If you’ve ever attempted to organize a family night out at the cinema, you understand the issue—something that will entertain the children without having the grown-ups wanting to sneak away and scroll through their phones. Fortunately, HBO Max is simply full of movies that strike that perfect balance: humorous, sentimental, beautiful to look at, and actually good to watch, irrespective of your age. From classic favorites to new releases, here are the 10 greatest family films streaming now, counting down to number one.

10. Wonka

The prequel to the classic tells us about Willy Wonka before he became our favorite offbeat candy maker. Timothée Chalamet brings the role to life with big-eyed charm in this musical prequel packed with songs and an ample amount of magic. It’s light, sweet, and utterly pleasant.

9. The Wizard of Oz

Some films just don’t age, and this is at the very pinnacle of them. Judy Garland’s journey to Oz—complete with yellow brick roads, classic tunes, and legendary characters—is a gold standard in children’s cinema. Years on, it’s still movie magic.

8. Spirited Away

Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece isn’t just a movie—it’s an experience. Following Chihiro into a world of spirits, witches, and strange creatures, the film mixes haunting beauty with a heartfelt coming-of-age story. It’s a perfect gateway into the wonder of Studio Ghibli.

7. How to Train Your Dragon

Ultimately, this DreamWorks blockbuster is a movie about friendship and courage. Hiccup’s relationship with dragon Toothless is unexpected and adds on-foot flight scenes that are both exciting and emotionally moving. It’s an unusual blend of action and sensitivity that is stunning in execution.

6. Flow

This wordless animated Latvian movie demonstrates that you don’t need words to tell a compelling story. Along with a black cat and a group of animals as they try to ride out a flood, Flow is beautifully beautiful and emotionally resonant—so much so that it was the first one at the Oscars.

5. My Neighbor Totoro

Few films capture the magic of childhood better than Totoro. Studio Ghibli’s gentle tale of two sisters and a giant forest spirit is whimsical, a little spooky at times, and endlessly heartwarming. It’s the cinematic equivalent of comfort food.

4. The Boy and the Heron

Miyazaki’s latest film is one of his most personal works yet. It tells the story of a boy navigating grief who stumbles into a fantastical parallel world. Balancing sorrow with imagination, it’s a breathtaking reminder of how creativity can heal.

3. DC League of Super-Pets

Ever curious what happens to Superman’s dog during a crisis for the Justice League? This action-comedy provides the solution: he gets together with a misfit battalion of shelter animals. With wisecracking wit, epic action, and a star voice cast, it’s superhero chaos with a paws-itive spin.

2. The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie

It’s Porky Pig and Daffy Duck’s turn in the spotlight in this cartoon extraterrestrial invasion spoof. It’s filled with intelligent gags, meta-sentiments, and slapstick in good old-fashioned Looney Tunes style, so it’s just as amusing for older nostalgic adults and newcomers to the series alike.

1. Blue Beetle

Blue Beetle gets the crown as an energetic superhero film that has real heart. Jaime Reyes becomes a hero by accident through alien tech, but what gets the movie into the hands of viewers is how much his family becomes a part of the story. Paving the way with the first Latino starring character in a DC film, it’s funny, action-filled, and full of warmth.

From time-tested classics to modern blockbusters, HBO Max is chock-full of family-friendly films that are actually good for your kids. So grab some popcorn, snuggle up, and let these films make your next family evening a night to remember.

When Adam Sandler steps up to the tee, he doesn’t merely play golf—he takes half of Hollywood (and more) along for the ride. Happy Gilmore 2, Netflix’s highly anticipated sequel to the 1996 cult favorite, is less concerned with the sport than with cramming in as many “Wait… was that who I think it was? ” moments as humanly possible. It’s a zany mix of sports, slapstick, and celebrity sightings. Here are the 10 most outlandish cameos that make Happy Gilmore 2 a celebrity carnival on the links.

