film in the Despicable Me franchise and the third Minions spinoff overall. It’s directed by franchise originator Pierre Coffin—who also voices the little yellow guys—and takes place in 1920s Hollywood, where a group of Minions go to make it in the movie industry but end up encountering, well, monsters!

The Super Bowl spot is actually a teaser for a longer trailer that was released online simultaneously. Style-wise, I like this one. It’s smart and minimal and clearly made specifically with the Super Bowl in mind, so bonus points for all that. The film itself? I’m sure it’ll be fun, and I’m sure it'll make Illumination another gazillion dollars. 

8. Scream 7 (February 27)

With six movies and a TV show released in the last 30 years, we probably didn’t need the amount of plot that was crammed into this one-minute Super Bowl teaser for Scream 7. Yes, Neve Campbell is once again back as Sydney Prescott and is once again running away from a knife-wielding killer in a Ghostface mask, apparently with her daughter (who is being played by McKenna Grace) in tow.

All that said, there does seem to be a more horror-forward tone to this one (just check out those creepy drawings in the psychiatric hospital), so perhaps all the talk of “burning” things down really does mean a rejig of the franchise’s self-aware tone—or maybe this killer just likes a bit of arson. All will be revealed in just a few weeks—and yes, I’ll be lining up to see it.

7. Super Mario Galaxy Movie (April 1)

When Universal Pictures and Nintendo teamed up for The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023, they probably didn’t expect it to become the 15th highest-grossing movie of all time. 

If they had, they may have decided to keep a few more bits of classic Mario IP for the sequel. Not to worry,  the trailers so far have introduced us to Rosalina (Brie Larson), Bowser jr. (Benny Safdie), a Mad Max-looking sand bike sequence and, as was hinted in the first movie’s post-credit sequence, Yoshi! 

This new micro-promo sees the adorable dino saving baby Mario from a T.rex attack after the little tyke plays the apex-predator’s teeth like a xylophone. Looks fun!

6. Hoppers (March 6)

The first Pixar of 2026 is set to be Hoppers, a movie from We Are Bears creator Daniel Chong. It’s the story of a teenage girl who uses a new technology to move her consciousness into a robotic beaver to help save a local habitat from an evil corporation. This new 30-second spot basically covers most of what we saw in previous trailers—except this time at breakneck speed. 

Speaking at the D23 conference recently, Chong explained that the movie was inspired by both Avatar and the Mission: Impossible movies, so expect some action sequences along with all the humour and feels that the studio does best.

5. Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu (May 22)

As a longtime Star Wars fan and Mando appreciator, I’m not entirely sure what to make of The Mandalorian and Grogu just yet. With its surprisingly sketchy CGI and Jeremy Allen White-voiced Jaba, the first trailer really didn’t feel like anything we’d seen in Star Wars before—but there’s every chance that’s a good thing.

This new 30-second spot is actually even stranger: a snowy sequence in which our two heroes ride a wagon led by Tauntauns. There’s a voiceover that sounds like Sam Elliot, which kind of makes the whole thing feel like an advert for Ford or Bud Light. Given that the spot was made especially for the Super Bowl, however, I’m guessing that’s the joke—in which case, respect. 

4. Supergirl (June 26)

When the teaser trailer for Supergirl was released a couple of months ago—with Milly Alcock’s Kara Zor-el waking up with what looked like a super-hangover as her super-dog took a super-piss—it confirmed that Craig Gellespie’s first foray into the DCU would be very much in the style of head honcho James Gunn’s galaxy-hopping Guardians movies. 

This new, 45-second spot starts with a more brooding, heroic tone before plunging back into chaotic scenes of spaceships and lasers; looks like a pretty good time. 

3. Project Hail Mary (March 20)

With less than two months to go until Project Hail Mary’s release, this new “final trailer” was never going to reveal much that we hadn’t seen before—and let’s be honest, if you’re as much a fan of Phil Lord and Chris Miller as I am, you’re probably already seated for this one.

The Lego Movie and Spider-Verse directors have yet to miss, and this new sci-fi —based on a novel by Andy “The Martian“ Weir and co-starring Ryan Gosling, an alien called Rocky and the great Sandra Hüller—looks like an absolute blast. 

2. Disclosure Day (June 12)

Movie fans will be in for a treat this June with the release of Disclosure Day, Steven Spielberg’s first original science fiction movie since A.I. The first trailer, released last month, led with Josh O’Connor, some eerie woodland creatures and a scene in which a weathercaster (Emily Blunt) appears to start talking in an alien tongue.

This new minute-long spot continues to tease out the mystery with images of crop signs and Eve Hewson’s character asking, “Are they people?” I’m not entirely sold on this CGI deer situation just yet, but I am counting down the days for this one nonetheless. 

1. The Adventures of Cliff Booth (TBA)

Trailer prognosticators had expected most of the movies on this list to have something lined up for the Super Bowl, but nobody was expecting a full-on, content-heavy, hilariously redacted trailer for Netflix’s The Adventures of Cliff Booth, which is still honestly one of the most unusual projects in recent memory. 

The movie, which was written by Quentin Tarantino and adapted from his own novel, is a spinoff sequel to QT’s 2019 masterpiece, Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, with Brad Pitt reprising the role that won him an Oscar, but it’s being directed by none other than David Fincher. 

How these two aesthetically dissimilar and big-egoed filmmakers have agreed on the tone is anyone’s guess, but the trailer does suggest that Fincher has gone back to the rich browns and greens of his 1970s-set classic, Zodiac. Elisabeth Debicki also looks divine in the period setting—apparently playing Booth’s manager. If Netflix and Cannes can work out their differences, expect this one to premiere on the Croisette before releasing late summer. This is all great news!

If you’ve been following the Outlander journey for the last seven seasons, you’ll know we’re on a collision course for a dramatic and exciting conclusion to Jamie and Claire’s story. But while we’re looking forward to the final season of the hit romance show, it’s not going to be any less upsetting to say goodbye to these characters.

When the time-hopping series began in 2014, audiences were enraptured by the beautiful love story unfolding between Jamie and Claire. But having followed the characters on screen and in the pages of Diana Gabaldon's novels for many years, we’re now at a crossroads.

As we head into Outlander Season 8, Gabaldon’s final book is yet to be released, meaning none of us know where the last leg of this adventure will take us. However, after speaking to stars Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe about what to expect from the grand finale, JustWatch can shed some light on the situation.

Sam Heughan & Caitriona Balfe Discuss Outlander’s Bittersweet Ending

In an exclusive interview with JustWatch ahead of the release of Outlander Season 8, Heughan warned fans to prepare for a rollercoaster ride of emotions. "You're going to cry, you're going to laugh, you're going to be elated but probably not depressed,” he said.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a devoted Outlander fan who hasn’t cried at some point over the last 12 years. Still, the fact that Heughan doesn’t believe it will leave audiences depressed surely means there’s some kind of happy, or at least satisfying, ending to come.

He added, “It is coming to an end, so we do have to tie it up. We hope it serves the characters and the story, and of course, the fans as well.” Naturally, in any dramatic journey, there are sacrifices and farewells that we don’t necessarily want to see, but are crucial to good storytelling.

Outlander is a show that has never been afraid to kill off a key character. We don’t know whether even Jamie or Claire will make it out of Season 8 alive. Thankfully, the actors and the whole cast and crew have been able to realise the overarching vision for this sprawling epic TV show right to its planned conclusion. That’s a rarity, and not something that is lost on the stars.

Balfe explained what it was like on-set for the final days of shooting the new season, and by the sounds of it, we’re set for an absolutely monumental, emotional scene that was extremely tough for the two actors to complete.

“We had all the execs, all the producers, all the crew, all the cast had come in, and it was just Sam and I trying to get through a seven-page scene,” she said. “It was very, very emotional, and it felt very special and real.”

A long scene with that much weight behind it sounds like something that could really knock us for six. Balfe concluded by describing Outlander Season 8 as “a real celebration and mourning at the same time.” Meanwhile, Heughan called it a “bittersweet” send-off. Hopefully, that mourning is only for the show, and not for our beloved protagonists.

What Do We Know About Outlander Season 8?

Looking back at the events leading up to the Season 7 finale, one of the key storylines to keep an eye on will be Claire’s theory that her daughter, Faith, is not really dead. Her tragic death in Season 2 broke our hearts, but then all these years later, along came Fanny, a young girl Claire and Jamie welcome into their clan at Fraser's Ridge.

When Fanny begins singing ‘I Do Like to Be Beside the Seaside,’ the song Claire used to sing to Faith, it sparks her belief that her stillborn daughter may have somehow survived and that Fanny is actually a descendent of Faith’s. The fact she is wearing a necklace that says “Faith” on it only adds further fuel to this fire. Given the time-travel elements in Outlander, it’s not beyond the realms of possibility, and it would be a fantastic twist to bring Claire’s journey full circle if she can finally find some solace in what happened to Faith.

Meanwhile, the new trailer for Outlander Season 8 focuses very heavily on the idea of fate. Most notably, Jamie reveals he has read about his own death in an upcoming battle. Should he answer the call and join the conflict that will surely lead to his demise, or will he listen to Claire and avoid the fight altogether? We know what we want him to do, but that’s just not the way Jamie Fraser operates, is it?

There are a few too many guns and fiery scenes in that new trailer, which certainly doesn’t put our mind at ease when it comes to fearing for the Fraser family. But Balfe did say fans will “really enjoy” the final season, so hopefully, even if it is painful at times, it’ll all be worth it in the end.

As we enter the final stretch of the 2025/26 awards season, there’s still a surprising amount of wiggle room in some of the top races. Naturally, a lot of the fog will have cleared by the time that BAFTA, the WGA, the PGA all hand out their respective gongs, but there’s a growing sense that some of these categories are about to go down to the wire—at least more of them than in any other recent ceremony.

At time of writing, Jessie Buckley looks like a lock for Best Actress, but everything from Actor (Leo v Chalamet), male and female Supporting Actor (Penn v Stellen v Elordi v Benicio; Madigan v Taylor) to Best Picture (One Battle After Another v Sinners v Hamnet), and various others, all remain at least somewhat up for grabs. The most intriguing case will be Best Director, a category currently split between the respective filmmakers of those Best Picture nominees: Paul Thomas Anderson, Ryan Coogler and Chloe Zhao—any one of whom, in their own way, would represent a historic win. 

Let’s take a deeper look at the story here and use the guide below to find links to the movies we mention on services like Apple TV, Netflix, Prime Video and elsewhere. 

Why is Best Director This Year’s Most Important Oscars Category?

As has been the case in recent years, the 2026 Best Director category is arguably the most diverse of the major awards. Of the 20 acting nominations, a record four have gone to non-English language performances this year. Three of those have gone to Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value, which is perhaps a little less significant than it sounds. 

The real history could be made in Trier’s category where, despite him being the only non-American (Zhao is Chinese, but her work has almost always chronicled American lives) filmmaker in the running, after Park Chan-wook (No Other Choice), Yorgos Lanthimos (Bugonia) and Kleber Mendoçha Filho (The Secret Agent) failed to make the cut, nationality will not be the most interesting factor. The smart money is still on Paul Thomas Anderson, a contemporary legend of American cinema who has somehow never won a single Oscar in his career—though he will likely have picked one up for Original Screenplay by the time that Best Director is awarded on the night.

The more historically significant outcome would be if Zhao or Coogler were to take the prize. If the Hamnet director wins on March 15, she would become the first woman to win two directing Oscars after becoming only the second of three women to win the award in its admittedly shameful history (as she did for Nomadland in 2020) and, so far, the only woman of colour. With respect to Chloe Zhao, the most historic win would surely be Ryan Coogler, as the Black Panther and Creed director would become the first Black filmmaker, male or female, to ever take home the Best Director Oscar. Expect a thunderous ovation if he pulls it off.

Is the Best Director Category Usually This Unpredictable?

In a word: yes. Trier, being the only non-American-based filmmaker among this year’s nominees, is actually quite uncommon. The directors’ voting body tends to recognise two or three of their international colleagues each year. In fact, the last time that four Americans competed, in 2019, they all ended up losing to Bong Joon-ho for Parasite. Moreover, when Sean Baker won for Anora last year, he became only the fourth American to receive the prize since 2009—and two of those winners were the “Daniels” of Everything Everywhere All at Once.

The reason for this is that the DGA, the group that decides who gets nominated, has a reputation for being a little more aware of international cinema and, like the documentary section, considers itself a little more high-brow. This is why so many international nominees have made it in here in the past, which used to be especially noticeable in the years when there were only five Best Picture nominees. Now, as the Academy’s focus moves away from L.A. to places like Venice and Cannes, and more and more international films start to feature in the biggest races, don’t be surprised if this becomes the norm in most categories. 

Who’s Going to Win Best Director at the 2026 Oscars?

Given that Chloe Zhao has already won, and did so quite recently, my gut tells me that it’ll be either Paul Thomas Anderson or Ryan Coogler’s night. A classic Oscar move would be to split Best Picture and Best Director between the two movies, although usually when this happens, the more normy film takes Picture with Director going to the more “auteur” option—in previous years, this meant Picture going to middlebrow movies like Shakespeare in Love and Crash while masterpieces like Saving Private Ryan (Steven Spielberg) and Brokeback Mountain (Ang Lee), respectively, had to settle for the slightly lesser prize. 

The trouble with this comparison is that Sinners and One Battle both fall into the latter category, with Hamnet the closest thing to the kind of ‘Oscary’ period piece that the older demographic of voters used to favour in those circumstances. It’s emblematic of where the Academy is at since diversifying its voting body that we’ve been left with this particular two-horse race at all. 

In my heart of hearts, I still think Anderson’s movie has the edge for both of these awards, not least after taking the top prize at the DGA ceremony on February 7th, but if One Battle and Sinners end up splitting the younger votes, there is every possibility that Zhao sneaks in—an event which would ironically leave Steven Spielberg (who is nominated as one of Hamnet’s producers) winning out over the recognised cinephile options just like he once lost out to Shakespeare in Love. 

Whatever happens, we might finally have an Oscar race worth losing sleep for.

If you’re looking to curl up with someone this Valentine’s Day, there are whole continents of cinema devoted to that mood. As usual on February 14, however, the less romantically inclined amongst us will likely reach for something a little different; something a little more nihilistic, perhaps; the kind of movie that reminds you that, despite it all, there are far worse things than being single. 

If you feel like going out, there’s a good chance that Emerald Fennel’s “Wuthering Heights” will satisfy viewers of both persuasions. For anyone looking to stay at home, however, we’ve got you covered. The following list, which I’ve arranged in no particular order, contains rom-coms, thrillers, sex, sci-fi and even a movie from 82 years ago, and any one of them should pair nicely with a glass of something strong as it’s raised against this allegedly “most romantic” day of the year. 

Read on to discover more and use the guide below to find them on services like AppleTV, Netflix, Prime Video and elsewhere. 

1. Gone Girl (2014)

It took a minute before people came around to the fact that David Fincher’s Gone Girl was a modern pulp classic. On first viewing, the movie leads you to believe you’re watching it from the man’s perspective—a New York writer (Ben Affleck) who believes he’s being framed for his wife’s, at best, disappearance, at worst, murder.

Without giving too much away, the movie then pulls the rug from underneath you with a delicious second-act swerve that’s punctuated with one of the great anti-romance monologues of the last 20 years. Come to this one if you’re a fan of Fincher's work (Zodiac and Mindhunter in particular) but stay for Rosamund Pike’s career-best performance. 

2. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Ten years before Gone Girl was released, Charlie Kaufman wrote a screenplay that also focused on the mistruths we choose to tell about each other while in relationships—albeit through the lens of a science fiction movie. 

That screenplay became Michel Gondry’s Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind: a movie about falling in love too easily that also asked if, during the depths of a break-up, you might consider having all those memories removed, good and bad, as if the whole thing had never happened to begin with. Check this one out if you like Kaufman’s other work, like I’m Thinking of Ending Things and Being John Malkovich—either of which would be worthy of a place on this list, too. 

3. Blue Valentine (2010)

Derek Cianfrance’s Blue Valentine takes place over two time periods, flicking back and forth. The first shows the impossibly romantic early days of a relationship between two beautiful young people (played by Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling). The second shows how, just six years later, even this idyllic beginning can lead to heartbreak and catastrophe.

Few movies in recent years have delivered such a bummer message about the disastrous possibilities of romance as Cianfrance’s 2010 indie classic, which is exactly why it’s ideal fodder for our list. For similar movies stylewise, think Cianfrance’s Place Beyond the Pines or his recent and criminally underrated Roofman.

4. Midsommar (2019)

For something with a more rousing ending, at least in the spirit of the anti-Valentine’s Day movie, consider putting on director Ari Aster’s (he of Hereditary and Eddington) 2019 horror movie Midsommar. This is the one where a group of friends take a holiday to Sweden but end up in the midst of a pagan death cult. 

This one is more than eligible for our list as the protagonist (played in a breakout performance by Florence Pugh) has to try and process these new and terrifying surroundings while also coming to terms with the fact that her boyfriend kinda sucks. Needless to say, it doesn’t end well for him.

5. Gaslight (1944)

George Cukor’s 1944 movie Gaslight makes our list because a) it’s a low-key classic, and b) it quite literally coined the name of one of the most talked-about relationship red flags of the last decade. The plot is set in 1880s London, where a husband begins to quietly manipulate his wife into thinking she’s lost her mind.

Come for that early (and possibly accidental) dissection of toxic male behaviour, but stay for the great Ingrid Bergman playing off an adorably fresh-faced Angela Lansbury in one of her very first Hollywood roles. 

6. (500) Days of Summer (2009)

Given the memes that do the rounds these days from (500) Days of Summer—think Joseph Gordan Levitt being surprised that Zooey Deschanel knows who the Smiths are—you might think that the film is totally unaware of its protagonist’s softboi behaviour. That might still be true, but the movie (despite being written and directed by three dudes) was actually relatively self-aware for its time—Deschanel’s casting, for one, was more of an attempt to weaponise her manic pixie persona than indulge in it. 

As indie romances go, (500) Days offers a sharp critique of how people (mainly men, but not always) sometimes fall in love with the idea of another person before taking the time to get to know them. For some more genre-based comps, movies like Ruby Sparks and Ex Machina aren’t a million miles off. 

7. Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

Enough of all that melancholy self-reflection. Eyes Wide Shut is Stanley Kubrick’s last ever film, and it’s about as cynical about the possibilities of love and marriage as anything out there. Filmed over a record 400+ days, the experience of watching this movie is a bit like seeing a relationship fall apart in real time—it will come as no surprise for viewers to learn that its lead actors, Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise, divorced not long after its release. 

The movie follows Cruise’s New York City doctor over a single, depraved night, during which he thinks about sex, talks about sex, and watches people having sex without ever having any himself—in other words, a perfect watch for all the Valentine's haters in your life. 

8. Promising Young Woman (2020)

If you do make it out to a preview of “Wuthering Heights” before February 14, you might be interested in going back and watching Emerald Fennel’s previous work. Her 2023 movie Saltburn is plenty of fun, but for a good reminder of worst-date-scenarios, look no further than her 2020 breakout, Promising Young Woman.

This pulpy revenge flick can get a bit messy from a narrative standpoint, but it mostly works thanks to Carey Mulligan’s dedicated—and Oscar-nominated—performance in the central role. 

9. Happiness (1998)

If you’ve never seen a Todd Salontz film, it’s almost best to go in blind. Few filmmakers have ever reached the levels of discomfort that the director plunged to with his singular 1998 breakout hit, Happiness, a movie that really has no comparison since or before.

The best way to think of it is to imagine Philip Seymour Hoffman’s most unhinged performances (think Paul Thomas Anderson’s Boogie Nights and Punch-Drunk Love) but with those characters’ knack for self-loathing turned up to 11. That’s the energy that the actor brings to this movie about depraved people and their depraved desires. Wherever you land on this one, you certainly won’t be feeling romantic afterwards. 

10. Shame (2011)

And speaking of depraved desires, no movie in the current century has sounded the alarm for what all that easily available pornography might be doing to people than Steve McQueen’s Shame—a movie that feels like American Psycho with a fraction of the humour and a hundred times the futility.

This endlessly stylish, endlessly sad movie stars a perfectly-cast Michael Fassbender as Brandon Sullivan, an affluent Manhattanite with an insatiable appetite who has to re-jig his daily rituals when his sister (an even better Carey Mulligan) comes to visit.

Listening to Glen Powell talk about The Truman Show’s eerily accurate predictions (more on them in a moment) on a recent episode of The Rewatchables, I started thinking about what other speculative ‘90s movies got things right—or at least made a decent go of it.

As we reach (or pass) these movies’ 30th anniversaries, it’s probably not a huge surprise that some of what people hoped for at the time—or, more likely, worried about—has come to pass. Below, we’ve listed 10 movies from that decade that, whether through good research or pure chance, predict something about the future we now live in. Read on to discover more and use the guide below to find them on AppleTV, Netflix, Prime Video and elsewhere.

1. The Truman Show (1997)

Released in 1997, basically before reality TV went mainstream, The Truman Show felt like a cautionary tale—not only about what broadcasters might be capable of, but also about the kind of everyday mundanity we would happily tune into. In the character of Cristof (played by Ed Harris), we also get a prototype for the now ubiquitous tech CEO villain.

