Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, is one of Marvel’s greatest cosmic menaces. He’s almost unbeatable, a force of nature rather than a villain. Yet occasionally, somebody comes along and manages to defeat him, either through sheer power, strategic thinking, or sheer bravado. Here are ten of the most unlikely characters to ever defeat Galactus solo.

10. Franklin Richards

Franklin Richards is not your typical kid. As the offspring of Reed Richards and Sue Storm, he is born with reality-warped abilities that make most cosmic entities seem tame in comparison. In one tale, Franklin brings Galactus back to life only to turn the tables and make him his herald. In another, he blithely knocks out Galactus with a psychic punch. Although Marvel has increased his powers up and down through the years, Franklin’s battles with Galactus solidify him as one of the most lethal threats to the universe—regardless of his age.

9. Thanos

The Mad Titan isn’t so much noted for being nice, but he’s fought Galactus toe-to-toe more than once. While the Infinity Gauntlet provided him with the ability to wipe Galactus out with a snap, the actual flex was in Thanos Wins, where he battled Galactus without the Infinity Stones. Even with Cosmic Ghost Rider by Galactus’ side, Thanos killed him; he destroyed the Devourer in vicious fashion. When Thanos claims to win, he is not joking.

8. King Thor

Future Thor makes his normal self appear like an apprentice. With the Odinforce (a.k.a. Thorforce), the arm of the Destroyer, and one eye, King Thor finally confronts Galactus at the end of time. Having stripped him of the Power Cosmic, Thor executes him for the countless civilizations he’s annihilated. To the last god standing, Galactus was just a name on his list to strike off.

7. Silver Surfer (with the Quantum Bands)

Typically, Galactus’s most devoted herald, the Silver Surfer, did once become his greatest enemy. In another time and a different future, he acquires the Quantum Bands and assumes the title of “The Keeper.” With this added power, he can defeat Galactus in a straight fight. Rather than killing him, though, Surfer resumes his service—albeit on his terms now, as he requires finding empty worlds for Galactus to devour. A unique instance of a student outdoing a master, then mercifully sparing him.

6. Hiro-Kala

Hiro-Kala, the child of Hulk and Caiera, isn’t motivated by justice—he’s motivated by revenge. Once Galactus devastates his planet, Hiro-Kala poisons entire worlds with the Old Power, which is poisonous to Galactus. When Galactus attempts to feed, he’s tormented greatly, having to experience the suffering of all of his victims. Hiro-Kala condemns him to perpetual hunger and agony—a punishment much more merciless than a tidy defeat.

5. Tyrant

After Galactus’s first herald, Tyrant betrayed his master and battled him in a fight that rocked the universe. Although deprived of his powers and banished, Tyrant returned for another battle. This time, powered by Galactus’s energy, he cut his creator’s face and came close to killing him. The battle concluded in anarchy with the Ultimate Nullifier, but Tyrant had shown he could push Galactus to the edge.

4. Gravity

Initially, Gravity was simply a street-level hero with the ability to manipulate gravity. However, after his selfless sacrifice, he was reincarnated as the Protector of the Universe. When Galactus set his sights on Epoch, Gravity unleashed such cosmic energy that it overwhelmed the Devourer—not to kill him, but to satiate him and save Epoch. In this instance, triumph was achieved through compassion: offering Galactus what he desired but on his terms.

3. Kitty Pryde

Typically, the demure, phase-through-walls variety, Kitty Pryde, stunned everyone at the time of the Cataclysm event. Powered up with Giant-Man’s size-shifting power, she expanded to Galactus’ size and battled him head-on. Invulnerable to his attacks because of her abilities, she dismantled his device and assisted in banishing him to the Negative Zone, where he was left to die of hunger. Not bad for the once “kid sister” of the X-Men.

2. Rick Jones (as Nova)

Marvel’s everyman extraordinaire, Rick Jones, has been a sidekick, a hero, and sometimes a cosmic wild card. In the Ultimate Universe, empowered by the Watcher and Captain Marvel, he was Nova and battled Galactus along with his swarm. Tapping into incredible cosmic power, Rick almost ripped Galactus in half and severed him from his swarm. He was imprisoned in an alternate dimension for it, but hey—that’s a multiverse-saving exchange.

