The final week of June 2025 has brought a flood of must-see TV—and three series are rising to the top of the conversation: the jaw-dropping finale of Squid Game, the fiery return of The Bear, and Marvel’s bold new bet, Ironheart.

Let’s begin with the big gun: Squid Game Season 3. This is the sort of cultural phenomenon that blows by now and then. The worldwide phenomenon returns for its last hurrah, and it doesn’t spare any punches. From Tom’s Guide, the season tracks Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) as he’s drawn deeper into the killing game, with cold and calculating Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) lurking in the background.

Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon) creeps closer to the truth, but nothing’s as it appears. Betrayal, heartbreak, and lots of bloodshed are in store. Visually, it’s as disturbing as ever—there are crying babies, hallways shaped like knives, and even a gumball machine that determines the next gruesome task. All six episodes dropped at once, and honestly, you’ll want to clear your weekend—this season demands a binge.

Over on Hulu, The Bear Season 4 is keeping the pressure on in the kitchen. Carmy (Jeremy Allen White), Syd (Ayo Edebiri), and Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) are fighting to keep the restaurant open with a major review in the offing, money running out, and Uncle Jimmy running out of patience.

Tensions are at a high, and Sydney’s allegiance to the crew is about to be put to the test, as Tom’s Guide tells us.

What makes The Bear so compelling isn’t the pace or the food shots (although those are gorgeous)—it’s the raw, emotional messiness of it all.

The show gets the heartbreak, grit, and strangely lovely friendships of life on the other side of the line more so than anything else on television. Season 4 just raises the stakes and keeps on showing why this is a standout show.

Meanwhile, Marvel is turning Disney+ upside down with Ironheart. Dominique Thorne reprises her role as Riri Williams and the teenage prodigy introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, now back in Chicago, attempting to forge her own Iron Man legacy.

But things quickly become complicated courtesy of The Hood (Anthony Ramos), a bad guy who combines technology and dark magic in ways even Tony Stark could not have imagined. With Ryan Coogler producing and Chinaka Hodge at the writing helm, Ironheart combines street smarts, emotional grit, and supernatural twists into something uniquely Marvel, yet refreshingly grounded. The first three episodes have already dropped, and they’re as stylish and sharp as you’d expect.

Of course, these are not the only buzzed-about releases illuminating the screen. Apple TV+ includes Smoke, a dark crime miniseries with Taron Egerton pursuing arsonists in the Pacific Northwest. On Prime Video, Countdown has Jensen Ackles in full-on action-star form, following a threat of terror in Los Angeles with an undercover ops unit. And for anime fans, Crunchyroll is serving up Lord of Mysteries and Takopi’s Original Sin, both offering unique visuals and mind-bending stories that are gaining serious traction.

Yet, as far as what everybody’s discussing currently goes, it’s Squid Game, The Bear, and Ironheart that are at the front lines. Whether your thing is ruthless survival, kitchen meltdowns, or superhero gadgetry, the tail end of June 2025 is serving up some of the best television for any type of viewer.

What is it about a woman’s character that makes her unforgettable? Is it her strength? Her nuance? The way she inspires—or upsets—the world around her? Over the decades, TV and film have introduced us to women who have moved beyond characters to become cultural touchstones. Whether battling aliens, defining what it is to lead, or simply going about quietly challenging injustice, these women have shifted the topography. Let’s count down ten of the most iconic, most influential, and most memorable female characters to ever grace the screen.

10. Dolores Umbridge – Harry Potter Series

Dolores Umbridge is possibly the most despised character ever designed—and that’s exactly why she’s so often remembered. Behind her saccharine-sweet smile lies a cold authoritarian, a much scarier character than Voldemort in her insidious own right. Her starched uniform and pinched smile hide a ruthless heart, making her one of cinema’s greatest villains. You can’t help but remember her. Even though you might wish you could not.

9. President Mackenzie Allen – Commander in Chief

Even before a woman started moving towards the White House in the real world, Geena Davis portrayed America’s first president on network television. As President Mackenzie Allen, she brought authority, compassion, and authenticity to the role. Her performance started to change the way men and women thought about what leadership could—and should—be. For many viewers, it wasn’t just fiction; it was a vision of possibility.

8. Scout Finch – To Kill a Mockingbird

These few young characters have made an impact as much as Scout. She shows us the inequality and nuance of a highly polarized world through her eyes. Her honesty, courage, and unvarnished viewpoint lend To Kill a Mockingbird its emotional resonance. Generations of girls have found themselves reflected in Scout and matured into adults still defined by her quiet, forceful sense of right and wrong.

7. Trinity – The Matrix

Cool, calm, and perpetually in charge, Trinity turned the action-hero template upside down. She didn’t simply hold her own against Neo—she established what a sci-fi heroine might look like. With her lean appearance, deadly capabilities, and unbreakable aura, she was instantly iconic. Trinity didn’t simply battle the system—she redefined the rules.

