Obsessed with dramatic eliminations and debates over who’s the ultimate Challenge GOAT? You’re not alone. These women haven’t just played the game—they’ve made it riveting. From political chess masters to unstoppable athletes, they’ve changed the rules of reality TV. Let’s dive into the 10 all-time best female competitors, starting with the newer stars and moving toward the veterans who built the legacy.

10. Tori Deal – Face of the Game for New Era

Since arriving, Tori Deal has been a franchise staple. With more than 30 daily challenge victories and several final appearances through eight complete seasons, she had paid her dues. She finally won her first championship on Ride or Dies, and her consistent appearance in finals indicates she’s not a flash in the pan. Vocal Media writes, “Tori has been the female face of the show for the last few seasons…” Look for her to continue rising.

9. Susie Meister – The Undefeated Strategist

In her four major-season appearances, Susie Meister has never been eliminated. That’s correct—zero eliminations. With two wins and two runner-up placings, she’s all about efficiency and politics. She’s strategic, calm under pressure, and polished in gameplay. As Vocal Media asserts, “Susie has never been eliminated from The Challenge ever.” Not bad.

8. Jenny West – Raw Athletic Power

Fewer seasons but massive influence. Jenny West might have participated in only three flagship challenges, but she’s already won two overall titles. Her Total Madness domination was out-of-this-world. As Vocal Media states, “Jenny is already number 7. She is that good.” If she continues to come back, she could be even higher on this list. Raw strength and accuracy.

7. Ashley Mitchell – The Million-Dollar Winner

Ashley Mitchell is not only a winner—she’s the highest-paid woman in Challenge history. Who can forget that time she pocketed the million-dollar prize for herself on Final Reckoning? That move raised doubts about her endurance in some strategic partnerships, but not so when it came to playing for real. “Ashley is the highest-grossing female challenger. She has won over $1 million,” says Vocal Media. Talk is cheap.

6. Sarah Rice – The Resilient Gladiator

Sarah Rice’s narrative is one of heartbreak, determination, and redemption. Two victories and numerous finals after nine seasons, she’s a master at puzzles, physical challenges, and alliance flips. Her breakup with Johnny Bananas on Rivals III ranks among the greatest betrayals in show history, but Sarah’s legacy extends much further. Collider lauded her as “a brilliant woman… the heart of The Challenge.” She came back tougher each time.

5. Laurel Stucky – Dominant & Unapologetic

Laurel is not messing around. With two championships and a deadly 10–3 elimination record, she’s a physical terror with flames burning in her eyes. She won every final in her first four seasons, and her long-standing feud with Cara Maria became franchise legend. “Laurel is a beast who had one of the best first 4 seasons ever,” according to Vocal Media. She’s a legend in the making.

4. Veronica Portillo – The First Social Powerhouse

One of the game’s first titans, Veronica Portillo, accumulated three championships and almost 50 daily challenge victories during Challenge’s initial run. Although she hasn’t played since the early 2000s, her political prowess set the tone for all future strategists. “Veronica does deserve to be included in the top 10, but I couldn’t rank her above any of the following names,” Vocal Media opines. Her presence is still felt in the house today.

3. Cara Maria Sorbello – The Elimination Queen

No one controls eliminations like Cara Maria. With three championships in 15 seasons and an incredible 13–5 elimination record, she ruled the duel landscape. She made six consecutive finals and won half of them—mind-boggling consistency. Yardbarker points out, “No woman has more elimination wins than her… she also had a run where she reached six straight finals.” Her legacy is built on resilience, adaptability, and unbreakable concentration.

2. Rachel Robinson – The Chameleon Champion

Flexibility is Rachel’s trademark. She’s got three victories in eight years, and she’s done a victory lap across all domains—doubles, teams, even solo competitions. With lightning-quick strategic ability and world-class athletic ability, she navigates whatever The Challenge presents her with. According to Vocal Media, “Rachel jumped up to number 2 on my list after taking Battle of the Eras… she won a standalone season…” Ready to roll at any time.

1. Evelyn Smith – The Challenge’s Biggest Legend

At the very apex sits Evelyn Smith—the undisputed GOAT. In only seven seasons, she won three titles, holds a record-breaking elimination record, and was both a feared and respected player in the eyes of the fans and foes. Vocal Media flat-out asserts it: “Evelyn is the Greatest Challenger of All-Time and I will die on this hill.” And with dominance over physical and social play, she’s the standard of greatness.

Acing five in a day—in the terminology of fighter pilots, becoming an “ace in a day”—is one of the most mythical and infrequently achieved accomplishments of military flight. It has been accomplished by a very few pilots throughout history. Among them is Major Oscar Perdomo, the last U.S. pilot to become so designated during World War II, making himself history as the conflict was ending.

Born in 1919 in El Paso, Texas, Oscar Perdomo came of age as the son of Mexican immigrants. His father had fought under the legendary Pancho Villa once during the Mexican Revolution, and the family soon resided in Los Angeles. Things were not easy, though—Oscar labored a factory job producing milk crates and studiously attended school in high school. As did so many of his age group, he responded to the call to duty, signing up for the draft and ultimately joining the U.S. Army in 1942.

Initially, Perdomo was assigned to the Army Reserves. But soon he was accepted into pilot training in the Aviation Cadet program. From his very beginnings flying the PT-17 Stearman biplane at Thunderbird Field in Arizona to flying advanced planes such as the AT-6 Texan, Oscar’s innate flying ability could not be denied.

Before long, he was flying the P-47 Thunderbolt—a rugged, muscular fighter with a reputation for heavy guns and durability. After further training at Harding Field in Louisiana, Perdomo served in the 464th Fighter Squadron, which belonged to the 507th Fighter Group. By mid-1945, they were based on Ie Shima, a tiny but pivotal island off Okinawa. Oscar was now piloting the extended-range P-47N model and had personalized his aircraft: nose art with a derby-hatted baby, chewing on a cigar, and gripping a rifle. He christened the plane Lil Meaties Meat Chopper, a lighthearted reference to his infant son.

