There is something that draws you in about a great mystery. Whether you’re a dedicated armchair detective or simply love the suspense of an unexpected twist, mystery shows can draw you in and keep you captivated. With crime dramas, psych thrillers, and supernatural mysteries more popular than ever before, audiences everywhere are becoming lost in the tales of secrets, shocks, and suspense. If you’re willing to play sleuth, here are 14 mystery shows that will have you guessing from episode to episode.

1. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder

Adapted from Holly Jackson’s hit YA book, this thrilling series tracks high school student Pip Fitz-Amobi as she investigates a reopened murder case in her seemingly ordinary town. When Pip begins investigating Andie Bell’s disappearance and Sal Singh’s murder, she discovers layers of deception and hidden secrets. It’s an intelligent, contemporary whodunit that combines teen angst with a cutting-edge mystery.

2. Behind Her Eyes

This British psychological thriller makes a daring attempt at the genre, combining noir with supernatural suspense. A single mother finds herself in a complicated love triangle with her psychiatrist boss and his mysterious wife. The messy affair turns into a twisty game of obsession, secrets, and mind games, ending in one of TV’s most memorable conclusions.

3. Bodies

Time travel and homicide intersect in this creative series based on Si Spencer’s graphic novel. Four detectives, separated by decades—from 1890 to 2053—each stumble upon the same corpse in the same spot. As their investigations continue through time, a sweeping conspiracy is revealed, connecting them in surprising and brain-twisting ways.

4. Dark

A haunting, cerebral mystery that’s also one of the finest time-travel shows ever made. Set in the German town of Winden, “Dark” begins with the disappearance of a child and unravels into a generational mystery involving family secrets, parallel timelines, and fate. It’s a puzzle box that rewards careful attention—and delivers a truly epic payoff.

5. Dept. Q

Having survived a traumatic case, Detective Carl Mørck is rehomed in Scotland’s cold case unit, where he and his team handle long-abandoned crimes. Based on Jussi Adler-Olsen’s award-winning crime novels, “Dept. Q” adds a dark, Nordic noir tone to each tale, combining emotional complexity with gruesome twists.

6. Get Even

In this teen thriller-mystery, four teenage girls at an exclusive private school start a secret club to catch bullies in the act. When one student is killed and they’re accused of the crime, they must clear their names and discover the truth before everything falls apart. It’s a quick, well-written thriller that’s a fun, high-stakes mystery with a mix of suspense and social commentary.

7. The Haunting of Bly Manor

A gothic ghost story steeped in a slow-burning mystery, this sequel to “The Haunting of Hill House” is about a young American au pair who works at a secluded English mansion. Unsettling occurrences, buried pasts, and emotional discoveries make Bly Manor as heart-wrenching as it’s haunted, interweaving supernatural scares with a moving tale of grief and love.

8. High Seas

Set on a luxurious 1940s ocean liner, this Spanish mystery series tracks two sisters who find themselves sleuthing a string of suspicious deaths on a transatlantic passage. With its retro look, cramped settings, and old-fashioned suspense, “High Seas” provides a fashionable twist on the vintage locked-room mystery.

9. Inside Man

Stanley Tucci gives a hair-raising performance as a genius criminologist cracking cold cases from death row. On the other side of the Atlantic, an otherwise unassuming English vicar becomes involved in a crime with global implications. As their narratives converge, this gripping miniseries leads to a clever and surprising conclusion.

10. The Residence

A murder mystery inside the most influential house in the world—the White House. Uzo Aduba plays a quirky but exceptional detective who is trying to solve a murder at a state dinner. Witty in tone and sporting an off-kilter cast of suspects, “The Residence” provides political intrigue with new, off-kilter sparkle.

11. Stay Close

From thriller virtuoso Harlan Coben, this suspenseful drama tracks the lives of a suburban mother, a photojournalist, and a detective—all tied together by a case that won’t remain buried. When a fresh disappearance echoes an old one, secrets long buried are thrust to the forefront. It’s a ride so addictive it’s full of red herrings and emotional peril.

12. The Sinner

This anthology crime drama begins every season with a violent act, then strips away the layers to find out why. Bill Pullman stars as Detective Harry Ambrose, whose investigations frequently take him to the darkest recesses of human nature. Season one, which features Jessica Biel, still stands out for its eerie tale and multi-dimensional characters.

