Disney’s animated canon is one for the books, but let’s be honest: the spotlight doesn’t always go to the brightest. While the stage was being taken by Frozen and The Lion King, quite a few films got left behind—either they were overshadowed, misunderstood, or just a little too quirky for their time. These films are the secret treasures that lie within the Disney vault and are certainly worthy of another glance. From number ten, let’s start the countdown.

10. Raya and the Last Dragon

It’s almost shocking how quickly this one got overlooked. Released in 2021, Raya and the Last Dragon wowed with its gorgeous visuals, slick action sequences, and heartfelt story about trust and unity. Yet thanks to Encanto dominating the cultural conversation, it never really got its due. If you’re a fan of fantasy adventures (or dragons), don’t sleep on this Southeast Asia–inspired gem.

9. Bolt

A superhero dog who doesn’t recognize his abilities is staged? That’s the set-up for Bolt, a witty 2008 adventure that blends Hollywood spoof with coast-to-coast sentiment. John Travolta narrates the befuddled puppy, Miley Cyrus voices his owner, and miraculously, it all succeeds. The critics adored it, but it seldom gets spoken of as one of Disney’s big guns—time to correct that.

8. Brother Bear

This beautifully hand-drawn Disney “in-between” film might not have received the same attention as Mulan or Tarzan, but it’s full of heart. Joaquin Phoenix plays Kenai, a young man who’s transformed into a bear by magic, and now must navigate the world in new ways. With sweeping vistas, a soulful Phil Collins score, and themes of brotherhood and respect for the natural world, this one needs more love.

7. Treasure Planet

A steampunk retelling of Treasure Island in space? Absolutely. Treasure Planet paired innovative animation with a surprisingly emotional father-son relationship, but it tanked at the box office. It’s since developed a devoted cult following—and deservedly so. This film was far ahead of its time.

6. Atlantis: The Lost Empire

Another attempt from the early 2000s, Atlantis replaced the songs with a futurist pulp tone of sci-fi action. The angular lines (courtesy of comic book artist Mike Mignola) and multicultural, offbeat cast lent it a unique flavor that Disney doesn’t often revisit. It wasn’t exactly a box-office winner, but to many fans, Atlantis is the pinnacle of underrated Disney.

5. The Emperor’s New Groove

This film wasn’t meant to be a comedy, but praise be, it turned out to be one. With David Spade’s snarky Kuzco, John Goodman’s down-to-earth Pacha, and Eartha Kitt’s crazed Yzma, The Emperor’s New Groove is Disney in its funniest and most meta form. Once underrated, it’s now gaining meme status—but still has the right to stand among Disney’s greatest comedies.

4. Oliver & Company

Before The Little Mermaid ushered in the Disney Renaissance, there was this hip ’80s reinterpretation of Oliver Twist. With a sassy kitten, a pack of dogs, and Billy Joel providing the voice of the always-cool Dodger, Oliver & Company is full of charm. The jazzy score and New York City backdrop make it a retro time capsule to revisit.

3. The Great Mouse Detective

This wry mystery may not be the most obvious Disney movie, but it was a significant stepping stone for the studio. With Basil of Baker Street (Disney’s take on Sherlock Holmes) and Vincent Price as the nefarious Ratigan, it’s clever, suspenseful, and culminates in a jaw-dropping Big Ben battle that combined traditional animation with early CGI. 

2. Robin Hood

Fox Robin Hood, wisecracking Prince John, and a supporting cast of forest outlaws—what’s not to adore? Robin Hood from Disney wasn’t a critical smash at its release, but its lighthearted charm and memorable songs have earned it some serious staying power. It’s a lazy, enjoyable, and relentlessly watchable retelling of the legend.

1. The Aristocats

Cats in Paris playing jazz? Winning formula already. The Aristocats was a success when it was originally released in 1970, but it’s been eclipsed over the years by newer, glitzier names. That’s too bad, because with the frolicking kittens, the chic animation, and Thomas O’Malley’s cat-cool stride, it’s one of Disney’s most charming happy-sappy movies.

So next time you’re scrolling Disney+ and feel like you’ve seen the usual suspects a hundred times, give these underrated gems a shot. They may not have the same fame as the blockbusters, but they’ve got heart, charm, and a unique place in Disney’s history.

Let’s be honest, if you are a science fiction fan and a Peacock subscriber, then you are the owner of an extraordinary collection of weird, thrilling, and mind-expanding movies. If you want it, the invading aliens, the rebellious automatons, or the galaxies that seem to defy physics, then Peacock is the place to be. So switch off the lights, grab your popcorn, and here is a countdown of the 15 best sci-fi movies to watch on Peacock from today, still going from the universe to love and ending with a sudden journey into the utterly bizarre, one by one.

