Once you are surrounded by things and people of a certain time and era, it is almost unavoidable not to get nostalgic. Nostalgia mostly sneaks up on us – especially with reference to films. If you are a child from the 90s or the early 2000s, you know the feeling of grabbing your favorite treats, wrapping yourself in a blanket, and playing a movie which is, to say the least, a very familiar one, and at once it takes you back. These films not only made us laugh—they were the fabric of our childhood, they were the ones that set the trends and became our cultural legacy. Here is a top 10 countdown of the most unforgettable movies that went on to define Gen X and Millennial movie nights, each jam-packed with memorable scenes, timeless quotes, and endless rewatchability.

10. Pokémon: The Movie 2000

To kids who spent their weekends swapping cards or stuck to their Game Boys, this film was the whole shebang. Based on Ash Ketchum’s journey to restore balance by bringing together legendary Pokémon, it immortalized the magic and mania of the franchise at its height. To many fans, it was not merely a movie—it was childhood in a bottle on the screen.

9. The Princess Diaries

Picture discovering your clumsy, unpopular high school self is really a princess. That daydream materializes in The Princess Diaries, Anne Hathaway’s delightful makeover, and JulieAndrews’s elegance stealing the film. It’s a feel-good watch for anyone who ever felt invisible in high school and wished for something more.

8. Shrek

Yes, it’s given rise to a million memes, but beneath the hype, Shrek was revolutionary. A dark fairy tale with a heart of gold, a sense of humor, and a set of truly unforgettable characters, it upended the genre. With Donkey’s witty one-liners and Shrek’s reluctant heroism, it’s little wonder this film has become a classic of millennial youth.

7. Jurassic Park

Few films have combined awe and fright as well as Jurassic Park. With awe-inspiring special effects that remain unchallenged to this day, the movie brought dinosaurs to life in a manner that was previously unimaginable. Its combination of scientific marvels, suspense, and plain old-fashioned blockbusting thrills makes it as nostalgic as it is ageless.

6. Jaws

Nothing is more summery than Jaws—and nothing frightened a generation of bathers quite so much as it either. Spielberg’s thriller about a killer shark is straightforward, tense, and supremely effective. Far more than a film, it became a cultural reference point and the template for the contemporary blockbuster.

5. Scream

Half campy, half terrifying, Scream revitalized horror for the ’90s. With its self-referential humor, surprise twists, and Sidney Prescott’s legendary face-off with Ghostface, it’s a movie that left people laughing, screaming, and peeking through their fingers. It’s been dictating Halloween costumes and fright-flick nights ever since.

4. Clueless

Before Regina George, there was Cher Horowitz—fashionable, snarky, and absolutely iconic. Clueless made Beverly Hills high school life a comedy of manners, influencing fashion trends and slang that are still quoted today. Alicia Silverstone’s performance cemented Cher in the pop culture firmament, and the movie is just as fresh and humorous today as it was in 1995.

3. 10 Things I Hate About You

A Shakespearean comedy reimagined as a teen rom-com in high school? Guess what? It’s pure genius. With Heath Ledger’s charm, Julia Stiles’ quick wit, and a soundtrack that defined an era, 10 Things I Hate About You became the quintessential ’90s teen love story. It’s witty, touching, and forever quotable—a gem of the genre.

2. The Breakfast Club

No movie captures the nuance of adolescence like The Breakfast Club. Five teenagers from various cliques held for detention dismantle barriers and discover they’re more similar than they imagined. With biting dialogue and poignant moments, it became a teen anthem for identity—just as applicable now as it was during the ’80s.

1. Mean Girls

Some films amuse, but Mean Girls captured a generation. With the iconic one-liners to the stinging portrayal of high school cliques, Tina Fey’s script captured the adolescent experience with both humor and candor. Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, and the entire cast developed a phenomenon that continues to influence pop culture two decades on.

These movies aren’t just favorites from the past—they’re time machines, taking us back to school dances, sleepovers, and endless summer nights. Whether you’re rewatching them for comfort or discovering them for the first time, one thing’s certain: nostalgia never gets old.