1. Squirrel Girl

And last but not least, the biggest surprise winner of all: Squirrel Girl. In her solo book, she faces off against Galactus on the Moon, prepared for battle. Instead of a grand melee, she has a chat with him. Persuading him to eat an empty planet instead of our own, she settles the fight without even one punch thrown. Squirrel Girl heroically saves the day not through power or firepower, but through courtesy, compassion, and a dash of humor.

Galactus is perhaps Marvel’s most unstoppable force, but like these tales illustrate, he is not invincible. From reality-warping youths to surprise underdogs, heroes (and occasionally villains) have managed to bring down the Devourer of Worlds. Oftentimes through sheer cosmic might, and other times through trickery or even empathy. Ultimately, Galactus may be immortal—but his defeats are legend.

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.

Let’s be real: sometimes you feel like watching a long-standing show you can reside in for weeks—and other times, you just want a show that punches you in the gut and’s over in one sitting (at least one weekend, anyway). Netflix is now the place to go for fast but impactful viewing: small, self-contained series that present a whole story, and short features that deliver all the intensity of a feature in half the time. From offbeat animation to riveting true-life drama, these are 10 shows that show great things do indeed come in small packages.

10. African Folktales Reimagined

This collection is a gem. Six African filmmakers retell timeless folklore with brilliant flair. From mythical creatures to worlds set in the future, every tale is a new take and a celebration of cross-cultural storytelling on a world stage. It’s gorgeous, daring, and unlike anything else available on the platform.

9. The House

A stop-motion fever dream in three acts, The House is both spooky and magical. Each of the anthology’s tales revolves around the same odd house throughout various periods, animated by celebrated indie animators. The result is strange, unnerving, and visually captivating—a must for those who love experimental animation.

8. Modest Heroes

From Studio Ponoc—the team that carries Studio Ghibli’s legacy forward—comes a trio of deeply human short films. Whether it’s an underwater family, a boy battling a severe food allergy, or a lonely invisible man, each tale mixes fantasy and emotion in that distinct Japanese animation style fans know and love.

7. Robin Robin

This sweet stop-motion Christmas special from Aardman veterans tells the story of a robin raised by mice, eager to prove she belongs. With felted characters, original songs, and plenty of heart, it’s a warm, family-friendly watch that feels destined to become a seasonal staple.

6. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar

Wes Anderson adapts Roald Dahl’s short story into a 40-minute, effervescent, three-timer of a film starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Ben Kingsley, and Ralph Fiennes. It’s whimsical, nicely stylized, and suitable when you need Anderson’s trademark peculiarity in doses rather than committing to a feature film.

5. Love, Death + Robots

This Emmy-winning anthology series is a sci-fi, horror, and fantasy shorts kaleidoscope—all different in tone and style of animation. Some are dark and creepy, some dazzlingly gorgeous, but each episode feels like an isolated experiment in bending the boundaries of storytelling.

4. Baby Reindeer

Richard Gadd’s blistering limited series is based on his own real-life experience—and it’s not a comfortable watch. The series tracks Donny, an up-and-coming comedian, as he’s ruthlessly stalked by a woman called Martha, treading the fine line between sympathy and terror. It’s raw, darkly comedic, and unforgettably horrible—a series that gets under your skin.

3. Adolescence

This addictive British miniseries delivers a massive emotional wallop within just four episodes. Filmed partly in single, uninterrupted takes, it follows the trial of a 13-year-old murder suspect and explores the intricate family and social relationships involved in the case. Gripping, heartbreaking, and superbly performed, it will have you thinking about it for days to come.

2. The Queen’s Gambit

The series that made chess cool. Anya Taylor-Joy is exquisite as Beth Harmon, the orphaned chess genius whose intelligence is matched only by her addiction and trauma. With its striking images and compelling narrative, it’s an ideal binge that’s as much about survival and identity as strategy and pawns.

1. Bodies

This British sci-fi crime thriller is a genre mashup executed to perfection. Four detectives working in four eras—1890, 1941, 2023, and 2053—are faced with the same corpse in the same location. A mind-bending, twisty mystery ensues, incorporating history, sci-fi, and good old-fashioned detective work. It’s binge bait of the highest variety.