10. Guy Fieri as the Starter

Flavortown enters the fairway. Guy Fieri appears as the boisterous, sunglasses-clad starter for a competing golf league. Rather than flipping burgers, he’s distributing tees and golf balls. It’s the type of surreal crossover only Sandler would imagine, and Fieri gets into the zaniness.

9. Travis Kelce the Waiter

NFL sensation Travis Kelce swaps his helmet for a bow tie, appearing as a tuxedo-clad waiter handing out cocktails and blueberry jubilee. Amid Sandler one-liners and Kelce’s dry-witted delivery, it’s a wink-and-cheese cameo that perfectly belongs in Sandler’s sandbox.

8. Will Zalatoris as Himself (and the Caddie Joke)

Golf geeks had their dream come true: Zalatoris portrays himself, but also jokes about the running joke that he is the spitting image of Happy’s kid caddie from the first film. He goes along with the self-deprecating joke, and it becomes one of the smartest in-jokes of the sequel.

7. Eminem as the Heckler’s Kid

Recall the “Jackass!” heckler from the original movie? His kid appears—played by the one and only Eminem. The rapper’s cameo is boisterous, obnoxious, and totally out of control, taking the original joke to absurd new heights. Fans promptly rewound just to make sure Slim Shady was really on the course.

6. Bad Bunny as Happy’s New Caddie

Bad Bunny doesn’t show up—he becomes a part of the narrative. As Oscar, a tough busboy relegated to caddie work, he swipes almost every scene he gets in. His blend of good looks and humor makes him one of the film’s standouts.

5. John Daly as… John Daly

Golf’s most infamous wild man gets more than a cameo—he practically resides. Daly appears as himself, residing these days in Happy’s garage, bringing his larger-than-life image directly to the script. His films are crass, raunchy, and a perfect fit for Sandler’s style of comedy.

4. Xander Schauffele and the Running Gag

Schauffele isn’t exactly famous for making tour jokes, but here he gets one of the movie’s funniest recurring gags: a series of cringeworthy “that’s what she said” jokes. It’s silly, it’s self-referential, and it shows even the most straight-laced pros can cut loose with Sandler at the helm.

3. Sandler’s Family Cameos

What’s a Sandler movie without a bit of family highlight? His wife Jackie appears as a dance teacher, his daughters Sadie and Sunny pick up enjoyable roles, and even in-laws slip in. Rather than distracting, the cameos bring on a sweet, homemade feel to the frenzy.

2. Shooter McGavin Returns

Christopher McDonald is no cameo—he’s a comeback. His return as Shooter McGavin, now holed up in a mental institution but still fixated on defeating Happy, is both funny and strangely poignant. McDonald wholly commits to Shooter’s legacy, reminding us why he’s among the comedy world’s greatest villains.

1. The Golfer Invasion

The crown jewel is the absolute cavalcade of golf legends. Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Scottie Scheffler, Nelly Korda, and even Jack Nicklaus appear—sometimes as themselves, sometimes in outlandish roles (parole officers? defectors to a rival league?). It’s either a golfer’s wildest fantasy or the most bizarre commercial ever created. Either one, it’s Sandler showing his influence in the most hilarious way imaginable.

From rap icons to PGA royalty, Happy Gilmore 2 packs in enough cameos to make every hole a guessing game. Whether or not you believe it’s comedy brilliance or sheer madness, one thing is for sure—you won’t soon forget who came to play.

Disney’s animated canon is iconic, but come on: not every treasure gets its moment in the spotlight. For every Frozen or Lion King, some movies fell between the cracks—either overshadowed, misrepresented, or slightly too eccentric for their era. These are the hidden gems of the Disney vault, and they’re more than deserving of a revisit. Let’s count down from number ten.

