Biopics are where performance and transformation intersect. There’s something particularly strong about seeing an actor melt into the persona of a legendary figure from history, a cultural icon, or a tumultuous figure. Whether you enjoy music, politics, or simply enjoying watching an actor totally sink into character, biopics give a unique type of movie experience. Here are 10 unforgettable performances in biopics that left us agog, inspired, and emotionally devastated—the best way possible.

10. Ana de Armas as Marilyn Monroe in Blonde

It takes a tall order to fill Marilyn Monroe’s stilettos, but Ana de Armas took on the challenge with unflinching vulnerability in Blonde. The movie goes below Monroe’s radiant veneer to see the hurt behind the mask, and de Armas gives an unflinching, indelible performance. Even if the movie created controversy, her devotion earned standing ovations and even an Oscar nomination.

9. Jennifer Lopez as Selena Quintanilla in Selena

Before J.Lo became an international icon, she played one on screen. In Selena, Lopez did justice to the memory of the popular Tejano singer with warmth, authenticity, and charm. Her breakout role contributed to making Selena’s legacy popular among a larger audience and garnered Lopez her first Golden Globe nomination. It is a milestone role in both her career and the music biopic genre.

8. Salma Hayek as Frida Kahlo in Frida

Salma Hayek didn’t merely act Frida Kahlo—she embodied her pain, her ardor, and her unapologetic uniqueness. Frida delves into the legendary artist’s turbid existence and paintings, and Hayek’s unflinching performance grounds it. The film took home two Oscars, but it’s Hayek’s searing performance that remains most fiery.

7. Austin Butler as Elvis Presley in Elvis

Austin Butler stole hearts—and hips—with his charismatic turn as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. He didn’t merely impersonate Elvis; he became him. Beginning with his voice and ending with his swagger, Butler’s devotion was unmistakable. His Golden Globe victory and the movie’s numerous Oscar nods were richly deserved, and even Elvis’s loved ones gave their seal of approval.

6. Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody

Channeling one of the greatest frontmen in rock history, Rami Malek delivered a performance that was bold, emotional, and electric. Playing Freddie Mercury, he imbued the superstar with both theatricality and vulnerability. Malek’s Oscar-winning performance turned Bohemian Rhapsody into a cultural moment and a biopic classic.

5. David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma

David Oyelowo imposed quiet strength and electrifying humanity on playing Dr. King in Selma. The movie centers on a turning point in the civil rights struggle, and Oyelowo’s performance is both forceful and intimate. Although only one Oscar went home with the film (for Best Original Song), Oyelowo’s performance is still among the most captivating renderings of the civil rights leader.

4. Ben Kingsley as Mahatma Gandhi in Gandhi

Few performances in biopics are as widely praised as Ben Kingsley’s Mahatma Gandhi. He embodied the moral certitude and tender determination of the leader so fully that it earned him an Oscar. Kingsley’s performance in Gandhi is still a benchmark for the genre.

3. Denzel Washington as Malcolm X in Malcolm X

Denzel Washington gave a career-best performance as Malcolm X—ferocious, rich, and thoroughly human. Directed by Spike Lee, Washington became an activist with fervor and charm. Though he lost the Oscar, the performance remains one of cinema’s greatest biopic roles of all time.

2. Natalie Portman as Jacqueline Kennedy in Jackie

Natalie Portman delivered a masterful, up-close performance as fallen First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in the days immediately after JFK’s assassination. Jackie is not a standard biopic—it’s a study of sorrow, elegance, and understated strength. Portman’s performance was universally lauded as being deep and nuanced, garnering her another Oscar nomination.

1. Sofía Vergara as Griselda Blanco in Griselda

Best associated with comedy, Sofía Vergara took a dramatic risk for dark drama with her stunning portrayal of drug queenpin Griselda Blanco in Netflix’s Griselda. In her first Spanish-speaking role, Vergara demonstrated she could bring grit, intensity, and depth of emotion. She silenced naysayers and revealed an entirely new dimension of her acting ability.

From music legends to political figures, these biopic performances make us remember the magic that ensues when actors completely dive into sharing someone else’s story. They’re not merely acting a part—they’re paying tribute to a life.

Let’s be honest: for too long, the spy genre has been ruled by slim suits, glacial stares, and dudes ordering their martinis to perfection. But over the last few years, female spies have stormed the headlines—breaking names, hijacking secrets, and showing that they’re more than equipped to call the shots.

These films don’t simply thrust a woman into a man’s job—these films introduce new elements to the genre: resilience, complexity, emotional stakes, and very often, a whole lot of style. From high-octane thrillers to thoughtful dramas, here are 15 of the greatest female-led spy films that turned espionage cinema on its head—ranked from recent gems to classic stalwarts.

15. The Mother (2023)

Jennifer Lopez swaps rom-coms for guns in this tough, high-octane action thriller. As a once-military-trained operative who comes out of retirement to guard the daughter she gave up years ago, Lopez brings both toughness and sensitivity. Filmed in snowy landscapes and city mayhem, it’s a lean Netflix thriller that marries motherly instincts with some serious combat moves—showing moms really can do everything (even kill hit teams).

