We all know the truth: there aren’t many events that excite TV fans as much as the Emmys do. Whatever your preference is – serious dramas, comedies that make you burst out laughing, or late-night shows full of mayhem – this is the place where the most powerful wins of the industry are bragged about the most. But what TV shows hold the records of the biggest wins? Below is a countdown of the top Emmy-winning shows in the history of TV, starting from the least.

10. Veep (17 wins)

Politics never got this humorous—or this brutal. Veep made Julia Louis-Dreyfus the Emmys’ reigning queen, winning six years in a row for her performance as the elegantly execrable Selina Meyer. Throw in Tony Hale’s two awards and several series prizes, and it’s obvious this wickedly incisive satire dominated Emmy night as thoroughly as it dominated HBO.

9. Star Trek: The Next Generation (17 wins)

The Enterprise crew didn’t merely revolutionize sci-fi—but also tidied up behind the scenes. Though TNG wasn’t a heavy hitter in the major categories, it dominated the technical categories with awards for makeup, costumes, sound, and effects. In 1994, it even managed to receive a Drama Series nomination, demonstrating genre TV could join the big kids’ table. 

8. Shōgun (18 wins)

Discuss a breakdown! FX’s Shōgun set Emmy records by taking home 18 awards in one year. Among them were Best Drama, lead acting nods for Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai, and a record-breaking 14 Creative Arts awards. It became a record-breaker in just one season.

7. Will & Grace (18 wins)

This groundbreaking sitcom not only broke history in LGBTQ+ representation, but it also accumulated Emmys like candy. All four leads—Eric McCormack, Debra Messing, Megan Mullally, and Sean Hayes—went home with awards, while guest stars such as Leslie Jordan aided the show in racking up even more.

6. The Simpsons (37 wins)

America’s longest-running animated show is also one of its most decorated. With more than a dozen wins for Outstanding Animated Program, as well as solo awards for voice talents like Hank Azaria and even Kelsey Grammer as Sideshow Bob, The Simpsons illustrated that satire wears a whole lot better than Homer’s diet.

5. Frasier (37 wins)

When Dr. Frasier Crane broke off from Cheers, no one thought he’d surpass the original. However, Frasier became one of the most awarded sitcoms in Emmy history, with Kelsey Grammer and David Hyde Pierce sweeping acting categories and the show itself receiving Comedy Series five consecutive times.

4. Game of Thrones (59 wins)

Say what you will about the last season, but Emmy voters genuflected before HBO’s fantasy behemoth. Thrones took Best Drama four times, Peter Dinklage won four acting awards, and the production values of the show won it a heap of Creative Arts awards. Winter arrived, and so did the Emmys.

3. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (30 wins)

Infrastructure gags? Chicken farming revelations? Some way, John Oliver made them Emmy gold. His HBO show cleaned up Variety Talk categories for years, then leapt into a new category and kept winning right along. Clever, witty, and strangely informative—that’s Emmy catnip.

2. The Crown (24 wins)

Leave it to the British monarchs to rule the Emmys. The Crown on Netflix achieved a historic sweep of acting categories, with its stars, such as Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, and Josh O’Connor, all taking home awards. It is currently the most Emmy-awarded streaming drama so far, demonstrating that monarchy dramas continue to be the crown jewels.

1. Saturday Night Live (90+ wins)

No debate—SNL is the preeminent Emmy king. Since 1975, it has won more than 90 and been nominated more than 300 times, a record. From Gilda Radner to Kate McKinnon, the writers and cast have set the standard for comedy as they sweep Emmy night. In short,t: no program has done it longer or better.

And there you have it—the series that made Emmy night all about their own victory lap. Whether sketch comedy, epic fantasy, or satirical wit, these winners show that staying power and innovation are the ultimate secret weapons.

We must not delude ourselves — this year was a little bit of everything on the big screen. In addition to the weird stop-motion, there were the typical tennis, sweat, tears, soap opera, a soap-operatic melodrama, the year’s line-up really made us see that world cinema is not only alive but also offbeat and kicking. A cinephile who scrutinized each frame or merely a person who was there for the popcorn and the crazy ride, these were the films that made the year.

10. Snack Shack

If memory smelled like something, it’d be hot dogs, chlorine, and sunscreen—and Snack Shack is the perfect pairing. Adam Rehmeier crafts a dirty summer stoner comedy with Conor Sherry and Gabriel LaBelle bringing the kind of on-screen chemistry you don’t see much anymore. It’s smart, dumb, and mawkish enough to get into your heart. Flawed in parts, but that way, it’s its charm.

9. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

Never a chance after Fury Road, but George Miller still provides us with a dirty, gasoline-fed prequel. Anya Taylor-Joy and Alyla Browne are evenly matched over Furiosa with ferocity, and Chris Hemsworth is agonizingly camp as Dementor. The CGI here is more overt, illuminating the wasteland with a dreamlike glow. Grubby? Guilty as charged. But the kind you can’t wait to burrow back into.

8. Nosferatu

Robert Eggers finally gives us his take on the vampire myth, and it’s everything you’d hope for: gothic, unsettling, and gorgeous to look at. Bill Skarsgård’s Count Orlok is all nightmare fuel, while Lily-Rose Depp’s Ellen adds a surprising emotional core. Eggers brings his trademark detail and dread, making this a horror film that lingers long after the credits roll.

