Succession didn’t merely provide us with a fresh TV fixation—it essentially rewrote the storied prestige drama formula. Few series have managed to outdo in such equal measure biting satire, cutthroat family feuds, and guffaw-inducing dysfunction. With the Roys’ final curtain call, you might find yourself in need of something more of that dark, acerbic comedy inflected with power dynamics. Don’t fret, I’ve got you sorted. These are 10 TV shows that share the same wickedly humorous, brutally intense DNA, all the way down to the biggest family disaster of all. 

10. The Morning Show

Think of this as Succession’s network-TV relation. Backing the bright surface of breakfast television is a whirlwind of scandals, betrayals, and ambition. The Morning Show lives off the muck of media empires, with characters clawing tooth and nail for control of the spotlight. If you’re missing Succession’s boardroom showdowns, you’ll get plenty of drama here.

9. Empire

Suppose the Roys were a hip-hop dynasty rather than a media conglomerate. That’s Empire in a nutshell. Lucious Lyon makes his sons fight each other for control of his record label, while Cookie Lyon steals every scene with her sass and fire. It’s Shakespearean meets soap opera, with music and swagger to spare.

8. Six Feet Under

A family melodrama in which death is quite literally the family business. The Fishers own a funeral home, but the true narrative of Six Feet Under is their dysfunction, secrets, and crisis of existence. It’s odd, it’s hilarious, and it’s heartbreaking, frequently within the same episode. If Succession made you hungry for more emotional gut shots delivered via dark comedy, this one’s a must.

7. The Great

Take all of Succession’s scheming, backstabbing, and playing for power and place it in an 18th-century Russian court. Elle Fanning is terrific as Catherine the Great in this offbeat, satirical period drama. History is secondary to nasty wit and ridiculous drama, and it’s every bit as tasty as it sounds. 

6. Industry

If Succession were set among twenty-somethings in finance, it would be very much like Industry. Based in the ruthless London banking environment, it’s full of betrayals, ambition, and careerists who are willing to do anything to be successful. Sharper suits, quicker backstabs, and all the emotional damage that goes with pursuing power come to mind.

5. House of Lies

Corporate greed is given a cool, cynical twist on House of Lies. Don Cheadle plays a group of consultants who’ll do whatever it takes to embezzle clients (and one another). It’s glossy, quick-talking, and unapologetically messy, great if you find yourself missing seeing good people make poor decisions. 

4. Veep

Before Succession, Veep mastered the art of acid-tongued put-downs and political stabbing in the back. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is compelling as Selina Meyer, a Vice President (and then President) whose staff is as screwed up as the Roys. It’s wittier, dumber, and even nastier in its banter. If you enjoyed Succession’s snark, this is your next destination. 

3. The Righteous Gemstones

Swap corporate boardrooms for megachurch pulpits and you’ve got The Righteous Gemstones. This televangelist dynasty thrives on scandal, greed, and ridiculous amounts of family drama. With Danny McBride’s absurd humor and John Goodman’s gravitas, it’s a perfect blend of satire and family meltdown.

2. Billions

If Succession is a game of chess, Billions is a cage match. Bobby Axelrod and Chuck Rhoades are locked into a struggle of money, influence, and ego. Jammed with stinging dialogue and constant betrayals, it scratches the same high-wire drama and messed-up ambition itch.

1. Arrested Development

The original dysfunctional family sitcom. The Bluths don’t control a billion-dollar business, but their delusion, selfishness, and insanity equal the Roys. Arrested Development takes slapstick, quotable dialogue, and character-based calamities and mashes them all together into a timelessness that makes it infinitely rewatchable. If Succession is prestige mayhem, this is chaos comedy, and just as great.

Succession might be over, but the world of dark comedy, family drama, and shameless power plays is alive and thriving. Dive into any of these shows, and you’ll feel right at home in the chaos.

Heroes are really only very memorable because of the villains that stand in their way. Marvel Cinematic Universe gave us a whole gamut of villains, starting from the simply bad ones to the intricately developed antagonists, who even almost take over the movie. Some of them were sorrowful, some were terrifying, and some were so interesting that you found yourself almost rooting for them (almost). After countless debates, re-watches, and fan conflicts, here is my ranking of the 15 greatest MCU villains, going up from “quite good” to “totally legendary.”

15. Obadiah Stane (Iron Man)

Right from the get-go, Jeff Bridges has been the benchmark for MCU antagonists. Stane, who was initially Tony Stark’s business partner but later became the sinister mastermind, had a dual character of being cordial on the surface but absolutely terrifying under it. Though he wasn’t the most powerful enemy, his treachery became the basis of Marvel’s fondness for intimate, personal combat situations.