Then came the mission that would enter history. On August 13, 1945, as Japan hung on the brink of surrender only days after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Perdomo departed on his tenth combat flight. He and his squadron flew to Keijo—now Seoul—where they were greeted by about 50 Japanese planes. It was a hot series of dogfights that followed. In command of his element, Perdomo downed two fighters in short order. He then made another crash after shoving it into a low-altitude stall. He saw two enemy trainer biplanes and destroyed one before returning to the battle to shoot down a fourth fighter. His gun camera would later verify that some of these enemy planes were the newer Ki-84 “Franks,” although official reports listed them as the more plentiful Ki-43 “Oscars.”

At the end of that exhausting eight-hour, 1,500-mile flight, Oscar Perdomo had notched five confirmed kills in one day. That made him an “ace in a day” and the final American pilot to receive the designation during World War II. He was awarded a Distinguished Service Cross and an Air Medal with an oak leaf cluster, while the 507th Fighter Group was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation for its actions. Within a week, Japan formally surrendered.

But Perdomo’s tale was not yet over. Following the war, he continued to fly, switching to jets and qualifying on the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star. At the outbreak of the Korean War, he was recalled to active duty. During this second tour of service, he flew the F-86 Sabre and the F-84 Thunderjet. One especially vivid memory occurred when he was piloting a T-33training plane and a fuel leak came very close to taking his and his student’s lives. He pulled off a successful emergency landing, evidence of his cool head. He eventually retired as a major in 1958.

But even heroes experience heartbreak. Oscar’s son, whom he had dedicated his fighter plane to, was killed in action during the Vietnam War in 1970. It was a wound that would not heal. Oscar died in 1976 at the age of 56, with the disease of that loss festering inside him.

Perdomo’s legacy extends beyond awards and combat statistics. A proud Mexican-American himself, his life is a testament to the lesser-known achievements of Latino and Hispanic Americans in U.S. military history. In World War II, too many served heroically in integrated units and frontline positions, yet accolades did not always come. Oscar’s legacy—along with other Hispanic pioneers such as Olga Custodio and Elwood Richard Quesada—is a testament to the profound contributions Hispanic Americans have made to military aviation.

Oscar Perdomo’s name continues to echo today among those who cherish bravery, talent, and sacrifice. His remarkable record as the last “ace in a day” is more than a historical aside—it’s a testament to what can be accomplished when determination, ability, and circumstance intersect. He inspires future generations of pilots and military personnel from every background, showing that heroism recognizes no limits of heritage or birth.

As the age of traditional dogfights recedes and air warfare continues to change, tales such as Perdomo’s endure. They recall not only an extraordinary man and a turning point in World War II, but of the strong, enduring influence one can have on history.

Ever get the sense that some actors appear in every TV show or movie you see? You’re not losing your mind. Some actors have accumulated so many TV and film credits, it seems like they never took a break. These actors aren’t merely well-known—they’re filmography machines. Let’s take a glance at 10 of Hollywood’s most prolific actors. Be prepared for large numbers, deep cuts, and some familiar faces you likely didn’t know had been in everything.

10. Mickey Rooney – 344 Credits

Few careers are as long—and as crowded—as Mickey Rooney’s. He began acting in the silent film days as a child and simply never quit. Most famous for playing Andy Hardy in an astonishing 16 movies, Rooney also made cameo appearances in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Babes in Arms, and even Night at the Museum. During the years between 15 and 25, he acted in 43 films alone. If there were a lifetime achievement award from Hollywood for hustle, Mickey Rooney would have received it decades earlier.

9. Gertrude Astor – 350 Credits

Gertrude Astor might not be a household name today, but her face was a familiar one throughout the early 20th century. She transitioned seamlessly from silent films to talkies, carving out a space for herself as one of classic Hollywood’s most consistent character actresses. Having earned well over 350 credits to her credit, she became an institution of the golden age, frequently cast as socialites, society ladies, or decent extras who provided scenes with just the right amount of pizzazz.

8. Danny Trejo – 438 Credits

With his distinctive face and commanding screen presence, Danny Trejo became the default guy for tough-guy roles. From Desperado to Machete and From Dusk Till Dawn, he’s been every type of tough guy under the sun. But what sets Trejo apart isn’t only the toughness—it’s sheer volume of appearances. With more than 400 credits to his name and still more coming in, Trejo’s work ethic is as intense as any of the roles he plays.

7. James Hong – 456 Credits

James Hong is possibly the most underappreciated legend working in Hollywood. With a career that started back in the 1950s, he’s appeared in everything from Blade Runner to Big Trouble in Little China, voiced Mr. Ping in Kung Fu Panda, and done numerous sitcoms such as Seinfeld. His film resume easily swells past 600 credits if you count all media formats. He’s a pioneer, too, co-founding East West Players to showcase Asian-American talent in show business. Hong joked that he’ll only retire from acting when he physically can’t—based on his body of work, he’s not joking.

6. Robert Loggia – 234 Credits

No matter whether you recognize him from Scarface, Big, Independence Day, or his gravelly voice in a multitude of roles, Robert Loggia possessed one of those faces—and voices—you can’t possibly forget. His versatility saw him traverse genres and platforms, even into video games such as Grand Theft Auto. With 234 credits to his name, Loggia was the epitome of a utility player: always good, always recognizable.

5. Ward Bond – 278 Credits

Ward Bond may not be the flashiest name on this list, but for fans of classic Westerns and dramas, he’s a titan. With nearly 280 roles, Bond was a regular in films by John Ford and Frank Capra, often playing authority figures—sheriffs, soldiers, and moral anchors. You’ve likely seen him in The Searchers or It’s a Wonderful Life. Bond was the quintessential supporting actor—never stealing scenes, but always elevating them.