Have you ever found yourself watching the entire Untamed series on Netflix, and once done, feeling the post-show blues? Well, you don’t have to worry as you are not the only one here. Characters that stay in your mind and stories full of twists and turns leave you wanting “just one more like that” very often. The good thing is? There are still quite a few shows that can offer you the same feeling. I have put together a countdown of the most gripping crime mysteries you can take your next plunge into—shows that are particularly full of hatched detectives, frightening villains, and secrets that you would like to uncover. Have a look (or a closer look) at the top ones.

10. Barry

A hired assassin dreaming in secret of turning into an actor – what could go wrong? Here comes Bill Hader in a very morbidly funny show about a killer who wants to change his story by getting involved with drama in his local community. It’s off-the-wall comedy with poignant moments yielding to no other show – the very essence of a binge watch called Barry. If, to say the least, you liked the deep emotional feel of Untamed, this convoluted route of Barry will captivate you as well. You can watch it on HBO Max.

9. Bates Motel

Think you know Norman Bates? This prequel explores the dysfunctional teenage years of the Psycho legend. Freddie Highmore’s unnerving performance as Norman, combined with Vera Farmiga’s eerie depiction of his mom, makes the show a twisted family drama alongside a thriller. The secrets in this one are weighty—and unforgettable. Stream it on Prime Video.

8. Killing Eve

Elegant, sassy, and hyper-addictive—Killing Eve offers you a detective vs. assassin with a flirtation twist. Sandra Oh is a tired investigator pursuing Jodie Comer’s lovely, loose-cannon killer through Europe. Their chemistry is charged, the humor wicked, and the tension perpetual. See it for free on Tubi.

7. Hannibal

This isn’t your average crime show—it’s a visual treat seasoned with psychological terror. Chilling elegance is brought to Hannibal Lecter by Mads Mikkelsen, and Hugh Dancy plays Will Graham, the profiler seduced by his world. Their dynamic is tense, brilliant, and completely haunting. If you need a show that sticks with you, this is the one. Stream it on Prime Video.

6. Criminal Minds

Serial killers, gruesome puzzles, and one indelible FBI team. Criminal Minds offsets bleak, sensationalized cases with an endearing ensemble cast that makes the show strangely cozy. From Spencer Reid’s brilliant idiosyncrasies to Garcia’s offbeat genius, the characters are the show’s soul. Catch it on Paramount+.

5. True Detective

Every season presents a new tale, but each of them delves deep into mystery and personal demons. Season one with Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson is iconic TV. Dark, philosophical, and full of creepy twists—this show is ideal if you’re craving mystery infused with meaning. Stream it on HBO Max and Hulu.

4. Mindhunter

Step back into the 1970s and see the FBI try to find out how to read serial killers. Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany are agents who are interviewing actual criminals in order to create psychological profiles. It’s creepy, clinical, and fascinating—like seeing history and horror intersect. Streaming on Netflix.

3. Dark Winds

This sleeper of a hit differentiates itself with its Navajo Nation of the 1970s backdrop. Tracking tribal police officers Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, Dark Winds blends thrilling mysteries and cultural complexity. The sweeping desert landscape provides an unsettling, atmospheric tension that Untamed fans will enjoy. Stream it on Netflix or AMC+.

2. Broadchurch

A coastal town rocked by tragedy. Detectives Alec Hardy (David Tennant) and Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman) strip away layers of sadness, deceptions, and betrayal following the murder of a young boy. The acting is superb, the pacing just right, and the tension unending. Stream it on Prime Video.

1. The Sinner

Right at the top of this list is this ingenious take on the crime genre. Rather than “whodunit,” The Sinner wants to know, “why did they do it?” Bill Pullman plays Detective Harry Ambrose, solving horrifying crimes carried out by ordinary-looking individuals. Each season is a standalone, intense thriller, full of psychological complexity. There are four ready for you on Netflix.

And there you go—your next line of must-watch crime shows. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, small-town mysteries, or quirky detectives, these shows will have you up too late at night muttering, “just one more episode.”