13. Wednesday

In this new interpretation of the Addams Family, Wednesday Addams is played by Jenna Ortega as a psychic teenager studying at Nevermore Academy. When a string of strange murders terrorizes the school, Wednesday finds herself both investigating and being investigated. With plenty of gothic atmosphere, witty wit, and spine-chilling twists, it’s a supernatural thriller that’s as stylish as it is suspenseful.

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

Kristen Bell goes for broke on the camp of the genre in this black comedy spoofing psychological thrillers. She plays a socially isolated artist with a grief problem who thinks she sees a murder taking place across the street—but nobody believes her. Is she losing her mind, or is something more nefarious afoot? The show ironically plays with genre conventions, and yet still has a twisty plot.

No matter if you’re a fan of old-school whodunits, creepy ghost tales, or high-concept thrillers, these mystery series deliver ample suspense and storytelling that satisfy your curiosity. Just don’t expect not to binge more than you intend to.

Star Wars is not all about lightsabers and the Force—some of the most action-packed moments occur at breakneck velocities in the cockpit. Daring trench runs and hyper-aggressive hyperspace jumps to save the day, the saga has provided unforgettable battles in space with a superior armada of starfighters. Across the decades, certain ships have become iconic alongside the pilots who command them. Let’s take a closer inspection of 7 of the most iconic Star Wars starfighters—listed from the all-time greats to those that, quite simply, are lucky to survive a skirmish in one piece.

1. X-Wing

There’s a reason why the X-Wing is in the number one position. Trusty, adaptable, and lethal in combat, the X-Wing became the mainstay of the Rebel Alliance. With its iconic S-foils, symmetrical design, and heavy firepower, it equipped pilots with all they required to take on the Empire. And who could forget its greatest claim to fame—Luke Skywalker flying one to destroy the initial Death Star. When it comes to establishing the Star Wars dogfight, the X-Wing is unbeatable.

2. TIE Defender

A highly unusual but powerful vessel, the TIE Defender was the Empire’s top response to the X-Wing. Constructed under the supervision of Grand Admiral Thrawn, this cutting-edge fighter featured shields, heavy armor, and even a hyperdrive—bargains unheard of in most Imperial starfighters.

It was fast, strong, and resistant to damage, and it was a favorite among the Empire’s best pilots. If the Defender had been manufactured en masse, the Rebellion could have had a greatly altered destiny.

3. ARC-170

Before the Empire, the Republic depended on the ARC-170, a heavy starfighter designed to perform long-range missions for the Clone Wars. Accommodating a pilot, two gunners, and one astromech droid, this harsh ship was crafted to serve as much for reconnaissance as it was for combat. Its massive firepower and resilience proved to be a clone trooper’s savior—and a direct ancestor of the X-Wing.

4. Millennium Falcon

Yes, technically a Corellian freighter—not a starfighter—and officially so—but the Millennium Falcon has seen more combat than most loyal warships. Thanks to Han Solo, Chewbacca, and far-reaching modifications, this “bucket of bolts” has survived TIE fighters, outrun Star Destroyers, and helped destroy both Death Stars. Its unmatched speed, surprise firepower, and legendary past make the Falcon a surefire entry on any list of iconic Star Wars ships.

5. A-Wing

If speed is your thing, the A-Wing is the starfighter for you. Light, fast, and agile, it was the fastest ship in the Rebel arsenal. But that blistering speed came at a cost—it was lightly armored, hard to repair, and required expert pilots to master. In skilled hands, though, the A-Wing could dominate the skies, making it a deadly addition to any squadron.

6. TIE/In Fighter (Stock TIE Fighter)

Few vessels are as audiovisually iconic as the base TIE fighter. Equipped with twin ion engines and its distinctive screech, it was the standard starfighter of the Empire. Mass-produced and agile, the TIE/In was missing shields, armor, and hyperdrives, leaving pilots exquisitely expendable. Although not the strongest performer, it’s an unrecognizable symbol of Imperial power.

7. Vulture Droid

Utilized by the Separatists during the Clone Wars, the Vulture Droid was an AI-operated fighter that was capable of acting as a ground-advancing walking unit. Fast and maneuverable, it was a terror when deployed in masses. But because it depended on AI, it was not very adaptable or delicate, making it an easy target for Jedi pilots and veteran clone troopers. Useful in mass, but one-of-one, it was forgettable.

