Television shows and films are meant to sweep us into compelling worlds—teeming with pulse-pounding action, nail-biting stunts, and memorable performances. But too often, the magic is obtained at a cost. Backstage, actors, stunt crews, and crew are sometimes subjected to grave dangers to create these worlds. And worst of all, some never get to return home. Here’s a countdown of eight of the most tragic on-set fatalities and incidents that left an indelible impression on Hollywood and the world at large.

8. The Poltergeist Curse: A Haunting Legacy

The Poltergeist trilogy was renowned for its spooky, paranormal plots—but things that occurred off-screen were equally terrifying. Four actors passed away during or shortly following the production of the films, leading to whispers about a curse.

Don’t forget to read to the end. Dominique Dunne (Dana) was murdered by an abusive ex in 1982. Heather O’Rourke, the child actress who starred as Carol Anne, died at 12 from a misdiagnosed disease. Julian Beck and Will Sampson died soon after production as well. Throw in rumors of using real human skeletons as props, and it’s not hard to understand why this franchise has an eerie legacy. As Biography.com puts it, “Poltergeist’s success came with a creepy mystique, thanks to a string of real-life tragedies.”

7. Steve Irwin: A Wildlife Hero Lost Too Soon

Steve Irwin, better known as The Crocodile Hunter, was fearless when it came to animals—but a tragic accident claimed his life in 2006. While filming Ocean’s Deadliest, he was fatally pierced in the chest by a stingray’s barb. In spite of efforts to rescue him at once, Irwin did not live. The world wasn’t only deprived of a television personality, but of an enthusiastic conservationist who introduced millions of people to nature in their own homes. According to Test-English.com, “His crew and emergency services attempted to save him, but Irwin didn’t live.”

6. Roy Kinnear: A Routine Stunt Turned Deadly

Seasoned actor Roy Kinnear was working on The Return of the Musketeers in 1989 when a horse-riding scene went awry. He was thrown from his horse and broke his pelvis—a bad break that caused a heart attack that killed him. Although the mishap appeared minimal initially, it left a sore reminder that even minor stunts have huge risks. Test-English.com conveyed, “Despite the severity of his injury, Kinnear insisted that filming should proceed. But his conditions deteriorated.”

5. Jon-Erik Hexum: A Fatal Blunder with a Prop Gun

Blanks are utilized when making films for shooting scenes, but they’re not harmless at all. During a break on the Cover Up set in 1984, while laughing with a friend, Jon-Erik Hexum placed a prop gun to his temple and fired it. The pressure shattered his skull, releasing bone shards into his brain. He was pronounced brain dead days afterward. According to NPR, “The bullet’s force shattered his skull. causing irreversible damage.” His death was a sad reminder of the perils of prop guns.

4. Vic Morrow and the Twilight Zone Tragedy

During a nighttime shoot for Twilight Zone: The Movie in 1982, a helicopter crashed during filming of a pyrotechnic scene with actor Vic Morrow and two child actors, killing them all instantly. The ghastly accident prompted criminal charges and compelled Hollywood to rethink its handling of special effects and use of children in hazardous scenes. As observed by Test-English.com, “Explosives were used, and the helicopter plunged into the river… Morrow and the two young actors died immediately.”

3. Brandon Lee: A Star Emerges Too Early

In 1993, during the making of the cult film The Crow, Brandon Lee, the son of martial arts icon Bruce Lee, was fatally shot by a defective prop gun. A piece of a blank round from an earlier round was left behind in the barrel and fired during filming, striking Lee in the abdomen. He succumbed to the injuries shortly thereafter. The accident prompted universal demands for stronger gun safety on sets. As the Daily Mail reported, “Brandon Lee’s on-set death… ignited demands for greater safety precautions.”

2. Halyna Hutchins: Rust and the Industry Wake-Up Call

Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed in 2021 while working on Rust when a gun Alec Baldwin was practicing with discharged while he rehearsed a scene. The bullet struck director Joel Souza as well. Investigations uncovered glaring safety protocol lapses, such as live ammunition on set. It was a watershed in the dialogue concerning gun use on the set. As the University of Cincinnati Law Review noted, “This case is the first time an on-set gun death has resulted in criminal charges.”

1. The Continuing Crisis for Stunt Performers and Crew

Apart from headline-grabbing tragedies, thousands of behind-the-scenes workers put themselves in grave danger daily. Stunt doubles and crew are frequently the unheralded heroes, and too many have lost their lives. John Bernecker’s on-set fall on The Walking Dead, Joi Harris’s on-set crash death on Deadpool 2, Olivia Jackson’s horrific injury on Resident Evil, and Sarah Jones’s on-set death on Midnight Rider are just a few of the worst examples. Even A-list stars aren’t safe—Harrison Ford was badly hurt on a Star Wars set. As per AZ Hurt on the Job, “Between 1990 and 2014, there were nearly 200 serious accidents on U.S. sets—at least 43 of them deadly.”