Hollywood salaries are all about the biggest blockbusters, just like the films. A lot of actors can make a good amount of money, but only a handful of them will have their names mentioned at the very top—you know, getting crazy amounts of money as a result of smart contracts, streaming domination, and clever personal marketing. These celebrities are not only bringing in large sums from their acting jobs; they are also producing, doing the big money deal negotiation, and getting their names in the media wherever fans may look. Here is a listing of the 10 10-paid Hollywood actors in no particular order, from 10 to the absolutely one.

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.

Nicholas Hoult has managed to create a career that is one of the most unusual in his peer group of his peers. He has done everything from rom-coms to superhero blockbuster movies, satire of the past to scary movies, and has always been able to demonstrate the concept of no role too off-limits. Hoult doesn’t just perform the works – he immerses himself in them, no matter if he is blue-furred, a cult leader, or one who is struggling through the Russian royal family. So, either you might have been the one to recognize him at first as the awkward young idiot in About a Boy or, more lately, as an inflexible supervillain, but still, there is only one thing you can be sure of: Hoult is really magnetic during the shoot. These 10 works illuminate the total spectrum of his qualities.

10. Hank McCoy / Beast – X-Men Prequel Series

Hoult applied emotion to the genius mutant Hank McCoy in the X-Men prequels by keeping the character firmly rooted in brain power and vulnerability. His interpretation of Beast wasn’t one of CGI fur, but of a man fighting scientific brilliance and the burden of being very visibly different. His understated chemistry with James McAvoy’s Professor X and the vulnerable pain of love that would never be requited for Mystique added depth to the character. As the season struggled, Hoult’s Beast was the sole bright spot.

9. Tyler Ledford – The Menu

In The Menu, Hoult provides a sidesplittingly cringe-inducing performance as Tyler, the sanctimonious foodie who gives a toss for nothing but good grub. He is fantastic playing a blinkered toady, rendering Tyler hilarious and heartbreakingly real at once. Seeing him blow his top before Ralph Fiennes’ nightmarish chef is one of the film’s chief delights, and his meltdown is as gratifying as it is predictable.

8. Robert Montague Renfield – Renfield

Hoult gets to bask in the spotlight as frazzled sidekick to Dracula (played in outrageously cartoonish fashion by Nicolas Cage) in Renfield, walking the tightrope between ridiculous and very human. His own Renfield is trapped in a sick relationship with history’s greatest vampire, and Hoult plays it with deadpan and heartbreaking vulnerability in equal measures. From bug-eating to regaining his autonomy, Hoult brings the gothic dark comedy heartwarmingly sincere.

7. Marcus Brewer – About a Boy

Hoult’s big break came as the gangly, lonely boy who brings Hugh Grant’s shallow bachelor out of himself in About a Boy. Nowhere near a cookie-cutter kid role, Marcus is sensitive, bullied, and intelligent—and Hoult’s natural unforcedness made him indelible. His street-smart-for-his-age performance gave the film its emotional heart and foreshadowed the global superstar stardom that lay ahead. His street-smart-for-his-age acting imbued the movie with its emotional center and presaged the superstar career that awaited.

6. Justin Kemp – Juror #2

Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2 induces Hoult to play Justin Kemp, a recovering alcoholic journalist who is called in on a murder trial, where he finds himself f suspect, too. Hoult turns it up to tension, playing Justin with paranoid unease and ethical disorientation. He renders the character infuriating but sympathetic, perpetually poised on the verge of imploding. It’s a low-burn performance, but one that lingers.

5. Nux – Mad Max: Fury Road

In George Miller’s action epic, Hoult is riveting as Nux, a War Boy who starts as a fanatic seeking “glorious death” and evolves into one of the most human of the film’s characters. His development from brainwashed zealot to unlikely hero is quietly moving, courtesy of Hoult’s manic intensity and sensitivity. His signature scream—”What a lovely day!”—will be an awesome meme, but it’s his brief instances of doubt and sacrifice that make the greatest impact.