Whether you have half an hour or an entire weekend, these short films and limited series show you don’t need dozens of episodes to tell a phenomenal story. Netflix has assembled an incredible library of short, bingeable treasures—so the next time you’re not prepared to invest in a multi-season epic, dig into one of these and let the tale carry you off.

Hollywood is fond of a comeback tale—but honestly, it prefers a living legend. In an era where careers can disappear faster than a weekend box-office bomb, a select few have not only endured but flourished, evolving with the times and producing work that refuses to wither. Indigenous trailblazers to franchise royalty, these are the actors whose legacies aren’t calculated in years, but in enduring cultural significance.

12. Zahn McClarnon – A Master of Range and Representation

Zahn McClarnon has quietly built one of the most versatile résumés in television. From Longmire to Westworld to Reservation Dogs, he’s proven equally at home in gritty drama and sharp comedy. Known for bringing depth and authenticity to Native roles, McClarnon also isn’t afraid to let loose—his comedic turns on Reservation Dogs are a joy for fans who mostly know him for serious work.

11. Will Sampson – Quiet Strength, Enduring Impact

In One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Will Sampson’s Chief Bromden is unforgettable—not only because of his commanding 6’7″ presence, but because of the humanity and warmth he imparted to the character. His dignified, low-key performance left a lasting impression and helped pave the way for Native actors in a profession where roles were infrequently available or stereotypical.

10. Irene Bedard – Trailblazing Visibility for Native Women

From her Golden Globe–nominated role in Lakota Woman to Disney’s animated Pocahontas, Irene Bedard has been a trailblazing figure for Native women in front of the camera. She’s made conscious choices about the projects she takes on, which bring attention to Indigenous narratives, from Smoke Signals to the live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender coming soon, demonstrating that visibility and authenticity can shift the script in Hollywood.

9. Jay Silverheels – Pioneering Early Television

Jay Silverheels, as Tonto on The Lone Ranger, was among the first Native American actors to find mainstream TV stardom. Although the roles available during his time had restrictions, Silverheels was still able to build a productive career in close to 100 productions. His Hollywood Walk of Fame star solidifies his television legacy.

8. Adam Beach – Contemporary Leading Man

Adam Beach has done it all—dramas such as Flags of Our Fathers, fan favorites such as Smoke Signals, and long-running TV successes such as Law & Order: SVU. His talent for conveying raw emotion in every role has made him one of the most familiar Native actors of our generation, with a career that shows Indigenous talent deserves to be at the forefront of the narrative.

7. Ben Johnson – From Stuntman to Oscar Winner

Ben Johnson’s Hollywood career began behind the lens as a stuntman before he became an actor. Decades on, he worked with giants John Wayne and Marlon Brando, eventually receiving an Academy Award for The Last Picture Show. With over 100 credits, his life is a testament to a unique combination of longevity, craftsmanship, and genuineness.

6. Chief Dan George – Wisdom and Warmth in Every Role

Chief Dan George didn’t begin acting until he was in his seventies, but when he did, he was indelible. His Oscar-nominated appearance in Little Bighorn and his performance in The Outlaw Josey Wales exuded dignity and humanity, presenting the audience with an authentic Indigenous voice at a time when Hollywood desperately needed it.

5. Clint Eastwood – Reinvention Throughout Generations

From his early Westerns during the 1950s to directing Oscar-winning dramas years later, Clint Eastwood has demonstrated that longevity is all about evolving. Always attracted to commercially viable films, he’s been able to stay in the game for more than 70 years—an accomplishment few can claim.

4. Harrison Ford – The Blockbuster Everyman

Few actors have enjoyed a streak like Harrison Ford: Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Blade Runner, The Fugitive—and the roster keeps going. He’s been one of the most bankable stars in cinema since the early ’70s, with the talent to star in a franchise or a character-driven film.

3. Morgan Freeman – The Voice That Never Fades

Almost six decades deep into his career, Morgan Freeman is one of the world’s most venerated and recognizable actors. His soothing gravitas, sage presence, and genre-crossing performances have established him as a household name and an icon of reliability in Hollywood.

