If you’ve ever wasted an entire night browsing Prime Video’s vast library, you’ll understand the battle. With over 9,000 titles to select from, it’s essentially a film buff’s all-you-can-eat buffet—thrilling, daunting, and bursting with hidden gems. The silver lining? You don’t need to dig for the gems. From moving dramas to boundary-pushing originals, here are 10 great movies currently streaming on Prime Video—all free for subscribers.

10. Red, White & Royal Blue

Need a rom-com with maximum charm and zero shame? This one delivers. Based on Casey McQuiston’s bestselling novel, it pairs the First Son of the U.S. with a young British prince in a delightfully over-the-top love story. Taylor Zakhar Perez and Nicholas Galitzine make sparks fly, and Uma Thurman’s Southern-accented President steals every scene.

9. The Burial

Legal drama set… in the funeral trade? Believe it or not, yes—and it’s great. Jamie Foxx is swaggering and funny as showy lawyer Willie Gary, taking on corporate behemoths in the interest of a small-town mortician (Tommy Lee Jones). Part hilarious, part uplifting, it’s a people-pleaser with something to say.

8. My Old Ass

Aubrey Plaza encounters her younger self—literally. In this touching and slightly dreamlike indie, Maisy Stella stars as Elliott, an 18-year-old who, after taking a psychedelic birthday ride, sits face-to-face with her 39-year-old self (Plaza). It’s heartfelt, a little strange, and full of nostalgia for the decisions we make and those we don’t.

7. Shin Masked Rider

Forget your typical superhero template—this Japanese remake from Hideaki Anno is dark, unorthodox, and suspenseful. Sosuke Ikematsu stars as a motorcycle gang member turned cyborg who is fleeing a mysterious organization to become a force for justice. Intense action, body horror, and a healthy serving of sentimentality await.

6. The Idea of You

Anne Hathaway is most compelling in this teensy romance about a single mom who falls for a boy-band idol half her age. Based on Robinne Lee’s novel, it’s a high-gloss, addictive fantasy with undeniable chemistry between Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine.

5. Saltburn

Emerald Fennell’s sordid, stylish thriller tracks stammering Oxford student Oliver (Barry Keoghan) as he’s sucked into the opulent, perverse world of the Catton clan. With Jacob Elordi dripping charisma, a voyeuristic 4:3 aspect ratio, and acidic wit, it’s discomfiting and unshakeable.

4. Evangelion 3.0+1.0: Thrice Upon a Time

For anime fans, this is the grand finale you’ve been waiting for. Hideaki Anno closes out the Evangelion saga with mind-bending visuals, raw emotion, and a deeply satisfying conclusion. It’s not beginner-friendly, but for long-time fans, it’s a triumph.

3. Challengers

Luca Guadagnino makes tennis into high art (and high drama) in this romantic-triangle story with Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist. Taut, sensual, and downright beautiful to look at, it’s both about passion and competition and about the game.

2. Sound of Metal

Riz Ahmed is phenomenal as Ruben, a drummer whose hearing loss leaves him to re-examine who he is apart from music. The sound—and silence—used in the film make it an immersive, emotional ride. Olivia Cooke provides depth as Ruben’s girlfriend in love and adversity.

1. Thirteen Lives

Ron Howard’s taut retelling of the 2018 Thai cave rescue is edge-of-your-seat filmmaking. Viggo Mortensen, Colin Farrell, and Joel Edgerton headline a top-notch cast in an international collaboration tale and a testament to human endurance. It’s gripping, uplifting, and stunningly shot.

Prime Video isn’t slinging quantity at you—rather, it’s bringing quality. Whether you need some tear-jerking romances, high-octane thrills, or a mind-bending anime adventure, these 10 selections are worth your next movie night.

Let’s be real: there aren’t many things quite like a well-regarded British crime drama. There’s something about the fog spreading over cobblestone streets, one-bad-day-from-a-breakdown detectives, or the kind of convoluted plots that require your undivided attention that these shows get just right every time. There’s something wonderfully addictive about slow-building mystery combined with dry humor and a brooding leading man, trench-coated up.

From dozy rural villages with secrets lurking beneath the surface to vast city-state conspiracies, these are 15 of the best British crime dramas to keep you guessing—and stuck to the telly.

15. Grantchester

Think a crime-solving vicar is far-fetched? Not in Grantchester. This lovely 1950s-set mystery series stars James Norton as Sidney Chambers, a jazzy clergyman with a talent for detecting murder. Handed off to gruff inspector Geordie Keating (Robson Green), the team brings both brains and heart to the case. Part cozy period drama, part emotional character study—and all-around easy viewing for fans of gentle mysteries with real depth.

