Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein isn’t only one of the greatest comedies ever, is also one of the greatest affectionate tribute films to classic horror. Every joke, every dark corner, and every lightning bolt had been constructed upon a platform of sincere admiration for the 1930s horror classics that inspired it. But the magic really was behind the scenes. These are 10 of the greatest behind-the-scenes stories from making this comedy-horror classic.

10. A Love Letter to 1930s Horror

Brooks didn’t parody Frankenstein—he recreated it with fanatical accuracy. The movie was filmed in black and white, with genuinely period-style credits, transitions, and even a score lifted straight out of the Universal horror period. Cinematographer Gerald Hirschfeld was initially hesitant, but soon realized that monochrome was the only means of capturing the dark, gothic atmosphere of the originals. The filmmakers reexamined Frankenstein (1931) and Bride of Frankenstein (1935) to the lighting arrangements, with high-contrast film and atmospheric backlighting to recreate the ideal period look. As Hirschfeld described, “The black-and-white not only seemed right, it enhanced the mood.”

9. The Monster Finds His Bride

Peter Boyle met his bride on location—still in full monster makeup. Rolling Stone journalist Loraine Alterman came on the set to interview Mel Brooks, and Boyle, bolts and all, invited her out. She accepted. The two were married in 1977 and remained together until Boyle passed away, showing even a sewn-together monster could have a happily ever after.

8. Cloris Leachman Couldn’t Stop Cracking Gene Wilder Up

As Frau Blücher (cue the horses), Cloris Leachman was a comedic powerhouse. During the candlelit staircase scene—where she admonishes, “Stay close to the candles, the staircase can be treacherous”—Wilder couldn’t keep a straight face. They managed to get it right in about 15 takes, and Leachman went on to relate her antics, “just tickled Gene to pieces” during filming.

7. The “Puttin’ on the Ritz” Showdown

The top-hat-and-tails dance number in which Dr. Frankenstein and the Monster do “Puttin’ on the Ritz” nearly didn’t get made. Wilder fought to include it, deeming it crucial to the comedy of the film, but Brooks was skeptical. It was the sole true creative disagreement between them—but Wilder won out. The routine ended up as one of the most memorable moments in the film.

6. White Handkerchiefs Against the Giggles

The movie was so hilarious that even the crew members couldn’t keep their cool. Brooks had an idea: issue white handkerchiefs and ask crew members to stuff them in their mouths so that they could stifle their laughs. Extras for the “Puttin’ on the Ritz” number received a tongue-in-cheek threat—anyone caught laughing would be “arrested.” The result? Whispered guffaws and a good number of teary-eyed crew members struggling to keep their cool.

5. Gene Hackman’s Espresso Surprise

Gene Hackman’s blind hermit cameo began on the tennis court. Playing a friendly game with Wilder, Hackman said he wished to attempt comedy. Wilder recommended the part, and Hackman took off with it—ad-libbing the now-famous line, “Where are you going? I was going to make espresso.” Not terrible for a man best known for intense dramas.

4. Borrowing the Real Frankenstein Lab Equipment

To get the mad scientist’s laboratory realistic, Brooks and production designer Dale Hennesy found Kenneth Strickfaden, the individual who constructed the original electrical devices in Frankenstein (1931). Strickfaden still had them in his garage and, incredibly, they worked flawlessly after 40 years. Brooks leased them and, at last, accorded Strickfaden the screen credit never enjoyed by the originals.

3. The Battle to Remain Black and White

Columbia Pictures adored the script—until they viewed Brooks’ vision for a black-and-white release. “Peru just got color!” they complained. Brooks held firm, so he brought the project to 20th Century Fox, where Alan Ladd Jr. was willing to respect the vision. That move is now regarded as the key to the film’s timelessness.

2. The $57 Origin Story

Young Frankenstein started on a piece of paper with a small budget. Brooks witnessed Wilder jotting down “Young Frankenstein” on a legal pad while filming Blazing Saddles. Wilder sold the concept and then gave Brooks $57 after being asked if he had money to do it. Brooks said, “It’s a start.” And that was the genesis of one of the greatest comedies in film history.