10. Raya and the Last Dragon

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

9. Bolt

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

8. Brother Bear

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

7. Treasure Planet

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

6. Atlantis: The Lost Empire

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

5. The Emperor’s New Groove

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

4. Oliver & Company

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

3. The Great Mouse Detective

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

2. Robin Hood

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

1. The Aristocats

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

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

There’s something near-sorcery to seeing an actor get an accent so spot-on that you don’t even remember who they actually are. For film and television enthusiasts, the game is part of the enjoyment: noticing that the American character you think you’ve seen is performed by an actor from London—or that a refined British blueblood is actually an LA star. Accent work is not a performance gimmick—it’s a skill that takes study, patience, and monumental commitment. Some actors keep it so natural, fans are amazed when they finally get to hear their real voice during interviews.

Below are 10 of the most astonishing accent makeovers that demonstrate just how much training and talent can do for a performance:

10. Emily Blunt

London-born Emily Blunt is among the finest at becoming invisible in a part. Her American drawl in The Devil Wears Prada, Sicario, and A Quiet Place is so good that many of her fans are floored to learn she’s actually British. And when she took on Mary Poppins with her proper, clipped English accent, it demonstrated how well she could slip between worlds.

9. Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie’s American accent is so good that even Australians sometimes forget she’s from their own country. At The Wolf of Wall Street and I, Tonya, Robbie glides into characters so effortlessly that it’s disorienting to hear her normal Australian accent afterwards. One fan even quipped that her natural voice sounds “fake” after listening to her play American for so long.

8. Daniel Kaluuya

Born in London, Daniel Kaluuya stole attention in Get Out, where his perfect American accent made viewers forget where he was born. His roles in Judas and the Black Messiah and Queen & Slim only solidified him as a voice transformation master.

7. Andrew Garfield

Andrew Garfield enjoys the special blessing of being born in Los Angeles but brought up in the UK, and thus, he naturally can slide between accents. Whether performing an American in The Social Network and The Amazing Spider-Man or accessing his British roots, Garfield’s flexibility has had everyone wondering where he comes from.

6. Millie Bobby Brown

Recognizable by everyone as Eleven of Stranger Things, Millie Bobby Brown grew up in England but keeps her British accent so subtle on screen that audiences don’t even know it until they see her interviewed. Her skills at being so convincingly American at her young age have made her one of the most notable breakthrough stars in accent work.

5. Christian Bale

Christian Bale, born in Wales, has made a living out of becoming somebody else, and his accent is a big reason why. His spine-tingling, accurate American accent for American Psycho and his growly voice as Batman in The Dark Knight series are so convincing that fans often forget he’s British the moment he opens his mouth in public life.

4. Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet’s accent ability is the stuff of legend. Her American performances in Titanic and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind were seamless, and her performance in Mare of Easttown, in which she nailed the famously difficult Delco accent, earned widespread praise. Winslet can eliminate any hint of Reading-born origins whenever a character calls for it.

3. Tom Holland

Marvel enthusiasts can recognize him as Spider-Man, but few know that Tom Holland actually hails from Kingston upon Thames, England. His Queens accent as Peter Parker is so convincing that even fans long accustomed to seeing him in interviews are shocked when they catch a glimpse of his British voice. Holland will often flip back and forth between the two with carefree ease, revealing just how relaxed he is with both.

2. Hugh Laurie

To American viewers, Hugh Laurie is and forever will be Dr. Gregory House. His American accent in House was so good that even the producers didn’t know he was British, it’s claimed, during his audition. Given Laurie’s upper-crust Cambridge background, his verbal conversion to a cranky New Jersey physician is truly astounding.

1. Daniel Day-Lewis

Daniel Day-Lewis operates on a different plane. The London-born thespian’s accent work is the stuff of legend, from his Oscar-winning performance as Abraham Lincoln to his chilling turn as Daniel Plainview in There Will Be Blood. Famous for remaining in character for months on end, he even continued to use Lincoln’s voice off-screen. His dedication to accent realism is part of the reason he’s so frequently regarded as the best actor alive.