6. Daenerys Targaryen – Game of Thrones

Daenerys evolved from a fearful girl in exile to a queen ruling over dragons and armies. Her journey is one of the most discussed in television history—half empowerment fantasy, half cautionary tale. Whether people adored or abhorred her last twist, there’s no doubt about her influence. She made audiences experience it all: wonder, optimism, terror, and sorrow.

5. Erin Brockovich – Erin Brockovich

Julia Roberts put Erin Brockovich’s real-life fight onto the big screen with unvarnished grit and charm. She wasn’t refined. She wasn’t flawless. But she was tenacious. Confronting corporate behemoths with nothing more than instincts and sheer determination, she illustrated that bravery isn’t predicated on a law degree—merely heart, compassion, and unwillingness to give up.

4. Ellen Ripley – Alien Series

Ellen Ripley revolutionized everything. When sci-fi heroes were virtually men-only, Ripley proved that women could be just as tough, intelligent, and irreplaceable. She wasn’t merely enduring aliens—she was redefining a whole genre. Ripley opened doors for generations of female action heroes and is still the gold standard.

3. Mary Poppins – Mary Poppins

Whimsical, wise, and quotably quotable, Mary Poppins is not only a nanny—she’s a phenomenon. She came into our lives with her magical carpetbag and practical, no-nonsense demeanor, scattering joy and lessons in her wake. She is more than a children’s character—she is an iconic representation of balance, kindness, and surprise adventure.

2. Katniss Everdeen – The Bow-Wielding Hero of Panem

Katniss was not a hero by choice—she was only trying to save her sister. But that act of selflessness ignited a revolution. Armed with a bow and a passion in her heart, she was the voice of her generation. Her bravery was not limited to fighting, but also came from compassion, devotion, and passive defiance. Katniss showed us that real courage comes from love.

1. Hermione Granger – Harry Potter Series

At the top of our list is the most brilliant witch of her generation. Hermione Granger didn’t merely excel at her exams—she educated an entire generation that intelligence, readiness, and integrity are the true magic. She’s the bond that kept the trio solid, the heart behind so many heroic acts, and a personality that clicked with every age group. The fans didn’t merely look up to her—they aspired to be like her as children. And frankly, who wouldn’t?

These ten characters are not merely iconic—they’re revolutionary. They’ve given rise to discussions, pushed boundaries, and reminded us that the strongest stories usually start with a woman refusing to be underestimated.

Netflix’s July lineup is packed to the brim, with sequels fans have been waiting years for, fresh takes on old favorites, and brand-new stories that might just become your next obsession. Whether you’re feeling nostalgic, ready for a fantasy binge, or just in the mood for something offbeat and hilarious, this month’s releases offer something for everyone.

Happy Gilmore 2: Adam Sandler Swings for the Fences Again

It’s been nearly 30 years since Adam Sandler originally teed up as Happy Gilmore, and now he’s back for another shot in Happy Gilmore 2, which landed on Netflix on July 25. Sandler is joined by old friends like Julie Bowen, Ben Stiller, and Christopher McDonald, but also brings aboard some amusing new faces—Bad Bunny, Travis Kelce, and even golfing legends like Rory McIlroy and John Daly.

The original cast members also return, including Tim Herlihy co-writing and Dennis Dugan executive producing. Kyle Newacheck, who directed Murder Mystery for Sandler, helms this installment. Happy’s attempting to pay his daughter’s tuition at school in the sequel, but naturally, things devolve into signature Gilmore-esque mayhem. Look for excess, celebrity appearances (yes, Eminem and Post Malone appear), and good ol’ helpings of retro laughs.

Madea’s Destination Wedding: Tyler Perry’s Matriarch Takes a Tropical Vacation

Madea’s not finished yet. In her 13th on-screen outing, she’s boarding a plane to the Bahamas in Madea’s Destination Wedding, which opened on July 11. Tyler Perry once again plays writer, director, and star, marking 20 years of Madea on screen with a tale that blends family drama, slapstick humor, and reflective warmth.

The story revolves around Madea’s nephew Brian and his former wife Debrah, whose daughter Tiffany shocks everyone by getting engaged to a rapper—in two weeks, no less. The familiar gang, featuring Cassi Davis Patton, David Mann, and Tamela Mann, is joined by some new faces as they deliver that familiar combination of humor, life lessons, and full-on family mayhem. As Perry’s words went, “Let’s leave the world behind for a moment and come to Madea’s house… laugh, cry, eat, and celebrate.”

The Sandman Season 2: The Dreaming’s Final Chapter

Fantasy fans, hold out no more. The second and last season of The Sandman is releasing in three parts throughout July. Adapted from Neil Gaiman’s classic graphic novels, the show follows up on Dream and his mighty siblings.

