21st-century​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ comedy has been anything but predictable. Over the past two decades, we have gone through basically everything: painfully awkward, cringe-worthy coming-of-age stories, surreal, quirky adventures, biting satires, and comedies that cleverly embed deep emotional themes alongside the jokes. These different genres, in essence, have redefined what funny films are to us. Comedy can now be described as being capable of being sentimental, absurd, or even a vehicle for transformation. So, why not lie down with your chips and watch this countdown (backwards) of the 10 funniest comedies that not only made us laugh the most but also had the biggest influence on modern ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌cinema?

10. Gloria Bell (2018)

Julianne Moore glows in this gentle, quirky portrait of a woman coming into herself in middle age. The movie balances humor and compassion, depicting how dates, families, and dance floors can be just as sloppy and life-giving. Rather than huge gags, it relies on small, offbeat moments that come across as blissfully authentic.

9. Slice (2018)

Half horror sendup, half campy small-town satire, Slice is unapologetically silly. Fast food, spooks, and local politics all get into a fight in this low-budget gem that proudly wears its eccentricity on its sleeve. It’s sloppy, it’s ridiculous, and that’s precisely the appeal—it feels like a late-night oddity film of yesteryear.

8. Eighth Grade (2018)

Bo Burnham’s directorial debut is painfully hilarious in the best possible way. It captures the cringe, awkward, and thoroughly relatable pains of being a teenager in the age of social media. Elsie Fisher’s performance is natural to the point of hurt—and the humor arises from how close everything hits home.

7. The Lovers (2017)

This offbeat rom-com turns marital drama on its head. Seeing Mary and Michael bumble their way through rekindled love amidst handling their affairs is a comedy that’s as cringeworthy as it is endearing. It’s humorless,n ot due to slapstick and punchlines, but because relationships are themselves so ridiculous. 

6. The Disaster Artist (2017)

James Franco explores the universe of The Room, otherwise known as the “best worst film ever made,” and uncovers comedic treasure in its tale. Half cringe, half celebration, it’s a sidesplitting reminder that sometimes it’s not about talent, but about passion, and even film crashes can lead to cult obsession.

5. Lady Bird (2017)

Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird walks the line between wit and earnestness in a coming-of-age tale that is both intimate and relatable. Saoirse Ronan aced the mess of adolescence—bad boys, grand aspirations, and blows with mum—all against the early 2000s setting. It’s witty, incisive, and quietly sentimental.

4. Free Fire (2016)

What do you get when a gun transaction goes wrong and everybody’s too obstinate (or stupid) to cease firing? You have Free Fire. With bullets whizzing and insults exchanged at the same rate, this wickedly funny shootout is half farce, half action flick, and 100% adrenaline-fueled mayhem.

3. Morris from America (2016)

This touching comedy-drama is about a 13-year-old Black boy who is settling into life in Germany while pursuing his rap ambitions. It’s warm, witty, and deep in themes of belonging, culture, and family. Markees Christmas and Craig Robinson supply warmth and humor that feel at once fresh and true.

2. Swiss Army Man (2016)

Yes, it’s the one where Daniel Radcliffe farting corpse. But Swiss Army Man is far more than its weird premise—it’s odd, powerful, and rather profound. With Paul Dano as the castaway who gets stranded, it’s a comedy of loneliness, hope, and human connection in the unlikeliest of places.

1. Laggies (2014)

Keira Knightley stars as a woman stuck in a quarter-life crisis who hides out with a teenager to dodge her adult responsibilities. Funny, tender, and a little off-kilter, Laggies captures that messy in-between stage of growing up when you’re not a kid anymore—but don’t feel like a real adult either.

And there it is—the 10 comedies that have shaped the 21st century to date. Whether they’re excruciatingly awkward, wickedly satirical, or euphorically absurd, these movies show that comedy is not just about the laughs—it’s a reflection of how strange, messy, and wonderful life is.

Are​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ you serious? Robert Redford was not merely one of the actors, but he was the very icon of Hollywood. With his perfect-boy charm, a deep, almost agonizing squint, and a career of more than six decades, Redford was the one who personified the cool factor of Hollywood. Considering the guy who made us love the unforgettable outlaws, the love-heroes, and the truth-seekers fighting for a cause, here is the list of his 10 greatest works – the acting moments that made him a legend of ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌Hollywood.

10. The Old Man & the Gun (2018)

Redford’s last embodiment is sheer delight. The Forrest Tucker, a real bank robber of traditional charm, winks and smiles as well as mischief with shining old eyes, altogether, Redford. It’s not an acting gig—it’s a stage exit, a demonstration that his appeal has never declined with time. A farewell, both sad and sweet, from an actor who effortlessly embodied the cool.

9. All Is Lost (2013)

Sometimes speech is unnecessary. In this bare-bones survival tale, Redford plays a solo sailor battling one storm after another; there is barely any dialogue. The emotional and physical part is marvellous and really shows that, at his elderly age, Redford still had his audience’s attention span with nothing but his bravery and a commanding presence.

8. Out of Africa (1985)

Unlike Meryl Streep, Redford plays the lovely romantic wanderer perfectly. Denys Finch Hatton, to whom he brings life, is thin, refined, and absolutely intriguing always, even if he doesn’t quite manage the accent. The feeling of love is natural, and the grand affair set in the splendid African landscape makes the actor give one of his most memorable performances.

7. The Natural (1984)

Baseball is surrounded by myths, and Redford chose as his greatest one the hero who lingers forever. As Roy Hobbs, the puzzling homerun king with the famous bat, Wonderboy, he didn’t just tell a sports story; he actually made it one of the American legends. That home run, slow-motioned? Instant chills. It is sports, it is myths, and it is Redford coasting in both.