Of course, this is not exclusively a British-to-American trend. American thespians have likewise amazed viewers with their performance of appearing as though born on the other side of the ocean. Meryl Streep has seamlessly transitioned into British, Polish, and Danish accents; Michael C. Hall amazed UK viewers with Safe; and actors such as Johnny Depp (Sweeney Todd) and Angelina Jolie (Maleficent) have likewise received credit for their acting.

The trick? It’s not all about raw ability. Most of these actors work with dialect coaches, listen to recordings, and rehearse ad infinitum until each vowel and cadence feels true. As Michael C. Hall once divulged, he worked with the same dialect coach who instructed The Crown cast on how to nail it. Ultimately, what makes these makeovers so iconic is the complete immersion. When an actor’s voice is so convincing that you totally forget where they came from, that is movie magic at its best.

Behind the blinding lights and glitzy red carpet of Hollywood, most celebrities have tales of struggle, rejection, and perseverance. Their stories affirm that failure is not the end—it’s part of the ascent. These ten inspiring individuals weathered the odds head-on and used them as a drive to become successful, listed in reverse order for greater drama.

10. Melissa McCarthy – From Bare Pockets to Comedy Royalty

Before she became one of the funniest actresses in Tinseltown, Melissa McCarthy was running on fumes. Her bank account was so depleted at one point, she couldn’t even withdraw $5. She continued working, oscillating between auditions and gigs, until Gilmore Girls provided her with the opportunity she needed. From there, box office smashes such as Bridesmaids and Spy solidified her position as a box office powerhouse. McCarthy’s tale illustrates how laughter and determination can make the darkest times stepping stones.

9. Michael J. Fox – Fighting Parkinson’s with Purpose

Michael J. Fox had already become a favorite with Back to the Future and Family Ties when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 29. Rather than retreat, he kept acting and launched the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for research. His indefatigable optimism and determination turned a personal struggle into a worldwide mission of hope.

8. Frida Kahlo – Turning Pain into Art

Frida Kahlo endured a lifetime of physical suffering, from polio as a child to a catastrophic bus accident as a teen. Yet, she transformed that pain into art that remains raw, powerful, and timeless. Kahlo’s self-portraits and activism made her not only an artistic legend but also a symbol of resilience and defiance. Her story reminds us that creativity can bloom even in the harshest soil.

7. Harrison Ford – From Carpentry to the Millennium Falcon

Long before he was Indiana Jones or Han Solo, Harrison Ford was working as a carpenter to support his family. Acting gigs were scarce, and for nearly two decades, he struggled to break through. But persistence paid off—George Lucas spotted his talent and cast him in American Graffiti and later Star Wars. Ford’s career proves that even the biggest icons sometimes take the long way around.

6. Stevie Wonder – A Blind Genius

Prematurely born, Stevie Wonder was blind as a baby. But at age 11, he was already signed with Motown and embarked on a career that would have him ranked among music’s all-time legends. With more than two dozen Grammys, classic hits, and a legacy of activism, Wonder took what many perceived as a deficiency and turned it into unfettered creativity.

5. Viola Davis – From Poverty to Powerhouse Performer

Viola Davis spent her childhood in difficult situations and worked her way up through minor, frequently unappreciated roles. Following years of hard work, her standout performances brought her significant accolades. She proceeded to claim the “Triple Crown of Acting”—an Oscar, Emmy, and Tony—becoming the first Black woman to accomplish this feat. Davis’s life is proof positive of what talent, perseverance, and toughness can do.

4. Robert Downey Jr. – Redemption in a Suit of Iron

Robert Downey Jr. was born for stardom but came close to losing it all to substance abuse and run-ins with the law. His career crashed, but he fought his way back through rehab and determination. Then Iron Man came along, the part that saved his career but kick-started the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Downey’s redemption is one of Hollywood’s most miraculous.

3. J.K. Rowling – Writing Her Way Out of Rock Bottom

J.K. Rowling was a single mother struggling to make ends meet when the world first learned about Harry Potter. She suffered from depression and lived on welfare. Publisher after publisher rejected her manuscript—until the last one finally did say yes. That small opportunity became a cultural phenomenon that transformed her life and motivated millions. Rowling’s story is a celebration of the triumph of perseverance and imagination.