14. Heart of Stone (2023)

Gal Gadot gets suited up as Rachel Stone, an MI6 tech expert with a secret even larger: she’s an elite agent for a secret international agency. It’s like Mission: Impossible, but with a digital spin. With global-spanning action and high-octane AI mayhem, Gadot delivers charisma and physicality in equal measure, cementing her status as an action-hero A-list player.

13. The 355 (2022)

What do you get when five powerhouse actresses come together to save the world? A fashionable, action-packed spy thriller with attitude. Jessica Chastain, Penélope Cruz, Lupita Nyong’o, Diane Kruger, and Fan Bingbing make up an international squad of spies from rival countries. It’s a frenetic, high-octane ride that eschews sisterhood and spectacle, with more than enough explosions to go around.

12. Black Widow (2021)

Scarlett Johansson finally receives the solo movie her character has long deserved. As Natasha Romanoff comes to terms with her troubled past and reinserts herself into her unorthodox “family,” Black Widow is as much an espionage thriller as it is an emotional accounting. Florence Pugh almost steals the picture as Yelena, injecting humor, toughness, and impeccable deadpan reading into the MCU.

11. No Time to Die (2021)

Bond might still be in the spotlight, but this movie gives us a glimpse into the future. Lashana Lynch appears as Nomi, a smart, efficient double-oh agent with no tolerance for Bond’s shenanigans. Ana de Armas shines in her short stint as Paloma—hilarious, tough, and completely memorable. Together, they suggest a new way for the franchise.

10. Anna (2019)

Supermodel Sasha Luss is a lethal double (and triple) agent in this fashion-forward thriller by Luc Besson. Part high-fashionista, part brutally efficient killer, Anna transports us into the complicated web of Cold War spycraft with rapid cuts, fluid timelines, and lethal secrets. She’s gorgeous, to be sure—but also underestimatable.

9. Red Sparrow (2018)

Jennifer Lawrence plays a Russian ballerina who is drafted into being a weapon for the state. Her descent into a “sparrow”—taught in seduction, manipulation, and survival—is creepy and sad. Red Sparrow has no qualms about being dark, going deep with the themes of independence, control, and trust.

8. Atomic Blonde (2017)

Charlize Theron gives uncompromising, edgy, cold-blooded perfection as MI6 agent Lorraine Broughton. Filmed in Berlin in the moments leading up to the Wall’s collapse, this neon, Netflix-distributed thriller boasts some of the greatest hand-to-hand combat sequences ever captured (that stairwell brawl? Iconic). Theron’s Broughton is all raw brutality and cool detachment—and she rocks every last second of it.

7. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015) & Fallout (2018)

Rebecca Ferguson’s Ilsa Faust is among the handful of characters who can command attention away from Ethan Hunt. Cool and mysterious, and more than capable of standing on her own, Faust adds depth and substance to a franchise that thrives on adrenaline rather than emotion. She’s not just a sidekick—she’s a spy in her own right with an agenda.

6. Salt (2010)

Angelina Jolie becomes a role first conceived for Tom Cruise—and owns it. As Evelyn Salt, she’s a CIA agent accused of being a Russian spy, embarking on a breathless pursuit featuring twists, stunts, and vicious confrontations. Jolie’s performance is hard-core, athletic, and nuanced—this is espionage on high speed.

5. A Call to Spy (2019)

Inspired by true heroines of WWII, this thriller showcases the women of Britain’s SOE who put their lives on the line to disrupt the Nazis. Virginia Hall, Noor Inayat Khan, and Vera Atkins are more than historical asterisks—they’re front-line heroes. It’s a moving tribute to bravery, sacrifice, and underrated genius.

4. Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

Jessica Chastain stars as Maya, a CIA analyst whose dogged search for Osama bin Laden alters the course of history. Zero Dark Thirty is suspenseful and intense, a rare depiction of spycraft as long, frustrating, and emotionally draining—not shootouts and disguises. It’s an obsession, and at what price?

3. Black Book (2006)

In Nazi-occupied Holland, a Jewish woman becomes a resistance spy in this taut, morally complex thriller from Paul Verhoeven. Carice van Houten plays Rachel, who uses wit, charm, and steel nerves to outmaneuver both enemies and allies. Black Book is layered and deeply human—she’s not a symbol, she’s a survivor.

2. Mata Hari (1931)

Greta Garbo’s classic starring role as the actual ballerina-turned-spy is one of the most glamorous on-screen examinations of spying ever. Made during World War I, Mata Hari is bathed in Old Hollywood spectacle, but Garbo’s acting suggests the psychological turmoil of a woman trapped in the machinery of war. It’s where the “seductive spy” myth started.

