Marvel fans, get ready—because 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years the MCU has seen in a while. If you thought Marvel was taking it easy, think again. From zombie outbreaks and interdimensional catastrophes to a much-needed Fantastic Four reboot, there’s lots to get excited about. Whether day one subscriber or simply a fan of a fine superhero story, this year’s lineup has something for everyone. Have a look at the ten Marvel offerings that you’ll want to keep on your radar in 2025, starting with binge-worthy shows and ending with big-screen busters.

9. Wonder Man (Disney+, December 2025)

One of the most underrated characters in Marvel is finally getting its moment in the sun. Wonder Man stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Simon Williams—a stuntman-turned-superhero from Hollywood. The show is reported to be half-action, half-satire, and plenty of laughs thanks to Ben Kingsley’s reprisal of Trevor Slattery. Director Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi fame) is at the helm for the initial episodes, so keep an eye out for fine direction. It’s wrapping up the year, and initial rumblings suggest it might have a larger role to play in the MCU in the future.

8. Marvel Zombies (Disney+, October 2025)

Marvel is going all out horror just before Halloween with Marvel Zombies, a dark, bloody animated show that’s strictly not for children. With a TV-MA rating and only a four-episode commitment, this one’s going in full-throttle apocalypse mode. Legendary heroes like Cap and Scarlet Witch turn into mind-hungry monsters, and newbies Yelena and Kate Bishop try to make sense of the chaos. Executive producer Bryan Andrews is in charge, and initial teasers indicate plenty of dark humor and stylish bloodshed. This could be Marvel’s boldest animated step ever taken.

7. Eyes of Wakanda (Disney+, August 2025)

If you’ve ever wanted more of Wakanda’s rich, untold history, Eyes of Wakanda is the show for you. This animated anthology takes us on a journey through time, following Wakandan warriors tasked with recovering vibranium artifacts from across the globe. Releasing on August 6, it expands the Black Panther world in a fresh and meaningful way. It’s shaping up to be both a sight to behold and an expansion of a fan-favorite aspect of the MCU.

6. Ironheart (Disney+, June 2025)

Riri Williams returns in her own series after making waves in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Ironheart picks up where she left off, becoming a high-tech hero in her own right while still struggling to be a teen genius. Dominique Thorne stars and will be facing off against Parker Robbins—aka The Hood—played by Anthony Ramos. This one blends science and magic, and it should be an action-packed, high-energy ride. Premieres June 24.

5. Daredevil: Born Again (Disney+, March 2025)

Matt Murdock is back—and so are his pals. Daredevil: Born Again brings back Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio as Daredevil and Kingpin. But it’s not a reboot. It’s an outright continuation that’s already generating serious buzz. With a hard-boiled tone and rich character drama, the show premiered in March and hit the ground running. There is already a second season in development, so naturally, fans are loving this edgier return to the MCU’s street-level roots.

4. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man (Disney+, January 2025)

The year began with a fresh spin on everyone’s beloved wall-crawler. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is an animated re-imagining of Peter Parker’s formative years, and while initially it was meant to serve as a bridge to the connection with Tom Holland’s Spidey, it has transformed into a unique take of its own. The 2-D aesthetic gives it a boost, and early episodes were praised for capturing the heart of a coming-of-age superhero tale. It’s funny, it’s emotional, and it’s brimming with that classic Spider-Man magic.

3. Thunderbolts (Movie, May 2025)

Yes, the asterisk does appear in the title, and no one really has any idea why. But what we do know is that Thunderbolts is assembling a misfit team of anti-heroes and morally complex characters on one wild mission. Florence Pugh’s Yelena, Sebastian Stan’s Bucky, and Wyatt Russell’s U.S. Agent are all back, along with Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. And Harrison Ford appears as Red Hulk. Early looks seen at SDCC left fans stoked, and the hyperactive pace of the film could make it a sleeper hit.