14. The High Evolutionary (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3)

The villain Chukwudi Iwuji does not need a tragic background; he is simply wicked from the start. Fixated on the idea of producing “perfect” creatures, he coldly conducts experiments on the helpless ones. His unfeeling despotism makes him one of the most unsettling villains in the Marvel universe.

13. Agatha Harkness (WandaVision)

The moment Kathryn Hahn revealed her masterstroke and her quirky theme tune, fans took to her immediately. Agatha, who is campy, witty, and manipulative, not only hijacked the show for herself but also gave the MCU one of its most easily memed episodes.

12. Helmut Zemo (Captain America: Civil War, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier)

Zemo, portrayed by Daniel Brühl, proves that you don’t necessarily need powers or otherworldly gadgets to be deadly. He is powered by rage, yet through cleverness and stoicism, he manages to take down the Avengers, and that is exactly what elevates him to a higher league.

11. Namor (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever)

Namo, played by Tenoch Huerta, is not evil just for the sake of it. What he wants is a king who rules over a country that he knows very well will do dharma, but he will take care of his people first and foremost, even if it involves violence. Conflicted, mesmerizing, and caught between duty and disorder, Namor leaves a mark.

10. Mysterio (Spider-Man: Far From Home)

Just by means of his deceptive, charming, and cunning nature, Jake Gyllenhaal creates a perfect Quentin Beck character. Quickly becoming an illusionist because of a grudge against Stark, cutting-edge Gyllenhaal illusions are some of the most beautiful sequences to be found in the MCU. He is a traitor whose treachery cuts like fire.

9. The Winter Soldier (Captain America: The Winter Soldier)

Bucky Barnes turned into an assassin without his memory. It’sis a scary thought. Covered in black and fighting at the top of his rage with brutal efficiency, the Winter Soldier is a villain in a tragic mask and a character that fans cannot dislike at the same time.

8. Green Goblin (Spider-Man: No Way Home)

Willem Dafoe is not just another version of Norman Osborn but a better one. Mad, cunning, and destructively merry, his comeback was another of Elder Spider-Man’s nightmares. Dafoe’s performance is the wildest form of chaos at its peak.

7. Hela (Thor: Ragnarok)

It is through her over-the-top and unstoppable acts that Hela is the ultimate scene-stealer whose power-hungry sister Charlize Theron tries to outdo. She shatters Mjolnir, wipes out comically huge forces, and looks dead good while doing it. 

6. Wenwu (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings)

Wenwu is one of the MCU’s complex villains thanks to Tony Leung. A cruel warlord who was also the grieving husband and the caring father, Wenwu’s actions scared and saddened the audience. He leaves us with the memory that the villain can break your heart.

5. Agatha Harkness (once again, because she always deserves it)

Yes, Kathryn Hahn’s performance is so excellent that it gets a second mention. With her humor, menace, and charisma, she’s indelible, and the fact that she’s getting a spin-off of her own speaks volumes.

4. Scarlet Witch (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness)

Elizabeth Olsen brings Wanda to life as one of the scariest Marvel villains. Ravaged by loss, she ravages universes in search of her kids. Tragic and terrifying, Wanda is a reminder of how thin the line between hero and villain can be.

3. Killmonger (Black Panther)

Michael B. Jordan’s Erik Killmonger is Marvel’s most sympathetic villain. His suffering is real, his rage is legitimate, and his test makes Wakanda transform. His dying words are the MCU’s most chilling.

2. Thanos (Avengers: Infinity War / Endgame)

Josh Brolin’s Mad Titan is the definitive endgame nemesis. Calculating, composed, and completely convinced of his purpose, Thanos is a chilling combination of philosopher and despot. His snap not only destroyed the heroes, but it also reshaped the entire MCU.

1. Loki (Thor, The Avengers, Ragnarok, Infinity War, Loki)

Tom Hiddleston’s Loki is the crown jewel of Marvel. Troublesome, tragic, and perpetually intriguing, he’s the rare bad guy who becomes so much more. Whether plotting for power or meandering toward redemption, Loki is the one villain that fans can’t help but love.

From divine-level tyrants to clever manipulators, the MCU has presented us with villains as complex and interesting as its heroes. But Loki, Thanos, and Killmonger serve as a testament that, occasionally, it is the bad guys we will remember the most.

Willem Dafoe’s actions are definitely not just acting; he’s a whole cinematic experience. Seeing him once can scare you, and at another time, simply amaze you with his warmth. Over the span of almost 150 movies, Dafoe has become a performer whose work is hardly definable – drifting between the worlds of the experimental festival, blockbuster, and everything in while. For cinephiles, he’s not an actor, he’s a phenomenon.