Almost 30 years on, the movie (which was directed by Peter Weir, and if you like his other stuff, like Dead Poets or Master and Commander, be sure to check it out) was only off on a couple of details: firstly in underestimating how dominant reality TV would become, but mostly in not seeing how quickly we would all start broadcasting our own lives—and willingly. 

2. Gattaca (1998)

Having failed to deliver the impossibly futuristic dreams of the 1960s (dude, where’s my flying car?), ‘90s sci-fi tended to focus more on the science than the fiction. A year after co-writing The Truman Show with Weir, Andrew Niccol wrote and directed Gattaca, a still astonishing debut feature (and if you liked Looper and Predestination, this one’s for you) that explored how society might be altered by advancements in genetic engineering. 

Today, gene editing technology like CRISPR and the rise of the ancestry business (not to mention transhumanist thinking) have made a lot of what Gattaca predicted, if not quite here, then certainly feasible. Thankfully, it hasn’t quite resulted in a new, vaguely fascist social hierarchy—at least not yet.

3. Ghost in the Shell (1995)

This September, Mamoru Oshii’s Ghost in the Shell (based on Masamune Shirow’s Manga from the early ‘90s) turned 30-years-old, but the questions it raised feel as urgent as ever. Namely, will AI eventually surpass us and will we, at some point, have to consider whether it has rights? At the time of writing, both those situations seem closer on the horizon than I’d like to admit.

The movie is full of action and is incredibly animated (especially if you like classic anime like Akira and Evangelion), but it’s Shirow’s ideas that live on, making it the influential classic that it is today.

4. The Net (1995)

Few people who saw The Net in 1995 thought it was anything but an entertaining thriller—and if you like movies like The Fugitive or Enemy of the State, you should check it out. The Net stars Sandra Bullock as a cybersecurity analyst whose reliance on technology—or so the film warns us—makes her vulnerable to identity theft. 

At the time of release, the idea that a person would live their life online in this way (willingly offering up their personal information and data just to order a pizza) seemed vaguely laughable—the kind of thing done only by your most introverted IT friend. Little did they know…

5. Strange Days (1995)

If the recently released A House of Dynamite confirmed anything, it’s that Kathryn Bigelow is still worried about our not-so-distant future. 30 years ago, the director made Strange Days, a prescient cyberpunk classic (part-Matrix, part-Videodrome) that imagined what life online (at least in terms of entertainment and pleasure seeking) might become. 

It’s true, we haven’t come close to reaching the capabilities of SQUID—a device that allows users to directly experience other people’s memories and emotions—but if the advancements in VR and neurolink are anything to go by, it’s probably only a matter of time.

6. The Matrix (1999)

As many people reading this list will know, it’s probably fair to say that movies like Ghost in the Shell and Strange Days walked (or jogged really fast) so that The Matrix could run—but boy, did that movie run.

Released just before the turn of the millennium, it’s amazing how many key anxieties of the 21st century the Wachowskis’ movie tapped into: namely, the rise of the surveillance state, how we’ve given up privacy in return for interconnectivity, and, of course, our increasing reliance on AI and what that might ultimately lead to. 

7. Demolition Man (1993)

Aside from predicting that Taco Bell would become the most beloved fast food chain (I’m only half joking), the 1993 movie Demolition Man (a sci-fi that fans of Total Recall and Judge Dredd will love) got more things right than it probably wanted to. 

A lot of the technology (self-driving cars, touch screens, and video meetings all feature) is now with us, but the societal ideas (like a machine that fines you for swearing and a policy of no touching) are what feel the most prescient—the first of those could be read as suggesting the culture war over free speech, and the second eerily predicts both the after-effects of the COVID era and the dropping rates of physical intimacy. What’s more, the movie (which is set in 2032) jokes that Arnie becomes president, which has so far only become half true.

8. Jurassic Park (1993)

In a similar way to Gattaca, Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park convinced the world that bringing back the dinosaurs wouldn’t be too difficult—at least in theory. Since the movie’s release, advancements in the fields of DNA and gene splicing have led to the successful cloning of animals. In more recent years, a company called Colossal has made plans to bring back long-extinct animals like the dire wolf and the woolly mammoth.

Of course, whether any of this is advisable is what Jurassic Park (and a bunch of other movies that came after it, like Deep Blue Sea and Splice) are ultimately about… But like, wouldn’t it be sweet to see a mammoth IRL?

9. Starship Troopers (1997)

When it comes to predicting the future, Starship Troopers is an interesting case. Paul Verhoeven adapted the movie to be a satire (and if you like Robocop and Total Recall, you’ll love it) of a genuinely right-wing book that imagined a world where, amongst other things, the only way to vote was to join the military.

Now, we’re not there yet, but the trends aren’t looking great. What it does nail, however, is the meme-ification of propaganda and the “would you like to more”-ification of our lives since the all-consuming rise of the internet. 

10. T2: Judgement Day (1991)

The original judgment day in James Cameron’s Terminator movies (both of which are classics, especially for Schwarzenegger fans) happened in 1997. So, depending on how you look at it, we’ve either dodged the bullet or an AI-instigated nuclear war is long overdue. 

Whatever the case, the nightmare images that Cameron imagined in 1991 continue to haunt our collective psyche—perhaps now more than ever. Gulp.

He’s one of the most accomplished and consistent filmmakers working today, and yet Park Chan-wook is not necessarily a household name. Sure, devout film buffs are crazy about the South Korean director, but anyone averse to reading subtitles has likely never even given him a chance.

Chan-wook is a master of stylish camerawork, loves a plot twist, and has a sharp sense of humour. Indeed, if you’re a fan of Bong Joon-ho’s work, you’re sure to love what his compatriot has cooked up, too.

So, if you’re ready to dive into Korean cinema, this list of Park Chan-wook’s best movies will provide the perfect tour guide. Or, for hardened veterans of the Asian cinema scene, now is your chance to compare notes and see if your tastes align with ours.

10. Sympathy for Mr Vengeance (2002)

The first of Chan-wook’s Vengeance trilogy is sadly his weakest, but it’s worth noting that this is still a worthy watch and the kind of film that most filmmakers would kill to have in their portfolio. Indeed, if you’re a fan of movies like Good Time or Caught Stealing, you’ll love the chaotic, anxiety-inducing nature of Sympathy for Mr Vengeance.

It’s a story of a desperate man and his lover who go to extreme lengths to fund a kidney transplant for his sister, but as things unravel around them, the violence ramps up. You may recognise Song Kang-ho here, who was also in Parasite, among many other brilliant Korean movies, and he plays an especially dark role in Sympathy for Mr Vengeance. The only issue is that this film is pretty hard to track down, so you may have to buy it rather than finding it on any streaming service.

9. Lady Vengeance (2005)

There’s very little to separate the previous entry and Lady Vengeance in my opinion, but the latter gets bonus points for just how brutal it is. Extreme violence is a common theme in Chan-wook’s work, and yet this 2005 effort is right up there as one of his most graphic and visceral. 

This tale of wrongful imprisonment and bloodthirsty revenge benefits from being slightly more concise than its predecessor; anything that can be wrapped up in under two hours is always a treat. It’s also far more accessible – it’s a very visual story rather than being especially complex and dialogue-heavy. Plus, you can actually watch Lady Vengeance on BFI Player, so there’s no excuse not to at least give it a go.

8. I’m a Cyborg, But That’s OK (2006)

Once Park Chan-wook had completed his Vengeance trilogy, he moved on to something far more surrealist and abstract with I’m a Cyborg, But That’s OK. This story takes place in a mental institution, and it’s easy to compare it to the likes of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest for the way it tackles the idea of forming bonds between two patients in that specific environment. However, with the lead character, Young-goon, believing she is actually a cyborg, there’s more of a scientific spin on this one.

Entangled in this tale is an unorthodox love story that adds another layer to proceedings, pushing it closer to the territory of films like The Lobster or Her – it’s certainly not a bad thing to be in that ballpark, that’s for sure. Now, time for the bad news: I’m a Cyborg, But That’s OK is extremely rare to find in the UK. In fact, it’s not on any platforms at all. I’m lucky that my friend has a copy on Blu-ray; hopefully, your buddies can come through for you, too.

7. Stoker (2013)

If you are really, really reluctant to read subtitles, then I have the perfect solution for you. Chan-wook got the chance to make an English-language movie back in 2013, and he assembled quite the cast, too. Nicole Kidman, Mia Wasikowska, and Matthew Goode star in Stoker, while the likes of Alden Ehrenreich, Dermot Mulroney, and Jacki Weaver also appear.

You’ll benefit from watching this twisted family drama without knowing too much about what’s to come, but Chan-wook throws in horror elements and a thrilling mystery at the heart of it all to keep the audience on its toes. Plus, Stoker has one of the greatest, most creative scene transitions you’re likely to find (a Chan-wook trademark, that is). You can even watch Stoker on Disney+, so what are you waiting for?

6. Thirst (2009)

Speaking of horror, how about a Korean vampire film? Song Kang-ho stars again here, and Thirst offers up a really interesting and fresh take on a tried and tested subgenre. There’s none of that Hollywood gloss with this film – and I mean that as a compliment – and there’s no reliance on horror clichés at all.

As always with Chan-wook, the camerawork and general direction in Thirst are absolutely exquisite, and he certainly gets the best out of his cast, too. I will admit, this film is just a little bit longer than it really needs to be, and the way it jumps around tonally is a tad jarring. But, for anyone who loves vampire movies, this is an absolute must-watch.

5. No Other Choice (2025)

Chan-wook’s latest release, No Other Choice, is actually very much akin to Parasite, though it tackles the idea of class hierarchy and capitalism more from the approach of frustration with the modern, technologically-advanced world rather than disillusionment with greed and ignorance of the upper class. No Other Choice is laced with black comedy, has a very compelling performance from Lee Byung-hun driving it forward, and when it goes to dark places, it truly thrives. The only thing is, I wish it embraced its wild side a little more often and with more vigour.

I would say No Other Choice is arguably the most mainstream and relatable story Chan-wook has ever taken on. It’s essentially a tale about how far one man will go to succeed and to have purpose in life; fans of Nightcrawler or Black Swan will certainly relish the thematic elements at play here.

4. Joint Security Area (2000)

I think, of all Chan-wook’s movies, Joint Security Area is the one that surprised me the most. Yes, there are films at the top of this list that shocked me in terms of their story, but this is a film I really didn’t expect all that much from. On the surface, it’s just a story about an investigation into the death of two soldiers, but with a Rashomon-style approach and conflicting accounts of the incident, proceedings soon take twists and turns that leave you second-guessing everything.

Joint Security Area (also referred to as simply JSA) is incredibly crafted and so meticulously put together that it’s easy to forget just how early this came in Chan-wook’s career. For a sophomore effort, this is pretty mind-blowing, to be honest. You can stream JSA on Arrow Video or rent it on Apple TV. Truth be told, I might be joining you if you do choose to watch this, as it’s one I am very eager to rewatch and see how the clues play out now that I know the endgame.

3. Decision to Leave (2022)

Much like No Other Choice, Chan-wook’s other more recent work on Decision to Leave has been far more tuned into Hollywood styles, and it does feel like he is – whether consciously or not – catering for viewers who are looking to take their first dips into the foreign language market. Indeed, if you’re keen on detective movies like Prisoners or Christopher Nolan’s Insomnia, you’ll love what Chan-wook is going for here.

The real beauty of Decision to Leave, however, is the erotically charged, forbidden romance that develops between the lead characters. This film feels like a wonderful homage to noir stories of old, while also possessing the technical and stylistic features – those Chan-wook transitions are on point once again – to make this one of the most visually-absorbing and beautiful thrillers of the 21st century. It’s on MUBI now, so dive on in.

2. The Handmaiden (2016)

Almost all of Park Chan-wook’s work is good. A lot of it is great. But it’s here that we draw the line and take things up a notch. The Handmaiden is utter perfection. This 1930s period piece takes us back to a time when Japan ruled Korea, which lays the foundations for a sprawling, epic tale of deceit and a dangerous love that spirals out of control. It’s absolutely enthralling stuff, even just as a mazy crime thriller, but with highly erotic romance elements and plot twists aplenty, The Handmaiden becomes one of the best, most intriguing movies of the past decade.

My partner and I watched this together, and I think it’s safe to say that our minds were well and truly blown. Interestingly, she doesn’t really watch international films, but she was delighted she made an exception for The Handmaiden, which plays like a crossover between Burning and Portrait of a Lady on Fire. It’s free to watch with a Curzon subscription right now. 

1. Oldboy (2003)

I have very rarely had an experience quite like the first time I watched Oldboy. I had heard this was a brilliant film and to expect shocking twists and turns. My expectations were high, naturally, but Oldboy smashed those and left my jaw on the floor. Again, I’ll not be spoiling any of the plot here, but just know it’s one of the most shocking stories in all of cinema. This Chan-wook masterpiece is bold, bizarre, and absolutely brutal at times, but it’s all so much fun.

If you’ve ever enjoyed one of those slick corridor fight scenes you see in superhero movies these days, you have Park Chan-wook to thank for that. Oldboy has the definitive combat sequence. It’s a movie that pushes the boundaries of storytelling, with Chan-wook excelling in both style and substance to craft a revenge tale that delivers a hammer blow to the senses. Please, if you think you can just watch the Spike Lee version of Oldboy and get the gist, don’t do this to yourself: watch the original, and revel in the madness. For me, this is the best foreign language movie ever made – so get on NOW Cinema and try it for yourself.

Fans of fantasy horror movies will no doubt have Robert Eggers’ next film sitting pretty high on their list of most anticipated releases for 2026. Indeed, Werwulf already sounds like another devilishly dark hit for the acclaimed filmmaker – but some suspect this could break the mould for Eggers.

He’s a director known for crafting unique and singular films that take us on a journey into the past. Eggers obviously has a penchant for mythology and the supernatural, but one thing we can’t imagine him doing is putting out sequels and building a franchise. It just doesn’t sit right with his indie roots.

However, is that about to change? The rumour mill is running overtime regarding Werwulf, with many theorising this upcoming release is tied to Eggers’ previous film Nosferatu. Let’s look at the evidence.

What We Know About ‘Werwulf’ So Far

We’ll start by breaking down the expectations around Werwulf. Mirroring all his past work, the film will be a period horror movie, this time set in 13th-century England. It will tackle classic folklore tales about werewolves, as you may have guessed, as a small countryside village is terrorised by a mysterious monster.

The bad news is that we will have to wait a while for Werwulf to hit our screens. In fact, it’s roughly a year away, with a release date set for Christmas Day, 2026. Still, as far as Christmas presents go, a new Eggers movie is a pretty great gift.

Werwulf reunites Eggers with screenwriter Sjon, who worked on his past hit The Northman. But it’s the talent in front of the camera that is pertinent to the Nosferatu theory, though. Aaron Taylor-Johnson will star, while Eggers' favourites Lily-Rose Depp, Willem Dafoe, and Ralph Ineson are also on board. Do you see the pattern here?

Is ‘Werwulf’ a ‘Nosferatu’ Sequel?

Yes, all of those actors were also in Nosferatu, which is one of the main reasons fans have been speculating about Werwulf being linked to Nosferatu. Given the personnel involved and the fact that Eggers is going from vampires to werewolves, it may even look like he’s secretly, and incidentally, resurrecting Universal’s plans for a Dark Universe.

What’s really interesting is that, in the extended edition of Nosferatu, there’s even a reference to werewolves as Count Orlok describes how, “Devil's magic bids the wolf to speak with tongues of men.” Throw in the fact that both movies are produced by Universal’s arthouse division, Focus Features, and it does feel like the company is covertly working on something bigger than we first thought. The clues are pretty convincing. However, Eggers himself has seemingly put that theory to bed.

Eggers has described Werwulf as a “spiritual sequel” to Nosferatu but stopped short of confirming anything official. In the past, when folk suspected The Witch and The Lighthouse were in a shared universe, he said: "It’s not like I’m trying to make a 'Robert Eggers Cinematic Universe'... Both films are me trying to commune with folk culture of my past and are me and my brother's take on New England folk tales. So they’re certainly companion pieces."

As it stands, the same applies to Werwulf and Nosferatu. But, we can dream, can’t we?

How Eggers' Films Echo Universal’s Failed ‘Dark Universe'

2017’s The Mummy, starring Tom Cruise, was supposed to be the first building block in Universal’s Dark Universe. Sadly, the poor critical reception and stuttering box office performance meant it turned out to be the nail in the coffin instead for those plans.

The slate for the Dark Universe reportedly included adaptations of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde starring Russell Crowe (who cameoed in The Mummy), The Invisible Man starring Johnny Depp, and rumours of a Van Helsing remake and a fresh Dracula movie.

Since then, we’ve had a fantastic take on The Invisible Man (from Blumhouse) and a less impressive one on the Wolf Man, two Leigh Whannell movies that were standalone, while Eggers has taken things in a different direction. Given how brilliant Nosferatu was and the faith we have in Eggers and Werwulf, it does seem the (un)death of the Dark Universe was for the best.

Shared universes were all the rage a decade ago, but superhero movie fatigue has certainly seen studios rethinking that tactic. Instead, Eggers should be given the freedom to deliver an anthology of epic, distinctive mythological stories based on the tales we all know and love, without being burdened by forced connections and misplaced Easter eggs.

Another new DC movie arrives later in 2026, as, following her cameo as Kara Zor-El in 2025’s Superman, Milly Alcock steps into the spotlight for her own solo film. Given the impact she made in such a short space of time in Kal-El’s movie, we’re in for a treat.

Obviously, Kara is the star attraction in Supergirl, and her story, which is based on the ‘Woman of Tomorrow’ comic book arc, is a fascinating one. But there’s another character in this movie we’re also excited about – the first big-screen, live-action appearance of Lobo.

With an incredible skillset and a complex relationship with heroes like Superman and the Justice League, he’s an intriguing character. So let’s get to know Lobo better before he arrives on the big screen.

Lobo’s Origin & Powers, Explained

Starting with the simple stuff – who is Lobo? Lobo is the last remaining survivor of the Czarnian species, and with superhuman strength, astounding intelligence, and the ability to regenerate, he’s one of the most formidable antiheroes in the DC universe.

Lobo uses his abilities to become a feared mercenary and bounty hunter. If you were wondering what happened to the rest of his planet… Lobo killed them all. Why? He thought it would be fun. So yeah, that’s the kind of guy we’re dealing with here.

The character was created by Roger Slifer and Keith Giffen and is relatively new in comic book terms – his first appearance was in 1983, 45 years after the idea of Superman was conceived.

Lobo is striking in appearance: wild black hair, chalk-white skin, and black facial details. He also dresses the part for someone who describes himself as ‘The Main Man’, often donning biker leathers, big, stomping boots, and always craving cigars.

In the DC universe, Lobo has clashed with Superman many times, mainly because he was first tasked with hunting Superman for a collector of rare, endangered species. He’s worked with the Justice League and against them, depending on what mood he’s in. The only thing for sure is – if you touch his motorbike, you’re guaranteed to get on his bad side.

Key Lobo On-Screen Appearances Before Supergirl (2026)

Lobo’s first on-screen appearance was in Superman: The Animated Series. That’s when he was given the assignment to capture Superman for a character known as The Preserver. However, after defeating and delivering the Man of Steel to The Preserver, Lobo is betrayed after it’s discovered that he, too, is an endangered being.

For fans of his, one of Lobo’s best on-screen moments so far is in the Justice League animated show. After Superman gives up his life to save Wonder Woman, the League needs a new leader. Enter, Lobo. The mercenary claims he’s the right man for the job, and to be fair to him, he does prove himself to be a worthy hero while he’s needed.

He’s appeared in various animated movies, shows and shorts since then – including the brilliant Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths – but it’s his first live-action outing that I want to bring to your attention next. Lobo shows up in the rather underwhelming Krypton series, and interestingly, he’s looking for Brainiac, who will be the main villain in the sequel to Superman. I’ll be honest, it’s not a great cameo, and the costume is rather cosplay-esque, but it’s worth a watch even just for reference alone.

Lobo was tasked with capturing Superman once again in Superman: Man of Tomorrow in 2020. They may start as foes, but Lobo and Supes end up on the same team to face a common enemy. While the story in this animated flick is likely to be quite different to James Gunn’s proposed sequel, it’s worth checking out to get an idea of the dynamic between Lobo and Superman.

Why Jason Momoa Was Born To Play Lobo

People are pretty excited about Jason Momoa taking on the role of Lobo, including the man himself. 

Speaking to The National, he said: “I was influenced by Lobo since I was little. I had every comic, and that was the comic that I loved growing up. I didn’t have a motorcycle back then, I didn’t smoke cigars, I sure didn’t have dreadlocks – but I loved that character. He was pretty gregarious in my mind.”

Indeed, there are lots of visual similarities between the DC character and Momoa, even before he got the role. He even admitted that, when he was called in to audition for Aquaman back in 2014, he thought he was going up for the role of Lobo.