1. Why It Endures

Years later, Young Frankenstein is more than a spoof—it’s a loving homage to the monster films that created a genre. Brooks and Wilder crafted a comedy that adored its original as much as it mocked it, mixing slapstick, snappy dialogue, and period-accurate presentation. The movie’s impact continues on stage productions, TV specials, and countless home viewings. For some, it’s the only comedy that improves with age.

Hollywood adores a fairy tale—red carpets, popping cameras, and childhood fantasies fulfilled. But for others of these young stars, fame was bought and paid for at a steep cost. Behind the posed happy publicity pictures are tales of burnout, exploitation, and broken hearts. These aren’t merely tabloid headlines—they’re a reminder of how perilous life in the limelight can be for children. Here’s a flashback look at 10 child stars whose lives were cut tragically short, and what their lives tell us about the real cost of acting up on screen.

10. Judy Garland

Before she was a Hollywood icon, Judy Garland was just a teen with incredible talent. MGM signed her up young, but the demands of the studio were merciless. Executives forced her to keep up a certain image, even going so far as to give her amphetamines to keep her awake and barbiturates to sleep. The pattern fueled a lifelong war with addiction and depression. Though her legendary performances in The Wizard of Oz and A Star Is Born remain beyond forgetfulness, Garland’s demons never ceased. She overdosed at age 47, leaving behind a tangled legacy of genius and sorrow. 

9. Bobby Driscoll

Disney’s golden boy, Bobby Driscoll, was the voice of Peter Pan and appeared in classics such as Song of the South and Treasure Island. But as adolescence struck, Disney dropped him, and the work disappeared. Lonely and addicted, Driscoll’s life unraveled. He died at 31 in an abandoned building, his body unidentified for more than a year before it was placed in a pauper’s grave.

8. Judith Barsi

Audiences knew Judith Barsi’s sweet voice from The Land Before Time and All Dogs Go to Heaven, but behind the scenes, her life was far from innocent. Her father’s abuse escalated as her career flourished, and despite warnings to authorities, tragedy struck. In 1988, he killed Judith and her mother before taking his own life. Friends later recalled her saying, “I’m afraid to go home. My daddy’s drunk every day, and I know he wants to kill my mother.” Her tale remains one of Hollywood’s darkest cautionary stories.

7. Heather O’Rourke

The wide-eyed star of the Poltergeist franchise, Heather O’Rourke, passed away suddenly at age 12. She had been misdiagnosed with Crohn’s disease and developed complications from intestinal stenosis that were fatal. The fans were heartbroken, not only due to her tender age but also because she had been such a lively presence on and off the set. Throughout her brief career, she was nominated for six Young Artist Awards and took home one award for her performance in Webster.

6. Sawyer Sweeten

As Everybody Loves Raymond’s Geoffrey Barone, Sawyer Sweeten grew up in front of audiences of millions alongside real-life siblings. Life after the show, however, was tough. In 2015, on the eve of his 20th birthday, Sweeten took his own life while on a visit with family in Texas. His sister Madylin remembered him as a person who always had something nice to say to others.

5. Gary Coleman

Gary Coleman’s one-liners and catchphrase, “What’chu talkin’ ’bout, Willis?” made him a pop culture phenomenon on Diff’rent Strokes. Fame, however, didn’t shield him from decades of illness issues, typecasting, and financial abuse by his adoptive parents. Courtroom dramas and bankruptcy ensued. Coleman passed away at 42 due to complications from a fall, and his narrative forced the industry to examine how it treats child stars when the cameras are no longer rolling.

4. River Phoenix

River Phoenix was a late ’80s and early ’90s breakout star, starring in Stand By Me, Running on Empty, and My Own Private Idaho. Admired for his emotional range, Phoenix was regarded as one of the most talented actors of his generation. Off-screen, however, he struggled with addiction. In 1993, he overdosed on drugs outside The Viper Room at 23. His passing shook Hollywood—and his family. Brother Joaquin later named his son after him.

3. Brad Renfro

Found at 10 and acting in The Client, Brad Renfro was born to work for decades. Instead, his adolescence was beset by legal problems and a penchant for drugs. Although he attempted to quit, Renfro died in 2008 of an accidental overdose of heroin and morphine at age 25. He once said to People, “I’m glad I got arrested, because it taught me a lot,” but the lesson was too late.