14. The Bletchley Circle

What becomes of the clever ladies of Bletchley Park when they retire their code-breaking skills after WWII? They apply their talents to crime-solving, naturally. This underappreciated gem charts the exploits of a coterie of wartime codebreaker ladies who expose trends the police are too obtuse to detect. With a robust feminist substrate and ingenious plotting, it’s an electrifying indication that intellect doesn’t punch out when the war is over.

13. Foyle’s War

For smart fans of period drama, Foyle’s War is a slow-burning masterpiece. Detective Christopher Foyle (played by Michael Kitchen) solves crimes in and after WWII, and in doing so, uncovers narratives that express the human price of war. The show pairs incisive writing, understated performances, and a morality that feels almost radical in today’s television environment.

12. The Fall

If psychological thrillers are more your speed, The Fall should be at the top of your list. Gillian Anderson stuns as Stella Gibson, a composed detective with zero patience for nonsense—and a laser focus on a serial killer hiding in plain sight. Set in Belfast, the show is a masterclass in tension and subverts expectations at every turn.

11. Shetland

Few programs do location so convincingly as Shetland. Against the sweep of the isolated Scottish islands, this gentle, introspective series tracks detective Jimmy Perez as he solves intricately layered crimes based in close-knit communities. If you enjoy the brooding atmosphere of Nordic noir but prefer something distinctly British, Shetland is your solution.

10. River

Stellan Skarsgård plays a detective tormented—literally—by the ghosts of those he’s lost, including his newly murdered partner. River starts as a generic police procedural but evolves into a beautiful exploration of loss and guilt. It’s odd, affecting, and completely entrancing due to Abi Morgan’s script and Skarsgård’s tour-de-force performance.

9. The Shadow Line

Dark, stylish, and deliberately ambiguous, The Shadow Line is one of those shows that keeps you up at night—not because it’s scary, but because you’re still trying to untangle all the layers. Following both criminals and cops after a gangland murder, the show dives into conspiracy, corruption, and the moral gray areas in between. Moody lighting, philosophical dialogue, and a top-tier cast make it a standout.

8. DCI Banks

Based on the novels of Peter Robinson, DCI Banks offers you traditional British crime—but with a darker, moody twist. Stephen Tompkinson provides subtle intensity as Banks, a Yorkshire cop who confronts both the bizarre and the heartbreaking with equal frequency. It’s good, unobtrusive, and consistently involving for those who like old-fashioned police drama with a beat.

7. Broadchurch

Few crime dramas have punched as hard—or as emotionally—as Broadchurch. When a young boy is discovered dead on a beach in a tight-knit holiday town, the whole community comes apart. Olivia Colman and David Tennant head up an exceptional cast in a tale that’s more concerned with the “why” rather than the “who.” Haunting, superbly acted, and profoundly human.

6. Happy Valley

Don’t be fooled by the title—Happy Valley is far from happy. Sarah Lancashire is compelling as Sergeant Catherine Cawood, a police woman who must deal with grief, violence, and dysfunctional systems in West Yorkshire. It’s realistic, raw, and emotionally shattering—all for the best. Creator Sally Wainwright produces something as realistic as it is engrossing.

5. Luther

Luther doesn’t merely flirt with darkness—it plunges headlong into it. Idris Elba stars as the tortured detective with charisma and fire, pursuing some of Britain’s most horrific killers on television. Sleek, graphic, and even more fascinating, this is one show that leaves you on the brink and never lets go.

4. Sherlock

Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman remake the great detective duo for a new era. With whip-brained dialogue, breakneck speed, and visual panache, Sherlock is not just a remake—it’s a pop phenomenon. From high-tech spy games to old-fashioned deduction, this show serves up twist after twist.

3. Marcella

Unpredictable and utterly engrossing, Marcella traces a retired detective (Anna Friel) back to work—and into her fractured mind. With memory lapses and hidden secrets, Marcella is both detective and enigma in one. It’s dark, gritty, and explores the messy disorder of trauma in a way more procedurals won’t venture.

2. Prime Suspect

Before women were leading crime dramas, there was Jane Tennison. Helen Mirren’s groundbreaking performance of the tough, multi-dimensional DCI set the bar high and changed the genre. Dealing with sexism, personal demons, and the dark price of justice, Prime Suspect is more than a classic—it’s a must-watch.

1. Line of Duty

At the top is Line of Duty, the benchmark for contemporary crime drama. Following an anti-corruption police team, it serves up some of the most astonishing twists and nail-biting questionings in television history. With every season diving deeper into institutional corruption and moral ambiguity, it’s addictive, compulsive, and utterly unmissable.

