The release of a new Steven Spielberg movie is always cause for celebration. He is, after all, the man who helped invent the modern blockbuster and redefine action cinema for generations of viewers. Disclosure Day, his 35th feature film, sees Spielberg returning to the mold he helped shape, with a big-budget, high-concept sci-fi adventure with a plot being kept secret, and it’s fitting that Spielberg will reclaim his blockbuster crown 45 years after the release of not only his best film, but the greatest action movie in Hollywood history.

Picking the best Spielberg movie should be harder, given that he’s made Jaws, E.T., Schindler's List, and Jurassic Park. But truly, it's Raiders of the Lost Ark that reigns supreme. As a display of pure technical craft combined with character, action, and sheer movie magic, the film that introduced the world to Indiana Jones is nigh-on unbeatable. If bureaucrats had to show the aliens in Disclosure Day one movie so good that it would save humanity from destruction, they’d pick Raiders.

Spielberg and screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan wanted to make something inspired by the B-movies and adventure serials of the 1930s and '40s, a time of Zorro and Flash Gordon. They were eager to make something classically appealing, action-packed, and full of derring-do. Their lead character would be a heroic archaeologist who was part Clint Eastwood, part Toshiro Mifune, and part James Bond, while the plot would revolve around the hunt for the Ark of the Covenant, the mythic chest said to contain the stone tablets on which Moses delivered the Ten Commandments to humanity. And because all the best movies do it, the bad guys would be the Nazis.

It’s easy to fall into listing Raiders’ best qualities. It’s a film so loaded with iconic moments and startlingly good filmmaking that critics and fans alike have spent the past 45 years trying to understand its magic. Spielberg is the king of the action set-piece, whether it’s that legendary opening scene showing Indy recovering a golden idol or his escape onto the Nazi submarine. Watch any rip-off or wannabe Spielberg, and you’ll understand just how hard it is to do what he does, even as he makes it seem effortless. You never lose sight of the drama, no matter how heated and kinetic the action gets. There’s no shaky cam or poor lighting here. Every punch feels real, each threat palpable. When blood is sprayed, you wince.

The film is a loving homage to those classic serials, but it’s also a savvy update with a sharp eye for comedy, romance, and darkness. Indy, as played by Harrison Ford, is devastatingly smart and handsome, but also kind of a klutz whose reverence for history gets him in trouble. His love interest, Marion Ravenwood, is his equal, not a wilting damsel in distress. Every side character is loaded with personality. The blend of practical effects, stunt work, and early but still-polished VFX has aged remarkably well (certainly better than The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull’s CGI). The entire production, from opening shot to closing shot, is as precise as a Swiss watch.

But the brilliance of the film also lies in its happy accidents. We all know the story of Harrison Ford getting too sick to film a big swordfight, leading to him just shooting the goon instead, but think of the moment where Indy is confronted by Belloq, the rival archaeologist who’s aligned himself with the Nazis in the search for the Ark. Paul Freeman is already excellent as a smarmy pseudo-intellectual who has no qualms about working with fascists. His unnerving malice is emphasized when a fly enters Freeman’s mouth, and he just keeps going. Is this man so evil that he can consume an insect and be unbothered? It’s a great beat that never could have been planned.

It’s hard to make lightning strike twice. The next two Indiana Jones films are fine but flawed, and the 21st-century installments are, to put it mildly, divisive. Spielberg retained his ambition and keen eye for mainstream appeal throughout the decades, but he’s never surpassed the delicate balance and propulsive force of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Still, we appreciate Spielberg for refusing to rest on his laurels. Disclosure Day is certainly a reminder of what we’ve been missing in the blockbuster age shaped by his legacy.

Raiders of the Lost Ark is streaming on Disney+.

In the early 21st century, the mainstream landscape for TV and film in the world of science fiction was significantly different than today. Now, despite turmoil and constant scrutiny, when one Star Trek or Star Wars film or movie ends, a new project is already in the works. The X-Men are back on TV. From For All Mankind to Silo and Dune: Prophecy, the number of epic sci-fi shows is a normal part of the current zeitgeist. But in 2005, Doctor Who brought back a crowd-pleasing, heroic sci-fi to television, and the geek world was never the same.

But for American fans, watching Doctor Who since 2005 has always been a little like being Amy Pond, waiting for the Doctor to return. During Season 1 of the Christopher Eccleston era, and Season 2 of David Tennant’s tenure, Doctor Who aired on the SyFy Channel, and by the Matt Smith era in 2010, the show aired on BBC America, which remained the case through the Peter Capaldi and Jodie Whittaker eras. But streaming the series was slightly more inconsistent. Doctor Who was on Netflix for a spell, and during the Whittaker years, new episodes ended up on AMC+. More recently, prior to the Disney+ era and Ncuti Gatwa, the 2005-2022 version of the show was streaming on HBO Max until July 2025. And now, the entire modern era of Doctor Who (minus Gatwa and the 2023 Tennant specials) is finally all in one place again.

As of June 11, 2026, you can stream Doctor Who Season 1 (2005) all the way through Doctor Who Season 13 (2022). This means the entire runs of the 9th Doctor, the 10th Doctor, the 11th Doctor, the 12th Doctor, and the 13th Doctor, along with the various respective specials associated with each era.

One note on this specific detail: AMC+ is listing various Christmas specials and one-off specials as part of the Doctor Who season each is most associated with. So, “The Christmas Invasion” is the last episode of Season 1, and “Voyage of the Damned” is the last episode in Season 3. However, this makes things a little dicier with Season 4, David Tennant’s last season, since that season ended in 2008 and from 2009 to early 2010, a few specials aired that led into “The End of Time Parts 1 and 2.” AMC+ lists all those specials as part of Season 4, and starting with “The Next Doctor” has incorrect thumbnail images for each episode. Specifically, the thumbnail image for “The Waters of Mars” shows an image of Matt Smith, newly regenerated from the end of “The End of Time Part 2.”

Another note on watch-order: Season 7, which was Matt Smith’s final season, aired from 2012 to 2013 in two parts. On AMC+, the “The Day of the Doctor” and “The Time of the Doctor” are listed as part of Season 7, even though both were aired as specials. On top of that, “The Snowmen,” which was the Christmas special that began in 2012, is listed on the watch order here in between “The Name of the Doctor” and “The Day of the Doctor.” That’s definitely incorrect, as “The Snowmen” should be watched in between “The Angels Take Manhattan” and “The Bells of Saint John.” To put it another way, “The Snowmen” introduces the mystery of Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman) and “The Name of the Doctor” solves it. Plus, “The Name of the Doctor” leads directly into “The Day of the Doctor.”

But, watch order issues and thumbnail quibbles aside, having all of Doctor Who’s most recent golden era streaming all in one place is a gift for fans. And, if you’ve somehow never experienced the fun, brilliance, and timey-wimeyness of modern Doctor Who, now is a perfect time to start.

Doctor Who 2005-2022 streams on AMC+. Doctor Who 1963-1989 streams on Tubi and BritBox. Doctor Who 2023-2025 streams on Disney+.

The dystopia of Mad Max (1979) and its automobile-engineered brutalities — a highway patrolman’s preferred method of dispatching criminals involves maneuvering them into fiery crashes — originated from a terrifying everyday reality for writer-director George Miller. Having earlier trained as a doctor and worked as an emergency room physician in Sydney, he made the film as a way of processing the vehicular accident injuries he routinely saw, and the pervasiveness of such violence in his country. “In Australia, we have a car culture in the way Americans have a gun culture,” he told Starlog magazine in 1982. “The cult of the car.”

Five years earlier, Australian filmmaker Peter Weir had experienced a similar despairing sentiment, channeling it into the bleak unease of his feature debut The Cars That Ate Paris, which premiered on this day in 1976. A signpost that appears early in the horror film, diverting travelers off the highway and onto the narrow, unpaved road leading to the fictional town of Paris, reads ‘One Way’: an ominous warning in hindsight. For those who’ve fruitlessly waited in line outside the rural employment office before driving on, however, the advertised promise of work in Paris is enticing. And so these travelers persist.

Unwisely disregarding the low nighttime visibility, one such driver, George Waldo (Rick Scully), accelerates in his rush to get there. Blinded by a sudden, disorienting flash of light, he loses control of his car, careening off the edge of a steep hill. Only the passenger, his brother Arthur (Terry Camilleri), survives.

Such accidents aren’t just commonplace in Paris, but unnervingly prevalent; a radio news report announcing that the ensuing death toll has hit an all-time high here is reflective of Weir’s observation that automobile-related deaths were on the rise in Australia. He realized that the public’s only reaction to such fatalities was to shrug them off as an inevitable part of modern life, their unfeeling attitude mirrored by the Parisians’ apathy towards road accident victims. When Arthur confesses to having run over an elderly pedestrian in the past, Paris’ Mayor (John Meillon) is nonplussed. He simply responds: “These old pedestrians are a real problem, aren’t they?” (That Arthur was acquitted of manslaughter points to the country’s legal systems sharing the same unsympathetic viewpoint.)

The newcomer’s way out of Paris is stalled by not just physical roadblocks but by his fragile mental state being weaponized against him. Arthur’s deep-seated fear of getting behind the wheel once more has paralyzed him. There’s no public transport in Paris. He couldn’t leave if he tried.

With sharp efficiency, Weir depicts a town whose inhabitants share a secret that only a single resident remains oblivious to, as well as an entire economy built off cruelty and deception — ideas he would return to in his 1998 drama The Truman Show (1998). Paris’ car “accidents,” like the one that killed Arthur's brother, are revealed to have been deliberately caused by the locals. In their well-oiled operation, auto parts scavenged from the wreckage are bartered for groceries, the drivers’ valuables are divvied up and any survivors are sent to the local hospital to have barbaric experiments performed on them. Human beings are expendable; cars are currency. It’s how this insular community survives.

The economic anxieties of Weir’s film propel Mad Max too. While a newspaper headline in The Cars That Ate Paris announces an increase in oil prices, it’s the scarcity of this fuel in Miller’s envisioned wasteland that spurs the total collapse of civil order. Violent nomadic biker gangs not only steal vehicles, but also target fuel tankers and siphon their petrol. Mad Max co-writer James McCausland was drawing on the 1973 oil crisis, particularly the “ferocity” with which Australian motorists demanded their tanks be filled anyway. “Long queues formed at the stations with petrol — and anyone who tried to sneak ahead in the queue met raw violence,” he wrote in the Courier-Mail.

As in The Cars That Ate Paris, modified vehicles are a major driver of Mad Max’s narrative — the Plymouth Rock dune buggies in Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) were even Miller’s homage to the a Volkswagen Beetle in Paris that was painted bright silver and retrofitted with deadly spikes, giving it the appearance of a “gigantic mechanical hedgehog,” as film critic Luke Buckmaster put it. But while Mad Max’s central conflict is between a wild motorbike gang and one of the few remaining law enforcement agencies, Weir’s film hones in on an intergenerational rift.

The town’s feral youth refashion wrecked vehicles into instruments of intimidation, zipping around the town at high speeds and terrorizing the elders. Their resentment at not being included in the distribution of the accident loot eventually boils over into all-out anarchy. In the aftermath of the ensuing rampage and mass deaths on both sides, there’s an exodus of the survivors. Arthur has finally conquered his fear, driving out with a smile. Everyone else, ironically, is on foot. Paris might’ve been abandoned, but the impact of Australia’s “first car crash film” endured.

The Cars That Ate Paris is streaming on the Criterion Channel.

The title of Disclosure Day tells you everything you need to know. In Steven Spielberg’s latest sci-fi blockbuster, there’s never any question of whether extraterrestrial life exists (it does) or whether we’ve made contact with it (we have). Instead, Spielberg and screenwriter David Koepp wonder: What would happen if humanity was presented with irrefutable proof of alien life? Would it exacerbate existing global conflicts, or make them seem petty and pointless? Would we turn from religion en masse, and start worshipping the aliens instead?

The film’s finale brings us back to the newsroom at the (fictional) Kansas City TV station KCXE, where the truth — never doubted, but only briefly seen up to that point — is revealed to humanity en masse thanks to a local server and a global network of live 24-hour TV channels. And while the story ends without definitively answering its big existential questions, it does point in a direction that’s very Spielbergian.

Margaret and Daniel’s Connection

Although it’s weatherperson Margaret Fairchild (Emily Blunt) who makes this world-changing announcement, disclosure would not have been possible without Daniel Kellner (Josh O’Connor), the whistleblower who stole both the hard drives full of video that corroborate Margaret’s statement and a piece of extraterrestrial technology from the sinister Wardex Corporation. The two are drawn together by a psychic bond that seems inexplicable at first, but is later explained as the result of a shared “traumatic event” that happened when they were both children.

With the help of that alien tech — and an exact replica of Margaret’s childhood home, which even Daniel’s co-conspirator Hugo (Colman Domingo) admits is “a bit much” — the nature of that event is also revealed towards the end of the film. As it turns out, Margaret and Daniel were both abducted by the same group of benevolent grey aliens, who implanted a latent talent in each of their brains that would help them carry out the visitors’ grand plan as adults.

Margaret is given extraordinary empathic abilities, which are so powerful that they seem like she’s able to read people’s minds. (She was totally unaware of these powers until she was “activated” by the appearance of that strange red bird at the beginning of the movie.) This is the ultimate purpose of the extraterrestrials’ grand Disclosure Day plan: Empathy is one of the building blocks of the universe, and humanity’s abandonment of this quality is rapidly leading us to our destruction. Using her connection to other people, Margaret is the savior who will lead us to rediscover our humanity.

By comparison, Daniel is simply a translator. His abilities are important: He’s been given an innate understanding of mathematics, “the language in which the book of the universe was written.” This allows him to understand the aliens’ language, which is based on mathematical patterns. He’s the conduit for transmitting their message to the world, and both he and Margaret are necessary for saving the world from itself.

A Hopeful Conclusion

Margaret is about to convey the head alien’s message to all of humanity — which is now watching en masse, pausing the buildup to WWIII in the wake of this shocking revelation — when Disclosure Day cuts to black. At first, this is frustrating: Just when all the film’s answers are about to be answered, it’s over. But the ending serves a thematic purpose, one that’s quite optimistic about human nature and our ability to turn things around.

A sense of wonder is key to Spielberg’s style as a filmmaker, and in a recent trailer for the film the director says that, in the nearly 50 years since he first explored the question of extraterrestrial life in Close Encounters of the First Kind, he’s “much more inclined...to believe that we’re not the only intelligent civilization in the universe.” These tendencies combine in Disclosure Day, in which the filmmaker affirms his faith in humanity by creating a scenario where the revelation that we’re not alone is met not by division or panic, but by a universally shared feeling of astonishment and awe.

In a “post-truth” age where generative AI is eroding our collective ability to trust that what we see is real, it’s a truly hopeful scenario, with a message of unity that urges us to look past what divides us to connect over what we share.

“Listen,” Margaret says. Spielberg is certain that we will.

From Universal Pictures, Disclosure Day is in theaters now.

It’s 1247 England, and a young girl is freezing to death. Trudging through a blinding blizzard, she spots a campfire flickering in the distance. She cautiously approaches the man (Hugh Jackman) at the campfire, who throws her a piece of meat and lets her join him beside the fire. She asks him what he knows of the hero Robin Hood, but he only dismisses the legends of the poor man’s champion as tall tales. “He was a murderous brigand,” he says roughly, which seems to spark a reaction in the young girl. Later that night, the girl creeps up on the man’s sleeping figure with a dagger, but the man jumps to defend himself, fatally stabbing her before gently admonishing her for her mistakes. For he is Robin Hood, and the girl is the latest in a long line of vengeful people looking to repay his blood debts.

The Death of Robin Hood, Michael Sarnoski’s brutally beautiful and meditative new thriller, is a curious new release. For one, its cold, wintry setting seems ill-suited for the summer blockbuster season it’s uneasily entering, and for another, it seems the kind of edgy take on a folkloric hero that fell out of favor 10 years ago. But it’s thanks to Sarnoski, who has a talent for turning genre films like the revenge thriller Pig and the alien-invasion flick A Quiet Place: Day One into introspective character dramas, that The Death of Robin Hood thoughtfully transcends its gritty conceit of “what if Robin Hood was a bad dude.”

The Death of Robin Hood picks up many years after the glory days of Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men. Now, Robin Hood spends his days alone, fending off the dozens of vengeful people whose loved ones he slaughtered during his years as a bandit. Because this Robin Hood, you see, wasn’t the noble hero who stole from the rich and gave to the poor, but a ruthless cutthroat who murdered and stole indiscriminately. And all those years of bloodshed have come home to roost, as evidenced by the attempted assassination by the young girl in the opening scene.

But Robin Hood, whom Jackman plays with a hardened gravity not too far removed from his performance in Logan, has resigned himself to dying by one of his blood debts. That’s all he hopes for, he tells his former righthand man, Little John (Bill Skarsgard): “a good death.” But Little John, who has returned to Robin for a favor, urges him to put off that death a little bit longer. In the years since he parted ways with Robin Hood, Little John has settled down, taking on the identity of a farmer (after murdering him, of course), and finding a wife and having a daughter. But the family of the farmer he killed has taken the farm and his family hostage, and he needs Robin’s help to win it back. Robin reluctantly agrees to this one last quest, and they storm the farm and defeat the men — but not before Little John’s wife is slain and Robin is mortally wounded. Against Robin’s will, Little John takes him to be healed at a remote hillside priory, where the gentle Prioress, Sister Brigid (Jodie Comer), gives him a second chance at life.

The Death of Robin Hood isn’t actually an original tale, but an interpretation of a little-known 17th century ballad, Robin Hood’s Death, in which an injured Robin quietly dies at a priory after a bloodletting gone wrong. It’s one of the stories forgotten to the annals of history, because of how strangely it bookends Robin Hood’s life of gallantry and derring-do — how could such a hero fall in such a mundane and muted way? Sarnoski, who writes and directs The Death of Robin Hood, takes this subversive plot beat and runs with it, transforming Robin Hood’s final days into a meditative, grimly poetic exploration of the cycles of violence and revenge.

The first half of Death of Robin Hood plays it almost painfully straight — with its bleak tone, grimy atmosphere, and frequent shocks of bloodshed, it nearly feels like Sarnoski is approximating Robert Eggers (there’s more than little Northman in the ferocious way that Jackman’s Robin fights too). But cinematographer Pat Scola shoots with such a painterly touch — cloaking the pastoral English landscape in dense fog and deep shadows, that any comparisons to Eggers fade away. And of course, when Robin finally emerges from his near-fatal experience, the sun suddenly bathes the frames in light. Every scene with Comer, who gives a beautifully wistful and tender performance, is positively sun-dappled, giving this remote commune that Sister Brigid has built, an idyllic, near-utopian feeling. There are children running through its orchards, a forest teeming with rabbits, and a mysterious leper (a wonderfully world-weary Murray Bartlett) who acts as the priory’s self-appointed guardian.

It’s here where Sarnoski finds his stride and where Death of Robin Hood transcends its grim-dark premise. It takes a hero famous for always being on the run (or perhaps a villain forever fighting off vengeful victims), and makes him stop. Crippled by his injuries and suddenly finding himself the guardian of a frightened little girl, Robin is forced to shed the warrior persona that he’s built up over the years and learn how to be human again. That’s Sarnoski’s magic touch: to build up and break down these grizzled genre tropes — whether they be the fabled hero, the post-apocalyptic survivor, or a particularly muscular truffle farmer — and find the innate humanity in them. Jackman clearly relishes getting to play such a wonderfully complex side to the hardened hero-type he’s become associated with over the years. And through Jackman and Comer’s lovely dynamic, both of them healing from tragic pasts, the film’s somber and grave tone almost feels light. The film doesn’t take the easy route of giving its hero a happy ending — it is, after all, called The Death of Robin Hood — but there’s a strange catharsis in its meeting of similarly tormented souls.

That Sarnoski can create such a tragic figure out of Robin Hood, a hero perhaps most famous today for being a man in tights, is nothing short of miraculous. Hollywood has long struggled to adapt Robin Hood for modern audiences, and Sarnoski may have cracked the code by giving the most subversive version of him: a Robin Hood who may not have been a hero, nor even a villain, but was simply human.

The Death of Robin Hood opens in theaters June 19.

In 1994, Tupac Shakur casually redeemed the most-hated Star Trek feature film, at least, up until that time. In the opening of his song “Pain,” you hear a voice say with a certain amount of self-aware aplomb: “I couldn’t help but notice your pain.” Just five years after the release of Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, Tupac was making a deep cut to that controversial sci-fi epic, but sampling a quote from Spock’s (Leonard Nimoy) estranged brother (Sybok), who, in the context of the quote, was talking to God.

Thirty-seven years after its release on June 9, 1989, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier remains the butt of several jokes among hardcore Trek fans, not limited to various jabs in Lower Decks, as well as the epic rant from Shatner, turned into an earworm song in 2009 from Fall on Your Sword, “Shatner on the Mount.” So, with this film nearly 40 years old, the questions about whether The Final Frontier is good or bad, or hilarious, or wonderful, suddenly seem like all the wrong questions. The more interesting truth about The Final Frontier is that today, in and out of sci-fi circles, this strange 1989 flop remains not only charming but unique in its upbeat humanist message.

Following the smash success of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home in 1986, directorial reins were passed from Leonard Nimoy to co-star William Shatner. At the time, the idea of Star Trek stars having a huge creative control on the stories was still fairly novel; Nimoy directing The Search for Spock feels like an experiment with mixed results, while the staying power and cinematic brilliance of The Voyage Home is pretty much undebatable. Today, countless Star Trek actors have directed episodes of the various TV series, but other than Jonathan Frakes — who directed First Contact in 1996 and Insurrection in 1998 — the club of Star Trek actors who have directed Star Trek feature films remains a group of three: Shatner, Nimoy, and the aforementioned Frakes. (Brent Spiner and Simon Pegg working on screenplays and stories for Nemesis and Beyond probably deserve honorable mention here.)

But of those Trek directors who are also actors, Shatner’s offering probably gets the most grief, deservedly or not. To put it very simply: Is The Final Frontier worse than Insurrection? Not at all! It’s actually a much, much better film with bigger swings and deeper ideas. But nobody says Frakes is a bad Trek director because Insurrection is undercooked. Had Shatner had another chance to do a Star Trek feature (or episode), our perception of his abilities as a director might be different.

If you’ve never seen The Final Frontier, Shatner’s braggadocious reputation would make you think that this entire movie will be about what a cool guy Captain Kirk is, and how Captain Kirk is the pinnacle of human independence and free thinking. This assumption is 100 percent correct because the plot of The Final Frontier is all about Kirk challenging dogmas, both new and old, and proving that the greatest things about human beings are our abilities to stand up to bad ideas and also that friendship is magic.

When Spock’s kooky half-brother Sybok (Laurence Luckinbill) steals the Enterprise and tries to find God, he also floats a bit of New Age pseudoscience along the way, telling the entire crew he can fix their lives by becoming their Vulcan life coach, as long as they agree to participate in his spiritual quest that mostly involves grand-theft-starship. Here’s the thing: all of this, on paper, is great, and in defense of Shatner, nearly all the best episodes of The Original Series involved Kirk unmasking false gods or proving that his friends were the best. The Final Frontier tackles these ideas in nearly every single scene, and in an interesting counterpoint to the next film, The Undiscovered Country, this version of Kirk feels more like his TV show counterpart, who sort of shrugs his shoulders at the Klingons hanging out and having drinks on the Enterprise. This doesn’t make The Final Frontier better as a piece of art than The Undiscovered Country, but tonally, it suggests that the Kirk of Star Trek V is the only Kirk, in all the feature films, who actually resembles the amazing hero of the TV series. Though Star Trek V is, in theory, about Kirk talking about his own mortality and questioning the nature of the universe, it’s really all the other characters, not Kirk, who lose themselves.

This brings us back to Tupac’s sampling of Sybok in the song “Pain.” What makes that track great is that Tupac knows — just as Shatner/Kirk knows — that great art, and a well-lived life, come as the result of pain. Sybok’s final triumph against the false god of Sha Ka Ree is to use his own BS con-man tricks on said creature, which means, in a sense, Sybok converts himself to the Kirk side of the Force in the end. Because, although Kirk’s famous question “what does God need with a starship?” is probably the most quoted line in the movie, Kirk’s other line — “I don’t want my pain taken away! I need my pain!” — sums up everything that’s great about the movie.

Star Trek’s relevance is often ascribed to its social innovations and bravery in terms of representation and optimism. But Star Trek’s broad popularity is even bigger: Generally speaking, it presents a secular humanism that functions almost as a kind of religion. And one of the tenets of that religion is that flawed human beings are allowed to be flawed, because being flawed is what makes humans great. This is why Star Trek is not really a utopian fantasy at all, but rather, in its best moments, a realistic meditation on the nature of making mistakes and overcoming those mistakes.

Star Trek V’s biggest crime, then, in retrospect, is that Kirk is pretty much right for the entire movie, and everyone else, maybe even Spock, is, occasionally, wrong. This fact probably has more to do with why some fans are uneasy about the film; nobody likes seeing Bones join with Sybok, or Sulu become brainwashed. And yet, the structure of The Original Series often had stories exactly like this — look at “This Side of Paradise,” in which everybody gets hit with the spores and only Kirk avoids losing his mind and sense of purpose. There’s an almost Philip K. Dick sensibility to Captain Kirk in many Trek adventures, insofar as he’s the only guy who’s not crazy, fighting against a rigged system. This isn’t a bug of classic Star Trek, it’s a feature, and something that works very well in The Original Series. That’s because the notion of self-belief, of Captain Kirk-style confidence and decisiveness, as corny as it sounds, is actually fairly profound. In 2022, the finale of Strange New Worlds Season 1 even touched on the idea that the ruminative decision-by-committee command style of Captain Pike (or Picard?) might lead to tragedy.

The legacy, then, of The Final Frontier is that, as Tupac told us, we are “tired of the pain and the strain,” but buried within that sentiment is the basic tapestry of human existence. Without the pain, there’s no adventure. Star Trek-style heroes may not be all that common in real life, but the fantasy of The Final Frontier is that everyone would be better off if they were just one percent more Captain Kirk.

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier streams on Paramount+.

We’ve been in the throes of the “elevated horror” wave for so long that it feels almost trite every time a new release has the revolutionary idea of using the genre as a didactic allegory, but there was a point in time when it was a fresh departure from a decade of generic studio releases. From the early 2000s up to the mid-2010s, mainstream horror was a wasteland of found footage Paranormal Activity clones and a race to see who could escalate gore after movies like Saw opened the floodgates, but around 2014, there was a pivot, and there are two movies in particular that were at the forefront of that change – The Babadook and It Follows.

While The Babadook is probably patient zero for the current trend of “horror as a metaphor for grief and depression,” It Follows was a comparatively esoteric affair. Its central plot (which sees a young woman relentlessly pursued by a tireless supernatural entity passed on through intimacy) was brilliant due to the fact that it could be interpreted in any number of ways beyond the obvious STD evocations, and the subtly anachronistic setting and Disasterpeace’s synth-heavy fairy-tale-turned-nightmare score helped it become pretty much an overnight cult classic. The announcement of a sequel back in 2023 was a completely unexpected shock, and after two years of relative silence on the project, we’ve now received our first major update about the status of the It Follows sequel — They Follow.

As reported by Deadline on Tuesday, I Love Boosters, and Mickey 17 star Naomi Ackie is in final talks to join the highly anticipated sequel in an undisclosed role. As of right now, returning lead Maika Monroe is the only cast member confirmed for the project, with there being no current indication that her friend group from the original film will be joining her. As of this update, there still haven’t been many plot details revealed, but the one element that has been disclosed opens up a whole can of questions: apparently, the sequel will take place ten years after the first movie.

The original It Follows ends on a rather ambiguous note: Jay and her friends lure the entity to a local public pool and attempt to murder it through electrocution and then finally by shooting it in the head, which fills the pool with blood and seemingly ends the curse. She then sleeps with her friend Paul, who has an unrequited crush on her throughout the entire film – the final scene of the movie shows the two of them walking down the street together holding hands, only for an ominous figure to begin following them in the distance. A sequel with Maika returning as Jay all but confirms that the ending of the original is certainly not a happy one, and raises the question of what happened to Paul and whether or not Jay’s decision to sleep with him was her version of an insurance policy in case the horror hadn’t truly ended.

With They Follow taking place over a decade later, there are a lot of different directions the story could go in. There’s a chance that Naomi Ackie could play a new victim of the entity, with Maika Monroe returning as a weathered survivor attempting to help Ackie’s character survive – it could also be the reverse, with Ackie playing someone who has already survived the curse and providing answers to Jay in a potential search for It’s origins. Considering principal photography hasn’t started yet, answers to any of those questions are still a long way off, but that only adds to the anticipation for a follow-up to what has become one of the most beloved horror movies of the last 20 years.

They Follow does not yet have a release date.

Get ready to return to the world of Rocky and Grace. Project Hail Mary — the biggest sci-fi movie hit of 2026 — is coming to streaming. As of this time next week, fans will finally be able to watch Project Hail Mary without having to purchase the entire movie. The streaming date for the film has been locked in, but the place Project Hail Mary is streaming might surprise you.

Here’s what to know about the streaming date, streaming service, and future Blu-ray release for Project Hail Mary. Plus, some speculation about how this movie might mean that one burgeoning streaming service might suddenly become a much bigger deal.

Project Hail Mary Streaming Date

Although the film is currently available for purchase as a VOD, Project Hail Mary will be streaming on June 18, 2026. The film hit theaters back on March 20, 2026, and has, to date, taken in $680 million at the worldwide box office. Will streaming numbers be comparable? That all depends. Do you have MGM+?

Project Hail Mary Will Stream Exclusively On MGM+

Produced by Amazon MGM, Project Hail Mary will not be streaming “for free” on Prime Video as many expected, but instead, on June 18, will stream “exclusively on MGM+, according to an official press release sent to press on June 10. This is an interesting move for the parent company of Amazon MGM, and could signal that MGM+ — which is already a pretty solid streamer — might become the home of even more premium content.

Right now, MGM+ has several original shows with huge followings, including The Godfather of Harlem, Robin Hood, and FROM. This July, MGM+ will also get the new crime drama, The Westies, starring J.K. Simmons.

Project Hail Mary is easily the biggest hit for Amazon MGM in recent memory. This fact seems to suggest that Amazon MGM is very confident that fans will rewatch the film on MGM+, even if, at this point, it's still a fairly underrated streaming service. But all of that could change in the next few years.

Could we get Masters of the Universe directly on MGM+ in a few months? Future James Bond movies? Right now, with this big swing with Project Hail Mary, it appears that Amazon MGM is hinting that MGM+ could be the streaming platform of the future.

Project Hail Mary Blu-ray Release Date

As of this writing, there is no physical Blu-ray release for Project Hail Mary. That said, the film is expected to arrive on Blu-ray and 4K on August 11, 2026.

RuPaul Charles has fundamentally changed the world of drag. That much is undeniable. The world’s most famous drag queen built an empire around self-love and self-expression, transforming this once-niche art form into a global industry in the process. That’s the good part. The bad part is, of course, the fracking, which eroded the LGBTQIA+ community’s trust in RuPaul to the extent that a lot of people were ready to believe a recent social-media rumor that Stop! That Train!, the “first movie set within the RuPaul’s Drag Race universe,” used generative AI as part of its process.

The film’s director, Adam Shankman, denies the allegations, and much of the confusion seems to have come from the fact that one of the companies involved with the film, Acme AI & VFX, has “AI” in its name. Even after seeing the movie, however, it’s difficult to say with certainty how some of its interstitial bits — specifically, a series of shots of the titular train speeding through various digital landscapes — were accomplished. One likely explanation is this: Those shots were, in fact, made by human artists working with a minimal budget on a tight turnaround. That’s why they look like crap.

This is consistent with the Drag Race brand, which — while it’s no longer held together with Scotch tape, as it was in early seasons of the show — embraces garishness and stupidity with the same gleeful irony with which gay culture has always appreciated such things. (There’s a reason everyone remembers the bad outfits from the show more vividly than they do the good ones.) Queer people invented camp, and unsurprisingly, Stop! That! Train! is playing in that particular sandbox. What’s more interesting is how seamlessly Drag Race’s signature sense of humor merges with another type of comedy, one that’s nearly extinct in 21st-century popular culture.

In short, Stop! That! Train! is basically a Zucker/Abrahams spoof with drag queens in the leading roles. There are bits in this movie that have only been slightly modified from similar gags in Airplane!, and although it’s working from a different set of pop-cultural touchstones — think a Lisa Rinna cameo and digs at Lea Michelle’s alleged illiteracy — the setup/punchline structure is almost exactly the same as in a Naked Gun movie.

Here’s an example: Midway through the movie, it’s starting to become obvious that the passengers and crew aboard the Glamazonian Express are in deep trouble, as they barrel towards an apocalyptic “Stormaganza” big enough to destroy a dozen luxury trains of its size. (Stop! That! Train! takes place in a world where commercial rail is the primary mode of transportation in the U.S., a notion more fantastical than the film’s female POTUS, President Judy Gagwell — played by RuPaul, of course.) Donna Dusk (Rachel Bloom), the only competent employee at the film’s rail-travel safety commission, tells the conductor not to panic. Just look at your control monitor, she says. Cut to the monitor, which flashes one word: PANIC.

These cutaways are ubiquitous throughout the movie — Conductors We’d Like to See the Dick Of magazine is one recurring highlight — supported by silly puns, cheeky editing, and exaggerated slapstick pratfalls from game supporting players like Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nicole Richie, June Diane Raphael, Joel McHale, and comedian Guy Branum, who takes on the absurd role of a heterosexual horndog. Everyone seems to be having a good time — especially Las Culturistas’ Matt Rogers, who can’t help but grin even in his more serious scenes as President Gagwell’s loyal assistant. All the best jokes are shamelessly repeated later on in the movie, and the cast all bring their dizziest, bitchiest, and most ridiculous selves to the screen.

These include Drag Race in-jokes, the biggest of which is that it’s taken 18 seasons to find a sufficient number of drag performers who are also good enough actors to fill out the cast of a feature film. (Fans of your various World of Wonder properties will also be prepared for how corny the lyrics to the original songs can be, although “bring your drugs, it’s time to play / ‘cause there ain’t no TSA” is a pretty good line.)

Leads Jujubee and Ginger Minj, who co-star as bushy-tailed strivers DeeDee and Tess, are up to the task, bringing a relatively grounded and realistic range of emotions to their respective roles. They’re paired with similarly capable Drag Race alums Marcia Marcia Marcia, Brooke Lynn Heights, and Symoné as the cliquey popular girls from first class — roles all of them could do in their sleep — along with fan favorite Latrice Royale as Barbra, a girl who’s had more jobs than Detox’s face.

If you get that reference, then there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy Stop! That! Train!, which is very much designed as the kind of movie you go see with your girlfriends after an unlimited mimosa brunch. Takes proclaiming that LGBTQIA+ people have to see it to support the community (or vice versa) are, frankly, approaching this movie with far more seriousness than which it views itself. Maybe if RuPaul uses it as a platform from which to launch a train company, we can all be cynical about it.

From Bleecker Street and World of Wonder, Stop! That! Train! opens in theaters on June 12.

Amazon recently canceled its Stargate reboot mere months after officially unveiling it, and the streamer’s logic seemed to encapsulate the out-of-touch nonsense that defines Hollywood decision-making. Stargate, according to Variety, was axed because it would only appeal to Stargate fans. Who could have foreseen?

Fans have launched a campaign to save the series, but it’s likely a doomed endeavor. As absurd as Amazon’s argument may sound on the surface, we’re long past the days when a show like Stargate could be made on the relative cheap for a narrow but passionate fanbase. With genre television now costing millions of dollars per episode, creating something that only appeals to the hardcore is an easy way to flush those millions down the toilet. And 10 years ago today, no project demonstrated that frustrating conundrum better than Warcraft.

The appeal of Warcraft is predicated on your ability to not only recognize names like Anduin Lothar and Grommash Hellscream, but to become emotionally invested in their travails. Directed by Duncan Jones after he made waves with Moon and Source Code, this is a world (of Warcraft) where everyone speaks in portents. And when every line is something like, “Your majesty, I urge you to engage the guardian with all haste,” you begin to feel, like so many of the villain’s victims, your soul being sucked from your body.

Warcraft tries to serve as a crash course on the franchise: the orc homeworld is dying, so the incredibly evil warlock Gul’dan uses incredibly evil magic to bring his people through a portal to the human realm of Azeroth. Warcraft commences as heroic Aragorn-likes attempt to defend their kingdom, and the orcs important enough to get dialogue begin to question the wisdom of following a lich-like mass murderer who, as real ones know, goes by Destroyer of Dreams.

It’s a passable premise, but Warcraft treats it like Shakespearean tragedy even though it looks and sounds like Temu Lord of the Rings. This is a movie that thinks so little of the audience it’s ostensibly made for that a hero mourning his slain son helpfully explains, “In my entire life, I’ve never felt so much pain as I do now.” It’s both impressive and damning that the CGI orcs are often more emotive than the humans.

We don’t need to belabor the point, but if a film is going to be inscrutable to outsiders, it should at least be interesting, and Warcraft never manages that. To anyone who hasn’t put at least a few dozen hours into the games, it’s like two exhausting hours of listening to someone recount their bog-standard Dungeons and Dragons campaign, all without the franchise’s hokey sense of humor to offer even mild relief.

Blizzard fans had a somewhat warmer reaction, but Warcraft’s problem was that it reached as many fans as it could, and that wasn’t enough. Making $439 million is no small feat, but much of that came from overseas and didn’t nudge the movie past the point of post-distribution profitability. Duncan Jones’ planned sequel failed to materialize, and while Blizzard continues to rake in money from its games, its blockbuster aspirations appear dead (although a movie is being made about Mats Steen, aka Ibelin, a WoW player with muscular dystrophy who was the subject of a Peabody-winning documentary).

Warcraft hits its 10th anniversary at an interesting time for video game movies, as Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil is attempting to become the first RE film to, if you’ll indulge some highfalutin technical terminology, not suck complete ass. Cregger appears to be adapting the spirit of the source material, while leaving decades of accumulated story detritus far behind, and while Fallout, The Last of Us, and even Twisted Metal have employed that strategy to considerable acclaim on television, the best we’ve seen on the silver screen so far are still just some Sonic movies that can entertain kids and a couple of modern Mortal Kombat flicks that are sort of okay.