1. La Femme Nikita (1990)

Luc Besson’s classic French thriller redefined the spy manual. Anne Parillaud is Nikita, a tough young woman enlisted by the government to become a top assassin. Her transition from street hustler to killer agent is bloody, intense, and not to be forgotten. It inspired remakes, TV shows, and a generation of female-centric action tales that resonate to this day.

These movies aren’t mere spy films—they’re about identity, power, survival, and transformation. They demonstrate that spies do not have to dress in tuxedos or spout witty one-liners to make an impact. Occasionally, the best secret agents are those who are drafting the rulebook as they move along. If you’re in the mood for a spy night, a bit more gritty, refined, and emotionally complex—this here is your mission assignment. And it’s one you’ll be eager to take.

Halloween is the perfect excuse to turn the lights down low, grab a blanket and a bucket of popcorn, and settle in for a movie night with just the right amount of spook. But if you’re watching with kids (or squeamish adults), you’ll want scares that lean more fun than frightening. That’s where this list comes in.

From animated escapades to subtle ghost tales and old-school throwbacks, here are 15 spookily-safe movies ideal for family watch-time this Halloween—beginning with more recent releases and counting down to the classics.

15. Wendell & Wild (2022)

Searching for something a bit unconventional? This stop-motion film by Henry Selick, director of The Nightmare Before Christmas, is full of crazy visuals and oddball charm. Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele provide the voices for two rascally demons who get involved with a teenage girl in her own internal struggles. It’s odd, inventive, and more geared towards older children and teenagers looking to upgrade their Halloween viewing schedule.

14. We Have a Ghost (2023)

Just imagine moving into a haunted house—and instead of screaming with fear, you become an overnight sensation on social media. That’s what happens in this light-hearted ghost tale starring a gentle (but extremely quiet) ghost by the name of Ernest. With a dash of humor, family conflict, and ghostly antics, it’s an excellent choice for older children and tweens who enjoy a bit of supernatural mayhem along with their screen time.

13. Mr. Harrigan’s Phone (2022)

This one’s a slow-burn ghost story based on a Stephen King novella. When a teenager realizes he can still talk to his deceased mentor through a smartphone, it gets creepy in a contemporary sort of way. It’s creepy rather than scary—and a good bet for teens who enjoy a little bit of techy horror.

12. Nightbooks (2021)

A boy who loves scary stories finds himself stuck in a witch’s apartment, where every night he must produce a fresh scary story to stay alive. With just enough tension and some imaginative background, Nightbooks is great for those who enjoy a little bite on their Halloween stories—but still want that fairy-tale framework beneath the horror.

11. The Curse of Bridge Hollow (2022)

When Halloween decorations spring to life (yes, all of them), mayhem strikes a small town—and it’s up to a teen and her dad to rescue the night. This action-comedy blends spooky atmosphere with slapstick humor and is perfect for families that desire a Halloween adventure with zip and giggles.

10. Goosebumps (2015)

R.L. Stine’s spooky monsters jump from the page to real life in this quick-witted, kid-friendly movie. Jack Black stars as a fictionalized version of the writer himself when monsters from his books get out of control. Spooky enough to hold children’s attention but silly and exaggerated enough not to be scary at all.

9. Hotel Transylvania (2012)

What if Dracula decided to open a monster luxury resort? A whole bunch of laughs. This animated comedy is a favorite among little kids—and the rest of the family will enjoy the jokes and inventive character designs. It’s light on the frights and heavy on the fun.

8. Halloweentown (1998)

A Disney Channel classic, Halloweentown features witches, spells, mythical creatures—and all the autumnal Halloween sentiment you could desire. Children trail after Marnie as she uncovers her magical heritage and fights off evil forces in a town where it’s always Halloween.

7. Coco (2017)

Taking place on Día de los Muertos, Pixar’s Coco is a touching, stunningly animated tale of family, memory, and music. Although it’s not officially a Halloween film, its subject matter and vibrant skeleton-populated world make it an absolute must-see during the spooky season.

6. Monster House (2006)

That spooky old house on the other side of the street? Yeah, it’s alive—and starving. This animated thriller is the ideal balance between fun and frightening, thrilling older children with just the right level of tension without crossing into outright horror. Clever, humorous, and rather poignant.

5. Coraline (2009)

Half fantasy and half creepy, Coraline is the story of an inquisitive child who discovers a parallel life behind a secret door. But things become disturbing when her “other” family is far more evil than they appear. It’s visually gorgeous and slightly unsettling—just right for fearless tweens and teens.

4. The Addams Family (2019)

The notoriously weird family is back in cartoon guise, delivering their spooky appeal and offbeat humor to a new audience. With contemporary themes and a wacky plot, it’s an excellent introduction to the Addams family and a surefire wager for family Halloween movie night.

3. Beetlejuice (1988)

Tim Burton’s cult favorite is spooky, anarchic, and preposterously silly. With ghosts, monsters, and Michael Keaton’s unforgettable performance as Beetlejuice, it’s a film that older children and teenagers will enjoy endlessly—although it’s possibly too much for younger children.