Willem Dafoe is quite a fan of the global filmmaking marteau technique, constantly collaborating with some of the most brilliant directors worldwide. If we try to examine the latest works in Asteroid City, The Boy and the Heron, and Poor Things, it is confirmed that Dafoe is still at his peak. Coming soon? Werwulf with Robert Eggers, Kinds of Kindness with Yorgos Lanthimos, Viggo Mortensen’s The Dead Don’t Hurt, and even a fresh take on A Christmas Carol. He seems to be unfamiliar with the phrase time off.

10. Poor Things (2023)

Dafoe is both repulsive and endearing as peculiar scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter. The actor made the unusual character of a scientist who revives Emma Stone’s Bella Baxter both haunting and fascinating. Dafoe was also nominated for a SAG, and then again, he showed his ability to be the anchor even in the most bizarre scenarios.

9. At Eternity’s Gate (2018)

Willem Dafoe gives the most heartfelt and vulnerable depiction of Vincent Van Gogh. Instead of observing the actor work, you get the feeling of witnessing van Gogh’s troubled psyche directly. This got him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and firmly established his gift for portraying the afflicted human condition.

8. The Florida Project (2017)

As Bobby, manager of the motel in Sean Baker’s indie treasure, Dafoe is uncommonly tender. He’s the unobtrusive guardian of children raised in poverty on Disney World’s outskirts, keeping the movie rooted with compassion and elegance. The performance earned him an Oscar nomination and a reminder to viewers that he can burn as brightly with warmth as with danger.

7. Shadow of the Vampire (2000)

Dafoe goes all in on the strange, acting Max Schreck in this darkly comedic take on Nosferatu. The greatness of his performance is the balance, bone-chilling but somehow amusing, dedicated to the bit in each movement. His performance here earned him another Supporting Actor nomination.

6. Antichrist (2009)

Few actors would risk going where Dafoe goes in Lars von Trier’s unnerving psychological horror. Playing a therapist attempting to treat his bereaved wife, he gives a clinical yet heartrendingly exposed performance. It’s one of his most daring, most divisive performances.

5. Spider-Man (2002)

As Norman Osborn, a.k.a. the Green Goblin, Dafoe has created one of the most iconic comic-book villains of all time. His frenzied-eyed vitality and dual-personality acting, particularly that iconic mirror scene, have become instant classics. Coming back to the role in No Way Home decades on only confirmed his place within comic-movie lore.

4. To Live and Die in L.A. (1985)

One of the first times where Dafoe’s extraordinary talent shone through was in a very early film, To Live and Die in L.A., where he played the counterfeiter Eic Masters with calm terror. His classy, unemotional behavior took the movie beyond the common crime-thriller level and made it possible for the audience to understand that Dafoe is a real actor who will surprise us with his next works.

3. Mississippi Burning (1988)

 Unlike Gene Hackman, Dafoe plays a strictly moralistic FBI agent, Alan Ward, who investigates murders committed to foment racial hatred in the Deep South. In the storyline, he performs with a strong, calm voice of reason that can bring the film several Oscar nominations. He leaves the audience gasping at his power even in less demanding roles.

2. The Lighthouse (2019)

 Absolutely, this is a Dafoe off the leash. As the one of a kind Thomas Wake, he starts with the usual skirmishes with Robert Pattinson, but soon turns it into a battle of madness and lost faculties. His over-the-top acting skills, his frenzy, and his bare vulnerability make this a performance that will not be forgotten.

1. Platoon (1986)

Still, after all these years, Dafoe’s performance as Sergeant Elias is considered one of the best in the history of cinema. In Platoon, he is the moral center of a horrendous war, and his death scene, although he is assassinated by the people with whom he fights, embraces, and selflessly dies, visually brings the power of cinema to the forefront of the world’s consciousness. So, besides him being turned into a star by the role, it also set the level for his entire acting career.

From spooky artists to merry menaces, from grand war epics to dreamlike horrors, Willem Dafoe is the epitome of range. One thing is for sure: whenever he takes his place on screen, you can bet your bottom dollar you’re in for something unforgettable.

Nollywood is really making waves right now, and Netflix is definitely the venue where it is getting the most attention. If you have ever been through the process of endlessly scrolling through Netflix for hours without being able to decide what to watch, here is a very convenient way of looking at it: the industry of Nigerian movies is the source of the most fascinating, funny, and touching stories not only in Africa but also all over the world. So, if you are a movie fanatic or just in need of a refreshing and totally African genre, these Nollywood movies have already been waiting for you to start watching. Here is a top 10 list of Nollywood movies that are currently the best ones, and you can find them only on Netflix.

