Let’s be real, when Hollywood stars are involved, it isn’t always the acting, style sense, or red carpet bling that we become addicted to. Sometimes, it’s the eyes. That one glance that pulls you in, paralyzes you in mid-scroll, or even inspires a beauty trend, it’s pure star magic. From striking greens to dreamy blue-greens, these are the 10 celeb peepers that have stunned fans and photographers alike.

10. Laura Prepon

Laura Prepon has a name with a very unusual character, which could be compared only to her eyes – they are superbly cut jade and sleek, beautiful, rich, and quite impossible not to notice. Laura as Donna on That ’70s Show or as Alex on Orange Is the New Black were lovable characters, but it is her green-eyed gaze that imparts to her characters a gentle toughness. Just imagine adding a little bit of mystery, and these eyes will be ones that people will not be able to forget.

9. Felicity Jones

Felicity Jones is not required to frequently exhibit her green eyes, which are calm but mighty, having an elegant warmth that comes through in everything she plays, from Rogue One to The Theory of Everything. She is a case in point of the fact that most compelling looks are not forced but are quietly alluring.

8. Lena Headey

There are only a few fathathich can hold a presence as strong as Lena Headey’s. Her green eyes, yes, sometimes blueish, are the perfect example they give for Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones. They are sharp, secretive, and full of passion – at each time they command.

7. Jenna Dewan

Jenna Dewan’s eyes are a beautiful combination of hazel and green, integrating earthy warmth with sparkle. No doubt, the energy and vigor of her eyes don’t let her go unnoticed in every appearance, whether it is a dance, a performance, or a simple shot for social media.

6. Elizabeth Olsen

Elizabeth Olsen has eyes that are a deep, rich, dark green, expressive, and in a flash, she can change her gaze from one of gentleness to one of terror. As Wanda Maximoff in the MCU, they are essentially a big part of her force that draws the audience directly to the ambiance of every scene.

5. Kristen Stewart

If you are to look into Kristen Stewart’s eyes once, you will be immediately captivated. Green and almond-shaped, they’ve got a mysterious, enigmatic vibe which fits perfectly with her on-screen persona. Whether she was being dramatic on The Twilight Saga or casually walking the red carpet in her trademark edgy style, most of the time, it appears to me that her eyes never lose their chill factor; it’s just effortless.

4. Amanda Seyfried

Amanda Seyfried’s pale green eyes look like something from another world; they are amazing. Her brilliant eyes would light up a Mamma Mia! musical or a dark one like Les Misérables. No other term but Ethereal can describe them.

3. Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson’s stare is a deep, brown-greenish that is very much a “classic Hollywood femme fatale” and is hard to forget. They are charming in Lost in Translation, sharp in the Avengers series, and ever-changing, which makes her one of the most long-term gaze faces in the industry.

2. Saoirse Ronan

The first thing that comes to one’s mind when looking at Saoirse Ronan’s eyes is their glazier ocean blue color. However, when the light touches them, one can spot some greenish spots as well. Their beauty is that of the supernatural, as if they had no time, and that’s why they are perfect for her versatile characters: from historical dramas to indie movies.

1. Emma Stone

Emma Stone’s gray-green eyes are the pièce de résistance. Depending on the direction of the light, they can be stormy gray one minute and bright green the next; thus, her eyes are very lively and unforgettable. Even if it is not when she is performing in La La Land or joking quickly in Easy A, those eyes are the ones that do it.

The cameras of Hollywood might be full of beauty, but some eyes are one of a kind; no, they are not unique, but they also set trends, keep fans obsessed, and make characters more memorable. Be it the depth of jade, the shine of hazel-gree, or the changeable nature of gray-green, these stars are the ones who remind us that eyes are the windows of the soul

Sci-fi is filled with gigantic franchises and blockbusters, but some of the best stories in the genre fly under the radar. These hidden gems show you don’t have to spend an enormous budget or feature endless explosions to tell a mind-bending, emotional, or straight-up fun story. From trippy time loops, space odysseys, and cult classics, check out these 15 underrated sci-fi movies that should be on your watchlist.

15. Infinity Chamber (2016)

A guy awakens in a clinical, AI-run prison with only a snarky computer to keep him company. Infinity Chamber is a psychological thrill ride in which memory and reality become intertwined. It’s spare but full of giant ideas about control and consciousness, a movie that’ll have you wondering what’s real well after the credits roll.