4. R – Warm Bodies

Hoult somehow manages to make a zombie love story succeed in Warm Bodies, making R one of his most lovable characters. With deadpan narration and discreet gestures, he expresses humor, yearning, and the gradual restoration of humanity. His chemistry with Teresa Palmer makes the romance credible, and his comedy timing provides the movie with a smart turn on the genre.

3. Lex Luthor – Superman

Hoult’s latest career high is as Lex Luthor in James Gunn’s Superman. Ditch the over-the-top bad guy—Hoult’s Luthor is terrifying in his reserve. He directs jealousy, anger, and egomania into a performance that’s as unnerving as it is enthralling. Whether he’s fuming in solitude or masterminding public destroyings of Superman, Hoult exudes a villain who is uncomfortably real. Already in awards contention, his Luthor could be one of the most definitive interpretations of the character.

2. Bob Matthews – The Order

Justin Kurzel’s black thriller The Order sees Hoult become Bob Matthews, a white supremacist leader based on real-life individuals. It’s one of his most daring roles—a charismatic, magnetic, and absolutely monstrous character. Hoult doesn’t shy away from the horror, but rather reveals how ideology can seduce and corrupt. The end product is repellent and unforgettable, demonstrating his ability to go into the worst depths of man.

1. Emperor Peter III – The Great

Hoult’s breathtaking, side-splitting, and heart-wrenching performance as Peter III in The Great stands atop. In three seasons, he sculpted Peter into a character who’s both a clownish tyrant and a surprisingly tender family man. His timing is impeccable, his rapport with Elle Fanning’s Catherine zings, and his ability to move from ridiculous comedy to true pathos is unparalleled. Hoult reduces Peter to ridiculousness, lovability, and tragedy all at once—a tour-de-force performance that demonstrates just how expansively his range exists.

Nicholas Hoult is not just versatile, he’s also bold. Whether it’s courting zombies, fighting culty war boys, or dealing with an emperor who can’t seem to get out of his own head, he gives it his all and makes every role a memorable one. Few actors can shift so effortlessly between blockbusting franchises, satirical biting, and indie intensity, but Hoult delights in that diversity. If the trajectory of his career is any indication, his best is yet to come.

Let’s be honest: navigating through Amazon Prime Video’s horror library is an absolute nightmare. The user interface keeps bringing you back to the same titles as if it were trying to make you crazy, and half the time, you end up watching trailers for movies you’ve already seen or that you wanted no part of. However, if you are up for the challenge (and maybe a bit brave), you will find some excellent horror gems tucked away in the mess.

From creepy indies to cult classics you forgot existed, these are 10 under-the-radar horror movies you can currently stream on Prime—listed in reverse order, because we’re ending on a high note. 

10. Marrowbone (2017)

After a slow-burning, quiet-burning horror story? Marrowbone is a spookily quiet ghost story about four siblings fleeing to an old house after their mum’s death. As secrets spill out, so does their world—and perhaps their security, too. Starring a cast of now-familiar faces such as Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Heaton, and Mia Goth, this is a moody ghost story that haunts long after the credits have rolled.

9. Attack of the Demons (2019)

Conventional horror just isn’t necessary, it seems. This clever indie darling gets its message across via animated papercraft, exuding a curiously warm-and-wacky-creepy atmosphere. Imagine vintage cutout cartoons crossed with rural demonic mayhem. It’s quirky, it’s bizarre, and evidence that tremendous frights can arrive in the most unlikely packages.

8. The Rage: Carrie 2 (1999)

No one’s claiming this sequel is better than the original, but Carrie 2 deserves more love than it gets. It updates the telekinetic teen rage for a late-‘90s audience—complete with frosted tips, questionable fashion, and a lot of high school angst. It’s messy, fun, and surprisingly watchable, especially if you’re in the mood for a throwback.

7. Queen of Spades (2021)

Imagine Bloody Mary, but nastier. This supernatural teen horror movie follows a group of friends conjuring up a killer spirit, only to discover legends don’t play by the rules. It’s an ultra-slick, contemporary take on the age-old mirror game gone haywire—and great if you need something spooky but not too extreme.