Star Wars starfighters are more than simply spacecraft—they’re a fundamental aspect of the saga’s mythology. They all mean something, whether they represent rebellion, oppression, or freedom on a personal level. From the reliable X-Wing to the sinister TIE Interceptor, these vessels have forged their legends among the stars.

If your weekend viewing lineup is feeling a bit empty, no worries—this week’s schedule has you covered. From tense murder mysteries to reimagined fairy tales and award-season contenders making their way to streaming at last, there’s no lack of something interesting to get stuck into. Whether you’re out at the cinema or in with the TV remote, here are 11 must-see movies and TV shows that will keep you enthralled all weekend long.

1. The Residence (Netflix)

What if there was a murder at the White House? The Residence picks up on that compelling idea and goes for it. Giancarlo Esposito is the chief usher whose suspicious death at a high-profile state dinner sets off a full-scale probe. In comes Uzo Aduba as quirky celebrity sleuth Cordelia Cupp, with Randall Park as her lovable FBI sidekick. With supporting players Jason Lee, Ken Marino, and Susan Kelechi Watson, this twisty whodunnit is both drama and quick wit.

2. Snow White (In Theaters)

Disney’s newest live-action remake brings Snow White to the big screen again, starring West Side Story’s Rachel Zegler as the legendary princess. Gal Gadot takes on the Evil Queen with frosty charm, and while this adaptation sheds many of the 1937 original’s showstopping songs, it gains a contemporary musical twist. With striking visual decisions and new performances, this fairy tale redo hopes to charm a new age.

3. Ludwig (BritBox / PBS)

British comedy and crime drama fans, listen up. Ludwig features David Mitchell as John, a puzzle-maker recluse forced to impersonate his detective twin brother. Every episode introduces a new case, with John having to use his puzzle-making abilities in comical and surprising ways. It’s clever, quirky, and delightful.

4. Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light (PBS)

Mark Rylance and Damian Lewis reprise their roles as Thomas Cromwell and Henry VIII in the long-awaited last installment of Hilary Mantel’s epic historical trilogy. Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light brings richly textured performances and beautifully realized period detail. It’s a treat for aficionados of prestige drama and Tudor-period machinations.

5. The Alto Knights (In Theaters)

Robert De Niro co-stars. With himself in The Alto Knights, as competing real-life gangster bosses Frank Costello and Vito Genovese. Directed by Barry Levinson, the old-school gangster saga is a smartly told mix of powerhouse acting and sharp storytelling. If you love classic gangster movies, you won’t want to miss this.

6. Happy Face (Paramount+)

Inspired by a chilling true story, Happy Face follows a woman (Annaleigh Ashford) who learns her father (Dennis Quaid) is a notorious serial killer. Developed by the team behind Evil, the series explores family trauma, media attention, and psychological tension. It’s gripping, disturbing, and impossible to look away from.

7. Good American Family (Hulu)

Ellen Pompeo and Mark Duplass star in this limited series about the bizarre and notorious Barnett family case. The pair adopted a child with a rare type of dwarfism, and then became convinced she was an adult impersonating a child. Imogen Faith Reid gives an impressive performance as Natalie Grace, the girl at the center of the drama. This dramatization is both shocking and provocation.

8. Severance – Season 2 Finale (Apple TV+)

Severance wraps its second season with a much-watched finale that delivers on promises of answers, though possibly not all. The surreal office thriller has had viewers on the edge of their seats with its creepy atmosphere and multifaceted mysteries. There’ll be plenty of guessing (and rewatching) when this one is released.

9. Anora (Hulu)

Straight from a record-breaking Oscar sweep, Sean Baker’s Anora premieres streaming. Best Picture and Best Actress (for Mikey Madison) winner, the film mesmerized critics and audiences alike with its gritty emotion and acutely observed storytelling. If you missed it on the big screen, now’s your chance to find out what all the fuss was about.

10. Sing Sing (Max)

Colman Domingo shines in Sing Sing, a low-key, potent drama based on fact about a prison theater program within a maximum-security facility. It’s deeply human and affecting, examining redemption and artistry in the unlikeliest of places. It’s a contemplative, understated movie that haunts long after the final credits. 