14. Love and Monsters (2020)

Who told us the apocalypse cannot be enjoyable? This creature-ridden journey follows a lovesick protagonist searching for his girlfriend among the mutated beasts overrunning the world. With heart, humor, action, and a scene-stealing canine, Love and Monsters shows sci-fi can be as thrilling as it is sweet.

13. The Endless (2017)

Two brothers go back to the cult from which they had escaped and find time loops and unsettling cosmic forces at work. Combining sci-fi, horror, and mystery, The Endless is creepy, mind-bending, and unforgettable a great choice if you prefer your tales drenched in existential horror.

12. Timecrimes (2007)

This Spanish thriller is a masterclass in suspense. When a man gets trapped in a time loop, each decision he makes unwinds into darker and more perilous repercussions. Clever, witty, and expertly paced, Timecrimes illustrates just how crazy time travel can become on a non-Hollywood budget.

11. Upgrade (2018)

A paralyzed man is given a sophisticated AI implant that transforms his body into the ultimate weapon. What begins as a revenge tale becomes a thought-provoking journey into free will, technology, and control. Brutal, chic, and darkly comedic, Upgrade is a cyberpunk masterpiece you won’t want to miss.

10. Aniara (2018)

When a colonist ship bound for Mars goes off course, its passengers face the terrifying reality of drifting endlessly in space. Based on a Swedish poem, Aniara is both visually stunning and emotionally crushing, tackling survival, hopelessness, and what it means to be human when there’s no way home.

9. The Vast of Night (2019)

Set in the 1950s, this low-burning mystery follows a switchboard operator and a radio DJ who stumble onto a strange signal that might be alien in origin. With retro vibes, sharp dialogue, and old-school suspense, The Vast of Night feels like a lost Twilight Zone episode brought to life.

8. Prospect (2018)

A dark space western featuring Pedro Pascal and Sophie Thatcher, Prospect follows a father-daughter team searching for valuable minerals on a perilous moon. Survival is all when everything that could go wrong does. Grounded world-building and great performances make it as tense as it is stunningly atmospheric.

7. Coherence (2013)

At a dinner party, a comet whizzes overhead and reality begins to shatter. Guests start slipping into parallel timelines in this high-concept, low-budget thriller. Coherence feeds on snappy writing and improvisation, making it one of the most disturbing journeys into parallel worlds ever to be screened.

6. Moon (2009)

Sam Rockwell is excellent in this chilling one-man play about an astronaut completing his moon mission until he meets another copy of himself. With an undercurrent of identity, isolation, and greed, Moon is a touching, elegantly constructed work of science fiction that suggests less can be more.

5. Looper (2012)

Time travel and noir collide in Looper, in which assassins kill their targets sent back from the future. It gets complicated when one looper (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) must eliminate his older version (Bruce Willis). Combining action with emotional complexity, Looper is inventive and profoundly human.

4. Silent Running (1972)

This ’70s sci-fi classic from George Lucas envisions a world where Earth’s vegetation has disappeared, surviving only in domes on a spaceship. Bruce Dern’s plant scientist goes to extreme lengths to safeguard them, presenting an effective tale of nature, loneliness, and optimism. It’s more relevant than ever today, decades on.

3. THX 1138 (1971)

Pre-Star Wars, George Lucas wrote this futuristic dystopia in which love is forbidden and people are tranquilized into submission. Austerely cold, unflinchingly stark, and well ahead of its time, THX 1138 is a daring work of movie-making and a terrifying vision of a humanless future.

2. Barbarella (1968)

Campy, vibrant, and completely one-of-a-kind, Barbarella takes Jane Fonda on a trippy space ride. With outrageous costumes, wacky set pieces, and unashamed audacity, it’s a cult favorite that’s as fun now as it was transgressive in the ’60s.

1. Another Earth (2011)

What if there was a replica Earth in the sky with another you on it? Another Earth does just that, asking the question through the eyes of a young woman trying to atone for tragedy. Poetic and emotional, it’s sci-fi at its most personal and heartfelt.

A few sci-fi films blow onto the screen with lasers and special effects. A few others creep into the periphery, but those are usually the ones that linger longest in your mind. These 15 hidden gems show that the greatest adventures to other worlds are the ones no one’s discussing.