2. Hocus Pocus (1993)

Three witches, a spouting cat, and a Halloween evening that gets hysterically out of hand—Hocus Pocus is a fall staple. The Sanderson sisters remain as legendary as ever, and the film brings the laughs, the magic, and just the right amount of eerie feeling to make it a holiday classic.

1. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Halloween or Christmas? Why choose? Tim Burton’s stop-motion masterpiece has become the greatest not-too-spooky family movie ever. Jack Skellington’s search for Christmas turns into a ghostly musical romp that’s suitable for all ages—and an annual must-see.

You don’t have to have blood, guts, or good scares to have a frightfully good Halloween. Whether you’re hosting toddlers or teenagers, this selection has something for everyone—right down to goofy ghosts, quirky witches, and singing skeletons. So put on your favorite munchies, turn out the lights, and get the ghostly movie marathon started. Happy haunting!

Let’s be real: discovering a fantastic film on Netflix feels like attempting to triumph over a boss battle you never prepared for. You’re up against a tidal wave of possibilities, unable to move because you’re afraid that better is just one scroll away. What if someone else did the work for you? No guesswork, no algorithm—just expertly curated excellence. That’s what this list is: a thoughtful selection of 15 great movies, chosen for their excellence, cultural significance, and all-around entertainment. Here’s your one-stop guide to what to watch next on Netflix—no scrolling involved.

15. The Wild Robot

Animated films aren’t only for children—and The Wild Robot shows it. This superbly made film tells the story of Roz (voiced by Lupita Nyong’o), a domestic robot who is left stranded on a lonely island and raises a gosling called Brightbill (Kit Connor). Based on Peter Brown’s bestseller of the same name, it’s a soft, heartwarming film about motherhood, the natural world, and discovering where you fit in the world. It’ll creep up on you—and leave you a bit tearful.

14. Wendell & Wild

Henry Selick, creator of Coraline and The Nightmare Before Christmas, returns with a gothic stop-motion fantasy unlike any other. Co-written with Jordan Peele (also providing his voice), Wendell & Wild is a bizarre, unsettling adventure that plunges into loss, shame, and inner demons—literal and figurative. It’s strange in all the best ways, full of style, and emotionally anchored. Halloween atmosphere? Check. But deserving of viewing throughout the year.

13. The LEGO Movie

You might consider it a toy ad—but it’s a wildly creative, self-referential, and unexpectedly emotional movie. Chris Pratt stars as Emmet, a regular LEGO dude swept up in a grand adventure. With witty script, quick-firing humor, and a strong message about being yourself, The LEGO Movie set the standard for intelligent, pop-literate children’s films like Barbie. It’s a must-see for both children and adults.

12. Kubo and the Two Strings

This stop-motion masterpiece from Laika Studios is a feast for the eyes. Kubo tracks a young boy and his enchanted shamisen as he fights evil spirits and learns about his family history. It’s an emotional tale of love, loss, and memory—all supported by breathtaking animation and a poignant score. Underappreciated when released, it’s now receiving the credit it’s due on Netflix.

11. Klaus

Throw everything you think you know about holiday films out the window. Klaus is a stunningly animated Santa Claus origin story that’s full of heart, humor, and charm. A self-absorbed postman gets paired with a secretive toymaker, and what results is a contemporary Christmas classic that feels ageless. Whether it is December or not, this one has good vibes on tap.

10. Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio

This isn’t Disney’s Pinocchio—and that’s a good thing. Guillermo del Toro reimagines the classic tale through a darker, more emotional lens. Set in fascist Italy, this stop-motion version tackles big themes like mortality, obedience, and identity with gorgeous visuals and a stunning cast. It’s haunting, human, and pure del Toro magic.

9. Psycho

Hitchcock’s Psycho still feels radical, even more than six decades later. From its shocking plot turns to its haunting score, the film redefined suspense and horror. And if your only reference is the infamous shower scene, trust us—there’s so much more to this psychological puzzle. Watching it now, you’ll see how it influenced everything that came after.

8. Barbarian

What begins as an Airbnb reservation that’s gone awry becomes one of the most insane horror films in recent history. Barbarian will keep you on your toes—and in suspense—with each turn. Georgina Campbell and Bill Skarsgård star in a film that combines social commentary with genuine scares. It’s one of those horror films; it’s best to watch with no spoilers.

7. Wayne’s World

Roll out the flannel and play the Queen—Wayne’s World remains a party. Mike Myers and Dana Carvey bring their SNL personas to life in this wonderfully silly and surprisingly sentimental comedy. With a never-ending supply of quotable lines and a dynamite soundtrack, it’s a ride for the good vibes that holds up gorgeously. 

6. Midnight Run

An ’80s buddy comedy that could use a whole lot more love. Midnight Run teams Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin together for a side-splitting cross-country manhunt with a heart of gold. The chemistry is electric, the pace never lags, and the movie strikes a perfect balance between action and comedy with effortless charm.