6. Three Days of the Condor (1975)

In this post-Watergate thriller, Redford is a gentle CIA analyst thrust into a lethal conspiracy. Half brainiac, half vulnerable, his performance captures the ’70s paranoia while also getting big-screen thrills. And besting Max von Sydow and flaring with Faye Dunaway? Redford is cool incarnate.

5. The Sting (1973)

With Paul Newman again, Redford stars as Johnny Hooker, a smooth-talking con artist with more charm than a dozen Hollywood heroes. Together, they are dynamite, their cons impossible to resist, and the film won Best Picture. Redford actually received his sole acting Oscar nomination for this performance, and it’s not difficult to understand why.

4. The Way We Were (1973)

When it comes to cinema portrayals, relationships in which Hubbell and Katie were involved are among the few love stories with such a remarkably tragic ending. Among many things, Redford, as Hubbell Gardiner, is the very definition of a golden boy, and his love story with Barbra Streisand is at once charming, heartbreaking, and unforgettable. Off the hook of the film’s bittersweet theme and that forever song, Redford is at the emotional center of the picture, making it one of the timeless classics.

3. Jeremiah Johnson (1972)

The features of the main character were of a man of few words, a beard, and a thoroughly dictator-like attitude. Redford’s survival drama transformed the mountain man into an extraordinary one. Battling harsh winters, ravaging animals, and dealing with the loneliness of the wild, he became one of the strongest heroes of cinema. Moreover, through the internet, his slow nod has been turned into the most famous GIF in the world.

2. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)

The role that made Redford a household name is what we’re talking about. Connected with the character of Butch Creek, played by Paul Newman, he acts as Sundance and is the personification of cool, laconic, quick-witted banter and sharpshooting bravado. Their famous synergy was present in the buddy-film genre, and the film’s final freeze-frame moment has been part of Hollywood’s history ever since.

1. All the President’s Men (1976)

One of the cultural references is not simply a high-level Redford’s performance as a Washington Post reporter, Bob Woodward, but also the whole context. With Dustin Hoffman as Carl Bernstein, he perfectly portrays the passionate, determined duo that finally put an end to Watergate. With subtlety, sharpness, and steel-like resolve, Redford exemplified the spirit of the investigative journalist. It was a signature role of his career–a landmark scene of storytelling that really matters.

Redford was not just behaving but characterizing the period, from charming scoundrels to principled truth seekers. These performances are a memento that he is (and will be) one of the biggest legends of all times who never stop shining on the screen.

Let’s​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ be real: awards season is a roller coaster of emotions, and it can really make you mad if you think about the countless times the Academy has ignored Black artists. Every year, there are incredible performances that don’t get any recognition, which makes fans extremely angry (and willing to express their feelings on the internet). Therefore, we decided to highlight 10 outstanding acting performances of Black actors that most definitely should have gotten an Oscar or, at the very least, been ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌acknowledged.

10. Will Smith in Ali

Long before his infamous Oscar-night controversy, Will Smith took on the massive challenge of playing Muhammad Ali. This wasn’t just mimicry; he captured Ali’s swagger, humor, and struggles with precision and heart. The performance earned Smith a nomination, but the win went to Denzel Washington for Training Day. A tough loss, but Smith’s Ali remains one of his defining roles.

9. Eddie Murphy in Dreamgirls

Eddie Murphy stunned viewers with his charismatic performance as James “Thunder” Early in Dreamgirls. He added humor, vitality, and poignant vulnerability to the role, holding his own alongside powerhouse co-star Jennifer Hudson. Murphy was the favorite for Supporting Actor but was edged out by Alan Arkin (Little Miss Sunshine), leaving fans aghast.

8. Jurnee Smollett in Eve’s Bayou

At precocious young Eve Batiste, Jurnee Smollett gave a hauntingly nuanced performance well beyond her years. Working alongside experienced actors such as Samuel L. Jackson and Diahann Carroll, she stood her ground and imbued the film with its emotional gravitas. While critics were heaping praise upon her, the Academy utterly ignored her efforts.

7. Jeffrey Wright in Basquiat

Jeffrey Wright’s riveting performance as artist Jean-Michel Basquiat demonstrated his scope and depth well before recognition by mainstream culture. He totally became the brilliant yet tortured painter, but award-giving bodies didn’t take much notice then. It wasn’t until decades thereafter with American Fiction that Wright finally received Oscar notice—long in coming.

6. Alfre Woodard in Passion Fish

Alfre Woodard is one of those actresses who makes everything she’s in better, and Passion Fish was no exception. As Chantelle, a woman recovering from a tragic accident while nursing a paralyzed soap star, Woodard gave a nuanced, memorable performance. But whereas her co-star Mary McDonnell received an Oscar nomination, Woodard was overlooked.

5. Tessa Thompson in Sorry to Bother You

In the quirky satire of Boots Riley, LaKeith Stanfield made lots of waves, but it was Tessa Thompson who ignited the film. As Detroit, she meshed tough wit with righteous fury, and the film’s moral compass. Critics adored her, but the Academy was mum—testament they sometimes don’t know how to honor fearless, unconventional performances.

4. Forest Whitaker in The Butler

Forest Whitaker held The Butler together with understated strength as Cecil Gaines, a White House butler who saw history unfold in the decades around him. The performance was powerful and respectful, but in the midst of awards-season hype, the Oscars preferred elsewhere. He did take home the NAACP Image Award, but what he did here needed to be included in the larger discussion.