2. Stephen Hawking – A Genius Mind Despite the Odds

When Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with ALS at age 21, physicians told him he had only two years to live. Instead, he became one of the greatest scientific minds of all time. Paralyzed and dependent on machines to speak, Hawking penned A Brief History of Time and redesigned our understanding of the cosmos. His life is evidence that human potential is vastly greater than physical constraints.

1. Sylvester Stallone – The Real-Life Underdog of Hollywood

Sylvester Stallone’s life was a rehearsal of the very script he had penned. Dealing with poverty, rejection, and a stammer, he never gave up on his dream. Writing Rocky, he would not sell the script unless he would play the lead, broke and desperate as he was. It paid off, which ushered in one of the greatest franchises of cinema and made him a household name. Stallone’s path is the ultimate underdog victory, reminding us that sometimes you have to fight for your own fairy tale ending.

Supergirl has never been more than Superman’s cousin. She’s a cultural icon, a Kryptonian heroine of strength and empathy who has been beloved by fans of all ages. Kara Zor-El has been remade on television many times by various actresses throughout the years, each giving her life new meaning. From nostalgic takes in the ’80s to fresh interpretations for the contemporary DCU, every live-action Supergirl has made her mark. Here’s our top seven most memorable performances countdown.

7. Adrianne Palicki – Smallville’s Shocking Twist

Adrianne Palicki couldn’t be more different as she played no other than the real Kara Zor-El, but it is quite hard to erase her Smallville role from your memory. She entered the scene as Lindsay Harrison, initially a character who looked to be Supergirl, but, in the end, she was revealed to be a new creation of Jor-El. Even as an on-screen Kara, Palicki managed to turn in a strong performance–her combination of strength and subtlety made her outstanding as one of the most recognizable universes of the Superman mythos.

6. Sasha Calle – An Impulsive, Brief DCEU Supergirl

Her performance was very praised and indeed admirable. However, her journey as the flying hero was short-lived as the studio decided not to go forward with her solo film.

Nevertheless, many supporters of the character were still able to experience the fire of Calle’s incarnate Kara and thus yearned for her to appear on screen considerably more.

5. Laura Vandervoort – Smallville’s Confident Kara

When Smallville finally brought Supergirl on board, Laura Vandervoort presented us with a Kara who was bold, confident, and blissfully self-assured. Clark was still figuring things out, while Kara entered the scene with a sense of identity and purpose that ranked right away.

Although the show’s “no tights, no flights” mantra kept her from the traditional costume, Vandervoort made Kara her own. She returned later to the Supergirl legacy as Indigo in the Arrowverse and established her place in the franchise’s DNA.

4. Milly Alcock – The Future Supergirl of DCU

The newest actress to take on the cape is Milly Alcock, known for House of the Dragon. She’ll make her first appearance in Superman: Legacy and then star in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Alcock’s take will be done with a focus on the darker, grittier parts of Kara’s journey, delving into her strength in an older, tougher universe. Fans cannot wait to see how she reimagines Supergirl for the next generation of DC movies.

3. Helen Slater – The Original Girl of Steel

In 1984, Helen Slater created the character of Supergirl in the film, allowing viewers their initial cinematic adaptation of Kara. With her acting, she was able to mix the traits of determination and compassion, which later on were considered the standard for the next adaptations. DC has been benefiting from her presence as she is still part of the fiction universe, having come back as Lara-El in Smallville and as Eliza Danvers in Supergirl. Besides that, she was (digitally) back in The Flash with Christopher Reeve as Superman. Not many actors can be compared to Slater in terms of their tribute to the character’s history.