15. Upside Down

Ever dreamt of a world where gravity is selective? Upside Down plunks you into a twin-galaxy universe where matter adheres only to its native world, and traversing the gap might result in spontaneous combustion. Jim Sturgess and Kirsten Dunst play star-crossed lovers bucking the laws of physics in this visually breathtaking, jaw-dropping romance.

14. Mystery Science Theater 3000

Alright, technically a television show, but seeing Joel and the bots riff on some of the all-time worst movies ever created is sheer sci-fi bliss. From Mitchell to Pod People, MST3K makes cinematic bombs into comedy gold—a must-see for fans who like to laugh at anarchy.

13. Men in Black

Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones are the undercover agents protecting Earth from extraterrestrial freaks. Half comedy, half action, half alien spectacle, Men in Black is a genre classic with intergalactic spice—and yes, you can go ahead and dive into the sequels as well.

12. Jaws

Yes, technically a thriller, but Steven Spielberg’s Jaws borders on sci-fi conjecture with its shark-transformation premise. With suspense, lines that are instantly iconic, and unforgettable scenes, this movie will make you reconsider your next beach vacation.

11. Dredd

Karl Urban’s 2012 Dredd is the dark dystopian vision that fans have always dreamed of. Judges handing down instant justice in a future world, Dredd must take on a drug lord who controls a 200-story complex. Non-stop action, top-notch world-building, and Lena Headey’s villain make this a contemporary sci-fi classic.

10. Dante’s Peak

A traditional disaster movie with a science fiction spin: Pierce Brosnan swaps gadgets for a seismometer to alert a town of an erupting volcano. There are explosions, lava, and “I told you so” melodrama, and it’s a hot thrill ride.

9. Europa Report

A manned expedition to Jupiter’s icy moon uncovers a buried ocean—and maybe extraterrestrial life. As the expedition goes from promising to horrifying, Europa Report serves space exploration with an ample dose of existential horror.

8. Turbo Kid

Post-apocalyptic mayhem collides with ’80s nostalgia in Turbo Kid, where a Power Glove-wearing teenager battles tyrants and befriends endearingly eccentric robots. Michael Ironside’s scenery-stealing villain, Zeus, and the retro aesthetic make this a gory, adrenaline-fueled acid trip.

7. Apollo 18

What if NASA’s aborted moon missions were covering up a dark secret? Apollo 18 employs found footage to reveal astronauts discovering lunar terror no one should ever have witnessed—ideal for viewers of sci-fi paranoia and moon-powered thrills.

6. Donnie Darko

Jake Gyllenhaal plays a rebellious teenager who receives a visit from a giant, time-traveling rabbit foretelling the end of the world. Tangent worlds, existential crises, and multiple viewings that fuel late-night arguments make Donnie Darko a cult sci-fi classic.

5. Aliens Abducted My Parents and Now I Feel Kinda Left Out

Small-town teenagers Calvin and Itsy battle alien enigmas during comet season in this sweet, coming-of-age science fiction. It’s quirky, offbeat, and unexpectedly down-to-earth given the space-faring premise. 

4. The Fifth Element

Luc Besson’s sci-fi extravaganza whisks you away to the 23rd century and has Bruce Willis’s Korben Dallas and Milla Jovovich’s Leeloo rescue the world from ultimate evil. Interstellar politics, flying cars, and a “fifth element” of disorganization conspire to make it genre madness at its best.

3. Transformers

Michael Bay’s explosive remake brings Autobots and Decepticons to life. Humongous robot battles rule, and while the story is pushed into the background, the raw spectacle is pure popcorn fun.

2. Terminator 2: Judgment Day

James Cameron’s sequel ups the ante with a liquid-metal T-1000 and its heroic T-800 counterpart. Fast-action-packed sequences, suspenseful drama, and Arnold Schwarzenegger in top form make T2 a sci-fi masterpiece that surpasses the original.

1. Annihilation

Alex Garland’s Annihilation descends into the Shimmer, a landscape on Earth that’s been transformed by alien forces. Scientists lose their grip on reality, and the world—and thes—bend in horrifying, stunning ways. It’s a sci-fi exploration of humanity and the unknown, unforgettable from beginning to end.

Whether you’re in the mood for existential terror, epic combat, or a hint of cosmic romance, Peacock’s sci-fi collection has it. Buckle up—it’s going to be a bumpy ride.