11. Wicked (Peacock)

Wicked finally arrives on streaming following a successful theatrical run and major awards hype. A long-time devotee of the Broadway phenomenon or newcomer to the land of Oz, this big-budget musical brings spectacle, feeling, and indelible songs. It’s the ideal choice for a sing-along streaming evening.

With so many strong releases across genres and platforms, your greatest challenge this weekend might simply be choosing what to see first. From royal courtrooms to crime families and Broadway ballads, there’s something for everybody.

There’s a unique kind of strength in a character who can bring an entire audience together in collective disgust. Whether it’s because they’re just plain terrible, extremely annoying, or simply the wrong person for their tale, some characters leave us with a lasting impression, for all the wrong reasons. From flawlessly performed bad guys to poorly thought-out additions, these are the notorieties that found their place in pop culture’s “Hall of Infamy.

1. Joffrey Baratheon (Game of Thrones)

Joffrey Baratheon is the gold standard of hateful TV villains. As Westeros’s sadistic boy king, his every appearance ignited outrage—and that’s saying a lot in a show that’s famous for its shocking twists. Jack Gleeson was so terrifying in his performance that viewers frequently forgot they were watching an actor, not a despot. Love him or hate him, Joffrey raised the bar for contemptible television royalty.

2. Jar Jar Binks (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace)

Jar Jar Binks was intended as comic relief, but to most fans, he soon became the face of all that was wrong with the prequel trilogy. His over-the-top mannerisms and misplaced humor conflicted with the tone of the Star Wars universe. The backlash was so intense that actor Ahmed Best has since spoken about how it affected his mental health—a reminder of the real-world consequences of criticism from fandom.

3. Skylar White (Breaking Bad)

Skylar White’s placement on this list tells us more about audience perception than the character’s shortcomings. Although she was one of the Breaking Bad moral compasses, too many viewers demonized her for merely being a nuisance to antihero Walter White. Anna Gunn’s complex performance engendered much-needed conversation about how women—particularly those who disturb male heroes—are treated by audiences.

4. Mutt Williams (Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull)

Presented as the heir to the next generation of explorers, Mutt Williams never connected with the public’s imagination. The character was thrust into an iconic legacy by Shia LaBeouf’s valiant efforts. His discontinuation from the series in subsequent releases was cleverly executed, showing that the audience—and producers—were ready to let go.

5. Jenny Humphrey (Gossip Girl)

Jenny began as a fiery underdog, but her path towards manipulative social climber status alienated the audience. Even Taylor Momsen’s amazing performance couldn’t rescue the character’s trajectory from becoming steadily off-track. Jenny’s development is a warning about overcooked character arcs.

6. The Joker (Suicide Squad)

In the wake of Heath Ledger’s iconic stint as the Joker, following in his footsteps was bound to be a tall order. Jared Leto’s interpretation went for a more manic, stylized approach but failed to connect. Overt Method acting stories and short screen time only served to feed the backlash.

7. Patty Di Marco (School of Rock)

Sarah Silverman’s Patty is the ultimate party pooper in a film driven by rock ‘n’ roll and rebellion. As the puritanical girlfriend who frowns on all things fun, she was the story’s accidental villain. When Patty was intended to symbolize responsibility and realism, fans were more than willing to see her brought down.

8. Sharpay Evans (High School Musical)

Sharpay was created to be the archetypal high school diva, and Ashley Tisdale played the part with gusto. But her excessive plotting and melodramatic histrionics made her the character everyone cherished to roll their eyes over. Iconic? Definitely. Lovable? Not so much.

9. Mr. Big (Sex and the City)

Mr. Big’s in-and-out relationship with Carrie Bradshaw was a rollercoaster—one most viewers were exhausted from riding. His emotional remoteness and continued errors rendered him an exasperating figure in Carrie’s existence. When the new series finally provided him with a showy departure, it served as closure for the audience as well.

10. Ross Geller (Friends)

Ross is perhaps the most polarizing member of the Friends clique. While some enjoy his clumsy charm, others cite his jealousy, inability to make decisions, and self-pity as reasons for aggravation. Whether it’s the whole “we were on a break” controversy or his sensitive ego, Ross has been a lightning rod among fans for a long time.