7. Memoir of a Snail

Adam Elliot’s stop-motion gem is a surreal, gorgeous, laugh-out-loud, with a quirky visual sense. One minute it’s laugh-out-loud funny, the next minute it’s tear-jerking, and never hesitant to go totally and totally out there (heaven yes, even snails get their moment). Underneath all the goofy humor is a thoroughly human tale of perseverance, alienation, and hoping to find the best in the most unlikely spot. Get out the tissues.

6. Love Lies Bleeding

Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brien are magnetic in this pulpy, desert-drenched love story from director Rose Glass. Equal parts crime thriller and sweaty romance, it’s gritty, unapologetically queer, and as combustible as its Nevada setting. If you’re into movies that aren’t afraid to get messy and raw, this one burns bright.

5. Longlegs

If fear in its purest form could be bottled, Longlegs would be the title. This serial killer tale is fronted by Maika Monroe and supported by one of the most unsettling performances of Nicolas Cage’s career. Every cut is menacing, every sound winds your tension higher. It’s immaculately put together but oozing atmosphere, and so one of the scariest films of the year.

4. The Substance

Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley are trapped in this gory, satirical freak show that never blinks at gut-wrenching vanity and self-destruction. The make-up is preposterous, the tone is unreliable, but it finds some way of getting away with searing social commentary on beauty culture. It’s revolting, laugh-out-loud funny, and impossible to turn away.

3. Anora

Sean Baker’s overdue Palme d’Or is a film that. Jumbles romance, pandemonium, and astute social commentary into one. Mikey Madison shines as Anora, caught between gritty determination and unbridled vulnerability. It’s lighter in tone and more commercial than Baker’s past, but no less private—and side-achingly laugh-out-loud funny. In the unlikeliest of places.

2. Dune: Part Two

Denis Villeneuve does it bigger. Timothée Chalamet allows Paul Atreides’ reveal to run amok with unbridled abandon, and the cinematography is plain spectacle. The politics, the wars, the scale–all turned up to 11. And in IMAX? Swallowed whole by another universe.

1. Challengers

Number one was the hyper tennis soap opera of Luca Guadagnino. Mike Faist, Josh O’Connor, and Zendaya share a hunger, competition, and lust menage; all are punished and act, pumped. With the hot weather, aggressive editing, and desperate score from Trent Reznor/Atticus Ross, this was the 2024 buzz.

2024 brought us back to recall that cinema is not only alive, but living large in strange, risky, and unforgettable ways. If you were gasping, laughing out loud, or closing your eyes, the next 10 films assured the big screen still has magic to offer.

The DC Universe needs a complete reboot, and maybe the most thrilling aspect of the future is a live-action Teen Titans movie. With the Justice League going on a break, it’s time to reveal the next generation of teen heroes — and the right stars could make this roster immortal. Here are our dream actors to visualize the Titans, starting from ten and counting down to one.

10. Xolo Maridueña as Blue Beetle

Xolo Maridueña has already proven he can carry a superhero film with Blue Beetle, delivering charm, humor, and heart in equal measure. Add his martial arts skills from Cobra Kai, and you’ve got a tech-savvy, quick-witted hero who would slot into the Titans seamlessly. He’s already got the DCU cred — now just give him the team to match.

9. Asher Angel as Superboy (Conner Kent)

Asher Angel proved that he could do comedy and heart-rending drama with Shazam! and Shazam! Fury of the Gods. As Conner Kent, he could tap into Superboy’s angsty teenage years, self-discovery, and cocky superhero attitude. The DCEU era is over, but Angel could bring a fresh, nuanced take on Superman’s clone son.

8. Walker Scobell as Impulse (Bart Allen)

Walker Scobell’s sharp wit and limitless energy in Percy Jackson and the Olympians make him a no-brainer for Bart Allen. Impulse is the speedster with a motor mouth and a heart of gold — both of which Scobell possesses in abundance. He might bring a popular favorite combination of mayhem and charm to the movie screen.

7. Spence Moore II as Cyborg

Vic Stone is half man, half machine — but whole heart. Spence Moore II, whose credits include All-American and Superman & Lois, has the charisma, athleticism, and emotional resonance to bring both aspects of Cyborg to life. He could easily play up Vic’s leadership abilities and internal conflict while still getting the action done.

6. Iñaki Godoy as Beast Boy

If you’ve watched Iñaki Godoy shine on Netflix’s One Piece, you’ll know he possesses the endearing goofball vibe that works like a charm for Gar Logan. Beast Boy is both a jokester and a steadfast friend, and Godoy might bring him to the forefront while also bringing the character some actual emotional depth when the time is right.

5. Savannah Smith as Starfire

Starfire requires both regal arrogance and a warm accessibility, and Savannah Smith’s your gal. She’s most famous for Gossip Girl, and she’s shown she can hold the camera’s attention. With her presence and charm, she might be able to fill the alien princess with power and compassion equally well.