2. Honorable Mentions – The Marathoners of Acting

Some of those actors are not household names anymore, but their careers are unbelievable. Curt Bois worked between 1908 and 1987. Johannes Heesters acted between 1924 and 2011—an 87-year career. Mickey Rooney, Carla Laemmle, Milton Berle, and Barbara Perry all had acting careers that lasted longer than eight decades. Their names might fade away, but nobody can compete with their longevity.

1. Representation, Change, and What Lasts

Longevity in TV and film isn’t merely about hanging in there—it’s about maturing, pushing beyond boundaries, and shaping culture. From pioneers such as Lily Gladstone, Wes Studi, and Graham Greene to the long-lived Hollywood titans like Eastwood, Ford, and Freeman, the performers who leave their most indelible prints are those who mature without betraying their art.

Hollywood is still struggling with diversity and representation, but these actors show that a lasting legacy is born of more than time served—it’s born of stories shared, walls shattered, and hearts touched. To the ones who’ve made their moment on camera truly timeless.

You love them, hate them, or spend years of your life re-watching every shot in your head. Some finales are so clever and vague that they become cultural reference points, sparking debates, theorizing, and compulsive re-watching. Here is a top 10 10 of the most infuriatingly open-ended finales in film and television history.

10. Birdman (2014)

Riggan Thomson’s journey through Broadway chaos, ego trips, and maybe even superpowers ends with one final, audacious leap—literally. After a hospital recovery that’s equal parts surreal and triumphant, he climbs out a window. His daughter Sam looks skyward and smiles. Is she watching her father soar into the sky… or is she indulging the same fantasies he does? Theories still split between glorious ascension, tragic delusion, or something we’ll never quite pin down.

9. Donnie Darko (2001)

A time loop, a dude in a demon bunny costume, and a plummeting jet engine—Donnie Darko’s ending is a mystery inside an early-2000s indie mainstream envelope. Donnie perishes in bed after what could have been a cosmic rewind to rescue his girlfriend, who no longer knows him. Was it real-time travel? Delusional? Both? Its refusal to provide a straightforward answer has only boosted its cult status.

8. American Psycho (2000)

Patrick Bateman’s fall into brutality ends not in capture, but in confusion. He admits to murder, but the people he allegedly killed are very much alive and well, and his lawyer attributes his admission to a joke. Was Bateman a real killer, or simply lost in his delusional haze? Either way, he is trapped in a shallow, uncaring world.

7. Blade Runner (1982)

Ever since, audiences have been grappling with the issue of whether Deckard is human or replicant. Ridley Scott’s later cuts only contribute to the confusion, ending with that paper unicorn—the allusion to Deckard’s fantasies. How would Gaff know them otherwise, except for the reality of Deckard’s memories being implants? The response to the rain-soaked streets of the film is shrouded in mystery.

6. The Graduate (1967)

The big, fairytale wedding rescue looks like a romantic conclusion… until it isn’t. Ben and Elaine ride the bus, whooping at first, but their faces eventually soften with puzzlement. Did they run towards love or away from all else? The retrograde lingering shot doesn’t tell us—it leaves us sitting alongside them in the same unease.

5. The Shining (1980)

Jack Torrance gets trapped in the Overlook’s maze, but the horror is in what follows—the 1921 photo with Jack grinning at a July 4th party. Was he with the hotel all along? Reborn? Absorbed into its malice? The creepy slow zoom offers no answers, only chills.

4. A Serious Man (2009)

Just when Larry Gopnik’s fortunes are about to change, a tornado is brewing, and his doctor calls with malevolent news. Is it godly vengeance, poor fortune, or cosmic apathy? The Coens draw the curtain before revealing anything—reminding us that searching for meaning is perhaps the greatest joke of all.

3. The Thing (1982)

Alone to meet the snow, MacReady and Childs share a drink in silence, questioning silently whether the other remains human. Neither trusts the other—and neither do we. Viewers torment themselves with shadows, breath condensation, and camera angle, but the film never breaks its frozen poker’s smile.

2. Inception (2010)

Cobb spins his top to check reality—and just before we find out if it drops, the screen goes black. Is he finally home or dreaming still? The obsessed with detail have taken apart every hint, but the actual punchline is this: Cobb quits watching. He’s at peace, regardless of what’s true.

1. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Kubrick’s galactic epic concludes with astronaut Dave Bowman as the Star Child, drifting peacefully over Earth. What is the Star Child? Who built the monoliths? Why the flight through light? Years later, the answers remain tantalizingly unattainable—making it the greatest “what did I just see?” ending ever.

Ambiguity is the unrecovered puzzle that brings us back for more. Whether maddening or fascinating, it’s the not-knowing that lingers with you long after the credits have rolled.

Superheroes tend to derive their advantage from cosmic mishaps, alien birthrights, or mystical artifacts—but the ones that take our breath away? The ones who do it with nothing but grit, talent, and a lot of sheer willpower. In a cosmos teeming with gods, mutants, and reality-warpers, these heroes demonstrate that intellect, training, and sheer tenacity can be every bit as “super” as any superpower. Let’s count down the top 10 greatest heroes who battle the good fight with nothing more than training, cunning, and sheer willpower—beginning at number 10 and counting up to the ultimate symbol.

10. Green Arrow

Oliver Queen could have coasted through life as a rich playboy, but instead, he turned himself into DC’s modern Robin Hood. A master archer who can fire off 29 arrows in a minute, Oliver’s trick shots are the stuff of legend—like hitting two separate gun barrels mid-somersault. Add in expertise in martial arts from Judo to Wing Chun, plus his acrobatics, and you’ve got a hero who wins with skill, not superpowers.

9. Hawkeye

Clint Barton may appear to be “the bow guy,” but Marvel’s Hawkeye is so much more. He’s a fencer, an acrobat, and, in his Ronin phase, a killer swordsman. He’s been blinded, deafened, and still managed to emerge victorious. Hawkeye’s real talent? He can use anything as a weapon—and he never, ever misses.

8. Nick Fury

With the world’s greatest super-spy and S.H.I.E.L.D. leader, leadership in itself is a weapon. He is a master strategist, a battle-hardened war veteran, and a specialist in all forms of combat and espionage. No superpowers, no spells—only experience, determination, and the skill to keep superheroes on the same side. 

7. Black Widow

Natasha Romanoff’s abilities are not derived from superhuman abilities but through years of merciless training. She is a master of the weapons, a highly skilled martial artist, and can easily assume any persona to carry out her mission. From being an enemy agent to an Avenger, Black Widow’s journey is one of redemption and survival.

6. Karate Kid

Val Armorr isn’t only great at fighting—she’s the greatest in the entire galaxy. By the 31st century, he’s learned every combat style that ever existed, and can match forces with superpowered heavies such as Superboy. Discipline and perseverance are his real “powers.”

5. Iron Man

Tony Stark isn’t powered—he powers. Genius inventor, master engineer, and battle-hardened fighter, Stark’s suit is a reflection of his genius and imagination. Faulty, arrogant, and boundlessly human, he still manages to fight the gods and prevail.

4. Cassandra Cain

Trained by killers and educated to read body language as well as most read books, Cassandra Cain can see a move coming and counter it before most people finish responding to what they saw. Even Batman will acknowledge she can beat him in hand-to-hand combat. Her development from brooding weapon to full-fledged hero makes her one of DC’s finest characters.

3. Daredevil

Blinded as a child, Matt Murdock developed hyper-acute residual senses—translating tragedy into his greatest strength. Attorney by day, protector of Hell’s Kitchen by night, Daredevil listens to the fabrications people speak, perceives threats before they arrive, and applies training to take apart crime at its source.

2. Nightwing

Formerly Batman’s sidekick, Dick Grayson became Nightwing—a detective, leader, and acrobat with his unique style. Quick on their feet, charming, and as sharp as knives, Nightwing demonstrates you can outgrow a person’s shadow and stand in the limelight yourself.

1. Batman

The ultimate non-powered hero. Bruce Wayne’s weapons are his intellect, his skill with fighting, and the type of focus that approaches mania. With sufficient training, he can defeat anyone—alien, deity, or creature. Batman’s a hero, but above all that, he’s the benchmark that every other powerless hero aspires to be.

These heroes teach us that you don’t need a freak accident or alien DNA to be amazing. Sometimes the greatest weapon in the world is unwavering commitment.

