Hollywood has a not-so-secret obsession: casting full-grown adults as fresh-faced high schoolers. Sometimes it works like magic, other times it’s painfully distracting, and occasionally you’re left wondering if the school nurse should be handing out AARP cards. Let’s dive into the 10 oldest actors who played teenagers on TV, and unpack why this casting quirk just won’t go away.

10. Bianca Lawson in Pretty Little Liars (31 as Maya)

Bianca Lawson has all but made a career out of acting years after her real teen life. She was 31 when she was cast in Maya St. Germain—and you’d never know it if you weren’t counting. Honestly, she may very well have cracked the code to youth immortality.

9. Jason Earles in Hannah Montana (29 as Jackson)

Miley’s goofy, affectionate brother Jackson was portrayed by Jason Earles, who was almost 30 when Disney Channel’s breakout show first aired. Given Disney’s history of casting older actors to play teenagers, this one remains among the biggest stretches.

8. Ben Platt in Dear Evan Hansen (28 as Evan)

Ben Platt’s comeback as Evan Hansen at 28 was intended to be emotional, but instead went down in infamy. The age gap was so apparent that it yanked the audience out of the narrative—making what should have been an emotional experience into something inadvertently uncomfortable.

7. Darren Barnet in Never Have I Ever (30 as Paxton)

Paxton Hall-Yoshida, the bare-chested dreamboat of Sherman Oaks High. Darren Barnet, his actor? A 30-year-old. Let’s just say the captain of the swim team could have been more convincingly played as the coach.

6. Stacey Dash as Clueless (28 as Dionne)

When Stacey Dash reappeared in her role as Dionne Davenport for the Clueless TV spinoff, she was 28, ten years older than her character. Rather than high school drama, there was more of a very chic PTA meeting feel.

5. Cory Monteith in Glee (27 as Finn)

Finn Hudson was scripted as the epitome of the high school quarterback, but Cory Monteith was 27 when he became part of the cast. With several other “teens” already firmly entrenched in their twenties, McKinley High was beginning to appear suspiciously like an adult education program.

4. Keiko Agena in Gilmore Girls (27 as Lane)

Ages 27 to 34, Keiko Agena accurately embodied Rory’s friend Lane Kim. Though she aced the vibe of an adolescent, in hindsight, the age difference certainly makes Stars Hollow High look like they had an atypically delayed graduation policy.

3. Chase Stokes on Outer Banks (28 as John B)

John B. and the Pogues are youthful as scrappy teens, yet Chase Stokes was 28 when this show premiered. Most of the other cast members were also in their late twenties, so Outer Banks feels more like a college drama than a teen drama most time.

2. Gabrielle Carteris in Beverly Hills 90210 (29 as Andrea)

Gabrielle Carteris was almost 30 when she won the part of Andrea Zuckerman, the intelligent, ambitious school paper editor. Fun fact: she even kept her true age a secret to get the role—a sign that Hollywood adores the pretence of youth, at any price.

1. Charisma Carpenter in Buffy the Vampire Slayer (27 as Cordelia)

Charisma Carpenter was 27 when she was Cordelia Chase, the Sunnydale High queen bee. Though the show was one of fighting vampires and demons, the greatest suspension of disbelief was believing that so many of its “students” were actually in their mid-to-late twenties.

Why Does Hollywood Keep Doing This?

There are good practical reasons for this casting trend. Young actors are subject to stringent work laws restricting how many hours they can put in, whereas adults introduce flexibility (and less legal trouble) to the show. If the plot includes romance or mature content, hiring someone over the age of 18 also avoids controversy.

But there is a negative. When home-curfed teens watch actors who have perfect skin, six-pack abs, and the self-assurance of someone in their late twenties, it warps expectations. Teenagers begin judging themselves against individuals who have had years to develop into their appearance, and it takes away a little bit of the realness in teen-centered storytelling.

Hollywood probably won’t quit this habit anytime soon, but audiences are getting sharper at spotting it. Next time you’re watching a teen drama, take a closer look—chances are that “sophomore” is old enough to order a glass of wine at dinner.

Get in the DeLorean, press play on that cassette mixtape, and let’s travel back to the decade that produced some of the most iconic teen films in existence. The 1980s didn’t just produce fun coming-of-age narratives—they called them into being. From soundtracks that are still slapping to renegade heroes we all wished we were, these films defined a generation and left a legacy we’re still addicted to today. Ready to rewind? Here are 10 things that made 80s teen movies iconic.