2. Anton Yelchin

Anton Yelchin was only an infant when his family immigrated from Russia to Los Angeles, where he quickly established himself in Alpha Dog, Charlie Bartlett, and as Chekov in the rebooted Star Trek. Just 27 years old, his life was tragically cut short in a freak accident when his car reversed over him, pinning him against a gate. Co-star Felicity Jones described him as “one of the kindest and most talented” people she’d ever worked with.

1. Cameron Boyce

Disney darling Cameron Boyce brightened up the screens in Jessie and Descendants movies. He passed away in 2019 at age 20 in his sleep due to complications from epilepsy. His family launched the Cameron Boyce Foundation to support epilepsy research and causes he held dear. “The world is now irrevocably without one of its brightest lights, but his spirit will endure,” they said.

Hollywood has gradually added greater child labor protections, mental health support, and regulations for child actors over the decades. Yet as these tales illustrate, stardom remains a heavy burden to bear—particularly for children. Their legacies are not only their performances but also the continued efforts to ensure the industry is a safer, gentler world for its youngest stars.

Let’s be real—casting can either make or break a story. You may have the most wonderful script and visuals in the world, but if the actor playing a particular role doesn’t work, the magic just isn’t there. The ideal casting, however? Lightning in a bottle. It can make us laugh until we cry, cheer on a villain, or reconsider a character we believed we knew. Sometimes it’s one actor dominating the part; sometimes it’s a whole cast going gangbusters. Here are 10 moments when casting directors nailed the target.

10. Margo Martindale in BoJack Horseman

When an actor is cast as himself and magically turns into a fan-favorite character, you know it’s something special. Margo Martindale’s recurring appearance as “Esteemed Character Actress Margo Martindale” was a wild, self-referential joy. Her wildly exaggerated misadventures became so legendary that the in-joke still arises in fan circles years after the fact.

9. Imelda Staunton as Dolores Umbridge – Harry Potter

Not many performances make people actively loathe a character—and that’s praise here. Imelda Staunton’s sweet, sinister take on Umbridge was so genuine it got people seething. She got the character’s prim, pink facade concealing a genuinely vile center just right. 

8. Jesse Plemons as Todd – Breaking Bad

Todd wasn’t boisterous, flashy, or showy—he was uncomfortably quiet, and that made him more terrifying. Jesse Plemons had the perfect level of calm menace in every scene, leaving audiences wondering what he was going to do next. His unpredictability made Todd unforgettable.

7. Rainn Wilson as Dwight Schrute – The Office

There’s a reason that Dwight ended up one of the most quotable characters in sitcom history: Rainn Wilson suited the part like it was tailor-made for him. From his weird beet-farm philosophy to his absolute devotion to Michael Scott, Wilson turned Dwight into the center of the show’s humor.

6. The Addams Family Cast

Finding one good actor is difficult. Finding an entire cast just right is a miracle. Raul Julia, Anjelica Huston, Christopher Lloyd, and Christina Ricci didn’t merely act the Addamses—they were the Addamses. Their chemistry, timing, and devotion to the creepy and kooky atmosphere made the movies cult classics.

5. Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark – Iron Man

Marvel took a gamble on Robert Downey Jr., and it paid off in ways no one could’ve predicted. His swagger, wit, and humanity brought Tony Stark to life so completely that it’s now impossible to picture anyone else in the role. In many ways, his casting shaped the entire MCU.

4. Bryan Cranston as Walter White – Breaking Bad

Going from goofy sitcom dad in Malcolm in the Middle to a morally crumbling drug kingpin was no small leap. Bryan Cranston made Walter White’s transformation believable from start to finish—starting as a man you sympathize with, then slowly shifting into someone terrifying. That arc works because Cranston nailed every beat.

3. Christoph Waltz as Hans Landa – Inglourious Basterds

Tarantino required an individual who had the capability to be charming, frightening, and multilingual—step forward, Christoph Waltz. His turn as Hans Landa was razor-sharp, half charisma, half menace, and immediately fixed him as one of cinema’s greatest villains.

2. Accurate Deaf Casting in CODA

Representation is important, and CODA showed how effective real casting could be. By casting deaf actors—Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur, and Daniel Durant—the film didn’t merely tell a tale, it lived it. Kotsur won an Oscar, and the deployment of ASL consultants and interpreters on the movie set a new standard for diversity in Hollywood.