Back in 2016, one of the almost universally negative reviews of Warcraft called it “one of the most ill-advised and ill-conceived studio films of this modern blockbuster era,” but gave Universal credit for going "all-in on a summer movie so niche and nerdy.” It was certainly an uncompromising approach, but as critic David Ehrlich alluded to, that was like going all in on a car crash.

As gaming franchises grow ever more valuable, studios will continue to try getting fans into theaters, but fans alone can’t make a $160 million production profitable. Duncan Jones was chosen for Warcraft in part because he’s a fan of the source material himself, and while he claimed the production was a torturous one given all the commercial interests involved, it was ultimately a movie made for the fans, just like fans always say they want. And the result was an unprofitable mess.

One path forward for game movies appears to be indie production; like Markiplier or not, his ability to turn $3 million into $51 million with Iron Lung earlier this year was a remarkable accomplishment. To make something on the scale of Warcraft, though, you’re going to have to open the gates a little and let non-fans in, no matter how much it may compromise the purity of Orgrim Doomhammer. And the Stargate.

Warcraft is available to rent on YouTube.

Okay. Supposedly, Close Encounters of the Third Kind is a classic. But what if I told you it’s not? And, what if I told you that not only should Close Encounters not be considered a classic, but that all of Steven Spielberg’s other movies about aliens — including the new film Disclosure Day — are, in fact, much, much better than Close Encounters? That would sound nuts, right? Well, the truth is out there, and the truth is Close Encounters doesn’t hold up.

In 1978, nearly 50 years ago, Close Encounters of the Third Kind became a watershed moment in cinema history. It broke box office records and demonstrated that a film about human emotions could be braided together with a paranoid thriller about alien abductions and UFOs. It’s also an overrated, incongruent, slogging mess, which, if released now, would probably not have garnered the praise and adoration it got in 1978.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind was the first movie of its kind, insofar as it was a movie less about the “what if?” of alien encounters on Earth, and more about the actual, real phenomenon of people who believe in such things. In this way, Close Encounters is not really a work of science fiction at all, but rather, a UFO movie that attempted to take itself very seriously. And, 48 years later, it feels incoherent at worst, and self-indulgent at best. Director Steven Spielberg is a brilliant magpie filmmaker, capable of taking various inspirations from disparate sources to make incredible, world-altering films. But Close Encounters feels like an arty science fiction film made by someone who is neither interested in art nor someone who cares about science fiction.

This is not a new critique. I am not inventing a hot take for the sake of it, and, in terms of feeling like Close Encounters is undercooked, I’m in very good company. In 1978, award-winning author Ursula K. Le Guin wrote a dual film review of both Star Wars (1977) and Close Encounters. Here’s just a bit of what she had to say about the latter: “I was brought up to believe that science fiction, whatever its shortcomings, in the way of characters, catharsis, and grammar, was supposed to try and be intellectually coherent: to have an idea and to follow it through.” Her primary critique of Close Encounters, I believe, holds true today: Close Encounters seems to promise an idea movie about the mysteries of life, but really, it’s just all vibes.

In case it's been a while, here’s the movie: For about the first 30 minutes, we get frantic developments across the world about strange things happening: planes that have disappeared decades ago are suddenly reappearing, there are lights in the sky. The nations of the world are on alert! Something is up! And what about those sounds from the sky, is that music, or a signal from the aliens? Meanwhile, a disgruntled dad named Roy (Richard Dreyfuss) has become obsessed with flying saucer sightings, much to the chagrin of his long-suffering wife, Ronnie (Teri Garr), and their three children. As many have pointed out (including LeGuin), Dreyfuss is obviously an amazing actor, and he sells Roy’s obsession with aliens perfectly. That said, the character, as written and as acted is sort of like if Paul Giamatti’s character from Sideways wasn’t funny at all, and was obsessed with aliens and not wine.

Roy is supremely unlikable, right from the first scene. As a child, I thought maybe I didn’t relate to Roy because I wasn’t a tired dad, but no, I don’t relate to Roy because he’s irresponsible and self-absorbed. The movie charts his obsession with cracking the secrets of the aliens, and in that pursuit, he finds a friend in single mother Jillian (Melinda Dillon), whose young son, Barry (Cary Guffey), provides the movie with the ultimate Spielberg cheat; this child seems to understand the aliens, because of reasons that are not explained, and literally only work because the kid has amazing facial expressions and because it serves as a counter to Roy’s children, who seem loud and annoying — you know, like real children often are.

The pathos of Close Encounters attempts to have things both ways: Roy’s family life and world obligations (like holding down a job and not being an asshole) aren’t scrutinized by the narrative of the movie at all, and because Jillian and her young son seem to be on his side, the audience is encouraged not to really worry about the mess he’s left of his terrestrial life. After Ronnie takes the children and leaves him, the film never returns to see what she thinks about the ending of the movie, in which Roy goes on the alien spaceship, presumably never to return. Again, the emotional impact of this is mitigated by the presence of Jillian, the de facto good parent, who, nonetheless, is more interested in snapping photos of the aliens than anything in her real life. As Le Guin notes: “Why does the heroine express her emotion by suddenly ignoring her beautiful kid and shooting a full twenty-four-shot roll of snapshots, color slides no doubt, of the hero’s exodus?... Is it even appropriate?”

The idea of photographs and documentation in general is an obsession, and is also one way the film has aged poorly. As if to defend the idea that taking photos and footage of certain events is hard, an early scene in the film notes that TV crews can very rarely capture a plane crash as it happens. And yet, in the year 2026, that assertion rings hollow. As author Jack Womack detailed in his excellent 2017 book, sarcastically titled Flying Saucers Are Real!, the 21st century saw a decrease in the pseudoscience craze of the 1970s, ‘80s, and ‘90s connected to alien abductions and UFOs. “Going by both research and empirical observation, the number of UFO reports dropped off significantly in the early 21st century,” Womack told Inverse in 2017.

In the context of 1978, because Close Encounters doesn’t provide any answers to the audience as to why the aliens are doing anything, the only thing the movie really has going for it is its supposed verisimilitude. The constant presence of cameras and of people loading cameras and bringing out recording equipment is something that Le Guin noted was “grotesquely self-conscious,” and now it is even worse: It makes the movie seem dumb in its attempt to be realistic.

The filmmaking of Close Encounters is flawless. The score is wonderful. Every actor is spot-on. But the story is nonsensical, and the theme is elusive at best, and nonexistent at worst. If Spielberg or anyone else wanted to make the point that visiting aliens would be unknowable and confusing, then that point could be made with rounder characters and more clarity. The point of Close Encounters seems to be a philosophical shoulder shrug, the arty stoner sci-fi version of “stuff happens.” The things that do happen in the movie are essentially this: A kid gets taken by aliens, but is returned, a man leaves his family to find aliens, and then finds them. Nobody knows why, and that’s it. In 2008, audiences were furious that the aliens in Spielberg's film Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull weren’t explained at the end, but basically, that’s exactly what Spielberg did in the ending of Close Encounters. And, I’d argue, Crystal Skull has better world-building, and more likable characters in general.

Of course, characters in great fiction do not have to be “likable,” but characters who represent humanity in some momentous pivot that changes the world ought to have qualities that we can at least examine. If Close Encounters is trying to make the point that just some random schlub could be the key to unlocking interstellar knowledge, that seems like a deeply undercooked idea, or one that would be better left in the hands of Douglas Adams. In the end, if Close Encounters isn’t really a movie about aliens (deep sigh) but really about our own humanity (deeper sigh), then it doesn’t do a good job on that front either. The humans of Close Encounters are people you would never want to know in real life, and their struggles feel invented.

Spielberg will always be a genius in the world of cinema, and Close Encounters may very well be a great example of his brilliance. Because only a genius could make such a great movie that feels deep, but really, stands for nothing and has nothing to say.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind streams on Peacock. Disclosure Day is in theaters on June 12, 2026.

A spaceship in deep, deep space. A crew plagued by horrific visions preying on their worst fears. An ancient, malevolent force that threatens to break out of its prison, and brutally slaughter anyone standing in its way. It’s the ominous and grim premise that turned Paul W.S. Anderson’s 1997 sci-fi horror Event Horizon into a cult classic, and which spawned many copycats and homages. And one of those from a TV show you’d least expect to do a riff on a Paul W.S. Anderson gorefest: the Doctor Who Season 2 episodes “The Impossible Planet/The Satan Pit.”

In “The Impossible Planet” and “The Satan Pit,” which aired on June 3 and June 10, 2006, respectively, the Doctor (David Tennant) and Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) land on a sanctuary base for deep space expeditions. But this isn’t just deep space — they’re at a far-off corner of the universe that houses no other life for thousands of miles. And this isn’t just any old sanctuary base — it’s on an unnamed planet that is impossibly orbiting a black hole. But things only get stranger from there: as the two explore, they find writing on the wall saying “Welcome to Hell,” along with ancient, untranslatable characters. It turns out the skeleton crew on the base arrived there because of the impossible existence of this planet — some great energy source is generating a gravity funnel that keeps it from being sucked into the planet, and that allowed them to fly safely in. They’ve been drilling for miles into the planet to find the source of this energy, and they’ve finally almost reached it. But then, that’s where things take a turn for the worse.

First come the ominous messages that appear as malfunctions in the Ood, the squid-like slave race that serves humanity, and in the space base itself. “The Beast and his Armies shall rise from the Pit to make war against God,” one Ood politely says to a startled Rose. And then there’s the repeated phrase that the base’s computer, Rose’s phone, and the Ood keep repeating: “He is awake.” As the Doctor, Rose, and the crew grow increasingly uneasy over these strange malfunctions, one of the crewmembers, Toby (Will Thorp), starts to hear the voice of this nameless Beast, before getting possessed by it. He passes his possession onto the Ood, who start to attack the humans. From there, the crew members get picked off one by one, while the Doctor and Science Officer Ida (Claire Rushbrook) descend into the Pit to discover its secrets.

Yes, this two-parter — especially the first part, “The Impossible Planet” — is effectively “Event Horizon for kids,” right down to the eerie set-up and the dashes of eldritch horror. While the episodes naturally shy away from the excessive eye-gouging and extreme bloodshed that characterized Anderson’s movie, like Event Horizon, it feels like the best kind of low-budget riff on Lovecraftian horror. It’s no coincidence that the show designed the Ood to look like Cthulhu, or that the crew frequently references going mad at the sight of the black hole.

But the thing that makes “The Impossible Planet/The Satan Pit” stand apart from all the other copycats is that it takes things beyond the “creepy demonic thing slaughters everyone” premise. First, it avoids the B-movie-meets-exploitation-horror edge of Event Horizon (because there’s no way Doctor Who would go there anyway), even though there’s a charmingly grimy industrial look to the whole episode. Instead, Doctor Who smartly embraces the religious horror aspect of the story, centering most of the second half, “The Satan Pit,” on a quiet conversation between the Doctor and Ida as they muse over the nature of religion and the existence of the Devil. The science-minded Doctor rejects the idea of an ancient evil behind every single religious myth, while Ida wonders if evil is simply “the things men do.” It’s the kind of conversation that would feel out of place in Event Horizon and its many ripoffs. The episode does deliver its fair share of action-packed beats, as the crew on the base attempt to escape the Ood, but it’s this conversation that makes you wish Doctor Who would attempt more religious horror, if only to get more philosophical musings like this (and, of course, creepy demonic dread).

In the end, comparing this two-parter to Event Horizon may actually do it a disservice; its similarities are mostly surface-level, while the extreme gore and edgy shocks of brutality of Event Horizon has caused the film to develop a distasteful reputation that Doctor Who probably wouldn't want to be associated with. While it’s a fun, cheeky comparison to make, “The Impossible Planet/The Satan Pit” is ultimately just a really solid cosmic horror episode that shows just how versatile the show can be.

Doctor Who (2005-2022) will be streaming on AMC+ on June 11.

Nobody jumped when writer-director Aaron Sorkin announced his intentions to actually make a sequel to The Social Network. The 2010 film, penned by Sorkin and directed with icy skill by David Fincher, would have been equally unnecessary in anyone else’s hands. That it premiered in the year it did — timely enough to sum up the past 10 years of the social media boom, and prescient enough to forecast Zuckerberg’s fall from grace — was something of a miracle. But a sequel has always felt gratuitous because... well, aren’t we already living in it?

We’ve had a front-row seat to the inflation of Zuckerberg’s ego; many of us read the exposé, published by the Wall Street Journal, that confirmed the worst about his empire. The rest of us experienced the mind-numbing toxicity and misinformation running rampant on Facebook firsthand. Journalist Jeff Horwitz was one of the first to wrangle that fuzzy data into allegations that could be quantified, and later used to indict Zuckerberg for a kind of social media malpractice. In a just world (read: a world not implicitly obsessed with IP), the “Facebook Files” would be the final word on the platform for at least a few decades. But Sorkin genuinely believes that “it’s time to say more” — fortunately, he’s tapped Succession’s Jeremy Strong as his new spokesman.

In the first trailer for The Social Reckoning, Strong’s Zuckerberg is preparing to defend his company from the accusations levied against it in the “Facebook Files.” The other half of the film will be set further in the past, following Horwitz (Jeremy Allen White) as he works with whistleblower Frances Haugen (Mikey Madison) to uncover Facebook’s most guarded secrets. There’s a little less of the deposition drama that its predecessor used as its frame story, and more of an investigation that takes a page from All the President’s Men. Admittedly, its added intensity does make it all the more intriguing. Sorkin can’t quite capture the uneasy vibes that have become trademark Fincher, but he makes a good choice focusing on what his own strong suits: courtroom intrigue and eloquent rants.

It is, again, a little annoying that a “companion piece” to The Social Network has to exist, but Sorkin was smart to tap such a transformative actor as the original film’s central villain. Strong actually feels like a natural enough progression from Jesse Eisenberg’s Zuckerberg: it’s easy to imagine how the former grew into the even bigger narcissist we meet in The Social Reckoning. Strong is always in great form, and his performance here doesn’t look like it’ll disappoint. If nothing else, it might be justification enough for the price of admission.

The Social Reckoning opens in theaters on October 9.

Steven Spielberg knows aliens. Though he hasn't made as many UFO-centric movies as you might assume (he's made more movies about WWII than he has about extraterrestrials), the director behind Close Encounters and E.T. clearly knows how to tell a captivating tale about visitors from other worlds. He's doing it again this weekend with Disclosure Day, a movie that happens to come out just a few days after the 15th anniversary of another alien movie, one Spielberg produced but did not direct. Even so, Spielberg's fingerprints are all over J.J. Abrams' 2011 film Super 8, a movie about a visitor from another world. The surprise is that the alien parts of this movie, which are explicitly a homage to '80s Amblin films and Spielberg's alien heyday, are by far the weakest parts of what's otherwise an incredibly rewarding coming-of-age tale.

Set in Ohio in 1979, Super 8 follows 14-year-old Joe (Joel Courtney), whose mother has just died in a freak industrial accident at work. Joe is mourning his mother and trying to make it through with his father, Jack, the local sheriff, played by Kyle Chandler. Jack isn't a bad dad, exactly; he loves his son, but he's struggling as a father during this difficult time. Luckily, Joe has a bunch of close friends led by Charles (Riley Griffiths), a would-be film director with big goals and plenty of confidence. Charles gets Joe and three other friends to make a zombie movie with his Super 8mm camera. When he realizes that the picture needs a romance angle to go along with the (pretty good!) DIY zombie effects, Charles reaches out to Alice. Played by Elle Fanning in one of her breakout leading roles, Alice is surprisingly game to go along with Charles' attempts to be Orson Welles, and she and Joe start getting close. Their relationship is complicated, though, by the fact that Joe's mom died when she went to work on a day off to cover for Alice's father, her co-worker, who was too hungover to make it to the plant.

That premise is more than enough for a full movie, and it is an absolute joy to watch these scrappy kids work together to make a zombie movie, titled "The Case." One of the friends, Martin (Gabriel Basso), plays the lead, a detective who goes to investigate a series of strange disappearances despite the worries of his wife (Alice). Wearing a trenchcoat and tie, Martin is pretending to be a grown-up, and Charles' script is full of details of what he imagines a hardboiled detective's life and relationship might be like. Joe and his friends are making a movie about grown-ups, and in the process, they're growing up themselves. (It helps that their movie, "The Case," which is shown in full during the end credits, is actually quite charming.)

Super 8 is not just a movie about these kids making a movie, however. While filming a scene at a train station late at night, the group witnesses a spectacular train derailment—and their Super 8mm camera records the whole thing, including a glimpse of an alien creature escaping containment. They find themselves in the midst of a big conspiracy as an Air Force Colonel played by Noah Emmerich is determined to stop at nothing to recapture the alien, and the alien itself is a far cry from cuddly ol' E.T.

The alien aspects of Super 8—the part of the movie that audiences were probably most excited to see and helped the film make more than $250 at the worldwide box office—are not without excitement. The train crash that kicks things off is spectacular, and the scenes where the alien menaces this Ohio town are nice and suspenseful. (The alien is not dissimilar in appearance to the monster from Abrams Cloverfield, which came out three years earlier. The films are not connected, so your mileage may vary on whether or not the design is effective or too familiar.) But for as much as Super 8 feints at being a scarier, more intense riff on E.T., it ultimately chooses empathy. The alien is not so bad; the whole experience brings everyone together, including Joe and his dad, and we've all learned a valuable lesson about grief and letting go. It's a nice sentiment; it's just not as effective or wondrous as the real Spielberg deal. For that matter, the more action-packed parts of the movie are also not as effective as Spielberg's most tense scenes, like anything from Jurassic Park or War of the Worlds, the latter of which came out six years before Super 8. None of the genre elements of Super 8 are bad. Instead, they're a distraction from an engaging human plot. That might be a worse outcome, unfortunately.

All of Spielberg's alien movies are defined not by the extraterrestrials in them but by their humanity. You can see it in Disclosure Day, a film that uses aliens to attempt to understand what makes people tick and how we've let society get to where it's gotten. So it makes sense that Super 8, a movie deliberately in the style of Spielberg, would have such a strong, earnestly moving human element. Joe, Alice, and Charles alone are more than enough to make Super 8 worthwhile—one might even go so far as to say they're better characters than anybody in Disclosure Day, which is an ambitious and well-intentioned film that's also more than a bit messy. If you are looking to scratch that perfect '80s Amblin itch that perfectly balances genre and heart, you might be better off going back to the genuine classics. At least we will always have "The Case."

Super 8 is available to stream on Kanopy and Hoopla, and is available to rent as VOD from all the usual suspects.

The deep blue sea has always been frightening enough on its own, but Hollywood filmmaking has done its part to make it all the more terrifying. The number of movies that have explored the horrors lurking in the depths could probably fill the Mariana Trench: our fascination with the sea predates the medium, but film took the obsession at play since Herman Melville’s time and made hay. The subgenre has everything, from ridiculous sci-fi fantasy (the genius sharks of Deep Blue Sea; the cosmic entity of Underwater) to simpler, more plausible, and equally terrifying horrors (open water, or the body-crushing pressure of the ocean floor).

Ocean horror has delivered plenty of hits in its century-spanning history, but it’s also been around for so long that fresh ideas seem to have slipped off the hook. How many times can we watch a riff on Jaws without thinking, “Not this again”? How many more scrappy survival horrors can Hollywood produce before the genre cannibalizes itself? It’s long been synonymous with salacious, sometimes-trashy horror, but Whalefall — an unbelievably claustrophobic new thriller — is poised to bring its potential back to the surface.

Ironically, Whalefall is cribbing from one of the oldest deep-sea fables in history — the story of Jonah and the whale. Resident Evil’s Austin Abrams is this film’s Jonah: he plays Jay, a diver who’s headed into the ocean to find his father’s (Josh Brolin) remains. What begins as a slightly risky soul-searching trip becomes the stuff of nightmares when he’s ensnared in the tentacles of a giant squid... and that squid is immediately swallowed by an oblivious sperm whale.

It’s worth noting that sperm whales have four stomach chambers, which should buy Jay a little bit of time before he becomes the creature’s amuse-bouche. But Jay also only has one hour of oxygen left in his tank, so if he wants to make it out alive, he’ll have to work fast and rely on his dad’s survival lessons.

Whalefall is based on the novel of the same name by Daniel Kraus, and it’s been described a bit like The Martian... just underwater. Real-world science will play a major role in Jay’s survival, and it might also give this film the credibility to rise above its wilder elements. Suspension of disbelief is a common requirement for this brand of filmmaking, but Whalefall is stripping things way back — and in the process, reclaiming the raw terror of the sea.

Whalefall hits theaters on October 16.

Take a look through any list of the all-time greatest video games, and chances are you’ll see Portal and its sequel, Portal 2, a lot. Developed by Valve Software, the team behind beloved games like Half-Life and Left 4 Dead, Portal was a revolutionary piece of art when it hit the scene back in 2007.

Its easy-to-learn but difficult-to-master physics-based mechanics, uncanny and sleek futuristic setting, thoughtful environmental storytelling, and impeccable voice acting immediately gripped audiences and earned it unceasing praise from both critics and gamers. The 2011 sequel further solidified the series’ place in the annals of video game history, but unfortunately, there still seems to be no plans for a third installment.

That’s not to say that fans will never get to revisit the Aperture Science Enrichment Center in any capacity, though. There have been rumblings of a Portal film adaptation as far back as 2013, with initial talks revolving around a partnership between Valve’s Gabe Newell and J.J. Abrams. The last update came in 2021, when Abrams revealed that a script was being written at Warner Bros., although the lack of updates since then implies the project is either canceled or in development hell. But in a surprising twist of fate, the director of one of the year’s biggest surprises has cited the games as a huge influence, and has already declared his interest in directing an adaptation himself.

Fresh off the heels of Backrooms becoming A24’s highest-grossing film at $216.3 million (beating out last year’s Marty Supreme), a recent profile in the New York Times casually dropped the fact that 20-year-old filmmaker Kane Parsons is interested in directing an adaptation of Portal. Parsons, during Backrooms’ press tour, has already mentioned that Portal 2 was a massive inspiration for his YouTube work and his first feature. The unnerving corporate office sprawl that makes up the game’s setting, as well as the frequent crude murals that indicate a prior human presence, were a particular influence on Backrooms' aesthetic and atmosphere, and if you’re familiar with the games, that influence is hard to miss.

Despite being puzzle games first and foremost, there’s a consistent narrative driving the two-game series: you play as a woman named Chell, who wakes up from stasis within the dilapidated Aperture Science Laboratory, only to be forced by a rogue artificial intelligence named GLaDOS to complete a series of increasingly dangerous tests involving the usage of a gun that materializes traversable portals on surfaces. Both games emphasize environmental storytelling that slowly unravels the history of the Aperture Science Center and the grisly fates that befell those who worked there, as well as the test subjects who came before Chell.

Somewhat like Backrooms, Portal’s story is a vehicle for exploring a world filled with its own history and secrets. On both YouTube and the big screen, Parsons has demonstrated his adeptness at crafting worlds filled to the brim with mysterious and intriguing implications, as well as a knack for crafting unnerving liminal spaces that you can’t help but want to explore.

If Parsons were to direct something within the universe of the games, there’s no guarantee it would have to be Chell’s story; considering GLaDOS had been torturing test subjects for quite some time before and after the first game, a film adaptation could tell an original story following one of them. There’s no indication that Parsons is involved with a Portal project in any official capacity, but it would certainly be an intriguing match. When talking about the future of an adaptation that’s been stalled out for 13 years, who better to tackle it than a young director with an interest in the material who just delivered one of the year’s most successful projects?

Hugh Jackman’s role in Pan is one that most fans of the actor have unanimously agreed to forget. The 2015 film might be the worst retelling of the Peter Pan origin story, a rare L for director Joe Wright, and the impetus for one of Jackman’s most baffling performances. It doesn’t help that he served as a kind of placeholder villain as Blackbeard, chewing the scenery while James Hook (Garrett Hedlund) gets a subverted origin as a roguish hero. Granted, he wasn’t the worst part of Pan — but the film doesn’t have much going for it otherwise.

Fortunately, Jackman will get another shot at an equally iconic pirate very soon. Per Deadline, the actor just joined the crew of Ridley Scott’s latest project. Penned by Adolescence and Lord of the Flies scribe Jack Thorne, the film is a “new take” on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel, Treasure Island. Jackman is set to play Long John Silver, a notorious pirate searching the high seas for an infamous cache of loot.

Treasure Island is primarily about the rivalry between Silver and a young adventurer, Jim Hawkins, as they scramble to find the same treasure. Though most versions of the tale focus on Jim’s point of view, Scott and Thorne might be going for a different angle, focusing on Silver’s perspective to allow for a darker reading. This new version of Treasure Island will likely skew closer to something like Black Sails — the underrated prequel to Stevenson’s novel, which aired on Starz for four seasons — than Treasure Planet, the version of the tale that’s probably best-known now.

It’s been a long time since Treasure Island has gotten a straightforward, “prestige” adaptation. It’s a story so old that it’s been reimagined in every way something can be: even the Muppets took a crack at adapting Stevenson’s text. The novel also served as inspiration for a recent Star Wars story, providing a familiar foundation for the adventure in Skeleton Crew.

But that’s the trouble with Treasure Island: it’s better known as a frame of reference for a remixed story than it is as a classic tale. There’s a sense that this remake might not connect with its intended audience... but that hasn’t stopped Scott (or Thorne) before. If nothing else, it’ll be fun to see Jackman take on another iconic pirate — so long as he gets a slightly better wig this go-around.

The new Treasure Island does not yet have a release date.

AI could never do what The Furious does. Although the whirling limbs and feats of strength are thrilling in themselves, what really makes Kenji Tanigaki’s pan-Asian action spectacle so awe-inspiring is the fact that everything you see is being done by human beings. Yes, humans can run that fast. We can jump that high and punch that hard and keep fighting at a ferocious pace for 15 minutes straight without collapsing from exhaustion. The performers that can do these things have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of their art, and the passion and dedication that it takes to sculpt a human body into a tough, yet agile martial-arts fighting machine are clearly visible in their work. An actual machine couldn’t replicate that if it tried.

Born in Japan, writer-director Tanigaki — also a respected stunt coordinator with dozens of credits — got his start as a member of Donnie Yen’s stunt team, which accounts both for his reverence for the art form and his international approach. Set in an unnamed country in Southeast Asia and performed largely in English, The Furious brings together martial-arts stars from China, Indonesia, and Thailand, as well as Japanese-American and Vietnamese-American fighters, combining each of their individual approaches into a veritable Olympics of ass kicking.

Some of these actors will be more familiar to mainstream American audiences than others: Star Joe Taslim played Sub-Zero in the 2021 Mortal Kombat remake, for example, while his co-lead Xie Miao is more famous in mainland China. Notable supporting players include Brian Le, who you may recognize as the pants-less security guard who fights Michelle Yeoh in Everything Everywhere All at Once, and Yayan Ruhian, best known as the villainous Mad Dog in The Raid (2011). (Ruhian also played Tasu Leech in The Force Awakens, for the Star Wars heads.) All of this is to say that, for action fans, The Furious is an all-star affair.

A pre-existing relationship with martial-arts movies also helps when it comes to appreciating The Furious on a plot level. The film’s action choreography builds on recent international hits like The Raid and The Night Comes for Us, with an emphasis on bone-crunching intensity and creative weaponry. But the characters and tropes reach further back to a simpler — some might say more cliché — era, and its black-and-white sense of morality can either be nostalgic or simplistic, depending on your point of view.

Wang Wei (Xie) is a classic reluctant hero, a Deaf handyman who’s busy raising his young daughter Rainy (Enyou Yang) as the story begins. We get the impression that there’s more to this quiet man than he lets on, but while Wang Wei tries to stay out of trouble, trouble always manages to find him. When Rainy is stolen off the street by a human-trafficking syndicate in broad daylight, Wang Wei teams up with Navin (Taslim), a journalist whose wife — played by Chocolate star Jeeja Yanin — has been captured by the same gang.

This puts both of them in the path of Paklung (Joey Iwanaga), the sociopathic son-in-law of a high-level gangster eager to prove that he’s ruthless enough to run the family business. Sealed in an immaculate white mansion surrounded by luxury, Paklung and his household are as distant from the source of their wealth as any other capitalists — except in this case, the money comes from kidnapping children for unspeakable purposes. The Furious is too broadly sketched to detail the specifics of the scheme: These are simply evil people who do evil things because they’re evil, which means that we don’t have to feel too bad about the excitement we get from watching their faces get smashed into jelly.

That’s the real point of a movie like this one, and The Furious delivers on that promise in a series of exhilarating action sequences — some of them clocking in at 15-plus minutes — that build with relentless forward momentum to a brutal climatic showdown. Along the way, we see kids in outrageous amounts of peril, bloody beatdowns in factories and police stations, two men holding back a warehouse’s worth of thugs using only a wooden palette and brute strength, a gunfight in a nightclub where dollar bills fall like rain, and a character return that produced audible hooting and applause at both of Inverse’s screenings of the film.

It’s an audacious, over-the-top celebration of the human body and its potential for violent athleticism, and if it doesn’t give you at least a little bit of a kick, you might want to check your pulse.

The Furious opens in theaters on June 12.

In the words of David Tennant’s version of the Doctor: What? What!!? WHAT. As confirmed by Russell T Davies on Instagram, and reported by Deadline and other outlets, Doctor Who will not return in 2026 for the previously promised 2026 Christmas special. No new Doctor is being announced this year, and Davies is stepping down as showrunner (again). In short, Doctor Who is headed back into the wilderness for a hiatus, which, for now, is indefinite. The flipside of this development is that the BBC is putting the series out to “competitive tender,” which means, like the now-defunct Disney+ partnership, the BBC is looking for a new producing partner to reboot the TARDIS for the future.

“As part of securing the next phase of the show for future generations, and in line with the BBC’s Charter and Agreement requirements, the BBC will put Doctor Who out to competitive tender this year,” a statement from the BBC read, according to Deadline. “Doctor Who remains an important part of the BBC, and this tender underpins the BBC’s continued commitment to Doctor Who, ensuring audiences will enjoy the show for years to come.”

Is Doctor Who canceled?

Technically, Doctor Who is neither canceled nor are any current new episodes (or specials or movies) in development. Doctor Who is in a strange limbo phase, in which, depending on the next creative team, could mean a very big shakeup for the future of the venerable time and space franchise. As exiting showrunner Davies put it on Instagram: “It’s all up for grabs, which is so Doctor Who, exciting and unpredictable and new!”

Davies also made it clear that the much-hyped Christmas special never moved forward in any real way: “We only cooked that up [the Christmas Special] to guarantee a future when no one knew what would happen, but now we do know, there’s no need for it...For the record: there was no script, I never wrote it, and no actor was ever approached to play the next Doctor.”

Doctor Who’s hiatus is the end of a modern sci-fi era

Since 2005, the new Doctor Who has been in perpetual production. For the record, that’s 15 seasons, eight canonical Doctors (David Tennant, Matt Smith, John Hurt, Peter Capaldi, Jodie Whittaker, Jo Martin, and Ncuti Gatwa), and countless fan-favorite moments. For 21 years, Who has carried the torch of a very specific kind of TV sci-fi; both episodic and serialized, quirky, yet profound, high-stakes, and hilarious, and most of all, appealing to a wide range of different kinds of viewers. Obviously, the classic incarnation of the series, from 1963 to 1989, was groundbreaking, but the 21st-century reboot of Who has essentially shaped the modern geeky landscape.

In 2005, the Star Wars film saga seemed to have concluded. The most recent Star Trek series, Enterprise, ended with a whimper. There was no Marvel Cinematic Universe, and DC was finally crawling back to mainstream relevance with Batman Begins. And yet, it was a fantastic time to be a geek. And that’s largely thanks to Doctor Who. When no one was sure if Captain America or Thor would be big hits, the Doctor was adorning the side of New York City buses, showing up as cosplay at conventions the world over, and promising in every corner of the world to save the day.

Even scrappier than Star Trek’s comeback story in the 1970s and 1980s, Doctor Who’s utterly massive comeback in the 2000s is, without a doubt, the biggest geeky franchise success story of our time.

Yes, classic Who fans have been here before, as have various generations of Star Trek fans, but the fact that the show is truly taking a pause, before massive reinvention, is shocking. Who has been the bedrock and the bellwether for pop sci-fi for the past two decades. Hopefully, the TARDIS doesn’t stay away too long, and the next regeneration of this wibbly-wobbly adventure is bigger and better than ever.

Doctor Who 2005-2022 is streaming on AMC+ starting June 11. Doctor Who 1983-1989 streams on BritBox and Tubi. Doctor Who 2023-2025 streams on Disney+.

Laura Palmer kept her promise. In the Season 2 finale “Beyond Life or Death,” Twin Peaks’ tragic, troubled prom queen — memorably portrayed by Sheryl Lee in the series and its masterful spinoff, Fire Walk With Me — tells Special Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan), “I’ll see you in 25 years.” And indeed, if you fudge the details a little (FWWM came out in 1992, so that counts), the show returned 25 years later with Twin Peaks: The Return in 2017.

The revival tripled down on co-creator David Lynch’s dark, cryptic style, raising more questions than it answered and splitting fans into two groups: Those who liked Twin Peaks for its soap-opera aspects, and those who appreciated it as an auteur work. But the coffee-and-pie set shouldn’t have been surprised: All the signs were there on June 10, 1991, when Lynch and Mark Frost reopened, and then closed, the door to the nightmare dimension known as the Black Lodge.

That fan divide has been present since since Twin Peaks fever first hit America in the summer of 1990: A New York Times article from May 1991 describes the show’s mass audience dissipating towards the end of its first season, while a die-hard cult formed around the show’s occult symbolism and unnerving tone in Season 2. In the end, the Peaks loyalists’ numbers were too small to secure the show a Season 3 renewal. But those who hung on until the bitter end were rewarded with one of the most visionary episodes ever to air on TV. (In fact, its only real competition is other Twin Peaks episodes.)

David Lynch and Mark Frost both returned for what everyone thought at the time would be the series finale, taking the show back to its surrealist roots in the process. Although it has its share of both comedy and melodrama — some of it combined into the same scenes, like Audrey Horne’s (Sherilyn Fenn) infamous exploits at the Twin Peaks Savings and Loan — the primary mood of “Beyond Life or Death” is fractured and dreamlike. The line deliveries are very Lynchian, as are the performances: Lee in particular dials into the bottomless pitch-black terror that lies just underneath the show’s affected quirkiness, with a scream that you can feel all the way down to the tips of your toes.

Midway through “Beyond Life or Death,” Cooper goes to Glastonbury Grove in the woods outside of Twin Peaks, where a circle of sycamore trees marks the entrance to the Red Room, a sort of interdimensional waiting room between our neutral reality and the evil one of the Black Lodge. Cooper first visited this iconic location — red curtains and a chevron floor, later seen in countless Twin Peaks pop-ups around the world — in a dream during the show’s first season. Since then, his encounters with the Man from Another Place (Michael J. Anderson) and his companions have grown increasingly sinister, until not even Cooper’s beloved coffee is safe.

Without totally spoiling the rest of “Beyond Life or Death,” Twin Peaks Season 2 concludes on a bleak and sobering note, as evil runs unchecked out into the world with Cooper helpless to stop it. As a finale, it was controversial, the opposite of what many viewers wanted for the noble, good-hearted Cooper and for poor Laura, who suffered so much in her brief life.

Lynch would later double down on this as well, giving the iconic characters an even darker ending in the series finale of The Return. The only hope for any of these characters comes at the end of Fire Walk With Me, which also features some of the most harrowing sequences not only in the series, but of Lynch’s entire career. It’s all a reminder that Twin Peaks is not a TV soap opera — it’s a David Lynch TV soap opera. Score one for the auteurists.

Twin Peaks is now streaming on Paramount+.

It's simply impossible to overstate what a cultural shift it was when the original Scream landed in theaters back in 1996. After two decades of generic slasher-shlock in theaters, Wes Craven’s self-aware satire of the genre’s sillier excesses was a welcome and fresh recontextualization of what had become tired and stale. Unfortunately, the success of Scream didn't lead to a surge in original horror projects, but instead led to wave of cheap imitators like I Know What You Did Last Summer and Urban Legends, movies aping the meta nature of Craven’s project.

It's funny then that when Scary Movie hit the scene a few years later, it lead to much of the same – the first movie was an out-and-out parody of the original Scream (with quite a few other targets stuffed in its runtime), which proved popular enough to earn it $278 million at the box office. The film's overnight success spawned a series of five sequels, but it wasn't enough to just keep the parodies in-house — Scary Movie prompted a resurgence of parody movies (Epic Movie, Disaster Movie, Superhero Movie, etc.), each one more disappointing than the last, until the trend crash landed in the early 2010s. It's been 13 years since the release of Scary Movie 5, but there's a sixth installment in theaters right now… although it might be worth considering whether we need another installment at all.

The biggest initial hurdle that Scary Movie 6 struggles to overcome is it's narrative basis. It returns to the franchise's roots with the return of the original Scary Movie's Ghostface, a bumbling exaggeration of Scream's iconic murderer, but truthfully it's the first indication that the franchise is out of lock step with where contemporary horror is currently. Scream 5, the reboot that Scary Movie 6 bases much of its plot on, is in and of itself a revival of a franchise that had already been dead for 11 years — while that film was a relative success that led to two more sequels, it's also not really a reflection of the kinds of horror movies that have risen in its place. For a franchise that was originally so dialed in to the horror trends of the time, it's an odd choice for a foundation — and the brief vignettes the movie gives us of other movies, like Get Out or Longlegs or Sinners, are mostly throwaway gags that don't get to the heart of the ways in which the genre has changed in the last decade.

Speaking of change, the franchise's signature comedy has not done so at all. The Wayans Brothers, the original architects of the Scary Movie series, have returned in a creative capacity after being pushed out of their series by the Weinstein Company after the second film. It's certainly a victory to see the original creators get to lead the charge of what is arguably their most prominent creation, but the film can't help but escape the reality that much of their humor is incredibly dated — there's an abundance of toilet humor and try-hard offensive jokes targeted at the LGBTQ+ community, from cheap shots at a trans man trying to aggressively fit in with the boys, to a Black woman literally named Dei who meets an incredibly mean-spirited demise. For all the bluster in the film's marketing about trying to upset any and everyone, the problem with the comedy isn't necessarily that it's hurtful, but that it's just lazy, filled to the brim with jokes that probably would have felt just as simple back in 2007.