The film industry has come a long way in safety, but tragedies like these remind us that there is more to be done. There are real individuals behind every box office hit and hit show—risking their well-being, and sometimes their lives, to create the magic of film. As an audience, it means respecting their work, also paying respect to the cost sometimes incurred for the magic of the film.

There’s something irresistible about a great mystery series. Whether you think you’re the kind of person who can catch the bad guy early on or you like to be thrown for a loop, excellent mystery television doesn’t just entertain you—it keeps you on your toes. It encourages you to keep up, repays your attention, and taunts your brain with each turn. From gothic ghost stories to time-traveling thrillers, here are 14 of the most engaging mystery series to watch, numbered down one suspicious episode at a time.

14. The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window

This one’s half-cheeky spoof and half-mystery. Kristen Bell stars as Anna, a bereaved woman who spends her days mixing wine with antidepressants and gazing out of her window. When she believes she witnesses a savage murder on the street outside, no one pays any attention—not the police, not her pals, not even her mind. It’s a comedic but unexpectedly gripping retelling of the genre, making fun of all the clichés while leaving you doubting until the very end.

13. Wednesday

A gothic boarding school, a killing spree, and the wicked, fast-talking wit of Wednesday Addams—what’s not to want? Jenna Ortega perfects the role, adding a fresh depth and deadpan appeal to the legendary character. As Wednesday works to discern the reality behind an abomination of a killing spree linked to her history, we receive a balanced dose of spooky, intelligent, and wonderfully offbeat.

12. The Sinner

Every season of this anthology series zooms in on a different crime that at first glance appears senseless. But when Detective Harry Ambrose (Bill Pullman) gets digging, the buried trauma and secret motives begin to surface. From the chilling first season featuring Jessica Biel to the disturbing cases to come, The Sinner is never just about solving the crime—it’s about discovering the fractured individuals behind them.

11. Stay Close

Secrets, vanishing acts, and complicated lives converge in this smooth thriller from Harlan Coben. When a fresh missing persons case echoes an unresolved one from the past, a soccer mom with a secret past, an exhausted detective, and a troubled photographer are drawn into a web that won’t remain in the past. A whirlwind puzzle with precisely the right degree of threat.

10. The Residence

Who knew the White House could double as the setting for a juicy murder mystery? In this twisty whodunit, a high-profile dinner ends in the death of the chief usher, and suddenly every guest is a suspect. Uzo Aduba plays a quirky detective with a love for birdwatching (yes, really) tasked with unraveling the secrets behind closed doors. Political drama meets mystery in a way that’s sharp, witty, and surprisingly fun.

9. Inside Man

Stanley Tucci stars as a condemned prisoner with an IQ for cracking cases, and trust us—yes, it’s as intriguing as that. While he works on cold cases from his prison cell, a seemingly disparate thing happens in England in which a local vicar finds himself in a moral dilemma. How the two narratives intersect is part of the mystery, and the show is toying with your understanding of guilt, justice, and the fine line between right and wrong.

8. High Seas

Take a luxury cruise in the 1940s, add in some family secrets and mysterious deaths, and you’ve got this stylish Spanish drama. Sisters Eva and Carolina board a ship bound for Brazil, but it’s not long before things take a dark turn. With glamorous costumes, old-school elegance, and a murder mystery that deepens by the episode, High Seas feels like Agatha Christie set to sea.

7. The Haunting of Bly Manor

Don’t be fooled by the title—this is more than a ghost story. Based in a desolate English manor with a dark history, this creepy series is riddled with secrets to be discovered. When a fresh au pair takes up residence to look after two orphaned kids, she realizes quickly that something is amiss. Between the ghosts and emotional histories, Bly Manor is stunningly creepy and shattering to the heart.

6. Get Even

High school justice collides with murder mystery in this underappreciated British winner. Four teenage girls in an elite private school have a secret society known as DGM (Don’t Get Mad), which is dedicated to revealing bullies and bad guys. However, when one of the girls they were targeting ends up dead—and they’re accused of the crime—the game is on. It’s half teen drama, half investigative thriller, and utterly addictive.

5. Dept. Q

Drawing on the gritty fiction of Jussi Adler-Olsen, the series meets us through Detective Carl Morck, a profoundly tormented man assigned to solve cold cases in Edinburgh. These aren’t run-of-the-mill unsolved crimes, though—they’re dark, complicated, and filled with emotional landmines. Morck and his department investigate the forgotten, the overlooked, and the concealed secrets that were never meant to surface.

4. Dark

If you haven’t seen this German science fiction thriller yet, strap in—it’s one of the most complex and satisfying mystery series of the past ten years. Set in the small town of Winden, Dark starts with a missing child and careens quickly into a brain-twisting plot about time loops, family histories, and cosmic conspiracies. It’s extremely philosophical, sometimes baffling, but if you’re willing to sit up and pay attention, the reward is massive.