Let’s face it: stars are often the centre of attention, but character actors are those who quietly come in, steal the show, and make you wonder, “What is that character they?” They might not always have big names, but they are the ones that hold the plots – the characters you support when you see them. The list includes 10 such scene-stealing character actors who have the power to steal the scene from TV and film, from the less-known faces of the television industry to the most charming triple-threat actors of Hollywood.

10. Lorraine Toussaint

No actor owns the screen more naturally than Lorraine Toussaint. She can make every moment feel larger—whether she’s dismantling villains on Law & Order or emitting danger as Vee on Orange Is the New Black. With awards behind her and a career that spans decades, she’s one of TV’s most reliable scene-stealers.

9. Stephen Tobolowsky

You may not know his name, but you recognize his work. From Chipper Needlenose Ned Ryerson in Groundhog Day to Sammy Jankis in Memento, Tobolowsky has perfected the knack of being memorable in small spurts. He is the ultimate “that guy,” and you can bet that if he appears, you’ll remember the scene.

8. Jennifer Coolidge

Jennifer Coolidge doesn’t merely act roles—she inhabits them. From Stifler’s Mom in American Pie to Tanya in The White Lotus, she combines ridiculous comedy with unexpected nuance. She’s evidence that character actors are capable of becoming cultural symbols, and her recent award wins confirm the world has finally reached a point of catching up to what fans never doubted: she’s in a league of her own.

7. Lance Reddick

When Lance Reddick was on-screen, you couldn’t take your eyes away. Cedric Daniels (The Wire) was made unforgettable with his gravitas, Papa Legba (American Horror Story) was brought to new heights with his quiet menace, and his poise as Charon in John Wick was absolute perfection. He possessed the very rare ability to make authority magnetic, and his loss is sorely felt.

6. Kathryn Hahn

Few actors are as adept at comedy and drama as Kathryn Hahn. She can be side-splittingly hilarious (Step Brothers) and heartbreakingly earnest (Transparent)—sometimes in the same sentence. And naturally, she’s gifted the MCU one of its greatest villains with Agatha Harkness. Whatever the part, Hahn makes it memorable.

5. Walton Goggins

Walton Goggins has charisma to spare, and he employs it to play some of the wildest, most unpredictable characters out there. From the roguish Boyd Crowder in Justified to the plotting Baby Billy in The Righteous Gemstones, he excels in roles that teeter on the edge of being dangerous and comedic. He’s never dull, and that’s why viewers adore him.

4. Bill Camp

Bill Camp has made a living on subtlety. He’s the actor who brings gravity to every scene he appears in, whether he’s on The Night Of, The Queen’s Gambit, or a dozen other high-end shows. His characters are real, tired, messy, and complex in a way that lingers long after the credits roll.

3. Michael K. Williams

Michael K. Williams revolutionized television with Omar Little on The Wire. What was potentially a stereotype turned into one of the greatest, most complicated, and lovable characters in television history. Williams infused every role with vulnerability, charisma, and unflinching honesty, leaving the world with a legacy that transcends being called a “character actor.”

2. Beth Grant

Beth Grant is the epitome of a character actor: you might not always know her name, but you never forget her acting. From the nosy neighbor in Donnie Darko to scene-stealing appearances in The Mindy Project, she’s a master at playing characters that are both familiar and just slightly off-kilter. Every show she appears on is better for it.

1. Stephen Root

If there is a hall of fame for supporting actors, Stephen Root should have an entire wing dedicated to him. From Milton in Office Space to Jimmy James in NewsRadio, from voicing dozens of animated shows, Root has done it all. Comedy, drama, villains, eccentrics—he inhabits every role as if it were his favorite. When he is part of the cast, you know you are in good hands.

Character actors don’t always get the glory, but they’re usually why we’re even remembering the story in the first place. These actors show that it’s sometimes the best thing about a movie or television program that isn’t the main star—it’s the one that quietly comes in, gets the moment right, astealsole it.

Apple TV+ is a more modest service than Netflix and Disney+, and it will never pamper you with a vast number of programs or a feeling of familiarity that you might get from them. But it still is a stylishly elegant option that, from time to time, shines in quality, and most of the time is a delight in its very own way. One of the main reasons for the successes of Apple’s films, and also the main celebs of their film line-up, which are movies that actually make you think, and could be called minimal effect in a bright or even in an opposite direction, are: Emmy-winning dramas, difficult but interesting science fiction, touching documentaries, and odd comedies. So get your favorite snack and drink and prepare to discover the 9 best movies streaming on Apple TV+, starting from the newest must-see releases and then going backwards to the modern-day classics.