1. Meryl Streep—Effectively Every Role She’s Ever Had

There’s a reason that Meryl Streep’s name is synonymous with “perfect casting.” She brings icy poise as Miranda Priestly or vanishes into historical figures, and she makes every movie she’s in better. Casting Streep doesn’t only assure a solid performance—it tends to pull equally solid co-stars along, forming powerhouse casts.

Casting directors may not receive their Oscar nods (yet), but their contributions make the stories we adore. Single-scene stunners to all-time casts, these selections remind us that sometimes the greatest choice is made before the cameras roll.

When most of us think of Star Wars droids, R2-D2’s beeps or C-3PO’s frantic muttering likely spring to mind. But the galaxy is teeming with droids whose intent is much more nefarious. From killers programmed into existence to battlefield horrors, some of these machines rework the term “deadly.” Here is a countdown of the 10 deadliest droids in Star Wars, listed from lethal to downright lethal. Buckle up—these are not your standard protocol units.

10. HK-47

Before the Empire’s ascension, HK-47 was already the gold standard for killer droids. From Knights of the Old Republic, he was no ordinary assassin—”meatbags” was how he addressed organics, and he used everything from sniper rifles to poison gas with lethal precision. While he pretended to be a protocol droid at times, HK-47’s specialty was butchery. Whether destroying foes or helping the Republic crush Darth Malak, he was a murder machine with attitude.

9. IG-11

The Mandalorian fans recognize IG-11 as more than a blaster-wielding droid. Capable of rotating 360 degrees and juggling two rifles at a time, he could cut down enemies while protecting Grogu. Originally an assassin droid, he was reprogrammed as a caregiver, but his fighting skills remained unsurpassed. His final act of sacrifice solidified IG-11 as one of the galaxy’s most deadly and iconic droids.

8. Droideka

The rolling destroyer droids are leg—or wheel—nightmares. Twin blasters and virtually shield-proof, droidekas could annihilate clone troopers and cause the Jedi a serious headache. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan learned the hard way that sheer power and quickness weren’t sufficient against such heavily weaponed machines.

7. IT-O Interrogation Droid

Some droids are lethal without firing a shot. The IT-O interrogation unit is an expert at psychological and physical brutality, ranging from mind probes to electroshock torture. Princess Leia’s encounter with one of the Death Stars indicates that fear can be delivered in small, hovering packages. Later reprogrammed, its original intent is still a template for fear.

6. MagnaGuard

General Grievous’s own personal bodyguards, the IG-100 MagnaGuards, are war droids designed to fight Jedi. Equipped with electrostaffs that can deflect lightsabers, these tough soldiers can continue fighting even when they suffer devastating wounds. Equipped with starfighter piloting skills to rocket launchers, they’re a multi-talented menace on any field of battle.

5. Mister Bones

A bizarre but deadly B1 battle droid, Mister Bones, was reprogrammed with martial arts, acrobatics, and a penchant for mischief. Grinning with a skeleton theme and singing while fighting, he was also able to self-heal during combat. Despite being loyal to Temmin “Snap” Wexley, Mister Bones illustrated that even droids with personality flaws can be a battlefield horror.

4. 0-0-0 (Triple Zero) & BT-1

The malevolent reflection-tombs of C-3PO and R2-D2, this pairing is experts at chaos. Triple Zero loves torture and interrogation with flamethrower integration and shock devices, while BT-1 is an arsenal on legs, carrying blasters, rockets, and more. They wreak havoc together under Doctor Aphra’s guidance.

3. IG-88

Of all the IG-series bounty hunters, there is none like IG-88. Working alone and contracted by Darth Vader, this assassination droid is equipped with pulse cannons, flamethrowers, and toxic gas dispensers. Whether facing Leia or other heroes, IG-88 is the type of droid you don’t want tracking you.

2. K-2SO

Reprogrammed from an Imperial KX security droid, K-2SO is a combat and infiltration force to be reckoned with. Superhuman strength, agility, and a sarcastic attitude make him both powerful and fun. His selfless sacrifice on Scarif—delaying stormtroopers long enough for Jyn and Cassian to get the Death Star plans—secures his place in history.