10. Soundtracks That Stuck

Before playlists were at our fingertips, soundtracks from movies were the way teens brought the movie along with them. Who does not immediately think of Judd Nelson’s fist pump upon hearing Simple Minds’ “Don’t You (Forget About Me)?” Or who gets the compulsion to break out moves when “Footloose” plays? Albums ranging from Top Gun to Flashdance weren’t tie-ins—these became cultural touchstones. The music wasn’t background—it was the pulse of the narrative.

9. Fashion That Defined a Decade

The 80s were not subtle, and neither were the outfits. Acid-wash jeans, oversized jackets, leg warmers, and loud accessories jumped out of the screen. The Breakfast Club defined cliques in terms of style—Bender’s leather jacket versus Claire’s pink perfection—while Pretty in Pink made thrift-store cool prom-night aspiration. To this day, anyone pulling off Ferris Bueller with sunglasses and a statement jacket can instantaneously draw upon that hip ’80s cool.

8. High School Archetypes

Jocks, nerds, rebels, princesses, misfits—there were each of them in every teen film, and each viewer identified with at least one. The archetypes were turned up to 11 and yet remained identifiable, which is why they last. Contemporary series from Euphoria to Stranger Things still rework these old roles. The 80s cemented these archetypes in eternity.

7. The Brat Pack

No teen movie canon is complete without the Brat Pack. Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Ally Sheedy, Judd Nelson, and Demi Moore—these names were omnipresent. Whether the actors enjoyed the nickname or not, they were the quintessential faces of adolescent rebellion, romance, and quick wit for the decade. Everyone who watched wanted to be in their world—or at least sit at their lunch table.

6. Teen Rebellion

Ferris Bueller is skipping school. Ren McCormack dances despite a ban. Tom Cruise sliding across the floor in his underwear. 80s movies thrived on characters breaking rules and daring to be different. From Risky Business to Fast Times at Ridgemont High, the message was clear: being young meant challenging authority and figuring things out on your terms.

5. Friendship Above All

Yes, the stunts were great, but what stuck with us were the friendships. The Goonies taught us about a misfit group who would never abandon one another, while The Breakfast Club made us realize that sometimes you could find allies in strangers after only an afternoon. These films taught us that despite our differences, being part of a crew makes all the difference.

4. Love, Awkward and Epic

From heartbreaks to crushes, 80s teen movie romance was always large, clumsy, and inescapable. Who hasn’t swooned to Lloyd Dobler playing tunes outside Diane’s window in Say Anything? Or laughed-crimged over the birthday misunderstandings in Sixteen Candles? These films got youth love at its most rough-hewn—sweet, messy, and bigger-than-life.

3. Directors Who Got It

The magic wasn’t accidental. John Hughes masterminded capturing teen voices through the likes of Pretty in Pink and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Amy Heckerling provided us with the truthfulness of Fast Times at Ridgemont High, while Cameron Crowe wrote romantic peaks with Say Anything. These writers and directors treated teenagers like actual, real people—something unusual in Hollywood back then.

2. The Lasting Legacy

Even years afterward, 80s teen films resonate everywhere. 80s soundtracks remain wedding fixtures, while shows like Stranger Things appropriate looks and narratives directly from the originals. Comedies such as Superbad or romantic tales such as Love, Simon have the same genetic makeup. The 80s formula—music, misfits, and feelings—never diminished.

1. Pure Nostalgia

So why do we continue to return? Because these films don’t merely remind us of a decade—they remind us of what it was like to be a teenager. Before social media, before smartphones, there were mixtapes, malls, midnight drives, and the excitement of trying to figure out who you were. 80s teen films captured that feeling and passed it on, generation to generation.

The next time you catch a synth riff or glimpse a retro denim jacket, you’re not just catching a trend—you’re re-linking with one of the most memorable periods of teen film.

Nostalgia is a trap. Yes, the 2000s produced some enjoyable cult classics and outrageous blockbusters, but not all of their DVDs have aged well. What was once cool, frightening, or hilarious now feels dated, embarrassing, or downright bad. Here’s a top ten countdown of the worst film offenders from the 2000s that haven’t aged as well—evidence that not everything needs a rewatch.

10. House of the Dead (2003)

Video game films tend to be sloppy, but House of the Dead is notorious for being among the worst. From the wooden acting, strange camera transitions, and five-minute dialogue, it’s a chore to watch. It’s less of a horror film and more of a lesson on how not to make a game adaptation.

9. Alone in the Dark (2005)

Uwe Boll’s at it again. This remake of the cult horror video game is a parody of itself—silly plot, dead performances, and special effects that were already dated at the time. Christian Slater and Tara Reid give it their all, but it’s futile. The most frightening thing about this film is that it was ever produced.