Now, he’s finally fulfilling that destiny thanks to the DC universe reset under James Gunn. We’re keen to see what he’ll bring to the table in Supergirl, but be warned, Momoa has already stated he’s only got a brief role to play. “I’m just there to be a little sprinkle, a dash of Lobo – to help the story,” he explained.

What happens to Lobo beyond that is still unknown. But, judging by what the character has done in the past, we could be in for a wild ride.

Emilia Clarke had just two TV credits to her name when she landed the role of a lifetime as Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones. She went on to play the Mother of Dragons for the next eight years while still taking the time to appear in several romantic films and blockbuster tentpoles—including parts in both the Terminator and Star Wars universes, as well as a small screen role in the MCU. 

After Thrones, Clarke understandably took a little time away from the spotlight, but she appears to be coming back strong: In 2024, she was awarded an MBE and is currently garnering some of the best reviews of her career for her performance in PONIES—a delightful Cold War-era buddy comedy co-starring Hailey Lu Richardson.

With all that in mind, it feels like a good time to take a look back over Claker’s career thus far. In the list below, you’ll find our ten favourite Emilia Clarke movies and tv shows—which I’ve ranked in ascending order. Read on to discover more and use the guide below to find them on services like AppleTV, Netflix and elsewhere. 

10. Terminator Genisys (2015)

I think I’m safe in assuming that Genisys is nobody’s idea of a great Terminator movie, which is a shame, as Alan Taylor’s 2015 reimagining features Emilia Clarke as a young Sarah Conner, the great Jason Clarke as John (her son from the future), Squid Game’s Lee Byung-hun as a new T-1000, and Arnie as—well, that one goes without saying.

Pitched as a direct sequel to T2: Judgement Day—in an effort to airbrush out the jumbled lore of Rise of the Machines and Salvation—the movie was set to be a back-to-basics franchise reboot, but despite some decent numbers at the box office, it failed to connect with critics and audiences. If you’re a big fan of those actors, however, you might still have some fun with it.

9. Secret Invasion (2023)

Despite popping up in some of the biggest franchises, Clarke has arguably been a bit unlucky with the IP roles that have come her way over the years. Similar to Genisys, the 2023 MCU show Secret Invasion arrived at an inopportune time in the franchise’s history—i.e., just around the point when the MCU’s overarching narrative started to go a bit slack as superhero fatigue set in.

Regardless, Clarke’s portrayal of G’iah, a radical refugee Skrull and the daughter of Ben Mendelsohn's Talos, wasn’t at fault for the show’s lukewarm reception. Check this one out for her performance, as well as some nice work from Olivia Coleman (The Favourite) and Kingsley Ben-Adir (Bob Marley: One Love).

8. Dom Hemingway (2013)

One of Clarke’s first post-breakout roles came opposite Jude Law in Dom Hemingway. The movie, in which Law stars as a safe-cracker who’s just been released from prison, didn’t make much of a splash upon release, but if you’re looking for a solid three-star crime comedy with some Guy Ritchie-style flair and a more than decent cast (Richard E. Grant and Kerry Condon also feature), it’s worth seeking out.

For the movie, Clarke plays Evelyn Hemingway, the estranged daughter of Law’s ex-con and perhaps the only person capable of getting him back on the straight and narrow. 

7. The Pod Generation (2023)

With nearly two decades in the industry under her belt, it’s surprising how few independent movies Clarke has appeared in over the years. The Pod Generation, a fertility-themed sci-fi that premiered in Sundance in 2023, is one of the few.

Directed by Sophie Barthes, the story focuses on a couple (played by Clarke and Chiwetel Ejiofor) looking to have a child who decide to try out a new company that manufactures artificial wombs. If you liked Barthes’ similarly speculative sci-fi breakout Cold Souls, or appreciate the more benevolent episodes of Black Mirror, this might be up your street. 

6. Spike Island (2012)

Shortly after GoT blew up, Clarke landed her first big screen role in Spike Island, a slightly cliched but mostly charming British coming-of-age film about a group of friends attempting to make their way to a legendary Stone Roses gig in 1990.

As that plot suggests, the movie is full of nostalgia for the Madchester era—so, if you’re a fan of shows like This is England but also have a soft spot for cheesy rom-coms, you’ll probably find yourself bopping along to it. 

5. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

We’re yet to get the full story about what happened during the production of Solo—a movie that was set to be directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller (a duo who have yet to miss) before Ron Howard took the reins, mid-production. Whatever the case, I still think it was underappreciated.

Solo: A Star Wars Story stars the perfectly charismatic Alden Ehrenreich (Oppenheimer) as a younger version of everyone’s favourite intergalactic smuggler. Alongside him, Clarke plays Qi’ra, his love interest and childhood friend, with Woody Harrelson in the Obi-Wan/mentor role and Paul Bettany (WandaVision) as a genuinely formidable antagonist. What’s not to like?

4. Me Before You (2016)

Released in the slightly less considerate days of 2016, it’s fair to say that certain things about Me Before You haven’t aged the best. However, as a pure star vehicle for Clarke, the film was a significant hit.

Directed by Thea Sharrock and based on Jojo Moyes' best-selling weepy, the movie is a swooning romance in which Clarke plays the caretaker of a paraplegic man. If you’re fond of romantic tearjerkers like The Fault in Our Stars, this might be the one for you. 

3. Last Christmas (2019)

There is currently an entire cottage industry seemingly devoted to making the next annually-rewatchable Christmas rom-com—or at least trying to. One of the more palatable efforts in recent years was 2019’s Last Christmas, in which Clarke plays a Christmas shop worker who falls for a handsome courier (played by Henry Golding) who isn’t exactly what he seems.

It would be wrong to give anything else away about the plot’s unexpected twists and turns, but we can say that the movie features Michelle “flip it around” Yeoh as Clarke’s boss, a cameo from Broadway legend Patti Lupone, and even Emma Thompson as the actress’ mum—whose mere presence in any X-mas movie is usually enough to loosen the tear ducts.

2. Ponies (2026)

For all her talents, one genre we haven’t seen Clarke try too often is comedy. That could be about to change thanks to her new show, PONIES—a series set in Moscow during the late 1970s that offers a delightful mix of buddy comedy and Cold War espionage thrills. 

The story follows two secretaries (Clarke and Hailey Lu Richardson) at the American Embassy who are recruited to become CIA operatives after their husbands are killed. If you enjoyed Richardson’s performance in the second season of The White Lotus, you’ll love the chemistry between the two actors here. 

1. Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

It might have burned itself to ash by the end, but there’s no denying the visceral thrills of the first 6 or 7 seasons of Game of Thrones or the cultural impact that the series had on the world. If, for some reason, you’ve yet to see it, imagine an R-rated Lord of the Rings and you’ll have some idea of what you’re in for. 

There’s also no denying that Daenerys Targaryen is still both Emilia Clarke’s best performance and her most influential role—for proof, just consider the fact that around 3500 babies were reportedly named after her character during the show’s initial run. Whether or not they’ve held onto those names is another matter entirely…

In 2008, writer and director Bryan Bertino’s The Strangers was released. Inspired by a series of unconnected events, the home invasion horror performed well at the box office, grossing around $82.4 million from a budget of $9 million. The maniacal and creepy trio of masked tormentors - Dollface, Scarecrow, and Pin-Up Girl - proved popular with audiences, and a new franchise was born. 

Unlike many of its genre peers, The Strangers series has been a little stop/start. The first sequel came 10 years later with only a tenuous link to the original movie, and then in 2024, a new trilogy was announced. These three films are connected to one another, all following the same story across a short span of time. Originally, these three movies were planned to be released back-to-back, much like the Fear Street trilogy on Netflix, but for reasons unclear, that has not happened.

With the series currently standing at five movies, and the titles all easy to muddle up, it’s the perfect time to get our heads around the actual order of this franchise. So, here are all The Strangers movies listed in release order. 

1. The Strangers (2008)

The Strangers franchise began in 2008 when couple Kristen and James were terrorised by three masked figures in their holiday retreat. Home invasion films are very common, but director Bryan Bertino found a way to stand apart from the pack. One aspect of The Strangers that makes it so interesting is that the central couple are not the typical lovey-dovey pairing. In fact, their evening starts with a cloud hanging over their heads, with Kristen having rejected James’ proposal. The awkwardness between them lies thick in the air, but the arrival of the creepy nocturnal visitor asking for Tamara changes everything. Soon, the pair are doing everything they can to save each other, their love for one another overriding any hurt feelings. 

During the opening moments, The Strangers proclaims to have been inspired by true events, but rather than one case, Bertino was inspired by a range of stories. First, there was his own experience of being home alone as a child and answering the door to a stranger asking for someone who didn’t live there, then there were the crimes committed by the Manson Family, which involved home invasions and callous brutality. Of all the films in the series, this is perhaps the toughest to watch as it's the only time that the chilling reason the murderous threesome have targeted their victims really lands. From this point on, the audience already knows their reason, and so each subsequent ‘reveal’ is a case of diminishing returns. 

2. The Strangers: Prey at Night (2018)

Although The Strangers was a box-office success, it took a decade for its sequel, The Strangers: Prey at Night, to arrive. Directed this time by Johannes Roberts, the sequel begins after the events of the first film and opens with Dollface, Scarecrow, and Pin-Up Girl massacring a couple in a trailer park. The next day, the relatives of these new victims arrive for a scheduled family visit and find themselves the new targets. Switching from a couple to a family unit is a clever progression to distance itself from the original, but the film has a greater onus on action, which doesn’t always work. There is, however, one exceptional sequence involving a beautifully neon-lit swimming pool and Bonnie Tyler’s ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ that is well worth your time.

In comparison to its predecessor, The Strangers: Prey at Night made $31 million from a budget of $5 million. So, although still profitable, it was significantly less financially successful than the first movie, but it has had a lasting life since arriving on streaming. 

3. The Strangers: Chapter 1 (2024)

After the less-than-stellar performance of The Strangers: Prey at Night, a new approach was adopted for the third film. Announced as a full standalone trilogy that would also act as a reboot of The Strangers, The Strangers: Chapter 1 was released in 2024. All three films in the new trilogy are directed by Renny Harlin, who is better known for his work in action cinema. Harlin did get his start in horror, however, having directed A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master. 

As the opening film in this fresh attempt to revive the series, The Strangers: Chapter 1 is a fairly solid reworking of the original film. This time, the central couple are Maya and Ryan. The pair are driving cross-country for an interview and, after experiencing car troubles, finds themselves stranded in the isolated town of Venus, Oregon. As luck would have it, there is an empty holiday rental available, and so the couple reluctantly hunker down for the night. Then they receive a strange knock at the door from a young girl asking for ‘Tamara’, and all hell breaks loose. A very familiar retread until its finale, The Strangers: Chapter 1 works as a new beginning, especially for those with no previous knowledge of the original. 

4. The Strangers: Chapter 2 (2025)

Rather than release a month after Chapter 1 as originally planned, it took a whole year for The Strangers: Chapter 2 to be released. The story picks up immediately after the ending of the first chapter, throwing a still very injured Maya back into the maelstrom once more. By continuing Maya’s story, The Strangers: Chapter 2 moves into brand new territory, but it doesn’t seem quite sure what it wants to do. The film suffers from ‘middle film syndrome’ - it lacks a distinct identity of its own and exists merely to connect the first and final chapters. 

The opening half of the movie is a clear homage to Halloween II, but then the film essentially becomes just one long chase sequence. The Strangers: Chapter 2 also commits the big horror sin of trying to explain its monsters, and so the main story is intercut with flashbacks that reveal the origins of Dollface, Scarecrow, and Pin-Up Girl. It’s horrifically generic and ensures that this second chapter plays more as a comedy than a suspenseful horror. As repetitive and ridiculous as The Strangers: Chapter 2 is, it has to be watched, not only as the middle movie connective tissue, but also for the arrival of a boar. Its surprise arrival is so shocking that it had cinema audiences questioning if they had hallucinated it, or accidentally had a reel from another movie spliced in by accident. 

5. The Strangers: Chapter 3 (2026)

The final Strangers film for now is The Strangers: Chapter 3. The concluding chapter in Renny Harlin’s trilogy, the story once more joins Maya, who by now is held together with more tape than John Wick. Having seemingly vanquished one of the killer trio during Chapter 2, Maya must now take down the others. For the audience's sake, she needs to be successful, as this new trilogy has not worked out as well as it could have. While the quality doesn’t match the original, one can’t help but think that the original plan to release once a month would have made the narrative flow better. Psychologically, the year between each chapter makes the story feel as though it has dragged on. 

Renny Harlin has recently revealed that there is a single version of his The Strangers story. Rather than three movies, the director has made a super-cut version, a la Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill. According to producer Courtney Solomon, this version will eventually get a short cinema release ahead of a streaming launch and teases the inclusion of two more Strangers: Witch Face and Ghost Skull. 

It’s hard to know where to stand with the Razzies these days. On the one hand, it’s objectively funny that the Russo Brothers were nominated as Worst Directors for The Electric State—call that one karma for coming at the GOAT. On the other hand, ever since Paul Verhoeven showed up to collect his award for Showgirls in 1996, I’ve always felt there was something kind of cool about being hated on by some random group of Hollywood bozos. 

That once small-knit committee has, however, grown exponentially in recent years and now boasts over 1100 members—a group seemingly dominated by fans who pay $40 annually for the privilege. Now that’s democracy.

Try explaining those subtleties to Sylvester Stallone, and you might find yourself on the wrong end of Rocky Balboa’s left hook. The legendary actor and director has been the Golden Raspberries’ bête noire since the 1980s and currently holds the record for most wins (with 12) and nominations (a staggering 37), the most recent of which saw the three-time Oscar nominee creating another piece of Razzie history. Read on to discover more and use the guide below to find out where to watch some of these god-awful movies on services like AppleTV, Netflix, Prime Video and elsewhere. 

How Sylvester Stallone Made Razzies’ History… Again

It’s true, 2026 marked the first time in the awards’ 45-year history that a father and daughter were both nominated. For this ignoble cinematic milestone, we can thank Michael Polish’s Alarum—an action crime thriller for which Sylvester was nominated for Worst Actor—and Brian Skiba’s Gunslingers, a western that (*checks notes*) features Stephen Dorff, Nicolas Cage and Heather Graham alongside Worst Supporting Actress nominee Scarlett Rose Stallone. And no, we haven’t seen these movies either.

In fact, this is the first time in Razzies history that any child of a previous nominee has continued the family legacy. Funnily enough, it comes in the same year that Scott Eastwood picked up a nomination for his performance alongside Sly Stallone in Alarum—though of course, the Razzies clearly knew better than to ever come at his father. Whatever the case, after what has been a mostly successful year for Nepo babies, it’s not not reassuring to see at least a couple of those privileged offspring still floundering around out there. 

Has This Ever Happened Before at The Razzies?

While this is the first father-daughter combo, the history of the Razzies abounds with curious pairings. For one, we’ve already had several husband and wife nominees—notably John Travolta and Kelly Preston (nuptially nommed together for Battlefield Earth, Old Dogs and Gotti), as well as—and you probably already guessed this one—the entity known as ‘Beniffer’—who were collectively nominated for Jersey Girl a year after winning for the legendarily awful Gigli.

Outside of related and married duos, there are plenty of instances when an actor was nominated for a Razzie and an Oscar in the same year (Special shout out to Sandra Bullock for this particular achievement—the actress famously accepted her Razzie for All About Steve the night before winning her Oscar for The Blind Side). But nothing beats seeing an actor nominated at both ceremonies for the same performance. This has happened on four occasions, most recently with Glenn Close for Hillbilly Elegy—a movie based on JD Vance’s memoir and an instance when the Razzies ended up on the right side of history. 

More recently, Andrew Dominik’s Blonde came pretty close after being nominated for eight Razzies (it went on to win Worst Picture), but Ana De Armas (an Oscar nominee for that movie) was correctly spared the recognition. 

Were The Stallones Really That Bad, And Is There a Chance They’ll Win?

Having not seen either movie (and no, I’m not a paying Razzie voter), that’s a judgment that I’m not qualified to make—but if I have to guess, I’d say no. The Razzies have clearly been obsessed with Stallone for years. With that in mind, nominating Scarlett Rose (an actress whose main contribution to the motion picture arts to date is a recurring role as a barista in Sly’s Tulsa King) looks like a fairly transparent (and admittedly funny) attempt to commit to a long-running bit. 

What’s more, with the awards set to be dominated by 2025’s War of the Worlds, both Sly and Scarlett can rest easy knowing that their duel nomination will go down as little more than a footnote in the 2026 ceremony. If they attend together, I’ll happily tip my hat to them. 

The Netflix limited series His & Hers has been one of the biggest movers on our streaming charts in the last few weeks. Adapted from Alice Feeney’s best-selling 2020 crime novel by director William Oldroyd and writer Dee Johnson, with the action moved from the Southwest of England to rural Georgia, the series follows a former news anchor who returns to her hometown after hearing about a murder, alerting the suspicions of a local detective who is also her ex-husband. Soon, both become embroiled in a gradually revealing mystery. 

The six-episode series—which will appeal to fans of gritty procedurals like Task and Sharp Objects—alternates between the perspectives of those two central characters, who are respectively played by Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal. The MCU colleagues are two of the most beloved and prolific actors working today, but there are plenty of other familiar faces in the show who you might recognise. 

Read on to discover more about the cast of Netflix’s His & Hers and use the guide below to find them in some of their best-known roles—as well as some streaming options of where to find them on services like AppleTV, Prime Video and elsewhere. 

Tessa Thompson as Anna Andrews

We’ll begin with one of His & Hers’ two leads, Tessa Thompson, an actor who needs very little introduction at this stage. Most audiences caught their first glance of Thompson in 2015, thanks to her captivating central role as the college shock jockey in Dear White People, but she really announced herself as a Hollywood star in Ryan Coogler’s Creed, released the following year. 

She backed that up by stealing basically every scene she appeared in (as Charlotte Hale) in the first season of Westworld before basically repeating the trick as Valkyrie in Thor: Ragnarok the year after. Since then, she’s continued to play all three of those roles over various sequels and series while finding time for more offbeat and prestigious work in movies like Sorry to Bother You, Passing and Hedda.

Jon Bernthal as Jack Harper

Whether he’s appearing as a guest star on The Bear, reprising his role as the Punisher in the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day, or playing Menelaus in Cristopher Nolan’s upcoming The Odyssey (in one of the most stacked casts ever assembled), Jon Bernthal—much like Thompson—seems to be everywhere these days.

For the actor, who turns 50 this year, the biggest parts haven’t always come so easily. He started picking up roles in the early ‘00s, but it wasn’t until Martin Scorsese cast him in The Wolf of Wall Street that Bernthal’s luck really started to change. From there, he landed the role of the Punisher in Netflix’s Daredevil and—with that unmistakable aura of someone who’d seen it all before—simply stole the show. It’s been strength-to-strength ever since. 

Rebecca Rittenhouse as Lexy Jones

In the series, Thompson's character, Anna Andrews, used to work as an anchor for a local News station before taking a sabbatical following the death of her daughter. Her ambitious replacement, Lexy Jones, is one of the show’s central antagonists, and she’s played with plenty of relish by Rebecca Rittenhouse, another actor on the rise.

Rittenhouse started in the industry in 2011 and quickly began picking up memorable guest roles in shows like The Affair and The Handmaid’s Tale—in which she played Moira’s fiancé Odette in a particularly heartbreaking episode of Season 2. However, she’s probably best known for her recurring role as Anna in The Mindy Project and for her well-liked but short-lived Hulu series Maggie, in which she played the titular L.A. psychic. 

Pablo Schreiber as Richard Jones

For fans of HBO’s first golden age, Pablo Schreiber—who plays Andrews’ cameraman and Jones’ husband in the show—will always be Nick Sabotka from Season 2 of The Wire—the smart, loyal but criminally-inclined dockyard worker whose plans of getting out were forever being ruined by his immature and reckless cousin.

Since then, Schreiber has gone on to become an unlikely star of big-screen action movies. You can see him opposite John Krasinski in Michael Bay’s 13 Hours, opposite The Rock in Skyscraper and opposite Gerard Butler in the modern heist movie classic, Den of Thieves.

Sunita Mani as Priya Patel

Another up-and-coming member of the His & Hers cast is Sunita Mani, who started as a stand-up comic before landing the role of Trenton in Mr Robot. TV fans will also recognise her for her hilarious performance as Arthie “The Beirut Bomber” in Netflix’s GLOW.

In recent years, Mani—who plays detective Priya Patel in His & Hers—has started picking up roles in mainstream movies like The Roses, Death of a Unicorn and even Everything Everywhere All at Once. Watch this space.

Chris Bauer as Clyde Duffie

Fans of The Wire Season 2 will be spoiled for choice with His & Hers: alongside Schreiber, the show also features Chris Bauer, who played Frank Sabotka, the principled but curmudgeonly union man who was also Schreiber’s uncle on the show.

If that mini reunion isn’t familiar to you, you might also recognise Bauer—who plays Clyde Duffie, the victim’s husband in His & Hers—from his lengthy career in movies and television. This has included recurring roles in Third Watch (as Fred Yokas) and True Blood (as Andy Bellefleur) and a smorgasbord of character actor appearances in everything from Thunderbolts* to Face/Off.