2. Captain America: Brave New World (Film, February 2025)

Sam Wilson is officially the new Captain America, and Brave New World is his standalone film in the character. This movie’s not just about getting past the shield—it’s about redefining what leadership looks like. With returning villain The Leader (Tim Blake Nelson), Harrison Ford, and Giancarlo Esposito joining the battle, this film is full of star power to the max. It lands in February and sets up great things in the MCU in the future. One to watch.

1. The Fantastic Four: First Steps (Movie, July 2025)

MCU’s long-awaited Fantastic Four movie is finally on the way, and the countdown begins. Hip, retro-futuristically directed like they did in the 1960s, this reboot stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Marvel’s First Family. Julia Garner as Silver Surfer and Ralph Ineson as Galactus add to the buzz. And, yes, there are rumors of a Robert Downey Jr. cameo. Directed by Matt Shakman, this film is kicking off Phase 6 in style and sentiment.

Larger than a year of plenty of content, 2025 is a year of reinvention for the Multiverse Saga. All the series and films are playing a role in setting up the stage for Avengers: Doomsday and the eagerly awaited Secret Wars. It’s a year of come-to-folks, takes, and massive revelations. Whether you’re a fan of urban-level superheroes like Daredevil or cosmic adventures with the Fantastic Four, there’s never been a better time to be a Marvel fan. The wait for the next big crossover starts here.

Let’s be realistic—comic books have brought us some of the most powerful and amazing heroes and villains to ever exist. But with every floating alien or metal-clawed mutant, there is a character whose powers appear to have been dreamed up during a creative lull (or perhaps after downing one or two too many energy drinks). There are some powers so weird, impractical, or outright useless that they become memorable—albeit for all the wrong reasons. Here are 10 of the most absurd superpowers ever to be published.

10. Mr. Immortal

Being immortal is the ultimate brag. Until you realize that’s the only thing Mr. Immortal’s got working for him. He doesn’t get to fly, fight, or move heavy objects—he just can’t die. Which is to say that if you toss him over a cliff, he’ll wake up eventually at the bottom. That’s not saving the world—it’s just surviving it.

9. Hepzibah

Skunk-breathed alien with a bushy tail, super agility, and pheromone manipulation, Hepzibah is less of a Marvel hero and more of a rejected Pokémon. She’s agile, sure, and has night vision, but her most notable feature is that she can release pheromones, which, in most fights, doesn’t necessarily shout “threat.”

8. Jazz

Having been a mutant in the Marvel universe typically involves possessing some flashy, battlefield-capable talent. Not so for Jazz, whose mutation is simply that he has blue skin. That’s it. No laser beams, no enhanced strength—just a different color. He attempted a rap life (it didn’t take) and met a forgettable demise. Unfortunately, Jazz was less of a fighter and more of a footnote.

7. Razorback

A human ham in more than one sense, Razorback has the incredible ability to… drive anything. Planes, trains, spaceships—you name it, he can drive it. Oh, and he sports a huge hog-shaped helmet that gives off electric shocks. He’s a strange combination of trucker and novelty act, and even Spider-Man couldn’t increase his cool quotient. 

6. Phone Ranger

A.G. Bell—yes, his real name—was a phone repairman who was granted the ability to connect to telecom equipment with his alien-powered suit. Even helpful in a landline world, Phone Ranger became immediately outdated. In a smartphone-centric universe, his set of skills is essentially what your Bluetooth already accomplishes.

5. Almighty Dollar

This accountant-turned-hero has one of the most laughable gimmicks in comic history: he shoots pennies from his wrist. J. Pennington Pennypacker (yes, again, really) essentially weaponizes spare change. Maybe that’s useful if you’re battling a vending machine, but against an alien invasion? Not so much.

4. Squirrel Girl

She talks to squirrels. She climbs things. She gnaws through wood. While these may sound like a set of completely unconnected talents, Squirrel Girl has somehow managed to defeat major villains like Thanos and Doctor Doom. Her wins are more meme than merit, but you’ve got to admire her nutty persistence.