8. One Missed Call (2008)

Hollywood attempted to cash in on Japanese horror remakes, and One Missed Call is one of the most lifeless efforts. The scares fall flat, the CGI is embarrassingly awful, and the creepy atmosphere of the original is lost entirely. It’s an empty, unmemorable remake that gets nothing right.

7. The Happening (2008)

M. Night Shyamalan’s thriller regarding a strange environmental crisis had promise… until it became an unintentional comedy. Cringe-worthy acting, strange dialogue, and Mark Wahlberg’s bewildered looks turned this one notorious. It was supposed to be frightening, but it’s largely remembered for how ridiculously funny it is.

6. Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 (2000)

The first Blair Witch Project was a revelation; its sequel was not. Gone was the gritty found-footage magic—replaced with a confusing plot and lackluster acting. It felt hurried, artificial, and detached from why the original was so successful. A textbook cash-grab.

5. The Fog (2005)

Re-making John Carpenter’s eerie classic was risky enough, and this one showed why. Rather than slow-burning suspense, viewers were treated to a plodding, CGI-fest of a ghost movie with no atmosphere. It took away all the eeriness of the original and left me with something generic and forgettable.

4. Prom Night (2008)

Yet another unnecessary remake, Prom Night took a cheesy slasher and made it a dull teen thriller. The frights are formulaic, the kills are unimaginative, and the cast is bored-looking. Worst of all, it’s not even fun-bad—it’s just boring. A horror remake without horror.

3. The Wicker Man (2006)

The 1973 Wicker Man is a chilling classic. The 2006 remake? A meme mill. Nicolas Cage completely overdoes it, delivering to us unintentionally funny moments (“Not the bees!”) that eclipse the movie’s numerous shortcomings. Where it should be creepy, it’s ridiculous—guaranteed to remember for all the wrong reasons.

2. Norbit (2007)

Eddie Murphy starred in several roles in this box-office hit, but the comedy has not weathered well. Excessive fat jokes and racist caricatures are rampant in the film, especially in his depiction of Rasputia and the cringeworthy Mr. Wong. What was funny in 2007 now only comes across as mean-spirited.

1. Shallow Hal (2001)

Ranking lowest is Shallow Hal, a film that attempted to say something about inner beauty but was drowned out by shallow fat jokes. Even Gwyneth Paltrow has disowned the film, saying it was a disaster. Whatever the intent of the filmmakers was, the follow-through hasn’t aged well—and seeing it now is more cringeworthy than hilarious.

The 2000s provided some gems, but these ten sure aren’t one of them. If you’re having a nostalgia movie night, you may need to leave these in the past where they reside.

Here’s the thing about movies: they crash and burn the first time out, then return years later as legend. These are the tales cinephiles adore—the disappointments panned by critics, scoffed at by audiences, and abandoned by studios, only to be saved from oblivion by late-night cable, DVD racks, and true believers. Let’s count down ten of the greatest flops that bounced back from their ashes and etched their place in cult cinema. 

10. The Nice Guys (2016)

Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe collaborated on a wicked, amusing buddy-cop caper that should have been an automatic success. It fell flat at the box office, making just enough to cover its $50 million price tag. People weren’t hungry, but after many years, streaming and word-of-mouth revived it. These days, it’s cherished for its stinging wit and uneven detective swagger. Some comedies just have to mature into their legacy.

9. Donnie Darko (2001)

Eerie rabbit hallucinations, time travel, and existential terror—Donnie Darko was too weird for its good when it came out. Its American run was effectively DOA after 9/11, making less than $1 million. But with the aid of DVD and a fanatical fan base, it became a cult classic, becoming the go-to late-night watch for angst-ridden teens and indie-film aficionados alike.

8. Heathers (1989)

This black-as-coal high school satire was well ahead of its time. With only $1.1 million made at the box office, Heathers was a paper disaster in the making. But its wicked sense of humor, quotable quotes, and dark spin on teen life ensured it was a sleeper success once it arrived on VHS and cable. It even spawned a stage musical. Who knew croquet and anarchy would stand the test of time?

7. Fight Club (1999)

The first rule of Fight Club? Don’t brag about the box office numbers. Despite an all-star cast and $63 million budget, the movie flopped in theaters. Critics didn’t know what to make of its anarchic vibe, and audiences weren’t ready for its violence. But DVD sales turned it into a cultural juggernaut. Now, it’s endlessly referenced and analyzed—a true late bloomer in cinema history.

6. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)

Edgar Wright’s hybrid of comics, video games, and rom-com hijinks was a visual feast-but the mainstream crowd just didn’t catch on. Its budget was astronomical, its box office returns weren’t, and it looked like a big miss. Years later, it’s a crowdpleaser, thanks to its now-iconic soundtrack and that cast of genuine stars. Today, Scott Pilgrim has everything: die-hard fandom, re-releases, and even an animated series.