3. Lupita Nyong’o in Us

Lupita Nyong’o amazed viewers by giving not one but two performances for the ages in Jordan Peele’s Us. As Adelaide, she was gentle and strong; as her nightmarish doppelganger, Red, she was heart-stopping and iconic. Critics rewarded her with a nod, but the Academy didn’t nominate her as one of the most shocking snubs in recent years.

2. Angela Bassett in What’s Love Got to Do with It

Angela Bassett’s turn as Tina Turner was so powerful that it practically redefined what a musical biopic could be. She captured Turner’s strength and pain with raw intensity, earning a Best Actress nomination. But the statue went to Holly Hunter (The Piano). Decades later, Bassett’s performance is still hailed as one of the greats, and one of the Oscars’ biggest missed opportunities.

1. Denzel Washington in Malcolm X

Denzel Washington’s Malcolm X performance in Spike Lee’s grand epic was revolutionary. From the activist’s troubled start to becoming a revolutionary leader, Washington reflected each stage with accuracy and fervor. Despite his nomination, he was beaten out by Al Pacino (Scent of a Woman). Many would still contend that this was one of the worst Oscar blunders ever.

Hollywood has gone some way towards acknowledging Black talent, but the statistics are more brutal: just around 6% of Oscar nominees have been non-white, and less than 2% have been women of color. Not being recognized isn’t merely about losing awards; it affects which stories get told, who gets cast, and how audiences recognize themselves on screen. Still, the trend is turning. As more Black actors write their own scripts and carve their own niche in the business, representation is gradually increasing. The future of film will be richer, more innovative, and more diverse thanks to the very actors who had earlier been snubbed. These snubs hurt, but they also remind us of a larger truth: awards do not make an actor great. These performances have already secured a place in the annals of cinema history.

Let’s​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ be honest: Law & Order is not merely a television series—it’s a cultural landmark. It has been, for ages, our default combination of crime, justice, and that trademark “DUN DUN!” which still gives chills. However, what really impacts the audiences emotionally beyond all the sensationalized cases and courtroom drama are the losses, whether it is a fictional character dying tragically or the actual death of the actors who have contributed to the franchise becoming what it is. Below is a listing of the 10 most heartbreaking deaths in Law & Order, starting from the ones that are simply sad and going all the way to those that are absolutely ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌heartbreaking.

10. Dennis Farina (Detective Joe Fontana): The Cop Who Kept It Real

Dennis Farina was not faking being a detective; he really was one. Before playing Detective Joe Fontana, Farina spent years on the force with the Chicago Police Department. His charisma, sharp wit, and hard-boiled gravitas brought a much-needed boost of excitement to Law & Order during the mid-2000s. When Farina died in 2013 from a pulmonary embolism at age 69, fans mourned the loss of an actor who energized the crossover between real police work and TV drama. He is sorely missed.

9. Detective Max Greevey (George Dzundza): The First On-Screen Gut Punch

Right from the beginning, Law & Order demonstrated that it would not hesitate to give its viewers a gut punch. In the premiere of Season 2, George Dzundza’s Detective Max Greevey was gunned down outside his home in a twist that left viewers gasping. His premature death sent word that no one on the franchise was safe. For faithful fans, Greevey’s murder was the first of the series’ numerous break-ups, and it prepared the way for four decades of unpredictable narratives.

8. Judge Margaret Barry (Doris Belack): The Courtroom Powerhouse

The Law & Order judges aren’t necessarily top-star billed, but they are part of the very fabric of the show. Doris Belack’s Judge Margaret Barry embodied authority, wisecracking humor, and no tolerance for BS at all. She was a commanding presence on screen who could make every courtroom showdown she ever appeared in better by virtue of her presence alone. When Belack passed on at the age of 85 in 2011, fans lost one of the most iconic legal characters of the franchise. She left a toughness and gravitas that none could hope to match.

7. ADA Alexandra Borgia (Annie Parisse): The Most Horrifying Exit

No Law & Order storyline was more brutal than the demise of ADA Alexandra Borgia. During Season 16’s season finale, Borgia was abducted, tortured, and left for dead, surrounded by a jarring, gruesome death that traumatized both the actors and audience alike. Annie Parisse’s performance had brought energy and zing to the show, so her exit was even tougher to accept. To this day, Borgia’s death remains one of the franchise’s darkest, most haunting moments.

6. Steven Hill (DA Adam Schiff): The Early Years

Moral Compass. Before the coming of Sam Waterston’s Jack McCoy as the face of the show, there was Adam Schiff, the calm but obstinate district attorney who played Steven Hill. With his firm hand and philosophical streak, Hill gave Law & Order its moral grounding in the early years. Hill passed away in 2016 at the age of 94, having left behind a decades-long legacy. Schiff’s departure was a transition point, and viewers still fondly remember him as one of the show’s foundations.

5. ADA Claire Kincaid (Jill Hennessy): The Crash That Changed McCoy Forever

No-nonsense, solid, and never hesitant to trade barbs with Jack McCoy, Claire Kincaid was loved by viewers. Her on-screen death in a car accident at the end of Season 6 shocked viewers and left McCoy with a nagging sense of guilt and grief that would last for years. Jill Hennessy brought warmth and strength to the character, and Kincaid’s passing became a lingering shadow over the show. To many viewers, it was one of the most tragic twists in Law & Order history.