Let’s be real: TV just wouldn’t be the same without those characters that have us yelling at the screen. The ones that get right under our skin, that annoy us, or even make us cringe at their expense, but we can’t help that, we still watch. They may be toxic, narcissistic, or just plain average, but their living is what keeps the drama going and the fandoms alive. So, let’s delve into the 10 most despised TV characters of all time, the ones we hate with a passion but at the same time can’t stop talking about and secretly enjoying their hate.

10. Ted Mosby (How I Met Your Mother)

Ted pretends that he is the ideal lover, but nine seasons of whining, showoff, and self-centeredness had a lot of the audience wondering how in the world anybody could stand him. Right, he is the “hero” of the story, but in fact, he is the exact opposite. Even Marshall wins the spotlight every time. No wonder Stella ran out the door. Ted kills the vibe.

9. Eric Forman (That’s 70s Show)

Red’s favourite joke to accompany his insult “dumbass” about Eric wasn’t far from the truth. From complaining that Donna was smarter than him to escaping to Africa only to return as if he had never left, Eric made it clear that he was one of the most boring and irritating of television’s main characters. Soft ego, your name is Forman.

8. Jim Halpert (The Office)

Initially, Jim was the ordinary guy in the midst of madness. But take a closer look, he’s a prankster who spends more time winking at the camera than doing work. When he was given a promotion to co-manager, he failed. Toss in how he sometimes left Pam to bear the brunt at home while he pursued his ambitions, and Mr. Perfect doesn’t seem quite so perfect.

7. Ross Geller (Friends)

Ross is neurotic, entitled, and always whiny. His romance with Rachel was a rollercoaster ride of toxicity, and let’s not forget his creepy student-dating years. Oh, and remember he’s a dad? Yeah, barely, since he’s so absent. The fact that he’s included in the friend group at all is like nepotism, thanks to Monica.

6. Ray Barone (Everybody Loves Raymond)

Ray is just a perfect example of “successful at work, useless at home.” Debra is the one who does all the parenting, and in the meantime, Ray makes fun from the sidelines and does not set any limits for his very controlling mother. He is really funny, yes, but Debra could have gotten a medal (and a vacation) for sure.

5. Beth Dutton (Yellowstone)

Beth has the traits of being callous, venomous, and unashamedly cruel, and some of her fans strangely admire these, while others utterly detest them. She ruins the lives of her victims, and quite often, just because she can. In case of sympathy from the viewer, she would be the most antagonistic one among TV characters and the most infamous of Taylor Sheridan’s works.

4. Skyler White (Breaking Bad)

There was no character in any show that was demonized unfairly more than Skyler White. The audience portrayed her as nagging or controlling, while in fact, she was confronting Walt’s lying and was not going to let him build his empire with her help. Anna Gunn, the one who played her, has pointed out that the backlash was more a reflection of stereotypes about women rather than the show itself. Skyler was not the problem; she was Walt’s mirror.

3. Sheldon Cooper (The Big Bang Theory)

Sheldon is friendly, awkward, narcissistic, and at times unbearable. He is funny in his neuroses and rituals, yet it is a bit painful to watch how his friends mock and ridicule with. He is the main reason the show lives on and is the most polarizing character, as he even provokes debates about how neurodivergent characters get depicted in television.

2. Marie Barone (Everybody Loves Raymond)

The nightmare mother-in-law at its worst. Marie cheats, calls names, and guilt-trips with Olympic precision, driving Debra to the edge. Still, she is also special and devoted in her own unique way. Doris Roberts did it so outrageously that people could not stop watching her terrible job performance.

1. Archie Bunker (All in the Family)

The very first TV bigot, Archie, was noisy, racist, and always stubborn in his views. Yet Americans still fell for him. Carroll O’Connor’s brilliant acting made Archie despicable and strangely lovable at the same time. He was a reflection of society’s biases, and maybe that is why he struck such a chord.

They are characters that television would not be the same without, from sensitive egos to outright villains. They stay with us because they are imperfect, complex, and way too human. They not only annoy and test us, but at times they even make us recognize the ones we know and the things about ourselves that we would rather not acknowledge. And that is the exact reason why we would not have such a nice show without them.

Hollywood has long been in love with bigger-than-life personalities, but for some actresses, their star power matches their size—literally. While showbiz has traditionally obsessed over a very specific appearance ideal, these women have made height an asset, dominating the screen and shattering myths. From just reaching the 6-foot barrier to reaching skyscraper heights, here’s a countdown of the industry’s tallest leading ladies.