4. Gordon Cormier as Robin (Damian Wayne)

Damian Wayne is far from being your ordinary Robin — he’s the sword-wielding, do n’t-mess-with-me Bruce Wayne Jr. Gordon Cormier, who played Aang in Avatar: The Last Airbender recently, has the combat prowess and emotional range to make the character work. He would bring Damian’s intensity as well as his slow-burning journey towards becoming an actual team player.

3. Kyle Allen as The Flash (Wally West)

Wally West is the most lovable Flash, and Kyle Allen (West Side Story, The Map of Tiny Perfect Things) has the charm, athleticism, and passion to bring him to life on screen. His light energy would keep the more serious members of the team in check while still killing it in the big emotional moments.

2. Jenna Ortega as Raven

Raven is a conflicted protagonist, torn between her dark powers and her desire to connect with other people. Jenna Ortega has mastered the craft of playing complex, mysterious characters in Wednesday and Scream. She may be able to bring Raven’s inner conflict to life without taking away from her cool, understated presence.

1. Dylan O’Brien as Nightwing

Dylan O’Brien is our number one of the list. By his action skills already being clear in The Maze Runner and his leader character in Teen Wolf, he is a perfect fit for the role of Dick Grayson. Nightwing is the main focus of the Titans — somewhat a leader, somewhat a big brother — and O’Brien has both the allure and the body to make him indelible.

Let’s be honest: which one of us hasn’t daydreamed about swapping lives with a Hollywood celebrity? The glamorous premieres, the adoring fans, and, of course, the designer dresses (plus the occasional fashion mishap). But, unfortunately, not all actors have benefited from the bright glare of the spotlight. In fact, some of them have been overwhelmed by the pressure, longed for a normal life, or just felt drawn to a different passion. These famous people have had to quit their acting careers, some of them permanently, some temporarily. The list of 15 stars who shocked the public by quitting the acting profession and what they became instead is here.

15. Shirley Temple

The first child star of the 1930s retired from Hollywood at only 22. After a failed bid at an adult comeback, she retired from acting altogether in 1950 and transitioned into politics, serving later as U.S. ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia.

14. Debra Winger

With three Oscar nominations to her credit, Winger appeared invincible—but departed at the peak of her career. Disgruntled with unfulfilling roles, she took six years off before reclaiming her seat at the table, but only when the projects truly tested her.

13. Audrey Hepburn

After captivating the world in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and dozens of other timeless classics, Hepburn devoted her life to humanitarian causes. As a UNICEF spokesperson, she visited all corners of the globe and left behind a legacy of kindness that earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

12. Gene Hackman

Hackman retired from acting in 2004 after Welcome to Mooseport. Doctors told him that he needed to cut down on stress, and he decided to take a quieter life in New Mexico. Having two Oscars in his pocket, he figured he’d done enough for Hollywood.

11. Portia de Rossi

Best known for Scandal and Arrested Development, de Rossi retired at age 45. She told Ellen DeGeneres’ daytime talk show that she needed to begin a new life beyond her acting career. For a short time, aside from completing Arrested Development, she’s been a businesswoman.

10. Robert Redford

After six decades in front of the camera, Redford announced his retirement with The Old Man & the Gun (2018). While he’s still dabbled in producing and occasional cameos, he’s largely stepped away, saying it was simply time.

9. Terrence Howard

Howard made headlines when he declared he was done with acting after Empire. “I’m done pretending,” he said. But Hollywood retirements don’t always stick—he’s since appeared in other projects.

8. Lindsay Lohan

Lohan has made a gentle return after all those years of tabloid melodrama, appearing in Netflix’s Falling for Christmas. She’s now juggling motherhood and acting, and appears to have found her balance again in life and career.

7. Cameron Diaz

One of the biggest stars of the late 90s and early 2000s, Diaz quit after Annie in 2014. She explained later that she wanted to put family and personal happiness first. Ten years later, she’s back for Back in Action alongside Jamie Foxx.

6. Jane Fonda

Fonda quit acting for 15 years after she married media mogul Ted Turner, believing she’d never be back. But at age 60, she came back—and has been working consistently ever since. At 85, she’s still a force to be reckoned with.

5. Brendan Fraser

Having ruled the 90s, Fraser took a step back because of health problems and personal issues. His return in The Whale was victorious, awarding him an Academy Award and demonstrating that second acts really are better.

4. Ke Huy Quan

The Indiana Jones and The Goonies child star favorite faded from view in Hollywood for 20 years, toiling behind the scenes. Then he made his breathtaking comeback in Everything Everywhere All At Once, for which he won an Oscar.

3. Shelley Duvall

Duvall’s spooky performances in The Shining and Popeye are iconic, but she slipped quietly out of Hollywood in 2002 to tend to relatives in Texas. She briefly reappeared in 2023, just a year before her death.

2. Frankie Muniz

Once he became a household name from Malcolm in the Middle, Muniz ditched acting for race cars. He dived headfirst into professional driving and loved every second of it. He is circling back to acting with a Disney+ revival of Malcolm in the works.

1. Cate Blanchett

Blanchett hasn’t officially retired, but she’s been open about the idea of leaving acting behind. “I’m serious about giving it up,” she’s said, pointing to passions like conservation and family. For now, she’s still gracing the screen—but fans are bracing for the day she does step back.