4. Jerry Orbach (Detective Lennie Briscoe): The Heart of the Franchise

Lennie Briscoe wasn’t just another detective—he was Law & Order. Jerry Orbach’s sarcastic one-liners, bemused worldly charm, and deep humanity were the heart of the series. Viewers mourned not an actor, but a television icon, when Orbach passed away from cancer in 2004 at age 69. Briscoe’s personality remains a standard for crime drama, and his influence on the genre cannot be overstated.

3. Richard Belzer (Detective John Munch): The Crossover King Supreme

John Munch was the most unlike any other TV detective—sarcastic, conspiracy-theorizing, and quotably boundless. Richard Belzer played him for 22 seasons on Law & Order: SVU, Homicide: Life on the Street, and beyond, which made him one of the longest-running characters in TV history. Belzer’s death in 2023 at 78 came as a shock to fans, especially since his dying words were as wickedly funny as his iconic character. Munch remains a cult favorite and one of the most distinctive products of the franchise.

2. Andre Braugher (Bayard Ellis): Died Too Soon

Though not a veteran cast member, Andre Braugher’s Bayard Ellis left a big impression as a defense lawyer unafraid to shake up the SVU squad. Braugher’s natural authority and commanding presence instilled every scene with electricity, and his crossover credentials as Frank Pembleton added extra depth for veteran TV watchers. His death in 2023 at the relatively young age of 61 was a terrible shock. Colleagues like Mariska Hargitay called him “one of the great hearts,” and his loss continues to be deeply felt within the profession.

1. The Unsung Heroes: Guest Stars and Judges Who Made the World Real

Law & Order’s strength is not only its leads but the enormous ensemble of recurring actors who gave the show its sense of realness. Recurring judges, repeat defense attorneys, and bit actors gave the franchise a lived-in quality that few shows ever achieve. The fandom has lost many of these faces over the years—Lynn Cohen, James Rebhorn, Philip Bosco, Ron Silver, Larry Sherman, and hundreds more. Collectively, they made it all and made Law & Order look like the real world, and not a TV show. They have left their prints on reruns and in popular memories.

Law & Order was always concerned with justice, but it’s also concerned with human beings—the detectives, attorneys, judges, and even guest stars that made the stories real. These on-screen and off-screen losses serve to remind us that the strength of the franchise lies not in its cases but in the characters we grew to love, and the actors who played them.

In​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ case you are extremely fond of puzzling things out, are terribly hooked on plot twists, or simply can’t help but scream “I knew it!” at your TV, then you’ll be absolutely delighted by what Prime Video has prepared for you. The platform is packed with mysteries and thrillers, which not only challenge your detective skills but also keep you in the dark until the last twist. There is really just a little bit of everything from courtroom dramas to psychological thrillers and classic whodunits for every kind of detective. Here is a list of the 10 best mystery movies that you can watch online right now, ordered from the newest ones to the all-time ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌favorites.

10. Murder & Cocktails (2024)

Who says murder can’t be chic? This lighthearted whodunit turns suburban suspense on its head. When a neighbor is found dead, Nick and Lana host cocktail gatherings to figure out the killer. Each guest is suspect, each cocktail is a hint, and the tension builds with each shaken martini. It’s Agatha Christie goes to happy hour—flair, flashy, and full of tension.

9. Above Suspicion (2019)

Based on a true case, this gritty thriller delves into the life-threatening romance between an FBI newcomer and his informant in rural Appalachia. It’s ragged, suspenseful, and a chilling reminder that blurred lines between duty and passion can kill quickly. If you prefer your mysteries based on actual crime, this is the one.

8. Beyond a Reasonable Doubt (2009)

In this remake of the 1956 film, a reporter sets himself up for murder to catch a crooked district attorney, but when the scheme goes awry, clearing his own name is the ultimate test. Full of snap turns and hairpin tension, it’s the type of picture that will make you suspect the motives of every character.

7. Old (2021)

Leave it to M. Night Shyamalan to make a beach vacation into a nightmare. A family finds a hidden beach where time accelerates, and they’re aged decades in just one day. The only escape? Unravel the secret of the beach before their lives are gone. Creepy, unsettling, and full of twists—this one will haunt you.

6. Jagged Edge (1985)

Glenn Close excels as a defense attorney for a man who stands accused of killing his wife—but the more she investigates, the more sordid it becomes. Is she defending a wrongly accused man or assisting a murderer? A mix of courtroom thriller and psychological suspense, this 80s thriller still delivers. 

5. The Bone Collector (1999)

Denzel Washington stars as a paralyzed detective, partnered with rookie cop Angelina Jolie, who set out to capture a painstaking serial killer who leaves cryptic clues. Clever, suspenseful, and brain-twisting, it’s a thrilling cat-and-mouse game that you’ll be solving alongside the leads. 

4. Absence of Malice (1981)

When a businessman is unfairly linked to a murder by an enterprising reporter, the consequences reveal the thin line between aggressive reporting and sensationalized storytelling. Paul Newman and Sally Field star in this biting, intelligent drama that posits: what happens when the truth is just another tool?

3. Wind River (2017)

Set on an isolated Native American reservation, this chilling murder mystery tracks a tracker (Jeremy Renner) and an FBI agent (Elizabeth Olsen) as they expose sinister secrets after a young woman is killed. Stark, emotional, and handsomely photographed, it’s both a thrilling crime drama and a powerful commentary on abandoned communities.

2. Charade (1963)

Charm and wit are supplied by Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant to this combination of mystery, romance, and comedy. When Hepburn’s character discovers that her husband has been murdered, she’s pulled into a perilous search for pilfered cash—with a lot of twists and quick wit for dialogue along the way. It’s glamorous, intelligent, and constantly re-watchable.

1. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Few mysteries are quite so iconic as this one. Jodie Foster’s first-time FBI agent goes to the diabolical but genius Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) to capture the gruesome Buffalo Bill. Creepy atmosphere, unforgettable performances, and suspense that never abates—this is not only a mystery, it’s a masterpiece.

Prime Video’s mystery lineup proves that not all great nights need a comedy or rom-com. Whether you’re into stylish whodunits, tense crime dramas, or psychological thrillers, these 10 films will keep your brain racing and your pulse pounding. So dim the lights, pour yourself a drink, and see if you can crack the case before the credits roll.

Yes,​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ the films you can watch in Hollywood are largely packed with heroes that have superpowers and engage in insane fights, but some of the most powerful heroes are those who utilize their influence to provide the world with a little more cancer awareness. These celebrities, singers, and TV personalities not only might have suffered very personal situations, or simply decided to be a step ahead for others, but they have also converted them into a life-saving, dialogue-creating, and hope-giving advocacy. So, how about ranking the top 10 celebrities who have changed the tide of cancer ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌advocacy?

10. Cate Blanchett – Working the Power of Fame to the Benefit of the World

In addition to being able to play unforgettable characters, Cate Blanchett has also been committed to social causes that matter. She not only contributed to the campaign but also to the charity itself by endorsing cancer charity causes. The range in which she showed off her dedication to things good, not only on the big screen but elsewhere, too, is just staggering.

9. Ellen DeGeneres – Becoming the Voice That was Absent

Elle, through her talk show, direct match, and other work, has always kept that particular health issue in the limelight, and it is cancer that we refer to here. She has been made the person who is brought closer to the audience and thus has eased the difficult issues of sickness, making the sufferer less lonely. Besides that, empathy and exposure are also shown to be tools that help in recovery.

8. Giuliana Rancic – Changing Difficulty into Power

Giuliana Rancic went public with her breast cancer fight. Mother of Fab-U-Wish, a charity organization, provides women who are being treated for the disease with exclusive celebrity experiences. She uses her openness and advocacy as a platform for women all over the world to remember the crucial time of early diagnosis and fighting spirit.

7. Sandra Bullock – Silent yet Impactful Support

Sandra Bullock chooses not to show off her advocacy, but she can do it in a way that makes it look extremely personal. The effects of her generosity have been making a lasting impact on many people, whether she is doing it by sending letters of encouragement to kids with cancer or supporting awareness campaigns. She stands for those who, sometimes, it is the smallest but the most thoughtful things that have the greatest value.

6. Ed Sheeran – Music as a Remedy

After his wife, Cherry, was diagnosed with cancer, Ed Sheeran chose his signature way, music. Being upfront about their ordeal and involving songwriting as his cathartic journey helped Sheeran to not only show but also make the cancer scenario available to families all over the world who are hit by this disease.

5. Viola Davis – Friendship Showing

For Viola Davis, love and loyalty have always been the mainstay. When her friend, Michelle O’Neill, was diagnosed with cancer, she not only supported her with unwavering solidarity but also went to the extent of remodeling her house to make the healing process easier for her. Davis is an advocate who does not limit support to just campaigns but rather is there whenever it matters.

4. David Beckham – A Hero Without a Soccer Ball

As much as David Beckham is a football celebrity all over the world, his feelings and sympathy have also attracted him attention, so that he is not only a star on the field but also off of it. During visits to cancer treatment centers, he has been a source of light to the little patients with his care, concern, and warmth. For some people, the moment when Beckham was being terribly kind turned into a flash of memory that reminded them of their own strength.

3. Shannen Doherty – Living With Courage

Diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer, Shannen Doherty has not hesitated to be entirely honest about her experience. Instead of moving away from the limelight, she has deliberately chosen to stay in it and use her position to motivate those who are going through similar sufferings. Her determination reveals her not only as a role model but also as a source of hope.

2. Angelina Jolie – Igniting a Global Movement

In 2013, the world changed with Angelina Jolie’s announcement of her preventive double mastectomy. When she openly talked about the testing for genetic mutations and the risk of breast cancer, she substantially contributed to what people started calling “the Angelina Effect”, a significant increase in women getting tested for BRCA gene mutations. Her leave was way beyond the Hollywood circle, resetting the cancer prevention narrative.

1. Katie Couric – Turning Loss Into Legacy

Journalist Katie Couric was heartbroken after her husband died of colon cancer, and she transformed her grief into giving a voice to it. Stand Up To Cancer, as its co-founder, she has garnered millions in funding for cancer research and awareness. To boost the number of colonoscopies around the country, she did hers on live TV. “The Couric Effect” has never been so great. 

These stars have never been shy to open up about their most personal or public battles and campaigns, proving that fame can be used as a force for good. Through the use of their own voices, they don’t hesitate to speak out for others; they have made the topic of cancer nearly impossible to ignore, pushed the masses into action, and brought comfort to those who continue to fight. These stars perhaps do not wear capes, but for their part, they are heroes nonetheless.

Talent​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ is everywhere in Hollywood, but only a handful of stars can keep their fans enchanted from one year to another. These stars and actors, by one or all of the three ways – versatility, charisma, or that mysterious screen presence, constantly make us remember the very reason why we fell for them at first. Here are the nine Hollywood legends that never fail to amaze ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌us.

9. Kristen Bell – The Beloved All-Rounder

Kristen Bell has done it all—voiced a Disney princess, cut up on The Good Place, and played the witty Veronica Mars. What makes her stand out is warmth, humor, and relatability, all combined. She’s the kind of star who presents herself as your friend, and that’s why nobody ever gets tired of her being around.