5. The Breakfast Club

Five teenagers from completely disparate lives cross paths in detention—and at the end of the day, everything’s changed. John Hughes’ original coming-of-age tale is as timely now as it was back in the ’80s. Hilarious, unapologetic, and authentic, it’s a must-watch for anyone who’s ever been misunderstood.

4. The Blues Brothers

A wild musical ride that improves with age. Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi undertake a “mission from God” to rescue an orphanage—and reduce half of Chicago to rubble in the process. The magic trick? Cameos by legends like Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin, along with music sequences that crackle with electricity.

3. Anchorman

Will Ferrell’s performance as dim-witted newsreader Ron Burgundy is comedy lore. Packed with a talented cast that includes Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, and Steve Carell, Anchorman is perpetually quotable and ridiculous in the best way possible. “Stay classy” has never been so apt.

2. The Town

Ben Affleck shows off both his directing and acting skills in this gritty Boston crime epic. The Town is a heist film with heart, full of tension, crisp dialogue, and memorable turns by Jeremy Renner and Jon Hamm. It’s not just a shoot-’em-up—it’s a character-driven drama with substance.

1. Red Eye (Critic’s Pick)

This underappreciated thriller delivers in less than 90 minutes. Directed by horror great Wes Craven, Red Eye features Rachel McAdams as a hotel manager stuck on a red-eye flight with a nice but evil stranger (Cillian Murphy). What transpires is a tightly coiled game of survival that never dissipates energy. It’s lean, mean, and infinitely rewatchable.

This isn’t a list of bestsellers—it’s a personally curated selection of must-see films, spanning animation and comedy to horror and classic movies. Handpicked by esteemed critic Brian Tallerico, each choice brings something unique to the table—be it emotional resonance, cultural significance, or simply good old-fashioned fun. So the next time you’re stuck in Netflix purgatory, let this list guide you toward your next great film.

Anime enthusiasts, gather ’round! Whether a seasoned otaku or new to the vibrant, immersive world of Japanese animation, there’s something special about debating which series stands above the rest. From action-packed shonen epics to thought-provoking psychological thrillers, anime has become a worldwide storytelling force.

Some shows push the envelope. Some touch hearts. And the greatest? They accomplish a lot, leaving a lasting impact long after the final credits.

Here are 10 of the greatest anime shows of all time—ranked not only by popularity, but by influence, narrative, and pure rewatch value. Prepare to go back and visit old favorites—or find your new addiction.

1. Solo Leveling (2024)

As one of the most recent additions to the anime canon, Solo Leveling does not hesitate to leave a mark. Based on the hit Korean webtoon, it marries dungeon-crawling action, cool animation, and an engaging power-scaling journey. Sung Jin-Woo’s transformation from wimp to über-powerful monster hunter is every gamer’s fantasy—and every action fan’s must-see.

2. Hell’s Paradise (2023)

Set on a mysterious island crawling with supernatural threats, Hell’s Paradise delivers brutal battles, philosophical musings, and gorgeous animation. It’s part Battle Royale, part samurai fantasy, with a touch of existential dread. If you like your anime stylish, violent, and thought-provoking, this one belongs on your list.

3. Mashle: Magic and Muscles (2023)

What if Harry Potter had no magical powers, but could just brute-force every issue? Mashle solves that riddle with sidesplitting consequences. A complete parody of magical school conventions, it blends ridiculous humor, deadpan presentation, and outrageous battles into one giant flex of an anime. It does not take itself seriously, y—and that is precisely why it succeeds.

4. Fire Force (2019–2020)

A team of fire-spewing firefighters battling hellish creatures? Count us in. Fire Force combines pyrotechnic animation with high-concept world-building and impressively deep lore. Developed by the man behind Soul Eater, it places a steampunk spin on the classic shonen mold, with a lot of heart (and flames) behind its blazing action.

5. Spy x Family (2022–)

A telepathic kid, an undercover agent, and a lethal assassin enter a mock marriage, and the outcome is one of the most endearing anime of recent times. Spy x Family gets the balance between action, comedy, and emotional family scenes just right. It’s clean pandemonium at its finest, presented within Cold War feels and inescapable character dynamics.

6. Berserk (1997 / 2016 / Manga legacy)

Few anime shows go so deeply into the dark as Berserk. Guts’ bleak odyssey through a hellish medieval landscape is both violent, philosophical, and emotionally candid. Though adaptations are not always great, the original story is among the most influential and tragic in anime history. Gritty, unyielding, and unforgettable.

7. Akame ga Kill! (2014)

If you believe the main characters are going to be spared, think again. Akame ga Kill! It combines breakneck action, political revolution, and high-stakes emotional investment with a willingness to kill off characters without hesitation. It’s not always the subtlest series around, but it’s certainly compelling, and its combination of tragedy and heroism brings back audiences.