5. The Iron Giant (1999)

Perhaps one of the nicest animated movies of the ’90s also turned out to be one of the greatest financial disappointments. Mislabeled and poorly marketed, it only managed to recover about half its budget. But cable replays and word of mouth eventually turned it into a beloved classic. Its tale of friendship and selflessness is now considered one of the best animated films of all time.

4. Blade Runner (1982)

Ridley Scott’s neon-drenched sci-fi noir tanked hard against blockbusters such as E.T. upon its release. People were perplexed, and box office figures reflected that. Yet through the years, director’s versions and increasing admiration of its themes pushed it to become a staple of science fiction. Nowadays, its presence is omnipresent—from films to video games to cyberpunk itself.

3. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)

Believe it or not, Gene Wilder’s offbeat candy man wasn’t a hit right away. The movie broke even by a hair and was all but forgotten. But constant reruns in the ’80s and ’90s made it a cult classic, and its dreamlike imagery and catchy songs cemented its place. For some, this is the only Wonka.

2. The Thing (1982)

John Carpenter’s chilling horror classic was too dark for the audience of its time, particularly against crowd-pleasers such as E.T. Critics panned it, and it only broke even. Fast-forward decades later, and it’s considered one of the greatest horror movies ever created. With pioneering effects and crushing paranoia, The Thing has well-deserved cult status.

1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

The king of the comeback. Dethroned by blockbuster movies such as Forrest Gump and Pulp Fiction, Shawshank tanked in theaters, performing below its budget. But with awards buzz, VHS rentals, and cable television, it became an international phenomenon. Now, it peaks on millions of “best of” lists and is a tale of hope that cuts across generations.

These films demonstrate that box office figures aren’t the last word. Some films simply require time, the appropriate audience, or a redo to shine as stars. Ultimately, disappointment at the box office doesn’t prevent a film from becoming indelible—it may be merely step one of its cult life.

Some performers excel best on the big screen. Others leave their imprints in your living room. Then there are the exceptional few who can dominate both realms, crafting careers that toggle effortlessly from Hollywood big-budget films to must-see TV. Let’s review 10 stars who’ve mastered playing on every screen.

10. John Goodman

For years, John Goodman has been television’s go-to dad due to his classic stint on Roseanne (and now The Conners). Don’t typecast him as a sitcom actor, though—he’s also made waves in movies with appearances in 10 Cloverfield Lane, Argo, and as unforgettable Walter in The Big Lebowski. Oh, and don’t forget Sulley in Monsters, Inc. Goodman possesses the unusual gift to shift from comedy to threat to sentimental drama, and that’s what makes him a cross-medium heavyweight.

9. Jessica Lange

Jessica Lange could quite have her wing in the Hall of Fame Awards. With two Oscars, three Emmys, and a Tony, she’s established herself on all fronts. She has film credits too, such as Tootsie and Cape Fear, but it was with American Horror Story that she became a small-screen icon. Every year, she became someone different—a haunted mother, an aging actress, a witch—reminding us just how far her talent extends.

8. Michael J. Fox

Other actors find one breakout role. Michael J. Fox found two. He won over fans as young conservative Alex P. Keaton on Family Ties and also traveled through time in Back to the Future as Marty McFly. Later, he demonstrated his staying power on Spin City. Few performers have toggled so effortlessly between sitcoms and big movies, but Fox did it with aplomb to spare.

7. Regina King

Regina King is the kind of performer who improves every project. She’s got an Oscar (If Beale Street Could Talk), several Emmys (Watchmen, American Crime), and a decades-long laundry list of cinematic film credits, from Jerry Maguire to Ray. Her range is intimidating—she can be tough, funny, heartbreaking, and commanding, often all at the same time. King is the epitome of a career constructed across two platforms.

6. John Lithgow

John Lithgow is practically a genre unto himself. He played the goofy alien patriarch on 3rd Rock from the Sun, then terrified audiences as the Trinity Killer on Dexter. On the big screen, he’s been everything from the preacher in Footloose to Roger Ailes in Bombshell. Add in his turn as Winston Churchill on The Crown, and you’ve got one of the most versatile actors alive.

5. Jason Bateman

Jason Bateman came of age on television, but unlike most child stars, he transitioned to adulthood with ease. He’s the witty, sarcastic soul of Arrested Development, but turned expectations on their head as the ethically challenged Marty Byrde in Ozark. In between, his resume boasts comedy hits such as Game Night, Horrible Bosses, and children’s favorites such as Zootopia. Bateman’s career is proof that you don’t have to choose between comedy and drama—or TV and film.

4. Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder was among the iconic movie stars of the late ’80s and ’90s, with indelible performances in Beetlejuice, Heathers, and Little Women. Just as it appeared her star was diminishing, she burst back onto screens as Joyce Byers in Stranger Things. Ryder’s comeback is a testament that actual talent never fades—just changes stages.

3. Karl Urban

Karl Urban has all but slipped into being one of Hollywood’s most trusted genre performers. He’s been Éomer in The Lord of the Rings, Bones in Star Trek, Judge Dredd in Dredd, and Skurge in Thor: Ragnarok. But his best role may be Billy Butcher in The Boys, where his charm and toughness make him the greatest anti-hero. Urban has shown that he’s equally authoritative on streaming as he is at the movies.

2. Viola Davis

If you mention powerhouse actors, Viola Davis must be right at the top of the list. She’s not only an EGOT winner (and yes, all four prestige prizes), but she’s also brought iconic performances to both media. On TV, she ruled as Annalise Keating in How to Get Away with Murder. On screen, she’s presented us with Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, The Help, and her intense portrayal of Amanda Waller in DC’s superhero realm. Few can command the same level of attention as she does.

1. John Cena

Indeed, that’s John Cena. What might have been a wrestling crossover publicity stunt became one of the most unexpected acting careers of the last decade. He’s led the Fast & Furious franchise, bulged muscles and comedic skills in Blockers, and completely dominated the screen playing Peacemaker in both The Suicide Squad and HBO Max spin-off series. Cena’s charm works wherever he goes, making him part of a select group that aced the transition from screen to film and vice versa.

Why take one lane when you can take them all? These performers have demonstrated that the divide between film and television is not a chasm—it’s a playground. Be it a Friday night blockbuster or a Sunday morning binge series, they have proven to us that real stardom exists on every screen.

There’s nothing quite as frustrating as pouring time, energy, and way too many late-night binges into a show, only to have it ripped away right when things were about to get good. Cliffhangers are meant to keep us on the hook—but when a series gets canceled, that hook just digs deeper. What we’re left with is unfinished stories, unanswered questions, and a permanent spot on our “most annoying TV moments” list. So grab some snacks (and maybe a stress ball), because we’re counting down 14 TV cliffhangers that will never, ever get the closure they deserve—starting from number 14, just to keep the suspense alive.

14. The Mick

This show lived for chaos, so it only makes sense that its finale was complete madness. Sabrina is electrocuted at the end. And then nothing happens. The screen goes dark, the show is canceled, and fans are left screaming at their televisions.

13. The Royals

Just when a royal takedown seemed imminent, Willow unexpectedly picks Robert at the altar rather than outing him. The series ended immediately after, leaving audiences hanging as to whether justice—or scandal—ever befell the crown.

12. Stargate Universe

Sci-fi tragedy at its best. The crew’s mission is halted, Eli is left behind to rescue everyone, and the show cuts to black. Fans never knew if the risk paid off, and they’re still bitter about it.

11. Derry Girls

The grand cliffhanger question: Did Erin and James end up together? The finale didn’t reveal it, and the fandom might never stop wondering.

10. My So-Called Life

Angela’s love triangle was legendary teen TV, but it ended mid-swoon. After finding out Brian wrote the heartfelt love letter, would she finally have chosen him over Jordan? Guess we’ll never know.

9. My Babysitter’s a Vampire

The finale dropped explosions, missing characters, and a whole lot of “what just happened?” before cutting to black. Closure? Nowhere in sight.

8. A League of Their Own

As Carson is caught kissing Greta—by her husband, no less—the show is shut down. With the double cancellation, the aftermath of that life-altering moment will never be known.

7. Girl From Nowhere

Nanno is stabbed, Yuri is plotting, and the series ends there. Was Nanno alive? What kind of chaos would Yuri bring? Both are forever left unanswered.

6. 1899

Netflix staged a huge plot twist—Maura emerges from a simulation and awakens in outer space. It was designed to kick off the next stage, and then came the cancellation anvil. Viewers were left with jaws agape and no solutions. 

5. Moesha

A two-pronged whammy of hanging storylines: Myles is kidnapped, and somebody’s pregnant. Then, suddenly, the show is gone. Decades later, those questions still hurt.

4. iCarly (Reboot)

Yes, the revival treated us to some fan service, but it ended before answering one of the largest questions: what’s going on with Carly and Spencer’s mom? We might never know.

3. Kindred

The show diverged from Octavia Butler’s novel and stranded its characters in different periods—Kevin stuck in the past, Olivia in the present. And then it just. Ended. No conclusion, no resolution, only disappointment.