10. The Griot (2021)

The Griot (2021) delves into and unravels the power, love, and hate within the small Wakajaye village. Lakunle is depicted as a gifted but slightly shy storyteller, who lets his dominating friend Sanmi not only take over his tales but also his affection, that is, Tiwa. The cheating of the storyline and the fight to make your dream come true are the themes of the movie, that coincidentally Adedimeji Lateef and Temiloluwa Fosudo perform as the two characters. It is an extremely modern fable, but it also has a universal Nigerian soul.

9. Swallow (2021)

Kunle Afolayan’s Swallow tells the story of the 1980s. The Lagos setting, with its music, fashion, and tension, is depicted in the movie. Eniola “Niyola” Akinbo casts Tolani as a secretary who is going through a tough time as she is being targeted and facing systemic corruption. A friend provides Tolani with an opening into the drug trade, and only then does he face the choice of betraying his principles or simply surviving. It is based on the novel by Sefi Atta, and the plot is mainly about the struggle to achieve one’s ambition and maintain one’s morality in a society that is populated by women.

8. Elesin Oba: The King’s Horsemen (2022)

Transformed from Wole Soyinka’s similarly named classic play, this film tells the story of colonial Nigeria in 1943. Tradition prescribes that the horseman most familiar with the king, Elesin, should accompany him in death after the passing of the ruler. However, the colonial interference complicates matters, resulting in a cultural conflict with the themes of duty, destiny, and obligation as common ground. Odunlade Adekola delivers a powerful performance in this visually stunning biographical epic that both captivates and challenges.

7. Light In The Dark (2019)

Although it’s a poignant story, the piece doesn’t hesitate to touch on heavy topics. Inter-tribal couple Anna Dominic and Kalu Ikeagwu, who were violently burgled at home, are left with the aftermath, broken trust, and the fight for love. Director Ekene Mekwunye tells a simple, yet deeply human story of survival through sorrow.

6. Breaded Life (2021)

 If you are a fan of soulful comedy, Breaded Life is sure not to let you down. One morning, Sunmisola (Timini Egbuson) discovers that everyone he knows has totally forgotten him, except for Todowede, a bread seller. What was initially a comedic plot turns out to be a sincere walkabout of identity, humility, and self-awareness. Biodun Stephen marries humor and sentiment successfully, thus making this one of the best Nollywood productions to watch.

5. Dark October (2023)

The movie is based on the ALUU4 disaster in which four university students lost their lives as a result of vigilante justice. This film not only talks about Chuks Joseph, Munachi Okpara, Kem-Ajieh Ikechukwu, and Kelechukwu Oriaku but also demonstrates their shared future as well as the danger of such a culture. It is hard to watch, but still obligatory.

4. Anchor Baby (2010)

Watching the story of Joyce, Omoni Oboli, and Paul, Sam Sarpong, an illegal Nigerian duo in the United States, Anchor Baby is a film that deals with how Joyce, the mother, by any means, gives birth in America to make her a resident. A suspenseful immigrant tale showing both the anguish and optimism of the migrant experience.

3. Dazzling Mirage (2014)

Olayinka Abimbola Egbokhare’s novel, Dazzling Mirage, narrates the story of Funmiwo, Kemi Lala Akindoju, a sickle cell disease victim. In the face of social stigma and personal challenge, she achieved her goals in love, career, and home life. Dazzling Mirage by Tunde Kelani is the meeting of art and activism, a powerful peek into surviving and thriving with an incurable disease.

2. Òlòtūré (2020) & Òlòtūré: The Journey (2024)

Sharon Ooja (Sharon Ooja, Òlòtūré), a journalist in a candid drama, goes undercover inside a human trafficking cartel. The sequel, The Journey, tells the story of the director’s terrifying experience of trafficking abroad from Nigeria. Both are unflinching, moving, and revealing, with Sharon Ooja giving one of the best Nollywood acting performances in the last few years. As a result, they are the main global issues.

1. Jagun Jagun (2023)

Jagun is an epic that has had a massive impact on Netflix and is still the most-watched Nigerian film on the platform, mainly due to its spectacular battle scenes, the fate and power story, and the actors who perform their characters with authority and distinction. It is Nollywood’s breakthrough to the whole world, even beyond cinema, a cultural landmark.

Netflix did not suddenly catch on with Nollywood and is not going to fall out with it–quite the contrary, it is a trend for the future. As astonishing as it might seem, over 50 percent of the top titles on Netflix Nigeria that performed best in 2023 were Nollywood movies, which is a perfect indicator of success at the international level with indigenous movies. In other words, if you are a fan of the genre, you will be able to see your favorite movies, and if you are not, Nollywood is ready to offer you drama, comedy, or even thrillers. So stock up on popcorn, press play, and let Nollywood take you on an adventure–passport optional.