3. Cypher

Cypher’s talent is the ability to speak and understand any language, from human to alien to computer. Wonderful if you’re negotiating peace agreements or debugging extraterrestrial Wi-Fi. But in the event of a superpowered fight club, his talents don’t quite fill your heart with fear. Even the comics freeze him out for a bit before reviving him. Customer support?

2. Hindsight Lad

If you’ve ever had someone tell you what you should have done after something’s gone wrong, you’ve encountered your live-action Hindsight Lad. His power? Hindsight. He’s the fellow who arrives late, second-guesses your choices, and disappears before the next emergency. Useful? Not so much. Pesty? Yep.

1. Arm-Fall-Off Boy

And atop the list is one of the most ridiculously bad ideas ever printed. Arm-Fall-Off Boy can detach his arms and wield them as bludgeons against his enemies. That’s it. They don’t have super strength, they aren’t immediately regrowable—he just yanks them off and starts clubbing. It’s not so much “super” as it is “sad party novelty thing.”

Comic books are replete with bold concepts and thinking outside the box. But occasionally, that creativity crosses over into the absurd. Nevertheless, even these bizarre characters have their niche—if only to serve as a reminder that not all heroes must be heroic in the classical sense. But merely memorable.

Let’s face it—trying to keep up with the greatest shows of 2025 is a little like whack-a-mole with your TV remote. There’s only so much television, and only so many hours in the day. But if you’re in need of cutting through the clutter and getting right to the good stuff, you’re in the right place. We’ve compiled the top 10 shows of the year to date—ranked and ready to binge. So get comfy, get some snacks, and get ready to refresh your watchlist.

10. Paradise (Disney+)

Mixing political suspense with a dash of sci-fi thrills, Paradise begins with Secret Service agent Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown) investigating the president’s sudden, appalling assassination of President Cal Bradford (James Marsden). It’s twisty, speed-of-light, and full of tension enough to keep you on the edge of your seat—even if it’s not necessarily Emmy bait. A surprise success that continues to turn heads.

9. Your Friends & Neighbors (Apple TV+)

Jon Hamm adds a darkly comedic twist to Andrew “Coop” Cooper, a hedge fund manager turned suburban burglar by night. Your Friends & Neighbors examines privilege, greed, and lives unraveling with wicked humor and stylish panache. The pacing’s occasionally ambitious, but performances carry the day.

8. The Studio (Apple TV+)

What happens when a film nerd takes over a legendary movie studio? Chaos—and comedy. The Studio stars Seth Rogen as Matt Remick, a newly crowned exec trying to steer a crumbling empire. Catherine O’Hara steals scenes as his ousted mentor, and the whole thing is a love letter to Hollywood insiders and cinephiles alike.

7. The Four Seasons (Netflix)

Spread over four vacation retreats, this dramedy ensemble presents longtime couples and friends dealing with everything from aging and cheating to rekindled friendships. The Four Seasons blends witty one-liners with powerful truths, reminding us that growing older together with your ride-or-dies is as messy as it is reassuring.

6. The Bear – Season 4 (FX/Hulu/Disney+ in Canada)

The heat in the kitchen has not eased. Season 4 of The Bear sees Carmy and the team striving for perfection while fighting burnout, blurred boundaries, and demons. Sure, some reviewers say it’s not as razor-sharp as in the past—but even at a simmer, this series offers emotional depth that few others can provide.

5. American Primeval (Netflix)

Set during the unforgiving days of the American frontier, American Primeval is violent, gripping, and visually stunning. Taylor Kitsch leads a cast of survivors navigating life, death, and identity in the wilderness. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re drawn to bold storytelling, this one’s worth the ride.

4. Adolescence (Netflix)

This four-part miniseries suddenly appeared out of the blue and left everybody reeling. Adolescence revolves around 13-year-old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper), who is arrested over the death of his classmate. The narrative goes in-depth into internet nastiness, young people, and responsibility. Each episode plays out in a single take, making viewers feel on the edge. With record-breaking viewership figures and gasp-inducing acting performances from Stephen Graham and Ashley Walters, it’s already poised to be one of Netflix’s all-time greatest successes.