2. Santa Clarita Diet

This horror-comedy ended with a zombie spider crawling into Joel’s brain and Sheila biting him to save him. The wildest cliffhanger of all time, and we’ll never know what came next.

1. Julie and the Phantoms

Netflix dropped the mic and walked away. The boys didn’t cross over, Caleb possessed Nick, and fans never got the long-awaited Juke kiss. To this day, the fandom is still campaigning for answers.

And that’s the list—14 shows that drew us in, then drew the rug out from beneath us. If you’re still bitter about any of them, you’re certainly not alone. Until some miraculous revival comes along and saves the day, we’ll just be sitting here rewatching and daydreaming about the endings we never had.

Hollywood went for home runs in 2025, but not all swings didn’t connected. Some big-name projects fell on their faces so spectacularly that they’ll be remembered more for the losses than the premieres. Let’s go through the year’s most agonizing box office flops—counting down to the biggest flop of them all.

10. Wolf Man

Universal and Blumhouse were looking to reboot their monster roster with a glossy werewolf remake, but this howl didn’t amount to much. Leigh Whannell directed, and a good cast was assembled, but behind-the-scenes upheavals (including the departure of Ryan Gosling) didn’t do it any favors. The film grossed less than $35 million on a budget of $25 million—technically profitable, but far from blockbuster material.

9. In the Lost Lands

Paul W.S. Anderson and Milla Jovovich typically draw reliable audiences, but their George R.R. Martin adaptation lost its way off a cliff. Even Dave Bautista’s star power could not yank it out of darkness. With just $4.9 million grossed worldwide on a $55 million price tag, this epic fantasy was more “Game over” than “Game of Thrones.” 

8. Death of a Unicorn

A24 established a track record of taking offbeat tales and making indie gold out of them—but this time the sorcery failed. Headlined by Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, the satire tried too hard but could not get its balance. The box office returns just broke even on its $15 million investment. Not all unicorns are real.

7. Love Hurts

An action-thriller casting Ke Huy Quan alongside Ariana DeBose had potential: a realtor by day, hitman by night. But the bloated assassin genre made this one land with a thud. Scoring less than $20 million on a budget of $17 million, the film dissipated quickly, even with its Oscar-winning stars. 

6. Opus

The other A24 swing, a cult-themed horror this time in the dark, starring Ayo Edebiri and John Malkovich. Following underwhelming festival buzz and lackluster marketing, fans did not respond. Under $2 million worldwide on a $10 million budget, Opus won’t be the next sleeper cult classic it hoped to be.

5. Black Bag

On paper, Michael Fassbender, Cate Blanchett, and Steven Soderbergh sounded like a formula for prestige thrills. Critics swooned, but spectators remained at home. With great reviews, the $50 million spy thriller reached a worldwide high of only $39 million. Evidence that even spectacular Rotten Tomatoes marks can’t assure box office success.

4. The Alto Knights

Robert De Niro doubled as two gangster leaders in Barry Levinson’s gangster drama, but the era of mafia pictures packing movie houses is over. The film struggled to make only $9.5 million on a whopping $45 million budget—sealing its reputation as an expensive dud.

3. Mickey 17

Following Parasite, hopes were high for Bong Joon-ho’s comeback. With Robert Pattinson starring in multiple incarnations of himself, the ambitious sci-fi epic threatened something new and daring. Alas, it cost $118 million and earned just $111.2 million worldwide, with Warner Bros. losing an estimated $75 million. It seems that multiplying Pattinson doesn’t multiply dividends.

2. Snow White

Disney wagered big on nostalgia with this $250 million live-action redo. Instead, it turned out to be one of the year’s biggest, most-discussed flops. Amidst online outrage and franchise exhaustion, Snow White managed only $205 million globally—far from what was needed to make back its gargantuan price tag.

1. Elio

Pixar’s newest original was looking to kick off a new franchise, but the public wasn’t interested. Debating against tough competition (How to Train Your Dragon and Lilo & Stitch buzz did nothing to help), it recorded Pixar’s lowest opening ever. With only $35 million worldwide on a $150 million budget, Elio stood as the year’s most egregious bomb. Even Pixar magic couldn’t resuscitate it.

From botched reboots to overstuffed remakes, 2025 taught us that big budgets and big stars aren’t always a recipe for success. Ultimately, the year’s biggest losers serve as a reminder that audiences are unpredictable—and sometimes ruthlessly so.