From ghost-ridden detectives to wartime investigations and bent coppers, British crime dramas provide a rich, diverse terrain for storytelling that grips the viewer. So whether you’re in the mood for a homely mystery or a pitch-black thriller, these programmes demonstrate one thing: no one does crime better than the Brits. And yes—by the end of it all, you could well find yourself sipping tea and solving murders in your mind. With a suspiciously posh accent.

Hollywood is obsessed with dynasties, but every so often, the children don’t merely inherit their parents’ steps—they run circles around them, construct dynasties, and redefine fame in its entirety. The “nepo baby” debate has been ubiquitous recently, but loathe it or not, some celebrity offspring have transitioned from “so-and-so’s kid” to world-renowned figures in their own right. These ten stars demonstrated that legacies are not merely passed down but remade.

10. Gigi & Bella Hadid (Daughters of Yolanda Hadid)

The Hadids turned modeling into a true family affair, but Gigi and Bella have eclipsed their mom’s career by miles. Yolanda Hadid was a successful model back in the ’80s and ’90s and later a Real Housewives staple, but her daughters are runway royalty. Gigi’s landed dozens of Vogue covers, while Bella’s been crowned Model of the Year more than once. With their worldwide promotions and online followers of millions, they’ve become cultural icons well beyond mom’s spotlight.

9. Ben Stiller (Son of Jerry Stiller & Anne Meara)

Comedy is in Ben Stiller’s blood, practically. His parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, were celebrated comedians and sitcom legends, but Ben’s career soared to an entirely different altitude. From Meet the Parents to Tropic Thunder to Zoolander, he established himself as both a comedic leading man and an acclaimed director. While Jerry Stiller will always be a legend (hello, Frank Costanza!), Ben forged a legacy of his own—larger, wider, and still thriving.

8. Drew Barrymore (Daughter of John Drew Barrymore)

The Barrymore family is Hollywood royalty, but Drew is the one who resuscitated the name as a household brand. Her dad, John Drew Barrymore, struggled with personal demons that kept his career in check. Drew, meanwhile, transitioned from her debut in E.T. to a decades-long acting, producing, and now talk show hosting career. She not only topped her dad—she renovated the Barrymore reputation for an entire new generation.

7. Chris Pine (Robert Pine’s son)

Robert Pine maintained a consistent TV career, most remembered for CHiPs, but Chris Pine propelled the family name directly to blockbuster fame. From Star Trek to Wonder Woman to his musical talents in Into the Woods, Chris has established himself as one of Hollywood’s greatest leading men. Where his father remained stable in supporting roles, Chris’s star presence propelled him to the A-list.

6. Josh Brolin (James Brolin’s Son)

James Brolin enjoyed success in television, but his son Josh was a box-office powerhouse. With The Goonies and launching into superstardom with No Country for Old Men and his iconic performance as Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Josh has traded indie credentials for mainstream stardom. His credentials and international fame are well beyond his father’s, making him one of the most esteemed actors of his generation.

5. Gwyneth Paltrow (Child of Blythe Danner & Bruce Paltrow)

Raised by an award-winning actress mother and a director father, Gwyneth Paltrow was born for Hollywood. But she didn’t just coast on the family name—she created an empire. Her Oscar award for Shakespeare in Love and her performance in the Marvel universe cemented her acting career, but her lifestyle company, Goop, turned her into a divisive but undeniable mogul. Her parents were admired; Gwyneth was a cultural phenomenon.

4. Miley Cyrus (Daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus)

Billy Ray Cyrus gave the world “Achy Breaky Heart” in the ’90s, but Miley Cyrus has been shaping pop culture for nearly two decades. From Hannah Montana superstardom to a music career full of reinvention (Wrecking Ball, Flowers), she’s consistently stayed at the forefront of entertainment. Her dad had one monster hit—Miley built an entire career of them.

3. Jennifer Aniston (John Aniston’s daughter)

John Aniston was a soap veteran for decades, but Jennifer Aniston is now one of the most familiar faces on the globe because of Friends. Jennifer’s performance as Rachel Green defined an era in television, and she became a top-paid actress in Hollywood. Aside from her work, she’s a cultural icon whose reach far exceeds that of her father’s lengthy but more subdued career.

2. Whitney Houston (Daughter of Cissy Houston)

Cissy Houston gained respect as a gospel and background vocalist, but Whitney Houston was one of the all-time best voices in music history. With more than 200 million records sold, scores of Grammys, and hits that continue to own playlists even today, Whitney didn’t just surpass her mother—she revolutionized the music industry altogether. Her voice, her movies, her legacy? Unblemished.