15. Ann Coulter – 6’0″

More famous for her biting political commentary than for acting, Ann Coulter has still appeared on the screen a few times, such as in Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! and Real Time with Bill Maher. Her height is just one of the many reasons she’s impossible to ignore.

14. Geena Davis – 6’0

Beginning as a model, Geena Davis won an Oscar and became a star of classics such as Thelma & Louise, Beetlejuice, and The Fly. She’s acknowledged that her height singled her out as a child—something she wasn’t necessarily comfortable with—but which later served as part of her authoritative on-screen presence.

13. Cathy DeBuono – 6’0″

Actress and trained psychotherapist Cathy DeBuono has played roles in independent films such as Crazy Bitches and Snapshots. Her dramatic height has become a highlight in every production she’s worked on. 

12. Saffron Burrows – 6’0″

From Deep Blue Sea through Troy to You, Saffron Burrows’ tall appearance has been a boon in a range of roles, from high-level action to brooding drama.

11. Terry Farrell – 6’0

Remembered by Star Trek loyalists as Jadzia Dax on Deep Space Nine, Terry Farrell also played Becker and Hellraiser III. Her lanky, graceful build was part of her sci-fi appeal.

10. Jerry Hall – 6’0″

Jerry Hall’s height made her a force to be reckoned with on the catwalk before she made the move to acting in Batman and Running Out of Luck. Her career has always been bigger than life—just like her build.

9. Allison Janney – 6’0″

Awards winner Allison Janney has appeared on screens in The West Wing, Mom, and I, Tonya. She has claimed that her height made it difficult to secure early roles, but she soon found her niche—and dominated it.

8. Famke Janssen – 6’0″

Before X-Men’s Jean Grey and GoldenEye’s Xenia Onatopp, Famke Janssen was a Vogue model. Though her height sometimes led to typecasting, she’s leaned into her magnetic on-screen presence.

7. Kristen Johnston – 6’0″

Two-time Emmy winner Kristen Johnston, best known for 3rd Rock from the Sun, has long joked about the attention her height attracts, saying, “When you’re that tall, people talk about it all the time.”

6. Jane Lynch – 6’0″

Jane Lynch’s height complemented her legendary role as Sue Sylvester on Glee, which won her an Emmy. She’s also been on Only Murders in the Building and lent her voice to beloved cartoon characters.

5. Brooke Shields – 6’0″

From teen model to television and film star, Brooke Shields’ height has never been far from her persona. She has acknowledged that it hasn’t always been simple to find clothes and scene partners to fit her frame.

4. Sigourney Weaver – 6’0″

Sigourney Weaver’s imposing stature assisted in redefining women in action roles—most notably as Ellen Ripley in Alien. Although it’s claimed to have cost her leading romantic roles at times, it also solidified her place in sci-fi legend. 

3. Brigitte Nielsen – 6’1″

Actress-turned-model Brigitte Nielsen brought her towering height to Red Sonja and Rocky IV. She’s fully accepted her height, referencing photographer Helmut Newton: “You can never be tall enough.”

2. Janet McTeer – 6’1″

British actor Janet McTeer has ruled stage and screen in shows such as Ozark, Albert Nobbs, and The Woman in Black. She used to be self-conscious about her height, but now considers it one of her best features.

1. Gwendoline Christie & Elizabeth Debicki – 6’3″ (Tie)

Gwendoline Christie, unforgettable as Game of Thrones’ Brienne of Tarth and Star Wars’ Captain Phasma, admits she used to be self-conscious about her height but now flaunts it.

Elizabeth Debicki, who has starred in The Crown, Tenet, and The Great Gatsby, confesses that she used to slouch to fit in—before she discovered that standing tall was her superpower.

Bonus: Lindsay Kay Hayward – 6’8″

Lindsay Kay Hayward, a.k.a. Isis the Amazon, is the tallest actress in Hollywood. Appearing on Grey’s Anatomy and My Tall Life, she has experienced unusual challenges in dating and working as an actress because of her unusually tall height.

From directing battle scenes to making red-carpet appearances, these women demonstrate that height can be an asset in a career in Hollywood. In a world fixated on appearance, they’ve taught us that being tall—both figuratively and literally—is something to brag about.

Sometimes the best love stories aren’t written—they just occur. Hollywood is full of romances where actors transitioned from co-stars to soulmates, showing that movie magic can turn into something much larger. From flings that fizzled out to marriages that lasted for decades, these couples remind us that movie magic doesn’t always end when the cameras cease rolling.