The streaming gods have outdone themselves—summer 2025 is filled with new shows, premieres, and hot finales. Ditch the outdated notion that summer TV is reruns and fluff; this year, the small screen is taking over. From gothic returns to sci-fi frights, here are the 10 shows everyone will be discussing (counting down to the one with the most hype).

10. The Pitt (Max)

Noah Wyle is back in scrubs, but this isn’t a warm ER reboot. The Pitt takes us behind the pandemonium of a Pittsburgh hospital, with NCIS: Los Angeles alum R. Scott Gemmill in charge. Tracy Ifeachor, Patrick Ball, and Supriya Ganesh join the cast, and it’s a hard-hitting medical drama with some serious adrenaline. Legal drama off-camera aside, the program is guaranteed to breathe new life into the hospital-TV genre.

9. XO, Kitty Season 2 (Netflix)

Kitty Song Covey is back in Seoul, and her chaotic love life is only becoming more complicated. Following on from the knotty romances of season one, expect new classmates, more twists, and even a cameo by Noah Centineo’s Peter Kavinsky. Sweet, humorous, and full of K-drama feels, teen romance doesn’t get much better than this.

8. The Traitors Season 3 (Peacock)

Alan Cumming is back in plaid and panache to host another installment of reality TV’s most cunning social experiment. The contestants are a collection of reality all-stars—translates to Real Housewives, Big Brother alums, and even Britney Spears’ ex Sam Asghari. The objective? Eliminate the traitors before they bring everyone down. The backstabbing? Wicked.

7. Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 (Disney+)

The adventure continues with The Sea of Monsters. Walker Scobell reprises Percy, with Daniel Diemer as Tyson, Tamara Smart as Thalia, and Andra Day as Athena. Courtney B. Vance takes over Zeus, and the quest to save Grover and fight a Cyclops looks like it’s going to be epic. Book fans are going to love this.

6. Only Murders in the Building Season 5 (Hulu)

Our go-to true-crime podcasters—Mabel, Charles, and Oliver—are returning with another Arconia murder. The victim this time is Lester, the well-liked doorman. Guest stars such as Keegan-Michael Key, Renée Zellweger, and Christoph Waltz, along with Tea Leoni in a more prominent role, will get season five ready to dish out laughs, turns, and all sorts of Arconia mayhem.

5. Long Story Short (Netflix)

From the creator of BoJack Horseman, Raphael Bob-Waksal, comes a new animated comedy series following one family’s life over the years—leaping between childhood, adulthood, and all the moments in between. Featuring voice acting from Abbi Jacobson, Max Greenfield, Nicole Byer, Dave Franco, and Ben Feldman, it offers humor, heart, and the kind of existential gut-punch Bob-Waksberg fans are accustomed to.

4. Alien: Earth (FX/Hulu)

The Xenomorphs are coming… and they’re on Earth this time. Noah Hawley (Fargo, Legion) gives the Alien franchise a new twist with Sydney Chandler, Alex Lawther, and Timothy Olyphant at its forefront. Seeing these legendary creatures bring terror to terrestrial realms guarantees thrills that last long after the credits have faded. 

3. The Last of Us Season 2 (HBO)

Five years after the original, Ellie and Joel are back for the next installment of this emotional, vicious saga. New talent includes Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, Isabela Merced as Dina, and Jeffrey Wright as Isaac. The world is more deadly, the emotional stakes are greater, and the clickers? Yeah, still nightmares.

2. The Handmaid’s Tale Final Season (Hulu)

June Osbourne’s long fight is reaching its conclusion. The sixth and last season is set to wrap up decades of defiance, with June estranged from Luke, Nick being forced into impossible decisions, and Serena Waterford returning to the battlefield. Gilead’s endgame has arrived, and you can guarantee the series finale will be everybody’s watercooler topic.

1. Wednesday Season 2 (Netflix)

She’s creepy, kooky, and back for more. Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday Addams returns to Nevermore Academy, with Tim Burton directing select episodes and new cast additions including Steve Buscemi, Billie Piper, and even Lady Gaga (arriving in Part 2). Expect more Addams family lore, darker mysteries, and Wednesday’s trademark deadpan. The internet is already preparing its memes.

Snacks available? Couch prepared? With lineups this loaded, summer 2025 could be the hottest summer TV has ever experienced.

When Blade Runner 2049 arrived in theaters, it didn’t merely show that a sci-fi follow-up could succeed—it remapped the genre as a whole. Under the direction of Denis Villeneuve, with Roger Deakins framing its images and a breathtakingly gorgeous vision of a future to come, it became the neo-noir dystopia template for the modern era. Since then, audiences have been in pursuit of that same combination of neon-drenched aesthetics, existential questions, and worlds that are at once dazzling and decimating. If that sounds like your vibe, you’re in luck. Here’s a countdown of 13 visually arresting sci-fi films that carry the same DNA as Blade Runner 2049—dark, thoughtful, and unforgettable.