6. The Night Watchmen (2017)

Take some security guards, add a vampire outbreak, and throw in a journalist who’s not here for nonsense—you’ve got yourself a bloody good time. The Night Watchmen is the kind of horror-comedy that’s best watched with friends and snacks. It’s ridiculous, fast-paced, and surprisingly fun.

5. The Fanatic (2019)

This film is. A trip. John Travolta is a crazed fan, Devon Sawa is the object of his desire (and terror), and for some reason, Fred Durst is behind the lens. It’s cringe, off-kilter, and sort of difficult to look away from. If your idea of horror is a dash of “what did I just watch?”, this one’s the ride.

4. Transylvania 6-5000 (1985)

Why this is not a staple among horror comedies is anyone’s guess. With the cast of Jeff Goldblum, Ed Begley Jr., Geena Davis, and others, this monster mash is ridiculously funny. It has that mad scientist vibe, absurd gags, and a vampire more flirtatious than terrifying. Young Frankenstein, but even crazier.

3. Hospital Massacre (1982)

Also called X-Ray, this piece of ’80s slasher lunacy ticks all the boxes: blood, breasts, and a completely crazy plot. A woman has a check-up at the hospital and finds herself locked in a Valentine’s Day horror show. It’s tacky, gory, and really sort of lovely in that “late-night horror fest” kind of way.

2. Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018)

Just when you’re sure you’ve had enough of found footage, here comes Gonjiam. This South Korean horror movie is supremely unnerving in all the best ways. A livestreaming team investigates an infamous asylum for eyeballs—something has to go wrong, right? The frights are concise, tension is authentic, and the environment is downright bone-chilling.

1. The Deep House (2021)

A haunted house? Cool. Now drop it underwater. This atmospheric French horror flick follows a pair of influencers diving into a submerged home, only to discover they’re not alone. The claustrophobia is intense, the visuals are eerie as hell, and the concept feels fresh in a genre that often leans on the same tricks. You’ll be holding your breath the whole time.

If you’re willing to look beyond the OD choices and dig a bit deeper, Amazon Prime’s horror category holds some very frightening Easter eggs. Depending on your mood, you might be in the mood for something you can haunt an asylum, something goofy monster romp, or just something you haven’t already seen three times. Either way, these overlooked gems are well worth your while. Happy streaming—and perhaps keep the lights on.

Let’s face facts: when most of us think about “Western,” the first thing to pop into our heads is Clint Eastwood squinting in the sunlight, poncho blowing, hand resting on his gun. For over sixty years, he’s been the genre’s face—sometimes as a brooding wanderer, sometimes as a tough criminal, and yes, even as a singing prospector (yes, it’s a thing). Few have personified the West as Eastwood has. Saddle up, then—here’s my completely subjective countdown of Clint’s ten best Westerns, from “solidly entertaining” to “all-time classic.”

10. Paint Your Wagon (1969)

Ever curious what it would be like to see Clint Eastwood swap guns for a songbook? Meet Paint Your Wagon. Playing Pardner opposite Lee Marvin and Jean Seberg, Clint has a surprisingly fine singing voice and even some comical talent. The film is campy, slightly odd, and not what one expects from an Eastwood film—but that’s precisely what makes it so much fun. Evidence that the man could do more than just glare and shoot.

9. Joe Kidd (1972)

Starring as ex-bounty hunter Joe Kidd, Eastwood is caught up in a land war between impoverished peasants and a cruel land baron, played by Robert Duvall. The film itself is fairly simple, but Eastwood infuses it with his characteristic intensity and understated presence. It’s not his most iconic performance, but it’s sufficient for a slab of early ’70s Westerngrime.

8. Cry Macho (2021)

Who tells cowboys that they, too, have an expiration date? Back at 91, Eastwood returns with Cry Macho, playing Mike Milo, a retired rodeo rider sent on a road trip across Mexico. Unlike his young, gun-toting protagonists, Mike is reflective, kind, and seeking redemption. Looking at Eastwood here is like looking at the genre itself, glancing back over its long, dusty trail. A low-key, late-period gem.