11. Dr. Susan McCallister (Deep Blue Sea)

As the genetically modified shark scientist, Dr. McCallister easily became the fall guy for the chaos of the film. Her decisions put everyone at risk, and test audiences reacted so badly that the ending was altered so that she would be devoured. On occasion, sharks simply mirror the wishes of the masses.

Some are hated due to being written as villains. Others are victims of bad writing, tone missteps, or the burden of fan expectation. Regardless of, the hate itself is warranted or not, the fact remains that these characters left an impression. They may not be loved, but they’re remembered.

If you were a kid in the late ’90s or early 2000s, there’s a good chance Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen films were a part of your after-school routine. Their international escapades and twin hilarity became a signature element of an era. But sandwiched between the fashion sequences and sibling mischief were some unexpected cameos—other familiar faces who went on to become headlining stars. Whether playing the clueless mom, the charming boyfriend, or the wacky sidekick, all these stars made their beginnings—or at least a standout cameo—opposite the Olsen twins. Below are 10 stars who you might have completely forgotten once shared the screen with Mary-Kate and Ashley.

1. Jane Sibbett – It Takes Two

Before playing Carol, the ex-wife of Ross on Friends, Jane Sibbett took on the role of Clarice Kensington in It Takes Two. As the snobbish fiancée to Steve Guttenberg’s character, Sibbett was the foil for Kirstie Alley’s kind-hearted social worker. Clarice’s in-your-face elitism made her a natural character to despise—and the ideal target for one of the twins’ trademark matchmaking maneuvers.

2. Jason Clarke – Our Lips Are Sealed

Before he became a leading man in Zero Dark Thirty and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Jason Clarke appeared as Mac, half of a bumbling villainous duo in Our Lips Are Sealed. Impersonating travel agents and pursuing the Parker twins across Australia, Clarke’s character provided plenty of slapstick humor to the globe-trotting action. It’s much different from the heavy-hitting roles he’s become associated with now.

3. Eric McCormack – Double, Double, Toil and Trouble

In this fantasy Halloween movie, Eric McCormack—Will & Grace star—played Don Farmer, the twins’ doting but cash-strapped dad. As the girls embark on a magical quest to rescue their great-aunt, McCormack added a down-to-earth energy to a tale full of spells, witches, and a very memorable moonstone.

4. Willie Garson – Our Lips Are Sealed

Best known as Stanford Blatch on Sex and the City, Willie Garson brought his trademark nervous energy to the role of Norm, an FBI agent trying to protect the Parker family. Constantly outsmarted by the girls and clearly in over his head, Norm added plenty of comedic flair—and frustration—to this chaotic witness protection tale.

5. Austin Nichols – Holiday in the Sun

Before his breakout on One Tree Hill and The Walking Dead, Austin Nichols portrayed Griffen Grayson, a charming and lovably awkward family friend who harbors a not-so-secret crush on Madison. Loyal, supportive, and always around when the twins require assistance, he showed that Nichols was already a leading man early in his career.

6. Troian Bellisario – Billboard Dad

Years before her breakout character Spencer Hastings on Pretty Little Liars, Troian Bellisario showed up in Billboard Dad as Kristen, a school diving team member. She played a traditional mean girl with gossiping leanings—short but sweet. Cool fact: Bellisario used to be the twins’ real-life neighbor, so casting her was a full-circle experience. 

7. Jared Padalecki – New York Minute

Before he was fighting demons on Supernatural, Jared Padalecki turned up in New York Minute playing Trey Lipton, the good-hearted man who gets swept up in the crazy day of Roxy and Jane walking around Manhattan. His part as the laid-back love interest foreshadowed the heartthrob status he’d find later on TV.

8. Michael Cera – Switching Goals

A pre-Arrested Development Michael Cera made a brief appearance in Switching Goals as Taylor, a bratty customer at a sporting goods store. It’s a blink-and-you’ll miss-it role, but even then, Cera’s comic timing was on full display—awkward energy and all.

9. Eugene Levy – New York Minute

Comedy great Eugene Levy portrayed Max Lomax, a super-bright truancy officer who will stop at nothing to catch Roxy skipping school. Levy’s straight-man deadpan and hyper seriousness in applying the rules brought sidesplitting tension to the twins’ quest. Bonus: Schitt’s Creek viewers might also see Schitt’s Creek cast member John Hemphill (Bob) in a supporting role here as well.