And that’s it—evidence that fame does not necessarily translate to satisfaction. For these celebrities, the largest plot twist came not on screen, but in real life, when they decided to leave behind the roles that earned them immortality.

I mean, let me just say it—sitcoms are pretty much the most comforting food of the entire medium of TV. It doesn’t really matter whether you are watching your favorite show for the hundredth time or finally starting a classic that has been lying in your watchlist forever; there is always something comforting and almost magical about them. These series made us laugh so hard that our bellies hurt, they brought characters that feel like they are our closest friends, and they have been the main vehicles through which the comedy genres have evolved on TV. In fact, the sitcoms from the times of black-and-white living rooms up to the streaming era are the ones that not only regained their popularity but also kind of changed the whole television medium forever.

10. The Big Bang Theory

Not many people expected The Big Bang Theory to become a global phenomenon when it was initially broadcast. It is a show about physicists and comic book lovers, after all. Well, it did, and in the process, it made “geek” fashionable. The merge of scientific in-jokes, unfortunate love affairs, and great comedic timing turned the characters of the show, which were kind of losers but lovable, into the faces that everyone recognizes now. The quirks of Sheldon, the irritations of Leonard, and the tolerance of Penny became as lovable as any classic sitcom family unit. The series went beyond the boundaries of a niche idea and, over 12 years, became one of the longest and highest-rated comedies of all time. It proved that intelligence and laughter are not mutually exclusive.

9. Frasier

Frasier was a spin-off that went beyond every expectation. It made the psychiatrist from Cheers, who was snooty, into the center of one of the smartest comedies ever. The humor was of the highest standard—brilliant but not snobbish, very clever but still friendly. The arguments between Frasier and his similarly inflexible brother Niles were, without doubt, an inexhaustible source of comedic gold, as their dad, Martin, with his down-to-earth nature, kept the show balanced. If you also bring in Roz’s biting humor and Daphne’s being different, then you have a cast whose interaction is as great as it was then. After twenty years, Frasier is still as classy, funny, and strangely comforting as it was before.

8. The Simpsons

Just referring to The Simpsons as a sitcom is almost like calling it a cultural landmark. For more than thirty years, the yellow-skinned characters of Springfield have been reflecting society, laughing at everything from politics to pop culture. It changed the whole thing of what could be done by a TV animation, showing that cartoons were not just for kids but could have acid satire and even some emotional side. The Simpsons phrases are now familiar to everyone, for example, Homer’s “D’oh!” or Bart’s “Eat my shorts.” After more than 700 episodes, The Simpsons is still a source of characters, and sometimes of predictions, for the ridiculousness of the present world.

7. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Long before Will Smith was a giant of Hollywood, he was the “Fresh Prince” who flipped, turned over, and landed in Bel-Air. The show’s secret was that it managed to balance laugh-out-loud fish-out-of-water humor with real emotion. It dealt with serious issues—race, class, family—without ever sacrificing its sense of humor or heart. The chemistry between Will and Uncle Phil produced some of TV’s most iconic moments, from tender father-son moments to laugh-out-loud humor. And that opening theme song?  It’s instantly recognizable, endlessly repeatable, and still sure to get everyone rapping along word for word.

6. I Love Lucy

Before television as we know it, there was I Love Lucy—the show that set the rulebook for sitcoms. Lucille Ball’s bold physical comedy and unparalleled timing made her a trailblazer, and her screen chemistry with Desi Arnaz transformed real marriage into comedic magic. From grape-stomping to working the chocolate factory assembly line, Lucy Ricardo’s antics are still iconic. Aside from all the laughs, I Love Lucy also pioneered: it had an interracial couple on television in a conservative time, and overhauled production with the multi-camera system still utilized today. In short, without Lucy, there may be no modern comedy.

5. Will & Grace

Will & Grace was more than just another hilarious show; therefore, it was a cultural landmark. Premiering in an era of thin LGBTQ+ representation, it introduced gay characters to mainstream TV with humor, wit, and sincerity. Will and Grace’s friendship and the larger-than-life misadventures of Jack and Karen provided a heady comedic mix of snark and sincerity. It made people laugh, but it also opened doors, making LGBTQ+ visibility more mainstream in pop culture. Even when it was revived years later, the show continued to sound fresh, demonstrating that true friendship and clever humor never age.

4. Seinfeld

A “show about nothing” that became one about everything—Seinfeld revolutionized the face of comedy forever. With its careful scripting, relatable goofiness, and indelible characters, it laughed at the most mundane aspects of life. Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer became neurotic archetypes of contemporary neurosis, and their catchphrases (“No soup for you!”) entered the realm of pop culture. Seinfeld was so innovative because it refused to depend on mawkishness—it celebrated awkwardness, egotism, and the comedy in mundane pettiness. Thirty years later, its impact is still evident in nearly every post-Seinfeld sitcom that came along.

3. Friends

Few shows have so perfectly bottled the joy and mess of friendship as Friends. Filmed in a warm New York City apartment (and an even warmer coffee shop), it tracked six young adults navigating love, work, and life’s little catastrophes together. The chemistry between the cast was lightning in a bottle—each joke was funny because the relationships were real. Aside from the non-stop giggles, Friends provided us with some of television’s most memorable moments ever—from Ross’s “We were on a break! ” drama to Joey’s memorable “How you doin’? ” It’s the type of show that folks share like soul food, so every generation haitsir own Central Perk.