Marin Ireland as Zoe Harper

Movie fans might not be so familiar with Marin Ireland—who plays Zoe Harper, Jack’s younger sister, in the series—but she’s been a star of the New York stage for over 25 years. If you do know her, it’s likely for her role as Sissy Cooper in The Umbrella Academy or for appearances in movies like Hell or High Water or Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman.

More recently, she played the manager of Dakota Johnson’s matchmaker in Materialists and appeared in His & Hers director William Oldroyd’s underappreciated thriller, Eileen, opposite Thomasin McKenzie and Anne Hathaway.

Poppy Liu as Helen Wang

We’ll finish our list with Poppy Liu, an actress who looks primed for a big screen breakout. The Chinese-American actress only recently appeared on most viewers’ radars after her memorable appearance in Better Call Saul (where she played one of Nacho’s companions) and, better still, in Hacks (where she managed to steal some scenes as Debora’s in-house blackjack dealer, Kiki).

That latter part seems to have caught the attention of some booking agents, as 2026 will see her not only appear in His & Hers—as headmistress Helen Wang—but also in Boots Riley’s hotly anticipated I Love Boosters. Can’t wait. 

An adaptation of the God of War video game has been in various stages of production for a number of years. Originally, the concept was visualised as a movie. But, given the reputation of video game films and the complicated world and story within God of War, studios were nervous as to how best serve the project. Then, thanks to the success of The Last of Us and Fallout as TV shows, God of War started to be developed into a series instead. 

As the show creeps ever closer, several cast members have been announced, the most important being that Sons of Anarchy’s Ryan Hurst will be taking on the lead role of Kratos. For the uninitiated, Kratos is a Spartan by birth and God by nature. Raised in a martial culture, Kratos was the commander of armies until he struck a deal with Ares, the Greek God of War, trading his soul for victory in battle. Details about the TV show itself have thus far been kept somewhat secret, but the official synopsis teases a terse journey between Kratos and his son Atreus as they travel to scatter the ashes of their family matriarch, Faye. 

Hurst is no stranger to the God of War world, having previously voiced the character of Thor in God of War Ragnarök, and his imposing 6’5” stature will also make him a formidable Kratos before he even has to say anything. But who exactly is Ryan Hurst? While the name might not be familiar, his face almost certainly will be, the actor having been a mainstay of movies and television since 1993, when he had a guest appearance on Saved By the Bell: The New Class. In case you’ve missed out, here are the perfect roles to get to know Ryan Hurst, along with a handy guide to where you can watch them.

1. Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Early in his career, Ryan Hurst was cast in Steven Spielberg’s award-winning Saving Private Ryan. The film was massive, and although Hurst only had one scene, his character - the hearing-impaired Paratrooper Michaelson - was instrumental in locating the lost Private Ryan. The role allowed him to share the screen with Oscar-winning and screen legend Tom Hanks, which, for an actor still early in their career, is a big deal. Hurst’s performance also impressed director Steven Spielberg, who later used him in his alien abduction mini-series, Taken, where Hurst portrayed the adult version of Tom Clarke. 

2. Sons of Anarchy (2008)

After a steady slew of guest star roles in shows including Medium and House, Hurst’s big break came when he signed on to play Opie in the series Sons of Anarchy. The show followed the internal politics and external wars of outlaw motorcycle gang SAMCRO; it ran for seven seasons and produced a spin-off series, Mayans M.C. Hurst was present for 54 episodes of Sons of Anarchy, his character Opie being the right-hand man of heir to the SAMCRO throne, Jax. The audience instantly fell in love with Opie, the calmer of the two friends, who was loyal to a fault. His departure from the show left not a dry eye in the house. 

3. Outsiders (2016)

After Sons of Anarchy, all eyes were on what Hurst would do next, and after a prolonged guest role on Bates Motel, he was one of the headline cast members in the underseen Outsiders. Set in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky, Outsiders revolves around a clan of mountain folk, the Farrells, as they come to blows with the locals of the nearby town. Hurst stars as the son of the Farrell leader, Li'l Foster Farrell, who, like Opie, was something of a gentle giant amongst the clan. He had a tumultuous relationship with both his father and wife, which led to his incarceration. 

Sadly, before the show could explore how a wildman like Foster would handle captivity, Outsiders was cancelled, the victim of a changing of the guards when the channel was sold to new investors who wanted to go in a different direction. In addition to Hurst being excellent, Outsiders is also a must-watch for fans of Dinner in America’s Kyle Gallner. 

4. The Walking Dead (2010)

During The Walking Dead’s ninth season, Rick and his community were introduced to the Whisperers. Hidden amongst them was Hurst, who played Beta, yet another second-in-command character. This time, his boss was the nightmarish Alpha who had somehow convinced a legion of followers to survive the zombie apocalypse by wearing the skin of others and travelling within a horde of the undead. 

Beta’s time on the show saw him have bitter rivalries with both Negan and Daryl, with fans enthralled by their fighting. Beta’s insistence on never being without his Whisperer mask meant that there wasn’t much opportunity to see Hurst fully on-screen, but even underneath the ghastly façade, his talents shine bright. 

5. The Abandons (2025) 

Ryan Hurst’s most recent credit, as Miles Alderton in The Abandons, had the actor back in outlaw mode. The show, which arrived on Netflix in late 2025, follows Lena Headey’s Fiona as she fights against Gillian Anderson’s Constance for control over land. A female-focused western, as Alderton Hurst is on hand to aid Fiona in her mission, whilst also trying to keep his wanted-for-murder status a secret from his daughter.  

I was once given fifteen minutes to talk to Zlatko Burić—the Croatian-Danish actor who burst onto the scene, alongside a very young Mads Mikkelsen, in Nicolas Winding Refn’s Pusher movies—in a hotel room in Karlsbad. 

Our meeting was intended to be an interview, but I barely remember asking a question; instead, the wild-haired veteran stood by the window smoking a cigarette, charismatically veering from one story to another. I could barely make out half of them at the time, and when I listened back to the recording, I made out even fewer. Work-wise, the chat was unusable, but I still cherish the memory.

At the time, Burić was on a bit of a festival victory lap after charming audiences at the Cannes Film Festival with his roguish portrayal of a minor oligarch in Triangle of Sadness. The film had gone home with the Palme d’Or and, within six months, after meeting him, both he and the film headed to the Oscars. Despite going home from that bash empty-handed, Burić’s performance left such a mark in Hollywood that he can now count himself as a canonical part of both the DCU and MCU, having appeared in both Superman and Wonder Man in the last 12 months at the ripe old age of 72.

All of which means it's high time we revisited the actor’s nine best roles, which I’ve listed below in ascending order. Read on to discover more about Burić’s back catalogue and use the guide below to find them on services like AppleTV, Netflix, Prime Video and elsewhere. 

9. 2012 (2009)

Given the state of the world, it’s surprising that we’ve not seen a resurgence of disaster movies in recent years. The golden age for this wonderful genre was undoubtedly the late ‘90s and early ‘00s—a time when explosive artists like Michael Bay and Roland Emmerich started to do things with CGI that literally nobody had seen before. 

This is the era that gave us Armageddon, Independence Day and The Day After Tomorrow, before Emmerich jumped the shark with 2012. If you’re not against a little bit of shark-jumping, there’s plenty of fun to be had with it. For this one, Burić plays one of his typical Hollywood bit parts—aka, an Eastern European strongman. The movie centres on the once-unavoidable Mayan prophecy that the world would experience a biblical-looking apocalypse in the year 2012, to which Emmerich said, hold my beer. 

8. Teen Spirit (2018)

There was a period in the 2010s when a bunch of young, male, American directors decided that they wanted to make films that looked like Nicolas Winding Refn’s Drive. In the years that followed that stylish hit’s release, we got Derek Cianfrance’s The Place Beyond the Pines, Ryan Gosling’s Lost River and Max Minghella’s Teen Spirit—a movie about a young woman (played by Elle Fanning) who wishes to escape her hometown by becoming a famous singer. 

Released two years after Refn’s The Neon Demon (in which Fanning had played a rising model), Minghella wasn’t being too subtle with his influences—especially given the casting of Burić (a Refn regular) in the tasty role of a mysterious Svengali—but the film was quite well received. If you liked Minghella’s performances in The Social Network and, more recently, in Industry, you might be curious to check this one out. 

7. Wolfs (2024)

When John Watts announced that he would follow up his Tom Holland-led Spider-Man trilogy with a movie about two fixers starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt, it’s fair to say that most movie fans coloured themselves intrigued. In the end, Wolfs was a bit of a disappointment—but if you’re happy enough just watching those two megastars trade dialogue (like a Temu version of Ocean’s Eleven and Twelve) and can forgive that criminally misspelt title, there are worse ways to spend 108 minutes. This is partially thanks to Burić’s all too brief appearance as Dimitri—a Croatian mobster who was once their employer. 

6. Dirty Pretty Things (2002)

Burić got his first international break in Dirty Pretty Things, a London-set thriller about two undocumented immigrants (played by Amelie’s Audrey Tatou and Doctor Strange’s Chiwetel Ejiofor) who happen upon a grizzly murder and, subsequently, a criminal conspiracy. If you’ve seen the movie, you’ll recognise Burić from playing Ivan, the shady Russian doorman at the hotel where they work.

The gripping movie was directed by Stephen Frears (Dangerous Liaisons) and written by Stephen Knight (Peaky Blinders), so if you’re a fan of either of their work, this is one you’ll want to see.  

5. Bleeder (1999)

Released in 1999, Bleeder was Nicolas Winding Refn’s second feature as director after the first Pusher movie (more on that one in a moment) and featured many of the same cast—including Mads Mikkelson, Kim Bodnia and Burić himself. The movie is typical of the Danish director’s work from that period—in other words, it’s stylish, rough and occasionally cruel.

The story focuses on two friends, Lenny and Leo (Mikkelson and Bodnia), who like watching violent movies together. Lenny works at a video store in Copenhagen run by Buric’s character, Kitjo. It’s not one of the actor’s biggest roles, but it showcased his screen presence and confirmed him as a key collaborator in Refn’s group going forward.

4. Superman (2025)

Burić made his first foray in the world of comic book movies last year, playing the antagonist in James Gunn’s Superman—otherwise known as Vasil Ghurkos, the president of the (fictional) nation of Boravia who, with some prodding from Lex Luthor, attempts to invade the neighbouring (also fictional) nation of Jarhanpur.

For this universe-launching reboot, Gunn took his typically irreverent approach and made one of the most playful and entertaining DC movies since 2021’s The Suicide Squad, which, of course, he also directed. 

3. Wonder Man (2026)

In Wonder Man, Burić gives a great little performance as Van Kovak—a reclusive director idolised by the show’s protagonist, Simon Williams. In the lead-up, series creator Andrew Guest described the character as a mix between Werner Herzog, Christopher Nolan and Krzysztof Kieślowski; in other words, an auteur with European flair and an eccentric side—in other, other words, a perfect role for Burić.

The show itself—an L.A. caper that feels like a delightful mix between The Studio and Iron Man 3—is easily one of the best things that Marvel has produced since it made the move to television. Guest was previously involved with the Hawkeye limited series, another high watermark in the MCU’s TV history. If you’re a fan of that one, make sure to check this out, too. 

2. Pusher I, II & III  (1996-2005)

For the longest time, it seemed as if the Pusher movies would be Burić’s defining role. The actor had made his name on the Danish experimental theatre scene before Nicolas Winding Refn offered him the part, not knowing that it would put him on the path to Hollywood.

There are now five Pusher movies (Burić appears in four of them), but the original trilogy—in which the actor plays a drug lord opposite Kim Dobia and an adorably young Mads Mikkelson—is the one to see. Check them out if you like gritty, stylish, street-level crime movies from that era—like Trainspotting or La Haine.

1. Triangle of Sadness (2022)

Burić might have been known on the European film and theatre scene when Ruben Östlund cast him in Triangle of Sadness, but, almost overnight, the 2022 Palme d’Or-winner turned the actor into a low-key treasure of International and arthouse cinema. 

The movie is typical of Östlund’s style (think Force Majeure, The Square)—ie It’s a smartly-written and ruthlessly executed satire on the 1% that features standout performances across the board—namely from Harris Dickenson as a male model and influencer and Woody Harrelson as a drunken ship captain; yet even in that lofty company, Burić steals the show. If you liked The Menu or The White Lotus, you need to see it.

It was one of the best movies of 2025. In fact, Marty Supreme would have been pretty much perfect in any year. And yet, it could have been better – it could have had vampires in it.

The A24 film was almost the antithesis of an underdog story, with Timothée Chalamet’s Marty Mauser knowing full well that he was already good enough to make it to the top. However, there were many, many different obstacles standing in his way.

One of the main adversaries he had to duck, dive, and hide from – even taking a literal spanking – was Milton Rockwell. Not only was Milton a very wealthy, powerful, and spiteful man, but he was also – in one version of this story, at least – an actual vampire.

The Vampire Twist in Marty Supreme, Explained

Remember when Marty is backstage in Tokyo, preparing to risk it all by playing Koto Endo, and Rockwell threatens him? It’s a blistering monologue delivered by Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary, which includes one throwaway line that got many of us intrigued.

Rockwell says, “I was born in 1601. I'm a vampire. I've been around forever. I've met many Marty Mausers over the centuries. Some of them crossed me, some of them weren't straight. They weren't honest. And those are the ones that are still here. You go out and win that game, you're gonna be here forever, too. And you'll never be happy. You will never be happy.”

There was no foreshadowing of this vampiric reference. No mention of it afterwards, either. Many suspected it was more of a metaphor on Rockwell’s behalf; a way of asserting to Marty just how ruthless and dangerous he was. Turns out, that’s not the case.

In an episode of the A24 podcast, director Josh Safdie revealed that an alternate ending to Marty Supreme would have seen Rockwell reappear years into the future to exact his revenge by biting Marty’s neck and turning him into a vampire like him.

Safdie said: “You’re on his eyes, we built the prosthetics for Timmy and everything, and [O’Leary] shows up behind him and takes a bite out of his neck, and that was the last image. And he hasn’t aged.”

A24 chiefs heard about this and thought it was a “mistake,” urging Safdie to ditch it and go for the ending we saw in the cinema. O’Leary was gutted about the decision, insisting the vampire route would have been the “right punishment” for Marty. And to be honest, he has a point.

Actually, Vampires Would Totally Work in Marty Supreme

First things first, vampires make everything better. Does it matter if taking that kind of turn would be unusual or shocking? It would be cool – just look at the likes of Sinners and From Dusk Till Dawn if you need proof.

Beyond that, the vampire subplot would actually make a lot of sense in Marty Supreme. Let’s not forget, this is a film rich with religious allegories. The pursuit of the dog named Moses is the most obvious reference to biblical characters, while themes of sacrifice, servitude, and Jewish identity are prevalent throughout.

Then, there’s the whole hero’s quest Marty goes on. I’m not about to claim him to be a proud and virtuous protagonist by any means, but the way he chases greatness and glory is certainly akin to something you’d find in an Arthurian holy grail tale.

The only thing missing, really, was a truly evil entity to play the villain of the story. Milton Rockwell took on that part with vigour, but if he had been given the freedom to take things to the next level as a bloodsucking vampire, Marty Supreme would have captured all the best elements of the most chaotic mythological story imaginable.

We all know Steven Spielberg is a special filmmaker, but he’s truly cemented his legendary status during this year’s awards season – and we haven’t even got to the Oscars ceremony yet.

Spielberg could win big thanks to Hamnet at the 98th Academy Awards in March, but he’s already bagged another prize to add to his glittering collection. Obviously, he’s best known for his achievements in the movie industry, but it’s the musical world that has recognised his talents now. And, in doing so, it’s helped Spielberg gain entry into a very prestigious group of creatives.

Steven Spielberg Just Achieved EGOT Status

At the 2026 Grammys ceremony, Spielberg picked up the award for Best Music Film for the documentary Music by John Williams. Spielberg was a producer on that project, which, as you may have guessed, is all about his good friend, long-time collaborator, and legendary composer, John Williams.

By winning that Grammy, Spielberg now has EGOT status, which means he’s won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony (hence the acronym). Those are the four highest honours across the performing arts, spanning TV, music, film, and stage.

Spielberg’s most famous wins, of course, are at the Oscars. He’s won Best Director twice, for Schindler’s List and Saving Private Ryan. He also won Best Picture for the former, but was controversially denied a second time in 1999 when Shakespeare in Love took the big award on the night.

On the small screen, Spielberg’s work on animated shows such as Pinky and the Brain, Animaniacs, and Tiny Toon Adventures, as well as his acclaimed war epic, Band of Brothers, have earned him a whopping 12 Emmys.

Interestingly, Spielberg was only halfway towards EGOT status as recently as 2022. But with his Tony win for A Strange Loop that year, and this latest success at the Grammys, he’s unlocked the holy grail.

Who Else Is in the EGOT Club?

Spielberg becomes the 22nd member of the EGOT club, with some truly incredible names already on the list.

Composer Richard Rodgers was the first to claim the accolade back in 1962, largely thanks to his work on The Sound of Music for both film and stage. The likes of Rita Moreno, Audrey Hepburn, Mel Brooks, and Mike Nichols followed, though for the latter, there was a 34-year wait to complete the set, having won an Oscar for The Graduate in 1967, before bagging the elusive Emmy in 2001.

More recently, a far more diverse range of performers joined the club. Notable Black talent like Whoopi Goldberg, who won an Oscar for Ghost in 1991, and Viola Davis, for her work on Fences, have EGOT status, as does Jennifer Hudson, who worked with Spielberg on A Strange Loop. 

Hudson is the youngest woman to break into the EGOT club, while John Legend is the joint-youngest male recipient (level with songwriter Robert Lopez). Legend won an Oscar for Best Original Song in 2015’s Selma.

Currently, four performers are just one award away from EGOT status. Hugh Jackman, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Cynthia Erivo all need to win an Oscar – easier said than done – and they’ll have completed the set. Meanwhile, the iconic Julie Andrews is still waiting for a Tony Award.

Until then, Steven Spielberg is the new kid on the block – which he doesn’t get to say very often these days!

You might think that The Mandalorian & Grogu is the big attraction for Star Wars fans this year, but for some, there’s a more exciting project heading to the small screen in 2026. Get your Disney+ subscription in order, because Darth Maul is coming back!

To kick off the year, Disney and Lucasfilm dropped a tantalising trailer for Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord. That title is a bit of a mouthful, sure, but the show itself looks absolutely brilliant, from its visual style to the kind of story it’s tackling.

I can’t wait for this upcoming trip to a galaxy far, far away. In fact, I’ve waited for this exact tale to be told for eight years, since the release of a more maligned solo character project in the Star Wars universe. I’m delighted Darth Maul is finally getting the spotlight he deserves; here’s why you should be, too.

Why You Should be Hyped For Maul - Shadow Lord

For a start, this new Star Wars show is visually stunning. The animation style seems to blend the very best of Lucasfilm’s old school Autodesk Maya techniques seen in The Clone Wars, the brushstroke effects found in Star Wars: Visions, and hints of the poppy, playful style of films like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

Still, how many times have we been fooled by projects that are all style and no substance? I mean, The Rise of Skywalker looks great, but it’s a narrative mess; it effectively ruined the Skywalker Saga.

Thankfully, if this ten-episode series delivers on its core premise, Star Wars fans will be feasting on one of the most intriguing and satisfying shows in the franchise. Maul’s magnificent introduction in The Phantom Menace made him an iconic villain from the get-go, and even after being sliced in half by Obi-Wan Kenobi, he’s still been able to carve out a fascinating arc throughout various animated series and comic books. 

In Shadow Lord, we’ll finally get to witness Maul in all his badass, gritty glory – just as we were promised eight years ago.

We Finally Get to See the Crime Lord Maul Teased in Solo

Remember how in Solo: A Star Wars Story, we all thought Dryden Vos was the big bad running things, and then, at the very end, the rug was pulled from under our feet as Darth Maul was revealed to be the true leader of the Crimson Dawn crime syndicate? What a moment!

I’m not entirely sure where the creators were going with that plot thread. Obviously, the box office performance of Solo didn’t help matters, but Lucasfilm and Disney could still have picked up the Crimson Dawn storyline at some point over these last eight years and done something with it. Alas, they didn’t bother… until now.

Better late than never! To see a character with the immense power, cunning, and ruthlessness of Maul – plus, the incredibly cool, unique weaponry – orchestrating the underground crime scene on a grimy, dangerous planet just sounds like the stuff of dreams. And yet, it’ll soon be a reality.

Solo Deserved More Love – And Maul: Shadow Lord Could Give It That

Okay, so that’s one big, glaring error in the Star Wars catalogue that’s about to be corrected. Now, how about we get more of Alden Ehrenreich as Han Solo? 

I’m not about to sit here and say Solo: A Star Wars Story is a masterpiece, but it was harmless fun, and a lot of it, at that. The characters, both old and new, were fantastic and had plenty of chemistry with one another. Be it Qi’ra and Dryden or Lando and Han, or even Tobias and Val – the whole ensemble was so watchable and imbued the film with a wonderful energy.