Let’s turn back the clock—beyond the hum of buzzing neon light of Blockbuster aisles, beyond the box office titans of decades past, and into that strange landscape of movies and trends that once ruled the culture but have since drifted softly into the mists of forgotten things. Any pop culture aficionado is aware that some movies never disappear (hello, Back to the Future), whereas others, though huge hits during their time, just appear to fade away. Here’s a countdown of 10 one-time favorite films and phenomena that have faded from view.

10. The Sting – The Capers King That Vanquished The Godfather

In the early ’70s, The Sting wasn’t merely a hit—it was the big show. With Paul Newman and Robert Redford on top of their game, it ran in theaters for months and even dwarfed The Godfather movies in popularity at the box office back then. Nowadays, however? It’s surprisingly difficult to catch on streaming or TV. Once the gold standard of witty con-artist tales, it’s now an obscure gem largely remembered by hardcore film buffs.

9. Chariots of Fire – The Theme Song That’s Heard Around the Globe

Vangelis’s triumphant score was inescapable—blaring from car stereos, creating parodies, and serving as the soundtrack to moments of slow-motion athletic heroism throughout the land. The film itself was a popular success during early home video days, recounting the story of Olympic athletes with flair and emotion. But both soundtrack and movie have, over time, mostly fallen out of the cultural discussion.

8. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves – Kevin Costner’s Lost Epic

When it came out, it was runner-up only to Terminator 2 in ticket sales that year. Bryan Adams’ movie ballad just seemed to play on every radio station, every hour. Nowadays, though, it’s hard to find anyone under age 40 who’s heard of it. It was once a medieval blockbuster with international appeal, but now it’s a trivia response rather than a cultural reference.

7. The Airport Movies – Disaster Movie Royalty Handed Over to Relics

Before Airplane! Mocking the genre, the Airport franchise was monarch of the cinematic disaster. Starring all the major stars and featuring life-or-death situations, the films helped drive the ’70s disaster boom. Today, however, they’re best known as parody material, their initial reputation as box-office champions all but forgotten.

6. Ordinary People – The Best Picture Winner We Seldom Return To

In 1980, this film was extraordinary, cleaning up at the Oscars. But today its legacy tends to be reduced to two: it won over Raging Bull, and Mary Tyler Moore didn’t get the Oscar for her performance. Perhaps that’s because the sheer emotional density of the movie causes few to revisit it, making it little more than a cinematic footnote.

5. Crocodile Dundee – From Global Sensation to Quiet Fade

Paul Hogan’s outback charm, catchphrases, and large knife once made audiences around the world laugh. The film was a classic comedy of its time, but nowadays it never appears in conversation or on streaming lists. Once a global cultural product, it’s largely remembered by those who were around for its initial run.

4. The Police Academy Movies – Comedy’s Forgotten Workhorse

During the ’80s and ’90s, this goofy comedy series was unstoppable—spinning off sequels and sweeping cable TV marathons. Its combination of silly shenanigans and ensemble shenanigans permeated everything. But as comedy trends have changed, Police Academy has fallen into the background, displaced by fresher, edgier comedies.

3. The Last Emperor – An Oscar Giant Lost in the Mist

The Best Picture winner of 1987, this epic told China’s last empire with breathtaking production values. It was a critical and awards favorite back then, but is hardly mentioned now outside of film history circles. Its epic scale hasn’t caught up in enduring mainstream memory.

2. Breakin’ – Breakdancing Glory Frozen in Time

This ’80s classic both bottled the vitality, hues, and euphoria of breakdancing and nascent hip-hop culture. Its unashamed cheesiness was integral to its appeal. Though still cherished by retro enthusiasts and dance-movie buffs, it’s largely a cult classic these days—recalled more as a time capsule than an omnipresent part of the cultural landscape.

1. The Blockbuster Video Era – When Movie Night Was an Event

Before streaming queues, there were Friday evenings spent walking the aisles of a video store, agonizing over selections with friends or relatives. Blockbuster was more than a shop—it was an event. VHS recordings, employee suggestions, and the excitement of finding something different made it a communal activity that is now fully lost. With its passing, innumerable titles never did transition to streaming, lost along with that time.