1. Angelina Jolie (Daughter of Jon Voight)

Jon Voight is an Oscar winner with a storied career, but Angelina Jolie redefined international stardom. From Tomb Raider to Maleficent, helming award-winning movies, and her widespread humanitarian efforts, Jolie’s influence extends far outside of Hollywood. She’s not only more well-known than her father—she’s among the most influential names in contemporary culture.

Hollywood might adore its legacies, but these celebrities demonstrate that sometimes the following generation does not simply maintain the light burning—sometimes they ignite the entire world.

August might be all about barbecues, beach trips, and pretending you’ll spend less time on the couch—but let’s be real, streaming is the real summer MVP. This month, platforms are dropping a mix of thrillers, comedies, horrors, and heartfelt dramas that are just begging for a binge. Whether you’re hiding from the heat or just looking for your next movie night pick, here are the 10 best new arrivals worth watching right now.

10. Eenie Meenie (Hulu)

If you’re craving a fast-paced crime thriller, Hulu’s Eenie Meenie is your jam. Samara Weaving stars as a former teen getaway driver who thought she left that life behind—until her reckless ex drags her back into the game. It’s part action flick, part emotional rollercoaster, and exactly the kind of direct-to-streaming release you’ll want to queue up on a Friday night.

9. Den of Thieves 2: Pantera (Prime Video)

Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr. are back for this action-packed sequel, moving the action from L.A. to Europe. Based on the infamous Antwerp diamond heist, Den of Thieves 2 brings all the double-crosses, shootouts, and gritty tension fans of the original adored—only bigger and more audacious.

8. Borderline (Peacock)

Obsessive fandom takes a creepy turn in this darkly humorous thriller. Ray Nicholson stars as Duerson, a guy who believes he’s fated to marry his ’90s pop star crush (Samara Weaving). What begins as delusion becomes a deadly, action-packed game of cat and mouse. Creepy, funny, and unnerving in equal proportions, this one’s a thrill ride.

7. The Infernal Machine (Paramount+)

Guy Pearce fronts this psychological thriller as an isolated writer besieged by a deluge of cryptic letters. The more he investigates, the more it blurs between paranoia and reality. The Infernal Machine is snappy, taut, and perfect for anyone who prefers their thrillers with literary, intellectual bite.

6. The Legend of Ochi (HBO Max)

A24 is a fantasy adventure with heart. Helena Zengel plays an adolescent girl who develops an improbable friendship with a forest animal shunned by her community. With a supporting cast that includes Finn Wolfhard, Emily Watson, and Willem Dafoe, this visually gorgeous fable blends tactile effects with digital creativity for something very magical.

5. The Pickup (Prime Video)

Laughter collides with a crime caper in The Pickup, featuring Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, Eva Longoria, and Keke Palmer. When two armored-truck drivers are ambushed, things get crazy and funny. Directed by Tim Story, it’s an enjoyable combination of action and humor—ideal for a nighttime movie session.

4. Night Always Comes (Netflix)

Vanessa Kirby excels in this raw, gritty retelling of Willy Vlautin’s novel. She stars as Lynette, a woman struggling to make a brighter future for her family, only to find herself pulled into a desperate, all-night plunge into the darker side of her city. Raw, emotional, and one of Kirby’s best performances to date.

3. The Monkey (Hulu)

Stephen King and dark comedy collide in Osgood Perkins’ version of The Monkey. Theo James plays twin brothers whose lives are haunted by a toy monkey with a curse that follows death. With a solid supporting cast—Tatiana Maslany, Elijah Wood, Adam Scott, and more—this one has scares offset with wicked, dark humor.

2. Final Destination: Bloodlines (HBO Max)

Death’s favorite franchise returns. Bloodlines grossed almost $300 million at the box office and is already the series’s highest-grossing film. The sequel takes place and revolves around a college student (Kaitlyn Santa Juana) plagued by visions of an accident decades earlier. Be ready for over-the-top killings, wily setups, and all the references to what makes Final Destination favorites among fans.

1. My Oxford Year (Netflix)

Completing the list is a swoony romance. My Oxford Year is the story of Anna (Sofia Caron), a driven American whose academic aspirations meet her life-altering love in England. With Corey Mylchrees as her dashing foil, it’s sweet, cozy, and guaranteed to get you to believe in second chances.

And there you have it—August’s top streaming new additions. Whatever mood you’re in to laugh, scream, or sob into your popcorn, there’s something here for it. So fire up the AC, get cozy, and have your next movie night pretty much plan itself.

Sometimes it delivers all-out blockbusters, other times you’re left scrolling for ages, wondering what exactly you just watched. But hidden beneath the hype and headline shows (yes, we love The Boys too) lies a lineup of underrated series that deserve way more love than they get.