Ehrenreich, in particular, handled one of the most difficult roles you could ever ask for and toed the line between imitation and doing something fresh perfectly. He captured the spirit of Harrison Ford’s performance, but also made the part his own, too. I’d happily pay to see him going on more roguish adventures in the galaxy with Chewie by his side.

If Darth Maul’s potential is finally being realised on the small screen in an animated capacity, why can’t we get more of Han in the same way? Here’s hoping new Star Wars boss Dave Filoni sees the light!

Of all the directors still working today, few can match the awards record of Steven Spielberg. Over the course of his career, the esteemed filmmaker has three Oscars and a whopping 22 nominations to his name.

However, you could argue that Spielberg is deserving of more little gold statues on his mantle. Indeed, he hasn’t won a major one since he claimed the Best Director prize for Saving Private Ryan in 1999. He also won that award, plus Best Picture, in 1994 for Schindler’s List.

While many of his films have earned critical acclaim and he remains highly popular with regular cinemagoers, Spielberg has not managed to stand up on that stage and take home an award for a very long time, but that could change this year – and it’s both despite, and because of, Shakespeare.

Steven Spielberg Was Robbed By Shakespeare In Love in 1999 

If Spielberg wins an Oscar in 2026, it may make him feel a little better about one of the most shocking decisions made by the Academy back in 1999.

Despite Spielberg being hailed for his directorial work on Saving Private Ryan, and the war movie bagging five awards on the night, including Best Director, it somehow didn’t take home the Best Picture prize. Instead, that accolade went to Shakespeare in Love, much to everyone’s surprise.

While the John Madden film won seven awards that year, no one expected it to win the big one. Shakespeare In Love is by no means a bad film – it’s actually quite an interesting twist on the history of one of the most famous storytellers of all time – but most would agree it’s not Best Picture quality. The upset is similar to the iconic La La Land and Moonlight mix-up, only in 1999, no one corrected what was seemingly a huge mistake.

It wasn’t to be for Spielberg that year, and unfortunately, that was the last time we saw the revered director get his flowers from the Academy.

The Oscar-Nominated Hamnet Had a Helping Hand From Spielberg

In 2026, though, Spielberg could get his revenge and win big again – and ironically, it’s a Shakespeare story that will help rather than hinder him.

It’s gone a little bit unnoticed, but Spielberg was a producer on the brilliant Hamnet. I didn’t know that until I saw the credits for the film, but if the Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal masterpiece can win Best Picture at this year’s ceremony, we should see Spielberg up on stage with the rest of the cast and crew.

Obviously, Hamnet faces stern competition from the record-breaking Sinners, and highly popular films like Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, and Yorgos Lanthimos’ bizarre and brilliant Bugonia. On the plus side, the Academy certainly has form for bestowing its highest honour on Shakespearean stories. An adaptation of Hamlet won Best Picture back in 1949, while West Side Story, a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet, did the same in 1962. 

Can Hamnet make it four? Given how devastatingly profound the Chloe Zhao film is, I would not be surprised or disappointed at all if Hamnet, and by association, Spielberg, is the big winner this year.

Talented, charismatic and impossibly handsome, it’s no surprise that Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has enjoyed a steady rise in the industry since breaking out in a few choice supporting roles less than a decade ago. 

In that short time, the 39-year-old has managed to work with some of the best directors around while also taking on the responsibility of reimagining some of the most iconic roles in comic books and cinema—most notably in the HBO series Watchmen and in movies like Candyman and The Matrix Resurrections.

With the actor currently earning rave reviews for his performance in Wonder Man—a show you can currently stream in its entirety over on Disney+—it feels like the right time to round up his finest performances in movies and television so far—though, with David Fincher’s The Adventures of Cliff Booth on its way later this year, we may need to do some editing here before long. 

The list below, which I’ve ranked in ascending order, is not exactly a ranking of the movies and shows themselves but more a ranking of what Abdul-Mateen brought to them and their significance in his career path. Read on to discover more and use the guide below to find them on AppleTV, Netflix, Prime Video and elsewhere. 

10. US (2019)

On any other kind of list, Jordan Peele’s Us would naturally place way higher. This was the director’s follow-up to Get Out, and even though it couldn’t match up to that earlier film’s airtight storytelling—nor the expansive, cosmic wonders of his later film, Nope—it’s still a wonderfully compelling and inventive horror movie.

The story explores the myth of the doppelganger through the framework of a mirrored world populated by a group called “The Tethered”, some of whom break out to cause some terror. Abdul-Mateen appears in the incredible opening sequence, playing the father of the girl who grows up to be the central protagonist, played memorably in a duel performance by Lupita N’yongo. This was one of Abdul-Mateen’s first performances, and while his screentime is limited, he makes every second count. 

9. First Match (2018)

In 2018, the director Olivia Newman expanded her award-winning short, First Match, into a feature-length film starring Elvire Emanuelle and Coleman Domingo, but Abdul-Mateen again worked wonders with his supporting role. 

First Match is the story of a teenage girl who believes that joining the boys' wrestling team might be her only chance of getting out of foster care and reuniting with her father. Domingo gives a typically warm performance as her wrestling coach, but it’s Abdul-Mateen’s portrayal of her wayward dad that locks you into the toughest emotional chokehold. If you’re a fan of Domingo’s performances in movies like Sing Sing and Euphoria, this one is particularly worth seeking out.

8. Black Mirror - Striking Vipers (2019)

When people bemoan the more recent seasons of Black Mirror, it’s usually due to them being too sentimental. This episode from season five certainly isn’t beating those allegations, but Abdul-Mateen managed to stand out in it as the old friend turned virtual lover of Anthony Makie’s married protagonist.

As queer Black Mirror episodes go, Striking Vipers has nothing on Season 4’s San Junipero and is probably a little flippant regarding what it’s trying to say about polyamorous relationships and the like, but out of the ever-growing slate of episodes since moving to Netflix, it’s easily amongst the better ones. 

7. The Matrix Resurrections (2021)

If you’ve seen The Matrix Resurrections, you may understandably be inclined to think that some things are better off left dead. If you were able to forgive its inadequacies and view it as a $200 million meta trolling session against Warner Bros., however, you might have actually enjoyed it in some weird way.

Whatever the case, the movie—in which Abdul-Mateen took on the daunting task of playing Morpheus—in some ways confirmed his rise to Hollywood big leagues. If you appreciate all things Wachowski (especially the weirder ones like Speed Racer and Sense8), you owe it to them to check it out.

6. The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)

If you’re a fan of Aaron Sorkin, you probably prefer it when the writer sticks to writing and lets someone else direct the movie. Those admirable moments of selflessness have given us modern classics like A Few Good Men, The Social Network and Steve Jobs. Its when he decides to put his director’s hat on that the results begin to vary.

Case in point was The Trial of the Chicago 7, a perfectly well-scripted and acted drama that was let down by Sorkin’s limitations as a stylist—but it can’t help but be a magnetic watch anyway. The story covers the titular proceedings: a historic occasion when seven luminaries of the 1970s counterculture were put on the stand—a setup that means we got to see Jeremy Strong play Jerry Rubin, Sascha Baron Cohen play Abbie Hoffman, and Abdul-Mateen play the Black Panthers founder Bobby Seale. Collectively, they won the SAG award for Best Ensemble.

5. Aquaman (2018)

Long before the MCU came calling, Abdul-Mateen’s first brush with superhero cinema came in James Wan’s Aquaman—one of the only DCEU movies, it’s fair to say, that was warmly received by both regular moviegoers and fans.

Despite working alongside megawatt actors like Jason Momoa, Willem Dafoe and Nicole Kidman, Abdul-Mateen stood out as the evil pirate supervillain Black Manta, a larger-than-life role that allowed him to showcase his remarkable gravitas—in both this film and its sequel. If you’re a fan of the Zack Snyder era of DC (movies like Wonder Woman and Man of Steel), it’s well worth seeing.

4. Ambulance (2022)

When Michael Bay started churning out Transformers movies, it didn’t leave a whole lot of time for new ideas. Which is to say, when he decides to branch out now and then, it’s usually worth paying attention—movies like Pain & Gain and 13 Hours might not be to everyone’s tastes, but nobody else but Bay could have made them. 

The same goes for Ambulance, a 2022 movie that felt like Speed on steroids—or was it the other way around? The plot follows two bank robbers (Abdul-Mateen and Jake Gyllenhaal) who end up using an ambulance as their getaway car, only to discover that there’s a person on the brink of death in the back. And yes, it’s batshit crazy.

3. Candyman (2021)

Nia Da Costa recently made her return to horror with the excellent 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, but this 2021 remake of the 1992 slasher movie Candyman is well worth going back and catching up on.

Da Costa is proving herself to be a versatile filmmaker thanks to movies like Hedda (the less said about The Marvels, the better), but you sense she’s in her element when there’s blood to be spilt and knives to be sharpened. For the title role (Abdul-Mateen’s first big leading part), the actor worked wonders in reimagining the character (memorably played by the great Tony Todd in the original) for a new audience.

2. Wonder Man (2026)

If you like the energy, endearing vibe and deadpan humour that Andrew Guest helped bring to Halkeye, you’re gonna love Wonder Man—a series that just recently bucked the trend of underdeveloped Marvel Studios TV shows.

Starring Abdul-Mateen as Simon Williams, a talented but struggling actor who learns that he has superpowers, the show is a bit like imagining what would happen if Shane Black’s Iron Man 3 and The Studio had a baby. An Emmy nomination for Ben Kingsley (who reprises his role as Trevor Slattery) would not be surprising or displeasing. 

1. Watchmen (2019)

For all of that, Abdul-Mateen’s best performance to date is still his portrayal of Cal Aber in Damon Lindelof’s Watchmen, a phenomenally creative reimagining of Alan Moore’s graphic novel/sacred text. Set 34 years after the events of the comics (with the great Jean Smart playing an older and crankier Silk Spectre and Jeremy Irons as a crumbling Ozymandius), the show brought the spirit of Moore’s story crashing into the present day. In short, it was an absolute triumph

Abdul-Mateen was no small part of that: the reveal (spoilers) that his character was Dr Manhattan came in Episode 7, but it was the following instalment—a flashback that filled in the gaps—that has rightfully gone down as one of the best episodes of TV ever. If you haven’t seen it yet, I’m jealous that you get to watch it for the first time.

Ryan Murphy continues to be one of the hardest-working people in television with the release of yet another show, The Beauty. After the critical mauling of his Kim Kardashian-starring tale of duplicitous lawyers, All’s Fair, Murphy has returned to safer genre ground. Based on a comic book, the premise of The Beauty is that there is a sexually transmitted disease that causes the infected to transform into a younger and more beautiful version of themselves. As with any good story, diving into the pursuit of perfection, this ‘treatment’ is not foolproof and comes with disastrous and often life-ending consequences. 

So far, The Beauty is performing far better than Murphy’s last venture, likely due to society's obsession with beautiful perfection. If The Beauty has whetted your appetite for more stories chronicling the extreme lengths that people will go to become their most alluring, here’s a handy guide to the more depraved bids for perfection. 

1. The Substance (2024)

Although The Beauty is based on a comic book, there is no denying that the success of Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance had a hand in getting the show greenlit. The film follows Demi Moore’s famous fitness presenter Elisabeth as she resorts to drastic tactics to prevent being replaced by someone younger. After taking a new secret drug, Elisabeth is given a new lease of life via the youthful Sue, but to attain her dreams, the pair must respect the balance. Sue, greedy for the fame and devotion that being young and hot brings, shirks the rules and, in doing so, causes Elisabeth to wither away. Then, during the final act, Monstro Elisasue enters the fray, turning the body horror up several notches.

The Substance also managed the impossible: a horror film that snuck into awards season, earning no less than five Academy Award nominations, and ultimately took home the award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. 

2. Nip/Tuck  (2003)

In 2003, television was in the chokehold of makeover shows, from America’s Next Top Model to Extreme Makeover; audiences were hooked on reality programming focused on being beautiful. It made sense then that fictional television followed suit, and so Nip/Tuck arrived. Also created by Ryan Murphy, the series followed the work and home lives of plastic surgeons McNamara and Troy. 

Quite how the two managed to remain in business for as long as they did remains a mystery, as there were a series of mishaps involving desperate patients, with one memorable instance being a woman who performed her own mastectomy in the surgery waiting room after having her request denied… 

3. American Mary (2013)

The saying is that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and never has that been more prevalent than in the Soska Sisters’ American Mary. Like Nip/Tuck, the film revolves around the world of plastic surgery, but not in the traditional sense: After dropping out of med school due to a horrific event, student Mary winds up being the go-to off-books surgeon for those yearning for some intense body modification. 

These surgeries involved stitching twins (played by the Soskas themselves) together and helping one woman fulfil her dreams of becoming a living doll. For these patients, they achieve the perfection they yearn for, but they awaken Mary’s own drive to be the best at what she does, no matter the cost. 

4. Death Becomes Her (1992)

Before stories of attaining beauty got gnarly and grotesque, Death Becomes Her had audiences enraptured. Starring Goldie Hawn and Meryl Streep, Death Becomes Her pits two frenemies against one another as they try to win the heart of the same man, whilst also fending off their biggest fear: ageing. The pair both drink an elixir that renders them gorgeous, youthful, and immortal. 

Tragically, this appeases neither woman, and their war escalates, leading to necks being twisted to an inhuman degree and shotgun wounds through the midriff. A fantastic black comedy, Death Becomes Her takes some very valid shots at vanity and the beauty business. 

5. The Neon Demon (2016)

Whilst the world of acting can be cruel to ageing stars, modelling is even worse. The world of fashion is obsessed with beauty and perfection, and as such, all models have a shelf life. With such a short span of time to make it, the modelling business is often depicted in the media as being one of the most savage, with characters backstabbing one another at every juncture. 

This is exactly what Nicolas Winding Refn highlights in The Neon Demon. As the far younger Jesse enters the modelling circuit and garners all of the attention, older models Gigi, Ruby, and Sarah become jealous. In a bid to attain some of Jesse’s beauty, the trio literally consume the younger woman, leading to some rather icky sequences in the closing moments. 

6. Eyes Without a Face (1960)

The obsession with beauty is not a recent thing, and the 1960 French film, Eyes Without a Face, is proof of that. Following in the footsteps of the Frankenstein model, Eyes Without a Face follows a doctor who, riddled with guilt for his part in the disfigurement of his once stunningly beautiful daughter, sets about solving the problem. His mission involves kidnapping young women, removing their faces and attempting to graft them onto his daughter’s face. Needless to say, things don’t go well. 

Often overlooked because of its age, Eyes Without a Face covers a lot of themes still prevalent today and is essential viewing for fans of The Beauty. 

7. Starry Eyes (2014)

With their feature debut, Starry Eyes directors Dennis Widmyer and Kevin Kölsch explored the cult of Hollywood. In Starry Eyes, Sarah is a struggling actress, riddled with anxiety and self-loathing. Everything changes, though, after she auditions for the mysterious Astraeus Pictures. Sarah gets the part, but to keep it, she must prove how badly she wants it by shedding all aspects of her former life, including her body. 

The resulting ordeal paints a grotesque visage as Sarah literally rots away in front of the viewer's eyes. This metamorphosis yields breathtaking results, but if this is the process to get into the club, what lengths will she have to resort to to remain? 

8. The Ugly Stepsister (2025)

Cinderella is a story that has been retold countless times in cinema, and yet somehow Norwegian movie The Ugly Stepsister managed to turn the tale on its head. Told from the perspective of one of Cinderella’s stepsisters, the plot sees the rather plain and awkward Elvira go to extreme lengths to become beautiful in time for the Prince’s ball. 

Elvira’s ordeal includes a barbaric nose job, toe-curling eyelash extensions, and a ghastly weight-loss regime involving a parasitic organism. The Ugly Stepsister hammers home the body horror aspect of striving for perfection, and any viewing should very much be nil by mouth. 

It’s set to be the biggest movie of 2026. Hell, Avengers: Doomsday might just become the biggest movie of all time. It’s certainly got the jump on most projects when it comes to cast size, that’s for sure.

Among the well-stocked Avengers: Doomsday cast are several shocking returns for the likes of Steve Rogers, the old X-Men crew, and even the God of Stories, Loki. However, the biggest surprise of them all was that incredible announcement that Robert Downey Jr. would be back – but he isn’t playing the Tony Stark we know and love.

No, this time, he’s taking on the mantle of Doctor Doom. It’s going to be strange seeing our beloved hero playing the villain, but when we look back through key moments in the Iron Man journey, it actually makes more sense than you’d think.

1. Tony Stark Builds the Ultimate Weapon – Iron Man (2008)

While The Incredible Hulk is technically where the MCU began, most would agree that it’s Iron Man that truly kickstarted this mega movie franchise. It’s a truly special superhero origin movie, and a lot of that success is down to how absolutely perfect for the role of Tony Stark Robert Downey Jr. was (and still is).

Amid this tale of one man surviving against all odds thanks to his own initiative and ingenuity, though, it’s worth noting this is also the first sign that Stark could be set on a much darker path. In taking matters into his own hands and building his Iron Man suit, Stark created the ultimate weapon. We know he would go on to put that weapon to good use in protecting the Earth, but in that cave in Afghanistan, Stark also put himself above the law. That’s a dangerous place to be, and his god complex only grows from there on out.

2. Tony Stark Breaks the Laws of Nature – Iron Man 2 (2010)

If we thought building a formidable flying suit of armour set a dangerous precedent for Tony Stark, how about creating a new element on the periodic table? In Iron Man 2, Stark did just that – forget about the law, our hero went above the laws of nature. Now, obviously, he needed the element to save his life, and we have to admit that the discovery of ‘Badassium’ is a massive step for mankind in its pursuit of cleaner energy. However, making that kind of mark on the world was always bound to fuel Stark’s rampant narcissism.

The film itself gets a bit of stick and is widely regarded as one of the weaker Marvel movies from those early days, but I’ve got a real soft spot for Iron Man 2. Maybe it’s Sam Rockwell’s flamboyant performance as Stark’s rival, Justin Hammer. Or maybe it’s the fact that Iron Man is confronted by a genuinely terrifying villain in Whiplash who pushes him to his limit. Either way, it’s a very fun follow-up that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and we all need that vibe sometimes.

3. Tony Stark’s Brush With Death Triggers an Existential Crisis – The Avengers (2012)

If ever there were a huge turning point in a character’s life, it’s this one. In The Avengers, Tony Stark leads the titular team in the battle of New York against Loki and his army of Chitauri. Indeed, if it weren’t for Stark, Loki would have won, Thanos would have got his hands on an Infinity Stone a lot sooner, and the MCU would have come to an abrupt end. Thankfully, though, Stark saved the world by flying a nuclear missile through an alien portal; just a standard day in the life of a superhero!

Not only would this moment have cranked Stark’s hubris up a notch, but there’s no way his brush with the infinite cosmos didn’t have a lasting effect on the psyche of this troubled hero. As we see in later films, Stark is unable to truly get over what happened in New York. And to be fair, neither have we – The Avengers is one of the most impactful superhero movies of all time. Still, Stark’s obsession with saving everything and everyone has not always been a good thing, and we’re pretty sure that mission will align closely with Doom’s objectives in Avengers: Doomsday.

4. Tony Stark’s Past Mistakes Come Back to Haunt Him – Iron Man 3 (2013)

On the surface, Iron Man 3 appears rather disconnected from Stark’s long-term downfall into Doom. Sure, he creates an army of super suits, but he dismantles them by the end of the film. Even the PTSD he suffers in the wake of New York, which hits him incredibly hard throughout this film, is dealt with pretty well by Stark, all things considered. In many ways, I would argue this is the period of Stark’s life where he meets a bit of a fork in the road and appears to have taken the right path. He becomes more humble, admits his flaws, and asks for help. That’s what we call growth!

However, overcoming those issues clearly didn’t fix things in the long run, as we find out from the next five appearances Stark makes in the MCU. As for Iron Man 3 itself, I can’t lie, it’s my least favourite of the Stark solo flicks. There are some really interesting ideas at play, and Guy Pearce makes for a great villain, but I find the plot convoluted, and some of the CGI has aged pretty poorly. Shame, really, as Iron Man was so close to getting a perfect trilogy. 

5. Tony Stark Accidentally Creates a World-Ending Threat – Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

In Avengers: Age of Ultron, Tony Stark does something very rare for him: he makes a massive, world-threatening mistake. Obviously, he means well, but creating an artificial intelligence with the objective of “putting a suit of armour around the world” was never really going to end well, was it? His reckless invention, Ultron, quickly turns on Stark and the Avengers, and the debacle is a perfect example of how easily the billionaire, playboy, philanthropist can lose control when he operates beyond his jurisdiction.

I remember being a bit disappointed by Avengers: Age of Ultron when it first came out, but I’ve since grown to love it after each subsequent rewatch. Ultron is a fantastic robotic villain, bolstered by James Spader’s menacing vocal performance, while the dynamic between Earth’s Mightiest Heroes really moves into fascinating places; I particularly enjoy Hawkeye letting his paternal side show, and the introduction of Wanda Maximoff is very exciting.