8. Emma Stone – Effortless Charm

Emma Stone has a charismatic appeal that shines through whether she’s headlining a zany romantic comedy or delivering a powerful dramatic turn. Her unforced charm and her incredible emotional range make her one of the most reliably engrossing actresses of her generation.

7. Emily Blunt – Subtle Strength

Emily Blunt has established herself in bringing depth and sophistication to every role she takes on. From thrillers like A Quiet Place to action heroes and tearjerkers, she seamlessly changes gears and always commands attention on screen.

6. Margot Robbie – The Master of Transformation

Few actresses reinvent themselves from character to character as well as Margot Robbie. Whether she’s capturing the madness of Harley Quinn or reproducing the subtleties of Tonya Harding, she becomes herself in her characters. Her willingness to be risky on screen is what keeps her fans enthralled by her work.

5. Jon Hamm – Suave but Approachable

Yes, he’ll always be Don Draper to us, but Jon Hamm has demonstrated he can do more than one iconic performance. With his mix of humor, charm, and everyman likability, he possesses the real dramatic chops combined with an unlooked-for comedic ability. He is the quintessence of cool without trying too hard.

4. Paul Rudd – The Ageless Favorite

Paul Rudd has been stealing hearts for decades and miraculously hasn’t aged at all. Funny, self-deprecating, and possessing a nerdy charm that makes him likable by everyone, whatever he does – whether saving the day as Ant-Man or cracking up with a rom-com – audiences can never get enough.

3. Rob Lowe – Cool Since the ’80s

Rob Lowe has managed to stay effortlessly cool through a few decades. He possesses good looks, plus humor and vulnerability that his fans love. From The West Wing to his self-conscious podcasting, Lowe shows he’s not merely a pretty face—he’s consistently entertaining.

2. Mark Wahlberg – More Than Muscle

Mark Wahlberg’s filmography has the right mix of action spectacles, family-friendly drama, and genuine ordinariness. His focus on religion, family, and self-control renders him likable to audiences, and his presence on the screen is such that he is a household name in Hollywood. He is both gritty and earthy, a rare combination.

1. Lenny Kravitz – The Immortal Free Spirit

Lenny Kravitz is known for his music, but his Hollywood star power easily outshines the Hollywood spotlight. Soulful, stylish, and always cool, he never lost his edge or his appeal after all these years. He’s the living proof that charisma and creativity never grow old.

These nine stars are not merely talented—these stars have that timeless quality that makes the audience root for them. Hollywood rises and falls, but their staying power shows us there are some stars who just never go out of fashion.

We all know it’s true—there couldn’t be anything more maddening than supporting a show for several years, and then the very last episode being a total disappointment. It doesn’t really matter if it’s a baffling decision from the creators, a finale that feels rushed and messy, or a sudden change that cancels out everything that came before—some TV series have sealed their fate as the ones to be remembered for the worst reasons. These are the 10 shows whose final chapters still provoke arguments, generate memes, and make people say, “What on earth were they thinking?” The list is in the reverse order for the most dramatic effect.

10. Empire

At its best, Empire was appointment TV, with Taraji P. Henson’s Cookie Lyon owning every frame. But when the pandemic shut down production on the last season, rather than waiting for a proper finale, Fox pieced together a “finale” out of half-finished episodes. The result was jarring, muddled, and left huge loose ends—including those creepy flashforwards foreshadowing Lucious and Cookie’s demise, which never amounted to anything. Fans (and Cookie herself) deserved better.

9. Yellowstone

For a program constructed around epic Western drama, Yellowstone’s finale was oddly vacant. The Duttons returned their ranch to the Broken Rock Tribe in what the narrative presented as a noble gesture—but it felt undeserved and consequence-free. Rather than working with the Dutton family grappling with the uglier elements of their legacy, the finale gave them neat resolutions. Meanwhile, actual Montana was still contending with the tourism boom the show helped create.

8. Scrubs

Scrubs accomplished the unusual task of leaving on a perfect, bittersweet note with its Season 8 finale. The network attempted to continue the magic with a “med school” retooling that tasted of a completely different (and substantially weaker) show. Gone were most of the show’s original cast members, the new additions never gelled, and by the time it limped out of existence, audiences were regretting that Season 8 might have been the actual goodbye.

7. Dexter

Few finales are as notorious as Dexter’s original one. Years of vigilante justice in Miami come to an end with our beloved serial killer staging his death and becoming a lumberjack. His sister Debra was brain-dead and left drowned in the ocean, and Dexter escaped any real comeuppance. The backlash was so intense that “going full Dexter” became code for messing up an ending. Even the revival that came later couldn’t eliminate the bitter taste.

6. The Walking Dead

After eleven seasons of surviving the apocalypse, The Walking Dead concluded—not with closure, but with trailers masquerading as plot. The finale took more time setting up spinoffs than bidding adieu to iconic characters. Rather than a resolution for Daryl, Maggie, and the gang, fans were offered corporate franchise-styling. The apocalypse was better.

5. Lost

Lost was a cultural event, riddled with conspiracy theories and fan lore. But when the truth was finally revealed during the last season—yes, sort of—many people were left baffled. The “flash-sideways” twist explained that the alternate timeline was an afterlife purgatory; some misread it as implying that the entire series existed in the afterlife. It didn’t, but the finale was muddled enough to make people debate years later.