8. Summer Time Rendering (2022)

A sleeper hit worth more hype, Summer Time Rendering is a suspense masterclass. It pairs time loops, secret-ridden small towns, and unsettling supernatural features into a story that’s always shifting. With each rewind, the stakes increase—and so does tension. Imagine Erased meets The Twilight Zone.

9. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners (2022)

In a mere 10 episodes, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners presents a finished, emotionally devastating narrative within the dystopian universe of Night City. Studio Trigger’s breakneck animation style is aptly suited to the neon-covered anarchy, and the soundtrack and character design bring it to something special. It’s fashionable, heartbreaking, and one of the greatest anime interpretations of a video game universe.

10. Chainsaw Man (2022)

Chainsaws, demons, and raw anarchy—Chainsaw Man delivers on the promise and then some. With a dirty-looking visual style and tonally erratic unpredictability that darts wildly between horror, absurdist comedy, and heartbreaking sentiment, this show is anything but standard. Denji is one of anime’s most unusual heroes, and his gore-soaked odyssey is as sloppy as it is unforgettable.

Few thespians in Westerns have left a mark as indelible as Sam Elliott. With his drawl, creased face, and trademark stache, Elliott is the very flesh-and-blood embodiment of the American cowboy. Whether he’s corralling outlaws or struggling with inner turmoil across boundless open plains, he brings a rare authenticity and gravitas to every performance.

But from so many classic performances, which Westerns break from the herd? Saddle up—here are the ten greatest Sam Elliott Westerns, ranging from forgotten sleepers to classic touchstones.

7. The Shadow Riders (1982)

What happens when you combine Sam Elliott with Tom Selleck? Western chemistry was at its peak. The Shadow Riders have the two acting as brothers on opposite sides of the Civil War, both having a shared goal of rescuing their kidnapped siblings. Based on a Louis L’Amour novel, the movie is an action-packed mix of action and emotion, with Elliott performing as the fiercely independent and no-holds-barred Dal Traven. It’s among the most unadulterated fun Westerns in his filmography.

6. The Quick and the Dead (1987)

Not to be confused with the 1995 Sharon Stone film, this adaptation of another Louis L’Amour novel stars Elliott as Con Vallian, a lone gunslinger who rides to the aid of a family in peril. Elliott’s Vallian is the archetypal classic Western hero—pragmatic, principled, and psychologically complex. His chemistry with Kate Capshaw lends substance to the part, and the movie balances nicely between shoot-em-ups and brooding scenes that make this more than a plain cowboy tale.

5. Gettysburg (1993)

Though more of a war drama than your average Western, Gettysburg features Elliott in one of his finest performances, playing Union cavalryman General John Buford. With quiet strength and military strategic brilliance, Elliott’s Buford plays a vital part in staging the iconic battle. His efforts stand above a massive ensemble cast, adding authenticity and gravity to the film. Even amid a tsunami of characters, Elliott is unmistakable.

4. The Sacketts (1979)

Starring Elliott, Tom Selleck, and Jeff Osterhage as brothers attempting to make a living in the post-Civil War American West, The Sacketts is based on Louis L’Amour’s novels. Elliott stars as Tell Sackett, the oldest and toughest of the three.

The Sacketts is an epic family drama filled with gunfights, cattle drives, and frontier justice. It’s old-fashioned Western stuff with a lot of emotional center, and Elliott’s performance as Tell is just the right mixture of toughness and softness.

3. Conagher (1991)

One of Elliott’s favorites, Conagher stars him as a wandering cowboy who forms an unlikely bond with a tough frontier widow (played by his actual wife, Katharine Ross). The movie combines action and poetry—literally, due to its iconic “tumbleweed poems”—and Elliott gives a low-key terrific performance. It’s a mellow, contemplative Western in which honor, love, and isolation travel together.

2. Tombstone (1993)

An unchallenged classic, Tombstone is the definitive ensemble Western, and Elliott’s turn as Virgil Earp is its moral compass. The oldest of the Earp brothers, he brings a feeling of wisdom and unwavering responsibility to a tale filled with violence, retaliation, and mythic shootouts. Acting alongside Kurt Russell’s Wyatt and Val Kilmer’s indelible Doc Holliday, Elliott holds his own with ease, adding gravitas and conviction to each frame. It’s a genre-defining moment in contemporary Western cinema.

1. 1883 (2021–2022)

Coming at the top is Elliott’s performance as Shea Brennan in 1883, the Yellowstone spin-off that reimagined the Western as a prestige drama. As the tormented wagon train leader leading settlers across a hostile landscape, Elliott gives one of the most emotionally naked and authoritative performances of his life. His performance of loss, leadership, and sacrifice is masterful. 1883 not only solidifies Elliott’s status as a Western icon, but it might be the role that defines him for a new generation of viewers.

Sam Elliott is not only a Western actor—he is the Western. Decade after dusty decade and trail after trail, he’s been a lawman, a drifter, a general, and a lover, always bringing that understated intensity that makes an otherwise good role an excellent one. Whatever your familiarity with his work, whatever your level of introduction to the man himself, these are ten performances that prove this man better gets the cowboy’s soul than anyone alive.