Truthfully, it'd be difficult to ignore the impact that the Scary Movie franchise had on comedy for a decade, but comedy as a whole has just moved past the broad scattershot humor the franchise specializes in. While it's true that Hollywood has been in dire need of more comedies for a while now, you can see the way that other filmmakers and movies have picked up the torch of the parody film — 2022 gave us The Blackening, a film with the same aim of lampshading horror trends but with a much more unique and original approach to that idea. In fact, in the last few years we've had Weird: The Al Yankovich, The People's Joker, and last year's The Naked Gun, which are all movies that live in the parody space while bringing the genre into the present.

The verdict is still out on whether or not the film will be a massive success, but if it is, there's no doubt that there will be many more Scary Movie installments waiting for audiences in the future. If that does become the case, then hopefully the Wayans take a step back to survey the landscape, so that when they next set out to lampshade the current state of horror, they're at least approaching it in a way that doesn't feel trapped in the status quo of twenty years ago.

Scary Movie 6 is currently playing in theaters.

Did you know Riddick — Vin Diesel’s most recognizable character other than Dom Toretto — has the first name Richard? That’s not the type of detail The Chronicles of Riddick lingers on, as the 2004 sci-fantasy sequel is too busy widening the scope of the lean, mean original Pitch Black. The film draws Dick Riddick, a dangerous criminal gifted with night vision, into a galactic conflict against a death-worshiping empire, a tall order for a killer who only looks out for himself.

As the 2013 threequel Riddick is more of a retread of Pitch Black, The Chronicles of Riddick stands out as the series’ only blockbuster swing. And with Arrow Video having just reissued its 4K edition of the film, it’s time to reevaluate the rare sci-fi film that pulled off its grand world-building experiment.

How was The Chronicles of Riddick received upon release?

The Chronicles of Riddick is the only Riddick film (all of which were directed by David Twohy) to get a budget over $100 million, and also the only one to not earn double its budget at the worldwide box office. Critics were not kind, and while Pitch Black didn’t exactly win any Oscars, it was better received as a stylized breakout role for Diesel with less CGI spectacle and self-serious plotting. The Los Angeles Times and Variety both compared the film to Battlefield Earth, John Travolta’s L. Ron Hubbard adaptation that had spectacularly flopped only three years prior.

Why is The Chronicles of Riddick important to see now?

Twohy’s early pleas to scale up the adventures of Pitch Black’s antihero were ignored until Universal executives saw how lucrative genre franchises in the 2000s could be. “I pitched an ambitious treatment for a sequel two years ago and they passed [...] It was only after Lord of the Rings and the new Star Wars that the possibilities here grabbed us,” Twohy said in 2002 as the gears were turning on the part-Dune, part-Dungeons and Dragons (producer and star Diesel is a D&D nerd) expansion of Riddick’s hostile universe.

Twohy and Diesel weren’t the only ones with expansion on their minds; Chronicles introduces us to the Necromonger Empire, an army of religious fanatics who worship the alternate dimension Underverse, accessed by crossing “the Threshold” of death. Their legions of soldiers, and the thousands they convert as they conquer the stars, are basically half-dead, invulnerable to most pain and devoted to the crusade of their Lord Marshal (Colm Feore). The Necromongers inevitably remind you of Dune’s pallid, dark-armored Harkonnens, but by this point, Dune hadn’t received an uncompromised, acclaimed screen adaptation, so Twohy borrowing from Frank Herbert’s mythos felt acceptable.

What does Ricky Riddick have to do with this? Nothing, and he’d like to keep it that way. But Riddick’s visit to Pitch Black survivor Abu al-Walid (Keith David), whom he suspects tipped off the bounty hunters pursuing him, is timed with the Necromonger invasion of Abu’s planet. (The Chronicles of Riddick is the rare sci-fi film to feature Islam, with Abu living in the “Chrislam” city of New Mecca.) Lord Marshal is terrified of Riddick because he’s from the planet Furya, and a Furyan is prophesied to kill him, setting up a battle for the soul of the galaxy full of lush Herbertian production design.

It’s a shame that Chronicles features an extended sequence on a dangerous prison moon with a gang of gruff, disposable survivors, as that most resembles what we see in the other two Riddick movies. (Incidentally, Twohy was one of 10 writers attached to Alien 3, and his draft introduced the film’s prison planet setting.) Thankfully, the rest of Chronicles is a gloriously loopy, earnest swing at sci-fi gravitas: Karl Urban and Thandiwe Newton play a Necromonger commander and his hissing wife as Lord and Lady Macbeth in Space, no fewer than three characters receive poignant, sacrificial death scenes, and Dame Judi Dench has a supporting role as a supernatural Air Elemental, repeatedly appearing to doll out cryptic wisdom.

It’s a credit to the flexibility of the space opera genre that these gestures towards Shakespearean pathos don’t feel too out of place with fight scenes edited like music videos, exaggerated spaceship and extraterrestrial sets, and stock action one-liners that Diesel gleefully growls throughout the film (the best of which concludes the Director’s Cut). Blending high and low artistic impulses was the best decision the Riddick franchise has ever made. Ambition is one thing, but responding to a Hollywood studio’s desire to engineer a hit sci-fi franchise with something this uniquely grungy and delicious makes The Chronicles of Riddick an even rarer beast.

What new features does The Chronicles of Riddick 4K Blu-ray have?

Arrow Video previously released The Chronicles of Riddick as a limited edition Blu-ray in 2024, so if you missed out then, now’s your chance. Included are director-approved 4K restorations of both the theatrical cut and the longer, superior Director’s Cut. This release contains all the special features of the limited edition, including the 2024 making-of documentary Ambition on Another Scale featuring David Twohy and actors Keith David and Linus Roache, as well as separate interviews with Twohy and storyboard artist Brian Murray. Arrow also never skimps on the illustrations, and this Blu-ray comes with gorgeous artwork by Dan Mumford, as well as a collector’s booklet with writing by critic Walter Chaw and a breakdown of the film’s impressive lore.

The Chronicles of Riddick Limited Edition 4K UHD

Arrow Video -

Judith (Hannah Waddingham) and Debbie (Octavia Spencer) have been thick as thieves for 20 years, the rare kind of friendship that’s taken them through multiple eras of their lives. They’ve been everywhere together, know everything about each other, and keep no secrets.

Well, maybe one.

Judith, it turns out, is a highly skilled assassin on the international stage. And for the past few decades, she’s been able to keep her work wholly separate from her personal life and her relationship with Debbie. But compartmentalization doesn’t exactly make for good TV: in real life (if hit men even exist in real life), Judith might have lived her entire life with this secret under wraps. But in Ride or Die, Prime Video’s new eight-episode action-comedy series, it all inevitably blows up in her face, pitching these inseparable best friends into a misadventure neither could ever be prepared for.

With its first trailer, Ride or Die teases the return of a trope that’s gone a bit defunct within the spy thriller: “Oh yeah, I’m a spy!” Pairing up a seasoned assassin with the civilian they’ve been keeping their secret identity from is an evergreen aspect of the genre, but recent films and shows have mostly failed to capture the true fun of it. Apple TV’s Ghosted might be the most recent, and the less said about that mind-numbing film, the better. A better example of the trope came with the Tom Cruise/Cameron Diaz two-hander Knight and Day — and it’s been years since anything of note has topped it.

Ride or Die probably won’t become the new paragon of competent spy/hapless civilian storytelling, but it’s still nice to see such an intriguing duo taking on a subgenre with so much potential. Spencer’s comedic chops are underrated in themselves, so it’ll be fun to see how she juggles this show’s zany tone with brutal action. Her Debbie isn’t all that innocent, either: as Judith reveals in the trailer, her husband is in deep with the mob, planting a target on her back that’s more than her proximity to her friend. With names like Ed Skrein and Bill Nighy in the mix, Ride or Die is poised to be a solid riff on a trope that’s long needed more love.

Ride or Die premieres on Prime Video on July 15.

There are guilty pleasures, and then there’s the Enola Holmes franchise. The Netflix films, adapted from the Nancy Springer novels that gave the famous Sherlock a plucky teen sister, are designed for a younger audience in every way. Their mysteries are not nearly so sophisticated as those one might expect after watching literally any other live-action Sherlock story, and they lean more on the teen angst and romance, too. But there’s also something perversely freeing about its scope. Sometimes you just need to kick back and watch Millie Bobby Brown get herself into increasingly perilous, Victorian-era hijinks, navigating her own version of Arthur Conan Doyle’s universe (Moriarty is an evil woman here!) while cheekily breaking the fourth wall.

With Enola Holmes and a handful of other Netflix Originals, Brown has become the mistress of her own niche: if she wants to wile away her days in fun-but-forgettable actioners, more power to her. Because the Enola Holmes movies, if nothing else, are oodles of fun — and after four years, the franchise is poised to crank that dial to even zanier levels.

Enola Holmes 3 puts that aforementioned romance center stage, taking Enola’s relationship with the well-meaning Lord Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge) to the next level. When Tewkesbury proposes, our self-sufficient heroine must grapple with what that’ll mean to her personhood. Can she still be a Holmes with a new, nebbish surname? Will she still be able to solve miscellaneous mysteries with her new responsibilities as a viscountess?

She may not have to find out. Just as she’s heading to her wedding, Enola is intercepted by Dr. John Watson (Himesh Patel), who informs her that her big brother Sherlock (Henry Cavill) has been — gasp! — kidnapped. How anyone could get one over on the greatest living detective is part of what makes this case too tempting to pass up: after all, Enola has been (lovingly) duped by another family member before. She was tasked with locating her missing mother (Helena Bonham Carter) as a rite of passage in the first Enola Holmes, and there’s a chance that Sherlock’s disappearance is a similar test of her competence.

Then again, Sherlock could also be in actual danger. The sleuth’s greatest adversary, Moriarty (Sharon Duncan-Brewster), was first introduced at the very end of Enola Holmes 2, teeing up the kind of rivalry that will leave only destruction in its wake. Enola will have to lean on both Tewkesbury and Watson — and surely a few other new allies — to find her brother, and it could be her most dangerous mission yet. We shouldn’t expect the mystery to break new ground, but if Enola Holmes 3 is even half as wild as its predecessors, we’re in for a treat either way.

Enola Holmes 3 hits Netflix on July 1.

It’s kind of remarkable that a premise as absurd as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has had the cultural staying power that it has. From their debut as an independent comic book parody of superheroes like Daredevil and Batman, to their immensely popular ‘80s animated TV series, to the kitschy live-action ‘90s films featuring actors in rubber suits, all the way through various film and TV reboots up to the present day, the TMNT have successfully changed and adapted with the times in a way that creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird could have never predicted when they drew that first sketch of a humanoid turtle holding nunchucks.

Like many other long-lived comic book characters, the Turtles have a tonal malleability that makes them perfect for reinvention. Their first adventures were dark and gritty, and their original comic book run saw the ruthless, lethal warriors suffer serious wounds and psychological scars during their quest for vengeance. The TMNT became more sanitized and appealing to children thanks to the animated series, but the comic books, especially after IDW Publishing acquired the property, have straddled the line between being serious and being dour. One of the most popular TMNT storylines in recent memory was The Last Ronin, a Dark Knight Returns-inspired dystopian future that returns the turtles to their darker roots, and now that storyline is about to leap off the page and onto consoles.

One of the most discussed reveals at this year’s Summer Games Fest was the resurgence of the TMNT: The Last Ronin video game, which received a brief teaser trailer. The game, once developed by Black Forest (the team responsible for the Destroy All Humans remake), was officially announced back in 2023 and was meant to be published by Embracer Group, only to be quietly canceled. Now The Last Ronin is back with a vengeance, having been re-developed from the ground up by PlatinumGames, the Japanese studio that gave audiences Bayonetta and the cult-classic Vanquish.

The Turtles are certainly no strangers to gaming. Their original 1989 arcade cabinet classic is widely considered one of the best games of the era, and in the last few years, they've had Shredder’s Revenge, a throwback to classic beat-em-ups, and Tactical Takedown, an indie strategy game that represents a major departure for the franchise. It seems safe to assume that The Last Ronin will be an action-adventure game, probably of a hack-and-slash style similar to PlatinumGames’ other work, but the setting of the dystopian graphic novel gives the developer room to craft a grimy, totalitarian version of New York City.

Unlike previous TMNT games, The Last Ronin sees Michelangelo as the last Turtle standing, which means it will lack the group’s brotherly camaraderie, but will allow PlatinumGames to focus on developing Mikey’s combat style to incorporate his fallen brothers' techniques. The grimdark storyline’s popularity is further proof of how flexible the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles remain to this day, and hopefully, the upcoming game can replicate what works about the story not just as a tragic timeline for the brothers, but as a celebration of the franchise’s perpetual pop culture success.

The Last Ronin does not yet have a release date.

One thing Steven Spielberg’s 2022 self-autobiographical masterpiece, The Fabelmans, revealed is that the filmmaker’s whole career may be a series of feedback loops. The divorced parents. The return to childhood. The awe and wonder at the unknown, undercut by the bitterness of reality. The train.

But if it is, then Disclosure Day is a beautiful culmination of those feedback loops — a synthesis of Spielberg’s entire sci-fi movie career (and then some) that turns that feedback into a brand new song. Sometimes it’s an unwieldy song, with a few too many ideas and obvious motifs. But it’s one that feels like the clear next step after a soul-baring film like The Fabelmans. Some might call it a return to form, for others, this is maybe a return to the overly familiar. But even though it calls to mind the best of Spielberg’s most iconic blockbusters, beneath its wildly entertaining crowdpleaser is a relentlessly hopeful treatise on humanity’s inherent capacity to embrace the unknown.

Conceived as a sort of spiritual sequel (though, it has to be said, not an actual one) to Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Disclosure Day is less a UFO movie than it is about the knowledge of UFOs — specifically, knowledge that has been suppressed by the authorities for decades. Oh yes, the truth is out there, and humanity deserves to know…or do they? That’s the central conflict that Daniel Kellner (Josh O’Connor), a cybersecurity expert-turned-whistleblower, must wrestle with as he flees from WARDEX, the shadowy military organization that has safeguarded secrets of alien contact since Roswell. Daniel is one of dozens of former WARDEX employees who have defected from the company, led by former higher-up Hugo Wakefield (Colman Domingo), who is spearheading an operation to release the information to the world.

But Daniel is a special case, not just because he carries all the data that they’ve stolen from WARDEX, but because he may be an “Experiencer,” aka someone who had contact with alien life in the past. It’s something that connects him with Margaret Fairchild (Emily Blunt), a Kansas City meteorologist who one day, after a strange encounter with a red cardinal, starts speaking in foreign languages before she suddenly begins making strange clicks on live TV. After the episode, Margaret finds herself with strange empathic powers, which put her on a collision course with Daniel.

Most of Disclosure Day is actually a chase movie, with Daniel and Margaret evading WARDEX’s ruthless grunts, led by WARDEX head honcho Noah Scanlon (Colin Firth). This aspect of Disclosure Day feels like the most energized filmmaking Spielberg has done in decades, and it’s at least his most propulsive movie since War of the Worlds. Daniel and Margaret’s journey has them engaging in high-speed car chases and leaping onto speeding trains, in a sequence that wouldn’t feel out of place in a Bond movie. Cinematographer Janusz Kamiński, Spielberg’s frequent collaborator, lends the camera and agile energy, while also bathing many of its more conspiratorial scenes in shadowy silhouettes and blinding lens flares. It’s a thrill to see the 79-year-old director flex his action bona fides and show that he’s still got it — and that he can still do it better than many of the up-and-comers who are still chasing his shadow. Even more so that he can do it with a wink — one particularly delightful scene features some physical slapstick that wouldn’t feel out of place in E.T. or one of Spielberg’s ‘80s films.

So much of Disclosure Day tickles that part of your brain that first fell in love with Spielberg films, and makes you recognize all his little hallmarks. That strange telepathic connection between Daniel and Margaret is like the E.T.-Elliott bond in E.T. The eerie technology that Scanlon uses to jump into people’s bodies has shades of Minority Report. And, of course, all the UFO revelations are inarguably descended from Close Encounters.

But Disclosure Day, miraculously, feels less like a series of nostalgic riffs on Spielberg classics than it is an evolution of the story he’s been telling since Close Encounters. Beneath all the thrilling action spectacle and old-school speculative sci-fi flourishes, there’s a deep, affecting thread of humanism throughout the film. This, of course, is unsurprising for the filmmaker constantly accused of employing cloying sentimentality in his movies. But Spielberg and his longtime collaborator and screenwriter David Koepp try to bridge the gap between the cynical paranoia inherent in disclosure and the earnest hopefulness of believing in life beyond Earth. Most of this is played out through Eve Hewson’s character, Jane, a former nun and Daniel's girlfriend, who gets roped into things when he goes on the run. The film’s attempt to connect religion, faith, and belief in the unknown is admittedly the most ungainly part of the movie, with Koepp’s script awkwardly trying to shoehorn in a religious metaphor that doesn’t totally work.

But despite some uneven plot beats and a supersized runtime, Disclosure Day zips by. The film, which is so cloaked in mystery as to be occasionally frustrating, does take a while to get started, but by the time Daniel and Margaret finally connect, it sings. O’Connor is a deeply likable true-blue Spielberg protagonist, while Emily Blunt plays slightly against type as a somewhat ditzy normal person who suddenly becomes imbued with a greater destiny. Domingo and Hewson are solid supporting players who hew slightly broad (which feels in line with Disclosure Day’s early-Spielberg energy), but Firth is the real standout as the deliciously sinister embodiment of the shadowy federal authority. Disclosure Day somewhat dances around politics — the film is set on the cusp of World War III, giving the movie an almost apocalyptic feeling — but it’s fascinating to see Spielberg portray these government stand-ins as dastardly, irredeemable villains. Disclosure Day draws some pretty clear lines between the good guys and bad guys, which butts up gently against its ultimate message that humanity can be trusted with the truth.

“Don’t be afraid of what you don’t know,” goes the mysterious message that Daniel and Margaret receive. It effectively spells out the movie’s message (not much of Disclosure Day is very subtle) — that humanity is beautiful in its capacity to accept, and perhaps embrace, the unknown. It’s quite a sentimental message to leave audiences with, but hey, that’s Spielberg.

Disclosure Day opens in theaters June 12.

Take a shot any time someone brings up “the future” in the new season of My Adventures with Superman — but do so at your own risk. The heroes and villains of Adult Swim’s animated super-series are vocally preoccupied with the passage of time: nearly every monologue, heart-to-heart, or teachable moment revolves around their fear of the future. Some fear that it’s coming too fast, while others feel like it’s been wrenched out of their hands. When taken one episode at a time, it’s not terribly noticeable. But if you’re binging the new season (as this writer did), all that handwringing can start to sound like a bludgeon to the head — or Squidward’s “future” meltdown in that now-iconic episode of SpongeBob dragged out across 10 zig-zagging episodes.

That repetition speaks to one of the series’s longstanding issues. My Adventures might premiere within Toonami’s late-night anime/action block, and it might have a more grown-up premise this season to go with it, but it still moves like a show designed for a much younger audience. That, or an audience who doesn’t fully “get” what showrunners Jake Wyatt and Brendan Clogher are trying to set up. Whatever the intent, the third season of My Adventures could have benefited from a little less spoonfeeding. But that doesn’t mean that this series — which has been an underrated bright spot in the struggling DC Universe since 2023 — has hit a new low. In so many other ways, Season 3 is the most ambitious thus far. Its attempts to push these episodic, anime-inspired adventures in a more serialized direction don’t always work, but My Adventures rises above in other ways.

To put it another way, My Adventures works hard to justify its laser focus on the future. After the world-breaking events of Season 2, which saw Metropolis rocked by an impromptu visit from the Brainiac, it makes sense that almost everyone is thinking about their next chapter. The mild-mannered Clark Kent (Jack Quaid), for example, is ready to settle down with Lois Lane (Alice Lee) — but a wholesome farm on the outskirts of Metropolis, marriage, and kids are the last things on the reporter’s mind. Lois is one of those aforementioned characters who doesn’t want anything to change just yet; meanwhile, Kara Zor-El (Kiana Madeira) is thrilled about the prospect of the future after a lifetime of manipulation from Brainiac.

As with past seasons, Season 3 of My Adventures might be at its best when splicing the gang’s day-to-day struggles with superhero hijinks. Wyatt and Clogher also know exactly what they have with Supergirl: the season’s best moments feature her front and center, on the battlefield or off. Lingering trauma from her time with Brainiac comes second to her “will they, won’t they” with Jimmy Olsen (Ishmel Sahid), who’s trying admirably to help Kara embrace her newfound freedom... by friendzoning her. Obviously, these crazy kids are meant to be together — but every moment Jimmy waffles paves the way for an odyssey on the dating apps (one of which was made by and for hot mad scientists) or soul-searching trips to the mall.

Of course, it can’t all be fun and games. Lex Luthor (Max Mittelman) is naturally worried about a future that would bring about extinction for humans and the reign of Kryptonians like Clark and Kara. Ironically, though, he’s turning to Kryptonian DNA to affirm his place at the top of the food chain. As much as he claims to hate Superman, he sure spends a lot of time this season building his own version of the hero. First, it’s Cyborg Superman, an amalgam of the human pilot Hank Henshaw (also Mittelman) — who nearly perished defending Metropolis from Brainiac — and the cybernetic system now keeping him alive. Then, it’s the Eradicators, hulking Superman clones programmed to follow Lex’s every command via neuropathic link. Neither of these creations has any business “defending” Metropolis; in fact, their very existence makes the future all the more precarious.

That’s where someone like Superboy (Reid Scott) comes in. An agent from another time, he embodies this season’s obsession with The Future better than anybody. Though he’s mostly around to even the odds for Clark and Kara as they face the mounting threats at their door, his youthful, rambunctious nature also forces Clark and Lois into impromptu parenting roles. Other adventures-of-the-week — like a trip to a Superman-themed convention in one episode, or a brief alt-universe romp that feels like a small-scale riff on DC K.O. in another — bring their role in shaping the future into overbearing focus. When it’s answering questions that have been quietly plaguing our heroes for years, that tunnel vision works. But too often it is a tool to unite one-off episodes and overarching storylines under one thematic banner, and too often does that feel like overkill.

My Adventures has always been at its best when trusting its instincts, and nowhere is that clearer than in Season 3. The series doubles down on its fresh perspective, and its unique animation style, courtesy of South Korea’s Studio Mir, has long helped it stand out from the pack. This season gets another boost by remixing a well-known storyline from the comics, “Reign of the Supermen.” The big swings it takes with various Superman copycats are inspired, as is its ongoing exploration of Clark’s Kryptonian heritage. Despite some clunkier storytelling choices, My Adventures serves up an epic new season that speaks to its growing ambitions — if it could only take the training wheels off and embrace its bigger risks without apology.

My Adventures with Superman returns on Adult Swim on June 13. New episodes will be available to stream the next day on HBO Max.

When the MCU unleashes Doomsday on us in December, Robert Downey Jr. will be back to play the franchise’s latest villain after living and dying as Iron Man, while Chris Evans’ Captain America will be pulled out of a touching, hard-earned retirement to help stop him. Evans had previously said he would only return to the MCU “if there was a real reason” to do so, and he presumably found that reason on his front lawn after Marvel dumped a cement mixer full of cash on it.

The reusing and reinventing of actors and characters we thought we were done with may strike moviegoers as a desperate plea for continued relevance, but it’s par for the course of comic books, where the Punisher had a stint as an undead monster, and Spider-Man once accidentally slew Mary Jane with his own radioactive semen. Beloved superheroes have survived for decades because they’re malleable, able to be thrown into countless disparate scenarios while still being instantly recognizable (albeit sometimes as part of a desperate plea for continued relevance).

Whether Doomsday pulls off its creative choices remains to be seen, but it already has an MCU precedent in Loki, which debuted five years ago today after the Marvel braintrust crunched some numbers and determined that fans seem to quite like this Tom Hiddleston fellow. Despite that apparently cynical motivation, Loki turned out to be not only one of the MCU’s best streaming efforts, but also one of its most important.

Like Iron Man and Captain America, the villainous Loki got a proper sendoff in Phase Three of the MCU, enjoying the limelight as a reformed villain in Thor: Ragnarok before getting axed in the next Avengers movie to demonstrate Thanos’ might. But a cameo in Avengers: Endgame set the stage for more, and Loki sees a rogue variant of the character pressed into service by the mysterious Time Variance Authority rather than face annihilation at their hands.

“Loki becomes a Time Cop” would barely register as a comic book oddity, but it was a significant shakeup for an MCU that, nine years prior, had made him the main villain of Phase One. Hiddleston’s cocky, aristocratic performance was memorable enough that most other MCU villains failed to even approach the area code of the bar he’d set, but it also meant that Loki had significant work to do if it was going to make a second reformation of the character not only credible, but interesting.

Impressively, Loki pulled it off, using the TVA’s sinister cosmic setting, a winsome Owen Wilson performance, and the MCU’s own recent developments to sell the conceit that even a god might have regrets. After muddling through the mediocre Falcon and the Winter Soldier, “Glorious Purpose” got Marvel’s televised side back on track with an efficient if exposition-heavy hour that snapped Loki out of his sniveling self-importance long enough to drag him into a mystery involving another Loki variant with a murderous grudge.

Fittingly, Loki spends Season 1 searching for a purpose, as the deal he cut with Wilson’s Agent Mobius for the sheer sake of survival begins to morph into something resembling a calling. Hiddleston and Wilson’s unexpectedly strong buddy-cop chemistry helps sell the journey, as Wilson, like an experienced comic-book reader, is completely unfazed by all the weirdness that Loki and the rest of the MCU throw at him.

And there is a fair bit of weirdness in Loki, especially compared to the MCU’s other offerings. Presented as something like John le Carré’s Circus stretched out to infinity, the TVA is the ultimate civil institution. Alarmingly powerful yet transfixed by workaday mundanity, none of its many agents are sure how the TVA functions or how they wound up working there; all they know is that if they don’t get their paperwork filed, the boss won’t be happy. A year before Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness didn’t get much madder than presenting a world where traffic lights worked differently, Loki concocting a Borgesian bureaucracy where even the long-fought-for Infinity Stones just represented more paperwork was a delightful change of pace.

Ironically, as one of the few MCU properties to embrace even a fraction of the multiverse’s creative potential, Loki was then tasked with quietly wrapping up that misbegotten saga. No writers’ room could have predicted Jonathan Majors, the MCU’s Kang, being charged with assault, and the show’s second and final season had to awkwardly and ironically juggle all possible timelines prior to Majors’ conviction. That Loki ultimately serves to wave away the would-be major villain it helped set up to begin with undercuts some of its drama, but Marvel’s multiverse always felt like a premise in search of a plot, and Loki at least made the journey an entertainingly odd one.

Where Loki really shines, though, is in its character work — rarely a hallmark for the MCU — as it manages to find real people amid its sprawling existential stakes. It’s not exactly Dostoyevsky, but it gets deeper than you’d have expected for a character who’d previously become memetic for getting slammed around like a ragdoll by the Hulk. Maybe Captain America’s return to the MCU will be the empty cash grab we fear, but let the record show that such moves can be done well. All you need to do is find their purpose.

Loki is streaming on Disney+.

Imagine there’s no Arrakis. Or, to put more of a fine point on it, imagine a Dune story without the titular planet Dune. Contemporarily, this is what we got in the series Dune: Prophecy, a TV show in which Arrakis only appeared in visions (and at the very end of the Season 1 finale). But Dune creator Frank Herbert invented this trick back in 1985, with the publication of Chapterhouse: Dune, the book that was to be Herbert’s final word on the Dune saga, which left the story beyond the Atreides years somewhat in tatters. Herbert’s first three Dune novels — the original book, Dune Messiah, and Children of Dune — were written and published over the course of more than a decade and a half. But the last three books, God Emperor of Dune, Heretics of Dune, and Chapterhouse: Dune, all came out within a few years, from 1981 to 1985.

No matter what anyone thinks of the sequels after Children of Dune, this very short period for the “second trilogy” is notable for a few reasons. First, save for maybe God Emperor, none of these latter Dune books is ever really spoken about with the same reverence reserved for the first set. Second, Herbert’s themes in the last book, Chapterhouse, are hard to really discern, meaning that if one were to read the original Dune books all the way through for the first time, Chapterhouse would not only seem messy, but also a bit of a bummer.

Over four decades after its publication in 1985, Chapterhouse: Dune stands as a strange counterpoint to the overall complexity and brilliance of Dune. Yes, Herbert was ill at the time he was writing this book, and he passed away one year after it was published. But the concepts that this book grappled with are incredible — in all senses of the word. Chapterhouse: Dune is an incredible novel, with big, interesting sci-fi ideas. It’s also a story that feels less than credible, and more like a way for Herbert to keep his saga going, even though he had written himself into a corner.

The 1984 book, Heretics of Dune, ended with a group called the Honored Matres, obliterating the surface of Dune, Arrakis, desert planet, known by that point in time, as “Rakis.” The Honored Matres are in a massive struggle with the Bene Gesserit for domination, but the obvious issue with the end of Heretics is that in destroying Arrakis, the question of how anyone will get the spice is a problem left for Chapterhouse to deal with. Essentially, thanks to Sheeana Brugh — a descendant of Siona Atreides — sandworms can be controlled. Chapterhouse is largely concerned with the relocation of sandworms to the planet Chapterhouse, which is intended to be terraformed into a Dune-like planet, and become a new home for the sandworms.

Herbert’s interest in ecology cuts in several directions throughout the Dune saga, and it would be easy to read Chapterhouse as a parable about extinction and climate change that threatens to wipe out crucial biological life. And yet in Children of Dune, the idea that Arrakis was becoming more hospitable, not less, was a factor in driving the sandworms to extinction. Plus, very few characters in Dune (save for the Fremen, naturally) actually care about the sandworms because the sandworms are beautiful animals; instead, the desire to preserve them is because of the byproduct of the spice, which, of course, helps make space travel possible.

So, at its core, like many of the other Dune stories, Chapterhouse is about various people trying to figure out how to control spice and keep the spice flowing. However, Herbert’s solution to all of this is, in the end, to have many of the characters simply run away. Using a No-Ship, Sheeana, the latest ghola (clone) of Duncan Idaho, Scytale, and Miles Teg flee into an alternate dimension, with the goal of — what? Near the end of the book, Duncan says: “We’re in an unidentifiable ship, in an unidentifiable universe...isn’t that what we wanted?”

Herbert foreshadows that some dark secret may be harbored by the enigmatic characters known as Daniel and Marty, but where his story was headed exactly after that point remains a contentious subject among Dune fans. With the 2006 book, Hunters of Dune, Herbert’s son, Brian Herbert, and author Kevin J. Anderson, drew upon various notes to craft a direct sequel to Chapterhouse. TLDR: In that book, the cliffhanger of going to the other universe is undone, and the No-Ship returns to the regular universe to discover that Daniel and Marty are secretly AI robots who were a big deal back when Thinking Machines fought humans in Dune prehistory. While the concept of the Butlerian Jihad comes from Herbert, the fleshed-out nature of the Thinking Machines comes from curious prequel novels from the junior Herbert and Anderson.

In short, the legacy of Chapterhouse today is inexorably linked to the retcons connected to Chapterhouse that were made decades after the fact. And even if we make the very generous assumption that everything in Hunters of Dune, and later, Sandworms of Dune, was totally what Herbert intended, Chapterhouse still feels like a strange flex from the creator of Dune. He wanted to blow up his beloved planet and then try to do something even crazier by sending the characters to a different universe. But today, well after the release of Chapterhouse: Dune, one has to wonder, perhaps the saga would have been better off ending when Heretics ended, and the titular desert planet was no longer a place where sandworms could roam and spice could be had.

Dune: Part Three hits theaters on December 18, 2026.

The Spice Must Flow

Amazon -

Despite it being demonized as “torture porn” when the first movie landed back in 2004, Saw has become one of the most long-lived horror franchises, and is still releasing new installments to this day. As of right now, there are nine direct sequels; Saw 3 is the highest-grossing at over $164 million, but the most recent, 2023’s Saw X, became the most critically well-regarded. Despite another sequel being canceled over creative differences, the franchise still shows no signs of stopping. Last year, Twisted Pictures sold its stake in the box-office juggernaut to Blumhouse Productions, and in October, it was announced that series co-creator James Wan would return to control the next movie’s creative direction.

Aside from becoming a horror franchise that can stand alongside classic series like A Nightmare on Elm Street and Halloween, the Saw films have had a huge multimedia presence. There are Billy the Puppet dolls and plushies, a Saw II prequel comic book, a shocking number of theme park attractions, and, of course, multiple video games. The original two games, Saw and Saw II: Flesh and Blood, were developed for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 era by Konami. Now, 16 years after the release of the last title, the Saw franchise is returning to gaming, but this time with a massive twist that completely recontextualizes the series' long timeline.

Bloober Team, the Polish video game developer responsible for the Silent Hill 2 remake and the upcoming Star Trek horror-adventure Shadow Frontier, revealed at the Summer Games Fest that another Saw-based game is on the way. Saw: Genesis is yet another asymmetric multiplayer (a style of gameplay popularized by Dead by Daylight and replicated in countless licensed games such as Friday the 13th, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and The Evil Dead), only this time, three players will be forced to escape dangerous traps set up by a fourth player instead of trying to outrun a hands-on masked murderer. It’s a well-worn (and arguably overdone) format for horror games, but the truly shocking news is that the game is set a century before John Kramer became Jigsaw.

Not all the details have been revealed yet, but we do know that the game centers around a character named The Judge rather than Jigsaw, the main architect behind the franchise’s many idiosyncratic slayings. The Judge is a World War 1 veteran who seeks to “rehabilitate humanity” by putting people in traps that force them to choose between death or grievous bodily injury, testing their dedication to survival. It’s quite literally Jigsaw’s entire M.O., but the similarities don’t stop there: the Judge has a female version of Billy the Puppet, as well as a bear-masked counterpart to Jigsaw’s pig-masked apprentices.

It’s a jarring reimagining of the lore established by the (admittedly very convoluted) film series, but it’s also an intriguing take that avoids upsetting the already overstuffed film timeline. The precedent of apprentices and disciples has already been established by the movies, and there’s an incredibly small likelihood that the game will be considered canon anyway.

The idea of a precursor to Jigsaw operating in the aftermath of the Great War also allows Bloober Team to engage with the concept of deathtraps in a unique way by using the aesthetic of 1920s technology. The biggest hurdle Saw: Genesis faces isn’t really about rewriting canon, but the curse of licensed asymmetric multiplayer horror games all turning out kind of lousy. Hopefully, it’s an obstacle that the game can clear, because Jigsaw’s ethos — the idea of forcing victims to fight for their own survival — is perfect for an interactive horror experience.

Saw: Genesis does not yet have a release date.

Since day one, one of the biggest draws of the Star Trek franchise has been the eclectic cast of characters we meet within the Federation, as well as across the pantheon of various alien species they come in contact with. There are, of course, the iconic captains (Kirk, Picard, Janeway, Sisko, and more) and multiple ruthless villains (Khan Noonien Singh, the Borg, the Dominion, etc.), but many of the franchise’s most beloved characters belong to the crews of the various Federation starships we follow across each series. And for hardcore fans, some of the underdog characters are the most beloved and most missed. And now, 35 years after her initial introduction in the 1991 episode “Ensign Ro,” Ro Laren, as played by actress Michelle Forbes, is back. But not in the way anyone might have expected.

Debuting back in the third episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation’s fifth season, Ro Laren is a member of the oppressed Bajoran species who joins the crew of the Enterprise-D after being court martialed for a mistake that left members of her original crew deceased. Despite Captain Picard’s initial reluctance, she rises through the ranks of the crew to become Lieutenant, only to abandon Starfleet after becoming sympathetic to the plight of the Maquis, an anti-Federation resistance group she’s tasked with infiltrating. The character returned as a Starfleet Commander in the third season of Star Trek: Picard, making amends with her former captain before dying in a heroic sacrifice, which was her last appearance in the franchise…until now.

Recently announced at this year’s Summer Games Fest — and reported by outlets including TrekMovie — Star Trek: Shadow Frontier is a mysterious new triple-A adventure game developed by Bloober Team, the developers behind 2019’s Blair Witch game as well as the 2024 remake of the survival horror classic Silent Hill 2. The dev team makes perfect sense, as the announcement trailer for Shadow Frontier makes it pretty clear that the game will be a darker, more horror-inspired vision of the Star Trek universe, with Shawn Kittelsen (the Senior Vice President and Head of Creative & Production at Paramount Games Studio) telling IGN that the game is a “psychological thriller.” The change in atmosphere isn’t the only intriguing aspect of the announcement, though, as the trailer also reveals that the main character of the upcoming game will be none other than Commander Ro Laren herself, with Michelle Forbes returning to the role.

Plot details are incredibly scarce, including where in the Star Trek timeline the game takes place, but we do know it involves Ro being lured and stranded on an undiscovered planet littered with abandoned spaceships, prompting her to investigate what happened there and why. Based on the style of her combadge, there’s a good sense that this probably takes place sometime in the timeframe of TNG, prior to Ro’s defection to the Maquis.

According to Kittelsen, a big part of the psychological element of the game will be delving into Ro’s complex backstory and the darkness in her past, and the reveal trailer also shows off some sort of planetary fungal growth that looks like something one might find in a Dead Space game.

Star Trek has dipped its toes into the horror genre a few times before, notably in The Original Series with the episodes “Catspaw” and “Wolf in the Fold,” both penned by Psycho author Robert Bloch. In 2018, the legendary Jonathan Frakes, director of First Contact, told Inverse that: “I always thought First Contact was kind of a horror movie in many ways.”

For the most part, though, the franchise has always focused more on the adventure and wonder of space exploration, separating itself from other sci-fi series more attuned to action and conflict. Hopefully, Shadow Frontier won’t just be the gateway for more uncanny and frightening storytelling in the universe, but also the beginning of a new triple-A renaissance for the franchise in gaming when it arrives sometime in 2027.

Star Trek: Shadow Frontier will arrive on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC in 2027.

There’s a justified degree of excitement surrounding the new season of AMC’s Interview with the Vampire. The series is adapting the next book in author Anne Rice’s Immortal Universe, jumping into the fractured psyche of the Vampire Lestat (Sam Reid), and switching things up by retitling the series in his image. But as intriguing as this perspective shift may be, fans know that the heart of the show belongs as much to him as it does to his twisted soulmate — and the erstwhile star of the series — Louis de Pointe du Lac (Jacob Anderson).

Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Vampire Lestat Episode 1.

When last we saw these doomed lovers, they were on their way to reconciliation after centuries of scorn and miscommunication. Their embrace at the end of Interview Season 2 felt like a promising tease for Season 3 — in reality, though, it might have been the consolation prize before the storm of strife to come. Lestat and Louis are not together when The Vampire Lestat picks up, thanks in part to Louis’ tell-all interview with journalist and newly-turned-vampire Daniel Molloy (Eric Bogosian). The bombshell, published in novel form, takes major creative liberties with Lestat, prompting the 200-year-old diva to form a rock band and tour the country as an outlet for his rage.

Angered as Lestat may be about Louis’ betrayal, the door is not completely closed for these crazy kids. They’re seen FaceTiming before Daniel’s novel becomes a scandalous sensation — and it also seems like Lestat is texting Louis months later, as he moves from city to city with his band. The Vampire Lestat’s first episode is presumably building up to a much-needed reunion when Lestat convinces his pen pal to visit him in Detroit. In its final moments, the subject of his desire strolls into his motel room. But instead of Louis, it’s a new face: Gabriella de Lioncourt (Jennifer Ehle), Lestat’s “fledgling, lover,” and “mother.”

Gabriella de Lioncourt, explained

Yep, you read that right — the woman whom Lestat makes out with at the end of The Vampire Lestat’s first episode is also... his mom. He and Gabriella are actually a lot of things to each other. As Lestat explains in his voice-over narration — recorded many, many years after the events of this season — Gabriella is his fledgling too. That means that he turned her into a vampire shortly after he inherited the Dark Gift. In Anne Rice’s novels, Lestat uses that transformation to justify the twisted ways in which their relationship evolves. The Vampire Gabrielle (as she’s named in the books) is a fundamentally different person from the human mother he knew. By turning her, Lestat also kind of becomes her vampire dad, which only muddies this dynamic further.

It’s worth noting that Lestat’s bond with Gabrielle never gets outright sexual in the books. Rice depicted the act of exchanging blood (as a vampire does when turning a human) as a sexual act in itself, replacing most human urges. That said, AMC’s Interview took that subtext and made it unmistakably opaque. The vampires of the series absolutely have intercourse, and that pivot is already making Lestat and Gabriella’s relationship more explicit.

As with a lot of the themes in this series, the Lestat-Gabriella dynamic is not designed to comfort the viewer. It might be the hardest aspect of this season to get through — but for Jennifer Ehle, portraying Gabriella was downright “liberating.” Speaking to Inverse ahead of the new season, the actress spoke to her excitement about diving into such a fraught character, and leaning into the taboos (and a wild Italian accent) rather than running from them.

“It’s so fun just to go,” Ehle tells Inverse. “The world that Anne Rice has created, it’s so liberating to get a chance to walk through that. And the dialogue that [writers] Hannah [Moscovitch] and Rolin [Jones] have created is so just gorgeous, and it can take so much. It’s rare to find something to do on screen that can take such big [performances], and that’s really, really fun.”

For Ehle, this season operates on a central brief: “The bigger, the better.” Where its previous seasons were slightly more subdued, leaning more into melodrama, The Vampire Lestat will crank the dial into high camp.

This season will dive into Lestat’s origins in 18th-century Paris, peering into his fractured psyche as he works to justify all the wild stuff he’s done. As most have already noticed in The Vampire Lestat’s trailers, even racier moments between him and Gabriella are waiting around the corner. Episode 1 is only the tip of this iceberg; it might not be as fun to watch as it was for Ehle to act it, but that’s part of what makes this series so perversely intoxicating.

The Vampire Lestat is streaming on AMC+.

Tie-in video games are a big risk. If it goes well, then you can make the next Goldeneye, but if it goes badly, then you end up with a bunch of Atari E.T. games getting buried in a mass grave in New Mexico. With so much at stake, they’re often projects that are highly anticipated by fans, which makes them all the more devastating if they fall through.

A major-scale project set in the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender seemed poised to put the franchise alongside Star Wars and James Bond, but it’s now been shelved indefinitely, just before the franchise gets even bigger.

Back in 2024, IGN announced a new game in development from Saber Interactive set in the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender. It was given the working title Ice Wars and was reportedly set thousands of years in the past, focusing on an all-new Avatar. Players could “expect to be immersed in a vibrant world, master all four elements, engage in dynamic combat alongside companions, and experience the challenges and decisions that come with being the keeper of balance in the world.”

However, IGN now reports that the project is no longer in development. Paramount has recently merged with Skydance, and that meant a merger of the two companies’ game studios. Now, Paramount Games Studio, the newly-named joint studio, will not continue work on the game.

There is no shortage of Avatar video games, but most are Wii tie-in titles from when the series began airing on Nickelodeon. However, new games are still coming out — Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game is still scheduled for its (delayed) July 23 release.

Projects fall through all the time because of corporate mergers just look at all the canceled Warner Bros. projects that happed after the company merged with Discovery, including some that were completely finished and ready to go. However, another Paramount franchise, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, had a game in development with one company, but after the merger, it simply moved to another game studio. For whatever reason, Ice Wars wasn’t given the same treatment.

It’s a sad moment for Avatar fans, and at such a crucial time for the franchise. The second season of Netflix’s high-budget live-action adaptation is currently set for release on June 25, so while there won’t be a major video game soon, there will at least be something to keep this fantasy world alive even after 21 years.

Avatar: The Last Airbender is now streaming on Netflix.

The animated spinoff is a classic TV experience. In the 1970s, you could eat your cereal while watching The New Adventures of Gilligan, a spinoff of Gilligan’s Island. In the ‘80s, Beetlejuice began as a movie, but found a second life as a cartoon. Men in Black had animated adventures on Kids’ WB in the ‘90s, and in the 2000s, the Star Wars animated spinoff series Star Wars: The Clone Wars was so successful that it sparked several of its own spinoffs, including the live-action series Ahsoka.

But 40 years ago, one animated spinoff took the often-lazy cash-in medium to new heights, when The Real Ghostbusters added a monster-of-the-week element to the classic 1984 movie Ghostbusters. It turned out to be a fan favorite, and all these years later, Netflix is reviving the formula as part of a new wave of spinoff series.

According to Deadline, Netflix has revealed the official title and logo for its new animated show, Ghostbusters: Night Shift, which is set to premiere in 2027. This is actually the latest of several animated Ghostbusters adventures, like Extreme Ghostbusters, which ran for a single season in 1997. That was set after the events of the previous show, and followed Egon Spengler as he mentored a new generation of Ghostbusters.

Night Shift has been in the works for a while, having been announced all the way back in 2022, and described by Variety as “tonally in line with the recent Ghostbusters films.” It’s one of three animated Ghostbusters projects in development for Netflix, including an animated film and a sequel series called Ghostbusters: Ecto Force set in 2050.

Netflix has long used animation to fill in the gaps between its live-action series, like The Witcher and Altered Carbon. But the most prominent animated Netflix spinoff is almost certainly Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85, which, fittingly enough, garnered comparisons to The Real Ghostbusters with its episodic approach and 1980s vibes. And if copying Ghostbusters can work for Stranger Things, why can’t it work for, well, Ghostbusters?

Ghostbusters: Night Shift premieres on Netflix in 2027.

The term “vulgar auteurism” suits Michael Bay better than almost any other filmmaker. Loosely defined in the early 2010s, it’s more of an approach than it is a movement, describing the concept of taking commercial films generally considered to have little artistic value — big-budget Hollywood action movies, in this case — and analyzing them with the same lens as more highbrow works. When you look at him in this way, Michael Bay is absolutely an auteur: He has a distinctive visual style, as well as themes that pop up again and again in his films. It’s just that his preoccupations happen to be hot chicks, cool quips, flag-waving patriotism, and explosions. Lots of explosions.

Maybe that’s why Criterion released not one, but two Michael Bay movies in its early years: Both Armageddon and The Rock joined the collection before Akira Kurosawa’s Rashomon, for example. (There’s a fun fact for your next movie trivia night.) Of the two Criterion-approved Bay titles, The Rock is the better movie for newbies, in part because it’s got a better script. Both Quentin Tarantino and Aaron Sorkin did polish work on the screenplay, adding their distinctive voices to the meat-and-potatoes action plot. As a result, it’s full of witty dialogue — if you’ve ever wanted to hear Nicolas Cage and Tony Todd banter about Elton John just before one of them gets blown away by a rocket launcher, then this is the movie for you.

The Rock was also made early in Bay’s career: At this point, he was known as the director of Bad Boys, and not yet the director of Bad Boys 2. Translated, that basically means that Bay’s MTV-influenced directing style had not yet spun off into the delirious excess of his later work, which can play like self-parody at times. (It’s an acquired taste.) By comparison, the action in The Rock, while hard-hitting and violent with a ridiculously high body count, is relatively grounded — at least, as grounded as a movie that blows up both a San Francisco cable car and half of Alcatraz can be.

The movie also benefits from two great leads, both of whom can handle both the pithy lines and the tough-guy posturing. Nicolas Cage — then at the height of his action-movie stardom — plays Stanley Godspeed, an FBI chemical-weapons specialist. He’s called in to help when a rogue group of Marines led by disillusioned wartime hero General Francis X. Hummel (Ed Harris) seize Alcatraz Island, taking hostages and bringing in a cache of bright green nerve gas so that everyone knows they’re serious. They want $100 million for the families of military service members who perished in covert operations, and will slaughter all of San Francisco if they don’t get it.

The situation becomes so dire that Cage’s bosses have to bring in John Mason (Sean Connery), a former MI6 agent who’s serving time after refusing to reveal the location of a piece of microfiche containing highly classified information that Mason stole from J. Edgar Hoover himself. Mason is the only man who’s ever successfully broken out of Alcatraz, and so now — to paraphrase the film’s awesome tagline — the FBI needs him to break back into “The Rock” before these disgruntled veterans unleash poison gas on the citizens of San Francisco.

There’s a fun fan theory that Connery’s character in The Rock is an unofficial nod to the actor’s tenure as James Bond, and Connery brings the same roguish energy to his role as Mason, but this time his cocky attitude and Scottish brogue are accompanied by a close-cropped white beard and crazy firepower. Combined with Cage’s unhinged persona, they make a charming, if combative pair. The clock is ticking, the quips are flying and so are the bullets, and the whole thing is so much fun that it’s easy to forget how brutally cynical it is. Sounds like a Michael Bay movie.

The Rock is currently streaming on AMC+.

Anyone can drop hundreds of dollars on a home upgrade, but the real flex is finding a budget-friendly doohickey that solves a niche problem — and then learning that thousands of fellow Amazon shoppers agree that this thing improves your life. These bestsellers all cost under $25, and most of them seem strange enough that you'd scroll past them without context. But reviews reveal that people are obsessed with these home goods.

A puppy-shaped chenille hand towel that dries faster than terry cloth

Generic Chenille Towel Ball

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No, a little kid didn’t forget their toy on the bathroom counter — this fluffy puppy is actually a hand towel. It’s made from shaggy microfiber chenille, absorbing moisture faster than your average cloth square. It also stays soft and squeezable after machine washing. Many Amazon shoppers gave it points for design, too — one fan called it a “cute whimsical addition to my bathroom.”

Thermal blackout curtains with 104,000 5-star ratings

NICETOWN Insulated Blackout Curtains

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With more than 104,000 five-star ratings, these blackout curtains are a top pick for shutting out the world. They’re made of triple-weave polyester to block between 85 and 99% of light and UV. Benefits are threefold: improved sleep, better movie watching, and lower energy bills. There are two panels per set, and they come in dozens of colors to match any interior.

A cheerful sink strainer with a rubber duck design

Joie Quack Kitchen Sink Strainer Basket

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You may not need a tiny rubber duck smiling from your sink strainer, but it doesn’t hurt — especially if it works better than the one you currently own. It’s made of plastic and sturdy stainless steel, catching debris before it can swim down your pipes and cause a clog. One fan raved that it’s “a cute little pop of fun in a place that isn't typically too exciting.”

An in-tank toilet brush that hides the ugliest thing in your bathroom

Squatty Potty Invisibrush Hidden Toilet Brush

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Unless your toilet brush doubles as a decorative object, there’s no reason it should sit in the middle of your bathroom — that’s why the Invisibrush exists. It hangs from your tank under the lid and features an adjustable extender to fit different toilets. The angled head reaches under the rim for a thorough clean while keeping your floor clutter-free. One shopper wrote, “This is the most genius invention. Have one on every toilet in house. Hidden and out of the way but easily accessible when needed.”

A bald eagle wall night-light with a soaring design & shining wingspan

Chamese Bald Eagle Wall Light

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This eagle night-light screams nature, and plenty of Amazon shoppers are here for it. It’s designed to look like it’s mid-flight, soaring straight off your wall, and when it lights up, it casts a warm glow that makes the whole thing feel genuinely dramatic. The magnetic base makes it easy to mount, and it charges via USB for cordless operation.

A slim duster that slides into every gap you've been avoiding for years

AURUZA Retractable Gap Dust Cleaner

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The gaps under and behind your appliances are where dust goes to hide, and this slim extendable duster is how to make it come out. The pole extends to 61 inches and slips into spots regular dusters can’t reach, including under the fridge, behind the couch, and beneath the bed. Two washable microfiber sleeves are included, and they work wet or dry to trap dust and hair with static cling. More than 3,000 Amazon shoppers rated it five stars.

A triangular roll-up rack that makes good use of your sink corner

Tomorotec Roll-Up Dish-Drying Rack

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This roll-up rack is designed to fit your sink corner, turning that wasted triangle into a spot for drying small dishes, rinsing produce, or stashing your sponge. When you're done, it rolls right up, so it disappears instead of cluttering your counter like a traditional drying rack. Stainless steel bars provide stable support, and the nonslip silicone ends are available in more than 10 colors. It also has more than 3,000 five-star Amazon ratings.

Adorable cat & dog toothbrush holders that stick to your mirror

DDEDDE Toothbrush Holders (2-Pack)

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This two-pack of animal-shaped toothbrush holders adds instant charm to the bathroom, helping make your daily routine feel a little less like a chore. They stick on with a suction cup, and the soft silicone construction rinses clean in seconds. As a bonus, they work for holding jewelry, keys, or whatever other tiny clutter needs a home.

A flower lamp that's equal parts reading light & vintage-inspired decor

AQDZCNF Flower LED Table Lamp

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Part lamp, part sculpture, this lily-of-the-valley bloom brings a romantic touch to any nightstand. It glows with a soft light when switched on, and three color modes let you choose between crisp white, natural light, or a warm nighttime glow. The bendable gooseneck makes it easy to aim the light where needed, though it still looks pretty when turned off.

Ceramic sea turtle caps that hide your ugly toilet bolts

WANSHUNLMI Toilet Floor Bolt Caps (2-Pack)

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These ceramic sea turtles draw attention to a spot guests would never think to notice — the bottom of your toilet. They sit over floor bolts to disguise rusty hardware or replace generic plastic caps. With patterned shells and a cheerful green finish, they look more like high-quality figurines than bathroom accessories and fit perfectly in a beachy space. “These make me smile every time I see them. I love having a little bit of decor on a necessary item,” one shopper raved. “They just kind of sit over the bolt covers, so they're easy to come off and clean underneath. Would absolutely buy again.”

Stick-on filters that turn your ceiling fan into an air purifier

Barnakl Ceiling Fan Filters (3-Pack)

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These brilliant adhesive filters stick to the top of your ceiling fan blades so every spin pulls double duty as an air purifier. Made with activated coconut carbon, they capture dust, pollen, pet dander, and VOCs from the air. A set of three lasts up to three months, making them a budget-friendly, space-saving alternative to a bulky floor unit. One shopper wrote, “These have kept the air quality in our home top notch. I run a fan every night and it helps with my piece of mind SO much knowing that my air is clean and the fan is literally picking up & removing toxins & pet dander from my dog. This is a GENIUS product.”

A hand-blown purse vase that's equal parts flower holder & sculpture

Oairse Glass Purse Vase

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If you own an assortment of perfectly nice but slightly forgettable vases, this glass purse is one that will actually get noticed. Shaped like a chic handbag (complete with a faux-leather strap), it adds sculptural charm to any surface. Drop in fresh blooms for a dinner-table centerpiece or dried stems for a low-maintenance accent. You can also just show it off on its own — one shopper wrote that it’s “A pleasure to just gaze at!”

A mini dustpan & brush set where the broom is a tiny mustache

PELEG DESIGN Dustache Mini Dustpan and Brush Set

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Want cleaning tools that combine utility with personality? This dustpan is a compact set in which the broom is a mustache and the dustpan is a face. Happy Amazon shoppers have used it to sweep up stray pet food, brush crumbs off the counter, or even clean a guinea pig cage. It’s equal parts absurd and useful. “Somehow is cuter in person,” wrote one fan. “Functions amazing despite its price, which means it’s a jackpot.”

A magnetic cat figurine that gives your AirPods a resting spot

ATHAND Magnetic Cat AirPod Holder

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If you prefer a playful workspace, consider adding this tiny cat to your setup. Its outstretched arms serve as a resting place for your AirPods, so they’re easy to access and less likely to roll away. It’s a surprise hit on Amazon, where it has more than 2,500 five-star reviews. “These are soooo crazy cute, I don’t even care if they’re holding anything,” wrote one shopper. “They just make me smile as-is.”

Stick-on sliders that help you push heavy appliances with less force

AIEVE Appliance Sliders (8 Count)

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When you need to clean your counter but are faced with an espresso machine, air fryer, or other hefty appliances, these self-adhesive sliders make the job easier. They stick to the bottom so you can glide heavy units with one hand, and they slightly lift appliances to improve airflow around heat-generating devices. It’s one of those cheap fixes shoppers swear by, earning a 4.7-star rating on Amazon.

Bright fruit slice coasters made from durable yet cheap silicone

DomeStar Fruit Coasters (7 Pieces)

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These coasters are made for the host who loves kitsch and color. Each one is a vibrant fruit slice — orange, lemon, lime, kiwi, watermelon, dragon fruit, and carambola — and together they look as if a fruit plate spilled across the table. The silicone-gripped drinkware absorbs heat and wipes clean in seconds, so they're as practical as they are pretty. “They are perfect for glass tables and they add life to my patio,” wrote one shopper.

A roll of microfiber cloths that reduces your paper towel habit

Fantasticlean Microfiber Cleaning Cloth Roll -75 Pack, Tear Away Microfiber Towels, 12" x 12", Reusable, Washable, Scratch Free, Ultra Absorbent Dishcloth for Home Supplies, Car, Pet (Moss Green)

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If you go through more paper towels than you’d like to admit, this reusable roll can help break the habit. It includes 75 microfiber cloths packaged like a tear-away paper towel roll, each washable and reusable up to 50 times. They absorb up to five times their weight in water, clean without streaks, and work for spills, dusting, car interiors, and more. They come in over a dozen colors and have a 4.8-star rating on Amazon.

A hotel-style door hanger that doubles as a night-light

LANDGOO Wooden Door Knob Night-Light

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Most night-lights are purely functional, but this night-light comes in a weird-but-wonderful form. It’s made of wood and shaped like a hotel door hanger, hooking around your knob and lighting up whenever you come within 10 feet. An erasable whiteboard lets you leave notes, or you can apply one of the included decals, which include standard messages such as “Welcome” and “Keep Out.” Charge it via USB-C for up to eight hours of power per full battery.

A sleek, chic stone mat that absorbs the puddles around your faucet

Dreatim Diatomite Faucet Mat

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You know how the area around your faucet is perpetually soaked? This stone fixes the problem, absorbing water on contact and self-drying within minutes. It’s made of solid diatomite and features a modern curved design, so it doubles as a sculptural tray for your soap dish, sponges, and any other sink essentials that risk getting soggy.

Static-cling window film that creates rainbows in sunlight

SOMWISE Window Privacy Film Stained Glass Decorative Static Clings Rainbow Window Tint for Home Room Decor Bathroom Door Car Stickers with Iridescent Effect, Removable(Blue Violet Botanical)

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When you want a cost-effective alternative to window treatments, plain privacy film is perfectly fine — but when you want to take your room to the next level, this popular stained-glass film is the better option. Just cut it to size and stick it to clean glass with a spritz of water. The holographic design creates shifting prisms that move with the sun, and a UV protection layer helps prevent fading on furniture and floors.

Invisible magnetic catches that keep your cabinet doors shut

Jiayi Magnetic Door Catch Closer

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Everyone has that one cabinet that won’t stay shut no matter what, and these magnetic catches put an end to it. Made from thin, corrosion-resistant metal, they feature a 10-pound magnetic pull strong enough to keep doors, drawers, and sliding panels securely closed. Install them with the included screws for a permanent fix or use the strong double-sided adhesive for a no-drill option. They really work; more than 12,000 Amazon shoppers have given them a five-star rating.

Stackable fish glasses that double as countertop decor

MDLUU Fish Tumbler Glasses (Set of 4)

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This giant fish transforms everyday drinkware into functional art. The set includes four uniquely shaped glasses with textured, light-catching details, and when stacked in the right order, they form one striking fish sculpture. It’s the kind of piece that deserves a permanent spot on your counter rather than being hidden away in a cabinet. One fan raved, “If you want cups that spark joy, conversation, and a sense of whimsy you will adore them.”

Floral peel-&-stick wallpaper that transforms a room with ease

CiCiwind Peel and Stick Wallpaper

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A fresh coat of paint is always reliable, but wallpaper delivers far more visual impact. This peel-and-stick version features an oversize botanical print in soft blush, beige, and green tones with no messy paste required. The waterproof, stain-resistant vinyl holds up well in bathrooms, kitchens, and accent walls alike. Amazon fans also loved using it to upgrade bookcases, tabletops, and room dividers for a custom, designer-inspired look.

Magnetic bat charms that hang from your door hinges

SWNACOR Brass Bat Hinge Heads (3 Pieces)

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Door hinges are typically overlooked in interior design, which is exactly why they’re the perfect spot for a tiny decorative detail like these hinge heads. These vintage-looking brass bats stick magnetically to any hinge — cabinet, closet, front door — wherever you want an unexpected surprise. More than a dozen Amazon shoppers described them as “adorable,” and one wrote that they are “such a fun way to sneak a bit of whimsy into your home.

A quirky ceramic duck soap dish that drains water through its beak

Fewile Ceramic Duck Soap Dish

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The genius of this soap dish is in the details. It's a cute white ceramic duck, but the design has a brilliant twist: excess water drains out through the bird’s open mouth. So instead of a bar of soap that disintegrates into a slimy puddle, you get a fully functional self-draining dish that also looks like a spitting duck. It’s weird and functional in equal measure, and Amazon shoppers love that it makes daily handwashing a moment of joy.

Tiered rope baskets that make over-the-door storage look stylish

OrganiHaus Woven Hanging Baskets

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The back of every door can be wasted real estate, but this three-tier rope basket puts it to work beautifully. Three deep cotton pockets hang vertically, providing storage for toiletries, magazines, accessories, or other small items that don’t have a dedicated home. Hang it over a door, mount it to a wall, or even separate the tiers if you want to spread the storage around. Amazon fans rave about its durability and stylish aesthetics in equal measure.

A showerhead cleaning set that restores your water pressure

uadbau Shower Head Cleaner Tool Set

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If you feel like your shower is weaker these days, hard water may be the culprit — and this popular showerhead cleaning kit is the genius fix. It comes with 30 different cleaning tools in various sizes: thin stainless pins for the tiniest nozzles, slightly larger picks for stubborn deposits, and ultra-fine nylon brushes to scrub out what's left. In about 10 minutes, you can revive water pressure for a more satisfying cleaning routine.

A flower-shaped dish brush that makes chores a little more cheerful

Vigar Flower Power Dish Brush

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This dish brush gives an everyday cleaning tool a delightful glow-up. The flower-shaped brush sits upright in a matching holder that resembles a blossom in a vase. Beyond looking cute, it’s genuinely useful: nylon bristles scrub away grease without scratching nonstick pans, the slim head fits into narrow glasses, and the ergonomic handle offers a comfortable grip.

A popular vacuum attachment that clears out your dryer vent

Holikme Dryer Vent Cleaner Hose Kit

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If you’ve never cleaned your dryer vent, this vacuum attachment can help tackle a real fire hazard. The slim, flexible hose reaches deep inside your machine and behind the dryer to suck out years of trapped lint. It’s also useful for other hard-to-reach cleaning jobs, including behind the fridge, under radiators, and inside narrow dusty gaps. More than 14,000 Amazon shoppers have rated it five stars out of five, making it a tried-and-true cleaning hack.

A tub drain stopper that adds a floating flower to your bath

Vigar Flower Power Bathtub Drain Stopper

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A bath stopper isn’t typically an exciting fixture, which is why this one is such a sweet surprise. It's a fully functional tub plug that seals the drain like any other, but a chain connects it to a pink water lily that floats on the surface while you bathe. When it's time to drain the tub, just pull the flower. One delighted shopper wrote, “The design is absolutely adorable the neon green daisy is so bright and cheerful, and I love that the flower floats on top of the water while the stopper stays secure underneath. It adds a fun pop of color to the bathroom and actually makes the tub look cute while you’re using it.”

Cascading plug-in night-lights that turn themselves on & off

TSEXES Night-Lights (6-Pack)

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When you want practical lighting without frilly flourishes, these tiny black cylinders are a smart option. Dusk-to-dawn sensors automatically switch them on at night and off in the morning, so there’s nothing to remember. A 3,000K soft white glow shines in two directions at once, and the rotating body lets you aim the LEDs where needed. Each pack includes six lights, making it easy to cover the whole house for cheap.

A giant llama stuffy that doubles as a body pillow

Ryttir Ultra Soft Stuffed Llama Stuffed Animal Plush Pillow

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Side sleepers can make a legit case for owning this oversize stuffed llama: its length, padding, and curved silhouette are perfect for providing support during a quick snooze. The plush exterior is cloud-soft, and the embroidered sleepy face is a humorous match for your mood when you grab it. One shopper wrote, “Absolutely worth it for anyone who loves cozy, huggable décor!”

A filtered showerhead that strips chlorine & heavy metals out of the water

Filtered Shower Head with Handheld, High Pressure 9 Spray Mode Chrome Showerhead with Filters,detachable shower head,Water Softener Filters Beads for Hard Water -Remove Chlorine

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If hard water is leaving your skin and hair dull, this filtered showerhead is a surprisingly affordable fix. Its multi-layer filter removes chlorine, lead, mercury, and other impurities before the water reaches you. It also boosts water pressure, offers nine spray modes, and includes a 71-inch hose that makes it easier to rinse hair, wash feet, and clean hard-to-reach corners of the shower.

A solar-powered fake rock that lights your garden at night

GOODFOEVER Solar Rock Light

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By day, this looks like an ordinary landscaping rock. At night, it automatically lights up your path, garden bed, or walkway with a warm glow that lasts up to eight hours. A built-in solar panel powers it without wiring or batteries, and you can choose warm or cool white lighting to match the vibe you want. Their durability also impressed shoppers, and one wrote, “It's been a year since I got these and I'm glad to report that they still perform just as good as day one!”

A foldable lap pillow that turns any couch into a hands-free screen setup

KDD Tablet Pillow Stand

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This popular pillow-style tablet stand solves the problem of balancing your screen on random household objects. It offers three adjustable viewing angles, making it comfortable whether you’re sitting up, reclining, or lying down. The soft, suede-like cover feels cozy against your skin, while built-in pockets hold your phone, stylus, remote, or snacks. When you’re finished, it folds flat for easy storage in a backpack or carry-on, making it just as useful for travel as it is at home.

A little duck that steams the gunk off your microwave walls

ECOGREDA Duck Microwave Steam Cleaner

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Cleaning the microwave is one of those tasks that’s easy to avoid, but this duck takes the chore off your plate. Fill it with vinegar, water, and a splash of lemon juice, then run it in the microwave for five to eight minutes. Steam puffs out of the duck's head while it works, softening every crusty splatter. When the timer goes off, just wipe everything away with a paper towel. No scrubbing or chemicals — just smiles and a sanitary microwave again.

Push-pin hooks that hold up to 20 pounds each without wrecking your walls

Hotop Push Pin Hangers (30 Pieces)

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Hanging stuff on a wall usually involves anchors, finding a stud, or fussing with a level, but these push-pin hooks skip all of that. They press into drywall or wood with just thumb pressure, leave a hole barely bigger than a sewing pin, and they hold up to 20 pounds. They come in black, silver, and bronze, so you can match hardware to frames, and the 30-pack is enough to handle an entire gallery wall.

A brass & wood door chime that makes every entrance feel like a warm welcome

LODDIY Magnetic Door Chime

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This charming door chime announces guests with a soft, melodic ring rather than a harsh buzz. Made of stained wood and brass, it’s shaped like a cute crab — perfect for coastal decor or marine-life lovers. It mounts instantly to metal surfaces with a magnetic backing, and double-sided adhesive is included for non-metallic doors.

A patterned bag holder that organizes your chaotic plastic grocery bag stash

THE BAG BAG Plastic Bag Holder

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Many of us have some sort of situation involving a million plastic grocery bags shoved into one bigger bag, but this pouch introduces you to a more civilized system. A drawstring top keeps bags contained, while an open bottom lets you pull them out one at a time. Hang it from a cabinet door or a doorknob for easy access — it’s a simple yet effective solution that’s earned a 4.8-star rating on Amazon.

Bright, geometric shelves that turn any wall into a tiny gallery

ROYALITA Acrylic Floating Shelves (2-Pack)

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These semicircular shelves are the kind of small upgrade that can completely change a room. Each one is 8 inches wide — perfect for one small plant, a candle, or a figurine — and comes in a variety of bright neon hues that add a pop of color to any wall. They're acrylic, so they look clean and modern, and they’re easy to install with the included hardware. Amazon shoppers rave about their sturdiness and value.

Cherry wood cooking spoons with playful smiley face cut outs

MyFancyCraft Smile Cooking Spoons (5-Pack)

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These cherry wood spurtles bring joy to your kitchen while being one of the more useful utensils in your collection. The set includes five pieces, each with a unique shape and a smiley face cut-out on the head. You can use them to stir, scrape, toss, and scoop — even on delicate nonstick pans. Dozens of fans on Amazon wrote that they bring a smile to their face.

A mulberry silk pillowcase that doubles as overnight skin-care & hair treatment

DKBslik Silk Pillowcase

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This best-selling mulberry silk pillowcase is an affordable, effortless upgrade for your beauty routine. It creates less friction against skin and hair overnight, helping reduce sleep creases, tangles, and morning bedhead. Unlike cotton, silk helps retain moisture, giving dry skin and curly hair a break. It’s also naturally cooler, making it great for hot sleepers. The hidden zipper keeps the look sleek, and it comes in tons of colors to match your existing bedding.

Clever penguin towel hooks that install without tools

PQUCXZ Penguin Hooks (2-Pack)

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These silicone penguin hooks are a random but mood-boosting addition to any kitchen or bathroom. They stick to the wall with strong adhesive backing, and the penguin's belly securely holds dish rags and hand towels. Just poke your cloth in to hang it and pull to release. One happy shopper wrote, “No worries about bars or hooks being yanked out of walls trying to get the object back down. Genius.”

An outlet extender that gives you multiple plugs, ports & a storage shelf

Mifaso Wall Outlet Extender Shelf

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With more than 8,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, this outlet extender is a popular and satisfying way to keep all of your devices powered in one spot. It plugs into a single wall outlet and features six AC outlets, two USB-A ports, and a USB-C port. There’s even a built-in shelf on top that holds your phone, speaker, electric toothbrush, or any other gizmo while it charges.

A press-&-pluck bird dispenser that hands you a toothpick one at a time

Jucaifu Bird Toothpick Dispenser

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This tropical bird is a quirky reminder to clean your teeth after a meal, and somehow it never gets old. Press down on its head, and it dips forward, grabbing a single toothpick in its beak. Release, take the pick, and you're done. It's hygienic, surprisingly fun to use, and the kind of little gadget that instantly gets attention.

Quirky sponges that pull dust off blinds & vents instead of pushing it around

Scrub Daddy Damp Duster Dusting Sponges (8 Count) - Dust Remover for Household Cleaning - Duster for Vents, Railings & Blinds - Reusable Baseboard Cleaner

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Unlike feather dusters, these clever cleaning sponges trap dust instead of sending it flying around the room. Just run one under water, and it grabs dust on contact, holding it until you rinse it clean. They make quick work of blinds, vents, baseboards, and other hard-to-clean surfaces that usually require extra scrubbing. With eight reusable sponges in each pack, you'll have plenty on hand for tackling dust throughout the house again and again.

Flower-shaped stickers that add grip to slippery bathtubs

Secopad Nonslip Bathtub Stickers (24 Pieces)

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Instead of a mildew-loving mat that requires regular cleaning, why not add these blue blossom-shaped stickers to your tub? Each one has roughly 1,250 grippy bumps on its surface to minimize the risk of slipping in your tub. They stick down firmly, won't fade or curl, and peel off cleanly when you're ready to swap them. They even come with a silicone scraper for clean installation.

A poseable puppy night-light that adds charm to your nightstand

SpassLeben Cute Night Light

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This little pup could pass for a toy, but it’s actually a useful light for kids and adults alike. A quick press of a button turns on a soft warm-yellow glow, and its cordless design means you can style it anywhere. It’s also poseable, so you can bend the legs, head, and tail and prop it up however you want for reading, holding your phone, or even using as a flashlight — it’s weird, but it works.

A checkerboard shower curtain that brings vibrant ‘70s energy

Tititex Retro Curvy Checkerboard Shower Curtain

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When you want to add retro, weird-in-a-good-way vibes to your bathroom, this wavy checkerboard shower curtain does the job. The faux-linen polyester has nice weight and texture, and it's fully waterproof, so it actually does the job. It comes with 12 hooks for easy hanging, and it’s machine washable, so the next time it gets gross, just toss it in.

A viral veggie chopper that dices a whole onion in one satisfying push

fullstar Vegetable Chopper

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If you’re into recipe reels on social media, you may have seen this popular chopper before. You place an onion (or another veggie) on the blade grid, push down on the lid, and it comes out the other side perfectly diced — no tears, no knife skills, no chopping board to wash. Everything lands in the built-in container, so there's no mess, and the whole thing goes in the dishwasher when you're finished.

A leopard print rug that adds instant maximalist energy to your space

MACEVIA Leopard Rug

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This faux leopard print rug is a guaranteed stand out in any room, whether you’re piling on to a maximalist interior or looking for a single standout piece. Its microfiber pile is soft on your feet, and a nonslip latex backing keeps it from sliding around on your floor. It’s also available in other animal prints, such as cowhide and tiger stripes — any of which bring a perfectly weird, wild energy to your space. One Amazon shopper owns multiple pieces and wrote, “The price is very reasonable for a designer looking rug.”

An all-in-one cleaning kit that unearths the dirt in your keyboard

Ordilend 10-in-1 Keyboard Cleaning Kit

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If you don’t clean your keyboard regularly, it’s probably overdue, and this kit makes the job surprisingly satisfying — and easy. It includes a retractable brush for dusting keys, a detail brush for tight spaces, a keycap puller for deep cleaning, a metal-tipped tool for stubborn grime, screen-cleaning cloths, and a flocking sponge for earbud cases. It tackles all the spots that collect dust and debris, and once you see what comes out, you’ll be glad you used it.

A tissue box cover disguised as a stack of vintage books

Crafted Classical Antique Book Tissue Box Cover

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Talk about a weird-but-wonderful solution for storing everyday tissues — this stack of books turns an ordinary box into decor that makes you look well-read. It's a wooden cover hand-painted to look like three weathered antique hardcovers piled together. Simply lift the lid, add your box, and pull tissues through the top. It's perfect for a reading nook, a bedside table, or anywhere you'd rather have a vintage vibe than a commercial cardboard box.

A crystal suncatcher set that fills your room with rainbows

HDCRYSTALGIFTS Crystal Sun Catcher Prisms (Set of 7)

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Set up these crystal prisms near a sunny window and watch your room dance with colorful light as the day passes. Each glass piece features a unique shape and has an iridescent finish that dazzles even on overcast days. There are seven prisms per set, and it comes with string and hooks for hanging. Amazon shoppers are wild about the way they sparkle, and many wrote that they make a great addition to outdoor spaces.

A mouse-shaped doorstop that'll make you squeal with delight

DomeStar Cute Mouse Door Stopper

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A standard doorstop could never be as cute as this one. It's shaped like a little mouse popping out from a wedge of cheese. It jams under your door to hold it open just like any other stopper, but it’ll also make you smile every time you walk by. It includes a foam strip on the bottom, so it doesn't slide on floors. More than 5,000 Amazon shoppers have rated it five stars.

A palm-sized dish brush that pumps out dish soap from the top

UGWkivd Soap Dispenser Dish Brush

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This compact dish brush is a smart solution for small or cluttered sink spaces. Fill the clear handle with dish soap, then press the silicone top to dispense the perfect amount directly through the bristles while you scrub. By combining a soap dispenser and scrub brush in one tool, it frees up valuable counter space. The set also includes two replacement brush heads and a self-draining stand to help the brush dry neatly between uses.

Silicone oven rack guards that help save your skin from accidental burns

LeeYean Heat-Resistant Silicone Oven Rack Shields (4-Pack)

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These strange-looking silicone strips are actually a genius safety upgrade for any home cook. They clip onto the front edge of your oven rack, creating a heat-resistant barrier that helps prevent painful burns when you reach inside. Simply trim them to size and install them onto standard oven, toaster oven, or air fryer racks. They’re so clever that they’ve earned more than 5,000 five-star ratings on Amazon.

A solar fountain that turns any bird bath into a tiny disco after sunset

SZMP Solar Bird Fountain

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A bird bath is a wonderful addition to any outdoor space, but this bubbling fountain takes it to the next level. By day, it shoots a stream up to 23 inches high. By night, the built-in battery lights up the fountain, creating a colorful show for guests. It runs on solar power, so there's no wiring or plug to deal with, and it includes eight different nozzles so you can customize the spray pattern.