1. HK-47 (Revisited)

Returning to the top, HK-47 remains the ultimate droid assassin. His unmatched expertise in both ranged and melee combat, paired with zero concern for organic life, makes him the deadliest mechanical presence in the Star Wars universe. If HK-47 is hunting you, there’s little hope for survival.

Star Wars droids are more than mere comic relief or sidekicks—far from it. They can be deadly, frightening, and unforgettable. From silent assassins to juggernauts in armor, these mechanical wonders show that sometimes the scariest force in the galaxy is not a Sith—it’s a droid with a purpose.

Let’s be real: Star Wars’ live shows and big screen tales always steal the show. But what about the cartoons? They’ve been low-key crafting some of the most fun tales, cool folks, and jaw-dropping parts. Too often, they’re tossed aside as “kid stuff” or seen as less important. These shows should get some love, too. Here’s my list of the top 7 Star Wars cartoons, from not-so-great to the best ones.

7. Rollout

This innovative experiment included a silent narrative through BB-unit-inspired animation. Although innovative, the visual solution was clunky, and the limited narrative appeal prevented it from having broad acceptance. A couple of episodes are worth viewing for innovation alone.

 6. Blips

Breezy, brief, and oddly effective, Blips provides brief Star Wars moments in less than five minutes per episode. At only eight episodes, it’s a tiny endeavor that packs an incredible amount of punch, demonstrating that even microseries can do justice to the galaxy’s essence.

5. Forces of Destiny

Forces of Destiny shines a spotlight on Star Wars’ female heroes, from Rey and Hera to Ahsoka Tano.

The episodes are brief, leaving fans wanting more, but the series succeeds in giving depth to characters who might otherwise be sidelined. It’s a strong example of focused, empowering storytelling.

4. Galaxy of Adventures

This series takes iconic scenes from the films and reimagines them in beautifully stylized animation.

The movement, colors, and character designs are top-notch, making each episode a mini-masterclass in Star Wars storytelling. It’s the kind of show that makes fans wish the entire saga could be animated in this style.

3. Rebels

Disney’s initial big Star Wars animated venture after The Clone Wars, Rebels, had a lot riding on it. Although animation quality varied, it presented engaging characters and narratives, concluding with a season 2 finale that is still one of the greatest Star Wars tales.

2. Clone Wars (2003)

Genndy Tartakovsky’s Clone Wars was a visual shock. The 2D animation was quick, crisp, and beautiful, and the battles of the prequels were finally given life in a way that few thought possible. Traditional animation could be more energetic and creative than CGI, and the short-form series demonstrated it.

1. The Clone Wars (2008)

The Clone Wars is not only the greatest Star Wars cartoon—it’s perhaps one of the finest Star Wars endeavors outside of the films.

It expanded the universe, developed characters such as Ahsoka Tano and Captain Rex, and explored mature themes, setting the bar for Star Wars storytelling. Its emotional resonance, character development, and creative plots make it the standard bearer of the franchise’s animated endeavors.

Even with critical success, Star Wars animation tends to go under the radar. Series such as The Clone Wars and Rebels have delved into the Force and the galaxy in ways live-action does not. But with new series like Visions, The Bad Batch, and upcoming shows from Lucasfilm, the future looks promising. Some of the most memorable Star Wars tales aren’t filmed—drawn frame by frame, they demonstrate that animation is an integral component of the galaxy far, far away.

Hollywood is full of “what ifs,” and nothing gets the debate going among film fans more than the parts that almost belonged to someone else. Casting can be a game of musical chairs with high stakes, where the last person standing can make or break an actor’s career. Let’s explore the 10 most surprising near-misses in film and television casting, considering what alternate universes they might have produced.

10. Timothée Chalamet as Spider-Man

Timothée Chalamet was in the mix for Spider-Man: Homecoming before Tom Holland came along and stole the role. Chalamet later revealed that his audition was terrifying, having him “sweating in a total panic” and wondering if he even had what it took. Holland won the part, but Chalamet has found other success elsewhere, headlining hits such as Dune and Wonka. Still, imagine a Spider-Man with those trademark Chalamet cheekbones—it’s an amusing idea.