15. Jennifer Lawrence & Nicholas Hoult (X-Men: First Class)

Before she became Katniss, Jennifer Lawrence was Mystique—and developed a crush on her X-Men: First Class co-star Nicholas Hoult. Their lighthearted romance lasted a couple of years, and despite breaking up in 2015, they’re still buddies. 

14. Dev Patel & Freida Pinto (Slumdog Millionaire)

Their movie dominated the Oscars, but the actual award was in finding each other. Dev and Freida were dating for six years, keeping things relatively low-key but staying warm when seen together. Although they’ve now parted ways, their fans love their tale.

13. Andrew Garfield & Emma Stone (The Amazing Spider-Man)

Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy’s chemistry extended beyond the screen. Andrew and Emma were dating for four years, and even though they broke up, they remain best friends to this day. Their on-screen chemistry remains one of Hollywood’s most delightful “Spidey” legacies.

12. Miley Cyrus & Liam Hemsworth (The Last Song)

What began as a Nicholas Sparks beach rom-com became almost a decade of highs and lows, a marriage, and a tabloid breakup. Theirs wasn’t a love that was meant to last, but it’s sure not one to forget.

11. Amanda Seyfried & Dominic Cooper (Mamma Mia!)

Singing ABBA hits in the Greek sunshine, Amanda and Dominic fell head over heels while shooting Mamma Mia! They were dating for nearly three years before reuniting for the second film—showing exes can remain friends (and still slay a duet). 

10. Channing Tatum & Jenna Dewan (Step Up)

From the set to the real world, Channing and Jenna’s on-screen chemistry was undeniable. They got married, had a daughter, and although they’ve divorced since then, they’re still dedicated, co-parents.

9. Kit Harington & Rose Leslie (Game of Thrones)

Jon Snow and Ygritte’s explosive romance spilled over into real life, resulting in a castle wedding and two children. From snowy sets to domestic bliss, their love story is one for the books.

8. Ryan Gosling & Eva Mendes (The Place Beyond the Pines)

Ryan and Eva’s movie kiss grew into one of Hollywood’s most low-key but long-lasting romances. Today, married with two daughters, they have maintained their romance sweetly off the radar.

7. Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds (Green Lantern)

The film failed, but the romance triumphed. Blake and Ryan’s chemistry blossomed into a wedding, three daughters, and a fourth on the way. Their lighthearted social media spats make them Hollywood’s best-loved couple.

6. Jesse Plemons & Kirsten Dunst (Fargo)

Life imitated art when Jesse and Kirsten portrayed a married couple in Fargo. Their on-screen chemistry translated to real life, and they got married in 2022. They’re the epitome of quirky, indie royalty.

5. Tom Holland & Zendaya (Spider-Man: Homecoming)

Beginning as friends, Tom and Zendaya gradually transitioned from co-stars to one of Gen Z’s most beloved power couples. They remain under the radar, but each red-carpet sighting melts the internet.

4. Dax Shepard & Kristen Bell (When in Rome, CHiPs)

It didn’t work at first, but when it did, there was no going back. Dax and Kristen are married, parents, and well-known for being honest about relationships.

3. Freddie Prinze Jr. & Sarah Michelle Gellar (Scooby-Doo)

Their initial encounter was on I Know What You Did Last Summer, but it was Scooby-Doo that sealed their relationship. Married since 2002, they’ve established one of Hollywood’s few long-lasting marriages.

2. Rose Leslie & Kit Harington (Game of Thrones)

Yes, they deserve a second shoutout—because not many TV romances have translated into as lasting a real-life love story. From Westeros to wedded bliss, their journey is fantasy-meets-reality.

1. Ryan Gosling & Rachel McAdams (The Notebook)

More iconic doesn’t exist. Although they argued initially, Ryan and Rachel’s passionate chemistry in The Notebook became an actual romance. Their MTV “Best Kiss” scene remains legendary, and their love story—even a short one—remains timeless.

Hollywood might be full of scripts and special effects, but sometimes the best romance is unscripted. These couples remind us that love doesn’t just happen in the movies—it happens because of them.

Hollywood comes together annually for the most celebrated night of the year: the Academy Awards. It’s a combination of elegance, anxiety, and the absolute unpredictability of a live broadcast. However, the presence or absence of a host is what can either uplift or destroy the whole evening vibe. Some joke and gleam, and others fall so terribly that their names are still mentioned amongst the examples of hostile reactions. Since the scars are almost 100 years old, let’s revisit the five worst and the five best hosts, along with the 2025 show, which has revealed the extent of the change needed.