7. Two Mules for Sister Sara (1970)

This teams Eastwood up with Shirley MacLaine on an improbable buddy comedy. He is Hogan, a war contractor who assists what seems to be a nun, although she ain’t precisely what she claims to be. Their banter and chemistry keep it light, though Clint still brings the roughness we’re used to. It is witty, sporty, and just quirky enough to hold on its own in his Western tradition.

6. Hang ‘Em High (1968)

After the spaghetti Western success, Eastwood played Jed Cooper, a marshal who narrowly escapes being hanged and goes in search of vengeance. This is significant in that Clint is not invulnerable—tough, of course, but also stumbling, bleeding, and continuing. It’s a revenge story with genuine depth, and Eastwood gets away with it on searing conviction.

5. Pale Rider (1985)

In Pale Rider, Eastwood wears the collar of a cryptic preacher who rides into a mining town to protect it from brutal corporate interests. But is he a man—or some kind of supernatural being, e.g., ghost or vengeful spirit? The mystery makes this one of his best performances. Audiences evidently agreed: it was the biggest ’80s Western hit.

4. For a Few Dollars More (1965)

The second film in Sergio Leone’s legendary Dollars Trilogy reunites Eastwood’s “Man With No Name” with Lee Van Cleef for some unforgettable bounty-hunting. The bad guy is terrifying, the shootouts are thrilling, and Ennio Morricone’s theme music is simply legendary. Eastwood and Van Cleef’s tense chemistry turns this one into a genre classic. 

3. The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)

That’s where Eastwood began to redefine the Western. As Josey Wales, a Missouri farmhand turned outlaw after his family is massacred by Union troops, Clint gives a nuanced, commanding performance. The film is revisionist, hard-boiled, and deeply personal, solidifying Eastwood as more than just a cowboy icon, proving that he could both act and direct a story of substance.

2. Unforgiven (1992)

Eastwood’s magnum opus as an actor and director. In the role of William Munny, a retired gunslinger who is returned to duty for one last job, Eastwood shatters the fantasy of the cowboy. Raw, reflective, violent—a film about violence and morals—the movie is not surprisingly Eastwood’s Oscar-winning one.

1. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)

Was there ever any doubt? Leone’s masterpiece remains the spaghetti Western, Eastwood’s cigar-chomping drifter the ultimate antihero. Couple that with Civil War-era setting, Eli Wallach’s unforgettable Tuco, Van Cleef’s merciless Angel Eyes, and Morricone’s unforgettable score, and it’s cinematic magic. If you’re only going to watch one Clint Eastwood Western, make it this.

Clint Eastwood didn’t merely act in Westerns—he created them, remade them, and rode them into modern times. Whether he’s crooning, plotting, or glowering at you from beneath the brim of that hat, one thing’s for sure: nobody gets the dusty trail done quite like Clint.

Not only do some stars entertain, but some change the game. Throughout the decades, Black actresses and actors have shattered glass ceilings, rewritten what Hollywood represents, and left behind more than just a trail on screen. From trailblazers of the Golden Age to today’s headliners, these legends have proved that representation is everything and that skill combined with bravery can alter the outcome. Here’s a list of ten trailblazers who actually changed Hollywood.

10. Halle Bailey – A New Generation of Disney Magic

When Halle Bailey was announced as Ariel in Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid, the backlash was seismic. For some, it was a disconnection from long-held visions of the character—but for untold Black girls across the country, it was a revelation. Watching a live-action Disney princess who resembled them was strong, and the reaction videos that went viral spoke volumes. Bailey’s Ariel is not merely a part; it’s a declaration that the fairy-tale heroine can be every hue.

9. Viola Davis – A Force of Nature

Viola Davis is the first Black actor to accomplish the “Triple Crown of Acting,” winning an Oscar, an Emmy, and a Tony. Her work, from Fences to How to Get Away with Murder, reveals her unparalleled range and emotional ability. The most Oscar-nominated Black actress, she is both a powerhouse on-screen and a crusader for equality within the business.