6. Tony Stark Refuses to Make Peace With Steve Rogers – Captain America: Civil War (2016)

One of the biggest dilemmas facing film fans in 2016 was deciding whether they were Team Cap or Team Iron Man. Ultimately, we all lost because seeing our beloved heroes beating the crap out of each other was not fun at all. Still, aside from the uninspired airport setting for the climactic fight scene, we can’t deny it was a real treat to see pretty much all the Avengers going toe-to-toe; Captain America: Civil War is a great movie, as painful as it was at the time. 

However, the core storyline in this Captain America threequel is one that divided the heroes in almost irreparable ways, as the concept of placing limitations and rules on the Avengers was put forward by Stark. As we know, Steve Rogers didn’t agree with that, and that conflict really highlighted Tony’s obsession with control and wanting to save the world. It was his way or the highway, and he was prepared to take down anyone who stood against him. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

7. Tony Stark Seeks a Mind to Mould – Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

We’ll not spend too long on this one, which was probably what Robert Downey Jr. said when he was asked to cameo in Spider-Man: Homecoming, but there are some interesting parallels between Tony Stark and Doctor Doom here. When he swoops in to mentor Peter Parker, Stark is clearly looking to shape the brilliant young minds of the world.

As we’ve seen in the Fantastic Four: The First Steps post-credits scene and through hints in the new Avengers: Doomsday trailers, Doom is taking an interest in powerful young characters, too. Coincidence? We think not!

8. Tony Stark Suffers His Biggest Loss Yet – Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

In the first of the monumental Avengers double-bill, Tony suffers a devastating blow as Thanos turns up and does what very few villains have been able to do: he wins. Despite Stark’s best efforts, he is powerless to beat the Mad Titan in Avengers: Infinity War. Trying to save the universe and failing destroys Stark’s self-esteem and mental state, dredging up that PTSD from the Battle of New York all over again.

Let’s also not forget that Thanos literally throws a moon at Iron Man’s head. A very cool moment, of course, but also a very painful one for our hero. It’s just one of many incredible moments in this film, culminating in that shocking snap that kills half of all life in the universe. It’s quite refreshing to see the heroes lose now and again, isn’t it?

9. Tony Stark Gets Godlike Power – Avengers: Endgame (2019)

What was refreshing for the audience was gruelling for Tony Stark, and we can see the toll that defeat takes on him when he returns to Earth at the start of Avengers: Endgame. However, he more than redeems himself by the time the movie wraps up. Not only does Tony crack the puzzle of time travel, furthering his idea that he has control over the laws of nature, but he also becomes the undisputed most powerful being in the universe when he harnesses the Infinity Stones and snaps Thanos away.

Now I know what you’re thinking, this kills Tony Stark, right? Well, yes. Probably. But, if we assume the course of events that played out during Avengers: Endgame have some impact on the version of Stark we see in Doomsday, it’s safe to say that his hubris would be out of control after having embraced the power of a god. He quite literally alters reality and helps reverse the deaths of countless beings across the universe, while sacrificing everything to do so. If that doesn’t sound like the makings of an unstable supervillain, I don’t know what does.

Johannes Roberts’ Primate hits UK cinemas at the end of January. Featuring rabid chimp Ben turning on the family that raised him and packed full of some truly gnarly gore, Primate really earns its 18 certificate. It also does nothing to quell the distrust of chimpanzees that Jordan Peele perpetuated with THAT scene in Nope… 

It is left to returning college student Lucy, along with her friends and younger sister, to do battle with Ben, leading to some horribly intense sequences that will have cinema viewers gasping for air. Ben is not the first animal to attack a human on screen; there is a whole sub-genre of cinema dedicated to the phenomenon. The grandaddy of them all is, of course, Jaws, but movie history is littered with thousands of examples of beast versus man, and it’s time that these films step out from Jaws’ formidable shadow to have their moment in the sun. So, settle down as we take a wander down memory lane of some of the greatest and wildest animal attack movies. 

1. Cujo (1983)

Like Ben in Primate, the titular Cujo in the adaptation of Stephen King’s novel contracts rabies. Before succumbing to the illness, Cujo is a loveable Saint Bernard, but once the sickness takes hold, every element of the previously soft-as-butter pooch vanishes. 

Dogs are meant to be man’s best friend, and to see one turn against them is horrifying, especially when Cujo sets his sights on Dee Wallace’s Donna and her young son, Tad. The battle between mother and beast is a stomach-churning ordeal that will make you think twice during your next viewing of Beethoven. For more dogs gone wild, please also see the misleadingly named Man’s Best Friend. 

2. Arachnophobia (1990)

Rumours have been circulating for years that the spider-infestation movie Arachnophobia is getting a remake. Such a movie is not required, though, as the original still gets the skin crawling for arachnophobes and spider pals alike. The plot revolves around a small American town that gets overrun with super venomous (and seemingly intelligent) spiders. 

It’s pure nightmare fuel for those with an aversion to spiders; several sequences from Arachnophobia – such as the one involving the lamp – are seared into my retinas forevermore. If somehow this film has lost its effect on you, then check out French spider-based offering Infested for a bathroom scene that will haunt your dreams. 

3. The Birds (1963)

When discussing films about animals going on the attack, it would be remiss to omit one of Alfred Hitchcock’s greatest works, The Birds. In this classic film, Tippi Hedren’s school teacher Melanie arrives in a small coastal town to undertake a new job. However, something odd is going on with the avian population… 

While The Birds builds to all-out bird rage, with the winged animals swooping down and attacking everyone that moves, the most chilling moment comes outside the school when Melanie steps outside and is surrounded by hundreds of creepily still birds. 

4. Crawl (2019)

Animal attack movies are – thanks to Jaws – dominated by shark movies, but a close second are those featuring either a crocodile or an alligator. The prehistoric creatures are a deadly foe, and so rather than being strict works of fiction, films such as Crawl can be viewed as a cautionary tale. 

Hopefully, no one reading this will find themselves trapped inside their home during a hurricane with an alligator stalking around inside, but if you are unfortunate enough to, just remember the tactics of Crawl’s Haley to increase your chances of survival. Those with an appetite for more ‘gator, croc carnage, and survival prep should also seek out Rogue, Black Water, Alligator, and Lake Placid, with Croc! purely for the most thorough preppers. 

5. Piranha 3D (2010)

The second entry after Crawl to be directed by Alexandre Aja, Piranha 3D pits spring break revellers against an ancient breed of piranha who are freed from who knows where during an earthquake. 

Part sex-comedy, part animal attack movie, Piranha 3D is proof that these types of films don’t have to be played deadly seriously; indeed, embracing kitsch and camp is far more entertaining than it has any right to be here. For a slightly more serious approach to the story, check out the original Piranha and its sequel, Piranha II: The Spawning (the latter purely to see just how far James Cameron has come as a director). 

6. Burning Bright (2010)

After rising to fame in Step Up 2: The Streets, Briana Evigan moved into horror movies, starring in Mother’s Day, Sorority Row, and the lesser-known Burning Bright. Set during a hurricane, Burning Bright finds Evigan’s Kelly battling, not only the elements, but also a vicious tiger that her deadbeat stepdad stole her savings to buy. 

Anyone who has watched their cat hunt knows exactly how sadistic they can be; times that by ten, and you get the savageness of the rather angry giant kitty here. Those wishing to see a fairer fight between human and big cat should give Beast a whirl; it features Sir Idris Elba battling a lion in the African wilderness. 

7.  Snakes on a Plane (2006)

Sometimes in film, the attacking animals need some gentle encouragement – as seen in Snakes on a Plane. During Snakes on a Plane, an assassin unleashes a crate full of venomous snakes onto a flight from Hawaii to Los Angeles in an attempt to kill a key witness in the trial of a mob boss. Unfortunately for said assassin and the snakes, FBI Neville Flynn (played by Samuel L. Jackson) is also onboard and makes it his mission to save everyone. 

Although the snakes on display here are technically pawns, the hoard still has tons of fun killing off a variety of tropey tourists. Worth a watch purely to hear Jackson’s now iconic line about getting the snakes off the plane. Find more slithery scares in King Cobra, Vipers, and Anaconda. 

8. Cocaine Bear (2023)

Bear encounters and attacks are a very real threat. Those visiting certain parts of the world are warned of the dangers of the behemoth animals, encouraged to follow a strict set of rules regarding the maintenance of food, and briefed on what to do should they find themselves face-to-face with a bear. None of this advice is of any use in Elizabeth Banks’ Cocaine Bear. 

Because bear attack movies such as Backcountry and The Revenant aren’t violent enough, the bear here is – as the title suggests – under the influence of a whole lot of cocaine. The result is a very hungry, very violent bear that merrily chomps its way through an entire national park of people. 

9. Black Sheep (2006)

Whereas animals such as tigers, lions, bears, and alligators are clearly to be approached with caution, whether they are attacking or not, the humble sheep is harmless, right? Wrong! At least for those under siege by a genetically mutated flock in the New Zealand animal attack comedy Black Sheep. As the animals rip their way through the local population, it is left to sheep-phobic Henry and a skeleton team to stop the bloodthirsty woolly jumpers. 

As silly as it sounds, Black Sheep is a baa-rmy movie that proves even the most docile of animals can become feral. For a similarly strange viewing experience and mind-melting double-bill, queue up sloth slasher Slotherhouse.

10. Congo (1995)

Way before Nope and Primate had audiences wary of chimps, the film Congo had viewers terrified of gorillas. Based on the novel by Jurassic Park author Michael Crichton, Congo follows a diamond-hunting expedition that is attacked by a territorial clan of exceptionally violent grey mountain gorillas. 

Released in the UK as a 12, Congo did not shy away from the gore, traumatising an entire generation with the inclusion of a severed eyeball in its opening moments. 

Having played a central role in revitalising the horror genre, with Evil Dead, and the superhero genre, with his Spider-Man trilogy, Sam Raimi can rightly claim to be one of the most influential filmmakers of the last 40 years. 

Despite that admirable longevity, he continues to make movies with the same creative verve and youthful energy that once marked him as a director to watch. His 2022 addition to the MCU, Doctor Strange and The Multiverse of Madness, boasted a delightful number of Raimi-coded moments, and his new movie, Send Help, isn’t short on them, either. Like his contemporaries in American cinema (Spike Lee, Tarantino, Gus Van Sant), Raimi appears to have retained a pure excitement for the artform, even after four decades in the business—during which he went variably in and out of fashion in an industry that never seemed to fully know what to do with him. 

With Send Help, a desert island black comedy starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brein, opening wide across UK cinemas, it feels like as good a time as any to round up the director’s ten best—which I’ve arranged below in ascending order. Read on to discover more about the Raimi canon and use the guide below to find them on services like AppleTV, Netflix, Prime Video and elsewhere.  

10. Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

I always got the sense that Raimi landed the job of directing Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness by allowing his versions of the Green Goblin and Doctor Octopus to appear in Spider-Man: No Way Home. Whether or not that’s true, I still think the MCU benefited from having a dash of the director’s idiosyncrasies in the mix, if only for a short time. 

This was the period when Marvel Studios began to experiment with other genres (anyone remember Werewolf by Night?), so even if the story gets a little lost in the multiversal soup at times, there are plenty of delightful moments for fans of Raimi’s Evil Dead movies (or even the recent reboot) to enjoy. 

9. Darkman (1990)

It’s true: somewhere in between making Excalibur, Schindler’s List and Husbands and Wives, Liam Neeson made a horror/noir/superhero movie with Sam Raimi called Darkman. If you haven’t seen it, the story focuses on a doctor who survives an assault and then uses his research in synthetic skin to reconstruct his face before seeking out revenge on those who wronged him.

Raimi had originally planned to adapt The Shadow but ended up blending elements of that character with a couple of famous tropes from Universal Horror. If you’re open to genre movies with a slightly camp and very comic booky approach (like Burton’s Batman, though not as good), you might really appreciate it. 

8. A Simple Plan (1998)

If you consider that there are two trilogies in Raimi’s 16 feature films as director to date, it’s remarkable that he’s been able to experiment with so many different genres in that time. His 1999 sports movie, For the Love of the Game, probably did a better job with the “Game” part than the “Love” part, but A Simple Plan, released the year before, was a relatively successful exercise in neo-noir.

Starring Billy-Bob Thornton, Bill Paxton and Brigette Fonda, the story centres on four friends who discover a bag of money and their subsequent attempts to hide it—at first from the authorities but eventually from each other, too. If you’re a fan of movies like Blood Simple or Shallow Grave, this one will be right up your alley.  

7. The Quick and the Dead (1995)

Before tackling the sports movie and the neo-noir, Raimi set his sights on the Western genre with 1995’s wildly entertaining The Quick and the Dead. It’s especially notable for featuring a young Leonardo DiCaprio, a year or so on from earning an Oscar nomination for What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, but before going into the Hollywood stratosphere with Romeo + Juliet and Titanic. 

Despite Leo’s presence alongside Sharon Stone and Gene Hackman, the duelling gunslinger movie proved to be a disappointment both financially and with critics at the time, but it’s aged very well. For better or worse, we probably have to thank Joss Whedon, who contributed to the script’s punchy dialogue, for its longevity. So, if you’re a fan of Buffy or Firefly, add it to the watch list. 

6. Send Help (2026)

It’s probably helped by recency bias, but Send Help makes the top six for brightening up a particularly chilly month of releases at the multiplex. The plot follows the newly appointed CEO of a powerful company who denies his employee a promotion that was promised to her by his father before he stepped down. This volatile situation is exacerbated when the plane taking them to Bangkok crash-lands on a desert island, meaning that they’ll have to work together (or not) to survive. 

The movie was written by Mark Swift and Damian Shannon, whose previous credits include Shark Tale and the 2009 reboot of Friday the 13th—so don’t go in expecting Citizen Kane. What you can expect are plenty of Raimi’s signature horror flourishes and two game performances from McAdams (always a delight) and O’Brien (an actor who is quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s best go-to ‘assholes’). 

5. Spider-Man (2002)

After two decades of superhero movie dominance, it’s hard to imagine a time when that genre was not all-conquering at the cinema. Burton’s Batman movies had been a false dawn, and the genre wouldn’t really find its footing again until X-Men was released in 2001. Raimi’s first Spider-Man, starring Toby Maguire and Kirsten Dunst, didn’t just bring another fresh jolt of energy to superhero filmmaking; it basically cracked the recipe of humour, action and sentimentality that would later become the blueprint for the MCU.

Raimi’s sequel (more on that in a moment) is naturally better remembered, but this first instalment, which features an iconic performance by Willem Defoe, is still a banger. A movie so influential that, 24 years later, it’s still inspiring memes. 

4. Drag Me to Hell (2009)

After the mauling he received for Spider-Man 3 (a movie that, I’m sad to say, did not make this list), it’s fair to say that Sam Raimi needed a win. The director didn’t take long to win audiences and critics back over, however, and he did it by returning to the genre that made him famous, delivering one of the best horror movies of the 21st century in the process.

Drag Me to Hell stars Alison Lohman as a loan manager who, in an attempt to placate her boss, denies an elderly Romani woman’s request to extend her mortgage payments. Of course, in a moment of pure B-movie bad taste, the woman puts a curse on her, and we simply grit our teeth and watch as her nightmare unfolds. It’s a delightfully entertaining and nasty film—somewhere in the vein of Hereditary or The First Omen—that leaves you with a terrifying feeling of dread. 

3. Spider-Man 2 (2004)

Finally, we get to Spider-Man 2, a movie that some people still consider to be the best superhero movie ever made. I’m not here to make that call, but I will say that the sequence on the train still gets me every time. The same goes for Alfred Molina’s incredibly touching performance as Otto Octavius. I’ll never quite understand why Jon Watts didn’t ask him to use his “Peter Park, brilliant but lazy” line in No Way Home. 

Whatever about all that, Raimi’s second spidey installment still absolutely rips as a pure action film—the fights between Doc Oc and Spider-Man, especially the one where they’re flinging bags of loot at each other on the side of a skyscraper, are still some of the most kinetic we’ve seen in a superhero movie. If you’re only familiar with the character from the Tom Holland years (as in Homecoming and Endgame), I highly recommend going back to give Raimi’s trilogy a watch.

2 & 1. The Evil Dead/The Evil Dead 2 (1981, 1987)

Given the impact of both movies and given how Sam Raimi effectively rebooted the first Evil Dead when he returned with a bigger budget to make Evil Dead II, I think I’m within my rights to place the two of them in joint first place. Watching the 1981 original again, a cabin in the woods style creep-out movie, it’s still thrilling to see how inventive the young Raimi was, conjuring tricks with the camera that you can still see traces of in Doctor Strange, a full 40+ years later. 

When Raimi returned with Evil Dead II, he brought back Bruce Campbell as Ash but made a few key changes: notably doing away with the infamous tree rape scene and leaning more towards the film’s humorous side, with some scenes even bordering on slapstick. That Evil Dead II relishes in that absurdity while still staying true to its creepy tone is one of the reasons why Raimi quickly became known as a master of genre, paving the way for everything that’s come since.

A once glamorous and feared institution reduced to crumbling decadence, scandal and petty in-fighting, forced to rumble forward in the shadow of former glories with all the finesse of a rudderless oil tanker, all overseen by a knight of the Kingdom who seems happier burning millions on shiny new toys than providing his subjects with free lunches… 

If the current malaise at Manchester United football club isn’t enough of a weekly “The Crown-style” TV show, it’ll certainly do until the newly announced one gets here. That’s right, Lionsgate (the Hollywood studio behind John Wick and The Hunger Games) has announced plans to develop a TV show based on the most decorated club in English football history. 

Naturally, everything is still in the early stages of production, but some information is filtering out, and we can do our best to speculate. Read on to discover more and use the guide below to find other football-focused movies and shows on services like AppleTV, Netflix, Prime Video and elsewhere. 

What We Know So Far About the Man United TV Show

With the announcement only arriving recently, very little about the show has been revealed. In fact, aside from directly referencing The Crown as an inspiration, the only name to be mentioned so far is that of Jed Mercurio, the writer and creator of the acclaimed BBC police procedural Line of Duty. 

United were actually in line to have their own behind-the-scenes show on Amazon this season, but pulled the plug after the difficult end of Ruben Amorim’s first season in charge, which ended with a dispiriting loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final. Though some non-United football fans were probably disappointed to hear that news, this supposedly “multimillion-pound” deal does sound like the more agreeable option.

The fact that The Crown was specifically mentioned, however, does lead one to think that a multi-season arc is possible, with standalone episodes focusing on significant events rather than a typical week-by-week narrative format. If that’s the case, there is certainly more than enough material out there for the writers to work with. Perhaps the first arc could focus on the Busby years, building to the Munich air disaster and ending with them winning their first European Cup a decade later. Another season or two could focus on the Alex Ferguson years—with episodes on Eric Cantona’s kung-fu kick, the 1999 treble-winning season, Ronaldo’s arrival, or the turmoil of the post-Fergie years. 

Much like The Crown, the series can begin in sepia-tinted nostalgia, enjoy some decadent, main character tabloid energy in the 1990s, then show how things began to unravel.

Are There Any Casting Rumours For the Man U Show Yet?

So far, not a peep, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get a few going. Éanna Hardwicke has been picking up award nominations for his portrayal of Roy Keane in Glenn Leyburn and Lisa Barros D’Sa’s Saipan. Is it so crazy to think he could show up here, in some kind of extended universe-style crossover? Or why not just get Brett Goldstein for the role—an actor who essentially played an anglophile version of Keane (subtly named Roy Kent) for three seasons of Ted Lasso. 

Ferguson will naturally be the choice role and should go to a distinguished Scot—perhaps Peter Mullen for the early, rosie-cheeked days and Brian Cox for the later, craggier years. There will also, inevitably, need to be a multi-episode arc dedicated to David Beckham’s early years (which could be a nice gig for someone like Louis Partridge) and another for Eric Cantona’s. The latter will be tougher to nail, but somebody like Aubry Dillon—an actor who did a great Jean Paul-Belmondo last year in Nouvelle Vague—could have the required je ne sais quoi.

Has a Football Drama Series Ever Been Tried Before?

To put it briefly, not really. For whatever reason, football—certainly in the way it’s watched and consumed in the UK and Ireland—has proven itself to basically be movie kryptonite. 

American and British filmmakers have done alright when focusing on hooligan culture (think Green Street, The Football Factory), but they’ve mostly struggled to find ways to express or romanticise the fatalistic, self-deprecating humour of most football fans. The most notorious attempt at shoehorning the sport into the framework of a Hollywood sports movie was the catastrophic Goal! films. Is there just something about football that makes it impossible to approach with the same wide-eyed wonder of movies like Moneyball or Any Given Sunday?

When you think about it, the most popular football-related entertainment ever made, Ted Lasso, is basically about that clash of sensibilities. The pageantry and the stop-and-start nature of American sports have always made them easier for filmmakers to dramatise, but as Luca Guadagnino's Challengers and even Heated Rivalry have shown, there are ways to make any sport look cool and sexy. 

Most people who saw Normal People probably had never heard of Gaelic football before watching it, but the way that Paul Mescal went in for that tackle in the first episode did, in its own way, help to establish the actor as a desirable leading man. Football is still the most popular game in the world—it’s kind of crazy that no one’s quite cracked it. 