4. Christopher Lee – 288 Credits

Few thespians have taken villainy up quite as enthusiastically as Christopher Lee. Standing tall and booming voice aside, he made himself a legend playing some of cinema’s greatest bad men—Dracula, Saruman, and Count Dooku, to name a few. His credits list 288 (and that’s only acting, folks!), along with such side work as narration and even composing metal records. He’s a testament that getting typecast is not always a curse—sometimes, it makes you eternally great.

3. Harry Strang – 520 Credits

Harry Strang is perhaps the busiest actor you’ve ever known. A ubiquitous presence in vintage Westerns and crime shows, Strang regularly portrayed sheriffs, detectives, and officials. With more than 500 screen credits, his entire career was predicated on dependability and recognition. For those who came of age watching black-and-white television drama, Strang’s was the face you kept seeing again and again—though you sometimes couldn’t recall his name.

2. Bess Flowers – 1,045 Credits

Nicknamed the “Queen of the Hollywood Extras,” Bess Flowers holds the kind of record most actors can only dream about. Appearing in over 1,000 films—from Sunset Boulevard to It’s a Wonderful Life—Flowers specialized in background roles. If you’ve seen a crowd scene in a classic movie, odds are she’s in it somewhere. She may not have delivered monologues, but she helped build Hollywood’s golden age one frame at a time.

1. Eric Roberts – 725+ Credits

Though Julia and Emma might have more commercial popularity, Eric Roberts is in a category of his own when it comes to volume. With more than 725 credits (and rising), Roberts has had a role in everything—The Dark Knight to unknown indie flicks. He’s a chameleon: starring roles, guest spots, voiceovers—name it, he’s done it. Even with the endless work, Roberts is also renowned for his activism and dedication to causes such as animal rights. Prolific doesn’t mean you can’t have principles.

So the next time you find yourself thinking, “Haven’t I seen that actor somewhere before?”—you probably have. These celebrities made consistency and hustle an art form. In a business that never stops reinventing itself, they are a testament to the fact that appearing repeatedly again and again does count.

Superheroes solo-flying? Great. But let’s be real—when they unite, that’s when things get exciting. Something is electrifying about watching a roster of wildly disparate heroes team up against impossible circumstances. If you grew up on animated team-ups or live for grand crossover events in comics, superhero teams have been at the forefront of pop culture for decades. So let’s celebrate the ten most legendary superhero teams in comic book history. Count ’em down from ten—team spirit ahead.

10. The Defenders

Assume the Defenders are just that street-level Netflix bunch? Wrong. The classic Defenders comic roster of the ’70s was far stranger—and far better. Rather than your usual team setup, it threw together loners and misfits such as Doctor Strange, the Hulk, Namor, and the Silver Surfer. They weren’t best buddies, really; they hardly even collaborated at all. But when the cosmos was under siege, they appeared, did the deed, and parted ways. No headquarters, no gatherings, no appointed leadership—just sheer power and celestial strangeness. The Defenders were volatile, and so they became indelible. It’s high time the MCU treated them with the respect they’ve earned.

9. The Doom Patrol

Well before mutants came to serve as a metaphor for outsiders, DC’s Doom Patrol was already exploring the strange. Out in the early ’60s, pre-dating the X-Men, the Doom Patrol centered on heroes who never really fit—affecting the world and their bodies. Guided by an enigmatic Chief, early members such as Robotman, Elasti-Girl, and Negative Man were characterized by trauma as much as by power. Things got crazy when Grant Morrison jumped into the reign in the late ’80s, embracing surrealism and psychological complexity. The Doom Patrol doesn’t merely save the day—they cut apart what it means to be a hero at all.

8. Justice Society of America

This is where superhero teams started. The Justice Society of America was created way back in 1940, officially the first superhero team in comics. Superman and Batman took a seat for this one, but other flagship DC heroes such as Green Lantern, the Flash, and Wonder Woman (as a secretary, no less) rounded out the team. While they disappeared after WWII, the JSA has re-emerged in some fashion throughout history—more often than not to serve as a generational bridge. Mixing golden-age legends with new heroes has kept them relevant, nostalgic, and always ready to pass the torch.

7. The Legion of Super-Heroes

Leap a thousand years ahead and you’ll find the Legion of Super-Heroes—a massive collective of young heroes from across the galaxy. What began as a one-off Superboy story turned into one of DC’s most ambitious and beloved franchises. The Legion wasn’t a team—it was a vast society, with intergalactic politics, teen angst, and time-traveling insanity. In its heyday in the ’70s and ’80s, the team had dozens of its members featured regularly. If Star Trek had powers and code names, it would be not unlike the Legion.

6. Teen Titans

Take a collection of sidekicks, mix them all up, and what do you have? A franchise that evolved into one of DC’s most popular assets. The Teen Titans began as a Justice League spin-off in the ’60s, but became who they were in the ’80s during the New Teen Titans series. With thanks to creators Marv Wolfman and George Pérez, Starfire, Raven, and Cyborg became fan favorites. The team tackled real issues, from identity to trauma, under the guise of action-packed story arcs. And with several hit animated series to their credit, the Titans have come a long way from sidekicks to superstars.

5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

They began as a black-and-white indie comic spoofing the genre’s clichés. But for some reason, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles became a cultural phenomenon. Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo—named after Renaissance masters, ninjutsu-trained, pizza-obsessed—captured the imagination of the world. Their underdog attitude, quirky natures, and brotherly love established them as instantly likable characters. Whether you knew them from the comics, Saturday morning cartoons, or one of the numerous movie reboots, there’s no questioning that the Turtles are one of the most endearing and long-running teams in comics.

4. Fantastic Four

Before the Avengers and X-Men, Marvel boasted the Fantastic Four. Launched in 1961, this was Marvel’s first official superhero team—and it revolutionized the game. Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm were not only a team; they were family. Their cosmic escapades, unhinged villains, and down-to-earth family life established the tone for all that followed. The FF helped popularize the notion that superheroes can be imperfect, fight, and still save the world as a unit. Even if younger teams have hogged the limelight, the Fantastic Four’s genetic code is in modern superhero storytelling.