Tom Sturridge reprises his role as brooding Dream, accompanied by old faces including Gwendoline Christie as Lucifer and Mason Alexander Park as Desire. Fans will also spot Jenna Coleman, Stephen Fry, and Steve Coogan in the returning cast. Following some off-screen drama with Gaiman, Netflix chose to offer fans closure, and this final installment is set to offer up the dreamlike visuals and epic drama that made the first season so special.

Other Must-Watch Premieres

July isn’t just about sequels. The Old Guard 2 brings back Charlize Theron and her immortal team for more action and soul-searching. Uma Thurman joins as a powerful new villain, while Henry Golding adds intrigue to the mix. With Victoria Mahoney directing, the sequel looks to raise the stakes in every way.

If psychological thrills are your thing, check out Wall to Wall. Released on July 18, the Korean thriller stars a guy named Woo-sung, whose insomnia becomes paranoid when neighbors claim he’s the cause of strange noises. Director Kim Tae-joon amped up the tension in classic K-thriller style.

Music fans, set your calendars for Building the Band, premiering July 9. It’s a sad one—this show includes the last-ever TV stint of late Liam Payne, who serves as a guest judge with AJ McLean, Nicole Scherzinger, and Kelly Rowland on this singing competition.

And for fans of anime, there’s much to explore. The Summer Hikaru Died, from Mokumokuren’s popular manga, began streaming on July 5. It adds a supernatural spin to a small-town friendship tale. SAKAMOTO DAYS returns with fresh episodes on July 14, and My Melody & Kuromi bring a delightful stop-motion journey starring two of Sanrio’s dearest characters beginning July 24.

Glamorous Departures: Say Goodbye to These Favorites

While all of these new releases are dominating the headlines, don’t forget to see what’s departing while it’s still here. July is your final opportunity to stream Barbie, Dune: Part Two, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, and all five seasons of Insecure. Big franchises like Twilight, Ocean’s Eleven, and Hotel Transylvania are departing too, so be sure to press play before it’s too late.

One Month, Endless Possibilities

With a mix of returning icons, breakout newcomers, and buzzy finales, Netflix’s July slate is a reminder that a great night in is just one click away. Whether you’re tuning in for the nostalgia or discovering something new, this month’s lineup proves that streaming is far from slowing down.

Whether you’re in the mood to question reality, explore far-off worlds, or just get spooked by a well-timed alien invasion, Amazon Prime Video has your sci-fi cravings covered. But with so many titles to scroll through, it can be overwhelming to pick your next mind-bending adventure. Don’t worry—we’ve done the digging for you. Here are the nine best sci-fi films currently streaming on Prime, ranked in reverse order to keep the suspense alive.

9. The Vast of Night

Return with us to the creepy quiet of 1950s New Mexico with this off-the-radar indie suspense thriller. Two restless teenagers happen across an odd radio broadcast that could be from. Somewhere not on this planet. With a fabulous period style and clear affection for The Twilight Zone, this slow-burning mystery lures you in with its retro atmosphere and intense dialogue, all built on a lean budget.

8. A Quiet Place: Day One

Ever wonder how it all started in the Quiet Place universe? This harrowing prequel whisks you directly to the first chilling day of invasion, right in the middle of New York City. Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn bring the movie honest emotional heft as two unknowns struggling to stay alive amidst the terror. There’s tension, there’s silence, and yes, you’ll jump more than once—but it’s also surprisingly sentimental.

7. Poor Things

A strange and quirky journey, Poor Things features Emma Stone as Bella Baxter, who is resurrected with the brain of her unborn child. It sounds crazy—and it is—but Stone’s brazen, hilarious, and strangely empowering turn makes it unforgettable. With its dreamlike imagery and unsettling humor, this one’s a crazy diversion from standard sci-fi, but well worth the ride.

6. Her

Spike Jonze’s sci-fi romance movie feels more credible than ever in our current technology-driven era. Joaquin Phoenix stars as a solitary writer who becomes romantically involved with his AI assistant (voiced with poignant brilliance by Scarlett Johansson). Additionally, it is weirdly beautiful, witheringly poignant, and hauntingly timely—a gentle cautionary tale about the fascination that technology holds and the isolation it can conceal.

5. Gattaca

A 1997 classic that becomes more timely each year, Gattaca is a vision of a future where your genes control everything—your job, your lovers, your value. Ethan Hawke stars as a man who was born “natural” and aspires to become an astronaut. Sleek and contemplative, it’s a haunting exploration of genetic disparity, identity, and what it takes to go against the grain.

4. The Endless

If you prefer your sci-fi more on the creepy and existential side of things, The Endless is the film for you. Two brothers go back to the UFO cult they fled all those years ago and find themselves facing time, space, and reality collapsing in upon themselves. It’s a mind-bending, low-budget gem that delves into cosmic horror, trauma, and free will—all without revealing the truth until the final moment.