9. The Instigators (2024)

Once more, the brilliant Matt Damon and the talented Casey Affleck pool their powers to produce yet another master heist comedy that takes place in Boston and is part doom, part wonder. Doug Liman (director) presents us with a story of two guys who, in almost all aspects of incompetence, pull off a terribly bad, and at the same time, spectacular robbery. There is this hasty, shambolic energy that the film brings with it as if, among a cast of Hollywood legends, like Hong Chau, Ron Perlman, and Jack Harlow, one is just about to have a little bit of witty fun. And along with that, the Damon-Affleck repartee is always there to cheer up the slow storyline. Misunderstandings, indeed, can be very funny sometimes.

8. The Gorge (2025)

In case you are into love stories that are mixed with action and science fiction, then The Gorge is definitely a heart-pounding ride for you. The on-screen love affair between Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy, both sharpshooters, is as perfect as the very things they fall into the mysterious gorge. Scott Derrickson (Doctor Strange) is the director of an idea-driven romantic tale that is filled with suspense and delight and is a bit of cosmic mystery as well.

7. Deaf President Now! (2025)

The film is a very emotional and foremost a very real documentary that marks the Gallaudet University rebellion back in 1988, a turning-point event when Deaf students fought against and won the right to a Deaf president. The doc, by means of its archive footage and amusing and engaging soundscapes, conveys well the barrenness, friendship, and determination of a group of people who had altered the course of history. It teaches, it touches activism at its most primal human form.

6. Bread & Roses (2024)

Malala Yousafzai and Jennifer Lawrence have made a powerful documentary called Bread & Roses, which is an intense, heart-rending cry from the women of Afghanistan against the Taliban and their oppression. It is a bold, extremely personal, and deeply moving film about the fight for freedom under the most hideous circumstances. The brave women are very good, but the movie is a hard watch in certain places.

5. Fancy Dance (2024)

Lily Gladstone amazes once more as Jax, a woman who not only looks for her lost sister but also. The Native American reservation, where she takes care of her niece, is her second home. The director, Erica Tremblay, assisted by the elements of mystery and emotional drama, is basically weaving a complicated story about family, heritage, and humanity’snever-giving-upp spirit. The film has loads of talent and is quite close to being one of the most underrated Apple TV+ classics.

4. Blitz (2024)

Steve McQueen’s Blitz is a superb, poignant World War II epic delivered through the vision of a young boy who finds himself lost from his mom (Saoirse Ronan) amidst London’s bombardment campaign. Due to McQueen’s deeply cinematic vision and fact-based foundation, the film marries high drama with empathy. It’s epic, tear-jerking, and indelible.

3. Girls State (2024)

To begin with, this is a documentary narrative that stands as an ideal pairing to the movie Boys State since it tracks the girls from the state of Missouri as they build their imaginary government ground up. The movie is informative, humorous, and inspiring, and it shows how young women perceive leadership, politics, and power these days. Apart from that, it is an easy civics lesson and a preview of future change-makers in action simultaneously.

2. Flora and Son (2023)

John Carney, who directed Once and Sing Street, returns with another musical that made audiences feel good. The plot tracks Eve Hews, a mother from Dublin, performed by Eve Hewson. Following her estrangement from her son, she resolves to learn music so that she may be close to him once again. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, her virtual guitar teacher, accompanies her for a rescue. Flora and Son is a sweet, funny, and poignant movie that explores second chances, love, and music as a strong force for redemption.

1. Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)

One of Martin Scorsese’s masterpieces is the true and terrible story of the Osage Nation killings in the 1920s in Oklahoma. The film, which is just to mention a few things, is a piece of history and a delight to the visual and sound senses with the powerful acting of Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone, and Robert De Niro. It is the calm power of Gladstone’s acting, which still brings to mind the desperation of the movie, so sad and yet so unavoidable, that most of all stays with you.

Although Apple TV+ does not have a place for a large number of titles, it can be described as a channel that is well-renowned for films of the highest quality from all genres. These nine films that have been discussed are evidence that the streamer can offer you a blend of genres and maybe even your next favorite film if you want to laugh, cry, or be amazed by the art of filmmaking.