9. Emily Blunt as Black Widow

Scarlett Johansson is forever tied to Black Widow, but Marvel Studios had first offered the role to Emily Blunt. Scheduling conflicts with Gulliver’s Travels had Blunt dropping out, something she has publicly expressed regret over. Johansson’s legendary performance came later, but it’s interesting to see the Avengers commanded by Blunt’s understated, British charm.

8. Britney Spears as Allie in The Notebook

The swoony romance of Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling may have been very different—Britney Spears nearly ended up playing Allie. Due to her Mickey Mouse Club tie with Gosling, Spears reached the final two, but McAdams won out. Let your mind play out what it would have been like if pop royalty had gotten top billing in one of the most iconic tearjerkers of the century.

7. Jack Nicholson as Michael Corleone in The Godfather

Al Pacino’s Michael Corleone is iconic, but Jack Nicholson was first offered the part. He refused, declaring, “Indians play Indians and Italians play Italians.” Pacino’s casting revolutionized everything, but it’s crazy to imagine Nicholson as the ruthless Godfather heir.

6. Will Smith as Neo in The Matrix

Keanu Reeves is forever associated with bullet time, but Will Smith was initially the Wachowskis’ choice to play Neo. Smith turned it down, hesitant to get typecast following Men in Black and Independence Day, later expressing some regret. Reeves’ ascent as Neo became iconic, but a Matrix starring Smith might have been a rather different experience.

5. John Travolta as Forrest Gump

Tom Hanks’ Oscar-winning turn almost didn’t occur—first, John Travolta was offered the part of Forrest Gump. He declined to take Pulp Fiction, a move that would define his career. Hanks filled in and gave one of the movie’s greatest performances, and it’s difficult to picture anyone else delivering that memorable line about a box of chocolates.

4. Gwyneth Paltrow and Claire Danes as Rose in Titanic

Kate Winslet’s Rose became legendary, yet she was not the only contender. Gwyneth Paltrow turned it down to play Great Expectations, and Claire Danes passed because of another great love with Leonardo DiCaprio (Romeo + Juliet). Winslet’s performance captured a generation, yet the “what ifs” are to be savored.

3. Leonardo DiCaprio as Dirk Diggler in Boogie Nights

Leonardo DiCaprio later said that saying no to Boogie Nights was his “biggest regret.” He turned down Dirk Diggler to play in Titanic, which opened the door for Mark Wahlberg. DiCaprio has said he wished he had done both movies, making this one of Hollywood’s most well-known close calls.

2. Henry Cavill as Edward Cullen in Twilight

Before Robert Pattinson’s time as vampire hunk, Stephenie Meyer preferred that Henry Cavill play Edward Cullen. By the time the film was approved, Cavill had grown too big for the part, and Pattinson took his place. Meyer was said to have been shattered, but Cavill ended up in Superman and The Witcher, so the universe equalized just fine.

1. Al Pacino and Burt Reynolds playing Han Solo in Star Wars

Harrison Ford’s Han Solo is now iconic, but the role almost went elsewhere. Burt Reynolds was offered the part but declined, later admitting he regretted it. Al Pacino also passed, claiming he didn’t understand the script. Ford, who was working as a carpenter at the time, became the legendary space smuggler we know today.

Hollywood casting history is rich with intriguing “what ifs,” demonstrating the impact of one decision on careers—and sometimes, the destiny of entire franchises. These close calls remind us that the actors who finally appear on screen are merely part of the equation—there is a whole world of other cinematic universes waiting to be conceived behind them.

Let’s be honest—whereas the Oscars are Hollywood’s sparkling evening of glamour, the Golden Raspberry Awards, or Razzies, are where things get interesting. Since 1981, the Razzies have presented a cheeky, irreverent attitude towards movie-making, highlighting the most terrible performances, confounding artistic choices, and films that are hard to watch. Even A-listers have been on the receiving end of a Razzie—and some have even graciously accepted them in good spirits.

And so, who has best perfected the art of cinematic misfire? Here’s a top-10 countdown of the 10 most Razzie-winning actors, demonstrating that even A-listers can experience some unbelievably terrible days on set.