Let’s be real—horror hasn’t been the same since A24 arrived on the scene. In more than a decade, this independent distributor has made its logo a shorthand for fearless, genre-bending films. To horror enthusiasts, A24’s name is now linked with boundary-pushing narratives, aesthetically driven visuals, and a more cerebral level of fright—a feeling that haunts long after the last frame.

Whether it’s through slow burns of psychological frights, chic bloodbaths, or avant-garde narratives that play with the very concept of horror, A24 has built a filmography that remapped what terrifies us. Below are the 10 greatest A24 horror films that demonstrate the genre can be intelligent, jarring, and delightfully bizarre.

10. Tusk (2014)

Only A24 would greenlight a movie about a guy being surgically transformed into a walrus—and succeed. Tusk is disgusting, ridiculous, and inescapably singular. Kevin Smith goes full-on body horror and dark comedy with this strange story of a podcaster who meets a man fixated on marine animals. It’s not for everybody, but its cult appeal attests to A24’s willingness to risk that others wouldn’t take.

9. Lamb (2021)

Half-fable, half-existential parable, Lamb is a methodically paced Icelandic horror movie that’s as lovely as it is deeply disturbing. When a pair finds a half-lamb, half-human baby on their isolated farm, they adopt it as their own, only to have unforeseen consequences. With sparse dialogue and eerie imagery, Lamb explores themes of loss, motherhood, and nature’s silent rage.

8. It Comes at Night (2017)

In It Comes at Night, the most terrifying dangers are the ones we can’t see. In a post-apocalyptic setting, the film examines paranoia and vulnerability of human trust as two families take refuge in a cabin to wait out an unspecified contagion. The film’s subdued, claustrophobic narrative and unsettling ambiguity raise it above usual survival horror. It’s a spine-tingling examination of fear as a psychological contagion.

7. Green Room (2015)

Green Room isn’t spooky, but it’s among the most terrifying films on this list. A punk group gets stuck in an isolated venue after they see someone murdered, surrounded by an aggressive band of neo-Nazis commanded by a menacingly reserved Patrick Stewart. Fast-paced, ruthless, and relentlessly stressful, this siege movie shows that horror can exist in the real world and be as frightening as ghosts or demons.

6. The VVitch (2015)

Robert Eggers directed his first film with The VVitch, a carefully constructed story of religious paranoia and supernatural horror in 17th-century New England. The film’s antiquated dialogue and black-and-white cinematography transport viewers to its world, in which evil is not in monsters but in broken faith and fear. With its indelible atmosphere and slow-horror build, The VVitch set the tone for the “elevated horror” wave A24 would become synonymous with.

5. Saint Maud (2019)

Saint Maud traces the story of a zealous hospice nurse whose intense religious fanaticism spirals into obsession—and perhaps madness. Morfydd Clark gives a powerhouse performance in this unsettling character study, which delves into loneliness, guilt, and the desperate search for purpose. As Martini Shot Blog describes it, Saint Maud is a movie in which “trauma and redemption crash into each other with terrifying closeness.” It’s psychological horror at its most chilling.

4. Talk to Me (2022)

A brash new voice in terror, Talk to Me refigures the concept of possession with a twist. When a gang of teenagers stumbles upon a severed hand that enables them to reach out to the dead, things get out of hand in ways they could not have anticipated. With its frenetic energy, creative terrors, and an unsettling emotional center, the Philippou brothers’ debut shows A24 is continuing to discover the future of horror—and backing the correct filmmakers.

3. Pearl (2022)

A beguiling horror prequel to X, Pearl combines Technicolor visual panache with graphic violence and a profoundly unnerving Mia Goth lead performance. Set in 1918, it is the story of a farm girl whose visions of fame turn sour on her. With its stagey aesthetic and repulsive intimacy, Pearl is a darkly compelling study of a woman disintegrating—stylized, transgressive, and characteristically A24.

2. Midsommar (2019)

Ari Aster’s follow-up to Hereditary trades in shadows for sunlight, but provides one of the decade’s most unnerving films. Midsommar tracks a bereaved young woman who gets drawn into a midsummer celebration by a Swedish cult, with rituals becoming more and more disturbing. As Trettleman explains, it “commits unease and terror to memory in the face of broad daylight.” It’s folk horror at its most eerily surreal. 

1. Hereditary (2018)

The foundation of A24’s horror canon, Hereditary is a contemporary masterpiece. Beginning as a family drama, it descends into supernatural bedlam born of bereavement and intergenerational trauma. Toni Collette’s incendiary performance holds it together, and its third-act nightmarishness is not to be forgotten. As Trettleman describes, “Hereditary slowly but surely enfolds its tentacles of horror.” It’s an unflinching vision that solidified Aster—and A24—as horror royalty.