A monkey-themed banana hanger that keeps fruit fresher longer

Joie Banana Tree Holder

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If you've ever bought a perfect bunch of bananas only to watch them turn brown a few days later, this hanger can help. By suspending your fruit instead of letting them rest on a hard countertop, it promotes more even ripening and helps prevent bruising. The stand is shaped like a miniature tree, complete with a smiling monkey hanging from the top, making it a functional kitchen accessory that's just weird enough to spark conversation.

A silicone broom that pulls pet hair & more off of surfaces

Broombi Silicone Handheld Brush & Dustpan

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This broom and dustpan set comes in a familiar form, but it wields far more cleaning power than you’d expect. It has a silicone blade that builds up static electricity as you sweep, attracting stubborn pet hair, dust, and fine debris and pulling them right off whatever surface you're cleaning. It works on rugs, countertops, and beyond. And unlike a regular broom, it never gets gross because you just rinse the blade clean.

Amazon is home to some genuinely great finds. You know, the kind of stuff that solves a problem you didn’t realize you had, while making you wonder how you ever lived without it. Below are a handful of dope, clever things that won’t cost an arm and a leg, because a good deal should feel like a discovery, not a compromise.

A 4-inch cube light with a 12-hour battery life

LOFTEK LED Ice Cube Light

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This small, waterproof LED cube lamp is only about 4 inches. It’s small but mighty, changing colors, dimming, and running on a rechargeable battery. It comes with a remote, and it rotates through 16 colors and four light modes for a mini party at home. One charge (about two hours) gets you up to 12 hours of use, which is enough to get through bedtime.

A shoe dryer with a timer & an even distribution of heat

LLWAN Electric Shoe Dryer

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If you often find yourself needing to dry your shoes — for whatever reason — this electric shoe dryer makes it easy. It uses heated pods with 360-degree air holes to dry shoes, gloves, socks, and boots more evenly, and its retractable design adjusts to fit everything from low-top sneakers to taller work boots. You can choose from four, eight, or 10-hour timer settings depending on how soaked your shoes are.

A handcrafted ceramic incense holder for palo santo sticks, cones & more

MOUGIGI Palo Santo Holder

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If you burn palo santo regularly (or plan to), this ceramic holder keeps the process contained. It’s handcrafted in Jingdezhen, China, from double-fired clay. You can use it for palo santo sticks or cone incense, and it catches all the ash, so you’re not wiping down surfaces afterward. The holder comes in nine colors and designs.

Mushroom-shaped propagation vases with big personality

Hewory Glass Propagation Station (3-Pack)

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They might be small, but these propagation vases have big personality. The set of three glass vases is shaped like mushrooms, and each sits in a small wooden tray. The openings range from about half an inch to just over an inch wide, which accommodates cuttings, trailing plants, small ferns, or flower buds. They also work on a windowsill purely as decor on their own.

A rainbow-casting window film that blocks 96% of UV rays

rabbitgoo Window Privacy Film

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Add some privacy to a room while casting rainbows with this window privacy film. This static cling film adheres to glass with water, so there’s no adhesive or residue to deal with. The film itself is actually clear; the rainbow effect only appears when sunlight hits its 3D laser-etched surface. It blocks 96% of UV rays and offers about 60% privacy.

A glow-in-the-dark fairy door that’s perfect for a wall or tree

Tree Poetry Fairy House

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This fairy door and window set is designed to mount to a tree trunk, garden wall, or pot — basically anywhere a small mythical creature might plausibly live. It comes with two windows and a "Secret Garden" sign, all hand-painted with nontoxic paint. The windows and lantern glow in the dark without any batteries or solar charging required.

Key clips that keep keys from disappearing into the abyss of your bag

Bobino Key Clips (2-Pack)

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Prevent your keys from falling into the black hole that is your bag thanks to this two-pack of key clips. Each clip hooks onto the interior of a purse, backpack, or belt loop so your keys stay in one predictable spot. A loop on the clip holds keys securely, even when the bag is being tossed around.

A stained glass night-light with a dusk-to-dawn sensor

JandCase Stained Glass Night Light

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This plug-in night light has a glass globe shade that throws soft, multicolored light patterns on your walls when it's on. It runs at 3000 Kelvin (that's a warm, yellowish white, not the harsh blue-toned kind). The brightness is adjustable, and it has a built-in dusk-to-dawn sensor. The company also sells equally cool options in 11 other designs.

A 9-in-1 multitool pen that includes extra ink refills

BIIB Multitool Pen

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This aluminum multitool pen pulls off nine jobs at once: ballpoint pen, ruler, flathead and Phillips screwdrivers, bottle opener, stylus, level, and LED flashlight. It comes packaged in a personalized gift box with three extra ink refills and three replacement batteries included. Choose from four colors, with one “Best Dad Ever” option.

A foldable Bluetooth keyboard that runs for 40 hours on a charge

JPHTEK Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard

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This compact Bluetooth keyboard folds in half and connects wirelessly to your phone, tablet, or laptop — up to three devices at once. It weighs under 6 ounces and includes a small phone stand. Available in five colors, it's compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows. The battery holds a charge for up to 40 hours of use or 180 days on standby.

Fish-inspired glasses that stack to 12.6 inches tall

MDLUU Fish Carafe Set (4 Pieces)

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With this carafe set, you get four drinking glasses that, stacked together, are shaped like a fish. Each is made from lead-free glass with a slightly different fish texture pressed into it, so no one's grabbing the wrong cup at the table. They stack to about 12.6 inches tall when nested, and they come in a nautical blue or amber color.

A chic mountable wall rack that holds 9 pairs of sunglasses

FINDAMAZE Sunglasses Organizer

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This chic wall-mounted organizer gives your sunglasses somewhere to live that isn't the bottom of your bag or a pile on the entryway table. Made from bamboo with nine cowhide leather straps, it holds up to nine pairs and comes in four colors. You can easily mount it with adhesive strips or screws.

Dissolvable soap sheets that activate with water

FOMIN Paper Soap Sheets (300-Pack)

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With these paper soap sheets, you’ll always have soap ready to go for handwashing. They’re exactly what they sound like — thin, dissolvable sheets of soap that activate with water and a little friction. The pack comes with three packets, each with 100 sheets across three scents — orange, tea tree, and lavender.

A tool that fixes fabric snags on jersey & knits

Dritz Snag Nab-It

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Working as a solution for sweater pulls, the Snag Nab-It is a small, blunt-tipped nickel tool that you push or pull through the fabric at the snag point, coaxing the thread back to the inside where it's no longer visible. It works on knits, wovens, jerseys, and even heavier textiles like drapes and upholstery.

A magnetic silicone shelf that turns your stove's back edge into a spice rack

AWOKE Magnetic Stovetop Shelf

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Turn your stove’s back edge into a convenient spice rack with this magnetic shelf. It’s a silicone strip that sticks to the back of your stove via four built-in magnets, giving you a narrow ledge to line up spice bottles, oil, or whatever else you want at arm’s reach while cooking. It's 30 inches wide with three divided sections and a small raised edge so things don't slide off.

Acacia & birch wood coasters in a snail-shaped holder

Yangbaga Wooden Snail Coasters (5-Pack)

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These wooden coasters are made from acacia wood and birch, and they come in a holder shaped like a snail, which obviously makes them more fun than the average set of coasters. The set of five stays neatly stacked because each coaster has a small magnet in the center. “We use them all the time. The diameter of these [works] great for all of our glasses and mugs,” wrote one five-star reviewer.

A memory foam car seat cushion that won’t shift around

Kingphenix Car Seat Cushion

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This memory foam cushion sits on top of your car or office seat and takes some of the pressure off your tailbone during long stretches of sitting. It's made with polymer memory foam and a breathable fabric cover, with silicone gel on the underside that keeps it from shifting when you slide in and out of the car. It comes in four colors, so you have options to match your interior.

Stainless steel stove gap covers that are easy to adjust

ItsNio Stainless Steel Stove Gap Covers (2-Pack)

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These stainless steel stove gap covers sit in the gap between your stove and countertop — otherwise known as the space that collects crumbs, drips, and things you'd rather not think about. Each cover is made of two telescoping pieces that can be adjusted to fit gaps ranging from 13.8 to 27.5 inches long and less than an inch wide.

As one reviewer wrote, “Easy to install, easy to clean, and very functional. If you like a tidy kitchen, these are a great little upgrade.”

A rotating car cup holder tray for drive-thru survival

JoyTutus Car Cup Holder Expander

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This car cup holder and tray combination speaks directly to people who often eat in their cars and try to balance drive-thru fries on their laps. The expandable base fits most standard car cup holders, and a 10-inch rotating tray has spots for an extra drink cup, a phone slot with room for a charging cable underneath, along with a hole for the charger.

Embossed nail stickers featuring textured flowers

POWPOP Flower Nail Stickers

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These aren't your typical flat, forgettable nail stickers. The floral decals are textured, and the brand says they're 10 times thicker than a standard sticker, which gives them more of a sculptural look. You apply them over polish and seal with a top coat. They also work on phone cases and scrapbook pages if you have extras left over.

A stackable medicine organizer with transparent trays

ARSTPEOE Medicine Organizer Box

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If your medicine cabinet is a hot mess, you’ll appreciate this medicine organizer box. It’s a stackable, three-layer plastic organizer built specifically for storing medicine, though it pulls double duty for craft supplies, jewelry, etc. The trays are transparent and detachable, giving you nine compartments total across the three layers.

An 18-inch bendable cherry blossom lamp

Nakolulu Cherry Blossom Tree Lamp

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This bonsai-style lamp does not disappoint, with its light-up pink blossoms and bendable copper wire branches. Because the branches are flexible, you can style them however you’d like. The 18-inch tree features 36 warm white LEDs that run on either USB power or AA batteries and have the power to light up a room.

Dry-erase magnets that stick, wipe clean, & skip the paper waste

HOMiDEK Reusable Magnetic Sticky Notes (30-Pack)

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These reusable magnetic squares work like sticky notes, except they cling to metal surfaces and erase instead of ending up in the trash. The pack comes with 30 magnets across six colors, plus a dry-erase marker with an eraser cap. The nano-coating lets you write and wipe up to 100,000 times, and the full magnetic back successfully holds paper against a whiteboard or fridge.

A stunning wind chime that creates soft, layered tones

SuninYo Wind Chime

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You usually know within five seconds whether a wind chime sounds peaceful or like your neighbor accidentally hung silverware from a tree, and this wind chime lands in the calming category. The top of the wind chime is made of weather-resistant pine wood, and 18 aluminum tubes in varying lengths hang down to create soft, layered tones. Backed by an overall score of 4.7 stars, it’s a great addition to your outdoor decor.

A magnetic walnut doorbell with a calming chime

YMYP Shopkeepers Bell

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Ditch your current doorbell and switch to this charming shopkeeper's bell for a much more calming alert system. The little brass and walnut bell attaches magnetically to metal surfaces like refrigerators or steel doors, and it also comes with adhesive for non-metal spots like entryways or barn doors. The sound is soft and low instead of sharp or attention-grabbing.

A handmade stained glass suncatcher that casts green light

Royxen Plant Stained Glass Suncatcher

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Shaped like a potted plant, this stained glass suncatcher has a geometric silhouette and deep glass panels that cast green light. It's made using the copper foil technique, so the color is in the glass itself, not painted on. It comes with a metal chain and an adhesive hook, so you don’t need tools to hang it, and is backed by an impressive average score of 4.6 stars.

Floral purse hooks that keep your bag off the floor

Bosketo Foldable Purse Hook (3-Pack)

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These foldable purse hooks clip onto the edge of a table or desk, so your purse stays up and in sight instead of on whatever questionable surface is available. Each hook folds down to a square and fits tables up to roughly 2 inches thick. The floral print makes them easy to spot at the bottom of your bag, but if you prefer, they also come in a variety of other designs.

A stainless steel diffuser necklace with 10 colorful felt pads

Comelyjewel Essential Oil Diffuser Necklace

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This heart-shaped stainless steel locket works by tucking a small felt pad inside after you've added a few drops of essential oil or perfume. It comes with 10 colorful, washable pads so you can swap scents. The inside of the necklace also features a sweet engraved quote from “Winnie the Pooh.”

Animal bite earrings made from 3D clay

choice of all Animal Bite Earrings (6 Pairs)

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Sure, these animal earrings are cartoon-like and silly and campy, but they look like they’re taking a bite out of your ear, and that makes them hard to pass up. Made from clay, the 3D earrings are bold but lightweight, and you get six pairs of various animals in the pack.

• Available styles: 10+

A weighted anti-spill cup holder that drapes over a couch’s armrest

CouchCoaster Anti Spill Cup Holder

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The CouchCoaster is a silicone cup holder that drapes over the arm of a couch, keeping your beverage within easy reach. It’s weighted with a nonslip base, so it actually stays put. The cup holder also works well lying flat on a couch cushion. The universal size fits most cups and standard-size mugs and tumblers, and it’s available in seven colors.

A spacious pill dispenser with 7 compartments & 20 labels

AMOOS Pill Dispenser

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Whether you use this spacious pill dispenser while traveling or at home out of convenience, it’s a great way to remember to keep all of your meds and vitamins in one spot. The plastic container has seven roomy compartments and a swivel lid that opens to one compartment at a time. It comes with 20 blank labels for organizing.

Brick clips for people who refuse to drill holes

Holiday Joy Brick Clips (4-Pack)

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If you’ve ever tried hanging decor on a brick wall and immediately given up after thinking about power tools, these metal brick clips are a reasonable workaround. The set comes with four heavy-duty hooks that clip directly onto bricks, and they can hold up to 25 pounds when properly distributed.

A 104-page undated planner notepad for better organization

GOLDPEI To-Do List Notepad

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Keeping your entire life on random sticky notes and the back of unopened mail does eventually stop working, which is where a planner pad like this comes in handy. You get 104 duplex-printed undated sheets in a 6.5-by-9.8-inch size. The hourly schedule layout gives you room for appointments and to-do lists.

Color-changing solar rose lights that run up to 12 hours

Wdtpro Solar Garden Lights (4-Pack)

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Shaped like rose blooms, these waterproof solar garden lights consist of 40 artificial flowers spread across eight stems that you push into the ground wherever they'll get decent sun. They cycle through seven colors automatically after dark. The flowers run on rechargeable batteries that last 10 to 12 hours after six to eight hours of charging.

A faux leather visor tissue holder that easily clips on

Cartisen Car Tissue Holder

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This car tissue holder clips onto your car's sun visor or the back of a seat, keeping tissues within reach without taking up console space. It's made from faux leather with a moisture-resistant lining and a zipper closure. It fits standard tissue boxes or smaller 200-count packs and comes in three colors.

A fake fish tank lamp that scratches the aquarium itch without the maintenance

Tokenkuko Faux Motion Mini Aquarium

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If you find aquariums to be soothing but don’t want to commit to actual living creatures, check out this mini faux motion aquarium. It’s a plug-in lamp that uses rotating tropical fish graphics and soft lighting to mimic the look of a tiny underwater scene, minus the feeding schedule and algae cleanup. As far as night-lights go, this may be one of the coolest.

A microwavable bag that cooks potatoes in just a few minutes

MyLifeUNIT Microwave Potato Bag

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With this microwave potato bag, you can cook a baked potato in just a few minutes instead of closer to an hour. Earning an overall score of 4.5 stars, the bag creates a little steam pocket that cooks potatoes between two and eight minutes. The instructions are clearly labeled on the bag itself, so there’s no guesswork. The bag also works for warming corn, tortillas, and bread.

Emergency seat belt cutters with a built-in hammer

Basics Emergency Seat Belt Cutter and Window Hammer Tool (2-Pack)

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Hopefully, you won’t ever need to use this pair of seat belt cutters, but consider it insurance. In addition to a seat belt cutter, the two-in-one emergency escape tool gives you a window hammer. It’s designed to help you escape a sinking, overturned, crashed, or burning car and is backed by an overall rating of 4.8 stars. One thing to note before purchase is that the hammer doesn’t work on laminated glass.

A best-selling handheld stitching device with 2,000 fasteners

Scopck Handheld Stitch Gun

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This best-selling tagging-style device pushes small plastic fasteners through fabric to hold two layers together — think hemming pants, tacking a patch, or keeping a waistband from rolling without touching a needle and thread. It comes loaded with six stainless steel needles, plus 1,000 black and 1,000 white fasteners.

An oversized, spill-resistant desk mat with a rubber base

iCasso Desk Pad

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This oversized desk mat covers enough surface area to fit your keyboard, mouse, and whatever else accumulates on your desk. The water-resistant Lycra top is smooth enough for precise mouse movement, and the rubber base keeps it from sliding around or bunching at the edges, which is a common annoyance with cheaper pads.

A 10-foot peel-and-stick trim that hides gaps & polishes tiles

Art3dwallpanels Flexible Peel and Stick Trim

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This flexible peel-and-stick trim is a low-effort home upgrade you may end up appreciating more than expected. You get a 10-foot roll in white, black, silver, or stainless steel that can be cut with regular scissors and bent around corners and backsplash edges. The self-adhesive backing makes it especially easy to use.

Weatherproof solar globe lights that charge up during the day

Jkimk Solar Globe Lights (2-Pack)

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These decorative solar globe lights have a cracked-glass finish and sit on reinforced stakes in the yard. Each one has 20 LEDs powered by a large battery that charges during the day and illuminates the lights at night. They're also waterproof, making them safe for most weather conditions.

A seat-gap organizer with a Velcro mounting design

Moly Magnolia Car Pocket Organizer

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This little faux leather car pocket organizer slides into that space between your car seat and center console. The Velcro mounting design lets you stick it onto doors, consoles, or seat backs, and it’s roomy enough for your phone, sunglasses, registration papers, or the random parking ticket you’d rather not deal with. Available in multiple colors to best match your interior, it makes a practical addition for any commuter.

A realistic 30-piece soft gel press-on set in 15 sizes

BTArtbox Press On Nails (30 Pieces)

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If you want to rock fake nails but want them to look realistic, check out this 30-piece press-on nail set in 40 design options. The kit includes nail glue, adhesive tabs, a file, a cuticle stick, and a prep pad. Wear time depends on your application method: glue plus adhesive tabs for two-plus weeks, glue alone if you're swapping designs weekly, tabs only for a short event.

Crystal suncatchers that throw rainbows across the room

BlumWay Crystal Suncatchers (7 Pieces)

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Scatter rainbow light across the room with this seven-piece set of stunning crystal suncatchers. The seven-piece set of hanging window ornaments features healing agate stones that vary slightly in shape. Hang them in a window that gets direct light to see their dancing colors in action. They can also be hung outside.

A double-layer ceiling cargo net with zippered openings

Kaskawise Car Ceiling Cargo Net

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If your car could use a place to put all the miscellaneous stuff that usually floats around on the floor, check out this car ceiling cargo net. The polyester mesh organizer attaches to four roof handles with adjustable straps and buckles, and the double-layer design and zippered openings make it a practical spot to stash a surprising amount of things.

Faux leather car seat gap fillers with a universal fit

Hiseanllo Car Seat Gap Filler (2-Pack)

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If you’ve ever watched your phone slide into the black hole between your seat and center console while driving, you understand the appeal of these faux leather car seat gap fillers. You get two — one for each front seat — and they fit most cars, trucks, and SUVs with gaps under 2.3 inches. They’re made of waterproof material and have a soft sponge interior.

A glowing crystal ball with a laser-engraved design etched inside

COQIRAUSEN 3D Solar System Crystal Ball

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Part desk toy, part intellectual home decor, this 3D crystal ball has a laser-engraved solar system suspended inside. The light is USB-powered, giving it that dim sci-fi glow. In addition to the space theme, the company sells 13 different designs, including plants, animals, flowers, and a heart.

A travel-sized hair mist that works as a light refresher

Kitsch Hair Perfume

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There’s nothing wrong with second-day hair (or third or fourth-day hair), but if you need an easy refresher, grab this hair perfume. It works more like a light spritz than a heavy fragrance, using odor-neutralizing technology instead of just covering things up. The 50-milliliter bottle is small enough to live inside a purse or bag.

Dual-tip curve pens with different roller shapes

AECHY Curve Highlighter Pens (8-Pack)

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Each pen in this highlighter set pulls double duty — one end is a fine-tip for regular writing, and the other is a shaped roller that lays down a decorative curved line without any freehand skill required. All eight pens have different curve patterns, and they include acid-free and nontoxic ink.

A bendable MagSafe car mount with surprisingly strong magnets

eSamcore for MagSafe Car Mount

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Trying to balance your phone against a coffee tumbler while following GPS is a pretty reliable way to miss an exit, which is where this MagSafe car mount comes in. A bendable aluminum arm lets you position the mount on your dashboard, on the center console, or behind the steering wheel or touchscreen. Super strong magnets keep your phone securely in place.

As one reviewer raved, “The magnetic strength is impressive, and the bendable aluminum arm makes it easy to adjust the viewing angle. Installation was simple, and the detachable design is very convenient. Perfect accessory for iPhones.”

Spill-catching car coasters that can easily be rinsed

Amooca Car Cup Coasters (4-Pack)

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Car cup holders often become a sticky mess no matter how careful you are, which is why you’ll probably appreciate these silicone car cup coasters. You get four in the pack, and the shape helps catch condensation, crumbs, and all those coffee drips. They’re sized to fit most standard cup holders, and a little finger notch makes them easy to pull out and rinse.

A ceramic infuser mug that can hold up to 18 ounces

GBhome Tea Mug

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Morning tea always feels better while using the right mug, which is exactly what you get with this tea mug. The large 18-ounce ceramic mug comes with a deep stainless steel infuser that gives loose-leaf teas enough room to expand, plus a lid that doubles as a resting spot for the basket after steeping. As a bonus, it’s microwave and dishwasher-safe, and it comes in 10 designs.

A mini pocket knife with a lightweight titanium alloy handle

KeyUnity Mini Titanium Pocket Knife

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Anyone who opens packages often will appreciate how tiny and practical this folding knife is. It has a lightweight titanium alloy handle and a steel blade that’s substantial enough for everyday cutting tasks. You can clip it onto a keychain thanks to the built-in hanging hole, and you can choose from eight handle designs.

Ceiling fan filters made from activated coconut shells

Barnakl Ceiling Fan Filters (3-Pack)

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Ceiling fans aren’t usually pulling double duty as air purifiers, but you can make yours work a little harder with these activated coconut shell carbon filters that capture VOCs in the air. The set comes with three self-adhesive pads designed to fit on top of most fan blades, and they’re unscented. Each filter should be replaced every three months or so, according to the brand.

A cozy cat perch for windows with a washable bed

Zakkart Cat Perch

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If your cat treats the window like live entertainment, this cat perch gives them a cozy place to supervise the neighborhood. It hooks onto window sills with an adjustable bracket, and the 24-inch bed holds cats up to 40 pounds. Available in four colors, the removable plush bed can go in the wash after it inevitably collects fur.

An extra-large Excel shortcut mouse pad that’s basically a big cheat sheet

Pixiecube Excel Shortcut Keys Mouse Pad

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If you often use Excel, this mouse pad gives you all the Excel shortcuts right under your wrist. It’s an oversized desk pad that gives you enough room for a laptop and mouse while doubling as a cheat sheet for formulas, navigation commands, formatting tricks, and other spreadsheet basics you always forget five minutes after learning them. It also comes in Linux and Windows versions.

Recyclable steel party cups that keep beverages chilled

Steel Chill Cups Party Cups (12-Pack)

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Plastic cups have always been the standard at parties, but these steel party cups have a lot more perks. These eco-friendly cups are recyclable and reusable, and since they’re made of steel, they keep beverages chilled. The 16-ounce cups come in a 12-pack in 17 colors. They’re hand-washable and designed to keep cold drinks feeling noticeably frosty.

An L-shaped cat scratcher that keeps your couch out of the line of fire

EHEYCIGA Cardboard Cat Scratcher

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If your cat goes to town on your couch, this L-shaped cardboard scratcher gives them somewhere else to focus that energy. The 26.8-inch design leans against a wall or furniture, so cats can stretch vertically while scratching instead of hunching over a flat pad on the floor. It’s made from dense corrugated cardboard that holds up well to daily clawing.

A 33-foot roll of clear weather tape for drafty windows

Qoqooice Window Sealing Tape

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You probably don’t think about weather-sealing tape until you notice your curtains moving even when the windows are shut, but that’s where this clear window sealing tape comes in. The 33-foot roll is designed to seal small gaps around windows, doors, shower glass, and cabinets. It’s transparent and removable without sticky residue.

Given how massive and unwieldy Marvel and DC’s interconnected movies and TV franchises have become, trying to enter these series can feel like stepping into an overwhelming universe. With a collective runtime of over 550 hours, watching the MCU is now an extraordinary commitment. Not only do the films alone require a significant time investment, they also require an intimate knowledge of the franchise’s overarching storyline and expansive cast of heroes, villains, secret agents, intergalactic warlords, and everyone in between.

While the colossal MCU and ambitious new DCU form the basis for the superhero narrative today, it’s interesting to look back at a time when superhero films were still a fledgling genre struggling to secure their place in mainstream entertainment. With Christopher Reeve's Superman leading the way, superhero movies throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s tried to bring the colorful worlds of their comic-strip counterparts to the big screen, with varying degrees of success. For every Tim Burton-backed Batman, another faithful comic book adaptation flew under the radar. And of all these largely forgotten films, it’s The Phantom, released 30 years ago today, that most embraced the pure pulpiness of comic books.

Starring Billy Zane just one year before his career-defining role in Titanic, The Phantom adapts the world of Lee Falk’s 1930s comic strip in all its eye-catching glory. Kit Walker (Zane) is a globe-trotting masked superhero who takes over the mantle of The Phantom, a legendary moniker passed down through his family for generations. Tracking the Skulls of Touganda — mythic artifacts said to grant unlimited power to whoever acquires them — The Phantom and his fearless love interest (Kristy Swanson) race around the world to prevent a Skull from falling into the wrong hands, and run afoul of the scheming businessman Xander Drax (Treat Williams) in the process.

If you’re looking for a realistic rendition of a beloved superhero, The Phantom is not your film. Made before the genre turned towards a relatively grounded approach with the 2000s’ X-Men, Spider-Man, and Batman Begins, The Phantom instead draws on the same zany comic book energy as its source material, never sparing a moment for plausible story elements or rounded, three-dimensional characters.

Far from being a bad thing, however, The Phantom’s limitations and obvious narrative weaknesses are all part of its charm. Rather than distancing itself from the pulp-adventure aesthetic of its comic book counterpart, The Phantom wholeheartedly embraces the over-the-top features that characterized 1930s comic strips, from the chisel-jawed hero to the tomb raiders, air pirates, and cartoonish fistfights that occupy the movie.

What follows has the same lightweight energy as Zorro, Indiana Jones, and Buckaroo Banzai, all wrapped around a glistening color palette ripped straight from Detective Comics #27. At the time, most critics were less than impressed with the final results, finding The Phantom too bland, uninspired, and predictable to warrant serious consideration. Over the years, however, a growing number of viewers have praised the movie for its pulpy atmosphere and ample homages to the original comics, with its main story taken from Falk’s first two Phantom strips.

Looking back at it today, it’s easy to dismiss The Phantom as another cheesy superhero movie Hollywood experimented with before the MCU seized control of the genre. The film might pale in comparison to The Avengers or Guardians of the Galaxy, possessing neither the humor, scope, nor mainstream appeal of today’s Marvel movies. But what makes The Phantom so worthy of audiences’ attention is that it’s not like the superhero movies we’ve been spoon-fed since 2008’s Iron Man.

Instead of delivering a sleek and modern portrayal of its lead character, The Phantom meticulously recreates the comic-book-inspired world of the 1930s, right down to the flat dialogue, exotic locales, and unforgettable costumes of Falk’s work. Just like there’s an undeniable charm in revisiting old episodes of Adam West’s Batman, there’s something pleasurable about letting realism slip out of touch when you sit down to watch The Phantom, which returns you to a time when the superhero genre wasn’t watered down by sequels, prequels, crossovers, and spinoffs.

Is The Phantom dated? Certainly. Is it hokey and childish when held up to Marvel and DC’s more recent movies? Absolutely. But The Phantom does what all great comic book movies set out to do: for an hour and 40 minutes, you enter pastel-colored settings beyond your wildest imagination, a world that’s lighthearted, fun, and thankfully doesn’t require seeing a dozen other movies to fully understand or appreciate.

The Phantom is available on Prime Video.

When it comes to inventions on Amazon, new ones drop every single day. To stay on top of the innovation would require hours of scrolling. But I’ve got you covered. Whether you’re in the market for a unique lamp you’ve never seen anywhere else, an animal-shaped towel to replace your bathroom linens, or a hack for remembering your keyboard shortcuts, these weird, new things are selling fast — because they’re that genius.

An insect trap that conquers the invasion

STEM Flying Insect Trap

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When fruit flies — or gnats, flies, or mosquitoes — take over the kitchen, it can feel impossible to reclaim your space from the invasion. This flying insect trap makes it easy and requires no hazardous chemicals. Plug it in near the fruit bowl, and a soft light attracts the bugs. When they fly near, they stick to the replaceable cartridge.

Charms to personalize your Kindle

Romukuku Kindle Charms (8 Pieces)

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If your Kindle is your go-to entertainment, make it your own with these cute Kindle charms. They plug into the charging port, adding some bling and preventing dust from getting into that small space, and shortening the life of your device. This is a pack of eight charms.

A fun birdcage lamp that’s cordless

JHY DESIGN Birdcage Decorative Lamp

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This birdcage decorative lamp is proof that creating layered lighting in your home does not have to be boring. The cage and birds create a charming vignette on a shelf, table, or hanging from a hook. And the birds light up, creating a soft pool of amber light that brightens your space without overwhelming you with harsh light. It’s battery-powered, so you can put it anywhere.

An extender for the sun visor in your car

Autioria Sun Visor Extender

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When you are driving into the sun, that little visor barely makes a dent in the glare. This visor extender protects your view no matter how bright the sun, letting you see without squinting. “I was getting headaches and feeling blinded all the time,” wrote one reviewer. “The glare is reduced immensely, and I can actually see the road.” It’s easy to install.

Can lids that preserve the carbonation

Hoimoto Silicone Soda Can Lids (6-Pack)

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Sometimes an entire can of soda or beer is too much. Do you skip it, soldier on through more than you need, or toss what you can’t drink? These silicone soda can lids give you another option. Open it. Drink what you want. And put a lid on it. It preserves the beverage — even the carbonation — so you can finish it later.

A bathroom towel that looks like a puppy

Generic Chenille Towel Ball

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Replace the hand towel in your bathroom with this adorable towel ball pup to add some charm to the space. It’s a better hand towel, too. The soft “fur” is made of a super absorbent microfiber that pulls water off your hands and then dries quickly. You will never have to dry your hands on a damp towel again.

A butterfly sconce that’s motion-activated

Eneru Battery Operated Wall Sconce Set of 2: 5000mAh Rechargeable Motion Sensor Night Light Wireless Wall Sconces Magnetic Closet Lights Stair Light Indoor Up and Down Wall Lamp for Bedroom Hallway

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This cute butterfly will quickly become your favorite lighting element. It looks like art but it’s a wall sconce that throws light in a pretty pattern above and below it when it senses motion nearby. It’s perfect for a dark hallway or bathroom. Since it’s rechargeable, you can put it anywhere. This is a pack of two.

A steel ball to chill your espresso & coffee

AIEVE Espresso Cooling Ball (2-Pack)

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Want to go from hot espresso to delicious iced coffee fast? Brew your next cup with this espresso cooling ball. It chills the coffee as it drips out of the machine, without diluting it. Freeze the stainless steel ball and set it over the cup as your machine works. It works with most brewers, including those that brew from pods.

Squeezable butter to calm your nerves

XQOQO Butter Squishy Fidget

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Calm your nerves and focus your mind by squeezing this squishy fidget that looks like a stick of butter. It works wonders on your fidgets and will make anyone who sees you doing it do a double-take. “It’s super soft, slow-rising, and really satisfying to squeeze,” wrote one reviewer. It comes in several colors.

A bowl that keeps the milk away from the crunch

Cinf Sectioned Cereal Bowl

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If you like your cereal crunchy or your snacks separated, this sectioned cereal bowl will quickly become your vessel of choice. Three sections keep the crackers away from the dip or the milk from sogging your crunch. “Genius!” wrote one reviewer. “I can keep my cereal separate from the milk, so it stays perfectly crunchy until the last bite. No more soggy cereal!”

A duck that steam cleans your oven

ECOGREDA Duck Microwave Steam Cleaner

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All it takes is one errant pasta dish, and the inside of your microwave looks like a crime scene. This microwave steam cleaner will sort that out easily, with no head-in-the-oven cleaning effort from you. Fill the little duck with vinegar and water, cook it for a few minutes, and wipe that scene clean. It looks hilarious while it’s working, too.

Glasses that make reading while lying down easy

Evelots Laying Down Reading Glasses

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Reading in bed — or when recovering from an injury — is much easier when you can see the book without holding it up over your head. These laying down reading glasses are the hack that lets you lie flat and still see the book or screen. “Do I look profoundly stupid wearing them?” wrote one reviewer. “Yes. Do I have a LOT less neck pain? Also yes.”

A shower loofah that scrubs your feet & looks so cute

Mavicen Loofah Shower Mat

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Transform your shower into a place of beauty and relaxation with this loofah shower mat. The pretty design perks up the bathroom. And the texture feels amazing underfoot. The grippy backing also prevents falls. “Great for scrubbing the bottom of your feet while you’re in the shower,” wrote one reviewer. There are lots of colors, patterns, and sizes to choose from.

A tiny door to hide outlets or tech

MaxForJoys Wooden Door Self-Adhesive Outlet Cover

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What’s behind that little door? Everyone in your home will wonder this, imagining a portal into a tiny world of Borrowers or cartoonish little mice. Eventually, they will succumb to curiosity and open the door, discovering your power outlets — or whatever you hid behind the outlet cover. “Adorable,” wrote one reviewer. “I adhered this to my wall to cover an ugly outlet, and now I have a whimsical little decor secret door instead.”

A retro smart watch charging stand

Juubu Arcade Machine Apple Watch Charger Stand

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Set your high-tech smart watch on this piece of retro tech from your childhood and marvel at how far we have all come. The charger stand looks adorable sitting on your bedside table as the original watch charger, mounted into the mini arcade, feeds the computer on your wrist the power it needs. “A nice throwback for us 80s and 90s babies,” wrote one reviewer.

A tool for making latte art

MHW-3BOMBER Latte Art Pen for Barista, Rosewood Coffee Art Pen for Latte, Cappuccino, Macchiato, Espresso Art Tool Barista Gift, CN5400R

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If you want to take your espresso art to the next level, it’s time to invest in the tools of the trade. This double-ended latte art pen lets you create precise and intricate art in the foam of your coffee beverages. The pen tip lets you paint accurately while the spoon end picks up milk. It’s made of rosewood and steel, so you will enjoy the work.

A tentacle handle to open the door

Marsrut Ergonomic Octopus Door Handle

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Add some deep-sea mystery to your home with this octopus door handle. One tentacle reaches out, offering the perfect grip to open that door or cabinet. “I installed it on a sliding barn door for our bathroom,” wrote one reviewer. “Such an upgrade! It has gotten many compliments.”

A vertical dispenser for storing your battery collection

Battery Ladder™ Vertical Battery Storage

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Turn your messy battery storage system into a dispenser that lets you grab and go without any un-packaging or confusion. Load new or freshly charged batteries into the top of this vertical battery storage rack and pull from the bottom. It’s easy to see when you need to restock, and you won’t wonder if the battery you are installing is used or new.

Invisible ink spy pens with decoder lights

Daemson Spy Invisible Ink Pens (Set of 3)

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With these invisible ink pens in your arsenal, you can write journal entries no one can read, leave spy missives that won’t be seen by the wrong eyes, and code secret messages to your allies. To see the writing, use the included light decoder. This is three pens, in three different colors, and three decoders.

A gym bag with a built-in yoga mat holder

sportsnew Yoga Mat Bag Tote Yoga Gym Bags For Women Men with Waterproof Wet Pocket & Hook-and-loop, Quick Access Storage Yoga Mat Bag Carrier, Gray Blue

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Organize your yoga gear into this yoga mat bag and head to class without the awkwardness of trying to carry your yoga mat under one arm. A clever hammock opens up to make it easy to get even a damp and sticky mat into it and disappears when you aren’t carrying a mat. It has water bottle pockets, interior pockets, and a waterproof exterior. Choose from a variety of colors and patterns.

A multi-tool that can perform all manner of small tasks

Nite Ize Doohickey Keychain Multi-Tool

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Your to-do list will quickly shrink if you are packing this doohickey key chain multi-tool that lets you tackle that loose screw, repair that cabinet, replace that switch plate, cut that twine, and execute that quick repair as you go through your day instead of jotting a note to do it when you have your tools. It is a screwdriver, ruler, bottle opener, wrench, serrated edge, and more.

A rain drum that makes magical music

INNOWARMER Rain Drum

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Set this rain drum on the deck and wait for rain to play beautiful rhythms on it. Or use the included drumsticks to play it yourself. “It sounds so beautiful when it rains!!” wrote one reviewer. It comes in a variety of sizes and colors, so you can hide them all over your garden.

An ice cream maker for everyday

DASH My Mug Ice Cream Maker Set

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Turn a bowl of fruit and yogurt — or berries and cream — into a delicious ice cream dessert with this ice cream maker set. Fill it with your creamy creation. Put on the lid. Push the button. And it will do the rest, turning the mixture until it is spoonably frozen. It makes a half pint. Choose from several colors.

Hat hangers to hold your entire collection

Mkono Hat Organizer for Baseball Caps (2-Pack)

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Hang your hat on this clever organizer for baseball caps. The hook hangs in your closet like any other hanger and handles your entire hat collection. It also works well for belts, scarves, and other items that are challenging to store. This is a pack of two.

A stained glass night-light to transform empty outlets

JandCase Stained Glass Night Light

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This stained glass night-light is the elevated version of the plug-in night-light. It looks pretty, gives off a warm, colorful glow, and adds a bit of stylish whimsy to the bathroom wall or wherever you plug it in. “The coolest nightlights you can buy!” wrote one reviewer. “Can't have enough of these beauties!” They are dimmable, and there are many styles to choose from.

An adorable snail that holds your plants

Creative Co-Op Stoneware Snail Planter

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Rehome a favorite plant into this stoneware snail planter, and it becomes a piece of functioning art. The snail is pretty, elegant, and charming. And the two-piece design lets water drain from the pot without harming your furniture. “Absolutely adorable,” wrote more than one reviewer.