3. Donnie Darko

This cult favorite is difficult to put into words, but impossible to erase from your mind. A moody Jake Gyllenhaal, a sinister bunny called Frank, and an impending feeling of doom meet in this surreal, time-bending brain-twister. It’s about destiny, alternate realities, and suburban fear. And yes, that “Mad World” cover still gets to you.

2. Coherence

What begins as a relaxing dinner party becomes a reality-bending nightmare when a comet flies overhead. In a flash, the guests are coping with duplicate copies of themselves, and nobody can say what’s real and what isn’t anymore. Shot on a shoestring budget and improvised, Coherence is snappy, unsettling, and full of twists you won’t anticipate. It’s puzzle-box suspense that will command your full concentration.

1. 10 Cloverfield Lane

Number one is this gripping psychological thriller with sci-fi snap. Mary Elizabeth Winstead awakens in a subterranean bunker, where John Goodman’s creepy Howard claims the outside world is no longer habitable. What transpires is a master class in tension—claustrophobic, volatile, and supported by powerhouse acting. And when the truth is finally revealed? Let’s just say, buckle up.

Liftoff ready?

Whether you’re after metaphysical mysteries, spooky cult atmospherics, or heart-pumping suspense, these nine sci-fi movies on Prime Video are worth watching. Just perhaps leave a light on—you never know when reality will change.

Sherlock Holmes isn’t only a character from fiction—he’s an international icon. Since his first appearances in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s tales, Holmes has been brought to life by hundreds of actors in films, TV shows, and even foreign adaptations. From the misty Victorian streets to contemporary cityscapes, the great detective has been reimagined countless times. So, which ones are truly the best of the lot? Here’s our top 10 greatest Sherlock Holmes performances ever committed to screen. The game is most certainly on.

10. Henry Cavill – Enola Holmes

Softer Sherlock Holmes? Henry Cavill’s performance in Netflix’s Enola Holmes demonstrates that it can be done. As the notoriously brilliant older brother to Millie Bobby Brown’s spirited Enola, Cavill provides a new, more down-to-earth interpretation of the legendary detective. Although still demonstrating Sherlock’s intellect and meticulousness, Cavill lends a compassionate and warm emotional presence seldom witnessed in the character. It’s not traditional but an endearing and surprisingly earthy take on Holmes that gives him a heart.

9. Nicholas Rowe – Young Sherlock Holmes (1985)

Before origin stories became a thing in Hollywood, Young Sherlock Holmes treated us to a preview of what the world’s greatest detective might have looked like as a teenager. Nicholas Rowe stars as the adolescent Holmes with the ideal blend of intellectual precocity and adolescent gangliness. Set in a boarding school amid a string of mysterious murders, the film imagines how Holmes’ iconic traits—his love of deduction, fencing, and violin—began to form. Rowe’s performance is charming, energetic, and offers a fun, youthful twist on the legendary character.

8. Ian McKellen – Mr. Holmes

What does it mean when the world’s greatest mind starts to wane? Ian McKellen’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in Mr. Holmes is haunting, tender, and indelible. Playing the detective into his nineties, McKellen gives a richly nuanced performance full of sadness and honor, as Holmes deals with memory failure and unsolved cases. It’s a spare, humanizing glimpse at the legend behind the man.

7. Yuko Takeuchi – Miss Sherlock

Shooting in contemporary Tokyo with a gender-reversed twist, Miss Sherlock is one of the braver reimaginings of the iconic detective. Yuko Takeuchi lends a sharp intelligence and in-your-face dynamism to the role, keeping Sherlock new while not sacrificing the core of what makes the character work. Her chemistry with her Dr. Wato (a masterful reinterpretation of Watson) gives heft to a fast-paced, culture-fueled retelling.

6. Robert Downey Jr. – Sherlock Holmes (2009, 2011)

If you prefer your Sherlock a bit more rough-around-the-edges with a dash of action hero bravado, Robert Downey Jr.’s take is for you. In the stylized movies of Guy Ritchie, Holmes is as apt to throw a punch as he is to crack a puzzle. Downey’s wisecracking, sleight-of-tongue detective leans into Holmes’ idiosyncrasies while infusing him with swagger we’ve not often glimpsed. It’s bombastic, it’s fun, and oddly faithful to the detective’s rough-around-the-edges side.

5. Jonny Lee Miller – Elementary

When Elementary premiered, relocating Holmes to New York and casting Lucy Liu as Watson, some die-hards raised their eyebrows. But Jonny Lee Miller put the naysayers to rest with a cogent and subtle performance. His Holmes is a recovering addict, emotionally sophisticated, and smart in unorthodox ways. The chemistry between him and Liu’s Joan Watson is the show’s emotional center, and evidence that the Holmes legend continues to evolve.