A24’s horror movies aren’t merely frightening—they’re bold, creative, and frequently emotionally shattering. Each of these 10 titles demonstrates that the horror genre can be as artistic and intellectually stimulating as any drama, but still provides the chills horror fans are looking for.

Whether you’re a well-seasoned horror aficionado or a curious outsider, this roster provides an ideal glimpse into why A24 is the new face of horror—and why its impact refuses to fade.

Did you ever argue over which Star Trek vessel would win in a furious race through the galaxy? You’re not the only one. The Star Trek universe is full of iconic starships, each with its own combination of advanced technology, memorable missions, and stunning velocity. But when it comes to sheer speed, some ships stand out above the pack. So, which ones go to warp and beyond? Here’s a look at the fastest ships in Starfleet history—and what makes them legendary.

1. USS Monitor

The USS Monitor may not be one of the franchise’s most well-known vessels, but it’s designed to go fast, particularly over short ranges. With an eye on speed and quick response for emergency evacuations or immediate delivery missions, the Monitor sacrifices range for agility. It’s not designed for cruising or exploration, but if you have to get somewhere in a hurry, this is your ship.

2. USS Discovery

It may date back to the earliest days of Starfleet, as the USS Discovery is anything but antiquated. Due to its game-changing spore drive, Discovery can travel across the galaxy in a split second—literally. Though the technology was eventually abandoned due to ethical and practical reasons, its capacity to move through space independent of warp mechanics makes it one of the quickest ships ever constructed.

3. USS Fearless

The USS Fearless left its stamp in The Next Generation, fueled—both metaphorically and literally—by experimental propulsion upgrades by specialist Kosinski. His modifications catapulted the vessel to untested velocities, beyond what Starfleet believed was attainable. Fearless proved to be a prized resource for deep-space exploration and swift discovery.

4. USS Ajax

Another beneficiary of Kosinski’s speed upgrades, the USS Ajax is an Apollo-class vessel that doesn’t always find the limelight. But in the background, it’s a contender to reckon with. With state-of-the-art propulsion upgrades, the Ajax can stand shoulder to shoulder with Starfleet’s greatest ships, even though it may not receive the same fanfare.

5. USS Voyager

Voyager gained its reputation on a tough seven-year trek back home from the Delta Quadrant—but speed was never one of its lesser qualities. With the ability to break Warp 9, the vessel’s speed was paramount to survival and discovery. Voyager underwent major upgrades over time, making it one of the most advanced, efficient ships in Starfleet. 

6. USS Enterprise

The Enterprise name is identified with Star Trek, and the Enterprise-E is the epitome of that legacy. First introduced in the Next Generation film era, the Sovereign-class ship brought together sophisticated combat technology and warp speeds of up to Warp 9.9. Sleek, powerful, and quick—it was Starfleet’s pride of place during an age of significant galactic turmoil.

7. USS Prometheus

Enter the experimental giant. The USS Prometheus was a vessel designed for tactical advantage and speed. Its top Warp speed was 9.99, and its top-of-the-line capabilities included regenerative shields and ablative armor. The ship was a decade or so too advanced for its time. Its multi-vector assault function—breaking into three distinct sections to attack in tandem—was an engineering wonder and a bad guy’s worst fear.

8. USS Vengeance

Built in secret and for one purpose only—power—the USS Vengeance of Star Trek Into Darkness is a warp-speed, vicious enforcer. It was capable of outrunning the Enterprise when both vessels were at warp speed, something almost unheard of in Federation history. Built by Section 31 with pursuit and firepower as prime concerns, the Vengeance was a dark symbol of the military Starfleet ambitions.

9. Borg Cube

Though not a Federation ship, the Borg Cube deserves a mention for sheer size and speed. From multiple Star Trek sources, these gargantuan vessels can travel at speeds of over 395,000 times the speed of light, well above even the fastest Starfleet ships. Devastating and nearly unstoppable, Borg Cubes are one of the galaxy’s most feared menaces. 

What Sets These Ships Apart?

Star Trek speed isn’t only about warp factors—it’s about ingenuity. From Discovery’s spore drive to Prometheus’ tactical engineering, every ship on this list is a quantum leap in Starfleet’s quest to travel faster and smarter through space. Their contributions to the Federation’s never-ending mission—exploration, defense, and survival—explain why breaking the boundaries of propulsion has always been a top priority.

Warp Speed: More Than Just a Number

Warp factors in the Star Trek universe do not rise linearly, but exponentially. Warp 9.9 is much faster than Warp 9, and every effort to break Warp 10 tends to have unforeseen side effects (as the fans of Voyager’s notorious “salamander” episode would attest). Nevertheless, every new generation of ship stretches the limits of what is possible, broadening not just the reach of Starfleet but its ability to tell stories.

If you’re a classicist who loves ships with a rich history or intrigued by the latest bleeding-edge technology of newer vessels, one fact is certain: speed is not just a statistic in Star Trek—it’s a metaphor of advancement, drive, and the ever-growing final frontier.