2. Melissa Benoist – The Arrowverse’s Indelible Kara

Melissa Benoist played six seasons of Kara Danvers on the CW’s Supergirl, and for some, she’s now the definitive Kara. Benoist walked a fine line between humor, optimism, and heart, and added raw emotional depth to the role, making her Kara relatable and inspiring. She weathered huge crossover events, emerged as a leader in the Arrowverse, and provided fans with a Supergirl who exuded hope in every moment.

1. Supergirl’s Enduring Legacy

More than her only feat, Supergirl’s story is told through the different renditions that have evolved her character. Each performer has highlighted aspects of her nature – her courage, her kindness, her sharpness, and her longing to be accepted.

From the various adaptations, there has been a very strong and consistent idea: Supergirl is a symbol of strength and a source of the amazing people around the world that she is not the only ones with powers, who are capable of making a difference.

Still nursing a Roy-family-shaped hole in your life after Succession’s brutal finale? You’re not alone. Few shows balance betrayal, sibling warfare, and power plays quite like it—but the good news is, TV isn’t short on dysfunctional dynasties and deliciously messy families. If you’re craving more “did-they-really-just-do-that?” drama, here are ten shows brimming with backstabbing, ambition, and the kind of generational chaos therapists dream about.

10. The Tudors

Royal family soap opera on steroids. The Tudors brings us into Henry VIII’s ruthless court, where friendships disintegrate quicker than wedlock and a misplaced stare might get you beheaded. Succession, but with crowns, corsets, and beheadings.

9. Billions

Replace boardrooms with hedge funds, and you have Billions. Damian Lewis and Paul Giamatti engage in a game of cat-and-mouse ego, greed, and manipulation. Sleek, ruthless, and mercilessly fun, it’s pretty much a Wall Street soap opera with better suits.

8. Six Feet Under

Dysfunction within the family doesn’t always require billions on the line. Six Feet Under takes us inside a family funeral home, where death hangs as large as anger. Darkly comedic and deeply compassionate, it’s an exploration of life, death, and why no family enterprise is ever uncomplicated.

7. Revenge

Rich individuals acting badly? Check. Complicated plots? Double check. Revenge tells a story of secrets and vendettas in the Hamptons, headed by one enigmatic woman with a lot to avenge. High drama and higher stakes—excellent if you can’t get your betrayal with enough glitz.

6. Arrested Development

Now for something lighthearted: picture the Roys but humorous (and even petty). The Bluths are a dynastic family in disarray when their father gets arrested, which leaves their barely cohesive offspring scrambling. It’s ridiculous, quote-unquote, and demonstrates that dysfunction can be funny.

5. The Righteous Gemstones

Underneath the glitzy veneer of televangelist riches is a family as pious as they are corrupt. Headed by John Goodman, the Gemstones personify scandal, hypocrisy, and sibling infighting—served with outrageous humor. Think of it as Succession with sermons and Southern charm. 

4. The Great

Forget dry history—The Great reinvents Catherine the Great’s ascension to power with irreverence, contemporary slang, and acid satire. It’s frenetic, chic, and wickedly humorous. If the Roys were around during 18th-century Russia, it would have been something like this.

3. Empire

Money, music, and deceit are the themes in Empire. Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson star as exes battling for their hip-hop dynasty, as their sons further complicate matters with schemes and desire. Shakespearean stakes with a dynamite soundtrack.

2. Wealth

This cool British drama sets siblings against one another after their dad’s health breakdown leaves a cosmetics empire on the block. Slick, stylish, and addictive, Riches is evidence that family loyalty never makes it when there’s big money involved.

1. Yellowstone

Imagine Succession, but with cowboy boots. Kevin Costner plays the patriarch of the Dutton family in Yellowstone, as they fight both outside threats to their ranch and inside deceptions within the family. Land, legacy, and loyalty come crashing together in this dark modern Western.

These programs demonstrate that the Roys were not the only family destroying each other for control and power. From corporate warfare to historical drama to collapsing modern dynasties, there are all sorts of dysfunctional storytelling ahead to engross you.