4. Game of Thrones

The globe’s most-viewed program concluded in a rush of hasty plot threads. Daenerys’s sudden descent into tyranny, Bran’s sudden coronation, and inadequate endings for fan favorites made Game of Thrones Season 8 one of the most loathed final stretches in television history. HBO has been attempting to repair the brand by working on spinoffs, but “Who has a better story than Bran?” is still an internet joke.

3. How I Met Your Mother

After almost a decade of foreshadowing, viewers finally were introduced to “the mother”—only for her to perish off-screen so that Ted might marry Robin. The twist disrespected years of character development and had viewers raging over the bait-and-switch. What might have been a comfort-show staple is instead remembered as one of TV’s biggest gut punches.

2. The Sopranos

The cut to black that became infamous polarized audiences in an instant. Tony Soprano is having onion rings with his family one minute, and then—nothing. Was he murdered? Did life just continue? Creator David Chase has remained tight-lipped, but for many fans, the uncertainty was infuriating. For others, it was daring genius. Either way, it’s one of the hottest debated finales in television history.

1. Roseanne

In its initial run, Roseanne concluded with a shocking twist: the entire final season’s storyline was merely a narrative Roseanne had invented to deal with her husband Dan’s passing. The lottery jackpot, the shifts in the Conner household—it was all make-believe inside the make-believe. The twist was jarring against the show’s earthy, blue-collar roots, leaving some viewers more confused than ever. Even the revival couldn’t fully reverse the damage. These finales show that, regardless of how great a show is, a bad finale can tarnish the entire ride. Occasionally, the true shock isn’t the twist—it’s the fact that the writers didn’t stick the landing.

It is undeniable that Disney and Pixar have been the dominant forces in animation for a long time. However, beyond the castles and mouse ears, there is a vast universe of animated stories that are yet to be discovered. These films prove that great animation does not need a talking snowman or a princess singing to melt your heart. To start with, there is a wonderful world of independent films, beautiful anime, and impressive stop-motion works where you can find ten of the best animated films that you have to see and that are not produced by Disney/Pixar.

10. The Triplets of Belleville

Ever ask yourself what would happen if French surrealism, an affinity for jazz, and the Tour de France all got into a smashup together? That’s The Triplets of Belleville in brief. Nigh on entirely dialogue-free, it’s the bizarre and fanciful story of a resolute grandmother, her abduction-bound cycling grandson, and three oddball elderly sisters who were once music hall performers. With its quirky visuals and unforgettable score, it’s a testament to the fact that you don’t necessarily need words to tell an impactful story. 

9. Kubo and the Two Strings

Few stop-motion animations look as sweeping and enchanted as Kubo and the Two Strings. Set in mythical Japan, it’s about a young boy equipped with a shamisen (a sort of lute-like instrument) on an epic quest to vanquish the Moon King. The animation is stunning, the narrative profoundly moving, and the voice talent—Charlize Theron, Matthew McConaughey, Ralph Fiennes—brings the characters to life with breathtaking flair. It’s epic fantasy on a hand-built scale.

8. Millennium Actress

It’s from the genius mind of Satoshi Kon that Millennium Actress is born, a poignant tribute to cinema and love. As an aging actress recounts her life, her memories get intertwined with scenes of her movies, creating a reality vs. fiction confusion. The upshot is a poetic, visually beautiful ride that gets more delicious with each repeat viewing.

7. The Secret of Kells

Cartoon Saloon’s first feature is a visual feast. The Secret of Kells is about a young boy in a medieval monastery who becomes exposed to the magic of art and the secret Book of Kells. Its beautiful, handmade look is in the style of illuminated manuscripts, so there is an otherworldly beauty that seems ageless.

6. Coraline

Not everything animated is fuzzy and warm—Coraline shows that it can be spine-tingling, as well. This stop-motion remake of Neil Gaiman’s gothic fantasy is about a girl who finds herself in what appears to be the perfect alternate reality… until she sees the creepy truth lurking beneath. Both creepy and beguiling, it’s a contemporary classic for anyone who wants their fairy tales with a shiver.

5. Fantastic Mr. Fox

Wes Anderson’s trademarks blend beautifully with Roald Dahl’s cheeky fox. Each shot of this stop-motion escapade is carefully arranged—symmetry, color schemes, wry humor, the lot. Voiced by George Clooney, Meryl Streep, and Bill Murray, Fantastic Mr. Fox is cunning, fashionable, and completely enchanting.

4. Wolfwalkers

Another Cartoon Saloon treasure, Wolfwalkers, brings you to 17th-century Ireland, where a kid hunter bonds with a girl from a secret clan said to turn into wolves every evening. Its hand-drawn animation is so rich and multi-layered you’ll find yourself pausing just to absorb the texture. It’s a spellbinding mixture of folklore, friendship, and visual artistry.

3. How to Train Your Dragon

If you’re looking for a film that’s pure joy from start to finish, How to Train Your Dragon delivers. The bond between Hiccup and Toothless is one of the sweetest in modern animation, and the flying sequences—paired with John Powell’s soaring score—are nothing short of exhilarating. Dragons and Vikings have never been so lovable.

2. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

This is not another superhero film—it’s an animation revolution. Featuring its comic-book textures, vibrant colors, and breakneck pace, Into the Spider-Verse makes the Spider-Man legend feel fresh. It’s funny, it’s emotional, and it looks like nothing else, demonstrating that animation can be experimental in ways live-action cannot.

1. Ghost in the Shell

A staple of cyberpunk, Ghost in the Shell is a brainy combination of sci-fi action and metaphysical depth. In a future world where the distinction between human and machine dissolves, it poses enormous questions about consciousness and identity. Its impact can be seen in everything from The Matrix to Westworld, and its animation remains a visual wonder.