The 5 Worst Oscar Hosts

5. James Franco & Anne Hathaway (2011)

The two stars of Hollywood who were going to rise the next time got together to win over the young adult character audience, but as a result, it was a failure. Franco was to the point, and it seemed like he wanted to go back to bed, while Anne had to fight with her all-night excess of motion just to make it through. Instead of supporting one another, they were so different that it was torture to watch their interaction.

4. David Letterman (1995)

Letterman’s deadpan works on late-night television, but on the Oscars? No way. His “Oprah, Uma” gag instantly flopped as soon as it was thrown, and the rest of the show never got back on track. Even Letterman later stated it was a failure.

3. Neil Patrick Harris (2015)

Despite his Broadway success, Harris’s hosting of the show was a flop. His jokes went too far into rudeness, and when he made a joke about a winner’s dress after she got very sad because her late son was mentioned, he immediately stopped. Neither his wit nor his affability could rescue him from the embarrassment of the evening.

2. Chevy Chase (1988)

Chase started with “Good evening, Hollywood phonies,” and the audience got very quiet. Then, with some poorly taken jabs at the writers’ strike, the night was downhill from there. As one would guess, Chase was not asked to come back again.

1. Seth MacFarlane (2013)

MacFarlane began with “We Saw Your Boobs,” a tune that offended almost everyone in the room and particularly in light of the content of some of the movies. Throw in low blows at stars Jennifer Aniston and Chris Brown, and his set was called cruel and tone-deaf by critics.

The 5 Best Oscar Hosts

5. Ellen DeGeneres (2014)

During her second term, Ellen realized the perfect combination: gentle, fun humor, and one viral moment that summed up the evening. Her A-list group selfie broke the record for the most retweeted photo ever and made it clear that the Oscars could prosper in the age of social media.

4. Jon Stewart (2008)

Though Stewart’s first performance was not very successful, he came back stronger with more wit and insight. He mocked politics and Hollywood with minimum effort and won over the crowd’s hearts when he brought Markéta Irglová on stage to finish her acceptance speech.

3. Whoopi Goldberg (1994, 1996, 1999, 2002)

The first Black and first solo female host was nobody but Whoopi. Using her charm, wit, and memorable outfits, do you recall Queen Elizabeth I’s dress? She preserved the position as one of the most amusing hosts in the history of the Oscars ceremony.

2. Billy Crystal (1990–2012)

Not many were like Crystal, who took on challenges with great success. By means of musical parodies, sarcastically delivered jokes, and the timing that was so exact it was virtually scientific, he led nine unforgettable nights. His 1998 show attracted the highest number of viewers for an Oscar night broadcast.

1. Bob Hope (1940–1978)

Simply put, the best. Hope was on stage as the host 19 times, more than any other host. His suave one-liners and his showbiz charm made him a Hollywood legend for many years after. Even when given a special medal for service, he couldn’t resist kidding: “You couldn’t tip me or anything, huh?”

The 2025 Oscars: Conan O’ Brien’s Debut

Conan O’ Brien was the host this year, and he didn’t let us down. Using his usual combination of sarcasm and absurdity, he disparaged the event with very effective insults and seemed not to care about the failures. At one time, he even joked that Harry Styles wrapped up a marathon faster than the show.

Nevertheless, even though O’ Brien’s mockery was always appreciated, the gala appeared to be lacking. Odd choices, such as an extremely long James Bond tribute when no Bond movies had been released lately, and a very brief David Lynch recognition during the In Memoria, highlighted the alienation theme. The winners were aligned with daring, futuristic filmmaking, while the telecas looked as if it were stuck in another era.

Scientology has been one of the most discussed — and most contentious — belief systems of Hollywood for decades. Some celebrities attribute their lives to it, while others were at the forefront of scandals that revealed its seedy underbelly. From blockbuster legends to television stalwarts, these are 12 celebrities who have been closely associated with the Church of Scientology.