10. Pia Zadora – 4 Awards

Pia Zadora’s career may be lacking in hits, but it is rich in Razzie awards. She took home Worst Actress and Worst New Star for Butterfly in 1983, Worst Actress for The Lonely Lady, and topped the decade with Worst New Star of the Decade. In a curious twist of fate, she also received a Golden Globe for Butterfly, fueling speculation that her husband might have played a role in it. What a mixed bag!

9. Eddie Murphy – 4 Awards

Comedy great Eddie Murphy had a tough streak during the 2000s. He famously swept three Razzies in a single evening for Norbit, taking Worst Actor, Worst Supporting Actor, and Worst Supporting Actress (yes, for playing a bunch of different characters). He also took Worst Actor of the Decade for a string of flops, including Showtime and Meet Dave. Murphy is the only person to have won three Razzies for one film in a single year.

8. Ben Affleck – 4 Awards

Ben Affleck has demonstrated that he can swing from Oscar bliss to Razzie shame. His initial Razzie was in 2004 for a set of flops—Paycheck, Daredevil, and Gigli. He subsequently redeemed himself with the Razzie Redeemer Award for Argo and Gone Girl, only to return in 2017 to Razzie fame for Worst Screen Combo with Henry Cavill in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

7. Demi Moore – 4 Awards

Formerly Hollywood’s highest-paid starlet, Demi Moore has not been spared Razzie ridicule. She won Worst Actress for Striptease, The Juror, and G.I. Jane, and Worst Supporting Actress for Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle. Even expensive big-budget movies could not keep her out of the Razzies’ radar.

6. Bo Derek – 4 Awards

Bo Derek’s initial success in 10 spawned a string of Razzie-deserving performances, primarily in movies directed by her then-husband John Derek. She received Worst Actress for Tarzan the Ape Man, Bolero, and Ghosts Can’t Do It, as well as Worst Actress of the Decade. Critics tended to comment that her performances were more about looks than acting, solidifying her Razzie fame.

5. Pauly Shore – 4 Awards

Pauly Shore was polarizing during the ’90s, and the Razzies noticed. Awards include Worst New Star for Encino Man, Worst Actor for Jury Duty and Bio-Dome, and Worst New Star of the Decade. When his film career tanked, Shore moved to stand-up, leaving Razzie days in the past.

4. Adam Sandler – 5 Awards

Adam Sandler is a box office behemoth but an Razzie favorite. Worst Actor for Big Daddy was his first, followed by sweeping the Razzies with Jack and Jill, collecting Worst Actor, Worst Screen Combo, and Worst Actress (for his twin sister). Another Worst Actor award came for That’s My Boy. It’s a rollercoaster ride of commercial success and critical failure in Sandler’s career.

3. Paris Hilton – 5 Awards

Paris Hilton’s acting career was brief but memorable—for the Razzies. She won Worst Supporting Actress for House of Wax and received three awards for The Hottie & the Nottie and Repo! The Genetic Opera, including Worst Actress and Worst Screen Couple. Hilton went on to music and television afterwards, leaving her Razzie dominance in the past.

2. Madonna – 9 Awards

The Queen of Pop dominates the Razzies, too. With nine wins and fifteen nominations, Madonna has been Worst Actress on several occasions (Shanghai Surprise, Body of Evidence, The Next Best Thing) and Worst Supporting Actress for Four Rooms and Die Another Day. She was even awarded Worst Actress of the Century—a Razzie title not held by any other pop diva.

1. Sylvester Stallone – 10 Awards

The king of the Razzies, finally, Sylvester Stallone boasts ten Razzie wins and more than twenty nominations. Movies such as Rhinestone, Rocky IV, and Rambo III have earned him this dubious distinction. Even Stallone’s most beloved roles haven’t been immune to Razzie consideration, so his career is a study in blockbuster success vs. critical failure.

Oscar and Razzie Crossovers

A few of the actors have won both Oscars and Razzies, demonstrating that failure and success can exist together. Tom Hanks, Jared Leto, Ben Affleck, Sandra Bullock, Halle Berry, Al Pacino, and Marlon Brando are a few of those who have seen the whole range. Bullock and Berry even took the joke on themselves by showing up to accept their Razzies, gaining sympathizers for their sense of humor.

The Razzies remind us that even Hollywood’s brightest stars trip up from time to time. And from time to time, those trips are iconic. Whether you enjoy cringe-watching or just like seeing major stars get humbled, the Golden Raspberry Awards are still a riotous celebration of Hollywood’s worst.