Let’s face it: discovering a film that the entire family actually enjoys is essentially a superpower. With fussy children, restless teenagers, and adults attempting to keep their eyes open, family film night can be an Olympic endeavor. Fortunately, Peacock has become a treasured haven for all-ages crowd-pleasing films that have you laughing, feel good, and perhaps even forgetting to check your phone. So stock up on the popcorn (and perhaps a few snacks that aren’t dinosaur-shaped), and let’s count down the 10 greatest family and crowd-pleasing films currently streaming on Peacock in reverse order, because suspense enhances everything.

10. The Croods (2013)

Think your family is nuts? Meet the Croods, prehistoric specialists at overreacting and holding on for the wildest rides. As this cave-dwelling family searches for a new home, they find themselves facing bizarre beasts, stunning vistas, and sweet moments. Hilarious, hectic, and even surprisingly sentimental, it’s the ideal choice when you’re in the mood for laughter with a large dose of heart.

9. Migration (2023)

This delightful animated escapade features a family of ducks migrating south for the first time, and, of course, things do not quite go as planned. It’s colorful, hilarious, and full of life lessons about bravery, teamwork, and family. With stunning animation and an adorable cast of bird heroes, Migration is a new favorite of all ages.

8. Sing 2 (2021)

If your living room regularly doubles as a karaoke stage, this one’s for you. Sing 2 takes Buster Moon and his crew to the next level as they try to pull off the ultimate performance. The soundtrack slaps, the visuals shine, and the energy never dips. You’ll laugh, you’ll hum along, and you’ll definitely have “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” stuck in your head by the end.

7. Hotel Transylvania (2012)

Monsters can get their party on, too. In this wacky animated spoof, Count Dracula operates an upscale resort for goblins and ghouls until a hapless human stumbles into the mix. The outcome? Utter monster chaos, wrapped around an unexpectedly cute tale of father-daughter bonding. It’s creepy, goofy, and repeat-watching to infinity.

6. Megamind (2010)

What if the bad guy does come out on top? Megamind provides the answer with a good dose of humor and heart. Will Ferrell is the voice of the blue-hued “villain” who discovers being bad isn’t all it’s cracked up to be without a hero to battle. Clever, hip, and bursting with clever surprises, this is a winner for kids and adults alike who enjoy a twisty genre flip.

5. Despicable Me (2010)

Gru and his banana-appreciative Minions are contemporary cartoon legends for a reason. Halfway between wonderful and funny, Despicable Me tells the story of a supervillain who gets accidentally pregnant and finds his humanity in the process. With Gru’s deadpan sensibility and the Minions’ mayhem, this is a surefire crowd-pleaser. 

4. Minions (2015)

If you simply can’t have enough of those little yellow chaos agents, this spin-off is gold. The origin story of Minions reveals how Kevin, Stuart, and Bob go about finding the ideal evil boss to work for, with characteristically absurd consequences. It’s colorful, crazy, and a deal background for a family night in.

3. Shrek (2001)

Fairy tales will never be the same again since Shrek. With its winking humor, endearing misfits, and all-time excellent soundtrack (“All Star,” yes), this film strikes the perfect balance between child-friendly and adult-intelligent. Shrek and Donkey’s swampy quest of self-discovery remains fresh to this day, and yes, as quotable as you’d remembered.

2. The Bad Guys (2022)

A team of animal villains is determined to reinvent themselves, perhaps. Half heist movie, half redemption arc, The Bad Guys is slickly animated, crackling dialogue-edged, and hipster comic-book cool. There’s action for the youngsters, humor for the grown-ups, and plenty of heart to win us all over.

1. The Harry Potter Series (2001–2011)

When in doubt, head to Hogwarts. The Harry Potter films are the ultimate comfort watch, full of magic, friendship, and just enough danger to keep everyone glued to the screen. Whether you’re introducing your kids to the Wizarding World or revisiting it for the hundredth time, these movies never lose their spell.

Peacock may not brag about it, but its roster of family classics is simply staggering. From animals who can talk to wizards and wrongly accused villains, there’s something here for every mood and every demographic. So pick up the remote, lower the lights, and get cozy because family movie night just got a heck of a lot easier.

Let’s face Netflix has made us serial re-writers. Whether you like heartwarming rom-coms or high-energy action, the original movies and shows seem to be almost engineered for “just one more watch.” Some titles simply pull you back in with their charm, twists, or pure entertainment value. Grab some snacks (or two), get cozy, and get ready to dive into the top 10 Netflix originals fans can’t quit watching.

10. Do Revenge (2022)

Mean Girls with an edge. Do Revenge is a wickedly snappy teen satire that takes the look of Clueless and Heathers and adds a contemporary, unflinching spin. Drea Torres and her new friend partnering up for some tasty revenge is great for whip-smart banter and unexpected twists. The nods and subtle burns are worth watching again just to get the ones you missed the first time around.