12. Tom Cruise

When it comes to Scientology in Hollywood, Tom Cruise is the one. Introduced in the late ’80s by his first wife, Mimi Rogers, Cruise claims that the Church cured his dyslexia and spurred his success. He’s referred to it as “a beautiful religion” and has been one of its loudest champions. His commitment is so strong that some members apparently view him as a savior. Nevertheless, his strong connection to the Church has been attributed to the collapse of his marriages to Nicole Kidman and Katie Holmes, the former allegedly fleeing to protect their daughter from Scientology’s control.

11. Danny Masterson and Family

That ’70s Show star Danny Masterson was raised in a Scientology family and was vocal in his endorsement of the Church. But his trial on criminal charges brought an unsavory light to that relationship: Masterson was found guilty of two counts of rape and sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. Victims said Scientology had protected him, and the Church has been accused of attempting to silence accusers. His brothers — Alanna, Christopher, and Jordan — continue to be members, although their father, Joe Reaiche, has said that they were “brainwashed” against him when he left the Church.

10. Emily Armstrong

Emily Armstrong, who now leads Linkin Park, was born into Scientology. Her family was an active member, and she attended high-profile events as a child. Armstrong once stood by Danny Masterson at an initial court appearance but then went on to distance herself, stating she regretted it when further information came to light. Now, she has denounced abuse and sympathized with victims, and some fans even interpret attacks on Scientology hidden within her Dead Sara lyrics. Her current status with the Church is uncertain.

9. John Travolta

John Travolta joined Scientology in 1975 and often credits the faith with helping him through personal tragedies, including the death of his son. While he tends to keep his beliefs private, he defended the Church against criticism after Leah Remini’s documentary, saying it had supported him for decades. Some speculate he pulled back after his wife, Kelly Presto, ’s cancer battle, since Scientology’s founder opposed chemotherapy.

8. Elisabeth Moss

Mad Men and The Handmaid’s Tale actress Elisabeth Moss doesn’t talk much about her affiliation with Scientology, even though she was born into the religion. When a fan once likened the Church to the dystopian state featured in her television program, Moss was adamant that values such as religious freedom and equality were at its core. Opponents say Scientology’s behavior is more often the opposite. 

7. Catherine Bell

Most famous for Army Wives, Catherine Bell has publicly defended Scientology. She has countered that most of the criticism is based on misconceptions and invites people to read L. Ron Hubbard’s Dianetics themselves before judging. 

6. Jason Dohring

Veronica Mars star attributes his success to Scientology, which he was introduced to through his father. According to Dohring, religion is misunderstood by outsiders who make judgments based on secondhand information and not personal study.

5. Jenna Elfman

Jenna Elfman, best known for Dharma & Greg, has been a proud Scientologist since 1990. She asserts it provides her with energy, happiness, and balance in life.

4. Giovanni and Marissa Ribisi

Identical twins Giovanni and Marissa Ribisi grew up in the Church. Giovanni, who is best known for Friends and Avatar, has stood up for his beliefs as private and useful to him. Marissa, on the other hand, was wedded to musician Beck, who was linked with Scientology for years, too.

3. Erika Christensen

Parenthood actress Erika Christensen was raised in Scientology and explained the challenge of raising a child within the faith, noting that it’s a practice, not a belief.

2. Michael Peña

Actor Michael Peña, who has appeared in American Hustle and The Martian, has credited a Scientology program, Study Tech, as helping him with reading skills and enhancing his acting. 

1. Nancy Cartwright

The voice of Bart Simpson, Nancy Cartwright, has long been a member of the Church and one of its largest financial supporters, giving over $20 million. She has spoken of being honored by Scientology in the past as “the most beautiful acknowledgement” she had ever experienced.

From megastars such as Tom Cruise to the favorite TV voices like Nancy Cartwright, Scientology’s power within Hollywood can’t be denied. To some, it’s a haven of comfort and achievement. To others, it’s been at the center of scandal and controversy. In either case, these individuals illustrate just how far the Church’s influence goes into the industry of entertainment.

Let’s be real: a sci-fi epic is only as good as its bad guys, and Planet of the Apes has presented us with some of the most intriguing villains in the history of the big screen. From brutal gorilla warlords to human villains with consciences and angry bonobos, the villains of this franchise are more than cardboard figures. They’re multidimensional, sometimes likable, and always fun to watch. Here’s our countdown of the 13 most memorable villains the Apes universe has ever unleashed.

13. Aldo

In Battle for the Planet of the Apes, Aldo is the brutish gorilla leader who represents force over diplomacy. He’s not the most profound character in the franchise, but his choice to violate the sacred law “ape shall not kill ape” is a turning point with monumental repercussions. Flat or not, Aldo has a lasting impact on ape history.