So the next time someone says that Disney and Pixar own the market on great animation, show them this list. There’s a huge, imaginative, and beautifully bizarre animated world out there—waiting for you to explore.

Honestly, searching through Amazon Prime Video can be compared to getting lost in a dense digital forest. One moment you are looking for a new comedy, the next you are immersed in a post-apocalyptic thriller, and somehow adding to the queue a docuseries about extreme dog grooming. It is a wild place. However, if you are tired of scrolling and just want to click “play” on something that is worth your time, then you are fortunate. I have removed the noise (and I have snacked my way through some serious binges) to bring to you 11 Amazon Prime Video original series that you have to watch.

From laugh-out-loud comedies to gritty dramas and all the rest, here’s the countdown—because let’s be real, saving the best for last always is more fun.

11. Harlem

Harlem is all about four women exploring love, work, and identity in one of NYC’s most legendary neighborhoods. Developed by Girls Trip writer Tracy Oliver, the series brings a sassy, unapologetic perspective to friendship and drive, with a cast that exudes chemistry. Meagan Good, Grace Byers, Shoniqua Shandai, and Jerrie Johnson deliver, with guest stars such as Whoopi Goldberg making things even hotter. A viewing essential with a real voice and plenty of humor.

10. Catastrophe

This British romantic comedy is not your typical sappy and sweet stuff. Catastrophe takes two strangers (Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney) through a surprise pregnancy following a tryst, and makes their one-night stand somehow real. It’s messy, raw, dirty, and surprisingly heartwarming. Bonus: The late, great Carrie Fisher steals every scene she appears in. It’s a refreshingly candid exploration of relationships, parenting, and the mess of adult life.

9. A League of Their Own

Yes, it’s a do-over—but this reboot of the original film takes the familiar tale and goes with it in bold, new ways. Co-created by Abbi Jacobson, A League of Their Own adds more depth to gender and race, yet retains the humor and heart of the original that made everyone love it so much. With great performances from D’Arcy Carden, Kate Berlant, and Jacobson herself, it’s a hilarious, emotional, and all-too-brief gem that needs so much more love.

8. One Mississippi

Tig Notaro’s deadpan genius is here, delivering this highly personal, semi-autobiographical series. One Mississippi combines grief, clumsiness, and dry wit as Tig comes back home from her mother’s passing. Developed with Diablo Cody, the show unobtrusively explores trauma, family life, and recovery in an instantly relatable, utterly intimate manner. It’s subtle, moving, and frequently hilariously surprising.

7. I’m a Virgo

If you’re craving something truly original, I’m a Virgo is your show. Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) created this surreal coming-of-age tale about a 13-foot-tall Black teen growing up in Oakland. Starring Jharrel Jerome, the series mixes absurdist humor, biting social commentary, and dazzling visuals in a way few shows even dare to try. It’s weird, smart, and totally unlike anything else on TV.

6. High School

Adapted from Tegan and Sara’s memoir, High School is an honest, moody, and beautifully shot look at growing up, coming out, and figuring things out. With real-life twins Railey and Seazynn Gilliland playing the lead roles, the show captures the messy beauty of adolescence with stunning authenticity. Throw in a ‘90s soundtrack and some killer grunge-era vibes, and you’ve got a coming-of-age story that hits all the right notes.

5. Dead Ringers

Rachel Weisz delivers not one, but two tour-de-force performances in this eerie reimagining of Cronenberg’s cult classic. As twin gynecologists, she navigates identity, control, and obsession in a world where science and horror converge. Dead Ringers is dark, chic, and incendiary—with plenty of body horror and social commentary. It’s creepy, sure—but also profoundly absorbing.

4. Undone

This rotoscope animation series is not only a visual feast—it’s also a time-traveling, trauma-tackling family adventure. From the creators of BoJack Horseman, Undone follows Rosa Salazar as a woman who begins to see visions of her dead father and discovers she has latent abilities after a car accident. It’s wonderfully strange, deeply emotional, and one of the most imaginative series Prime Video has ever produced.

3. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Steeped in the glamorous world of 1950s New York, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is a wisecracking, style-conscious extravaganza. Rachel Brosnahan shines as Midge, a suburban homemaker turned stand-up comedian seeking to penetrate a man’s universe with charm, humor, and unrelenting will. Written by Gilmore Girls architect Amy Sherman-Palladino, the show is a visual and verbal thrill ride that has won accolades—and rightfully so.

2. Reacher

Sometimes, you simply crave watching a rough-around-the-edges guy kick down bad guys, and Reacher delivers by the truckload. Alan Ritchson plays the legendary Jack Reacher with charm and sheer strength, coming to the screen with unexpected depth. The show remains true to the novels yet provides the action with a smooth, contemporary look. It’s pleasing, intelligent, and perpetually bingeable. And it broke streaming records for a reason.

1. Fallout

Fallout, Prime Video’s epic take on the cult video game franchise, delivers. It takes place in a dark, post-apocalyptic universe and follows Lucy (Ella Purnell), who braves her sheltered life underground to go in search of her father. What she finds is crazy, funny, terrifying, and completely binge-worthy. With killer acting (hi, Walton Goggins!) and pitch-perfect world-building, Fallout is not just a hit—everyone’s talking about it as a new science fiction classic.

So the next time you fire up Prime and feel intimidated, forgo the scroll. These 11 debut series are proof that Amazon’s not merely a destination for free shipping and reruns of vintage sitcoms. Enjoy watching—and may your queue forever be binge-worthy.