3. The Avengers

It was as simple as a concept when Marvel united its greatest solo heroes in The Avengers back in 1963: pit Earth’s strongest heroes against the threats that were too enormous for a single individual to handle. The roster has been constantly shifting through the years—adding legends such as Black Panther, Scarlet Witch, and Captain Marvel, as well as traditional founders Iron Man and Thor. But it wasn’t until the MCU brought them together on screen that the team went global. Today, the Avengers aren’t comic book icons—they’re pop culture royalty.

2. X-Men

The X-Men are not only a superhero franchise—they’re a metaphor for anyone who’s ever felt they didn’t belong. Beginning in the ’60s but taking off in the ’70s and ’80s with writer Chris Claremont, the X-Men addressed actual issues of the time through the vehicle of mutant abilities. Racism, acceptance, identity, and civil rights were incorporated into their genetic makeup. Their soap opera-esque melodrama, multicultural cast, and emotional depth helped make them one of Marvel’s biggest successes. And with animated television shows and movies keeping them in the limelight, the X-Men continue to be one of the most powerful teams in comic book history.

1. Justice League

Superman. Batman. Wonder Woman. The Flash. Green Lantern. Aquaman. When you sit down and think of classic superhero teams, the Justice League stands above the rest. First to appear in 1960, the League united DC’s best and brightest heroes under a single umbrella—and established the gold standard for all subsequent teams. They’ve battled alien invasions, multiverse dangers, and cosmic horrors, all while forging what it means to be a hero. Their presence has extended beyond comics into animated shows, blockbuster movies, and a myriad of spin-offs. When the stakes reach astronomical levels, you call on the Justice League.

The 2010s were science fiction’s golden age—but not quite in the way you’re expecting. When superheroes flew high and cinematic universes dominated box offices, sci-fi was quietly becoming something bolder, more intimate, and more cerebral. If you were there for high-concept brain teasers, philosophical conundrums, or simply great intergalactic action, the decade had something for everyone. These ten movies didn’t merely break rules—they refigured what science fiction could do.

10. Her (2013)

Spike Jonze’s Her is one of those movies that quietly gets under your skin. Filmed in a future that seems distressingly near, it follows the story of a man who falls in love with his AI operating system. Sounds strange, yeah—but the depth of emotion is what makes it unforgettably great. Scarlett Johansson’s voice acting as Samantha adds unexpected vulnerability and depth, asking questions about love, awareness, and what it means to communicate. It’s an understated species of sci-fi, one that gets you right in the feels.

9. Upgrade (2018)

Upgrade is evidence that you don’t require a huge budget to present smart, engaging science fiction. On a budget of only $3 million, director Leigh Whannell created a hip, frenetic revenge thriller with insightful commentary on AI and free will. The interplay between the protagonist and his AI implant, STEM, is equally exhilarating and profoundly uncomfortable. Sharp, sexy, and full of twists and turns, it’s the type of movie that lingers longer than you’d anticipate.

8. Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

Time loops, extraterrestrial takeovers, and Tom Cruise killing himself over and over—it shouldn’t work, but it does. Edge of Tomorrow (also tagged with Live. Die. Repeat.) is one of the decade’s most enjoyable sci-fi action movies. Emily Blunt shines in a standout performance, and the Groundhog Day-esque framework makes the story seem new and thrilling. It offsets major thrills with intelligent storytelling, making a film that’s clever and repeatedly watchable.

7. Under the Skin (2013)

Haunting and hypnotic, Under the Skin is sci-fi at its most abstract. Scarlett Johansson stars as an alien stalking unsuspecting men in Scotland, but don’t anticipate your run-of-the-mill alien movie. With little talk and unquiet images, the film relies largely on mood and atmosphere. It’s odd, disquieting, and lovely mysterious—a film that provokes interpretation rather than explication. Glazer’s direction and Johansson’s unsettling performance render it a one-of-a-kind.

6. Annihilation (2018)

If your sci-fi is to be weird and brainy, Annihilation is a must. Alex Garland’s adaptation of Jeff VanderMeer’s novel plunges into a strange region called “The Shimmer,” where biology and nature ignore all rules. It’s a hauntingly atmospheric, visually surreal movie with a mad focus on self-destruction and transformation, and one that requires—and repays—multiple viewings. The vagueness is part of the fun, as is the feeling that you’re seeing something other.

5. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Sequels to classic movies are hard, but Denis Villeneuve pulled off the impossible: Blade Runner 2049 pays respect to its precursor yet forges its legacy. Visually breathtaking and emotionally profound, the movie delves into identity, memory, and the meaning of humanity. Ryan Gosling stars with understated intensity, and the world-building in the movie is breathtaking. It did not break box office records, but it’s already secured its place as a contemporary sci-fi classic.

4. Interstellar (2014)

With Interstellar, Christopher Nolan reached for the stars—and our hearts. Blending speculative science with intensely personal stakes, it’s an epic journey of space, time, and love. Hans Zimmer’s legendary score and the movie’s mind-bending interpretation of relativity heighten the experience, while the emotional through-line keeps it anchored. It’s ambitious, daring, and sometimes dizzying—but that’s precisely what makes it unforgettable.

3. Ex Machina (2014)

Intimate and unnerving, Ex Machina examines artificial intelligence in one of the most subtly intense ways possible. Taking place nearly all in one room, the movie lives off its witty dialogue, psychological tension, and ethical nuance. Alicia Vikander’s portrayal of the humanoid A.I. Ava is eerily human, and Oscar Isaac’s performance as the mysterious inventor is compelling. It’s a slow-build thriller that keeps questioning your hypotheses at every turn.