3. Bodies

Here’s one for the puzzle lovers. In four different periods—1890, 1941, 2023, and 2053—a body appears in the same spot in London. Four detectives investigate the death across their respective timelines, slowly uncovering a conspiracy that spans centuries. The storytelling here is ambitious, with each thread interwoven brilliantly. You’ll be thinking about this one long after it ends.

2. Behind Her Eyes

What begins as a romantic triangle among a single mom, her enigmatic boss, and his too-perfect wife soon spirals into something much weirder. This psychological thriller reveals a huge mid-season twist that turns everything upside down. The less you know, the better—but look for a wild ride with secrets, manipulation, and one after another jaw-dropping revelation.

1. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder

On our list is this new and witty take on Holly Jackson’s hit book. It follows Pip Fitz-Amobi, a bright and fiercely competitive high school senior who reexamines a dormant murder case for a school assignment. What she discovers isn’t merely inopportune—it’s perilous. Led by Emma Myers in the cast, the show manages to balance suspense, emotion, and plenty of shocking twists. It’s the ideal contemporary mystery for true crime and twisty fiction fans.

From time-traveling probes to high school gossip and White House plots, these shows remind us why mystery TV never fades. If you’re searching for your next binge obsession, you’re bound to find something here to keep you guessing, episode by episode.

Hollywood and sequels? They’re near soulmates. They sometimes provide us with indelible movie memories, other times they wear out their welcome. But one thing’s certain: studios continue to rely on franchises because they realize people adore familiarity, at least for the most part. While Hollywood itself is continually changing, major franchises continue to reign at the box office, even if a couple or two have their share of missteps along the way. Let’s count down the 10 highest-grossing movie franchises of all time, see what continues to keep them thriving, and examine why others can no longer keep pace. Are viewers sick of sequels, or is Hollywood simply running out of ideas? Let’s take a look.

10. Planet of the Apes – A Sci-Fi Classic That Won’t Quit

The Planet of the Apes franchise has been swinging its way through Hollywood since 1968, and it’s going strong. It has 10 movies under its belt and a total of $2.51 billion earned worldwide; it’s quickly one of the longest-running sci-fi sagas out there. What is the key? Reinvention. Whether it’s the time-travel hook or heavy social commentary, every new version captures the era in which it’s produced. Contemporary reboots have given the tale a contemporary sheen, showing us that even fifty years later, smart apes can continue to fill theaters.

9. MonsterVerse – Large Monsters, Large Dollars

Destroying cities has never been so profitable. The MonsterVerse, which comprises Godzilla, Kong: Skull Island, Godzilla vs. Kong, and others, has taken in $2.49 billion in five films alone. A little nostalgia, a little visual spectacle, these films capture audiences who crave massive battles and larger-than-life narratives. With additional monster showdowns on the horizon, it’s obvious that viewers haven’t exhausted themselves from seeing these movie monsters storm across the screen.

8. Guardians of the Galaxy – Marvel’s Unexpected Hitmakers

Who could have imagined a wise-cracking raccoon and a tree would take center stage? James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy made stodgy comic book characters household names. With four movies, the series has raked in $2.48 billion. With its blend of humor, heart, and cosmic strangeness, this corner of the Marvel universe staked out its territory. And even though Gunn is now at DC Studios, there’s still hope for further escapades with Star-Lord et al.

7. The Dark Knight Trilogy – Grit, Glory, and Gotham

Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy did not merely generate profits—it transformed the superhero film. Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rises earned a total of $2.44 billion. But beyond the box office is the tone, acting, and realistic storytelling, which made it a lasting contribution. Heath Ledger’s Joker in itself made movie history. It raised the bar high, which many superhero movies have been trying to reach since.

6. Iron Man – One Billionaire, One Suit, One Empire

Iron Man preceded the MCU juggernaut and set the standard for a universe. Robert Downey Jr.’s charming interpretation of Tony Stark generated $2.42 billion from three movies alone. Each one capped off the previous one, with Iron Man 3 cracking a billion dollars on its own. Although the trilogy is done, Iron Man’s impact continues to reverberate through all Marvel films today.

5. The Conjuring – Horror That Haunts the Charts

Horror does not often top the box office, but The Conjuring franchise has been one such exception. Stretching nine films and raking in $2.38 billion, this supernatural franchise has consistently kept viewers screaming and returning for more. From haunted dolls to demonic nuns, James Wan’s franchise has established itself as a contemporary horror classic. As the main plot may be wrapping up, spin-offs and side narratives keep the franchise’s chilling momentum going.

4. Kung Fu Panda – Kicks, Comedy, and Consistency

Kung Fu Panda may have begun as a silly concept, but it’s become an international phenomenon. Five movies grossing $2.36 billion attest to the fact that audiences simply can’t get enough of Po’s path from noodle-loving slacker to kung fu legend. Despite the years between movies and some main players left out of the fourth installment, Kung Fu Panda 4 still trounced box office projections. It appears that audiences are always up for another chop-socky ride.