Football Shows & Movies to Watch in the Meantime

There are fewer good ones than there should be, but there are a handful. There’s no point in going into documentaries here, but Asif Kapadia’s films on Diego Maradona and Kenny Dalglish are unorthodox enough to at least warrant a mention. Fans of that fiery Argentinian can also check out Paulo Sorrentino’s Hand of God, a sun-drenched and semi-autobiographical ode to the director’s younger days in Naples, set around the time when the player arrived. 

Saipan, which I mentioned earlier, does manage to capture a truly polarising moment in Irish sport with a great deal of swagger and style—though Mick McCarthy fans should be warned, the film and Steve Coogan’s performance kind of amount to a bit of a drive-by.

All in all, however, Tom Hooper’s The Damned United will likely be the one that ends up sharing the most DNA with Lionsgate’s planned Man United show. That film, which told the story of Brian Clough’s short-lived tenure as Leeds manager in 1974, was gritty, claustrophobic and atmospheric. It also gave you a tactile sense of the game, the fickle unpredictability of football fans and what goes on behind the scenes of the world’s most successful clubs. It was also written by Peter Morgan, who went on to create The Crown—how’s that for a full circle moment?

It has been 20 years since Ang Lee became the first Asian to win Best Director at the Academy Awards with Brokeback Mountain. Starring the late Heath Ledger as Ennis and Jake Gyllenhaal as Jack, it chronicles the story of two cowboys struggling to fight for their love within a time period when same-sex coupling was forbidden. Swathed in beautiful exchanges of intimacy and declarations of not being able to ‘quit’ one another, Lee’s golden statue was hard-earned. 

Not only did Brokeback Mountain prove that Lee was a master behind the camera, but the film also opened up audiences’ eyes to the world of queer cinema. Stories of those within the LGBTQ+ community have obviously always existed, but with Brokeback Mountain, it was proven that they could push into the mainstream psyche. Without Lee’s film, there would almost certainly be no Booksmart, Pillion, or Red, White and Royal Blue. But what other films have been able to run because Brokeback Mountain walked? Read on to discover some of the greatest LGBTQ+ films of the last two decades.

1. Tangerine (2015)

Before director Sean Baker wowed the Academy with Anora, he was making waves with Tangerine. Far more than just one of the first films to be shot almost entirely on an iPhone, Tangerine is a chaotic Christmas-set story of two transgender sex workers in Los Angeles. When one discovers her partner is cheating on her, the pair begin a laser-focused mission to find and take down the other woman. The story is kept light, but Tangerine blends aspects of both Go and Clerks, making it entertaining and endearing whilst also giving great agency to trans characters. 

2. The Handmaiden (2016)

Although snubbed by the Academy – somehow not garnering a single nomination – Park Chan-wook’s The Handmaiden is a sumptuous tale of forbidden love, escaping oppression, and twists aplenty. Told across three distinct parts, the film is a reworking of the Sarah Waters novel, Fingersmith, switching the Victorian setting to 1930s Korea, when it was under Japanese rule. The story follows a Korean pickpocket who is coerced into posing as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress so that a dastardly count can wed her and steal her money. Unfortunately (or not really) for him, the two women fall in love and work together to overthrow the patriarchy. 

3. Moonlight (2016)

Although infamous for that blunder at the Academy Awards, Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight is a film worthy of notoriety for more than just an embarrassing mix-up. The rightful (sorry, La La Land) winner of Best Picture, Moonlight chronicles the coming-of-age story of Chiron. Following him from a child to man, Moonlight explores not only themes of masculinity and sexuality, but also specifically addresses the extra complexities of gay life through the lens of a Black man. Beautifully shot and featuring some incredible performances, especially from Mahershala Ali, Moonlight might be one of the most significant LGBTQ+ films, not just of the last two decades, but ever.

4. Call Me By Your Name (2017)

Luca Guadagnino’s Call Me By Your Name almost did as much for peaches as it did queer cinema. Primarily set in the summer of 1983, it follows the illicit love affair of 17-year-old Elio (Timothee Chalamet) and 24-year-old Oliver (Armie Hammer). The pair's dalliance is brief, but full of yearning, sensuality, and yes, peaches. Although a near overwhelming hit with critics, Call Me By Your Name did prove divisive, with some unhappy about the portrayal of the age-gap, especially surrounding Oliver. This, however, doesn’t stop it from being an important text and is one that has become synonymous with queer cinema. 

5. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)

Portrait of a Lady on Fire is another popular queer film centred on an intense and short same-sex relationship. In Céline Sciamma’s French delight, the story travels back to the 18th century and sees an artist and her subject fall passionately in love with one another. Sadly, their love cannot last, with the artist due home, and her muse set to marry. Full of unbridled lust, Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a seductive and emotional tale of longing and the lasting impression some trysts can leave. Director Céline Sciamma also became the first female director to win the Cannes Queer Palm.  

6. Femme (2023)

So often, stories centred around queerness feel compelled to take place in the past. There seems to be a misconception that only in history did people struggle with their sexual identity, but as films such as Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping’s Femme highlight, this is not strictly true. Expanded from their short of the same name, Femme embraces a modern setting whilst also shifting from the traditional romantic framework to explore darker elements. Starring George MacKay and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Femme tells the intoxicating and complex story of closeted Preston and out and proud Jules. 

Not strictly a love story, Femme sees drag queen Jules seduce Preston as vengeance for a homophobic attack, unwittingly placing both of them in extreme danger. It’s one of the most suffocatingly intense movies that you’re ever likely to see. 

7. All of Us Strangers (2023)

With All of Us Strangers, director Andrew Haigh takes the heteronormative story within Taichi Yamada’s source novel, Strangers, and gives it a queer makeover. In doing so, Haigh creates one of the most emotionally devastating movies of the last 20 years. Starring Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal as Adam and Harry, All of Us Strangers is a haunting story of grief, isolation, and the beauty of connection. Scott and Mescal sizzle whenever they are on screen together, but be warned, this one has an intense gut-punch that never fails to get the tears flowing. Be prepared to never be able to hear Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s Power of Love in the same way again. 

8. Love Lies Bleeding (2024)

Having wowed the genre crowds with her debut feature, Saint Maud, all eyes were on director Rose Glass’ next offering, Love Lies Bleeding. Rather than stick within the horror playground, Glass moved into crime thriller territory, throwing in a lesbian couple to rival Bound’s Jennifer Tilly and Gina Gershon. Set in small-town America, sometime during the 80s, Love Lies Bleeding sees Kristen Stewart’s gym manager fall for a new-to-town aspiring bodybuilder played by Katy O’Brien. The path of true love is not smooth, though, and is instead littered with murder, steroids, and tyrannical estranged fathers. Love Lies Bleeding shares the same gritty texture as Bound, but offers an otherworldly spin that leaves jaws dropped. 

9. I Saw the TV Glow (2024)

Along with Vera Drew and Alice Maio Mackay, Jane Schoenbrun is one of the most exciting and experimental queer voices working in film today. Their feature debut, We’re All Going to the World’s Fair, is a mesmeric and haunting slice of Creepypasta that commanded attention, but it is Schoenbrun's I Saw the TV Glow that really hits home. Starring Justice Smith and Jack Haven, the film finds two teens drawn together by their shared love of the TV show, The Pink Opaque, but then one of them disappears, leaving the other to navigate the world alone. I Saw the TV Glow has been lauded as a beautiful metaphor for the trans experience and is also a film for those who are partial to some ‘90s nostalgia and neon hues.   

10. Queens of the Dead (2025)

If the surname doesn’t give it away, Tina Romero is the daughter of George A. Romero, the grandaddy of the zombie movie. A writer and director in her own right, given Romero’s heritage, it seemed only right that she follow in her father’s footsteps for her feature debut, Queens of the Dead. Rather than stick to the work her father did in the likes of Night of the Living Dead, Tina Romero gave the zombie genre a sparkly upgrade, pitting Brooklyn drag queens against the rather fabulous-looking undead. Featuring zombies with glittery skin to rival Edward Cullen, and laughs aplenty, Queens of the Dead proves that horror can be both queer and hilarious. 

If we take the Sundance Film Festival as our starting point—where a number of this year’s nominees premiered last January and a few of next year’s might be premiering as you read this—we are now 12 months into this year’s Oscars race. As of the 22nd January, we finally have our nominees, and they’re about as wide-ranging as any group in the awards’ history.

For the next few weeks, all involved will be asked to glam it up for a gauntlet of precursor ceremonies (including the DGA, SAG and BAFTA) before the Oscars are awarded on March 15th. By that point, we’ll have a clearer idea of who’s out in front, but for now, at least, a lot of the biggies still feel up for grabs—with One Battle After Another, Sinners and Hamnet in what looks like a dead heat for the big prize.

For anyone who still has a few blind spots, there’s still plenty of time to catch up on the movies you might have missed from this year’s crop. Read on to discover more about the ten Best Picture nominees and use the guide below to find a wide range of this year’s Oscar films, either in cinemas or on services like AppleTV, Netflix, Prime Video and elsewhere. 

Bugonia

Adapted from a popular 2003 South Korean cult classic called Save the Green Planet!, Bugonia stars Emma Stone in the story of a wealthy tech CEO who’s abducted by two brothers who think she’s an alien. 

The movie, if you haven’t guessed already, is the latest absurdist gem from Yorgos Lanthimos, a Greek Weird Wave legend who has in recent years become an unlikely Academy darling. This is Lanthimos’ third film to be nominated for Best Picture, after The Favourite and Poor Things, so make sure to check it out if you’re a fan of his work and also appreciate stories with a darker, sci-fi edge—like Black Mirror.

F1

Ever since its earliest public screenings back in June, there’s been constant chatter about a potential Best Picture nomination for Joseph Kosinski’s F1 at the Oscars. Still, its eventual inclusion over movies like Avatar: Fire and Ash and It Was Just an Accident has come as a bit of a shock.

F1 stars Brad Pitt as a veteran racecar driver who agrees to help fine-tune an up-and-coming track star while also taking on a few more laps himself. If you’re curious about the vibe, the movie is the director’s follow-up to Top Gun: Maverick and actually offers some similar thrills—to put it briefly: if that earlier movie put you in the cockpit, this one puts you behind the wheel. 

Frankenstein

After premiering to a warm but not spectacular reception in Venice, few would have predicted that Guillermo Del Toro’s Frankenstein would still be so relevant this deep into awards season. In the end, the director’s Netflix-backed passion project (Shelley’s book and James Whale’s original movie have always been his key artistic inspirations) ended up with nine nominations—though Elordi’s dark horse position in Best Supporting actor looks like it's only chance of a win outside the crafts.

We shall know in future not to underestimate Del Toro’s popularity with the Academy—lest we forget, his The Shape of Water managed to beat Dunkirk, Lady Bird, Phantom Thread and Get Out to best picture in 2018.

Hamnet

At the time of writing, no marketing team has been putting in the awards work quite like the team behind Chloe Zhao’s Hamnet—a movie that is currently attempting (and possibly succeeding) to beat the ‘grief porn’ allegations one expertly curated Instagram post at a time.  

The film stars Jessie Buckley (a favourite to win after her nomination for The Lost Daughter) and Paul Mescal (a nominee for Aftersun who just missed the cut this time out) as Agnes and William Shakespeare in a historically loose but emotionally resonant story about grief and loss. There will be no shortage of critical furore if it wins, but if audience awards are anything to go by, everyone else seems to love it. 

Marty Supreme

2025 was the year when the Safdie brothers (the directors behind Good Time and Uncut Gems) split up—at least temporarily. Benny went and made The Smashing Machine, which picked up a nomination in Makeup and Hairstyling but probably expected more, and Josh made Marty Supreme, which fared a whole lot better with both audiences and the Academy.

The 50s-set story is loosely based on Marty Reisman, a real-life NYC table tennis hustler. He’s played by Best Actor favourite Timothée Chalamet in a movie that, like much of the brothers’ best work, is cool, stylish and compellingly stressful. 

One Battle After Another

It’s a major blot on the last quarter-century of the Academy’s history that Paul Thomas Anderson has yet to win one of these things. The director is as L.A. as they come, a literal child of Hollywood who has been nominated 14 times already and lost every one of them, the first (for Boogie Nights) coming when he was 27-years-old. With ten movies and counting in the bag (including a few all-timers like There Will Be Blood and The Master), he’s essentially never missed. Has any director ever been this “overdue” before?

Anderson’s latest, One Battle After Another, is a rip-roaring movie about a hapless and ageing revolutionary (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) attempting to save his daughter from an old and menacing foe (Sean Penn). It won pretty much every major critical award at the end of the year and currently looks to have the edge in most major categories… for now. 

The Secret Agent

Ten years after deciding to diversify its voting body, and seven years after Parasite happened, we’ve reached a point where it’s not so surprising to see a selection of International films vying for the biggest prizes at the Oscars. That said, the 2026 Best Picture nominations for The Secret Agent (Brazil) and Sentimental Value (Norway)—alongside English language movies from Del Toro (Mexico), Lanthimos (Greece) and Zhao (China)—have set another high watermark.

After winning at the Golden Globes, Kleber Mendonça Filho’s The Secret Agent now looks to be the favourite in a particularly competitive Best International Film category. Set in Recife in the 1970s, it’s an ode to the great conspiracy movies of that era (Parallax View and All the President’s Men) in the same way that Filho’s earlier movie, Bacarau, was an ode to the work of John Carpenter. It’s also a gorgeous period piece that fans of Roma, in particular, will love. 

Sentimental Value

Outside of those Best Picture nominations, the most notable non-English language representation at this year’s Oscars is in the acting categories, where Agent’s handsome leading man, Wagner Moura, is joined by three European members of the cast of Sentimental Value: Stellan Skarsgård, Renate Reinsve and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas—as well as Elle Fanning.

This feels like a particularly deserved win for a film that really puts its actors front and centre, giving them plenty of meaty scenes to chew on. Directed by Joachim Trier (The Worst Person in the World), the film tells the story of a filmmaker (Skarsgård) attempting to reconnect with his two daughters (an actress played by Reinsve and a mother of two played by Lilleaas) while also trying to make a movie with an American (played by Fanning). We suggest packing a few tissues. 

Sinners

Last week, Ryan Coogler’s Sinners made history by becoming the first film to receive 16 Oscar nominations, beating the previous record holder by two—not bad for a Jim Crow era-set vampire movie containing a scene in which Hailee Steinfeld spits into Michael B. Jordan’s mouth.

If you’re yet to see it, try to imagine Coogler’s formidable directorial style (Black Panther, Creed) but through the lens of stylish horror films like Near Dark and From Dusk Till Dawn. At the time of writing, it’s still an outside bet for the biggies—but that momentum is growing. 

Train Dreams

Clint Bentley’s Train Dreams premiered at the Sundance Film Festival a year ago and has been steadily winning over fans ever since with its cinematic sweep (reminiscent of Terrence Malick films like The Tree of Life) and its thoughtful and heartfelt depictions of early 20th-century life. 

Starring Joel Edgerton (Warrior) in a career-best performance, Bentley’s film has now ridden that wave of word-of-mouth all the way to the Oscars. It looks like it might only make up the numbers in the four categories it’s been recognised in, but I suspect it’ll be roundly applauded for making it this far, all the same.

If you have even the slightest interest in romance and/or LGBTQ media, you can’t have missed the international Canadian sensation, Heated Rivalry.

Adapted from Rachel Reid’s book series, the six-episode series, which hit UK screens this month after conquering its domestic and neighbouring American market, focuses on a hidden relationship between Canadian and Russian ice hockey pros, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. Their steamy, no-strings-attached hook-ups slowly build into something more romantic, taking them on separate but entwined journeys of self-discovery, heartache, and ambition.

If you’re also anything like me, you’ll have devoured those six episodes quicker than a puck hitting the back of a net and will spend the next year pining for Season 2. In the meantime, there’s a whole subgenre of ‘Boys Love’ – same-sex male romances predominantly made by and for women – films and shows to ease your yearning. 

1. Yuri On Ice (2016)

This sadly short-lived anime series was the first thing I thought of when I heard about Heated Rivalry. If I went down the anime recommendations route, we’d be here for considerably longer, as manga and anime are the mediums from which ‘Boys Love’ as a marketable thing originates. But we can’t talk about gay winter sports shows without giving Yuri on Ice its due.

When down-on-his-luck professional figure skater Yuri gets the chance to be mentored by his skating idol, Victor, he not only finds a path back to athletic greatness, but also into the arms of the silver-haired man of his dreams. There’s some Heated Rivalry tension in the presence of his firecracker Russian counterpart, also, hilariously, named Yuri, but the romance and main obstacle to said romance is a teacher/student rather than rival setup. It’s also animated by MAPPA, better known these days for shonen titles like Chainsaw Man and Jujutsu Kaisen, so you can expect it to look as good as it feels to watch. 

2. 10 Dance (2025)

Another Japanese offering, but live-action this time. Based on Inouesatoh’s manga series of the same name, 10 Dance is another rivals-turned-lovers story in a competitive setting – this time, dancing. Shinya Sugiki is the king of ballroom, while Shinya Suzuki is the Latin prince. When they team up to learn each other’s art and compete in the ‘10 dance’ championship, an unforeseen attraction builds, one that they can only stifle for so long.

This film adaptation is definitely flawed: Suzuki’s Latin heritage comes with some clumsy stereotyping, and the climax feels unrealistically cheesy. However, the two leads do have irresistible chemistry and impressive dancing ability, and while the steamiest scenes don’t go as far as Heated Rivalry, you’ll certainly feel the same cathartic flutter seeing them finally get some pent-up lust out of their systems. 

3. Red, White & Royal Blue (2023)

Our first and not our last inclusion of bisexual favourite Nicholas Galitzine on this list. If you like a transatlantic romance (ala The Holiday, Love Actually, etc.), then the premise of Red, White & Royal Blue–the son of a U.S President and a British Prince (Galatzine) engaging in a secret affair–is a big, fluffy box ticker. 

There’s a smidge of ‘rags to riches’ going on, too, with the first son of the U.S coming from humble beginnings, adding an element of ‘dreams come true’ Tinkerbell dust over a film that doesn’t pretend to be that deep, or realistic. And that’s just fine with me! The pair naturally have to hide their relationship at first, as Hollander and Rozanov do, but this adversity is merely there to boost the tension rather than wade into choppier waters. 

4. Heartstopper (2022-)

I don’t think either Netflix or graphic novel creator Alice Oseman were prepared for the adoration from both critics and viewers that Heartstopper earned–and it’s thoroughly deserving of it. The series is a classic, coming-of-age, British-set school drama, in which two classmates come to terms with their sexualities and their feelings for one another.

Heartstopper plays to a younger audience than Heated Rivalry, a really key demographic to cater to, given its funny, sensitive, and illuminating exploration of the broader spectrum of sexual orientation – bisexual and asexual, not just gay. Fresh-faced future MCU stars Kit Connor and Joe Locke are a big part of what makes it work, bringing an earnest tentativeness to their roles, but the supporting cast makes it a fully-realised world that you’d love to hang out in.

5. Bonus Track (2023)

I’ll bet, like me, you didn’t know until now that Britpack darling Josh O’Connor came up with an idea for a gay teen rom-com musical a few years ago. The Challengers and Wake Up Dead Man actor also, naturally, makes a cameo in the film, which is directed by another up-and-comer, Julia Jackson, who recently helmed the starry, romantic fever dream, 100 Nights of Hero.

Bonus Track is more for fans of the previous schmaltzier entries on this list than Heated Rivalry. It's 2006 English countryside setting gives it a touch of the darkly homoerotic Saltburn, and similarly, it centres around another ‘from different worlds’ meet-cute, with a 16-year-old wannabe pop star crossing paths with the son of music royalty. All sweet and no sour, this film is wonderfully cute confectionery for easy, afternoon viewing.

6. Handsome Devil (2016)

Here’s the promised second appearance of Mr Galitzine, and in one of his earliest film roles. Here, he plays the closeted star player of an all-boys boarding school rugby team in Ireland, striking up an ‘opposites attract’ kinship with his new roommate, also closeted and struggling to fit in. Their situations are mirrored in Andrew Scott, who plays a sympathetic teacher forced to keep his sexuality secret for the sake of his job.

What I especially like about Handsome Devil is that it’s one of the few pieces of LGBTQ media to feature an adolescent coming out story without a full-blown romance. Granted, that makes it an outlier on this particular list, but the sports subplot, enemies-to-(not-quite)-lovers trope, and themes of isolation and fragile masculinity still make it a strong match with Heated Rivalry. And why wouldn’t you want to see Andrew Scott in literally anything?

Keiichirō Toyama’s Silent Hill, a computer game that traumatised a generation around the turn of the millennium and has since become an enduring horror franchise, has so far inspired three movies. 

The first of these, Christopher Gans and Roger Avery’s Silent Hill, was a modest hit in 2006 and is now quite fondly remembered. The follow-up, Silent Hill: Revelation, also turned a profit but boasts an admittedly not great 8% score on Rotten Tomatoes (at the time of writing).