2. The Mary Tyler Moore Show

Amidst a television landscape populated by male stars, The Mary Tyler Moore Show turned the tables. Mary Richards was smart, driven, and self-sufficient—a single woman who succeeded professionally without having to be defined by love. That alone made it groundbreaking. But it wasn’t only groundbreaking—it was actually funny, touching, and beautifully written. It delved into work, friendship, and womanhood with candor and dignity, opening doors for numerous future female-led sitcoms. Mary didn’t merely make it after all—she made history.

1. Cheers

Cheers is probably the one TV show that most perfectly captured the idea of belonging. Set in a Boston bar “where everybody knows your name,” the series combined smart writing with one of the most lovable ensemble casts of TV ever. In short, the characters of the show were all memorable. Norm’s quips, Cliff’s inexhaustible trivia, and the heated passion of Sam and Diane, along with the rest of the characters, made the perfect mixture. The show’s mix of humor and touch with life’s realities made it more than just a comedy—it was a weekly get-together with friends. Plus, in a way, Cheers was the origin of Frasier, thus suggesting that excellent storytelling and characters don’t disappear but just change form.

The Legacy of Laughter

From I Love Lucy through Friends, these sitcoms taught us that a good joke isn’t just about punchlines—about connection, timing, and heart. They made us laugh, made us think, and showed us the world in all its awkward, hilarious renditions. Even after all these decades, these shows are as binge-worthy now as they were way back then. Because no matter how much TV has changed, something about a perfectly timed joke and a set of characters you can’t help but love never goes out of style.

There is a special kind of thrill in the experience of action sequences that are vivid and real, and in this instance, it is the groundbreaking aspect of the footage that is most thrilling. We are told that there is no digital or computer help involved in the making of this sequence, nor is there any trickery with the camera; rather, it is simply the bare, brave, and absolutely unyielding commitment. To be clear, these performers are not just the characters in the movies who get the stunts done; they are the ones doing the stunts themselves. In any case, whether on the roof of skyscrapers, taking a huge leap, the tightly choreographed combat scenes, or hitting the gas pedal while in the middle of some other kind of daring stunt at breakneck speed, the actors are becoming the stuntmen and vice versa. Here are the names of ten actors who were most likely the first to think of putting their bodies on the line to create movie magic and to prove that they were the real deal when it comes to Hollywood action.

10. Daniel Craig

Instead of just being smooth and elegant, Daniel Craig’s version of James Bond was also raw and gritty. Craig was not only physically committed and full of energy in acting as James Bond, but he was also heavily involved in his own stunt performances. It is almost as if in Casino Royale, the brutal hand-to-hand combat was just for the camera, but we can see with the rest of the Craig-era 007 movies that it is not so. The actor had to go through some health-related issues, including surgery, but he continued his work without any hesitation. In fact, with each new film, he not only increased the quantity but also the quality of intensity, thus making the audience feel that they were watching a real and rough human, and most importantly, courageous, independent-minded Bond.

9. Charlize Theron

Acting in action movies is not only what Charlize Theron does, but she also has complete ownership of those films. To achieve accuracy, she was with her body and cracked her skull training like a professional athlete. Already for Æon Flux, she suffered serious injury and had to quit shooting right after, but then she got back to work for Atomic Blonde and The Old Guard, not only acting but performing self-choreographed fight scenes too. Her revolutionary and daring approach to the female action role captivated her fans by turning her into the new-old-without-futile-newest concept of the indomitable heroine.

8. Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie has always been known to follow her own path, including her stunts. From the moment she first saw Lara Croft with the pistols in Tomb Raider, Jolie has insisted on almost all the action sequences being done by her own. One of her stunt coordinators even said one time that she did “around 99%” of the stunt sequences alone. Besides all this, she cannot be underrated from her acrobatic stunts in Salt and fight choreography; a stalwart as she is, Angelina’s skill and stamina are always there, just waiting to be challenged. Not only is she the action heroine, but she is also the one.

7. Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford is a testament to the fact that becoming a film legend occasionally requires earning a few scars in the process. Since the Indiana Jones days, Ford has been in the midst of harm, smashing windows, fighting bad guys, and doing his own fight choreography. Even as Han Solo, he wanted to do as much action himself as he could. What’s impressive is that Ford’s dedication hasn’t waned over time; well into his eighties, he was continuing to punch and fall for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. That’s old-school grit.

6. Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves is an actor who is rarely seen devoting so much time to his physical training. For both the Matrix and John Wick franchises, Reeves had to take up martial arts, gun handling, and stunt driving for the entire duration of several days in a row. He trained as if he were the real deal – he even did the same exercises with a SWAT unit, and had professionals handle the flawless execution of his stunts. As a result, the audience is the first to witness it: from the smooth performance of a gun-fu choreography to the energetic pursuit Reynolds maintains at a top level of realism. Amid the extensive use of visual effects in the film industry, he remains one of the few pure action heroes. 

5. Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan is a nonpareil regarding the matter of his stunts. Only if he did his stunts, and at the same time, he went beyond the boundaries of what was considered doable. Chan gained popularity with the unique blend of martial arts and comedy. In this way, he has created a new tornado of fight scenes that is equally thrilling and fun-loving. Viewers associate such sequences as the jump of faith in Police Story and Drunken Master, his falling from the top of a building, as well as the battle with inanimate objects. In the past, he has been known for breaking bones, dislocating shoulders, cutting his head, and everything but killing his brain… yet all this only for the greatness of cinema. And with each hit, he adds to his legendary image. 

4. Tom Cruise

The story of Tom Cruise doing his own stunts has almost become one of the myths of Hollywood, but it is happily the case that this is a very true story. Not content to merely be a participant, Cruise takes it upon himself to actually come up with stunt ideas. He is as well-known for being inside or on top of a plane in Wild Nation as he is for climbing the tallest building in the world in Ghost Protocol, or for hanging onto a cliff while doing the Dead Reckoning stunt with a bike. He is, without exception, a person who is limited only by imagination when it comes to the tasks he is going to attempt. Because he takes such a big risk only once and is never secretive about how he does it, his movies manage to reach that level of realism that people can hardly believe are actually movies. Your assumption is right if you believe it is really him when he performs stunts like running, jumping, or flying.

3. Matt Damon

Matt Damon’s performance as Jason Bourne contributed to the redefining of contemporary action films, and some of that success lies in how physically engaged he is. In order to create the expertly trained assassin, Damon trained intensely in martial arts, close-quarters combat, and tactical firearms. He executed hundreds of stunts himself, from car chases on rooftops to car wrecks, all while keeping the choreography mundane and realistic. Damon may not be the most flashy daredevil here, but his commitment to realism made the Bourne movies some of the most impactful action thrillers ever produced.

2. Gal Gadot

Gal Gadot was well-versed in physicality even before she became Wonder Woman. As a dancer and a servicewoman in the Israeli Defense Forces, she had acquired a combination of precision, power, and elegance that served her well. For Wonder Woman, she trained tirelessly in sword play, horse riding, and martial arts, doing a great majority of her own action shots—even when recovering from injury and undergoing surgery. On screen, her movement is fluid yet menacing, capturing both strength and vulnerability. Gadot does not simply wear the armor—she forges it.

1. Buster Keaton

Before stunt safety procedures or digital enhancement took over, Buster Keaton was still doing it with his bare hands without any safety support for film purposes. In the era of silent movies, his physical comedy was only made of actual, very dangerous, and frequent stunts—getting under falling houses, jumping out of moving trains, or being at rest as the front of a building that he wanted to have Steamboat Bill Jr. crash into him. His timing was impeccable, his courage great, and his influence immeasurable. All modern action heroes have to give Buster Keaton a big thank you for being the first stunt actor who combined danger and laughter in one shot.

These characters do not only pretend to be brave—they actually are. The most each of them pushes their limits is so that the rest of the audience can feel the adrenaline for real. The next time you are watching an action sequence very attentively, remember: every explosion, jump, or fight scene is made by an actor who did not let someone else do it for him. They want it as real as possible, take the risk, and make us realize that sometimes the most exciting part of the film is not the villain—it is the hero who keeps on doing it solo.

Can you remember the time when Netflix DVDs in little red envelopes were sent to you? Just a brief comparison of then and now, and the company is a big player in Hollywood—winning awards, being rated the best by IMDb, and sometimes making you very happy (or very sad) without even intending to. But the fact that numerous Netflix originals are released every year makes it almost unfeasible for the viewer to find out which ones are actually worth their time. Therefore, here is the ranked top 10 list of the greatest Netflix original movies out today—starting from number 10 and going to the one that is the absolute must-watch of all time.

10. Marriage Story

Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story is the movie that caused everyone to text their ex (don’t do it). Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson deliver unflinching, painfully honest performances as a couple navigating a divorce, and Laura Dern takes over as a ruthless lawyer. With six Oscar nominations and one win, it’s beautiful and heartbreaking all at once—a film that feels like listening in on real life.

9. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs

The Coen Brothers brought their dark humor to Netflix with The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, a quirky six-part Western anthology. From singing cowboys to unlucky bank robbers, each chapter balances absurd comedy with existential bleakness. It earned three Oscar nods and delivers exactly the mix of weirdness and artistry you’d expect from the Coens.

8. Mudbound

Dee Rees’ Mudbound is the story of two families, one Black and one white, struggling to get by in the Mississippi Delta post-WWII. Confronting racism, trauma, and survival, it’s both powerful and emotionally devastating. Mary J. Blige delivers a standout performance, and the film made history with multiple first-time Oscar nominations for Black women for adapted screenplay and cinematography. It’s a hauntingly resonant work of Americana.

7. Maestro

Bradley Cooper commits fully—prosthetics and everything—in Maestro, a grand examination of Leonard Bernstein’s life, marriage, and music. With Carey Mulligan in an Oscar-worthy turn as Felicia Montealegre, the film combines romance, heartbreak, and artistry. With seven nominations, it’s a rich and dramatic plunge into love and legacy.