3. Indiana Jones – Whips, Wonders, and a Bit of Wobble

Few stand in comparison to Indiana Jones when it comes to action-adventure legends. The franchise, on five films, has grossed $2.34 billion. The original trilogy defined adventure movies, and even the unpopular Kingdom of the Crystal Skull headed box office lists. But the latest installment, The Dial of Destiny, didn’t quite make it. Even with the nostalgia, it demonstrated that even the largest brands can find it hard to keep abreast of shifting tastes.

2. Madagascar – Animated Madness That Still Enchants

This animated series has raked in $2.27 billion from four original films, courtesy of its charming zoo crew and brightly hued escapades. Madagascar got the formula right: excellent voice cast, imaginative backdrops, and just the perfect amount of pandemonium and sentiment. But spinoffs such as Penguins of Madagascar fell short of the magic, and Madagascar 4 is still in development hell, due in part to off-stage tension between stars Chris Rock and Jada Pinkett Smith. But fans haven’t forgotten the franchise, and its popularity persists.

1. Star Trek – Going Where the Money Is

And at the top of the list is Star Trek, with 14 films grossing $2.26 billion. What started as a scrapped TV series in the ’60s has grown into an intergalactic empire of programs, movies, and fan culture. Although the original films had a bumpy debut, the reboot of 2009 breathed new life into the franchise. Its enduring appeal is its potential to reinvent itself for each generation. Regardless of the period, there always seems to be space for one more mission on the Enterprise.

Ultimately, as long as the franchises continue to generate revenue, Hollywood will continue to bring them back. Sequels don’t always work, but the temptation of known worlds and established returns is too great to ignore.

TV finales are delicate. When executed properly, they remain with us for decades as a great farewell. But when do they go wrong? Well, let’s just say fans don’t forget. Some finales have audiences torn, others instigate full-fledged outrage, and a few are still being picked apart to this day. Whether they pulled a shocking surprise, an open-ended episode, or simply seemed like the writers exhausted themselves, these finales shook things up. Let’s count down 15 of the most shocking TV finales that still spark controversy and encourage endless reruns.

15. Quantum Leap – “Mirror Image” (1993)

Quantum Leap’s series finale wasn’t what viewers had hoped. Rather than tying up loose ends, it left us with doubt—and a title card that informed us Sam Beckett never did return home. And to add insult to injury, even his name was misspelled. The entire event seemed hurried and incomplete, much of it because the show hadn’t known if it was going to be renewed or not. That lack of resolution still hurts loyal fans.

14. Star Trek: Enterprise – “These Are the Voyages…” (2005)

Viewers lobbied for a sentimental farewell, but all they received was a cringeworthy crossover episode presented as a holographic simulation within The Next Generation. To add insult to injury, a popular character was dispatched in what seemed like an afterthought. Even members of the cast publicly admitted that they weren’t exactly eager. It was intended to be a homage to the franchise, but instead came across as the show being shortchanged.

13. Twin Peaks: The Return – “Part 18” (2017)

David Lynch does not play by the rules, and Twin Peaks: The Return was no different. Fans had waited decades for the return to this odd, unsettling world, and they were left with questions rather than answers. The last hour was weird, dreamlike, and emotionally disorienting. Brilliant to some, just confusing to others. One thing is certain: no one forgot it.

12. Sherlock – “The Final Problem” (2017)

This finale had big expectations—and didn’t quite meet them. The story was so over-the-top and convoluted that it felt like the writers were trying to outdo themselves at every turn. Throw in questionable character decisions and a plot that left some fans scratching their heads, and you’ve got a finale that didn’t land the way it was supposed to.

11. Pretty Little Liars – “Till Death Do Us Part” (2017)

Over-the-top plot twists were always a part of Pretty Little Liars, but even by those standards, the finale went too far. A shocking evil twin with an unexplained accent who just appears out of nowhere? It seemed like the writers were grasping at straws. The big reveal generated more confusion than shock, and many viewers were left questioning whether it was all just a little too much.

10. Battlestar Galactica – “Daybreak” (2009)

The series had established a reputation as gritty, realistic, and politically incisive, so when the finale took a spiritual turn and an intervention from above, many of the show’s fans were outraged. The conclusion was nice and neat, but the shift in tone was dissonant. For a show that bragged about making difficult choices and being morally ambiguous, the payoff felt too neat… and a little mystical.

9. Gossip Girl – “New York, I Love You XOXO” (2012)

Dan? Seriously? The big twist that Dan Humphrey was Gossip Girl baffled viewers and, in most instances, annoyed them. The surprise brought up more questions than it solved, particularly considering all the times that Dan had been bullied by the blog himself. Throw in a weird epilogue featuring a new cast of teenagers, and the finale felt less like a culmination and more like a shrug.