A cooling neck ring so you can chill faster

mpac+ Neck Cooler Ice Ring

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When the weather is hot, don’t suffer. Pull on this neck cooler ice ring and let it lower your body temperature fast. Placing a cool cloth on the back of your neck is an ancient method for cooling down fast, and this frozen gel method is cooler and faster. Store it in the freezer so it’s always ready for hot days.

Locks to secure your zippered bags

Bobino Zipper Clips (2-Pack)

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Moving through a crowd while wearing a backpack is a lot safer if you clip these zipper clips together every time you close that bag. They lock the two zippers together, making it much harder for someone to cleverly unzip your bag and steal your valuables. “Just enough of a deterrent to discourage the crime of convenience,” wrote one reviewer.

This tool that peels eggs

Linden Sweden Egg Peeler (2-Pack)

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Why is getting the shell off a hard-boiled egg so difficult? This egg peeler simplifies the task with a gentle but just-sharp-enough spoon that removes the shell quickly, easily, and with little mess. It works well to skin avocados, too. “The magic wand for boiled eggs,” wrote one reviewer. This is a pack of two.

The butt of a Corgi for your car’s headrest

DS.DISTINCTIVE STYLE Corgi Butt Car Neck Pillow

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Add a cute visual to your car’s interior while providing a comfy place to rest your head. This Corgi butt car neck pillow is both funny and practical. It loops over the headrest and offers a cushy resting place for your neck. Everyone will get a laugh out of it.

A TP holder that attaches to the tank

Conworld Toilet Paper Holder

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This clever toilet paper holder taps space you never considered to store a stack of TP rolls. It hooks over the side of the toilet tank and holds several rolls right where you can reach them when you need them. “It keeps the toilet paper close at hand,” wrote one reviewer. It comes in lots of sizes and colors.

A stylish cutting board & workstation

SWSKR Acrylic Cutting Board

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This acrylic cutting board turns a piece of counter into a workstation that’s always ready to cut a piece of fruit or prep a meal. It looks sleek and stylish, won’t slide around — because it hooks over the corner of the counter — and is easy to clean. Pick the size and color that suits your space and enjoy a more functional kitchen.

Cards that lead to better memories

Happy Duo Best Friend Bucket List

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Tired of going to the same old places and doing the same old things? This Best Friend Bucket list card pack will help you mix it up. Grab a card based on how much time, money, and energy you have for your adventure and scratch-off each idea. “So much fun!” wrote one reviewer. “My besties and I now have a monthly get-together guided by these cards. No more just sitting and staring at each other.”

Disposable crevice tools for all of your cleaning projects

Lumkew Disposable Crevice Cleaning Brushes (40-Pack)

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Getting all those crevices and corners in your kitchen and bathroom clean feels impossible. But you don’t have to live with the mess creeping into the edges. This 40-pack of crevice cleaning brushes gets in there and gets rid of it. And they are disposable, so you can toss the mess instead of spending too much time cleaning a tiny brush.

An easy way to track your medications

Odaro Medicine Reminder (Set of 2)

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Forgetting to take your medications can be dangerous. So can actually double-dosing. If you aren’t ready for a weekly pill box, this medicine reminder is perfect. Stick it to the side of your pill bottle and flip the tab when you take a pill. You will see at a glance if you forgot or already took your dose.

A clever hack for perfect nail polish

Gellen Latex Tape for Nails

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This latex tape for nails is a genius trick for painting a perfect nail every time. Paint it on your finger, and it dries and turns to a white tape. Now you can paint your nails with polish as sloppily as you like. Then pull the tape off, and the polish that remains is perfection. “This saves so much time,” wrote one reviewer. “A miracle.”

A multi-tool that’s shaped like leaves

Aarmy Green Leaf Multi-Tool Key Chain (2-Pack)

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This leaf multi-tool is an elegant piece of bling you can attach to your key chain or bag to add a touch of personality. When you need to open a package, cut a thread, open an envelope, or cut a sandwich to share, though, it opens up to reveal a sharp blade that’s ready for any task.

Classic bathroom art with a sense of humor

ARPEOTCY Gold Framed Canvas Wall Art

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At first glance, this canvas wall art looks like a classic. But when you have just made a bad smell happen, you will look at it differently. Hang it in the bathroom to give people a laugh while decorating your space. If fart-joke mocking a Vermeer is not your thing, there are many other hilarious — and sincere — classic-looking paintings to choose from.

A customizable hair clips with charms

KitschPop ™ Hair Clips With Charm Sets

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Add a bit of bling to your next updo with these hair clips that have cute charms embedded into them. The charms snap in so you can change them to match your mood. This clip comes with seven charms that include gems, flowers, and bows. Choose from several options.

Colored crystal balls for moody lighting

KRISININE Crackled Crystal Chakra Lights

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This flight of crackled crystal chakra lights creates beautiful lighting. Each one glows a different color, making a magical, colorful display that illuminates your space. “They give an elegant, glamorous touch to my dining table!” wrote one reviewer. They would look great on a mantle or bathroom vanity, too.

A tablet stand that doubles as a snack bowl

Miledi Tablet Pillow Stand

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When the couch is your destination, pack this tablet pillow stand with a beverage, snacks, and your tablet. It will hold it all on your lap so you can focus on reading and relaxing. The stand adjusts to hold a phone or tablet, and the snack bowls are dishwasher safe.

Filters that turn the ceiling fan into an air purifier

Barnakl Ceiling Fan Air Purifier Pads (3-Pack)

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Clean the air in your living space without buying an expensive appliance. These ceiling fan air purifier pads use the ceiling fan that’s already spinning in space to capture airborne allergens, dust, and particles and trap them in activated coconut carbon. Replace them every few weeks to keep your indoor air cleaner and fresher.

A stained glass window film to mask an ugly view

WBQMUNY Stained Glass Window Film

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When the view out your window isn’t something you want to gaze at, or you are afraid someone out there is gazing in at you, stick this stained glass window film to the glass and turn that window into a piece of art that hides the view in both directions. It filters out UV light, too, which is an added bonus. There are many different botanical patterns to choose from.

Storage containers that are perfect for travel

Kigley Travel Storage Containers (4-Pack)

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Keep all the small items you want to travel with in these handy storage containers so they are easy to find and access. The snap-top containers in each set are all different colors, so you can identify the items you want before you open them. They are perfectly sized for cotton swaps, dental picks, jewelry, and other small items.

A motion-sensitive night-light you can place anywhere

YEELIGHT Motion Sensor Night-Light

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You can mount or place this clever night-light anywhere, and it will light up whenever someone enters that space. Stick it to the wall in a dark hallway. Attach it to the interior of a cupboard or closet. Stick it to the frame of your bed or inside the bathroom door. The rechargeable battery lasts for months on a charge.

A square pitcher that fits in the fridge door

SlimFit 2 Quart (2 Liter) pitcher with lid - Water jug for fridge door - Leakproof 64oz plastic pitcher with lid - Drink Container for Juice, Iced Tea, Coffee, BPA-Free Plastic, White

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Make a pitcher of iced tea, fruit-infused water, or whatever is on the menu today and stash it in the fridge in this slim, square water jug that fits neatly on a shelf in the door of your fridge. It snaps closed to keep your beverage fresh, has a handle to make pouring easy, and a wide top so that filling it is easy.

A cheat sheet desk pad for Excel users

Mirspt Waterproof Excel Cheat Sheet Desk Pad

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With this Excel cheat sheet under your mouse and keyboard, your spreadsheet skills will hit peak efficiency. “It covers nine major Excel function modules and includes common shortcuts, function explanations, and even FN key meanings,” wrote one reviewer. “Saves time and adds a touch of fun to your desk.”

A water tap for your desk or bedside table

Keweis Desktop Water Bottle Dispenser

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Bring the water to you with this desktop water bottle dispenser that puts a water tap right where you want it. Set a 5-gallon water bottle out of sight. Run a cord to this clever device. And you can now set a glass under the tap to get water delivered to your parched lips.

A clip-on fan so you always have a cool breeze

Ahuccf Portable Clip-On Fan

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Bring a cool breeze everywhere you go with this portable clip-on fan. It creates a breeze that helps cool you down without needing you to sit still or hold something in your hand. Clip it to a collar or belt, and it keeps the air moving around you. “It is great for a desk, nightstand, stroller, kitchen counter, or anywhere you need a little extra airflow,” wrote one reviewer.

A comfy wrist rest that’s as cute as a kitten

CityHermit Cat Wrist Rest

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This cute cat wrist rest is an effective ergonomic desk tool, but it is also adorable. The cat is a soft, squishy place to rest your wrist while you work, but don’t expect it to do any work. It’s a cat! There are also pigs, dogs, ducks, and other animals, though. “Soft, pliable, and very comfortable to rest my wrist on while typing away,” wrote one reviewer.

Edison bulb curtain lights that are remote controlled

YOLIGHT LED Curtain Lights

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Hang these stylish curtain lights in a window, against a wall, or as part of a holiday decor display. The tiny Edison bulbs throw beautiful, colored light and hang from delicate wires that become part of the mood. The LED lights are dimmable and capable of eight modes. And the dual power option lets you put them anywhere you like.

A door sign that lights up when it see you

LANDGOO Wooden Door Knob Night-Light

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Hang a sign on the bathroom, guest room, or somewhere in the kitchen to let people know they are welcome, should not enter, or how to prepare the tasty snack you left them. This doorknob night-light sign lights your missive so they won’t miss it. Use the included stickers or pen your own note. The rechargeable light turns on when it senses motion.

A tortilla bowl maker that’s easy to use

Nostalgia Taco Tuesday Tortilla Bowl Maker

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Whip up a tostada bowl snack with this tortilla bowl maker that toasts any tortilla into the shape of a bowl, crisping it so it holds salad, guacamole, or whatever you decide to fill it with. “It turns plain tortillas into perfectly crisp bowls in just a couple of minutes,” wrote one reviewer. “Great for taco salads, dips, desserts — basically anything you want to make cuter and crunchier.”

A fish tank night-light that you don’t have to clean

Linda’s Essentials Fake Fish Tank Night Light

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Longing for a fish tank but not ready for the work, expense, or commitment? This fish tank night-light gets you most of the way there with none of the effort. Fake fish swim in the light, creating a relaxing underwater movement scenario. Yet, you can turn it off and go on vacation. “Calming,” wrote one reviewer. “Something [...] to look at without having to clean it or feed the fish.”

A kitchen hack for fast baked potatoes

MyLifeUNIT Microwave Potato Bag

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Here is a kitchen hack you will use often. Put raw potatoes in this microwave potato bag, and you can have baked potatoes in minutes. Stick them in the oven, too, if you like. Either way, you get delicious baked potatoes without waiting the hour or more required to bake them. “I can cook two large potatoes in five minutes,” wrote one reviewer. “The texture [...] is the same as if it were oven-baked.”

Magnetic birds that land on your door hinges

WallerTree Sparrow Hinge Heads (3-Pack)

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Inserting tiny moments of whimsy into secret corners of your home is a chore that will make you smile for years to come. These magnetic sparrow hinge heads fit perfectly on a door hinge, waiting to catch your eye and boost your mood. “Who knew the world needed hinge magnets?” wrote one reviewer. “They are so darn cute! Just a fun little surprise in any room.”

A bra hanger to stash them all

Resovo Bra Hanger

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Storing bras and other strappy garments is a space-eating hassle. Instead of devoting an entire drawer to bras, hang them from this bra hanger. Its 20 hooks hold your entire collection — in the space of one hanger — so you can see them all at once. It makes it easy to hang these garments to dry, too.

Solar-powered globe lights for outdoor illumination

Beautyard Solar Globe Lights (Set of 2)

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These solar globe lights will quickly become your favorite outdoor lighting. The crackled glass gives the light a warm, cozy vibe that makes patio gatherings feel intimate. They require nothing once you choose a spot for them. And they throw enough light to illuminate a meal or a path. This is a set of two.

Support patches for floppy earrings

Lobe Wonder Ear Lobe Support Patches (60-Pack)

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You don’t have to give up your favorite earrings because they pull, droop, or flop. These ear lobe support patches are like a push-up bra for your lobes. Stick one to the back of your ear, and that earring will hang perfectly. “I can even wear hoop earrings now,” wrote one reviewer. This is a pack of 60.

A duck to handle soaps & sponges

Fewile Ceramic Duck Soap Dish

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Set this adorable duck soap dish next to the sink and drop a sponge or bar of soap into it. Not only does it charm the place up, but it manages the water runoff beautifully, sending the soap and sponge water back into the sink. “So cute!” wrote one reviewer. “Drains perfectly!”

A handy holder for your shower beer or seltzer

SipCaddy Bath Suction Cupholder

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It’s possible that, for a beer drinker, there is no greater pleasure than sipping a cold one in the shower after a summer day at the beach or in the yard. This suction cup holder makes that pleasure more convenient — and safer. Stick it to the wall, and you can set that shower beer down while you lather up or shave. You can also use it for your favorite seltzer or soda. “Best thing since sliced bread,” wrote one reviewer.

A laser measuring tool that’s shockingly precise

HOTO Laser Distance Measure Tool

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Put down the tape measure! This laser distance measure tool is accurate and easy. Instead of dragging a tape across the room, it shoots a laser beam and tells you the distance on its stylish, muted screen. And you will never forget that measurement, either, if you connect it to the phone app to store all your data. “A game-changing gadget for quick and accurate measurements,” wrote one reviewer.

Mushrooms to hide your ugly toilet bolt caps

ZUNON Toilet Bolt Caps (2-Pack)

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Instead of ugly, corroded, and dirty bolts at the base of your toilet, plant these adorable toilet bolt caps that make it look like festive mushrooms are growing there. It adds a pop of color while hiding those necessary but impossible-to-clean bolts. There are also turtles, several varieties of sea life, and other cute fauna to choose from.

Tentacles that reach out of your plants

KH866 Octopus Plant Stakes (7 Pieces)

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Add some kraken to your house plants with these cute octopus plant stakes that reach up out of the fronds as if a buried cephalopod is trying to escape the pot. It’s adorable during the day. And when it’s dark, it glows. Stick all seven tentacles in one plant or disperse them throughout your windowsill.

A climbing gnome that can scale your house

Generic Hanging Gnome Garden Statue

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Creating stories that unfold in your garden is delightful fun. Why is this hanging garden gnome climbing that tree or the side of your house? You can fill in the details with your imagination. Fit him into vines, suspend him from the window frame, or let him scale a fence. There are several gnomes to choose from.

At a glance, the 2015 SyFy reboot of 12 Monkeys is a dark, depressing series. In the 2040s, most of the world’s population has been wiped out by a plague, and in Season 2, our various heroes are either constantly betraying each other or bickering about which time travel mission is the right one to pursue. But, for those who know and love the show, the truth is 12 Monkeys is actually filled with a ton of hope. And as the series goes along, several of the bigger arcs tend to play out along similar lines: Something that seemed deeply sad could contain an optimistic twist.

Ten years ago, on June 6, 2016, 12 Monkeys dropped its eighth episode in Season 2, titled “Lullaby.” Written by future Star Trek: Picard Season 3 writer Sean Tretta, “Lullaby” is a bittersweet, clever time-loop story that, even for sci-fi fans who have never seen 12 Monkeys, is essential viewing. This episode contains the best of Doctor Who and Star Trek, with its own quirky 12 Monkeys magic. Here’s why 10 years later it's worth your time, and is not a bad introduction to 12 Monkeys as a whole.

Spoilers ahead.

Under the guidance of showrunner Terry Matalas — the maestro behind Picard Season 3 in 2023, and Marvel’s Vision Quest, coming later in 2026 — 12 Monkeys Season 2 was full of subtle reboots, all of which expanded the scope of the show, without making it seem like anything had been drastically changed. Instead of just trying to prevent a massive plague via time travel, Season 2 also made it clear that the villains of the show were trying to unravel time itself. Complete with a new location from which to launch various missions, 12 Monkeys Season 2 was on a run of incredible episodes by the time it got to Episode 8. The premise of this was fairly simple: Dr. Katarina Jones (Barbara Sukowa) is so depressed by everything that’s happened that she wants to send Cassie (Amanda Schull) back to 2020, to prevent time travel from being invented in the first place. In order to do this, Jones wants Cassie to murder her younger self.

Already, the audience knows that there’s probably no way the episode is just going to end with Cassie accomplishing her mission: If Jones is murdered in the past, that would mean that time travel couldn’t exist in the future...meaning Cassie could never be sent back in the first place. Along with Cole (Aaron Stanford), we’re back in 2020, at the Spearhead facility, where Jones lost her very young daughter to what she believed, at the time, was the plague. Jones is shot by Cassie, and then...time resets itself.

As Cassie and Cole learn, thanks to a contemporary version of Jennifer Goines (Emily Hampshire), the flow of spacetime seems like “Jones the way she is,” hence the time loop. Murdering Jones to prevent time travel from getting invented is not an option, and a paradox that simply results in putting Cole and Cassie in a loop. Jones has to lose her daughter, Hannah, and in that grief, has to invent time travel and put everything back on track.

Unless, of course, Jones only has to believe that she lost her daughter. During the various loops, Cassie realizes that Hannah does not have the dreaded plague and has a treatable illness. And so, Cole and Cassie rescue Hannah and bring the child to live with Jennifer and her kooky nomad “Daughters,” who, in the future, are allies of Project Splinter and a well-armed militia, fighting against the Army of the 12 Monkeys. In the present, Jones is reunited with the adult Hannah (Brooke Williams), whom Jennifer had named “Zeit” in the intervening years.

The twist is both heartbreaking and brilliant, and represents the unique brand of optimism that runs through 12 Monkeys. While not initially apparent, 12 Monkeys is actually an intergenerational family epic, but with a timey-wimey spin. While not fully revealed yet, Season 2 eventually reveals the identity of the Witness, the architect of the time-travel schemes and the plague, and in that revelation, it appears, at first, that there’s a family connection. Revealing that Jones’ daughter is alive and well in the present also gives one of the primary heroes of the show much-needed hope in the face of constant setbacks and defeats. And, this detail also sets up an even bigger family twist in Season 4.

But even outside of the tapestry of the show’s complex crisscrossing timelines, “Lullaby” is simply a perfect time-loop sci-fi story. The reasons for the time loop are small, character-based, and realistic. The time loop isn’t played for laughs, and discovering a way out of the loop is devoid of cynicism or any cheating on the part of the writing. It’s a life-affirming twist, which elevates the show’s stakes and lets the audience know that no matter what happens, the biggest surprises are sometimes the most hopeful ones.

12 Monkeys streams on Prime Video.

To find those weird gadgets that handymen rely on but that you’ve never heard of, you have to ask the experts. So we polled contractors, tradespeople, and the people everyone calls when something needs fixing, and it turns out the gadgets and tools below are some of these odd heroes. From unique attachments to your drills to a cool laser measuring tool, these weird things for your home that are life-changing, and professional handymen swear by them.

Self-Leveling Crack Filler That Creates A Waterproof Seal

DAP Liquid Cement Crack Filler

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“A self-leveling crack filler is easy to apply and creates a waterproof seal that keeps moisture out,” says Aaron Lipman, owner of Two Brothers Foundation Repair. He warns that “Cracks in driveways, patios, or garage floors may seem minor, but they allow water to seep in, leading to erosion and foundation issues.” Luckily, “homeowners who use this early on can avoid expensive concrete repairs down the road.” After being set, it only takes between 30 and 45 minutes to be foot-traffic-ready.

Tiny Magnets That Make Every Door Feel Custom-Built

Jiayi Magnetic Door Catch Closer

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“These are great for enhancing functionality and provide a polished finish to all types of doors, from cabinets to closet doors,” says Jamie Robinson, home improvement expert at Value Doors.

These ultra-thin magnetic catches are just 3.65 millimeters thick but pack 10 pounds of holding power—enough to keep drawers, cabinets, and even wardrobe doors shut tight. The adhesive backing saves you from drilling, but screws are included if you want a more permanent hold. With corrosion-resistant metal construction and a low-profile design, they’re a sleek, no-fuss upgrade that makes everything feel more secure and intentional.

Surprisingly Handy Rubber Trim You’ll Reach for Again & Again

Protalwell Rubber Edge Trim

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Tyler Hull, a professional contractor with Modern Exterior, likes to keep a collection of rubber edge trim in his kit. “Homeowners never think of them,” he says. But they are useful in a variety of situations, and once you have them on hand, you will use them often. “I use them as anti-scratch guards behind wall hangings, bumpers on drawers, even as noise dampeners on vibrating outdoor vents.” They come in 39 sizes.

The Magic Sponge That Can Save You From Painting

BAISENJIE Magic Sponge Cleaning Erasers (50-Pack)

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For James A., an L.A.-based tasker with Airtasker, there is one cheap tool he takes to every job: “Magic erasers,” he says. “They clean up wall scuffs, doors, baseboards… stuff people usually think needs repainting. Total time-saver.” This pack of 50 cleaning erasers is so affordable and ample that you can toss one of these wonders into every cleaning kit you have stashed around the house.

Refillable paint pens that keeps leftover paint fresh

Slobproof Refillable Paint Pens (5-Pack)

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Josh Mitchell, HVAC technician and owner of airconditionerlab.com, says, “This refillable paint pen is my go-to for fixing wall chips. Instead of dragging out a roller and tray, I just store leftover paint inside the pen and do quick touch-ups when needed. It’s clean, quick, and makes those small scuffs disappear.” Just twist its base to release the perfect amount of paint every time, without any mess. Five arrive per pack, and they’re also reusable.

Soft-Close Hinges You Can Put Everywhere

Chibery Soft-Close Concealed European Hinges (10-Pack)

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A hidden gem home upgrade? Installing soft-close hinges. “[Put] soft-close hinges on cabinets and drawers,” says James A., an L.A.-based tasker with Airtasker. “Super simple to install, but they make your kitchen or bathroom feel way more upgraded.” This pack of 10 will do most of your kitchen cabinets and they are adjustable and come with screw covers for a professional finish.

Lights You Can Put Anywhere

EZVALO Motion Sensor Under-Cabinet Puck Lights (6-Pack)

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“Magnetic under-cabinet lights with sensors are a cool lighting option,” says Gowdhaman Kandasamy, manager of Ironsmith Lighting. “They are simple to set up and give you hands-free light in places like kitchens and closets.” These puck lights, for example, stick magnetically to metal or to the included peel-and-stick metal plate. You choose a color and brightness and set them to turn on when they sense motion or when it is dark. They turn off automatically. Pull them off their metal base to recharge them.

This Inspection Camera For Looking Behind Walls

MugEasy Endoscope Inspection Camera with Light

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“One [tool] I always suggest is a flexible inspection camera with a light,” says Keen, a construction expert, contractor, and owner of Keen's Building. “It’s cheap, it’s tiny, and it saves you from tearing open drywall just to figure out what’s causing a weird smell or leak. You can snake it behind walls, under floors, inside drains, and find the problem fast. It’s the kind of tool that pays for itself the first time you avoid a messy demo.” You can adjust the brightness with the touch of a button, and it comes with several clever accessories that let you look around corners and move things out of the way.

The Leak Alarm That Stops Water Damage

Flood Buzz Water Leak Detector (3-Pack)

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A small water leak in a place you don’t notice it happening can do a lot of damage before you even realize there is a problem. This leak detector will buzz loudly as soon as water appears under a water heater, plumbing, or AC unit — or wherever you place it — so you can deal with the problem before it multiplies. “Water leak detectors will not only protect your home but also add value to it,” says Jim Marino, home improvement expert and CEO at Pinnacle Home Improvements. This is a pack of three.

A Faucet Gadget Outsmarts Freezing Temps Automatically

Blue Penguin Outdoor Faucet Freeze Protector

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Guss Pullen owner of PURE Maintenance of Texas, recommends a Freeze Miser, aka an outdoor faucet freeze protection device. This “monitors the temperature, and dripping activates at 37 degrees [Fahrenheit].” He says this removes the worry of “turning on and off outdoor spigots to drip during freezing weather.”

Unlike those foam covers or makeshift fabric wraps, the Freeze Miser kicks in exactly when temps drop near freezing—no guesswork required. Built from brass, stainless steel, and cold-resistant polypropylene, it’s designed to prevent outdoor faucets and pipes from freezing, no matter how brutal the weather gets. It’s a hands-off, stress-free solution that keeps things flowing when winter wants to shut everything down.

This Tape That Can Fix Any Leak

Gaffer Power Clear Butyl Waterproof Repair Tape

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“One surprising product I always keep in my kit is clear butyl tape,” says Ahmad Faiz, owner of Achilles Roofing and Exterior. This versatile, waterproof clear patch and seal tape can stop any leak, even if that leak is happening underwater. “Most people associate it with RV repairs or window sealing,” he says. “But it’s incredibly useful for quick, watertight fixes on flashing, gutters, skylights, and roof vents. It holds strong under heat and moisture, and it’s saved more than a few emergency service calls from turning into full replacements.”

This Crazy Cheap Tool That Clears Clogs Without Harsh Chemicals

Zip-It Hair Clog Remover (3-Pack)

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“I’ve used the Zip-It on countless jobs, it’s a lifesaver for pulling out hair clogs fast and beats chemicals every time,” says Chris Anderson, licensed master plumber and owner of Honey Bear Plumbing in Tennessee.

This 25-inch clog remover is made from a tough, flexible poly material that snakes deep into drains—even through bends and traps—to yank out hair and gunk without damaging pipes. It’s reusable, chemical-free, and takes about 30 seconds to use. Whether it’s your shower, sink, or laundry drain, this is the no-nonsense fix every homeowner should have tucked under the bathroom sink.

The Easiest Way To Install A Backsplash

Art3d Subway Tiles (10-Pack)

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“Not everyone has the budget to install a backsplash,” says Jim Marino, home improvement expert and CEO at Pinnacle Home Improvements. “Peel and stick backsplash tiles can work wonders. When you buy quality peel-and-stick backsplash and apply it correctly, it’s hard to tell you just stuck it on there.” You can choose from so many colors and styles, too, that your inexpensive update will be fun and have a huge impact.

This Weird Measuring Stick

ezwoodshop Extendable Measuring Stick Tool

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One handyman on Reddit, Bulldogg658, loves this measuring stick tool. They let you measure in hard-to-reach places and leave the measure in place so you can see the dimensions as you work. It extends to 47 inches and includes an add-on that extends its reach to 94 inches. It also comes with a small version for measuring spaces that are 3 to 8 inches.

This Stud Finder That Does Half The Work

The StudBuddy® Magnetic Stud Finder Tool

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One staple in most toolboxes? “A magnetic stud finder with a built-in level,” says Kevin Keen, a construction expert, contractor, and owner of Keen's Building. “It never fails. And it’s way better than the battery-powered ones that beep at everything. The magnet locks right onto screws or nails in drywall, and the level helps you mark your lines without grabbing another tool. It's simple but surprisingly effective, especially when you're doing quick installs or hanging heavy objects.” Just run it along the wall until it sticks and leave it there so you know where the studs are.

The Caulk Caps That Prevent A Mess

Zonon Caulk Caps (35 Pieces)

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These little caulk caps are small, cheap, and weird, but they will save you money and frustration. “People never reseal tubes right, and the caulk dries out,” says Tyler Hull, a professional contractor with Modern Exterior. “These little caps make it last four times longer, which means your $5 tube of caulk actually finishes five projects instead of one. It saves cash and mess.” No more opening the toolbox to fix something, only to discover you need to run to the hardware store for more caulk.

A Tiny Toolkit That Saves Big Repair Headaches

THOSAF Damaged Screw Extractor

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“This set saves you from frustrating repair jobs and prevents potential damage to surfaces by providing a reliable solution for extracting problematic screws,” says Josh Riutta, owner of Mikku and Sons Roofing in Arizona.

Stripped screws don’t stand a chance against this high-speed steel extractor set. Made with hardened titanium, these six tools work with most drills and can tackle damaged screws or bolts from 3 to 12 millimeters. Just drill, reverse, and pop it out—no slipping, no swearing. It’s the kind of tool you don’t think you need… until you really, really do.

A Bendy Drill Bit Extension

Guyuyii Flexible Drill Bit Extension (2 Pieces)

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“One product that sounds like a gimmick but is actually incredibly handy for basic home repair is a flexible snaking drill bit,” says Bar Zakheim, CEO of Better Place Design & Build. This is a drill bit extension that bends to reach around corners or into spaces your hands and drill won’t fit. “These are perfect for getting those awkwardly-placed screws in just the right place or drilling an essential hole for hanging shelves or pictures,” he says. They come in four options.

This Clever Way To Route Water Away From The House

HAHOME Rain Gutter Downspout Extensions (2-Pack)

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One quick fix that will save your house? Ahmad Faiz, owner of Achilles Roofing and Exterior recommends focusing on the gutters and making sure you have downspout extensions. “It’s not expensive, but it prevents foundation damage, siding rot, and mold. Most homeowners underestimate the long-term damage caused by poor drainage.” These flexible rain gutter downspout extensions are easy to attach to your downspouts and allow you to move the water to a swale, low spot, or something that is at least further away from your foundation.

The Measuring Tape That Uses Lasers

BOSCH GLM100-23 100 Ft Blaze Laser Distance Measure

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You do not have to crawl under the furniture, ask someone to hold the other end of a tape, or pace the room trailing a tape measure to measure a space, according to Ahmad Faiz, owner of Achilles Roofing and Exterior. “[Get] a simple laser measure,” he says. “It’s compact, fast, and saves time when scoping out roofing dimensions, soffits, or fascia board lengths. Accuracy saves money, and this little tool eliminates guesswork.” Faiz recommends Bosch’s laser measures, and this Blaze laser distance measure is capable of measuring distances up to 100 feet.

This Moldable Glue That Fixes Anything

Sugru Moldable Glue (3-Pack)

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“Sugru moldable glue is one of those products more people should know about,” according to Thomas Oldham, construction expert and co-founder of UK Construction Blog. “It sticks to almost anything, sets into flexible rubber, and is brilliant for fixing frayed cables, patching awkward corners, or adding small bumpers to doors and cupboards. It holds up well indoors and out.” It comes in six colors.

Outdoor faucet covers to keep pipes from freezing

Hometopia Outdoor Faucet Cover (2-Pack)

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Allison Harrison, co-owner of Goodbee Plumbing in New Orleans, says, “Outdoor faucet covers are so helpful for homeowners for keeping your pipes from freezing in the winter. There are usually always a couple of shoulder-season freezes every year... and a few dollars can save you from a very expensive problem in the future.”

Emergency Fixes Are No Match for This Magic Tape

Nashua Stretch & Seal Self-Fusing Silicone Tape

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“This tape is exceptionally useful for quickly repairing pipes, hoses, and even electrical connections, making it an essential item for any homeowner, particularly for temporary roof repairs during emergencies,” says Josh Riutta, owner of Mikku and Sons Roofing in Arizona.

Made from 100% silicone, this self-fusing tape sticks only to itself—no adhesives, no mess—creating an instant airtight and waterproof seal. It holds up under extreme pressure (up to 700 psi) and wild temperature swings from -65 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Use it on everything from radiator hoses to outdoor wiring to tool grips. No residue, no cleanup—just wrap, seal, and move on.

One Socket to Rule All the Random Bolts

RAK Universal Socket Tool

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“Imagine the ease of using a single socket that effortlessly grips nearly any nut or bolt, saving you the time and hassle of rummaging through your toolbox for the correct size,” says Brendan Anderson, founder of Brix Systems Roofing in Montana.

This universal socket tool adapts on the fly with 54 spring-loaded steel pins that conform to standard and metric sizes—no switching required. It fits nuts, bolts, hooks, and even odd shapes, covering everything from 3/4-inch to 7-millimeter fasteners. Built from hardened stainless steel, it’s a time-saving essential for pros and casual fixers alike.

A Smart Tape Measure That Thinks for You

PREXISO 2-in-1 Laser Tape Measure

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“Takes the guesswork out of measuring. It's easy to read and also useful if someone isn't confident reading the exact measurement on a regular tape measure,” says Gus Pullen, owner of PURE Maintenance of Texas.

This 2-in-1 digital tape measure combines a manual 16-foot tape with a 135-foot laser measure for precision you can trust—accurate to within 1/8 inch. With six laser modes (including area, volume, and Pythagorean measurements), a backlit display, and a magnetic hook for stability, it's ideal for home projects or large spaces. Rechargeable via USB-C, it's made for anyone who wants clear numbers without the squinting.

A Surprisingly Clever Fix for Slamming Doors & Wall Dings

Rubber Door Stoppers for Bottom of Door - Door Stop Wedge with Holder for Home Office Stackable on Multi Floor Carpet Concrete Tile Linoleum & Wood Heavy Duty Doorstop No Sliding Drilling Black

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“It might sound like a no-brainer, but this simple tool can prevent a lot of damage,” says Andriy Boyko, handyman and owner of A.O. Handy, Inc. in Wisconsin. “Whether it’s stopping doors from slamming or protecting your walls from dents, this rubber door stopper does a great job at keeping things in place without much fuss.”

This heavy-duty rubber door stopper grips tight on nearly any surface—tile, carpet, hardwood, concrete—and works with door gaps from 0.1 to 2.6 inches. Its stacked wedge design adds serious staying power, while an adhesive wall holder keeps it stored neatly when not in use. No drilling, no hassle—just less noise and fewer surprise repairs.

The Marker That Fixes Damaged Furniture

Minwax 63487000 Wood Finish Stain Marker

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When it comes to floors and furniture, cosmetic damage can be costly to repair. But you don’t necessarily have to do a full repair, according to Gowdhaman Kandasamy, manager of Ironsmith Lighting. “If you have some scratches, try using Minwax scratch fix pens,” he says. “They're great for covering up marks on wood surfaces like floors, cabinets, or furniture. They're simple to use and give you quick and lasting results.” Choose a wood finish stain marker that matches the color of your wood and simply color over the blemish. They come in eight colors.

This Wristband That Holds Your Parts

RAK Magnetic Wristband

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Taking a few minutes to prepare your tools before you start a job can save you a lot of hassle in the execution. “As an example, magnetic wristbands designed to hold screws will save you tons of time and frustration by keeping what you need in an easy-access way,” says Jim Marino, home improvement expert and CEO at Pinnacle Home Improvements. Strap this magnetic wristband on, stick your nuts, bolts, screws, and drill bits to it, and go into your job ready.

The Easy Way To Hang Pictures & Mirrors

Command Damage Free Hanging Strips (20-Pack)

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“I also rate 3M Command strips for small jobs,” says Thomas Oldham, construction expert and co-founder of UK Construction Blog. “They’re stronger than you’d think and ideal for situations where you can’t or don’t want to drill. I’ve used them to hold LED strips under cabinets and to mount tools and remotes exactly where I need them.” They are affordable and easy to use, too. Choose the size you need for your application from this pack of 20 hanging strips and peel and stick it where you need it.

This Magnetic Pickup Tool With A Light

RAK Magnetic Pickup Tool with LED Flashlight

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“A telescopic magnetic pickup tool might sound niche, but it’s one of the most practical things I own,” says Thomas Oldham, construction expert and co-founder of UK Construction Blog. “It makes it easy to retrieve screws or bits from tight, hidden spaces without having to dismantle anything.” This one has magnets built into both the light — for picking up dropped tools and keys — and the base — for sticking it to a metal surface so you can use it as a task light. The telescoping head reaches 22 inches, and the gooseneck end bends in whatever direction you like.

The Adhesive That Can Fix Anything

Liquid Nails Interior Projects Latex Construction Adhesive

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“Honestly, [I swear by] a really good tube of construction adhesive or Liquid Nails,” says Kevin Vander Hyde, Vice President of Vander Hyde Services. “People typically think of it for holding wood, but it's surprising how many wobbly pieces of furniture, loose tiles, or even minor cracks you can stabilize and reinforce. It's like super-glue's big, burly cousin for permanent fixes, often saving you from a bigger repair down the line.” It is paintable, sustainable, sand-able, and weather resistant.

The Carpet & Tile Tape That Does Much More Than That

All Flooring Now Heavy-Duty Carpet Tile Tape

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“One thing I use more than you'd think is double-sided outdoor carpet tile tape,” says Kevin Keen, a construction expert, contractor, and owner of Keen's Building. “It’s incredibly useful for quick fixes, like keeping loose tiles or baseboards from shifting while you're working, or even temporarily securing cords or edging during exterior upgrades. It holds better than painter’s tape and doesn’t leave residue like some construction adhesives. It’s just one of those things you throw in the toolbox and end up reaching for a lot more than you planned.” It comes in six sizes and lengths.

A Spray Bottle You Will Use For Much More Than Paint

Munyonyo Garden Pump Sprayer

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“Those refillable pressurized spray cans,” says Kevin Keen, a construction expert, contractor, and owner of Keen's Building. “They’re not just for paint. I’ve used them for pest control mixtures, cleaning solutions, even applying light oil to hinges or metal joints in sheds and outdoor structures. They give you a controlled spray without needing an air compressor. I always keep a couple around.” This garden pump sprayer is perfect for this. It has an adjustable spray, a big handle, and it comes in three sizes.

A Dimmer Switch

MOES Dimmer Light Switch

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“Swapping out old light switches for dimmer switches or motion-sensor switches makes a big impact for not a lot of cash,” says Kevin Keen, a construction expert, contractor, and owner of Keen's Building. “It adds convenience, modernizes the space, and can help cut down energy use, especially in rooms like closets or hallways where lights are often left on. You don’t need an electrician if you’re comfortable with basic wiring, and it changes how a space feels right away.” This dimmer light switch has both a toggle and a dimmer. It comes in white or black.

A Rotating Clamp Lamp So You Have Light Wherever You Need It

Easymaxx LED Rechargeable Work Light with Clamp

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“You’ll often find yourself working in dark corners, under cabinets, or in cramped spaces,” says Andriy Boyko, handyman and owner of A.O. Handy, Inc. in Wisconsin. That’s why he swears by this LED clamp-on work light, which “shines a bright light exactly where you need it.” With 2100 lumens, a 270-degree swivel head, a magnetic base, and a USB charger, “it’s like having an extra pair of hands that hold a flashlight for you.”