4. Peter Cushing – The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959)

Peter Cushing’s performance in The Hound of the Baskervilles is as finely drawn as his face. Refined, precise, and steely under stress, Cushing’s Holmes prowls the atmospheric moors of Devon in a brooding, gothic retelling that returned Holmes to cinematic style. His take is old-fashioned in the best sense—moderated, methodical, and eerily potent.

3. Basil Rathbone – Sherlock Holmes Series (1939–1946)

For most older fans, Sherlock Holmes is Basil Rathbone. Across 14 films, he solidified the detective’s signature appearance and attitude: suave, intelligent, and perpetually one step ahead. Whether solving mysteries on gloomy Victorian streets or improbably tracking down Nazi spies (wartime scripts got inventive), Rathbone supplied steady gravitas and intelligence to the role. He established the standard others would emulate.

2. Benedict Cumberbatch – Sherlock (2010–2017)

BBC’s Sherlock reimagined the detective for the digital age, and Benedict Cumberbatch’s portrayal made it indelible. His rapid-fire-talking, emotionally reserved Holmes was clever, mercurial, and perpetually fascinating. Cumberbatch brought Holmes back into the cool category—transplanting the character into a culture of texting and online sleuthing without sacrificing the essential nature of him. His rapport with Martin Freeman’s Watson formed the bedrock of the show and repositioned Holmes in the modern era.

1. Jeremy Brett – The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1984–1994)

No performance ever captured Sherlock Holmes as Jeremy Brett’s did. Across more than a decade of TV movies and seasons, Brett embodied the role with unparalleled veracity. His Holmes was theatrical yet never showy, eccentric yet never campy. Each mannerism, look, and outburst was drawn directly from Conan Doyle’s page. For scholars and fans alike, Brett’s performance remains the standard—the best approximation ever made of Holmes as he was meant to be.

From high-octane action heroes to brooding recluses, Sherlock Holmes reinvents himself with each new take. But whether he’s solving crimes in Victorian London or Manhattan today, one thing’s for sure: the great detective will never stop captivating us.

We’ve all been there—browsing a beloved show, completely absorbed, when suddenly. What was that? A plot point so over-the-top or against character that you’re screaming at the TV in astonishment. That, my friend, is what we refer to as “jumping the shark.

The term originated in a now-notorious Happy Days episode in which Fonzie after-skis over a shark, still in his leather jacket. Ever since, it’s been used as shorthand for that moment when a show loses its mojo and begins to reach for straws to remain exciting. Here are 13 shows that took that ill-fated leap, from somewhat cringeworthy to outright ridiculous.

13. Game of Thrones – The Final Season Meltdown

Once the gold standard of prestige TV, Game of Thrones infuriated fans with its breakneck conclusion. Important character journeys were sped up (hi, Daenerys), and storylines that developed over seasons fizzled out in an instant. The outrage was fervent, with an accompanying petition to re-do the entire season.

12. The Office (US) – The Wedding Dance & Michael’s Goodbye

Jim and Pam’s wedding should have been lovely, but that flash mob dance down the aisle was a little too. Outside the box. The actual turning point, however, came when Steve Carell left. Without Michael Scott, the show attempted to continue, but something critical was missing—and it was evident.

11. Dexter – That Cringe Confession

Dexter was doing fine—until his sister Debra unexpectedly developed the hots for him. Yes, that sort of love. Combine that with the already dubious trajectory the show was on, and fans were through. And don’t even remind us of that lumberjack finale.

10. Lost – Too Many Questions, Not Enough Answers

Lost was TV in its most exciting form for a while—until the mystery began accumulating with no resolution in mind. Giant statues, smoke monsters, pointless time travel—it was a mess of plot threads that left viewers in a daze and frustrated when the finale arrived, and not many questions were satisfied.

9. Downton Abbey – The Milk Truck Moment

A series noted for elegance and poise suddenly produced one of the funniest unintentionally funny deaths television has ever seen. Fresh from becoming a father, Matthew Crawley is offed in a bizarre car accident with a milk lorry. It was a shocking change that left many viewers wondering if the show was going in the right direction.

8. Community – When Everyone Left the Table

Community was fabulously quirky until issues in the real world started to intrude. Creator Dan Harmon was temporarily let go, and core cast members (including Donald Glover and Chevy Chase) departed. Although there were some great episodes subsequently, the show never regained the initial weird and wonderful pace.

7. American Horror Story – Hotel’s Horror Show

American Horror Story started strong, with creative seasons such as Murder House and Asylum. But by the point Hotel arrived—with its muddled plot and empty characters—the cracks were beginning to appear. Even a glamorous cast couldn’t save it from its cluttered storytelling.