8. The X-Files – “The Truth” (2002) and “My Struggle IV” (2016)

Few shows earn two contentious finales, but The X-Files did. The 2002 conclusion left fans cold with too many unanswered questions. When the show returned years later, the new series finale was somehow more controversial, particularly because of plot decisions involving Scully that didn’t sit well with old fans. It was a disappointing conclusion to a show famous for posing—but not always resolving—big questions.

7. Roseanne – “Into That Good Night” (1997)

In a stunning move, Roseanne told viewers that the whole final season had been invented—something the character had done to deal with the passing of her husband, Dan. It was a punch to the gut, but not the right kind. Fans who’d endured the strange twists of season nine were then told that none of it counted. The reaction was so intense that the 2018 revival just removed the finale from continuity.

6. The Sopranos – “Made in America” (2007)

Cut to black. That’s how The Sopranos ended its iconic run, in the middle of a suspenseful scene. For years, people have debated: Was Tony assassinated? Was it merely another day in his conspiracy-ridden world? Creator David Chase has suggested meanings but not given anything away, leaving it to our imaginations. Love it or loathe it, the vagueness makes it one of the most discussed finales in television history.

5. Seinfeld – “The Finale” (1998)

Nine seasons of humor and no lessons later, Seinfeld jailed its central characters for breaking a Good Samaritan ordinance. The finale reunited a procession of familiar characters, but the jokes lacked punch, and the courtroom drama didn’t suit the show’s style. Some regarded it as a winking comment on the group’s egocentricity, but others merely found it… disappointing.

4. Dexter – “Remember the Monsters?” (2013)

Dexter Morgan stages his death and begins anew—as a lumberjack. That’s how the original series ended, and the internet never healed. Fans were outraged that the character escaped justice, and the jarring tone shift in the last few scenes felt utterly discordant. The backlash was so intense that Showtime later revived the show years later to offer it a do-over.

3. How I Met Your Mother – “Something New” (2014)

After nine seasons of storytelling, the finale killed off the Mother and paired Ted back with Robin. Many fans felt cheated, especially after watching Barney grow and mature, only for him to be written back to square one. The show spent years telling us one story, then flipped the script at the last second. Whether you found it bittersweet or just plain wrong, it sparked a huge backlash.

2. Lost – “The End” (2010)

Lost always had huge enigmas and deeper symbolism, so hopes for the finale were huge. There were some people who thought it was really moving and symbolic, and others who were infuriated that it didn’t give them enough answers. Were they dead the entire time? What is the island? Depending on who you’re talking to, it was either a stunning conclusion or a class in disappointment. One thing’s certain: people are still debating.

1. Game of Thrones – “The Iron Throne” (2019)

More series departed with less fanfare than Game of Thrones. The last season was hasty, and the last episode left audiences head-scratching. Daenerys’ abrupt fall, Bran’s surprise ascension, and Jon’s disappointing destiny all were such sharp left turns. It was after almost a decade of build-up that the tale concluded on an underwhelming note, leaving most viewers disappointed. It’s still the hottestly disputed of all time—and probably will continue to be for years to come.

Finale’s are tough. Each of these shows had deep fan bases, rich characters, and dedicated viewerships, but when the last of the credits rolled, not everybody was applauding. Whether you regard these finales as daring gambles or colossal blunders, they’ve become an integral part of pop culture history. And for better or ill, folks are still discussing them.

There’s magic in a good stage name. Whether it’s standing out, preventing confusion, or just creating a cooler persona, many stars have altered their names on their road to stardom. Some are small, others drastic—and all have fascinating histories. From Hollywood legends to music icons, here are 15 celebrity name changes that might surprise you.

15. Antonio Banderas

Before he was the boyfriend of Zorro and the voice of Puss in Boots, however, he used his full birth name: José Antonio Banderas. Cutting out the “José” gave his name a streamlined, international sheen that fit with his increasing fame.

14. Ice Cube

Born O’Shea Jackson, the would-be rap icon and actor got his nickname on account of his older brother, who playfully said he was “too cool” for his age. Ice Cube was born—a moniker that would soon be identified with West Coast hip hop and big-budget movies.

13. Shania Twain

Born Eileen Regina Edwards, Shania took on the Twain last name when she grew up with her stepfather. But “Eileen wasn’t exactly the image she wished to project for the music industry. The name came from a person she encountered named Shania, and she fell in love with the way it sounded and used it for herself.

12. Reese Witherspoon

Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon had a mouthful of a name when she started, so she streamlined it for showbiz. “Reese,” her mom’s maiden name, moved up front, while “Witherspoon,” her dad’s surname, stayed—creating a name with Southern charm and star power.

11. Whoopi Goldberg

You’ve got to love this one: born Caryn Elaine Johnson, Whoopi chose her stage name partly as a joke. “Whoopi” was inspired by—you guessed it—a whoopee cushion, thanks to her gassy sense of humor. “Goldberg” was added to honor her Jewish roots.

10. Jamie Foxx

Eric Marlon Bishop soon discovered the trade secrets of the world of comedy: female comedians were given more stage time. So, he adopted the androgynous name “Jamie Foxx” as a respect to comic legend Redd Foxx—and to increase his odds at the microphone.