3. Dept. Q (Netflix)

If you prefer your crime dramas moody and atmospheric, Dept. Q is beckoning. The nine-episode psychological thriller follows Detective Carl Morck, relegated to cold cases after a traumatic event. The show delves into unsolved crimes—and unsolved grief—in a slow, steady, and thoroughly engrossing manner. It’s less concerned with the “who” and more with the “why.”

2. The Pitt (Max / Crave in Canada)

Set over one frenetic day in a downtown ER, The Pitt is unflinching, raw, and unrelenting. Noah Wyle makes his return to the medical drama fold in a tour-de-force performance as a physician grappling with pandemic PTSD. Shot nearly in real-time, the series conveys both burnout and heroism among frontline healthcare workers. It’s visceral, emotional, and impossible to turn away from.

1. Andor – Season 2 (Disney+)

Still sitting comfortably at the top is Andor. Season 2 of the Star Wars spinoff continues its slow-burn brilliance with Diego Luna leading a story that’s more grounded and morally complex than anything else in the galaxy. The writing is smart, the stakes are real, and the tension never lets up. It’s a masterclass in character-driven sci-fi, whether or not you’re a longtime Star Wars fan.

There you have it: the most crucial shows of 2025. From dark thrill rides to emotional dramas, these shows are a reminder that peak TV is still on the scene. So when you’re browsing around for something new, cut the suspense—these are the ones that need your attention.

Let’s be real: Hollywood is having a moment, and it’s Black, bold, and under 40. The new generation of Black actors and actresses isn’t just breaking barriers—they’re rewriting the script, scene by scene, with talent, charisma, and a whole lot of style. Whether you’re binge-watching prestige TV, catching the latest blockbuster, or scrolling through viral red carpet looks, these stars are everywhere—and for good reason. So, in true countdown fashion, let’s celebrate the 15 best Black actors and actresses under 40 who are making Hollywood more exciting, inclusive, and downright irresistible.

14. Marsai Martin

She’s not just the hilarious Diane from “Black-ish”—Marsai Martin is also the youngest executive producer in Hollywood history. She’s already producing, acting, and inspiring a new generation to dream big. As noted, Marsai is making waves both in front of and behind the camera, and she’s just getting started.

13. Jharrel Jerome

If you saw “When They See Us,” you know why Jharrel Jerome is on this list. His Emmy-winning performance as Korey Wise was gut-wrenching and unforgettable. He’s also shined in “Moonlight” and “Concrete Cowboy,” proving he can bring authenticity and emotional depth to any role.

12. Letitia Wright

From stealing scenes as Shuri in “Black Panther” to leading her own stories, Letitia Wright is a Marvel (pun intended). She’s become a symbol of intelligence, wit, and Black girl magic on the big screen, and fans are eager to see what she does next.

11. Caleb McLaughlin

He grew up before our eyes as Lucas Sinclair on “Stranger Things,” but Caleb McLaughlin is more than just a Netflix star. He’s also made history as the first Black youth ambassador for Dior’s Sauvage fragrance and continues to use his platform to mentor and inspire.

10. John Boyega

He made history as the first Black lead in a “Star Wars” film, but John Boyega’s impact goes way beyond the galaxy. From “Attack the Block” to his outspoken advocacy for diversity in film, he’s a force both on and off screen.

9. Asante Blackk

Bursting onto the scene with an Emmy-nominated turn in “When They See Us,” Asante Blackk quickly became one of Hollywood’s most promising young talents. His role in “This Is Us” further cemented his reputation for thoughtful, emotionally charged performances.

8. Zendaya

From Disney Channel darling to Emmy-winning powerhouse, Zendaya is everywhere. Her role in “Euphoria” made her the youngest winner of the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. She’s also a style icon and a role model for young fans everywhere.

7. Michael Rainey Jr.

Known for his complex portrayal of Tariq in “Power Book II: Ghost,” Michael Rainey Jr. has captivated viewers with his nuanced acting. His natural charisma and dedication hint at even bigger roles on the horizon.