8. Mahershala Ali – Redefining the Leading Man

Mahershala Ali’s quiet strength and layered performances have earned him two Oscars, making him the first Muslim actor to achieve that feat. From Moonlight to Green Book, he’s shown the world that leading men can look—and act—differently than the Hollywood stereotype. Ali’s rise is proof that the industry is finally widening its lens.

7. Whoopi Goldberg – The EGOT Icon

With an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony, Whoopi Goldberg is part of an elite group of performers who share such an honor. From her breathtaking introduction in The Color Purple to winning an Oscar playing the iconic character of a ghost in Ghost, Goldberg has never been easily categorized. Couple that with work in comedy, TV, and as an activist, it’s obvious she’s one of the most adaptable and rule-breaking performers Hollywood has ever had.

6. Denzel Washington – Hollywood’s Standard-Bearer

Denzel Washington is about as close to royalty as Tinseltown comes. With two Oscars and decades of powerhouse work—including Glory through Training Day—he’s shown he can do it all: action, Shakespeare, drama, and more. Beyond his own body of work, Washington has also taken on a mentorship role for countless upstart Black thespians, making his impact go far beyond his own on-screen time.

5. Dorothy Dandridge – The Original Groundbreaker

Dorothy Dandridge broke barriers when she became the first Black woman to be nominated for a Best Actress Oscar, due to her star performance in Carmen Jones. She was also the first Black woman to appear on the cover of Life magazine. Despite Hollywood limiting her roles, Dandridge’s talent and beauty compelled the industry to recognize Black women as leading ladies.

4. Hattie McDaniel – The First Oscar Winner

In 1940, Hattie McDaniel was the first Black actor to win an Academy Award for her performance in Gone With the Wind. But though she broke barriers, she also encountered harsh realities: segregated seating at the ceremony and being left out of the film’s premiere. McDaniel’s win is still bittersweet, but her tenacity opened doors for generations to come.

3. Sidney Poitier – The Trailblazer

Sidney Poitier was not merely an actor—he was an icon of dignity, strength, and excellence. When he became the first Black man to take home the Best Actor Oscar (Lilies of the Field), he set the precedent that Hollywood could—and must—honor Black talent at its best. His performances in Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner and In the Heat of the Night revolutionized how audiences perceived Black men on the screen.

2. Halle Berry – A Historic Win

In 2002, Halle Berry was the first—and to date only—Black woman to receive the Academy Award for Best Actress, for Monster’s Ball. Her tearful acceptance speech, in which she honored the women who preceded her, is one of the most sentimental moments in Oscar history. Twenty years later, her victory is still a milestone and a reminder of the work yet to be done.

1. Oprah Winfrey – Beyond Stardom

Oprah Winfrey has never been cast into a single mold: actress, producer, talk show host, mogul. She was nominated for an Oscar for her very first movie, The Color Purple, and continued to act in films such as The Butler and Selma. As the first Black female owner of a major production company, her reach spans beyond the performances she gives. Oprah is the personification of how to take an opportunity and leave it as a legacy.

These ten stars did more than stake out careers—they transformed an industry. Their fortitude, skill, and perseverance altered the face of Hollywood and the kinds of stories Hollywood tells. Representation is not tokenism—it’s revolution. And due to these legends, the future of film is brighter, bolder, and more diverse than ever.

Let’s be real: there’s no greater sci-fi buzzkill than a rain-soaked, neon-lit skyline where the future has spectacularly failed. Urban dystopias have been a genre staple for almost a century, combining social commentary with sleek visuals and just the right amount of existential terror to haunt our dreams. From class struggle stories to office nightmare surrealism, all these worlds tap into our anxieties about power, technology, and humanity. Here’s a countdown of the 10 most influential urban dystopias in film and TV—beginning with the latest visions of collapse and making our way back to the genre’s godfather.