2. Inception (2010)

The decade kicked off with a bang thanks to Christopher Nolan’s Inception, a film that turned the idea of dream manipulation into one of the most exhilarating blockbusters ever made. With layers upon layers of reality, mind-bending visuals, and a cliffhanger ending that still sparks debate, it’s a masterclass in high-concept filmmaking. It’s rare for a blockbuster to be this thoughtful—and for a cerebral story to be this fun.

1. Arrival (2016)

Number one is Arrival, a movie that changed what science fiction could do emotionally. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, the movie follows a linguist (Amy Adams, giving one of her finest performances) attempting to speak with alien visitors. It’s about far more than language—it’s an exploration of time, loss, and the decisions we make. Quietly powerful and deeply moving, Arrival proves that great sci-fi isn’t just about technology—it’s about humanity.

Let’s face it: the modern movie landscape is ruled by titans. Gone are the days when a single film could dominate the cultural conversation for years—now, it’s all about cinematic universes, sequels, and interconnected stories that keep fans coming back for more. If you’ve ever wondered which franchises have truly conquered the box office, buckle up. Here are the 7 highest-grossing movie franchises in history, and why they are the unstoppable juggernauts of Hollywood.

7. Marvel Cinematic Universe

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is the box office king. With 35 movies released and eight more scheduled, the MCU has collected more than $31.4 billion globally. As Investopedia states, “Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe, or MCU, is undoubtedly the monarch of profitable movie franchises.” The Avengers films alone have raked in an astonishing $7.7 billion, with “Avengers: Endgame” sitting on the box office record as the second-highest-grossing film ever at $2.79 billion. What’s amazing is that when Disney acquired Marvel in 2009, the MCU wasn’t even a guarantee—most of the biggest characters were contracted to other studios. But as Marvel regained rights and constructed a vast, interlocking universe, the box office took off.

6. Star Wars

A galaxy far, far away in the distant past, George Lucas introduced a phenomenon that would be the second most valuable movie franchise in history. With 12 already here and two more coming, Star Wars has amassed $10.32 billion globally. The Force is with this one—”Star Wars: Episode VII—The Force Awakens” itself raked in over $2 billion, landing the film as the fifth highest-grossing of all time. Since Disney bought Lucasfilm in 2012, the franchise went ballistic with new movies, TV shows, and merchandising empire, envying the whole galaxy. As mentioned by Investopedia, “Another Disney property, Star Wars, is the second most valuable movie franchise in the world by box office revenue.”

5. Harry Potter/Wizarding World

Magic, mystery, and a pinch of British flair—J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World comes in third, with a total of $9.6 billion at the box office. Those are the first eight Harry Potter movies and the Fantastic Beasts spin-offs. The last Potter movie, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2,” by itself brought in more than $1.3 billion. The reach of the franchise extends far past the screen, with theme parks, video games, and even a Broadway production.

And with an HBO television series in the works, the magic doesn’t show any signs of diminishing. According to Investopedia, “the Harry Potter film franchise contains both the original eight Harry Potter films as well as a spinoff series, Fantastic Beasts.”

4. Spider-Man

Everybody’s favorite web-slinger swings into fourth place with $8.9 billion worldwide box office. The Spider-Man franchise is distinct, although the latest Tom Holland films belong to the MCU, previous films, and the animated Spider-Verse films are a Sony product. “Spider-Man: No Way Home” almost reached $2 billion on its own, demonstrating that nobody can ever have enough Peter Parker action, no matter who is underneath the mask.

As per Investopedia, “the Spider-Man movie franchise comprises two previous sets of films and two animated films (and a third scheduled for 2026) as well.” 

3. James Bond

Shaken, not stirred, and always lucrative—James Bond is the fifth-top-grossing franchise, earning $7.9 billion in 27 films. From Sean Connery to Daniel Craig, eight actors have played the tuxedo since “Dr. No” in 1962. The highest-grossing film of the franchise, “Skyfall,” grossed $1.1 billion, proving that 007 still has plenty of license to thrill. According to Investopedia, “the James Bond movie franchise is the fifth-highest-grossing of all time.” With Amazon MGM Studios now in creative control, the future of Bond is as intriguing as ever.

2. Jurassic Park/World

Dinosaurs are never out of fashion. The Jurassic brand, starting with Steven Spielberg’s original 1993 blockbuster, has continued to attract audiences with its combination of spectacle and nostalgia. The new release of “Jurassic World Rebirth” has pushed the franchise’s overall total even higher, potentially catapulting it ahead of Harry Potter and Spider-Man in the rankings. As pointed out by Business Insider, “The recent release of ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ could place the ‘Jurassic’ franchise above some titans such as ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Spider-Man’ once its run is completed.”

1. Batman and the DC Extended Universe

Though Marvel might reign supreme, DC’s caped crusader and his cinematic universe are not slackers. Batman’s standalone movies have collected almost $2.8 billion, and the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) has contributed another $2.65 billion on 14 titles. Whether it is the grimy realism of Nolan’s trilogy or the bombastic extravagance of the DCEU, fans continue to queue up for more action in Gotham. As IGN tells it, “One of the biggest comic book heroes of all time, Batman has enjoyed immense success with a live-action take by 6 different actors and multiverse versions of wonderful Batman films.”

So what’s the key to these blockbuster franchises? It’s a combination of nostalgia, world-building, and constant innovation. Shared universes allow fans to dig deeper, and sequels and spinoffs maintain the momentum. Merchandising, theme parks, and streaming shows make these tales cultural references that endure for decades. And, of course, one mustn’t forget the magic of a great cast—be it Robert Downey Jr. playing Iron Man or Daniel Radcliffe playing Harry Potter, the right actor makes a franchise box office gold.

Something about true crime will pull you in and refuse to let go. Perhaps it’s the unadulterated human drama, the psychological surprises, or the knowledge that it all occurred. If you’re just wading into the genre or you’ve already gone whole armchair detective, true crime tends to draw you in further than you initially planned. The addiction is real, and with streaming sites always battling to outdo one another, there’s always an abundance of crazy, bizarre, and frightening content to watch. Let’s count down the 10 most memorable true crime documentary shows and series—names that didn’t merely amuse, but lingered long after the lights went out.