9. Katy Perry

Before she was the chart-topping pop sensation we’re familiar with today, Katy performed under the name Katheryn Hudson. But with actress Kate Hudson getting all the attention already, she decided to use her mom’s maiden name, Perry, in order to be different.

8. Bruno Mars

Born Peter Gene Hernandez, Bruno longed for a name that sounded bigger—something with flair and energy. “Bruno” was an early nickname from his father (after wrestler Bruno Sammartino), and “Mars” was tacked on for that starry, superstar vibe.

7. Michael Keaton

Michael Douglas was already working in Hollywood, so Michael John Douglas improvised. He chose “Keaton” because it sounded good—evidence that sometimes, following your instincts pays off.

6. John Legend

John Roger Stephens didn’t give himself the moniker “Legend”—his buddies did. They believed his powerful voice sounded like old-timers, and the name stuck. What began as an accolade turned into an identity.

5. Natalie Portman

When Neta-Lee Hershlag began working as an adolescent, she took on “Portman,” her grandmother’s birth name, to shield the privacy of her relatives. It was a pragmatic move that came to be linked with one of the most admired film professions. 

4. Marilyn Monroe

One of Hollywood’s most legendary names wasn’t given at birth. Norma Jeane Mortenson (later Norma Jeane Baker) borrowed “Marilyn” from a Broadway actress and “Monroe” from her mother’s maiden name. It wasn’t legal until years afterward, but the character had already conquered the world.

3. Vin Diesel

Mark Sinclair needed something with a bit more oomph for his action hero image. “Vin” is from his mother’s birth name, Vincent, and “Diesel” was a moniker from friends who told him he had unending energy.

2. Audrey Hepburn

Born Edda van Heemstra Hepburn-Ruston, Audrey took her father’s last name, which he felt was of aristocratic lineage. She abbreviated it early in her career, earning a name today forever associated with elegance and enduring beauty.

1. Kirk Douglas

Born Issur Danielovitch, a Russian-Jewish immigrant son, he switched up his name early in his career as an actor to something he believed would be more acceptable in 1940s Hollywood. Although later he regretted not keeping his real name, “Kirk Douglas” became legendary in itself.

From name changes due to branding to individual dedication, these name changes signify the depth of identity and strategy involved in stardom. After all, sometimes reinvention is simply half the road to becoming irreplaceable.

There are bad films, and then there are badly bad films. We’re not referring to the kind you chuckle at because they’re so gaudy or goofily entertaining by accident—no, we’re referring to the bad ones. The films that somehow united critics in absolute agreement: “Nope.” These are the few that scored a huge, fat 0% on Rotten Tomatoes. Yep—not one critic had something positive to say. Whether they’re forgotten bombs or unintentional cult favorites, here are 10 movies that made it into the infamous 0% club.

10. Armor (2024)

One of the recent entrants into this sad club, Armor, arrived with a clean 25 reviews, and none of them a new ones. Evidence that, despite the technology and budgets of today, an awful film remains very much a possibility.

9. Gotti (2018)

John Travolta portrays the notorious mobster John Gotti, but audiences weren’t impressed with his strut. With 56 reviews, this crime bio-pic was panned for its muddled plot and over-the-top presentation.

8. Left Behind (2014)

Nicolas Cage can make nearly anything watchable… nearly. This end-of-the-world thriller, inspired by the best-selling book series, couldn’t be salvaged—despite Cage’s signature intensity. Of 69 critics, none considered it worth it.

7. One Missed Call (2008)

Horror remakes are inevitably hit-or-miss, and this one was a tough miss. A creepy setup couldn’t pierce the poor acting and poor writing. With 79 reviews and not a speck of positive comment, it’s usually recalled more often for its ringtone than its frights.

6. Superbabies: Baby Geniuses 2 (2004)

Yes, it’s out there. And yes, it’s worse than it sounds somehow. Babbling babies saving the world? Critics were not amused—46 reviews, all thumbs down. It’s one of those movies that I can’t believe existed.

5. Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever (2002)

With a title like that, you’d hope for some mind-blowing action. What audiences got instead was a confusing mess of explosions and bad dialogue. Out of 118 reviews, still not a single positive one. A masterclass in how not to do action cinema.

4. Highlander 2: The Quickening (1991)

Viewers of the original Highlander were stunned when this strange, lore-defying sequel hit the screens. It did the impossible and disappointed both fans and critics equally. None of the 25 reviews could justify it.

3. Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol (1987)

By the fourth installment, the Police Academy franchise had well and truly fizzled out. What was originally a light-hearted romp had become a creaky gag. Out of 20 reviews, every critic struggled to find something to chuckle about.

2. Bolero (1984)

Bo Derek’s effort at a sleazy adventure romance failed to ignite. Meant to be risqué and bold, it ended up putting critics to sleep. With 23 reviews, the consensus was clear: nope.