Let’s be honest: for every hit like Avengers: Endgame or The Dark Knight, there is a superhero movie that leaves you questioning not only why you bought the ticket but possibly even your snack choice. The past ten years have been full of capes and spandex, but not all the heroes managed to take off. Some flopped so hard that they made the audience groan. Below is a countdown of the 10 worst modern superhero films, moving from the just bland to the total agony.

10. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom – A flooded goodbye to the DCEU

Instead of a stunning farewell, the DCEU ended with a whimper. The continuation of Aquaman was nothing but side stories—that of a random environmental issue being the main one, where it really should have been about Black Manta’s revenge. However, Jason Momoa’s magnetism couldn’t rescue the flick from being more of a studio directive than an artistic creation.

9. Venom: The Last Dance – From ridiculous fun to just ridiculous

The Venom flicks turned their gig into a wild, exaggerated, goofy brand. The third forgot to keep the “fun” part. The confounding characters and slow, repetitive drudgery caused the audience to miss out on the bizarre friendship that Eddies and Venom had. If your alien symbiont is having more fun at the blackjack table than in the superhero saving-the-world scene, then something is seriously wrong.

8. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania – Lost in the multiverse shuffle

Out of nowhere, Paul Rudd’s lighthearted Marvel heist-comedy turned into an over-complicated multiverse mishandling and struggled to keep up. Faded visuals, lackluster jokes, a very unfinished Kang intro that was almost immediately abandoned—the whole experience made Rudd look confused and like a spectator in his own movie.

7. The New Mutants – No scary bites for a horror movie

After numerous postponements, rewriting, and reshooting, The New Mutants finally came as a zombie to the cinemas – and it was not an impressive one. The ghost theme had some paper potential, but the director failed miserably in turning it into a short, sloppy film that could not decide what it wanted to be. It turned into one more of the forgotten chapters in the history of Fox’s ill-fated X-Men franchise.

6. Thor: The Dark World – Marvel’s most skippable chapter

The MCU doesn’t always get it right, and The Dark World is its prime example. Without the charm of Kenneth Branagh from the first film, it was one of the Marvel-verse’s sleepiest outings. Forgettable villain and non-existent stakes, the movie is only there so that fans can watch Ragnarok with more joy.

5. Kraven the Hunter – Swing and a miss

Sony’s constant fixation on Spider-Man’s villains that nobody asked for took a nosedive with Kraven. The narrative of the film was shallow, lacking in technical aspects, and the whole premise of the character was missed. Horrible CGI animals and an R-rating that looked like an afterthought made the audience question who the target was.

4. Eternals – A gorgeous snooze

A lot of money, a director who has won an Oscar, and a cast full of stars should have been the recipe for something great. Instead, it was a slow and confusing mess that ran far too long. The action didn’t work, the story was dragging, and the whole thing too often felt like an attractive wallpaper reel instead of a film. People like Salma Hayek and Angelina Jolie deserved a lot better material.

3. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice – The “Martha” misfire

The Batman/Superman clash was the chance for something great. However, it became famous for being one of the most absurd plot reveals in the history of the superhero genre – the “Martha” reveal. Besides this, the never-ending somber tone and the awkward storytelling meant that what was supposed to be DC’s main rival to Marvel was actually the downfall of the franchise.

2. Justice League – The messy meltdown

If BvS was bad, Justice League was worse. Problems behind the scenes, last-minute reshoots, and even the removal of the actor’s mustache digitally made the finished film look put-together and lifeless. The rushed character introductions and the forgettable villain didn’t make things better. The movie didn’t only fail; it drained the DCEU of all energy.

1. The Marvels – The MCU finally runs out of gas

The Marvels is at the top of this list, signaling that this was a film that confirmed the existence of fatigue from Marvel. With a great cast, the film was too crowded and gave very little feeling. Weak box office numbers and no watch again factor made it a sad moment for the once unstoppable MCU machine.

Here we have the ten superhero movies that are the biggest misfires of the genre, that is to say: the ones that do not speak of the hero’s tale worth hearing. Sometimes, the real superpower is just surviving until the end credits roll.

Let’s be honest – Hollywood is more known for brief romances and marriages that occur quickly than for love that lasts forever. Nevertheless, there are those couples who manage to overcome all the challenges of celebrity life, the rumors, and paparazzi to be together and still happy. These celebrity couples are the living proof of one love that can survive from a “little” 15 years to more than 40 years.

13. Salma Hayek & François-Henri Pinault (15+ years)

Married since 2009, Salma Hayek and French billionaire François-Henri Pinault have shrugged off a lot of rumors about their marriage. Hayek has herself been refreshingly honest about the gossip that she married for cash—her take? Let other people think what they like. Fifteen years on, San Michele is going strong, and she’s not bothered about the chatter.