9. Extraction (2020)

Chris Hemsworth plays a mercenary on an all-out rescue mission across Mumbai, and the result is unadulterated, adrenaline-pumping action. The infamous long-take sequence is enough to become a rewatch legend on its own. With stunts, fight choreography, and pacing that require repeat viewings, it’s one you can stick on whenever you’re in the mood for a dose of adrenaline.

8. The Killer (2023)

Directed with minute attention to detail, The Killer follows an experienced assassin whose flawless routine unravels after a single error. Every frame is layered with detail-so much so that a second or third viewing feels almost required. Every time, you’ll catch something you didn’t catch: a hidden clue, a slight gesture, or a perfectly timed bit of dark humor.

7. Leave the World Behind (2023)

A holiday vacation that went wrong. A cryptic hack. Strangers in your house. This gripping thriller flips everything upside down in the last act. The conclusion recontextualizes the entire story, so re-watching becomes finding the golden nugget of every little clue that you didn’t catch the first time. It’s a page-turner the first time through and even more fascinating the second.

6. Don’t Look Up (2021)

This scorching, surreal comedy about two astronomers attempting to alert mankind to impending doom pays off on more than one level. The initial viewing is a wild ride; the second is where the satire, commentary. Each scene lands differently after you know how things turn out.

5. Nimona (2023)

Vibrant, colorful, and very emotional, Nimona is a cartoon adventure that has something to say. Its messages about identity and acceptance are all wrapped up in humor, action, and stunning visuals. The chemistry between Nimona and Ballister Boldheart is undeniable, so it’s the sort of movie you can watch again with new eyes and still be moved.

4. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)

Six tales, six moods. The Coen Brothers’ western anthology allows you to choose your favorite chapter or revisit them all. From singing gunfights to creepy stagecoach rides, there’s always something new to appreciate in the performances, dialogue, and rich detail of each story.

3. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)

Sometimes you just need a movie that’s like a warm blanket. Lara Jean and Peter Kavinsky’s adorable, cringey, and heart-skipping romance is reassuringly comforting. It’s the best go-to when you require a shot of feel-good charm, or simply need to relive the butterflies of first love.

2. The Babysitter (2017)

Equal parts horror and comedy, this blood-soaked gem turns the babysitter cliché on its head. Samara Weaving delivers an unforgettable performance as Bee, whose wholesome image hides a deadly secret. Over-the-top kills and outrageous humor make it a midnight-movie staple you’ll find yourself quoting.

1. Red Notice (2021)

Headlining the list is the action-comedy extravaganza featuring Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot. It’s packed with globe-trotting heists, witty banter, and non-stop action set pieces. It isn’t about awards nor critics’ adoration—it’s about clean fun, the kind that encourages you to watch it a second time just for giggles and chemistry.

Of course, one reason these shows keep us engaged is how Netflix presents them. Autoplay, recommendations based on our tastes, and rapid access to favorites render it well-nigh impossible to slip into a binge. And there’s a thrill—scientists claim repeated viewing can release feel-good brain chemicals, making us desire more. So, whether you’re hitting play for the first time or the fifth, some titles just never lose their spark. And on Netflix, that’s by design.

Let’s be real—Gwyneth Paltrow is one of Hollywood’s most fascinating contradictions. She’s an Oscar winner, a rom-com sweetheart, a Marvel mainstay, and the founder of one of the most divisive lifestyle brands on Earth. Whether you’re rolling your eyes at her Goop wellness claims or secretly admiring her performance in Shakespeare in Love, there’s no denying that Paltrow’s career has been as unpredictable as it is impressive. So grab a cup of herbal tea (preferably infused with moon dust, if you’re going full Goop) and let’s count down the 10 best films that prove why Gwyneth remains one of Hollywood’s most intriguing stars, love her or not.

10. Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004)

Gwyneth’s body of work is full of surprises, but few as delightful as this. In Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, she’s Polly Perkins, a gutsy reporter caught up in a crazy pulp-inspired realm of robot aircraft and vintage sci-fi bedlam. Paltrow’s snappy dialogue and screwball delivery are a delight against Jude Law’s vintage hero posturing, taming the movie’s stylized insanity. It’s bizarre, it’s beautiful, and it’s unlike anything she’s ever done.