12. Steven Jacobs

The face of corporate evil in Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Jacobs (David Oyelowo), is unbridled greed. Gen-Sys CEO approves the experiments that cause the Simian Flu and Caesar’s rebellion. Cold, calculating, and quick to use violence, Jacobs receives a brutally appropriate demise at Koba’s hands. 

11. John and Dodge Landon

The Landons, father-and-son team, manage the ape sanctuary in Rise. John is flippant, but Dodge (Tom Felton) is simply cruel, taking pleasure in bullying Caesar and the other chimps. Dodge’s sadism makes him one of the series’ most punchable villains, and his gruesome death is pure poetic justice.

10. Governor Kolp

First appearing in Conquest and becoming a mutant leader in Dragon, Kolp evolves from whiny bureaucracy to battle-crazy human general. Far from the most fearsome of villains, his combination of campiness and desperation lends an oddly appealing flavor to the franchise’s latter-day installments.

9. Governor Breck

Breck in Conquest of the Planet of the Apes is cruel, with no subtlety. A brutal dictator, he feeds on manipulating and dehumanizing apes. His iron fist incites the revolt, and his destruction feels both earned and inevitable. In the uncut conclusion, he gets what’s coming to him at the gorillas he tyrannized.

8. Thade

Tim Roth lays it all on the line as General Thade in Tim Burton’s 2001 remake. He’s ruthless, volatile, and totally dedicated to eradicating mankind. Though the movie as a whole is polarizing, Roth’s bestial energy makes Thade unforgettable, one of the only positives of the reimagining.

7. General Ursus

Ursus, of Beneath the Planet of the Apes, is the embodiment of warmongering. His iconic quote, “The only good human is a dead human,” encapsulates him to a tee. Blustery, single-minded, and belligerent, Ursus is not subtle, but his aggressive militarism is instrumental in leading the planet headlong into apocalypse.

6. Dreyfus

Gary Oldman’s Dreyfus in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is a complex antagonist. He’s a human commander, battle-scarred, and he will do anything to preserve what remains of humanity. His willingness to die demonstrates both his determination and his terror of the apes’ ascension. Oldman’s performance lends Dreyfus a tragic quality.

5. The Colonel

Woody Harrelson’s Colonel in War for the Planet of the Apes is as menacing as he is obsessed. Determined to thwart Caesar and his ilk, he’s so dedicated that he’s willing to kill his own son to keep the Simian Flu from spreading. Harrelson acts him with equal parts menace and warped zeal, making the Colonel one of the series’ greatest villains.

4. Dr. Otto Hasslein

In Escape from the Planet of the Apes, Dr. Hasslein (Eric Braeden) is a character who thinks he is doing the right thing by stopping ape rule before it starts. His methods of killing Zira and her son are repugnant, but they are driven by fear. In attempting to save the human race, he ensures Caesar’s ascendancy.

3. Proximus Caesar

The franchise’s latest bad guy is the new face of villainy in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes: Proximus (Kevin Durand), a bonobo tyrant with ambitions grander than his name. He enslaves ape clans and covets human technology, but also thinks he’s laying the groundwork for a more powerful future for apes. Charismatic and ruthless, Proximus brings a new depth of complexity to the franchise’s rogues’ gallery.

2. Dr. Zaius

Half scientist, half religious leader, Dr. Zaius is the ideal early franchise bad guy. He conceals humanity’s history to preserve apes’ futures, performs a lobotomy on Taylor’s friend, and upholds his society’s dogma with unyielding passion. But there’s sympathy in his reasons; he genuinely believes he’s saving his people. His combination of wisdom, arrogance, and fear is indelible.

1. Koba

No Apes saga villain possesses Koba’s depth. A bonobo traumatized by human brutality, Koba begins as a survivor and ally who becomes Caesar’s most lethal enemy in Dawn. His animosity toward humans is understandable, but his treachery, assassinating Caesar, killing his own kind, and causing war solidifies him as the franchise’s all-time greatest villain. Brought to life by Toby Kebbell’s haunting motion-capture performance, Koba is terrifying and tragic.

From fascist gorilla generals to scientists with ambitions for power and vengeful apes, Planet of the Apes never held back on memorable villains. Not only what makes them unforgettable is their danger, but it’s also how they make us grapple with fear, power, survival, and cruelty.