To be really honest, if you are not secretly thinking about how you would cope with an apocalypse, then you are most likely just a viewer of such movies. Post-apocalyptic flicks have that perfect blend of terror, attraction, and “what if” curiosity. With these movies, the audience can delve into survival, ethics, and the world that is completely offline. So whether you want to get prepared for the end of the world or just relax with a bowl of popcorn, check out this list of the 10 best post-apocalyptic movies of all time.

10. Zombieland (2009)

The end of the world isn’t always serious. Zombieland makes zombie survival a comedy road trip, complete with a killer ensemble cast (Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin) and a laugh-out-loud set of survival “rules.” Twinkie hunts, zombie clowns, and all-star cameos in between make it a prime example of laughter being the best defense against the undead.

9. Shaun of the Dead (2004)

This British cult favorite is comedy, horror, and rom-com—a.k.a. a “rom-zom-com.” Simon Pegg and Nick Frost bumble their way through the apocalypse with humor, repartee, and just enough sentiment to make it memorable. At its heart, it’s less zombie and more about friendship, being an adult, and realizing when it’s time to grow up. With a pint of beer, hopefully.

8. 28 Days Later (2002)

Cillian Murphy’s wake-up call in a deserted London is the beginning of one of the scariest zombie movies ever produced. Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later redefined the genre with its rage-infected speeders and tone so dark it seems eerily probable. The movie isn’t only about monsters—it’s an eye-opening reminder of how rapidly civilization can collapse.

7. I Am Legend (2007)

Will Smith performs at his best and in an unforgettable way in a truly beautiful and sad tale about a man’s endurance and seclusion. A devastated New York that is void of any kind of human life and his faithful dog as his only companions, he finds himself battling the monsters that have been mutated into vampire-like beings while holding onto salvation to the very end. It is a very captivating movie that is very close to the viewer afterwards, combining the aspects of fast-paced action, lament, and the hero’s bittersweet solitude, particularly if you happen to be a dog lover.

6. Planet of the Apes (1968)

Before CGI knockoffs and blockbuster remakes came, Charlton Heston stumbled upon the remnants of humanity in one of film’s most memorable twist endings. Planet of the Apes combines science fiction spectacle with scathing social critique, cautioning that at times, our worst enemy lies within ourselves.

5. Snowpiercer (2013)

What if the final survivors of humanity were stuck on a train perpetually looping through a frozen world? Bong Joon-ho’s Snowpiercer provides an answer in a violent narrative of class struggle, survival, and revolution. From dirty tail-section warriors to plush upper-class compartments, it’s an allegory for inequality dressed in sci-fi chic—and it doesn’t hesitate to hit hard.

4. Interstellar (2014)

Christopher Nolan doesn’t provide us with a ravaged Earth—he presents one on the brink of ruin. Guided by Matthew McConaughey on a do-or-die quest to preserve humanity, Interstellar is both equal parts space odyssey and moving family drama. Stunning visuals, mind-bending science, and tear-inducing scenes make it one of the greatest near-apocalyptic films in cinema history.

3. The Road (2009)

Bleak, haunting, and unforgettable, The Road reduces the genre to its most human aspect: the relationship between child and parent. Viggo Mortensen and Kodi Smit-McPhee make their way through a desolate wasteland where there are cannibals around every corner, but the emphasis remains on their tenuous hope and love. It’s heartbreaking, but profoundly moving.

2. Children of Men (2006)

Alfonso Cuarón’s masterpiece imagines a future where no children have been born for nearly two decades. As humanity collapses into chaos, Clive Owen’s reluctant protector escorts the world’s last hope—a pregnant woman—through danger.

1. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Explosions, war machines, and perhaps the most intense heroine ever committed to film—Fury Road is not merely a post-apocalyptic film, but a cinematic adrenaline high. Max joins forces with director George Miller’s action-packed wasteland, making for a feminist, blazing, and unforgettable epic. It’s anarchy made into sheer art.