9. Contagion (2011)

Paltrow’s on-screen time in Steven Soderbergh’s pandemic thriller is short but indelible, largely because her character is patient zero. Her premature departure sparks the whole worldwide panic, and she sells it with unnerving verisimilitude. When the world experienced a real-life pandemic many years later, Contagion turned eerily prescient, and Gwyneth’s performance seemed all the more iconic in retrospect.

8. Hard Eight (1997)

Before becoming tied to upscale candles and wholesome living, Paltrow honed her skills on scrappy indie dramas. In Paul Thomas Anderson’s Hard Eight, she stars as Clementine, a casino waitress with quick edges and vulnerability that make her impossible to ignore. The romance she has with John C. Reilly provides the film with its emotional pulse, and it’s one of those early performances that subtly intimated her legitimate acting ability.

7. Great Expectations (1998)

Alfonso Cuarón’s updating of Dickens’ classic presents us with Paltrow in full style mode—as Estella, the ice queen who keeps Ethan Hawke’s Finn forever on his toes. Wearing sleek green and oozing cool indifference, she adds glamour and subtlety to the character. It’s the ’90s look condensed into a single film, and Gwyneth embodies it wholeheartedly.

6. Se7en (1995)

It’s easy to forget that one of Paltrow’s most haunting performances came in one of the darkest thrillers ever made. In David Fincher’s Se7en, she plays Tracy Mills, the emotional center of a world drowning in brutality. Her quiet, tender scenes with Morgan Freeman bring humanity to the horror, and her devastating fate gives the film its unforgettable sting.

5. Two Lovers (2009)

In James Gray’s sad romance, Paltrow is Michelle, a troubled woman caught up in Joaquin Phoenix’s emotional turmoil. It’s not exactly a love story—it’s gritty, somber, and starkly real. Paltrow is warm and fragile in the role, a reminder that she shines when she’s portraying fallible, very human characters.

4. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

Margot Tenenbaum is peak Wes Anderson, mysterious, eyelinered, and eternally sorrowful. Paltrow’s deadpan reading and understated intensity are the emotional center of this quirky family dramedy. Her slow-motion reunion with Luke Wilson, to Nico’s These Days, is one of the most treasured scenes in indie film history. Margot is not so much a character as she is a cultural mood.

3. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)

Few movies are as effective at conveying glamour and fear as The Talented Mr. Ripley. As Marge Sherwood, Paltrow exudes sympathy and suspicion, anchoring the film’s psychological tension. Her increasing awareness of the real state of affairs about Matt Damon’s Ripley is cold in its restrained quietness. It’s one of her more under-appreciated performances, elegant, subtle, and shattering.

2. Emma (1996)

Prior to Bridgerton bringing period charm into fashion, there was Emma. Paltrow’s portrayal of Jane Austen’s interfering matchmaker is breezy, witty, and completely charming. Her rapport with Jeremy Northam is pure gold, and she electrifies every line. It’s the movie that established her as Hollywood royalty, demonstrating she could pull off a classic with wit and brains.

1. Shakespeare in Love (1998)

The part that established her career, and, for good or ill, the one she’ll be remembered for. Paltrow is vivacity, elegance, and a touch of magic as Viola de Lesseps in this romantic era dramedy. The Oscar campaign for the movie may have been chaotic, but not her performance here; she’s riveting from beginning to end. Whether you think she deserved her Oscar or not, there’s no questioning that Shakespeare in Love is Gwyneth at her brightest.

Paltrow’s on-screen career is far from the extent of her work. Since then, she’s become a wellness empire builder, rebranding celebrity entrepreneurship in the form of Goop, to both acclaim and outrage. Whether she’s hawking jade eggs or co-starring as Pepper Potts in Iron Man, Gwyneth Paltrow remains of interest because she has never hesitated to change, to baffle, or to provoke. Love her or eye-roll her, there’s no one else like her. And these 10 movies are evidence that under the headlines, the products, and the parodies, there’s a woman who’s left her mark on contemporary Hollywood.

Let’s get real: pop culture just wouldn’t pop the same without the women who’ve dominated the charts, shifted the game, and provided us with indelible anthems. From the record-spinning legends to the streaming-age powerhouses, female artists have curated the soundtrack of our lives, one reinvention at a time. But who really wears the crown when it comes to international music sales? Plug in your headphones and cue the nostalgia—these are the 10 best-selling female music artists of all time.