Certain films are made to endure, securing their position within popular culture for generations. Others—no matter whether they were adorned with awards, box office success, or cult status moments—lose their appeal as tastes and technology shift. Occasionally, however, a lost classic is unearthed, reminding us that cinema’s history holds many intriguing tales to be rediscovered.

Let’s be realistic—being granted a royal award is, for many, the ultimate stamp of approval in Britain. But not everyone is keen to kneel before the monarch for a gaudy medal. For some of the most high-profile names in the UK, the pomp and ceremony just isn’t their cup of tea. Either out of principle, politics, or sheer disinterest, these stars politely (or otherwise) said, “Thanks, but no thanks.” Here’s a top 10 list of the most iconic celebrity snubs to the throne—some daring, some humorous, and all quintessentially British.

10. L.S. Lowry – The Refusal Champion

If they gave an award for refusing awards, L.S. Lowry would win it—then send it straight back. The favorite artist of northern working-class life has the most royal honors turned down, including a knighthood, CBE, OBE, and even the coveted Companions of Honour (twice!). As his friend Harold Riley tells us, Lowry was not interested in ceremony whatsoever and didn’t want anything “attached to him.” He preferred to remain the same—low-key and honor-free.

9. Bernie Ecclestone – The No-Nonsense Speed King

When presented with a knighthood in the early 2000s, ex-Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone wasn’t coy. He explained he worked for himself, not England, and if England gained, well, that was okay, but that was never his intention. He also aimed a dig at fellow recipients, insisting many hadn’t earned it. In Bernie’s book, only those who have done something major for the country deserve the honor.

8. Jim Broadbent – The Reluctant National Treasure

In 2002, Oscar-winning actor Broadbent refused an OBE, explaining that he believed these honors went to people who do something positive for other people’s lives, and not to actors. He enjoyed the thought of actors staying outside the Establishment as “vagabonds and rogues.” Broadbent also made his refusal a moral and modest gesture by refusing to commemorate the British Empire.

7. Ken Loach – The Director Who Won’t Join the Club

Cinematographer Ken Loach declined an OBE in 1977, subsequently stating, “It’s not a club you want to join when you look at the villains who’ve got it.” To him, the system of honors was bound up with respect for the monarchy, patronage of old, and an exploitative empire. Rather than a medal, Loach preferred to continue producing films about the day-to-day struggles of ordinary people.

6. Dawn French & Jennifer Saunders – The Comedy Duo Who Turned Down Prestige

In 2001, Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French turned down OBEs for “services to comedy drama.” Saunders later said that they were being generously paid already to enjoy themselves and didn’t feel it was right to stand alongside those who had dedicated their lives to worthy causes. “If I thought I deserved a Damehood, I’d do it,” she said in jest—but for the moment, they’re content just to make people laugh.

5. Paul Weller – The Modfather Tunes Out of the King’s Band

The Jam and Style Council leader graciously turned down a CBE in 2006. His agent expressed that he was flattered and honored, but it just wasn’t for him. Weller has always done things his way, so it wasn’t a surprise he took a detour from the royal glare.

4. Stephen Hawking – The Scholar Who Craved Change, Not Ceremony

Stephen Hawking refused a knighthood in the late ’90s, apparently over government cuts to science budgets. Already a CBE recipient, Hawking utilized the rejection as a quiet protest, valuing funding for research above symbolic honor.

3. Roald Dahl – The Author Who Wrote His Ending

It was in 1986 that “Matilda” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” writer Roald Dahl turned down a knighthood. Although the reason itself is not confirmed, most think he must have been expecting something more than an OBE. His books have knighted him in the minds of readers globally, nonetheless.

2. David Bowie – The Starman Who Was Already Beyond Titles

David Bowie declined both a CBE in 2000 and a knighthood in 2003. “I would never have any intention of accepting anything like that,” he stated. “I seriously don’t know what it’s for.” He wasn’t dissing those who accepted, but for him, it just didn’t seem right. Bowie didn’t require “Sir” preceding his name—he was already a legend.

1. John Lennon & George Harrison – The Beatles’ Royal Rebellion

All four Beatles had accepted MBEs in 1965, but John Lennon famously sent his back in 1969 with a tongue-in-cheek letter to the Queen: “Your Majesty, I am returning this in protest against Britain’s involvement in the Nigeria-Biafra thing, against our support of America in Vietnam, and against ‘Cold Turkey’ slipping down the charts.” George Harrison, on the other hand, declined an OBE in 2000, said to have was offended it wasn’t a knighthood, particularly after Paul McCartney had been knighted three years previously. The Beatles had already reshaped music history; no medal was going to define them.