1. Staying Alive (1983)

A Sylvester Stallone-directed sequel to Saturday Night Fever? Sounds like it might fly—until it doesn’t. Travolta came back, but the magic didn’t. With 30 reviews and not a single compliment, this disco-era sequel flopped on the dance floor.

Rotten Tomatoes estimates its percentages based on what fraction of reviewers approved a movie with a positive review. To reach 0%, all the reviewers must be of the opinion that the movie smells. That’s hard to accomplish—and so far, just a tiny number of more than 20 reviewed movies have ever “achieved” this distinction. Consider it the film equivalent of getting a strike. Every time.

Amazon Prime Video has become one of the best destinations for first-rate films—no matter if you’re on the hunt for Oscar-worthy performances, seeking a laugh, or exploring rich, genre-bending storytelling. From intense dramas and laugh-out-loud sequels to mind-bending anime, here’s a top-15 countdown of standout films streaming on Prime that need to be on your watchlist.

15. Sound of Metal

Riz Ahmed is astonishing as Ruben, a heavy-metal drummer who suddenly loses his hearing. The sound design of this film is so enveloping, it more or less puts you in his head. With a scene-stealing performance by Olivia Cooke and a narrative that walks the line between heartbreak and hope, this is one of the most emotionally affecting dramas of the past several years.

14. The Report

Adam Driver leads this intense political drama as the man behind the Senate’s investigation into CIA interrogation tactics post-9/11. It’s a sharp, unflinching portrayal of truth-seeking amid government resistance—tight, timely, and incredibly well-acted.

13. One Night in Miami…

Regina King’s directorial debut is her imagining of an actual encounter between four icons—Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, Jim Brown, and Muhammad Ali. The movie takes place primarily in one room, embracing its stage-play origins but landing on big, powerhouse performances that feel anything but intimate. 

12. Thirteen Lives

Director Ron Howard dramatizes the terrifying 2018 Thai cave rescue with a suspenseful, true-to-the-events retelling. Viggo Mortensen, Colin Farrell, and Joel Edgerton head a star-studded cast in an edge-of-your-seat survival tale that will leave you gasping.

11. Coming 2 America

Eddie Murphy returns as King Akeem in this long-gestating sequel that plays to nostalgia but infuses it with new energy and a contemporary sense of perspective. It’s witty, clever, and a surprisingly good reboot of the original.

10. Nanny

Anna Diop leads this slow-burning, psychologically complex horror film about a Senegalese nanny trying to find her footing in NYC. Visually gorgeous and profoundly disturbing, Nanny employs genre to examine themes of immigration, motherhood, and survival with eerily intense claustrophobia.

9. Borat Subsequent Moviefilm

Sacha Baron Cohen’s ridiculous Kazakh reporter is back, this time with a teenage daughter and a task to skewer American culture—once again. It’s mad, cringe-making, and surprisingly touching, with a satirical sting that feels all too credible.

8. Shin Masked Rider

From Evangelion designer Hideaki Anno comes a dark, thoughtful reinterpretation of the original Japanese superhero. More visceral, more sinister, it’s a different trip for those who want something away from the standard Caped Crusader experience.

7. Red, White & Royal Blue

This delightful rom-com brings together the U.S. First Son and a British prince in a whirlwind romance filled with political intrigue, PR disasters, and swoony moments. It’s pure comfort TV—over-the-top, sweet, and impossible not to love.

6. A Million Miles Away

Michael Peña leads in this heartwarming true tale of José Hernández, a migrant farmworker who became an astronaut for NASA. It’s an inspiring, uplifting movie about determination, family, and the long journey to reaching your goal.

5. The Burial

Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones are a believable team in this incisive courtroom drama based on actual events. Combining humor and social commentary, The Burial is surprisingly sentimental—and Jurnee Smollett almost steals the film as a tough legal adversary.

4. Saltburn

Half black comedy, half psychological thriller, Saltburn is a twisted, dark story of wealth and obsession. Barry Keoghan is mesmerizing and disturbing to watch, and the visually distinctive film further enhances the creepy, voyeuristic atmosphere.

3. The Idea of You

Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine share undeniable chemistry in this romantic drama about a gallery owner who falls for a much younger pop star. It manipulates rom-com clichés but delivers a surprisingly mature interpretation of love, fame, and second chances.

2. My Old Ass

Aubrey Plaza and Maisy Stella excel in this offbeat coming-of-age tale in which a teen encounters her future self while on a psychedelic journey. It’s witty, candid, and heartwarming—all of which make it ideal for anyone dwelling on the grand “what ifs” of growing up.

1. Evangelion 3.0+1.0: Thrice Upon a Time

The epic final chapter to Hideaki Anno’s Evangelion saga is an emotional and visual assault on the senses. Brimming with jaw-dropping animation and weighty existential themes, this is a must-see conclusion for long-time fans—and a befitting conclusion to one of anime’s most beloved series.