6. Daniel Kaluuya

Whether he’s terrifying us in “Get Out” or delivering an Oscar-winning performance as Fred Hampton in “Judas and the Black Messiah,” Daniel Kaluuya is a master of his craft. He’s become one of the most sought-after actors of his generation.

5. Winston Duke

Towering and charismatic, Winston Duke made a splash as M’Baku in “Black Panther” and has since shown his range in films like “Us.” He’s also set to play Marcus Garvey in an upcoming biopic, proving he’s got both the presence and the chops.

4. Michael B. Jordan

From “Fruitvale Station” to “Creed” and “Black Panther,” Michael B. Jordan is the definition of a leading man. He’s also stepped behind the camera, directing the third “Creed” film, and continues to redefine what it means to be a Black superstar in Hollywood.

3. Lupita Nyong’o

She won an Oscar for “12 Years a Slave” and has since dazzled in everything from “Black Panther” to “Us.” Lupita Nyong’o’s elegance, talent, and advocacy for representation make her a true Hollywood icon.

2. Janelle Monáe

Not only is she a Grammy-nominated musician, but Janelle Monáe has also delivered standout performances in “Hidden Figures” and “Moonlight.” She’s a multi-hyphenate who brings creativity and activism to every project.

1. Halle Bailey

When Disney cast Halle Bailey as Ariel in “The Little Mermaid,” the internet exploded—for better and for worse. But the impact was undeniable. According to Sherri Hope Culver, seeing a Black actress as a live-action Disney princess is a game-changer for children of color, offering them a role model they can see themselves in. The viral reactions of young Black girls seeing Halle as Ariel say it all: representation matters, and Bailey’s star is only rising.

Films like “The Color Purple” and “Hidden Figures” remind us how far we’ve come and how much further we can go. Whether they’re breaking box office records, winning awards, or inspiring the next generation, these actors and actresses are proof that the best is yet to come.

For more than 20 years, Curb Your Enthusiasm has been television’s most vexing annoyance, launching social cringe like grenades into the comfortable routines of everyday life. It’s blend of quick-wittedness and vicarious embarrassment, Larry David’s comedy madecringeworthyy a superior art form. And now that the show is ending after 12 seasons, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on five unforgettable moments that made Curb not only funny but culturally relevant.

5. Needling the rules we live by

From the first day, Curb has become a show defying society’s unspoken rules of behavior. Larry’s refusal to play by the rules we expect—whether it is skipping a “stop ‘n chat,” initiating a “spite store,” or being arrested for dispensing water in a polling line—is what makes us laugh and wince in identical measure.

The genius of the show lies in mirroring the quirks of society, how absurd our “normal” can become when dissected by the harsh light of brutal honesty.

4. A Cast That Does Relish Living in Chaos—Especially J.B. Smoove

Larry may have brought the chaos, but J.B. Smoove’s Leon lit the fires. Introduced in Season 6, Leon quickly became a crowd favorite through his wild improvisations, crackpot one-liners, and unstoppable chemistry with Larry.

Coining slang or doled out life advice with unstinting bravado, Leon brought new zing to the show’s already superior cast. The fabulous cast that comprised Jeff Garlin, Susie Essman, Cheryl Hines, Ted Danson, and the late Richard Lewis built a world where any of the characters could make Larry’s day go worse in the most hilarious ways.

3. Iconic, Outrageous Episodes

Choosing the most iconic episodes of Curb is virtually impossible, but some of them have been made so. In “Car Pool Lane,” Larry pays for a sex worker, not sex, but to legally drive in the carpool lane. In “The Spite Store,” he opens a competing coffee shop simply out of spitefulness.

And in “The Colostomy Bag,” the series strikes close to the hearts of viewers who are undergoing actual medical procedures, which sparks more intense debates about representation. Whether re-hanging with the Seinfeld gang, battling the Ayatollah, or stumbling through a cringeworthy “pants tent” fiasco, Curb episodes don’t just amuse—they last. 