Let’s be realistic—TV theme music is among the best pleasures of television. They’re not merely earworm melodies; they’re mood-makers, memory markers, and, in the best instances, popular culture references. And if there are no words—just raw melody and beat—the music must strive even more to leave its imprint. Some of these instrumental themes are so deeply embedded in our minds that a few notes are enough to recall a show inundating the memory. Here’s a reverse countdown of 12 instrumental TV themes that became legends in themselves, influencing decades of TV and deserving a permanent spot in pop culture.

12. Peter Gunn (1958–1961)

Henry Mancini’s jazzy, rock-infused theme didn’t just open a detective show—it defined a genre. Even if you’ve never seen a single episode, you’ve heard that pulse-pounding groove somewhere: in films, commercials, or just playing in your head during your imaginary stakeouts. This one is the blueprint for “cool TV cop music.”

11. The Office (2005–2013)

Jay Ferguson’s upbeat, offbeat tune—covered by The Scrantones—is the ideal theme for cringe-worthy office hijinks. Bright, airy, and immediately familiar, it puts you right into the cozy mess of Dunder Mifflin every time it comes on.

10. Star Trek (1966–1969)

Alexander Courage’s grand theme is sheer adventure. From its introductory notes that tinkle like stars, to its blaring, brass fanfare, it embodies the excitement of exploring the ultimate frontier. Each subsequent Star Trek has borrowed from this very first masterpiece.

9. Get Smart (1965–1970)

Irving Szathmary’s spy-flavored theme nails the balance between danger and goofiness. Paired with the famous door-slamming title sequence, it announces that you’re in for a mix of espionage thrills and slapstick fun with Maxwell Smart.

8. MASH (1972–1983)

Johnny Mandel’s “Suicide Is Painless” has lyrics elsewhere, but for television, it’s all bittersweet instrumental. Soft but haunting, it captures perfectly the series’ bittersweet blend of comedy and hard-won realities of war.

7. Hawaii Five-0 (1968–1980; 2010–2020)

Morton Stevens’ brassy, high-adrenaline theme is effectively a sonic shot of adrenaline. It’s been adopted by marching bands, sports teams, and anyone who requires a shot of unadulterated, sun-baked action.

6. Morse (1987–2000, with Endeavour)

Barrington Pheloung’s sophisticated, cryptic theme music is the intellectual detective at its center. Cleverly, the notes occasionally even write out clues in Morse code—a musical nod to the viewer.

5. The Rockford Files (1974–1980)

Mike Post and Pete Carpenter’s theme is easygoing but assertive, a blend of harmonica and guitar that brings Jim Rockford’s charm to life. It was so popular, it was a radio hit apart from the show.

4. Doctor Who (1963–1989; 2005–present)

Ron Grainer’s theme—actualized by electronic music trailblazer Delia Derbyshire—was not like anything else on television in the ’60s. Other musicians have reimagined it over the years, but it’s always been spooky, alien, and indelible.

3. Dragnet (1951–1959; 1967–1970)

Walter Schumann’s “Danger Ahead” is TV shorthand for “serious stuff.” Those four opening notes have been borrowed, parodied, and referenced everywhere, long after the show ran its course.

2. Mission: Impossible (1966–1973; 1988–1990)

Lalo Schifrin’s driving 5/4 beat is suspense. It’s the audio equivalent of a ticking time bomb—cool, clinical, and unforgettable. From televisions to Tom Cruise franchises, it never went out of style.

1. The Twilight Zone (1959–1964 and onward)

Marius Constant’s eerie four-note motif is the sound of the uncanny. CBS stitched it together from his royalty-free work without him knowing, but it became one of the most instantly recognizable TV themes ever. Hear it, and you’re already halfway into another dimension.

These are not merely background music but part of the DNA of TV. They can take you back years, make you hum along without you even knowing it, or put you immediately in the mood for the world you belong to. No need for words—just the right notes in the right sequence, and you’re there.