10. Amanda Knox

Few crimes have generated so much controversy and international media hysteria as the Amanda Knox murder case. This film doesn’t simply report the facts—it burrows into the court of public opinion, media hype, and the cultural dynamics that constructed the story. It’s as much concerned with perception and prejudice as with finding out what happened.

9. Shiny_Flakes: The Teenage Drug Lord

What happens when a teenager builds a drug empire from his childhood bedroom? This mind-bending documentary shows just how far one clever kid went in the digital age. It’s a story that feels like it belongs in a movie—except it’s all true.

8. The Confession Tapes

This series is the kind that will keep you up all night. It explores actual cases in which individuals made confessions to crimes they may not have committed. Were they pressured? Misled? Was something else behind the scenes? It’s a chilling glance at the fault lines of the justice system.

7. House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths

When 11 members of a family were discovered dead in their Delhi home, the whole nation was stunned. This documentary uncovers the layers of spiritual belief, family dynamics, and psychological trauma in one inexplicable case.

6. Dirty Money

Not everything criminal is bloody. This international series delves into white-collar crimes in the high-stakes world of finance—corporate corruption, to say nothing of scandalous plots—demonstrating that greed can be deadly. Every episode exposes the unsavory business that goes on right under their noses.

5. Athlete A

The story behind this one is tough, but essential. It focuses on the survivors of the USA Gymnastics sexual abuse scandal and the reporters who wouldn’t let the truth stay buried. It’s a powerful look at what it takes to hold powerful institutions accountable.

4. I’ll Be Gone in the Dark

Born out of a single woman’s determination to get at the truth, this series follows Michelle McNamara’s tireless hunt for the Golden State Killer. Part crime drama, part tribute to amateur detectives, it’s an emotional, thrilling ride through decades of cold-case evidence. 

3. The Curious Case of Natalia Grace

This one reads like a psychological thriller—but it’s true. A woman and her husband adopted a Ukrainian orphan, then asserted she was an adult who was impersonating a child. The controversy surrounding this strange story fueled discussions of identity, mental illness, and what occurred behind closed doors.

2. The Fox Hollow Murders

Indiana-based, this disturbing tale revolves around Herb Baumeister and the gruesome findings on his farm. Using interviews, crime scenes, and eerie archival footage, this documentary uncovers one of the darkest serial killer cases ever in the state of Indiana.

1. Our Father

This one’s hard to get your head around. A well-respected fertility physician secretly used his semen to impregnate dozens of women without their knowledge. The emotional repercussions of the revelation are mind-boggling, and the tale itself reads like something out of a horror novel—only it’s all too true.

Whether it’s a cult, a scam, or a spine-tingling cold case, true crime still holds up society’s darkest reflection. These 10 unforgettable titles are evidence that reality really is stranger than fiction—and far more terrifying.

Let’s be real: every fan of comic books has wasted at least one boring afternoon’s daydreaming about what superpower they’d most want. Would you swing through the city like Spider-Man, or would you walk through walls like Vision and Kitty Pryde? The debate is endless, the enthusiasm high, and the possibilities—well, they’re super. So, in the spirit of pop culture obsession and a little bit of friendly competition, here is the list of the 15 coolest superpowers in comics and movies, tallying sheer coolness factor, practical application, and the kind of wish-fulfillment that inspires us all to don a cape.

15. Reality Manipulation (Scarlet Witch)

If you can rewrite the rules of the universe, you win. Wanda Maximoff‘s reality-warping powers are so intense that even the Avengers are a little afraid of her. As Hannah Marder puts it, “Scarlett Witch” is number one for a reason—she can warp reality with a thought. Think about never waiting in line ever again. Or, you know, reversing terrible things that happened.

14. Magic Mastery (Doctor Strange)

Who wouldn’t wish to cast spells, open portals, and toy with time? Doctor Strange‘s magical powers are the superpower Swiss Army knife. From astral projection to time loops, he has a spell for it. The Sorcerer Supreme is the ultimate multitasker.

13. Godlike Mischief (Loki)

Loki’s powers are a great mix of illusion, deception, and magic. He can transform, teleport, and pretty much wreak havoc wherever he goes. If you like your superpowers with a dollop of sarcasm and a sprinkle of ambiguity, Loki’s your guy.

12. Vision’s Intangibility

Walking through doors, dodging gunfire, and no longer having to worry about locked doors anymore? Yes. Vision and Kitty Pryde make intangibility seem effortless, and it’s one of those powers that’s useful as much as it’s cool. As described in CBR’s list, intangibility is “limited more by a lack of imagination than anything else.” 

11. Cosmic Power (Captain Marvel)

Flight, energy blasts, super strength—Carol Danvers has it all. She’s a one-woman army, and her cosmic abilities place her among the most formidable heroes in the Marvel universe.

10. Thunder God Strength (Thor)

You’d never get tired of being able to summon lightning and wielding a hammer that you alone can lift. Thor’s abilities are legendary—literally. And, as a bonus, you get to speak Shakespearean English and look good doing it.

9. Super-Intelligence and Technology (Iron Man)

Tony Stark shows us that the best superpower is a genius IQ and a suit full of gadgets. Hacking, flying, blasting—Iron Man can do it all with a dash of technology and a heap of attitude.

8. Photographic Reflexes (Taskmaster)

Consider being able to sit at home, watch a YouTube video, and suddenly know whatever you’re watching. That’s Taskmaster’s pitch. According to CBR, Taskmaster “can replicate any movement or skill with photic reflexes”. You’d never lose karaoke games ever again.

7. Wall-Crawling (Spider-Man)

It’s not just sticking to walls—it’s the capability of being able to go everywhere, anytime. Spider-Man wall-crawling is the stuff of myth, and face it, who hasn’t tried to scale a wall after watching Spidey kick some butt?