2. A Finale That Stays True to Its Spirit

So, how do you end a show that has spent nine seasons resisting neat conclusions? You double down on resisting that. The final episode, “No Lessons Learned,” spoofs the notorious Seinfeld finale in its place, with Larry in the dock and a procession of his past adversaries taking the stand against him.

Even Jerry Seinfeld pops up, perfectly timed to bail him out. It’s a going-out that’s in Curb style: witty, knowing, and unbothered by tradition. Rather than hanging up the doors on a whim of nostalgia, it dishes out one final nudge-and-wink to viewers.

1. A Legacy Built on Reluctant Affection

Despite its “no hugging, no learning” motto, Curb managed to get in touch with viewers on an emotional level. Fans have seen Larry and his cohort snipe, stab each other in the back, and stumble through the ridiculousness of life—and yet, somehow, it’s endearing. The last season’s return of Richard Lewis added a tinge of sadness to the show’s sharp wit. The relationship between characters, though so flawed, always seemed abnormally real. And as for me, seeing Larry and Leon “shoot the shit” is a form of comfort in itself.

Curb Your Enthusiasm didn’t so much rewrite the comedy rules as it scoffed at them, stomped on them, and then ridiculed them. And that is a legacy worth lamping over.

July may be a slower month in pure quantity for HBO and Max, but the slate is anything but uninteresting. With a carefully balanced batch of attention-grabbing premieres, genre-mashing indies, and substance-driven documentaries, the month shows that quality can indeed speak louder than quantity, particularly when every release has something on its mind.

Main Event: Sinners

At the top of our list is everybody’s whispering about: Sinners. Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler are back together again for a Southern Gothic horror-thriller that has already got cinephiles buzzing with rewatch theories. Sinners follows in 1930s Mississippi twin brothers Smoke and Stack Moore, played by Jordan, as they go home to open up a juke joint, only to find out the less-than-desirable clientele: vampires. Jack O’Connell takes charge as the brutal ringleader, supported by a heavy cast of Delroy Lindo and Wunmi Mosaku. Stylish, unsettling, and unexpectedly emotional, Sinners is a must-see for anyone looking for something new and genre-bending this summer.

The Quirky Pick: Death of a Unicorn

Second is Death of a Unicorn, a dark comedy as quirky as its title hints. This new A24 series on Max features Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega as a father-daughter duo who inadvertently run over a unicorn with the family car. From there ensues a bizarre series of events centered on the vengeful parents of the unicorn and featuring an all-star supporting cast that includes Will Poulter and Téa Leoni. It’s strange, sometimes funny, and decidedly unbalanced—but that unpredictability is precisely what makes the movie so strangely appealing.

The Hidden Gem: On Becoming a Guinea Fowl

Another A24 highlight coming to Max this month is On Becoming a Guinea Fowl, Rungano Nyoni’s dark comedy-drama. This festival hit explores community secrets, individual denial, and family trauma—albeit with a wicked, satirical bite. It may not have the name recognition of other July releases, but it’s arguably the most emotionally resonant of the bunch. If you’re in the mood for something beautiful, haunting, and a bit off-center, make this your pick.

The Underdog: Opus

Though it’s been the most polarizing of A24’s July releases, Opus still warrants a mention. John Malkovich stars in this psychological cult thriller, along with indie stalwarts Ayo Edebiri and Young Mazino. Though some critics have deemed it forgettable, others appreciate its unseemly tone and high-concept story. If you prefer your horror more brainy (and are okay with some missteps), Opus may tickle that demon.

The Must-Watch Doc: Dear Ms.: A Revolution in Print

It’s on the nonfiction side, though, that Dear Ms. shines brightest. This timely film chronicles the advent and impact of Ms. magazine and how it shaped the feminist movement through aggressive reporting and defining cover headlines. It’s a must-see for anyone curious about the intersection of journalism, politics, and women’s rights—and a salient reminder of media’s power in crafting cultural revolutions.

Musical Deep Dive: Billy Joel: And So It Goes

For music lovers, the two-part Billy Joel: And So It Goes documentary offers an intimate look at the Piano Man’s life and legacy. The first episode hits Max on July 18, with the second following a week later. Expect personal stories, behind-the-scenes footage, and plenty of insight into the mind of one of America’s most enduring songwriters.