6. Sherlock – The Hallucination Special

The early seasons of Sherlock were clever, chic, and witty. Then came the special during which Sherlock experiences a drug-induced dream in Victorian London. Season four was filled with outlandish plot turns (exploding and surviving explosions, secret siblings) that read like fanfiction rather than detection.

5. Riverdale – Unadulterated, Unbridled Mayhem

What started as a dark teen drama inspired by Archie Comics deteriorated into complete madness. Witchcraft, cults, parallel universes, time traveling, and even an asteroid demolished any semblance of rationality. At this juncture, trying to keep up with Riverdale’s plot is a zombie apocalypse-level task.

4. Buffy the Vampire Slayer – Buffy Comes Back

Buffy’s resurrection during season six steered the series much darker. Although many fans loved the gritty landscape and nuanced relationships (Spuffy, anyone?), others longed for the lighter, better-balanced storytelling of previous seasons. For most, something was lost in the transition.

3. Grey’s Anatomy – When It Became a Fever Dream

What used to be a dramatic medical show, Grey’s Anatomy, is now synonymous with progressively more outlandish plot turns. Take, for instance, the much-maligned musical episode and the protracted dream-world COVID storyline in which Meredith has a half-season of sitting on a beach talking to deceased characters.

2. Fear the Walking Dead – Shelter Hopscotch

This Walking Dead prequel got off to a strong start by centering on the early stages of the outbreak. But by the later seasons, it had descended into a cycle of repetition—find shelter, lose shelter, repeat—alongside some perplexing character choices. Following a high-profile showrunner change, things only became more complicated.

1. Happy Days – The Jump Heard ‘Round the World

Where it all started. When Fonzie leaped over a shark during season five, the writers likely figured it was a lark. But the image was so absurd that it became the de facto sign for when a show crossed the line. Ironically, Happy Days lasted on television for several more years, but the phrase itself endures long after.

Whether it’s a last-ditch effort to remain current, a cast overhaul, or simply bad writing, all shows are in danger of jumping the shark. The good news? Even after the shark jumps, some shows continue to swim. Others… well, they go down with the shark.

Zombies. Whether they’re sprinting after survivors, lurking in dark hallways, or showing up in unexpected comedy sketches, these undead fiends never go out of style. No matter how many apocalyptic stories hit our screens, the zombie genre keeps reinventing itself—and somehow, we’re always game for more. From heart-thumping thrillers to witty comedies and survival epics that are a little too close to reality, here are 13 of the greatest zombie series and movies that you should be watching now, ranked from the most out-there to the most memorable.

13. Zombieverse

Ever dream of surviving a zombie apocalypse and reality TV simultaneously? Zombieverse brings that hellish nightmare to life. Contestants believe they’ve enrolled in a typical show—until zombies arrive. The ensuing pandemonium is as chaotic as it’s funny. It’s half horror, half improv, and all entertainment.

12. Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead

When the apocalypse arrives, Akira Tendo doesn’t freak out—he parties. At last liberated from his soul-sucking career, he makes a list of 100 things to do before he becomes a zombie. Part comedy and part commentary on contemporary burnout, this offbeat live-action remake is sentimental, absurd, and an unexpectedly feel-good spin on the end of the world.

11. The Walking Dead: Dead City

Maggie and Negan. New York City. Do we even need to say more? This spin-off brings two of The Walking Dead’s most complicated characters together in an uneasy alliance to hunt for Maggie’s son in a walker-infested city. There are tensions, traumas, and just enough sparks of hope to have you hooked.

10. The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live

Rick and Michonne at last receive the reunion fans have been clamoring for. Following years of speculation about what became of Rick, this limited series brings him back, full of twists, action, and emotional gut punches. Their romance is a high-stakes combination of survival and passion that is worth it in every sense. 

9. The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon

Waking up in France with no clue how he got there, Daryl Dixon gets his international spin-off. With mysterious cults, quick-moving zombies, and a new mission to protect a gifted boy, this is The Walking Dead like you’ve never seen it—stylish, tense, and refreshingly different.

8. Fear the Walking Dead

This prequel illustrates how the apocalypse started. Seeing the world fall apart from a blended family’s perspective gives Fear its emotional resonance. It delves into what happens when individuals still hold on to hope before they know just how bad things will be.

7. The Walking Dead

The series that set the standard for zombie TV. From Rick Grimes waking up in a deserted hospital to eleven seasons of tragedy, backstabs, and legendary walker kills, The Walking Dead redefined the genre for an entire generation. It’s the one that launched a universe—and it had every right to.

6. Train to Busan

Buckle up—this South Korean thriller spins a speeding train into a round-the-clock zombie death trap. Every stop heightens the stakes. It’s not merely the pacing or the set pieces—it’s the gut-punch emotional hit that ranks Train to Busan among the all-time favorite zombie movies. 