TV in the 21st century has been a rollercoaster, an emotional rollercoaster of highs and lows and in-betweens. With streaming platforms dumping whole seasons all at once and critics nitpicking endlessly about what constitutes “Peak TV,” it’s an exciting—and sometimes suffocating—era to be a viewer. But somebody has to weed out the good from the great. Here’s my opinion on the top ten TV shows of the 21st century, from ten to one, because suspense is what makes everything greater.

10. Succession

Corporate power struggles have few timesneverr been this captivating. Succession provides a keenly observed examination of family dysfunction, with writing and performances that cringe, laugh, and occasionally yell at you. The Roy family’s dysfunctional empire has become a cultural reference point, with dark humor coupled with Shakespearean-quality drama, and they’ve helped demonstrate that boardroom warfare can be as addictive as dragons or crime families.

9. Fleabag

Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag makes the fourth wall a personal confessional. With her in-your-face speeches to the audience, every cringe and every emotional moment lands with more impact. The show marries wicked humor with visceral exposure, making for a narrative style that’s revolutionary and shatteringly relatable. It’s not television—it’s an experience that leaves you feeling like you’re a character within it.

8. Game of Thrones

Love it or despise the finale, Game of Thrones revolutionized TV. Sweeping battles, political machinations, and yes, dragons in abundance, made this HBO hit impossible to turn away from. Its ambition and scope raised a new standard for serialized drama, and while the finale polarized viewers, its impact on TV and pop culture is not to be doubted.

7. Breaking Bad

Walter White’s metamorphosis from chemistry teacher at a high school to meth lord is the stuff of legend. Breaking Bad was a slow-burning thriller with careful plotting, deep characters, and moral compromise that raised the standard for serialized drama. Its influence can still be seen today in hundreds of shows and spin-offs detailing the rise and fall of antiheroes.

6. Mad Men

Step into the world of Sterling Cooper, and you’re immersed in a meditation on identity, ambition, and the American dream. Mad Men goes beyond a period piece with its intricate characters, flawless production design, and exploration of existential ennui. Its influence stretches beyond television, inspiring fashion, design, and even a resurgence in cocktail culture.

5. The Office (UK/US)

However you feel about Ricky Gervais’ cringeingly embarrassing David Brent or Steve Carell’s affable Michael Scott, The Office changed workplace comedy forever. The mockumentary style, deadpan delivery, and relatable human flaws make it perpetually quotable and ageless. Its influence is a cultural touchstone for cringeworthy laughter and office surrealism worldwide.

4. BoJack Horseman

An animated horse riding through the ruins of fame and self-doubt is ridiculous—but BoJack Horseman demonstrates that animation doesn’t have to be superficial. The series approaches mental illness, addiction, and existential crises with dark humor and dreamlike storytelling, mixing chuckles and tears in ways that few shows are willing to try.

3. Atlanta

Donald Glover’s Atlanta is a bold, genre-bending examination of race, celebrity, and the surrealities of contemporary life. Innovative storytelling, social commentary, and pitch-perfect humor render it one of television’s most innovative shows. Glover’s creative vision and commitment to taking risks lend the series a distinctive voice that cannot be overlooked.

2. The Sopranos

Technically a 20th-century debut, but its post-2000 runs cemented The Sopranos as a contemporary classic. Tony Soprano’s battles with family, crime, and therapy established the blueprint for the modern antihero. Its impact can be seen in virtually every significant drama since, from Breaking Bad to Mad Men.

1. The Wire

If you haven’t watched The Wire, you’re missing one of the greatest examinations of society ever filmed. More than a cop show, it’s an exploration of the systems that define city life—police, schools, politics, and beyond. Complex, nuanced, and unapologetically truthful, The Wire is a masterclass in writing and warrants its status as the best TV show of the 21st century.

The 21st century’s TV landscape isn’t just entertainment—it’s boundary-pushing, socially reflective, and emotionally resonant. From animated horse stars to sprawling crime epics, these shows prove that television is still capable of surprising, challenging, and inspiring us. So grab your remote, or your tablet, or whatever device you’re watching on—and dive in. The golden age isn’t over yet.