10. Beyoncé – 109 Million Equivalent Album Sales (EAS)

Beyoncé doesn’t merely rule the world; she’s ruled the music world since her Destiny’s Child days. With 44 million albums sold and a staggering 164 million digital singles, her career is a template for transformation. From the incendiary Crazy in Love to the genre-bending Lemonade, Bey continues to meld pop, R&B, and visual art into a social phenomenon. Even her streaming footprint is massive, more than 40 million EAS—testifying that her catalog’s power only intensifies with the passage of time.

9. Adele – 116.2 Million EAS

Adele might only have four records, but she’s sold as if she’s put out forty. Her second album, 21, didn’t merely dominate charts—it became a phenomenon, selling close to 55 million EAS all by itself. Tracks like Rolling in the Deep and Someone Like You turned heartbreak into an art form and her voice into a global balm. With 116 million EAS to her credit, Adele is living proof that feeling and genuineness never go out of fashion.

8. Britney Spears – 122.5 Million EAS

When Britney exploded onto the scene in 1999, pop music was transformed overnight. …Baby One More Time heralded the beginning of a reign that produced Oops! … I Did It Again, Toxic, and hundreds more such classics. With 81 million album sales and 83 million digital singles, Britney became a cultural reference point. For all the personal turmoil and court battles, her legacy lives on—her hits remain stocked in playlists and her impact heard in each new crop of pop artists. 

7. Rihanna – 127.7 Million EAS

Rihanna is raw hit-making power. From Pon de Replay, she’s released hit after hit—Umbrella, We Found Love, Diamonds, Work. She has a whopping 258 million digital sales (the highest recorded for a woman) and 15 million in albums, in addition to 58 million from streaming alone. Even with her turn to fashion and beauty, her music empire persists online, demonstrating that when RiRi releases something, the world pauses to hear.

6. Barbra Streisand – 154 Million EAS

Long before pop divas were a notion, there was Barbra Streisand. With a voice that epitomized several generations, she’s recorded No. 1 albums in six decades—a record. Her 91 million record sales and enduring standards such as The Way We Were and Evergreen reflect a career founded on sheer artistry. Streisand’s talent to blend Broadway majesty with pop sophistication makes her one of music history’s most lasting icons.

5. Whitney Houston – 161.3 Million EAS

Whitney Houston’s voice wasn’t only strong—it was otherworldly. Her first and second albums established the pattern, but The Bodyguard soundtrack propelled her superstardom to the stratosphere, with I Will Always Love You becoming the quintessential power ballad. She’s sold over 113 million studio albums and almost 50 million physical singles, making her one of the best-selling vocalists in history. Whitney’s impact still resonates through almost every singer who came after.

4. Mariah Carey – 196.5 Million EAS

Mariah Carey can’t just sing-she operates. From her 1990s debut through the eternal holiday anthem All I Want for Christmas Is You, Mariah’s career has been one of record-breaking milestones. With 122 million album sales, 81.5 million digital singles, and more than 15 million EAS from streaming, she’s the rare artist to dominate across every format. Her five-octave range and songwriting talent have cemented her as pop royalty, with chart stats to match.

3. Céline Dion – 201.9 Million EAS

Céline Dion has forged an empire on feeling and belt-work vocals. Her 136 million album sales and 40 million on compilations and live releases indicate the worldwide extent of her catalog. My Heart Will Go On is still one of the most recognizable songs ever recorded, while her French-language output, including D’Eux, the best-selling album in the history of France, demonstrates her broad-based appeal. Even in poor health, her voice and legacy remain inspiring.

2. Taylor Swift – 237.9 Million EAS

Taylor Swift has made reinvention a business model, and a phenomenally successful one. She began as a country teen and is now one of the strongest players in contemporary music. With 65 million albums sold and 165 million digital tracks, her figures are astronomical, and streaming alone contributes an additional 133 million EAS. With Folklore, Midnights, and Taylor’s Version re-recordings, she’s owned charts and headlines both. Taylor’s not a part of pop culture—she is pop culture.

1. Madonna – 252 Million EAS

Madonna is still the Queen of Pop, undisputed. With 146.5 million sales of albums, 64.4 million of compilations and live albums, and 75.2 million physical singles, she dominates every measurement. From Like a Virgin and Vogue to Ray of Light and Confessions on a Dance Floor, Madonna has always remade herself while keeping it fresh. Her impact pervades—in fashion, images, and audio.

Others will probably challenge her one day, but for the time being, she remains the template. What truly separates these women from the rest isn’t just the numbers—it’s their ability to adapt, experiment, and connect. From vinyl to TikTok, they’ve conquered every era of music while shaping the industry itself. As streaming reshapes how success is measured, new names will rise, but these ten trailblazers remain the gold standard for what it means to be an icon.