Whether you’re looking for a deep-thinking drama, a psychedelic journey, or just something to make you laugh, Prime Video’s movie selection has it all for every type of film fan. Let your next marathon binge session start.

While the Force and lightsabers tend to get all the attention, Star Wars has always been a galaxy of ships. Whether sleek starfighters or massive battlecruisers, these vessels are not mere transport—these ships are icons. Since that opening shot of an Imperial Star Destroyer dominated the screen back in 1977, everyone has been fascinated by the ships crossing the stars, each one a combination of firepower, design, and narrative.

Whether you’re deep into ship specs or just love a good hyperspace chase, these ten legendary vessels helped define what makes Star Wars so endlessly epic.

10. The Invisible Hand

General Grievous’s flagship in Revenge of the Sith, the Invisible Hand, is not as well-loved as it should be. This Providence-class Dreadnought was packed to the gills with firepower—ion cannons, proton torpedoes, turbolasers—you name it. Measuring more than 3,500 feet long, it kicked off the movie with a bang and crashed out in one of the most iconic crash landings in the series. Grievous might not have won the war, but his ship certainly left an impression.

9. Venator-Class Star Destroyer

The Clone Wars’ workhorse, the Venator, was the Republic’s multi-role behemoth. Warship and starfighter carrier in one, this 3,700-foot-long titan contained legions of clones, squadrons of starfighters, and turbolasers galore to reduce cities to rubble. Its sharp, wedge-shaped outline served as the template for the Empire’s later Star Destroyers—making the Venator iconic and foundational.

8. Slave I

Boba Fett’s Slave I may not be enormous, but size is not necessary. This Firespray-31-class vessel is easily identifiable with its swiveling cockpit and vertical flight. Equipped with seismic charges, ion weapons, and missile systems, Slave I is more an airborne arsenal than a transport. From pursuing smugglers to surviving bounty hunting, Slave I shows that firepower and reputation can overcome size.

7. The Raddus

In honor of the legendary Rogue One Admiral, this MC85 cruiser found itself a symbol of hope for the Resistance. Led by General Leia Organa through their most desperate times, the Raddus is most famously remembered for Admiral Holdo’s mind-boggling lightspeed ramming attack—destroying a Dreadnought and solidifying the ship in Star Wars history. It was not just a ship—it was a gesture.

6. Malevolence

Few vessels in The Clone Wars animated series made an impression like Malevolence. The enormous Subjugator-class cruiser was more than 16,000 feet in length and boasted twin mega-ion cannons that could incapacitate entire fleets with a single shot. Though its career was brief, its terror was unforgettable—and living up to its name, it emanated evil.

5. Executor (Super Star Destroyer)

The appearance of the Executor coming into view is sufficient to send shivers down anyone’s spine. Measuring more than 62,000 feet long, Darth Vader’s vessel towered over almost every ship in the vicinity. A city of doom in mid-air, it was armed with tremendous firepower, fighter wing detachments, and a legend of destruction. Its explosive demise during the Battle of Endor was a cinematic mic drop.

4. The Finalizer

The First Order’s response to the old Star Destroyer, The Finalizer, was Kylo Ren’s formidable flagship. Standing at almost 10,000 feet in length and equipped with more than 1,500 turbolasers and ion cannons, it radiated fear. Sleek and sleek-looking but built for destruction, The Finalizer marked a new generation of terror behind the pretense of military finesse.

3. Supremacy (Mega-Class Star Dreadnought)

Snoke’s Supremacy was something different altogether—more castle than vessel. At more than 13 kilometers in length with a 60-kilometer wingspan, it was effectively a floating city and shipyard in one. It contained fleets within it, acted as the First Order’s brain, and was the ultimate image of domination. Its destruction in The Last Jedi through a hyperspace attack was not only jaw-dropping—it was history-making.

2. Death Star

The Death Star is not merely a ship, but a galaxy-spanning symbol of fear. Its superlaser planet-killer forever changed the rules—fleets and fighters were no longer what was in play; worlds could now be destroyed instantly. Even in its final demise (hi, second time), the Death Star’s ghastly capability left a lasting mark on Star Wars history—and on anyone who has ever looked upon that green beam cutting across the horizon.

1. Millennium Falcon

It’s not much to look at, but the Millennium Falcon is the heart and soul of Star Wars. A highly modified Corellian freighter, it’s not the biggest or the strongest—but it’s the most iconic. Piloted by Han Solo, Chewbacca, and later byRey and others, the Falcon has outrun Star Destroyers, survived thousands of fights, and always seemed to find a way to live to fight another day. It’s fast, explosive, and chock-full of personality. In a world filled with star destroyers and superweapons, the Falcon prevails on just one: heritage.

These vessels can be of varying size, shape, and allegiance, but all signify something greater than they are themselves—rebellion, domination, strength, fear, or hope. In the world of Star Wars, ships are not just a means of transportation—they’re instruments of history, and each vessel has a story to tell on its own.