13. Mute

Shot against a neon-drenched, shadowy futuristic Berlin, Mute tracks silent bartender Leo (Alexander Skarsgård) as he seeks his lost girlfriend. What results is a gritty cyberpunk thriller in which corruption is hiding behind every corner. Rain-slicked streets, neon-lit signage, and a foggy moral compass make this one stand out as decidedly Blade Runner-esque.

12. Logan Noir

Logan was gritty already, but Logan Noir takes it down another notch by filming the story in raw black and white. The effect? A stripped-to-the-bone, raw take on Wolverine’s goodbye that plays up its noir heritage. Shadows, barren landscapes, and a road-worn tone remind one of the moody blues of Villeneuve’s world.

11. The Platform

This Spanish dystopia pictures a prison in the vertical direction where food falls floor by floor—top people dine, bottom people go hungry. The harsh imagery and the stifling mood produce a coarse metaphor of inequality and survival. Its allegorical density and dark vision render it a natural companion to the bleakest visions of Blade Runner.

10. JUNG_E

In a post-climate collapse future, humanity tests consciousness cloning to fight wars. JUNG_E impresses with futuristic robotics and massive underground bunkers, but under the flash is an emotional mother-daughter tale. It combines action, sadness, and futurism into a compelling work of sci-fi noir.

9. I Am Mother

What if the apocalypse arrived with a “loving” AI guardian? I Am Mother probes that uncomfortable relationship in a teenage girl raised by a robot starts to question her existence. The clean, antiseptic environment is juxtaposed with intensely emotional plot turns, making this bunker-situated thriller a contemplative take on AI, ethics, and trust.

8. Oblivion

Tom Cruise plays a drone repairman cruising an empty world, incrementally discovering the reality of who he is. Majestic skies, giant ruins, and a thumping electronic soundtrack render Oblivion a sensory experience. Its queries regarding memory and identity squarely place it in Blade Runner’s territory.

7. Her

Not all neo-noirs need to be drenched in darkness. Her takes its more benevolent path, depicting a pastel-colored near future in which a solitary man falls in love with his AI operating system. Spike Jonze forgoes rain-soaked streets for sun-kissed, dreamy imagery—but the essential question is the same: what is it to love, and to be human?

6. Ex Machina

Alex Garland’s first feature is a claustrophobic, intellectual confrontation between a programmer, his idiosyncratic boss, and a chillingly realistic AI. Sleek design, glass walls, and monochromatic minimalism lend the movie its modernist noir look. Its tension-fraught mood and psychological cat-and-mouse recall the existential anxiety of Blade Runner 2049.

5. Ghost in the Shell

Well before cyberpunk was a buzzword, this anime classic established it. Ghost in the Shell delves into identity and consciousness in a world where man and machine are all but indistinguishable. Its neon cityscapes, rain-soaked backstreets, and eerie imagery feel like a spiritual cousin to Ridley Scott and Villeneuve’s worlds.

4. Akira

A motorcycle gang, government tests, and a decaying Neo-Tokyo: Akira is an iconic dystopian anime. With its hand-drawn animation that remains breathtaking today, its anarchy and majesty defined cyberpunk as we understand it. Its blend of paranoia, rebellion, and deterioration makes it the perfect companion piece for fans of Blade Runner.

3. Annihilation

Nature itself alienates in Alex Garland’s Annihilation. Within the enigmatic “Shimmer,” landscapes transform into kaleidoscopic horrors, striking a balance between beauty and terror. The hypnotic visuals of the film and plunge into madness make it one of the most unnerving but mesmerizing recent sci-fi odysseys. 

2. Dark City

Few movies get the noir-sci-fi equation right like Dark City. John Murdoch awakens to face charges of murder in a city that never experiences light, controlled by otherworldly beings. Shadowy imagery, maze-like plots, and existential horror, all wrapped in a sci-fi package—a match made in heaven for Blade Runner fans.

1. Blade Runner 2049

At the very top, naturally, is Villeneuve’s masterpiece. Blade Runner 2049 is not simply a sequel—it’s a cinematic symphony of destroyed cities, neon-infused towers, and barren landscapes, all captured via Roger Deakins’ Oscar-winning eyes. The movie probes further into ageless issues of identity, recollection, and the purpose of the soul. It’s haunting, hypnotic, and each rewatch is something new.

If you’re starved for more rainy alleys, neon cityscapes, and midnight identity crises, these movies will have you walking down the same brooding hallways as Blade Runner 2049.