International Spotlight: Rage (aka Furia)

Max deepens its international game with Rage, a Spanish-language thriller about five women dealing with lies, extortion, and submerged trauma. Their narratives slowly collide, building to an explosive and emotional conclusion. It’s thrilling, intense, and an ideal choice for slow-burn drama fanatics who crave high-stakes emotions.

Library Binge: Get Out, The Big Lebowski, and More

Not all things this month are entirely new. July also features a big helping of comfort-watch staples and cult classics on Max’s shelf. From Jordan Peele’s contemporary horror classic Get Out to the infinitely quotable The Big Lebowski, there are plenty of reasons to return to familiar friends. Cartoon enthusiasts can also expect Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League, and Mortal Kombat aficionados are in for a complete franchise slate.

Max for More People

Streaming is more accessible than ever this month. Through new collaborations, Spectrum TV Select subscribers now have Max With Ads included at no additional cost, and DashPass Annual Plan members receive Max as a benefit. As Charter and DoorDash executives point out, it’s bundling value—because apparently, food delivery and prestige TV are a match now.

So, yes, July 2025 may not overwhelm your watchlist with dozens of shows, but it supplies adequate variety and punch to make it worth your while. Whether you’re in the mood for vampire standoffs, unicorn vengeance, feminist scholarship, or cartoon chaos, HBO and Max keep finding that considered balance between hot premiere appeal and lasting value. Occasionally, a less crowded schedule just leaves you with the good stuff, and this month is evidence of that.

There’s something magical about leaving a movie behind—whether that’s staggering out of a theater or slamming your laptop closed at 2 a.m.—and saying to yourself, “Wait. What just happened?” They don’t always provide us with clean answers, but they provide us with something far greater: theories that never end, fierce arguments, and those rabbit-hole Reddit forums that won’t stop consuming your attention. Love them or loathe them, these brain-twisting finales leave you thinking long after the credits have rolled.

Let’s count down 10 of the most memorable ambiguous endings, beginning at number 10 and holding off on the largest question marks until the end.

8. Monty Python and the Holy Grail

When you’re pursuing the fabled Holy Grail, you’d think there’d be some kind of over-the-top payoff—perhaps a glimpse of the treasure. But in classic Monty Python style, just when Arthur and the knights ride off into the sunset, the police burst in and arrest them all. Cue sudden blackout. It’s ridiculous, surreal, and completely in keeping with the film’s offbeat humor. And it still leaves audiences scratching their heads—in a good way.

7. No Country for Old Men

Forget the traditional climactic confrontation—No Country for Old Men closes not with a bang, but with Sheriff Ed Tom Bell musing about a couple of dreams involving his dad. As the screen goes black, viewers are left asking themselves: What did it all mean? The Coen Brothers never wrap things up in a bow, and this ending is no different. It’s more introspective than a story, and that’s just what makes people want to keep talking.

6. Inception

One word: the top. As Cobb finally reunites with his children, he spins his totem to confirm he’s not still dreaming. It starts to wobble—then the screen cuts out. Did it fall? Is he awake? Is it all a dream within a dream? Christopher Nolan famously left this moment open to interpretation, teasing fans with the idea that maybe it doesn’t even matter. Emotional closure vs. intellectual ambiguity? That’s up to you.

5. Blair Witch Project

The last shot of this found-footage horror staple is straight-up nightmare fuel: one character lingers creepily in the corner of a basement, the camera falls, and… that’s it. Was the Blair Witch actual? Was it merely mass hysteria? We never find out. The dingy, cub-reporter-on-a-budget aesthetic only adds to the mystery, making campfire legend (and internet speculation) for decades.

4. Enemy

Jake Gyllenhaal plays a double role in this quirky psychological thriller, ending on a big-time weird basis: an enormous spider lurking at the rear of a room. Barely does his character bat an eyelid. We cut to black. No idea. The symbolism is heavy, the interpretations endless. Spiders, control, identity—Enemy drops the mic with no warning and leaves you to do with it what you will… or won’t.