6. Shape-Shifting (Mystique)

The ultimate disguise. Mystique can become anyone, anywhere, at any time. Whether you’re infiltrating a secret base or just want to skip the line at Starbucks, shape-shifting is endlessly useful (and a little bit mischievous).

5. Enhanced Senses (Daredevil, Wolverine, Spider-Man)

Super smell, hearing, and even a sixth sense of danger—these powers aren’t necessarily as sexy as laser vision, but they’re champions. Spider-Man’s spider-sense and Daredevil’s radar sense are the best cheat codes to being ahead of the curve.

4. Optic Blasts (Cyclops, Superman)

Who needs a flashlight when you can shoot concussive blasts out of your eyes? Cyclops and Superman make optic blasts awesome, and in a practical sense, they’re useful too—commodious for fighting villains and even welding up broken bridges.

3. Body Manipulation (Mister Fantastic, Plastic Man)

Bend, curl, squash—body manipulation is the most flexibility. Reed Richards and Plastic Man can rig themselves as parachutes, trampolines, or even a straightjacket that is living. It’s goofy, yes, but also subversively potent.

2. Technological Interface (Cyborg, Iron Man)

Having the ability to mentally hack into any machine or device? That’s the dream of every person who’s ever gotten locked out of their account. Deathlok and Cyborg can use technology through their minds, so they are the ultimate IT help desk.

1. Sonic Scream (Black Bolt, Black Canary, Banshee)

Occasionally, you just need to release it all. Black Canary’s Canary Cry and Black Bolt’s vocal cords can destroy mountains—or at least clear out the room. Extra points for being able to propel yourself through the air on nothing but your vocal cords.

There you are—the superpowers we wish we had so we could inhabit a world where radioactive spiders and cosmic rays are merely an everyday aspect of the daily commute. Whether you’re looking for the raw power, the utility, or just the sheer old-fashioned fun of it all, these powers are what keep us returning time and again to the comics and the movies, with the hope that maybe tomorrow morning we’ll wake up with a little something more.

Let’s face it: horror enthusiasts love to brag about enduring the most gruesome, stomach-turning films around. Yet at other times, the greatest scares are those that aren’t seen—and that’s where PG-13 horror films excel. Buck the buckets of blood and the continual f-bombs; these films demonstrate that a great director and a pinch of creativity can get you crawling out of your skin just as well as the next R-rated gore fest. Whether you’re an old-school horror fan in the mood for something a little less intense or you’re introducing a younger audience member to the genre, these PG-13 classics bring the fright without going over the top.

10. The Final Girls (2015)

If you enjoy your horror with a dash of meta-humor and an oversized, pounding heart, The Final Girls is your ticket. This horror-comedy time-traveler drops a mourning teenager into the world of her deceased mother’s 80s slasher film, with her having to evade a masked murderer and cope with grief. It’s a fond spoof of horror conventions, with a substantial amount of laughs and crafty surprises to entertain even the most cynical fan. Scream and Back to the Future combine, minus the gore and the feels.

9. The Mummy (1999)

Brendan Fraser’s The Mummy is the action-horror hit that remains great even decades on. Yes, it’s got ancient curses, flesh-devouring scarabs, a mummy who’s far too keen on your internal organs, but it’s all presented in a rollicking, crowd-pleasing sort of way. The horror aspects are just scary enough to leave you on tenterhooks, but never so extreme that you’ll be reaching for Benadryl at midnight. It’s the type of film that inspires you to grab some popcorn and go adventuring—ideally without dead priests.

8. The Monster Squad (1987)

It was cool before Stranger Things did it, but The Monster Squad provided us with a disparate band of kids battling Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster, and the Wolfman in their backyard. It’s a cult classic that combines real scares with witty, Shane Black-written humor. The monsters are scary, but the tone is lighthearted, so it’s a great gateway horror film for anyone who misses the good old days of BMX bikes and monster mags.

7. 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)

Who needs a giant monster rampaging through New York when you’ve got John Goodman in a bunker? 10 Cloverfield Lane dials up the psychological tension, trapping Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s character underground with a man who claims the world above is doomed. The real terror comes from not knowing if the danger is outside or right there in the room. It’s a masterclass in tension, showing that atmosphere and doubt are more frightening than any jump scare.

6. King Kong (2005)

Peter Jackson’s King Kong is not simply about a giant ape on a tear—it’s a full-fledged horror-adventure with some of the most terrifying creatures ever to scuttle across Skull Island. Naomi Watts, Adrien Brody, and Jack Black take a doomed film crew into the clutches of doom, and the notorious bug pit scene is grade-A nightmare fuel. The special effects are eye-popping, and the feeling of foreboding is genuine, even if Kong himself is tragic rather than frightening.

5. The Haunting (1999)

Haunted houses are a horror franchise staple, and The Haunting goes all-in on the psychological aspects. With Liam Neeson, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Owen Wilson in the cast, this remake forgoes the gore for atmosphere, relying on darkened corridors and creeping paranoia to keep the audience in the dark. The special effects may appear a bit dated, but the slow-burn terror is ageless—ideal for newcomers trying their hand at the haunted mansion genre.

4. Critters 3 (1991)

Sure, Critters 3 is not high art, but it does have one distinction: it’s Leonardo DiCaprio’s first big-screen role. The story is straightforward—fuzzy alien critters attack an apartment complex—but the bad effects and gaudy tone make it a guilty pleasure. It’s the type of film you see with friends just to laugh at the rubber monsters and catch glimpses of young Leo being great.

3. AVP: Alien Vs. Predator (2004)

When two of horror’s most iconic monsters face off, you’d expect an R-rated gorefest. Instead, AVP delivers a surprisingly fun, PG-13 creature feature that’s all about the spectacle. Sure, some fans grumbled about the toned-down violence, but seeing Xenomorphs and Predators duke it out is still a blast. The scares are there, the action is solid, and it’s a must-watch for anyone who ever argued about which monster would win in a fight.