12. Sarah Michelle Gellar & Freddie Prinze Jr. (20+ years)

One of Hollywood’s most famous ’90s couples, these two met on the I Know What You Did Last Summer set in 1997. They began dating in 2000, got married in 2002, and have been together ever since—raising two children and outliving most of their Hollywood contemporaries.

11. Sarah Jessica Parker & Matthew Broderick (27+ years)

Even before Carrie Bradshaw and Ferris Bueller were familiar names, Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick crossed paths in the Broadway world. Their 1997 marriage came as a shock to wedding guests, but years later, they’re still deeply committed to family life with their three kids.

10. Victoria Beckham & David Beckham (25+ years)

Britain’s “Posh and Becks” have been a couple since the late ’90s, marrying in 1999. With four kids and a vow renewal to their credit, their marriage has survived international stardom while maintaining romance.

9. Faith Hill & Tim McGraw (25+ years)

Country music’s biggest power couple started dating in 1994 and wed a mere two years later. They spent their entire lives touring, making duets, and raising three girls, demonstrating that a common passion can turn a marriage into a success story.

8. Leslie Mann & Judd Apatow (25+ years)

Their meet-cute was at an audition for The Cable Guy in 1995, and they got married in 1997. Leslie Mann and director Judd Apatow frequently collaborate on films, and she’s stated that she adores having a creative partnership as well as their family relationship.

7. Nicole Kidman & Keith Urban (16+ years)

Nicole Kidman and country artist Keith Urban became acquainted in 2005, and in 2006, they were married in Sydney. They’ve endured public hardships, such as Urban’s struggle to overcome addiction, but mutual support has not caused their marriage to wane.

6. Penélope Cruz & Javier Bardem (12+ years)

Following years of collaboration and friendship, Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem wed in secrecy in 2010. They are now parents of two and are still famously close-mouthed, allowing their professional endeavors and occasional public appearances to tell the story.

5. Ellen DeGeneres & Portia de Rossi (14+ years)

These two met in 2001, but they had to wait until same-gender marriage became legal in California in 2008 before tying the knot. Well over a decade later, they’re still thanking each other and God for being together.

4. Alicia Keys & Swizz Beatz (12+ years)

Although they first met when they were teenagers, Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz did not fall in love until later. Their 2010 French wedding occurred when Keys was pregnant with their first child, and they have since juggled music careers, parenthood, and public press.

3. Emily Blunt & John Krasinski (14+ years)

Emily Blunt and John Krasinski were introduced through mutual friends in 2008 and were immediately attracted to each other. In 2010, they married, and since then, not only have they raised two children but have also been able to work together on projects like A Quiet Place, proving that a joint venture can keep couples together.

2. Rita Wilson & Tom Hanks (34+ years)

Regarded as Hollywood’s gold standard for wedded bliss, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson met in the early ’80s and wed in 1988. Despite health struggles and professional peaks, they’re each other’s biggest cheerleaders.

1. Pauletta Pearson & Denzel Washington (41+ years)

It was only after three proposals that Pauletta Pearson agreed to Denzel Washington, but it was evident from the start that she made the right decision. They have been married since 1983, and the pair has brought up four children. The duo shares that they have been able to survive the years due to mutual respect, the ability to laugh, and their faith.

Honestly, Netflix sometimes bombards us with tons of choices, and it can be quite frustrating. After a 30-minute scroll through the app, you usually conclude that you will watch The Office for the umpteenth time. However, despite all the popular and flashy original titles, there are lots of great movies that you probably have not noticed at all. These hidden gems come from the least of the world, even defying the genre, and are ready for you to discover. The absolute top 10 of these movies are presented here, with the most necessary one going downwards.

10. System Crasher (2019)

Think you’ve watched every type of coming-of-age film? Not this one. System Crasher is a tough German drama about nine-year-old Benni, whose emotional trauma and explosive outbursts make her unplaceable in foster care. Helena Zengel delivers a breathtaking performance that’s heartbreaking and indelible. It’s not easy to watch, but it lingers long after.

9. Happy as Lazzaro (2018)

Equal measures enchanting and remorselessly real, this Italian treasure marries fairy-tale surrealism with incisive social commentary. Narrating the endlessly gentle Lazzaro, who appears immune to time even as the world around him shifts, the Best Screenplay at Cannes winner is a haunting, dreamy ride that lingers long after the final credits. 

8. The Look of Silence (2014)

Joshua Oppenheimer’s sequel to The Act of Killing changes the focus from killers to survivors of Indonesia’s massacre. After Adi, an optometrist who confronts the murderers of his brother with a quiet resolve, this documentary is both heartbreaking and audacious. It’s one of those precious few films that expands what nonfiction filmmaking can accomplish.