3. American Psycho

Just when you think you’ve got Patrick Bateman pegged, American Psycho jerks the rug out from underneath you. Having just confessed to a series of murders, Bateman discovers that one of his alleged victims lives on. So… was any of it real? Or was it all the product of a severely disturbed individual’s delusion? The film never says. That’s the idea—it makes you sit with the unease of not knowing what’s real and what’s fantasy.

2. The Shining

That eerie photo at the end of The Shining—Jack Torrance’s smile in a 1921 hotel party photo—raises more questions than answers. Was Jack never a part of the Overlook? Is it reincarnation? A time loop? Stanley Kubrick allegedly believed in a spiritual explanation, but fans have been analyzing it ever since. It’s creepy, it’s iconic, and it’s perpetually mysterious.

1. Shutter Island

Martin Scorsese’s psychological thriller concludes on a haunting note. Teddy Daniels learns he is Andrew Laeddis, an inmate at the psychiatric hospital, and is being treated for delusions. But just before he might undergo a lobotomy, he questions: “Wouldn’t it be better to live as a monster or die as a good man? The question leaves you guessing—has he relapsed, or is he doing it to get out from under the guilt of what he’s done? The uncertainty is harsh, and it’s the sort of conclusion that makes you want to watch it a second (and third) time.”.

Unclear movie endings are a risk, but when they pay off, man, do they ever. Whether they make you frustrated or intrigued, one thing’s certain: these endings get in your head and stay there. So go ahead, rewatch them, start a group text, or get into the fan theories. Just don’t bank on simple answers.

If you’re an A24 fan, July 2025 is delivering the goods on HBO Max. Three new titles from the beloved indie studio have just dropped, offering a mix of dark comedy, psychological tension, and offbeat horror.

But let’s be honest—not every A24 release is a slam dunk. With Rotten Tomatoes ratings now out and critics weighing in, we have a better sense of which of these movies measure up to the A24 buzz… and which don’t. Here’s how they rank, from least disappointing to the one you need to binge immediately.

3. Opus

Even with its starry cast—John Malkovich, Ayo Edebiri, Young Mazino, and Amber Midthunder—Opus hasn’t quite measured up. Directed by Mark Anthony Green, the movie brings together cult horror and psychological terror, with echoes of Midsommar.

But the critics are not convinced. While Malkovich brings his trademark wacky genius, the movie itself comes off as aimless and hollow. At a chilly 40% on Rotten Tomatoes, Opus has been described as “largely forgettable” by Future and is best left to die-hard A24 completists.

2. Death of a Unicorn

With a strange premise and an A-list cast featuring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, Death of a Unicorn seems to be made for cult status. The movie begins with a father-daughter duo accidentally running down a unicorn with their car—yes, really—and things descending into gory, mythological madness.

The creature feature tries to go for dark satire, but according to critics, it cannot balance tones and present a coherent narrative. Still, there’s charm in the cast’s chemistry, and some fun to be had if you’re in the mood for something outlandish. It’s sitting at 54% on Rotten Tomatoes, which makes it a gamble—but not a total loss.

1. On Becoming a Guinea Fowl

The real standout this month is On Becoming a Guinea Fowl, a haunting yet darkly funny drama by director Rungano Nyoni. It’s her first film in nearly ten years, and the reception has been radiant.

At a rare 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film is being hailed for its thoughtful examination of family secrets, loss, and denial—all stitched into a visually exquisite story.

The acting by Susan Chardy and Blessings Bhamjee might be from relatively lesser-known stars, but they pack a punch. Critics are labeling it one of A24’s strongest recent offerings, and it’s the emphatic must-see of the three.

If you’re sorting your weekend watchlist, start with On Becoming a Guinea Fowl—it’s the one that’s getting people talking.

Death of a Unicorn is worth a try if you’re in the mood for weird and wild, while Opus is probably best saved for a night when curiosity gets the better of you.