5. The Dead Don’t Die

When indie filmmaker Jim Jarmusch takes on the zombie apocalypse, the outcome is mirthless, bizarre, and intensely fun. Starring Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, and Adam Driver, this deadpan horror comedy is packed with eccentric moments and meta-humor that’ll haunt you far beyond the conclusion.

4. Black Summer

If you prefer your zombies quick, aggressive, and horror-come-to-life, Black Summer gets the job done. The frantic, fractured style of storytelling drops the viewer right in the thick of it. The tension does not abate, nor do the hordes of zombies.

3. Army of the Dead

Zack Snyder combines a heist film and a zombie thriller, and the outcome is thoroughly entertaining. In a walled city, Las Vegas infested with intelligent zombies and counting down toward a nuclear apocalypse, this one’s huge, flashy, and full of panache. Come for the action, stick around for the undead tiger.

2. All of Us Are Dead

High school soap opera collides with outright horror in this intense Korean drama. As a virus epidemic keeps students hostage in their school, it’s a matter of survival from hour to hour. With dark subject matter, frenetic action, and a cast that will shatter your heart, it’s as thrilling as it is emotional.

1. Alive

At the top is #Alive, a sleek survival tale of loneliness, connection, and gaming one’s way out of the apocalypse. Joon-woo is trapped in his apartment while the world falls apart around him, but hope flickers in when he finds another survivor in the vicinity. It’s smart, timely, and even rather sentimental—and proves that even as society goes under, connection does too.

If you’ve ever found yourself humming Howard Shore’s sweeping soundtrack or quoting Gandalf’s most iconic lines, you’re not alone. The Lord of the Rings isn’t just a trilogy—it’s a fantasy landmark that continues to shape how we experience epic storytelling on screen. More than 20 years since it first arrived in theaters, Peter Jackson’s cinematic take on Tolkien’s masterpiece hasn’t lost an ounce of its power. But what is it about these movies that endures? And why are people arguing about them even today?

Orchestrating Middle-earth: Tolkien’s Tale, Jackson’s Vision

When Peter Jackson embarked on bringing J.R.R. Tolkien’s colossal, mythology-stuffed epic to the screen, few thought it was possible. But somehow, improbably, the trilogy became the gold standard for big-screen saga-making. As one of its devoted fans summed it up, the trilogy is “the very definition of an epic film, and it still has its magic 20 years on.” Jackson’s vision brought Tolkien’s sprawling world—populated by hobbits, elves, and dark beings of old—and made it seem real, accessible, and emotionally resonant.

Not everybody was instantaneously swept away by the magic. Some viewers at first dismissed The Fellowship of the Ring as glacial and too serious. But by the time The Return of the King came through with its heartfelt conclusion, most of the doubters had been won over. The journey was just too sweeping, too emotional, to resist.

Game-Changer for the Genre: How the Trilogy Raised the Bar

It’s simple to overlook the way as groundbreaking at the time they were. Shot over New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, with then-state-of-the-art visual effects, The Lord of the Rings redefined what fantasy might look like on screen. Even years later, the CGI and practical effects look astounding. One critic even noted that the visual effects in 2001 still hold up against modern fantasy films.

But it wasn’t just the look that made the trilogy unforgettable. The casting was pitch-perfect—Elijah Wood infused Frodo with emotional vulnerability, Ian McKellen was instantly iconic in his portrayal of Gandalf, and Viggo Mortensen’s Aragorn was the reluctant hero we all loved. The Academy Awards, which never honor fantasy, bestowed the trilogy with what it richly deserved: accolades confirming what fans already knew: this was something special.

Beyond the Battles: What The Lord of the Rings Is About

Yes, epic battles and evil monsters are present, but The Lord of the Rings is more than a tale of good and evil. On the surface, it’s a profoundly human story about power, temptation, and sacrifice. The Ring is more than a magical artifact—it’s a metaphor for how even pure intentions can become corrupted.

Tolkien’s tale is routinely characterized as spiritual at its core. It grapples with the notion that genuine strength stems from humility and restraint. A good example is the decision made by Faramir to eschew the Ring, even if employing it could rescue his city. As scholar Michael Drout wrote, Tolkien’s universe makes clear that “the domination of others is always morally wrong.” That sort of ethical complexity lends the tale lasting gravitas.

Changing the Game: Making Fantasy Cool

Before Jackson’s trilogy, fantasy was dismissed as geeky or immature. The Lord of the Rings changed all that overnight. Fantasy was suddenly a box office behemoth, a genre for the masses, not book nerds and geeks alone. As one fan summed it up, the trilogy “made fantasy mainstream,” just like Star Wars and Jurassic Park did previously.

The influence of the trilogy is omnipresent—from the surge in franchises such as Harry Potter and Game of Thrones, to the way studios deal with world-building and serialized storytelling these days. Its influence extends beyond movies, though. Political factions have attempted to warp Tolkien’s message into something fitting their agendas, but critics have noted that what his work is actually about is refusing power, not grasping onto it.