6. The Irishman

Martin Scorsese brought De Niro, Pacino, and Pesci together for The Irishman, a sweeping gangster epic that covers decades. Weighing in at three and a half hours, it’s an investment, but the reward is huge—ten Oscar nominations and a poignant goodbye to Scorsese’s crime cycles. The de-aging technology will get some raised eyebrows, but the tale packs a punch.

5. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Benoit Blanc returns! Daniel Craig again plays the world’s most eccentric detective, this time investigating a killing on a tycoon’s private island. Full of celebrity aplomb, crisp dialogue, and ample twists, Glass Onion is a smart, chic whodunit that’s at once old-school and new. Great for party-watching so everyone can yell theories at the screen.

4. Da 5 Bloods

Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods is not your usual war movie. It is about four veterans traveling back to Vietnam to reclaim a lost brother (Chadwick Boseman) and hidden riches. What comes out is a mix of action, history, and gut-punch emotion, Lee’s trademark combination of politics and heart. It’s emotional, intense, and unforgettable.

3. Roma

Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma is a visual poem—shot in black-and-white, filled with sweeping long takes, and grounded in a deeply personal story about a housekeeper named Cleo in 1970s Mexico City. The film became Netflix’s first critical darling, winning Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars. It’s artful, intimate, and lingers long after the credits roll.

2. All Quiet on the Western Front

This World War I drama is a searing, haunting retelling of Erich Maria Remarque’s anti-war classic. Directed by Edward Berger, it follows young soldier Paul Bäumer as his visions of glory disintegrate in the face of bloody trench warfare. With breathtaking cinematography, a spine-tingling score, and several Oscar and BAFTA awards, it’s as lovely as it is frightening.

1. Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio

Del Toro’s stop-motion wonder, “Pinocchio,” is right at the top of the list. With the story taking place in Italy under the fascist regime, the movie tells the same old fairy tale with sparkle, new feelings, and brilliant artistry. This was the Oscar winner for Best Animated Feature, and it really puts del Toro’s statement “animation is cinema” across. It is one of the best Netflix originals, both dark and beautiful at the same time, and very moving.

It is being said: One thing that really angers a fan of cinema is the fact that an actor can play both the hero and the villain, and do it excellently. Leading actors are those who, in the very next moment, make us delight in their shenanigans and, quite frequently, even in the same movie. And by the old and respected pedagogical way of show-biz blogging, here is the enumeration (counting down, as suspense is more fun that way) of the ten actors who can switch the whole range of ethics.

10. Michael Keaton

Michael Keaton has never been more uncomfortable in the cape than on the dark side. From his legendary role as Batman in Tim Burton’s 1989 classic (and later cameos in The Flash and Birds of Prey) to his nefarious spin as the Vulture in Spider-Man: Homecoming and reprising that wickedness in Morbius, Keaton’s chameleon-esque talent keeps fans guessing—and on their toes with joy.

9. Lena Headey

Rooting for Cersei Lannister on Game of Thrones may have tested your moral compass—but that is the extent of Lena Headey’s gift. The manipulative queen enthralled audiences with her intelligence and drive. And yet, Headey has also portrayed heroes such as Queen Gorgo in 300 and Sarah Connor in Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, demonstrating that she can work darkness and light equally well.

8. Christian Bale

Christian Bale is the master of transformation. He’s Batman’s dark hero in Nolan’s trilogy, but as vile as Patrick Bateman in American Psycho. Bale even crossed over to the dark side once again, playing the part of Gorr the God Butcher in Thor: Love and Thunder. His talent for acting extremes of morality is what makes him a box office giant.

7. Helena Bonham Carter

Real-life chameleon Helena Bonham Carter shifts from scary monsters to sweet characters. She’s offbeat Bellatrix Lestrange in Harry Potter and quirky Fairy Godmother in Cinderella. Go from gothic horror to warm charm, that’s Carter’s range.

6. Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson takes over every universe he enters. He’s a superhero as Nick Fury in the MCU, Mace Windu in Star Wars, and Frozone’s voice in The Incredibles. But he can switch to evil overnight, as in Django Unchained, Kingsman: The Secret Service, and Unbreakable as Mr. Glass. Jackson’s charm in hero and villain roles is why he’s a legend.

5. Gary Oldman

Gary Oldman is the master actor of extremes. He can play villains such as Norman Stansfield in Léon: The Professional or heroes such as Jim Gordon in The Dark Knight Trilogy or Winston Churchill in The Darkest Hour, and make us believe every role he takes on. His ability to transform into the best and worst of human beings makes him memorable.

4. Oscar Isaac

Oscar Isaac thrives on variety. He’s bad (Apocalypse in X-Men: Apocalypse) and he’s good (singing Spider-Man 2099 in Across the Spider-Verse), and his MCU series Moon Knight delves into a hero with a broken mind. Isaac’s seamless transitions from moral extremes place him in the ranks of the most thrilling actors of today.

3. Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep is Hollywood royalty because she can do it all. She’s intimidating as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada and the witch in Into the Woods, but radiant as Roberta Guaspari in Music of the Heart or Katharine Graham in The Post. Streep has the rare talent of being loved and feared by us, often in the same movie.