A Cordless Scrubber That Saves Your Back & Your Weekend

HiCOZY Electric Spin Scrubber Set (7 Pieces)

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“Scrubbing can be a pain, especially when you're trying to clean tile grout or bathroom surfaces,” says Andriy Boyko, handyman and owner of A.O. Handy, Inc. in Wisconsin. That’s why he recommends this electric spin scrubber, which “takes all the elbow grease out of cleaning.” It runs at up to 400 RPM, tackles grime with four interchangeable brushes, and has a retractable handle so you’re not hunched over your tub. “It’s fast and effective, especially for tough stains,” he says. Bonus: it’s waterproof, quiet, and lasts up to two hours on a single charge. Your knees will thank you.

This Motion-Sensing Light Switch

TOPGREENER Motion Sensor Light Switch

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This motion sensor light switch is the perfect fix for light switches that are difficult to locate in the dark or for rooms — like a laundry room — where you often enter carrying bulky items that make it hard to flip a switch. It senses when you are there and turns on the lights. When there is no motion, because you left the room, it turns the lights off again. It comes in six colors.

The Outlet Covers That Update Your Place Fast

DEWENWILS Duplex Outlet Covers (2-Pack)

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“If someone wants to make a quick improvement without spending much,” says Thomas Oldham, construction expert and co-founder of UK Construction Blog, “I’d recommend updating the light switches and socket covers. Modern styles in matte or brushed finishes make a room feel more considered, and the cost is minimal for the impact it has.” These outlet covers, for example, are only a few dollars each, and they elevate the look of your space well above the builder-grade covers that are likely there now. You will find covers for all your light switches to match, too.

An Electric Toothbrush For Cleaning Grout & Fixtures

Aquasonic Electronic Toothbrush (10-Piece Set)

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“An electric toothbrush is one of the most unexpectedly useful tools I keep on hand,” says Thomas Oldham, construction expert and co-founder of UK Construction Blog. “It works especially well for cleaning grout lines, reaching behind taps and fixtures, or even applying polish to intricate furniture detailing. The precision you get from the vibrating head beats most brushes designed specifically for cleaning.” You don’t have to spring for an expensive one. This electronic toothbrush is affordable and comes with eight spare heads and a carrying case.

Markers & Crayons That Repair Damaged Wood

Katzco Furniture Repair Kit Wood Markers - Set of 34 - Markers and Wax Sticks with Sharpener - for Stains, Scratches, Floors, Tables, Desks, Carpenters, Bedposts, Touch-Ups, Cover-Ups

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“If you have scuffs on any wood in your home, touch-up pens work like a dream,” says Jim Marino, home improvement expert and CEO at Pinnacle Home Improvements. In this furniture repair kit, use the markers to draw over water marks, light scratches, and discoloration. Use the crayons to fill in deeper gouges. You might have to get creative and mix colors to match your floor or furniture, but the results are so good that no one will know that blemish was ever there.

A Dental Tool Kit That Will Save The Day

G.CATACC Dental Pick & Tools Set

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“You’d be amazed at how some simple things you may already have in your home can be used,” says Jim Marino, home improvement expert and CEO at Pinnacle Home Improvements. “Dental picks are something that comes to my mind as they’re excellent, not to mention handy, for detailed cleaning.” Whether it’s your phone charger port, a clogged drain, or a jammed window, the tweezers, mirror, and variety of scrapers in this dental pick set will help you out of many a jam. It comes in a case, and you can choose from eight case colors.

This Weather-Stripping Tool Set

LYASILGC Screen Repair Tool Set (6 Pieces)

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“Weather stripping helps keep your home energy efficient, but it can come up for a multitude of reasons,” says Jim Marino, home improvement expert and CEO at Pinnacle Home Improvements. He recommends keeping a screen repair tool set like this one on hand for the moments when screens or weather stripping need maintenance. “Having a simple tool like this can make the fix much easier and quicker,” he says. A combination of specialized tools, like the screen roller and crevice hook, helps you get materials into and out of those tight spaces easily. And it’s helpful to have a pair of scissors handy.

A Silicone Spatula

DI ORO Mini Spatula - Small Spatulas Silicone Heat-Resistant up to 600°F - Silicone Kitchen Scraper for Baking & Cooking BPA Free - Mixing Spatula Dishwasher Safe - Nonstick Cookware Safe (Red)

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Another oddity James A., an L.A.-based tasker with Airtasker keeps in his tool kit? “A silicone kitchen spatula,” he says. “Sounds weird, but it’s perfect for smoothing out caulk or sealant in tight spots like around sinks or tubs.” These small spatulas are bright and easy to find in a tool kit and small enough that they won’t be unwieldy on the job. They come in seven colors.

The Laser Level That Makes Straight Lines

Laser Level 360 Self Leveling Red Line Laser Level Tool Wall Suction Stand Receiver 100ft Line Laser for Picture Hanging Outdoor Rechargeable Battery

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If you are hanging pictures or shelves, though, you want a pro hack that makes this fast and easy. According to James A., an L.A.-based tasker with Airtasker, that trick is a laser level. “The cheap ones on Amazon are surprisingly accurate,” he says. “I use mine constantly for hanging shelves, mounting TVs, you name it.” It shoots a straight line at the wall that you can use as a guide so you can hang that picture or shelf straight without a lot of measuring.

A Heat Gun For So Many Jobs

SEEKONE Heat Gun

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“A heat gun is a weird but useful gadget for home repairs,” according to Robert O'Sullivan, owner and roofing contractor at Ranch Roofing Inc. “It works great for loosening old paint, thawing frozen pipes, or even warming up shingles so they seal better during repairs.” This one comes with four attachments for controlling the heat concentration and allows you to control the temperature with a dial.

This Powerful Multi-Tool

Hammerhead 2.2-Amp Oscillating Multi-Tool

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“One Amazon product I use all the time is an oscillating multi-tool,” says Robert O'Sullivan, owner and roofing contractor at Ranch Roofing Inc. “It’s incredibly useful for cutting, sanding, and scraping in tight spots — perfect for quick repairs or tricky corners.” This one has attachments for sawing, sanding, trimming, or grinding, and the variable speed controls let you dial in the oscillation for your current task.

A Headlamp So You Can See Hands-Free

GearLight Rechargeable Headlamp

When you are working on repairs or installations, the urge to scream “Can someone hold a light for me!?” happens often. There is an easier way, according to Redditors who know. One Redditor, Bright-Log6486, recommends “a headlamp. It’s amazing how much easier it makes things not having to hold a flashlight and frees up both hands.” This is a pack of two rechargeable headlamps that are adjustable and capable of seven colors of light, so you can not only see but also see in a color that won’t change what you are working on.

A Painter’s Tool You Will Reach For Often (Not Only When You’re Painting)

Warner ProGrip 5-in 1 Stiff Painters Tool

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What does your tool kit need that you haven’t thought of? “A painters tool,” says Redditor, Shuckeljuice, on a thread about strange and useful tools. “I have several, from a 10-in-one to a six-in-one. I can't help but pick up one every time I see an awesome one for a good deal. If you can get a good painters tool, it's a lifesaver.” The scraping edge of this five-in-one will remove paint, stickers, and more, and the curved roller cleaner will come in handy more often than you expect.

A Butane Torch For Use Outside The Kitchen

EurKitchen Premium Culinary Butane Torch with Gauge, Safety Lock, Adjustable Flame, Guard- Refillable Cooking Torch Lighter for Creme Brulee, BBQ, Baking, Soldering, Crafts- Butane Gas Not Included

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You might have a butane torch like this on hand for putting the crunchy finish on crème brûlée or starting the grill, but it is also useful for executing home repairs, according to Tyler Hull, a professional contractor with Modern Exterior. “Great for thawing frozen gutters in winter or heating up stubborn adhesives outdoors,” he says. “If I am repairing trim on a cold day, I warm the caulk tube for five seconds with it, and suddenly the seal flows like warm butter. Yes, it smells a little like fireworks. Still worth it!” This one comes in three styles.

Expandable Spray Foam That Improves Energy Efficiency

Loctite Tite Foam Gaps & Cracks Spray Foam Sealant

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“Expandable spray foam quickly fills [gaps], creating an airtight and waterproof seal,” Aaron Lipman, owner of Two Brothers Foundation Repair advises. “It helps improve energy efficiency while preventing water damage in hard-to-reach areas.” This is especially beneficial because “small cracks and openings around windows, doors, and pipes allow moisture and air leaks, which can lead to mold and energy loss.” One bottle covers up to 20 boards.

Brush Attachments For Your Power Drill That Help You Clean More Efficiently With Less Effort

Useful Products Drill Brush Power Scrubber Attachment

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“These brush attachments convert any drill into a powerful cleaning tool,” says James Collins, founder of Pure Home Garden. “They have saved hours of scrubbing bathrooms, grout lines, and outdoor furniture. What would take 30 minutes of arm-straining labor now takes five minutes with minimal effort. This makes deep cleaning easier for homeowners.” Choose between six colors — each nylon brush color has a different bristle strength to tackle all types of jobs.

This Awl That Does So Many Jobs

General Tools Scratch Awl Tool

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Another carpenter, peligrosobandito, in a popular contractor Reddit thread swears by the scratch awl tool they keep in their kit. “A scratch awl has been my savior for so many random things. Holding the end of a tape or string line, prying, poking, stabbing, and marking.” It is small and simple but is just the thing when you need to clean out a drilled hold, punch a hole, perforate, or align screw holes.

Dye Tablets That Spot Leaks

New Resources Group Toilet Leak Detection Dye Tablets (20 Count)

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“For me, a hidden gem is a good set of toilet leak detection tablets,” says Kevin Vander Hyde, Vice President of Vander Hyde Services, a Grand Rapids-based home services business. “Most people don't realize their toilet is quietly leaking and wasting gallons of water every day, driving up their bill.” These dye tablets will tell you in seconds. “You just drop these in the tank, wait a bit, and if the bowl water changes color, you've got a leak. They're budget-friendly, highly effective, and act as a major water bill saver.”

This Wax Stolen From The Dentist

GUM Orthodontic Wax (6-Pack)

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People might wonder why you have orthodontic wax in your toolbox. But Tyler Hull, a professional contractor with Modern Exterior swears by it, and it is sure to turn you into a MacGyver. “I use it to temporarily stop drafts through window edges, pad squeaky hinges, or fill tiny gaps in outdoor outlets before sealing. If a house hums or whistles during storms, dental wax shuts it up until the real fix comes in. It is clean, cheap, and wipes off without residue.” It comes in mint and unflavored, but your squeaky hinge is unlikely to appreciate the mint.

This Inspection Mirror For Looking Into Difficult Places

NoCry Heavy Duty Telescoping Inspection Mirror

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This telescoping inspection mirror looks like something an unhinged Jurassic scientist would pull out to study the molars of a dinosaur, but Tyler Hull, a professional contractor with Modern Exterior relies on one for home repairs. “I clip it to a telescoping rod and check behind gutters, under soffits, or under heavy appliances,” he says. “You cannot fix what you cannot see, and those mirrors catch leaks, pests, and loose wires before they turn into big problems. It looks like dentist gear, but it is a time-saver for real.” This one comes with a telescoping rod and a storage bag.

Somewhat obviously, the 1980s vibes in Masters of the Universe are very, very strong. The film’s color palette recalls the beloved 1983 cartoon series, and the film itself is a full-on tribute to the toyetic franchise, with more than a few winks at the absurdity of characters with names like He-Man, Ram-Man, and Fisto.

Cleverly, Masters of the Universe puts a contemporary spin on many of the franchise’s silly names, attributing some of these monikers to Adam’s childhood imagination. But in a movie filled with He-Man Easter eggs, there’s one surprising reference to a different sword-swinging franchise. Here’s why one musical cue is a huge reference to a different franchise with swords and magic, one that’s also preparing for a big comeback.

He-Man is Connected to... Highlander?

Early in the film, as Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) searches for his lost power sword on Earth, he gets arrested by two police officers after taking the sword from a comic book store. The cops joke that Adam must consider himself like Highlander, a reference to the Highlander franchise, specifically the original 1986 film in which the immortal Connor Macleod (Christopher Lambert) is also arrested and has his sword confiscated.

The notion that cops just randomly make Highlander jokes is inherently funny, as it seems highly unlikely to be the go-to reference for most people when they see a vintage sword being wielded today. But there’s probably some studio synergy at play here. Amazon MGM, the studio behind Masters of the Universe, is also producing the new Highlander reboot film, starring Henry Cavill and directed by Chad Stahelski. But the Highlander references in Masters of the Universe aren’t isolated to just one early joke: there’s a much bigger, and frankly, shocking Highlander Easter egg in the final act of the film.

“Princes of the Universe” was written by Queen for Highlander

In the last third of Masters of the Universe, when Adam leads the heroes of Eternia out of their jail cell and into battle, the accompanying needle drop is the 1986 song “Princes of the Universe,” composed by the iconic rock band Queen. Along with several other songs (including “A Kind of Magic” and “Who Wants to Live Forever”), “Princes of the Universe” was written and recorded specifically for Highlander. In fact, “Princes of the Universe,” with its epic “HERE WE ARE” opening lines, is the opening theme for the original Highlander film, as well as the 1990s TV series.

The fact that Masters of the Universe uses “Princes of the Universe” is a big deal, partly because it's like using the Ghostbusters theme song in a movie that isn’t part of the Ghostbusters franchise. It’s a weird and hilarious franchise crossover that, in the context of a He-Man movie, fits perfectly. There’s also some symmetry between the use of “Princes of the Universe” and the movie’s theme song from The Darkness, “Masters of the Universe.”

Interestingly, Masters of the Universe uses nearly the entirety of “Princes of the Universe,” including the upbeat extended bridge (“Fighting and free! Got your world in my hand!”), a part of the song generally not used in Highlander films. So, although Masters of the Universe evokes the hardcore fantasy action of Highlander, it also brings back the brighter and slightly sillier aspects of that iconic song. After all, magical swords have more than one side.

Masters of the Universe is in theaters now.

It’s hard to say that the 1986 movie Invaders from Mars is a hidden sci-fi classic. But when you look at the film’s pedigree, it’s tempting to say something that hyperbolic. With VFX from John Dykstra (Star Wars), and a story co-written by Dan O'Bannon (Dark Star, Alien), this vintage remake has a lot going for it on paper. But is Invaders from Mars actually worth rewatching?

40 years ago today, this remake of the 1953 alien-invasion film of the same name opened in theaters and completely failed to connect with a wider audience. The film only earned about $4 million against a budget of $7 million. For context, the same studio, Cannon Films, had a much bigger flop the next year with Masters of the Universe, which only made $17 million against $22 million. With that in mind, Invaders from Mars feels more like a footnote than an outright catastrophe.

Today, the best reason to watch the film isn’t O’Bannon’s writing or Dykstra’s effects wizardry. Instead, it’s all about revisiting the performance of an all-time great actress, one many sci-fi fans have probably forgotten or never knew about in the first place: Louise Fletcher as Mrs. McKeltch, a teacher being controlled by aliens.

For fans of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Fletcher is likely best known as Kai Winn, the opportunistic religious leader from the planet Bajor, who modern fans have retroactively dubbed Space Karen. Her career exploded after the release of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest in 1975, in which she played the wicked Nurse Ratched. McKeltch is somewhere between the evilness of Kai Winn and the deplorable Ratched; she doesn’t want to be evil, but the invading aliens have other ideas for her.

The plot of Invaders from Mars is fairly straightforward: a young boy named David (Hunter Carson) is pretty sure that several people in his town are being controlled by an alien spacecraft that’s landed nearby, and although almost no one believes him, he seems to be 100 percent correct. That David is the focus of the narrative is the movie’s weakness, but if you were really high and it was very late at night, you might squint and think certain scenes from this movie inspired Terminator 2. And instead of the T-1000 coming after a kid, Invaders from Mars has Mrs. McKeltch.

Fletcher’s ability to play a totally unhinged character, who, yes, we would now call a Karen, is what the late actress is best remembered for. And Invaders from Mars gives her the opportunity to go full Karen in a horror-movie way rather than the psychological chills of Cuckoo's Nest, or the complex sci-fi geopolitics of Deep Space Nine. She’s terrifying, and what makes her scary is the realism of her behavior. We can all imagine a Louise Fletcher type in our own lives, which is why her turn in Invaders from Mars is such a fantastic example of why she was a wonderful actress.

Fletcher doesn’t fully fix the clunkiness of Invaders from Mars, which is inferior to its 1953 progenitor if only because it feels more cynical. But if you’re serious about fully understanding what makes certain genre characters work, revisiting the work of an underrated master like Louise Fletcher in Invaders from Mars will make your sci-fi education more robust and weirder than ever before.

Invaders from Mars (1986) streams on Tubi.

Back in 2020, during the lockdowns that required people to remain in their homes, there were a few collective touchstones that people indulged in to remain sane. For starters, the complete original series of Avatar: The Last Airbender dropped on Netflix, allowing old fans to take a trip down memory lane and new fans to discover Aang and the gang for the first time. Warner Bros. and HBO Max released multiple films straight-to-streaming and in theaters, including Godzilla vs. Kong and the 2021 Mortal Kombat reboot. And of course, there was Among Us.

Initially released to little fanfare back in 2018, the social deduction/online party game experienced a surge of attention during lockdown from people whose only interaction with friends and the outside world came through the virtual space. The gameplay loop involved a group as small as four or as big as 15 trying to deduce which crew members on a spaceship are actually alien impostors. The game’s cultural ubiquity didn’t go unnoticed by a certain Owen Dennis, the creator of the short-lived and beloved animated series Infinity Train and now the creator and director of Paramount’s new Among Us show.

“I do remember it being like, ‘Wow, this is quite the phenomenon,’ because I played it and had fun with it,” Dennis shares with Inverse. “And then I remember my next-door neighbor had a birthday party and kids were driving by with Among Us characters hanging out their doors. I’d go to parks and see it graffitied on stuff. It was everywhere man, it was nuts.”

Even though Among Us doesn’t have a canon narrative the same way that something like Resident Evil or other adapted video games do, it’s still an intimidating task to try and bring to life a project that has such a dedicated fan base and such a presence in contemporary pop culture. Just like the game, the show follows a group of 11 crewmates on board the spaceship Skeld, who discover that there’s a malicious alien impostor among them who plans on picking them all off one by one. Unlike the game, however, Dennis got to build a star-studded ensemble from the ground up, replacing the wordless amorphous blob avatars with tangible characters inhabited by a buffet of recognizable character actors.

“It was nice to try and figure out an ensemble cast,” says Dennis. “I haven’t really had to do that before. It was very much like, ‘Oh, I need to think of 11 different people and how they all interact and what their relationships are while treating none of them like the main character.’ That’s an interesting space to be in.”

That ensemble includes veteran actors such as Yvette Nicole Brown, Elijah Wood, Dan Stevens, Randall Park, and Kimiko Glenn. The show both invents its own unique visual language with its animation while also staying true to the minimalist character designs of the game, and at first glance, you’d think that would be an obstacle for voice actors who are used to inhabiting expressive, full-bodied characters. But according to Park and Glenn, who play the spaceship captain Red and the new-age spiritualist geologist Cyan, it was no problem at all.

“I always assume, especially when you’re joining a project that obviously has a stacked cast and an awesome creative, they’ve got you,” Glenn tells Inverse. “There was so much on the page to play with that, even if they were just the color brown or whatever just floating in space, I think people would still enjoy it because the script is so good. It’s so funny, the characters are so fleshed-out and rich. I didn’t have any concerns about that.”

Just by the nature of the eclectic characters and the incredibly versatile and talented voice cast, viewers will certainly get attached to the crew of the Skeld — hopefully just not too attached, as the very design of the show requires one of them to perish rather horribly once per episode. As to be expected from a show based off an interactive multiplayer murder mystery, there’s a commendable body count amassed by the end of the season and a lot of animated viscera, which was part of the appeal for both the creator and the actors involved.

“I feel like it’s always very exciting to be a part of something like that,” Park explains. “I think of the movies I grew up with as a kid, like Predator and these action movies where castmates that you love would just slowly get picked off. I always feel like that’s super fun.”

Dennis echoed that same sentiment, saying he wanted each character to kick the bucket in an affecting way. “I want them to be at a certain point in their arc, like ‘things are going great for them.’ It’s going to be great and then it’s going to hurt, which is also very funny because these characters look ridiculous.”

Amidst all the blood and guts and hilarious sight gags and ridiculous character quirks, the show also rests atop a vital foundational critique of capitalist workplace exploitation. Along with being victimized by a shapeshifting alien, the crew of the Skeld have to contend with being underpaid and generally undervalued, which isn’t necessarily present in the game but can be found in the DNA of the game’s major inspirations, such as The Thing and Alien. For Owen Dennis, that element of the show came naturally, but it’s also inescapable given the premise of the show and the game to an extent.

“I have some feelings about capitalist workplace culture and I think the people who made the game also have some feelings about that as well,” says Dennis. “It’s a spaceship where the corporation doesn’t give a sh*t about the people that are working there. Is it a critique or is that just what life is? These giant corporations own everything and make us all deal with their bullsh*t all the time because they don’t really care about workers. So I’m perfectly happy to have some characters show off their Union Medicare card. Right now we are in a bit of a problem with the corporations, and I think we could stand to have a little more power to the people.”

Among Us is now streaming on Paramount+.

Who says you have to drop a fortune to live your best bougie life? Amazon’s packed with hidden gems that look and feel way more expensive than they are—no trust fund required. From sleek kitchen gadgets to plush home upgrades, these finds have racked up thousands of glowing reviews for a reason. And the best part? They’re all budget-friendly. So if you're ready to elevate your everyday without emptying your wallet, these highly rated, surprisingly affordable picks are about to become your new obsession.

A long garden pathway made from cedar wood

RELIANCER Wooden Garden Pathway

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Create a walkway through your garden, yard, or really any other outdoor space with this wooden pathway. It’s made from 100% cedar wood, and the individual planks are connected with dual rows of rope and spacers for maximum durability. At 8 feet in length, this pick covers a large area.

An under-desk cable management hider that reduces clutter

EVEO Cable Management Strip

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Exposed wires can make your home look messy and cluttered. That’s why you need this cable organizer that’s designed with adhesives so it can be attached to various surfaces like on furniture. It can be placed under or behind your desk to keep cords off of the floor and out of sight. It’s an easy and affordable upgrade that’ll make your home look so much better.

Elegant dinner plates that rival the fancy brands

AmorArc Ceramic Dinner Plates (Set of 6)

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Dress your table in this beautiful, minimalist set of dinner plates to make every meal more elegant. The organic shape and stoneware texture give them a beautiful understated charm that will make every meal fancy. They come in seven colors and you can choose matching small plates to go with them.

This outlet concealer that solves your plug problems

Sleek Socket Ultra-Thin Outlet Concealer

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When the only outlet in the room is in the wrong place, this outlet concealer makes it easy to move the power and hide the ugly. Plug it into the outlet and run the 3-foot cord to a better spot. Instead of two badly placed plugs, you now have three plugs that are exactly where you want them. It comes in 10 configurations if you need a longer cord, more plugs, or a splitter.

A waterproof mat to protect your washing machine or dryer

Garolue Washer and Dryer Top Protector Mat

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Crafted from thick, waterproof silicone with an all-around raised rim, this protective mat fits perfectly on your washer or dryer, creating a handy spot for your laundering essentials. Give it a wipe down whenever spills happen — it guards against scratches and dents, too.

An industrial-chic vertical rack for storing shoes

AZERPIAN 7-Tier Shoe Rack

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Finally: A shoe rack you won’t mind putting on display. With seven tiers in a rustic-chic combination of dark imitation wood and black pipe, this pick keeps your daily pairs stored in a narrow footprint with a modern aesthetic worthy of your West Elm. You can even remove one tier to create a taller space for, say, keeping a pair of boots.

Low-cost flower wall stickers for a whimsical upgrade

wondever Flower Wall Stickers

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Change up the entire look of a room for low cost and low effort thanks to these whimsical flower wall stickers. The decals have an adhesive backing to stick in place on practically any smooth, dry surface, and they’re waterproof by design, so even humidity won’t peel them.

Fridge liners that keep shelves clean and looking brand-new

AKINLY Fridge Liners (9-Pack)

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With over 15,000 positive reviews, these cut-to-fit refrigerator liners make cleaning spills and crumbs a breeze—just wipe or rinse them off, no scrubbing needed. The non-slip design grips shelves securely while the dotted top prevents food from sticking. Pre-cut for standard fridges but easy to trim for any space, they’re a simple, affordable way to keep your fridge fresh and organized.

A protective couch cover that’s machine washable

Tiwwie Pet Couch Cover

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Position this soft, fuzzy cover on your couch cushions to bring a textured element to the space but to also protect the surface against spills, pet scratches, and other potential damage. It won’t fade or pill over the years — it’s machine washable to keep it in top shape. Three sizes and several neutrals can be found in the listing.

Beautifully bougie wallpaper you peel & stick to install

Laatse Peel and Stick Floral Wallpaper

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This peel-and-stick wallpaper features a lovely floral pattern that’s visually striking and makes a great way to update any room — from the bathroom to the bedroom. There are several size options as well as various dark, bold patterns.

Snazzy pasta bowls in a budget-friendly 4-pack

AmorArc Ceramic Pasta Bowls (4-Pack)

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Enjoy your pasta meal in a bowl designed for the purpose. These large pasta bowls enhance spaghetti night by keeping sauce and pasta contained and looking beautiful. The soft, matte finish and organic shape make for a beautiful table, too. Choose from five colors.

A diatomite stone faucet mat with a near-perfect rating

DK177 Stone Faucet Mat

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Made from diatomite stone, this faucet mat is designed to keep your counter dry. It’s absorbent and dries within seconds to prevent water from accumulating around your faucet. It features deep grooves to absorb more water and to prevent items from slipping. It has a detachable design so it’s easy to install and remove to clean. Plus, it has an impressive 4.9-star rating.

A pumice stone that scrubs like magic

Powerstone Pumice Stone Toilet Bowl Cleaner

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Tough on grime but gentle on porcelain, this pumice stone toilet cleaner works better than a regular brush to remove stubborn stains and hard water marks. The handle makes scrubbing easy, and it comes with a storage kit, so it’s practical, mess-free, and surprisingly affordable.

Magnetic grill lights that let you keep the BBQ going after dark

Benicci Flexible LED BBQ Grill Lights

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These grill lights are the hack you need to make night BBQing easy. The gooseneck aims the light where you want it. The magnetic base clings firmly to the grill top or any metal surface. They are also handy to have on hand when you need to work on your car or otherwise need a flashlight that allows for hands-free work.

Backlit motion-sensor night-lights with dimming

AUVON Plug-in Backlit Night Light (2-Pack)

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A fan-favorite on Amazon, this pair of night-lights feature stepless dimming and a cool backlit design that casts a gentle glow. They sense both light and motion from up to about 16 feet.

Flameless candles that seriously enhance ambiance

Eywamage Flameless Candles (3-Pack)

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Enhance the ambiance in your home without risking a fire or worrying about wax dripping on the furniture by clicking the remote to turn on these flameless candles. They look just like the real thing but run on batteries and pose no risk. They will even turn themselves off at an interval you set so you can turn them on and forget them. They come in nine colors and patterns.

Silky-soft sheets that feel way pricier than they are

Danjor Linens Full Size Bed Sheets Set - 1800 Series 6 Piece Bedding Sheet & Pillowcases Sets w/ Deep Pockets - Fade Resistant & Machine Washable - Light Gray

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With over 150,000 reviews, these microfiber sheets are a budget-friendly way to upgrade your sleep. They’re silky, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant, plus you get two extra pillowcases compared to most sets. Available in every size from Twin to California King, they look and feel luxe without the designer price tag. Bonus: they’re machine washable, so no high-maintenance care required.

A breathable mattress pad that adds plush comfort without overheating

MATBEBY Quilted Fitted Mattress Topper

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With over 33,000 positive reviews, this quilted mattress pad makes your bed feel instantly cozier. Its fluffy polyester filling is designed to be both soft and supportive, giving your mattress a cushioned boost without feeling too thick. The breathable top layer helps prevent overheating, while deep pockets fit mattresses up to 21 inches thick—no slipping or sliding, no matter how much you toss and turn.

A quick-drying bath mat that will make your bathroom look way nicer

MontVoo Bath Mat Rug

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This minimalist bath mat absorbs water fast, so no more soggy rugs or damp floors. Its faux suede surface dries quickly and resists dirt and pet hair, while the rubber backing keeps it from slipping—even on wet tile. Plus, it’s thin enough to fit under doors and works anywhere that needs a little extra grip.

A clever wedge that stops pillows from falling into the abyss

Vekkia Headboard Bed Wedge Pillow

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This foam mattress gap filler closes that annoying space between your bed and headboard, so pillows, pets, and random objects stop disappearing. Made with high-density foam and a soft polyester cover, it adds comfort while keeping things in place. Plus, built-in side pockets stash your phone or remote within easy reach.

A dirt-trapping doormat that keeps floors cleaner for less

GRANNY SAYS Indoor Doormat

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This low-profile doormat handles everything from muddy boots to wet paws without looking worn down. Its polypropylene loop fleece grabs dirt and moisture as you step inside, while the non-slip backing keeps it in place. Easy to clean with a quick shake or vacuum, it’s also machine washable—making it a durable, low-maintenance way to keep your home tidy.

Stylish memory foam mats that make standing feel less brutal

StepRite Nonslip Kitchen Mats (Set of 2)

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This two-piece mat set cushions your feet with supportive memory foam that helps reduce pressure on your joints—perfect for long hours cooking, working, or folding laundry. Waterproof, stain-resistant, and easy to clean, they bounce back to shape after every use. Plus, the sleek, non-slip design looks far more expensive than it actually is.

Slide-out organizers that feel like a high-end upgrade but are so cheap

Ukeetap 2 Pack Multi-Purpose Pull-Out Storage Organizers, Under Sink Organizers and Storage for Bathroom & Kitchen, Under Cabinet Organizers and storage, 12.8 Inch, Black

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These under-sink organizers upgrade your kitchen or bathroom with a clean, streamlined look that feels more high-end than the price suggests. The slide-out design offers easy access to cleaning supplies and toiletries, while its durable construction holds up to daily use. Simple to assemble with no tools required, it’s a quick, affordable way to make your cabinets feel instantly more polished.

Handy prep bowls that look so pretty

COOK WITH COLOR Prep Bowls with Lids (Set Of 4)

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Enjoy everything from whipping up a salad dressing to storing leftovers by using this gorgeous set of prep bowls for every task. Each bowl is a different hue of the color you choose and there are 20 colors to choose from. The bowls nest for storage and have clear matching lids. “Love how these look but love how sturdy they are even more!” wrote one reviewer. “I’ve had them for months and use them constantly!”

A clever stair basket that makes it easy to tote things up & down

Gachiwar Stair Basket

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Reduce clutter — and prevent dashing up or down the stairs every time you want to put something back — by deploying this handy stair basket. Its L-shaped design fits like a Tetris piece onto your stairs so it’s nice and stable, and rope handles make it so easy to tote things up and down.

A cozy night-light inspired by a vintage mason jar

Autumn Alley Rustic Mini Mason Jar Night-Light

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If you’re longing for the coziness of a farmhouse kitchen, this night-light is the easiest way to get it. Shaped like a vintage mason jar, it lets off a warm glow that keeps the space lit up long after the last dish is done. Loaded with rustic charm, it’ll add an instant touch of charm.

A fascinating lamp that will impress the hell out of people

AUGE Rechargeable Wireless Light

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This rechargeable lamp has a magnetic LED filament that can be molded into different shapes with a shake and then made straight again. Its matte black finish adds a modern, high-end touch to any space, while three dimmable modes set the perfect mood. Lightweight and cordless, it works as a night-light, desk lamp, or portable accent piece, all powered by USB-C for easy, energy-efficient charging.

Flower-shaped furniture knobs that are max bougie

Redeam Flower Shape Brass Cabinet Knobs (4-Pack)

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A quick and easy way to make an impactful upgrade, these flower-shaped knobs are made of sturdy brass with a bougie polished finished. They instantly refresh kitchen cupboards, bathroom cabinets, dressers, and really anything with a knob. They come with screws of different lengths to make them simple to install on a variety of items.

Velvety pillow covers to complement any decor

Volcanics Decorative Throw Pillow Covers (2-Pack)

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Update your couch or bed with this velvety pillow covers. The pair comes in several sizes in the listing and lots of shades to match any decor. They feature hidden zippers for an elevated feel and they have an impressive 4.7-star overall rating on Amazon.

A distressed floral vase that looks like a vintage treasure

TEWEIQI Vintage Small Ceramic Vase

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Instead of a boring glass vessel, arrange your fresh-from-the-farmers-market bouquets in this charming ceramic vase. The floral print and distressed accents make it look like an antique store find, adding character to even simple carnations or pampas grass. Choose from two sizes to fit small and larger arrangements alike.

The solar string lights that transform outdoor spaces

Brightech Ambience Pro Solar Powered Outdoor String Lights

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Drape these solar powered outdoor string lights anywhere in your yard, on your deck, or amid your landscaping to illuminate your outdoor spaces without running wires. Place the solar panel so it soaks up the sun’s rays and put the 27 feet of lights anywhere you want. “These cafe lights are amazing!” said one reviewer. “They are easy to install, and provide beautiful soft lighting to my pool lanai.”

A 3-in-1 wireless charging stand for Apple devices

QKXC 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand for Apple Devices

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Free your nightstand from cord clutter by opting for this sleek wireless charging stand that simultaneously juices up iPhones 8 or higher, AirPods, and your Apple Watch. You can set your phone on it horizontally or vertically, too, so you can comfortably watch videos or FaceTime as it charges.

Peel-&-stick baseboard trim that’s flexible & durable

Vinyl Wall Base Baseboard Molding Trim 4" Flexible Self Adhesive Rubber Wall Base Moulding Trim Peel and Stick Design, 4 Inch x 20 Feet, White

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Designed with a strong adhesive backing, this baseboard trim is easy to install without drilling. Not only does it add a decorative trim around a room, it also adds a layer of protection. It can prevent walls from getting scuffed and damaged. Or, it can be used to hide imperfections. By the way, it can be cut to size and comes in various colors and some styles that look like real wood.

Adhesive wood-print border to upgrade builder-basic mirrors

TIANLDD Wood-Grain Wallpaper Border

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Upgrade any builder-basic mirror without laying out much cash with this roll of wood-print border that’s self adhesive and easily trimmed to fit. It measures 2.4 inches wide and 27 feet long, and it’s waterproof for safe use in a humid spot like the bathroom.

Modern house numbers that up curb appeal

OLADOT Stainless Steel Floating House Number

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Up curb appeal with these modern, fresh house numbers that float on your wall. Made of durable stainless steel and measuring 6 inches tall, they make an impact from the sidewalk and street. Mount vertically, horizontally, or at an angle to match your style.

A very slim rolling shelf that fits in tight spaces

SPACEKEEPER Slim Rolling Storage Cart

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Make use of those tight spaces around the house with this storage cart that has a very slim profile. At only 5 inches wide, it can slide easily into that tight space between your stove and your kitchen cabinet — or your bathroom sink and the wall. This plastic cart has four shelves that are the right size for toiletries, cleaning products, spices, and more. You can also split it into two organizers and use it underneath a sink area or on countertops.

This highly rated turntable in lots of sizes & colors

VeyFey Turntable Vanity Tray

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Available in a wide range of sizes and colors, you can pick up the perfect turntable for your kitchen, bathroom, cabinet, dining table, and more. It has earned a 4.7-star overall rating on Amazon and it is made of acrylic with a small lip to keep items in place.

A motion-sensing nightlight that’s soft, smart, and energy-saving

Vansky Motion-Activated Bed Light

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This motion-activated light turns on when you need it—no switches, no fumbling in the dark. Its warm glow is bright enough to guide you but gentle enough not to wake anyone. With an adjustable shut-off timer (30 seconds to 6 minutes), it’s perfect under beds, along stairways, or inside cabinets. Practical, discreet, and surprisingly affordable.

This ultra-soft microfiber comforter set

Bedsure Brown Twin Comforter Set - 3 Pieces Pinch Pleat Bed Set, Down Alternative Bedding Sets for All Season, 1 Comforter, 1 Pillowcase, 1 Decorative Pillow

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Update your bedroom with this three-piece comforter set. It features a prewashed microfiber material and comes with a comforter, pillowcase, and decorative pillow. Choose from several colors and sizes in the listing.

A motion-sensing light that’s sleek & wireless

Gritin Under Cabinet Lighting

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This LED light adds a bougie touch of spotlighting to closet, cabinets, stairs, or really anywhere you’d like to stick it. It’s got a USB-rechargeable battery so you don’t have to worry about cords or wiring. Built-in magnets or the included 3M adhesive makes it a breeze to install on a variety of surfaces.

A comfy standing mat that adds a playful punch of color

KIMODE Half-Circle Kitchen Mat

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Comfort and style combine in this anti-fatigue kitchen mat. Soft, supportive cushioning helps make long hours on your feet feel just a little better, while the vibrant, dahlia-inspired design adds some cheerful color to your space. Plus, the easy-to-clean surface means a little dripped ketchup is no big deal.

A 16-Stage filtered shower head that helps increase water pressure

Cobbe Filtered Shower Head

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This showerhead has 16 layers of filters built in that make it feel like you’re in a spa in your own bathroom. It has seven rainfall modes to choose between and actually increases your water pressure.

A striking bourbon glass made of oak

Oaksip Wooden Bourbon Drinking Glass

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Ready to discover a new way to sip whiskey? This wooden bourbon drinking glass is designed to preserve the flavor of your spirits and capture the feel of the oak barrels used to make whiskey. “These wooden glasses are simply beautiful,” said one reviewer. “They are smooth and elegant looking. The color of the oak is beautiful”

Thin sponge cloths that are better than paper towels

Swedish Wholesale Cellulose Sponge Cloths (10-Pack)

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These weird cellulose sponge cloths are the paper towel replacement you have been hoping for. They are durable enough to be used multiple times, tossed into the laundry, and used some more. They are as absorbent as a sponge. They fit in your hand like a cloth. And they come in lots of colors so you can use them as a style element in the kitchen.

Linen-blend curtains with over 15,000 5-star reviews

H.VERSAILTEX Linen Curtains

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These highly rated linen-blend curtains come in a ton of lengths and colors to match nearly any space. They’re sheer for a light-filtering effect and they have nickel grommets to move smoothly on a rod.