The Debates Never Stop: Purists and Newcomers

Naturally, every adaptation has its share of controversy. Some purists of Tolkien still get ruffled at the alterations that Jackson made—changed character arcs, omitted scenes, or story adjustments. There is also the never-ending fight between theatrical cut loyalists and those devoted to the extended editions.

And with Amazon’s The Rings of Power reminding us of Middle-earth, those arguments have only grown more heated. Some fans feel the new show lacks heart, while others embrace the return, even if it doesn’t exactly recreate the magic of the original. Either way, Jackson’s trilogy continues to cast a long shadow over any effort to revisit Tolkien’s realm.

Why We Keep Returning: The Lasting Power of Middle-earth

So what makes this trilogy so significant even today? Perhaps it’s the profound friendship between Frodo and Sam. Perhaps it’s the belief that courage may be found in the most unlikely individuals. Or perhaps it’s the continued hope that light can overcome darkness, however long it lasts.

Whatever the reason, The Lord of the Rings continues to inspire. It’s more than a set of films—it’s a reminder that storytelling can transport us, challenge us, and move us in ways that few movies ever do. And for that reason alone, we’ll keep coming back to Middle-earth, again and again.

The streaming landscape is more crowded than ever in 2025, but Netflix continues to stay ahead of the pack with a lineup of shows that have captured both audience attention and cultural buzz. From sharp comedies to gripping dramas, these three titles aren’t just topping the charts—they’re starting conversations, inspiring memes, and keeping binge-watchers glued to their screens. If you’re trying to figure out what everyone’s talking about this year, start here.

3. The Four Seasons

Who knew a breakup could be so funny—and so relatable? The Four Seasons, a light, eight-episode comedy from Tina Fey, Lang Fisher, and Tracey Wigfield, draws on the 1981 Alan Alda movie and gives it a new, contemporary spin.

The show revolves around a tight-knit circle of friends—played by a dream cast of comedic actors that includes Fey, Steve Carell, Will Forte, and Colman Domingo—whose dynamic is disrupted when one couple splits up.

Every two episodes happen during a different vacation throughout the course of a year, presenting a seasonal snapshot of the developing friendships and ongoing tensions. With tight, sub-35-minute episodes and sharp writing that walks the line between heartfelt and hilarious, it’s no surprise this series has struck a chord. As Variety noted, the show’s structure keeps things fresh without dragging anything out. Weeks after its debut, The Four Seasons is still pulling in huge numbers—proof that when comedy is this good, you’ll want to revisit it again and again.

2. Sirens

Dark, bold, and dripping in style, Sirens is a Netflix breakout hit—and it’s not hard to see why. This five-episode dark comedy series, written by Maid’s Molly Smith Metzler, follows Devon (Meghann Fahy) as she attempts to drag her sister out of the orbit of cult-like socialite Michaela Kell (Julianne Moore).

Against the background of a life of opulence and deceit, the series mashes in biting satire with grinding tension that has earned comparisons to The White Lotus, but Sirens most definitely has its own voice.

Sons did not take long to climb to No. 1 in Netflix’s English-language TV rankings, where it excelled in 91 nations. The wardrobe alone speaks volumes—Devon’s punky grunge style is the ideal foil to Michaela’s Stepford chic. As Variety noted, the short run is in its favor, allowing the tension to build quickly and intensely without flagging. If you prefer your comedies dark and your drama dripping with dysfunction, Sirens is a must-see.

1. Adolescence

Nothing has rocked Netflix—or its audience—quite like Adolescence. This intense four-part limited series, written by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, opens on a shocking scene: a 13-year-old boy, Jamie (Owen Cooper), is arrested for murdering a female classmate. But instead of investigating the crime, the series poses the harder question—why it occurred.

Diving into the topics of toxic masculinity, radicalization on the internet, and emotional devastation that ensues after violence, Adolescence spares no one. Filmed in long takes that place you smack in the center of every scene, the series doesn’t allow you to avert your gaze. As per Deadline, it recorded 140.2 million views within 75 days, inching close to Stranger Things 4 as one of Netflix’s largest English-language successes of all time. It’s not just a hot show—Adolescence is a lightning rod for discourse about youth, parenting, and the darker corners of the internet.

Its brief length only adds to the emotional impact. As Variety makes the point, a bit longer, and it might have been too painful to watch. Within four episodes, it presents an unvarnished, unforgettable experience that hangs in the air long after the credits have rolled.

If there’s one lesson to learn from Netflix’s biggest shows of 2025, it’s this: series don’t have to be extended to make a lasting impression. Whether it’s hard-hitting drama or sly comedy, the best shows of the year know how to drive home their message—and when to wrap on a high.”.