10. Megan Fox – Holiday in the Sun

Before Transformers and Jennifer’s Body, Megan Fox had a star turn as Brianna Wallace, the flawlessly coiffed and endlessly sniping foil to Mary-Kate’s character. Rich, glamorous, and highly competitive, Brianna was the quintessential early-2000s teen movie antagonist, commanding attention with each over-the-top eye roll.

Honorable Mentions:

• Jesse Spencer had a dashing British lord in Winning London—one of his earliest roles before Dr. Chase on House.
• Cloris Leachman had a double role as Aunt Agatha and Aunt Sophia in Double, Double, Toil and Trouble.
• Elizabeth Olsen—yes, Olsen of those Olsens—spoke briefly as “Girl in Car” in How the West Was Fun.
• Rhea Perlman made a humorous outing as bandit Shirley in To Grandmother’s House We Go.

It turns out Mary-Kate and Ashley’s films weren’t only comfort fare for ’90s and early 2000s children—they were also unwitting launching pads for actors who’d come to star in hit television shows and blockbuster movies. Watching these twin-starring flicks for a second time through eyes freshened by distance is like opening up a time capsule of Hollywood talent ready to be discovered.

So the next time you immerse yourself in a marathon of Mary-Kate & Ashley, watch out for the support cast—you never know what future famous face is lurking behind the next plot turn.

Let’s face it—few things push an audience’s patience harder than a film brat with a talent for tantrums, destruction, or shrill screaming. Whether they’re pushing every button their on-screen parents have, making havoc on their environment, or just getting up the viewer’s nose, these tiny scene-stealers have left people questioning how anyone on screen was able to keep their wits about them. From snotty bullies to hyperactive know-it-alls, these 8 are 8 of the most notoriously annoying child movie characters ever. 

1. Junior Healy (Problem Child)

If unrestrained chaos had a face, it would be pretty close to Junior Healy’s. This red bowtie-clad delinquent doesn’t merely act up—he leaves a path of devastation in his wake. From bullying grown-ups to corresponding with serial killers, Junior is not merely a “problem child” but a crisis on the scale of epic proportions. And yet the movies present him as misunderstood, further exacerbating the aggravation. You can’t help but pity every grown-up he comes across.

2. Veruca Salt (Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory)

Veruca Salt is the ultimate poster child for indulgent parenting gone wrong. Entitled, demanding, and loving a tantrum or two, she hijacks Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory tour as a private shopping trip. From requesting a golden goose to having a tantrum because of squirrels, Veruca is an everlasting portrait of what occurs when a child never hears the word “no.”

3. Draco Malfoy (Harry Potter franchise)

Although technically a teen by the latter films, Draco Malfoy gets his spot here as one of the most annoying young characters in fantasy film history. With his smirking face, snobbish demeanor, and constant sneering, Draco spends all but a little of his screen time condescendingly belittling others and rubbing in his family name. He later redeems himself, but for most of the franchise, he’s Hogwarts’ worst punchable presence.

4. Anakin Skywalker (Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace)

Before he turned into Darth Vader, Anakin Skywalker was a precocious young boy with a tendency to burst out with an ill-timed “Yippee!” Jake Lloyd’s interpretation of young Anakin was intended to reveal innocence before the fall, but ended up being a fan frustration magnet instead. With the stilted dialogue and abysmal delivery, Anakin’s early years left everyone wondering about the Jedi recruitment process.

5. Dennis Mitchell (Dennis the Menace)

Dennis is meant to be charmingly naughty, but most of his antics veer more toward plain exhausting. From bullying his neighbor, Mr. Wilson, to unleashing domestic catastrophes wherever he travels, Dennis tightrope walks the loving scamp/walking headache divide. Somewhere along the line, every babysitter who’s seen this movie had a moment of quiet terror.

6. Rachel Ferrier (War of the Worlds)

Dakota Fanning is certainly talented, but her War of the Worlds character is most remembered not for her dramatic curve but for her incessant screaming. In a movie full of chaos and alien invaders, Rachel’s ear-piercing shrieks somehow manage to be the most unsettling thing. Her precocious demeanor and incessant fear reactions might be realistic, but they also gets tired quickly.