7. The First Slam Dunk (2022)

Anime lovers (and skeptics alike) will have something to love about it. Adapting Takehiko Inoue’s classic manga, this basketball drama offers pulse-pounding gameplay scenes to go along with a moving narrative about loss and perseverance. It’s well-dressed, emotionally charged, and yes—deserving of its box office record breaker.

6. How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (2024)

This Thai dramedy is much more than its cheeky title. A dropout grandson moves in with his ailing grandmother for the “inheritance,” but what he finds instead is meaning, love, and perspective. By the end, you’ll be laughing, crying, and probably calling your grandma.

5. Güeros (2014)

Filmed in stunning black-and-white, this Mexican indie tracks three teens who roam Mexico City amid a university strike. It’s half road movie, half political satire, and half coming-of-age drama, with witty humor and beautiful imagery. Chic and profoundly insightful, it’s the essence of an under-the-radar gem.

4. The Remarkable Life of Ibelin (2024)

This documentary demonstrates that a video game is capable of being more than that. It chronicles the tale of Mats Steen, a man with muscular dystrophy who constructed a second existence—and enduring friendships—within World of Warcraft. Utilizing home footage and creative reenactments, the film depicts just how real, enduring connections can be forged through virtual worlds.

3. Rebel Ridge (2024)

If you’re in the mood for a smart, tightly wound thriller, this one will satisfy. Directed by Jeremy Saulnier, Rebel Ridge tracks an ex-Marine who’s drawn into a circle of police corruption and systemic inequality. Aaron Pierre’s starring turn is powerful, and the suspense will have you on the edge of your seat until the final frame.

2. It’s What’s Inside (2024)

Half sci-fi, half dark comedy, and all mayhem, this movie plunges a group of friends into a sinister game that quickly descends into madness. Twisty, unreliable, and darkly humorous, it’s one of the most creative Netflix originals in recent history.

1. The Half of It (2020)

At number one is Alice Wu’s offbeat teen drama—a smart, poignant take on Cyrano de Bergerac. Ellie Chu is a mousy student who writes love letters on behalf of a classmate, only to develop a crush on the same girl herself. It’s touching, hilarious, and genuinely uncompromising, demonstrating Netflix can still get a coming-of-age story just right.

So next time you’re stuck in Netflix scroll purgatory, skip the obvious picks and dive into one of these hidden treasures. From tender love stories to gripping thrillers, they’re proof that the platform still has plenty of magic left—you just need to know where to look.

We are all fans of a fascinating mystery that keeps us coming back for more. The excitement of an enigma, the inner demons of a detective, or the gradual unveiling of the dark secrets, these types of shows get an audience addicted. That is why these ten top detective and murder mystery programs are not only the ones with the most extended series but also with the most enduring characters, timeless, and rewatching is justified.

10. River

A detective show is not just about the chase—it’s about facing your fears, too. River does both, with a smart yet haunted London cop, played by Stellan Skarsgard. He’s haunted—both in mind & heart—by victims & past events. With a dark feel & deep writing, this show is as much about the mind as the mystery.

9. Castle

Murder mysteries don’t need to be all dark. Castle adds some joy with a fun crime writer & a tough NYPD cop. They sparkle together, & the show mixes light chat with smart cases. It’s a mix of fun & smart work.

8. Medium

Medium adds a ghostly spin to crime-solving. Patricia Arquette, as a psychic who aids cops while caring for her kin, gives a real, human side to a creepy gift. Mixing visions with day-to-day life, it’s a mystery show that is both wild & common.

7. Veronica Mars

Part detective show & part youth drama, Veronica Mars shows a clever teen dealing with crime, bad folks, & loss. Kristen Bell’s role made her a cult star, showing you don’t need a badge—just smart, bold, & a bit of zest.

6. The Last Detective

Top detectives aren‘t all tough. Peter Davison’s Character, a soft but smart cop, solves crimes with care & hard work. With a warm vibe & charm, The Last Detective shows that doing right, though slow, still counts.

5. Luther

Luther is wild with crime, feeling, and top tension. Idris Elba plays a smart cop near the brink. Chasing killers or fighting his dark sides, Luther is deep, rough, & full of hard choices. Dark & wild like its main man.

4. Broadchurch

A sad event in a calm coastal town turns into a deep search. Broadchurch, with Olivia Colman and David Tennant, shows how a crime can tear a place apart. It’s slow, full of feeling, deep folks, & tales that stay with you after it ends.

3. The Killing

Dark, moody, & pulls you in, The Killing isn’t just about finding the bad one—it’s about those it hurts. In a rain-filled Seattle, it tracks two cops through lies, power plays, & hurt. Not showy, but it sticks.

2. True Detective (Season 1)

Not many shows hit as hard as the first run of True Detective. Matthew McConaughey & Woody Harrelson are strong as two cops in the deep dirt of the Louisiana wilds. Slow pace, deep talk, & a hit end. One run made it epic.