2. Mike Myers

Mike Myers has pushed dual roles to the extreme edges of comedy. In the Austin Powers franchise, he plays both the suave hero and the bald villain Dr. Evil. Add on Fat Bastard, Goldmember, and even eight personas in The Pentaverate, and you can see why Myers is the sovereign of playing opposite sides with flair.

1. Heath Ledger

His Joker in The Dark Knight is indelible, perhaps the greatest villain of all time. But Ledger was also brilliant playing heroic characters like William Thatcher in A Knight’s Tale and Corporal Gabriel Martin in The Patriot. His ability to fully immerse himself in heroism and villainy alike made him a truly special artist.

Hollywood loves to cast out-of-type actors, and when it works, it’s cinematic magic. From studio-era risks to modern-day expensive blockbusters, the art of playing hero and villain shows the delight of excellent acting—and makes audiences guess on which side their favorite actor will land.

Amazon Prime Video is a leading platform offering an extensive range of high-quality movies to its viewers. Whether you are in search of a powerful Oscar-winning performance, are looking for a comedy to brighten your day, or want to dive into complex, genre-blending stories, Prime Video has got you covered. The service offers a wide variety of titles from gripping drama to hilarious sequel and brain-twisting anime. So, to help you sort through the vast sea of titles, here is a countdown of 14 exceptional movies available for streaming on Amazon that you simply cannot afford to miss.

14. Sound of Metal

Riz Ahmed is astonishing as Ruben, a heavy-metal drummer who suddenly loses his hearing. The sound design of this film is so enveloping, it more or less puts you in his head. With a scene-stealing performance by Olivia Cooke and a narrative that walks the line between heartbreak and hope, this is one of the most emotionally affecting dramas of the past several years.

13. The Report

Adam Driver leads this intense political drama as the man behind the Senate’s investigation into CIA interrogation tactics post-9/11. It’s a sharp, unflinching portrayal of truth-seeking amid government resistance—tight, timely, and incredibly well-acted.

12. One Night in Miami…

Regina King’s directorial debut is her imagining of an actual encounter between four icons—Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, Jim Brown, and Muhammad Ali. The movie takes place primarily in one room, embracing its stage-play origins but landing on big, powerhouse performances that feel anything but intimate. 

11. Thirteen Lives

Director Ron Howard dramatizes the terrifying 2018 Thai cave rescue with a suspenseful, true-to-the-events retelling. Viggo Mortensen, Colin Farrell, and Joel Edgerton head a star-studded cast in an edge-of-your-seat survival tale that will leave you gasping.

10. Coming 2 America

Eddie Murphy returns as King Akeem in this long-gestating sequel that plays to nostalgia but infuses it with new energy and a contemporary sense of perspective. It’s witty, clever, and a surprisingly good reboot of the original.

9. Nanny

Anna Diop leads this slow-burning, psychologically complex horror film about a Senegalese nanny trying to find her footing in NYC. Visually gorgeous and profoundly disturbing, Nanny employs genre to examine themes of immigration, motherhood, and survival with eerily intense claustrophobia.

8. Borat Subsequent Moviefilm

Sacha Baron Cohen’s ridiculous Kazakh reporter is back, this time with a teenage daughter and a task to skewer American culture—once again. It’s mad, cringe-making, and surprisingly touching, with a satirical sting that feels all too credible.

7. Shin Masked Rider

From Evangelion designer Hideaki Anno comes a dark, thoughtful reinterpretation of the original Japanese superhero. More visceral, more sinister, it’s a different trip for those who want something away from the standard Caped Crusader experience.

6. Red, White & Royal Blue

This delightful rom-com brings together the U.S. First Son and a British prince in a whirlwind romance filled with political intrigue, PR disasters, and swoony moments. It’s pure comfort TV—over-the-top, sweet, and impossible not to love.

5. A Million Miles Away

Michael Peña leads in this heartwarming true tale of José Hernández, a migrant farmworker who became an astronaut for NASA. It’s an inspiring, uplifting movie about determination, family, and the long journey to reaching your goal.

4. The Burial

Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones are a believable team in this incisive courtroom drama based on actual events. Combining humor and social commentary, The Burial is surprisingly sentimental—and Jurnee Smollett almost steals the film as a tough legal adversary.

3. Saltburn

Half black comedy, half psychological thriller, Saltburn is a twisted, dark story of wealth and obsession. Barry Keoghan is mesmerizing and disturbing to watch, and the visually distinctive film further enhances the creepy, voyeuristic atmosphere.

2. The Idea of You

Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine share undeniable chemistry in this romantic drama about a gallery owner who falls for a much younger pop star. It manipulates rom-com clichés but delivers a surprisingly mature interpretation of love, fame, and second chances.

1. Evangelion 3.0+1.0: Thrice Upon a Time

The epic final chapter to Hideaki Anno’s Evangelion saga is an emotional and visual assault on the senses. Brimming with jaw-dropping animation and weighty existential themes, this is a must-see conclusion for long-time fans—and a befitting conclusion to one of anime’s most beloved series.

Whether you’re looking for a deep-thinking drama, a psychedelic journey, or just something to make you laugh, Prime Video’s movie selection has it all for every type of film fan. Let your next marathon binge session start.