Why do we come back to them over and over again? Maybe it is because they let us daydream about how we would survive. Maybe it is because they shine a light on us, our own culture, and how delicate it is. Or maybe it is just fun to see someone else fighting zombies while you eat in peace. No matter what the reason may be, these films are not going away, and, actually, we wouldn’t want them to.

Let’s be honest—waiting for Stranger Things to return feels like being trapped in Hawkins’ Upside Down, clutching a single walkie-talkie and hoping someone hears you. If you’re itching for more creepy mysteries, government secrets, and ragtag groups of unlikely heroes, don’t worry—the TV world has plenty to offer. Here are 10 shows that can fill the Hawkins-shaped hole in your watchlist until the gang is back in action.

10. All of Us Are Dead

Imagine Stranger Things, but replace the Demogorgons with zombies. This Korean thriller leaves a group of teenagers stranded in the midst of a dreadful outbreak, where survival is far from certain. It’s bloody, sentimental, and gets that same blend of adolescent melodrama and round-the-clock peril that Stranger Things enthusiasts devour.

9. Alice in Borderland

This Japanese show leaves a group of friends stranded in an abandoned Tokyo, where survival is determined by solving deadly games. It’s a taut mix of sci-fi, puzzle-solving, and unadulterated survival instinct—sort of like if the Hellfire Club’s D&D sessions got real and deadly. 

8. Mortel

Teenage French voodoo-granted superpowers? Yes, please. Mortel tests what occurs when teen angst and superpower mix, with friendships and loyalty strained at every corner. If you enjoyed Eleven and crew figuring it out by the seat of their pants, this series has that same frenetic energy.

7. Dark

If Stranger Things is a rollercoaster, Dark is a brain-twister. This German phenomenon begins with a missing child but soon escalates to time travel, family secrets, and mind-bending plots. It’s atmospheric, creepy, and every bit as addictive for those who prefer their mysteries extra complicated.

6. Safe

For viewers who were stuck on Joyce Byers’ frantic search for Will, Safe packs an equivalent emotional wallop. The series tracks a father who is frantically searching for his lost daughter in what appears to be an unassuming suburban area that contains way too many secrets. It’s taut, suspenseful, and ideal if you enjoyed the parental viewpoint in Stranger Things.

5. Archive 81

Creepy videotapes. A dark cult. A decades-long mystery. Archive 81 is the type of slow-burning supernatural thriller that creeps under your skin and won’t quit. With its eerie vibe and supernatural puzzle pieces, it’s a natural fit for Hawkins fans.

4. Locke & Key

Think of what if the Hawkins children, instead of the Upside Down, had a house full of magical keys. Locke & Key marries fantasy and horror with family drama, presenting us with a coming-of-age tale shrouded in supernatural intrigue. Like Stranger Things, it’s an adaptation from a comic book and lives as much on the relationships between characters as on its creepy turns.

3. Raising Dion

What if Eleven’s narrative was presented through her mom’s eyes? Raising Dion covers that ground, tracking a widowed mom as she keeps her super-abled son protected from evil forces. With its themes of family, identity, and clandestine enemies, it’s an obvious companion to Stranger Things viewers. 

2. The Umbrella Academy

Superpowered outcasts, dysfunctional family life, and the occasional apocalypse—it’s not Hawkins, but it gets at the same itch. The Umbrella Academy is snarky, killer soundtracked, and high-stakes, making it a binge-watch substitute for anyone missing the Hawkins crew’s dysfunctional charm.

1. Dead Boy Detectives

For a new spin on the supernatural teen genre, Dead Boy Detectives steals the show. Based on Neil Gaiman’s Sandman universe, they are two ghostly best friends cracking paranormal cases along with the living. It’s creepy, hilarious, and touching—pretty much the type of supernatural buddy mystery that Stranger Things enthusiasts will gobble up.

So get your Eggos, turn off the lights, and line up these episodes. Hawkins might be in hiatus, but the spooky fun doesn’t have to be.