2. Van Helsing (2004)

Universal’s rebooting of its monster universe might have failed, but Van Helsing remains a mindless thrill. Hugh Jackman swaps his Wolverine claws for a crossbow, battling Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster, and the Wolfman in a campy gothic action-horror hybrid. It’s cheesy, over-the-top, and unrepentantly fun—just the ticket for fans of horror served with a side of popcorn and a wink.

1. 47 Meters Down (2017)

Sharks have been frightening audiences since Jaws, but 47 Meters Down succeeds in creating real tension with an un-R-rated PG-13. Two sisters are stuck in a shark cage at the ocean’s depths, and time is running out. The special effects won’t win any Oscars, but the cramped environment and never-ending tension create a surprisingly great survival horror movie.

PG-13 horror films are the genre’s best-kept secret. They’re evidence that you don’t have to use gallons of special effects blood or a never-ending barrage of jump scares to get your heart pumping. As a newcomer to the world of horror or a hardened veteran seeking something new, these movies provide the frights, thrills, and, yes, even the laughs that make horror worth watching.

Let’s get real: that rainbow on our screens used to be closer to watered-down pastel than the full, rich spectrum we deserve. But in the past ten-ish years or so, LGBTQ+ representation on TV and film has gone from blink-and-you ‘miss cameos to head-on, scene-stealing, culture-defying icons. Some have kicked open the closet door, some have sashayed in through it in six-inch heels, and some have even rewritten the game on what queer storytelling can be. Below are 15 LGBTQ+ TV and film characters who didn’t just appear, but leveled the game forever.

15. Kurt Hummel from Glee

Ryan Murphy’s Glee did not simply provide musical numbers and slushie facials—it provided us with Kurt Hummel, the twink who inspired a thousand Tumblr blogs. For some, Kurt was the first to represent that an openly gay adolescent could be the center of the show, not the joke. His boyfriend, Blaine, was a touchstone for a whole generation, despite the show’s camp sometimes getting the better of its sincerity.

14. Blanca Evangelista from Pose

If you want to talk about heart, resilience, and family of choice, look no further than Blanca. Pose, another Murphy production, centered trans women of color in the ballroom, and Blanca’s house mother story was both groundbreaking and deeply impactful. She’s the kind of role model television has been missing for far too long.

13. Chiron from Moonlight

Moonlight didn’t just win Best Picture—it broke barriers. Chiron’s coming of age, told in three acts, gave us a rich, poetic exploration of Black queer masculinity. His silence and strength sent shockwaves far beyond the festival circuit. 

12. Titus Andromedon of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Titus is the proof-in-the-pudding, walking, singing, meme-ing proof that Black queer characters can be funny and iconic. His own confidence and comedic sense made him a beloved character, and come on, who among us has not dreamed of channeling a little Titus energy?

11. Eric Effiong from Sex Education

Eric is the ultimate best mate we all desire—unabashedly himself, flawlessly dressed, and negotiating the maelstrom of growing up queer and Black in a small English town. His plots are poignant as they are belly-laughing, and his home life offers richness never seen on TV.

10. Sophia Burset from Orange Is the New Black

Laverne Cox’s Sophia was more than a trailblazer in several ways. One of the first trans women of color to grace a trans role on a flagship show, Sophia’s triumphs and failures made issues of the real world a part of the mainstream conversation.

9. Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s Captain Holt

Deadpan, dignified, and subtly subversive, Captain Holt proved that gay Black men could be more than comic relief or tragic tropes. His dry humor and command abilities made him the star in a show filled with lovable misfits.

8. Annalise Keating from How to Get Away With Murder

Viola Davis’s tour-de-force performance as Annalise introduced us to a bisexual Black woman who was complicated, flawed, and intensely nuanced. She broke glass ceilings and expectations in equal measure.

7. Yorkie and Kelly from “San Junipero” in Black Mirror

This episode presented us with a rare commodity: a queer love story with a positive outcome. Kelly and Yorkie’s romance through time and technology was nostalgic and optimistic, and it continues to leave us sobbing years after its airing.

6. Lafayette Reynolds from True Blood

Lafeyette was the kind of actor who could dominate a scene with an eyebrow raise. His fierce, funny, and never-say-die spirit brought some much-needed diversity to the supernatural world.

5. Denise of Master of None

Denise, played by Lena Waithe, brought authenticity and humor to the equation, most notably in the Emmy-winning “Thanksgiving” episode that traced her coming-out journey through several years. It was a masterclass in subtle, powerful storytelling.

4. Riley and Zane of Degrassi: The Next Generation

There are occasions when the greatest stories come from the least expected places. For others of Canadian teenage descent, Riley and Zane’s relationship on Degrassi was the first time in their lives they ever saw themselves portrayed on television—accidental, decent, and sincere.

3. Amanita of Sense8

Sense8 didn’t just offer global intrigue and psychic orgies—it gave us Amanita, a white-hot, knife-sharp girlfriend who stood by her girlfriend Nomi thicker than peanut butter. The intersectional approach the show took to identity was forward-thinking, even if Netflix pulled the plug too soon.

2. Marcus Hooks of Fellow Travelers

Fellow Travelers dives deep into the complexity of queer life in the shade of American political history. Marcus Hooks, a Black journalist who deals with institutionalized racism and homophobia, lends an indispensable voice to the web of LGBTQ+ stories.

1. Dr. Frank-N-Furter from The Rocky Horror Picture Show

The Transylvanian sweet transvestite would not be left out of any list. Frank-N-Furter’s camp, anarchy, and unapologetic queerness have encouraged generations of freaks to fly their freak flags high.

But even so, the tide is turning. From the ballroom to the police station, from the high school halls to the corridors of power, LGBTQ+ characters are making their presence known—and demanding the next generation be represented not as sidekicks or stereotypes, but as heroes, lovers, leaders, and legends.