10. Severance

Apple TV’s Severance nails the vibe of corporate horror. With its labyrinth of sterile hallways and eerily minimalist offices, the show creates a sense of dreamlike unease that’s impossible to shake. It’s not just a satire of cubicle life—it’s a dissection of how work and identity intertwine, echoing the psychological unease of J.G. Ballard’s stories. If you’ve ever felt trapped by a 9-to-5, this show will hit way too close to home.

9. Are You Awake?

Gabriel Caste’s Are You Awake? Makes depression feel like an otherworldly dystopian nightmare. With suffocating imagery—tightly framed, over-saturated colors, and an intentionally dizzying layout—the movie sets us down in a world where it seems impossible to even leave the bed. It’s not so much about advanced technology as it is about emotional compression from dwelling in a culture where things lack meaning. It’s both intimate and universally impactful.

8. The Platform

There is no “dystopia” cry like a prison constructed as a vertical tower from which food falls floor by floor. Tops get to feast, and the bottoms scrounge for scraps. The Platform is a crude, indelible metaphor for inequality and isn’t afraid of illustrating how privilege and desperation distort human conduct. Savage, but stunning.

7. Paradise

This German thriller puts the saying “time is money” into practice. In Paradise, years of your life can be sold to rich people who extend theirs. When a man’s wife is compelled to give up 40 years, he goes to get back what has been taken away. The tale cuts right into fears of economic exploitation and the thoughtless brutalities of systems that turn human life into a commodity.

6. Elysium

Neill Blomkamp’s Elysium takes wealth inequality to a sci-fi extreme: the wealthy orbit Earth on a clean space station as the impoverished choke on a devastated planet below. Matt Damon’s struggle to close this gap turns the movie into both a blockbuster action-adventure film and a scathing critique of healthcare availability, immigration, and structural privilege.

5. In Time

Suppose the watch on your wrist didn’t only measure minutes but your actual lifespan. In In Time, humans freeze at age 25, and staying alive hinges on how much “time” you can earn, steal, or inherit. The metaphor is simple but potent, transmuting class struggle into an actual fight for life. Justin Timberlake’s cause-célèbre ride makes the critique of scarcity and exploitation cutting and compelling. 

4. The Giver

Inspired by Lois Lowry’s beloved novel, The Giver paints a picture of a world that has rid itself of pain, war, and even color—at the expense of individuality and actual emotion. As Jonas uncovers the concealed truths behind this engineered peace, the movie portrays how one-dimensional and hollow “perfection” is without actual human experience. It’s a warning that happiness is irrelevant if we never experience pain.

3. Don’t Look Up

Although not set in the future, Adam McKay’s Don’t Look Up is an unadulterated dystopia for the times. The satire targets political denial, media spectacle, and public complacency in the face of an extinction-level comet. It’s laugh-out-loud until you see how closely it approximates real-world crises, from pandemics to climate change. Sometimes the scariest dystopias are merely the heightened versions of the current realities.

2. Blade Runner

Few movies have defined the appearance of dystopia as Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner. The movie’s sprawling Los Angeles—neon-soaked and under constant rain—provided the template for cyberpunk visuals. Underneath its imagery, the plot grapples with identity, memory, and the line between man and machine. Its impact continues to ripple through everything from anime to AAA video games.

1. Metropolis

The first and most iconic, Fritz Lang’s Metropolis, effectively created the cinematic dystopia. Released in 1927, it first brought the conflict between elites in glittering towers and workers laboring beneath the earth. Its subject matter—class war, technological dread, unregulated industrialization—still resonates with shockingly contemporary resonance. Not merely a movie, Metropolis established the visual and thematic DNA that a dystopian cinema now draws upon.

Urban dystopias survive because they’re not merely hip ideas of the future—they’re cautionary tales. Whether it’s Severance’s Towering corridors of suffocation or Metropolis’s skyscraper-lined horizon, these tales are a reminder that all conceivable nightmares are based on palpable fears. The future is not predetermined—it’s something we build. And perhaps seeing it deteriorate on the screen is our attempt to construct it better.