This water bottle organizer that streamlines storage

Lifewit Stackable Water Bottle Organizer (2-Pack)

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If you have a few water bottles and travel tumblers, there comes a time when they start to overtake the kitchen storage. This water bottle organizer will rein them in. The two trays stack and each one has a resting place for the bottles that won’t allow them to roll around. Keep adding layers as your collection expands.

A zero-maintenance fridge deodorizer that lasts for a decade

Purriko Refrigerator Deodorizer

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Few things ruin the vibe of your home quite like a bad smell, and this fridge deodorizer keeps your kitchen smelling fresh for 10 years. You read that right, this stainless steel piece uses decomposition technology to absorb and neutralize odors at their source for a decade. Unlike other fridge deodorizers, this doesn’t require recharging or refills, either, so it couldn’t be easier to use.

Faux dandelions for a little etheral decor without the upkeep

TOPIA Artificial Dandelion Flowers (4 Pieces)

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These faux dandelions just might be the perfect way to dress up a dull corner. Measuring 20 inches high, they help fill the space while still retaining a light, airy look that blends with any decor style. Use them solo or arrange them with some pampas grass or eucalyptus for a lush display without the upkeep.

The loofah-like shower mat that feels so good underfoot

MontVoo Non-Slip Bathtub Mat

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Drop this bathtub mat into your tub or onto the floor of your shower stall so you don’t slip on suds and hurt yourself. Better than the suction cup version that feels plasticky and cheap, this one feels delicious to your bare feet. “Offers excellent non-slip safety and feels wonderful on the feet,” said more than one reviewer.

A stain-hiding coffee mat that soaks up spills in seconds

AMOAMI Absorbent Coffee Mat

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This coffee bar mat keeps your countertop clean without constant wiping. Its absorbent diatomite material instantly soaks up drips and splashes, while the PU surface hides coffee and milk stains. The rubber backing prevents water from seeping through, and it air-dries quickly—no machine washing needed. Bonus: it doubles as a dish-drying mat.

Window privacy film that reflects rainbows into your home

Finnez Window Privacy Film

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Get an expensive stained-glass look nearly instantly with this stunning window privacy film. It applies with static electricity (no adhesives here) and can be trimmed for a perfect fit. Once in place, it creates little rainbow beams of light onto your floors and walls for a bougie touch.

Absorbent waffle knit kitchen towels that come in 3 dozen cute styles

RECYCO Waffle Kitchen Towel Set of 2 - Quick Dry Microfiber Sustainable Dish Towels - Ultra Absorbent Reusable Cleaning Tea Towels - Lightweight Hand Towels,16”x 28”, Blossom Breeze

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Kitchen towels are an everyday essential, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. This set of towels come in 36 adorable styles including pink flowers, mosaic marigolds, and geometric mazes. Not only are they highly aesthetic, they’re also absorbent and can hold up to five times their weight in liquids yet also happen to be fast-drying.

A space-saving hanger that keeps tanks and bras tangle-free

Resovo Tank Top Hanger

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This foldable hanger features 20 sturdy hooks, giving you plenty of space to organize tank tops, bras, and accessories without cluttered drawers or tangled straps. Its slim profile saves closet space, and the 360° swivel hook makes grabbing what you need easy. Made with solid hardwood and metal hooks, it’s both durable and stylish—perfect for small closets or dorm rooms.

Peel & stick wallpaper with a daring leopard-print design

JiffDiff Leopard Print Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

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When you’re ready to go bold, reach for this peel-and-stick wallpaper with a leopard-print design. Whether you hang it in a bathroom, your home office, or walk-in closet, the classic print will add a little playful edge to everyday life. It boasts a simple installation and easy removal if you ever choose to switch it up.

The smart way to organize your underwear drawer

Criusia Drawer Organizers (3-Pack)

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End the morning hunt through the underwear drawer by creating some easy-to-replicate order in there. Fold or jam each pair of socks or boxers into their own section of these drawer organizers. You will be able to scan your collection quickly to find what you need and putting everything away is easy. This is a pack of three.

A clear protector that shields your table from everyday wear & tear

Warmstar Clear Table Cover Protector

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Instead of subjecting your expensive table to the everyday scourge of scratches, heat rings, and other damage, cover it with this protector. The clear design blends in seamlessly and still let you see the natural wood grain, while shielding the surface from wear. It comes in tons of sizes (more than 150), so you’re sure to find one that fits the dimensions of your table.

A marble sink-side organizer

zccz Toothbrush Holders, Marble Look Toothbrush Holders for Bathrooms Tooth Brushing Holder Bathroom Organizer Countertop for Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Dental Floss, Razor, Comb, Makeup Brushes and More

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Get the clutter off the counters and into this bathroom organizer to reduce the messy feeling of your bathroom while making it easier to find what you are looking for. The marble look is stylish and the six storage compartments are sized to hold toothbrushes, razors, toothpaste, and all the small items that create clutter.

A sleek outlet extender that makes your home look way nicer

HANYCONY Multi-Plug Outlet Extender With Night Light

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This 10-in-1 outlet extender upgrades your space with a modern, streamlined design. It features five wide-spaced outlets and four USB ports (including fast-charging USB-C), all arranged on three sides to avoid bulky charger overlap. A built-in, touch-sensitive night light adds a soft, warm glow.

A plush bath mat that feels like a spa-day splurge

OLANLY Luxury Bathroom Rug

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This thick, nearly one-inch microfiber bath mat adds instant luxury to your bathroom—without the luxury price tag. Its soft, shaggy pile absorbs water fast, while the non-slip rubber backing keeps it securely in place. The gradient stripe design adds a stylish touch, and it’s machine washable, so you get spa-like comfort with zero high-maintenance fuss.

Chic pampas grass that looks designer but costs way less

96PCS Natural Dried Pampas Grass

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This all-natural pampas grass brings effortless boho charm to any space, from cozy bedrooms to modern living rooms. With minimal care, it stays fluffy and beautiful for up to three years—no watering needed. Just give it some sun to fluff it up, spritz with hairspray to hold its shape, and enjoy a statement piece that looks far pricier than it is.

A sleek oil dispenser that sprays or pours with zero mess

TrendPlain 2-In-1 Oil Dispenser Bottle

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This glass olive oil dispenser looks like it belongs in a high-end kitchen but costs way less. Its dual nozzle lets you spray a fine mist or pour a steady stream—perfect for everything from roasting veggies to drizzling over salads. With each spray dispensing just 0.15 grams of oil, it helps you cook with precision while keeping portions in check.

Elegant porcelain platters that go from oven to table

LEETOYI Porcelain Baking Dishes (Set of 2)

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Bake or sear fish, veggies, and more in this set of two serving platters — and set the hot, just-cooked meal in front of a guest in the same pan. Or use them as serving platters to deliver anything to the table. They look elegant, cook beautifully, and stack for storage.

This double set of stylish striped hampers

Lifewit Laundry Hamper (2-Pack)

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Toss that ugly pile of dirty laundry into these matching hampers to get it out of sight until laundry day. The lid closes so you don’t have to look at the mess. A waterproof coating contains any messes and you can easily tote them by the extra long handles on the side.

Microwave- & oven-safe glass food prep containers

FIT Strong & Healthy Glass Meal Prep Containers (4-Pack)

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Prep your meals for the week or save your leftovers in this four-pack of glass food containers. They’re microwave-, freezer-, and oven-safe — up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Each container holds an impressive 32 ounces and your order comes with two pieces that are divided into two sections and two pieces that are divided into four sections.

A plant stand that creates a display for your favorite botanicals

Uneedem 10-Tier Plant Stand

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Creating a lush botanical display — indoors our out — is easy with this plant stand. Available in a range of sizes, it’s made with sturdy, carbonized wood to securely hold your favorite green friends. Not to mention, plant care is easy when everything is gathered in the same spot.

A solar owl lantern that casts gorgeous light patterns

Lune cle Hanging Owl Solar Lantern

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This owl lantern might be cute, but it manages to add sophisticated lighting to your outdoor area, too. It has a striped cutouts throughout, reflecting a cool, geometric display when it’s lit up. Solar powered, the lantern can be set on a table, the ground, or hung with the included chain.

Solar outdoor lights that look like fireflies

ASMAD Solar Garden Lights (2-Pack)

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These solar garden lights will look seriously cool when the sun goes down. Their tiny globe bulbs are suspended on flexible wire to bob in the breeze, mimicking the look of fireflies at night. “They looked so beautiful, I ordered a second set,” one Amazon shopper enthused.

Extra-long ceiling fan pulls that make it easy to tell what’s what

SmoTecQ Extra Long Ceiling Fan Chains (Set of 2)

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Make ceiling fan life so much easier with this set of two surprisingly stylish pull chains. They’re two times longer than traditional chains — so even kids can reach them — though you can cut them down to just the size you need. Thanks to a fan charm and a light bulb charm, they also make it easy to see which element you’re controlling at a glance.

A leg & knee pillow with a helpful orthopedic design

Contour Legacy Leg & Knee Pillow

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This cheap contour pillow has a pain-relieving design that may help reduce hip, knee, leg, and back pain by properly aligning your spine when you lay on your side. It features ventilated memory foam to keep you cool as you sleep, plus a comfortable contour that doesn’t restrict your movement.

Clever magnetic vent covers that reduce energy cost

DIYMAG Magnetic Vent Covers (4-Pack)

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These vent covers are an easy way to save money. They can be used to cover vents in unused areas of your home or to close vents to prevent cold air from getting inside to lower energy costs. They’re easy to use too — their magnetic backing attaches to metal vents. They’re flexible and easy to cut to size.

A vibrant dish drying mat that’s soft, fast-drying, and reusable

Full Be Dare Floral Print Microfiber Dish Drying Mat

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This microfiber dish mat adds a pop of color to your kitchen while protecting your dishes from scratches and your counters from water damage. Designed with fast-drying technology, it speeds up the drying process and helps prevent water spots. Plus, it’s reusable, easy to clean, and doubles as a trivet or prep mat—practical, stylish, and surprisingly affordable.

A sleek stainless steel sink set that makes your kitchen look luxe

Mudder Kitchen Sink Stopper (3 Pieces)

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This stainless steel sink strainer and stopper combo isn’t just practical—it gives your kitchen sink a more polished, high-end look. The strainer’s fine holes catch food scraps to prevent clogs, while the spring-clip stopper seals the drain when needed. Rustproof, dishwasher-safe, and designed to fit most standard sinks, it’s a simple upgrade that looks way more expensive than it is.

Battery-operated lights that create soft illumination anywhere

GOODEA Rechargeable Battery Night-Light (2-Pack)

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These night-lights are battery operated, which means you can use them without a plug nearby. Try placing them in dark hallways, your closet, on your bed frame — anywhere that could use a little illumination. The dimmable lights create a subtle downward glow that feels sophisticated.

A ruffle shower curtain in a laid-back linen blend

XOGUIBO Farmhouse Shower Curtain

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This shower curtain instantly warms up any cold, sterile bathroom. The linen-blend fabric gives it a natural, laid-back feel while the oversized ruffle adds a little depth and romance. It comes in a range of soft colors — including this versatile beige — as well as striped patterns for a breezy, classic vibe.

A handy magnetic shelf that creates seamless extra storage

YIWANFW Magnetic Shelf

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Boasting a 4.9-star overall rating, this magnetic shelf is a clever way to make use of wasted space and clear clutter — all in style. The matte black shelf can stick to a fridge, washing machine, or other metal appliance to hold up to 30 pounds of essentials.

A sleek silicone broom that sweeps like magic on any surface

Broombi Original Silicone Broom

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This isn’t your average broom. Its patented quad-blade design creates static electricity to attract dust, hair, and even glass shards—no more chasing debris around the floor. Lightweight yet durable, it works on tile, hardwood, and low-pile rugs, plus it wipes up spills with ease. With a telescopic handle and washable blades, it’s a low-maintenance cleaning upgrade that looks surprisingly chic.

Flameless candles that make for the prettiest accent

Eywamage Floral Glass Flameless Candles (Set of 3)

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These flameless candles don’t just bring warm, ambient light, they also add to the decor of your space. Made from real wax, they’re housed in glass jars in your choice of a variety of prints, from flowers to tie-dye to ocean-inspired motifs. The included remote lets you set timers, adjust the flicker, and more.

A compartmentalized kitchen sink caddy with smart drainage

Cisily Kitchen Sink Caddy

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Position this stainless steel caddy next to your kitchen sink, and the sloped design will allow water drips to flow right back into it, preventing it from pooling. The caddy has three separate storage sections to organize everything from hand soap to cleaning sponges, and more.

A slim & stylish basket for your extra toilet paper

Lonbet Toilet Paper Storage Basket

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Tidily store extra TP in plain sight with this stylish toilet paper basket. It can handle up to 12 rolls, has a lightweight, waterproof construction, and the bamboo lid matches most decor and also works as an additional shelf. Choose from five colors to complement your bathroom.

Stackable baskets that make even trash bags bougie

TIDIIABODE Stackable Bamboo Top Organizer (2-Pack)

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Designed to dispense 5- to 10-gallon trash bag rolls, these bamboo organizers manage to be extremely practical while looking so chic. Place one on the countertop, stack them together, or even mount them to the wall — they offer flexible storage. The bamboo tops also add convenient extra shelf space.

A luxe yet modern rug in moody florals

Rugcomf Runner Rug

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As noted in The Big Lebowski, the right rug can really tie a room together — especially when it’s rendered in a dark modern floral print that’s reminiscent of traditional English country styles without being too fussy to look good against your midcentury modern furniture. It comes in multiple shapes and sizes, so you can find just the right one to fit your space.

Versatile 3-tier hanging baskets that utilize vertical space

X-cosrack 3-Tier Hanging Storage Organizer

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These baskets can be placed side-by-side or stacked on top of each other to utilize vertical space. They can also hang on a rod using the included hooks. So, they can be used in closets or on shelves to keep your home organized. They’re great for your kitchen, bedroom, and more. Since they can be separated, you can adjust the arrangement to suit your needs — use just one, two, or all three.

Transparent hard shell zippered cases that tame clutter

Mihkiom Clear Hard Shell Zipper Case

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Perfect for cords, small toys, puzzles, stationery, and more, these zippered cases will help you organize items to reduce clutter. They’re transparent, so you can find what you need without rummaging. They’re designed with hard shells to keep items safe. Plus, they have flat tops so they can be stacked on top of each other. Their slim design also makes it easy to fit them in drawers or on shelves. By the way, they’re waterproof and keep dust out.

Acrylic shelf dividers that slide in place for easy installation

OMGelic Acrylic Shelf Dividers

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Keep your closets neat with these shelf dividers. They allow you to create sections to keep things organized. Plus, they prevent items from toppling over, making them a great option for items like clothing, books, and more so they’ll stay in place and won’t get knocked over when you reach to grab something. Since they’re transparent, they blend into any decor and they won’t block your view so you can find what you need easily.

Wood contact paper that adds rich depth to any surface

WESTICK Dark Wood Contact Paper

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If you’re looking to incorporate some classic elements into your decor, this wood-grain contact paper is a great place to start. Available in a variety of shades, it adds rich depth whether you add it to countertops, desks, cabinets, or anywhere else. The peel-and-stick installation makes it easy to apply and remove.

A 3-in-1 kitchen sink drain strainer that keeps your sink clean

zaa 3-In-1 Kitchen Sink Drain Strainer

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Not only will this kitchen sink drainer catch leftovers to prevent food from going down your drain, it can also be used as a sink stopper and an odor isolator. It’s easy to use — just press down to store water and press again to drain. Plus, it has a pop-up system so you can easily remove the basket without getting your hands dirty. It's designed to fit most sink drains. It’s heat-resistant, waterproof, and durable.

Spacing-saving clear zippered storage bags with handles

TasticTotes Zippered Storage Bags With Handles (6-Pack)

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Use these zippered storage bags to store last season's clothes, sheets, comforters, and more. They’re a great way to store bulky items because they’ll keep them neat and save space. They’re transparent, so you can find what you need without opening them. They’re durable and waterproof to keep your items safe. Plus, they have handles so they’re easy to move.

A protective stove cover that also increases counter space

Stove Top Cover for Electric Stove- Range Covers for Electric Stove,Silicone XXL Dish Drying Mat, Glass Cooktop Covers, Flat RV Range top Mats (Black, 28"x20")

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Protect your glass stovetop from dust and smudges with this highly rated silicone cover. Super versatile, it also doubles as extra counter space, a drying mat, and even a trivet when you pull things out of the oven. It comes in several colors, including this black that goes with everything.

Metal & wood hat stands that won’t cause dents or damage

UdoUto Hat Organizer Rack (2-Pack)

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Offered as a set of two, these metal and wood hat stands boast curved compartments to securely hold a total of 14 baseball caps without causing any dents or other damage. Plus, they make it so easy to view your collection and access the hat you need. The racks have a sturdy build and are portable, so you can move them from closet shelf to dresser — or anywhere that’s convenient.

A keyhole light that flips on automatically so you can see

Deeirao Keyhole Light

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Position this LED light over your front door’s keyhole. It’ll flip on automatically when you approach the door, illuminating the area so you don’t have to fumble around to get inside. It sticks in place with adhesive and is powered by batteries.

A sturdy metal door stopper that you’ll never misplace

PaiPaiGo Door Stopper

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Don’t search for a door stopper again: This metal stopper mounts directly onto the door (so you’ll never misplace it), and it folds down when needed to keep a door ajar. It has a rubber bottom to stay put on any flooring surface, carpet included.

Heavy-duty spice racks that magnetize to your fridge

Roysili Magnetic Spice Rack (4-Pack)

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These sleek spice racks have a sturdy magnetic backing, allowing you to attach them to your fridge to keep the essentials always within reach. Each rack (four come with) is made from heavy-duty metal that supports up to eight pounds.

Pretty fruit baskets with maximum airflow

Gomakren Fruit Baskets (2-Pack)

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Not only are these fruit baskets aesthetically pleasing, but they’re also practical. Each one has 25 drainage holes to maximize airflow and minimize moisture to keep your produce as fresh as possible. The baskets are made from ceramic that won’t scratch; they’re dishwasher friendly.

Wooden curtain tiebacks that stay put via magnets

KLOGTSIND Magnetic Curtain Tiebacks (2-Pack)

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Let natural light stream into your room by holding open your curtains with these magnetic tiebacks. The two tiebacks are covered in wooden beads on a stretchy cord, and the magnetic design offers no-damage functionality.

A tiered bamboo organizer that fits perfectly in a corner

ZHWS Kitchen Countertop Organizer

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Utilize an otherwise-wasted corner on your kitchen or bathroom counters for storage — this tiered organizer has an adjustable configuration to fit perfectly. It boasts three bamboo storage tiers, hanging hooks on the side, and a metal frame for sturdiness.

A bed skirt that creates a finished, polished touch

Utopia Bedding Wraparound Bed Skirt

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A good bed skirt hides any under-bed storage and also grounds the whole room — and this one boasts a 4.6-star overall rating after 11,000 reviewers weighed in. Unlike many styles, this one wraps around the base of your bed with an elastic, which means you don’t have to wrestle with the mattress. Made from machine-washable microfiber, it has a 16-inch drop to cover most bed frame heights.

A carved wooden cover that hides your doorbell chime

GCDS Doorbell Chime Cover Box

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If your doorbell chime is a yellowing plastic eyesore on your wall, this cover is the perfect fix. Made from carved wood, it adds an aesthetic element to an otherwise functional home item. It comes in black and white, and you can paint it if you want it to blend seamlessly with your wall.

Faux trailing plants that add a lush look to any space

Palonu Artificial Hanging Plants (4-Pack)

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Green up your space — no maintenance required — with this set of four artificial plants. The set includes trailing plants, like a fern, pothos, and string of pearls, all of which look lush when overflowing from a planter. One reviewer called this set “gorgeous,” and noted, “the vines drape naturally,” while another wrote, “Honestly, I didn't expect these to be this nice.”

A vintage-inspired curtain rod with gorgeous bird finials

KVEEO Vintage Black Curtain Rod

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When it comes to a bougie home, details are everything — even when it comes to window treatments. This curtain rod has a vintage-inspired feel, with bird finials that give it lots of maximalist character. It comes in both two-tone and monochrome styles, so you can choose to highlight the avian element or let it be a little more subtle.

The prettiest hand-painted hummingbird suncatcher

Lolitarcrafts Hummingbird

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This stained glass suncatcher is the prettiest thing. It features a scene of hand-painted hummingbirds and a hanging flower that glows when the sun hits them just so. Included are a hook and a suction cup for hanging indoors or out.

Tin tiles that bring a textured touch to any space

Holydecot Tin Tiles

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Whether you use them as a backsplash, on your ceilings, or somewhere else, these tin tiles deliver a textured, antique element to the space. They can be cut to any size or shape needed, and they’re super lightweight for straightforward hanging.

Bougie espresso cups for just a few bucks each

Zurucily Espresso Cups

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With their glass bodies and square wooden handles, these espresso cups allow you to get your caffeine fix in the bougiest way possible. Each one holds up to 4 ounces, and with four in the set, it’s quite the deal.

A nice wooden shower stool for more comfortable shaving

BLUEWEST Corner Shower Stool

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Don’t bend over awkwardly to shave in the shower: This triangular stool is the perfect height for propping up your leg. It fits nicely in a corner to take up minimal room, and the acacia wood design is both nice-looking and high-quality. Nonslip pads keep it firmly in place.

Pretty floral wall stickers to transform a space fast

QUCHENG Wall Stickers

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Transform the walls of any room without time-consuming, costly paint — these flower stickers stick in place just like regular stickers, and the end result is oh-so pretty. The set comes with six sheets of vinyl stickers. Upon removal, they won’t leave behind any annoying residue, so they’re renter-friendly.

Ready-to-hang bathroom art with a funny touch

AtterrirArt Framed Funny Bathroom Wall Art

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Ready to hang straight from the Amazon box, this bathroom wall art looks lovely from a distance. And then when you get up close, you’ll notice it’s actually a little bit silly ... the flowers are placed inside a toilet paper roll instead of a vase. This low-cost pick is printed on high-quality canvas with a lightweight, wood-like frame.

Although Star City exists at the beginning of the For All Mankind timeline, with its first two episodes, it already introduced a new element that was previously unknown from Season 1 of its parent show. Although this show is mostly about the Soviet cosmonauts taking bold steps into space at the same time NASA’s astronauts were trying to catch up, Star City also revealed that a spy working within Roscosmos was feeding information to the U.S. Star City’s two debut episodes firmly established that this is a spy show just as much as it is a space race show. And, in the shocking third act of the third episode of the series, “Bad Dancer,” we actually learn who the mole is inside of Star City. Not only is this not the person that anyone would expect, but this twist also seems to set up a much bigger mystery for the rest of the series.

Spoilers ahead for Star City episode 3, “Bad Dancer.”

While Lyudmilla Raskova (Anna Maxwell Martin) continues on her witch hunt to discover the leak inside of Star City, and, in the process, transforms Irina (Agnes O’Casey) into a more brutal instrument of Soviet surveillance, our sympathies are largely with the cosmonauts. Sasha (Solly McLeod) is having an affair with Valya’s (Adam Nagaitis) wife, Tanya (Ruby Ashbourne Serkis), but we’re more or less feeling sorry for all three of them. We’re also especially sympathetic to Anastasia Belikova (Alice Englert), the first woman on the Moon, whose public and arranged marriage to Sasha is both complex and surprising.

That said, the older marriage, between Tanya and Valya, is very much at the center of Episode 3, since although Tanya is having an affair that we know about, she becomes suspicious that Valya is, in turn, stepping out on her. Speaking to Inverse before the launch of the show, Serkis pointed out that these characters are at a bad point at the start of the series, but it hasn’t always been like this between them. “They're in this kind of slightly stagnating position at the beginning of the series,” Serkis explains. “But, it was not an arranged marriage [in contrast to Sasha and Anastasia]. Arranged marriages were very common then. But these two found each other and already made compromises and sacrifices to be together.”

This “foundation of love,” as Serkis calls it, makes the betrayals all the more cutting. In Episode 3, Tanya is convinced that what she sees is evidence that Valya is having an affair — why else would he be speaking so cozily with a woman at the coat check?

But, then the episode drops its biggest twist: Valya is the mole inside of Star City, and was the one who planted the transceiver on Luna 17. This failed mission also resulted in tragedy because the transceiver was discovered, and Lyudmilla ordered the Chief Designer (Rhys Ifans) to reboot the power on the craft, resulting in equipment failure and the loss of cosmonaut Pavel Fetisov (Sam Strike). Not only is the loss of Festisov indirectly Valya’s fault — had the spy device not been on the ship, the system's reboot would have never happened — but it's made all the more painful because Valya was literally on the mission and watched it all happen.

In the end, the result of his spying is a deceased comrade, and the fact that his wife thinks he’s having an affair, when, in fact, he’s trying to convince his contact that he’s done spying on his own people.

So, just three episodes in, Star City has already quietly solved what seemed to be the mystery that was going to define the entire series. Like with For All Mankind, the twists here aren’t about a huge hidden secret, but instead, to hook us as to what happens next. At this point, with a secret Venus mission being planned by the Chief Designer, the knowledge that Valya is a spy changes everything.

Star City streams on Apple TV.

A mentor can make or break an ensemble series. They have to be serious enough to ground the action and provide necessary exposition, but they can’t bring down the tone of the rest of the show. It’s a careful balancing act, and one that requires an experienced actor who knows how to bring that nuance and take things just seriously enough.

Back in 1997, a movie adaptation called Buffy the Vampire Slayer found the perfect actor to play Rupert Giles, Buffy’s librarian and Watcher, her mentor and guide through her time as the protector of Sunnydale. Anthony Head, who recently passed away at the age of 72, brought a sophistication to the series but also showed moments of warmth, heart, and occasionally, silliness.

Rupert Giles may have been a British librarian who loved wearing tweed, but he was so much more than that. As much as Buffy relished the role of Slayer, Giles loved his role as Watcher. He was usually the calm one in the room, but his enthusiasm for researching the supernatural was evident in every episode.

But that doesn’t mean that he wasn’t afraid to get vulnerable. Take, for example, Season 3 Episode 7, “Revelations,” where Buffy hid Angel’s return from the Hell dimension from her friends. “I won't remind you that the fate of the world often rests with the Slayer,” he said to her after a confrontation with her friends, “nor shall I remind you that you have jeopardized the lives of everyone you know by housing a known murderer. But sadly I must remind you that Angel tortured me. For hours. For pleasure. You should have told me he was alive. You didn't. You have no respect for me, or the job I perform.”

It’s a harsh reprimand from Giles, but it was a clarifying moment for the relationship between the Watcher and his Slayer. He does did for her like a father, but he also had high expectations for her, and would do what it takes to get her to reach that potential, even if that meant scolding her.

He understood Buffy’s plight as a high schooler trying to survive because he, too, had a rambunctious childhood. It’s only occasionally mentioned, but Giles had a past as “Ripper,” a dark magic practitioner who dressed like a punk. We first learn about this past in Season 2 Episode 6 “Halloween,” but two episodes later in “The Dark Age,” the gang was confronted with Giles’ past directly when a demon he and his friends summoned and failed to exorcise wreaked havoc in Sunnydale.

This all led to a fan-favorite episode, Season 3 Episode 6, “Band Candy,” where cursed candy changes all the adults in town to their adolescent selves, meaning we see Giles in a T-shirt with the sleeves rolled up, hanging out with Buffy’s mom Joyce. Fully immersed in his “Ripper” persona, Buffy and her friends were shocked when their usually straight-laced mentor taunts a cop at gunpoint.

Whether he was comforting Buffy through the loss of her mom or singing his heart out under the control of a musical demon, there’s nobody who could have played Giles the way Anthony Head did. He may be Rupert Mannion from Ted Lasso for some, or Uther Pendragon in Merlin for others, but for Buffy fans, he’ll always be that show’s secret weapon.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer is now streaming on Hulu.

For a generation of younger moviegoers who have spent the last two decades fed a constant stream of projects based on 60+ year old licensed superheroes from the Big Two (DC and Marvel), it’s easy to be unaware of the sheer prevalence of “superhero adjacent” original cartoons given to kids in the 80s. There was Voltron: Defenders of the Universe (itself an English dub/adaptation of the Japanese show Beast King Go-Lion), there was Thundercats, and there was Transformers – each of them felt akin to the pulp sci-fi and fantasy thrills that could be found in superhero comics of the era, but with the bonus of being new properties. And any conversation about wildly popular 80s cartoons would be completely remiss without mentioning Prince Adam of Eternia and his alter-ego, He-Man.

The animated show, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, began in September of 1983 and ran for just two seasons, with 130 episodes spaced out over a little more than a year. However, the adventures of He-Man and Battle Cat, his thunderous battle cry and resulting transformation, and his everlasting conflict with the villainous sorcerer Skeletor became parts of pop culture iconography, leading to a misaligned live-action 1987 film, multiple television revivals and reboots, and now a new live-action reboot directed by Travis Knight. Although most people who remember the original animated series would swear up and down that it was the character’s origin, the truth is surprisingly more complex. Here’s a brief history of He-Man’s origin.

Star Wars Created He-Man. Sort Of

In a strange twist of fate, the origins of He-Man as a character can be traced back to a single fateful moment in 1976: Mattel’s rejection of an offer to develop toys based on the then-unreleased film Star Wars. Anyone with even a passing knowledge of pop culture history knows what happened next – Star Wars became one of the biggest franchises on the planet, with Kenner Products acquiring the immensely lucrative toy rights. Scrambling from their mistake, Mattel tasked a team with designing what would ultimately become the next great toy line, a team that consisted of Mark Taylor, Donald F. Glut (a screenwriter who would ironically go on to write a novelization of The Empire Strikes Back), and, among others, He-Man’s lead designer, Roger Sweet.

In 1980, Sweet and his collaborators eventually presented Mattel with prototypes for three different possible interpretations of a single character he called He-Man – one a soldier, one a sci-fi adventurer, and one a barbarian warrior inspired by Frank Frazetta’s illustrations of Conan the Barbarian. Specifically, one of Taylor’s concept drawings, that of a character he called “Torak,” became the template for what would eventually become He-Man. Appropriately, in the new film, when Adam (Galitzine) goes to find his power sword in a modern-day geeky collectibles shop, he has to wrestle it out of the hands of a statue of a fictional warrior called Torak.

As revealed in the 2017 documentary Power of Grayskull: The Definitive History of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Taylor’s “Torak” concept served as the template for the barbarian idea, and from that point, Mattel began work on solidifying exactly what the lore and context surrounding the character would be.

He-Man Canon Comes From a 1981 Comic — But There’s a Catch

Before the 1983 animated series, or even the 1982 toy line, the lore of He-Man was softly established with a series of “mini-comics” that were intended to be released alongside the action figures. In the very first of these, He-Man and the Power Sword, the character was introduced as a wandering barbarian without his iconic alter ego, hailing from jungle tribes in Eternia. The planet was a mix of post-apocalyptic and high fantasy tropes, having suffered from several cataclysmic conflicts that left vestiges of futuristic technology scattered about, and those same battles tore open a hole in the fabric of spacetime that allowed for Skeletor to come through and begin plotting to conquer the realm. He-Man’s superhuman strength, armor, and weapons were granted to him by an early version of the Sorceress, and some of his supporting cast (including Teela, Man-At-Arms, and Battle Cat) were introduced in these early stories.

He-Man and the Power Sword has a copyright date of 1981, which, if you do casual internet research, will make you think that the comic book was released in 1981, making 1981 He-Man’s birthday. (That would mean he’s 45? Pretty young, right?) But, the truth is, this is only a copyright date for the comic, because this was inserted in with the toys, which first hit the shelves in early 1982, with most people actually having those toys — along with the mini-comic — in their hands by May of 1982. To put that in perspective, that’s over a year before the cartoon debuted on September 26, 1983.

He-Man’s First Comic Book Appearance in 1982

Here’s where things get even weirder. In addition to the mini-comics, which people would have been able to read starting in May 1982, by June of 1982, in the 47th issue of DC Comics Presents, a standalone comic book story entitled From Eternia With Death, saw Superman temporarily transported to Eternia. You didn’t misread that. He-Man’s first public comic book appearance (outside of the mini-comics) was alongside DC’s Superman. That title is wild, too. Writer Paul Kupperberg was clearly making an allusion to the James Bond title From Russia with Love, but also assuming we already just knew what Eternia was. Bold! This comic also featured art from a legendary Superman artist Curt Swan, meaning that one of the first depictions of He-Man in comics was from someone who also shaped our ideas of what Superman looks like. (The minicomic had art from Alfredo P. Alcala, and was written by the aforementioned Donald F. Glut.)

The story arc in From Eternia With Death was followed up with a special insert comic (a storyline split up in “inserts” placed in other, more popular comic books) as well as a limited three-issue Masters of the Universe series. Those works from DC were instrumental in establishing what many recognize as the true canon of He-Man: they introduced his secret identity, Prince Adam (as well as Battle Cat’s cowardly alter ego Cringer), along with the Eternian Royal Family, although interestingly enough the character’s transformation from Adam into He-Man didn’t come as a result of the Sword of Power, but instead the “Cavern of Power.”

Again, the iconic animated series that served as most people’s introduction to the character didn’t begin for another year, but by that point, the recognizable contours of He-Man and Eternia had begun to take shape. From there, the Filmation show cleaned up the rougher edges and turned the Masters of the Universe into the beloved cultural touchstone that has persisted to the modern day.

The fact that the character has returned in 2026 for another live-action excursion is proof that, despite his convoluted origins, He-Man represents the potential for truly original superhero works to be just as long-lasting and impactful as those created under the purview of Marvel or DC. But, in many senses, He-Man comes from the long comic book tradition of being created by several people at the same time. Like Superman or Batman or Spider-Man, there are different versions of his origin story, and those retellings are, arguably, all, each in their own way, correct.

Masters of the Universe is in theaters now.

It’s hard to believe that Batman hasn’t graced our screens for two years now — and that his last appearance was in an animated show on Prime Video. However obscure its origins, though, Batman: Caped Crusader was an excellent comeback for the vigilante, and a fitting placeholder for fans waiting for Batman to return in live-action. The last time we saw any flesh-and-blood version of the hero was in Matt Reeves’ The Batman, released in 2022. Caped Crusader filled the void that Reeves’ Epic Crime Saga left in its wake, and it did so with plenty of flair.

Produced by Batman vet Bruce Timm, Caped Crusader reimagined the city of Gotham through the lens of a 1940s noir, revamping its title hero, his allies, and his rogues gallery in gutsy new ways. Turning the clock back became the key to unlocking a fresh perspective for the franchise: while not a canon addition to any established Batman storylines, it more than held its own as a standalone tale.

Fast forward to 2026, and we’re all still waiting for Batman — any Batman — to grace our screens again. It’ll be another year before Robert Pattinson dons the cape and cowl again for The Batman Part II, and there hasn’t been much movement on The Brave and the Bold, which will introduce Batman to the new DC Universe. But Caped Crusader is returning to save us once again. Prime Video ordered two seasons of the show when it was first pitched, so the second has been quietly in the works for years — and it’s coming back much sooner than anyone could have expected.

This week, Prime Video set Season 2 of Caped Crusader for a summer release. All 10 episodes will be available to stream on Prime Video on July 31 — and according to the first-look images that came with this announcement, this version of Batman (voiced by Hamish Linklater) will have his hands full. Season 2 will draw the Dark Knight “deeper into the underbelly of Gotham City and introduce some of its fan-favorite residents,” per its synopsis. Expect reimagined versions of Edward Nygma, aka the Riddler, and Roxy Rocket (an alum from Timm’s Batman Beyond) in the new episodes. Batman will also get a new sidekick in the form of Carrie Kelley: in the comics, she’s held the mantle of Robin, Catgirl, and Batwoman, so she’ll have her pick of personas in Caped Crusader.

The new season might also be teasing the arrival of the Joker. In one of Prime’s new images (above), a citizen of Gotham appears to have succumbed to the villain’s trademark smile attack, while another figure observes him from the shadows. This could be the beginning of the franchise’s most enduring feuds — or it could be a red herring. Time will tell, but at least we’re getting some form of Batman content after what feels like an eternity.

Batman: Caped Crusader returns to Prime Video on July 31.

It’s no secret that Star Wars sparked a lot of imitators. 1978’s Starcrash starred former child preacher Marjoe Gortner and future Baywatch star David Hasselhoff as they navigated a shlocky space thriller. 1984’s The Last Starfighter took the space opera element and folded in an everyday American kid hero. On the small screen, Battlestar Galactica became a franchise that persists to this day.

But while all of these stories were influenced by Star Wars’ sci-fi action and unlikely heroes, only one also referenced the effect that Star Wars had on pop culture itself. Forty years ago today, a rollicking adventure rooted in real-world science did just that, but was kneecapped at the last minute by tragic timing.

SpaceCamp has the perfect family-friendly adventure premise: some teens and tweens at NASA’s space camp are invited to sit in an actual spaceship, but artificially intelligent robot Jinx misinterprets sci-fi superfan Max’s (Joaquin Phoenix, then known as Leaf Phoenix) wish to go to space as an instruction. Jinx sets off the thrusters, and the kids are sent up without any plan for their return.

While set in our galaxy, Star Wars’ fingerprints are all over SpaceCamp, especially when leader Kevin (Tate Donovan) is trying to talk Max through a tense moment. To keep him calm, he offers a timeless piece of advice: “Luke! Use the Force, Luke... stretch out your feelings... The Force is always with you.” John Williams’ score makes it a meta moment, but it’s also an interesting bit of cultural history, one that shows how sci-fi can inspire a new generation of scientists as well as a new generation of sci-fi media.

Unfortunately, SpaceCamp made cultural history for another reason: it premiered only a few months after the January 1986 Challenger explosion. Though it was filmed before the accident, marketing a space shuttle adventure in the wake of tragedy proved impossible, and the movie was a box office flop.

Watched today, though, SpaceCamp is an amalgamation of everything that makes ‘80s sci-fi movies so great, from the high-stakes adventure and major coming-of-age milestones right down to the goofy robots. It’s not Star Wars, but it’s a perfect illustration of the Star Wars effect. It may not top nostalgic lists of the best ‘80s flicks, but for kids who saw it at a formative time, it’s hard to forget. In fact, Disney announced a TV remake in 2020, and while nothing has been heard since, maybe, just maybe, a new generation of accidental teenage astronauts will soon be sent to the moon.

SpaceCamp is available on the Internet Archive.