If you’re ready to ditch the mainstream and dig into the real gems, this list is for you. Here are 12 under-the-radar shows on Prime Video that are worth your time—counted down for maximum drama, of course.

12. The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart

If “emotional rollercoaster set in stunning landscapes” is your vibe, this is it. Told in Australia, this slow-burning drama tracks Alice, who’s relocated to live with her fiery grandma (Sigourney Weaver at her best) after a family tragedy. Based on a flower farm that doubles as a refuge for women, the series is full of symbolism, suffering, healing, and strength. Subtly heartbreaking, exquisitely performed.

11. Night Sky

Here’s a series that takes its time—deservedly. Sissy Spacek and J.K. Simmons play an older couple with a very peculiar secret: they have a doorway to another world under their shed. But this is not your run-of-the-mill sci-fi. It’s about love, memory, and the magic of the universe more than explosive alien stuff. Think emotional heart with cosmic fantasy. 

10. Tales From the Loop

This one’s a mood: moody, mysterious, and infuriatingly human. Based on the dreamy paintings of Simon Stålenhag, the series stitches together a string of tales in a town where wacky science is simple. Life. Robots, time travel, and heartbreak are hand in hand. It’s slow, sure—but hauntingly so.

9. Patriot

Equal parts spy thriller and absurdist comedy, Patriot is unlike anything else. Michael Dorman plays a reluctant intelligence officer with a side gig as a corporate drone—and a serious talent for sad folk songs. It’s dry, dark, and deeply weird, but once you’re in the groove, it’s addictive. Tragically short-lived at just two seasons, but worth watching.

8. Upload

Based in a near-future in which the afterlife is essentially a virtual vacation resort, Upload combines biting technology satire and rom-com heart. Robbie Amell stars as a recently deceased guy attempting to determine who (or what) murdered him, while trying to navigate the mundanity of in-app shopping and digital capitalistic terrors. Funny, intelligent, and quietly sentimental.

7. The Devil’s Hour

Ever been awoken at 3:33 a.m. out of nowhere? That’s where The Devil’s Hour begins. Jessica Raine stars as Lucy, a woman who’s being haunted by creepy visions—and things only get weirder from there. With Peter Capaldi delivering a sinister, hypnotic turn as a murderer with a past-life connection, this thriller keeps going round in circles right up until the final twist. Creepy, clever, and impossible to anticipate.

6. ZeroZeroZero

Forget glitzy drug soap operas—ZeroZeroZero is raw, worldwide, and unapologetically intense. After one such shipment of cocaine from Mexico to Italy, it provides you with the entire picture of the drug economy, from cartels to middlemen to consumers. It’s gorgeous and grotesque, with documentary-level detail. Imagine Narcos, but grittier and more expansive.

5. Deadloch

This Tasmanian town-set murder mystery turns the tables with feminist humor and quirky charm. Two highly contrasting detectives are paired up to solve a murder, and the outcome is half dark comedy and half old-school whodunit. It’s both absurd and addictive, filled with wacky locals and unexpected twists that will keep you guessing.

4. Harlem

Developed by Girls Trip’s Tracy Oliver, Harlem is the lively, irreverent tale of four friends as they figure out life, love, and careers in New York. It’s real, loud, and full of heart—also Black women and queer voices upfront. It’s got all the friendship emotions of Sex and the City, but with much more flavor and perspective.

3. High School

Based on Tegan and Sara’s memoir, this show is a love letter to teenage angst, grunge-era music, and figuring out your identity. The Gilliland twins bring a quiet, real energy to the screen that makes every scene feel lived-in. It’s one of those shows that doesn’t try too hard—it just gets it. And the soundtrack? Perfect.

2. One Mississippi

Tig Notaro infuses this semi-autobiographical dramedy of loss, family, and small-town strangeness with her characteristic dry humor. Written and starring in the show, set in the wake of losing her mother, Notaro finds a way to make it both devastatingly real and side-splittingly dry at the same time. It’s subtle and moving, with its beat.

1. Catastrophe

Don’t be fooled by the rom-com premise—Catastrophe is disheveled, truthful, and deliciously hilarious. Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney star as a couple brought together by a pregnancy mishap, and their chemistry is explosive. The writing is acerbic, the jokes bite, and the emotional beats ring true. It’s one of the greatest contemporary relationship series, bar none.

There you have it—twelve shows in plain sight. Prime Video may not necessarily yell about its top content, but believe us, there’s enough to yell about. So forget the usual suggestions and press play on one of these instead. Your weekend binge just got a serious upgrade.