If you’re a fan of the misty video games and have been crying out for a new movie for years, that patience may be about to be rewarded with the release of Return to Silent Hill, an adaptation of the second game in the series (considered by many to be an all-time classic) with Gans back in the director’s chair. Read on to learn more about the Silent Hill movies and use the guide below to find them on services like AppleTV, Prime Video and elsewhere.  

1. Silent Hill (2006)

Christopher Gans’ first stab at the Silent Hill franchise skewed closely to the original game while switching the protagonist from Harry Mason to Rose De Silva (played by Radha Mitchell, aka Dakota Fanning’s mom in Man on Fire) and including some elements from Silent Hill 2, like the haunting and iconic Pyramid Head.

That story follows a woman trying to find her daughter in the haunted and otherworldly town of Silent Hill. If you’re a fan of the games and appreciate atmospheric horror like The Ring or The Grudge—and don’t mind something a little schlocky—you might enjoy this one, too.

2. Silent Hill: Revelation (2012)

It took six years, but Mitchell eventually returned to play Rose again in Silent Hill: Revelation, a 3D movie that boasted a slightly astonishing cast—Sean Bean (The Fellowship of the Ring), Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange), and Carrie Ann Moss (The Matrix)—and a new story, this time told from the perspective of Rose’s adopted daughter, Heather Mason.

There’s plenty of fun to be had with this one, just be warned—those famous names aren’t exactly representative of the movie’s quality. That said, if you’re in the mood for some thrashy thrills (think the better Resident Evil movies), you could do a lot worse. 

3. Return to Silent Hill (2026)

In January 2026, Silent Hill returns to cinema screens with Return to Silent Hill, a new reboot that boasts a brand new cast and a story drawn from the events of the Silent Hill 2 video game. Franchise originator Christopher Gans has returned as director alongside new stars Jeremy Irvine (an actor who got his big break on Steven Spielberg’s War Horse but will probably be more familiar to most viewers for playing Henry Beauchamp in last year’s Outlander: Blood of my Blood) and Hannah Emily Anderson (Jigsaw). 

Fans of the recent remake of the game will be happy (if that’s the right word) to hear that Evie Templeton, who played Agnes Demille in Wednesday Season 2, will be reprising her role as Laura from the video game. By the looks of the trailer, Gans has gone to great lengths to recreate the feel of the gameplay, so if you’re a diehard fan, you probably won’t be disappointed!

Netflix has had a good start to 2026. A couple of its hits from last year just scooped major Oscar nominations, and the streamer has also seen the new movie The Rip get plenty of attention on the platform since its release.

The crime-thriller from Joe Carnahan, who also directed the likes of The Grey and The A-Team reboot, has two of the biggest A-list stars in the world among its cast: Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.

With that kind of star power, it’s no wonder that, according to our charts, viewers have been flocking to watch it. And those who have clicked play have largely reacted very positively. So, what’s the problem? Well, I’ll tell you.

The Rip Would Have Been Great On a Big Screen

The rise of streaming services is not a bad thing, in my opinion. The more the merrier, I say. If platforms like Netflix mean that a greater volume of movies gets made, then so be it. And there’s certainly a place for straight-to-streaming releases, too.

What I am baffled by, though, is the fact that Netflix thought that the first on-screen collaboration between two of the most popular and successful actors in the industry since 2023 was best suited to drop exclusively on the small screen.

A film like The Rip – big, bold, loud, enthralling – deserves as big a screen as possible. It should be blowing people away with its explosions, gunfire, and tantalising twists and turns while they sit in a movie theatre eating popcorn and nudging their friends every time Damon and Affleck do cool things (spoiler, that’s very, very often).

The Rip pulled in 41.6 million viewers in its opening three days on Netflix. That’s a successful release by any measure. But is it really the only measure we should be using for a Matt Damon and Ben Affleck movie? 

Just imagine the buzz of that many people coming out of the cinema after having seen what is undeniably a really fun film. And just imagine the money from ticket sales, too. I can’t help but feel Netflix really missed a trick with this one.

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon Struck a Unique Deal with Netflix

What is really interesting about The Rip and its release strategy, though, is that Damon and Affleck pushed Netflix to strike a deal we’ve never seen before from the streamer.

The pair sold exclusive streaming rights to Netflix, and obviously, they didn’t necessarily mind the fact that their film wouldn’t be shown in cinemas. In an ideal world, I’m sure they’d rather it did, but that’s beside the point.

However, Damon and Affleck’s film production company, Artists Equity, has always done what it says on the tin: they strive to do right by every member of their crew and fight to improve workers’ rights in the industry.

This time, they really went one step further. Their deal with Netflix resulted in a lower upfront fee for the film in exchange for lucrative bonuses for the entire team – from top to bottom – if The Rip hit certain viewership targets.

In essence, Damon and Affleck passed up on what would have been a substantial fee for themselves and other high-line workers, to make sure that every single person got a cut in the long-run. As per The Hollywood Reporter, there are five tiers of compensation available to the cast and crew, but they’ll need to hit the viewership figures of KPop Demon Hunters to hit the maximum payout.

On the unique deal, Carnahan said, “Everyone should want this. If not, you just create this gulf. [The stars] are all going to get paid, but what about [the crew]?

“These people break their backs to make movies, and they should be compensated [in success] for their time and energy. When you do that, it gives a movie a true communal sense. We’re all rowing in the same direction, hopefully, and if something does well, we all win.”

Why Does Netflix Release Some Films in Cinemas and Not Others?

It sounds like everyone’s going to be a winner, to some extent, when it comes to The Rip. But why did it get pushed straight to the streaming service when Netflix has released some of its work in theatres before?

Just last year, Netflix gave Frankenstein, Train Dreams, and Wake Up Dead Man theatrical releases, albeit very limited ones. It’s highly likely the intention there was to make those films eligible for Oscar nominations, and it worked for the most part – Frankenstein and Train Dreams are both up for Best Picture.

I’m not suggesting that The Rip was ever going to be an awards darling, but if that is the only motivation for Netflix to put films in cinemas – a company that has just bought Warner Bros., let’s not forget – it’s depriving audiences of the most fundamental reason films exist: to entertain. 

Gerard Butler might not appear in the biggest or most celebrated movies of any given year, but his knack for consistently turning $20-50 million movies into hits (and occasionally turning B-grade scripts into prime pulp) is almost unrivalled in 21st-century cinema. 

Despite his build and gruff exterior, the Scottish native has also managed to bring a lot of warmth to these kinds of movies over the years, proving himself to be that rarest of things—a rough diamond plying his trade just outside the Hollywood bubble. 

With his latest, Greenland 2: Migration, currently in cinemas, it feels like a good time to look back over that fascinating career and round up the stars' ten best movies. The following list—which I’ve arranged in ascending order—covers a wide range of genres, from rom-com and animation to action spectacles, but to spread the love, I’ve restricted things to one entry per franchise—aside from one exception. Read on to discover more about Butler’s best work to date and use the guide below to find them on AppleTV, Netflix, Prime Video and elsewhere. 

10. P.S. I Love You (2007)

It might seem strange to think about today, but Butler once enjoyed a solid side-hustle as a rom-com lead. One of his earliest roles came in the Scottish indie, One More Kiss, and you can see him do his charming shtick in movies like Playing for Keeps and The Ugly Truth. For fans of the genre, however, nothing beats the schmaltz of this 2007 adaptation of Cecelia Ahern’s best-selling novel.

P.S. I Love You stars Hillary Swank as a woman who loses her husband (Butler) to cancer, only to find that he’s left her a series of tape recordings. The movie was directed by Richard LaGravenese, the writer behind classic weepies like The Horse Whisperer and The Bridges of Madison County—so you know what you’re in for. 

9. Olympus Has Fallen (2013)

After announcing his arrival in 300, Butler decided to try his hand at a bunch of genres (remember Gamer and Law Abiding Citizen?) before settling back into his action groove with Olympus Has Fallen. For me, this is the moment when Butler found his calling as a go-to guy for mid-level, no-nonsense action cinema—so credit where credit is due.

The movie (and its perfectly schlocky sequels, London Has Fallen and Angel Has Fallen) has one of those setups that basically asks you to imagine Die Hard in a new location. In this one, that location is no less than the White House, and the intruders are North Koreans—because sure.

8. Plane (2023)

If the thought of Butler playing an ex-RAF pilot (who works for a commercial airline called “Trailblazers”) who has to make an emergency landing on an island in the South China Sea while transporting a suspected killer all sounds a bit A.I.—coded (and that’s without even getting to the title), don’t let it put you off! 

The simplicity of Jean-François Richet’s Plane is more of a feature than a bug. Richet, the filmmaker behind the 2005 remake of Assault on Precinct 13 and the acclaimed Mesrine films, knows how to make a lean, mean action thriller, and Plane very much fits that billing.

7. 300 (2006)

If you were alive and somewhat sentient in 2006, there’s a good chance you probably, at some point, spoke the phrase, “This is Sparta!” That immortal line-reading, by Butler’s King Leonidas in 300, not only inspired a feature-length spoof, but it also helped to cement Zach Snyder’s reputation (he went on to make Watchmen and Man of Steel) as one of the most audacious blockbuster filmmakers around.

With its archaic racial stereotypes and wall-to-wall digital effects, the movie has admittedly aged about as well as warm milk, but its enormous success and cultural footprint make it impossible to ignore in the actor’s career.

6. The Vanishing (2019)

If you’re a fan of The Lighthouse and the great Peter Mullen (the durable Scottish star of Rings of Power and Ozark) and have yet to see The Vanishing, you’re in for a treat. This psychological thriller stars both Butler and that other durable Scottish legend as two lighthouse keepers who discover a chest of gold. 

The movie was the English language feature debut of Kristoffer Nyholm, a director who started as an AD for Lars Von Trier before moving into television with the celebrated Danish crime series, The Killing. 

5. Den of Thieves: Pantera (2025)

It took seven years for Cristian Gudegast to get a Den of Thieves sequel made, but the movie was worth the wait. Relocating the action to the diamond trading districts of Nice in the South of France, a location that has always demanded at least one outrageous car chase per movie on its winding coastal roads, Gudegast followed up his sharp-edged Heat homage with a movie that felt closer in tone to Ocean’s Twelve. 

Thankfully, this doesn’t mean that Butler’s “Big Nick” O’Brien has to class it up in any way. Far from it in fact: he basically turns his nose up at a croissant in the opening minutes. If Gudegast ever decides to make a third instalment, I’ll be seated.

4. Greenland (2020)

Over his career, Butler has shown an admirable amount of loyalty to certain filmmakers. Since their first collaboration on Angel Has Fallen in 2019, Butler has already worked with the director Ric Roman Waugh on three further projects—Kandahar, Greenland and the newly released Greenland 2: Migration.

Waugh came up through the industry as a stunt performer on movies like Universal Soldier, The Last of the Mohicans and Hard Target, and while it’s hard to say if any of Michael Mann or John Woo’s style has rubbed off on him at this point, there’s certainly a good bit of Roland Emmerich’s DNA in Greenland, a wonderfully economic apocalypse flick from 2020 that does exactly what it says on the tin. 

3. How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)

It was difficult to know which How to Train Your Dragon movie to include here. Since 2010, the actor has provided the voice of Stoick the Vast in three animated movies and even reprised the role last year in the first live-action remake. Unless the second animated movie receives the same treatment, however, I think it will remain his best work in the franchise.

Unlike the first instalment, which zoomed in on Hiccup and Toothless’ burgeoning friendship, How to Train Your Dragon 2 took a step back to tell the story of Hiccup’s family—allowing for plenty of tender and funny moments between Stoick, Hiccup and his long lost mother, Valka.

2. Dear Frankie (2004)

Early on in his career, Butler gave one of his finest performances in Dear Frankie, playing a man who’s hired by a widowed mother (played by Emily Mortimer) to pretend to be her son’s absent father for a day. What could possibly go wrong?

The movie premiered in Cannes in 2004 and quickly became a festival darling, introducing the world to Butler’s rugged charms in the process. If you’re a fan of offbeat and heartwarming British indies—think movies like The Angels’ Share and Billy Elliot—you’re gonna love it. 

1. Den of Thieves (2018)

I wonder if every actor secretly dreams of landing a role like “Big Nick” O’Brein—one of the most unpredictable and potentially violent pieces of garbage we’ve seen in the last ten years of movies. In all honesty, he’s objectively detestable, but thanks to Butler’s sheer gravitational pull, you simply can’t take your eyes off of him. 

Butler’s first portrayal of the character, in Gudegast’s first Den of Thieves movie, is still the best and, IMO, the best thing the actor has done—he’s just so raw and unhinged in this movie, it’s genuinely hard to know what he’s going to do next. Place that kind of character in a delicately-tuned heist movie (one that borrows from and pays homage to classics like Heat and Point Break in equal measure), and the results can be lethally entertaining—as they very much are here.

You might think that A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a chill-out trip through Westeros for Dunk and Egg. And in many ways, it is. There are no dragons, the kingdom is in a time of peace, and there’s a decidedly more comedic and positive tone to the whole show so far.

Compared to Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, this new series is a lovely walk in the park. And, based on the source material, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will give us a relatively happy ending.

However, if you’re thinking this show is a spin-off, you can skip, and that it won’t have much impact on the wider Game of Thrones timeline, you’re wrong. Here’s a spoiler-filled explanation as to why A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a must-watch, with key developments in the Targaryen family tree to look out for.

Baelor Targaryen’s Death Will Change Everything For Egg

Keeping track of the different lineages throughout Game of Thrones is no mean feat, but we’ll do our best to keep this simple. 

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is set roughly 89 years before Game of Thrones, but that doesn’t mean it can’t impact the history of Westeros in massive ways.

At the start of the series, King Daeron II sits on the Iron Throne, with Prince Baelor Targaryen acting as the Hand to the King. He’s also the heir to the throne, but when he dies, everything changes. Now, it’s Prince Maekar who is next in line, and he will get a good 12-year stint as the ruler of Westeros.

It also means that his sons will get their chance to sit on the Iron Throne, too. However, we already know that Daeron, Aerion, Aemon, and their sisters Daella and Rhae will have no such luck. We won’t spoil what happens to any of them; all we will say is that little Egg, who is actually Prince Aegon, will be the one to ascend to the throne.

He’s even dubbed Aegon the Unlikely due to how surprising it is that he is the one to end up surpassing his siblings and becoming king. Aegon will go on to rule for 26 years and be known as one of the more just and kind Targaryen kings in Westerosi history.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 1 Gave Us Clues To Egg’s True Identity

Obviously, anyone who has read the novellas that inspired A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will know how this all plays out. They’ll also not be surprised by the fact that Egg is secretly a Targaryen prince destined for the top. For those who aren’t in the know, however, there are a couple of clues that hint at his true identity in the first episode of the new series.

For a start, the way Egg speaks is highly indicative of a boy born into nobility. He addresses Dunk as “My lord,” which the hedge knight finds odd and corrects his young squire-to-be, telling him to use “Ser” instead.

Shortly after the meeting, Dunk tosses a copper coin on the ground for Egg to thank him for looking after his horses. The fact that Egg doesn’t grab the coin immediately (or at all, actually) is a clear sign that money doesn’t mean all that much to the secret Targaryen prince. When you’re a descendant of the ruling clan in Westeros, why would you care for a piece of copper?

Did You Spot The Other Hidden Targaryen Prince in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?

One of the most intriguing and ambiguous moments in the first episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is when Dunk is berated by a random, drunk patron in an inn. Awakening from an alcohol-induced stupor, the man says to Dunk, “I dreamed of you… Stay away from me.”

He produces a knife and slams a gold coin on the table before stumbling upstairs and taking a room at the tavern. The innkeeper tells Dunk not to worry about the aggressor, but viewers should be paying a lot of attention to him.

If you looked carefully at the coin, you’d have seen a big clue as to his true identity. The three-headed dragon symbol on the coin is the sigil of the Targaryen family, which is rather fitting given this character is actually Prince Daeron II, AKA Daeron the Drunken.

Yes, that’s right, he’s the eldest son of Prince Maekar and the older brother of Egg. Now, we just have to wait and see how Daeron the Drunken’s story plays out, but given that he will never be king, we know he’s destined for some kind of tragedy instead.

Yesterday in Los Angeles, in the wee wee hours of the morning, Danielle Brooks (the Peacemaker star and recent nominee for The Colour Purple) and Lewis Pullman (son of Bill) took the stage at the Samuel Goldwyn theatre to announce what turned out to be a historic batch of Oscar nominations. 

In the days leading up, some boffins had predicted that Ryan Coogler’s Sinners had a chance to become the most nominated film of all time—a record that it has now smashed, and with room to spare.

For it to happen, Delroy Lindo and Wunmi Mosaku needed to nudge out Paul Mescal and Ariana Grande from their perspective supporting actor races. Just like on Oscar night, these categories were read out early on, and both Sinners stars got in, prompting awards nerds across the globe (ie, me) to reach for their abacuses to see if the movie had a chance to make history. In the end, after being mentioned a staggering 16 times, Coogler’s bluesy, bloodsucking, vampire romp beat the record by two. 

Sinners' Oscar Nomination Haul Beat A 75 Year Old Record 

For the longest time, it felt as if nobody would even match the record set by Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s All About Eve, which landed 14 nominations in 1951, including five across the acting categories. Then, in 1997, James Cameron’s Titanic came along and matched it, converting a record equaling 11 of them into wins. La La Land joined the club in 2017, but, just like Eve, it only turned six of them into gongs—despite Faye Dunaway’s best efforts.

Had Sinners’ only landed 15, it may have needed an asterisk beside it as one of them would have been for Best Casting, a brand new category that those previous movies would likely have been nominated for, too. That Coogler’s film added yet another means that it stands alone on pure merit. 

What Are Sinners' 16 Nominations (Expected and Unexpected)?

By lunchtime on announcement day, Sinners seemed to be a lock for at least 13 categories:

• Best Picture 

• Director (Ryan Coogler) 

• Best Actor (Michael B. Jordan) 

• Original Screenplay (Coogler) 

• Score (Ludwig Göransson) 

• Song (Raphael Saadiq and Göransson) 

• Casting (Francine Maisler)

• Cinematography (Autumn Durald Arkapaw) 

• Costume Design (Ruth Carter) 

• Makeup and Hairstyling 

• Editing (Ken Diaz, Mike Fontaine and Shunika Terry) 

• Production Design (Hannah Beachler and Monique Champagne) 

• Sound (various)

And breathe.

It all came down to Mosako and Lindo to get it over the line, which they did, for Best Supporting Actor and Actress. The one that few saw coming was Best Visual Effects, for which the film’s team beat out much more favoured competitors like Superman, Frankenstein and Wicked: For Good. 

This also means that, unlike Eve, all 16 of its nominations came in separate categories and, more astonishing still, it was recognised in every category it was eligible for, bar Best Actress—my thoughts are with you, Hailee Steinfeld.

The Oscars That Sinners Could Actually Win - And Its Toughest Competition

And so we get to the tricky part. Coogler won’t need reminding that for every record for most nominations, there is also the possibility of earning the record for most nominations without a win. That unfortunate accolade was achieved by a film called The Turning Point (11 noms) in 1977 and later matched by Spielberg’s The Colour Purple in 1985. Like both of those films (Ross was up against Annie Hall and Star Wars, Spielberg for Witness and Out of Africa), Coogler has achieved this historic tally in a year with plenty of strong competitors—most notably Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle after Another and Chloe Zhao’s Hamnet. 

If I had to put money on it, I’d probably say that Coogler’s film will have a similar night to movies like Mad Max: Fury Road and Master and Commander—ie It will lose the biggest races but clean up in the crafts—but it has two priceless things going for it: momentum and narrative. Hamnet has hoovered up audience awards at festivals around the globe and has the kind of emotional heft that the Academy loves; Anderson’s film, meanwhile, has swept the critics' prizes and he is long, long longgg overdue; but Sinners is something else—an audaciously original idea that actually made a ton of money at the box office. In a time when the theatrical experience is under threat, that might just be the kind of story that Hollywood wants to tell itself.

On a more granular level, it looks as if Sinners is running a close second in most of the non-acting categories and probably has the edge in at least Cinematography and Score. That would mean a third win for Göransson (after Oppenheimer and Black Panther) and a first for Arkapaw, who is only the fourth woman to be nominated (and the first woman of colour). A win would make her the first to ever take the award.

Is Sinners Really That Good?

The short answer is yes. It probably deserves even more credit for having premiered all the way back in April last year. Naturally, this is one to watch if you like stylish, sultry vampire movies (think Near Dark or From Dusk Till Dawn), but it’s a phenomenal achievement even as a period piece—there are moments in the first half of this movie that are as gorgeously detailed as anything in, say, Killers of the Flower Moon—and the music is just as good. You won’t be surprised to hear the blues tunes are on point—a constant rumble of guitar punctuated by Miles Caton’s hypnotic baritone—but the surges of heavy metal catch you off guard. And just wait till you see the two batshit song and dance numbers that Coogler drops at around the halfway point. 

Come for all that, but stay for Coogler’s ideas, many of which have lingered with me since the first time I saw it. Things are being said here about the shared cultural histories of marginalised communities that you will not find in any other movie in the last 10 years—maybe ever. We wish it the best of luck.