1. Sherlock

New, bright, & so smart, Sherlock brings the best-known cop to now. With Benedict Cumberbatch’s quick mind & Martin Freeman’s real Watson, the show mixes high-risk cases with deep drama. It’s cool, sharp, & a mark for detective tales now.

Hollywood actors’ paychecks are as wonderfully attractive as the films themselves. Certainly, a good deal of the actors are on good wages; nevertheless, only a few have their names at the top of the list, making unbelievably high sums as a result of a mixture of clever contracts, streaming dominance, and aggressive personal marketing. These superstars aren’t merely making a lot of money from acting; they are also producing, signing huge deals, and putting their names everywhere where the audience can see. Here is the list of the 10 10 highest-paid Hollywood actors today, going down from the 10th place to the first one without any doubt.

10. Will Smith – $26 Million

After taking a temporary hiatus from the limelight, Will Smith burst back onto the scene with Bad Boys: Ride or Die, one of the handful of movies to gross more than $400 million globally in 2024. Going back to his most beloved role proved to be a good decision—both for his fans and his wallet.

9. Adam Sandler – $26 Million

Sandler’s Netflix deal is the stuff of legend. Either it’s mass-appeal crowd-pleasers (Happy Gilmore 2) or quirky endeavors (Spaceman), he’s producing them his way—and raking it in. Throw in the perpetual streaming of his classics, and the money keeps rolling in.

8. Nicole Kidman – $31 Million

Kidman is dominating the prestige miniseries universe. She has three big-name projects on Netflix, Paramount+, and Amazon—each paying more than $1 million an episode—plus two movies in which she co-starred with significantly younger leads, making her the top actress ranking this year.

7. George Clooney – $31 Million

Clooney partnered with Brad Pitt on the spy comedy Wolves, which was a hotly contested bidding war. Apple prevailed, handing over lots of money for the duo’s star power. Clooney might downplay the quoted figures, but the deal was an obvious financial success.

6. Brad Pitt – $32 Million

Still among the industry’s most bankable stars, Pitt next reprised with role in the next F1 racing movie. Behind the lens, his production house Plan B keeps racking up both box office and awards-season successes.

5. Hugh Jackman – $50 Million

Jackman’s return as Wolverine in Deadpool & Wolverine was a nostalgic thrill for fans—and a financial jackpot. Teaming up with Ryan Reynolds for what’s likely his highest-grossing role to date, Jackman proved some comebacks are worth the wait.

4. Jerry Seinfeld – $60 Million

Thanks to the constant flow of Seinfeld syndication payments, Jerry’s still raking in huge amounts of money years after the show went off the air. His Unfrosted movie for Netflix, stand-up tours, and ownership of his back catalog keep him at or near the top of the pay list.

3. Kevin Hart – $81 Million

Hart’s everywhere—movies, series, podcasts, live shows. In 2024 alone, he headlined three films across multiple platforms, roasted Tom Brady on Netflix, and completed 90 stand-up shows. His relentless work ethic fuels both his brand and his bank account.

2. Ryan Reynolds – $85 Million

Deadpool & Wolverine, with their $1.3 billion at the box office, it would be hard not to be as much of a businessman as Reynolds is an actor. He was not about to have a down year with films like IF and the docuseries Welcome to Wrexham showing off his accomplishments as a brand-builder superior to most.

1. Dwayne Johnson – $88 Million

The Rock” still rules the box office. His deal to star in Amazon’s Red One set a new record for a streaming payout at around $50 million for that film alone. And when Moana 2 flipped from streaming to theaters, he negotiated profit participation-a Disney first for a voice actor. Between old titles, new projects, and relentless self-promotion, Johnson’s $88 million haul speaks for itself.

What the numbers say:

The top rung of Hollywood’s earners is populated by veterans—most in their 40s, 50s, or 70s—who’ve earned decades of goodwill from studios and audiences. The average age of the top 20 is just over 54, according to Forbes. Stars like Zendaya or Timothée Chalamet can be enormous draws, but they signed their most lucrative deals before their current fame, keeping them out of the top-earning rung… for the moment.

Streaming has changed the game, with up-front buyouts taking the place of the traditional “back-end” profit deals. That’s where the top performers can earn more than ever before, but even more working actors earn significantly less, with many barely qualifying for minimum health insurance. SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher has emphasized that the overwhelming majority of members aren’t raking in millions—they’re just trying to pay the bills.

The gender gap remains, too. Nicole Kidman may top the women’s list this year, but parity is still a distant goal. The World Economic Forum estimates we’re more than a century away from full equality in pay and senior roles. So, while a small group of stars is richer than ever, the rest of the industry is still fighting for a fairer, more balanced future.