Let’s be honest: if you’ve ever sat through a “high school” show and thought, “Hold up—there’s no chance that guy’s 16,” you’re definitely not imagining things. Hollywood has a long-standing habit of casting adults—sometimes adults who could easily pass for teachers or parents—as teenagers. Sometimes it works, sometimes it’s hilariously unconvincing, and other times it leaves real teens scratching their heads about whether they’re supposed to look that grown-up. So here’s a countdown of the 10 most surprising, hilarious, and remember-when adults disguised themselves as teens on screen—and why this weird casting decision is more than just a hilarious behind-the-scenes tidbit.

10. Jason Earles – Hannah Montana

When Hannah Montana premiered on Disney Channel, Jason Earles was almost 30 playing Jackson, Miley’s goofy older brother. He was able to maintain the teen facade for years with co-stars who were actual teens. Earles’ being over a decade older than his character baffled many young viewers—and also became one of the show’s inside jokes.

9. Bianca Lawson – Pretty Little Liars

Bianca Lawson has essentially made a career of playing teens well beyond her own teenage years. Now 31, she appeared in Pretty Little Liars as Maya St. Germain, but that was far from the first high school gig for her—she’s appeared as a teen in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Teen Wolf, and others. Lawson’s ageless looks have made her the de facto queen of playing teens across many different generations.

8. Stockard Channing – Grease

Okay, sure, Grease is a classic—but come on, the cast seemed more like they’d attend a PTA meeting rather than study hall. Stockard Channing was 33 when she portrayed Rizzo, the tough-as-nails leader of the Pink Ladies. She certainly seemed to have more “cool aunt” energy than “classmate,” but her acting was unforgettable and solidified her character as a timeless classic.

7. Alan Ruck – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Cameron Frye was slated to be a senior in high school. Alan Ruck? He was 29. Sure, his youthfulness allowed him to fit in then, but once you know, you can’t unknow—particularly when you know he was more on par with age-wise the actors who played the parents than he was with Matthew Broderick as Ferris.

6. Andrew Garfield – The Amazing Spider-Man

Peter Parker was scripted as an uncomfortable high school teenager, but when Andrew Garfield swung onto screen, he was already 27. His sincere performance rang true, but the age difference caught up to him, particularly in those “teen angst” scenes that seemed a tad too refined on the lips of someone close to 30.

5. Alexa Demie – Euphoria

Euphoria is renowned for depicting high school life with gritty intensity—but in real life, several of its stars are actually way beyond their high school years. Alexa Demie, who portrays Maddy Perez, was 29 when season one rolled around and is currently in her 30s, still acting like a teenager. No surprise the show’s high school corridors resemble more of a catwalk than a sophomore homeroom.

4. Darren Barnet – Never Have I Ever

Paxton Hall-Yoshida is Never Have I Ever’s teen heartthrob fantasy boy—but Darren Barnet was 30 when he played him. Though plenty of his castmates are older than their characters, too, Barnet’s adult features made the disparity particularly obvious. It was like watching someone’s grad-school crush stroll into algebra class when you saw him play 16.

3. Shirley Henderson – Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Moaning Myrtle is a 14-year-old ghost who is cursed to haunt Hogwarts’ bathrooms eternally. Shirley Henderson was not actually 14, however—she was 37 when she acted the part. To her credit, her performance was so perfect that most audiences didn’t even notice the enormous age gap—until they checked on it later and were shocked.

2. Stacey Dash – Clueless

Dionne Davenport is high school cool incarnate in Clueless, but Stacey Dash was 28 when the film came out. A full ten years older than her character, Dash performed the role with humor and panache, but her casting demonstrates precisely how Hollywood’s conception of “teenager” tends to carry a driver’s license, a credit card, and a few years’ worth of life experience.

1. Barbra Streisand – Yentl

And the crown is awarded to Barbra Streisand. In Yentl, she played a 17-year-old pupil while being 41 in real life. It’s one of the widest age discrepancies ever in Hollywood casting. Streisand gave an incredible performance, but the fact of a 40-something-year-old playing a teenager is impossible not to double-take at.

Some of that has to do with logistics. Actual teenagers are more difficult to cast because of labor laws, school obligations, and levels of maturity, particularly for projects involving intense or adult themes. But there is a downside: casting adults as teens distorts the way real teenagers perceive themselves. When the “typical” teenager on television appears to have just walked out of a photo shoot—acne-free skin, chiseled jawlines, and the confidence of someone who has already made it through their twenties—it creates unrealistic expectations.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Barbara Greenberg explains that this can send negative messages: actual teenagers may feel they ought to appear older, be more grown-up, or measure up to an idealized form of adolescence. Include programs where “teens” are always at crazy parties or in complicated relationships, and actual teens feel left behind. The net result? A generation of children coerced into meeting the glossy, unreal Hollywood ideal of teen life. Perhaps the time has come for a twist of plot—where teenagers on screen are, finally, acted by teenagers themselves.