7. Alex O’Connell (The Mummy Returns)

Alex is not just adventurous but also smart and fully conscious of it. He’s that movie kid who reminds everybody all the time how smart he is—usually while inadvertently causing the next life-or-death dilemma. His constant narrative and too-cool-for-risk manner get tiresome fast, with viewers hoping his parents had simply hired a sitter for this specific treasure hunt.

8. Kevin McCallister (Home Alone)

Yes, Home Alone is a Christmas staple. Yes, Kevin’s homemade burglar traps are iconic. But let’s not act like his family forgetting him behind wasn’t at least somewhat justified. Kevin spends the movie’s opening scenes being sarcastic, mouthy, and argumentative with nearly everyone in his vicinity. He’s smart, resourceful—and frequently downright insufferable.

Annoying child characters can play a crucial role—they raise the stakes, embody real-world obstacles, or offer comedic relief. But sometimes they test the limits of patient viewers. Whether intended to be lovable or simply misunderstood, these children have secured their place in film infamy—and likely a few fast-forward controls in the process.

There’s something special about huddling the family in front of the TV with a bowl of popcorn in hand and escaping into a wonderful movie together. Family movie nights aren’t about entertainment alone—parents can use them as a powerful tool to teach values of honesty, courage, and perseverance without sounding preachy. When the credits are rolling, you don’t have empty snack bowls left behind—you’ve got a golden chance to have real conversations that make kids smarter about the world and where they fit into it.

Why do films do so well at this? It’s all about storytelling. A good film draws us in, makes us care, and gets us to look at things through someone else’s eyes. Children—and I guess adults, too—get emotionally attached to the characters. That’s when they’re most receptive to new concepts. Rather than zoning out when you attempt to discuss “doing the right thing,” you may find your children engaged in a conversation about what they just witnessed and how it applies to their lives.

Here are seven of the top family films for character and values instruction. Each is packed with enough material to discuss after the credits stop rolling.

Hoosiers

This underdog basketball story is more than just a sports movie. It’s full of moments that highlight respect, redemption, and the importance of second chances. Watching how the small-town Indiana team comes together gives parents an easy way to start conversations about teamwork, learning from mistakes, and what it means to give someone a fresh start.

The Incredibles

Pixar’s superhero family isn’t only fighting bad guys—they’re learning how to function as a team and look out for one another. It’s a great way to tackle large themes such as integrity, responsibility, and accepting what makes us special.

Because of Winn-Dixie

This sweet, you can’t help but feel good movie about a sad girl and her dog is a subtle yet effective lesson about kindness and compassion. It’s an excellent choice for younger children and provides an opportunity to discuss how small gestures of kindness can add up.

Chariots of Fire

This classic tale of Olympic athletes is all about perseverance and staying true to your values. It’s especially good for older kids and teens and opens up meaningful conversations about standing your ground and chasing your dreams without compromising your beliefs.

A Walk to Remember

This moving tale of love, redemption, and transformation provides families with a vehicle to discuss change and the power of one human being to help another. It’s an excellent choice for teens and can lead to discussions of empathy, religion, and redemption.

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance

At first blush, it seems like a Western, but things are a lot more complicated than they appear. This film asks some real questions about justice, about sacrifice, and about what it actually means to do the right thing, even when it’s difficult. It’s great for older children who are ready for something a little more mature.

Finding Nemo

A favorite for a reason, this cartoon classic has heart, humor, and substance. It’s a great way to discuss courage, family ties, and overcoming fear to do what is important. Young children particularly resonate with its message of perseverance and unconditional love.

To make the most of movie night, keep it casual and playful. Have everyone take turns picking the film. Don’t be afraid if things get a bit goofy—laughter is part of the magic. Then, pose easy questions such as, “What caught your attention?” or “What would you have done differently?” These open-ended discussions can encourage your children to consider their values in an authentic, interesting way.

Attempt to make movie night a routine. Include the small things, such as movie tickets created at home or fun snacks, to turn it into something everyone anticipates. But the magic lies not in the popcorn or the film itself—it lies within the discussions that follow. That’s when the stories are brought to life, values are imparted, and memories last a lifetime. One film at a time.