Let’s be real—DC is in the midst of a major identity overhaul. With James Gunn and Peter Safran at the wheel of the new DC Universe, all bets are off, and that includes a new look for one of its most iconic characters: Wonder Woman. Gal Gadot infused fierce elegance and ageless strength into the role, but now that the franchise is being rebooted, it’s time to reimagine Diana Prince.

So, who’s got the presence, power, and screen charisma to fill those iconic boots? Whether it’s up-and-coming stars or well-established pros, here are 10 actresses who could slay it as the new Wonder Woman.

10. Bruna Marquezine

Bruna Marquezine already tested the DC waters with Blue Beetle, and though the movie failed to set the box office ablaze, she shone in her role. She was even shortlisted for the role of Supergirl in The Flash, and that shows us that the studio believes there is something special about her. With effortless charm and intense on-screen presence, Marquezine might deliver a young but authoritative version of Wonder Woman—one that feels fresh without being removed from reality.

9. Katherine Waterston

Katherine Waterston has an intensity and depth that might give Wonder Woman some serious dramatic heft. Standing at 5’11”, she is physically imposing, like an Amazon, and her performance in Alien: Covenant and Fantastic Beasts demonstrates she can carry big-budget features. With emotional subtlety and quiet strength, Waterston might give us a Diana who is both powerful and deeply human.

8. Charlee Fraser

Charlee Fraser is not a household name yet, but her breakout role in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga made it unmistakable—she’s one to watch. With a look inspired by a younger Gal Gadot and an act rich in grit and poise, Fraser could bring a smooth transition of the character. She’s that kind of up-and-comer who could play the role for years to come.

7. Emma Mackey

With starring roles in Sex Education, Barbie, and the new Chronicles of Narnia reboot, Emma Mackey is poised for stardom. She even auditioned for Lois Lane in Superman: Legacy, showing she’s already on DC’s radar. With dramatic looks and a strong presence, Mackey might bring a contemporary twist to Wonder Woman—one that walks the line between strength and vulnerability seamlessly.

6. Grace Caroline Currey

Grace Caroline Currey already has DC cred from her stint as Mary Bromfield in Shazam!. She’s performed both the civilian and superhero versions of her character with heart and conviction. If DC can recast within its universe (just ask Jason Momoa), Currey would be a good bet. She has warmth and grit that could shine in a starring role. 

5. Eiza González

Eiza González has long been fan-cast across nearly every superhero franchise—and for good reason. Her performances in action roles, from Baby Driver to Godzilla vs. Kong, prove she can lead a high-octane film. Add to that her screen presence and sharp charisma, and you’ve got someone who could bring both edge and elegance to Diana Prince.

4. Laura Harrier

Laura Harrier made her superhero debut in Spider-Man: Homecoming, but she’s only just getting started. At 5’9″, she carries herself with a dignified presence that would suit perfectly on Themyscira. Roles in BlackKkKlansman and Hollywood demonstrate that she’s got dramatic chops, and Wonder Woman might be the role that launches her to new heights.

3. Daisy Ridley

Daisy Ridley is accustomed to playing iconic characters, having portrayed Rey in the Star Wars sequel trilogy as Rey. She’s shown she can do big stunts, emotional journeys, and the pressure of the franchise variety. Although her Star Wars legacy could make her a risky choice, Ridley’s combination of power and empathy is exactly what Wonder Woman embodies.

2. May Calamawy

May Calamawy impressed strongly in Moon Knight as Layla El-Faouly, and she’s got everything to make a wonderful Wonder Woman. She speaks up for social justice causes, infusing real-world integrity into the character. If DC wants someone who shares Diana’s values both on- and off-screen, Calamawy is the natural choice.

1. Adria Arjona

Adria Arjona is the name that continues to be mentioned everywhere among fans—and it’s not hard to understand why. Having appeared in Andor, Hit Man, and Morbius, she’s displayed emotional range, charisma, and significant range. She’s also had working experience with James Gunn previously (The Belko Experiment), and her career thus far seems to have been leading up to a prominent superhero role. If DC needs someone prepared to lead a new era, Arjona could be the ideal candidate.

Whomever ends up holding the Lasso of Truth, one thing is certain: Wonder Woman’s legacy rests comfortably in capable hands. Whether that’s an old familiar or a fearless recruit, the next Diana Prince has some big boots to fill—and we can’t wait to see who takes them on.

Fame may open all the doors, but some stars opt for doors we never knew they’d go through—doors to novels, canvases, or even strange electronic landscapes. For celebrities, detours in creativity can be an exercise in proving they’re more than a red-carpet celebrity or just an avenue for pent-up energy. Sometimes the outcome is amazing, sometimes it’s delightfully quirky, and sometimes we’re left thinking, Why Let’s explore 10 of the biggest celebrity side hustles—counting down to the craziest of them all.

10. Marlon Brando’s Pirate Adventure

You know him as Don Corleone, but Marlon Brando also co-authored a swashbuckling pirate novel. Fan-Tan, which appeared posthumously in 2005, began life as a movie concept in 1979. It tells the tale of a sea captain in 1920s Hong Kong who becomes drawn into a robbery. It’s odd, adventurous, and quintessentially Brando—evidence that even movie gods on occasion fancy themselves actors of high-seas melodrama.

9. Paris Hilton’s Candy-Colored NFTs

The queen of the color pink and early reality television didn’t rest on perfume lines or DJ booths. Paris Hilton has dived headlong into the realm of digital art, creating pastel-colored NFTs through an AI partnership. Consider candy-coated dreamscapes in blockchain form. Whether visionary or simply very pricey digital stickers to you, they are inescapably Paris.

8. Snooki’s Fictional Shore Stories

Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi didn’t just experience her Jersey Shore existence—she wrote it into fiction. Her first novel, A Shore Thing, tracks sisters clubbing in Seaside Heights, and the second, Gorilla Beach, adds Atlantic City and a Ponzi scheme. Snooki explained that she wanted to surprise everyone by writing a novel rather than a memoir.

7. Hunter Biden’s Expensive Abstract Paintings

Hunter Biden’s abstract art has been auctioned for hundreds of thousands of dollars, sparking debate about value, politics, and what makes art “serious.” His hazy, layered works have been compared to something you’d find at a luxury wellness retreat. Love them or loathe them, they’ve made him one of the most controversial celebrity artists of recent years.

6. Tom Hanks and His Typewriter Obsession

Tom Hanks is more than America’s dad—he’s also a typewriter-obsessed writer. He’s written short stories for Uncommon Type, each involving the machines he collects (he has more than 150). His latest book even gives readers a peek behind the curtain of a superhero film. It turns out the guy who brought us Woody has some stories of his own, too.

5. Adrien Brody’s Neon Pop Art

Adrien Brody, Oscar winner for The Pianist, now directs his dynamism into flashy, street art-inspired painting. His canvases blend spray paint, cardboard, and pop culture symbols, bearing phrases such as “Rise Above” and “BRODY.” Strident, wild, and hard to ignore—his painting is as over-the-top as his performances on film.

4. Lucy Liu’s Serious Art Career

While other stars experiment, Lucy Liu is highly regarded within the art community. Her medium is photography, installation, and abstract painting, and she’s been shown in prestigious galleries worldwide. Liu’s seriousness and dedication to her craft indicate that she’d still be working if she weren’t a celebrity.

3. Kendall & Kylie Jenner’s YA Sci-Fi

The Jenner sisters ventured briefly into dystopian fiction with their ghostwritten YA books Rebels: City of Indra and Time of the Twins. The novels chronicle super-siblings in a future universe, albeit the plots are… hazy, best. Nevertheless, the venture serves to affirm that in pop culture, no creative path is ever off-limits.

2. Ed Sheeran’s Paint-Splatter Sessions

Ed Sheeran doesn’t only compose earworms—he also splatters paint to song. He refers to them as “visual songs,” made while playing playlists in a London car park. He doesn’t sell them, other than for charity, and doesn’t try to pass them off as tortured brilliance. Just raw color, mayhem, and enjoyment—like his tunes, only on a canvas.

1. Carrie Fisher’s Sharp, Semi-Autobiographical Fiction

Carrie Fisher, always our Princess Leia, was also a witty, incisive author. Her 1987 novel Postcards from the Edge tracks an actress recovering from an overdose in rehab—loosely based on her own experience. Fisher herself said she employed humor as a means of survival from the most dire situations, and it shines through in her writing. Her fiction is sloppy, humorous, and brutally honest—just like she was.

What are all these side projects telling us? Perhaps that creativity does not end after winning an Oscar or reaching the top of the charts. Or perhaps, as Eleonora Sparaciari proposes, the actual mystery is not why celebrities do crazy art—but why we cheerfully shell out six figures for it. Either way, celebrity side projects confirm one thing: fame can come and go, but weird creativity never tires.